The Westby Area School District will be holding a registration day on Thursday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registration will be held in the Westby Elementary School cafeteria and online registration will be available beginning Aug. 3 Antarctica is slowly emerging as one of the most sought after destinations for Bahrains cruise travellers. As per the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) 38,478 visitors travelled to Antarctica with IAATO members during the 2015-2016 season. That is a 4.6 per cent increase over the previous season. Furthermore, 43,885 visitors are expected to visit the continent in the 2016-2017 season. To address the needs of the Bahrain-based travellers, The Q Experiences has announced a trip to Antarctica on a luxury cruise. Starting on December 9, this will be an 11-day curated trip to the exotic ice crowned continent- Antarctica also rightly known as The White Continent. Speaking about this journey, Vasim Shaikh, founder of the India headquartered, Q Experiences said: We have received tremendous response for this remarkable trip from GCC countries. At Q, it is our constant endeavor to create memories that last for a lifetime for all our travelers; we are keen on creating a similar experience for our Gulf travelers as well, and we are hopeful to see more travelers from this region to join us in this trip of a lifetime. It is the first time such a curated journey to Antarctica is being promoted in the GCC region. Since the number of travelers from this region has been negligible over the last few years, The Q wanted to bring this journey to the luxury travelers of GCC who are globe trotters and have been waiting to step foot on the seventh continent. We have put together the most refined way to explore the wilderness of Antarctic Peninsula with a superlative culinary experience, added Shaikh. Starting off from Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the luxury cruise trip promises to create an experience of a lifetime and will take travelers across Drake Passage into the Land of Ice. The travellers would be on board The Great Majestic Explorer a sleek, gorgeous yacht, which would have 132 elegant staterooms and suites. To ensure a superior gastronomic experience, Atul Kochhar, renowned Indian Michelin-starred chef will be on board curating the finest of Indian regional cuisine. In addition, the team of a catering centre of excellence run by Alain Ducasse Enterprise will also be on board to enhance the global cuisine. The travellers will be cruising through some of the most breathtaking glaciers of Neko Bay and Paradise bay, anchoring at Port Lockroy, finally sailing to the largest colony of Chinstrap Penguins at Deception Island and visit the quietest place on earth- the majestic Weddell Sea, and at every step of the way, there would be experts to guide the travellers and show the sights one had only dreamt of. The travellers aboard the Majestic Explorer will be sailing through the confluence of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, known as The Drake Passage for two days and nights. On the fourth day travellers will get their first experience of magnificent glaciers, rising slowly from the waters at Neko Bay and Paradise Bay, added Shaikh. Marching towards Port Charcot & Port Lockroy on Day 5 and 6, travellers will explore the stunning ice-covered rocks and home to the kelp gull-a haven for the avid wildlife enthusiast. The port has a museum, little store and post office from where one can send a postcard to their friends and family. On the seventh day the travellers will be exploring Deception Island -a place steeped in history and home to the largest colony of Chinstrap Penguins in the Antarctic peninsula. The travellers will witness a breathtaking sight of over 100,000 pairs of penguins and play along with serenity of Elephant seals and Fur seals. On the very next day they will be sailing through the quietest places on earth- The Weddell Sea. Travellers will get a chance to actually see The Lord of The Weddell Sea- The Weddell Seal himself. During the last three days of the journey, the travellers will hit the land, crossing the Drake Passage once more, making their way back to Ushuaia and civilization. The ship will dock on the last day and the journey to majestic White Continent will thereby come to an end, concluded Shaikh. - TradeArabia News Service Bahrain welcomed 5.6 million visitors during the first half of 2017, an increase of 14 per cent compared to the same period in 2016. The figures were revealed by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) during a press conference held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center (BIECC). The press conference, headed by the chief executive officer of the BTEA HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, and held in the presence of the general director of statistics Dr. Nabeel Shams and a number of representatives from BTEA. The tourism statistics comes as part of an agreement developed between BTEA and the Information and eGovernment Authority to implement the Tourism Expenditure Survey to Quantify Inbound and Outbound Tourism for the year 2017, which was introduced for the first time in the kingdom under the Tourism Statistics Development Program for the years 2016-2017. Inbound tourism expenditure during the first half of 2017 amounted to BD631.4 million ($1.6 billion) while the average tourist expenditure per day reached BD77 ($202.8) per day, said Shaikh Khaled. Also total nights booked during the first half of 2017 totaled to 4.7 tourist nights with average length of stay (ALOS) reaching 2.3 night per tourist. Hotels topped the list of the type of accommodation booked by travellers, with over 70 per cent of travelers coming through the Bahrain International Airport and 72 per cent travelling through the King Fahad Causeway opting for a hotel stay, he added. Our efforts are exerted in positioning the kingdom on the international tourism map and promoting Bahrain as a regional and international tourist destination which is line with our overall tourism strategy, said Shaikh Khaled. Other statistics revealed include an increase in the overall usage of mode of transport during the first half of 2017 with an increase of 13 per cent in the number of tourist accessing the kingdom through King Fahad Causeway, equivalent to 4.9 million visitors. Also the Bahrain International Airport witnessed an increase of 23 per cent which is equivalent to 616,230 visitors and Khalifa bin Salman Port recorded an increase of 44 per cent which equals to 43,191 visitors. BTEA also revealed that 57 per cent of tourists visiting Bahrain stated holiday and leisure as purpose of the visit, while 22 per cent mentioned shopping followed by 9 per cent for friends and families, 7 per cent for business, 2 per cent for health care and 3 per cent for other reasons. Bahrain also welcomed 63 per cent of same day visitors (less than 24 hours), which is equivalent to 635,454 tourists, and 37 per cent of tourist trips (more than one night) during the first half of 2017. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Strategy Ours Yours is based on four pillars in a step to further develop the tourism sector as a main contributor to the national economy. The strategy is based on four pillars awareness, attraction, access and accommodation; including the improvement in the overall accessibility to Bahrain, attracting exhibitions and conferences to the Kingdom, improving the quality of services in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and strengthening the position of the kingdom as an ideal tourist destination for families and international tourist. BTEA also launched its representative offices in Saudi Arabia, UK, Germany, France, India, China and Russia in order to further solidify its strategy. - TradeArabia News Service You can opt out of certain types of cookies (e.g. those used in social media sharing) by choosing "I do not accept". The website will still largely function well, but with slightly less functionality in places. To manage your cookie preferences in future, visit the "Cookie Statement" link at the bottom of any page. Dear reader, we're asking for your help to keep local reporting available for all. Your financial support keeps stories like this one free to read, instead of hidden behind paywalls. We believe when reliable local reporting is widely available, the entire community benefits. Thank you for investing in your neighborhood. Start your day with LAist Sign up for How To LA, delivered weekday mornings. Subscribe Lawyers for Kanye West filed a nearly $10 million lawsuit on Tuesday against Lloyds of London, an insurance market, for what the artist claims is money owed to him for a series of concerts that were canceled after West's now-infamous breakdown, reports The Hollywood Reporter. According to West, he'd tendered a loss claim two days after he'd canceled the tour and checked into UCLA Medical Center in November, but he still hasn't received the payment from Lloyd's eight months later. The suit added that Very Good Touring, Inc., which is owned by West, had paid "hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance premiums." West also alleges that Lloyd's has been attempting to build a case against making a payment, subjected him and acquaintances to interrogations in the process. "While Kanye was still under medical care for his disabling condition, the Defendant syndicates demanded that Kanye submit to an immediate [independent medical examination]," states court papers, according to THR. "Kanye was made available for a purported IME by a doctor, hand-selected by the insurers counsel, who was predisposed to look for some reason to deny the claim. Yet even Defendants selected doctor had to admit that Kanye was disabled from being able to continue with the Tour." The suit goes on to say that West, as well as 11 other acquaintances, were also required by insurers to go through an "examination under oath." West's lawyers claim that Lloyd's has not given them a clear reason for the withholding of payment. Though, apparently, the insurers have "[implied] that Kanyes use of marijuana may provide them with a basis to deny the claim," states the filed complaint. The suit goes even further, alleging that the insurers have leaked confidential information to news outlets, a move that is "part and parcel of Defendants efforts to impair Plaintiffs rights to the indemnity payments." Those canceled concerts, as you may recall, came after a series of bizarre incidents on West's "Saint Pablo" tour of 2016. During a November 17 show in San Jose, West drew boos from the crowd when he said that he would have voted for Trump in the presidential election (if he'd voted), and urged his black fans to "stop focusing on racism." Then, during a November 19 show in Sacramento, West walked off stage after only 30 minutes into his performance. Before his exit, he'd delivered a 30-minute rant that lambasted everything and everyone, from Beyonce to MTV to Google to Hillary Clinton. Touching on the topic of Jay-Z, he said, "Its a new world, Jay Z. Hey, dont send killers at my head, bro. This aint the Malcolm X movie." Fader put up a full transcript of the rant here. A couple days later West would axe the Saint Pablo Tour and check into UCLA Medical Center for what People Magazine described as "exhaustion and sleep deprivation." The new lawsuit referred to West's state at that time as being a "serious, debilitating medical condition," according to The Wrap. Howard King, West's lawyer, issued a statement Tuesday that said, "Lloyd's companies enjoy collecting bounteous premiums; they don't enjoy paying claims, no matter how legitimate. Their business model thrives on conducting unending 'investigations,' of bona fide coverage requests, stalling interminably, running up their insured's costs, and avoiding coverage decisions based on flimsy excuses." Tribune News Service Mohali, August 2 A week after the launch of UberMOTO bike taxis in Mohali under the Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar scheme by Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal with much fanfare, driver-partners of the company today took to the streets alleging that they have been cheated. The driver-partners observed a strike and accused the company and the state government of not keeping the promises made to them at the time of the launch of the scheme. Staging a protest at Phase IX here, the driver-partners, including Gurdip Singh and Malkeet Singh among others, alleged that the company was changing plans for them due to which they were finding it difficult to continue with the business. Earlier, we were promised that we will get our earnings on an hourly basis. Then the company made three trips mandatory to earn Rs 105. Then the number of trips was increased to six and now they have introduced a booster system which is not in the interests of driver-partners, said the protesters. The protesters were also up in arms over not being allowed to enter Chandigarh. Our business is being badly affected because of this. Earlier, we were told that the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, was in the process of getting permission for running our bike taxis in the tricity. A week has passed, but nothing of the sort has happened, said one of them. In Mohali, there isnt much business for bike taxis. If we enter Chandigarh, the police issue challans to us and even impound our vehicles, said Gurdip Singh. He claimed that at least 10 driver partners had been challaned in Chandigarh. The driver-partners also staged a protest in front of the Mohali District Administrative Complex in Sector 76 and later went to local MLA Balbir Singh Sidhus office to apprise him of their plight. Despite repeated attempts, the spokesperson for Uber could not be contacted. Bike taxis were launched with much fanfare On July 25, the Punjab Finance Minister had flagged off 100 bike taxis at a function held at the Indian School of Business, Mohali. The Chief Minister had to skip the function due to the demise of his mother. Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 2 The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation to appoint a single regulator for both Delhi and Chandigarh under the new Real Estate Regulation and Development Authority (RERA) Act to look into grievances of home buyers against unscrupulous builders. Sources said the notification for the regulatory authority would be issued after the selection of members. The ministry after accepting the proposal of the Administration to club Chandigarh with RERA authority of Delhi, sent the same to the Delhi Government. They said once the Delhi Government established a full-time real estate authority, the same would also be implemented in Chandigarh also. Besides private builders and real estate firms, government agencies would also come under the new Act. The proposal is on the lines of the State Election Commission, which conducts municipal elections in Delhi and Chandigarh. The Act came into force on May 1 to protect home buyers from developers. As per the Act, all states are required to set up RERA and it makes it mandatory for builders to get registered with RERA before launching or even advertising their project. Chandigarh is one of the first union territories in the country to set up a temporary RERA Act on October 31, 2016. Though the Administration appointed the Secretary (Housing) as the chairman of the interim authority, it is yet to start proper functioning. CHB applies for registration The CHB has become the first real estate developer to apply for registration under the RERA Act. Sources said the CHB had applied for two projects. The registration is mandatory to carry out real estate business. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 2 Two days after the death of a Chandigarh Police head constable due to swine flu, three more cases have surfaced in the city. So far, 17 cases of swine flu have been reported in the city. The flu has claimed the lives of four persons (three from the city and one from Himachal Pradesh). Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, nodal officer of the UT Health Department, said the patients included a 35-year-old resident of Sector 24, a 44-year-old resident of Sector 18 and and a 35-year-old woman, a resident of Sector 52. Dr Gaurav said all field units had been alerted and the Health Department had formed a rapid response team to tackle the situation. KC Singh KC Singh TWO events affecting the chief ministers in the two Punjabs on the opposite side of the Indo-Pakistan border remind one of William Wordsworths The Solitary Reaper: For old, unhappy, far-off things; And battles long ago. One was the passing away of the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh's mother and the last recognised Maharani of Patiala, Rajmata Mohinder Kaur nee Mehtab Kaur. The other is Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs ouster in Pakistan on the vacuous ground of his conduct lacking ameen and sadiq, words implying undefined piety, inserted in the Pakistani constitution by the late President Zia-ul-Haq from Islamic jurisprudence, simply because he concealed the unpaid chairmanship of a free trade zone company in Dubai. Nawaz is likely to be replaced by his brother, Shahbaz Sharif, the current Chief Minister of Pakistani Punjab. Both events have provenance that merits recalling. The Rajmata was married at 16 and became the Maharani of Patiala a year later, on the death of her colourful father-in-law, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. She has now left amidst all the pomp that the mother of the current ruler of Punjab, not just Patiala, automatically begets. Both my family and that of my wife flourished under the last two rulers of the Patiala state. My wife's grandfather, Lt-Gen Balwant Singh, rose to head the Patiala state forces before retiring in 1948. My grandfather, Capt Waryam Singh, was In-charge of Deodi i.e. comptroller of household in the 1920s, serving a young Bhupinder Singh. My debt to Patiala is thus indirect and distant, although the past, bits of which one learnt in ones youth, is worth recalling. This is also a way of condoling for those who are neither friends of Captain Sahib nor courtiers, and yet are more than passing acquaintances; protocol and inaccessibility rule out a personal visit. The first wife of Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was Rajkumari Hem Prabha Devi of Saraikela, now in Orissa, from the family of Singhdeos. She passed away unheralded in 2014, aged 101. The stated reason for the Crown Prince remarrying was the first marriage being issueless. Actually the truth is more complex. Alongside the freedom movement agitation began in states run by local rulers for greater political rights and civil liberties. The Panjab Riyasti Praja Mandal was formed in 1928, aligning itself with the national All India States Peoples Conference. The initiative in Punjab came from Akali workers, self-confident after succeeding at gurdwara reform. At their first meeting at Mansa on July 17, 1928, they appointed Seva Singh Thikrivala as president. In 1929 they produced a report titled Indictment of Patiala against Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and sent it to the Viceroy. Despite this the Maharaja, as the sitting Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes was the sole representative of rulers at the Round Table Conference in November 1930. The Praja Mandal stepped up the agitation and Thikrivala, who had been once released, was jailed again in 1933, where he died in 1935. The father of the Rajamata, Harchand Singh Jaijee, was a close aide of Thikrivala. That is why despite the family belonging to Patiala, the Rajmata was born at Ludhiana, a part of British India and out of Maharaja Patiala's reach. In 1936 Patiala state signed an agreement with Akali leader Master Tara Singh, splitting the Praja Mandal movement. The marriage of Sardar Jaijees daughter to the heir apparent Yadavindra Singh in 1938 thus tied into this appeasing of Sikh sentiments. In fact, stories circulated that Akali leaders wanted the future ruler of Patiala to marry in a Sikh family so as to beget genuine Sikh heirs. Ironically, having got their wish in the birth of Capt Amarinder Singh, Akalis now discover that he has become their main Congress challenger in Punjab, as the Bluestar taint does not stick on him. Thus Captain Singh inherited both a regal lineage through his father but also a republican and Akali tradition through his mother. As an inheritor of this fusion it was not surprising he walked away from the Congress in 1984 over the Army entering the Golden Temple during Operation Bluestar. I remember as Deputy Secretary to President Zail Singh in 1984, when PM Indira Gandhi's office was desperately trying to locate and dissuade Captain Sahib the argument in Rashtrapati Bhavan was that his maternal Jaijee family had incited Captain Singh. The Rajmata herself showed the same streak when throwing her lot with the Morarji Desai Congress, due to her rumoured friendship with Asoka Mehta, one of the founders of the trade union movement and INTUC. Thus the Rajmata's death closes this chapter of Indian and Punjab history where she bridged the divide between effete royalty and Sikh and republican traditions, as indeed the conflict within the Congress between its past freedom movement camaraderie and subservience to one family. In Pakistan it is again a concerted attempt by the military and its allies like Imran Khan to end Nawaz Sharif's attempt to perpetuate family rule. Shahbaz, I have on authority of a former aide to the then PM Nawaz Sharif, was in the PM's house in 1999 when Nawaz decided to sack the Army chief, Gen Perevz Musharraf, during an official visit to Sri Lanka. General Musharraf indirectly confirmed this recently saying he thought Shahbaz was his friend. Nawazs family had convinced him that Shahbaz and Musharraf were plotting against him. So he never consulted his own brother before his foolish move. Shahbaz is obviously more acceptable to the military than Nawaz's daughter, Mariam, who was the designated heir. He also has had working relations with Jehadi outfits, having used the carrot and the stick to control them in Punjab. There will be continuity and change, the nature of which will determine Indo-Pak relations. Similarly, the Modi government is not only impaling Lalu Yadav but his entire line of heirs with money laundering charges. Corruption, money-laundering, Panama Papers, benami deals are the new weapons which those in power in the subcontinent are using to corner political rivals and their families. But like the Akalis in Punjab, the BJP may find that clearing the cluttered Opposition leadership stable may actually open space for new leaders who could become the real challenge. The BJP and the Pakistani Army must remember the Chinese curse: May all your wishes come true. The writer is a former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs Pravin Sawhney Pravin Sawhney THE crucial meeting between the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the Chinese leadership has not resolved the Doklam crisis. The two sides discussed "bilateral and major problems", suggesting that diplomatic channels are functioning. While neither side wants war, it is certain that China will not accept a reciprocal withdrawal of forces. Will this lead to a long haul of armies' face-off? Probably not. Unlike any of his predecessors, Xi Jinping dons four hats President, Communist Party General Secretary, Chairman of the Central Military Commission and the Commander-in-Chief Joint Operations Command. He has positioned military power as the anchor of his aggressive China dream and will not wait for long before adopting detrimental measures towards India. Hence, a valid question: What next? A senior Chinese diplomat had told me on July 5 in his embassy that China had informed the Indian side about their intentions on June 1, two weeks before their road construction party started work in Donglang (Doklam for us) area. Yet, instead of diplomatic outreach, the Indian side chose military. On June 16, Indian troops entered 183 metres inside Chinese territory (in Donglang) to block our road-building party. India has opened a pandora's box. For the first time since the formation of the People's Republic of China, foreign troops have entered Chinese territory the foundation of the 19 rounds of border talks (held since 2003) would no longer be there, he said, adding that, While we want diplomatic channels to solve problems, we will not wait for very long. This is a serious issue. Border talks by the Special Representatives are not capable of yielding tangible results because the five Sino-India border agreements have given Beijing enormous political, legal and military advantage with little incentive left to resolve the dispute. Yet, they have helped in upholding the pretence of normalcy allowing the two sides to continue with "development partnership," while chanting the mantra of peace. In the 1993 agreement, the traditional border was renamed as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) a military line which can be pushed by either side since the border is neither agreed on maps nor on the ground. This allowed the Chinese to transgress the disputed border at will since 1998 when India cited China as the reason for its nuclear tests. Prime Minister Modi had sought to correct this foreign policy blunder by publicly asking President Xi Jinping during his September 2014 visit to mutually define the LAC, which was ignored. Similarly, the 1996 agreement has laid down the bare minimum troops and equipment that each side can bring to the LAC without mutual consent. Since China has excellent roads and airlift capability, this agreement has placed the Indian Army at a grave disadvantage. Likewise, in the 2003 joint declaration, India formally accepted the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) as a part of China. By doing so, it diluted the Dalai Lama's definition of Tibetan autonomy within China (to include the three provinces of Amdo, Kham and U-Tsang along with TAR). China, in return, refused to endorse Sikkim as a part of India in the joint declaration. It merely changed a few of its maps to accommodate the Indian requirement; these, going by the Chinese diplomat's threat, can be changed again. Meanwhile, the 2013 Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) has downgraded the Army's border-guarding role to border policing during peacetime. Since the BDCA prohibits "tailing or following" of the other sides' patrol which cross the LAC without being noticed, the Indian Army has been compelled to physically hold the 3,488-km border entailing huge manpower. This is not all. Unlike India which says it has 3,488-km border with China, Beijing has truncated it to a mere 2,000 km by excluding Ladakh. So, if China calls off the border talks, all confidence-building measures available to local commanders and senior diplomats in case of transgressions and intrusions too will become defunct. The consequences are all too evident. Let's look at Sikkim, which is militarily divided into north and east Sikkim. While much noise has been made about the Indian Army holding favourable defensive positions in north-east and east Sikkim, which faces the Chumbi Valley funnel, little has been said about north Sikkim, where India is extremely vulnerable because of geography and defunct infrastructure, especially roads. Given the difficult terrain in north Sikkim, it has limited Dropping Zones (DZs), and the single road that connects it to Gangtok has weak military bridges (class 12), and the track itself (class 30 road) is non-existent in parts because of innumerable water-falls, seasonal rivers, and a longish monsoon. Despite the Army's best efforts, the state government has not cleared the building of an alternate highway, citing environmental issues and economic viability as the reasons. Standing at the northern-most part of the Kerang plateau, one can see the flat expanse of the Tibetan plateau with excellent motorable roads on the other side. Chinese troops will have little difficulty in moving mobile forces, equipment and land-based firepower in north Sikkim. They can justify this as the quid pro quo if India can move troops into Donglang/ Doklam, why can't they do the same in north Sikkim? Hopefully, China will not use the military option in Sikkim. Unlike India, they are not focussed on a battle but the war to address their "major problem", perhaps, of Tibet, by diplomacy, failing which by using military power to their advantage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been unrestrained while talking about China which is economically, politically, technologically and militarily more powerful. He was the first senior political leader to caution China to desist from its "expansionist tendencies" in his election speeches in 2014. It was the first time, Sikyong (Prime Minister of the "Tibetan government-in-exile") Lobsang Sangay attended an Indian Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony. The next year, Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Arunachal Pradesh to mark statehood celebrations. It was the first time in seven visits to Arunachal Pradesh that the Dalai Lama was accompanied by a Union Minister. The Modi government ignored Chinese displeasure on each occasion. If the previous government opted for appeasement, this government has swung to the other extreme. To quote the Chinese diplomat once again: "You (India) are not a super-power which you regard yourself to be." The writer is the Editor FORCE newsmagazine. Tribune News Service Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar), August 2 BJP president Amit Shah was shown black flags by some activists of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) at the under-construction Tikri Metro Station, located on the Delhi-Haryana border, today when he was coming to Bahadurgarh from Delhi. The protesters led by Shamsher Joon also raised slogans against the BJP. Sources said the activists wanted to register their protest against the BJP in Bahadurgarh, but tight security arrangements forced them to move to the Tikri border in Delhi. They were opposing the BJP government for not fulfilling its poll promises. The BJP government had utterly failed to fulfil even a single poll promise during the past three years. It has neither executed the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations nor provided job to unemployed youth. Even, it has worked to break the backbone of small traders and consumers by implementing the GST, said Joon in a statement here after the agitation. Later, Shah was accorded a rousing reception on reaching Bahadurgarh. State BJP president Subhash Barala presented him traditional pagri, while Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu, Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar along with local party leaders were present to welcome the party chief. Thereafter, Agriculture Minister Om Prakash Dhankar extended Shah a floral welcome at Badli Chowk here. Saffron balloons were released in the air while women supporters of the BJP in traditional Haryanvi attire sang folk songs and performed dance to celebrate arrival of Shah. Dhankar presented Shah a mace, the symbol of power in Haryana. BJP supporters led by Viram Kadian from Beri welcomed Shah near Rohad toll plaza here. Welcomed in Sampla Sonepat: Nearly 150 vehicles carrying BJP activists were flagged off from Nandishala at Harsana village on Wednesday morning by Urban Local Bodies Minister Kavita Jain to welcome party president Amit Shah at the Sampla bypass in Rohtak district. She claimed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, the BJP has become one of the largest political organisations in the world. Most of the states in the country are being governed by the BJP or in alliance with partners, she said. OC Rohtak, August 2 BJP chief Amit Shah on Wednesday began his Haryana visit from Bahadurgarh and is slated to hold a series of meetings and review works undertaken by the M L Khattar government during his three-day stay. Shah will be camping in Rohtak as the BJP is eyeing political gains from the district, which is considered as the nerve centre of the state's politics. The party chief, who has a packed schedule, arrived to a grand welcome in the morning at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, which is considered the "gateway of Haryana". Bahadurgarh lies adjoining Rohtak, the venue of Shah's three-day stay, which is about 70 km from Delhi. At Bahadurgarh, Shah, was received by Khattar, some of his Cabinet colleagues including Ram Bilas Sharma, Capt Abhimanyu, Krishan Lal Panwar and state BJP president Subhash Barala. Shah was honoured with traditional Haryanvi 'pugri'. The party chief will be camping in Rohtak as the ruling BJP, which came to power for the first time in Haryana, is looking to consolidate its position after being in power for almost three years. Shah will be attending 27 programmes, including 17 meetings with BJP MLAs and others, State BJP president Subhash Barala said. En route to Rohtak town, Shah was welcomed by party workers at eight different points. Thousands of party workers also took out a bike rally to welcome him. Shah has a series of meetings lined up for the first day including with party office bearers, former MPs and ex-MLAs of the party. During his stay, Shah will also be holding meetings with the state unit core group, various morchas of the party and intellectuals. He would also inaugurate a library building in the party office at Rohtak, Barala said. On the concluding day of his visit, Shah will address some meetings where the focus will be to work hard on 'vistarak yojna' (expansion plan) which was initiated across the country to strengthen BJP in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will also be presented with a report card highlighting the Khattar government's achievements during its rule, state BJP chief Barala said. He will also take stock of implementation of the schemes related to poor. Asked why the BJP has chosen Rohtak as the venue of Shah's visit, Barala said, "Rohtak has been our party's headquarter for decades. It is also the political capital of Haryana. Rohtak was also the stronghold of one of our tallest leader, late Mangal Sain". Notably, Rohtak is considered a stronghold of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Congress had managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat from Haryana in the 2014 parliamentary election as Hooda's son Deepender Singh retained his Rohtak seat. Haryana's Health minister and senior BJP leader Anil Vij said there was great enthusiasm among party workers in view of Shah's visit. Taking a dig at opposition Congress and INLD, both of whom have claimed that Shah's Haryana visit will not have much impact, Vij said, "Opposition is in a disarray. Wherever Amit Shah goes the opposition goes into hibernation. The opposition tries to hide itself". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across states to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. The BJP president had visited Chandigarh in May. The BJP chief is on a 110-day country-wide tour, which began in Jammu in April this year. PTI Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, July 8 At least three Army men were injured in the wee hours of Saturday in a militant ambush in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. The ambush took place at a time when the entire Kashmir was on a high alert on the death anniversary of militant commander Burhan Wani. The ambush was carried out at Hajin, some 32 km from Srinagar, around 3 am when the Army jawans were going for patrolling in the area. Three Army men, including a Captain-rank officer got injured in the ambush. All of them are stable. Sources said that the militants took advantage of the darkness and congested the locality and fled from the spot. Soon after the shooting, the area was cordoned and searches were being carried to trace the militants involved in the attack. Srinagar, August 2 Jammu and Kashmir Police will approach the Pakistan High Commission via the Union Home Ministry to take the body of Abu Dujana, the Lashkar-e-Taiba commander gunned down in south Kashmir, a senior police official said on Wednesday. It will be the first time that the Pakistan High Commission is asked to claim the body of a militant killed in the Kashmir Valley. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Munir Khan told PTI he would be writing a letter to his police headquarters, which in turn would approach the Union Home Ministry to take up the matter with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. We will ask the Pakistan High Commission in India to take back the body of Abu Dujana, who was a Pakistani national, Khan said. Dujana, believed to be in his late 20s, was killed on Tuesday in a well-planned operation by a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The inmates of the house where he was holed up had told police that he claimed to be from Karachi. PTI Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) Two months ago, when LeT division commander Abu Dujana escaped the security forces (SF) dragnet in Pulwama, south Kashmir, many expressed dismay at their inability to neutralise the high-profile terrorist from Gilgit Baltistan. Dujana, an A++ category terrorist with Rs 15 lakh on his head, operating initially in north Kashmir, later became active in south Kashmir. Branded a thinking and high-profile terrorist in the last seven years, he planned several successful operations against the security forces the most marked being the targeting of the CRPF bus at Pampore (eight jawans killed) and the ambush at Udhampur (three BSF jawans killed). (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Anyone experienced in handling Kashmirs killing fields will tell you that the longer the terrorist survives, the more vulnerable he becomes. He acquires the idiosyncrasies of high-flying personalities. And each time he escapes, he develops scornful overconfidence. He starts to use the social media carelessly and spends time more than required at a single location. He frequents certain areas more often than he should and picks up a fondness (could be a woman), which the security forces are always on the lookout for. There are hundreds of locals willing to give information for a handsome sum of money. This money is over and above what is promised by the police official information charts. This is what Intelligence games are all about. Once that information is available and you have a well-knit team ready to target a specific leader, you have a recipe for success. These days, what matters is the speed of response, the reliability of actionable intelligence and the ability to keep away interfering mobs of stone-throwers. Dujana is not the first high-profile terrorist leader from Pakistan who has been killed, nor is he the last. But what is important in the current counter-terror operations is the sync which exists among different security forces at the tactical level. The J&K Police hasnt lost its effectiveness, the Rashtriya Rifles is sharp in response and the CRPF has achieved a quantum jump in its capability to handle mobs. However, many times this is contingent upon the degree of cooperation between the forces and specialised intelligence services, such as IB, R&AW, Military Intelligence and State CID. It cannot be personality-driven and must remain institutionalised. At this juncture, a pragmatic professional will recall the basics. Killing terrorists alone does not kill terrorism. The current concept of operations demands continued pressure on terror groups to prevent them from regrouping once they are on the defensive. But nothing can be achieved without domination of the public order domain. We cannot hope to carry forward the effect of our successful counter-terrorist operations without reaching out to the people directly and activating positive grassroots politics. We come back to the age-old adage for such operations the blending of hard and soft power operations. Repeating this message ad nauseum must remain a resolve. Tribune News Service Jammu, August 2 Hundreds of displaced Kashmiri Pandit employees engaged under the Prime Ministers employment package are in a dilemma after the government issued an ultimatum asking them join duties in Kashmir within 15 days or face termination. The youth who returned to the Valley in 2010 had given an undertaking that they would not seek transfer and attachment outside Kashmir under the rehabilitation package announced by then Congress-led UPA government in 2008. However, last year when the Valley witnessed violence following the elimination of militant commander Burhan Wani and transit camps inhabited by employees belonging to minority community were targeted, all 2,000 employees shifted to Jammu. Of these, nearly 500 employees, especially women posted in the volatile south Kashmir districts of Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian, didnt return to the Valley. A few days back, Education Minister Altaf Bukhari had urged the PM package employees to return or face consequences under the rules. Though representatives of employees say that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and other senior officials have assured them during meetings that employees will not be forced to return until normalcy is restored but several warnings have been issued. Those employees who shifted to Jammu during the 2016 unrest and didnt return for the fear of violence are caught up in circumstances of their own making. The undertaking they signed has weakened their case, said a prominent community leader. We are not against returning but the situation is quite volatile in Kashmir. When policemen themselves are not feeling secure, how can the administration assure security of employees belonging to a minority community? asks Vinod Pandit, chairman, All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC). Pandit claimed that many employees, especially women, are thinking of resigning in view of the indifferent attitude adopted by some officers and ministers of the government. For the last six years, we have performed our duties with sincerity. We never complained despite poor facilities but the issue now is our security. Who will guarantee it? said Vijay Raina, an employee. Meanwhile, a delegation of executive body members of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), led by its president Ravinder Raina, called on Relief Commissioner ML Raina and discussed with him various issues especially those of employees. We have taken up issues of employees and the Commissioner said that the government would take steps to ensure that employees dont feel harassed. Let us see what will be the outcome, Raina added. Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 2 The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned a decision of the Delhi High Court to re-open a case relating to 1984 anti-Sikh riots against former MLA Mahender Yadav, 31 years after he was acquitted by a city court. Under what procedure it has been done? On what basis this order has been passed? Rightly or wrongly this man was acquitted in 1986 and none challenged the judgment for more than 30 years. All of a sudden in some other matter this order is passed. Under what process of law the high court can unsettle it, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra asked. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing riot victims, told the bench that eyewitnesses were not summoned; the trial was closed in three months and the high court had cited Zahira Sheikhs case of the 2002 Gujarat riots case as a precedent. But the bench didnt appear to be convinced. In that case (Zahira Sheikhs case) someone had challenged the order. Here no one challenged itJudges should not involved themselves in such cases, Justice Misra said. Read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots: CBI to conduct polygraph test on Abhishek Verma Yadavs counsel Sultan Singh requested the bench to stay the high courts order to ensure that no coercive action was taken against his client. Its a case of Section 302 (murder), he submitted. The bench, however, turned down the request, saying, Nothing will happen. Its only a show-cause notice. The Delhi High Court had in March 2017 sought to re-open the trial in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases in which all the accused were acquitted in 1986. An HC bench of Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Anu Malhotra had issued show-cause notices to the accused, including Yadav, former councillor Balwan Khokkar and Ved Prakash, questioning why the case against them be not re-tried. Perhaps the matter was decided in a hurry, the HC, which had suo motu taken up these cases during hearing of another matter, had commented. Total 250 cases closed so far, SC told The top court was also informed that 51 more cases relating to 1984 anti-Sikh riots have been closed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was set up by the Narendra Modi government to re-investigate them, taking the total number of such cases to 250. Two years after the Modi government set up an SIT to re-investigate serious anti-Sikh riot cases of 1984 that had been closed, the SIT has managed to file chargesheets only in very small number of cases taken up for further probe. Almost 3,000 people were killed, most of them in Delhi, in the anti-Sikh riots that broke out following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. Senior counsel Arvind Datar, who represented petitioner Gurnad Singh, told the bench that only nine cases were going on. He demanded that the trial in these cases should be conducted on a day-to-ay basis. The bench which was considering appointing a committee to scrutinise the cases closed by the SIT, deferred the matter till August 16 after Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought time to take instructions in the matter. The top court has already summoned the files of the cases closed by the SIT. The Centre had submitted photocopies of the files of these cases in a sealed cover. The bench, which is also seized of another petition filed by victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots from Kanpur who have demanded setting up of an SIT to probe murders of over 125 people, directed that a copy of the petition be handed over to the ASGs junior and posted the matter for hearing on August 16. Mumbai, August 2 A court here on Wednesday convicted 15 Somali pirates who had hijacked a fishing boat and taken 22 Thai and Myanmarese nationals hostage in 2011. Judge JC Jagdale convicted them for attempt to murder and kidnapping and sentenced them to seven years in prison, said special public prosecutor Ranjeet Sangle. The Mumbai sessions court also imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 each on them. It directed the government to deport the convicts to Somalia after they serve their prison terms. The judge, however, acquitted them of charges of kidnapping for ransom (where the maximum punishment is death) and offences under the Arms Act. According to the prosecution, the accused hijacked the boat Prantalaya 14, took its crew hostage, and used it as mother vessel to launch piracy attacks. The Indian Coast Guard received a distress call about piracy attempt from a merchant vessel south of Lakshadweep Islands in January 2011. The Coast Guards Dornier aircraft spotted two small pirate skiffs which were approaching the merchant vessel. On seeing the aircraft, the pirates retreated. Following which, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard launched a chase, and intercepted Prantalaya 14 on January 28, 2011. The pirates, who had 25 AK-47 assault rifles and two rocket launchers, opened fire on the Navy boat, and when the fire was returned, their mother vessel caught fire. Of the 25 pirates on Prantalaya 14, 10 died in fire. A case was registered against the remaining pirates at the Yellow Gate police station in Mumbai. Prosecutor Sangle said he examined 15 witnesses during the trial. However, the rescued Thai and Myanmarese nationals did not depose, which, according to him, led to prosecutions failure to establish the charge of kidnapping for ransom. The Navy and Coast Guard had nabbed a total of 120 pirates between January and March 2011. The pirates who were convicted today belonged to the first batch of those arrested. Judgments in remaining cases are awaited. All 119 pirates (one died during the trial) pleaded guilty before the court in Mumbai. Sangle said the judgement is a reflection of commitment of India towards performing its obligation under the UN convection on law of the sea and it sends a stern message to criminals on high seas. PTI New Delhi, August 2 There are 75 missing Indian defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, who are believed to be in Pakistan's custody, the central government told Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh told the House in a written reply that Pakistan has yet to acknowledge that it held the missing Indians. He also told the House that some 417 fishermen were being held captive by Pakistan and 15 by Sri Lanka until July 27. "In case of Pakistan, consular access is awaited and information about the states that they belong to is not available. In case of Sri Lanka, the 15 fishermen are believed to be from Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry," Singh said. Replying to another question on the issue, he said, the government regularly took up release of fishermen and their boats with both countries. PTI Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 2 In an attempt to create a new narrative, China today released a 15-page document "The Facts and China's Position" on the ongoing military standoff at Doklam. It has claims which do not match with realties on the ground and contradicts itself. Asking India not to interfere in Bhutan's internal matters, China hinted that Indian troops' presence had thinned out and that the India-Sikkim boundary had been demarcated in 1890, therefore Doklam was Chinese territory. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Chinese claimed that 400 Indian troops had entered and pitched tents on its territory. "At the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops". New Delhi says nothing has changed, there is no withdrawal as being suggested by China. The Chinese claim is that China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector has already been delimited by the 1890 Convention between Great Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet. The reality is there is no marked boundary on the ground. Maps were exchanged in the past and Sikkim sector is considered settled despite no marked boundary on the ground. Doklam is part of the Bhutan-China dispute and not settled as a territory of China, like the claim in the document released today. On Bhutan, China's document says "as a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan. Varinder Singh Tribune News Service Bathinda/Nagar Haveli, August 2 An over-enthusiastic Daman and Diu Administration that had asked women employees in government offices across the Union Territory to tie rakhi to their male colleagues, today took back the order after facing flak. Gurpreet Singh, Deputy Secretary (Personnel) of Daman and Diu (UT), had yesterday issued a dictat ordering all women staffers to tie rakhi to their male colleagues on August 7 in their respective offices. However, the circular was withdrawn today following an outcry by the employees working in government offices of the UT. We never had any such strange practice or ritual as part of our culture here. The circular has stunned us, said a woman employee working in the office of the Daman Collector on the condition of anonymity. The decree widely circulated on the social media had reportedly created an embarrassing situation for the employees. The Deputy Secretary said the circular was withdrawn in the afternoon today. Its (the orders) objective was positive and was to promote brotherhood, a sense of fraternity and familial atmosphere among the employees and nothing else. It was observed that some employees were not even on talking terms. Hence, the circular was issued. The order was issued only after it was formally approved by Praful Bhai Patel, Administrator of Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It was later withdrawn on his orders. My role was just that of a messenger and nothing beyond it, he told The Tribune over phone. What The circular said... It has been decided to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan on August 7. In this connection, all offices/ departments shall remain open and celebrate the festival collectively at a suitable time wherein, all the lady staff shall tie rakhis to their colleagues. Attendance report should be furnished by 5 pm on August 8 Deputy Secy explains Its (the orders) objective was positive and was to promote brotherhood, a sense of fraternity and familial atmosphere among the employees and nothing else. It was observed that some employees were not even on talking terms. Hence, the circular was issued... It was later withdrawn Bengaluru, August 2 The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple properties related to Karnataka Energy minister D. K. Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near here, in connection with a tax evasion case. I-T officials said Rs 5 crore cash was recovered from the Delhi residence of the minister, who has been taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the I-T team. Uproar in Rajya Sabha by Congress over IT raids in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/OBcgKiissB ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2017 (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Officials privy to the early morning raids said the I-T team reached the Eagleton resort near here to question the minister, who was staying at the resort for the night. The minister, who was in charge of the 44 MLAs lodged there to keep the flock together for preventing the BJP from allegedly poaching on them, was at the resort when the search took place, I-T officials said. As the raids on the resort triggered angry reactions from the Congress, the I-T Department said the resort is not being raided. They said only the ministers room in the resort was searched and not of the MLAs from Gujarat. The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team, the department said in a statement. Official sources said a total of 39 premises of the minister and his family are being raided by a team of about 120 Income Tax Department officials with the aid of central paramilitary forces. The raids are taking place in Delhi and Karnataka. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. The I-T Department further said the timing of the search was decided well in advance. The search is the continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time. They added that the timing of the search was decided well in advance, the I-T statement said. The events involving certain MLAs of another state being brought to Karnataka were unforeseen and unpredictable events, it said. The search, described as an evidence gathering exercise, is being conducted by the Karnataka Investigation Wing of the Income Tax Department. The search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act is an evidence gathering exercise which is being carried in compliance with all statutory requirements. The search is the continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time, the I-T Department said. The Congress legislators have been camping at the resort since Saturday last after the party flew them in here to fend off alleged poaching attempts by the BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Six of the 57 Congress MLAs in Gujarat, from where senior party leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for the Rajya Sabha, have resigned from the party in the last few days with three joining the BJP on Friday. The party has apprehensions over Patels election prospects if more MLAs defect. The MLAs are attending classes on a host of topics, including the partys achievements in the last 60 years and the BJPs lies among others, since Tuesday. PTI Kathmandu, August 2 Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who took over from Maoist leader Prachanda in a power-sharing deal in June, will visit India on his first official trip overseas from August 23, government sources said on Wednesday. Deubas five-day state visit will come at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The detail itinerary and agenda of the visit are yet to be finalised, sources close to the prime minister said. Officials from both the countries are working to finalise the itinerary, agenda and the size of the delegation, the sources said. The 71-year-old veteran Nepali politician known for his close ties to India took over the reigns of Nepal when the Himalayan nation was navigating a political turmoil over the implementation of the Constitution and unrest in the southern plains due to the Madhesi agitation. Deuba had played a key role in bringing the Madhes-based parties on board for the second phase of the local-level polls held on June 28. His visit will come ahead of the third and final phase of the polls scheduled for September 18. Deubas visit will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his visits to India in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as prime minister. We have received two clear instructions from the prime minister, two senior officials engaged in the preparations for the visit told The Kathmandu Post. First, the prime minister is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India. While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, the prime minister also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects, said a senior official. Second, the prime minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit, the official told the daily. The two-decade old Rs 30,000-crore bi-national Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and other energy and infrastructure related projects are likely to be high on the agenda during Deubas visit, officials said. The project aims to produce 5,000 MW of electricity. In 1996, Deuba and then Indian prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had held discussions on reviewing the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty and expediting the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and its financing model, Saptakoshi High Dam, Sunkoshi Diversion, Karnali Multipurpose Project and Budhi Gandaki Hydro Electricity Project, among others. In 2002, India and Nepal had agreed for the early conclusion of the Agreement for Mutual Legal Assistance and updating the Extradition Treaty and construction of four Integrated Check-Posts along the Nepal-India border. Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But a detailed project report is yet to be completed. Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past, the Post quoted Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign relations adviser to Deuba as saying. Besides his political engagements in New Delhi, Deuba is likely to visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh after concluding his engagements in New Delhi. PTI Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 2 Prestige battle for the Rajya Sabha seat from Gujarat escalated to a new level today with the Congress attacking the BJP for resorting to witch-hunt for a lone seat, and petitioning the Election Commission in the matter. Its not even a conspiracy, its a war, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh summed up the sentiment on the Congress side and spoke of Prime Minister down to a BJP worker desperate to take down Ahmed Patel, the party candidate for the RS seat from Gujarat. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The PM is hell-bent on defeating the Congress candidate when there are many more pressing issues of national security and economic mess to take care of, Ramesh said moments before a Congress delegation petitioned the EC against Centres move to send CRPF personnel to a Karnataka resort currently housing 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs who fear inducements from the BJP to switch camps. The BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat. After using the state machinery and every other agency, the IT raids today show their utter desperation and frustration, said Patel as the Congress exuded confidence of his victory. Patel, 67, a four-time Rajya Sabha MP, is political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief troubleshooter. Party insiders say the BJP is all out to defeat Patel to undermine top Congress leadership. Its an attack on the Gandhis and not so much on Ahmed Patel, a leader said. No wonder veteran Congress man Ghulam Nabi Azad recently clarified that Patel was contesting as a party nominee and not as Gandhis political secretary. With the BJP first successfully poaching six Congress MLAs in Gujarat and now ordering IT raids on a resort where Congress MLAs from Gujarat are residing, top Congress leaders today said the ruling party was attempting hook and crook strategy to win one seat. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 2 Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek his intervention to ensure justice for a Sikh family assaulted by miscreants in Bangalore. Capt Amarinder called up his Karnataka counterpart to express concern over the brazen attack on the family members of retired Sikh army officer Colonel RS Uppal. He urged Siddaramaiah to provide protection to the family and to direct the police to arrest the culprits immediately and bring them to book. The Karnataka chief minister assured Capt Amarinder of all support from his government to Uppal's family, an official spokesperson said. Uppal's wife and two sons were assaulted, with his son Harmeet, an IT professional working in the US, brutally attacked, leaving him with multiple fractures and other serious injuries. Taking cognisance of media reports of the incident, Amarinder decided to get in touch with his Karnataka counterpart to seek his personal intervention in the matter, especially in view of Uppal's charges that the Bangalore police failed to provide them with security despite complaints of threats received earlier from unknown persons. Kulwinder Sandhu Tribune News Service Moga, August 2 The Moga police on Wednesday claimed to have busted a gang of robbers by arresting its five members as they were planning a robbery. Their sixth member managed to escape. Six pistols were recovered from them. Baghapurana SHO Jangjit Singh said that on receiving a tip-off the police carried out the operation on Tuesday night. He said he got the information that a few armed robbers on the banks of a canal near Channuwla village were planning a robbery. A special police team was constituted and a trap laid to nab them. The police gheraoed the robbers and told them to surrender. The robbers laid the arms and surrendered. However, one of them, Sukhraj Singh, resident of Alamwala village, fled the spot taking advantage of the heavy rain, the SHO said. He said the arrested robbers had been identified as Dilpreet Singh, resident of Marhi Mustafa village; Pritam Singh, resident of Jeeta Singh Wala village; Mandeep Singh alias Deepa, resident of Samalsar village; Onkar Singh, resident of Jeeta Singh Wala village; and Satkar Singh, resident of Kotla Raika village. Preliminary investigation revealed that the modus operandi of the gang was to take shelter at Channuwala village and commit a big crime in the area. The cops are yet to find out about the robbery they were planning. A local court granted police remand of the robbers, the SHO said. Kabul, August 2 A suicide attack on a mosque in the Afghan city of Herat has left at least 29 people dead and 63 others wounded, said an official. Jailani Farha, a spokesman for the Herat provincial governor said an attacker on Tuesday shot at the worshippers before entering the mosque and detonating explosives, Efe news reported. Hospitals in the city received 29 bodies and 63 injured survivors, a dozen of them in critical condition, Rafiq Shirzai, a provincial health department spokesman said. He said that authorities were still working to determine how many people took part in the attack, which took place when as worshippers were leaving after the evening prayer. Attacks on the minority Shia community are common in Afghanistan. Six people were killed and eight injured in June when an Islamic State suicide bomber struck a Shia mosque in Kabul during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A record 1,662 Afghan civilians died in political and sectarian violence in the first six months of this year, according to a UN figure. IANS London, August 2 Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Britains Queen Elizabeth, bowed out of public life on Wednesday with his final solo appearance at an official event, ending a royal career marked by occasional gaffes that landed him in hot water. The prince, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace and met servicemen that had taken part in a 1,664 mile race to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity. Though known for often off-colour comments that seized the headlines, Philip has been by the queens side throughout her 65 years on the throne and she has described him as my strength and stay. He announced his retirement in May this year, after completing more than 22,000 solo appearances, spanning seven decades. At an engagement on the day of the announcement, a guest had told Philip he was sorry to hear he was standing down. I cant stand up much, quipped the prince. Both the queen and Prince Philip have cut their workload in recent years. Philip spent two days in hospital in June for treatment for an infection. The queen, the worlds longest-reigning living monarch who celebrated her 91st birthday in April, will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements. Outspoken, irascible and intensely private, Philip developed a reputation for occasional brusque and sometimes politically incorrect comments at ceremonial events he attended. A stray remark about slitty eyes during a visit to China in the 1980s became symbolic of his gruff and often unguarded manner. In his last public engagement on Wednesday, Philip, sporting a bowler hat and mac, met serving troops, veterans and cadets in the pouring rain, before watching as a unit of marines marched past him in formation in a ceremonial procedure known as taking the salute. Philip has been captain general of the marines since 1953, and has a personal connection with the Royal Navy after serving with the force in the Second World War. Reuters Longest-serving consort to british monarch Ohio, August 1 An Ohio man is accused of stashing the remains of what police believe is his missing former girlfriend in a freezer that he bought with his new, live-in girlfriend, according to a criminal complaint filed in court on Tuesday. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) After Katrina Layton moved in last month with Arturo Novoa in Youngstown, Ohio, she began using the telephone of Novoa's missing former girlfriend, driving her car and caring for her dog, according to a police report included in the complaint. Layton and Novoa have been charged with the abuse of a corpse, which was discovered on Saturday in several bags inside the freezer by Novoa's landlord's wife. Novoa had asked his landlord if he could move the freezer down to the landlord's basement because his electricity had been shut off and "he didn't want his freezer full of meat to spoil," the police report said. The landlord's wife became suspicious after seeing the freezer was padlocked, and decided to break in. Novoa's former girlfriend, Shannon Graves, was reported missing on June 22, although the last colleagues or family saw her was in February, the Youngstown prosecutor's office said. Investigators believe it is Graves' body that was stashed in freezer, but the Cuyahoga County medical examiner has not yet confirmed the corpse's identity and cause of death, the prosecutor's office said. "Basically, Miss Layton moved in with Mr. Novoa and started living her life," Dana Lantz, the prosecutor, said in a telephone interview. "She didn't hold herself out to be Shannon, she just lived her life, using her phone, caring for her dog." Layton told police she bought the freezer from a Walmart store in early July, and supplied the extension cord to plug it in at Novoa's building. The couple is in jail and is still to be appointed lawyers, Lantz said. They are next due in court on Monday, Lantz said, and could face additional charges once the identity of the body is confirmed. Reuters Kandahar, August 2 A suicide bomber struck a NATO convoy near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar today causing casualties, the US military said without providing more information. The Taliban promptly took responsibility for the attack, and a spokesman for the insurgents said the bombing allegedly killed 15 soldiers a claim that appeared exaggerated as many similar Taliban claims have been in the past. Lt Damien E. Horvath, a military spokesman, could not immediately say how many casualties there were, or provide their nationalities. The NATO mission, known as Resolute Support, can confirm that a NATO convoy was attacked in Kandahar. The attack did cause casualties, he said. In their claim of responsibility, the Taliban also said the attack destroyed two armored tanks. The insurgents spokesman for southern Afghanistan, Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, said fighter Asadullah Kandahari was the hero who carried out the attack with a small pick-up truck, packed with explosives. Kandahar province was the Taliban spiritual heartland and the headquarters of their leadership during the five-year rule of the Taliban, which ended with the US invasion in 2001. AFP San Francisco, August 2 A 17-year-old boy opened the emergency door of a plane minutes after it landed in San Francisco, slid down the wing and jumped onto a tarmac, authorities said. The teen, a US citizen, was flying by himself from Panama City, Panama, to San Francisco and appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight, said San Francisco Airport spokesman Doug Yakel on Tuesday. An airfield construction crew working nearby confronted the boy and held him until police arrived and arrested him. He was not injured, Yakel said. Passengers said the teen seemed fidgety and anxious throughout the flight that he acted so quickly, no one had a chance to stop him. Sophia Gibson, of San Jose, said people sitting next to him were shocked when he jumped out of the plane and onto the wing. It was as if he was like flying out, like it was really fast, Gibson told San Jose television station KNTV. Matt Crowder, of Atherton, said people sitting near the exit row stood up when the boy jumped out and started to shout. They were yelling, Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The doors open. Someone jumped off, Crowder told the television station. It was pretty crazy. The Panama-based airline said in a brief statement that a crew member on Copa Airlines Flight 208 closed the door and the plane then taxied to the gate, where all the other passengers got off the flight without incident. But passenger Isaac Rodrigues said there was no door to close and a flight attendant blocked the gap with her body and the plane then continued on to the gate. They put one of the stewardesses to block it so no one would fall out of there or leave, he said. We were on the runway for about an hour. No runways or other flights were affected, Yakel said. AP Washington, August 2 Under mounting domestic pressure, President Donald Trump today signed into law a legislation that imposes tough sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea and limits his ability to lift the curbs unilaterally. I favour tough measures to punish and deter bad behaviour by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilisation, Trump said in a statement after he signed the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The Bill sanctions Russia citing its cyberhacking as well as aggression in Ukraine and Syria while also slapping new sanctions on North Korea and Iran. The legislation limits the ability of the President to lift the sanctions unilaterally. The signing of the Bill put to rest questions about whether Trump would support the legislation passed overwhelmingly by Congress last week while he still excoriated the measure as "significantly flawed." Trump said the Bill was seriously flawed, particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare Bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executives flexibility, this Bill makes it harder for the US to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together, he argued. Yet despite its problems, Trump said, he is signing the Bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the US. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary, said the US President. The sanctions targets the Russian energy sector, giving the US the ability to sanction companies involved in developing Russian pipelines, and placing curbs on some Russian weapons exporters. The sanctions seek to penalise the Kremlin for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and Russia's annexation of Crimea. In his signing statement, Trump alleged that in its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions. The Bill prescribes a review period that precludes the President from taking certain actions, he asserted. After Trumps signing of the bill, Senator Rob Portman said by doing so the US made important progress toward holding Russia, Iran, and North Korea accountable for their aggressive and destabilising behaviour. I am pleased President Trump signed this legislation, which includes my priorities to counter Russian propaganda and disinformation, into law, he said. PTI Russian firms jets may become Air Force One The US Air Force is about to buy two mothballed Boeing 747s that were abandoned by a bankrupt Russian airline-and convert these into the next Air Force One, a source said The sale could save the Air Force millions of dollars, and comes after then president-elect Trump said in December that the Air Force One replacement project costs were ridiculous A source close to the deal said Boeing was set to sell a pair of 747-8 jetliners to the Air Force. Air Force One is actually two planes-one for the president and a spare. Converting a pair of 747-8 jumbo jets to state-of-the-art luxury command centres by 2022 has been estimated to cost $3.2 billion, but overruns and delays could push the price tag higher Senate confirms Wray as FBI chief Washington, August 2 US President Donald Trump grudgingly signed into law on Wednesday new sanctions against Russia that Congress had approved overwhelmingly last week, criticising the legislation as having clearly unconstitutional elements. After signing a Bill that runs counter to his desire to improve relations with Moscow, and which also affects Iran and North Korea, the Republican president laid out a lengthy list of concerns. While I favour tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilising behaviour by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed, Trump said in a statement announcing the signing. The Republican-controlled Congress approved the legislation by such a large margin on Thursday that it would have thwarted any effort by Trump to veto the Bill. The legislation has already provoked countermeasures by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has ordered big cuts to the number of staff at the US diplomatic mission to Russia. Congress approved the sanctions to punish the Russian government over interference in the 2016 presidential election, annexation of Ukraines Crimea and other perceived violations of international norms. Trump said he was concerned about the sanctions effect on work with European allies, and on American business. My administration ... expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed Bill to hinder our important work with European allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends, or our allies, he said. The president also complained about what he said were clearly unconstitutional provisions in the legislation relating to presidential powers to shape foreign policy. The new sanctions measure, the first major foreign policy legislation approved by Congress since Trump took office in January, includes a provision allowing Congress to stop any effort by the president to ease existing sanctions on Russia. Trump has long said he would like improved ties with Russia. Reuters Washington, August 2 The United States on Wednesday officially set a September 1 start date for a ban prohibiting its citizens from traveling to North Korea. The Department of State has determined that the serious risk to United States nationals of arrest and long-term detention represents imminent danger to the physical safety of United States nationals traveling to and within the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), read the restriction as it appeared today in the US governments Federal Register. All United States passports are declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel, it added. An exemption was noted for approved humanitarian travel and for journalists in some circumstances. The ban is to remain in effect for one year, unless it is revoked sooner by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The travel ban was first announced last month in the wake of the death of American student Otto Warmbier who fell into a coma after being imprisoned by Pyongyang during a tourist visit. Warmbier, 22, a student at the University of Virginia, died in June after being held for more than a year on charges of stealing a propaganda poster from a North Korean hoteland sent home in a mysterious coma that proved fatal. After his death, President Donald Trump said he was determined to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency. Warmbiers death added to already high tensions in the region over North Koreas weapons ambitions, culminating in two successful test launches by Pyongyang in recent weeks of an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts say could reach US territory. AFP Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ... While the state economy might have slowed down, Tulsa City-County Health Department food inspectors havent. The department which has 25 food inspectors, including 21 field inspectors visited 4,109 food establishments last year, most more than once. The inspectors visit any business that serves or prepares food from restaurants, grocery stores, bars and food warehouses to school and hospital cafeterias and even snow cone stands. Tulsa County food inspectors reported 774 general complaints and 111 complaints of people becoming ill after eating at a food establishment last year, state records show. The number of complaints in Tulsa County was slightly lower than the 981 complaints reported by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. Tulsa and Oklahoma counties maintain their own food inspectors, while the state Health Department covers the other 75 counties. In the past year, the state did not receive any reports of people becoming ill from what they ate, said Cody McDonell, public information officer with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Usually we only hear about people getting ill if its salmonella or something of that nature, McDonell said. Both Oklahoma County and the state have reduced their number of inspectors due to the budget crisis, but Tulsas has remained steady. Tulsa County inspectors are financed through local property taxes and license and permitting fees, said Leanne Stephens, marketing and public relations director for the Tulsa Health Department. Tulsa County inspectors deal with the usual violations of hair in food, roaches running around food items, a lack of cleanliness and employees working without food permits, said Debbie Watts, Food Protection Services manager for the countys Environmental Public Health Division. Common violations included food not kept cold enough, employees not washing their hands and unclean facilities, she said. No sites were shut down last year due to posing an imminent health hazard. The state of Oklahoma has six vacancies for local county inspectors and one vacancy for a state inspector. Oklahoma County is short two inspectors and relies on the state and third-party vendors for assistance. Due to budget issues, in several cases last year state inspectors restricted themselves to the minimum required inspection of once a year per food establishment. State resources were also stretched thin by having to assist Oklahoma County with its food inspection program. Still the states 68 inspectors conducted 42,512 inspections of 20,581 food establishments across Oklahoma and found 3,474 establishments at high risk roughly one in seven. A site is deemed high risk if it had a confirmed food illness in the past 12 months or five or more priority violations on two consecutive inspections within the past year. With state funded budget cuts of 30 percent since 2009, we continue to look at programs and work to manage those programs more efficiently, said Tina Johnson, deputy commissioner for community and family health, in a statement to the Tulsa World. McDonell said that in spite of the staffing shortfall, inspectors were able to meet the mandated one inspection per year for every licensed establishment in the state. It takes a big coordinated effort on our managers to identify staff who are able to cover, McDonell said. The last inspection finished at 10 p.m. on Friday night, June 30, the end of the states fiscal year. Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the State Fire Marshals office continue to comb through rubble left behind by the fire that destroyed three buildings in downtown Wagoner on July 30. On Tuesday, an ATF investigator and Wagoner firefighters worked their way through the buildings inch by inch in search of clues as to what started the blaze. In the process, they were also able to recover the computer hard drive and safe from Owl Drug. Wagoner Fire Chief Kelly Grooms said it may be some time before a cause is determined. There are so many things it could be arson, it could be electrical. They do not focus on any one thing, Grooms explained. Thats why they were in the buildings today, to collect every bit of evidence they can to see what caused it not to say that will be able to determine that cause. Grooms confirmed that the fire started in a storage area of an apartment located on the second floor of the antique auction house just south of Owl Drug. That area was located on the northeast side of the building. The auction building does not have a firewall, the fire chief noted. Fortunately, the building to the south of the auction house housing Annies Antiques & Finery downstairs and Stacy-Lyn Lofts upstairs did have a firewall. Stacy-Lyn Lofts suffered substantial water, smoke and fire damage to the roof, maybe 30 percent, Grooms said. Annies Antiques had heavy smoke and water damage as well. We kept checking the second story and bottom floor using thermal imaging to make sure the fire was not coming through the firewall below the roof, he added. Grooms said the owners of Gametime Nutrition located north of Owl Drug were able to remove items from their shop before the blaze engulfed the building. There is a firewall between the two businesses. On Sunday, firefighters used 650,000 gallons of water to extinguish the downtown blaze. As of Tuesday they were still putting water on hot spots. Every time we run the ladder truck its one thousand gallons a minute, Grooms said. Wagoner Fire was assisted on the call by firefighters with a host of departments including Broken Arrow, Rolling Hills, Pryor, Chouteau, Oak Grove, Toppers, Whitehorn Cove, Wagoner County Emergency Management and Mayes County Emergency Management. Firefighters from Porter, Redbird and Tullahassee covered the Wagoner Fire Station in the event another emergency call came in such as a wreck or another fire. I work with them so much I knew they would bring the trucks, equipment and the firefighters they had, Grooms noted. Personnel with the Wagoner Police Department and Wagoner County Sheriffs Office provided traffic control at the fire scene and Muskogee Emergency Medical Services set up a rehab location. ServePro brought a command center to provide both food and restroom facilities and the American Red Cross provided food and water as well. The loss of the buildings is terrible, but we didnt have any loss of life. Thats my main concern, Grooms said. Id like to thank my firefighters for the job they did and those with other fire departments, Wagoner County Emergency Management (WCEM) and Mayes County Emergency Management (MCEM) who responded to assist our city in its time of need. A special thank you goes to WCEM Director Heath Underwood for all of his assistance and that of his crew, and to the citizens who brought us water. There are no words for what everybody did, he added. At this time, Main Street remains blocked off to traffic. Grooms said a portion of the street will remain closed until the buildings are either deemed safe or removed. People need to stay away from the buildings and use the west sidewalk. Theres always a chance part of those buildings could fall at any time, the fire chief reminded. If one collapses, it will be quick and there is no running away from it. OKLAHOMA CITY A lawsuit filed Wednesday in the Oklahoma Supreme Court seeks to overturn a legislative cut in the amount of money injured workers receive while they are recovering. The suit, filed by Oklahoma City attorneys Bob Burke and Emily J. Biscone and her father, Joseph C. Biscone II, alleges the maximum temporary total disability benefit is an arbitrary limit set by the Legislature that shifts the economic burden to the injured worker without a legitimate state interest. Burke said it is a denial of due process or the unlawful taking of a property right. In addition, the lower amount violates the state constitutional guarantee of an adequate remedy for an injury, Burke said. In 2013, lawmakers reduced what workers receive in temporary total disability benefits as part of a reform package designed to reduce costs. The law, Senate Bill 1062, is mostly known for changing the system from a judicial process to an administrative process, but it had other provisions as well. Burke said the benefit reduction means his client, Jesus Hidalgo, only received $571.55 per week, a monetary loss of $700 a week if no changes had been made. Hildalgo said he was employed by Unit Drilling Co. in 2015 when he was in an accident while working in Oklahoma. He lost a portion of his right arm and sustained leg and chest injuries. Well, there is a challenge with almost everything, Hildalgo said. He said he now has to wear slip-on shoes because he cant tie laces, and that he also needs help with lifting heavy objects.I just had to adjust to many different things, he said. Cutting my grass is not simple. Hildalgo, 25, of Perryton, Texas, is now retraining for another job. Burke said Oklahomas weekly maximum rate is the second lowest in the nation, next only to Mississippi. So far, 41 provisions of the 2013 workers compensation reform law have been found unconstitutional, inoperable or invalid, Burke said. Challenges to another 25 provisions are pending in the Oklahoma Supreme Court, he said. The State Chamber was instrumental in crafting the 2013 law. In the last legislative session, the chamber supported an increase in benefits, but the bill did not pass, said Jonathan Buxton, senior vice president of government affairs. We recognize that savings have occurred because of the fundamental shift in how the work comp system is administered, Buxton said. Some of those savings should go toward increasing the benefits to the injured workers. Terri Watkins, a spokeswoman for Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, said the office had not been served with the lawsuit and would not comment. PAWHUSKA A judge has denied an Osage Nation challenge to a 2011 Osage County ordinance that allowed wind developments to be built. With tribal officials and attorneys unable to point to harm caused by a specific pending project, Osage County District Judge Robert Haney ruled Tuesday that the Osage Nation did not show sufficient standing to challenge the validity of the countys wind energy ordinance. Citing insufficient notice of the ordinance changes, the tribe had filed for a declaratory judgment against the county commissioners and Board of Adjustment after the Oklahoma Supreme Court overturned a lower courts dismissal in May. Speaking from the bench, Haney said the tribe could still challenge the ordinance on a project-by-project basis if it can demonstrate that a proposed wind farm would hurt the tribe economically, spiritually or culturally. In the event that someone comes to the Board of Adjustment with a wind farm permit, at that point the tribe would have standing to contest the ordinance, Haney said. Tuesdays ruling has no impact on the two wind farms already online in Osage County that instigated the creation of the ordinance in 2011. However, a Corpus Christi, Texas-based wind energy company has been conducting feasibility studies on 57,000 acres in western Osage County near Burbank and Fairfax for a potential additional wind farm. This means we have to be diligent about any new developments, Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said. If they (wind farm companies) come in and make an application, we have to be ready to say: Hold it. We want our religious leaders in there and we want our people in there see whether any of our property will be devalued by this. And were ready for that. A Bank of Oklahoma branch in north Tulsa was robbed Tuesday morning. A man walked into the bank at 1604 N. Lewis Ave. at about 11 a.m., handed a teller a note implying that he had a gun and demanded money, police said. The teller complied, according to a report, and the robber then fled north on foot. A liquor store surveillance camera captured images of the robber removing his shirt and getting into a gray vehicle, police said. The robber was described as a white, in his 40s with a goatee, about 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds. Anyone with information may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 918-596-COPS (2677), online at p3tips.com/918 or through the Tulsa Tips app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or iTunes stores. Benjamin Thomas Skelton, 25, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was arrested on July 24 on complaints of sexual assault of a child and providing a controlled substance to a child, according to jail records. Skelton remained in the Wichita County jail Wednesday afternoon. His bond is set at $20,000. Wichita Falls police made contact with a teenage girl on October 14, 2014. The girl was crying and asked for help returning to Oklahoma, prosecutors wrote in an affidavit. The girl told investigators she met Skelton online, and he and another man drove to Oklahoma to pick her up. She said Skelton took her to his home, 2921 McGaha Ave., where he gave her marijuana and methamphetamine to smoke. She said Skelton then removed her clothes and had sex with her. When the school year begins, hundreds of unqualified teachers will be leading Oklahoma classrooms. In the past two months, the state Board of Education has approved 855 emergency teaching certificates and more are certainly coming. The state is easily on pace for a new record in that disappointing statistic. Only five years ago, the state issued only 32 emergency teaching certificates. Oklahoma schools are becoming reliant on teachers with emergency certifications, meaning teachers who have college educations but lack full credentials. They might have degrees in the areas they teach, but lack pedagogy training. Others will have teaching certificates in other areas, but lack credentials or testing in the field they will be teaching. All of those credentials are there for a reason. Theyre all important. Yet, last year, more than 52,000 Oklahoma school children were taught by emergency-certified teachers, with the highest numbers in elementary, early childhood and science classrooms. Every child in every Oklahoma school deserves a fully qualified teacher. But the economics of the situation make that impossible. The Oklahoma Legislature has failed to fund public schools adequately for years, meaning the states supply of qualified teachers are slipping away to bordering states that pay better. Meanwhile, young people are wary about going into education as a career. The lack of pay and respect from the state are, once again, important factors. Even with the heavy use of emergency qualifications, hundreds of classrooms wont have teachers at the beginning of the school year. That is the pathetic reality of education in Oklahoma today: Even with the use of unqualified people, we cant fill the jobs. The state Department of Education and Superintendent Joy Hofmeister want to reduce the need for emergency certified teachers by 95 percent by 2025. Its a worthy goal, but an impossible one under the current thinking at the state Capitol. On Saturday, Kim Jong Un tested an ICBM of sufficient range to hit the U.S. mainland. He is now working on its accuracy, and a nuclear warhead small enough to fit atop that missile that can survive re-entry. Unless we believe Kim is a suicidal madman, his goal seems clear. He wants what every nuclear power wants the ability to strike his enemys homeland with horrific impact, in order to deter that enemy. Kim wants his regime recognized and respected, and the U.S., which carpet-bombed the North from 1950-1953, out of Korea. Where does this leave us? Says Cliff Kupchan of the Eurasia Group, The U.S. is on the verge of a binary choice: either accept North Korea into the nuclear club or conduct a military strike that would entail enormous civilian casualties. A time for truth. U.S. sanctions on North Korea, like those voted for by Congress last week, are not going to stop Kim from acquiring ICBMs. He is too close to the goal line. And any pre-emptive strike on the North could trigger a counterattack on Seoul by massed artillery on the DMZ, leaving tens of thousands of South Koreans dead, alongside U.S. soldiers and their dependents. We could be in an all-out war to the finish with the North, a war the American people do not want to fight. On Saturday, President Trump tweeted out his frustration over Chinas failure to pull our chestnuts out of the fire: They do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem. On Sunday, U.S. B-1B bombers flew over Korea and the Pacific air commander Gen. Terrence J. OShaughnessy warned his units were ready to hit North Korea with rapid, lethal, and overwhelming force. Yet, also Sunday, Xi Jinping reviewed a huge parade of tanks, planes, troops and missiles as Chinese officials mocked Trump as a greenhorn President and spoiled child who is running a bluff against North Korea. Is he? We shall soon see. According to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump vowed Monday he would take all necessary measures to protect U.S. allies. And U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley bristled, The time for talk is over. Are we headed for a military showdown and war with the North? The markets, hitting records again Monday, dont seem to think so. But North Korea is not the only potential adversary with whom our relations are rapidly deteriorating. After Congress voted overwhelmingly for new sanctions on Russia last week and Trump agreed to sign the bill that strips him of authority to lift the sanctions without Hill approval, Russia abandoned its hopes for a rapprochement with Trumps America. Sunday, Putin ordered U.S. embassy and consulate staff cut by 755 positions. The Second Cold War, begun when we moved NATO to Russias borders and helped dump over a pro-Russian regime in Kiev, is getting colder. Expect Moscow to reciprocate Congress hostility when we ask for her assistance in Syria and with North Korea. Last weeks sanctions bill also hit Iran after it tested a rocket to put a satellite in orbit, though the nuclear deal forbids only the testing of ballistic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. Defiant, Iranians say their missile tests will continue. Recent days have also seen U.S. warships and Iranian patrol boats in close proximity, with the U.S. ships firing flares and warning shots. Our planes and ships have also, with increasingly frequency, come to close quarters with Russian and Chinese ships and planes in the Baltic and South China seas. While wary of a war with North Korea, Washington seems to be salivating for a war with Iran. Indeed, Trumps threat to declare Iran in violation of the nuclear arms deal suggests a confrontation is coming. One wonders: If Congress is hell-bent on confronting the evil that is Iran, why does it not cancel Irans purchases and options to buy the 140 planes the mullahs have ordered from Boeing? Why are we selling U.S. airliners to the worlds greatest state sponsor of terror? Let Airbus take the blood money. Apparently, U.S. wars in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Somalia are insufficient to satiate our War Party. Now it wants us to lead the Sunnis of the Middle East in taking down the Shiites, who are dominant in Iran, Iraq, Syria and South Lebanon, and are a majority in Bahrain and the oil-producing regions of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. military has its work cut out for it. President Trump may need those transgender troops. Among the reasons Trump routed his Republican rivals in 2016 is that he seemed to share an American desire to look homeward. Yet, today, our relations with China and Russia are as bad as they have been in decades, while there is open talk of war with Iran and North Korea. Was this what America voted for, or is this what America voted against? Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of a new book, Nixons White House Wars: The Battles That Made and Broke a President and Divided America Forever. To find out more about Patrick Buchanan and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM If you never saw Richard Roxburgh as Roger Rogerson in ABCs 1995 miniseries Blue Murder, you missed a career-defining performance. The good news is you now get to revisit him in Sevens sequel Blue Murder: Killer Cop. Roxburgh is a knockout all over again as the menacing, corrupt NSW detective-turned-killer. This new chapter, helmed by its previous director Michael Jenkins, charts the events leading up to his life sentence for the murder of Jamie Gao, with Det. Glen McNamara (Justin Smith). The script by Peter Schreck notes Blue Murder Killer Cop is a scripted drama not a documentary. Some characters and events have been created for dramatic purposes. If Blue Murder took a broader view of NSW Police Corruption, including with criminal Arthur Neddy Smith (Tony Martin), then Killer Cop zeroes in on Rogerson with all the notoriety of an Underbelly punch. It opens with Rogerson imprisoned, eyeballing the camera, remembering how as a young boy he admired the police. All I ever wanted to be was one of them. A hero. And I am, he says. I probably know more about criminals than any other 10 blokes in the country. There are the facts and theres the truth and they arent always a match. In 1989, 3 years after leaving the NSW Police Force, he struggles to make a living as a bouncer at a Kings Cross strip joint. But he keeps his enemies close and the NSW coppers closer, leaning on mates to falsify evidence for cocaine king Michael Hurley (Dan Wyllie). But Det. Mark Standen (Matt Nable) is on Rogersons case, aided by Internal Affairs pursuing corrupt cops Larry Chuchill (Steve Le Marquand) and McNamara, with the latter turning whistleblower on his own. After Rogerson loses his only protection, he goes down with a 3 year sentence for a dodgy bank account despite being acquitted of shooting of fellow police officer Michael Drury (depicted by Steve Bastoni in the 1995 original). Amid the bent storylines and constant malevolence, a romantic sub-plot is forged between Rogerson and local neighbour Anne (Toni Collette). Youre Roger Rogerson? she asks. Yes. Guilty, he admits. Dont believe everything you read in the papers. Anne is easily charmed by his rogue personality, although it isnt readily clear why she lacks any doubts. When he is released from prison, Rogerson looks old enough to be her father. Much of the first part of this two part miniseries is about creating the circumstances to bring McNamara and Rogerson together, given we already know the fatal outcome. Justin Smith is excellent as a nervous McNamara who finds himself in over his head, in this male-dominated story. But it is Roxburgh who has a field day with his swaggering, morally-bankrupt cop. He throws the Australian vernacular around like the phone books used for bruise-free interviews. Hes in just about every scene and chews up the scenery. Amongst the better scenes is Rogerson turning the tables in a police interview with inexperienced detectives, and the vengeance he wreaks on a Long Bay jail warden. Also featured in the episode are Damian Walshe-Howling, Toby Schmitz, Aaron Jeffery (as a bikie leader before his upcoming Chopper role), and Emma Booth. Looks for cameos by Chris Truswell and Peter Mochrie. Tony Martin reprises his original role as Neddy Smith, while Peter Phelps will also return as Abo Henry. The role of Jamie Gao, saved for episode 2, is played by Michael Tran. There is also select flashback footage of the 1995 Blue Murder, which was held from screening in NSW for so many years. Rightly so, it has since gone on to become one of the most acclaimed Australian dramas. The sequel stands up well, thanks to retaining its links with director Michael Jenkins and Roxburgh. Commercial break additions aside, it does adhere to the true crime bio-pic path than look more broadly at an era in NSW law & order, with its leading man promoted to anti-hero. But with Roxburghs exemplary talents, who can blame them? Blue Murder: Killer Cop airs 8:30pm Sunday and concludes 8:45pm Monday on Seven. NITV is the official media supporter for the 19th annual Garma festival, in Gulkula, Arnhem Land. From Friday 4 Monday 7 August the channel will present a special four-day broadcasting slate, sharing Indigenous stories, from an Indigenous perspective. NITVs Channel Manager, Tanya Orman said NITVs agility and creative ability has enabled us to relocate the channel for Garma from Guringai country to remote Gulkula, a traditional meeting ground in Arnhem Land. Through our special broadcasting slate for Garma 2017, we are proud to be able to provide our audience with a true sense of happenings from this years iconic and important gathering, and we are dedicated to delivering the news first as it happens. The 2017 broadcast will be led by women, with Sonia Smallacombe, former Social Affairs Officer for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues, joining NITV as political analyst, Natalie Ahmat as anchor and Karla Grant, Nakari Thorpe and Rachael Hocking as presenters. Together they will be conducting interviews with subject experts such as Bill Shorten, Senator Patrick Dodson and Jackie Huggins, and delivering comprehensive live coverage, capturing debate, discussion, arts, culture and analysis across the festival. NITVs Garma broadcasting will include Welcome to Garma, a half hour live morning show and The Point Review hosted live from Gulkula on Friday 4 August, full day live hosted forums on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, and Farwell from Garma, a half hour live show and a special youth-focussed The Point on Monday 7 August. Garma attracts 2,500 business, political, academic, and other leaders from across the globe and is committed to improving the state of Indigenous disadvantage by engaging these leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas. 2017 is a special year for Garma as it is the next major meeting for the nations Indigenous leaders in the wake of the historic Uluru summit. Momentum is building for a nationwide Makarrata (a Yolngu Matha word for bringing peace after conflict leading to an agreement or treaty), which will form the central theme this year. Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO Denise Bowden said she was delighted to have NITV on board again at this years event. NITV did a fantastic job covering last years Garma, ensuring that the conversations which take place at the Key Forum were shared with the nation, while also giving Australians a rare glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the Yolngu people. NITV will keep its audience informed about the present state of Indigenous affairs in Australia, as we watch significant developments in Indigenous political discussion. Locally-produced Stan comedy No Activity, which starred Patrick Brammall & Darren Gilshenan improvising as stake-out cops, is getting a US adaptation. The Jungle series has been commissioned by CBS All Access, through Will Ferrells production company Gary Sanchez. 8 episodes will shoot in the final quarter of 2017, with Jungles Trent ODonnell and Patrick Brammall as Showrunners and Executive Producers. Jason Burrows and Joe Farrell will also serve as Executive Producers. It will also premiere on Stan in Australia. The US edition will be set against the world of a major drug cartel bust, following two low-level cops who have spent far too much time in a car together; two criminals who are largely kept in the dark; two dispatch workers who havent really clicked; and two Mexican tunnelers who are in way too small a space considering theyve only just met. It will air in between All Access seasons of Star Trek: Discovery. The announcement marks the latest global success for Jungle. Review with Myles Barlow was remade by Comedy Central in the US into the three-season Review with Forrest McNeill. A Moody Christmas has two scripts optioned and written for CBS in the US. Trent ODonnell is currently directing Brooklyn 99 in the US, while Jason Burrows executive produces Mr Inbetween for FX. No Activity, written and directed by Jungles Trent ODonnell, was the first local commission by Stan. An environmental threat is met head to head with a practical poster that is appealing to those that need to use it. How? by turning it into a working net. A fascinating case study where the design team really pushed for an intriguing, usable, and appealing solution. Bryony Project Description Geometry UK and Geometry Colombia have launched the latest in the Lionfish campaign - which has landed Cannes Gold, El Oro Grand Prix, FIAP Grand Prix, Clios, D&AD and Effies among others. Geometry UK and Geometry Colombia's new Lionfish campaign Posters For Catching Fishermen sees powerful communication turn into practical function to help Caribbean fishing communities threatened by invasion of the beautiful, but venomous, Lionfish. The goal was simple: more fishermen are needed to join in the hunt for the Lionfish. The brief was to capture attention and help them to do the job. Inspired to design something that was useful in more way than one, Geometry created Posters for catching fishermen, beautifully designed posters explaining everything about the Lionfish: toxicology, how to treat stings, where to find and catch them. The posters have an unexpected twist: Each is printed with an innovative perforation technique which means, when pulled apart, they literally transform into a working lightweight net fishermen use to bring home their catch. As a result, information Colombian fishermen routinely ignored was transformed into constructive support they wanted to keep and use. For the idea to be successful a material had to be found that would work equally well as a beautiful poster and as a net. Geometry discovered Tyvek: an incredibly tough sheet material made from high-density polyethylene fibers ideally suited for durability. In poster form, Tyvek is an excellent printing surface with high opacity. Its also tear, puncture, water, UV and chemical-resistant. 100 percent recyclable and deal for the eco- conscious project. And unlike paper, which absorbs humidity and falls apart, its perfectly waterproof - keeping our message perfectly intact. Lionfish sightings are starting to increase around Islas del Rosario national park reserve (one of the most important coral reefs in the Caribbean), and in the Guajira region. As a result, the posters have become essential tools for the Ministry of Environment of Colombia in its mission to inform and support the fishing community. Providing powerful information and an effective fishing aid in tandem, fishermen now have more than one reason to take notice. Budgets are limited and the posters are part of a wider, successful campaign keeping Lionfish population under control. In Islas del Rosario - numbers are starting to decline. Every fisherman we manage to convert can catch an average of 6 Lionfish a day, as each Lionfish can lay 2 million eggs a year; up to 300 million eggs less will populate the Caribbean. Impacting the future of the next generation. August 2 2017 Midlothian Council has appointed Austin-Smith:Lord, in partnership with consultants Douglas Wheeler Associates, to lead renewal efforts for the town of Penicuik.A consultation process will now get underway to secure grant funding of up to 1.69m from the Heritage Lottery Fund over the next five years, enabling the phased restoration of historic buildings, a programme of streetscape enhancements and new community facilities to be introduced to the town centre from April 2018.David Millar, conservation specialist at Austin-Smith:Lord said: The HLF funded Townscape Heritage Initiative has the real potential to improve the quality of the building stock but to also make town centres more vibrant and active and can encourage people in the community to learn about their heritage and even develop new skills. We are looking forward to starting the work immediately.In an effort to gauge opinions the consultants will invite residents, businesses and visitors to fill out an online questionnaire.Earlier this summer Midlothian Council gave approval to an expansion of Penicuik Science Park Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. LAS ARMAS DE CORONEL Ver tambien mi website: www.armasdecoronel.com para leer dos de mis libros, entrevistas, etc. 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. Opportunity Village, in partnership with Clark County School District (CCSD), held their 15th annual event celebrating the Job Discovery Program on Friday, July 28 (Pictured: Job Discovery Program honorees celebrate at 15th annual event). The event acknowledged CCSD students that successfully completed the job training and discovery program, acquiring invaluable vocational training in preparation for future successful employment. President and CEO of Opportunity Village, Bob Brown, and Nevada Secretary of State, Barbara Cevagske, were on hand to pass out the Job Discovery Program Celebration certificates. Visit Oscars steakhouse at the Plaza Hotel & Casino for Oscar in Oscars, Monday, August 7 through Wednesday, August 9 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. (Pictured: Oscar Goodman). Oscar Goodman will be mingling with guests and telling his favorite tales of being a mob attorney and Mayor of Las Vegas inside the lounge of Oscars steakhouse. Goodman will also sign his book, Being Oscar: From Mob Lawyer to Mayor of Las Vegas, which is available for sale at the restaurant. Inside Oscars dining room, guests can enjoy a $29 dinner special, What Oscar Eats, a three course meal that begins with Cardinis Two-Bit Caesar Salad, followed by a 14 oz. Bone-in Ribeye with Shmuleys Extraordinary Mac & Cheese, and ends with decadent chocolate ice cream. Reservations for dinner are recommended and can be made by calling 702-38-OSCAR or 702-386-7227 or online at www.oscarslv.com. Foreign visitors discover Vietnams beauty Most VAT refund items include sun glasses, cosmetics, handbags, clothes, footwear, cell phones and watches. The Customs Divisions proposed duty free shops to seal off their sold goods by putting them in clear plastic bags. Customs officials will examine the seals and goods marking. That will hasten VTA refund process and prevent frauds. According to regulations, foreigners can get refunds of the VAT they paid on goods bought in Vietnam if they leave the country from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC. Self-modified three-wheel vehicles are considered as popular means of transportation to transport tourists on the number of island communes in Quang Ninhs Van on District. VNA/VNS Photo Van uc He made the announcement at a meeting on traffic order and safety held last weekend in Quang Ninh. Self-modified three-wheel vehicles have been operated in the province for over 10 years. These vehicles are considered as a popular means of transportation for tourists on the islands of Quan Lan, Minh Chau and Ngoc Vung. It has recently been used to transport visitors from hotels and guest houses to the beach at Bai Chay Resort in Ha Long City. However, most drivers of these vehicles lack licences and do not register their vehicles. These vehicle owners have regularly flouted the law, and it affects the safety and order of transport in the city, making it a matter for public concern. Luu Minh uc, chairman of Peoples Committee of Quan Lan Commune, home to 150 three-wheel vehicles, said since the beginning of this year local authorities have coordinated with the police force to number the vehicles for better management. Local residents have also been informed about roadmap to stop the operation of these kinds of vehicles by 2018 so that they can have alternatives vehicles like electric vehicles or change their occupations. At present, electric four-wheel vehicles have been used as alternative vehicles for three-wheel vehicles at such island commune like Co To. However, regulations on the management of the vehicles have not yet finalised. Dien asked the provincial Department of Transport to set forth a pilot programme for businesses engaged in the operation of four-wheel vehicles and offered strict punishment to violated vehicles. LEXINGTONIt was during a prolonged stint of shopping for a home in Lexington, for about a year-and-a-half, that Jared Ehrke stumbled onto something. While going through property ideas one day with a real estate broker, Ehrke said the broker told him, "you could work for me." Although Ehrke has a day job as an information technology specialist with Lexington Public Schools, the idea of becoming a real estate agent wasnt far fetched for him. It just so happened he was looking for a way to supplement his income in a flexible manner with hours he could set himself. After taking two classes approved by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission, Ehrke obtained his real estate license in September of 2016. He has lived in Lexington working for LPS for five years. Ehrke received his bachelors degree in Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2008. Before moving to Nebraska, he lived in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he worked for Focus on the Family in information technology. He also worked in communications at the Leadership Institute, a conservative group in Washington, D.C. It was also at Focus in the Family, an international Christian ministry that supports families, that Ehrke wet his feet as a broadcasting professional during a four-month internship. Moving to central Nebraska was an easy choice for Ehrke, who wanted to be closer to family. His younger brothers live in Alma. As a licensed real estate agent, he now knows that the long days of studying real estate terminology and Nebraska real estate laws to get licensed, was worth it. Ehrke works as a part-time real estate agent with Doran Post and Associates, Inc. in Lexington. "I learn more on the job than in the classroom. It all depends on the needs of the customer," he said. Ehrke said he views his job as a real estate agent as a facilitator. "The primary job of a realtor is to bring a ready and willing buyer to a seller. With that comes expertise in different areas," he said. With home buyers, he works alongside them to set-up visits to view homes and to help them find what they need and he provides insight. With sellers, he sets up an appointment to view the property being sold, works on getting an estimate of the propertys value and to set-up a listing of the home online and advertising, Ehrke said. One great feature of Doran Posts web site,:www.doranpostandassociates.com, is that it provides video tours of homes for sale, he said. Having experience working in IT, has allowed him to improve his communication skills, Ehrke said. "The IT field has helped me hone my people skills. Its one thing to know something but if you dont know how to interact effectively you wont be successful," he said. Georgia Evans, broker at Doran Post, said Ehrke is a valuable real estate salesperson who is honest with buyers and sellers. She said Ehrke has his first sale in the works. "In time he will be a great realtor," Evans said. In his Christian life, just as in his duties at the schools and in real estate, Ehrke said he strives to try to live life with a servants attitude. The Bible verse from Mark 10:45 where Jesus said he came to the earth to serve and not be served, is a source of wisdom Ehrke tries to live by. "In any position, if you have a servants mentality, people will appreciate that and feel respected and know you are looking after their best interest," Ehrke said. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods. Based on the eponymous memoir by Loung Ung, Angelina Jolies Netflix film follows a child soldier serving under the Khmer Rouge during the Cambodian genocide. The casting process, as described in Jolies Vanity Fair profile, was the source of controversy when the director seemed to describe an audition process in which children were offered money only to have it taken away (Jolie denied that the casting process was abusive). First They Killed My Father premiered on February 18 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and will arrive on Netflix September 15. Bookseller One Grand Books has asked literary celebrities to name the ten titles theyd take to a desert island, and theyve shared the results with Vulture. Below is the list from the band members of Phoenix, Thomas Mars, Deck DArcy, Laurent Brancowitz, Christian Mazzalai. Everything and Nothing, by Jorge Luis Borges Theres more to life than Jorge Luis Borgess books, but not much more! Ive read Borges so many times that I feel hes a member of the family. And when the lonely darkness of a generic hotel room sets in, I play his DVD of interviews on repeat in the background and it instantly feels like home. Brancowitz Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World, by Rene Girard The most powerful grand theory of the 20th century. At the crossroads of literature, anthropology, psychology, and theology, this review of Girards deceptively simple grand theory helped me crack the code of many mysteries of human existence. Brancowitz Your Ticket Is No Longer Valid, by Romain Gary I have always felt a special connection with Romain Gary since reading Promise at Dawn in high school. This, however, is a different story, one about aging, the loss of libido, and suicide. The kind of story they wouldnt recommend in any high school in Versailles, where I grew up sex ed didnt exist, and suicide rates were off the charts. This is my favorite of Garys books, because it deals with his darkest demons: Can you leave someone because you love them too much? Very French! Mars The Secret Life of Salvador Dali, by Salvador Dali It starts like this: At the age of six, I wanted to be a cook. At seven, I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing ever since. I read this autobiography a long time ago, but only visited Dalis house in Port Lligat last summer and understood that, of his many masterpieces, the greatest might be his life in this house on the Mediterranean Sea. Brancowitz Fragments, by Heraclitus My neighbor happens to be a retired Italian philosophy teacher, and I would sometimes see his silhouette through the curtains writing at his desk late at night. We eventually became friends and I asked him for some lessons. We must start from the beginning, he said, and that was Heraclitus, also known as the Obscure rightly so: Three years later were still studying this book. (I recommend Marcovitchs 1967 edition. Of all the books I own, this might be my favorite.) Brancowitz A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway During the recording of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Philippe Zdar (our producer) talked a lot about Hemingways techniques to be creative. There are few tricks revealed that were still using. I live in the same Paris area that hes describing all through the stories; its the best book about my neighborhood that I know. Mazzalai La Conquete Recits Azteques, by Georges Baudot and Tzvetan Todorov History books are written by the winners, but these extraordinary accounts come from people who lost it all. This compilation of texts (mainly the Florentine and Tlatelolco codexes) relays the Spanish conquest of the Americas from the perspective of Aztec writers the sublimely tragic story of a great civilization on the edge of annihilation. Brancowitz The Essays, by Michel de Montaigne I discovered The Essays at 17 at school, and instantly felt this was about me, dealing with my issues, friendship, death, experimenting, education, morals, etc. Im not a particularly big reader, but Ive never stopped going back to The Essays since then, and hopefully wont, as this extremely accurate, honest, pragmatic self-description of the authors mind offers a way to know yourself a bit better each time you pick up that book, and as a consequence, live a better life. DArcy Manufacturing Consent, by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky When the night is dark and the compass is broken, Noam Chomsky should be our North Star. Brancowitz Please Kill Me, by Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil I chose this one because I read a bad review about it in the New York Times when it came out. WTF NYT? This highly entertaining, uncompromising history of punk music is a classic. Iggys stories are my favorites. Raw power. Mars The Waco City Council on Tuesday heard two proposals for developing city-owned land around Heritage Square downtown, one of which envisions a public-private partnership that would create 550,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of restaurant and retail uses, an urban park and a 1,200-space underground parking garage. Industry professionals with expertise in land use, community development, and marketing have formed a team called The Civic Center, whose plan for Heritage Square and nearby downtown properties would have a $1.5 billion economic impact on the local economy and create 9,000 new jobs over 10 years or more, said Chris McGowan, a Waco urban planning consultant who is spearheading the groups office-heavy efforts. Economist Ray Perryman has said Waco is the next great city in Texas, and we agree, said McGowan, adding Heritage Square represents an ideal hub for taking downtown to the next level. Meanwhile, Ed Kinkeade, a federal judge and Baylor University alumnus, joined his son, Brad Kinkeade, in touting a venture called Heritage Crossing that would place chef-managed restaurants, boutique retail, a specialty grocery, office space and shaded community gathering space on property between Washington and Austin avenues and Third Street. The project also would feature a memorial dedicated to the May 11, 1953, Waco tornado that devastated much of the central city, a trolley stop, a rooftop getaway for relaxing and dining and space for food trucks. Waco City Manager Dale Fisseler said the city has reviewed the proposals and recommends the pursuing a development agreement with the group backing The Civic Center project. But he said he thought so highly of both proposals he wanted the council to hear details of each. We requested proposals for Heritage Square in 2015, and received no offers, he said. This time we received two of high quality. Negotiations between the city and the prospects now will proceed, and could last months, Fisseler said. Topics for discussion likely will include incentive packages the winner will request. Addressing the desire by many for a grocery store downtown, and skeptics who wonder if there is yet enough demand, Ed Kinkeade said, We have spent an enormous amount of time with representatives of high-end grocery names. We will bring a specialty grocery to that space, I guarantee it. I traveled 4,588 miles from Scotland to tell you that today. McGowan said the group backing The Civic Center proposal has prepared a long-term plan that envisions up to 1 million square feet of Class A office space taking shape downtown. He said studies have shown there is a critical shortage of such space to bolster efforts by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce to attract new business that would hire young professionals and keep college graduates in Waco. We do not know what calls we are not getting because we dont have the requisite office space, McGowan said. We can keep young people here for a couple of years after they leave college, but when they begin to crave advancement, moving up the ladder, we often lose them. He said he believes there is local demand for 100,000 to 150,000 square feet of Class A space, and has received assurances from brokers of office space that Waco could receive spillover from Dallas and Austin, where existing office complexes are brimming due to high demand. Office space in Dallas has become build-to-suit, and most is three years out, said Phillip Williams, a Dallas-Fort Worth real estate veteran and part of The Civic Center team. The brokers Ive talked to dont even bother with clients up there who need less than 100,000 square feet. But they can sell 20,000 to 50,000 square feet in Waco all day. Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver thanked both groups for their proposals, but during a question-and-answer session he questioned projected demand for Class A office space in Greater Waco. He said the notion there is local demand for up to 150,000 square feet does not excite me because thats just moving people from one place to another, which could serve as hardship for those landlords losing tenants. He also described as a leap of faith the projection that spillover from Dallas and Austin would fill new office accommodations in Waco. I dont want us to get ahead of ourselves, said Deaver. The mayor, in an interview after the work session, said he was impressed with both presentations and now the public and downtown stakeholders will have the opportunity to express their thoughts on each. He said he expects the group proposing The Civic Center concept to request funding from the city for infrastructure improvements, including construction of the underground parking facility. Councilman John Kinnaird said his mind remains open about the respective proposals, and he looks forward to receiving public input. I asked the council to give me an indication of which way it is leaning in a couple of weeks, Fisseler said after the meeting. The staff has made a recommendation, but obviously the council has the final say. During the presentation of proposals, Williams said Waco does not have to rely upon spillover from other cities to fill more than half-a-million square feet of office space, and that its quality of life could prove persuasive to young professionals and the companies that provide jobs. The cost of quality housing and the cultural advantages of having a major university work in Wacos favor, Williams said. And you have to remember that it takes just as long or longer to drive from Frisco to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport than from Waco to DFW. Time is money. A 15-story, 300,000-square-foot office tower would anchor The Civic Center concept, said McGowan, who added construction would begin about two years after a land development agreement is reached with the city. The group would spend that time installing utility infrastructure to support construction of at least three office buildings and a commercial center. Kinkeade said the Heritage Crossing development would include 33,000 square feet of creative office space that features open areas for the sharing of tasks. The grocery store would occupy 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, and the public would have access to on-site parking. Our project is fully funded; the banks are ready, Kinkeade said, adding he would ask only that Waco provide the land. We are not seeking additional incentives, though the retailers may require assistance. McGowan assured council members The Civic Center development is self-contained, and will prove viable even if improvements are limited to the three office buildings, the park and the retail/restaurant complex, and long-term additions of office space and retail do not materialize. But our goal is to revitalize the entire north end of downtown, said McGowan, who declined to estimate the cost of creating The Civic Center, saying so much of the project remains conceptual. During its regular meeting Tuesday evening, the council approved a lease agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives for space in the Waco Police Department headquarters adjacent to the old Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center complex in North Waco. The council also heard a report on tax rolls certified by the McLennan County Appraisal District and will discuss their possible impact on the city budget during meetings in August, Fisseler said. A former high-ranking official with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is questioning methods used by federal investigators who determined the fire that caused the 2013 West Fertilizer Co. plant explosion was intentionally set. Jordan Barab, an OSHA administrator during the Obama administration, said recently in his workplace safety blog that findings by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigators that relied on a process of elimination are faulty. The process that BATF used eliminating every other ignition source and then concluding that arson must be the only cause is called negative corpus, Barab said. And the worlds leading authority on fire investigation, the National Fire Protection Association, has declared negative corpus to be a violation of scientific method. The ATF made its arson announcement last year at a press conference in West. Immediately, defendants in the massive West explosion litigation filed for trial delays, describing the news as a bombshell that could change the scope of the lawsuits. The defendants, particularly CF Industries and El Dorado Chemical, manufacturers of the ammonium nitrate fertilizer that exploded, filed suit against the ATF, requesting the federal agencys investigative file in the case. The ATF balked, and a federal judge ordered the disclosure of some documents, which the ATF turned over to the CFI and El Dorado defendants last year. Dallas attorney Carlos Balido, who represents CF Industries and who has been a spokesmen for the West litigation defendants, did not return phone messages Tuesday. Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was further delaying implementation of updated risk management protection for chemical plants for almost two years, which many safety advocates blame on the ATF announcement, Barab said in his blog. The EPA updated these protections after former President Obamas executive order on improving chemical facility safety and security in the wake of the West explosion. Barab charges that the EPA is bowing to the wishes of its chemical industry overlords by announcing the delays. Or to simplify: What the chemical industry wants, the chemical industry gets, Barab wrote. Barab said the ATF findings are in error and cites the National Fire Protection Association in his blog. The negative corpus process is not consistent with the scientific method, is inappropriate, and should not be used because it generates untestable hypotheses, and many result in incorrect determinations of the ignition source and first fuel ignited, Barab wrote, quoting the NFPA. Why should a violation of the scientific method stand in the way of eliminating protections for people living in the shadow of a chemical plant? Barab asked on his blog. Nicole Strong, ATF spokeswoman, defended the agencys investigation in a statement Tuesday. She said the agencys $50,000 reward for the person who started the fire remains unclaimed, adding that she could not comment further because of the ongoing criminal investigation. During the three-year investigation of the fire and explosion in West, Texas, the Texas State Fire Marshals Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives established a clearly defined area of origin by means of a comprehensive scene investigation, witness statements, photographs, videos, nearly complete reconstruction of the structure and extensive forensic testing conducted at the ATF Fire Research Laboratory, Strong said. Using the National Fire Protection Associations Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation, all reasonable accidental and natural fire scenarios were hypothesized, considered, tested and eliminated as being fire causes. The only hypothesis that could not be eliminated was that the fire was incendiary. This means it was intentionally set. This conclusion was confirmed by extensive testing, she said. Waco attorney Steve Harrison, lead plaintiffs attorney in the West cases, said that while he also takes issue with the ATF findings, the lawsuits are not about what started the fire, they are about why the fertilizer exploded. While it might be nice to know how the fire started, this is not a fire case, it is a product liability case, and what we know for certain is that a fire occurred and that fire was a foreseeable event, Harrison said. No one died from the fire. The ammonium nitrate fertilizer exploded, it killed 15 people, injured hundreds more and leveled a good part of the community. Harrison said, I cant really add a whole lot to that, when asked about Barabs and the NFPAs opinion of ATF methods. With respect to the announcement, the ATF made it clear they are not making a comment on what exploded or why, Harrison said. I appreciated that. As far as the effects on the announcement on the lawsuits, the manufacturers of the ammonium nitrate fertilizer that exploded used that announcement to significantly delay the trial of these cases. But other than delay, there has been zero effect on these cases. Several trial dates have been canceled after the parties, who continue to negotiate settlements, reached agreements on the eve of past trial dates. The city of West and West Rest Haven, the nursing home destroyed in the blast, represent some of the largest claims in the litigation and those cases remain pending. West Mayor Tommy Muska also finds fault with the ATF ruling, adding he felt snubbed after ATF officials didnt notify him about the press conference that was held in West about the fire and explosion that decimated his hometown. That is not the way you investigate something. I would agree with (Barab), yes, Muska said. You rule out this and rule out that, and it is automatically something else? That doesnt make any sense to anybody. They are grasping at straws for some reason, and we havent seen hide nor hair of the ATF since that big press conference. Frank Patterson, Waco-McLennan County emergency management coordinator, said he thinks safety improvements and public awareness of chemical storage has improved in the years since the West explosion. I think as an industry, we are safer. I think as far as firefighting procedures, we are safer, Patterson said. I believe as far as chemical storage, in the state of Texas we have started the process of being safer. The fear is the further you get away from the incident, the foggier your memory is. So it is a matter of keeping the due diligence and keeping it in on the forefront and recognize there are potential challenges and issues out there and keeping that mindset. Waco police identified the suspected drug dealer accused of selling heroin in a North Waco neighborhood and the Waco police officer who was critically injured when the man intentionally ran over him in an SUV as police attempted to execute a search warrant Tuesday. Kerry Demars Bradley, 37, was killed when he tried to avoid a Waco police drug enforcement unit and SWAT officers who were serving a search warrant on Bradleys residence and vehicles Tuesday. Waco police Officer William Graeber, an eight-year police veteran, was struck by Bradleys GMC Yukon and was pinned under the vehicle before multiple officers shot Bradley, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said Wednesday. Graeber and Bradley were both taken to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, where Graeber was listed in critical but stable condition. Bradley was pronounced dead at the hospital. Graeber is assigned to patrol and has been an active member of the Waco police SWAT Team for five years, Swanton said. He said Graebers wife has been overwhelmed with community support and asked for continued prayers for her husband. Swanton said Graebers wife said her husband sustained three broken ribs, a broken pelvis, a broken collarbone, a collapsed lung, a concussion, and burns to his arm from the incident. Doctors intubated the injured officer and had a chest tube placed in him Tuesday due to the significant injuries he suffered, but doctors were able to remove the breathing tube Wednesday and and Graeber is breathing on his own. Indications are that he is continuing to improve and everyone is cautiously optimistic, Swanton said in a press release. Two officers reportedly fired shots, fatally wounding Bradley during the incident. Swanton said both officers were moved to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation, which is routine for most officer-involved shootings. According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by the Tribune-Herald Tuesday, officers suspected Bradley of distributing heroin out of two cars and a home in the 3200 block of North 24th Street. Officers have been investigating Bradley for the past two months by using an informant, gathering information about suspected drug distribution. The informant has made at least six controlled buys of heroin from the suspected party while at a predetermined meeting place in Waco, the affidavit states. A field test was utilized after the controlled buys and each time police received a positive identification that the substance that was purchased was heroin. Bradley had a lengthy criminal history, including a February 2003 arrest for possession of a controlled substance. The search warrant states that the McLennan County District Attorneys office rejected the case without a pre-trial diversion. Waco police re-arrested Bradley in August 2003 and he was later convicted of first-degree felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to six years of deferred probation before he violated the probation in 2006 and was sentenced to six years in prison. Before they depart In the coming weeks, millions of college-bound freshmen will be leaving home for the campus for the first time. As parents prepare their teens for college and independent living, its important to set aside time to talk about alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, teens are much more likely to delay drinking when they feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent or guardian. Here are some tips for parents to guide the discussion: Set clear expectations for academic achievement and responsible behavior. Talk about alcohol facts, reasons not to drink and ways to avoid drinking in difficult situations. Address how to get help on campus for themselves or a friend. Keep in close contact to determine if your son or daughter is feeling overwhelmed, making friends, getting involved with activities and enjoying classes. Make sure they know you are there to support them through this transition period. Even though your college-age student may no longer be living at home, research shows parents have the most influence over their sons or daughters decision to drink or not to drink. Invest this time together to ensure your teen gets off on the right track for academic success. Sam Zakhari, Ph.D., Distilled Spirits Council Senior Vice President of Science and former division director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Washington, D.C. Flores & Trump On July 13, 2017, Republican Congressman Bill Flores, whose district includes Waco, gave an interview to the CBS-TV affiliate in his hometown. In that interview, Flores opined that President Trump would be better served if he would strip the White House of his children. Wonderful, Bill has advice for the president which will remove distractions keeping President Trump from pushing through the Republican agenda. Interesting. Seems Bill is playing into the hands of folks across the aisle and that his statements are more in line with currying favor with an electorate that is increasingly dissatisfied with the Republican Congress lack support for the mandate American voters gave to President Trump. Sadly, I am afraid Bill has succumbed to the rules of Congress: Attack that which you are afraid to support. Kenneth Cates, Waco That dumb butt! Please print more George Reamy and less much less-to-none would be OK of David Schleicher from your stable of regular contributors. There was a purpose to Mr. Reamys moving July 9 column, Epiphany with a girl named Margarita, that made you think, made you feel. Mr. Schleichers perpetual SOS drivel demotes him from a smart aleck to a dumb butt. You can do better. Jim Johnson, Waco ALVO Weather permitting, construction work is scheduled to begin on N-63,between Alvo and I-80, the week of August 14, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Knife River, LLC of Sioux City, Iowa, has been awarded the $11,758,926 contract. Work will include realignment of existing highway, culverts and box culverts, and wetland mitigation. The work will be completed in two phases. The first phase of construction will begin August 14. During this phase, N-63 will be closed to traffic from Reference Post 9+68 to Reference Post 11+49, with a marked detour for through traffic. This phase is anticipated to be completed by December 2017. The second phase will begin in March 2018. During this phase, N-63 will be closed to traffic fromReference Post 4+20 to Reference Post 9+68, with a marked detour for through traffic This portion ofthe project is anticipated to be completed by November 2018. The Departments project manager for this project is Jesse De Los Santos of Lincoln. Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously through construction work zones, along detours, and to expect delays. Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has described the progress which has been made on the purchase of the former Waterford Crystal site for... Waterford is set for a summer like no other on several fronts after two years of Covid-19 restrictions. With the countys hurlers triumphing in the... Valentines Day is a time to reflect and appreciate the relationships in our lives. However, it can also be a time to reflect on... AN Animal Welfare Inspector with the ISPCA has described how defenceless dogs that were saved from an illegal puppy farm in Waterford have been... RENTS in Waterford are now spiralling out of control, with costs 16.2% higher than they were in the same period last year and... A WATERFORD GP has claimed we are now experiencing the worst level of Covid-19 in the country because we were effectively spared the brunt... IF you are one of those parents who bought your child a bicycle for the new year but are struggling to find somewhere to... Christmas is such an important time for family reunions, but there are many of us for whom Christmas is also a time when those... WATERFORD has added a bright new museum to the range of Treasures in the Viking Triangle. Two weeks after the opening of the Museum of... HOT on the heels of Waterford City being named the Best Place To Live, it was announced this week that 27m is to be... The team at Waterford Walls has hardly been able to contain its excitement this week as it brings another exciting artwork to the city.... The Alabama peanut butter caper was not the most sophisticated jailbreak, but it did the trick. Some inmates in Walker County Jail in Jasper, Alabama saved peanut butter from their sandwiches and used it like modelling clay to help alter the number above a door that led to the outside. The change made the number resemble the ones above cell doors. And so when an inmate demanded that a rookie guard open it, the guard thought he was letting the inmate back into his cell. Instead, on Sunday evening, a dozen inmates walked right through the door to make their escape. "Changing some numbers on the door with peanut butter - that may sound crazy," the county sheriff, James Underwood, said at a news conference on Monday. "But these people are crazy like a fox." San Francisco: A 17-year-old passenger swung open an emergency exit on Tuesday and jumped from an aeroplane onto the runway at San Francisco International Airport. An airport official said that after Copa Airlines flight 208 from Panama City landed about 2.30pm local time, the teen who has not been publicly identified jumped out the door as the plane was waiting to taxi to the gate. The passenger, a US citizen, was not injured and was taken into police custody. It's unclear why he jumped from the plane. A police spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. Witnesses said it was a typical landing until the emergency door opened and the plane filled with sunlight. Sincan, Turkey: Almost 500 suspects accused of taking part in last year's failed coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared in court on Tuesday. The 486 defendants are accused of plotting the coup effort at an airbase outside Ankara, from where fighter jets took off to bomb the Turkish Parliament and where senior military officers loyal to the government were held prisoner. Among the suspects is Akin Ozturk, a former head of Turkey's air force, whom prosecutors say was one of the leaders of the coup. Mr Ozturk is accused of terrorism, conspiracy and treason but denies the charges. Stripped of his rank and military titles, Mr Ozturk was paraded into the court room in front of waiting television cameras along with 40 other of the most prominent defendants. As has become customary with these large trials, supporters of Mr Erdogan waited outside the court to hurl abuse at the men as they were marched in. At the invitation of the Director General of Customs, VAT and Excise, Ministry of Finance and Planning, State of Palestine, the WCO undertook an evaluation of the delivery of tailor-made track of the Mercator Programme in Palestine. The WCO Mercator Programme is designed to support the uniform implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), using the WCO instruments and tools. Its foundations are rooted in the WCOs capacity building approach of needs assessment, strategic planning and monitoring / evaluation. Since acceding to the WCO in 2015, the Palestinian Customs authority has been an avid user of WCO instruments and tools, taking advantage of WCO support in valuation / classification, risk management, organizational development and strategic planning. Much of this support has been delivered in close collaboration with the WCO Regional Training Centre in Amman, Jordan. The evaluation took note of the Ministerial endorsement of a facilitation- and partnership-oriented strategic plan, its constructive relationship with the Palestinian private sector and its electronic connections to other Palestinian state agencies and neighboring Customs administrations. This mission will serve as the foundations for future engagements with the Palestinian Customs authority under the tailor-made track of the Mercator Programme. The WCO wishes to express its sincere thanks to Her Majestys Revenue and Customs for the extensive support provided to Palestine and to the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their extensive logistical and technical support. by Richard Coulson First published in The Tribune, Monday, July 31, 2017 and posted here with the authors kind permission. The Cable Bahamas (CAB) share price quoted on BISX has suffered a stunning fall of almost 40% in the last 18 months, from $6.50 to $4.00. EPS (earnings per share) dropped from $0.28 in 2014 to a loss of ($0.38) in 2017, and last year quarterly dividends on the ordinary shares were indefinitely suspended. Therefore, CAB has sunk to a doubtful investment- right? No, wrong. Proper analysis leads to the opposite conclusion. The downward share movement results strictly from the uneducated, short-sighted way that Bahamian investors evaluate companies that are making heavy investments to create profitable long-term expansion. CABs 2016 annual revenues rose to an all-time high of $180 million, and book value (net worth) increased from $86 million to $135 million in the 15 months to March 31, 2017. CAB is now in the typical transitional stage of equity earnings waiting to catch up with balance-sheet growth. During its early years, CAB enjoyed successful innovation in The Bahamas while its earnings grew steadily. Its Directors had the vision to see that the domestic cable/TV/ telephone market would eventually mature, leaving CAB to stagnate. New markets had to be found. The first was in South Florida, where in 2013 four local telecommunications networks were acquired and merged into Summit Broadband, CABs wholly owned subsidiary that has enjoyed steady growth but has not yet turned the corner to profitability because of continuing capital expenditures and start-up costs. A much larger commitment to new business began last year after CAB was granted the license to compete with BTC to provide mobile cell-phone service in The Bahamas. Incorporated under the brand name ALIV, the new venture made rapid progress from point zero in early 2016, when three international executives arrived to lead with their expertise in mobile-phone technology. A total of $135 million of equity was invested, 48.25% by CAB and 51.75% by a Government holding company that, we are told, will be sold to local investors. Despite its minority position, CAB by the terms of ALIVs charter holds board-level and management control and consolidates its financial statements. ALIV also secured $60 million from a bond issue in the local capital markets and $32 million vendor financing, for a total $227 million of capital funding. To date, about $150 million has been spent, including $62.5 million for the license fee and the remainder for operating expenses and network systems, simply to start generating revenue. About 250 Bahamians (54% female) have been hired, many in managerial positions, and only 3% of total staffing represents expatriates. This build-up in human resources enabled ALIV to establish corporate headquarters near Soldier Road, and to open nine fully staffed customer service centers in New Providence, two in Grand Bahama, and one each in Abaco and Eleuthera, offering a wide array of subscriber plans and phone units. Intense preparatory efforts and tower construction allowed operations to commence in October 2016, meeting URCA requirements to provide 99% population coverage in New Providence and the other islands After only nine full months of operation, ALIV presently has more than 70,000 subscribers, representing 22% of BTCs prior customer count, served by 140 live sites, nearly all newly constructed during the roll-out period. Since the end of April, when URCA mandated number mobility, about 5,000 BTC customer have registered with Aliv. Management plans that the ALIV network will soon be launched in Andros, Bimini and Exuma, and the national roaming agreement already permits ALIV customers to communicate on the BTC network where ALIV has not yet completed its roll-out. Alivs reputation as a good corporate citizen is already well established through its educational programs and contributions to many community causes. The rapid physical build-up and hiring program naturally consumed cash resources, and has eliminated any earnings to date. Operating cash-flow from revenues is projected to turn positive during 2018, sufficient to finance further growth from internal sources. Subsequently, we believe the income/expenditure ratio should curve upwards to permit ALIV to pay dividends, subject to capital demands. CABs 2015 financial statements showed that about one-third of its revenues came from Summit in Florida. We believe the share from ALIV could become much higher, but any meaningful estimate will only be available when audited figure for June 30 are published in September. In the meantime, the long-term growth of both CAB and ALIV should be reflected in CABs share price rising from its present $4.00, abysmal for one of our most widely held equities. Individual shareholders who suffered from our two hurricanes had to liquidate and exerted downward pricing pressure. But there are plenty of mutual and pension-funds who could have taken up the slack and supported the price, as well as the 22% shareholder National Insurance Board. All these institutional investors employ or retain sophisticated financial analysts, who should be able to spot a value investment and put in buy orders.. Their inertia is joined by our little community of five licensed broker-dealers. Even the largest, Royal-Fidelity and CFAL, and the ambitious newcomer , Leno, do not appear to issue any analytical reports on local investments or attempt to publicize market movements. Nothing is shown to the largely uneducated public who might become shareholders if professionally advised. In more mature markets, many companies are recommended for their history of shareholder growth despite a low or no-dividend policy. Prime US examples are Apple and Amazon. Even Tesla, still not recording net income, is a popular investment due to its innovations that are revolutionizing the automobile industry. Why not in The Bahamas? Why do our investment professionals refuse to recognize a similar company here? CAB itself has issued press releases explaining its true financial strength, but to date they appear to have been ignored or disbelieved by our financial community. CABLE has the opportunity to give an even more effective presentation with its audited statements for the 18 months ended June 30, and at the subsequent shareholders meeting Government should clarify the CAB-ALIV financial picture by announcing at long last its intentions for selling the holding company that is ALIVs majority shareholder. A transaction of some $70 million, key for reducing the public debt burden, it overhangs the liquidity of our entire securities market. An offering to the public? Privately to institutions? At what price? By whom managed? With what information to investors? Regulated by the Securities Commission? Until these questions are answered, Government bears a heavy responsibility for keeping our capital markets on the edge of uncertainty. Nevertheless, we believe that CAB, bolstered by ALIV, remains an appealing growth investment at the deeply undervalued price of $4.00 per share. --- For disclosure purposes, the author states that he is a shareholder of CAB--- Mr. Coulson has had a long career in law, investment banking and private banking in New York, London, and Nassau, and now serves as director of several financial concerns and as a corporate financial consultant. He has recently released his autobiography, A Corkscrew Life: Adventures of a Travelling Financier. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Advertisement By Adam Morton Aug. 01, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By Adam Morton Aug. 01, 2017 | 07:31 PM | PADUCAH, KY A large crowd gathered Tuesday at Paducah City Hall for Mayor Brandi Harless' "Informed and Involved" event. The event included a "mix and mingle" opener, opportunities for the public to respond to questions posted around the atrium of City Hall, and concluded with a question and answer session. Harless and her interns developed the idea for the event from former Mayor Gerry Montgomery's "Mayor's Night In." After the mixer, attendees broke into three age groups of baby boomers, gen Xers, and millennials. Each group came up with a list of local issues which were then compared with the issues brought up by the other groups. Common questions listed in all sections focused on how to keep young people here and how to provide jobs for them. The third part of the evening was a question and answer session with Mayor Harless. Guests were invited to write questions on cards for the mayor to answer. There were a number of different topics ranging from small business questions to what it's like to be mayor. One of the questions asked was about Harless' view of government since her election. "One of the biggest surprises for me has been how easy it is to change things," Harless said. She praised the city staff for helping with the changes and always being ready. Mayoral interns Addie Rogers, Lexie Tyler and Claire Kelly called the event a success. "What we wanted to do was create an atmosphere where people could make connections," Rogers said. Tyler said this type of event is a way to get high school students involved. "We wanted an atmosphere where it's more free," Tyler said. Claire Kelley added, "We hope to continue the event in the future." Rebecca Rogers, mother of intern Addie Rogers, said she had young people on her mind. "I think it's important to get the youth involved in the community," Rogers said. Harless also called the event a success. She said she was happy to see new faces. "I'm so thankful. I've seen a lot of new faces in the room that I have never encountered before." Alec Baldwin sues to 'clear his name' in movie set death Loading... Cameron Mackintosh's 20th century re-telling of the Madame Butterfly story in which the tale moves to the Vietnam War is back on tour with dates up and down the country for the next 13 months. Currently at Birmingham Hippodrome, the production is a version of the 2014 London revival which won a record nine WhatsOnStage Awards. And it's easy to see why. Miss Saigon may be more than 25 years-old but this version is as fresh as the day it was first produced with a few tweaks and improvements along the way. Miss Saigon is an ill-fated love story which carries the audience through the tumult of war, separation, hope and despair all within three hours. Claude-Michel Schonberg's music and the lyrics created by Richard Maltby Jr and Alain Boublil remain at the heart of the show. Songs like "The Movie in My Mind", "The American Dream", "Bui Doi" and "I Still Believe" are emotion-packed story-tellers which quickly became classics of musical theatre. Directed by Laurence Connor and designed by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley, this production returns to some of the more dramatic special effects of the first Miss Saigon. Musical aficionados will no doubt be comparing this tour with Miss Saigon's previous visits to the Hippodrome in 2003 and 2006 and it's the difference in the special effects which many will remember. Without giving too much away, this tour ensures a dramatic fall of Saigon complete with a helicopter to evacuate the Americans. Sooha Kim has the role of Vietnamese village girl Kim completely in her grasp. She's innocent and naive and yet has a steely determination which ensures she can cope with the horrors of the Vietnam War, holding onto her dream that her American soldier lover Chris will return. And when she learns the terrible truth, she remains strong enough to make her own choices to protect her son. Ashley Gilmour plays the tormented GI Chris who in Kim finds a hope for the future amid the turmoil of the war, but when he fails to save her is tortured by the memories. Red Concepcion is a brilliant Engineer who the audience can't help but love despite him being such a loathsome character. A wheeler dealer to the core, The Engineer uses and abuses every human being to achieve his aims but it's his blatant cynicism which is weirdly admirable. His show-stopping number "The American Dream" gives Concepcion the opportunity to revel in the role and he certainly does so with flair while ensuring minute attention to detail. The tricky role of Ellen, Chris' American wife, is well-handled by Zoe Doano, with a new song giving Ellen a greater complexity. And Ryan O'Gorman plays Chris' friend John the level-headed soldier who does what he has to in order to survive and then repays that survivors' guilt by supporting the children his colleagues left behind. When Miss Saigon was first performed in London in 1989, the Vietnam War was still fairly recent history which gave the production a real resonance. Although that conflict may have dimmed into the past so many other wars have been played across our television screens that the show's messages feel as current today as then. The name and country may change but the human dramas at the centre are played out again and again. Miss Saigon runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until 23 September 2017 and continues to tour until 15 September 2018. November 12, 2022 Angus's Corner From our correspondent and skilled taster Angus MacRaild in Scotland Bruichladdich, Ledaig and Laphroaig A bit of a mixed bag today, but these three names are usually pretty dependable in my book Bruichladdich 8 yo 2013/2022 'Islay Barley' (50%, OB, 75% American oak, 25% ex-wine casks) Colour: straw. Nose: hay, barley, freshly baked breads, buttered oatcakes and lighter green fruit notes such as cut apple and gooseberry. Also a slightly coastal edge and some feelings of pollens and beers. I don't detect much in the way of wine influence thankfully. With water: sandalwood, beach pebbles, oatcakes plain cereals and soda bread. Mouth: nicely balanced between honeys, wood saps, hoppy IPA, pollens, grass and some herbal teas. Also lots of fresh breads along with some citrus rinds and light peppery notes too. I like it plenty, but I recall previous batches being a bit more 'immediate'. With water: lemons, limes, more beers, grist and green tea with lemon. Finish: medium and perhaps a tad oaky here and there, but still with some of these nice green and citrus fruits coming through. Comments: I'm not sure what the wine casks brought to the proceedings here, but I definitely prefer the earlier fully bourbon matured examples. Not that this isn't very fine and easy to sip young Laddie! SGP: 561 - 84 points. Bruichladdich 10 yo 2011/2021 'Biodynamic' (50%, OB, 1st fill barrels, 5000 bottles) Distilled using biodynamically grown barley harvested in 2010 from Yatesbury House Farm in England. So, not 'terroir' but something equally fascinating Colour: bright straw. Nose: wonderfully fresh and rather exuberantly on barley extracts, fresh cereals, cooling wort, lemon barley water and this impression of lemon washing powder but not in a soapy way - if you get my drift. It's also nicely starchy with linens and that lovely 'laundry drying by a seashore' vibe. Modern and rather impeccable. With water: more citrons, waxy lemon rinds, new leather, sandalwood and gorse flower. Still superbly fresh and vibrant. Mouth: surprisingly tense and chiselled. On chalks, linens, putty, white flowers and mirabelle eau de vie. A rather 'crunchy' impression of freshly kilned barley, the natural sweetness of malt extract and that familiar impression of many various beers and freshly baked breads. With water: malty, bready, naturally sweet and now perhaps a little more peppery with new world hops, nettles and fennel seed. Finish: good length, on sea salt crisp, dried rosemary, lanolin and lemon oil. Getting more coastal now I feel. Comments: I couldn't tell you what the biodynamic component is bringing to this, but I am left with the same impression I often get when trying these young, modern, fully ex-bourbon matured Bruichladdichs. That this is top class, impeccably made modern Scottish single malt whisky that has been made with care and skill using top quality ingredients. I tend to prefer the Islay barleys and especially the Bere barley editions, but this one is extremely fine and of similar style and pedigree. A style that's really about freshness I think. SGP: 551 - 88 points. Bruichladdich 29 yo 1991 (41.2%, Club Qing 'Scary Tales', cask #3037, hogshead, 216 bottles) Colour: straw. Nose: lovely and extremely classical! All on ripe melons, honey, guava, kiwi and wee hints of gooseberry and lime. One of those noses that makes you see 'green' in your mind's eye. Some subtle notes of herbal tea and white peppery underneath. Overall, a very gentle but charmingly expressive nose. Mouth: again we are firmly in classical Laddie territory, lots of overripe green and garden fruits, some mashed banana, green apple, a little tart gooseberry and some lemon rinds in green tea. Soft, elegant and still rather close to the raw ingredients with wee hints of sweet cereals and malt extract. Finish: medium, a little sappy, some muesli, persistent green fruitiness and a little runny honey and flower pollen. Comments: the epitome of Bruichladdich's elegance, fruitiness and charm. Just a little more oomph here and there would have propelled it higher. But it's still one of those perilously easy and pleasurable malts to sip away at. SPG: 641 - 88 points. Ledaig 10 yo 2010/2020 (53.7%, Valinch & Mallet 'The Spirit Of Art', cask #700414, bourbon & sherry, 648 bottles) Seemingly some kind of sherry finish. Colour: ruby/mahogany. Nose: a sharp and salty fusion of sherry and peat that prickles with some tart red berry fruits but is also highly dominated by soy sauce, Maggi and nori. Extremely salty and heavily on the saltiest of Dutch liquorice, natural tar resins and drying beach kelp. Also add to the mix some hessian and dried smoked chillis. A beast! With water: more tar, wood resins, smoked paprika, cured meats with smoked chilli and more of this wonderfully sharp and zingy red fruitiness. Mouth: same feeling of quite brilliant saltiness that immediately brings to mind lashings of soy sauce, anchovy paste, smoked mussels and oysters in their brine and then earthier things such as liquid tar, camphor and creel rope. Only thing is the mouth feels textural a little lighter than expected but in a very pleasant way, it's nicely syrupy and easy on the gums, which may be to the softer ABV? With water: brilliantly tarry and salty with some sweeter undercurrents now and also a thick and encroaching peatiness. Finish: long, densely peaty, tarry, full of smoked dark fruits, bitter chocolate, smoked sea salt and umami seasonings. In the aftertaste I find some more grizzly smoky impressions that feel a little more like the modern Ledaig distillate coming through. Comments: what sorcery is this? More specifically, what sort of sherry cask was this finished in, and for how long? I'm also guessing it was probably not flushed before re-racking, although now I sound like a playground gossip. An extremely good young Ledaig that marries together the two forces of sherry and peat with aplomb and in a way that recalls some of the great sherried Ledaigs on the early 1970s. I find it extremely impressive and very fun! Bottle ageing should probably deliver a couple of extra points in around 20-30 years I'd hazard SGP: 576 - 89 points. Ledaig 15 yo 2006/2022 (54.7%, The Whisky Exchange 'Whisky Show 2022', cask #13, sherry butt) Colour: amber. Nose: there's a few of these teenage sherried Ledaigs around at the moment and, I have to say, I generally find them excellent. This one is no exception at first: lots of BBQ coals and smouldering wood embers. Then roof pitch, antiseptic, aniseed and smoked cocoa powder. A sherry and peat combo that dances with class and precision! With water: softer peat smoke, that goes more towards kiln air tinged with farmyard things, sheep wool oils and a gentle mineral aspect. Mouth: big, hearty and tarry with lots of very chiselled, salty and dry peat smoke. Dried kelp, tarred rope, burnt toast, paprika, aniseed distillate and herbal toothpaste. Also some top notch black olives in brine along with anchovy paste and salty liquorice. Globally a very salty style I'd say, that makes you think of some excellent bone-dry Amontillado. With water: brine, tar, pickling juices, roast coffee beans and lashings of German rauchbier. Finish: long, very tarry, on aniseed and salted liquorice again with that sharper peat flavour again in the aftertaste. Some smoked teas as well. Comments: for those that enjoy them big, powerful and without frills or nonsense. I like it a lot, perhaps just a notch more complexity would have nudged it higher for me. SGP: 467 - 87 points. Ledaig 20 yo 1997/2017 (59.9%, Kingsbury 'Or Sileis', cask #800109, hogshead, 243 bottles) Colour: pale amber. Nose: a softer style of sherry, one that's much earthier and 'darker' with a meatiness and funkiness that is almost dirty, but not sulphuric. Many game meats, but I'm particularly thinking of top class Iberico ham, salted almonds, bacon jam and smoked walnuts with drops of Maggi and tar liqueur. I'm enjoying this more and more as it goes along. With water: many dried herbs, more meats with impressions of bouillon, various gravies and Bovril. Also smoked teas and English mustard powder. Mouth: superbly concentrated and oily, with that familiar wave of tar, smoked olive oil, pickling juices, camphor and many tiny wee notes of ointments, iodine and TCP coming through loud and clear. Also some wood saps, salt-baked root vegetables and herbal mouthwash. With water: very much on herbal cough syrups, antiseptics, iodine, TCP and a feeling of concentrated meat stocks and smoked dark teas. Excellent concentration and power while also nicely complex. Finish: long, earthy, nicely drying, salty, tarry and peppery with squid ink, pickled tarragon and iodine in the aftertaste. Comments: I would say it strikes a perfect balance between all the various chunky and muscular components. You just have to like your sherry rather earthy, drying and 'chunky' . I think it works very well in this instance, probably due to the solid age. SGP: 477 - 90 points. Ledaig 25 yo 1997/2022 (52.6%, Club Qing for Thea Tung, cask #800056, hogshead) Colour: bright straw. Nose: fatty, greasy and fermentary smokiness! Pure Ledaig gunge that invokes greasy toolboxes, smouldering sheep wool and various medicinal ointments, pickling juices and quite a lot of farmy stuff like silage and damp bailed hay. A rather sooty and flabby smokiness emerges as well over time. With water: smoked teas, smoked oatmeal, camphor, tiger balm, iodine, smelling salts and putty - quite the box of tricks! Mouth: sharper and more chiselled than on the nose, with kelp, smoked sea salt, iodine and engine oils. Although, globally this is still a very 'dirty' in the good sense whisky. Extremely greasy, fat, oily and farmy with a kind of heavily peated waxiness. Like eating the contents of the Tobermory low wines and feints receiver with a dessert spoon (I imagine). Probably quite a divisive style but I really like it how fun it is. With water: still persistently fatty and greasy, but now incorporating preserved and fermenting lemons, bandages soaked in seawater, mineral oils, smoked yoghurt, olive oil cut with pickling brine and anchovies. Finish: long, tarry with a big, greasy peaty vibe, smoked olive oil and more tar and greasy phenolics. Comments: a crazy whisky, that actually makes you think of a strange love child of Ardmore and Lagavulin that you'd keep in the attic and only let out at Halloween. Seriously though, this is no doubt a divisive whisky and very hard to score. But I really like it, so SGP: 477 - 88-ish points. Back to Islay Laphroaig Cairdeas 'Warehouse 1' (52.2%, OB, 2022) Fully matured in bourbon barrels inside Laphroaig's Warehouse 1. Remember, you aren't a proper Islay distillery these days unless you have a world famous warehouse Colour: pale straw. Nose: very fresh and coastal and zippy at first nosing. This rather typical modern Laphroaig ashiness, but there's also some brighter tones of citrus, coal smoke and embrocations. Perhaps a little ink too, and in time some more hallmark notes of iodine and TCP. Bish bash bosh, very good. With water: pure olive brine with lemon juice and mercurochrome now. Mouth: rather limey up front, lime and lemon curds, acidic grapefruit juice, green peppercorns in brine and anchovy paste. Very salty and vividly coastal. Laphroaig seem good at this kind of uncomplicated, gutsy and highly evocative profile for their larger batch festival releases. At least, when they aren't tinkering with ridiculous amounts of silly oak doping. With water: a notch more complexity now with a more intricate smokiness, some salted liquorice and smoked teas. A little herbal too. Finish: quite long, ashy, smoky, briny and showing iodine, TCP and bandages once again. Comments: simple, probably quite young and certainly humble. But at the same time this is excellent core distillate that still possesses quite a definite distillery character. The kind of juice you could easily guzzle on a summer evening on Islay, while simultaneously applying it to your bare skin in an attempt to fend off the midgies. Only thing I'd say is that, even if the youngest component is 5yo, why not simply add an age statement to a bottling like this? SGP: 357 - 86 points. Laphroaig 18 yo 1990/2008 (56%, The Whisky Agency, hogshead, 240 bottles) Reasonably high expectations here Colour: straw. Nose: many elegant things. Coal smoke, bandages, squid ink, umami paste, pink grapefruit and various subtle ointments and touches of gentian. With time this sense of roots and medicines becomes more dominant, also more bandages, gauze and waxy citrus rinds. With water: smoked olive oils, preserved lemons in brine, pickled mussels and grapefruit again. Lovely but maybe just ever so slightly simple. Mouth: nice sense of controlled power upon arrival. Lots of seawater and salty liquorice but shored up by a soft and thick smokiness, tangy peat, white pepper and touches of fish sauce and anchovy butter. Some dried seaweed and nori as well. With water: a lovely fatness comes out now, oilier and thicker in texture with a deeper and drier peat smoke flavour. Kelp, tarry rope and iodine all coming through. Finish: long, ashy, briny, full of smoked olive oil, pickling juices and lemon oils. Comments: emblematic of this era and extremely good. Maybe just lacking a little complexity, which would have propelled it past the 90 mark. SGP: 367 - 89 points. November 11, 2022 The Time Warp Sessions, today raw Speyburn A session sponsored by Fiddler's Highland Restaurant, The Green Mainstreet, Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6TU, United Kingdom. That'll be a beer, Jon. Speyburn 12 yo 2009/2021 (51.8%, Alambic Classique, bourbon barrel, cask #21013, 142 bottles) Colour: white wine. Nose: as raw and natural as malt whisky can be, that is to say totally on 'barley eau-de-vie', lager, kirschwasser, bison vodka, artisan cider and granny smith. No makeup whatsoever. With water: some chalk and fresh plaster, raw wool, cider apples Mouth (neat): distilled lager. Believe me, I've done that quite some years ago. Porridge, gooseberries, apples, cider, kirshwasser, and only distant echoes of vanilla. With water: barley, apples, stewed rhubarb, sweet bread. Millimetrically seminal, shall we shamelessly add. Finish: medium, malty, a notch grassier but always very eau-de-vie-ish. A little lemon in the aftertaste. Comments: not earthshattering, should we add 'of course', but extremely likable. Pure malt. SGP:451 - 83 points. Speyburn-Glenlivet 15 yo 1975/1991 (63.1%, Cadenhead, Authentic Collection) Reassuringly 'matured in an oak cask', as always. Always better said. We've stumbled upon quite a lot of perfect rocket fuel within this series, let's see And by the way, it's to be noted that there was also a stunning 'black dumpy' bearing exactly the same data, but not sure it was the same batch. One of the best Speyburns ever bottled. Colour: white wine. Nose: there are many similarities, around apples and eau-de-vie, but there are also extra-layers of waxes, metal polish and limoncello, plus some old chartreuse. With water: incredible, taking water gracefully. Fresh paint, more limoncello, chalk, some camphor, old cough syrup, Benedictine Were some monks running Speyburn Distillery in 1975? Mouth (neat): burns a bit but you do feel that this is going to be perfect, with an incredible oily texture that doesn't only come from the high ethanol. Some sublime old-school herbal liqueurs kept in stoneware, plus chalk and, indeed, homemade limoncello. Every tried grapefruitcello? Or pompelmocello? (not sure that's the real name). With water: amen. More chalky pompelmocello (just checked Google, that's an actual name!) Finish: very long, with even more herbs and citrus, waxes, honeys, eucalyptus Comments: it could well be that it was the same liquid as that that was in that stunning black dumpy 1975/1991 at 63.1%. Terrific Speyburn by Cadenhead. Excuse me, Speyburn-Glenlivet. SGP:571 - 92 points. (Many thanks, Tomek!) Check the index of all Speyburn we've tasted so far November 10, 2022 Highland Shhh, quite a few So, secret Orkneys and consorts, of which there are hectolitres around. Shall we find a Scapa? In our wildest dreams, we would stumble upon a Stromness Whitlaw 9 yo 2013/2022 (59.2%, Signatory Vintage for La Maison du Whisky, Plume, first fill sherry, 671 bottles) The name of this lovely series being plume, which means feather in French, we cannot not wonder whether this will be featherlight or not. Doubt it. Colour: dark red amber. Nose: some extremely chocolaty sherriness. Imagine we would be nosing a family pack of Mars bars. Indeed, caramel, chocolate, and that kind of mousse, plus black nougat, peanut brittle and halva. With water: red apples and a little pepper and carbon dust. Some heavy sour wine, old cellar, dunnage Mouth (neat): it is a liquid Mars bar. Werther's Originals and black turon are playing around as well. With water: excellent, with once again, more earthiness and pepper. Finish: long, more savoury. Gravy, chocolate sauce Leathery aftertaste. Comments: I'm not sure I would have said 'HP', as the sherry was really heavy, but it is a very fine dram. Impressive changes when you add water. SGP:462 - 85 points. Orkney 11 yo 2011/2022 (50%, Thompson Bros., 406 bottles) Colour: white wine. Nose: lovely, as expected, full of grist and chalk, wool and mud, apple peel and juice, seawater and crabs, and certainly some peat smoke, way in the back. With water: more apple peel and more seaweed, I would say. More raw wool too, right after sheep shearing on Orkney or Islay. Mouth (neat): more coastal, more mezcaly, peatier than your average HP, with green olives, smoke, oysters and capers. Disconcertingly excellent. With water: a pretty peaty batch. More salt, smoke, oysters and chalk than usual. Finish: same. Wonderful freshness and tightness. Comments: ah, there, I'm seeing that this baby was finished in an ex-Caol Ila cask, so it's in-cask blending. Nothing against that kind of short-circuit, as long as the end result is as good as this. I think Douglas Laing were having a 'Double-Barrel' that was a bit like this. SGP:454 - 87 points. Orkney islands 14 yo 2008/2022 (60.8%, Fadandel.dk, refill bourbon hogshead, cask #12, 321 bottles) Colour: pale white wine. Nose: you couldn't do this with most Scottish malts, bottling some virtually unaged quasi-newmake and come up with something pretty lovely, albeit raw and rustic. Having said that, there isn't much happening but that may be the high ABV. Mind you, almost 61%. With water: not too sure Chalk and porridge and mud and grist for sure, but beyond that White cherries? Mouth (neat): sweet barley, some earth, some smoke, some lemon, some cider apples, some chilli. With water: we've finally unleashed the HPness, with tangerine skins, zests, citrusy honey, chalk Finish: long, classic ueber-young HP. It takes it because it is HP. Comments: a good example of a make that may have needed reduction, down to 50 or even 46%, if I may. Forgot to say, I like it rather a lot. Colour: pale white wine. Nose: you couldn't do this with most Scottish malts, bottling some virtually unaged quasi-newmake and come up with something pretty lovely, albeit raw and rustic. Having said that, there isn't much happening but that may be the high ABV. Mind you, almost 61%. With water: not too sure Chalk and porridge and mud and grist for sure, but beyond that White cherries? Mouth (neat): sweet barley, some earth, some smoke, some lemon, some cider apples, some chilli. With water: we've finally unleashed the HPness, with tangerine skins, zests, citrusy honey, chalk Finish: long, classic ueber-young HP. It takes it because it is HP. Comments: a good example of a make that may have needed reduction, down to 50 or even 46%, if I may. Forgot to say, I like it rather a lot. SGP:462 - 83 points. Orkney 15 yo 2007/2022 (59.7%, North Star Spirits, oloroso hogshead, 328 bottles) I don't know why I cannot get Northern Lights by the band Renaissance out of my head whenever I try some whisky by North Star Spirits. Check it out, Annie Haslam has got one of the greatest voices in rock and roll. De nada. Colour: gold. Nose: it's a moderate, gentler sherry monster, rather on softer walnuts, walnut cake, pecan pie, mocha and espresso, black nougat All that elegantly, almost diminuendo. With water: mud and grist, ground malt, earth, even game, mushrooms (horns of plenty) and Italian black cigars (Toscano ans such). Mouth (neat): a fighter on the palate, but that's the strength. Raw kirsch, bitter walnuts and leather Well at least it's truly oloroso-y. With water: yeah, there, mud, earth, chewing your cigars, drinking walnut cordial, sipping extreme moka Finish: as long as a day without bread, with a lot of black malt, black Belgian beer (I remember a Rochefort) Comments: huge. Love it but it is a little unromantic (wha-a-at?) And I agree Renaissance could get a little schmaltzy. SGP:362 - 89 points. Secret Orkney 2007/2022 (50.8%, Michiel Wigman, They Inspired) Sukhinder Sing on the label here, while another one bearing a much lousier so-called whisky personality whom I know only too well, a Glentauchers, came out at the very same time. Go for Sukhinder! Colour: light gold. Nose: back to the purer, more crystalline ones, at times you could almost believe they've used fresh cane juice. Sea breeze, beach sand, kelp It is a pretty maritime HP. With water: plastics and varnishes, Woolite, baker's yeast, porridge, in short, an all-natural HP. Mouth (neat): class, lemons, zests, menthol, gentian, barley, samphires With water: better yet, a tad rounder, more candied, with zests, angelica, dried pears Finish: medium to long, with more smoke, straight peat, smoked kippers Did we move to Islay? Comments: awesome, if a little swirling and fluttering here and there. Something may have happened prior to bottling. SGP:452 - 88 points. Orkney Islands 15 yo 2007/2022 (52.3%, Maltbarn for 15th anniversary of EPower, Japan, bourbon cask, 143 bottles) There's a constant, albeit thin stream of great bottlings stemming from Maltbarn. Quality over quantity, I would suppose (well, that's what I've noticed). Colour: white wine. Nose: pure, crystalline, coastal, peely, paraffiny HP. The ones we like best, unless we're talking old glories. With water: holy Molly! A Chinese laundry and a lot of plaster. Mouth (neat): salt, lime juice, cider apples, seawater, olive brine, wax and, err, well, mezcal (insert Carlos Santana's rendition of A Whiter Shade Of Pale here another earworm). With water: perfect, as long as you wouldn't add too much water. Best friend, worst enemy, remember. Gets saltier. Finish: long, salty, chiselled, calling for a plate of oysters. Comments: a bladey, unsexy, austere HP, the ones we like best. But remember, personal taste etcetera. There's a constant, albeit thin stream of great bottlings stemming from Maltbarn. Quality over quantity, I would suppose (well, that's what I've noticed). Colour: white wine. Nose: pure, crystalline, coastal, peely, paraffiny HP. The ones we like best, unless we're talking old glories. With water: holy Molly! A Chinese laundry and a lot of plaster. Mouth (neat): salt, lime juice, cider apples, seawater, olive brine, wax and, err, well, mezcal (insert Carlos Santana's rendition of A Whiter Shade Of Pale here another earworm). With water: perfect, as long as you wouldn't add too much water. Best friend, worst enemy, remember. Gets saltier. Finish: long, salty, chiselled, calling for a plate of oysters. Comments: a bladey, unsexy, austere HP, the ones we like best. But remember, personal taste etcetera. SGP:362 - 90 points. Orkney Single Malt 13 yo 2007/2020 (51.3%, Whisky-Fassle, hogshead) Only ducks and no duds, that could be Whisky-Fassle's motto. Our favourite ducks in the business. Colour: white wine. Nose: immediate. That honey, those herbs, this citrus. This will be quick. With water: wool, grist, chalk, granny smith, white peaches, heather. Mouth (neat): nothing to argue about. Lemons, chalk, green apples, paraffin With water: some salt, lemon, green apples, a little smoke, oysters In truth this is one of the saltiest HPs we've tried this week. And we've tried many. Finish: rather long, clean, salty Comments: but whether duck or goose, what a distillate! Also one of the best. SGP:452 - 89 points. A Secret Orkney 16 yo 2006/2022 (48.2%, Wu Dram Clan, bourbon hogshead, 150 bottles) Colour: white wine. Nose: one of the most fermentary ones, all on leaven, fresh bread, baker's yeast, new sweater, ink, drawing gum, linseed oil and new Tesla. I agree I need to apologise, new Porsche would be better, but there's much less plastic in Porsches. With water: closes down. No waterz please. Mouth (neat): tight, citrus-led, pretty hoppy, pungent. With water: No waterz please. Finish: rather long, citrusy, salty and herbal. Comments: this one was hard to control. Another case of the whisky being the boss, I mean, f***!. Tough baby that's playing it close to the vest. SGP:362 - 87 points. They're all excellent, the spirit speaks out, only whacky red wine casks or other winey oddities for lazy distillers marketers could put an end to this rather perfect stroll. Orkney 16 yo 2006/2022 (57.1%, Thompson Bros. for Milroy's of Soho, refill hogshead, 280 bottles) Wallace and Jack's Milroy's of Soho was, and still is the seminal place for whisky in London. I mean, whenever we used to fly to London, and instead of the British Museum or Harrod's, we would have first taken a black cab to Milroy's (and, let's be honest, to the nearby Vintage House). Colour: white wine. Nose: more austere, paraffiny, grassy, leafy HP. Certainly not the easiest this far. With water: yeast, dough, grist, porridge. Elementary HP. Mouth (neat): no, sweeter, fruitier, very waxy, still a little brutal but that's the strength. With water: success, we've unleashed plums. Finish: rather long, grassy, with a saltier aftertaste. Comments: one of those austere HPs. We love them at WF Towerz, but we agree they're not consensual at all. They're very tough babies, be warned. SGP:362 - 87 points. Orkney 16 yo 2006/2022 (57.1%, Orkney Sponge, refill hogshead, 342 bottles) The Whisky Sponge on Orkney. Colour: light gold. Nose: panettone, dough, crushed banana, grist, fresh white bread, strawberry yoghurt. Strawberries are playing a rather interlope game with malt whisky, just wander around Port Ellen Maltings and you'll notice. With water: white toasts. It wouldn't really expand; water may be superfluous here. Mouth (neat): powerful, citrusy, pleasantly bitter, hoppy, peppery. With water: back to great HPness, with citrons, grist, chalk, doughs, and salty elements. Peppered langoustines, perhaps? (although that would lead to murder and desolation). Finish: long, salty, doughy; this one too is an HP that's got its eyes on the Isle of Islay. Comments: the huge saltiness is impressive. Quite possibly one of the saltiest Highland Parks we've tried this far. SGP:462 - 88 points. Further down the vintages Secret Orkney Distillery 17 yo 2004/2022 (49.4%, Whisky Nerds, butt, cask #13, 248 bottles) Isn't all this becoming silly? I mean, a secret Orkney Distillery? Something by Putin? Loukachenko? Kim Jong-un? King Charles III? Colour: gold. Nose: another pretty austere one, grassy, on fern, parsley, agave juice, grapefruit skin With water: there, raw wool, chalk and porridge. And waxed paper, and cold candles. Mouth (neat): grassy and waxy, salty, peppery, really big. With water: dry, slightly cardboardy, gristy, faintly muddy. Finish: medium, dry, slightly cardboardy, with strawberries in the aftertaste (again!) Comments: all right, all fine, close to our nature. SGP:462 - 87 points. A last one please, down to the roaring nineties An Orkney 21 yo 1999/2021 (53%, The Whisky Agency for Whisky Picnic Bar Taiwan, bourbon hogshead, cask #7033, 242 bottles) A Lorraine Cross on a whisky label, why wouldn't we applaud? Colour: light gold. Nose: there's this perfect moment when ripe bananas would chime in, together with a high-pitched lemonness. As we're rather into musical analogies, let's say stuff by the band Pavlov's Dog. Under 60? Check that. Whaff. With water: not quite worth it, water doesn't add anything to this already great combination. Mouth (neat): so very good, stunningly leafy, teaish, spicy, herbal But indeed it needs water now. With water: yeah good, very elegant, with small herbs, even smaller berries and fruits, resins, waxes Finish: long, piney, grassier, austere, intellectual (wie bitte?) Comments: yeah, it's an intellectual Highland Park, somewhere between Wittgenstein and Nietzsche (wie bitte?) A Lorraine Cross on a whisky label, why wouldn't we applaud? Colour: light gold. Nose: there's this perfect moment when ripe bananas would chime in, together with a high-pitched lemonness. As we're rather into musical analogies, let's say stuff by the band Pavlov's Dog. Under 60? Check that. Whaff. With water: not quite worth it, water doesn't add anything to this already great combination. Mouth (neat): so very good, stunningly leafy, teaish, spicy, herbal But indeed it needs water now. With water: yeah good, very elegant, with small herbs, even smaller berries and fruits, resins, waxes Finish: long, piney, grassier, austere, intellectual (wie bitte?) Comments: yeah, it's an intellectual Highland Park, somewhere between Wittgenstein and Nietzsche (wie bitte?) SGP:462 - 88 points. Wait, couldn't we have a very last one, since we're here? Orkney 22 yo 1999/2022 (47%, Thompson Bros. for Bar Shamrock and Heather Honey, Japan, refill hogshead, 188 bottles) I truly admire these young folks, the Thompsons, the Sponge, Jonny and others, as only ten years ago, nobody up there in Scotchland used to even remotely care about anything related to Scotch whisky. To our amazement, everything was only about vulgar, multinational-wide, nasty, inelegant, dirty, stinky, no-morals business. But things they are changing Colour: white wine. Nose: candle smoke, sunflower oil, baguette (that's proper bread, no?) plus grapefruits and just fresh-mown lawn. Kelp on the beach and damp plaster. Mouth: a tad difficult, salty, very fermentary, peppery, lemony, grassy, tough And perfect. You just have to like them extremely grassy, peppery, rooty, tough, Jansenist, almost masochistic and barely explainable. No surprise that some friends in glorious Japan would have selected this very tough baby. Finish: yeah, as I said. Comments: who said whiskies had to be easy and even (sometimes) woreish? I truly admire these young folks, the Thompsons, the Sponge, Jonny and others, as only ten years ago, nobody up there in Scotchland used to even remotely care about anything related to Scotch whisky. To our amazement, everything was only about vulgar, multinational-wide, nasty, inelegant, dirty, stinky, no-morals business. But things they are changing Colour: white wine. Nose: candle smoke, sunflower oil, baguette (that's proper bread, no?) plus grapefruits and just fresh-mown lawn. Kelp on the beach and damp plaster. Mouth: a tad difficult, salty, very fermentary, peppery, lemony, grassy, tough And perfect. You just have to like them extremely grassy, peppery, rooty, tough, Jansenist, almost masochistic and barely explainable. No surprise that some friends in glorious Japan would have selected this very tough baby. Finish: yeah, as I said. Comments: who said whiskies had to be easy and even (sometimes) woreish? SGP:262 - 88 points. Pretty much grouped fire this trime again - no surprise. As we used to say, CU. Oh by the way, just noticed that that one was my 18,000th whisky review. Not that that's very important, is it. -S. November 9, 2022 Quite a few disclosed Highland Park We wrote 'disclosed' because there are many more 'Secret Orkneys' or 'Whitlaws' or 'St Magnus Delights' or else around these days. But we'll try some of those later (picture Sigrid Storrada, wikipedia) Highland Park 'Cask Strength Batch 3' (64.1%, OB, 2022) This brand-new baby that was bottled at rocket fuel strength, just like its predecessor will you say, is ex-first Fill sherry American and European oak. Colour: gold. Nose: it is a meaty, grassy, slightly metallic sherry, which makes it really rustic and robust on the nose. Now at 64% vol., anything will be robust. With water: only few changes, it remains grassy, slightly fermentary, with some ale, walnuts, some raw chocolate, ham It is less honeyed than last year's C/S. Mouth (neat): sweet and pungent at the same time, with some leather, hay, walnut skins, pureed chestnuts, cured ham, peppery oak Robust and rustic indeed! Water is absolutely obligatory in this context. With water: there, the fruits are coming out, first bitter oranges, then bitterer apples, plus some triple-sec and always these walnuts, as well as bitterer vegetables, around our good friends the artichokes and eggplants, not to mention Baldrick's turnips. Finish: long, still leathery and a little bittersweet. Some welcome raisins in the aftertaste. Comments: I like my HPs more al natural, but this one's good for sure, if a little rustic and robust indeed. For the hipflask with a skull, bones and an Harley logo. SGP:452 - 83 points. Highland Park 13 yo 2008/2021 'Sigrid Storrada' (66.5%, OB, for Poland, first fill European oak sherry butt, cask #2530, 652 bottles) Brought back from the very excellent Whisky Live Festival Warsaw, a single cask for lovely Poland. As for the strength, no comments, I may just call my lawyer before we proceed By the way and according to wikipedia, Sigrid Storrada, a.k.a. Swietos?awa (968-1014) was a Polish-born queen of Sweden and Denmark. Colour: dark red amber. Nose: hectolitres of walnut wine and stain in your glass, plus similar amounts of coffee, as well as some damp black garden peat. That's pretty all this far, because I wouldn't try 'too hard'. But with water: long story short, it is a double espresso with a few drops of armagnac. Say the Gascon way (50% coffee, 50% armagnac). Mouth (neat): black Corinth currants, prunes, tamarind jam, ganache, pipe tobacco, more walnut wine, Fernet Branca Those sorts of things. With water: back to civilisation, with honey, raisins, chestnut puree, touches of chilli, marmalade and armagnac indeed. Very good, but you really need a pipette. Finish: long, drier, rather on unsweetened coffee, pipe tobacco, clove and bitter chocolate (Wedel's, naturally). Some saltiness in the aftertaste. Comments: we had a blast in Warsaw a few days ago. This is just a tiny, yet excellent example, a dark HP that never stopped improving in the glass and that took water without flinching. Cheers Piotr and Jarek, and na zdrowie! SGP:562 - 89 points. Highland Park 30 yo (45.2%, OB, 2667 bottles, Spring 2019) We've never tried this batch, however we've tried many earlier 30s, all bottled at 48.1%. Always stunning stuff in my book, but let's see how this one will survive the sherry monster from Poland... Colour: gold, so a rather lighter colour given the age. Nose: subtle and delicate, rather on branches, leaves, herbs and vegetal oils, as well as mosses, fern, fresh mushrooms, pinecones and nuts. Fresh-crushed hazelnuts, almond milk, some hay, perhaps one tiny cigarillo, then old manzanilla, seawater, and perhaps one tiny drop of raspberry liqueur in the end. Good fun, that. Mouth: some resemblances and some differences. There's this subtle leafiness that would include resins and tobacco, but also more fruits, around apricots and quinces, coated with the trademark heather honey. That part is rather reminiscent of Highland Park of old. Tends to become earthier after a short while, and then we're back on manzanilla, walnuts, tobacco and pine resin. Finish: raisins chiming in, old rancio, and stronger honey such as chestnut. Comments: you do feel the oak and yet it never gets oaky. Excellent old-style Highland Park that you could have with food, such as foie gras. Or perhaps Parmesan cheese? But beware, it goes down fast and as some friends would say, 'it would tend to evaporate faster than others'. SGP:452 - 90 points. After the 30, there's the 40 Highland Park 40 yo (43.2%, OB, Spring 2019) The last official HP 40 I've tried had been bottled around 2008 (WF 91 despite a generous amount of oak). Let me salute Sir Martin of Highland Park, a great man of whisky and the best ambassador any whisky brand could ever dream of. Colour: deep gold. Nose: oh! There are echoes of the 1960s, of 'the' John Goodwin, of the St Magnus labels, of the black dumpies round black labels Do you see what I mean? That would translate into this very specific, some would say idiosyncratic, kind of honeyed meaty fruitiness that you wouldn't find in any other makes. Old Sauternes, preserved peaches with a little mint, old mead, earthy charcuterie, softer tobacco, chartreuse and verbena liqueur, with also a little caraway (but caraway may stem from the wood, we shall see) Mouth: when tasting them, always remember that very old spirits are very old (bravo, S.!) Some moist fruitcake (Alsatian beerawecka), some very delicate teaishness that's bordering on, well, old oak, old sweet wines, marsalas, malagas Several honeys, not just heather or clover, old cognac (but again, remember old malts and old brandies do tend to converge), dried fruits and jams, figs, sultanas It is just dazzling and would just never falter, at any moment. Finish: perhaps not the longest ever, but it's aligning dried fruits and old sweet wines as if on parade. Comments: no surprise here, it is perfect Highland Park. Some would say that we're having the one-million times cheaper official 10 yo at WF 90, which is true, but they're discontinuing that 10 yo. Good things never last. SGP:551 - 92 points. Shall we add some indies, and do that retro-vertically?... Highland Park 20 yo 1997/2018 (55.8%, Hunter Laing, The First Editions, refill hogshead, cask #HL 14625, 286 bottles) We shall expect something tenser. A 18 yo 1997 (HL 12099) had been splendid (WF 90). Colour: gold. Nose: exactly. Sunflower oil, stearin, wool, engine oil, oyster shells, chalk, suet, grist You see. With water: more chalk, grist and wool, less of the rest. More porridge too, this is some perfect breakfast drink (rather than champagne or sekt, as they do in eastern Europe). Mouth (neat): apple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, rhubarb juice, tangerines, grapefruits, two raisins, one dollop of heather honey. With water: what a distillate. Water makes it fatter and brings out more honey and beeswax as a consequence. Finish: long, both tight/vertical and rather fat, which is pretty much oxymoronic, I agree. Comments: one of these whiskies you could score without even opening the bottle. Make + vintage + bottler + wood, that's almost all you need; but I hereby solemnly swear that we'll never do that, cross my heart. SGP:552 - 90 points. Highland Park 10 yo 2011/2022 (64.2%, The Whisky Blues, hogshead, cask #15, 261 bottles) Awesome label here; the pedigree doesn't sound too bad either, but isn't this just another lethal strength? Let me call my lawyer back Colour: pale white wine. Nose: it's a killer, it's extremely close to the distillate, while we all know that the distillate is perfect. Wax and grist and seawater and lemon and stuff. We shan't go on, we need our nose. With water: mezcal, chalk, seawater, oysters, varnish, grist, porridge. Enough said (even if lemons are missing). Mouth (neat): extraordinary rocket fuel. Elon M. should have bought Highland Park instead of Twitter. With water: top five distillate, no doubt, while there's a funny Cynelishness in here. Granny smith, paraffin, lemons (there) and bitterer leaves in the background. This is where it's missing the 90-mark. Finish: long, a notch spirity, but otherwise perfect. Barley sugar. Comments: could be that this one should have gone to 12 or 15, it is still a wee tad wobbly. But, yeah, brilliant distillate, maybe to be cellared for 30 additional years? SGP:551 - 88 points. Maybe a last one Highland Park 5 yo 2015/2021 (59.7, Joecy and Or Sileis, oloroso octave, cask #565B) Colour: white wine, so no first fill oloroso for sure. Nose: some younger yet HP, so probably more immature, at a pretty high strength. Wool, porridge, chalk, flour, bakers' yeast, fresh baguette and leaven bread. With water: mud, chalk, porridge, wool, iodine, beach sand, rainwater, carbolineum. Mouth (neat): classy distillate, fruitier here, with cherry drops, Kriek, oranges, marshmallows, varnish Much youth for sure. With water: same. Finish: rather long, kirschy, eau-de-vie-ish. Comments: great distillate, bottled when a little too young if you ask me. But better wait than dump into very active wood (STR or else) when the spirit is this classy (but that's not my business, naturally) Colour: white wine, so no first fill oloroso for sure. Nose: some younger yet HP, so probably more immature, at a pretty high strength. Wool, porridge, chalk, flour, bakers' yeast, fresh baguette and leaven bread. With water: mud, chalk, porridge, wool, iodine, beach sand, rainwater, carbolineum. Mouth (neat): classy distillate, fruitier here, with cherry drops, Kriek, oranges, marshmallows, varnish Much youth for sure. With water: same. Finish: rather long, kirschy, eau-de-vie-ish. Comments: great distillate, bottled when a little too young if you ask me. But better wait than dump into very active wood (STR or else) when the spirit is this classy (but that's not my business, naturally) SGP:551 - 83 points. Next time, secret ones! Check the index of all Highland Park we've tasted so far November 8, 2022 Little duos, today Deanston once more Deanston is one of those names that we love to try pretty often, probably more so than bigger names that don't always have much to say. Because remember, we try whisky, we don't try labels (yeah yeah) Deanston 21 yo 2000/2022 'Organic Whisky' (50.9%, OB, 2784 bottles) Organic malt whisky matured in organic bourbon casks and finished in organic fino sherry casks. Probably not something very easy to do, especially with ex-solera sherry unless that would have been 'anada' (single vintage) sherry instead. Colour: deep gold. Nose: there's really a lot of fino, as if the finishing casks had been 'extremely wet'. But naturally, that could not be. Basically, that translates into chalk and walnuts, bone-dry, almost acidic white wine, apple peel, a little curry, a little mustard, and a little fudge. The fino's having the lead guitar, on the other hand we just loooove good fino. With water: a curious sulphur-like touch at first, then old Jerez vinegar, musty old cellar, curry indeed, miso, malt extracts and a lot of chalk. Mouth (neat): huge fino indeed, plus pepper, heavy marmalade, chutneys, dried pears, and walnut wines and liqueurs. You could have said 'this is nocino', amigo. With water: back to maltiness, liquorice, amontillado rather than fino, chocolaty walnuts, chalk Finish: very long, very bitter-sour, with walnuts running the show, for good. Comments: feels a little unnatural here and there, but Nature is sometimes overrated (what???) What's sure is that it is very Jerezian and probably not for everyone. I'm on the right side. By the way, I remember a 2013 'The Union Exclusive' that was also organic and ex-fino, and very good too (WF 85). SGP:372 - 87 points. Back to nature. Deanston 13 yo 2008/2022 (57.7%, Whisky Age for Whisky Picnic Bar and O'my Bar, bourbon barrel, cask #185, 179 bottles) Colour: white wine. Nose: it is almost hilarious, in a good way of course, to try such a pure, immaculate malt after a much more, say made-up counterpart. It's almost as if Iggy Pop's brother were a clergyman, well, I mean, you get the idea. So, pure apples, pears, barley, beer, bread and vanilla, plus cut celeriac and gentian. With water: more beer, paraffin, bread, nut oils Mouth (neat): pure pear cider, plums, biscuits, assorted fruit drops, sweet beer, vanilla, drops of barley syrup, toffee apple, boiled sweets With water: more bitter leaves, Campari, ginger, turmeric Rather bizarrely, water made it bigger. Finish: rather long, sweeter and fruitier when neat, leafy and bitterish when reduced. Mezcaly aftertaste (when reduced). Comments: Distillers would have asked for more selling points (read woods, wines etc.) They would have been wrong, it is an excellent malt.. Colour: white wine. Nose: it is almost hilarious, in a good way of course, to try such a pure, immaculate malt after a much more, say made-up counterpart. It's almost as if Iggy Pop's brother were a clergyman, well, I mean, you get the idea. So, pure apples, pears, barley, beer, bread and vanilla, plus cut celeriac and gentian. With water: more beer, paraffin, bread, nut oils Mouth (neat): pure pear cider, plums, biscuits, assorted fruit drops, sweet beer, vanilla, drops of barley syrup, toffee apple, boiled sweets With water: more bitter leaves, Campari, ginger, turmeric Rather bizarrely, water made it bigger. Finish: rather long, sweeter and fruitier when neat, leafy and bitterish when reduced. Mezcaly aftertaste (when reduced). Comments: Distillers would have asked for more selling points (read woods, wines etc.) They would have been wrong, it is an excellent malt.. SGP:551 - 86 points. Check the index of all Deanston we've tasted so far November 7, 2022 In search of the perfect Aberfeldy There Serge, that is a proper headline! Aberfeldy 15 yo 'Napa Valley' (43%, OB, batch #2922/B, +/-2022) It's hard not to laugh, to me at least. Apparently, someone's decided that it would be a good idea to finish a 15 yo Aberfeldy, probably just fine, in some 'Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from the Napa Valley'. And French oak, I suppose. I mean, beyond the tastes, imagine the carbon footprint. Do they then export this to San Francisco? To Sausalito's bourgeoisie, you say? Colour: apricot. Nose: naturally, they are not stupid (of course they aren't), you do not feel the red wine upfront, you rather get fruitcakes, dried apricots, then heather honey and, indeed, some strawberry jam and marshmallows. At this point, we're still fine (even if I'd love some regular Aberfeldy instead) Mouth: starts okay, then falls apart, killed by red berries and oak spices. Blackcurrants, never such a good idea in whisky, if you ask this very humble little taster. Clafoutis, Mon Cheri, green pepper, leaves, cherry stems Pass. Finish: medium, leafy, bitterish, some chocolate in the aftertaste kind of saves it, though. Those Mon Cheri again. Comments: it's not that it's utterly bad, it's that it's not needed. But then again and again, only one man's opinion. SGP:651 - 79 points. Aberfeldy 18 yo 'Tuscan Red Wine' (43%, OB, batch #2922/A, +/-2022) Phew, they're on a stroll! Tuscan, that would mean either Sangiovese (great), or Bordeaux blend a.k.a. Super-Tuscan (bad, well just watch the movie Mondovino again). Now on the label, there is a drawing of a little cask that says 'Bolgheri', which suggests a Bx Blend ala Sassicaia indeed. Bad news, I never managed to finish a bottle of Sassicaia Or of Ornellaia for that matter Colour: apricot. Nose: this time again, it starts gently, on cakes, brioches, crema catalana But fruity teas and red berries are approaching. Some earthiness too, which I find nice. All in all, a nice nose, not too winey. Not winey at all, actually. But careful Mouth: let's remain honest, this is okayish at first, even if the whole's unbalanced and too spicy. Everything goes pear-shaped after that, disjointed, bitter, and un-Scotch. Finish: medium, unpleasant, bitter, sour. Comments: makes illusion for a few seconds, then falls apart. Why do so many brands torture and torment their own makes like this these days? Phew, they're on a stroll! Tuscan, that would mean either Sangiovese (great), or Bordeaux blend a.k.a. Super-Tuscan (bad, well just watch the movie Mondovino again). Now on the label, there is a drawing of a little cask that says 'Bolgheri', which suggests a Bx Blend ala Sassicaia indeed. Bad news, I never managed to finish a bottle of Sassicaia Or of Ornellaia for that matter Colour: apricot. Nose: this time again, it starts gently, on cakes, brioches, crema catalana But fruity teas and red berries are approaching. Some earthiness too, which I find nice. All in all, a nice nose, not too winey. Not winey at all, actually. But careful Mouth: let's remain honest, this is okayish at first, even if the whole's unbalanced and too spicy. Everything goes pear-shaped after that, disjointed, bitter, and un-Scotch. Finish: medium, unpleasant, bitter, sour. Comments: makes illusion for a few seconds, then falls apart. Why do so many brands torture and torment their own makes like this these days? SGP:451 - 72 points. The good news is that you can always count on the indies Aberfeldy 7 yo 2014/2021 (57.7%, Cut Your Wolf Loose, refill hogshead, 266 bottles) Some fun, at last! Aren't we also tired of faux Victorian designs? Colour: white wine. Nose: there, some barley, some bread, some cakes, some shortbread, some butterscotch, cappuccino, mocha, latte Everything! With water: same, almost. Mouth (neat): it instantly kills the two red-wined OBs, but that was to be expected. Then we have panettone (panettone, back on WF!) and cornflakes, mead, honey cake, makrouts, Turkish delights, pistachio nougat, candied bergamots With water: very good, malty, fresh, a tad bitter here and there, perhaps. Some ale and some liquorice wood. Finish: long, otherwise not particularly noticeable, but it does call for the next dram (of the same whisky). Comments: malt whisky as in malt whisky, and Aberfeldy as in Aberfeldy, not as in lousy self-appointed Super-Tuscans. Oh forgot to say, and I'm quoting some PR here, 'each bottle is labelled with custom artwork by London-based graffiti artist Tom Blackford. The labels depict a 'rambunctious' seagull dressed in 'informal attire'. Well, as long as it's fun SGP:551 - 86 points. November 6, 2022 Quite a few more rums At random, as always, and starting with a wee aperitif, as often Batavia Arrack 'By The Dutch' (46%, OB, Indonesia, finished in Cognac, +/-2022) Nicknamed 'The World's First Luxury Spirit' (by the owners, while we had thought that was Dalmore), this Indonesian rum distilled from molasses in pot stills is stemming from the island of Java. This baby's said to be 8 yo, while 'Batavia' is Jakarta's ancient name. Some say they use some ex-red rice yeast but I'm really not sure. Colour: white wine. Nose: somewhere between a Cuban and a cachaca, I would say, with an herbaceous lightness that's certainly not unpleasant, plus some liquorice wood and bits of sawn pinewood. I find this pleasant. Mouth: same grassiness, notes of cane juice indeed, the whole being very dry, then evolving towards something like moutai? Not too sure. It is not your 'average' rum for sure. Finish: medium, with a salty touch and, indeed, echoes of sake. No, really. Comments: it is not a very bold rum, but I would guess some single casks selected by good bottlers would be interesting to try. Who would take up the challenge? SGP:351 - 77 points. French Antilles 2021/2022 'Grand Arome' (57%, S.B.S.) White rum, ex-molasses, what's called 'rhum industriel' and not agricole. Grand Arome means high-esters, in this case around 500g/HLPA. This should stem from Le Galion in Martinique. Colour: white. Nose: these very typical whiffs of fresh glue (UHU) and gherkiny varnishes, moving towards high pineapples and even strawberries. Acetone would tend to dominate after a few seconds, but bizarrely, we enjoy acetone in our spirits. With water: some dirtiness, around old fruits rotting in earth, plus some juniper. Much, much nicer than that sounds. Mouth (neat): really between acetone/glue and very aromatic fruits, indeed pineapples, peaches, plus some brine and the obligatory green olives. Touches of aquavit (you would have thought this would rather belong to the Batavia arrack). With water: anchovies coming out, more olives, some fermented fruits (plums) and a drop of miso. Finish: rather long, with fermented tropical fruits at the forefront and those salty glues and varnishes in the back. Comments: everybody's thinking agricole whenever we're talking Martinique, but these 'industriels' can be rather superb too, especially when 'grand arome' indeed. White rum, ex-molasses, what's called 'rhum industriel' and not agricole. Grand Arome means high-esters, in this case around 500g/HLPA. This should stem from Le Galion in Martinique. Colour: white. Nose: these very typical whiffs of fresh glue (UHU) and gherkiny varnishes, moving towards high pineapples and even strawberries. Acetone would tend to dominate after a few seconds, but bizarrely, we enjoy acetone in our spirits. With water: some dirtiness, around old fruits rotting in earth, plus some juniper. Much, much nicer than that sounds. Mouth (neat): really between acetone/glue and very aromatic fruits, indeed pineapples, peaches, plus some brine and the obligatory green olives. Touches of aquavit (you would have thought this would rather belong to the Batavia arrack). With water: anchovies coming out, more olives, some fermented fruits (plums) and a drop of miso. Finish: rather long, with fermented tropical fruits at the forefront and those salty glues and varnishes in the back. Comments: everybody's thinking agricole whenever we're talking Martinique, but these 'industriels' can be rather superb too, especially when 'grand arome' indeed. SGP:552 - 86 points. Australian Rum 10 yo 2012/2022 (66.9%, Swell de Spirits, ex-bourbon, 368 bottles) This baby, most probably a secret Beenleigh, has been first spending 6 years in Oz, then 4 years in the UK. We've already had some superb Beenleigh, let's hope this is Beenleigh indeed. Colour: gold. Nose: this feeling of 'a bourbon of rum', with some vanilla, coconut, cakes, and really a lot of ethanol. No chances taken at WF Towers, my friend. With water: coconut and vanilla running the whole show, plus baked bananas. Quite some fudge too. Mouth (neat): just half a drop Well, the expected and obvious pears, butterscotch, pineapple liqueur With water: good, with touches of genever perhaps, aniseed too, caraway, then rather floral tones, viognier and pinot gris, pomegranates Finish: medium, with a little green tea, more viognier, a drop of pineapple juice, rosewater The aftertaste is the nicest part, with a lovely liquoricy earthiness and even a touch of mint. Comments: not a top Jamaican, but the evolution is fascinating, it would never stop gaining depth and, well, earth. But is it really Beenleigh? Shh, that's a secret. This baby, most probably a secret Beenleigh, has been first spending 6 years in Oz, then 4 years in the UK. We've already had some superb Beenleigh, let's hope this is Beenleigh indeed. Colour: gold. Nose: this feeling of 'a bourbon of rum', with some vanilla, coconut, cakes, and really a lot of ethanol. No chances taken at WF Towers, my friend. With water: coconut and vanilla running the whole show, plus baked bananas. Quite some fudge too. Mouth (neat): just half a drop Well, the expected and obvious pears, butterscotch, pineapple liqueur With water: good, with touches of genever perhaps, aniseed too, caraway, then rather floral tones, viognier and pinot gris, pomegranates Finish: medium, with a little green tea, more viognier, a drop of pineapple juice, rosewater The aftertaste is the nicest part, with a lovely liquoricy earthiness and even a touch of mint. Comments: not a top Jamaican, but the evolution is fascinating, it would never stop gaining depth and, well, earth. But is it really Beenleigh? Shh, that's a secret. SGP:641 - 85 points. T.D.L. 13 yo 2008 (61.15%, Thompson Bros., Trinidad, Error 502, cask #SR22062, 82 bottles) Bad gateway, apparently, but there were only 82 bottles. Colour: amber. Nose: very much on fudge, toffee and butterscotch. All right. With water: black garden earth (a little compost), liquid sponge cake, a little marmalade, agave syrup, white chocolate, a little natural rubber Well there's something very appealing in this one. With water: awesome earthiness. Mouth (neat): it is unusual, but this salty earthiness mingled with praline and coconut butter is not unpleasant at all. We see no obvious errors this far. With water: like it! Some acetone in this one too, some bitterish clove, very bitter chocolate, mint essence, heavy liquorice And earth. Finish: long, saltier. Black olives. Comments: pst, between us, it's almost as if someone would have poured a few litres of heavy Caroni into this wee cask, while no one was watching. Love this one, even if it's a little deviant here and there. Shh SGP:562 - 89 points. Penny Blue 2009 (55%, OB for Kirsch Import, Mauritius, whisky cask, cask #203, 132 bottles, 2022) From Medine distillery, said to be the oldest 'living' distillery in Mauritius. What's a whisky cask, exactly? Colour: gold. Nose: on squash, cane honey, crushed roasted hazelnuts, oranges liqueur With water: a relatively light caneyness. Do you say caneyness? Mouth (neat): superb arrival, on pear peel and rhubarb, getting tighter by the minute, complex, with lemons, tangerines, khaki With water: would tend to backpedal, becoming lighter in style. Not sure it needs water. Finish: medium, a little sweet. Some saltiness in the aftertaste, some tequila too. Comments: it's lighter than I would have thought. Very good, but perhaps little frustrating here and there, because of that lighter body. There is also an ex-sherry, but we'll have it later. SGP:551 - 81 points. Oh, why not this possible glory Enmore 32 yo 1988/2021 (48.1%, Rum Sponge, Guyana, 201 bottle) I agree, we took our time. Love the half-Aztec, half-Mayan label. Colour: gold. Nose: model glue, anchovy paste (a lovely Portuguese thing), peppermint, some tar, tapenade (really a lot), caraway bread, fennel seeds, and fresh rubber. Say new scuba diving suits. It is a fascinating nose, I find it extraordinary. It's an interesting unpolitical debate that we should have one day, tropical aging vs early landed. Mouth: frankly, it is an extraordinary spirit, even if some sides have become a little extreme over the years (burnt plastics and salted tar, you see). Vegetables, artichokes, grapefruit skin, glue (again and again), seashells (razorfish?), moussaka, tapenade, aioli (garlic sauce), paraffin It's all rather incredible and, in truth, reminiscent of some very old fino sherry. Ah, there, forgot to mention walnuts. Finish: long, on similar notes, globally. Tar, salt, glue, olives, anchovies Etcetera. Comments: thirty-two years! It's magical Enmore. Probably the Versailles still, if you ask me. I agree, we took our time. Love the half-Aztec, half-Mayan label. Colour: gold. Nose: model glue, anchovy paste (a lovely Portuguese thing), peppermint, some tar, tapenade (really a lot), caraway bread, fennel seeds, and fresh rubber. Say new scuba diving suits. It is a fascinating nose, I find it extraordinary. It's an interesting unpolitical debate that we should have one day, tropical aging vs early landed. Mouth: frankly, it is an extraordinary spirit, even if some sides have become a little extreme over the years (burnt plastics and salted tar, you see). Vegetables, artichokes, grapefruit skin, glue (again and again), seashells (razorfish?), moussaka, tapenade, aioli (garlic sauce), paraffin It's all rather incredible and, in truth, reminiscent of some very old fino sherry. Ah, there, forgot to mention walnuts. Finish: long, on similar notes, globally. Tar, salt, glue, olives, anchovies Etcetera. Comments: thirty-two years! It's magical Enmore. Probably the Versailles still, if you ask me. SGP:463 - 91 points. Such an Enmore called for more old Enmore Enmore 30 yo 1990/2021 (53.8%, Nobilis Rum, for Caksus, 213 bottles) Remember the Versailles wooden pot still was moved from Enmore to Uitvlugt around 1994, then to Diamond Distillery when Uitvlugt was closed in its turn. But it was still at Enmore when this was distilled (marque VSG). Colour: lighter gold. Nose: it is the same rum, more or less. I would say there's even more fennel seeds, caraway, mint, glue Brilliant, just brilliant. Mouth: a tiny notch less complex than the Sponge, but also a touch fuller and more assertive (as they say when they don't know what to say). Finish: indeed, it's a little straighter, but frankly, we're splitting hairs once more. These Versailles at Enmore are part of the most fantastic rums ever made by human entities, in my opinion. Comments: I've read that the wood that was used when they built this legendary wooden pot still was greenheart, a.k.a. chlorocardium rodiei. It's said to be very durable and resistant to most insect attacks. Fantastic! Remember the Versailles wooden pot still was moved from Enmore to Uitvlugt around 1994, then to Diamond Distillery when Uitvlugt was closed in its turn. But it was still at Enmore when this was distilled (marque VSG). Colour: lighter gold. Nose: it is the same rum, more or less. I would say there's even more fennel seeds, caraway, mint, glue Brilliant, just brilliant. Mouth: a tiny notch less complex than the Sponge, but also a touch fuller and more assertive (as they say when they don't know what to say). Finish: indeed, it's a little straighter, but frankly, we're splitting hairs once more. These Versailles at Enmore are part of the most fantastic rums ever made by human entities, in my opinion. Comments: I've read that the wood that was used when they built this legendary wooden pot still was greenheart, a.k.a. chlorocardium rodiei. It's said to be very durable and resistant to most insect attacks. Fantastic! SGP:463 - 91 points. Remember our latest motto, not a session without Hampden! Hampden 12 yo 'DOK' (63.7%, OB, LMDW, cask #11, 168 bottles) At Hampden, DOK is the marqua maxima. DOK means from 1500 to 1700 grams esters per HLPA; It is insane. Colour: gold. Nose: dead animals, gherkins, cucumbers, Chinese glues, and probably prickly pears, which are making it much gentler, rather unexpectedly. With water: no, really, let's be honest, it is splendid spirit, probably the greatest baijiu we've ever nosed (ooh that's smart, S.) Mouth (neat): drinking a pot of glue blended with green lemons (well, the juice made thereof), seawater, assorted fermented fruits and diesel oil. With water: a tad gritty now, but we shan't care. Finish: long and salty, tarry, rubbery, Ardbeggian (with apologies to whom this may concern). Comments: king o' rum and that's just a confirmation. At Hampden, DOK is the marqua maxima. DOK means from 1500 to 1700 grams esters per HLPA; It is insane. Colour: gold. Nose: dead animals, gherkins, cucumbers, Chinese glues, and probably prickly pears, which are making it much gentler, rather unexpectedly. With water: no, really, let's be honest, it is splendid spirit, probably the greatest baijiu we've ever nosed (ooh that's smart, S.) Mouth (neat): drinking a pot of glue blended with green lemons (well, the juice made thereof), seawater, assorted fermented fruits and diesel oil. With water: a tad gritty now, but we shan't care. Finish: long and salty, tarry, rubbery, Ardbeggian (with apologies to whom this may concern). Comments: king o' rum and that's just a confirmation. SGP:563 - 91 points. Wouldn't we do a quick Long Pond before we call this a tasting session? Long Pond 3 yo 2019/2022 'STCE' (60%, Habitation Velier, LMDW, Jamaica, 1800 bottles) 550 to 700 gr esters/HLPA, I think. Colour: white wine. Nose: it is a gentler one, floral and herbal at first, fragrant (ylang-ylang) and only then more olive-y and spicy. Big notes of juniper, cumin and fennel. A lot of freshness, this is almost Jamaican pastis. With water: some menthol and plywood, plus pencil shavings. A lot of pencil shavings. Mouth (neat): young and a tad oaky(ish) but the core is noble, rather citrusy, kind of smoky, and only marginally gluey. Growing caraway notes in the background. With water: the pencil shavings are back, but it's all under control, so not fear the cedarwood effect. Finish: rather long, with some zests, liquorice, menthol and tar. Not an unseen combination, I agree. Some cedarwood in the aftertaste. Comments: the youth feels, but it's a marvellous young rum. Yep, daiquiri-ready, if you like. SGP:562 - 86 points. November 1, 2022 Little Duos, today Glenrothes OB Several old Glenrothes are in the pipe, let's say this is a warm-up lap Glenrothes 18 yo (43%, OB, +/-2022) One of these newish vintage-less official Glenrothes. Loved the old 'vintages' even if some years or dates were sometimes a little hard to understand. I mean, those dates of 'approval' Colour: gold. Nose: toffee with some sunflower and even a drop of olive oil, then a large pecan pie, roasted peanuts, milk chocolate and a Mars bar. Not obligatorily a deep-fried one. A good slice of walnut cake too, from some good sherry I would presume. Mouth: very nutty, very Glenrothes OB. More toffee and roasted pecans, then coffee liqueur and dark chocolate, with touches of cracked pepper. I find it relatively dry. Finish: medium, spicier, on cinnamon and cloves. More bitter chocolate and coffee, as well as burnt nuts plus marmalade and thin mints in the aftertaste. Comments: very well composed, with a prominent amontillado-y sherry. Not saying it was amontillado, having said that. SGP:451 - 85 points. Glenrothes 22 yo 1995 (57.6%, OB, LMDW, Antipodes, 593 bottles, 2022) The numbers are a little mysterious here, but it's true that LMDW would tend to like to play with them, always rounding them down when they do. Well I know what I'm trying to say. Colour: deep gold. Nose: there's this official Glenrothesness again, blending toffee with chocolate and coffee, millionaire shortbread, a little charcoal, more roasted nuts, Linzertorte, then Schwarzwald cake, with a double amount of kirschwasser. With water: same combination, only with even more toffee, then some beef jerky and Mozart Kugeln (chocolate and marzipan). Mouth (neat): huge and lovely, sheltering all Jaffa cakes already baked this year, plus indeed some kirschwasser. I know this is 'only' 57.6%, but it rather feels like it's 65%. With water: still punchy, still a little hot, but the responsiveness is awesome here, and so is all the marmalade and chocolate. Finish: pretty long, while I wouldn't dare mention Mon Cheri. Whoops, I just did. Comments: this one's ready for Christmas. Great, potent Glenrothes. SGP:451 - 87 points. October 2022 Serge's favourite recent bottling this month: Tomatin 45 yo 1976/2022 'Warehouse 6 ' (46%, OB, hogsheads, casks #32+33, 350 bottles) - WF92 Serge's favourite older bottling this month: St Magdalene 19 yo 1979/1998 (63.80%, OB, Rare Malts) - WF94 Serge's favourite bang for your buck this month: Ardbeg 10 yo 'Ten' (46%, OB, +/-2022) - WF91 Serge's favourite malternative this month: Vallein Tercinier 'Rue 34' (42%, OB, for LMDW, Antipodes, Grande Champagne, cask #034, 50 bottles) - WF94 Serge's Lemon Prize this month: Abuelo XII anos 'Two Oaks' (40%, Panama, +/-2021) - WF60 October 31, 2022 A few Bruichladdich Do not expect any form of logic here. Bruichladdich 7 yo 'Waves' (46%, OB, 2006) We've tried another 'Waves' that was not carrying any age statement and which I had rather enjoyed twelve years ago (WF 82), but this one's clearly advertised as a 7 on the label. I bought it on location back then and couldn't help wondering where this distillate was stemming from, as the former new owners restarted production in 2001 after a pretty long hiatus. In whisky, mysteries come in waves. Colour: apricot gold. Nose: they've used Madeira and that feels. Mustard, walnuts, some varnish and even some glue, plus an unusually grassy smokiness. Mouth: punchy, with once again some smoke, ashes, touches of varnish, then melons and walnuts plus some cracked pepper. Finish: rather long, a little bitter. Some fruit skins and some zests. Comments: this wee smoke is interesting. Are we sure it couldn't have been the 'new' Bruichladdich already, after all? I remember they did make it rather peaty in the very early days. SGP:552 - 80 points. Bruichladdich 'High Noon' (48.7%, OB, Feis Ile 2015, 1881 bottles) Funny outturn, remember the Distillery was originally built in 1881. Not too sure about the casks that have been in use here Colour: deep gold. Nose: plenty happening, with some dry and sweet Madeira, once more, whiffs of rum (why not some of those agricoles from Madeira, precisely), then rather a lot of sweeter gravy, English-style, as well as prunes and ripe damsons. Zwetschke pie, also a little lighter pipe tobacco. A little unusual, but very, very nice for sure. Mouth: a little tougher than expected, rather in the style of some Juras, with a saltiness, some leather, tobacco, bitter zests, then raisins of all kinds, especially black ones. Touches of dried porcinis, and perhaps chicory coffee. Very solid body at 48% vol. Finish: long and much spicier, predominantly on mustard and cracked pepper. Bitter artichoke cordial in the aftertaste. Comments: very peculiar, and very different on the palate, after a pretty civilised and really awesome nose. Funny outturn, remember the Distillery was originally built in 1881. Not too sure about the casks that have been in use here Colour: deep gold. Nose: plenty happening, with some dry and sweet Madeira, once more, whiffs of rum (why not some of those agricoles from Madeira, precisely), then rather a lot of sweeter gravy, English-style, as well as prunes and ripe damsons. Zwetschke pie, also a little lighter pipe tobacco. A little unusual, but very, very nice for sure. Mouth: a little tougher than expected, rather in the style of some Juras, with a saltiness, some leather, tobacco, bitter zests, then raisins of all kinds, especially black ones. Touches of dried porcinis, and perhaps chicory coffee. Very solid body at 48% vol. Finish: long and much spicier, predominantly on mustard and cracked pepper. Bitter artichoke cordial in the aftertaste. Comments: very peculiar, and very different on the palate, after a pretty civilised and really awesome nose. SGP:462 - 85 points. Bruichladdich 15 yo 2006/2022 (58.9%, Private Cask, first fill bourbon barrel, cask #1222) This private cask from one of Norway's finest whisky connoisseurs, Michael Alvarez, who celebrated his 60th birthday right yesterday (but yesterday was malternative day at WF). Colour: gold. Nose: typical, with fresh broken branches, sea air, grape pip oil, melon skin, some stearin, fresh cut grass, green apples Certainly a little austere, but I believe that is an asset here. Water may/should unleash the melons With water: vanilla, then popcorn, then mirabelles and quinces, then indeed, honeydew melon... Mouth (neat): a typically fruity, orchardy Bruichladdich, but once again there's rather a lot of grass and peelings. Green apples, pears, greengages With water: gone is the main grass, welcome more apples and sweet roots, apricot liqueur (apricotine) and just a drop of bison vodka. A pretty pure Bruichladdich that's not very far from the earlier makes, say distilled in the early 1990s. Finish: medium, clean, half-way between plums and vegetal oils. Comments: excellent Bruichladdich, totally al natural. Cheers Michael! This private cask from one of Norway's finest whisky connoisseurs, Michael Alvarez, who celebrated his 60th birthday right yesterday (but yesterday was malternative day at WF). Colour: gold. Nose: typical, with fresh broken branches, sea air, grape pip oil, melon skin, some stearin, fresh cut grass, green apples Certainly a little austere, but I believe that is an asset here. Water may/should unleash the melons With water: vanilla, then popcorn, then mirabelles and quinces, then indeed, honeydew melon... Mouth (neat): a typically fruity, orchardy Bruichladdich, but once again there's rather a lot of grass and peelings. Green apples, pears, greengages With water: gone is the main grass, welcome more apples and sweet roots, apricot liqueur (apricotine) and just a drop of bison vodka. A pretty pure Bruichladdich that's not very far from the earlier makes, say distilled in the early 1990s. Finish: medium, clean, half-way between plums and vegetal oils. Comments: excellent Bruichladdich, totally al natural. Cheers Michael! SGP:551 - 87 points. Bruichladdich 17 yo 2004/2021 (56.2%, The Maltman for HNWS Taiwan, bourbon hogshead, cask #640, 201 bottles) Colour: light gold. Nose: this doesn't happen very often, but it is the same whisky on the nose. Trying to find any differences, even very subtle ones, would mean splitting hairs, or trying to be smart. Nah, the 2006 and this 2004 are organoleptically identical this far. Mouth (neat): once again, identical whiskies. The oily texture is remarkable. With water: ditto, same whisky. Lovely grass, fruit peel, plums, beets Finish: even the finish is identical (not taking into account any unnecessary personal elucubrations that could have occurred). Comments: and they weren't even sister casks. Colour: light gold. Nose: this doesn't happen very often, but it is the same whisky on the nose. Trying to find any differences, even very subtle ones, would mean splitting hairs, or trying to be smart. Nah, the 2006 and this 2004 are organoleptically identical this far. Mouth (neat): once again, identical whiskies. The oily texture is remarkable. With water: ditto, same whisky. Lovely grass, fruit peel, plums, beets Finish: even the finish is identical (not taking into account any unnecessary personal elucubrations that could have occurred). Comments: and they weren't even sister casks. SGP:551 87 points. (Thank you Arild, Otto!) October 30, 2022 A word of caution Let me please remind you that my humble assessments of any spirits are done from the point of view of a malt whisky enthusiast who, what's more, is aboslutely not an expert in rum, brandy, tequila, vodka, gin or any other spirits. Thank you and peace! A few rums as they come No preconceptions, no plans, no fears. As he used to say, preparing for the worst, expecting the best, taking what's coming. San Miguel 'Extra Anejo Solera 1952' (43%, OB, Ecuador, +/-2022) Right right right, this from a solera that was started in 1952. How many drops? I've only ever tried two other Ecuadorian rons, a Cimborazo (WF 68) and a Cotopaxi (WF 70). There's room for improvement (with love to Ecuador!) I've seen that this was matured in altitude Colour: deep gold. Nose: some good fun, with some fumes from an old two-stroke engine (a Kawasaki, naturally) and some metallic molasses, chestnut puree, muscovado sugar, a box of cheap chocolates, a little coffee liqueur Well, you just never know Mouth: not too bad! First, it's not cloyingly sugary, second it's got some pretty good grassiness, all that before a vast amount of rotting bananas would take over. Then a lot of sugarcane syrup. Nothing against that, but it's frankly sweet. Finish: a little short, a tad indefinite. I would suppose ice should have been added at this stage. Comments: progress! (being a little positive here, I'd love to visit Ecuador one day). Right right right, this from a solera that was started in 1952. How many drops? I've only ever tried two other Ecuadorian rons, a Cimborazo (WF 68) and a Cotopaxi (WF 70). There's room for improvement (with love to Ecuador!) I've seen that this was matured in altitude Colour: deep gold. Nose: some good fun, with some fumes from an old two-stroke engine (a Kawasaki, naturally) and some metallic molasses, chestnut puree, muscovado sugar, a box of cheap chocolates, a little coffee liqueur Well, you just never know Mouth: not too bad! First, it's not cloyingly sugary, second it's got some pretty good grassiness, all that before a vast amount of rotting bananas would take over. Then a lot of sugarcane syrup. Nothing against that, but it's frankly sweet. Finish: a little short, a tad indefinite. I would suppose ice should have been added at this stage. Comments: progress! (being a little positive here, I'd love to visit Ecuador one day). SGP:630 - 72 points. To Trinidad Ten Cane 2008/2022 (63.4%, L'Esprit, Trinidad, cask #BB 12, 264 bottles) From Ten Cane Distillery, a short-lived operation started by LVMH in 2005 and closed in 2015, said to have produced for Angostura. It is supposed to be 'light'. We've tried only one Ten Cane in the past but liked it a lot (WF 88). And Brittany's L'Esprit is always a sure bet. Colour: dark amber. Nose: light my hat. Lots of plastics, plywood, putty and paint, engine oil But no chances taken at WF Towers. With water: more petroly notes, varnishes, dirty oils, then black chocolate and coffee, sailing away towards thick molasses. Mouth (neat): perfect, on petrol, varnish, olives, tar and very heavy liquorice. But boy is it strong. With water: mad. Salt, soups, varnish, heavy tar, acetone, carbon, burnt sugar, glues, coal tar Finish: very long, on exactly the same flavours (in the same order). Heavy chocolate + liquorice in the aftertaste. Comments: very thick rum, you'd almost need a knife. What happened at (and to) Ten Cane, exactly? From Ten Cane Distillery, a short-lived operation started by LVMH in 2005 and closed in 2015, said to have produced for Angostura. It is supposed to be 'light'. We've tried only one Ten Cane in the past but liked it a lot (WF 88). And Brittany's L'Esprit is always a sure bet. Colour: dark amber. Nose: light my hat. Lots of plastics, plywood, putty and paint, engine oil But no chances taken at WF Towers. With water: more petroly notes, varnishes, dirty oils, then black chocolate and coffee, sailing away towards thick molasses. Mouth (neat): perfect, on petrol, varnish, olives, tar and very heavy liquorice. But boy is it strong. With water: mad. Salt, soups, varnish, heavy tar, acetone, carbon, burnt sugar, glues, coal tar Finish: very long, on exactly the same flavours (in the same order). Heavy chocolate + liquorice in the aftertaste. Comments: very thick rum, you'd almost need a knife. What happened at (and to) Ten Cane, exactly? SGP:563 - 88 points. Bielle 13 yo 2009/2022 (47.7%, David's Rum Selection, Elegant, Marie-Galante, cask #24, 194 bottles) I can't see what could go wrong here. Colour: deep gold. Nose: unusual, with some sandalwood, tiger balm, lemon curd, tangerine liqueur, ylang-ylang and vetiver, green oranges In truth I'm reminded of a lovely eau-de-toilette by Hermes, 'Eau d'Orange Verte' (green orange water well you got it I'm sure). Touches of cumin and caraway too. Mouth: some piney wood, green liquorice, turmeric, beeswax, some salty elements, a soft tarriness, liquorice allsorts, peppermint, drop of bitter, drop of creme de menthe You would almost believe a high-league mixologist composed this. Finish: medium, all on fruits and soft liquorice. Bielle's class speaks. Comments: really intriguing at first, but in the end, this is a perfect, deep, almost classic Marie-Galante. It feels a little older than just 13, in my little book and, well, I love it. Bielle is class. I can't see what could go wrong here. Colour: deep gold. Nose: unusual, with some sandalwood, tiger balm, lemon curd, tangerine liqueur, ylang-ylang and vetiver, green oranges In truth I'm reminded of a lovely eau-de-toilette by Hermes, 'Eau d'Orange Verte' (green orange water well you got it I'm sure). Touches of cumin and caraway too. Mouth: some piney wood, green liquorice, turmeric, beeswax, some salty elements, a soft tarriness, liquorice allsorts, peppermint, drop of bitter, drop of creme de menthe You would almost believe a high-league mixologist composed this. Finish: medium, all on fruits and soft liquorice. Bielle's class speaks. Comments: really intriguing at first, but in the end, this is a perfect, deep, almost classic Marie-Galante. It feels a little older than just 13, in my little book and, well, I love it. Bielle is class. SGP:662 - 90 points. Uitvlugt 1999/2021 (52.6%, The Colours of Rum, Wealth Solutions, cask #54, 184 bottles) I should be in Warsaw when I publish this. Colour: straw. Nose: awesome grassy and petroly start, very typical, with even asparagus, leek, wisteria, honeysuckle and above all, elderflowers. Whiffs of new shoes, leatherette With water: perfect sauna oils and myrtle, plus more asparagus, plus grapefruit skin. Unquestionably perfect combo, as far as combos go (what?) Mouth (neat): these are just superb. Lemons, brine, riesling, liquorice, green bananas, smoked fish, tar With water: the saltiness further comes out, sardines, anchovies, salted liquorice, some varnish Finish: long, saltier. One of the saltiest spirits, no one does this on Islay. Perhaps 'some' Bowmores. Comments: shortage stress starting to strike us. Do they still have many from these quasi-continental batches? SGP:463 - 91 points. Guyana 19 yo 2002/2022 (49.2%, Transcontinental Rum Line, The Navigator, bourbon, cask # EN02KFM33, 280 bottles) This one was aged in Europe. Distilled in that single wooden pot still, so most probably Enmore. Colour: white wine. Nose: new tyres, caraway and fennel seeds, this is well Enmore. Then new sneakers, aniseed, anchovies in brine, olives, plastic, and a small tomato leaf. Mouth: all these ones range from utterly terrific to rather terrific. This one's got a lighter fruitiness, around plum eau-de-vie, then these adorably subtle briny notes, with olives, tar, and some kind of smoked toffee. Excellent. Finish: long, saltier yet, perhaps fatter, with notes of limy putty or something. Drops of Grand-Marnier in the aftertaste. Comments: just brilliant. This is Major Tom to ground control, we remain in the stratosphere as far as rums go. SGP:563 - 90 points. Hampden 12 yo 2010/2022 'HCLF' (61.3%, OB, Rare Casks Series, LMDW Antipodes, cask #80, 252 bottles) It is fascinating to read LMDW's latest catalogue. You would learn that Hampden's rums had never been aged, let alone bottled on location until 2009, and that the first aged OBs only came out in 2018. Colour: gold. Nose: heavy glues and varnishes, acetone, ammonia, in the back some banana liqueur. HCLF means between 500 and 700 gr ester/HLPA, so say upper-middle-echelon esterness. With water: olives chiming in, together with carbon dust. Mouth (neat): whatever the marque, there's no light Hampden. Certainly not this one. Varnish and high-concentration raspberry spirit, rotten bananas, liquorice With water: soft landing with liquorice and a stunning floral side. Gorse and acacia blossom, perhaps. Finish: long, saltier and brinier. In short, more on olives. Hampden owe big time to olives. Comments: they should start to use marks/marques in Scotland too. As far as this wee Hampden goes, I can only bow my head. I know, boringly predictable; having said that, we can only wonder, would the heavy-esterers be this successful if the heavy-peaters had never met, well, success as singles? After all, the stories are extremely similar. SGP:553 - 91 points. October 29, 2022 Angus's Corner From our correspondent and skilled taster Angus MacRaild in Scotland Checking in on Daftmill It's been a while since we Daftmilled here on Whiskyfun. Always fun to check in with what Mr Cuthbert has been up to Daftmill 2008/2021 (56.6%, OB for Master Of Malt, cask #25, bourbon barrel) Colour: pale gold. Nose: this has the slightly more assertive grassiness of those earlier Daftmill vintages but combined with a similarly overt fruitiness from the Summer batch. Rather a lot of tinned pineapple rings in syrup, lemon curd, fruit sherbets, wee touches of eucalyptus and spearmint. Familiar notes of crushed nettle and lime as well. Quite excellent! With water: very green and aromatic now, lots of ferns, wet moss, grass, nettles, green tea with lemon and touches of bergamot and citrus rinds. Mouth: rather sweet up front, lots of sweet fruit juices and more lemon jam, also some nibbles of ginger and cinnamon from the oak. There's some furniture oil and boot polish as well which is new to me from Daftmill. The whole evolves towards things like cough syrup and golden syrup. An active but very good cask. With water: those oaky touches are swept aside in the favour of warm grist, green pepper, lemon cough drops, wintergreen and sweet breakfast cereals. Finish: long, peppery, warming, quite herbal, trademark grass and nettles, and also more very slight mentholated and minty things in the aftertaste. Comments: water definitely adds a single fat point here in the way it opens everything up. Excellent levels of complexity and development on display here. SGP: 651 - 89 points. Daftmill 2009/2021 (60.7%, OB for Kirsch Import, 1st fill oloroso butt, cask #024/2009, 627 bottles) Colour: deep orangey gold. Nose: marmalade on pumpernickel toast and various roasted nuts, Brazils and walnuts spring immediately to mind, beyond that some freshly roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. I'm also finding quite a bit of strawberry jam with just a hint of hardwood sawdust and also bouillon powder. With water: some lovely aromatic wood spices and dark spiced teas coming through. Bouillon, treacle, plums baked in Armagnac, nicely rustic in fact. Mouth: very jammy with some stewed dark fruit, more bitter chocolate and cocoa notes, fig paste and walnut oil. Veers nicely between umami and sweet with a sherry profile that is a halfway house between old school and modern. Some nicely gooey and fudgey qualities about it as well, also I can't help but get impressions of Nutella - which is very fitting for a German market bottling. With water: still nicely dark, jammy and fruity with this earthy and nutty undercurrent. Well balanced, punchy and hearty sherry. Finish: good length, back on breads, dark beers and roasted nuts with chocolate sauce. Comments: very hard not to think of early A'bunadh batches when tasting these big sherried Daftmills. Francis seems to get some excellent sherry casks it would seem - and of course makes very tidy whisky too, although overall I think I prefer the bourbon ones. SGP: 561 - 88 points. October 27, 2022 Royal Brackla is back! I mean, on little Whiskyfun. Advertised as 'The King's Own Whisky', but he was William IV. We'll see if Charles III will follow suit. Royal Brackla 18 yo (46%, OB, palo cortado finish, +/-2022) We've never tried this 18 but I believe it's a fairly recent expression. Yet another finishing, looks like more and more official whiskies need some extra-seasoning, or flavour adjustments. That could be a global issue, the SWA should be on the alert! Colour: gold. Nose: indeed, there are walnuts, some earth, some toasted bread, then gooseberries, not unseen in Brackla, and wildflower honey. It is not a very demonstrative malt whisky. A bittersweet feeling. Mouth: firm, nutty, with walnuts, toffee, then more of those honeys and a growing spiciness, towards cinnamon. Also bitter nuts, almonds, bitter apples Finish: medium, spicier, with more sweet and sour notes, probably from the sherry. Bitter and peppery aftertaste. Comments: the price is very high and perhaps even a little pretentious (150), but indeed it is a fine drop, in my book. But I would never finish a 18, that sends a wrong message (like, after 18 years of careful maturing, our whisky needed some seasoning). We've never tried this 18 but I believe it's a fairly recent expression. Yet another finishing, looks like more and more official whiskies need some extra-seasoning, or flavour adjustments. That could be a global issue, the SWA should be on the alert! Colour: gold. Nose: indeed, there are walnuts, some earth, some toasted bread, then gooseberries, not unseen in Brackla, and wildflower honey. It is not a very demonstrative malt whisky. A bittersweet feeling. Mouth: firm, nutty, with walnuts, toffee, then more of those honeys and a growing spiciness, towards cinnamon. Also bitter nuts, almonds, bitter apples Finish: medium, spicier, with more sweet and sour notes, probably from the sherry. Bitter and peppery aftertaste. Comments: the price is very high and perhaps even a little pretentious (150), but indeed it is a fine drop, in my book. But I would never finish a 18, that sends a wrong message (like, after 18 years of careful maturing, our whisky needed some seasoning). SGP:451 - 83 points. As usual, the indies are the guardians of the natural ones (I was about to say 'of the distillates') Royal Brackla 13 yo 2007/2020 (54.8%, Blackadder, 25 Years of Blackadder, hogshead, cask #309226, 240 bottles) Not sure we did not forget to wish them much good back in 2020. Cheers Robin! Colour: white wine. Nose: pure, gorgeous barleyness, with some banana skin, plus bread, chalk, grist, pancakes and wee lemons. It may well not be the most complicated malt whisky ever, but what it does it does well, so far. With water: more flints, in a Sancerre-y way. Or, there, Chablis, this could have been a sharper, cleaner Chablis from the left bank (say Cote de Lechet!) Mouth (neat): pure indeed. Citrus, baguette, more pancake, green bananas, oatcakes, lemon cake Love love love lemon cake. With water: bingo. That wee Chablis, plus a touch of spearmint, plus oranges, plus just sweet bread. Finish: long and more lemony. Comments: bull's eye, and proof that Brackla's distillate does not obligatorily need finishings. Superb young whisky. SGP:551 - 88 points. Just to be on the safe side, let's try that again Royal Brackla 13 yo 2009/2022 (56.1%, Fadandel.dk, barrel, cask #304130, 281 bottles) Colour: white wine. Nose: well this one's grassier, less bready, rather more on fresh roots (beets, celeriac, turnips, carrots). That's just fine as well, if you ask me, love this simple, even simplistic rooty side. With water: same, plus fresh croissants. Very doughy, very nice, with these roots Perhaps even a drop of gentian eau-de-vie? Mouth (neat): back to Chablis! Not making this up! Sweet barley and zesty chardonnay, plus lemons. With water: some grasses kicking in, not obligatorily for the better, we've lost a little precision. But this time I'm definitely splitting hairs, it is a superb fresh and rooty dram. Finish: long, malty, bready, rooty and citrusy. What more does the people want? Yeah I know, democracy Comments: why would anyone product-oriented (so, normal people) decide to dump this awesome make into some cheapish sherry or else for a few weeks? What would the message be? SGP:561 - 87 points. Check the index of all Brackla we've tasted so far October 26, 2022 Little Duos, today bitter-sherried Oban There's an Oban within this year's Special Releases, which I find pleasing. We could call this wee session a worm tub-special. Did you ever see Oban's? Oban 2007/2021 'Distiller's Edition' (43%, OB, Montilla fino finish, batch #OD 170.FG) I've never quite realised that in Montilla-Moriles, they do make fino out of PX grapes. A sudden flash, you know. I've always rather enjoyed Oban's 'DE'. Colour: deep gold. Nose: the fino's even more obvious than before, but we do just love fino while Oban would be the perfect make to get married to these wines. Not too sure who had this idea back then, Dr Jim? Dr Maureen? See, I'm not always complaining about finishings tobacco, mustard, walnuts, chalk, putty, roasted sesame, old magazines, petrol, marmalade Mouth: mustard up, with some salt, chutneys, touch of cardboard, capers, green walnuts, drop of seawater There's something clearly west-coast, even if that would be, partially, the west coast of Spain. Finish: rather long, much drier, on pepper and tobacco. Ashes and a little cardboard, mustard sauce in the end (sauce a la diable). Comments: as I said, I'm fond of this salty and smoky combination. This would be huge at approx. 50% vol. SGP:362 - 87 points. Oban 10 yo 'The HIdden Paradise of Black Rock' (57.1%, OB, Special Releases 2022) This one was finished in amontillado this time. There is some kind of purple rabbit on the label, maybe is this the return of the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog. Not sure I'm fully getting the 'story' that's coming with this year's SRs Colour: white wine. Nose: there's this fruitier, err, fruitiness that's rather reminding us of the older OBs, the ones that used to come in 'diamond' bottles. Great stuff. Whiffs of soft varnish, sherries, cranberries, melons, the smoky coastalness being toned down here. With water: Oban's smoky mustard and walnuts coming out. Some fig jam too, from the sherry? New tweed jacket. Mouth (neat): powerful, hot, on marzipan and kirschwasser, then wine gums and marshmallows, all that on a creamy texture. With water: some grassier bitterness, walnut skin, peppers, allspice Finish: long, a little rugous and tough. Closer to the DE now, but I'm finding that DE a little superior. Comments: excellent young Oban, but with a similar combo, I thought the Distiller's Edition had rather more to tell, and that it was a little more complex. Bah, both great drops, while Oban remains rare, as far as numbers of different expressions go. This one was finished in amontillado this time. There is some kind of purple rabbit on the label, maybe is this the return of the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog. Not sure I'm fully getting the 'story' that's coming with this year's SRs Colour: white wine. Nose: there's this fruitier, err, fruitiness that's rather reminding us of the older OBs, the ones that used to come in 'diamond' bottles. Great stuff. Whiffs of soft varnish, sherries, cranberries, melons, the smoky coastalness being toned down here. With water: Oban's smoky mustard and walnuts coming out. Some fig jam too, from the sherry? New tweed jacket. Mouth (neat): powerful, hot, on marzipan and kirschwasser, then wine gums and marshmallows, all that on a creamy texture. With water: some grassier bitterness, walnut skin, peppers, allspice Finish: long, a little rugous and tough. Closer to the DE now, but I'm finding that DE a little superior. Comments: excellent young Oban, but with a similar combo, I thought the Distiller's Edition had rather more to tell, and that it was a little more complex. Bah, both great drops, while Oban remains rare, as far as numbers of different expressions go. SGP:362 - 85 points. Check the index of all Oban we've tasted so far October 25, 2022 Little Duos, today old Glenturret IB vs OB Glenturret is another name that we're seeing more often since the owners of crystal makers (and blowers and cutters) Lalique have taken over the Distillery that used to belong to Edrington. The new bottlings, although obviously not distilled by the new owners, have shown some improvement in my book. Radiator cap for automobiles, Lalique, 1928 (Tajan) Glenturret 30 yo 1989/2019 (47.1%, Signatory Vintage, for Kirsch Whisky, hogshead, cask #230, 282 bottles) I seem to remember Kirsch have won an important award just a few weeks ago. Colour: straw. Nose: totally and plainly Glenturret, starting appropriately dirty, fermentary, mustardy and sooty, while you would find at least 1m3 of fresh concrete and a large basket of artichokes in the background. Even more mustard's soon to kick in too, together with paint, flints, an old pipe, old stone pots, bandages, Vaseline gauze and just a lot of damp chalk. How very Glenturret indeed! Mouth: indeed, indeed. Sweet mustard mixed with chalk, cider apples, plain cider, white beer, clay, sourer lemons, grasses, soot and ashes, bitter green tea, bitter oranges, coffee dregs Finish: pretty long, sweeter, pretty much on some kind of chalky marmalade, also with something a little metallic, which is pretty much GT as well. Regular marmalade in the aftertaste. Comments: 100% true to the Distillery's old style, and in that respect very commendable. On the other hand, you need to like them a little dirty Now it is much better than rather many OBs from the 1990s or 2000s. I seem to remember Kirsch have won an important award just a few weeks ago. Colour: straw. Nose: totally and plainly Glenturret, starting appropriately dirty, fermentary, mustardy and sooty, while you would find at least 1m3 of fresh concrete and a large basket of artichokes in the background. Even more mustard's soon to kick in too, together with paint, flints, an old pipe, old stone pots, bandages, Vaseline gauze and just a lot of damp chalk. How very Glenturret indeed! Mouth: indeed, indeed. Sweet mustard mixed with chalk, cider apples, plain cider, white beer, clay, sourer lemons, grasses, soot and ashes, bitter green tea, bitter oranges, coffee dregs Finish: pretty long, sweeter, pretty much on some kind of chalky marmalade, also with something a little metallic, which is pretty much GT as well. Regular marmalade in the aftertaste. Comments: 100% true to the Distillery's old style, and in that respect very commendable. On the other hand, you need to like them a little dirty Now it is much better than rather many OBs from the 1990s or 2000s. SGP:462 - 87 points. The Glenturret by Lalique 33 yo (43.7%, OB, Trinity, Provenance, 320 decanters, 2021) A very art deco decanter that is extremely 'Lalique' indeed. I would add that the Lalique Manufacture is located here in Alsace, it is a truly fantastic place to visit. The nearby restaurant in Wingen-sur-Moder, Villa Rene Lalique, is fabulous too, while I've heard their more recent restaurant at Glenturret was pretty sublime as well (End of commercial break). Colour: deep gold. Nose: there's more smoke in this one, certainly more roasted nuts and toasted bread, more walnuts too, but the core remains similarly mustardy, metallic, medicinal and sooty, although there would be another dimension too, around umami, savoury sauces, dried vegetable mix for ready-made soups also, perhaps, touches of overripe bananas What's sure is that this is complex. Mouth: a rounder and earthier '1989', with more leather and tobacco too. Otherwise mustard, some smokiness, walnut wine, fino, chalk, ale, bitters (amer biere Picon) and bitter chocolate. Finish: once again the finish is a little rounder, I'm even finding a handful of sultanas and a few dried figs. The aftertaste is a little mustardy and leathery again, but peppery marmalade is achieving the signature, so to speak. Comments: truly excellent and still very peculiar, while the decanter, once emptied, sure is a keeper. SGP:552 - 89 points. Check the index of all Glenturret we've tasted so far October 24, 2022 Little duos, today crazy young OB vs crazy old IB Glen Moray really seem to be coming out of the woods these days. Today we'll have only two of them, but none exactly 'average'. Is this Whiskyfun or not? Glen Moray 2016/2021 'Rye Cask Finish' (46.3%, OB, Curiosity Edition, 1637 bottles) This baby was finished in some Kentucky rye whisky casks, which means that that was not obligatorily 100% rye (American rye must be distilled from 51 percent rye or more). Colour: white wine. Nose: the nose feels 'sweeter' than usual, less malty, more floral, and rather spicier and breadier, with then cups and cups of maple syrup and honey taking over after ten seconds. There sure is some vanilla, also allspice and cinnamon cake, also fresh sawdust, but balance has been maintained despite the very young age. Mouth: no feeling of Scottish bourbon, rather a honeyed sweetness, some apple liqueur, some fresh oak and related spices, and perhaps a drop of Southern Comfort. Yep. Oh and cinnamon rolls. Finish: medium, still sweet, never exactly oaky or too spicy. Comments: very good modern stylistic composition (given the age). Are our friends the Scots going to turbo-charge like this all their malt whiskies in the future? Time-to-market five years, my goodness! S A WHKP ON-LINE EDITORIAL: WILL JUSTICE BE DONE FOR TOMMY BRYSON? WILL JUSTICE BE DONE FOR TOMMY BRYSON? A WHKP.COM ON-LINE EDITORIAL AUGUST 1, 2017 Prosecutors have indicated its their intention to seek the death penalty for Tommy Brysons accused kidnapper and killer, Philip Michael Stroupe II, Good. But how likely is it that justice, swift and sure, in the form of the death penalty, will REALLY happen in this local capital murder case? In North Carolina, the death penalty has been upheld by the courts and can only be used when someone has died in the commission of a crime. We advocated the death penalty for the individuals responsible for the terrifying home invasion and brutal, senseless murders of virtually helpless and completely defenseless Connie and Ricky Sparks in Hendersonville in November of 2007. If ever there was a local case that cried out for the extreme penalty, it was that one. Life sentences were imposed by our local courts instead. We also advocated the death penalty in the 2009 home invasion and homicide of a man as good and decent as Oscar Lee Poochie Corn that year. Corn had finished reading his Bible that awful night and was about to work a shift at Ingles when a crime that we all shudder to imagine happened in the sanctity of his home. The end result was no death penalty, but life in prison instead. The death penalty is supposed to be the ultimate deterrent to such horrible crimes. But in fact, the death penalty is used so seldom in even the most extreme cases, where innocent people have died, here and across North Carolina, that its hardly a deterrent at all. And this unfortunate reluctance by the system to use the full force of law and impose equal justice on those who have taken innocent lives has sadly been going on for many years, almost to the point of establishing a precedent against the death penalty. A few weeks ago, we observed the 51st anniversary of Henderson Countys infamous triple murder. Though never officially solved, the primary suspect in that case was Edward Thompson who kidnapped and assaulted a local woman, shot a deputy sheriff, and terrorized the whole community for weeks. Thompsons crimes were so atrocious and horrible he was declared an outlaw by the governor of North Carolina, under the law at that time, which would have allowed anyone in the community to shoot Thompson on sight. In the end though, Thompson was allowed, by our local courts and the criminal justice system, to live out his days at the expense of the very communities and taxpayers whose lives he shattered and filled with fear...while serving a life sentence. Just as loudly as these cases, where the whole community had been shaken by the violent, senseless, criminal horror of it all,, the Tommy Bryson kidnapping and homicide is crying out for justice...and for the death penalty for his accused killer, Philip Michael Stroupe II. Were not lawyers and dont pretend to know all the finer points and legal complications involved in capital crimes and the death penalty. But we do know and understand the need for simple justice, sure and swift. The reluctance of our criminal justice system, here, statewide, and across the country to use the tools it has for justice and to protect us all is a frightening thing for decent, law abiding folks. And what happened to a good man like Tommy Bryson, on his way to take a family member to the doctor, and allegedly at the hands of a fugitive outlaw filled with evil and brutality, is inexcusable, unforgivable, and worthy of no mercy at all. But, as in the cases of victims like the Sparks and Corn, and with the worst of the worst like Edward Thompson...the Tommy Bryson kidnapping and homicide is now in the hands of a justice system that has let us down in the past...and clearly failed to deter such horrible capital crimes. Fellow citizens, remain vigilant and lets watch the prosecution of Stroupe and all the others who may have harbored him or were accessories in his crimes, very closely. And if, when all is said and done, some legal cop out is used and the ultimate deterrent is not imposed and carried out...the time will have come to hold the system and those elected or appointed who make the laws, interpret the laws, and enforce the laws, those who hold these offices and the publics trust, fully and completely accountable. Enough is enough. As always, we invite your comments...on our comments. By WHKP News Director Larry Freeman August 2017 Local history enthusiasts can sign up for Exploring the Back Roads of Winona County Tour on Saturday, Aug. 19. The society will tour the back roads; it is heading west this year. The first stop will be the Luxembourg Heritage Museum in Rollingstone, where participants will learn about the unique history of this community. Next, the tour will see at least one of Winona Countys famous round barns before passing through Altura, Elba and then on to the Marnach House. Because the Marnach House is 1.5 miles back in the woods, the group will (weather permitting) take a tractor pulled wagon ride back to the site. The home was built by Luxembourg immigrants and is similar to the home they left in Europe. Next will be a program on the history of Whitewater State Park and the German POW camp that was there during World War II. Lunch will be provided by the Cabin Coffee Co. of St. Charles. After lunch, the tour will head to the Rural Heritage Museum on the grounds of the county fair for a chance to see the new structure the society built. After that, the tour will head to Utica and check out the old Utica school and Presbyterian Church across the street. After that, its back on the bus to Stockton for a rare opportunity to see a 1930 private railroad car built by the Pullman Car Co. It has a great history that includes presidential families, and even Willie Nelson. It has been owned by Jon Nienow since 1993. The trip will conclude with a tour of the Holy Angels Novitiate on Stockton Hill, originally the St. Peter Martyr Priory and Novitiate when it was constructed in 1949. The plan is to use two buses. The first bus will be leaving at 8 a.m. and returning at 4:30 p.m. The second bus will leave at 9 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. The cost of the tour including lunch and refreshments is $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Call or stop in to the History Center to sign up. Seats are already filling fast. Find more at www.winonahistory.org or call 507-454-2723. A La Crosse man turned to his passenger and grabbed a loaded firearm during a traffic stop early Monday as a La Crescent officer approached his car. Are you ready for this? Wyatt Helfrich asked his passenger, according to court records. Helfrich, 19, fired at officer Ryan Quanrud during the stop for speeding and other infractions about 1:30 a.m. on Hwy. 16 near Millers Corner, according to the complaint filed Wednesday in Houston County District Court charging him and his passenger with attempted murder and other crimes. The officer took cover and returned fire with a second officer, Christopher Frick. Helfrich and passenger, 19-year-old William Wallraff of Holmen, sped off and reached speeds of 100 mph through Hokah as Wallraff fired multiple shots at pursing officers, according to the complaint. One officer in pursuit said the car would slow to lure squads closer before Wallraff fired. The car struck spike strips and drove into a ditch on Hwy. 44 near Sanden Road. Police arrested the men minutes later after they fled into a cornfield, where they left behind a 20-gauge shotgun, rifle and ammunition. Helfrich was treated for a minor injury to the back of the neck. Wallraff was not injured. Neither La Crescent officer was injured, and both are on standard administrative leave. During interviews, the men said they removed Helfrichs monitoring bracelet and planned to flee with firearms, which earlier were locked and unloaded in the backseat of the car. They grew nervous when they saw two officers early Monday at the Kwik Trip in La Crescent and loaded the firearms in the front seat before the traffic stop, according to the complaint. Prosecutors charged both men with seven crimes, including two counts each of attempted first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault and fleeing police. Wallraff is jailed in Houston County on a $400,000 conditional bond or $800,000 unconditional bond. His next court date is Aug. 14. Helfrich on Wednesday waived extradition from Wisconsin and will return to Minnesota. At the time of Mondays shooting, Helfrich was free on a signature bond with GPS monitoring and house arrest issued for a possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine case in La Crosse County. Helfrich was on a signature bond in that case when he failed to appear for his preliminary hearing on June 14 and La Crosse County Circuit Judge Elliott Levine issued a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested July 9 for stealing a hat and phone charger from Shopko in Onalaska and a $1,000 cash bond was imposed by Circuit Judge Scott Horne. Circuit Judge Todd Bjerke converted it to a $2,500 signature bond on July 17. Im an English professor, and in leftist intellectual circles its often considered somewhat unsophisticated and definitely uncool to argue in favor of traditional religious beliefs. However, as the clerk of a tiny Quaker Meeting in a farming community in rural Pennsylvania, I feel led to do so in the context of the debate about immigration. I would submit that Scripture is explicit in its requirement that we accept and embrace the immigrants in our midst, and note that Leviticus (19:34) makes no mention of legal status: The stranger that sojourneth with you shall be unto you as the home-born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt. The passage about the heritage of the Israelites as strangers seems particularly relevant to the American condition: My own family came to this country in search of economic opportunities and religious freedoms, not because they hated those who were different from them, but because they wanted the freedom to be themselves. The New Testament takes up this theme, most notably in Hebrews (13:2), admonishing: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. In recent years, my immediate family has embraced Quakerism precisely because it is a faith that offers us the freedom to follow God as we choose while at the same time demanding that we worship the Risen Christ by revering each and every human being as a sacred vessel of his Holy Light. That can seem pretty mystical and new-agey, but as a literary scholar I would argue that its rooted in a fairly careful reading of the Gospel, as is the traditional Quaker emphasis on letting ones life speak. In the words of 1 John (3:18), I teach my children to love their neighbors, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. I live in a small farming community that may be ripped apart because some members of the families of our Latino friends and neighbors are threatened with deportation. It is one thing to apprehend, to prosecute and to deport noncitizens who have committed crimes that threaten our communities; law should exist precisely to offer us safety and security from such acts. We incarcerate citizens for the same acts. However, it is quite another thing to deport hardworking non-offenders, many of whom are members of extended families that contain generations of citizens and noncitizens alike. I realize that some of my neighbors understand this practice as a mere enforcement of the law; for those who are churchgoers and believers, however, I would challenge them to scratch beneath the surface of that argument: Laws are enacted for reasons that sometimes have little to do with justice or common sense, and when they are wrong they must be challenged and changed, and we must do all in our power to support our friends and neighbors in the face of oppression that seems to have a lot to do with their country of origin and the color of their skin. The Fugitive Slave Act was wrong, and Quakers refused to abide by it; we were called radicals then, and I am not afraid to be called a radical now. Im much more concerned about the judgment of my Maker than the disagreement of my neighbors. Farmers work hard, all the time, and are subject to a thousand factors beyond their control; I have great respect for them in general, and great affection for those I know well. Farmers are subject to pretty harsh economic realities each and every day, which explains why farm wages remain low, which in turn explains why large segments of the workforce that plants, nurtures and harvests our food has been made up of undocumented labor. They work extremely hard, often in adverse conditions, often for wages that seem paltry by American standards, but that may offer these laborers the same sorts of opportunity to better themselves that my own family sought in America. Its worth remembering that many of our own ancestors were none too worried about the legal ramifications of fleeing the oppressive laws of the Old Country or at times bending to their advantage the laws of the new one. Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, famously noted that the invisible hand of the marketplace is what moves prices and wages; this is certainly true about wages and costs in farming, and this has had a real and lasting impact upon our communities as folks willing to work for less took jobs that many American citizens didnt want. Nature abhors a vacuum, and legislation that criminalizes this natural flow of labor at the cost of family security and community stability is simply wrong. We must work to change it as we support our hardworking neighbors by any means necessary. I see this as a religious imperative, and I suggest that those who do not should re-examine the issue. In the words of Joshua (24:15), I challenge my God-fearing neighbors to choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Authorities have charged a Reedsburg man with his seventh drunken driving-related offense, saying he was arrested while intoxicated behind the wheel in a fast food drive-through line. A woman called Reedsburg police Saturday evening to report that a car had almost crashed into her in the parking lot of Viking Village Foods, according to a criminal complaint. The car allegedly was driving in circles. The woman reported the vehicle's license plate, and said it since had traveled to the drive through line at a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell restaurant. An officer who arrived on scene reported that 50-year-old Craig J. Brickl was behind the wheel of the vehicle, and honking his horn at a vehicle ahead of him in line. The officer allegedly walked up to Brickls vehicle and asked to speak with him about his horn. He reported that Brickls eyes were glassy and blood shot, his breath smelled of intoxicants, and he appeared to have urinated himself. The officer reported that Brickl was unsteady and had to fall against the opened door to keep from falling down when asked to step out of his car. He denied wetting himself. I had some alcohol, Brickl allegedly said when the officer asked if he had been drinking. He was arrested and declined a field sobriety test, but a judge signed a warrant to draw his blood at a local hospital, according to the complaint. Authorities say Brickls blood alcohol content was .197, which is more than two times the legal limit. Because of his past offenses, he was restricted to a blood alcohol content of .02. The complaint states that Brickl has been convicted of drunken driving-related offenses six times since 1996 in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida and Texas. Brickl has been jailed on a $2,500 cash bond. He is due to appear in court Aug. 10. BARABOOThe International Crane Foundation is the only place on earth where every crane species can be viewed at a single location. The nonprofits 300-acre headquarters just north of Baraboo is home to wildlife exhibits that showcase the worlds 15 crane species. In nature, the large, migratory birds inhabit five continents and fly across deserts, mountains, frozen tundra and hundreds of international borders each year. ICF staff will teach visitors about programs the organization has launched to save and protect cranes and their ecosystems around the globe during its 18th annual Cranes of the World Festival this weekend. We want to inspire our community to recognize the importance of cranes on our landscape, along with the important conservation work that the International Crane Foundation does, and let people know how they can be a part of that effort as well, said ICF Visitor Program Manager Cully Shelton. Guided tours of ICF headquarters will take place throughout the celebration Saturday. Cranes of the World tours will depart from the Cudahy Visitor Center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ICF interpretive naturalist Paige Hall said the tours will last about two hours and provide information on each crane species, along with the organizations efforts to protect the birds and their habitats. Hall said a Cranes and Culture tour also will take place at 3 p.m. She said the late afternoon program will differ slightly from earlier tours, demonstrating how cranes have influenced culture and public policy in Africa and Asia. Hall said ICFs conservation efforts on the continents often transcend international borders. It focuses on how those birds have influenced the cultures of the places where theyre native to, she said. They go beyond political boundaries, as does our work. The day will be filled with fun activities for families as well. Guests can learn how to fold origami cranes at craft tables, ICF staff will make balloon animals for kids and visitors can work with caretakers to make special treats for the cranes. Children also can participate in a scavenger hunt and fill out a cranes of the world passport as they find answers to questions throughout the crane exhibits. Children who complete the challenge will be awarded a special surprise. Naturalist, humorist and educator David Stokes will return. Hell take the stage at the Wattled Crane Amphitheatre at 1 and 2 p.m. Stokes is a regional naturalist who uses live animals in his presentations. Visitors can expect to hear songs, stories and see a variety of live animals. He brings snakes and turtles and frogs for families and children to interact with, Shelton said. He also tells a bit more about how those creatures are actually essential for cranes and wetlands and a healthy ecosystem. Wisconsins Poet Laureate Karla Huston will make a special appearance at the Whooping Crane exhibit as well. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Huston will read poems from ICFs Poetry in the Prairie competition, talk about the power of poetry and the inspiration nature provides her with. Shelton said the festival will ultimately allow ICF to reach out and become more involved with the Baraboo community. We want our community to come together to learn more about the exciting conservation work of the International Crane Foundation and experience all 15 crane species from around the world, he said. Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission unanimously approved purchase of a new rescue boat for the Beaver Dam Fire Department Tuesday night. Fire Chief Alan Mannel is recommending a 24-foot aluminum boat made by Kann Manufacturing with a low bid of $61,000. Mannel said in an email that the boat will have a semi-v bottom, trailer and a Mercury outboard motor. The department plans to add sonar to the boat. The department currently owns a 1974 Thomson 19-foot fiberglass boat that was donated in 1974. Mannel previously said that the boat is usually repaired every spring. In addition, deck space is limited for equipment, personnel and victims. Finding usable parts is another concern due to the boats age. Mannel said during the meeting that seven companies expressed interest in the project, but only two bid on it. The two bids came from favorable companies, according to Mannel. The project was bid through June to July. Money for the new boat has already been budgeted for as part of an agreement with the Beaver Dam Community Fire and Rescue Association. The association is comprised of the towns of Beaver Dam, Calamus, Lowell, Westford, Trenton and the city of Beaver Dam. In March, Beaver Dam Common Council approved a three-year fire and rescue joint contract. As part of that contract, a water/ice rescue contribution agreement was included that will help the city of Beaver Dam buy new water/ice rescue equipment. The equipment includes a new hovercraft, boat and SCUBA rescue gear. Such equipment is deemed necessary to serve the communities that surround the 16th largest lake in Wisconsin. REESEVILLE More than a combined 80 years of experience was celebrated in the village of Reeseville last week after the exit of former Village Treasurer Joan Dykstra and former Village Clerk Don Gibson. It was a pleasure working for all the residents of the village, Dykstra said over the phone. Reeseville held an open house retirement party for the two former employees, July 24. Dykstra served the village for 39-and-a-half-years and Gibson served for 46 years. Village President Brian Miller gave both former employees statues to commemorate their years of service and he wished both all the best in their retirements. They were the backbone of the board, Miller said over the phone. He added that 40 years of service and dedication to a village government is unheard of today. Dykstra said that she started in May 1977 and her final day was in October 2016. When she started, the village treasurer was an elected position and it was only a part-time job. In addition, she was also the treasurer for the villages water and sewer utilities. She arrived as the treasurer in 1977 after a write-in campaign that started the night before the election. She said that no one was on the ballot for the treasurer and while she was working at a pharmacy a customer suggested she should run as a write-in candidate. That customer spread the word and 24 hours later, she was elected as village treasurer. She had only moved to Reeseville 10 months before. Looking back, Dykstra said when she started every bill and assessment had to be typed out and calculated. Since then the position has become easier to handle with software, printers and computers. Gibsons first day was in May 1971 and his last day was in April 2017. He said that two years ago he decided that his last term would end in April. Gibson said that in 1971 the clerk at the time was going to retire and someone in the village suggested Gibson should run for the position. He won that year and held on to the position until this spring. No one really ran against that position for the 46 years I had it, he said. I dont know if people didnt want the job or that they just though I was doing a good job. Gibson plans to help the new clerk out for the next year. Both Dykstra and Gibson thanked the village board and the community over the last decades. The clerk and treasurers positions have been filled. The current clerk is Christine Abell, the treasurer is Gabby Olson and the water and sewers utility treasurer is Cheryl Goodrich. They were the backbone of the board. Brian Miller, village president As the political debate over a Wisconsin-based Foxconn manufacturing plant ramps up, startup leaders are wondering what the development could mean for the state's existing tech economy. Gov. Scott Walker, President Donald Trump and Foxconn officials announced the decision by the multinational Taiwanese corporation to locate a $10 billion electronics manufacturing campus in southeastern Wisconsin. The Republican chair of the Assemblys jobs committee, Rep. Adam Neylon, said Tuesday that the group would take up Walker's Foxconn incentives package on Thursday. White House officials asserted that while the initial campus would provide 3,000 new jobs, it could eventually grow to provide 13,000. The plant would be a sophisticated electronics manufacturing hub, specializing in high-resolution liquid crystal display monitors. The technological aspects of the facility have been a focus of the projects rollout, with Walker making comparisons to the West Coast tech economy. We are calling this development 'Wisconn Valley,' because we believe this will have a transformational effect on Wisconsin, just as Silicon Valley transformed the San Francisco Bay Area, he said after the announcement. Max Lynch, the CEO of the Madison software maker Ionic, takes issue with the Wisconn Valley branding. This is not Wisconsins Silicon Valley moment, he said theres no clear link between a manufacturing plant and tech innovation. This is like an Amazon warehouse, he said. An Amazon warehouse isnt where Amazon is innovating on stuff like Alexa. Others, however, are hopeful that Foxconn will make a difference. Joe Kirgues, the Milwaukee-based leader of the startup accelerator gener8tor, said that a Foxconn plant could stimulate the knowledge economy a term used to describe companies oriented around innovative ideas and information instead of goods production. He said there could be a greater demand for workers in technical fields like mathematics and engineering. That demand could in turn fuel the knowledge economy through the growth of resources at technical schools and the University of Wisconsin System. To me, the moment offers the powerful argument that Hey, we need to add 20 more computer science professors, said Kirgues. Rebecca Blank, the UW-Madison chancellor, has already proposed strategic partnerships with Foxconn that could result in funding for research and development at the university. Kirgues also said that theres an entire realm of startups that specialize in manufacturing. He noted that gener8tor is partnering with Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce on a conference this fall in Milwaukee that will connect such entrepreneurs with legacy manufacturers. The idea is to foster partnerships between those companies, and maybe even connect ventures with corporate investment dollars. Chandra Miller Fienen, interim executive director of the planned Madison entrepreneurship center StartingBlock, echoed that theres potential for Foxconn to help startups. It all depends on the kind of player Foxconn wants to be. They could help entrepreneurs scale an idea, if its in their space, she said. Mixed with those hopes are concerns about what Walkers proposed $3 billion Foxconn incentives package could mean for startup-focused economic development. John Neis is a managing director of Venture Investors of Wisconsin, one of the states major venture capital firms. Hes an outspoken proponent of expanding the states Qualified New Business Venture program, which provides tax incentives for both startups and their investors. He expressed concern that the states bold bet on Foxconn could end up cannibalizing state funding for the QNBV program. Im just saying, dont forget about Wisconsin entrepreneurs, he said. He posited that while major deals with giant companies like Foxconn make headlines, smaller-scale startup investments can offer more efficient ways of stimulating job creation and economic growth. Im just trying to ask the question of where were getting the most bang for our buck, he said. Were the Foxconn package to impact funding for the QNBV program, it would be another example of the state shifting economic development funds away from entrepreneurship and toward efforts to attract more established companies. Lynch is unconvinced that Foxconn could spark entrepreneurial activity in the region. Hes also skeptical that startups and investors are motivated by state tax incentive programs. However, he is worried that the Foxconn deal could ultimately hurt the tech economy if it helps Walker win re-election in 2018. The governor has hurt the tech sector by endorsing social policies that drive talent away and by cutting funding for the University of Wisconsin System, he said. That would be a net negative for the tech scene in Wisconsin, he said. Correction: This story has been updated to fix an attribution error. Max Lynch, not Joe Kirgues, is unconvinced that Foxconn could spark entrepreneurial activity in the region, and thinks the deal might help Walker win re-election. President Donald Trump weighed in on the statement released after it was revealed his son, Donald Trump Jr., met with a Russian lawyer in 2016, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday. "The statement that Don Jr. issued is true," Sanders said. "There's no inaccuracy in the statement. The President weighed in as any father would, based on the limited information that he had." Sanders said the matter was "of no consequence." "There was no follow-up. It was a disclosed to the proper parties," she said. "The Democrats want to continue to use this as a PR stunt and are doing everything they can to keep this story alive and in the papers every single day. The President, the American people, they voted America first, not Russia first, and that's the focus of our administration." The New York Times initially reported in early July that Trump Jr. met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya along with Jared Kushner, the President's son-in-law, who has a senior role in the White House, and Paul Manafort, who was campaign chair at the time, in Trump Tower in June 2016. Trump Jr. responded with a statement claiming the meeting was "primarily" about adoption and its relation to US sanctions on Russia under the Magnitsky Act. But shortly after that first report, it was shown the initial statement was misleading. The Times reported that Trump Jr. accepted the meeting in hopes that it would yield damaging information on Hillary Clinton, and Trump Jr. said it had not. After the Times obtained an email chain showing an acquaintance, Rob Goldstone, offered Trump Jr. a meeting where he could obtain information as part of a Russian government effort to help his father's campaign, Trump Jr. posted the emails online. Jay Sekulow, one of the attorneys representing Trump in the Russia investigation, previously denied on CNN that his client was involved with crafting a misleading statement about Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting. Asked directly if the President was involved in the statement from Trump Jr., in an interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo on "New Day" July 12, Sekulow said, "No. That was written by Donald Trump, Jr. and I'm sure with consultation with his lawyer." Cuomo followed up citing the Times reporting that the President approved the statement, and Sekulow said that story was wrong. "Well, they're incorrect," he said, later adding, "is that shocking that they sometimes make a mistake?" This story is breaking and will be updated. CNN's Eli Watkins and Eugene Scott contributed to this report. The real question of the 2016 presidential election isn't so much why did Donald Trump win, as why did he even get close? After all, Trump was a totally unconventional candidate who broke all the rules and did things that would have destroyed anyone else running for president. So why did he break through? Here's the answer: America is now divided along four lines, each one reinforcing the others. Call them the four Cs. The first is capitalism. There was a time when the American economy moved in tandem with its middle class. As the economy grew, so did middle class employment and wages. But over the last few decades that link has been broken. The economy has been humming along, but it now enriches mostly those with education, training, and capital. The other Americans have been left behind. The second divide is about culture. In recent decades, we've seen large scale immigration; African-Americans and Hispanics rising to a more central place in society; and gays being accorded equal rights. All of this has meant new cultures and narratives have received national attention. And it's worried a segment of the older, white population, which fears that the national culture they grew up with is fading. One comprehensive study found that after party loyalty, the second strongest predictor of a Trump voter was "fears of cultural displacement." The third divide in America today is about class. The Trump vote is in large part an act of class rebellion, a working class revolt against know-it-all elites who run the country. These voters will stick with Donald Trump even as he flails, rather than vindicate the elite, urban view of him. The final C in this story is communication. We have gone from an America where people watched three networks that provided a uniform view of the world to one where everyone can pick their own channel, message, and now even their own facts. All these forces have been at work for decades, but in recent years, the Republican Party has been better able to exploit them and identify with those Americans who feel frustrated, anxious, angry -- even desperate about the direction that the country is headed in. Donald Trump capitalized on these trends even more thoroughly, speaking openly to people's economic anxieties, cultural fears, and class rebellion. He promised simple solutions, mostly aimed at others -- Mexicans, Muslims, Chinese people and, of course, the elites and the media. It worked. He won. Whether his solutions are even enacted is another matter. But the real victory will come for this country when someone looks at these deep forces that are dividing it and tries to construct a politics that will bridge them. Rather than accept that America must remain a country split between two tribes -- each uncomprehending of the other, both bitter and hostile -- he or she would speak in a language that unites them. That kind of leadership would win not just elections -- but a place of honor in American history. After spending nearly $4 million, the state has ended a contract meant to curb Medicaid personal care fraud just two months after the oversight began, saying the effort is no longer needed because the risk of fraud has been reduced. In 2015, the Legislature approved a Department of Health Services plan to spend $8 million over two years on independent assessments of personal care, which involves assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and other tasks for about 16,000 elderly or disabled patients a year. Personal care agencies had been determining how much care clients need. The health department said that was a conflict of interest that encouraged fraud. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau questioned whether the independent assessments would achieve the health departments anticipated savings of $19 million over two years because personal care spending had dipped from $273 million in fiscal year 2014 to $268 million in fiscal year 2015. In July 2016, the health department awarded a three-year, $16 million contract to Pennsylvania-based Liberty Healthcare Corp. to conduct the assessments. They were to begin last fall, but didnt start until June 1. Late last week, the health department said it was ending the contract. Julie Lund, health department spokeswoman, said Tuesday that personal care spending has continued to decline, to $255 million in fiscal year 2017. She said the departments plan for statewide implementation of Family Care, a Medicaid managed care program, and electronic verification requirements of a providers presence in a clients home under the new federal 21st Century Cures Act should reduce fraud. Recognizing the immediate cost reduction, as well as the reduced risk, it was clear that ending the contract for independent assessments now is clearly the fiscally responsible approach, Lund said in a statement. The department spent $3.8 million and didnt receive any information to determine if the assessments done since June 1 uncovered fraud or saved money, but the expenditure wasnt a waste, she said. Reduced risk We launched the program to address the obvious growth in (spending) in an area that we recognized was vulnerable for waste, fraud or abuse, Lund said. We reached the decision to end the contract at this point because we recognize the factors that led to reduced risk, and the environment has changed. Kris Naidl, a spokeswoman for Liberty, said, We respect the states decision to return to assessments done by providers as the Family Care program goes statewide. ... Our staff are now working to ensure a seamless transition of those assessment services. Darcy Knapp, president of the Wisconsin Personal Services Association, said the decision confirms what we have known for many years, that the personal care program is cost effective. The health department should use the $12 million unspent in the $16 million contract to address the shortage of personal care workers, Knapp said. Three car theft suspects were arrested Monday afternoon after a chase into Dane County and a rendezvous with a vehicle that struck a county squad vehicle. The Wisconsin Dells Police Department called the Columbia County Sheriffs Office to say that a Hyundai had been stolen and the vehicle, being driven by members of a group suspected in other Dells and Lake Delton area auto thefts, was heading south on Interstate 39, according to a statement released Tuesday by Sheriff Dennis Richards. The vehicles on-board tracking system announced its location and killed the engine as the two suspects were near State Highway 60 in the town of Lodi. The vehicle was pursued by a Columbia County Sheriffs deputy and Wisconsin State Patrol officer. The driver and passenger began fleeing the scene on foot when a Kia Forte, later found to be stolen, struck the deputys drivers side door before picking up the driver of the disabled Hyundai. The passenger had fled on foot. The Kia exited onto US Highway 51 and after running a red light struck another vehicle in the intersection at Hoepker Road in Dane County. The driver in the car struck received minor injuries. The driver of the Kia was identified as Lamont Cannady, 17, of Milwaukee, who was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle without consent, felony eluding authorities, possession of stolen property, felony hit and run of a law enforcement vehicle, reckless endangerment and obstructing an officer. The driver of the Hyundai was identified as 21-year-old Justice Roby of Milwaukee, arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle without the owners consent, knowing passenger eluding and obstructing an officer. The third subject, a 16-year-old suspect, was picked up on suspicion of being a knowing passenger in a stolen vehicle and obstructing an officer. Cannady and Roby were taken to the University of Wisconsin Hospital and were cleared with minor injuries before being transported to Columbia County Jail in Portage. According to Richards statement, more charges are expected as the respective cases are taken on by the district attorneys office. Islamic State: the West must embrace local state ownership of the regions conflicts Has the Middle East now beset by inter-nation, inter-Muslim and inter-ethnic conflict been engulfed in a war without end? A war unleashed by the barbarism and terror of Islamic State (ISIL). ISIL murders both other fundamentalist Sunni Muslims as well as Shia Muslims; Saudi Arabia is combating Iran; Turkey belatedly fights ISIL while attacking the Kurds. And the US and Russia, their bombs raining down on Syria, have been sucked into this maelstrom, sometimes in uneasy alliance against ISIL, sometimes supporting their own factions in direct opposition to each other. The Syrian crisis is apocalyptic a disaster of biblical proportions, with more than five million refugees. The acts of unspeakable brutality carried out by ISIL are quite deliberate. They help create the myth that its omnipotent. But tragically, headline grabbing British, European and American soundbites over Syria have substituted for a proper understanding of the conflict. Since 9/11, the West has had a pretty poor success rate for its interventions in Muslim countries. Yet indulging in the fictitious luxury of isolationism doing nothing in the face of genocide as it shamefully did over Rwanda in 1994 is indefensible. Instead, countries like Britain should act carefully and not bombastically. They should make common cause with both Saudi Arabia and Iran to confront a common ISIL enemy. They should also seek to dissuade Turkey from its sectarian role, encouraging a realignment of Middle East politics to overcome its violently corrosive fault lines. That may be the only way to prevent the continuing war and terror. Western intervention Tony Blairs Labour government was right to intervene and save Sierra Leone from savagery in 2000 and also to prevent the genocide of Muslims in Kosovo in 1999. But very few, even those supporting it at the time, dispute that Blairs 2003 support of Bush in Iraq has led to disaster. Now, Britain is helping defend, with unusually Iran on the same side, a fledgling Iraqi government. The current Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider Al-Abadi, has promised inclusive Shia-Sunni rule quite different from the Shia sectarianism of his Western backed predecessor Al-Maliki. But he is weak and Sunni-influenced sectarianism remains rife in Iraq. Nevertheless there is a real danger that, by stepping in at all, western powers risk freeing Middle East governments and their militia proxies to pursue other sectarian agendas to the detriment of the anti-ISIL campaign. The West must be very determined to ensure that there is regional ownership of and responsibility for tackling the ISIL problem. Otherwise the conflict becomes the very one ISIL craves: with the infidels of the West. But what is ISIL? Although in 2014 ISIL seemed to have sprung out of nowhere, its emergence from Al-Qaeda in Iraq came from Syria in 2011 when President Bashar al-Assad unleashed a campaign of butchery against protesters peacefully demanding the democratic values of the Arab Spring. ISIL contains many foreign fighters from across the Arab and Islamic world. But its leadership included several senior ex-Saddam Hussein army and intelligence officers of legendary cruelty a powerful mix of extremist ideology and professional military expertise. Yet within Iraq, the goals of the ex-Saddam Sunni Baathist leadership and ISIL are very different. It was a marriage of convenience which subsequently deteriorated. ISILs objective is an Islamic State stretching from Iraq to Syria. By contrast, its Sunni Iraqi allies either wanted to overthrow what is a Shia dominated government to regain the Sunni supremacy they lost when Saddam was removed, or favoured a semi-autonomous region, like the Kurds. ISIL is medieval both in its barbarism and in its fanatical religious zeal. But, at the same time, it is a product of a deep seated sense of Sunni disenfranchisement from the autocracies in the region. Unless that political malaise is addressed, ISIL and groups like it will continue to feed off popular resentment. ISILs members possess a devout belief that the sole truth is possessed by the conservative Wahhabi sect dating from the 18th century within the Sunni strand of Islam. The rise of a new caliphate has long been the stated aim of global Jihadi terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda. But the rigidly extreme Wahhabism specific to ISIL makes them an even more potent threat than Al-Qaeda. Unlike Al-Qaeda, ISIL have run the necessary trappings of a state in the areas that they have captured courts, schools and a degree of welfare support. This can bring local people used to an unregulated, chaotic and often violent power vacuum on side. Aside from being the bloodiest, ISIL was also, allegedly, the worlds richest terrorist organisation. In 2014 it had reserves of over USD$2 billion according to British intelligence. What makes ISIL so dangerous? Sunni support for ISIL was encouraged not just by the disastrously anti-Sunni sectarianism of the previous Iraqs Al-Maliki, a Shia, but by the butchery of Assad, also Shia-aligned. Because the Al-Maliki regime openly persecuted Sunnis, ISILs call to arms resonated with those who normally wouldnt support its extremism. This is one of the reasons the Iraqi army folded at the sight of the oncoming ISIL hordes in 2014. Adding to the toxic mix in Iraq has been the presence of up to a million fighters belonging to disparate Shia militias, some directly funded by Iran, of which local Sunnis are deeply suspicious. There are other groups who would also look favourably on an ISIL-led caliphate spreading their way. These include Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al-Shabaab in Somalia for example. What can be done about ISIL? In proudly publicising its own atrocities ISIL seeks to goad the West into reacting emotionally, not strategically, on the basis of a hypothetical threat when the real threat is in the region. Yet for all their blood lust, capabilities and wealth, ISIL has been no match for the military, drone, surveillance and intelligence capacities of NATO. Nor Russias ferocious air power. Irans de facto, if covert, blessing for Western military strikes against ISIL, especially in Iraq, might have opened an opportunity for future engagement and collaboration. This could be transformative for the whole region, including Israel/Palestine. But US President Donald Trumps bitter opposition to the nuclear deal with Tehran, his bellicose rhetoric and his Saudi favouritism, threatens that. Across the region, Iranians as Shiites sponsor Hezbollah and other militias. Saudis and Qataris as Sunnis sponsor Al Qaeda and other Jihadists including ISIL helping unleash a monster. But, unless the US and Europe are prepared to embrace local state ownership of the regions conflicts and to put the onus on those states to find a solution, theres no prospect of peace and stability in the Middle East. This is an edited version of a speech delivered by Lord Hain, a former British anti-apartheid leader, MP, and cabinet minister. He is now Visiting Adjunct Professor at Wits Business School. Peter Hain, Visiting Adjunct Professor at Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Property owners within the Bay County school district will not have to pay more in millage this upcoming school year. Bay District Schools held a meeting to talk about the proposed millage rate and tentative budget Tuesday afternoon. According to school board member Steve Moss, Bay District Schools is working to keep the millage trending downward. Moss states out of 67 counties in Florida, Bay District Schools charges the sixth lowest local capital improvement millage. He goes on to say, "The local and average taxpayer out there will be paying less because of this tentative budget and property taxes next year, so that's the most important, exciting part of today's [Tuesday's] meeting." The school board will meet next month for a public hearing and adoption of the final millage rates and district budget. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page A survey of more than 30,000 Australian university students released yesterday found that half the respondents had been sexually harassed and almost one in 50 had been sexually assaulted on campuses, but few made formal complaints. The Australian Human Rights Commission, which surveyed students across all 39 universities in 2015-16, concluded that sexual assault and sexual harassment occurred at unacceptable rates at Australian universities. The survey found 51 percent of respondents were sexually harassed at least once in 2016. It also found 6.9 percent of respondents reported being sexually assaulted in 2015 or 2016, with 1.6 percent saying the assaults occurred in a university setting. But only 9 percent of those sexually assaulted and 2 percent of the sexually harassed in the past two years had made formal complaints. The commission recommended that universities ensure that staff and students representatives likely to hear such disclosures receive training to respond. It also urged universities to pay for surveys every three years to track progress in reducing such harassment and assaults. The commission also recommended that university residences and residential colleges fund a review of factors that contribute to sexual misbehavior in their settings. Universities Australia said the 39 universities that the advocacy organization represents shared a commitment to do more to ensure every student was safe and could study in an environment where respect was paramount. We send a strong and clear message today that these behaviors are not acceptable. Not on our campuses and not in Australian society, chair Margaret Gardner said. The National Union of Students accused universities of allowing rape cultures to develop on campuses around the country. Universities can no longer bury their heads in the sand and ignore sexual assault and harassment, the union womens officer Abby Stapleton said. AP Kudankulam Phase III enters design stage 02 August 2017 Share Russia and India's project to build units 5 and 6 at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant has entered the "practical implementation phase", ASE Group, the engineering division of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said yesterday. ASE Group includes Atomproekt, Atomstroyexport and ASE Joint Stock Engineering Company (formerly Atomenergoproekt). Atomstroyexport and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) signed contracts on 31 July covering the design and supply of the main equipment for the new units, ASE Group said. Andrey Lebedev, vice-president for projects in South Asia for ASE Group, said the contracts mean design work can formally begin. The two countries signed a framework agreement on 1 June enabling construction of this 'third stage' of the plant, including an intergovernmental credit protocol for implementation of the project. The documents were signed at the 18th Annual Russian-Indian Summit, held alongside the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, by Valery Limarenko, president ASE Group, and Sri Sharma, chairman and managing director of the NPCIL. According to the ASE Group statement, Rosatom and Russia's economic and finance ministries approved the agreements for the third stage of the project on 17 July, and NPCIL's board of directors gave its approval on 19 July. Kudankulam, in Tamil Nadu, is home to two VVER-1000s. Unit 1 entered commercial operation in December 2014, while unit 2 reached 100% of its operating capacity in January this year. NPCIL signed an agreement on 3 April provisionally accepting Kudankulam 2 from its Russian suppliers and thus marking the unit's entry into commercial operation. The unit reached first criticality in May 2016 and was connected to India's power grid in August. Two further VVER-1000 units - Kudankulam 3 and 4 - are to be built at the site in a second construction phase. The first pouring of structural concrete for these units was marked on 29 June. This is the formal start of construction of a nuclear unit, although site preparation works have been underway at the Kudankulam site for several years. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Japanese marine sampling data reliable, says IAEA 02 August 2017 Share Analyses by Japanese laboratories of seawater, marine sediment and fish samples taken from near the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant produce reliable data, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency compared the results obtained from seven Japanese labs with those from three labs outside Japan. Collecting seawater samples near the Fukushima Daiichi plant (Image: IAEA) The IAEA has worked with Japanese laboratories since 2014, following a request by the Japanese government to assist it in ensuring that its sea area monitoring around Fukushima Daiichi maintains a high quality, and is comprehensive, credible and transparent. The three-year project, it said, was a follow-up activity to recommendations made on marine monitoring in a report by the IAEA in 2013, which reviewed Japan's efforts to plan and implement decommissioning of the plant. Six sampling missions were carried out between 2014 and 2016. Surface seawater samples were collected during each mission at five sampling stations near the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The sampling of marine sediment was done during missions in May 2015 and May 2016 at five sampling stations. Five batches of fish samples were caught during missions in November 2015 and six batches were caught in November 2016. Radionuclides in the seawater, sediment and fish samples were determined by participating laboratories using radioanalytical methods, including liquid scintillation counting (for tritium), gas-flow proportional counting (for strontium-90), alpha-ray spectrometry (for plutonium-238, -239 and -240) and gamma-ray spectrometry (for caesium-134 and -137). Interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) and tests involve laboratories separately testing and analysing samples and then comparing results and procedures to determine their reliability and accuracy. Seven Japanese laboratories participated in these comparisons: Japan Chemical Analysis Centre (JCAC), Geo Science Laboratory, Kanso Company Ltd, Marine Ecology Research Institute (MERI), Japan Frozen Foods Inspection Corp, Tokyo Power Technology and a laboratory run by Fukushima Prefecture. The IAEA's Environment Laboratories in Monaco also participated, as did Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency and New Zealand's Institute of Environmental Science and Research, both members of the Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network. The laboratories' results were collected by the IAEA, compared and evaluated with statistical tests. For one of the exercises an independent ALMERA laboratory in Hungary assisted in the collection and assessment of the data. Iolanda Osvath, head of the IAEA's Radiometrics Laboratory, said: "Over 98% of the results were not significantly different from each other, which means the Japanese laboratories involved in the program demonstrate a high level of consistency amongst themselves and with laboratories in other countries and the IAEA." In its report, the IAEA concludes, "Following the six sampling missions organised in 2014-2016, the IAEA can confidently report that Japan's sample collection procedures follow the appropriate methodological standards required to obtain representative samples." It added, "The results obtained in ILCs demonstrate a high level of accuracy and competence on the part of the Japanese laboratories involved in the analyses of radionuclides in marine samples for the Sea Area Monitoring program." In separate proficiency test exercises, the IAEA prepared test samples of low radioactivity seawater and required the participating laboratories to measure its level of radioactivity. The labs reported their methods and results to the IAEA. Over 50 laboratories worldwide - including 17 in Japan - participated in these exercises. The IAEA said the project has now been extended for another four years. The next steps will build on the already completed work and involve more interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tests. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Riga is the capital city of Latvia, and the countrys most populous city. Riga is also the biggest city in the Baltic states, which also include Estonia and Lithuania. The city encompasses an area of approximately 307.17 square km. Well known for its Art Nouveau architecture, rich history, and culture, Rigas historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a major tourism center in the Baltic region. In 2016, the city received 2.3 million tourists. Where Is the Capital of Latvia Located? Riga, the capital city of Latvia, encompasses an area of about 119 square miles. It is located at the mouth of the Daugava River, on the Baltic Seas southern shores. The city's strategic location between Eastern and Western Europe has historically made it a frequent target of invasion by foreign powers, as well as a major trade center. How and When Did Riga Become the Capital of Latvia? The site where Riga is currently located was settled originally by the Finnic tribe of Livonians. The modern city was founded in the latter half of the 12th century, with the arrival of German Christian missionaries, merchants, and military. The first German trade outpost was established in the region in 1158. Over the years, as Riga grew to be one of the major urban centers of the Baltic region, it attracted many global powers with military, political, religious, and economic aspirations. The strategic location of the city on a major trade route connecting Eastern and Western Europe often invited unwanted attention to the city, and it was subjected to numerous invasions over the years. After the end of World War I, the Baltic states were in a position to proclaim their independence. Thus, on November 18, 1918, Riga became the capital city of Latvia, a newly independent country. However, the independent state of Latvia was not long lasting. The World War II brought great death and destruction to Latvia. The population of the country was reduced to one-third of its size prior to the war. Jews in Riga were mercilessly slaughtered and ghettoes were established in the city to confine the Jewish population. At the end of the war, the country was economically devastated and once more became subject to Russian rule. During this time, Riga experienced rapid infrastructural developments and industrialization. The demographics of the city also shifted drastically, and became a Russian majority city. In the late 1980s, the Baltic states were once more in a position to attain an independence, and on August 21, 1991, Latvia once more became an independent nation, with Riga as the capital city. Climate of Riga Riga has a humid continental climate, with freezing winters and cool, humid summers. The coldest months are January and February. Rains and fogs are frequent in the autumn season. Demographics of Riga As of 2016, the population of the city was 639,630. Over the years, the population of the city has steadily decreased, and it is estimated that it will fall by 50% by 2050. Low birth rates and emigration are the major causes for such a decline. Ethnic Latvians and Russians constitute the two major ethnic groups inhabiting the capital city of Latvia. The former accounts for 44.03% and the latter accounts for 37.88% of the population of the city. Belarusians, Ukrainians, Poles, and people of other ethnicities also inhabit Riga. The city does not have a state religion and the people are free to practice the religion of their choice. Economy of Riga Riga is a major commercial and industrial center not only in Latvia, but also in the entire Baltic region. The city accounts for over 50% of the countrys GDP. The city and its surrounding areas generate nearly half of all the jobs available in the country. Important industries based in Riga include textiles, woodworking, metalworking, pharmaceuticals, paper, and food processing. The city also has a flourishing service sector and tourism industry. The port in the city is one of the Baltic regions busiest ports. How to Reach Riga? Riga is served by Riga International Airport, which connects the city to international destinations. It is one of the busiest airports in the Baltic region. Sea ferries connect Riga to destinations like Stockholm across the sea. Riga Port is strategically located on the ancient trade route between Europe and Russia, and thus handles heavy cargo traffic. Riga also has an extensive network of roads for intracity commuting. The city is also served by the railways. Flags, Symbols & Currency of Cyprus The National Flag of Cyprus was officially adopted on August 16, 1960. It was designed by a Turkish Cypriot art instructor - Ismet Guney. The National Flag of Cyprus features a copper-colored silhouette of the island that is centered on a white field; and placed above two olive-green-colored, crossed olive branches. The copper-orange color of the map symbolizes the famous copper deposits (in the form of orange-colored chalcopyrite) on the island. The white color in the flags background represents peace. The two crossed green olive branches signify the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities residing on the island. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 3:5. History of the Flag of Cyprus For several centuries, Cyprus was a part of the Ottoman Empire and was represented by the Turkish flag. In 1878, Great Britain had acquired administrative control over the island nation. The British colonial flag comprising of a British blue ensign with the Union Jack in its canton along with a pair of two red royal lions on its coat of arms was subsequently flown over the island. The Cypriot Greeks and Turks who resided on the island used the flags of Greece and Turkey as their national flags. After the independence of Cyprus from Great Britain, a competition was organized to select a flag design. It was ordered that the flag should not use red since the color was associated with Turkey; it also could not use blue since the color was associated with Greece. The winner of the neutral design of the flag was the Turkish Cypriot art instructor - Ismet Guney and the flag was started to be used on August 16, 1960, as per the Zurich and London Agreements, which proclaimed Cyprus as an independent state. Historical Flags of Cyprus Royal banner of Janus of Cyprus. Flag of the Kingdom of Cyprus (15th century). Image credit: Samhanin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons First flag of Cyprus under British Colonial Rule First flag of Cyprus under British colonial rule (1881 to 1922) Last Flag of Cyprus under British Colonial Rule Last flag of Cyprus under British colonial rule (19221960) Symbols of Cyprus The National Coat of Arms of Cyprus The current official Coat of Arms of Cyprus features a crest of green olive tree leaves surrounding a yellow shield. Inside the shield, a dove is carrying an olive branch. The yellow color of the shield represents the copper deposits on the island. The dove with the olive branch symbolizes peace. The year '1960' written on the shield represents the date of Cypruss independence from the United Kingdom. National Anthem Anthem Title: "Hymn to Liberty" Music Composer: Nikolaos Mantzaros Lyricist: Dionysios Solomos Date of Adoption: November 16, 1966 "Hymn to Liberty" is the national anthem of Cyprus. The anthem is based on a poem that consists of 158 stanzas and has been written by Dionysios Solomos. The music has been composed by Nikolaos Mantzaros. As per the length of the text, it is the longest national anthem of any country in the world. However, only the first two stanzas was officially adopted as the national anthem of Cyprus on November 16, 1966. " (Greek) , , . , , , , ! "Hymn to Liberty" I recognize you by the fearsome sharpness, of the sword, I recognize you by your face that hastefully defines the land (i.e. the land's borders). From the sacred bones, of the Hellenes arisen, and valiant again as you once were, Hail, o hail, Liberty! The Currency of Cyprus is the euro Being a member of the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus on January 1, 2008, had introduced the euro as its official currency. One euro is divided into 100 cents. The euro replaced the Cypriot Pound. Coins There are 8 denominations of euro coins: 1, 2,5,10,20 and 50 cent and 1,2 Euro. One side of the coin has a design that is common for all Eurozone countries. The other side of the coin features the national identity of the country in which it is issued. Banknotes There are 7 denominations of banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. The higher the denomination, the bigger is the size. All the denominations are distinguished by different sizes and colors. Euro Banknote Two hundred euro banknote Euro Coin One euro coin Historical Currencies of Cyprus From 1879 to 2007, Cyprus currency was the Cypriot Pound (CYP), also called the Lira. The CYP had been introduced to Cyprus by the British in 1879. On January 1, 2008, when Cyprus joined the EU, the republics official legal tender became the euro. At the time, the exchange rate of one euro to the CYP was 0.585274, according to European Central Bank (ECB). Before the euro becoming the official currency in Cyprus in early 2008, distribution of its currency notes and coins to banks and companies had begun in October and November 2007. The early distribution ensured a smooth cash changeover and lowered the costs of dual currency circulation. Local banks and cooperative credit societies have been exchanging CYP for euros at a fee if the amount is over CYP 1000 for notes with the deadline for the exchanges set to expire on December 2017, according to ECB. Lawmaker Jose Pereira Coutinho is calling for a reconsideration of measures that he fears will restrict lawmakers freedom of speech at the Legislative Assembly (AL). Following his disappointment over the proposed ban on banners at the AL, which was recently withdrawn from vote, Coutinho lamented that some legislators are still seeking to protect their own interests by supporting the shortening of lawmakers oral inquiry time at plenary sessions. Last week, the AL passed a motion to discuss the amendment of AL internal rules, which was criticized by several lawmakers. The original draft of the bill included 24 proposals, with one of them proposing to reduce lawmakers oral inquiry time from the current five minutes to three minutes. Another proposal was to remove the restrictions on the length of time of some sessions of the lawmakers inquiries to government representatives. Coutinho, who is also president of the Macau Civil Servants Association (ATFPM) has again condemned the government for making such proposals. His criticism stems from his belief that a reduced window of opportunity will discourage lawmakers from fully exercising their freedom of speech. In some sense, we feel that it would be more and more difficult for us to exercise the right to ask questions to the government, the lawmaker commented. He also cited his belief that some of the proposals would create opportunities for the government to selectively answer lawmakers inquiries. The legislator added that when the government selectively replies to their inquiries, it would most likely mean that some of the publics concerns will be ignored. We can ask two or three questions but they can only choose to answer one. So what happens to the other questions? How do we explain it to the residents? he asked He also doubted that legislators would be able to comprehensively fulfill their duties to serve the public when the government becomes selective in answering issues. Despite the discussion of amendments to AL internal rules, which was held on Thursday, Coutinho was still not satisfied, as the lack of transparency in the house was not discussed. There are still very important issues that the AL didnt tackle like the transparency of its six working commissions, he said. Coutinho pointed to Hong Kongs Legislative Council, stressing that legislators in the neighboring SAR are obliged to declare their other professions and that this information is listed in the governments official website. The lawmaker lamented that there is no system in the region that oversees what legislators are doing aside from being involved in the AL. He also recalled that there have already been several instances where their speech rights were subjugated. There have been, in the past, many ways to suppress legislators. We feel that in the future they will still suppress our freedom of speech. We really dont know exactly who is behind the scenes doing that. We dont think its something coming from the Macau government, the lawmaker continued. Coutinho stressed that only a few influential lawmakers are members of the AL and government institutions and that this discrepancy affects the administration works. According to him, the influential lawmakers are working on self-interest so they can still survive by having a monopoly in one of the most important economic activities in Macau. Coutinho has further hinted that the lack of transparency in the MSAR government provides convenience for the few influential lawmakers to continue their hidden agenda. (Scroll down for video) A woman from Slovakia, who came to the United States on a summer job program, drowned after going naked in the water in middle of the night, according to police in New Jersey. 24-year-old Zuzana Oravcova and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Thomas Kadlec, both came to the United States on a J1 Visa program, which is run by the U.S. State Department. Oravcova worked at the Sweet Shop on Jenkinsons Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach. On Sunday, at around 2:00 a.m., Oravcova and her boyfriend went into the water naked. They were both caught in a strong rip current. Kadlec managed to get out of the water and called for help. Police and the U.S. Coast Guard began searching for Oravcova, and her body was found late Sunday night on Ocean Beach II. The National Weather Service said that the waves were 6 feet high all weekend, prompting a warning that swimmers stay out of the water. Police said that the drowning appeared to be an accident and no charges will be filed. A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took Uber Technologies and Didi Chuxing are once again going head-to-head, this time in Estonia. The Chinese giant with a multi billion-dollar war chest is backing Estonias Taxify OU with a financial investment and support on technology developments, the companies said yesterday. The partnership-Didis first major move into Europe will give Taxify a boost to grow in cities from Prague to London and launch in cities including Paris in the coming months, founder Markus Villig said. It will be hard for Uber to be number one everywhere we see each region will be dominated by a local champion, Villig, who is also Taxifys chief executive officer, said in an interview. Were focused to be No. 1 in Europe and Africa. Last year Didi bought Ubers brand, business and data in China, drawing a truce to a bruising battle between the two companies for leadership in the country. Didi has since expanded globally by sponsoring local players, and is already an investor in Grab, Ubers biggest competitor in Southeast Asia; Ola, the largest ride-hailing company in India; and Lyft, the main Uber rival in the U.S. Uber has also been merging with local partners, following expensive attempts to win over regional business. Last month the San Francisco-based company and Yandex NV announced they would merge their ride-hailing businesses in Russia. Uber will invest USD225 million and take a 36.6 percent stake in the new venture that will be valued at $3.73 billion. Taxifys strategy is broadly to steal market share from Uber in cities from Tallinn, Estonia to Johannesburg by focusing on items like driver pay and training, Villig said. Europe is promising in terms of possible regulatory easing that would unlock markets like Germany and Scandinavia, while Africa has potential to dramatically grow in terms of number of rides, he said. Didi didnt have a partner yet in Europe and Africa thats where we come in, said Villig, who described Didi as largely a passive investor, whose investment doesnt entail strategy or management changes at this point. Despite a number of setbacks in Europe, Uber still dominates key markets, and has been working to win over regulators. It has recently been working with the Estonian Tax and Custom Board on a pilot project on taxation between customers and drivers. Didi and Taxify declined to disclose the financials of the latest investment. Taxify had raised 2 million euros ($2.4 million) prior to the Didi deal, Villig said. Marie Mawad, Bloomberg Milwaukee police say they have detained two persons of interest in last month's fatal shooting of a 6-year-old boy. Police say a 23-year-old man was arrested in Milwaukee and a 32-year-old man was arrested in Chicago as part of the investigation into the July 22 killing of Justin Evans. Family members say the incident happened while Justin was visiting his grandmother's house and planning to head out on a fishing trip. Justin was running to the house to tell his mother he was leaving when witnesses say gun shots rang out in the yard and he was hit. Justin is believed to be the youngest victim to die by gunfire in Milwaukee this year. The Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM) organized its ninth edition of the Macau-wide IT Competition Alice 3D Programming Contest. The theme of this years contest is Macau our livable city. The competition received 89 entries from 260 contestants representing all sectors of the Macau community, including secondary and tertiary institutions. Competitors this year focused mostly on creating projects related to the protection of the ecological environment and the need to develop a green city. Competitors were also keen to offer solutions to make better use of public transportation for the convenience of citizens and tourists in Macau. These potential solutions address the overcrowding that is increasingly experienced in Macau because of its dense population. During the competition, IPM provided specialized training in Alice 3D programming to provide participants with a better understanding of the programming skills needed to complete their projects. Competitors mentioned that while developing their projects, they had been able to further master their 3D programming skills as well as improve their creativity and team-building techniques. Participating teams also stated they were able to receive valuable feedback from the judging panel during the oral presentation stage. The institute chose the theme Macau our livable city because Macau ranked fourth out of 289 cities in China in terms of livability, according to a report on the competitiveness of Chinese cities released in 2016 by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The institute stated in a press release that with the standard of living increasing, public attention on livable cities has surged. Vice president of IPM, Im Sio Kei, said in a speech at the awards ceremony that the competition will further support the popularity and application of information technology in Macau, providing a good platform for contestants to demonstrate their achievements. He added that IPM will continue to organize similar events for students and members of the general public who have an interest in this area. Privacy watchdog Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed a formal complaint against Google before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Monday, alleging that Googles new advertising program violates consumers' privacy. The complaint documents how Googles new Store Sales Measurement (SSM) technique, which links offline purchases with online activity, poses grave privacy risks and is likely illegal. SSM is Googles new consumer profiling technique, and correlates offline purchases using credit and debit cards with online activity such as location searches. The technique, announced May 23, marks a qualitative increase in Googles efforts to obtain and monetize information about its users. Under SSM, Google takes information from undisclosed data brokerage firms and credit card companies and aggregates and anonymizes it using a proprietary algorithm. This datawhich can include customers names, purchase location, purchase time and the amount of money spentis then correlated to the information on Internet usage that Google has been accumulating and analyzing for years. Through its search engine and other services, including YouTube, Gmail and Google Maps, Google can assess where its users are going, with whom they are communicating and what types of videos they are watching. This data, combined with information on how users interact with ads (for example, if they click on an ad preceding a YouTube video), provides a disturbingly thorough picture of users lives. This type of data can reveal medical conditions, religious beliefs, political affiliations and personal relationships. Googles intimate relationship with the US intelligence apparatus is particularly troublesome in this context. Google claims that the two data setsGoogles data on its users Internet activity and its partner companies data on credit card transactionsare handled separately via double-blind encryption. According to the Washington Post: The [non-Google] companies know only that a certain number of matches have been made. In addition, Google does not know what products people bought. By analyzing this vast trove of data, advertisers can get a much fuller picture of the success of their ads at every step. Previously, advertisers were only able to see if a customer clicking on an ad led to a sale, which often leaves out intermediate steps, including searches and ads they did not click on. Understanding the role each marketing step plays in getting a customer to buy something is considered the Holy Grail of marketing, according to Forbes contributor Robert Hof. Googles SSM program vacuums up a disturbing amount of information, including, by Googles own estimate, approximately 70% of credit and debit card transactions in the United States, either directly from the credit card companies themselves or through third-party companies. In the EPIC filing notes, Google would not say whether customers have consented to the use of their data to tie purchases to advertising and other actions. Google claims it has the rights necessary to use the data. Google also refused to reveal the algorithm that supposedly anonymizes the purchase information, citing a pending patent application. However, what little is known about the algorithmthat it is based on the algorithm CryptDBraises privacy concerns, because CryptDB has been compromised in the past. One of EPICs requests of the FTC is that it mandate algorithmic transparency, which would allow independent researchers to verify that the algorithm is secure. Even if the information is kept securely, it is nearly impossible to opt out of having this information accumulated and analyzed. Because Google does not reveal which credit card companies it has partnered with, consumers cannot choose to use one card over another for personal privacy reasons. Several pages of EPICs FTC filing are dedicated to the labyrinthine nature of Googles privacy settings and how it is difficult for any but the most technologically savvy users to find out how to opt out of having their information used for advertising purposes. Opting out of in-store purchase tracking requires Google users to opt out of location tracking, which EPIC says would not be surmised by a reasonable consumer. Googles highly invasive tracking of its users every move and the near-impossibility of opting out combines the Orwellian with the Kafkaesque. EPIC has previously brought Google-related privacy complaints before the FTC, including a 2010 filing that alleged that Google used deceptive practices to populate Google Buzz, Googles short-lived social network, with Gmail users. The FTC agreed with EPIC and settled with Google in 2011. The 2011 settlement included a consent order mandating that Google create a program to address privacy risks. The FTC found that Google promptly violated this order and fined Google $22.5 million in 2012 for misrepresenting its practices to users of Apples Safari browser. EPICs filing against Google regarding SSM alleges that Google is engaged in multiple unfair trade practices and deceptive acts in violation of federal law, and that the FTC therefore has regulatory authority to impose fines. In the filing, EPIC requests that the FTC investigate Google and enjoin Google from implementing the program as it currently stands, including with its opaque algorithm and opt-out process. Googles invasive SSM technique was released on the heels of the implementation of a new censorship algorithm in April. This secret algorithm, justified in the name of a bogus effort to counteract the dissemination of fake news on the internet, is suppressing left-wing, anti-war and progressive websites in Googles search results. The World Socialist Web Site in particular is being targeted by Googles new algorithm. All across the US today, tens or hundreds of thousands of people will line up looking for work as part of the largest job fair in US history. Amazon Jobs Day tells a tale of two Americas. On the one hand there is Amazon, a corporation awash in cash, always expanding its monopoly, producing ever greater dividends for shareholders. Its stock value has tripled in the last two years, and CEO Jeff Bezos (net worth=$90 billion) is making $23,000 per minute, about the same as the average Amazon warehouse worker in the US earns each year. The financial oligarchy agrees with what Barack Obama said in 2016: Now is the greatest time to be alive. On the other hand, living conditions are deteriorating for the working class. The net worth of the average working class family has nearly fallen in half since the 2007-2008 financial crash, and most workers dont have enough savings to cover a moderate expense like new tires or new medication. The job fairs are being held in some of the most economically distressed regions of the country. Urban centers like Baltimore, Maryland and Buffalo, New York have been hollowed out by decades of job losses and population decline. Suburban areas like Etna, Ohio; Whitestown, Indiana; Romeoville, Illinois; and Hebron, Kentucky are among the most heavily impacted by an opioid crisis that killed roughly 60,000 people last year. Former industrial hubs like Fall River, Massachusetts; Robbinsville, New Jersey; and Kenosha Wisconsin were once home to better-paid manufacturing jobs, but are now being transformed into industrial parks for low-pay, low-benefit warehouse work. The fact that many workers view Amazon warehouse jobs that net $15,000 to $25,000 per year as a step up from the minimum wage service industry is itself a sign that corporations exercise an unprecedented degree of domination over the lives of hundreds of millions of workers. Today, workers no longer have the eight-hour day, pensions, employer-provided health care, or cost of living adjustments in contracts. The growth in poverty and economic hardship in the working class means the accumulation of wealth and privilege by the ruling class. The top 10 percent of Americans now own roughly three-quarters of all household wealth. The poorest half of the populationroughly 160 million people, own nothingjust 0.1 percent of US wealth. The growth of inequality is the product of deliberate policies enacted by both capitalist parties, the Democrats and Republicans, which have carried out the same policies of bank bailouts, cuts to social programs, tax cuts for the rich, mass surveillance, the deportation of immigrant workers, and never-ending war abroad. Trump and his cabal of fascist advisers, generals, and family members did not emerge from nowherehis administration is the product of decades of war, reaction, and decay within the ruling class and all its official institutions. The present crisis within the administration, marked by high profile cabinet member firings and resignations and unproven allegations of Russian hacking, is a fight among the Democratic and Republican factions of the ruling class to control the government and dictate the foreign policy of US imperialism. The fact that the working class has no allies in this fight is proven by where the two parties agree. While telling workers there is not enough money for wage increases, or to fund social programs, both parties hailed the recent construction of the U.S.S. Gerald Ford, a massive aircraft carrier that cost $13 billion to build, stuffing the pockets of numerous contractors and war profiteers. In the name of the fraudulent war on terror, the ruling class has drained trillions of dollars on wars fought for corporate profit that have left millions dead and destroyed whole countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Both parties have also expressed their desire to cooperate on a health care law aimed at boosting the profits of the insurance, hospital, and pharmaceutical corporations. Under the Democrats disastrous Obamacare program, millions are paying skyrocketing premiums for barebones coverage. The Republican proposals use Obamacare as a jumping-off point to make further cuts to workers coverage, including by gutting billions from Medicaid subsidies. The wealth gap that separates the ruling class from the vast majority of the population is made possible through the artificial suppression of the class struggle by the trade unions over the last 40 years. The primary role of the AFL-CIO today is to block strikes and prevent workers from linking up with one another in a common struggle for social equality. Amazon and other corporations want workers to view one anotherincluding those in line with one another at Amazons job fairas competition. In reality, workers in the US and all over the world are linked by common class interests, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, immigration status, or sexual orientation. Amazons vast international supply chains, spurred by advancements in the areas of communication, transportation and engineering, are transforming social relations, linking the international working class in different industries together in the process of production like never before. The conditions for bringing the world economy into harmony with the needs of the human race are already present. But under capitalism, these progressive tendencies are turned against the working class and society as a whole. The advances in technology and the global integration of production become weapons in the hands of the capitalist class to destroy jobs and living standards for the broad masses of people, while the conflict between the global character of economic life and the nation-state system of capitalism erupts in the form of militarism and war. What is required is the socialist transformation of the world economy, expropriating the wealth of corporations like Amazon and turning them from for-profit exploitative giants into international public services, organized and directed democratically by the workers themselves. The World Socialist Web Site and its publisher, the International Committee of the Fourth International, fight to unite the working class in a mass socialist movement aimed at undertaking these historic tasks. We publish the International Amazon Workers Voice (Facebook.com/AmazonWorkersVoice), which exposes exploitative working conditions in Amazon fulfillment centers around the world and serves as a platform for organizing opposition among Amazon workers internationally. Workers both within Amazon and in other industries must make the WSWS their daily source for news and political analysis. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/wsws.org and join the fight for socialism. Shane Parmely, a middle school teacher from San Diego, was stopped at a border patrol checkpoint in New Mexico late last month on her way home from a vacation with her children. After Parmley refused to answer the federal agents questions the family was detained for more than an hour. The checkpoint was on Interstate 10 just west of El Paso before Demming, New Mexico, approximately 30 miles north of the US-Mexico border. Parmely posted a series of videos to her Facebook account recording the incident which have since gone viral. Videos of the incident can be seen here. As Parmely pulled up to the checkpoint, one of the agents asked her, Citizens? Parmely responded, Are we crossing a border? No. Are you United States citizens? the agent responded. Parmely repeated again, Are we crossing a border? Ive never been asked if Im a citizen before when Im traveling down the road. The agent continued to repeat his questions, but Parmely reiterated that she would not answer any question. The agent then stated, You are required to answer an immigration question. You are not required to answer any other questions. Parmely again refused to answer the question and was told that she and her family would be detained for an immigration inspection. So if I just come through and say, Yes, Im a citizen, I can just go ahead? she asks. The agent responded, If the agent is justified by the answer, then yes. So if I have an accent, and Im brown, can I just say, Yes, and go ahead, or do I have to prove it? she asked. I have a bunch of teacher friends who are sick of their kids being discriminated against. Later on, Parmelys son asked if he might use the restroom. One agent told Parmely that he could not use the bathroom until his mother answered the question about her citizenship. Only after Parmely responded sharply did another agent come over to escort the child to a bathroom. In a display of force, one of the Border Patrol agents shoved a card listing an immigration law and a Supreme Court case decision that gives Border Patrol agents authority to operate checkpoints within 100 miles of the US border and to ask questions about an individuals citizenship without warrant. Agents detained Parmely and her family for over an hour until she was finally released without ever stating her citizenship. Since Parmely posted the video it has been watched over 2 million times on social media and has sparked an outpouring of support for her actions as well as anger against the authoritative Border Patrol agencies and policies. Following the outpouring of support for Parmely, Border Patrol was quick to justify the incident. A spokesman issued the following statement: Border Patrol checkpoints are a critical tool for the enforcement of our nations immigration laws. At a Border Patrol checkpoint, an agent may question a vehicles occupants about their citizenship, place of birth, and request document proof of immigration status, how legal status was obtained and make quick observations of what is in plain view in the interior of the vehicle. In other words, if a Border Patrol agent has a hunch that a person is not a US citizen they will be stopped and asked to show proof. Nearly two-thirds of the United States population lives within the 100-mile exception zone, which encompasses the majority of states, including New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Florida and New Hampshire. Major cities such as El Paso, Los Angeles, Seattle and Columbus, Ohio all fall within this zone. By this justification, the US Border Patrol could arbitrarily create checkpoints across the country and ask the roughly 200 million people that live within these areas about their citizenship. Within this Constitution-free zone, Border Patrol agents are granted extra-constitutional powers. While the Fourth Amendment protects against random and arbitrary searches and seizures, at a border crossing, or port of entry, federal authorities do not need a warrant or even suspicion to conduct a routine search of ones luggage or vehicle. The 100-mile zone was first adopted by the US Department of Justice in 1953, at a time when there were less than 1,100 agents. Today, there are some 21,000 agents. The Supreme Court has routinely upheld the practice of immigration checkpoints, most infamously in the 1976 ruling in United States v. Martinez-Fuerte, which found that if there is reasonable collective suspicion then a persons car and belongings may be subjected to a search in the interest of public safety. Terence Shigg, president of San Diegos local chapter of the National Border Patrol Council, defended the invasive practice arguing that checkpoints are only located along routes used by transnational criminal organizations. In reality, checkpoints such as these serve to expand the reactionary power of the state and police agencies. With the advent of the so-called war on terror more than 15 years ago, abuse by Border Patrol agents has only grown. The actions of the Trump administration and its full-throated support for the many armed bodies of men who patrol the border represent the culmination of decades of reactionary anti-immigrant policies and militarization of the border carried out by Republicans and Democrats alike. Two months ago DL Menard celebrated the 55th anniversary of his most famous song. La Porte den Arriere (The Back Door), which has surpassed the popularity of Jolie Blon and been described as the anthem for Cajuns today, earned its songwriter an enduring reputation as the Cajun Hank Williams. The revival of the fortunes of traditional Cajun music owes much to Menards love of country music, and his warmly nasal voice. Menard died July 27 in Scott, Louisiana, at the age of 85. Doris Leon Menard was born into a farming family outside Erath, Louisiana. His father played some harmonica, but there was not much singing at home. He learned songs primarily from listening to a Texas radio station on a battery-powered radio. Every year the battery would die a month or two before the cotton had been sold: I couldnt listen to the radio then because we had to wait to sell the first bale of cotton to have money to buy a new battery. That was the hardest time, without the radio. That rural poverty had always played a part in shaping Cajun music. The Acadians expelled by the British from what is now Nova Scotia in the mid-eighteenth century brought their French musical heritage to Louisiana and incorporated local Anglo-American styles into their fiddle-driven dance music. The advent of the diatonic accordion from the mid-nineteenth century reduced the melodic scope of the repertoire (unlike the violin, the accordion is limited in key and in available notes) and gave the music its rhythmic drive. This music was first recorded commercially in the 1920s, but economic factors were bearing on the culture that produced it. Oil had been discovered locally in 1901, which brought in migrant workers and financial speculators. Industry, improved transportation and then war drove a melting pot culture that served to isolate poorer French-speakers. From 1916 English-language education was compulsory and French was banned from elementary education. DL Menard spoke French at home but used English phonics because students were punished for using French at school: Sometimes you were paddled. You were whipped. Oh, yeah. You had to speak English. Such divisions were exacerbated by the Depression. Upper and middle class Louisianans (what one scholar calls genteel Acadians) enthusiastically embraced the Americanization process and denigrated the French-speaking Cajuns with no economic route out of their isolation. This had an impact musically. The success of Hillbilly and Western Swing led to Cajun music being smoothed and shaped to fit. The accordion was increasingly dropped from commercial recordings from the late 1930s. The isolation of poor Cajuns, however, meant that older musical styles survived locally. When Iry Lejeune recorded La Valse du Pont dAmour in 1948 it was said that the young accordionist simply did not know any better, but he was heavily influenced by older recordings and the music of his neighbours and relatives. The enthusiastic response to Lejeunes recordingslent additional mystique by his tragic death aged just 26encouraged local music store owners to fill a regional gap and record Cajun performers. This resurgent Cajun music was no simple nostalgic revival. DL Menard was listening to English-language country songs on the radio. He learnt and sang these unaccompanied for his own pleasure. He did not encounter live Cajun music until he was 16, when the family quit farming and moved into Erath. One night he visited a practice session at his uncles house, three doors down from his home, and fell in love with the guitar. He ordered a catalogue guitar and asked the guitarist to teach him. He was a fast learner. Two months later he bought the instrument he would play at his first gig with Elias Badeaux and the Louisiana Aces. He remained a solid and elegant rhythm guitarist with a fine swing to his playing. Menard had a repertoire of country songs that enabled the Aces to span the full range of Southern Louisiana music at the time. He did not start singing French songs until three years later: In fact, my own mother and father were even surprised when they first heard me sing in French. Although I spoke French, they didnt think I could sing in French. It was like singing was yet another language. Menard was particularly identified with the songs of Hank Williams, whose influence was not just directly musical. Menard met his hero in 1951 in New Iberia. Menard, a great raconteur, talked often about how Williams had talked to him like I was a real person. He followed that example. Fiddler Terry Huval recalled that When people would go to talk to him, hed stop and talk to them. He listened to them and engaged with them. He always remembered how that made him feel. Williams also gave him the advice that would make him as a songwriter. He told me, When you write a song, you pretend its happening to you. And Ill be darned if he wasnt right. He wrote lyrics for a waltz, which the Aces recorded in 1960 as Valse de Jolly Roger, and he found a way of setting his thoughts and feelings to music. The following year he wrote La Porte den Arriere, which was released to popular acclaim in 1962. Basing the tune on Hank Williamss Honky Tonk Blues Menard wrote the lyrics during a shift at a service station between jobs. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, but I didnt have time to write it all out at once. It was further complicated by him not being able to write in French: I wrote the words in English but the song was in French. I wrote it in English as close as I could to what I wanted to say in French. There was some dispute within the band about recording the song, but producer Floyd Soileau announced after their first take That was great thats going to be the hit. The record came out on a Wednesday. By the Saturday it had already recouped the costs of the recording session, and it was playing on the jukebox when they arrived for their regular weekend gig. It became so popular that Menard would be asked to sing it repeatedly. He tired of this, but his wife Louella sat me down and made it straight to me that I had a hit. I didnt know. I had no idea. In 1973 the Aces were invited to play at the National Folk Festival, an event that brought home to him the broader impact of his personal, down-home music: The people gave us a standing ovation. If you had given me a million dollars cash, I would not have felt better. It seemed like my stomach wanted to jump out I never really understood the value of our music until then. When the Aces disbanded Menard continued to travel with other Cajun musicians, and became a regular on the folk festival circuit. La Porte den Arriere, he would say, had taken him to 38 countries. He quit the service station to find work that would fit better with his music, and started making ashwood chairs, with Louella weaving cane seats and backs. He was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1994, a year after the excellent Le Trio Cadien album with Iry Lejeunes son Eddie and fiddler Ken Smith was nominated for a Grammy. In the sleevenotes for his wonderful 1988 album No Matter Where You At, There You Are, he wrote that most people seem to view us now as professional musicians, not just as people playing for the fun of it, and maybe we are. But that wont stop us from playing the kind of music you like, or singing a song that you like to hear. That music remained warm and engaging, exemplifying his thinking about songs: You know, nothing makes a better song than something ordinary that you see or do every day but never notice. Its like people who live around a beautiful mountain. They see it every day and almost forget its there until somebody takes a picture of it. Several of DL Menards performances, live in concert, are available on YouTube. Here are two: The Back Door (with Shetland fiddler Aly Bain) La Porte with pedal steel Last week, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu ordered the removal of metal detectors and security cameras that provoked mass protests by the Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. But he has ordered them to be replaced with smart cameras that identity faces and see though clothing for weapons. Israel installed the metal detectors at the entrances to Jerusalems al-Aqsa/Temple Mount complex following an attack on July 14 by three Israeli Palestinians in which two policemen were killed. Palestinians responded by boycotting the al-Aqsa Mosque and holding their prayers outside the compound. This and the broader protests were attributed to Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls Gaza. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas used the opportunity to posture as an opponent of Israel. The Palestinian Authority (PA) would freeze ties with Israel until all the recently installed security devices were dismantled, he said, while worshippers would continue to stay out of al-Aqsa and hold prayers in the street. Netanyahu removed the metal detectors under pressure from Washington, after the Saudi Arabian and Jordanian monarchs warned their US protectors that unrest could spiral out of control, destabilise their regimes, give succour to Qatar, which sponsors Hamas, and derail Washingtons broader machinations against Iran. Nearly all the Arab media sought to minimise their coverage of the conflict so as not to bring protestors out onto the streets. Jordan, where the economic situation for workers is dire, is particularly vulnerable. The Muslim Brotherhood there, in contrast to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, enjoys legal status, has 16 of the 130 seats in parliament and is able to mount demonstrations over relations with Israel and the holy sites. Palestinians held street parties around the Old City after the withdrawal of Israeli police checkpoints at the entry points to the al-Aqsa compound. The crisis had intensified on July 23, after an Israeli guard at the embassy in Amman, Jordan, which is the ultimate controlling authority of al-Aqsa, shot dead two Jordanians while allegedly fighting off a stabbing attack in retaliation for imposing the metal detectors. Jordan, one of two Arab states with which Israel has peace treaties, had refused to allow the Israeli ambassador Einat Shlein and her staff to return to Amman unless the guard was put on trial. Jordanian forces held the embassy in lockdown, as Amman demanded the guards handover for questioning and trial--which Israel rejected citing diplomatic immunity. Jordans King Abdullah held telephone calls with US President Donald Trump. After this, Netanyahu despatched Shin Bet security service director Nadav Argaman to join Trumps special envoy, Jason Greenblatt, in Amman to resolve the standoff and seek the release of the embassy staff to return to Israel. After speaking with Abdullah, Netanyahu reluctantly agreed to the removal of the metal detectors as the price for their release. But, in a move aimed at shoring up his support among his political base, Netanyahu publicly embraced the returning Jordanian guard as a hero. Infuriated and embarrassed Abdullah said, We demand that the Israeli prime minister abides by his commitment and takes all measures to ensure the trial of the killer and not to handle this like a political show to achieve personal political gains. The Israeli authorities have also handed over the bodies of the three Israeli Palestinians who killed the two police officers to their families. Greenblatt said that he welcomes the efforts undertaken to de-escalate tensions in Jerusalem today and added that, calm and security will create the best opportunity to return to dialogue and the pursuit of peace. However, the number of people praying on the streets outside the compound in Jerusalem continued to increase as a mark of opposition to Israel, with the PA, Fatahs militia Tanzim and Hamas all calling for protests across the Occupied Territories. Israel has responded with its customary brutality. Israels Defense Forces ordered the deployment of six more battalions to the West Bank ahead of Friday prayers, while police restricted access to the mosque to men over the age 50. Israels ultra-nationalists feel emboldened by Trumps declared support, including his visit to the Old City of Jerusalem, which takes place in the context of his attempt to build a regional alliance against Iran encompassing the Sunni oil monarchies. As a result, Netanyahu is coming under increasing pressure from the right wingers within his cabinet, who accuse him of surrendering Israeli sovereignty over the issue. He also faces several investigations for fraud and breach of trust for accepting very expensive gifts from businessmen who are his close friends that could lead to an indictment. Thus, far from seeking to calm the situation, Netanyahu has further inflamed tensions. Speaking at a visit to Halamish, where a Palestinian stabbed to death three members of the Salomon family, Netanyahu called for the death sentence for terrorists. The prime ministers office announced that Netanyahu had instructed Likud legislator Yoav Kish to submit a bill that would expand Jerusalems municipal boundaries to incorporate Maaleh Adumim and the settlements of the Gush Etzion Regional Council in the West Bank. Netanyahus office also announced that he would take action to stop Al-Jazeera broadcasts from Israel, a move that delighted Saudi Arabia and the Gulf monarchies which are locked in a bitter conflict with Qatar. On Thursday, thousands of worshippers poured into the compound and neighbouring areas of the Old City, protesting Netanyahus announcements. Police fired stun grenades, fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas, wounding around 100 people. On Friday, angry clashes also broke out in the West Bank and Gaza on Friday, leading to the killing of two Palestinians and injuries to around 122, bringing the total to six deaths and 225 wounded since the violence started on July 14, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. Fifty-four Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire so far this year. Israels continuous provocations threaten the precarious compromise over the management of al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount compound, regarded as sacred by Muslims and Jews alike. Under the arrangement between Israel and Jordan, following Israels illegal annexation of East Jerusalem after the 1967 June war, the site continues to be managed by the Islamic Waqf trust and Jews are allowed to enter, but not pray, inside the compound. For some years, Zionist leaders and politicians, including the leader of the Temple movement Likud legislator Yehuda Glick, have been agitating for Jews to be able to pray inside the compound, once the site of two ancient Jewish temples, as well as visit it. The additional security measures, coming atop a series of provocations surrounding the mosque, angered the Palestinians who viewed them as the first step by Israel to assert greater control over the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Sections of the military-intelligence forces fear that inflaming Muslim sentiment across the Middle East could disrupt the plans for an anti-Iranian alliance. The head of the Arab League warned that Israels attempts to control the highly sensitive religious sites in Jerusalem risked igniting a religious war. Ahmed Abul Gheit, speaking at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, said that Israels actions were playing with fire, and will only ignite a religious war and shift the core of the conflict from politics to religion. A new study issued Monday by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) presents striking results from an analysis of the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health in which the authors estimate that more than one in three US adults used prescription opioids in the prior year. Among these 92 million individuals, 12.5 percent (11.5 million) reported prescription opioid misuse and 0.8 percent (1.9 million) reported a prescription opioid use disorder. The most significant findings of the study show that uninsured people were twice as likely as those with health insurance to report prescription opioid misuse and also had higher rates of use disorders. The study also revealed a link between mental health and opioid use, reporting that respondents with a major depressive disorder and those with suicidal thoughts had a higher rate of prescription opioid misuse and use disorders than those without these conditions. Karen E. Lasser, an MD with the Boston Medical Center, wrote in an editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which published the study: The fact that uninsured persons were twice as likely as those with insurance to report prescription opioid misuse and also had higher rates of use disorders augments the urgency of expanding insurance coverage. With insurance, persons suffering from pain could seek medical care rather than relying on opioids prescribed for others or purchased illegally. Insurance would also enable persons with depression to seek appropriate care rather than self-medicating symptoms with prescription opioids. Insurance also facilitates treatment of substance use disorders. Pointing to the pervasive social crisis in America that underlies the opioid epidemic, which saw opioid overdose deaths more than quadruple between 1999 and 2015, the study noted that reported abuse of the drugs rose significantly among people with lower family incomes and those who were unemployed. The significance of the study is underscored when considered in the context of the current political debate on the health care system. The fact that millions of Americans who have fallen victim to the opioid epidemic are unable to receive treatment due to lack of insurance is first and foremost an indictment of the Obamacare program, which was signed into law seven years ago. The health care overhaul, which has increased out-of-pocket costs for millions of working people, still leaves 28 million people completely uninsured. Many of those who do have access to health insurance under Obamacare are still at risk for prescription opioid use disorders and lack adequate coverage, if they are afforded any coverage at all, for drug rehabilitation. As Lasser explains in her editorial, Expanding insurance coverage is necessary but not sufficient to address substance use disorders and improve health outcomes. In fact, Han and colleagues data show that Medicaid beneficiaries and those with private insurance are also at risk for prescription opioid use disorders. Elaborating on the shortcoming of the current system, she continues: Safety-net hospitals and clinics, which disproportionately care for uninsured and underinsured populations, will have difficulty increasing access to evidence-based pain management in response to the opioid problem. Safety-net settings often have lowor negativeprofit margins, with fewer resources and services available, including specialty care that focuses on pain management. Moreover, many specialty providers do not accept patients with Medicaid and other forms of public coverage. The Obamacare system was not only completely unable to deal with the opioid epidemic, but played a leading role in exacerbating it. As the report notes, among adults with misuse, 59.9 percent reported using opioids without a prescription and 40.8 percent obtained prescription opioids for free from friends or relatives for their most recent episode of misuse. The most commonly cited reason for seeking opioids was pain relief. Under the Obamacare system, hundreds of thousands of uninsured people were forced to take prescriptions from friends and family members or turn to street drugs to treat their pain. Many of those who were insured fell victim to reckless prescription practices that led to opioid abuse. Additionally, treatment options are grossly underfunded and undercovered for Medicaid patients, leaving addicts with virtually no resources to fight their addiction. Despite the evidence in the study and the many other indices that show the immense scale of the national health crisis, the health care debate in Washington is focused on slashing Medicaid, the program that provides addiction treatment to low-income people. No faction of the ruling class, whether the Democratic pro-Obamacare camp or the Republican-Trump camp that wants to go even further in gutting health care for ordinary Americans, has any answer to the opioid epidemic that is ravaging the country, claiming on average 142 lives every day. Neither even acknowledges, let alone proposes a solution to, the devastation caused by 40 years of deindustrialization and social counterrevolution that have produced this crisis. The same day as the publication of the NIDA study, President Trumps Opioid Commission issued a preliminary report advancing a series of recommendations ranging from absurdly inadequate to outright reactionary, including more funding and manpower for the Department of Homeland Securitys Customs and Border Protection Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Absent from the report was any reference to the desperate social crisis gripping wide swaths of the country that is driving the drug epidemic. On the contrary, that very Monday morning, President Trump, in a brief photo-op preceding the first cabinet meeting with his new White House Chief of Staff, retired Marine General and former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, boasted of the success of the US economy, pointing to the record-setting US stock market boom, which is further enriching the financial oligarchy at the expense of the working class. His Opioid Commission is led by right-wing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The commission was established by executive order shortly after Trump was inaugurated to create the illusion that the president is fulfilling his campaign promise to end the opioid disaster, a pledge that garnered support in the rust-belt cities and towns that have been hard hit by the drug epidemic. The preliminary report of Christies commission presents the crisis as a result of misinformed doctors and seeks to shift much of the blame onto China, declaring, We are losing this fight predominantly through China, adding, This must become a top tier diplomatic issue with the Chinese. Among the token measures proposed is a small-scale expansion of Medicaid coverage to allow for an increase in treatment capacity, ignoring entirely that the report is being handed over to a president who supports slashing nearly a trillion dollars in funding for Medicaid and ending it as a guaranteed entitlement program. The causes of the opioid epidemic, along with drug abuse more broadly, are rooted deeply in the irreversible crisis and decay of American and world capitalism. The disastrous policies of the War on Drugs criminalized drug use, fueling the burgeoning private prison industry and disorienting public opinion. The profit-driven pharmaceutical companies implemented reckless practices, capitalizing on a growing demand for pain relief from an increasingly pain-ridden population. Above all, over the last four decades, the ruling class has created an immense social crisis through the plundering of social services, a vast transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich, and relentless wars abroad and militarism at home, leaving millions of working class people living on the edge of penury. Lasser correctly draws the conclusion at the end of her editorial: The action will need to come from clinicians as well as those outside the medical profession who can help to address the underlying issues of poverty, uninsurance and hopelessness that feed our current epidemic of opioid misuse. The only force capable of solving the underlying issues driving the opioid crisis is the working class. Workers must not look to the Democratic Party or any section of the ruling elite to address the issues of health care, jobs, schools, retirement benefits or a living wage. The growing social anger and opposition must take the form of a politically conscious and independent movement of the working class implacably opposed to the ruling corporate-financial oligarchy and fighting for the socialist transformation of society. Ferrari NV is considering adding a roomy four-seat utility vehicle as part of a major expansion push beyond its traditional supercar niche in a bid to double profit by 2022, people familiar with the matter said. The final five-year plan under Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, whos set to retire in 2021, will target boosting annual deliveries beyond a self-imposed limit of 10,000 cars, which allows the company to operate with less-stringent fuel-economy rules, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. Under the plan, which is set to be unveiled in early 2018 and could expose the carmaker to stricter environmental regulations, Ferrari will also build more hybrid models to improve its vehicles efficiency and woo new wealthy buyers, the people said. A Ferrari spokesman declined to comment. Since taking charge of Ferrari in 2014, Marchionne has been pushing volume, already blowing past an earlier cap of 7,000 cars. While that approach risks diluting the brands exclusive cachet, the 65-year-old flanked delivery growth with exclusive limited-edition models, such as the USD2.1 million LaFerrari Aperta convertible. Hes now seeking to dial up that effort to secure Ferraris independence as the auto industry grapples with the strains of shifting to electric- powered cars. Ferrari, which reports earnings today, is on pace to increase adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization more than 14 percent this year to at least 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion). The new strategy is likely to include doubling that figure in five years, the people said. The shares rose as much as 2.2 percent and were trading up 1.7 percent at 90.60 euros as of 11:06 a.m. in Milan, valuing the carmaker at 16.8 billion euros. Among projects being evaluated is a four-seat family car that offers more space than Ferraris current two-door GTC4Lusso. The model is internally dubbed the Ferrari utility vehicle, following Marchionnes previous objections to developing an SUV. The big Ferrari would be targeted at Asian customers, particularly in China, and may alone contribute 2,000 vehicles to annual deliveries, the people said. Ferrari is studying ways to ensure its sporty style with the new car, which the manufacturer will try to market as a new industry segment rather than as another high-end SUV, following the likes of Maserati, Bentley and Lamborghini, they said. The new auto, which could have two or four doors, is expected to be sold from 2021, the people said. No final decision on the model has been made. Ferraris current target is to boost vehicle sales to 9,000 cars in 2019 from 8,014 in 2016. Analysts at at Mediobanca SpA, UBS Group AG and Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. predict deliveries could jump to as high as 15,000 under a new strategy, which Marchionne hinted he was developing during his first-quarter earnings presentation in May. The plan poses a risk as raising annual deliveries to more than 10,000 cars a year would push Ferrari beyond its small vehicle manufacturer status, which protects it from some U.S. and European fuel-use and emissions rules. To address those issues, the Italian carmaker, which was spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV in 2016, plans to introduce more hybrid vehicles starting in 2019 to help comply with stricter environmental regulations, the people said. Those models, like the current $1.5 million LaFerrari, will be equipped with an electric motor to improve performance and add horsepower, the people said. Ferrari can also pay penalties or buy carbon credits and add those costs to the price of its vehicles, Mediobanca analyst Massimo Vecchio said. Meanwhile, boosting output could prompt Ferrari to add a second shift to its factory in Maranello, Italy, its only manufacturing site, the people said. The carmakers executives have had meetings with investors in the past weeks to prepare them for the new strategy, the people said. Marchionne, who is also CEO of former parent Fiat Chrysler, is set to present his final plans for both carmakers at the beginning of next year. He intends to step down from Fiat in 2019 and Ferrari two years later. Tommaso Ebhardt, Bloomberg New data compiled by the World Socialist Web Site, with the assistance of other Internet-based news outlets and search technology experts, proves that a massive loss of readership observed by socialist, anti-war and progressive web sites over the past three months has been caused by a cumulative 45 percent decrease in traffic from Google searches. The drop followed the implementation of changes in Googles search evaluation protocols. In a statement issued on April 25, Ben Gomes, the companys vice president for engineering, stated that Googles update of its search engine would block access to offensive sites, while working to surface more authoritative content. The World Socialist Web Site has obtained statistical data from SEMrush estimating the decline of traffic generated by Google searches for 13 sites with substantial readerships. The results are as follows: * wsws.org fell by 67 percent * alternet.org fell by 63 percent * globalresearch.ca fell by 62 percent * consortiumnews.com fell by 47 percent * socialistworker.org fell by 47 percent * mediamatters.org fell by 42 percent * commondreams.org fell by 37 percent * internationalviewpoint.org fell by 36 percent * democracynow.org fell by 36 percent * wikileaks.org fell by 30 percent * truth-out.org fell by 25 percent * counterpunch.org fell by 21 percent * theintercept.com fell by 19 percent Of the 13 web sites on the list, the World Socialist Web Site has been the most heavily affected. Its traffic from Google searches has fallen by two thirds. The new statistics demonstrate that the WSWS is a central target of Googles censorship campaign. In the twelve months preceding the implementation of the new Google protocols, the WSWS had experienced a substantial increase in readership. A significant component of this increase was the product of Google search results. The rapid rise in search traffic reflected the well-documented growth in popular interest in socialist politics during 2016. The rate of growth accelerated following the November election, which led to large protests against the election of Trump. Search traffic to the WSWS peaked in April 2017, precisely at the point when Google began the implementation of its censorship protocols. Another site affected by Googles action has provided information that confirms the findings of the WSWS. In late May, changes to Googles algorithm negatively impacted the volume of traffic to the Common Dreams website from organic Google searches, said Aaron Kaufman, director of development at progressive news outlet Common Dreams. Since May, traffic from Google Search as a percentage of total traffic to the Common Dreams website has decreased nearly 50 percent. The extent and impact of Googles actions prove that a combination of techniques is being employed to block access to targeted sites. These involve the direct flagging and blackballing of the WSWS and the other 12 sites listed above by Google evaluators. These sites are assigned a highly negative rating that assures that their articles will be either demoted or entirely bypassed. In addition, new programming technology teaches the computers to think like the evaluators, that is, to emulate their preferences and prejudices. Finally, the precision of this operation strongly suggests that there is an additional range of exclusion techniques involving the selection of terms, words, phrases and topics that are associated with socialist and left-wing websites. This would explain why the World Socialist Web Site, which focuses on issues such as war, geopolitics, social inequality and working class struggles has experienced such a dramatic fall in Google-generated searches on these very topics. We have seen that the very terms and phrases that would under normal circumstances be most likely to generate the highest level of hitssuch as socialism, Marxism and Trotskyismproduce the lowest results. This is an ongoing process in which one can expect that Google evaluators are continuously adding suspect terms to make their algorithm ever more precise, with the eventual goal of eliminating traffic to the WSWS and other targeted sites. The information that has been gathered and published by the WSWS during the past week exposes that Google is at the center of a corporate-state conspiracy to drastically curtail democratic rights. The attack on free speech and uncensored access to information is aimed at crippling popular opposition to social inequality, war and authoritarianism. The central and sinister role of Google in this process demonstrates that freedom of speech and thought is incompatible with corporate control of the Internet. As we continue our exposure of Googles assault on democratic rights, we demand that it immediately and unequivocally halt and revoke its censorship program. It is critical that a coordinated campaign be organized within the United States and internationally against Googles censorship of the Internet. We intend to do everything in our power to develop and contribute to a counter-offensive against its efforts to suppress freedom of speech and thought. The fight against corporate-state censorship of the Internet is central to the defense of democratic rights, and there must be a broad-based collaboration among socialist, left and progressive websites to alert the public and the widest sections of the working class. The Chinese government has hit back at the Trump administration over accusations that Beijing has failed to halt North Koreas missile and nuclear programs. Following last Fridays long-range missile test by Pyongyang, Trump tweeted he was very disappointed in China. He accused Beijing of doing NOTHING for us with North Korea despite a huge trade surplus with the US. We will not allow this to continue, he warned. In unusually blunt language, an editorial this week in the state-owned Xinhua news agency declared that emotional venting cannot become the guiding policy for solving the nuclear issue on the [Korean] peninsula. It insisted that the US must not continue spurning responsibility for its confrontation with North Korea and even less should it stab China in the back. The editorial continued: Taking out this outrage on China is clearly finding the wrong target What the peninsula needs is immediately stamping out the fire, not adding kindling, or even worse, pouring oil on the flames. It warned that the tensions with North Korea could evolve into a localised conflict, or even the outbreak of war, with unthinkable consequences. Beijing has opposed North Koreas nuclear and missile tests, out of deep concern that the US and its regional allies, especially Japan, have used them as the pretext for a military build-up in the Asia-Pacific that is primarily aimed against China. However, while imposing the UNs tough sanctions on North Korea, China has been reluctant to accede to US demands for crippling measures. It fears that a political crisis in Pyongyang could create the conditions for Washington to launch a regime-change intervention. China, backed by Russia, has proposed its own solution to the tense standoff: a halt by Pyongyang on further missile and nuclear testing in return for ending joint military drills by the US and South Korea that are clearly aimed against North Korea. This would set the stage for negotiations. Washington, however, has rejected the proposal out of hand. The Chinese ambassador to Washington, Liu Jieyi, also weighed in on Monday, declaring that while people talk about China a lot, it was the responsibility of the US and North Korea, not China, to defuse the situation. No matter how capable China is, Chinas efforts will not yield practical results because it depends on the two principal parties. Liu said: Instead of de-escalating tension we see of course further testing [by North Korea] that we oppose and we also see language and action from elsewhere [the US] that heightens tension, talking about all options on the table. He again criticised the US deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery to South Korea that could be used against China as well as North Korea. Beijings determination not to be bullied into tougher action against North Korea sets the stage for an escalating US confrontation not only with Pyongyang, but also China. The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley also lashed out at China this week and ruled out an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Done talking about North Korea, she tweeted. China is aware they must act. Following the North Korean missile test, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson branded China and Russia as the principal economic enablers of North Koreas nuclear and ballistic missile development program despite both countries implementing UN sanctions against North Korea. Russia joined China in rejecting the accusation. The Russian foreign ministry stated: We view as groundless attempts undertaken by the US and a number of other countries to shift responsibility to Russia and China, almost blaming Moscow and Beijing for indulging the missile and nuclear ambitions of the DPRK [North Korea]. Tillerson struck a somewhat more conciliatory note yesterday, not toward Russia and China, but toward North Korea. We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel [dividing the two Koreas], he said. Tillerson held out the prospect of talks, on the condition that Pyongyang recognised there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less the [US] homeland. He again urged China to take action, warning that other optionsnamely military oneswere not particularly attractive. Pyongyang has no reason to believe Tillersons declarations. Regime-change in North Korea, whether stated or unstated, has been the policy of successive US administrations since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. North Koreas nuclear and missile programs will do nothing to defend the countrys population against US attack and its belligerent threats play directly into US hands. Nevertheless, Pyongyang has every reason to fear that Washington is seeking to remove its leaders, one way or another. Tillersons remarks are directly contradicted by those of CIA director Mike Pompeo, who strongly hinted at last months Aspen Security Forum that plans were being laid to eliminate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The problem, Pompeo stated, was not North Koreas nuclear weapons as such, but the character who holds control over them. He was confident that the intelligence community will present a wide range of options for the president to separate those twothat is, remove Kim and the North Korean leadership. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham yesterday underlined the Trump administrations preparedness to carry out military strikes. Speaking on the NBCs Today program, he said Trump had told him he was willing to go to war with North Korea if they continued to try to hit America with an ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile]. Graham continued: Hes told me that. I believe him There is a military option: To destroy North Koreas program and North Korea itself. I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top. After the North Korean missile test, the Pentagon put on a show of military forcecarrying out a joint live-fire exercise with the South Korean armed forces last weekend, followed by a fly-over of the Korean Peninsula by two B-1 strategic bombers on Sunday. Today the US is preparing to test launch its own ICBM from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system. Andone should addto demonstrate the ability of the US with its huge nuclear arsenal to reduce North Korea to ashes in a matter of hours. For all the lurid media claims about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea, it is US imperialism that waged wars of aggression for the past quarter century, devastating one country after another in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. The Health Bureau (SSM) confirmed on Monday that the first case of Dengue fever infection of 2017 has been detected in Macau and the bureau is urging citizens to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. The patient is a 60-year-old man. On July 27, the man presented symptoms of fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. On July 30, he went to the Kiang Wu Hospital, where he was tested for and diagnosed with Dengue fever. The patient did not travel outside of Macau before the onset of symptoms. Currently, the patient is considered stable, and none of the patients relatives or his co-workers exhibited similar symptoms. To confirm the patients infection source, SSM will investigate the residents residence and the area of his workplace. In addition, SSM will carry out chemical elimination of mosquitos at all the above-mentioned sites. The bureau has also called on residents of that area to cooperate by adopting anti-mosquito measures. SSM has repeated their appeals to all Macau residents to pay due attention to their environmental hygiene by abiding to prevention measures such as eliminating stagnant waters at home or workplace and avoiding areas infected with a proliferation of mosquitoes and larvae. The bureau suggests people who travel to places where Dengue fever is frequently detected, especially in Southeast Asia, to wear long-sleeved clothes and stay in places equipped with air conditioners or anti-mosquito facilities. Yesterday, SSM, together with the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, conducted a joint action to kill mosquitoes at Rua da Praia do Manduco. IACM said that the bureau will strengthen anti-mosquito work in the citys parks, and public facilities. During yesterdays action, the bureau detected four rubbish piles. SSM noted that there have been six suspected cases of Dengue fever this year in Macau and only one has been confirmed as an infection. SSM believes that there will be new cases in the future. THOMAS CO., GA (WALB) - A man wanted in numerous states including Georgia is now behind bars after turning himself in. Thomas County Investigators said Charles Jenkins called the sheriff's office on Monday from the local bus station and told a deputy to come get him. Investigators said that back in May they received a complaint from a man who said he bought a car on eBay from Jenkins. The man said he paid $10,000 for the car and never received it. "He made it very easy for us, it's not very common people will come turn themselves in especially from South Florida," explained Tim Watkins, a TCSO Investigator. Jenkins is being held in the Thomas County jail on charges of theft by deception. He is also wanted for the same crime in West Virginia. Copyright 2017 WALB. All rights reserved. COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Highway Patrol reports on a fatal car crash happening on Tuesday, August 1 at approximately 11:30 a.m. on U.S. 90, 1000 East of Faith Road. Troopers say William Rudd was leaving the Harbor Freight parking lot on U.S. 90 when he pulled out in front of a pick-up truck. According to authorities, the truck hit the left side of Rudd's SUV and then spun into another car's camper trailer. Law enforcement says debris form that trailer then hit another car, damaging its left side. Rudd was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger Virginia Rudd was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No other injuries were reported. LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Kids in Leon County will be heading back to school in just a few weeks. For some parents, it is time to start thinking about vaccinations. Nurse Anne Waltz says Florida requires what is called a Blue Card, which tells the school system that the student in question has satisfied their immunizations requirements. Some of the vaccinations required include the Polio vaccine, Measels and Mumps as well has Hepatitis B. Waltz says if a child is not vaccinated before school starts, they can be issued a temporary medical exemption, but they must get the rest of their shots by the time the exemption expires. MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A family of three is without a home after an early morning fire in Tallahassee. The Tallahassee Fire Department says that at 1:56 a.m., they received a call to a reported structure fire. Units from stations 13, 3, and 1 were dispatched to the 100 block of Elena Drive. When crews arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and fire coming from the house. A quick offensive attack was made to extinguish the blaze. TFD says the residents inside were initially asleep and unaware of the fire until they were woken up by their barking dog. The family of three was able to safely evacuate the structure without any injuries. Their home, however, was reported as a complete loss. It is estimated that the fire caused approximately $85,000 in damages to the house and its contents. Red Cross was notified and assisted the displaced family of two adults, one child, and dog. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. JASPER, Fla. (WTXL) - When you set flowers, gifts or statues at your loved one's grave stone, it's not just for decoration; it's a way to remember, and to heal from a painful loss. However, some families in our area say, over the past few months, they've noticed a lot of those things going missing, specifically at cemeteries in Suwannee and Hamilton counties. Diane Cribbs visits Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper pretty often, because her son Justin is buried here. He died when he was only 12 years old. "It was 1996 and it was out in the country. He had a go kart accident," said Cribbs. "I wanted to create a really nice memorial for him. A place where we could come and visit. Share memories, tears, hugs and kisses, which we've done." However, when Diane visited her son's plot in late June, a granite bench that sat there for more than 20 years was gone. "I felt sick, saddened, mad. How could anybody come and take from the dead?" asked Cribbs. The issue is gaining attention online as people post about flowers, wreaths, balloons, even statues going missing from burial plots. Sometimes the thefts happen only hours after the items are left. In Live Oak, City Clerk John Gill said he thinks some of this could be weather-related. He says the city also goes through once or twice a year and cleans up any rotting or neglected flowers Most cemeteries, especially those in rural areas, are owned and run by the city or municipality where they're at. Most do not have any type of surveillance. "They could at least lock the gate at night. That would be a start," said Cribbs. "I wish we could get the word out there that cemeteries need to be more closely guarded, because it's devastating to families that are living with a loss of a loved one." Jasper Police Chief Jeff McGuire said the theft of the granite bench at Cribbs' plot is still under investigation. Total merchandise imports in June 2017 increased by 10.4 percent year- on-year to MOP6.17 billion, according to information from the Statistics and Census Service. Of this figure, imports of motor cars and motorcycles nearly doubled compared with June 2016, and imports of watches increased by 51.8 percent. The total merchandise export for the month amounted to MOP938 million, which represents an increase of 14.3 percent year-on-year. As a result, the merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.24 billion. In the second quarter of 2017, the total value of merchandise imports (MOP17.23 billion) and merchandise export (MOP2.67 billion) grew by 5.3 percent and 10.8 percent year-on-year respectively, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP14.56 billion. In the first half of the year, merchandise import grew by 5.6 percent year-on-year to MOP35.12 billion, while merchandise export increased by 9.8 percent to MOP5.62 billion. The trade deficit in this period reached MOP29.5 billion. By place of origin, in the first half of 2017, merchandise import from mainland China (MOP11.51 billion) and the Portuguese-speaking countries (MOP306 million) decreased by 6.7 percent and 3.3 percent year-on-year respectively. However, imports from the European Union (MOP9.07 billion) increased by 14.8 percent. As for exports, merchandise headed for mainland China increased by 2.3 percent year- on-year to MOP917 million in the first half of 2017, of which exports to the nine provinces of the Pan Pearl River Delta (MOP870 million) also grew by 2.3 percent. Exports in the first half of 2017 to Hong Kong (MOP3.5 billion), the EU (MOP100 million) and the U.S. (MOP95 million) rose by 16.8 percent, 8.7 percent and 26.8 percent year-on-year respectively. Exports to Portuguese-speaking countries (MOP0.7 million) dropped by a whopping 87.8 percent year-on-year. You are the owner of this article. Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared her innocence and asked for kindness from a court yesterday during her final statement in a criminal negligence trial that could land her in prison for 10 years if she is convicted. The case centers around a rice subsidy program that Thailands current military government says she grossly mishandled. Yinglucks bank accounts were frozen after an administrative ruling held her responsible for about USD1 billion of the losses from the subsidy. The case against Yingluck is widely seen as an effort to put another nail in the coffin of the political machine founded and directed by her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup for alleged corruption and disrespect for the monarchy. The telecommunications mogul has been in self- imposed exile since 2008 to escape a prison sentence on a conflict of interest conviction. The 2006 coup triggered years of sometimes-violent battles for power in Thailand. The Shinawatras critics describe them as corrupt, profit-seeking politicians, but their supporters have repeatedly voted them and their political allies into power. The supporters say the traditional political establishment opposes Thaksin because his electoral popularity threatens their entrenched privileges. Thailands judiciary has been the target of widespread criticism that it operates with a political bias against Thaksin and his supporters. I beg the court for kindness and [to] please dismiss the charge, Yingluck said in her closing statement to the court, according to prepared remarks. The verdict is to be issued Aug. 25. Hundreds of Yinglucks supporters outside the packed court shouted, Prime minister, fight, fight! Yingluck led the last elected government in Thailand before being ousted as prime minister in 2014 when a court ruled that a personnel transfer involved nepotism. The army initiated a coup soon afterward and a military-led government has remained in power since. After another court appearance late last month, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the 2014 coup, warned her supporters to tread carefully. He said the government would not prevent people from gathering, but that everyone must show restraint and let the court decide the matter. What is being done to her now is not fair, said Prasong Kaewtongta, 51. Im giving her moral support. Yingluck Shinawatra, AP A new trend of American Jewish mothers who decide to visit Israel for the first time in their lives has gotten significant coverage in American media in recent weeks. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Even major TV networks, such as Fox, ABC and NBC, reported about the MOMentum trips, a Zionist project organized by the Jewish Womens Renaissance Project (JWRP) and Israels Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. MOMentum is an eight-day subsidized journey in Israel. More than 11,000 Jewish mothers from 26 countries around the worldmost coming from the United Stateshave already taken part in the project. To be eligible for the journey, women must have children under 18, not observe Shabbat, and have never been to Israel before. X According to JWRP, the MOMentum trip stretches from the mystical Galilee city of Safed to the ancient desert mountaintop fortress Masada, and features extensive itineraries and curated curricula encompassing everything from Jewish values to contemporary Israeli society. Among other things, the mothers climb Masada, bathe in the Dead Sea, travel to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, pray at the Western Wall, and get photographed against the backdrop of the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. The trips inspire women to connect deeply with their Jewish heritage, and transform themselves, their families, and ultimately their communities and the wider world. Photo: Aviram Valdman/JWRP JWRP was founded in Maryland in 2008 to promote the empowerment of Jewish women, whom they realized could change the world through Jewish values. Photo: Aviram Valdman/JWRP The project, and the thousands of mothers who have already participated, have been covered by multiple US TV stations and newspapers, which dedicated reports to the Israel journeys and interviewed the Jewish mothers, who shared their incredible experiences with tearful eyes upon their return home. One of them, Amanda Rothbard of Philadelphia, told a local Fox affiliate: This was the first time I visited Israel. I was selected from over 40 applicants. I went there not knowing one person, and I left there with 23-plus sisters and family. We learned how to really empower ourselves as women, how to be better wives and mothers and friends. Rothbard added, We went to a military base and met young Israelis before they enlisted in the army. In Israel you dont have any choicethey graduate high school and go straight to the military. We got the chance to meet those who will be the next IDF leaders, the sergeants and lieutenants. They really love their country. As a mother, to not have a choice to send my child off to warand I met with many of their mothersit was such an empowering and emotional journey. Photo: Aviram Valdman/JWRP Israels Ministry of Diaspora Affairs partnered with JWRP in 2013 after identifying it as a strategic and important project. The MOMentum trip emphasizes the Israeli governments commitment towards the Jewish Diaspora and provides an unprecedented opportunity for Jewish women from different backgrounds to strengthen their Jewish identities and connections to Israel, said Dvir Kahana, director general of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. I see the partnership with JWRP as critical to our vision of empowering women while recognizing their unique role in raising and educating the next generation to ensure a thriving future for the Jewish people. Photo: Aviram Valdman/JWRP Women often express concern about leaving their children for eight days for a MOMentum trip, said Lori Palatnik, JWRPs founding director. I explain that they are not leaving their kids, they are going for their kids. What they will gain on this life-changing trip will spill over into their homes in the most beautiful and profound way. A 68-year-old resident of the Golan Heights who left England and set sail alone to Israel on a yacht was stranded 16 km from Israel for five days. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter After marine police towed him to land, he told Ynet: "I didn't get much sleep; just an hour or two here and there. I was really anxious to make it to land. "I was marooned ten miles from Israel's beach. I asked passing ships to let my family know I'm okay." The stranded yacht and its operator (Photo: Israel Police) A series of malfunctions at sea caused the Golan Heights resident to be stuck at sea. The last malfunction took place when the yacht's engine died 16 km from the shore, and he had spent the last five days trying to establish contact with someone who could take him home. The coastal district's marine police patrol unit found the man and towed him to the port of Haifa. The sailor, a physician who's a father of three, is still trying to recover from the cruise gone wrong. "I flew to England and planned on sailing to Israel by myself. I stopped in Spain and planned on going through Gibraltar. It took me twice as much time as I thought it would. Winds were either in the opposite direction or very weak and the past three weeks, sailing south of Malta, were exceedingly difficult," he recounted. Rescue at sea X "I suffered from a lack of sleep. I woke up every 20 minutes looking for passing ships. Five days ago, when I was getting closer to Israel, my steering system malfunctioned and then, just ten miles from shore, the engine completely died," he added. "There was no wind to push me forward and I asked to be towed. I had a radio and asked passing ships to notify my family I was okay. They were naturally very concerned, and I was really anxious to get ashore. They met me at the beach and took me home." Superintendent Aryeh Dahan of the marine patrol unit said, "The man left England on a friend's yacht and stopped in Spain to procure supplies for a trip to Greece for him and two additional friendswho ended up not joining him." "During this trip his engine and sails malfunctioned, and he was marooned at sea," Dahan added. "As soon as he reached Israel's maritime border, the coastal district marine patrol received a report from the Navy about his yacht. Marine patrol went out to find the vessel with all haste and found it, and the person aboardwho was in dire mental straits." Photo: Israel Police "When he saw us, he was able to smile again, but remained groggy. He feared for his life and at some point ran out of supplies. We took him to our base personally and let him shower and eat. While we cared for him we contacted his family who picked him up, safe and sound," he concluded. The marine patrol made judicious use of this extraction to raise awareness to the dangers of the seafacing both sailors and swimmersand published video clips with recommendations and instructions on, among other things, places where swimming is allowed and how to maintain boat safety at sea. Police has documented some of the incidents it was forced to deal with recently to raise awareness among the general publicand save some lives. Various extractions of civilians in different circumstances were documented, for example, to illustrate how one should, or shouldn't, behave. MDA data shows that since the beginning of 2017, 15 people have drowned in Israel with two additional people gravely injured. In addition, 12 people suffered serious injures, 14 medium ones and 69 minor injuries. A Hezbollah-affiliated journalist published a photograph of senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouriwho was recently forced to relocate from Qatarmeeting with an Iranian official in Beirut on Wednesday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Two years ago, al-Arouri was also forced to leave Turkey following joint US and Israeli pressure. The recent moves indicate a new Hamas policy of senior leadership not settling in one particular country for an extended period of time, but rather constantly moving. Saleh al-Arouri (L) and Abdollahian (R) In the photo, al-Arouri is seen meeting with the special international affairs assistant to the Shura Council Chairman, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who has served in various positions in the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Pictures from the meeting also depict the head of Hamas' international affairs, Osama Hamdan and Hamas' representative in Lebanon, Ali Barakeh. Iranian news agency IRNA reported on the meeting and emphasized al-Arouri's presence. According to the report, the Iranian official stressed that an important part of regional security and the fight against terror is linked to the strengthening of the "axis of resistance." Abdollahian also added that Tehran supports Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad under the umbrella of Muslim unity and the fight against the "Zionist entity." He further chided other Arab nations for apparent normalization of ties to Israel, noting that such efforts will not succeed. Al-Arouri in turn praised Iran for its support for the Palestinian cause and added that Jerusalem was the first direction Muslims would pray and the struggle to liberate all Palestinian lands will continue. "Hamas will continue its constant struggle with the other resistance factions until the goals of the Palestinian people are met and the liberation of Jerusalem," said al-Arouri, who also called on other Islamic nations not to allow a situation in the region which serves Israel's interests. Last weekend, when Israel removed the metal detectors from the Temple Mount entrances, the Palestinians recorded another victory. The police, after lowering the security check level, ignoredintentionally or unintentionallythe entry of some 80 members of the Al-Mourabitoun movement, which was outlawed several months ago and has served for years as a key element in the incitement against Israel. But here, this serious incident was swept under the rug. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Everyone involved in the metal detector failure prefers to remove the affair from the agenda, so theres little chance that anyone will draw real conclusions from it. Were burying our heads in the sand, but the failure is chasing us. As time goes by, the pile of damages left behind by the metal detector affair is growing. And this isnt about the Palestinian winners joy. A state of mind, after all, can be ruined in an instant. These damages, which its still hard to assess, are already leaving their mark on the ground. For years, even if some of the Muslim religious leaders voiced radical statements against Israel, behind the scenes they engaged in horse-trading with us (Photo: AFP) The Palestinian public realized, for example, that it was neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority that succeeded in leading the battle against Israel and bringing it to its knees, but rather religious leaders. This public, at least in east Jerusalem, suddenly has an effective alternative leadership to replace the political leadership. Where will it lead? Will more religion-related crises take place? In the not-so-distant past, there used to be a regular pragmatic discourse between the Muslim religious leadership in Jerusalem and the Israeli establishment. Both sides had contacts. After the Temple Mount crisis, it turned out that the contacts on the Israeli side had been either erased or castrated or had become dysfunctional. Until the recent affair, there were three centers of power in the Muslim religious leadership: Sheikh Omar Al-Kiswani, the Waqf representative on behalf of Jordan who runs the Temple Mount; Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, a Palestinian Authority representative who serves as Jerusalems grand mufti; and Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the former mufti, who represents today the Islamic Movement in east Jerusalem. He is affiliated with the Mourabitoun movement and with the Israeli northern Islamic faction. Each of these three men represents his own interests, which are not necessarily shared by the rest. The Temple Mount events united them. For years, even if some of them voiced radical statements against Israel, behind the scenes they engaged in horse-trading with us: Starting from agreements on riots at the mountain to issues of property and lands of the Muslim Waqf. Many fires were put out in these meetings. The officials on the Israeli side included advisors on Arab affairs in the Jerusalem District Police, in the national headquarters and in the Jerusalem Municipality. The Civil Administrations advisor on Arab affairs in Judea and Samaria was one of the active officials vis-a-vis the Waqf, which made it possible to monitor the state of mind of the Palestinian public in the city. The lists also included the Central Commands intelligence officer and the Shin Bet. In the past, there was even a committee on Jerusalems security, chaired by the mayor, which brought all these bodies together. All the contacts on the Israeli side were coordinated. After the Temple Mount terror attack, the political echelon should have demanded that these bodies deal with the problem through a pragmaticrather than politicaldialogue with the Waqf. That didnt happen, because theyre not functioning or dont exist anymore or have been castrated. The Waqf, on its part, no longer has an interest in a dialogue with the Israeli establishment. Further damage which is already apparent is the fact that Fatah has entered Jerusalem after about 15 years in which Israel restricted its activity. Mahmoud al-Aloul, one of the Fatah leaders, has been authorized to spend about $20 million to win the support of business owners in Jerusalem. He has been handing out money to fund property tax and other debts, as well as legal advice vis-a-vis the municipality. Students have been exempt from paying tuition in Jerusalem. The mufti has received an embrace from Fatah, which funds his bodyguards and political activity, including conferences which Jerusalem has never seen before. The Israeli government is so frightened of itself after the Temple Mount affair that its treading lightly and watching, with great concern, decades-long activity in Jerusalem going down the drain. Life in Jerusalem's Old City is returning to normal after the recent Temple Mount crisis caused a significant drop in tourism as many visitors avoided the area over concerns of riots and unrest. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter However, now that Muslim worshipers have returned to the Temple Mount for prayer on Thursday and Friday, it would appear the atmosphere has begun to calm. Despite continued suspicion from Muslim residentsmany of whom refused to be interviewed by Israeli news outletstourists have begun to return to the streets. "The situation makes people who come to the store question the seller, because maybe he will be part of a group that supports or does not support (a certain side)," said Ashraf, who owns a souvenir shop near the market. Photo: Eli Mandelbaum In his view, the important thing now is to bridge the gaps between Muslims and Jews and to talk to each other. "The real reason to be here is to create a democratic state. That's my view, and that's how I deal with everyone, customers or locals. We need to have peace, and I hope this message reaches everybody who has a pure heart and wants to live in peace. We have to work hard on resolving the issues between us." Photo: Eli Mandelbaum Yaakov Halfinger, who owns a Judaica shop in the Jewish Quarter, added, "In the last two weeks there was a dramatic reduction in work, but they reached some agreement with the Waqf and suddenly everything calms down. We feel like there is no tension and everyone is happy. We say hello to our neighbors again." Evidence of life returning to normal is demonstrated by the return of Waqf officials to the Temple Mount after their two week absence. During that time, 1,300 Jews took advantage of their absence to visit the Temple Mount without close supervision, but in the last two days, officials have returned to escort duties and ensuring that Jewish visitors do not pray at the site. Members of the Labor Party are still trying to digest the new ways of action introduced by their new leader, Avi Gabbay. Three weeks after being elected Labor chairman, Gabbay seems focused on the general election day, which is nowhere in sight for now, while making huge transformations in the party. It doesnt always end peacefully. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Some say Gabbay is operating like a CEO who is ignoring the political game and working according to the private markets management methodscentralization and belligerence. Others say its just the beginning and Gabbays new ways could brush the dust off the party and lift it out of the degeneration process it has been undergoing in recent years. In any event, it seems no one in the party can ignore Gabbay, who isnt asking for any days of grace and isnt waiting before implementing the changes he wishes to leadsometimes at the cost of harsh criticism against him from the veteran party members and key activists. Avi Gabbay after winning the Labor elections (Photo: AP) For example, party members say, a day after the election Gabby convened the party workers, who were surprised to discover that he was already fixed on the future. He wanted to know what each worker does, and made it clear to them that from now on, Im asking you not to engage in internal politics. Whoever engages in that rather than in preparing the party for electionssimply wont be here. According to party workers, the new chairman asked Labor Secretary-General Eran Hermoni to cut inessential positions and divert the money to the election campaign. He doesnt care who the person is and how long hes been working, said a party source. He only cares about the bottom line: How the employee contributes or can contribute to Election Day. In a different case, Gabbay announced his intention to bring in a new director-general who would handle budgets and manpower, among other things. In a party secretariat meeting and after discussing the issue with Hermoni, he used relatively delicate words to describe the move to the employees: I plan to bring in a new director-general, and Eran and I will decide together on the outline of his work. When Gabbay defined the new director-generals responsibilities in closed meetings, he was told that they contradict the partys constitution but was undeterred. If needed, well change it, he said. Veteran workers were outraged by the unequivocal demands he presented and the approach he brought along, several days after taking office. Even if there is a proper goal, they said, the means are wrong and problematic. Some Knesset members, on the other hand, say that Gabbays determination and insistence on going against the acceptable rules may benefit the party. The criticism directed at him recently isnt just over his aggressive style and the decisions he makes without consulting veteran workers, but also over the new policy Gabbay wishes to adopt, which some say is crucial for his goal of becoming prime minister. It began after Gabbay received invitations to internal political events and was asked to address veteran party members. He told the organizers, I expect you to organize meetings with new audiences who will bring in new voters. Gabbay adopted a similar approach in regards to New Year toasts. He informed key activists that he wouldnt attend events in the partys different offices across the country ahead of the Jewish Holy Days, but would rather hold a major event which all senior party members would be invited to, breaking a long-standing holiday tradition in the party. Chinas U.N. ambassador urged the international community to support President Xi Jinpings new four-point proposal to end the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state. Liu Jieyi said at a news conference that Chinas future diplomatic efforts will focus on trying to move toward a negotiated solution based on the four proposals. Xi signaled Chinas stepped-up engagement in the Middle East when he met about two weeks ago in Beijing with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and outlined the plan. The four points are: Advancing the two- state solution based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of a new Palestinian state. Upholding the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, immediately ending Israeli settlement building, taking immediate measures to prevent violence against civilians, and calling for an early resumption of peace talks. Coordinating international efforts to put forward peace-promoting measures that entail joint participation at an early date. Promoting peace through development and cooperation between the Palestinians and Israel. China views both Israel and the Palestinians as important partners in its One Belt, One Road initiative, a mammoth Chinese-funded push to develop transport routes including ports, railways and roads to expand trade in a vast arc of countries across Asia, Africa and Europe, the ambassador said. China has also proposed launching a China- Palestine-Israel tripartite dialogue mechanism in order to coordinate the implementation of major assistance programs in Palestine, he said. But the gaps between Israeli and Palestinian leaders remain wide, preventing any meaningful talks since 2009. Tensions escalated recently after Arab gunmen killed two Israeli police officers at the major holy site in Jerusalem on July 14, prompting Israel to install security devices that sparked Arab outrage and clashes. Under intense pressure, Israel removed the metal detectors last week and prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque ended peacefully on Friday. Liu said China plans to hold a seminar for Israeli and Palestinian peace activists this year, seeking to contribute wisdom for the settlement of the Palestinian question. He urged the international community to respond positively to the proposals made by China because we believe these four proposals once fully implemented will really go a long way towards helping the issue to be solved through negotiations, and also contribute to stability of the relations between the two sides. AP Law enforcement authorities are in talks with Ari Harow, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff and close confidant, on becoming a state witness. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A state witness agreement with Harow could have a significant impact on the two criminal investigations currently ongoing against the prime minister. Harow and Netanyahu (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Netanyahu is suspected of receiving illicit gifts from rich donors (the so-called Case 1000) and holding talks with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes on getting more favorable coverage in return for promoting legislation against Yedioth's rival newspaper Israel Hayom (the so-called Case 2000). In Case 1000, Harow could provide police with information on the prime minister's ties with the wealthy donors in the center of the affairAmerican billionaire Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer In Case 2000, Harow was the one who recorded Netanyahu and Mozes's conversations on his cellphone and was present at the meetings and could provide information on that as well. Harow himself is facing charges of bribery, breach of trust, conflict of interest and fraudulently obtaining benefits. The investigation against him has been ongoing for over two years. He is suspected of taking advantage of his public position at the Prime Minister's Office to promote his personal business, while falsely claiming to have sold his company. By signing a state witness agreement, Harow could mitigate his punishment based on the quality of evidence he provides. Harow started working for Netanyahu in 2002 as an advisor on foreign relations. He was also put in charge of raising donations abroad. Later, he worked as the director of the Friends of the Likud Movement organization in the US. During that time, he introduced Netanyahu to wealthy donors, and consequently become close to the Netanyahu family. Harow and Netanyahu (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) In February 2008, Harow replaced Ayelet Shaked as Netanyahu's chief of staff. Two years later, he left due to health reasons. During his time away, he started an international consulting firm providing lobbying services to states and different organizations. In 2014, he was once again made the prime minister's chief of staff, replacing Gil Sheffer. When he returned to the PMO, he signed a conflict of interest agreement in which he was made to sell his company for $3 million, but the PMO's legal advisor found out the buyer was not transferring the payments. Officials at the Justice Ministry suspected the sale was entirely fictitious. Later, the buyer announced it was canceling the sale agreement and Harow had to leave the PMO in 2015. Harow resigned, and was arrested at the end of 2015 upon returning to Israel. Police recommended indicting him in February 2017. A team of investigators from the police's Lahav 433 Investigative Unit recently returned from the US with new testimonies that reportedly further implicate Harow, likely leading to the current effort to turn him into a state witness. Another issue under investigation is Harow's involvement in inviting Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina to a visit in Israel. Harow's consulting company, H3 Global, was involved in organizing the visit. Harow himself was present in the meeting between Netanyahu and Rajaonarimampianina. Ari Harow (Photo: Yaron Brener) Harow's name also came up in a report on an affair known as "Bibi Tours," in which Netanyahu and a group of Knesset members were suspected of licitly receiving reimbursement for flights abroad. The investigation against Netanyahu was scrapped by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstien in 2014. The Friends of the Likud Movement organization, which Harow was the director of, funded several of Netanyahu and his wife's trips abroad. The organization is also suspected to have paid the salary of Odelia Karmon, who was an adviser of Netanyahu's. Harow was also Netanyahu's contact with some of his biggest donors and friends in the US, including Arnon Milchan. Harow might also provide information in the investigations into the prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu. Mohammed Harouf, a Palestinian resident of Nablus was arrested Wednesday in connection with the murder of his 29-year-old Israeli girlfriend, Michal Halimi, who has eight months pregnant at the time of her death. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Details of the arrest and the victim were only cleared for publication by police Wednesday morning after the suspect was brought to the Jerusalem Magistrate Court for a hearing on the extension of his remand. At his entrance to the court for his hearing, Harouf was asked by reporters why he did it, to which he responded, "I wanted to release prisoners." He later denied that the murder was related to a romantic relationship between the two, and then proceeded to kick guards before being physically removed from the court room shouting, "I'll kill all the Jews!" Harouf at his remand hearing (: ) X Mohammed Harouf Halimi's body was discovered and identified last week in sand dunes near the city of Holon. Police reported that Harouf was questioned several times in connection with the murder before confessing and even reconstructing the crime. According to Harouf, he met Halimi in Holon before strangling her, striking her in the head with a rock and covering her body in the sand before leaving the site in the victim's vehicle. On May 23rd, Michal Halimi was reported missing. In a statement related to the disappearance, she was last reported to be in a blue Suzuki. Michal Halimi Halimi and Harouf Following an investigation by police, Halimi was discovered to have left her home of her own volition and was apparently staying at the house of a young Palestinian man from Nablus, with who she was in a relationship. The two had posted pictures on Facebook indicating their intention to become engaged. As the investigation progressed however, Harouf was questioned several times and became a suspect when inconsistencies in his statements regarding the whereabouts of Halimi began to arise. At that point, police in the central district began to employ increasingly sophisticated technological means of investigating Harouf and detained several more suspects from the Tayibe area that were found to be involved. Police discover Halimi's body (Photo: Israel Police) Photo: Israel Police During questioning, the additional suspects confirmed to police that the two were involved in a romantic relationship and on the day of her disappearance, the two met in the Holon area where she was probably murdered. On July 24th, Halimi's body was discovered in sand dunes near Holon following an extensive search and later positively identified at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. Michal's husband disputes police version Aharon Halimi, Michal's husband, disputed the version of events as told by police, which indicated that his wife Michal was having an affair with Harouf. "The police presented a version and we reject it. We still haven't buried by wife, but after we do and after we sit Shiva, we will respond and sue to the police. The truth will come to light. It is important that justice comes to light," said Halimi. Halimi added, "She was five months pregnant when she disappeared. Our relationship was very good and we were waiting for the child. This is entirely a nationalistic issue and not a romance." According to relatives, Michal was in contact with Harouf after leaving her home. According to them, she indicated to Harouf that she wanted to leave him and return to her husband, which prompted the murder. Ravid Boyar, the ex-wife of Aharon, explained the connection between Michal and Harouf and explained how he was caught. They got to know each other at the age of 17 through social networks and over time their connection dwindled out. Half a year ago they reestablished their connection and the moment Michal disappeared we suspected that if something had happened to her, only Hamudi could have harmed her and we went straight to the police," she said. An employee was stabbed by a Palestinian at a supermarket in a terror attack in the city of Yavne on Wednesday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The suspected stabber, 19-year-old Ismail Ibrahim Ismail abu Aram from Yatta, who also works at the Shufersal supermarket, was arrested after trying to flee the scene. IDF forces raided the terrorist's home after the attack, while he was taken for questioning by the Shin Bet who learned he was in Israel illegally. Stabbing caught on security cameras X Civilians who were on the scene subdued the attacker, with some of them kicking him while he was on the ground, calling on police to "Shoot him in the head!" Passersby subdue attacker (: '') X The victim, 42, was in critical condition after suffering stab wounds to his chest, neck and head. He was taken to the Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot, where he went into surgery. Three other employees were treated for shock. Victim receiving treatment on the scene "My wife and I were shopping. All of a sudden, a man with a backpack and an Arabic accent approached me and asked me if I worked there. I said no, and he kept walking," recounted Shlomo Brill, an eye-witness. "Ten minutes later, I heard screams from the checkout area. Everyone at the store went crazy. We thought it was a terror attack, we're all stressed out... the cashiers were screaming, the employees were shaking with fear." Passersby capture the attacker One of the civilians who helped subdue the suspect recounted the incident: "I (heard) one of the employees call out 'stop him, stop him.' Another civilian tripped him, and then he and the employee neutralized the suspect. Police officers who arrived at the scene removed them but we still kept (hitting) him. We neutralized him some more until the cops handcuffed him." A suspicious Palestinian woman at the Gush Etzion Junction was stopped and searched by security forces, who discovered she was carrying a knife. The woman was detained and turned over to police for questioning. Despite occasional interruptions, it would appear the ceasefire declared 24 days ago in southwest Syria under Russian-American patronage is holding up well. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter News websites close to the Syrian opposition have been reporting over the past few days that as part of the agreement, the Syrian army has withdrawn from Daraa and Quneitra in southern Syria and was replaced by the Russian military, which created a base there. Developments in the region will have a profound impact on Israel's northern border. Syrian army chief visiting his forces near Quneitra Negotiations for the future of southern Syria are at a fever pitch. The Lebanese "Al Mayadeen" network, considered very close to the Assad regime and Hezbollah, reported Russian military policemen have begun deployment in the region and are now stationed in positions shared by the Syrian army. Officials have claims in talks with Al-Mayadeen that the only force considered for withdrawal from southern Syria is the army's 4th division auxiliary force, while all other forces are expected to stay put. The same officials claimed Russia has erected a military base in the northern suburb of Daraa, between Damascus and Daraa itself. The base is presumably intended to allow Russian forces to mobilize more easily in the country's southern region. Russian presence in the south may yet become a fait accompli, but the big question as far as Israel is concerned is whether the Syrian army, Hezbollah and Iranian militia forces will also remain. Officials speaking to Al-Mayadeen said that while these forces have yet to be withdrawn, they admitted an accord may be reached on withdrawing them to Damascus to Sa'sa' (20 km from the Israeli border) and Al-Kaswa (40 km from Israel). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his visit to Paris last month he isn't pleased with the agreement Moscow has reached with Washington, which gives Iranian presence in southern Syria a shot in the arm. The Syrian army's Chief of the General Staff Ali Ayyoub was sent to southern Syria Tuesday to demonstrate the regime still has a firm hold on the area. Ayyoub visited one of the Assad regime's air force bases and surveyed the army units stationed on the outskirts of Quneitra. "We'll continue remaining vigilant in the homeland's defense and carry on the path of sacrifice and giving until security and stability are returned to all of Syria," he told his men. The King of Jordan Abdullah II has ordered the donation of a million Jordanian dinar, equal to 1.5 million dollars, to the Waqf of Al-Aqsa mosque. The Waqf said earlier the king had made a decision to donate a million dollars to the mosque's Islamic museum and give Waqf employees a 300 dinar grant. Earlier today Abdullah said, "We're closely monitoring the Jerusalem situation. The challenge it poses is political, not just about security." A huge fire that raged Monday in the cooling house in northern colony of Yesud HaMa'ala, located in the Upper Galilee. The fire caused heavy damage estimated at NIS 10 million. Police believe the cause for the fire was arson; this is not the first time that the refrigeration plant at the base of the fire has been set on fire, as well as other cooling houses in the area. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Large firefighting teams arrived to discover that the fire had consumed 7,000 empty containers for storing fruit. They said that if the containers were full of fruit, the financial damage would have been much greater, and the fire would have been more dangerous, due to the ammonia reserve used to cool fresh fruit. Fire at Yesud HaMa'ala (Photo: Mulik Hamer) "A friend woke me up and said, 'Run to your business, see if everything is all right,' because my factory is very sensitive to the fire," says Mulik Hammer, a farmer from Yesud Ha'Ma'ala. "The whole colony was lit by the fire. There were huge flames, a great noise, because the containers dropped from six to seven meters in height. Worried farmers clustered together, and it was impossible to approach. The plastic from the containers flowed like lava and fell into a nearby pomegranate plantation and set it on fire, as well. We were very lucky and avoided a serious disaster. I have a factory to produce cartons for packing fruit and vegetables near the cooling house, but fortunately it was not damaged. " Local residents believe the fire is related to his arrest at the end of the week of Faraj Heib, 46, a resident of the Bedouin town of Tuba-Zangariyye, who was suspected of heading a large crime organization that for years had been blackmailing many farmers in the north. The organization reportedly offers "protection services," causing heavy damage to the tools, factories and plants of those who refuse to comply with the demand, including setting businesses on fire. Six months ago, thanks to an undercover investigation that included the cooperation of several law enforcement agencies, the criminal organization supposedly headed by Heib was exposed, though he himself managed to escape. A SWAT team finally managed to arrest him in a hiding place in Jericho, before transferring him for interrogation. "This is agricultural terror, I have no other words to describe it," said Ofer Barnea, 54, of Kibbutz Hulata. "They demand protection, and when they don't get it, they set fire to the business. "I expect someone to do something," he added, referring to law enforcement. "But result are what count here, and so far they have not been able to deal with the problem." Giora Zalz, head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council, said that "there is no doubt that there is some message here, of a show of strength, despite the arrest of the head of the crime organization from Tuba-Zangaria this weekend. He added that "This is another sign of intimidation for the demand for protection fees The state must find a solution for compensation The damage caused to us." The United States, Britain, France and Germany warned the United Nations on Wednesday that Iran had taken "a threatening and provocative step" by testing a rocket capable of delivering satellites into orbit and asked the UN chief to investigate. In a report submitted to the UN Security Council's Iran sanctions committee and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the four countries described the July 27 launch as inconsistent with a 2015 UN Security Council resolution. They asked Guterres to report "fully and thoroughly on Iran's ballistic missile and space launch activity" to the 15-member Security Council. Most UN sanctions were lifted 18 months ago under a deal Iran made with key 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. Guterres reports every six months to the Security Council on the implementation of the remaining sanctions and restrictions. "The technologies necessary for the conception, the fabrication and the launch of space launch vehicles are closely related to those of ballistic missiles, in particular to those of an intercontinental ballistic missile," the four powers wrote in their report, seen by Reuters. "This launch therefore represents a threatening and provocative step by Iran," they wrote. "Iran's longstanding program to develop ballistic missiles continues to be inconsistent with (the UN resolution) and has a destabilizing effect in the region." US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley submitted the report on behalf of the four countries. Workers from the Haifa Chemicals company erected a protest tent Wednesday evening both inside and outside its plant after it was announced earlier in the day that the company was closing shop and letting go of its 800 employees. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The announcement came after authorities failed to find a reasonable alternative to replace a large ammonia tank required by the company to function which was ordered to be shut down earlier this year. The colossal, circular vat is located in the northern port of Haifa, Israel's third largest city, and can hold 12,000 tons of ammonia, which is used in products such as fertilizer and explosives. Haifa Chemicals workers protest closure (: ) X An Israeli court in February ordered the company to shut down the ammonia tank the largest in the countrywhich has been a point of contention for years, with residents and environmental groups warning it is a major health hazard. "Haifa Chemicals management decided to close the company and is forced to fire all its employees," the company said in a statement. The workers blocked off roads leading to the plant and the Histadrut has vowed to continue the protest until a solution is found to the crisis. Photo: Histadrut In addition to blocking off the roads near the plant, the enraged workers, fearing for their livelihoods, set tyres alight and waved placards calling on Minister of Environmental Protection Zeev Elkin (Likud), whom they consider primarily responsible for their plight, to immediately intervene and slam the breaks on the expected redundancies. By Wednesday morning, dozens of Haifa Chemicals workers had assembled outside the plants premises, lighting fires and demanding the resignations of the company's CEO Nadav Shachar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Chairman of the Southern Workers Committee Yehuda Peres slammed the closure, arguing that it constituted the targeted destruction of the periphery. Photo: Histadrut We didnt give up over the last five months and I dont intend to give up now, he stated defiantly. Today, the struggle entered a new phase and anyone who wants to move us will have to do so by force. Vowing to keep the protest up at full throttle until a real solution had been found, Peres went on to say that the affair could not go on at the expense of the workers livelihoods and their children. Aviram Elmakias, 28 from Dimona has particular cause to be concerned by the mass layoffs since he and his wife are expecting a baby in the near future. With Aviram being the sole breadwinner of the family, he explained why he is so overwhelmed by a sense of trepidation. Photo: Histadrut The significance of losing work is hard. Yes, I am young but to have to go out and look for work when my wife may give birth any minute is difficult, he said. We are in a state of total uncertainty and are disheartened by the situation. What happens in the factory seriously affects my home, and my wife is under serious stress. It isnt nice to bring a child into the world this way. We dont even know who to blame. Photo: Histadrut With the closure, Eli Ben Hamo, 44 is another worker being placed under similar strain. Married with three children, Hamo has worked for the company for more than five years. It is awful when you know you need to get to your workplace to receive a notice that the factory is being closed. Yesterday we still had hope, we thought there would be positive results and that they had found a solution for us, but theres nothing, he lamented. Unlike Elmakias however, Hamo knew who he was blaming for the crisis. I think that if the minister of environmental protection is convinced and decides, it will be possible to find a solution. Everything is in his hands. We are for the closure of the ammonia tank, but there are alternatives. No one is taking responsibility. Buses carrying Syrian militants and refugees left a Lebanese border area bound for a rebel-held part of Syria on Wednesday, under a deal made after Shi'ite Hezbollah routed Sunni Islamist Nusra Front insurgents in their last foothold at the frontier. Some 7,000 Syrians including 1,000 militants, their families and refugees are to leave the Lebanese town of Arsal and the surrounding border area and head for Syria's northwestern Idlib province under the deal, Hezbollah-run media outlets said. The transfer echoes deals struck within Syria in which Damascus has shuttled rebels and civilians to Idlib and other opposition areas. Such evacuations have helped President Bashar al-Assad recapture several rebel bastions over the past year, and are criticised by the opposition as amounting to the forced transfer of populations seen as sympathetic to the opposition. The ceasefire took effect last week, just days after Lebanese Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Nusra Front and other Sunni Muslim militants from their last foothold along the Syria-Lebanon border. The United States and North Korea hold the primary responsibility for de-escalating tensions and negotiating peace on the Korean Peninsula not China, Beijings U.N. ambassador said yesterday [Macau time]. Liu Jieyi said that if Washington and Pyongyang refuse to reduce tensions and hold new talks as called for in U.N. Security Council resolutions, then no matter how capable China is, Chinas efforts will not yield practical results because it depends on the two principal parties. The Trump administration has accused China of failing to rein in North Koreas nuclear and ballistic missile programs and warned of possible economic reprisals on Beijing, which is responsible for 90 percent of trade with the northeast Asian nation. In comments clearly directed at the U.S. and North Korea, Liu said instead of complying with Security Council calls to de-escalate tensions and re-launch six-party negotiations, tensions have heightened as a result of new missile tests, statements that all options are on the table, and deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system. And in criticism aimed specifically at the United States, the Chinese ambassador said implementation of Security Council resolutions is also being hampered by unilateral sanctions and preconditions put to starting the dialogue with Pyongyang. The Trump administration has declared that all options, including a targeted military strike, are on the table to block North Korea from carrying out threats against the United States and its allies in the region. But a pre-emptive attack isnt likely, U.S. officials have said, and the administration has been pursuing a strategy of pressuring Pyongyang through new unilateral sanctions and appealing to China to use its influence. Pyongyangs two recent successful tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles have created even more urgency as the U.S. administration seeks to stop its efforts to master the complex process of mounting a nuclear warhead capable of hitting the United States. As for resuming talks, which stalled in 2009, the United States has said it wont enter negotiations with North Korea until the country proves it will move toward abandoning its nuclear weapons program. Trump tweeted Sunday: We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem! And U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley joined in the criticism, saying China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step of getting tough on the North. Liu, at a news conference marking the end of Chinas presidency of the Security Council in July, tried to shift the responsibility for engaging North Korea from Beijing to Washington and Pyongyang. They hold the primary responsibility [] to start moving in the right direction, not China, he said. China has been implementing the [U.N.] resolutions in good faith, in the comprehensive way, Liu said, and we urge other countries to do so. The fact that the resolutions are not so far implemented in the comprehensive and precise way says a lot about the kind of difficulties that we face at the moment. He said the international community should move together on several fronts make sure that the political will to resolve the issue of denuclearization is translated into actual moves, negotiations, dialogue, reducing tension on the ground, and ensure that there is no international support for North Koreas nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Liu said China will keep working with other countries to achieve denuclearization and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and we believe that each relevant party should [] shoulder the responsibility, and uphold the obligations provided for in the relevant Security Council resolutions. He said China is still seeking support for its proposal in which North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests in exchange for the U.S. and South Korea halting their joint military exercises. The package proposed by China and backed by Russia also includes denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a peace and security mechanism in place for both North Korea and South Korea, Liu said. The Security Council has already imposed six rounds of progressively tougher sanctions against North Korea, and the United States is discussing a new sanctions resolution with China. Liu said he is in contact with ambassador Haley on a daily basis and the new resolution is under discussion. Following the two recent missile tests, he said, its important to look at how to eliminate nuclear weapons and ensure peace on the Korea Peninsula and what measures should be put in place to prevent further testing, and at least to make sure that the nonproliferation regime works better to stop the nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Edith M. Lederer, United Nations, AP It is common to hear elected officials refer to the Rule of Law or affirm that we are a nation of laws. But what does that really mean, and why is it important? The United States Constitution is the foundation for our form of government. It sets forth the purposes and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of our federal government. The Constitution creates a system of checks and balances that has sustained our nation for more than 200 years. When I took office on Jan. 8, 2015, I pledged an oath to uphold the Constitution. Since taking that oath, there have been several occasions where Nebraska has successfully led or joined other states in lawsuits against federal overreach. Recently, I joined nine other state attorneys general in a letter requesting the phase out of the current Deferred Action Childhood Arrival program (DACA). The letter did not call for immediate removal of any DACA affected persons. The letter was prompted by a December 2014 lawsuit where Nebraska joined several other states challenging the legality of both the expanded DACA program and the new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA).President Obama issued these new immigration policies in November 2014 via executive order. Our legal challenge was successful. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that these programs were unlawful both procedurally and substantively. However, the original DACA executive order signed by President Obama in 2012 is still in effect. The successful legal arguments that struck down the 2014 executive order have the same application to the 2012 executive order. The Constitution provides that Congress has the exclusive authority to establish uniform rules regarding immigration policy. Congress has done that by passing the Immigration Nationality Act (INA), establishing the framework for granting legal status to foreigners wishing to stay in the United States. Although the executive branch has responsibility and authority for implementing the Act, it cannot unilaterally expand or change the plain language of the law. The topic of immigration, particularly the DACA program, evokes strong feelings on both sides of the issue. Persons of goodwill may disagree on the direction of immigration policy. The Constitution provides, however, that the appropriate venue for determining policy direction lies with the legislative branch and not the president acting via executive order. Our Constitution prohibits not only legislating from the bench but also from the Oval Office. The constitutional system of checks and balances and separation of powers is essential to governmental stability. To make an exception allowing the president to expand any law beyond the meaning intended by Congress would violate this most important constitutional principle Bette Marie Petersen Votaw, age 92, of Wellfleet died on July 25 in Lincoln. Bette was born in North Platte on Jan. 17, 1925 to Fred Christian Petersen and Elizabeth Katherine Brodbeck Petersen. Bette graduated from North Platte High School in 1942, where she was the yearbook editor. She became a life-long Husker when she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, from which she earned her Bachelors Degree in Business Education in 1946. Following graduation, Bette was employed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Social Services in North Platte. She then joined the Farmers Home Administration as an Administrative Assistant. On April 10, 1950 Bette was united in Marriage to Eli B. Votaw Jr. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Platte, where she was a lifelong member. As a new bride Bette was very determined to become an intricate part of the rural life. Her passion paid off as her and Eli diligently worked together to build the historic E Bar V Angus Ranch. Two cherished accomplishments were bestowed upon Bette and Eli in recognition of their contributions to the improvement and advancement of Angus in the United States. The American Angus Association inducted them into the Angus Heritage Foundation in 1999, and in 2006, the Nebraska Angus Association presented them with the Nebraska Pioneer Producer Award. Bette was well known for serving in leadership roles in her local and agricultural communities. She was a charter member of the American Angus Auxiliary, in which she enjoyed serving on its many committees and held various officer positions including the National President in 1993-1994. During her tenure as President, she helped host the 7th World Angus Forum. Her long, outstanding, and empowering service in the Angus Auxiliary earned her the Distinguished Woman of the Year award in 2012. Bettes passion for cattle also led her to serve on numerous committees for the Nebraska Cattlewomen and the Nebraska Angus Auxiliary. Her influence extended far beyond agriculture as she was active with numerous Community Committees. This included the Nebraska Public Broadcasting Board in the 1980s, and as a persistent advocate for encouraging women, Bette served on the Rape and Domestic Violence Board for Lincoln County. Stylish, and always with her classic beauty, Bette would put a smile on everyones face as she stepped out of the drivers side of the pickup truck, after hauling her daughters and their show calves to state and national cattle shows. She could roll up her sleeves and work hard, yet had style and grace that could light up a room. Bette was also very proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, all of whom could count her in their corner cheering them on. She also gave us wonderful business advice and was a whiz in geography. We will all dearly miss her endearing smile and quick wit amongst her other many wonderful characteristics. Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Kathy Marie (Louis) Dubs of Billings, Mont. and Kerri Ann (Steven) Kliewer of Henderson; grandchildren, Merici Vinton (Dominic Campbell) of London, England, Katrina (Adam) Petersen of Billings, Mont., Allison Dubs of Omaha, Chase Eli Kliewer of Omaha, Garrett Kliewer of New York City and Mariah Kliewer of New York City; great-grandchildren, Hopkins Vinton Campbell and Reagan Petersen and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was Bettes husband of 62 years, Eli Votaw; her beloved daughter, Christine Sue Votaw Vinton; son-in-law, Patrick Donald Vinton; her parents and brother, Fred Petersen, PhD Services will be Aug. 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of North Platte with a lunch to follow. Burial will be at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery Aug.18, 2017 before the service at 9:30 a.m. Memorials can be directed to American Angus Auxiliary 3201 Fredrick Ave. Saint Joseph, MO 64506, Chris Votaw Vinton Memorial Scholarship at UNL, or First Lutheran Church in North Platte. YORK Pipeline fighters will be mobilizing at the state capitol and marching in Lincoln on the eve of the upcoming evidentiary hearing before the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. Jane Kleeb, director of the Bold Alliance, and Gabby Brown from the Sierra Club, say that opponents of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline are planning a peaceful march through the streets of Lincoln to send the PSC the message that the KXL is not in the public interest. The march will take place on Aug. 6, which Kleeb said will include Nebraska farmers and ranchers, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the Yankton Sioux Tribe, Bold Alliance and other environmental and citizen advocates. Pipeline opponents have vastly outnumbered proponents who showed up to testify at public meetings on Keystone XL in Norfolk, York, ONeill and Omaha, Kleeb and Brown said in a statement Tuesday. Landowners and citizens have voiced concerns about the state authorizing the use of eminent domain for a foreign corporation to take their land for a private gain pipeline that threatens the Ogallala aquifer and fragile Nebraska farmland. Kleeb said the march will start at the north steps of the state capitol building, with a press conference set for 2:45 p.m. There will be a rally with speakers between 3 and 3:30 p.m. The march will start at 3:30 p.m., with the route to be down 16th Street to N Street to 13th Street. In addition, a coalition of organizations including Bold Nebraska, 350, Sierra Club, Indigenous Environmental Network, CREDO, Greenpeace and Oil Change International have collected hundreds of thousands of written public comments from citizens from Nebraska and across the country with their concerns about Keystone XLs threat to property rights, water and climate, Kleeb said. The coalition will deliver these public comments to the PSC offices in Lincoln at 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, Aug. 10, on the eve of the PSCs public comment submission deadline of Friday, Aug. 11. The public comments delivery will take place just blocks from the Cornhusker Marriott hotel in downtown Lincoln, where landowners, tribal leaders and environmental advocates will be testifying during the critical week of intervenor hearings on Keystone XL before the public service commission, Brown said. US-NORTH KOREA Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has offered reassurance to North Korea that we are not your enemy, though he wants help from China to push for conditions that can lead to talks with the North. He said the United States does not seek a regime change. We do not seek a collapse of the regime. We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula. CHINA-ASEAN Southeast Asias top diplomats will seek talks as soon as possible on a proposed non-aggression pact with China aimed at preventing clashes in the South China Sea and will likely hold back on criticism of Chinas aggressive acts in the disputed waters in a weekend summit. MALAYSIA Authorities said yesterday that they seized 23 pieces of elephant tusks and 301 kilograms of pangolin scales believed to have been smuggled from Africa in a haul worth nearly USD1 million. PAPUA NEW GUINEA Prime Minister Peter ONeill was re-elected as leader of the South Pacific island nation yesterday, following a complex, chaotic election plagued by violence and allegations of ballot fraud. The nations Parliament elected ONeill to a second five-year term by a vote of 60 to 46. AUSTRALIA A man arrested over the weekend in Sydney has been released without charge and was shocked to be questioned about a plot to bring down an airliner, his lawyer and police said yesterday. SAUDI ARABIA A state-linked Saudi news website is reporting that assailants opened fire on the Riyadh headquarters of the countrys religious police. FRANCE-ITALY Italy and France have agreed to work on resolving their dispute over an Italian shipbuilders bid to take over a French shipyard, giving themselves until the end of September. GERMANY-VIETNAM The German government accused Vietnamese intelligence services yesterday of involvement in what it called the kidnapping in Berlin of a former Vietnamese oil executive, and gave the countrys intelligence attache 48 hours to leave Germany. VENEZUELA The number of Venezuelans who participated in the election for an all-powerful constituent assembly was inflated by at least 1 million votes in an official count, the head of a voting technology company asserted yesterday. BRAZIL Lawmakers were yesterday making impassioned speeches about whether to suspend the president for bribery, but few of their colleagues seemed to be paying attention. They were largely arguing for a national television audience. In this Podcast, Sarah Megginson and Kevin Turner discuss some of the topics covered inside the latest Your Investment Property magazine (Issue #122 | September 2017: out now). Kevin also catches up with two of our cover story stars - Investor of the Year Runner up in 2008 Rob Williams and Investor of the Year Winner in 2009 Prue Muirehead. Both Prue and Rob share how at almost 10 years on, their investing strategies have changed, what they would have done differently and what kind of property they would buy today. Listen to the podcast now:- Your Investment Property magazine. Issue #122 | September 2017. Where would you invest $1 million? - We asked 8 previous Investor of the Year Award winners and finalists where they would buy now if the has $200k deposit and $800k borrowing power. Insight: Generation Z and the Property Market. How could their tastes effect Investors? In Depth: How are investors accessing equity in the current tough mortgage market Report: 12 Ugly Truths about Property Investing Real Life: From Renter to Property Millionaire. Harry lost all his savings in the GFC 6 years ago, now he's worth over a million dollars. Renovation Guide: How to turn a $50k+ profit from an outdoor renovation Issue #122 of Your Investment Property magazine - September 2017, is on sale in all good newsagents and Coles supermarkets 3rd - 31st August 2017. It is also available in soft copy (PDF) by clicking here. Perth homebuyers looking to trade up are now seeing more feasible opportunities in areas such as Peppermint Grove, Applecross, and North Coogee three suburbs which topped the Real Estate Institute of Western Australias (REIWA) list of affluent suburbs that have become more affordable. While these suburbs still hover above Perths median house price, they have become more affordable for buyers looking to trade up, according to Hayden Groves, president of REIWA. Peppermint Grove saw the largest annual average change in its median house price over the past five years, shifting from $3,750,000 in April 2012 to $3,350,000 in April 2017. While Applecross saw its median house price shift from $1,380,000 in 2012 to $1,265,000 in 2017, North Coogee saw its median house price shift from $1,250,000 to $1,155,000 over the same period. Buyers are looking for opportunities in areas with a good lifestyle scene, cafes and restaurants, Groves said. In particular, we are seeing buyers placing more importance on proximity to good public schools. Suburbs such as Applecross, Nedlands and Peppermint Grove are within the catchment for some of Perths best public schools. Due to the easing off in median house prices of these suburbs, the opportunity is there to secure your ideal family home if you have the means. Theres also good news for sellers in Applecross, City Beach, Nedlands, and Peppermint Grove, as properties are selling quickly in comparison to five years ago. In 2012, it took on average 120 days to sell a property in Peppermint Grove for instance. In more recent figures, the average selling days for the suburb sits at 90 days. We are also seeing sellers willing to negotiate and discount their initial asking price to achieve a sale, Groves said. Related Stories: Struggling Perth Sellers Should Consider Going To Auction Perths Median House Price Showing Resilience Washington: US President Donald Trump signed into law new sanctions against Russia on Wednesday but he slammed the legislation as infringing on his powers to shape foreign policy, saying he could make "far better deals" with governments than Congress. After signing a bill that Congress had approved overwhelmingly last week and which runs counter to his desire to improve relations with Moscow, the Republican president laid out a lengthy list of concerns. His criticism of the sanctions, which also affect Iran and North Korea, raised the question of how much Trump is prepared to enforce the measures and to pursue action against Russia. "While I favor tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing behavior by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed," Trump said in a formal signing statement. His hands were tied after the Republican-controlled Congress approved the legislation by such a large margin on Thursday that it would have thwarted any effort by him to veto the bill. Congress passed the measure to punish the Russian government over interference in the 2016 presidential election, annexation of Ukraine`s Crimea and other perceived violations of international norms. The legislation has already provoked countermeasures by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has ordered big cuts to the number of staff at the US diplomatic mission to Russia. The House of Representatives` top Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, expressed concern about Trump`s signing statement, saying it "raises serious questions about whether his administration intends to follow the law, or whether he will continue to enable and reward Vladimir Putin`s aggression." In the statement, Trump complained about what he said were "clearly unconstitutional provisions" in the legislation relating to presidential powers in setting foreign policy. The new measure, the first major foreign policy legislation approved by Congress since Trump took office in January, includes a provision allowing the legislature to stop any effort by the president to ease existing sanctions on Russia. Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he was not at all concerned with the statement, noting that since Trump had signed the measure, it was now law. Whatever. It doesnt matter to me what the signing statement says, Corker told reporters. Its a good piece of legislation." Trump has long said he would like improved ties with Russia. But any such efforts by his administration have been hamstrung by findings by US intelligence agencies that Russia interfered to help the Republican against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In a second, more informal statement on the legislation, issued by the White House, Trump said, "Despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. "It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States," he added. But he said the law was "seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate." Trump said he was elected partly because of his successes in business, adding, "As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress." The administration has been sending mixed signals about Russia. Vice President Mike Pence, on a tour of Baltic countries, has been hammering a hawkish line on Russia. On Tuesday, there was a striking contrast between his stance and comments by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. "The action by the Congress to put these sanctions in place and the way they did, neither the president nor I were very happy about that," Tillerson said on Tuesday. The legislation will affect a range of Russian industries and might further hurt the Russian economy, already weakened by 2014 sanctions imposed after Russia annexed Crime from Ukraine. It also cracks down on Iran and North Korea for activities that include their missile development programs and human rights abuses, including seeking to punish foreign banks that do business with North Korea. The new sanctions are inevitably harming bilateral relations but will not change Russian policy, Russia`s United Nations Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Wednesday. "Some US officials were saying that this is a bill that might encourage Russia to cooperate with the United States; to me that`s a strange sort of encouragement," he told reporters. "Those who invented this bill, if they were thinking they might change our policy, they were wrong." Signing statements Presidents often issue signing statements when they sign bills into law. In some cases, they use them to raise concerns about whether legislation passed by Congress has legal problems and to indicate that they will implement it in a narrow fashion. Republican former President George W. Bush was known for his aggressive use of signing statements, including in 2006 when he signed a bill that prohibited the torture of detainees held at the US Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Bush said he would implement the law in line with his constitutional authority as commander-in-chief. In Trumps signing statement, he indicated that provisions of the law conflict with a 2015 Supreme Court decision striking down a law that would let American citizens born in Jerusalem have Israel listed in passports as their country of birth. The Supreme Court said this law infringed upon the presidents exclusive power to recognize foreign governments. In citing this case, Trump was complaining about what he sees as infringement of his presidential powers on foreign policy matters. Trump also said he was concerned about the sanctions` effect on work with European allies, and on American business. Cuts to diplomatic staff After Congress approved the sanctions, the Kremlin ordered the United States to cut about 60 percent of its diplomatic staff in Russia. Putin said on Sunday that Russia had ordered the United States to cut 755 of its 1,200 embassy and consulate staff by September, and was seizing two diplomatic properties. Besides angering Moscow, the legislation has upset the European Union, which has said the new sanctions might affect its energy security and prompt it to act, too. One Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, while welcoming the signing, was critical of the low-key way it was done, without the typical array of television cameras and reporters present. "The fact (that) he does this kind of quietly I think reinforces the narrative that the Trump administration is not really serious about pushing back on Russia," Graham said in a CNN interview. Several provisions of the sanctions target the Russian energy sector, with new limits on US investment in Russian companies. American companies also would be barred from participating in energy exploration projects where Russian firms have a stake of 33 percent or higher. The legislation includes sanctions on foreign companies investing in or helping Russian energy exploration, although the president could waive those sanctions. It would give the Trump administration the option of imposing sanctions on companies helping develop Russian export pipelines, such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline carrying natural gas to Europe, in which German companies are involved. District of Columbia: US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday, saying he holds him "personally responsible" for the health and safety of two jailed opposition leaders. Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma "are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime," Trump said in a statement issued by the White House. "The United States holds Maduro -- who publicly announced just hours earlier that he would move against his political opposition -- personally responsible for the health and safety of Mr Lopez, Mr Ledezma and any others seized. "We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners." Los Angeles: A man opened fire at the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, then took his own life in his nearby car, police said. There were no other injuries in the shooting, which took place at about 6 a.m. before the consulate was open for the day, said Officer Michael Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department. "Numerous rounds impacted the Chinese consulate," Lopez said. Lopez said the man was discovered in his car dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities did not immediately identify the gunman and had few other details about the incident. Lopez said police did not typically release information about suicides. In 2011, a naturalised US citizen originally from China was arrested after police said he opened fire at the same building with a handgun. There were no injuries in that incident. Washington: The United States will waive environmental rules so extra barriers can be built to bar illegal immigrants from crossing the border with Mexico near San Diego, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday. The projects, on about 15 miles of the frontier extending east from the Pacific Ocean, are part of President Donald Trump`s planned wall between the United States and Mexico. The wall was a centerpiece of Trump`s 2016 presidential campaign but Democrats and many Republicans have questioned its effectiveness. Immigration advocacy groups argue it would not stem illegal border crossings. Government estimates put the cost of the wall at about $21 billion and Trump has said that Mexico will eventually pay for it. Mexico has refused to pay. The DHS said the area near San Diego is one of the busiest US border sections with a high volume of illegal entries and that there was an immediate need to improve the infrastructure. Environmental impact studies generally are required under federal law for building on public lands. While the waiver will eliminate a study, the department said it will remain mindful of cultural and environmental impacts. Roads, lights, cameras and sensors will be installed in addition to extra barriers, the department said. The project`s start date was not immediately known and the DHS statement did not mention the cost. The DHS statement said Border Patrol agents arrested more than 31,000 "illegal aliens" and seized more than 9,000 pounds (4,000 kg) of marijuana and 1,317 pounds (597 kg) of cocaine in the San Diego area last year. According to a memo published by the Congressional Research Service in January and seen by Reuters, a 2005 law gives Homeland Security broad authority to waive any law that could impede expeditious construction of barriers and roads. The memo was sent to members of Congress who questioned the feasibility of building a southern border wall. The US House of Representatives last week approved a $68 billion increase in military spending next year with legislation that also provided funds for the border wall. American Oversight, a watchdog group that has sued the Trump administration on a range of issues, said the DHS statement was a disturbing sign that Trump will "barrel ahead" with building the wall, no matter the cost to taxpayers or the environment. "Given the widespread skepticism towards the effectiveness of the border wall by leaders in both parties ... effective safeguards are more important than ever," American Oversight`s executive director, Austin Evers, said in a statement. Trump`s 2018 budget proposal also calls for 32 miles (51 km) of new wall in Texas` Rio Grande Valley, where the 2,000-acre Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is located. That has worried environmental activists, who note the refuge is home to 400 bird species and a dwindling population of federally protected ocelots. by Rachel Richardson 513-556-5219 Aug. 2, 2017 As many as 360,000 men and women leave the military each year good news for employers in need of the wealth of experience and skills veterans bring to the workforce. Yet, as a University of Cincinnati survey reveals, 50 percent of post-9/11 veterans without a service-related disability and nearly 63 percent of those with a service-related disability report they did not even feel somewhat prepared to enter the civilian workforce Whats more, 48 percent of veterans without a disability and nearly 60 percent of those with a disability described their transition to civilian employment as negative. We know even though unemployment rates for veterans are going down, their experiences largely arent positive, said Stacie Furst-Holloway, an associate professor in UCs Department of Psychology who led the 2016 survey and will present her teams findings Aug. 3 at the American Psychological Associations annual convention in Washington, D.C. A seat at the table The research one of the first academic studies of its kind stems from earlier work conducted by Furst-Holloway and and a team of researchers at UC conducted with colleagues at the VHA National Center for Organization Development aimed at improving human resources practices at VA hospitals nationwide. Data from more than 200,000 VA employees revealed that veterans there tend to be hired into lower grades despite more years of experience, are evaluated less favorably and are more likely to be demoted than non-veterans, report lower job satisfaction and leave earlier and more frequently than non-veterans. Furst-Holloway wanted to know if these issues were unique to just the VAs veteran workforce or if veterans in other civilian employment reported the same experiences. But when she delved deeper, she found that while there is a sizeable research on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, much of that focuses on the experiences of women and minorities with little paid to veterans. Veterans represent 11 percent of the U.S. workforce. They are a substantial part of our working population yet to this point, they dont have a seat at that table, said Furst-Holloway. Washington: The US wishes to sit down and hold dialogue with North Korea, but only if the Communist nation gives up its pursuit of nuclear weapons, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said. Days after North Korea on Sunday launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile in a month, Tillerson on Tuesday said Washington was "responding to an unacceptable threat to the US". The official said at a press conference here that the US was not Pyongyang`s "enemy". "We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." He reiterated the US does not "seek a reunification of the peninsula". "We do not seek regime change... We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson said, speaking to North Korea directly. The missile launched by North Korea travelled about 1,000 km before splashing down into the sea, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said in a statement. North Korea said the test-firing aimed to "finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range". A willingness to talk if North Korea agrees to pursue denuclearisation was also Obama administration policy, though it was never successful in getting Pyongyang to the table. Tillerson is travelling to Asia this week, where he will continue his drive to increase "peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk to us and others". But he made it clear that there was no possibility of talks if North Korea did not abandon its nuclear programme. He said China has a particular role to play, as it accounts for 90 per cent of trade with the Communist nation. Trump had emphasized that point as he courted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit and pressured Beijing to use its influence on Pyongyang. Trump had recently expressed disappointment that Beijing had not applied as much pressure as he would like or caused a change in North Korea`s behaviour. Arguing that China sees eye-to-eye with the US about the threat posed by Pyongyang`s aggressive weapons development, Tillerson said, "We don`t blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea." "But we do believe China has a unique and special relationship," he added. "We continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue." Hyderabad: A Pune-bound flight of Alliance Air a subsidiary airlines of Air India - was attacked by a swarm of bees causing a delay by an hour. According to ANI, the Alliance Air Flight 9I-867 from Hyderabad to Pune was swarmed by bees when it was stationed at the airport last week. The incident took place when the flight was gearing up for its scheduled take off. As per a statement by Air India, 65-passenger flight was scheduled to take off at 6.35 pm that got delayed by an hour due to the bee-attack. Safety is always our priority, Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar told ANI. So the pilot ensured all precautionary steps were taken before taking off. Watch the video here. Hyderabad: Youth Congress leader M Vikram Goud, who was injured in a firing last week, had stage-managed the incident and offered Rs 50 lakh to the gang he had hired to execute the plan, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahender Reddy said that Goud, who was still undergoing treatment at a hospital, was under police surveillance and would be arrested once he is discharged. Police have arrested five other accused, while two others are on the run. The arrested include Raees Khan, a native of Indore, who had opened two rounds on Goud. Goud, 35, has been booked for abetment to commit a crime, criminal conspiracy, causing the disappearance of evidence, giving false information to police and for possessing and using an illegal firearm. Goud, a businessman and son of former Andhra Pradesh Minister M. Mukesh Goud, was injured in the firing at his residence in upscale Banjara Hills area at 3.30 a.m on July 28. He had told the police that two assailants riding a bike barged into his house and opened fire. The police investigations, however, revealed that Goud had himself planned the attack and hired a gang to execute it. Goud, who also produced some Telugu films and had investments in real estate and other businesses, had hoped to gain public sympathy in the Jubliee Hills constituency in Hyderabad from where he is planning to contest next assembly elections in 2019. He also wanted to use the incident as an excuse to avoid some businessmen pressurising him to repay the loans. Interestingly, Goud tried to execute in real life a plot from one of his own movies. Apart from Raees Khan, police arrested S. Nanda Kumar, Sheikh Ahmed, K. Babujaan and A. Govind Reddy -- all hailing from Kadapa and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh. Venkat Ramna and Ghouse are absconding. The police chief said the arrests were made during searches across five states -- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Of the Rs 50 lakh that Vikram Goud had promised to the gang to shoot at him, he had paid Rs 14 lakh and had made all arrangements. The gang had purchased a pistol from Indore and along with ammunition, it was kept at his house since it was brought to Hyderabad in early July. Police recovered the country-made pistol, which the accused had thrown into a pond after executing the plan. The police chief said Vikram Goud`s wife M. Shipali had no knowledge of his plot. She told the police that her husband woke up early and asked her to get ready to go to a nearby "dargah" for making arrangements for feeding the poor. Raees Khan, who had helped the gang in procuring pistol from Indore, rushed to Hyderabad to execute the plan on July 27 after the other accused backed out. The planning started four months ago when Vikram asked Govind Reddy, who wanted to work in films, to procure a weapon and make an attempt on his life. Govind Reddy approached his friend Nanda Kumar, who in turn brought other accused to execute the plan. As per the plan, the attack was to be carried out on July 26 but it had to be postponed as Sheikh Ahmed did not turn up due to miscommunication. The accused decided to go back to their Anantapur district as they were not confident of executing the plan. Sheikh Ahmed then called Raees Khan to Hyderabad to do the shooting. As per the plan, Raees opened fire on Vikram who was sitting on sofa. He sustained two bullet injuries on his both upper arms. Raees could not fire a third round as per the plan as the bullet got stuck, the Police Commissioner said. Bengaluru: Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co on Wednesday said it is aiming to be the top two-wheeler manufacturer in India by 2020, overtaking erstwhile partner Hero MotoCorp. According to Honda Motor Co Chief Officer Regional Operations (Asia and Oceania) Shinji Aoyama, the company will have a competitive advantage over rivals when India adopts the stringent BS-VI emission norms. "Year 2020 can be a possible year to become number one," Aoyama told PTI here when asked by when Honda was aiming to take the top slot in Indian two-wheeler market. Currently, Hero MotoCorp is the top player in the Indian two-wheeler segment. The two partners had parted ways in 2010 after 26 years of successfully running a joint venture- Hero Honda. At present, the company's arm Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has 59 percent market share in scooters, while occupying number two position in motorcycles in India. HMSI is targetting to sell 60 lakh units in the country in the current fiscal. In 2016-17, Hero MotoCorp sold 64,83,655 units in the Indian market, whereas HMSI sold 47,25,067 units. Elaborating reasons behind Honda's confidence to claim top slot in India, Aoyama said the most important factor for 2020 is how manufacturers meet BS-VI norms. "As far as Honda is concerned we are pretty confident with what we are going to do with BS-VI. I believe we can be more competitive than other brands. That is why we may have the potential to be number one," he said. When asked if the company has set a sales target in India by 2020, Aoyama said it was difficult to say as the industry may witness a dip in sales after 2020 as BS VI norms may lead to rise in product prices. "The market may decline. We are not sure," he added. Aoyama said that it is going to be very difficult in the next 3-4 years to ascertain if the company would have to go for further hike in production capacity in India. HMSI is running at full capacity at present. The company today commissioned a fourth assembly line at Narsapura plant, adding 6 lakh units per annum. "Due to the introduction of BS-VI norms in 2020, it is a bit difficult to decide right now on future production capacity. After 2020, we may witness some decline. May be after that due to strong demand in the market we may recover once again. It is unpredictable right now, Aayoma said. On company's product strategy in India going ahead, he said the focus would be on the commuter segment. "Yes, premium segment we know there is lot of demand, however we will do something but it cannot be major or main stream of Indian operations," Aoyama said. On plans to make India an export hub, he said that the company's basic business principle remains to manufacture products where there is demand. "At this moment China and India are major two countries from where Honda eyes exports to relatively smaller markets like Latin American companies, some of the Asian countries like Sri Lanka or Nepal. According to regulatory norms in the countries this situation may change," Aoyama said. Currently regulations in China are more widely accepted in various countries for being stricter than one in India, he said. "But after introduction of BS VI norms the situation may reverse. So, that means India can have potential to export more to various countries," he added. HMSI President and CEO Minoru Kato said that with the ramping of the production capacity, the company is now ready for undertaking "aggressive ambitious" strategy in India. "Honda has set the most challenging target in 2017-18 of adding one million additional customers over last year," Kato said. He said HMSI plans to sell 6 million units with 20 percent growth this fiscal. "In the next 3-4 years we will bring many products in the Indian market," Kato said, adding future is challenging yet exciting in India and Honda is completely ready. "Our aim is not only to cater to Indian domestic demand but also to global demand by making India a global export hub in near future," Kato said. During the first quarter of the current fiscal, HMSI's sales grew by 19 percent as compared to industry's growth rate of 9 percent, he said. Patna: Janata Dal United leader Sharad Yadav, who has openly expressed his displeasure over Nitish Kumar's decision to dump the 'Grand Alliance' in Bihar and re-join BJP, may float a new political outfit soon. According to News18.com, the veteran JDU leader is hugely disappointed with Nitish Kumar's decision, which he claimed was taken without his consent. Sharad Yadav is believed to be currently exploring the possibilities of forming a new political outfit and aligning with the Congress-led UPA. An indication in this regard came this morning when Sharad Yadav's close aide Vijay Verma claimed that the Bihar strongman was meeting leaders of JD(U)s state units. Verma further revealed that Yadav is also in touch with other like-minded parties. Verma also indicated that a formal announcement in this regard could be made this week. A lot of state level leaders in the ruling Janata Dal United are of view that Sharad Yadav is not on board with Nitishs plans. "Sharad ji is our senior leader but has taken a different path. He is free to take any decision," JDU's chief spokesman, Sanjay Singh, was quoted as saying. This comes days after Sharad Yadav expressed his displeasure over Nitish Kumar's decision to re-join BJP-led NDA and form a new government in Bihar. On July 26, Nitish Kumar had abruptly ended the coalition government he had formed with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress by resigning as the Bihar CM. He had formed a government with the BJP the next day. In his first reaction to the breakup of 'Grand Alliance', Sharad Yadav described the turn of events in Bihar as unfortunate. I don't agree with the decision in Bihar, its unfortunate. The mandate by the people was not for this, the former JD(U) president told reporters outside Parliament. RJD chief Lalu Yadav also attacked Nitish for dumping the alliance and claiming that no one is capable to take on Narendra Modi in 2019 General Elections. Patna: RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's son and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday hit back at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying that the Janata Dal United leader's arrogance will destroy the present government in the state very soon. Tejashwi also accused the Janata Dal United leader of practising double standards. Speaking to reporters, Tejashwi said, "Nitish's arrogance will destroy the present government very soon and he will also fail in completing his tenure. If Nitish didn't want to work with us then why did he wait so long? And why he has ruined four years of Bihar?" Tejashwi further asked if Nitish would ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a probe against those who have been named in Panama Papers leak case. "The people of Bihar demand an answer to all the questions that Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi have accused us of. Also would Nitish ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a probe against people who have been named in Panama Papers leak case? That day will never come..as all accused are together," said Tejashwi. Tejashwi also attacked Nitish Kumar of staying mum on nearly 75 percent of his tainted ministers. Yesterday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that Nitish Kumar had wanted to sacrifice his son Tejashwi Yadav out of sheer insecurity. He claimed that Nitish got alarmed, when people started taking about Tejashwi's good work as deputy chief minister. He also accused Nitish of being on Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) side from the very beginning of their alliance. He also mentioned that, "Once Sharad Yadav had put his life on stake in an election campaign against me for Nitish." Further lashing out at Nitish, Lalu stated that only because of Mulayam Singh, he allowed the Chief Minister in his alliance. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi, Lalu said that Nitish used to speak ill of BJP and today he is singing his glory. Earlier, Nitish had stated that if Lalu had explained himself over the corruption allegations, then the situation could have been different in Bihar. New Delhi: Snapdeal may trim its workforce to half from the current 1,200 employees over the next few months as it pursues an "independent" path post calling off merger with bigger rival Flipkart, according to company sources. After turning down Flipkart's USD 900-950 million offer earlier this week, the e-commerce firm has started working on its new roadmap which it calls 'Snapdeal 2.0'. Snapdeal will trim its operations and over the next 2-3 months, the workforce could be pared to about 500-600 people, two people familiar with the company's plans said. They did not wish to be identified as they are not authorised to speak on the matter. Snapdeal did not respond to emailed queries. Snapdeal is estimated to have about 1,200 staffers currently. Over the past few months, the beleaguered company has seen a steady exit of employees across levels. One of the persons said there could be a higher level of attrition in the coming days. Many employees were waiting for the Flipkart deal and see if things would turn around, the person said adding that now that the deal has been called off, these staffers may look at other opportunities. Once inspired by China's Alibaba model, Snapdeal is now said to be moving to a 'Taobao' model with a consumer-to- consumer e-commerce marketplace. The company had started operations as a deals and coupons platform and pivoted to a marketplace model around 2012. However, over the last few quarters, the SoftBank-funded company has seen its fortunes failing amid intense competition from US-based Amazon and homegrown player Flipkart. New Delhi: In the latest development in 1984 Sikh riots case, a Delhi Court on Wednesday directed CBI to conduct polygraphy test on witness Abhishek Verma. The court order comes after arms dealer Abhishek Verma had in July told a court here that he is ready to undergo a lie detector test in a riots case but on the condition that he be provided 24-hour security. Verma had earlier submitted before the court that he has threat perception from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case accused Jagdish Tytler. Fearing for his life, Verma asked the court to provide him two PSO guards for 24 hours full-proof security cover. Earlier, Verma had deposed before the CBI that Tytler had told him in 2008 that he had met the then prime minister Manmohan Singh after which he got a clean chit over his alleged role in the case. The Congress leader is accused of leading a mob in Pul Bangash area in 1984 that led to the killing of three Sikhs. The premier investigating agency had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened the investigation following a December 4, 2015 court order in the wake of Verma's allegations. New Delhi: A delegation of Delhi BJP legislators today met Lt. Governor Anil Baijal and sought his intervention in the matter related to the freezing of funding of 28 DU-affiliated colleges by the AAP government. The legislators led by Leader of Opposition in Assembly Vijender Gupta claimed that the Delhi government's action will affect 50,000 students. "The Lt Governor has sought a detailed report from the government in the matter," Gupta said in a statement. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia yesterday directed the finance department of Delhi government to freeze the release of funds to 28 colleges due to non formation of governing bodies there. Sisodia alleged that the Delhi University (DU) is "not willing" to have governing bodies in these colleges. Gupta alleged that the Delhi government itself is responsible for non-formation of governing bodies at the colleges. "It had sent the names for nominations to the governing bodies against the prescribed norms. Many of them were AAP workers," he said. The delegation included the MLAs Jagdish Pradhan, O P Sharma and Manjinder Singh Sirsa. New Delhi: People often stumble across the most bizarre things, which at first seem irrelevant, but have turned out to be big discoveries. In another such accident, a man in Ohio found human remains June 21 in a field above Mohawk Dam while hunting for arrowheads. The Coshocton County Sheriff's Office says a coroner has concluded that the remains are approximately 900 years old. After coming across the remains, the man called the authorities immediately. The county coroner determined the bones were human and had been at the site for an extended period of time. The sheriff's office says detectives and agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation excavated the site and removed the remains to the Licking County Coroner's Office for further investigation. An analysis recently determined the estimated age of the bones. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: The government has approved three FDI proposals- from Amazon Retail, Supermarket Grocery Supplies and Grofers India- worth over Rs 3,700 crore for retail trading of food products, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. While Amazon Retail has proposed investment of Rs 3,500 crore, Supermarket Grocery Supplies has planned Rs 105 crore. Similarly, Grofers India has proposed investments of USD 25 million (over Rs 160 crore). The government has granted these permissions for 100 percent foreign direct investment for retail trading of food products manufactured and/or produced in India, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. On the question whether any decision has been taken by the government to allow overseas food retailers to sell personal care and household items made locally, she said: "No such decision has been taken". Replying to a separate question, she said as many as 18,884 complaint calls were received by the national consumer helpline in e-commerce sector during April-June period. In the same period last year, the number was 54,872. Out of the 18,884 complaints, 17,665 were disposed of. Lucknow: The tenure of vice chancellors in Uttar Pradesh universities should be for five years in place of existing three years, recommended a committee formed by Governor Ram Naik to improve the quality of higher education in the state. The panel, formed on June 17 to recommend amendments to the State University Act, 1973, had on July 31 submitted its initial report to the governor, who is also the chancellor of state universities. The five-member committee is led by legal advisor to the governor S S Upadhyay. So far, the committee has held eight meetings with educationists, VCs and other renowned persons in the field of higher education, Raj Bhavan sources said here. "The tenure of VCs of state universities should be for five years in place of existing three years. After the end of three years, the chancellor to give a two-year extension if he is satisfied with the VCs working," the panel has recommended. For affiliation of colleges from the universities, the panel has recommended that a three-member committee, including the sub-divisional magistrate concerned, professors of the university concerned and a senior government officer, should inspect colleges and submit a report along with videos of the facilities available at the college. The universities are expected to decide on affiliation within a stipulated time period otherwise it would deemed to be automatically forwarded to the chancellor's office for a final decision. The committee has recommended that teachers can avail leave without pay for 10 years in place of existing five years, with certain conditions. For increasing university fee, the committee has proposed that they should sent its proposal to the state government for a final decision within 30 days and if no decision comes in this period it will be deemed as approved. On issues of increasing retirement age of teachers of state colleges and universities from 62 to 65 years, promotions and others, the committee will start the second round of meetings from August 19. The committee has also been entrusted with the task as to how private universities are regulated with one Act as presently they are governed by differed Acts and how they can improve quality of education. New Delhi: In a first for China's panda breeding programmes that aim to help diversify the panda population's gene pool, a female panda who was raised in captivity and mated in the wild has given birth. At about 2:00 am on Monday, 15-year-old Cao Cao delivered a male cub at Hetaoping Wild Training Base, Southwest China's Sichuan Province. The birth marked the first time a panda was released into the wild and successfully mated, China National Radio (CRI) reported. The cub weighs 216 grammes, well above the 150 gram average, experts said. Cao Cao has already mothered 6 cubs including two pairs of twins and was the first one to be chosen for the pilot breeding program, CRI reported. As the number of captive pandas increases, the biggest problem the population faces is genetic diversity, Zhang Hemin, deputy head of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, told media. Researchers hope to broaden the gene pool by allowing captive pandas to mate with wild pandas, state-run Xinhua reported. As of November last year there were 471 captive pandas worldwide, the report said. (With PTI inputs) Podgorica: US Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday accused Russian-backed agents of attempting to assassinate the prime minister of Montenegro during an alleged coup attempt last year. The White House said back in April that it had seen "credible reports of Russian support for an attempted election-day attack on the government" in October. But during a visit to the small Balkan country, which became NATO`s newest member in June, Pence stepped up accusations over the suspected power grab targeting the government of then-prime minister Milo Djukanovic. "Russia`s intentions were laid bare over the past year when Moscow-backed agents sought to disrupt Montenegro`s elections, attack your parliament and even attempt to assassinate your prime minister," Pence said at the Adriatic Charter Summit. He said the attack aimed "to dissuade the Montenegrin people from entering our NATO alliance". Montenegro officials and Djukanovic himself have previously said that the coup plotters aimed to assassinate him. A group of Serbian nationals were arrested on the eve of the election over the alleged coup plot and 14 suspects are currently on trial in the Montenegrin capital, including two Russians in absentia. Russia has denied any involvement. Goa: The BJP-led Goa government on Tuesday told the state legislative assembly that strict action would be taken against the people found drinking on the state beaches, and if need be, they could even be arrested. The beaches should be clean and there should not be any illegality on them. We have also stopped people drinking on the beaches. We will not mind arresting them, if required, state tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar told the House. The minister said police had in the past booked a few cases against tourists caught drinking on beaches. We will be amending the Tourist Trade Act, giving more powers... I have asked the tourist guards to be on the vigil against the sale of drugs. No one will be allowed to take law into their hands, he said. Ajgaonkar was responding to a question tabled by Congress legislator Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco. In May this year, police in the tourist state had asked its personnel to arrest people found drinking in public places. At a meeting held in Calangute that month, citizens had complained about drinking on beaches as well other public places and no action being taken against them. Meanwhile, replying to another question, the state on Tuesday refused to withdraw the contract signed with the lifeguard agency to man the beaches, claiming that the government could not run such services. The state government used to run lifeguard services in the past. But since the government could not run it in a satisfactory manner, it was outsourced to a private firm, chief minister Manohar Parrikar said. Responding to the demand made by the opposition benches, the Chief Minister ruled out that the government end the services of the private agency. Ajgaonkar hailed Drishti Lifesaving Private Ltd for doing excellent job of saving the lives on the beaches. So many lives have been saved by the lifeguards, who are attached to this agency. We need to save lives of people so that tourism thrives, Ajgaonkar said. He said that total 3,033 lives were saved during the last five years by the agency, which has 677 lifeguards on its roll of which 83 per cent are Goans. Drishti is a Mumbai-based firm. The opposition legislators, including Jeniffer Monserratte and Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, demanded that since there were majority Goans working as a lifeguard, the services should be given to any state-level company. If Goans are available to take over this contract, then they can come ahead. Let them participate in the tendering process to win the contract, Ajgaonkar said. Ghaziabad: Ten-year-old Arman Sehgal, a Class 4 student of G D Goenka Public School in Indirapuram, died after allegedly slipping and 'falling' on the corridor of school building's second floor. The incident took place on Tuesday morning. Arman was immediately rushed to Shanti Gopal Hospital by the school authorities where he was declared dead. Post-mortem reports state that he died because of head injuries. On Tuesday morning, the boy's father Gulshan Sehgal - dropped him to school at 7:30 am. Arman was supposed to appear for a weekly test on Tuesday. As soon as he reached home, he received a call informing that Arman is being taken to hospital. Alleging 'negligence' on the school's part, the boy's mother - Swati Sehgal said, No body informed us during the time of the incident. Later, they told us they were taking my son to the hospital. They say he fell and urinated on himself. But I am sure there was water on the floor where he slipped. The school management is hiding this fact. The class teacher was brought into into the picture after repeated requests. She told us Arman fell in front of her. But I do not believe her. My son was not weak. I am sure there was water. I have seen the body and his clothes were completely wet. He slipped, reported the Hindustan Times. Denying allegations, school principal Dr Kavita Sharma said that Armaan had gone outside the classroom, where examination was being conducted, to collect his pencil box. While returning, he suddenly collapsed and fell down on the corridor. What has happened is extremely unfortunate. He was walking to the other classroom when he fell down. He was rushed to a hospital but he could not survive. There was no water in the corridor, staircase or around the area. We are going to extend our full cooperation and support to the childs family and the police in their investigation, she said. No CCTV camera covered the area where Armaan allegedly slipped and fell down, informed the school authorities. An FIR has been filed against the school principal and management on basis a complaint filed by the boys family. His father, a resident of Vaishali in Ghaziabad, has accused the principal and management for the death of his son in the corridor, negligence on part of the school, and destruction of evidence, said Akash Tomar, SP City, Ghaziabad. New Delhi: There are 75 missing Indian defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, who are believed to be in Pakistan's custody, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. However, presence of these missing Indians has not been acknowledged so far by Pakistan, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said in a written reply. He also said that as of July 27, there are 417 fishermen in Pakistan's custody and 15 fishermen in Sri Lanka's custody, who are believed to be Indian nationals. "In case of Pakistan, consular access is awaited and information about the states that they belong to is not available. In case of Sri Lanka, the 15 fishermen are believed to be from Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry," Singh said. Replying to another question on the issue, he said, the government regularly takes up with Sri Lanka and Pakistan the matter of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats. Washington: In a big win for the country at the World Bank, the world body has allowed India to construct hydroelectric power plants on the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers. The go-ahead from the World Bank came days after the conclusion of secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues over the Indus Waters Treaty. The talks between the two side were conducted in a peaceful environment and concluded on a good note. "Both India and Pakistan have agreed to continue discussions over the Indus Waters Treaty and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement. According to ANI, India is permitted to construct the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants on Jhelum and the Chenab rivers as specified in the Indus Waters Treaty. However, Pakistan has opposed whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty. "The plants are on respectively a tributary of the Jhelum and the Chenab Rivers. The treaty designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in Annexures to the treaty," the World Bank stated in a factsheet. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank stated in its factsheet that Pakistan has asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. However, India has asked for the appointment of a Neutral Expert for the same purpose. World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim had announced in December 2016 that the World Bank would pause before taking further steps in each of the two processes requested by the parties. Since December 2016, the World Bank has worked towards an amicable resolution of the matter and to safeguard the Treaty. With ANI inputs Chennai: BJP president Amit Shah will visit Tamil Nadu from August 22 to 24 as part of his efforts to strengthen the party organisation in the state. BJP's Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said Shah's visit will help strengthen the party at the grass-root level in the state. Claiming that political analysts felt that the top leader's visit will have a positive impact on the party in Tamil Nadu, she said the party cadres are enthusiastic about his visit to the state. Shah will be given a grand reception, Soundararajan said, adding a meeting was held in this regard at the party headquarters here. With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP national president is travelling across country to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. New Delhi: Election Commission (EC) has released a list of Rajya Sabha polls and Rajya Sabha polls and bypolls that it has held with NOTA option since November 2014. The Supreme Court in its judgment on 27 September 2014 directed that the option of 'None of the Above' (NOTA) shall be provided on the ballot papers or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The instructions were issued by the EC in October 2013 of providing NATO as an option on the ballot after the name of the last candidate, whereas in January 2014 EC issued directions that the option of NATO shall be applicable in the elections to the Rajya Sabha. From January 2014, biennial elections to Rajya Sabha covering all States and 25 bye-elections to Rajya Sabha have been held. Earlier today, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met the Election Commission over the removal of NOTA or 'None of the Above' options for voters. The None Of The Above (NOTA) option will be available for the first time in upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. The Congress party has been protesting since the Election Commission has notified that NOTA option will be available for the first time in upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. The MLAs, who would cast vote in the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat, will have the option of NOTA. The party will also issue a whip to all MLAs, including Shankersinh Vaghela, who resigned last month to ensure that Ahmed Patel is voted back into the Rajya Sabha. Despite its six Gujarat MLAs joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress is leaving no stone unturned to secure Rajya Sabha berth for its leader Ahmed Patel. The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput against the lone Congress candidate Ahmed Patel. Rajya Sabha elections do not take place by secret ballot as the voter has to show the marked ballot to the party's polling agent before putting it in the ballot box. Congress Party on Wednesday moved Supreme Court against 'None of the Above' ( NOTA) option in Rajya Sabha elections. The court is likely to hear the matter on Thursday. Rohtak: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday mocked Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi over the issue of dynastic politics. Addressing a gathering in Haryana today, Shah was quoted by news agency ANI saying, "Gandhi ji ne kaha tha azadi ke turant baad Congress ko bikhar jana dena chahiye... khair wo Gandhi ne nhi kiya ab koi Gandhi kar rha h". (Mahatma Gandhi had said that Congress should be disbanded after Independence. While that Gandhi couldn't do it, some other Gandhi is doing it now.) Hitting out at the Congress, the BJP chief said, when the grand old party was in power, country's growth rate decreased, addn=however, the country has moved towards development after BJP came to power. "Wherever the BJP Government has come to power, there has been development in that area. When the Congress Government once ruled, the country's growth rate drastically fell, only after BJP coming to power the growth rate has gone up," Shah added. Shah has repeatedly hit out at the Gandhis over dynasty politics. BJP president Amit Shah today began his Haryana visit from Bahadurgarh and is slated to hold a series of meetings and review works undertaken by the ML Khattar government during his three-day stay. Shah will be camping in Rohtak as the BJP is eyeing political gains from the district, which is considered as the nerve centre of the state's politics. The BJP chief on July 30 targeted the Congress over dynasty politics and said lack of internal democracy in a political party results in it being dominated by caste or family. Addressing a meeting of intellectuals in Lucknow, Shah drew a parallel between the BJP and the Congress over who will be the next chief of the two parties. He asked the audience that who will succeed Sonia Gandhi in the Congress, to which the people responded saying Rahul Gandhi. He then posed the same question about the BJP. "Can anyone tell me who will be the next president of BJP?, No one knows. A person with nirmal charitra (pious character) will head the BJP. The president of BJP is not elected on the basis of dynasty, caste or religion, but on the basis of merit," Shah said. Rohtak: BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday began his Haryana visit from Bahadurgarh and is slated to hold a series of meetings and review works undertaken by the M L Khattar government during his three-day stay. Shah will be camping in Rohtak as the BJP is eyeing political gains from the district, which is considered as the nerve centre of the state's politics. The party chief, who has a packed schedule, arrived to a grand welcome in the morning at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, which is considered the "gateway of Haryana". Bahadurgarh lies adjoining Rohtak, the venue of Shah's three-day stay, which is about 70 km from Delhi. At Bahadurgarh, Shah, was received by Khattar, some of his Cabinet colleagues including Ram Bilas Sharma, Capt Abhimanyu, Krishan Lal Panwar and state BJP President Subhash Barala. Shah was honoured with traditional Haryanvi 'pugri'. The party chief will be camping in Rohtak as the ruling BJP, which came to power for the first time in Haryana, is looking to consolidate its position after being in power for almost three years. Shah will be attending 27 programmes, including 17 meetings with BJP MLAs and others, State BJP President Subhash Barala said. En route to Rohtak town, Shah was welcomed by party workers at eight different points. Thousands of party workers also took out a bike rally to welcome him. Shah has a series of meetings lined up for the first day including with party office bearers, former MPs and ex-MLAs of the party. During his stay, Shah will also be holding meetings with the state unit core group, various morchas of the party and intellectuals. He would also inaugurate a library building in the party office at Rohtak, Barala said. On the concluding day of his visit, Shah will address some meetings where the focus will be to work hard on 'vistarak yojna' (expansion plan) which was initiated across the country to strengthen BJP in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will also be presented with a report card highlighting the Khattar government's achievements during its rule, state BJP chief Barala said. He will also take stock of implementation of the schemes related to poor. Asked why the BJP has chosen Rohtak as the venue of Shah's visit, Barala said, "Rohtak has been our party's headquarter for decades. It is also the political capital of Haryana. Rohtak was also the stronghold of one of our tallest leader, late Mangal Sain". Notably, Rohtak is considered a stronghold of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Congress had managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat from Haryana in the 2014 parliamentary election as Hooda's son Deepender Singh retained his Rohtak seat. Haryana's Health minister and senior BJP leader Anil Vij said there was great enthusiasm among party workers in view of Shah's visit. Taking a dig at opposition Congress and INLD, both of whom have claimed that Shah's Haryana visit will not have much impact, Vij said, "Opposition is in a disarray. Wherever Amit Shah goes the opposition goes into hibernation. The opposition tries to hide itself". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across states to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. The BJP President had visited Chandigarh in May. The BJP chief is on a 110-day country-wide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. Beijing: China on Wednesday said it will take "a decision in due course" on its hold on the US-led proposal to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist which is expected to come for a review later this month. Early this year the US along with the UK and France approached the UN's sanctions committee for the ban on Azhar. However, it was stopped by Beijing which again put a six-month technical hold on it. The US proposal came after India's efforts last year to get Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN were scuttled by China. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the Foreign Ministry told PTI here about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to al Qaeda and Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second-year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. New Delhi: The government on Wednesday said it has no proposal to introduce a 'collegium' system to appoint election commissioners, a recommendation made by the Law Commission as part of its report on electoral reforms. It also said that it has no plans as of now to draft a law on selecting the chief election commissioner as well as fellow election commissioners. "No madam," said Minister of state for Law PP Chaudhary in the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question on whether there was a proposal to introduce a collegium system as part of a selection process to appoint election commissioners in future. "At present, no such proposal is under consideration of the union government," the minister said to a question on whether the Centre will seek the advice of all parties before drafting a law on the selection process of CEC and fellow Ecs. In its March 2015 report on electoral reforms, the law panel had recommended that the appointment of all election commissioners, including the CEC, should be made by the President in consultation with a three-member collegium or selection committee, consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha (or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha) and the Chief Justice of India. The then Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi too had favoured a collegium- type set up to choose the CEC and Election Commissioners. Noting that the present selection process is vulnerable to "manipulation and partisanship," BJP veteran LK Advani had in 2012 asked the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to introduce a broad-based collegium system to appoint election commissioners and the Comptroller and Auditor General. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the then chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party had said the present system where members to the Election Commission are appointed by the President "solely on the advice of the Prime Minister, does not evoke confidence among the people." The President appoints the CEC and ECs after the Law Ministry initiates the file for their appointment. The CEC can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament. The government can remove the ECs based on the recommendation of the CEC. The precedent is to appoint the senior-most election commissioner as the CEC. New Delhi: Responding to Chinese Foreign Ministry's 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about Doklam standoff, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said, "India considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China." Amid the military stand-off between India and China at Doklam, Beijing today claimed there were around 400 Indian troops in the area "at one point", and by end of July there were 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer "illegally staying over Chinese territory". However, New Delhi dismissed Beijing's claims saying that India has not reduced its troops in Doklam. Senior government officials also asserted that there was a "status quo" at the Doklam for past six weeks. Meanwhile, China said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in July, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. New Delhi and Beijing have been engaged in the standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction since June after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while the 'Dragon' claims it as part of its Donglang region. In the wake of an Army face-off and chill in ties with India over Dokalam stand-off, China has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and equipment into Tibet. Doklam, at the tri-junction of China, India, and Bhutan, holds strategic importance for all three. Bhutan, a Himalayan nation that has no diplomatic ties with China, has also protested against the road construction by Chinese troops. India has said Beijing's action to "unilaterally determine tri-junction points" violated a 2012 India-China pact which says the boundary would be decided by consulting all the concerned parties. Kohima: The Naga People`s Front (NPF) party on Wednesday asked its rebel party legislators owing allegiance to Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang to return to the party fold before August 5, or face disqualification. The party, which is headed by former Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu, is facing a severe internal crisis, especially after Zeliang was sworn in as Chief Minister for the second time on July 19. "We have issued last and final `calling notice` asking all the dissident NPF MLAs, who have defied the party whip during the July 21 floor test, to withdraw support to Zeliang and return to the party fold within 15 days time with effect from July 22," NPF working Presidents Huskha Yepthomi and Apong Pongener said. Noting that the NPF as a political party has the power to condone the action of the NPF legislators, who have defied the party whip, they said, "It is crystal clear under the Tenth Schedule of the constitution that the party has the power to condone within 15 days." However, the NPF leader warned that they would be compelled to file disqualification petitions against the rebel NPF legislators on the expiry of the 15 day deadline if they failed to return to the party. The Liezietsu-headed NPF had expelled 20 NPF legislators and suspended 10 others, who were involved in toppling his government, from the primary membership of the party for violating the party`s constitution. Zeliang was the first to be expelled from the NPF for six years while taking oath as Chief Minister after Governor P.B. Acharya dismissed Liezietsu for failing to prove majority in the assembly. On the other hand, the Liezietsu-headed NPF has described the demand by Zeliang`s loyalist for the resignation of Liezietsu as NPF Supremo President within 15 days, and appointment of three-time Chief Minister and lone Nagaland Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio as the party`s interim President, as "ridiculous." New Delhi: US-based chocolate maker Mars Inc has launched M&M's brand here as it looks to expand presence in the bite-size snack segment in India. Mars International India, wholly-owned arm of US-based chocolate maker Mars Inc, is eyeing India among top 10 focus markets and would introduce several other brands from its global portfolio in coming years. "India is a priority market for Mars Incorporated and we are committed to bring our best loved brands to Indian consumers. With the launch of M&M's in India, our aim is to grow the nascent bite-size category in the market," said Mars Chocolate GM, India & Indian Sub-Continent, Andrew Leakey. The Indian chocolate market is expected to be around Rs 6,710 crore and had a 6.4 percent CAGR growth between 2014- 16. "Presently, chocolate consumption in India is very low, almost 20 times less than the US. So, we have an opportunity in some segments here," he added. India presently contributes 5 per cent to the overall sales to Mars global (across all segments). On introduction of more brands in the Indian market, Leakey said: "It depends on our strategy and long term view of the company." However, he did not share the probable brands, which Mars may launch here. "We would invest for the future. We take a long term view of the market and India is the top 10 markets for Mars globally. It's a long term strategic play and would like to expand as we grow," Leakey added: Mars has set up a chocolate factory in Pune by investing around Rs 1,000 crore and is producing Snickers brand here which constitutes a large part of its portfolio. Besides, it has other factories, which includes two of wrigley, in Baddi and Bengaluru, and one factory of pet care, in Hyderabad. The other brands which Mars has its presence in India are Snickers, Galaxy, Mars, Bounty and Twix. M&M's, sold in around 100 countries, will be available in two variants- Chocolate and Peanut and would be imported from Europe. Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recovered a letter written by 2001 Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru to Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani seeking help to get him transferred from Delhis Tihar Prison to Srinagar central jail. The letter was found during the raid at the residence of Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmad Shah Funtoosh on June 03, 2017, as part of NIA's probe into terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir. A copy of the letter, dated September 06, 2011, is with Zee Media. I request you to ask Omar Abdullah (then chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir) to reply to the Supreme Court notice about my jail transfer instead of talking about passing the resolution in the Assembly which I do not need at all, wrote Guru. Afzal Guru was hanged in Tihar jail on February 09, 2013. The NIA had registered a case on May 30 against separatist leaders, including members of the Hurriyat, who it said were in connivance with militants from outlawed groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Lashkar-e-Toiba and others for raising and receiving funds. Investigators said the funds were received by the separatists through illegal means, including hawala channels, for funding terrorist and other activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar: Top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant Abu Dujana, who was gunned down on Tuesday by the security forces in an encounter in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, was infamous among locals for his debauchery. Dujana's regular visits to young women's homes in Kashmir when it was dark had almost landed him in Indian security forces' net many times. DNA has quoted sources as saying that the Pakistani national managed to give a slip to the security forces, who had laid traps near the houses of his paramours, on at least five occasions. Dujana, wanted in connection with several terror attacks, was killed by security forces on Tuesday when he went to visit his Indian wife in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, which had apparently been tracking the militant, called the killing of Abu Dujana, whom they described as the Lashkar-e-Toiba commander active in southern Kashmir since 2012, as a "huge achievement". Dujana, a resident of Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, was said to be responsible for a number of attacks on Indian security forces, including the August 2015 Udhampur strike that left two Border Security Force troopers dead and 12 injured. Addressing the media with Lt Gen JS Sandhu, General Officer Commanding of the Army's 15th Corps, Inspector General of Police Munir Khan said: "Dujana's killing is good riddance to a nuisance." Acting on information about the presence of Dujana and Lalihaari, security forces surrounded the village at about 3 am on Tuesday and the house. The inmates in the house, which included Dujana's wife and her parents, were told to leave. The family was then asked to persuade the Pakistani to surrender. He refused, triggering the gun battle. "The operation ended after bodies of the two militants were recovered from the site and identified," the police officer said. Who is Abu Dujana and what his death means for Indian security forces? Both Khan and Lt Gen Sandhu said Dujana was now mostly indulging in "ayyashi" (debauchery) more than anything else. Two houses in the village were destroyed in the gunfight. How security forces cornered LeT commander Abu Dujana in Pulwama The police said Dujana had broken loose from the LeT in last few months after which he established close proximity with Zakir Musa, who was recently appointed the head of al Qaeda terror outfit in the Kashmir Valley. Dujana was replaced by Abu Muhammad Ismail as the Divisional Commander of the LeT, a Pakistan-based group that masterminded the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 Indians and foreigners. Ismail had carried out the July 10 attack on an Amarnath Yatra bus in Anantnag district which killed eight pilgrims. (With Agency inputs) Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police will approach the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and ask them to claim the body of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant Abu Dujana, who was gunned down by the security forces on Tuesday. This is for the first time the authorities will approach the Pakistan High Commission asking them to claim the body of any Pakistani national killed in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Dujana belonged to Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Munir Khan, had told reporters on Tuesday: "If they don`t claim his body, we will give him a proper burial". Khan added that the authorities wished Dujana`s parents should see their son before burial and for that reason, the Pakistan High Commission had been approached. Police refused to hand over Dujana`s body to the civilians for burial. The senior police officer said: "There was no reason to hand over the body of somebody to locals who did not belong to the Kashmir Valley". Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners attended the burial of the other LeT militant Arif Lalihaari killed on Tuesday with Abu Dujana in Hakripora village. Arif was buried in his native Lalihaar village of Pulwama district on Tuesday evening. (With IANS inputs) New Delhi/Srinagar: Pakistan on Wednesday refused to claim the body of Abu Dujana, the Lashkar-e-Toiba militant gunned down in south Kashmir on Tuesday. A report said that Dujana could now be buried at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K Police had earlier asked the Union Home Ministry to approach the Pakistan High Commission to take the body of the LeT commander. In an exclusive conversation with Zee Media, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Munir Khan had this morning said that police headquarters would approach the Union Home Ministry to take up the matter with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. On Tuesday, Khan had told reporters that if Pakistan does not claim Dujana's body, we will give him a proper burial. He had also said that the authorities wished Dujana's parents should see their son before burial and for that reason. Police had yesterday refused to hand over Dujana's body to the civilians for burial. The senior police officer said, "there was no reason to hand over the body of somebody to locals who did not belong to the Kashmir Valley". Dujana, believed to be in his late 20s, was killed yesterday in a well-planned operation by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The inmates of the house where he was holed up had told police that he claimed to be from Karachi. Srinagar: The security forces on Wednesday began cordon and search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district to flush out terrorists. The operation began over suspicion of militants trapped in the area. More details are awaited. New Delhi: From God's own country, Kerala has transformed into the God's "forsaken" country, a BJP MP said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, coming down hard on the LDF government there for "failing" to contain the killing of RSS and BJP workers. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Meenakshi Lekhi alleged that the political opponents were being killed in "Talibani style" in the state and even workers of Congress, CPI and Muslim League have been targetted. Another BJP MP Prahlad Joshi said 17 BJP and RSS workers were killed in Kerala in the last 17 months and demanded a probe into the deaths by either the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Joshi alleged that terrorists were involved in the killings. Comments by Joshi and Lekhi drew sharp reaction from the MPs of the Left parties who countered them vociferously. Lekhi, the BJP MP from New Delhi constituency, said "the God's own country has transformed into God's forsaken country." She also read out names of 14 BJP and RSS workers who were allegedly killed in Kerala in the last few months and wondered whether anyone in the House knew their names. "People will immediately connect if someone talks about about Pehlu Khan or Akhlaq. But nobody knows about the people killed in Kerala," Lekhi said. In a hard-hitting attack on the Left Democratic Front government, she also alleged that seven children from the families of RSS and BJP workers were targeted. "One Rajesh had received 80 wounds. His hands were chopped off. People are being killed in a Talibani style. A total of 40 Congress workers were alone killed in Kannur," she claimed. He said the native place of Rohith Vemula had witnessed 50 incidents of attacks on women. Vemula's death in January last year had triggered a nationwide outrage. Lekhi wondered why Congress was maintaining silence over killing of their workers. Joshi alleged that maximum murders had taken place in the area from where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hails. Talking about communist rule in various parts of the world, he claimed that "more than one million people were killed" during the period. Jabalpur: An additional district judge has launched a sit-in agitation, `dharna', outside the Madhya Pradesh High Court here, protesting his allegedly wrongful transfers. Additional District Judge R K Sriwas's agitation entered the second day today. He said in the last fifteen months, he was transferred four times. High Court's Registrar General Mohammad F Anwar said that Sriwas's allegations were baseless, and never in the history of MP High Court a judge had staged such a protest. The judge had breached judicial discipline and will face action, the Registrar General added. "I am forced to sit on dharna to seek justice and protest non-compliance of transfer policy (for judicial officers)," Sriwas told reporters yesterday. He said he started as a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in 2000, and was promoted as an Additional District Judge about three years ago. In the last 15 months, he was transferred four times -- from Dhar to Shahdol, Shahdol to Sihora, Sihora to Jabalpur and now from Jabalpur to Neemuch -- he claimed. Last year he had written to the Chief Justice of MP High Court and the Chief Justice of India (CJI) about rampant violation of Transfer Policy 2015 which allows a person to work at one place for a maximum period of three years, he said. Despite this rule, several officials in the judicial service are working in one place for as long as five years, he alleged. A press release from Registrar General Anwar today said that Sriwas's conduct was unbecoming of a judicial officer, and a disciplinary action had been initiated against him in March this year (in another matter) while a departmental inquiry against him was pending. Kolhapur: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced a Rs 10 lakh reward for any information leading to the arrest of two missing gunmen wanted for the killing of veteran Communist leader and social activist Govind Pansare. The two missing gunmen - Vinay Pawar and Sarang Dilip Akolkar - opened fire at Pansare and his wife Uma on the morning of February 16, 2015 in the city, Kolhapur Range IGP Vishwas Nangare-Patil said. While Pansare, 81, succumbed to his injuries on February 20, Uma survived the murder attempt. Besides the reward, the police have also issued non-bailable warrants against the two, who continue to elude the police since the attack. Uma has recognised the pictures of the two gunmen who opened fire at them, while another prime accused Samir Gaikwad - in custody now - was also in regular contact with them, said Nangare-Patil. A witness has also testified that Pawar, hailing from Sangli and Akolkar of Pune district, had visited a shop in Kolhapur to buy a revolver. The developments came after the state government approved a proposal submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the killing to announced an attractive reward for information on his killers. The Central Bureau of Investigation had earlier announced a Rs 5 lakh reward for information on the two. The police had earlier arrested the right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha activists Gaikwad and Virendra Tawde in connection with the case. The Pansare killing is among the three murders of rationalists and civil society activists including Narendra Dabholkar who was gunned down on August 20, 2013 in Pune, and M.M. Kalburgi who was shot dead in Dharwad in neighbouring Karnataka on August 30, 2015. With PTI inputs New Delhi: Flipkart is going to host the 6-month anniversary sale of Xiaomi's most popular phone the Redmi Note 4 on Tuesday. The Flipkart "Big Redmi Note 4 Sale" will kick of at the company's website at 12 pm. Redmi Note 4 buyers can avail exchange offers, EMI facility and buyback guarantee options under the sale scheme. Flipkart is offering assured Buyback Guarantee for a price of Rs 249, across all variants of the phone (ranging from 2GB/32GB to 4GB/64GB). The company is promising an assured 40 percent value back when exchanged within a period of 6 8 months, from the date of purchase. Customers can also exchange their old smartphones for a new Redmi Note 4 for as low as Rs 999, availing up to RS 12,000 off, Flipkart said. The phone comes at a starting price of Rs 9,999. The price will vary depending on the variants of the phone. All the three variants were available for sale. Here are the price details along with the variants. 2GB +32GB = Rs 9999 3GB +32GB = Rs 10,999 4GB + 64GB = Rs 12,999 Redmi Note 4 is also part of the Make in India initiative with most units proudly made right here in India. The phone ships with MIUI 8. Redmi Note 4 supports 4G Dual SIM. When two SIM cards are used simultaneously, the primary SIM can support 4G+/ 4G / 3G / 2G calls and data while the secondary SIM can support 3G calls only. Redmi Note 4 ships with full LTE band support, and of course also VoLTE out of the box. Including band 5, which is basically essential for indoor VoLTE calls. Every Mi phone ships with an IR sensor, and the Mi Remote app, which supports hundreds of home appliance models. The infrared remote function is compatible with thousands of TVs,set-top boxes, air conditioners, speakers and more. New Delhi: Days before the release of his major film 'Jab Harry Met Sejal', Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has landed in a legal mess. A case has reportedly been filed against the 51-year-old actor for endorsing a shaving cream brand. According to a Hindustan Times report, originally attributed to PTI Bhasha, the complaint has been lodged in a Bhopal consumer court and it has been alleged that King Khan's advertisement is misleading as it claims that the shaving cream is 'Indias number one'. It is being said that the same was registered when the complainant developed a few rashes after using the product. Notices have also been sent to the owner of the company that manufactures the shaving cream, a local shopkeeper and the director of Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Department apart from the 'Dilwale' hunk, as per the report. More details awaited. Smriti Srivastava New Delhi: The taxpayers who missed the previous deadline of July 31 for filing ITR, can relax for a while. Government has extended the deadline for filing ITR by August 5. While filing ITR, you also need to claim HRA in form 16. But amidst all this, the question arises- Can an employee claim HRA if the landlord is not providing his/her PAN details? *HRA is the House Rent Allowance paid by employers to the employees as a part of their salaries. It allows the the taxpayer take benefit for the amount they pay towards accommodation every year. If the amount paid by employee for annual rent exceeds Rs 1 lakh per annum, it becomes obligatory for the person to delineate the landlord's PAN to the employer. The tax law also comprehends, if in case the landlord does not have a PAN, a declaration along with the name and address of the landlord should be filed by the employee. Employee can still claim for tax benefits under HRA in his/her ITR, according to tax experts. Employees need to provide PAN of landlord only to his/her employer. Once the person is finally set to file an ITR, there is no need to provide PAN of landlord. In case, employer denies for HRA exemption to employee due to unavailability of PAN or declaration by the landlord about not possessing PAN, he/she can still go for filing ITR. Well, such situation may include critical examination from tax authorities who can survey the situation to verify the authenticity of the claim filed by the employee. Such HRA claims may attract close scrutiny including that of examination of past consistent records. Additionally, chances are high that the claim may exist in ITR but not in Form 16. Thus, to validate the claim, employee is required to have a proper record of the rent agreement/lease deed, rent receipts, intimation to the society for the occupancy and other important documents. Moreover, it is also advisable to make the payments through banks (as mark or proof) rather than using cash transactions as they may not be considered valid. New Delhi: Income Tax Returns (ITR) for 2016-17 (assessment year 2017-18) were originally to be filed by 31 July, however the deadline was extended to 5 August. But now that Income tax department has extended the deadline for filing ITRs, you must not take a laid-back approach as procrastinating your tax return can create several problems for you. Chetan Chandak, Head of Tax research, H&R Block India has shared his views with Reema Sharma of Zee Media and emphasised on filing ITR before the due date. Here is why you should file income tax returns within due date. Interest on refunds When you claim a refund in your tax return, it generallytakes anywhere between 2-6 months to actually get the refund. The government compensates for this delay in issuing the refund by paying interest @ 6% p.a. on the refund due. If you file your return on time, refund is calculated from April 1 of the assessment year. However, in case of a belated return, the interest is calculated from the actual date of filing the return. So, to avoid losing this potential income, you must file your return on time. Save tax by carrying forward your losses I-T laws allow taxpayers to carry forward their losses under various heads of income like income from business and profession including speculation business, capital gains, house property and income from other sources. However, if you file a belated return, you cannot carry forward your losses. The only exception to this rule is loss from house property. Avoid paying penal interest on unpaid taxes If you dont file your income tax return on time when you have outstanding tax liability, the I-T department can penalise you by charging interest under section 234A.You will be charged interest @1% on the taxes due. It is calculated from the due date of filing the return till the date of actual filing of the return. Hence it is important to pay your taxes as well as file your return on time. Avoid penalty If you delay your taxes even further and do not file it before the end of relevant assessment year, you empower the assessing officer to levy a penalty of Rs 5,000 on you. Even if you have no taxes due, taxman can impose this penalty if you cannot show a valid cause for delay in filing taxes. From the next assessment year, penal provisions will become more stringent as a new late filing fee of Rs 5,000 will be applicable on late filers who miss the July 31st due date. Late filing fees of Rs 10,000 will be imposed on you if you dont file your taxes by 31st December. Chennai: Tamil superstar Rajinikanth today objected to the strike by an employees' federation of Tamil film industry over a wage dispute and called for talks to end the strike, which entered its second day today. In a related development, Film Employees' Federation of South India (FEFSI), which had given the strike call following differences with a producers' body, pressed for "unconditional talks" to solve the impasse. In a statement, Rajinikanth, currently shooting for his multi-lingual 'Kaala', said "Strike is one among the words I don't like. A solution can be found for any issue without giving space to personal egos and keeping in mind the general good," he said. The veteran star urged FEFSI and Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) to hold talks and soon arrive at an "amicable solution." "This is my humble request as a senior artiste," he added. Meanwhile, FEFSI president, director RK Selvamani, asked TFPC to come for "unconditional talks." Selvamani told reporters that issues could be solved through talks even as the fate of about 10,000 workers, including 1400 of them employed in the "Kaala" unit, was at stake. "Please hold unconditional talks. About 10,000 persons are affected and even you (producers) are facing losses," he said. Selvamani said FEFSI had apprised Rajinikanth of the situation and the actor had suggested holding talks to find a solution for ending the strike. FEFSI planned to meet veteran actor Kamal Haasan also, Selvamani added. FEFSI went on strike yesterday after TFPC refused to budge from its decision to hire workers of their choice and not source those owing allegiance to the former. Recently, the shooting of a Tamil film was disrupted when FEFSI members reportedly sought a hike in their wages, prompting TFPC to declare that producers were free to hire employees of their choice to carry on with their work. It had also said wages should be paid according to scales fixed by the producers' council. Irked by this, FEFSI had announced that only those registered with it should be employed by the producers. TFPC chief and actor Vishal had informed FEFSI that the producers' council was not against the employees but made it clear that business will go on as usual. Mumbai: Legendary film personality Kamal Haasan has been in news for all wrong reasons in the recent past. The veteran, who made his TV debut as the host of popular reality show Bigg Boss in Tamil, is in the middle of a fresh controversy. A defamation case has been filed against him and three others over contestant Gayathri Raghurams remarks. Raghuram, who is a choreographer by profession, had used the word cheri (meaning slum) while talking about the behaviour of a co-inmate, thereby inviting criticism from various quarters. According to a report in Indian Express, Puthiya Tamizhagam founder-president Dr K Krishnaswamy has filed a Rs 100 crore defamation suit against the actor and the channel over Raghurams remark. Krishnasamy has reportedly demanded an unconditional apology from the actor and the concerned party within seven days of the receipt of the notice. New Delhi: Since quite a while now, it was being said that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is all set to shoot the promo of 'Bigg Boss' season 11. Now, rumour street claims that the 51-year-old actor has filmed the promo already and has teamed up with television diva Mouni Roy for the same. A behind-the-scenes picture of the duo is now going viral on the social media. In the image, the 'Bhaijaan' of B-Town can be seen wearing a jersey of Indian critic team, while the 31-year-old actress is keeping it candid in a white top and jacket. Internet users are claiming that the photograph was taken from the sets of 'Bigg Boss 11' promo shoot. Have a look: A post shared by Bigg Boss 11 News (@biggbossnewsupdates) on Aug 1, 2017 at 10:08am PDT However, there is no official confirmation about the same. A new season of the controversial reality show is expected to go on-air in September 2017. New Delhi: Ever since ace comedian Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover parted ways, television lovers have been urging them to get back together as the two were a complete laugh riot on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'. Even a few celebrities also stepped forward to patch up things between the former colleagues, but nothing worked. Now, Sunil Pal has come up with an interesting way to bring Sharma and Grover back together. The 'Bombay to Goa' star recently released online his own version of the viral 'Sonu song'. In Pal's rendition, he can be seen urging them to join forces once again. The lyrics also take a jibe at their competitors Bharti Sharma and Krushna Abhishek. Watch for yourself: Sharma and Grover's friendship witnessed a huge crack after the alleged mid-flight brawl that took place while 'TKSS' team was returning to India from Australia. New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to demolish illegal restaurant constructed by a private party near Taj Mahal in Agra. The Green Tribunal observed that the ecology of the area surrounding the Taj Mahal cannot be compromised. The NGT said that the Uttar Pradesh Government should encourage plantation drive around Taj Mahal. In its earlier hearing, the Green Tribunal had directed the Divisional Commissioner of Agra to provide information on the trees planted in the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) near the historic monument. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the officer to provide necessary data within three weeks to advocate M C Mehta, who has been appointed as local commissioner to probe the alleged illegal felling and sale of 4,000 trees in the area. The green body had taken cognisance of the case on its own after going through a media report. According to the report, a former Agra Divisional Forest Officer had allegedly cut 8,000 trees in Babarpur and around 4,000 trees in 500-metre-radius of the Taj Mahal, which is an eco-sensitive zone. Lucknow: Deepak Sharma, the Uttar Pradesh resident, on Wednesday opened up on his intent behind beating up a boy for allegedly making memes of gods and goddesses. Sharma had posted a video on his Facebook page showing him beating the boy. The video had gone viral over social media within no time. Talking to news agency ANI, Sharma defended his action and said that in Bollywood films, superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan thrash the culprit, but there is a message in that, and going by that, he too was trying to deliver a similar message. "My name is Deepak Sharma and I am from Rashtriya Swabhiman Dal. In the video, I had already mentioned the heading as `A Film`. I do not have to explain here what a film means. If you watch that video clearly, you will come to know that it was filmed to show that if you post such demeaning things on the Internet, then it hurts the sentiments of the society and in turn, you will have to face the consequences. I haven't mentioned his name, then how can people jump to the conclusion that he is a Muslim," Sharma said. "I haven't only talked about Hindu religion; I have included every religion in that context. It has been seen in 'the film' that people will have to face the repercussion of their behaviour if they harm the sentiments of the society. I do not understand how a person can be arrested for making a video," he asserted. "The film stars are not arrested for spreading such messages. I have put the heading of the video as 'A Film', so I don't think the police will have any kind of discomfort with that. A sane person will understand what I have been trying to show in that video," he added. Sharma further said that posting explicit pictures of gods and goddesses in any religion is unacceptable. He is a self-proclaimed Hindu leader from Jaipur and has gained over 30,000 followers with his stunt. This is not for the first time that the Internet has noticed him. A while back, a video surfaced where he was seen boasting about his educational qualification and income with his noteworthy 'English speaking skills'. The authentication of Sharma's claim has not been verified yet. For the uninitiated, resorting to violence and then, making and posting such videos can lead him to be booked under several relevant penal sections. (With ANI inputs) Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday issued an order asking all officers to gift books instead of bouquets to guests in functions. The order was issued by Principal Secretary to Uttar Pradesh CM Awanish Kumar Awasthi. "It has been seen that big flower bouquets are presented to guests in government functions in which flowers are used in large numbers," an official order from Principal Secretary (Information) Avneesh Awasthi said. He said that this decision has been taken to cut down on unnecessary expenses and added that a copy of the GO has been sent to all departments and officials for compliance. Earlier, CM Adityanath had directed party workers not to welcome his council of ministers with bouquet, garland and flowers etc during their visit to their area. Lucknow: In a bid to bridge gap between the people and the government, Uttar Pradesh ministers will hold meetings with the public and BJP workers on every Monday and Tuesday. UP Energy Minister Shrikant Sharma said, "The ministers will be meeting the public by conducting Janta Darshan on every Monday and Tuesday. On rest of the days, they will be doing the ministerial work and also undertake tours." The minister today met people and a number of party workers at his office here. UP BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said, "The new system will provide two days for the public and party workers to meet the respective ministers at the same place (Sachivalaya) and put forward their grievances. "On rest of the five days, the ministers can focus on their jobs. This will help in reducing wastage of time, which is generally incurred in making rounds of the state capital," he said. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi also today heard grievances of the people along with UP BJP office bearers at the party headquarters here. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has also decided to form 23 groups comprising of ministers to address development-related issues of elected members of the state. "The 23 groups will address issues of elected members of the state related to development. This way a senior and junior minister will resolve issues raised by MLAs. A unique model of Gujarat being adopted for micro-development of UP," UP Cabinet minister Sidhartha Nath Singh told PTI today. The move comes days after BJP president Amit Shah during his three-day pravaas (stay) here had stressed on greater co- ordination. Kano: A group of Boko Haram gunmen killed six people in northeast Nigeria on Wednesday, a government spokesman said, as the country works to ramp up its fight against the jihadists. The militants stormed Mildu village near the town of Madagali in the far north of Adamawa state, which has been repeatedly targeted by the Islamists. "The Boko Haram gunmen killed six people and injured three in the attack on the village around 2:00 am (0100GMT)," Adamawa state information commissioner Ahmad Sajo told AFP. "The attackers came in large numbers and the security personnel in the area aided by reinforcements engaged them in gunfight," Sajo said. Boko Haram jihadists set "several homes and shops" on fire, forcing residents to flee, he said. Madagali has been repeatedly attacked by Boko Haram fighters from their Sambisa forest enclave. Sambisa forest, a former national park, lies just across the border in neighbouring Borno state, the epicentre of the eight-year conflict. Earlier this year, the Nigerian military said it had retaken control of the forest, but there are reports the militants have moved back in. Boko Haram fighters are also known to have been holed up near Madagali in the Mandara mountains, which separate northeast Nigeria and Cameroon. Nigeria`s military has been ordered to strengthen its response to Boko Haram after 69 people were killed in a July ambush, the government said on Sunday. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo held emergency talks with military top brass after Boko Haram ambushed an oil exploration team in Borno. Nigeria`s military has long maintained that Boko Haram, which in 2014 held swathes of territory across northeast Nigeria, is all but defeated as a result of its sustained counter-insurgency. But Osinbajo acknowledged that "pockets of terrorists have been launching attacks recently in Borno state". Hong Kong: The over USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project appears is a master plan for deep Chinese penetration into Pakistan`s economy, many businessmen in Pakistan have told the Hong Kong-based Asia Times. According to an article published in the Asia Times, many Pakistanis have lamented that the CPEC will damage rather than benefit the local economy, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors. One industrialist was quoted by the Asia Times, as saying that while Chinese manufactured goods are relatively cheap; their export to other countries via the shorter route of Gwadar Port will further reduce import costs in markets that have so far been export destinations for Pakistan. According to the daily, cheaper, made-in-China goods, items brought on trucks from China and entering Pakistan via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) have already begun to flood Pakistan`s domestic market. As the cost of production in Pakistan remains relatively high, partly due to the high costs inflicted by a never-ending energy crisis, has hampered Pakistan`s export performance, and there is a view that CPEC will allow China to flood external markets at Pakistan`s expense. That the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Pakistan that while CPEC projects may generate a balance of payment outflows to the tune of USD 3.5 to 4.5 billion for Pakistan by 2024, enhancing exports could also pose a real policy challenge for the latter. Failure in this will considerably diminish CPEC benefits.It has been suggested that Pakistan must build up its foreign exchange reserves, as the increase in Yuan (Chinese currency) inflows though welcome, will further expand Pakistan`s yawning trade deficit.Another IMF report has said that in the absence of a robust distribution sector, Pakistan`s added generation capacity will have little effects. The report notes that "routing the increased generation capacity through a loss-making distribution sector could result in faster accumulation of circular debt and fiscal costs, as well as undermine the long-term financial sustainability of the new energy projects". No investment has so far been made in improving distribution. Another potential pitfall for Pakistan is the way Chinese companies are likely to emerge as new "middle men" in Pakistan`s economy, particularly in the agricultural sector.Pakistan`s "national food security policy" mentions the potential of enhancing the country`s agricultural exports to China and perceives opportunities through CPEC to achieve, among other things, "food sovereignty." The policy measures outlined, however, indicate an increased role for Chinese companies in facilitating exports of produce from Pakistan to China, but will producers get a fair price. It is unclear as to how this enhanced interaction between local producers and Chinese companies will benefit Pakistan. When one considers this proposed co-operation in agriculture, along with Chinese development of road, rail and energy projects in Pakistan, CPEC could have long term economic and political consequences and may turn out to be more of a liability than a golden opportunity for Islamabad. Washington: US President Donald Trump said the United States holds Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "personally responsible" for the health and safety of two leading opponents of his government jailed on Tuesday. In a statement issued by the White House late on Tuesday, Trump said Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were political prisoners held illegally by the Venezuelan government. "The United States holds Maduro who publicly announced just hours earlier that he would move against his political opposition personally responsible for the health and safety of Mr. Lopez, Mr. Ledezma, and any others seized," Trump said. Tashkurgan: The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs over 1,300 kilometres from the far western Chinese city of Kashgar through the world`s highest mountain pass and across the border. For China, the two-lane thoroughfare symbolises a blossoming partnership, nourished with tens of billions of dollars of infrastructure investment. But for many Pakistani businessmen living and working on the Chinese side of the border, the road is a one way street. "China says our friendship is as high as the Himalayas and as deep as the sea, but it has no heart," said Pakistani businessman Murad Shah, as he tended his shop in Tashkurgan, 120 kilometres from the mountain pass where trucks line up to cross between China`s vast Xinjiang region and Pakistan. "There is no benefit for Pakistan. It`s all about expanding China`s growth," Shah said, as he straightened a display of precious stones. The remote town of around 9,000 is at the geographic heart of Beijing`s plans to build a major trade artery the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connecting Kashgar to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar. The project is a crown jewel of China`s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, a massive global infrastructure programme to revive the ancient Silk Road and connect Chinese companies to new markets around the world. In 2013, Beijing and Islamabad signed agreements worth $46 billion to build transport and energy infrastructure along the corridor, and China has upgraded the treacherous mountain road better known as the Karakoram Highway. While both countries say the project is mutually beneficial, data shows a different story. Pakistan`s exports to China fell by almost eight per cent in the second half of 2016, while imports jumped by almost 29 per cent. In May, Pakistan accused China of flooding its market with cut rate steel and threatened to respond with high tariffs. "There are all of these hopes and dreams about Pakistan exports," said Jonathan Hillman, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "But if you`re connecting with China, what are you going to be exporting?"One answer is Nigerian "male enhancement" supplements: expired medications which Pakistani merchants in the oasis city of Hotan recently peddled to bearded Muslims walking home from Friday prayers. The products were typical of the kinds of small consumer goods brought by Pakistani traders into Xinjiang: medicine, toiletries, semi-precious stones, rugs and handicrafts. Pakistani businessmen in Xinjiang see few benefits from CPEC, complaining of intrusive security and capricious customs arrangements. "If you bring anything from China, no problem," said Muhammad, a trader in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar, who declined to give his full name. But he said tariffs on imported Pakistani goods are "not declared. Today it`s five per cent, tomorrow maybe 20. Sometimes, they just say this is not allowed". Three years ago, Shah was charged between eight and 15 yuan per kilo to bring lapis lazuli, a blue stone. The duty has since soared to 50 yuan per kilo, he said. Customs officials told AFP the "elements influencing prices were too many" for them to offer a "definite and detailed list" of costs. While large-scale importers can absorb the tariffs, independent Pakistani traders have benefited little from CPEC, said Hasan Karrar, political economy professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Alessandro Ripa, an expert on Chinese infrastructure projects at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, said the highway "is not very relevant to overall trade" because "the sea route is just cheaper and faster". The project is better understood as a tool for China to promote its geopolitical interests and help struggling state-owned companies export excess production, he said. Traders also face overbearing security in China. Over the last year, Beijing has flooded Xinjiang, which has a large Muslim population, with tens of thousands of security personnel and imposed draconian rules to eliminate "extremism". Businessmen complain they are not allowed to worship at local mosques, while shops can be closed for up to a year for importing merchandise with Arabic script. In June, on the 300 kilometre trip between Kashgar and Tashkurgan, drivers were stopped at six police checkpoints, while their passengers had to walk through metal detectors and show identification cards. Signs warn that officials can check mobile phones for "illegal" religious content. Police officers interrupted an interview in Tashkurgan to demand a shopkeeper hand over his smartphone and computer for inspection, an event he said occurs several times a week. Shah said that when he first arrived in the town, the intrusive security made him nervous: "But now I`m used to it. I almost feel like I`m one of the police." As he spoke, an alarm sounded. He grabbed a crude spear, body armour and a black helmet off his counter and rushed into the street, where police had assembled over a dozen people for impromptu counter-terrorism drills. The exercises are held up to four times a day. Stores are closed for several days if they do not participate. Back in Kashgar, Muhammad hopes that CPEC will make life better, but he believes the oppressive security will remain an obstacle. He plans to give it another three years. But, he said, he cannot wait forever: "Many people have already gone back." Rome: Italy began a limited naval mission on Wednesday to help Libya`s coast guard curb migrant flows, which have become a source of political friction ahead of national elections expected early next year. An Italian patrol boat entered Libyan waters and headed towards the port of Tripoli within minutes of a vote in Italy`s parliament authorising the deployment. A second vessel was expected to join it in the coming days. Italy announced the operation last week, saying it had been requested by Libya`s U.N.-backed government. It initially hoped to send six ships into Libyan territorial waters, but the plans had to be scaled back following protests from Tripoli. "(We will) provide logistical, technical and operational support for Libyan naval vessels, helping them and supporting them in shared and coordinated actions," Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said ahead of Wednesday`s vote. "There will be no harm done or slight given to Libyan sovereignty, because, if anything, our aim is to strengthen Libyan sovereignty," she told parliament, stressing that Italy had no intention of imposing a blockade on Libya`s coast. In Tripoli, a poster of resistance hero Omar al-Mukhtar, who battled Italian rule in Libya in the 1920s, was hung over the capital`s main square with the inscription "No to a return to colonization". Italy`s lower house voted by 328 to 113 in favour of the mission, while the upper house voted by 191 to 47. After a surge in migrant arrivals from Libya at the start of the year, the numbers of newcomers has slowed and the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday that 95,215 people had reached Italy so far in 2017, down 2.7 percent on the same period in 2016. Some 2,230 migrants, most of them Africans fleeing poverty and violence back home, died in the first seven months of 2017 trying to make the sea crossing. The Human Rights Watch group said Italy`s move may endanger migrants. "After years of saving lives at sea, Italy is preparing to help Libyan forces who are known to detain people in conditions that expose them to a real risk of torture, sexual violence, and forced labour," HRW said in a statement. ELECTIONS AHEAD Almost 600,000 migrants have arrived in Italy over the past four years, putting Italy`s network of reception centres under huge strain and causing increasing political tensions. Italy is due to hold national elections by next May, with voting widely expected in early 2018, and the migrant issue is expected to top the political agenda. Rightist parties accuse the centre-left government of doing nothing to halt the influx. "The (migrant boats) will not be being pushed back to the Libyan shore so we don`t understand what we are going to be doing there," Giancarlo Giorgetti, deputy head of the opposition Northern League party, told reporters in Parliament. Italy hopes the Libyan coastguard can help prevent flimsy migrant boats from putting to sea and has been at the forefront of efforts to make a small force more effective, training its members and upgrading its fleet. Rome has also put pressure on non-governmental organisations which have played an increasingly important role in picking up migrants off the Libyan coast and bringing them to Italy. The government has introduced a code of conduct for the NGOs and has demanded that armed police travel on their boats to help root out eventual people smugglers. Only three out of eight humanitarian groups operating in the southern Mediterranean agreed this week to the Italian terms. A boat operated by German NGO Jugend Rettet, one of the five groups that did not sign up, was seized by the Italian coastguard on Wednesday on the order of Sicilian magistrates on suspicion it had aided illegal immigration. Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who took over from Maoist leader Prachanda in a power- sharing deal in June, will visit India on his first official trip overseas from August 23, a media report said on Wednesday. Deuba's five-day state visit will come at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, The Kathmandu Post reported. The 71-year-old veteran Nepali politician known for his close ties to India took over the reigns of Nepal when the Himalayan nation was navigating a political turmoil over the implementation of the Constitution and unrest in the southern plains due to the Madhesi agitation. Deuba had played a key role in bringing the Madhes-based parties on board for the second phase of the local-level polls held on June 28. His visit will come ahead of the third and final phase of the polls scheduled for September 18. Deuba's visit will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his visits to India in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as Prime Minister. "We have received two clear instructions from the Prime Minister," two senior officials engaged in the preparations for the visit told the Post. "First, the Prime Minister is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India. While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, the Prime Minister also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects," said a senior official. "Second, the Prime Minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit," the official told the daily. The Rs 30,000-crore bi-national Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and other energy and infrastructure related projects are likely to be high on the agenda during Deuba's visit. The project aims to produce 5,000 MW of electricity. In 1996, Deuba and then Indian Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao had held discussions on reviewing the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty and expediting the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and its financing model, Saptakoshi High Dam, Sunkoshi Diversion, Karnali Multipurpose Project and Budhi Gandaki Hydro Electricity Project, among others, the report said. In 2002, India and Nepal had agreed for the early conclusion of the Agreement for Mutual Legal Assistance and updating the Extradition Treaty and construction of four Integrated Check-Posts along the Nepal-India border, it added. Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But a detailed project report is yet to be completed. "Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past," the Post quoted Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign relations adviser to Deuba as saying. Deuba is likely to visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh after concluding his engagements in New Delhi. Manila: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is a "maniac" who could destroy Asia by triggering a nuclear war, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday, ahead of a regional summit to be attended by the regime`s foreign minister. Using characteristically crude language, Duterte teed off against Kim ahead of a regional security meeting in Manila where the hermit state`s ballistic missile tests will be a hot agenda item. "He is playing with dangerous toys and this crazy man, do not be fooled by his face, that chubby face that looks nice," Duterte, 72, said of Kim in a nationally televised speech. "That son-of-a-whore maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war, because (if) a limited confrontation blows up here, I tell you the fallout, the soil, the resources. I don`t know what will happen to us. We won`t be able to plant anything productive." Under Kim`s leadership, Pyongyang has accelerated its nuclear ambitions, in defiance of international condemnation and multiple sets of United Nations sanctions. North Korea last week conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile test, which led Kim to boast he could strike any target in the United States. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be in Manila for the security forum, which is hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ministers will express "grave concern" over North Korea`s nuclear missile test, according to a draft copy of the chairman`s statement obtained by AFP and scheduled to be released on Tuesday next week at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Duterte, who won presidential elections last year, has come under fire from foreign leaders over his war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups that he may be overseeing a crime against humanity. He typically flavours his speeches with crude language and jokes deemed by many to be offensive, including about rape. Duterte last year called then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war. Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday described North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "fool" and a "son of a bitch", just days before Manila hosts an international meeting certain to address Pyongyang`s long-range missile tests. Duterte held nothing back in rebuking Kim for "playing with dangerous toys", setting the stage for next week`s rare get-together, to be attended by foreign ministers of all the countries involved in the standoff on the Korean peninsula. North Korea is determined to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States and officials in Washington said Saturday`s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile showed it may be able to reach most of the country. "This Kim Jong Un, a fool ... he is playing with dangerous toys, that fool," Duterte told tax officials in a speech. "That chubby face that looks kind. That son of a bitch. If he commits a mistake, the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war. "A limited confrontation and it blows up here, I will tell you, the fallout can deplete the soil, the resources and I don`t know what will happen to us." This year, Duterte is chairman of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and on Monday his foreign minister will host the ASEAN Regional Forum, which brings together 27 countries that include Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea and the United States. It was not the first time Duterte has criticised Kim over his nuclear ambitions. In April he questioned his sanity and urged the United States to show restraint and not be baited by a man who "wants to end the world". US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is due to attend the Manila meeting, on Tuesday said he wanted dialogue with North Korea at some point, stressing it was not the enemy and the United States did not seek to topple the regime. Lahore: Senior PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) leaders from Punjab are advising Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif against taking the `risky decision` of contesting the seat left vacant by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, where he is likely to face a tough competition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate. Pakistan will hold polling on September 17 for the Lahore parliamentary seat in Punjab Province and the leaders believe that an adverse outcome of the by-election at NA-120 seat (National Assembly) could damage the party position in the upcoming 2018 general elections, the Express Tribune reported. Sharif`s brother and Punjab Province Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been chosen by the PML-N party to contest from the NA-120 Constituency in Lahore, which fell vacant after the Prime Minister was disqualified on July 28. After the apex court on July 28 disqualified Nawaz Sharif to remain prime minister for hiding assets in his nomination papers for 2013 polls, Nawaz had named his younger brother, Shahbaz, as his successor during the PML-N`s parliamentary party meeting. Shehbaz Sharif is also likely to ask former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to reconsider his decision to get him elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan and also to allow him to continue working as chief minister of Punjab. Meanwhile,Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan has opposed the elevation of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the National Assembly, believing there are sufficient political and legal grounds against this step of the ruling PML-N. "The focus of the party will divert from its development agenda to the electoral game for the rest of the present assemblies` term if Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, successfully delivering in the electoral base of the party, is elevated to the office of Prime Minister," Rana Sanaullah Khan suggested to the PML-N leadership in an all-important consultative meeting in Murree on Monday. "We should not force upon ourselves a 45-day [electoral] disturbance after one was imposed on us last Friday," Dawn quoted him as saying. Washington (AP): The Senate has confirmed Christopher Wray to lead the FBI, replacing James Comey, who was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump amid the investigation into Russia meddling in last year's presidential election. The vote was 92-5 for Wray, a former high-ranking official in President George W Bush's Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud. Wray, 50, inherits an FBI at a particularly challenging time given Trump's ousting of Comey, who was admired within the bureau. "This is a tough time to take this tough job," Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, said during Senate debate of the nomination. "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months." Wray won unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, with Republicans and Democrats praising his promise never to let politics get in the way of the bureau's mission. Asserting his independence at his confirmation hearing, Wray said: "My loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law. Those have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to them no matter the test." Trump roiled Washington in May, firing Comey in the midst of his 10-year term as the FBI was investigating Russia's role in the election and possible ties to Trump campaign officials. Wray has worked on white-collar crime and regulatory cases as a partner at the King & Spalding law firm. From May 2001 to May 2005, he held various high-ranking positions in the Justice Department, rising to the head of the criminal division in September 2003. He also served as principal associate deputy attorney general. He was a federal prosecutor in the US attorney's office for the Northern District of Georgia from May 1997 to May 2001. "Mr Wray possesses the skill, the character and the unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law that we need in a FBI Director," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The top Democrat on the panel, California Senator Dianne Feinstein, said Wray "has the strength and fortitude to stand up and do what it is right when tested." She added, "We need leaders with steel spines, not weak knees, and I am hopeful that Mr Wray will be just such a leader." Wray had represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in the so-called Bridgegate scandal. Istanbul: Turkey and its main regional ally Qatar today launched military exercises in the emirate that will involve some 250 Turkish troops and 30 armoured vehicles, reports said. The exercises come as Ankara presses on with its unequivocal backing of Doha in the crisis triggered by the political and economic isolation of Qatar by Gulf and other Arab states led by Saudi Arabia. Turkish state media said that the Turkish frigate TCG Gokova had docked in Doha earlier this week carrying 214 soldiers who would take part in the exercises. The exercises got underway today and would intially involve ground forces with naval forces later on, NTV television said. An observation day involving top commanders would take place on August 7-8, it added. A total of 250 Turkish soldiers and 30 armoured vehicles will take part, it added. On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with Qatar accusing it of backing extremism and fostering ties with their Shiite rival Iran. Doha denies the claims and has been strongly backed by Ankara throughout the standoff. The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as it seeks to balance its strategic alliance with Qatar with preserving its own relations with regional kingpin Saudi Arabia. Turkey is setting up a military base in Qatar, its only such outpost in the region. It has sped up the process since the crisis began and reportedly now has 150 troops at the base. After a whistlestop tour of the region last month that included visits to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said more time was needed to solve the crisis. Ankara: Turkey`s top military body on Wednesday replaced the land, air and naval commanders of the military after a critical gathering just over a year after the failed coup bid, Turkish media reported. The Supreme Military Council (YAS) decided to replace land forces commander General Salih Zeki Colak, naval chief Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu and air force commander General Abidin Unal, CNN Turk broadcaster said. Washington: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that Washington does not seek to topple the Kim Jong-un regime in Pyongyang and is willing to sit down for talks with the country on the condition that it stops its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tillerson made the remarks at the US State Department on Tuesday after North Korea tested its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 28, the Washington Post reported. "We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel," he said. "We are trying to convey to the North Koreans: `We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond`." Tillerson added that the US hopes that "at some point", North Korea will understand and sit down for a dialogue. The Secretary of State said the administration had been attempting to exert "peaceful pressure" on North Korea, "because the options available to us are limited, particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time". On last Friday, the Kim Jong-un regime conducted its second ICBM test, in which the projectile flew for 47 minutes reaching a maximum altitude of 3,724.9 km before falling into the Sea of Japan. This was the second such test by Pyongyang in a month. On July 4, it conducted its first successful ICBM test in a show of military progress made by the country. North Korea said the test-firing aimed to "finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range". Tillerson is travelling to Asia this week, where he will continue his drive to increase "peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk to us and others". But he made it clear that there was no possibility of talks if North Korea did not abandon its nuclear programme. He said China had a particular role to play, as it accounted for 90 per cent of trade with the Communist nation. Trump had emphasised that point as he courted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit and pressured Beijing to use its influence on Pyongyang. The US President had recently expressed disappointment that Beijing had not applied as much pressure as he would like or caused a change in North Korea`s behaviour. Tokyo: US and Japanese naval forces are searching for an American sailor who went missing during a joint drill in the South China Sea, officials said Wednesday. "US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense-Force ships and aircraft are searching for a sailor from USS Stethem reported missing while the ship was conducting routine operations in the South China Sea" early Tuesday, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement. "Multiple searches were conducted inside the ship but were unable to locate the sailor," it said. Japan`s Maritime Self-Defense Force, the country`s navy, confirmed two of its vessels as well as helicopters have been taking part in the search. The two nations have called off their routine joint operation to focus on the search, a Japanese navy spokesman told AFP. The sailor`s name is being withheld while the search is ongoing and the exact location of the search was not disclosed. The incident comes weeks after seven American sailors were killed when their Navy destroyer collided with a Philippine-flagged cargo ship in a busy shipping channel off Japan`s coast. Aged 19 to 37, the seamen were found by divers in flooded sleeping berths a day after the collision tore a huge gash in the side of the USS Fitzgerald. Japanese and US naval forces have been holding drills in the contested South China Sea in the face of Beijing`s increasing assertiveness over its maritime claims in the region. China is also involved in a simmering territorial row with Tokyo over disputed islands in the East China Sea. YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. The legislative reforms in investment field, the increase of countrys recognition at international platforms contributed to increasing foreign investments flow in Armenia. The volume of foreign direct investments in the first quarter of 2017 has increased by nearly 4.84%, comprising over 19.7 billion AMD. According to official data, most investments in the first quarter have been made in information and communication, processing industry, mining industry and energy fields. Vahagn Lalayan head of investment attraction and coordination department at the ministry of economic development and investments, told Armenpress the major investors of the recent years are Germany, Canada, Lebanon, France, Cyprus, Argentina, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In recent period we are taking active steps aimed at attracting foreign investments. We have created a serious state support tool that promotes all sectors. We have launched investment legislation reforms. The law on foreign investments is almost ready and will be submitted to the government soon. The main focus is on protection of investments which will contribute to increasing investors trust. We have taken huge steps to present Armenia at major platforms. They increase the recognition as a country for investments. The ministry also created printed materials presenting Armenias investment environment, investment programs which were distributed across the world through our diplomatic representations, as well as they were posted in websites, Lalayan said. According to him, the next step is the creation of platform for investment programs. Major prospective programs in Armenia are posted at investmentprojects.am. According to official data, most investments in the first quarter have been made in information and communication, processing industry, energy and mining industry fields. The net investment flows in ICT field amounted to 16 million USD, in mining industry the investment comprised 18 million USD, 5 million USD in housing, and 4 million USD in processing industry. According to statistics, foreign investments in the first quarter of 2017 have not been made in plant growing, cattle breeding, cigarette production, construction of buildings and other spheres. Speaking about these sectors, Lalayan said there can be numerous reasons. According to the data of the ministrys internal monitoring, 66 programs are being carried out in the first 6 months of 2017, with a total of 500 million USD investments which will provide with 7140 new jobs. Majority of investments have been made by foreign investors. Based on the data of the first half of the year, over 230 million USD investments have already been made, nearly 2700 jobs have been created. These investments were mainly made in mining industry, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical fields. Over 45 million USD investments were made in agriculture field, creating 640 jobs. There is also a great activeness of investments in energy, IT and tourism spheres. 167 million USD investments have been carried out in provinces, with over 2000 new jobs created, mostly in Vayotz Dzor, Ararat, Syunik, Kotayk provinces. The textile industry has great potential, however, it was not being utilized until the past 2 years. During this year 8-10 productions have been created in this field. The monitoring results show activeness. The expectations are positive, and we also expect positive result based on annual data, Lalayan stated. Anna Grigoryan YEREVAN, 2 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 2 August, USD exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 478.58 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.97 drams to 566.45 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.09 drams to 7.89 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.15 drams to 633.11 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 51.09 drams to 19555.73 drams. Silver price down by 0.33 drams to 257.57 drams. Platinum price up by 45.26 drams to 14478.89 drams. YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. One year after the referendum in the UK, an increasing majority of people in the EU are optimistic about the future of the European Union, Armenpress was informed from the website of the European Commission. Close to a majority of Europeans are now also optimistic about the state of their national economy. Trust in the European Union is growing it is at its highest level since 2010, and support for the euro is greater than it has been since 2004. Moreover, a majority of respondents, from eleven non-EU countries polled for the first time, say they have a positive view of the EU. A majority of Europeans (56%) are optimistic about the future of the EU an increase of six percentage points compared to autumn 2016. The most significant increases can be observed in France (55%, +14 points since last Autumn), Denmark (70%, +13 points) and Portugal (64%, +10 points). Trust in the EU continues to be on the rise and stands at 42% (up from 36% in autumn 2016 and 32% in autumn 2015). It has increased most strongly in France (41%, +15 points), in Denmark (56%, +11 points) and in Estonia (55%, +11 points). It has also increased by 10 points in Germany, reaching 47%. As in the two previous surveys of spring and autumn 2016, the levels of trust in national parliaments and governments have also increased to 36% and 37% respectively, but remain below the levels of trust in the EU. 40% of Europeans have a positive image of the EU (+5 points since autumn 2016) with the number of respondents with a positive image increasing in 24 Member States, in particular in France (40%, +11 points), Denmark (42%, +10 points) and Luxembourg (57%, +10 points). Finally, 68% of Europeans feel they are citizens of the EU, which is the highest level ever shown by this indicator. Close to half of Europeans think that the current situation of their national economy is good' (46%, +5 percentage points since autumn 2016). This proportion has increased significantly in recent years (+20 points since spring 2013; +26 points since spring 2009). Although large differences remain between Member States, positive assessments of the situation of national economies are gaining ground in 22 Member States, in particular in Finland (59%, +19 points), Portugal (33%, +18 points), Belgium (60%, +11 points) and Hungary (41%, +11 points). In the euro area, close to three-quarters of respondents support the euro (73%, +3 points), which is the highest score reached since autumn 2004. 80% of respondents or more support the euro in six countries: Slovakia, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Slovenia and Luxembourg. YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. US President Donald Trump has signed the draft law tightening sanctions of the US against Russia, Iran and North Korea, a senior White House official told TASS on Wednesday, Armenpress reports, citing TASS. "Yes. A statement [on this issue] is being prepared," he said briefly, answering a question on whether information that Trump signed the said bill was true. The White House official declined to give further comments on the issue. BROOKLYN, NYIn a courtroom filled with his supporters, Rentboy.com's Jeffrey Hurant was sentenced earlier today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to six months in federal prison for being the owner of the prominent gay escort website. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie, who noted on the record that she had received letters from many users of the site praising Hurants decency, but also said that she couldnt ignore Hurant's illegal activities which prosecutors had claimed grossed nearly $10 million in the last five years. "The guidelines range of imprisonment should be 15 to 21 months," Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Smith, who prosecuted the case, had written in a July 16 sentencing memorandum, noting that in a previously negotiated plea agreement, the government had agreed to seek just a one-level reduction in the government guidelines for offenses of this type. During sentencing, Hurant, in asking for leniency, told the judge that while he thought the prostitution laws were wrong, his bust and subsequent treatment by the legal system had taught him that he needed to try to change such laws instead of flout them. "I believe that consensual sex work between adults should be decriminalized and destigmatized," Hurant said as he left the courtroom. "But that hasnt happened yet. My business was ultimately illegal, but it shouldnt have been. We must fearlessly fight for the rights to allow consensual adults to choose what they do with their bodies." Among Hurant's supporters were five gay New York City Council members, who had stated in a letter that "a harsh sentence will serve neither society nor the rehabilitation of Mr. Hurant." Similar letters were written by two New York Congressman, Jerrold Nader and Sean Patrick Maloney, who called Hurant's prosecution "a waste of money" and noted that Hurant had hurt no one with his "crimes." Indeed, Hurant had long claimed that he had created the website so sex workers could practice their profession more safely, and even Judge Brodie seemed to agree. "The very thing that is illegal, there is no question it did a lot of good," she said during sentencing. Even The New York Times editorial page called it "somewhat baffling that taking down a website that operated in plain sight for nearly two decades suddenly became an investigative priority for the Department of Homeland Security and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn." Hurant had agreed last October to enter a plea to one count of promoting prostitution and one count of money laundering on behalf of his business, which at its height had half a million visitors per day. Following its original raid on the Rentboy.com offices in August of 2015, the government had seized nearly $1.5 million that it claimed were the proceeds from the business, and to add insult to injury, Judge Brodie also fined Hurant $7,500. One source that was unhappy that Hurant had received a reduced sentence was the ultra-right-wing "news" site The Daily Caller. "[T]he case has captured the attention of legal and civil rights activists who say a harsh judgement would be inappropriate given the cases sensitivity in the LGBT community," wrote The Daily Caller's David Krayden. "Getting tough with the call-guy manager is supposedly wrong 'because it harkens back to a dark chapter in our nations history when the government used its vast resources to target and threaten LGBT adults by exposing their private consensual sexual activity,' according to Democratic state Sen. Sen. Brad Hoylman." Malt producer Muntons has hired Mark Tyldesley as the companys new deputy managing director. Tyldesley said he was delighted to have joined a first-class organisation with a successful heritage and was excited by the challenges ahead. Working closely with the companys manufacturing and commercial teams, Tyldesley will be involved in the delivery of the companys global strategy and improved business performance to meet the objectives set over the next few years. Tyldesley has previously held senior positions with Premier Foods and Tesco, and has international experience after undertaking roles in Africa, the Middle East and mainland Europe. Muntons said that the new appointment brought added strength to the existing executive team to ensure a continued focus on growing the business on a structured and sustainable basis. Alan Ridealgh, managing director of Muntons, said the company was very pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Tyldesley to the position of deputy managing director. We have every confidence that Mark will continue to build on the successes that Muntons has already achieved, said Ridealgh. Muntons recently set itself a new record in 2016 by exceeding 100,000 tonnes of malt production. Shares in Renshaw and Haydens Bakery owner Real Good Food plunged by a third yesterday (1 August) after the business issued a profits warning. The company said it expected earnings for the financial year ended 31 March 2017 to be 2m around 3m lower than previously forecast and that profits in 2018 would be lower than expected. Following the news, shares in the business closed 35% down on the start of the day. Real Good Food (RGF) announced in yesterdays statement that during the audit of its accounts: Two substantial anticipated claims regarding its sugar purchase arrangements have not yet materialised with the effect that it will not meet its previously forecasted profit figures. The company added that some development costs that had previously been capitalised in the financial year should have been expensed. RGF also said profits for the current financial year (ending 31 March 2018) would be lower than previously anticipated after it took the company longer than expected to agree funding for expansion projects at Renshaw and Haydens. In June, the company announced Renshaw is to receive 7m to expand capacity at the Crown Street site in Liverpool by more than 50% and support the launch of a mainstream retail brand, while Haydens in Devizes will receive about 8m to reconfigure site operations to relieve pressure on capacity. As the injection of expansion capital was agreed about three months later than anticipated, this has resulted in some delay in the implementation of these projects, particularly at Renshaw, the company said yesterday. It added that this delay, and slightly softer trading conditions in the first quarter of the 2018 financial year, meant EBITDA for 2018 was expected to be 2.3m lower than previously forecast. However, the anticipated benefits of these projects remain robust and are expected to be fully realised in the financial year ending 31 March 2019, it added. RGF also revealed that payments for consultancy services made to executive chairman Pieter Totte and non-executive director Peter Salter had not been disclosed in the transaction notes for its accounts in 2014 to 2016. The costs had been accounted for, however, and will not affect reported profit before tax for those three years. RGF said it had accepted the resignation of Salter, who was chairman of the firms audit and remuneration committees, and that he would be stepping down from the board with immediate effect. The company expects to announce final results for the year ended 31 March 2017 at the end of this month. Following a successful three-month trial in London, Pret A Mangers 25p reusable cup discount has been rolled out across all its UK stores. The trial was put in place in April this year across its stores in London, and the retail chain has now revealed that customers will receive 25p off any barista-prepared organic coffees, teas and hot chocolates if they bring in their own reusable cup. Caroline Cromar, Prets brand director, said the company was really encouraged by the response to the trial. We are delighted to now be rolling the discount out to all Pret shops around the UK, said Cromar. Were really pleased the see the uptake the incentive has had in our London shops so far. Its one small step we can take to encourage a reduction in paper cup usage across the UK. Pret recently trialled its vegetarian concept Veggie Pret in Soho, London, which led to a second store opening in Shoreditch in March 2017 following its success. Gov. Roy Cooper's victory in last November's election hasn't ended the squabbling that accompanied his win.The Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement took public testimony Monday on proposed rule changes that would make it tougher to file election challenges and expand the power of the board's executive director.Speakers from the left of the political spectrum praised the changes, saying they are necessary to prevent massive voter challenges like those from former Gov. Pat McCrory's 2016 re-election campaign.Advocates from the right denounced the proposed changes as onerous violations of state law.The public comments were taken by the agency's legal staff.Oral testimony and written submissions will be reviewed by the election board once it is in operation. All eight board positions are vacant. Cooper has refused to appoint members while he is fighting the legislation that created the new agency in court.If approved by the board, revisions would then be submitted to the state Rules Review Commission for adoption.Bob Hall, executive director of Democracy North Carolina, said the state's election protest form is easily misused, and backed the proposed revisions.The existing form allowed the McCrory campaign to use innuendo and false statements without any supporting evidence as a propaganda campaign to delay the vote canvass, Hall said. McCrory didn't g the race until Dec. 5, nearly a full month after the election.Durham County Republican Tom Stark said the proposed rule change would chill potential protests.Stark, who is general counsel for the state Republican Party but said he was not speaking in that capacity, testified that he knew for a fact felons voted in 2016. He said noncitizens voted, and votes were cast for dead people. Stark was among those filing election challenges last year.Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the state Republican Party, said the rules would make a criminal offense out of behavior the General Assembly has never put into law.Woodhouse said.The new protest form says it is a crime to interfere unlawfully with the conduct and certification of an election, or the ability of a qualified individual to vote, and have the vote counted.Former Republican state Rep. Paul "Skip" Stam, who served for years on legislative committees responsible for election laws, opposes the sweeping changes.Stam wrote.in existing law. The Democrat leadership has made constant, profound and incredible pronouncements that one's supportive vote for Republicans is tantamount to surrendering Democracy forever. Understanding their sincere thinking in their extreme position: How will you still vote on this election day? Democrat; because the continuance of this Democracy from the existential threat of extreme Republicans is paramount. Republican; the process of having a choice is the democratic method within what so called "Democracy" does exists. Syrian Creative Commons lead Bassel Khartabil disappeared in 2012, snatched off the Damascus streets by Syrian authorities; in 2015, he was secretly executed by the Assad regime, a fact that has only just come to light. Bassel was an ardent and effective free culture activist; a contributor to the Mozilla project, the founder of Syria's first hackerspace, and a regional leader in dialogs about copyright, fair use and free expression in the Arab-speaking world. Bassel was an important source of information about internet censorship and control during the early stages of the Syrian uprising. His independent, factual reporting, combined with his global profile among online activists, made him a danger to the totalitarian Assad regime. Here's a letter Bassel wrote after his imprisonment to the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Danny O'Brien, received in 2015: "Of my experience spending three years in jail so far for writing open source code (mainly), I can tell you how much authoritarian regimes feel the dangers of technology on their continuity. And they should be afraid of that, as code is much more than tools. It's an education that opens youthful minds, and moves nations forward. Who can stop that? No-one I'm in jail, but still have thousands if not millions of my hands and minds outside writing code and hacking and they will always keep doing that, no matter what stupid actions these regimes take to stop the motion. As long as you people out there are doing what you are doing, my soul is free. Jail is only a temporary physical limitation." Bassel Khartabil, In Memoriam [Danny O'Brien/EFF] (Image: Joi Ito, CC-BY) The workers at the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi are attempting to organize under the United Auto Workers, but Nissan is fighting the "nastiest anti-union campaign" in modern history, breaking the law so egregiously that even Trump's National Labor Relations Board has filed a series of complaints against the company. Nissan is joined in its union-bashing campaign by Mississippi Republican governor Phil Bryant, who has told the people of his state that asking for a living wage and humane working conditions will "end manufacturing as we know it in Mississippi." Nissan employee Morris Mock doesn't think the scare tactics will work: "Workers are numb to it. Most of them been in there 14 years, and in 28 days, you can't convince a Nissan worker that you are a good company." The UAW is undertaking an extensive door-to-door campaign to visit workers in their homes to discuss the union. The UAW has shipped in staff from all over the country to help in the effort. Other unions from around the south have shipped in organizers from across the country to assist in the outreach to the plant's nearly 4,000 workers. Nissan has responded with fierce opposition. The company has blitzed local TV with anti-union ads and stands accused of both threatening and bribing workers to vote no. It requires workers to regularly attend anti-union roundtable group meetings as well as one-on-one meetings with their direct supervisors, some of whom have worn "vote no" T-shirts to work. Nissan attacked for one of 'nastiest anti-union campaigns' in modern US history [Mike Elk/The Guardian] Groups representing Quebec's cultural industries have told the province's top negotiator in talks to make changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement that Canada needs to maintain its power over cultural policies. About a dozen groups representing a wide spectrum of cultural industries, including cinema, book publishing and music, met Tuesday with Quebec's NAFTA envoy Raymond Bachand, Culture Minister Luc Fortin and Economy Minister Dominique Anglade. Solange Drouin from the Coalition for Cultural Diversity said it's important for Canada to preserve control over national cultural policy. For example, she said, if Canada decides it wants to force online music streaming services to play a certain amount of Canadian content, it should retain the power to do that. "We want Canada to be very clear on this issue," said Drouin, who is also executive director of ADISQ, the Quebec association for the recording, concert and video industries. "We want to maintain our power to establish those national policies, so leave us alone when we talk about the cultural milieu." Need for vigilance Anglade said the message from Drouin and her colleagues has come through loud and clear. "They're very mobilized. They want to work with us to make sure we have the best information to come to the table with at negotiations," she said. Culture is not on the agenda tabled by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Drouin said, it could became an issue when other matters are raised, such as intellectual property and electronic commerce. "We have to be vigilant," Drouin said. Green Party Leader David Coon is raising concerns about Emera Inc.'s proposal to deliver 900 megawatts of wind energy and hydro power from Atlantic Canada to Massachusetts by 2022. If successful, the main source of that power would be five wind farms in New Brunswick. "I'm concerned that this is going forward in the absence of any kind of well thought out New Brunswick strategy for developing renewable power and other sources of renewable energy in the province," that would maximize the benefits for local economies, said Coon, who is also the MLA for Fredericton South. "We've heard so little from this government about what its plans are with respect to renewable energy in the province it's just very worrisome." Although New Brunswick has abundant wind resources, the best sites are a limited resource," said Coon. "We don't want to be left in a situation where our best sites are taken up by these private initiatives for export when we still haven't got a made in New Brunswick renewable energy strategy." The province's current renewable energy strategy, which calls for establishing 400 megawatts of renewable power, was brought in more than a dozen years ago by the former government of Bernard Lord, said Coon, calling it "embarassing." "The current government hasn't even restored the renewable energy branch that was eliminated by the former government of David Alward, so you can see in a way where this sits on the priority list for the current government and that's not very high." Coon said the select committee he sat on, which held public hearings across the province last year, clearly heard from New Brunswickers that they wanted NB Power to be required to place more emphasis on wind and solar energy. "So we recommended that government bring in policies and legislation that would do just that that would essentially put in place a renewable energy strategy and give NB Power a mandate to turn up renewable energy production, and turn down the burning of oil and coal as they still do to generate electricity," he said. Story continues "That has not happened and we're still waiting for some kind of action." Coon contends a renewable energy strategy is "long overdue" and noted Premier Brian Gallant has set a target of cutting the province's carbon pollution by four million tonnes within the next dozen years. "That's going to require concerted effort that starts now," he said. "This has got to be an integral part of that and that's what we heard from the public when we did our hearings." Earlier this year, the New Brunswick government said it was looking into building a hydro station in Grand Falls to produce more clean energy. But NB Power's Marie-Andree Bolduc has said that Grand Falls is not involved in the Emera bid. Salmon River, Black Spruce, Colborne, Silver Brook, and Andy's Pond are the New Brunswick-based wind farms under Emera's proposal, while the other two, Yorkshire and Higgins Mountain II, are in Nova Scotia. NB Power and Nalcor Energy in Newfoundland and Labrador would be the two hydro suppliers. Undersea cable If Emera's bid is successful, the power would be transmitted through a 600-kilometre undersea cable, under a project named Atlantic Link. It would start from a new DC converter station planned at Coleson Cove in Saint John and terminate in Plymouth, where Massachusetts's only nuclear plant, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, is scheduled to shut down in June 2019. Gerald Weseen, Emera's vice-president of U.S. government affairs, said the construction phase of the project would create more than 7,000 jobs in New Brunswick and add $1.2-billion to the province's GDP. The project would be in-service by December 2022 after a three-year construction period. Massachusetts has legislated greenhouse gas reduction targets and is actively seeking cleaner sources of energy to meet them. In March, the state issued a request for proposals to deliver an annual amount of electricity equal to about 9,450,000 megawatt hours. Emera's proposal is one of many responses to that. (This July 30 story corrects site of haj to Mecca, not Medina in the first paragraph) BEIRUT (Reuters) - Nearly 90,000 Iranians are expected to attend the haj in Mecca this year, and were due to start arriving on Sunday, after Tehran boycotted the pilgrimage last year amid tensions with Saudi Arabia. Around 800 pilgrims were due to leave Iran on three flights to nearby Medina on Sunday, the director of the haj at Irans Haj and Pilgrimage Organization, Nasrollah Farahmand told state media. Approximately 86,500 Iranians are expected to attend the haj in total this year and 800 coordinators have traveled to Saudi Arabia to help Iranians during the pilgrimage, he said. Iran boycotted the haj last year after hundreds of people, many of them Iranians, died in a crush at the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in 2015, and following a diplomatic rift between the two countries who are vying for power and influence in the region. In a speech to haj organizers on Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iranians would never forget the catastrophic events of 2015 and called on Saudi Arabia to ensure the security of all pilgrims. "The serious and constant issue for the Islamic Republic is the preservation of the security, dignity, welfare and comfort of all pilgrims, particularly Iranian pilgrims," Khamenei said, according to his official site. "The security of the haj is the responsibility of the country where the two noble shrines exist." Riyadh severed diplomatic relations last year after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran following the execution of a Shi'ite cleric in Saudi Arabia in January 2016. In February this year Iran, which is predominantly Shi'ite Muslim, sent a delegation to Saudi Arabia, which is mostly Sunni, that initiated the process of Iranian pilgrims returning for the haj. However, tensions between the two countries remain at an all-time high. Last month Iranian officials pointed a finger at Saudi Arabia after Islamic State carried out attacks on the Iranian parliament in Tehran and the shrine of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that left at least 18 dead. Saudi Arabia denied any involvement. Khamenei in his speech on Sunday also called on all pilgrims to show their reaction to the recent unrest at the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and "Americas wicked presence in the region" at the haj, according to his official website. He did not specify what kind of reaction he expected pilgrims to show. (Reporting By Babak Dehghanpisheh; Editing by Susan Fenton) Competency-Based Education 6 Ways to Build a Better CBE Program Sinclair Community College's competency-based education program for online students forces candidates to write a "vision" statement, has disabled discussion forums in its courses and boots out students who don't make the 80 percent cut score. And its CBE students are credentialing at three times the rate of students in ordinary online programs. While entire colleges and universities have pioneered the concept of competency-based education (CBE) Western Governors and Southern New Hampshire University's College for America come to mind others are trying to fit the CBE model into more traditional programs and coming up with innovative ways to mix and match the implementation details. Take Sinclair Community College, for example. The Dayton, OH-based institution has 30,000 students, with 11,000 registered for online courses. The school's first exposure to CBE came between 2012 and 2016 when the college implemented an "Accelerate IT" program funded by a $12 million Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant. The CBE format allowed qualified students to start and finish online classes at any time during the college's 16-week semester. Armed with that experience, the school sought to expand its CBE practices into other online courses under the "Sinclair Accelerate" banner. Sinclair's "Accelerate" degree programs include: Secure system administration (degree and certificate); Software development (degree and certificate); Networking (degree and certificate); IT fundamentals (certificate); Advanced manufacturing (certificate); Unmanned aerial systems (coming in fall 2017; certificate); and Retail management (certificate). The goal: to create a CBE program that could reside alongside the college's traditional online offerings. In the first go-around, failure was rampant, according to Christina Amato, the college's competency-based education program manager. As she explained during a session at the OLC Innovate conference, 11 of the school's first 13 CBE students didn't complete their studies successfully. Here's how Amato's institution turned things around. 1) Have CBE Candidates Self-Identify Initially, the school thought "advanced" students would be the best fit for CBE "at least to begin with while we were learning," said Amato. But the promise of CBE flexible starts, the idea of "mastering" competencies before having to move on in lessons, the ability to accelerate studies and finish faster has broader appeal. Yet, not everybody is right for the CBE format, said Amato. So Sinclair set a goal of helping students figure out for themselves whether they were suitable by putting them through a personal gauntlet. First, the college has set up a simple screening and intake process. Students need to be able to self-register without any assistance for the CBE courses and declare a program. They need either a 3.0 grade point average for self-registration or no GPA at all but basic developmental placement scores. "Not having those things will not eliminate them from the program, but they're going to need more assessment and they're going to have to talk to somebody and go through our orientation," Amato noted. "Then we'll figure out if they're a right fit student." Next, candidates must complete an orientation to the learning management system, D2L's Brightspace the same stipulation imposed on all online students. Digital Literacy University of Miami Provides Free Access to Adobe Creative Cloud Software Faculty, staff and students at the University of Miami now can utilize the full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud software at no cost. The institution is the first in Florida to be designated an Adobe Creative Campus, signaling its commitment to connecting learners to digital tools and expanding digital media literacy across disciplines. "The university aims to always provide its community with the most cutting-edge tools and technology, at little to no cost, to align with its mission to transform lives through teaching, research and service," according to a news release. The Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, InDesign, Acrobat Pro and other tools for graphic design, video and photo editing and web development, will join a portfolio of other applications available for free to the University of Miami community, such as the Microsoft Office Suite, McAfee VirusScan and Box. "Adobe is so useful for all students, whether it is to learn for personal use or a career skill. It helps students branch out and learn more useful tools," said University of Miami senior Aaron Gluck, who also serves as IT student government liaison and a software licensing employee in the university IT department. "UM Student Government and UMIT have worked really hard to make this happen, and we hope that a lot of students will download the software and take advantage of the incredible opportunity we've been given." "Adobe and the University of Miami are each committed to supporting students with technologies that will enhance their academic experience and help differentiate them in their careers," commented Jonathan Hammond, Adobe vice president for North American education, in a statement. "Adobe Creative Cloud empowers students to communicate in digitally and visually compelling ways, resulting in students that are more engaged in their classwork. Learning outcomes are improved and critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills are fostered all skills necessary to succeed in this digital economy." Distance Learning Walsh U Taps Private Partner to Expand Online Programs Walsh University is teaming with a private partner to expand its online education offerings. The private Catholic university in Ohio will launch new online programs and grow existing ones in the areas of nursing and business with the help of online program management (OPM) provider Keypath Education. Walsh saw 39 percent growth in its master's nursing program between 2011 and 2016 and a 62 percent growth in its RN-BSN programs over the same period. The university chose Keypath "for their end-to-end online program expertise and reputation of working with similar institutions to expand access to working professionals while preserving instructional quality," according to a news release. "The partnership entails collaboration with university leadership and faculty on all facets of the student lifecycle, including capital to fund the programs, marketing and recruitment, retention services, as well as course development and faculty support." The 10-year partnership between Walsh and Keypath will support five programs, including Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator. "We realized we had to both prepare the university for future generations and extend the instruction and mission to those who might not have had access to Walsh University before," said Provost Douglas Palmer in a prepared statement. "We sought a partner that would be responsive to our unique culture and mission. Keypath has demonstrated their commitment to student experience and ability to deliver sustainable enrollment growth." Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, August 1, 2016Colombian authorities should swiftly and credibly investigate threats against documentary filmmaker and activist Bladimir Sanchez Espitia and should ensure his safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Sanchez told CPJ a man with a gun came looking for him in the early hours of July 30. The man came to a building that Sanchez often visits in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Bogota at 2:30 a.m., Sanchez told CPJ. The journalist, who was not there at the time, told CPJ that multiple witnesses, including the buildings security guard, told him the man had a gun and asked for him by name. The visit was the latest in a series of threats dating back to at least 2012, according to CPJ research. Colombian authorities should fully investigate the threat to Bladimir Sanchez Espitias life, and ensure there are effective measures in place to protect him, said Carlos Lauria, CPJs senior program coordinator for the Americas. Colombian journalists should be able to report on sensitive issues without fear of death. Sanchez, a documentary filmmaker who covers human rights, has received escalating threats for at least five years. He told CPJ he believes the threats could be tied to mining companies that he investigates in his documentary work, local police, or political figures that may have interests in those companies or their development projects. The filmmaker first fled his home in the central Colombian region of Huila, roughly 370 kilometers (230 miles) south of Bogota, in 2012 after he received death threats related to a video he posted on YouTube. The video showed antiriot police forcibly removing protesters from the construction site of a hydroelectric dam in Huila. After posting the video, Sanchez received phone calls from several unidentified callers, according to the Bogota-based Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP). Sanchez told CPJ at the time that he believed police officers in Huila were responsible for the call. CPJs calls to Colombias Attorney General Office today were not immediately answered. On April 15, 2016, unidentified individuals broke into Sanchezs apartment in Bogota and stole a computer, video camera, a storage disk, and other hardware, FLIP reported. Sanchez told FLIP that the stolen equipment contained material alleging that mining companies participated in human rights violations, which he planned to use in future documentary films. The thieves did not take any other valuable items, the filmmaker told FLIP. Sanchez and the legal support organization the Jose Alvear Restepo Lawyers Collective requested that the Attorney Generals office conduct a full investigation into the burglary, but Sanchez, who returned to Hulia not long after, told CPJ he is not aware of any progress in the case. Sanchez fled Huila again in late May 2017, after his family was threatened, and again relocated to Bogota, where he told CPJ he believed his family would be safer. Sanchez told CPJ that at the time he was working as co-director and executive producer of a documentary for the Discovery Channel about the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla group. Since 1992, at least 47 journalists have been killed in Colombia in direct relation to their work, many as the result of the conflict between the state and armed guerilla groups. While security for journalists in Colombia has improved in recent years, threats and violence against journalists continue, often with impunity, according to CPJ research. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Coalition of more than 20 organizations launch nonpartisan U.S. Press Freedom Tracker New York, August 2, 2017The Committee to Protect Journalists joined more than 20 press freedom organizations announcing the launch today of the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a new nonpartisan website dedicated to documenting press freedom abuses across the United States. Led by the Committee to Protect Journalists and Freedom of the Press Foundation, the site will serve as a central repository for data at a time when journalists in the U.S. are facing increased hostility. In recent months, journalists have been charged with crimes while covering protests in Washington D.C. and North Dakota; stopped at the border and subjected to searches of their electronic devices; and physically assaulted, in one case by a congressional candidate. Data collected on the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker shows that 19 journalists have been arrested in the course of their work in 2017 and that at least 10 reporters are currently facing charges. In 2017 at least four journalists have been stopped at the border and 11 have faced physical attacks, according to the tracker. These numbers may increase as we receive new information. The United States has some of the strongest legal protections for press freedom in the world and a robust and varied media landscape, but this cannot be taken for granted. Open hostility, threats of leak prosecutions, and arrests have created a precarious situation for journalists, said Alex Ellerbeck, senior research associate for the U.S. at the Committee to Protect Journalists and chair of the steering committee for the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. A full and honest accounting of challenges to press freedom in this country is sorely needed. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker collects data based on news reports and tips submitted by journalists, professional organizations, and press freedom organizations. The coalition behind the tracker will use the research in letters, legal briefs, and advocacy campaigns. With the Trump administration ramping up its war on journalism, this initiative could not come at a more important time, said Trevor Timm, executive director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation. We hope it will be vital to highlighting the threats to press freedom in the U.S. and the important work journalists do to hold the government accountable. Freedom of the Press Foundation is leading the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, with its senior reporter, Peter Sterne, serving as the managing editor. The Committee to Protect Journalists is providing the initial funding and chairing the steering committee. The steering committee also includes representatives from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Knight Institute at Columbia University, Reporters Without Borders, and Index on Censorship. Please find a full list of partners on the website. # # # CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram On July 13, Somalias Cabinet approved proposed changes to the countrys national media law as part of a review to overhaul the regulatory framework under which journalists currently work. But Somali journalists and local media rights groups have criticized the government for not doing enough to provide journalists with a less restrictive environment. CPJ spoke with Ahmedweli Hussein, chief editor of the privately owned station Goobjoog Radio, about the impact he thinks the revised law will have on Somalias press. Ahmedweli said that he thinks the government ignored most of the recommendations made by the press during the consultation period. Under the revisions, which still need parliamentary approval, libel fines will be lowered from US$3,000 to US$1,500 and a requirement that journalists have journalism degrees before being registered by the Somali Media Commission, an ostensibly independent body whose members will be selected by the Information Minister, will be scrapped. However, penalties of up to US$1,500 will be imposed on those convicted of fake news and journalists wanting to cover the presidents office will need to have at least two years experience to obtain the necessary press card. Ahmedweli said that requiring journalists to have two years experience to obtain a press card will act as a barrier to entry into the profession. He added that parts of the proposed law that ban fake news are vague and could be used by authorities to restrict media freedom. [This interview has been edited for length and clarity] Tell me a little bit about the history of this bill? Why do you want it changed? Throughout the 2000s, every new information minister in Somalia came up with their own media law. The latest one was proposed in 2015 and signed by the president in 2016. But media had some serious concerns about it and we wanted it changed. The main problem was some articles concerning who can be a Somali journalist. This created great concern. It said that a journalist is one who has graduated from university with a media degree. The current Minister of Information is reviewing this law. I read the version of the new bill that the Cabinet approved on July [13]. It is now awaiting approval of parliament and the signature of the president. Have these concerns been addressed in the version of the bill? No. Not all of them. They removed the thing about the university degree. It is now not necessary. But they now say that journalist must have either skill, which is not clearly explained in the law, or two years experience. You should wait two years to be a journalist. It is something laughable to have to wait two years and it is not clear how youre supposed to create this experience. Maybe it means working in a media station for two years, like training or internship. The previous provision was more problematic, but this one is also problematic. [EDITORS NOTE: Somalias Minister for Information Abdirahman Omar Osman told CPJ that requirements for experience were meant only for journalists seeking access to presidential offices and other high profile areas for security related matters.] I also have a problem with the Somali Media Commission, which will be the oversight body regulating the Fourth Estate in Somalia. The commission will enforce media ethics as set out in the law. It can impose penalties against journalists and media houses for any breach. It can mediate if a disagreement arises. The commission is supposed to be independent but the way it is written in the law it is not. The minister will propose the members, [and] parliament and the president will approve. The commission will consist of nine members: three of them will be from privately owned media; three from civil society; and three from government. But there is contradiction because it says that those from private media cannot be media owners, manager or journalists. So who is supposed to be a member? It is not clear. There is also a clause on fake news. An article in the bill says, It is forbidden to publish false news or editorial articles or allegations against the honor of a citizen, organization or government. But the law does not clearly state what fake news is. There is ambiguity and the government can use this as a tool to pressure the freedom of Somali media. [EDITORS NOTE: Somalias Minister for Information told CPJ that active journalists and editors were excluded to guarantee objectivity of the commission. He said that people with experience in privately owned media could be nominated.] How will this law change how journalists work in Somalia if it is passed by parliament? I think this law will change nothing but it will only be a tool that Somali government [uses to] put pressure to the journalist. The government passed [the 2015 law] and did not implement it because the journalists protested. It is the same thing with this law. The journalists are protesting this new law again, so the fight will go on. Discussions and disputes will go on. The government will not tire [of arresting] journalists and the journalists will defend themselves from the government. The debate will not end. The law will be passed but the debate will continue. What would be the situation for journalists if it is implemented despite protests from the press? If the government implemented the law while journalists are protesting against [it] the situation for the journalists will be either to accept the law and refrain from reporting from the truth or to face harassment and jailing from the government, and that will more likely silence the media people and freedom of expression in the country. The government says that the media was given a lot of opportunity to consult on this law. Is this true? Yes, they gave an opportunity to the media houses and media organizations in the country, but when it comes to harvesting the results of the negotiating and consultations they produce [something different from] what the government, civil society, and media agreed, so that is the problem. [EDITORS NOTE: Somalias Minister for Information told CPJ that the government gave the media ample opportunity to respond to the proposal, which he said was sent to media rights organizations on July 11.] Has the battle to change the bill been lost? What is the next step? I am one of the journalists who was consulted before they passed the current law in 2016. We felt like the government ignored our recommendations and made their own. They used their own judgment. They always consult us but dont take our advice. Now the bill is going to parliament to be approved but I am not optimistic that they will listen to us to make changes or reject it in its current form. [Reporting from Nairobi, Kenya.] The Knesset A bill proposing an amendment to the Penal Law and the Anti-Terrorism Law, allowing the court to sentence to death terrorists who murdered innocent civilians will be added to the Knesset agenda soon by MK Nava Boker (Likud), Israel Hayom reported Wednesday. The bill proposes adding two new articles to the Penal Law, the first of which, 99 (a), states that a person who committed acts of intentional killing in order to assist a terrorist organization or an enemy during hostilities carried out against Israel, following a call from a terrorist organization or an enemy state, whether the order to carry out the operation was given to him personally or he responded to a general and non-specific call to take violent action out of identification with a goal of the enemy or terrorist organization will be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. In a similar fashion, the amended articles which so far imposed only life imprisonment for acts of treason and/or terrorism, will now carry the death penalty as the first option before a judge. The explanatory notes accompanying the bill state that there is a legislative, social and public need for deterrent punishment that will contribute to social safety and the principle of protecting the state against and citizens by eradicating terrorist attacks. The bills sponsor, Knesset Deputy Speaker MK Nava Boker, said that she had decided to submit the bill because the murderers of the Fogel family from Itamar now live in a four-star hotel in an Israeli prison. Terror attacks The Itamar massacre of March 11, 2011 was a terror attack on the Israeli settlement of Itamar in Judea and Samaria, in which five members of the Fogel family were murdered in their beds. I have no doubt that the death penalty for terrorists, along with other means, constitutes real deterrence and helps to eradicate terror in Israel, MK Boker stated, adding that the time has come to put an end to our groveling before terror and our enemies. It is important that the family of a terrorist who sends its son to murder will know that he would receive the worst punishment of all and will not spend a few years in a four-star hotel in an Israeli prison and then be released in a swap deal and go back to murdering innocent civilians. Poll: 70% of Israelis support death penalty for Palestinian terrorists Some 70 percent of Israelis favor giving the death penalty to Palestinian terrorists who murdered Israelis, according to the monthly Peace Index that was released by the Israel Democracy Institute and Tel Aviv University Wednesday. The poll found that 69.8% of Israelis would support giving death sentences after a trial to Palestinians who murdered Israeli citizens for nationalistic reasons. The percentage saying they would oppose the death penalty was 25.3%, and 4.9% said they did not know or declined to respond. When asked specifically about giving the death penalty to murderers of IDF soldiers, the numbers were not much different, with 65.8% in favor, 28% against, and 6.1% not knowing or responding. Likud MK Naava Boker proposed a bill Wednesday that would allow giving the death penalty to terrorists sent by a terrorist organization who murder at least two people. "The murderers of the Fogel family in Itamar currently live in a four-star hotel in an Israeli prison," Boker said. "The recent murders of border policemen on the Temple Mount and the Solomon family in Halamish require taking stricter measures. Enacting a death penalty for terrorists, along with other measures, could restore deterrence and help stop terror in Israel." The poll asked respondents whether punishments given by Israeli courts to Palestinian terrorists who kill Israelis fit the crime. There was a huge difference by Israeli Arabs and Jews in their response. Among Israeli Arabs, 63% said they were too harsh, 2.3% said too easy, 25.4% said just right, and 9.3% did not know or respond. Among Israeli Jews 71.6% said too easy, 2.6% said too heavy, 18.5% said just, right and 7.3% did not know or respond. The poll of 600 Israelis representing a statistical sample of the adult Israeli population was taken July 25-27 and had a margin or error of plus or minus 4.1%. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! The Court of Appeal on Wednesday (Aug 2) ordered a rare review of its decision 2 years ago to overturn the acquittal of a Nigerian man who brought nearly 2kg of methamphetamine into Singapore, enough to warrant the death penalty. In a written judgment, Judges of Appeal Chao Hick Tin, Andrew Phang and Tay Yong Kwang said new evidence has raised "a powerful probability" that their decision to convict Ilechukwu Uchechukwu Chukwudi of drug trafficking was wrong. They allowed the application by Ilechukwu's lawyers to review the conviction, because of "the unique turn of events." This referred to a psychiatric report by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) issued in March, in which psychiatrist Jaydip Sarkar said Ilechukwu suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as "a result of childhood trauma ... of being nearly killed and viewing the killing of others." The report, which was prepared by the prosecution for the court's sentencing, has raised "a matter which has a crucial bearing on our decision," the judges said. They were the same judges who had quashed Ilechukwu's acquittal in 2015. According to Dr Sakar's report, Ilechukwu's PTSD symptoms were "triggered" after he was told by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) that he faced the death penalty for trafficking methamphetamine. This could have "prompted him to utter unsophisticated and blatant falsehoods (to the CNB) in order to save his life," the psychiatrist said. In quashing his acquittal in 2015, the Court of Appeal had said that Ilechukwu's lies were the result of "(a) realisation of his guilt," and that "tipped the scales" in favour of his conviction. In spite of objections by the prosecution, the apex court said on Wednesday it "would be best" to "reconsider" all the facts of the case "after additional evidence ... has (been produced) and dealt with". However, the judges made clear that they are "not making a finding that (Ilechukwu) does indeed suffer from PTSD or that he was affected by it when he made his statements (in which he lied) to the CNB." "We are likewise not implying that he is innocent," the apex court said. "His guilt or innocence is a matter to be determined at the subsequent review of our decision (to convict him)," it added. Ilechukwu's case will now be heard by a High Court judge, who will receive evidence from Dr Sarkar. The judge will decide on issues such as whether Ilechukwu was suffering from PTSD. And if he was, the period of time he suffered from the condition, its effects on him and the extent to which PTSD affected him when he gave his statements to the CNB. The case will then be heard by the Court of Appeal again, which will "review" its decision to convict Ilechukwu. "Truly exceptional case": Judges Ilechukwu arrived in Singapore from Lagos, Nigeria on Nov 13, 2011, with a black suitcase in tow. He passed the suitcase to Singaporean Hamidah Awang, who placed it in her car and drove to Woodlands Checkpoint where the car was searched. The drugs were found hidden in the suitcase which had to be cut open. Ilechukwu was arrested in his hotel room the next day. A High Court judge acquitted him in 2014, accepting that the man did not know the suitcase contained drugs. The prosecution appealed and in 2015, the Court of Appeal overturned the acquittal and convicted him of trafficking methamphetamine. "One of our reasons for following the appeal was that we found that the judge had failed to properly consider the impact of (Ilechukwu's) lies ... in his statements to the (CNB)," the apex court said. Due to the amount of drugs involved, Ilechukwu could have been sentenced to death. To consider whether Ilechukwu had grounds to argue that he should instead be sentenced to life imprisonment, his lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam had asked Changi Prison's Complex Medical Centre for a psychiatric report on Ilechukwu. Mr Thuraisingam also asked psychiatrist Ung Eng Khean, who is in private practice, for a 2nd opinion. In response, the prosecution arranged for Ilechukwu to be assessed by the IMH, which produced the report that may now exonerate Ilechukwu. In its written judgment on Wednesday, the apex court pointed out that this is a "truly exceptional" case and that other offenders should not expect similar treatment. "An accused person who seeks a review of a concluded criminal appeal which was decided against him should not expect that a diagnosis that he was suffering from PTSD (or any other psychiatric condition), whether at the time of the offence and/or at the time he gave his statements to the investigating authorities, will automatically entitle him to a review," said the judges. Source: channelnewsasia.com, August 2, 2017 No Innocent Explanation? - Death Row Inmate's Lawyers use Evidence Adduced by the Prosecution to Seek Inmate's 2nd Acquittal In a twist of Shakespearean proportions, Mr Eugene Thuraisingam, the lawyer for death row inmate Ilechukwu, has used evidence produced by the Prosecution to argue for his client's acquittal. The Defence counsel made the case that the results of a psychiatric assessment conducted by one Dr Jaydip Sarkar from Institute of Mental Health (IMH), which was sought for by the Prosecution, exculpated the Defendant. The case of Ilechukwu Uchechukwu Chukwudi, a 32 year-old Nigerian National, was unusual even before the above-mentioned sequences of events had transpired. If he is to be acquitted tomorrow, it would mean that he has been acquitted twice for the same charge. He was first acquitted in the High Court in but then convicted again in the Court of Appeal. He was first arrested in Singapore on the morning of 14th November 2011 for trafficking methamphetamine. He was arrested soon after the person he passed the controlled substances to and his co-accused, Hamidah Awang (whose sentence was eventually commuted to life imprisonment after receiving a Certificate of Substantive Assistance by the Prosecution), was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint. He entered Singapore from Nigeria a day earlier. He claimed that he was handed a laptop bag at Lagos Airport and was instructed to help bring it to Singapore and that he exercised due diligence by checking the bag before agreeing to transport it. At Changi Airport, his belongings were also subjected to a physical check by an officer and were passed through an X-Ray Machine but no drugs were found in the laptop bag. These statements were supported by objective evidence (i.e. CCTV footage) in his High Court trial. Although the Trial Judge, Lee Sieu Kin J, did find that there were inconsistencies between his statements, he attributed it to the Defendant being "defensive, and perhaps excessively so" and ultimately held that the Defendant was able to rebut the presumption of knowledge under s 18(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The learned Trial Judge concluded that the Defendant's actions prior to his arrest were inconsistent with a person who had knowledge of the drugs as he remained composed despite being delayed at immigration and having his luggage checked. On 8 January 2015, Justice Lee Sieu Kin acquitted Ilechukwu and convicted Hamidah, his co-accused. Source: The Online Citizen, Arrifin Sha, August 2, 2017 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Home-made bombs, known as Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, are used by terrorists not only to attack opposition military forces, but also increasingly to harm civilian populations. As a world leader in clearing explosive hazards that threaten civilians, the United States is taking action to tackle these deadly devices in Iraq, Syria, Colombia, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. According to the Landmine Monitor, an annual report by a non-governmental organization, person-activated IEDs and improvised landmines caused 1,075 casualties in 2014 and 1,331 casualties in 2015. IEDs are a particular threat to both military personnel and civilians as they enter areas previously occupied by terrorists. For example, during the final months of the battle for Mosul, ISIS sowed the city streets with IEDs to prevent civilians from leaving. Later, as they retreated from the city, the terrorists set thousands of IEDs around critical infrastructure like power and water utilities, schools, and hospitals. Non-state armed groups such as ISIS and the Taliban often use IEDs to destabilize peace operations and terrorize civilian populations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, writes Stephanie Pico, a Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Department of State. ISIS also has deliberately placed IEDs before retreating from an area with the intent of prolonging insecurity, inflicting additional casualties on communities struggling to recover, and delaying economic redevelopment in liberated communities long after direct ISIS-instigated hostilities in those areas cease. The United States is the world leader in conventional weapons destruction, including humanitarian demining, having invested over 2.8 billion dollars in projects in more than 100 countries since 1993. In addition to humanitarian demining the United States Counter-IED efforts work to disrupt networks that use IEDs, and train the forces fighting those networks to identify IEDs and protect against them. Counter-IED differs from humanitarian demining in that it focuses on deterring, detecting, and preventing IED employment before threats become imminent, writes Stephanie Pico. Working with our allies and the international community, she writes, the United States will continue to develop strategies to address the IED threat to prevent IED users from carrying out their nefarious plans and achieve peace and security. The United States strongly condemns North Koreas launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, the second in the month of July, in blatant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions that reflect the will of the international community. The United States rejects the regimes claim that these tests and these weapons ensure North Koreas security. In reality, they have the opposite effect. By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people. "All nations should take a strong public stance against North Korea," said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, "by maintaining and strengthening U.N. sanctions to ensure North Korea will face consequences for its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. As the principal economic enablers of North Koreas nuclear weapon and ballistic missile development program, China and Russia bear unique and special responsibility for this growing threat to regional and global stability," he said. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called on China to exercise its unique leverage over North Korea to compel a return to denuclearization negotiations. "China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step," she said. "The time for talk is over. The danger the North Korean regime poses to international peace is now clear to all." In the meantime, the United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect its allies in the region. In that regard, just two days after the latest North Korean missile launch, the U.S. military tested the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile system in Alaska. The defense system successfully intercepted a ballistic missile fired by an Air Force plane over the Pacific Ocean. Authorities said the exercise was successful and will help the U.S. stay ahead of the evolving threat. The United States, said Secretary Tillerson, "seeks the peaceful, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the end to belligerent actions by North Korea. As we and others have made clear, we will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea nor abandon our commitment to our allies and partners in the region." The Iranian peoples right to religious freedom continues to be violated. The Center for Human Rights in Iran reports recent abuses involving individuals of several different faiths. Since June, a revolutionary court in Tehran has issued long prison sentences to at least 11 Christian converts, as well as the former leader of the Assyrian Pentecostal Church in Iran. They were found guilty of crimes against national security after trials that lacked basic due process. Among the eleven are Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, sentenced to ten years for organizing house churches and preaching what the authorities referred to as Zionist Christianity, and Victor Bet Tamraz, former leader of Irans Assyrian Pentecostal church. According to the Center, The Christian community, particularly its convert community, faces systematic state persecution and discrimination. The Center also reports that in July, the Council of Sunni Theologians of Iran which represents clerics based in the countrys northwestern Kurdish-populated provinces, suspended operations in response to the ongoing climate of intimidation and fear perpetuated by the Intelligence Ministry. Sunnis are the largest religious minority in Shia-majority Iran, and are subject to harassment and persecution by authorities. Bahais are not a recognized religious minority under the Iranian constitution and are subject to regular harassment, interrogation, and arrest. Iran has imprisoned seven leaders of the Bahai community since 2008. The government uses anti-Bahai rhetoric in official statements, and authorities discourage the employment of Bahais and frequently restrict or shut down their businesses. Additionally, the Center reported that an imprisoned dervish of Irans Sufi Gonabadi Order, Mohammad Ali Shamshirzan, who suffers from heart disease, is being denied medical treatment outside the prison, despite his deteriorating condition. Sentenced to life in exile in Bandar Abas for the purported crime of belonging to a deviant sect, Mr. Shamshirzan has been held in prison since January 2017. Also, in July, authorities blocked access to websites belonging to the Gonabadi Order, so that, according to the Orders lawyer, its presence in cyber space will be erased. Earlier this year, Vice-President Mike Pence stated that Protecting and promoting religious freedom is a foreign policy priority of the Trump administration, and insisted the United States will speak up for all those persecuted for their beliefs: Since the founding of our nation, America has stood for the proposition that the right to believe and the right to act on ones beliefs is the right of all peoples at all times. Under President Donald Trump, Mr. Pence said, America will continue to stand up for religious freedom of all people, of all faiths, across the world. For much of its brief existence, South Sudan has been has been mired in a civil war, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and forced some 4 million to flee their homes, creating Africa's worst refugee crisis since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. A 2015 peace agreement and a transitional government formed in early 2016 failed to end the violence. In late May of this year, President Salva Kiir declared a unilateral, government cease-fire and promised a release of political prisoners. But no prisoners have been released, and despite the cease-fire, heavy fighting has been reported in parts of the country, according to the UN. This is particularly true of the opposition stronghold near the town of Pagak in Upper Nile state. On July 24, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, an eight-country regional development organization in East Africa that has been trying to mediate the situation in South Sudan, announced that it will convene a forum to revitalize implementation of the 2015 peace agreement. In late July, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, known as the Troika in the context of the South Sudan peace effort, as well as the European Union, issued a statement condemning the continuing violence in South Sudan. The Pagak offensive is a clear violation of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Salva Kiirand calls into question the governments commitment to reach peace through the National Dialogue. The statement welcomed the IGAD decision to revitalize the South Sudan peace process. The proliferation of violence, displacement, and food insecurity renders any discussion of elections in the foreseeable future as an unnecessary diversion from the primary goals of achieving peace and reconciliation, said the Troika statement. South Sudans leaders, neighbors, and regional and international partners must first focus on achieving peace in order to create the conditions needed to hold credible elections. To achieve these urgent goals, we look forward to the prompt revitalization of an inclusive and credible peace process by IGAD; such progress would be required in order for the Troika and EU to commit further resources to institutions designed to implement the agreement. The recent attack on a Barcelona city tour bus by a radical separatist group has created a rift between the ruling Junts pel Si pro-independence coalition and its far-left partners in government, the CUP. Senior officials in the Catalan regional government have condemned the attack of last week, which highlighted opposition to mass tourism in Barcelona in some quarters. But an assemblywoman from CUP, Mireia Boya, has called the attack symbolic and instead accused the regional government of generating violence with its neoliberal policies. Graffiti attacking tourism in Barcelona at the El Carmel former anti-aircraft batteries on the outskirts of the city. Joan Sanchez (EL PAIS) The war of words illustrates how Spains most successful industry is being increasingly questioned by sectors of society who see little benefit from mass tourism. From Barcelona to Madrid, and even in out-of the-way places like Logrono, in the small wine-making region of La Rioja, opponents of mass tourism are becoming increasingly vocal in their protests. Spain opened its doors to foreign visitors in the late 1950s, when the country was still under the rule of military dictator General Francisco Franco. Since then, the industry has been perfecting a system that has proven so successful that other countries now seek to emulate it. But social and technological changes have created new challenges that need to be addressed. In 2015, tourism contributed over 110 billion to the Spanish economy, representing more than 11% of GDP. The auto industry was second at 10%. At least 75 million foreigners visited Spain last year, spending 77.6 million in the country, approximately the equivalent of a fourth of all manufacturing exports. The change in mentality is now feeding into politics, with moratoriums on new hotel construction, tourist taxes, and crackdowns on unlicensed vacation rentals And the figures keep rising: in the first half of this year, the number of foreign arrivals to Spain grew by 6.2%, compared with the same period in 2016. This source of income compensated for the free fall in other sectors of the economy during Spains protracted crisis. The world looks to Spain as a role model. In April, it once again topped the World Economic Forums Tourism Competitiveness Ranking. The success can be attributed to a unique combination of cultural and natural resources, combined with solid tourism infrastructure, air links and government support, said the report. But to Juan Ignacio Pulido, who teaches applied economics at Jaen University, the Spanish model is clearly inefficient. It requires an enormous volume of demand, which in itself has a set of costs that are externalized socially and environmentally. The beach in Benidorm: has tourism reached the saturation point? HEINO KALIS (REUTERS) Which is why both the public and the private sector are starting to worry about the unbridled success of the mass tourism model. We have the challenge of opening a deep debate on the most desirable kind of tourism growth with a view to the future, said Exceltur, the industry lobby, in a report released last month. The progress we made towards developing a new model was ruined with the crisis, adds Pulido. The problem is that we keep measuring success in terms of visitor numbers. Exceltur admits that 2016 was a bumper year in part because of outside circumstances such as the impact of terrorism on other Mediterranean destinations like Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt. The problem is that we keep measuring success in terms of visitor numbers Juan Ignacio Pulido, Jaen University But tourists are not spread out evenly across Spain. Overall there were 1.6 foreign tourists for every Spaniard in 2016, but that rate goes up to 2.4 tourists for every resident of Catalonia, 4.1 for every inhabitant of Barcelona, 6.3 for every resident of the Canary Islands and 11.7 for every native of the Balearic Islands, which include the hugely popular Mallorca and Ibiza. In the latter region, the pressure from tourism is such that many local workers have trouble finding affordable housing. Meanwhile, the hotel market is undergoing a revolution. Investment funds are buying up property and seeking to turn a quick profit by turning units into vacation rentals, while online services such as Airbnb now lists over three million properties across the planet. There is a price to this success. The sun-and-sand formula puts tremendous pressure on the countrys already-depleted water sources (especially in the Canary Islands), and climate change is not helping. Green groups continue to warn about the effects of untrammeled development along the coast which is where most tourists want to be. The model also encourages a labor market where jobs are low-wage and seasonal. As a result of all this, there has been a groundswell of opposition to continued growth in the tourism sector, which is viewed as a problem by some people. A June survey by Barcelona City Hall found that 19% of respondents think that tourism is the Catalan capitals biggest problem. Perhaps what set alarms ringing is the saturation in city destinations, says Pulido of Jaen University. At sun and sand destinations, its normal to see a lot of people: thats what you expect when you go to Benidorm. But in Barcelona, Malaga, Granada...thats a whole other story. The change in mentality is now feeding into politics, with initiatives such as moratoriums on new hotel construction, tourist taxes, and crackdowns on unlicensed vacation rentals. But the CEOE, the Spanish employers association, issued a recent reminder that the economic recovery in Spain is still far from consolidated, and that Spaniards should not be too harsh in their reaction to a vital sector of their economy. English version by Susana Urra. The possible discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of at least 424 International Brigade volunteers from 16 countries, along with another where some 64 people are buried both hastily dug in the first months after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936 could mean an end to renovation work at a cemetery in Fuencarral, in the northeastern outskirts of Madrid. Plaque commemorating fallen International Brigades volunteers in Fuencarral cemetery. alvaro garcia The larger of the two graves is believed to contain the bodies of International Brigade volunteers who came to Spain from all over the world to fight against the military uprising of General Francisco Franco. Among the war victims in the second grave, meanwhile, are likely to be a number of members of the Spanish fascism-inspired party the Falange, who supported the coup to overthrow the Second Republic, along with others murdered in the early days of the war. Madrid City Hall says that neither are in danger, adding it will use ground-penetrating radar to survey the area before any work is carried out to repair walls in the cemetery. I think it is a good idea to carry out an exploration before any work goes ahead Severiano Montero, Association of Friends of the International Brigades In January, around 100 meters of the wall surrounding the cemetery began to collapse. City Hall has set aside almost 2 million on work to restore the perimeter, as well as walkways and graves. Luis Avial Bell, who runs a geophysical exploration company that has worked on around 100 Civil War mass graves and who led the team that helped find the tomb of Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes in Madrid knows the history of Fuencarral cemetery well, and explains that during the Civil War it was the burial site for hundreds of International Brigade volunteers, as well as for at least 64 victims of the violence that erupted in the days after Francos uprising, some of them men and women who would have been accused by anarchists and communists of supporting the coup. Today, plaques at the cemetery commemorate the dead in both sides in the conflict. A Civil War era photograph of the graves of International Brigades volunteers. Between 1936 and 1937, Hungarian general and writer Mate Zalka, who fought under the name of Pavel Lukacs, and who commanded the 12th International Brigade, requested permission from the authorities in Fuencarral to bury the growing numbers of dead in the fight to defend Madrid from Francos forces. In 1940, after the war, the Franco regime exhumed the Americans, Canadians, British, French, German, Italians, Poles, Austrians, Bulgarians, Russians, Greeks, Spaniards and other nationalities buried there and dumped their bodies in an unmarked mass grave nearby. Avial says he fears that the mass grave containing the bodies of International Brigade volunteers could be in an area where the cemetery was subsequently extended to, or that it is now in the adjoining El Pardo park. The 64 bodies of Falangists and those accused of supporting Franco murdered in the early days of the war remain in the cemetery. One of the graves is thought to contain at least 424 International Brigade volunteers from 16 countries Avial has written to Madrid City Hall offering to carry out investigations using both a non-intrusive, ground-penetrating radar examination and a profilometer, a device that measures the surface of the ground. He believes this would establish that there are human remains there. If so, no further work could be carried out, as stipulated by Spains Historical Memory Law, legislation passed in 2007 to protect the rights and establishes measures in favor of those who suffered prosecution or violence during the Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship of Franco. Severiano Montero, head of the Association of Friends of the International Brigades (AABI), also believes the exhumed remains could be close to the cemetery, or even within it. I think it is a good idea to carry out an exploration before any work goes ahead, he says. City Hall says it is happy to discuss the renovation work at the cemetery with Avial and the AABI, adding that before any work goes ahead, an examination of the area will be carried out and if any human remains are found, the work will be halted. English version by Nick Lyne. When Spains consul in Washington decided to mock the distinctive accent of Spaniards from the southern region of Andalusia and their supposed mangling of the Spanish language on his Facebook page, he clearly had no idea of the hot water into which he was wading. Enrique Sarda Valls at an event in 2009. Enrique Sarda Valls has been sacked after a post referring to a recent incident when Susana Diaz, the head of the regional government of Andalusia, wore a similar dress to Queen Letizia at an event they both attended. Sarda Valls wrote the message in what might be described as cod-Andalusian, pronouncing s as a th sound, as well as inverting r with l. The comments show a lack of respect toward Andalusia that completely discredit their author Deputy regional premier of Andalusia, Manuel Jimenez Barrios Verano torrido. Hay que ver que ozadia y mar gusto de la Susi. Mira que ponerse igua que Letizia. Como se ve ke no sabe na de protocolo ella tan der pueblo y de izquielda. Nos ha esho quedar fata a los andaluse. Dimision ya. The message translates something like: Torrid summer. What about that Susis bad taste and manners. Look what she did, trying to be Letizias equal. Its clear she knows nothing about protocol, what with her being one of the people and a left-winger. Shes left us Andalusians looking terrible. Resignation now. In the English-speaking world, this might be akin to a member of the Washington elite parodying a US politician from the deep south, or in Britain, a Whitehall mandarin mocking an MP from the West Country. Sarda told EL PAIS he thought the decision by the Spanish Foreign Affairs Ministry, the first sacking since Alfonso Dastis took over in November, was disproportionate, but accepted that it put his boss in a difficult position. He claimed the post was a joke that should be seen in the context of the social networks and freedom of expression and that there was no malice intended, reports Joan Faus from Washington. In a 2016 interview, Sarda, a Catalan, addressed the issue of independence in his homeland and the linguistic and territorial strains they have produced in Spain: I have lived in Madrid, and to be constantly reminded that one has a Catalan accent is particularly irritating, and that is without going into the question of calls for boycotts [of Catalan products], petitions, rejection and anti-Catalan sentiments. These hurt the feelings of Catalans and we dont understand it. Susana Diaz (above in a file photo) tweeted that she was proud to be Andalusian. Paco Puentes (EL PAIS) The deputy leader of the regional government of Andalusia, Manuel Jimenez Barrios, spoke with Foreign Minister Dastis by phone, asking for a public rectification from the consul. Dastis, who is from Jerez, in Andalusia, said he had no knowledge of the incident, and was surprised, but distanced himself from the comments, said Jimenez Barrios, adding that Sardas comments were not worthy of a public official. The comments descend into the worst cliches about this land and show a lack of respect toward Andalusia and its premier that completely discredit their author, Jimenez Barrios told Spanish news agency EFE. Susana Diaz tweeted that she was proud to be Andalusian, and of her Andalusian accent Sarda is not the only high-profile Spaniard to reveal his prejudices toward Andalusia. In 2011, the then-head of the regional government of Catalonia, Artur Mas, apologized after saying: In Seville, Malaga, or La Coruna, they speak Castilian, of course, but some of them cannot be understood. Two years earlier, Catalan deputy Montserrat Nebrera described the Andalusian accent of the then-public works minister Magdalena Alvarez as a joke. In 2011, Ana Mato, a former government minister under Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, claimed that children in Andalusia are practically illiterate. She apologized for what she admitted was an unfortunate comment, only to say three years later that children in Andalusia sit on the floor in school. English version by Nick Lyne. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 Trend: State-owned Azer Turk Bank launched new campaigns on August 1, 2017. As part of new campaign clients, who paid fee for one plastic card, can order the second card for themselves or anyone they wish for free. Customers, willing to travel in near future can get a free debit card from the bank. To get free card client should submit documents, confirming the journey, and open an account in desired currency. Client, who replenished card balance with minimum amount of 500 AZN/USD/EUR receives MasterCard Gold for free; and who replenished card balance with minimum amount of 1,000 AZN/USD/EUR receives MasterCard Platinum for free. Azer Turk Bank offers opportunity to order plastic cards online, so there is no need to approach the banks office. No prepayments are applied for online orders. All payments are made after the card is ready, while picking it up in the banks branch. As part of campaign, customers opening deposit accounts starting from 30,000 AZN, will get a privilege of free 3-month rental of the deposit boxes at the banks branches. The campaigns will continue till November 1, 2017. The state owns 75 percent of shares of Azer Turk Bank, operating in Azerbaijan for 22 years. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the newly reconstructed Pirshaghi-Novkhani seaside road and Binagadi-Novkhani-Jorat highway Aug. 2. Chairman of Azeravtoyol OJSC Saleh Mammadov informed the president about the work done there. By joining the seaside ring road, Pirshaghi-Novkhani highway will ensure the convenient and unimpeded traffic from the city of Sumgayit to the northern and north-eastern parts of the Absheron peninsula. The highway is 13.5 km in length. Under the project, the width of the two-lane road is 9 meters. In some areas along the coast, the width of the existing road has been expanded from 3-4 meters to 9 meters. President Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Pirshaghi-Novkhani highway after the major overhaul. The president then attended the opening of the Binagadi-Novkhani-Jorat highway. Under the project, the width of the highway was extended to 12.5 meters. The highway has four lanes. New water and sewage lines were also laid in the section passing through Novkhani settlement. New circles were built at the intersections on different parts of the highway. The existing bridges on the railway and a water canal were also overhauled in the Novkhani settlement. The president cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the newly reconstructed Binagadi-Novkhani-Jorat highway. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 2 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Azerbaijan has a great potential in cargo transit and transportation, countrys Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said in an interview to Azerbaijan state newspaper. Mustafayev, who is also the chairman of countrys Coordinating Council on Transit Freight, said that the revenues can be increased by effectively using the countrys potential. "The global initiatives and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs state policy on bringing the country's transportation infrastructure to the international standards and increasing its transit potential contributes significantly to the country's social and economic development, Minister added. Furthermore, Azerbaijan had turned in to an important transport hub, accommodating various transit routes, the countrys positions in the world and in the region had been amplified and its political and strategic importance had grown," said Mustafayev. Minister added that the Coordinating Council on Transit Freight was established in accordance with the Presidents October 21, 2015 decree and is dedicated to the effective use of the countrys transit potential. "As a result of the Coordinating Council's activity, almost 16,000 trucks passed through the territory of Azerbaijan in January-June of 2017, which, by 1.5 times, is more, compared with the same period of 2016, said Mustafayev. In general, 5.5 million tons of various transit cargos were transported through the countrys territory in January-June of 2017. About 80 percent (4.4 million tons) of those cargos accounted for oil and oil products, 20 percent (1.1 million tons) non-oil products. The transportation of oil and oil products increased by 23 percent, while non-oil products by 36 percent in January-June of 2017 compared with the same period of 2016, Minister noted. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Azad Hasanli Trend: The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) sold $253.2 million at the currency auctions organized by the countrys Central Bank (CBA) in the month of July, 2017, SOFAZ stated on Aug 2. During the seven months of 2017, SOFAZ sold more than $1.94 billion at the currency auctions. In total, the Azerbaijani banks bought about $4.92 billion from SOFAZ in 2016. SOFAZ will continue selling the currency through auctions in 2017. The currency is sold as part of SOFAZs transfers to the Azerbaijani state budget, which are envisaged in the volume of 6.1 billion manats for 2017. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Huseyn Veliyev Trend: Airbus DC GEO Hungary, a Hungarian IT consulting firm, is shutting down its branch in Azerbaijan, the Vergiler (Taxes) newspaper of Azerbaijans Taxes Ministry reported Aug. 2. The firms representative office was officially opened in Azerbaijan on March 16, 2016. Creditors of the company can present their claims to: 90A, Nizami Street, Sabail district, Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier, Azercosmos OJSC, Azerbaijans satellite operator, told Trend that the Hungarian companys experts were sent to Azerbaijan to build a ground-based antenna system for the low-altitude satellite AzerSky and to train the Azercosmos employees. Bakcell, The First Mobile Operator and Leading Mobile Internet Provider of Azerbaijan has held yet another workshop for the journalists on the topic of The Introduction to Mobile Communications. This years workshop has featured discussions on the topics as digitalization, roaming, startup environment in Azerbaijan and the Applab project, internet products, information security, innovative solutions offered to the corporate customers of Bakcell and etc. Mobile telecommunications is one of the fastest developing industries in the world. The professionals from Bakcell are pleased to join our sessions in order to ensure that journalists who cover the telecommunications area are well aware with the innovations and feel comfortable in reflecting this knowledge in their daily work. This is the fourth year that we are organizing Introduction to Mobile Communications seminars, with participation of 30-40 media representatives, and we are planning to continue this useful experience in future, says Suheyla Jafarova, Head of Corporate Communications Unit at Bakcell. As a part of the event, head of the Customer Experience and Channel Management Subunit Emin Askersoy talked about main tendencies of digital transformation and its positive effects on raising customer satisfaction. Moreover, senior TADIG (Transferred Account Data Interchange Group) specialist of Bakcell Lev Gunin shared information on the operating mechanism of the roaming service, tariffs regulation, rules of establishing roaming partnerships with mobile operators of different countries, as well as the overall service organization process of the roaming department. Senior Data products development specialist Nazli Orujova delivered a presentation about the most innovative mobile data products, offered by Bakcell which is a proud operator for its fastest mobile network services in Azerbaijan. Application development manager Orkhan Babayev talked about the startup environment in Azerbaijan and the Applab project of Bakcell. And last but not least, the journalists enjoyed the presentation about some of the unique services provided to customers of Bakcell, as well as the Information Security, delivered by the Product Development manager Shamil Hasanov. Bakcell, The First Mobile Operator and Leading Mobile Internet Provider of Azerbaijan, offers a wide range of products for modern mobile communications users. Bakcell provides the class-leading 3G and 4G mobile internet experience in the country under the Su[email protected] brand name. With more than 5300 base stations, the network of Bakcell covers more than 99% of the population and 93% of the land area of the country (excluding the occupied territories). Bakcell is a leader in innovation and focuses on bringing the best of the mobile internet to Azerbaijanis through new partnerships and its Su[email protected] services. Bakcell 3G service is available in all regions of Azerbaijan and covers 93% of population. For more information about Bakcell and offered products and services, please visit www.bakcell.com or call 555. For press releases please see www.bakcell.com/az/news (or www.bakcell.com/en/news for press releases in English). If you are not a Bakcell subscriber, but wish to find out about Bakcell and its services, please call 012 498 89 89. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Aug. 2 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend One hundred sixty pilgrims from Turkmenistan will leave for Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj from August 17 to September 7, the Turkmen government said in a message Aug. 2. The corresponding order was signed by Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. According to the document, Turkmenistan Airlines, the flag carrier airline of Turkmenistan, is to make a special flight for transporting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back. Upon arrival in Mecca, pilgrims perform all obligatory hajj rituals, then they visit Medina. Turkmenistan has been financing the transportation of pilgrims to Mecca since 2001. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Aug 2 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend According to the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary (state news agency), 1,800 out of around 1,900 big facilities are being built by the domestic enterprises in Turkmenistan. The priority direction of the construction materials industry is the cement production. Portland cement produced at the country's plants is used in construction of the high-rise buildings and other facilities in the seismic zone. Furthermore, the production of oil well cement for the oil and gas industry, as well as sulfate-resistant cement, used for laying foundations, construction of bridge supports and other hydraulic structures, has been established in the country. The metallurgical and gas-concrete plants in Ovadan Depe in the countrys Ahal province contribute to the diversification of the national economy. Turkmen enterprises also produce leer panels, reinforced blocks, expanded clay, prefabricated reinforced concrete products, ceramic bricks and facing slabs. Large-panel housing construction plants, designed for manufacturing reinforced concrete structures for the construction of multi-storey residential buildings and cottage style houses, greatly increased their capacities. The output volumes of ceramic bricks, rebars, metal profiles, plastic and fiberglass pipes were increased. Turkmenistans rich natural resources make it possible to increase the production of expanded clay, the main component of which is argillite, which is extracted at the Yagman field in the countrys Balkan province. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 2 By Kamila Aliyeva Trend: Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov held a meeting with the newly appointed Pakistani Ambassador to Uzbekistan Irfan Yusuf Shami today, the Uzbek Foreign Ministrys Jahon news agency reported. The talks addressed the issues of Uzbek-Pakistani relations, perspective directions of interaction in the spheres of politics and security, taking into the account Pakistans full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Intensification of the mutually beneficial ties in the commercial, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields were also considered at the meeting. The sides stressed mutual interest in enhancing cooperation on a systematic basis. In this regard, they spoke in favour of coordinating the Road Map, with the inclusion of specific bilateral events, along with the amplification of contacts between representatives of the business circles of both countries in various formats. The parties also exchanged views on the current issues of international and regional character. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 2 By Kamila Aliyeva Trend: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree on measures to further the reform of the system of state and corporate procurement of goods and services, according to the information published on the website of Uzbek Economy Ministry on July 1. The decree aims at ensuring the effective use of the state budget funds, state trust funds, to further the development of competition and equal access of business entities to the state and corporate orders for the supply of goods (services), as well as openness and transparency of this process. According to this decree, the state enterprise Directorate of International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange will be liquidated. National Agency for Project Management under the President of Uzbekistan, jointly with Finance and Economy Ministries, State Committee for the Promotion of Privatized Enterprises and Development of Competition were instructed to make proposals on the radical improvement of the system of the state and corporate purchases of goods (works, services) within the period of two months. The State Committee for Investments, the Ministry of Foreign Trade jointly with the Justice Ministry and other interested governmental branches should submit proposals for further development of exhibition and fair activities of the National Exhibition Complex Uzexpocentre to the Cabinet of Ministers. They should also propose relative amendments to the legislation. Iran has rejected as untrue claims by a Saudi Foreign Ministry official about Tehrans refusal to fully investigate the 2016 storming of the kingdoms embassy and consulate in the Islamic Republic, PressTV reported. Visas for a Saudi delegation to visit the diplomatic missions were issued last month, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi was quoted by IRNA as saying on Tuesday. An unnamed Saudi Foreign Ministry official claimed on Monday that Iranian authorities had persistently and consistently stalled and refused to resume investigations into the incident of storming the kingdoms embassy in capital Tehran and its consulate in city of Mashhad, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Qassemi dismissed the allegations, saying These are erroneous and untrue comments. It seems that such remarks were made without any coordination with informed and relevant officials at Saudi Foreign Ministry. He added that Tehran and Riyadh had reached an agreement over the visit to diplomatic missions, saying that the Iranian side issued visas for the Saudi delegation nearly a month ago after Saudi Foreign Ministry accepted the principle of reciprocity. The license for an exclusive flight for the abovementioned delegation was issued in the shortest possible time and this delegation was scheduled to arrive in Tehran on Sunday, but they themselves made a request to postpone the trip in order to make necessary preparation, the Iranian spokesperson pointed out. It seems likely that the Saudi side has been taken by surprise as a result of Irans goodwill and swift measures and, as usual, has started playing the blame game, he said. Attackers held violent protests in front of Saudi Arabias embassy in the Iranian capital as well as its diplomatic mission in Mashhad on January 2, 2016 against the kingdoms earlier execution of its leading Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Tehran has condemned the attacks, calling its perpetrators rogue elements. Riyadh reacted to the violence by rupturing its diplomatic ties with Tehran, which it has not restored to date. Tehran, Iran, August 1 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Placing the server of the messaging app Telegram in Iran will offer no particular security boost for the user data, an expert told Trend August 1. It is a false idea that anything can be safe on the internet, be it on a server inside or outside ones country, because once online, data is accessible to many entities, Said Aladpoosh, CEO of Donya Press Content Institute said. The sole beneficiary of such a transfer would be the Iranian side, which would be able to access the server via Intranet (an Iran-wide network under development) with much bigger bandwidth, Aladpoosh noted. There long have been talks about governments efforts to place Telegram server in Iran. Last week ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi announced that the government has had at last managed to do so. Nonetheless, Pavel Durov, the creator of Telegram, denied those claims. On August 1 Vaezi refuted his previous announcement by stating that Durov was correct. Tehran, Iran, Aug 2 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: The President of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Valiollah Seif has called upon Pakistan to cooperate by complimenting in the opening of the respective national bank branches in both countries. Speaking at the meeting with Pakistani Ambassador to Tehran Assef Darani, Seif additionally urged the resumption of the joint membership of both countries in the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the CBI website reported Aug 2. Sources have said Pakistans Habib Bank is willing to open a branch in Iran. Seif stated that Iran is fully ready to issue authorization for Pakistani banks to open branches in the Islamic Republic. He added that Irans Bank Melli is also preparing to open a branch in Pakistan. Iran was expelled from the ACU after the imposition of the economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic in the early 2010s. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 2 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: Moscow and Tehran may unite in view of the pressure exerted on them by the US and its new sanctions. Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian Presidents special representative for the Middle East and African countries, has been recently discussing this topic with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Jaberi Ansari at the meeting in Moscow on Aug 1. Meanwhile, the US House voted 419-3 in favor of new sanctions on Iran, Russia and North Korea on July 25. US Senate approved this bill on July 27. The bill must be signed in by the US President, for the sanctions to go into effect. "These are absolutely illegitimate actions, which do not contribute to mutual understanding and trust between us and the Americans," Bogdanov said at a meeting with Ansari, also attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation Mehdi Sanai. Bogdanov hinted that from now on, Russia and US will not have congruent approaches to the situation in the region, in particular, apparently, even in Syria. "US sanctions do not leave us with prospects of ability to coordinate our approaches to a number of regional issues, including relations with Iran," he said. This is a very interesting statement, due to the fact that Moscow and Washington have had common ground on regional issues, especially on Syria, which has not pleased Iran. Iran was carefully observing the situation, when after Donald Trumps inauguration Russia began to make attempts of amplification of the level of interaction over Syria with Washington. The ceasefire agreement in south-western Syria, concluded under the auspices of Russia and the United States, and agreed upon during the historic meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg on July 7, has testified to that notion. Iran, at that time, unequivocally opposed such initiatives, fearing, apparently, that the amicable Russia-US coalition in Syria bears risks to Tehrans influence in the region. Nevertheless, imposition of new sanctions by the US has radically changed the situation. Bogdanov said that currently Russia and Iran are coordinating specific measures for the settlement of Syrian conflict. Moscow reacted to the US sanctions by making an ambivalent decision to amplify its relations with another sanction-affected side Iran. Moscow may support Iran, in case of its withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has recently spoken about this possibility in an interview with The National Interest magazine. If Iran withdraws from the deal and reverts to its nuclear program, Russia may use the right of veto and ban the re-introduction of Iran's nuclear file to the Security Council, which will prevent the imposition of new UN sanctions on Iran. Thereby, US, itself, have done everything in the way of unifying two biggest countries in the region against Washington. Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agencys Russian news service, follow her on Twitter:@EmmaTariver Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Emil Ilgar Trend: A half of Hassan Rouhanis cabinet would be changed, Mohammad Nahavandian, the chief of staff of the president, has told journalists, ISNA reports. Responding to a question about possible pressures on Iranian president in arranging the new cabinet, he said that the pressures are useless. We have had consultations with experts about new cabinet, he added. Critics say Rouhanis current administration has the oldest roster among all the cabinets since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. Hassan Rouhani earlier criticized those top officials who refused to back his governments performance during the presidential campaign in May. While some observers suggest the president is likely to appoint more pro-reform ministers in his second term, Rouhani earlier pledged to get use of younger ministers compared to the current cabinet. Iranians re-elected Hassan Rouhani as the countrys president at the May 19 election for a four-year term. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 1 By Farhad Daneshvar Trend: While President Hassan Rouhani is expected to introduce the members of his new cabinet in coming days, rumors have swept Iran suggesting that no females would assume any ministerial seats within the next administration. Mohammad Ali Abtahi, the former vice president under Mohammad Khatami and a well-known pro-reform figure, has told Trend that President Rouhanis refusal to nominate female ministers would decline his popularity in the country, in particular among women. "President Rouhani during his electoral campaign promised to appoint female ministers. [Former President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad earlier paved the way for employing women in the government. If Mr. Rouhani refuses to use women ministers, his popularity among the people will dramatically decline," Abtahi told Trend. Abtahi further added that President Rouhani has allegedly decided to refrain from using females in the cabinet. Back in 2009 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appointed Marzieh Dastjerdi as the first Iranian female cabinet minister since the foundation of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Women seized 62 percent of university seats in the Iranian calendar years between 2008 and 2011. However, the females formed only 3 percent of the MPs in the same years. Now about 40 year after the formation of the Islamic Republic many blame the countrys political system for its refusal to appoint women to senior posts. Although Iranian women had a key role in the 1979 revolution, they failed to keep their role in the countrys political system after the formation of the Islamic Republic. However, a couple of outstanding women like Masoumeh Ebtekar, Shahindokht Molaverdi and Marzieh Shah-Daei have held senior posts in the government. It appears that the Iranian society still remains traditional, but some developments regarding the women rights seem to take place in the country. For instance, the women currently have an active presence in the countrys city councils. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 1 By Farhad Daneshvar Trend: While many inside Iran and abroad have expressed concerns over water crisis in the country, an Iranian lawmaker has rejected the opinions that suggest the issue may turn into a security threat. "It is a wrong interpretation to describe the water shortage issue as a security threat. However, this is a significant problem and requires a serious follow-up," Kazem Jalali, a member of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, told Trend. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the same committee, had earlier warned that water crisis has escalated into a national security predicament, adding that the parliament had to launch a special committee to tackle the problem. Boroujerdi had also criticized the countrys officials over their failure to consider the problem as a serious issue over the past decades, saying Iran has very limited water resources. "Water shortage has become a national security threat," he was quoted as saying by Iranian media in late June. Iranian experts have already criticized agricultural sector for wasting water resources as the sector accounts for about 90 percent of water consumption in the country, blamed on irrigation methods that are highly inefficient. Low cost of water, excessive construction of dams, substandard irrigating methods and systems as well as drought and climate change are among the main reasons escalating the water issue in the Middle Eastern state. Tehran, Iran, Aug 2 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Unidentified persons left 60 handguns and fled into the Iraqi territory after being discovered and pursued by the Iranian Police in Kermanshah Province, ISNA news agency reported on Aug 2. Kermanshah Province has been making it into the headlines in the past couple of months, due to the reports concerning twin terrorist attacks by the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) in the capital city of Tehran. A few weeks after the attacks, Iranian authorities said they demolished the house that the attackers had used as a hideout in Kermanshah Province. Previously, local officials stated that they had arrested 50 persons, who affiliated with and provided support to the IS members involved in the attacks. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Kamila Aliyeva Trend: The construction of a gas trunk line, called Line D, via Tajikistan to China is definitely positive for Turkmenistan, even if it makes the Central Asian nation that much more reliant on China, Andrew Neff, a principal analyst with the IHS Petroleum Sector Risk team, told Trend. Neff says that Turkmenistan is solely reliant on China in gas issues since Gazprom previously halted imports of Turkmen gas and the payment dispute with Iran has prompted Turkmenistan to stop supplies to the Islamic Republic. At the same time, Turkmen gas deliveries to Kazakhstan are minimal and seasonal in nature, according to the expert. The construction of additional lines means that Turkmenistan is at least keen to increase the volume of gas it supplies to China, particularly after slower demand growth in 2016, he said. He further noted that the prospects for other gas pipelines from Turkmenistan, such as Trans-Caspian pipeline, TAPI or others will not be impacted. I think the prospects for TAPI and the Trans-Caspian are relatively independent from Line D. TAPI may succeed or more likely fail on its own merits, due to security issues and Turkmenistans inability to attract external investment, Neff said. Talking about the Trans-Caspian pipeline, the expert noted that this project is being held up by the inability of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to agree on a maritime border and subsequent joint development of the Kapaz/Serdar oil and gas field. The Caspian Sea border agreement and joint development deal could pave the way for construction of the Trans-Caspian, provided both countries have the political will to proceed in the face of expected Russian and Iranian opposition. However, one would expect the EU, the US, and Turkey to support the project, he said. Chinas CNPC started construction of Tajik section or Line D of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China gas pipeline on July 26. The Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline Project, involving laying of a 300-km gas pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to the coast of Azerbaijan, is optimal for the delivery of Turkmen energy resources to the European market. Further, Turkmen gas can go through existing pipelines to Turkey, which borders European countries. The project may be implemented as part of the huge Southern Gas Corridor project designed to transport gas from the Caspian region to European countries. Negotiations on the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline among the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan began in September 2011. Baku, Azerbaijan, August 2 By Kamila Aliyeva Trend: Although Islamic Republics testing of ballistic missiles is not a clear violation of the 2015 nuclear agreement from the legal standpoint, it is inconsistent with the accord and the UN resolution that endorsed it, Ahmad Khalid Majidyar, a fellow and the director of IranObserved Project at the Middle East Institute, told Trend. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was signed by Tehran and five world powers in 2015 does not address Irans missile program, he said. Nevertheless, the subsequent UN Security Council Resolution 2231 calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to the ballistic missiles designed nuclear weapons delivery capabilities, including launches using such missile technology, according to the expert. Iranian officials argue that the countrys missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads. At the same time, Western officials say some of the missiles, which have been tested by Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal, have been inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons and are in defiance of the U.N. resolution, he said. Another expert in the Middle Eastern regional security affairs, with a particular focus on Iran, Alex Vatanka noted that, although Iran claims it does not violate the 2015 agreement, its missile tests surely do not result in building confidence between Iran and the Trump administration. Both Iran and the US are testing each other and this missile test is Iran's response to Trump's anti-Iran rhetoric, he added. Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia - plus Germany signed the JCPOA on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on January 16, 2016. Under the agreement, limits were put on Irans nuclear activities in exchange for, among other things, the removal of all nuclear-related bans against the Islamic Republic. The UN Security Council later unanimously endorsed a resolution that effectively turned the JCPOA into international law. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: In order to expose the Armenian lies about Nagorno-Karabakh, it is enough to hold a census in the occupied region of Azerbaijan, following which it will be found out that nearly 30,000-40,000 people are living there, which is three times less than before the occupation, Elkhan Alasgarov, head of Expert Council of the Baku International Policy and Security Network (Baku Network), said in an interview with CBC TV channel. The question is why did Armenians demand independence and the right to self-determination if 150,000 Armenians were living there when the territory was under Azerbaijans control? And now, due to positive tendencies, their number has decreased to 30,000-40,000. Are these 30,000-40,000 Armenians going to build an independent state? This is a very important question, noted the expert. According to him, Armenia itself hasnt yet decided on the future of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. From time to time, ideas emerge in Yerevan about a possible annexation of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, or about granting the status of self-determination, said Alasgarov. Yerevan understands perfectly well that 30,000-40,000 Armenians cant claim self-determination. Otherwise, Armenia will also have to give the right to self-determination to the Kurds living in its own territory, noted the expert. The whole path of Armenias President Serzh Sargsyan to the highest state position was accompanied by bloody battles, political murders, and confrontation for power, he said, adding Sargsyan is a political face of todays Armenia, which has all the features of nationalists, terrorists and criminals. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, two countries of the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan and Georgia, fought for their independence, while the Armenian society adhered to another ideology to prove to the world that the Armenian people faced a genocide. Politicians and authorities of Armenia have tried to make the world recognize the genocide, as if its recognition by certain political circles of some countries would bring the Armenian people some advantage, said Alasgarov. Another important part of this ideology was Nagorno-Karabakh, noted the expert, adding that the Armenian authorities have repeatedly held elections in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, thereby trying to prove something to the whole world. These tendencies in the Armenian ideology have led Armenia into the current distressed situation, he said, adding that there are simply no political forces in Armenia that could change the situation. The current political elite of Armenia is a group that is built upon a specific clan principle, and all the important political, economic and military positions are occupied by people from the Karabakh clan, said Alasgarov. It is impossible to talk about any success of this clan, because Armenia is still in a difficult economic and social situation. Of course, the Armenian diaspora forces stand behind all the actions of this clan, he noted, adding that in order to preserve the power, the military-political leadership in Yerevan needs leverage to influence its people. 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. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and South Korean Ambassador to Russia Pak Ro-byug met on Tuesday to discuss situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, TASS reported. "A keen exchange of opinions regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula took place, [the sides] discussed acute regional problems and other issues on the international agenda," the ministry said in a statement. On July 4, North Koreas television announced the first successful launch of the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers and flew 933 kilometers. In response, the US government urged the international community to take global measures in connection with the growing North Korean threat. Lately, Washington has been insisting that Russia and China wrapped up the bulk of their economic cooperation with Pyongyang. In early July, the United States distributed among the UN Security Council member states its draft resolution toughening international economic sanctions on North Korea. In a recent ABC interview, Ryabkov said Moscow was ready to support a resolution envisaging "further measures" regarding North Korea, but they should not lead to "economic suffocation" of the country. President Donald Trump grudgingly accepted new congressional sanctions on Russia, the top U.S. diplomat said on Tuesday, remarks in contrast with those of Vice President Mike Pence, who said the bill showed Trump and Congress speaking "with a unified voice," Reuters reported/ The U.S. Congress voted last week by overwhelming margins for sanctions to punish the Russian government over interference in the 2016 presidential election, annexation of Crimea and other perceived violations of international norms. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters that he and Trump did not believe the new sanctions would "be helpful to our efforts" on diplomacy with Russia. Trump has been clear that he wants to improve relations with Russia, a desire that has been hamstrung by findings of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia interfered to help the Republican against Democrat Hillary Clinton. U.S. congressional panels and a special counsel are investigating. Moscow denies any meddling and Trump denies any collusion by his campaign. Tillerson, who did business in Russia when he was chief executive of Exxon Mobil, has said repeatedly that the world's two major nuclear powers cannot have such a bad relationship. "The action by the Congress to put these sanctions in place and the way they did, neither the President nor I were very happy about that," Tillerson said. "We were clear that we didn't think it was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made, they made it in a very overwhelming way. I think the president accepts that." Tillerson stopped short of saying definitively that Trump would sign the sanctions, saying only that "all indications are he will sign that bill." Vice President Mike Pence, at a press conference in Georgia with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, said unequivocally that "President Trump will sign the Russia sanctions bill soon." Pence acknowledged that the administration objected to earlier versions of the sanctions bill because it did not grant enough flexibility to the administration, but said it "improved significantly" in later versions. "And let me say that in signing the sanction, our President and our Congress are speaking with a unified voice," Pence said. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday the sanctions bill was under review and would be signed. "There's nothing holding him back," Sanders said at a news briefing. Trump has until Aug. 9 to sign the bill, or veto it, or it will automatically become law. In retaliation for the sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia must reduce its staff by 755 people. Russia is also seizing two properties near Moscow used by American diplomats. Tillerson said Putin probably believes his response was a symmetrical action to Washington seizing two Russian properties in the United States and expelling 35 diplomats last December. Aleksander Mazmev, who is the Russian citizen, as well as two Chileans died in Peru during an ascent of one of the mountains located in the Andes, media reported, Sputnik reported. The RPP news outlet reported Tuesday citing Rafael Figueroa from the Mountain Guides Association of Peru (AGMP) that the rescue operation kicked off on Monday, but the bodies had been found only a day later as the people were killed by an avalance. The media outlet added that the killed people, including Mazmev, who had also the US citizenship in addition to the Russian one, would be sent to a camp near the mountain, then would be delivered to the town of Caras and sent to their home countries. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 Trend: President Donald Trump signed into law Wednesday morning legislation that levies new sanctions against Russia and restricts Trump's own ability to ease sanctions in place against Moscow, CNN reported Aug. 2 citing a White House official. The bill is one of the first major pieces of legislation that was sent to Trumps desk, and it represents a rebuke of the President by giving Congress new veto power to block him from removing Russia sanctions. Even before Trump signed the bill, the measure prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to retaliate against the US over the new sanctions, which Congress levied over Russian interference in the 2016 US election, as well as Russia's annexation of Crimea and aggression in Syria. In addition to the new US sanctions on Russia, former President Barack Obama seized two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland in December in response to the election meddling. Russia responded by ordering the US to cut staff at its diplomatic mission by 755 employees, as well as seizing two US diplomatic properties. The new sanctions bill hits Russias energy and defense sectors, and also includes fresh sanctions against Iran and North Korea. The measure was signed into law after it passed with overwhelming margins in both the House and Senate -- which made the threat of a presidential veto a non-starter -- but it was not an easy road to Trumps desk. After the Senate passed the sanctions on Iran and Russia 98-2, the bill languished in the House for more than a month amid a series of procedural fights. Then the House added North Korean sanctions before passing the measure 419-3, effectively forcing the Senate to swallow the new sanctions in order to get the legislation over the finish line before Congress left for its August congressional recess. The House and Senate struck a deal to make some changes to the bill at the urging of a host of US industries and European countries, but Congress did not consider making the change that the White House wanted: removing the congressional review on Russia sanctions from the bill. White House officials lobbied to weaken the section giving Congress a veto on the easing of sanctions, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned Congress the administration should have flexibility to negotiate with Russia and improve relations. But key Republican and Democratic lawmakers said that weakening congressional review was not on the table when they were finalizing the legislation. Germany believes the US ex-territorial sanctions are unacceptable, a spokesman at the German Foreign Ministry told TASS in a comment on President Donald Trump's signing into law of a bill on sanctions against Russia that was earlier endorsed by both houses of the U.S. Congress. "This was something to be expected and it's important to see now how Trump will handle the law," the spokesman said. "That 's why we're calling for a close coordination of the policy of sanctions, the way it is envisioned by law." "As for the ex-territorial sanctions that stand at variance with international law, we don't support them," he said. A small airplane made an emergency landing on a popular, crowded beach near Lisbon on Wednesday, killing two people, Reuters reported. Local television showed dozens of beachgoers crowding around the airplane, which had come to a stop near the water without any major damage. Two pilots onboard were unharmed and were being questioned by authorities. Pedro Coelho Dias, a spokesman for the national maritime authority, said a man and a child were killed after the plan hit them, according to news agency Lusa. Sao Joao de Caparica beach is one of the closest to Lisbon and draws big crowds in August, when the Portuguese take their main summer holidays. Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The command structure of the Turkish Armed Forces has been changed at a meeting of the Supreme Military Council held in Turkey Aug. 2, the countrys media outlets reported. According to reports, Incumbent Gendarmerie Commander Gen. Yashar Guler has been appointed as commander-in-chief of the Turkish Land Forces, Vice Admiral Adnan Ozbal as commander-in-chief of the Turkish Navy, and General Hasan Kucukakyuz has been appointed as the new air force commander. The Supreme Military Council (YAS) meeting at the Cankaya Prime Ministry Office was chaired by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar. It was previously reported that as a result of purges in Turkeys Armed Forces after the July 15 military coup attempt, the number of generals and admirals decreased by 40 percent. There were 236 generals and admirals in the Turkish Armed Forces before the coup attempt, and currently, their numbers total at 96. Reportedly, after the military coup attempt, about 13,000 servicemen, most of whom were ranked reserve officers, were called back for duty into the Turkish Armed Forces. It should be noted that on July 15, 2016, Turkish authorities stated that a military coup attempt took place in the country, as a group of servicemen declared the transition of power. Taking into consideration that rebelling servicemen started to surrender on July 16, Turkish authorities stated that the coup attempt had failed. Nonetheless, more than 255 Turkish citizens were killed during the attempted coup. Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey is simultaneously fighting against three terrorist organizations, the countrys media quoted Prime Minister Binali Yildirim as saying at a meeting of the Turkish Supreme Military Council Aug. 2. Yildirim noted that one of these terrorist organizations is the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and the other two are the Fethullah Gulens movement (FETO) and the Islamic State terrorist group (aka IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh). According to him, the fight with the listed terrorist organizations has strengthened significantly. There are external and internal threats to Turkeys security, noted the prime minister. It should be noted that the command structure of the Turkish Armed Forces has been changed at a meeting of the Supreme Military Council, held Aug. 2. Under the Councils decision, Incumbent Gendarmerie Commander Gen. Yashar Guler has been appointed as commander-in-chief of the Turkish Land Forces, Vice Admiral Adnan Ozbal as commander-in-chief of the Turkish Navy, and General Hasan Kucukakyuz has been appointed as the new air force commander. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 2 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Berlin is an important ally of Ankara, and therefore, Turkey doesnt want to plague relations with Germany, said Turkish Minister of European Union Affairs Omer Celik in an interview with the TRT Haber news channel. He said that, regrettably, there is a tension in the relations between Germany and Turkey at the present time. Celik noted that, unfortunately, Germany still doesnt ensure the extradition of several members of the PKK [Kurdish Workers Party] terrorist organization to Turkey. Germanys demand to freeze talks with Turkey on modernization of the customs union, which is not beneficial for any side, said the minister. Politics shouldnt become a weapon for the economy, he added. It should be noted that earlier, the German government demanded from the European Union to exert financial pressure on Ankara. Moreover, the government of Germany thinks that the EU should freeze negotiations with Turkey on the modernization of the customs union. Earlier, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that the country will review its economic policy towards Ankara, as well as its credit and investment programs, due to the arrest of human rights activists in Turkey. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, for its part, characterized Gabriels statements about the revision of relations with Turkey as unacceptable, noting that they augment the current crisis between the two countries. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu KYODO NEWS - Aug 1, 2017 - 00:22 | World, All Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was elected Tuesday as the new prime minister of Pakistan, succeeding Nawaz Sharif whom the Supreme Court ruled last week was unfit to hold public office. Abbasi, the nominee of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, beat three other candidates nominated by opposition parties in the vote within the National Assembly, the lower house of the Pakistan parliament. (Getty) He had been expected to win, as the ruling PML-N controls 187 of the 342 seats in the National Assembly. Abbasi won with 221 votes. Abbasi, a longtime Sharif loyalist and former minister of petroleum and natural resources, had been widely expected to serve only temporarily as premier. He was expected to be replaced -- possibly within months -- by Shahbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif's younger brother and chief minister of Punjab province. However, domestic media began reporting even before the voting began that the younger brother is unwilling to resign as the Punjab chief minister and go along with the ruling party plan to restore a Sharif as Pakistan's leader. Since only members of parliament are eligible to become prime minister, the ruling party was said to be planning to engineer a by-election in a safe party seat for Shahbaz Sharif to win and then replace Abbasi as prime minister. Abbasi comes from a business family and owns the airline Air Blue, which operates flights to several cities within Pakistan and to Middle Eastern countries. His father was an air force officer who later set up a construction company that won many contracts in oil-rich Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia. In his first speech after being elected Pakistan's new leader, Abbasi indicated that he would not be a mere interim prime minister. "I am not here to warm the seat. Even if I am here for 45 days, I will try to get what could be achieved in 45 months," Abbasi said, declaring economic improvement and income tax expansion would be his top priorities. He also said that if his cabinet and parliament approved, he would cancel licenses for automatic weapons issued by previous governments. Abbasi began his speech by defending Nawaz Sharif, and declaring the people of Pakistan have not accepted the Supreme Court decision last Friday to disqualify him for holding public office for life. "I am sure that Pakistan's real prime minister Nawaz Sharif will once again occupy the office of prime minister," Abbasi said, and indicated that politics, not justice, led to his judicial sacking. The Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from holding public office for hiding assets, following a corruption inquiry prompted by three of his children being named in the Panama Papers as owners of offshore companies suspected of laundering money. Yet the investigation found evidence that Sharif had failed to report only a minor amount of annual income, and no evidence that he had abused public office for private gain. "Nawaz Sharif did not indulge in corruption. There was no corruption charge against him," Abbasi noted. No Pakistan prime minister has ever remained in office to the end of their term since Pakistan was formed through the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. Sharif himself has been sacked as prime minister three times, including in 1993 by presidential degree, and in 1999 by a coup led by then Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Naveed Qamar of the Pakistan Peoples Party, one of the three other candidates in Tuesday's election, said he expected Abbasi would serve as prime minister until the next election in 2018. "I give you 10 months not 45 days," Qamar said in his congratulatory speech after the election result was announced. The new prime minister is scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday evening at the residence of President Mamnoon Hussain, who will administer the oath of office. Everything is a trend these days and twins who share the same wardrobe is one trend that is catching on fast. Legit.ng had earlier reported twin sisters who are Instagram famous for wearing the same outfits and taking gorgeous photos. The Aneke twins are another group looking to stand out with the same concept but with more of Nigerian fashion. The adult twin sisters who are actresses and movie producers share a special bond and reflect it in their style on social media. READ ALSO: Lovely pre-wedding photos of a soldier and his bae Such a time to be alive when in the past twins were considered a bad omen and were killed. Today, twins can show style in a different way. After all, if it looks good, it's only right to do it twice. Aneke twins know what fits their body type so they take time to wear similar outfits and pose for all to see the magic of identical twins. Here are five new photos of the adorable twins which shows their beauty and style in all its glory. 1. Sisi Eko Source: Instagram, Aneke Twins 2. Beauty queen swag Source: Instagram, Aneke Twins 3. Yellow is for princesses Source: Instagram, Aneke Twins READ ALSO: Bobrisky reacts to his ugly photos 4. Powerful bond Source: Instagram, Aneke Twins 5. That Lucy Lu vibe Source: Instagram, Aneke Twins PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Watch Legit.ng video on whether N30 million can change one's lifestyle: Source: Legit.ng 20 years ago today August 2, 2017, the world lost Afrobeat icon and Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Since his death, very few musicians have been able to step inside his shoes. Fela wasnt just a musician. Wikipedia describes him as a human rights activist, and political maverick. At the height of his popularity, he was often hailed as one of Africa's most challenging and charismatic music performers. His sons Femi and Seun have done well to carve a niche for themselves. Both are world renowned musicians with Femi even breaking a long standing record for the longest held musical note as he played a single sax note for over 51 minutes. Legit.ng has curated a list of musicians who for one reason or the other stand a chance of attaining the level of influence Fela had and still has in the world today. READ ALSO: Abami Eda: 7 Fela quotes Nigerians will never forget 1. Wizkid No other Nigerian musician currently has the appeal internationally like Wizkid does. Since he signed a record deal with international record label Sony/RCA, his career has reached almost stratospheric levels. Before he even blew on the international scene, the Starboy CEO has already worked with Femi Kuti on the track Jaiye Jaiye. His music doesnt necessarily take on societal issues like Felas but due to his current reach and his dress sense (sometimes), Wizzy heads this list. 2. Burna Boy In 2013, Burna Boy drew criticisms for performing at Felas Shrine wearing his underwear. But that is not the reason why he is on this list. Burnas music and talent is what earns him a spot on here. If only he could just get his act together perhaps he could get to abami edas level. 3. Orezi Orezis inclusion on this list is simply because of his latest song titled Cooking Pot. In the video, Orezi borrows from Felas theme while also delivering a strong message against r*pe and the need for consensual s*x. If he continues on this path, who knows he may just Brymo Of all the musicians on this list, Brymo is the only musician who actually tackles societal issues with most of his songs. For this alone, he deserves a place here. Besides, have you seen Brymo perform on stage? Its a spiritual something! Dbanj Some would argue that its already too late for Dbanj to reach Felas level but that isnt true. The Kokomaster proved he has still got it when he released his hit single Emergency. Lets not also forget that he is the only one who has traction in other African countries. He remains the only Nigerian musician (in recent times) who has performed at an African cup of nations final. In 2015, he was applauded by World Bank Chief, Jim Yong Kim for using his music power and high celebrity status to bringing attention to serious and critical issues in Africa with special focus on agriculture and poverty alleviation. There is still time for him to become Fela in every sense. Asa Asa and Femi Kuti No, its not a mistake Asa makes this list. Before Wizkid or Dbanj even got any traction abroad, Asa had been selling out concerts all over the world. So for this reason, Asa deserves a mention. Besides, wouldnt it be nice to see a Nigerian woman become as famous (or even more known) than Fela? Which musician did we miss? Who else could be just like Fela? Watch Iyanya tell Legit.ng the musicians that influenced his sound below: PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Nigeria Source: Legit.ng Putting on makeup while driving can get you pulled over in some states. Smartphones put the world at our fingertips, but they can also be a distraction. Thats why the mayor of Honolulu, HI banned pedestrians from looking at their mobile phones while crossing the street on July 28. The Distracted Walking Law will go into effect on October 25, giving officials the right to issue fines of $15 to $35 for people caught texting or gaming while navigating a crosswalk. Repeat offenders will receive a fine of up to $99. Honolulu is the first U.S. city to make such a law, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he hopes it will help to save lives. We hold the unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in the county, he said. While fining people for texting might seem outlandish, other cities also have strict rules against common behaviors. Here are five ways you can get fined for things you do every day. Applying makeup while driving About 14 states ban the use of mobile devices while driving, but drivers in Washington can also get fined for putting on mascara while behind the wheel. On July 23, the state passed a new distracted driving law that prohibits drivers from applying makeup while theyre on the go. Drivers can also receive fines for holding their phones or eating while driving. Fines start at $136 for the first offense and $234 for the second. Drinking on horseback Visitors to Denver often partake in outdoor activities like horseback riding, but theyll want to think twice before cracking open a cold one. Citizens are not allowed to ride a horse under the influence of alcohol, which is categorized as a traffic violation. The maximum fine is $100, but points are not added to your drivers license. This might sound like one of those old-timey laws that is no longer enforced, but that isnt the case here. In 2013, a man was fined and detained for being intoxicated while riding his horse down a street in Boulder. When questioned, the man said he was trying to get to his brothers wedding 600 miles away and couldnt find his drivers license. Perhaps next time hell just sleep it off. Story continues Cursing in public Many view curse words as a form of expression, but expressing yourself in Arlington, VA could cost you. In 2015, the Arlington County board increased the fine for swearing to $250 for anyone appearing intoxicated or profanely cursing. The citys previous ordinance against cursing in public carried a $100 fine. But Arlington isnt the only city with a ban on swearing. In 2012, Middleborough, Mass. introduced a $20 fine for people caught swearing public, a move that led to profanity-laden protests from locals living in the area. Biking on the sidewalk New York City is becoming more bike-friendly, but there are still several neighborhoods where bike lanes are non-existent. While it might feel safer to bike on the sidewalk, it will also get you in trouble. In NYC, bikers pedaling on a sidewalk will receive a $100 fine with the possibility of spending 20 days in jail! So to all cyclists, be sure to bike in the street if there isnt a designated lane for bikes. Just be sure to wear a helmet and watch out for taxi doors. Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance. 6 ways you can get fined while traveling abroad The New York City hustle every tourist needs to know about How Trumps new Cuba policy will impact US travelers Donald Trump Tim Cook Last week, President Donald Trump said Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook, had personally promised to build three "big beautiful plants" in the US. Apple has been silent about Trump's remarks, declining to comment to Business Insider and scores of other newspapers and news outlets that have asked. On Tuesday, during Apple's earning call, Cook was asked point blank about what the president's comments. Cook dodged the direct question. Here's the exchange: "UBS analyst Steven Milunovich: Government question, first of all: The president suggested that you may build three big, beautiful plants. Wonder if you'd comment on if that's a possibility, either directly or indirectly. "Apple CEO Tim Cook: Sure, starting with the US. Let me just take this question from a "what are we doing to increase jobs" [standpoint], which I think is probably where it's rooted. We've created 2 million jobs in the US we're incredibly proud of that. We do view we have a responsibility in the US to increase economic activity, including increasing jobs. Because Apple could have only been created here. So as we look at that 2 million, there are three main categories of that, to further build on that momentum. "The first category is app development. About three quarters of the 2 million are app developers, and we are doing an enormous amount of things to deliver curriculum to K-12 with Swift Playgrounds, in the K-6 area, other curriculum as you proceed beyond grade six. Just a couple of months ago, we announced a new curriculum that's focused on community schools, community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, for kids that did not have coding in their elementary and high-school years. And so we're excited about that because we think it could increase the diversity of the developer community and the quantity. And we think that this area in general and all the things we do for the developer community will be the largest contribution Apple can make because this is the fastest-growing job segment in the country, and we think will be for quite some time. Story continues "If you look at the second area, we have purchased about $50 billion worth of goods and services from US-based suppliers. Some significant proportion of those are manufacturing-related, and so we've asked ourselves what we can do to increase this. And you may have seen at the beginning of the quarter, April I believe, we announced an advanced manufacturing fund, that we're initially placing $1 billion in, and we've already deployed $200 million of that. The first recipient is Corning, in Kentucky, and they'll be using that money to expand the plant to make very innovative glass. We purchased that glass and essentially export it to the world with iPhones and iPads. We think there's more of these we can do there are probably several plants that can benefit from having some investment to grow or expand or even maybe set up shop in the US for the first time. "In the third area, we have about two-thirds of our employee base in the US despite only about one-third of our revenues being here. We have some things we'll say about that later in the year. So that's what we're doing from a job-growth point of view, and we're very very proud of that." Trump made the comments about the "big, beautiful plants" to The Wall Street Journal. Trump gave the interview shortly before Foxconn, Apple's top manufacturing partner, announced a factory in Wisconsin. Here's what Trump said: "Trump: But one of the things we're doing that, so Gary and I are working because I said, you know, Gary, we're going to have Foxconn come in. We're going to have a lot of companies that are coming in. Foxconn's coming in with a big plan. We have Tim Cook I spoke to, and he's promised me three big plants big, big, big. I said, you know, Tim, unless-- "Wall Street Journal: Really? Where? "Trump: Well have to see. You can call him. But I said, Tim, unless you start building your plants in this country, I won't consider my administration an economic success, OK? And he's called me and he says, you know, they're going forward, three big, beautiful plants. You'll have to call him. I mean, maybe he won't tell you what he tells me, but I believe he will do that. I really believe it." More From Business Insider FILE PHOTO: People line up at an Apple store shortly before it opens in Beijing, China, January 3, 2017. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo By Adam Jourdan and Pei Li SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) - Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is binding itself more closely to China as its share of the world's biggest smartphone market slips and it becomes more reliant on selling services which require government approval. A flurry of recent action by Cupertino-based Apple underlines its push to get on the right side of China's notoriously tough tech regulators, as it looks to revive sales there. This weekend it moved to block apps used to evade the country's internet censors, a decision that fits with Beijing's recent crackdown on unapproved online content. And Apple has announced it will establish its first China data center in the politically important province of Guizhou, and has created the new position of a managing director for Greater China, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. Apple's China revenues have stalled, falling for a fifth straight quarter in January-March, when sales grew in every other region. China recently slipped to Apple's third-largest market, as consumers have switched to newer domestic offerings. The buzz around new launches has also cooled since the iPhone 6 in 2014. When it unveiled quarterly earnings on Tuesday, revenue from the Greater China region fell 9.5 percent to $8 billion. Its once coveted iPhone has slipped into fifth position behind offerings from local rivals Huawei [HWT.UL], Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi [XTC.UL], analysts said. The iPhone's share of China's smartphone shipments fell to 9 percent in January-June, from a peak of 14 percent in 2015, according to consultancy Counterpoint. Having China's government on-side will certainly help. "Because others have eaten away at Apple's market share in China, it now has to pay more attention to regulation from government," said Beijing-based tech analyst Li Chengdong. "China is such a key market for Apple that it has to listen." In the company's earnings call, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said most of the problems in the China market were concentrated in Hong Kong. Story continues "If you look underneath the numbers, Mainland China was actually flat year-over-year" similar to the overall market in that country, Cook said. "And so we're very encouraged by that. iPad grew dramatically more than the market. The Mac grew much more than the market." Apple, like other U.S. tech brands including Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google, has looked to woo China's leaders to give it greater access, especially as it pushes services such as its App Store and Apple Pay. Services were Apple's rare bright spot in its struggling China business and logged double-digit revenue growth in Greater China in January-March. Cook said they "grew extremely strongly" during the most recent quarter in China. And maintaining momentum is crucial, as device sales may come under pressure again until Apple unveils its new iPhone, widely expected later this year in a milestone launch that will be key to winning back Chinese buyers. FRIENDLY SIGNAL The services push, however, comes with risks. China is tightening regulation of what it sees as its cyberspace, including online media, live streaming and gaming, and brought in a new cyber security law on June 1, pushing firms to store user data inside China's borders. Apple has made swift moves to comply, despite concerns by overseas business groups who say the law's strict data rules and storage requirements are overly vague. The new data center - part of a planned $1 billion investment in Guizhou province - has a potential political upside too. Beijing wants to turn Guizhou into a tech hub, while President Xi Jinping himself has close ties to the region as a delegate for the province at the Communist Party congress. "By setting up a data center and pulling VPNs, (Apple) is sending a friendly signal to the Chinese government," said Liu Xingliang, head of the DCCI Internet Research Institute. Apple said at the weekend it would remove virtual private network (VPN) services from its China App Store - systems that allow users to bypass China's so-called "Great Firewall" aimed at restricting access to overseas sites. Beijing has targeted VPNs as it bids to tighten control over the domestic internet, a drive that is ramping up ahead of the Communist Party Congress later this year. Some said the recent moves jarred with Apple's stance in the United States last year, when it opposed an FBI court order to break into an iPhone of a gunman who fatally shot 14 people in San Bernardino in December 2015, with Cook saying it would be "bad for America". Cook directly addressed those assertions on Tuesday. He said the company believes in "engaging with governments even when we disagree." "Some folks have tried to link [Apple's removal of VPNs form the Chinese App Store] to the U.S. situation last year. Theyre very different," Cook said. "In the case of the U.S., the law in the U.S. supported us. It was very clear. In the case of China, the law is very clear there. Like we would if the U.S. changed the law here, we have to abide by them in both cases. That doesnt mean that we dont state our point of view in the appropriate way, we always do that." But the U.S. firm's gamble here is clear: making moves to appease Chinese censors may prompt criticism outside China, but the firm will hope that local consumers are rather less fazed. "It's normal that Apple wants to get along well with the Chinese government," said Wang Siyue, 27, a marketing professional in Shanghai, who is a long-term iPhone user. "I will buy the next generation (iPhone) when it comes out. I'm just used to it," Wang said, adding she doesn't use VPN much, and Apple's move to take down the app wouldn't impact her decision to buy a new iPhone. (For a graphic on 'China chatter around iPhone launches' click http://tmsnrt.rs/2cbIZ5n) (For a graphic on 'China smartphone market share' click http://tmsnrt.rs/2lj8Mbb) (For a graphic on 'Apple earnings' http://tmsnrt.rs/1WQvKWe) (Reporting by Adam Jourdan and Pei Li; Editing by Miyoung Kim, Ian Geoghegan and Bernard Orr) Ryan Lock A British man who had volunteered with the Kurds to fight ISIS in Syria reportedly killed himself after getting surrounded by militants. Ryan Lock, 20, from West Sussex, sustained a leg injury while fighting in Raqqa on Dec. 21 before getting surrounded by ISIS fighters, The Guardian reported. He then shot himself to avoid getting captured. The YPG told the BBC that a "trace of a gunshot wound was found under the chin." In August, Lock told his mom that he was going backpacking in Turkey, and only later told her that he had volunteered with the YPG, Sky News reported. Lock had previously worked as a chef, and had had no military training, Sky News said. The YPG, however, provided him with some training, and he posted on Facebook that he had been trained to use a sniper rifle and night vision goggles, the Guardian said. The Guardian reported that he was a "quiet and reserved" man who liked to play military video games. But he was also "quite political," his mom, Catherine, said. Lock had reportedly experienced a fair amount of fighting before his death. The Guardian said that he got struck under rubble in November during Turkish air raids. He ended up receiving facial wounds and later posted on social media: We got hit by Turkish jets in the night ... Im staying to finish out my six months. Turkey and the YPG have gotten into a number of skirmishes in the last few months. Lock's mom began to worry in early December when she hadn't heard from her son for two weeks, Sky News said. His dad, John Plater, later found a picture of his son's body on an ISIS website, with a militant standing over him acting as if his son was a "trophy," the Guardian said. A Canadian man who fought with Lock later wrote his mom and said he "died a true hero," Sky News said. Family sets up memorial fund for Ryan Lock who died fighting Islamic State - https://t.co/bfcRRZrxJ4pic.twitter.com/bhj6cVhJ5q KurdishQuestion.com (@KurdishQuestion) March 4, 2017 "Since we heard the devastating news of Ryan, it's been pretty tough, especially the difficulties surrounding the repatriation," Lock's dad told BBC. "We are grateful to the YPG for bringing him home." Story continues Although ISIS had Lock's body for a number of months, it was later recovered by the YPG and sent back to England, the BBC and Guardian said. Approximately 30 Kurdish people greeted Lock's body upon his return home with roses and framed pictures of him. We bless the resistance of British martyr Berxwedan Givara for the families of all martyrs and the British people. Our martyr fell putting up a brave fight," a YPG commander named Mihyedin Xirki said, according to the Independent. The coroner of Portsmouth and South East Hampshire said he was a "heroic young man." Lock is the third British citizen to die fighting for the YPG, the Guardian said. NOW WATCH: How the US's futuristic new aircraft carrier will change naval warfare forever Related: More From Business Insider The number of H-1B visas given out by the United States government hit the congressionally mandated cap after just four days, but theres evidence that interest from foreign job seekers may be waning. Data from job site Indeed show that searches by job seekers for H-1B visas declined year-over-year for the first time in three years, according to Valerie Rodden, an economic research analyst at the employment website. "There is a seasonal trend of searches peaking in February and bottoming out in April," she said "but this year searches have continued to decline [since April] showing us that job seekers are less inclined to search for H-1B opportunities than they have [been] in the past." For the first half of 2017, Canada was the most searched destination for H-1B visa jobseekers on the site, with 44% of traffic directed there, 10% to Australia, 5% to the United Kingdom and 5% to China. This could be a problem for the tech sector. While the Trump Administration is pushing companies to hire American, there simply aren't enough qualified workers from the United States to fill open positions. In 2015, there were nearly 10 times more computer science jobs than students graduating with computer science degrees. Job seekers requiring sponsorship showed fives times the concentration of interest in tech positions compared to the average U.S. job seeker. On Indeed, software engineering positions specifically saw nearly 16 times greater concentration from H-1B job seekers. Java developer and data scientist jobs saw 14 times and 13 times greater concentration, respectively. As is the case with much of U.S. immigration policy, the H-1B visa program is complex. It involves the Department of Labor, the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department. And each of those agencies track a different part of the H-1B process, which has an annual cap of 85,000 for new approvals. Annual totals almost always surpass that cap because H-1B holders are allowed to renew their visa for three years after being approved. Story continues That means what looks like growth in the number of employees working on H-1B visas accounts for foreign workers already in the U.S. who are renewing their visas as well as employees at organizations exempt from the mandated cap, such as religious groups. The largest number of H-1B visas go to workers in the tech sector and these jobs primarily get filled by Indian applicants. More than 70% of all H-1B visas over the last 10 years went to Indian applicants working mostly these computer science or IT positions, according to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. But even that has started to change. Analysis from Deloitte India shows that more Indian workers have started looking for jobs back home in the first part of 2017. Around 600 U.S.-based Indians sought jobs in India during December 2016, but by the end of March 2017 the number had gone up to approximately 7,000, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Pvt. Ltd said. The H-1B job search data from Indeed shows a steeper decline when focused on job seekers in India. Searches have been down every month since January compared to 2016 and H-1B searches from Indian job seekers in July are down 31% year-over-year (compared to a 14% decline from all job seekers searching for H-1B on the site). Theres seasonal variation so searches usually bottom out in April and then start quickly rising again, but this year searches have remained relatively flat since April, Rodden said. New data from the USCIS show that the number of H-1B visa petitions for Indian candidates in 2017 declined for the first time in 7 years and the number of computer-related petitions decreased for the first time in 4 years. A report from the Associated Press showed that computer science hires working on H-1B visas make less than their American peers. See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com The Netflix logo is pictured on a television remote in this illustration photograph taken in Encinitas, California, U.S., January 18, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - Scientists searching for everything from oil and gas to copper and gold are adopting techniques used by companies such as Netflix or Amazon to sift through vast amounts of data, a study showed on Tuesday. The method has already helped to discover 10 carbon-bearing minerals and could be widely applied to exploration, they wrote in the journal American Mineralogist. "Big data points to new minerals, new deposits," they wrote of the findings. The technique goes beyond traditional geology by amassing data about how and where minerals have formed, for instance by the cooling of lava after volcanic eruptions. The data can then be used to help find other deposits. "Minerals occur on Earth in clusters," said Robert Hazen, executive director of the Deep Carbon Observatory at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington and an author of the study. "When you see minerals together it's very like the way that humans interact in social networks such as Facebook," he said. Hazen said the technique was also like Amazon, which recommends books based on a client's previous orders, or by media streaming company Netflix, which proposes movies based on a customer's past viewing habits. "They are using vast amounts of data and make correlations that you could never make," he told Reuters. Lead author Shaunna Morrison, also at the Deep Carbon Observatory and the Carnegie Institution, said luck often played a big role for geologists searching for new deposits. "We are looking at it in a much more systematic way," she said of the project. (https://mineralchallenge.net/) Among the 10 rare carbon-bearing minerals discovered by the project were abellaite and parisaite-(La). The minerals, whose existence was predicted before they were found, have no known economic applications. Gilpin Robinson, of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) who was not involved in the study, said the USGS had started to collaborate with the big data project. Story continues "The use of large data sets and analytical tools is very important in our studies of mineral and energy resources," he wrote in an email. The DCO project will also try to collect data to examine the geological history of the Moon and Mars. (Reporting By Alister Doyle; Editing by Catherine Evans) A new study out Wednesday from the research firm OpenSignal says new unlimited data plans offered by the big four U.S. wireless carriers are negatively impacting some networks capabilities. The report determined that AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ), the nations two largest carriers, have seen their download speeds decrease with the release of the new plans. (Verizons media division, Oath, includes Yahoo Finance.) But other studies, including one conducted at about the same time, see no such issue. So which is it? OpenSignal: Unlimited can be hard OpenSignals State of Mobile Networks: USA (August 2017) based on 5,073,211,200 measurements sourced from the firms Android app from March 31 to June 29 found that unlimited data plans have created network congestion that is clogging AT&Ts and Verizons networks. The impact of unlimited was particularly evident for Verizon, which saw its average LTE download connection fall 12%, from 16.9 Mbps to 14.9 Mbps, the report says. It cites a less pronounced slowdown at AT&T: We measured average 4G download speeds on AT&T at 12.9 Mbps, down from 13.9 Mbps in our February report. The report gave its highest marks to T-Mobile (TMUS) in all areas: LTE and 3G download speeds, availability (how often a phone has an LTE signal) and latency (the connections responsiveness). It found T-Mos LTE downloads averaged 17.5 Mbps, up from 16.7, while fourth-place Sprint (S) lagged behind all other carriers, with downloads speeds averaging 9.8 Mbps, which is actually up from 9 Mbps. You can expect T-Mobile CEO John Legere to tweet about this as much as he did a recent quarterly report from the bandwidth-measurement firm Ookla (the one behind the Speedtest.net site and app) that found a smaller drop in AT&T and Verizons speeds. But wait, theres more Legere, however, was not so loquacious about another network-measurement firms report. In its newest nationwide study, released July 26, RootMetrics gave Verizon first-place rankings for voice, text and data performance. Story continues And its research, based on almost 4.7 million automated tests performed on roads over the first half of 2017, found no notable slowdown in major markets for Verizon or AT&Ts speeds. Despite reports suggesting that unlimited data plans are stifling speeds due to increased demands on the networks, we are not seeing evidence of that in our first half 2017 results, RootMetrics director Annette Hamilton said in a statement. At the metro level all four carriers improved median data speeds in at least 20 markets from last half. You can argue that since RootMetrics was in the field before the wireless industrys abrupt turn to unlimited-data plans, it could have missed some slowdown. But thats not the case for a newer round of automated drive tests conducted by PCMag for its annual Fastest Wireless Networks report. That survey, based on measurements from May 1 through May 22, showed faster average downloads from three of four carriers compared to last years numbers: AT&T jumped from 19 Mbps to 32.6 Mbps, T-Mobile climbed from 19.9 Mbps to 29.3 Mbps, and Verizon improved from 27.8 Mbps to 31.1 Mbps. Sprint, however, faded slightly from 20.6 Mbps to 20.5 Mbps. Meanwhile, one carrier has scaled back its unlimited-data offering. T-Mobile ended a temporary promotion adding streaming HD video and full-speed mobile-hotspot use included on the other three services unlimited deals then last month raised the price for an add-on that restores those features from $5 to $10 a month. Ultimately, all wireless arguments are local How can such massive studies yield such different results? Basically, OpenSignal follows customers while RootMetrics and PCMag follow the map. As OpenSignal analyst Kevin Fitchard put it: We are not measuring coverage, we are measuring where the operators current customers are. In this case, that can overstate slower performance by Verizon in rural areas while missing the same at T-Mobile a carrier that has historically been weak outside urban areas, thanks to thinner rural coverage. (Im a generally satisfied T-Mobile subscriber myself, but still see coverage gaps in the country.) But those same rural areas also stand to get network upgrades after places with more customers. We seem to be seeing the brunt of unlimited really in smaller markets and rural areas, Fitchard said. And its in those smaller markets and rural areas where you dont have all the major LTE updates in place. He suggested that as T-Mobile starts drawing customers farther out in the country, it, too, may see its LTE-availability numbers fall. But meanwhile, wireless carriers have continued building their networks a Barclays note to investors this week found broadly healthy capital investment across the industry. There is a risk that carriers are sacrificing future revenues and therefore network investment as analyst Walt Piecyk with BTIG Research put it, selling an unlimited plan today to subscribers eliminates the opportunity to charge them more and more as wireless data usage continues to rise. But for now, you can feel safe in enjoying your unmetered data. More from Rob: Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro. President Donald Trump has teed up another campaign promise, publicly backing a Senate bill that would cut back on immigration while admitting more high-skilled migrants and fewer low-skilled ones. This plan, however, would collide with another Trump priority: Raising economic growth beyond the lackluster 2% level of the last several years. The Senate bill, called, in the usual clumsy fashion, the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy, or RAISE, Act (get it?), would change the criteria that allow migrants legal entry to the United States. The current system relies heavily on family connections. Under the RAISE Act, priorities would be education, the ability to speak English and demonstrated accomplishments as a worker or business owner. Overall, the bill would reduce total immigration from around 1 million per year to 500,000 or so. The idea is to draw the most talented foreigners to the United States, while restricting low-skilled immigrants who might be willing to work more cheaply than American workers, threatening those jobs. This competitive application process will favor applicants who can speak English, financially support themselves and their families, and demonstrate skills that will contribute to our economy, Trump said at the White House on August 2. Reforms in the RAISE Act will give American workers a pay raise by reducing unskilled immigration. Limits on immigration pose risks to the economy Its not a fringe idea. Canada and Australia have merit-based systems similar to what the RAISE Act envisions. Some liberal groups and unions support the idea, since it might protect current American workers. But any limit on legal immigration also poses risks to the economy, because the United States actually needs more immigrant workers, not fewer, in order to grow faster and more robustly. Since Trump has vowed to produce economic growth of 3% or better during his presidency, reducing immigration would push that core campaign promisedifficult, as iseven further out of reach. Story continues It might seem logical that stricter limits on immigration would reduce competition for jobs and leave existing workers better off. But the economy isnt a zero-sum, fixed set of resources doled out on a per capita basis. The economy is quite dynamic (yes, even now) and when there are more people working, there are more people spending money, helping the economy grow and creating new jobs. The native-born US population is aging, which makes an infusion of immigrants necessary to fill open jobs, strengthen demand and boost growth. More immigration is the single best way to consistently lift economic growth and standards of living, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moodys Analysts, said recently at a conference live-streamed by Yahoo Finance. American farms rely heavily on immigrants to pick produce. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo In 2013, the Senate considered a bipartisan reform bill that would have allowed more legal immigrants into the United States, and permitted some migrants in the country illegally to obtain US citizenship. The bill would have increased the US population by about 10 million over 10 years, and the US labor force by 6 million, according to the Congressional Budget Office. But instead of inciting a battle for scarce jobs, the bill would have boosted GDP growth by 3.3% over a decade, and increased investment and productivity, according to the CBO. Average wages would have fallen slightly at first, then risen over the longer term. Employment would increase as the labor force expanded, CBO found, because the additional population would add to demand for goods and services and, in turn, to the demand for labor. Its a broadly accepted principle among economists that the economy grows as the labor force does, as long as productivity is positive and not negative. If new immigrants came to the United States and didnt work, then immigration would be a drag on the economy. But that is not the case. The labor-force participation rate for foreign-born people 16 and over living in the United States is 65.2%, higher than the rate for native-born Americans, which is 62.3%. The unemployment rate in 2016 was 4.3% for foreign-born workers, and 5% for the native-born. So immigrants are more likely to want to work, and more likely to have a job than native-born Americans. Immigrants also start businesses at a higher rate than native-born Americans, and not just high-flying tech companies backed by billions in venture funding. Immigrants are also more likely to run delis, nail salons, auto-repair shops and many other types of Main Street businesses. Fewer immigrants means well have fewer of those, even if Trump were to succeed in luring more foreign brainiacs. Most businesses arent, Google, after all. Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Encrypted communication available. Read more: Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman The U.S. is scheduled to conduct a test of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from California on Wednesday, less than a week after North Korea test-fired its own long-range missile. "The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system," the Air Force Global Strike Command said a statement. On Friday, North Korea test-launched its Hwasong-14 missile, marking the second time the secretive regime had fired an ICBM. In response to the Friday launch by Pyongyang, President Donald Trump warned Friday "the United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region." Air Force Capt. Michele Rollins, a spokesperson for the strike command, told CNBC the U.S. military schedules four test-launches per fiscal year and the actual schedule is created several years in advance so it is unrelated to the recent developments. "Planning for this particular launch started a little over a year ago," she said. Even so, the Minuteman III test is still seen as a reminder to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and others of the nuclear options the U.S. military has in its arsenal. Last month, the U.S. also sent two B-1 long-range bombers over the Korean Peninsula in a show of strength and is known to have nuclear submarines in the region. The Minuteman III missile will be test-launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base about 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The missile is expected to land about 4,800 miles away in the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, which was formerly known as Kwajalein Missile Range, in the Marshall Islands. The U.S. has more than 400 Minuteman III missiles in underground silos at three bases, and the weapons have a range in excess of 8,000 miles. The Air Force's ground-based Minuteman III, which was first deployed in the 1970s, is one leg of the nation's nuclear triad land, sea and air-based capabilities. The U.S. military has spent more than $7 billion since 2000 to modernize the aging Minuteman III weapons but it's scheduled to be replaced in a decade with a follow-on system known as Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). Story continues The Arms Control Association, a Washington-based research and advocacy group, notes that an independent Department of Defense estimate indicated that the GBSD could cost "as high as $140 billion," although it comes at a time when superpowers such as Russia and China are modernizing their weapons. Also there are rogue countries such as North Korea that also are a nuclear threat with missile development programs. "The Minuteman III remains a reliable system," said Reif Kingston, director of disarmament and threat reduction policy for the ACA. "While DOD is moving forward with replacing the existing system, it has yet to make a compelling case as to why the Minuteman III force can't be reduced and the missile life extended beyond 2030." However, in Senate testimony in February the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. Stephen Wilson, said GBSD "must proceed as planned in order to ensure the ground leg of the nuclear triad remains credible and effective in the decades ahead." Boeing (BA) was the original prime systems integrator and manufacturer of the Minuteman-series missiles for the Air Force and is a contender for the next-generation GBSD system competition. Northrop Grumman (NOC) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) also are contenders. The president's fiscal 2018 budget request includes just more than $200 million for the GBSD program, above the $114 million budgeted for the current year ending Sept. 30. Most of the money the Pentagon has allocated so far for the ground-based missile replacement program has been in research and development costs rather than outright acquisition. WATCH: N. Korea fired test missile that may have landed off Japanese coast More From CNBC An Afghan hospital official says at least 29 people have been killed and 63 injured, many of them critically, by a suicide bomber and gunman who attacked a Shiite Muslim mosque in the western city of Herat on August 1. Authorities said a suicide bomber detonated his explosives on the evening of August 1 in front of the Jawadia Mosque in the Dehr Abad area of Herat city. Tolo-TV reported that a second attacker also opened fire with a rifle against worshippers who were inside the mosque at the time of the blast. Mohammed Rafique Shahrzad, a hospital official in Herat city, confirmed that the bodies of 20 victims killed by the explosion were brought to the main hospital in the provincial capital soon after the blast. Shahrzad said nine other injured victims died later on August 1 in the hospital. He said he expected to death toll to climb further because many others had sustained critical injuries. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault. The Taliban, which usually claims the suicide bombing attacks that its fighters carry out, issued a statement late on August 1 denying any involvement. The mosque attack in Herat came a day after an assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul, which was claimed by Islamic State (IS) extremists, killed two people. In that attack, a suicide bomber blew himself up outside of the embassy, allowing at least three other militants to storm inside the compound and launch a gunbattle that lasted several hours. IS has been expanding its presence in eastern Afghanistan and recently claimed responsibility for several devastating attacks in Kabul. Some Afghan security officials say IS militants could prove to be more dangerous than Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. RFE/RL's correspondent in Herat reports that hundreds of people gathered outside of the Jawadia Mosque late on August 1 to protest the attack. Many chanted antigovernment slogans and condemned Afghan authorities for failing to provide security to the Shi'a community. Shi'a are a minority in Afghanistan who have been threatened and attacked in the past by various Sunni militant groups -- including Islamic State extremists who operate in eastern Afghanistan, Taliban fighters, and Al-Qaeda militants. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Tolo-TV Helena, Ala., Aug. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Expeditions has announced a new active, small-group Iceland Winter Adventure, featuring excursions in the remote and rarely explored reaches of northern Iceland and the Troll Peninsula. Leading guests is a knowledgeable expedition leader, who helps travelers delve into Iceland's distinct nature, culture and folk lore. Currently, only one winter departure is scheduled March 7, 2018 with additional tours planned for 2019. "I'm excited to add this arctic paradise to our line-up of destinations, said Steve Cox, Executive Director. Tourism here has been on the upswing, and our Winter Iceland adventure showcases both staggering beauty and activities that are uniquely Icelandic. Guests on the Iceland Winter Tour savor nine days taking in riveting beauty and rugged landscapes as they travel from modern Reykjavik north to Husafell, Lake Myvatn and tiny Hauganes. The journey begins in the Golden Circle, surveying the geothermic forces of Iceland on excursions to famed Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, and deep into a lava cave. Intrepid travelers are sure to enjoy venturing into the heart of Langjokull Glacier, and exploring the otherwise inaccessible wonders of frozen Lake Myvatn via Icelandic horse, snowmobile, snowshoe and 4x4 Super Jeep. Along the way, guests take a break from the action to observe the elusive Northern Lights (conditions permitting). Those hungry for a taste of Iceland are sure to savor a home-cooked meal of Icelandic staples in a Lake Myvatn guesthouse as well as sampling lava bread and local beers at a family run microbrewery. Joining local fishermen in Eyjafjordur Bay, travelers will even catch their cod lunch from a working fishing boat. An in-depth look at Iceland's culture is woven into every moment of the journey, from time spent being regaled with tales of trolls and elves to an excursion to the Herring Era Museum, the only Icelandic museum to win the European Museum Award. After days spent in the wild, travelers relax in charming accommodations. Highlighting the accommodations are the boutique Hotel Husafell, tucked near Iceland's second largest glacier; Vogafjos Guesthouse, a working dairy farm; and Hotel Siglo, a posh new harbor front hideaway. Pricing for the winter Iceland tour starts at $7,898, and includes 21 meals, transfers, and tips to day guides, drivers and hotel staff. For more information on International Expeditions call 1-800-234-9620 or visit www.IEtravel.com. About International Expeditions Celebrating 37 years of nature travel, International Expeditions specializes in small-ship voyages and escorted journeys to more than 20 countries worldwide. Hosted by knowledgeable local naturalists, International Expeditions' travelers survey the habitats, cultures, cuisine and traditional lore of Earth's most exhilarating destinations. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits, partnering with local programs as well as with The Nature Conservancy. ### Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74efd5ae-461f-4507-b192-012e5f4c3a92 Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c4b9e81-277f-42db-aedb-903bc096126b Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1428204-5f77-41a9-a2a6-9d6a2836c21a LAS VEGAS, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Envoy Group Corp. (OTC Markets:ENVV) (the Company or Envoy), a digital currency and Blockchain technology company, announced today an update regarding operations, financing and compliance. Cryptocurrency mining operations were launched during the months of June and July with significant success. Our BitReturn divisions mining operations, which are conducted 24/7, produced substantial revenues per machine that yielded gross profit in excess of 45% per machine after direct costs, which exceeded our initial projections. Also in June, Envoy Group secured new equipment financing for BitReturn with very favorable terms that will enable the firm to significantly expand its processor count for Cryptocurrency operations and accommodate rapid growth in revenue. We expect to have this loan retired during Q2, 2017. The company expects excellent revenue growth during Q2, as the 500 Nvidia 7 GPUs start adding revenues to the company. Our goal will be to add more mining rigs every quarter. As a new business opportunity, Envoy and BitReturn have begun development of a plan to create turn-key Cryptocurrency mining operations, including real estate acquisition, design, installation and launch of operations, for investors who seek a low-risk entry to the growing Cryptocurrency market. Further announcements will be made as plans are crystallized. Due to the number of new projects, Envoy Group was forced to file an extension for our 10K filing. We intend to file our 10K on or before, August 15th 2017. We have encountered no accounting or auditing issues and recently developed a more streamlined system for reporting with our auditors that will enable us to make future filing dates. Finally, we expect a review of the Caveat Emptor that was placed by OTC Markets on the company the week of August 21st. We are confident that this will be resolved. About Envoy Group, Corp. Envoy Group, Corp. (OTC Markets:ENVV) is a digital currency and Blockchain technology company. BitReturn, a division of the Envoy Group Corp, has first targeted a high positive cash flow method of Mining of Digital Currencies that has been de-risked by employing the most effective Graphic Processor (GPU) technology and BitReturns secure Tier3 (T3) facility in Kamloops, B.C. Hundreds of 7 to 13 GPU arrays will be working 24/7 within the climate controlled facility. Mining of Digital Currencies will be constantly directed to which currencies provide maximized profitability. New digital coins drop into the world every 10 minutes and BitReturn will be there to catch them. Block Chain is an incorruptible publically distributed digital ledger that allows for transparent and secure validation of online information. For more information, please visit: http://bitreturn.com Safe Harbor Statements Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, estimates, intends or believes, or that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, 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. Many of these factors are beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Companys filings with the SEC. Such risks and other factors include, the availability of financing on acceptable terms, accidents, labor disputes, acts of God and other risks of the digital currency market, without limitation, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or permits, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements included in this news release are reasonable; however, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. cool_jonny009 wrote: By developing the Secure Digital Music Initiative, the recording industry associations of North America, Japan, and Europe hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet that will protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who copy and distribute digital music illegally. (A) of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet that will protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who copy and distribute (B) of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet and to protect copyright holders and foiling the many audio pirates copying and distributing (C) for distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet while it protects copyright holders and foils the many audio pirates who copy and distribute (D) to distribute songs and full-length recordings on the Internet while they will protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates copying and distributing (E) to distribute songs and full-length recordings on the Internet and it will protect copyright holders and foiling the many audio pirates who copy and distribute Meaning is crucial to solving this problem: Concepts tested here: Meaning + Tenses + Verb Forms + Idioms A: Correct. B: as a separate action that will C: simultaneously that will D: simultaneously that will E: as a separate action that will Hence, A is the best answer choice. Dear Friends,Here is a detailed explanation to this question-Understanding the intended meaning is key to solving this question; the intended core meaning of this sentence is that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet that will protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally. "way + of" and "way + to" are the correct, idiomatic constructions. to + base form of verb is the correct infinitive verb form construction, which is used as a noun, to show purpose/intent of an action, and to modify adjectives and verbs. The simple future tense is used to refer to actions that will take place in the future. Habitual actions are best conveyed through the simple present tense. while is used for actions that take place simultaneously, irrespective of whether these actions are positive, negative, or neutral.This answer choice avoids the pronoun error seen in Option C, as it does not employ a pronoun to refer to the noun phrase "recording industry associations". Further, Option A uses the phrase "that will protect", conveying the intended meaning - that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet that will protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally. Additionally, Option A correctly uses the simple present tense verbs "copy" and "distribute" to refer to habitual actions. Moreover, Option A correctly uses the simple future tense verb "will follow" to refer to an action that will take place in the future. Besides, Option A avoids the verb form error seen in Option B, as it does not employ the infinitive verb form. Additionally, Option A uses the idiomatic construction "way + of".This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "and to protect"; the construction of this phrase incorrectly implies that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet and hope to ,, protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally; the intended meaning is that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internetprotect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally. Further, Option B incorrectly uses the present participle ("verb+ing" - "copying" and "distributing" in this sentence) to refer to habitual actions; please remember, habitual actions are best conveyed through the simple present tense. Additionally, Option B fails to maintain an appropriate infinitive verb form construction, as it uses the present participle ("verb+ing" - "foiling" in this case) in place of the base form of the verb; please remember, to + base form of verb is the correct infinitive verb form construction.This answer choice incorrectly refers to the plural noun phrase "recording industry associations" with the singular pronoun "it". Further, Option C alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "while it protects"; the use of "while" incorrectly implies that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet andprotect copyright holders and foils the many audio pirates who copy and distribute digital music illegally; the intended meaning is that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internetprotect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally; please remember, while is used for actions that take place simultaneously. Additionally, Option C incorrectly uses the unidiomatic construction "way + for"; please remember, "way + of" and "way + to" are the correct, idiomatic constructions.This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "while they will"; the use of "while" incorrectly implies that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet andthey will protect copyright holders and foils the many audio pirates who copy and distribute digital music illegally; the intended meaning is that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internetprotect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally; please remember, while is used for actions that take place simultaneously. Further, Option D incorrectly uses the present participle ("verb+ing" - "copying" and "distributing" in this sentence) to refer to habitual actions; please remember, habitual actions are best conveyed through the simple present tense.This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "and protect"; the construction of this phrase incorrectly implies that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internet and will ,, protect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally; the intended meaning is that the recording industry associations hope to create a standardized way of distributing songs and full-length recordings on the Internetprotect copyright holders and foil the many audio pirates who habitually copy and distribute digital music illegally. Further, Option E incorrectly uses the present participle ("verb+ing" - "foiling" in this case) to refer to an action that will take place in the future; please remember, the simple future tense is used to refer to actions that will take place in the future.To understand the concept of "Simple Tenses" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):All the best!Team_________________ Quote: (A) the proportion of judges and partners at major law firms who are women have not risen to a comparable extent Quote: (B) the proportion of women judges and partners at major law firms have not risen comparably Quote: (C) the proportion of judges and partners at major law firms who are women has not risen comparably Quote: (D) yet the proportion of women judges and partners at major law firms has not risen to a comparable extent Quote: (E) yet the proportion of judges and partners at major law firms who are women has not risen comparably This one is a gift from the GMAT gods: the proportion of (blah blah) HAVE not risenNope, thats a classic subject-verb error. We can get rid of (A). Thank you for giving us something easy for once, GMAT!(B) has exactly the same subject-verb error as (A): the proportion HAVE not risen So (B) is gone, too.Isnt this exciting?Well, this works just fine: the proportion has not risen comparably. Lets keep (C).Well, there are two things that are different in (D) than in (C). One is that the word comparably is used in (C), but to a comparable extent appears in its place in (D). Honestly, I dont know if this is a big deal. Comparably seems more succinct to me, but Im not sure that to a comparable extent is necessarily WRONG. I certainly wouldnt eliminate (D) based on that alone, even though I mildly prefer the shorter version in (C).The other weird issue is the use of yet at the beginning of the underlined portion. So that gives us Despite the increasing number of women, yet the proportion of women judges Thats wrong: both yet and despite begin dependent clauses, so now the sentence just consists of two dependent clauses in a row. Thats not OK.So (D) is out.And (E) has exactly the same problem as (D): two consecutive dependent clauses does NOT give us a legitimate sentence.So we can eliminate (E), and (C) is our answer._________________ Four workers from an international charity were selling shirts at a local event yesterday. Did one of the workers sell at least three shirts yesterday at the event? (1) Together they sold 8 shirts yesterday at the event. If the number of shirts sold by four workers are (2, 2, 2, 2), then none of them sold 3 or more shirts but if the number of shirts sold by four workers are (3, 2, 2, 1), then one of the workers sold at least 3 shirts. Not sufficient.(2) No two workers sold the same number of shirts. Could we have a case where all workers sold less than 3 shirts and no two workers sold the same number of shirts? No. If one of them sold 0, the second one sold 1, third one sold 2, then the fourth one must have sold 3 or more, to have different number of shirts sold than the others. Sufficient.Answer: B._________________ Edinburgh, July 30 (IBNS): The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an international event of military music performance undertaken by the Armed Forces. In fact, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the largest tattoo performed in the world in the majestic, sprawling stretch of Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Scotland. The invitation to the Indian Navy Band to participate and perform in this prestigious event scheduled from Aug 1-26 is indeed a matter of pride and befitting recognition of the professional prowess of the Naval band. The participation of the Naval Band would further cement the ties between the two countries, more so, when the Governments of India and UK have announced 2017 as the India-UK Year of Culture to celebrate cultural ties and the 70th year of Indian independence. The Indian Navy Band has been practicing hard in the last few months to further hone their skills to capture the hearts and minds of the music enthusiasts in this international event. The band comprising of one officer and 65 musician sailors would perform under the leadership of Commander Vijay Charles DCruz, Director of Music (Navy) who would be the Principal Conductor during the event. The Indian Navy band is scheduled to depart for London from Mumbai on Sunday. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is well renowned event with over 50 bands participating, and nearly 8500 visitors attending the daily performances. A total audience of nearly 2.5 lakh attends the event over the period of 26 days. Apart from India, bands from countries like Australia, France, Germany, Japan, etc, would also be performing at the tattoo this year. 2 Britain's Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, attends a parade marking the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt, in London. The 96-year-old husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth made his final solo appearance at the official engagement, before retiring from active public life. Fallout continues from angry protests in which students aimed to stop conservative speeches at their colleges. Two colleges have announced punishments for students who tried to block such speeches. They also promised to invite more speakers with different opinions to speak at their schools. Some U.S. lawmakers took notice of speeches being stopped on college campuses. Senator Chuck Grassley is the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He said that colleges need to do more to punish those involved. Many students erroneously think that speech that they consider hateful is violent. Yet some students engage in acts of violence against speech, and universities have failed to prevent or adequately punish that violence. Punishment for some demonstrators At Claremont McKenna College in California, seven students were punished for an incident that took place in April. The school said the students were part of a group that blocked the entry of a room where Heather Mac Donald of the conservative Manhattan Institute was giving a speech. Three of the students will not be permitted to return to school for one year. The school said the blockade violated two of the schools important values -- freedom of speech and assembly. Mac Donald wrote a book criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against police. The protesting students at Claremont McKenna said Mac Donalds opinions are racist and should not be protected. However, the school said in a statement that, Our community must protect the right to learn from others, especially those with whom we strongly disagree. Vermont College deals with protests At Middlebury College in Vermont, students tried to block a speech by Charles Murray. He co-wrote a 1990s book about intelligence that some critics consider racist. As Murray tried to speak, students turned their backs to him and tried to shout him down. Later, as Murray and a professor left the school, students and other protesters tried to block their way. The professor was injured. Middlebury officials announced 64 students would be punished. But unlike at Claremont McKenna, none were stopped from attending classes for all or part of the next school year. Middlebury spokeswoman Sarah Ray said the school plans to offer more speakers with different opinions in the new school year. Floyd Abrams is a media attorney. He recently spoke about how the political divide between Democrats and Republicans and conservatives and liberals has spread to colleges. Too many people are unwilling to listen to ideas with which they disagree and that is a problem which has only a long-term solution, but is one I suggest to you that we should really start to address now. At a hearing of the House Oversight Committee on July 27th, Fredrick Lawrence of the Anti-Defamation League agreed that even hate speech is generally protected. But he said school officials also have a moral responsibility to speak out against hate speech. Lawrence provided numbers from Anti-Defamation League researchers. He said during the 2016-2017 school year, 110 American colleges reported racist or anti-Semitic actions. The actions included racist flyers, racist and anti-Jewish emails sent to students and teachers and speeches by white supremacists. Lawrence said colleges should be ready to address the harm that can result from hateful speech, even if they cannot stop it under Americas guarantee of free speech. Protests in Missouri In 2015, the University of Missouri went through two months of protests over racism. The protests led to the resignation of top school officials. The University of Missouri protests also became known for an incident in which a communications instructor was heard asking for help in stopping a student reporter from filming protesting students. The instructor was later dismissed for trying to stop a reporter from covering a story at a public university. Christian Basi is a spokesman for the University of Missouri. He said enrollment for the upcoming fall semester is likely to be down for the second straight year. But he also said Missouri has just completed a strong fundraising effort and continues to receive large numbers of international students. Nathan Willett, Missouris student body president, says very few current Missouri students are moving to other schools. Threats stop speeches by 2 conservatives At the University of California, Berkeley, protests led to cancellations of two speeches by well-known conservative activists -- Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter. The group, By Any Means Necessary, defended its efforts to stop the speeches. It said, Hate speech is not free speech. Naweed Thamas is vice president of Berkeley College Republicans. He said it is not easy being conservative or Republican at Berkeley. He told VOA that he has received death threats, been chased and hit, and had his face put on flyers with his personal information. College professor says he was threatened Evergreen College in the western state of Washington recently had a board meeting to discuss what should happen following racial conflicts this spring. A professor said he was threatened after he refused to participate on a day in which white students and employees were asked to stay away from the college. Organizers said the day was meant to help people better understand racism. One professor said concerns about racism led to the protests and suggested protesters not be punished. But one white student said things have gone too far. She said when she attempted to speak at a student meeting, she was told only black students were permitted to speak. What about new students? While the University of Missouri has seen a decrease in new students following the 2015 protests, other schools where protests have taken place continue to be popular with students. The University of California - Berkeley and Yale University have reported increased enrollment. Yale had protests in 2015 after two university officials said it would be okay for students to wear costumes -- even if they offended some other students. I'm Bruce Alpert And I'm Kelly Jean Kelly. Bruce Alpert reported this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports by the Associated Press and other sources. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. How important do you consider free speech? Is there some speech you believe should not be allowed at colleges and universities? ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story engage - v. to perform a specific act adequately - adv. enough for some need or requirement blockade - v. to block people from entering a place assembly - n. to meet in a place with others especially - adv. more than usually address - v. deal with a problem flyer - n. a piece of paper that has something printed on it white supremacist - n. a person who believes whites are better than all other races, especially the black race enrollment - n. number of people attending a school or institution semester - n. one of two usually 18-week periods that make up an academic year at a school or college fundraising - n. raising money for a cause or a group, such as a college Germany says Vietnamese agents kidnapped a former oil official in Berlin and returned him to Vietnam to face corruption charges. German officials accused Vietnamese intelligence services of carrying out the kidnapping of Trinh Xuan Thanh on July 23. Thanh, 51, disappeared from Vietnam in July 2016 after being accused of mismanagement and corruption. Vietnamese officials blame him for causing losses of about $150 million at national oil and gas company PetroVietnam. A German foreign ministry spokesman said the kidnapping of a Vietnamese citizen on German soil was a violation of German and international law. The spokesman added that the incident could harm relations between the two countries in a massive way. Germany responded by ordering a Vietnamese intelligence officer to leave the country. The foreign ministry said Germany was still considering other possible actions against Vietnam at a political, economic and development policy level." German officials said Thanh had sought asylum in Germany, but his application had not been processed. The officials said Vietnam had also sought his extradition. Vietnamese officials said Thanh had turned himself in to police in Vietnam on Monday. Vietnam's ambassador was contacted by German officials in Berlin. They demanded that Thanh be returned to Germany so the asylum and extradition requests could be correctly handled. After serving as head of PetroVietnam, Thanh was appointed to several senior government positions. He was elected to Vietnams National Assembly in May 2016, but was dismissed a short time later after being accused of corruption. Vietnamese officials issued an arrest warrant for him in September 2016. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story massive adj. very large extradition n. the sending of a person back to a country where they are accused of a crime warrant n. document issued by a court giving police the power to do something, such as carry out an arrest Samsung may sell its own Gear VR headsets for customers that want to use a Samsung phone as a virtual reality device. But now the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ also support Googles Daydream View headset. Actually, it should support any Daydream-compatible headset. Its just that Google is the only company to offer one so far. Google has said that there will be 11 Daydream-compatible phones by the end of the year, and the addition of the Galaxy S8 series phones brings us one step closer to that. While the Gear VR already offers a strong virtual reality experience for Samsung phones, support for Daydream doesnt just mean you get to use a different headset and motion controller. It means you also get access to the ecosystem of apps developers are creating specifically for Daydream, which could eventually outpace Gear VR-specific apps, due to the fact that theres potentially a larger market for Daydream since it works on more phones. At $79, the Daydream View headset is also cheaper than the latest Gear VR, which sells for $99. I doubt its a coincidence that Google decided to announce Galaxy S8 support and a Daydream View sale at about the same time: you can currently snag a Daydream View for $60 or less from Amazon, Best Buy, or Verizon. The sale runs through August 12th, while supplies last. A new class of anti-cancer agents that target cancer cells' 'Achilles' heel' could help to supercharge breast cancer treatment, improving outcomes for some of the most aggressive types of breast cancer.A research team from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia, found that combining anti-cancer compound S63845 with currently used cancer drugs was more effective in killing triple negative breast cancers and HER2-positive breast cancers.L-R: Dr Francois Vaillant, Dr James Whittle and Dr Delphine Merino Credit: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute A new class of anti-cancer agents that target cancer cells' 'Achilles' heel' could help to supercharge breast cancer treatment, improving outcomes for some of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. Combining anti-cancer compound S63845 with currently used cancer drugs was more effective in killing triple negative breast cancers and HER2-positive breast cancers. This is the first time the S63845 compound, developed by pharmaceutical company Servier, has been shown to be effective for treating breast cancer, with the promising results suggesting it should be investigated in clinical trials. The results are particularly important for triple negative breast cancers because, unlike other breast cancers, they have not seen substantial improvements in treatment or patient outcomes in the past 30 years. The research was led by Dr Delphine Merino, Dr James Whittle, Dr Francois Vaillant, Professor Jane Visvader and Professor Geoff Lindeman from Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, in collaboration with Servier. The study was published today in Science Translational Medicine. Professor Lindeman, also a medical oncologist at the Peter Mac and Royal Melbourne Hospital, said MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 was one of a promising new class of drugs that triggers tumour cell death by targeting the cancer's 'Achilles' heel'. "Our hope is that it will be possible to combine MCL-1 inhibitors with conventional therapies to more effectively treat certain types of breast cancer and deliver better outcomes for our patients," Professor Lindeman said. Around one in three Australian women with breast cancer have a triple negative or HER2-positive breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancers are particularly common in women with a faulty BRCA1 gene. Dr Merino said S63845 was particularly effective in treating triple negative and HER-2 positive breast cancers, when tested in samples taken from patients' tumours. "Combining S63845 with standard therapies, such as chemotherapy or targeted drugs such as Herceptin, proved highly effective in killing these very aggressive tumour types," Dr Merino said. Dr Whittle, who is also a medical oncologist at Peter Mac, said S63845 targeted MCL-1, a protein that Institute scientists had previously shown to be important for cancer cell survival. "MCL-1 gives cancer cells a survival advantage, allowing them to resist chemotherapy or other anti-cancer therapies that would otherwise trigger cancer cell death," Dr Whittle said. "Importantly, the combination of the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 with standard therapies was far more effective than either treatment alone. These can be incredibly aggressive tumours, so to see a response to the combined therapy in this tumour type is very exciting." MCL-1 is a critical anti-cancer therapeutic target. It is found at excessive levels in triple negative and HER2-positive breast cancers, and is often associated with poor outcomes for patients. A new class of anti-cancer agents that target cancer cells' 'Achilles' heel' could help to supercharge breast cancer treatment, improving outcomes for some of the most aggressive types of breast cancer.A research team from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia, found that combining anti-cancer compound S63845 with currently used cancer drugs was more effective in killing triple negative breast cancers and HER2-positive breast cancers. L-R: Professor Jane Visvader, Professor Geoff Lindeman, Dr James Whittle, Dr Delphine Merino and Dr Francois Vaillant Credit: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Professor Lindeman said triple negative breast cancers in particular were in urgent need of new treatment options. "Triple negative breast cancers have not seen the same improvement in targeted therapies, or survival, as some other types of breast cancer," he said. Dr Vaillant said patient-derived tumours provided a valuable way of studying new breast cancer drugs. "With the support of the Victorian Cancer Biobank, and samples donated by breast cancer patients, we have generated a large number of laboratory models that mimic how tumours behave and respond to therapy in the patient, allowing us to test a range of anti-cancer drugs. This approach can help fast-track the development and transfer of promising drugs to the clinic," Dr Vaillant said. More information: D. Merino el al., "Synergistic action of the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 with current therapies in preclinical models of triple-negative and HER2-amplified breast cancer," Science Translational Medicine (2017). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine D. Merino el al., "Synergistic action of the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 with current therapies in preclinical models of triple-negative and HER2-amplified breast cancer,"(2017). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/ scitranslmed.aam7049 TWIN FALLS A Twin Falls woman has been arrested after a man was stabbed at a residence on Elizabeth Boulevard Monday evening. When police arrived Jenna Winfrey, 28, of Twin Falls, told them her boyfriend was inside with a stab wound, said Lt. Terry Thueson. Police found him inside with a knife wound to his upper chest and called paramedics, who brought him to St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center. Educating the public to act quickly after an acid attack can minimise injury and substantially improve outcomes for victims, say experts in The BMJ today. Doctors at Barts Health NHS Trust and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, say public education, alongside legislation and clear guidance for health professionals, will play a key role in tackling this latest menace on our streets. In London, the Metropolitan Police recorded almost 300 acid attacks in 2010, after which numbers decreased to 162 in 2012, but demonstrated a steep increase since 2014. There were 454 attacks in 2016, up from 261 in 2015. Already 2017 has seen a big increase in acid attacks in the UK, relative to 2016. And, whereas in the past most of the attacks were related to robberies, corrosive substances now seem to be a replacement for carrying knives. Recent figures obtained by the BBC from the Metropolitan Police show that men are twice as likely to be victims of attacks - and many of these attacks have been linked to gang related violent crimes. Yet the authors point out that currently in the UK, carrying corrosive substances is legal with no restrictions on volume or strength, although a change in legislation is being considered. In 2002, after similar attacks, Bangladesh banned the open sale of acid and imposed stringent punishment of offenders, which saw the number of attacks fall by 15-20% a year. India and Cambodia have since implemented legislation to combat acid attacks but have yet to introduce laws restricting the ease and availability of acid. The authors say that bystanders who come to the aid of the victim of an attack "can have an important role in minimising further injury." For example, removing contaminated clothing and washing off the acid with copious amounts of water can minimise scarring and need for surgical reconstruction. Once in the emergency department, ongoing treatment and specialist review is vital to limit long term physical and emotional effects, they add. The rising incidence of acid attacks is an evolving challenge to law enforcement, write the authors. Current legislation is being reviewed and may need to be fast tracked to ensure that carrying corrosive substances becomes a criminal offence, they add. They suggest that "public education is needed on how to deal with these injuries, as immediate treatment can substantially improve the outcome." Similarly, ambulance service responders and health professionals in emergency departments "must have clear guidance on immediate steps to minimise secondary harm and training on how to deal with these devastating, life changing attacks." More information: Editorial: Attacks with corrosive substances are increasing in UK, The BMJ, www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j3640 Editorial: Attacks with corrosive substances are increasing in UK, A clinical trial testing blood transfusion therapies for heart attack patients may place participants in danger of death or a repeat heart attack without fully disclosing those risks, a Washington, D.C.-based consumer advocacy group said Tuesday in a letter asking federal health officials to immediately suspend enrollment in the study, which is recruiting patients at dozens of hospitals, including Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. The nonprofit consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, claims the clinical trial, which is designed to compare two red blood cell transfusion strategies for heart attack patients with anemia, fails to inform participants of previous studies that strongly suggest one method is more likely to result in death or a repeat heart attack. "Those are serious end points," said Michael Carome, a physician and director of Public Citizen's health research group. "This isn't measuring what your appetite is or how far you can walk. This is measuring serious outcomes that have tremendous importance for the subjects." Carome added that the patient consent form should explicitly state the risk of death, repeat heart attack or cardiac surgery as a result of participating in the study. "The consent form is completely silent on that," he said. But the principal researcher for the study, Dr. Jeffrey Carson of Rutgers University in New Jersey, said in a written statement that he stands behind the science and the ethics of the study, called the Myocardial Ischemia and Transfusion or MINT trial. The study is being funded through a $16.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The clinical trial "seeks to answer an important question about the optimal amount of blood transfusion that we give to patients with low red blood cell counts who have had a heart attack," Carson's statement read. "Previous small trials do not provide adequate data for accurate predictions, which is why the NIH funded this high-quality large trial. The health and safety of our participants is our top concern." He added that the MINT trial's research methods have been vetted by his peers at Rutgers and other institutions. "Our protocols have been reviewed by more than 35 institutional review boards across the country, as well as the Data Safety Monitoring Board, which is an independent organization comprised of physicians and ethicists," he said. According to a brief description of the study posted on the NIH-sponsored website, clinicaltrials.gov, Carson and other researchers aim to recruit 3,500 heart attack patients with anemia at dozens of hospitals across the country, including Mount Sinai. Jackie Kaplan, a spokeswoman for Mount Sinai, said the hospital was selected to participate in the study but has not yet begun to recruit patients. The hospital sees about 1,500 heart attacks patients a year. Patients participating in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two blood transfusion therapies based on their red blood cell or hemoglobin levels. Some patients will be assigned to a "liberal" group, which means they will receive red blood cell transfusions whenever their hemoglobin level falls below 10 grams per deciliter. The second group will be assigned to a "restrictive" group, which means they will receive red blood cell transfusions only when their hemoglobin level falls below 8 grams per deciliter. Researchers will then measure how many subjects in each group die, have another heart attack, or require cardiac surgery within 30 days, according to a detailed description of the clinical trial. The study's primary hypothesis states that a liberal transfusion strategy reduces adverse outcomes compared with a restrictive approach. But Carome, with Public Citizen, said previous studies already provide "strong signals" that a liberal approach is less likely to harm patients. An NIH analysis of 16 randomized trials comparing liberal and restrictive transfusion strategies for heart attack patients found a higher risk of death and major cardiac events associated with a restrictive approach. A pilot study for the MINT trial published in the American Heart Journal in June 2013 also suggested that patients were more likely to die from a restrictive approach compared with a liberal one. Of the 110 patients recruited for the study, seven died after a restrictive strategy compared with one who died after a liberal approach. "It's not a definitive proof," Carome acknowledged, "but it certainly is very strongly suggestive, and the data is consistently suggestive that there is harm with a restrictive transfusion group." Still, the question of whether a liberal or restrictive blood transfusion strategy works best for heart attack patients with anemia remains unanswered - and that uncertainty is all researchers need to justify a randomized clinical trial, said William Allen, a University of Florida medical ethicist who reviewed Public Citizen's letter to federal regulators at the Miami Herald's request. "One of the big problems in evidence-based medicine is to eliminate variability in practice," he said. But while studies help doctors determine the best treatments, randomized clinical studies like the MINT trial can blur the lines between a physician, who is obligated to do what is best for the patient, and a researcher, who is trying to find the answer to an unresolved question. When the roles of physician and researcher intertwine, Allen said, patients can get confused. "If you're randomizing people to two arms of a protocol, obviously the physician isn't using their best judgment about what's best for that patient because you're deciding randomly," Allen said. "Normally, when you go to a doctor, you don't expect him to do by chance what's best for us." That's one reason why researchers should clearly state the risks for patients who want to participate in the MINT trial. He noted that the consent form states the purpose of the study is to determine if patients who receive blood transfusions "do better or worse." "Well, that's pretty vague," Allen said. "It doesn't clearly say they're trying to figure out which one results in less death and heart attacks in the next 30 days." 2017 Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Professor Rob Read. Credit: University of Southampton Doctors in Southampton have pioneered the development of a nose drop containing a type of 'friendly' bacteria that could help prevent meningitis and other infections. Professor Robert Read, director of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and his team have inserted a gene into a harmless bacterium that will be able to live inside the nose. It is hoped that the modified bacteria will protect against the bacterial species responsible for causing a severe type of meningitis. Around 10 per cent of adults carry Neisseria meningitidis the cause of meningococcal meningitis in the back of their nose and throat with no signs or symptoms. However, in some people, this bacterium can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections including meningitis and blood poisoning, which is known as septicaemia. Meningitis occurs in people of all age groups but infants, young children and the elderly are more predisposed. Meningococcal meningitis, which is a bacterial form of the disease and is responsible for 1,500 cases a year in the UK, can cause death in as little as four hours from the onset of symptoms. In a previous study, the research team found inoculating adults with a 'friendly' bacterial strain, known as Neisseria lactamica (Nlac), which is a close cousin of N. meningitidis, resulted in Nlac settling harmlessly in the nose for months and prevented them carrying N. meningitidis at the same time. They now hope genetically enhancing the bacteria with a 'sticky' surface protein from N.meningitidis will increase the ability of Nlac to reside in the nose and generate a strong immune response that protects against the meningitis-causing bacteria. If successful, this would offer the potential to prevent the spread of infection or the ability to rapidly control an outbreak as meningococcal meningitis cannot develop in the absence of N. meningitides. The concept of using friendly bacteria to tackle infections, known as 'bacteriotherapy', is already used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and Clostridium difficile infections. When clinical trials of the nose drop begin at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, it will be the first time a genetically modified bacteria has been used in this way to try to prevent infections that develop in the nose and throat. "We have already shown that placing Nlac in the nose of healthy adults caused no harm to the volunteers, the bacteria settled and it caused an immune response which we believe could prevent the acquisition of harmful bacteria," said Professor Read, who is a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Southampton. "Now, following extensive work in the laboratory, we have developed a nose drop which includes Nlac that has been enhanced with a gene to help broaden its effect to, we hope, exclude N. meningitidis." Professor Read, who is also an honorary consultant at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, added: "The next stage of this process is to test the drops on healthy volunteers in a clinical trial to ensure the strain of bacteria we have created is going to stay and grow in the nose. "If successful then we will have a future therapy that we can adapt to combat other diseases caused by bacteria that breed in the nasal pathway such as pneumonia and ear disease." Credit: Brunel University Wearable activity trackers could be doing more harm than good in encouraging young teenagers to exercise, new research from Brunel University London suggests. Demand for FitBits soared among 11-15 year-olds last year, and The Times referred to the gadget as the 'latest status symbol' for kids. Over decades, physical activity interventions targeted at young people in schools have only produced modest effects. Finding new ways to motivate young people is vital for long-term health, and - for a generation tethered to their mobiles - fitness devices seemed to be a new and exciting way to help. A new study by Dr Charlotte Kerner (Brunel University London) and Dr Victoria Goodyear (University of Birmingham) found that the opposite could be true. Their research with school pupils aged 13-14 showed that wearing a FitBit for eight weeks demotivated the teenagers from exercising rather than encouraging them to do more. Surveys and focus groups conducted before and after the trial period concluded that the device (in this case, the FitBit Charge wristband and app, which retails for around 100) ultimately made participants feel less confident about their competence at exercising, less connected to their peers, and less like they had autonomy or choice over how to engage with physical activity. The FitBit app is designed with features to encourage competition and interaction among peers, and while pupils reported that they set up competitions in their friendship groups, the end result did not always have positive implications. The FitBit 'community' often helped encourage pupils to engage with discussions about physical activity and develop common understandings and behaviours, but the competitive element often led to peer-pressure to achieve goals. In some cases, it induced a sense of guilt and other negative feelings of self. Competition was an external pressure to engage in physical activity rather than an internal motivator, and while the desire to get to the top of the leaderboard encouraged some participants to be more active, most of the pupils did not report engaging in activity 'for fun' during the 8-week period. The research team noticed a short-term novelty effect where some participants were more active for the first few weeks, but it was consistently reported that after a month, pupils became bored of the FitBit. After that, reported physical activity levels declined. "I did it for the first four weeks, and then the last couple of weeks I just sat at home all day," reported one participant. Dr Kerner comments: "Our data suggests that peer-comparison was a key factor in undermining levels of competence and autonomous motivation. There wasn't a desire for our participants to be more active for themselves and their own goals, or for fun, it was simply because they wanted to beat their mates. Self-determined forms of motivation are much better in encouraging people to engage in a particular behaviour. "Additionally, the pre-defined daily target encouraged by FitBit is 10,000 steps. It's not a personalised target and our results show that many participants found it undermining. They said it was unfair, especially if you lacked the ability to achieve those targets. "They strived to achieve it but would often fall short. That made them feel really bad about themselves, and put them off exercise. The app had a negative influence on their perceptions of what being competent at activity means because these pre-defined targets were not relevant to individual needs." The researchers suggest that digital technologies could still play a useful role but practitioners (for example, PE teachers) should help support and educate young people in personalisation and interpreting data for individual goals and ability, rather than encouraging young people to compare themselves to others or a normative standard of achievement. It is vital to promote autonomy as young people's motivation to be more physically active. They need to see themselves as capable and confident, and the 'origin' of their behaviours rather than a 'pawn'. Study participants (44 girls and 40 boys) were recruited from six randomly selected PE classes within two schools, a non-selective private school in the South East of England and a comprehensive in the North West. The research team conclude that research should continue with a larger group of young people to enable further solid conclusions on the role of healthy lifestyle technologies in physical activity behaviour. More information: Charlotte Kerner et al. The Motivational Impact of Wearable Healthy Lifestyle Technologies: A Self-determination Perspective on Fitbits With Adolescents, American Journal of Health Education (2017). Charlotte Kerner et al. The Motivational Impact of Wearable Healthy Lifestyle Technologies: A Self-determination Perspective on Fitbits With Adolescents,(2017). DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2017.1343161 Photo: Final Frontier Medical Devices (HealthDay)Average folks may one day be able to use a Star Trek-inspired home medical device to diagnose a dozen different ailments and track five major vital signs, all without needing to draw blood or visit a doctor's office. Engineers developed the DxtER device as part of a competition to create a modern-day version of the "tricorder" that Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy waved over patients on the starship Enterprise to diagnose illnesses. The DxtER combines an array of different sensors with intelligent diagnostic software in a package weighing less than 5 pounds, said technology design expert Philip Charron, a member of the team that created the device. A person using the DxtER at home can test themselves for anemia, urinary tract infections, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), sleep apnea, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, ear infection, whooping cough, high blood pressure, mononucleosis and increased white blood cell counts, Charron said. "A regular consumer can sit down with our device, answer some questions, and it will come back with a diagnosis," Charron said. The DxtER also can monitor five vital signs continuously: blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate and blood oxygen levels. All of the sensors are noninvasive. No blood needs to be drawn and nothing needs to be inserted into the body, he explained. Charron said that his group, Final Frontier Medical Devices, received a $2.6 million award in April for developing the DxtER and demonstrating an accuracy rate higher than 70 percent. Final Frontier was to present the DxtER this week at the annual meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) in San Diego. Findings presented at meetings are typically viewed as preliminary until they've been published in a peer-reviewed journal. "Now it's up to the peers in the scientific community to see if it works the way it's supposed to," said AACC President Michael Bennett, director of the Palmieri Metabolic Laboratory at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Charron said the DxtER combines: A chest sensor for monitoring heart rate, respiration and temperature. A wrist and hand sensor that checks blood pressure, blood sugar levels, hemoglobin, white blood cell counts and blood oxygen levels. A digital stethoscope that listens to sounds from breathing. A spirometer, which is a device to measure the air capacity of the lungs when people breathe into the machine. All of these devices interact with diagnostic software running on a tablet, Charron noted. "You apply some of these devices to your body, and then answer questions on the tablet about your symptoms, just like you would with a doctor in a doctor's office," Charron said. The competition, called the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, kicked off in 2012 and involved 300 different engineering teams. "It really was a five-year mission, just like in Star Trek," Charron said. The Final Frontier team put about a half million dollars out of their own pockets into the endeavor, which ate up as many as 24,000 hours of combined effort, according to Charron. The team tested its diagnostic software against an approved set of anonymous patient charts, to see if it would accurately diagnose illnesses when provided the proper vital signs and body chemistry readings, Charron said. For the contest, researchers handed the device to patients with diagnosed medical conditions. The patients had to be able to use the device on themselves, unaided, to accurately diagnose their specific illness. The point was to develop a home health care kit that could help families figure out basic illnesses, preventing unnecessary trips to the emergency room or doctor's office, Bennett said. Because of this, it was built to be affordable. The DxtER should cost between $200 and $400 retail, Charron said, although insurers might chip in to bring the cost down even lower if the device proves accurate enough to cut down on visits to the hospital or doctor. Alongside home health care, the DxtER also could prove of great benefit for disaster relief, in refugee camps, as part of military medicine, and even as a means of diagnosing health problems during space travel, Charron suggested. The DxtER now will proceed to clinical trials. The device's accuracy will be tested against tried-and-true equipment now being used in hospitals, and the results will help researchers better hone the diagnostic software, Charron said. James Nichols is medical director of clinical chemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He said, "As with any new device, we need to see what its performance is. We want it to be reproducible and be accurate and compare well with traditional known tests. When we see how it actually performs once it's put in the hands of laypeople, then we'll know a little better what still needs to be worked out with the device." As part of development, Nichols added, engineers also need to consider how the data gathered by DxtER will be uploaded and shared with a person's primary care doctor. "The data is not of much use in the device itself," Nichols said. "It needs to connect with the person's medical record." More information: Philip Charron, M.Ed., senior vice president, consulting & talent, Think Company, Philadelphia; Michael Bennett, Ph.D., director, Michael J. Palmieri Metabolic Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; James Nichols, Ph.D., medical director, clinical chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn.; July 31, 2017, presentation, American Association for Clinical Chemistry, San Diego Philip Charron, M.Ed., senior vice president, consulting & talent, Think Company, Philadelphia; Michael Bennett, Ph.D., director, Michael J. Palmieri Metabolic Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; James Nichols, Ph.D., medical director, clinical chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn.; July 31, 2017, presentation, American Association for Clinical Chemistry, San Diego For more on the pros and cons of home health care devices, visit National Academy of Sciences. Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Could anti-inflammatory drugs be masking serious arthritis condition, University of Aberdeen to explore. Credit: University of Aberdeen Thousands of patients with an inflammatory arthritis condition might be being mis-diagnosed because the pain killers they take hide the problem from doctors. A new University of Aberdeen study, funded by Arthritis Research UK, aims to see how big a role patients' medication plays in slowing down diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. It is estimated around 700,000 people in the UK live daily with inflammatory back pain. Most manage the pain with anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or other slightly stronger variants whilst they wait to have the condition formally diagnosed by a rheumatologist. Axial spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine and joints in the pelvis and in extreme cases can lead to parts of the spine fusing together. It is diagnosed using MRI scans after which it cannot be cured but can be managed with special anti-inflammatory medication. Researchers behind the study suspect that some people who undergo an MRI scan receive a negative diagnosis for axial spondyloarthritis because the Ibuprofen-like drugs they are taking sufficiently reduce the inflammation and 'hide' the symptoms. Early diagnosis is key to preventing axial spondyloarthritis getting worse but typically it can take between 8-11 years to be properly identified. This study will give an indication as to what proportion of axial spondyloarthritis are mis-diagnosed as a result of the anti-inflammatory drugs. Two hundred and fifty patients with the condition will be recruited to the study from around 20 different centres. They will stop taking their regular anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, etc) for a week and then given an MRI scan. They will then start taking the drugs again for six weeks before receiving a second MRI scan. The researchers will then compare the proportion of people who scanned positive for axial spondyloarthritis with those who scanned negative for the condition once they are back on them. Lead researcher, Dr Gareth Jones, a musculoskeletal pain and spondyloarthritis expert, said: "The fact that it can take up to 11 years to get a formal diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis is obviously a concern. There are good drugs to help people manage the condition but they are only available to people who get a correct diagnosis. "We suspect some people who are getting scanned for the condition, who still have anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen in their system, are scanning negative for axial spondyloarthritis because the drugs are masking the true extent of the inflammation. "This study aims to show whether or not these drugs do mask the condition, and what proportion of sufferers could potentially be affected. If we see that the pain killers are indeed leading to negative diagnoses then it will lend support to the argument that anyone receiving an MRI scan for back pain should halt their regular anti-inflammatory medication for a week or so prior to the scan." Stephen Simpson, director of research & programmes at Arthritis Research UK, added: "Axial spondyloarthritis is an incredibly painful condition, which can have a devastating impact on a person's everyday life. For example, those with ankylosing spondylitis are three times more likely to stop work than the general population. "This new research will prompt conversations around whether patients should be asked to refrain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs immediately prior to an MRI scan and to rely, instead, on other pain relief during this specific period. This research could lead to earlier diagnosis for people living with the condition, leading to earlier commencement of appropriate treatment and improved outcome." Micrograph showing a lymph node invaded by ductal breast carcinoma, with extension of the tumour beyond the lymph node. Credit: Nephron/Wikipedia Breast cancer patients who have radiotherapy targeted at the original tumour site experience fewer side effects five years after treatment than those who have whole breast radiotherapy, and their cancer is just as unlikely to return, according to trial results published in The Lancet today. The Cancer Research UK-funded IMPORT LOW trial revealed that five years after treatment, almost all patients were disease free. The researchers at 30 radiotherapy centres across the UK, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, studied more than 2,000 women aged 50 or over who had early stage breast cancer that was at a low risk of coming back. Following breast conserving surgery, some patients were treated with whole breast radiotherapy - the clinical standard - while others received partial breast radiotherapy. Women who received partial radiotherapy reported fewer long term changes to the appearance and feel of their breast, than those who had radiotherapy to the whole breast. Hilary Stobart, 62, from Cambridgeshire, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. She was treated with partial breast radiotherapy as part of the trial. She said: "Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. There's such a lot to take in and it takes time to process. "I used to be a scientist so I was interested in research and I wanted to know if this trial would be of benefit to me and to patients in the future. "I was in the group that had the least amount of radiotherapy. I had very few side effects - just some soreness at the start but that was it. I am pleased that I was part of this study." Following presentation of the initial results, the UK Royal College of Radiologists 2016 breast radiotherapy consensus stated that partial breast radiotherapy could be considered for selected patients using the IMPORT LOW technique. In addition, the Danish Breast Cancer Oncology Group also adopted this partial breast radiotherapy technique for selected patients. Dr Charlotte Coles, Reader in Breast Radiation Oncology at Cambridge University, chief investigator for the trial and first author of the publication, said: "We started this trial because there was evidence that if someone's cancer returns, it tends to do so close to the site of the original tumour, suggesting that some women receive unnecessary radiation to the whole breast. "Now we have evidence to support the use of less, but equally effective, radiotherapy for selected patients." Professor Judith Bliss, scientific lead for the study within the Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: "We're delighted that the results of this trial have the potential to lead to a real change in the way selected breast cancer patients are treated. "The technique used here can be carried out on standard radiotherapy machines so we anticipate that these results will lead to further uptake of this treatment at centres across the country and worldwide." Professor Arnie Purushotham, Cancer Research UK's senior clinical adviser, said: "One of the challenges when treating early stage breast cancer is trying to minimise the side effects that can have a real impact on a woman's life, without affecting the chances of curing her. "This approach could spare many women significant physical discomfort and emotional distress." More information: Coles, C, E., et al., Partial-breast radiotherapy after breast conservation surgery for patients with early breast cancer (UK IMPORT LOW trial): 5-year results from a multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 3, non-inferiority trial. The Lancet. Journal information: The Lancet Coles, C, E., et al., Partial-breast radiotherapy after breast conservation surgery for patients with early breast cancer (UK IMPORT LOW trial): 5-year results from a multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 3, non-inferiority trial. Scientists finally discovered a way to distinguish allergy-causing TH2A cells from helpful TH2 cells that protect people against pathogens. Credit: 2017, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason Scientists report they've pinpointed which immune system cells trigger allergies. The discovery may someday lead to a blood test that improves treatment, they suggest. These cells "represent a common enemy to every allergic individual that we can now easily track," said study author Erik Wambre. He's an immunology researcher at Seattle's Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. Allergic reactions stem from an inappropriate immune response to usually benign substances such as mold, pollen or peanuts. In the United States, almost 50 million Americans have nasal allergies, and as many as 200 die from serious food allergies a year. According to Wambre, more "biomarkers"signs of illness that can show up in testsare needed to improve allergy detection and assess treatment. At the moment, doctors rely on skin pricks to test your reaction to allergy-causing substances, or use blood tests that show if your immune system reacts to certain substances, Wambre said. But these tests aren't always accurate, and there's no accepted way to use the results to predict someone's response to treatment affecting the immune system, he explained. That's where the blood test Wambre and his colleagues are developing comes in. (Wambre and another co-author disclosed in the study that they are inventors of the testing analysis and seeking a patent.) The study authors report they've developed a way to detect so-called type 2 helper T-cells (TH2) that reveal if a person has an allergyalthough it doesn't specify to what substances. "Up until now, we couldn't easily identify the TH2 cells triggering allergies from the one protecting the body from parasites, bacteria or viruses," Wambre said. But the researchers said they found a kind of "signature" on the cells that cause a reaction to common allergens such as peanut, grass pollen, mold, cat dander, tree pollen and dust mites. Their study involved 80 patients with allergies and 34 without allergies. Scientists finally discovered a way to distinguish allergy-causing TH2A cells from helpful TH2 cells that protect people against pathogens. Credit: 2017, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason "These cells were present in every person with allergies and almost entirely absent from people who don't have allergies," Wambre said. The test he has in mind would be simple, not need much blood and perhaps cost $100, he said. A more complex procedure would be required to tell you "whether you are specifically allergic to peanut or milk, for example," he said. However, he said, the trial results suggest this could be a good test "to determine the likelihood of resolution of an allergy." Other researchers praised the study but noted its limitations. Peter Adler Wurtzen is a senior research scientist with the ALK drug company in Denmark. Adler, who wasn't involved in the report, said the test could be useful to tell if long-term treatments are working. That information could then benefit clinical research regarding development of new drugs. He doubted the blood test would be used to diagnose allergies because existing tests work well. Dr. Mohamed Shamji, an associate professor in immunology and allergy at Imperial College London, said more studies are needed to make sure the test is effective. David Cousins, co-author of an editorial accompanying the study, wrote that the findings "bring us a step closer to identifying and understanding the enigmatic T-cells underpinning allergy." The new blood test could potentially be useful for diagnosis and treatment but not prevention, said Cousins, a professor of respiratory science at the University of Leicester in England. The study was published Aug. 2 in the journal Science Translational Medicine. More information: "A phenotypically and functionally distinct human TH2 cell subpopulation is associated with allergic disorders," Science Translational Medicine (2017). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine "A phenotypically and functionally distinct human TH2 cell subpopulation is associated with allergic disorders,"(2017). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/ scitranslmed.aam9171 Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Germany withdraws from Energy Charter Treaty Is Jordan country that has not supplied arms to Armenia?: 'The press usually has reliable information' European Commission approves nationalization of Russian Gazprom's German subsidiary Pashinyan: If the state interferes with the exchange rate unnecessarily, the economy will only suffer U.S. to work with strategic coalition of Southeast Asian countries Armenian PM: To reform army, it is necessary to make military service more attractive Putin and Raisi discuss topical issues of the bilateral agenda Blinken: Ukraine must decide on timing and content of any talks with Russia Catholicos expresses hope that Russia efforts will contribute to ensuring free, safe life of Artsakh Armenians More than 50 of poorest developing countries are on brink of bankruptcy, says UN official Armenia ex-ombudsman: We are facing serious national security issues (PHOTOS) Biden has no plans to meet with Saudi crown prince at G20 summit EU offers natural gas price cap assurances amid disagreements with member countries Scholz is against establishment of ceasefire in Ukraine on Kremlin's terms Turkologist: Turkey does not support agenda of achieving peace with Armenians Sweden to not permit deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory after joining NATO Erdogan signs decree on appointing Turkey ambassador to Israel Information security expert: Some Armenia officials received letter that they were victims of national hackers attack Armenia FM meets with France minister of foreign trade Foreign Policy: US to resume nuclear arms control talks with Russia Armenia opposition MP: Artsakh army reduction is impermissible Biden to warn Chinas Xi that North Korea path could lead to increase in US military presence US Treasury chief: India can buy as much Russian oil as it wants Newspaper: Armenia authorities trying to find legal grounds for signing peace treaty Newspaper: People of Karabakh not going to tolerate final destruction of their army Texas woman sentenced to death for killing pregnant woman, removing fetus from victim Van Gogh's painting sold for a record $117 million Gentiloni: EU countries have accumulated enough gas to get through the coming winter Several dozen activists detained at protest rally in Baku: They chant slogans 'Freedom!', 'Resign!' Princess Haya seeks asylum in Wales Pashinyan: Iran is concerned about the presence of other actors in our region, which are not in the territory of Armenia Pashinyan: Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan listened to presented proposals Volvo reveals its flagship EX90 electric crossover Pashinyan: Yerevan supports Russia's proposals for Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement Pashinyan: Russia cannot withdraw from Karabakh unless it creates additional guarantees for peacekeeping mission Pashinyan: We will do everything to Armenia-Azerbaijan sign peace treaty by end of year Russia bans entry of Biden's family and White House press secretary Pashinyan: We believe there should be a dialogue between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh Pashinyan says positions voiced by some member countries of CSTO are unacceptable 19 countries that use euro currency will slide into recession over winter Pashinyan to Baku: If 1991 border is mutually recognized, what are your troops doing near Jermuk? Pashinyan: If the Karabakh issue is solved, why is Azerbaijani Armed Forces shooting at Karabakh residents? Pashinyan: Russia should say whether their version of peace settlement is still circulating? Pashinyan: Maybe Azerbaijan doesn't want Armenia to receive revenues? Pashinyan: Azerbaijan must withdraw its troops from Armenia Pashinyan: My yesterday's speech served its purpose, Azerbaijani MFA no longer uses 'corridor' term Microsoft founder Paul Allen's collection of world masterpieces sold for $1.6 billion Public TV of Armenia hosts Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan China shows drone killer Armenian FM meets his French counterpart Rishi Sunak decides to close hole in British budget through austerity Delegation of Russian MPs visits Jermuk resort town Lavrov and Mirzoyan discuss regional agenda Harut Sasunyan: The best way to achieve peace is to be prepared for war Turkish prosecutor demands court to ban Istanbul mayor from political activities German business leaders warn against leaving China Sasunyan: Russia and US pursue their own interests in South Caucasus British economy shrinks in three months, foretelling prolonged recession Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan summoned to Foreign Ministry Euro rises above dollar for first time in long time Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister calls Council of Turkic States 'forum of peace' and praises Turkey EU embargo on Russian oil will be a boon for OPEC Armenia defense minister receives China ambassador, military attache Lemkin Institute condemns Azerbaijan president's genocidal rhetoric Dollar goes up, euro rises sharply in Armenia U.S. warns Europe that conflict over Taiwan will cause massive global economic shock EU calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan to moderate their rhetoric Erdogan says Turkey has been waiting at door of EU for 52 years and will give answer when time comes U.S. fears that European support for Ukrainian strategy will begin to weaken Armenia, Iran emphasize need to quickly implement agreements reached (PHOTOS) Armenia soldier wounded by Azerbaijan shooting undergoes surgery Gas over morality: Hungary guards Azerbaijan's interests U.S. quietly seeks concessions from Saudi Arabia after Mohammed bin Salman humiliated Biden Italy's Ambassador to Armenia visits Gyumri Russian Armed Forces complete redeployment of grouping from right bank of Dnieper IRGC: Adversaries are frightened and on alert Armenia appoints ambassador to Sri Lanka Kremlin doesn't consider leaving Kherson 'humiliating' Israeli president thinks the world is concerned about Netanyahu's far-right coalition partner Chinese MFA: China is not distancing itself from Russia, as Biden believes Ukraine will seek help from its foreign partners in financing Starlink satellite internet systems Erdogan: Situation in South Caucasus remains fragile Marukyan: Azerbaijans Aliyev admitted that his country started 2nd Karabakh war, despite previously insisting opposite Azerbaijan blackmailing Armenia through Lachin corridor Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus becomes observer in Organization of Turkic States Armenia PM: In his latest speech Aliyev flagrantly violated agreement on refraining from threat or use of force World Bank official: Armenia is one of best countries in terms of credit portfolio performance Azerbaijan president makes repeated accusations, threats against Armenia Iran citizens injured in Armenia road accident China reveals new giant drone that could point to the future of air warfare US embassy in Armenia closed today Karabakh MOD: Defense Army did not fire at Azerbaijan positions located in occupied territories Israel and U.S. counter threat of hypersonic missiles together U.S. and EU plan to publish new roadmap on artificial intelligence Armenia ombudsperson meets with Belgium colleagues Newspaper: Armenia parliament opposition seats to no longer be empty Newspaper: Armenia parliament committee of inquiry into 2020 war circumstances is inactive U.S. will no longer consider Russia a country with a market economy US intends to protect Azerbaijan from threats of Iran Aliyev, Erdogan discuss results of tripartite meeting in Russias Sochi TWIN FALLS After adding back-to-school supplies to her online Walmart shopping cart, Heyburn mother Linda Lopez was surprised to see the total: $279. She has five children wholl go to Heyburn Elementary School this year: kindergarten, first, second, third and fifth graders. Lopez a single mother whos a daycare provider and studying to become a teacher said its so frustrating when schools dont have the money to provide items such as whiteboard markers, disinfecting wipes or copy paper. To me, these are things the school should be supplying, not parents, she said. Lopez saves unused supplies her children bring home each school year. That helps cut down on some back-to-school shopping costs. She has seen information circulating on Facebook about ways parents can get assistance with school supplies, but she hasnt asked for help. Theres always somebody more needy out there, she said. If you have children, you like Lopez have probably spent time recently in a crowded back-to-school shopping aisle or on a store website. With only weeks to go until the first day of school ranging from mid-August to early September across south-central Idaho what can you expect to find on school supply lists? Fewer brand names and fewer shared classroom items. For the Twin Falls School District and many others across the area, its the second year of pared down supply lists. After the Joki lawsuit, everyone took a hard look at our school supply lists, said Eva Craner, spokeswoman for the Twin Falls School District. In a 2015 case, a judge ruled the West Ada School District failed to provide a free education to a Meridian family because it charged fees for certain classes. Fourth District Judge Richard Greenwood addressed only the fees charged to Russell Jokis grandchildren while they attended the school district, but the ruling has caused ripple effects statewide. Greenwood agreed with Joki that fees are unconstitutional. Many schools voluntarily eliminated fees last school year and revamped school supply lists to avoid possible legal action. Now, parents are supposed to bring only personal-use items for their child, such as notebooks and crayons. And if a student brings pencils, for example, they stay with that student instead of being divided among the entire class. Extra supplies, like tissues and disinfecting wipes for the classroom, are optional to buy. And class and registration fees arent generally required. But teachers are allowed to ask if parents are willing to make a donation to the classroom as a whole. And many do. Another change across the Magic Valley: Many school supply lists dont include brand names, such as Dixon Ticonderoga pencils or Kleenex. Wed rather err on the side of caution, said Beth Olmstead, principal at Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls. If you have a question about which brand tends to work better, though, Twin Falls School District spokeswoman Eva Craner recommends you ask your childs teacher. Overall, schools are cutting down the number of items on supply lists. Weve asked teachers to really pare it down to the necessities, said Angie Brulotte, principal of Jefferson Elementary School in Jerome. School administrators ask teachers to think how much it may cost for a family, she said. So many of our teachers are on pretty tight budgets themselves, so theyre pretty thoughtful. Brulotte said shes always super impressed by how many families make an effort to send their children to school with supplies. But she estimates about 25 percent of students struggle to bring all of the necessary supplies. But families shouldnt worry if they cant afford to bring all of the school supplies, educators say. Theyll educate any child who shows up, regardless of what they bring. A helping hand Each year, several local nonprofit organizations including South Central Community Action Partnership and the Twin Falls Salvation Army help provide school supplies for families in need. The Twin Falls Salvation Army is accepting applications through Aug. 16. It plans to help between 100 and 150 children this year each, with about $30-$50 worth of school supplies. Its a very simple, one-page application, Lt. Felicia Cook said, and families dont need to demonstrate financial need. To get an application, visit the nonprofits Facebook page or visit the office at 348 Fourth Ave. N. in Twin Falls. The Salvation Army also plans to give away a few new backpacks at its back-to-school celebration from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 19. Want to help out? The Salvation Army is collecting donations of school supplies in bins at Fred Meyer, ShopKo and St. Lukes. Across south-central Idaho, some parent-teacher associations including in Richfield and Hollister raised money this year to buy school supplies for the entire school. In Richfield, parents sold old city street signs that were recently replaced. The group raised about $2,700 and received a donation from Glanbia Foods. Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls, which has a high poverty rate among its students, has a school supply closet, which is stocked with donations, including new backpacks. At this time of year, Olmstead frequently has individuals and groups asking how they can help with school supply donations. If youre a family struggling to pay for school supplies, Wendell Elementary School principal Paula Chapman has a suggestion: Talk with your childs teacher or school secretary. Dont not ask, she said. Well be discreet. STEPANAKERT. Azerbaijani citizens Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov, who are serving their sentences in a prison in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), have the opportunity to have video communication with their relatives. The NKR prime ministers press secretary, Artak Beglaryan, stated the aforesaid commentingat the request of Armenian News-NEWS.amon the information that the European Court of Human Rights has started a communication along the lines of a lawsuit filed by the wives of Guliyev and Asgarov. Beglaryan noted that based on the gravity of their crime and in accordance with the law, these Azerbaijani citizens were kept in a maximum security prison. They have the opportunity to have a walk every day, he added. There is no question regarding their food and health. In case of health problems, the relevant specialists are invited. Also, Artak Beglaryan stressed that these two Azerbaijani citizens exchange messages with their relatives by way of the Red Cross. Azerbaijani citizens Shahbaz Guliyev (born in 1968), Dilgam Asgarov (born in 1960), and Hasan Hasanovwho was killed by the Armenian armed forces while rendering these saboteurs ineffectivehad illegally crossed the NKR state border on June 29, 2014, and they were armed with weapons and ammunition. The three had entered the territory of the Shahumyan Region of Karabakh, and as spies, to collect information and carry out espionage. On July 4, 2014, they had kidnapped and subsequently murdered Karabakh citizen Smbat Tsakanyan, 17, whose body was found on July 15, 2014, and with gunshot wounds, in a forest at the Shahumyan Region. In addition, on the evening of July 11, 2014, Hasanov had killed Armenia capital city Yerevan resident Sargis Abrahamyan (born in 1971), and severely wounded Armenias Dzoraghbyur village resident Karine Davtyan, on the Vardenis-Karvachar Highway. Hasanov was armed and he resisted arrest; as a result, he was neutralized by the NKR special forces. Guliyev and Asgarov, on the other hand, were detained, and they faced trial in the NKR. Asgarov was charged with espionage; unauthorized border trespass; kidnapping and violence against a minor, committed by an organized group; murder committed by an organized group motivated by ethnic hatred; and attempt of murder of two persons, committed by an organized group, motivated by ethnic hatred. Guliyev was charged with espionage; unauthorized border trespass; kidnapping and violence against a minor, committed by an organized group; and murder committed by an organized group motivated by ethnic hatred. And on December 29, 2014, the First Instance General Jurisdiction Court of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic sentenced Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev to life and 22 years, respectively, in prison. BOISE The primary to pick the candidates for Idahos next governor isnt until May 2018, but the race for the Republican nomination is already shaping up to be a pricey one. Between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year, Lt. Gov. Brad Little had raised almost $230,000 in his bid to succeed Gov. C.L. Butch Otter, spent more than $114,000 and ended the filing period with $449,258.03 in his campaign coffers. U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, also running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, had raised $309,000, spent a little more than $21,000 and closed with $287,821.97 in the bank. And Treasure Valley businessman Tommy Ahlquist raised more than $952,500, spent more than $796,000 and closed with $156,171.10. Independent John Thomas Wiechec and Republican Lisa Marie, who have also filed to run for governor, reported no fundraising activity. The only Democrat to file so far, Boise homeless man Troy Minton, hadnt filed his report as of Tuesday. All three major Republican candidates put out news releases touting their fundraising hauls. Little said he has received donations from 800 contributors during the first half of this year, and from more than 1,400 donors since declaring last summer. He highlighted that 90 percent of his donations came from inside the state. The support from Idahoans is humbling and exciting for Teresa and me, Little said. People dont want to hear talk about being a conservative leader, they want to see it in action. Idahoans have entrusted me to do a job and thats what I have been doing. Here in Idaho, we have near record low unemployment, wage growth that is double the national average, and a state that is consistently recognized as one of the best places to raise a family and start a small business. Ahlquist said his haul $378,000 of his own money, $575,000 in contributions is the largest mid-year fundraising total for a governors race in Idaho history. More than half of his contributions, he said, were for less than $100. Collectively our opponents have held elected office in Idaho for a total of 27 years and have raised and spent millions of dollars campaigning for public office, said Ahlquist senior adviser Travis Hawkes. Going up against career politicians has required Tommy to invest personally along with the tremendous support from fellow Idahoans a necessity at this early stage of the race in order to share his message with voters of building an even better Idaho. Labrador highlighted that he had raised so much in a little more than a month he filed to run in May outraising his opponents during the same period of time. Fifty-two percent of his donations, he said, came in increments of $100 or less. The high level of support Ive received in such a short period of time is humbling, Labrador said. The people of Idaho are excited for new leadership, and our first campaign finance report shows that. Idahoans are tired of the status quo and politicians picking winners and losers. They want proven conservative leadership. Thats what Ive delivered throughout my time in public service and thats what I will deliver as governor. Both Little and Labrador, who have extensive experience in state politics, have drawn the support of a number of state legislators. Littles contributors this year include Magic Valley lawmakers Sens. Jim Patrick and Bert Brackett and Reps. Maxine Bell and Clark Kauffman, as well as Sens. Patti Anne Lodge, Chuck Winder, Shawn Keough, Jeff Siddoway and Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, and Reps. Dell Raybould, Thyra Stevenson, Greg Chaney and Patrick McDonald. Labrador, meanwhile, has gotten donations from Sens. Clifford Bayer and Dean Mortimer and Reps. Lynn Luker, Sage Dixon, Joe Palmer and Judy Boyle and House Assistant Majority Leader Brent Crane. Other prominent Idaho political figures to have contributed to Little include former Republican governors Dirk Kempthorne and Phil Batt (both of whom backed Labradors congressional primary opponent Vaughn Ward in 2010), former U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, former Magic Valley Sen. Laird Noh and Phil Hardy, a Republican strategist with experience working as an aide to both Little and Labrador Labrador fired him in 2013 after Hardy sent a tweet commenting on a racy Super Bowl commercial that appeared on Labradors official account. Prominent Labrador contributors include Doyle Beck, chairman of the Bonneville County Republicans; Bryan Smith, who ran against U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, with whom Labrador has had an often publicly rocky relationship, in the 2014 Republican primary; state Treasurer Ron Crane, who co-chaired Labradors 2010 campaign; and former Idaho GOP Chairman Norm Semanko. Labrador has also gotten donations from many of his colleagues in the conservative House Freedom Caucus, including U.S. Reps. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, Justin Amash, R-Mich., Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., Scott Perry, R-Penn., Ken Buck, R-Colo., Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Andy Harris, R-Md. Political newcomer Ahlquists campaign finance report doesnt show any support yet from prominent Idaho politicos. His 70 or so biggest contributors the ones who gave the $5,000 maximum are a mix of individuals and business-affiliated accounts, mostly in the Treasure Valley and some from Utah. Texas Police Department Revives Road Rage Hotline "Our goal is to ensure citizens are safe while traveling on our freeways," said Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson. "There is absolutely no reason why someone should engage in aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to violence resulting in unnecessary injuries or even death." The Arlington, Texas, Police Department has a new road rage hotline in operation, with the number 817-459-5389. Motorists who are involved in an in-progress incident with an aggressive driver should still contact 911, the department's release noted, adding that the road rage hotline is intended to provide follow-up communication with registered owners whose cars have been reported to be involved in an aggressive driving incident. APD asks callers to the hotline to provide their contact information, a detailed description of the aggressive driver and vehicle involved, a general description of what happened, and a location and time of the incident. Investigators from its Traffic Unit will follow up, and a letter will be mailed to the registered owner describing the allegation and offering tips for remaining calm in traffic and safely bringing an end to future incidents. APD said it had a road rage hotline in the early 2000s but discontinued it in 2008 after calls stopped coming in. "We hope to use this hotline as an additional tool to deter and report aggressive drivers in addition to our enforcement efforts," said Lt. Jeff Pugh, who commands the Traffic Unit. "We believe that there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of road-rage type incidents on our area freeways. We will not tolerate driving behaviors that put the motoring public in danger and will deal with other criminal acts that occur in conjunction with aggressive driving." The department launched an aggressive driving task force after a 19-year old man died June 25, 2017, in what was described as a road rage shooting on Interstate 20 in the southern part of the city. Task force officers are working in covert capacities and in marked units, looking for aggressive drivers including excessive speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, driving on improved shoulders to pass traffic, throwing objects at vehicles, brandishing weapons, and other unsafe behaviors that can lead to road rage style incidents. And APD reported since the task force, 19 team enforcements have been conducted that resulted in 464 traffic stops, 574 citations issued, and seven arrests made. "Our goal is to ensure citizens are safe while traveling on our freeways," said Police Chief Will Johnson. "There is absolutely no reason why someone should engage in aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to violence resulting in unnecessary injuries or even death." Theres something about an old school corner tavern that makes my heart skip a little beat. One of the spots that always seems to give me that funny little fluttery feeling is Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall at 1920 S. 37th St. And theres good reason for that. Its solidly among the last of a dying breed of old-school, neighborhood Milwaukee bars, each of which contributes in its own unique way to the preservation of the Cream Citys cultural history. In the case of Kochanskis, that contribution comes in the form of polka. In fact, if youre looking for some of the best polka in the city, theres no better place than Kochanskis weekly "Polka Jam," held every Wednesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. And you can take my word for it when I say theres so many great reasons to put it on your bucket list of things to experience in Milwaukee. 1. Kochanskis is a piece of living history Kochanskis might well be the last remaining polka bar in the city. And thats something, considering there were once a good number of them, particularly on the near South Side. Conejitos was once home to a polka bar. Stenys was once a spot called Cordovox. And La Cage was once called Louie Bashells Polka Palace. Just watch the musicians as they gather with their accordions, concertinas and Slovenian button boxes. If youre lucky, someone will drag out their tuba. Most have been playing their instruments for years. And a few seem to have their own bands of loyal fans who come out just to watch them play. Its a hard thought to have, but what happens when, someday, these musicians are gone? This is one of the many things in our city that you need to experience before you simply cant any longer. 2. You should learn the official state dance Its true. Polka is Wisconsins official state dance. In fact, while over 25 U.S. States have official state dances (most of which, strangely, are the square dance), Wisconsin is the only to have claimed the polka. Polka in Wisconsin dates back to the 1800s when immigrants arrived with their their brass instruments, accordions and folk dances, among them the polka. The music was a symbol of home and the joy of family. And rest assured, if polka music was playing, peoples feet were moving and there were plenty of friends, family, food and drink to be found. 3 The food is delicious A brand new feature at the Wednesday Polka Jam is a full Polish dinner catered by Riverwest Deli and Catering. Yes, its served up in divided styrofoam take-out containers, but lets not be judgy. After all, those tender galumpkis taste like something your grandmother used to make. And the Kielbasa, kraut and pierogi arent too shabby either. Even better, that entire plate of food is just $12. Individual items are also available for purchase, to the tune of $1.25 each for pierogi, $2.50 for glumpkis, and a Polish Pipe Bomb (kielbasa and kraut on a bolillo roll) for just $5. Finish off your dinner with a $2 shot of Jezynowka Polish blackberry brandy. Because, why not? 4. There is plenty of beer Incidentally, Kochanskis also happens to have one of the largest collections of Polish beer in the city, and those Polish brews are all $1 off for the occasion. So, consider this a moment to branch out and try something new like the sweet, malty Kozlak bock. Or just get a can of Pabst or a pour of Miller Lite. No one will judge. 5. There's dancing Its a Wednesday night. Youve got a beer in your hand. And there are few more enjoyable ways to pass the time than watching people polka, except maybe engaging in the dance yourself. The brilliant thing about the polka is that its pretty easy to learn. And when youre surrounded by folks who already know the ropes, there are plenty of people to look to for guidance, even if its your first time. In fact, on any given Wednesday, there are folks of all shapes, sizes and ages from kids and their families to young hipster couples and adorable grannies. And theyre all having a great time. 6. It will make you happy In fact, maybe the best part about Polka Jam Wednesdays is that at the end of the night its pretty tough not to leave happier than you came. As an elected official, it is important to me that I hear the voices of people who are impacted by the budget decisions we make. Our new initiative, Engage Milwaukee, encourages the public to engage in the budget process. Engage Milwaukee consists of a new software program called Balancing Act. Through this software, the public is able to design and share their own budget for Milwaukee County. Since its launch on June 15, this tool has helped the public visualize and understand the difficult decisions policymakers have to make each fiscal year. Community members, like Ald. Cavalier Johnson, believe that Balancing Act has challenged residents to balance a $40 million deficit that County leaders will also likely face in the upcoming budget, but also to engage in meaningful input. Even though we face many significant challenges this fiscal year, I am pleased that the Engage Milwaukee initiative has encouraged open dialogue surrounding the upcoming budget. I continue to feel strongly that the community should be heard as we make important decisions about where and how to invest our resources into programs and services that empower more people. It was a pleasure working alongside the experienced professionals at Balancing Act. Likewise, they said that Milwaukee County is a "top-notch, high performing government." This partnership continues to show that when public and private entities work together, great strides in change can be made. I look forward to continuing to partner with state and local elected officials, business leaders and community leaders to meet the needs of the Milwaukee community. Visit milwaukeecounty.abalancingact.com to view and submit a budget for Milwaukee County. A Balancing Act for Milwaukee County will be open to receive submissions through the end of August. Budget submissions are anonymous and will be received by our budget office, which will compile all the feedback we receive over the summer and share with the community in the fall. In National Park the anthrax pathogen Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis is posing a serious threat to wildlife, including chimpanzees. Credit: MPI f. Evolutionary Anthropology/ L. Samuni Anthrax, a disease so far not associated with tropical rain forests, is common in the Ivory Coast's Tai National Park and is posing a serious threat to wildlife there. The bacterium could soon even cause the extinction of local chimpanzee populations. This is revealed in a study by scientists from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the University of Glasgow, and the Ivorian National Animal Health Institute. "The results demonstrate the importance of long-term studies of infectious diseases and their effects on wildlife", says RKI's Fabian Leendertz, the veterinary scientist leading the study. "They help us to better protect endangered species. But at the same time, infections in great apes are often indicators of diseases that can also affect humans". Lothar H. Wieler, president of the RKI and co-author, adds: "The work really highlights the One Health approach that sees human and animal health as intimately connected and stresses the need for considering them jointly." Anthrax is caused by spore-forming bacteria, typically Bacillus anthracis. Especially in the arid regions of Africa, outbreaks are common and can also affect people and their livestock. In 2004, Leendertz' team at RKI discovered a previously unknown type of the anthrax bacterium in dead chimpanzees in the rainforests of Tai National Park: Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis. Studies conducted since have shown that the same type has also caused mortality in isolated cases in chimpanzees, gorillas, and elephants in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. In their current work, the researchers focused on the distribution of the pathogen within Tai National Park and its effect on wildlife populations. They analysed bone and tissue samples which had been collected over the last 28 years from mammal carcasses found in the park. They also looked at the stomach content of carrion flies: these flies constantly encounter carcasses, pick up the anthrax pathogen, and can thus provide clues about the areas and species it circulates in. Bones and flies from 16 other regions in sub-Saharan Africa were also tested. Sequencing and analysing the pathogen's genome, which also involved scientists at the University of Glasgow, enabled establishment of how animal cases were linked. "To our surprise, almost 40 percent of all animal deaths in Tai National Park we investigated were attributable to anthrax," reports Emmanuel Couacy-Hymann from the Ivorian Animal Health Institute. The researchers found the pathogen in several monkey species, duikers, mongoose, and a porcupine. Most seriously affected were the chimpanzees: 31 of the 55 individuals whose carcasses were examined had died from the disease. "According to our projections, anthrax could over time contribute to drive chimpanzees in Tai National Park to extinction," says Roman Wittig, who leads the Tai Chimpanzee project at the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. The scientists are now trying to find out why the pathogen is particularly active in Tai National Park; they also still don't know where and how animals become infected. In addition, the researchers are searching for ways to protect the chimpanzees, including the possibility of vaccination. Human infections with the atypical type of the anthrax bacterium have so far not been reported. But the probability that it also poses a threat to humans, just like Bacillus anthracis, is high, since both types are highly related. Collaborative studies between RKI and research institutes and agencies in Ivory Coast to investigate this are currently under way. Anthrax in humans can cause death but if recognised early can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. More information: Constanze Hoffmann et al, Persistent anthrax as a major driver of wildlife mortality in a tropical rainforest, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature23309 Journal information: Nature Credit: CC0 Public Domain There's no shortage of bitcoin in Philadelphia. In Northern Liberties, Pa., the red-hot digital currency can be bought at a shipping services storefront. In West Philadelphia, customers can fill their virtual wallets after topping off their tanks at a Citgo gas station. And in Cheltenham Township, a bitcoin ATM will convert your cash to cryptocurrency at a Dollar Plus variety store, conveniently sandwiched between an Aldi supermarket and a pawn shop. About two dozen machines or shops in the region will take regular cash and credit private bitcoin accounts, according to the website CoinATMRadar.com, which locates and maps bitcoin ATMs. Those accounts can then be used to pay for goods online without a credit card, remit payments quickly to family overseas, or cover bets placed on online gambling sites. They can also be used to buy illicit drugs over the internet, according to federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations. And the number of those bitcoin outlets appears to be growing. That should come as no surprise because the value of bitcoin has skyrocketed. In January 2015, the value of a single "coin" was about $220. In mid-May it spiked to more than $3,000. On Monday evening, one bitcoin was trading comfortably at about $2,860. Hedge funds have swept in to gamble on the digital currency. Celebrities and athletes, from Bollywood movie stars to boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., have promoted cryptocurrency, pumping up popular interest across the globe. "There's a lot of excitement about it," said Kevin Werbach, a Wharton School professor who studies bitcoin and its underlying technology, called blockchain. "It's a commodity, and demand is exceeding supply. "The magnitude of the rise this year has been a speculative bubble which will in time deflate," Werbach said, "but how fast and how far we don't know." The world's dominant digital currency (there are more than 700), bitcoin operates independently of any government or bank. Transactions are recorded and verified on the blockchain database that is instantly shared on a worldwide network of computers. Industry analysts say that the technology underlying those transactions makes bitcoin more secure than using a credit card. At Liberty Parcel, a bitcoin ATM has been sitting inside the shop's entrance for more than a year, where it simply occupies space. "It's like a gumball machine in front of a pizza shop," said a clerk who did not want to be identified by name. An average machine might exchange between $25,000 and $30,000 a month, said Neil Conner, a spokesman for Lamassu, a New Hampshire-based producer of bitcoin machines. Typically, stores where they are placed collect about $100 a month in rent. Legitimate businesses accept bitcoin, most famously Microsoft (though only for games, movies, and apps in the Windows and Xbox stores) along with merchants on Etsy (an online marketplace for crafts) and Overstock.com. Some political action committees will accept donations in bitcoin. Most bitcoin is traded on exchanges such as Coinbase and Poloniex, online operations that match buyers and sellers. The exchanges, which typically charge a 2 percent fee, are strictly regulated by federal and state agencies and follow the same rules as banks. Their clients include high-end investors, financial institutions, and speculators and have caught the attention of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, which last week announced it wants to regulate some transactions. Bitcoin ATMs generally serve a less sophisticated clientele, according to industry experts. The machines charge steep fees - up to 12 percent - and rarely require more than a cellphone number to establish an identity. Bitcoin ATM companies have moved aggressively into areas that are underserved by banks. Because they require so little identification, the ATMs frequently are used to buy bitcoin for "nefarious reasons," according to federal agents. Most notoriously, bitcoin is the currency of choice on the dark web, where it's used to buy illicit narcotics. It's also used to extract payments from ransomware victims. "Because this is a private, decentralized currency, bitcoin itself has no way of telling if you're buying a bag of potato chips with it or a kilo of drugs," said Werbach, the Wharton professor. Lamassu's Conner said the bitcoin ATM machines allow new customers an easy way to experience the digital currency. "If you're looking to get your feet wet in cryptocurrency, bitcoin ATMs are the easiest on-ramp," Conner said. "Whether it's $5 or $100, it's the least confusing way of getting involved." 2017 The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Star cluster NGC 3293. Credit: ESO/G. Beccari (Phys.org)Observations conducted with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have uncovered a young stellar cluster designated NGC 3293. The data provided by the spacecraft reveal insights about its stellar population. The findings were presented July 27 in a paper published on arXiv.org. Located some 8,000 light years away from the Earth, NGC 3293 is a young open cluster at the northwestern periphery of the Carina Nebula Complex (CNS). It is known for its impressive collection of bright stars, including 48 early B-type stars. Although NGC 3293 is a very prominent celestial object, it is the only cluster in the CNC that had not yet been observed in X-rays. The cluster was often neglected in studies of the Carina Nebula Complex due to its angular separation of about 230 light years from the center of the CNC. This situation changed when a group of researchers led by Thomas Preibisch of the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich in Germany carried out the first X-ray monitoring of NGC 3293 with Chandra in October 2015. These observations resulted in the detection of more than 1,000 individual X-ray point sources, allowing the team to better characterize the stellar population of the cluster. "We have performed the first deep X-ray observation of the young cluster NGC 3293 at the northwestern edge of the Carina Nebula Complex. (...) The present study is the first where NGC 3293 is investigated in the same way as all other clusters in the CNC (i.e., by a combination of a deep X-ray and infrared data)," the researchers wrote in the paper. According to the study, NGC 3293 contains about 3,600 stars, which makes it one of the most populous clusters in the entire Carina Nebula Complex. Notably, the cluster has a large population of low-mass stars (below two solar masses), which refutes previous claims of a lack of solar-mass stars in NGC 3293. Despite its relatively young age of about eight to 10 million years old, NGC 3293 is the oldest of the large clusters in the CNC. The researchers found that the studied cluster probably contained several O-type stars during its first two million years after formation. They assume that supernova explosions of these O-type stars may have played an important role in the process of evolution of the entire Carina Nebula Complex. "Our data shows that NGC 3293 is one of the most populous stellar clusters in the entire Carina Nebula Complex (very similar to Tr 16 and Tr 15; only Tr 14 is more populous). The cluster probably harbored several O-type stars, whose supernova explosions may have had an important impact on the early evolution of the Carina Nebula Complex," the authors wrote in the paper. In concluding remarks, the scientists emphasized the importance of their research. They noted that studies based on a good characterization of the ages and stellar populations of clusters are crucial for understanding the "intricate spatio-temporal progression" of star formation in huge cloud complexes. More information: Chandra X-ray observation of the young stellar cluster NGC 3293 in the Carina Nebula Complex, arXiv:1707.08782 [astro-ph.SR] arxiv.org/abs/1707.08782 Abstract We characterize the stellar population of the poorly explored young stellar cluster NGC 3293 at the northwestern periphery of the Carina Nebula Complex, in order to evaluate the cluster age and the mass function, and to test claims of an abnormal IMF and a deficit of M <= 2.5 M_sun stars. We performed a deep (70 ksec) X-ray observation of NGC 3293 with Chandra and detected 1026 individual X-ray point sources. We identify counterparts for 74% of the X-ray sources in deep near-infrared images. Our data clearly show that NGC 3293 hosts a large population of solar-mass stars, refuting claims of a lack of M <= 2.5 M_sun stars. The analysis of the color magnitude diagram suggests an age of ~8-10 Myr for the low-mass population of the cluster. There are at least 511 X-ray detected stars with color magnitude positions that are consistent with young stellar members within 7 arcmin of the cluster center. The number ratio of X-ray detected stars in the 1-2 M_sun range versus the M >= 5 M_sun stars (known from optical spectroscopy) is consistent with the expectation from a normal field initial mass function. Most of the early B-type stars and 20% of the later B-type stars are detected as X-ray sources. Our data shows that NGC 3293 is one of the most populous stellar clusters in the entire Carina Nebula Complex. The cluster probably harbored several O-type stars, whose supernova explosions may have had an important impact on the early evolution of the Carina Nebula Complex. 2017 Phys.org TWIN FALLS Volunteers at Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center say its a place where miracles happen. This weeks miracle has four feathered legs, came all the way from Wales via Tennessee, and is named Lucky. But Director Marni Porath says her organization is the lucky one. Rising Stars won the 7-year-old Gypsy Vanner therapy horse in a national online contest that pitted 80 horse therapy centers across the nation against each other. The top 20 facilities each won a horse from LexLin Gypsy Ranch in Rockwood, Tenn. Rising Stars placed 16th in the contest. Lucky arrived July 28 in Twin Falls, but many of Poraths clients met the mare Aug. 1. This is the best day ever! Hannah Miller, 11, said, raising her arms far over her head. Bob Rynbrand, one of Rising Stars 50 volunteers, maneuvered Hannahs wheelchair so Lucky could nuzzle her face. She is such a sweetheart, Rynbrand said. Poraths parents, volunteers Chris and Jerry Dickard, drove to Tennessee to bring the mare to her new home. She is so gentle, said Chris Dickard, who entered Rising Stars in LexLins Gift Horse program, which has now donated 65 Vanners since 2009 to spread the awareness of the breed as therapy horses. She travels better than any horse Ive ever hauled, she said. Vanner horses, bred by Roma after World War II to pull caravans, are known for their short, muscular bodies and calm disposition. Lucky is dapple gray and stands just 14 hands high. She has a long mane and tail, and her oversized hooves are hidden by long hair called feathers. Rising Stars hippotherapy and therapeutic riding serves children and adults with a variety of challenges, such as autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, developmental delays and traumatic brain injuries. As clients and visitors took turns giving Lucky hugs, Rachael Ward of Hansen explained how Rising Stars has helped her daughter. My sweet little Bently is autistic, Ward said as she watched her daughter ride one of Rising Stars other therapy horses. She doesnt get to do a lot of things. Bently used to be afraid of animals, but she has now lost that fear. And the centers hippotherapy program has strengthened her body, Ward said. We love it here, she said. Porath is looking for a trainer for Lucky. The mare is halterbroken but has never been ridden. But that hasnt put a damper on her clients enthusiasm. They are more than excited, she said. The Minoans were a literate Bronze Age civilization that flourished thousands of years ago (one woman shown dancing, in a fresco fragment that dates from 1600-1450 BCE). Credit: Wikipedia/Photo by Wolfgang Sauber is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 An analysis of ancient DNA has revealed that Ancient Minoans and Mycenaens were genetically similar with both peoples descending from early Neolithic farmers. They likely migrated from Anatolia to Greece and Crete thousands of years prior to the Bronze Age. Modern Greeks, in turn, are largely descendants of the Mycenaeans, the study found. The discovery of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations on the island of Crete and on mainland Greece in the late 1800s gave birth to modern archaeology and opened a direct window into the European Bronze Age. This period of history had previously been glimpsed only though Homer's epics, the Iliad and Odyssey. The Minoan civilization flourished on Crete beginning in the third millennium before the Common Era. and was astonishingly advanced artistically and technologically. The Minoans were also the first literate people of Europe. The Mycenaean civilization developed in mainland Greece in the second millennium before the Common Era. It shared many cultural features with the Minoans. They used the Linear B script, an early form of Greek. The origins of the Minoan and Mycenaean peoples, however, have puzzled archaeologists for over 100 years. It is widely believed that they derived from different ancestral populations. A new analysis of well-preserved Minoan and Mycenaean DNA now provides many answers and insights. An international team of researchers from the University of Washington, the Harvard Medical School and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, together with archaeologists and other collaborators in Greece and Turkey, report the first genome-wide DNA sequence data on the Bronze Age inhabitants of mainland Greece, Crete, and southwestern Anatolia. The Bull-Leaping-Fresco from the Great Palace at Knossos, Crete. (The original is located at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Heraklion, Crete) Credit: By Lapplaender - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de UW Medicine researcher, George Stamatoyannopoulos, professor of genome sciences and of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, is the senior author on the paper describing the new findings. The study appears August 2 in the advanced online edition o the journal Nature. The researchers analyzed tooth DNA from the remains of 19 ancient individuals who could be definitively identified by archaeological evidence as Minoans of Crete, Mycenaeans of mainland Greece, and people who lived in southwestern Anatolia. The DNA samples were collected by Stamatoyannopoulos and his archaeologist collaborators, and were initially analyzed in his laboratory. Subsequently, Stamatoyannopoulos began collaborating with Johannes Krause of the Max Planck Institute, who undertook comprehensive genomic DNA sequencing using techniques developed in his laboratory, and P David Reich of Harvard Medical School, who worked with Iosif Lazaridis on collation and statistical genetic analysis of the data. They compared the Minoan and Mycenaean genomes to each other and to more than 330 other ancient genomes and over 2,600 genomes of present-day humans from around the world. The Mycenaeans, a Bronze Age civilization that conquered the Minoans, used a written language called Linear B (shown inscribed on tablet), that was an early form of Greek. Credit: Wikipedia/Photo by Zde is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 Study results show that Minoans and Mycenaeans were genetically highly similar - but not identical - and that modern Greeks descend from these populations. The Minoans and Mycenaeans descended mainly from early Neolithic farmers, likely migrating thousands of years prior to the Bronze Age from Anatolia, in what is today modern Turkey. "Minoans, Mycenaeans, and modern Greeks also had some ancestry related to the ancient people of the Caucasus, Armenia, and Iran. This finding suggests that some migration occurred in the Aegean and southwestern Anatolia from further east after the time of the earliest farmers," said Lazaridis. While both Minoans and Mycenaeans had both "first farmer" and "eastern" genetic origins, Mycenaeans traced an additional minor component of their ancestry to ancient inhabitants of Eastern Europe and northern Eurasia. This type of so-called Ancient North Eurasian ancestry is one of the three ancestral populations of present-day Europeans, and is also found in modern Greeks. A passion for history inspired Stamatoyannopoulos to initiate this project: "For over 100 years, many hotly contested theories have circulated concerning the origin of the inhabitants of Bronze Age, Classical, and modern Greece, including the so-called 'Coming of the Greeks' in the late second millennium, the 'Black Athena' hypothesis of the Afroasiatic origins of Classical Greek civilization, and the notorious theory of the 19th century German historian Fallmerayer, who popularized the belief that the descendants of the ancient Greeks had vanished in early Medieval times." While the new study does not resolve all the outstanding questions, it provides key answers. Importantly, the findings disprove the widely held theory that the Mycenaeans were a foreign population in the Aegean and were not related to the Minoans. The results also dispel the theory that modern Greeks did not descend from the Mycenaeans and later ancient Greek populations. In broad strokes, the new study shows that there was genetic continuity in the Aegean from the time of the first farmers to present-day Greece, but not in isolation. The peoples of the Greek mainland had some admixture with Ancient North Eurasians and peoples of the Eastern European steppe both before and after the time of the Minoans and Mycenaeans, which may provide the missing link between Greek speakers and their linguistic relatives elsewhere in Europe and Asia. The study thus underscores the power of analysis of ancient DNA to solve vexing historical problems, and sets the stage for many future studies that promise to untangle the threads of history, archaeology, and language. More information: Iosif Lazaridis et al, Genetic origins of the Minoans and Mycenaeans, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature23310 Journal information: Nature Provided by University of Washington Health Sciences Credit: CC0 Public Domain In South Asia, a region of deep poverty where one-fifth of the world's people live, new research suggests that by the end of this century climate change could lead to summer heat waves with levels of heat and humidity that exceed what humans can survive without protection. There is still time to avert such severe warming if measures are implemented now to reduce the most dire consequences of global warming. However, under business-as-usual scenarios, without significant reductions in carbon emissions, the study shows these deadly heat waves could begin within as little as a few decades to strike regions of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, including the fertile Indus and Ganges river basins that produce much of the region's food supply. The new findings, based on detailed computer simulations using the best available global circulation models, are described this week in the journal Science Advances, in a paper by MIT professor of environmental engineering Elfatih Eltahir, MIT Research Scientist Eun Soon Im, and Professor Jeremy Pal at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. The study follows an earlier report by Eltahir and his team that looked at projected heat waves in the Persian Gulf region. While the number of extreme-heat days projected for that region was even worse than for South Asia, Eltahir says the impact in the latter area could be vastly more severe. That's because while the Persian Gulf area has a relatively small, relatively wealthy population and little agricultural land, the areas likely to be hardest hit in northern India, Bangladesh, and southern Pakistan are home to 1.5 billion people. These areas are also among the poorest in the region, with much of the population dependent on subsistence farming that requires long hours of hard labor out in the open and unprotected from the sun. "That makes them very vulnerable to these climatic changes, assuming no mitigation," says Eltahir, who spoke with MIT News from Singapore, where he is carrying out follow-up research on potential climate effects in that area. While the projections show the Persian Gulf may become the region of the worst heat waves on the planet, northern India is a close second, Eltahir says, and eastern China, also densely populated, is third. But the highest concentrations of heat in the Persian Gulf would be out over the waters of the Gulf itself, with lesser levels over inhabited land. The new analysis is based on recent research showing that hot weather's most deadly effects for humans comes from a combination of high temperature and high humidity, an index which is measured by a reading known as wet-bulb temperature. This reflects the ability of moisture to evaporate, which is the mechanism required for the human body to maintain its internal temperature through the evaporation of sweat. At a wet-bulb temperature of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), the human body cannot cool itself enough to survive more than a few hours. A previous study of temperature and humidity records show that in today's climate, wet-bulb temperatures have rarely exceeded about 31 C anywhere on Earth. While the earlier report from Eltahir and his colleagues showed that this survivability limit would start to be exceeded occasionally in the Persian Gulf region by the end of this century, actual readings there in the summer of 2015 showed that the 35-degree wet-bulb limit had almost been reached already, suggesting that such extremes could begin happening earlier than projected. The summer of 2015 also produced one of the deadliest heat waves in history in South Asia, killing an estimated 3,500 people in Pakistan and India. And yet, India and China remain two countries where emission rates of greenhouse gases continue to rise, driven mostly by economic growth, Eltahir says. "So I think these results pose a dilemma for countries like India. Global warming is not just a global problemfor them, they will have some of the hottest spots" on the planet. In fact, a separate study by researchers at the University of California at Irvine and elsewhere, published recently also in Scientific Advances, reached similar conclusions based on a different kind of analysis using recent weather records. That paper was "complementary to ours, which is based on modeling," Eltahir says. The new analysis looked at results from three of the more than 20 comprehensive global climate models, which were selected because they most accurately matched actual weather data from the South Asian region. The study shows that by century's end, absent serious reductions in global emissions, the most extreme, once-in-25-years heat waves would increase from wet-bulb temperatures of about 31 C to 34.2 C. "It brings us close to the threshold" of survivability, he says, and "anything in the 30s is very severe." In today's climate, about 2 percent of the Indian population sometimes gets exposed to extremes of 32-degree wet-bulb temperatures. According to this study, by 2100 that will increase to about 70 percent of the population, and about 2 percent of the people will sometimes be exposed to the survivability limit of 35 degrees. And because the region is important agriculturally, it's not just those directly affected by the heat who will suffer, Eltahir says: "With the disruption to the agricultural production, it doesn't need to be the heat wave itself that kills people. Production will go down, so potentially everyone will suffer." But while the study provides a grim warning about what could happen, it is far from inevitable, Eltahir stresses. The study examined not just the "business as usual" case but also the effects under a moderate mitigation scenario, which showed that these dramatic, deadly effects can still be averted. "There is value in mitigation, as far as public health and reducing heat waves," he says. "With mitigation, we hope we will be able to avoid these severe projections. This is not something that is unavoidable." More information: E.-S. Im at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong, China el al., "Deadly heat waves projected in the densely populated agricultural regions of South Asia," Science Advances (2017). advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/8/e1603322 Journal information: Science Advances Apex predators like dingoes have a wide-reaching impact on the ecosystems in which they live. Credit: Barry Eggleton A comparison of conditions in the outback on either side of Australia's dingo fence has revealed that extermination of predators affects not only the abundance of other animals and plants, but also reduces the quality of the soil. The UNSW study indicates greater control of kangaroo numbers is needed across a third of the Australian continent where dingoes are rare, to reduce damage on ecosystems. "We have shown the presence of dingoes is linked to healthier soils, because they suppress the numbers of kangaroos that graze on the vegetation," says senior author of the study, UNSW Associate Professor Mike Letnic. The research by Letnic and his honours research student Timothy Morris has been published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The dingo fence, erected to keep dingoes out of eastern Australia, extends approximately 5,600km across South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Dingoes are common on the western side of the fence, but rare on the other side, due to intensive control measures including poisoning, trapping and shooting. This latter area includes most of New South Wales and Victoria, and southern Queensland and southern South Australia. The researchers studied four sites a national park site and a pastoral site on each side of the fence in the Strzelecki Desert. They drove along outback dirt tracks at night for four years to count dingoes and kangaroos. They also collected dingo scats to determine what they ate, and measured levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon in the soil. Kangaroo numbers were high at the two study sites on the "inside" of the fence where dingoes were rare, with just one dingo and 3,245 kangaroos spotted, compared with 85 dingoes and only eight kangaroos at the two study sites "outside" the fence. The researchers also found that where dingoes were rare, large numbers of kangaroos overgrazed vegetation cover, leading to lower levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon in the soil. "Our novel finding goes against the conventional wisdom that apex predators like dingoes have little impact on soil," says Letnic. "We show that allowing dingo populations to increase could enhance the productivity of ecosystems across vast areas of the country by reducing herbivore numbers. "We need to rethink the idea that kangaroos have benign impacts on ecosystems. Kangaroo numbers are very high across the approximately one-third of the continent where dingoes are rare, and are having damaging impacts on soils and vegetation," he says. The world's most interesting genome A wild-born, pure Australian desert dingo called Sandy Maliki has taken out first place in the World's Most Interesting Genome competition. The UNSW-led proposal to have Sandy's DNA decoded was one of five finalists for the Pacific Biosciences SMRT Grant, which provides cutting-edge sequencing of the complete genome of a fascinating plant or animal. The project won after receiving the most votes in an international online ballot. "Sandy is truly a gift to science," says project leader, Professor Bill Ballard of the UNSW School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences. "Pure dingoes are intermediate between wild wolves and domestic dogs, with a range of non-domesticated traits. So sequencing Sandy's genome will help pinpoint some of the genes for temperament and behaviour that underlie the transition from wild animals to perfect pets." Sandy and her sister and brother were discovered as three-week-old pups in the harsh Australian desert near the Strzelecki Track in 2014 by NSW animal lovers, Barry and Lyn Eggleton, who have hand-reared them since. The dingo sequencing project will be the first to test Charles Darwin's 1868 theory that domestication can be divided into two steps: unconscious selection due to non-intentional human influences; and artificial selection due to breeding by humans for desired traits. "The project will reveal the DNA changes between wolves and dingoes (unconscious selection) and dingoes and dogs (artificial selection)," says Ballard. More information: Timothy Morris et al. Removal of an apex predator initiates a trophic cascade that extends from herbivores to vegetation and the soil nutrient pool, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0111 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Satellite image of India at night. Large parts of the Indian countryside still arent connected to the grid, but remote sensing, machine learning could help pinpoint people living without power. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using Suomi NPP VIIRS data from Miguel Roman, NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Most Americans can charge their cell phones, raid the fridge or boot up their laptops at any time without a second thought. Not so for the 1.2 billion peopleroughly 16 percent of the world's populationwith no access to electricity. Despite improvements over the past two decades, an estimated 780 million people will still be without power by 2030, especially in rural parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific. To get power to these people, first officials need to locate them. But for much of the developing world, reliable, up-to-date data on electricity access is hard to come by. Researchers say remote sensing can help. For ten weeks from May through July, a team of Duke students in the Data+ summer research program worked on developing ways to assess electricity access automatically, using satellite imagery. "Ground surveys take a lot of time, money and manpower," said Data+ team member Ben Brigman. "As it is now, the only way to figure out if a village has electricity is to send someone out there to check. You can't call them up or put out an online poll, because they won't be able to answer." Led by researchers in the Energy Data Analytics Lab and the Sustainable Energy Transitions Initiative, "the initial goal was to create a map of India, showing every village or town that does or does not have access to electricity," said team member Trishul Nagenalli. Credit: Duke University Electricity makes it possible to pump groundwater for crops, refrigerate food and medicines, and study or work after dark. But in parts of rural India, where Nagenalli's parents grew up, many households use kerosene lamps to light homes at night, and wood or animal dung as cooking fuel. Fires from overturned kerosene lamps are not uncommon, and indoor air pollution from cooking with solid fuels contributes to low birth weight, pneumonia and other health problems. In 2005, the Indian government set out to provide electricity to all households within five years. Yet a quarter of India's population still lives without power. Ultimately, the goal is to create a machine learning algorithmbasically a set of instructions for a computer to followthat can recognize power plants, irrigated fields and other indicators of electricity in satellite images, much like the algorithms that recognize your face on Facebook. Rather than being programmed with specific instructions, machine learning algorithms "learn" from large amounts of data. This summer the researchers focused on the unsung first step in the process: preparing the training data. Fellow Duke students Gouttham Chandrasekar, Shamikh Hossain and Boning Li were also part of the effort. First they compiled publicly available satellite images of U.S. power plants. Rather than painstakingly framing and labeling the plants in each photo themselves, they tapped the powers of the Internet to outsource the task and hired other people to annotate the images for them, using a crowdsourcing service called Amazon Mechanical Turk. The proportion of households connected to the grid in more than 36,000 villages in Bihar, India. Credit: Duke University So far, they have collected more than 8,500 image annotations of different kinds of power plants, including oil, natural gas, hydroelectric and solar. The team also compiled firsthand observations of the electrification rate for more than 36,000 villages in the Indian state of Bihar, which has one of the lowest electrification rates in the country. For each village, they also gathered satellite images showing light intensity at night, along with density of green land and other indicators of irrigated farms, as proxies for electricity consumption. Using these data sets, the goal is to develop a computer algorithm which, through machine learning, teaches itself to detect similar features in unlabeled images, and distinguishes towns and villages that are connected to the grid from those that aren't. "We would like to develop our final algorithm to essentially go into a developing country and analyze whether or not a community there has access to electricity, and if so what kind," Chandrasekar said. The project is far from finished. During the 2017-2018 school year, a Bass Connections team will continue to build on their work. Credit: National Physical Laboratory A method for designing antibiotics based on random binary encoding, developed by a team led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), could open up new opportunities in drug discovery. Biological activity is encoded in molecular sequences of twenty unique amino acids. Antimicrobial activity is no exception and is programmed in short sequences called antimicrobial peptides, which are used by our immune systems to combat bacteria. As the spread of antimicrobial resistance drives the need for stronger, faster and more selective treatments, researchers are developing new sequences based on these naturally-occurring peptides for use in antimicrobial therapies. However, much remains unknown about such sequences in particular, which sequences are most effective against bacteria without harming our own bodies' cells? And what structural features drive selectivity? An international team of researchers led by NPL set out to explore antimicrobial selectivity by creating two sets of millions of random antimicrobial sequences built from just two amino acids. The first set of sequences they created was predicted to effectively kill bacteria while also affecting human red blood cells; the second set of sequences was created to exclusively target bacterial cells. To achieve this, the team capitalised on the property of chirality by replacing one of the two amino acids with its mirror image. All naturally-occurring protein sequences are chiral (i.e. not identical to their mirror image), a property which leads to their reversed-chirality (mirror image) forms not being able to impact on our immune systems. In contrast, bacteria often switch chirality to produce antibiotics capable of fighting off other bacteria, and can therefore be affected by reversed-chirality sequences. Consequently, the set of antimicrobial sequences with partially-reversed chirality effectively killed bacteria, including superbugs MRSA and VSE, without negatively affecting human cells, even at very high concentrations. Most strikingly, the two sets of sequences exhibited two fundamentally different physical mechanisms the toxic homochiral sequences tended to perforate bacterial membranes, while the highly-selective reversed-chirality sequences left no visible markings on membrane surfaces. The findings, reported in the journal Angewandte Chemie and conducted in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of Brighton, the University of Western Australia and the University of Oxford, could open up new opportunities in drug discovery for encoding highly-selective antimicrobials. Reproducible measurements of antimicrobial activity are essential to ensuring confidence in the next generation of safe, effective treatments, and NPL's Biotechnology group is developing the measurement infrastructure needed to underpin antimicrobial discovery and development. A prototype of the Hyperloop One pod, seen in a July file picture, which passed another key milestone in the startup's quest for a near-supersonic transport system The near-supersonic rail system known as hyperloop has passed another key milestone on its path to become reality, the US startup Hyperloop One said Wednesday. Hyperloop One, which is developing a system theorized by entrepreneur Elon Musk, said that a test last week of a full hyperloop system at its private facility in the desert near Las Vegas was a success, hitting record speeds. "That's a huge milestone for us," said Hyperloop One co-founder and executive chairman Shervin Pishevar. "Now we've shown that the hyperloop actually works. And now this is the dawn of the commercialization of the hyperloop. So from this point on we move to the commercialization process." During what the startup referred to as Phase 2 testing, a pod fired through a tube depressurized to the equivalent of 200,000 feet (60,000 meters) above sea level reached an unprecedented speed of 192 mph (310 kilometers per hour). All components were successfully tested, including motors, controls, the vacuum system, and the magnetic levitation that lets pods zip along tracks without touching them, the company said. "We've proven that our technology works, and we're now ready to enter into discussions with partners, customers and governments around the world about the full commercialization of our Hyperloop technology," said chief executive Rob Lloyd. Hyperloop One had originally promised a full-scale demonstration by the end of 2016, after a successful test of the propulsion system. Pishevar said Wednesday that he now sees the system "getting operational in the new few years." Hyperloop One engineering chief Josh Giegel said the company is now starting "production level developmenthow we take this prototype and actually scale it to making hundreds or thousands of units and then actually deploying that around the world." Likely born abroad The hyperloop system is designed to send pods carrying cargo or people through low-pressure tubes for long distances at passenger jet speeds. Factfile on the "Hyperloop" transport system theorized by US entrepreneur Elon Musk Hyperloop One early this year disclosed a list of locations around the world vying to put near-supersonic rail transit system to the test. Viable submissions had to be condoned by government agencies that would likely be involved in regulating and, ideally, funding the futuristic rail. It was expected to be several years before a hyperloop system was up and running. The startup set a goal of having one running by 2021. Pishevar told AFP he expected the first hyperloop system to be built outside the US because "the speed at which other governments work" could be an advantage. Hyperloop One, which has raised more than $160 million, was set on an idea laid out by billionaire Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind electric car company Tesla and private space exploration endeavor SpaceX. Pods would rocket along rails through reduced-pressure tubes at speeds of 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) per hour. Hyperloop One says the system offers better safety than passenger jets, lower build and maintenance costs than high-speed trains, and energy usage, per person, that is similar to a bicycle. Port colossus DP World Group of Dubai last year invested in the concept, joining backers including French national rail company SNCF, US industrial conglomerate General Electric and Russian state fund RDIF. Musk's involvement in hyperloop is for now limited to potentially building the tunnels with his latest startupThe Boring Company. Tunneling is certainly an option, but building hyperloop tubes above ground, perhaps where traditional rail lines already exist, would be faster and cheaper, according to Hyperloop One executives. Several companies are now exploring the market, including Northeast Maglev, Hyperloop One and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. Musk said last month he'd received tentative approval from the government to build a conceptual "hyperloop" system that would blast passenger pods down vacuum-sealed tubes from New York to Washington but stopped short of offering details. 2017 AFP Credit: Lunatix This highly mobile, jumping Nanobot was designed by a team of space engineers challenged to develop a Moon mission that was not only technically viable but could also make a profit. The annual SpaceTech Master Programme of the Technical University of Graz, Austria trains space professionals to combine space and business engineering. ESA Director General Jan Woerner asked the 2016 participants to come up with a profitable business case to fit within ESA's Moon Village concept. The eight SpaceTech 2016 participants presented the resulting Lunatix concept last month at ESA's technical centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. "We want to enable you to leave your mark on the Moon," explains ESA engineer Jorge Fiebrich. "Our ambition is to become the creative leader in lunar mobility experiences, through placing unique mobile platforms on the lunar surface." The team designed these video camera-equipped Nanobots to tap into the $100 billion gaming market. After raising initial enthusiasm among Earth's 1.8 billion gamers with controlling a virtual Nanobot on a simulated lunar surface, there will be the possibility to control real Nanobots on the Moon, in Pokemon Go!-style augmented reality scenarios. Science would be another business line, with the highly agile Nanobots able to probe sites of scientific interest such as lunar lava tubes. The Nanobots are designed to jump up to 3 m high and 10 m in distance in the one-sixth gravity of the Moon, which allows them to clear obstacles while offering an exciting gaming aspect. A series of Nanobots formally known as Small Mobile Platforms together with the Main Mobile Platform larger rover would be deployed on the Moon. Along with additional scientific payloads, the larger rover would recharge the Nanobots and give them shelter during the two-week lunar night. The SpaceTech team carried out a rigorous end-to-end design process, ensuring their robots could survive harsh lunar temperature swings and radiation and dust exposure, as well as continuously communicate with Earth and their customers. "Through the Nanobots, humans will be experiencing the Moon in near-real time, with a two-way delay of around three seconds," adds Jon Reijneveld, system engineer at Airbus Defence and Space. "They could be seen as the first inhabitants of the Moon Village." Now the study has been completed, the participants are investigating plans to establish the company next year. For more information read the full summary here. Credit: CC0 Public Domain According to a new study from the University of Vaasa, Finland, creative people want a transformational leader, especially one who uses motivation and intellectual stimulation. Other dimensions of transformational leadership include taking individuals' needs into account, visioning and modelling. Companies need to look for and recruit people with creative characteristics, as they are also more transformational leaders. The study shows that especially spontaneous women as well as intuitive and extraverted women and men are the most creative leaders. Intuitive and extraverted female leaders are the most transformational. It is time to change our views on what good leaders are like. Engineer-type managers are also needed, but they lack the qualities required to lead innovators. This is one of the conclusions of Piia Uusi-Kakkuri's doctoral dissertation in the field of management. "It is understandable that people who value facts and best practices are typically selected as leaders. They are logical and competent, which creates trust. However, it has been found that leaders have a major impact on the creativity of organisations and individuals, and unfortunately these task-oriented managers do not excel in this," says Uusi-Kakkuri, who will be defending her dissertation at the University of Vaasa on Friday. Uusi-Kakkuri points out that creativity calls for the freedom and courage to experiment, present proposals and make mistakes. A leader who supports creativity must be surprising, inspiring and challenging in a positive way. "It is easy to talk about the importance of innovation and say that you support creativity, when in truth most of us want to demonstrate our competence by spotting flaws in ideas, criticising and demanding better justifications instead of being curious and working on ideas, even playing around with them, even if this never leads anywhere." According to Uusi-Kakkuri, persistent innovators follow through their ideas, but without support they will do this as entrepreneurs or find a place where they receive support. Creative persons can also stay, but if their previous proposals have been shot down or, in the worst case, belittled, they will no longer share their ideas. Leaders should not lull themselves into thinking that recruiting creative people will guarantee success. They need support, and increasing the number of ideas will also increase the probability of finding the most profitable strokes of genius. Creative people need motivation and intellectual stimulation It is sometimes believed that creative people do not need leadership but freedom. The findings of the dissertation do not support this statement. Creative people want a transformational leader, especially one who uses motivation and intellectual stimulation. Other dimensions of transformational leadership include taking individuals' needs into account, visioning and modelling. Finnish leaders still have much room for improvement in the area of intellectual stimulation, says Uusi-Kakkuri. It may be a priority on the R&D side, but creativity is needed everywhere. Anyone can have an idea that will prove instrumental in developing a new process, product or way of organising work. "Leaders have to stop, question their own actions too and encourage others to do the same: are we tackling the real problem, is there another way to do this. They seek for ideas, do not criticize mistakes or differing opinions" Uusi-Kakkuri emphasises. Individuals to whom this type of behaviour and creativity is most natural are not necessarily that interested in leadership when they notice that their abstract way of thinking and their habit of outlining opportunities and the big picture are not what is expected of leaders. Where to find creative leaders? What can companies do then? According to Uusi-Kakkuri, they need to look for and recruit people with creative characteristics, as they are also more transformational leaders. Personality analysis can be used as one means of identifying creativity. The dissertation showed that especially spontaneous women as well as intuitive and extraverted women and men are the most creative leaders. Intuitive and extraverted female leaders are the most transformational. "I do not believe that companies lack the means to identify the characteristics of candidates. The problem is the values of the business world: we must embrace many types of people if we want to increase innovation," Uusi-Kakkuri says. Of course, it is important that creative individuals appreciate their own insightful viewpoints and aim for leadership positions. For individuals, Uusi-Kakkuri recommends leadership training and finding a creative mentor. "If you know yourself to be more of a traditional, engineer-type leader, it is time to recognise how you react to creativity and ideas. When you begin to see your behaviour patters, you can start to change them. It is understandable that inspiring creative employees and stimulating them intellectually is not easy when you are used to using your other strengths. The results show that it can help if you focus on developing your emotional intelligence. In other words, you can improve your leadership by taking the feelings of others into consideration and truly caring about them." The dissertation is based on seven articles. The studies are quantitative, and the material was collected from various sectors as well as students. The novelty value of the dissertation for scientific discussion lies in the perspective of creative subordinates, in particular, and in the finding that when creative leadership is studied, transformational leadership must be examined through various dimensions, focusing on further research of intellectual stimulation. Uusi-Kakkuri is especially interested in how intellectual stimulation occurs in different interactive situations. More information: Transformational leadership and leading creativity. Acta Wasaensia 371.www.uva.fi/materiaali/pdf/isbn 78-952-476-749-1.pdf UC professor Annulla Linders said both prisoners and prisons tried to exhibit respectability at executions. Credit: Lisa Britton/UC Creative Services What would you wear to your own execution? It's a moot question in the United States now as most death row prisoners wear prison garb. But for more than two centuries, the choice was up to the condemned. And what they wore to the gallows or gas chamber spoke volumes both about the convicts and the culture of capital punishment, according to two sociologists with the University of Cincinnati. Associate professors Annulla Linders and Erynn Masi de Casanova will present the findings of their paper, "Dressed for Death: Execution Attire, Gender and Respectability," on Aug. 12 at the American Sociological Association's annual conference in Montreal. "People put on clothing for all sorts of life's performances. But since this is a final performance, it's quite significant," Linders said. No social science researcher has examined the idea of clothing as a public statement at executions. Linders studied newspaper accounts of executions for her UC research into capital punishment. One line in an 1800s story caught her attention: "He was dressed like a free man." Suddenly, it occurred to her that the choice of what to wear on your last day on Earth was fraught with significance. "That one quote somehow captured the tension between the convict and the state and the claims of respectability of both. After that, everything fell into place," she said. She invited McMicken College of Arts & Sciences colleague Masi de Casanova to collaborate on a new research project. Masi de Casanova had studied the social norms of clothing before, albeit those of workplace attire. This was something completely new, she said. "It's the collision of the mundane with the spectacular," Masi de Casanova said. "Everybody wakes up and puts clothes on to go to work or school. It's an everyday thing that everyone does. But what do you do when you wake up in the morning and get dressed for your own death?" Capital punishment has always fascinated Linders. She has studied the culture and practices of respectability and morality surrounding state-sponsored death. "I grew up in Sweden, which had its last execution in 1910. For me coming to the United States, the continued use of capital punishment was something that struck me as very, very strange," she said. "It was fundamentally incomprehensible. And it remains incomprehensible." Linders used the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center's database to get names and dates of the condemned and then spent days at the Library of Congress poring over 2,000 news accounts of executions between 1800 and 1965. She found a description of the prisoner's attire in stories written about 188 executions: 137 of men and 51 of women. UC sociology professors Erynn Masi de Casanova, left, and Annulla Linders examined the social norms of executions through the clothing of the condemned. Credit: Lisa Britton/UC Creative Services Some of the stories were accompanied by an artist's sketch of the condemned, sometimes wearing a hood at the gallows or awaiting their fate in a cell. Newspaper photography became more common after the Civil War. But the UC researchers found no published photographs of the condemned at executions apart from one notorious example in the New York Daily News. A reporter smuggled a camera under his pants leg for the execution by electric chair of Ruth Snyder, who was convicted in 1927 of murdering her husband. The image of a woman strapped to an electric chair at Sing Sing prison became infamous. "It was outrageous," Linders said. The hidden-camera photo violated efforts by prison officials to drape these formal procedures in decorum, something Linders said prisons consciously tried to accomplish with uniformity of dress and ceremony throughout the sometimes-hideous commission of the execution. "There were periods in the early 20th century when states prohibited journalists from attending executions," Linders said. "It was in part because they were describing executions in such detail that even the more embarrassing details were splashed on the front pages." The UC researchers found some clear trends in what the condemned wore for this final grim catwalk. Male prisoners often donned new suits, usually in dark, somber colors and sometimes purchased for the occasion by the local sheriff. They would be freshly shaven with shined shoes or even a flower in a lapel. "Execution victims aimed to leave the world of the living with as much dignity and respectability as they could muster," their research paper concluded. "I feel it's an insistence on their identity as an individual and not just this crime they committed, whether they were guilty or not," Masi de Casanova said. Some prisoners refused the offer of a new suit and wore their own clothes to the hangman's noose, she said. "It's a place where they were free to resist in a situation in which they don't have a lot of agency," Masi de Casanova said. These final expressions of identity also manifest themselves in the convict's choice of his or her last meal, which most death penalty states still try to honor today. Photographer Henry Hargreaves replicated the final meals of death row inmates for his art series, "No Seconds." Religion, too, has always been a part of executions. Some convicts asked to be draped in a white hood or shroud as a symbol of their entry into heaven, the researchers found. Newspapers around the world covered the trial and execution of Martha Place, convicted of strangling her stepdaughter. Credit: New York World, 1899 "It seems like the women, especially, had an idea about how they wanted to look in their final moments. They were dressed as if they were going to a party," Masi de Casanova said. "And that was really disturbing to the audience to have to look at them and think of them as women they were putting to death." During the execution by electric chair of Martha Place, convicted of strangling her stepdaughter in 1899, the Brooklyn Eagle commented on the conspicuity of the witnesses in the gallery at Sing Sing prison. "The woman physician was bright looking, sharp in her movements and rapid in what she did. But her attire was what gave the scene a strange aspect. She wore a gray dress and a huge hat with pronounced crimson trimmings," the paper reported. "She looked so out of place in the execution chamber. It's so incongruous," Linders said. In fact, the more sensational the case, the more likely the reporters were to describe the attire the condemned was wearing, the UC researchers found. This was true of "professional poisoner" Martha Grinder, a reputed Pennsylvania serial killer convicted of murdering two women in 1865. Even the New York Times covered her trial and eventual hanging. Grinder chose "a fine merino dress of brown color, fitted loosely at the waist, with high neck and flowing sleeves fastened at the wrist," the Pittsburgh Post dutifully reported. "Her feet were encased in neat white hose and slippers." The newspaper found that Grinder seemed "more anxious about her personal appearance than the dread event soon to take place." As time went on, states began executing prisoners in centralized locations instead of at county courthouses. Executions became more consistent and impersonal, limiting the audience of witnesses to smaller and smaller groups of family or victims. In newspaper accounts, few convicts resisted their captors at the very end, facing their deaths not kicking and screaming but with resolve and dignity. "The idea is if you're a man, you have to face your death like a man," Linders said. "Executions when they're professionalized become increasingly permeated by masculinity. They become a masculine show." The UC researchers hope their presentation is well-received at the national sociology conference. But neither would speculate on what they might choose to wear if faced with their fateful own judgment day. "I don't think today we'd have a choice," Masi de Casanova said, "But I'd put a lot more thought into my last meal, that's for sure." Lee Jae-Yong, the vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics, is escorted by prison guards as he arrives in court The heir to the world's top smartphone maker Samsung took the stand Wednesday in his corruption trial, to be questioned by prosecutors about the scandal that brought down South Korea's last president. It was the first time Lee Jae-Yong, vice president of Samsung Electronics and the son of the Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-Hee, had faced interrogation since the high-profile proceedings began in March. The 49-year-old, under detention while the trial is underway, took the stand in a Seoul court wearing a shirt and dark blazer. He bowed slight towards the three judges on the podium as his co-defendants, an army of lawyers, and a packed courtroom looked on. Lee and four other Samsung executives are accused of bribing the powerful confidante of then-President Park Geun-Hye with millions of dollars to win presidential favours and ease a controversial 2015 merger deal. The merger was seen as a key step in ensuring an untroubled power transfer to Lee from his father. Park was formally impeached and removed from power in March after public uproar over her questionable ties with confidante Choi Soon-Sil sparked mass nationwide protests for months. Choidaughter of a shady late religious figure who was Park's mentor for decadesis currently on trial for using her presidential ties to force top South Korean firms including Samsung to "donate" nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations which she controlled. Park is also detained and on trial on 18 charges including coercion, abuse of power and bribery for offering policy favours to tycoons who bribed Choi. She is also accused of letting Choi, who has no title or security clearance, handle a wide range of state affairs including senior nominations and even her daily wardrobe choices. Park has denied all wrongdoing and blamed Choi for abusing their friendship. Samsung, the single largest donor to Choi's foundations, also separately gave her millions of euros to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. Lee has denied all wrongdoing, arguing he was not aware of Choi's existence until recently, and that Samsung was pressured to pay the money and did not seek any policy favours in return. Choi Gee-Sung, a former Samsung Electronics vice chairman and a co-defendanttook the blame in his testimony on Wednesday, saying Lee was not involved in daily business decisions made by other senior executives such as himself. Choi Gee-Sung is accused of approving a payment of millions of euros to finance Choi's daughter. "Final approvals for most business decisions at the group were made by me, under my responsibility," Choi said, adding he did not tell Lee about the confidante or her daughter. Until he stepped down in February, Choi was the head of Samsung's elite Future Strategy Office, which dictated the vast group's overall direction and major business decisions. Samsungthe world's biggest smartphone and memory chip makeris also South Korea's largest business group with revenues equivalent to about a fifth of the country's GDP. Its shares have leaped in recent months as profits have soared. 2017 AFP GOODING Police are searching for three suspects who robbed and stabbed a man Tuesday night in Gooding. The men are considered to be armed and dangerous, Gooding police chief Dave Fisher said, calling it a brazen act that happened at a busy restaurant. About 8:30 p.m., a man was approached in the parking lot of the Gooding McDonalds and robbed at knifepoint, suffering non-life threatening lacerations to his chest area, Fisher said. The victim described the suspects to police as three young adults, possibly Hispanics. The suspects left the parking lot and drove south on Highway 46 toward Wendell. Theyre driving a dark gray two-door extended cab Chevy pickup with blue tinted headlights. Police are investigating and will review surveillance video from businesses. Fisher said more information may not be released until Wednesday. This image, from a computerized simulation, shows the formation of an inner disk of matter and a wide, hot disk of matter 5.5 milliseconds after the merger of a neutron star and a black hole. Credit: Classical and Quantum Gravity Now that scientists can detect the wiggly distortions in space-time created by the merger of massive black holes, they are setting their sights on the dynamics and aftermath of other cosmic duos that unify in catastrophic collisions. Working with an international team, scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed new computer models to explore what happens when a black hole joins with a neutron star - the superdense remnant of an exploded star. Using supercomputers to rip open neutron stars The simulations, carried out in part at Berkeley Lab's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), are intended to help detectors home in on the gravitational-wave signals. Telescopes, too, can search for the brilliant bursts of gamma-rays and the glow of the radioactive matter that these exotic events can spew into surrounding space. In separate papers published in a special edition of the scientific journal Classical and Quantum Gravity, Berkeley Lab and other researchers present the results of detailed simulations. One of the studies models the first milliseconds (thousandths of a second) in the merger of a black hole and neutron star, and the other details separate simulations that model the formation of a disk of material formed within seconds of the merger, and of the evolution of matter that is ejected in the merger. That ejected matter likely includes gold and platinum and a range of radioactive elements that are heavier than iron. Any new information scientists can gather about how neutron stars rip apart in these mergers can help to unlock their secrets, as their inner structure and their likely role in seeding the universe with heavy elements are still shrouded in mystery. "We are steadily adding more realistic physics to the simulations," said - Foucart, who served as a lead author for one of the studies as a postdoctoral researcher in Berkeley Lab's Nuclear Science Division. "But we still don't know what's happening inside neutron stars. The complicated physics that we need to model make the simulations very computationally intensive." Finding signs of a black hole-neutron star merger Foucart, who will soon be an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire, added, "We are trying to move more toward actually making models of the gravitational-wave signals produced by these mergers," which create a rippling in space-time that researchers hope can be detected with improvements in the sensitivity of experiments including Advanced LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. In February 2016, LIGO scientists confirmed the first detection of a gravitational wave, believed to be generated by the merger of two black holes, each with masses about 30 times larger than the sun. The signals of a neutron star merging with black holes or another neutron star are expected to generate gravitational waves that are slightly weaker but similar to those of black hole-black hole mergers, Foucart said. Radioactive 'waste' in space Daniel Kasen, a scientist in the Nuclear Science Division at Berkeley Lab and associate professor of physics and astronomy at UC Berkeley who participated in the research, said that inside neutron stars "there may be exotic states of matter unlike anything realized anywhere else in the universe." In some computer simulations the neutron stars were swallowed whole by the black hole, while in others there was a fraction of matter coughed up into space. This ejected matter is estimated to range up to about one-tenth of the mass of the sun. While much of the matter gets sucked into the larger black hole that forms from the merger, "the material that gets flung out eventually turns into a kind of radioactive 'waste,'" he said. "You can see the radioactive glow of that material for a period of days or weeks, from more than a hundred million light years away." Scientists refer to this observable radioactive glow as a "kilonova." Early snapshots from a simulation of a neutron star-black hole merger. This entire animated sequence occurs within 43 milliseconds (43 thousandths of a second). Credit: Classical and Quantum Gravity The simulations use different sets of calculations to help scientists visualize how matter escapes from these mergers. By modeling the speed, trajectory, amount and type of matter, and even the color of the light it gives off, astrophysicists can learn how to track down actual events. The weird world of neutron stars The size range of neutron stars is set by the ultimate limit on how densely matter can be compacted, and neutron stars are among the most superdense objects we know about in the universe. Neutron stars have been observed to have masses up to at least two times that of our sun but measure only about 12 miles in diameter, on average, while our own sun has a diameter of about 865,000 miles. At large enough masses, perhaps about three times the mass of the sun, scientists expect that neutron stars must collapse to form black holes. A cubic inch of matter from a neutron star is estimated to weigh up to 10 billion tons. As their name suggests, neutron stars are thought to be composed largely of the neutrally charged subatomic particles called neutrons, and some models expect them to contain long strands of matter - known as "nuclear pasta" - formed by atomic nuclei that bind together. Neutron stars are also expected to be almost perfectly spherical, with a rigid and incredibly smooth crust and an ultrapowerful magnetic field. They can spin at a rate of about 43,000 revolutions per minute (RPMs), or about five times faster than a NASCAR race car engine's RPMs. The aftermath of neutron star mergers The researchers' simulations showed that the radioactive matter that first escapes the black hole mergers may be traveling at speeds of about 20,000 to 60,000 miles per second, or up to about one-third the speed of light, as it is swung away in a long "tidal tail." "This would be strange material that is loaded with neutrons," Kasen said. "As that expanding material cools and decompresses, the particles may be able to combine to build up into the heaviest elements." This latest research shows how scientists might find these bright bundles of heavy elements. "If we can follow up LIGO detections with telescopes and catch a radioactive glow, we may finally witness the birthplace of the heaviest elements in the universe," he said. "That would answer one of the longest-standing questions in astrophysics." Most of the matter in a black hole-neutron star merger is expected to be sucked up by the black hole within a millisecond of the merger, and other matter that is not flung away in the merger is likely to form an extremely dense, thin, donut-shaped halo of matter. The thin, hot disk of matter that is bound by the black hole is expected to form within about 10 milliseconds of the merger, and to be concentrated within about 15 to 70 miles of it, the simulations showed. This first 10 milliseconds appears to be key in the long-term evolution of these disks. Over timescales ranging from tens of milliseconds to several seconds, the hot disk spreads out and launches more matter into space. "A number of physical processes - from magnetic fields to particle interactions and nuclear reactions - combine in complex ways to drive the evolution of the disk," said Rodrigo Fernandez, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Alberta in Canada who led one of the studies. Simulations carried out on NERSC's Edison supercomputer were crucial in understanding how the disk ejects matter and in providing clues for how to observe this matter, said Fernandez, a former UC Berkeley postdoctoral researcher. What's next? Eventually, it may be possible for astronomers scanning the night sky to find the "needle in a haystack" of radioactive kilonovae from neutron star mergers that had been missed in the LIGO data, Kasen said. "With improved models, we are better able to tell the observers exactly which flashes of light are the signals they are looking for," he said. Kasen is also working to build increasingly sophisticated models of neutron star mergers and supernovae through his involvement in the DOE Exascale Computing Project. As the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors improves, Foucart said, it may be possible to detect a continuous signal produced by even a tiny bump on the surface of a neutron star, for example, or signals from theorized one-dimensional objects known as cosmic strings. "This could also allow us to observe events that we have not even imagined," he said. More information: F Foucart et al, Dynamical ejecta from precessing neutron star-black hole mergers with a hot, nuclear-theory based equation of state, Classical and Quantum Gravity (2017). DOI: 10.1088/1361-6382/aa573b In this Wednesday, July 19, 2017 photo, a blenny fish and a damsel fish swim past ancient North African amphorae at the site of a 4th century A.D. shipwreck off the coast of Albania. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Geo Delveroudis) Descending beneath the waves, the cloudy first few meters quickly give way to clear waters and an astonishing sightdozens, perhaps hundreds, of tightly packed ancient vases lie on the seabed, testament to some long-forgotten trader's unfortunate voyage more than 1,600 years ago. A short boat ride away, the hulking frame of an Italian World War II ship appears through the gloom, soldiers' personal items still scattered in the interior, its encrusted railings and propeller now home to growing colonies of fish and sponges. Off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures: ancient amphoraelong, narrow terracotta vesselsthat carried olive oil and wine along trade routes between north Africa and the Roman Empire, wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars, and spectacular rock formations and marine life. "From what I've seen so far, you can't swim more than a few meters without finding something that's amazing, whether it's on the cultural history side or the natural history side, here in Albania," said Derek Smith, a coastal and maritime ecologist and research associate who has been working with the non-profit RPM Nautical Foundation to explore the Albanian coastline for the past decade. Now Albania's National Coastline Agency is examining how best to study and protect its sunken attractions while opening them up to visitors in a nation that is virgin territory for the lucrative scuba diving industry. In this Tuesday, July 18, 2017 photo, a fish swims through part of the Italian World War II shipwreck MV Probitas, with Dive Safety Officer Howard Phoenix of the non-profit RPM Nautical Foundation in the background. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) "The idea of presenting the Albanian underwater heritage is a new idea for the country, because so far there is very little known about the rich history of the Albanian coastline, and in particular the shipwrecks," said agency head Auron Tare, who has been involved for the past 12 years with RPM Nautical Foundation's underwater research. "I believe the time has come now that we should present to the world the wealth of this heritage that we have in our waters." Once more isolated than even North Korea, Albania has gradually opened up to international tourism and shrugged off its former image as a hermit state that briefly turned into lawless bandit territory in the late 1990s. But coastal land development has been burgeoning in an often anarchic fashion, and there are fears the more accessible wrecks could be plundered unless adequate protections are put into place. Legislation is expected to be passed soon to protect the country's underwater heritage while also granting some access to visitors. Neighboring Greece, to Albania's south, has struggled with balancing tourism with protecting its ancient artefacts. Greece was so fearful of losing its underwater antiquities it banned diving outright in all but a handful of places. Even today, diving is forbidden on any wreckship or planebuilt more than 50 years ago, regardless of when it sank. In this Tuesday, July 18, 2017 photo, maritime ecologist Derek Smith of the RPM Nautical Foundation observes a giant sponge coral growing on the propeller of Italian World War II shipwreck MV Probitas in Saranda Bay, southern Albania. The country is examining how best to study and protect its rich underwater heritage while opening it up to diving visitors in a nation that is virgin territory for the lucrative scuba diving industry. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) Albania is going for a more balanced approach. "I'd say that in the near future the ancient wrecks should be open to scholars and research," said Tare, who noted the country has also lost some of its underwater heritage to plundering in the last 20 years. "Where(as) some of the modern wrecks which do not have much to lose in the sense of looting might be opened up to the dive industry." He estimated that with access to the more modern wrecks from WWI or WWII, diving could pick up in Albania in the next five years. The RPM Nautical Foundation, in cooperation with the coastal agency, has mapped out the seabed along about a third of the Albanian coastline, from Saranda near the Greek border to Vlora. Using a combination of divers and high-tech equipment including sonar and a remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV, its research vessel has discovered nearly 40 shipwrecks. In this Wednesday, July 19, 2017 photo, maritime ecologist Derek Smith of the RPM Nautical Foundation takes measurements on sedimentation at the site of a 4th century A.D. shipwreck off the coast of Albania. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) "So far RPM has documented from about 3rd and 4th century BC through to World War I and World War II contemporary shipwrecks," said Smith. "So we've got quite a big range of maybe 2,500 years, 2,300 years' worth of cultural resources here on the Albanian coastline that have really largely been unexplored." One of them is the tightly-packed amphora pile near the shore. Known as the Joni wreck, it was a merchant vessel estimated to have had about four crew members and a cargo of mainly of north African amphorae. The fact that the pottery was north African "is really important because it shows the trade connections between the Adriatic and the north African coast," said underwater archaeologist Mateusz Polakowski, who has been working with RPM. Small fish peer out from the necks of the jugs, which the passage of time has concreted into the seabed. The site hasn't been excavated and archaeologists believe several more layers of amphorae, as well as the wooden hull of the ship, might still lie intact beneath the seabed. In this Tuesday, July 18, 2017 photo, a diver swims under part of the Italian World War II shipwreck MV Probitas in Saranda Bay, southern Albania. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) "A lot of these wrecks are very important as national heritage treasures," said Polakowski. "Just as much as the biology of it is, just as important as the reefs and the fish populations are, I think these shipwrecks not only become artificial reefs, but they also instill a sense of cultural identity, cultural heritage." Albania sits at a strategic point at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea and along ancient trade routes from Italy to the Balkan peninsula, Polakowski said. Much more remains to be explored. "They have about 200 miles of coastline here," said Smith, the maritime ecologist. "Even though we feel like we've covered a tremendous amount of it ... there's always more to be discovered." In this Wednesday, July 19, 2017 photo, a diver takes photographs of amphorae from a 4th century A.D. shipwreck off the coast of Albania. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) In this Tuesday, July 18, 2017 photo, maritime ecologist Derek Smith of the RPM Nautical Foundation observes marine life growing on part of the Italian World War II shipwreck MV Probitas in Saranda Bay, southern Albania. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the world's least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Moggridgea rainbow: traveled across the Indian Ocean from South Africa to settle in Australia. Credit: Nick Birks An Australian trapdoor spider, which usually moves no further than a couple of metres from where it was hatched, must have travelled to Australia over the Indian Ocean from South Africa, University of Adelaide research has shown. Found only on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia, the trapdoor spider - Moggridgea rainbow - lives a very sedentary land-based lifestyle. But research published in the journal PLOS ONE today shows the spider belongs to a genus of trapdoor spiders otherwise found only in South Africa. "Conventional wisdom had suggested the spiders became split from their South African relations with the separation of Africa from Gondwana around 95 million years ago," says University of Adelaide PhD candidate Sophie Harrison, who also works as a Natural Resources Officer with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. "But our research showed that the divergence of M. rainbowi from African Moggridgea trapdoor spiders occurred sometime between two and 16 million years ago, well after the Africa-Gondwana separation. Likewise, the timing of divergence rules out the other alternative theory for the spiders arrival in Australia - that of being transported with humans, who arrived in Australia much later." The remaining and most logical theory of dispersal is long-distance ocean travel across the Indian Ocean from Africa to Australia. "At first thought, this does seem incredible," says Professor Andrew Austin, Ms Harrison's PhD supervisor. "But there are precedents of such ocean travel. Moggridgea are also found on the Comoros volcanic islands, 340 km from mainland Africa, however this is a relatively short distance compared with the 10,000 kms from South Africa to Kangaroo Island." Sophie Harrison. Credit: Mark Harvey The researchers suggest that a spider colony could have travelled across the oceans on a land 'raft' - a large chunk of land and vegetation washed out to sea. "The burrows they live in are quite stable and they would have been quite secure in their silk-lined tubes with their trapdoors closed - it was probably quite a safe way to travel," says Ms Harrison. To establish the connections between the Kangaroo Island and South African trapdoors the researchers generated DNA sequences from six molecular markers (genes) to compare the Kangaroo Island and South African species, which showed they belong to the same genus. 'Molecular clock' dating technology showed the inter-specific divergence time of 2-16 million years ago with separate populations on Kangaroo Island diverging between 1 and 6 million years ago. The spider is about the size of an Australian 10-cent piece. It lives in banks close to the ocean near American River and Western River on Kangaroo Island. The mother lays her eggs in a burrow and, when the conditions are right, the eggs hatch. The spiders move a couple of metres, set up their own burrows, and stay there for the rest of their lives, lunging out of their trapdoors at night to catch passing prey. Tree-of-heavenor Ailanthusis an invasive triple threat, according to a team of plant pathologists. The species produces seeds early in its lifespan, tends to make millions of viable seeds during its life, and continues to produce seeds for decades and, in some cases, for more than a century. In a study, researchers, who report their findings in the current issue of Forests, found that an Ailanthus tree that lives around 40 years can produce approximately 10 million seeds during its lifetime, while Ailanthus trees that live over a 100 years can produce about 52 million seeds. Little was known about the actual lifespan and seed viabilitythe percentage of seeds that germinateof Ailanthus, a species that is now considered a growing invasive threat in numerous spots in the United States, according to Matt Kasson, assistant professor of forest pathology, West Virginia University, who began his study of Ailanthus at Penn State. He added that the species' prolific ability to reproduce is thought to be key to its invasive success. "What really got us interested in the seed production of these trees is trying to determine what is the cumulative impact of Ailanthuswhat's the cumulative seed production and output that could eventually lead to secondary invasions," said Kasson. "Knowing how many seeds can be produced is really only half the story. It's important, but we needed to know something about viability of the tree because if a tree was producing a million seeds, but only 3 percent are viable, then it doesn't pose as much of a threat." To study the effect of size and age on seed reproduction, the researchers examined 55 seed-bearing Ailanthus trees in southcentral Pennsylvania. In addition, the researchers used data from 25 seed-bearing Ailanthus trees from France, and two other historic trees in Pennsylvania, but because the ages of these trees were not known, the researchers only examined the relationship between size and seed production for these particular trees. Kristen Wickert, a doctoral candidate in the division of plant and soil sciences, also at West Virginia University, who worked with Kasson, said that the viability of the Ailanthus varies. For example, a 7-year-old tree, one of the youngest trees in the study, had 78 percent of its seeds germinate, while one of the oldest, a 104-year-old tree, had 66 percent of its seeds germinate. Few speciesnative or invasivein the U.S. compare to Ailanthus' seed viability, according to Wickert. Only 9 percent of a tulip poplar's annual seed production is viable, for example. She added that Ailanthus is different from other tree species because of its ability to maintain seed viability over its lifetime. "Sometimes you find that trees, as they age, much like humans, lose their reproductive ability," said Wickert. "With tree-of-heaven, it actually seems to be the the exception." The cumulative ability to produce so many seeds makes Ailanthus a threat to not just Pennsylvania forests, but many forest areas located throughout the United States, said Don Davis, forest pathologist at Penn State, who added that he is even receiving calls for assistance on Ailanthus from Europe. "The invasive spread of Ailanthus is more significant now," said Davis, who also worked on the study. "It's right at the top of the list of invasive species in Pennsylvania, including trees like the Norway maple, and shrubs like honeysuckles. All these invasive species are important now because they are really affecting the forests and forest regeneration, especially." Kasson said that Ailanthus also has other traits that enhance its invasive ability. "It's also allelopathic, which means it produces chemicals that inhibit the germination of other native species that are growing in the same forest," said Kasson. "So, in addition to its ability to grow rapidly and produce seed early, it has the ability to stunt the growth of those competitors." Ailanthus came to the United States as a collector's item for plant enthusiasts and amateur botanists. "It came to the United States, in the Philadelphia area, in around 1784," said Davis. "It was strictly brought in as an ornamentalit's a beautiful tree that became popular in the Philadelphia area. Initially, collectors just brought in cuttings from male plants, but then they brought in seedsand eventually, it took off." Currently, the researchers are continuing to investigate the use of a native soil-borne fungus to kill Ailanthus and better control its spread, according to Kasson. Getting rid of Travis Kalanick may have been hard for Uber's investors and board of directors. But replacing him could prove harder. As the company's board inches ahead in its search for a new chief executive to run the embattled ride-hailing company, candidates are dropping out before they've even met with every board member. Kalanick himself is rumored to be angling for a return, and some investors question whether any candidate could fill its departed leader's shoes. In other words, this is not a typical job opening. "They're trying to hire someone for two very different roles," said Bradley Tusk, an early investor in Uber who is not involved with the board's CEO search. The company needs a leader who can implement the recommendations of a report by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to change Uber's culture of bullying and harassment, secure deals and eventually lead the firm to an initial public offering. It takes "one type of manager," Tusk said, to get that job done. On top of that, Tusk said, the incoming CEO must fill the void that Kalanick supporters believe he left - that of a tenacious visionary who can help Uber grow into a company that competes with the likes of Apple, Google and Amazon. "And that's a very different kind of person," Tusk said. The candidates whose names have been floated - such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whitman and departing GE chief Jeff Immelt - fall into the first category of manager, thanks to their experience running large legacy businesses. People with knowledge of the matter said that Whitman, who has startup experience from her time at eBay, was viewed as a promising candidate, but she announced on Twitter last week that she was not considering the role. Recode reported that she had not yet met in person with every board member at the time of her announcement. Immelt is still believed to be in the running. Uber declined to comment on the process of hiring a new CEO. The difficulty of the board's search has been compounded by internal disagreements. The company's board currently consists of Kalanick, co-founder Garrett Camp, Uber executive Ryan Graves, media entrepreneur Arianna Huffington, Nestle executive Wan Ling Martello, TPG Capital's David Trujillo, Yasir bin Othman al Rumayyan of the Saudi Arabia public investment fund, Didi Chuxing's Cheng Wei and Benchmark's Matt Cohler. Huffington has been a longtime supporter of Kalanick, but Benchmark led the charge in pressuring Kalanick to resign. It is unclear which candidates the board currently favors. As the board of directors continues its search, sources close to Kalanick have said the Uber co-founder, who resigned in June after mounting pressure from investors, wants to come back and run the show. Recode reported Sunday that Kalanick had told several people that he was "Steve Jobs-ing it," a reference to the Apple co-founder who was fired from his role as CEO, only to return years later to lead the company to global dominance. Kalanick did not respond to a request for comment. The appointment of a new CEO is an opportunity for Uber to signal to investors, employees, drivers and consumers that, after spending the last eight months embroiled in political and legal controversy, it is turning over a new leaf. After developing a well-earned reputation as a combative and competitive company that is hostile toward women, the company has tried to make amends. In addition to firing employees who were found to have contributed to the company's toxic culture, accepting Kalanick's resignation and bringing on high-profile women executives such as Bozoma Saint John from Apple and Frances Frei of Harvard University, the company launched an initiative to curry favor with drivers, who have long felt that the company under Kalanick's leadership didn't listen to them. Even if Kalanick could somehow tip the vote in his favor, reinstalling him as chief executive any time soon would undermine the company's messaging that it is changing its ways, one investor said. The fact that Kalanick was such an overpowering force within Uber when he was its CEO could also make him a tough act to follow, according business and branding experts. "It's almost like the first boyfriend or girlfriend you get after a breakup," said Andrew Gilman, president of crisis communications firm Commcore Consulting Group. "Whoever comes in, there's a chance they'll be fabulously successful, but there's a better chance they'll be the rebound, where they'll have to go through one CEO before they get a really good one." A "really good one," in the eyes of investors, is someone with Kalanick's vision combined with the temperament and experience of the Whitmans of the world. If Uber could only have one, though, business experts such as Brent Goldfarb, an associate professor of entrepreneurship and strategy at the University of Maryland, believe it'd be wise to prioritize responsibility before ingenuity. "They need a grown-up," Goldfarb said. "They need someone who can cut operations that aren't working, make a rational call on the autonomous strategy, has the strength and emotional wits to reset the company culture, and push this through relentlessly." 2017 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Aerial image of Tarim Basin in northwest China, where rock samples for the study were obtained. Credit: Photo by NASA Landsat, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain). Measuring unobservable forces of nature is not an easy feat, but it can make the difference between life and death in the context of an earthquake, or the collapse of a coal mine or tunnel. To manage the risk of such events, researchers often rely on estimating a quantity called rock stress. "Rock stressthe amount of pressure experienced by underground layers of rockcan only be measured indirectly because you can't see the forces that cause it," explains Hiroki Sone, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering and geological engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "But instruments for estimating rock stress are difficult to use at great depths, where the temperature and pressure increase tremendously." Addressing this challenge, Sone and his colleagues in China and Japan have now pushed the limits of rock stress measurements that don't require temperature-sensitive instruments to new depths, from a previous maximum of 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) to a whopping 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). In a study published in July 2017 in Scientific Reports, the researchers used rocks sampled from a well bore of that depth to show that stress estimates obtained by the so-called anelastic strain recovery method were consistent with a visual analysis of borehole wall images, a reliable but often infeasible approach that requires a specialized scanner. At UW-Madison, Hiroki Sone prepares a rock sample for deformation measurements under stress conditions in a triaxial rock mechanics apparatus. Credit: Stephanie Precourt. The scientists conducted their proof-of-principle study in the Tarim Basin in northwest China, an area almost two-thirds the size of Alaska that is surrounded by K2, the world's second highest mountain after Mount Everest, and several other mountain ranges. The region is well known to historians because of its association with the Silk Road, an ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Today, in addition to historians and mountain climbers, petroleum companies have taken an interest in Tarim Basin, as it contains some of the largest oil and gas resources in Central Asia. These companies want to understand the region's geology to assess whether drilling may trigger seismic activity, given that many smaller earthquakes have occurred in the surrounding mountains. For Sone and his colleagues, this presented a unique opportunity to advance the methodology for measuring rock stress. "We wanted to test the reliability of the anelastic strain recovery method at up to 7 kilometers depth because its main advantage is that you only need to sample and analyze the rock itself," Sone says. "It estimates stress indirectly by measuring how much the rock sample expands in different directions after it has been recovered." With that kind of depth, the recovery processpulling a large enough rock sample out of a boreholecan take a few days, which is why the researchers were excited to prove that the method still worked. Dongsheng Sun (center), the studys first author from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in Beijing, explains the measurement of rock stress after the coring of samples at Tarim Basin. Credit: Hiroki Sone For the first time, they measured rock stress even when sensors weren't attached to the sample until 65 hours after coring and found that the results matched a conventional image analysis of the borehole wall, obtained with a resistivity scanner. While the visual method also worked in this case, it can be infeasible at such great depths because of the scanner's temperature limitations. In addition to proving the easier method's validity at greatly increased depth, the study resolved a longstanding geological puzzle in the Tarim Basin: The rock stress in Earth's outer shellwhich consists of many large pieces of cooler rock (tectonic plates) floating on a very thick layer of hot magmadiffers between the Basin's periphery and its interior. Other scientists had found evidence for this difference before, but the current study confirmed it. In the interior of Tarim Basin, tectonic plates are relatively stable, even though they crash and fold up against each other in the periphery, explaining the observed seismic activity. This translates to a lower risk of earthquakes in the interior and informs a petroleum company's decisions about the depth at which boreholes should be stabilized to minimize the risk of structural collapse. For earth scientists, the new study is an important validation of a more practical method for estimating rock stress. "These new results give us confidence that we can use the anelastic strain recovery method at greater depths than we thought possible," Sone says. "As long as the rock deforms the same amount in vertical and horizontal directions, this method is much easier to apply when very high temperatures and pressures in the Earth's crust challenge the other options in our toolbox." More information: Dongsheng Sun et al. Stress state measured at ~7 km depth in the Tarim Basin, NW China, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04516-9 Journal information: Scientific Reports Knute the grizzly bear and his root canal rescue team, from left, Nigel Caulkett, Alfredo Romero, Jean-Yin Tan, Teresa Jacobson and Joan Caulkett. Credit: Jean-Yin Tan Knute, a grizzly bear at the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops, was not a happy bear. Pain from a damaged and infected canine tooth was keeping him up at night. So staff at the wildlife facility, looking to help the eight-year-old bear, contacted Dr. Alfredo Romero at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Romero, who teaches diagnostic imaging and large animal surgery, and his wife Dr. Jean-Yin Tan, a veterinary internal medicine expert, were keen to help. They teamed up with UCVM's Dr. Nigel Caulkett, a world-renowned expert in wildlife anesthesia, and his wife, Joan Caulkett, an animal health technician. The Caulketts frequently work together on wildlife projects including polar bears and black bears. "It's not uncommon to end up anesthetizing animals on our vacation," Nigel Caulkett says. "It happens a fair bit." Rounding out the contingent to help Knute were three B.C. veterinarians including Dr. Teresa Jacobson, who performs large animal dentistry, and staff at the wildlife park. With all the experts in place, the bear's grizzly tooth problem was ready to be tackled. "One of the things that made this go so smoothly was that the zoo keeper had trained the bear to present his shoulder at the cage bars for injections so we didn't have to use a dart rifle," says Nigel Caulkett. "The bear just came up and she used a long syringe to give him the drugs. He was asleep within a few minutes." Nigel Caulkett prepares to intubate the grizzly. Credit: University of Calgary With Knute anesthetized, the next step was for Joan Caulkett to put in an intravenous catheter and endotracheal tube so the bear could be given gas anesthesia and supplemental oxygen during the procedure. "That was little tricky because the scope we usually use was too short so she actually had to put her hand right into the bear's mouth to put the tube in, so she wanted me to be absolutely sure he was well anesthetized at that point." Because of Nigel Caulkett's expertise in anesthetizing wildlife, he knew the right drugs and right doses to put the 250-kilogram bear under for just the right amount of timepreventing issues such as a lengthy recovery time or a sudden unexpected recovery. And with his extensive backcountry experience, working on bears with minimal equipment and often using a dart gun from a helicopter, this controlled, well-organized surgery didn't cause him much stress. "Honestly, I've anesthetized so many bears that I don't really worry too much about the drug affects because they tend to be quite safe. So for me it was little less stressful than anesthetizing a sick, geriatric dog, just because the risk to the animal was a lot lower." Alfredo Romero appears confident the bruin is fully anesthetized. Credit: University of Calgary With Knute fully anesthetized, the team hoisted him onto a surgical table and Alfredo Romero was able to take X-rays. "We didn't know the full extent of the tooth damage because having the bear under general anesthesia was the first opportunity anybody had to actually get a good closeup view," Romero says. "So we got a good look at what was happening and saw that half the tooth was there but it was cracked below the gum line and there was a crack in one of the adjacent teeth as well. Dr. Jacobson decided that to preserve as much of the tooth as possible, the best thing to do was to remove one of the incisors and do a root canal on the remaining portion of the canine tooth." Romero has done surgery on a tiger, a zebra and a camel, but this was the first time he'd worked on a grizzly bear. "During my residency we had a tiger that had choked and so we had to do surgery. It was pretty similar in the amount of precautions we took, lots of safety measures and the risks were fairly equal. If he wakes up, we're all in trouble." As Knute comes to, post-anesthesia, his sister Dawson keeps her eye on him. Credit: University of Calgary When the root canal was finished, Caulkett says bringing Knute back around went smoothly. "We turned the gas off and let him breath off some of the gas. Then we gave him a reversal drug for his injectable drugs and he was up and standing within about 20 minutes." With the procedure over and the bear recovered, the UCVM team carried on with their vacations. To round off their holiday in Vancouver at the end of the week, Romero and Tan will make a pit stop in Kamloops to do a followup check on Knute. HP Reinvents Retail with New Point-of-Sale System PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) HP Inc. is reimagining the retail industry with the unveiling of its innovative and versatile all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) system, the HP ElitePOS. The company is working with leading retail and hospitality customers and partners to reimagine how technology can transform the in-store experience for customers. With e-commerce influencing consumers shopping experiences, brick and mortar retailers must ensure sales associates are data driven to better understand buying behavior and deliver the best possible customer experience. According to InReality, 69 percent of shoppers said they would be more likely to buy in-store if given access to digital self-help tools like interactive displays and kiosks1. Finding the right balance of where technology can help increase sales while streamlining processes is vital in todays new retail environment. As retailers seek new ways to interact with customers and reinvent in-store experiences, technology must empower sales associates and engage customers in a way that feels like a natural extension of the brand, said Aaron Weiss, vice president and general manager of Retail, HP Inc. The new HP ElitePOS solution is built for versatility with a sleek and stunning design that can adapt to multiple retail and hospitality environments, while still offering the security, performance and long-term durability that our customers expect from HP. The ElitePOS features a stunning, modular design, different from large, boxy POS terminals commonly used in retail environments. Its design is also functional, supporting use cases beyond checkout to make shopping faster and easier for both customers and the sales associates assisting them. These use cases include: interactive signage, employee attendance, and self-service applications like a customer check-in and access to additional product offerings in the endless aisle. For retailers who want a clean and clutter-free counter space, or who need greater versatility in the placement of their point-of-sale terminal, the display can be separated from the input/output (I/O) base for maximum placement versatility. For businesses who want technology to complement their brands experience, the ElitePOS and its accessories add further customization and flexibility. Attention to detail including an optional receipt printer that integrates into the column stand, and an optional magnetic stripe reader built into the display, create a clean counter space for retail environments. The optional barcode scanner and optional standalone printer match the elegance of the ElitePOS for a consistent design aesthetic across peripherals. Retail and hospitality often have demanding and harsh environments, which can damage or destroy consumer-leveraged technology. That is why the ElitePOS is built to be retail-durable, designed to pass MIL-STD tests2, deter minor spills by channeling liquid out the device, and provide efficient cooling with side venting for improved reliability. Additionally, line-busting will be a breeze with Windows 10, fast DDR4 memory, and 7th generation Intel Core processors with vPro technology. As the retail and hospitality industries undergo a revolutionary shift, the point-of-service device will be a critical hub in delivering the in-store experience for customers, said Leslie Hand, vice president of Retail Insights, IDC. But with this rapid transformation in digital business also comes increased threats, in the form of targeted attacks and malware. Retail POS systems, including the new HP ElitePOS, must be able to balance the growing needs of the customer and the brand while also acting as a guardian of the sensitive information that passes through the device on a daily basis. With point-of-sale devices increasingly targeted by hackers, security continues to be top of mind for the retail industry. According to Verizon, 64 percent of breaches in the retail industry that contained data loss were caused by point-of-sale intrusions3. This is why HP is expanding its industry-leading security solutions to the ElitePOS, with both hardware and integrated software security features, including: BIOS-level device security to provide protection in the event of a malware attack with HP Sure Start Gen3, the industrys first self-healing BIOS, and HP BIOSphere Gen3, the industry-leading firmware ecosystems. in the event of a malware attack with HP Sure Start Gen3, the industrys first self-healing BIOS, and HP BIOSphere Gen3, the industry-leading firmware ecosystems. User authentication technology , including an optional fingerprint reader for secure login; Credential Guard 4 for secure user authentication and password protection, and Device Guard 5 , which lets IT managers create rules to run only signed, trusted, and approved applications on the POS system to help protect against walk-up and low-level attacks through USB ports. , including an optional fingerprint reader for secure login; Credential Guard for secure user authentication and password protection, and Device Guard , which lets IT managers create rules to run only signed, trusted, and approved applications on the POS system to help protect against walk-up and low-level attacks through USB ports. Physical security of the device itself with an optional bolt-to-counter configuration, VESA mounting K-Lock features and external fingerprint reader for secure login through Windows Hello6. The ElitePOS is expected to be available in August 2017 direct from HP and the companys global network of more than 250,000 partners. Additionally, retail independent software vendors (ISVs) Custom Business Soutions, GK Software, LS Retail, Manhattan Associates, Omnico Group, PCMS, Retail Pro, SilverWare POS, and TCPOS plan to support the new solution. For more information on the point-of-sale system, visit http://www.hp.com/go/elitepos, or see the ElitePOS in person August 6-9 at RetailNow 2017 in booth #410-412. About HP HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com. Other POS News: This appeared in the Lewiston Tribune: Judging from the forum among Idahos GOP gubernatorial candidates July 21 in Coeur dAlene, Boise developer Tommy Ahlquist is altering his public image and running hard to the right. Congressman Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, is taking the bait. And if you look closely, you just might see a slight grin emerging across Lt. Gov. Brad Littles face. Thats not how things were shaping up just a few months ago. With former state Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian, opting to run for the 1st District House seat instead of governor, the path was clear for Labrador to claim the lions share of the GOPs conservative base. The polls created that impression. Last April, the Idaho Freedom Foundation put Labradors support at 39 percent vs. 7 percent for Fulcher. Against that was Littles 27 percent and Ahlquist at 2 percent. The following month, pollster Dan Jones and Associates gave Labrador 22 percent of the GOP vote, Little 18 percent and Ahlquist 8 percent. The poll did not mention Fulcher. In spite of never having sought elective office before, Ahlquists background would seem to define him as a moderate. Hes a Boise developer. He gave $5,000 to A.J. Balukoffs 2014 Democratic campaign against Gov. C.L. Butch Otter. Hes had nice things to say about Boise Mayor David Bieter, who is a former Democratic legislator. Until recently, Ahlquist has not been particularly active in GOP primary politics. So there was the expectation that hed be competing for Littles center-right establishment base. Nothing doing. Between taking a hard stance against same-sex marriage and pledging to find $100 million worth of bloat in Idahos budget, Ahlquist is mining votes from Labradors wing of the party. In Coeur dAlene last weekend, Labrador fired back: Id like to welcome Tommy to the Republican Party. They debated: President Donald Trump. Ahlquist said he was more like Trump because he was running as a political outsider. Labrador pointed out he knew Trump, that he campaigned for Trump and that Trump was a friend of his. Tax cuts. Between Ahlquist and Labrador, the only question was how deep and how fast. Taxes needed to be sliced and diced, Ahlquist said. A former state lawmaker, Labrador said he was for tax cuts before tax cuts were cool, and that he would cut income taxes to a 5 percent uniform rate. Only Little was restrained, saying this issue is more complicated than comparing one states tax rate with anothers. Education. Ahlquist and Labrador bemoaned the current state of public schools; Little argued many times teachers are expected to compensate for the condition of the kids when they show up. Whats going on here? Theory No. 1Theres a batch of conservative Mormon voters in eastern Idaho who are up for grabs between Ahlquist and Labrador. Both are members of the Mormon church. Theory No. 2Theres not much opportunity to convert members of Littles establishment wing. He has deep roots with agriculture and the states business lobby. Hes been Otters loyal second in command. And Littles slice of the GOP electorate may be more robust than the polls suggest. Theory No. 3After a career that includes service in the Senate and as lieutenant governor, Little knows the nooks and crannies of state government; Labrador and Ahlquist prefer to argue philosophy among themselves rather than debate details with him. Theory No. 4Ahlquists political consultants are handing him this simple advice: Its a Republican primary, dummy. If you want to win, pivot as far to the right as you can get. Either way, you cant deny Ahlquists strategyor the fact Labrador is taking it seriously. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. The following companies are subsidiares of Eaton: Abeiron III Unlimited Company, Aeroquip Iberica S.L., Aeroquip-Vickers, Aphel Technologies, Argo-Tech, Arrow Hose & Tubing, Azonix Corporation, Babco Electric Group, Baricide Inc., Beijing Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Blinda Industria e Comercio Ltda., Bussmann International Holdings LLC, Bussmann International Inc., Bussmann S. de R.L. de C.V., CBE Services Inc., CEAG Notlichtsysteme GmbH, CLS (Canada) Company, COBHAM INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, CTI-VIENNA Gesellschaft zur Prufung elektrotechnischer Industrieprodukte GmbH, Cambridge International Sarl, Cannon Technologies Inc., Chagrin Highlands III Ltd., Cobham, Cobham Mission Systems Davenport AAR Inc., Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LSS Inc., Cobham Mission Systems FWB Inc., Cobham Mission Systems Orchard Park Inc., Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne Limited, Cooper (China) Co. Ltd., Cooper (Ningbo) Electric Co. Ltd., Cooper B-Line Inc., Cooper Bussmann LLC, Cooper Capri S.A.S., Cooper Crouse-Hinds (LLC), Cooper Crouse-Hinds AS, Cooper Crouse-Hinds B.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds GmbH, Cooper Crouse-Hinds LLC, Cooper Crouse-Hinds MTL Inc., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S.A., Cooper Csa Srl, Cooper Edison (Pingdingshan) Electronic Technologies Co. Ltd., Cooper Electric (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Cooper Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cooper Electrical International LLC, Cooper Electronic Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cooper Enterprises LLC, Cooper Finance USA Inc., Cooper Germany Holdings GmbH, Cooper Industrials, Cooper Industries (Canada) Company, Cooper Industries (Electrical) Inc., Cooper Industries Colombia S.A.S., Cooper Industries FZE, Cooper Industries Finance B.V., Cooper Industries Global B.V., Cooper Industries International LLC, Cooper Industries Japan K.K., Cooper Industries LLC, Cooper Industries Romania SRL, Cooper Industries Russia LLC, Cooper Industries Trading Unlimited Company, Cooper Industries Unlimited Company, Cooper Industries Vietnam LLC, Cooper Interconnect Inc., Cooper International Holdings S.a.r.l, Cooper Korea Ltd., Cooper Menvier France SARL, Cooper Notification Inc., Cooper Power Systems LLC, Cooper Power Systems do Brasil Ltda., Cooper Pretronica Unipessoal Lda., Cooper Safety B.V., Cooper Securite S.A.S., Cooper Shanghai Power Capacitor Co. Ltd., Cooper Technologies Company, Cooper Univel S.A., Cooper Wheelock Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Cooper Xi'an Fusegear Co. Ltd., Cooper Yuhua (Changzhou) Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Copperlogic, Cutler-Hammer Electrical Company, Cutler-Hammer Industries Ltd., Cutler-Hammer SRL, Cyme International T & D Inc., D.P. Eaton Electric, Digital Lighting (Dong Guan) Co. Ltd., Digital Lighting Co. Limited, Digital Lighting Holdings Limited, Dongguan Cooper Electronics Co. Ltd., Dongguan Wiring Devices Electronics Co. Ltd., E. Begerow, E.A. Pedersen Co., ETN Asia International Limited, ETN Holding 1 Limited, ETN Holding 2 Limited, ETN Holding 3 Limited, Eaton (China) Investments Co. Ltd., Eaton (Switzerland) Holding I GmbH, Eaton (Switzerland) Holding II GmbH, Eaton (Switzerland) Holding III G.m.b.H., Eaton Aeroquip LLC, Eaton Aerospace LLC, Eaton Ann Arbor LLC, Eaton Automated Transmission Technologies Corporation, Eaton Automation G.m.b.H, Eaton Automation Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Automotive Components Spolka z o.o., Eaton Automotive Spolka z o.o., Eaton Automotive Systems Spolka z o.o., Eaton B.V., Eaton Capital Global Holdings Unlimited Company, Eaton Capital Unlimited Company, Eaton Controls (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Controls (UK) Limited, Eaton Corporation, Eaton Domhanda I Limited, Eaton Domhanda Unlimited Company, Eaton Electric, Eaton Electric & Engineering Services Limited, Eaton Electric (Japan) Ltd., Eaton Electric (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Eaton Electric (South Africa) Pty Ltd., Eaton Electric (Thailand) Limited, Eaton Electric (Vietnam) Company Limited, Eaton Electric AB, Eaton Electric AS, Eaton Electric ApS, Eaton Electric BV, Eaton Electric G.m.b.H., Eaton Electric Holdings LLC, Eaton Electric Limited, Eaton Electric S.I.A., Eaton Electric S.a.r.l., Eaton Electric S.r.l., Eaton Electric Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Electric d.o.o., Eaton Electric s.r.o., Eaton Electrical (Australia) Pty Ltd, Eaton Electrical Equipment Co Ltd, Eaton Electrical IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Electrical Ltd., Eaton Electrical Products Limited, Eaton Electrical S.A., Eaton Electrical Srl, Eaton Electrical Systems Limited, Eaton Electro Productie S.r.l., Eaton Elektrik Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eaton Elektrotechnika s.r.o., Eaton Enterprises (Hungary) Kft., Eaton Enterprises Limited, Eaton Enterprises S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton FZE, Eaton Filtration (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Filtration (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Eaton Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Filtration BV, Eaton Filtration Ltd., Eaton France Holding SAS, Eaton Fu Li An (Changzhou) Electronics Co. Ltd., Eaton Germany G.m.b.H., Eaton Germany Holdings GmbH, Eaton Global Holdings II Limited, Eaton Global Holdings III Limited, Eaton Global Holdings Limited, Eaton Global Limited, Eaton GmbH & Co. KG, Eaton Holding (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Holding (UK) II Limited, Eaton Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding I B.V., Eaton Holding II S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding III B.V., Eaton Holding IV S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding Limited, Eaton Holding S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding SE & Co. KG, Eaton Holding Turlock B.V., Eaton Holding V B.V., Eaton Holding VI B.V., Eaton Holding VII B.V., Eaton Holding VIII B.V., Eaton Holding XIII S.a.r.l., Eaton Hydraulics LLC, Eaton Hydraulics Systems (Jining) Co. Ltd., Eaton I Spolka z.o.o., Eaton II LP, Eaton III LP, Eaton IV LP, Eaton India Innovation Center LLP, Eaton Industrial Products Pvt. Ltd., Eaton Industrial Systems Private Limited, Eaton Industries (Argentina) S.A., Eaton Industries (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries (Belgium) BV, Eaton Industries (Canada) Company, Eaton Industries (Chile) S.p.A., Eaton Industries (Colombia) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Egypt) LLC, Eaton Industries (England) Limited, Eaton Industries (France) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Ireland) II Limited, Eaton Industries (Ireland) Limited, Eaton Industries (Israel) Ltd., Eaton Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Industries (Jining) Co. Ltd, Eaton Industries (Korea) Limited, Eaton Industries (Morocco) LLC, Eaton Industries (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Industries (Philippines) LLC, Eaton Industries (Spain) S.L., Eaton Industries (Thailand) Ltd., Eaton Industries (U.K.) Limited, Eaton Industries (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industries Company, Eaton Industries EOOD, Eaton Industries G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holdings Ltd., Eaton Industries I Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries II G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries II Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries III Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries IV Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries IX LLC, Eaton Industries KFT, Eaton Industries LP, Eaton Industries Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Middle East LLC, Eaton Industries Panama S.A., Eaton Industries Pte. Ltd., Eaton Industries Pty. Ltd., Eaton Industries S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Industries SAC, Eaton Industries Sdn. Bhd., Eaton Industries V Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries VI Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries VII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries VIII LLC, Eaton Industries X Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XI Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XIII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XIV Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XIX Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XV Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XVI LLC, Eaton Industries XVIII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XX Unlimited Company, Eaton Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletricos e Servicos Ltda, Eaton Intelligent Power Limited, Eaton International B.V., Eaton International Industries Nigeria Limited, Eaton Japan G.K., Eaton LLC, Eaton LP, Eaton Leasing Corporation, Eaton Limited, Eaton Ltda., Eaton MEDC Limited, Eaton Management Services LLP, Eaton Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing Hungary Kft., Eaton Manufacturing II G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing III G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing LP, Eaton Manufacturing Limited, Eaton Moeller B.V., Eaton Moeller S.a.r.l., Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL Co. Ltd., Eaton Power (Shanghai) Trading Limited Partnership, Eaton Power Quality (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Power Quality Limited, Eaton Power Quality OY (Finland), Eaton Power Quality Private Limited, Eaton Production International G.m.b.H., Eaton Protection Systems IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton S.A.S., Eaton S.r.l., Eaton SE, Eaton Safety Limited, Eaton Science & Technology Management (Hainan) Limited Partnership, Eaton Services S.a.r.l., Eaton Solutions S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Technologies (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Technologies G.m.b.H., Eaton Technologies Private Limited, Eaton Technologies S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Teorainn Limited, Eaton Trading (FZC) LLC, Eaton Trading Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components (Proprietary) Ltd., Eaton Truck Components S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components Spolka z o.o., Eaton eMobility France SAS, Eaton-Powerware, Electromanufacturas S. de R.L. de C.V., Electrum Group Ltd., Ephesus Lighting, FHF Bergbautechnik GmbH & Co. KG, FHF Funke+Huster Fernsig GmbH, Flight Refuelling Limited, Funke+Huster GmbH, GeCma Components electronic GmbH, Gitiesse S.r.l., Green Holding S.a.r.l., Green Motion SA, Grupo Desdemona S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Otello S. de R.L. de C.V., Hein Moeller Stiftung G.m.b.H., Hernis Scan Systems A/S, HuanYu High Tech, IE Power, Innovative Switchgear Solutions Inc, Institute for International Product Safety G.m.b.H., Integrated Hydraulics, Integrated Partial Discharge Diagnostics, Internormen Technology, Jeil Hydraulics, Joslyn Sunbank Company LLC, Kaicheng Funke+Huster (Tangshan) Mining Electrical Co. Ltd., Lian Zheng Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., MP Group SAS, MTL Instruments B.V., MTL Instruments LLC, MTL Instruments Private Limited, MTL Instruments SARL, MTL Italia Srl, MTL Partners II Inc., MTL Partners Inc., Marina Power and Lighting, Martek Power GmbH, Martek Power S.A. de C.V., McGraw-Edison Development Corporation, Menvier Overseas Holdings Limited, Micro Innovation Holding, Mission Systems, Moeller Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Moeller Electric Ltda., Moeller Holding Gmbh & Co. KG, Moeller Industria de electro-electronicos do Amazonas Ltda., Morestana, Norex AS, Optimum Path Systems (Shanghai) Ltd., Oxalis Group, PDI Intermediate Corp., PT Eaton Industries, PT Ulusoy Electric Indonesia, PT Ulusoy Electric Industry, PT. Fluid Sciences Batam, PerkinElmer - aerospace division, Phoenixtec Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Phoenixtec International Corp., Phoenixtec Power, Pigozzi, Plumtree I Limited, Plumtree Mauritius Limited, Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi Ve Pazarlama, Power Distribution Holdings Inc., Power Distribution Inc., Pringle Electrical Manufacturing, Productos Eaton Livia S.L., Pulizzi Engineering, RTE Far East Corporation, Riseson International Limited, Rizhao Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Rolec Comercial e Industrial, Royal Power Solutions, SOURIAU, Santak Electronic (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Santak Electronics Company Limited, Saturn Insurance Company Ltd., Scantronic Benelux BV, Schreder-Hazemeyer, Scoremax Limited, Sefelec GmbH, Sefelec SAS, Senyuan International Holdings Limited, Senyuan International Investments Limited, Shakespeare Holdings Inc., Silver Light International Limited, Silver Victory Hong Kong Limited, Souriau Dominican Republic Ltd., Souriau Germany GmbH, Souriau India Pvt Ltd, Souriau Italy Srl, Souriau Japan KK, Souriau MAROC Sarl, Souriau S.A.S., Souriau UK Ltd, Souriau USA Inc, Standard Automation & Control LP, Sunbank Family of Companies LLC, Sunbank de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Sure Power Inc., T.T.M.C. (2012) Ltd, TGM Automotiva, TTMC Holdings Inc., Technocontact, Telkom Kenya, The MTL Instruments Group Limited, Tractech, Tripp Lite Holdings Inc., Tripp Lite of Canada Corp., Trippe Manufacturing Company, Turlock B.V., Tuthill Coupling Group, Ultronics, Ulusoy Elektrik Imalat Taahhut ve Ticaret AS, Winner Hydraulics Ltd., Wright Line Holding Inc., and Wright Line LLC. Read More BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry. The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time. The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services. Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America. The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government. The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans. Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody. The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. The following editorial appears on Bloomberg View: Innocent until proven guilty is a bedrock principle of U.S. justice. It is violated every day by an invidious police practice called civil asset forfeiture, which allows the government to deprive people of their property without even charging them with a crime. Instead of stopping this legally sanctioned theft, the Justice Department has decided to expand it. In most states, if a police officer merely suspects that cash or property is connected to a crime, he or she may seize it without any actual evidence of wrongdoing. To recover what is rightfully theirs, Americans must prove that the property has no connection to a crime. In other words, they are guilty until proven innocent. The practice began as a way to deal with pirates beyond the reach of maritime-law enforcement. It was rarely applied to ordinary citizens until 1984, when Congress attempted to crack down on drug trafficking by creating an Assets Forfeiture Fund within Department of Justice -- and allowing the agency to use the proceeds to pad its budget. In effect, what Congress declined to appropriate, Justice would simply seize -- and it encouraged state and local departments to get in on the action. Through a federal program called "Equitable Sharing," police departments may keep up to 80 percent of seized property's value. In two decades, the federal government went from collecting $94 million in cash and assets a year to $4.5 billion. No doubt some of the confiscated property was illicitly possessed. How much, we will never know -- and at what cost to justice? The practice might have been designed to destroy trust in the law. When police officers stop a vehicle, they can ask a driver's permission to search it without a warrant. Many drivers acquiesce, believing they have nothing to hide. But if the officers find cash or property that they suspect may have been unlawfully obtained, they can seize and hold it, even if the car's occupants are never charged. The victims -- and that is what they are -- are left to weigh the time and expense of fighting the government against the value of the property seized. The Obama administration scaled back an aspect of this program in 2015. It was a too-small step in the right direction, leaving most seizures unaffected. Now Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced that he is rolling back even that timid reform. Congress should simply abolish the practice of seizing assets outside of criminal convictions. It flies in the face of Republicans' commitment to limited government and Democrats' commitment to due process and concern for the poor (who pay the heaviest price). Until Congress acts, states and localities should lead the way. This un-American act of contempt for liberty has gone on long enough. The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. 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Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. 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Read More Ten-month-old Bangladeshi siamese twins were recovering in hospital Wednesday after what surgeons hailed as the country's "groundbreaking" first successful separation operation on conjoined siblings. Sisters Tofa and Tahura, who were born conjoined at the spine and rectum, underwent a gruelling nine hours in surgery under the care of two dozen doctors. "It is the first time we have successfully separated critically conjoined twins in Bangladesh," paediatric surgeon Abdul Hanif of Dhaka Medical College Hospital told AFP. "It's a groundbreaking operation in our medical history," Hanif said, adding that it had been "extremely complex". Almost all Bangladeshi conjoined twins fail to survive their infant years, the surgeon said. Last year, twin boys, who were joined at the torso and had been abandoned by their parents at the same hospital, died due to severe infections and complications. Tofa and Tahura will need at least two further operations to restructure their internal organs, Hanif added. The surgery had been "100 percent successful" but the twins would remain in intensive care for at least a week to ensure no infections developed, said surgery coordinator Shahnoor Islam. Born to poor farmers, the sisters -- who do not use a surname -- were brought to Dhaka a month ago from northern Gaibandha district, 260 kilometres (160 miles) from the capital. Their mother, Shahida Begum, told AFP how happy she was as the doctors had let her breast-feed the girls following the surgery. "I held my daughters to feed them. They were responding very spontaneously," the mother of three said. "My five-year-old son is very excited knowing he might now be able to play with his sisters. He cried to go inside the intensive care unit to see them but the doctors won't allow him," she said, adding that there are still fears of infections. - More twins waiting - The surgeons said the next few days would be critical for the twins as the surgical wounds need to heal and the babies need more procedures to be able to live independently. Their parents almost gave up hope of separating the twins after local doctors told them there were no experts in Bangladesh who could do it and surgery in other countries would cost too much. "We went to local clinics but nobody could provide any solution. We went to the district civil surgeon who advised us to go to Dhaka. He paid for the trip and even rented an ambulance for us," Begum said. The hospital paid the cost of the operation. Begum has vowed to send her daughters to Islamic seminaries if they grew up healthy. "I didn't go to school as I got married early. But I want them to learn Islam and be very good human beings," she said. Another pair of Bangladeshi twins joined at the skull are awaiting their turn in Dhaka. Doctors are consulting experts from across the globe as they prepare for the next operation. They are trying to establish whether the one-year-old girls -- who are otherwise healthy -- share the same brain, something that would vastly complicate the surgery. Conjoined twins are rare. About half are stillborn, and the survival rate is between five and 25 per cent. In November 2015, conjoined twin girls born with two heads and two hearts and a single body attracted crowds of thousands, but they died when they were just a week old. By John Davison BEIRUT (Reuters) - Buses carrying Syrian militants and refugees left a Lebanese border area bound for a rebel-held part of Syria on Wednesday, under a deal made after Shi'ite Hezbollah routed Sunni Islamist Nusra Front insurgents in their last foothold at the frontier. Some 7,000 Syrians including 1,000 militants, their families and refugees are to leave the Lebanese town of Arsal and the surrounding border area and head for Syria's northwestern Idlib province under the deal, Hezbollah-run media outlets said. The transfer echoes deals struck within Syria in which Damascus has shuttled rebels and civilians to Idlib and other opposition areas. Such evacuations have helped President Bashar al-Assad recapture several rebel bastions over the past year, and are criticised by the opposition as amounting to the forced transfer of populations seen as sympathetic to the opposition. The ceasefire took effect last week, just days after Lebanese Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Nusra Front and other Sunni Muslim militants from their last foothold along the Syria-Lebanon border. The operation has highlighted the major role of Hezbollah in fighting militants along the frontier during Syria's six-year war, part of the much bigger role it has played across Syria in support of Assad. Hezbollah's Al Manar television said that 113 buses had begun leaving Arsal town, headed for Fleita on the Syrian side. At least 26 buses earlier left refugee camps in the nearby Jroud Arsal area and crossed to Wadi Hmeid further northeast in the direction of the Syrian frontier, it said, before their onward journey to Idlib. Aid agencies with limited access to Arsal were not able to say where many of the Syrian refugees living in the area had originally come from. Two former residents of Arsal said most refugees originally fled to Arsal when the Syrian army backed by Hezbollah took control of their towns across the border during heavy fighting over three years ago. They said they were going to Idlib with many refugees feeling no longer safe to stay in Arsal camps after Hezbollah extended greater influence in the area while a return to government run-areas would also mean they risk being drafted into the army Abu Yahya al Qalamouni who was in touch with several refugees said "many wanted to go to a camp where Hezbollah was not in control and not for love of Idlib". The U.N. refugee body said in a statement it was not party to the agreement and stressed that "return of refugees should be made free from undue pressure." "The UNHCR is not in a position to ascertain to what extent refugees, who are civilians by definition, are returning in this movement," it said. The deal included the release of eight Hezbollah fighters by the Nusra Front in exchange for individuals held by Lebanon. Three of the Hezbollah fighters were released overnight. The remaining five are expected to be released once the first convoy reaches its destination in Syria. Last week, Hezbollah captured most of the mountainous zone of Jroud Arsal from the militants. It also has a strong presence on the Syrian side of the border where its fighters alongside pro-government militias maintain security in a string of Syrian towns and villages in the areas known as Western Qalamoun. The Nusra Front was al Qaeda's Syria branch until it severed ties and rebranded last year. It now spearheads the Tahrir al-Sham Islamist alliance in the Syrian civil war. HEZBOLLAH ROLE The Lebanese army, which receives considerable U.S. and British military support, did not take an active part in the operation, setting up defensive positions around Arsal. The next phase is expected to focus on a nearby enclave currently in the hands of Islamic State jihadists. Local media say the Lebanese army will likely wage that phase of the operation. Hezbollah's role in Syria's conflict has been criticised by its Lebanese political opponents, including Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who is a Sunni. Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has lost hundreds of fighters in Syria, says its fight is an existential one to stop extremists spreading to Lebanon. Its Lebanese critics say it has fuelled militant attacks in Lebanon. The Arsal region witnessed one of the most serious spillovers of the Syrian civil war into Lebanon when Nusra Front and Islamic State militants briefly overran the town of Arsal in 2014, abducting dozens of Lebanese soldiers and policemen. Islamic State is still holding nine Lebanese soldiers captured at that time. Their fate is unknown. (Additional reporting by Tom Perry and Suleiman al Khalidi in Amman Editing by Mark Heinrich and Robin Pomeroy) File photo of methamphetamine The case of a Nigerian man who brought nearly 2kg of methamphetamine into Singapore has taken another turn, with the Court of Appeal on Wednesday (2 August) ordering a review of its decision in 2015 to overturn his acquittal. The same panel of judges comprising Justice Chao Hick Tin, Justice Andrew Phang and Justice Tay Yong Kwang who reversed the acquittal of Ilechukwu Uchechukwu Chukwudi agreed to a request by his lawyers to review the case due to the unique turn of events. It is now prepared to accept a report by Institute of Mental Health psychiatrist Jaydip Sarkar as compelling material. The report had said Ilechukwu suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from the childhood trauma of witnessing a tribal attack. Dr Sarkar testified that the condition was likely to have caused Ilechukwu, in his 30s, to lie in statements he gave to the Central Narcotics Bureau. Six years ago, Ilechukwu arrived in Singapore from Nigeria and passed a black suitcase to Singaporean Hamidah Awang. She placed it in her car and drove to Woodlands Checkpoint, where the bag was searched and the drugs discovered inside. Ilechukwu was arrested in his hotel room the next day. In November 2014, the Nigerian was acquitted in the High Court as the judge accepted that he did not know the suitcase contained drugs. The prosecution appealed to the Court of Appeal, which then overturned the acquittal and convicted him in 2015. The Court of Appeal concluded that Ilechukwus lies told to CNB officers to distance himself from the drugs found in his suitcase could be explained only by his realisation of his guilt. On Wednesday, the apex court said, The present motion is, in our view, such a truly exceptional case because of the unique turn of events. It is entirely fortuitous that the IMH report issued only at the sentencing stage and emanating from the prosecutions request for a psychiatric report has raised a matter which has a crucial bearing on our decision. We are likewise not implying that he is innocent. His guilt or innocence is a matter to be determined at the subsequent review of our decision. The court was referring to the case of Sarawakian murderer Kho Jabing, who was hanged in May 2016 after several failed attempts to reopen his case. The court ruled then that reviews of concluded criminal appeals would be allowed only in truly exceptional cases. An Indonesian man who grew marijuana to ease the pain of his seriously-ill wife was sentenced to eight months in prison on Wednesday, despite an outcry from right groups and activists. Fidelis Arie Sudewarto was found guilty of growing marijuana without permission by the Sanggau district court in West Kalimantan, even though it acknowledged that he did it to help his wife, who suffers from syringomyelia, a rare disorder which causes a cyst to form within spinal cord. The case attracted nation-wide attention in Indonesia, where some world's toughest anti-drugs laws are imposed, including capital punishment for traffickers. "We are very disappointed with the verdict because the judges admitted themselves in their consideration that our client is not involved in drug trafficking, he's not a dealer, he's not even a user," Sudewarto's lawyer Marcelina Lin told AFP Wednesday. Lin said multiple drug tests proved that the 34-year-old civil servant did not consume any drugs. The court also ordered Sudewarto to pay a fine of 1 billion rupiah ($75,000) or serve one additional month in jail. Prosecutors previously only sought five months in prison for him. The lawyer said Sudewarto began to grow marijuana after reading some articles on the internet that claimed the plants could ease his wife's pain. He knew that he would be breaking the law. After consuming the marijuana, his wife Yeni Riawati began to feel better and and the gaping wound on her spine began to heal, Lin said. Despite Sudewarto's explanation, the local narcotics agency arrested him in February. Riawati died a month after her husband's arrest. The widowed father of two, including a toddler, tearfully told his lawyers he was thoroughly disappointed by the court's verdict. "Our client said no matter what the verdict is, it would not bring his wife back to life," Lin said. Activists and human rights groups condemned the case against Sudewarto. "The law itself is flawed, what he (Sudewarto) did indeed violated the law, but he did that to save a human life," human rights lawyer Ricky Gunawan told AFP. Indonesia has executed several foreign and Indonesian narcotics convicts by firing squad in the past few years. By Eveline Danubrata and Stefanno Reinard JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian travel start-up Traveloka, which has raised nearly $500 million from investors including Expedia Inc and China's JD.com Inc, plans to ramp up its new tourist attraction booking service next year, a senior executive said. Investors have been pouring money into start-ups in Indonesia, home to a population of 250 million and some of the world's most avid users of social media and online marketplaces. JD.com's investment in Traveloka is another example of Chinese investment in online businesses in Indonesia. Sources said last month that Tencent Holdings Ltd had invested around $100 million to $150 million in ride-hailing start-up Go-Jek. Jakarta-based Traveloka was co-founded in 2012 by Indonesian engineer Ferry Unardi as a site to search for flights. It has since set up partnerships with more than 100 airlines and expanded to five other countries in Southeast Asia. Early this year, it began providing ticketing for tourist attractions in Indonesia ranging from theme parks to zoos, and plans to double the number of such options on its site to 2,000 by the end of 2018, Traveloka's Chief Financial Officer Henry Hendrawan told Reuters. As well as Expedia and JD.com, Traveloka also raised funds over the last year from East Ventures, Hillhouse Capital Group and Sequoia Capital. Traveloka plans to use the money to hire more people and for other investments, Hendrawan said in an interview in a West Jakarta area dubbed "Slipicon Valley" as it houses many start-up offices. U.S. travel company Expedia, which invested $350 million in Traveloka, said it will work with the Indonesian start-up to grow their global hotel supply. "There is strong interest from investors coming from many different types of region," Hendrawan said. "Not only can they bring the capital, but they can also bring the knowledge, experience and the network." Traveloka has tied up with more than 100,000 hotels, apartments and other forms of accommodation in Southeast Asia, a third of which are in Indonesia, said Hendrawan, a former management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. He said he was optimistic about the outlook of Indonesia's travel sector due to the expanding middle class and the government's commitment to building more infrastructure in Southeast Asia's biggest economy. A rebound in commodity prices was also expected to boost travel to and from islands such as Sumatra and Kalimantan, Hendrawan said. "Travel generally is correlated with economic growth and Indonesia is in a good position." (Reporting by Eveline Danubrata and Stefanno Reinard; Editing by Susan Fenton) That was fun. Just 240 or so hours ago, Anthony Scaramucci, absent relevant experience and credentials, became the White House communications director. It was a palace coup that also forced the departures of press secretary Sean Spicer and chief of staff Reince Priebus from the administration of President Donald Trump, and appeared to leave Steve Bannons future in doubt as the presidencys Dark Lord. On Monday, Trump and his new chief of staff, John Kelly, showed Scaramucci the door, just days after Mooch phoned the New Yorkers Ryan Lizza and offered him a raunchy, self-aggrandizing assessment of his White House goals and disdain for anyone who might stand in his way. Scaramucci, a communications director who was bad at communications, deployed the same foul, brawny language that his boss has been specializing in for decades. But Moochismo made POTUS already suffering through the bungling of Obamacare repeal and other setbacks look bad. So out went Scaramucci. This is sad. Judging from his tweets from Air Force One, Mooch clearly liked his new job. While Scaramuccis tenure only lasted an eye-blink, he certainly wont be the last member of Team Trump who loses access to Air Force One. Trumps presidency, like his business career, has been marked by unpredictability, lax management, wasted time and energy, backroom skullduggery, and a cult of personality so radioactive that it burns most of whatevers exposed to it. The Trump soap opera isnt episodic, either. Chaos and uncertainty are what Trump thrives on and what he relishes. So the latest round of White House crazy shouldnt raise questions like Is this as bad as it gets? or Will the Trump presidency finally turn a corner? This past week, like the weeks before it and the weeks to come, is what it will always be like. All of this poses a challenge to Trump supporters and critics, not to mention the rest of us, because the permanent chaos makes it so easy to forget that the presidency isnt supposed to be a parade of carnival sideshows. A similar mental hurdle exists around the myriad financial and business conflicts that engulf the White House. Those conflicts are so wide-ranging, flagrant and unchecked that it would be easy for Trump-watchers to succumb to scandal fatigue as a psychological survival strategy. When it comes to the internecine warfare at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, each changing of the White House guard makes it tempting to latch on to the idea that the adults have, at last, taken charge. Scaramucci gave a generally lauded first press conference 10 days ago, air kisses to reporters and all, but then, boom! And Kelly comes into his new role as Trumps chief of staff as a well-regarded former general with the disciplinary skills seemingly needed to lasso the whirlwind. But as Bloomberg View columnist Albert R. Hunt has noted, Its doubtful that all the warring White House factions, working for a president with few core beliefs, lend themselves to a chain-of-command structure. Chaos and collapse can also play out over long stretches in Trumplandia. Trump ran a promising and lucrative casino business into the ground over a numbingly long period of about 25 years, extracting piles of money and perks for himself. Along the way, he left investors, vendors, employees and Atlantic City, New Jersey in the lurch. Trump also cycled through a long line of casino executives, managers and partners, none of whom altered his modus operandi: extraction. So the Anthony Scaramuccis, Roger Stones, Marc Kasowitzes, Kellyanne Conways, Sean Spicers, Reince Preibuses, Corey Lewandowskis, Paul Manaforts and Stephen Millers of the world will come and go, taking turns sharing the stage with the White Houses only star, and doing their best to support his guerrilla sensibility. But they, like all Trump advisers, are interchangeable, apt to be jettisoned if they forget to put the boss first or to kid themselves that his presidency is about anything other than extraction. A rotating cast of advisers means that Trump will always set the tone, pace and agenda of his administration. So buckle up, America, because the president is just getting started. Moldova on Wednesday declared Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin persona non grata in the wake of a diplomatic spat that saw his plane barred from flying over Romania. The move looks set to ratchet up tensions between Russia and Moldova's pro-Western government as a political tug-of-war rages inside the tiny ex-Soviet nation over its future direction. Rogozin was supposed to make a visit to Moldova's pro-Russian figurehead president on Friday but the passenger plane he was travelling on was blocked by EU member Romania from crossing its airspace. Bucharest said it had turned the commercial liner back because Rogozin is under an EU travel ban over Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014. The incident sparked ire in Moscow and saw Rogozin lash out furiously at the authorities in both Romania and Moldova. In response Moldova's government announced it decided to officially ban Rogozin for "gross interference in the affairs of our country." "The authorities of Moldova announce Dmitry Rogozin persona non grata on our territory," the country's foreign ministry said in a statement. Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova has an East-West cultural, linguistic and political split. Its Russian-speaking Transdniestr region broke away after a brief civil war in the 1990s and declared independence backed by Moscow, which stations troops there. The country's pro-EU government is locked in a bitter feud with Moscow-friendly president Igor Dodon, who wants to tear up a deal for closer ties with Brussels. In May, Chisinau kicked out five Russian diplomats which saw Moscow turf out its officials in revenge. (Photo: Thinkstock) The trial for two Myanmar nationals who allegedly attempted to abduct a compatriot in a Pasir Ris multi-storey carpark two years ago began in court on Wednesday (2 August). Zaw Min Hlaing, 39, a Singapore permanent resident, and Phyo Min Naing, 33, are accused of attempting to abduct Singapore permanent resident Aye Maung Maung Thet, 29, on 21 June 2015 to wrongfully confine him. The two were originally charged in June 2015 with one count each of abetment by conspiracy to murder Thet. Zaw also faces one count of possessing a stun gun without authorisation on 21 June 2015, one count of possessing a foldable knife with a 4cm blade on 22 June 2015, and four charges related to motor vehicles. In addition to his abduction charge, Phyo faces one count of possessing a stun gun and another count of possessing a can of pepper spray, both on 21 June 2015. Two other Myanmar nationals, Win Kyaw Kyaw Aung, 33, and Yae Wynnt Oaung, 33, were also involved in the incident. Aung, who was cited in past media reports as the mastermind of a plot to murder Aye, fled Singapore and is still at large. Yae, who was said to have schemed with the three others to abduct Aye, was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the State Courts in December 2015. Zaw and Phyo allegedly tasered Aye in the carpark, located at block 747A Pasir Ris Street 7, on 21 June at about 9.32pm, according to past media reports. Aye allegedly told the police that the men fled when he attracted the attention of passers-by after he cried for help. According to court documents, the police managed to trace a van that was involved in the incident to a vehicle rental company, which told them that Zaw was the registered driver of the van. Zaw was arrested when he returned to the rental company on 22 June. Following Zaws arrest, the police went to a chalet at Aloha Changi and arrested Phyo and Yae. The police also seized exhibits such as a meat mincer, a chainsaw, kitchen knives, plastic sheets and cable ties from the chalet, which was said to have been the place Phyo and Zaw intended to confine Aye. The trial is slated to last until 4 August. Explainer: Californias new cap-and-trade scheme to cut emissions Posted on 2 August 2017 by Zeke Hausfather This is a re-post from Carbon Brief Last month, Californias politicians agreed a new cap-and-trade bill to help curb the states emissions. This week, governor Jerry Brown signed it into law, representing a major step forward in the states effort to combat climate change. Cap and trade requires large emitters such as power plants, refineries and factories to buy permits for the greenhouse gases they release. Distributors of natural gas, gasoline, liquid petroleum gas, and diesel fuels must cover emissions from fuels they sell. The scheme limits the total number of permits available so that overall emissions stay within the cap. California, one the USs largest emitting states, has committed to reduce its emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. While it is on track to meet its 2020 goals, Californias reductions will have to ramp up dramatically to meet its 2030 and 2050 targets. The new cap-and-trade system is expected to play a major role in meeting these ambitious targets. Here, Carbon Brief explains how the scheme will work. Supermajority The existing California cap-and-trade system was passed into law in 2006, began operating in 2012 and expires in 2020 and had become mired by lawsuits. Specifically, California law requires that tax measures pass the legislature with a so-called supermajority, with over 66% of legislators voting for the bill. Opponents, led by the California Chamber of Commerce, argued that the cap-and-trade system effectively constituted a tax, as it raised revenue through the sale of emission allowances. To avoid further legal challenges in this vein, eight Republicans joined with Democrats to provide a supermajority in both the State Assembly and Senate to extend the cap-and-trade system through to the end of 2030. California had previously passed a law mandating that emissions be reduced to 40% below 1990 levels. This target serves as the basis for the emissions cap in the extended cap-and-trade system. The bill was supported by a broad coalition of groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council, as well as the California Chamber of Commerce which, surprisingly, had been one of the groups behind the lawsuit over the current cap-and-trade system. It was opposed by some environmental groups who felt that it did not go far enough and who supported a previous, more ambitious version of the bill. Ratcheting up ambition Reducing emissions by 40% relative to 1990 levels by 2030 represents a dramatic ratcheting up of ambition compared to Californias current target. The figure below shows Californias emissions in each year since 1990, as well as the 2020, 2030 and 2050 targets. California CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2015 along with 2020, 2030, and 2050 targets. Data from the California Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory. Excludes emissions from transport that occur out-of-state. Chart by Carbon Brief using Highcharts. While the state is on track to reduce emissions to meet its 2020 target, the rate of emission reductions will have to significantly increase to meet the 2030 target. This will require large changes, both to electricity generation and emissions from vehicles, as well as emissions from industrial, commercial and residential sectors. California has put in place a rule requiring 50% of its electricity be generated from renewable sources excluding large hydro by 2030. It has also established a zero-emissions vehicle programme. This will encourage the sale of 1.5 million electric and other zero-emission vehicles by 2025. The cap-and-trade system coexists with these other regulations, and covers approximately 85% of Californias greenhouse gas emissions, though it currently excludes aviation fuel. Historically, regulations rather than carbon caps have been the main driver of carbon reductions. These regulations have been so effective they have not left much for the cap and trade system to do. This has resulted in little demand for tradable permits in the current market, with permit prices plummeting as a result. In 2016, a sizable portion of the permits offered on the market were never actually sold. The much more ambitious 2030 targets means that this is expected to change, as regulations alone are less likely to lead to the deep reductions needed. The California Air Resources Board, which is tasked with implementing the states emission reduction targets, expects the new cap-and-trade system to contribute at least 25% of total emission reductions by 2030, with other regulations making up the remainder. The new law maintains a price floor below which carbon permits are not sold, but also sets a stricter ceiling on prices. This means that if the price of permits spikes up and hits the price ceiling, the state will sell an unlimited amount of emission permits at the ceiling price. The price floor and relatively low ceiling price mean that the cap and trade system should avoid some of the shortcomings of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), where high volatility and price collapses to near-zero created serious problems over its lifetime. While this has the downside of weakening the cap part of cap and trade, it provides a balance between the potentially high cost of emission reduction and the need to meet particular targets. If emission reductions are relatively inexpensive, the price ceiling may never be reached. If they end up being costly, the system acts more like a carbon tax than a cap. The new law allows for some use of carbon offsets, but puts stricter limits on them than in the current system. Only 4% of emissions could be covered by offsets between 2021 to 2025 and 6% between 2025 and 2030. The new law requires that half of the offsets purchased come from projects located within the state of California. For example, farms installing methane digesters to capture emissions from animal manure and convert it to energy, could produce offsets to sell into the market. Revenue raiser Californias cap-and-trade system will generate a considerable amount of revenue from selling permits. While some permits will go to businesses based on their historic emissions, most will be auctioned off by the government. How this revenue will be spent is likely to be the subject of future political battles in the state. Governor Brown has suggested that revenue from the cap-and-trade system should be used, in part, to build a bullet train between San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, as part of the political compromise involved in the bills passage, a constitutional amendment was put on the ballot next year to give legislators more say over how cap-and-trade revenue is spent. If the amendment passes, a supermajority vote of the legislature will be required to allocate cap-and-trade revenue after 2024. The new bill is not as ambitious as some environmental groups would have preferred. However, Dan Kammen, a professor of energy at UC Berkeley and a US State Department science envoy, tells Carbon Brief: While the bill was never perfect overall, I think it was a necessary step to keep the California process on track and not open us up to a huge debate at a time when federal insecurity [as a result of the Trump administration] could devastate what is working fairly well here. It is, ultimately, what we do with the funds that will matter most. Californias emissions Californias greenhouse gas emissions come from a wide variety of sources, including electricity generation (both in-state and imported from neighboring states, which also count toward Californias emissions target), transportation, industrial activity, commercial and residential building energy use, and agriculture and forestry. Californias emissions since 1990 are shown in the figure below. California CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2015 by economic sector. Data from the California Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory. Chart by Carbon Brief using Highcharts. Most of these sectors are covered by the cap-and-trade system. Some, such as power generation or most industrial activity, are directly covered by the cap. Others, such as transportation or building energy use, are indirectly affected by the inclusion of fuel providers in the cap-and-trade system, which has the effect of passing through permit costs in the price of fossil fuels. The cap-and-trade system does not directly cover most agricultural and forestry sources of emissions, and completely excludes transportation emissions that occur out of state for example, international and domestic flights originating in California. These are subject to other regulations at the state level, though the ability of states to regulate emissions from aviation is somewhat unclear. Californias revised cap-and-trade system will be watched closely by other states and countries looking to establish or expand their own emission-trading systems. Should it succeed, it could provide a much-needed success story for emission trading after the challenges experienced by systems in Europe and elsewhere over the past two decades. Theres a reason Clarence Thomas writes so many solo dissents and concurrences. The second-longest-tenured justice on the Supreme Court has spent more than 25 years staking out a right-wing worldview that can generously be described as idiosyncratic. Thomas Constitution is one that gives a president at war the powers of a king while depriving Congress of any meaningful ability to regulate the country. His opposition to the very existence of much of the federal regulatory state, too, has never quite found five votes on the court. No other justice, except perhaps Neil Gorsuch if he continues down his current path, would carry his conservative principles to such an extreme position with regard to presidential authority and congressional constraint. Advertisement Now a judge whos spent his career teetering off the right edge of the federal bench finds himself at the center of the table. Thomas was on hand at the inauguration to swear in Vice President Mike Pence, using the same Bible that Ronald Reagan used when he was sworn in for both of his terms as president. But Thomas is more than just the Trump administrations philosophical hero. His once-fringy ideas are suddenly flourishingnot only on the high court, through his alliance with Gorsuch, but also in the executive branch. Donald Trumps crude understanding of the United States government aligns startlingly well with Thomas sophisticated political worldview. The presidents belief that the commander in chief can wage war in whatever way he wishes corresponds neatly to Thomas theory of the unitary executive, and his visceral hostility to the Affordable Care Act dovetails with Thomas abhorrence of the federal social safety net. The two men also share an absolutist opposition to gun control, a belief that the government may favor and promote Christianity over other faiths, a deep skepticism of the elite academic establishment, and a nostalgia for the perceived America of yesteryear. Both take a hard-line stance against illegal immigration and show little concern for the rights of individuals accused of terrorism. Thomas is a thinker and Trump is a feeler, but together they have arrived at similar conclusions. They want less government, a more authoritarian executive, more God, fewer racial entitlements, and more guns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump may share Thomas intuitions, he is far too witless to grasp, let alone implement, the justices complex theories of law. And save for the occasional ruling in the administrations favor, there isnt much Thomas can do directly to guide the course of Trumps presidency. Nevertheless, the justices fingerprints are all over the executive branch. Thats because hes trained a small army of acolytes to implement his larger project of shrinking the regulatory state and fighting back against the supposed chokehold of political correctness. (Its exactly this scourge of political correctness, both Trump and Thomas would have you believe, that allowed claims of improper sexual conduct to briefly overshadow their professional accomplishments.) Advertisement Everywhere you turn in Trumpland, youll find a slew of Thomas former clerks in high places. They are serving in the White House counsels office (Greg Katsas, John Eisenberg, David Morrell); awaiting appointment to the federal judiciary (Allison H. Eid, David Stras); leading the departments of the Treasury (Heath P. Tarbert, Sigal Mandelker) and Transportation (Steven G. Bradbury); defending the travel ban in court (Jeffrey Wall); and heading the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (Neomi Rao). Thomas clerks are also working with dark money groups to execute Trumps agenda (Carrie Severino) and boosting him in the far-right media (Laura Ingraham). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an era in which former clerks seem, on balance, to be drifting away from Washington jobs, a whole lot of members of the old Thomas crew are moving back home. Its near impossible to count every former Supreme Court clerk who is now playing a role in the sprawling executive branch, but its easy to see that an enormous number of Thomas proteges are stepping into positions of immense power. Every expert we spoke to, among them the New Yorkers Jeffrey Toobin, agreed the Trump administration has brought on a striking number of Thomas clerks. To be sure, a number of clerks who trained under Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, and other conservative justices have taken jobs with the government. But Stephen Vladeck, who teaches law at the University of Texas and serves as a Supreme Court analyst for CNN, says its instructive to compare the career paths of clerks who worked for Thomas and those who served under Scalia. The latter, Vladeck says, have gravitated more toward the conservative establishmentinstitutions like law schools and legal foundations. The Thomas clerks, who have a bit more of a libertarian or populist streak, are a more logical fit for the key legal jobs serving the Trump White House. It is the Thomas alums that have risen to prominence in the past six months, and they are working zealously to put their mentors ideas into action. Advertisement Consider Wall, Trumps acting solicitor general, who left his law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell, to join the administration. Wall is the attorney who, back in May, so adroitly argued the travel ban case before the lower federal appeals courts and aggressively litigated the case in pleadings this summer at the Supreme Court. It was Wall who insisted on the presumption of regularity in the litigation, cautioning the judges to focus on the long tradition of deference to executive authorityespecially in the realm of national securityand to ignore Trumps incendiary tweets and campaign statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wall has said that the judges for whom he has clerked are still his close friends. Perhaps most significantly, at an event last year celebrating Thomas 25th anniversary on the court, Wall defended the justices singular relevance and influence, rejecting any criticism that Thomas hasnt had a profound impact on the court as pernicious and wrongheaded. (Hes quite right about that; liberals consistently underestimate Thomas influence.) Describing his former boss as an intellectual catalyst, Wall said that Thomas is content to sow ideas that result later in changes in the law. Advertisement Thats precisely the influence we are now seeing at work across the federal government. In arguing the travel ban cases, Wall insisted that limiting Muslim immigrants access to the United States does not amount to unlawful animus, that the president must have near-total authority to control the nations borders, and that his decisions must not be second-guessed by the courts. These are classic Thomas principles, and the justice himself embraced them in a partial dissent when the court allowed only part of the ban to take effect. Thomas influence can also be seen in the work of Neomi Rao, whom the Senate recently confirmed to lead the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Until her appointment as Trumps regulatory czar, Rao served as a professor at George Mason Universitys law schoolan institution that, at Raos urging, was recently renamed in honor of Antonin Scalia. Rao has devoted her academic career to criticizing the administrative statethe web of agencies and committees that promulgate federal regulations. Her attacks on the government sit at the intersection of two quintessential Thomas principles: an aversion to regulations (especially labor and environmental rules) and a hostility toward limits on executive authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rao believes, for instance, that independent agencies are unconstitutional. These commissionswhich include the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Federal Reserveflourish in part because they are removed from political pressures. Rao would like to change that. She believes that since these agencies are part of the executive branch, the president must be empowered to fire and replace their leaders. Advertisement Thomas sees his clerks as trainees in a very specific ideological program. It seems extremely likely that Rao has been placed in her perch at OIRA not only to bust traditional agency regulations but also to bring independent agency rules under her purview. While her office does not currently review rules by independent agencies, she has argued that it should. Thomas has strongly suggested that all agencies within the executive branch, independent or not, must ultimately be accountable to the president. If Rao gives herself veto power over these agencies rules, she will bring Thomas vision a step closer to the reality. In the process, she could nullify whatever vestiges of liberalism are still lingering from the Obama era. For example, the EEOC recently took the position that federal law protects gay employees, directly contradicting Trumps Justice Department. If Raos view wins out, Trump could fire as many EEOC commissioners as he needs to in order to reverse the agencys position. Thomas, who takes a dim view of nondiscrimination law and gay rights, would be doubly proud. Advertisement The justice must already be delighted at the work of his former clerk Allison Eid, whom Trump has nominated to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Eid currently serves on the Colorado Supreme Court, where she established her conservative bona fides by dissenting from a ruling that prohibited the state from sending public funds to private religious schools. The courts decision was compelled by the Colorado Constitution, which bars the government from spending any public fund or moneys to help support or sustain any school controlled by any church or sectarian denomination. But according to Eid, this constitutional bar on public funding of parochial schools was likely motivated by unconstitutional animus toward religioneven though its plain text indicates nothing more than a desire to observe the separation of church and state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eids dissent, which she wrote in 2015, maps neatly onto Thomas own concurrence in 2017s Trinity Lutheran v. Comer. In Trinity, the court ruled that Missouri could not deny a grant to a Christian school solely on account of its religious character. (A day after the court decided Trinity, it vacated the Colorado Supreme Courts decision on parochial schools, effectively vindicating Eids dissent.) Thomas asserted that the court had not gone far enough in Trinity: He wrote that the government may never discriminate against religion by refusing to subsidize houses of worship and sectarian programs. Thomas, like Eid, appears to believe that when a state declines to fund religious activityeven out of respect for the Establishment Clauseit engages in unconstitutional discrimination. When Eid is confirmed, he will gain a critical ally in his fight for ever-more entanglement between church and state. And she will be the first of many Trump picks who are as immutable in their views as their former bosses. This is a movement and a cause, not just constitutional theory. Thomas, who has described his clerks as his little family, sees them as trainees in a very specific ideological program. He famously invites them to watch The Fountainhead at his home each year and has taken them on annual trips to Gettysburg to reflect on what he views as the conservative lessons of the Civil War. He also tutors his clerks on his judicial philosophy, instilling in them a profound reverence for his own vision of the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no surprise that so many of Thomas clerks share a belief system with their former boss, and with each other. Thomas is known to be ideologically rigid when it comes to hiring (and in everything else). Prior to 2013, every clerk hed brought on during his Supreme Court tenure had first served under an appellate-level judge whod been appointed by a Republican president.* Even Scalia occasionally hired counter-clerks, liberal-leaning men and women who had clerked for Democratic appointees on lower courts. Thomas has expressed no interest in this kind of ideological diversity. (To his credit, he does value educational diversity, intentionally hiring clerks from lower-ranked schools. Compare that with Scalia, who was openly biased against schools outside the T14.) Trumps reactionary view of conservatism is causing a schism at the Supreme Court. Like all justices, Thomas tends to get his clerks from a handful of feeder judges. Thomas chief feeders are J. Michael Luttig and J. Harvie Wilkinson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, Laurence Silberman and David Sentelle of the D.C. Circuit, Edith Jones of the 5th Circuit, and William Pryor of the 11th Circuitall rock-ribbed conservatives except for Wilkinson, who has recently drifted to the center. By drawing from this pool, Thomas ensures he wont hear many progressive counterpoints to his conservative instincts. And thats OK with him. Thomas has said that picking clerks is like selecting mates in a foxhole, explaining: I wont hire clerks who have profound disagreements with me. Its like trying to train a pig. It wastes your time, and it aggravates the pig. While Thomas is famously one of the most personable justices on the high courtthe stories of his generosity to former clerks and court staff are myriadhe has also cultivated a with-us-or-against-us mindset that owes more to AM radio than George Will, and that maps perfectly onto Trumps Fox Newsinflected worldview. Thomas is close buddies with Rush Limbaugh (he officiated at Limbaughs third wedding) as well as fringe radio dogmatist Mark Levin. Georgetown law professor Peter Edelman has described him as the Tea Party of the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas does not travel in the same conservative legal circles as John Roberts. Throughout his campaign, Trump derided the chief justice as an open traitor to the conservative project, explaining that what he did with Obamacare was disgraceful. Trump called Roberts a nightmare for conservatives in January 2016 and claimed that he writes like a dummy. He has described Thomas, meanwhile, as his favorite justice, calling him very strong and consistent. We also know from a leaked email sent to the Daily Beast in February that Thomas wife, Ginni Thomas, tried to organize conservative activists to defend Trumps initial travel ban. This political activism did not preclude Thomas from participating in the courts travel ban decisions, in which he has twice supported the president. There is a long-standing debate about whether Ginni Thomas political activities might affect her husbands votes. At the very least, the fact that she openly aligns herself with Trumpeven as the rest of the justices try to ignore the unseemliness of it allreflects his comfort with the Trumpian worldview. It feels increasingly evident that Trumps reactionary view of conservatism is causing a schism at the Supreme Court. Over the past two terms, a split has opened up between the two center-right justices, Roberts and Kennedy, and the three far-right justices, Samuel Alito, Gorsuch, and Thomas. One explanation for the trend is that the center of the court is distancing itself from the hard-right crusaders, whom Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono recently dubbed the three horsemen of the apocalypse. This rift, if it continues, presages a possible split between the kinds of judges and justices Trump preferspolemicists and bomb throwersand the more traditional movement conservatives who have historically populated the federal bench. If Trump seeds the lower courts with judges like Allison Eid who share Thomas views, he stands to reshape the country for decades. That means that long after the Cabinet appointees and White House lawyers leave the scene, constitutional law will bear the thumbprints of Thomas and his clerks. Thanks to Trump, Thomas ideasabout the unitary executive, the wall between church and state, and so much morewill now surely outlive both men. Both Trump and Thomas have spent decades as the brunt of liberal jokes and slights. Both see themselves as innocent victims of women and interest groups that have fabricated claims against them. Both have seen their ideas slip from the very fringes of political discourse into the ascendancy. Now, Thomas stands as a symbol of what a faltering, lawless Trump may yet accomplishif his supporters can turn a blind eye on the faltering lawlessness. At the precise moment in which the more than 120 vacancies on the federal courts may be the only reason for conservatives to hold their noses and stand by Trump, its Clarence Thomas who stands as a living embodiment of wars already won and triumphs yet to come. Top image: Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Steve Petteway, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States and iStock. *Correction, Aug. 3, 2017: This story originally misstated that during his Supreme Court tenure, Clarence Thomas had never hired a clerk whod served under a judge appointed by a president from the opposite party. Before 2013, Thomas had not brought on a clerk whod worked under an appellate-level judge appointed by a Democrat. If youre going to collect sensitive information or conduct transactions online, you should plan on changing from http to https on your website. To discover why, lets start with some definitions: Http (or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is the method by which data is moved around the Web. You can see just how integral http is to the online world by looking at the beginning of any Web address. On the plus side, http is fast and reliable. On the minus side, its as secure as a diamond at a cat burglars convention. There are lots of ways to hack your way into data being transferred via http and while thats not a problem for many online data transfers (e.g. watching a video, viewing a website), it is a problem if you need to protect the data thats being sent. Https (or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is the answer to the data protection issue. Used on sites that feature eCommerce, banking, and even just a login page, https protects data by encrypting it before sending it either way by using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate. An SSL certificate contains both public and private encryption keys that are long strings of alphanumeric characters used to encrypt data in a way thats very hard to crack thus making it ideal for protecting sensitive data. The Process of Changing From Http to Https On the surface, changing from http to https is pretty straightforward: Purchase an SSL certificate, Install your SSL certificate on your websites hosting account, Make sure that any website links are changed from http to https so they are not broken after you flip the https switch, and Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS so that search engines are notified that your sites addresses have changed and so that anyone who has bookmarked a page on your site is automatically redirected to the https address after you flip the switch. Its just that easy. However, thanks to the overwhelming number of options offered by SSL certificate vendors and packages offered by hosting companies, this straightforward process can become very confusing. The situation is not helped by the fact that moving your site from http to https requires dealing with more tech than most small business folks feel prefer. Thats why were going to dive into the four steps above only as deeply as necessary to make the business decisions that need to be made and to understand the technical details on a basic level. Why not go deeper on the technical end? For one good reason that will make the entire process of changing from http to https easier: Your Hosting Company Can Manage Most of the Process for You If you already have the technical experience required to change your site from http to https, then by all means, manage the entire process end-to-end. Many small business folks however, do not have experience with the technical side of this process. As youll soon see, theres enough of a learning curve on the business end. As a small business owner, you do need to be involved in making the business decisions. However, you may be better off having someone who knows what theyre doing someone you can trust handle the technology side. One option might be your website hosting company. Many hosting companies offer packages including an SSL certificate, the installation of the certificate you select and 301 redirect setup. That leaves you with only one technical task, the straightforward job of changing your websites links to point at https instead of http. It may cost you a bit more to purchase a package. However, the amount of time youll save, and frustration youll avoid, by handing over the technical end of the process to your hosting company will more than make up for the expense. Below is an example of one hosting companys https + SSL certificate offerings (SiteGround). Here are a couple of things to note: You should always contact your web hosting company to make sure you understand exactly whats included. For example, though its not listed, a quick online chat with SiteGround confirmed that setting up the 301 redirects was included in all three packages. As you can see, you can either use an SSL certificate provided by the hosting company or you can use a certificate purchased from a separate vendor. This changes the pricing of each package a bit (as indicated by the Other Providers Price row). This will make more sense in a bit. As explained earlier, even with someone handling the technical side, you still need to make the business decisions and understand, at least on a basic level, whats involved technically. Thats the topic of the rest of this post. Ready to get started? Lets get to it! Purchase an SSL Certificate There are two ways to purchase an SSL certificate: From your hosting company, or From an SSL certificate vendor. While its easier to just buy the certificate from your hosting company (especially if its part of a specially-priced package), sometimes they dont offer the type of certificate you require. Yes, there are many types of SSL certificates and you should select one based on your business needs. Below, the different types of SSL certificates are grouped by validation level (important for marketing) and then by the level of coverage. You should select a certificate that meets your goals in both areas as closely as possible. SSL Certificates by Validation Level When you move your site to https, that change is reflected in your browser for your website visitors to see. There are three levels of validation, each providing more assurance to your potential customers than the next. Thats why the validation level you select is also a marketing decision. All three levels cause a closed lock to appear in a browsers address bar, an indication that the connection with your site is secure. Beyond that, there are differences in both the information displayed when viewing the certificate in a browser and, at the highest level of validation, in the browsers address bar as well. You can see these differences within the images included in the descriptions of each validation level below. Time and money are two more factors to consider when selecting your certificates validation level: the higher the validation, the more work and the longer it takes to receive your certificate. Thats because each step up offers more validation of the domains owner (i.e. your business) than the step before. It also requires more paperwork on your end and more review on the issuers end. In addition, the higher the validation level, the more the SSL certificate will cost IMPORTANT NOTE: the amount of actual data security provided is the same for all three levels of validation the additional validation is more of a customer trust builder than anything else. The three levels of SSL certificate validation are: Domain Validation The basic level of validation, domain validated SSL certificates will cause a Web browser to display a closed lock image next to the website address demonstrating that the site is secure. As shown below, when you view the details of this type of certificate within a browser, the Subject Name section displays the most basic information. It tells a prospective customer that, yes, this domain is secure. But it does not mention which company secured the domain. And that lack of a company name can be a trust issue with potential customers. For example, it can lead to situations where someone can set up a fraudulent domain (e.g. robowhos.com instead of robowhois.com) and nab sensitive data from those who are taken in by the ruse. Organization Validation (a.k.a Company Validation) When you obtain an SSL certificate with this second level of validation, the issuer is confirming the fact that the company requesting the certificate does indeed own the rights to the domain for which the certificate is being issued. As you can see below, when you view this type of certificate in a browser, the Subject Name section displays more details including the company name. This extra level of detail provides assurance to potential customers that the site is legitimate and safe to do business with. Extended Validation Extended SSL certificates provide the highest level of assurance that a site is legitimate and trustworthy to do business with. As you can see below, not only is there more information in the Subject Name section, the companys name is also shown directly in the browsers address bar. (In fact, in some browsers, the entire address bar turns green when the site is viewed.) An extended SSL certificate proclaims that the company owns the rights to this domain and meets the rigid review standards necessary to receive this level of validation. Now thats good marketing! SSL Certificates by Coverage Level Another way to group SSL certificates is by the level of coverage they support. The three levels of SSL certificate coverage are: Single Domain SSL Certificates This type of SSL certificate will cover one domain and one domain only. For example, you can use a single domain SSL certificate to secure mysmallbusiness.com but not support.mysmallbusiness.com. Wildcard Domain SSL Certificates This type of SSL certificate will cover one domain and all the subdomains underneath that domain. For example, you can use a wildcard domain SSL certificate to secure mysmallbusiness.com and support.mysmallbusiness.com and any other subdomain. Multi Domain SSL Certificates This type of SSL certificates can be used to cover multiple domains. For example, you can use a multi-domain SSL certificate to secure both mysmallbusiness.com and any other domain, say myothersmallbusiness.com. Installing Your SSL Certificate Installing your SSL certificate on your website entails generating both public and private encryption keys and entering them in the correct spot on your Web hosting control panel. If youre not sure how to do these steps, you have two options: Allow your hosting provider to do it for you. Search your hosting providers support section for step-by-step instructions. If you cant find any, just pick up the phone and call their support line. Search Engine Optimization? Yes, Search Engine Optimization Back in the summer of 2014, Google announced that it was making a small change in its algorithm to boost sites that use https. The search engine also intimated that the importance of https in search rank might grow slowly over time. While businesses with https havent seen huge search rank increases over at Google, its never wise to ignore the search giant. What does this mean as youre changing from http to https? Instead of using https on only sensitive parts of your site, you may just want to go ahead and use https for your entire site. This does not affect accessibility or performance in any way and its a great way to hedge your bets against future Google algorithm changes. Changing Your Websites Links Changing the text http to https in all of your links that point to other parts of your own site is likely the one technical task youll need to do yourself. If you havent been using relative links (partial links using only part of a pages entire url like /2015/03/update-wordpress.html) youll need to review all of your sites content to find links that point to other parts of your own site. Take advantage of this opportunity to switch to relative links instead of just replacing http with https. If youre using a content management system such as WordPress, make sure to change the permalinks to use https. Setting Up 301 Redirects As mentioned above, 301 redirects both alert search engines that your sites addresses have changed and redirect anyone who has bookmarked a page on your site automatically to the new https address. Its likely that your hosting company will make this change for you (dont forget to ask if its part of their package), but if you want to do it on your own, you need to edit the .htaccess file in your root folder by adding: RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off RewriteRule (.*) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [R=301,L] Conclusion If theres one guarantee about changing from http to https, its that youre going to be confused at some point during the process. If you can avoid most of the tech work and focus on the business decisions you need to make, you will reap benefits. Those benefits include greater customer trust, super-tight data security and even a slight chance that Google will rank your site more highly. The KeyBank Foundation has awarded a whopping $24 million, four-year grant to help small businesses grow in its largest single philanthropic commitment to date. KeyBank Foundation and JumpStart Partner to Help Entrepreneurs The grant was awarded this week to JumpStart Inc., a Cleveland-based nonprofit helping to accelerate the success of diverse entrepreneurs and their high growth companies in communities across Ohio. As part of what is now called the KeyBank Business Boost & Build Program, powered by JumpStart, the four-year grant will also benefit at least 1,000 startups and microenterprises across upstate New York. KeyBanks purpose is to help clients and communities thrive. We are committed to being both a responsible bank and a responsible citizen, said Beth Mooney, CEO of KeyBank, in a press statement. KeyBank Business Boost and Build Program Set to Help Small Businesses Grow According to the KeyBank CEO, the KeyBank Business Boost & Build Program, powered by JumpStarts goal is to directly serve at least 1,000 small businesses across Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany through technical assistance programs. The program aims to accelerate the growth of new companies, create jobs and prepare students to enter the workforce after high school. We accomplish this by improving access to education and career opportunities, lifting neighborhoods up, fostering innovation, creating pathways to home and business ownership, and encouraging community engagement, diversity and inclusion, Mooney said. This joint program also aims to increase the participation of minorities and women in the growth of companies, a goal both organizations have long shared, according to JumpStart CEO Ray Leach. It is based on a five-pillar initiative funded by the KeyBank Foundation and implemented by JumpStart: Accelerate the growth of more than 2,500 small businesses and micro-enterprises the majority of which will be women or minority-owned businesses. Accelerate the growth of more than 2,000 tech startup and scaleup companies. Create a minimum of 5,350 jobs. Provide support for participation in the tech economy by meeting business needs or enabling workforce training for 1,000 individuals. Connect 800 individuals to open job opportunities. Prepare more than 1,000 students to enter the workforce after graduating high school. While KeyBank and JumpStart have been long-standing partners, this expansion is purpose in action, Mooney added. Beef cuts and steak tartare belong among the staples of many restaurants and pubs Font size: A - | A + Properly prepared cut of beefsteak has been associated with quality and prestige. Steak houses also penetrated into Slovak gastronomy. Although Slovakia does not belong to typical steak countries, you can find restaurants where the cut is prepared in really excellent way, said Peter Straka, board member of the Slovak Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ZHR SR). Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Moreover, from June 1, meat lovers can also enjoy the steak tartare and rare from raw beef. The Health Ministry amended the sale of meals prepared from raw meat in restaurants, in order to meet the demands of owners and customers. Read also: Read also: Steak tartare returns to Slovak restaurants Read more The main ingredient of steak tartare is raw beef, preferably loin. It is served with onions, caper and seasonings, sometimes with raw egg yolk. The name suggests the meal originated in central Asia, but the relation with Tartar cuisine has not been proven. Since it has become a staple of many restaurants and breweries, operators have welcomed the amendment on the sale of raw meat in restaurants. However, the ministry points to the health risks associated with the consumption of meat that is not cooked. Potential risks The original regulation from 2007 banned this dish in Slovak restaurants due to the health risks associated with consumption of uncooked meat. Many restaurants kept it on the menus, risking fines. In terms of health, the biggest risk for consumers is bacteria (Salmonella, Listeria m., Campylobacter, E. coli), parasites and viruses that grow in raw meat. In the case of steak tartare, there are additional risks from raw egg yolk and spices that can be dangerous due to micro-bacterial contamination, added the Public Health Authority. Thousands of people are diagnosed with salmonella every year, with the main causes being use of contaminated ingredients in food preparation, insufficient cooking of food and deficiencies in food storage. However, only a few cases are directly related to the consumption of beef. Most contaminations start with stomach pain and digestion problems, which can develop into serious medical conditions. Thus restaurants must adhere to strict criteria. Dishes from uncooked meat such as steak tartare can be prepared in advance, and must be served immediately after preparation based on the order. These dishes can also include uncooked eggs, provided that they are from a registered and controlled breed, said the experts from the Public Health Authority. Steak tartare and rare steak can be included on the menu from June 1 with a warning about potential health complications. The owner of a public catering establishment must report this menu item to Slovakias regional office of public health, said the main hygiene supervisor of Slovakia, Jan Mikas, in a press release. In July, the Public Health Authority registered 93 applications from premises that want to serve steak tartare. A steakhouse must meet the same hygiene criteria according to valid legislation as any other restaurant, said the Public Health Authority. Uncooked meat on the menu must be reported to the regional public health office. The restaurant must also inform consumers about potential health risks after consuming food from uncooked meats and eggs, said the Public Health Authority. Only for meat lovers In general, a good steakhouse should focus on the quality of meat, offer cuts from different parts of the cow and prepare it on a parilla grill (open-fire barbecue technique used in South America) with charcoal. Very good steaks are served in South America (Argentine, Brazil) and Spain. Our (Slovak) steakhouses instead copy American commercial steakhouses, said Straka, explaining that meat in South America is cut in a different way and that they use more types of meat, not only classics such as filet or Rib eye. The taste of a steak depends on the cattle breed, breeding and feeding, the cut and preparation of the meat, Dalibor and Zuzana Gergelova, owners of the D.Steakhouse in Bratislava told the Forbes magazine. Their steakhouse offers American steaks with US Prime certification. The most popular cattle breeds for steaks are American Black Angus, Piemontese from northern Italy and the Simmental breed, which is raised in Slovakia. The Japanese Tajima-guy breed, also known as Kobe, has a genetic predisposition towards fat storage, which along with special care contributes to the highest degree of quality. Marbling refers to stripes of fat on the cold cuts, which melts and gives the meat characteristic flavour, juiciness and tenderness. Apart from genetics, it can be achieved via feeding, through the addition of corn to the nutrition of originally grass-fed cattle. However, meat from a quickly fattened cattle cannot match the quality of dry-aged beef from a heritage breed, fed on grass with no restriction of movement. The storage of the fresh cuts is also important. The meat for steak and tartare must be properly matured either in a vacuum, for example during ship transport from South America, or by so-called dry aging, which is already used by some of our steak restaurants, said Straka. Usually the closer the meat is to the expiry date, the more suitable it is for steak. D.Steakhouse also uses dry ageing, which is used as well by the best-ranked steak houses in the world. It requires low temperature, appropriate humidity and ventilation. During the process about 10-20 percent of the water evaporates and the taste of the meat becomes more concentrated and intensive. A cut refers to the part of the animal from which the meat is taken. We recognize T-bone or Porterhouse steak, which combines two types of meat separated by a T-shaped bone; Rib-eye from the rib area, NY Strip Steak from the meat on the back, flank steak from the belly area and fillet steak from the tenderloin. Typical side dishes to steaks are potato fries or vegetables, asparagus, pumpkin and corn. Better steakhouses also prepare their own sauces. For drinking, experts recommend dark wine from Bordeaux, Barolo or Cabernet Savignon or a stout lager beer. I think everyone wants to try a good steak once, said Straka, pointing out that a good steak is somewhere between rare and medium. Some chefs refuse to grill the steak more than medium, which is absolutely all right. It means that steaks should be ordered only by people who like meat slightly bloody on the inside, with a pink colour and core temperature of around 30-40 degrees. The quality of the steaks should outdo the quality of the interior, said Straka, adding that real steakhouses usually have modest furniture. Apart from that, steaks are not cheap food, which also affects the clientele of the steakhouses. Steakhouses also have the potential to succeed in Slovakia but they must aim for long-term operation. In Slovakia we also have cattle breeds suitable for steaks, Straka said. If the steakhouses build a good name, use quality meat and have a good chef, which is the last but most important factor, they will find their faithful regulars. Marian Magat says he is still running for Zilina Region post. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The police charged far-right extremist leader Marian Magat with Holocaust denial, referring to his comments on a social network. If he is found guilty, he may spend up to eight years in prison, the public-service broadcaster RTVS reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Despite the accusations, Magat still wants to run for the government post in Zilina Region in the November regional elections. Magat is one of the founders of Vzdor (Resistance) Kysuce, which the Interior Ministry classifies as an extremist group. In last years general election he unsuccessfully ran on the slate of Peoples Party Our Slovakia (LSNS), led by Marian Kotleba. Earlier this year, the court sentenced him to three years conditionally for illegal arming. Magat was also invited for hearing after he encouraged people attending a protest against Islamisation to tear the European Unions flag, RTVS informed. Read also: Read also: Burning the EU flag not a crime Read more Magat does not conceal his Antisemitism or admiration of Adolf Hitler, whom he has described as peacemaker and a person with his heart on the right place. The police had already proposed charging Magat for his statements at the beginning of this year, but the prosecutors office officially submitted the charges to the district court in Cadca on July 27, RTVS reported. Magat said earlier this year that he is not the only administrator of his blog posts and social network profiles, so the police cannot prove it was actually him who wrote the posts. He is now casting doubt on the experts who prepared opinions. They cannot explain what Holocaust denial is. Not even the law knows it, Magat told RTVS. The seat will be selected in November. Font size: A - | A + A total of 19 cities, including Bratislava, are interested in serving as a new headquarters for the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The prestigious agency, with more than 900 highly qualified employees, will have to leave London and move to another EU city when the United Kingdom leaves the EU. Another eight cities expressed interest in taking the European Banking Authority, another agency residing in the city, the TASR newswire reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The countries interested in the agencies were required to submit official requests by July 31. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico did so on July 27. Read also: Read also: Slovakia applies to be new seat of the European Medicines Agency Read more EMA is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the EU. Bratislava is competing against cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen and Dublin, TASR informed. The applications will be evaluated based on six criteria: the guarantees that the agencies will be able to continue operation immediately after Brexit; the accessibility of the seat; the ensuring of schools for children of the agencies employees; the access to the labour market and health treatment for employees families; uninterrupted operation; and geographical dispersion. The European Commission is expected to issue its opinion on the applications by September 30. The new seat will be picked by ministers of the EU member states in a vote that will take place in November, TASR reported. The replica is modeled after trains that transported the Czechoslovak Legion across Russia during the First World War. Font size: A - | A + More information about travelling in Slovakia Please see our Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide The Legiontrain (Legiovlak in Czech and Slovak) brought the legionnaires of then-Czechoslovakia across Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railway. A year before the celebration of the 100th anniversary of end of World War I and the establishment of a common state of Czechs and Slovaks, the train's replica evokes the times of joint fights. It will visit nine Slovak cities and towns over the next two months, beginning in Zilina on August 2. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement I'm convinced that the history of our own nation should be honoured, Slovak Defence Minister Peter Gajdos said when presenting the Legiontrain in Zilina, as quoted by the TASR newswire. This is part of the way that we want to raise awareness among citizens of the Slovak Republic about the history of the First World War. Next year, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak Republic... And at this point I'd also like to highlight the role of Milan Rastislav Stefanik, which is indelible and connected with the history of the Czechoslovak state and the Legiontrain, he said. History of Czechoslovak legions The train is a project of the Czechoslovak Legionnaires' Alliance. According to its chairman Pavel Budinsky, the association is a connection between the past, present and future. It wants to be a bearer of [Czechoslovakia's first president Tomas Garrigue] Masaryk's and Stefanik's ideas about democracy and the freedom of one nation, then the Czechoslovak nation, and now the two fraternal nations of Czechs and Slovaks," Budinsky said. The Czechoslovak Legion was made up of volunteers who fought on the side of the Entente powers in a bid to gain independence for the Czech and Slovak nations from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The soldiers on the Eastern Front became stranded following the outbreak of the Russian Revolution and were forced to head east to Vladivostok in order to leave the country, TASR wrote as part of the historical background. video //www.youtube.com/embed/t6etdvg6iLE The Czecholsovak legions were founded in 1914 and rode across Russia until 1920, said Jiri Charfreitag, secretary of the Legions 100 and leader of the train. The last legionnaires returned in 1921. Thus, it is necessary to remind everyone that this journey was not just about WWI but also about the later journey: the path of Czechs and Slovaks towards their common state. We are glad that as young legionnaires, we can commemorate his legacy. State Secretary of the Transport Ministry Peter Durcek stressed the positive role of this project for tourism in addition to the project's historical context. "I hope we will manage to attract as many people as possible to the train, the state secretary noted. "The train rides across the whole of Slovakia, and it will spend almost two months in nine cities... So I hope the event will be just as successful here as it usually is in the Czech Republic. Legiontrain forms part of the Legion 100 project, which in 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Czechoslovak Legion's struggle for an independent state. The train has 13 carriages, including specialised ones specific to the postal, insulated, the shop, sleeping, film, workshop, tailoring, medical, staff, the commander, the armoured and two platform carriages. It will remain in Zilina until Sunday, August 6, and will then continue to Dolny Kubin (August 7-9), Poprad (August 11-13), Medzilaborce (August 15-16) and Humenne (August 18-20). The train will visit Kosice (August 22-September 3), Zvolen in central Slovakia (September 5-10) and Nitra in western Slovakia (September 12-17) before ending at the Museum of Transport in Bratislava (September 19-28). The Sexual Violence in Idaho report recently released by the Idaho State Police reflects the truths the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence hears from survivors of sexual assault across Idaho. Survivors often choose not to report to the criminal justice system for numerous reasons, such as justifiable fear of not being believed, of others finding out, and that reporting will not increase their safety or emotional well-being. When individuals do report, they are often faced with a system which reflects our cultures biases and discrimination. Women, girls, individuals who are gender nonconforming, especially those from marginalized communities (individuals with disabilities, individuals marginalized by their racial or ethnic identities and individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) who report sexual assault are often met with a system that is doubtful or suspicious. Here in Idaho, according to the report and reflective the Idaho Coalitions experiences, approximately 19 percent of reported rapes result in an arrest, only 15 percent have a case filed, and only 4 percent result in a sex crime conviction. We must change this long-standing trend. We must begin to change the way our criminal justice system responds though the provision of training that addresses biases, and discrimination toward individuals who experience sexual assault. We must develop trauma-informed policies for our responders. We must continue to reexamine current Idaho sexual assault statutes to ensure they are reflective of current evidence. We must continue to lift up the voices of the thousands of girls, women and individuals who are gender nonconforming who experience sexual assault in Idaho. We must support individuals who experience sexual assault through the dedication of our time and talents to organizations that work to end sexual violence. We must listen to and believe and support survivors through our words and actions. Jennifer Landhuis Boise Bratislava taxi drivers want city authorities to take action regarding ride-hailing apps. Font size: A - | A + Despite the recent heatwave, several dozen dissatisfied taxi drivers joined a strike on the afternoon of August 1 by taking part in a protest drive leading from the Bratislava borough of Petrzalka to the city centre via SNP Bridge. Many licensed taxi drivers think that two years is long enough to resolve the issue or at least to begin to address it, though they claim that that his how long the authorities have been inactive. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Negotiations haven't brought light to the issue, and we don't want the state and audit authorities to ignore what's going on here, chairman of the Civil Association of Licensed Taxi Drivers Matej Krampl told the TASR newswire. He went on to say that taxi drivers don't want mobile apps like Uber to be banned completely, but they want equal business conditions and for alternative ride services to observe the same laws as licensed taxi drivers. Taxi drivers are ready to fight until the situation improves to their benefit, Krampl added. Responsibility of cities Uber spokesperson for Slovakia and the Czech Republic Miroslava Jozova has responded to the protest. Our goal is to keep cities moving and to connect passengers looking for safe, reliable and affordable transport with drivers who can share their car and time, Jozova told TASR, adding that traditional taxi services and new digital services can successfully coexist in a city. When asked whether Uber is considering leaving the Slovak market, Jozova said, Uber doesn't choose the cities in which to operate, the cities choose Uber. Bratislava has long expressed an interest in addressing the issue. The core of the problem is that the city authorities lack the powers to take action in this regard. Authorities can keep tabs on traditional taxi drivers via the city police, but they cannot do the same with unmarked Uber drivers, City Hall claims. According to the city, a possible solution lies in an amendment to a specific law in parliament that would include the services provided by Uber and similar companies. Russia is oppressing Jehovah's Witnesses after courts described them as extremists. Font size: A - | A + Around 100 believers in Bratislava suburb Petrzalka listen to advice on how to talk to people on the street. Do not forget the fresh breath, says the speaker from the podium. But even the full mouth of the candies wont help to those who have problem with the sphincer. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Some people responded with embarrassed whispering but most of them were laughing. An elderly couple on the edge of the room pulls out menthol candies and puts them in their mouths. Jehovah's Witnesses practice personal contact with people every week. The Slovak Spectator visited one of such meetings. The assembly is not led by one person. Its program is divided into several blocks that are led by different elders of the church. They recall that through the behavior of individuals the public perceives the entire religious society. Elders have repeatedly pointed on Russia, where the Supreme Court in June confirmed a ban on Jehovah's Witnesses on the grounds that they are extremists who threaten society. At the end of June, also Kazakhstan suspended their activities for three months. Some people in the assembly were worried that the bans will spread further among 240 countries with more than 8,34 million official members of Jehovah's Witnesses around the world. There are almost 11 500 of them in Slovakia. Although they are described as extremists in Russia, it does not mean that people should be afraid of Jehovah's Witnesses. The ban mirrors rather decreasing religious freedom in Russia than the practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses, according to Frantisek Fojtik, a Czech court expert in the field of cults and new religious movements. Witnesses are willing to respond on The Slovak Spectators question but they do not want to speak on record. They suggest to ask their headquarters in Bratislava. Slovak spokesperson of Jehovah's Witnesses Rastislav Elias described the Russian decision as absurd. Jehovah's Witnesses, in his view, are known for imitating Jesus Christ, which means that they do not have political ambitions, do not engage in wars and refuse violence. "We dont threaten society, on the contrary, our evangelistic activity is changing people for the better, Elias told The Slovak Spectator. Witnesses in Russia are in same position as al-Qaeda while they are peaceful religious society that refuses to fight. Dangerous or not? Witnesses are labeled as dangerous cult but the organization rejects such claims. It usually points to the fact that it does not have one leader who is fanatically followed by believers. They now plan on adopting measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Font size: A - | A + The police officers made no serious mistake in trying to prevent two Moroccans expected to be deported from escaping. The incident took place at Schwechat airport, close to Vienna, in mid-July. The two Moroccans fled the airport, resulting in suspension of flights for several minutes. They were caught shortly afterwards. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement After the inspection carried out by respective Police Corps department no serious mistakes were made though this attempt had occurred, said Ladislav Csemi, head of the Bureau of Border and Alien Police, in a video published on Facebook. Austrian police officers also carried out an inspection leading to the same results. This was confirmed at their joint meeting in Vienna on July 20, he added. The Slovak and Austrian police, however, want to adopt measures to prevent similar cases in the future. We will increase the number of police officers present during boarding of planes, and we will also set the exact rules for the access of individual foreigners to the respective planes, Csemi said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. The police are also ready to use special handcuffs meeting security rules at the airport that will be easy to release during the flight if necessary. Our basic rule is to use the mildest means to achieve our goals, Csemi said, as quoted by TASR. We, however, do care about the safety of flights, passengers and our police officers. The fact that we do not know much about the Roma Holocaust does not mean it did not happen, said the Slovak governments proxy for Roma communities. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Slovaks should symbolically light a candle to commemorate more than 3,000 Roma who died in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on August 2, 1944. The call was made by Slovak Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska (Most-Hid) and the Governments Proxy for Roma Communities Abel Ravasz on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the Roma Holocaust. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The symbolic candle can be lit on social networks, through the temporary change of the profile picture. It should express the struggles of the Roma during World War II, and also the energy with which they managed to maintain their identity despite several horrible situations, the TASR newswire reported. The fact that Roma were also murdered during the Holocaust is less known to the public, Ravasz said, as quoted by TASR. This is the reason why we decided to spread this information. The fact that we know only a little about the Roma Holocaust does not mean it did not happen. The history and moods in society cannot be underestimated as together with public opinion they can make people commit horrible crimes, he added. When Im listening to various politicians or reading words about asocial and antisocial individuals, I see a horrible parallel with the events that happened 70 years ago, Zitnanska said, as quoted by TASR. Meanwhile the European Commission called on the member states to recognise the genocide of Roma and reiterated its support to the previous recommendation to set August 2 as Roma Holocaust Commemoration Day. It is an inevitable step to reinstall justice for Roma communities, return dignity to them, and never forget these events, the EC Representation in Slovakia wrote on its Facebook profile. But the opposition SaS party claims the investigators made a mistake and the investigation file is illegal. Font size: A - | A + Filip Rybanic, assistant of the opposition MP for Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) Jozef Rajtar, will face court for peering into the bank account of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak at the time he was working for Tatra Banka. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The opposition, however, says the investigators made a mistake. They referred to the outcome of the legal analysis of the investigation file written by former prosecutor Eva Misikova. She opines that the court should not deal with the case at all, the Sme daily reported. The analysis finds the file completely illegal, Rajtar said, as quoted by Sme. After submitting a criminal complaint the investigator did not submit any proof that would confirm a crime had been committed. Thus, the conditions for prosecution were not met, added Rajtar, who organised a press conference on August 1 with his party colleague Lubomir Galko. Rybanic, according to media reports, looked last year at the personal accounts of Kalinak, former finance and transport minister Jan Pociatek, and businessmen Ladislav Basternak and Marian Kocner. He said afterwards that Kalinak and Basternak had certain business links. Misikovas analysis states that the investigator launched the prosecution even though it was not clear at the time whether Rybanic looked at the bank accounts with the intention of passing the information to unauthorised people, the TASR newswire reported. Read also: Read also: Thousands of people rallied against corruption Read more Basternak, who is suspected of tax fraud, confessed to some unlawful moves during a police investigation, but later retracted his testimony, stating that it was made under pressure, TASR informed. Galko described the decision to prosecute Rybanic as Kalinaks and Prime Minister Robert Ficos revenge and a warning to all people who want to fight corruption. Basternak owns the Bonaparte complex in which Fico rents a flat. SaS further claimed that Kalinak has influenced the investigation via Bernard Slobodnik, director of the National Financial Police Unit. As evidence it pointed to the official record of Slobodniks announcement that Kalinak as a damaged party was too busy to take part in studying the dossier after the investigation was concluded. He asked for a new date instead, TASR reported. Read also: Read also: Time and legislation play into the hands of prosecuted businessman Read more The Interior Ministry meanwhile issued a statement, claiming that Kalinak has not been interfering in any way in the investigation. The criminal complaint was filed by Tatra Banka, the ministrys press department said, as quoted by TASR. The interior minister appears as the damaged party, so he has the right to see the dossier, like any other citizen would. 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Z.o.o., STS Science Technologies and Services Ltd., Sapio Produzione Idrogeno Ossigeno S. r. l., Servicios Indura Limitada, Shanxi Lu'An Air Products (Hydrogen Energy) Co. Ltd., Sociedad Espanola de Carburos Metalicos S. A., Soprogaz SNC, Stravinsky Investments LLC, Tanasio Industrial Gases Cyf, The Former SR Manufacturers Inc., Union Mobiliere Industrielle S. A.R.L., Vitalox Industrial S.L.U., WuXi Hi-Tech Gas Co. Ltd., Yangnon Industrial Gas Trading Company Limited, Yangon Industrial Gas (Thilawa) Company Limited, Zhangjiakou HyPower New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Zhangjiakou Jiaotou Hydrogen New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., and Zibo Chuangcheng Design. Read More The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates in four segments: Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and day-to-day banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small, medium, and large businesses, including automotive financing solutions to dealers and their customers. It also provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternative funds, and institutional funds. In addition, the company offers international banking services for retail, corporate, and commercial customers; and lending and transaction, investment banking advisory, and capital markets access services to corporate customers. Further, it provides online, mobile, and telephone banking services. The company operates a network of 954 branches and approximately 3,766 automated banking machines in Canada; and approximately 1,300 branches and a network of contact and support center internationally. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada. Consolidated Edison, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,555 customers in parts of Manhattan. The company also supplies electricity to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York and northern New Jersey; and gas to approximately 0.1 million customers in southeastern New York. In addition, it operates 533 circuit miles of transmission lines; 15 transmission substations; 64 distribution substations; 87,564 in-service line transformers; 3,924 pole miles of overhead distribution lines; and 2,291 miles of underground distribution lines, as well as 4,350 miles of mains and 377,971 service lines for natural gas distribution. Further, the company owns, operates, and develops renewable and energy infrastructure projects; and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers, as well as invests in electric and gas transmission projects. It primarily sells electricity to industrial, commercial, residential, and government customers. The company was founded in 1823 and is based in New York, New York. By Jonathan Saul LONDON (Reuters) - Iran's Revolutionary Guards have started using a new route across the Gulf to funnel covert arms shipments to their Houthi allies in Yemen's civil war, sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters. In March, regional and Western sources told Reuters that Iran was shipping weapons and military advisers to the Houthis either directly to Yemen or via Somalia. This route however risked contact with international naval vessels on patrol in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. For the last six months the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has begun using waters further up the Gulf between Kuwait and Iran as it looks for new ways to beat an embargo on arms shipments to fellow Shi'ites in the Houthi movement, Western and Iranian sources say. Using this new route, Iranian ships transfer equipment to smaller vessels at the top of the Gulf, where they face less scrutiny. The transhipments take place in Kuwaiti waters and in nearby international shipping lanes, the sources said. "Parts of missiles, launchers and drugs are smuggled into Yemen via Kuwaiti waters," said a senior Iranian official. "The route sometimes is used for transferring cash as well." The official added that "what is especially smuggled recently, or to be precise in the past six months, are parts of missiles that cannot be produced in Yemen". Cash and drugs can be used to fund Houthi activities, the official said. Kuwait on Wednesday denied Iran was using its waters to smuggle equipment to Houthi forces in Yemen. A foreign ministry statement said the country's waters were under the total control of the Kuwaiti navy and coast guard and there were no reports of suspicious movements at sea. Kuwaiti officials had earlier not responded to questions. Yemen is more than two years into a civil war pitting the Houthis against the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. More than 10,000 people have died in fighting and a cholera epidemic has infected more than 300,000 in a country on the brink of famine. In backing the Houthis against a coalition led by its Sunni enemy Saudi Arabia, Iran is stepping up support for a Shi'ite ally in a war whose outcome could sway the balance of power in the Middle East. (For a graphic on Iran's new Yemen link click - http://tmsnrt.rs/2f529vw) MILITARY EQUIPMENT Efforts to intercept military equipment by the coalition have had limited success, with no reported maritime seizures of weapons or ammunition during 2017 so far and only a few seizures on the main land route from the east of Yemen. Independent U.N. investigators, who monitor Yemen sanctions, told the Security Council in their latest confidential report, which Reuters has seen, that they continue to investigate potential arms trafficking routes. They said the United Arab Emirates - which is part of the coalition - had reported 11 attacks since September 2016 against its ground forces by Houthis using drones, or UAVs, armed with explosives. "Although Houthi-aligned media announced that the Sanaa-based Ministry of Defence could manufacture the UAV, in reality they are assembled from components supplied by an outside source and shipped into Yemen," the report said. The report added that the Houthis "will eventually deplete their limited stock of missiles." This would force the Houthis to end a campaign of missile attacks against Saudi territory unless they are resupplied from external sources. An earlier UN report in January said the Houthis needed to replenish stocks of anti-tank guided weapons. The arms smuggling operation may not turn the tide of the conflict, but it will allow the Houthis receive stable supplies of equipment that is otherwise hard to obtain. SAFE ROUTE "The volume of the activity, I don't call it a trade, is not very large. But it is a safe route," a second senior Iranian official said. "Smaller Iranian ports are being used for the activity as major ports might attract attention." Asked if the IRGC was involved, the second official said: "No activity goes ahead in the Gulf without the IRGC being involved. This activity involves a huge amount of money as well as transferring equipment to Iranian-backed groups in their fight against their enemies." A third senior Iranian official also confirmed the shipment activity and pointed to IRGC involvement. The IRGC is Iran's most powerful internal and external security force, with a sophisticated intelligence and surveillance network together with elite units which are playing a key role in the war in Syria in support of the government. The IRGC declined to comment on the arms shipments and Iranian foreign ministry officials could not immediately be reached. Houthi officials were also not immediately available for comment but in March a Houthi leader, who declined to be identified, said accusations that Iran was smuggling weapons into Yemen were an attempt to cover up Saudi Arabia's failure to prevail in the war there. A U.S. Navy spokesman said he had no information on the matter. "(The territorial waters of) Iran, Kuwait and Iraq in the northern Persian Gulf butt up against each other," said Gerry Northwood, of maritime security firm MAST and a former British Royal Navy captain who has commanded warships in the region. "There is still plenty of room for smugglers to operate. In fact the whole Persian Gulf is a hive of small boat activity. And this is in an area where one man's illegitimate trade is another's legitimate trade." Hundreds of ships sail through the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz every day - waterways which pass along the coasts of Yemen and Iran. Many are small dhows, which are hard to track. Western shipping and security sources said that since March there had been an increase in suspicious activity involving Iranian-flagged ships in waters near Kuwait. "Waters around Kuwait are being used by Iranians to funnel ... equipment to Yemen," said an international arms dealer based in the Mediterranean area with knowledge of the matter. "Consignments are either transferred to other craft, such as small boats, or they are dropped near buoys to be picked up by passing ships." The arms dealer, who declined to be identified, said there were many coves and deserted bays in neighbouring Iraq that also provided opportunities for this type of covert activity. The Western sources said consignments were transported from smaller Iranian ports across the sea lanes near Kuwait, which is 100 nautical miles from Iran. To avoid detection, the mainly Iranian-flagged vessels switch off their identification transponders, sometimes for days. They rendezvous with other ships or drop supplies close to buoys, so the consignments can be recovered for onward transport, the sources said. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; editing by Giles Elgood) JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia and encrypted messaging service Telegram have agreed to establish better procedures to stamp out distribution of terrorist propaganda on the platform, the app's founder and the communications minister said on Tuesday. Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, has seen a resurgence in home-grown radicalism, and worries about the growing influence of extremist group Islamic State. Telegram is a messaging platform believed to be popular with Islamic State sympathizers, who use chatrooms with hundreds of members, besides holding private conversations. Indonesian authorities blocked access to some Telegram channels last month, saying it had several forums that were "full of radical and terrorist propaganda". "We have discussed ways to block publicly available propaganda of terrorism on Telegram, which is something we have committed to do globally, and particularly in Indonesia," app founder Pavel Durov told a joint news conference with the minister. Durov said the two had agreed to set up better lines of communication, because Telegram was not aware of email requests from the ministry to take down some channels. It could take about 24 to 36 hours for the app to shut down public channels with terrorism content, but a direct communication line to Indonesian authorities would allow it to "shut them down more efficiently within several hours", he said. Durov has formed a team of Indonesian speakers, he added. Once a standard operating procedure has been agreed, the government would free up operations of Telegram in Indonesia, said Communications Minister Rudiantara. "Once all the technicalities are done, we can remove the blockage," added the minister, who uses one name, like many Indonesians. Indonesia had blocked 11 of Telegram's Domain Name Systems(DNS) for its web-based service on July 14 and these would be reopened this week, the ministry said in a statement. Many messaging apps, such as Whatsapp and Telegram, offer end-to-end encryption from sender to recipient, which blocks even the companies providing the platform from seeing messages. Security officials in some countries have complained that such apps provide a safe space for militants to communicate with each other. Several governments, including those of Australia and Britain, have urged technology companies to do more to help security agencies thwart threats. (Reporting by Cindy Silviana; Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) DUBAI (Reuters) - Kuwait on Wednesday denied a Reuters report that Iran was using the Gulf Arab state's waters to smuggle weapons and equipment to Houthi forces in Yemen. "The State of Kuwait refuted news by the Reuters news agency regarding Iran's exploitation of Kuwaiti waters to deliver arms and military assistance to the Houthis in Yemen," a Foreign Ministry statement said. "A source at the ministry said that the country's waters were under the total control of the Kuwaiti navy and coast guard, adding that there were no reports of suspicious marine movements or activities," said the statement, carried by the official Kuwait news agency. The ministry urged international media to investigate such matters "more thoroughly". On Tuesday, Reuters cited sources familiar with the matter as saying that Iran's Revolutionary Guards had begun using a new route across the Gulf to funnel covert arms shipments to their Houthi allies in Yemen's civil war. In March, regional and Western sources told Reuters that Iran was shipping weapons and military advisers to the Houthis either directly to Yemen or via Somalia. This route however risked contact with international naval vessels on patrol in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. For the last six months, Western and Iranian sources say the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has begun using waters further up the Gulf between Kuwait and Iran as it looks for new ways to beat an embargo on arms shipments to fellow Shi'ite Muslims in the Houthi movement. Using this new route, Iranian ships were transferring equipment to smaller vessels at the northern end of the Gulf, where they face less scrutiny. The transhipments take place in Kuwaiti waters and in nearby international shipping lanes, the sources said. Yemen is more than two years into a civil war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthis against the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. More than 10,000 people have died in fighting and a cholera epidemic has infected more than 300,000 in a country on the brink of famine. (Reporting by William Maclean; editing by Mark Heinrich) MADRID (Reuters) - Around 70 sub-Saharan African migrants crossed the razor-wire-topped fence separating northern Morocco from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Tuesday, leaving 14 people hospitalised, the Red Cross said. Local police said 200 people rushed the border in a bid to reach Europe. Around 60 managed to enter the territory and were attended by the Red Cross. Migrants frequently jump or cut through the fences of Spain's two enclaves in northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, or attempt to reach them by swimming along the Moroccan coastlines. The number of migrants entering Spain via Ceuta and Melilla more than doubled in the first six months of the year from the same period last year to 3,200 people, according to Spain's Interior Ministry. Once within the enclaves, migrants are either returned to their country of origin or moved to the Spanish mainland, which many use as a jumping-off point for the rest of Europe. The migrants used wire cutters to breach a gate, according to a spokesman from the Ceuta government. Between 1,000 and 1,500 people are camping out in the scrub and woods around the enclave waiting for the opportunity to rush the border, he said. The last major push in to one of the enclaves was in May when some 300 migrants attempted to jump the fence in Melilla. Around 100 successfully crossed the border. (The story corrects to show 70 people crossed border, not injured.) (Reporting by Raquel Castillo; Writing by Paul Day; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) The US does not wish to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang but only if North Korea understands it can never be a nuclear power. Thats the claim of Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. He said: Were trying to convey to the North Koreans: we are not your enemy. We are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked what Donald Trumps stance was on North Korea after a Republican senator, Lindsay Graham, said the US president was willing to go to war. Sanders said: The president obviously has been very outspoken about how he feels about North Korea. We are weighing up and keeping all options on the table and as we have said it many times before we are not going to broadcast what we are going to do and until that happens. The developments come days after South Korea and the United States held a joint military exercise 15 miles from the North Korean border. By Francis Mukasa MIREYI, Uganda (Reuters) - Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the world's Anglicans, prayed on Wednesday with South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda, home to a nearly million fugitives from a four-year civil war in the world's youngest nation. Around 1.8 million people have fled South Sudan since fighting broke out in December 2013, sparking what has become the world's fastest growing refugee crisis and largest cross-border exodus in Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Most have fled south to Uganda, whose open-door refugee policy is now creaking under the sheer weight of numbers in sprawling camps carved out of the bush. "The Bible tells us that the refugee is specially loved by God," Welby, leader of the 85-million strong Anglican Communion, said as he joined in prayers in a camp in the northern district of Moyo. "Which means you who are refugees are specially loved by God, that Jesus himself was a refugee and he loves you and he stands with you and the suffering that you have is the suffering that he knows. So I pray for you, I will advocate for you." Officials from the United Nations UNHCR refugee agency say $674 million is needed to pay for the basic needs of the refugees this year, but so far only 21 percent of those funds have been secured. The total number of refugees is due to pass a million in the next week, UNHCR officials said. Nor is there any sign of a let-up in the stream of desperate civilians. Some days it is only hundreds. On others, it is thousands. In the camps, refugees are already on half their standard food rations of 12kg of maize a month, and now critical services such as health and education are facing cut-backs, UNHCR officials said. In Bidi-Bidi, the largest of the refugee camps, 180 South Sudanese died in the first six months of the year, nearly half of them small children. "We came here to hide ourselves from death," said 31-year-old Moro Bullen, standing next to a row of 16 freshly dug graves, mounds of rust-red earth arranged in three neat rows. Half of the graves were only a metre long. "We did not come here to die. We came here to be rescued." SPLINTERED CONFLICT Although the roots of the war lie in the animosity between President Salva Kiir, who hails from South Sudan's powerful Dinka ethnic group, and his former deputy, Riek Machar, a Nuer, it has splintered into a patchwork of overlapping conflicts. Machar is under house arrest in South Africa, having fled there last year to seek medical attention, but there has been little let-up in the levels of conflict, especially in the Equatoria region abutting Uganda. "It has evolved significantly. There are many actors. Because there are many actors now it has become more violent. The prognosis is not encouraging in terms of achieving peace," said Brian Adeba of the Washington-based Enough Project. Refugees have told Reuters of towns and villages emptied by government forces, dominated by the Dinka, with men, women and children summarily executed, and their bodies mutilated. Rights groups have also reported widespread rape and looting that the United Nations says indicates ethnic cleansing. It has also warned of a possible genocide in a country that only came into being in 2011, when South Sudan split from Sudan. The government has denied the reports, and said its troops are merely conducting operations against rebel militiamen. (Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Ed Cropley and Alison Williams) "Breast milk makes the world healthier, smarter, and more equal". So concluded a major study of breastfeeding by the world-renowned medical journal The Lancet in January of last year. This call to action should be at the centre of our thoughts during World Breastfeeding Week. Experts agree that mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed. And yet breastfeeding rates in the UK are among the lowest in the world: just 44% of mothers in England were recorded as breastfeeding at their 6-8 week health visitor review in 2014/15. And just a third of babies receive breast milk at the age of six months. This compares with 49% in the United States and 71% in Norway. As Shadow Health Secretary, I agree with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's (RCPCH) verdict that our breastfeeding record leaves 'little to celebrate'. At the very heart of my ambition to make child health and wellbeing a national priority is my determination to drastically improve early years support for children and parents, and a national breastfeeding programme must be at the heart of this strategy. We know breast milk defends babies against infections and dental problems, and helps protect them against becoming overweight and obese in later life. Breastfeeding has even been shown to play a significant role in fostering brain development and cognitive capacity in young children. Plus there are health benefits to mothers: studies show lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer in women who breastfeed. UNICEF's research reveals that even moderate increases in breastfeeding could save the NHS up to 40million a year through fewer General Practitioner consultations and hospital admissions. Yet there is disturbing variation across the country, with particularly low rates among disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Data from the 2010 Infant Feeding Survey showed that 46% of mothers in the most deprived areas were breastfeeding, compared with 65% in the least deprived areas. That's why I'll also implement the Royal College's recommendation that Public Health England develops a national strategy to change negative societal attitudes to breastfeeding and reduce health inequalities across the country. And I agree that the Government must do more to ensure employers support breastfeeding, for example through feeding breaks and providing sufficient facilities for breastfeeding in the workplace. And crucially, Labour will reinstate the UK-wide Infant Feeding Survey, which the Tories scrapped in 2015, to ensure reliable, comparable data on breastfeeding is recorded and readily available. We are committed to this agenda because we know that what a child experiences in its early years has a profound effect on the rest of its life. Therefore, alongside breastfeeding, we must improve immunisation rates, tackle the woeful state of oral health and eradicate the unacceptably high rates of infant mortality. Vaccinations in early childhood protect children against serious and potentially fatal diseases. Experts agree that without a sustained high rate of population cover, diseases are at risk of returning. However, the latest data from 2015 shows that the vaccination rate in England for two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine by age five was just 88.2%. This is well below the World Health Organisation target of 95%. Immunisation rates are not improving and children in England are not being protected as well as their European counterparts. That's why Labour will implement a public campaign to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy. We will establish an effective vaccination programme aimed at returning vaccination rates to 95%. This will also help provide protection to unimmunised infants and children through herd immunity. Our children's teeth are also in need of urgent action too. Shockingly, tooth decay is the most common reason why children aged five to nine require admission to hospital. And inequalities in tooth decay remain stark, with 5-year-olds in the most deprived areas of Lancashire almost seven times more likely to have decay than their peers in Jeremy Hunt's Surrey constituency. This is extremely serious: tooth decay can have a significant impact on a child's general health, development, school readiness, confidence, ability to sleep, eat and socialise. Yet most frustratingly tooth decay is almost entirely preventable through regular brushing, adequate exposure to fluoride and reducing sugar consumption. Therefore, Labour will ensure all children in the UK receive their first check-up as soon as their first teeth come through. This will make a substantial difference alongside timely access to dental services for preventative advice and early diagnosis of dental caries, with targeted access for vulnerable groups. At the most extreme end too many of our infants are dying needlessly. Infant mortality rates across the United Kingdom have declined markedly over the past 40 years. The UK currently ranks 15 out of 19 Western European countries on infant mortality, and rates are more than twice as high in the lowest socio-economic groups in our society compared with the richest. We know that socioeconomic status is strongly associated with infant mortality, along with poor maternal nutrition. That's why Labour will ensure public health services are properly funded in order to maximise health during pre-conception and pregnancy, including smoking cessation programmes and promoting healthy weight in women of childbearing age. The next Labour Government will give our children the best possible start in life. That process starts right from birth and improving early years support is a critical start. To improve the health and wellbeing of every child has long been part of my Party's mission. In the historic Labour manifesto of 1945 we stated: "Labour will work specially for the care of Britain's mothers and their children- children's allowances and school medical and feeding services, better maternity and child welfare services." The next Labour government will have as its mission making child health a national priority. It's what every child deserves. Jon Ashworth is the Shadow Health Secretary and Labour MP for Leicester South Photo credit: Photograph of Sara Sampaio wearing La Perla swimsuit by Emma Tempest for Harper's Bazaar UK From Harpers Bazaar UK A sunscreen that uses DNA to act as a 'second skin' is on the horizon, potentially offering better protection from ultraviolet light throughout the day without the laborious task of constant re-application. Scientists in the US used DNA samples taken from salmon to develop a product which gets better at shielding the skin from harmful UV exposure the longer it is in direct sunlight. It also helps lock in the moisture beneath the skin's surface promising a longer-lasting tan. The concept Instead of damaging our own skin's DNA (resulting in sunburn), the UV light instead only affects the alternative applied layer of salmon DNA. Dr Guy German, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Binghampton university, where the research was conducted, explained: "We thought, let's flip it. What happens instead if we actually used DNA as a sacrificial layer? So instead of damaging DNA within the skin, we damage a layer on top of the skin." In tests, the research team found that the thin, optically transparent crystalline DNA films that they had developed became better at absorbing UV light the more they were exposed to it. German added: "If you translate that, it means to me that if you use this as a topical cream or sunscreen, the longer that you stay out on the beach, the better it gets at being a sunscreen." As it stands, current sunscreens need to be applied roughly 30 minutes before sun exposure and then reapplied every couple of hours throughout the day unless you go swimming or sweat profusely, in which case you need to reapply more often. However, the development of this DNA film means that a single application would suffice for beachgoers, holidaymakers or anyone who spends a significant amount of time in the sun. Other uses The potential of DNA films isn't just limited to sunscreen. The moisture-locking properties of such a product promises a potential treatment or prevention method for dry, flaky or pigmented skin, as well as injuries. Commenting on the versatility of the material, German said: Story continues "Not only do we think this might have applications for sunscreen and moisturisers directly, but if it's optically transparent and prevents tissue damage from the sun and it's good at keeping the skin hydrated, we think this might be potentially exploitable as a wound covering for extreme environments." For now, however, the research is still in the early stages, and a lot more tests will have to be done before anything of this kind appears on the market. So, as far as summer 2017 is concerned, keep applying that sun lotion. The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports. You Might Also Like For me, there are people that Im close with struggling with this lonely problem, fearful that others would find out because of the negative stigma, said Finn in his video introduction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults (about 43 million people) in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year, but fewer than half of those adults received mental health services in the past year. These statistics motivated Finn to organize an event promoting mental health awareness. With the guidance of Herbert Bruce, associate director of the University Academic Advising Center, Finn planned and executed Be the One, which took place May 3, 2017, following Finals Extravaganza. Finn donated most of his $1,000 Homecoming King award to the event. The two-hour event featured a cookout at German Club Manor and a series of speakers who shared personal stories about mental health and professional insight to the topic. Before leaving the program, attendees wrote down on a notecard what theyd taken away from the event. After collecting those and reading them, it seems like we really made a positive impact on people, Finn said. His own biggest takeaway was learning that even the smallest stigmatic phrase, like whack-job or psycho, mentioned in a conversation unrelated to mental health can contribute to the misunderstanding of and ignorance toward mental health issues. I really dont think that those words are phrases you should throw around, Finn said. Im trying to actively mitigate and alleviate use of those words from peoples vocabulary because you never know who you can affect. Finn discovered that many Virginia Tech students shared his opinion and passion for addressing the stigma associated with mental health. Multiple people reached out to him through his Finding Hope with Finn Facebook page to thank him for choosing mental health as a Homecoming campaign topic, he said. Every single time I would get one of those messages I would light up and feel like we were really making a difference, Finn said. It was so cool to be able to open up the conversation. Were all vulnerable and we need to be there for each other. Its just such an important topic. According to the 2016 annual report by the Penn State Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH), 61 percent of college students who sought mental health services at colleges or universities who partner with CCMH listed anxiety as a contributor to their distress. Depression, stress, family issues, and academic performance were among other frequently noted contributors. Virginia Tech has several resources available to students to help manage and overcome mental health challenges: Written by Tiffany Woodall SUPERVALU INC., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery wholesaler and retailer in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Wholesale and Retail. The Wholesale segment engages in the wholesale distribution of various food and non-food products to independent retail customers, such as single and multiple grocery store operators, regional chains, and the military. It also provides professional services, such as pass-through programs; and various services comprising retail store support, advertising, couponing, e-commerce, network and data hosting, training and certifications classes, and administrative back-office solutions. The Retail segment operates retail stores that provide groceries and various additional products that include general merchandise, home, health and beauty care, and pharmacy products. It provides its products under the Cub Foods, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, and Hornbacher's names, as well as 1 Rainbow stores. The company's stores offer a range of branded and private-label products comprising perishable and nonperishable grocery products. As of February 24, 2018, it operated a network of 3,437 stores, including 3,323 wholesale primary stores; and 114 retail grocery stores. The company was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. PNM Resources, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The segment generates electricity using coal, natural gas and oil, nuclear fuel, solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had owned or leased facilities with a total net generation capacity of 2,168 megawatts; and owned 3,426 miles of electric transmission lines, 5,751 miles of distribution overhead lines, 5,765 miles of underground distribution lines, and 250 substations. The segment also owns and leases communication, office and other equipment, office space, vehicles, and real estate. The TNMP segment provides regulated transmission and distribution services. As of December 31, 2021, the segment owned 983 miles of overhead electric transmission lines, 7,297 miles of overhead distribution lines, 1,408 miles of underground distribution lines, and 113 substations. The segment also owns and leases vehicles, service facilities, and office locations throughout its service territory. The company serves approximately 806,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers and end-users of electricity in New Mexico and Texas. PNM Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1882 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Eighteen years in advertising turned Adam Greenhood into a true mad man, and now hes paying for it. Starting today, Greenhood will pay any New Mexico consumer 50 cents for every 30-second ad they watch on smartphones or mobile devices. Greenhood calls it Paid Attention, and advertisers and investors are getting on board. Ten marketers are participating in a five-month beta test that Greenhoods new startup, AdWallet LLC, launched on Tuesday. Since January, Angel investors have pumped $750,000 into the company. Anybody with a New Mexico phone number or zip code can now log onto AdWallet.com to download a user app. After answering a few questions to match users with commercials most likely to appeal to them, ads will start flowing via text messages. If users watch a commercial, accurately answer a question to make sure they paid attention and rate the commercial, 50 cents is automatically credited to their account. After accumulating $10 in credits, users can transfer the earnings to their bank account, exchange it for a gift card or donate it to a charity. If they share the ad on social media, they earn another 25 cents. AdWallet has created something to guarantee true engagement with consumers, said Michelle Laskowski, marketing director for AdWallet customer MVD Express. We jumped right on it, because it really turns the tables in terms of how we advertise. Greenhood said its the next logical step to get consumer attention. I thought, rather than ask people to pay attention, what if we paid them for it? Greenhood said. Nobody pays attention to ads, not even me. If Im skipping ads, how can we expect anyone else to do anything different? Greenhoods Eureka! moment came last November after some of his clients at the Albuquerque advertising firm where he worked complained to him about their results. He grumbled about it at home, prompting his wife to ask if he couldnt pay people pay for their attention. That got the light bulbs burning. The company is now rolling out a $250,000 billboard and media campaign to get local users to download the app. Guaranteed, targeted engagement has marketers hyped. An advertiser pays $1 if a user watches an ad but nothing if they dont. Fifty cents is for AdWallet, 50 cents for users. To specifically target key demographics and then measure peoples views, impressions and overall engagement is very exciting, said AdWallet client Erin Killion of the K2MD ad agency. With hyper targeting, we can be sure were not wasting our clients money. Marketing campaigns must start with a minimum of 250 user engagements, or a $250 budget, but can go as high as a company wants. With traditional digital campaigns, the same $250 might blanket 1,000 potential consumers, but only a fraction of them would actually watch the ad, Greenhood said. Very large campaigns are eligible for a 15 percent AdWallet discount. The company is donating 20,000 free user engagements during the beta period to three nonprofits, valued at $20,000 each for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Storehouse New Mexico, and Make a Wish. Nonprofits can sign up for AdWallet listing to allow users to donate earnings to them, and any marketer can launch their own advertising campaigns through the AdWallet website. More than five years after police discovered her husbands body slumped in a closet in their Foothills home, Amy Herrera is on trial this week for his murder. According to police, Amy and Marc Herrera were hosting a Saturday night party for Ecuadorian exchange students when Marc was shot to death. Intoxicated and annoyed with a guest, Marc, a 38-year-old Air Force major, retrieved a handgun from his dresser, which defense attorneys said he pointed at the guest. His wife intervened and the couple disappeared into their bedroom where they began to argue. Prosecutor David Waymire said that Marc was on his knees when Amy shot him in the mouth, severing his spinal cord. Amy Herrera initially told her guests, police, neighbors, family and friends that her pilot husband, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, committed suicide. She almost got away with murder, Waymire said in his opening statement. Amy later confessed to the killing in conversations with friends, he said. I wish I could kill him again, she told one, according to prosecutors. Defense attorney Lupe Preciado said the Black Ops major in the Air Force who outweighed her by 55 pounds was on top of Amy when the shot rang out, and he urged jurors to find the homicide justified. He repeatedly reminded the jury that Marc Herreras blood-alcohol level was .229 percent. The forensic evidence will show she was beneath this violent, angry man in her closet, Preciado said. At a grand jury hearing, Amy Herrera testified that her husband pushed her down in the closet, and she believed he was going to kill her until he put the barrel of the gun in his own mouth. Then he put it in my hands, saying that I was going to do it, she said. And then I pulled the trigger. Amy Herrera, 35, faces one count of second-degree murder. The trial before state District Judge Brett Loveless in Albuquerque is expected to last through Friday. Charges against Herrera in connection to her husbands death have been filed three times and dismissed twice before. The third version of the case is the first to go to trial. The first ever National Ernie Pyle Day celebration will kick off Thursday, Pyles birthday, at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana SE, starting at 9:30 a.m. Pyle was born on Aug. 3, 1900, in Indiana. Years later, after becoming a nationally known newspaper columnist, he and his wife made their home in Albuquerque. He subsequently gained an international reputation as a correspondent covering World War II. On April 18, 1945, Pyle was killed by a Japanese machine gunner as American forces pushed to capture the island of Okinawa. His home at 900 Girard SE is now a public branch library and the Ernie Pyle Middle School in the South Valley is named for him. Several years ago, the family of Ernie Pyle established the Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation to keep the public memory of the Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent alive. The foundation has been spearheading the drive to establish the National Ernie Pyle Day. The Thursday program includes a full day of activities with special guests and dignitaries. Veterans groups will be honored, especially veterans of World War II, said Gerald Maschino, a foundation member whose wife, Wynne, is Pyles first cousin once removed. A hot dog lunch will be served to all who are present. The days events include a color guard, patriotic music, National Ernie Pyle Day proclamations from the Office of the Governor and from the Albuquerque Mayor, the awarding of the Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation Scholarship for a journalism student at the University of New Mexico, the presentation of Ernie Pyle, A One Man Show by New Mexico historian Baldwin Burr, and the keynote address by Joe Galloway, a Vietnam War correspondent and author of the best-selling 1992 book We Were Soldiers Once And Young, later made into a Hollywood movie. WASHINGTON The House Ethics Committee said Tuesday it is dropping its investigation against Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico. The committee also dropped a case against Republican Rep. Roger Williams of Texas. Lujan, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, was accused of using the House chamber to raise money for campaign purposes during a June 2016 sit-in on gun control. Williams, an auto dealer, was accused of a conflict of interest in offering a 2015 amendment to a transportation bill that would have benefited auto dealers. The ethics panel said neither Lujan nor Williams violated House rules, but cautioned that both lawmakers acted in ways where mistakes are possible. The panel urged all House members to seek guidance from the ethics committee when in doubt. A spokesman for Lujan called the complaint politically motivated and without merit. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, a conservative-leaning watchdog group, filed a complaint last year alleging that Lujan and other Democrats violated ethics rules by using the House chamber to raise money for campaign purposes. Specifically, the group said Lujan and others sent campaign emails featuring photos of themselves during the June 2016 sit-in. The ethics panel found that the emails involving Lujan were sent by a campaign consultant on the congressmans behalf, adding that there was no evidence that Lujan directed the emails to be sent while on the House floor. The screenshot used in one of the emails violated House rules, the panel said, but there was no evidence Lujan was aware of the decision to use the photo before the fundraising missive was sent out. Spokesman Joe Shoemaker said the ethics panel acted appropriately by dismissing the case. Congressman Lujan is committed to abiding by House rules and will continue to do so in the future. Williams on Tuesday stood by his decision to offer an amendment to a wide-ranging transportation bill that would have allowed auto dealers to rent out vehicles even if theyre subject to recall. This bill would have resulted in unintended consequences that would punish small business owners, employees and consumers, he said in a statement. As I knew all along, the committee found no violation of any law, rule or regulation. Williams has said the amendment was intended to address recalls aimed at trivial defects, but critics said it would apply more broadly. The independent Office of Congressional Ethics, an outside panel that reviews ethics complaints against House members, said Williams personal financial interest in his auto dealership could be perceived as having influenced his decision to offer the amendment. The ethics panel said Williams should have sought ethics guidance before submitting the amendment and urged him to take care to avoid creating any impression that he was sponsoring the amendment to benefit himself or his business. In Lujans case, the ethics panel said the evolving nature of electronic communications and campaign solicitations presents novel issues that are not directly addressed by the House Ethics Manual. Further guidance on email use is needed, the panel said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Tuesday for a dialogue with North Korea and acknowledged that U.S. relations with Russia have worsened during the Trump administration. During wide-ranging comments at the State Department marking six months since his confirmation, Tillerson told reporters that the United States does not aim to depose the government in Pyongyang or use military force. We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel, he said. We are trying to convey to the North Koreans: We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. Tillerson added that the United States hopes that at some point, North Korea will understand and sit down for a dialogue. The secretary of state said the administration has been attempting to exert peaceful pressure on North Korea, because the options available to us are limited, particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time. Tillerson talked to reporters during a surprise appearance in the briefing room, his first since becoming secretary six months ago. He expressed concern about Irans regional ambitions, unrest in Venezuela and war in Ukraine. He also said he has a good relationship with President Donald Trump, who calls him daily, including late at night and on weekends, when something comes to his head. Tillerson said that despite the United States deteriorating relationship with Russia, the countries still can cooperate on Syria and counterterrorism, items that will be on the agenda when Tillerson meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this weekend at a summit in the Philippines. I dont think the American people want us to have a bad relationship with a huge nuclear power, but I think they are frustrated, he said. Tillerson quoted Trump telling Lavrov, We need some good news with Russia, when they met in the Oval Office. Tillerson said he has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lavrov that the situations bad, but believe me, it can get worse. And it just did. Putins decision to slash the staff at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Tillerson suggested, was a play to domestic politics after Barack Obama expelled Russian diplomats and seized two Russian properties in the closing weeks of his presidency. He felt he had to do something, Tillerson said of Putin. Does it make our life more difficult? Of course it makes our life more difficult. Tillerson voiced skepticism about whether the nuclear deal with Iran, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, has value for the United States. Its an agreement that should serve Americas interests first and foremost, and if it doesnt serve that interest, then why would we maintain it? Tillerson said. Iran was supposed to become a good neighbor, but instead has continued its ballistic missile program, he said. The spirit of the agreement has been violated, Tillerson said, adding that that view is shared among the European countries that were also parties to the agreement. Do we want to tear it up and walk away? he said. Do we want to make the point to Iran that we expect you to get back in line with the spirit of the agreement, and were going to stay here and hold you accountable to it? Tillerson has argued that the deal is flawed but should be maintained, at least for now, because the alternative is worse. I think there are a lot of alternative means with which we use the agreement to advance our policies in the relationship with Iran, he said. And thats what the conversation is around, generally, with the president, is what are all those options. Tillerson also expressed alarm about Venezuela, and suggested that the United States would be pleased if President Nicolas Maduro decided to leave office. The situation from a humanitarian standpoint is already becoming dire, Tillerson said. He brushed off the criticism of his management of the State Department. Hundreds of senior positions are unfilled, and some of his positions have been rebutted by the White House or a presidential tweet. The criticisms have fed rumors that he is frustrated about sparring with the White House over policy and complaints within the department he is trying to redesign for the 21st century, and that has considered resigning. But Tillerson sounded resolute Tuesday, describing his relationship with Trump as very open. Its one in which I feel quite comfortable telling him my views, he said. He and I have differences of views on things like [the Iran nuclear deal] and how we should use it. I think if were not having those differences, Im not sure Im serving him. SANTA FE A former Santa Fe Public Schools employee, 60 years old, is accused of soliciting sex by asking a 13-year-old girl if she had underage friends who would allow him to perform sexual acts on them for money, according to a criminal complaint. Eutimio Lopez was arrested Friday on one count of sexual exploitation of a child by prostitution. The police complaint says he admitted asking the 13-year-old directly to perform a sex act and if a friend of hers would do the same for a $20 payment, although he also maintained, I did not touch her or use profanity. He was released from the Santa Fe County jail Monday on an unsecured bond. SFPS spokesman Jeff Gephart said Lopez, who resigned Tuesday morning, was a bus assistant, a job that entails sitting on a school bus and helping out the driver. The alleged sexual solicitation didnt occur while Lopez was working on the bus and instead is said to have happened as he was giving a friend and her daughter a ride. Gephart said Lopez was on a summer special education assignment that serviced a total of 39 students from Ramirez Thomas, Cesar Chavez and Sweeney elementary schools, Nina Otero Community School and Nye Early Childhood Center. The families of the special ed students on that bus route have been notified of the allegations, Gephart said. According to the complaint filed by police, Lopez gave the 13-year-old and her mother a ride to an appointment the mother had July 22. The girl stayed in the backseat while Lopez was in the drivers seat after the mother got out of the car. The girl told a Santa Fe Police detective, after her mother had called police, that Lopez asked her if she had any 12-year-old friends who would be willing to let him perform sexual acts on them and that he would pay them $20. She said she was looking at her phone and was not responding to Lopez because she felt uncomfortable. Later, Lopez spoke with detectives when they went to his home. According to the criminal complaint, Lopez said he told the girl about a fantasy he had about performing sexual acts on a 13-year-old or any teenager. He also said he asked the girl for oral sex, and after that he asked if her friend, also 13, would be willing to perform oral sex on him for $20. Lopezs conditions of release from incarceration include that he cant contact with the alleged victim, and there is a GPS exclusion zone around her home, according to court documents. This summers big movie is Dunkirk. Since its July 21 opening, it has taken in over $100 million in North America and been hailed by ecstatic critics everywhere. I have seen the film twice, admiring it even more the second time. It is a stupendous achievement, although more than a little odd. Its a war film for the Trump era. It is deaf to history. Dunkirk is the French port on the English Channel where both British and French troops were trapped by the Germans in May 1940. The allies had their backs to the Channel, always an obstreperous body of water. Across the Channel lay England, which Hitler was intent on conquering. Winston Churchill, the new prime minister, was fully aware of the stakes. There would be no chivalrous surrender ceremony. Every member of his Cabinet, he wrote, was ready to be killed quite soon. This was a war of extermination. Aside from an opening scroll, none of that is mentioned in Dunkirk. More startling, neither are the Germans. Throughout they are called the enemy. Dolts seeing this movie could conclude the British and the French were fighting the Irish or Latvians. They would not know how dire the stakes were for Britain or, as Franklin D. Roosevelt understood, for the rest of the world. An evilly rapacious regime was on the march. Hitler was intent on murder without end. The movies omissions are not inadvertent. Director Christopher Nolan said he didnt want to make something that wasnt relevant to todays audiences. He not only didnt want to show generals and admirals pushing toy armies around a large table, but he didnt want to get bogged down in the politics of the situation, either. But the politics of the situation has to include Auschwitz and Coventry and, later, the 1944 massacre of 84 American POWs at Malmedy in Belgium. The enemy did that. In her Wall Street Journal essay on Dunkirk, Dorothy Rabinowitz chastised Nolan for minimizing Churchills role in turning the debacle of Dunkirk into a rousing call to arms. The British and the French were trounced, but an armada of English pleasure boats and fishing vessels crossed the Channel and plucked around 340,000 men off the beach. Many lives were saved; maybe England itself. But to my mind, Nolans most egregious error was to white-out the Germans. I am not a German bitter-ender. I am, though, a German never-forgetter. In my several visits to Germany I have written in admiration of that countrys strenuous efforts to face its past and make amends. In that regard, it has done better than France, whose complicity in the roundup and murder of its Jews was only tardily acknowledged. America, too, has been reluctant to come to terms with the horrors of slavery. Germanys crimes were recent and of such a scale and depravity that, unless constantly faced, they will come to seem fictitious. Germany is special because in the pre-Nazi era it was as it has again become a center of European culture, not just the inevitable cliches about Beethoven and Brahms, but of avant-garde cinema, gay night life, vibrant journalism, great theater and Daimlers swooshing down Berlins Unter den Linden. In a blink of an eye, all but the cars were gone. Germany went mad. Nolan had an obligation to suggest this context. This is especially the case in the age of Trump when it is necessary to appreciate that the ugliness he has exploited could escape its confines and metastasize. Contrary to Nolans insistence, the politics of Dunkirk remains not only relevant, but urgent. Ignore it, and it will take you by the throat. The enemy? It was then Germany. It is now ignorance. This column was trimmed for print. E-mail: cohenr@washpost.com. WASHINGTON The House Ethics Committee said Tuesday that it was dropping separate investigations of Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Republican Rep. Roger Williams of Texas. Lujan, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, was accused of using the House chamber to raise money for campaign purposes during a June 2016 sit-in on gun control. Williams, an auto dealer, was accused of a conflict of interest in offering a 2015 amendment to a transportation bill that would have benefited auto dealers. The ethics panel said neither Lujan nor Williams violated House rules but cautioned that both lawmakers acted in ways in which mistakes are possible. The panel urged all House members to seek guidance from the Ethics Committee when in doubt. A spokesman for Lujan called the complaint politically motivated and without merit. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, a conservative-leaning watchdog group, filed a complaint last year alleging that Lujan and other Democrats violated ethics rules by using the House chamber to raise money for campaign purposes. Specifically, the group said Lujan and others sent campaign emails featuring photos of themselves during the June 2016 sit-in. The ethics panel found that the emails involving Lujan were sent by a campaign consultant on the congressmans behalf, adding that there was no evidence that Lujan directed the emails to be sent while on the House floor. A screen shot used in one of the emails violated House rules, the panel said, but there was no evidence Lujan was aware of the decision to use the photo before the fundraising missive was sent out. Joe Shoemaker, a spokesman for Lujan, said the ethics panel acted appropriately by dismissing the case. Congressman Lujan is committed to abiding by House rules and will continue to do so in the future. The independent Office of Congressional Ethics, an outside panel that reviews ethics complaints against House members, said that in Lujans case, the evolving nature of electronic communications and campaign solicitations presents novel issues that are not directly addressed by the House Ethics Manual. Further guidance on email use is needed, the panel said. Williams on Tuesday stood by his decision to offer an amendment to a wide-ranging transportation bill that would have allowed auto dealers to rent out vehicles even if theyre subject to recall. The panel said Williams personal financial interest in his auto dealership could be perceived as having influenced his decision to offer the amendment. The State Police are searching for a missing teenager Tuesday night, according to a New Mexico State Police spokeswoman. Lt. Elizabeth Armijo said 15-year-old Malachi Sanchez went missing from Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center in Albuquerque on Saturday and is considered armed and dangerous. Sanchez is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 112 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo on his left hand with three dots and the letter C. Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center assists young males, between 13 and 17 years old, who have a history of violence, a mental health disorder and are amenable to treatment. She said anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Sanchez should call 911. SANTA FE A news report that U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico said there will be no litmus test on the abortion issue for the partys House candidates in the 2018 election has helped fan the flames of an intra-Democratic Party ruckus. Lujan said in an interview with The Hill, a newspaper and website that focuses on Washington politics, that Democrats will not withhold financial support for candidates who oppose abortion rights. There is not a litmus test for Democratic candidates, said Lujan, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman, in the story published Monday. As we look at candidates across the country, you need to make sure you have candidates that fit the district, that can win in these districts across America. On plans to win a House majority next year, Lujan said, To pick up 24 (seats) and get to 218, that is the job. Well need a broad coalition to get that done. We are going to need all of that. We have to be a big family in order to win the House back. Debate over whether Democrats must toe a party line on abortion rights has been simmering over the past few months. Some party leaders argue for a big tent even House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California made comments similar to Lujans in May. But abortion rights advocates have resisted accommodating anti-abortion candidates. This week, there was plenty of pushback against Lujan. Throwing weight behind anti-choice candidates is bad politics that will lead to worse policy, Mitchell Stille, who oversees campaigns for NARAL Pro-Choice America, told The Hill. The idea that jettisoning this issue wins elections for Democrats is folly contradicted by all available data. Comedian and actress Rosie ODonnell was among many who tweeted negative reaction to The Hills story: Women should form our own party if Dems do this, ODonnell opined. At least one liberal action group sent out a fundraising request saying, We cant stand by while the DCCC undermines abortion rights. Lujan posted his response to the criticism on Facebook, saying he respects all the feedback and concern many of you shared. His post said in part: Democrats have a lot of work ahead of us if we want to take the House back in 2018. As you are aware, Republicans control both chambers in the Congress. We will have to win in very tough, diverse, swing Republican-held districts across the country. Ultimately, the people in districts across the country will determine who will take on the Republican incumbent. But let me be clear about my record: I am pro-women, pro-choice, and fully respect the connection between a womans health, her economic future and the future of our country. I am proud to earn a score of 100 percent from Planned Parenthood. I look forward to continuing our important work together and connecting with you in the near future. The controversy was the latest chapter in a Democratic fight on the abortion issue. The Washington Post, in a May 2 article on an interview with Pelosi, reported that she said Democrats should not impose support for abortion rights as a litmus test on its candidates. Referring to her own relatives, she told the Post, Most of those people my family, extended family are not pro-choice. You think Im kicking them out of the Democratic Party? U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who ran for president as a Democrat last year, told National Public Radio in April, We have got to appreciate where people come from and do our best to fight for the pro-choice agenda. But I think you just cant exclude people who disagree with us on one issue. Hes faced criticism for appearing at a rally for an Omaha, Neb., mayoral candidate who as a legislator sponsored bills to restrict abortion. And in April, The Hill reported that U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in an interview, I would encourage our candidates to be pro-choice candidates, but its also important that we have a big tent. I think we actually can do both. NEW YORK A 25-year-old man from Colorado has been arrested in New York on charges of possessing 40 pounds of the highly potent drug fentanyl. Carlos Ramirez, of Lakewood, was arraigned Tuesday in Manhattan on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Authorities told the New York Post (http://nyp.st/2vkFVfh) it was the largest DEA seizure of fentanyl in New York history. Prosecutors say Ramirez was arrested on June 19 in the Bronx after the powerful opioid was found in his duffel bag which contained 17 packages of what authorities originally suspected was heroin. Prosecutors say the beige powder tested positive for fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin. Based on the lab results, Ramirezs bail was increased from $50,000 to $200,000. His attorney criticized the bail increase, calling it gratuitous. ___ Information from: New York Post, http://www.nypost.com HOUSTON Federal authorities have detained some survivors of a deadly human smuggling operation in the same facility as the driver of the truck in which they were smuggled, concerning advocates who are worried that they could be further traumatized. A few of them have even briefly shared a holding cell with James Matthew Bradley Jr., who faces a human smuggling charge that carries the possibility of the death penalty, according to Michael McCrum, an attorney appointed to represent the passengers. Ten people died after being taken from the Texas border to San Antonio in a sweltering tractor-trailer. According to a federal complaint, Bradley denied knowing that the trailer he was driving was packed with people who had crossed into the United States illegally. Amy Fischer, policy director for the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, or RAICES, said Wednesday that she was concerned about the impact of survivors remaining in detention and especially seeing Bradley inside. They are being held on equal footing as the person who is charged with putting them into the truck, she said. We have a lot of concerns as to how theyre being treated, and the impact that this treatment will have on them as they try and recover from this horrific experience. Investigators have said they consider Bradley to be one part of an organization that funded and planned the movement of dozens of people into the U.S., and that others could also face criminal charges. Some of the passengers could become key witnesses at future trials. Authorities have designated 18 of the 39 people known to have been inside the trailer as material witnesses and are keeping them in detention to guarantee their testimony. The U.S. Attorneys Office in San Antonio and the U.S. Marshals Service have refused to say where the witnesses or Bradley are being held. But at least some of the 18 are being held at the Central Texas Detention Facility, a privately-run immigration lockup in San Antonio, according to McCrum and Fischer. The Bexar County Sheriffs Office said last week that Bradley is at the same facility. RAICES is representing six of the survivors so far in potential immigration court proceedings. Fischer said that so far, authorities have not tried to begin deporting any of the survivors, but they also havent said whether the survivors will be allowed to remain in the U.S. with visas for victims of trafficking or crime. Many of the people designated as witnesses will testify in depositions Aug. 23-25. Seven people remained hospitalized Wednesday, according to U.S. Attorneys spokesman Daryl Fields. Three passengers who were juveniles have been released into separate custody. One person who left a San Antonio-area hospital before authorities arrived was arrested Friday in Louisiana and will be transferred to Texas soon, he said. ___ Follow Nomaan Merchant on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nomaanmerchant DALLAS Qatar Airways says it is dropping an attempt to buy a big stake in American Airlines, an audacious bid that had received a chilly reception from American. Qatar Airways said Wednesday that the investment no longer meets its objectives. American Airlines said it respected Qatars decision to withdraw, and added that the turnabout would not make any difference in Americans plans. Qatar said in June that it planned to buy an initial stake of up to 4.75 percent of Americans stock, but Fort Worth, Texas-based American said Qatars goal was to get a 10 percent stake. It was an odd move. The two airlines are on opposite sides of a nasty fight that has big U.S. carriers complaining that they are unfairly undercut on fares because Qatar and two other fast-growing Middle East airlines get illegal subsidies from their governments. Qatar Airways had said it wanted to be a passive investor and not take an active role in setting strategy at American, the worlds biggest airline. But on Wednesday, Qatar said it changed its mind after a review of the deals finances and Americans reaction. American CEO Doug Parker had given a chilly public response to the overture, calling it puzzling and not particularly exciting. Parker said Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker approached him about an investment during a secret meeting at an airline-industry conference in a Mexican resort city. Parker vowed that despite the prospect of Qatar becoming a large shareholder, American would continue to fight Qatar, Emirates and Etihad Airways over the allegations of unfair government subsidies. The Middle Eastern airlines deny getting illegal subsidies. In July, American ratcheted up the tension by announcing that it was dropping seat-selling partnerships with Qatar and Etihad because of the subsidies dispute. On Wednesday, American spokesman Matt Miller said Qatars decision not to invest in no way changes the course for American. He said American couldnt be more excited to keep our focus on serving customers. Qatar said in a statement that it would continue to look for opportunities to invest in airlines around the world to develop the best possible travel experience for its customers. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. fell 65 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $50.41 in midday trading. ___ David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter SANTA FE Police in Santa Fe have established surveillance and are increasing patrols around the site of a drive-by shooting related to a rivalry between two motorcycle gangs. The home of a Bandidos Motorcycle Club member near Alamosa Drive and Camino del Gusto is under 24-hour camera surveillance. His house was targeted in the shooting by alleged members of the Vagos Motorcycle Club. We also have extra patrols in that area and have heightened our presence in the area to send out a message that the city wont tolerate that type of activity, said police spokesman Greg Gurule. The shooting comes amid an ongoing turf war in New Mexico between the California-based Vagos and the Texas-founded Bandidos. Gurule, passing along remarks from Santa Fe Police Chief Patrick Gallagher, said Wednesday there was no way to know if there is any type of growing feud between the groups or if the Saturday night shooting in Santa Fe was merely a dispute between two individuals. We do take it seriously and are putting resources into determining exactly what happened and what led up to the incident while at the same time using an increased presence in the area to make sure things stay calm, said Gurule. He added, We certainly hope it will not escalate, and thats why we are putting the additional resources into making all parties aware that in (an) on-going basis we will not accept this type of dangerous activity in the city of Santa Fe. A member of the Bandidos was shot Sunday night in El Paso. A member of the Kinfolk Motorcycle Club was arrested in that case, according to an El Paso Times report. In Santa Fe, David Cordova, 54, and his son David Ray Cordova, 29, were charged with shooting at an occupied building from a motor vehicle after about 20 rounds were fired at a house on Alamosa Drive Saturday evening, according to criminal complaints filed in Magistrate Court. David Cordova was taken to hospital in an ambulance after officers noticed a gunshot wound on his right arm. He admitted to police at the hospital that he and his son had shot at the house on Alamosa Drive. Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center was temporarily put on lockdown as a precaution after David Cordova was taken there. Vagos Motorcycle Club members had crowded an emergency room to visit their injured club member. The Associated Press contributed to this story. MOSCOW Dozens of people were injured by explosions that ripped through a munitions depot in Georgias breakaway province of Abkhazia on Wednesday, officials said. The Russian embassy in Abkhazia said the explosions shook a military arsenal in the village of Primorskoye. About 50 people were injured, 27 of whom were hospitalized. The embassy said in a Facebook statement that 19 Russian tourists were among those needing treatment at a hospital. Tamaz Tsakhnakia, the top health official in Abkhazia, later updated the number of injured to 60, including 35 Russian tourists, according to the Interfax news agency. Tsakhnakia said that four people were listed in grave condition. Russian television showed a huge cloud rising above forested mountains in the area of the blasts. Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed. Moscow effectively gained complete control over the lush Black Sea province and a second breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, after a brief war with Georgia in 2008. Russia has recognized both regions as independent nations, drawing international opprobrium. PCM, the California IT company that expanded to Rio Rancho last year, has laid off 50 of its 200 employees. We had to make a decision in line with managing the productivity of our sales force in Rio Rancho, said Charles Walters, senior talent acquisition manager for the Rio Rancho operations. The jobs that were shed were in the companys commercial operations, which provides technology services to businesses. At the same time, the company is hiring people for its public sector operations, which sells services to hospitals and government entities, Walters said. Those who were laid off are eligible for rehire, he said. Despite the layoffs, the company is well over its hiring objective of 75 people since it opened last year, Walters said. It aims to eventually hire 224 people in Rio Rancho. The El Segundo-based company is located in the old Hewlett-Packard complex. PCM received approval to draw $700,000 from the states closing fund via the Local Economic Development Act . It has received $1.7 million in Job Training Incentive (JTIP) funds. Victor Salazar of Chile Traditions near Wyoming and Montgomery pours a basket of Hatch green chile into a roaster on Wednesday. The first Hatch green chile shipment to Chile Traditions arrived last week. Shipments will come in Tuesday and Friday mornings around 11 a.m. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Randall Mahon of Georgia packs a suitcase full of Hatch green chile from Chile Traditions near Wyoming and Montgomery on Wednesday. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) David Salazar, left, of Chile Traditions near Wyoming and Montgomery chats with Bob DeVore, second from right, and Marian Eimer, right, as their chiles were being roasted, Wednesday, in Albuquerque. The first Hatch green chile arrived last week. Salazar said shipments come in Tuesday and Friday mornings around 11 a.m. (Marla Brose/Albuquerque Journal) Prev 1 of 4 Next The weather is just starting to cool, the school year is approaching and fall is around the corner. For New Mexicans, that means one thing: green chile. Retailers around the city have pulled their roasters out of storage, set up tents and have begun roasting up New Mexicos favorite crop. Folks are already lining up and from at least as far away as Georgia. Randall Mahon of Woodstock, Ga., was busy Wednesday afternoon stuffing a suitcase full of the fresh crop at Chile Traditions in Albuquerque. He said he planned to fly home with 120 pounds to sell at his local farmers market. They go crazy, Mahon said of his customers. Many roasters began last week, which is good news for Elaine Mitchell, co-owner of The Hatch Chile Store which grows and exports green chile. Though the chile season normally starts in mid-August, Mitchell said the company began shipping two weeks ago. However, its most popular pepper, the medium/hot Big Jim, wont be ready for another week or two. This time of year is always very exciting, said Mitchell, who ships to roasters all over the state and ex-New Mexicans who have moved. New Mexico State extension vegetable specialist Stephanie Walker said despite recent heavy rain in Hatch and Las Cruces, growers say the chile is hanging in there. Heavy rain can devastate fields by helping to spread chile wilt, but theres no indication the fungal disease has affected crops this year any more than in the past. The disease, first discovered in the 1920s in New Mexico, affects a few fields every year, but growers have become very savvy and are able to pump the water out quickly to save their crop, Walker said. Roasters dont seem concerned, and many of them are already operating a full capacity. The Farmers Market on Eubank, The Fruit Basket on Fourth Street and Chile Traditions at Montgomery and Wyoming, among others, have all started roasting. David Salazar, the son of Chile Traditions owner Ken Dewees and the manager heading up the roasting, said the business began roasting last week. The cost of a 40-pound sack is $37.95 a dollar more than last year because of an increase by the supplier. The chile specialty store gets its green chile from Hatch, where a local farmer is its sole supplier. Salazar said this year comes with a big treat: Miss June peppers. The meaty and spicy pepper is similar to the Big Jim variety, but it packs the heat of Sandia peppers. Most people who like the heat have to get smaller peppers, Salazar said. Those are harder to peel. Miss June is large and easy to peel. Pat Romero, owner of The Fruit Basket, said he has been moving through 100 bags a day, at 40 pounds a piece. Its been good. Every year is a hell of a year, said Romero. Its really taking off now. Journal photographer Marla Brose contributed to this report. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps plan for an aggressive hiring surge of 15,000 Border Patrol and immigration personnel to help keep out undocumented immigrants is unrealistic and the Department of Homeland Security has not made a case for it, the agencys watchdog says. A report released this week by the DHS inspector general concludes that based on its rigorous screening requirement for law enforcement jobs and the relatively high rate of attrition among Border Patrol agents, Homeland Security would have to vet 750,000 applicants to find 5,000 qualified personnel. In addition, to hire the 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents the president called for in executive orders he issued in his first days in office, a pool of 500,000 candidates would need to apply, auditors found. The report calls into question whether DHS officials even need 15,000 new hires to target undocumented immigrants. Agency leaders have done such poor planning for what their workforce should look like, with an understaffed, poorly trained human resources operation, that they cannot justify thousands of new employees, the report says. Neither [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] nor [ICE] could provide complete data to support the operational need or deployment strategies for the additional 15,000 agents and officers, said the report by the office of Inspector General John Roth. DHS officials told auditors that they are still three to four years from getting a system in place that will be able to tell them how many new personnel they need and where to deploy them. Without comprehensive staffing models, operational needs analyses, and deployment strategies, CBP and ICE will not be able to identify clearly the correct number and type of employees required, what positions must be filled, or where to deploy those employees, the report said. Trump promised on the campaign trail to vastly beef up enforcement against undocumented immigrants with a new border wall, a surge in agents to help seal off the Southwest border with Mexico and a deportation force to arrest people in the country illegally. The 15,000 new front-line employees would come with almost 9,600 more technical and support staff, the report said. The White House has stalled in getting Congress to approve funding to start construction of a wall. The hiring effort has stalled, too even though the Office of Personnel Management gave Homeland Security officials special authority for a year to fill jobs without competition, circumventing the governments cumbersome hiring rules. The immigration and Border Patrol departments have long had trouble hiring qualified candidates quickly and retaining them because of polygraph requirements, remote workplaces and low pay, compared with other law enforcement jobs. Turnover averages 6 percent a year for the Border Patrol and 4 percent for ICE. Homeland Securitys personnel office suffers from fragmented systems, duplicative and paper-based processes and not enough of the staff or automation it needs to hire this many new employees, auditors found. They note that 61 percent of the 21,000 Border Patrol agents actually patrol the Southwest border, a number that may actually understate the number of employees assigned to management and administrative work. Almost 1,000 more agents than headquarters officials have allocated are assigned to intelligence roles in the field, auditors found. The use of Border Patrol Agents performing duties not directly tied to ensuring complete operational control of the border calls into question the departments operational need for 5,000 new agents, the report said. It also questions whether DHS even needs 15,000 new officers to carry out its mission as immigration arrests decline. The Border Patrol apprehended 12,193 people along the Southwest border in March, compared with 18,754 in February, a 35 percent decrease, and 31,577 in January, a 61 percent slide. These trends may impact the number of new Border Patrol agents needed, the report said. In its response to auditors, a DHS official defended the presidents mandate to hire thousands of new agents, calling the push a response to emerging operational needs and changes in technology. DHS remains committed to ensuring correct staffing levels, ratios and placements, Jim H. Crumpacker, the departments liaison with the inspector general, wrote. Congressional Democrats pounced on the findings as proof that the president rushed to fulfill a campaign promise without planning. Its not surprising that President Trumps decree to drastically expand the Border Patrol and increase his deportation force was put in place without a clear need for the 15,000 new agents and officers or a plan for hiring and deploying them, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement. I hope DHS goes back to the drawing board and shows us the need for new personnel along with a clear plan on how to better manage them once deployed. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the countrys second largest car manufacturer and largest passenger car exporter achieved an overwhelming response on its Unique and Innovative Digital Marketing Initiative- HyBUY and achieved the 300 units of online booking target within 2 weeks of its launch. Speaking on the success of the HyBUY initiative, Mr. Puneet Anand, Sr. General Manager (Marketing) & Group Head, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said: We are overwhelmed with the response to the HyBUY initiative. We thank the customers for their participation in this first-ever, group buying concept in the auto industry which was designed to give Power to The People through social sharing which resulted in 300 bookings in just 2 weeks. The success of this initiative is a testimony of Hyundais determined and innovative approach that encourages us to conceptualize many such campaigns that add Brilliant Moments to the lives of our customers. Hyundais HyBUY sets an industry benchmark, redefining the car buying journey for customers through gamification of the buying experience where more the people come together and book an Elite i20, bigger the offer gets. It is based on 3 main pillars Simple, Caring and Creative, fueling Hyundai brands key vision of being Lifetime partners in Automobile and Beyond. HyBUY utilizes the strength of online connectivity and encourages customers to invite friends to join the HyBUY deal so the benefits get bigger together and there is no better platform to fuel this cause than Social Media. The campaign was designed to motivate customers to not only book and buy an Elite i20 but to amplify the deal by sharing it to their social network for all to gain more benefits and rewards, thus giving Power to The People. For more information on HyBUY login to: www.HyBUY.in VML SEA & India, was named the 2017 Adobe SEA & India Partner of the Year, at the Adobe Experience Forum 2017 in Singapore. VML has won this award, second year in the running. The accolade recognizes VMLs continued success in leveraging the potential of the Adobe Marketing Cloud, in order to develop and deliver unparalleled customer experiences for its brands in the Asia Pacific region. It is another feather in the agencys cap, as VML had recently also been awarded Most Innovative Mobile Experience at the Adobe APAC Partner Forum in February 2017, for their work with Ford; and India Digital Marketing Partner of the Year 2016 in the Government and Public Sector Category. The VML SEA & India -Adobe partnership stems from a common desire to automate marketing with artificial intelligence, and aims to help brands achieve digital maturity by setting up their products, people and process for success. VML SEA & India is a certified Adobe Specialized Partner and the Adobe Centre of Excellence for VML across Asia Pacific. This partnership has immense potential for business transformation across Asia. The agency is currently empowering the digital customer experience for numerous brands in the region, including Ford, Lincoln, CIMB, DSP Blackrock, Kelloggs, Mediacorp, SkillsFuture Singapore. VML also works with Adobes Media Optimizer (AMO) product to power the agencys campaigns side of the business. Most of the media spends today are executed using automation and the sheer scale of campaigns makes it difficult to optimize manually on continuous basis. By deploying AMO for many of their clients, VML is able to deliver a huge advantage in maximizing the media ROI by proper attribution and allocation of spends. Tripti Lochan, CEO, Southeast Asia & India, VML said, We are honored to be recognized once again as a strategic Adobe partner. In the past year, our partnership with Adobe has grown from strength to strength, as we continue to work together to achieve our shared goal of digital transformation for our clients in the region. This award affirms the work that has gone into building our Platform & Experiences practice. We are very optimistic for a more exciting year ahead in our partnership with Adobe. According to Gary Teo, Regional Projects & Technology Director, Southeast Asia & India, The heart of VML is about enabling brands to deliver impactful and memorable customer experiences that truly delight and inspire. As consumers become increasingly mobile-first, this customer experience has expanded to encompass mobile. By leveraging Adobes technology, weve been able to really understand consumer needs at a granular level, across all stages of their digital journey, allowing us to achieve incomparable performance for some of the regions biggest brands. By implementing Adobe products both as a standalone and an integrated solution, VML empowers clients to maximize the returns on their investment both seamlessly and efficiently. This enables the agency to continue to deliver secure, scalable, high performance solutions that unlock the true potential of the Adobe platform. Nippon Paint (India) recently launched a new Ad Campaign that features their Brand Ambassador, the animated character Blobby. Mr. S Mahesh Anand, President Decorative Paint, Nippon Paint India, unveiled the new Ad campaign and said the company is delighted to know that the campaign is being received well by all including some celebrities. Nippons Ad campaign, created by Rubecon, features Blobbies. Blobby is the Brand Ambassador for the campaign and it has evolved from a Paint Blob (drop) hence the name. Blobbies are not just colours. Some of the Blobbies have different functionalities also like Air Purifying Blobby, Heat Resistant Blobby, Stain Repellent Blobby etc. While all the Paint brands use different celebrities as the faces, we use an interesting caricature called Blobby, which is fun, cute, lovable and powerful. Resonating with Nippons positioning of hi-tech paints that stand out for its international quality, Blobbies, enabled with hi-tech gadgets protect walls. This new ad campaign is being telecast on all the leading channels of Tamil Nadu. On the launch, Mr. S Mahesh Anand, President Decorative Paint, Nippon Paint India commented, We are excited to launch this innovative Ad campaign featuring Blobby, a character which is synonymous with the exuberance, fun and colourfulness of the brand. This campaign is made at par with international standards to reflect our position as Asias Real No. 1 paint. It is unique, as no brand has ever tried a caricature like Blobby in the paint industry. We hope that this resonates well with our young customers. In a move which highlights its push for greater growth across international markets, POKKT, India & SEAs leading smartphone advertising platform for mobile games (https://pokkt.com/main) has strengthened its leadership team with several key additions. The company has announced the appointment of Siddharth Kelkar as Vice President & Business Head Performance Advertising, Shrikant Rajemahadik as Global Head Publisher Acquisition, Wayne Li as General Manager Programmatic in Singapore, and David Zenna as General Manager Programmatic Sales in USA. POKKTs latest move comes close on heels of the appointment of Abdul Wahab as its Vice President & Global Head Delivery and underlines its efforts to bolster its leadership ranks by bringing in experienced industry veterans with domain-specific expertise. Speaking on the development, Rohit Sharma, CEO & Founder, POKKT said, POKKT is today the preferred platform for most brand advertisers in the India & SEA when they want to reach out to gaming audiences. We work with over 100 Global and local brands and are preferred partners for most Media Agencies in the Region. Leveraging our huge in-app inventory, over 200 successful campaigns and our strong data capabilities, we see two key growth drivers for us in the future. One is a great opportunity to expand our Brand Advertising business to other global markets, USA being the first one of them. And second is to scale up our performance advertising business in India and SEA. This is why we have focussed on strengthening our leadership team by bringing several domain experts on board. Siddharth has a robust experience of more than 15 years in the digital sales and media space, and has worked with leading brands like Reliances Zapak.com, Network 18, Hindustan Times and Times of India. Prior to joining POKKT, he was with SVG Media where he was heading Seventynines brand video and performance business and has also worked with Ozone Media as AVP for its mobile and desktop business. David Zenna is dynamic digital sales strategist with more than 17 years of experience in all aspects of digital advertising including Big Data, Display, Programmatic, Search, Social and Mobile. He has previously worked across multiple sectors with companies like Haymarket Media Group, Monster Worldwide, Investopedia ULC, Experian Hitwise, and Datran Media before joining POKKT. Abdul Wahab brings 13+ years of relevant industry experience to his new role, having previously served as Senior Director Supply & Delivery at C1 Exchange. He has held leadership roles in several top companies like Vizury, Vserv, Ibibo, and Zenith Optimedia. Shrikanth Rajemahadik is a veteran business enabler and growth expert. He has over 13 years of experience in leading business growth for new as well as dormant accounts, as well in driving revenue generation and optimisation. Before coming on board at POKKT, he was heading revenue for Nazara Games, one of the leading game developers & publishers based out of India, as its AGM Operations & Revenue (Gaming). He has also worked with leading brands such as Bubbly, Network18 Media, and Samsung Electronics in various capacities. Specialising in sales, strategy, digital media, and marketing, Wayne Li holds extensive experience in the field of business development. Before POKKT, he was working with iClick Interactive Asia Limited and was leading its sales vertical in the Southeast Asia region. He was also associated with Mcmillion Pte. Ltd, providing strategic direction to its three key business lines Mobile App, Product Development, and Distribution. POKKT is looking to build on its robust in-app advertising business, which has registered concomitant growth in line with the rise of the casual gaming space in India and Southeast Asia. The company is already amongst the leading in-app video advertising platforms in India and Southeast Asia. With a strong focus on gaming apps, the platform currently works with 300+ game publishers in the region as their preferred monetisation partner, and is also associated with over 100 brand advertisers including Unilever, GSK, Pepsi, Coke, P&G etc. European footwear majors Indian subsidiary, Bata India announced the appointment of Sandeep Kataria as the Country Manager for the India sub-continent as on Aug 01, 2017. Sandeep joins from his last assignment as Chief Commercial Officer at Vodafone India, and he will be based in Gurgaon. A Business Leader, Sandeep has over 2 decades in the consumer industry, covering design and deployment of business strategy, brand management and sales & marketing leadership across the developing and developed markets. Having held roles ranging from Regional Sales manager to Global Brand Director in Unilever and from Chief Marketing Officer to Chief Executive Officer in Yum! Brands, Sandeep now has his role cut-out to grow Bata India from strength to strength. He will be reporting into Mr. Rajeev Gopalakrishnan, who has been elevated as President of Asia South, based in Singapore, with a broader perimeter encompassing: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia & New Zealand. This development is in line with Bata Indias growth trajectory which picked up significant momentum under Mr. Gopalakrishnan. He has indeed been pivotal in driving the product, brand, retail and manufacturing levers of the business. A clear reflection of past few years trajectory has been Batas share price almost tripling in the last 6 years from a value of INR 196 per share in Apr 2011 to INR 584 per share as on date and wining several awards including the most admired Retail footwear brand in India by Brand Equity, Images Retail, Dun & Bradstreet. Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Rajeev Gopalakrishnan, President, Asia South, Bata said I am confident that Sandeep will play a critical role in continuing to build Bata as a contemporary and stylish brand, keeping in mind the changing consumer trend in India and will drive the company to achieve the accelerated growth plan. Sandeep holds a Bachelor of Technology degree (Chemical Engineering) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur. He has lived and worked in India (Delhi and Mumbai) and UK (London). Mr. Sandeep Kataria, Country Manager, Bata India said," I am very excited for the opportunity to lead Bata in India - a very strong, trusted and admired brand with immense potential to grow rapidly. My association with Bata goes back to my teenage days when I used to spend my summer vacations in my grandfather's shoe business in Agra. I look forward to helping to take the business to greater heights across many channels, consumer segments and geographies." We all grew up loving Sherlock Holmes and CID. Didnt we? There is something fascinatingly charming about detectives. Inherently, yes, they are doing good for the society by going after the truth. But there is also this mysterious quality about them that makes them irresistible on-screen. Offering one such gripping narrative of a murder mystery, &pictures, Naye India Ka Blockbuster Movie Channel, presents the World Television Premiere of Samrat & Co. on Sunday, 6th August at 8 PM. Samrat & Co. saw Rajshri Productions break away from their family dramas and venture into the genre of crime thrillers for the first time ever. Directed by Kaushik Ghatak, the film stars erstwhile television heart-throb Rajeev Khandelwal in the title role along with Madalsa Sharma and Gopal Dutt. Rajeev who is credited as a seasoned actor was so impressed with the narrative that he started shooting the film before knowing the climax. Rajeev Khandelwal said Samrat & Co should surely be a refreshing experience for the television audience. Detective based films are not regularly made in Hindi film industry so this one directed by Kaushik Ghatak and produced by Kavita Barjatya should excite the audience. Also the Rajshri banner assures perfect family viewing. So sit together and let Samrat take you on a thrilling adventure. A series of strange occurrences at her house compels Dimpy (Madalsa Sharma) to reach out to a private investigator Samrat(Rajeev Khandelwal). Famous for his unconventional and flawless detection abilities, Samrat agrees to help Dimpy. As he tries to connect the jig-saw pieces, everyone who could be a potential evidence starts dying mysteriously. A complete turnover of events makes Samrats quest to find out the truth even more difficult, making it the most complex case of his career. Will Samrat be able to find the answers he is looking for? ~Watch the World Television Premiere of investigative-crime thriller Samrat & Co. this Sunday, 6th August at 8 PM only on &pictures~ KYIV, Ukraine, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Interleaseinvest Group AG, the 100% beneficiary of Ukraine-based Interleaseinvest LLC, received a response from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) of the European Commission that the claim which the company had sent to OLAF in June is currently under evaluation. "Addressing OLAF is yet another step we have taken to restore justice in the case of seizure of our company in Ukraine, which has been already confirmed by several court rulings. We hope that OLAF investigation will strengthen our position in the European Courts, where we still defend our rights and good name," said Konstantin Misakov of Interleaseinvest Group AG. In September 2014 the company became victim of a hostile takeover, when the company's legitimate management was dismissed. The company's biggest project financed by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, providing for the acquisition of 3000 new railcars, was stopped. Up until September 2016, the company's legitimate management was physically unable to serve the EBRD's loan. As a result, some of the company's assets were claimed by EBRD as collateral. Interleaseinvest AG's claims to OLAF concern the documents signed between the hostile management of the company and EBRD officers during the takeover period. Namely, the company wants OLAF to investigate the reasons why the management and EBRD signed a conciliation agreement, in which the railcars were claimed at a price much lower than the one fixed in the collateral agreement, which led to a net loss of 30 mln USD to the bank. As of now, Interleaseinvest AG is defending its rights in the court of Amsterdam. Also, it awaits the results of international investigation launched by Ukrainian Prosecutor General, in which the latter seeks cooperation from relevant UK authorities. EBRD provided the loan of USD 90 million for Interleaseinvest back in 2011. It was issued to finance the acquisition of approximately 1,500 railcars. The loan aimed to support the railway sector reform in Ukraine via increased private sector participation and more widespread private ownership. The project's total value was USD 300 mln, which made it one of the biggest in Eastern Europe. For additional information please contact Interleaseinvest Group AG Konstantin Misakov tel: +380967723369, info@interleaseinvest.com Amtrak has officially announced a partnership with Lyft that will make it easier for riders to get from the Amtrak station they arrive at to where they actually need to go. The partnership manifested as an integration of the Amtrak and Lyft apps, allowing customers to access Lyft from inside the Amtrak app. As a bonus, users can enter the code AMTRAKLYFT during checkout in order to get $5 off of each of their first four Lyft rides from an Amtrak station. Depending on the distance, this could make Lyft the cheapest option for getting from a station to your actual destination. Lyft serves the communities around 97 percent of Amtrak stations in America, meaning that almost any Amtrak trip can have Lyft used for its final leg. Since partnering up with Google, Lyft has been aggressively expanding its reach in places where it would make sense to interject itself. The ridesharing company has been in talks with the likes of Disney and Taco Bell, among others. Last-mile and first-mile transit partnerships with larger transport entities like airlines and long-range bus lines, or in this case, long-range train lines, are one of the best potential profit areas for companies like Lyft; its unlikely that road-weary travelers would want to pony up for a traditional cab or try to deal with local transportation methods like metros and buses to reach their ending destinations. This can especially hold true in this case, given the way that this partnership makes Lyft the cheapest available option in many situations. Even after the first four ride coupons are used up, Lyft is generally more cost-effective than a taxi while being easier than walking, taking a bus, or navigating a metro rail system. While first-mile and last-mile transit deals are nothing new in the transportation industry, this particular segment may end being dominated by Lyft in the wake of recent troubles at Uber that have left the company in a fairly rough shape, both financially and in the public eye. Similar companies on a smaller, local scale do exist, but with Googles backing, none can boast the brand clout and financial power that Lyft now can, making it a more likely candidate for deals like this than local options in most markets. The Android 7.1.0 update for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus is now under review, with the South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recently submitting the build to its wireless carrier partners, a Vodafone Australia official confirmed on Tuesday. The mobile service provider didnt disclose a specific time frame for the rollout of the latest software package for Samsungs flagship duo, though such updates are usually only tested by carriers for a few weeks at most. The fact that the Australian division of Vodafone received the firmware for testing indicates that many others did as well and Samsung may issue an official announcement of the new software in the coming days. The Seoul-based phone maker launched the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus with Android 7.0 Nougat, and while some obscure hints that the two devices will receive Android 7.1 existed since mid-April, the company never confirmed that in any capacity, with some industry watchers speculating that the handsets will be updated to Android O directly from the 7.0 build in early 2018. That apparently wont be the case, though it remains to be seen how long does the consumer electronics manufacturer take to roll out the smaller update to unlocked variants of its devices that are expected to start receiving it before any carrier-locked versions do. Both Samsung and its partners will distribute the software package as an over-the-air (OTA) update that will gradually roll out to users. Once the rollout begins, owners of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will also be able to search for the update manually through the Settings app on their smartphones. Vodafone Australias recent listing only mentions bug fixes and stability improvements in the context of the Android 7.1 update for the Galaxy S8 series, though the handsets should also receive a number of new features that Google packaged into this particular build of its operating system, including the Daydream VR and Night Light modes, as well as changes to the way their devices handle software updates. Its currently unclear whether the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will also receive Android 7.1.0 Nougat from Samsung, though both phones are at least scheduled to get Android O next year. Yia Yuetings problems seem to be piling up as of late, as the Beijing court just approved China Construction Banks application to freeze 250 million Yuan ($37.2 million) of Yia Yuetings assets. According to the provided info, Beijing civil court approved of this on July 25, the court basically froze Jia Yuetings assets, but thats not all. Assets of Leshi Internet Information & Technology Co. (LeEcos listed arm), Leshi Holdings and Jia Yuemin (Jias elder brother and Heshi Holdings director) suffered the same fate, as their assets got frozen for up to three years. Now, some of you probably recall that this is not the first time that Yia Yuetings assets got frozen lately, the same happened in early July, when a Shanghai court ruled in favor of China Merchants Banks application, and the bank basically wanted to freeze $182 million in assets which belong to Jia Yueting, his wife and three LeEco affiliates. Problems seem to be piling up, not only for Yia Yueting, but also LeEco, which is obviously cash-strapped following a number of wrong business choices. LeEco basically over-expanded, and that is the main reason why the company is in this situation, as a number of investments did not really help the company. LeEcos expansion to the US did not go according to plan, and it remains to be seen what will happen next. Now, as far as Yia Yueting goes, its worth noting that he quite as chairman of Leshi last month, and he did the same for his CEO role in LeEco back in May. Yia Yueting is not even LeEcos chairman any longer, if recent reports are to be believed, though he still owns the majority stake in the company. Both LeEco and Yia Yueting seems to be in deep waters lately, and things are certainly not looking good at the moment, as bad news keep on coming. It remains to be seen if LeEco will be able to find a source of some serious income, and fast, considering that the company was forced to lay off quite a few people in the last couple of months, and it also had to make other business-related cuts. Yia Yueting, did, however, swore that hell make sure that the companys debts are paid, he actually released that statement last month. Social networking giant Facebook has acquired artificial intelligence (AI) startup Ozlo as a part of the companys effort to step up its development of conversational AI for Messenger. Ozlo announced on its website that the company will be joining the Messenger team to provide users of the instant messaging service with experiences fueled by AI and machine learning. The cost of acquisition is not immediately known at the time of this writing, as Facebook refused to disclose details of the deal. Employees of Ozlo will now be consolidated into Facebook, though its founder Charles Jolley who previously worked at Facebook as head of platform for Android wont be joining the social media company again. Ozlos team is comprised of 30 individuals with professional background in machine learning, data science, search and relevance, and computational linguistics. One of the things that Ozlo and the Messenger team will be focusing on is the natural language processing space, with Ozlo noting that its knowledge graph includes more than 2 billion entities used by its AI technology to understand nuances in real-world scenarios. Facebook says part of the terms of the acquisition is to integrate that knowledge base into the work that Ozlo and the Messenger team will perform moving forward. Ozlos AI technology is designed to assist intelligent systems in learning from real-world situations and Ozlo-powered systems are now capable of providing a more sensible interaction with real people. While the Ozlo team will collaborate with the people behind Messenger to build out a personal assistant for users, it remains unclear what specific role Ozlo will fill at Facebook since the company already has Facebook M, the social networks text-based virtual assistant. It is possible that Ozlos technology will serve to complement Facebook M, which recently received an update that enables the AI bot to determine what is happening in a conversation on Messenger and provide relevant suggestions to the thread. However, the personal assistant does not currently support voice control despite the fact that most other AI-based virtual assistants available out there are already voice-enabled. It remains to be seen whether Ozlo and Messenger will improve the instant messaging services capabilities to include support for voice control. An update on their AI efforts will likely follow in the near future. Google Image Search is getting badges to denote relevant actions so that when you search for anything using Google Image Search, if there is anything else for you to discover that pertains to a particular picture in the results, you can tap on the image to reveal the details that are associated with it. This could be for anything from recipes to shopping, so if you do a search for images of pizza, if theres a recipe associated with one of the images there will be a badge in the bottom left corner that tells you a recipe is available. Tapping on the image will reveal the recipe and all instructions so you can get to making it instead of just enjoying how good the pizza looks in the image. Badges wont just be for highlighting when a recipe is available. There will be badges for highlighting if the image is associated with a video as well, and tapping it will allow you to access the video for playback. There could also be badges for GIFs. Google notes that these new badges will be showing up in the Google app on Android devices but it makes no mention of them showing up in the Google app for iOS. However, it does state that the badges will show up on the mobile web as well, so anyone doing a search for images using Google Image Search in their phones browser should be able to see these pop up when theyre available. Badges dont appear to be showing up just yet in the Google app or on the mobile web, and Google makes no mention of when the new badges should start appearing for users, though its worth mentioning that the badges could already be showing up for some and not others. The examples for badges listed by Google are just a few of the possible options for badges that may show up depending on the type of item that youre searching for, so you may stumble upon more badges randomly. To bring up relevant additional details or actions following an image search, you also tap on the image itself and not the badge. While its just as easy to look up a recipe for cupcakes or any other type of food, having the badges tell you when recipes are available allows you to search for things that you may visually like the look of and then attempt to make a recipe based on that instead going for a recipe that sounds good. This should also get more users to check out image search more often as pictures will provide more interaction and things like recipes are in-line, meaning you wont be taken to a separate page to see the recipe instructions, rather the image will simply expand into a longer card with the recipe instructions right below it. The ongoing legal battle between Apple and Samsung over whether or not Samsung violated patent laws in the U.S. may continue to drag on as recent developments resulted in yet another trial continuation. The competent California-based court has, according to the source, acknowledged Samsungs claims as of July 28 but has postponed making a decision about whether a new trial should be set to determine the actual cost of damages in the case. The original case was brought by Apple back in 2011 and Apple initially won it, being awarded $339 million in damages, with that figure representing the estimated total profits Samsung made from the design patent infringed upon. This latest court drama played out following a Supreme Court ruling late last year that was made in agreement with Samsungs claims. Ultimately, it was decided that what patent law defines as an Article of manufacture does not need to be a finalized product. However, the Supreme Court opted to send the case back to the court where it was initially made, without making a decision as to the actual outcome of the charges leveled against Samsung. Meanwhile, other tech companies have weighed in on the case in the past, siding with Samsung to say that the patents in question could stifle innovation in the industry. That is likely down to the fact that the patents the case pertains to involve integral pieces of the modern smartphone experience. Apple, at the time the case began, made the claim that Samsung had infringed on design patents it held with regard to things including the use of rounded corners on a smartphone, bezels, and Samsungs use of an icon grid. The final outcome is still very much up in the air. If Samsungs specific defenses in the case hinged on the more general ruling of the Supreme Court, the company could be standing on solid footing going forward in deliberations. Bearing in mind that the tech giant has already done an efficient job defending its position with regards to damages awarded and appeals especially considering the fact that the original amount Apple was awarded was closer to $1 billion Samsung could also still be in for a real fight in a courtroom that has previously ruled against it. Nextbit, who was acquired by Razer earlier this year, has now officially shut down customer support for its only smartphone, the Robin. The company had announced that it would be shutting down customer support on August 1st, 2017, and it kept its word. Now its important to note that Nextbit has only shut down customer support, not support altogether. What this means is that if you have a bootloop issue, youre out of luck. But the Robin will still get software updates through February 2018, as Nextbit promised when the acquisition by Razer was announced. The Nextbit Robin was a pretty short lived device. It was an interesting one as well. The Robin was powered by the cloud, and it was the first smartphone to basically be entirely powered by the cloud. It launched in early 2016, with the Snapdragon 808 chipset inside. It also had 32GB of storage with 100GB of cloud storage to go with it. The Robin would offload your photos to the cloud when connected to WiFi. It would also offload apps you dont use often to the cloud, but you could easily bring them back along with all of your data in just a few seconds by tapping the icon. So essentially, this was the phone that never ran out of storage. It was indeed and interesting one, and now its going to be interesting to see what Razer does with the Robin and Nextbit. When Razer acquired Nextbit back in January, many people were wondering what the company had planned for it. Since then, some reports have come out that Razer wants to create a smartphone that is aimed at hardcore gamers. And as youd expect, that wont be a cheap smartphone. In fact, it could be one of the more expensive ones that isnt made of gold. Razer is also looking to go public next year on the Hong Kong stock exchange, so this purchase is good for Razer to help build out its brand a bit more. Even though it is a pretty popular name when it comes to gaming, specifically PC gaming. But its clear with the Nextbit acquisition, Razer wants to get into the mobile space. The Samsung Galaxy S5 may be getting old, but its still getting some software treats and the Android security patch for the month of July is now rolling out to the device. The update comes with build number G900FXXU1CQG1 and its rolling out over the air (OTA), which means that it may take a while until it hits all Galaxy S5 units. OTA updates are always gradual and reach devices in stages, but the rollout should nonetheless be complete in a few days. Its not a major update and it will not bring any new features into the mix, but its still best to install it because it will increase the security of the device and protect it against potential threats. In addition to improving security, the update that is currently rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy S5 also brings some bug fixes and general system enhancements to improve the overall experience. Google started issuing monthly Android security patches after it went through a serious scare with some malware called Stagefright, which infected millions of Android devices. To ensure that handsets running on its mobile operating system are as secure as they can be, these monthly Android security patches protect against the latest threats to make sure that no exploit is left unpatched. The security updates arrive monthly even for devices that run older versions of Android. As a reminder, the Samsung Galaxy S5 launched back in 2014 with Android KitKat on board out of the box, and it eventually got an upgrade to Android Marshmallow. Since the smartphone is already more than two years old, it is no longer receiving new versions of Android, so it will not get a taste of Android 7.0 Nougat, but its still supported with security updates. As always, before proceeding to download and install the latest update with the July security patch, make sure that the handset is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular connection and that it has at least 50 percent of battery life left. Device owners should receive a notification that the update is ready to install, but they can also manually check for the updates availability by accessing the smartphones Settings menu, then tapping on About Device, and then finally tapping on System Updates. Getting the update over a cellular connection may incur data charges. Samsungs Android-powered SM-G9298 flip phone is official with the company just having put the devices landing page up on its China website. The phone is officially called the Leader 8, though over the past couple of months or so since its been making the rounds on the web as part of leaks and rumors its been known by its model number. The device will likely be sold on Samsung Chinas web store eventually though at the time it looks like consumers may only be able to pick it up at retail stores where the phone is being sold. Having said that the phone hasnt actually been released yet, but because it will be a China Mobile exclusive the website already lists physical locations where consumers will be able to purchase it once the device does officially go on sale. As of right now there is no confirmed release date and Samsung hasnt listed what the cost will be, but considering some of the specs its not likely to be an inexpensive smartphone. It may only come with a 4.2-inch screen on the inside as well as the outside, but both the screens are Full HD and both use Samsungs extremely vivid Super AMOLED panels. The phone also comes powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, has 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage with expandable storage support, and a 2,300mAh battery. The phone is also made of Aviation-Grade Aluminum, save for the screens of course, and it features useful traits like the fingerprint sensor on the back which has support for Samsung Pay, as well as multi-function hot key on the inside which is configurable by the user to open up certain apps and functions. It even features wireless charging like all of Samsungs most recent Galaxy flagships from the last couple of years. Camera-wise, the Leader 8 comes with a 12-megapixel sensor on the back and a 5-megapixel sensor on the front, so the cameras are nothing ground-breaking, nor are the rest of the specs, but its certainly seems well-equipped. The phone will only come in one color, Black, and is likely due to go on sale in the near future. Samsungs Bixby, the competitor to the Google Assistant and Siri that debuted on the Galaxy S8, has had its fair share of disparagers, but it seems that a Redditor going by the handle mshelbym is the first to complain about it being far too talkative in one of the worst possible places a courtroom. The user recently took to Reddit to reveal that she was in a trial that was the very first for a new lawyer that she was training, and had her Galaxy S8 in her bra due to her suit jackets pockets being sewn shut. In such a tight space and with skin present to trigger the touch screen, it only took the Galaxy S8 until the end of mshelbyms opening argument to trigger Bixby. The AI indicated that it couldnt understand its users request, and repeatedly attempted to obtain a new request and the users verbal password, finally forcing the owner to retrieve the errant device, which was already on silent, and cease Bixbys loop. She indicated that the gaffe could have cost her a $200 bond to retrieve her phone, but the presiding judge was forgiving. What likely happened was that the Bixby button was pressed, and since Bixbys voice was linked to the media volume and not the ringer volume, it made its first request for a command, and ended up going off until the user finally shut it down manually. A voice-driven AI assistant going off on a tangent at an inconvenient moment isnt an occurrence thats completely unheard of, but this is likely Bixbys first recorded run-in with a confused court stenographer. This is not the first time that the case for Samsung allowing users to remap the Bixby button has been made, and it is unlikely to be the last. While many Galaxy S8 owners are finding Bixby useful, others are going as far as trying to root the device to remap the button, or even disabling Bixby entirely in favor of the Google Assistant. Even so, it is worth noting that this particular case of bad luck could have befallen almost any device; Motorola and Samsung devices with always-on screens, for example, could be accidentally unlocked in such a scenario, if the user did not set up a lock code. Even if a code was set, inadvertently triggering functions like voice commands or even the phones camera are possible. Packed into such a tight space, of course, almost any device could have had its power button accidentally depressed, leading to all sorts of awkward possibilities. Sonys mobile division has posted its Q1 2017 earnings and, while the numbers arent necessarily spectacular, they arent looking overly negative for the year so far either. The results, which were reported on today and range for the three months leading up to June 30, show that around 3.4 million Sony-branded Android smartphones for the quarter. Thats may be up only 10 percent year-over-year, but Sony has a lot of technology projects going on and isnt the biggest smartphone maker on the market by any means. In general, the companys operating profits and overall income also saw gains. Breaking that down, Sony Mobile saw almost a 300 percent increase in operating profits up to 158 billion yen or just under $1.4 billion USD. For year-over-year revenue, it also saw a 15 percent improvement, landing at 1,858 billion yen or around $16.8 billion USD. It isnt all good news, however, since the company actually reported a drop of about 3 percent in mobile revenues. Moreover, the operating profits posted by the company for the quarter itself ended up at around 3.6 million yen only around $32,593 USD. Sony appears to attribute the decrease to how it shuffled its mobile devices over the past year. Mid-range devices outstripped the sales performance of higher end devices released across that timeframe. That makes sense, considering the increase in sales even though mobile revenue is down. According to Sony, the uptick in income was likely because of lower operating costs, as well as decreases in its research and development sectors. For the time being, the position of Sonys mobile division in the smartphone arena looks to be stable. Although any of that could present a problem for the company, in the short term, it could also end up helping with Sonys device sale totals in the long run. Thats because most Android users around the world are shopping in either the low or mid-range device categories, as opposed to the high-end categories. The company has spent a good amount of time increasing brand loyalty and building several excellent devices over the past several years. With announcements regarding a few more mid-rangers expected just around the corner, Sony could potentially cement itself even further in that space. Supposedly final specs of Samsungs Galaxy Note 8 leaked online on Wednesday, having been shared by a source close to the South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) who was briefed on the matter. The latest leak is largely in line with previous reports about the upcoming flagship, with the insider claiming that the Galaxy Note 8 will ship with a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display panel thats essentially just a slightly larger version of the 6.2-inch Infinity Display found on the Galaxy S8 Plus. As such, the screen will feature a tall, 18.5:9 aspect ratio, in addition to supporting a resolution of 1,400 by 2,960 pixels. The phablet is said to be 162.5 x 74.6 x 8.5mm in size, though the latter figure likely doesnt account for a slight camera bump that was seen in a number of previous renders that were said to be depicting the successor to the discontinued Galaxy Note 7. No firm details on its weight have been given so far, albeit the Galaxy Note 8 is unlikely to be significantly heavier than the Galaxy S8 Plus which tips the scale at 173g (6.10 oz). As can be seen in the latest leak shown above, the overall design of the handset is somewhat more blocky compared to the Galaxy S8 Plus that featured aggressively rounded corners, and the rear fingerprint scanner found on the phones black panel will be farther apart from the nearest camera lens than the one featured on the Galaxy S8 lineup was. The Galaxy Note 8 is also set to become Samsungs first globally available smartphone with a dual camera setup, as the source reiterated recent reports on its imaging capabilities, stating that the handset will be equipped with two 12-megapixel sensors, the main one of which will be of the wide-angle variety and have an aperture of f/1.7, as well as dual-pixel autofocus support. The other lens is a telephoto one and has an f/2.4 aperture, the source said, adding that the Galaxy Note 8 will be capable of performing 2x optical zoom. The secondary camera module housed on the slim top bezel of the phablet is reportedly an 8-megapixel sensor with an aperture of f/1.7. Its still unclear whether the front camera will support optical image stabilization, though both rear sensors are said to benefit from OIS. The Galaxy Note 8 will be IP68-certified and come with Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip (SoC) in the United States, whereas the international variant will feature Samsungs in-house Exynos 8895, according to the same report. While the silicon powering the device is identical to the Galaxy S8 series, the upcoming phablet is said to ship with 6GB of RAM. Its internal storage configuration will remain unchanged, standing at 64GB of microSD-expandable memory. A non-removable 3,300mAh battery should also be part of the package, with the device itself being initially available in Midnight Black and Maple Gold colors shown above. Samsung will eventually release the Deep Sea Blue and Orchid Grey variants of the smartphone, presumably around the holiday season. Following its August 23 announcement, the Galaxy Note 8 will be released in late September and cost over $1,000 in certain territories, previous reports indicated. Verizon Wireless has today launched a new rewards program, Verizon Up. It seems the ethos behind this is to simplify how its rewards program works, as at the heart of it Verizon customers will now receive one point (credit) for every $300 they spend with Verizon through monthly billing. In return, those individual credits can be redeemed against individual rewards. So in short, one reward costs one credit, and one credit is awarded each time a customer reaches $300 in paid billing. Verizon even states that each customer who enrolls in the new program will get their first credit, just by enrolling. Where things get slightly more complicated is that the one reward per credit is what Verizon refers to as Earned Rewards. As the company has also now announced two further reward categories, Unexpected Rewards and Super Tickets. The latter two are not part of the earned credit process and instead are designed to be less-frequently encountered and not the result of direct customer behavior/spending. Instead Verizon states that Unexpected Rewards will be sent to customers every so often, and not all customers. Examples (given by Verizon) of when these rewards may come through is just to say thank you to a customer, or on special occasions such as the anniversary of when a customer joined Verizon. In contrast, Super Tickets will be a first-come-first-served type of affair, where tickets to various events will be announced alongside a ticket availability countdown. The idea being that when the countdown ends, those who are quick enough will secure those Super Tickets. Interestingly, the FAQs also briefly describes another reward category, referred to as Dream Tickets. Very little information is provided on this one and it is expected that these rewards will only be available to a very select number of customers. Although, Verizon does describe Dream Tickets as once-in-a-lifetime / money cant buy experiences. Existing Verizon customers may be asking what is happening with Smart Rewards which up until today was the companys main rewards program. Well, in announcing the launch of Verizon Up, Verizon has also confirmed that the new rewards program will replace Smart Rewards. Although it will be a gradual replacing with Smart Rewards due to be fully retired on November 1, 2017. Between now and then, while the program will still be technically active, Verizon customers will no longer be able to earn points, or take advantage of any daily deals. Essentially, between now and November 1, Smart Rewards will remain open so that customers who already have points, can spend those points. A Queensland local council, which recently achieved a pioneering feat in Australia, has confirmed that it will continue to tap the services of a national firm due to its performance on the novel deal. Gadens had supported the Sunshine Coast Council from the start of its Sunshine Coast Solar Farm project, which recently went online and made the local government the first in Australia to offset all of its power needs from renewable energy.Gadens fielded a construction, infrastructure, and procurement team led by partner Paul Muscat. The team aided the council on procurement, project and contract delivery method for the project. It also supported the Sunshine Coast government in all procurement and contract documents, including with administration of the contracts.Paul Skillen, procurement and contracts manager at the Sunshine Coast Council, praised Muscat and his team for their performance.The experience and expertise provided by Paul Muscat and his team throughout the whole procurement, project delivery, and contracting of our solar farm project has been invaluable. Paul has advised on our procurement plan, project delivery method, and drafted our expression of interest, early tenderer involvement and tender documents, through to the drafting and negotiation of the project contracts, Skillen said.He said the team proactively assisted the council from the preparation of the procurement plan to undertaking the councils first-ever early tenderer involvement process. It also helped with the subsequent tender. Skillen also said that Muscat identified contract administration issues and areas of procurement risk, while providing pragmatic and commercial solutions to issues, during the procurement process.We will continue to instruct Paul in relation to the ongoing administration of the design and build contract and the subsequent operate and maintain contract, Skillen said. also worked on the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm. Reed Smith has re-elected Alexander Y. Sandy Thomas as its global managing partner.The election was uncontested and means he stays in the role for a further four years until 31 July 2020. It is his second term for the firm which has only had 11 leaders in its 140-year history. Thomas is also chair of Reed Smiths executive committee.During his first term, Thomas has overseen several changes including new offices in Frankfurt and Miami; its Formal Law Alliance with Singapore firm Resource Law LLC; and the hire of 50 lawyers from the former European arm of King & Wood Mallesons.The global expansion of Eversheds Sutherland has continued with a new office in Dusseldorf.The office builds on the firms existing German presence in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich and will initially focus on real estate and insurance before expanding to full service.The launch team includes three partners and eleven lawyers.Eversheds Sutherland expanded its Asia Pacific capabilities earlier this year with the launch of Eversheds Harry Elias in Singapore.The Singapore office of Mayer Brown JSM has two new partners who join the firms banking & finance practice as co-leaders of a Pan Asia practice focusing on trade finance, structured finance and governance and advisory services.Angelia Chia and Ben Sandstad are returning to private practice after leading global teams at a major bank and have a combined 40 years of experience.For Sandstad, the law firm is familiar territory as he was head of structured finance in Asia for Mayer Brown JSM from 2010 to 2013."The arrival of Angelia and Ben signifies the firms ongoing commitment to expanding the Singapore office and the service offerings we extend to clients around the globe," said Kevin Owen, the managing partner of Mayer Brown JSMs offices in Singapore and Bangkok. When two large firms known around the word for their litigation expertise are rumoured to be discussing a merger, its bound to make waves in the legal profession. However, what few expected when Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan confirmed it is talking to Williams & Connolly about a possible union was an outright denial from the latter firm.Legal Business reported that the two firms have begun discussions for a merger , with none other than John Quinn himself confirming the news. Though he said that the talks were very preliminary, it meant that Williams & Connolly was at least considering a deal.It is true that we had a meeting on this subject but it was very preliminary and we dont know what, if anything, will come of this, Quinn said.However, this was bluntly denied by Williams & Connolly.While Quinn Emanuel is an excellent law firm, we are happy just the way we are. We have no plans to merge with them or any other law firm, Dane Butswinkas, Williams & Connolly chairman, told Law.com Discussions about a possible deal, which could reshape the BigLaw landscape in the US and beyond, reportedly started in July. If it were to become a reality, it would be a significant change for both firms.Quinn Emanuel has not been part of a full-scale merger since its founding, while Williams & Connolly is known for bucking modern law firm trends. It hasnt organised itself into practice groups and it appointed its first-ever managing partner just two years ago. Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. TDI SUV The RS Q8 was rumored to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017... and it kind of was. Instead of calling it an RS, Audi chose to emphasize its new division and called it the Q8 Sport instead. But it had the trademark mirror caps and honeycomb mesh grille of an RS model, sharing some features with the new RS5 Coupe. You Say 'tomato,' I say 'tomato'!Unlike previous Audi models, we discovered via patents, there's no logo. It could just be a case of marketing jitters from the Germans instead of clear production intentions.The head of Audi Sport, Stephan Winkelmann, has previously hinted that the production version of the Q8 Sport concept would be sold all over the world, unlike the SQ7 which is largely limited to Europe due to its 4.0engine.Speaking of which, it's pretty clear what kind of engine will power the biggest RS: a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 of the Porsche Panamera Turbo variety. Roughly the same engine will also motivate the Lamborghini Urus. The fact that they didn't stick the 8-cylinder under the hood of any Q7 model suggests they were saving it for something special.While the 4.0-liter is the most likely powertrain, it's not the only possibility. Let's remember that Q8 Sport concept offered 476 HP from a combination of twin-turbo V6, an e-charger, and electric motor.If we're to call this an e-tron, then there's another rumor worth looking into: the supposed S8 e-tron which is said to replace the S8 plus and borrow the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's monster setup. Why would that offer than in an S8 and not their attention-grabbing flagship SUV? A solid-gold replica of the Apollo 11 lunar landing module that had belonged to Neil Armstrong was stolen from the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, late Friday night, according to local police. Three of the 5-inch-high 18-karat-gold lunar module replicas were created by Cartier, in France, on a commission from the Le Figaro newspaper, which raised the money through a subscription drive. The replicas were given to Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins during their world tour in 1969. In the museum, the replica was part of an exhibit showcasing that world tour. Were incredibly disappointed in the event, that somebody would take an item like this and would rob a museum, and would take cultural items away from the public, Armstrong museum executive director Chris Burton said Monday. He said he couldnt put a monetary value on the artifact. We dont really deal in monetary value, we deal in historical value, Burton said. So, the historical value is great. In terms of the monetary value, thats not really something that were concerned with. Security cameras show that an individual broke into the museum near midnight. A security alarm summoned police, but when they arrived, the thief was already gone. Our greatest concern is that the object is returned in as near-perfect condition as can be at this point, so that future generations can get an opportunity to enjoy it, Burton said. Several other items from the exhibit also were taken, including award ribbons and commemorative coins and medals. Armstrong, who died in 2012, was from Wapakoneta. The Perlan II glider reached its own best altitude of 32,500 feet this week as the team plans to soar well past the existing sailplane record of 50,727 feet, set by Einar Enevoldson and Steve Fossett in Perlan I in 2006. To get the pressured, two-seat glider to the target altitude of 90,000 feet, Perlan Project CEO Ed Warnock has taken his team to El Calafate, Argentina, where a strong jet stream near the south pole combines with the massive terrain of the Andes to create the worlds strongest mountain waves. The high-altitude explorers plan to do some science on their way to setting the new glider altitude record. Perlan II will be fitted with air sampling equipment for environmental research, and Warnock says the lack of an engine will allow for collection of uncontaminated air at altitudes beyond the reach of most aircraft. Airbus Perlan Mission II will allow us to study a range of atmospheric phenomenon that ultimately will give us more accurate models of our upper atmosphere and the climatic changes that matter to every world citizen, says Warnock. As demand for air travel rises, and we are faced with questions about how to safely and more efficiently transport a growing population, the insights that Airbus Perlan Mission II will be collecting are invaluable, said Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas and sponsor of the project. Perlans discoveries will help us shape the future of aerospace with innovations related to design and engineering, more efficient air travel and even aviation science related to travel on Mars. Flying air taxis from Germany are ready to conquer the world, Volocopter announced on Tuesday, thanks to 25 million Euros invested by Daimler and a handful of others. Using this fresh capital, Volocopter will further expand upon the leading technology in its purely electrically driven VTOLs, speed up the introduction process of the Volocopter serial model, and conquer the market for flying air taxis, the company said. Florian Reuter, managing director of Volocopter, added: The strong financial commitment of our new investors is a signal as well as proof of the growing confidence in the newly emerging market for electrically driven VTOLs put to use as personal air taxis. We deliberately sought a mix of investors with strategic and entrepreneurial backgrounds and were able to implement this perfectly. Together with its partners, Volocopter said it will use the new funding to develop the Volocopter up to production maturity and secure commercial licensing through aviation authorities worldwide. The engineering staff will be expanded, adding specialists in the development of flight systems, software and electric propulsion. Funds also will be invested in marketing and promotion, including the development of a new website, which launched on Tuesday. Volocopter said that by the end of this year, it will conduct initial demonstrations of an autonomous air taxi, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai. The first fully certified Volocopter should be on the market next year. A majority of Americans on both sides of the aisle are not only unhappy with the current tax system, but they feel that a major tax reform plan needs to pass, according to a new poll from America First Policies given exclusively to Axios. Why it matters: The survey results suggest that tax reform is "truly a bipartisan concern," said Brian Walsh, president of America First Policies, in the press release. However, the administration hasn't made any bipartisan efforts on their tax reform plan thus far. Instead, Republicans are committed to passing their tax plan via reconciliation, which means it would only need Republican votes in the Senate. And the admin hasn't reached out to any of the 10 red-state Democratic Senators to discuss tax reform, which some veteran Republican operatives have told Axios is political malpractice not to consult with these Senators on the issue. America First Policies is one of the largest and arguably most influential pro-Trump outside groups. Six of Trump's former campaign aides who helped him get elected started the nonprofit in January as a way to support and advocate for his administration's policies at the grassroots level. Study higlights: 2 August 2017 13:27 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The national army is the place hated by all Armenian parents, who have son, as they are aware of those terrible conditions, under which the Armenian soldiers have to serve for two years. Alongside the poor infrastructure in the Armenian military units, soldiers have to endure constant violence, bullying and humiliation. Therefore, mothers are afraid of sending their sons to serve in the Armenian army. One of them is Anahit Harutyunyan, the mother of Grigor Harutyunyan, who was declared missing during the four-day Karabakh fighting in April 2016. She refuses to let her second son, her only breadwinner, to serve in the Armenian army. Before the recruitment of Anahits son Seryozha for the army service, she appealed to the recruiting office in Yerevan with the request to release her son from service. They called me and demanded some documents proving that over the last ten years my sons Grigor and Seryozha were my caretakers, and after Grigors death only Seryozha takes care of me, Anahit told nt.am. She also noted her problems with blood pressure. The woman submitted all necessary documents to the recruiting office, and then they were sent to the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces. Later, chief of the General Staff Movses Hakobyan responded saying that Anahits son might get a reprieve. Our recruiting office submitted all the documents to the Yerevan City Hall, which did not refuse and assured me that there will be a reprieve, says Anahit. However, the woman says, on July 31, she suddenly received a call from the recruiting office and was told that the Defense Minister of Armenia did not approve the statement of reprieve. Thus, Seryozha Harutyunyan will be called for service in the Armenian army. On the same day, the woman went to the recruiting office and wrote a statement about refusal of letting her son go to serve in army. The defense minister should come forward and release my son from the service, given the fact that he has no father, we live in difficult social conditions, he is the brother of the deceased soldier and is the sole caretaker of his sick mother, Anahit said. They will take Seryozha to the army only over my dead body! Armenias Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan had earlier made a public statement, saying that the ministry will always support the families of the deceased Armenian soldiers. However, it turns out that the minister, as usual, lied. Frequent death cases, violence, brutality, and non-obedience reign in the Armenian army for many years. Parents do not want to send their sons to serve in army, they are afraid of receiving their dead bodies due to the mess in the Armenian army. Therefore, parents try to find any opportunity to keep their sons far from that horror. Many youth flee abroad so that not to serve in the army. However, majority of Armenian families are powerless against the government. Thus, more and more soldiers die in the Armenian army, and most of them are from poor families. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 12:42 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The document provides for the development of trade, economic and investment relations between the two countries, as well as promotion of export and exchange of experience, Azertac reported. AZPROMO chief Rufat Mammadov, addressing the signing ceremony emphasized the potential for exporting local products to China and cooperating in the spheres of investments, transit and logistics. He went on to say that China is one of the main trade partners of Azerbaijan, further adding that Azerbaijan`s export mission dispatched to China last November. AZPROMO earlier opened a representative office in China to support and encourage relations between the two countries businessmen, as well as expand Azerbaijani goods export to the Chinese market and attract China's leading investment funds to the Azerbaijan economy. China is a huge opportunity and a priority market for Azerbaijan. More than 50 agreements were signed between the two countries so far. In the first quarter of 2016, the Chinese government invested $419 million in various spheres of Azerbaijan. The cost of contracts signed between the two countries amounted to $227 million. Azerbaijan invested in 59 projects implemented in China and the total amount of these investments amounted to $7.8 million. Trade and economic contacts occupy a significant place in bilateral relations between China and Azerbaijan. The process of interaction between the two countries was marked by constant tendencies of expansion and strengthening of cooperation. In recent years, particularly significant achievements have been achieved in this area of cooperation. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China amounted to $1 billion in 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 15:29 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova Azerbaijan has a great potential in transit and freight transportation, the effective use of which can bring huge incomes to the country. Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that for the more effective use of the transit potential of Azerbaijan, by the decree of the head of state Ilham Aliyev dated October 21, 2015, the Coordination Council on transit cargo transportation was established. As the result of the Coordinating Council's activities almost 16,000 trucks passed through the territory of Azerbaijan in the first half of 2017, which is 1.5 times more than in January-June of previous year. In general, 5.5 million tons of transit cargoes was transported, about 80 percent (4.4 million tons) of them fell on oil and oil products, 20 percent (1.1 million tons) - non-oil products. The transportation of oil and oil products increased by 23 percent and non-oil products-by 36 percent, as compared to the same period of 2016, the minister stressed. Furthermore, Azerbaijan expects greater involvement of European companies in the implementation of transport corridor projects in the country. The International NorthSouth Transport Corridor is a multi-mode network of ship, rail and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. The route primarily involves moving freight from India, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia via ship, rail and road. The agreement on creation of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) was signed in April 2016 in Baku by the railway authorities of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan. About 300,000-400,000 containers are expected to be transported via the Trans-Caspian international transport route by 2020. Growing interest in the transport infrastructures passing through Azerbaijan's territory is expected to make the country a major transport hub in the region. The International East West Transport Corridor links the Far East countries - China, Japan, Korea with Europe, but the North-South project will connect the Scandinavian countries to the Persian Gulf, due to which these two projects will not compete. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 17:09 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Airbus DC GEO Hungary, a Hungarian IT consulting firm, is shutting down its branch in Azerbaijan, the Vergiler (Taxes) newspaper of Azerbaijans Taxes Ministry reported on August 2. The firms representative office was officially opened in Azerbaijan on March 16, 2016. Creditors of the company can present their claims to: 90A, Nizami Street, Sabail district, Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier, Azercosmos OJSC, Azerbaijans satellite operator, told Trend that the Hungarian companys experts were sent to Azerbaijan to build a ground-based antenna system for the low-altitude satellite AzerSky and to train the Azercosmos employees. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 15:51 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Thirty three years have passed since the death of prominent Azerbaijani conductor, Niyazi Hajibeyov. The collective of the Azerbaijan State Museum of Musical Culture and Niyazi's home-museum will visit the grave of the maestro in the Alley of Honor. Music lovers will be able to visit the maestro's home-museum for free on August 2, Azertac reported. Guests will be shown documentary films about the maestro, concerts as well as video materials featuring "Rast" mugham-ballet and "Chitra" ballet. Niyazi Hajibeyov, known simply by his first name "Niyazi", conducted major symphony orchestras in Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Bucharest, New York, Paris, Istanbul, London, Tehran and Beijing. The maestro played a significant role in making Azerbaijans classical music known to the world. He began conducting in the 1930s, which later brought him fame and recognition. The maestro was one of the first composers in Azerbaijan who wrote music for film and theater. Niyazi's most significant works include the opera "Khosrow and Shirin" (1942), and the ballet "Chitra" (1960). His symphonic mugam "Rast" achieved worldwide popularity and was included to the repertoire of many symphony orchestras around the world. Niyazi was honored as the People's Artist of the USSR (1959) and received the USSR State Prize (1951, 1952) and highest title of the USSR, the Hero of Labor (1982). He was also the conductor and music director of the Azerbaijan State Symphony orchestra for 46 years, from 1938 to his death. The maestro died on August 2, 1984. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 10:17 (UTC+04:00) Forbes has published an article titled Emerging Fashion Capital by The Sea: Azerbaijan Hits The Runway, Azertac reported. The article says: Name this city. Here are your clues. It boasts award-winning architecture by the late Zaha Hadid, hosts Formula One race, and overlooks a large body of water rich with oil reserves. If you guessed Dubai, its time to upgrade your map of cultural references. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, draws visitors to the ancient shores of the Caspian Sea with its ultramodern sensibility and cosmopolitan lifestyle. One criterion of global ambition for cities and emergent markets is presence and prominence of the fashion industry. Azerbaijan Fashion Week has just celebrated its fifth season. It offers a glimpse into a nation determined to make the most of its new century of prosperity. Baku impresses with its earnest grandeur. Its a secular Muslim country that has managed to leave the authoritarian stylistic indoctrination in its post-Soviet past. Futuristic Flame Towers rise above the skyline as proof of the successful transition. Organizers have centralized most fashion shows and showroom on the grounds of the popular Stone Chronicle Museum which exhibits contemporary marble artists alongside rock carvings dating back to 2000 B.C. The space itself fits the zeitgeist. Its a converted 1920s electric power station. Isnt it all about transforming our outdated relations with Energy now?! Seating rows for fashion week's guests were covered in hand-woven carpets and the atmosphere was reminiscent of the nomadic royal court. The articles also says: The complex layering, beading, and feathering on silks and satins in collections by Uventa made one thing clear. Minimalism doesnt belong here. The domestic code of luxury is decidedly eastward-bound along the Silk Road. It must be handcrafted, gilded, lavish: 1001 statements in one. Locals love to repeat the joke that Cannes Film Festival or the Oscars have nothing on a typical Azeri wedding when it comes to red carpet expectations. Designers who deliver on this premise, do well both at home and among the wealthy diaspora in Moscow and London. This couture comfort zone is appealing as it is dangerous. The difference between selling well and stagnating creatively is a challenge best tackled early and head on. What Azeri brands need for a global breakthrough, according to Musakhanli and other industry experts, is a systemic approach to design beyond the one-off atelier format, continued education to access latest knowhow available to their peers in established fashion capitals, and last, but not least, to figure out what is Azeri style. Perhaps, the best ambassador for current Baku-based fashion is a brand LIBAS Couture. The collection was inspired by the classic Leo Tolstoy novel Anna Karenina. The brand pushes boundaries and sets precedents in the region with its unique interpretations of traditional elements and bold runway presentations. A previous Degas-inspired collection caused a stir when models appeared nude under evocatively transparent layers of organza. Media pressured Musaeva on whether or not she was afraid to dare the presumptions of local conservatism. Fear? I detest the very word. I expunge it at first inkling. Perhaps, others in Azerbaijan and beyond should follow suit, the article concludes. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 10:50 (UTC+04:00) Participants of the 5th International Multiculturalism Summer School, that wrapped up in Baku, have adopted an address to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azertac reported. We, participants of the 5th International Multiculturalism Summer School in Azerbaijan from various countries of the world gathered together on 22-30 July 2017. In accordance with your Decrees, 2016 was declared as the Year of Multiculturalism and 2017 as the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan. It clearly demonstrates one more time that there is no place for discrimination among peoples having different racial, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in Azerbaijan. The address further readsThe events we participated and various places we visited together with the participants of the International Multiculturalism Summer School were proof of what we heard about Azerbaijan as a place of multiculturalism and tolerance. We, nationals from 27 countries joined this school in order to share our opinions and impressions on the Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism, the atmosphere of tolerance in this country, and the successful state policy applied in this direction. We would like to inform you that we are leaving Azerbaijan inspired and determined to continue our activity in the field of spreading the true information about Azerbaijan, its rich history and culture, they added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 10:18 (UTC+04:00) A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on August 2. The new edition includes articles about Defense industry booming, Main areas for Czech-Azerbaijani cooperation named, Bulgaria can be main supplier of pharmaceutical products to country, Record number of Azerbaijanis travel to Turkey for holidays etc. AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. 2 August 2017 12:03 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has sent a congratulatory letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan Ibrahim Ghandour on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic of Sudan. Mammadyarov stressed that during the past 25 years effective cooperation forged both in bilateral and multilateral platforms, particularly within the UN and OIC, gave the impetus to the development of relations between the two countries, Azertac reported. He also expressed his conviction that cooperation within UN, OIC and Non-Aligned Movement will continue to grow further. Mammadyarov thanked for the support of friendly Sudan within the international organizations and adoption of resolutions condemning Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan and supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. The Minister expressed his confidence that joint efforts will ensure the further development of bilateral cooperation for the prosperity of Azerbaijan and Sudan and the well being of both nations. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sudan were established in February 16, 1993. Sudan opened its embassy in Azerbaijan in 1993 as a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, Sudan had to suspend the activity of its diplomatic mission in Baku in 1999 due to financial difficulties. Sudan backs Azerbaijan's fair position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. In 2014, the Sudanese parliament passed a bill recognizing the Khojaly genocide, committed by the Armenian armed forces in the early 1990s towards the civilian population of the Azerbaijani town. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 11:43 (UTC+04:00) President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the newly reconstructed Pirshaghi-Novkhani seaside road and Binagadi-Novkhani-Jorat highway on August 2. Chairman of Azeravtoyol OJSC Saleh Mammadov informed the head of state about the works done here, Azertac reported. By joining the seaside ring road, Pirshaghi-Novkhani highway will ensure the convenient and unimpeded traffic from the city of Sumgayit to the north and north-east parts of the Absheron peninsula. The highway is 13.5 km in length. Under the project, the width of the two-lane road is 9 metres. In some areas along the coast, the width of the existing road has been expanded from 3-4 metres to 9 metres. President Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of Pirshaghi-Novkhani highway after the major overhaul. The head of state then attended the opening of Binagadi-Novkhani-Jorat highway. Under the project, the width of the highway was extended to 12.5 metres. The highway has four lanes. New water and sewage lines were also laid in the section passing through Novkhani settlement. New circles were built at the intersections in different parts of the highway. The existing bridges on the railway and a water canal were also overhauled in the Novkhani settlement. The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the newly reconstructed Binagadi-Novkhani-Jorat highway. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 15:05 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on August 2 to provide funding for continuation of construction works in Pirallahi district of Baku, Azertac reported. Under the presidential order, 4.5 million manats is allocated from the state budget for continuation of the construction of the administrative building of Pirallahi District Executive Authority. The President also allocated an initial sum of 5 million manats for the construction of 29 five-storey residential buildings for residents of Pirallahi living in run-down houses. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 17:07 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan will continue to help Afghanistan, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov as he met with Afghan Ambassador to Azerbaijan Muhammad Taghi Khalili. He added that peace and stability are possible in Afghanistan. Azimov also recalled the meeting in Kabul, noting that the meetings held there were very fruitful. Khalili, in turn, said that solidarity in the positions of Azerbaijan and Afghanistan in the international arena is of great importance. In addition, the meeting discussed the issue related to the organization of the conference of the foreign ministers of the initiative "The Heart of Asia - the Istanbul Process" and other regional issues in Baku this December. Azerbaijan supports the Afghan way of reforms by its assistance in the areas of education, infrastructure and transport development, investments and enhancing the role of women in the society. The country has several times made substantial donations to the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund. The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002. Azerbaijan, as a reliable partner of NATO and friend of brotherly Afghanistan, is committed to continue its significant contribution to the Resolute Support Mission by providing troops, multi-modal transit, training and financial assistance. Furthermore, Azerbaijan 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. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 18:15 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov About 2,000 tools of the Neolithic period (about the 8th - 3rd millennia BC) were discovered during archaeological excavations on the territory of the State Historical-Cultural Reserve Avey in the Gazakh region of Azerbaijan. Samples of the findings stone tools, pointed tools, scrapers, flint flakes, lithic cores have been sent to a specialized laboratory in Japan for study, Azertac reports. Yoshihiro Nishiaki, the head of a group of Japanese archaeologists working within the international expedition in Avey, said that currently excavations are carried out in the Damjili cave. The cave, opened in 1953 by Azerbaijani scientists Mahammadali Huseynov, is the first monument of the Stone Age discovered in Azerbaijan. The cave is multi-level, and people lived here in certain periods. It has similarities with the ancient settlement of Goytepe of the Neolithic period, which is located in the neighboring Tovuz region of Azerbaijan. But probably Damjili is a more ancient settlement, Nishiaki told reporters. Avey Director Saadat Alieva said that the artifacts discovered during excavations will be exhibited in a museum under the open sky on the territory of the reserve. The international expedition carries out excavations in the Avey reserve based on a five-year agreement signed between the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Tokyo University Museum and the reserve. Damjili is the largest of the 30 caves of the Stone Age discovered on the territory of the reserve in mid 1950s. Located at the foot of mount Avey, the cave has a semicircular shape. Its area is about 460 square meters and the height is four meters. The tools found in the cave prove the existence of life and continuous human activity there. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 10:01 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Turkey urges Muslim countries to recognize the independence of Palestine within the territories that existed before the war of 1967, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. Cavusoglu made the remarks at a meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on August. 1, the Turkish media reported. He said that the issue of Palestine is a common issue of the Islamic world. Cavusoglu also expressed the hope that the clash between Israelis and Palestinians will not occur in Jerusalem again. Istanbul hosts a meeting of foreign ministers of OIC member countries. The OIC previously told Trend that during the meeting, the OIC foreign ministers will discuss the recent clashes in Jerusalem between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society earlier said that clashes took place between worshipers and the Israeli police at Bab al-Asbat near al-Aqsa Mosque. The worshipers were attacked after performing evening prayer outside al-Aqsa Mosque in protest against the metal detectors installed by the Israeli authorities at the entrances of the Mosque. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 18:10 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova Deepening of the Volga River bottom, as well as the activation of the ports, can give an impetus to the development of the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC). North-South Transport Corridor is a multimodal route for the transportation of passengers and goods with a total length of 7,200 km from St. Petersburg to the port of Mumbai (India).It will link, in particular, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and India. The corridor provides for three main routes: the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), East and West Transport Corridors, Consul General of Iran in Astrakhan Ali Mohammadi said during his interview with TASS. One of the troublesome river sites, in diplomats opinion, is in the Astrakhan region on the Volga. The consul stressed that in June, five ships loaded with timber could not leave for Iran within a week because of the inadequate depth of the Volga (for 200 meters the depth was less than 3.5 meters). Mohammadi went on to say that negotiations continue on swap supplies for oil, in which it is planned to use Russian ports in the Caspian Sea. "I have information that over the past year, negotiations were held on the investment of Russian firms in Iran, on the development of joint cooperation and about swap supplies of oil," he added. The INSTC is a is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode network of ship, rail and road route, established on September 12, 2000 in St. Petersburg, for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. The route primarily involves moving freight from India, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia. The corridor is planned to transport 6 million tons of cargo per year at the initial stage and more than 10 million tons of cargo in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 August 2017 14:25 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The number of tourists heading to Azerbaijan is growing from year to year, said Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev when visiting a number of cultural sites in ancient region of Azerbaijan, Sheki. Azerbaijan is a gem between Europe and Asia and a place you will not regret visiting. This amazing country, also called the Land of Fire, is located in the South Caucasus region and has unspoiled natural beauty to complement its unique culture. Today tourism is developing with high speed in Azerbaijan, with a contribution of 4.5 percent to the national GDP. The country witnesses more than 2 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and thousands of domestic tourism visits. Speaking of tourists it is impossible to avoid security issues. Garayev said that the security of tourists coming to Azerbaijan ensured by the state authorities. Today, the security of tourists in Azerbaijan is provided not only by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, but generally by the state authorities. This issue is under strict control from the entrance of tourists to the country to the exit, he said. Garayev emphasized the importance of strengthening control over this field by the government. The new draft law stipulates strengthening of control on tourism facilities. The implementation will begin after the adoption of this law, he said. Now tourism is the sphere that is ready to generate more income to the country. Foreign tourists also bring foreign currency to Azerbaijan. Bank card transactions of the foreigners arriving in Azerbaijan increased by 93 percent (about $300 million) compared to the same period last year. The overall turnover of tourism services by Azerbaijan in 2016 was $ 2.8 billion, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The figure for six months shows an increase in the number of visitors by almost a 25-percent, according to the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The country welcomed 1,199,667 guests in the first six months of the year. The majority of tourists came from Russia, Arab countries, Georgia, Turkey and Iran. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 20 Amazing Home Remedies To Whiten Your Teeth Body Care oi-Monika Khajuria A mouthful of amazing pearl drops sounds good, doesn't it? Yes, we're talking about a sparkling set of teeth. A dazzling smile is an important part of your personality, one that you can't ignore. But yellow teeth can prove to be embarrassing and awkward. It can make you very conscious. You would always have to hold back on your smile and laughter. It can be a tedious task, right? One of the main reasons for yellow teeth is the wearing out of the outer layer of our teeth called enamel. Our daily habits and lack of proper care expedite the process. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash can't help you much with this situation. Turning to dental expertise can be scary and could burn a hole in your pocket. But don't you worry. Today, at Boldsky, we bring to you some home remedies that will help you whiten your teeth without leaving a dent in your pocket and are totally safe. Using this may not give you instant results, but you need to hang on to them. All good things take time and so will these. What Causes Yellow Teeth? Excessive consumption of tea or coffee Smoking Poor oral hygiene Dietary factors Brushing teeth immediately after eating Medical conditions Home Remedies To Whiten Your Teeth 1. Baking soda Using baking soda is one of the most effective ways to whiten your teeth. It is proven to be helpful in the removal of plaque [1] and hence whiten your teeth. How to whiten teeth naturally at home, find out | Boldsky Ingredients 1 tsp baking soda 1-2 tsp water Method of use Add water in the baking soda to get a smooth paste. Using a toothbrush, apply this mixture on your teeth. Leave it on for about 1 minute. Rinse your mouth. Use this once a week for the desired results. Note: Regular use of baking soda can harm your teeth. So make sure that you do not use this more than once a week. 2. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar acts as a cleansing agent due to its acidic nature. It has antimicrobial properties [2] that keep microbes at bay. Apple cider vinegar also helps to whiten your teeth. [3] Ingredients 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 1 cup water Method of use Add the apple cider vinegar into the water. Swish the mixture around your mouth for a couple minutes. Rinse your mouth with water. Use this once a week for the desired result. Note: Do not use this more than once a week and do not swallow it. 3. Coconut oil Coconut oil has antibacterial properties [4] and helps to maintain oral health. It also helps in dealing with plaque [5] , hence help whiten the teeth. Ingredient 1 tbsp coconut oil Method of use Swish and pull the coconut oil around your mouth and in between your teeth for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to move it around the whole mouth and not to swallow it. Spit it out, not in the sink though. It will most probably clog the sink. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Brush your teeth as you would normally do. 4. Banana peel Banana peel has antimicrobial properties [6] and helps to keep microbes away and thus maintain oral health. It contains manganese, magnesium and potassium that help to whiten the teeth. Ingredient A banana peel Method of use Rub the inside of the banana peel all over your teeth for a few minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Brush your teeth as you would normally do. Rinse your mouth with water. Use this twice a week for the desired result. 5. Orange peel Orange peel contains calcium and vitamin C [7] . This helps to keep the bacteria at bay and whiten the teeth. Ingredient Peel of an orange Method of use Rub the inside (the white part) of the orange peel all over your teeth. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Brush your teeth, making sure to clean it thoroughly. Floss your teeth as well. Use this daily for a few weeks for the desired result. 6. Salt Salt has antimicrobial properties [8] and helps to keep microbes at bay. It acts as a gentle abrasive [9] and helps to cleanse and whiten the teeth. Ingredients A tbsp salt 1 cup water Method of use Boil the water. Let it cool down to room temperature. Add salt into the water and mix well. Soak the toothbrush in the mixture for about a minute. Brush your teeth with this. Rinse your mouth with cold water. Use this every day for the desired result. 7. Lemon Lemon has bleaching properties [10] and therefore, helps to whiten and brighten the teeth. Ingredients 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp water Method of use Mix both the ingredients together. Using a toothbrush, brush your teeth with this mixture as you would normally do. Use this once a week for the desired result. Note: Do not use this more than once a week. 8. Strawberry Strawberry has vitamin C [11] that helps to lighten and brighten the teeth. It contains antioxidants that help to maintain oral health. Ingredients 3-4 ripe strawberries tsp baking soda Method of use Take the strawberries in a bowl and mash them well. Add the baking soda to the bowl and mix well. Using a fresh toothbrush, brush your teeth with the mixture. Leave it on for about 3-5 minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Brush your teeth, making sure to clean them thoroughly. Floss your teeth later. Use this every day for a few weeks for the desired result. 9. Hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties and helps in tooth whitening. [12] Ingredients 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (as needed) 1 tsp baking soda Method of use Add hydrogen peroxide solution to the baking soda to get a toothpaste-like consistency. Using a toothbrush, brush your teeth with this paste. Rinse your mouth with water. Use this 2 times a week for the desired result. 10. Basil Basil has astringent properties and makes the gums healthy. It also helps get rid of bad breath and plaque. Ingredient A handful of basil leaves Method of use Let the basil leaves dry in the sun for a couple of hours. Make a paste of the dried basil leaves. Add this paste to your regular toothpaste. Brush your teeth using this mixture. 11. Charcoal Charcoal removes the toxins from your mouth and helps maintain the pH balance of the mouth. It also helps to get rid of bad breath and plaque. Ingredient Powdered charcoal (as required) Method of use Wet a new toothbrush and dip in the charcoal powder. Brush it gently all over your teeth in circular motion. Leave it on for 2 minutes. Spit it out. Rinse your mouth thoroughly. Brush your teeth thoroughly with another toothbrush. Rinse your mouth with water. 12. Olive oil and almond oil Olive oil contains vitamins A, E and K and fatty acids and helps to keep bacteria at bay. It also helps to prevent bad breath. Almond oil helps to strengthen the gum and thus maintain oral health. [13] Ingredients 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp edible almond oil Method of use Mix both the ingredients together. Using a toothbrush, brush your teeth with the merger. Use this every day for a few days before brushing your teeth with a toothpaste. 13. Bread Burnt bread helps to remove the stains from your teeth and polish them. Ingredient A slice of bread Method of use Burn the slice of bread on a stove. Rub this bread on your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water. 14. Turmeric, mustard oil and salt Turmeric contains vitamin C, selenium and magnesium that help to lighten the teeth and maintain oral health. It has anti-inflammatory properties [14] that help to soothe the skin and prevent any issue of the gums. Mustard oil strengthens the gums and helps tackle the issue of plaque. Ingredients 1 tsp mustard oil tsp turmeric powder A pinch of salt Method of use Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl to make a paste. Using a toothbrush, brush your teeth with this mixture for a few minutes. Rinse your mouth with water. Use this twice a week for the desired result. 15. Neem Neem is an important ingredient in many toothpastes. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. [15] It helps to strengthen the gums, keep bacteria at bay, lighten the teeth and maintain oral health. Ingredients A few neem leaves 2 drops of lemon juice Method of use Crush the neem leaves in a bowl. Add the lemon juice to the bowl and give it a good mix. Massage the leaves on your teeth for a couple of minutes. Rinse your mouth with water. 16. Ginger Ginger contains vitamin C and helps to lighten and brighten the teeth and maintain oral health. [16] Ingredient 1-inch piece of ginger Method of use Grind ginger to make a paste. Rub the paste on your teeth gently. Leave it on for about 2 minutes. Rinse your mouth with cold water. 17. Carrot Carrot contains vitamin A [17] that will ensure a healthy tooth enamel. Ingredients A carrot cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Method of use Peel and chop the carrot. Dip the chopped carrot in the lemon juice. Rub this dipped carrot all over your teeth. Leave it on for about 3-5 minutes. Rinse your mouth with cold water. 18. Bay leaves Bay leaves contain vitamin C, thus help to maintain healthy gums [18] and whiten the teeth. Ingredients 4-5 bay leaves Peel of an orange Method of use Blend both the ingredients together to form a paste. Brush your teeth using this paste. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Brush your teeth as you would normally do. 19. Sesame seeds Sesame contains vitamin E and fatty acids that help to maintain healthy gums. It has antioxidant properties that help fight free radical damage. [19] Ingredient 1 tsp sesame seeds Method of use Put the sesame seeds in your mouth. Chew them until they turn into a coarse powder. Now while it is still in your mouth, use a toothbrush to brush your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water. 20. Chewing on foods Last but surely not the least, chewing on fruits like apple, strawberry, pears, carrots, broccoli, nuts etc., will help you whiten the teeth. These fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins, minerals and acids [20] that help to keep your teeth white and sparkling. Tips To Maintain Healthy Teeth Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss once in a while. Change your toothbrush every three months. Keep sugar intake to the minimum. Try to reduce frequent munching. Get your teeth checked at least once in a year by a dentist. View Article References [1] Ghassemi, A., Vorwerk, L. M., Hooper, W. J., Putt, M. S., & Milleman, K. R. (2008). A four-week clinical study to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a baking soda dentifrice and an antimicrobial dentifrice in reducing plaque.Journal of Clinical Dentistry,19(4), 120. [2] Gopal, J., Anthonydhason, V., Muthu, M., Gansukh, E., Jung, S., Chul, S., & Iyyakkannu, S. (2017). Authenticating apple cider vinegars home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Natural product research, 1-5. [3] Zheng, L. W., Li, D. Z., Lu, J. Z., Hu, W., Chen, D., & Zhou, X. D. (2014). Effects of vinegar on tooth bleaching and dental hard tissues in vitro.Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban= Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition,45(6), 933-6. [4] Peedikayil, F. C., Remy, V., John, S., Chandru, T. P., Sreenivasan, P., & Bijapur, G. A. (2016). Comparison of antibacterial efficacy of coconut oil and chlorhexidine on Streptococcus mutans: An in vivo study.Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry,6(5), 447. [5] Peedikayil, F. C., Sreenivasan, P., & Narayanan, A. (2015). Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitisA preliminary report.Nigerian medical journal: journal of the Nigeria Medical Association,56(2), 143. [6] Kapadia, S. P., Pudakalkatti, P. S., & Shivanaikar, S. (2015). Detection of antimicrobial activity of banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L.) on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: An in vitro study.Contemporary clinical dentistry,6(4), 496. [7] Sir Elkhatim, K. A., Elagib, R. A., & Hassan, A. B. (2018). Content of phenolic compounds and vitamin C and antioxidant activity in wasted parts of Sudanese citrus fruits.Food science & nutrition,6(5), 1214-1219. [8] Wijnker, J. J., Koop, G., & Lipman, L. J. A. (2006). Antimicrobial properties of salt (NaCl) used for the preservation of natural casings.Food Microbiology,23(7), 657-662. [9] Newbrun, E. (1996). The use of sodium bicarbonate in oral hygiene products and practice.Compendium of continuing education in dentistry.(Jamesburg, NJ: 1995). Supplement,17(19), S2-7. [10] Smit, N., Vicanova, J., & Pavel, S. (2009). The hunt for natural skin whitening agents.International journal of molecular sciences,10(12), 5326-5349. [11] Giampieri, F., Alvarez-Suarez, J. M., & Battino, M. (2014). Strawberry and human health: Effects beyond antioxidant activity.Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,62(18), 3867-3876. [12] Carey, C. M. (2014). Tooth whitening: what we now know.Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice,14, 70-76. [13] Shanbhag, V. K. L. (2017). Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygieneA review.Journal of traditional and complementary medicine,7(1), 106-109. [14] Hewlings, S., & Kalman, D. (2017). Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods,6(10), 92. [15] Lakshmi, T., Krishnan, V., Rajendran, R., & Madhusudhanan, N. (2015). Azadirachta indica: A herbal panacea in dentistryAn update.Pharmacognosy reviews,9(17), 41. [16] Rubinoff, A. B., Latner, P. A., & Pasut, L. A. (1989). Vitamin C and oral health.Journal (Canadian Dental Association),55(9), 705-707. [17] Tang, G., Qin, J., Dolnikowski, G. G., Russell, R. M., & Grusak, M. A. (2005). Spinach or carrots can supply significant amounts of vitamin A as assessed by feeding with intrinsically deuterated vegetables.The American journal of clinical nutrition,82(4), 821-828. [18] Kumar, G., Jalaluddin, M., Rout, P., Mohanty, R., & Dileep, C. L. (2013). Emerging trends of herbal care in dentistry.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR,7(8), 1827. [19] Naseem, M., Khiyani, M. F., Nauman, H., Zafar, M. S., Shah, A. H., & Khalil, H. S. (2017). Oil pulling and importance of traditional medicine in oral health maintenance.International journal of health sciences,11(4), 65. [20] Liu, R. H. (2013). Health-promoting components of fruits and vegetables in the diet.Advances in Nutrition,4(3), 384S-392S. He Was Visually Impaired But It Did Not Stop Him From Achieving His Dreams Life oi-Syeda Farah Every time something goes wrong in our lives or even if we have a single bad day, all that we do is crib and throw tantrums and just overreact! But do we realize that there are millions of people out there who have nothing and yet lead a happy life? We here at Boldsky are sharing a few cases of real-life people who are inspiring in every sense of the word. It is due to these people that we learn the true essence of life. You May Also Like To Read: An Unconditional Love Story... This is one of the stories of a man who overcame his disability of being visually impaired and continues to lead a life like a regular person. Check out his story in his own words. "I was declared blind by doctors just minutes after I was born. The medical facilities for the blind are not that great in UP so I was sent to Bombay when I was 16 for better treatment but my first surgery failed. I accepted my destiny and completed my schooling from the Victoria Memorial School for the blind. I loved my school life - I made great friends and learnt to be independent from them. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was desperate to study further, so I would make and sell agarbattis after college and then study until late at night to keep up. I also performed in an orchestra from time to time and saved every penny for my post graduation and finally got a job with the State Bank of India! I love my job - my colleagues are amazing. They taught me how to take the train independently and even how to cook my rice and pulses. When I reached a point where I was making enough money, I married the love of my life. I've never seen her, but I know she has a beautiful heart, because there hasn't been a day when she's made me feel like I lack something - we've lived a beautiful life together with our daughter." "What advice would you give people?" "After 55 years of having no sight, the only thing I can say is that life is beautiful, if you want it to be. The second you love and accept the way you are, the world becomes a wonderful place to live. Often people ask me what my struggles are because I'm blind, but I have no struggles; no problems. The only reason for that, is that I have love in my heart and I feel it all around me from my wife at home to my colleagues at work. When I hear stories of people suffering from depression or young children committing suicide - I feel like there's where the problem is. The lack of love is the real handicap anyone can have and these are the people who need to be loved even harder." Source: Facebook GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 23:55 [IST] Man M*sturbated And Stared At A Girl Inside A Public Jeepney Pulse oi-Syeda Farah When you step out of your house, how safe are you? Incidents and cases that get reported every other day make us realise that humanity is dying at a very fast pace in today's world! A young girl named "Cha Vinuya", who was getting back home, was harassed by a pervert who masturbated on her in a moving jeep. This incident took place in the Philippines. She shared the harrowing experience on her social site and the world is disgusted about it! Check out more details on this below. She Was On Her Way Back Home This poor student named "Cha Vinuya" was riding back home when the incident occurred. The pervert started masturbating while inside a jeepney that she was riding in. The pervert was seen sitting next to her while he performed the act. She Was Helpless The poor girl felt weak and helpless as the pervert was right next to her. She mentioned on her post that she wanted to scream and stop the jeep to get off - but then she was frozen with fear. People Knew What He Was Doing The man's actions were noticed by other people as well who were travelling in the jeep, but they were scared to take any action, as they feared he would do something to the poor girl. The victim could only stay still, as she was scared that she might get stabbed or attacked by the man if she attracted attention or did something to stop him. pulse A Guy Had Masturbated On This Girl's Pants!! She Knew The World Would Backlash At Her Even though she was harassed by the pervert, she knew people would point out fingers at her and blame her for no reason. She clearly mentioned in the post that she was dressed in an uniform and not in any revealing clothes, to give people an idea that perverts don't really choose people they wish to victimize and it's not the fault of girls always, as per what the society feels. All About The Post... What is your take on this story? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Brian Pallisters wife Esther frequently communicated with senior government staffers, helping to arrange meetings for the premier and even receiving sensitive documents by email on his behalf. Over the past two days, the provincial NDP have released telephone and email records, gained through freedom of information legislation, that provide insight into how the premier does business and his apparent dislike, even aversion, to smartphones and email. Records show that a senior government official sent a draft of this springs budget speech to Esther Pallisters private email account for the premiers perusal nine days before it was delivered in the legislature. Another time, the premiers wife received a legal opinion for her husband to read. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Premier Brian Pallister and his wife Esther following his election win in 2016. The premier and his wife may not have broken any laws in handling sensitive legal and budget information the way they did. But politicians are coming under increasing scrutiny across North American on their handling of email and the trend is to frown on the use of private email accounts in conducting government business. The Pallister government at first resisted attempts to make Esther Pallisters phone and email records public, but the NDP appealed to the provincial ombudsmans office for assistance and the province relented, releasing the information on July 14. That same day, the government issued a new policy directive requiring that cabinet ministers and staff use their government assigned email accounts, phones, text and messaging applications when conducting government business. The fact that Esther Pallisters private cellphone and email accounts were used as a conduit to the premier raises questions about the governments past handling of sensitive information and whether cabinet confidentiality was broken. NDP MLA Andrew Swan, a former justice minister, said the use of a private email account had security risks. He said the province employs a staff of technical experts whose job it is to keep emails safe. Theres no valid reason why the premier of a province in 2017 could not figure out how to use a smartphone and how to use government email to conduct government business, he said. The premier may also have been attempting to hide his communications from freedom of information requests, Swan speculated, something that, if true, proved to be unsuccessful. For a second straight day, Pallister did not grant interviews on his telephone or email use. His director of communications, Chisholm Pothier, said in an email that the genesis of the premiers use of private communication devices is that he did not want taxpayers to incur any costs when he was on vacation. In the past 13 months, the premier has spent more than 30 days at his Costa Rican vacation home. Pothier said there were no leaks of government information while the premier used a private email account and cellphone for government business. There was no policy in place (in the past) to direct methods for government communication. The gap was identified, presumably it had existed for years but we identified it and fixed it within months, and that is fixed, he said. Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political studies at the University of Manitoba, said employing a spouses email account for conducting government business is unusual. The use of private emails has been popularized by the desire to avoid requirements for documentation in government and avoiding a trail of sensitive information that can be accessed under freedom of information or access to information acts, Thomas said. Pallisters use of his wifes email account raises questions of security as well as accountability, Thomas said. The rule of thumb now is that none of your email correspondence is private forever. It potentially can be revealed, he said. Were a little jurisdiction in the middle of the country but the same risks (regarding hacking) are here. Thomas said the manner in which budget information was shared has the appearance of being reckless or risky. Cabinet ministers in the past have resigned for allowing cameramen to get a picture of a page of the budget speech over their shoulder (in advance of release), he said. Meanwhile, those who know the premier say his unwillingness to use email and and smartphones is a matter of personal preference and work style. Five years ago, when he was acclaimed as leader of the Progressive Conservative party, staff would often reach Pallister at odd hours through his wifes cellphone because it was said that he did not own one. Manitobas 22nd premier is more apt to mail someone a handwritten note than fire off an email when he wants to communicate something that isnt urgent. A lot of people question why he cant adapt to modern technology. Hes got lots of help around him, said one observer. I dont think he ever touches the email. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/08/2017 (1929 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A man who had triple the legal limit of alcohol in his system while speeding along a major city street, with his young son in the vehicle, will have to pay a $2,000 fine. You obviously drank a tremendous amount of alcohol before you got behind the wheel, Judge John Combs remarked during sentencing on Monday. Davy J. Hofer, 38, was sentenced after pleading guilty to driving with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit. Crown attorney Marnie Evans told court that on July 19, police witnessed some erratic driving. A truck was speeding and swerving over the centre line as it headed north on 18th Street. It stopped at the traffic lights on 18th Street North and Kirkcaldy Drive, but when the light turned green it sped off and reached more than 100 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. Police pulled the truck over and learned Hofer was the driver. He had his 10-year-old son riding with him in the truck. Also in the truck was a nearly full 40-oz. bottle of whiskey; plus one full can, and two empty ones, of caesar. Breath tests placed his blood-alcohol level at more than triple the legal limit. Defence lawyer Derek Cullen said his client was on medications and had acid reflux, which may have skewed the test results but that wasnt a defence to drunk driving. Cullen also disputed whether Hofer could have crossed the centre line given that there is a median in that area of 18th Street. Combs said medications may affect a bodys ability to process alcohol, but it wouldnt have affected how much Hofer had drank before driving. Besides the fine, Hofer, a member of the Riverside Hutterite colony, was banned from driving for 18 months. ihitchen@brandonsun.com The impact of Brexit and what Ireland needs to do in order to peacefully achieve its aim of a united Ireland is the subject of a new report published today by an Oireachtas committee. The report, "Brexit and the Future of Ireland: Uniting Ireland and Its People in Peace and Prosperity" outlines in detail the options for the island of Ireland in the wake of Brexit. The report by the cross-party committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement focuses on the potential impact of Brexit on the prospects of a united Ireland and makes 17 recommendations in the regard. It suggests, in particular, that the eligibility of Northern Ireland for receipt of EU Structural funds and other funding schemes and mechanisms must be clarified as a matter of urgency to help underpin the peace process following Brexit. The report proposes the setting up of a New Ireland Forum to set a pathway to achieve the peaceful unification of Ireland. Other major recommendations include: Any passport controls between Ireland and the UK should be along the same basis as for people traveling between these islands from 1939 to 1952. There should not be a return to passport controls. Given the likely impact on certain categories, including women, in border counties and employment in these areas there is a need for impact analysis on these sectors of society. Further research into the income and expenditure for Northern Ireland should be carried out. Welcome the declaration agreed to by the European Council on 29 April 2017 which provides for Northern Ireland automatically becoming part of the EU in the event of a future united Ireland. This declaration known in Brussels as The Kenny Text is similar to that of Commission President Jacque Delors in January 1990 on the issue of German Unification East Germany is a special case. It is recognised that World Trade Organisation rules and a hard border would have a detrimental impact on Ireland North and South & Further impact assessment is required on the economic impact of reunification. The Committee urges that the matter of EU funding for Northern Ireland and the border region remains high on the agenda and an expeditious solution is found for successor programmes after 2020. Establish an international task force with experts in security so that plans to meet any risks may be devised and implemented. Fears and concerns of the Unionist community need to be examined, understood and addressed comprehensively by all stakeholders in advance of any referendum. The legacy issues in society outlined by Senator Frances Black and the inter-generational impact of the troubles in terms of mental health consequences and substance abuse needs to be addressed Explore potential solutions to resolve disputes that may arise from the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, as recommended Lessons from referendums need to be learned to ensure that the Irish government fulfils its constitutional obligations. The Government needs to carry out an audit in relation to the legal and constitutional changes pre and post-unification. Report rapporteur Senator Mark Daly said it was clear from all the reports written on the issue of Brexit that its effect on Northern Ireland will be significant. "In February 2016 research commissioned by the UK Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment on the economic implications of a UK exit from the EU showed that Northern Ireland is more vulnerable to Brexit than Britain. The loss to Northern Ireland of EU membership and funding will be significant, and the subsequent effect on the economy and the potential to destabilise the Peace Process is a central concern. Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland today , Senator Daly went on to say one of the major benefits of reunification would be economic. "From the 17 recommendations in the report, it is quite clear we need to do a lot in advance of any referendum. "One of the findings was that there would be a benefit for the all-island economy of 35.6 billion in the first eight years after reunification. "Again those figures were supplied and that report was done prior to the Brexit referendum." Reacting to the report today Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson Steve Aiken said the self-determination of the people of Northern Ireland must be respected. This is a United Ireland wish list dressed up as a Brexit report. Instead of poorly researched and highly biased evidence gathering, politicians in the Republic would be better served looking after their own domestic affairs and dealing with their own considerable European challenges, rather than seeking to undermine the constitutional position of Northern Ireland. At a time when all parties should be working constructively together to overcome the challenges and maximise the opportunities of Brexit, this report offers little and in fact is disingenuous by not respecting the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland you would nearly think that the Republics election campaign has already begun. The Belfast Agreement is clear, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom until its people say otherwise. The self-determination of Northern Ireland must be respected. All available data suggests that the majority of people in Northern Ireland are content remaining within the United Kingdom and Brexit does not change that reality. Indeed this report, by recommending that Northern Ireland remains a part of the EU, undermines the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent which underpins it. Any attempt to create a border up the middle of the Irish Sea is totally unacceptable, unwanted and unworkable. Read the report in full below. Titan - July 2017 Titan's first-half turnover improved by 6.9 per cent to EUR773.8m and EBITDA advanced by 18.9 per cent to EUR142.1m. Following a 5.3 per cent reduction in the depreciation charge, the trading profit rose by 43.7 per cent to EUR84.8m. After a net financial charge 17.9 per cent lower at EUR28.5m and other items, notably foreign exchange, the pretax profit jumped from EUR7.4m to EUR31.7m. At the net attributable level the advanced from EUR9.2m to EUR13.9m. Capital investment increased from EUR62m to EUR72m. Net debt at the end of June increased by 19 per cent to EUR787m to give a gearing level of 59.3 per cent. Group deliveries of cementitious materials increased by 16 per cent to 9.4Mt while aggregates shipments were stable at 8Mt as the increase in the USA was offset by declines elsewhere. Ready-mixed concrete deliveries improved by 18.3 per cent to 2.35Mm. The Greek and western European turnover declined by 3.2 per cent to EUR129.1m and EBITDA fell by 30.5 per cent to EUR13.7m. Greek domestic deliveries declined further, with no improvement expected in the short term and the vast majority of the groups Greek production is now exported, which means lower average pricing. In southeastern Europe, turnover showed an 11.3 per cent improvement to EUR108m, but the EBITDA declined by 8.8 per cent to EUR23.6m. Cement demand across the region remains weak and capacity utilisation remains poor and competition continues to be intense, notably in Bulgaria, and higher energy costs have had a negative effect on profitability. In the United States turnover rose by 22.4 per cent to EUR456.0m and EBITDA advanced by 77.2 per cent to EUR92.4m. Florida and Virginia remain positive, but the New York-New Jersey market is becoming more competitive as capacity is being added. The vertically-integrated operations performed notably strongly as a result of recent investments in aggregates, concrete and fly-ash. The eastern Mediterranean operations, of which only Egypt is consolidated, saw turnover decline by 33.3 per cent to EUR80.7m and EBITDA fell from EUR21.4m to EUR12.4m, reflecting higher financial costs. All the kilns have now been converted to burn coal. The Turkish joint venture was negatively affected by an 18 per cent drop in cement volume as well as the weakness of the local currency. The new joint venture in Brazil suffered from weak pricing and saw profits decline in spite of a volume improvement. Nepal-China JV due to start operations in 2018 02 August 2017 Hongshi-Shivam Cement Private Ltd, a Nepal-China joint venture company, is aiming to start cement production in March 2018, according to a senior company official. Shiva Ratna Sharada, director of the joint venture company, told Xinhua News that construction work on the 6000tpd plant is in full swing. The factory is being constructed at Nepal's southwestern district of Nawalparasi and its mine site is located in neighbouring Palpa district. The new volumes will primarily serve the domestic market, but exports to India and China are also in the frame should capacity be expanded in a few years' time. Published under An American passport can get you to many countries in the world but not all of them. Many countries allow Americans to visit without even obtaining a visa. (A few even let you in without a passport.) But some countries make it very difficult for Americans to visit, even if they have a valid passport and wait out the visa application process. And others will flat-out deny your application for a visa if you come from the United States. Read on to discover the countries that make it the most difficult for Americans to visit. 1. Russia Russia may be a pretty difficult country for Americans to visit, but that hasnt stopped record numbers of Americans from traveling to the country. Travel + Leisure reports that despite tenuous political relations between the U.S. and Russia, demand for U.S. tourism to Russia is growing. However, it will take you lots of time and lots of questions to get a Russian visa. The Atlantic reports, While most of the rest of the worlds peoples can apply for a visa to Russia using a simple single-page form of 21 questions, U.S. citizens must use an arduous new form implemented on the basis of reciprocity that has 41 often-intrusive questions. 2. Cuba When Barack Obama eased restrictions on travel to Cuba, many Americans seized the opportunity to visit the island. Then Donald Trump turned back the clock on the policy. The New York Times reports that Americans can still visit Cuba. However, they cant travel outside of an organized and licensed tour group. Also, the new directive prohibits transactions with companies controlled by the military, which runs most hotels, so youll either need to stay at a civilian-owned hotel or take a cruise instead. 3. India Many Americans put India on their bucket list, but many find that getting there is more complicated than they expect. When you apply for an Indian visa, you have to provide the contact information for references in the United States and in India. You also have to share the contact information for your employer. U.S. News reports that most embassies require at least a months notice to prepare a visa for you, and getting one faster will cost you extra. While NBC notes that getting an Indian visa isnt particularly complicated, the process is surprisingly time-consuming and can end up delaying your trip if you dont plan carefully. 4. Nauru Many Americans havent heard of Nauru, a tiny island in Micronesia. But it definitely makes the list of the most difficult countries for Americans to visit. The State Department reports that you have to obtain your visa before you get to Nauru; theres no way to get one when you arrive. In addition to your visa, youll also have to show proof of hotel bookings or sponsorship from a resident of Nauru. Plus, Travel + Leisure notes that you have to obtain your visa from one of only 12 consulates in the world. And flights go to the island only once a week. 5. Somalia Somalia isnt a vacation destination for the faint of heart. The State Department warns Americans against traveling to the country due to the activity of an al-Qaida affiliated terrorist group, al-Shabaab. USA Today notes that obtaining a Somalian visa is complicated. Some sections of the country issue visas when you arrive. But others require you to get one from a Somali embassy even though there isnt one in the U.S. Plus, the State Department warns that Americans traveling to Somalia are subject to local laws. And if you violate one, even unknowingly, you can be expelled or even imprisoned. However, Somalia has no organized system of criminal justice. So locally established courts operate under Somalian custom and Islamic Sharia law, some of which may be hostile towards foreigners. 6. Sudan Another country the Department of State really doesnt want you to visit? Sudan. The State Department cites risks of terrorism, armed conflict and violent crime. It also warns that the Embassy has little ability to help travelers who venture outside the city of Khartoum. Visitors have to register with the Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival, and all travelers planning to go beyond Khartoum need to obtain a travel permit. Then, you need to register with the police within 24 hours of arriving at a destination outside of Khartoum. Even travelers with proper documentation should expect delays and can be temporarily detained by security forces. You also need a photography permit, but you still run the risk of having your camera equipment seized, even if you have the right permit. 7. Turkmenistan To travel to Turkmenistan, a country on the Caspian Sea in central Asia, you have to obtain a letter of invitation certified by the Government of Turkmenistan in addition to your visa. And getting the letter doesnt guarantee that youll be granted a visa. Travel + Leisure reports that even with the official letter of invitation, proof that youve hired a 24-hour guide, and a full itinerary, its not uncommon to be rejected. Fortunately, theres one way around the problem for Americans who really want to see the country. You can get a three-day transit visa, intended for travelers biking or driving across the country, to see the sights and get a taste of the culture. 8. Saudi Arabia The State Department advises that Americans carefully consider the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia due to the activity of terrorist groups in the country. The government sometimes issues travel bans against people who then cant leave the country for months or even years. Travel + Leisure reports that the country typically only issues visas for those on business trips or with family in the kingdom, though you might be able to get in with a tour group. And USA Today reports that all travelers, but especially women, should study Saudi customs before embarking on a trip. For instance, women traveling alone wont be allowed into the country unless theyre met at the airport by a husband, a sponsor, or a male relative. 9. Iraq The State Department advises Americans against traveling to Iraq. It warns that Americans traveling in the country are at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence, and notes that the Embassy has an extremely limited ability to help travelers. If you still want to make the trip, youll need to navigate a lot of red tape. The State Department reports that your passport will need to be valid for six months after your travel dates. Youll need to apply for a visa through the Embassy of Iraq in Washington, D.C. Once you arrive in Iraq, youll need to obtain an arrival sticker and residency stamp. Youll also have to submit to a blood test for HIV and hepatitis. 10. Bhutan Bhutan is on the State Departments list of countries without a U.S. embassy or consulate or diplomatic relationships with the United States. That automatically complicates the process of traveling to the country. In fact, all tourists unless they happen to have an Indian, Bangladeshi, or Maldivian passport have to book their trip through a Bhutanese tour operator, or one of those operators international partners. The countrys Tourism Council sets a minimum daily tariff required of all visitors. However, the fee does include accommodations, meals, transportation, the service of guides and porters, and cultural programs. But CNN reports that the restrictive cost proves worth it for many travelers. 11. Iran Iran is another country without a U.S. embassy or consulate and without a diplomatic relationship with the United States. And the Trump administrations travel ban on six Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, will likely make it even harder for Americans to travel to the country. Reuters reports that U.S. citizens traditionally have to apply for visas to visit Iran, and the government has to approve your entire itinerary. But the Iran Foreign Ministry promised that the country would take proportional and reciprocal action against the U.S. travel ban. Several factors may preclude Americans from obtaining a visa, including small infractions like applying for a visa before receiving a travel authorization number. Plus, American citizens need have a guide with them at all times while in Iran. 12. Libya Americans arent prohibited from visiting Libya. However, the State Department has made it clear that it doesnt think Americans should travel to the north African country. In fact, the U.S. Embassy suspended all embassy operations in Libya in 2014 thanks to violence between Libyan militias. As of 2017, the embassy in Tripoli remains closed. Plus, the State Department has little ability to assist U.S. citizens traveling to Libya, and the U.S. government cant help you get a visa to visit Libya. On top of that, most international airports are closed, and flights in and out of the remaining operational airports are sporadic. 13. Yemen Yemen is another country that the State Department advises Americans to avoid. The department cites a high security threat level posed by ongoing conflict and terrorist activities as a reason to defer travel to this Arab country. Another reason to choose a different destination? Youll have a hard time getting to Yemen as an American. World Travel Guide reports that Yemens embassy in the United States isnt currently issuing visas. Without one, theres no way to visit the country. Even if you did manage to obtain a visa, youd have to be on your best behavior. Visitors who violate Yemeni laws, even unknowingly, can be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 14. Eritrea Eritrea, a country in northeast Africa, restricts the travel of all foreign nationals. So the Department of State warns that the U.S. Embassy has only a limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside Asmara. Eritrea and the United States have strained relations, which makes it difficult even for travelers with dual citizenship to obtain a visa. Travel + Leisure reports that the application process often results in unexplained rejections. However, if you do manage to get a visa, Lonely Planet recommends staying within Asmara. In that case, you wont need to apply for additional travel permits (unlike the rest of the country, which is subject to strict travel restrictions). 15. Angola Another country thats notoriously difficult for Americans to visit is Angola. Interestingly enough, you have to start the process of applying for a visa by requesting a letter of invitation. The letter needs to be written in Portuguese, has to be notarized in Angola, and can cost hundreds of dollars (in addition to the visa fee). Before you even apply for the visa, you have to have purchased a plane ticket and made a non-refundable hotel reservation. As if that wasnt enough, the State Department reports that immigration and customs officials have detained foreigners without cause and demanded gratuities before allowing them to enter or depart Angola. 16. Central African Republic The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against traveling to the Central African Republic. This landlocked country has a high potential for intercommunal violence and a fragile security situation. In the event of unrest, airport, land border, and road closures may occur with little or no notice, the State Department warns. The U.S. Embassy in Bangui doesnt provide consular services. So youll need to contact the embassy in Cameroon, instead. Plus, Lonely Planet reports that political problems and a religiously-fueled civil war have made the country completely off limits to travelers for safety reasons, with all Western governments warning against any visits here. 17. North Korea U.S. citizens have long been able to visit North Korea even if took an in-depth background check and a long wait to get a visa. But the Trump administration announced plans to prohibit Americans from traveling to the country. The Washington Post notes that its an unusual move for the State Department to ban travel by U.S. citizens to a foreign country. Though the government routinely issues alerts and warnings about travel to specific countries, it doesnt usually ban travel. Typically, when U.S. citizens find that they cant travel to a foreign country, its because of a decision by a foreign government, not the State Department. Read More: These Are the 15 Most Corrupt Countries in the World Can you name the worlds richest countries? How about the single richest country in the world? Its not as easy as you might think. Living in a western country like the United States, youd think that most people are fairly well-off. Even if millions still lack access to things like fresh, affordable food or internet access. But life in the U.S., even for those who are struggling, is a relative cake walk compared to life in some of the worlds poorest countries. While America does tend to rank among the worlds wealthier nations, on a per capita basis, we lag well behind. Several other developed nations rank higher than America in regards to medical care and education. Using data from The World Bank, weve created a list of some of the richest and poorest nations in the world. These lists are based on each countrys gross domestic product per capita. That is, the sum value of all of the finished goods produced within a country during a certain time period (often a year), divided by each countrys middle-of-the-year population. Here are the worlds 10 richest and poorest countries, starting with the former. 10. San Marino San Marino is a tiny country that is completely surrounded by the Italian countryside. Its perched on a mountaintop, to be exact. Given its small size, population, and relative wealth, its per capita GDP is extremely high. San Marinos population is a little more than 30,000, and the entire country comes close to 24 square miles. That doesnt leave a lot of room for business, but the countrys GDP does amount to roughly $4 billion. 9. United Arab Emirates As for number nine on the list, if theres a city that represents new wealth in the 21st century, its Dubai. Dubais home country, the United Arab Emirates (or UAE, as its commonly called), has exploded with wealth over the past decade or two. 8. Norway Norways not nearly as small as San Marino, but it also benefits (in terms of GDP per capita) from a relatively small population and a good amount of wealth. The city of Oslo has emerged as a hub for international business and startup activity. 7. Ireland Number seven on our list, Ireland, has also become something of a hub for businesses. Famously, many companies incorporate their businesses there for tax reasons, and with Brexit in full swing, Ireland may be in a position to benefit. 6. Kuwait Most people only recognize Kuwait from its role in the Desert Storm conflict in the early 1990s. But its a rich Western Asia country that, like many of its neighbors, is enjoying a renaissance due to its natural resources. 5. Brunei Brunei, number five on the list, is a country most of us are probably completely unfamiliar with. Its another tiny nation that is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. 4. Singapore Speaking of Southeast Asia, Singapore is number four on the list of the worlds richest countries. Singapore is hugely important to international business and finance, and has become one of the worlds smallest but most robust nations. 3. Macau Macau is in a similar position as Singapore. Located near Hong Kong, its famous for its huge malls and casinos, which attract swaths of tourists. At only 11 square miles, and with a population of more than 650,000, its considered to be one of the densest areas in the world. 2. Luxembourg The European country of Luxembourg comes in second. Luxembourg is located between Germany, France, and Belgium, and is yet another geographically small country with a dense and wealthy population. 1. Qatar At the top of the list? Qatar. The worlds richest country is yet another nation cashing in due to its access to natural resources. Qatars 2.2 million citizens reside on a peninsula that is only around 4,500 square miles. 10. Madagascar When it comes to the worlds poorest countries, the lions share of them are in Africa. Right off the bat, in the number 10 and nine spots, we get two African nations: Madagascar and Eritrea. Madagascar is still struggling to develop, and most people would only associate the island nation with the animated movie of the same name. 9. Eritrea Eritrea is even less well known, but it was famously included in Donald Trumps Muslim ban executive order. 8. Guinea Were staying on the African continent for numbers seven and eight. In the eighth position, we get the nation of Guinea, located in West Africa and bordered by Sierra Leone, Mali, Senegal, among others. And like with most West African nations, life is tough for most of the population. 7. Mozambique Mozambique, on the other hand, is located on Africas southeast coast, bordering Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa. Unfortunately, it too is struggling with crippling poverty. 6. Malawi We mentioned Malawi, and it lands at number six on the list. Malawi is a small country in eastern Africa, which has largely been crippled by government corruption. That, in turn, has caused economic strife at all levels. 5. Niger Number five, Niger, is in North and Central Africa, bordering Mali, Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, and Chad. Niger has oil reserves, but corruption and other internal problems have also led to significant economic issues. 4. Liberia Liberia is often pointed to as an example of a failed state. The country has suffered and struggled mightily for a variety of reasons, including the recent outbreak of Ebola and the rise of militant groups and warlords controlling resources. 3. Burundi Burundi, the worlds third poorest country, is a small country in Central Africa. Problems with government corruption and coups have crippled Burundis ability to develop, and, as a result, poverty is widespread. 2. Democratic Republic of the Congo The two poorest countries in the world are adjacent to each other in central Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (different from Republic of the Congo), much like the first country on this list, has been in the middle of all sorts of military and political upheavals for a long time. 1. Central African Republic Taking the number one spot is the Central African Republic. Fighting over resources and control has led to incredible amounts of poverty and suffering in this nation, and as a result, its currently the worlds poorest. Erika Rawes also contributed to this story. More from Money & Career Cheat Sheet: Long security lines. Rude ticket agents. Cars packed like sardines in the departures and arrivals lanes. Spotty Wi-Fi at best. No matter where youve traveled, youve likely encountered one or all of these not-so-glamorous aspects of flying. Its great to be able to climb onto a vehicle that can cross oceans within hours, but enduring airport headaches is the price we pay for it. At a few rare destinations, like Singapores Changi International Airport, layovers and flight delays are inconveniences to celebrate. Who wouldnt mind a few extra hours in an airport with a sauna, spa, koi pond, and free movie theater? In most cases, you deal with the normal grievances and make it to your flight, forgetting the lousy but typical experience at the gate. But in some instances, the airport truly detracts from your trip and makes the entire experience something Dante would use for inspiration. Each year, SleepingInAirports releases its list of worst airports, based on reviews from the past 12 months. In 2015, more than 26,000 responses were included, and ranked airports based on the overall experience, cleanliness, services available, customer service, comfort, and sleepability (for the sites namesake). The average ratings are used to come up with the list. The good news? If you only take domestic flights in the United States, youll skip the horrors of using the worlds worst airports. The bad news? They span the rest of the globe. If youre traveling for business or leisure, do what you can to stay away from these airports. And if you must fly from or to them, know whats in store once you arrive. 10. Paris Beauvais-Tille Airport, Paris, France The airport built temporary extensions on to make up for the crowds, but those were constructed 10 years ago, with no signs of more permanent structures to come. For now, youre stuck with the warehouse ambiance. SleepingInAirports says this airport was voted the worst in all of Europe, at least in part for a lack of chairs, courteous staff, and cleanliness. As the Telegraph points out, the airports location is also a problem. It claims to serve the capital city, (Paris is even in the name), but is actually about two hours from the citys center by car. Also, good luck gaining access to free Wi-Fi. If the 7th Circle of Hell were a place on earth, it would be Paris Beauvais-Tille, one disgruntled traveler commented on SleepingInAirports survey. 9. Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Pakistan Islamabads airport was named the worst one in 2014, so earning the No. 9 spot in 2015 is a pseudo-victory, if baby steps are the key to success. In the past year the airport upgraded bathrooms, opened a new lounge, and increased the number of ticket counters for travelers. A new terminal, slated for completion by the end of 2016, is expected to further improve conditions. Still, cleanliness is still a persisting issue, and the airport continues to have a reputation for rampant corruption. 8. Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam Youll find typical markers of terrible airports at Ho Chi Minhs location, including disgusting bathrooms, poor Wi-Fi connections, and few (but pricey) restaurants to choose from. But the main cause for the airports poor rating is a growing number of allegations about corruption, particularly in customs. Many customs officers ask for bribes to make the process faster, and people who didnt pay up immediately faced huge delays and often problems with their paperwork, SleepingInAirports said. The only way this airport can improve is to get rid of all the bribery, you have to pay just to get out of the airport, one traveler said. SkyTrax, another review site, had some positive reviews but also complaints of difficulty finding transportation from the airport and, again, long lines through customs. 7. Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan Given the countrys ongoing turmoil, its not surprising that the airport isnt exactly brimming with plush seats and luxurious amenities. SleepingInAirports says its international terminal has improved over the past few years, but the domestic terminal is rife with complaints. Overall cleanliness, staff courtesy, and a general lack of comfort were all points of concern for survey respondents. Kabul International Airport has NO Facility at all. Adding it will be an improvement, said one survey respondent. 6. Port au Prince Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Haiti Renovations are apparently on the way, but that didnt stop travelers in Haitis capital city from complaining about the filthy bathrooms, stifling heat, and untrustworthy staff. Voters recommend bringing your own snacks, and keeping all valuables with you. In addition, be prepared to deal with overly aggressive baggage porters once you arrive. Reviews on the airports Facebook page reveal similar complaints. While it is centuries ahead of where it was 5 years ago, it is still very 3rd world. The press of people can be very intimidating for the the uninitiated. The services are limited and expensive and the choices are severely limited, one reviewer noted. 5. Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport, Venezuela SleepingInAirports dubs this stop as chaotic, uncomfortable, and dull. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a layover. Youre not likely to find an open chair, the bathrooms are dirty, and you wont find much quality food. If you do need to use this airport and youll be there for more than a quick layover, respondents suggest shelling out the extra cash for a day pass to one of the airports two lounges, where free Wi-Fi eases the pain. Though the reviews on SkyTrax are older, many reviewers also complained of long customs lines, often exacerbated by double security checks and other disorganization. 4. Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan Once you get to your gate, youll likely be ok in this airport, which serves as the main gateway to Central Asia. Getting there, however, is pretty much the entire battle. Tashkent is known for its lines at every stage of check-in and security, and theres little presence of crowd control. Travelers should be prepared to quite literally defend their spot in the mob from pushy passengers, SleepingInAirports wrote. That crowd control is an ongoing problem, with alarming reviews dating back several years on other sites like TripAdvisor. If you must use this airport, be prepared to be a defensive passenger. 3. Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal The airports domestic terminal is more like a bus station, several respondents said, and it has garnered at least part of its reputation for its horrendous bathroom conditions. I had purposely dehydrated myself, so I wouldnt have to use the restroom there, said one traveler, apparently having learned from legend or unfortunate previous experience. The Nepalese airport was on the list last year, too, but didnt have much of a fair chance to improve conditions this year. Among other struggles, the earthquake that hit in March damaged the runway and further delayed plans to open a new domestic terminal, originally scheduled for a 2013 opening. If youre flying into the airport for the first time, one experienced traveler offers this blog post about navigating the airport as easily as possible. 2. Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia From the reviews, this airport is almost out-of-control chaos. Theres smoking in non-smoking areas, odors seeping from the bathrooms, and immigration officers who could very likely be checking their phones instead of your passport, delaying lines in extreme fashion. In fact, many travelers strongly suggested avoiding this airport at all costs. A new airport is in the works, set to open in mid-2016. Provided there are some staffing changes when the switch happens, theres a potential for improvement. Regardless, be cautious about how long your layovers are. Many travelers on TripAdvisor have reported having issues with flights scheduled with stopovers of 20 or 30 hours. Though often an airline mistake, travelers pay the price, since Saudi officials wont allow layovers longer than 12 to 18 hours. Not that youd want to stay in the airport for that long anyway, but its worth noting. 1. Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria Theres almost no seating in this facility, and a tent serves as an arrivals hall. You also wont find any air conditioning. Recent renovations do mean that some areas will have actual walls and windows, but the unhelpful staff is what earns Port Harcourt the No. 1 worst airport in the world this year. This has to be the most corrupt airport in the world. Bring money as they say in PH. Its a standing joke, one respondent attested. In the days following SleepingInAirports results, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the countrys House of Representatives both took action. The FAAN contested the rating, saying much of the airport was still under construction. But the country has poured 400 billion naira (about $2 billion USD) into improving airport infrastructure across the nation, including at Port Harcourt. The abysmal ranking prompted an investigation to see if the money has been used properly to update facilities. Time will tell if its enough to remove Port Harcourt from the list in 2016. More from Culture Cheat Sheet: A bizarre 'spider' artwork was placed on top of Ottawa Cathedral and local Catholics aren't happy A bizarre giant robotic spider perched on Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa, Canada has caused controversy among Catholics there, with the local archbishop expressing regret that critics have called the artwork 'sacrilegious' and 'demonic'. The Archbishop of Ottawa, Terrence Prendergast, said that he was surprised by the negative reaction to the artistic initiative. 'My cathedral staff and I anticipated that some...might object, but thought it would be minimal, as nothing demeaning was intended in the spider being near the church,' the archbishop told Canadian Catholic News. 'I regret that we had not sufficiently understood that others would see this event so differently. I say to those who were shocked that I understand that this would have been upsetting for them and that I regret that a well-intentioned effort to cooperate in a celebration was anything but that for them.' The spider, named Kumo, is one of two giant robots created by a street theatre company based in Nantes, France, the Catholic Herald reported. The company, La Machine, was in Ottawa from July 27-30 as part of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Canada's foundation. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Ottowa's downtown to see the spectacle of robots, music and other special effects. The show opened on the evening of July 27, with Kumo 'waking up' to organ music from inside the cathedral. Suspended from cranes, the spider climbed off its perch between the towers as 'snow' fell from above as part of the event's special effects. One Catholic, Diane Bartlett, wrote on the archbishop's Facebook wall: 'I don't understand how allowing a mechanical spider to stand on the cathedral is anything but disturbing, disappointing and even shameful.' But others defended the archbishop's decision. 'While the viewer may find the juxtaposition jarring, I gather it's supposed to be,' wrote Kris Dmytrenko. 'But sacrilegious? C'mon, give your archbishop a break. This civic engagement with art recalls the Vatican's Courtyard of the Gentiles project. Culture is a bridge.' Archbishop Prendergast said that the decision to participate in the show was motivated by a desire to engage with the wider Ottawa community. 'We make use of the city to obtain permits for our events, and they are most cooperative,' he said. 'The Good Friday Way of the Cross lets us have access to public venues (Supreme Court, Parliament Hill, the plaza in front of the National Gallery), and the police offer a security escort. 'We try to be good citizens, good neighbours and cooperative. To the extent that we did see symbolism, it was that, afterwards, Our Lady would continue to reign, something I mentioned in a tweet right after the Thursday performance, as people I respect began to make their objections known.' The archbishop explained that organisers approached the cathedral staff last year, hoping to position Kumo on the Cathedral because it is across the street from the National Art Gallery, which features a large spider sculpture called Maman in its entrance courtyard. The idea was reportedly to make it seem as if Kumo was approaching Maman. 'Cathedral staff were shown other cathedrals and public buildings in Europe that had been involved,' Pendergast said. 'It seemed innocent enough. 'I guess we thought people would see this as a sign the church is involved in Ottawa's celebrations. Many people, both Catholic and others, English and Francophone, remarked how pleased they were that Notre Dame was involved in our celebration of Canada 150.' Bible study in Donald Trump's Christian-friendly White House is a weekly event for the first time in a hundred years Donald Trump has opened the doors of the White House wide open to Christian leaders since he became President and now a weekly Cabinet Bible study takes place with high level leaders like Mike Pence and Jeff Sessions. Ralph Drollinger, of Capitol Ministries, is one of the Christians who helped to get the Bible study started. He thinks it's the first time in at least a 100 years that the White House has been holding a formal Bible study with executive Cabinest members. He spoke highly of the people in the White House in an interview with CBN News and described how they make time for the Bible study despite their packed schedules. The picture Drollinger paints is that when they come for the study, they're not just coming to be polite, but are ready to learn. 'It's the best Bible study that I've ever taught in my life. They are so teachable; they're so noble; they're so learned,' he said. It's not clear whether Trump is among those gathering for the weekly study, but Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos are some of the regulars. Drollinger just said he sends a copy of his teachings each week and that Pence is a sponsor of the study. Unlike Trump, he has especially high praise for Sessions. 'He'll (Jeff Sessions) go out the same day I teach him something and I'll see him do it on camera and I just think, 'Wow, these guys are faithful, available and teachable and they're at Bible study every week they're in town,' said Drollinger. Trump has been keen to surround himself with people of faith ever since he ran for President last year and it doesn't seem like his interest is subsiding even after coming to office in the White House. Last month, a photo went viral around the web of Trump surrounded by Christian leaders praying over him in the Oval Office. The picture was taken by Johnnie Moore, president of the KAIROS Company, who said this kind of prayer gathering with Trump was actually really frequent. Christians protest as new report shows devastating impact of Trump's refugee policies The global standing of the US when it comes to the world refugee crisis has dramatically slipped in the past six months, according to a new report released by Human Rights First, a leading non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organisation. As a result of changes in US policy under Donald Trump's presidency, global refugee resettlement is now predicted to fall by 30-40 per cent in 2017 as compared to 2016. The refugees most affected by this decline are women and children, including those who have suffered sexual and gender-based violence, as well as survivors of torture. The Human Rights First report says: 'The damage done by President Trump's refugee bans has been devastating to refugees, to refugee-hosting nations, to American allies and partners, to US national security interests and to US global leadership. 'The Trump Administration must change course, rescind the bans and launch a renewed and robust effort to lead the world's nations in assisting, protecting, and resettling refugees. While this country has at times faltered, the US commitment to protecting the persecuted has deep and strong roots.' The report refers to the fact that on January 27, 2017, Trump signed an executive order that sought to ban the resettlement of Syrian refugees indefinitely, prioritise religious minorities, slash all refugee resettlement down to a historic low of 50,000, halt refugee resettlement for at least 120 days, and suspend entry of citizens of seven predominately Muslim countries Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for at least 90 days. After US federal courts blocked parts of the order, Trump signed a revised version on March 6, 2017. That order removed the Syrian refugee ban as well as exceptions and preferences for religious minorities. Although the revised order maintained the travel ban, it removed Iraq from the list, leaving the other six countries, and it kept the provisions to suspend resettlement and cut the year's target down by over half to 50,000. Emily Gray, the senior vice president for US ministries of the Christian charity World Relief, said: 'In addition to women and children, the decision of the United States to allow fewer refugees also means that the US will accept the lowest number of refugees who have been persecuted for their Christian faith in a decade.' Scott Arbeiter, World Relief's president, added that 'we must appropriately balance security and compassion. This report clearly shows that we are not achieving that balance, and that people are suffering as a result.' Gray continued: 'The current US policies renege on promises the US has made to those who have served with our military and with US companies working in places like Iraq and Syria.' The Human Rights First report highlights the example that in the first five months of the Trump administration, there has been a 64 per cent decrease in refugees who fled into Jordan, being permanently resettled to another country. 'Through our work in Jordan, we see very directly the impact of the refugee crisis there, and these actions by the administration are compounding the struggles of refugees who are trying to find safety in countries that are already struggling,' said World Relief CEO Tim Breene. 'The United States needs to reaffirm our commitment to not only supporting refugees in countries of first asylum, but also continuing our welcome of them,' said Arbeiter. Church of England bishop: 'Nothing we agreed at General Synod undermines Scripture' A senior Church of England bishop has defended the General Synod against accusations that it 'failed to uphold the teaching of the Bible'. Bishop of Norwich Graham James contests the assertion of former Bishop of Rochester, Michael NazirAli, and other conservative Anglicans that the recent synod which voted against 'conversion therapy' and in favour of inclusivity for transgender people went against the Bible. In a letter to the Telegraph he writes: 'The threefold sources of authority in the Church of England are scripture, tradition and reason, with scripture as the foundation. Nothing agreed at the recent synod undermines that. 'On human sexuality, the General Synod called for an exploration of inclusivity in the context of "the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it" within a teaching document yet to be written. 'The synod voted against "conversion therapy", which purports to make gay people straight. It did not seek to prevent prayer or accredited counselling for people uncomfortable with their sexuality. 'The synod also asked the bishops to consider authorising liturgies to welcome transgender people. This was prompted by stories of those who have felt rejected by the Church, and out of a biblical compassion for those who are frequently marginalised. 'Members of very different views and theological traditions were heard respectfully and applauded. When one intervention included personal remarks about a non-member, that speaker was rebuked from the chair and from the floor. Booing is discourteous and inappropriate within a Christian body, but, as an important point of clarification, it was not the speaker's views that provoked it at the last synod.' The conservatives' letter, also published in the Telegraph, was signed by senior figures including the former Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, and the former Queen's Chaplain, Gavin Ashenden. The conservatives warned that the decisions on LGBT issues at synod, which met York in July, had caused 'great concern' among Anglicans: 'There are times, particularly in the face of social disintegration, when it is the duty of the Church to be counter-cultural.' The letter added that the 'booing of traditionalists' and the 'personal abuse' that they endured at the synod had 'deepened mistrust' between the two camps. One signatory, Rev James Paice, told Christian Today: 'The Church of England response to this unprecedented letter is woeful and does not deal with the concerns expressed at all. Jesus came to save us from our sins, not so that we debate nicely about redefining morality. Jesus came to give us an eternal hope and transform us by his Holy Spirit into his likeness.' Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, leader of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, has also slammed the synod for 'false teaching' and warned that it is in 'grave spiritual danger'. In further comments last night, Bishop James told The Times that votes to condemn 'gay cure' therapies and to welcome transgender people at this month's General Synod were 'pastoral' issues, dealing with the Church's duty of care to vulnerable people rather than changing itsfundamental teachings on sexuality or gender. Bishop James said: 'The Church needs to be true to itself and to its call to interpret the Scriptures it has received in the light of the demands of the time. I don't think it's a case of being counter-cultural for its own sake or being captive to secular society. It should be neither of those things.' Bishops are aiming to produced a new teaching document on sexuality and marriage by 2020, the same year the next Lambeth Conference, a gathering of all Anglican bishops from around the world, is due to meet. Do our current laws on abortion save lives? The abortion laws in Northern Ireland receive much negative press attention because the province did not introduce the 1967 Abortion Act, unlike other parts of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland is often therefore criticised as being 'too strict', with the 1967 Act regarded as a neutral standard against which to judge the province's laws. However, when people talk about introducing or changing legislation, rarely do they question how the laws have shaped the society they protect or what kind of culture they have fostered. Today, the news broke in Northern Ireland that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has formally acknowledged that it was reasonable for the claim to be made that at least 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland today because the province did not introduce the 1967 Abortion Act. The ASA was investigating whether a billboard that the group Both Lives Matter put up highlighting the 100,000 figure was misleading after a few complaints were lodged. The ASA employed an independent healthcare statistician who found that the figure stood up to scrutiny. The conclusion was that: 'The evidence indicated that there was a reasonable probability that around 100,000 people were alive in Northern Ireland today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so.' A hundred thousand people would fill the 02 Arena five times over. They would fill Wembley Stadium to capacity and still leave 10,000 people queuing outside. The abortion laws have created a life-affirming culture in Northern Ireland. These 100,000 people are not an abstract figure but everyday people friends, neighbours and colleagues who are alive because the 1967 Act was not introduced in the region. There are nearly 200,000 abortions in the UK every year that's around 17 per every 1000 women. This figure is among the highest in Western Europe, which has a much lower average of only around 6.5 per 1,000. As the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act looms it is time to consider the effect that is has had on our society. If 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland because it didn't embrace the '67 Act then perhaps it's time we ask the question: how many people would be alive in Great Britain Today had the Act not been introduced here in England, Scotland and Wales? Just how different would our communities look? How many stadiums would be overflowing with these lives? This is a great opportunity to revisit the 1967 Act. The truth is we need legislative reform, but instead of Northern Ireland following Great Britain, Great Britain should be embracing Northern Ireland's positive, life-affirming example. The 1967 Act currently contains no provision to offer ongoing counselling to those who need it, there is no explicit ban on sex-selective abortion and it allows for a baby found carrying a disability to be aborted right up until birth. The abortion limit is also set at 24 weeks even though 70 per cent of women across the UK would like to see that limit be significantly reduced. We must be able to have open and honest conversations about how the 1967 Abortion Act is not only failing unborn children, but it's lacking in compassion for women too. Mothers need effective, practical and helpful support during and after their pregnancy. We need legislation across the UK which will affirm the worth and value of both mothers and children. Anything less undermines the dignity of both and the culture we want to create. Nola Leach is chief executive of CARE. Hobby Lobby smuggling scandal: Israeli police arrest 5 antiquities dealers in Jerusalem Israeli police arrested five antiquities dealers in Jerusalem over the weekend, seizing a range of artefacts including gold coins and ancient weapons as part of an international investigation into smuggled Iraqi items involving the evangelical-run crafts supply firm Hobby Lobby. Some of the artefacts in the case had made their way into the United States, according to Israeli police and the Israel Antiquities Authority, with Israeli tax and antiquities authorities only learning of the sale after US investigators uncovered details of it while looking into purchases made by Hobby Lobby. Police then raided the homes and businesses of the unidentified dealers on suspicion of tax fraud, money laundering and forgery, according to CNN. Hobby Lobby had purchased $1.6 million worth of Iraqi artefacts over the past seven years from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the US Department of Justice. Those who allegedly sold the artefacts were authorised Israeli dealers, but they falsified invoices and receipts, said Dr Eitan Klein from the Israel Antiquities Authority's department for preventing antiquities theft. According to Klein, the artefacts never passed through Israel, but instead were shipped directly from the UAE to the United States with the Israeli dealers allegedly arranging the sale and coordinating the shipment. As Christian Today reported, in early July, Hobby Lobby agreed to forfeit the artefacts and pay a $3 million fine to resolve a civil action brought by the Justice Department, according to court documents. Klein said: 'A year ago, a special agent of Homeland Security came to Israel regarding the Hobby Lobby investigation, and we actually opened a joint investigation, and we helped him to investigate the dealers who sold Hobby Lobby antiquities that they purchased in Dubai.' In the ensuing raid, police seized a trove of bronze, silver, and gold coins, as well as ancient Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Latin parchment, sculptures, pottery, and figurines, CNN reported. On Sunday, the five antiquities dealers were brought before a Jerusalem Magistrate's Court where a judge extended their custody. Hobby Lobby's president, Steve Green, said in a July 5 statement: 'We should have exercised more oversight and carefully questioned how the acquisitions were handled. Hobby Lobby has cooperated with the government throughout its investigation, and with the announcement of [July's] settlement agreement, is pleased the matter has been resolved.' How the Church went from hero to zero on mental health It's symbolic of a wider shift across the Church. New Wine one of the largest Christian festivals of the year has developed a 'health and well-being' seminar stream tackling topics such as stress and anxiety, depression and insomnia. The major evangelical gathering, spanning two weeks in July and August and attracting thousands to the Bath and West Showground in Somerset, joins other charismatic festivals such as Focus in Hampshire in having a major focus on tackling mental illness in their teaching programme. Will Van Der Hart, founding director of Mind and Soul and one of the stream's high profile speakers, tells Christian Today this shift in attitude is a recent and ongoing one. 'The Church is definitely starting to take mental health much much more seriously. I think it's a trend in the world as well,' he says after speaking to a packed marquee on the dangers of perfectionism. 'We've been knocking on the door of the Church since 2006 to say this is really, really important.' But it is only in the last few years that church leaders have started to realise the importance of addressing mental illness. Christian leaders often lack knowledge in the area and fuel stigma either by their ignorance or by over-spiritualising mental health problems, he says. 'There were lots of assumptions,' he says of his work speaking to pastors. 'Either that mental health was a demonic condition which could be resolved by some sort of spiritual activity or they were a manifestation of some sort of spiritual ill-discipline depression was laziness, anxiety was the sin of fear.' A recent report by religious think-tank Theos found that although a variety of Christian initiatives aim to tackle mental illness, 'they are often highly localised, small scale and under the radar'. Van Der Hart explains this was not always the case. 'The Church over the millennia has been the most precious and fabulous place to receive mental health in care in the world. The monastic traditions were the first asylums,' he says. 'Without the care of the Church those with mental illness would have had far harsher if treatment at all. 'What we have is incredible legacy of mental health care in the Church.' Unfortunately, he says, the Church withdrew from the ground with the arrival of psychological studies in the form of Sigmund Freud, Carl Yung and the advent of psychotherapy. Now, although Christians suffer from mental illness to the same extent as the rest of society, their prospects are actually worse because they are more reluctant to see their GP, more reluctant to receive medication and more reluctant to enter into psychotherapy. Studies such as that by Theos have repeatedly found 'religious belief aids resilience in responding to traumatic events and leads to faster recovery from mental health problems' and Van Der Hart says the Church's accepting and welcoming environment is a place of healing for people with mental health issues if the stigma is removed. 'You wouldn't say to someone, "You are a virus." But you do to someone, "You are schizophrenic." 'You wouldn't say to someone, "You are a cold." But you might say to someone, "You are a depressive." That's a statement of judgment. 'We've got to end that. That's a statement of disease not a statement of personhood.' The Church is often willing and enthusiastic about tackling poverty, without making the connection that so many of its roots are in mental illness, says Van Der Hart. 'If you are looking for ways to help the poor, start with mental health. 'If you really want to address the problems of society we need to address the problems of mental illness.' Theos' reports makes clear it is an initial inquiry and calls for more research and funding to 'encourage, inform, shape and amplify the Christian response to current mental health problems'. With no prospects of the speed of life or the levels of family breakdown declining two key factors in rising levels of anxiety and depression it is more imperative than ever the Church enters the field. One in four adults in the UK have been diagnosed with at least one mental health problem over their lifetime and in 2014 alone one fifth of people in the UK aged 16 and over showed some symptoms of anxiety or depression. The problem is not going away. Teaching like that from New Wine is a start. But it must be just that a start and not seen as sufficient initself. As Theos' report concludes: 'Mental health is now a major public issue, raising further the question of what Christians are doing to address these issues and how effective their efforts are proving.' Imprisoned Christian Convert In Iran Has Sentence Extended, Meaning She Will Be In Jail For Christmas Maryam Zargaran, the Christian convert imprisoned in Iran, has had her sentence extended by more than a month. Even though she remains ill, her period of incarceration has been lengthened by a total of 42 days to compensate for time she was allowed to go home or to hospital so she could be treated for her serious medical conditions. Sources told the Christian charity Open Doors that her sentence had been made longer. They also described how the severity of conditions inside the notorious Evin Prison have contributed to the severity of her medical problems. Zargaran is suffering from heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and lumbar disc disease. She was sentenced to four years in prison after her arrest in January 2013 in connection with work on an orphanage she did with Saeed Abedini, an American former Muslim who converted in 2000. Abedini, active in the underground house church movement in Iran, was also imprisoned in Evin. He was released in January this year and returned to the United States, where his wife has filed for divorce. Zargaran was convicted and jailed for "acting against national security". She was allowed to leave prison briefly to receive treatment in June this year. In July she went on hunger strike in an attempt to persuade the Iranian authorities of the need for treatment but on the request of her family, ended the hunger strike at the start of August. Open Doors said she was given permission to go home for medical treatment at the end of August, but on conditions that she felt unable to comply with, resulting in her return to Evin and meaning she had to cut short the essential medical care she was receiving. She was allowed home again at the start of this month but on her return, was informed her sentence had been extended. Amnesty International is among those who have condemned Iran's lack of adequate medical care in its prisons as "cruel". There has been a spate of arrests of Christians in Iran this year. Open Doors is calling for prayers for healing for Zargaran, for comfort and strength for her family and for her swift release along with that of dozens of other imprisoned Christians in Iran. Influence, unprecedented access and an 'impact on policy': Are evangelicals tightening their grip on Trump's White House? Richard Land, the predecessor to Russell Moore as head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, confirmed liberals' worst fears this week when he said that the so-called religious right has gained 'unprecedented access' to the White House under Donald Trump's presidency, and is having an 'impact on policy'. Land, who was among the evangelical leaders who famously prayed with Trump in the Oval Office on July 10, stepped up his claims of influence after saying in January that he had been asked for 'personnel recommendations' by the Trump administration. Interviewed by Ronnie Floyd, the former SBC president, on the Family Research Council's Washington Watch programme, Land said that Trump had been 'a very pleasant surprise to me'. Land said he and other evangelical leaders including Tony Perkins, Gary Bauer and Ralph Reed 'all testified to the fact that we've never had the kind of open access to the administration that we've had in this administration'. He continued: 'And it is sort of nice when you walk around the halls of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to keep running into people you know who are evangelicals. Personnel is policy. And there are more evangelicals in this administration as personnel than any administration in my lifetime...And, you know, it's a lot easier to explain evangelical concerns to evangelicals.' Land added: 'Not only do we have access, but we have had impact on decisions. We have had impact on policy. And it's a whole different atmosphere, there really is, there's a different atmosphere in the White House and the administration.' He went on to say that Trump is 'absolutely fascinated by evangelicals' and 'finds us to be in sync with him on a lot of things'. As well he might, given the well-known statistic that around 81 per cent of whote evangelicals voted for Trump in last November's presidential election. Land's comments came as Christian Today reported yesterday that Trump's White House last week expanded its engagement with faith leaders by holding three different 'listening sessions' featuring nearly 100 different Christian leaders and activists. Just weeks after the gathering of around 30 evangelical leaders met for an all-day session in Washington, the White House Office of Public Liaison expanded its evangelical outreach by inviting faith leaders who have not yet been involved in previous meetings with the administration to voice their concerns, according to the Christian Post (CP). The prominent evangelical Johnnie Moore, who serves as an informal adviser to the White House, told CP that he attended all three meetings held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. 'The White House has continued to have listening sessions with evangelical leaders and they had three more this week. Almost 100 evangelicals [participated],' said Moore, who heads a public relations company that gives voice to many notable evangelical pastors. 'Each listening session was about two hours and involved briefings from administration officials and an opportunity for folks to express their thoughts on various issues.' Meanwhile, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), several of President Donald Trump's key Cabinet officials meet regularly for Bible study in the White House a development described as 'troubling' by one observer. Critics point to the man leading the meetings, Ralph Drollinger, an evangelical minister with a history of controversial statements, including on homosexuality, who is the founder of the evangelical group Capitol Ministries, which pursues the goal of spreading the gospel to public servants. Maggie Garrett, the legislative director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, yesterday told mic.com: 'This one pastor is given what appears to be unprecedented access by the White House to top Cabinet leaders on a weekly basis.' It is even more troubling, Garrett said, 'when you consider [that] this pastor has called Catholicism a false religion, said women who work after having children are sinners and said homosexuality is an abomination'. In 2004, Drollinger suggested that female lawmakers who have young children at home are sinners. According to the Los Angeles Times, he wrote in a Bible lesson: 'It is one thing for a mother to work out of her home while her children are in school. It is quite another matter to have children in the home and live away in Sacramento for four days a week. Whereas the former could be in keeping with the spirit of Proverbs 31, the latter is sinful.' The Los Angeles Times reported that this came just a few months after Drollinger referred to Catholicism as 'one of the primary false religions of the world'. During an interview with Sacramento News and Review in 2005, Drollinger said that 'Homosexuality is a sin' and an 'abomination in the eyes of God'. According to the CBN report, Cabinet members including the Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, have been attending weekly bible studies led by Drollinger. The Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Vice President Mike Pence have also reportedly attended the meetings, which Drollinger told CBN was 'the best Bible study that I've ever taught in my life'. Ira Lupu, a professor emeritus of law at George Washington University Law School and an expert in constitutional law, told mic.com: 'The appearance of Bible study in the White House shows a kind of symbolic alliance between a particular faith and the government, and that makes people uneasy'. But, he added: 'I wouldn't find it bothersome unless it was exclusive or coercive...There's a difference between tension and some violation of a constitutional norm.' Georgetown associate professor of law Martin Lederman appeared to agree, saying that 'the principal legal concerns, if any, would be only if there were some pressure to attend ... [or] if other religions and secular groups were not permitted to have analogous study sessions'. Nonetheless, Garrett pointed out: 'The president and his Cabinet serve all of us. Knowing they attend Bible studies like this sows doubt in our minds about whether they do. Our government's policies should be inclusive and promote fairness and equality, not be implemented based on a narrow religious agenda.' And that is not to mention Trump's vocal support from other controversial figures, such as Jerry Falwell Jr, the current president of Liberty University who has railed against homosexuality and who supported apartheid in South Africa. However controversial the relationship is between Trump's White House and the evangelicals, however, what appears clear is that it will, if anything, get closer. Moore told the CP that in due course, there 'will be more' such meetings between administration officials and the faith leaders. 'What I understand is they intend on inviting lots and lots and lots of leaders to listening sessions among various constituencies,' he said. 'There will be more of them. They want this to be people's house and they want to make sure there is no problem getting in touch with them and expressing points of view and those points of view are taken into account.' Floyd concurred, saying that there will be 'deeper engagement' between the White House and faith leaders. 'Regardless of what people say...there are two things we need to be encouraged [about],' he said. 'First, this administration has proven that they care about what people of faith want and what people of faith are concerned about and they are addressing them. It is very obvious that they are addressing them. Secondly, this administration ... is zealous for people to pray for them. Obviously, they need it and we all need it in our country and they are very willing to pursue God about matters in this relationship and asking people to pray for them.' Iranian Christian Maryam Zargaran is released from prison An Iranian Christian convert has been released from Tehran's Evin prison after four years in detention. Maryam Naghash Zargaran, 39, was arrested alongside Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini in January 2013 in connection with their work at an orphanage. According to World Watch Monitor, she was released last night. Zargaran was originally sentenced to four years imprisonment for acts that were 'in line with England and Occupied Palestine's [Israel's] anti-security agenda to spread Christianity in Iran in order to pervert Iranian society from Islam'. She suffers from a number of medical conditions and had heart surgery 10 years ago. She has also been diagnosed with lumbar disc disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. Her congenital heart condition has reportedly been exacerbated by conditions in the prison. Zargaran was denied treatment for her medical conditions in prison, being cited by Amnesty as an example of Iran's 'cruel' denial of medical care. She undertook several hunger strikes and was allowed to leave prison several times for medical treatment, but was forced to return each time before it was completed, World Watch Monitor says. Her sentence was extended by six weeks to reflect the time she spent outside prison. Mansour Borji, from the advocacy group Article 18, told World Watch Monitor her 'unjust detention despite severe health issues is clear evidence of Iran's lack of respect for religious freedom'. 'Part of this suppression is reflected in the increased number of arrests, but also smear campaigns against religious minorities, especially Christians,' he added. Iraqi town elects first ever Christian woman as mayor The small Iraqi town of Alqosh on the troubled Nineveh Plain has elected a female Christian as mayor, in a first for that country. Lara Yussif Zara, a Catholic, was the unanimous choice of the municipal council last Thursday, defeating another candidate, according to the Catholic Herald. Zara, who graduated in economics and management studies in 2006, replaces another Chaldean Christian, Abdul Micha, who was dismissed from the post after charges of corruption. She has become the first ever Christian woman to be elected as a mayor in Iraq, and the second woman to achieve such as position after a Muslim, Zekra Alwach, became mayor of Baghdad in 2015. For three years Alqosh was near the border with territory occupied by Islamic State, but now after the Iraqi 'liberation' from ISIS there are tensions in the largely Christian community over whether Christians and other minority groups should support moves by the government of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan for independence. In May, Christian Today reported how in the wake of the onslaught in the area by ISIS, amid the rubble outside St George's Church near Alqosh, a battered wooden crucifix was discovered, symbolic of Christian hope in the area. The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and the Chaldean Archbishop, Bashar Warda of Erbil, came together in London to bless the crucifix. The blessing was part of a programme now under way to persuade the many thousands of Christians who fled the terror in their homelands to consider returning. The crucifix was discovered intact by Stephen Rasche, chief counsel and projects coordinator for Archbishop Warda. Pro-life groups celebrate as advertising watchdog says anti-abortion billboard in Northern Ireland did not mislead Pro-life and evangelical groups were celebrating today after complaints about a billboard campaign claiming that Northern Ireland's restrictive abortion laws had saved 100,000 lives were dismissed by the advertising regulator. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said that there was a 'reasonable probability' that the claim was largely accurate and said the assertion was not misleading. The billboard said: '100,000 people are alive today because of our laws on abortion. Why change that?' The pro-life group Both Lives Matter (BLM) faced a challenge after 14 complaints said the claim could not be substantiated. But an ASA statement said: 'On balance, we concluded that the evidence indicated that there was a reasonable probability that around 100,000 people were alive in Northern Ireland today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so. 'Because we considered that readers would understand the figure to represent an estimate, we concluded that the claim was unlikely to materially mislead readers.' Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where terminations remained banned after the 1967 Abortion Act. The ASA decision has led to calls for the law in the rest of the UK to be reviewed. BLM said it had attempted to estimate the number of people alive today because the law had not been introduced in Northern Ireland. It said it was not possible to calculate an exact figure, but that 100,000 represented a credible and conservative estimate. The calculation was based on a comparison with Scotland's abortion rate. Dawn McAvoy from Both Lives Matter said she was delighted with the result. 'Our opponents said we could not substantiate the claim, despite us producing a robust report,' she said. 'The ASA have examined our calculations and backed our figure.' McAvoy added: 'Their expert concluded that it is reasonable to say that 100,000 people are alive today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so. 'This independent verification is a real endorsement of our campaign." Meanwhile Nola Leach, the chief executive of Christian Action Research Education (CARE) said the decision should give cause for a 'massive rethink' when it comes to policy in Britain. 'Today's ruling presents those of us who live in Great Britain with a very awkward question,' said Leach. 'If 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland today who would not be if the 1967 Act had applied in the province, what would the figures look like across England, Scotland and Wales? 'In a few months it is the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act in 1967: today's news from Northern Ireland requires us all to stop and think on the effect this Act has had on our society.' There was criticism from pro-choice campaigners, however. Clare Bailey of the South Belfast Green Party said that the 100,000 figure failed to represent the full picture in Northern Ireland. 'I am surprised by the decision,' she said. 'It looks like BLM have a report to back up their claim which I haven't seen, but it would be interesting to know if they've taken into account the amount of women here forced to use online abortion pill providers, and if that would affect the figure. 'They talk about the 100,000 lives this has changed. But my response to this is that one in three women will face a decision to have an abortion in their life, so the law here doesn't stop abortions, it just makes them unsafe and forces people to travel.' And Emma Campbell, the co-chair of the Alliance for Choice group in Northern Ireland, said: 'Although we are disappointed with the decision of the ASA, we are far more concerned with the disingenuous use of the title "Both lives matter" for the campaign, when we know that lives of women only matter to them if they live by their strict anti-abortion-in-all-circumstances principles. I'm glad they are delighted with their stigmatising of women, as it's clear to see where their priorities lie.' Rod Dreher hits out at Trump, says he 'can't save American Christianity' Rod Dreher, the conservative commentator whose book The Benedict Option was a surprise best-seller, has hit out at evangelicals who support Donald Trump in a New York Times column today headed, 'Trump can't save American Christianity'. Writing in the wake of the firing of Anthony Scaramucci as White House communications director, Dreher writes: 'Is there anything Donald Trump can do to alienate evangelicals and other conservative Christians who support him? By now, it's hard to think of what that might be. These are people who would never let men with the morals and the mouths of Mr Trump and Mr Scaramucci date their own daughters. And yet, Team Trump has no more slavishly loyal constituency.' Repeating themes from his book, Dreher says: 'The truth is, Christianity is declining in the United States. As a theologically conservative believer, it gives me no pleasure to say that. In fact, the waning of Christianity will be not only a catastrophe for the church but also a calamity for civil society in ways secular Americans do not appreciate.' He says Americans are falling away from the Church in unprecedented numbers and that the faith American Christians profess is 'from a moral and theological perspective, shockingly thin' and characterised by a 'Moralistic Therapeutic Deism' that replaces biblical Christianity with 'feel-good, vaguely spiritual nostrums'. Dreher says: 'Since the 1980s, conservative Christians unwittingly participated in our own marginalization by placing too much hope in Republican politics.' Conservative Christians, he says, 'helped elect Republican politicians, but that did not stop the slide toward secularism. True, the church gained some access to power, but it failed to effectively counter popular culture's catechetical force. Too many of us are doubling down on the failed strategies that not only have failed to convert Americans but have also done little to halt the assimilation of Christians to secular norms and beliefs. Mr Trump is not a solution to this cultural crisis, but rather a symptom of it.' Again reiterating the themes of The Benedict Option, Dreher says Christians are 'going to have to step back to some meaningful degree from the world for the sake of building up orthodox belief, learning the practices of discipleship and strengthening our communities'. Terry Waite: After 5 years in solitary confinement, what did he learn? Terry Waite is a giant of a man. His physical presence, his intellect, his sense of self-awareness and how he reflects on his experiences there is an aura that commands respect. It takes something special for more than 500 people to remain utterly silent in a stuffy, overcrowded marquee in a muddy field in Somerset. But at New Wine, an evangelical Christian festival, silent they stayed for more than an hour as Waite, a former envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke of lessons learnt in his five years of imprisonment, solitary confinement and torture in Beirut. Speaking to Christian Today afterwards the refrain he comes back to is the creativity that comes out of suffering. Left for 1,763 days, most of which were without human contact, in his cell for 23 hours, 50 minutes a day, Waite wrote his book Taken on Trust in his head during that time. He also composed poems and reflections, published in Out of the Silence, to keep himself sane. In what seems like a gross underplaying of his experience he says: 'Everybody has suffered to a greater or lesser extent. The pain will always be there to an extent.' He goes on: 'But it need not be debilitating. You can turn suffering into something creative. 'Many of the great creative acts works of art and what have you have emerged from situations of suffering. 'Of course that is the central theme of the Christian faith. The cross the symbol of suffering beyond which lies the resurrection, implying suffering need not be the end. 'Suffering can be destructive and it can destroy but it need not and that's the point.' More than 25 years after his release, he still speaks about it regularly and last year republished Taken on Trust which documents those years from January 1981 to November 1991. Asked whether it was painful to relive that time over and over again in lectures and interviews he says: 'I talk about it because it's been utilised, I hope, in a creative way.' He adds: 'You speak about the experience and you link it with the experience of other people who have had really difficult times and you demonstrate that something creative with it.' Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about Waite beyond surviving the torture, ill-treatment and illness, is how he survived mentally. He speaks of having 'internal conversations' with himself and others inside his head. He refused to think too much of his wife and children for fear the agony would drive him insane. And he recited Anglican liturgy, hymns and some Psalms he had learnt through repetition as part of Church of England services. After so many years of 'internal conversations' he admitted it was a struggle to adjust to 'external conversations' after his release. He found family meal times too much to cope with and woke up in the middle of the night to eat by himself for a time. 'If you have many years with an interior dialogue, you are speaking with yourself, you are creating imaginary characters, you are entering into that inner dialogue. There's no exterior dialogue. So it takes you a while to get accustomed to having external conversations,' he tells Christian Today. 'It just took a while to begin to learn how to communicate externally with others and both how to give and to receive.' Aged 78 he is still deeply involved in reconciliation work and training hostage negotiators. Asked whether he would re-enter the field and return to the Middle East he pauses to consider. 'I think I'm a bit old for that now because I think if I was captured again I don't think I would survive,' he says remarkably candidly. He pauses again then goes on: 'If there was a situation where I could make a contribution that could not be made by other people then I hope I would say, "I will see what I can do." 'I certainly wouldn't back away from it.' Vatican promotes 'tourism with a human touch' in seasonal message A senior Catholic cardinal has marked the summer period by urging tourists to be mindful of other people and the environment around them, respecting the dignity of their surroundings and fellow individuals. The Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson was speaking on behalf of the Vatican yesterday, according to reports, when he said: 'Holiday time cannot be a pretext either for irresponsibility or for exploitation: in fact, it is a noble time in which everyone can add value to one's own life and that of others.' According to the Catholic News Agency, the Catholic Church supports the idea of 'sustainable tourism' promoted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 'This means that it must be responsible, and not destructive or detrimental to the environment nor to the socio-cultural context of the locality,' Cardinal Turkson wrote in a message ahead of World Tourism Day, on September 27. 'Moreover,' he said, 'it must be particularly respectful of the population and their heritage, with a view to safeguarding personal dignity and labour rights, especially those of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.' Cardinal Turkson, who is the head of the dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, noted that 'every genuinely human activity' including tourism 'must find its place in the hearts of Christ's disciples'. According to the World Tourism Organization, the number of international tourist arrivals was around 1.2 billion in 2016. Globally, the sector accounts for 10 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and seven per cent of total exports, with one out of every 11 jobs being in tourism. Therefore, said Turkson, sustainable tourism 'is also a development tool for economies in difficulty if it becomes a vehicle of new opportunities and not a source of problems'. It 'can be an important tool for growth and the fight against poverty' as well, the cardinal said. But this can only happen if it respects 'all aspects of life: social, economic, political, cultural, and spiritual, making them elements in a single synthesis, the human person'. Sustainability, he said, is promoted under three dimensions: 'the ecological, aiming for the maintenance of ecosystems; the social, which develops in harmony with the host community; and the economic, which stimulates inclusive growth.' He went on: 'What are the consequences for tourists, entrepreneurs, workers, governors, and local communities? It is an open reflection. 'We invite all those involved in the sector to engage in serious discernment and to promote practices towards attaining this, accompanying behaviours and lifestyle changes towards a new way of relating to each other.' According to Turkson, the Catholic Church is making its contribution, including with initiatives that place tourism at the service of the development of the human person. 'This is why we talk about tourism with a human touch, which is based on projects of community tourism, cooperation, solidarity, and an appreciation of the great artistic heritage which is an authentic way of beauty,' he said. 'We recognize God as the creator of the universe and father of all human beings, and He who makes us brothers. 'We must put the human person as the focus of our attention. We recognise the dignity of each person and the relationships among persons; we must share the principle of the common destiny of the human family and the universal destination of earthly goods.' Finally, Turkson quoted from a speech by Pope Francis to the United Nations in September 2015, when the Pope said: 'The common home of all men and women must continue to rise on the foundations of a right understanding of universal fraternity and respect for the sacredness of every human life, of every man and every woman...' The cardinal concluded: 'May we live out our commitment in the light of these words and these intentions!' It was, the Life magazine story began, the frantic fraction of the morning when 2,003 boys and girls swarm about the Davenport High School and funnel themselves inside to be exposed to what eager adults who await them term secondary education. The story, U.S. Public High School, appeared in the magazines December 14, 1953, issue, the inaugural article in a series on the American high schoolthen, as now, a subject of concernand it had chosen Davenport to represent what had become the most characteristic of these institutions: the comprehensive high school, where students could study the traditional liberal arts curriculum but also make use of nonacademic offerings ranging from vocational training to commercial and business courses. The students still get classics, Life wrote, but their courses are no longer confined to subjects given mainly for those going to college. . . . Into Davenport High each day come students with different backgrounds, racial, religious and economic, each with his own problem of how to fit into a changing society and each with his own prospects and aspirations for the future. Davenport High exemplified the comprehensive high school, starting with its size. (Two of its silent study-hall periods accommodated 389 students each.) It offered classes in 127 subjects, from algebra to zoology, and while students had to take some English, math, science, and history, they could, through electives, study a broad range of noncollege-track material. Two student report cards illustrated the variety of options. A senior, Lon Fagner, who hoped to study dentistry at Northwestern University, was taking Grammar, American Government, Algebra III, Chemistry I, and Phys. Ed. A sophomore, James M. Jones, took English I, Biology I, Electricity I, Machine Shop I, Phys. Ed., and Occupations, a required course that included vocational testing. Lifes well-illustrated storythe opening shot, showing a crowd of teenagers moving toward Davenport Highs large sandstone structure, would resonate with anyone who ever attended a large or midsize American public high schoolpictured students working on everything from advanced mathematics and science labs to music and dressmaking. A senior, Carol Jasper, stood on a desk while her fellow students checked her hemline. The young woman, hoping to find office work when she graduated, wanted to learn how to make some of her own clothes to save money. None of this would strike contemporary readers as new, but in 1953, only a small portion of the grandparents of these Davenport students would have had anything like this kind of schooling. Before the early twentieth century, few Americans had been educated beyond the eighth grade; the same was true in other countries. The ambitious attempt to deliver mass secondary education has become known as the American high school movement, and American it surely wasfrom its democratic underpinnings and grass-roots organization to its inspiring, yet sobering, legacy. The movement helped propel the United States into world leadership, but the institution of the high school would reflect key conflicts that have defined American education ever since. Only a nation founded on principles of equality and self-government would have contemplated mass secondary educationand only then, after having mastered mass primary and elementary education, at which the United States had also blazed a path, with the common school movement of the nineteenth century, which itself had roots dating back to the nations founding. Our educational thinkers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw the schools as the central and main hope for the preservation of democratic ideals and the endurance of the nation as a republic, writes education scholar E. D. Hirsch. They consistently alluded to the fact that republics have been among the least stable forms of government and were always collapsing from their internal antagonisms and self-seeking citizens. In Massachusetts, Horace Mann, who would become known as the Father of the Common School, worked tirelessly to improve schools, which should be, he urged, nonsectarian, open to all, and guided by the principles of a free society. By the mid-1800s, common schools had proliferated so widely that American enrollment levels eclipsed those of Germany; by late in the nineteenth century, the U.S. had taken the worldwide lead in elementary education. European countries didnt catch up until the turn of the twentieth century. By then, the United States was poised for a new transformation. Economic changes during the last two decades of the nineteenth century made clear that a better-educated workforce was now necessary. Most Americans had traditionally worked in jobs that required little schooling. As late as 1870, according to Harvard economist Claudia Goldin, only about 10 percent of the labor force were employed in an occupation that typically required an education beyond the elementary school years, whereas the other 90 percent were employed in jobs that did not. Fifty years later, in 1920, more than 25 percent of American workers held jobs that required a high school diploma or college degree. Factors driving the need for more educated workers included increasing use of office technologies, from typewriters to adding machines; the growth of large, complex corporate entities, with offices in multiple cities; and the expansion of industriesincluding banking, insurance, and retail but also manufacturingthat sought employees with more schooling. As early as 1902, a manager of the Deere Tractor Company specified that prospective male office hires should be at least high school graduates. The preference was not confined to white-collar positions, though. In the factory, we like the boys to have a high school education if possible, said the hiring director at National Cash Register that same year. The demand for professionalsdoctors, lawyers, teachers, and business managerswas also bursting. These job categories grew 50 percent faster than all other employment groups from 1870 to 1920. Only a nation founded on principles of equality and self-government would have contemplated mass secondary education. Secondary schools had been around for about as long as the common schools, but only a small proportion of American teenagers attended them. Most large cities had public high schools; but in less populated areas, families seeking secondary education for their children paid tuition at private academies. Now, eager to meet the challenges of a new economy, the United States entered uncharted waters, building public high schools and enrolling students on a mass scale, with a goal of preparing the emerging generation not just academically but also vocationally for the adult world. With this new practical focus, the American high school movement was born. Scholars generally date the movement from 1910 to 1940, since these are the years when the greatest growth took place, both in opening high schools and in enrolling students. The impetus and the execution came from local communities, not from federal, or even state, government. Goldins extensive scholarship reveals that even major statutes, like compulsory-schooling and child-labor laws, had little impact on how things developed. More than anything else, it was the United States decentralized structurewith some 125,000 self-governing school districts, in contrast with Europes centrally run educational systemthat played the crucial role. If enough support existed in a community to raise the taxes necessary to build a big (or small) public high school, up went the school. The schools proliferated rapidly, in the old American can-do wayfrom 7,200 public high schools in 1903 to 10,213 in 1910 to 14,326 in 1920. One of those schools was Central High in St. Paul, the oldest continuously operating high school in Minnesota. From 1902 to 1955, Central High graduated 11 Rhodes Scholars, more than any school in America. Central had opened with just two students, one boy and one girl, in 1870. Its first diplomas were hand-printed on sheepskin. Its modern building was erected in 1912, after enrollment pushed past 1,300. A history of St. Paul, published that year, described the new high school: This school, now completed and occupied, besides being an exceptionally handsome structure, is sanitary, fireproof, light and convenient. In addition to the twenty-six recitation rooms, and ample lecture rooms and laboratories, it has an auditorium with a balcony, and with a stage 22 by 57 feet. It has dressing, scenery and property rooms; a large gymnasium with shower and dressing rooms; a students lunch room with kitchen and pantry, and all manner of rooms for domestic and manual training, including kitchen and dining rooms, sewing room, machine shop, forge room and foundry. It . . . is a building of which not the school board alone, but the entire city may well be proud. Student Alice Short described the school cafeterias industrial-size accommodations: On its hungriest day, 30 dozen bun sandwiches, 30 dozen loaves of bread made into sandwiches, 30 dozen cup cakes, beside apples, sweet chocolate, doughnuts, ice cream cones and other things in proportion disappeared before the hungry crowd in 10 minutes. Demand was so great that Centrals facility was expanded in 1924; by 1936, Central swelled with 2,900 students. The story was the same elsewhere. Philadelphias Central High School relocated to a new building in 1900 as class sizes swelled. Grand Rapids, Michigan, opened its Central High School in 1910. By 1915, it was crammed with more than 1,800 students; to accommodate demand, the city established an additional comprehensive school, South High School. Enrollment in the citys high schools increased 160 percent between 1910 and 1920. These figures reflected national trends. High school enrollment in the United States doubled between 1900 and 1910; it quadrupled between 1900 and 1920, when more than 2 million American teenagers were enrolled. The numbers kept rising, so that by 1940, there were about 6.6 million high school students in the United States. The mushrooming enrollments reflected a larger and larger proportion of American teenagers. In 1910, less than 10 percent of American 18-year-olds graduated from high school, and only 19 percent of 15-to-18-year-olds were enrolled. By 1940, the date usually designated as the end of the high school movement, 51 percent of 18-year-olds graduated from high school, and nearly three-quarters of 15-to-18-year-olds were attending. (Not surprisingly, given segregation and racial discrimination, enrollment rates for blacks lagged far behind those for whites.) As with the common school movement, the leaders at the outset were found in New England; the laggards were in the South. Soon pacesetters appeared in other places, such as the Midwest. By 1928, enrollment rates in New York and New Jersey were just half those of Nebraska and Iowa. The sterling performance of these breadbasket states led Goldin to a finding reminiscent of Robert Putnams insights about diversity and community cohesion: high school enrollments were highest in the most homogeneous communities, with shared values and common ambitions. The smallest communities had the highest rates of all. (In 1920, 50 percent of Americans still lived in small towns.) The tiniest hamlet tended to have a higher proportion of high school enrollment than small towns; small towns had higher enrollments than small cities; small cities higher than midsize cities; and midsize cities higher than big cities like New York, Chicago, or Philadelphia. In gross, the big cities enrolled the most high school students, but their proportions lagged in part because of greater work opportunities for teenagers. If the high school movements appeal can be found in expanding enrollments, its success can be glimpsed in a statistic that, to modern eyes, might appear discouraging: the declining proportion of graduates who went on to college. When the high school movement got under way, roughly half of graduates went on to some form of postsecondary education. Goldin found that, as the high school graduation rate climbed, crossing over 50 percent by 1940, the proportion of graduates who pursued higher education declined by halfeven if, in gross numbers, more students were pursuing college than ever before. These numbers suggest that the economic value of a high school diploma was such that graduates did not feel the need to pursue college. Even low-level white-collar work paid, on average, twice what workers earned in occupations that didnt require high school diplomas. Mass secondary education propelled the United States from strength to strength: with the highest standard of living and best-educated population in the world, Americans found themselves uniquely qualified for the leadership role that they would assume after World War II. Returning veterans, many already holding high school diplomas, would take advantage of the GI Bill, helping to start what Goldin calls Americas third education revolution, after the common school and high school movements: mass college attainment. Americans were keenly aware that they were involved in an historic achievement and knew, as well, that they were setting the United States on a course far different from that being followed elsewhere in the world, Goldin writes. They were embarking on an experiment as grand as any in American history. After much success, the experiment would eventually abandon the aspirations that launched it. The seeds of that abandonment were planted early. In 1912, The Saturday Evening Post published an article by William Mearns, who taught creative writing at Teachers College: Our Medieval High Schools: Shall We Educate Children for the Twelfth or the Twentieth Century? Mearns attacked the traditional high school curriculumEnglish, classical literature, advanced mathematics, historyand asked whether such material had any relevance for the vast majority of high school kids. He belittled the traditional course of study and asked what good it was if a high school student couldnt pound hot bolts, or stoke a stationary engine, or tie up a decent package. High school education, he wrote, should be devoted to individual needs and an attempt to fit that individual for what the best wisdom of the moment considers his welfare. Mearns had his finger on the pulse of what modern educators, especially progressives, believed: that most of the new students streaming into the high schoolsespecially children from immigrant familieswere less intelligent than the typical student and thus unsuited for the academic curriculum. Many of these students would rather be working, anyway, than in school, progressives reasoned. Shouldnt the high schools give them something that would prepare them for practical work, rather than filling their heads with Shakespeare? The schools should vastly expand their offerings of nontraditional, vocational, and commercial courses. The progressives, Diane Ravitch wrote in her 2000 education history, Left Back, wanted to take a grim pruning hook to the dead limbs of tradition. They argued that the modern high school should reject the elitist academic curriculum, left over from its nineteenth-century predecessor, which had been designed mainly for the college-bound. (In fact, earlier high schools were far from exclusively college-prep institutions, but the mischaracterization proved useful for the reformers.) In their determination to fit children from working-class and immigrant homes to what one educator called their probable destinies, the progressives set themselves against the supposedly antidemocratic defenders of traditional courses, who argued that, for as long as children remained in school, they should have access to a traditional academic curriculum. Somehow, the progressives succeeded in casting themselves as advocates of democracy and equal opportunity, even as they pushed for differential treatment of students, depending on perceived aptitudes and intelligence. As they saw it, their mission was to give children the training they needed for their self-evident future roles in life. Battles between reformers and traditionalists were hard-fought, with the reformers mostly prevailingat least, in their goal of expanding the curriculum to include nonacademic subjects. In the early going, this mostly meant adding commercial courses such as typing, bookkeeping, and stenography, and vocational subjects such as electricity, metals, and woodworking. Another area that expanded greatly was home economics. The push to open up the curriculum took place at the same time that public high schools were proliferating around the country. As a result, the comprehensive high school took on the shape familiar to us today. In its early incarnation, it was highly effective at its goal of training teenagers for success in the adult worldin no small part because, while the reformers had succeeded in expanding course offerings, they were less effective, up to about 1930, in their second goal: deemphasizing the traditional curriculum of English, math, science, and history. Most students continued to take these classes, according to extensive research by David L. Angus and Jeffrey Mirel. Despite progressives warnings that the traditional curriculum was keeping less inclined students away from high school and sending them into the workforce, enrollments kept rising. The Great Depression flooded the schools with still more new students. With jobs scarce, adults increasingly wanted teenagers out of the job market and in schoolno matter what they did there. In what had by now become a generational refrain, educators worried that the incoming students were less intellectually able than their predecessors; as proof, they cited IQ scores, though some studies suggest that the intelligence-test results contradicted their claims. Whereas earlier reformers had sought mostly to slot students into either academic or vocational/commercial courses of study, reformers in the Great Depression, war, and postwar years increasingly came to believe that most students werent capable of success in either of these tracks. It is at this point, Angus and Mirel write, that educators began reconfiguring the high school more drastically. They assigned more students to the general track, where they could get appropriate instruction in developing life-skills that addressed their immediate needs, down to the most trivial topics, such as how to act on dates. The National Education Associations Department of Secondary School Principals declared that traditional courses should be replaced with fundamental categories of genuine student experiences. Harvard president James B. Conant argued that parents should accept educators judgments as to the best future for their intellectually limited kids. The American high school began to change, note Angus and Mirel, from an institution that prepared young people academically and vocationally for the adult world to a custodial institution, more devoted to social management and conformity. In its early incarnation, the comprehensive high school was highly effective in training teenagers for success. The intellectual barrenness that resulted was a direct product of progressives dim view of most young peoples mental capacities and future prospects. In Minneapolis, where high school enrollments grew by nearly a third between 1930 and 1934, school officials designed a freshman class, Community Life Problems, that took students on field trips to government agencies and businesses. In lieu of economics and American government, seniors took Modern Problems, which focused on issues such as population, labor, housing, family life, and consumer needs. As Ravitch chronicled in Left Back, Denvers Manual Training High School created a two-hour daily program on common problems of youth, in which the students started by getting to know the school; they then moved onto problems of health, appearance, conduct, and `friendly adjustment to others. An Evanston, Illinois, high school replaced its traditional curriculum with a program in community living. Its ten-point list of themes, with deadening language so characteristic of the discipline known as social studies, seemed designed to narcotize students into apathy: 1. Understanding the Community Setting; 2. Protecting Life and Health; 3. Making a Home; 4. Getting a Living; 5. Expressing Religious Impulses; 6. Satisfying the Desire for Beauty; 7. Securing an Education; 8. Cooperating in Social and Civic Action; 9. Engaging in Recreation; 10. Improving Material Conditions. Postwar, these and related approaches became known as life-adjustment education. By the time Lifes 1953 Davenport story appeared, national voices had been raised for years against the watering-down of curricular content. The best education for the best is the best education for all, said Robert Maynard Hutchins, who, along with othersArthur Bestor, Isaac Kandel, Mortimer Adler, William Bagleyrailed against the anti-intellectual curricular trends. A 1946 Detroit Free Press series concluded that high schools were failing to prepare young people for the world because they had gone too far in replacing the traditional curriculum with socialized education. In 1958, the Free Press did another series, with even more damning findings. The paper found that college-track high school students were taking barely more academic courses than general-track students of a generation earlier. Nine out of ten high school graduates failed exams for entry-level civil-service jobs in Detroits Wayne County. And hiring managers at major firms told the paper that they didnt put much stock in high school diplomas any more, since the schools had degraded standards so severely. That observation made a stinging contrast with the wishes of the National Cash Register manager of a half-century earlierWe like the boys to have a high school education if possibleas did the title of the Free Presss series: What is a high school diploma worth? These criticisms took place when America still held a world-beating lead in secondary-education attainment. As late as the mid-1950s, by Goldins reckoning, the United States was 35 years ahead of the United Kingdom on this metric. Yet the effects of eroding standards (at all levels) would soon be felt. American 12th-graders reading scores have never come back from their high point around 1950, according to E. D. Hirsch. In the more than half-century since then, students, parents, educators, and public officials have waged battles over curriculum and standards, over failing schools and school choice, and over the time-honored question of what purpose high schools should predominantly serve. The ambitious undertaking that launched all these debatesthe America high school movementfaded into memory. Taken all in all, the high school movement was an unprecedented effort by a huge nation with a diverse population to meet the challenges of a new economy. Its flaws were of a distinctively American character. The American commitment to democracy and opportunity powered the movement but made it easier for progressives to claim the mantle of equality in attacking elitist support for strong standards and rich curricula. The American passion for practicality, a disposition tracing back to the Mayflower, strengthened the high schools vocational content and helped produce the workers the economy needed, but it also made the schools increasingly vulnerable to a short-term view of education, whether dismissing the value of traditional academics or embracing vapid collectivist trends like life adjustment. And the local-authority orientation of American education, so vital to launching the high school movement, looked less like an unambiguous advantage after the 1950s, when other developed nations finally began catching up with the U.S. on secondary education, and eventuallyin part because of their strict standardsleaving the U.S. behind on international measures. Though analogies to today are inexact, the American high school movement does offer some important lessons. The first is a reminder of the fundamental importance of rigorous academic standards for all studentsa principle championed by curriculum-reform groups like Core Knowledge and charter school networks, such as Great Hearts Academies and BASIS Charter Schools, among others. The high school movement in its heyday worked well because, even as substantial portions of students entered vocational tracks, they were still largely getting core academic instruction. When that changed, the results suffered. The two disciplines need not be separatedand traditional-curriculum advocates say so, too. Im a huge fan of high-quality liberal-arts education for everybody and really do think it would go far to prepare better citizens, neighbors, and consumer/transmitters of Americas cultural heritage and democratic underpinnings, wrote education historian Chester Finn in 2012. That said, Im also becoming convinced that the future of our economy and the acquisition of good jobs will hinge as much on well-developed technical prowess as on Aristotle, Shakespeare, Darwin, Rembrandt, and Mozart. Todays new model of vocational education has incorporated this holistic outlook: the best vocational-ed schools have reinstated academic standards, focusing on core knowledge in language and math. In some places, vocational-ed students are outperforming students in traditional high schools. (See Vocational Ed, Reborn.) The change stems largely from employers, who have made clear that they need job candidates who can read, write, thinkand adapt to change. This echoes the beginning of the high school movement, which was also driven by employers needs for smarter, sharper workers. As was true 100 years ago, a core academic curriculum is not an obstacle to this goal but integral to it. Second, attempts to phase out traditional, rigorous academics for real-world curriculawhether the life-adjustment training of the 1940s and 1950s or, say, social-justice instruction todayhave never offered anything of lasting value, and they rob students of precious time that could be spent on building skills. As was true a century ago, schools should stick mostly to schooling and leave the bulk of personal development to parents, local communities, and churches. Finally, the biggest difference between the era of the high school movement and our own time is the enormous increase in the number of children coming from single-parent families. Too often, the response of educational progressives has beenagain, mirroring the response of their forebearsto lower standards or to offer therapeutic or culturally appropriate curricula for disadvantaged students. Here, again, the answer should be not to dispense with high standards but instead to find effective ways of imparting the indispensable knowledge of math, language, science, and humanities to students most in need of such learning. Some charter schools, which have experimented with longer school days, rigorous discipline, and other approaches, could point the way in this respect. It would be too much to expect that the United States, in looking for answers to its present educational quandaries, will avoid mistakes such as the high school movement made. But if we even approximate its ingenuity and success, we will do well. Top Photo: Students in a 1910 classroom in Iowaone of the national leaders of the high school movement (Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty Images) Marie Stopes International has restructured its senior executive team and appointed its first chief operating officer and launched a new exernal affairs division. Marjorie Newman-Williams joined the charity in 2016 as vice-president of international operations and will now to head up the external affairs division. Part of her role will be to find new sources of funding to fill the gaps created by the reintroduction of the US President Donald Trumps Global Gag Rule in February, also called the Mexico City Policy, banning funding to organisations offering abortion services. The charity has estimated this gap to be worth $30m (23m) in its latest accounts and last year the charity received 23.8m from the United States Agency for International Aid, which administers foreign aid on behalf of the US government. The charity has appointed Megan Elliott as chief operating officer, Elliott joined the charity in 2013 and was previously the charitys vice president for strategy and development. She will be responsible for overseeing programme design, management and delivery. In a statement the charity said: We believe that this move will provide greater support for our country programmes and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our work. The charity is also in the process of creating a social marketing team, and is recruiting for a manager to lead up the team. It says the social marketing managing director will report to the charitys vice-president for technical services, Helen Blackholly. We believe we can do more to maximise choice and to ensure greater access to contraception and medical abortion through our social marketing channels, the charitys statement reads. A spokesman for the charity said no redundancies had been made and the restructure was not expected to cause an increase in costs. Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 20 September 2017. For more information, and to book, click here Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) will not be signing a Code of Conduct for NGOs operating rescue ships on the Mediterranean, saying that signing could result in decreased efficiency with dire humanitarian consequences. The Italian government wants aid organisations operating in the Mediterranean to sign a Code of Conduct for NGOs, which aims to regulate operations in the sea. Italys interior minister Marco Minniti has said he wants the code, which would include the NGOs agreeing to allow an armed officer on board, to take immediate effect. MSF said that several commitments in the code could result in a decrease in the efficiency and capacity of the current search and rescue response with dire humanitarian consequences. MSF said that it formally informed the Italian Ministry of the Interior on Monday that it would not be signing the Code of Conduct. Annemarie Loof, operations manager at MSF, said: Although we are unable to sign this code of conduct in its current form, MSF already respects several provisions that are not within the remit of our core concerns, including financial transparency. MSF will continue to operate its search and rescue activities under the coordination of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Rome and in accordance with all relevant international and maritime laws. MSF said that the proposals present unnecessary limitations to the means at its disposal, particularly one which states that vessels engaged in rescue must disembark survivors to a place of safety as a rule instead of transferring to other ships. It said that the back and forth of all the rescue ships to disembarkation points will consequently lead to a decrease in the presence of rescue vessels in the Search and Rescue zone. It added that a reduction in the number of rescue vessels would weaken an already insufficient Search and Rescue capacity, resulting in an increase in mass drownings. MSF also took issue with a clause that would allow police officers on board, and had asked for clarification that these officers would not be armed. MSF said that the presence of armed police officers on board and the commitment for humanitarians to collect evidence would be in breach of fundamental humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality. The Interior Ministry said that those who refused to sign the document had put themselves outside the organised system of sea rescues, with all the concrete consequences that can have, the Guardian reported. However it added that, although having previously threatened to shut its ports to NGOs that did not sign up, a source had said that in reality those groups would face more checks from Italian authorities. Save the Children signed the Code of Conduct, telling the Guardian that we would not have signed if even one single point would have compromised our effectiveness. Civil Society Media is hosting its NGO Insight 2017 conference on 28 November 2017. For more information, and to book, click here. The Wall Street Journal got a sit-down interview with the President of the United States on July 25 as he was engaged in a war of words with his attorney general, his party was attempting to rewrite the nations health-care laws, and his new communications director was hours from giving an obscenity-laden interview that would blow up the West Wing organizational chart. It was a golden opportunity to reestablish the Journals political reporting bonafides and catch up on a story where it has fallen behind its competitors, and indeed the Journal broke standalone stories on several newsy details from the interview. But the Journal published only excerpts of the interview, deciding not follow the precedent set by other news outlets in releasing a full or lightly edited transcript of its own Oval Office interview. It took the work of reporters from a different outletPoliticos Hadas Gold and Josh Dawsey, who on Tuesday published a full transcript of the Journals interview with Trumpfor the public to find out everything that was said. There was still meat on the proverbial carcass of the interview, including banter that provides new fodder to the newspapers critics. In fact, the very leak of the transcript suggests internal turmoil over the coverage. Deputy Editor in Chief Matt Murray*, one of those present for the interview, confirmed to Politico that he had warned Journal staffers not to leak the transcript, saying it would be a breach of trust. The Journals decision to release only excerpts from the interview comes off as aloof. Why its editors made that decision is perhaps less surprising upon reading the full transcript. Given the criticisms that Editor in Chief Gerard Baker has faced for his papers coverage, and at a time when media transparency is more important than ever, the Journals decision to release only excerpts from the interview comes off as aloof. Why its editors made that decision is perhaps less surprising upon reading the full transcript, in which Baker talks with Ivanka Trump about parties in the Hamptons and spends part of his time in the Oval Office discussing, with Trump, Jordan Spieths final round at the British Open. ICYMI: Trump berated a CNN reporter, and fellow journalists missed an opportunity This episode is especially problematic for the Journal because the outlet has faced accusations, some from within its own newsroom, that it has been too timid in its coverage of Trump, both during the campaign and after his election. Baker has appeared defensive and tone-deaf in his response to those criticisms, reportedly telling staffers at a newsroom town hall in February that those unhappy with the Journals approach to its Trump coverage should seek employment elsewhere. Sign up for CJR 's daily email As the The New York Times and Washington Post have engaged in a scoop war fueled by leaks pouring out of DC, the Journal, outside of a few impressive pieces on Trumps business entanglements, has largely failed to deliver game-changing scoops. Bakers chumminess with the Trump family, as well as the failure of any journalists in the room to push back against false claims such as Trumps assertion that were the highest-taxed nation in the world, will undoubtedly fuel the perception that the Journal isnt pushing as hard as some of its marquee competitors. In this case, that perception will also be fed by the Journals decision not to release a more complete transcript. Plenty of reporters have declined to challenge Trump on each outrageous claim he makes. Others have shown a willingness to engage in small talk and stroke Trumps ego. But their outlets have been largely transparent in reproducing those conversations for the record. By failing to follow the precedent set by other newsrooms, the Journal played into the narrative that it has taken a softer approach. A Journal spokesperson defended the papers decision to Politico, saying We published the noteworthy excerpts from the interview. We saw no reason to publish the crosstalk that inevitably accompanies any conversation. But the transcript of the conversation shows the Journal left out more than just crosstalk. As weve learned from Trumps past interviews with outlets like Time, The New York Times, and The Associated Press, the president is prone to wander off on tangents and reveal things about the way he thinks. Trump told his interlocutors, including Deputy Editor in Chief Murray, Washington Bureau Chief Paul Beckett, and White House reporters Michael Bender and Peter Nicholas, that his conversations with foreign leaders often involve a population question. You call places like Malaysia, Indonesia, and you say, you know, how many people do you have? And its pretty amazing how many people they have. That the president quizzes his counterparts like some fifth-grade geography teacher is certainly newsworthy, and the fact that the editor in chief of the paper has a friendly relationship with the President and his family is something its audience should know, but it took Politicos publication of a full transcript for the Journals readers to learn that. The Journal can argue that its interview produced several important stories, and thats true. The paper reported on Trumps statements about tax reform, his relationship with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and his thoughts about candidates for Chair of the Federal Reserve. But by releasing only passages from the interview, only to see a full version published in another outlet, the Journal as an institution, and Baker in particular, appear indifferent to their critics concerns. Perception matters, and on this issue its easily solved: Just publish the transcripts. *Murray is a member of CJRs Board of Overseers. TRENDING: Why an NBC reporter left his job to become a Lyft driver Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon. David Perlman discovered his interest in science by accident. An actual accident. It was 1957, and he was in the hospital recovering from a ski injury. His friend, a pediatrician at the same hospital, stopped by his room one day and dropped off a book, The Nature of the Universe. Ive told this story a million times, jokes Perlman, 98. When an old guy tells story of his past, every time he tells, it will be a bit different. In the book, author and British astronomer Fred Hoyle describes his theory on the origin of the universe. Perlman remembers telling his friend, Come on, I dont care about that stuff. Im not interested in astronomy or anything else like that. But Perlman was confined to his bed with not much else to do. So he read Hoyles book, and the wheels in his brain started turning. Hmmm, so this is what astronomers do, he remembers thinking at the time. He wanted to know more, and as soon as he recovered, he hiked up to the summit of Mount Hamilton, just east of San Jose. There sat Lick Observatory, an astronomical observatory operated by the University of California. Perlman met with Dr. George Herbig, who later developed a reputation for pioneering work on the birth of stars. Their conversation was short, and the questions were simple. Oh, sir, what do you do for a living? I study stars that are being born in the Orion nebula. Sign up for CJR 's daily email It was an epiphany for Perlman, this idea of stars being born. I thought it was one of the most romantic ideas Id ever heard. It cemented his interest in astronomy, though not enough for him to study it. Writing about it was the next best thing. At the time, the San Francisco Chronicle, where hes worked on and off for 77 years, didnt have a science reporter. He talked to more scientists, not just astronomers, but physicists and chemists. One thing led to another, and then that was all I wrote about, Perlman says. Be a reporter. Its the best job in the world. Fast forward 60-plus years. Perlman is retiring from journalism. Hes been a science writer through it all: the discovery of Lucy, Dolly the Sheep, the identification of exoplanets, the AIDS epidemic. He has a clip of his first story about AIDS on his office wall. Its maybe 12 or 15 inches long and was published in June 1981, around the start of the global scourge. A pneumonia that strikes gay males, thats the headline, he reads. At the time, we didnt think it was important enough to stick a byline on it. Perlman was born December 30, 1918. His mothers boyfriend, who was a reporter at the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, took him to a screening of The Front Page when he was 12. The comedy features fast-talking, tabloid newspaper reporters on the police beat. I wanted to be like those guys in the movie, he says. Even today, Perlman keeps a quote from the film in his study: Seedy, catatonic Paul Reveres, full of strange oaths and a touch of childhood. His career didnt turn out exactly like that of the characters in the film. He first dabbled in journalism at his junior high schools newspaper, then the high schools, and eventually the Columbia Daily Spectator while an undergrad at Columbia College. At 20, Perlman landed his first professional gig as a journalist. It was the summer of 1938, and he was working at a newspaper in Schenectady. The New York native was recruited by a former Spectator managing editor, Mike Gravino, to cover local news for his Sunday paper. The one thing I remember about that experience is I wrote a story about an ex-con who complained about brutal treatment in Schenectady county jail, Perlman says. And we wrote a story based on my interview with him. The sheriff sued the paper for libel, but nothing ever came of the lawsuit. Hes published thousands of stories since then. If you search the San Francisco Chronicles archives, which goes back to the mid 1980s, there are more than 3,000 stories with his byline. When I ask him if hes ever missed a deadline, he laughs, Of course, who hasnt? He remembers one time, back when newspapers used linotype machines, when his editor told him to dictate his story to the machine operator. I was running into the newsroom, and I went back into the press room to make the deadline, he says. He worked at the Chronicle as a copy boy after graduating from Columbia College in 1939 and then from Columbias School of Journalism in 1940. He briefly worked at a newspaper in Bismarck, North Dakota, right after graduation, but didnt care much for the city. Paul C. Smith was the editor in chief of the Chronicle when Perlman joined the team in July of 1940. He describes Smith as a wonderboy of journalism, who, at the age of 26, assumed editorship of the paper. He had ambitions of making it the New York Times of the West. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Perlman enlisted in the army, knowing hed be drafted. I didnt do anything in the war, he says. I was part of army air corps briefly and ended up in the infantry, but never fired a shot, or got shot at. World War II ended in September 1945, and Perlman stayed in Europe to work as a reporter for another six years. On a whim, he called the editor of the Paris Herald, the European edition of the New York Herald Tribune, for a job. In 1951, Perlman and his wife returned to San Francisco to raise their children. He resumed reporting at the Chronicle, where hes been ever since. At the Chronicle, Perlman has had complete freedom to cover an unusually wide range of topics, from medicine to astronomy to climate change. Hes also traveled everywhere for the paper: Germany, Ethiopia, Antarctica, and, his favorite, the Galapagos Islands. Following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, he joined a team of 40 or so scientists studying evolution on the island in 1964, returning with other teams in subsequent years. Stories that deal with species and evolution are my favorite to report, he says. His interests expand beyond the origin of species. He wasnt the first person to do it, but he remembers trying to explain greenhouse gases to his readers. It was during a time before the phrase climate change entered the zeitgeist. It was hot stuff, he deadpans. For Perlman, like many journalists, getting people to care about climate change is a challenge. Its an abstract issue, far removed from the everyday lives of most Americans. It hasnt gotten any easier in the increasingly divisive political environment. Our job is to write about what we know are the ominous elements of a changing climate and hope that the readers will believe what we write, he says. All I can do is to write as convincingly and persuasively as possible. In general, he believes interest in science journalism has diminished. The media, including my own newspaper, do far less reporting about science today than in the past, he says. Science journalism today is not what it was when A. M. Rosenthal conceived of it years ago. The former executive editor at The New York Times, Rosenthal led the news giant through 17 years of record growth, including the launch of the Science Times section on Tuesdays. Though places like the Times have a robust climate team, theres been a decline of general science coverage, with the exception of medical, health, and wellness stories. Between 1989 and 2013, the number of science sections in major newspapers dropped from 95 to 19. Most newspapers Im aware of dont cover ongoing developments in physics and astronomy and all the subjects Ive written about over the years, Perlman says. Science journalism today is not what it was when A. M. Rosenthal conceived of it years ago. Perlmans been witness to changes not only in science journalism, but the industry as a whole. When he started, typewriters and telexes were the norm in the newsroom. Now its Twitter. Reluctantly, he started a Twitter account (@daveperlman) after some persuading by his Chronicle colleagues. But it got hacked. Perlman hasnt bothered with it since. I dont tweet, he says. I dont care. What he does care about is good journalism. Its one of the reasons he decided to retire. Im getting too old to do a decent days work, he jokes. Its just time. My legs are creaky. If he were the average American, Perlman would have retired in 1982. But he was having too much fun. Be a reporter, he says. Its the best job in the world. Now that hes finally retiring, Perlman doesnt plan to slow down. Hes toying with the idea of writing a memoir on his life as a reporter. Im going to steal everything you write for this piece, he jokes. Audrey Cooper, the Chronicles editor in chief, also suggested he become Science Editor Emeritus. He can keep his office and also still access the news organizations computer system. He even plans to file the occasional freelance piece (his last story, co-reported with his colleague and friend Steve Rubenstein, will be about the upcoming eclipse). Im going to be around here, Perlman says. The only thing thats different is I wont get a salary. This story has been updated to correct his age when he landed his first job. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Meg Dalton is a freelance journalist and audio producer based in Connecticut. She's reported and edited for CJR, PBS NewsHour, Energy News Network, Architectural Digest, MediaShift, Hearst Connecticut newspapers, and more. Follow her on Twitter: @megdalts. Find her on Twitter @megdalts. He pointed out that there are still "hundreds of VPN apps on the App Store, including hundreds by developers outside China." "We would obviously rather not remove the apps, but like we do in other countries, we follow the law wherever we do business," Cook said. "We strongly believe participating in markets and bringing benefits to customers is in the best interest of the folks there and in other countries as well." In Tuesday's earnings call , Cook reiterated that Apple removed the apps because they did not meet new regulations put in place by Beijing. He said the Chinese government began tightening rules associated with VPN apps back in 2015 and made a renewed effort earlier this year to enforce them . The new rules, Cook said, require service providers to have a license from the government in order to operate a VPN. VPNs let users in China bypass the country's famous "Great Firewall," which heavily restricts internet access to foreign sites. VPNs also allow privacy by hiding browsing activities from internet service providers. When using a VPN service, a person in China can access blocked sites like Facebook and Twitter . Cook also addressed critics' comparisons between Apple's decision to conform to the law in China, versus its refusal last year to help the FBI access an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino terrorists. "Some folks have tried to link it to the U.S. situation last year. They're very different," Cook said. He added that in the U.S., the law supported Apple. "In the case of China, the law is very clear there. Like we would if the U.S. changed the law here, we have to abide by them in both cases," he said. While Apple beat Wall Street expectations in its fiscal third-quarter earnings, the company's revenue in Greater China fell 10 percent year over year, amid like Huawei and Xiaomi. Apple has recently stepped up efforts in China, including setting up its first data center and also creating a new leadership role to oversee coordination across the company's China-based team. Cook said he is hopeful that over time, the restrictions in China will decrease. "We believe in engaging with governments even when we disagree," he said. "This particular case, we're hopeful that over time the restrictions we're seeing are lessened, because innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate." Following Beijing's crackdown on the internet, Russia passed a law banning software that allows users to anonymously view sites barred in the country. That bill prohibits VPNs and other technologies that anonymize users. It goes into effect on November 1. CNBC's Ryan Browne contributed to this report. It's that time again! Jim Cramer rang the lightning round bell, which means he gave his take on caller favorite stocks at rapid speed: Snap-On Inc. : "OK, the homework that I do on Snap-On basically led me to a conference call where it was not good. It was not a good call. They talked about tepid sales. [CEO Nicholas] Pinchuk was on this morning on 'Squawk [Box].' They did not talk about that, but the sales were not what I'd like, so I can't recommend the stock." Teekay Corporation : "You know, I just got out of the shippers. I don't want to touch any of the shippers. And I reiterate, as much as I know that it hurts people's feelings, that I dread Nordic American Tankers . Natty dread. That's a reference both to Bob Marley and also that stock." FLIR Systems : "It's doing OK. It's marking time. Thermal imaging. Nothing to write home about. Got no particular catalyst." GW Pharmaceuticals : "Here's the issue: the more states legalize [marijuana], the more people, I think, kind of just say, 'I don't need GW Pharma.' And that's the problem. The stock's kind of stuck." Brookfield Infrastructure Partners : "You know, the stock has been much hotter than it should be given the fact that there's not a lot of infrastructure build for utilities, but it's good. It's a good company. Toronto-based." President Donald Trump is "wrong" when he says China can resolve the ongoing North Korea nuclear crisis on its own, Chinese state media said on Wednesday morning. "Trump is wrong in his assumption that Beijing can single-handedly handle the matter. As Beijing has said, repeatedly, it does not have the kind of 'control' over Pyongyang that the U.S. president believes it does," said English-language newspaper China Daily in an unsigned editorial. The editorial appeared to be responding to Trump's accusations on Twitter that China was doing "nothing for us with North Korea, just talk." The president made that claim following the reclusive nation's firing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile that experts say has the potential to reach the U.S. mainland. In its editorial, China Daily said Pyongyang's constant saber-rattling is a threat to China too, as the world's second largest economy "feels threatened by the damage Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions may inflict on its immediate neighborhood." "For that reason, although U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration at what he considers Beijing's failure to dissuade Pyongyang from its nuclear adventure, Beijing has every reason to feel unfairly burdened with a task that is obviously beyond it, especially as it has been working diligently to broker a peaceful resolution to the crisis," it added. "Nor will Beijing accept Trump's allegation that it has done nothing. From Beijing's perspective, it has significantly increased the pressure on Pyongyang by doing everything the strengthened UN sanctions regime requires of it." The editorial said a peaceful consensus is best, although that "appears increasingly distant and unachievable." Commentaries in state media offer additional insight into government thinking. In China's latest official response on the crisis, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Saturday that China "opposes" North Korea's launch activities, which violate UN Security Council resolutions and "run counter to the collective will of the international community." Read China Daily's editorial for response to the North Korean issue. Friday night, the billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk appeared in front of a cheering and adoring audience, much like a rockstar appears on stage before performing a show, to unveil the new Model 3 Tesla. The event was to celebrate the first 30 customers (all Tesla employees) getting their Model 3's. Early production has been slow, but Musk expects to be able to produce 20,000 Model 3 Teslas per month by December. Ramping up production is going to be brutal, Musk warned. "We're going to go through at least six months of manufacturing hell," the Tesla CEO told a group of journalists ahead of the Model 3 event. On stage, Musk echoed the sentiment. According to the Fremont, Calif., factory workers, Tesla is already putting its employees through a lot. "One of the most serious issues concerns our health and safety," says a letter a group of factory workers from Tesla's main Fremont, Calif., facility submitted to the independent board members of Tesla on Monday, just three days after the Model 3 event and amid an ongoing effort to unionize. "Accidents happen every day. Severe incidents frequently impact morale and cause delays in production. We are losing great workers who are valuable to both our production team and to their families while they spend time on medical leave, recovering from preventable injuries." In May, California-based worker safety organization Worksafe published an extensive report after it analyzed the log of work-related injuries and illnesses at Tesla. Webb Institute Source: Webb Institute As college becomes increasingly unaffordable for many students and their families, there are a handful of schools that stand apart. In these halls, the tuition tab is $0. But getting into one of these unique institutions is no small feat. For starters, each school has high academic standards and in return for a degree at no cost and with little overall debt burden the commitment they require, even after graduation, is steep. "These are particular kinds of schools that are not for every student," said Robert Franek, editor in chief at The Princeton Review, yet "for those students that fit into this cohort, it will be such a great coup." For those able to make the commitment, here are the colleges that cost absolutely nothing: Berea College Berea College Campus. L.H. | Flickr CC This small school in Kentucky has a singular mission: to attract underprivileged students committed to working hard. Only those who have financial need are admitted, and every student is awarded a four-year scholarship and a laptop. Tuition costs: $0. The catch? There is no slacking off classroom attendance is mandatory and every student must work on campus for a set number of hours every week. The scholarships also don't cover room and board or other expenses, although additional financial aid is available to help with those costs. College of the Ozarks College of the Ozarks-Branson Missouri. Jerry and Pat Donaho | Flickr CC Dubbed Hard Work U, this is one of the hardest Midwestern schools to get in to, with an 8 percent acceptance rate. Students don't pay a penny for tuition. Scholarships and grants completely cover the cost of tuition at this Christian school in rural Missouri. The catch? Every student is required to work 15 hours a week plus two 40-hour weeks as part of the school's Work Education Program. Although there is no tuition, underclassmen must still pick up the tab for room and board and other expenses. Deep Springs College Deep Springs College students vote on issues of governance during student meeting, the meeting which decide everything from when to harvest to whom the college should hire to teach often last until late into the evening. Spencer Weiner | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images This incredibly small all-male liberal arts college is in California's remote High Desert. Although obtaining a spot is highly competitive, every student is awarded a scholarship that covers tuition and room and board. Since Deep Springs is a two-year school, many graduates transfer to elite schools after completion. The catch? The college has a total enrollment of about 28 students and the school's academic demands are intense. "It is highly competitive but amazingly diverse for such a small student population," Franek said. U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets toss their hats in celebration after becoming newly commissioned first lieutenants marking the 45th graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Getty Images In addition to free tuition, students receive a stipend to cover all other costs at this prestigious academy in Colorado. In exchange, there are very high standards for applicants and matriculated students straight through to graduation. After four years, graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. The catch? Each cadet will owe at least five years of service as an active duty officer, although many opt to stay in the military for much longer. U.S. Coast Guard Academy While docked in Portsmouth, N.H., the USCGC Eagle received Coast Guard Academy cadets. Coast Guard News | Flickr CC This Connecticut-based academy is also very selective and rigorous. Many students study engineering and environment science during the highly structured four-year program. Aside from purchasing uniforms, all students receive scholarships to cover tuition and room and board. The catch? Students must commit to five years of service after completing their schooling. About 80 percent of cadets go to sea after graduation. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Merchant marines walk to class at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, on August 01, 2016. Yana Paskova | For The Washington Post | Getty Images Tuition, room and board, uniforms and books are all covered at this service academy in New York. It's known for having the hardest academic standards but the widest variety of career options of all the service academies. After graduation, cadets can enter any branch of the armed forces as an officer. The catch? Every graduate must maintain their merchant marine officer's license for six years and there is a service obligation, which varies depending on what type of job they choose. U.S. Military Academy West Point New cadets stand in formation during the Oath of Allegiance ceremony during Reception Day at the United States Military Academy at West Point, June 27, 2016 in West Point, New York. Getty Images This highly competitive military academy has a 9 percent acceptance rate. Students are focused and work hard without exception. In return for a stellar education and training, West Point is fully funded. Students receive free tuition in addition to a stipend of about $10,000 a year. After their years of service, many graduates go on to successful careers in politics and business. The catch? Graduates must serve at least five years of active duty and three years in the reserves. U.S. Naval Academy Mahan Hall displays banners for the War of 1812 exhibit at the United States Naval Academy in Annaplois. Loop Images | UIG | Getty Images The Navy picks up the tab for tuition and room and board for all students at the Yard in Annapolis, Maryland. Midshipmen are highly motivated and disciplined, and many go on to have prominent careers within and outside the military. The catch? All graduates must serve at least five years as an officer followed by the reserves. Webb Institute Webb Institute Source: Webb Institute Big news in the transportation world: Intercity rail service Amtrak has announced it's teaming up with ride-hailing service Lyft to help customers easily get to and from Amtrak stations. Under the new partnership, passengers can directly use the Amtrak mobile app to request Lyft rides (new Lyft users can also get $5 off each of their first four Lyft rides with the promo code AMTRAKLYFT). According to the press release, Lyft's current coverage nationwide reaches 97 percent of Amtrak riders. Bringing Lyft right within its mobile map allows Amtrak to provide more convenient and seamless trips for passengers. This announcement is just the latest in a string of high-profile moves by Lyft, which seems to be creating notable momentum for itself while its biggestand much beleagueredcompetitor, Uber, continues to face challenges ranging from a leadership void to lawsuits. Just last week, Lyft announced a buzz-generating, if misguided, promotional partnership with Taco Bell. In May, the company also joined forces with Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, to bring autonomous cars to U.S. streets. More from Curbed: Honolulu will be the first major U.S. city to fine distracted walkers New app puts building codes at your fingertips London's Camden High Line project gets support from mayor U.S. health insurer Anthem is pulling back from 16 of 19 pricing regions in California where it offered Obamacare options this year, state officials said on Tuesday. The move, which takes effect for 2018, means Anthem will offer Obamacare coverage in three pricing regions comprising 28 counties in California. That is just 41 percent of its current enrollment, or about 108,000 consumers, leaving some 153,000 consumers without Anthem Obamacare options, state officials said. Anthem blamed the move in part on uncertainty over whether the Trump administration would maintain subsidies that keep costs down among the factors that have "led to an increasing overall lack of predictability." As a result, the insurer said it does not allow them to provide affordable plan choices for all California consumers. "The market for these plans has become unstable. And with federal rules and guidance changing, it's no longer possible for us to offer some of those plans," Brian Ternan, president of Anthem Blue Cross of California, said in a statement on the company's website. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to cut off subsidy payments that make the plans affordable for lower income Americans and help insurers to keep premiums down, after efforts to repeal the law signed by his predecessor, President Barack Obama, failed in Congress. Trump has repeatedly urged Republican lawmakers to keep working to undo Obama's Affordable Care Act which has extended insurance to some 20 million more Americans. Anthem said it would offer individual plans both in and out of the state's exchanges in the three regions made up of those 28 counties. Anthem, which announced last month that it was mostly exiting individual plans in Wisconsin and Indiana, said the decision does not affect those with employer-provided insurance, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medi-Cal or "grandfathered" plans purchased before March 2010. Also on Tuesday, federal regulators extended the deadline for insurers in Michigan to submit 2018 Obamacare individual plan premium rates as they await more clarity from the Trump administration, Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services said. Michigan said it was given permission by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to postpone the release of its proposed 2018 rate changes for 30 days. The state now plans to release them on September 1. Apple's iPhone has "gone out of fashion in China" which is holding back its performance globally, according to one analyst, but CEO Tim Cook said a continued good relationship with WeChat owner Tencent could help it gain users. Greater China revenues for Apple fell 10 percent year-on-year in its fiscal third quarter to just over $8 billion. It marks yet another quarter of decline for the U.S. tech giant. In contrast, domestic brands Huawei, Oppo and Xiaomi all recorded double-digit growth globally, driven by a strong performance in the world's largest smartphone market. "Apple's iPhone has gone out of fashion in China and this is placing a cap on its worldwide performance," Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, said in a note on late Tuesday. "Attention will now turn to Apple's rumored iPhone 8 introduction later this year and whether its tenth-anniversary flagship model will be different or exciting enough to ignite a rebound in iPhone volumes." The iPhone 8 is rumored to be launched in September and a number of leaks have suggested it will be Apple's most advanced phone yet. This is something that could appeal to Chinese consumers who have taken a liking to the high-spec devices put out by domestic rivals Oppo and Vivo. Both brands along with Huawei have posed stiff competition to Apple in China. If bitcoin does not prove its worth as a usable currency, its massive price surge is a "dangerous" game, according to one respected finance professor. "If you don't believe that bitcoin will ever acquire wide acceptance in transactions, it is time that you were honest with yourself and recognized that is just a lucrative, but dangerous, pricing game with no good ending," Aswath Damodaran, a professor of corporate finance and valuation at New York University's Stern School of Business, wrote in a blog post late Tuesday. "Crypto currencies, with bitcoin and ether leading the pack, have succeeded in financial markets by attracting investors, and in the public discourse by garnering attention, but they have not succeeded (yet) as currencies," he said. Change in bitcoin price vs. number of transactions between January 2012 and July 2017 Source: Aswath Damodaran has more than doubled this year to trade near $2,700 Wednesday, while rival digital currency Ethereum has leaped more than 2,000 percent to around $200, according to CoinDesk. As digital currency prices have skyrocketed, some on Wall Street have started disclosing their bitcoin purchases and issuing predictions of double-digit price gains or more. However, Elliott Prechter of The Elliott Wave Theorist newsletter noted in July that the surge in bitcoin's price and interest in the digital currency has "dwarfed even the Tulip mania of nearly 400 years ago." Damodaran, sometimes called Wall Street's "dean of valuation," evaluated bitcoin by comparing it to "fiat" currencies like the U.S. dollar based on how fairly the exchange rate reflects their purchasing power. "The question that you would need to address, if you are paying $2,775 for a bitcoin on August 1, 2017, is whether you can (or even will be able to) buy $2,775 worth of goods and services with that bitcoin," Damodaran said. He said bitcoin's high price can be justified if the digital currency becomes widely accepted as payment, especially since by design only 21 million bitcoins can ever exist. High demand for a limited supply of coins will naturally send prices higher. So far, bitcoin's usability is limited. "Bitcoin acceptance is virtually zero and shrinking," Morgan Stanley stock analysts said in a July 12 report, "The disparity between virtually no merchant acceptance and Bitcoin's rapid appreciation is striking." The analysts said that among the top 500 online merchants, the number that accepts bitcoin has fallen from just five last year to three this year. Part of the reason why few customers and merchants use bitcoin is high transaction cost. Fees have climbed as an increasing number of transactions, which includes investment and trading-related activity, compete for limited processing power on the bitcoin network. The average bitcoin transaction fee jumped from around 31 cents in December to a high of $5.50 in June and was still near $2 this week, according to BitInfoCharts. When CNBC tried to live on bitcoin in New York City for a week, only a handful even accepted the digital currency, while costs went up roughly 40 percent due to conversion rates and additional transaction fees. Chinese peer-to-peer lending platform Dianrong said on Wednesday it raised $220 million from a group of investors led by Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, looking to step up research of new technology as it expands across China and explores ventures in other countries in the region. Other investors in the funding round included CMIG Leasing, a unit of China's biggest private investment conglomerate China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), and South Korean fund manager Simone Investment Managers, Dianrong said. The Shanghai-based firm planned to use the funds to automate some of its new branches across China, for research and development and potential acquisitions, Soul Htite, co-founder and co-chief executive of Dianrong, told Reuters. "Now we've graduated to another level, so people that know finance are also seeing us as someone that is really going to be part of the finance industry," Htite said in an interview. The U.S. headquarters of McDonald's, on McDonald's Drive in Oak Brook, Illinois, Lee Powell | The Washington Post | Getty Images Will the love for downtown office space last forever? As more and more corporations chase talent downtown, including Motorola and GE , are they being savvy or simply fickle? Over the last half-century, employment has shifted from city to suburb and back again. According to Core Values: Why American Companies are Moving Downtown, a 2015 report by Smart Growth America, in 1996 less than 16 percent of jobs in metropolitan areas were located within three miles of the traditional city center, down from 63 percent in 1960. Despite the hype of urban living, will millennials eventually return to the suburbs when they start families, search for good schools, and track down affordable homes, with corporations to follow? Some developers and planners believe that, while cities are and will continue to be a big draw, millennials won't ignore the suburbs: They'll simply demand more walkable, transit-friendly, city-like suburbs. John Burns Real Estate Consulting coined the term "surban" in reference to a new breed of dense, walkable developments replicating "the great American neighborhood" concept. John Arenas, who owns Serendipity Labs, a company that runs coworking spaces and has seen a lot of growth in high-end suburbs, believes corporations, which typically move slower than developers and consumers, may be rushing in too fast. "They'll see they're working against the tide very soon when millennials eventually head to the suburbs," he says. "We see a lot of what we call 'millennials in mourning.' They're married with their first child, and the last place they think about is the urban environment. A lot of people are soon going to be at the point where finding a good place for their kid to go to school is going to be a lot more important than the coolest restaurant to hang out. Unfortunately for some companies, they may be moving into the cities just before the tide goes the other way." Corporations following the crowd One of the most interesting aspects (and potentially troubling takeaways for suburban mayors) of the Core Values report is that all manner of companies are making the move downtown: tech giants, startups, Fortune 500 firms, small businesses. Of the nearly 500 companies included in the report, 245 had relocated from a suburban location. The shift has been fast, pitting suburbsand even tech hubsagainst other top-tier urban areas. "You're seeing it across the board," says Murphy. "It's not just the high-tech guys with wild offices moving, but also the more traditional companies, like Caterpillar. There's a remarkable trend happening." And everyone seems to have the same reasons. As reported in the Core Values report, Victor Hugo Rodriguez, a spokesperson for State Farm insurance, which recently opened a new $700 million office campus in the Phoenix area, said: "We are intentionally designing workplaces of the future, live/work/play environments that have an accessible orientation for employees and the neighboring community." A spokesman for Rolls-Royce, which recently spent $600 million on its Indianapolis facility, said its old headquarters was a recruitment liability. The engine maker's new employees and engineers "aren't looking for suburbia. They're looking for the downtown living environment." For the employees these companies are so eagerly courting, the lifestyle differences are stark. Core Values found that the average Walk Score of companies' previous suburban locations were 51 out of 100, while the new urban locations averaged 88. Transit scores took a similarly big leap, from 52 to 79. How can suburbs compete? If you can't beat them, says Murphy, join them. Suburban office campuses suffer because there's no "there there," he says. The real success comes from suburbs that can reconfigure themselves, which begins with more density and relevant retail. The so-called "surban" development trend will see malls and shopping centers reconfigured and replaced with convenient, car-free shopping in revitalized, walkable "Main Street"-style commercial districts. That's why Plano, Texas, which has focused on more urban-lite development in recent years, convinced Toyota to move its North American headquarters, and similar developments in the fast-growing Sun Belt have also lured employers. "There hasn't been an enclosed suburban mall built in 20 years, and 25 percent of the remaining malls will close in the next five years," says Murphy. "Retail is getting reconfigured by the marketplace. It's about taking advantage of these big, 100-acre spaces, going past the mall concept, and creating lifestyle places." Since reinventing retail and creating a dense downtown can't be done overnight, it may seem like the deck is stacked; with jobs leaving and poverty rates increasing, suburbs are increasingly facing the issue of job flight that in the past challenged cities. But there are solutions. In a report called Creative Financing for Smaller Communities, one case study suggests how suburbs can buck the trends. Orland Park, a village of roughly 60,000 located outside Chicago, about 30 minutes south of Oak Brook, invested $35 million in new infrastructure and took the risky step of providing a loan to a development company looking to finance new mixed-use developments. By supporting a multiyear development plan centered around a commuter rail stop, local leaders pushed a more traditional, village-scale layout with small, compact blocks of mixed-use development in what's called the Main Street triangle. Since 2010, the village has seen more than $200 million worth of transit-oriented development transform its downtown, adding new retail and restaurants and eventually providing enough of a magnet to land even bigger projects. Orland Park successfully lobbied to become the home of a new University of Chicago medical center, the loan has been paid off, and one of the apartment developments within the new downtown core was 97 percent occupied within a year of opening. Workplace trends offer an opportunity Suburbs also need to respond and react to bigger changes in the workforce. According to Arenas, the biggest shift in workspaces is consumerization. As the traditional contract between workers and employers loosens with the rise of temp jobs, telecommuting, the gig economy, and shifting technology, workers in high demand are becoming consumers of the workplace. They have more of a say in where and when they want to work, and as corporate functions diversify across numerous offices, it becomes easier to accommodate a more spread-out corporate structure. Asking workers to head to old suburban office campuses isn't attractive anymore (a 2015 report by real estate advisory firm Newmark Knight Frank found that 14 to 22 percent of the suburban office inventory is "in some stage of obsolescence"). It's not that people don't want to be in the 'burbs, they just don't want to be in inflexible space. "We look at the longer story," says Arenas. "We believe it's about offering individuals and companies choice, and preserving that as they evolve." Arenas believes the future is offering more flexibility and closer access to lifestyle amenities. Serendipity's plan is to set up suburban coworking locations that function as hubs for larger corporate workforces. For instance, New York-based companies can send their suburbia-based employees to work in hubs in satellite offices in Westchester, Bergen, and Deerfield counties (in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, respectively) to connect without the commute. These larger trendsthe more flexible, responsive, and remote workplace, as well as the desire for density and walkabilitywill force suburbs to respond and build more sensibly, sustainably, and city-like, and reinvent office parks, as many developers and cities are currently attempting. When and if the wave of downtown millennials turns around, will companies ever start to trickle back? Demographics suggest we'll find out in the next decade: In 2015, millennials purchased 35 percent of homes, and their prime homebuying years are coming soon; the generation's median age is 25, while the average age of a first-time homebuyer is 31. Recent reports showing strong growth in the far-out exurbs of major urban areas is, in part, attributed to millennials looking for affordable houses where they can find them. "The big question mark is when this generation gets to marrying and kids, where do they go?" says Murphy. "Do they stay in walkable Brooklyn, or move? That's a big unknown, and there's a debate raging among urbanists about the future." Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman: We're the Lyft or Uber of real estate Democrats are calling for harsh new punishments on companies that outsource jobs and a crackdown on currency manipulation, embracing a more populist economic agenda as they seek to win back control of Congress in next year's midterm elections. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York announced the plan Wednesday morning with fellow party Rust Belt lawmakers such as Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana. The program would establish the American Jobs Security Council, which would review pending purchases of American companies by foreign corporations. Schumer said the panel would have the power to block a deal if it would hurt American workers or the economy. "Simply put, this council has the power to slam the door shut on foreign companies who want to buy up American businesses and harm our workers," he said. The Democrats' proposal represents the second phase of Democrats' new platform dubbed "A Better Deal" aimed squarely at the blue-collar workers that helped propel President Donald Trump to victory. "This plan would level the playing field for American workers by ensuring our workers aren't competing in a race to the bottom on wages and labor protections," strategy documents state. Democrats' proposals include penalizing businesses that move jobs or their headquarters out of the United States. Companies would have to pay a corporate tax rate of 35 percent on any profits held overseas before relocating. Currently, businesses are able to defer those taxes until the money is brought back to the country. Companies would also be prevented from deducting the expense of moving those jobs. On the other hand, businesses that bring jobs back to America would receive a tax credit for 20 percent of those costs. Government contractors would face more stringent requirements under Democrats' plan, including a public "shame list" for those that regularly send jobs overseas. In addition, the proposal would require companies that outsource to add as much as 10 percent to their estimated costs, making them less competitive. "U.S. companies need incentives to in-source production that has already been lost and be forced to pay an exit tax when outsourcing" the documents read. The proposal also tackles one of Trump's favorite targets: China. Democrats are calling for a new law that would allow the federal government to impose duties on countries that undervalue their currency a move essentially directed at China. Under the existing system, only the Treasury Department can designate a nation as manipulating its currency. Schumer has long been a vocal critic of China's currency and trade policies, and Democrats have traditionally been skeptical of the benefits of globalization. But Trump appealed to working-class voters particularly in typically blue states by breaking with Republican orthodoxy and verbally pummeling America's largest trading partner. Some of the proposals in Democrats' new platform echo not only Trump's campaign promises, but efforts already underway in his administration: renegotiate NAFTA and tighten rules requiring the federal government to buy American. The plan would also establish an independent trade prosecutor. Democrats are set to announce the new trade agenda amid reports in The Wall Street Journal and Axios that the White House is readying aggressive new enforcement actions against China for intellectual property theft. Trump has also recently stepped up his rhetoric against the country as progress appears stalled on a hundred-days plan on trade and economic issues while North Korea ramps up ballistic missile tests. "I am very disappointed in China," Trump wrote in two tweets last week. "Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!" Democrats began rolling out their "Better Deal" agenda last week with vows to scrutinize big corporate mergers and bring down prescription drug prices. The platform is also expected to include proposals on the cost of higher education and infrastructure. watch now The newly-elected French president has sparked a row with Italy over the sale of a shipyard, raising questions over his pro-European credentials. Rome had agreed to buy a majority stake in the French shipyard but President Emmanuel Macron wants shared control. Officials from both countries failed to reach an agreement on Tuesday. But they hope to conclude talks by the end of September. Under the former French President Francois Hollande, France agreed to sell a controlling stake in STX to Italy's Fincatieri. The agreement in principle, reached earlier this year, said that Fincantieri, which is owned by the Italian government, would acquire 66.66 percent of the share capital of STX France, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. But Macron, who was elected in May, decided to review the deal and announced last week he was ready to scrap the agreement and temporarily nationalize the shipyard. Why is Macron going back on the deal? The Costa Fascinosa, built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard. Andrea Pattaro | AFP | Getty Images "It's ironic this thing would happen because when Hollande was president he approved the sale of STX to Fincantieri," Marco Elser, head portfolio manager at Lonsin Capital, told CNBC on Wednesday. He added that in order to promote jobs in France, Macron came up with the idea to increase France's control of the shipyard. An Ifop poll showed Sunday that 70 percent of the French people support Macron's decision. France has told Italy it can name the chairman of STX but both sides will have a 50-50 share. Carlo Calenda, Italian minister for economic development, said the offer wasn't good enough, the Financial Times reported. France agreed not to sell STX France to a third party until the end of September and considers Fincantieri as its preferred option. Will there be a compromise? An Audi employee carries out the final inspection on a row of Audi A3 automobiles at Volkswagen's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany. German automakers and politicians have come to an agreement to cut emissions by updating the software of 5 million diesel cars. The VDA, Germany's auto industry association, said that German carmakers would install new engine software to make emissions filtering systems more efficient and tackle air pollution by cutting nitrogen oxide levels by 25-30 percent. BMW , Daimler , Opel and Volkswagen will carry out retrofitting after approval from the KBA, Germany's federal motor authority, the VDA said. Auto firms also agreed to make financial contribution to an initiative to clean up inner city pollution. The agreement was reached at a summit in the country's capital, Berlin. The "national diesel forum", a summit of politicians and car executives, was called yesterday by Germany's transport and environment ministers to address ways to reduce inner-city pollution. Chancellor Angela Merkel was unable to attend the event due to being away on holiday. Mike Ramsey, a car analyst at Gartner, welcomed the commitment to cut emissions. "Hospitals could also simply start to offer customers significant discounts for using their plans or perhaps even stop accepting certain competitor insurance plans altogether. It all depends on how ruthless they want to be, but no one can deny they have the power to do it." But just because so many of us are convinced we need health insurance sold by an insurance company, and just because that's the way the politicians think of things, what's to stop another industry from offering the same protections more conveniently or maybe even at lower prices? Nothing it seems. In fact, hospitals, which provide the lion's share of America's health care, have already started to sell health insurance plans. Obamacare's private exchanges made that easier to do logistically, but the biggest impetus is the fact that hospitals have been consolidating and increasing their reach over every aspect of health care from acquiring private practice doctors' offices to operating nursing homes and rehab centers. It's a simple case of an industry that provides every health care service deciding to cut out the middle man. The financial results for many of the hospitals that started offering insurance plans since 2010 have been a mixed bag. Certainly, they're not as strong as the stellar profits traditional health insurance companies have enjoyed in that time. But one major hospital system CEO, Michael Dowling of Northwell Health in New York state, says this new business plan is a "long term play." He and his peers may not have to wait too long if Obamacare's generous direct and indirect subsidies are cut by the Trump administration or some kind of Congressional reform of the ACA. And with several insurance companies deciding to exit Obamacare exchanges even with those subsidies in place, the hospital industry may soon find itself playing in a much less crowded field. Hospitals could also simply start to offer customers significant discounts for using their plans or perhaps even stop accepting certain competitor insurance plans altogether. It all depends on how ruthless they want to be, but no one can deny they have the power to do it. After all, they control the actual product customers ultimately want: health care. And health care and health insurance are two different things. But it would be naive not to consider one factor that could keep the status quo in place for a longer time. That would be the fact that insurance companies and hospitals have a symbiotic relationship that helps perpetuate the hospitals' ability to control prices and the insurance companies' ability to convince almost everyone in America that they need their product. It works something like this: Hospitals continue to have the most leverage when it comes to setting and raising prices for all kinds of care. But the insurance industry helps mitigate the potentially disastrous response to hospital price increases because people who have insurance don't pay full price. In fact, most of us don't know the actual price of any treatment at the hospital. Imagine running an industry that has the power to raise prices without having to deal with public outrage when those prices are raised because its prices aren't published. That's the advantage most hospitals have in no small part thanks to the insurance industry. You may know what you're paying in monthly premiums or what comes out of your paycheck to pay for health insurance. But you have to wait until you get medical treatment and then get an itemized statement from your insurer to find out what the list price of that treatment was. The insurance industry gets its justification to exist by selling the idea that only it can help make those mysterious health care costs affordable. So when hospitals raise prices, it's very good news for them and the insurers who serve their patients. But again, the implosion of Obamacare in so many parts of the country is already putting the private insurance industry in jeopardy. When and if the bean counters figure out a way that hospitals can do better without the private insurers around, it's hard to see why they wouldn't simply sweep them away faster than Amazon put an end to your local book store. Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. Joao Baptista's career is a good example of the transformation seen in Portugal. The 34-year-old entrepreneur opened his first bar in 2011 at the height of the euro zone financial crisis. Six years down the line he owns five of the trendiest bars in Lisbon and will open his sixth after the summer in the northern city of Porto. "The boom in tourism and measures such as reduction of VAT (value added tax) from 23 percent to 13 percent have helped bars, restaurants, and commerce in general," he told CNBC. Long gone are the days when Portugal took center stage among the PIGS - a derogatory acronym to describe the economies of Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain during the financial crisis. Portugal is now often cited as an example of economic resurgence, applauded by international institutions. But what has driven this change? And more importantly, will it last? Portugal's near-term outlook has strengthened considerably. International Monetary Fund A worker inspects Helix cork stoppers, which can be opened by hand and re-sealed, during quality control checks at the Amorim & Irmaos SA, factory, Paulo Duarte | Bloomberg | Getty Images In 2011 Portugal obtained a bailout worth 78 billion euros ($92.2 billion) from Europe and the International Monetary Fund. Its economy contracted as much as 3.2 percent in 2012. During the crisis, the unemployment rate nearly hit 18 percent and among young people that rate was closer to 40 percent. After many economic and fiscal reforms, led by a center-right coalition government, under the supervision of the IMF and the European Union, Portugal said no to the last tranche from its creditors in June of 2014 and freed itself from international assistance. Since then the economy has been blooming. The IMF forecasts a 2.5 percent growth rate for this year and an unemployment rate below 10 percent. "Portugal's near-term outlook has strengthened considerably, supported by a pick-up in investment and continued growth in exports," the Fund said last June. However, "just because you're in the right direction, it doesn't mean you're out of the woods," David Stubbs, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, told CNBC on Thursday. Who is responsible for Portugal's recovery? A waiter serves the traditional Portuguese egg tarts at the Pasteis de Belem cafe in Lisbon, Portugal Rafael Marchante | Reuters Stubbs said that the economic recovery in Portugal has been mainly driven by the European Central Bank's policies rather than the Portuguese government. The stimulus program from the ECB has meant the bank has been buying Portuguese bonds. At the same time, the ECB kept the euro lower, supporting exports. Portugal is still one of the most vulnerable economies. David Stubbs Global market strategist, JP Morgan Asset Management However, the current socialist government, backed by two far-left parties in parliament, believes something different. It argues that its anti-austerity strategy is benefiting the economy. The government led by Antonio Costa, in power since October 2015, has rolled back many austerity measures, including pension and salary cuts. Its key to economic growth is fostering private consumption. "This year, we're going to have the biggest economic growth ever registered in the 21st century," Costa said at a political rally last week. But the argument doesn't convince everyone. "Portugal is still one of the most vulnerable economies," Stubbs told CNBC. He added that the economy is only looking good today because of the cuts made during the bailout program. What about the country's debt? A tram is seen at Comercio square in downtown Lisbon Rafael Marchante | Reuters Portugal still has to deal with a high-level of bad loans in the banking system and substantial corporate and public debt, he said. Government debt is set to reach 128.5 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) this year, according to forecasts from the European Commission. The savings rate of households is forecast to decrease 0.2 percent in 2017 from last year, though is seen rising in 2018. The political arrangement in Portugal 'might not last forever'. Credit Suisse In a note out in July, Credit Suisse said the labor market and politics also pose risks to the economy. "The crisis led to a displacement of workers out of the sectors more closely related to construction and credit growth. The recent improvements in employment growth represent a positive development, although most of the employment growth is concentrated in low productivity sectors." The Swiss bank also said that the political arrangement in Portugal "might not last forever." Is the government stable? The 2018 budget could be a test for the government. The leftist parties supporting the socialist minority government are pushing for more social security spending. Around the same time, all political parties, including the Socialist Party, will want to please voters ahead of local elections, which could mean further relaxation of austerity policies. Portugal's deficit forecast for this year is 1.5 percent and 1.4 percent in 2018, according to the IMF. However, despite what some analysts say, the government seems more popular than ever and Prime Minister Antonio Costa is still the most popular party leader. I don't see any real change, only a temporary illusion. Aires de Matos High School teacher Are the Portuguese feeling more confident about their prospects? "I don't see any real change, only a temporary illusion," Aires de Matos, a high-school philosophy teacher with more than 40 years of experience, told CNBC. He cited an increased consumption of imported goods and wrong allocation of funds by the municipalities as two of the biggest reasons for the "temporary illusion" that Portugal is experiencing. Nonetheless, he mentioned one good decision in the last few years. The previous and current governments have supported tourism, which has grown significantly. Data from the Portuguese statistical office (INE) showed in June that in the first four months of 2017, Portugal received more than 5.3 million tourists, a 10.9 percent increase in comparison with last year and twice as much growth as seen in Spain. Tourists travel on the upper deck of a Lisbon sightseeing bus in Lisbon, Portugal Pau Barrena | Bloomberg | Getty Images I believe there's more room for improvement and the economy will continue growing. Carlos Silva Electrical Engineer Bar owner Joao Baptista warned however that the government should re-think its strategy for the tourism sector. "It would be preferable if the government would take measures to boost 'quality tourism' and not 'mass tourism'," he noted. Carlos Silva, a 32-year-old electrical engineer living in Porto, told CNBC that there are three main factors fostering the Portuguese economy: The policies from the current government, which have given more financial room to households, the change in rhetoric that austerity has gone has made people more confident and lastly, the international economic landscape has also helped. "I believe there's more room for improvement and the economy will continue growing," he said, citing tourism and industry as strong economic components. "Of course, there are yet a lot of reforms to do, but I think we are in the right path," he said. Aires de Matos believes Portugal's economic performance will depend on external and internal factors. "Internally, the real situation of the Portuguese banks remains a big question mark to most Portuguese," he said. Portugal has had to rescue several banks, including Banco Espirito Santo now Novo Banco, and the public bank Caixa Geral de Depositos. But with only two months to go until opening his new bar, Joao Baptista told CNBC: "I like to think that there are good prospects for the country. Mostly because my sector is driven by tourism and this is set to keep rising." What started as a way to move past his learning disabilities, Ryder Carroll's life hack has gone viral on the internet and is now his full-time job. Bullet journals are customizable notebooks used to "track the past, organize the present and plan for the future," as Carroll explains in his how-to video. The goal of a bullet journal, he says, is to reduce complexity and provide clarity. Millions of people have shared their best practices and inspiration on YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest. There are even Facebook groups dedicated to advice and tips: for example, "Bullet Journal Beginners" has 15,255 members while "Minimalist Bullet Journals" has 35,958 members. Despite the plethora of free resources, a couple of ways Carroll turns a profit on his method include selling Bullet Journal notebooks on his website and through a paid mobile app used to complement not replace the physical journal. As of April this year, Carroll has taken on bullet journal as a full-time endeavor. "I've been working on bullet journal or some other project, like having two jobs, for the better part of my career because there's the day job and there's the passion project," Carroll says. "Now the passion project has become the full-time job and that's a very big paradigm shift for me." Carroll emigrated to the United States from Vienna, Austria in the late 1990s, to attend college. At the time, he was solving a lot of his own organizational problems, including carrying too many notebooks. "I wanted to figure out a way for me to be able to capture whatever I was thinking, however I was thinking it and still house it in a way that was organized and easily accessible," Carroll says. Although he was big on scrapbooking and loved how much clarity that process brought him, he says he eventually realized he could get the same satisfaction and clarity from structuring his notes in a specific way. Former Google executive Jeff Huber has stepped down from the CEO role at early cancer detection start-up Grail after just over a year on the job. Huber started at Google in 2003 and helped develop its ad technology and maps products, then helped lead the formation of the Google X lab. He left Google to take the CEO job at Grail in 2016. He didn't have much experience with health care, except for his role on the board of biotech giant Illumina , which originally spun Grail out as a majority-owned subsidiary. But Huber was personally passionate about Grail's mission to detect early-stage cancer with a blood test, after losing his wife to the disease the previous fall. Grail has raised more than $1 billion in financing from investors including GV, the venture arm of Google parent company Alphabet, and Amazon, which sees Grail as an opportunity to store massive amounts of genetic data in its AWS cloud. Bill Rastetter, chairman of Grail's board of directors and a veteran biotech investor, has been named the new CEO. Ken Drazan, also a seasoned biopharma executive, has been promoted from chief business officer to president. Huber will remain on the team as the vice chairman of the board of directors. A press release did not provide any explanation of the move, but did indicate that Huber's ongoing role will be to provide "strategic technical advice." The company didn't initially respond to a request for comment. But it is notable that the company promoted two executives in health care, while Huber, a tech expert, is taking a step back. Now that its funding is secure, Grail is planning a series of large-scale clinical studies to demonstrate that its technology, which uses deep sequencing of tumor DNA in the bloodstream, can diagnose cancer before it's too late to treat. John Kelly listens to U.S. President Donald Trump. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Trump's desire to deceive the public is causing him political and legal problems If you want to know what sort of trouble Kelly may be headed into, take a look at a Washington Post report from Monday night. The story revealed that when news about Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer broke earlier this month, the president himself "personally dictated" the extremely misleading statement his son released in response. The statement about the meeting which, per emails sent to Trump Jr., was set up with the promise of Russian governmentsourced dirt on Hillary Clinton claimed it was "primarily" about adoption policy. The Post's report makes clear that, in least at this case, President Trump himself dictated a strategy of deceiving the public about his associates' contacts with Russia. And advisers to the president told the paper that Trump "is increasingly acting as his own lawyer, strategist and publicist, often disregarding the recommendations of the professionals he has hired." The president's bad instincts here caused political problems for him since Trump Jr.'s first misleading statement soon spurred leaks contradicting him, prolonging the story for days and making the facts seem even worse when they did emerge. And they may cause Trump legal problems too. Special counsel Robert Mueller, who is reportedly investigating whether the president has tried to obstruct justice, seems very interested in all this. CNN reported last week that he had sent a request to the White House to preserve documents not only about the Trump Jr. meeting itself but about "any decisions made regarding the recent disclosures about the June 2016 meeting." Enter John Kelly. He will now have to choose how to handle disclosures of any other Russia-related information that he learns about even though the president has made clear that his preference is to obfuscate and deceive. Kelly will have to decide whether to help him do that, or push back. The fate of Jeff Sessions remains unresolved Or take the still-unresolved public drama over the fate of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Since March, Trump has reportedly been furious that Sessions recused himself from oversight over the Russia investigation. Tweet In recent weeks, that fury spilled out into public view, with the president openly criticizing and belittling his attorney general in interviews with reporters and on Twitter. In one sense, it appears to be a rather crude attempt to provoke Sessions to resign something that probably not coincidentally would allow Trump to appoint a new and un-recused attorney general. But Trump also has angrily and repeatedly claimed Sessions's Justice Department isn't sufficiently investigating Hillary Clinton and Democrats. He seems to genuinely want the federal government's law enforcement power to be targeted against his political opponents rather than himself. And he's said things to this effect enough times that he clearly isn't going to forget about it. Again, Kelly has a role to play here. As a former Cabinet secretary who likely has some sympathy for Sessions's plight, he may try to convince the president to stop publicly berating the attorney general and respect Justice Department independence even though Trump clearly doesn't want to. Alternatively, Kelly could end up trying to achieve the president's evident goal of bringing DOJ more in line with his personal whims whether by pushing out Sessions or by other means. And then there's Robert Mueller Kanye West's representatives have filed a lawsuit seeking $10 million that insurers didn't pay after he canceled his Saint Pablo tour last year. The suit, filed by Very Good Touring against several Lloyd's of London insurance syndicates, alleges breach of contract and seeks punitive damages and attorney fees beyond the $9.8 million in concert losses, the Associated Press reports. West canceled a number of concert appearances last year. He missed a few dates after his wife, Kim Kardashian West, was robbed in Paris, then called off the remainder of his tour after he was admitted for undisclosed reasons to UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital on Nov. 21, 2016. The lawsuit states that the insurance company has failed to pay up, citing possible marijuana use as a reason to deny the claim, according to court documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported the news. More from USA Today: Tillerson said U.S. seeks dialogue with North Korea if it abandons nuclear program Prehistoric petals: Scientists reveal what the first flower looked like In leaked intern talk, Kushner says Trump campaign too unorganized for Russian collusion "Nor have they provided anything approaching a coherent explanation about why they have not paid, or any indication if they will ever pay or even make a coverage decision, implying that Kanye's use of marijuana may provide them with a basis to deny the claim and retain the hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance premiums paid by Very Good," The Hollywood Reporter wrote, citing court papers. West raised eyebrows at his November concert in San Jose, Calif., when he told the crowd that he didn't vote in the presidential election, but he "would've voted for Trump." He applauded Trump's campaign approach as "absolutely genius" and confirmed that he was still considering a presidential run in 2020. During a Sacramento show two nights later, Kanye ranted about Beyonce, Jay Z, Hillary Clinton, Mark Zuckerberg and radio stations. West ended the show after 30 minutes, drawing ire from many fans in attendance and on social media. West's lawsuit addresses the Sacramento concert, according to The Hollywood Reporter, noting his "strained, confused and erratic" behavior, as well as the decision made the following day to cancel the remainder of the tour and issue full refunds for tickets. The insurance companies were informed that Kayne was hospitalized. The Hollywood Reporter says insurers were provided with sworn testimony from his primary physician that West suffered a debilitating medical condition that required he stop the tour. "Almost immediately after the claim was submitted, Defendants selected legal counsel to oversee the adjustment of the claim, instead of the more normal approach of retaining a non-lawyer insurance adjuster," The Hollywood Reporter quotes from West's complaint. "Immediately turning to legal counsel made it clear that Defendants' goal was to hunt for any ostensible excuse, no matter how fanciful, to deny coverage or to maneuver themselves into a position of trying to negotiate a discount on the loss payment." An after-hours message left for Lloyd's of London's New York office was not immediately returned. A new lawsuit accuses Wells Fargo of racketeering violations and fraud after the bank admitted to charging several hundred thousand borrowers for auto insurance they did not ask for or need, causing many delinquencies. The proposed class action filed on Sunday in San Francisco federal court deepens the fallout from the latest bad practice at Wells Fargo. It follows the scandal in which the third-largest U.S. bank has said employees created as many as 2.1 million unauthorized customer accounts to meet sales goals. Wells Fargo said late last week it would refund about $80 million to an estimated 570,000 customers who were wrongly charged for auto insurance, including roughly 20,000 people whose vehicles were repossessed. The San Francisco-based bank made its announcement less than three hours after The New York Times wrote about an internal report prepared for executives that detailed improper charges. Wells Fargo said it halted the charges last September after customers expressed "concerns." But according to the lawsuit, refunds to defrauded customers are not enough. "Wells Fargo has long lost the right to decide what is best for its customers," Roland Tellis, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in an interview. "Refunds don't address the fraud or inflated premiums, the delinquency charges, and the late fees," he added. "It will be up to a jury or court to decide the appropriate remedy." Wells Fargo had no immediate comment on Monday. The lawsuit is led by Paul Hancock, a 34-year-old marketing consultant from Indianapolis. He said Wells Fargo charged him $598 for insurance though he repeatedly told the bank he had coverage from Allstate , and imposed a late fee after the unnecessary policy took effect. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, which could be tripled under federal racketeering law, for borrowers nationwide, and in California and Indiana. "If refunding premiums was just the start, this could be a nine-figure case," Tellis said. Wells Fargo's accounts scandal resulted in $185 million of regulatory penalties and a $142 million settlement of private litigation, and cost former Chief Executive John Stumpf his job. The case is Hancock v Wells Fargo & Co et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 17-04324. Magnus Walker is not who he seems at first glance, or even second. When he appears on Wednesday's episode of CNBC's "Jay Leno's Garage," thoughtfully stroking his long beard in an empty bar, dreadlocks falling to his sides, you could mistake him for a vagrant. In reality, he is a world renowned Porsche collector with a garage of 25 uniquely modified 911s. His cars are beautiful. He has taken all the edges off of the 1990 Porsche 964 that he uses to drive around host Jay Leno and given it louvered fenders and a channeled roof. It's what he calls the "the follow-up" to his 1972 911T, a car that he modified and then auctioned off in 2013 for $302,000. If Walker sold his cars or even took orders for customized designs, he'd make a killing. But he doesn't. Porsches are not his business. They are what he calls his "out of control hobby." "I'm not selling you anything," he tells CNBC Make It. "If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you're just along for the ride, inspired by the common bond, whether it's art or automobiles." And hundreds of thousands of car lovers are along for that ride. His passion for Porsche was born back in 1977, when he was only a 10-year-old boy in the "grim Northern steel town" of Sheffield, England. His father took him to the Earls Court Motor Show in London, and when he returned home, he wrote the Porsche factory a letter saying he wanted to design for them. "Essentially, they wrote me a letter back that said, 'Call me when you're older,'" he says. But 36 years later, they followed up before he had the chance. They had seen Tamir Moscovici's 2013 documentary "Urban Outlaw," a short film that put Walker on the map, exposing his talents to the public eye and attracting the attention of companies like Porsche, Hot Wheels and Mobile 1, which Walker has since partnered with. Prior to Porsches, Walker found other outlets for his creative expression. In his recently published book, "Urban Outlaw: Dirt Don't Slow You Down," he tells the story of his company, Serious Clothing, which got its start on the Venice Beach boardwalk. After leaving school at 15 and moving to Los Angeles, he found a job that paid $10 a day selling secondhand clothes from the Gap. But once he witnessed the crowded walkways and busy vendors, he came up with an idea to sell something unique himself: patched secondhand Levi's jeans. On his first day trying to sell jeans he made $150. Soon he was making $2,000 in a weekend. Over time, as the company grew, he began wholesaling to Hot Topic, a chain that at the time had less than five stores and now has over 500. "We ended up outfitting everyone from Alice Cooper to Madonna and everyone in between," he says in his TED Talk about following your passions, which now has almost five million views. As is the case with many businesses, after about 15 years, Serious Clothing's sales began to dwindle and it eventually closed. "We had a hard time taking the band-aid off," he tells CNBC Make It, but says the time was right. "We sort of became disconnected with the scene and environment we were in. Ultimately we lost the motivation and passion and desire." But, as Leno notes in the episode, the business "afforded him the chance to live out his childhood dream of curating the ultimate early Porsche 911 collection." So did the warehouse Walker bought in the art district of Los Angeles that he now rents out to movie production companies. Hearing his life story, it's apparent that there's a common thread in everything Walker does, from his own appearance, to the clothes he designs, to his collection of modified 911s. "They all have their own unique style," he says, "that is identifiable but different from what everyone else is doing." Technology entrepreneur Rich Barton says government intervention on Amazon in the future is unavoidable. Barton was asked about his views on Amazon in relation to the Department of Justice's antitrust investigation of Microsoft during the 1990s in a Bloomberg podcast interview. "I lived through that DOJ thing. It was really rough. It's no fun. And I think it is inevitable as companies get really, really huge," Barton said in the podcast interview published Friday. "I think Jeff [Bezos] is probably well aware of that," Barton said. Bezos "is trying to do everything he can to delay that as long as possible and to play within the rules, but eventually the tall poppy gets chopped in." Barton has served on Netflix's board of directors since 2002. He is one of the few businessmen who have started multiple billion-dollar companies. He founded Expedia in 1994, co-founded Zillow in 2005 and worked as a product manager at Microsoft in the early 1990s. Currently, Barton is a venture partner at Benchmark Capital. Expedia and Zillow have market values of $23 billion and $8 billion respectively, according to FactSet. The entrepreneur also predicted Amazon will likely dominate the software business going forward: "They are really the major force in enterprise software as well now. Because of AWS [Amazon Web Services] and because pretty much most computing is moving into the cloud The whole enterprise software stack is moving out of these premise based systems as sold by Oracle, Microsoft, IBM [while] Amazon keeps adding more and more functionality embedded as a service within the cloud and is taking over chunk by chunk ... these enterprise software categories." Last week Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hinted the administration may soon take "a position" on Amazon's tax collection policy after President Donald Trump repeatedly blasted the company on the topic on Twitter. Amazon did not respond to a request for comment. See the full Bloomberg podcast interview here. Global miner Rio Tinto on Wednesday reported its first-half profit more than doubled from a year earlier following a rebound in iron ore prices and announced an additional $1 billion share buyback. Underlying earnings for the six months to June 30 rose to $3.94 billion from $1.56 billion a year earlier, missing Thomson Reuters analysts' forecast of $4.19 billion. The stock dipped 2.2 percent in early deals Wednesday as investors moved to take stock of the company's new payout policy. Rio Tinto is to return $3 billion to shareholders: $2 billion on the dividend side and $1 billion of share buybacks. Speaking to CNBC Wednesday, Rio Tinto's Chief Executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques lauded the company's half-year dividend, which rose from 45 cents a share in 2016 to 110 cents a year this year. "We have performed very well in a very uncertain and very volatile environment," Jacques noted. "The $2 billion of dividend is the highest interim dividend in the history of Rio Tinto." "President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson must divorce themselves from the delusion that relations with Russia can be handled like a business deal." That kind of brinkmanship led to then Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev's eventual ouster and also the eventual elevation of Leonid Brezhnev to the leadership of the nation. Brezhnev tempered the USSR's meddling foreign policies and pursued a policy of detente and nuclear non-proliferation with the U.S. When that still didn't bring the Soviets economic stability, an older guard Communist Party power structure yielded to the younger Mikhail Gorbachev. He became the most serious partner for a more stable peace in Soviet history. That eventually led to the happy end of the Cold War. But democracy in post-Soviet Russia hasn't taken hold. President Putin is a de facto dictator without the burdens of having to cater to the true needs of a body politic. He also doesn't need to bow to a business or corporate structure as he basically owns a controlling interest in every Russian industry and may be the truly richest man in the world. And so the mischief continues. Don't be fooled by our domestic partisan back-and-forth about whether Trump was colluding with Russia in the election. Putin's ultimate goal was provoking instability and deeper divisions in the U.S. to weaken us, and it worked. Just as troubling is Russia's renewed meddling in Syria, its dealings with Iran, and aiding North Korea. This is pre-Cuban Missile Crisis level activity in its scope and danger. And without a Communist Party ideology to fuel it anymore, it all seems to be driven by Putin alone. With that in mind, all of Washington from the Trump administration to the Democratic Party congressional leadership must face a few facts. First, President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson must divorce themselves from the delusion that relations with Russia can be handled like a business deal. Tillerson may have years of experience working with Russian oil ministers and other representatives of the Putin regime, but the bigger picture of Russia's role in the world is a different animal. And while President Trump has years of experience hammering out deals with tough real estate interests, that's still child's play compared to a huge nation with a massive military and nuclear arsenal. Tillerson and President Trump are probably right that the new sanctions won't help the chances for a working business relationship between the U.S. and Russia. But business arrangements are hardly the real path to progress in this case. That would be true even if Russia were a truly democratic country run by a traditional politically-motivated government. Second, the Democrats and the rest of the diplomatic types in Washington must recognize that they can't deal with Russia with conventional diplomacy. Putin is no Gorbachev, he's no Brezhnev and he may not even be as reasonable as a pre-Cuban Missile crisis Khrushchev. Nothing exemplified the State Department's delusion about what kind of nation it was dealing with than then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's infamous hitting of the "reset button" during a 2009 meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. A country set on destabilizing region after region, stoking wars, and aiding the worst kinds of dictators isn't looking for a reset. It's looking to clean us out at the negotiating table and everywhere else. So what can the U.S. and the rest of the Western powers do? Reverting to a Reagan-era policy of using our still superior military and economic power and providing significant aid to the countries Russia threatens is a good start. That approach was seen as radical compared to the Nixonian approach that some experts thought would continue to work. The Trump administration's decision to offer Ukraine antitank missiles and other weapons this week was a good step in that Reagan-like direction. Continuing to ramp up U.S. oil production and exports to undermine Russia's only economic lifeline would be another. And the public needs to be sold on the dangers Russia holds for the U.S. in a way President Reagan did in the 1980s for these policies to truly succeed. Right now, there doesn't seem to be anyone in Washington who has the stomach for executing these policies and the eloquence to justify them. But as more people realize what a danger Putin is, the better the chances a real leader will emerge in the face of this Russian menace, whether through a change of messaging from Trump, new leadership in Congress or even in next election for president. Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. "Demonstrated financial need is preferred," for winners of the scholarship, Stanford says. To be eligible for the scholarship, you have to have a connection to the Midwest. You can be a current resident of a Midwestern state, which Stanford defines as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota or Wisconsin. Alternatively, you could have lived for three consecutive years in one of those states, have graduated high school in one of those states or have "experiences that demonstrate a strong commitment to, and interest in, the development of the region." Once scholarship awardees graduate, they must then return to the Midwest "in a professional role that contributes to the region's economic development" within two years of graduating. By the time scholarship winners have been out of the Stanford MBA program for four years, they must have worked in the Midwest for two. If scholarship winners do not complete the required work commitment, they have to repay the scholarship. But staying in the Midwest has its benefits. Des Moines, Iowa; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Ind.; Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; Omaha, Neb.; and Dayton, Ohio all rank on a recent top 25 best places for people under 35 to live. The ranking considered factors including access to good jobs, commute time, cost of living and the social scene for young people. And a Stanford MBA can pay off handsomely. The average salary of for graduates was $140,553 in 2016, according to data released in November. The median salary was $136,000. Both measures were records. The winners of the first Stanford USA MBA Fellowship are Adam Verhasselt, Amanda Donohue-Hansen and Taylor Seabaugh. Verhasselt was raised on a dairy farm owned by his family in Wisconsin and is the first in his family to graduate from college. Donohue-Hansen is from California but graduated from University of Minnesota and lived and work there for 10 years. Seabaugh grew up in St.Louis, Missouri, and returned after graduating from college to work at 3M and volunteer at local public schools. "The Midwest is strategically important to the United States and global economy, and Stanford wants to contribute to its strength by encouraging students and alumni to foster economic development and pursue careers in the region," Jonathan Levin, the Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business and Philip H. Knight Professor of Economics says via a written statement announcing the winners. See also: 15 schools that produce the most 'unicorn' founders of billion-dollar companies Stanford business school to MBAs: Easy on the start-ups What an MBA program won't teach you about leadership Americans began flocking to Lake Chapala, Mexico, more than five decades ago, attracted by great weather, cheap real estate and the quaint cobblestone streets of the town of Ajijic. As I write this, I'm sitting in a little village on the shores of a broad, mountain-ringed lake on a cool summer morning, reading about how my country's politicians have failed once again to come up with a working national healthcare policy. Mexico, where I happen to be right now, has a working national healthcare policy. Ecuador, the country I moved here from, has a working national healthcare policyone that's been recognized by the United Nations for being one of the most innovative on the planet. In fact, every country I've lived in since moving out of the U.S. 16 years ago has a working national healthcare policy. None of those countries are as large as the U.S., or as rich as the U.S., or as powerful as the U.S. And yet, every one of them has a system for making sure each of their citizens, no matter how rich or poor or old or young or sick or well, gets quality healthcare. More from International Living: I took my job on the road and searched for my overseas home How I turned a financial crisis into a life of adventure Three tips to finding rentals in Campeche, Mexico I didn't move abroad for the affordable healthcare. I moved abroad for the adventure and the weather. I wanted to see how other people in the world lived. I wanted a more relaxed, less stressful lifestyle. I wanted warm weather year-round. And I got all those thingsthe fact that my life became vastly more affordable living abroad was icing on the cake. But I also moved abroad to talk to and write about other people who chose to make the same moveespecially those who made the move to save their retirements. And a lot of those folks did move abroad for affordable healthcare, because outside the U.S., almost any place you go has more affordable, accessible healthcare than back home. And if you're retired or living on a fixed income and have some health issues, the affordability and accessibility of healthcare can make all the difference to your quality of life. President Donald Trump is expected to make a speech and sign a memorandum at the White House on Friday that will target China's intellectual property and trade practices, senior White House officials told CNBC. Three top Democratic senators, in a rare show of bipartisanship, on Wednesday urged the president to stand up to Beijing. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer pressed the Republican president to skip the investigation and go straight to trade action against China. "We should certainly go after them," said Schumer in a statement. Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio also urged Trump to rein in China. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated in recent months as Trump has pressed China to cut steel production to ease global oversupply and rein in North Korea's missile program. The European Union, Japan, Germany and Canada have all expressed concern over China's behavior on intellectual property theft. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer would then initiate an investigation under the Trade Act of 1974's Section 301, which allows the president to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions to protect U.S. industries, the sources said. It is unclear whether such a probe would result in trade sanctions against China, which Beijing would almost certainly challenge before the World Trade Organization. U.S. Section 301 investigations have not led to trade sanctions since the WTO was launched in 1995. In the 1980s, Section 301 tariffs were levied against Japanese motorcycles, steel and other products. "This could merely be leverage for bilateral negotiations," James Bacchus, a former WTO chief judge and USTR official, said of a China intellectual property probe. Some trade lawyers said that WTO does not have jurisdiction over investment rules such as China's requirements that foreign companies transfer technology to their joint venture partners, allowing sanctions to proceed outside the WTO's dispute settlement system. But Bacchus argued the United States has an obligation to turn first to the Geneva-based institution to resolve trade disputes, adding: "There is an obligation in WTO to enforce intellectual property rights that is not fully explored." Lighthizer and Trump's Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, have complained the WTO is slow to resolve disputes and biased against the United States. The threat comes at a time when Trump has become increasingly frustrated with the level of support from Beijing to pressure Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and missile program. Trump has said in the past that China would get better treatment on trade with the United States if it acted more forcefully against Pyongyang. Beijing has said its influence on North Korea is limited. China counters that trade between the two nations benefits both sides, and that Beijing is willing to improve trade ties. A senior Chinese official said on Monday there was no link between North Korea's nuclear program and China-U.S. trade. Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Lighthizer urging action to stop China from pressuring U.S. tech companies into giving up intellectual property rights. Wyden's state of Oregon is home to several companies that could make a case regarding intellectual property rights and China, including Nike Inc and FLIR Systems Inc. CNBC's Lori Ann LaRocco contributed to this report. Macroeconomic Advisers co-founder Joel Prakken says the economy should grow at about 2 percent next year, but already it could see a dent if immigration is slowed. "What's behind that projection is the assumption of labor force growth and productivity growth ... that is a combination of assumptions about the participation rate and the growth of the population. Our assumptions of the population come from the Census Bureau," he said. Statistics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau on assumptions about population growth and immigration are rolled into economists' forecasts for GDP. Economists say there are already worker shortages in some areas, and the problem could get worse quickly. "It's half of labor force growth today. Going forward it's a bigger drag. We have yet to meet the critical mass of baby boomers retiring. That's still ahead," said Diane Swonk, chief economist at DS Economics. Immigrants are responsible for nearly half the population growth of the United States, and by extension that also means they are a sizable part of the growth in the U.S. labor force. Trump Wednesday embraced legislation put forth by two senators to cut legal immigration into the U.S. in half within a decade and base entry on education, language ability and job skills that would benefit the country. President Donald Trump could limit his own plans to grow the U.S. economy in half becomes law, economists said. "If you cut the labor force growth in half you probably take two to three tenths of a percentage point off GDP growth every year over the next decade," Prakken said. He said that would also impact the 3 percent growth pace the Office of Management and Budget is forecasting for 2020 and beyond. The Trump administration forecasts 2.4 percent growth next year. Prakken said immigrants are probably a bigger portion of the growth in the labor force, since the U.S. population is aging, immigrants are generally younger and many come to the U.S. specifically to work. Industries that could see big impacts would be agricultural, leisure and hospitality and construction, he said. "There would be spot shortages," he said. He said one adverse impact could be that companies in some industries could move operations outside the U.S. if they can't find enough workers, which would be opposite the Trump administration's efforts to attract more jobs. "It's another one of these cases where [a law] could have adverse consequences that move in the opposite direction of some other initiative the administration is trumpeting," he said. There are some workers who would find more jobs in their field because of fewer immigrants, but Prakken said it's a relatively "small slice" of the labor force. Trump's support for this legislation is in line with his campaign promises to boost opportunities for American workers. Prakken said the natural increase in the population, meaning those that are born in the U.S., is expected to come down due to aging of the population and fertility rates. "The real issue is what would it do to potential growth in an economy where we need more people to replace retirees," said Swonk. "You're closing another door to offset the drag from an aging population." Prakken said the proposed bill's limit on immigration would reduce it to roughly half the 1.1 million immigrants who arrived in 2015. "The effect gets bigger over time because the Census assumptions for immigration keep growing and growing and growing, and the bill would not allow any growth," he said. In its forecast in future years, the Census Bureau shows immigration growth well above the current 1.1 million annual immigrants allowed entry for the past several years. Prakken shows in red the estimated difference between the current number of immigrants allowed into the U.S. and the Census Bureau estimates. President Donald Trump may be fuming over Republicans' failure to repeal and replace Obamacare, but he can certainly take solace in the GOP's swift overhaul of the Obama administration's energy and environmental agenda. In just half a year, Trump and his appointees have dismantled many of President Barack Obama's policies to combat climate change and reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels. For an administration often accused of operating in a state of chaos, it has shown remarkable focus in executing its "America First Energy Plan." While GOP infighting over health care has stalled tax reform, Trump and Republican lawmakers have forged ahead with more than a dozen major energy actions. As Trump's trillion-dollar infrastructure spending plan remains stuck in first gear, he has transitioned from undoing Obama's legacy through executive order to pitching and around the world in a bid to Still, Trump is a long way from complete victory. Many of the administration's actions are now snarled in legal challenges that threaten to derail or dilute Trump's goals. It will be years before some of these issues are resolved. That means Trump could find himself staring down the same dilemma in 2020 that Obama faced in 2016: He'll be trying to lock in his touchstone energy policies at the end of a four-year term, with a political rival eager to overturn them. From advancing controversial pipeline projects to abandoning the Paris climate agreement, here is a list of Trump's biggest power plays and where they stand now. Approving Dakota Access Pipeline Jan. 24 Trump ordered the Army Corps of Engineers to grant permission to complete the pipeline in January, cutting short a review started under Obama. Oil began flowing through the $3.8 billion pipeline in June, and it continues to operate despite an ongoing legal challenge by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, the chief opponents of the project. A judge ruled in June that the Corps' permitting process violated the law in some respects. The court is now deliberating over whether the line should be temporarily shut down. Approving Keystone XL Pipeline Jan. 24 Trump also invited TransCanada to resubmit its application to build the Keystone XL Pipeline, but the future of the project is uncertain. Former Secretary of State John Kerry rejected the application in 2015 due to its environmental impact. The business case for moving Canadian crude to the United States through the line has dimmed since then, and TransCanada is reportedly having trouble lining up customers. Made-in-America requirement for pipelines Jan. 24 Trump ordered Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to develop a plan to require pipelines built within U.S. borders to use American-made pipes and raw materials. U.S. trade partners and energy firms have warned Commerce that the plan would violate free-trade deals, disrupt supply chains, raise prices and potentially cause layoffs. Commerce delivered the plan in July, but it could be weeks or months until the White House announces how it will proceed. The Trump administration has already said Dakota Access and Keystone will be exempt. Killing an energy anti-corruption rule Feb. 14 Trump and congressional Republicans repealed a rule that requires oil, gas and mining companies to disclose payments to foreign governments in order to prevent corruption in oil-producing nations. The underlying law that orders the Securities and Exchange Commission to write the rule still stands, so the SEC must rewrite it. Delaying U.S. compliance with international anti-corruption effort March The Department of the Interior halted work on a related effort to make sure U.S. transparency rules for the energy industry comply with an international anti-corruption initiative. The committee handling the energy anti-corruption effort is in limbo following the Interior Department's decision to freeze the work of more than 200 advisory boards while it reviews their missions. Repealing the Stream Protection Rule Feb. 16 Trump and GOP lawmakers overturned the Stream Protection Rule, which would have prohibited surface mining within 100 feet of streams and tightened requirements for conducting environmental studies and cleaning up mines. Storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain March 16 The Trump administration set aside $120 million in its budget to restart the licensing process for a facility in Nevada's Yucca Mountain that would store the nation's nuclear waste, which is currently kept at facilities across the country. The House spending bill for 2018 so far preserves funds for that purpose, but the Senate bill does not. A House-Senate conference committee must resolve differences in the budgets. Reducing fuel efficiency goals for vehicles March 16 Trump ordered a review of federal fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, which Obama finalized in January, well ahead of schedule. Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told CNBC it would review the standards for model year vehicles 2022-2025. One option is to leave the model year 2021 level 41 miles per gallon in place indefinitely. Analysts told CNBC in March that is a risky move that would likely draw legal challenges. Revoking the Clean Power Plan March 28 Trump ordered the EPA to review the Clean Power Plan, Obama's signature attempt to regulate planet-warming carbon emissions from power plants. The D.C. Circuit Court put a legal challenge to the Clean Power Plan on hold in April. The EPA is reportedly drafting a far less ambitious rule that would focus on improving efficiency at coal plants. The rule-making process will take at least a year and is certain to draw legal challenges, analysts told CNBC. Rewriting rules to stop methane leaks from oil and gas industry March 28 Trump has attempted to roll back rules to prevent methane leaks from oil and gas operations, but the effort has faced challenges. Three Republicans sided with Democrats in May to kill a GOP-led effort to strike down a Bureau of Land Management rule. On Monday, a federal court ordered the EPA to implement a similar rule, after an earlier ruling that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt unlawfully paused implementation. Both BLM and EPA must go through the full process to rewrite the rules. Ending Obama's temporary ban on federal coal leasing March 29 Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke overturned a moratorium on issuing new coal mining leases on federal land and ended a comprehensive review of the government's coal leasing program. The Obama administration launched the review in 2016 to identify possible reforms. A coalition of environment groups sued in May over the action, asking a U.S. court to stop Interior from issuing coal leases until it completes the analysis. Overturning Obama's Arctic drilling ban April 28 Trump issued an executive order overturning an indefinite ban on drilling in much of the U.S. Arctic Ocean and parts of the Atlantic. The Obama administration used a novel interpretation of the law that governs drilling in government waters. Environmental groups filed a lawsuit a week after Trump signed the order, asking a U.S. District Court in Alaska to prevent the Trump administration from executing the order. Expanding offshore drilling April 28 In the same executive order, Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to create a new five-year schedule for leasing blocks of the U.S. outer continental shelf for oil and gas exploration. The Interior Department started that process, which typically takes about two years, at the end of June. Pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement June 1 Trump announced he would pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, an international effort to combat global warming, in June. The United States cannot technically start the exit process until November 2019, and the withdrawal will take a year. Trump floated the idea of renegotiating the deal or creating a new accord, but European leaders say they're not interested. A coalition of U.S. cities, states, businesses and universities has vowed to meet U.S. commitments to the Paris Agreement. Reviewing commitment to clean energy research and development June 1 The United States committed along with 21 other nations and the European Union to double research and development spending on clean energy technology. The United States declined to reaffirm its commitment made during the Obama administration to hike that funding to $6.4 billion by 2021. The Energy Department said its activities under the Mission Innovation program are under review. The power and influence of the U.S. is seen as a major threat by more than one third of people worldwide, according to a report published Tuesday. Research by the Pew Research Center found that 35 percent of people surveyed across 38 different countries said the U.S.'s power and influence posed a big danger to their countries. Along with Russia and China, the country was viewed by about a third of respondents to the survey to pose a significant threat. The publication of the study follows a series of dramatic events in the White House. President Donald Trump has presided over a series of resignations, including his director of communications Anthony Scaramucci, who was in a job for just 10 days. Trump has also raised tensions with China over North Korea's testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile. The president said he was "very disappointed" with the country, tweeting: "they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!" Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced Tuesday that he will step down as CEO of the company later this year and transition to executive chairman of Amazon's board. Bezos is worth an estimated $196.2 billion and is currently the richest person in the world, according to Forbes. But before the 57-year-old became a tech mogul, he didn't always have the Midas touch. In fact, Bezos spent most of his 20s the way many millennials now do: job-hopping. While in college at Princeton, the future billionaire realized that he couldn't keep up with other students in his honors physics classes, so he switched his major to computer science. He also committed himself to the idea of one day running his own business, according to a 1999 Wired profile on the billionaire. After graduating from college, Bezos turned down positions at several established companies, including Intel, Bell Labs and Anderson Consulting. Instead, he accepted a job at Fitel, a telecommunications start-up. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 1997. Paul Souders | Hulton Archive | Getty Images Rosenfeld has been with Mondelez, the maker of snacks such as Oreo cookies and Wheat Thins, for more than 11 years first as the CEO of Kraft and then as the CEO of Mondelez, which was spun off from Kraft in 2012. Mondelez said Wednesday that Dirk Van de Put, the current chief executive of Canadian frozen foods maker McCain Foods, will succeed Rosenfeld, who is retiring, in November. But she also called the initial response to Amazon's announcement and the hype about Amazon killing smaller grocers "overplayed." The deal with Whole Foods will take time to pan out and for any one company to see any impacts, she said. Amazon going after organic grocer Whole Foods is a testament to the fact that shoppers are picking up food through many more channels today, longtime CEO Irene Rosenfeld told CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " Wednesday morning. "This is a conversation I've been having with the board for a number of years," she said Wednesday about her retirement, adding that Van de Put is a "seasoned" CEO with a "proven track record." With experience at companies such as Coca-Cola and Danone , Van de Put's skills in the food and beverage industry will be "relevant" as Mondelez embarks on the next chapter of its business, Rosenfeld added. "I think we're now at the point where it is a good time to hand the reins over to Dirk and the leadership team ... to take it to the next level. ... I will be cheering from the sidelines." As consumers' taste preferences have evolved, as macroeconomic challenges have brought headwinds, and even as a cyberattack plagued the company's latest quarter, Mondelez has been innovating and is looking ahead to an even better future, Rosenfeld told CNBC. Wednesday's news arrived amid stagnant organic sales growth at Mondelez, with more consumers reaching for healthier options instead of processed, packaged foods. One recent, healthier brand addition for Mondelez is called Vea what's described as a wholesome savory biscuit in flavors such as "Greek hummus" and "Thai coconut." On Wednesday, Rosenfeld said Mondelez is committed to making sure its products new and old are available in all channels, including e-commerce, as shoppers increasingly have more options for places to make purchases. "Snacking ... isn't a center-store item," the outgoing CEO added, faced with questions about how fewer shoppers are strolling the middle of the grocery store, where boxed goods are sold. Instead, she said Mondelez offers products that are "impulse driven" and "highly expandable." Reuters contributed to this report. Kinder Morgan, Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and underground storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas liquefaction and storage facilities. The Products Pipelines segment owns and operates refined petroleum products, and crude oil and condensate pipelines; and associated product terminals and petroleum pipeline transmix facilities. The Terminals segment owns and/or operates liquids and bulk terminals that stores and handles various commodities, including gasoline, diesel fuel, chemicals, ethanol, metals, and petroleum coke; and owns tankers. The CO2 segment produces, transports, and markets CO2 to recovery and production crude oil from mature oil fields; owns interests in/or operates oil fields and gasoline processing plants; and operates a crude oil pipeline system in West Texas, as well as owns and operates RNG and LNG facilities. It owns and operates approximately 83,000 miles of pipelines and 143 terminals. The company was formerly known as Kinder Morgan Holdco LLC and changed its name to Kinder Morgan, Inc. in February 2011. Kinder Morgan, Inc. was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The following companies are subsidiares of Allstate: AIMCO Private Fund I Holding LLC, AIMCO Private Fund I LLC, AIMCO Private Fund II LLC, ALIC Reinsurance Company, ALINV Mosaic LLC, ANIHI Newco LLC, AP Real Estate LLC, AP Riverway Plaza LLC, AP Timber LLC, Allstate Assignment Company, Allstate Assurance Company, Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company, Allstate Digital Ventures LLC, Allstate Distributors L.L.C., Allstate Enterprises LLC, Allstate Exchange Services LLC, Allstate Finance Company Agency Loans LLC, Allstate Finance Company LLC, Allstate Financial Advisors LLC, Allstate Financial Corporation, Allstate Financial Insurance Holdings Corporation, Allstate Financial LLC, Allstate Financial Services LLC (1), Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Global Holdings Limited, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, Allstate Insurance Holdings LLC, Allstate International Assignments Ltd., Allstate International Holdings Inc., Allstate Investment Management Company, Allstate Investments LLC, Allstate Life Insurance Company (2), Allstate Life Insurance Company of Canada, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Allstate Motor Club Inc., Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Non-Insurance Holdings Inc., Allstate North American Insurance Company, Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Company, Allstate Northern Ireland Limited, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Settlement Corporation, Allstate Short Term Pool LLC, Allstate Solutions Private Limited, Allstate Texas Lloyds, Allstate Texas Lloyds Inc., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Company, American Heritage Life Insurance Company, American Heritage Service Company, Answer Financial Inc., Answer Marketplace LLC, Arity 875 LLC, Arity International Limited, Arity LLC, Arity Services LLC, CE Care Plan Corp, Castle Key Indemnity Company, Castle Key Insurance Company, Complete Product Care Corp, Current Creek Investments LLC, E.R.J. Insurance Group Inc. (3), Encompass Floridian Indemnity Company, Encompass Floridian Insurance Company, Encompass Home and Auto Insurance Company, Encompass Indemnity Company, Encompass Independent Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company of America, Encompass Insurance Company of Massachusetts, Encompass Insurance Company of New Jersey, Encompass Insurance Holdings LLC, Encompass Property and Casualty Company, Encompass Property and Casualty Insurance Company of New Jersey, Esurance Holdings Inc., Esurance Insurance Company, Esurance Insurance Company of Canada, Esurance Insurance Company of New Jersey, Esurance Insurance Services Company of Canada, Esurance Insurance Services Inc. (4), Esurance Property and Casualty Insurance Company, First Colonial Insurance Company, Identity Protection Strategic Solutions LLC, InfoArmor Aggra Inc., InfoArmor Inc., Insurance Answer Center LLC (5), Intramerica Life Insurance Company, Ivantage Insurance Brokers Inc., Ivantage Select Agency Inc., Kennett Capital Inc., NBInv AF1 LLC, NBInv AF2 LLC, NBInv AF3 LLC, NBInv AF4 LLC, NBInv AF5 LLC, NBInv AF6 LLC, NBInv AP1 LLC, NBInv AP2 LLC, NBInv AP3 LLC, NBInv AP4 LLC, NBInv AP5 LLC, NBInv AP6 LLC, NBInv AP7 LLC, NBInv AP8 LLC, NBInv APAF1 LLC, NBInv Riverside Cars1 LLC, NBInv Riverside Management LLC, North Light Specialty Insurance Company, Northeast Agencies Inc. (6), Pablo Creek Services Inc., Pafco Insurance Company, Pembridge Insurance Company, PlumChoice Business Services Inc., PlumChoice Inc., Protection Plan Group Inc., Right Answer Insurance Agency LLC, Road Bay Investments LLC, ST Product Care Corp, Signature Agency Inc., Signature Motor Club Inc., Signature Motor Club of California Inc., Signature Nationwide Auto Club of California Inc., Signatures Nationwide Auto Club Inc., SquareTrade Australia Pty Ltd, SquareTrade Canada Inc., SquareTrade Europe Limited, SquareTrade Holding Company Inc., SquareTrade Inc. (7), SquareTrade Insurance Services Inc., SquareTrade Limited, SquareTrade Protection Solutions Inc., SquareTradeGo Inc., Tech-Cor LLC, and West Plaza RE Holdings LLC. Read More During the run-up to the EU referendum, Nick Timothy wrote a fortnightly column for this site. This was widely interpreted as channelling the views of his former boss, Theresa May then Home Secretary, ambiguously positioned on Brexit, and a future Conservative leadership contender. But it swiftly became clear that the articles set out a worldview in their own right, focused as they were on the interests and sensibility of what later became known as the JAMs just-about managing voters. The phrase came into circulation after May became Conservative leader and Prime Minister, by which time Timothy had become her joint Chief of Staff. His pieces for this site were being googled down and pored over word by word, like some crackling manuscript unearthed from a Qumran cave, by business, interest groups, lobbyists, and governments abroad about the thinking of the new Government. We almost regretted not operating behind a paywall Now comes the news that Timothy is to write a fortnightly column for the Daily Telegraph and a monthly one for the Sun. Both papers will want him to spill the beans on his Downing Street experience, and the Westminster Village will expect him to exact revenge on his various detractors, both within the Conservative Party and without. He was extensively briefed against during the election campaign and didnt bite back, which he will now have the opportunity to do. It is more likely, however, that he will carry on where he left off thats to say, expounding a serious, solid, security-focused policy programme, which favours industrial intervention, Brexit and lower immigration. The manifesto over which he co-presided in June exploded the Prime Ministers re-election campaign (the social care policy was designed only to blow the bloody doors off) and was largely responsible for her return to Downing Street with no majority rather than a substantially increased one. None the less, his core take is right. As James Frayne has demonstrated recently on ConservativeHome, the key people in general elections are who Timothy has always said they are: lower middle-class, provincial, home-owning voters. There is a danger of them being forgotten amidst the justified anxiety about the Partys rotten showing in London and amongst the youngest voters. Timothy will provide a counterbalance and for that reason, plus others, this site wishes him well in his new venture. Rebecca Lowe Coulson was Parliamentary Candidate for the City of Durham at the 2015 General Election. I wrote here briefly last week about some of the questions raised by the governments keenness to address transgender rights, following reports of proposals from a consultation on the Gender Recognition Bill, to be published in the autumn. Graeme Archer has since also responded to that for ConservativeHome, from a broader perspective, arguing that Most fundamentally, the elision of homosexuality and transgenderism is a category error. The former is an expression of same-sex attraction, the latter an extreme aversion to the sex of ones birth; an individuals psychology at war with its biological substrate. Yet I feel justified in returning to the topic, not least because we are faced not only with the need to answer difficult questions, but also the ways in which others have attempted to, previously. Not everyone has Archers smart eloquence. This topic and you can take that to encompass whatever you want, but Im assuming were talking about individual and group identity, in some kind of political sense has been embraced by some of the most confusing writers of our times. Well get to them in a minute. First, lets attempt to be as straightforward as we can. Clearly, part of the problem is the whatever you want approach that I dropped in above. The emergence of the human rights movement in the 20th century was predicated on the understanding that people should not face prejudice on grounds such as their skin colour, gender, or sexuality. Few of us would disagree with that. However, seeing those things ones colour, gender, or sexuality as a matter for individual insight rather than objective truth unsurprisingly causes problems. Indeed, much of the fight for gay liberation is explaining to people that being homosexual is not an issue of personal choice. Similarly, if we see gender as something for a person to determine for themselves (Archer reminds us of the important point that some people are born with a scientifically indeterminate gender), then we face regression from the strong place in which we have arrived one where we have begun to treat men and woman as essentially the same, and different only in terms of certain unchangeable biological functions or capabilities. If I argue that a woman should receive help during or after pregnancy access to a midwife, say, or paid leave when shes given birth then thats not because shes a woman; its because shes a child-bearer. As I wrote last year in response to Sarah Childs Good Parliament report, if we want to afford justice distributively, then as well as allowing for difference, we must also recognise cases in which people are unjustifiably being treated unequally. On those grounds, not to permit breastfeeding in the chamber seems unfair and detrimental. Setting gender quotas for witness panels, however, seems irrelevant and negligent: witnesses should be selected on merit, by considering their awareness of the committees topic of enquiry, not their biology. The problem of subjectivity becomes more complex when we consider race, however. This is perhaps best exemplified by the recent case of Rachel Dolezal, who resigned from her position as president of the Spokane chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People after it was revealed that she was not African American, as she had been claiming. In response, American philosopher, Rebecca Tuvel, wrote an article entitled In Defense of Transracialism, examining what it might mean for someone to identify with a different race from that of their birth, by comparing the idea with the established concept of transgenderism. The article is interesting, but its reception shows something more significant. Academics from across America complained about the piece to such an extent that Hypatia the journal that had published it issued an apology and a retraction. As contended by Jesse Singal in New York magazine, however, it seems as if many of Tuvels critics had not actually read her article, and were simply shocked by what they saw as someone offensively equating transracialism with transgenderism. There is not time to discuss all this properly, except to say that if we see gender and race as descriptors within the general category of person, rather than something essential or even most essential to someones personality, or self even, then it is not surprising that people are unwilling to equate the two. A persons gender can have an effect on their capabilities as argued above regarding child-bearing in a way that their race cannot. Yet, if you believe, as some feminists, that femaleness is more than just base physicality the difference between sex and gender, say then being the determiner of ones own gender in the sense of changing ones physicality seems superficial. The tension between those two standpoints a) that gender is simply a descriptor, which can, at most, have an effect on someones capabilities; and b) that gender is something deeper, personal, or non-quantifiable is blatant. Moreover, the unhappy history of prejudice means that many people are unsurprisingly uncomfortable with those who seemingly choose to become or, indeed, stop being (as beautifully explored in Philip Roths The Human Stain), a gender or race that has faced extreme discrimination in the past and, in certain places, continues to do so today. Of course, if we see such things as being not an issue of choice, but rather inherent in ones personality, whether visible or not in their appearance or genetic makeup, then we return to the problem of subjectivity. Again, this is too complex a topic to come to any full conclusion here, aside to note the difficulty in upholding the rights of those facing prejudice, if we have no non-subjective method for determining who such people might be. It is also a topic that, understandably, provokes great emotion. It is a shame, however, that many of those addressing it in an academic sense seem incapable of doing so in a clear and straightforward manner. A number come from within the tradition of postmodernism: to confront such issues from a point of view that eschews reason and objective values is undoubtedly problematic. Exceptions, however, include feminist Catherine MacKinnons 2007 essay collection, Are Women Human? And Other International Dialogues, and psychologist Cordelia Fines 2017 volume, Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the Myths of Our Gendered Minds. MacKinnons clear (albeit shouty) approach is well argued, and focuses on issues such as FGM and universal rights, rather than the all-too-common misused-pronoun bashing. And Fine neatly disputes the deterministic thinking that suggests gender makes us who we are, by, as she puts it, raz[ing] old assumptions that universal principles of sexual selection inexorably gave rise to the evolution of two kinds of human nature, female and male. This is a topic that will not go away. It is an important topic not only for people on a personal level, but also for societal cohesion and justice. We must think about it more and more clearly. Helsingborg is a classic port city, dating back some 900 years, but has been modernized for todays cruise passengers, with over 200 free public WiFi spots available. The Swedish port will receive six ships this year, but a spokesperson said there were only two calls scheduled for 2018, although the port hopes to grab a couple late bookings to improve the number. The spokesperson said it was a safe and reliable region, with a solid weather season spanning from April to October. The destination is unique in service two countries as Helsingborg is located exactly where the Oresund Strait is at its narrowest. This makes Elsinore, Denmark a nearby town with history dating back to the Vikings. The port is nearby Copenhagen, and ships leaving the Danish capital can sail slowly, arriving in Helsingborg in just two hours. With its maritime history and strategic locale, there is no shortage of berths. At the city berth in the heart of the city, small ships up to 150 meters can dock. The so-called prime berth is 10 minutes away from the city center and can take ships up to 250 meters in length. Larger vessels can anchor at a close-by anchorage and tender in. Costa Crociere today confirmed the Costa Victoria will leave the Chinese market and return to Europe with Balearic Islands voyages starting in late March 2018. The bigger news however, is the company said that the Costa neoClassica will leave the fleet in March. The Victoria will take over the neoRivieras itinerary program, while the neoRiviera will assume the neoClassicas program The neoClassica was built in 1991 and is the oldest ship in the Costa fleet. Costa did not name a buyer for the ship. On Carnival Corporation's second quarter earnings call earlier this summer, President and CEO Arnold Donald said: "Were in conversation for additional ship sales and expect to remain on track with our historical pace of removing an average of one to two ships per year from our fleet." Awaiting the arrival of four new ships starting from 2019, which will permit Costa Cruises to grow further in Europe and Asia (two ships are for the Costa Cruises market and two for Costa Asia), the Italian company has accelerated the renewal of its fleet, formalizing the transfer of Costa neoClassica, one of its longest-serving ships. As of March 10 2018, once its schedule of cruises between India and the Maldives is complete, Costa neoClassica will no longer be part of the Costa fleet, said Costa. Before returning to operate in the Mediterranean, the Costa Victoria will drydock at Chantier Naval de Marseille. Itinerary wise, the Victoria will offer a week-long program with port calls in Savona, Olbia, Minorca, Ibiza (overnight), Palma de Mallorca and Tarragona (overnight). Crystal AirCruises added a new aircraft to its fleet at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash. August 1. The Crystal Skye is a Boeing 777-200LR that will be the largest privately owned tour jet in the world, the company said. We are ecstatic to welcome Crystal Skye to the family, as she marks the beginning of a new chapter and realm of luxury travel for guests who seek the unmatched Crystal Experience, said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal CEO and president. As we embark on new global adventures with Crystal Skye, we are inspired by the shared vision of our own experts and those at Greenpoint Technologies, who brought this sky-high dream to fruition. The jet can accommodate up to 88 guests and has a non-stop range of 19.5 hours. Features include seats that convert to lie-flat beds, a lounge with stand-up bar, two state-of-the-art galleys and an expansive wine cellar. The project was a collaboration with Greenpoint Technologies, which designed exclusive features like a 24-seat lounge, custom ceilings, stone veneers and colored LED lighting Our goal for this program was to create a luxurious interior showcasing the elegant brand Crystal has established with their cruise ships, yachts, and riverboats, said Bret Neely, Executive Vice President at Greenpoint Technologies. Greenpoint is a company built on Teamwork. Both internally and externally with our customers. It was amazing to see the combined core team come together to focus on Crystals guest experience, resulting in the beautiful and functional interior we see today. CNX Resources Corporation, an independent natural gas and midstream company, acquires, explores for, develops, and produces natural gas properties in the Appalachian Basin. The company operates in two segments, Shale and Coalbed Methane. It produces and sells pipeline quality natural gas primarily for gas wholesalers. The company owns rights to extract natural gas in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio from approximately 526,000 net Marcellus Shale acres; and approximately 610,000 net acres of Utica Shale, as well as rights to extract natural gas from other shale and shallow oil and gas positions from approximately 1,006,000 net acres in Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It also owns rights to extract coalbed methane (CBM) in Virginia from approximately 282,000 net CBM acres in Central Appalachia, as well as 1,733,000 net CBM acres in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and New Mexico. In addition, the company designs, builds, and operates natural gas gathering systems to move gas from the wellhead to interstate pipelines or other local sales points; owns and operates approximately 2,600 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, as well as various natural gas processing facilities. It also offers turn-key solutions for water sourcing, delivery, and disposal for its natural gas operations and for third parties. The company was formerly known as CONSOL Energy Inc. and changed its name to CNX Resources Corporation in November 2017. CNX Resources Corporation was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. Ltd., Cummins Eastern Marine Inc., Cummins Electrified Power Europe Ltd., Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc., Cummins Emission Solutions (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Emission Solutions Inc., Cummins Empresas Filantropicas, Cummins Energetica Ltda., Cummins Engine (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Trading & Services Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine Holding Company Inc., Cummins Engine IP Inc., Cummins Engine Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Engine Venture Corporation, Cummins Enterprise LLC, Cummins Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtration GmbH, Cummins Filtration IP Inc., Cummins Filtration Inc., Cummins Filtration International Corp., Cummins Filtration Ltd., Cummins Filtration SARL, Cummins Filtration Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtros Ltda., Cummins Franchise Holdco LLC, Cummins Fuel Systems (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Americas Inc., Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH, Cummins Generator Technologies India Private Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Italy SRL, Cummins Generator Technologies Limited, Cummins Generator Technologies Romania S.A., Cummins Generator Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd., Cummins Ghana Limited, Cummins Ghana Mining Limited, Cummins Global Financing LP, Cummins Global Technologies LLP, Cummins Grupo Comercial Y. de Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Grupo Industrial S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Holland B.V., Cummins Hong Kong Ltd., Cummins India Ltd., Cummins Intellectual Property Inc., Cummins International Finance LLC, Cummins International Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Cummins International Holdings LLC, Cummins Italia S.P.A., Cummins Japan Ltd., Cummins Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins Sales and Service Philippines Inc., Cummins Sales and Service Private Limited, Cummins Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Sales and Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Sinai ve Otomotiv Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cummins South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins South Pacific Pty. Limited, Cummins Southern Plains LLC, Cummins Spain S.L., Cummins Sweden AB, Cummins Technologies India, Cummins Trade Receivables LLC, Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited, Cummins Turkey Motor Guc Sistemleri Sats Servis Limited Sirketi, Cummins U.K. Holdings Ltd., Cummins U.K. Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., Cummins UK Global Holdings Ltd., Cummins UK Holdings LLC, Cummins Vendas e Servicos de Motores e Geradores Ltda., Cummins Venture Corporation, Cummins West Africa Limited, Cummins West Balkans d.o.o. Nova Pasova, Cummins XBorder Operations (Pty) Ltd, Cummins Zambia Ltd., Cummins Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Costa Rica S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica El Salvador S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Guatemala Ltda., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Honduras S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins S.A., Distribuidora Cummins Sucursal Paraguay SRL, Distribuidora Cummins de Panama S. de R.L., Dynamo Insurance Company Inc., Efficient Drivetrains, Efficient Drivetrains (Beijing) New Power Technology Co. Ltd., Efficient Drivetrains (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hilite International, Hydrogenics, Hydrogenics Corporation, Hydrogenics Europe N.V., Hydrogenics GmbH, Hydrogenics Holding GmbH, Hydrogenics USA Inc., Markon Engineering Company Ltd., Nelson Burgess Ltd., Nelson Industries, Newage Engineers GmbH, Newage Ltd. (U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc.. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Credit Management LLC, AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe Holdings S.a.r.l, AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Operations Inc., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund II GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund III GP LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund IV GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American International Group UK Limited, American International Realty LLC, American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A. en Liquidacion S.A., Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., C.A. de Seguros American International, Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Glatfelter Underwriting Services Inc., Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Illinois National Insurance Co., Inversiones Segucasai C.A., Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, Lexington Specialty Insurance Agency Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PCG 2019 Corporate Member Limited, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SAFG Capital LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., and Western World Insurance Company. Read More Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops and provides a portfolio of healthcare products worldwide. The company offers peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and additional dialysis therapies and services; intravenous therapies, infusion pumps, administration sets, and drug reconstitution devices; remixed and oncology drug platforms, inhaled anesthesia and critical care products and pharmacy compounding services; parenteral nutrition therapies and related products; biological products and medical devices used in surgical procedures for hemostasis, tissue sealing and adhesion prevention; and continuous renal replacement therapies and other organ support therapies focused in the intensive care unit. It also provides connected care solutions, including devices, software, communications, and integration technologies; integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies to help diagnose, treat, and manage a various illness and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening, and physical assessment; surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories. In addition, the company offers contracted services to various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Its products are used in hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, and patients at home under physician supervision. The company sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through independent distributors, drug wholesalers, and specialty pharmacy or other alternate site providers in approximately 100 countries. It has an agreement with Celerity Pharmaceutical, LLC to develop acute care generic injectable premix and oncolytic molecules. Baxter International Inc. was incorporated in 1931 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. Duck Creek Technologies, Inc. provides software-as-a-service core systems to the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States and internationally. The company provides Duck Creek Policy, a solution that enables insurers to develop and launch new insurance products and manage various aspects of policy administration ranging from product definition to quoting, binding, and servicing; Duck Creek Billing that provides payment and invoicing capabilities, such as billing and collections, commission processing, disbursement management, and general ledger capabilities for insurance lines and bill types; and Duck Creek Claims that supports entire claims lifecycle from first notice of loss through investigation, payments, negotiations, reporting, and closure. It also offers Duck Creek Rating that allows carriers to develop new rates and models and deliver quotes in real-time based on the complex rating algorithms; Duck Creek Insights, an insurance analytics solution that allows carriers to gather and analyze data from internal and external sources and facilitate analysis and reporting on a single system; Duck Creek Digital Engagement that offer digital interactions between property and casualty insurers and their agents, brokers, and policyholders; and Duck Creek Distribution Management that automates sales channel activities for agents and brokers, including producer onboarding, compliance, and compensation management. In addition, the company provides Duck Creek Reinsurance Management that automates financial and administrative functions; and Duck Creek Industry Content that provides pre-built content, including base business rules, product designs, rating algorithms, data capture screens, and workflows for insurance lines of business, such as commercial auto, inland marine, and workers compensation. It has a partnership with Shift Technologies, Inc. to implement AI fraud detection. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Wari Group is threatening Millicom with a legal challenge after the Tigo parent company reneged on their agreement for Wari to acquire Tigo Senegal. Earlier this week Millicom issued a statement that it had found another buyer for its Senegalese unit following separate negotiations, and it was exercising its right to abandon the deal that it reached in February to sell Tigo Senegal to Wari for $129 million. Millicom claims that Wari has thus far failed to demonstrate adequate financing for the deal. This is disputed by Wari, which claims to have paid an initial deposit on the acquisition as well as sticking to the agreed timeline for further instalments. The next payment is due by 30th September. In a statement, the firm said: Wari stresses that this announcement is strongly denounced by the highest authorities in Senegal and that it will be the subject of legal proceedings if Milliicom persists in its unilateral decision. Millicom, which operates across Latin America and Africa, has not disclosed the amount offered by the new buyer, which is a consortium consisting of investment firms NJJ Capital, Sofima, and Teyliom Group. Tigo Senegal is the markets number two player after Frances Orange. Indias state-owned operator BSNL is expecting its request for 4G-ready 700MHz spectrum to be granted imminently, according to its chairman Anupam Shrivastava. In June, BSNL requested that the Department of Telecoms provide it with 5MHz of 700MHz spectrum, for which it would receive an equity infusion. BSNL did not bid in Indias 2016 4G spectrum auction, in which 60% of the available airwaves went unsold due to overly high reserve prices. This included all available spectrum in the highly desirable 700MHz band. BSNL is Indias fifth largest operator with 103 million connections giving it a 9% market share. Of its subscriber base, just 17% are 3G subscribers, and it has thus far not deployed a 4G service. In March, BSNL announced a plan to replace or upgrade all of its existing 2G sites with 28,000 3G base stations, which it will begin deploying once it has assessed bids from three vendors. Shrivastava also revealed that BSNL was planning to forge an information-sharing alliance with Chinese vendor ZTE to expedite the development of 5G technology. The vendor has a similar arrangement in place with Nokia. Chinas crackdown on VPNs has prompted Apple to withdraw some VPN applications from the Chinese App Store. In January, Chinas government outlawed all VPNs that had not secured approval from state regulators, as these offer a workaround to the countrys infamous Great Firewall, allowing users to access foreign websites. Approved VPNs are required to use the infrastructure of the state network. Apple has stated that any apps that do not have a government licence will be taken down from the store, but noted: these apps remain available in all other markets where they do business. The ban has prompted outrage among VPN service providers, many of which have levelled the accusation that Apple has needlessly acquiesced to Chinas overly strict censorship demands due to pressure from the countrys top online regulators. Apple also recently announced that it would establish its first Chinese data centre, to comply with Chinese laws implemented on 1st June requiring overseas firms to store data domestically, as well as preventing them from collecting and storing data that is not required for their services. The data centre will be part of Apples planned $1 billion investment in the southern province of Guizhou, which is among Chinas less prosperous regions. Chinas government has been forcing local VPN providers to shut down as well as pressuring foreign VPNs to cement its control over the internet in the run-up to next months Communist Party congress. The cost of moving the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from London after Brexit has skyrocketed to 520m, it emerged on Wednesday. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Dublin, Lille, Porto, Stockholm and Bratislava are just some of the 19 cities revealed on Tuesday that are competing to host the organisation, which is a decentralised agency of the European Union responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the EU. The EU, which has given Britain no option on keeping the organisations, has said that 60% of the costs are a direct result of the rental agreement on the EMA's offices in Canary Wharf. It had neglected to allow for a "break clause" in the contract, which means that EU taxpayers would be required to foot the bill on the premises until June 30, 2039. One of the ludicrous ironies of Brexit is we could end up having to pay large amounts of money to lose highly skilled jobs and research capacity from the UK, Liberal Democrat MP and Brexit spokesman Tom Brake told the Independent. It really is that crazy. Rather than 350m a week extra for the NHS as the Brexiteers promised, Brexit is making us poorer every day. The EMA, which employ 890 people at its London offices, stated that 667 of the staff did not want to leave the UK, the European Parliament's budget committee has been warned that this would be "devastating" to the agency's work. The European Commission aims to assess each of the 19 bids by the end of September. The Dutch government said last month it would finance a purpose-built 250m to 300m building for the EMA, which would then pay the market rate for the space. Meanwhile eight EU countries are chasing the European Banking Authority when it moves out of London due to Brexit. One of the more interesting bids, from the Czech Republic, has offered staff who work in the European Banking Authority free entry to 24 local museums for five years and unlimited access to Prague zoo. Analysts at Credit Suisse upgraded their recommendation on shares of Intertek , admitting that some of the potential risks which had led them to be more cautious had not materialised. In particular, the geopolitical threats looming over prospects for global trade had moderated and the company had been able to drive margin-accretive and cash-generative growth, they said. However, the recovery in the resources market continued to be muted, the Swiss broker said. Nonetheless, with the headwinds the testing and certification specialist was facing in Oil & Gas abating, and organic growth now headed higher, they revised their recommendation from 'underperform' to 'neutral'. "As organic growth heads back towards mid-single digit levels in 2018E, supported by a pick-up in global trade and moderating headwinds in the O&G market, margins should continue to rise," they said. Intertek's balance sheet was also robust enough to handle further acquisitions, they pointed out. Credit Suisse also lifted its target price from 3,500p to 4,520p, explaining that it was premised on an organic discounted cash flow valuation and the value of future acquisitions. "The higher price target reflects higher mid-term forecasts and lower cost of equity as risks to global trade abate." Apple shares reached a record high overnight after the tech colossus announced it had sold 41m iPhones in the last three months, and also stated that the iPhone 8 would not be delayed as previously reported. This was enough to send the tech giants shares up 6% to $159.10 each. While many loyal customers still wait for the new iPhone to be released in September, Apple still saw a 2% increase of the devices sold throughout the quarter, on the back of strong demand in both the Middle Eastern and Latin American markets. Maxim analyst, Nehal Chokshi, predicted that Apple was likely to report a "lame duck" quarter when speaking to CNBC ahead of the announcement on Monday, stating "it doesn't really matter what they say or do. And this is because everybody knows that the June quarter results, you know we're at the end of the product cycle. And everybody gives them a pass for whatever results they're going to provide." However, Apple bucked its traditionally soft third quarter sales based on a surprise surge in iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Beats products, leading to a 23% increase on the same time last year. Revenue for the quarter came in at $45.4b, above the consensus of $44.89b. Earnings per share also bettered the analyst predictions by $0.10c, coming in at $1.67 for a net quarterly profit of $8.7b. Chief executive officer, Tim Cook focused on the achievements of Apple's services division, which covers both the App Store and Apple Music. Throughout the quarter the unit had sales of over $7bn, a 22% rise on the third quarter of 2016, with Apple Pay now making up just shy of 90% of all mobile payments around the world. Cook said Today we are proud to announce very strong results, said Cook in a call with analysts. He said iPhone results were impressive and that higher-end models had done particularly well. A decade after the iPhone was launched, Apple has sold 1.2bn iPhones." The only real concern was its performance in the Chinese market, where revenues dropped 10%. As of BST 0830 shares were $150.05 apiece. US secretary of state Rex Tillerson has offered an olive branch to North Korea, saying he would welcome dialogue with the isolated regime and declaring 'we are not your enemy'. Tillerson's remarks stood in stark contrast to that of his boss, US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly launched antagonistic comments towards Pyongyang since he took over the White House in January. Tensions between the two nations has increased as the state led by Kim Jong-un ratchets up its weapons programme, with some reports suggesting Trump is considering military action if it continues to present a threat. "We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek the collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson said on Tuesday. "We're not your enemy, we're not your threat but you're presenting an unacceptable threat to us and we have to respond." Earlier this week, Trump was critical of Chinas role in the ongoing conflict with North Korea, saying it is providing no assistance to the US in order to diffuse the war of words. "I am very disappointed in China," Trump tweeted at the weekend.. "They do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!" I am very disappointed in China. Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2017 BAE Systems ' new chief executive Charles Woodburn presented a strong set of interim results on Wednesday, keeping the aerospace and defence group on an even keel and firing off a confident view on the outlook. The FTSE 100 giant generated 9.57bn of revenues in the six months to 30 June , up 10% or 4% if currency tailwinds are ignored, feeding through to underlying operating profits up 11% to 945m, up 5% on constant currency rates. Underlying earnings per share increased by 14% to 19.8p and with operating business cash flow of 277m the interim dividend was hiked 2% to 8.8p per share. The order intake increased by 3.6bn to 10.7bn and includes award of a production contract for the initial batch of three Type 26 frigates, of which 2.8bn contributed to order intake in the half. The order backlog increased to 42.3bn from 36.3bn a year ago. Woodburn, who succeeded Ian King last month after his near-decade in the role, said the first half performance was consistent with internal expectations and guidance for the year. "We have a sound platform for medium-term growth underpinned by a clear and consistent strategy. Strong programme execution, technology and enhanced competitive positions will be key in driving the business forward, and we will continue to focus on efficiency and meeting our customers' affordability challenges. "With the expected improvement in the defence budget outlook in a number of our markets, the group is well placed to continue to generate good returns for shareholders." The former oil executive, who joined BAE as chief operating officer in February last year, said the US Department of Defense fiscal year 2017 budget and 2018 budget proposal "support the medium-term planning assumptions for our US businesses as we see the ramp up of production on a number of our long-term programmes". Prior to results, analysts were looking for news on Saudi Arabia, especially after the High Court recently threw out a case trying to block arms sales by British firms to the kingdom. BAE said it "continues to address current and potential new requirements" as part of the long-standing agreement between the two countries' governments, with the industrial participation programme continuing "apace" and the final four of 72 Salam Typhoon aircraft delivered and deliveries continuing under the Hawk training aircraft contract. With cyber security in the headline over political, business and consumer stories in recent months, the group enjoyed double-digit sales growth but made a 27m loss in the period, with underlying break-even expected over the full year. Following a review of the cyber security sector, management have decided on an "increasingly focused investment programme in engineering capabilities and product development, in particular in our commercial cyber business", which will include an expected restructuring charge. Climate change and the Islamic State are essentially tied as the worlds foremost global security concerns, according to a new poll of 38 countries. The poll, released Tuesday from the Pew Research Center, shows that the public in 13 countries, mostly in Latin America and Africa, rank climate change as the top global security threat, while 18 countries ranked ISIS as the biggest concern. In the U.S., the public ranked cybersecurity and Islamic terrorism as the most serious threats, with climate change coming in third on the list. Jacob Poushter, Pews senior researcher and co-author of the study, told the New York Times that climate change remains a highly political issue in the U.S. The stark partisan divide between those on the left and the right means there is a large portion in the United States that doesnt see climate change as a threat, Poushter said. As reported by Newsweek: Torsten Schneider-Haase, head of political research at Kantar Emnid, said environmentalism was not a partisan issue in Germany, according to The Local. Environment and climate protection have already greatly mattered to people in Germany for years, Schneider-Haase said. The fight against climate change has been understood as a cross-party effort, and not only associated with the Green party. The gap between Germans and Americans on the issue may help explain the ongoing clash between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel over climate policy. Trump announced in June that he was pulling America out of the Paris climate agreement, a decision Merkel has said that she deplores.' For a deeper dive: New York Times, CNN, Newsweek For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News. A 30-year U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) senior official left federal service Tuesday convinced that her agency is being steered in a disastrously wrong direction, according to her farewell message posted by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). She is an eyewitness to the wreckage wreaked by Administrator Scott Pruitt and his cadre of political appointees. Elizabeth Betsy Southerland has a Ph.D. in environmental science and engineering and has worked in both the private sector and state government. At EPA, she served in both the water and Superfund programs as a senior executive, managing first as a division director in both programs and then as the director of the Office of Science and Technology in the Office of Water. In 2015, she received the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award. Her farewell message to her colleagues warned that Pruitt: Has repeals of 30 rules under consideration, most of which aim at industry deregulation of an array of toxic substances and practices that can threaten human health; Seeks abandonment of the polluter pays principle that underlies all environmental statutes; and Is pursuing policies that promise to repeat human health and environmental catastrophes, such as Flint, Michigans drinking water crisis. Her letter concluded with this overall assessment: Today the environmental field is suffering from the temporary triumph of myth over truth. The truth is there is NO war on coal, there is NO economic crisis caused by environmental protection, and climate change IS caused by mans activities. It may take a few years and even an environmental disaster, but I am confident that Congress and the courts will eventually restore all the environmental protections repealed by this administration because the majority of the American people recognize that this protection of public health and safety is right and it is just. As is clear from Betsys three-decade perspective, Scott Pruitts pledge to restore EPA originalism is nothing but a pernicious myth, stated New England PEER Director Kyla Bennett, scientist and attorney formerly with EPA, noting that the first round of early retirements and buyouts are now being processed. In Pruitts EPA, it is hard to identify even a single action to better protect the environment. One of the rollbacks cited by Southerland in her message is the steam electric rule requiring that the highly toxic wastes of coal fired electric plants be treated rather than poured untreated into large holding ponds where toxic chemicals seep into ground water and overflow into surface water, contaminating public water supplies and private wells and poisoning fish and wildlife. This rule was promulgated following the 70-mile long Duke Energy spill into the Dan River of North Carolina in 2014. Compounding growing problems inside EPA is an autocratic and secretive Pruitt management style in which he declines to meet directly with non-political staff, refuses to use email so as to not create any record, and issues orders to create decision documents at odds with the overwhelming weight of evidence. For example, he recently oversaw an unjustified retroactive rewrite of the cost-benefit study relating the Waters of the U.S. Rule so as to make as much as a half billion dollars in benefits disappear from the analysis. Increasingly, principled professionals, who have proudly served administrations from both parties, are under orders to betray, rather than serve, the public interest by remaining at EPA, added Bennett, pointing to Pruitts moves to cancel all employee health club benefits while traveling extensively back to Oklahoma constantly surrounded by a phalanx of armed security agents. In only a few months on the job, Scott Pruitt has become the leading candidate for worst boss in the world. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Tuesday it will exempt itself from having to comply with environmental and other laws to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads near the U.S.-Mexico border south of San Diego, despite vehement objections from environmental groups that President Trumps proposed project could endanger critical habitats and ignores public input. DHS said it will publish the waiver in the coming days in the Federal Register. The waiver focuses on an approximately 15-mile segment of the border within the San Diego Sector and exempts the government from the National Environmental Protection Acta critical mandate for any federal department or agency to properly consider the environment prior to undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment. The sector remains an area of high illegal entry for which there is an immediate need to improve current infrastructure and construct additional border barriers and roads, the agency said. To begin to meet the need for additional border infrastructure in this area, DHS will implement various border infrastructure projects. Associated Press noted that this is the sixth time DHS has exercised this authority since 2005 and the first time since 2008. A law passed in 2005 gave Homeland Security broad authority to waive all legal requirements to build border barriers following years of ultimately unsuccessful court challenges to border wall construction in San Diego on grounds that it violated environmental laws, according to the AP. The Center for Biological Diversitywhich sued the Trump administration in April for failing to perform any environmental impact studies or release any information about the projectstressed that the waiver would speed construction of replacement walls, 30-foot-high prototypes, roads, lighting and other infrastructure without any analysis of the environmental impacts. The area of south San Diego is surrounded by hundreds of communities and contains critical habitat for several endangered species, the group explained. A May 2017 study from the Center for Biological Diversity found that that the border wall threatens 93 endangered and threatened species, including jaguars, ocelots, Mexican gray wolves and cactus ferruginous pygmy owls. The study also found that 25 threatened or endangered species have designated critical habitat on the border, including more than 2 million acres within 50 miles of the border. Brian Segee, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, also called the waiver unconstitutional. This isnt just a wall theyre in a rush to build. Its roads, lighting and all of the infrastructure that comes with it. All of this without any environmental review or public input. Its a travesty and it has to be stopped, Segee said. We believe the waiver is unconstitutional, and were confident the courts will agree. Trump wants to scare people into letting him ignore the law and endanger wildlife and people, he added. Trumps wall is a divisive symbol of fear and hatred, and it does real harm to the landscape and communities. President Trump issued an executive order in January directing DHS to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Just last week, the House of Representatives approved a spending bill with $1.6 billion put towards the controversial project. By Tess Sohngen As the countrys national animal, pandas are everywhere in China. They appear on fuzzy slippers, crackers and coins. And now, the beloved bear will make an appearance in a new field, quite literally: solar energy farms. The Chinese energy company Panda Green Energy Group is building 100 panda-shaped solar energy farms across the country. From above, the assortment of panels will look like a cartoon panda smiling up at the sky. The group has already build one in Datong, Shanxi province and is currently working on another. Still, one-fourth of Chinas coal reserves come from Shanxi, making the northern province a key area for the countrys energy infrastructure. The first farm in Shanxi spans 250 acres and produces 50 MW of solar energy. Once completed, the two 50 MW solar farms in the province will supply enough energy to power 10,000 houses annually. According to Panda Green Energy Group, one panda-shaped solar farm will prevent the equivalent of 1.06 million tons of coal from being burned and 2.75 million tons of greenhouse gas being emitted in the next 25 years. China is not alone in building adorable solar farms. The island nation of Fiji announced its plan in May to build a panda-shaped solar farm. The plan to build 100 panda-adorned farms is part of a larger effort by the Chinese government to open new trade, energy and business opportunities. Titled the Belt and Road Initiative, the plan to create a 21st century trade route across the Eastern Hemisphere follows the ancient Silk Road path. Since the initiatives launch in 2013, 68 countries have signed up to participate. China continues to spearhead the project and is investing $150 billion per year toward the program. Infamous for its smog-filled cities, China is one of the worlds worst offenders for pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. More recently, the country has put together a PR campaign to show China as a leader in renewable energy production. China is quickly catching up to the worlds top solar energy producers. According to a 2017 report, China ranks third in the world for countries that use the most solar power (8,300 MW). Germany and Italy rank first and second, respectively. With the installment of its smiling panda farms, China is taking a step in the right direction. Reposted with permission from our media associate Global Citizen. By Paul Brown A solar revolution is transforming the lives of women in the remotest parts of Asia. They no longer have to wait decades to be connected to a power grid but are able today to exploit the huge potential of the abundant sunshine. In societies where women normally play a subservient role and spend much of their time on menial chores, solar businesses are creating a new breed of female entrepreneur who are bringing electricity to their villages. In the last two years, two schemes designed to encourage women to bring the solar revolution to parts of rural India and Nepal have won international Ashden Awards, which bring the organizations involved $26,360 each in prize money and a lot of guidance to improve and extend their businesses. The 2017 winner of the Ashden Award for clean energy for women and girls, Empower Generation, has enabled 23 women in Nepal to set up clean energy businesses and manage a network of 259 sales agents. They in turn gain a commission on sales of solar panels, lights, clean cooking stoves and water filters. In a country where all but 12 percent of women are engaged in farm work, Empower Generations staff are now able to lead their communities out of energy poverty. Overcoming family and cultural resistance, they are developing leadership skills and setting up businesses employing women and also men as agents. For customers who have no chance of a grid connection, solar lanterns and solar home systems bring clean electric light and phone charging, often for the first time. Even those who are connected to the grid use the products as a back-up during the frequent blackouts, or for attending to crops and animals after dark. Customers include both local families and NGOs, many of which are working on programs initiated as a response to the 2015 earthquake. The scheme is designed to build womens confidence in themselves and their ability to run their own affairs and manage their finances. It also helps reduce the use of kerosene and therefore air pollution. I can now balance doing good in my community with running a successful business, said Mina Mahato, one of the entrepreneurs. I am extremely proud of the sign outside my shop that bears my own name. Another new businesswoman, Basanti Chaudhary, said, Before Empower Generation, I was working in a food packaging factory, working long hours and earning very little. I felt like I was swimming in a tiny well. Now I am swimming in the ocean. I have ambitions, and there are possibilities for me. Distant markets Some of the businesses have been so successful that their CEOs are now selling many other household items. This success has inspired Empower Generation to expand beyond Nepal, and it has just moved into Myanmar. The winner of the 2016 Ashden Award for clean energy for women and girls, Frontier Markets, runs an organization called Solar Sahelis in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Sahelis (the name means solar women friends) had already provided clean, reliable light and energy to 630,000 people by the time it received its award. Its systems are also designed to replace kerosene lights, leaving families more money to buy food and other essentials. Solar systems make cooking and studying easier, providing brighter, less smoky light than kerosene lamps. Robust long-range torches are particularly popular with women, for moving around outside after dark and checking livestock. Solar torches are brighter and more reliable than battery-powered ones, and save users from running down phone batteries through using mobile phones for outdoor light. Women decide By the time Frontier Markets received its award, 70,000 torches, 45,000 lamps and 12,000 solar home lighting systems had been sold. It estimates that, for around 70 percent of sales, women make the purchasing decision or are the main users of the products. The cost of a single light product can be recovered within three to six months, through savings of typically three dollars per month on kerosene and dry cell batteries. Cutting kerosene use reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 12,000 tonnes/year of CO2, as well as cutting indoor air pollution and fire risk in homes. To encourage people to give up kerosene, a Frontier Markets pilot program gave a discount on a solar product to anyone who handed in a kerosene lamp. Around 50,000 customers took up this offer. The products are sold with a written guarantee and warranty. Prices range from about $7.50 for the smallest lamp to $17 for a long-range torch, and $100 for a 15W solar home system with two LED lights, fan and mobile phone charger. These are the latest in a series of Ashden Awards aimed at helping women and girls. Since the Awards were founded in 2001, Ashden has helped more than 200 enterprises around the world, which so far have collectively improved the lives of some 80 million people, saving more than ten million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. Reposted with permission from our media associate Climate News Network. BEER-SHEVA, Israel...August 2, 2017 - Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is playing a key role in the research component of VENS, Israel's first environmental research satellite launched today at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, Guiana. Vens is a joint project of the Israel Space Agency (ISA) in the Science Ministry and its French counterpart, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). Click here to watch video of launch. Click here to watch launch video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3hhts3bwWg Venus Vegetation and Environment Monitoring on a New Micro Satellite) will support the study of vegetation evolution, agriculture and the environment. It will capture dozens of images daily, including those that cannot be seen by the human eye, using a sophisticated multi-spectral camera. The camera will capture images in 12 wavelengths including the four "red-edge" wavelengths -- a relatively narrow spectral area that will enable scientists to better quantify the state and dynamics of vegetation at the chosen research sites. Images specific to Israel will be received, analyzed and archived at the BGU Remote Sensing Laboratory on the Sede Boqer campus, an operation site of the Science and Technology Ministry. Prof. Arnon Karnieli, lead researcher on the satellite project, heads the laboratory at BGU's Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research. "The satellite is uniquely suited for monitoring agricultural crops in accordance with the concept of 'precision agricultures,' offering high-spatial resolution of 16 feet (five meter) and a 48-hour revisit time," says Prof. Karnieli. "This concept allows a farmer to see the spatial and temporal changes of his crops not just on the scale of the entire field, but on an intra-field scale of small plots. It will help conserve resources and protect the land and groundwater from surpluses of water, fertilizers and pesticides." Vens is BGU's second satellite project successfully launched this year. "BGUSAT," the first nanosatellite for Israeli academic research, was launched in February as part of a collaboration between BGU, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israel Ministry of Science, Technology and Space. It is currently providing researchers with information on a range of scientific phenomena. "Israel is renowned the world over for its courage and innovation, elements which are expressed in the technological development of VENS," says Science, Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akunis. "We are filled with pride to see this long-awaited project of the best engineers and researchers in Israel led by the Israel Space Agency and the French space agency reach fruition." From a technological perspective, the blue and white satellite, built by IAI, also features a new electrical propulsion system designed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., which is intended to reduce the satellite's weight. Elbit Systems Ltd. designed the special camera. The micro satellite weighs 586 pounds (265 kilograms) and will enter a geo-synchronous orbit at a height of 447 miles (720 kilometers) within two days of the launch. It will orbit the Earth 29 times each 48-hour cycle and is expected to remain in orbit for 4.5 years, after which it will move to a lower orbit, 255 miles (410 kilometers) from Earth. "This satellite represents an unprecedented integration of capabilities and will enable a broad range of research tasks in the planetary sciences," says Prof. Karnieli. ### About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org. DALLAS, August 2, 2017 -- Stroke patients who stopped taking statin drugs three to six months after a first ischemic stroke, the type caused by narrowed arteries, had a higher risk of a having another stroke within a year, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Researchers also found that discontinuing statin drugs, which lower cholesterol, between three and six months after a first ischemic stroke was linked to higher risk of death and hospitalization among the patients in the study. Ischemic strokes -- the most common type of stroke -- may be caused by a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, which blocks blood flow to brain. If LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is too high, statin drugs can reduce the risk of a recurrent stroke because they lower the artery clogging, "bad" LDL cholesterol. Researchers studied people who had been hospitalized with stroke. All the participants received either high or moderate intensity statins within three months after they left the hospital. Compared to people who continued taking statins throughout the one-year follow-up period: The risk of having another stroke increased 42 percent for patients who stopped taking statins. There was no additional risk of having another stroke or death for patients who continued taking statins at a decreased dose. The risk of death from any cause increased 37 percent after discontinuing statins. "Based on our findings of this large group of patients in the "real world," we believe that statins should be a lifelong therapy for ischemic stroke patients if a statin is needed to lower the patient's cholesterol," said Meng Lee, M.D., lead author of the study and assistant professor of the Department of Neurology at Chang Gung University College of Medicine in Taiwan. Researchers used medical data collected by the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program, which covers 99 percent of the population. The study population included 45,151 ischemic stroke patients between 2001 and 2012 who were prescribed a statin within 90 days after leaving the hospital. The study period included the three to six months following discharge, during which time 3,175 (7 percent) patients were on reduced statin therapy and 8,353 (18.5 percent) were not on any statin therapy. The study was retrospective, meaning the researchers only used data from the patients' medical histories, so the researchers cannot determine why some stroke patients stopped taking statins. However, Lee said recommendations by the Taiwan National Health Bureau to stop or reduce statins in stroke patients once the level of LDL-cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dl or total cholesterol of less than 160 mg/dl were achieved may have led to the discontinuation of statins for some of the patients in the study. Affordability of the medications was likely not a factor because the national health insurance in Taiwan covers all medication costs for eligible patients. The American Heart Association recommends intensive statin therapy for patients who have had an ischemic stroke or TIA and who have an LDL-cholesterol level of more than 100 mg/dL, but does not recommend stopping statins based on achieving a specific LDL-cholesterol level in most people depending on individual risk. Although the study was comprised entirely of patients from Taiwan, Lee said the results should be applicable to patients in the United States. "Discontinuation of statin treatment in patients with ischemic stroke should be strongly discouraged in any stage, acute or chronic, of stroke," Lee said. "Shifting to low-intensity statin therapy could be an alternative for stroke patients not able to tolerate moderate or high intensity statin therapy in the years following a stroke." ### Co-authors are Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D.; Yi-Ling Wu, M.S.; Sung-Chun Tang, M.D., Ph.D.; Jiann-Der Lee, M.D.; Neal M. Rao, M.D.; Hui-Hsuan Wang, Ph.D.; Jiann-Shing Jeng, M.D., Ph.D.; Tsong-Hai Lee, M.D., Ph.D.; Pei-Chun Chen, Ph.D. and Bruce Ovbiagele, M.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript. The Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, funded the study. Additional Resources: After August 2, view the manuscript online. About Stroke Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews For updates and new science from JAHA, follow @JAHA_AHA Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. ARLINGTON, Va., August 2, 2017 -- The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected 23 distinguished members to receive the ASTRO Fellow designation. The 2017 class of Fellows will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at ASTRO's 59th Annual Meeting, to be held September 24-27 in San Diego. The Fellows Program, started in 2006, honors those that have been an Active, Emeritus or International member of ASTRO for at least 15 years, have given the equivalent of 10 years of service to ASTRO and have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology in the areas of research, education, patient care or service and leadership. Including the 2017 class of Fellows, 292 of ASTRO's more than 10,000 members worldwide have received the FASTRO designation. "The impact that this group of dedicated individuals has had on the field of radiation oncology is immense," says ASTRO Chair David C. Beyer, MD, FASTRO. "On behalf of ASTRO, I commend and thank these 23 outstanding physicians and medical physicists for their far-reaching contributions over the years--through research and patient care--to our specialty and the fight against cancer." Candidates must be nominated by a current ASTRO Fellow, accompanied by three letters of support from a selected subset of ASTRO members. A committee reviews all nominations and presents a slate to ASTRO's Board of Directors for approval. The 2017 Fellows are: Douglas W. Arthur, MD, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia Jeffrey D. Bradley, MD, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Kevin Camphausen, MD, Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland Hak Choy, MD, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas Brian Czito, MD, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina Patricia Harrigan Hardenbergh, MD, Shaw Regional Cancer Center in Edwards, Colorado Eric M. Horwitz, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia Kenneth Shung Hu, MD, New York University Langone Medical Center in New York Peter Anthony Spencer Johnstone, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida Jonathan P.S. Knisely, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York Albert Koong, MD, PhD, Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California John J. Kresl, MD, PhD, Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center, Palo Verde Cancer Specialists in Phoenix, Arizona Nancy Lee, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York Simon S. Lo, MB, ChB, University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle Richard D. Lovett, MD, University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington Alvaro Martinez, MD, 21st Century Oncology in Farmington Hills, Michigan Lorraine Portelance, MD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami in Miami George Rodrigues, MD, PhD, London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario Alphonse G. Taghian, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston Bin S. Teh, MD, Houston Methodist Hospital, Cancer Center and Research Institute in Houston Wolfgang A. Tome, PhD, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York Frank A. Vicini, MD, 21st Century Oncology in Farmington Hills, Michigan Fang-Fang Yin, PhD, Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina ASTRO's 59th Annual Meeting, the nation's premier scientific meeting in radiation oncology, will be held September 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center. The 2017 Annual Meeting is expected to attract more than 11,000 attendees from across the globe, including oncologists from all disciplines and members of the entire radiation oncology team. Led by ASTRO President Brian D. Kavanagh, MD, FASTRO, the 2017 meeting's theme is "The Healing Art and Science of Radiation Oncology," and it will feature keynote addresses from Richard D. Zane, MD, chief innovation officer for the UCHealth System; Lucy Kalanithi, MD, the widow of Paul Kalanithi, MD, who wrote the bestselling memoir, "When Breath Becomes Air," and Heather Wakelee, MD, Dr. Paul Kalanithi's oncologist; and Vinay K. Prasad, MD, MPH, a hematologist-oncologist who co-wrote the book, "Ending Medical Reversal: Improving Outcomes, Saving Lives." The Presidential Symposium is in three parts: "The Scientific State of the Art," "the Art of Quality" and "The Quality of Mercy." These sessions will focus on cutting-edge science, measuring quality in radiation oncology and quality of life issues. ASTRO's four-day scientific meeting will feature more than 2,800 abstracts sharing results from clinical trials and other research studies, in conjunction with more than 50 educational sessions and 24 scientific panels. More than 200 exhibitors will demonstrate cutting-edge technology and medical device innovations for radiation oncology. For more information about ASTRO's 59th Annual Meeting, visit http://www.astro.org/AnnualMeeting. For press registration and news briefing information for ASTRO's 59th Annual Meeting, visit http://www.astro.org/AMPress. For more information, contact Liz Gardner, Media Relations Manager, or Leah Kerkman Fogarty, Communications Manager. ### ABOUT ASTRO ASTRO is the premier radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 11,000 members who are physicians, nurses, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and other health care professionals that specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through professional education and training, support for clinical practice and health policy standards, advancement of science and research, and advocacy. ASTRO publishes three medical journals, International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics and Practical Radiation Oncology and Advances in Radiation Oncology; developed and maintains an extensive patient website, http://www.rtanswers.org; and created the Radiation Oncology Institute, a non-profit foundation to support research and education efforts around the world that enhance and confirm the critical role of radiation therapy in improving cancer treatment. To learn more about ASTRO, visit http://www.astro.org. Producers sometimes face challenges that go deep into the soil. They need answers to help the soil, on site. A portable field sensor can accurately measure minerals in soils more easily and efficiently than existing methods. And a research team, including a middle school student and her scientist father, can confirm it. Calcium, like other minerals, is necessary for healthy plant growth. However, an excess of calcium -- particularly in the form of calcium carbonate -- can cause issues as it builds up in the soil. "Calcium carbonate is basically a type of salt. It dissolves in water after a rainfall event and moves down through the soil," explains David Weindorf. Weindorf is at the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University. One main source of this calcium is limestone. At low levels, it makes thin threads or small white masses in the soil. However, in extreme cases it can actually take over the entire subsoil. Its hard surface can limit the ability of plant roots to grow. Getting this information on-the-fly is important for growers and soil scientists solving problems in the field. Traditionally, soil scientists use their expertise to look at the soil and determine the stage of the calcium visually. There are also laboratory-based techniques that are very accurate, but they are not portable. The researchers wanted to see if a portable x-ray device -- called PXRF, portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry -- would be better. Based on their comparisons, the researchers found that, indeed, the device is a good method for measuring the calcium in the soil. The device can provide data on about 20 different elements, all in 60 seconds. This can be a big advantage for soil scientists working in the field. It can also help scientists and farmers in developing countries who can't afford expensive laboratory tests, or don't have the expertise to visually appraise the soil. "We are not advocating doing away with traditional assessment. We are simply providing a new data stream to help field soil scientists when evaluating carbonates in the field," Weindorf explains. "Essentially, PXRF is another tool in the tool belt of the modern soil scientist, but it is by no means the only tool." Weindorf's daughter was also part of the research. For Camille, this study was a way to branch out for her school's science fair and do some original research. She scanned the soil samples and then helped her father perform the laboratory tests. She also helped calculate the summary statistics and write the paper. "As a father, I just can't overemphasize how proud I am of my daughter for taking on this science challenge with me," he says. "I hope a project like this can inspire other students around her age to engage in original scientific inquiry. Truly, they are the future which will keep our country at the forefront of scientific innovation." ### Read this study in the Soil Science Society of America Journal. Support for this research came from the BL Allen Endowment in Pedology at Texas Tech University. A team led by geoscientists from Arizona State University and Michigan State University has used computer modeling to explain how pockets of mushy rock accumulate at the boundary between Earth's core and mantle. These pockets, lying roughly 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) below the surface, have been known for many years, but previously lacked an explanation of how they formed. The relatively small rock bodies are termed "ultra-low velocity zones" because seismic waves greatly slow down as they pass through them. Geoscientists have thought the zones are partially molten, yet the pockets are puzzling because many are observed in cooler regions of the deep mantle. "These small regions have been assumed to be a partially molten version of the rock that surrounds them," says Mingming Li, lead author of the study, which was published August 2, 2017, in the journal Nature Communications. "But their global distribution and large variations of density, shape, and size suggest that they have a composition different from the mantle." Li joined ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) this month as an assistant professor. He was a graduate student of former SESE associate professor Allen McNamara, also a coauthor on the paper; McNamara is now at Michigan State's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The additional coauthors are SESE professor Edward Garnero and his PhD student Shule Yu. "We don't know what ultra-low velocity zones are," says McNamara. "They are either hot, partially-molten portions of otherwise normal mantle, or they are something else entirely, some other composition." Because seismic evidence allows both possibilities, he says, "We decided to model mantle convection by computer to investigate whether their shapes and positions can answer the question." Do pockets relate to blobs? About year ago, Garnero, McNamara, and SESE associate professor Dan Shim reported that two gigantic structures of rock deep in the Earth are likely made of something different from the rest of the mantle. They called the large structures "thermochemical piles," or more simply, blobs. "While the origin and composition of these blobs are unknown," Garnero said at the time, "we suspect they hold important clues as to how the Earth was formed and how it works today." What the big blobs are made of and how they formed still remain unknown, says Garnero. "But the new computer modeling explains how these ultra-low velocity zones are associated with the much bigger blobs." Li says, "The ultra-low velocity zones are generally around tens of kilometers tall, and hundreds of kilometers wide or less. They are mostly located near the edges of the much larger blobs, but some of them are detected both inside the blobs and well away from them." The outcome of the computer modeling showed that most of these ultra-low velocity zones are different in composition from the surrounding mantle, Li says. What's more, the modeling showed that pockets of rock with different compositions will migrate from anywhere on the core-mantle boundary towards the margins of the large blobs. "The margins of the thermochemical piles are where mantle flow patterns converge," McNamara says, "and therefore these areas provide a 'collection depot' for denser types of rock." Gathered by heat The force driving this movement is heat, which powers convection in the mantle. Earth's mantle is made of hot rock, but it behaves more like fudge simmering slowly on a stove. In the mantle, heat comes both from radioactivity within the mantle rock and from the planet's core, the center of which is about as hot as Sun's surface. Mantle rock responds to this heat with a slow churning -- convective -- motion. "The details are not completely clear," says Li. But the modeling shows that rocks of different composition respond to the convection in a way that gathers compositionally similar materials together. This moves the small pockets of chemically distinct rocks to the edges of the hotter blobs above the core-mantle boundary. "We ran 3D high-resolution computer modeling and we developed a method to track the movement of both the small pockets of ultra-low velocity zones and the much larger thermochemical piles." Li explains, "This allowed us to study how the small pockets move around and how their locations can be related to their origin." McNamara says, "What was new about our approach -- and also computationally challenging -- was that the modeling simultaneously took into account vastly different scales of motion." These ranged from global mantle-scale convection patterns, to the large thermochemical piles in the lower mantle, and down to the very small-scale pockets of ultra-low velocity zone at the bottom. "What we ultimately found," he says, "is that if ultra-low velocity zones are caused by melting of otherwise normal mantle, they should be located well inside of the thermochemical piles, where mantle temperatures are the hottest." But he adds, "If the ultra-low velocity pockets of rock have a composition different from the ordinary mantle rock, then mantle convection would continually carry them to the edges of piles where they collect. "This is consistent with what we see in the seismic observations." Rocks diving deep? Where do the different materials in the deep mantle come from in the first place? "There are several possibilities," Garnero says. "Some material might be associated with former basaltic oceanic crust that got subducted deeply. Or it might be associated with chemical reactions between the outer core's iron-rich fluid and the crystalline silicate mantle." Garnero says that where the rock in ultra-low velocity zones originally came from is currently unsolved. But the process of collecting this material into small pockets of rock is clear. "You can have various mechanisms, such as plate tectonics, that push rock of differing chemistries into the deepest mantle anywhere on Earth," he says. "But once these different rocks have gone down deep, convection wins and sweeps them to the hot regions, namely, where the continental-sized thermochemical piles reside." ### Doctors at Barts Health NHS Trust and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, say public education, alongside legislation and clear guidance for health professionals, will play a key role in tackling this latest menace on our streets. In London, the Metropolitan Police recorded almost 300 acid attacks in 2010, after which numbers decreased to 162 in 2012, but demonstrated a steep increase since 2014. There were 454 attacks in 2016, up from 261 in 2015. Already 2017 has seen a big increase in acid attacks in the UK, relative to 2016. And, whereas in the past most of the attacks were related to robberies, corrosive substances now seem to be a replacement for carrying knives. Recent figures obtained by the BBC from the Metropolitan Police show that men are twice as likely to be victims of attacks - and many of these attacks have been linked to gang related violent crimes. Yet the authors point out that currently in the UK, carrying corrosive substances is legal with no restrictions on volume or strength, although a change in legislation is being considered. In 2002, after similar attacks, Bangladesh banned the open sale of acid and imposed stringent punishment of offenders, which saw the number of attacks fall by 15-20% a year. India and Cambodia have since implemented legislation to combat acid attacks but have yet to introduce laws restricting the ease and availability of acid. The authors say that bystanders who come to the aid of the victim of an attack "can have an important role in minimising further injury." For example, removing contaminated clothing and washing off the acid with copious amounts of water can minimise scarring and need for surgical reconstruction. Once in the emergency department, ongoing treatment and specialist review is vital to limit long term physical and emotional effects, they add. The rising incidence of acid attacks is an evolving challenge to law enforcement, write the authors. Current legislation is being reviewed and may need to be fast tracked to ensure that carrying corrosive substances becomes a criminal offence, they add. They suggest that "public education is needed on how to deal with these injuries, as immediate treatment can substantially improve the outcome." Similarly, ambulance service responders and health professionals in emergency departments "must have clear guidance on immediate steps to minimise secondary harm and training on how to deal with these devastating, life changing attacks." ### Now that scientists can detect the wiggly distortions in space-time created by the merger of massive black holes, they are setting their sights on the dynamics and aftermath of other cosmic duos that unify in catastrophic collisions. Working with an international team, scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed new computer models to explore what happens when a black hole joins with a neutron star - the superdense remnant of an exploded star. Using supercomputers to rip open neutron stars The simulations, carried out in part at Berkeley Lab's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), are intended to help detectors home in on the gravitational-wave signals. Telescopes, too, can search for the brilliant bursts of gamma-rays and the glow of the radioactive matter that these exotic events can spew into surrounding space. In separate papers published in a special edition of the scientific journal Classical and Quantum Gravity, Berkeley Lab and other researchers present the results of detailed simulations. One of the studies models the first milliseconds (thousandths of a second) in the merger of a black hole and neutron star, and the other details separate simulations that model the formation of a disk of material formed within seconds of the merger, and of the evolution of matter that is ejected in the merger. That ejected matter likely includes gold and platinum and a range of radioactive elements that are heavier than iron. Any new information scientists can gather about how neutron stars rip apart in these mergers can help to unlock their secrets, as their inner structure and their likely role in seeding the universe with heavy elements are still shrouded in mystery. "We are steadily adding more realistic physics to the simulations," said Francois Foucart, who served as a lead author for one of the studies as a postdoctoral researcher in Berkeley Lab's Nuclear Science Division. "But we still don't know what's happening inside neutron stars. The complicated physics that we need to model make the simulations very computationally intensive." Finding signs of a black hole-neutron star merger Foucart, who will soon be an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire, added, "We are trying to move more toward actually making models of the gravitational-wave signals produced by these mergers," which create a rippling in space-time that researchers hope can be detected with improvements in the sensitivity of experiments including Advanced LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. In February 2016, LIGO scientists confirmed the first detection of a gravitational wave, believed to be generated by the merger of two black holes, each with masses about 30 times larger than the sun. The signals of a neutron star merging with black holes or another neutron star are expected to generate gravitational waves that are slightly weaker but similar to those of black hole-black hole mergers, Foucart said. Radioactive 'waste' in space Daniel Kasen, a scientist in the Nuclear Science Division at Berkeley Lab and associate professor of physics and astronomy at UC Berkeley who participated in the research, said that inside neutron stars "there may be exotic states of matter unlike anything realized anywhere else in the universe." In some computer simulations the neutron stars were swallowed whole by the black hole, while in others there was a fraction of matter coughed up into space. This ejected matter is estimated to range up to about one-tenth of the mass of the sun. While much of the matter gets sucked into the larger black hole that forms from the merger, "the material that gets flung out eventually turns into a kind of radioactive 'waste,'" he said. "You can see the radioactive glow of that material for a period of days or weeks, from more than a hundred million light years away." Scientists refer to this observable radioactive glow as a "kilonova." The simulations use different sets of calculations to help scientists visualize how matter escapes from these mergers. By modeling the speed, trajectory, amount and type of matter, and even the color of the light it gives off, astrophysicists can learn how to track down actual events. The weird world of neutron stars The size range of neutron stars is set by the ultimate limit on how densely matter can be compacted, and neutron stars are among the most superdense objects we know about in the universe. Neutron stars have been observed to have masses up to at least two times that of our sun but measure only about 12 miles in diameter, on average, while our own sun has a diameter of about 865,000 miles. At large enough masses, perhaps about three times the mass of the sun, scientists expect that neutron stars must collapse to form black holes. A cubic inch of matter from a neutron star is estimated to weigh up to 10 billion tons. As their name suggests, neutron stars are thought to be composed largely of the neutrally charged subatomic particles called neutrons, and some models expect them to contain long strands of matter - known as "nuclear pasta" - formed by atomic nuclei that bind together. Neutron stars are also expected to be almost perfectly spherical, with a rigid and incredibly smooth crust and an ultrapowerful magnetic field. They can spin at a rate of about 43,000 revolutions per minute (RPMs), or about five times faster than a NASCAR race car engine's RPMs. The aftermath of neutron star mergers The researchers' simulations showed that the radioactive matter that first escapes the black hole mergers may be traveling at speeds of about 20,000 to 60,000 miles per second, or up to about one-third the speed of light, as it is swung away in a long "tidal tail." "This would be strange material that is loaded with neutrons," Kasen said. "As that expanding material cools and decompresses, the particles may be able to combine to build up into the heaviest elements." This latest research shows how scientists might find these bright bundles of heavy elements. "If we can follow up LIGO detections with telescopes and catch a radioactive glow, we may finally witness the birthplace of the heaviest elements in the universe," he said. "That would answer one of the longest-standing questions in astrophysics." Most of the matter in a black hole-neutron star merger is expected to be sucked up by the black hole within a millisecond of the merger, and other matter that is not flung away in the merger is likely to form an extremely dense, thin, donut-shaped halo of matter. The thin, hot disk of matter that is bound by the black hole is expected to form within about 10 milliseconds of the merger, and to be concentrated within about 15 to 70 miles of it, the simulations showed. This first 10 milliseconds appears to be key in the long-term evolution of these disks. Over timescales ranging from tens of milliseconds to several seconds, the hot disk spreads out and launches more matter into space. "A number of physical processes - from magnetic fields to particle interactions and nuclear reactions - combine in complex ways to drive the evolution of the disk," said Rodrigo Fernandez, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Alberta in Canada who led one of the studies. Simulations carried out on NERSC's Edison supercomputer were crucial in understanding how the disk ejects matter and in providing clues for how to observe this matter, said Fernandez, a former UC Berkeley postdoctoral researcher. What's next? Eventually, it may be possible for astronomers scanning the night sky to find the "needle in a haystack" of radioactive kilonovae from neutron star mergers that had been missed in the LIGO data, Kasen said. "With improved models, we are better able to tell the observers exactly which flashes of light are the signals they are looking for," he said. Kasen is also working to build increasingly sophisticated models of neutron star mergers and supernovae through his involvement in the DOE Exascale Computing Project. As the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors improves, Foucart said, it may be possible to detect a continuous signal produced by even a tiny bump on the surface of a neutron star, for example, or signals from theorized one-dimensional objects known as cosmic strings. "This could also allow us to observe events that we have not even imagined," he said. ### NERSC is a DOE Office of Science User Facility. Researchers from Washington State University, Cornell University, the University of Toronto in Canada, the University of Alberta in Canada, the California Institute of Technology, and Michigan State University also participated in this research. This work was supported by the DOE Office of Science; UC Office of the President; NASA; the UC Berkeley-Rose Hills Foundation; NSERC Canada; the National Science Foundation; and Sherman Fairchild Foundation. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit http://science.energy.gov. The Adaptive Optics Facility (AOF) is a long-term project on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT - https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/vlt/ ) to provide an adaptive optics system for the instruments on Unit Telescope 4 (UT4), the first of which is MUSE (the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer - https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/vlt/vlt-instr/muse/ ) [1]. Adaptive optics works to compensate for the blurring effect of the Earth's atmosphere, enabling MUSE to obtain much sharper images and resulting in twice the contrast previously achievable. MUSE can now study even fainter objects in the Universe. "Now, even when the weather conditions are not perfect, astronomers can still get superb image quality thanks to the AOF," explains Harald Kuntschner, AOF Project Scientist at ESO. Following a battery of tests on the new system, the team of astronomers and engineers were rewarded with a series of spectacular images. Astronomers were able to observe the planetary nebulae IC 4406, located in the constellation Lupus (The Wolf), and NGC 6369, located in the constellation Ophiuchus (The Serpent Bearer). The MUSE observations using the AOF showed dramatic improvements in the sharpness of the images, revealing never before seen shell structures in IC 4406 [2]. The AOF, which made these observations possible, is composed of many parts working together. They include the Four Laser Guide Star Facility (4LGSF - http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1613/) and the very thin deformable secondary mirror of UT4 [3] [4]. The 4LGSF shines four 22-watt laser beams into the sky to make sodium atoms in the upper atmosphere glow, producing spots of light on the sky that mimic stars. Sensors in the adaptive optics module GALACSI (Ground Atmospheric Layer Adaptive Corrector for Spectroscopic Imaging - https://www.eso.org/public/announcements/ann16025/) use these artificial guide stars to determine the atmospheric conditions. One thousand times per second, the AOF system calculates the correction that must be applied to change the shape of the telescope's deformable secondary mirror to compensate for atmospheric disturbances. In particular, GALACSI corrects for the turbulence in the layer of atmosphere up to one kilometre above the telescope. Depending on the conditions, atmospheric turbulence can vary with altitude, but studies have shown that the majority of atmospheric disturbance occurs in this "ground layer" of the atmosphere. "The AOF system is essentially equivalent to raising the VLT about 900 metres higher in the air, above the most turbulent layer of atmosphere," explains Robin Arsenault, AOF Project Manager. "In the past, if we wanted sharper images, we would have had to find a better site or use a space telescope -- but now with the AOF, we can create much better conditions right where we are, for a fraction of the cost!" The corrections applied by the AOF rapidly and continuously improve the image quality by concentrating the light to form sharper images, allowing MUSE to resolve finer details and detect fainter stars than previously possible. GALACSI currently provides a correction over a wide field of view, but this is only the first step in bringing adaptive optics to MUSE. A second mode of GALACSI is in preparation and is expected to see first light early 2018. This narrow-field mode will correct for turbulence at any altitude, allowing observations of smaller fields of view to be made with even higher resolution. "Sixteen years ago, when we proposed building the revolutionary MUSE instrument, our vision was to couple it with another very advanced system, the AOF," says Roland Bacon, project lead for MUSE. "The discovery potential of MUSE, already large, is now enhanced still further. Our dream is becoming true." One of the main science goals of the system is to observe faint objects in the distant Universe with the best possible image quality, which will require exposures of many hours. Joel Vernet, ESO MUSE and GALACSI Project Scientist, comments: "In particular, we are interested in observing the smallest, faintest galaxies at the largest distances. These are galaxies in the making -- still in their infancy -- and are key to understanding how galaxies form." Furthermore, MUSE is not the only instrument that will benefit from the AOF. In the near future, another adaptive optics system called GRAAL will come online with the existing infrared instrument HAWK-I, sharpening its view of the Universe. That will be followed later by the powerful new instrument ERIS. "ESO is driving the development of these adaptive optics systems, and the AOF is also a pathfinder for ESO's Extremely Large Telescope," adds Arsenault. "Working on the AOF has equipped us -- scientists, engineers and industry alike -- with invaluable experience and expertise that we will now use to overcome the challenges of building the ELT." ### Notes [1] MUSE is an integral-field spectrograph, a powerful instrument that produces a 3D data set of a target object, where each pixel of the image corresponds to a spectrum of the light from the object. This essentially means that the instrument creates thousands of images of the object at the same time, each at a different wavelength of light, capturing a wealth of information. [2] IC 4406 has previously been observed with the VLT (eso9827a - https://www.eso.org/public/images/eso9827a/ ). [3] At just over one metre in diameter, this is the largest adaptive optics mirror ever produced and demanded cutting-edge technology. It was mounted on UT4 in 2016 (ann16078 - https://www.eso.org/public/announcements/ann16078/ ) to replace the telescope's original conventional secondary mirror. [4] Other tools to optimise the operation of the AOF have been developed and are now operational. These include an extension of the Astronomical Site Monitor software that monitors the atmosphere to determine the altitude at which the turbulence is occurring, and the Laser Traffic Control System (LTCS) that prevents other telescopes looking into the laser beams or at the artificial stars themselves and potentially affecting their observations. More information ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It is supported by 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". Links * Photos of the VLT - http://www.eso.org/public/images/archive/category/paranal/ Contacts Harald Kuntschner ESO, AOF Project Scientist Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6465 Email: hkuntsch@eso.org Richard Hook ESO Public Information Officer Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6655 Cell: +49 151 1537 3591 Email: rhook@eso.org Joel Vernet ESO MUSE and GALACSI Project Scientist Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6579 Email: jvernet@eso.org As climate change brings new pressures to bear on wildlife, species must 'move, adapt, acclimate, or die'; the American pika is a model species for the study of behavioral adaptation over a diverse geographic range As climate change brings new pressures to bear on wildlife, species must "move, adapt, acclimate, or die." Erik Beever and colleagues review the literature on acclimation through behavioral flexibility, identifying patterns in examples from invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and fishes, in the cover article for the August issue of the Ecological Society of America's (ESA) journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The authors focus on the American pika (Ochotona princeps) as a case study in behavioral adaptation. Beever will explore factors that define the pika's distribution on Tuesday, August 8 at the ESA's 2017 Annual Meeting, held this year in Portland, Oregon. "Pikas inhabit a vast and diverse geographic range," said Beever, a researcher for the U.S. Geological Survey's Rocky Mountain Science Center in Bozeman, Montana. "However, they usually don't like to travel far." American pikas typically live high on the damp, rocky slopes of North America's western mountains, from the dry peaks of Nevada and New Mexico to the wet coastal mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Yet pikas are homebodies, rarely traveling a kilometer from their rocky abode. As a consequence, pika populations are often inbred to an unusually high degree. The combination of expansive range and frequently distinct populations makes the pika a good model species for the study of localized, idiosyncratic responses to diverse and changing environmental conditions, Beever said. Behavioral responses, which can be rapid compared to shifts in range, may serve as early warnings of climate impacts on species. Shifting mating seasons or migrations are common behavioral adaptations to the temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and other changes encompassed by climate change. Animals also adjust strategies for feeding, foraging, avoiding predators, and sheltering from inclement weather. Behavioral solutions, however, are limited by physiology, and sometimes incur costly trade-offs with other essential activities. An animal that spends the day in a rock crevice, sheltering from the sun, does not have enough time to forage. So changes in behavior alone are unlikely to be sufficient to adapt successfully to the predicted changes in climate over the next century. The pika typically inhabits high alpine rock piles at the bases of cliffs or chutes, known as talus. Although it looks a bit like a hamster, the pika is most closely related to rabbits and hares. In the summer, this tiny, tailless mammal stocks its rock home with grasses and flowers, creating, and assiduously defending, a "haypile" to eat during the long winter. The pika can moderate its body temperature by squeezing into a fluffy ball to hold in heat, or stretching out to cool down. In California and Nevada, pikas often spend the hottest hours of a summer day resting beneath rocks, out of the sun. In recent years, pikas have been observed caching haypiles in downed logs and dead snags, and visiting lake shores, more than 100 meters from their typical talus slopes. In the Columbia River Gorge, which lies at an unusually low altitude for the species, pikas make much greater use of the dense forest neighboring their talus patches than do their brethren higher on the slopes of nearby Mt. Hood. On hot days there, the pikas may prefer the refuge of the shady forest to the open talus slopes. Columbia residents also eat large amounts of moss, which is abundant year-round in the wet, relatively warm river gorge. Pikas living in the Great Basin have not shown this level of flexibility in their habitat, which may be a factor in the observed shrinking distribution of the pika in that part of its range. At the ESA's 2017 Annual Meeting, Beever will talk about factors that define the pika's distribution in different parts of its geographic range, which encompasses substantially different ecosystems. Local climate is an important constraint on where the pika can survive and thrive. The relative influence of different climatic factors in shaping species distributions and range edges, varies over small distances, such as the upper and lower altitude bounds of a species' niche. Beever and his colleagues are working to understand and model these localized effects on animals like the pika, with the aim of providing information on a fine-grained scale applicable to wildlife management. ### COS 35-1 - Do climatic constraints on American-pika distribution vary spatially, and if so, how? Tests of common SDM assumptions, and novel approaches to improve modeling Tuesday, August 8, 2017: 8:00 AM D131, Oregon Convention Center Erik A. Beever U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Science Center, & Ecology Dept., Montana State University, Bozeman, MT U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Science Center, & Ecology Dept., Montana State University, Bozeman, MT Presentation abstract in the online program in the online program Contact: ebeever@usgs.gov Behavioral flexibility as a mechanism for coping with climate change (2017). Erik A Beever, L Embere Hall, Johanna Varner, Anne E Loosen, Jason B Dunham, Megan K Gahl, Felisa A Smith, Joshua J Lawler. Front Ecol Environ 15(6): 299-308; doi:10.1002/fee.1502 2017 Annual Meeting in Portland Oregon 6-11 August 2017 Environmental scientists from 50 U.S. states, U.S. territories, and countries around the world will converge on Portland, Oregon this August for the 102nd Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America. Five thousand attendees are expected to gather for nearly four thousand scientific presentations on breaking research and new ecological concepts at the Oregon Convention Center on August 6th through 11th, 2017. ESA invites press and institutional public information officers to attend for free. To apply, please contact ESA Public Information Manager Liza Lester directly at llester@esa.org. Walk-in registration will be available during the meeting. The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the world's largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The 10,000 member Society publishes five journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives. The Society's Annual Meeting attracts 4,000 attendees and features the most recent advances in ecological science. Visit the ESA website at http://www.esa.org. Regulations on land use that have been put in place to protect water quality, human lives, and property, may also protect plants and animals, by limiting the development of natural areas Regulations on land use that have been put in place to protect water quality, human lives, and property, may also protect plants and animals, by limiting the development of natural areas. To avert erosion and landslides, for example, landowners may be prohibited from building on or clearing trees from steep slopes. Trees flanking streams may be preserved to protect water quality. How well does habitat provided by the second-hand protection of regulations stack up to habitat explicitly protected for conservation? Joshua Lawler, a professor at the University of Washington, will present his research into this question at the Ecological Society of America's 2017 Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. Lawler, Michael Case, and a team from the University of Washington compared land that had come under incidental protection through regulations, to land acquired for conservation during the same 25-year span (1990-2015), in Washington State. Preliminary results indicate that land protected by regulation is not configured well to provide habitat for animals that need space to range. Lawler's talk, on Wednesday, August 9, is part of a session on Conservation Planning, Policy, and Theory. This session includes presentations on: ### COS 107-10 - Weighing the relative benefits of land-use regulation and land acquisition for protecting biodiversity Wednesday, August 9, 2017: 4:40 PM B110-111, Oregon Convention Center Joshua J. Lawler and Michael Case, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA and Michael Case, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA Presentation abstract Contact: jlawler@uw.edu 2017 Annual Meeting in Portland Oregon 6-11 August 2017 Environmental scientists from 50 U.S. states, U.S. territories, and countries around the world will converge on Portland, Oregon this August for the 102nd Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America. Five thousand attendees are expected to gather for nearly four thousand scientific presentations on breaking research and new ecological concepts at the Oregon Convention Center on August 6th through 11th, 2017. ESA invites press and institutional public information officers to attend for free. To apply, please contact ESA Public Information Manager Liza Lester directly at llester@esa.org. Walk-in registration will be available during the meeting. The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the world's largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The 10,000 member Society publishes five journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives. The Society's Annual Meeting attracts 4,000 attendees and features the most recent advances in ecological science. Visit the ESA website at http://www.esa.org. Oldenburg. Assessing the state of an ecosystem solely on the basis of short-term changes in the number of different species it contains can lead to false conclusions. This is the conclusion reached by an international team including researchers of the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the University of Oldenburg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). In order to assess ecosystems in a way that is meaningful for nature conservation, experts should instead focus on analysing the turnover of species within a system. The researchers reached this conclusion using a mathematical model and environmental data analysis. The new method can be applied effectively using data already available from environmental monitoring programmes. The study is published online in the Journal of Applied Ecology. A growing number of species are under threat of extinction - in particular due to global environmental changes. Political instruments such as the International Convention on Biological Diversity or the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive aim to mitigate this biodiversity crisis. In practice, taking the number of species (species richness) as a simple metric for determining the state of an ecosystem seems an obvious approach. "But this metric has its pitfalls because it doesn't fully reflect the changes in the system," says the Oldenburg biodiversity expert Hillebrand who is also the lead author of the study. On the contrary, according to the scientists' model calculations, negative influences on an ecosystem do not automatically result in a reduction in species richness. Conversely, the number of species in a system does not automatically increase as soon as an ecosystem recovers from human impact. The reason for this is: "Species richness is a result of the balance between the immigration and the extinction of species." However, these two processes do not occur at the same speed, Hillebrand explains. A few individuals of a species can quickly migrate into a local habitat and colonise it, but it may take several generations for a species to be replaced by a new, more competitive species, or to die out as a result of changed conditions. " This means you can't reliably say, on the basis of short-term trends, whether more or fewer species will be left in an ecosystem over a long period of time," Hillebrand stresses, adding: "So species richness can be a false friend." In their publication the scientists therefore recommend closer monitoring of how many species are migrating into a system, how many are leaving it, and how many species are becoming more or less abundant within the system. As an example the scientists used this method to analyse long-term measurements from various ecosystems - such as data on drifting microalgae (phytoplankton) from the mud flats of the Dutch Wadden Sea and the lakes of North America, as well as data from grassland ecosystems on six different continents. "In extreme cases, the majority of species in an ecosystem could be replaced by new species. But if you only look at the number of species, the so-called species richness, that number doesn't change at all", says Prof. Dr. Jonathan Chase of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. "Therefore, species richness alone can be a misleading metric and can obscure what is really going on in an ecosystem." For their analyses the researchers explicitly used data gathered by conservationists in environmental monitoring programmes. In this way the scientists want to ensure that their tool can be used with the available resources, which in practice are often limited. "We hope that in this way we can build a bridge between the basic research and nature conservation in practice," Hillebrand says. ### Original publication Helmut Hillebrand, Bernd Blasius et al. (2017). Biodiversity change is uncoupled from species richness trends - consequences for conservation and monitoring. Journal of Applied Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12959 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12959 Contacts: Prof Helmut Hillebrand Professor, Pelagic Ecology Institute for Chemistry and Biology of Marine Environments [ICBM] Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg https://www.icbm.de/en/planktology/staff/helmut-hillebrand/ Prof Stanley Harpole Head of research group Physiological Diversity at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg https://www.idiv.de/en/groups_and_people/employees/details/eshow/harpole-stan-w.html Dr Constanze Bottcher Carl von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg Press and Communications http://www.uni-oldenburg.de/en/press/ For the first time, scientists have obtained and analyzed genome sequences from the ancient Minoans and Mycenaeans, who lived three to five thousand years ago and were Europe's first civilized people. The new analysis suggests that the Minoans and Mycenaeans share a great deal of their genetic heritage, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator David Reich and colleagues report August 2 in the journal Nature. The research adds richness to our understanding of these cultures, which are mostly known from archeology and ancient literature, Reich says. "Who these Bronze Age peoples were -- the people who lived in a world dimly remembered in the poetry of Homer -- has been a great mystery," explains Reich, an evolutionary geneticist at Harvard Medical School. "We set out to investigate the origins of these ancient civilizations." Their origins have been intensely debated. Theories include migrations from various locations, including Europe and Asia Minor, and at various times before and during the Bronze Age. Both cultures were literate and had writing, but the Minoan language hasn't been deciphered. The Mycenaean language, an early form of Greek, is part of the Indo-European language family, whose languages have been spoken across Europe and central and southern Asia since the beginning of recorded history. The identity of the Minoan language is unknown. But despite extensive archeological and linguistic research, the origins of both cultures and their relationship to each other and to other Bronze Age peoples have remained a puzzle. Reich and his colleagues' work suggests that about three-quarters of the ancestry of both peoples derives from the first farmers of the Aegean Sea, including western Anatolia (a region that lies within modern day Turkey), Greece, and the Greek islands. But, quite different from the rest of contemporary Europe and from the first farmers of Greece, the Bronze Age Greek civilizations also derived a small part of their ancestry from populations from the Caucasus and Iran. The Minoans, based on the island of Crete from roughly 3100 to 1050 BCE, were a maritime people with sophisticated palaces, one of which was so large and complex that it may have been the historical basis of the myth of the Labyrinth, home of the beast called the Minotaur. The Mycenaeans of mainland Greece, 1700 to 1100 BCE, who eventually conquered the Minoans, were skilled engineers and fierce warriors. Their culture is named for Mycenae, a site with a fortified palace that was the seat of the celebrated King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in the Trojan War. Reich and his colleagues at the Max Planck Institute in Jena, Germany and the University of Washington teamed up with Greek and Turkish archeologists and anthropologists to obtain samples from 19 Bronze Age individuals excavated from tombs and other sites throughout the Aegean. The ancient DNA, carefully extracted from bones and teeth, included 10 Minoans, four Mycenaeans, three individuals from southwest Anatolia (Turkey), an individual from Crete that dates from after the arrival of the Mycenaeans on the island, and one Neolithic sample (5,400 BCE) from the mainland that predated the emergence of the Greek civilizations. The researchers then compared and contrasted the new DNA samples with previously reported data from 332 other ancient individuals, 2,614 present-day humans, and two present-day Cretans. The new study also shows that the Mycenaeans have additional ancestry that is distinct from the Minoans, says Iosif Lazaridis, a postdoctoral researcher in Reich's lab and lead author of the study. This genetic contribution may be from people of the steppes north of the Black and Caspian seas. Scholars have debated whether the Indo-European language, which gave rise to Italic, Germanic, Slavic and Hindi languages, among others, spread with migrations from Anatolia or from the steppe. Previous work by Reich and colleagues supports the "steppe hypothesis." Their latest data suggest that the speakers of this early Greek language may have formed the southern portion of the same migrations that contributed to the dispersal of other Indo-European languages, Reich says. "This increases the weight of evidence that Greek was derived from the same expansion of peoples," he says. While the research sheds light on the origins of these ancient Greek civilizations, questions remain, notes Reich. For example, it's still unknown when the common "eastern" ancestors of both Minoans and Mycenaeans arrived in the Aegean. And details regarding the "northern" ancestry found only in the Mycenaeans remain to be worked out, like whether that contribution came in a single rapid migration, or sporadic waves over a long period. ### Rare mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) have previously been shown to be strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease University of Bergen, Norway, August 2, 2017 - Rare mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) have previously been shown to be strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Common genetic variants in this protein may also be linked to intelligence (IQ) in children, according to recent research performed at the University of Bergen, Norway. Results of the research were published online today in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Senior author Dr. Tetyana Zayats is a researcher at the KGJebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders at the University of Bergen. The study analyzed genetic markers and IQ collected from 5,165 children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The genetic findings were followed up in the genetic data from two adult datasets (1) 17,008 cases with AD and 37,154 controls, and (2) 112,151 individuals assessed for general cognitive functioning. The function of the genetic markers was analysed using reporter assays in cells. Brain cells communicate via synapses containing hundreds of specialized proteins. Mutations in some of these proteins lead to dysfunctional synapses and brain diseases such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism or AD. Dr. Zayats and co-workers at the University of Bergen examined a subgroup of these proteins that have been implicated in synaptic plasticity and learning (the ARC complex). They found that a variation in DNA sequence within the gene encoding a member of this group of proteins, amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) was associated with non-verbal (fluid) intelligence in children, which reflects our capacity to reason and solve problems. In adults, this variation revealed association with AD, while the overall genetic variation within the APP gene itself appeared to be correlated with the efficiency of information processing (reaction time). "This study has potential implications for our understanding of the normal function of these synaptic proteins as well as their involvement in disease" said Dr. Zayats. APP encodes the amyloid- precursor protein that forms amyloid--containing neuritic plaques, the accumulation of which is one of the key pathological hallmarks in AD brains. However, it is unclear how these plaques affect brain functions and whether they lead to AD. "Our understanding of biological processes underlying synaptic functioning could be expanded by examining human genetics throughout the lifespan as genetic influences may be the driving force behind the stability of our cognitive functioning," Dr. Zayats commented. Genetic correlation between intelligence and AD has also been found in large-scale genome-wide analyses on general cognitive ability in adults. Several genes involved in general intelligence have previously reported to be associated with AD or related dementias. Such overlap has also been noted for the APP gene, where a coding variant was shown to be protective against both AD and cognitive decline in elderly. "While this is only an exploratory study, in-depth functional and association follow up examinations are needed," Dr. Zayats noted. "Examining genetic overlap between cognitive functioning and AD in children - not only adults - presents us with a new avenue to further our understanding of the role of synaptic plasticity in cognitive functioning and disease." ### This work is the result of a team effort that combined statistical genetics with experimental, cellular studies carried out by first co-authors Drs. Craig Myrum, currently at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Baltimore, Maryland, and Oleksii Nikolaienko. This project was funded by Stiftelsen Kristian Gerhard Jebsen, the University of Bergen, the Western Norwegian Health Authorities (Helse Vest), the Bergen Medical Research Foundation and the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013; Grant no 602805). AUGUSTA, Ga. (Aug. 2, 2017) - When women are hypertensive their physicians should consider measuring their level of aldosterone, a hormone that at high levels damages the cardiovascular system, scientists say. If aldosterone levels are high, they should consider prescribing drugs that directly target the hormone's receptor, says Dr. Eric Belin de Chantemele, physiologist in the Vascular Biology Center and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. "We are finding more evidence that higher aldosterone levels in women translate to higher blood pressure and that the most effective way to treat hypertensive women likely is to target this hormone and its receptor," Belin de Chantemele said, referencing what appears to be another clear distinction emerging between men and women. At baseline, women have more aldosterone than men and those levels are known to soar in the face of obesity and diabetes. Now there is increasing evidence that aldosterone is a major driver of hypertension, potentially in women of any girth. Belin de Chantemele notes that clinical studies already have provided some evidence that mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, like the old hypertensive agent spironolactone, work better at reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in women than men. Still it's often only when other drugs fail, that drugs that directly affect aldosterone by blocking its receptor are tried. Rather mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, which work as a diuretic, are more commonly used as part of a cocktail for heart failure. Belin de Chantemele is chairing an international symposium focusing on new discoveries and the translational potential of aldosterone and its mineralocorticoid receptor in cardiovascular disease. The symposium is part of the 38th World Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences in Rio de Janeiro this week (see symposium 32, http://iups2017.com/site/symposia/). Presenters include Dr. Frederic Jaisser, team lead at France's Cordeliers Research Center, coordinator of a new European Network on Aldosterone and an expert in mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, who will discuss the potential of blocking the receptor to treat ischemic acute kidney injury. Dr. Rita Tostes, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil and an expert in vascular biology, will discuss her most recent work on the interaction between aldosterone and the innate immune system and its contribution to vascular disease. Dr. Iris Z. Jaffe, a cardiologist and executive director of the Molecular Cardiology Research Institute at Tufts Medical Center who is an expert in resistant hypertension, will discuss the contribution of mineralocorticoid receptors in the smooth muscle cells that cover blood vessels to vascular dysfunction and hypertension as we age. Dr. Ana P. Davel, head of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Biology at the University of Campinas Institute of Biology in Brazil, will discuss her recent work on sex differences in the role mineralocorticoid receptors found on our endothelial cells play in vascular dysfunction in response to obesity or high blood levels of fat or lipids. Aldosterone became a focus in Belin de Chantemele's lab about five years ago while he was studying both male and female mice that were hypersensitive to the well-known satiety hormone leptin. While both sexes developed hypertension, as the scientists expected, they saw the so-called fight or flight mechanism, the sympathetic nervous system, had increased activation in the males, which they also expected. Leptin is well known to activate the sympathetic nervous system. But sympathetic activity was not increased in the females. That begged the question: What was driving their hypertension? "What we observed is that their aldosterone level was sky high," says Belin de Chantemele. While aldosterone also has a positive role in regulating blood pressure, high levels of the steroid hormone are associated with many things that are bad for the cardiovascular system like inflammation and blood vessel stiffness and scarring. They took a step back and examined the enzyme producing aldosterone, CYP11B2, and found it was also very high in the females. As they began to put the pieces together, they realized that it was leptin that was a direct regulator of the increased aldosterone production by the adrenal gland in the female mice. Since both genders of these mice were hypersensitive to leptin, they were hypertensive but not fat. So they decided to also look at the connection in obese mice, which clearly make more leptin. In the face of high leptin levels, and as with obese humans, the brains of the obese mice were no longer listening to leptin's message to stop eating and start burning fat. But MCG scientists found that their cardiovascular system was listening to leptin. The result was increased aldosterone and resulting dysfunction of the lining of blood vessels and early signs of scarring in the heart, Belin de Chantemele's team reported in the journal Circulation in 2015. Last year they reported in the journal Hypertension that leptin induces hypertension and endothelial dysfunction via aldosterone in obese female mice. They have clear data that the obese female mice develop an impaired ability to relax blood vessels, which drives up blood pressure. Again, when they blocked either leptin or mineralocorticoid receptors, blood pressure and endothelial cell function improved in both obese and leptin-sensitive mice, another confirmation of the leptin-aldosterone connection and the therapeutic potential of disconnecting aldosterone from its receptor. Jaffe has related evidence that mice deficient in the aldosterone receptor in smooth muscle cells also are protected from hypertension. Still, most often for males and females alike, physicians tend to first prescribe drugs like ACE inhibitors, which have other primary targets, in this case the powerful blood vessel constrictor angiotensin II. Drugs like ACE inhibitors likely do have an indirect impact on aldosterone - angiotensin for example also regulates aldosterone. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers often are not prescribed to men because a side effect can include an increase in breast size, he notes. Aldosterone blood levels are sometimes measured in patients today to check for tumors of the adrenal glands as well as to find causes of low potassium levels and high blood pressure. A higher percent of men have high blood pressure than women until females reach menopause where the rates level out. Starting at age 65, more women than men have the condition that is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity rates are higher in women: 38.3 percent versus 34.3 percent in men overall, says the CDC. Belin de Chantemele's future studies include learning more about why women have naturally higher levels of aldosterone. ### His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association. CAMBRIDGE, MA -- In South Asia, a region of deep poverty where one-fifth of the world's people live, new research suggests that by the end of this century climate change could lead to summer heat waves with levels of heat and humidity that exceed what humans can survive without protection. There is still time to avert such severe warming if measures are implemented now to reduce the most dire consequences of global warming. However, under business-as-usual scenarios, without significant reductions in carbon emissions, the study shows these deadly heat waves could begin within as little as a few decades to strike regions of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, including the fertile Indus and Ganges river basins that produce much of the region's food supply. The new findings, based on detailed computer simulations using the best available global circulation models, are described this week in the journal Science Advances, in a paper by MIT professor of environmental engineering Elfatih Eltahir, MIT Research Scientist Eun Soon Im, and Professor Jeremy Pal at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. The study follows an earlier report by Eltahir and his team that looked at projected heat waves in the Persian Gulf region. While the number of extreme-heat days projected for that region was even worse than for South Asia, Eltahir says the impact in the latter area could be vastly more severe. That's because while the Persian Gulf area has a relatively small, relatively wealthy population and little agricultural land, the areas likely to be hardest hit in northern India, Bangladesh, and southern Pakistan are home to 1.5 billion people. These areas are also among the poorest in the region, with much of the population dependent on subsistence farming that requires long hours of hard labor out in the open and unprotected from the sun. "That makes them very vulnerable to these climatic changes, assuming no mitigation," says Eltahir, who spoke with MIT News from Singapore, where he is carrying out follow-up research on potential climate effects in that area. While the projections show the Persian Gulf may become the region of the worst heat waves on the planet, northern India is a close second, Eltahir says, and eastern China, also densely populated, is third. But the highest concentrations of heat in the Persian Gulf would be out over the waters of the Gulf itself, with lesser levels over inhabited land. The new analysis is based on recent research showing that hot weather's most deadly effects for humans comes from a combination of high temperature and high humidity, an index which is measured by a reading known as wet-bulb temperature. This reflects the ability of moisture to evaporate, which is the mechanism required for the human body to maintain its internal temperature through the evaporation of sweat. At a wet-bulb temperature of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), the human body cannot cool itself enough to survive more than a few hours. A previous study of temperature and humidity records show that in today's climate, wet-bulb temperatures have rarely exceeded about 31 C anywhere on Earth. While the earlier report from Eltahir and his colleagues showed that this survivability limit would start to be exceeded occasionally in the Persian Gulf region by the end of this century, actual readings there in the summer of 2015 showed that the 35-degree wet-bulb limit had almost been reached already, suggesting that such extremes could begin happening earlier than projected. The summer of 2015 also produced one of the deadliest heat waves in history in South Asia, killing an estimated 3,500 people in Pakistan and India. And yet, India and China remain two countries where emission rates of greenhouse gases continue to rise, driven mostly by economic growth, Eltahir says. "So I think these results pose a dilemma for countries like India. Global warming is not just a global problem -- for them, they will have some of the hottest spots" on the planet. In fact, a separate study by researchers at the University of California at Irvine and elsewhere, published recently also in Scientific Advances, reached similar conclusions based on a different kind of analysis using recent weather records. That paper was "complementary to ours, which is based on modeling," Eltahir says. The new analysis looked at results from three of the more than 20 comprehensive global climate models, which were selected because they most accurately matched actual weather data from the South Asian region. The study shows that by century's end, absent serious reductions in global emissions, the most extreme, once-in-25-years heat waves would increase from wet-bulb temperatures of about 31 C to 34.2 C. "It brings us close to the threshold" of survivability, he says, and "anything in the 30s is very severe." In today's climate, about 2 percent of the Indian population sometimes gets exposed to extremes of 32-degree wet-bulb temperatures. According to this study, by 2100 that will increase to about 70 percent of the population, and about 2 percent of the people will sometimes be exposed to the survivability limit of 35 degrees. And because the region is important agriculturally, it's not just those directly affected by the heat who will suffer, Eltahir says: "With the disruption to the agricultural production, it doesn't need to be the heat wave itself that kills people. Production will go down, so potentially everyone will suffer." But while the study provides a grim warning about what could happen, it is far from inevitable, Eltahir stresses. The study examined not just the "business as usual" case but also the effects under a moderate mitigation scenario, which showed that these dramatic, deadly effects can still be averted. "There is value in mitigation, as far as public health and reducing heat waves," he says. "With mitigation, we hope we will be able to avoid these severe projections. This is not something that is unavoidable." ### The research was supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore through the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART). Scientists have demonstrated an effective way of using a gene-editing tool to correct a disease-causing gene mutation in human embryos and stop it from passing to future generations. The new technique uses the gene-editing tool CRISPR to target a mutation in nuclear DNA that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common genetic heart disease that can cause sudden cardiac death and heart failure. The research, published Aug. 2 in the journal Nature, demonstrates a new method for repairing a disease-causing mutation and preventing it from being inherited by succeeding generations. This is the first time scientists have successfully tested the method on donated clinical-quality human eggs. "Every generation on would carry this repair because we've removed the disease-causing gene variant from that family's lineage," said senior author Shoukhrat Mitalipov, Ph.D., who directs the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy at OHSU. "By using this technique, it's possible to reduce the burden of this heritable disease on the family and eventually the human population." The study provides new insight into a technique that could apply to thousands of inherited genetic disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. The gene-editing technique described in this study, done in concert with in vitro fertilization, could provide a new avenue for people with known heritable disease-causing genetic mutations to eliminate the risk of passing the disease to their children. It could also increase the success of IVF by increasing the number of healthy embryos. "If proven safe, this technique could potentially decrease the number of cycles needed for people trying to have children free of genetic disease," said co-author Paula Amato, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine. The new study focused on the genetic mutation that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The disease affects an estimated 1 in 500 people and can lead to heart failure and sudden death. "Although it affects men and women of all ages, it's a common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people, and it could be eliminated in one generation in a particular family," said co-author Sanjiv Kaul, M.D., a professor of medicine (cardiovascular medicine) in the OHSU School of Medicine and director of the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute. Researchers worked with healthy donated human oocytes and sperm carrying the genetic mutation that causes cardiomyopathy. Embryos created in this study were used to answer pre-clinical questions about safety and effectiveness. The study noted that "genome editing approaches must be further optimized" before moving to clinical trials. "This research significantly advances scientific understanding of the procedures that would be necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of germline gene correction," said Daniel Dorsa, Ph.D., senior vice president for research at OHSU. "The ethical considerations of moving this technology to clinical trials are complex and deserve significant public engagement before we can answer the broader question of whether it's in humanity's interest to alter human genes for future generations." Research conducted in this study adhered to guidelines established by OHSU's Institutional Review Board and additional ad-hoc committees established for scientific and ethical review. Further, the work is consistent with recommendations issued this year by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine joint panel on human genome editing. CRISPR, which stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, holds promise for correcting mutations in the human genome to prevent genetic disease. Using an enzyme called Cas9, it's possible to snip a specific target sequence on a mutant gene. The new study found that human embryos effectively repair these breaks in the mutant gene using the normal copy of this gene from a second parent as a template. The resulting embryos contain now repaired, mutation-free copies of this gene. The technique already has been used in animals for generating mutant models; however, the new study is the first to demonstrate that technique can be used in human embryos to convert mutant genes back to normal. The study also demonstrated a way for overcoming a crucial problem in genome editing in embryos known as mosaicism. Mosaicism refers to an outcome when not all cells in a multicellular embryo get repaired and some cells still carry a mutation. Mosaicism could undermine the very purpose of the gene-correction, rendering the repair moot if the developing embryo still carries a few cells with the disease-causing mutation that could ultimately find its way into the child's DNA. Researchers overcame this challenge in the new study by co-injecting the repair enzyme and the mutation-carrying sperm into the donor oocyte. As a result of initiating the repair process at the time of fertilization, every cell in a multicellular embryo had the mutation-free DNA exclusively. ### In addition to OHSU, co-authors on the study represented the Center for Genome Engineering, within the Institute for Basic Science, and Seoul National University in South Korea; the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California; and BGI-Qingdao and Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Innovative Molecular Diagnostics in China. Studies conducted at OHSU were supported by OHSU institutional funds, including the Knight Cardiovascular Institute. Work in the laboratory of co-author Jin-Soo Kim of Seoul National University was supported by the Institute for Basic Science. Work in the laboratory of co-author Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte of the Salk Institute was supported by the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation, the Moxie Foundation and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Work at BGI was supported by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. LA JOLLA -- (Aug. 1, 2017) Salk Professor Reuben Shaw has received the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA), which encourages cancer research with breakthrough potential. Shaw, a member of Salk's Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory and holder of the William R. Brody Chair, will receive $4.2 million in direct funding over the next seven years to further his work. The award is granted, according to the NCI website, to innovative cancer researchers with outstanding records of productivity to allow them to take greater risks and be more adventurous in their research. "It was extremely exciting to get this award as it will provide my lab both the resources and the stability for our ongoing efforts," says Shaw, who is also the director of the Salk Cancer Center, which is one of just seven NCI-designated Basic Research Cancer Centers in the country. Shaw's research focuses on cancer metabolism: how metabolic pathways are altered in cancer and play a role in the origins and progression of the disease. While investigating one of the most commonly mutated genes in lung cancer, Shaw discovered an energy-sensing pathway that shuts down cell growth and reprograms metabolism when nutrients are scarce. This energy-sensing "starvation" pathway suggests an unexpected and direct link between metabolic pathways and cancer. His lab went on to molecularly decode a number of new components of this cellular starvation pathway, which connects nutrition and exercise to suppression of both cancer and diabetes. From this work, the lab's studies have led to the discovery of new therapies for cancer and metabolic diseases. Recently, Shaw's lab showed that using a small molecule to target one of the pathways that cells use to synthesize fat can starve cancer cells of the building blocks they need to grow. Previously, he published work showing how different cancers are sensitive to different sources of cellular energy and how a common, deadly lung cancer spreads. "Reuben's pioneering research points to potential new ways to unravel a variety of cancers and target the disease precisely and effectively," says Salk President Elizabeth Blackburn. "We are delighted that his work is being recognized with this award." Some of the Shaw lab's ongoing efforts have involved identifying unique metabolic features of tumor cells. Shaw wants to better define different genetic subsets of lung cancer by these features and pinpoint ways to treat them based on that knowledge. "We want to identify the Achilles heel of each tumor subset," he says. "We're not going to treat all lung cancers the same way but rather tailor our attacks based on unique properties of each subtype of cancer. This should yield more effective treatments for all forms of cancer. Our work decoding new components of the energy-sensing pathway has also led to new therapeutic targets for many difference forms of cancer, which alter these same pathways through many different mechanisms." Shaw is the second Salk scientist in the award's three-year history to be named an NCI Outstanding Investigator. The other is Geoffrey Wahl, a professor in the Gene Expression Laboratory. ### About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Every cure has a starting point. The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk's mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Be it cancer or Alzheimer's, aging or diabetes, Salk is where cures begin. Learn more at: salk.edu. RESTON, Va. -- The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), an international scientific and medical organization, recognized contributions to the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging during its 2017 Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado. Several awards ceremonies were held to recognize the valuable role SNMMI members play in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, cancer and neurological conditions. SNMMI PRESIDENTIAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD This year, two SNMMI Presidential Distinguished Service Awards were given in recognition of continual dedication to the society. They were presented to Robert E. Henkin, MD, FACNM, FACR, and John M. Hoffman, MD. Robert E. Henkin, MD, FACNM, FACR, is professor emeritus of radiology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, and president of UNM, Ltd., which provides consulting services to medical imaging companies and professional societies. He served as director of nuclear medicine at Loyola University Medical Center for 30 years and has been a member of SNMMI since 1970. Active in SNMMI leadership, Henkin has represented the society in the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) for many years and has been one of the leading voices in SNMMI on issues related to quality in healthcare. He also participated in the development of the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) in collaboration with the American Medical Association. In addition, he has served on the SNMMI Board of Directors and House of Delegates, as well as on numerous committees and task forces. A big proponent of evidence-based guidance documents, he has been a member of the Guidance Oversight Committee for several years, as well as a member of the Appropriate Use Criteria Working Group for Bone Scintigraphy. His dedication to mentoring young professionals and emerging leaders in the field has helped SNMMI develop strong leaders for the future. The SNMMI Robert E. Henkin, MD, Government Relations Fellowship, funded by the Education and Research Foundation for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (ERF), is named in his honor and provides young professionals in the field with direct personal exposure to government relations activities of the society, as well as the state and federal legislative and regulatory process through a week in Washington, DC, with meetings on Capitol Hill. John M. Hoffman, MD. is the Willard Snow Hansen Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research; professor of radiology and neurology; director of nuclear medicine; and co-director of the Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the author of more than 140 peer-reviewed publications, 19 book chapters and more than 200 abstracts, he has served on the editorial board of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine since 2000 and the editorial board of Molecular Imaging since 2002. He is also a consultant to the editor of Radiology. Prior to assuming his position at the University of Utah, Hoffman was chief of the Molecular Imaging Branch of the Cancer Imaging Program at the National Cancer Institute. He is an expert in molecular imaging, with a special focus on positron emission tomography (PET). His molecular imaging research interests include its use in personalized medicine and as a biomarker in therapeutic drug trials, as well its use to assess brain tumor response to therapy. Hoffman has been a member of SNMMI since 1985 and is a member of the Pacific Northwest Chapter. In addition, he is a longstanding member of the society's Brain Imaging Council, Center for Molecular Imaging Innovation and Translation (CMIIT), and PET Center of Excellence. He has also been a member of the Coalition for PET Drug Approval since its creation. Hoffman has played an especially significant role in the SNMMI Clinical Trials Network (CTN), serving as co-chair from 2009 to 2017. He was instrumental in developing CTN's companion organization, the Nuclear Medicine Clinical Trial Group, LLC, which assists sponsors in effectively incorporating molecular imaging agents in multicenter trials. His visionary leadership has also informed the CTN curriculum and live events. A regulatory expert, he has assisted, as well, in the maintenance of SNMMI's centralized Investigational New Drug (IND) database, which is available to all CTN partners. HENRY J. WAGNER, JR., LECTURESHIP Richard P. Baum, MD, PhD, chairman and clinical director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine and the Center for PET/CT at Zentralklinik Bad Berka in Bad Berka, Germany, delivered the Henry N. Wagner, Jr., Lectureship on Sunday, June 13. His presentation, "Theranostics: Looking Back and Moving Forward," provided an exciting look at precision medicine and the role of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine in targeting and delivering individualized therapy. He is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, as well as other diseases processes. SAUL HERTZ, MD, AWARD George M. Sgouros, PhD, received the Saul Hertz, MD, Award, which recognizes the lifetime achievement of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to radionuclide therapy. Sgouros is professor of radiology, oncology and radiation oncology, as well as director of the Radiopharmaceutical Dosimetry Section of the Division of Nuclear Medicine, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. The award is named in honor of Saul Hertz, MD, who administered a cyclotron-produced I-130 - I-131 mixture as a therapeutic dose to the first human patient with Graves' hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease) at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1941. Sgouros, who chairs SNMMI's Medical Internal Radionuclide Dose (MIRD) Committee, gave a presentation on "Radiopharmaceutical Therapy: Current Status and Future Prospects" at the society's annual meeting. The focus of his research is on modeling and dosimetry of internally administered radionuclides with particular emphasis on patient-specific dosimetry, alpha-particle dosimetry and mathematical modeling of radionuclide therapy. His lab is currently engaged in pre-clinical research investigating targeted alpha-emitter therapy of metastatic cancer and clinical research examining the impact of patient-specific treatment planning on treatment outcome. Sgouros has authored more than 140 peer-reviewed articles, as well as review articles and several book chapters. He has served as chair of the Dosimetry & Radiobiology Panel at a Department of Energy Workshop on alpha-emitters in medical therapy and, in the early 90s, he provided the physics/dosimetry support for the first FDA-approved human trial of targeted alpha-emitter therapy. He is a member of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements' Report Committee on "Bioeffect Modeling and Equieffective Dose Concepts in Radiation Therapy" and chair of Report Committee 31 on "Treatment Planning for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy." Sgouros is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the IAEA/WHO Network of Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratories and a member of the National Council on Radiological Protection and Measurements. He is the current chair of the National Institutes of Health Study Section on Radiation Therapeutics and Biology. MICHAEL J. WELCH AWARD Jason Lewis, PhD, the Emily Tow Jackson Chair in Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City, received the Michael J. Welch Award, which is presented annually by SNMMI's Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Council to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to radiopharmaceutical sciences. His lecture was titled "Antibody Theranostics - The Past, The Present and [Maybe] the Future?" Lewis also serves as MSKCC vice chair for research, chief of the Radiochemistry & Imaging Sciences Service, director of the Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probe Core Facility and director of the Center for Molecular Imaging & Nanotechnology. In addition, he is a professor at the Gerstner Sloan-Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and at Weill-Cornell Medical College. Lewis is widely published in the field of cancer imaging and serves on grant review panels for the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute and on a number of editorial boards. His research interests are focused on the development of new molecular imaging agents and radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. BERSON-YALOW AWARD Hongjun Jin, PhD, received the Berson-Yalow Award. The award commemorates Rosalyn S. Yalow, PhD, and Solomon A. Berson, MD, who together developed the radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique in the 1950s. SNMMI established the award in 1977, the year that Yalow received the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine. Judges for the award choose the investigator who submits the most original abstract presentation at SNMMI's Annual Meeting and who has made significant contributions to basic or clinical RIA research, or any area of research using the indicator-dilution method. Jin is an instructor of radiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. His research focuses on biochemically characterization of radiotracers for oncology molecular imaging, and his winning abstract was titled "A promising I-123 labeled radioligand for imaging neuroinflammation response by assessment P2X7 receptor expression." LOEVINGER-BERMAN AWARD Michael Lassmann, PhD, head of the physics group in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Wurzburg in Wurzburg, Germany, received the Loevinger-Berman Award, which was established in 1999 by the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) Committee in honor of Robert Loevinger, PhD, and Mones Berman, PhD, who formulated the MIRD schema for internal dose calculations. The award is given in recognition of excellence pertaining to the field of internal dosimetry as it relates to nuclear medicine through research and/or development, significant publication contributions or advancement of the understanding of internal dosimetry in relationship to risk and therapeutic efficacy. Lassmann's experience with internal dosimetry dates back to the 1990s. His primary research in recent years has been in thyroid cancer treatment dosimetry, and he has coordinated the dosimetry in several multicenter trials. His other areas of research include 3D ultrasound, radiation protection and large IT systems for nuclear medicine. From 2001 to 2008, he chaired the EANM Dosimetry Committee. In addition, he serves on the editorial boards of the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals. Lassmann has authored more than 50 publications and given many invited lectures at national and international meetings. EDWARD J. HOFFMAN MEMORIAL AWARD Frederik Beekman, PhD, head of radiation, detection and medical imaging at TU Delft University, is this year's recipient of the Edward J. Hoffman Memorial Award, which is presented annually by SNMMI's Computer and Instrumentation Council. The award was established to honor the memory of Professor Edward J. Hoffman and recognizes scientists in the field of nuclear medicine for their service and devotion to research and development of nuclear medicine instrumentation and to educating and training the next generation of scientists. Beekman's lecture at the SNMMI Annual Meeting was on "Advancing the State-of-the-Art of PET, SPECT and Autoradiography with Multi-Pinhole Imaging." He is the recipient of several awards for his contributions to SPECT and PET technologies and their application in biomedical research. His research interests include radiation technology applied to medicine and biomedical science and image reconstruction from projections. Beekman has co-authored 135 journals papers and is the inventor on 31 patents. He is an associate editor of several journals and serves on the editorial board of Physics in Medicine & Biology. He is also the founder and CEO/CSO of MILabs, which develops and markets high-performance molecular imaging systems. PETER E. VALK, MD, MEMORIAL AWARD George Segall, MD, FACNM, FSNMMI, professor of radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine and Chief of the Nuclear Medicine Service at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System in Palo Alto, California, received the Peter E. Valk, MD, Memorial Award, which was created to honor the memory of Peter E. Valk, MD, a pioneer in the establishment of PET as an important clinical study. Segall has held several SNMMI leadership positions, including serving as SNMMI president (2011-2012). In addition, he served as a director of the American Board of Nuclear Medicine (ABNM) from 2009 to 2014 and has been the ABNM executive director since Kuhl-Lassen Lecture Award Karl Herholz, MD, professor of clinical neuroscience at the University of Manchester in Manchester, UK, received the Kuhl-Lassen Lecture Award, presented by the SNMMI Brain Imaging Council. The award recognizes a scientist who has made outstanding contributions and whose research in and service to the discipline of functional brain imaging is of the highest caliber. His lecture was titled, "Towards Theragnostic NeuroPET." Herholz leads neuroscience research at the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, with major focuses on the use of PET for early diagnosis and prevention of dementia, imaging of specific transmitter systems, deposition of pathological proteins and imaging of gliomas. He is also an honorary consultant at Salford Royal Hospital and the Nuclear Medicine Department, Central Manchester Foundation Trust. Before joining Manchester University, he worked as a clinical neurologist and professor of neurology at University Hospital and the Max-Planck Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Germany. Herholz has had leading roles in several international multicenter PET studies on neurodegenerative diseases. He is also principal investigator on a partnership grant for the MR-PET imaging network of the Dementia Platform UK and is a member of the Medical Research Council Neuroscience and Mental Health Board. His research has been published in more than 400 research papers and several books. WALTER WOLF YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD Raiyan Tripti Zaman, PhD, instructor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, received this year's Walter Wolf Young Investigator Award for her abstract titled "Harnessing Radioluminescence and Sound to Reveal Molecular Pathology of Atherosclerotic Plaques." In her postdoctoral work at Stanford University School of Medicine, Zaman developed a novel flexible fiber-optic catheter consisting of both a radio-luminescence and a fluorescence imaging system to detect vulnerable plaques. Working as a principal investigator under the mentorship of Professors Michael V. McConnell and Lei Xing, she also conducted independent research on an intravascular molecular imaging system to characterize plaque, and she developed a scintillating balloon-enabled fiber-optic radionuclide imaging (SBRI) system to improve the sensitivity and resolution of plaque imaging using 18F-FDG. Zaman is currently developing a Circumferential-Intravascular-Radioluminescence-Photoacoustic-Imaging (CIRPI) system to detect and characterize vulnerable plaques in human, mice and porcine models. MAJD-GILDAY YOUNG INVESTIGATOR AWARD Jingjing Zhang, MD, PhD, received the PIC Majd-Gilday Young Investigator Award, which honors two pioneers in the pediatric imaging field: Massoud Majd, MD, and David Gilday, MD. The award is given to young scientists for outstanding research contributions to the field of pediatric nuclear medicine. Zhang's winning abstract is titled "68Ga-NOTA-Aca-BBN (7-14) PET imaging of GRPR in children with optic pathway gliomas." Zhang is a physician and scientist of nuclear medicine at the PET Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) in China. She was a pre-doctoral visiting fellow at the Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine at the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and received her MD and PhD in 2015.Since then, she has successfully implemented a number of first-in-human PET probe studies and early phase clinical trials. Her research focuses on cancer molecular imaging, especially gallium-68 labeling peptides, and she has a long-standing interest in clinical translational and theranostic applications of targeted molecular probes. Zhang has received numerous awards, including the Women in Molecular Imaging Scholar Award, the SNMMI Alavi-Mandell Award and the Young Scientist Award from the Chinese American Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. HERMANN BLUMGART AWARD Sharmila Dorbala, MD, director of nuclear cardiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, was selected by SNMMI's Cardiovascular Council to receive the Hermann Blumgart Award. The award annually recognizes a key contributor to the science of nuclear cardiology who is also an advocate for the field through involvement with the society's research and educational activities. Dorbala's lecture at the SNMMI Annual Meeting was on "Expanding the Frontiers of Nuclear Cardiology: Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy." She is a cardiovascular imaging specialist with clinical expertise in nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and cardiac CT and has a successful track record of funded research in cardiac PET and cardiac amyloidosis. Her PET research has provided insights into management of ischemic heart diseases, and her research in cardiac amyloidosis uses advanced imaging to define mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction and identify early response to anti-amyloid therapy. Dorbala serves as an associate editor of Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging and the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology. She is an active member of SNMMI and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. TRACY LYNN FABER MEMORIAL AWARD Sepideh Shokouhi, PhD, received the Tracy Lynn Faber Memorial Award, given each year to support advancement of women in medical imaging sciences. Shokouhi is a graduate of Graz University of Technology in Austria and earned her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, she joined the Vanderbilt faculty as a research instructor and was appointed assistant professor in 2015. Shokouhi's research focuses on the development and application of computational methods (classification and estimation) in imaging with different modalities, such as PET, SPECT and MRI. She is especially interested in in vivo imaging of Alzheimer's disease in both human and transgenic mouse models. ### ABOUT THE SOCIETY OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated and helping provide patients with the best health care possible. SNMMI's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit http://www.snmmi.org. As the lesser spotted eagle is listed as endangered in Germany, Bernd-Ulrich Meyburg from BirdLife Germany (NABU) knows that the graceful bird of prey's future is far from assured in his home country. Meyburg explains that the German population has dwindled to just 110 breeding pairs in recent decades, largely due to habitat loss and persecution by poachers during their long migration to their overwintering sites in southern Africa. In a bid to stem the destruction of the German population, Meyburg has relocated 50 chicks from the more stable Latvian population some 940 km to the northeast in the hope of boosting the declining German numbers. However, it was not clear whether the translocated chicks would survive the gruelling migration to their overwintering sites in southern Africa and return to Germany instead of Lativa. In a paper published in Journal of Experimental Biology at http://jeb.biologists.org, Meyburg and his colleagues show that the translocated Latvian chicks are capable of returning successfully from South Africa, all be in it in small numbers, offering the hope that the German population can be rescued. 'I initiated the conservation project in the federal state of Brandenburg in 2004', says Meyburg, explaining that the scheme has not impacted the Latvian population, as he takes only the chicks that hatch second, which usually die within a matter of days. Meyburg and his international team of conservationists rescued the chicks -- referred to as 'Abels', after the biblical story of Cain and Abel -- even before they had hatched and reared them in Latvia, before relocating them to a secure hide -- known as a hack -- in the Schorfheide-Chorin reserve in Brandenburg. 'The small chicks are fed using a puppet that looks like the head of an adult bird', says Meyburg, adding, 'Once they are big enough to feed on their own, the food is introduced into the hacking chamber through a small hole in one of the solid walls ... to avoid imprinting on humans'. Then, in 2009, the team fitted lightweight GPS transmitters to 12 Latvian Abels, eight lesser spotted eagle youngsters from nearby nests and nine adults to track their departures and migrations. Meyburg recalls that the majority of the Abels embarked on their migration earlier than the other migrants, departing between 10 and 11 September, with a few remaining until 16-17 September. In contrast, most of the adults set off between 16 and 19 September, with the Brandenburg-hatched chicks departing between 14 and 16 September -- although one lingered until 26 September, when the final adult departed. However, when Meyburg analysed the bird's migrations, he realised that the Abels' early departure probably spelled disaster. Instead of following the route taken by the more experienced adults -- southeast across the Bosphorus and along the Eastern Mediterranean coast before entering Africa at Suez - most of the Abels struck out west before attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Meyburg explains that as eagles are large compared with many other migrants, they cannot sustain flapping flight and depend instead on thermals generated above land to remain airborne; without the benefit of lift-generating thermals, the inexperienced birds were doomed to fail as they crossed the water. Consequently, four of the youngsters perished in the Mediterranean and two died in North Africa, with only four completing the full migration. In contrast, just one of the eight youngsters that had hatched in Germany died on the outbound journey, following the same route as the experienced adults south across the Bosphorus. 'Juvenile lesser spotted eagles are highly dependent on adult guidance in order to survive their first migration and locate the traditional winter grounds', says Meyburg. Although it was clear that the epic round trip took a significant toll on all of the youngsters -- only two of the 12 2009 Abels returned, while just 25% of the German chicks made it home -- Meyburg is excited by the potential of the Abel conservation strategy. 'The greatest success was a Latvian male, which returned at the age of 2 years to the release site and fed there a few times', recalls Meyburg, adding that the youngster eventually reared his own chick near the site 3 years later. 'A new territory had been established which did not exist before', he says triumphantly. ### IF REPORTING THIS STORY, PLEASE MENTION JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AS THE SOURCE AND, IF REPORTING ONLINE, PLEASE CARRY A LINK TO: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/220/15/2765.abstract REFERENCE: Meyburg, B.-U., Bergmanis, U., Langgemach, T., Graszynski, K., Hinz, A., Bo?rner, I., Meyburg, C. and Vansteelant,W. M. G. (2017). Orientation of native versus translocated juvenile lesser spotted eagles (Clanga pomarina) on the first autumn migration. J. Exp. Biol. 220, 2765-2776. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.148932 This article is posted on this site to give advance access to other authorised media who may wish to report on this story. Full attribution is required, and if reporting online a link to jeb.biologists.com is also required. The story posted here is COPYRIGHTED. Therefore advance permission is required before any and every reproduction of each article in full. PLEASE CONTACT permissions@biologists.com Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology have developed a new type of photoinitiator for three-dimensional (3D) printing in water. These novel nanoparticles could allow for the creation of bio-friendly 3D printed structures, further the development of biomedical accessories, and drive progress in traditional industries such as plastics. 3D printing has become an important tool for fabricating different organic based materials for a variety of industries. However, printing structures in water has always been challenging due to a lack of water soluble molecules known as photoinitiators -- the molecules that induce chemical reactions necessary to form solid printed material by light. Now, writing in Nano Letters, Prof. Uri Banin and Prof. Shlomo Magdassi at the Hebrew University's Institute of Chemistry describe an efficient means of 3D printing in water using semiconductor-metal hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) as the photoinitiators. 3D printing in water opens exciting opportunities in the biomedical arena for tailored fabrication of medical devices and for printing scaffolds for tissue engineering. For example, the researchers envision personalized fabrication of joint replacements, bone plates, heart valves, artificial tendons and ligaments, and other artificial organ replacements. 3D printing in water also offers an environmentally friendly approach to additive manufacturing, which could replace the current technology of printing in organic based inks. Unlike regular photoinitiators, the novel hybrid nanoparticles developed by Prof. Banin and Prof. Magdassi present tunable properties, wide excitation window in the UV and visible range, high light sensitivity, and function by a unique photocatalytic mechanism that increases printing efficiency while reducing the amount of materials required to create the final product. The whole process can also be used in advanced polymerization modalities, such as two photon printers, which allows it to produce high resolution features. The research paper was featured in the American Chemical Society (ACS) Editor's Choice, where ACS offers free public access to new research of importance to the global scientific community, based on recommendations by the scientific editors of ACS journals from around the world. ACS is the leading publisher of peer-reviewed research journals in the chemical and related sciences. ### Prof. Magdassi is the Enrique Berman Chair in Solar Energy at the Hebrew University. Prof. Banin is the incumbent of the Alfred & Erica Larisch Memorial Chair at the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University. Researchers involved in this study are affiliated with the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and The Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in Israel, and the Institute of Systems Research and Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, in the United States. An Australian trapdoor spider, which usually moves no further than a couple of metres from where it was hatched, must have travelled to Australia over the Indian Ocean from South Africa, University of Adelaide research has shown. Found only on Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia, the trapdoor spider - Moggridgea rainbow - lives a very sedentary land-based lifestyle. But research published in the journal PLOS ONE today shows the spider belongs to a genus of trapdoor spiders otherwise found only in South Africa. "Conventional wisdom had suggested the spiders became split from their South African relations with the separation of Africa from Gondwana around 95 million years ago," says University of Adelaide PhD candidate Sophie Harrison, who also works as a Natural Resources Officer with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. "But our research showed that the divergence of M. rainbowi from African Moggridgea trapdoor spiders occurred sometime between two and 16 million years ago, well after the Africa-Gondwana separation. Likewise, the timing of divergence rules out the other alternative theory for the spiders arrival in Australia - that of being transported with humans, who arrived in Australia much later." The remaining and most logical theory of dispersal is long-distance ocean travel across the Indian Ocean from Africa to Australia. "At first thought, this does seem incredible," says Professor Andrew Austin, Ms Harrison's PhD supervisor. "But there are precedents of such ocean travel. Moggridgea are also found on the Comoros volcanic islands, 340 km from mainland Africa, however this is a relatively short distance compared with the 10,000 kms from South Africa to Kangaroo Island." The researchers suggest that a spider colony could have travelled across the oceans on a land 'raft' - a large chunk of land and vegetation washed out to sea. "The burrows they live in are quite stable and they would have been quite secure in their silk-lined tubes with their trapdoors closed - it was probably quite a safe way to travel," says Ms Harrison. To establish the connections between the Kangaroo Island and South African trapdoors the researchers generated DNA sequences from six molecular markers (genes) to compare the Kangaroo Island and South African species, which showed they belong to the same genus. 'Molecular clock' dating technology showed the inter-specific divergence time of 2-16 million years ago with separate populations on Kangaroo Island diverging between 1 and 6 million years ago. The spider is about the size of an Australian 10-cent piece. It lives in banks close to the ocean near American River and Western River on Kangaroo Island. The mother lays her eggs in a burrow and, when the conditions are right, the eggs hatch. The spiders move a couple of metres, set up their own burrows, and stay there for the rest of their lives, lunging out of their trapdoors at night to catch passing prey. ### Media Contact: Ms Sophie Harrison, PhD candidate, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide. Mobile: +61 (0)403 761 694, sophie.e.harrison@adelaide.edu.au Professor Andrew Austin, Associate Head of School - Research, School of Biological Sciences, Mobile:+61 (0)438 378 151, andy.austin@adelaide.edu.au Robyn Mills, Media Officer, Phone: +61 (0)8 8313 6341, Mobile: +61 (0)410 689 084, robyn.mills@adelaide.edu.au How prisoners dressed for executions says a lot about the condemned and the pageantry of American capital punishment, according to a UC study What would you wear to your own execution? It's a moot question in the United States now as most death row prisoners wear prison garb. But for more than two centuries, the choice was up to the condemned. And what they wore to the gallows or gas chamber spoke volumes both about the convicts and the culture of capital punishment, according to two sociologists with the University of Cincinnati. Associate professors Annulla Linders and Erynn Masi de Casanova will present the findings of their paper, "Dressed for Death: Execution Attire, Gender and Respectability," on Aug. 12 at the American Sociological Association's annual conference in Montreal. "People put on clothing for all sorts of life's performances. But since this is a final performance, it's quite significant," Linders said. No social science researcher has examined the idea of clothing as a public statement at executions. Linders studied newspaper accounts of executions for her UC research into capital punishment. One line in an 1800s story caught her attention: "He was dressed like a free man." Suddenly, it occurred to her that the choice of what to wear on your last day on Earth was fraught with significance. "That one quote somehow captured the tension between the convict and the state and the claims of respectability of both. After that, everything fell into place," she said. She invited McMicken College of Arts & Sciences colleague Masi de Casanova to collaborate on a new research project. Masi de Casanova had studied the social norms of clothing before, albeit those of workplace attire. This was something completely new, she said. "It's the collision of the mundane with the spectacular," Masi de Casanova said. "Everybody wakes up and puts clothes on to go to work or school. It's an everyday thing that everyone does. But what do you do when you wake up in the morning and get dressed for your own death?" Capital punishment has always fascinated Linders. She has studied the culture and practices of respectability and morality surrounding state-sponsored death. "I grew up in Sweden, which had its last execution in 1910. For me coming to the United States, the continued use of capital punishment was something that struck me as very, very strange," she said. "It was fundamentally incomprehensible. And it remains incomprehensible." Linders used the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center's database to get names and dates of the condemned and then spent days at the Library of Congress poring over 2,000 news accounts of executions between 1800 and 1965. She found a description of the prisoner's attire in stories written about 188 executions: 137 of men and 51 of women. Some of the stories were accompanied by an artist's sketch of the condemned, sometimes wearing a hood at the gallows or awaiting their fate in a cell. Newspaper photography became more common after the Civil War. But the UC researchers found no published photographs of the condemned at executions apart from one notorious example in the New York Daily News. A reporter smuggled a camera under his pants leg for the execution by electric chair of Ruth Snyder, who was convicted in 1927 of murdering her husband. The image of a woman strapped to an electric chair at Sing Sing prison became infamous. "It was outrageous," Linders said. The hidden-camera photo violated efforts by prison officials to drape these formal procedures in decorum, something Linders said prisons consciously tried to accomplish with uniformity of dress and ceremony throughout the sometimes-hideous commission of the execution. "There were periods in the early 20th century when states prohibited journalists from attending executions," Linders said. "It was in part because they were describing executions in such detail that even the more embarrassing details were splashed on the front pages." The UC researchers found some clear trends in what the condemned wore for this final grim catwalk. Male prisoners often donned new suits, usually in dark, somber colors and sometimes purchased for the occasion by the local sheriff. They would be freshly shaven with shined shoes or even a flower in a lapel. "Execution victims aimed to leave the world of the living with as much dignity and respectability as they could muster," their research paper concluded. "I feel it's an insistence on their identity as an individual and not just this crime they committed, whether they were guilty or not," Masi de Casanova said. Some prisoners refused the offer of a new suit and wore their own clothes to the hangman's noose, she said. "It's a place where they were free to resist in a situation in which they don't have a lot of agency," Masi de Casanova said. These final expressions of identity also manifest themselves in the convict's choice of his or her last meal, which most death penalty states still try to honor today. Photographer Henry Hargreaves replicated the final meals of death row inmates for his art series, "No Seconds." Religion, too, has always been a part of executions. Some convicts asked to be draped in a white hood or shroud as a symbol of their entry into heaven, the researchers found. "It seems like the women, especially, had an idea about how they wanted to look in their final moments. They were dressed as if they were going to a party," Masi de Casanova said. "And that was really disturbing to the audience to have to look at them and think of them as women they were putting to death." During the execution by electric chair of Martha Place, convicted of strangling her stepdaughter in 1899, the Brooklyn Eagle commented on the conspicuity of the witnesses in the gallery at Sing Sing prison. "The woman physician was bright looking, sharp in her movements and rapid in what she did. But her attire was what gave the scene a strange aspect. She wore a gray dress and a huge hat with pronounced crimson trimmings," the paper reported. "She looked so out of place in the execution chamber. It's so incongruous," Linders said. In fact, the more sensational the case, the more likely the reporters were to describe the attire the condemned was wearing, the UC researchers found. This was true of "professional poisoner" Martha Grinder, a reputed Pennsylvania serial killer convicted of murdering two women in 1865. Even the New York Times covered her trial and eventual hanging. Grinder chose "a fine merino dress of brown color, fitted loosely at the waist, with high neck and flowing sleeves fastened at the wrist," the Pittsburgh Post dutifully reported. "Her feet were encased in neat white hose and slippers." The newspaper found that Grinder seemed "more anxious about her personal appearance than the dread event soon to take place." As time went on, states began executing prisoners in centralized locations instead of at county courthouses. Executions became more consistent and impersonal, limiting the audience of witnesses to smaller and smaller groups of family or victims. In newspaper accounts, few convicts resisted their captors at the very end, facing their deaths not kicking and screaming but with resolve and dignity. "The idea is if you're a man, you have to face your death like a man," Linders said. "Executions when they're professionalized become increasingly permeated by masculinity. They become a masculine show." The UC researchers hope their presentation is well-received at the national sociology conference. But neither would speculate on what they might choose to wear if faced with their fateful own judgment day. "I don't think today we'd have a choice," Masi de Casanova said, "But I'd put a lot more thought into my last meal, that's for sure." ### URBANA, Ill. - For the majority of college students, having enough food is not on the list of challenges they face in their education. However, a recent study shows that, for some college students, hunger is definitely one of the problems they face and this can impede their ability to succeed in college. "Consistent with what most people probably believe intuitively, food insecurity is not a major issue at elite four-year campuses," says University of Illinois agricultural economist Craig Gundersen. "For example, here at Illinois, the median family income is $109,000 and only 6.1 percent of the entire student body are from the bottom twentieth percentile of national income levels. In fact, over half of the students at U of I come from the top 20 percent. I don't mean to say that none of the students at U of I has this problem, but it is quite rare." This, however, is not a rare problem at two-year colleges and vocational schools, Gundersen says. "The data show students who attend these schools are generally from poorer households. They don't have to live on campus in dorms with required meal plans in dining halls. In fact, they are more likely to be still living at home with their parents. If their parents are food insecure, then so are they. "There is also a greater percentage of students at two-year and vocational schools who are going back to school later. They are perhaps 25 years old and already heads of their own households, working to pay for their own tuition as well as their own family's needs," Gundersen says. Gundersen believes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) is the best social safety net to combat food insecurity in the United States. And this effort should be extended to college students, especially community college students. "Nearly one in five two-year college students live in a food-insecure household, but eligibility and take-up rates among college-age students are low," Gundersen says. "Policy makers may want to consider lowering the minimum number of off-campus work hours that are necessary for otherwise-eligible students to receive SNAP benefits." Gundersen says previous studies on this topic surveyed college students visiting food pantries and through voluntary online surveys. Not surprisingly, those studies found much higher percentages of students, as high as 60 percent, being food insecure on four-year campuses. "With a rigorous study like the one my colleagues and I conducted, the numbers are not as dramatic, but they are more descriptive of what's actually going on," Gundersen says. "Some 13 percent of college students at four-year schools are food insecure, which mirrors the national average of the entire population. And 21 percent of students in two-year and vocational schools are food insecure. These data tell a more complete story." For this study, Gundersen and his colleagues use data from the October and December supplements to the Current Population Survey. It is a survey conducted by the Census Bureau that gathers information from questionnaires from approximately 60,000 households nationwide. The October supplement includes questions about education and members of the household who are enrolled in school. The December supplement addresses questions about SNAP benefits and food insecurity. Gundersen adds that people on four-year campuses who are really struggling with food insecurity are not the students. "...it's the people cleaning up after our students, cooking, and serving food in the dining halls. Those are the people with low incomes who are at severe danger of food insecurity and have high rates of food insecurity." ### The study, "Assessing food insecurity on campus: A national look at food insecurity among America's college students," is written by Kristin Blagg, Craig Gundersen, Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, and James P. Ziliak. It is published online by the Urban Institute. This report was funded in part by the Lumina Foundation and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the US Department of Agriculture. Gundersen is the Soybean Industry Endowed Professor in Agricultural Strategy and professor in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois and a member of the Division of Nutritional Sciences. COLUMBIA, Mo. - The past few decades have seen the rise of global incentive programs offering payments to landowners to help reduce tropical deforestation. Until now, assessments of these programs have largely overlooked decreases in forest diversity. In what might be a first of its kind study, University of Missouri researchers have integrated forest imaging with field-level inventories and landowner surveys to assess the impact of conservation payments in Ecuador's Amazon Basin forests. They found that conservation payment programs are making a difference in the diversity of tree species in protected spaces. Further, the species being protected are twice as likely to be of commercial timber value and at risk of extinction. "It has been widely proven that degradation of tropical forests have major implications for carbon cycles and biodiversity; yet, destruction of these forests still occur at alarming rates," said Francisco Aguilar, associate professor of forestry in the MU School of Natural Resources. "More than 7 billion acres of tropical rain forests were destroyed between 1995 and 2015, so policy makers established voluntary compensation programs to slow down tropical deforestation and degradation. While these programs seem to be making a difference, there aren't enough on-the-ground evaluation tools to see if biodiversity is being maintained, too. Therefore, we looked for other ways to observe the value of these payments for forest conservation." Philip Mohebalian, a former doctoral student in Aguilar's group who now works for the World Wildlife Fund, built a methodology to assess degradation in Ecuador. Using remote images, Mohebalian combined inventories of Amazon rain forests with face-to-face surveys with landowners receiving payments for their conservation efforts through Ecuador's Socio Bosque Program (PSB). Findings revealed that PSB prevented 9 percent of enrolled forest area from being deforested between 2008 and 2014, which is higher than previous assessments conducted through mostly imaging alone. An inventory of the species represented in the study revealed one to two more species per 100 acres than non-enrolled forests. "To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to estimate differences in forest degradation associated with a forest conservation payment program," Mohebalian said. "Field-level data, while more expensive and time consuming, could add value to remotely sensed evaluations. We found that upon closer observation that several of the species being preserved are under great commercial pressure for timber putting them at greater risk of extinction--observations that might be lost in high-level imaging such as those derived from satellites." These assessments offer evidence that on-the-ground studies bringing together biophysical forest observations with socioeconomic factors offer a deeper understanding of the value of tropical forest conservation programs, Aguilar said. The study, "Beneath the Canopy: Tropical forests enrolled in conservation payments reveal evidence of less degradation," recently was published in the current issue of Ecological Economics. Funding was provided by the University of Missouri Research Board and Research Council; the Doris D. and Christine M. Brown Fellowship; the USDA National Needs Fellowship; and a USDA International Science and Education Grant. Bolier Torres at the Unversidad Estata Amazonica; Lucas Lobez at the Universidad National de Misiones (Argentina); and Leonardo Zurita-Arthos and Maria Borja at Universidad San Francisco de Quito contributed to the study. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding agencies. ### Scientists have found compelling evidence for a stratosphere on an enormous planet outside our solar system. The planet's stratosphere--a layer of atmosphere where temperature increases with higher altitudes--is hot enough to boil iron. WASP-121b, located approximately 900 light years from Earth, is a gas giant exoplanet commonly referred to as a "hot Jupiter." An international team of researchers, led by the University of Exeter with contributions from the University of Maryland, made the new discovery by observing glowing water molecules in WASP-121b's atmosphere using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The research is published in the August 3, 2017 issue of the journal Nature. Previous research spanning the past decade has indicated possible evidence for stratospheres on other exoplanets, but this is the first time that glowing water molecules have been detected--the clearest signal yet to indicate an exoplanet stratosphere. "When it comes to distant exoplanets, which we can't see in the same detail as other planets here in our own solar system, we have to rely on proxy techniques to reveal their structure," said Drake Deming, a professor of astronomy at UMD and a co-author of the study. "The stratosphere of WASP-121b so hot it can make water vapor glow, which is the basis for our analysis." To study the gas giant's stratosphere, scientists used spectroscopy to analyze how the planet's brightness changed at different wavelengths of light. Water vapor in the planet's atmosphere, for example, behaves in predictable ways in response to certain wavelengths of light, depending on the temperature of the water. At cooler temperatures, water vapor blocks light from beneath it. But at higher temperatures, the water molecules glow. The phenomenon is similar to what happens with fireworks, which get their colors when metallic substances are heated and vaporized, moving their electrons into higher energy states. Depending on the material, these electrons will emit light at specific wavelengths as they lose energy. For example, sodium produces orange-yellow light and strontium produces red light. The water molecules in the atmosphere of WASP-121b similarly give off radiation as they lose energy, but it is in the form of infrared light, which the human eye is unable to detect. "Theoretical models have suggested that stratospheres may define a special class of ultra-hot exoplanets, with important implications for the atmospheric physics and chemistry," said Tom Evans, research fellow at the University of Exeter and lead author of the study. "When we pointed Hubble at WASP-121b, we saw glowing water molecules, implying that the planet has a strong stratosphere." WASP-121b has a greater mass and radius than Jupiter, making it much puffier. The exoplanet orbits its host star every 1.3 days, and the two bodies are about as close as they can be to each other without the star's gravity ripping the planet apart. This close proximity also means that the top of the atmosphere is heated to a blazing hot 2,500 degrees Celsius - the temperature at which iron exists in gas rather than solid form. "This new research is the smoking gun evidence scientists have been searching for when studying hot exoplanets," said Professor David Sing, an associate professor of astrophysics at the University of Exeter and a co-author of the research paper. "We have discovered this hot Jupiter has a stratosphere, a common feature seen in most of our solar system planets." In Earth's stratosphere, ozone traps ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which raises the temperature of this layer of atmosphere. Other solar system bodies have stratospheres, too--methane is responsible for heating in the stratospheres of Jupiter and Saturn's moon Titan, for example. In solar system planets, the change in temperature within a stratosphere is typically less than 100 degrees Celsius. However, on WASP-121b, the temperature in the stratosphere rises by 1,000 degrees Celsius. "We've measured a strong rise in the temperature of WASP-121b's atmosphere at higher altitudes, but we don't yet know what's causing this dramatic heating," said Nikolay Nikolov, co-author and research fellow at the University of Exeter. "We hope to address this mystery with upcoming observations at other wavelengths." Vanadium oxide and titanium oxide gases are candidate heat sources, as they strongly absorb starlight at visible wavelengths, much like ozone absorbs UV radiation. These compounds are expected to be present in only the hottest of hot Jupiters, such as WASP-121b, as high temperatures are required to keep them in the gaseous state. Indeed, vanadium oxide and titanium oxide are commonly seen in brown dwarfs, 'failed stars' that have some commonalities with exoplanets. NASA's forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope will be able to follow up on the atmospheres of planets like WASP-121b with higher sensitivity than any telescope currently in space. "This super-hot exoplanet is going to be a benchmark for our atmospheric models, and will be a great observational target moving into the Webb era," said Hannah Wakeford, a research fellow at the University of Exeter and a co-author of the research paper. ### This press release was adapted from text provided by the University of Exeter. This research was supported by NASA (Award No. HST-GO-14767), the European Research Council (Award Nos. 336792, 724427 and 247060-PEPS), the French National Agency for Research (Award No. ANR-12-BS05-0012), the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (Award No. AYA2014-54348-C3-2-R), the National Science Foundation, the European Space Agency, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the French National Center for Space Studies, the State of Tennessee, and the Leverhulme Trust. The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations. The research paper, "An ultrahot gas-giant exoplanet with a stratosphere," Thomas Evans et al., was published in the journal Nature on August 3, 2017. Media Relations Contacts: University of Exeter: Duncan Sandes, +44 01392 722391, d.sandes@exeter.ac.uk University of Maryland: Matthew Wright, 301-405-9267, mewright@umd.edu University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences 2300 Symons Hall College Park, MD 20742 http://www.cmns.umd.edu @UMDscience About the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland educates more than 7,000 future scientific leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programs each year. The college's 10 departments and more than a dozen interdisciplinary research centers foster scientific discovery with annual sponsored research funding exceeding $150 million. BALTIMORE, Md. - The University of Maryland School of Medicine's (UM SOM) Institute for Global Health (IGH) and the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) have been awarded a $2 million five-year grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study the impact exposure to HIV has on the immune systems of infants in utero and how those changes impact the ability of infants to fight off infections after birth. The research will be conducted at the IGH's long-standing research site in Blantyre, Malawi and will follow pregnant women during pregnancy until the infants reach nine months of age. Research will be conducted at the Blantyre Malaria Project (BMP) Research Clinic in the Ndirande Health Centre, which is an affiliate of the University of Malawi College of Medicine. UM SOM researchers have been conducting clinical studies among pregnant women and others living with HIV at this location since 1998. The Principal Investigators for the UM SOM Grant are Cristiana Cairo, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in IHV and Miriam K. Laufer, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Malaria Research and Associate Director of IGH. "Our long-term goal is to identify an approach for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV that also minimizes the impact of maternal infection on the immune development of infants exposed to HIV but not infected," said Drs. Cairo and Laufer. The research comes as nearly 30 percent of all infants born in sub-Saharan Africa are exposed to HIV in utero but are uninfected at birth. It is estimated that in sub-Saharan Africa alone, more than 13.8 million women of childbearing age are living with HIV infection and more than 1.5 million HIV-positive women give birth each year. Women in sub-Saharan Africa are routinely screened for HIV infection at their first pre-natal visit, which typically takes place at in the second or third trimester. They are then treated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) if diagnosed with HIV infection. While most infants prenatally exposed to HIV do not become infected as a result ART, these infants still have higher morbidity and mortality in the first two years of life due to common infections. The precise mechanism of the increased susceptibility to infection is not yet known and this study will provide one of the most in-depth immunological investigations to begin to understand this phenomenon. Adaptive Immune Responses of Infants UM SOM researchers will analyze the adaptive immune responses of infants with different HIV exposure in utero. They will compare if infants born to HIV-infected mothers who were on ART prior to conception are different from mothers who are first diagnosed with HIV infection and treated during their pregnancy. The first group of infants will be exposed to very low levels of HIV, while the second will be exposed to a high level of HIV infection throughout most of the mother's pregnancy The study could ultimately lead to earlier HIV testing and related pre-natal care. "Early HIV testing in all women of child bearing age may have a significant impact on infant health and survival," said Dr. Laufer, who is also Director of the Division of Malaria Research and Associate Director of Institute of Global Health. "It is of critical importance to clearly understand the impact of maternal HIV infection on exposed uninfected infant immunity, in order to identify the right strategy to improve the health of HIV-exposed infants throughout the world," said Dr. Cairo. ### Co-investigators for this project include Kirsten E. Lyke, MD., Associate Professor of Medicine; Marcelo B. Sztein, MD, Professor of Pediatrics; and Franklin R. Toapanta Yanchapaxi, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine. This research is supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U01HD092308 Chapel Hill, N.C. - Ebola virus RNA can persist in the semen of survivors more than two years after the onset of infection researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found. The research team, which included investigators from Ohio-based Clinical Research Management and the ELWA Hospital in Liberia also observed the detection of Ebola virus RNA in the semen of men who had previously had a negative test of their semen in some cases. These findings led the study team to suggest revision of the 2016 World Health Organization guidelines relating to the sexual transmission of Ebola, which calls for men who survive Ebola virus disease (EVD) to undertake measures such as abstinence and the use of condoms for at least 12 months after the onset of EVD or until their semen has tested negative for Ebola virus RNA twice. The study results were published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. Male participants enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study of Ebola survivors in Monrovia, Liberia, consented to donating semen. Of the 149 men who provided samples, 13 tested positive for Ebola virus RNA. Of these 13 men, 11 had positive results even two years after the onset of Ebola infection. "Our finding of long term persistence and intermittent detection of viral RNA in semen suggests we need to change how we think about Ebola as it is no longer only an acute illness, but also one with potential long-term effects," said William A. Fischer II, M.D., an assistant professor in the UNC Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and the study's co-author. "It is becoming clear that in some survivors, evidence of the virus can linger in the male genital tract for long periods of time with important potential implications for transmission." Fischer notes that while there has been documented sexual transmission of Ebola earlier after acute infection, it is not known whether the presence of RNA serves as a correlate for infectious virus and if transmission this far out is possible. The study team also reports that the men whose samples tested positive for Ebola virus RNA were more likely to be older than those with a negative result. Those who had Ebola virus RNA detected in their semen also complained of vision problems at a higher rate than male survivors without evidence of Ebola virus RNA in their semen. The researchers recommend future studies investigate the source of viral persistence and whether the detection of viral RNA signifies the presence of infectious virus. The large Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014 to 2015 was devastating to the people in West Africa and beyond, said David A. Wohl, M.D., professor of Infectious Diseases at UNC and study co-author. "However, the scale of the epidemic has allowed for researchers to gain better insights into the Ebola virus, including the potential persistence of the virus in certain compartments of the body, such as the genital tract," Wohl said. The researchers stress that such studies must be conducted in a way that empowers the Ebola survivor community and avoids further stigmatization. ### The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health supported this study. The mission of UNC's Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases is to harness the full resources of the University and its partners to solve global health problems, reduce the burden of disease, and cultivate the next generation of global health leaders. Learn more at http://www.globalhealth.unc.edu. Patients with advanced cancer who suffer cardiac arrest in the hospital have a survival rate of less than 10 percent--half the rate of other patients without cancer, according to a nationwide study led by the University of Rochester Medical Center. The data helps to clear up some myths in medicine about cardiac arrest survival and can be used as a guidepost when hospitalized cancer patients and their families consider do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, said Jeffrey T. Bruckel, M.D., a third-year postdoctoral fellow in cardiology at URMC, who led the research. "We're hopeful that our study in some way will help doctors and cancer patients make more informed decisions about the end of life," Bruckel said. "It's very important to have early, frank, discussions around the goals of care." The study was published by the Journal of Oncology Practice in a special end-of-life care edition. Researchers from Rochester and collaborating institutions used a nationwide resuscitation registry to evaluate survival after cardiac arrest of more than 47,000 people at 369 hospitals. Patients who were in for surgery (before, during, and after), emergency room treatment, rehabilitation, or treatment from cardiac catheterization labs or interventional radiology were excluded from the study, as were patients with implantable defibrillators. Of the 47,157 patients who experienced cardiac arrest, 6,585 or 14 percent had advanced cancer at the time of the arrest. Researchers also looked at how resuscitation efforts occurred. Another myth in medicine is that patients with advanced cancer receive less aggressive resuscitation care, but researchers found no evidence of that happening, Bruckel said. In fact, the average time that doctors worked to resuscitate all patients (cancer and non-cancer) ranged from about 22 to 24 minutes, the study showed. However, after cancer patients were successfully resuscitated, they more often signed DNR orders during the next 48 hours. When outcomes of cancer and non-cancer patients were compared, results showed that 57.5 percent of the cancer patients were resuscitated successfully but only 9.6 percent survived to be discharged from the hospital; whereas 63 percent of the non-cancer patients were successfully resuscitated and 19.2 percent survived to the time of discharge. Researchers reported several limitations to the study, including a lack of detailed data on the types of advanced cancer and cancer treatments being given used at the time of cardiac arrest. ### The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the Veterans Administration funded the study. Senior author is Brahmajee K. Nallamothu, M.D., professor of Cardiology at the University of Michigan and Bruckel's mentor while he trained in Michigan prior to coming to Rochester. Other collaborators were from the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, St. Luke's Mid-America Heart Institute, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Minneapolis Heart Institute. The University of Rochester Medical Center is home to approximately 3,000 individuals who conduct research on everything from cancer and heart disease to Parkinson's, pandemic influenza, and autism. Spread across many centers, institutes, and labs, our scientists have developed therapies that have improved human health locally, in the region, and across the globe. To learn more, visit urmc.rochester.edu/research. Farmers across the UK are showcasing their #EnvionmentalSuccess following a challenge put to the industry during an NFU seminar in Wales. A discussion on productive agriculture and the environment, which was chaired by NFU Cymru rural affairs board chair Hedd Pugh, was held at the Royal Welsh Show. During the Q&A session, Monmouthshire NFU Cymru vice chair Kate Beavan raised a point which resonated with many farmers. She said farmers are already doing great work on farm, to protect and enhance the environment alongside their core food production role, and added, 'what else would you like us to do?' Rachel Lewis-Davies fully agreed with Kate Beavan and added: "We as farmers know the great work thats taking place on farms across the UK. "Farmers manage over 80% of the land area of Wales and are a huge contributor to the tourism industry worth 2.8 billion. "676,000 hectares of farmed land is looked after under agri-environment schemes and productive farming is being coupled with environmental protection and enhancement. "But what we haven't done is celebrated our own success as an industry enough. "We must take every opportunity to promote our efforts and to ensure that everyone is aware of the great work that farmers are doing 365 days of the year." Mr Pugh said: "We had a fascinating panel discussion and it is evident that we can all learn from each other. "I would encourage farmers from across the UK to get involved in this great initiative." The British public has a 'rosy' view of farming life that does not match up to the tough realities of the profession, according to a new report by The Prince's Countryside Fund. When asked to estimate annual incomes of UK farmers, the study found the public's guess averaged more than double the true figure. And 12% of 18 to 24-year-olds are so unfamiliar with the countryside they have never seen cattle in person. The writers of the report, entitled 'Who'd be a Farmer Today', said it highlighted a disconnect between the positive perception and the tough realities of the job. Lord Curry, chairman of the Prince's Countryside Fund said the profession was 'not widely understood.' "Unfortunately, for one of the oldest professions which contributes over 108bn a year to the economy, the reality can be very different. "Farmers work long hard hours, receive modest pay for their efforts, have financial instability and are now faced with growing uncertainty. "The farming industry needs support from the British public through the buying of home produced food to help maintain its viability for the future." 'Real pressure' Almost one in ten estimated a farmer's annual income to be at least 75,000. Yet the reality is, as government figures show, that average farm incomes fell below 20,000 in 2015, to their lowest since 2007. The survey also shows that 17% of farms have been unable to pay off their short-term debts with 66% of UK dairy farms having closed since 1995, and of those that remain, many have been forced to rely on credit. The research revealed a contradiction in public attitudes to supporting UK farms financially. The report identified that 50% of people are willing to pay more for items such as milk to support local farmers, with 21% willing to pay up to 50p more. However, only 15% said that UK production was the main motivator in purchasing food. The most common influence (42%) was price. Jimmy Doherty, pig farmer and television presenter said: "Not all is rosy on the nation's farms. "Many farmers are under real pressure from falling prices for their produce. "This is forcing some into debt that they are struggling to repay. "How we choose to interpret these answers will determine the place within that society of the hard-working, dedicated and talented individuals who toil to put food on our plates." The UK can't have it both ways on food standards when it leaves the EU, Scottish rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing has said. Trade secretary Liam Fox is currently in discussions over a US-UK trade deal whilst another minister, Defra secretary Michael Gove has said food standards will not be compromised. Mr Ewing has said the current situation is 'concerning and confusing.' "The EU-wide food safety and animal health and welfare standards which Scotland and the UK currently adhere to are some of the highest in the world. "The USA at present has some way to catch up on our standards. "For example, the EU has banned the importation of certain foods which are produced in a particular way, including hormone-treated cattle or chlorine washed poultry. "Scotland and the UK proudly boasts a gold standard level of animal welfare, the chicken industry is no exception. "The quality of the food we eat is of the utmost importance and we expect a high standard of welfare in our production process. It is imperative that any trade deal agreed in the wake of the Brexit process does not compromise our values in this area." Media 'obsessed' The Lords urged the Government to include high farm welfare standards in any trade agreements negotiated post-Brexit and said there was no reason quality should slip after the UK leaves the bloc. A spokesperson for Theresa May said: "Our position when it comes to food is that maintaining safety and public confidence in the food we eat is the highest priority and any future trade deal must work for UK farmers, businesses and consumers." Mr Ewing said British producers need confidence that current welfare rules will still apply as a high standard to keep competitive in the future. "Consumers will also seek assurance that the high safety and quality standards of the food they buy are maintained," he said. Dr Fox said: "The British media are obsessed with chlorine-washed chickens, a detail of the very end stage of one sector of a potential free trade agreement." US President Donald Trump has said he wants US agriculture to have more access to British markets after the UK leaves the EU. Mr Trump criticised the EU's trading relationship with the US on food products. He said American farmers 'can't deal' with the EU as they are 'very, very protectionist.' Twitter "Our farmers and others can't even deal with them, you can't sell in. It's very unfair. And that's what I've been talking about for a long time," he told the Wall Street Journal. "It's so stacked against the United States," the President said. "Among the most, we have farm products that you just can't get into the EU. And we don't do that to them." Asked if that could include an 'agriculture deal' with the United Kingdom post-Brexit, Mr Trump said he made similar deals with China. "I said, do me a favour, will you allow cattle, please, to come in? "I was last night in West Virginia, and I had farmers coming up to me and hugging me and kissing me because of the cattle stuff." The interview on 25 July came as International Trade Secretary Liam Fox was in Washington for talks with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer. Welfare standards Trade secretary Liam Fox is currently in discussions over a US-UK trade deal whilst another minister, Defra secretary Michael Gove has said food standards will not be compromised. Speaking to BBC's Today programme, Mr Gove said all members of the government were 'agreed' that animal welfare standards will not be diluted. "I made it perfectly clear, and indeed this is something on which all members of the government are agreed, that we are not going to dilute our high animal welfare standards or our high environmental standards in pursuit of any trade deal," the Defra secretary said. But Scottish rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said the current situation is 'concerning and confusing.' "The USA at present has some way to catch up on our standards," he said. "For example, the EU has banned the importation of certain foods which are produced in a particular way, including hormone-treated cattle or chlorine washed poultry. "Scotland and the UK proudly boasts a gold standard level of animal welfare, the chicken industry is no exception. "The quality of the food we eat is of the utmost importance and we expect a high standard of welfare in our production process. It is imperative that any trade deal agreed in the wake of the Brexit process does not compromise our values in this area." Whether you have a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weeklys Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Mike Westbrook of Thrings advises on a tricky family situation involving a farming partnership. Q I have a farm that is in trust, which I rent with my two sons. My eldest son runs his own separate business and has done so for 20 years. He has no contact with the farm. My youngest son runs the farm with me. The problem is that the two sons dont get on at all and my youngest son would like to run the farm on his own, but his brother still insists he is a partner (although there has never been anything in writing) and that he is entitled to see the accounts, for example. Please advise on the best way forward so my son who does the farming can do so without hassle from his brother. A The best way for the writers elder son to be able to manage the farming partnership independently from his brother is to determine (if it is right to do so) that the elder brother is not a partner. Mike Westbrook Partner, Thrings Partner, Thrings It seems there is likely to be a partnership between the writer and his younger son. However, do the arrangements on the farm, as a matter of law, constitute a partnership of the farming business between the writer and both sons? See also: Business Clinic can I sell stored caravan to cover unpaid storage fees? The most straightforward way of identifying the nature of partnership arrangements is by reference to a written partnership agreement. However, as there is not one here, it would be necessary to rely on the rules for establishing whether a partnership exists as set out in the Partnership Act 1890, as well as various legal cases on the point. Under the Act, a partnership can arise without any documentation when two or more people carry on a business in common with a view of profit. It is necessary to look at the arrangements themselves and all of the relevant background and history, which determine the existence and nature of the partnership, rather than the intentions of the individuals. There is not sufficient evidence in the question to reach a conclusion, but several points and queries would need to be addressed: Is the elder brother currently included in the farming partnership accounts and does he share in the profit from the farming business? If not, it is evidence that he is not a partner in the farming business. It would also be difficult for him to argue that he has become a partner without any involvement in the business. Has the elder brother been part of the farming partnership at any point? If so, what was he entitled to as a partner in terms of sharing of profits and partnership capital? Has he had any payments from the partnership in lieu of that which would indicate his retirement/removal? The two businesses (the farming business and elder brothers business) appear to be run entirely separately and the elder brother has no day-to-day involvement in running the farm. That is a good indicator that, even if he once was a partner in the farming business, he no longer is one. Are separate accounts prepared for the farming business and the elder brothers business? Does the farming business have a separate bank account from the elder brothers business? Is the elder brother on the mandate of the farm business account? The writer explains that the farm is rented to the writer and his two sons, but that the businesses are carried on separately. Does the elder brother conduct his business from the farm premises? If not, it would be a further indication that the businesses are separate from one another. If the elder brothers business is run from the farm, does he pay rent for the part of the farm he occupies separately from any rent paid by the farming business? No one of these factors and questions will determine whether the elder brother is a partner in the farming business. Rather, as mentioned above, it will be necessary to look at the arrangements in the round. Even if the writer and his younger son are able, on the basis of sound legal advice, to say with confidence to the elder brother that he is not a partner in the farming business, there remains the issue as to whether that alone will be sufficient to convince him to leave his younger brother alone to run the farm. If the elder brother continues to dispute that he is not part of the farming partnership and continues to cause issues, ultimately the matter would need to be decided by the court, although that would be costly and time-consuming. A further issue to consider is whether the elder brother has a tenancy of the farm land, together with the writer and his younger brother, and what form that takes. Unfortunately there is not enough information to give any meaningful advice at this stage. If there is one, it may be possible to bring the tenancy to an end, but this would need careful consideration alongside the partnership advice, particularly if the tenancy is an asset of the partnership. This is a complex situation and both the law and procedure heavily depend on your specific facts. It is therefore recommended that you seek specialist independent legal advice to assess your situation. Do you have a question for the panel? Outline your legal, tax, finance, insurance or farm management question in no more than 350 words and Farmers Weekly will put it to a member of the panel. Please give as much information as possible. Send your enquiry to Business Clinic, Farmers Weekly, RBI, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS. You can also email your question to fwbusinessclinic@rbi.co.uk. Upland sheep farmers in the Black Mountains of Wales have secured 1m in funding to help improve the viability of traditional farming practices in the area. The Black Mountains Land Use Partnership (BMLUP) will use the grant from the Welsh government to ensure the continued improvement, restoration and sustainable management of natural resources. This includes bracken management, heather regeneration, improvement of grazing land and protection of peat resources. See also: How selling mutton and hogget is benefiting upland sheep farm Improvements to livestock access will aid stock management and also provide a better visitor experience to the area. Long process The Black Mountains consist of an expanse of upland common that spans Wales and England across the counties of Breconshire, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire. The funding has been awarded through the Welsh governments Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. National Sheep Association chief executive and BMLUP chairman Phil Stocker welcomed the funding. He said it was the culmination of a huge amount of commitment to a process that took more than a year. The Black Mountains is a living and working landscape that is dependent on the viability of hundreds of private businesses working within, and being reliant on, an environment and landscape that is sustainable, attractive and delivers multiple economic, environmental and social outcomes. This grant will not only make a huge difference to the future of its rural communities, but also to the people who visit the area. The partnership consists of key stakeholders including graziers from the Black Mountains Graziers Association, a number of private landowners, along with public land owning bodies such as the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England and Welsh Water. The BMLUP also intends to develop a rural skills programme, engage with schools and create employment opportunities such as two partnership ranger posts. Has Georgia Become an... "Elsewhere"? - Edward Lucas's Hard Truth on Georgia - GeorgianJournal The Age of Quantum Computers is upon us! Features oi -Vijeta Quantum Computers will one day take over today's conventional computers however the technology is still under development and it will take a complete shape by 2030s. The first electronic computer that was ever invented was the Turing Machine developed in 1936 which was a bulky device that had a size of a room and had very limited operations. By 1977 full-scale computers capable of complex computation and data processing started shipping in from companies including Apple and Commodore. In 1984 Mac came up with unrivaled GUI in color display. In 1989 first hand held computer from Atari surface. IBM was first among its competitors to come up with a touchscreen device back in 1992. The first iPhone came to life in the year 2000. We are currently in 2017 and we now have thousands of devices around us that are constantly functioning to make our lives better and comfortable. No, I am not giving you a flashback of the computer innovation through years. I would rather suggest you give attention to the dates of the aforementioned line of events. It is surprising how far we have come and in less than 100 years. Technology is like a set of endless dominoes toppling one after the other. So if you think we are too far ahead and there is nothing more that the world of computers can offer us, let me tell you something about the Quantum Computers. Quantum Computers make direct use of quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform operations on data. They are different from binary digital electronic computers that use transistors. Conventional computing uses binary algorithm whereas quantum computation uses quantum bits. The development of quantum computers is still in the process although theoretical and practical research is being carried out make the technology more and more useable. Several national governments and military agencies are already funding quantum computing research to develop quantum computers. To give you a better perspective of what a Quantum Computer actually is, consider this fact, Once Quantum Computers are developed to their full-scale efficiency you will have laptops that perform as fast as today's super computers. Full-scale quantum computing is yet a simulation or rather an imagination. Commercialization of Quantum Computers is a dream far ahead of us and to be honest, a normal consumer has practically no use of such fast computing. Super computers have been developed to study and create complex and gigantic models such as running the simulation of the World's weather, molecular dynamics or simulating cosmic events. Such models use complicated equations and hence the super computers. Imagine all that power in your PC and you have nothing more to do with it than run Crysis or Modern Battlefield on it. Quantum computers will take away the bulky size of super computers but what purpose will they serve for a normal consumer is an unexplored territory. You will have to wait until 2050 to actually get your hands on quantum computing. Experts believe that by 2020 Quantum Computers will find a physical shape to exist in. The 2030s and 2040 will give them a use in a feasible form factor at research centers that currently use super computers. 2050 will mark their rise and by that time who knows even kids might find molecular dynamics an interesting topic to give time to. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Twenty Four Seven Hotels (www.247hotels.com), renowned leaders in hotel management, investment, and development, announce the appointment of Jonathan Kubo as vice president of people resources. The newly-appointed Kubo brings 25 years of hospitality experience to the company. Kubo has a strong background in hotel management human resources, working with properties throughout the United States. After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in business, Kubo went on to hold prestigious positions with notable brands, including his most recent post as senior director of global human resources at Oakwood Worldwide, where he received the Presidentas Award for outstanding service. Prior to that, he was a director of corporate recruiting and relocation services for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, where he gained deep-seeded multi-brand, franchise experience. During his illustrious career, Kubo has also served as HR director for a Marriott resort property in Vail and the 1500-room San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Along with corporate staff, he will lead communication with property management and associates regarding all HR-related matters, including, but not limited to, training corporate and hotel leadership, recruitment, development, workforce planning, labor relations, legal compliance, assisting in property investigations and facilitating resolutions. In his pivotal role, Kubo will also spearhead talent acquisition for the rapidly expanding brand, which currently has just over 600 employees. Kubo will manage his department of three team members while working with corporate and property-level leadership to enhance company culture and ensure approachable and timely counsel relative to professional performance including benefits, bonuses and incentive programs. Viceroy Snowmass, one of Colorados top year-round modern luxury mountain resorts, is pleased to announce Robert Purdy as General Manager effective Monday, July 31. Purdys 30+ years of hospitality experience informs his hands-on approach to day-to-day operations of the hotel, upholding and furthering Viceroy Snowmass commitment to providing intuitive service and exceptional guest experiences. Purdys many achievements in leadership spans across the United States with deep history at Hyatt Hotels. He joins Viceroy Snowmass having served as General Manager at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino where he grew customer service scores to record levels, as well as Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa in Colorado where he lead the hotel to all-time profitability and revenue levels. Purdy further worked in various sales and marketing roles within Hyatt Hotels in destinations such as Monterey, San Diego, Hilton Head, Las Vegas and Chicago. Purdy is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned his B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Hetras is pleased to reveal its new logo, part of the visual brand identity update. According to Hauke Lenthe, Executive Vice President of Hetras, "We have been on a fantastic trajectory with our mother company, Shiji, and, by introducing Hetras to Asia Pacific, are becoming an increasingly important part of their business. We are bringing new products to Europe, like Shiji Distribution and Payment Services, as well as new interface technologies and a cloud-based Point of Sale. Now it's time for our brand to embody the company we have become." Shijis driving goal is to create a data-driven economy and cloud-based environment, in order to serve their customers in the best possible way. "This is the reason we acquired Hetras last year in August," says Kevin King, COO of Shiji. "We wanted to have a company incorporated in Shiji that has the ability to thrive in a digital environment, as well as having forward thinking, human-centered technology. We also went through a transition phase at the beginning of this year and want now to present our different technology's brands under the unified umbrella of Shiji. We are expanding into the US and Europe, in order to be also recognized outside the Asia Pacific area," King adds. About Shiji Founded in 1998, Shiji's aim is to become a "big data" application service platform operator. Shiji has become the leading manufacturer of Chinese hotel information systems after three successful transformations. At the same time, Shiji is gradually expanding from hotel to catering and retail industries, becoming the major software supplier to both industries. Now, Shiji is responsible for approximately 60% to 70% of the market share in the high end sector of hotel and retail industries and possesses a leading position in the catering industry. The estimated annual revenue of Shiji clients can be as high as RMB 5 trillion. Shiji has completed three successful transformations since its establishment. It is now experiencing the 4th transformation dedicating itself to be a "big data" driven consumer application service platform operator. Shiji has introduced consulting, IT solutions and data platform services. Meanwhile, Shiji is developing worldwide leading products and technologies aiming for the international market and speeding up its globalization progress. Currently Shiji has more than 50 subsidiaries with about 3,000 employees. Hetras Team View source Best Day Travel Group, one of the leading companies focused on the tourism sector in Latin America, today announces it has signed a connectivity agreement with SiteMinder, the global hotel industry's leading cloud platform. The strategic partnership provides Best Day Travel Group's hotel clients greater reach and growth within international markets, with real-time delivery of reservations for hotels to meet the needs of the dynamic online booking market. The partnership also forms part of Best Day Travel Group's strategy to enhance its leadership within Latin America and support its growth globally, by strengthening its offering to hotels. "We love working with SiteMinder because of the opportunity to further expand our global presence. SiteMinder's platform allows us to connect our hotel partners to a worldwide network in a dynamic way, which means the benefit of more reservations and revenue as well as enhanced options for our hotel clients across Best Day Travel Group's different lines of business," says Rafael Durand, COO & Head of Global Product of Best Day Travel Group. Rubi Perez, Director LATAM at SiteMinder, says, "The alliance between Best Day Travel Group and SiteMinder makes it easy to bring more travelers to the beautiful destinations that Latin America offers, and to experience the world-class accommodation provided by the region's hotels. It also represents the strength of the two brands in being able to bring the world to Latin America, and Latin America to the world through BestDay.com." Travelers have used BestDay.com for nearly three decades to search for more than 18,000 of the best hotel, flight, tour, package and car rental deals across Latin America. The website complements Best Day Travel Group's vast network of trusted travel agents and wholesalers. Today's partnership between Best Day Travel Group and SiteMinder follows close collaborations during the 42nd Tianguis Turistico trade fair in Mexico and the 5th World Travel Market Latin America conference in Brazil. About Best Day Travel Group Best Day Travel Group is the most important tourist company in Mexico and one of the most important in Latin America. Founded in Mexico in 1984, it now has offices in nine countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, US, Uruguay, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic). It is known for its technological innovations, personalized services and its passion for travel, giving customers the best day of their trip. Best Day Travel Group offers its clients more than 180,000 hotels worldwide, access to affordable and traditional airlines, and a wide variety of tourist services that are distributed throughout its six lines of business: BestDay.com (online travel agency), BD TRAVEL Solution (white label technology for partners), HotelDO (B2B services for traditional travel agencies and wholesalers), BD Travel (receptive travel agency services and DMC in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos and soon in Punta Cana, Orlando and Cuba), NRG, which focuses on the youth market, and Gran Plan, a strategic alliance with AeroMexico tourism package sales. More information can be found at: prensa.BestDay.com.mx, the BestDay Travel Blog and BestDay.com. About SiteMinder SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the world's leading open hotel commerce platform, ranked among technology pioneers for opening up every hotel's access to online commerce. It's this central role that has earned SiteMinder the trust of tens of thousands of hotels, across 150 countries, to sell, market, manage and grow their business. The global company, headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangkok, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila, generated more than 100 million reservations worth over US$35 billion in revenue for hotels in the last year prior to the start of the pandemic. For more information, visit siteminder.com. Maria Cricchiola Director of Brand Communications & PR +61 2 8031 1287 View source Rendering of The Okura Prestige Taichung The Okura Prestige Taichung will be situated in a commercial complex of offices and hotels located in the heart of Taichung. The citys 7th Redevelopment Zone, where the commercial complex will be developed, is becoming Taichungs new business and commercial center. The hotel will be close to cultural attractions such as the National Taichung Theater and the new Taichung City Government. Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. announced today that it will open The Okura Prestige Taichung, in 2021. For the operation and management of The Okura Prestige Taichung, Hotel Okura has signed a contract with Goldman International Hotel Management Consultant Co., Ltd. The Okura Prestige Taichung will become the third member hotel managed by Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura, to open in Taiwan. The Okura Prestige Taichung will be situated in a commercial complex of offices and hotels located in the heart of Taichung. The citys 7th Redevelopment Zone, where the commercial complex will be developed, is becoming Taichungs new business and commercial center. The hotel will be close to cultural attractions such as the National Taichung Theater and the new Taichung City Government. The approximately 250-room luxury hotel will feature spacious guest rooms averaging 48 square meters. The hotel will offer numerous dining options, such as traditional Japanese and Chinese restaurants, an international all-day dining area and a panoramic sky lounge bar. The hotel will also provide visitors with state-of-the-art recreational facilities, including a spa, a fitness gym and an outdoor pool. Taiwan is a popular travel destination that attracts more than 10 million tourists annually, according to the Taiwan Visitors Association. Taichung, the third largest city in Taiwan, is favored for its mild climate throughout the year. A modern coastal city, it also is close to natural attractions such as Sun Moon Lake. Embodying the proud traditions of Hotel Okuras signature Japanese hospitality, The Okura Prestige Taichung will join The Okura Prestige Taipei and the Hotel Royal Nikko Taipei as the groups third luxury property in Taiwan. It will be a great pleasure to open the third member hotel in Taiwan, said Toshihiro Ogita, president of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. The plan to open this new hotel reflects our strategy to expand business, particularly in Asia, where rapid market growth is taking place. The opening of The Okura Prestige Taichung will play a key role in maximizing Hotel Okuras brand recognition in Taiwan. The Okura Prestige Taichung is part of an ambitious undertaking to expand the groups global portfolio to 100 properties either operating or in the pipeline, primarily around the Asian region, by 2020. Including The Okura Prestige Taichung, Okura Nikko Hotel Management, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura has eight properties planned in Asian metropolises outside Japan. These include five Okura Hotels & Resorts properties opening in Cappadocia in 2018 and, Manila, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon in 2020, and two Nikko Hotels International properties opening in Bangkok in 2018 and Hai Phong in 2020. Category: Best Use of Team Building LEAD Award Rank:7 Program: Art of Presence Organization: Eczacibasi Ilac Paz.A.S. Program: Art of Presence Program Director Program Director: Asl Suel Email: asli.namal@eczacibasi.com.tr Visit: www.eip.com.tr/tr/anasayfa Embracing a Common Culture Our editorial team interviewed Asl Suel from Eczacibasi Ilac Paz.A.S at the LEAD2017 Awards this past February. Here are some excerpts from the exclusive interview. What is the overall objective of your program? This training and development program has been designed to generalize the concept of Being a Part of Eczacbas Team among the field teams. In addition, it ensures our employees embrace a common culture and to remind all employees that they can re-achieve and increase their previous successes. It is also essential in terms of creating a field team that chooses to show the Art of Presence even in an industry that has such an intense competition and low level of employee engagement. We, as all the employees who attended in the design of the program, know that those with Art of Presence step forward in the industry. Our approach from managing ourselves to managing our internal/external customers and the way that we reflect our stance have become significant for us. Therefore, showing our stan... New Delhi, Aug 2 (IBNS): Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), the countryas second-largest car manufacturer and leading exporter, on Wednesday said it has achieved yet another milestone for its most awarded and admired brands crossing 1.3 Million Sales Volume. Grand i10, Elite i20 and Creta have clocked domestic sales of 1.01 Million units and exports of 0.29 Million units with cumulative sales of over 1.3 Million units. The Super Performer brands have set a new benchmark in their respective segments with class-leading features and unmatched performance in every aspect including safety, performance and product quality. Their continued success has further strengthened Hyundais position as a Premium Car Manufacturer in India. Commenting on HMILs Super Performer Brands, Y K Koo, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India said, We thank our Customers, Channel Partners, and Vendors for their contribution to Hyundais success in the country. This milestone reflects the strong connection and confidence that our stakeholders have on brand Hyundai. Grand i10, Elite i20 and Creta are trendsetters and winners. The 1.3 Million milestone is a testimony of Hyundais sharp and undeterred focus on creating customer delight and unique experiences. Grand i10, Elite i20 and Creta are winners of J D Power APPEAL Award 2016 demonstrating the excellence of Made in India products as per global standards, he added. Kolkata, Aug 2 (IBNS): Kotak Life Insurance Wednesday unveiled its new digital campaign #LaterMayBeLate. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness among individuals in the age group of 30 to 40 years, who procrastinate their decision to secure the future of their loved ones. The campaign comprises of short, crisp and share worthy videos that will appeal to audiences across chosen platforms Digital & in cinemas. #LaterMayBeLate brings near-death experiences / emergencies to life by showcasing how these moments always make us pray and think hard. It then urges one to act on these thoughts by taking insurance, while still alive. Jasneet Bachal, Senior Vice President & Head Marketing, Kotak Life Insurance said, Through the #LaterMaybeLate campaign we want to create awareness among the viewers to avoid procrastination in securing the future of their loved ones. While the need for protecting your family is established, it seldom translates into purchasing a protection cover, given the inherent behavior to put things away for another day." "In the main film, our effort has been to bring alive a near miss situation that nudges people to realize that life can be fragile. So why should it take an emergency to make us act? Sometimes Later could turn out to be Late. Instead, we should make protecting our loved ones an emergency. The campaign is targeted towards two defined groups of audiences the uninitiated with the main film and the fence sitter with a set of objection handling films, Bachal said. Amit Akali, Managing Partner and Creative Head and Divya Saxena, Director, Art and Creative Whats Your Problem, explained, India has the highest average age of people taking term insurance 36 years. So, its not marriage or parent-hood that pushes them. On digging deep we realized that vulnerability or the thought that something might happen to me is what makes them take insurance to protect their family." "The moment of truth probably happens when they go through some sort of near-death experience or at least a slight jolt. How many times have we been in a turbulent plane and thought of our loved ones/family? This insight gave rise to the simple creative with the call to action to take insurance now and not postpone it, as #LaterMayBeLate, Akali said. Image: Internet Wallpaper London, Aug 2 (IBNS): An endangered bat species with a UK population of less than 1,000 could be further threatened by the effects of global warming, according to a new study led by the University of Southampton. Scientists warn that, while conditions in the UK could actually become more favourable for the grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus), populations in southern Europe that hold the key for the survival of the species as a whole could be devastated. Working with its partners, the University has developed a new framework to identify wildlife populations threatened by climate change. The study outlining the framework, published in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources, focuses on the grey long-eared bat and shows that its populations in Spain and Portugal are particularly at risk as conditions there become too harsh. This is of great concern to ecologists because the populations in these areas include pockets with the highest levels of genetic diversity, thanks to their ancestors having survived major climate change events such as ice ages. This makes them better suited to the hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change. However, other populations in the region that lack such genetic diversity and are unable to adapt to the harsher conditions could become isolated if they cannot fly to more climatically suitable areas because the landscape in between is unsuitable. This could also stop the bats from better-adapted populations whose genes could help the threatened bat populations survive from reaching them. Lead author Dr Orly Razgour, of the University of Southampton, explained: Long-lived, slow-reproducing species with smaller population sizes are not likely to be able to adapt to future climate change fast enough through the spread of new mutations arising in the population. Instead they will depend on the spread of adaptive genetic variation between populations through the movement of individuals. As climate change progresses and the environment becomes less suitable for the bats, they will not only struggle to survive where they are currently found but they will also find it more difficult to shift their range to climatically suitable areas. This reduced connectivity between populations will in turn affect the ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions because of reduced movement of individuals that are better adapted to warmer and drier conditions into the population. The framework developed by Dr Razgour and her colleagues at partner institutions uses three measures to identify wildlife populations at risk from climate change. It uses ecological modelling and climate data to looking at where climate change is likely to be most extreme; gathers genomic data to assess which species are likely to be most sensitive to the effects of future climate change (in the case of the bats, wing biopsy samples were collected from eight populations in the Iberian Peninsula and two populations in England); and considers range shift potential i.e. the ability of a species to move from an unsuitable to a suitable area. Using these three measures, levels of risk are generated for each population low risk, medium, medium-high and high risk. Dr Razgour said: The framework we have developed can be used to identify the wildlife populations that are most under threat, and therefore help decide how to focus conservation efforts to help the species survive under future climate change. In the case of the bats, this may require people moving them to a more climatically suitable area. Alternatively, we can focus our conservation efforts on medium-high risk populations, where we can encourage the bats to move to more suitable areas through increasing connectivity with other populations and to areas where climatic conditions will remain more suitable. Dr Razgour was funded to conduct the study as part of a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Independent Research Fellowship. Auckland, Aug 2 (IBNS): New research studying United States smokers has shown the recent rise in e-cigarette use in that country is getting more smokers quitting, according to Professor Chris Bullen of the University of Auckland. Dr Bullen, a Professor of Public Health at the Universitys School of Population Health, says this latest study raises an important question of relevance to New Zealand - if e-cigarettes are effective at helping to increase smoking cessation, why are some countries restricting their sale? The US study, published today in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) is based on the largest representative sample of e-cigarette users to date, and provides a strong case that e-cigarettes have helped to increase smoking cessation at the population level. Currently, the scientific community is divided over whether e-cigarettes are an aid to quitting smoking. Some suggest that e-cigarettes will have a positive impact on smoking rates by acting as a nicotine replacement therapy, while others argue that they could reduce the urgency to quit smoking. A team of researchers, led by Professor Shu-Hong Zhu at the University of California, set out to examine whether the increase in use of e-cigarettes in the USA, was associated with a change in overall smoking cessation rate at the population level. They base their findings on five population surveys dating from 2001 to 2015. E-cigarette users were identified from the most recent survey (2014-15) and smoking cessation rates were obtained from those who reported smoking cigarettes 12 months before the survey. Rates from this survey were then compared to four earlier surveys. Of 161,054 respondents to the 2014-15 survey, 22,548 were current smokers and 2,136 recent quitters. Among them, 38.2 percent of current smokers and 49.3 percent of recent quitters had tried e-cigarettes. The results show that e-cigarette users were more likely than non-users to make a quit attempt (65 percent v 40 percent) and more likely to succeed in quitting for at least three months (8.2 percent v 4.8 percent). The study has two key findings. First, in 2014-15, e-cigarette users attempted to quit cigarette smoking and succeeded in quitting smoking at higher rates than non-users. Second, the overall smoking cessation rate in 2014-15 increased significantly from that of 2010-11. In his accompanying BMJ editorial, Professor Bullen questions whether other tobacco control interventions operating at the same time may have been key triggers to the increase, but says Shu and colleagues mount a convincing case for why the two most likely candidates - a large federal tobacco tax increase in 2009 and a nationwide mass media campaign - could not be stand-alone reasons for the change in cessation rates. Professor Bullen notes that while the research did not include a consideration of safety, there is a growing body of evidence that using e-cigarettes is far less harmful than continuing to smoke tobacco. Policymakers in countries contemplating a more restrictive approach to the regulation of e-cigarettes should pause to consider if pursuing such a course of action is the right thing to do for population health, he says. Professor Bullens research group, the National Institute for Health Innovation, is undertaking several research studies that examine the role of e-cigarettes as aids to quitting smoking. Image: Wikiomedia Commons New York, Aug 2 (IBNS): Researchers from 13 countries have reconstructed the evolution of flowers a only 140 million years old and the most diverse group of plants on Earth, which came into existence towards the end of the age of the dinosaurs. A study published today in Nature Communications by a team of 36 researchers from 13 countries reconstructs the evolution of flowers over the past 140 million years and sheds new light on what the earliest flowers might have looked like. This study into the evolution of flowering plants, called the eFLOWER project, is an unprecedented international effort to combine information on the structure of flowers with the latest information on the evolutionary tree of flowering plants based on DNA. The results provide insights into the early evolution of flowers as well as major patterns in floral evolution across all living flowering plants. Charles Foster, a PhD student at the University of Sydney and co-author of the study, said the project exemplified the power and importance of collaboration to address some of the fundamental questions in science. "Participating in such a global, inter-institutional effort was very inspirational for me as a young scientist," said Mr Foster, from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Flowering plants (angiosperms), with at least 300,000 species, are by far the most diverse group of plants on Earth. They include almost all the species used by people for food, medicine, and many other purposes. But flowering plants arose only about 140 million years ago, quite late in the evolution of plants, toward the end of the age of the dinosaurs, but since then have diversified spectacularly. No one knows exactly how this happened, and the origin and early evolution of flowering plants and especially flowers still remain one of the biggest enigmas in biology, almost 140 years after Charles Darwin called their rapid rise in the Cretaceous an abominable mystery. The new study is based on the largest database of floral traits ever assembled, which took six years to coordinate, double-check, and analyse. Among the most surprising results is a new model of the original ancestral flower that does not match any of the ideas proposed previously. When we finally got the full results, I was quite startled until I realized that they actually made good sense, said Herve Sauquet, the leader of the study and an Associate Professor at Universite Paris-Sud in France. The ancestral flower was found to be bisexual, with both female (carpels) and male (stamens) parts, and with multiple whorls (concentric cycles) of petal-like organs, in sets of threes. About 20% of flowers today have such trimerous whorls, but typically fewer: lilies have two, magnolias have three. These results call into question much of what has been thought and taught previously about floral evolution, said Jurg Schonenberger, a Professor at the University of Vienna, who coordinated the study together with Associate Professor Sauquet. It had long been assumed that the ancestral flower had all organs arranged in a spiral. The researchers also reconstructed what flowers looked like at all the key divergences in the flowering plant evolutionary tree, including the early evolution of monocots, for example orchids, lilies, and grasses; and eudicots such as poppies, roses, and sunflowers the two largest groups of flowering plants. The database of floral features was assembled using a novel approach because of the need for not only a new collaborative database but also much more rapid data entry. The solution was a summer camp for advanced botanical students, who scored half of all the data during a single week at the University of Vienna. Twelve students from different countries were invited to work together for one week. The findings offer for the first time a simple, plausible scenario to explain the spectacular diversity of floral forms. Image Credit: Herve Sauquet and Jurg Schonenberger. Image: Internet Wallpaper London, Aug 2 (IBNS): Arctic ice loss could lead to harsher winters and stormier weather in Europe because of its impact on Atlantic ocean currents, warn the authors of a new study led by the University of Southampton. The research, published in Nature Climate Change and conducted in partnership with Yale University, found that a decline in sea ice cover caused by global warming could weaken the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) a large-scale ocean circulation system that affects climate. AMOC is responsible for transporting heat from low to high latitudes. It has a lower limb of dense, cold water that flows south from the North Atlantic, and an upper limb of warm, salty water that flows north from the South Atlantic as part of the Gulf Stream. The authors found that the system which plays a major role in the climate of Atlantic rim countries, particularly those in Europe could lose up to 50 per cent of its strength, leading to a cooling of the ocean surface in parts of the North Atlantic. Lead author Dr Florian Sevellec, of the University of Southampton, said: We suggest that Arctic ocean changes on a multi-decadal time scale, such as the decline in sea ice cover that we are currently experiencing, can efficiently weaken the large-scale ocean circulation of the North Atlantic, which is responsible for the oceanic transport of heat from the Equator to high latitudes. This in turn would have significant impacts on our daily weather, since the slow-down of this circulation, and its induced ocean surface cooling, has been shown in other studies to lead to an increase in storminess, to harsher winters, and to drier summers in Europe, for instance. Co-author Professor Alexey Fedorov, of Yale University, added: Our study establishes a new mechanism that links the loss of sea ice and the AMOC. Potentially, this mechanism could lead to a reduction of between 30 and 50 per cent of the AMOCs strength. In the short term, changes in the subpolar North Atlantic have the greatest impact on AMOC, the researchers found. But over the course of a few decades, it was changes in the Arctic that became most important to AMOC. The researchers based their findings on a combination of comprehensive climate change model simulations and novel computations of the sensitivity of ocean circulation to fluctuations in temperature and salinity at the oceans surface over time. The research was supported by grants from the Natural and Environmental Research Council UK, the US Department of Energy Office of Science, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. New York, Aug 2 (IBNS): aCelebritya Twitter accounts a those with more than 10 million followers a display more bot-like behaviour than users with fewer followers, according to new research. The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, used data from Twitter to determine whether bots can be accurately detected, how bots behave, and how they impact Twitter activity. They divided accounts into categories based on total number of followers, and found that accounts with more than 10 million followers tend to retweet at similar rates to bots. In accounts with fewer followers however, bots tend to retweet far more than humans. These celebrity-level accounts also tweet at roughly the same pace as bots with similar follower numbers, whereas in smaller accounts, bots tweet far more than humans. Their results will be presented at the IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM) in Sydney, Australia. Bots, like people, can be malicious or benign. The term bot is often associated with spam, offensive content or political infiltration, but many of the most reputable organisations in the world also rely on bots for their social media channels. For example, major news organisations, such as CNN or the BBC, who produce hundreds of pieces of content daily, rely on automation to share the news in the most efficient way. These accounts, while classified as bots, are seen by users as trustworthy sources of information. A Twitter user can be a human and still be a spammer, and an account can be operated by a bot and still be benign, said Zafar Gilani, a PhD student at Cambridges Computer Laboratory, who led the research. Were interested in seeing how effectively we can detect automated accounts and what effects they have. Bots have been on Twitter for the majority of the social networks existence its been estimated that anywhere between 40 and 60% of all Twitter accounts are bots. Some bots have tens of millions of followers, although the vast majority have less than a thousand human accounts have a similar distribution. In order to reliably detect bots, the researchers first used the online tool BotOrNot (since renamed BotOMeter), which is one of the only available online bot detection tools. However, their initial results showed high levels of inaccuracy. BotOrNot showed low precision in detecting bots that had bot-like characteristics in their account name, profile info, content tweeting frequency and especially redirection to external sources. Gilani and his colleagues then decided to take a manual approach to bot detection. Four undergraduate students were recruited to manually inspect accounts and determine whether they were bots. This was done using a tool that automatically presented Twitter profiles, and allowed the students to classify the profile and make notes. Each account was collectively reviewed before a final decision was reached. In order to determine whether an account was a bot (or not), the students looked at different characteristics of each account. These included the account creation date, average tweet frequency, content posted, account description, whether the user replies to tweets, likes or favourites received and the follower to friend ratio. A total of 3,535 accounts were analysed: 1,525 were classified as bots and 2010 as humans. The students showed very high levels of agreement on whether individual accounts were bots. However, they showed significantly lower levels of agreement with the BotOrNot tool. The bot detection algorithm they subsequently developed achieved roughly 86% accuracy in detecting bots on Twitter. The algorithm uses a type of classifier known as Random Forests, which uses 21 different features to detect bots, and the classifier itself is trained by the original dataset annotated by the human annotators. The researchers found that bot accounts differ from humans in several key ways. Overall, bot accounts generate more tweets than human accounts. They also retweet far more often, and redirect users to external websites far more frequently than human users. The only exception to this was in accounts with more than 10 million followers, where bots and humans showed far more similarity in terms of the volume of tweets and retweets. We think this is probably because bots arent that good at creating original Twitter content, so they rely a lot more on retweets and redirecting followers to external websites, said Gilani. While bots are getting more sophisticated all the time, theyre still pretty bad at one-on-one Twitter conversations, for instance most of the time, a conversation with a bot will be mostly gibberish. Despite the sheer volume of Tweets produced by bots, humans still have better quality and more engaging tweets tweets by human accounts receive on average 19 times more likes and 10 times more retweets than tweets by bot accounts. Bots also spend less time liking other users tweets. Many people tend to think that bots are nefarious or evil, but thats not true, said Gilani. They can be anything, just like a person. Some of them arent exactly legal or moral, but many of them are completely harmless. What Im doing next is modelling the social cost of these bots how are they changing the nature and quality of conversations online? What is clear though, is that bots are here to stay. Image: www.hdwallpaper.nu As Hemant Soren faces ED, Jharkhand prepares for two huge reforms | New boss Elon Musk ends remote working in first email to Twitter employees | Tamil Nadu medical college suspends 7 students over video of sexual harassment | Bengal: Mamata eyes Matua votes as BJP relaunches CAA narrative | Bengal teachers' recruitment scam: 2014 TET aspirants hit streets, scuffle with Kolkata Police Kathmandu, Aug 2 (IBNS): Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will start his India visit from Aug 23, media reports said on Wednesday He will be on a five-day tour to India. He will be visiting India at an invitation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have received two clear instructions from the prime minister, two senior officials engaged in the visit preparations told The Kathmandu Post. Firstly, the prime minister is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India. While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, the prime minister also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects, said a senior official to The Kathmandu Post. New Delhi, Aug 2 (IBNS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reviewed the progress of implementation of the decisions taken and directives issued during the Annual Conference of DGPs of State Police, CAPFs and CPOs held at Hyderabad from Nov 25-27, 2016. MoS (Home) Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Rajiv Gauba, OSD, MHA, and Director, IB Rajiv Jain attended the meeting along with other Senior Officers. The progress of ongoing schemes in the field of technological upgradation of Police Forces, cyber security, counter-radicalization initiatives, reforms of Criminal Justice System, improvement of Police Stations and better coordination between various State Police Forces were some of the subjects which were reviewed at the meeting. The Union Home Minister emphasized that the Police Forces need to focus on Community Outreach Activities aimed at youth, women and weaker sections in order to project a better image of the Police Forces. He also reviewed the progress of the implementation of the directives given by the Prime Minister during the Conference. The progress of implementation of the pending recommendations of the 2015 Conference held at Kutch (Gujarat) and 2014 Conference held at Guwahati (Assam) were also reviewed at the meeting. The Conference of DGPs and IGPs of Police Forces is held every year wherein various policy issues connected with national security and maintenance of law and order are deliberated upon in-depth by the police leadership of the country. For last three years the Conference is being held outside Delhi and the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have been attending the deliberations. New Delhi, Aug 2 (IBNS): The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing Guwahati Airport as an inter-regional hub, while Agartala, Dibrugarh and Imphal airports are being developed as intra-regional hubs in the North eastern region. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday about the various steps being taken to upgrade and modernise airports across the country. To develop Guwahati Airport as an inter-regional hub, AAI has constructed three hangars at Guwahati Airport. Construction of hangars has commenced at Dibrugarh and Imphal airports and tenders have been floated for award of work for construction of hangar at Agartala airport, the Minister said. Talking about international airports in Madhya Pradesh, the Minister said that Bhopal, Indore and Khajuraho airports have already been upgraded to international standards with new integrated terminal buildings and other associated work. AAI owns and maintains eight airports in the state, including five operational airports at Bhopal, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Indore and Civil Enclave at Gwalior and three non-operational airports at Khandwa, Panna and Satna. AAI has also finalized the scope of work for extension of existing runway, construction of new terminal building and other allied works for operations of A-320 type of aircraft at Jabalpur Airport. About modernisation of small airports in Tamil Nadu, especially in small cities, the Minister said that AAI has undertaken various modernisation and upgradation works at different airports in the state. These include construction of new domestic terminal building to handle 470 peak hour passengers and conversion of old terminal building to international cargo terminal at Tiruchirappalli Airport, re-carpeting of existing runway/taxiway at Tuticorin Airport, construction of new integrated terminal building to cater to 700 peak hour passengers and conversion of part of old domestic terminal building as common user domestic cargo terminal at Madurai Airport and extension and modification of old integrated terminal building to cater to 625 peak hour passengers at Coimbatore Airport. The Minister also informed the Rajya Sabha that the Gaggal Airport in Kangra and Bhuntar Airport in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh are suitable for operations of ATR-72 and ATR-42 aircraft, respectively, with load penalty in fair weather conditions. In order to make the airports suitable for operations of aircraft without load penalty, AAI has projected land requirements of 153 acres and 27.77 hectares, respectively, for extension of runway and other allied works. Further development works are subject to acquisition and handing over of land free from all encumbrances and free of cost by the Himachal Pradesh government to AAI. Image: AAI website New Delhi, Aug 2 (IBNS): Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, the applicable tax rate on passenger tickets for economy class has been reduced from 6 per cent to 5 per cent (non-creditable for goods). Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply on Tuesday about the various implications of GST on air travel. The tax rate for business and first class has been increased from 9 per cent to 12 per cent (with input tax creditable for both goods and services procured by airlines). With regard to the UDAN Scheme, the applicable tax would also be 5 per cent (non-creditable for goods) on the value of the passenger ticket, excluding the subsidies provided by the Central government and the state governments, the Minister said. Moreover, since the maximum airfare or cap prescribed for the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) seats is inclusive of the applicable GST and the same is reimbursable to the airline operator(s) concerned at actuals from the Regional Connectivity Fund, there would be no impact on fares charged from passengers booked on RCS seats, the Minister said. New York, Aug 2(Just Earth News): The wisdom, experience, energy and ideals of the old and the young are vital to realizing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres said on Tuesday, stressing that they together can help break the cycles of poverty that have lasted for generations. The youth and the older persons in this room have wisdom, experience, energy and ideals, the UN chief said in his video message to a special event at UN Headquarters, Intergenerational Dialogues on the Sustainable Development Goals, which was also addressed by his newly-appointed Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, and the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson. Together, you can help break cycles of poverty that have lasted for generations and trigger transformational change that endures for generations to come, Guterres stressed. The event aimed to raise awareness of the valuable role youth and the elderly can play together in implementing the SDGs ambitious and all-encompassing development targets agreed by more than 190 countries nearly two years ago to ensure growth and protect the people and planet. Thomson, now in his late-60s, talked about his own youth growing up in the Pacific island of Fiji, before mountains of plastic waste and ocean-warming had begun to threaten its very existence. He said he was determined to use his experience in order to speak out on behalf of the SDGs for many years to come. We are going to ensure that all people, young and old, recognize themselves as the owners, drivers and beneficiaries of the SDGs [] As a grandfather, I care for all my being that we will bequeath sustainable world to our grandchildren and those who come after, he said. Wickramanayake, who is 26, stressed that building bridges for different generations to work together in a mutually empowering relationship is one of the most important factors affecting the implementation of the SDGs. It needs to be recognized that generations do not operate as a binary, she said. Solidarity across generations is key for social development, and for this we require new approaches in the workforce, in education, and in socioeconomic development. Aging populations must work with younger populations to foster successful and reciprocal intergenerational relations and partnerships, which will lie at the core of every well-integrated society. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the Major Group on Children and Youth and the Stakeholder Group on Ageing, were also represented at on Tuesday's event, which was co-hosted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) and NGO/DPI Executive Committee. Photo: UNDP/CBA Baptiste de Ville dAvray Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Aug 2(Just Earth News): Women continue to be disproportionately affected by drug use, and face obstacles in accessing treatment, compared to men, according to the President of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Viroj Sumyai, who earlier recently presented the Boards annual report to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), urged Member States to integrate gender perspectives in the elaboration of their drug policies to address this discrepancy. According to the report, drug-related harms to women and the resulting consequences for communities are often sorely under-studied, and gender-disaggregated data on drug use are rarely collected. There are also inadequate budget allocations by Member States for the specific prevention and treatment of drug dependence and substance use disorders among women, who often do not have access to any assistance and suffer in silence, the report pointed out. In this context and to learn more about the work of the INCB, as well as the challenges before the international drug control regime, UN News spoke to Sumyai, a national of Thailand, during his recent visit to UN Headquarters. Parts of the interview have been edited for brevity and clarity. UN News: Can you tell us about the work of the INCB? Viroj Sumyai: The board is composed of 13 members, elected in their personal capacity, by the Economic and Social Council. We are based in Vienna, Austria. Our primary responsibility is to monitor the compliance by the States parties to the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Convention; the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances; and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. UN News: Women and drugs was a key subject in the Boards latest annual report. What were the major concerns that you identified and how can they be addressed? Viroj Sumyai: The biggest problem we see is the disproportionate impact on women in being able to access treatment facilities for substance use disorder. According to the data, only one in five women addicted to drugs are going to treatment facilities. There are no specialized facilities for women to seek treatment. This creates a major obstacle both for them as well as their families, especially children that depend on women for care. Looking at it from a sustainable development perspective, when governments are looking at issues such as livelihoods for their populations, they need to look at this issue too. It is also the right of women to seek treatment for substance use disorder. And this is my main goal as the President of the INCB: I want to tackle the problem of lack of access to treatment for women who are addicted to drugs. UN News: What are your thoughts on the abuse of opioid medications? Viroj Sumyai: Over prescription of opioid medication, happening primarily in high-income countries like the US, Canada, countries in Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, is creating a lot of probleHowever, at the same time, there is the lack of access to these medications in low- and middle-income countries which in itself is causing a lot of issues. This is a major concern. UN News: What are the biggest challenges for the international drug control system and how can they be overcome? Viroj Sumyai: The biggest challenge, in my view, is for the people in the middle- and low-income countries who suffer from the lack of access to controlled medications due to misconceptions on the part of the State party, who feels that very strict controls over narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances is good and that it stops diversion of these drugs into illicit markets. This is resulting in medical practitioners and health officials becoming reluctant to prescribe such medications like morphine to people who are in need and are suffering from deadly diseases and require the medicines to alleviate their pain. Similarly, persons with psychological illness are also suffering because they cannot avail psychotropic medicines they need. UN News: Can you share some good practices on tackling drug-related offences while also upholding human rights? Viroj Sumyai: Many officials in law enforcement have raised the issue of overcrowding in prisons of those incarcerated on drug-related offences. According to the 1961 Convention, drug-abuse offence is a minor offence, and rather than incarcerating the drug user, getting them to treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration could be a better option. This would be a very good practice to follow. UN News: Can you tell us about the collaboration between the INCB and other UN entities? Viroj Sumyai: We are working closely with the UN World Health Organization (WHO) as well as with UNAIDS (the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS), particularly to address the problems of those suffering with HIV and AIDS and are at the end stages of their lives, especially as they need morphine to lessen their pain. With WHO, given their work with health professionals, we collaborate on building capacity regarding proper prescription of opioid medication and to ensure that these medicines are not over-prescribed. We also work with WHO in programmes on building capacities of national authorities on procurement of various types of medications. UN News: What message would you like to convey to UN Member States? Viroj Sumyai: I urge UN Member States, especially those that have the financial resources at their disposal, to support the INCB project building the capacity of national officials in low- and middle-income countries to tackle the problem of low access to opioid medication. UN News: Is there anything you would like to add? Viroj Sumyai: One of the problems we are encountering is some Member States not going live with the 1961 Convention on issues regarding the legalization of non-medical use of cannabis. The 1961 Convention allows Member States to use schedule one substances for medical and scientific purposes. The time has already passed for the traditional use of cannabis or cocoa leaf because when this Convention was ratified there was a grace period of 25 years for each Member State to abolish the traditional use of cannabis or cocoa leaf, such as chewing the leaf. This time period has already passed. We need to look towards the future and not go back to old practices or we will have to solve problems such as [those associated with] the problem of tobacco. Right now, a lot of money is wasted on trying to solve health problems associated with smoking. So if we go back to old habits of smoking marijuana, at the end we will find ourselves facing the problem not different from the problem of smoking. INCB is an independent, quasi-judicial expert body established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. It comprises 13 members, each elected by the UN Economic and Social Council, in their personal capacity to serve as independent experts. UN Photo/D. Gair Source: www.justearthnews.com Kabul, Aug 2 (IBNS): The Taliban has refuted allegations that the group was behind the suicide attack in a mosque in Herat province of Afghanistan, local Khaama Press reported. At least 93 people have been killed or injured in the suicide attack which took place on Tuesday evening near the Jawadia mosque. The provincial governors spokesman Jilani Farhad said that at least two suicide bombers were involved in the incident. The bombers opened fired inside the mosque before detonating the explosives, the spokesperson added. Rejecting all allegations, Taliban spokesperson Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said that the group did not carry out any such attack on Tuesday. Though no group has claimed responsibility so far, majority of such attacks are carried out by the ISIS these days. Kabul, Aug 2 (IBNS): Several foreign soldiers are feared to have been killed as a car-suicide bombing hit a NATO convoy in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province on Wednesday, media reports said. The incident occurred at Shurandam area in the city. Provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told country's Pajhwok Afghan News the attack was carried out by a bomber in a Datsun pick-up. Samiullah, a resident of the area, told the agency: A very heavy explosion targeted the foreign forces. A helicopter arrived soon and the area was cordoned by international soldiers. New York, Aug 2(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres and the UN political mission in Afghanistan have denounced last night's attack against worshippers gathered in a mosque in the city of Herat which killed at least 31 civilians and injured many more. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack, said his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, in a statement issued overnight. Attacks that deliberately target civilians are clear violations of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law, he added. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) joined in the condemnation of the attack at the Jawadia mosque. According to the Mission, two attackers entered the Shia mosque during the evening prayer time when several hundred worshipers were present, opening fire and detonating two suicide improvised explosive devices against the congregation. This attack deliberately targeting civilians at prayer can have no justification whatsoever, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan. Fanning terror and sectarian violence against a specific community is abhorrent and those responsible must be brought to account. The Secretary-General and UNAMA expressed condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. According to UNAMA, the attack is the fifth this year targeting Shia mosques, killing a total of at least 44 civilians and injuring at least 88. Four of the attacks occurred in Herat and the other in Kabul. Islamic State-Khorasan province claimed responsibility for two of these attacks. In 2016, UNAMA recorded four separate attacks against Shia mosques and religious gatherings. Islamic State-Khorasan province claimed responsibility for two of those attacks. Yesterday's attack took place one day after the assault against the Embassy of Iraq in Kabul, where two Afghan civilians lost their lives and one was injured. The United Nations recalls international humanitarian law that prohibits deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including places of worship, as well as the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic premises. Photo: UNAMA/Fardin Waezi Source: www.justearthnews.com California Black Veteran Farmers and Ranchers are ready for amazing new opportunities blackagriculture [at] yahoo.com) by Khubaka, Michael Harris In each and every U.S. War, people of African ancestry have served with distinction. Before, during and after California Statehood, California Black Veterans have served in the face of adversity and historic systemic racism. The sacrifice on and off the battlefield by our service members and their families at home reflect the "price paid" for amazing new opportunities today. We are hopeful California Governor Jerry Brown will sign AB 376 into law as we prepare for Winter Crops in the "Farm to Fork Capitol of America." 2017 "First Fruits of the Harvest" will indeed be dedicated to our Black Veteran Farmers and Ranchers who will teach a new generation STEAM through experiential learning. AB-376 Veterans benefits: veteran farmers or ranchers.(2017-2018) SECTION 1. Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 1008) is added to Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code, to read: CHAPTER 8. Veteran Farmers or Ranchers 1008. The Legislature finds and declares the following: (a) Agriculture is a major industry in California, with 81,700 farms and ranches. California agriculture is nearly a thirty-seven-billion-five-hundred-million-dollar ($37,500,000,000) industry that generates one hundred billion dollars ($100,000,000,000) in related economic activity. (b) In 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary cited that the aging of principal farm operators across the nation is rising. The USDA Census of Agriculture, 2012 Census Highlights, finds that the average age of Americas principal farm operators is 58.3 years of age and one-third are 65 years or older. (c) An 8-percent national decrease in the number of farmers and ranchers is expected to occur between the years 2008 and 2018. (d) Recognizing the growth of Americas food production needs, and low proportions of beginning farmers and ranchers nationwide, the USDA Secretary identified Americas returning military veterans as a promising population to enter careers as farmers and ranchers. The 2014 United States Farm Bill contains various landmark incentives to assist military veterans and disadvantaged populations to become farmers and ranchers. (e) In November 2014, the USDA announced the designation of the nations first USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison to coordinate information, resources, and support for active duty military and veterans interested in entering careers as farmers and ranchers. (f) The 2014 United States Farm Bill, also known as the Agricultural Act of 2014, contained various incentives designed to assist the nations returning military veterans to acquire skills needed to start and manage a farm. Incentives include, but are not limited to, farm loans and microloans, education and training and technical assistance, including training in natural resource conservation techniques and practices. (g) Eight percent of the nations homeless population are military veterans and 45 percent of homeless veterans are African American or Latino, while less than 10 percent are women. (h) More than six million veterans reside in rural America and approximately two million veterans are residents of California. (i) California veterans use fewer benefits than their peers at the national level. While all veterans report only partial awareness of benefits for which they are eligible, some states have more advanced outreach programs to connect veterans to these available resources. (j) The Legislature recognizes the opportunities to the state through landmark funding contained in the 2014 United States Farm Bill and subsequent United States Farm bills to assist military veterans in entering careers as farmers and ranchers. (k) The Legislature acknowledges opportunities offered through a state and federal partnership to strengthen and enhance these resources to benefit Californias veterans and historically underserved populations. 1008.5. (a) By July 1, 2018, the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Department of Veterans Affairs, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Farm Service Agency, and other federal agencies as needed, shall identify and post information pursuant to this section on their individual Internet Web sites as appropriate to assist, educate, train, and otherwise support Californias transitioning service members and returning military veterans to enter into farming or ranching careers in California. (b) Information posted by the Department of Food and Agriculture pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, information on all of the following: (1) The California Department of Food and Agricultures Healthy Soils Initiative. (2) The 2014 United States Agricultural Act and subsequent agricultural acts. (3) Farm loans offered through the United States Department of Agricultures Farm Service Agency. (4) The United States Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service. (5) The federal Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. (c) Information posted by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, information on the California Department of Veterans Affairs Farm and Home Loan Program and federal farm and home loan programs, as appropriate. (d) Information posted by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, information on training and employment services offered through the Americas Job Center of California, operating under the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. It is the intent of the Legislature that the employment and training assistance provided through the Americas Job Center of California to military veterans seeking careers as farm operators and ranchers shall be in the same manner as the assistance provided to other career seekers. Update 5.53pm: All Army cadets evacuated from a mountain in Co Down following bad weather are safe, a spokesman said. A group of more than 50 from the Cleveland Army Cadet Force in Middlesbrough were on a training exercise in the Mourne range in Co Down when they got into difficulties on Wednesday. Children as young as 12 were among those rescued. Five suffered ankle injuries after slipping on wet stones and a number were treated for the effects of exposure, the MoD said. An Army spokesman added: "We can confirm that all Army cadets caught in today's inclement weather on the Mourne Mountains are safe and accounted for." The Mournes are a range south of Belfast which is extremely popular with walkers but like all mountains the conditions can be unpredictable. The group included children aged from 12-17. Emergency services were called to the scenic Annalong Valley at around midday. A Mourne Mountain Rescue spokesman said it was not a major incident but weather had caught them out. He added: "It is nothing out of the ordinary. "Everything is under control and within normal team procedure." Northern Ireland Ambulance Service paramedics provided medical support. Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick, were on scene. Also attending were the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and ambulance service. An MoD spokesman said: "We are exceptionally grateful for their assistance." Earlier: Over half of the young army cadets have been rescued after they got into difficulty in the Mourne Mountains. Up to 16 people are being treated for hypothermia. A major rescue operation is underway to take the British army cadets to safety. Up to 70 young people got into difficulty while camping in the Carrick Hill area. 46 of the group - mainly aged between 12 and 17 - have been brought down by 4-by-4 so far. 17 others remain on the mountain. Some are said to suffering from the effects of hypothermia and some have lower leg injuries. An army spokesperson said that all of the cadets are safe and accounted for. Liam Colquhoun from the Coastguard said bad weather is hampering efforts to bring the young people to safety. "Unfortunately, we've had to stand two of the aircrafts down due to the fog so they're down to about 20 metres now," he said. Major Rescue Operation involving 70 people on the Mourne Mountains Northern Ireland: https://t.co/xMo92bm0l8 via @YouTube UK News in Pictures(@UKNIP247) (@uknip247) August 2, 2017 Earlier:Up to 16 people are being treated for the effects of hypothermia after getting into difficulties in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down. A major medical emergency was declared just before lunchtime after a group of around 70 army cadets got caught up in torrential rain. It is understood the group had been camping close to the Carrick Hill area. The casualties are being taken to Annalong Community Centre to be assessed. Local MLA Colin McGrath has been watching the rescue unfold. He described the weather as "atrocious" today and said that it is understandable that the youngsters got into trouble. He also said that there have been more than a dozen ambulances passing through Newcastle in the last hour to attend the scene. Earlier: Rescue teams are currently assisting with a large scale incident involving up to 70 Army Cadets in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down. According to the UK coastguard, they receiving a call just before 12pm today requesting assistance after receiving several reports that a large number of people were in difficulty. It has been reported that the group were caught out in inclement weather while walking. They said that initial reports suggest that all members of the group are accounted for, however four people may be suffering from exposure. A number of people are said to have sustained lower leg injuries. Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick are on the scene. The Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, PSNI and NI Ambulance Service are also on scene. The three helicopters are currently situated at Donard Park due to poor weather conditions and will support casualty evacuation as further information comes in. More to follow Earlier: Helicopter, coastguard and medical response teams have been sent to the aid of 40 army cadets after they got into difficulty in the Mourne mountains. The Ministry of Defence told the BBC that the cadets, aged between 12 and 17, had been camping when they got into difficulties It has been reported that medical staff are treating several children at the scene. Local politician Colin McGrath tweeted: "Major emergency incident in mournes with helicopter, coastguard, medical and ambulance responding. Please God all will be ok." 70 people are stranded on the Mourne Mountains. Major incident declared withn3 helicopters and Coastguard in attendance @BelfastLive pic.twitter.com/DamxYDC5Qt Kirth Ferris (@Kirthferris) August 2, 2017 Earlier: A major rescue operation is underway in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down. There are reports that are 70 people stranded in the area. Ambulances are attending the scene and it is reported helicopters are on their way. Some people have been treated at the scene. KATHY Reichs was 49 when she wrote her first novel. Yet her other career is what makes her writing special. Having worked for years as a forensic anthropologist, she used her scientific skills to help solve murders and violent deaths. She knows better than anyone the world her characters inhabit. Temperance Brennan, her heroine, is also a forensic anthropologist and has made Reichs one of the worlds best-known and respected crime novelists. The colourful Brennan even made it to the small screen, in the long- running series, Bones. Now, Reichs is starting over with a feisty new character. Sunday Night, the heroine of her latest novel, Two Nights, is a very different investigator, and Reichs says she was initially reluctant to make the departure. It was suggested to me by my publisher, and I was resistant, initially. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realised I was already formulating a character and a storyline. A new character offered new opportunities. I wasnt locked in to everything I had created for 18 books, so I could completely make it up and that was very liberating. I approached it a little differently, because it was the first, so I did a bit more outlining than I would normally do. Shes different to Temperance. Shes got a lot of demons, a lot of baggage. Its kind of a psychological thriller and police investigative murder mystery combined. Indeed, Sunday gave the author the chance to explore further an area which intrigues her. For my second book, Death de Jour, I did a lot of research on cults. Whos vulnerable to being recruited, how do cults recruit members, that sort of thing? At the time, I wondered, but didnt follow up on, what if someone was born into one of those apocalyptic cults, where everyone ends up killing themselves and each other? Thats the basis for this character she grew up in a cult. She escaped this, but everybody she knew as a child died. Shes got guilt about that, and shes also quite distrustful, shes got a lot of anger, she doesnt deal well with authority, at all. Sunday is an unconventional investigator. After getting into trouble with the law, she trained during a stint in the marine corps, but has since isolated herself from the world. When shes asked to help find a missing girl, who is possibly connected to a cult, her personal history compels her to get involved. Reichs move into writing was prompted partly by a desire to put her children through college. Did she always know she could write? No. I did not write any fiction at all. I wrote text books and journal articles. I made full professor at the university, so I was free to do something new. I had just worked on a serial murder case, which had some interesting elements to it, so, in 1994, during a spring break, I decided: Ok, Im going to write this book. A previous effort, writing in the third person, was abandoned. Her second attempt was in the first person, and that just really worked for me. She jokes that getting published was almost an embarrassingly smooth transition. My daughter had a friend, who had a friend, who had a friend at a publishing house, so I wrote a cover letter and I just mailed it. She later told me that she took a few chapters home that night, read them, got in the car and went back, got the rest of the book and took it home. Within ten days, a deal had been finalised. As a forensic anthropologist, Reichs has worked on cases as intriguing as they were harrowing, including the Rwandan genocide and on Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site in New York. Ground zero was hard work, psychologically and physically. We worked 13-hour shifts, just digging through the rubble, trying to recover. Everything was very fragmentary. We had to sort out what was human. There was a lot of bone, because there were restaurants, catering services, animal bone. That was hard. Its work that requires certain character traits. As with any scientist, you need to be good at observation and good at deductive reasoning. You need to be able to detach, because what we work on and were just one member of a team I work with the pathologist, and the forensic dentist, and the guy who does the mitochondrial DNA analysis and the person who does the hair and fibre. I happen to work on the victim, him or herself, the remains. You have to be able to detach from that and remain objective. You cant get emotionally involved with the person whos lying on your table, or you wont be any good for them. You have to have the ability to deal with the sights and the smells of decomposing bodies and violent death, Reichs says. But thats not always easy to do, and working with children is particularly difficult. When I started the book Bones Are Forever, theres a really tough chapter, babies are discovered. At that time, I was working simultaneously on three child homicide cases. Those are tough. Its hard to become emotionally detached and objective with dead kids. With battered women. Victims who in no way put themselves at risk. But her work has also involved discovering how people lived as well as died. She could tell if somebody was left-handed, had given birth, or even what they did for a living. There was a case I did for the Catholic Church. We dug up a woman whod died in 1714, and she had been proposed for sainthood. There were no dental records that we could use to ID her, but she had spent her life praying and sewing, and we could see notching in her teeth, from years and years of pulling the thread through her teeth. She understands why there is such interest in crime fiction. People are fascinated with good versus evil and I think the ultimate evil is to take someone elses life. And I think people are interested in my books because they like to learn a little something, a little science. Its brief, but Im committed to keeping it accurate. And I think that people enjoy the fun of the puzzle. Watching for those clues, and then figuring out which clues are leading you in the right direction and which clues are red herrings, which is legitimate, as long as they work, and as long as you tie them off. And trying to solve the mystery before the author tells you, Reichs says. Burma Activists Deem Amendments to Article 66(d) Ineffective Upper House Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than walks into the Parliament in Napyitaw in July 2017. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy YANGON The Upper House approved amendments to the controversial Telecommunication Laws Article 66(d) on Wednesday in a confidential vote after a heated debate over whether it should be repealed, left alone, or modified. Votes were held for two proposals on Wednesday, one for full termination of the online defamation statute, and another, put forward by the Upper House Bill Committee, which recommended amendments. National League for Democracy (NLD) Upper House MP U Tin Aung Tun was among those who proposed last week that articles 66(c) and (d) be fully dismantled, pointing out that the provisions in those statutes already exist in criminal law. U Tin Aungs proposal was largely ignored by the legislature during Wednesdays vote. Of 193 legislators present, he told The Irrawaddy that 59 voted in support, 92 objected, 23 abstained, and 19 did not attend. Those who failed to vote were undutiful lawmakers, U Tin Aung Tun said. They should have at least voted on whether they liked or disliked the proposal. NLD Upper House lawmaker U Thein Swe told The Irrawaddy that some parliamentarians went for urgent committee meetings during the vote, leading to empty ballots. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify whether these MPs were attending crucial committee meetings at the time of the decision. The Upper House Bill Committees proposal preserved Article 66(d) but requires prosecutions under the law to be conducted directly by the defamed individual, rather than by a third party, unless that party has been granted legal power by the individual. It also allows for bail to be granted to the defendant. In the vote on the bill committees amendments, of 192 eligible lawmakers, 153 voted in approval, 24 voted to reject it, four abstained, and 11 were absent. Parliamentarian U Thein Swe said he believed the article should remain in place in order to regulate problems regarding defamation in the future, and was pleased that it was not dismantled. It should not be completely repealed at the moment, he said. Activist Maung Saungkhawho was himself imprisoned in 2015 for allegedly defaming former President U Thein Sein with a poemheads a research group on prosecutions under Article 66(d). He described the changes approved by the Upper House as ineffective. In my opinion, they [the NLD] are looking on as injustices occur, he told The Irrawaddy. He explained that he had hoped that the statutewhich prescribes sentences of three years for those convicted of online defamationwould be reduced to two years, so that bail would be guaranteed in line with the Criminal Code of Conduct. The terminology in the amended article, he pointed out, says bail can be granted, so it will be allowed at the judges discretion. Additionally, Maung Saungkha foresees lawsuits continuing by third parties on behalf of a defamed individual, because the NLD MPs appeared keen to keep the allowance for a third party to sue as long as they have a representative letter. Currently, some ministries are releasing official announcements with a signature of the deputy minister on behalf of Union ministers. Similarly, the third party can easily get a representative letter to prosecute someone in the future, he said. A third party lawsuit should be an exception, he explained, granted only to those deemed unable to speak for themselves, or whose identity must be concealed to protect their safety or dignity. Myanmars Telecommunications Law was enacted by former President U Thein Seins government in October 2013, theoretically to regulate telecommunications operators. But in practice, the laws Article 66(d) has been used to suppress political dissidents in a number of rapidly increasing defamation lawsuits in recent years. The article states that whoever uses a telecommunication network to extort, threaten, obstruct, defame, disturb inappropriately influence or intimidate, can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison, a fine, or both. According to Maung Saungkhas research team, there have been a total of 81 cases put forward under Article 66(d), most of which have occurred since the NLD government came to power in 2016. Civil society organizations as well as media experts have long been vocal in their concerns over abuse of the law. Burma Investigation Into Missing Magwe Public Funds Continues Small-scale oil production site in Magwe Region. / The Irrawaddy YANGON The Magwe Region chief minister has said that the regional auditor-generals office is examining the use of 4 billion kyats (US$2.9 million) of a missing 7.459 billion kyats ($5.5 million) in regional development funds, to find out whether it was really allocated for development projects. The money was made up of tax revenue collected from small-scale crude oil producers and earmarked for regional development projects under the previous government, but it turned out to have disappeared during the term of the former chief minister U Phone Maw Shwe. It was found out that 1.7 billion kyats were spent on the former ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and 1.57 billion kyats were designated for the lending firm Shwe Thukha, while the remaining 4.189 billion kyats was said to have been used for local development projects. Dr. Aung Moe Nyo, the Magwe Region chief minister, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that the ex-chief minister returned 3.27 billion kyatsthe money used on the USDP and Shwe Thukhastarting from May this year, after he had been asked to pay back the embezzled funds by the end of July. He gave back the remaining 570 million kyats on Monday, the chief minister said, but the Union-level auditor-general instructed the divisional auditor-generals office to continue to investigate the use of the 4.189 billion kyats which it had been claimed were allocated for development. The embezzlement investigation was launched after Lower House lawmaker U Tun Tun of Magwes Pwintbyu Township asked the Parliament about the missing regional development funds. U Tun Tun said he was surprised to find out that the actual missing funds totaled around 7.5 billion kyats, when at first, it was alleged that 2.8 billion kyats had been embezzled. I am happy, as we got back the missing public funds which should have been used for development projects, he said. If it was used really for regional development, it would have built new schools, dispensaries, roads and provided electricity for some areas, U Tun Tun said. Chief minister Dr. Aung Moe Nyo said they havent yet decided how the returned 3.27 billion kyats will be used, as the budget for this fiscal year has already been approved. We might use it when we need a bigger budget for repairing roads or for regional development projects. But all will be in accordance with the regulations and with the approval of the Union government, he explained. He said the regional government had also levied 3,000 kyats per barrel of crude oil from small-scale producers starting from June 2016. It has collected about 2 billion kyats, some of which is allocated toward buying necessary vehicles for the repair of the roads in the region. The lending firm Shwe Thukha loaned the money to those close to them with interest, U Tun Tun Tun said. But the interest that they had collected was not included in the return. Some were even saying that they would embezzle public funds, collect the interest that they get from loaning it or from putting it in banks, and then return it when it was found out, U Tun Tun said. The lawmaker urged other states and division to dig into similar accusations of embezzlement, even if they are not able to take legal action because of the governments policy of no retrospection, but that they could at least get their public funds back. Burma Military Sues Taungoo Student Union Members The Kaytu Oh-Way Thangyat group is pictured during Thingyan with their parade car in the background. / Kaytu Oh-Way Thangyat Group / Facebook MANDALAY The Myanmar Army filed a lawsuit against two former members of the Student Union of Taungoo, Bago Region, on Tuesday, accusing them of inciting unrest. One of the accused, Ko Aung Htet, was arrested and is being held at a detention center for the Taungoo Township court. A warrant is out for the arrest of Ko Victor, the second individual implicated in the case, who is currently traveling and is expected to turn himself in to the police upon his return to Taungoo. Ko Aung Htet told The Irrawaddy that he and Ko Victor have been sued by a lieutenant colonel in the Tatmadaws Southern Command for their traditional Burmese Thangyat songs, which they composed and sang with the group Kaytu Oh-Way during the Thingyan water festival in Taungoo in April. The groups songs advocate for the amendment of the military-drafted 2008 Constitution. The court informed me that I needed to show up and I was arrested right away. They are going to charge us with incitement, said Ko Aung Htet over the phone, before he was sent to prison. The two former members of the Student Union are facing charges under Article 505(b) of the Penal Code, which outlines punishments for those with intent to cause fear or alarm [] to the public or induce others to commit crimes against the state or which disrupt public tranquility. The crime is punishable by a maximum of two years imprisonment, a fine, or both. Article 505(b) does not allow for bail to be granted to the defendants. They said we are using the graphic picture of the Constitution in flames on our parade car and on our shirts, and that five lines in our Thangyat songs pertain to the stability of political situation, said Ko Aung Htet. However, most of the lyrics they presented in filing the lawsuit are not our lyrics, he added. I dont think they liked a line in our lyrics which said, the Student Union will not agree with the [2008] Constitution until it is amended. The next court hearing for the detained activists is set for August 15. Guest Column Is Media Biased Against Ethnic Armed Organizations? Ethnics leaders and Myanmar government officials attend the opening ceremony of the 21st Century Panglong peace onference in Naypyitaw, Myanmar August 31, 2016. / Reuters Myanmar is facing one of the worlds longest ongoing civil wars with at least 21 ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) fighting for equality and regional autonomy for nearly seven decades. The successive governments in Myanmar have tried, but so far failed, to reach an agreement on how to resolve the conflict through peaceful political negotiation. The latest attempt for peace, initiated by former president U Thein Sein and inherited by the democratically elected government, could be thought of as more far reaching. After more than five years of negotiations under the current Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) peace process, most of the EAOs and the government together with the Tatmadaw agreed to work to establish a federal democratic union through negotiations. However, the NCA process still falls short of convincing the more powerful EAOs to come on board. The inaccurate depiction by many media on the ethnic conflict, in most cases is unhelpful for the advancement of the peace process. In Myanmar, where the peace process involves a multitude of stakeholders, the role of the media and a need for precise, accurate reporting is imperative. Both local and international media are portraying the ethnic armed organizations as firstly, being too demanding by reporting that they are fighting for greater autonomy, as if they already have great autonomy, and secondly as being separatists, by reporting that they are engaging in separatist conflicts. In response to these two strands, it becomes important to ask: has the Myanmar government already given great (or some degree of) autonomy to the EAOs? Second, are the EAOs still demanding complete independence? What is agreed in the NCA on autonomy and federalism? Article (1.a) of the NCA principles states that the parties agreed to establish a union based on the principles of democracy and federalism. But it is important to recognize that the NCA is only a roadmap to resolving the armed conflicts, it does not automatically grant autonomy and federalism. These developments would arise out of subsequent political dialogues. Therefore, it is unknown yet what degree of autonomy will be given to the regional governments and what type of federalism would eventuate. Lets first look at the meaning of autonomy, then examine if the EAOs actually have a great, or even some degree of autonomy, as the media suggests: Leading dictionaries define autonomy as the right of an organization, country, or region to be independent and govern itself (Cambridge Dictionary); Freedom from external control or influence; independence (Oxford Dictionary); legally entrenched power of communities to exercise public policy functions of a legislative, executive and/or judicial type independently of other sources of authority in the state, but subject to the overall legal order of the state (Princeton Encyclopedia of Self-Determination). Scholars define autonomy as a special arrangement between the center and one or two regions of a country where the center and regional government(s) share legislative power [Papagianni, 2006, p-52]; free choice of ones own acts or states without external compulsion [Finaud, (2009, p-9)]; political independence of the organization when it comes to making its own decisions [Jean dAspremont (2011, p-63)]; and means of internal powersharing aimed at preserving the cultural and ethnic character of a region or people, and providing regional democratic selfgovernment [Stothart, (2014, p-5)]. Evidently, autonomy means the exclusive executive, legislative, and judicial power prescribed in law over matters concerning a sub-national region. While concurrent power is jointly exercised with the central authority, the autonomous authority must be able to exercise the prescribed exclusive power without interference. In this context, are there any states or divisions enjoying autonomy in Myanmar? Many point to the United Wa State Army (UWSA) as an example of an EAO having autonomy in its controlled areas. The question is: Does the government recognize the autonomy of the UWSA? Is the autonomy legally and politically guaranteed? Is there any court the UWSA can turn to if its autonomy is questioned? Many would agree that the UWSA enjoys the current degree of autonomy because of its military might. This reasoning is reflected in the Tatmadaws ongoing military campaigns against the Kachin Independence Army/ Organization (KIA/KIO). The KIA/KIO is often cited as another example of a group having some degree of autonomy over its controlled territories. During the last six years of war, that started in June 2011, the KIA has lost significant territorial control. What happened to its autonomy? The point is, whatever degree of autonomy the EAOs currently have cannot be interpreted as enjoying any autonomy because it is not guaranteed legally nor politically. Genuine autonomy needs to be sustainable. In this context, the EAOs have no autonomy. What about the legitimate State and Division governments created under the 2008 Constitution? Is there any state, division and self-administered zone or region in Myanmar which is given autonomy with exclusive power on (some) matters concerned with the territory? The rights on matters listed in the Schedule Two in the Constitution are seemingly the power of the regional authorities, which is to be exercised in accordance with the prescribed procedures. It is unclear whether the rights listed in Schedule Two are indeed the exclusive rights of the regional authorities. What is clear is that until now there is no law prescribing procedures to implement them. There are no state and division constitutions. Moreover, the states and divisions cannot even elect their chief ministers. The State and Division governments are allowed to collect taxes on various matters within their jurisdictions but the tax revenue must be deposited to the Union Fund according to [Article 231 (a)] of the Constitution. It means that the regional governments have no financial resources at their disposal for the development of their constituencies. In other words, the regional governments can do nothing without the approval from the Union Government. In her interview with The Irrawaddy in March 2017, Dr. Lei Lei Maw, (Chief Minister of Tenasserim Division) said that the regional government has no right to keep the revenue collected from the region concerned. The Chief Minister believes that if the regional government is allowed to keep a certain percentage of the revenue, it would allow the regional government to address some of the local needs. The short answer to whether or not the regional governments have autonomy is that the 2008 Constitution does not even contain the word autonomy. Therefore, the EAOs are still fighting for autonomy and federalism. However, mainstream media and some institutional reports alike suggest that the EAOs already have great or some degree of autonomy by reporting that they are fighting for greater autonomy. [See, for example, Amnesty International; BBC News; New York Times; Dissent Magazine; Reuters; Time;DVB; Al Jazeera; Mizzima; The Diplomat.] The New York Times article goes on to say that Their [the KIA] aim is to maintain autonomy. This reporting implies that the government has already given a great, or some, degree of autonomy to the EAOs, but they are not satisfied and want more. In the absence of actual autonomy, such reporting thus risks being intentionally or unintentionally interpreted by the audience or readership as the government being reasonable whereas the EAOs are not. Such interpretation would give undue credit to the government but damages the reputation of the EAOs and smears their legitimate demand. Secondly, are the EAOs really separatists? Even though none of the EAOs are demanding independence, it is very unfortunate that the media still portrays them as separatists by reporting them being engaged in separatist conflicts. For example, the New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor, Nikkei Asian Review, The Hindu Business Line, South East Asia GLOBE, and OilPrice.com all report that the EAOs are engaging in separatist conflicts. This kind of reporting only reinforces the narrative of the Myanmar government (or perhaps the Tatmadaw), given it has always portrayed the EAOs as separatists. The cited articles and journals here are not the only ones that report that the EAOs are fighting for greater autonomy and are separatists. The authors and reporters may or may not have the intention to suggest the EAOs being too demanding and being separatists. However, their choice of words in these cited works certainly can be interpreted as biased against the EAOs because they misrepresent the narrative of the EAOs and discredit them. On the other hand, they give undue credit to the Myanmar government and subtly reinforce the narrative of both the government and the Tatmadaw. The correct reporting should be that the EAOs are fighting for equality, and federal political and military structures. In principle, the EAOs are not calling for separation from the Union, rather, they want to lessen the domination of the Bamar (one of the countrys ethnic groups, that makes up the majority of the population) in the administration of their regions. And ideally, they want to have a federal army, where members of ethnic communities are given equal rights. This conflict by nature is also not based on a territorial dispute, but a fight for equality under a political system acceptable for all ethnic people in Myanmar. Yaw Bawm Mangshang is an independent observer based in Yangon. He earned an MA in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University. This article originally appeared in Tea Circle, a forum hosted at Oxford University for emerging research and perspectives on Burma/Myanmar. Guest Column Troop Withdrawal Crucial for Peace in Myanmar A soldier from the Myanmar armed forces stands guard on Balaminhtin Bridge over the Irrawaddy River near the city of Myitkyina, Kachin State in February 2012. A 17-year ceasefire broke down between the Kachin Independence Army and the Myanmar military in 2011. / Reuters The TatmadawMyanmars armed forcesshould withdraw its bases from ethnic regions where its presence continues to be linked to human rights violations and resource grabbing. Troop withdrawal is not to be equated with political dialogue, or the lofty goal of federalism, or a new Panglong Agreement. It is simply a basic practicality: by removing occupying Tatmadaw troops, you remove the source of conflict. As has been seen in northern Rakhine Statewhere security forces clearance operations in late 2016 included reported rape, murder and torturewhen the Tatmadaw pursues military campaigns or economic venture in ethnic regions, the abuse of civilians inevitably occurs. The recent viral video of soldiers kicking and beating Taang captives in Shan State in 2015 revealed one incident among a myriad of well-documented and severe human rights violations by the military. When these troops systematically treat ethnic people as subhuman, they prove they are capable of making any conflict worse. The Tatmadaw, which retains significant political power in Myanmars partially elected government, has long had economic incentives to entrench itself in resource-rich ethnic areas, from the extraction of jade and timber to the construction of petroleum pipelines. Long-running conflict in those regions has been used to justify the militarys bloated numbers, creating the perceived need for more than 300,000 troops and a US$2.1 billion budget, as of the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Yet the Tatmadaws Commander-in-Chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, in a speech opening the 21st Century Panglong Conference in August 2016, lectured ethnic representatives that clinging to armed struggle was contrary to democracy. It is time that the senior general apply this same logic to the states own vast military machine. Likewise, his counterparts in the civilian government should not shy away from advocating for troop withdrawal. While political and economic solutions to Myanmars conflict have been the worthy focus of negotiations, the practical step of Tatmadaw troop withdrawal must be brought to the forefront as a crucial demand by ethnic armed groups and civil society organizations. An Occupation It seems counterproductive for State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to preside over 21st Century Panglong conferences when such peace negotiations have no chance of success as long as Tatmadaw presence continues in areas in which it is unwelcome. As was seen in 2011 with the breakdown of the 17-year ceasefire between the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Tatmadaw, lasting peace cannot result from agreements that leave occupying bases in place and with the potential to expand their reach. Therefore, it is especially urgent that the Tatmadaw withdraw its forward bases from Kachin State. The ongoing war in the region has driven more than 100,000 civilians from their homes, and thousands of Tatmadaw soldiers have reportedly died. It is arguably the Myanmar governments own version of the Vietnam War, in which air power and invasion cannot overcome guerrilla fighters on their own terrain. The American farmer and poet Wendell Berry once wrote, people exploit what they have merely concluded to be of value, but they defend what they love. The KIO struggle is a war of defense, while the Tatmadaw is fighting a war of occupation. The KIO has shown that it is able to provide social services in its territory; even under wartime conditions, health care, education and a civil court system are maintained, and the KIOs small-to-medium scale hydropower projects have provided electricity to the Kachin capital of Myitkyina. The KIO has secured and administered its own border with China for decades with considerable diplomacy, and has demonstrated itself to be responsive to input from civil society. With this in mind, self-governance can be considered viable for the Kachin people. After all, to the east of Kachin State, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) is allocated an autonomous region without notable interference or military occupation by Myanmars government. Aggressively Forward Posture In southeast Myanmar, the Karen National Union (KNU) is observing a ceasefire but Tatmadaw bases have remained in place. In Ceasefires, Governance, and Development: The Karen National Union in Times of Change, a December 2016 report for The Asia Foundation, writer Kim Joliffe observed: While the Tatmadaw has retreated from governance, it has retained an aggressively forward posture and has strengthened its facilities and infrastructure significantly. Karens representing civil society and the KNU have recently insisted on Tatmadaw troop withdrawal in order to guarantee the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. An October 2016 Karen Human Rights Group report, Ongoing Militarisation in Southeast Myanmar quoted a village leader, Saw B.: If the Tatmadaw stay near us, the villagers have to be afraid of them Therefore, we want the international community to help us and advocate for us so that the Tatmadaws camp will be withdrawn. IDPs at Ei Tu Hta settlement in Papun District of Karen State protested military occupation in May. An IDP, Naw Hsa Gay, stated, I fled from home because of their abuses and I dare not go back. I want Burma Army troops to move out completely from our areas and burn their bases. Only then, will we dare to return. Former Vice Chairperson of the KNU Padoh Naw Zipporah Sein told The Irrawaddy in April, My biggest concern is the Burma Army. It should withdraw its troops from the KNU territories, especially areas near civilians homes. Troop withdrawal, she pointed out, is something that she had advocated for since 2012, and which they believed would be carried out after the KNU signed the 2015 nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). More than a year later, she commented, no one mentions it. Demands for Tatmadaw troop withdrawal from other ethnic areas are increasing. In Karenni State, a June statement by the Karenni Civil Society Network made clear their calls to the Burmese government to start withdrawing Burma Army troops from Karenni State and close down the No.14 military training centre in order to build trust in the peace process. Few of the Myanmar armed forces current bases in ethnic regions are located on international borders; most are in areas endowed with minerals, timber, plantation land, or petroleum transport routes. Tatmadaw troops are positioned there to assert control of those resources, which often involves committing violence against local people. The stationing of Tatmadaw troops in ethnic regions is expensive, exploitive and has caused immense harm to generations of civilians. If Myanmar is to progress toward a peaceful and just society, this military occupation must end. Edith Mirante is founder of Project Maje (distributing information on Burma since 1986) and author of The Wind in the Bamboo: Journeys in Search of Asias Negrito Indigenous Peoples. In what is the latest attempt by a politician to argue against the use of encrypted apps by the general public, UK home secretary Amber Rudd has penned an article in which she says that "real people" do not need end-to-end encryption. While she said the UK did not have any plans to impose a ban on end-to-end encryption, Rudd said the government would prefer that companies voluntarily abandoned its use, as it was not necessary for "real people". Rudd said in The Telegraph on Tuesday that technology companies should do more to help the government deal with security threats. She claimed that encryption was making it more difficult for the security agencies to tackle terrorism. The UK has been hit by a number of terrorist attacks this year. "The inability to gain access to encrypted data in specific and targeted instances ... is right now severely limiting our agencies' ability to stop terrorist attacks and bring criminals to justice," Rudd wrote. Amber Rudd: "Encryption is making it more difficult for authorities to tackle terrorism." "Real people often prefer ease of use and a multitude of features to perfect, unbreakable security ... Who uses WhatsApp because it is end-to-end encrypted, rather than because it is an incredibly user-friendly and cheap way of staying in touch with friends and family?" she wrote. "Companies are constantly making trade-offs between security and 'usability', and it is here where our experts believe opportunities may lie." Australia has said it will promulgate laws later this to enable the authorities to access encrypted messages when law and order deems it is necessary. Photos: courtesy Amber Rudd's website. Australian information security company Threat Intelligence has revealed details of a new attack technique whereby a Microsoft Windows Active Directory domain controller can be transformed into a command-and-control centre for an internal botnet. The company's managing director Ty Miller gave a presentation on the attack method at the recent Black Hat conference in Las Vegas, along with senior security consultant Paul Kalinin. Miller said that there was no need to compromise passwords as the attack could be carried out with bog standard user accounts. Asked if he had contacted Microsoft about his findings, Miller told iTWire that the Active Directory Botnet threat attack was not a vulnerability and as such a patch wasn't required. It was a flaw in how Active Directory was being implemented. "Microsoft Security Program staff from the US were in attendance at the Black Hat presentation and are aware of the potential attack technique," he added. Due to the architecture of nearly every Active Directory implementation, almost all servers, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, and wireless devices in organisations can connect to a Domain Controller for authentication purposes. "This provides the ability for our internal Active Directory Botnet to communicate through a network of strategically placed Active Directory C&C servers," he said. The Active Directory Botnet attack technique revealed a fundamental flaw in the way almost every organisation implemented their Microsoft Windows Active Directory solution, he said, compromising their overall security and ability to contain security breaches. Miller said standard Active Directory attributes and features forced the Domain Controllers to act as a central communications point for all internally compromised systems. Detailing the way the attack was implemented, Miller said standard Active Directory accounts supported more than 50 user attributes that could be combined to create a communication channel between any compromised domain machine located in any part of an organisation. "The Active Directory Botnet Client injects unique data entries into their corresponding Active Directory account attributes within the target Domain Controller, and begins polling to identify other compromised systems within the domain," Miller said. "At this point, any Active Directory Botnet Client within the domain can identify compromised machines and begin issuing commands to be executed on either individual systems or across all infected endpoints." He said if an organisation used the Azure Cloud Active Directory, then the Active Directory Botnet could use the synchronisation from an on-premise Active Directory to the cloud to create an egress channel. This could be then used to extract data from the organisation through production Active Directory protocols. Graphic: courtesy Microsoft. What to expect and how to prepare for NordVPNs cyber security predictions for the rest of the year, and advice on staying safe online. As NordVPN notes, 2017 has shown us that we all are vulnerable to cyber threats, what with alleged election hacking scandals in the US, two major global ransomware attacks, and a general rise in hacking. So what does NordVPN suggest that we can expect during the second half of this year? The company asks: will cyber attacks keep increasing, or are we learning to counter them? Heres NordVPNs top six predictions in the company's own words: 1. Phishing campaigns will become even more sophisticated. Criminals are now able to create emails that look like typical invoices or letters from banks about account updates or missed payments. While 94% of Internet users say they are able to recognise a phishing email, statistics show that almost half of them will click on a dangerous link. It will get even harder when cyber criminals get even more advanced in creating sophisticated fake emails. 2. There will be more ransomware attacks. Hackers behind the two recent global ransomware attacks proved that major companies have serious security issues meaning these types of attacks will keep increasing, and their scale is frightening. As long as big companies dont start taking security seriously, there will be criminals taking advantage of it. For example, 94% of companies in the UK said they believed IT security was important, but only 56% have a strategy in place in case of cyber attacks. 3. Government involvement in data collection will keep increasing. Governments across the world are strengthening their surveillance laws. For example, the UKs Investigatory Powers Act, called the Snoopers Charter, allows the British government to force companies to hack their own customers, even by inserting malware into their devices. The Australian Government wants to be capable of spying on encrypted means of communications, including services built into devices like iPhone, as well as apps like Telegram, WhatsApp and so on. Many other governments are implementing similar laws that use intrusive data collection techniques. Massive amounts of collected data could be easily mishandled, ending up in the hands of hackers and cyber criminals. For example, the Swedish government has recently accidentally leaked personal details of almost all citizens in a massive data breach. 4. ISP data collection. The US has recently passed a law allowing ISPs to collect customer data without their consent and share it with third parties. Internet Service Providers are now free to collect and share their subscribers private data that includes precise geolocation, financial information, health information and web browsing history. 5. Hackers will access more platforms. While currently cyber criminals mostly attack Windows platforms, they will be getting sophisticated enough to attack iOS and Android, as well as Linux and macOS. 6. More DDoS attacks on IoT devices. With the advancement of IoT (Internet of Things), the number of properly unsecured devices has greatly increased over the past few years and its only the beginning. The number of smart home gadgets will be growing exponentially in the next few years, allowing hackers to launch DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks on a scale never seen before, involving botnets or extortion attempts. So, how does NordVPN suggest we protect ourselves from the increasing dangers lurking online? Naturally, NordVPNs advice includes the use of a VPN, but lets hear them out, because they do have an additional twist. Marty P. Kamden, the companys main marketing man, said: Internet users should regularly delete cookies, maintain strong spam filters and authentication. Its crucial to install anti-virus and anti-tracking software, and make sure not to enter personal passcodes and credit card information when using open Wi-Fi networks. Organisations should train their employees to recognise phishing scams and they should have a system where such scams can be quickly reported. With the new level of the Internet surveillance arising, privacy becomes a luxury that is not so easy to obtain. There is more than one example when our personal data is being mishandled even in presumably safe hands. Therefore, one of the best-known methods to keep your information private and encrypted is a VPN. A VPN encrypts user data through a secure tunnel before accessing the Internet this protects any sensitive information about ones location by hiding their IP address, Kamden continued. Now, of course, and as noted, NordVPN suggests using a VPN, and the company proudly boasts of its double encryption and a strict no logs policy, amongst other features and benefits, and notes that from the moment a user turns on NordVPN, their Internet data becomes encrypted. It becomes invisible to governments, ISPs, third party snoopers and even NordVPN". The additional twist over regular VPNs comes in the form of NordVPNs new CyberSec feature that can be activated along with VPN in order to protect from malware, annoying ads and phishing attempts. This new feature checks each website the user tries to access against a list of malicious sites. Any site included in the phishing blacklist is blocked before any harm can be done. Now, while services such as Norton Security also checks websites against a list of malicious sites, and protects from malware, the simply reality for computer users is that they need a series of layers to protect against the wide range of threats that are unquestionably out there, looking for you or hoping youll stumble upon them while surfing, or both. Heck, I use Norton Security on my Mac, I have Malwarebytes and CCleaner, and other software besides, but Im also a paid NordVPN user without any special media discounts. I paid for one of the deals on the site, and thats before the CyberSec feature was released. Im pleased to report that even with a VPN connection to a server in Australia, I was still able to get 60Mbps download speeds and 20Mbps upload speeds, which is impressive when youre connected to a VPN. So if youre not already using a VPN, the day is surely coming where you will definitely want to use one, even in a country like China which is banning those that arent authorised by the government. Lets hope it never comes to that in Australia, the US or other supposedly free countries, even though these same Western countries are trying to snoop on their citizens and chip away at all us and our privacy and security bit by bit, trying to take us to whats happening in China by stealth. If youre still reading this, then youre still free to get a VPN. Make sure you choose a quality VPN, take all of the security precautions listed above, triple back-up your system and devices, and may the force of your own security devices take you to infinity and beyond! A 32-year-old man from Seattle who was arrested for mounting a series of distributed denial of service attacks on businesses in Australia, the US and Canada, wanted articles about himself removed from various news sites, including Fairfax Media. According to an FBI chargesheet filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division), Kamyar Jahanrakhshan tried to get articles removed from the Sydney Morning Herald, a site for legal articles known as Leagle.com, Metronews.ca, a Canadian news website, CBC in Canada and Canada.ca. Ars Technica was the first to file a detailed report on the case; the arrest was reported by iTWire on 29 July. The chargesheet, filed by FBI special agent Matthew Dosher, said Jahanrakhshan migrated to the US in 1991 and took US citizenship; he then moved to Canada about four years later and became a permanent resident there. He had a conviction for second degree theft in Washington state in 2005 and this was vacated in August 2011; he also had a 2011 conviction for fraud and obstruction in Canada. In each case, Jahanrakhshan, who was deported back to the US as a result of the Canada crime, launched DDoS attacks on the news websites and then contacted them. The attacks on the Sydney Morning Herald took place in 2015 and 2016. The chargesheet said the Fairfax Media website was hosted at Quadranet and the servers located in California. One DDoS attack was brought to the attention of the FBI in Dallas in April 2015. The chargesheet said between January and April 2015, Jahanrakhshan communicated with someone who had the initials DG at Fairfax Media, initially asking that two articles from September 2011 be taken down. When he was told that this would not be done, he offered to send A$500 to pay for the removal of the articles. Jahanrakhshan continued to email Fairfax Media and became more aggressive in his approach, asking for the money to be returned if the articles were not going to be taken down. In February 2015, Fairfax Media received an email from "Anonymous Hackers" claiming responsibility for the DDoS attacks on the website. The email said: "We are responsible for all of the DDoS attacks incurred by many of the Fairfax Media websites during the past 11 days. You must be aware of them. "Our demand to halt these attacks is simple and trivial. "There are two articles that were published in one of your newspaper in 2011. They are concerning one of our colleagues. "We are demanding their immediate Take Down. If you refuse a systematic DDoS attacks against Fairfax Media websites will ensue. On the other hand, if you comply and delete the subject articles from your archives, all attacks will be immediately halted. "If you decided to comply, simply reply to this email and we will send you the subject URLs for deletion." The chargesheet said the Australian Federal Police informed the FBI in September 2015 that Jahanrakhshan had stepped up his threats and was now sending faxes threatening bomb attacks. He threatened to "call in bomb threats to different places, including Courthouses in Vancouver". The Sydney Morning Herald was hit by another DDoS in February 2016 and an email arrived from the "Anonymous Hackers" claiming responsibility. On 23 February that year, an email with the subject line "SMH Digital is down again" arrived. It read as under: "Hi Guys "We just took down the SMH Digital once again. Your paying customers cannot login to read the SMH or other fairfax digital papers. "You know what to do to restore services. TAKE THESE DOWN: "https://www.smh.com.au/business/conman-hit-three-australian-banks-in-credit-card-sting-20110907-1jxr4.html "https://www.smh.com.au/business/canadian-conman-taps-banks-20110907-1jxtj.html "https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/934572/canadian-conman-taps-banks/ "We won't stop our exploits against fairfax until these articles are removed." A similar email was sent to Fairfax Media on 25 February. The chargesheet outlined the approach made to the other news websites in similar detail. The methodology was similar and sought similar outcomes. The AFP's announcement of the arrest of Jahanrakhshan gave his age as 37 and said he was arrested on 26 July. He has been charged with transmission of a code or command and intentionally causing damage to a computer and is expected to face court on 14 August. The head of an organisation that represents non-dominant telecommunications carriers in Australia says there is no need for any further inquiry to find out why customers are experiencing slower speeds on the NBN than what they had with their old copper connections. Matt Healy, chairman of the Competitive Carriers Coalition, told the ABC's AM programme this morning that the anecdotal evidence was well and truly in. "I'm not sure that we need to ask too many more questions to satisfy ourselves that there is a problem," he said. The federal government announced on Tuesday that it would ask the Australian Communications and Media Authority to commission research to obtain data from customers to find out how they had fared before, during and after they connected to the NBN. But Healy did not appear to be impressed by this move. "I think we really need to move from talk about what the issue is to action about how to fix it. The NBN favours the big telcos which makes for less choice, leaving customers unhappy," he said. "I think we all know that there's teething problems in rolling out infrastructure of this magnitude. But at the heart of what is going wrong at the moment is a competition issue. "And therefore, rather than the ACMA being the cop on the watch here, we really need the ACCC to be flexing its muscles to ensure that consumers get some choice." The programme also canvassed the views of Internet Australia executive director Laurie Patton, a critic of the multi-technology mix that is being used for the rollout. "Customers are getting something that's not reliable, it's not what they want and costing them a lot of money. Quite frankly they are cranky about it," Patton said. "The basic problem is that we are now building a network using ageing copper wires which just simply cannot deliver the kind of speed people will want in the future. (It is) delivering a whole range of problems in people just getting connected." Patton added that the NBN Co's wholesale pricing made it really expensive for the RSPs to provide high speeds. The ACMA's Jennifer McNeill told AM that the inquiry, announced by Communications Minister Mitch Fifield, would "help us understand the scale of problems and what's going on, why problems aren't being fixed as quickly as we would like them to be fixed. She said there may need to be further changes to the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code. "We've all witnessed the rather unedifying spectacle of NBN Co pointing to retail service providers as the source of problems and... RSPs pointing to NBN Co as the source of the same problems," McNeill said. "I have no doubt that the truth is going to lie somewhere in the middle." The head of MyRepublic in Australia and New Zealand has challenged the NBN Co chief executive Bill Morrow to give Australia an NBN pricing model that is fit for purpose. Nicholas Demos said in a statement that the current pricing model had created the problems that Morrow was now trying solve with a consumer marketing campaign. NBN Co announced on 28 July that it would be launching a campaign to answer what it calls "the nation's top questions" about the NBN. Demos said that a recent announcement from NBN Co that it would review its current pricing model "is exactly what we need. We believe that the sooner it is changed, the better it will be for the RSP and the consumer experience". We agree with Bill (Morrow) that a goal of NBN Co should be to drive and stimulate retail competition because the very success of a NBN is dependent on its ability to drive this. "However, competitor trade amongst the big four RSPs is not sufficient. In all other NBN markets, new entrants have been critical to its success, Demos said. We know this because MyRepublic has sparked competition and driven significant benefits to consumers in our home market of Singapore, New Zealand and more recently in Australia, by providing our customers with the fastest NBN speed tier possible up to 100 Mbps. He said MyRepublic had reminded RSPs they had an obligation to ensure all customers were "wowed" when they moved to the NBN, rather than the current practice to "lift and shift" them like the "big four" were currently doing, resulting in 82% of the market being on speeds of 25/5Mbps or below. The NBN Co needs to meet the RSP community halfway with a fit for purpose commercial model, Demos said. We also need to call out the practices and attitude of the big four RSPs which are compounding NBN woes. They have no interest in the success of the NBN, because if they did, they would not be so disingenuous and actively working against the NBN and its goals. The current wholesale pricing model promotes a poor user experience with low AVC speed tiers being available and the opportunity for some RSPs to scrimp on the CVC and that all affects the perception of the NBN product. Demos said Telstra's growth in marketshare should not be happening in the midst of the NBN rollout. In fact the opposite should be occurring. In successful NBN markets the challengers reset the offering indicating that something is broken. The current pricing model is a major contributor to this, he claimed. Reddit Email 711 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | China has just inaugurated its first military base abroad, in the tiny Red Sea country of Djibouti. Beijing has a long way to go to catch up with the United States, which is estimated to have some 800 military bases around the world. In fact, you will not be surprised to discover that the US already has a base in Djibouti, Camp Lemonnier. So too do Japan and France. Djibouti had been an Ottoman possession until the late 19th century and then was made a colony by France, becoming independent in 1977. Still, the Djibouti base is a milestone in the gradual emergence of China as a great power, coming as it does after the commissioning of their first aircraft carrier battle group. I lived in the Horn of Africa in my teenager years, in Asmara (then in Ethiopia; it is now, after a bitter war of independence, in Eritrea). Asmara was then an inland port for the seaport of Massawa. If you follow the coast south from Massawa, you get to the next country over along the coast, Djibouti. Then you get to Somalia. The three of them hog the shore, leaving the big country of Ethiopia (population 90 million) landlocked. Because of severe and long term frictions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Ethiopian elite in Addis Ababa stopped trusting Massawa as their port and turned to Djibouti. This development killed the Eritrean economy (along with one of the worst ruling classes in the world). Eritreas bad fortune is Djiboutis good fortune. Djibouti is about the size of New Jersey or New Hampshire with regard to area, but it has a little less than a million people, around the population size of South Dakota. Just off the Djibouti coast lies a huge international sea route through which 10 percent of global trade goes. Because international fishing operations have depleted fishing grounds off Somalia, depriving local fishermen of their livelihood, some of them turned to piracy. Across the Gulf of Aden in Yemen, some al-Qaeda cells have also sometimes attacked naval vessels. China was asked by the UN Security Council to play a part in the naval policing of this corridor and in fighting piracy and terrorism. Xinhua News Agency explained of the Peoples Liberation Army base last week: It will fulfill Chinas international obligations regarding humanitarianism aid and escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. The PLA support base in Djibouti will be conducive to China fulfilling its international commitments. There is, as usual in these matters, a strong economic underpinning to Chinas new military base. Since Djibouti has become the port of choice for Ethiopia, it has received enormous investments in infrastructure. It already receives 15,000 containers a year, and this number is set to increase substantially. China has made major investments in Port Doraleh, a major container port there, as a conduit for African raw materials to Chinas hungry factories, and for Chinese manufactured goods to Africas markets. China also built an electric rail link from the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa to Djibouti, turning the trip into a 12 hour journey; it had been four days by truck. China sees its new outpost in Djibouti as part of its globe-spanning New Silk Road international trade project. There is an overland Silk Road through Central Asia and Iran to Europe (Syria may be incorporated into it). Then there is a maritime Silk Road, including East Africa. These new transportation routes ramify from China and depend on new rail links and ports that will make trade easier and less expensive, in hopes of increasing its volume. The Chinese are of course also very interested in raw materials. But they have a world-commerce model. Their focus is on increasing the volume of trade in both raw materials and manufactured goods. When is the last time the US or a US concern built an railroad in Africa? China has just built three, in different parts of the continent. That is, Trumps pledges to rebuild US infrastructure only focused inside the US, and while the good Lord knows that US bridges and other facilities need investment, that project would not necessarily increase US gross domestic product. Trump in any case will likely renege on this pledge, as he has reneged on most of his others. China is not only investing in its own infrastructure, it is investing in that of Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc. etc. Its leaders are convinced that the resulting increase in volume and velocity of world trade will benefit China. Security is only one of many planks for the Maritime Silk Road project. Things like sustainable, green development, innovation, cooperation in exploiting marine resources, and combating climate change are central to Chinas goals. Trump and the US elite want to disregard climate change in order to make a few final billions from fossil fuels. The investment in local infrastructure differentiates Chinas base from Camp Lemonnier. The US has a raw material security model for bases. They are there to protect US access to oil and other primary commodities. You see the difference in Pakistan, where the US invested $8 billion but mostly just sold them American weapons. China is building them solar farms and railroads. The US has a primitive, nineteenth-century notion of imperialism as claiming someone elses resources and then standing over them with a gun. Trump epitomizes this philosophy when he says that the US, having invaded and occupied Iraq, should have taken their oil. China is up to a different sort of great power model entirely. This is why Jack Ma, the CEO of Alibaba and one of the richest men in the world, expressed amazement and dismay that the US had wasted trillions on wars when it could have been investing the money in expanding its economy. - Related video: AfricaNews: Djibouti hosts first Chinese overseas military base Reddit Email 252 Shares By Ann Jones. | (via Tomdispatch.com ) | You may have noticed that quite a few of the formerly united states of America have been choosing to go their own way. My own state, Massachusetts, now blooms with sanctuary cities sworn to protect residents from federal intrusion. Its attorney general, Maura Healey, was among the first to raise the legal challenge to President Trumps Muslim bans. She also sued Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and the Department of Education for abandoning rules meant to protect students from exploitation by private for-profit schools. (Think Trump University, for instance.) Even my states Republican governor, Charlie Baker, announced well before the presidential election that he wouldnt vote for Donald Trump. Its been like the Boston Tea Party all over again, with citizens and public officials refusing to abide by the edicts of their supposedly lawful rulers. And Massachusetts is not alone. Hawaii, Washington State, New York, Minnesota, and Oregon all joined the legal battle against Muslim bans, while many other states have denounced federal policies that threaten the nations international reputation, the environment, or whats left of democracy itself. So far at least 10 states (as well as Puerto Rico) and more than 200 cities have committed themselves to work toward the environmental goals of the Paris Accord, just as the United States as a nation had promised to do before Trump trashed the deal. We should recall that our founding fathers cobbled together our federal union our United States because they were convinced that the revolutionary colonies, each standing on its own, could not survive. For a time, the Civil War did then tear the union apart, and, a century and a half later, here we are, overstretched and teetering under the rule of an administration whose allegiances, if any, are far from clear. But theres no denying a new spirit in many states worthy of the Gadsden Flag of revolutionary times which warned, beneath a drawing of a distinctly American rattlesnake: Dont Tread on Me. Some prospective political challengers to the current feckless crew in Washington go even further. Take, for example, Ben Jealous, former head of the NAACP, a Democrat now vying to become governor of Maryland in 2018. Hes not the only Democrat running for that position, but hes the one endorsed by Bernie Sanders. Jealous advocates something a bit vague called climate action plus a $15 minimum wage, an end to mass incarceration, the protection of immigrants, and get this statewide single-payer Medicare for All. Lets talk about that health care possibility. Recent polls and reporting by the New York Times indicate that a lot of voters including Trump voters who opposed Obamas Affordable Care Act have changed their minds. They now not only like Obamacare but want to keep it and improve upon it. As one man in Pennsylvania told the Times, I cant even remember why I opposed it. Whats more, a Pew survey reports that fully 60% of Americans now say that health care for all is the responsibility of the government. This awakening has been prompted by the unexpectedly enlightening spectacle of belligerent Republicans smuggling tax cuts for the rich into their very own totally man-made plan to deprive tens of millions of Americans of their bodily well-being. West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, drove a stake through the heart of her partys second health care plan with a single comment: I didnt come to Washington to hurt people. (After Trump harangued a crowd of 40,000 at the Boy Scout Jamboree held in Capitos home state, telling them that they better get Senator Capito to vote for a third Republican health care plan, she changed her mind, opting to hurt people rather than the President.) The Stars Align This combination of circumstances the newly rebellious spirit of the states, the collapse of the corrupt Republican Congress, and the absence of executive leadership (as opposed to tweetstorms) comes as part of a propitious realignment of astral constellations in Americas natal chart. It suggests an opportunity to change course and take action. Bernie Sanders argued for just such a change during the Democratic presidential debates last year. Remember? He tried hard to push lessons to be learned from the Scandinavian social democracies: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Every international evaluation rates those countries among the most successful and happiest on the planet, but Sanders proved unable to sell their ideas to Americans. His own understanding of social democracy was on the foggy side and that taboo word socialist kept getting in his way. But right now might be just the moment to try again. Take Ben Jealous and his statewide Medicare for All plan. Were talking about a single-payer universal system that would cover every resident of his state, regardless of the condition of his or her health, and with no insurance companies jockeying for profits in the mix. Such a simple system is the one used by all the Scandinavian countries. If Maryland and other states adopted it, they would be delivering at the state level what most developed nations already provide for their citizens. Isnt it worth a try? American politicians who refuse to learn lessons from Scandinavia usually dismiss those countries as too small to be relevant to Americas exceptionally grand experience. And they do have a point: its surely easier to implement a big plan on a smaller scale. If thats true, however, then applying Medicare for All at the state level should be easier. And of all the states, only eight have a population greater than that of Scandinavias biggest country, Sweden (nine million), while 30 states have fewer residents, most far fewer, than either Denmark (5.5 million) or Norway (5.3 million). In short, the most popular argument against single-payer health care for the nation the contention that were way too big for such a system simply vanishes if you start at the state level. But hold on. If a state becomes a single payer, where does it get the money? Taxes, of course. Progressive income taxes. And lets not forget taxes on corporations and financial transactions. In most states, the moneys there, even if it has a way of clinging to the pockets of the rich and disappearing from circulation. The job of any good government should be to collect its fair share of the wealth and redistribute it for the good of all. Thats what social democracies do. Thats why theyre called social democracies. Raising taxes on the rich in the United States, however, would take some persuasion at first, partly because so many of them seem to have lost all sense of obligation to others, and also because most millionaires claim to have worked hard for the money, and dammit, its theirs. Not that you would know it in this country, but a larger tax bill more than pays for itself in the social benefits it buys: an overall population in better condition (and probably significantly less desperate, angry, and violent); a healthier, more reliable work force; kids in better shape who dont miss school as often; and a widespread feeling of well being, of knowing that you will indeed get the care you need and that no one will be left behind. When Senator Capito claimed that she didnt want to hurt people, surely she spoke for most Americans. Nonetheless, theres another reason that American politicians disdain the Scandinavian example and it may, on first glance, seem far more compelling. Those countries are not only small but to a significant degree ethnically homogeneous. So naturally, Norwegians dont mind helping each other, since theyre all essentially alike or so the argument goes anyway. On the other hand, diverse and polarized Americans are never going to be persuaded to let the state pick their pockets for the good of other, very different and presumably less deserving people. And lets admit it: the opposition does seem to have a point. Scandinavian social democracies are indeed among the most stable in the world. Whats more, they are economic democracies; that is, they have the worlds smallest gap between their upper and lower income earners. Their citizens are just about as equal to one another as its possible to become on our present planet. Considered more carefully, though, thats hardly a reasonable basis for arguing against trying to redistribute the wealth in a diverse American state. Quite the reverse, in fact. Historically speaking, Scandinavians werent born equal. Well into the twentieth century, many of them languished in isolated pockets of rural poverty, while others dined in style in prospering cities. Some were healthy, some not; some well educated, others unschooled. Some had good jobs, others none. To overcome such disparities and engage all their citizens in the project of democracy, Scandinavians worked hard to create forms of government and social policies that made people ever more socially and economically equal. In Norway, for example, workers led the struggle for fair employment laws, gaining compensation for accidents in 1894, unemployment in 1906, and illness in 1909. Socially conscious political leaders worked to harness the nations wealth and used it to meet the basic needs of all men and women for health care, education, and employment, as well as for the special needs of children, the elderly, the disabled, and others. In short, when you radically equalize wealth in a country, even in increasingly multicultural ones like those of Scandinavia, you unite disparate people. When most poeple have plenty of money, populations begin to feel downright homogeneous especially if theyre healthy, well educated, and happily employed in the bargain. Scandinavian economists will tell you that social democracy developed out of pure self-interest. These were, after all, poor countries that learned one simple lesson fast: their strength and well being lay in solidarity. They invested in the future by investing heavily in children. Just think for a moment about all those well established Scandinavian programs that American feminists keep talking about: paid parental leave; early childhood education; and excellent, free, equally well funded public schools (and universities) for all. Could such giveaways be in the nations self interest? You bet. Scandinavian societies were, and still are, intent on developing a work force of the future that eventually will care for the very elders preparing the way. The Road Ahead? Were he elected, could Ben Jealous actually put any of these ideas to work in Maryland? The state has already laid some significant groundwork for his ideas. But really, who knows? Instituting a single program statewide like Medicare for All or equal investment in public schools could prove to be a breakthrough experiment for this backpedaling nation. It might also be a reminder that such acts of solidarity worked well once upon a time, even in America under both President Franklin Roosevelts New Deal in the 1930s and President Lyndon Johnsons Great Society in the 1960s. Real social democracy, however, is far more than a few isolated programs. Its a complete system of reciprocation that is incessantly subjected to adjustment and fine-tuning. Today, the comprehensive welfare state that characterizes Scandinavian social democracies has largely moved beyond political ideology. Always open for discussion, its nonetheless taken for granted and favored by every party, across a broad range of political opinion. It is simply the way things are. Yet social democracy might not have developed at all had it not been for the leadership of the working class, a strong alliance of labor and farmers, and the undeniable claims of women. In that Democratic presidential debate last year, Bernie Sanders argued that we should look to countries like Denmark, like Sweden and Norway, and learn from what they have accomplished for their working people. But hes got that slightly backwards. For a real lesson in inspirational history, we should learn from what the working people of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway accomplished and are still accomplishing for their countries. Social democracy doesnt come from the top down; its peoples politics at its best. Unfortunately, it seems way too late to count on Americas working class to lead this country to social democracy. Here in the U.S., the plutocrats crushed labor long ago and corporatized the farms; women were turned back in the 1970s, social welfare in the 1990s. Who even remembers exactly when the working class or the poor fell or were pushed off the edge of the political map? A woman worker in an Indiana factory where candidate Trump promised to save jobs, speaks now (as workers are let go and the plant moves to Mexico) of his having blown smoke up our asses with a sneaky kind of shit-eating grin on his face. The Democratic Party once the party of the working class, lest youve forgotten has just announced yet again its intention to devise an agenda that will resonate not with workers but with the middle class. Meanwhile, working-class Americans, some still wearing their Trump hats, turn their gazes upward and wait for something anything to trickle down. So have no illusions. A single experimental program like statewide Medicare for All, coupled with the taxes to pay for it, wont transform this country into a social democracy. Nor, on the other hand, is it likely to lead to the dissolution of the Union and a second civil war. Still, a single program launched by a single state is better than none. And it just might work. If it does, states can look to the Scandinavian toolbox for other projects. Whats more, a good idea in one state may prove contagious, as weve seen with the rise of sanctuary cities and pledges of allegiance to the Paris Accord. (States are learning from the consequences of bad ideas too, including the catastrophic financial collapse of Kansas after its Republican governors stubbornly stupid Reaganomics tax-cutting regime.) Some states, like Massachusetts, are even taking inspiration from their own feistiness. In California, Governor Jerry Brown told the Los Angeles Times that if Trump shut down the U.S. satellites gathering climate change data, California will launch its own damn satellite. Sounds good to me, but for now, as a healthy, happy Medicare recipient myself, Ive got my eye on Maryland and statewide Medicare for All. Ann Jones, a TomDispatch regular, went to Norway in 2011 as a Fulbright Fellow and stayed on for years because it feels good to live in a social democracy where politics matter, gender doesnt, and peacemaking is the nations project. She is the author most recently of They Were Soldiers: How the Wounded Return from Americas Wars the Untold Story, a Dispatch Books original. Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dowers The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, as well as John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. Copyright Ann Jones 2017 via Tomdispatch.com - Related video added by Juan Cole: CNN: Sanders vows to introduce Medicare for All' Reddit Email 274 Shares By Cheryl Duckworth | (Informed Comment) | Daily headlines suggest we could soon be experiencing a genuine constitutional crisis. Weve learned that White House lawyers are exploring if the President can pardon himself and fire the Special Prosecutor looking into the Russia issue, so there is no better moment than now to consider parallels between our own current context, and abusive dynamics that existed in Latin America during their periods of dictatorship. Paraguay, the subject of my book on authoritarianism and popular resistance (Land and Dignity in Paraguay), offers a useful case in point. 1. Corruption is a tool to consolidate power through complicity. Several years after his exile in Brazil, General Stroessner, Paraguays dictator for decades, noted the following to a journalist: it is necessary to foment criminality, because criminality produces complicity and complicity produces loyalty. Some may conceive of corruption as a byproduct of greed. Truebut this view overlooks another truth: the criminal aspect of corruption is a tool of leverage that regimes can use to compel others to fall in line. Thats why it matters that Donald Trump Jr.s recently published emails, in which he seeks dirt from a U.S. enemy on his fathers opponent, also included Paul Manafort (former Trump campaign manager) and senior White House advisor and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. It matters that details of all of this were revealed to Sen. Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker of the House Ryan. Corruption is contagious, and the more the rot spreads, the more it can be used to enforce party discipline. Will what were seeing now lead to the rule of law being upheld or further consolidation of power by the Trump family? That depends on what the American people demand. 2. When the left is not united, people get hurt. The regime of Gen. Stroessner lasted longer than any other dictatorship at the time, almost outlasting the totalitarian regime of North Korea. One reason was divisions among the left, in particular the democratic left in Paraguay, and the more militant Marxists. This should sound familiar. The result of the division was the continued consolidation of power by a regime that used torture and disappearances as political weapons. 3. Its the regime, not just the leader. Stroessners regime fell in 1989 when he was ousted in a palace coup. While major constitutional reforms have been undertaken, Stroessners Colorado Party continues to wield much power. They have consistently worked to undermine democratic consolidation, long after Stroessner himself was gone. If President Trump was impeached tomorrow, the racial and economic inequalities, divisions, corruption and gerrymandering which helped him to his narrow Electoral College victory would still be in place. Addressing those underlying factors is the long game. 4. Broad coalitions matter. I hear it debated sometimes whether the left in the U.S. needs a third party (i.e. Berniecrats) or if the left and the center-left can find unity under one big tent. Yet this debate hardly matters. Lets say a viable (on the ballot in all fifty states) third party emerged. We will still need to build coalitions and make compromises to wield any power. There is no get out of collaboration free card. 5. Only democratic processes will have democratic results. This means inclusive participation, access to lawmakers, debate, compromise, and transparency. Foreign interference in elections, gerrymandered Congresses, voter suppression, lack of debate, threatening a free press, lack of dialog, low election turnout and other ills continue to erode our democracy. I also hear stray wishes for a coup or revolution, but rarely have such means produced stable democracies long term. Violence is not a tool that can be controlled the way that those promoting it promise. There is no short cut. Democratic means are what produce democratic ends. Cheryl Duckworth is Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution Studies, NOVA Southeastern University Related video added by Juan Cole: David Pakman: Were Moving Closer to Total Authoritarian Dystopia VANCOUVER, British Columbia , Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evrim Resources Corp. (TSX.V:EVM) (Evrim or the Company) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Sarape gold-silver project in central Sonora, Mexico. Sarape was identified through Evrims generative programs with reconnaissance exploration completed in early 2017. The project is 100% owned by Evrim with no underlying royalties and is located near excellent infrastructure with roads and power crossing the 5,776 hectare property. Sarape is located in an emerging epithermal gold belt that hosts Premier Golds Mercedes Mine and First Majestics Santa Elena Mine. Sarape displays many similarities with Evrims Ermitano project discovery where exploration partner First Majestic drilled 18 metres grading 11.4 g/t gold, commented Charles Funk, Evrims Vice President of New Opportunities and Exploration. Common to both projects are prominent outcropping broad veins with low to moderate grade gold and silver at surface. A key observation lies in the recognition of textures within the veins at surface which commonly occur above concealed high-grade ore-shoots. The Phase 1 exploration program has defined two major veins: the Sarape vein, a northwest trending vein measuring 6.0 kilometres in length and up to 12.0 metres in width, and the Chiltepin vein, a west trending vein measuring 2.6 kilometres in length and up to 3.0 metres in width. Both veins are located either side of a Laramide age horst block. Systematic channel sampling reveals that the western portion of both veins contains barren white quartz and calcite veins that are interpreted to represent late influx and boiling of meteoric fluids during the collapse of the hydrothermal system. The eastern portion of the veins are composed of a separate phase of low-temperature, tan-green quartz that consistently assays from 0.10 to 0.36 g/t gold across sampled widths, with individual samples assaying up to 3.6 g/t gold. Neither the Sarape nor Chiltepin vein has ever been drilled. Figure 1: Location map showing location of Sarape project relative to Evrim projects and major mines on central Sonora. Sarape and Ermitano comparison Both projects contain notable outcropping veins with long strike lengths and wide widths at surface: Prospect Vein Strike Length Vein Width Ermitano Ermitano West 1,450 metres 1-3 metres Sarape Sarape 6,000 metres 1-12 metres Chiltepin 2,600 metres 1-3 metres Figure 2: LEFT: Sarape vein at Sarape project. RIGHT: Ermitano West vein at Ermitano project. The Ermitano west vein has 14 of 924 samples above 1 g/t gold (1.5%) with a maximum value on surface of 6.6 g/t gold. The Sarape project has 2 of 132 samples above 1 g/t gold (1.5%) with a maximum value on surface of 3.7 g/t gold. Figure 3: LEFT: Gold in rock chip samples from Sarape project. RIGHT: Gold in rock chip samples from Ermitano project. Identifying surface textures is a key observation at Ermitano West to interpret that the high grade ore-shoot occurred at depth below. The outcropping vein at Ermitano West is composed of massive white quartz with very minor banding and anomalous gold and silver. At 100 metres below surface in hole EW16-01, banding is more evident and a tan-green phase of quartz is first observed. At Sarape, both the Sarape and Chiltepin veins contain two phases of quartz; a low temperature chalcedonic white quartz with bladed calcite phase associated with an influx of shallow meteoric water during the waning phase of the system, and a second low-temperature banded tan-green quartz phase with anomalous gold and silver. Figure 4: LEFT: Chiltepin vein at Sarape project grading 3.7 g/t gold and 177 g/t silver. RIGHT: 100 metres downhole in EW16-01 (50 metres above the high grade ore shoot) Ermitano West vein grading 1.9 g/t gold and 13 g/t silver. Evrim released the results of the first four drill holes at Ermitano West (see news release January 17, 2017) where drilling has intersected a boiling zone 150 metres below surface and a high grade ore-shoot with hole EW16-04 recording 18 metres at 11.4 g/t gold. Evrim will now focus on presenting the 100% owned Sarape project to exploration partners with the goal of drill testing these veins. Qualified Person Statement Evrim's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by David A. Caulfield, P.Geo., an Independent Director of the Company. Mr. Caulfield serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. About Evrim Resources Evrim Resources is a mineral exploration company whose goal is to participate in significant exploration discoveries supported by a sustainable value generation model. The Company is well financed, has a diverse range of quality projects and a database in Mexico and portions of southwestern United States. The existing projects, and generation of quality exploration targets and ideas, are advanced through option and joint venture agreements with industry partners to create shareholder value. Evrims business plan also includes royalty creation utilizing the Companys exploration expertise and existing projects. DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solitario Zinc Corp. (Solitario; NYSE American: XPL; TSX: SLR) is pleased to announce results from its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its high-grade Florida Canyon Zinc Project, formerly called the Bongara Zinc Project. The project is a joint venture between Solitario and Compania Minera Milpo S.A.A. (Milpo) and is situated in northern Peru. PEA Economic Highlights 100% of Project (US$s) Metal Price Assumptions: Zn=$1.20/lb; Pb=$1.00/lb; Ag=$16.50/oz NPV @ 8%-discount rate (after-tax) $198 million Operating Margin (EBITDA) $958 million Internal Rate of Return (after-tax) 24.7% Payback 2.6 years Initial Capital (incl. $40 million contingency) $214 million Sustaining Capital $83 million Mine Life / Operating Rate 12.5 years / 2,500 tonnes/day Average Annual Payable Metal Production 111.7 million lbs. payable zinc 12.6 million lbs. payable lead 160 thousand oz. payable silver Direct and Indirect Cash Costs $64.15/tonne or $0.51/Zn-Eq payable lb. All-in-Cost $90.64/tonne or $0.73/Zn-Eq payable lb. Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario, stated, We are extremely pleased with the outstanding economic results shown in the PEA for the Florida Canyon deposit. It clearly demonstrates that a high-grade deposit with clean metallurgy delivers superior economic results. For the first seven years of operations, payable zinc-equivalent production is forecast to average in excess of 140 million pounds per year. These project-level results become even more meaningful to Solitario as the terms of our joint venture agreement provides for Solitarios portion of construction funding in the form of a loan from our joint venture partner, requiring no equity dilution to achieve production. The Florida Canyon deposit remains open in several directions and we are confident that additional drilling will add to the resource base with the strong possibility of higher annual throughput and longer mine life. With our recent acquisition of Zazu Metals and its interest in the Lik zinc deposit in Alaska, Solitario now holds interests in two advanced stage high-grade zinc deposits that are located in safe and politically stable jurisdictions that are favorable to mining. Besides the benefits of asset diversity, both the Florida Canyon and Lik projects have solid operating partners, Milpo and Teck Resources Ltd., respectively, which lower project development risks and costs. We want to acknowledge Milpo for their technical input to the Florida Canyon PEA, making it a stronger document. Project and PEA Background Information During the past eleven years, core drilling, both surface and underground, tunneling, metallurgy, and various other engineering studies were conducted and funded by Solitarios joint venture partners Votorantim Metais Cajamarquilla S.A. (Votorantim Metais) and its successor in interest, Milpo (a majority owned subsidiary of Votorantim). In 2014 Solitario completed a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate for the Florida Canyon deposit (see Solitario news release dated June 23, 2014). The resource estimate was based on 486 core holes totaling approximately 117,280 meters of drilling. In November 2016, Solitario announced it would initiate a PEA on the Florida Canyon deposit. In January 2017, SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. (SRK), an independent and internationally recognized mining engineering firm, was engaged to complete the PEA. In April 2017, Milpo elected to participate in funding and preparation of the PEA. Summary of Key Economic Inputs (100% basis of project) Mine and Mill Statistics Average Annual Production Total Life of Mine tonnes (millions) 11.187 Commodity Annual Metal Produced in Conc. Mining/milling rate (tonnes per day) 2,500 Zinc 131.4 million pounds Life of Mine (years) 12.5 Lead 13.2 million pounds Cutoff: NSR $70.15 Silver 168,203 Oz. Cutoff Grade (average grade) 3.3% Zn-Eq Avg. NSR Value of Minable Resource/t $145.16 Life-of-Mine Statistics Commodity Mill head grade Mill LOM Mine / Recovered Metal Smelter Zn/Pb (%); Ag (g/t) Recoveries in concentrate Payability Zinc (%) 8.34 80% 1,643 million pounds 85% Lead (%) 0.90 74% 165 million pounds 95% Silver (g/t) 11.31 52% in Pb con 2.1 million ounces 95% Zn-Equivalent 9.32 Metal Price Assumptions: Zinc: $1.20/lb. Lead: $1.00/lb. Silver: $16.50/oz. Operating and Capital Costs Operating Costs Run-of-Mine $/t Smelter Related Costs Capital Costs $-Millions Mining 20.43 Concentrate transportation: $8.67/tonne milled Initial capital (including $40.1 million contingency) $213.7 Processing 12.88 Treatment charge: $24.93/tonne milled Sustaining capital 82.7 G & A 3.50 Total 36.81 Total 296.4 Florida Canyon Zinc Project (100% Basis, US$) Zinc Price Sensitivity (Pb: $1.00/lb, Ag: $16.50/oz) Zn Price $1.00 $1.10 $1.20 $1.30 $1.40 Pre-Tax After-Tax Pre-Tax After-Tax Pre-Tax After-Tax Pre-Tax After-Tax Pre-Tax After-Tax FCF ($000,000) 408 267 535 352 662 437 788 521 963 913 NPV8% ($000,000) 187 96 263 147 339 198 414 248 519 490 IRR 24.5% 17.0% 29.7% 21.0% 34.5% 24.7% 38.9% 28.1% 44.7% 43.1% Mine Plan Resource The Florida Canyon deposit consists of high grade zinc and lead sulfide bodies with silver credits contained in both flat lying mantos and more steeply dipping breccia bodies. The resource has been estimated using 486 surface and underground core holes. Twenty individual domains have been constrained in the resource model by wireframed 3D solids. The Mine Plan Resource takes into account metallurgical recoveries based on composition. It is neither a Mineral Resource or a Mineral Reserve as defined by CIM guidelines. It is presented to define the material used in the preparation of the mine plan for this PEA. Although the modeled mineralization is primarily sulfide, oxidation of the ore is also present. Metallurgical testing shows that mixed ore can be economically processed with good recovery of metal. Blocks in each domain in the Mine Plan Resource model have been assigned a grade, density and metallurgical recovery in order to define their net smelter return value. Internal mining dilution of 34% has been applied. These block-by-block NSR values were used to design the mine plan. The average NSR value of the mineable resource is $148.16 per tonne. Mine Plan Resource (100% basis) Category Mass Zn Grade Pb Grade Ag Grade NSR*Value ZnEq** Contained Metal Zn Pb Ag Zn-Eq** kt % % g/t ($/t) % klbs klbs koz klbs Measured 1,293 10.64 1.33 15.60 197.12 12.38 303,239 37,989 648 352,871 Indicated 2,011 8.77 1.08 13.44 166.85 10.22 389,019 48,064 869 453,137 M&I 3,303 9.51 1.18 14.28 178.69 11.05 692,258 86,053 1,517 806,008 Inferred 7,883 7.86 0.78 10.07 135.36 9.03 1,365,542 136,322 2,551 1,570,067 *Net Smelter Return is calculated using variable recoveries based on sulfide/oxide ratios (recovery ranging from 32%-93%), a Zn price of $1.20/lb, a Pb price of $1.00/lb, an Ag price of $17.50/oz. The transportation charge is $70.00/t conc, Zn treatment charge of $115/t conc, Pb treatment charge of $100/t conc, Zn refining charge of $0.115/lb Zn, and Pb refining charge of $0.1/lb Pb. These factors were used for mine planning and vary somewhat from the final economic model. **ZnEq estimate is based on a NSR value of $19.62 per 1% ZnEq. The $19.62 is calculated using a Zn price of $1.20/lb, a Pb price of $1.00/lb, an Ag price of $17.50/oz. The ZnEq also includes TC/RC and transportation costs and assumes an average Zn recovery of 78.15% which differs somewhat from that presented in the economic model. An example of the NSR to ZnEq calculation is (148.16/19.62)/0.7815. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Resources: This news release uses the terms Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources. The Company advises U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize the terms. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Reserves. Inferred Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a measured, indicated or inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable. Conservative Pricing Alternative Included in the Florida Canyon PEA is an alternative economic analysis of the project using much lower metal pricing to gauge how the project would perform in a lower metal price environment. Prices used in this alternative case scenario were $1.06/lb. zinc and $0.88/lb. lead. The alternative case also used a higher discount rate of 9%. Cost inputs remained the same as in the base case scenario. Under this lower price scenario, the project is still attractive with an after-tax NPV9% of $106 million and an after-tax IRR of 19.1%. Mine Plan The PEA envisions the mine as an underground operation utilizing conventional mining methods with an average throughput rate of 2,500 tonnes per day, or approximately 912,000 tonnes per year. Depending upon the geometry of the ore zones, longhole stoping will be used in steeply dipping zones and mechanized drift-and-fill extraction methods in shallowly dipping mantos. Minimum mining heights of drift-and-fill stopes are 3m or 4m depending on the geometry of the ore. Longhole stopes will be developed on 16m sublevels. Stopes of 8m or less in width will be developed longitudinally whereas stopes with thickness of greater than 8m will be developed by transverse stoping. Cemented paste backfill will be placed underground to increase mining recovery and to stabilize mined-out areas. Adits provide access from the surface to the ore zones in the currently defined mine plan. The mill head grades from the mine do not vary significantly during the first ten years, but the grade in the final three years of the current mine plan is moderately lower. Processing and Metallurgy The PEA incorporates a conventional mill design flow sheet with three-stage crushing followed by single-stage grinding to 80% minus 44 microns, with two multi-stage flotation circuits. The first circuit will produce a lead concentrate and the second multi-stage flotation circuit, the zinc circuit, receives tails from the lead circuit to produce a zinc concentrate. Both final concentrates will be transferred to their respective thickeners and then filtered (10m2 filtration area for lead concentrate, and 60 m2 filtration area for zinc concentrate) to approximately 9% moisture before being trucked offsite to smelters. Under average conditions, it is expected that Florida Canyon will produce approximately 287 tonnes per day of zinc concentrate grading 50% zinc and 46 tonnes per day of lead concentrate grading 50% lead. Tailings from the flotation plant will be thickened to approximately 50% solids by weight. A fraction of the tails representing approximately 60% of the solids will be piped to a filtration plant located by the tailings storage area and then dry stacked at a moisture of approximately 17% by weight. Water recovered in the tails filter will be recycled to the process plant. The remaining 40% of the solids stream will be transfer to a backfill plant to be used in the underground operation. Metallurgical testing has indicated that the ore does not contain penalty elements that would attract extra smelter charges. Location, Infrastructure and Power The project is located approximately 8 km from a paved road that connects coastal northern Peru with the Amazon basin. Infrastructure required for mining includes expansion of a local access road network, a mill, new mine development and a dry stack tailings facility. Power will be provided by a hydroelectric facility owned by a third party. Environmental and Social Considerations The small footprint of the underground mine design reduces surface disturbance and the use of tailings backfill minimizes the storage requirement for tailings on the surface. Waste rock will be used in tailings facility construction and for underground structural fill, thereby minimizing the need for waste storage on the surface. Low iron sulfide content in waste and ore combined with carbonate host rocks creates a net neutral geochemical environment which minimizes impacts to local water resources. The use of locally produced hydroelectric power will reduce air emissions compared to on-site power generation. Opportunities Delineating additional resources is the most promising opportunity to significantly enhance project economics. The most prospective targets include: Extension drilling south of the San Jorge zone and northeast of the Karen-Milagros zones are considered the highest priority to increase high-grade zinc sulfide resources. Both zones are open in the recommended areas of drill testing. Infill drilling several large un-drill tested areas surrounded by mineralized zones within the mineralized footprint has the potential to significantly increase resources. Extension drilling peripheral to the currently defined mineralized footprint. Further development of drill targets over the 20 kilometer-long northern Florida Canyon mineralized corridor where large areas of strong zinc in soil and rock chip geochemistry indicate the potential for additional mineralized zones. As the mineralization remains open in several directions, it is anticipated that the mine life could be extended with additional exploration drilling. More detailed mine scheduling could optimize revenues in the early part of the mine life and further enhance project economics. Although metallurgical studies to date indicate excellent zinc recoveries in sulfides (+90%), it is likely that higher average recoveries and a higher concentrate grades can be achieved for the global resource base. More detailed metallurgical optimization tests are required to determine this. Additional trade-off studies may develop more efficient tailings management to reduce construction and closure costs. Qualified Persons and Technical Report This news release has been reviewed and approved by Walter H. Hunt, COO, who participated in the preparation of the PEA and is a Non-Independent QP for Solitario under National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). Jay Pennington, a Qualified Person from SRK, who led the preparation of the 2017 PEA, has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. A Technical Report in support of the 2017 PEA prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release. The summary results of the PEA reported in this news release are preliminary. For the full details and further information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters, and risks associated with the results of the PEA, the mineral resource estimates included therein, and other technical information, please refer to the complete Technical Report to be made available at SEDAR. Terms of the Florida Canyon Joint Venture with Milpo Currently, Solitario owns 39% of the Florida Canyon Zinc Project and Milpo owns 61%. Since inception of the joint venture in 2006, Milpo and its parent, Votorantim Metais Cajamarquilla S.A., have funded 100% of project expenditures. Milpo will earn a 70% interest in the project by continuing to fund all project expenditures and committing to place the project into production based upon a positive feasibility study. After earning 70%, Milpo has further agreed to finance Solitario's 30% participating interest for construction. Solitario will repay the loan facility through 50% of its net cash flow distributions. About Solitario Solitario is an emerging zinc exploration and development company traded on the NYSE American (XPL) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (SLR). Besides Solitarios joint venture with Milpo on its high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru, Solitario also holds a 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources Ltd. holds the other 50% interest) in the high-grade, open pitable Lik zinc deposit in Alaska, and a 7.6% equity interest in Vendetta Mining. Solitarios Management and Directors hold approximately 9.2% (excluding options) of the Companys 58.45 million shares outstanding. Solitarios cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$15 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitariozinc.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2017) - Ashanti Gold Corp. (TSXV: AGZ) ("Ashanti" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its first assay results from the recently completed 53 Reverse Circulation ("RC") hole, 6073 metre drill program that tested mineralization on the Kossanto East Project (the "Property") in western Mali (see July 10, 2017 press release) (Figure 1). The targets Gourbassi East and Gourbassi West showed mineralized areas on the Property from historical exploration and thus were the initial focus for Ashanti's first drill campaign. At Gourbassi East, gold mineralization occurs within two adjacent zones with a collective strike length of approximately 900m. The results from the first seven drill holes reported herein, are from the centre of the mineralized zone where it is interpreted to be 50-100m wide (Figures 2 and 3). The extent of mineralization is not known as gold mineralization is open along strike to the northwest and to the southeast as well as down dip, where it has been tested to approximately 125m. Mineralization occurs as veins and stockwork within a zone of silicified and carbonate-altered quartz-eye rhyolite. Altered host rocks are traceable at the surface to the northwest and southeast. Multiple structural controls on mineralization are apparent. Drilling returned excellent grades and widths, including (see Table 1): 41 m @ 2.22 g/t Au including 12 m @ 3.22 g/t Au (GERC102) 34 m @ 1.72 g/t Au (GERC104) 47 m @ 3.29 g/t Au including 12 m @ 8.89 g/t Au (GERC105) 10 m @ 1.82 g/t Au (GERC106) Dr. Paul Klipfel, Ashanti's COO and Chief Geologist says: "We are extremely pleased with these results. They support our contention that we have identified and are working on an important new gold discovery. " Table 1: Highlights of Gold Intercepts GERC101 to GERC107 Hole # From (m) To (m) Interval* (m) g/t Au GERC101 4 5 1 2.28 21 25 4 1.62 32 34 2 1.04 41 42 1 0.86 51 60 9 0.31 66 71 5 0.38 84 92 8 0.72 GERC102 2 43 41 2.22 incl. 22 34 12 3.22 GERC103 0 6 6 1.24 GERC104 0 1 1 0.89 24 25 1 0.83 36 65 29 0.77 71 105 34 1.72 GERC105 12 59 47 3.29 incl. 27 39 12 8.89 incl. 37 39 2 17.22 61 88 27 0.19 GERC106 15 21 6 1.10 41 51 10 1.82 GERC107 27 29 2 1.54 *Intervals are intercept widths in drill hole and not true widths. There is insufficient geologic information to determine true widths at this stage of the project. Drill holes are oriented to provide the best intercept for the interpreted dip direction of mineralization. Tim McCutcheon, Ashanti's CEO says: "Geologically, we are in the right place, at the intersection of two major gold-bearing shear zones. It appears that others agree, as ground adjacent to the Kossanto East property to the east and west is being explored by major companies, Randgold and Acacia, respectively. We eagerly await the balance of our assay results on this exciting project." Figure 1: Regional geologic map of the Kedougou-Kenieba Inlier, the most northwesterly exposure of Birimian rocks in the West African craton. The Kossanto East property lies between two regional structures, the Senegal-Mali Shear Zone and the Main Transcurrent Shear Zone both of which feature prominently in localizing mineralization for numerous gold deposits. Structural relationships on the property suggest that structures parallel to these shear zones pass through the property and control mineralization. Figure 2: Top map is historic drilling (blue collars) and Ashanti current drilling (red collars). Bottom map is a detailed view of the area showing the location of drill holes reported here. Figure 3: Section 3850 showing drill holes, trenches, gold intercepts and interpreted mineralized zone. The Company advises that drill holes are oriented to intersect stratigraphy at an optimal angle, however true widths cannot be determined as detailed information on the true orientation of stratigraphy at the point of intersection of the drill hole is not available. Quality control is monitored by the insertion of blind certified standard reference material and blanks at a rate of 1/20 samples. Blind duplicate splits are inserted into the sample stream at the rate of 1/50 samples. In addition, the laboratory inserts their own certified standard and blank samples at the rate of 1/20 samples. All samples have been analyzed by SGS Laboratories in Bamako, Mali an internationally known testing company. About Kossanto East Project The Kossanto East Project is a 66.41 km2 concession in the prolific Kedougou - Kenieba Inlier, the northwestern most exposure of Birimian rocks in West Africa and host to the Loulo and Sadiola group of world class gold deposits (Figure 1). Ashanti is earning a 65% stake in the property from Alecto Minerals PLC. The Property hosts two principle historically drill-tested targets, Gourbassi East and Gourbassi West (Figure 2) and several surface anomalies identified in surface samples and Rotary Airblast (RAB) drill holes. Geochemical anomalies identified by previous explorers and Alecto Minerals PLC led to drill testing and successful intersection of gold mineralization. The results reported here are from Gourbassi East. Further results from Gourbassi East and Gourbassi West are anticipated in the coming weeks. ABOUT ASHANTI GOLD Ashanti is a gold-focused, exploration and development company with advanced projects in the northern Ashanti Belt of Ghana and the Kenieba Belt of Mali. The Company targets projects where existing work demonstrates attractive potential for near-term mine development and where it has a competitive advantage due to past work experience of the team and specific project know-how. Buenos Aires / TheNewswire / August 1, 2017, - AbraPlata Resource Corp. (TSX.V:ABRA; OTCQB: ABBRF; Frankfurt: 1AH) ("AbraPlata" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from the first drill hole of the recently commenced 2000m drilling campaign at the Fantasma Mineralized Zone on its Diablillos property (see Figure 1) in southern Salta, northwestern Argentina. Hole DDH-17-128 intersected silver mineralization grading 98.3g/t Ag over 52m including 239.8 g/t Ag over 11.47m (see Figure 2) in which a single sample returned 515g/t Ag over 1.47m. "We are extremely pleased that the first batch of results has confirmed the nature and tenor of the mineralization identified in the earlier exploration campaign," commented AbraPlata's Executive Chairman, Hernan Zaballa. "Our drilling to date has already extended the zone of alteration/mineralization at Fantasma over a strike of at least 200m, and indicated that the alteration/mineralization is open both in the east and west as well as at depth. The objectives of our program are to define the limits of the mineralization and arrive at a preliminary resource estimate. We will report on the results of this drilling as the assays become available from the laboratory and after the data have been compiled and analyzed". Fantasma The Fantasma Mineralized Zone is one of eight mineral occurrences on the property (Figure 1), and lies some 800m west of the Oculto Deposit which currently hosts all the indicated resources reported for the property to date (see 43-101 Technical Report dated November 2, 2016 prepared by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc which is filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR). Silver-rich mineralization at Fantasma outcrops at surface beneath a thin veneer of alluvium, and was identified by Silver Standard Resources Inc in 2012 from sampling done in five trenches over the Fantasma area. They followed up with three diamond drill holes angled at 60? (Figure 2,) and intersected mineralization in all three holes. This mineralization appeared to be confined to two gently dipping, stacked layers some 20m and 10m in thickness respectively as indicated by hole DDH-12-126 which intersected 24.1m @ 117.6g/t Ag in the upper zone and 11.7m @ 185.6g/t Ag in the lower zone. AbraPlata's hole DDH-17-128, which was drilled vertically and intersected mineralization grading 98.3g/t Ag over 52.0m, indicates that the two stacked layers may be merging to the west. The focus of the current drill program is to extend mineralization at Fantasma with a view to expanding the existing resources outlined at Oculto and to establish the parameters necessary for completing a Preliminary Economic Assessment study. The implication of bringing the Fantasma mineralization into a resource category, however, goes beyond merely growing the global resource at Diablillos; rather, the near surface mineralization at Fantasma could go a long way to mitigating the effects of a pre-strip that would be required in bringing the buried Oculto deposit into production. The current program of 2000m is expected to be completed by late July - early August, and comprises 15 holes ranging from 100m to 350m in depth. Sampling Procedures & Quality Control Protocols AbraPlata applies industry standard exploration methodologies and techniques, and all drill core samples are collected under the supervision of the Company's geologists in accordance with industry practices. Drill core is transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where drill data are compared and verified with the core in the trays. Thereafter, it is logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples are then bagged, and quality control materials are inserted at regular intervals; these include blanks and certified reference materials as well as duplicate core samples which are collected in order to measure sample representativity. Groups of samples are then placed in large bags which are sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody during the transport of the samples from the project site to the laboratory. All samples are received by the SGS offices in Salta who then dispatch the samples to the SGS preparation facility in San Juan. From there, the prepared samples are sent to the SGS laboratory in Lima, Peru where they are analyzed. All samples are analyzed using a multi-element technique consisting of a four acid digestion followed by ICP/AES detection, and gold is analyzed by 50g Fire Assay with an AAS finish. Silver results greater than 100g/t are reanalyzed using four acid digestion with an ore grade AAS finish. An independent party has been appointed to review and report on the QA/QC program at the project. Qualified Person Willem Fuchter, PhD PGeo, President & CEO of AbraPlata Resource Corp. and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About AbraPlata Abraplata is a junior mining exploration company focused on delivering shareholder returns by unlocking mineral value in Argentina. The Company's experienced management team has assembled an outstanding portfolio of gold, silver and copper exploration assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Diablillos property, with an indicated resource of 81.3m oz Ag and 755k oz Au, through the various stages of feasibility. In addition, AbraPlata owns the highly prospective Cerro Amarillo property with its cluster of five mineralized Cu-(Mo-Au) porphyry intrusions located in a mining camp hosting the behemoth El Teniente, Los Bronces, and Los Pelambres porphyry Cu-Mo deposits. Further exploration work is also planned for the Company's Samenta porphyry Cu-Mo property south of First Quantum's TacaTaca project as well as its Aguas Perdidas Au-Ag epithermal property. Toronto, Canada / TheNewswire / August 2, 2017 - Savary Gold Corp. (TSX-V: SCA) ("Savary" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the creation of an Advisory Committee and to welcome Ron Little to the Savary Team. Don Dudek, President and CEO states "It is with great pleasure that Savary welcomes Ron Little to Savary's Advisory Committee. Ron has unparalleled experience in West Africa. He is intimately familiar with several governing bodies, the people, and, over the years, has had the privilege of reviewing a significant number of projects from exploration through to feasibility. His support and guidance will be instrumental in advancing our Karankasso Project JV and exposing Savary to other opportunities in West Africa." Mr. Little is a professional engineer with over 30 years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development, mine operations and capital markets. He has spent the last 20 years focused on African projects where he was the founder and CEO of Orezone Gold Corp. (ORE.V) and Orezone Resources Inc., a company that developed the largest operating gold mine in Burkina Faso, which was taken over by IAMGold in 2009. Mr. Little has been a director of other public and private companies and held senior operating positions in both major and junior gold producing companies. He is currently a director of Premier Gold Mines and Northern Graphite Corp. In connection with the appointment, Mr. Little has been granted 200,000 stock options. The options may be exercised at a price of $0.06 per common share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The grant of options remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Exploration Update The Phase 3 drill program, was completed on July 1 with 6,049 metres drilled in 34 reverse circulation holes and 68 air core holes. This program started a month late and due to volume at the laboratory, assays results will take approximately 1.5 months after submission and are currently expected in mid-August. About Savary Gold Corp. Savary is a Canadian exploration company which, along with JV partner Sarama Resources Limited, is focused on exploring and developing the Karankasso Gold Project in Burkina Faso. Upon closing, it is anticipated that the Karankasso JV Project will be approximately 69.5% owned by Savary and 30.5% owned by Sarama Resources Limited ("Sarama") with Savary as operator. The Project is located within the Birimian age, Hounde Greenstone Belt, which hosts Semafo's Mana mine, Roxgold's Yaramoko Mine and additional gold deposits that are presently subject to production decisions and extensive exploration efforts (including Endeavour Mining's Hounde Project, Orezone's (acquired by Sarama) Bondi Project and Sarama's/Acacia's South Hounde Project, which is adjacent to Savary's property). The Project contains an Inferred open pit constrained mineral resource estimate of 9.16 million tonnes grading 2.28 g/t gold (Savary news release November 24, 2015). For additional information please visit our website at www.savarygold.com. Qualified Person Don Dudek, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. TORONTO, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE:MUX) (TSX:MUX) today reported consolidated financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2017. Continued investments in exploration and project development, particularly related to the updated PEA on our Los Azules copper project and the advancement of our Gold Bar project towards construction, were the key features of the quarter. As a result, the Company reported a net loss of $1.7 million or $0.01 per share and negative cash flow of $4.1 million or $0.01 per share. During the quarter McEwen Mining achieved consolidated production of 32,584 gold equivalent ounces(1)(3). The El Gallo mine produced 9,780 gold equivalent ounces(1) and reported earnings from mining operations of $6.8 million(2)(4) and the San Jose mine produced 22,804 gold equivalent ounces(1) and reported earnings from mining operations of $4.1 million(2)(4). Our quarterly management conference call will take place on August 3rd, 2017 at 11 am, EDT. Webcast and call-in details are provided at the end of this news release. Q2 2017 Operating & Financial Highlights Comparative production and cost results are shown in the table below. For our SEC Form 10-Q Financial Statements and MD&A refer to: http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0000314203 Q2 2017 Q2 2016 Year to Date Guidance 2017 Corporate Total Gold ounces produced(3) 22,191 27,888 42,287 99,700 Silver ounces produced(3) 779,487 875,006 1,502,254 3,324,000 Gold equivalent ounces produced(1)(3) 32,584 39,555 62,317 144,000 El Gallo Mine Mexico Gold ounces produced 9,714 15,536 19,444 49,700 Silver ounces produced 4,966 7,815 10,760 24,000 Gold equivalent ounces produced(1) 9,780 15,640 19,588 50,000 Gold equivalent total cash cost ($/oz)(1)(4) $706 $465 $635 $760 Gold equivalent co-product AISC ($/oz)(1)(4) $843 $495 $755 $900 San Jose Mine(3) - Argentina Gold ounces produced 12,477 12,352 22,843 50,000 Silver ounces produced 774,521 867,191 1,491,494 3,300,000 Gold equivalent ounces produced(1) 22,804 23,915 42,729 94,000 Gold equivalent total cash cost ($/oz)(1)(4) $921 $849 $918 $780 Gold equivalent co-product AISC ($/oz)(1)(4) $1,102 $1,075 $1,129 $990 Silver production is presented as a gold equivalent. Gold equivalent calculations are based on prevailing spot prices at the beginning of the year. The silver to gold ratio used for 2016 and 2017 is 75:1. All amounts are reported in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Includes portion attributable to us from our 49% interest in the San Jose Mine. Earnings from mining operations, total cash costs per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standardized definition under U.S. GAAP. See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures for additional information, including definitions of these terms. Treasury As of June 30, 2017 we had $44 million in cash, investments and precious metals valued at spot prices; and no debt. This compares to liquid assets of $55.1 million and no debt at the end of Q1 2017. Ounces Produced Consolidated gold equivalent production in Q2 2017 totaled 32,584 ounces, consisting of 9,780 gold equivalent ounces from the El Gallo mine, and 22,804 gold equivalent ounces attributable to us from our 49% interest in the San Jose mine. Production Costs For our El Gallo mine in Q2 2017, total cash costs and all-in sustaining cash costs were $706 and $843 per gold equivalent ounce, respectively. For our San Jose mine in Q2 2017, total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs were $921 and $1,102 per gold equivalent ounce, respectively. Earnings from Mining Operations In Q2 2017, earnings from mining operations from our El Gallo mine were $6.8 million, compared to $9.6 million in the same period in 2016; and earnings from mining operations from our 49% interest in the San Jose mine were $4.1 million, compared to $9.7 million in the same period in 2016. Net Income/ Loss Our consolidated net loss for Q2 2017 was $1.7 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net income of $8.4 million, or $0.03 per share for the same period in 2016. The net loss was mainly due to a $2.8 million increase in production costs at our El Gallo mine, a $4.4 million decrease in income from our San Jose mine, and a $1.4 million increase in exploration expenditures primarily related to the drilling campaign performed at the Los Azules project, compared to the same period during 2016. Cash Flow Net cash used in Q2 2017 was $4.1 million, compared to a net cash inflow of $2.1 million for the same period in 2016. The significant change in cash flow quarter over quarter related mainly to a reduction in the number of ounces sold from the El Gallo mine, coupled with lower VAT collection from our Mexican operations and the increase in costs in Mexico, when compared to the prior period. In Q2 2017, our El Gallo mine contributed $15.1 million in gold and silver sales to operating cash flow, compared to $14.6 million in the same period in 2016. In Q2, 2017 our 49% interest in the San Jose mine contributed $2.4 million in dividends to operating cash flows, compared to $2.8 million in the same period in 2016. Average Realized Prices Average realized prices in Q2 2017 were $1,257 per ounce of gold sold, and $17.20 per ounce of silver sold at our El Gallo mine; and $1,244 per ounce of gold sold and $16.38 per ounce of silver sold for the San Jose mine. In comparison, the average realized prices in the same period in 2016 were $1,260 per ounce of gold sold, and $16.86 per ounce of silver sold at El Gallo mine; and $1,276 per ounce of gold sold and $18.09 per ounce of silver sold for the San Jose mine. Return of Capital The next semi-annual return of capital installment of a cent per share will be paid on August 17, 2017 to shareholders of record on August 4, 2017. Production Guidance Production for 2017 is expected to be 49,700 ounces of gold and 24,000 ounces of silver from the El Gallo mine, and 50,000 ounces of gold and 3,300,000 ounces of silver from the San Jose mine. Using a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 for the year 2017, this represents projected consolidated production of 144,000 gold equivalent ounces. Cost Guidance For 2017, total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs at the El Gallo mine are forecast to be $760 and $900 per gold equivalent ounce, respectively; and total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs at the San Jose mine are forecast at $780 and $990 per gold equivalent ounce, respectively. Our guidance is based on an average silver to gold ratio of 75:1. Operations & Projects El Gallo Mine, Mexico Grade to Increase in Second Half of 2017 Production in Q2 was 9,780 gold equivalent ounces, compared to 15,640 gold equivalent ounces during the same period in 2016. Production in the first half of 2017 was expected to be slower as a result of lower gold grades mined, however gold grades are projected to increase in the second half of the year. On July 30th the primary crusher at El Gallo experienced a mechanical failure and will be out of service while repairs are completed. A temporary mobile crusher is on-site and being commissioned to maintain our operations. We currently estimate that the negative impact on gold production for the remainder of the year will be approximately 1,500 ounces. We will update our production guidance if necessary once our team has accurately evaluated the situation. Production costs are not expected to be materially impacted. San Jose Mine, Argentina (49%(3)) Improving Production Our attributable production from San Jose in Q2 was 12,477 gold ounces and 774,521 silver ounces, for a total of 22,804 gold equivalent ounces. During the first half of 2017 our attributable production was 42,729 gold equivalent ounces, a slight improvement from the same period in 2016, mainly driven by better gold grades. Timmins Projects, Ontario, Canada Growth Strategy Taking Shape During Q2 2017 we completed the strategic acquisition of former producing mine properties (brownfield sites) in the heart of the world class Timmins gold mining district in Canada. We have engaged SRK Consulting to complete updated resource estimates and initial trade-off analysis. For 2017, we have budgeted $3.0 million for exploration and development-related activities in Timmins. El Gallo Silver Project, Mexico (100%) Making Headway on Capital Cost Reduction During Q2 2017 we spent $0.2 million furthering studies on the feasibility and development of the El Gallo Silver project. These studies are intended to identify opportunities to reduce the initial capital investment required to start the project. Our 2017 budget for El Gallo Silver is approximately $4.9 million, comprised of $2.0 million for exploration and $2.9 million for development. Los Azules Project, Argentina (100%) PEA in Third Quarter 2017 During Q2 2017 we spent $0.8 million at the Los Azules project, primarily on finalizing the 2017 drilling campaign initiated in Q1. We are currently preparing a new Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which is expected in the third quarter of 2017. Gold Bar Project, Nevada Advancing Towards Construction During Q2 2017 we spent $0.6 million at the Gold Bar project. Permitting continues to advance as planned, the Bureau of Land Management has incorporated the public comments from the Draft Environmental Impact Statement into the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Permitting remains on schedule, with a Record of Decision expected in the second half of 2017. Q2 2017 Conference Call Details: Thursday, Aug 3rd, 2017 at 11:00 am ET WEBCAST: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/jvkqd2vw TELEPHONE: Participant Dial-in numbers: (844) 630-9911 (North America) / (210) 229-8828 (International) Conference ID: 61325613 REPLAY: Dial-in numbers: (855) 859-2056 (North America) / (404) 537-3406 (International) Conference ID: 61325613 08/03/2017 14:00 ET - 08/10/2017 14:00 ET About McEwen Mining (www.mcewenmining.com) McEwen Mining has the goal to qualify for inclusion in the S&P 500 Index by creating a high growth gold and silver producer focused in the Americas. McEwen Mining's principal assets consist of the San Jose mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina (49% interest), the El Gallo Gold mine and El Gallo Silver project in Mexico, the Gold Bar project in Nevada, the Timmins projects in Canada and the Los Azules copper project in Argentina. McEwen Mining has a total of 312 million shares outstanding. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, owns 25% of the Company. Technical Information The technical contents of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan M. Stubina , Ph.D., P.Eng., FCIM, Managing Director and a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects". Reliability of Information Regarding San Jose Minera Santa Cruz S.A., the owner of the San Jose mine, is responsible for and has supplied to the Company all reported results from the San Jose mine. McEwen Minings joint venture partner, a subsidiary of Hochschild Mining plc, and its affiliates other than MSC do not accept responsibility for the use of project data or the adequacy or accuracy of this release. South Korea is pursuing a trilateral foreign ministerial meeting with the United States and Japan to discuss North Korea's nuclear stalemate and other issues of mutual concern, a foreign ministry official said Wednesday. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is to attend foreign ministerial meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) early next week in Manila, the Philippines. They include the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), a rare gathering attended by North Korea. "On the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, we are arranging a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan," a ministry official told Yonhap News Agency on customary condition of anonymity. "We are pushing to hold such a meeting but the final timetable has yet to be confirmed. Finding a time that satisfies the three top diplomats with busy schedules is very hard," he added. The meeting is aimed at strengthening their cooperation in dealing with the North in the wake of its recent missile provocations, he said. But Washington appears to lose patience over Pyongyang By Yi Whan-woo Rex Tillerson The United States has reaffirmed its willingness to hold dialogue with North Korea to defuse tensions arising from Pyongyang's second test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). But Washington also appears to be running out of patience fast as the North shows few signs of giving up its nuclear and missile programs, according to analysts Wednesday. During a press briefing in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson renewed his call for possible talks with North Korea, saying the U.S. does not seek regime change in the North. His remarks were contrary to the hard-line stance of several American experts who said the U.S. should seek regime change as an option to resolve the North Korea nuclear and missile issues because all other options have failed. "We're trying to convey to the North Koreans we are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," Tillerson said. "And we hope that at some point, they will begin to understand that, and that we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them about the future that will give them the security they seek and future economic prosperity for North Korea," he added. His remarks seem to be in line with the policy of South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has proposed a set of peace overtures and stressed the need for dialogue despite Pyongyang's continuous missile provocations. Protesters chant slogans during a rally in town of Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday, to voice their objections to the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye The Ministry of National Defense is facing criticism from the opposition parties for having kept secret the outcome of its environmental impact study that showed a U.S. anti-missile system deployed here emits no electromagnetic waves. Opposition lawmakers claim the ministry deliberately kept silent about the outcome considering President Moon Jae-in's position to conduct a more extensive environmental survey of the site for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Moon and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have so far criticized the former Park Geun-hye government's rush to deploy the advanced missile defense system, claiming some of the due procedures were not followed despite the possible impact THAAD could have on local residents' health and the environment. The outcome of the ministry's small-scale survey was made public, July 31, when Defense Minister Song Young-moo revealed it to lawmakers during a National Assembly session. Song said the ministry's survey found the THAAD battery emits no electromagnetic waves, and this was reported to the Ministry of Environment, July 24. But he said the ministry did not brief the president on this. Song's comments provoked controversy as the ministry announced July 28 that it will begin a full-scale environmental impact study on the THAAD placement following an order from the President. At the time, the ministry said the two THAAD launchers and an AN/TPY-2 X-Band radar, which had been already deployed at the site, will remain in place, but a final decision on the complete deployment with four additional launchers will be made after the full-scale survey. This means that the ministry decided to conduct a large-scale survey, which would delay the full deployment for more than a year, although it already knew that no electromagnetic emissions were detected from the THAAD radar. This is in stark contrast to the ministry's initial position that the anti-missile system should be deployed as soon as possible to better defend the nation against Pyongyang's evolving nuclear and missile threats. Rep. Kim Young-woo of the minor opposition Bareun Party, who chairs the National Assembly Defense Committee, said the reason for the ministry not to report the outcome of its earlier survey to the President might have been because of Moon's determination to conduct the full-scale study. Rep. Kim Hack-yong of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party also said the ministry should have released the results of its survey to the people and the President immediately after learning the outcome because the issue has been at the center of public attention. "The ministry made a grave mistake as whether to delay the deployment for more than a year has been dividing the nation," he said. The situation has become more embarrassing with the North's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) July 28, hours after the ministry announced the decision on the full-scale survey. Following the large-scale provocation, President Moon ordered his security aides to immediately begin consultation with the U.S. to "temporarily" deploy the remaining four THAAD launchers. Sources said the additional launchers may be deployed sometime next week after Moon returns from his summer vacation Saturday. This decision has also caused criticism for the government's flip-flopping. Rep. Kim Young-woo said, "Neither the intention and procedures (of the environmental survey) are understandable." Meanwhile, the U.S. said its side is prepared for a speedy installation of the THAAD battery. "We are certainly ready to bring additional pieces in as quickly as we can," Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, the Pentagon spokesman, said earlier this week. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, the commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, also said Wednesday the THAAD system will enhance the allies' defense against North Korean threats, citing another successful interception by the system of a medium-range ballistic missile in a test conducted in Alaska, Sunday. It "adds to the confidence I have in the THAAD system deployed to Seongju to defeat North Korean threats against the Republic of Korea," he said. Korean-American artist Annie Hong / Courtesy of Jennifer Cheng By Celeste Kriel Korean-American artist Annie Hong is painting canvases all the colors of the LGBT+ rainbow flag to increase queer visibility in the Seoul underground art scene. Whether she is painting on common cotton canvas, clothes, people, or the walls of Seoul, her work as HootnAnnie (her artist pseudonym) is infused with intricate patterns and colors coupled with simple "micro-poetry" and themes of queer love. Hong met with The Korea Times at a rooftop cafe in Itaewon to talk about her recent project, "I Am Woman," and current exhibition, "Kismet." She arrived looking like one of her paintings, clad in a green-and-yellow tropical-inspired button-down shirt, an aesthetic she describes as "stemme," a common portmanteau in the queer community _ combining the words "stud" and "femme" which describes a lesbian whose style is both masculine and feminine. This balance of masculine and feminine is also often present in her work. As a self-proclaimed romantic, HootnAnnie's artwork often reflect Hong's experiences in love and life as a Korean-American queer woman. She mainly uses acrylic on canvas but this year she started painting her messages of love on the walls of Seoul and launched a feminist art project called "I Am Woman," which she exhibited at her first solo show at The Living Room in Itaewon. "I am Woman" is a bodypainting project where Hong turns women into works of art meant to embrace femininity in all its forms. "I met all these women that were powerful in their own ways. I wanted to express that confidence and inner beauty back to them. It is the type of beauty that comes from experience," she explained. Her feminism coupled with the inspiration she felt from women she has met throughout her life motivated her to start the project. "I wanted to create an outlet where I use their body as a canvas to present them as a work of art, because women are works of art. I wanted to give back to them as individuals and to womanhood as a whole," she said. Hong's mother has always been supportive of her art. "My mom keeps thinking my body art photos I send to her are actually hyperrealistic paintings I'm drawing and not photos, and I think it's adorable she overestimates my talent like that," she laughed. Curiosity about Seoul, her birthplace, originally brought Hong to the city five years ago after graduating from university in California, but it was love that lured her back two years ago. Even though she is no longer in a romantic relationship with the woman she moved to Seoul for, her life as an artist in Seoul has been flourishing and she sees this as serendipitous. Apart from the ongoing bodypainting project, she showcased an exhibition called "Kismet" at Pistil in Itaewon. Hong believes her life has been created by meant-to-be moments and this series of paintings reflect that. "Kismet highlights the beautifully strange serendipitous moments we encounter on those special occasions of being in the right place at the right time. Kismet is the reminder that magic is well and alive in the people we encounter and hold onto in our lives," she wrote on the Kismet exhibition Facebook page. Hong has been gaining popularity in Seoul's queer art scene with two solo shows in the city and various media features including a writeup on i-D magazine's international website, joining seven other queer artists living here. She described the importance of representation of queer voices in the media. "Honestly this isn't about us. It's about giving a voice to all those people who aren't able to be comfortable with they are in a country that publicly condemns and shames the LGBTQ community. It's about showing there is light after the closet," she said. "Ten years ago I couldn't even say the word lesbian but today I'm sharing my coming-out story alongside my friends in Seoul. I want to keep making art like this and making our voices heard." Celeste Kriel is a copy editor and journalist from South Africa living in Seoul. She is interested in the intersection of identity politics and self-expression. Contact her at celeste28@gmail.com. An art exhibit in Genoa, Italy, featuring the works of modern painter Amedeo Clemente Modigliani, recently closed three days ahead of schedule, after suspicions arose that many of the paintings were likely forgeries. The exhibition, "Modigliani: Selected Works," opened at the Palazzo Ducale on March 16. It featured about 30 paintings by Modigliani, and "many drawings," and was scheduled to run through July 16, according to the exhibition website. But the exhibit's sponsors shuttered the exhibit on the evening of July 13 in order to assist an investigation of claims that 21 of the exhibit's 50 artworks on loan from private collectors in Europe and the United States, and from museums in the U.S., Italy, France and Belgium were fakes, exhibit representatives said in a statement. [9 Famous Art Forgers] Officials confiscated the contested works after Italian art critic Carlo Pepi filed a complaint with the Carabinieri Headquarters for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC), also known as the "art police," The Telegraph reported on July 14. This highly specialized police force handles criminal activity related to fine art and antiquities, according to a description on the TPC website. Pepi began raising alarms about the paintings in May, claiming that at least 13 of them were fakes, representatives of Authentication in Art (AiA), a nonprofit organization of art world professionals, said in a statement. Another Modigliani specialist, French art historian Marc Restellini, also voiced concerns in May about the Genoa exhibit, calling it "questionable" in a Facebook post, AiA representatives wrote. Modigliani, who died in poverty in 1920 at age 35, was known for painting portraits and sensual nudes in a unique avant-garde style that typically featured elongated heads and necks. He became a popular target for contemporary forgers after his death, when his paintings began selling for record sums. Counterfeiters quickly realized that they could take advantage of Modigliani's abysmal record-keeping he gave many drawings away and poorly documented what he sold, creating enormous challenges for art experts attempting to certify his works, according to the AiA statement. The imitation game But to a skilled forger, any 19th- or 20th-century artist is vulnerable far more so than painters from earlier centuries. That's because, in part, it's easier to find or replicate materials that closely mimic supplies that the artist may have used, so the forgeries can escape detection through forensic testing, art historian and professor Noah Charney, author of "The Art of Forgery: The Minds, Motives and Methods of Master Forgers" (Phaidon Press, 2015), told Live Science in an email. Lithographs, in particular, are a preferred medium for forgers, "since a quality laser print looks pretty much identical [to a lithograph], and you can buy authentic-aged paper on which to print them," Charney said. "You've got to be careful with mid-20th-century lithographs, by the likes of Miro, Chagall, Picasso, Dali. There are many more forgeries of such lithographs out there than originals, I'm told," he said. Different strokes The quality and intricacy of an artist's technique can also determine whether they might be a likely target for counterfeiters, security expert Anthony Amore, author of "The Art of the Con: The Most Notorious Fakes, Frauds, and Forgeries in the Art World" (St. Martin's Press, 2015), told Live Science in an email. "It is much more difficult to re-create the hand skills of a Rembrandt or Vermeer or Velazquez than the splatter of Jackson Pollock," Amore said. "Pollock is often forged, as are his abstract expressionist colleagues. The same is true of impressionists," he said. But perhaps the most important ingredient for pulling off a successful art forgery is simply having a credible story describing where the artwork came from, Charney told Live Science. "It is the story that accompanies them what I call the 'provenance trap' that really passes off the pieces," Charney said. "This is the invented backstory, accompanied by normally forged archival documents suggesting that the work has existed, and been considered authentic, for a long time." A well-crafted "provenance trap" could explain how even seasoned art experts are tricked by forgeries such as the alleged Modigliani fakes. If a painting looks authentic, has paperwork that appears to be in order, and comes with an origin story that seems plausible, those who are examining the forgeries can easily be swept up in the excitement of possessing a fine art masterwork even forgoing forensic testing, Charney said. "The most common reason that forgeries escape curatorial detection is a combination of the con man's brazen yet convincing backstory combined with the curator or buyer's desire to believe that they have their hands on something very special," Amore added. The total number of bogus paintings in the ill-fated Modigliani exhibit is yet to be confirmed by authorities, but for now, the suspected imitations will remain in the hands of the Prosecutor's Office of Genoa, Palazzo Ducale representatives said in the statement. Original article on Live Science. This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. In a series of recent tweets, Donald Trump proposed to ban transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. This proposal would reverse the inclusive policies introduced during the Obama regime. Trump's decision was, he claims, based on the burdensome medical costs and disruption that accommodating transgender people in the military has allegedly caused. See more See more See more Trump's tweets put me, as a classics scholar, in mind of a rather obscure fable thought to be written in early imperial Rome by one of the Emperor Augustus' freed slaves, Phaedrus. In this tale, a barbarian is threatening the troops of the military leader, Pompey the Great. All are afraid to challenge this fierce opponent until a "cinaedus" steps forward to volunteer for combat. Although foreign to us moderns, the cinaedus was a familiar figure to ancient Greeks and Romans, whose identity raised concerns about gender. The cinaedus and the commander-in-chief The cinaedus was frequently mentioned in classical sources due to his brazen effeminacy, untoward sexual behavior (most often a "shocking" desire to be anally penetrated by other men), and the ambiguous status of his genitalia. This figure was first mentioned by Plato in the fourth century B.C., who says little more than that the cinaedus' life was terrible, base and miserable. Other classical authors provide more detail. Martial, a Roman poet writing in the first century A.D., for instance, describes a cinaedus' dysfunctional penis as like a "soggy leather strap" in one epigram. In the same century, the Roman novelist Petronius has a cinaedus suggest that both he and his fellows have had their genitals removed. In Phaedrus' fable, the "cinaedus" is described as a soldier of great size but with a cracked voice and mincing walk. After pleading permission in a stereotypically lisping manner from Pompey, his commander-in-chief, the cinaedus steps into battle. He quickly severs the barbarian's head and, with army agog, is summarily rewarded by Pompey. What the cinaedus reveals about today Hold Phaedrus' fable up and some easy similarities stand out with the situation today. The cinaedus is comparable to a contemporary trans person in that their expression of gender does not match the norms that their society whether ancient or modern expects of their sex as assigned at birth. Ancient Greek and Roman sources show a bias against gender-variant people parallel to Trump's current-day attitudes. Both the tweets and the fable display discomfort with the idea of gender-ambiguous fighters, regardless of any true situation on the ground. And while Trump professes exclusion of transgender people on grounds of financial cost and disruption, Phaedrus is a little more open about his motivations. In Phaedrus' fable, the cinaedus is untrustworthy. He is described as having stolen valuables from Pompey and then later swears on oath that he hasn't. A clear connection is made between gender "deception" and treacherous behavior. This, I believe, is the same unfounded gender panic that Trump is drawing on to appeal to his traditional support base. Gender diversity Such consistency in attitudes across millennia is rather depressing. Some points in redress, however, are worth considering. There are notable differences between a cinaedus and a trans person. The cinaedus was thought of as male, albeit with questionable masculinity. He is only ever described as being effeminate, never as identifying with, or living as, the opposite gender. In my own work, I use the term "gender diversity" to point out loose, but still meaningful, connections between the ancient cinaedus with both modern trans people and others included under the LGBTQI+ umbrella. The wide variety of effeminate men, masculine women, eunuchs and intersex individuals mentioned in classical sources suggests a breadth of experiences was possible outside of traditional gender norms. There is some evidence of female masculinity in antiquity. The mythical women warriors of Greek mythology, the Amazons, might actually have had some basis in historical fact. In his book "Postcolonial Amazons," scholar of ancient Greek Walter Penrose demonstrates that warrior women were prevalent and highly valued both in Scythian and ancient Indian cultures. And although classical scholars have debated whether any actual individual in antiquity ever embraced the stigma of being openly called a cinaedus, a series of tax receipts, letters and temple inscriptions from Greco-Roman Egypt do document men who were identified and notably identified themselves using this term. Being trans and surviving adversity The cinaedus has a long and persistent history. Being a topic of interest for writers from Plato in the fourth century B.C. through to Byzantine authors in the 11th century A.D., he is truly a survivor. As gender studies scholar Jack Halberstam writes, trans people will likewise survive Trump's exclusionary tactics. For, as Phaedrus' little fable suggests, gender-diverse people have in all ages been capable of some mighty remarkable things. Like the victorious soldier cinaedus, they can confound expectations and achieve results in some of the most extremely adverse situations. Tom Sapsford, Lecturer, University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates and become part of the discussion on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science. Watching a glacier (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) NASA scientists are keeping sharp eyes on Greenland's glaciers. Such gazing reveals more than the beauty of this unique and massive, icy island. The scientists, part of NASA's Operation IceBridge, are conducting airborne surveys to find out how the glaciers are changing over time. Glacier surface (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) Laser altimeters can map the teensy details of the surfaces of these Greenland glaciers. NASA uses two laser altimeters: One is optimized for low altitude and the other for medium altitude, they said. Laser altimetry (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) The laser altimeter measurements show elevation changes on the glacier surface. Helheim Glacier (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) "On Greenlands rugged eastern coast, spilling into a mountainous fjord, lies the 4-mile-wide Helheim Glacier, named for the Viking world of the dead," NASA says in the video. Dramatic chnages (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) "Flights spanning two decades reveal the dramatic changes that have taken place," NASA said on a video about the mission. Rapid retreat (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) Here, the glacier is shown after a rapid retreat and thinning episode. Partial recovery (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) Following the retreat, the glacier partially recovered its former extent. Helheim in 2001 (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) NASA missions have flown along the center line of the glacier year after year. Here, the extent of the Helheim Glacier is shown in 2001 from NASA Operation IceBridge surveys. Helheim in 2007 (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) The extent of the Helheim Glacier is shown in 2007 from NASA Operation IceBridge surveys. Helheim extent (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) The extent of the Helheim Glacier is shown in 2011 from NASA Operation IceBridge surveys. Helheim in 2014 (Image credit: Jefferson Beck/NASA Goddard) The extent of the Helheim Glacier is shown in 2014 from NASA Operation IceBridge surveys. A man in Sweden died just after penis enlargement surgery, according to a new report of the case. As a part of the procedure, doctors injected fat into the healthy 30-year-old man's penis, according to the report, written by pathologists who examined the man's body after his death. Some of this fat entered the man's veins, and then traveled through the blood to his lungs. When fat droplets enter the small blood vessels in the lungs, they can cause blockages, and the body can't properly absorb oxygen, leading to death. This type of blockage, called a fat embolism, is a known risk of moving fat from one part of the body to another, said Dr. Lee Zhao, a urologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, who was not involved in the man's case. Still, "it's an extremely rare event," Zhao added. [8 Wild Facts About the Penis] But it's not clear from the case report exactly where in the penis the fat was injected, Zhao told Live Science. "The penis works by filling erectile tissue with blood," Zhao said. "If the fat was injected into the erectile tissue, then the risk of fat embolism would be much higher." Instead, fat should be injected just under the skin of the penis, rather than into this tissue. But it's unclear whether the plastic surgeon involved in the man's case "inadvertently" injected the fat into the erectile tissue, he said. Zhao also noted that this type of "penile enhancement" surgery had limited benefits. The type of procedure that the man had involves two steps, Zhao said. During the first step, surgeons cut a penis ligament called the suspensory ligament, which makes the penis appear longer in its flaccid state. In the second step, the surgeons inject fat to increase the bulk of the penis. Neither part of the surgery improves a man's erectile function; instead, the procedure alters only the appearance of the penis when it is flaccid, Zhao said. In addition, the procedure may in fact have a negative impact on sexual function, because doctors need to cut the suspensory ligament. This "ligament acts to allow the penis to aim forward, and cutting [it] can cause the penis [to] hang downwards," Zhao said. It's not clear how many patients undergo this type of surgery in the U.S., Zhao said. Because the procedure is generally not covered by insurance, many patients opt to have the operation in other countries, where it may be cheaper, he said. "I specialize in treating the complications of this procedure, and I find that many of my patients had surgery in Mexico," Zhao added. The report was published July 27 in the Journal of Forensic Sciences. Originally published on Live Science. A woman visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, reportedly developed an infection with flesh-eating bacteria after wading in the ocean there with a cut on her leg. But what causes this infection, and can you really catch it at the beach? Last week, Bonita Fetterman, of Lumberton, North Carolina, was visiting Myrtle Beach with her family, when she lost her balance on the balcony of her hotel room and cut her leg on a chair, according to local news outlet WMBF. But the cut wasn't serious, and she later waded into the ocean, WMBF reported. Upon her return to North Carolina, her leg began to blister and turn purple, and she was taken to the hospital. On Sunday (July 30), Fetterman's daughter posted on Facebook that her mother "came in contact with a [life-threatening] flesh eating bacteria after putting her feet in the water at Myrtle Beach!" The post went viral, with more than 95,000 shares as of Wednesday (Aug. 2). [10 Bizarre Diseases You Can Get Outdoors] However, Myrtle Beach officials said they could not confirm a link between the ocean water and the woman's infection. "The city has been unable to confirm the location or date of any such incident," officials said in a statement on Facebook. "Our ocean water quality is tested twice weekly, with excellent results. If we can determine where such contact may have occurred, we can order additional water quality tests to determine whether any connection exists," the statement said. Although commonly referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria," this condition is known to doctors as "necrotizing fasciitis." It is a serious bacterial infection that destroys skin and muscle tissue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several types of bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis: group A Streptococcus (group A strep), Klebsiella, Clostridium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, according to the CDC. In rare cases, the ocean-dwelling bacterium Vibrio vulnificus can also cause necrotizing fasciitis. This type of bacteria is found in warm coastal waters and is present at higher levels between May and October, the CDC says. The way people usually become infected with V. vulnificus is by consuming contaminated seafood. But they can also become infected if they have an open wound that comes into direct contact with Vibrio-containing seawater. When this happens, the bacteria can infect the skin and cause skin breakdown and ulcers. These infections can progress to affect the whole body and may lead to life-threatening symptoms, including dangerously low blood pressure, according to the CDC. V. vulnificus prefers to live in water that is at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), according to a review paper published in 2011. (The average water temperature at Myrtle Beach this time of year is 83 degrees F, or 28 degrees C, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.) Most cases of V. vulnificus in the United States occur around the Gulf of Mexico. But worldwide, infections have happened as far north as Denmark during the summer months, the review said. Last year, a man in Ocean City, Maryland, died from a V. vulnificus infection that he developed while going into the ocean near his home when he had a cut on his leg. The CDC recommends that, to prevent infection with V. vulnificus, people with open wounds avoid contact with salt or brackish water or that they cover their wound with a waterproof bandage. It's important to note that necrotizing fasciitis infections are rare, and they usually do not occur in people with healthy immune systems, the CDC said. People are at increased risk of V. vulnificus infections if they have chronic liver disease or other conditions that weaken their immune system. Fetterman's daughter, Marsha Barnes Beal, said in a Facebook post that surgery to cut away the flesh-eating bacteria is the only option to treat her mother's condition. Fetterman is in the intensive care unit but in stable condition, Beal said. Original article on Live Science. Danville, WV (25053) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 53F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Rain and snow showers this evening. Overcast overnight. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 40%. Andrew Taylor scored 24 points and Taevion Kinsey added 15 points and eight rebounds to lead Marshall past UPike, 83-69, in the exhibition finale for the Thundering Herd. Marshall opens its season on Monday at Queens University. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Niger celebrates its Independence Day on August 3 every year. Niger acquired freedom from France in 1960. Niger was placed under the control of France at the Conference of Berlin in 1884-85. The country was thus a French colony influenced by Frances colonial policies. The French began to expand their influence by establishing military posts in different parts of the region including Southern Niger during the 1890s. However, the French failed to capture Agadez and encountered strong resistance from Tuareg. In 1900, Niger was transformed into a military territory. It was designated as another colony in the French West African region with its capital at Zinder. Post 1926, the capital was shifted to Niamey. The French colonists did not alter the contemporary governmental structure and carried out the administrative functions within the existing framework. Niger attained complete independence from French control in 1960 after which Hamari Dioni was elected as the first president of the country. Independence Day in Niger marked the end of a prolonged period of French dominion. Since 1975, Independence Day is also known as Arbor Day. On this day, trees are planted all across the country to help in the fight against desertification. Among marketers, Snap is widely believed to suffer from a lack of ad tracking and measure tools. Challenging this stigma, the social giant is rolling out a new measurement program that addresses marketing mix modeling (MMM). With the help of Neustar Marketshare, Nielsen, Analytic Partners and Marketing Management Analytics, the initiative specifically measures return on ad spend (ROAS) and sales lift. Since its IPO, Snaps measurement shortcomings have been scrutinized by analysts. Most social marketers already complain about Snapchats lack of user data and proper social measurement, Forrester analyst Jessica Liu said recently. In tests, the focus on MMM -- which helps brands isolate, measure and forecast the impact of specific marketing tactics -- has shown promise. For example, in movie theatrical release campaigns, Snapchat drove a ROAS of $14.33, which is more than five times the category average, as measured by Neustar. advertisement advertisement In the carbonated soft-drinks campaigns, Snapchat drove a ROAS of $4.76, which is more than five times the category average, according to the real-time information provider. In restaurants, Snapchat drove average ROAS of $10.76, which is nearly three times the category median, as measured across nine restaurant campaigns by Placed. Additionally, of the 59 offline sales studies conducted by Oracle Data Cloud and Nielsen Catalina Services, 83% had positive sales lift. Based on seven retail campaigns measured by Nielsen Buyer Insights, Snapchat drove an average sales lift in total spend per household of more than 7%. Based on 20 campaigns measured by Placed, Snapchat drove a median visitation lift of 9.5%, which bested the Placed median of 7.4%. As part of a broader ad push, Snap recently unveiled a Certified Partners program -- offering advertisers help in planning, executing and improving their Snapchat ad buys. With Certified Partners, the idea is to encourage brands to create more video ads, which have historically been harder to create than banner and text ads. To participate in Snaps Certified Partners program, the social giant is requiring partners to participate in training, which encompass best practices and execution strategies. Snap also began rolling out Snap Publisher -- a tool for brands to create ads in less than two minutes. Among other features, the browser-based tool lets brands trim horizontal videos into vertical mobile videos, access an existing library of ad templates, and add motion to still photos and images. by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, August 2, 2017 Mondelez International today announced that longtime CEO Irene Rosenfeld will step down in November, naming Dirk Van de Put, currently president and CEO of Canadas McCain Foods, as her successor. Rosenfield, 64, will continue to serve as chairman of the board through March, when she will retire. Van de Put will then add the chairman role. Van de Put, 56, has 30 years of experience in the food and consumer packaged goods industry. He joined McCain Foods a $7.3 billion (U.S.) privately held, global company that is the largest maker and marketer of frozen French fries and potato specialties in 2010 as chief operating officer, becoming president and CEO in July 2011. Previously, he served briefly as president and CEO of global OTC at Novartis, and as president Americas for Groupe Danone between 2007 and 2009. He also served in executive positions at Coca-Cola Company and Mars Inc. advertisement advertisement In addition to his experience in both developed and emerging markets, Mondelezs board noted that Van de Put grew McCains net sales by more than 50% (75% of which was organic growth), and drove annual double-digit EBITDA growth, during his six-year tenure. That stands out at a time that most major packaged foods companies, including Mondelez, have seen growth slow significantly or stagnate in North America, in particular, as consumers increasingly lean toward fresher, healthier options. Rosenfeld told Fortune that the board was impressed by Van de Puts ability to growth profitability in challenged, not necessarily on-trend categories like French fries. Rosenfeld has been under pressure from activist investors, including Nelson Peltz and Bill Ackman, to improve the companys margins. In April, The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported that Mondelez was working on a succession plan with a recruiting firm, and that the board had discussed possible replacements for Rosenfeld. At that time, Rosenfeld said she wasnt ready to retire. However, in interviews coinciding with todays announcement, she told WSJ and Fortune that she began discussing her plans to retire with the board two years ago, with the timing to be synched to finding the right successor. "Our thorough, multi-year succession process has identified Dirk as the right leader with a distinct combination of skills and industry experience necessary to succeed as our next CEO, stated Mondelez independent director Mark Ketchum, adding that both internal and external candidates had been considered. Investors growth expectations for Mondelez were set high from the start. In 2012, after six years as CEO of Kraft Foods, and already under pressure from Peltz and his Trian Fund Management group, Rosenfeld succeeded in a push to split the two companies. With the slower-growth traditional brands in the North American grocery business spun off as Kraft Foods Group, the new Mondelez entity, consisting of global snack brands including Oreo, Milka, Trident, Nabisco and Cadbury (which Kraft acquired under Rosenfeld in 2010), was designed to be positioned for rapid growth. Rosenfeld responded to slowing organic sales growth partly reflecting traditional grocers competition from Amazon and other nontraditional retailers with an e-commerce initiative aiming to hit $1 billion in sales by 2020. She also pushed to reshape the product portfolio to align with consumers changing food preferences most recently launching clean snacks line Vea. In the boards statement, Ketchum praised Rosenfelds vision and leadership for the past decade, noting that she changed the face, footprint and growth prospects of Kraft Foods prior to creating Mondelez, where she reinvigorated the brands, transformed the portfolio, strengthened the company's presence in emerging markets, and aggressively improved margins. Rosenfeld has been slashing costs with the goal of cutting $3 billion by 2018 since her unsuccessful bid to acquire Hershey for $23 billion last summer, although she told WSJ on Wednesday that, In hindsight, I think perhaps we could have gone after the costs a little faster. My regret is that we havent fully realized the potential on the top line. She also said that Van de Puts challenge is to unleash the growth potential of this company. Mondelez announced the leadership change simultaneously with second-quarter results. Although sales fell by 5% reflecting weak demand for its core brands in North America, and shipping and invoicing problems caused by a cyberattack profits exceeded expectations, and the company reaffirmed its forecast of 1% organic sales growth for the full year. Carrie Fisher is given an amazing send-off in her final Star Wars film, according to co-star John Boyega. The London-born actor said he shares many scenes with the late actress in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and that the sci-fi franchise keeps her alive. Fisher, who played the part of Princess later General Leia, died last December aged 60. Her final film performance will be seen when the latest Star Wars blockbuster is released at the end of the year. Boyega, who played stormtrooper Finn in 2015s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, told US broadcaster ABC: It sends her off in a very amazing way. She is still kept alive in this franchise and thats the beauty of it she lives forever in a sense. Boyega was with family in Nigeria when he found out about Fishers death, which came four days after she was taken ill on a flight from London to Los Angeles. It was a strange, strange feeling, said the 25-year-old, currently promoting his role in race drama Detroit. I felt like everybody in the cast and obviously around the world [and] went silent for a bit. His comments came as Fishers actress daughter, Billie Lourd, spoke about the last time she saw her mother. The last time I saw her in person, this episode of Scream Queens was on, and it was a big episode for me, she told fellow actress Sarah Paulson in Town & Country magazine. I had tons of scenes, and I was so hard on myself about it I hated how I looked, hated my performance. I was really frustrated. She told me, Come over right now. I want to watch this with you. And she made me sit down and watch it, and she forced me to see the good parts. She was incredible like that. But she was really hard on me, saying, Shut up, youre great in this. Have faith in yourself. Be more confident. Lourd lost her grandmother Debbie Reynolds the day after her mothers death and admitted she had always lived in their shadows. I love being my mothers daughter, and its something I always will be, but now I get to be just Billie, she added. Elsewhere in the Star Wars universe, it has been revealed that the next film in the series Star Wars: Episode IX is to be rewritten by British writer Jack Thorne. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the writer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is working on the ninth instalment, to be directed by Jurassic Worlds Colin Trevorrow. Meanwhile, director Ron Howard has told the same publication the Han Solo stand-alone film is coming along great. Its a fantastic script, a great cast and I am having a fantastic creative experience with it, he is quoted as saying. Howard took over the film from Christopher Miller and Phil Lord after they left the project, citing creative differences with producers. 02.08.2017 LISTEN The joint military exercise operation vanguard is to fight "galamsey" in Asante, Eastern and Western regions. So the government will deploy about 400 soldiers to these regions in an effort to stop "galamsey." Honestly, I do not have an issue if the military can stop "galamsey" permanently. But my concern is that can the military stop "galamsey" forever? It is obvious the soldiers are going in these regions to cease, arrest, and patrol illegal mining centers. For how long are they going to do this? And how much will the government spend on the military every day to curb the problem? Personally, I think the approach is too traditional. Sometimes we have to be creative with new ways of fixing our problems than using the usual approach. In addition to military intervention, we have also to find a clear solution for these illegal miners. We seem to focus less on what they say "galamsey is their source of livelihood." I understand the government wants to give them another job to support their life. The concern is that, do they want to do any other job other than mining? In our quest to help people, finding what a person wants is very important. I have proposed this before; it is not wrong to do legal mining in Ghana. If one has the training to do mining so that they do not destroy our water bodies, they should be allowed to do mining. What if the government use the money he is going to use to provide them another job to train them to do proper mining? So that they will not destroy our water bodies? I mean, think about this. The government can even be the direct purchaser between these miners to buy their gold, diamonds, and others they are extracting. Instead of these miners selling our golds on the black market to Chinese, we can buy it directly from them and sell them at the international market for our country's profit. So many solutions have been offered in addressing galamsey, but the best has not been chosen yet. You can't stop what some people like to do just because you are sending soldiers and police to the mining sites. You find the solution by considering what the "galamseyers" want and what they country at large want. In that way, you can draw a concrete solution to fix the problem. The government is not yet there to provide a permanent solution to "galamsey." My whole week started and ended with religion. A subject I rarely discuss because Ghanaians find it very difficult to accept that not all things are asked of God. You have the freewill to make decisions, why not use that freewill and then go and say thank you afterwards. But as soon as we have a task to perform and cannot think because we have never encountered it before, we creep into the church and wait for a miracle. So my good friend and fellow member of OccupyGhana Ace Ankomah was invited by the Rotary Club of Ghana to give his reasons Why is Ghana Corrupt? He started with the following precis: There is corruption everywhere in the world. But it is systemic in Ghana because we don't punish unlawful greed. There is corruption in Brazil. But former President Lula just got sentenced to a 10-year term for corruption. There is corruption in South Korea. But it took a lady called Cha So-Soon, 950 attempts to get her driving licence. There is corruption in Israel. But former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert went to jail for corruption. There is corruption in Ghana and the last people to go to jail for it were and ended after raging, (as he calls it, ranting) over 40 points, with much more than you can ever imagine, from tradition to government through personal corrupt deeds, and ended like this, Are we cowards? Nobody wants to stand up to be counted. We tamp down on those who want to speak up. We like matter but fear matter. From there our discussions continued on our social media platform and quickly degenerated to his point 14. Unwarranted and unsupported religiosity that obscures reason and hard work. Note how Churches that preach holiness are less populated than churches that preach prosperity. And on we went until Mensah Otabil's Church, ICGC invited Ashimolowo from Nigeria and he ended up placing a tag on reward for sponsored prayers. Finally we ended up here from Exclamation Ebe-Arthur LET ME TEACH YOU SOMETHING I KNOW AS AN OSOFOBA. My father once shocked the congregation at Tema St. Pauls Methodist when he unveiled the Harvest Target, IT WAS TWICE THEIR LAST HARVEST TARGET!!! He did the same at Takoradi, Sekondi and Calvary Methodist, Adabraka. In all those instances the congregations initially thought the targets were ambitious. They achieved the targets and always exceeded it, but it wasnt because they believed that was how they will enter heaven. It was because there was always a clearly defined community development project or church improvement project that they agreed needed to be funded and most importantly there was accountability that they trusted will show how every single penny of the money raised would be used. There is nothing wrong with giving to the church.so far as you know exactly what the church will use the money for and agree with it. But you cant give money to God.lets not confuse the two. No one has ever seen an angel coming to cash a cheque at a bank, or an angel at a cashpoint, or an angel at a bureau -de-change changing dollars into cedis! Faith means believing that when you support Gods work, he will bless you. It doesnt mean that you can buy Gods Favour? It doesnt mean that the money is relevant to the size of blessing either..anyone remember the Widows Mite? The doctrine of faith evaluated against an exceedingly inexplicably huge financial donation to a church because that is what will unlock a specific type of blessing from God is very unfortunate. Gods Love, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy and Favour cannot be bought and they are not awarded by merit (remember the Prodigal Son?)..they are freely given. It is very true that several pastors have the spiritual gift to impart a blessing but herein lies the beauty of Christs concern for his flock.for in Matthew 10:8 Christ charges his apostles saying: Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. You see, Jesus knew how easy it was for people to get tempted to sell these blessings. Jesus also knew how easy it was for desperate people to give all their money for these gifts that is why he ordered these gifts should be FREE. Have no doubt, blessings do exist and can indeed be bestowed by faith or unfortunately sold by men of God. That I can testify to as also seen in Acts 18:18-19 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.(hold this quotation in your mind, I dey come) There is nothing wrong with asking people to give to the work of God, or to support their pastors.the Apostle Paul makes this very clear in 1 Corinthians 9..go and read that and if you dont like dashing your osofo money shame on you wai. But he also states clearly the need for a man of God to use this right to sustenance carefully so as not to be a burden. Note that the Apostle Paul talks about a Right to Sustenance not a Right to Enrichment. Blessings or spiritual gifts under the new covenant are not linked to financial offerings, because Christ already paid the price for us with his blood. If you read your Bible carefully you will realise this to be true. You will also realise that your Prosperity Preaching Pastor is very uncomfortable discussing this without indirectly threatening you with eternal damnation if you dont invest in your blessing or sow a seed. Give a $1 million to your pastor if you believe it will progress the work of God on earth and cater for the needs of the preacher, but trust me it will not progress much your standing in heaven, if that is the real reason for which you are giving the money. For in Acts 18:20, Peter the first ever Bishop, Archbishop and Pope admonishes those who believes such: Peter answered: May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. (Remember the verse that I said hold on to? Now that is the rest of that quotation) I am not ignorant of the power of Faith to unlock blessings in my life, just ignorant of the power of money as proof of the existence of my Faith so that I can get to the blessing that God has freely given. What happened at the ICGC I find very unfortunate. To ask for $5,000 in return for prayers to become a millionaire is the highest form of deception. I will not be lying when I say most Ghanaians hold Pastor Mensah Otabil in such high regard, we would like to see his church continue to flourish and grow in perpetual congregation. He has become an icon of the Christian faith where even those of us not Christians would rather listen to him on a Sunday than some other bombastic groups promising heaven for the poor, while benefitting from their meagre tithes. And it is when we corrupt the Church that we suddenly give politicians and various heads of our Institutions the power to lip-gloss their way out of jail. Ghana. Aha a y d papa. Alius valde week advenio. Another great week to come. By Sydney Casely-Hayford, [email protected] The MP whose controversial motion set Parliament on fire Tuesday has backed the decision by the Speaker to refer his motion on the AMERI agreement to the Committee on Mines and Energy. KT Hammond insists the Speaker, Prof Mike Ocquaye has the power to direct affairs in Parliament and chastised the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu for leading a minority walkout. The Minority stormed out of the floor with chants of bias and accusing the Speaker of disrespecting the Minority. They did not understand why the Speaker had to refer to a committee the controversial motion seeking a rescission of the AMERI agreement signed by the previous government in 2015. Leader of the Minority Haruna Iddrisu said a member cannot bring a motion on the floor with a request to rescind an agreement that has been agreed and passed by a previous Parliament. Objecting to the motion filed by KT Hammond and seconded by Deputy Majority Leader Adwoa Safo, the Minority Leader said, if anything, KT Hammond should go to court to ask for the annulment of the agreement. He could come before Parliament to attempt to rescind the agreement passed in 2015, he added. The decision by the Speaker to refer the motion to the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament angered the Minority who then stormed out of the House. Deputy Minority Leader Muntaka Mubarak said the Speaker cannot be treating the minority as though they were kids. He demanded respect from the Speaker, failure which he warned the House will be ungovernable. But the originator of the motion KT Hammond has jumped to the defence of the Speaker. He described as incomprehensible the conduct of the Minority and wondered why they decided to debate the issue out of the House instead of in the House. He said he was ready to disclose the content of the motion on the floor but the Speaker decided that it was best for committee to sit and discuss the matter and issue a report. He did not understand why the minority had issues with that. He argued it is not beyond Parliament to rescind its own decisions, and quoted the Speaker as saying that one Parliament does not and cannot bind another. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah 01.08.2017 LISTEN Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - The UMB Bank and UMB Capital have launched the UMB Foundation, an independent philanthropic entity to streamline the corporate social responsibility initiatives of UMB Bank and UMB Capital. To achieve its vision of 'creating meaningful and sustainable social and civic impact', UMB Foundation aims to focus on supporting initiatives in education, health and projects that celebrate and promote Ghanaian heritage and culture'. Mrs Grace Amey-Obeng, the Board Chairperson, speaking at the launch of the Foundation said: 'From the perspective of its corporate sponsors, UMB Bank and UMB Capital, UMB Foundation was created to give back to the beautiful nation of Ghana that has contributed to the success of both UMB Bank and UMB Capital.' 'Corporate philanthropy through the creation of foundations is an effective, strategic and sustainable method of providing necessary assistance in key areas of need,' she said. Ms Yvonne Botchey, the Chief Executive Officer of UMB Foundation, provided an overview of the structure of UMB Foundation noted that UMB Foundation would be announcing its first key projects in each focus area. "We expect these projects to make a meaningful difference in the areas of education, health and the celebration and promotion of Ghanaian heritage and culture," she said. Under each strategic focus areas the education aspects of the UMB Foundation, which would start with the Volta Region, would help to improve access to education for economically disadvantaged and/or special needs children through scholarship programmes. She said it would also help to upgrade school facilities, supplies and infrastructure in neglected communities. She said the education component would also provide teacher motivation and capacity building programmes. Touching on the health component, Ms Botchey said the initial project would cover the Northern and Upper West Regions. She said the project would assist in providing easy and quick access to quality health care, especially for women and children. In addition, it would support the provision of improved medical facilities, supplies and resources. She said the project would assist those without financial means in the payment of medical treatment and services for critical health conditions. On the celebration of Ghanaian Heritage and Culture, she said the initial project would cover the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. Ms Botchey said it would support the restoration and maintenance of cultural sites, monuments and buildings. She said the project would also support the establishment of museums and libraries to preserve historical artefacts, information and to serve as a place of learning. Ms Botchey said while the head office of UMB Foundation would be based in Accra, UMB Foundation would sponsor projects throughout Ghana over time. More specifically, she said the initial projects in health would target the Northern and Upper West regions, while education projects would focus on the Volta Region. She said the initial projects in the third focus area of celebration and promotion of Ghanaian heritage and culture would be organised in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions. The UMB Foundation is governed by an independent four- member Board of Directors that are supported by sub-committees tasked to implement activities in each key focus area. The Board of Directors include Mr John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer UMB, Mrs Amey-Obeng, Nana Dr Michael Agyekum Addo and Ms Pearl Esuah-Mensah. UMB Foundation is an independent philanthropic entity organised to streamline the corporate social responsibility initiatives of UMB Bank and UMB Capital. The mission of UMB Foundation is to create meaningful and sustainable social and civic impact by supporting projects in education, health and those initiatives that celebrate and promote Ghanaian heritage and culture. GNA By Iddi Yire, GNA 01.08.2017 LISTEN A GNA feature by Belinda Ayamgha Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - In a bid to spur inclusive development that leaves no one behind, the UN has set very high targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Development organisations and national governments are bracing up to address the challenges that hindered the broad achievement of the MDGs. 'The SDG agenda and the SDG goals require that we think about development in a different way in order to meet the ambitions set by our political leaders. 'The reality is that the bar has been set higher with the SDGs,' admits Serge Patrick Kapto, Policy Specialist-Data for Development at the UNDP, in an interview with the GNA on the side lines of the just-ended African Open Data Conference (AODC) 2017 held in Accra. The conference on the theme: 'Open Data for Sustainable Development,' explored the vital role of open data, in Africa. It also highlighted the use and importance of open data in accelerating development in various sectors including agriculture, governance, climate and environment, extractives, health, energy, economic growth and civil society. Actors in development at both global and national levels will have to understand and rethink how development programmes are implemented, and how processes are structured to deliver progress. They will have to know who are at risk of being left behind in development and why, in order to ensure inclusiveness, and availability of credible, accessible and usable data, is critical to the venture. There is interconnectedness of all 17 goals of the SDGs; they cannot each be implemented in isolation and governments will have to focus on executing all, while tracking the indicators. To do this, Mr Kapto notes the need to build the right analytical tools that can bring data from all these areas of development. This will allow actors to understand how they interact with one another so as to get the right tools to understand what the bottlenecks of development can be and how they can be unplugged. It will also help to identify the accelerators and areas where investments can have an accelerated impact on development. 'For that we need to have the right data to inform the new analytical tools that we need to develop,' Mr Kapto maintains. Africa, for instance, lacks adequate gender disaggregated data, but studies have produced statistics to show that investing in women is 'half the effort needed to lift countries out of poverty'. This underlines the need for data to know how development indicators are affecting women, as addressing the specific needs of women will help accelerate progress on the SDGs. Another example, according Mr Kapto, is the correlation between conflict and poverty, climate change and climate displacement, among others. 'These are examples that show that having the right data sets and correlating all these different datasets would help us advance progress More data in these countries will help make better policies to mitigate effects'. While governments play a big role in the production, release and use of data, citizens can also play critical roles in data collection and use to address problems in their communities. This would however require that some foundations are laid to enable them do this. Involving people in data collection and use of data for development. A major challenge to the use of data by citizens in Africa is the low level of data literacy and Mr Kapto acknowledges the need to direct more efforts to data literacy among the public. 'People need to know what data can do for them, what data to demand of their policy makers and decision makers and also know what they can do with either the data they collect themselves or data that is made available to them,' he states. This requires capacity building of constituencies as the main objects of data using simple strategies like advocacy through the media, civil society organisations to ensure that governments and data producers target their messages towards communities and citizens, as raw data will not be very useful for them. Journalists, he notes, will also have a role to play in getting the data, in the right form, into the hands of the people so that they can do something with it. He encouraged the use of simple ways like having a feedback loop on how data collected from communities have been used or how the people can use it, encouraging local grassroots innovation by those who are the experts in the development challenges in their communities and more importantly creating an environment where they can thrive and innovate. 'There are a lot of efforts happening through data innovation hubs, 'Hackathon' competitions, particularly in the agricultural, and other sectors, that help create opportunities for young people in these communities to become more data savvy, learn skills and try to devise solutions that can address problems in the communities,' he said. Sensitising all stakeholders to the importance of data in development and involving them in the proper collection and use of data to address development challenges is the way to go to achieve the ambitious SDGs. GNA 01.08.2017 LISTEN Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - Mr Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Financial Services, says there is hope for journalism in Ghana, especially financial journalism, as the programmes of IFEJ will equip journalists to improve on their work. He said the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) provided hope for good journalism, as it helped journalists acquire the requisite knowledge to better educate citizens. According to him journalists had failed because they lacked knowledge, truth and ethics. They also did not write in plain language for the people to understand. He was speaking when he launched the 4th IFEJ Flamingo Awards for Business and Financial Journalism in Accra on Tuesday. He urged journalists to read more to acquire the knowledge they needed to be effective in their work. Speaking on the theme of the awards: 'Embracing Financial Inclusion and Innovations for Growth and Development,' Mr Thompson said financial inclusion was very critical to poverty alleviation efforts. He said in order to ensure financial inclusion, the goals should be to provide access at a reasonable cost to a full range of financial services, including savings and deposit services, and payment and transfer services, among others. He noted that services like mobile money were too expensive and needed to be more affordable if it was to achieve its potential for financial inclusion. He also expressed the need for sound and safe institutions governed by clear regulations and industry performance standards, financial and sustainability to ensure continuity and certainty of investment and competition to ensure choice and affordability for clients. Mr Rayborn Bulley, President of IFEJ, said the critical role of journalists in economic growth, by providing the necessary analysis of issues in the sector. IFEJ, he said provided training for its members to enable them do more self-initiated, in-depth and analytical stories. He said there had been significant improvements in reportage in the business and financial sector across the country, with two of the winners of the Flamingo Awards coming from outside Accra. Dr Adu Anane-Antwi, former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and chair for the launch, said journalists in Ghana had a real challenge in reporting on business and finance because most of them did not have a background in finance. 'We have a challenge in that you are learning to understand finance and report, whereas elsewhere people get their MBA in finance before they train as journalists and thus understand the issues and are able to bring out the issues during interviews,' he said. Mr Daniel Koomson, Chair of the Awards Jury, assured participants of the independence of the jury. He advised entrants to ensure that they read the criteria and scoring system for the awards carefully to ensure that their entries were filed correctly. GNA By Belinda Ayamgha/Beatrice Soekekuh, GNA 02.08.2017 LISTEN USAG stands for University Students' Association of Ghana. It is the umbrella all University Students in Ghana. A lot of people maybe wondering why I choose to greet the palms of our able USAG executives at this very juncture. "Those whose palm kernel was cracked for them by a benevolent spirit," Chenua Achebe said, "should not forget to show appreciation." Great indignation stirred in my heart when power was handed over to Tizoo and his team after one and a half yeah of leadership by the NKosuo led USAG. My fear had to do with the time which Tizoo would hand over since he has barely 4 months for his tenure to end. I noticed with much grief the gross incompetence, corruption, disrespect for rule of law, cronyism that hanged menacingly on USAG during the era of the Nkusuo led USAG. During that time , I remember vividly how we had congress at Kesben University which ended in fight and chaos. We moved to methodist University at Tema for an emergency congress. The situation was worst as police escorts had to save the USAG president in the mist of a disgruntled and tempestuous mob who were roaring to devour him and his team. The electoral commission led by Tinkaro amazed me that day as they decided to organise an election on a third floor. How pathetic and laughable Ghanaian student leaders could be! Money gone wasted, emergency congress was unsuccessful for a second time. The rest was history. You see the sad story of our time? That was the time I was a senate member. As loud as I am , my heart was seethed with enormous grudge that I had nothing to say than to laugh miserably into my palm as though I was watching a comedy. Today, the story seems to be changing, we are indeed observing a powerful wind of change. Tizoo( Emmanuel Kwateng) who just took over power some few months ago, is setting the records by enlarging the coast and making straight the rugged path. Though I was not present at the just ended senate, I was thrilled by the news of an adoption of a reviewed constitution of USAG. Want to catch the amazing stuff?The venue for a new congress was determined. If this is not selflessness and service for the best interest, then, tell me what it is. A team that barely had power is willing to relax the air which had been stretched taut for almost one and a half year of bad leadership! Fantastic. My congratulations to the entire executives of USAG. Ayekoo. My best regards to the great Barrister Danny( FC) and Ellen( Wocom). I am proud of you guys. Note: My pen is watching and I encourage the team to defy the odds by making the upcoming congress great. I shall not hesitate to criticize any wrong. Yours brother in Students Struggle. Eric Dumenu Fmr. Local NUGS President of UEWK This brief does not include analysis of key government's manifesto promises. IMANI is conducting separate reviews for the promises. Fiscal data from 2013 to 2016 shows that Ghana has been missing its revenue targets by about 7 percent per annum.[1]The incumbent government stipulated in its maiden budget ways to reverse this trend. However, in the first half of 2017, revenue mobilisation has been approximately 15 percent below target[2], a strong indication that 2017 targets may also be missed. Thus, whatever revenue is mobilised must be used prudently to drive development. This brief analyzes Ghanas 2017 Budget in light of the missed revenue targets in the first half of 2017. This Value for Money (VfM) analysis also suggests ways to efficiently use the available scarce resources across the following Ministries, Departments and Agencies: 1) The Ministry of Education 2) The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs 3) The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; and 4) The Ghana Audit Services. Ministry of Education (Teacher Trainee Allowance) The 2017 Budget placed teachers at the heart of quality education delivery. To motivate and encourage people to train as teachers, the budget announced the reinstitution of Teacher Trainee allowance: ... to make Colleges of Education freely accessible to all eligible students and train teachers to drive quality education provision, Government will fully restore the payment of teacher trainee allowances, effective September 2017 .... A provision of GHS 103 million (USD 23.5 million) has been made for the payment of allowances to all 43,570 trainees in the 43 public Colleges of Education[3] (COE). This policy was introduced in the 1960s as part of Dr. Kwame Nkrumahs agenda to attract more people into the teaching profession. It was repealed in the early 1970s but had to be reinstated in the 1980s due to mass exodus of Ghanaian teachers to Nigeria. In 2014, the erstwhile NDC government abolished and replaced it with a student loan and feeding grant policy. Despite the implementation challenges in the form of delays in feeding grant payment and the resistance from the student front, student enrolment in the Colleges of Education increased from 33,526 in 2013/14 to 41,984 in 2015/16 (25 percent)[4]. Outside the political twist of whether or not to maintain the teacher trainee allowance, quality education delivery in Ghana is still riddled with a lot of challenges. There is a teacher deficit gap of 45,000 that needs to be met in order to achieve universal basic education. At the same time, teacher attrition rate is approximately 7,000 per year[5]. Other pressing challenges include poor and inadequate infrastructure and poor working conditions especially in the rural areas. It is worth noting that out of the GHS 166 million allocated to the COEs; capital expenditure (CAPEX) which is only 5.4% is also funded by Internally Generated Funds (IGFs). The teaching profession has generally become unattractive as about 75 percent of teachers will not recommend the profession to others due to low levels of job satisfaction and poor working condition, which is some of the major reasons for high teacher attrition. The re-introduction of the teacher training allowance can potentially compound the challenges as there could be a re-emergence of the quota system. The GHS 103 million allocated means an allowance of GHS 198 per month per student compared to the GHS 450 per month enjoyed previously. Given that enrolment increased by 25 percent[6]in 2015/16 academic year even after removing the teacher trainee allowance, it will be prudent for the government to explore the reasons underpinning the increase. Resources spent on the teacher trainee allowance policy can be channeled to more critical and sustainable use such as improving working conditions of teachers especially in the rural areas. Improving working conditions on its own can attract more talented and brilliant students to the profession and significantly reduce the teacher attrition. This can significantly reduce the 45,000 deficit. Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs The Ministry for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is responsible for harnessing, developing and maximising the utilisation of chieftaincy and traditional assets and values to serve as a basis for wealth creation and socio-cultural empowerment. Although it appears to be the Ministry with the lowest budget allocation annually, the Ministrys budget allocation increased significantly from GHS19.5 million and GHS20 million in 2015 and 2016 respectively to GHS 34.3 million in 2017. Out of the GHS 34.3 million, about 85 percent, which is GHS 29.3 million has been allocated to compensation of employees.[7] On the face value, this figure appears to be higher for 725 staff especially when compared to other ministries such the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development which with its 1,366 staff was allocated GHS 18 million as compensation. Further probing revealed that the government has increased the monthly allowance of paramount chiefs and queen mothers by 100 percent. Paramount chiefs and queen mother would now receive GHS 1000.00 and GHS 800.00 respectively as against GHS500 and GHS350 respectively[8]. The government has also increased by 100 percent the sitting allowances paid to paramount chiefs and queen mothers[9]. The main concern is why the government would increase the budgetary allocation of this Ministry. What has been the impact of the Ministry on the overall economy and development of Ghana to warrant such a huge increment? Is it for political gains or borne out of genuine concern for Ghanaians? As part of their activities for 2017, the Ministry intends to sensitise Chiefs on their roles in land acquisition and the importance of community land use plans. Focus on enhancing the capacity of Traditional Authorities in advocacy, peace building, and dispute resolution and also educate the general public on the positive roles of the chieftaincy institution. The Ministry came under serious attack and scrutiny when it announced its intention to air lift some Christians to Israel by way of pilgrimage, though no amount was allocated in the budget for such an activity.[10]Despite the Ministrys decision to play the role of a facilitator, many Ghanaians have chastised them for even contemplating such an initiative. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture already has some component in their budget that seeks to promote cultural activities. Does Ghana really need two, separate ministries to promote culture? Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector directly accounted for around 3 percent of GDP in 2016. In addition, the industry contributed both directly and indirectly to the employment of 5.6 percent of the workforce[11]. The Council expects Ghanas tourism industry to expand by 5.6 percent in 2017 and maintain an annual rate of growth rate of 5.1 percent through to 2027. Further, income generated from tourism is expected to reach USD 439.0 million in 2017, and expected to increase in subsequent years until it reaches USD 1.3 billion in the terminal year of Phase 3 (2027). The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Cultures budgetary allocation increased from GHS 38.9m in 2016 to GHS 43.9m in 2017 (an increase of approximately 12.9 percent). These increases are mostly due to increases in Compensation of Employees (CoE), which saw an increase from GHS 26.6 million in 2016 to an allocation of GHS 28.3 million in 2017 (6.32 percent increase) and increases in goods and services from GHS 8 million to GHS 12.7 million (58.4 percent increase). However, the allocation to capital expenditure (CAPEX) decreased significantly (74.42%) from GHS 4.3 million in 2016, to GHS 1.10 million in 2017. The reduction in capital expenditure is concerning, because the dire state of most tourist sites in the country demands some huge investments to promote the tourism industry. Basic necessities such as proper sanitation, signage, good roads, restaurants, etc. seem non-existence at most tourist sites. While the budget has stated the need to leverage private partnerships to develop the tourism sector, and potentially in tourism infrastructure, the public purse will still have to make significant contributions. Consequently, CAPEX to an extent is required to accomplish this, and as such, its allocation should not have been greatly diminished. A key strength of Ghanas tourism is the overall diversity of resources, which include UNESCO World Heritage Sites (castles and forts), the Asante traditional buildings, which are all of cultural significance. CAPEX, together with private partnerships, can play important roles in maintaining the quality of resources, which, on the whole, is in very poor state. The summary of expenditure by sub-programme, economic item and funding shows that Culture, Creative Arts and Heritage Management receives a total of GHS 28.1 million, followed by Management and Administration at GHS 5.5 million, Tourism Product Development at GHS 5.2 million, Tourism Quality Assurance at GHS 4.6 million, and Tourism Research and Marketing at approximately GHS 500,000.[12]Upon a deeper look into the breakdown of the Culture, Creative Arts and Heritage Management, a significant portion of this allocation is put into Cultural Development (GHS 14.2 million). While the budget mentions that the cultural infrastructure needs to be developed nationwide, the development of culture is set to underpin the advancement of the tourism industry. The budget allocations highlight the fact that more is spent on culture, instead of activities directly related to tourism. Tourism activities, in particular product development, and research and marketing, should be given more funding priority or at least an equal funding priority. However, the budget highlights the fact that research and marketing activities are limited to attending and participating in international conferences, fairs and exhibitions, and researching international tourism trends. To transform the tourism sector in Ghana and put her on the map as a must-see destination for potential visitors, a more intensive marketing strategy is required, with goals to: 1) raise awareness about Ghana globally as a major touristic and cultural destination, and 2) diversify tourism in Ghana, with the necessary resources that offer value for money, which different kinds of travelers (those travelling for business, leisure, or volunteering purposes) may require. The marketing budget should be increased to implement branding and marketing strategies. The Ghanaian government must consider tourism as a potentially viable outlet, which ensures the diversification of the economy, and so adequate funding must be made available. While the government should work with the private sector to invest in tourism development and infrastructure, it should also not neglect its own investment and development role in the industry, particularly with the potential it has to drive economic growth. Ghana Audit Service The Ghana Audit Services is tasked to ensure that activities conducted by public institutions are undertaken with due regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness. On the premise of this mandate, significant amounts of the countrys scarce resources are made available for its operations. Between 2013 and 2017 an average of GHS 116 million[13] per annum was allocated to the Ghana Audit Service. In 2017, the government allocated GHS 186 million to it, which is about 33 percent higher than the 2016 allocation. Clearly, their role is an important one. In line with their duties, the Ghana Audit service has over the years been able to uncover a lot of inefficiencies in the management of public resources. In the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) alone, the financial cost of weakness and irregularities in 2015 amounted to about GHS 505 million (representing about 2 percent of total revenue).[14]The table below shows the financial costs of weaknesses and irregularities from 2011 to 2015. Table 1: Financial Cost of Systemic Weaknesses in Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Ghana (2011 2015) Years Financial Cost of System Weaknesses [In Million Ghana Cedis] 2011 119.50 2012 395.70 2013 477.70 2014 252.80 2015 505.20 Source: Auditor-General Report on Ministries, Departments and Agencies As can be seen from the table, high losses have accrued to the country over the years. Even more worrying is the fact that the amount of losses is rising as the years go by. It makes us question whether actions taken after these irregularities are found are not punitive enough to deter others from robbing the state. The Auditor-Generals statement in his transmittal letter for the 2013 audit says it all. It states that the report on MDAs for 2013 indicates continued infractions and financial indiscipline on the part of MDAs in acknowledging and observing legislative supremacy. Several irregularities have been highlighted in the report. The irregularities show the lack of probity and propriety or the extent of non-compliance with or deviation from and disregard for the tenets of laws, rules and regulations, which are designed to secure the conduct of government financial and preserve or improve the nations wealth and resources.[15] When the Auditor-General finishes with the audit for the year, a report is submitted to the public accounts committee in parliament for review. After parliamentary review, an audit committee is set up within each MDA to implement the recommendations from the audit. So clearly, the structures are there to ensure that lessons are learnt; however, the results are not being achieved. Unarguably, the role of audit in ensuring efficient use of scarce resources is an important one. This role however loses its significance when audit reports are two to three years lagging. Thus results and recommendations from previous audits tend to have little or no effect on efficiency. It becomes a waste of very limited resources especially in a country where basic needs such as quality health care remain a major problem. Conclusion Ghana has had a long history of budget deficits; between 2013 and 2016, budget deficits averaged GHS 10 billion per annum. This has led to very high debt levels, which has compounded the challenges to development. Access to basic amenities like education, health and sanitation still remain a major problem for both urban and rural dwellers. Yet expenditure patterns do not demonstrate a country committed to solving pressing issues of society and deriving the most of its scarce resources. There simply is no justification for increasing the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Cultures (an economically viable sector) budget by only GHS 5 million (which represents an increment of 12.9 percent) while the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs receives an increment of about GHS 14 million (representing a 58.9 percent increase) in the 2017 budget. The government needs to properly align its priorities to reflect the needs of society and work to derive the most from the countrys limited resources. For Interviews, please call IMANI - 0554309966 [1]. 2017 Government of Ghana Mid-Year Budget Review, http://www.mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/budget/Highlights%20Of%20The%20Mid-Year%20Fiscal%20Policy%20Review%20of%20the%202017%20Budget%20Statement%20and%20Economic%20Policy.pdf [2]. Calculated from Ghanas Provisional Fiscal Date for January April 2017; http://www.mofep.gov.gh/?q=fiscal-data [3]. 2017 Government of Ghana Budget Statement, p. 106. [4]. Calculated from Education Sector Performance Reports(2014 2016) [5]. 2017 Government of Ghana Budget Statement and Economic Policy [6]. Calculated from Education Sector Performance Report from 2014 2016. [7]. Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Medium Term Expenditure Framework (2017-2019). [8]. Citifmonline.com (May 24, 2017) Govt increases allowances for chiefs by 100%. Available at: http://citifmonline.com/2017/05/24/govt-increases-allowances-for-chiefs-by-100/ [9]. Ibid [10]. Citifmonline.com (June 16, 2017), Govt to begin overseeing Christian pilgrimages. Available at: http://citifmonline.com/2017/06/16/govt-to-begin-overseeing-christian-pilgrimages/ [11]. Oxford Business Group (2017), Ghana lays foundations for tourism growth, Oxford Business Group, 28 April. Available from: http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/news/ghana-lays-foundations-tourism-growth [12]. Ministry of Finance (2017), 1.5. Appropriation Bill Summary of Expenditure by Sub-Programme, Economic Item and Funding, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Available from: http://www.mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/budget/2017/MDAs/02/2017-Budget-by-Sub-Prog_016_MTAC.pdf [13]. Average is calculated from budgetary allocations from 2013 to 2017. [14]. Annual Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana Ministries, Departments and Other Agencies (MDAs) for the year ended 31 December 2015, p.5. [15]. Annual Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana Ministries, Departments and Other Agencies (MDAs) for the year ended 31 December 2013, page iii. Respectfully yours, Franklin Cudjoe Founding President & CEO, IMANI www.imaniafrica.org Bio: http://www.franklincudjoe.org/home/ Twitter: @lordcudjoe Kigali (AFP) - Here are key dates since President Paul Kagame's ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) took control of Rwanda in 1994. 1994: Genocide and takeover in Kigali On July 4, 1994, the armed wing of the RPF -- which launched a civil war four years earlier from Uganda where its founding Tutsi members were exiled -- captures Kigali. The seizure of the capital halts 100 days of genocide in which extremist Hutus killed 800,000 people, primarily minority Tutsis. A million Hutus, including those held responsible for the worst massacres, flee across the western border to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Pasteur Bizimungu, a Hutu allied with the RPF, is named president, and RPF leader Paul Kagame becomes the vice-president and defence minister. On November 8, the UN creates the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to prosecute those responsible for the genocide. Based in Tanzania, the ICTR operates for 20 years and convicts several dozen suspects, while related trials also take place in countries including Belgium and France. 1996: First foray into Zaire/DRC In September 1996, Rwandan troops enter Zaire, citing a security threat from Hutu extremists in refugee camps. Thousands of refugees are forcibly repatriated. The Rwandan military backs a rebellion led by Laurent-Desire Kabila, which ousts Zaire's leader Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997. Kagame admits Rwanda planned and executed the insurgency. In July 1998, Kabila orders Rwandan troops out of the DRC. Rwanda switches sides on the grounds that Kabila was not as set on pursuing Hutu genocidaires in his country as had been hoped. Kigali supports a new rebellion against Kabila which broke out on August 2. This leads to a major conflict that lasts five years, with several nations backing either side. It left at least three million dead, according to a consensus casualty toll in what became known as "Africa's World War". 2000: Kagame becomes president Bizimungu resigns in March after months of internal power struggles in the RPF. Kagame -- long considered the most powerful man in the country -- is elected president on April 17. Kagame wins re-election in 2003 and 2010, each time with more than 90 percent of the vote. 2006: Diplomatic relations with France break down On November 24, 2006, Kigali breaks off diplomatic ties with Paris after a French judge charges that Kagame and nine others were involved in an attack that killed Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana and triggered the 1994 genocide. Relations are restored in 2009 but remain troubled and subject to developments in the French investigation. Ahead of the genocide's 20th anniversary, Kagame accuses Paris of playing a "direct role" in Habyarimana's assassination, and of taking part in "his execution." On November 29, 2016, Kigali launches an inquiry into the role of 20 French officials in the genocide. 2010: Opposition crackdown After returning from exile in January 2010, opposition leader Victoire Ingabire is arrested in October after publicly asking that the perpetrators of crimes against Hutus also be punished. Two years later she is sentenced to eight years in prison for terrorism and belittling the genocide. Ingabire appeals against the conviction but loses, and in December 2013 her sentence is extended to 15 years. Meanwhile, former Rwandan army chief turned opponent Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa is wounded on June 19, 2010 in Johannesburg, in an attack he blames on Kagame. On June 24, journalist Jean Leonard Rugambage is shot dead in Kigali after he accuses Kagame's regime of trying to kill Nyamwasa. Patrick Karegeya, a former Kagame ally and ex-spy chief, is strangled to death in Johannesburg on January 1, 2014. Kagame tells a prayer breakfast in Kigali 11 days later that "treason brings consequences." 2015: Constitutional reform On December 18, 2015, a referendum on constitutional reforms allowing Kagame to seek a third term in office passes with 98.4 percent voting in favour. The change means Kagame could run in later elections and may be able to stay in power until 2034. Oil climbed towards $53 a barrel on Tuesday, reaching a two-month high, supported by signs that a persistent supply glut is starting to ease amid strong demand and OPEC-led production curbs. U.S. inventory reports due on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to show crude stocks fell by 2.9 million barrels last week, the fifth straight week of declines. Stocks have already fallen below year-ago levels. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was up 12 cents at $52.84 a barrel at 0848 GMT. The contract traded intraday at $52.93, the highest since May 25. U.S. crude CLc1 was up 20 cents at $50.37. "The most bullish argument looking forward is that we are now in the second half of the year," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. "Global demand is expected to pick up significantly." Oil company BP, which reported its earnings on Tuesday, was upbeat on the demand outlook. After a slow start to the year, global demand recovered in the second quarter and was expected to grow by 1.4 to 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), BP said - higher than some 2017 forecasts such as that of OPEC. "Global demand is looking pretty strong, and prices will firm around the levels seen today," BP Chief Financial Officer Brian Gilvary told Reuters. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, as part of a deal with Russia and other non-members, is reducing output by about 1.2 million bpd from Jan. 1, 2017 until March next year to get rid of excess supply. OPEC's adherence to its supply cuts has been high but in recent months output has increased due in part to recovering output in countries exempt from the deal. Oil output by OPEC rose last month by 90,000 bpd to a 2017 high, a Reuters survey found, led by a further recovery in supply from Libya, one of the exempt producers. The increase means it will take longer for OPEC to clear the excess, analysts at Commerzbank said, although they added such concerns had faded for now. "Market sentiment has quite clearly turned, with price falls being viewed as an opportunity to buy," the bank said. MEXICO CITYHis skin is blue, his face contorted and his eyes bulge from his head, but the hair is unmistakable: that alien in the giant billboard over one of Mexico Citys busiest roads is Donald Trump. In case the US presidents distinctive blond swirl didnt tip you off, the artist has put an American flag in the background and framed the whole thing with Trumps campaign slogan: Make America great again. Ironically, this extraterrestrial Trump has landed in Mexico because he could not find a home in the United States. American artist Mitch OConnell created the work in 2015 for a horror film festival in Chicago headlined by the 1988 cult classic They Live. But what began as a publicity poster turned into a zeitgeisty political statement, he told AFP. ADVERTISEMENT I was drawing a poster of the They Live alien and the TV was on my drawing table. There was Trump, campaigning or doing something on television. And that hair is so distinctive. Im looking at my drawing and at his hair and I said, That hair would look fantastic on this alien, he said in a phone interview from Chicago. They Live, a satirical sci-fi movie starring late pro wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper, is the story of a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that enables him to see that Earths ruling class is in fact made up of aliens who manipulate people via the mass media to spend money and accept the status quo. OConnell said his 21st-century take on the film resonated at a moment when reality TV star and real-estate billionaire Trump was starting his improbable rise to the presidency. Reality kind of just turned into this drawing. It was not meant to be political, but it just kind of evolved, he said. People had huge reactions to Trump and they loved the movie, those two things together: America getting stranger by the week with Trump running and Trump as president. OConnell, 56, initially tried to get the work displayed on a billboard in the United States, but said he was rejected in several citiesdespite raising $3,000 online to fund the project. Major billboard companies, I think they were actually worried about getting people protesting. There was an actual real possibility that Trump would tweet about them or bash the company, he said. A Mexico City gallery then stepped in to get the work displayed in Mexico, the target of much vitriol from Trump. Trump kicked off his campaign in June 2015 with a tirade against Mexican immigrants, whom he referred to as drug dealers, criminals and rapists. Anti-Mexican rhetoric was central to his campaign, with Trump vowing to deport Mexican immigrants en masse, make Mexico pay for a wall on the border and tear up the US trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. Trumps first [campaign] speech was calling everybody from Mexico rapists and thieves and how he was going to build this majestic wall to keep them out, OConnell said. Mexico being the only place where I can get this billboard erected, it was a wonderful ironic twist ending to the story. In Mexico City, the billboard has met with bemused approval. To me, artistic expression related to Trump is a really good thing, in the sense that it has an impact on society, because this is kind of how we all feel, right? said Carla Baeza, an employee at a telecommunications company in the capital. I think the artist wanted to capture the essence of how Trump treats Mexicans. He doesnt respect us much, said computer programmer Julio Acuna. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. A deputy director general of the National Disaster and Management Organization (NADMO), Abu Ramadan has accused the founder and leader of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor of stealing two vehicles belonging to the organization. According to him, she stole them before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government assumed office in January 2017. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, Abu Ramadan lamented that the erstwhile government left NADMO broke and that has affected its ability to operate effectively. His comments were on the back of series of backlash against NADMO over its failure to distribute relief items to victims of last weeks floods in the Northern Region. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana The legislator at the centre of the motion to have the AMERI agreement rescinded, K.T. Hammond, says his own independent investigations into the deal also reveal Ghana will lose at least $150 million to AMERI. Speaking on Eyewitness News, Mr. Hammond said his motion was on the basis of very clear evidence of a few contracts that have been signed by AMERI and some other companies. He stressed that what is at stake is an amount as big as $150 million dollars and this amount was going to go to the AMERI company. Mr. Hammond notably seconded the motion for the agreement between the Mahama administration and the Africa and Middle East Resources Investment Group's (AMERI Energy) to rent the 300MW of emergency power from AMERI at the peak of the country's power crisis which cost $510 million. But Mr. Hammond says his motion to reverse the deal is because documents have come to my attention, which, with the benefit of hindsight, would not have led me to support the motion [in 2015] the way I did. He maintained that AMERI misled the whole House saying, it is not a question that Parliament did not do its work diligently or Parliament didn't get value for money. We are talking about misrepresentation. KT not privy Philip Addison committee report Mr. Hammonds conclusion highlighting that Ghana will lose $150 million bears some similarity to the conclusion by the Philip Addison committee charged to review AMERI power deal. I hear that Philip Addison and other colleagues were tasked to undertake some investigation. I am not aware of any official report resulting from the committee's hearing, the MP said with respect to those findings. Before Mr. Hammond filed his motion, the Philip Addison committee recommended that the AMERI deal be renegotiated or abrogated on grounds of fraud, after it concluded that Ghana was made to pay $150 million extra in commission. Ameri in its agreement with Government dated February 10th, 2015, charged Ghana significantly higher than what it was charged by the Turkish registered company, PPR, which financed and executed the project. The Turkish firm pegged the total cost of the project at a maximum of $360 million. However, in the Build Operate Own Transfer (BOOT) agreement signed between the government and AMERI, the deal was pegged at a minimum of 510 million dollars leaving Ameri with a commission of $150 million. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana On the back of the Minority's walk out of Parliament over claims of bias against the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu says the Speaker did not err in his decision to forward the motion on the AMERI deal to the House's Mines and Energy Committee without any debate. Mr. Mensah Bonsu further described the Minority as being in a state of confusion in the immediate run-up to the matter coming up on the floor of the House. What even preceded the House was that our colleagues [the Minority] were not even sure what to do we had a pre-sitting meeting and we wanted to know from them what should be done and they said to us they would not participate in the motion. Then they came to say they will raise preliminary issues against the motion if the motion got moved. So we wanted better and further clarity on what they wanted to do. Then they said well, they will participate in the debate but would not participate in the voting. So there was that confusion within their own ranks, the Majority Leader recounted. Eventually, on the Floor of Parliament, the Minority Speaker sought to make a submission on the motion but was prevented from doing so to the ire of the Minority, who proceeded to storm out. We left because we thought that he[The Speaker] should have allowed our leader to exhaust the case that he was making because he was citing Supreme Court rulings but he wouldn't let that happen, the Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka said to Citi News. This notwithstanding, Mr. Mensah Bonsu was of the view that the Speaker of the House, in his wisdom taking into consideration the motion noting fraudulent claim, felt the matter was too weighty to be continued so the member should go to the committee on energy and then submit what information has come to him to the Committee. The motion in question was filed by K.T. Hammond, who was the ranking member of the Energy Committee of Parliament in 2015 when the deal was approved, seeks to reverse the decision. The thinking behind the referral of the motion to the Mines and Energy Committee was that this would allow the Committee to reconsider the deal since it advised Parliament to approve it in the first place in 2015, Mr. Mensah Bonsu explained. so the Speaker said he [K.T. Hammond] should submit what information that he has to the committee and that they would also avail the Minister of Energy because the minister at the time had submitted documentaiotn to the committee. The John Mahama administration in 2015 signed a contract with Africa and Middle East Resources Investment Group's (AMERI Energy) to rent the 300MW of emergency power generator at the peak of the country's power crisis. The power agreement with UAE-based AMERI Energy deal cost $510m. It later emerged that the government had been shortchanged by AMERI as they presented an overpriced budget and government overpaid by $150 million. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Accra on Tuesday for Abuja, Nigeria on a days official visit. His visit is at the behest of the Acting Nigerian President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as a Guest of Honour at Nigerias National Defence Colleges Silver Jubilee Anniversary and the graduation ceremony of participants of Course 25 of the Institution. President Akufo-Addo is billed to deliver the keynote address on the topic; Africas Economic Integration and Regional Security. The 133 graduands of Course 25, who are senior military officers of the rank of Colonel in the Army or its equivalent in sister services of the Armed Forces, underwent an 11-month strategic level training programme conducted by the College. The course aims to develop the skill and expertise of senior military/paramilitary officers and third civilian counterparts for higher responsibilities at operational and strategic levels. A number of Ghanaian officers took part in the Course. The President returns later on Tuesday. The Auditor-General will Wednesday disclose sanctions his office has imposed on some corrupt public officers cited in audit reports. According to Daniel Domelevo, the encounter will afford him the opportunity to share with Ghanaians efforts made to retrieve monies misapplied or lost through corrupt practices. We want to give an update to fellow Ghanaians through the media on the status of implementing disallowances and surcharges as prescribed by the constitution and recently pronounced by the Supreme Court of Ghana, said Domelevo. The Supreme Court in June this year granted all the reliefs sought by pressure group, OccupyGhana, in respect of the Auditor-General's powers of disallowance and surcharges. According to the Court, the Auditor-General must issue disallowance and surcharges in respect of all state monies found to have been expended contrary to law. Read: Samsons Take: Article 146 The second relief granted by the Court is that the Auditor-General must take steps to recover all amounts lost to the state, and this covers private persons. Ace Ankomah, a leading member of OccupyGhana said Wednesday's presser is welcome news, describing it as historic for Ghana. "I expect that the Auditor-General will tell us that he has issued some disallowances and surcharges and show some of the documents he has issued and the names of the people he has surcharged and then we will see what the next step will be," he said. Ace Ankomah Background OccupyGhana has been waging war against the lethargic attitude of Auditors-General whom it accused of not applying the law and protecting the public purse. Every year, the Auditor-General makes serious findings of many instances of misapplication of colossal amounts by public office holders. Sometimes the public officers make admissions before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament but none is ever held accountable or punished. OccupyGhana has argued strenuously that the Auditor-General has the power to disallow expenditures which are not in conformity with the law and to surcharge those responsible. The group engaged the Auditor-General demanding him to apply the law and recover the billions that went into the drain but the then Auditor-General didn't appear willing or capable of doing this. The dithering of the Auditor-General compelled the pressure group to head to the highest court of the land in June last year for specific orders regarding the powers of the Auditor-General to disallow expenditures and surcharge officers found to have engaged in financial impropriety. The court Wednesday granted all the reliefs. It further ordered the Attorney-General to take steps to prosecute persons found to have misapplied public funds. Joy News' Joseph Ackah-Blay who was in court reported that members of OccupyGhana who were in court expressed excitement after the judgment was read by Justice Sophia Akuffo. They believe the court's decision will be applied to retrieve public money misappropriated by public office holders. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com 02.08.2017 LISTEN Accra. Aug. 1, GNA - Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, has called for support to strengthen the capacity of the Environmental Health Officers to ensure effective monitoring. He said inadequate logistics had been a major constraint to the health officers of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for efficient monitoring and the enforcement of the sanitation bye-laws. Mr Adjei Sowah made the call when he launched the 'Snipper Model,' a new strategic method to enforce good environmental sanitation in Accra. He said the model was to deploy the environmental health officers at the sub-metros of the Assembly into the communities as part of activities to bring back the 'Saman Saman'' or 'Tankase' to inspect markets, residential premises, food and business joints, chop-bars, restaurants and public places of convenience to ensure cleanliness. Mr Adjei Sowah said the successful implementation of the strategy would help change attitudes and urged the health officers to strictly abide by the rules and regulations in enforcing the laws. He said the method would help prevent exposure of chemicals and biological agents into the air and provide safe environmental condition for the people for good health. Mr Victor Acquaye, the Metro Public Health Director of the AMA, who took participants through the Model, urged the health officers to enforce effective food management standards to ensure food vendors sell food that is safe and hygienic to the public. 'It is the responsibility of environmental health officers to ensure that food meant for consumption is not contaminated,' he said. Mr Acquaye said World Health Organisation reports indicate that most illnesses were from the consumption of unwholesome foods, which was a widespread health problem. He urged the health officers to look critically at the preparation stages of food from the farm gate to the consumer. GNA Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described as significant, the achievements being made owing to the collaboration amongst countries in West Africa and Africa in the fight against terrorism and armed groups. 'African countries are co-operating in the fight against terrorism and achieving results, and this should spur us on in our collective drive towards an integrated and united Africa,' he said when he delivered the key note address at the graduation of Course 25 participants of Nigeria's National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria on Tuesday. The President Akufo-Addo noted that the co-ordination of activities between the armies and the intelligence agencies countries such as Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Benin and Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram, and with the leaders of Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, also launching a multinational force to fight armed groups in the Sahel region, was essential to a successful battle against terrorism. Making reference to the strides made by the European Union (EU), President Akufo-Addo indicated that the Union was given the Nobel Peace Prize for its role in 'the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe', 'transforming most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace', and the 'successful struggle for peace and reconciliation and for democracy and human rights'. He noted that 'it is a widely acknowledged fact that the EU has helped prevent war amongst its current members since the end of World War II in 1945. History tells us that Britain, France, Germany and Italy had for centuries waged wars over religion, territory and power.' 'Thus, the creation of a free market, concealing economic and geographical borders, would erode the justification for using war as the quickest avenue to wealth and power, and lessen its appeal. 'That was the vision that inspired the idea behind the European Economic Community, now the EU, in 1957.' President Akufo-Addo, thus, indicated that Africa should be inspired by this, and hasten her efforts towards integration. 'If Europe, through the formation of the EU, was able to stop the vicious cycle of violence that had plagued them for centuries, and lead them onto the path of advancement, wealth and prosperity for all, Africa can no longer dither,' he said. President Akufo-Addo stated that closer collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria could accelerate the growth West Africa and Africa. 'Our respective armed forces have co-operated successfully in joint peacekeeping operations in several conflict situations in the region and on the continent, which have enabled peace and security to be re-established. Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Togo, Sudan, Somalia, Mali and, most recently The Gambia, all come to mind,' he said. President Akufo-Addo, urged the two countries to 'now work together to unleash the energy and ingenuity of the African, and with a market of 1.2 billion people, soon to reach two billion, the sky will be the limit. Let us work towards the day when all of us will look to doing business, first in our region and continent, before looking to Europe, Asia or the Americas because we have the men and women, the goods, the services and the quality'. The way forward, he said was to implement regional and continental decisions, such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Continental Free Trade Area, recognising that ultimately the benefits are in everyone's interest. 'Those of us who believe strongly in integration can do no better than to give our full support to regional and continental decisions. Through this, we will build institutional confidence and integrity in the structural organs of ECOWAS and the AU,' he added. The President expressed the need for all governments in the region and continent, to collaborate to ensure that the countries of Africa adhere to and maintain common values of governance, stating that 'Such commonality will facilitate immeasurably the process of bonding amongst the nations of our region and continent.' GNA 02.08.2017 LISTEN Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - Friends of the Nation (FoN), an environmental Non-Governmental Organisation, has opposed an immediate ban on the importation of mercury into the country and, therefore, advised the Government to tread cautiously to prevent any backlash. It said an immediate ban on mercury imports and use may make the current illegal mining situation even worse because it would force miners into black markets. A press statement signed by Mr Donkris Mevuta, the Executive Director of FoN, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, said the strict approach to ban the metal by the end of the year was likely to backfire if miners were not helped to find alternatives. On July 19, 2017, at a media briefing in Accra, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, announced a plan by government to ban the import of mercury for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) by the end of this year. The statement noted that since Ghana did not produce mercury, the ban would, in effect, affect the use of mercury in small-scale mining. 'While we strongly support the eventual phase-out of mercury use in ASGM, criminalising mercury use will undermine ongoing efforts to help miners to make the transition to mercury-free sustainable mining. 'Instead, the Government should follow a comprehensive plan of providing needed assistance for legal miners, strong legal enforcement against those who are operating illegally, and comprehensive tracking and management of mercury imports and distribution,' it explained. It asked government to learn from the experiences of other countries that had banned the use of mercury in ASGM including Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines, Burkina Faso and Ecuador, as well as those that banned its imports like Senegal and Mali. In April 2017, in response to serious environmental impacts caused by the growing artisanal and small scale mining sector in Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources placed a six-month moratorium on all artisanal and small-scale mining with the intention to reviewing the status of the sector and identifying solutions. The statement indicated that the Ministry put forth public consultation on a draft Project Appraisal Implementation Document of the Multilateral Mining Integrated Project (MMIP). This project includes a comprehensive plan to crack down on illegal mining, while at the same time providing technical, administrative and financial support to those miners who wish to operate legitimately. 'Whiles we commend this initiative, we urge the Government to tread cautiously about dealing with issues on the use of mercury in ASGM. 'This can severely undermine legitimate efforts to help miners move away from mercury usage. In fact, such laws sometimes have the perverse outcome of increasing mercury exposures, because some miners choose to burn amalgam in secret, indoors, which exposes them and their families to health risk. It recommended, under the new Minamata Convention on Mercury, that countries where ASGM takes place must reduce, and where feasible, eliminate mercury use in the sector. However, the Convention does not require an outright ban of mercury use. Instead, it suggests a different approach that recognises the need for a period of transition during which miners will be given assistance, knowledge and training to convert to lower mercury, and ultimately non-mercury processes while still reaping the economic benefits that ASGM can yield. 'This same enlightened approach was outlined in the new MMIP programme, which includes technical and financial assistance for miners to transition away from mercury use,' it explained. The Minamata Convention requires that countries manage the trade of mercury, including new procedures requiring written consent from a country before mercury can be imported there. Ghana can comply with these provisions by creating a comprehensive programme to track mercury imports including origin, quantities and intended uses, its distribution and uses once it enters the country. It said such a tracking programme would allow the Government to ensure that mercury was used by legal entities and eventually eliminate its use. GNA By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA 02.08.2017 LISTEN Accra, August 1, GNA - The World Food Programme (WFP), has welcomed its New Country Director and Representative, Ms Rukia Yacoubas who assumed office in Accra on Tuesday. Ms Yacoub has a Masters Degree in Science in Human Nutrition from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and has worked as WFP Deputy Country Director in Yemen from 2014-2016, and in Egypt from 2009-2014. A statement issued in Accra by the WFP said she brings to her post a wealth of experience in implementing, managing and co-ordinating humanitarian and development programmes, both in least-developed and lower-middle income countries, a statement issued by the WFP-Ghana said. During a five-month period in Yemen, Ms Yacoub, the statement said she worked on a large emergency operation which provided life-saving food assistance to more than six million people. 'Ms Yacoub's development work in Egypt, a lower middle-income country, is particularly relevant to Ghana at this stage of the country's development.' As Country Director, she aims to focus on developing WFP's Enhanced Nutrition and Value Chains project (ENVAC),a cutting-edge model programme that links nutrition, agriculture and food-processing. The ENVAC, which uses a market-based approach to provide specialised nutritious foods to vulnerable women and children to prevent stunting, would assist almost half a million people over five years. Ms Yacoub who has also worked in Rwanda, South Sudan, Italy and Switzerland, and 'wants to expand WFP's take-home ration programme which offers an incentive for adolescent girls in food-insecure areas to complete junior high school'. The statement added that the Take-home rations did not only help girls break out of the cycle of hunger and poverty and secure a better future, but also help battle gender inequality. GNA Accra, Aug. 1, GNA - Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been urged to intensify their awareness creation on laws bordering on human rights to bridge the gap between the laws and their implementation. Ms Margo Waterval a United Nations Human Rights Committee member, made the call at a follow-up meeting with Ghanaian CSOs to the UN Human Rights Committee's recommendations in Ghana. She said CSOs needed to play a key role in sensitising the people on new laws enacted because only being aware of negative effects of things that could bring change in society. She said the UN Human Rights Committee was expecting to receive report from the Government and the CSOs on its three main recommendations next month. The Committee's recommendations are on non-discrimination and harmful traditional practices, persons with disabilities and psychiatric treatment, and conditions of detention and violence among inmates. It was organised by the Human Right Advocacy Centre and the Centre for Civil and Political Rights for the CSOs to present their Action Plan on the follow-up on the recommendations. Ms Waterval said the Committee considered the initial reports of Ghana at its 3274th and 3275th meetings in June 2016 and had adopted the present concluding observation a month later at its 3293rd meeting. She said the Committee was concerned about the persistence of certain harmful practices, notwithstanding their prohibition by law. Such harmful practices include female genital mutilation, ritual servitude (trokosi), forced early marriage and confinement in witch camps and polygamy. The Committee therefore urged the State party to strengthen its awareness raising and education programmes in this regard, especially in communities where the practices remained widespread. State party should further enhance its efforts to prevent and eradicate harmful traditional practices; proactively investigate cases of traditional harmful practices and ensure that victims have access to effective remedies and adequate protection, rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms. The Committee also recommended that the party should ensure the implementation of the Mental Health Act, including through the adoption of legislative instruments for its implementation and the recruitment of qualified mental health professionals. It should also ensure registration, regulation and control of prayer camps, with a view to preventing ill-treatment, including inhumane practices involving shackling and mandatory fasting, ensure that persons with disabilities or their legal representatives are able to exercise the right to effective remedy against violations of their rights. Ms Andrea Meraz, Programme Manager of Centre for Civil and Political Rights, said the Committee also recommended that State party should take measures to improve the conditions and treatment of persons held in custody. It should also take steps to address the problem of prison overcrowding, including introducing a genuine policy on the use of non-custodial penalties in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. She said the State party should also take the necessary steps to separate prisoners by age, sex and custodial status. The State party should also ensure that inmates are not given any disciplinary authority over other inmates, among others. Ms Meraz said they were in the country to ascertain what the State of Ghana did to implement the recommendations, the challenges and the role of CSOs to ensure that people know about the laws through awareness creation. Participants at the meeting called for media collaboration in their education efforts. GNA By Patience Gbeze, GNA 02.08.2017 LISTEN Accra, Aug 1, GNA - The Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hamid Chabar, says his country's return to the African Union is not an end in itself, but to bring substantial value addition to the Continent. This, he said, could be done through the action of its multilateral institutions and bilateral relations initiated with a large number of African countries. The action of the Kingdom of Morocco to join the African Union, which is based on respect, mutual benefit, active solidarity and sharing, is now a tangible reality illustrated in specific areas including political, economic and educational levels. Mr Chabar said this at a reception organised by the Moroccan Embassy in Accra to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne by His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, and the celebration of the Moroccan Monarchical Institution, whose history is merged with that of Morocco. He said: 'Morrocco is the second African investor on the Continent and the first investor in the ECOWAS Region with 63 per cent of Moroccan foreign investments which are oriented towards the Continent, where Moroccan private sector is very active in more than 25 countries. 'The Moroccan economic action in Africa combines regional structured projects with small projects which have a strong socio-economic impact such as the Atlantic pipeline project to connect Nigeria with Morocco, which will cross 11 West African countries,' he said. Mr Chabar named the construction of large fertilizer plants in some African countries to serve as green growth drivers in their respective sub-regions to contribute to food security. 'These major structured projects are accompanied by medium size ones with great socio-economic impact on the populations, such as the distribution of fertilizers to small farmers; food grants and donations to vocational training institutions and others for fishing communities,' he said. On education, Mr Chabar said among the 8,600 students from sub-Saharan Africa pursuing programmes at different universities and institutes in Morocco, 6,600 were granted scholarships by the Moroccan Government. 'Since 2005, 35,500 students and executives from Sub-Saharan Africa have pursued their trainings in Morocco through scholarships offered by the Kingdom.' He said under the Presidency of His Majesty the King, Morocco placed Africa at the heart of its concerns through initiatives such as hosting meetings on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakech in November 2016 and the summit on the Impact of Climate Change in Africa which brought together 30 African heads of state and governments. 'These reminders show how legitimate and natural the return of Morocco to its African institutional family, the AU, and its accession to the ECOWAS, which were the results of Morocco's constantly renewed concerns to work hand in hand with African countries to develop and preserve the dignity of the Continent and ensure its prosperity,' Mr Chabar said. On the relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Ghana, the Ambassador observed that 2017 is, undoubtedly, an important step in the process of consolidating relations between the two countries for two reasons; the successful election of a new president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the visit by His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, to Ghana in February 2017. These were political and economic benefits through the signing of 25 agreements on cooperation in various fields, reflecting the will of the two countries to secure their relations and to work closely for their consolidation. Mr Chabar expressed appreciation to Nana Akufo-Addo, the Government and the people of Ghana for the continued cherished relationship. Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, the Minister of Monitoring and Evaluation, said: 'We have been observing with keen interest and admiration the seriousness and enthusiasm with which Morocco, under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has activated several positive projects within the African Region. 'The tremendous strides the Government has made at the Political, Economic, Transport and Logistics, Training and Scholarships levels as highlighted by the Ambassador, is a further testament of the key role Morocco is playing on the African Continent ...' '... And the level of confidence the people of Morocco have in the leadership of His Majesty the King of Morocco, the reason for which Morocco was not affected by the Arab Spring'. GNA Accra, Aug.1, GNA - The Minority in Parliament on Tuesday boycotted the rest of the proceedings over what they described as the biasness of the Speaker, Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye. According to members of the Minority, they took this action to protest the conduct of the Speaker in referring a motion which has not been debated to a Committee of Parliament. The Minority boycotted the House when the Speaker referred a motion filed by Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond on the AMERI Energy deal to the Committee of Parliament on Energy to exercise their oversight on the matter. Mr K.T. Hammond has filed a motion asking the House to rescind its decision to approve the AMERI Energy deal which it took on March 20, 2015, for reasons of gross misrepresentation. Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader, speaking to the media after the boycott, said the Speaker's conduct was in breach of rules and procedures in the House. Mr Iddrisu observed that Parliament is a House governed by rules and procedures and nowhere in the Standing Orders is there a basis for the referral. He said the Minority had initially signalled to raise a constitutional objection to the motion in referring to a Supreme Court ruling on the matter. He said they had raised this constitutional objection in order to seek proper interpretation of Standing Order 93(10), whether any Member of Parliament (MP), on his volition, could decide one day that he wanted to rescind the decision of a previous Parliament. Mr Iddrisu also demanded to know the position of the Executive Arm of Government, especially President Nana Akufo-Addo on the AMERI transaction because there are obligations and responsibilities as well as consequences for the state. He said the AMERI Energy transaction that the Sixth Parliament considered was referred to it by the Executive. He said Parliament was not the appropriate forum to deal with the AMERI Energy transaction but the courts. Mr Iddrisu said the Speaker was not prepared to translate the Standing Orders in accordance with the rules and procedures though he was vested with the power to do so. He said when he was on his feet to make his argument the Speaker did not allow him but only responded to the point of order by Mr K.T. Hammond after which he came out with his own conclusion on the matter. Mr Iddrisu said under the circumstances the Minority had no option but to protest the manner the Speaker was endangering parliamentary democracy and its practice in the country. He said in parliamentary democracy the Minority would always have it say, adding that they would jealously protect that right and demand that it was respected. Mr Iddrisu noted that Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, when they were in minority, was able to ask many supplementary questions but now they were being denied that opportunity. He said democracy in Ghana was evolving and that the Speaker must respect the Minority and allow them to have their say. He said the exercise of parliamentary question was an instrument of oversight and throughout the country's democratic history the majority party had not been interested in oversight because it tended to bring embarrassment to the Government. GNA By Christopher Arko, GNA The Nsuta Circuit Court, presided over by Lydia Osei Marfo, has sentenced two robbers to a total of 90 years imprisonment. Ferdinand Manu would serve for 50 years while Tijani Issaka would be doing 40 years. The court further ordered the pair to refund cash of GH25,000.00 and return one laptop computer and six mobile phones seized from their victims. The convicts faced charges of conspiracy to commit crime and robbery and they both pleaded not guilty. Police Chief Inspector Nana Boamah told the court that the convicts together with three others on the run, armed with guns, raided the Hope Bakery at Asante-Mampong, on August 30, 2015. They severely beat up the Managing Director, Mr. Kwabena Badu, and his workers and made off with cash of GH25,000.00, a laptop and mobile phones. Manu, an employee of the bakery, arranged with Issaka and three fugitive accomplices to rob the bakery. The prosecution said the two men had met at a police cell in Oforikrom, where they had been detained over their suspected involvement in separate crimes the police were investigating and that was where they planned the robbery plot. Manu informed Issaka that his employer was a successful businessman and sought his assistance to rob him. They brought in the three others after they were granted police enquiry bail, worked out the plan and struck on the appointed day. The two were arrested based on police intelligence. Before handing down the punishment to the robbers, Ms. Osei Marfo, labelled Manu, the mastermind of the robbery, a traitor. Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu, has fingered land ownership disputes as contributing to the challenges of socio-economic development of the Volta Region. He said businesses in the region are among the most frustrated due to protracted land ownership disputes. Mr Amewu made the comment during the inauguration of the Volta Regional Lands Commission at Ho, Friday According to the minister, lands in the Volta Region are being disposed of like dried anchovies (known locally as Keta School Boys or Aborbi) far exceeds the cost of lands because of private and political interests. He has however urged the members of the newly inaugurated members of the Lands Commission to ensure issues of lands in the region are treated with urgency. Volta Region Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, who chaired the event urged the Commission to deliver on its mandate. The Chairperson for the new Commission, Mama Dzidoasi, Queen mother of Gbi Abansi, Hohoe pledged her commitment to making sure everything is done in accordance with procedure. One of the members of the newly inaugurated Commission, a quantity surveyor and a parliamentary aspirant in the South Tongu District, Maxwell Lukuto, on behalf of his colleagues pledged to make sure that the Commission delivers. Parliament yesterday officially ratified the agreement reached between the Governments of Ghana and the United States in August, 2015 over the resettlement of two former detainees from the Guantanamo Bay in Ghana. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has now agreed to allow the two former Yemeni detainees to complete their settlement term which will expire on January 6, 2018. Presenting a report of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament before the ratification yesterday, the chairman of the committee and NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, said that the ratification became necessary as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling on June 22, 2017 that parliament should ratify the agreement within three months or the detainees be sent back. The ratification of the agreement will further strengthen the cordial relationship between the Government of Ghana and the Government of United States of America, the chairman said. Mr Annoh-Dompreh said even though the agreement was by Note Verbale, accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding, the Supreme Court said in line with Article 75 of the Constitution, it was important for parliament to ratify the agreement, especially when the house is expected to rise today after two Ghanaians, Margaret Banful and Henry Nana Boakye, had challenged the constitutionality of the presence of the former detainees in Ghana. According to the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would have to seek security advice from the Ministry of Interior before any application for asylum by the two former detainees could be considered at the end of the expiry of the agreement. The committee wanted to know whether there was any intention by the government to extend the stay of the detainees at the end of the expiry of the agreement in January, 2018. The ministry explained that there is no such consideration now as the decision is subject to the decision of the detainees to apply for asylum at the end of the expiry of the agreement, he said, adding that the government does not intend to amend or change any of the obligations accepted by the previous government as contained in the Note Verbale but is only seeking the ratification of the agreement. The minority members, led by their leader, Haruna Iddrisu and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, were not happy about the new position of the government, saying that when the NPP was in opposition, it bastardized the NDC government for going into the agreement to accept the two Yemeni detainees Muhammud Umar Muhammad bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby to stay for two years in the country after which they could be given the option to apply for asylum. The minority leader said that with the Supreme Court's ruling, a precedent had been set and that parliament would have to require the government to bring any agreement or MoU between Ghana and any other country before it (parliament) for ratification. By Thomas Fosu Jnr Justice WIlliam Atuguba (left), Supreme Court Judge presenting a parcel and a citation to Georgina Theodora Wood Former Chief Justice (CJ), Georgina Theodora Wood, has been honoured for her sterling performance and service to the nation. Dubbed, 'Legal Profession Lifetime Achievement Award,' it was conferred on her by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) at a dinner dance in Accra Monday evening. On the occasion, President Akufo-Addo, who is a member of the GBA, advised members of the legal profession to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of Madam Georgina Wood and her efforts at building confidence in the Judiciary. He applauded the immediate past CJ for her honest, dedicated and distinguished service to the nation over the years. For him, celebrating the woman and her achievements was a collective appreciation of her works by Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo stressed the fact that the former CJ had acquitted herself well by salvaging the image of the judiciary during the challenging times when that arm of government came under public scrutiny in the infamous scandal in which journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas exposed corruption that had engulfed the bench. In that regard, the president emphasized the need for Mrs Georgina Woods sterling performance to ginger up-and-coming jurists to conduct themselves well. For those of you who are now coming, if you behave well and conduct yourself well, you may get some of these honours for your work; that must be the inspiration for all of us that if you conduct yourself well and brighten your corner, live according to principle and ensure excellence and determination in everything you are doing, your peers will recognize and commend you, he encouraged. President Akufo-Addo seized the opportunity to commend former President John Agyekum Kufuors judgement in appointing Mrs Wood the Chief Justice, even though many in his government had issues with his decision. On her part, Madam Georgina Wood, who happens to be the first recipient of the award, expressed gratitude to the Ghana Bar Association for the honour and for its support throughout the 10 years she served as Chief Justice. By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent Says Ghana has no business importing rice Ghanaian government pledges support for AfDBs High 5s Accra, Ghana, 2 August 2017 President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, is championing the transformation of the rural economies of African countries as the fastest way to lift millions of people out of poverty. The President, who is on a three-day visit to Ghana, 1-4 August, spoke at a welcome dinner hosted by Ghanas Minister of Finance. The dinner was attended by the Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana, and key government functionaries. To do that, we have to make sure that agriculture, which is their basic source of livelihood, is made a business, not a way of life. I dont believe that agriculture is a way of life at all. It is a development activity. This is where Africas wealth will come from if we do it the right way. Agro industrialization has to play a very big role in what we do. Adesina, who spoke on various ways the Bank will continue to support Ghana, emphasized that the country has no business importing rice and pledged the AfDBs support in this area. One of our High 5s is to Feed Africa. Coming from the airport, I was speaking to the Honourable Minister of Finance about northern Ghana, and I was saying that northern Ghana has over 400,000 hectares of land which is very good for agriculture. Ghana absolutely has no business at all importing rice. You are spending US$400 million a year importing what you should be exporting. I think we are going to do something about that. It is one of the key issues that we are going to be discussing, Adesina said. The AfDB President also spoke about the Banks plans to support Ghana and Cote dIvoire to transform the cocoa industry and create more wealth and jobs from the product. You are trying with 40% of cocoa production, but you can do more. The Bank will support you and Cote dIvoire with how you can coordinate your production and also your market support to avoid the fluctuations that you currently see. I have a firm belief that God has given every nation what they need to develop and to strive. The issue is what you do with it. We have a programme that we are going to be discussing with you, the President emphasized. Thanking the Ghanaian government for making the visit possible, Adesina stressed how the country had made steady progress since the Presidential election in January this year. Consistent with its Feed Africa strategy, the African Development Bank will support Ghanaian government efforts to improve the underperforming value chains which fail to add enough value to agricultural produce; to repair and rebuild inadequate infrastructure; to improve access to agricultural financing; and to reduce volatility in the international price of cocoa. The Bank will also contribute to the stabilization of the energy sector. He stressed why the continent needs to give youth the tools and the means to stay in Africa and to prosper by doing so. Last year, the African Development Bank and the European Investment Bank launched Boost Africa, an initiative that provides support to the earliest and riskiest stage of the entrepreneurial value chain via a funding mechanism that will channel 150 million to 2,000 young entrepreneurs, and create 75,000 direct jobs and 500,000 indirect jobs. As I begin to see Africa turn from a continent that used to call loud and long for development grants and aid to a continent that now draws up well argued dossiers for hard-nosed entrepreneurs and investors, I am proud to be called Africas Optimist in Chief. I reject pessimism because I dont think it makes sense. It also fails to take account of the future because it walks into it backwards. But I am also an impatient optimist. I want it now, or else, very soon. Africas transformation has already started. And we must act quickly and accelerate our work. It brings to mind John Legends powerful lyrics We are the generation. We cant afford to wait. The future started yesterday. And we are already late. Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia lauded Adesina for his focus on agriculture and pledged his governments support. It is clear that the AfDB is going places with you as President. We can see and feel it. For any economy in Africa to change, we need to solve the agriculture problem. This will put us on the way to industrialize. Our next budget as a country will focus on agriculture. We are counting on the Bank to be with us on this journey, as you have always been, Bawumia said. Also speaking, Ghanas Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, commended AfDBs work in Ghana and expressed optimism that the partnership would be strengthened with Adesinas visit. As a country, we believe that we need to get back to basics and the beauty of Adesinas Presidency is this clarity on agriculture and the need for us to have food security, and more importantly, power and the whole concept of industrialization. And it is exciting to have someone who has had quite a lot of experience and success in Nigeria as Agriculture Minister at this time when we most need it, he said. There are a lot loan facilities that we are working on, and there are already good projects in energy, agriculture, rural roads and others. For all of us, between energy and agriculture we should be able to strike a partnership. We are also very clear for the African Development Bank to be the lead institution so that when we are getting multilateral donor funding, they are following what AfDB is doing. In all these, the need to increase our capital base is key. President, we are way behind you because it is important. He also commended the Bank for stepping in to ensure that Ghana and Cote dIvoire work together to change the cocoa narrative. That is because our leaders have not been working together. The President of the AfDB is stepping in and we are working together to see how we can change this. The Deputy Finance Minister, Kweku Kwarteng has charged the Ghana Exim Bank to pursue pragmatic policies and programs to boost Ghanas competitiveness on the international market. He also admonished the bank to help Ghana become an export-led economy. The Exim Bank is among others expected to support local producers with the necessary financial and technical expertise to position them to compete favourably with foreign companies. Kweku Kwarteng made the remarks at the inauguration of a nine member Board of the Ghana Exim bank at the Ministry on Tuesday. The Ghana Export-Import Bank was set up by an Act of Parliament. Act 911, 2016 to: Support and develop directly or indirectly trade between Ghana and other countries and build Ghana's capacity and competitiveness in the international market-place. In order to operationalize and implement its core mandate, a competent Board has been constituted to provide broad policy framework and guidelines for the effective and efficient management of the Bank, he said. According to him, the focus of the bank should also be geared at assisting Small and Medium Businesses to expand their production levels to meet both local and foreign demand. Explicitly, the President is charging this Board and the Bank to specifically focus on the non-traditional export products such as poultry, cassava, cashew, oil palm and pharmaceuticals which have the potential to facilitate our export trade and enhance socio-economic development. His Excellency therefore expects this Board to come out with prudent policies and programs that will ensure that the exporters are well resourced; be it financing exportable products and services so that the nation can reap an appreciable Foreign Exchange from the sector. The Deputy Minister is also optimistic the move should help government attain its targets under the top priority areas such as the one factory one district policy as well as the planting for food and jobs program. As you may be aware, the vision of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo is to make Ghana an export- led economy and thereby change the structure of the economy, hence, the President's Flagship program dubbed: One District-One-Factory.This concept is geared towards providing social economic development at the local level; provide the needed jobs for the rural folks and also stem the rural- urban drift, amongst others, he noted. The Board is chaired by the President's nominee, Mr. Kwadwo Boateng Genfi. Members of the Board include; CEO of Eximbank, Mr. Lawrence Agyinsam; Mr. Ofosu A. Tetteh Kujorjie of the Ministry of Finance; Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Robert Ahomka Lindsay. Others are; second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Johnson P. Asiama; Mr. Akilu Sayibu of the Ghana Export and Promotion Authority; Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I representing Private sector Industry associations. The remaining members are Mr. Peter Kwame Abrebese (President's Nominee) as well as Madam Catherine Quaidoo President's Nominee. On behalf of the board, the Chairman, Mr. Genfi, an astute businessman, said they would as a matter of policy explore, maintain and deepen business relationships with other EXIM banks for mutual benefit. Mr. Minister, it is significant to inform you that my board will as a matter of policy explore, maintain and deepen business relationship with other Exim Banks including, Indian Exim Bank, Africa Export Import Bank, China Exim Bank to mentioned but a few. We promise to ensure strict corporate governance practices to be embedded in the Bank's operations and will work closely with the management to deliver on its corporate programs and targets, he added. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana The Ghana Armed Forces is encouraging the civilian populace to appreciate the mandate of the security services and accept personnel as partners in development. Commanding Officer of the Fourth Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Sebastian Arhin, has said the negative perception of the military as coup makers and gun runners must change. He spoke to Nhyira News when personnel of the infantry embarked on a clean up at the Komfo Anokye Hospital Tuesday, as part of the 20th anniversary of the relocation of its barracks from Bantama to Kwadaso. Military-civilian relations have suffered unpleasant moments from time to time. Incidents of soldiers invading communities for various reasons, mostly unknown to local people, abound. Sometimes some of such raids are not sanctioned by the military command. Investigations into some of the incidents have almost always ended with outcomes which are not made public, raising suspicion of an official cover-up. Lieutenant-Colonel Sebastian Arhin told Nhyira News the military High Command is working towards reversing such misconception. For a long time the military has been involved in coup detat and other brutal events but that is a thing of the past So this is a new era and that is what we want to communicate to the civil populace. They shouldnt fear us; we are normal people they should respect us just as we also continue to educate our troops to respect civilians anytime we go out on any operations. He continued: We all know the importance of goodwill and once the people know we are not operating against them but rather we are working together [and] I think that once we are accepted in the community whenever they involve the military, we can harmoniously work together. We are key partners in national development and this is what gradually the military high command is seeking to change Medical Director of Okomfo Anokye Hospital, Dr. Baafour Awuah, expressed appreciation to the soldiers for reaching out to the hospital. Gone are the days when soldiers are hiding in their camps, but now I could see the establishment of a civilian military relationship. Gradually we are coming together as Ghanaians; we are all working together to build a better Ghana. The hospital appreciates their gesture by coming up with a clean up exercise. We look forward for joint events between the military and civilians. The Fourth Battalion moved from the then Ouadarra Barracks which shares a boundary with Komfo Anokye Hospital to Complex Barracks at Kwadaso in 1997. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu has tasked Managers of Owere Mines in Konongo to address concerns of disgruntled workers within seven days or face sanctions . The intervention by the minister comes after the workers picketed at the Ministry to protest against non-payment of salaries in the last 19 months. The workers also accused the management of engaging in illegal mining activities on the concession even in the wake of government's fight against the menace. Addressing the staff in Accra, Mr. Amewu gave a one week ultimatum to the management to address the matter or face sanctions. The General Secretary of the Konongo Branch of the Ghana Mine Workers Union Konong Branch, Francis Owusu also said they will hold the minister to his words. He told JoyBusiness, they are ready to cooperate with the ministry in finding a lasting solution to their concerns. In a petition to the minister, the Union stated the concession which was acquired for large scale mining in 2004 has been diverted to galamsey site by the owners of the concession since November 2016. In spite of the presidents instruction for illegal mining activities to halt, Owere mines galamsey activities continues unabated, according to the disgruntled workers. Save the Children, an international NGO, has raised the alarm that Yemens future could be in jeopardy if the cholera outbreak is not combatted as around 44% of the new cases are children under the age of 15. They also account for 32% of those who have succumbed to the disease. Tamer Kirolos, Save the Childrens Country Director for Yemen, lamented that the tragedy is both malnutrition and cholera are easily treatable if you have access to basic healthcare. More than two years of fighting has devastated the countrys health sector and the delivery of vital aid is being obstructed. The UN Development Program Country Director in Yemen, Auke Lootsma, admitted that the situation could get worse as there is no end in sight of the war. He stated that almost 2 million children are considered to be acutely malnourished and nearly 7 million are close to slipping into a state of famine. Lootsma deplored that the cholera outbreak would continue to wreak havoc despite the best efforts of the UN agencies and other humanitarian agencies. The situation in the country could increasingly get dire according to Oxfam which estimated that those infected with cholera could increase to more than 600,000 making it the largest ever recorded in any country in a single year since records began. Amid the limited support to combat cholera, a meningitis outbreak also rocked the country two weeks ago according to the UN. Lootsma labeled the crisis and challenges that Yemenis are experiencing as a man-made disaster. He described the countrys situation as a bus racing towards the end of a cliff forcefully and that it should be stopped and turned around as he stressed that time is really running out. 02.08.2017 LISTEN The handwriting is clear. The cloud is gathering. Our dear country Nigeria is sitting on a gun pounder, waiting to explode. Nigeria has remained in the tunnel of misery, including fighting an avoidable civil war which claimed over a million lives. The drum of war is being played in many parts of Nigeria, the Yoruba (YOLICOM) from the South West, IPOB/MOSSOP from the South East, the Niger Delta, MOSOP/MEND and others from the South-South and the catastrophe of possible civil war must be avoided through proactive means with urgency and decisive measures of restructuring Nigeria. In my last article, I commended the thoughtfulness and bravery of Nigerians who are presently championing the call for the restructuring of Nigeria and urged them to continue speaking truth to power. I want to reiterate that Nigeria must get rid of Unitary System. It will kill Nigeria. We must restructure now with six equal regions! If Nigeria fails to listen to the voice of reason and equity and restructure, it will be the last straw that may break Nigeria. Currently, the North has 19 states, mostly unsustainable, while the South has 17 states, some likely, not sustainable as well. Interestingly, there are more senators and representatives from the North who are constitutionally empowered to make laws that govern the conduct of all Nigerian citizens. Furthermore, the North has 19 states with 419 local government districts, 58 senatorial seats and 191 House of Representatives. On the other hand, the South has 17 states with 357 local government districts, 51 senatorial seats and 169 House of Representatives. I submit that the North is reaping where they have not sowed at the expense of the South whose sweat and labor and resources are channeled to the North through an unjust structure, policies, and laws. This aberration was the handiwork of the Military which imposed the 1999 constitution designed to favor the North at the expense of the South and orchestrated with impunity. Therefore, the adoption of this flawed constitution creates an unjust system that benefits the North, making it difficult to change through a constitutional means. The current Nigerian structure imposed by the Constitution is unjust, inequitable, unfair and unbalanced and must be changed to address the challenges of the current disposition. The military constitution imposition must be done away with along with the unitary system which is counterproductive to a democratic dispensation form of government. Nigeria must be restructured to fast-track economic growth and entrepreneurial productivity and development. Restructuring with true federalism option and regional autonomy (Six Regional Zones: North East, North West, North Central, South West, South East, and South-South) may be the only solution to the Nigerian impasse. It is on this and other bases that restructuring Nigeria into six autonomous regions, three from the North and three from South will proffer a lasting solution, unity, peace, economic productivity, growth and sustainability of the Nigerian entity. Otherwise, Nigeria risks the dilemma of nonexistence and destruction. Lastly, the United Nations together with the United States of America should intervene in setting up a national conference to prevent further escalation and the possibility of arms struggle, war, and disaster of imaginary proportion. Prof. Babs Onabanjo, President: Nigerian Alliance for Democracy (1993-1999) GOIL Group CEO receiving the new ISO Certificate 02.08.2017 LISTEN Accra, Aug. 2, CDA Consult Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), the nations foremost indigenous oil marketing company has assured the investor community as well as shareholders of positive prospects of the company in the next five years. Mr Patrick Akpe Kwame Akorli, GOIL Group Chief Executive Officer told CDA Consult in an interview that the company has undertaken huge investment in the retail sector, which will continue to yield dividend for investors. The investment focuses on the roll-out of new service stations, face-lifting of existing ones, which are all geared towards maintaining a leading role in the downstream sector. He said in addition to expanding through the retail sector, GOIL is also expanding to other areas especially the bitumen and bunkering sectors. We now have a 13.5 Million Litre Capacity Marine Gas Oil Storage facility at the Takoradi Habour to meet anticipated demand as a result of the expansion of the habour. Mr Akorli who is also known as Togbe Adza-Nye IV, Dutorfia of Ziavi in the Volta Regionnoted that with the completion of the MGO, which will serve as the hub o bunkering activities alone the coast, GOIL is systematically expanding its network. This will bring revenue and position GOIL as a global player in the bunkering business, which will be to the advantage of the investor community, shareholders and the nation. He assured customers and the general public that the company will continue to deliver quality products and services that meet customer satisfaction. Mr Akorli explained that GOIL over the past decade has recorded key milestones which have resulted in several accomplishments. He said the first significant step was the restructuring of GOIL from state-owned into a public-listed entity. Through the visionary leadership of the Board of Directors, Management and the commitment of workers, GOIL is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Mr Akorli who is also GOIL Managing Director said as part of GOILs strategy in 2008 to boost its market base, the company secured the contract to supply fuel for the construction of the Bui Dam. The GOIL Group CEO said in 2009 the downstream petroleum sector witness heightened competition as the number of OMCs increased, GOIL responded to the competition with the introduction of two differentiated products-Diesel XP and Super XP. In the same year GOILs efforts to enter into the Aviation Industry was crystallized with the setup of GOIL Aviation. We also took advantage of the oil find and started providing services for the oil and gas Exploration and Production companies, supplying Marine Gasoil and JET A1 for helicopters to the Oil Rig. He said between 2010 and 2012, GOIL underwent a transformation process aimed at changing its logo, station outlook and most importantly the corporate culture which was dubbed: Good Energy comes with a smile. Mr Akorli said GOIL believes in the potential of the indigenous Ghanaian and as company; we will continue to showcase the ability of local entrepreneurs capacity to contribute to the building of this nation. Ghanaians should also reciprocate and support local companies by patronizing our products and services. This is the only way we can empower local companies to meet the competition being offered by the multinationals. Ghanaians must take firm control of the economy. And I challenge local leaders to exhibit high sense of patriotism and commit to building Ghana. GOILs current Management Team is headed by Mr. Akorli Group CEO and Managing Director; Mr. Gyamfi Amanquah, Chief Operating Officer, Goenergy; and Mr. Alexander Josiah Adzew, Chief Operating Officer, GOIL. Others are: Mr. Cyril Opon, Head, Administration and Human Resource; Mr. Erasmus Ofori Sarkwa, Head, Finance; Mr. Benjamin Torkornoo, Head, Operations; Mr. Anthony Twumasi, Head, Research, Planning and Information Technology; and Mr. Marcus Deo Dake, Head, Fuels Marketing. The rest are: Ms. Nana Ama Kusi-Appouh, Solicitor/Secretary; Mr. Kofi Ansah-Otoo, Chief Internal Auditor; Mr. Martin Olu-Davies, Head, Health, Safety, Security & Environment; Mr Benjamin Ocansey, Head, Corporate Affairs; and Mr. John Botchway Tagoe, Head, Technical and Special Products. Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) provides tailor made development communication tools necessary for operational transformation and translating dreams into achievable goals and equips clients with mechanism for public education on specific issues. It also provides effective back-up or frontline monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure value for money delivery of projects, whilst providing clients with skills to deliver timely and accurate information on their activities, work, programmes and projects. CDA Consult is also aimed at building a responsive working culture for corporate growth through a social process at institutional levels based on dialogue using a broad range of tools and methods. It also assists client to use continuous and adaptive process of gathering, organising and formulating information and data into argument and to communicate to policy-makers through various interpersonal and mass media communication channels. The Upper East Regional office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has arrested two persons suspected to be issuing fake licenses and number plates to vehicle owners in the region.+ The suspects were arrested in their hide out in the Ashanti region upon a tip-off. The two suspects, Mohammed Awal age 29 and Moro Bukari age 52 work as agents of HFC Embossment Company Limited in Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi. They are allegedly involved in a syndicate that facilitates the procurement and issuance of fake licenses, number plates as well as processing of passport. Speaking to Citi News, the acting Upper East Regional manager of DVLA, Mutawakil Abdulai said the suspects have been handed over to the police for prosecution. We found fake enbossment number plates for motors and vehicles, transfer and registration documents for motors and vehicles, road weary certificates. They also produce fake insurance stickers, international driving permits, DV plates among others. They were also involved in the processing of fake travelling passports and the procurement of customs duty for their clients. All the fake documents have been given to the police to tender it as evidence for the suspects to face the full rigours of the law because they have caused a huge loss to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), to government and to the DVLA, Mr. Mutawalik said.. He the DVLA has siezed about 1,000 fake number plates in the Upper East Region within the last three months, adding that, the end users of the crime were residents in the region. Although the National DVLA has blacklisted HFC Embossment Company Limited which hitherto supply the DVLA with embossed number plates on request over breach of professionalism, the company engaged in illegal services. He added that the head of the company had absconded at the time the task force went to the company. He also admonished the general public to apply for their motor and vehicle registrations, only at the Drivers Vehicle and Licensing Authority office and not through middlemen. By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana Abelemkpe Mawarko branch manager Jihad Chabaan, who is standing trial for assaulting a caterer at the restaurant, has been found guilty of assault and causing harm. The Abeka District Court judge has sentenced him to 9 months in prison. Jihad, who is accused of dipping the face of Evelyn Boakye into blended pepper was dragged to court last March over the charges of offensive conduct, assault and causing harm. His lawyers had at the previous hearing presented terms of an out of court settlement in an attempt to get the court to discharge the accused person. Magistrate Victoria Ghansah rejected the terms saying an out-of-court settlement is a civil matter which has not been brought before her. She said the case under her jurisdiction is a criminal matter. She then proceeded to deliver her judgement on the substantive matter. Magistrate Ghansah said prosecution had succeeded in proving beyond reasonable doubt that Jihad assaulted the caterer and also caused harm. He was subsequently sentenced to 6 months in prison for assault and 9 months for causing harm. Both sentences run concurrently. Jihad's lawyers have signalled they intend to appeal the judgment. Expect more... Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Senior Minister Osafo Maafo has appealed to Ghanaian businesses in the UK to invest in the various sectors of Ghana. He said, Ghana is open for business. The government is private sector focused and keen to grow the economy through the private sector with support from the public sector. Mr Maafo said, Ghana is ready to do business to help improve her economy and foster development for the benefit of all parties. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Tony Burkson, said the chamber was formed to act as a platform for Ghanaian businesses and UK businesses, as well as UK government and Ghana governments, to interact in an open and transparent way. The chamber is taking this particular mandate very seriously and continues to promote interaction between our two countries. Businesses that have already invested in Ghana and those looking forward to investing in Ghana had the opportunity to engage with the relevant ministers and officials at the two-day trade and investment forum that was attended by over 200 delegates from Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK). The objective of the forum was to showcase Ghana and her business opportunities as a continuing re-energized and dynamic Sub Saharan African business partner. The forum was used to highlight renewed interest in Ghana by British businesses and investors. Organized by the UK- Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) in partnership with the Developing Markets Association (DMA), the forum attracted top government officials like Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Marfo and the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Ghana, Adam Afriye. It was the fourth in the series but the first under the new government. A number of specific investment sectors, including railways, energy and infrastructure, were discussed at the forum. Some of the government officials at the forum included the Deputy Minister of Energy, Joseph Cudjoe, Minister of Railway Development, Joe Ghartey, CEO of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong and CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), R. Yofi Grant. The forum was supported by Ghana International Bank; INTL FCStone, Tullow Oil, Appolonia, Unity Link and Quantum Power. A business desk report Professor Robert Darko Osei, Associate Professor at ISSER, has called on Ghanaians to sustain discussions on the national budget to encourage the government to implement its policies. According to him, failure of the people to keep government on its toes creates an opportunity it to ignore the pledge of putting measures in place to improve the national economy and lives of the citizenry. The 2017 budget popularly referred to as Asempa budget contains promises, which are expected to turn the country's fortunes around, however, much depends on the people to put government on its toes to implement what's been proposed, he stated. He said macroeconomic targets in the 2017 budget are trending in the right direction. Prof. Darko Osei, who is also the Vice Dean, School of Graduate Studies, University of Ghana, said this in his presentation during the 2nd Pentvars Business Journal Public lecture held at the British Council Hall, Accra last Wednesday. The event was also held under theme, Ghana's Development Agenda Is the 2017 Budget a Formula for Success? PentVars Business Journal (PB) is the official journal of the Pentecost University College (PUC), which seeks among other things, to change perceptions of faculty members while affording them the opportunity to research, write and publish materials that contribute to national development. The economy has grown over the last three decades and we have seen a changing structure of the economy however this changing structure is not of the transformation type that is to say it is not growth enhancing, he mentioned. The Vice Dean further added that it is therefore not surprising that we are confronted with the challenge of un/under employment both in urban and rural communities today. Touching on the effects of high borrowing, he argued that the country has a constrained fiscal space but citizens at the same instance are making demands for public goods. The Director of Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), Dr. Esther Offei-Aboagye averred that though the 2017 budget provides commendable prospects, more detailed analysis of the budget is required to come to definitive position. According to her, the budget is a statement of intent and demonstration of the commitment by government. A re-examination of the tax regime skewed towards the interest of the poor and the need to consolidate financing for initiatives in social protection even as the promises IPEP are activated while tackling the structural, systemic and socio-cultural factors impinging on prudent use of resources, she said. By Solomon Ofori Women and Men think and act differently based on their assignment given. African macho men contribute to the misery of their societies more than women having given birth to many children to see them grow into a better future. Corruption in Africa is on the rampage and a cancer destroying Nations on the continent. From top to bottom Africans are corrupt not by need for money, but by greed most times. African societies are male dominated in all walks of life. They set the agenda of when and how much bribe is needed to move their mind and decisions. Democracy, with mostly two parties changing hands every now and then, contributes to the solid epidemic of corruption in African Nations. Laws against Corruption are well said and done, but not well enforced, a show to cool foreign investors heated heart down, pretending towards donor countries somethings is seriously done about it and reassuring the voters the plait of the Nations will change for the better. As Corruption is not an economic but a social, an attitude problem, it must be tackled with the right means, social interventions. Men take bribes to support their families and girl-friends to show off with nice cars and houses. The families, the wives and matured children living with their parents, know how much income the father has each month. They can calculate for themselves, whether certain family improvements can be financed by the work of the father done on his job or not. As they live and observe at the root of the problem and are the beneficiaries of the unexpected blessings, equally they must be hold accountable and punishable for the wrong doings of the father. While the fathers like to show to the world what they are capable of achieving, women are more cautious not to find themselves in prison and possibly having to take their babies with them. When appropriate drafted and enforced laws to this effect are in place, Corruption has a realistic chance to come down to a minimum level. Why do Donor Countries not send Experts to fight Corruption and force Aid receiving countries to empower them for their mandate which would unveil corruption and inefficiency to make developing countries more effective and fair, instead of sending money? Democracy in Africa would be exposed again as the wrong answer to the African continent while the political status quo helps the developed world to stay on top of the political game, the power and economic world structure. Everyone benefits in his own way from poverty in Africa. Women in power all across the continent would certainly make a positive impact. During his latest Media encounter, 6 months into his Presidency, Prez. Nana Akufo-Addo was visibly happy to announce the IMF program would end April 2018 (his Finance Minister said December 2018, whom to believe?) and every close observer knew the meaning of his smile and words spoken. The support of nearly 1 Billion Dollars came with conditions of good Governance; once Ghana is no more under the monitoring eyes of the White Man, they feel free, and will, go back to their old style of mismanaging the economy. My Ghanaian wife reaching a matured age had never seen any litter boxes in Ghana all her life. As first time visitor to Accra and Kumasi in 2009, I complained towards a Minister about the situation, someone that had lived and worked before in USA. Till today litter boxes cannot be found in the public domain of Ghana and Africa as a whole. While in Germany it is mandated by law to pick up the nature call of dogs being walked in public by their owners and disposed off in provided litter boxes along the road side, Africans see this as a stupid idea only Whites can have. At Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, build by Brazilians at a cost of USD 200 Mio. And provided with nice bus stop shelters, opened in late 2016, no litter boxes had been added to the usage of the newly constructed area. It was that area where in 2015 more than 150 people lost their lives due to the sanitation problem of the place. Singapore is hygienic clean in the public domain and on train stations eating even of sweets and candies is not permitted. Far back as 2009 no Politician in Ghana, the same applies for the whole of Africa, has ever given me any explanation why it should be a problem to provide litter boxes in the public domain as a mean among many, to keep cities and countries clean while in the developed world many good reasons can be found and seen in the many litter boxes all around. Hamburg had decided years ago to give litter boxes out to companies to use them as a mean to market their products and place their stickers on them. This helps to sponsor the enormous costs to keep Germanys second largest city as clean as possible. When will I ever get an answer to my question of why Ghanaians cannot follow the examples seen around the world but ignore the need for people eating and drinking in public to orderly dispose their waste? No party in Ghana during general election campaign 2012 and 2016 had mentioned in their manifestos the need for litter boxes in the country as one means of a sanitation policy as it would visually demonstrate the inability by Political Parties to be determined in addressing the pressing issues of the country. Punishing people effectively and serious for littering the environment would lead to voters threatening Political Parties not to vote for them again or re-elect them into power. Instead citizens litter the environment, Waste Management Companies collect the plastics from beaches and streets to give way and space for the destruction cycle to go round and round. The non-existence of these litter boxes is symbolic for the way Africans manage their own societies, while Whites are helpless onlookers at the road side waving towards Politicians rushed before them under Police Escorts hutting and pushing their way through shocked traffic in a crumbing, shocked society. It seems, women are not in charge of cities and countries in Africa. In Greda Estate, Accra, a private school, approx. 10 years in existence, has 200 young students and around 15 teachers being licensed and operating under the watch of the respective School Authorities with no toilet facilities on the compound forcing all students and teachers to use open space for natures call side by side, with cholera implications. Did a woman make the rules and regulations and gave the license? The most cruel prison wardens in Adolf Hitlers Concentration Camps were women, but when it comes to policy making and the strategy to implement the right ideas, women have proven themselves to me more qualified than their male counterparts. The former Liberian President, a woman, had sold the state owned Airplane while their male counterparts of poor African countries feel most glorious in arriving in private jets in the developed world. NB: Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, a country in dictatorship covered inside a democratic constitution, is a clean and beautiful city with absence of plastic bags. Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde, Sakumono, Tema West, Ghana, phone +233(0) 265078287, [email protected] , 01.08.2017 02.08.2017 LISTEN He was a Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under the democratically deposed Mahama regime, and so when Dr. Dominic Ayine asserts that Mr. John Dramani Mahama is the best bet of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the Akufo-Addo-led ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), three-and-half years from now, Dr. Ayine is shamelessly pleading his own unholy cause (See 2020: Mahama Best Bet for NDC Ayine Classfmonline.com / Modernghana.com 7/25/17). Contrary to what the Bolgatanga NDC-MP would have the rest of the country believe, former President John Mahama resoundingly lost the 2016 election not because then-Candidate Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo promised the people of the North heaven on Earth, but simply because during the past 8 years that Mr. Mahama served, first as Vice-President to the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, and then as substantive President of the Democratic Republic of Ghana, the Gonja native scandalously failed to deliver on his legion promises. For instance, Mr. Mahamas promise to add at least 200 state-of-the-art buildings to the existing stock of Senior High Schools (SHS) in the country did not materialize. In fact, at last count, not even 10-percent of the 200 SHS physical plants promised had been erected. Likewise, Mr. Mahamas so-called Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), which aimed to facilitate the catch-up development of the so-called three Northern Regions with the southern-half of the country, also did not materialize. To be certain, the program ended up lining the deep pockets of the former Presidents Northern-descended cronies and clansmen, such as Mr. Agambire. Then also, Mr. Mahama proved himself to be criminally incompetent, when he blindly packed the Board-of-Directors of SADA with an exclusive composition of northern-descended Ghanaians without any regard, whatsoever, for the professional and/or administrative competence of these board members. This is what is called the politics of regional tribalism. Indeed, Dr. Ayine unpardonably insults the intelligence of both Ghanaian voters of northern descent and the electorate of the country at large, when he so facilely implies that merely fielding the former President as the National Democratic Congress Election 2020 presidential candidate, would enable the NDC to regain all the parliamentary seats that the party lost in the 2016 general election. It is almost as if Dr. Ayine wants to imply that Ghanaians of northern descent are not intelligent enough to look towards their own best interests, by critically examining the governance track-records, respectively, of the ruling New Patriotic Party and the main opposition National Democratic Congress. There is also the insolently glaring but unspoken implication that only Ghanaians of northern descent have what it takes to run as presidential candidates of this Trokosi Nationalist-founded political machine. From the preceding, it clearly appears that northern-born and/or descended politicians like Dr. Ayine, the Bolgatanga-East MP, merely see northern-born Ghanaian voters as a passive quarry or gold mine to be recklessly and wantonly exploited for the selfish interests of northern-born politicians, rather than being for the commonwealth or the collective good of the Ghanaian citizenry at large. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Monrovia (AFP) - Liberia's outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says she will actively campaign for the handful of female candidates contesting elections in October, while her male vice-president seeks to replace her. There is just a single female candidate among 20 contenders running for president this year in Liberia, as Sirleaf steps down as Africa's first female head of state following more than a decade in power. "I will not be seeking re-election in the October 2017 elections, I will be on my feet everywhere in my own little way to campaign for women listed and certified by the National Elections Commission (NEC) as candidates to participate in the ensuing elections," Sirleaf said in a press statement issued Tuesday. Beyond MacDella Cooper, the former fashion model turned humanitarian running for the presidency, just 15.9 percent of remaining candidates standing for vice-president and seats in the House of Representatives are women, according to NEC figures. Sirleaf said she owed her own victories to women who came out in force to vote for her in 2005 and 2011 as she unified a nation emerging from the ashes of a civil war that ended in 2003. She would be "reciprocating the Liberian women who stood under the sun and the rain -- telling the Liberian people that we, the women of Liberia, this is our time," the statement said. Liberian women continue to suffer extremely high rates of sexual violence, according to the UN Women agency, the legacy of a war in which rape was used as a weapon by rebel forces and government soldiers alike. Widespread illiteracy and discrimination based on sex also limit women's involvement in public life in Liberia, according to UN Women. Joseph Boakai, Sirleaf's vice-president, is seeking the top job for the ruling Unity Party based on the record of peace and relative stability Liberia has experienced since Sirleaf was elected, and while he has received her endorsement it is not clear if she will actively campaign on his behalf. Lawyers hired by Saudi Arabia have requested that the 25 lawsuits filed against the oil-rich kingdom for its alleged role in the September 11 attacks in the US be dismissed. The lawyers told the US district court in Manhattan that those behind the suit cannot prove that Saudi Arabia or any of its affiliated charities were behind the attacks. The request was not surprising to James Kreindler, a lawyer representing around 850 wrongful death claimants. He said it is what we expected from the Saudis before adding that they have tons of allegations of what many Saudis and the countrys alter ego charities did. Riyadh has distanced itself from the attacks that killed almost 3000 people and brought down the iconic twin towers of the World Trade Centre. Its lawyers argued that a CIA document of 2005, four years after the attack, highlighted that there was no evidence of Saudi Arabia having a hand in the plot. They also added that the kingdom deserves sovereign immunity. The attackers are said to be members of Al-Qaeda, which was then under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden. Of the 19 attackers, 15 were Saudis. There have been reports claiming that before the attack, several of the attackers met with Saudi nationals having government ties. Riyadh has repeatedly stressed that the allegations that it has any links with the terrorists, whether knowingly or even recklessly, are baseless. Lawyer Kreindler is nevertheless confident that Saudi Arabia cannot hide from the facts as he argues that without Riyadhs support the attack would not have taken place. Saudi Arabia has warned that the outcome of the lawsuit could affect bilateral ties between the two countries. The US Congress passed legislation, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), that eliminated some defenses and enabled the 9/11 victims to reassert their claims. Abuja, Nigeria - 2 August 2017 - The Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) of Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the African Development Bank (AfDB) celebrated the completion of the first life cycle of the Nigeria Technical Co-operation Fund (NTCF) in a ceremony in Abuja on 1 August 2017. The NTCF, a US$ 25-million Fund co-managed by the DTCA and AfDB was established as a grant facility for development projects/programmes to support the socio-economic and technological development of Regional Member Countries (RMCs) as well as promote regional cooperation and economic integration in Africa. The Fund which became operational on 5th April 2004, is considered to be the largest single bilateral co-operation fund established by an African Country at the AfDB and a remarkable symbol of Nigerias commitment to promoting African brotherhood, solidarity and sustainable development of Africa in the spirit of South-South cooperation. A total of 123 project proposals were considered under the NTCF as at June 2014 with 69 approved, and 24 fully completed. 45 are at various stages of implementation and therefore classified as ongoing. A 5-year administrative extension of the Fund has been obtained to ensure completion of the projects. All 54 African Countries have benefited directly or indirectly from NTCF interventions. The celebratory event marked the laudable strides of the Federal Government of Nigeria in establishing the Fund and the effective role of the co-managers in administering it for Africas development. In her remarks, Nigerias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, described the NTCF as a paradigm shift in managing technical cooperation, and an innovation that has galvanized and strengthened regional cooperation and integration of the African continent. For his part, President of the AfDB Group, Akinwumi Adesina noted the alignment of the Funds focal areas with the Banks High 5 priorities and lauded its impactful outcomes in the first cycle. This partnership between Africas largest economy and politically most influential country with Africas premier financial institution is a natural one that is sharply focused on reducing barriers on the continent. We look forward to a successful replenishment of the NTCF and also to better development outcomes for the people of Africa, Adesina said. The celebration was well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps, public and private sectors, academia, media and the general public. One person has been killed at Sankore in the Asunafo South district of the Brong Ahafo Region during clashes between supporters of the governing New patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The deceased, popularly known as Gatuso, who resides in Sankore Zongo, was gunned down on Saturday night during a riot while others sustained gun wounds. It is unclear whether the riot is linked to the friction between the NPP and NDC members in the area which had lingered since 2008. Confirming the incident to Citi News, the Asunafo south district Police Commander, ASP Kwasi Boakye said a boy was shot dead out of some misunderstanding, at Sankore Zongo. We are yet to establish the actual cause but so far, what I have is that there is one Atta Kwasi whom the NPP boys are not happy with, because of how he (Atta Kwasi) handled them when the NDC were in power. So they wanted him to pay for some of the crimes he allegedly committed so any time they see him they become very angry. The police commander said Atta Kwasi was accosted by some NPP supporters but members of the NDC came to his aid leading to the misunderstanding in the area. He said Atta Kwasi has been on the police wanted list for some time now but have been very evasive. ASP Boakye said two persons have so far arrested and many declared wanted while investigations continues. The dead body has been deposited at the Goaso government hospital morgue for autopsy. By: Atiewin Mohammed/citifmonline.com/Ghana Project Coordinator for the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) Robert Dowuona Amoo said Ghana likely to have an operational commodity stock exchange likely in 14 months. The Commodity Exchange will be a modern market place for buyers and sellers to trade in agricultural produce under a warehouse system. Speaking to JoyBusiness at a seminar, Mr. Dowuona Amoo said the establishment of the exchange could be done in eight weeks but for it to become operational, we will need additional month because its a new thing. He said, I would say in 14 months though, we should have an operational exchange in Ghana backed by warehousing system. The seminar brought together stakeholders in the agric sector to discuss the establishment of a stock exchange between Ghana and Ivory Coast. The project is estimated at $10.25 million and will be run under a Private Public Partnership with the government of Ghana being minority share holders and private investors being majority shareholders. When implemented, the GCX is expected to create orderly, transparent and ready market for goods that were produced by farmers. Besides improving agricultural activities, the GCX coordinator added, the exchange will improve the credit worthiness of farmers. The exchange would trade food commodities such as maize, paddy rice, beans, and groundnuts. The Communications Unit of the Ghana Hajj Board will set up a Special Desk at the various stations of the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia to ensure free flow of information. The Head of the Communications A.R Gomda of the Hajj Board has indicated his strategies for this year's religious exercise in a document. In line with our mission of effective delivery, we of the Communications Directorate of the Ghana Hajj Board have outlined a set of operational strategies to handle the information and communication needs of Ghanaian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. This novelty is to ensure a free flow of information and prevent anxiety and discomfort of the pilgrims, he indicated. The desk, he explained, is designed to process and deliver credible information to the various publics of the Hajj Board at Madina, Makkah, Mina, Arafah and Jeddah, the key stations in the pilgrimage. Among other things, the Desk intends to conduct daily briefings on the affairs of Hajj, he explained, and added that two teams have been proposed to man this desk in collaboration with relevant units of the Board. These are the Complaint and Settlement Team and Communication Research and Information Management Team. The teams would be responsible for receiving, documenting, and analysing complaints from pilgrims and other relevant persons, he stated. Efforts would be made to settle matters in collaboration with the Dawa Committee. Since the entire operation is communication-oriented, the Communications team would build a pool of scientific data on facts about our prospects and challenges. This explains the necessity of the Communication Research and Information Management. The team to handle the task of research would work with technical assistance from the IT Unit, headed by Dr. Mohammed Abdulai Sani, he pointed out. As a pilot project, the research would be a small-scale scientific exploration of certain challenges, assumptions and claims about Hajj operations. A reasonable sample of the population of the pilgrims would be selected for the empirical exercise. Questionnaires and interviews would constitute the main tools of data collection. A special software may be developed by the IT Unit for statistical analysis of data. Findings would lead to a number of recommendations to guide future operations of Hajj. In related Hajj issues, the Chairman of the Board has directed the movement of an advance team of board members to Saudi Arabia to prepare the grounds for the arrival of pilgrims scheduled to commence on 10th August 2017. Last Monday, Tobinco Pharmaceutical Company Limited made a donation of drugs to the Medical Unit of the Hajj Board at the Hajj Village. The drugs worth over GH7,000 were presented on behalf of the company by Ben Npabi Tetteh, General Manager, Marketing and Communications of the Company, to Dr. Zakari Seidu, Head of the Medical Unit. In yet another development, MTN yesterday handed over a refurbished facility within the Hajj Village which would be used for the conducting of pre-departure formalities. State of the art office complex donated by Mohammed Adam Samba, NPP Chairman aspirant Mohammed Adam Samba, an NPP Northern Regional Chairman aspirant has presented a fully equipped state of the art office complex to the regional communication team of the party. He promised also to give GH1,000 to the secretariat monthly as an allowance for the settlement of their bills. The chairman aspirant said, the donation was his own small way of contributing to the party and making the work of the secretariat easy and simple. He said one of the strongest backbones of any party is communications team, and so the donation is therefore aimed at helping the team enhance their work schedules and equip them to defend the policies of the party and make its vision known to the general public. The donation included Laptops, TV-set, a table top fridge and a well-connected Wi-Fi. The NPP Northern Regional Chairman aspirant during the delegate's conference in Tamale donated GH1,000 each to all the 31 constituencies in the region. Mr. Mohammed Adam Samba also provided food and drinks to party members for refreshment during the event. The NPP Northern Regional Chairman Daniel Bugri Naabu acknowledged the contributions made by Mr. Samba towards the party's progress in the region. The Regional Communications Director, Abdul Kudus expressed the teams gratitude for the gesture and appealed to other party faithful to emulate the gesture. He wished Mr. Samba well and appealed to him to continue supporting the party to strengthen it in the region. FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale The acting General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) John Boadu has dismissed threats issued to government by members of the Invisible forces as gobbledygook. According to him, even though, their demands for jobs is not surprising due to the pervasive nature of unemployment in the country, the aggression with which they are demanding employment are unacceptable. I have raised concerns about the mode, it is not proper. You cant threaten anybody, he told Accra-based Joy FM, adding that the security forces are well aware and awake to deal with any deviant behavior. We will deal with anybody who feels that he can take the law into his owns hands, he warned. According to the Invisible Forces, officials of the Akufo-Addo government, who hitherto to the elections were on good terms with them, suddenly do not pick up their calls if they call them. We mobilized ourselves to come and meet you and you promised us that there are some jobs on the way coming, we exchanged numbers with those that were supposed to employ us. I have called them for almost two months now, nobody is ready to answer my calls. And we are the soldiers and will still be the soldiers. Please, we want to tell our people, if they will not give us jobs to do, what happened in Kumasi will happen in Accra. We are even ashamed, some of us are home and they are laughing at us, an angry member of the group said Tuesday August 2, 2017. 02.08.2017 LISTEN THREE RULES FOR WOMEN DRESS CODE IN ISLAM Hijab is a symbol of chastity and a sign of dignity and piety. The kind of hijab that women wear on the World Hijab Day celebrated on 1 February every year often makes a mockery of this divinely-ordained obligation, and does more harm than good. That is because with regard to hijab as prescribed in Islam, there are conditions and criteria which, if they are met, then it is the correct Islamic hijab that Allah has enjoined upon women. But if these conditions are not met in full or in part then this cannot be called correct Islamic hijab. 2.1 FIRST RULE: THE BEST GARMENT [Holy Quran 7:26] "O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of God's signs, that they may take heed." This is a BASIC rule of DRESS CODE in the Quran. 2.2 SECOND RULE: COVER YOUR BOSOMS The second rule can be found in Holy Quran Chapter 24:31. Here God orders the women to cover their bosoms whenever they dress up. But before quoting Holy Quran Chapter 24:31 let us review some crucial words that are always mentioned with this topic, namely "Hijab" and "Khimar THE WORD "HIJAB" in the QURAN: "Hijab" is the term used by many Muslims women to describe their head cover that may or may not include covering their face except their eyes, and sometimes covering also one eye. The Arabic word "Hijab" can be translated into veil or yashmak. Other meanings for the word "Hijab" include, screen, cover(ing), mantle, curtain, drapes, partition, division, and divider. Can we find the word "Hijab" in the Quran?? The word "Hijab" appeared in the Quran 7 times, five of them as "Hijab" and two times as "Hijaban," these are Holy Quran Chapter 7:46, Holy Quran Chapter 33:53, Holy Quran Chapter 38:32, Holy Quran Chapter 41:5, Holy Quran Chapter 42:51, Holy Quran Chapter 17:45 & Holy Quran Chapter 19:17. 2.3 THIRD RULE: LENGTHEN YOUR GARMENTS The first regulation of DRESS CODE for Muslim women is in Holy Quran Chapter 7:26, the second is in Holy Quran Chapter 24:31 and the third is in Holy Quran Chapter 33:59 [Holy Quran 33:59] O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall LENGTHEN their garments. Thus, they will be recognized and avoid being insulted. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. In Holy Quran Chapter 33:59, God sets the other regulation for the dress code for the Muslim women during the prophet's life. It is clear from the above verses that the DRESS CODE for the Muslim women (Submitters) according to the Quran is righteousness and modesty. God knows that this modesty will be understood differently in different communities and that is why He left it open to us to decide for ourselves. Decide, after righteousness what is modesty. Modesty for a woman who lives in New York may not be accepted by a woman who lives in Cairo Egypt or Lagos. Modesty of a woman who lives in Cairo, Egypt, Lagos may not be accepted by a woman who lives in Saudi Arabia. 3.0 MENS DRESS CODE We discuss summary of dress code for men as follows: - 1. The basic principle concerning everything that is worn is that it is halaal and permissible, except for that concerning which there is a text to state that it is haraam, such as silk for males, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: These two [gold and silk] are forbidden for the males of my ummah and permissible for the females. Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3640; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh ibn Maajah. Similarly, it is not permissible to wear the skin of a dead animal (one that has died of natural causes) unless it has been tanned. With regard to wearing clothes made of wool, goat hair and camel hair, these are pure and permissible. For more information on the use of the skin of dead animals after tanning. 2. It is not permissible to wear thin or see-through clothing that does not conceal the awrah. 3. It is haraam to imitate the mushrikeen and kuffaar in their manner of dress, so it is not permissible to wear clothing that is unique to the kuffaar. It was narrated that Abd-Allaah ibn Amr ibn al-Aas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw Ali wearing two garments dyed with safflower and said: These are garments of the kuffaar; do not wear them.Narrated by Muslim, 2077. 4. It is haraam for women to imitate men and men to imitate women in the way they dress, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the men who imitate women and the women who imitate men. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5546. 5. It is Sunnah for a Muslim to start with the right when dressing, and to say, Bismillaah (In the name of Allaah), and to start with the left when taking clothes off. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: When you get dressed and when you do wudoo, start on the right. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4141; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami, 787. 6. It is Sunnah for the one who is putting on a new garment to thank Allaah and make duaa. It was narrated that Abu Saeed said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) put on a new garment, he would call it by its name, whether it was a turban, a shirt or a cloak, then he would say: Allaahumma laka al-hamd anta kasawtanihi asaluka khayrahu wa khayri ma sunia lah wa aoodhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma sunia lah (O Allaah, to You be all praise. You have clothed me with it. I ask You for the good of it and the good for which it was made, and I seek refuge with You from the evil of it and the evil for which it was made).Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1767; Abu Dawood, 4020; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami, 4664. 7. It is Sunnah to pay attention to keeping one's clothes clean, without feeling arrogant or exaggerating about that. It was narrated from Abd-Allaah ibn Masood that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: No one will enter Paradise in whose heart is a mustard-seed of arrogance. A man said: What if a man likes his clothes to look nice and his shoes to look nice? He said: Allaah is Beautiful and loves beauty; arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people. Narrated by Muslim, 91. 8. It is mustahabb to wear white clothes It was narrated that Ibn Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Wear white clothes, for they are the best of your clothes, and shroud your dead in them. Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 994, hasan saheeh. This is what the scholars regarded as mustahabb. Also narrated by Abu Dawood, 4061; Ibn Maajah, 1472. 9. It is haraam for the Muslim man to let any garment he wears hang down beneath his ankles (an action known as isbaal); the limit for any garment is the ankles. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said; Whatever of the lower garment is beneath the ankles is in the Fire.Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5450. It was narrated from Abu Dharr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: There are three to whom Allaah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection and will not look at them or praise them, and theirs will be a painful torment. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) repeated it three times. Abu Dharr said: May they be doomed and lost; who are 4 they, O Messenger of Allaah? He said: The one who lets his garment hang beneath his ankles, the one who reminds others of favours he has done, and the one who sells his product by means of false oaths. Narrated by Muslim, 106. 10. It is haraam to wear garments of fame and vanity, which means a garment that stands out from others so that people will look at the wearer and he will become known for it. It was narrated that Ibn Umar said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity, Allaah will dress him in a garment like it on the Day of Resurrection. According to another version, then set it ablaze. And according to a third version, will dress him in a garment of humiliation. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4029; Ibn Maajah, 3606 and 3607; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 2089 Pretoria (AFP) - A South African policeman present at the suspicious death of a anti-apartheid campaigner in 1971 should be charged with murder, a court heard Wednesday as the official version of events came under harsh scrutiny. Joao Rodrigues, a former member of the feared security police, was allegedly the last officer to have been with Ahmed Timol before Timol plunged to his death from the 10th-floor of Johannesburg police headquarters. Rodrigues has faced three days of intensive questioning at the High Court inquest in Pretoria into Timol's death and has at times given contradictory accounts of the incident of 46 years ago. "You collaborated with the security branch to cover up various crimes: firstly the torture (of Timol)... as well as his murder," said the Timol family lawyer Howard Varney. "We will be submitting to this court that the court recommend... that you be charged with perjury (and) the murder of Ahmed Timol." Rodrigues, 78, has strenuously denied harming Timol or any involvement in his death, telling both the new inquest and an inquest in 1972 that Timol died by jumping out the window. "I do not concur with counsel's submission," Rodrigues said after Varney accused him of murder and other crimes. Timol's family has campaigned for decades for a new probe to overturn the 1972 court verdict that he had committed suicide. They had initially said they did not want to bring prosecutions against those involved but simply wanted to learn the truth. "Rodrigues is standing by what he said in 1972. By not being truthful he's asking to be prosecuted. He's not making things easy for himself," Timol's younger brother Mohammad told AFP. Judge questions evidence Both the lawyers for Timol's family and the state have raised multiple doubts over Rodrigues' account of how the 29-year-old communist recruit fell to his death. "I have heard evidence from witnesses... which says to me that your story is not probable," Judge Billy Mothle told Rodrigues on Wednesday. Rodrigues had told the court that Timol was not mistreated and had jumped out of the window after becoming fearful. "I only saw him from the side... but he did not have any injuries," added Rodrigues, who claimed that Timol barged past him to jump out of the window when he was left alone with the detainee. But Varney said that Timol had suffered serious injuries ahead of his plunge -- a claim supported by two independent pathologist reports submitted to the court. "He could barely walk let alone get up and storm to the window and dive out," said Varney. Rodrigues had also claimed that Timol's dash for the window "happened in a split second" and caught him off guard. "It would not be possible to run, open the window and dive," said Varney, quoting the report of an aeronautical expert. "It was impossible in those circumstances and is yet another example of a transparent fabrication." "I'm saying this is what I saw," said Rodrigues. "That's what happened." Rodrigues had also said that he had attempted to intercept Timol as he made for the window, a claim strongly disputed by Timol's family. "Isn't it extraordinary that you couldn't catch him?" said Varney. "If there was a so-called chase... you would have caught him. "This entire story of a suicide is a fabrication and it's always difficult to maintain consistency in a fabrication." Timol's death has become symbolic of police conduct under the apartheid system and the failure to bring justice to its victims since the fall of white-minority rule. The inquest continues. Acting General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party has called the bluff of angry supporters of the party and members of the invisible forces who are demanding jobs. While he sympathises with the situation and pledges the commitment of the government to creating jobs for the youth, John Boadu was quick to add that government will not be threatened. He said the police will deal with law breakers. An army of angry party supporters in Tema besieged the venue of a town hall meeting Tuesday to vent their spleen against party leaders. According to them, six months after fighting to bring the NPP to power, they have still not been given any jobs. They say several attempts to reach key party supporters to put their grievances to them have proven futile. They have threatened a massive demonstration against the government. They should wait for us 2020 and we are yet to do massive demonstration to stop everything in Tema one of the supporters threatened. But in a reaction the Acting General Secretary John Boadu said while the supporters have a right to protest against the unemployment they must do so within the ambit of the law. It is not surprising that the youth who have contributed their quota towards the NPP victory and who still dont have jobs will be asking questions. I think it is something we must embrace and work towards creating enough space for our partys youth and the youth of our country. It is the mode and aggression that we will disagree with. The unemployment situation is widespread that if something is not done will haunt us all. He said it up to government to create more jobs to employ the youth but warned government will be ruthless on the lawless few who take the law into their own hands. I have raised concerns about the mode. It is not proper. You cant threaten anybody. The security persons are well aware. They are awake. Just as we death with such deviant behavior, we will deal with anyone who feels he can take the law into their own hands, he warned. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com Private legal practitioner, Ace Ankomah has lauded the Auditor-General for activating a dormant mandate of the Department, by surcharging four people for misusing state funds. He said the A-G, whose last-minute appointment in 2016 was greeted with criticisms, has proven to be an exceptional Auditor. The OccupyGhana member said he had expected to have a fight with Mr Domelevo but he was wrong. Mr Domelevo with former President John Mahama at the Flagstaff House in 2016 He told Kojo Yankson on Joy FMs Super Morning Show Wednesday, his perception about the A-G changed following a meeting he had with him shortly after he took office. Mr Ankomah said at that meeting, Mr Domelevo told him they are on the same side in their insistence for the protection of state funds. Doling out praise in a rare fashion, the legal practitioner said former President John Mahama deserves special commendation for bringing this man to Ghana. Prior to his appointment as the head of the Auditor-Generals Department on December 23, 2016, Mr Domelevo was a Senior Financial Management Specialist with the World Bank. Private legal practitioner, Ace Ankomah The accountant reportedly declined the initial offer, but he dismissed that, saying he went to consult his former employers. His appointment was part of the last-minute decisions former President Mahama made before handing-over. Some civil society groups and political opponents criticized the move, saying it is dangerous for the countrys governance. But seven months after his swearing in, Mr Ankomah said he misjudged the A-G and has urged Ghanaians to thank the former President for the appointment. The lawyer said Mr Domelevo took Ghanas Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), part of which have not been implemented for the last 25 years, to Zambia. He revealed the Southern African country with haste, adopted and passed auditing guidelines into law. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank. 02.08.2017 LISTEN Nigeria and the General Theory of Relativity By Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth,London,England Stormy Petrel Of Ibadan Politics , Adegoke Adelabu , in his political Manifesto,Africa in Ebulition, stated that he wanted to do for Politics what Albert Einsteins General Theory of Relativity had done for science. The General Theory of Relativity has been described as the greatest discovery of the 20th century. The General Theory of Relativity states that when light passes through the gravitational field of the Sun ,it experiences a bend or as an American Astronomer, Arthur Eddington put it in a song: One thing is certain Light has weight! One thing is certain Light rays when near the sun Do not go straight!! Interestingly Adegoke Adelabu was born in 1915 the year Albert Einstein presented his equations on the General Theory of Relativity to the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin.On The very Day Einstein Presented his Equations , November 25 1915,Hanah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo was born. Dideolu Awolowowas to be described by her spouse Obafemi Awolowo one time premier of Western Nigeria as a jewel of inestimable value.The General Theory of Relativity has been referred to as a Jewel in the crown of Physics. All Roads led to Ikenne on November 25 2015 for the funeral of H I.D.Awolowo which also coincided with the 100 th anniversary of the presentation of Einsteins Equations on the General Theory of Relativity. Leading the delegation to Ikenne were The Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari and his Deputy Yemi Osinbajo who were both sworn in on May 29 2015 which coincides with the 96th anniversary of the confirmation of the general Theory of Relativity, On May 29 2019 the 100 th anniversaqry of the confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity the world would witnessw the swearing in of a Nigerian President and Vice President. The Nigerian Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun has been espousing Keynesian policies named after the famed British Ecnomist Johm Maynard Keynes who was most probably influenced by Albert Einstein in writing his , General Theory of Employment Interest and Money. Keynes at one time had been referred to as the Saviour of the World. Can The General Theory save Nigeria? Time would tell Pretoria (AFP) - A South African policeman present at the suspicious death of an anti-apartheid campaigner in 1971 should be charged with murder, a court heard Wednesday as the official version of events came under harsh scrutiny. Joao Rodrigues, a former member of the feared security police, was allegedly the last officer to have been with Ahmed Timol before Timol plunged to his death from the 10th-floor of Johannesburg police headquarters. Rodrigues has faced three days of intensive questioning at the High Court inquest in Pretoria into Timol's death and has at times given contradictory accounts of the incident of 46 years ago. "We will be submitting to this court that the court recommend... that you be charged with perjury (and) the murder of Ahmed Timol," the Timol family's lawyer Howard Varney said. Rodrigues, 78, has strenuously denied harming Timol or any involvement in his death, telling both the new inquest and an inquest in 1972 that Timol died by jumping out the window. "I do not concur with counsel's submission," Rodrigues said after Varney accused him of murder and other crimes. Timol's family has campaigned for decades for a new probe to overturn the original court verdict that he had committed suicide. They had initially said they did not want prosecutions against those involved but simply wanted to learn the truth. "Rodrigues is standing by what he said in 1972. By not being truthful he's asking to be prosecuted. He's not making things easy for himself," Timol's younger brother Mohammad told AFP. Timol's death has become symbolic of police conduct under the apartheid system, as well as the failure to bring justice to its victims since the fall of white-minority rule in 1994. Judge questions evidence "He remains arrogant, sticks to his particular version, and (we have) absolutely no doubt he must face the full force of the law," said Timol's nephew Imtiaz Cajee following Rodrigues' evidence. Both the lawyers for Timol's family and the state have raised multiple doubts over Rodrigues' account of how the 29-year-old communist recruit fell to his death. "I have heard evidence from witnesses... which says to me that your story is not probable," Judge Billy Mothle told Rodrigues on Wednesday. Rodrigues said that Timol was not mistreated and had jumped out of the window after becoming fearful. "I only saw him from the side... but he did not have any injuries," added Rodrigues. But Varney said that Timol had suffered serious injuries before his plunge -- a claim supported by two independent pathologist reports submitted to the court. "He could barely walk let alone get up and storm to the window and dive out," said Varney. Rodrigues had also claimed that Timol's dash for the window "happened in a split second" and caught him off guard when he was left alone with the detainee. "It would not be possible to run, open the window and dive," said Varney, quoting the report of an aeronautical expert. "I'm saying this is what I saw," said Rodrigues. "That's what happened." Rodrigues had also said that he had attempted to intercept Timol as he made for the window. "Isn't it extraordinary that you couldn't catch him?" said Varney. "If there was a so-called chase... you would have caught him. "This entire story of a suicide is a fabrication and it's always difficult to maintain consistency in a fabrication." The case has re-opened apartheid-era wounds from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which provided a public arena to air the crimes committed under white rule and concluded its work in 1998. "It was unimportant -- it was not imperative for the police to take up the platform," said Rodrigues when asked why he had not given evidence to the commission. The inquest continues. The Rector of the Saint Ambrose College of Education at Dormaa Akwamu in the Dormaa East District of the Brong-Ahafo Region, Reverend Father George Kyeremeh, has expressed worry that government has since 2015 failed to honour its responsibilities towards the administration of the school. Speaking on the Space FM Morning Flight 877 hosted by Dickson Smith on Monday, Rev Father Kyeremeh said the administration of the school has become very difficult due to governments inability to make the needed resources available to the college since the absorption almost two years ago. According to him, since then, the school has held series of meetings with the Public Service Commission and presented the necessary documents to the government through the National Council for Tertiary Education. Rev. Father Kyeremeh said the school is now dependentt on the lean school fees taken from the students for the administration of the school, which according to him is not helping in the smooth running of the school. The only solution in sight now is for the Ministry of Education to ask the ministry of finance to give the school financial clearance to enable them charge the students for administrative purposes until government responds to them. He said the management of the school has billed the students and would refund the monies to the students when government pays the school. The Rector said all the infrastructure and other developmental projects at the school were carried by the Catholic Diocese, which have been handed over to the government. He added that governments responsibility now is to absorb the payment of staff salaries. Thompson Owusu Baah, the Students Representatives Council (SRC), President of the Saint Ambrose College of Education in an interview said they were paying tuition, utility and other fees when the school was privately managed, but government asked them to stop paying those fees after the absorption. Mr. Owusu Baah said due to the inability of the government to fulfill its part of the agreement, it has resulted in a huge debt for the school, because the school is running on loans. Obogu (Ash), Aug 02, GNA - The Asante-Akim South District Education Director, Mr. Ignatius Mwimbe Ere-Der, has expressed deep worry about the unhealthy practice of people defecating in classrooms. He said this was completely inhuman and should not be allowed to continue in any of the communities. He called for the chiefs, assembly members and the unit committees to do more to rein in the unscrupulous individuals involved in the despicable practice. Mr. Ere-Der was speaking at an inter-circuit festival of arts and culture for basic schools held at Obogu. 'The impact of cultural practices on protection, education and development of the Ghanaian child' was the theme chosen for the event. The children put on display traditional dance, songs and cultural practices of various ethnic groups across the nation. The Education Director used the occasion to also highlight the need for the communities to take steps to safeguard school lands, to prevent encroachment by developers. He urged the youth to take pride in the nation's cultural heritage and to reject foreign cultural influence, which tended to adore violence and indiscipline. Nana Oduro Appenteng Darkwah, the chief of Obogu, applauded the move at helping to preserve rich culture of the country. GNA By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA Kasoa, Aug. 2, GNA - Nana Agyeman Prempeh, the Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has attributed the fire disaster at Kasoa Market in the Central Region last Sunday, which led to huge loses, to lack of accessibility into the facility. He said congestion in the market prevented personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) from getting to the scene early to fight the fire. He said this when he visited the scene on Monday, August 1 and interacted with the chiefs and people. He was accompanied by Michael Mensah, the Municipal Chief Executive Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for the area and the Minister for Development and Special Initiatives and staff of NADMO. 'Even though the cause of fire is not yet known, access to the market is not right,' Nana Prempeh said. 'Government has built a market for the traders where something like this happens the fire service personnel would be able to get to the scene with ease but the traders refused to move in. 'The fire Service personnel suffered before they were able to get access to the market. 'The Service had enforcement from Dansoman and other areas but the way to get through to the market was an issue,' he stressed. He charged the Municipal NADMO Office to be proactive in its duties and intensify education on fire preventive measures to the public. He said the core duty of NADMO was to reduce the risks of disasters especially man made ones and not to share goods such as rice and mattresses when such misfortunes occur. The fire started, which started at 0130 hours on Sunday, July 30 lasted for eight hours. The GNFS got to the scene around 1530 hours but it took the personnel about an hour to get access to the scene. About 350 stores were destroyed including other property. GNA By Apubeo Anthony Adongo, GNA Agroyesum (Ash), Aug 02, GNA - Medical supplies and equipment costing US$1.3 million have been made available for distribution to eight health facilities in the Amansie West District to help improve the quality of healthcare to people in the area. This was a joint donation by American NGO, Project C.U.R.E and Asanko Gold Mines, a mining company at Manso-Nkran. Saint Martin's Catholic Hospital, Manso-Nkwanta, Adubia, Manso-Nkran, and Abore Health Centres, Keniago Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, Essuowin Health Centre and the Mother of God Clinic at Esaase, benefitted. Mr. Charles Amoah, General Manager (Operations), Asanko Mines, at the presentation ceremony, said the gift would significantly enhance the operations of the facilities. His company contributed US$200,000.00 to cover the shipment and import duties on the medical supplies and equipment. He said being a good corporate citizen, it had made the development and welfare of the people, its major priority. He added that it would continue to be involved in interventions that would have positive impact on their lives and cited the support for education and vocational training and the provision of access to finance. Mr. William Asante Bediako, the District Chief Executive (DCE), applauded the Mine for serving as a reliable development partner. He described the donation as a 'welcome relief' to the people and asked the beneficiary facilities to take good care of the equipment and supplies. These, he said, should be used to bring healing and comfort to the sick. Mr. Dominic Dorbi, the District Health Director, thanked Project C.U.R.E and Asanko Mines for what he termed 'the wonderful gesture'. GNA By Paul Antwi, GNA Some stakeholders in the fabrics and garments industry have welcomed governments planned bid for new strategic partners in revamping the Volta Star Textiles Limited. According to them, revamping the company will be a huge relieve for the industry in its bid to support governments industrialization agenda. This follows some revelations that the company is facing dire financial crises for some time now. Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen announced the decision to open the bid for new potential investors. Mr. Kyerematen cited the inability of the initial investors, Bullion Investment Consortium to inject the expected capital of $13 million into the companys operations for a 70 percent stake. According to him, the company is also to be considered for governments stimulus package. The United States Agency of International Development, USAID-Ghana said it will also be considering support for the initiative. The Chief Executive of Sleek Garment and Exports Limited, Nora Bannerman Abbot told JoyBusiness, the decision could not have come at a better time. She said, What we need is to generate businesses. We need more orders coming in, as the orders grow, investors in the textile industry will also choose to make here a destination to establish their businesses. Nora Bannerman said, We are importing most of our fabrics from China whether on the open market or directly for our business where we could actually produce these here and generate jobs to our people. So we need to take a look at all of this. But it is a challenge for us and looking at my sector for instance, out of we could generate businesses, she said. An evaluation by PriceWater House Coopers showed a minimum of GHa20 million may be required to make Volta Star Textiles that viable given its total debt of 13.4million Ghana cedis as at May, 2017. Hon. Siaka Stevens 02.08.2017 LISTEN Chairperson of Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Hon. Siaka Stevens has called on Ghanaians to debunk claims by the minority that the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Ocquaye is unfair to them. According to him, the actions of the opposition is hypocritical in nature and the public must not pay heed to whatever they are saying. He added their actions are intended to slow down the fast pace at which the Nana Addo led government is working to improve the quality of life in the country. Leadership of Parliament agreed that double questioning will be prevented from both sides on the floor of parliament. It is therefore surprising that the opposition are acting this way. It is Hypocrisy. -He said He explained that leadership of both sides of parliament agreed to prevent double questioning in parliament. A norm which has been in existence for quiet sometime. The MP for Jaman north added the NPP government since Former president Kufuors time has been known to promote healthy debates on the floor of parliament as against claims by the opposition NDC. The outspoken Member of Parliament also lamented their ordeal under the Mahama government which had Hon. Doe Adjaho as its speaker of parliament. According to him, the then speaker restricted the opposition from asking very relevant questions but they remained quiet. He said this to Bonohene Baffour Awuah on Agoo tvs Yensempa Show which airs every weekday from 6am to 8am. Rome (AFP) - Italy on Wednesday dispatched a navy patrol boat to Libya and seized an NGO rescue ship in dramatic steps aimed at ending the migrant crisis that has engulfed Europe in recent years. The twin moves came as new figures revealed a surprise drop in July in the number of mainly African asylum seekers and economic migrants arriving at the country's southern ports, suggesting efforts to close the Libya-Italy route into Europe could finally be bearing fruit. The Italian parliament gave the go-ahead for a naval mission in support of the Libyan coastguard's fight against the people traffickers behind the surge in migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. As part of the mission, approved by the Libyan authorities, the navy patrol boat Comandante Borsini entered the North African state's territorial waters on Wednesday afternoon, en route for the capital Tripoli, the navy said. On board was a small advance team charged with coordinating planned joint actions with the Libyan coastguard. Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said Italy was providing technical support, not seeking to impose a "hostile" naval blockade designed to prevent the departure of migrant boats. Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said last week that the naval mission was being organised following a request from Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of conflict-torn Libya's UN-backed unity government. Human rights warning Migrants from Libya sleep on deck of the Aquarius rescue ship run by NGO SOS Mediterranee and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) after their rescue in the Mediterranean Sea, on August 2, 2017 The number of migrant arrivals in Italy in July was down dramatically on the same month last year, suggesting efforts to train up and better equip the North African country's coastguard could already be having an impact. The Interior Ministry said 11,193 new arrivals had been registered in July, compared with 23,552 in July 2016. Arrivals for the first seven months of this year were 95,214, up 0.78 percent on the same period last year. The new naval mission is expected to involve a logistics ship and maintenance support for the Libyans, as well as the Comandante Borsini. Rome had initially hoped to send six ships into Libyan waters but had to downsize the mission after objections from the fledgling administration in Tripoli. Some 600,000 mostly African migrants have arrived in Italy from Libya since the start of 2014, putting the country's reception facilities under strain and the centre-left government under pressure with elections looming next year. Officials believe that sending boats being back to Libyan ports will have a powerful deterrent effect on would-be migrants considering paying traffickers for passage to Europe. But that approach has been criticised by international rights groups who say people returned to troubled Libya face detention in squalid camps and abuse at the hands of traffickers. "After years of saving lives at sea, Italy is preparing to help Libyan forces who are known to detain people in conditions that expose them to a real risk of torture, sexual violence, and forced labour," said Human Rights Watch's Judith Sunderland. 'Science fiction' As parliament voted, Italian police on the island of Lampedusa "preventatively" impounded the Iuventa, a boat operated by German NGO Jugend Rettet, on the orders of a prosecutor based in Trapani, Sicily. Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said "people on the Iuventa are believed to have taken on board, on at least two separate occasions, migrants escorted by Libyan traffickers whose lives were not in danger". He said the probe, which began in 2016, had uncovered other elements "which lead us to believe that the practice is frequent", but the idea there was a "coordinated plan" between the Iuventus and traffickers was "pure science fiction". Cartosio said he thought those involved had been driven purely by "humanitarian motives. There is nothing to suggest the aim is financial gain". Investigators have yet to single out suspects, saying that at the moment the probe is into "persons unknown". The move to impound the Iuventa came as Italy began enforcing a controversial code of conduct for charity boats rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. Jugend Rettet was among six of nine NGOs operating search-and-rescue activities in waters off Libya to reject the new rules, but Cartosio said there was no link between the investigation and the refusal to sign the code. Italian authorities say the rules are necessary to ensure the boats are not effectively encouraging migrants to embark on the perilous crossing. The NGOs have particularly objected to a requirement to allow an Italian police official to travel on each boat and a ban on moving rescued migrants from one aid vessel to another while still at sea, which they say could result in avoidable deaths. In Nigeria, an estimated 10.5 million children are not going to school, scoring the worlds highest number of out-of-school children, Africanews portal reports. With children under 15 years of age accounting for 45 per cent of the 171 million population, the burden on education has become overwhelming. Primary school enrolment has increased in recent years, but net attendance is only about 70 per cent, so Nigeria still has 10.5 million out-of-school children. Government officials in Africas most populous nation have expressed concern over the matter and are calling for a lasting solution to the problem, the Pointe-noire-based news portal reported. Girls, street children and children of nomadic groups were the most affected, the education ministrys permanent secretary Adamu Hussaini said. It is sad to note that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world considering the fact that of the 20 million out-of-school children in the world, 10.5 million are in Nigeria. Of the 10.5 million children out of school, 60% are from the northern region of the country, where education and safety are threatened by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, BBC reported. Since 2009, Boko Haram fighters have killed 2,295 teachers, displaced 19,000 educators and destroyed nearly 1,400 schools. Over 3 million children in the northeastern region, where Boko Haram has done most of its damage, do not attend school. In 2016, the oil-rich nation spent only 8% of its $12.2 trillion budget on education, while the UN recommends developing countries should spend at least 26% of their fiscal year budget on education. Ranking member of the Opposition National democratic Congress, Hon. BT Baba has revealed that the good policies implemented by the erstwhile Mahama Administration is amounting to the success that the NPP is enjoying in the Agric. Sector. He explained even though the NPP may not admit it, it was clearly evident that the previous administration did a good job. He revealed that he was not surprised that the NPP government were taking credit for the significant growth rate in the Agriculture sector adding the sector has moved from a 0% growth rate to almost 3% growth rate. How did the Agriculture sector experience such growth within 7 months? It means we did a good work. We imported five hundred (500) Tractors from Brazil. We also got funds from Canada so if the Agric sector has seen a significant growth, it was because we laid a good foundation. He said this on Agoo tvs Yensempa show hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah when he was reacting to a claim by the Hon. George Mireku Duka who said the Nana Addo led government has started implementing changes in all aspects of the Nation. Johannesburg (AFP) - A black South African labourer forced into a coffin allegedly by two white farmers said Wednesday that he pleaded for his life as they threatened to pour petrol over him. Victor Mlotshwa gave evidence at the trial of Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson, who face kidnap, assault and attempted murder charges over the incident. A 20-second video clip appears to show the accused forcing Mlotshwa, 27, into the wooden coffin and trying to push down the lid last year in the eastern province of Mpumalanga. The men were arrested after the footage, which was apparently shot on a mobile phone by one of the assailants, spread rapidly on the internet. "One of them said they should pour petrol into the coffin," Mlotshwa told the court, according to the News24 website. "I was so scared, shivering and crying. I was under the impression that they wanted to kill me. "I was pleading with them. It was only my one hand which was outside the coffin." The video triggered outrage in South Africa where racism and racially motivated violence remain major social problems. Activists from political parties, including the ruling African National Congress and the main opposition Democratic Alliance, have rallied outside court and packed its public benches during the trial. Local media said Mlotshwa broke down in tears during his evidence and residents hurled abuse at the accused before the court was adjourned. The two farmers told the court on Monday that they caught Mlotshwa with stolen goods on private property and wanted to scare him. Mlotshwa said he was going to the town of Middelburg to buy provisions for his mother when he was attacked. "I tried to run away," he said. "Without saying anything to me, the men got out of the vehicles and just pumped me with their fists." South Africa is beset by deep-rooted racial inequality 23 years after the end of white-minority rule. Cases of racism have erupted regularly on social media in recent years. Mrs. Theodosia W. Jackson, Principal of the Jackson College of Education (JCE), a subsidiary of the Jackson Educational Complex in Kumasi has funded the renovation of the male and female lavatory facilities of the Administration Block of the Kumasi Central Prisons. Mrs. Jackson said at the launch of the renovated facility today amid pageantry that she has since 1985, when she engaged in evangelization at the Prisons, provided various forms of support by offering donations with the intention of meeting the needs of the inmates of the Kumasi Central Prisons. As part of her contributions to the maintenance and running of the Kumasi Central Prisons are the provision of 100 beds, high density Latex foam mattresses , canopies and chairs, bed sheets and tiling of Kitchen floor. She has also provided an air conditioner for the in-house clinic to enable the facility store its stock of drugs and medicine. Further to the aforementioned, she has renovated the lavatories of the chaplains office and the female prisons as well as funding the maintenance of the septic truck. Mrs. Jackson called on society to seek the welfare of the inmates by helping to supply some of their needs. According to her, it is not enough to just visit and pray for them. She again posited that, the transformation of inmates should be a major concern of the general public, hence the call on all and sundry to support them regularly. It is incumbent on society to always show love towards prison inmates as a therapy for reform, Mrs. Jackson advised. Mr. Lord Nii Boye Tagoe, Deputy Director of Prisons, lauded the benefactor (Mrs. Jackson) who he described as a good person for supporting the Kumasi Central Prisons over the years. He called on the general public to help in the complete rehabilitation and transformation of the inmates and not make them hardened criminals in society. According to him, inmates who get no support from society during their incarceration tend to visit their wrath on members of civil society for neglect. Many of us have a life full of promises and opportunities. We have dreams, sometimes those dreams come true but for many children especially in rural Ghana, their dreams are almost cut short from the moment they are born. This is due to a common deformity known as cleft lip palate. Cleft is a common birth condition which occurs alone or as part of a genetic condition or syndrome with symptoms arising from the opening in the mouth due to difficulty in speaking and feeding. Not only that children born with this condition are disgraced and neglected but in some extreme cases killed. Aside living in shame, these children have difficulties in eating, breathing and speaking. Many of them can't come out to play let alone attend school because of the stigma attributed to them. According to Patience Ajida, a sachet water seller and the mother of 2-year-old Shine Akoli narrated how society's stigma against her child has really affected her. Some people don't even come close to us. They see my child as an animal or god. Most people will never lend a helping hand to us because of this sickness. I was tired and had lost hope that my child may never be healed. After years of societal stigma, it took 45 minutes within a day for Patience's child life to change. Technology giant Samsung Electronics partnered Operation Smile to conduct free surgeries for 155 cleft children at the Volta Regional Hospital and little Shine was a beneficiary. Patience travelled with her little daughter from Kpong in the Greater Accra Region to Ho to undergo the free surgery. Today, little Shine has been healed. She's happy. No more keeping her away from the public. I'm very happy to see my baby healed. We are grateful to Samsung and the Operation Smile project. There was no way I was going to be able to raise money for this operation, Patience said. The excited mum added I'm now proud to take my daughter outside to the market and to community activities which wasn't the case when Shine had cleft and had to keep her indoors all the time. Samsung, under its Smile with Samsung initiative provided free funding to support Ghanaian children to undergo free cleft surgeries. The initiative saw the company donating $1 for every authorized Samsung smartphone bought and registered on e-warranty towards the surgeries. It raised $25,000. Part of the funds was also used to feed all the beneficiaries to gain the required weight weeks before the surgery operation. We are excited by the fact that our contribution is the highest donation made to Operation Smile. With just 45 minutes we were able to change the lives of people who didn't believe in possibilities. At Samsung, we always want to give back to society because Ghana has been good to us, said Tracy Kyei, Marketing Manager at Samsung Electronics. She thanked Samsung consumers for supporting the initiative adding as this initiative would not have been possible without them. For Operation Smile, they have been providing free cleft surgeries in Ghana since 2011. Its medical outreach has reached many across Ghana in cities including Accra, Cape Coast, Tamale, and Tema. Statistics have shown that every 3 minutes a child is born with cleft worldwide and in Ghana 1 out of every 750 births. Out of every 10 children living with cleft 1 dies before their first birthday. Police are on high alert in Avenor in Accra to avert a possible bloodletting between Avenor articulated and spare parts dealers on one hand and workers of a private developer on the other. Two persons have sustained multiple injuries in the ensuing clashes Wednesday morning but Joy News Favour Nunoo who is present at Avenor reported of a reprisal later Wednesday evening. The two factions are laying claim to a piece of land said to be a state property. There is currently an interlocutory injunction stopping the two factions from developing the land. Later Wednesday evening, one of the factions is believed to have poured petrol over the vast land which has a mosque and a number of articulated vehicles sitting on it. It took the timely intervention of the police to avert a rather precarious situation. No arrests have been made at least for now, Favour reported. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com Three persons are said to be in the race for possible nomination by the President as first Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). The position became vacant after the current Deputy Governor, Millison Narh announced his decision to retire. The decision was communicated following a meeting with the President, Nana Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House on Monday. Likely persons for consideration Top on the list is the current the Deputy Division Chief at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Maxwell Opoku Afari, who has been at the position from September 2014 to present. He holds a doctorate from the University of Nottingham. From December 2012 to August 2014 served as a senior economist at the IMF working with the strategy, policy and review department. He has been with the IMF for over 8 years. Before joining the IMF, he served as the special assistant to the then governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Paul Acquah from 2006 to 2009. He also worked in several capacities at the Bank including, head of special studies from 2005 to May 2006 and Senior Economist from 1996 to 2000. He was also an adjunct Professor at Regent University from 2005 to 2009. Some analysts say what might work for Dr. Afari is his international exposure and his being part of the team that championed recent reforms in the banking sector. Sources also intimate that the triangle of connection between the Vice President who also once served as the special assistant to the then Governor, Paul Acquah and Dr Opoku Afari will add some weight to efforts to pushing Dr Afari through Next on the list is Samuel Opata, who is currently the second in command in the financial markets department at the Bank of Ghana formally known as Treasury Department. Sources say Mr. Opatas experience in financial market operations might be an added plus that could do the trick for him and get him the job. This is because the First Deputy Governor position has traditionally gone to someone who is more matured with experience either in banking supervision matters or with hands on practicality in having an understanding of how the markets work. More specifically this portfolio has gone to an individual with a financial background and it would be interesting to watch how these factors play giving him the edge over the other. The final name that has also come up is Dr. Benjamin Amoah who is now the head of Research Department at the Bank of Ghana. What may do the trick for Dr. Amoah is the fact that he is the most experienced at the Bank and had in the past been considered, when the position of governorship was vacant. Among the other candidates, he looks more matured and it is argued that his brash style may be what is needed at this juncture to face a tough and rough banking sector environment that is about to undergo deep reforms. These attributes could be an advantage for him and do the trick. However, JOYBUSINESS is learning the gender card, which is dear to the President's heart could be played in the last minute. The last time BoG had a woman at the top was in the 1990s when Nana Oye Mansa Yeboah served under Dr Portuphy Agama. Sources indicate that if the gender factor does not play out strong in the consideration period, it will come to play down the road when other positions open up at the Central Bank. Sources say the appointment of the First Deputy Governor could be made this week. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business Conakry (AFP) - Thousands of opposition activists took to the streets of Guinea's capital on Wednesday to demand local elections be held after a 12-year absence, pressuring President Alpha Conde to set a date. Former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo led protesters who brandished signs reading "Alpha Conde, seven years of promises is enough" on a march from a Conakry suburb into the city. "I call on you to mobilise to confront the serious attacks on democracy by President Alpha Conde and his refusal to respect the conclusions of political agreements signed in October 2016," Diallo told the crowd. "Guineans are suffering from unspeakable misery, the country is run on corruption and embezzlement of public funds in ignorance of the problems of the Guinean people," the opposition leader added. Diallo also accused Conde of electoral fraud and said he had "stolen" two presidential elections held in 2010 and 2015. Opposition parties were angered when Conde was returned to power in 2015 but promised local polls did not go ahead. All sides then agreed last October to hold the vote in February, but no date has yet been set with the deadline long passed. That agreement had also envisaged a revised electoral code and updated electoral roll. One person died and three were badly injured in motorbike accidents during the protest, the government said in a statement. Conde announced Monday that a working group was trying to implement the October agreement, but said in a statement that "certain difficulties have prevented us from carrying out these actions on the expected date." He tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) with taking measures "to organise local elections as soon as possible", and requested a timeline of action from the institution, according to the statement. Conde became Guinea's first democratically elected president in 2010, taking over a nation run by a succession of strongmen following independence from France. Political distrust is high in Guinea, a mineral-rich but deeply poor country where ethnic tensions often turn deadly around election time. Teachers at Bomigo Basic School, located on an island in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have been forced to rely on keyboards made of clay, to effectively teach pupils about computers. The community has no electricity yet schools have been supplied black&white computers with accessories. Joy News correspondent, Ivy Setordzi visited the area and reported, Thomas Ahiabor, uses his single laptop to lead the teaching of ICT lessons. The pupils have to imagine what computers are, by relying on computer accessories like keyboard moulded of clay. A frustrated Mr. Ahiabor believes relying on clay-moulded computer accessories, though not the best, is the most clever thing they could do. They are taking advantage of local resources, in this case, the large deposits of clay they have. The situation is very bad and we have no choice than to take advantage of the clay deposits to mould the computers, the teacher said. Sadly, there are no materials for the ICT program in the school, making the situation even worse and very difficult. Member of Parliament for the area, Kofi Humado, however, told the reporter although he has some computers available to be delivered to the school the unavailability of electricity, means it will be of no use to the pupils. Efforts to provide a bridge to link other nearby communities have been hampered since the change of government, the MP lamented. If the bridge can be constructed then the rural electrification program can also go through then the road can also follow, Mr. Humado appealed. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ivy Sertordzi, V/R The Kenyan election official whose body was found earlier this week had been severely tortured and strangled to death, an autopsy has found. Chris Msando had deep scratches and cuts on his back and hands, the chief government pathologist said. Mr Msando was in charge of Kenyas computerised voting system for next Tuesdays presidential elections. His body was discovered next to the corpse of a woman in a forest on the outskirts of Nairobi at the weekend. There was no doubt that he was tortured and murdered, Wafula Chebukati, chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), said on Wednesday. An autopsy on the body of the woman found alongside Mr Msando, thought to be that of his companion Carol Ngumbu, will take place on Thursday. The investigation is still ongoing, government spokesperson Eric Kiraithe confirmed, dismissing earlier reports that three suspects had been arrested. In a joint statement, the United States and the United Kingdom said they were gravely concerned by the murder, calling for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in Kenya. The two countries also offered assistance in the investigation. Mr Msandos family urged the Kenyan government to accept the offer in order to conclude the matter with urgency. We are deeply devastated at the tragic loss, the family said in a statement. Chris Msando was a loving family man, who cherished and adored his wife and children. The family also asked social media users to be mindful of what they post, saying: A lot of the information out there is false and meant to injure and paint the family in a bad light. An Indian business man who was illegally deported by the Interior Minister has been detained by Immigration Officers on his return to Ghana, Wednesday. Ashok Kumar Sivaram touched down at the Kotoka International Airport at 2:30 pm only to be detained for no reason, his lawyer Gary Nimako has said. The business man sued the Interior Minister Ambrose Dery and the head of Immigration for illegally deporting him out of the country. In the deportation order, Sivaram was accused of acquiring a forged marriage certificate in support of his application for citizenship in Ghana. He was bundled out of the country on June 1, 2017 and has since been fighting his deportation through his lawyer who is based in Ghana. An Accra High Court in a ruling on July 31, stated Kumar Sivaram was illegally deported out of the country and ordered the two defendants to ensure his safe return to Ghana. The ruling notwithstanding, the business man has been detained by Immigration at the Kotoka International Airport and is likely to spend the night there. His lawyer told Myjoyonline.com, he is surprised at the conduct of the Interior Minister. He said several attempts to get his client released from detention have proven futile. Not even the court order quashing the detention could change the minds of the Immigration Officers to release Mr Sivaram, the lawyer intimated. Officials at the Immigration Service have been unavailable for comment. Gary Nimako told Myjoyonline.com officials at the Immigration say they are not happy with the courts decision to quash the deportation order. He reported the officers as saying they will appeal the decision made by the High Court. While respecting their decision and rights to an appeal, Gary Nimako said they do not have the right to detain his client in flagrant violation of the courts decision. It is so illegal. I am surprised at their behavior, he stated. At the very least they can begin the appeal processes and request a stay of execution, he pointed out but was quick to add that in the absence of that, the officers are being lawless. He wants his client to be released as soon as possible The Interior Minister has been unavailable for comment as well despite several efforts to get in touch with him. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah Former Malawian president, Joyce Banda on Tuesday, indicated she is ready to return to the southern African nation country to clear her name in a corruption scandal that occurred during her tenure. I will be coming back because I never did anything wrong and I am innocent, Ms Banda told Reuters from her exile in the United States. A Malawian court on Monday granted the police a warrant to arrest Joyce Banda in connection with the countrys Cashgate corruption scandal, which involved large-scale looting of government coffers. The evidence gathered raises reasonable suspicion that the Former President committed offences relating to abuse of office and money laundering, the police said in a statement. The case in question, the cashgate saga, is on record as the countrys biggest financial scandal. It is said to have involved loss of about $250 million. Joyce Banda, 67, is the first female president in the Southern African region. She served as president between April 2012 and May 2014. She is founder and leader of the Peoples Party which was established in 2011. She had previously served as vice-president to late president Bingu wa Mutharika. Banda has been living in self-imposed exile since she lost to President Peter Mutharika in the 2014 election. Accra, Aug 2, GNA - A thee-day policy dialogue organised by the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to find ways to deepen gender equality in Africa has opened in Accra. The dialogue is titled: 'Mainstreaming Gender in Regional Economic Communities in Africa: Documenting Existing Models for Accelerating Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063.' The event is being attended by key representatives from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), United Nations agencies, civil society organisations and academia, to discuss the challenges facing African countries in combating gender disparity and the way forward. It would provide a platform for the participants to share their experiences on the issue of gender inequality and identify robust plans that could be employed to ensure gender mainstreaming in Africa. Addressing the participants to officially open the event, Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, the Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, said Government was adopting robust strategies and interventions to promote gender equality and women empowerment. She said government was working assiduously on the Affirmative Action legislation, which aims at facilitating a minimum of 40 per cent representation for women in all decision-making structures. Madam Otiko Djaba reaffirmed Government's commitment towards empowering women economically to overcome the 'feminisation of poverty' through ensuring equitable access to land, credit, markets, social protection, including property rights. The Gender Minister said the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) cash transfer programme had since its inception provided bi-monthly cash grants to over 943,842 extremely poor individuals in Ghana as at the end of 2016. 'Out of this figure, 56 per cent were women,' she said, and added that the cash transfer was expected to reduce poverty among the poorest in communities and improve their consumption while creating more opportunities for their economic growth. These, including other initiatives such as the School Feeding Programme, according to the Minister, would propel the country's efforts to work towards the achievement of the Africa Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years and the Sustainable Development Goals-2030. She expressed Government's interest in fully participating in the policy dialogue which would serve as a basis for documenting how the regional and sub-regional institutions used a lens of gender equality for situation analysis, planning, policy making, legislation, resource allocation, implementation and monitoring of progress of gender empowerment activities. The policy dialogue also formed part of the African Union Commission's initiative dubbed: 'Building an Enabling Environment for Women's Economic Empowerment and Political Participation in Africa Project' which receives technical support from the UNDP Regional Service Centre in Africa. The REC's who would be represented at the dialogue included the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the East African Community, ECOWAS, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Southern African Community. Other participants are representatives of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the UN's Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Population Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. GNA By Gideon Ahenkorah, GNA Dzolokpuita (V/R), Aug. 2, GNA - Communities in the Ho West District of the Volta Region have increased participation in the Assembly's capital development projects and local government process under the Ghana's Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms project (GSAM) sponsored by the USAID. The five-year project is aimed at increasing the availability of accessible information on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies' (MMDAs) capital development projects in 100 districts, and also to strengthen Civil Society Organizations, and citizen capabilities to monitor MMDAs development projects in 50 other districts. Mr Fred Hayibor, Programs Manager, Global Action for Women Empowerment (GLOWA), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), said district assemblies spent about 70 per cent of funds on physical projects hence, the need for citizens to ensure they were well managed. Mr Hayibor said this during an address at a town hall meeting at Dzolokpuita to assess the construction of a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Tsyome Afedo, and a slaughter house with ancillary facilities at Kpedze, all in the Ho-West District. He said GLOWA, since the project's implementation in 2015, has been building the capacities of citizens in three districts; Ho West, Krachi East, and Nkwanta South, through a network of Community Development Monitors who utilised an assessment tool to collect information on the planning and implementation of capital development projects. Mr Hayibor said the assessment tool, developed by GSAM's partners; CARE, ISODEC, and IBIS, produced a cumulative scorecard to monitor projects from initiation to execution, and rated the Assemblies' performance on a scale of 0 to 100. He said the GSAM project has resulted in the furnishing and electrification of a three unit disability-friendly classroom block in the Krachi East District, as well as the construction of a mechanized borehole for a 12-seater water closet toilet facility at Dzolokpuita. Mr Hayibor said capital project monitoring kept stakeholders on their toes and expressed the hope that other districts would learn from the project. GNA 02.08.2017 LISTEN Koforidua, Aug. 2, GNA - A Koforidua High Court presided over by Justice Henry Kwofie, has absolved Nana Anku Dododza Didieyie, chief of Abomaserefo in the Kwahu-Afram Plains North District from forgery of colonial documents to claim ownership of the Abomaserefo lands. In effect, the High Court has discharged him from all four counts including forgery of colonial documents, possessing forged documents, altering forged documents and deceiving a public officer contrary to sections 159,166 169 and 251 respectively of the criminal offences act 1960(Act 29). According to the facts of the case, the grandfather of Nana Anku Dododza Didieyie, known as Kwaku Didieyie was brought from the north and was later assimilated into the Asiedu Boafo Bretuo family and made overseer of the Abomasarefo village. In 1990, being a descendant of Kwaku Didieyie, he was installed as the Odikro of Abomasarefo by an agreement signed between the Kwahu-Brukruwahene and the accused persons when the position became vacant. The prosecution said a year later, the chief petitioned the Kwahu traditional council to claim the Abomasarefo land from the Bukruwah stool. This was after they found some colonial documents indicating that his great grandfather Kwaku Didieye bought the land and therefore owned the entire Abomaserefo land which constituted two-thirds of the entire Afram Plains land space. A committee of enquiry was set up by the traditional council and based on that, the traditional council ruled that indeed the Abomaserefo land belonged to Kwaku Didieyie. However, the traditional council was not happy with the ruling and hence, the litigation began in 2002. In reading the judgement at the High Court on Monday, Justice Kwofie, the presiding judge said, 'I have come to the conclusion that the prosecution has failed to discharge the burden placed on it by section 13 of the evidence Act 1975 to prove the guilt of the accused person beyond reasonable doubt'. He said the proceedings were very extensive and a plethora of exhibits were carried in a 'Ghana must go' bag, the written address of the prosecuting state Attorney Nana Gyankuma-Sakyi spanned 55 pages whiles that of counsel Mr Dan Afari-Yeboah, was 124 pages. Justice Kwofie said the case which has a chequered history and gone through several judges, is the most difficult and complex case 'I have handled in my 19-yerar career on the bench and it has taken me over a year to deliver this judgment after the conclusion of the case'. GNA By Bertha Badu-Agyei, GNA President Nana Akufo-Addo has sworn into office 4 ambassadors and 1 High Commissioner, at a ceremony at the Presidency, Wednesday. The five persons, who received their letters of credence, according to President Akufo-Addo, have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour, adding that they are eminently fit to represent Ghana in their respective places of accreditation, which have expressed satisfaction at their appointments. They are: (1) Dufie Agyarko Kusi, an experienced, international public servant, who is to represent Ghana in the vibrant Republic of Korea; (2) Virginia Hesse, a respected, former, senior civil servant, who is going to Prague, the Paris of Central Europe, in the Czech Republic; (3) Francisca Ashitey-Odunton, a well-known media practitioner, who will be Ghanas High Commissioner to Kenya; (4) Alowe Leo Kabah, a seasoned lawyer and politician, who is heading as Ambassador to the Republic of Benin; and (5) Prof. Abena Busia, an internationally acclaimed academic and poet, who will be our Ambassador to the giant of South America, Brazil. With the onerous responsibility of preserving and promoting the image of a country whose reputation amongst the comity of nations is high, President Akufo-Addo stressed that you represent a country that, as a result of the commendable conduct of the Ghanaian people, is regarded as one of the most stable on the continent, which is a functioning democracy, governed by the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, human rights and the principles of democratic accountability. He added that We are regarded as the beacon and standard bearer of democracy in Africa, and, recently, in April, according to the reputable RMB Global Markets Research, the 4th best place to invest and do business in on the African continent. "You are the most visible symbol of our country out there, and in all your actions you must guard jealously our countrys image. I am confident this is a charge you will uphold. We will fix economy Having been elected into office in the December 2016 elections because the Ghanaian people were dissatisfied with their living standards, and were not happy with the direction in which the economy and, indeed, the country was headed, President Akufo-Addo noted that one of his governments biggest challenges is to fix the economy they inherited. They voted for us to fix the economy and put our country on the path of progress and prosperity. Indeed, we have begun to fix the economy, and the mid-year review presented on Monday by the brilliant Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, shows that we are on track. We will fix the economy. We will bring jobs and prosperity to Ghana, he said. Francisca Ashitey-Odunton He urged them to remember vividly the slogans of his governments flagship programmes, 1-District-1-Factory; 1-Village-1-Dam; Planting for Food and Jobs, describing them as descriptions of governments commitment to the rapid development and transformation of the nations industrial and agricultural sectors. We are determined to create the appropriate macroeconomic environment which will attract domestic and foreign investment into these, the real sectors of our economy. You have to help in that exercise, he said. President Akufo-Addo also urged them Ambassadors and High Commissioner to strive to develop cordial working relations with the professional Foreign Service officers you will find at their duty posts, as well as develop a good rapport with the Ghanaian communities in their respective countries. Ghana is on very good and cordial terms with the countries to which you have been posted. Our bilateral relations span several decades, and our ties of co-operation remain strong. Your role is to deepen these even further, as well as to explore other areas of effective co-operation, which will inure to the mutual benefit of our respective populations, he said. He continued, In doing so, you will recall at all times our objective to build a Ghana Beyond Aid, a Ghana which is self-reliant and exploiting its own resources, honestly, with hard work, enterprise and creativity, to build the free, prosperous Ghana of the dreams of the founding fathers of our nation. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com The Akufo-Addo administration breached Financial Administration Regulation 193 and doctored figures during its mid-year review, according to the Minority in Parliament. At a press conference addressed by the Ranking Member on Parliaments Finance Committee, Cassiel Ato Forson said the Minister of Finance reversed interest payments to the tune of GHc 758.5 million and reviewed the GDP without a formal Ghana Statistical Service Statement at the end of the 2016 financial year. He said the Minority felt this was done for the sole purpose of making the governments dismal performance for the first half of the Financial Year 2017 look good, whilst making the performance for Financial Year 2016, for which the now-Minority was in power, worse. He described the doctoring of figures as shameful and cosmetic. Among the concerns noted, the Minority highlighted that in the summary of revised Central Government Operations for 2017, the Minister of Finance reduced domestic interest payment by an amount of GHc657,00,271 to create the impression that expenditure on domestic inters payment is being reduced. This is clearly compressed and contrived. This is a blatant disregard for cut off fiscal rules in accordance to the Financial Administration Regulations (FAR) 193. The Minority's qualms stem from the cut-off fiscal rule which notes that expenditure and revenue falling on the last day of the month or year during the year accrue to the next working day. In the case of 2016, the financial year ended on Saturday, December 31 thus, the revenue would accrue to the next working day which would have been Tuesday, January 3. Mr. Ato Forson said Ghanaians needed to be alarmed that the Minister will unilaterally change a long-standing fiscal rule (and indeed business rule) with respect to only one particular expenditure for the misplaced and selfish purpose of making the performance of the first half of 2017 look good. The Minority thus called for the Auditor General and Parliament to probe the matter concerning the breach of the cut-off fiscal rule by the Finance Minister. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana 02.08.2017 LISTEN Nollywood actor, John Paul Nwadike, had in February 2017, welcomed his twin boys with his wife in St. Louis Missouri, US and since then, his heart has been filled with so much joy. The actor and his wife recently dedicated their boys and an event which had family and friends in attendance. It has not been an easy coming but through the grace of God, the actor and his wife have been able to enjoy a blissful home and still counting. Chai, who says there is no money in Nollywood then you can walk up to actress, Diwa Ishaya, to explain how hard work has brought her this far in the industry. The actress has just done well for herself as she has just acquired a brand new Toyota Venza, to celebrate her hard labour in the industry. Its a good thing and she could not hide how happy she is in an industry where many do not give much regards to actresses. - A US security report indicated that security agencies in Nigeria were not sharing intelligence - This is hampering the fight against terrorism - It noted that IDPs were being return to their homes without adequate security The United States government has said the inability of security agencies in Nigeria to share intelligence report because of animosity is affecting the success in the fight against Boko Haram. Premium Times reports that this was contained in the Country Report on Terrorism 2016 published by the US Department of States Bureau for Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism. READ ALSO: We will join Biafra agitators to fight Nigeria with missiles Militants It noted that the State Security Services (SSS) which is responsible for counter terrorism sometimes fail to share intelligence report with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) making it harder to investigate Boko Haram financing. While the Nigerian military had primary responsibility for combating terrorism in the northeast, several government agencies performed counterterrorism functions, including the Department of State Security (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and the Ministry of Justice. Counterterrorism activities of these agencies and ministry were ostensibly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA). The level of interagency cooperation and information sharing was limited and at times hindered overall effectiveness. The report blamed the EFCC and the ministry of justice over delay in prosecuting financiers of terrorists although the federal government shares the names of known terrorists and terrorist organisations to banks and other financial institutions. The report stated: Despite gains made by the MNJTF, much of its reported progress was merely duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of the last dry/fighting season. The Nigerian military was unable to hold and re-build civilian structures and institutions in those areas it had cleared. It said IDPs were being returned to their homes without proper security and appropriate conditions being put in place for safe and voluntary returns. There was no evidence in 2016 of the implementation of a coordinated plan to restore civilian security in recaptured territories. The NPF also stood up the Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response, which is a specialized selection and training program for local police dedicated to the security of the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions throughout Abuja. The Nigerian government worked with the FBI to investigate specific terrorism matters, predominantly through the DSS, and provided improvised explosive device components to the FBI for analysis at the Terrorist Device Analysis Center. ONSA, DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Emergency Management Agency, and NPF explosive ordnance and post blast personnel worked with FBI special agents and special agent bomb-technicians in-country. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and NPF also received crime scene training relevant to counterterrorism investigations. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The Nigerian government actively cooperated with the United States and other international partners to prevent further acts of terrorism in Nigeria against U.S. citizens, citizens of third countries, and Nigerian citizens. Nigerian law enforcement agencies cooperated with the U.S. FBI to assist with counterterrorism investigations, including disruptions, information sharing, and interviews. Meanwhile, The United Nations reportedly set up a new fund called Nigeria Humanitarian Fund in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. Legit.ng reports that the north-east is primarily the most affected part of Nigeria in terms of insecurity caused by the terrorists. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is reporting that the global organisation allocated more than $10.5 million to help women, children and men in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance. Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of the operation of the Air Force against Boko Haram: Source: Legit.ng - The Presidential jet is said to have departed from London - The media team of the president however denied having knowledge of the development - The authenticity of the jet's departure however as at the time of filing this report could not be ascertained Contrary to earlier reports that the Presidential jet has departed from London, new information has emerged that the jet is still parked at Standsted airport in London. According to Sahara Reporters, the jet has not been moved since May 8. Legit.ng had earlier reported that Vanguard in a report said that the Presidential jet in London has departed the country on August 1. According to the news outlet, the whereabouts or destination of the jet could not be ascertained which consequently caused anxiety within the presidential villa BREAKING: Osinbajo makes 36 new appointments (full list) Vanguard also reports that the Presidency denied having awareness of the development as both media aides to the president, Femi Adesina and Garba Lawal claimed such news should be regarded as a rumour Mr Adesina who denied knowledge of the development according to Vanguard said: BBC also called me and said the presidents aircraft had taken off, I should confirm it. I said the tradition is that if the president is coming, we will be asked to issue a statement but there has been no such instruction. Vanguard however submitted that "as at the time of filing this report late Tuesday night, there was no confirmation to the effect that the presidential aircraft had left London and there was no movement within the Presidential Villa to support the rumour." In its report, the Vanguard had alleged that the presidential plane had departed from London Legit.ng had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari's aircraft was spotted in a parking space in London. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app According to viral reports online, it costs a whooping 4000 every 24 hours to use a parking lot. This has raised concerned in the minds of Nigerians as to why the aircraft is 'waiting' for the president to get well. Some also concluded that if the aircraft is in a parking lot, waiting for the president to be fine, it means the crew members are also in London. Watch this video as Nigerians speak on President Buhari's two years in office: Source: Legit.ng We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you personalised advertising. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy "No stress us": Lovely video emerges as Nigerian man refuses to kneel down and engage his girl, causes stir A Nigerian man has attracted attention on social media after he refused to kneel and propose to his woman. According to the man, there is no need for the drama. - The Yoruba Liberation Command recently called for their region to be declared the Oduduwa republic, a new country - The Yoruba people in the 19 northern states of the federation said they are not part of the agitation - The also denied ever being consulted before the announcement for Oduduwa Republic was made The Yoruba people in the northern part of Nigeria have warned those currently agitating for the Odudwa Republic saying the latter was on its own. Led by Dr Jimoh Aiyelangbe, the acting president-general, the Yoruba communities in the 19 northern states and Abuja, said they should be counted out of the agitation. Speaking in Kano in response to a recent agitation by the Yoruba Liberation Command (YOLICOM), Aiyelangbe said nothing concerning the issue was every brought to his notice. READ ALSO: How Igbo businesses have suffered because of agitation for Biafra - Orji Kalu Our president general died recently and before he passed on he never discussed anything like that with me or any principal officer of our association. So, as far as Yoruba communities are concerned here in the North, we are not behind the agitation for Oduduwa Republic. The agitators should rule us out of it; we have not had any discussion with anybody about Yoruba secession and therefore we are not supporting it, he reportedly said adding that they were better off in Nigeria. You know, when a young man is looking for money, he will use any opportunity that comes his way. But even at that one has to look for a better way to earn money. To be honest with you, the agitators of Oduduwa Republic are looking for nothing but money, Aiyelangbe said. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Legit.ng recently reported that amid agitation for Biafra Republic in the southeast, a southwest group, the Yoruba Liberation Command (YOLICOM) has declared secession from Nigeria. The group which made the declaration in Lagos on Thursday, July 27, sought the creation of Oduduwa Republic. Watch this exclusive interview with leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu: Source: Legit.ng On August 2, 1997, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, also professionally known as Fela Kuti and simply Fela died. Even in death, Fela was as mysterious, many said he died of complications related to HIV/AIDS although there has been no definitive proof. Twenty years later, on August 2, 2017, Fela stays true to his title of Abami Eda (a Yoruba appellation loosely translated mysterious or weird creature), his song lyrics, his politics and many brushes with the authorities as he stood against oppression continue to inspire many. Some of his quotes are found in his songs and speeches, and till this day Nigerians continually infuse them in everyday speech. 1. As a play on the 'A fool at 40 quote', Fela once said:"They say a fool at 40's a fool forever. I won't say that to my brother. Change if you're a fool at 20/30. Don't wait until u're 40." 2. Most of his songs are filled with powerful imagery and metaphors. In 'Water no get enemy', he said:"Water e no get enemy. If you fight am unless you wan die. I dey talk of black power." READ ALSO: Why 2baba wasn't allowed to use Fela's Afrika shrine for his protest - Femi Kuti 3. As a revolutionary who was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs, Fela was constantly frustrated by the willingness of Nigerians to accept oppression. He said:My people are scared of the air around them, they always have an excuse not to fight for freedom." 4. He was also constantly interested in the human idea of religion and spirituality, he once said: To be spiritual is not by praying and going to church. Spiritualism is the understanding of the universe so that it can be a better place to live in." 5. Everyday Nigeria is filled with people suffering at the expense of corrupt politicians and ineffectual leaders and Fela Kuti aptly captured it in his song: 'Shuffering and Smiling'. Singing:"My people dey 'shuffering' and 'smiling', everyday na the same thing. Suffer, suffer for world, enjoy for heaven." 6. Fela had many run-ins with law enforcement due to his radical stance and views. On one occasion his home, Kalakuta Republic in Ikeja was attacked. He was severely beaten and almost all his property destroyed. READ ALSO: Top 7 incredible facts about Fela Kuti Many think this was a fallout of one of his most controversial songs 'Zombie' in which he launched a scathing attack on the Nigerian military and law enforcement methods. "Zombie, oh, zombie, Zombie no go go unless you tell am to go, Zombie no go stop unless you tell am to stop. No brake, no jam, no sense. Joro jara joro," Fela sang. 7. He also criticised black women who bleached their skin in 'Yellow Fever' singing:"Yellow Fever, you dey bleach o, you dey bleach, ugly thing. Who say you fine? Na lie." You can catch a glimpse into Fela's mind and his obsession with authenticity in this video interview: His radical nature of course led to making enemies among some Nigerian leaders. In 2016, Felas son, Seun Kuti took to his facebook page to share details of how late Moshood Abiola got his father arrested. Legit.ng reported that in the post titled, Give me sh*t; I give u sh*t!!, Seun dished out history about the hidden truth on how Abiola, his wife; Ibrahim Babangida and Olusegun Obasanjo got Fela Kuti arrested. Watch this Legit.ng video as Nigerians speak on Fela Kuti: Source: Legit.ng - Femi Fani-Kayode has appealed to former Vice President Atiku to return to PDP - Fani-Kayode said APC is divided and the party will soon disintegrate Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has appealed to Nigeria's former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, to return to his former party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fani-Kayode said the opposition party where Abubakar belonged to, All Progressives Congress (APC), is dying and the party is in disunity. He urged the former vice president under the Olusegun Obasanjo's administration to return to PDP. READ ALSO: Presidential jet allegedly departs from London Fani-Kayode, in a tweet, described Abubakar as a man of courage. He tweeted: "The APC Nigeria is divided and is dying. I call on Atiku, a man of courage,to return back to PDP. We love u and that is your home." Recall that Atiku left PDP to join APC on February 2, 2014, after he served as a two term vice president under the platform of PDP. Fani-Kayode's plea for Abubakar's return to the party is coming few weeks after he described the exit of another party member, Doyin Okupe as a big loss to PDP. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, has described his party, APC, as undemocratic in the way its leaders carry out their activities. Legit.ng learnt that Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, lamented the alleged refusal of the party to organise statutory meetings for the organs of the party. The former vice president, who spoke at the second Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) annual conference 2017 on internal democracy, complained about the alleged lack of internal democracy in the APC and other parties. Watch video of Nigerian man lamenting about APC: Source: Legit.ng - The minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, seeks to enforce the EFCCs compliance with the regulation on the prosecution of serious cases - Some EFCC sources suggest Malami is seeking to take over the prosecution of cases handled by the commission in order to water down the anti-graft war - But sources at the attorney-generals office say Malami is only trying to reassert himself having been persistently sidelined by the anti-graft agencies The minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, has accused Ibrahim Magu of breaching the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rules on prosecutions. READ ALSO: Presidential jet allegedly departs from London The Cable, citing an EFCC source, reports that the office of the minister of justice on Tuesday, August 1, served a letter to the EFCC seeking compliance with the regulation on the prosecution of serious cases. The letter from the attorney-general accused the EFCC of breaching section 10(1) of the EFCC (Enforcement) regulations 2010. Section 10(1) of the regulation mandated the anti-graft agency to forward the outcome of investigations along with its recommendations to the AGF in cases or complaints that are serious or complex. According to the regulation, a case is considered serious or complex if it has significant international dimension or involves money or assets of a value exceeding N50 million. Other categories of serious cases include those that require specialised knowledge of financial, commercial, fiscal or regulatory matters such as the operations of the markets, banking systems, trusts or tax regimes. It is also covers allegations of fraudulent activities against numerous victims, involves a significant loss of money by a ministry or department or public body, is likely to be of widespread public concern or involves an alleged misconduct which amounts to economic sabotage. In the above cases, the regulation states that after the anti-graft agency has concluded its investigations, it is then left to the office of the AGF to decide whether or not there are sufficient grounds to initiate prosecution. However, some EFCC sources have suggested Malami is seeking to take over the prosecution of cases handled by the commission in order to water down the anti-graft war. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app This claim was however dismissed by sources at the attorney attorney-generals office who said Malami was only trying to reassert himself having been persistently sidelined by the anti-graft agencies under his supervision. Meanwhile, Abubakar Malami has reportedly blamed the Senate for the inability of the government to spend recovered funds. Legit.ng reports that the federal government has maintained it is making steady efforts at recovering looted funds, but there has been inability to spend same for developmental purposes. According to The Nation, Malami further said the legistlature has the responsibility of ensuring that suspected looters do not get bail from the courts adding that they must amend existing laws to that effect. In the video below; the EFCC organised a march tagged walk against corruption in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Source: Legit.ng Editor's note: Salawu Ahmed Olatidoye in this piece urges Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to continue the monthly environmental sanitation exercise which was one of the ways the state has been able to control flood and other disasters. It is no news that Lagos and some other states has been experiencing flood in recent times. In fact, the almighty Lekki and its environs are not spared. The flood so much covered the roads and floated cars like papers. The super homes were ravaged with flood and became a pool of some sort. Interestingly, we all know the cause. Rain? Of course NO! It has been raining in Lagos before people started living in it. Successive generations have been able to manage heavier flood in the past. And in fact, the mainlands and its environs had been at the receiving end of the flood. But this year, almost every part of Lagos had its share. READ ALSO: Open letter to Nnamdi Kanu from Anambra APC guber aspirant One of the ways the state has been able to control flood and other disaster is the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. This exercise has become a culture in Lagos for decades. The result has been so encouraging that other states had to copy it from Lagos in order to promote public health. Every success must have its own challenges. The major challenge of the environmental sanitation exercise is the restriction of movement and its enforcement. Many residents of the state had complained bitterly about the way enforcement officers assault residents in the name of enforcement. Due to this restriction, a resident of the state, Faith Okafor sued the Lagos State Government for unlawfully restricting her movement. She won at the Appeal Court in Lagos on the 9th of November, 2016. The court banned the state government from further restricting anyone's movement within Lagos state at any time or day whatsoever on the basis of environmental sanitation exercise as there is no written Law to that effect. With this verdict and other issues, the Lagos state government swiftly responded by stopping the exercise. This came as a relief to the residents but it also added to the woes of the state as residents have neglected environmental exercise totally. Many areas are now refuse site and gutters/drainages are turned refuse dump. This has affected the free flow of water within the state. It has also affected public health in many ramifications. With its consequences glaring to everyone, I believe the government should revisit the environmental exercise and look for ways to modify it rather than abolish it completely. It is a common knowledge that Nigerians find it hard to do the right thing except they are forced to do so. Little wonder successive administration has to enforce the policy. However, if the court has declared that restricting people's movement is illegal because it is not in any written Law, the government can sponsor a bill to the Lagos House of Assembly to legalise the exercise. Better still, the government can modify the exercise in a way it would not totally restrict the movement of the residents but would achieve its purpose. With these, issues like flooding and public health hazard among others would be reduced to the barest minimum. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@corp.legit.ng drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page! In the video below, Legit.ng TV asked some Nigerians what they have to say about President Buharis absence away from the country for so long. Source: Legit.ng The News in Brief The 48th IPRM meeting takes place in Gali The 48th meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), chaired by the UN, with the participation of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), was held in Gali on 26 July 2017. The meeting was conducted in constructive and business-like atmosphere. Well-known concerns were reiterated regarding the case of the 19 May 2016 fatal shooting in Khurcha. The doors for further dialogue were left open. The participants exchanged information about one detention case. They also shared information regarding crossing documents for residents of the Gali District. The Georgian participants presented information about rebranding of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Special Task Department, stationed along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) and informed about the upcoming "Noble Partner 2017" multinational exercise. The next IPRM meeting will take place in Gali on 19 September 2017. (EUMM) ,b>Former member of Alliance of Patriots accuses faction chairman of abducting, beating, threatening and torturing him Irakli Lataria, the former head of the Analytical Service of the Alliance of Patriots, accuses faction chairman Giorgi Lomia of abducting him through cheating, beating, threatening and torturing him. Irakli Lataria told journalists that the incident occurred in October last year. According to him, in he was taken awayfrom his home to the office of the Alliance of Patriots located at the Cinema House. Lataria says that Kenkabashvili, who, according to him, was an active police officer, asked him to leave the house. Kenkabashvili told him that he had his personal correspondence which included aggressive phrases about Davit Tarkhan-Mouravi, to which Lataria replied that he had not done any such thing. "He told me that one of his colleagues sent him photos of texts, which were taken out of the context and would be perceived as a cursing. He told me that I had to kill myself or they would surely kill me, as they had done so such many things in the past," said Irakli Lataria. According to him, he was then brought to the office of the Alliance of Patriots, where Giorgi Lomia came and they started to beat him. Lataria also alleges that Kenkebashvili beat him with a weapon. As for why he had been hiding this fact, Lataria said he was afraid as he was threatened with abduction or assaults on his wife. (IPN) Russian Patriarch Meets Anatoly Bibilov in Moscow Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill hosted the new South Ossetian leader, Anatoly Bibilov, on July 25 in Moscow. According the Russian Patriarchate, the two discussed the religious situation in South Ossetia, relations between the Russian and the Ossetian peoples, and other issues of mutual interest. It also said that Patriarch Kirill congratulated the regions new leader on his victory in the April presidential polls. Bibilovs office reported in its press release of the meeting that the two spoke on the ongoing construction of the Russian Orthodox cathedral in Tskhinvali, as well as the possibility of sending the regions residents in the Russian religious seminaries. In an interview after the meeting, Bibilov said he intended to intensify relations with the Russian Orthodox Church, adding that Orthodox Christianity is the primary religion of the republic [South Ossetia], and we will surely be strengthening it. An official representative of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Father Kakhaber Gogotishvili, told civil.ge that the Russian Patriarch has so far been recognizing that Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia is under the jurisdiction of the Georgian Orthodox Church. This is what we have heard until now, but I am not familiar with what they said after the meeting, he noted, adding that if the Russian Orthodox Church intends to conduct activity in the territory under the jurisdiction of the Georgian Orthodox Church, it has to address and obtain permission from the Georgian Patriarchate. (civil.ge) Editor's note: All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the Anambra 2017 election, Comrade Eze Harris Chuma, writes an open letter to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In the letter, Chuma congratulates Kanu on his effort to give Ndigbo a true sense of belonging and telling him his method would not allow the achievements of Biafra to come to pass. Dear Mazi, It is a great pleasure to reach your esteemed self through this medium. It became necessary at this critical time of the year when governorship electioneering campaign is set to commence in my darling state Anambra. I could not have reached you through no other means than the open letter having failed largely due to the high walls erected by over zealous inner caucus members of your group IPOB. I was also denied your telephone contact by disciples and apostles with Baltic claims of guards almost always in the habit of shielding you away from suspected people of opposite stance. READ ALSO: N-power releases new information for N-teach applicants Mazi, I sincerely write you this minute, firstly, to congratulate you on your dogged effort to give Ndigbo a true sense of belonging in the burgeoning political irrelevance since 2015 general elections, unfortunate era of political blunder witnessing majority of our people who believed Dr Goodluck Jonathan was Azikiwe of the erroneous moment. when all the eggs laid in one rickety basket got smashed and the catastrophic aftermath. Through unpatriotically orchestrated media onslaught against the Federal Government of Nigeria, Mazi you have overwhelmingly succeeded in rejuvenating the centurion call to end the brazen marginalization of the Southeastern Nigerian. Now, powers that be are looking eastwards and paying greater attention to our needs, yearnings and aspirations as legitimate constituent members of the federation. Events of the moment have objectively rekindled the fire of brotherhood once lost amongst Ndigbo, that it appears we are speaking undoubtedly in coordinated voices of late. Much as I would like to continue pouring sincere encomium on your recent profound achievements as an activists(because I don't know you as a separatist) permit me to beckon your attention and redirect your focus on issues capable of erasing the hard earned and wildly celebrated accolades enrooted in the struggle to better the lives of the people of Igbo origin. While in London championing the Radio Biafra activities, Mazi your stint in broadcast greatly influenced the thoughts and lifestyle of your audience who quickly keyed into your laudable project and rendered massive support in kind and cash for the IPOB cause. Critics had posited that It was vulgarity and hate speeches on Radio Biafra that shutdown Igbo elites and revered intellectuals interest in the IPOB cause. This was evident when you were thrown into jail, awaiting trials. Mazi, I remember with nostalgia in 2013 when the Radio Biafra transmitter meant for Enugu was procured and you were shopping for the Director, you got connected to me through one Lady Rita Anigbogu your former deputy (now Leader of MOBIN) who was a strong member of Igbo cultural ambassadors in Lagos. Severally, you engaged me on phone urging me to get in involved in Radio Biafra activities, even proposed that I handled the Enugu Station, which I declined after listening to your live broadcast via links you sent. Obviously, I was quite uncomfortable with your confrontational mannerisms as carelessly exhibited on air. Unarguably, the self-determination gospel was clear but the approach and methodology was uncouthly, the style archaic, and the struggle a hard buy. Soon, it became a battle for survival, the long arm of the law was visited on you, and co travellers. Many of us though not comfortable with your style began to cry out for your freedom. I still recollect and vividly too a YouTube video that went viral demanding for your release. Yes I had to make the demand to persuade a fast tracked litigation processes (see Anambra APC GUBER ASPIRANT CALLS FOR MAZI NNAMDI KANU RELEASE on YouTube). Eventually, you were released on stringent bail conditions as it were, but you have thrown caution in the wind and relapsed into your stereotyped style of agitation. Mazi, you should know by now that Ndigbo have risen in demand for equity and freedom from the firm grip of injustices meted on the region by past and present political leadership in Nigeria. Also, You should know that Ndigbo cannot settle for another civil war because we are yet to recover from the last mortal combat that sucked innocent bloods. You should know that in politics, it is better to dialogue than to fight. Demanding for 'Referendum' that is presently not enshrined in the Nigeria constitution cannot be attained without due dialogue, and enduring intellectual gymnastics political persuasions. You should know by now that the crowd you are talking to at every rally cannot lobby for the attainment of the set goals. They know nothing more than 'give us Biafra. Yes they sleep it, walk it, talk it and eat it but cannot provoke strategical and tactical means of achieving it. You should know that majority of your fans who now claim IPOB membership need to be given the right orientation for it has become clear to everyone that they are ignorant of what referendum is and the procedural approach. You should know that character attributes and dispositions of your fans and fanatic followers are getting issues hugely complicated. It's high time you called them to order and let them know what you know. Mazi, when you told your fans and fanatic followers to boycott elections in Anambra, and they went about town shouting "no election does that not tell you what lies ahead is defeat against the original plan, against the struggle , against the dream of a better Nation devoid of injustices, inequities, and unfairness. Don't you think your strategy this time will set you against the rights of people supposedly being fought for? Don't you think your inability to step down from the emperor stool and dialogue with relevant Igbo associations, think thanks ,elder state men, Leaders of thoughts, seasoned legal luminaries, traditional rulers, clergymen, would give a clearer direction? Truth be told , your fans and fanatic followers need to be enlightened on the best and surest way to make the dream of a better nation possible. It is not late to call them to order and explain better in the language they understand. No one is more Igbo than the other. No one is more BIAFRAN in spirit than the other. There is no family in Igbo land without a scar of Nigeria/Biafra Civil war. Call your ardent followers to order. Civil disobedience is mostly better observed and or practised by civil minds! I hope that this letter will get to you before the commencement of electioneering campaigns in Anambra this September. I'm quite optimistic your fans and unrepentant followers have their benefactors in the race for Guber seat. Surely, they will do the needful to remain relevant, in the general scheme of things. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app God bless you for reading this letter from a core BIAFRAN in Nigeria. Regards Comr Eze Harris Chuma Ogene Ndigbo Ezeomenani The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@corp.legit.ng drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page! See how Nnamdi Kanu addressed his followers recently: Source: Legit.ng - Hamzat was caught with the body of the late teenage boy in the boot of his car - 27-year-old Idowu Ibrahim, 23-year-old Taiwo Olaronke, Mohammed Bashir 31, and 23-year-old Yusuff Ajisafe, were also arrested alongside Oriyomi - These three were arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and murder Popular radio presenter in Ibadan, Oyo state, Oriyomi Hamzat, was on Tuesday, August 1, arraigned before a Magistrates court for the alleged murder of a 17-year-old boy. Police arrested the defendant after the body of the young man was found in his car, Punch reports. Legit.ng gathered that 27-year-old Idowu Ibrahim, 23-year-old Taiwo Olaronke, Mohammed Bashir 31, and 23-year-old Yusuff Ajisafe were also arrested alongside Oriyomi and were arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and murder. READ ALSO: Presidential jet allegedly departs from London It was learnt that the deceased was an orphan raised in an unregistered orphanage home, which allegedly belongs to the suspect. The prosecutor, Sunday Fatola, told the court that Hamzat and others on July 21, 2017, at about 4am, in the Oremeji Agugu area of Ibadan, conspired together to commit murder. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app It was noted that Fatola explained that the suspects unlawfully caused the death of the victim by inflicting an injury on his head and body. The magistrate, Adebisi, ordered that the accused be remanded in the Agodi prison pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The matter was however adjourned till September 5, 2017. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that a young female lawyer identified as Jemaimah Kalu recounted the story of how she escaped from ritualists who kidnapped her. The young lady noted that she experienced the horrible incident in 2014, when she was studying at the Lagos Law School. Watch video of Legit.ng TV's visit to Evans the kidnapper's house. Source: Legit.ng - Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi listed the lack of discipline, lack of sanctions, lack of monitoring and the lack of evaluation as the four major problems aiding corruption in Nigeria - While bashing companies doing business in Africa for taking their money to tax havens to avoid payment of taxes, the Emir of Kano also scolded Nigerians for their refusal to pay taxes - The monarch appealed to the media to keep monitoring corruption cases, and reminding the EFCC about them The Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has been given some profound advice by the Emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, about how to effectively wage war against corruption. According to reports, Sanusi stated that unless there are appropriate sanctions for offenders and monitoring of corrupt cases by the media, the war against corruption will not be won. READ ALSO: Lagos will become Africas third largest economy before I die - Olusegun Obasanjo The monarch made his comments on Wednesday August 2, while speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Tax Havens and the Developing World: The Global Dimension, which was organized by the Centre for General Studies in conjunction with the office of International Programmes, University of Ibadan. According to the royal father who was represented by the Sarkin Shanun Kano Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, the four major problems aiding high levels of corruption in Nigeria and other developing countries in Africa and Asia in general are lack of discipline, sanctions, monitoring and evaluation of corrupt cases. He stated: There are four major problems that is aiding corruption in Nigeria. One is lack of discipline, the second one is lack of sanctions, the third is lack of monitoring and the forth is evaluation. Lack of discipline is paramount in this country, if we tell our people to be disciplined, it is the first way to discourage corruption. Lack of sanctions: I know the EFCC man that is here, they are working, they are fine policemen who are good in forensic analysis; but if sanctions can be where they should be, I can tell you that in six months we can fight corruption. Lack of monitoring and evaluation of corruption cases: The press is not monitoring corruption cases. I wish the press can keep their diaries and remind the EFCC of all the corruption cases. There is no monitoring of the cases. I want to suggest this to the conference and I believe this is what the conference will address. Lamenting over the poor rate of tax payment in Africa, Sanusi stated that most Nigerians quote laws to disobey the laws at the expense of the countrys socio-economic development. He also lamented over the fact that most companies and individuals who are supposed to pay taxes in developing countries in Africa and Asia hide under the guise of tax havens, in order to avoid tax payment. He stated: Most Nigerians do want to pay tax, most Nigerians uses laws to disobey the law. Most individuals and companies in Africa and Asia prefer to take their money to tax havens to avoid payment of taxes. Corruption is the biggest problem that is encouraging tax heaven. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a report by Reuters revealed that president Muhammadu Buhari's anti-corruption war has stalled. The report which looked into the nature of the fight against corruption in Nigeria by the current administration, said president Buhari has achieved very little. The report noted that some of the processes the administration put in place to prosecute the war were weak and not long-lasting. Watch this Legit.ng TV video of EFCC staff staging a walk against corruption: Source: Legit.ng Honolulu targets smartphone zombies with crosswalk ban Reuters (CL). Oklahoma Police Chief Gives Himself A Ticket For Speeding HuffPo. So meta. Earnings shenanigans underpin Wall Street record FT. Return on invested capital paints much less flattering picture of company valuations. This 1 number sums up why that Foxconn deal is over-the-top bad for Wisconsin MarketWatch Foxconn Deal Lets Company Ignore Wisconsin Environmental Protection Laws David Sirota, International Business Times Googles chief search engineer legitimizes new censorship algorithm WSWS. Over the transom via email, we get this handy chart of the sites censored by Google: Remember Dont be evil? Good times Passenger rights group wins court victory in fight to keep airline seats from shrinking LA Times LEGO Tests Bricks Made From Wheat in Effort to Ditch Plastic EcoWatch (MT). How to Clean Up Hundreds of Tons of Melted Nuclear Fuel Bloomberg U.S. Nuclear Comeback Stalls as Two Reactors Are Abandoned NYT The Biggest Worry for British Bankers Isnt Brexit Bloomberg Brexit Everything you need to know about the EU agencies leaving London because of Brexit Politico Government ignored expert advice and relaxed laws on sale of acids used in recent attacks Independent More than half of young people in Ireland would join a mass uprising against the government Independent Syraqistan India Venezuela U.S. sanctions Venezuelan President Maduro and labels him a dictator McClatchy. In this, of course, as with the Syrian drone strikes, The Blob will hail Trump for his singular blend of moderation, strength, and statesmanship Venezuela accuses Rubio, CIA of plotting to topple Caracas government Miami Herald. The fact that Venezuela has the worlds largest oil reserves goes oddly unmentioned in most coverage. Venezuela in Crisis CFR. For perspective, an extract from commentary provided to NC in mail by a South American journalist who writes extensively about politics: [M]y position on Chavismo right now is that its authoritarian turn is only going to get worse and the awful economic crisis is likely to continue for a long time because it doesnt seem like they have any viable plan to get out of it. So the left will only look increasingly out of touch if it reflexively sides with the government. What needs to be done is contextualize Chavismo historically, explaining 1) why it was so wildly successful politically (it gave political participation, economic aid and so on to the countrys historically excluded majorities, it defied the historical imperial tendencies of the US in the region. and the classist control of the country by an elite that was much much better at self-perpetuation than at developing the country, etc.) BUT ALSO 2) what they got wrong economically and how they kept digging into that hole because it was easier politically to continue focusing rhetorically on evil enemies than to accept their own huge f*ck-ups, leading them into todays escalating authoritarianism (though they still try to keep it democratic on appearance, but its less and less so). How to deal with Venezuela The Economist. The opposition, a variegated alliance long on personal ambition and short of cohesion, needs to do far more to become a credible alternative government. That includes agreeing on a single leader. Idea: Ahmed Chalabi! US Vice-President Pence Telephones Venezuelas Leopoldo Lopez Venezuelan Analysis Venezuela Coup Could Blow Up Huge In Many Nations Of The Region Moon of Alabama Which Way Out of the Venezuelan Crisis? Jacobin Yves here. Normally, I would treat this sort of right wing effort at cultural engineering as noise, but upon reflection, that might not be so smart. Not paying attention to persistent right wing messaging was what allowed the intellectually incoherent free markets ideology to become ascendant. By Matt Bruenig, who writes about politics, the economy, and political theory, with a focus on issues that affect poor and working people. He has written for The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, The New Republic, The American Prospect, In These Times, Jacobin, Dissent, Salon, The Week, Gawker and at his home base of sorts: Demos Policy Shop. Follow him on Twitter: @mattbruenig. Originally published at his website This post was originally intended for the launch of the Peoples Policy Project website. But as that is running behind schedule, I figure I will post it here. The Success Sequence is back! The ad-hoc anti-poverty process first endorsed by Isabell Sawhill and Ron Haskins at the Brookings Institute has been picked up by Brad Wilcox and Wendy Wang at AEI. George Will also recently mailed in a column on the topic by doing a rewrite of the AEI product. Ive written before about some of the problems with this particular framework, but in light of this new push, it is worth rehashing them here. The Curious Case of the Different Success Sequences If you are a long-time observer of the Success Sequence community (like I am), you may have noticed something a little strange about it. Though everyone in this community claims they are interested in the same anti-poverty process, in reality, each publication defines the Success Sequence somewhat differently. And those differences tell you a lot about what actually motivates the folks who push this concept. For Sawhill and Haskins, the Success Sequence consists of the following five rules (they express them as three rules, but their third rule is a compound rule that I prefer to break up): Graduate high school. Get a full-time job. Get married before having children. Wait until at least age 21 to get married. Wait until at least age 21 to have children. In their AEI paper, Wilcox and Wang claim to be using the Sawhill and Haskins Success Sequence and even cite to their work. But they arent actually. The Wilcox and Wang Success Sequence has only three rules: Graduate high school. Get a full-time job. Get married before having children. Rules four and five, the delay-marriage and delay-parenting rules, are gone! What happened to them? How could such an oversight have been made? The answer is pretty obvious. Wilcox dropped the delay-marriage and delay-parenting rules because they do not mesh with his particular conservative worldview. His cultural and religious commitments make him uncomfortable advocating for the delay of marriage and childbirth. So he doesnt. Sawhill and Haskins have no similar compunction. In fact, Sawhill so loves delaying childbirth that she has spent the last few years of her professional life advocating that we fight poverty by giving poor women free IUDs so that they dont have poor children, a borderline-eugenic proposal that oddly attracted praise from some prominent liberals. This discrepancy between Haskins/Sawhill and Wilcox/Wang reveals that many of the rules of the Success Sequence are just the tacked-on cultural preferences of the authors. The rules to delay marriage and parenting after age 21 do not really do anything to cut down on poverty, which is why Wilcox can easily drop them and still arrive at a low-poverty rate for Success Sequence followers. But the delay rules do not actually cut down poverty because none of the rules provide meaningful poverty reduction after you have applied the full-time work rule. The authors in the Success Sequence community smuggle their cultural views into the anti-poverty debate by embedding them into a sequence with full-time work, which drives nearly all of the low-poverty outcomes that they find. When their superfluous cultural preferences collide with one another, they end up coming up with different Success Sequences. Trying to promote your cultural views as the panacea to poverty is a smart strategic move. It brings attention to your cause in excess of what it would otherwise get. Just look at the education reform folks who have been doing the same thing for decades. But one does have to wonder how a teenager reading this literature will be able to figure out which set of competing cultural preferences swirling around in the Success Sequence community constitutes the One True Success Sequence. Work Does All of the Work I noted this briefly in the prior section, but it deserves further explanation. You can demonstrate (as I have) that full-time work is responsible for the low-poverty results of the various Success Sequences. But you dont even need to do that. Its perfectly obvious if you just think about it for a second. A full-time worker who is paid the $7.25 minimum wage has an annual income of $15,080. If they live alone, the poverty line for their one-person family is $12,486. Since $15,080 is greater than $12,486, no full-time worker who lives alone is in poverty, at least as poverty is measured in the official statistics. What this means is: a person can only be in poverty (1) if they do not work full time or (2) if they live with other people who do not work full time. If the Success Sequence was not just a vehicle for litigating cultural beefs, what it would really say is that individuals wanting to minimize their risk of poverty should work full time and live alone. Or, if individuals insist on living with others, they should only live with other full-time workers, such as in a double-income-no-kid (DINK) arrangement. Stay away from children, individuals with a work-limiting disability, elderly people, students, unpaid family carers, and those prone to joblessness. If you keep these types of people out of your household and make sure you work full time, you will never be in poverty. Thats the truth. Despite what the Success Sequence says, marriage does not help you except insofar as marrying adds another full-time worker to the family. If it does not do that because the person you are marrying has a disability or some other work limitation, then marriage will actually increase your risk of poverty. A high school degree does not do much for you either. It might help you get a higher wage, but minimum wage keeps you out of poverty anyways. A minimum wage could leave you in poverty if you have dependents you are caring for (such as children), and in those cases a higher wage driven by a high school degree might pull you out of poverty. But if you have found yourself in a household with dependents, you are already ignoring the most correct wisdom about staying out of poverty, which is to never live with non-workers. To be clear, I am not actually saying people should pursue a life where they either live alone or only with other full-time workers. My personal view here is that our economic institutions, and especially our welfare state, should be designed to ensure that nobody is in poverty and that people can form the families they would like. But in our current economic system, it is the no-dependent lifestyle described above that actually minimizes your risk of poverty, not the lifestyle envisioned by the Success Sequence. What About the System? Success Sequence writing, like so much other writing on poverty, proceeds by cherry-picking some characteristics that are more prevalent among those in poverty and then identifying those characteristics as the causes of poverty. In the case of the Success Sequence, the causes are low work activity, low education, no marriage, or insufficient delaying of childbirth and marriage. But it could be anything. Find some variable, do a regression, and you have finally proved where poverty comes from. The problem with this type of theorizing is that it ignores the role of the system. Any given cause you identify can only result in poverty if the economic system allows it to do so. Thus, in all cases, the way we have set up the economic system to distribute income in society is a necessary cause of any observed poverty. This might seem like a cute point, but it is not. Few would quibble with it if we were debating health uninsurance rather than poverty. Just like with poverty, you can find all sorts of things that are correlated with high rates of health uninsurance, including low work activity, low education, and so on. But if someone were to say something like single motherhood is responsible for health uninsurance, the most obvious response would be only in America. Not in Canada, where everyone has insurance. Not in the UK, where everyone has insurance. Not anywhere in the developed world where universal health care is the norm. Just as we can set up our system to ensure nobody is without health insurance, we can also set it up to insure that nobody has an income level below the poverty line, if we want to. The Garbage Generation? As a final note, I think it would be fun to ask ourselves how many people have followed the Success Sequence throughout history. If this really is a standalone indicator of virtue, rather than a contemporary backfilled set of cultural grievances calibrated to blame the poor for their plight, then surely it will have some sort of universal applicability. At minimum, surely it would describe the typical behavior of people in our own country just a few decades ago, right? Wrong! Remember the first prong of the Success Sequence is to graduate high school. In 1940, three-fourths of adults aged 25 and over lacked a high school degree. Even as late as 1966, the majority of adults had no such degree. Was the Greatest Generation really the Garbage Generation? Young parenting, discouraged by Sawhill/Haskins but not Wilcox/Wang, was also far more prevalent in the past than now. The CDC data only goes back to 1970, but in that year, the mean age of first birth was 21.4. This means that nearly half of the women in that period were violating the delay-childbirth rule. One might respond to this point by saying those were different times. That was then. This is now. But this is precisely my point. What we have in the Success Sequence is not some kind of time-immemorial wisdom about how to live a virtuous life. Indeed, if the Success Sequence were applied backward in time, it would conclude that almost everyone who has ever lived in the world is an immoral wreck. Instead of providing generalizable guidance about the good life, what the Success Sequence does is offer up a totally ad-hoc set of rules that are plausible enough within the context of contemporary lifestyles to allow conservatives to say personal failures are the cause of poverty in society. When contemporary lifestyles change, the Success Sequence will have to be rewritten because it will sound just as absurd as the current Success Sequence would sound to Americans in the middle of the last century. Fifty years from now, conservatives will write op-eds saying the real trick to staying out of poverty is a college degree, cohabitation, and delaying child birth to age 30. No Success Sequence will stay around if it stops describing most middle class lives or if it begins to describe too many poor lives. The goalposts will shift constantly but the conclusion will always remain the same: the poor did this to themselves and the rich should be spared from higher taxes. Yves here. I anticipate a lot of readers will react strongly, as in negatively, to this post, but its important that you read it carefully through to the end. Note that the author is not a NAFTA tout; she says clearly that the economic benefits to the US overall were marginal and that it created a lot of losses to US workers. However, she is arguing, as they say in Maine, You cant get there from here. Elimination of NAFTA will not restore status quo ante. NAFTA has created 20 years of supply-chain integration across the US, Canada, and Mexico, and undoing that is about as easy as unscrambling an omelet. While in a different world, a dissolution of NAFTA might benefit workers after an initial shock period, give the degree of global trade integration, European and Asian producers would take market share from North American players that were scrambling to reorganize how they operate. Mind you, the author is discussing only the simple get rid of NAFTA plan to illustrate the general problem. And Trump appears to have retreated from that position already. However, there are presumably more targeted ways to rework NAFTA so that more of the benefits of supply chain integration accrue to workers than do now. One of the most glaring features of the US economy since the early 2000s is that the corporate profits as a percent of GDP has nearly doubled, and that level is also nearly double a level Warren Buffett once deemed to be unsustainably high. So I hope readers will pipe up in comments with some ideas as to how to address the conundrum posed by integrated supply chains. By Emily Blanchard, Associate Professor at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College. Originally published at VoxEU Editors note: This column first appeared as a chapter in the Vox eBook, Economics and policy in the Age of Trump, available to download here. The Trump administration has been outspoken in its criticism of NAFTA, which the president has called the worst deal ever made. This column, taken from a recent Vox eBook, argues that reversing the current NAFTA policy environment would not simply wind back the clock to the pre-agreement economy from 20-plus years ago. Instead, it would throw spanners and blockages into todays very different and deeply integrated North American economy. The Trump administration has been outspoken in its criticism of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which the president has called the worst deal ever made. This disparagement is not just campaign season hyperbole. Closing in on his hundredth day in office, Trump reportedly drafted though ultimately nixed an Executive Order withdrawing the US from the agreement (Financial Times 2017). He has also repeatedly issued public promises to renegotiate or withdraw from the pact: If they dont treat [us] fairly, I am terminating NAFTA.1 At the same time, supporters of the deal predict calamitous effects of raising barriers between the US and its two closest trading partners, Mexico and Canada. Heres the thing: while NAFTA may have done little to boost or harm overall growth and prosperity on the continent, it has had a powerful role in redefining how and where products are made.2 And so even if NAFTA had been a raw deal, abandoning the agreement could have devastating consequences, especially in the near term. Like it or not, the fortunes of North American firms, workers and consumers are now deeply intertwined through a dense network of regional and global supply chains. This interconnectedness makes the North American economy more competitive with the rest of the world, but also leaves it vulnerable to policy changes. Pulling out of NAFTA would send widespread and long-lasting shock waves throughout the North American economy. To understand why, it helps to first appreciate the extent to which the deal has shaped the current economic landscape of the US, Canada, and Mexico Ask not How Much a Country Makes, But How It Makes It In aggregate terms, NAFTA has had a decidedly modest impact on the size and growth of the North American economy. According to one study (Caliendo and Parro 2015), the overall welfare gains from the tariff reductions under the agreement have been largest for Mexico, at roughly 1.3%, while the US has seen much smaller welfare gains of roughly 0.08%; Canadas welfare is estimated to have fallen by 0.06% as the US shifted commercial attention toward its southern border (see also Hufbauer and Schott 2005, among others). In contrast, the evolution in the composition and pattern of economic activity since NAFTA has been profound. Over the past 20 years, the North American economy has grown up and around and through the policy scaffolding afforded by the provisions of the agreement (Hanson 2001, Bair and Gereffi 2002). According to Caliendo and Parro (2015), the tariff reductions alone under NAFTA caused the volume of intra-North American trade to rise by 41% for the US, 11% for Canada, and more than 118% for Mexico. While NAFTA was neither great nor terrible for the size of the overall economy, it was a game-changer for how the North American economy works. To be clear, not all of the increase in North American trade is due to NAFTA alone. Since (especially) the 1990s, the world has seen a revolution in the nature of global commerce. Technological and logistical innovations (together with increased economic openness) have spurred on the phenomenon known as production fragmentation: the ability to design, source, assemble, and refine products through increasingly complex domestic and global supply networks (Johnson and Noguera 2017, Fort 2017, Bernard et al. 2017). NAFTA did not create these global supply chains, but its rules governing commerce at and behind North American borders allowed them to flourish. The products that Americans consume everything from a toaster to an iPhone or Audi Q5 are produced by combining and recombining constituent parts through often- complex supply networks. These stretch from design to mining and farming of raw materials to construction and marketing of the final goods that ultimately shape our lives. Supply networks weave together the economic fortunes of firms and workers from the headquarters of multinationals and refineries of heavy industry to independent assembly plants, cottage industries, and small farmers. This is especially true in North America, where NAFTAs tariff reductions and deep provisions like regulatory reforms and investment protections have created one of the worlds most integrated regional economies. In turn, greater specialisation and fluidity within the production process has helped to keep North American products competitive with the rest of the world (Hufbauer and Schott 2005). At the same time, production fragmentation has afforded firms and workers the chance to specialise in increasingly narrow slivers of the global production process, carving out a competitive niche in the global marketplace. As a result, more workers and more firms now take part in regional and global trade than ever before.3 Production Fragmentation Rewrites the Book on How to Think About Trade Policy Most importantly from a trade policy perspective, production fragmentation knits together the economic interests of firms (and workers) up and down the supply chain. This 21st century trade also redefines the winners and losers from increased trade: in the era before foreign direct investment and global supply chains, trade liberalisation often benefitted local consumers at the expense of local producers. But with these linkages, the producer-side gains from trade that used to accrue only to foreign exporters are shared and often divided differently on both sides of the border (Blanchard 2010). Consider two scenarios to illustrate the point. In scenario A, a traditional producer in Mexico makes a product (say, camping tents), from start to finish, in its local manufacturing facility, which it then exports to consumers in the US. If the US lowers its tariffs on tents imported from Mexico, more tents are sold and at a lower price, and the gains are split between US consumers and the Mexican producer: end of story. Contrast this with Scenario B, in which the Mexican producer conducts the final assembly of camping tents, using parts (fabric, thread, plastic coatings, metal fittings, etc.) imported from the US and design services developed in Canada. Now, if the US lowers its tariff against tents from Mexico, the producer-side gains will be shared among the downstream Mexican assembly plant, the US suppliers of intermediate inputs and the Canadian design firm.4 These supply chain linkages mean that some potentially even all, depending on the nature of supplier contracts of the production-side gains from trade liberalisation are passed back up the supply chain to upstream firms and workers, including those in the country that is lowering its tariffs. This changes the fundamental calculus of trade protection. By lowering US tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, the NAFTA directly benefits US-based suppliers of inputs used to produce its neighbours exports.5 The more interwoven are North American supply chains, the more broadly shared are the gains from NAFTAs open borders. The Vulnerability of Interdependence The flip side of the new opportunities afforded by open borders and production fragmentation is that some workers (often in the US) have suffered job losses as firms have moved in-house operations abroad (often to Mexico) and away from more expensive existing factories. In the US, these job losses have been highly concentrated in a handful of regions and worker-groups, to devastating local and personal effect (Hakobyan and McLaren 2016). The subsequent populist reaction against globalisation in general, and NAFTA in particular, should not be surprising. And indeed, in 2016, President Trump was elected in part based on his sharp opposition to existing free trade deals. While the deep integration of North American supply chains has increased overall efficiency, it has also sharpened political and economic divisions, and left the economic system more vulnerable to potential disruptions in the freedom to move goods and services across borders. The sitting president has vowed to disrupt the existing NAFTA structure: what is at stake if he does? What Will Happen if NAFTA is Reversed? It cannot be emphasised enough: reversing the current NAFTA policy environment will not simply wind back the clock to the pre-agreement economy from 20-plus years ago. Instead, it would throw spanners and blockages into todays very different and deeply integrated North American economy. Today, much of every of dollar that the US spends on imports from Mexico consists of US value added, the benchmark measure of upstream, supply chain inputs. Due to NAFTAs supply chains, a considerable share of Mexican production consists of Canadian value-added as well. And vice versa. If NAFTA were abandoned, the short-run consequences for firms and consumers could be devastating until or unless global supply chains adjust to a new (or no) NAFTA world (and we do not know how long that would take). Abandoning the key tenets of NAFTA especially vis-a-vis trade with Mexico could have a profound negative impact on the economies of all three signatory nations. According to recent research on the auto industry (Head and Mayer 2016), withdrawing from NAFTA would reduce the USs share of world auto production, not least because it would force an expensive reversal of North American automotive supply chains. One economic simulation predicts that all three NAFTA signatories would suffer losses from a return to MFN tariffs, with the most acute consequences predicted for Canada and Mexico; in contrast, the same simulation predicts that the rest of the world would see a relative gain in market share as North American car makers become less competitive. Under a separate worst-case Trumpit scenario (in which NAFTA is replaced with Trumps threatened 35% tariff against Mexico), the same study predicts that Mexicos share of world auto output would decline by a startling 41%. There is, thus, not only an enormous potential internal cost of withdrawing from NAFTA, but also a potential external cost: retreating from open borders would almost certainly damage North Americas ability to compete with the rest of the world, perhaps dramatically. This relative disadvantage would be compounded by the potential efficiency gains in Factory Asia, already a fierce competitor of the North American economy, if Asia Pacific nations implement RCEP (Chinas proposed regional free trade agreement). Initially an answer to the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership, RCEP is now the only game in town and possibly all the more potent, as a result. Uncertainty isnt Helping Even without renegotiation, uncertainty around even the potential for a NAFTA withdrawal is likely to damage the North American economy. Tough talk on trade has a chilling effect on firms willingness to make new investments or supply contracts on either side of the borders in question. Research demonstrates that even in the absence of actual changes in trade policy, this induced uncertainty can be every bit as costly as tariffs themselves (Handley and Limao 2017). Given the Stakes, What Can We Expect? It is hard to know how the NAFTA shake up will play out. Is the Presidents tough talk just a high-stakes gambit calculated to improve US bargaining positions on the Mexican border wall or the long-standing dispute over Canadian softwood lumber? Or is it possible that core tenets of NAFTA tariffs and other deep provisions (e.g. rules of origin, bilateral safeguard provisions, etc.) are truly on the table? The outcome presumably will hinge on domestic politics, where the competing influences of Trumps populist supporters are pitted against powerful multinational firms who vie for the presidents attention. For much of the 20th century, US trade policy has seemed a better reflection of the latter (e.g. Gawande and Bandyopadhyay 2000, Blanchard and Matschke 2015), but this has proven to be a year of surprises. That said, rhetoric aside, recently leaked documents suggest not an across-the-board increase in tariffs against our trading partners, but a reopening and renegotiating of deep agreement provisions on labour and environmental standards, intellectual property and digital trade protections, state owned enterprises, and rules of origin (Wall Street Journal 2017). Notably, these provisions appear to be close parallels to the proposed building blocks of the now-abandoned Trans-Pacific Partnership. Updating NAFTAs outdated rules would be to everyones benefit. Trade is not a zero-sum game, and if we play our cards right on NAFTA, everyone could gain. But a negotiating misstep could trigger a wholesale collapse of the agreement. Given the extent of deep supply chain connections, there is every reason to expect that severing ties would cause hardship on all sides. Please see original post for references GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. Captain America and the Winter Soldier Special #1 takes Marvel's secret history to a whole new level with a real world historical figure If you know who Gavrilo Princip is, prepare to be shocked The World Economic Forum reported that China had 4.7 million recent STEM ( science, technology, engineering, and math) graduates in 2016. India, another academic powerhouse, had 2.6 million new STEM graduates last year while the U.S. had 568,000. Chinese STEM graduates outnumber US STEM grads 8.2 to 1. The gap is going to become even wider. Even modest predictions see the number of 25 to 34-year-old graduates in China rising by a further 300% by 2030, compared with an increase of around 30% expected in Europe and the United States. By 2030, China and India could account for more than 60% of the Stem graduates in major economies, compared with only 8% in Europe and 4% in the United States. China has been building the equivalent of almost one university per week. It is part of a silent revolution that is causing a huge shift in the composition of the worlds population of graduates. For decades, the United States had the highest proportion of people going to university. They dominated the graduate market. Reflecting this former supremacy, among 55 to 64 year olds almost a third of all graduates in the worlds major economies are US citizens. The National Science Board reviews Science and Engineering Indicators. Engineering, economics and science majors in China all enjoy high starting salaries and the top employment rates. These graduates fill the highest-paid entry positions in the most attractive employment sectors of IT, operations, real estate and finance. Chinese tech graduates do particularly well. In 2015 the top five highest paying graduate jobs were all IT related. The governments Made in China 2025 strategy to become a global high-tech leader in industries such as advanced IT and robotics has created plenty of opportunities for graduates in these fields. Not only are the starting salaries high, but long-term earnings follow a starkly different trajectory. Three years after graduating, the top 15% of engineering, economics and science graduates earn more than double the median salary for other graduates. Despite the rapid increase in the number of university graduates, Chinese companies complain of not being able to find the high-skilled graduates they need. The main deficit is in so-called soft skills such as strong communication, analytical and managerial skills. According to research by McKinsey, there is a short supply of graduates with these assets. You are clearly a super-user of NUVO.net. Thats a good thing. It means you depend on independent and local news sources to keep you informed. You are a smart person. Coincidentally, independent and local news sources depend on you too. Youve read 25 articles this month and now, wed like you to be join our mission and become a NUVO Supporter. For as little as $4 a month, you can keep us alive and fighting -- and can have unlimited access to the independent news that cant be found anywhere else. @alextdaugherty @patriciamazzei Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will challenge Republican Carlos Curbelo to represent voters living in a sprawling Miami-to-Key West district. She doesnt live in the district now, but history shows she has a handy fallback option in the Florida Keys. When Mucarsel-Powell ran for office in 2016 an ultimately unsuccessful bid for a state Senate seat she changed her voter registration two months before Election Day from an out-of-district Pinecrest home she has owned since 2009 to an in-district rental property 60 miles away in the Florida Keys. It was a gambit that allowed her to criticize her competitor for living outside of the district. My opponent cant vote for herself, Mucarsel-Powell tweeted a few weeks before Election Day. Why should the voters of SD 39? After the vote, she switched her registration back to Pinecrest raising the question of whether she ever really lived in the Keys, or simply rented an apartment there because it was good politics. A questionable residency could be fodder for Curbelo and Republicans looking to keep his swing seat. Mucarsel-Powell declined to comment Tuesday. Pressed by the Miami Herald, her campaign produced a lease for a rental property in Islamorada signed on Oct. 9, 2016. The $3,000-a-month lease was set to end in January 2017, but Mucarsel-Powell switched her voter registration to Pinecrest in December. Mucarsel-Powell and her husband have three school-age children. In an interview Monday announcing her candidacy, Mucarsel-Powell acknowledged currently living outside the 26th congressional district and made no claim that shed plan to move there though she said she rents property in the Keys and would love to live there. Thats where my heart is, she said. Members of Congress arent required to live in the districts they represent. In 2016, Mucarsel-Powell was in the midst of an expensive state Senate campaign against Anitere Flores, a Republican with a massive campaign warchest. But both Flores and Mucarsel-Powell shared the same political disadvantage: Neither candidate lived in the sprawling Senate District 39, which closely mirrors Curbelos congressional district, at the start of the campaign. In October, Mucarsel-Powell changed her voter registration from her Pinecrest home to Islamorada, according to voting records in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Four weeks later, on Nov. 5, she touted her vote on Twitter. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and her husband Robert cast their ballots today in Islamorada! A November 2016 Herald story from highlighting candidates who didnt live in their districts identified Mucarsel-Powell as Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Islamorada. But in December 2016, after losing to Flores by about 8 percentage points, Mucarsel-Powell changed her voter registration back to her Pinecrest home, about 5 miles outside the congressional district. Read more here. @PatriciaMazzei A group of well-known local Democrats will collect campaign cash later this month -- for a Republican. Miami Rep. Carlos Curbelo will attend an Aug. 23 fundraising reception hosted by nine Democrats, including former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Homestead Mayor Jeff Porter and Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace, according to an invitation to the event. Curbelo drew his first Democratic opponent with national party backing, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, on Wednesday. The sophomore congressman has campaigned as a moderate -- an image that can only be bolstered with Democratic financial support. Among the Democrats co-hosting the fundraiser are Ira Leesfield, a major Hillary Clinton donor, and attorney Roland Sanchez-Medina. Last year, Sanchez-Medina served as campaign treasurer for Curbelo's Democratic rival, Joe Garcia. "While we don't agree with him on every issue, he is a voice of reason in an increasingly unreasonably partisan world, he works hard to represent Miami-Dade County in Washington, and, in particular, he is trying to bring both parties together for the good of the country," Sanchez-Medina said in an email to the Miami Herald. "We are proud to support Carlos." Some Democrats on the list, including Porter, Wallace, political consultant Freddy Balsera and lobbyist Brian May, have also supported Curbelo in the past. National Democrats consider Curbelo's 26th congressional district, which extends from Westchester to Key West, to be one of the most competitive in the country. If Republicans worry Democratic support could hurt Curbelo's GOP bona fides: Republican Sen. Marco Rubio also plans to host a fundraiser for Curbelo later in August, the Herald has learned. Photo credit: Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press @patriciamazzei @alextdaugherty The top State Department official in charge of Latin America declined Wednesday even when pressed to call a Venezuelan election illegitimate, as evidence mounted that the vote for a new legislative body with nearly unfettered power was fraudulent. Francisco Palmieri, acting assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs, characterized Sundays election as flawed and said the U.S. will not recognize the new constituent assembly once it is seated as early as Wednesday. The election Sunday was a flawed attempt to undermine democratic institutions in Venezuela, Palmieri said at a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing. We support the democratically elected National Assembly in its efforts to promote an enduring, peaceful solution to the crises in Venezuela. Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who was chairing the hearing, wasnt satisfied. So, just to be clear, is it the position of the administration that the vote that occurred on Sunday is illegitimate? Rubio asked. Palmieri repeated himself. Again Rubio asked. Again Palmieri deflected, though each time he inched closer to Rubios position. I know the process was flawed, Rubio said, taking Palmieri to task. The outcome is this new constituent assembly. There cannot be a legitimate National Assembly and a legitimate constituent assembly. If the National Assembly is the only legitimate entity, the constituent assembly by definition is illegitimate. I take your point, Palmieri conceded. Yes, sir. The State Departments resistance to use illegitimate came after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley deployed the word Sunday. The White House, National Security Council and Treasury Department also adopted far harsher language against Venezuela in recent days, branding President Nicolas Maduro a dictator and referring to his government as a dictatorship that could be hit with escalating U.S. sanctions. Critics have argued going hard after Maduros government is counterproductive because it gives him an anti-U.S. cause to rally supporters. Impose all the sanctions you want! Maduro said in a televised speech Monday. The Venezuelan people have decided to be free, and Ive decided to be the president of a free people. In an interview published late Tuesday by Spanish news agency EFE and cited by Rubio, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Michael Fitzpatrick said the U.S. wants dialogue with Maduros government. We respect the official government of Venezuela and of President Maduro at this time, Fitzpatrick said. In contrast, President Donald Trump has vowed strong and swift economic sanctions against Venezuela that have yet to materialize. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who took a few days off last week as the U.S. sanctioned 13 members of Maduros government, said Tuesday the administration is still considering what can we do to create a change of conditions where either Maduro decides he doesnt have a future and wants to leave of his own accord or we can return the government processes back to their constitution. Read more here. @alextdaugherty Texas Sen. Ted Cruz took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to oppose Venezuela's constituent assembly that will have the power to rewrite the nation's constitution in favor of President Nicolas Maduro. He didn't mince words. "Venezuela is not the private preserve of a bus driver turned authoritarian thug in a track suit," Cruz said, mocking Maduro's rise to power. "Instead, Venezuela is a proud and free nation with a glorious past and an even greater future." In a 10-minute-long speech, Cruz, a Cuban-American Republican, blasted the constituent assembly and called on the White House to ramp up pressure on Venezuela in addition to sanctions announced by the Treasury Department earlier this week. "I support the Treasury Department's sanctions against senior Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, placing him in the ignominious company of Kim Jong Un and Robert Mugabe," Cruz said, referring to the leaders of North Korea and Zimbabwe. "We must keep the pressure on and continue to isolate and delegitimize Maduro's regime." Cruz likened the overnight arrests of opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma to his family's experience in Cuba. "Members of my own family lived through this sort of oppression in Cuba, where a lawless government can raid your home without warning, arbitrarily detain your relatives and neighbors and ensure that you hardly, if ever, see them again," Cruz said. Watch video of Cruz's speech below: For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page See original here A 30-year U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) senior official left federal service Tuesday convinced that her agency is being steered in a disastrously wrong direction, according to her farewell message posted by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). She is an eyewitness to the wreckage wreaked by Administrator Scott Pruitt and his cadre of political appointees. Elizabeth "Betsy" Southerland has a Ph.D. in environmental science and engineering and has worked in both the private sector and state government. At EPA, she served in both the water and Superfund programs as a senior executive, managing first as a division director in both programs and then as the director of the Office of Science and Technology in the Office of Water. In 2015, she received the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award. Her farewell message to her colleagues warned that Pruitt: Has "repeals of 30 rules under consideration," most of which aim at "industry deregulation" of an array of toxic substances and practices that can threaten human health; Seeks "abandonment of the polluter pays principal that underlies all environmental statutes"; and Is pursuing policies that promise to repeat human health and environmental catastrophes, such as Flint, Michigan's drinking water crisis. Her letter concluded with this overall assessment: "Today the environmental field is suffering from the temporary triumph of myth over truth. The truth is there is NO war on coal, there is NO economic crisis caused by environmental protection, and climate change IS caused by man's activities. It may take a few years and even an environmental disaster, but I am confident that Congress and the courts will eventually restore all the environmental protections repealed by this administration because the majority of the American people recognize that this protection of public health and safety is right and it is just." "As is clear from Betsy's three-decade perspective, Scott Pruitt's pledge to restore 'EPA originalism' is nothing but a pernicious myth," stated New England PEER Director Kyla Bennett, scientist and attorney formerly with EPA, noting that the first round of early retirements and buyouts are now being processed. "In Pruitt's EPA, it is hard to identify even a single action to better protect the environment." One of the rollbacks cited by Southerland in her message is the steam electric rule requiring that "the highly toxic wastes of coal-fired electric plants be treated rather than poured untreated into large holding ponds where toxic chemicals seep into groundwater and overflow into surface water, contaminating public water supplies and private wells and poisoning fish and wildlife." This rule was promulgated following "the 70-mile long Duke Energy spill into the Dan River of North Carolina in 2014." Compounding growing problems inside EPA is an autocratic and secretive Pruitt management style in which he declines to meet directly with non-political staff, refuses to use email so as to not create any record, and issues orders to create decision documents at odds with the overwhelming weight of evidence. For example, he recently oversaw an unjustified retroactive rewrite of the cost-benefit study relating the Waters of the U.S. Rule so as to make as much as a half billion dollars in benefits disappear from the analysis. "Increasingly, principled professionals, who have proudly served administrations from both parties, are under orders to betray, rather than serve, the public interest by remaining at EPA," added Bennett, pointing to Pruitt's moves to cancel all employee health club benefits while traveling extensively back to Oklahoma constantly surrounded by a phalanx of armed security agents. "In only a few months on the job, Scott Pruitt has become the leading candidate for worst boss in the world." Chinese troops entered one kilometer into Indian territory and threatened shepherds grazing cattle in the Barahoti area of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, Indian officials said on Monday, July 31. The transgression took place on the morning of July 25 when a group of shepherds was asked to vacate the land by troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the officials were quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency. The incident comes in the backdrop of a prolonged standoff between Chinese and Indian troops at Doklam near Sikkim, the PTI pointed out. Barahoti, an 80 sq km sloping pasture about 140 km from the Uttarakhand capital Dehradun, is one of three border posts in what is known the 'middle sector', comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It is a demilitarized zone where Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans are not allowed to take their weapons, officials said. According to the PTI: "In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In the 1962 war, the PLA did not enter the middle sector and focused on the western (Ladakh) and eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors. After the war, ITBP jawans would patrol the area with weapons in a non-combative manner -- with the barrel of the gun facing down. During negotiations on resolving the border dispute, the Indian side unilaterally agreed in June 2000 that ITBP jawans would not carry arms in three posts, Barahoti and Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh. ITBP men go patrolling in civil dress and the Barahoti pasture sees Indian shepherds from border villages tending their sheep and people from Tibet bringing their yaks for grazing." Doval, Yang fail to discuss Sikkim stand-off On July 27, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi discussed "major problems" in bilateral ties but did not discuss the military standoff erupted in the Sikkim sector on June 16. Doval arrived in Beijing on July 26 to take part in the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) NSAs meeting being hosted by Yang, who, like Doval, is the Special Representative for India-China boundary talks. His visit has raised expectations about the likelihood of India and China finding a way-out of the over the month-long standoff. The military standoff began on June 16 when, according to Indian media, Chinese troops attempted to lay a road in the Doklam area. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognizes as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. India and China share a 220-km-long border in Sikkim section. India calls on BRICS to show leadership on regional issues Meanwhile, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday (July 27) called on BRICS countries to show leadership on issues of regional and global importance, including countering terrorism. Speaking at the meeting of NSAs from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Doval said, "We should hold a BRICS forum to discuss security issues that impact global peace and stability." In his brief opening remarks at the meeting hosted by his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, Doval said BRICS countries also should take leadership role on strategic issues of regional and global importance specially in the areas where they have "consensus". Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). President Trump after signing into law sanctions against Russia As this writer and others have written these new sanctions against Russia approved by Congress and signed into law this morning by President Trump indicates "official" Washington has gone insane. Even though a bit of sanity emerged when Trump issued a signing statement indicating there were "a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions" which could mean the possibility exists he won't follow through and a constitutional crisis could ensue. That's a can of worms only to be only looked at if it happens. Nevertheless this whole business of sanctions against purported" enemies" concocted by neo-con "official" Washington making assertions and accusations are in fact delusions. The sanctions are just the latest manifestation of Washington going bonkers. Ever since the coup in Ukraine in February 2014, the subsequent secession of Crimea from Ukraine with the people voting in a referendum to join the Russian Federation, there's been a new cold war instigated by the US. It was further compounded when Russia sent its air force into Syria on September 30, 2015 at the legal request of Syrian President Bashar Assad which turned the tide of the war in Syria. These events plus the endless hysteria of Russia interfering in the 2016 elections to get Trump elected. All of it so much hogwash yet touted as fact by "official" Washington and its complicit corporate MSM. Let's remember the truth regarding the coup in Ukraine was instigated by the CIA and the State Department collaborating with neo-Nazi thugs that forced the legitimately elected President Viktor Yanukovych to flee for his life when these neo-Nazi's initiated the violence in Kiev killing legitimate protesters as well as police bringing havoc to the capital bringing with it a pre-planned hastily installed post coup regime into power. The post coup regime in Kiev voted to abolish Russian as a second official language-which was spoken by a majority in Crimea. So the Russian speaking people in Crimea saw it all as a direct threat against them. So with these events a peoples referendum was enacted by Crimean officials and the people voted to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. Yet all the above events were portrayed by the Obama administration and the MSM as illegal and a Russian invasion of Crimea. But there was no Russian invasion. There were 25,000 Russian military legally stationed in Sevastopol as part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. All they did was provide a non threatening presence during the Crimean referendum vote. Yet in the west the referendum was declared illegal and Russia just went ahead and annexed Crimea. As for Russia interfering in the 2016 US election the evidence points to a leak- not a hack- by someone who had physical access to DNC computers then doctored to incriminate Russia-this from Ray McGovern's group "Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity" (VIPs). VIPS has also said there was no unanimous declaration by all 17 US intelligence agencies declaring Russian interference, just 3 handpicked analysts from the FBI, CIA and NSA who concurred without providing any factual evidence. So it goes. Innuendo, accusations, allegations, assertions; no factual evidence necessary plus demonization of Vladimir Putin as the new Hitler. Which brings us back to the madness of "official" Washington's latest sanctions on Russia-with Iran and North Korea thrown in for good measure. These sanctions are also impacting Germany, France and Austria whose countries firms are interconnected with Russia's Gazprom in building Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea from Russia directly into Germany. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Creating Kim Jong -un (Image by photoverulam) Details DMCA Suppose heroic global grownups, take seriously the balance of power now in the hands of White House and North Korea? What if Iran-Contra saint had blessed Donald Trump's invocation to advocate the art of the nuclear deal between the Soviet Union and 'Government is the Problem creator'? Imagine a self-serving Congress, dominated by men terrified of a shady dealing vengeful dictator of an Obstruction of Justice email, hellbent on launching a missile attack on congressional healthcare, erected a firewall of invested investigations to cure ALS, Alzheimer's and Medicaid for America's human bookends: children and Seniors. Maybe Frank Capra's DC existed periodically, but World Wars and a Cold War produced a New World Order with a Foggy Bottom evacuating with abnormal frequency, a Military Industrial Complex. So who wouldn't be concerned about an 'unpresidented,' president sipping 'covfefe' atop the throne of our Democratic Republic -- evidently 30% of us! After 1917 and WWI Mustard gas, a call for morality, even in war, began its long journey on the, we can't beat God giving, road to glory. A hundred years later, however, Good Samaritans are out gunned and every hero, demon challenged -- nonetheless, we persist. Even in the age of, Swamp Thing, we have heroes: Senators Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski; Congresswoman Maxine Waters -- Sally Yates, Marilyn Nance, J.K. Rowling and Ida B. Wells. However, knowledge is still Intel: In July 1950 of The Unknown War, American soldiers killed hundreds of Korean civilians near a village called No Gun Ri -- and throughout Truman's Police Action, over two million North Korean civilians were killed -- thus, as the Treaty of Versailles created Hitler, we created Kim Jong-Un. Arguably, we hold these truths to be self-evident: a nation's Moral Code is only as strong as its people's weakest link" Alt-Right, hellfire bent on spinning Obama global view off our world stage on spinning Obama global view off our world stage Those insisting America is for only white Christian men, honor flags that dishonor our Constitution, while genuflecting America before statues of anti-America Americans -- savoring memories of the inhumane owning and defiling of fellow human beings Denying ratification of Equal Rights Amendment; twirling Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul like trinkets on display, then laid to rest in gender inequality Diminishing LGBTQ while they preserve, protect and defend, non-existent full citizenship, income parity, voting and pursuit of loving happiness privileges In a land where prisons are for profit, from classrooms to cells is too great a student debt -- and banning former felons from voting booths, an American defining moment Yet, for a century, life at war with itself has tried to bestow this wisdom upon us: there is little sustainable profit in the business of anger and oppression, but where there is individual fear and envy, anger and oppression cannot be silenced -- merely inconsistently, contained Whether Wall, K or Main Street; rich or poor, rural, suburbs or inner city, gay, straight or undecided -- Americans, citizens and non, have been herded to the pinnacle of, Trump ordered brutality Bluff -- and staring back at us across the abyss, are Kim Jung-un clones, toeing the line for suicide by dictate. Vision blurred by pride and miss-placed loyalty, each side has forgotten, world history is replete with shortsighted leaders threatening all life on earth -- each side shadowed by real and imagined demons, risk being thrust into the void, to control a planet we've rendered, out of control. Imagine our moral call is the last call to save us from a hell fire inflicted by demands for, unchartered waters, while denying the warnings of melting icebergs and rising oceans. In 2017 America, who can we expect to make the moral call, American Mayors or Trumpcare? Timing is Divine and often, auspiciously, makes heroes, even saints, out of mere mortals" PS: Rest in the peace of God which passes all understanding, Sam Shepard. From Mondoweiss Guess who said this recently: Israel's treatment of Palestinians looks "a lot like apartheid" -- and not just in the occupied territories, but inside Israel too, where one in five citizens are Palestinian. "I actually think the issue of apartheid is more relevant to how Arab Israelis [Palestinian citizens of Israel] are treated within the framework of the country [Israel]." No, it wasn't Jimmy Carter, the former US president who a decade ago famously went head-to-head with the Israel lobby by publishing a book that compared Israel's policies in the occupied territories to apartheid. The author of this even more incendiary statement is none other than Jodi Rudoren, the New York Times' decidedly soft-on-Israel Jerusalem bureau chief from 2012 until her departure 18 months ago. Her apartheid comment is included in an interview with John Lyons, who himself served in Jerusalem for many years, in his case reporting for the Australian newspaper. In his new memoir, Balcony Over Jerusalem, Lyons describes not only the aggressive attacks he suffered at the hands of the Australian branch of the Israel lobby but allows other senior journalists to recount their own, similar experiences. In other words, Lyons shows that reporters covering Israel and Palestine are systematically targeted by Israel lobbyists in an attempt to pressure them and their papers into self-censorship. The goal is to skew the coverage to make Israel look much better than it would otherwise, and the Palestinians much worse. That has tragically dangerous consequences. By seriously distorting readers' perceptions of Israel and Palestine, the lobby ensures that the conflict continues to be seen as intractable -- and continues inflicting a heavy toll on life in the region, especially Palestinian life. The Rudoren interview indicates that the lobby's strategy has been paying handsome dividends. The obvious question raised is this: why are we learning about Rudoren's surprising views about Israel and apartheid as an aside during a sympathetic chat with Lyons rather than prominently in the pages of the New York Times, the world's most influential newspaper? Strangely, in her four years as Jerusalem bureau chief, Rudoren never raised the apartheid analogy. She never wrote an op-ed or analysis making that claim, or gave a voice to experts in Israel or abroad who have reached a similar view. In fact, she never made any effort to publicize the myriad laws and administrative practices in Israel that might justify her reaching such a conclusion. If you want to understand her reasoning, you will have to look elsewhere, including to my chapter in the recent book Israel and South Africa: The Many Faces of Apartheid. So why is this the first time we have heard Rudoren on this vital topic? Surely, if she deduced during her reporting that Israel was practising apartheid against its own (Palestinian) citizens, she had a duty to inform her readers. Not to have done so was an abdication of her responsibility as a journalist. It is not even as though Rudoren can defend such negligence by claiming she only reached the conclusion that Israel practised apartheid on reflection, after she left the region. She departed Jerusalem for the paper's head office to become editor in charge of international coverage. She could easily have written an oped or a feature explaining why she has belatedly become such a severe critic of Israel. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Dave Lindorff Jeremy Corbyn (Image by garryknight) Details DMCA Back in the Philadelphia -- Just got back from an event-filled two-plus weeks in the UK and I thought I should share a few thoughts and impressions. We visited briefly in Edinburgh, Scotland, London, Exeter and Oxford, the ancient university town where our daughter Ariel was graduating with a DPhil in Education -- the primary purpose of our visit. The first thing that struck me coming strait from the States was the scarcity of clearly overweight people. Sure you see a few, but not the huge number of really dangerously overweight people one sees everyday in the US. Perusing the supermarkets in Britain, it's clear why this is so: the shelves aren't bulging with oversized boxes of sugared cereal, potato chips, corn ships and other amalgams of starch, sugars and fats of all types, or aisles full of sweets. Restaurant meals also offer normal sized portions, not huge quantities of foot that beckon guests to eat until they can't stand up easily as in all too many US establishments. The second thing I noticed -- even outside of London -- wa s a wide array of newspapers, ranging from junk like the S un and the Daily Mail to serious journals of the center right like the Financial Times and the Times to left-leaning papers like the Guardian and the Independent. And people actually read the things. Back in Philadelphia, the two options are the Inquirer and the Daily News, both desiccated shadows of their former selves and owned by the same publisher. If you're lucky, and are near Center City, you might also find on newsstands a few copies of the NY Times and maybe even a Wall Street Journal, but don't count on it. The political scene, meanwhile, bears some small, superficial resemblance to the US at the moment, with a dysfunctional conservative government in power, and a leftist "resistance" in the wings, but that's where all similarity ends. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). As Trump lurches from, what appear to the outside world as, disaster to disaster, "Trump's Base," for the most part appears to remain immovable in its continuing support of him. A whole variety of episodes/policies would seem to be cause for at least some of that base's members abandoning him. There were the campaign "shocks" like that misogynist attacks on Megyn Kelly, the refusal to release his tax returns, his attack on Senator McCain, the famous "Billy Bush" tape, the promotion of violence against the media, the mocking of the disabled, the constant changes in his campaign staff and leadership, the hints of Russian involvement even during the campaign, the rank grandiosity, the making of promises he couldn't possibly keep while running as a Republican, and so on and so forth. Then since the election, he continues to refuse to release his tax returns (although apparently Mr. Mueller now has at least some of them). There are the ongoing revelations about possibly not-above-board contacts/interactions between various member of Team Trump both (well, actually years) before, and since, the election. (The best that Hannity et al can do with those is the old tried-and-true right-wingers' "two wrongs make a right" trick: "The Clintons did it too.") There was the Trump University fraud settlement. There are the humongous number of now provable lies . There is the filling of his cabinet with representatives of the ruling class and the filling of many high-level regulatory posts by lobbyists from the businesses those agencies are supposed to regulate. Donald Trump at Hershey PA on 12/15/2016 (Image by flickr.com) Details DMCA "Russia-gate" is ongoing and with the Mueller/Congressional investigations, may be intensifying. (Of course, as certain Rightists and Leftists as well claim, this may all be the product of a plot by something both call the "Deep State." But if that were so, why is Trump so determined to shut down the investigation, at least at the Mueller level, over which he might have some control, as convoluted as it might be.) Related to concerns with the Russia-connections investigations is his continuing, intensifying attacks on Jeff Sessions, who happened to be the first Senator to endorse him and is himself one of the darlings of the Radical Right. His significant legislative accomplishments are nil. Most of the famous "signings" are for Executive Orders. And of course, he has been full-throated in going after the repeal of Obama Care --- which he is now threatening to sabotage --- which would negatively affect large numbers of his supporters in a number of states. (And oh yes, even with Mitch McConnell twisting Senate rules into knots he failed in that attempt.) And so on and so forth. So why? Why does his base seem to remain solidly behind him? Why do so many of his speeches, from the one he made to Suffolk County, NY police officers in which he encouraged police brutality, to the one he made at Warsaw Poland in which he endorsed the "Triumph of the Will ," a Nazi concept, appear to be aimed less at the audience in front of him but more directly at his base? Most pundits seem to remain puzzled by this one, as least in public. "Cannot understand it," "it's inexplicable," and "defies logic that they will vote against their own interests." Really? It depends upon which interests one is talking about. Let's recall what Trump ran on. First, beginning with his joining the birtherism movement in 2011 and then becoming its most prominent spokesman, racism has been front-and-center for Trump. His incessant attacks on Obama and "Obamacare" even since the election reinforce that. Then, he began his campaign in 2015 with the "murderers and rapists" attacks on Mexicans, and by implication all Latino immigrants, documented or undocumented. This conveniently combined racism with xenophobia. Then came the Islamophobia. Then came misogyny. If you think that "lock her up" simply went beyond the customary campaign rules and wasn't done to rally the troops, even some female ones, behind misogyny, you've got another think coming. If down deep one voted for Trump because he is a racist, a xenophobe, an Islamophobe, or a misogynist, the only thing that could dislodge that sort of thinking would be if Trump himself turned around on one or more of them. That he seems unlikely to do, and numerous speeches, but more importantly policy choices confirm that view. For example, on mysogny as an example. He has had appointed as the person in charge of the birth control program of the Department of Health and Human Services a woman who believes the birth control is harmful to health. And there are many more like that one. Trump has never given any indication that he will reverse himself on any of his core "principles." But many authorities, especially among both liberals and the Left, don't want to go near this one. How can one label major elements of the (white) working class as "racist?" (One group that does is RefuseFascism.org .) Well, first of all, while Trump certainly has working class support --- and every major fascist movement in history has found some support amongst their working classes --- significant elements of the Trump base are from the petit bourgeoisie --- small business people, skilled craftsmen, independent professionals like physicians, lawyers and accountants in private practice (ever notice how many right-wing Republicans in Congress are physicians?), very traditionally supporters of pro- and proto-fascist movements. Second of all, shying away from the truth about many of his supporters does nothing to help to develop a strategy to deal with it. But, dealing with the truth does not mean blaming the racist Trump-supporters, especially those from the working class, for being racists. What it does mean is developing what would have to be a sophisticated campaign to educate them in how racism is used and always has been used by political forces who do not care a whit about the workers' own best interests, to turn workers, black, white and brown, against each other, for political purposes. Trump is just the latest, although certainly one of the best, practitioners of this dark art. As a once promising Southern U.S. politician said, not so long ago: "For 12 years, the Republicans have tried to divide us, race against race. . . Here in the shadow of this great building, all of us, we know all about race-baiting. They've used that old tool on us for decades now. And I want to tell you one thing: I understand that tactic, and I will not let them get away with it in 1992." Once in office, Bill Clinton turned his back on that understanding completely . But if we want to start going after turning around at least some elements of Trump's base, it is in that direction we are going to have to go, and soon. Then of course there is Trump's growing support among the Christian Right, which he has been actively cultivating at every turn, beginning with his choice of a Dominionist as his Vice-President. His "banning" of transgender folk in the military (which may not actually get anywhere) is only the latest of his moves designed to bring the Christian Rightists ever-closer to him. And they won't be turned off by any of the appointments/policies/and etc. stuff either. That one is actually tougher to deal with. Doing so will be the topic of a future column. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Steven Jonas, MD, MPH, MS is a Professor Emeritus of Preventive Medicine at StonyBrookMedicine (NY) and author/co-author/editor/co-editor of over 35 books. In addition to his position on OpEdNews as a "Trusted Author," he is a Deputy Editor, Politics, for The Greanville Post; a Contributor for American Politics to The Planetary Movement;a contributor to the "Writing for Godot" section of Reader Supported News; and a contributor to From The G-Man.Furthermore, he is a (very) occasional contributor to BuzzFlash Commentary Headlines and The Harder Stuff. He is also a triathlete (35 seasons, over 250 multi-sport races). From Paul Craig Roberts Website Donald Trump (Image by pixabay) Details DMCA Donald Trump as President of the United States was humanity's hope or, I should say, the hope of that part of humanity aware of the danger inherent in provoking conflict between nuclear powers. For two decades, the Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama regimes have thrown sticks, stones, and nasty words at the Russian bear. The US has broken and withdrawn from security agreement after security agreement and has compounded the threat that Russia sees by conducting war games on Russia's borders, staging a coup in Ukraine, a province of Russia for centuries, and by a continuous stream of false accusations against Russia. The result of this irresponsible, thoughtless, and reckless policy toward Russia was the announcement a few weeks ago (ignored by the US media) by the Russian high command that Russian military planners have concluded that Washington is preparing a surprise nuclear attack on Russia This is the most alarming event of my lifetime. Now that Washington's criminally insane have convinced Russia that Russia is in Washington's war plans, Russia has no alternative but to prepare to strike first. During the Cold War both sides received numerous false alarms of incoming ICBMs, but because both sides were working to reduce tensions, the alarms were disbelieved. But today with Washington having raised tensions so high, both sides are likely to believe the false alarm. The next false alarm could bring the end of life on earth, and for this there is no one to be blamed but Washington. Trump's emphasis on normalizing relations with Russia was a great relief to people sufficiently intelligent to understand the consequences of nuclear war. But none of these people are in Washington, the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, the military/security complex, or among the presstitutes that pass for a media in America. All of these people want to destroy Trump because he wants to make peace with Russia. Of the 535 members of the House and Senate, 530 voted in support of a bill that violates the separation of powers and prevents President Trump from removing sanctions on Russia. As the vote is so overwhelming that it is veto proof, the White House has announced that Trump will sign the bill, thus surrendering and giving up on his goal of restoring normal relations with Russia. The White House believes that as the bill is veto proof, all that Trump could achieve by a veto is to prove the charges that he is a Russian agent and is using his office to protect Russia, and this could easily be turned into an impeachment proceeding. However, there are things Trump could do, and since defusing the threat that Russia sees is essential to the avoidance of war, it is imperative that Trump do everything he can to prevent the military/security complex and its servants in Congress and the media from locking America into deadly conflict with Russia. As I wrote on July 31, Trump could take his case to the American people in a major speech and point out that Congress is violating the separation of powers, hamstringing the power of the presidency, and making it illegal for him to reduce the dangerous tensions that previous administrations have created with a major nuclear power. Trump could also tell Congress that their law is unconstitutional and that he won't sign or veto the bill, and if Congress persists he will take it to the Supreme Court. Trump could also get on the telephone with the German politicians and corporate CEOs who have denounced the sanctions as illegal and intended to serve US business interests at the expense of Germany. He should tell them to force Merkel to announce that Germany will not accept the sanctions. The EU leadership also denounces the sanctions. Trump, with a little effort, can organize so much European opposition that he can tell Congress that as the President of the United States he cannot permit a collection of mindless morons, which is what Congres is, to destroy Washington's empire by driving Europeans out of it. If Trump can get the Europeans to act, he can defeat the bill, which is really nothing but Congress' service to its political campaign contributors in the military/security complex and the US energy industry. Trump is a fighter. And this is Trump's fight. He has everything to gain by rising to the challenge, and so do the rest of us. The entire world should get behind Trump as there is no one else to defuse the tensions that are leading to nuclear war. I have been amazed at the stupidity and mendacity of the American liberal-progressive-left, who have fallen in line with the military/security complex's effort to destroy Trump, because peace with Russia takes away the orchestrated enemy so essential to the budget and power of the military/security complex. Of course, America no longer has a left. The left has been displaced by Identity Politics, a Zionist creation, as Gilad Atzmon explains in his books, that is proving effective in destroying the goyim by teaching them to hate one another. In Identity Politics, everyone is the victim of white heterosexual males, whom Identity Politics defines as misogynist, racist, homophobic gun nuts -- Hillary's "Trump deplorables." As the "deplorables" voted for Trump, the liberal-progressive-left hate Trump and are helping the military/security complex destroy him even it it means nuclear war. As I predicted would be the case, Trump had no idea how to appoint a government that would be on his side, and obviously failed completely. He is continually contradicted by his UN ambassador, his Secretary of State, his National Security Adviser, his Secretary of Defense. Trump is alone in his government. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). SaveOurVotes logo (Image by saveourvotes-md.blogspot.com/) Details DMCA My guest today is Rebecca Wilson, long-time election integrity advocate and co-director of the Maryland-based SAVE our Votes. Joan Brunwasser: Welcome to OpEdNews, Rebecca. You've been closely following what's going on in Wisconsin. What're you finding so interesting over there? Following the 2016 election, there was a recount; it was done. Isn't it time to move on? Rebecca Wilson: Joan, thanks for inviting me. The 2016 presidential election cycle was unusual in many ways, and new revelations about it still seem to be surfacing every day. We know that hackers who the intelligence community believes were tied to a foreign government attempted to penetrate the voter registration systems of a majority of states and were successful in at least two cases. There was also successful hacking of at least one vendor that supplies election products to multiple states. Computer scientists have been warning for years that our reliance on electronic voting equipment to cast and count votes makes our elections extremely vulnerable to attack, and provides many possible routes to manipulate the software which determines the outcomes. With the integrity of our democracy at risk, it seems like a no-brainer to use voting systems that provide an independent means of checking our election results -- one which doesn't rely on software -- to make sure that the outcome accurately reflects the way people voted. Fortunately about 80% of presidential votes are now cast on paper ballots or electronic machines that provide a paper record of the vote that the voter can verify before casting it. By examining these paper records by hand and comparing them to the vote counts provided by the machines, it is possible to determine whether the two tallies match. Routine audits of a statistically significant number of randomly selected ballots or paper records should be able to confirm the accuracy of the results. Here's a great article about some states that are starting to do this type of auditing. Unfortunately, since few states do any kind of meaningful verification of election results, the burden often falls upon recounts to provide this type of accuracy check on the voting system. Recount laws vary widely around the US but in most jurisdictions a losing candidate must be willing to risk being seen as a "sore loser," come up with an enormous amount of money for the recount, and recruit an army of volunteers to help oversee it just to confirm that the election results were correct. Few candidates are willing or able to do this, and even when anomalies are revealed, as they were in the 2000 election in Florida, our election calendar and laws do not provide much ability to find, investigate, or rectify mistakes or overturn results. Some states, such as Minnesota, actually do get recounts right. While many people criticize the time it took to resolve the 2008 Franken/Coleman Senate race, the care and thoroughness of that recount was actually a sign of a healthy, thriving democracy. In a race that close with a Senate seat at stake, voters deserve to know that the winning candidate really won. People quickly lose interest in participating in a system they feel is "rigged." So the best way to ensure that vote counts are correct is thorough audits -- the burden of proof should fall upon those who conduct the election to demonstrate the accuracy of their results before they certify them. But since that is rarely done in practice, we need fair recount laws that don't defy the public's interest in knowing that our election outcomes are true. The bill under consideration in Wisconsin would be a step backwards by placing greater restrictions on who can file for a recount and when they have to do it. Rebecca Wilson (Image by courtesy of Rebecca Wilson) Details DMCA JB: Before we talk about the bill under consideration, can you talk a bit about what actually happened during the recount? It was clear that Jill Stein did not hope to overturn the Wisconsin results (or Pennsylvania or Michigan, for that matter) to forward her own candidacy. So, in your opinion, was it legit of her to request and raise money for the recounts? RW: The point of the Stein recount was to try to learn whether the vote count was accurate, given the very real possibility that election systems could have been hacked. The three states chosen to recount were each decided by a slim margin of victory -- but not small enough to trigger a recount that the state would pay for. Each had a discrepancy between exit polls and reported election results that swung the state to the opposite candidate. Jill Stein felt that an election that close with results that surprising should be reviewed thoroughly, so she stepped forth to represent the public's interests in verifying the outcome. The fact that she was able to raise millions of dollar in less than a week to pay for the recounts -- far more than she had raised for her candidacy and largely from people who did not vote for her -- shows that a lot of voters shared her concerns. For many years, the Green Party has raised questions about the fair conduct of American elections and especially our reliance on electronic voting equipment. Greens have been involved in previous presidential recounts so her decision was consistent with her party's priorities. Of the three states in which Stein filed, only Wisconsin actually conducted recounts. Michigan's recount was stopped by the courts. Both Wisconsin and Michigan vote primarily on paper ballots counted by optical scanners, so both were good locations for recounts. Pennsylvania is a very different story. Eighty percent of Pennsylvania voters cast their ballots on an antique patchwork of electronic voting machines that provide no voter-verifiable paper trail, so true recounts are not possible there. And Pennsylvania's recount laws are complicated. Candidates' recount rights are limited but voters may file for recounts directly -- but only for the polling place in which they voted and only if at least three voters from that same polling place request a recount. So, over Thanksgiving weekend, there was a massive organizing effort to find and coordinate thousands of voters to file notarized affidavits first thing Monday morning at their county election offices. Meanwhile, Stein's legal team pursued filing at the state and county levels. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). See original here The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Christopher Wray as the next director of the FBI, but in an unprecedented move, five senators voted against his nomination. Before yesterday, only one senator had ever voted against an FBI nominee. In addition, three senators abstained from the vote. Senator Ron Wyden, who voted against Wray's confirmation, said he did so because of Wray's position on government surveillance. "In his public and private statements, Chris Wray failed to oppose government backdoors into Americans' personal devices, or to acknowledge the facts about encryption. That it isn't about liberty versus security, it's about more security versus less security." The American Civil Liberties Union also criticized Wray for his involvement in the U.S. torture program under George W. Bush. We speak with independent journalist Marcy Wheeler and economist James Henry. This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form. AMY GOODMAN: On Tuesday, the Senate has confirmed longtime corporate lawyer Christopher Wray, in a 92-to-5 vote, to become the next director of the FBI, replacing James Comey, who was fired by Donald Trump in May. In an unprecedented vote, five senators, all Democrats, voted against Wray. Before yesterday, only one senator had ever voted against an FBI nominee. The five Democrats were Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, both of Massachusetts, and Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, both of Oregon. In addition, three senators didn't vote: Richard Burr of North Carolina, Minnesota's Al Franken and Arizona's John McCain. In a statement, Senator Wyden criticized Wray because of his stance on government surveillance. Wyden said, quote, "In his public and private statements, Chris Wray failed to oppose government backdoors into Americans' personal devices, or to acknowledge the facts about encryption. That it isn't about liberty versus security, it's about more security versus less security," he wrote. The American Civil Liberties Union also criticized Wray in part for his work at the Justice Department under George W. Bush, when he worked with many of the key architects of the U.S. torture program. For more on Christopher Wray, we're joined by two guests. Marcy Wheeler is with us. She is an independent journalist who covers national security and civil liberties. She runs the website EmptyWheel.net, joining us from Michigan. And joining us via Democracy Now! video stream is economist and lawyer James Henry, global justice fellow at Yale University, senior adviser with the Tax Justice Network, former chief economist at McKinsey Company. He recently wrote for The American Interest a piece that is headlined "No Wray." We welcome you both to Democracy Now! JAMES HENRY: Good to be with you. AMY GOODMAN: Marcy Wheeler, let's begin with you. Talk about the confirmation of Christopher Wray as the next FBI director, its significance. MARCY WHEELER: Well, I think he was overwhelmingly confirmed because he gave the assurances. He gave these very well-rehearsed assurances that he was not going to end any investigation into the -- into Russia and collusion with the Trump administration. But at the same time, the confirmation process really didn't get into a lot of the questions that he might have faced about his own tenure at DOJ in the Bush administration, and it didn't get into some of his own actions in the past that would really answer whether or not he was going to be independent. And as you mentioned, Senator Wyden also had additional concerns about Wray's response on encryption, on whether or not the FBI is going to continue to seek backdoors into secure communications. AMY GOODMAN: Now, 92 to 5 sounds like a pretty overwhelming majority for confirmation as FBI director, of the senators, and I'm sure most people see it that way. It is quite something that it is the largest "no" vote in the history of confirmation of FBI directors. Only one senator, when Comey was confirmed, voted against him, and that was Rand Paul. He was opposed to Comey because he would not rule out drone domestic surveillance, Marcy. MARCY WHEELER: Right. And frankly, the numbers shouldn't be that overwhelming ever. The FBI director, it's a tenure position. And there -- you know, all of these people, including Jim Comey, had controversial things in their past. There's this notion that we have to have unanimous approval for this top law enforcement officer. And yet, I think that that shows a lack of skepticism, which is really important. And importantly here, I think there was the view among some people in the Democratic Party -- and it should be more broadly -- that Trump is getting rewarded for having fired Jim Comey. As you described at the top of the show, there are -- we have two new pieces of evidence that Trump is obstructing justice into the Russian investigation, into Comey's firing. And yet, he still gets to replace Comey with somebody. Absent Christopher Wray being confirmed, we would have Andrew McCabe, who was basically Comey's deputy. It would be sort of a status quo. Yet now Trump gets to reward himself for having gotten rid of the guy who was investigating him and his family. AMY GOODMAN: And, of course, he's been attacking McCabe, along with Jeff Sessions, on Twitter. And explain, Marcy Wheeler, what this role, Christopher Wray as FBI director -- exactly what that role is, since there is a special prosecutor because Jeff Sessions recused himself, to the tremendous ire of President Trump. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From Smirking Chimp Constituents giving Hero of the Resistance Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse a piece of their minds after his vote to confirm pro-torture Mike Pompeo as CIA director It seems "our" Democrats never learn. During the earlier rounds of confirmation on Trump cabinet nominees, a group of early votes to confirm some of the worst and least qualified included far too many Democrats saying Yes. One of the worst votes was the confirmation of torture advocate Mike Pompeo as CIA director 66-32-2, with such Heroes of the Resistance as these... Diane Feinstein Maggie Hassan Tim Kaine (Clinton's VP nominee) Amy Klobuchar Brian Schatz Chuck Schumer Jean Shaheen Sheldon Whitehouse Angus King ...voting to install him. (See "Mike Pompeo, Torture, and the Future of the Democratic Party" for more.) For their trouble, Democratic senators like Sheldon Whitehouse were subject to their own angry town halls. (See "Democrat-Supported CIA Chief Hires a Torturer of Muslims as Deputy" for more.) Now our Heroes of the Resistance (including Sens. Whitehouse and Franken; see below) are at it again, this time on the recent vote to confirm Trump nominee Christopher Wray to replace James Comey as FBI Director. From Huffington Post and Reuters: Senate Panel Unanimously Approves Chris Wray's Nomination As FBI Director All 20 members of the committee voted to advance the nomination. WASHINGTON, July 20 (Reuters) -- The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday unanimously approved the nomination of Christopher Wray to be FBI director following the dismissal of the agency's former chief, James Comey, by President Donald Trump. All 20 members of the committee voted to approve Wray, a white-collar crime lawyer and former assistant attorney general under President George W. Bush, sending his nomination to the full Senate for a vote. Trump nominated Wray last month after firing Comey during an FBI investigation into whether Trump campaign associates colluded with the Russians to help him with the 2016 presidential election. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Corroborating the growing ill ease of American voters, a group of expert hackers at the 25th convention of DefCon in Las Vegas proved last weekend that 30 different types of digital voting machine used in this country either presently or recently are infinitely hackable. "The first ones were discovered within an hour and 30 minutes. And none of these vulnerabilities has ever been found before, they'll all new," said Harri Hursti, co- coordinator of this "Hacking Village." [quote from USA Today article, July 30]. Such proofs have been accomplished as early as 2003 when Election Integrity (EI) pioneer Bev Harris discovered, by accident and because of vendor negligence, huge security holes in Diebold source code, confirmed by other experts when she referred her findings to them. And ever since then, other hacks have been performed in public on other brands, including the top brands sold here: Diebold (absorbed by Canada-based Dominion), ES&S, Sequoia (now owned by Dominion), and Hart InterCivic. But the machinery hacked into was largely very difficult to obtain and one had to be transmitted to an expert in a back alley, for example. Sequoia Voting Systems threatened to sue when an expert asked for machinery to test. Go to eBay these days, however, and take your choice. At the Hackers Village in Las Vegas, expert hackers did and managed to penetrate all 30. In one case, as happened in Prof. Alex Halderman's successful hack into an experimental Internet voting system in Washington, DC in 2010, an expert was able to add music to the programming, turning the vaunted security system into a joke. Some of the machinery was deemed less secure than the PCs we use daily in our homes and offices all over the country. (And, I might add, industry experts say that far superior machinery could be manufactured, but the cost would be prohibitive.) But the big news is that a DF card was left in one ES&S ExpressPoll-5000 electronic poll book that contains the names and other personal information on 650,000 registered voters in Shelby County, Tennessee. The card should have been extracted before the machine was junked, according to Sean Gallagher, one of the experts participating in the DefCon Hackers Village. The database was, as of July 29, in the hands of one of the experts. In addition to voter names, other information included addresses, driver's licenses, birthdays, voting history, but no social security information, according to California-based journalist specializing in cybersecurity/national security Kim Zetter and others. According to the Volunteer State secretary of state's office (SoS), the information is accessible for public inspection, but lists extracted from it require a fee and must be requested for "political" purposes only. And even though the information is accessible to the public, when the infamous Kansas vice chair of the Presidential Committee on "Election Integrity," Kris Kobach, requested such a statewide list from the SoS, he demurred. Even though we all know that nationwide the lists have been requested twice by Kobach for "political," not objective governmental reasons. According to USA Today, "This is the first time such an open and large-scale hacking of voting machines has been attempted, because until October of 2015 such efforts were illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. An exemption by the Librarian of Congress now allows good faith efforts meant to find vulnerabilities, leading conference organizers to launch the event." One motivation for the Hacking Village, of course, was alleged Russian tampering with 21 state systems--their target was probably swing states, though no actual votes had been extracted in this process, as reported by Forbes magazine. Another motive was, of course, to do something about this deplorable situation of next-to-useless-because-easily hackable voting machinery, and who, if not state-of-the-art experts, is qualified to help fix it? Some of the machinery models had been decommissioned by vendors and auctioned off to anyone. Some is still being used. One question that arose, of course, was how many other decommissioned machines thus dispersed contained such sensitive data, which were supposed to be removed before the machines went public/ according to renowned security researcher Matt Blaze. ***** In other relevant news, reflecting bipartisan exasperation with the abysmal condition of our country's digital election systems, two Members of Congress attended the event, Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI). "[Such experts] could play an important role in addressing increasingly alarming vulnerabilities in the nation's voting apparatus," said Hurd. chair of the House Committee on Information Technology. Langevin is co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. Said Langevin, ""Never underestimate the value that you can bring to the table in helping to educate members and staff of what the best policies are, what's going to work, and what's not going to work," as quoted by Parallax. In other words, as Parallax summarized their motivation for attending, "We come in peace. Please help us." Relations between Congress and the expert hacking community have so far been "hostile," according to security policy expert Herb Lin. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Bon Iver has announced a destination festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico called Days Have No Numbers. The festival is set to take place from Jan. 21-25, 2018, at the Hard Rock Hotel. It will feature three Bon Iver sets over the course of the weekend, as well as sets from Sylvan Esso, Hiss Golden Messenger, Francis and the Lights and more. Attendees can also expect special guests and other surprises. Days Have No Numbers will also have workshops, poolside contests and games, specialty programs and daily yoga, and attendees will be able to book offsite excursions to explore the Mayan area. Guests will also have the opportunity to work with Positive Legacy, a charitable organization whose goal is to integrate live music and service by taking actions that positively impact local communities and the environment, per a press release. The festival will also include a fundraising auction and a donation drive to benefit local school children. All-inclusive packages for the event go on sale Aug. 10 at noon EDT. Visit the website here for more details, and listen to a Bon Iver performance from the Paste Cloud and see the lineup poster below. Newmont Ghana reiterated its commitment to ongoing, good-faith dialogue with youth near the Ahafo mine to address their concerns regarding employment opportunities at the operation. The Kenyasi No. 2 Youth Association conducted a demonstration to express their concerns about youth unemployment, community investment opportunities, and environmental management. In response, Bernard Wessels, General Manager of Newmont Ghanas Ahafo mine, addressed the concerns raised by reiterating the companys commitment to serve as a catalyst for local economic development and as a responsible steward of the environment. We will continue engaging the youth groups and others in nearby communities regarding our hiring policies and current and future employment needs through transparent and respectful stakeholder engagement, said Mr. Wessels. Work hasnt been significantly affected though we have currently halted mining operations for safety reasons so we do not put people in harms way. However, we are continuing with plant operations. In line with Newmont Ghanas commitment to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the public enforcement agencies deployed to guide the demonstrators and protect the companys workforce and assets have been informed about respecting and protecting the human rights of the demonstrators and operating within the rules of engagement in enforcing public order. Additionally, the Asutifi North District Police Commander has briefed representatives of the Ahafo Mine and the demonstrating youth on the public peace and asset protection approach and respecting the Public Order Act requirements. Since the commencement of active mining, the Ahafo mine has generated significant economic stimulus, social and institutional development and infrastructure investment. Out of a workforce of 2,538, about 40 percent are from Ahafo Mines 10 host communities. The Apprenticeship programme that was instituted to provide employable skills in mining related disciplines to local community youth has trained 130 persons out of which 96 have been employed by Newmont and its business partners. Following the approval of two expansion projects the Subika Underground Project and Ahafo Mill Expansion further employment opportunities have been offered to community youth. Africa Underground Mining Services, the Ahafo mines business partner in the Subika Underground Project, has so far recruited 230 Ghanaian nationals out of which 101 (48 percent) are locals from the mines host communities. Also, the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), which is the main driver for social investment programmes in the host communities, has accrued GHC 57.1 million while executing more than 100 projects and disbursing 8,000 community scholarship. As a responsible corporate citizen, we work closely with regulatory bodies as well as external agencies to regularly audit our environmental management systems to ensure compliance with laid down regulations. We appreciate our community youths desire for more opportunities. We will continue to explore ways of further stimulating sustainable development in our host communities as we seek to create more value through safe and responsible mining, Mr. Wessels concluded. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu, has fingered land ownership disputes as contributing to the challenges of socio-economic development of the Volta Region. He said businesses in the region are among the most frustrated due to protracted land ownership disputes. Mr Amewu made the comment during the inauguration of the Volta Regional Lands Commission at Ho, Friday According to the minister, lands in the Volta Region are being disposed of like dried anchovies (known locally as Keta School Boys or Aborbi) far exceeds the cost of lands because of private and political interests. He has however urged the members of the newly inaugurated members of the Lands Commission to ensure issues of lands in the region are treated with urgency. Volta Region Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, who chaired the event urged the Commission to deliver on its mandate. The Chairperson for the new Commission, Mama Dzidoasi, Queen mother of Gbi Abansi, Hohoe pledged her commitment to making sure everything is done in accordance with procedure. One of the members of the newly inaugurated Commission, a quantity surveyor and a parliamentary aspirant in the South Tongu District, Maxwell Lukuto, on behalf of his colleagues pledged to make sure that the Commission delivers. Source: myjoyonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Chief Justice (CJ), Georgina Theodora Wood, has been honoured for her sterling performance and service to the nation. Dubbed, Legal Profession Lifetime Achievement Award, it was conferred on her by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) at a dinner dance in Accra Monday evening. On the occasion, President Akufo-Addo, who is a member of the GBA, advised members of the legal profession to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of Madam Georgina Wood and her efforts at building confidence in the Judiciary. He applauded the immediate past CJ for her honest, dedicated and distinguished service to the nation over the years. For him, celebrating the woman and her achievements was a collective appreciation of her works by Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo stressed the fact that the former CJ had acquitted herself well by salvaging the image of the judiciary during the challenging times when that arm of government came under public scrutiny in the infamous scandal in which journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas exposed corruption that had engulfed the bench. In that regard, the president emphasized the need for Mrs Georgina Woods sterling performance to ginger up-and-coming jurists to conduct themselves well. For those of you who are now coming, if you behave well and conduct yourself well, you may get some of these honours for your work; that must be the inspiration for all of us that if you conduct yourself well and brighten your corner, live according to principle and ensure excellence and determination in everything you are doing, your peers will recognize and commend you, he encouraged. President Akufo-Addo seized the opportunity to commend former President John Agyekum Kufuors judgement in appointing Mrs Wood the Chief Justice, even though many in his government had issues with his decision. On her part, Madam Georgina Wood, who happens to be the first recipient of the award, expressed gratitude to the Ghana Bar Association for the honour and for its support throughout the 10 years she served as Chief Justice. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly written and signed by me to the effect that, I, Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, is not in support of or against Mr. Daniel Agyenim Boateng, acting Regional Organiser of our party, as the MMT manager-Kumasi depot. This concocted statement has been speculating in the media for some time now and I wish to state clearly that this so-called statement is not emanating from my end, neither have I sanctioned anyone to issue any statement on my behalf. I can only describe it as panic action coming from some faceless coward individuals who are using my name to advance their diabolical political games. The general public is therefore urged to treat this statement full of lies and malice with the contempt that it deserves. Per the said statement, I Chairman Antwi Boasiako is said to have waded into the issue regarding the appointment at the Kumasi depot of MMT, and, had therefore, denied supporting Mr. Daniel Agyenim Boateng, acting Regional Organiser of our party for the post of regional depot manager. The same statement went further to spew lies that I am consulting some big party men and will come out very soon with who I want to manage the Kumasi MMT. I wish to stress that I have not and do not intend to issue any statement on the contrary of the appointment of Mr Agyenim Boateng. My office has full confidence in the capabilities and abilities of Mr. Daniel Agyenim Boateng, to handle the post as a manager of the depot and therefore have my fullest support. I am, suggesting and recommending that Mr. Nicolas Oduro be made to deputize for Mr. Daniel Agyenim Boateng, to help move the company forward. All that we are doing is for the forward march of our great party, in making sure the people of the region and Ghana as a whole flourish under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Long live NPP Long live the people of Asanteman and Long live Ghana Thank you Signed Opoku Mensah(OMENS) 0244727292 (Spokesperson) for: Dr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has called on members of the legal profession to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of former Chief Justice (CJ) Georgina Theodora Wood and her efforts at building confidence in the Judiciary. He applauded the former CJ for her honest, dedicated and distinguished service to Ghana, saying celebrating her and her achievements is a collective appreciation of her works by Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo made the call at the Ghana Bar Association's (GBA) Legal Profession Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony held in Accra. He said it was noteworthy that Justice Wood had deepened and acquitted herself well by shouldering and salvaging the image of the judiciary during the challenges times when that arm of government came under public radar for corruption. The President said Justice Wood's sterling performance as Chief Justice should ginger up and coming jurist to conduct themselves well, saying, "for those of you who are now coming, if you behave well and conduct yourself well, you may get some of this honours for your work". "That must be the inspiration for all of us that if you conduct yourself well and brighten your corner, leave according to principle and ensure excellence and determination in everything you are doing, your peers will recognise and commend you," the President said. President Akufo-Addo also commended former President John Agyekum Kufuor's judgement in appointing Mrs Wood even though many in his government disliked the idea. President Kufour was a man noted for taking good decisions. For the eight years that he spent as President, there are many good decisions that he made about appointments and policies and I think his judgment in elevating Georgina Theodora Wood to be the 12th Chief Justice of our Republic has been fully justified and vindicated." Mrs Wood who is the first recipient of the award expressed gratitude to the GBA for the award and for their support throughout the 10 years she served as CJ. She also thanked the Bar for the Goodwill she enjoyed during her legal career spanning some 43 years. Justice Wood was the first female and longest serving CJ of Ghana. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana National Sesame Business Farmers Association (GNSBFA) has called on the Government to reduce the high taxes placed on the exportation of sesame to neighbouring countries. The farmers, drawn from the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions, made the call when Mr Abdou Fall, the Programme Manager of the Joint Action for Farmers Organisations in West Africa (JAFOWA), paid a working visit to inspect a-two year sesame agribusiness value chain development project in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region. Sesame is a plant that grows in warm regions and produces flat seeds that is used for cooking and as a source of oil. According to the GNSBFA, the considerable reduction of taxes on the exportation of sesame to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso had economically empowered farmers in those countries and ensured household food security. Mr Julius Awaregya, the Coordinator of Organisation of Indigenous Initiatives and Sustainability (ORGIIS- Ghana), a non-governmental organisation, said between 2013 and 2015, SNV, a Netherlands Organisation and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, partnered ORGIIS to support farmers to go into agro-ecological farming of sesame, which significantly impacted their livelihoods. He said although his outfit facilitated and got more market linkages for the farmers, the high taxes imposed on exporting the crop was discouraging many buyers, making them to shift their focus to other countries where taxes were very low. He, therefore, entreated the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) to play a significant role by facilitating the reduction of taxes on sesame exports. Mr Awaregya tasked the SADA to facilitate the procurement of sesame seed cleaning machines for farmers to help add value to the product and attract good market. The Ghana Sesame Agri-business Value Chain Development Project is also being implemented in the Bimbilla, Cheriponi, Gushegu, Nanumba North, and Saboba districts of the Northern Region by GNSBFA, ORGIIS-Ghana and the North-Eastern Corridor Integrated Development Agency. Mr Clifford Amoah Adagenera, the Coordinator of the Project, said it was targeting women and youth groups to help complement the Governments efforts at addressing youth unemployment. He said aside mobilising about 4,200 farmers, it had also organised and trained 34 district farmers across the project areas; trained association executives on agro-ecology practices; linked farmers to buying companies in Burkina Faso and Ghana, and input dealers and agrochemicals. Three hundred women, he noted, had also been linked to tractor services at considerably reduced prices and the project beneficiaries also trained in compost making, stone bonding and contour farming. Women, through the project, have also learnt skills in moisture and soil fertility management, water retention and harvesting techniques and Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration, he said. The JAFOWA project seeks to ensure household food security and income, sustainable agriculture, human health and soil health. It also seeks to ensure equality among male and female farmers in West Africa and influence policy and decision makers to ensure sustainable agriculture through agro-ecological farming practices, particularly in sesame production. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Teams and Rosters Begin Forming for GPL China August 02, 2017 Mo Nuwwarah Editor The Global Poker League may be on ice for the moment, but GPL China is picking up momentum for 2018 with five of 12 planned franchises revealed, along with corresponding player rosters. Whereas the original GPL was built on rosters of players drafted and in the case of certain "wild card" competitors, recruited by anointed team managers, Alex Dreyfus' latest venture took a far different approach. Rather than divvy up pool a group of qualified and opted in Global Poker Index ranked players, GPL China is using a qualifying system reminiscent of satellite tournaments to determine the teams that will comprise the league. That's a change from the originally announced plan for GPL China, which called for an eight-team league with rosters selected by managers from the GPI, online qualifiers and celebrity players. In each selected market, up to 18 teams of six could sign up for the qualifying tournament. Five teams have advanced through their local qualifying events to lock in spots for GPL China Season 1. Here's a look at the Beijing Great Dragons, Tianjin Guardians, Shanghai Golden Tigers and Hangzhou Legends: Beijing Tianjin Shanghai Hangzhou Qifeng Duan Zhengdong Wu Shengjie Fan Guoliang Wei Fei Gao Chunwei Liu Jingwei Dai Fengwei Huangfou Ning Sun Junmeng Wang Gang Zhao Lei Kuang Fei Luo Fan Fan Tianhan Tang Ting Lin Ying Jiang Xingqi Jiao Mengyin Zhang Ye Yang Chuanye Jin Yi Zhou Jian Chen Lining Tan The names of the Taiwan Black Bears, the most recently qualified squad, were not immediately available in the GPL's press release announcing the team's qualification. Most, if not at all, of the players to qualify thus far aren't exactly recognizable names to the average poker player or fan. According to a GPL release, while a number of GPI ranked players have attempted to qualify, the only to do so at this juncture is Guoliang Wei, who peaked at No. 925. That's right in line with the league's mission, as it attempts to be "grassroots" poker, spreading the gospel of the great game throughout China via an e-sports model. Coverage of the nascent league will continue on PokerNews as more details emerge. Following the recent announcement that Trump will work to undo all of the progression Obama made with military inclusiveness by instating a transgender ban on all those wishing to serve in the military, opposing parties are providing support to the transgender community, resisting the discriminatory announcement, and standing by tensely in anticipation for the idea to take form as an amendment. Trump argues that transgender soldiers are a large expense and a distraction in the armed services and should be barred from serving, while meanwhile statistics have risen that show the troops' Viagra expense far outnumbers the cost of healthcare for a transgender person serving. In my opinion, this is just another case where Trump is trying to amend a much larger problem with a superficial solution that takes rights away from marginalized groups to provide the masses with a placebo that things are getting better under his watch. There has been mixed reactions from those who serve or have served, but yesterday's announcement from The US Coast Guard's commander Paul Zukunft was a major deal. Zukunft said the first thing the US Coast Guard did was reach out to their 13 known transgender members to make them aware that the US Coast Guard stands with them. Lt. Taylor Miller was the US Coast Guard's first openly transitioning officer and when Zukunft reached out, he said "I will not turn my back. We have made an investment in you and you have made an investment in the Coast Guard and I will not break faith." Paul Zukunft has made efforts to oppose the ban directly from the core of its origin. Zukunft reached out to new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly who in turn reached out to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to make his opposition known. WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 01: U.S. President Donald Trump waves to the crowd while attending a small businesses event in the East Room at the White House on August 1, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) The history of the military suggests that it has always been reluctantly inclusive. During the Revolutionary War, black slaves were allowed to enlist in the North; however, it was banned in the South out of slave-owners' fear of arming their slaves. Although allowed to enlist, most black soldiers were forced into non-militant positions like mechanics, etc. It wasn't until 1776 after the British had enlisted a large sum of runaway slaves with promise of freedom after the war, that Washington allowed black individuals to enlist in the same force as white citizens due to a shortage in manpower. As far back as the Revolutionary War women served as seamstresses and cooks in the army but were not allowed to enlist in combat positions till the 1970s. That is truly when we saw the shift from inclusiveness by necessity to inclusiveness by recognizing minorities' rights to serve. The Obama administration made leaps and bounds for the LGBTQIA+ community and the right to serve, but of course there was more to be done. In the first six months of Trump's administration, he has threatened the progress we've bad in the past eight years. This exclusivity within the armed services is very contrary to other countries like Israel where citizens are required to serve. So what does this mean for the transgender community? Fortunately, there is no officially legislation yet and we are seeing opposition from branches of the armed services itself already; however, as civilians it's vital that we contact our local representatives and make our feelings on the matter known regardless of stance on the issue so when the decision is made, we hopefully see the reflection of democracy. Follow the discussion Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Anie Delgado is a contributor to Popdust and is an actress and musician based in NYC. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @anie_delgado and on Facebook and check out her music on Spotify. Adsorbents Market PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-02 13:25:27 Press Information future market insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage,NY email Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 593 Words 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,NYAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Adsorption is a process in which ions, atoms or molecules from a liquid, dissolved liquid or gas adheres to a surface. In this process a thin film is created on the adsorbent by the adsorbate. Adsorption is a consequence of surface energy similar to surface tension. Adsorption exists in many natural, biological, chemical and physical systems that have applications in the industrial sector. Adsorbents are usually in the form of rods, spherical pellets and moldings that has 0.5 to 10mm diameter. Adsorbents that are regarded to be effective must have resistance to high abrasion, thermal stability with small pore diameters and must have a distinct pore structure which helps in speedy transport of gaseous vapours. Industrial adsorbents are classified as carbon based compounds that are non-polar and hydrophobic that includes materials such as graphite and activated carbon; oxygen containing compounds that are polar and hydrophilic including material such as zeolites and silica gel; polymer-based compounds which are non-polar or polar functional groups in a polymer matrix.The major applications of adsorbents include drying, air separation, water treatment and oil and gas refining among others. Adsorbents are the major materials are mainly used in industries such as water treatment, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, petrochemical and chemical. Advances in technology to bring in various kinds of adsorbents with new advancements in the market will lead to increase the demand for adsorbents globally. Owing to government and environmental regulations the applications such as air separation and drying in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical devices are expected to grow at a faster rate in comparison with other applications and industries.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-145 The key driver for adsorbents industry includes advancements and innovations to create new and advanced adsorbent materials. The industries require adsorbents for a wide range of applications with varied characteristic and requirements. To serve this purpose, major companies are now focused on technological innovations to create new adsorbent materials which will be applicable in varied industrial and commercial areas. The technological developments to manufacture cost effective adsorbents is the major solution to generate revenue in the adsorbent market globally. The current and future projections according to the industrial and economic outlook for adsorbent market are based on the material demand in terms of volume and value.The key segments for adsorbents market include North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World (RoW). North America is expected to capture huge share of the global market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the top market for adsorbents due to growing demand from China and India. China and Russia are expected to be the largest consumer of adsorbents among others. The developed economies therefore contribute to huge demand for adsorbents from the end user segment globally. Emerging economies are expected to be the potential markets for adsorbent industry with increasing production capacity.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-145 The major players that are included in the adsorbents industry include Axens, Arkema, BASF, Clariant, Calgon Carbon, Cabot, Meadwestvaco, Grace, Graver Technologies, UOP, Zeochem, Zeolyst International and Sorbead India among others. Many companies are now focusing on expansion with increase in production capacity and addition of new plants, to meet the growing demand and to achieve competitive advantage in the market. Axens which is molecular sieves manufacturer increased its presence through a new subsidiary in Malaysia for the adsorbents segment to meet the rising demand from the Asia Pacific region. Companies are now focusing on collaborations and joint ventures with the end user companies to increase its market share. PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-02 08:03:02 Amsterdam, 2 August 2017 - Arcadis (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the leading global Design & Consultancy firm for natural and built assets, today announced that with joint-venture partner BG&E it has won a lead design role on the Tunnel and Station Excavation (TSE) Works contract for Stage 2 of Sydney Metro - Australia's largest public transport project. Arcadis and BG&E will work together with John Holland CPB Ghella joint venture, which was awarded the $2.81 billion Sydney Metro City & Southwest TSE Works contract on 22 June 2017. The Arcadis and BG&E joint-venture will provide civil and structural design services as part of the construction of the 15.5km long twin tunnels which will run from Chatswood, through the CBD and on to Sydenham, including a crossing under Sydney Harbour. The Tunnel Station and Excavation works also includes the excavation of six new underground metro stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, tunnel dive structures at Chatswood and Marrickville as well as surface civil works across the entire project. Peter Oosterveer, CEO of Arcadis: "We are very proud to be working on one of the most transformational projects in Australian infrastructure history. With our joint-venture partner BG&E, we will bring an unique combination of global metro experience and long Australian heritage, going back to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Arcadis is in the business of designing Australia's future cities and project wins like this underscore our strong continued growth and commitment to creating sustainable cities." This project win follows the recent announcement of the Underground Station Design and Technical Services (USDTS) contract, part of Stage 2 of the Sydney Metro project, which was awarded to the METRON consortium, with Arcadis in the joint lead role with Mott MacDonald. End For further information please contact: ARCADIS INVESTOR RELATIONS Jurgen Pullens Telephone: +31 20 2011083 Mobile: +31 6 51599483 E-mail: jurgen.pullens@arcadis.com ARCADIS GROUP COMMUNICATIONS Joost Slooten Mobile: +31 6 27061880 E-mail: joost.slooten@arcadis.com ABOUT ARCADIS Arcadis is the leading global Design & Consultancy firm for natural and built assets. Applying our deep market sector insights and collective design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services we work in partnership with our clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes throughout the lifecycle of their natural and built assets. We are 27,000 people, active in over 70 countries that generate 3.3 billion in revenues. We support UN-Habitat with knowledge and expertise to improve quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world. www.arcadis.com. This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Arcadis N.V. via Globenewswire Digital Instrument Clusters Market PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-02 08:43:58 Press Information Future market insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States 3479183531 email Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 628 Words Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United States3479183531Abhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Instrument clusters with digital displays are increasingly replacing electromechanical pointer instruments. Moreover, digital instrument clusters are poised to supersede the analog instrument clusters in the next generation vehicles. The global instrument clusters is basically categorized into three groups: digital, analog and hybrid. Analog cluster is a classic instrument panel that contains a physical dial and a needle for the speedometer. A digital instrument cluster displays all these classical instruments on the LCD, VFD or TFT-LCD screen. Such digital instrument clusters can be programmed to display the appropriate selection of virtual instruments according to the drivers preferences. A hybrid cluster is the combination of the analog and digital cluster. Furthermore, they can enhance the appeal of a vehicle with eye-catching graphics. Therefore, most of the luxury brands are seeking to differentiate their vehicles through the inclusion of digital instrument clusters. It is expected that over seven million cars will have fully digital instrument clusters by the 2018. Digital instrument clusters that offers personalization are a key selling point.Digital Instrument Clusters: Drivers & RestraintsThe key factor driving the digital instrument clusters market is substantial rise in the automobile output and its personalization. A digital instrument cluster that is reconfigurable is very appealing. Features such as distance until next charge, information on battery charge, and other driver information, can easily be displayed using a digital instrument clusters. These features are driving the market for global digital instrument clusters. Another factor driving the market for global digital instrument is consumer trend. The tablet, PC and smartphone ownership is increasing and there are opportunities to integrate these devices to drive global digital configurable instrument clusters. Furthermore, the economical and the environmental constraints upon the engine designs are driving the introduction of digital instrument clusters since the interior gains more attention from OEMs as a way to differentiate. Another features that are driving the global digital instrument clusters market includes advanced technological features such as reusability, dynamic, scalable, simple and attractiveness. Digital instrument clusters needs a larger LCD display- often 1280 x 480 pixels, thus leading to higher cost. Also, an 8 or 16-bit CPU cannot transfer that many pixels, hence the digital cluster needs a 32-bit CPU. In addition, the level of software capability needed extends beyond the traditional entrenched skill set. These factors act as restraints for the digital instrument clusters up to a certain extent.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-524 Digital Instrument Clusters: SegmentationOn the basis of application, the global digital instrument clusters market is segmented into:SmartphoneTablet PC/Desktop/NotebooksAutomobilesOthers (Digital cameras, inverters, power suppliers, painters, car radio, LED lighting, payment terminals)The demand for digital instrument clusters in automobiles is anticipated to grow at an accelerated pace mainly due to significant growth in the automobile industry globally. Furthermore, the smartphone segment is also expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-524 Digital Instrument Clusters: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region North America, Asia Pacific and Japan are expected to be the dominant players as a result of growing economy in these regions. The Indian electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry is one of the fastest growing industry in the country, which is further boosting the demand for digital instrument clusters in the region. The global digital instrument cluster market is anticipated to grow at a steady rate in other regions of the world as a result of a slowing global economy in these regions.Digital Instrument Clusters: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global digital instrument clusters market are Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd., Ford Motor Company, Audi AG, Renault, Volkswagen, Kia Motors Corp., BMW AG, Jaguar Land Rover Limited, NVIDIA Corporation and Tesla Motors. PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-02 13:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 389 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for GreenBank Capital Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - GreenBank Capital Inc. (CSE:GBC). has issued a press release with the following headline:GreenBank Closes Acquisition of 14% of SlabdeckTo 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 GreenBank Capital 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/GreenBank Capital Inc.Source: GreenBank Capital Inc. (CSE: GBC, WKN: A1W8UJ, ISIN: CA3935762029)Date: August 02, 2017Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of GreenBank Capital 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: 2017-08-02 14:01:00 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 387 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Organto Foods Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, B.C. (FSCWire) - Organto Foods Inc. (TSX Venture:OGO). has issued a press release with the following headline:Organto Extends Private Placement OfferingTo 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 Organto Foods 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/Organto Foods Inc.Source: Organto Foods Inc. (TSX Venture: OGO, OTC Pink: OGOFF)Date: August 02, 2017Time: 8:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Organto Foods 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: 2017-08-02 15:00:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 399 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Wi2Wi Corporation--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Wi2Wi Corporation (TSX Venture:YTY). has issued a press release with the following headline:Wi2Wi Announcing Our Eighth New Best Class Product - WE935B00To 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 Wi2Wi Corporation, 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/Wi2Wi CorporationSource: Wi2Wi Corporation (TSX Venture: YTY, WKN: A1KCTZ, ISIN: CA9774862085)Date: August 02, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Wi2Wi Corporation 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.) Wind Turbine Market PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-02 11:15:12 Press Information future market insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States email Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 804 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Wind energy is the power extracted from wind using wind turbines. A wind turbine is a device that transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Wind energy is a renewable form of energy that is available in ample quantity and extensively. It is an alternative to fossil fuels which are depleting in quantity. Wind energy is the cleanest resource; it has neither toxic gas emissions nor greenhouse gas emissions. Wind turbines are connected to the network of electricity transmission. The onshore and offshore wind that is trapped is an inexpensive, competitive and significant source of energy. Wind energy contributed to 4% of the total global electricity usage in 2013.The application of wind turbines is primarily in wind mills that are used to generate electricity. These wind turbines in wind mills can be used to avail off-grid electricity in the remote regions. It has been known to empower rural electrification initiatives. Three fourths of the small wind turbines are present in the remote regions of the world and are the only sources of energy. For instance, wind power systems are fuelling the telecommunication towers in the secluded places between Argentina and Chile. Another application of wind turbines is associated with the hybrids of wind and solar power generation devices. Wind and solar sources complement each other in changing climatic conditions. Wind turbines have vital applications in off-grid, low-power systems in which the storage of batteries is avoided. Wind turbines also have application in cathodic protection pipes in which its electric charge neutralizes the galvanic corrosion of pipes laid in reactive soils. Wind turbines are used to charge electric fences, yacht and boat batteries efficiently. Wind turbines have been used to pump water for decades, and they remain a significant application in both developed and developing economies. The end use industries of wind turbines can be broadly classified into industrial, commercial and residential. The industrial use can be further divided into power generation, agriculture, industrial automation, engineering and telecommunication. Despite being commercially niche market at present, wind turbines are expected to expand due to increasing government subsidies and incentive programmes on the use of wind energy.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-la-141 The global wind industry produced about 37,000 MW in 2013. Latin America, in particular, has provided the industry with an essential substitute growth market for wind power. In 2013, Latin America alone representedapproximately 45% of the installed capacity of North and South America combined. It was largely driven by the wind markets of Brazil and Mexico which can be regarded as the dual pillars of the Latin American market. The average price of wind energy contracts in Brazil is US$ 50/MWh and gives wind energy an edge over conventional fossil fuels there. This is a major driver for the wind turbine market in Brazil. The wind power in Mexico provides power to over 65,000 households and exports it to US. Food and beverage company, Nestle, had invested US$ 60.7 million in wind energy in Mexico, and employed wind energy for its 85% electricity requirement. The cumulative wind capacity in Mexico reached 1988 MW by the end of 2013 indicating a 31.4% growth rate. The installed capacity in 2013 was 76 MW in Argentina, 200 MW in Chile, 30 MW in Peru, 11 MW in Uruguay, and149 MW in Venezuela.Strong wind resources, and rising electricity prices and energy demand are driving the demand for renewable energy higher. The Latin American industrial policies are effective as they have tailored depreciation tax policies which enable industries to actively partner with wind energy generators for their energy usage. Also, wind plants do not need to be in the vicinity of the end user and just need a connection to the Latin American power grids. Feed-in electricity tariffs have been introduced to motivate the use of renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, thermal energy and biomass energy. This encourages investment in renewable energy as the government makes provisions for higher retail rates for electricity for the producers of new energy technologieesVisit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-la-141 Consistently declining monopoly in the Latin American electricity sector had paved way for wind turbine manufacturers. The current wind turbine market is competitive. Gamesa is the leading turbine supplier in Mexico and holds 73.5% of the market. It is followed by Vestas with 22% of the market contribution. GE is also a major turbine manufacturer with 4.5% market share in Mexico. Besides, the collapse of the Spain-based OEMs (Other Equipment Manufacturers) wind market has compelled companies to expand their business in Latin America.By 2015, Latin America is expected to have 3 GW of installed wind capacity annually, surging up to 4.3 GW by 2022. The manufacturers have to meet certain mandates on wind turbine components and their materials. It is a challenge for most OEMs to deliver high quality wind turbines while still ensuring an economical Latin American wind market. Wind Turbine Market PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-02 11:34:42 Press Information future market insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage,NY email Published by Abhishek Budholiya +1-347-918-3531 e-mail http://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 804 Words 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,NYAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531 Wind energy is the power extracted from wind using wind turbines. A wind turbine is a device that transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Wind energy is a renewable form of energy that is available in ample quantity and extensively. It is an alternative to fossil fuels which are depleting in quantity. Wind energy is the cleanest resource; it has neither toxic gas emissions nor greenhouse gas emissions. Wind turbines are connected to the network of electricity transmission. The onshore and offshore wind that is trapped is an inexpensive, competitive and significant source of energy. Wind energy contributed to 4% of the total global electricity usage in 2013.The application of wind turbines is primarily in wind mills that are used to generate electricity. These wind turbines in wind mills can be used to avail off-grid electricity in the remote regions. It has been known to empower rural electrification initiatives. Three fourths of the small wind turbines are present in the remote regions of the world and are the only sources of energy. For instance, wind power systems are fuelling the telecommunication towers in the secluded places between Argentina and Chile. Another application of wind turbines is associated with the hybrids of wind and solar power generation devices. Wind and solar sources complement each other in changing climatic conditions. Wind turbines have vital applications in off-grid, low-power systems in which the storage of batteries is avoided. Wind turbines also have application in cathodic protection pipes in which its electric charge neutralizes the galvanic corrosion of pipes laid in reactive soils. Wind turbines are used to charge electric fences, yacht and boat batteries efficiently. Wind turbines have been used to pump water for decades, and they remain a significant application in both developed and developing economies. The end use industries of wind turbines can be broadly classified into industrial, commercial and residential. The industrial use can be further divided into power generation, agriculture, industrial automation, engineering and telecommunication. Despite being commercially niche market at present, wind turbines are expected to expand due to increasing government subsidies and incentive programmes on the use of wind energy.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-la-141 The global wind industry produced about 37,000 MW in 2013. Latin America, in particular, has provided the industry with an essential substitute growth market for wind power. In 2013, Latin America alone representedapproximately 45% of the installed capacity of North and South America combined. It was largely driven by the wind markets of Brazil and Mexico which can be regarded as the dual pillars of the Latin American market. The average price of wind energy contracts in Brazil is US$ 50/MWh and gives wind energy an edge over conventional fossil fuels there. This is a major driver for the wind turbine market in Brazil. The wind power in Mexico provides power to over 65,000 households and exports it to US. Food and beverage company, Nestle, had invested US$ 60.7 million in wind energy in Mexico, and employed wind energy for its 85% electricity requirement. The cumulative wind capacity in Mexico reached 1988 MW by the end of 2013 indicating a 31.4% growth rate. The installed capacity in 2013 was 76 MW in Argentina, 200 MW in Chile, 30 MW in Peru, 11 MW in Uruguay, and149 MW in Venezuela.Strong wind resources, and rising electricity prices and energy demand are driving the demand for renewable energy higher. The Latin American industrial policies are effective as they have tailored depreciation tax policies which enable industries to actively partner with wind energy generators for their energy usage. Also, wind plants do not need to be in the vicinity of the end user and just need a connection to the Latin American power grids. Feed-in electricity tariffs have been introduced to motivate the use of renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, thermal energy and biomass energy. This encourages investment in renewable energy as the government makes provisions for higher retail rates for electricity for the producers of new energy technologies.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-la-141 Consistently declining monopoly in the Latin American electricity sector had paved way for wind turbine manufacturers. The current wind turbine market is competitive. Gamesa is the leading turbine supplier in Mexico and holds 73.5% of the market. It is followed by Vestas with 22% of the market contribution. GE is also a major turbine manufacturer with 4.5% market share in Mexico. Besides, the collapse of the Spain-based OEMs (Other Equipment Manufacturers) wind market has compelled companies to expand their business in Latin America.By 2015, Latin America is expected to have 3 GW of installed wind capacity annually, surging up to 4.3 GW by 2022. The manufacturers have to meet certain mandates on wind turbine components and their materials. It is a challenge for most OEMs to deliver high quality wind turbines while still ensuring an economical Latin American wind market. 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. A more agile, scalable, and innovative private cloud infrastructure to adopt now. Contact Katerina Gumenko ***@sardinasystems.com Katerina Gumenko End -- Private cloud environments today provide greater benefits and flexibilities to business users, enabling banking institutions, whether retail, corporate, institutional and investment banking, to rapidly respond to changing needs dictated by users, regulation, and market. The digital transformation is impacting all the industries, and the financial services industry is not an exception anymore.The need for innovative solutions, automated services and 24/7 support increased among customer's experiences, and the financial service industry organizations are increasingly turning to private cloud technology to drive business agility and flexibility and meet customer's needs.The most competitive software for running a private cloud is by far OpenStack. OpenStack is an open source software platform for cloud computing, mostly deployed as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), whereby virtual servers and other resources are made available to customers. The software platform consists of interrelated components that control diverse, multi-vendor hardware pools of processing, storage, and networking resources throughout a data centre.Improved efficiency, rapid time to market, the flexibility of solution, greater productivity, flexible and quicker IT, self-serviced IT are just some of the goals worth to mention when adopting OpenStack cloud computing in finance.However, deploying OpenStack cloud technology comes with some barriers that need to be addressed:- complexity complicated software, with a need to constantly upgrades the new releases- skills not enough OpenStack people experts- perceptions of immaturity heard as not being ready for production workloadsThe above barriers can be easily solved if you are ready to embrace OpenStack as a service. This eliminates managing complex infrastructure on your own, letting the company employees focus on the business while choosing to deploy and upgrade OpenStack as a service offered by a dedicated ISV, without any downtime loss.OpenStack cloud can offer huge benefits to compete in the finance sector:- flexibility to gain massive scalability with access to additional cloud resources to meet peak demand- a secure, reliable, and innovative infrastructure- increase agility to meet business demands, regulatory requirements, to innovate in the market- higher quality banking: Increase flexibility and scalability to quickly take advantage of growth- lower operations costsThe multiple ways banking clients utilize, manage and spend money has evolved radically in the last few years. The methods of these tractions are constantly developing. The financial services industry needs to keep up evolving alongside.We are able to provide you with the right cloud infrastructure, offering a full OpenStack environment, from Deployment to Operation and to Upgrade phase. We offer support 24/7 and uniquely guarantee Zero Downtime upgrade in the Upgrade phase of each new OpenStack release.The automated OpenStack FishOS offers an investment bank's private cloud infrastructure operations team a flexible, scalable, sophisticated system to manage, automate and optimize entire data centres.FishOS is massively scalable, allowing for potentially hundreds of thousands of virtual machines to be launched, optimized and retired in a fully automated manner.We will make sure that our cloud solutions for financial services are addressing data security, agility, manageability, standardization and cost control.Please visit our http://www.sardinasystems.com to get a free strategy session for your business. By: All-In Media Contact Kymet Rusitler, Marketing and Communications ***@allinmedya.com Kymet Rusitler, Marketing and Communications End --Everybody want to travel good places but generally too expensive for people or not enough cash to travel. With MatchForHoliday.com, it's not a problem anymore. Matchforholiday.com website helps "attractive females" to find free holidays from "generous males" who just want a first date.Fatih Yuksel, who is CEO of All-In Media, announces the official launch of MatchForHoliday.com. New Travel Dating website that promises to help the broke and beautiful meet generous benefactors to fund their dreams of travel. "People want to travel. They want to go soft white sand beaches,turquoise sea or the place who they feel relax. Of course That people are willing to fly and travel cheap or with no cost. With this request we are focusing to find a nice partner as travel date for our members."says Yuksel. MatchForHoliday.com is the first of its kind travel dating website that matches Generous travelers, who hate to travel alone, with Attractive people who love to travel but lack the funds to do so. Its marketing pitch is simple: Find a generous traveller and travel for free! Fatih Yuksel, founder of MatchForHoliday.com . "I sincerely hope this website will help lonely travelers find healthy types of relationships that will keep them away from trouble. MatchForHoliday.com is about helping people travel and fall in love."Attractive members can sign-up and use MatchForHoliday.com for free. MatchForHoliday.com users can post trips to the website, and choose from three options: "Travel With Me" "Come To Me," or "Show Me Your Town". Also they can search for users instead, with the option to filter by location, age range, income level, height, body type, and more. "All of the profile fields are searchable. Once accepted, Generous members purchase credits to communicate with Attractive members and arrange their trip together."Let's face it. It's easier to fall in love when you have the money to create an inspiring romantic setting," says Yuksel who is himself a frequent traveler. "I believe MatchForHoliday.com will bring about a whole new way for men and women to fall in love, inspired by the alleyways of old Europe, or the lure of the Maldives sunsets."ALL-IN Media is a Budapest,Hungary based company. It is one of the biggest application developer in Europe with its strategic partner ANSOLON LLC. They have over 100 applications at Apple Store and Google Play. ALL-IN Media provides expertise, solutions and services for every market.If you would like further information on Matchforholiday.com or All-In Media or you would like to schedule an interview, please contact: By: Carriage Trade Public Relations End -- Members of the 2017 class of Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) (http://www.lsega.com)provided a "hands up" scholarship for three worthy regional technical college students recently.The Class raised $500.00 to help two students from Savannah Technical College in the areas of aviation and accounting and one student from Ogeechee Tech in the area of nursing have the necessary funds they needed to continue their course work. Without this assistance, each one of these students would have had to drop out of school until they could raise the necessary funds to cover tuition and fees."It is not surprising members of this class stepped up and decided to give a hand up to students who needed assistance. It's amazing how just a little bit of help makes such a great impact," said Ruel Joyner, LSEGA Chairman.Dr. Kathy Love, who was present at LSEGA's 2017 graduation presentations, thanked the class on behalf of the students. "I know these students will never get the chance to personally thank each of you, but on behalf of Ogeechee Tech and Savannah Technical College, thank you so much for your generosity. Your efforts will make a difference."For more information about Leadership Southeast Georgia, please visit lsega.com ( http://www.lsega.com ).Leadership Southeast Georgia is a 501c3 regional five-month program designed to equip and empower community leaders to effectively work promoting positive growth while improving the quality of life in the Southeast Georgia Coastal region, which includes Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven Counties. The class spends one weekend a month traveling to surrounding counties to learn about the impact of local issues such as healthcare, education, economic development and transportation. For more information, visit http://www.lsega.com/ Thiel College Assistant Professor of Psychology Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D., introduced high school students to college-level statistics during a recent program hosted at University of Central Washington. Thiel professor Kristel Gallagher introduces students to statistics. Contact Thiel College ***@thiel.edu Thiel College End -- Thiel College Assistant Professor of Psychology Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D., recently completed a program at the University of Central Washington that introduced high school students to statistics courses in an untraditional manner.Gallagher taught a weeklong statistics program to high school students, "Passion Driven Statistics,"which is similar to the course she teaches at Thiel College (www. https://www.thiel.edu/), a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, "Statistics for the Social Sciences.""I was drawn to this model of teaching statistics because it makes statistics real for studentsit's not about formulas, it's not about functions, it's not even about math," Gallagher said. "'Passion Driven Statistics' is about learning to use statistics to understand real world problems and conduct meaningful research. So many of our students have a fear of math, but they quickly realize that statistics is so much more than just math."The students were participants in Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. Gallagher was invited by Wesleyan University Professor of Psychology Lisa Dierker, Ph.D., to join her this summer at Central Washington University to work with the GEAR UP students. About 20 students participated in the week-long residential program at Central Washington University. Southwest Oklahoma State University Professor of Psychology Kristin Woods, Ph.D., also contributed to the program.Gallagher said the high school students followed a condensed but similar course plan to college-level students. Class participants developed research questions from the adolescent health dataset and learned computer coding and how to use that coding to statistically answer research questions. The students then created research posters to display their findings in a poster session."I love teaching statistics using this model because it has made my classroom a place where my students are the stars of their own shows, instead of it being about what I bring to the classroom," Gallagher said. "My students bring their ideas, passion and experiences to the classroom to answer their research questions. I'm just there to guide them and provide the skill sets they need to understand applied statistics."Thiel College (www. https://www.thiel.edu/ ) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 25 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 900 students. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation. The new Catella Market Tracker Sustainability funds in the real-estate industry focus on Europe analyzed the market for sustainable real-estate funds: the results indicate a clear focus of investors on Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The process of transformation of the finance industry s... [] An arrest warrant has been issued for Cody Marble, who at the start of the year had his 2002 rape conviction overturned in Missoula County District Court after a push by the Montana Innocence Project. The warrant was issued because of alleged probation violations from a different conviction in 2013, for felony drug possession and a misdemeanor conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia. In that case, District Court Judge Ed McLean sentenced Marble to a five-year fully suspended sentence with the Department of Corrections. The sentence was consecutive to Marbles since-overturned rape conviction and a different drug-related conviction. The charges stemmed from a March 2013 incident, in which he drove away from a traffic stop. When he was eventually found, officers found methamphetamine, a hypodermic needle, syringe and other drug paraphernalia in his car, according to court documents. At the time, he was out on probation from his other convictions. In mid-June, Missoula County prosecutor Jason Marks filed the petition to revoke Marbles suspended sentence in the 2013 drug case, and District Court Judge John Larson issued a $25,000 warrant for Marbles arrest. According to state records, he has not been taken into custody, and is termed a probation absconder. According to a probation officers report filed with the revocation request, Marble was told in late May to turn himself into the jail after being charged with misdemeanor assault in Conrad where he has been living since his release in April 2016. He did not, and has since stopped writing his monthly reports to his supervising officer, a condition of his suspended sentence. Marble also did not pay his roughly $1,000 in court fines and fees from his conviction, the probation officer wrote. The probation officer said until the start of the year, Marble had been doing well on probation, but has since had a pair of very concerning probation violations, including the new misdemeanor charge. The Defendant has been out of control over the last few months and this officer is worried he will hurt himself or someone else with his anger outburst, the probation officer wrote in his report. *** In 2002, Marble was charged after a 13-year-old boy reported Marble had raped him while they were in juvenile detention in Missoula. Marble has maintained his innocence and in 2010, the Montana Innocence Project began working to overturn the conviction. After the Montana Supreme Court in 2015 ordered Missoula County District Court to re-examine a decision to deny Marble a new trial, Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst reviewed the case and new evidence that came out since Marbles conviction, and asked the judge to overturn the sentence. Following a series of hearings throughout last year, Judge McLean by then retired and brought in to oversee the case overturned the sexual intercourse without consent conviction and later dismissed that charge against Marble. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. In a case of life imitating literature, Barrons Educational Series has launched a letter-writing campaign in celebration of a new picture book, Dear Dinosaur: With Real Letters to Read!, by Chae Strathie, illustrated by Nicola OByrne. The book, which published on July 1, tells the story of a boy named Max whose curiosity about dinosaurs leads him to become pen pals with the T. Rex on display at a local museum. The campaign kicked off with a storytime and letter-writing event on July 25 at the Learning Express at Quarry Market in San Antonio, Tex. Young readers were invited to write notes to the books titular dinosaur while enjoying dino-themed snacks. The publicity team at Barrons will craft personalized responses to each letter sent to the publishers offices, or via email, signing as T. Rex. All participants will also be entered into a contest for a chance to win a dinosaur plush and a selection of Barrons childrens books. Barrons hosted a second letter writing event on July 27 at the Learning Express in Tulsa, Okla., and plans to hold additional events across the country as part of the ongoing marketing initiative. To date, six more events are in the planning stages. The publisher is currently offering booksellers a special deal: buy five copies of Dear Dinosaur and get one free. Participating stores will also receive an event kit, including a shelf talker with information about the letter campaign, a poster, and a lesson plan for grades K3, written by a second grade teacher. Books-A-Million is promoting Dear Dinosaur with shelf talkers in all of its locations, and indie bookstores including Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, N.C., Word Bookstore in Brooklyn and Jersey City, Book Revue in Huntington, N.Y., Doylestown Bookshop in Doylestown, Pa., and BookPeople in Austin have accepted the special offer. Barrons also plans to set up events at schools and libraries when school resumes in the fall. So far, three school events have been confirmed; the campaign will run through November 15. Eric Lowenhar, marketing and publicity manager at Barrons Educational Series, told PW, Weve put together a comprehensive campaign for Dear Dinosaur that targets booksellers and educators, but also provides children with a valuable lesson: the joy of writing a letter, putting it in an envelope with a stamp and mailingor sending the emailand waiting for, and eventually getting, a reply. We are thrilled to see that kids, educators, and booksellers are really getting behind this campaign. In his diary, Mark Twain described a typical evening in which his daughters requested he tell them a story, and the author concocted a fairytale about Johnny, a poor boy who is given magical seeds and an important mission. In 2011, more than 100 years later, John Bird, a scholar perusing archives at the University of California, Berkeley known as the Mark Twain Papers, came across Twains fragmented notes that sprang from that bedtime storytelling session. Philip and Erin Stead, author and illustrator of the Caldecott-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee, stepped in to bring Twains story-in-progress to life in an illustrated storybook, The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine, which is due from Doubleday on September 26. After Birds discovery, Tina Wexler of ICM Partners, representing the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Conn., contacted Frances Gilbert, associate publishing director at Random House Books for Young Readers. She told me she had an unusual projecta recently discovered, unfinished manuscript of a childrens story by Twain, Gilbert recalled. I said I was interested in seeing it, and she sent me a handwritten manuscript that I read on the subway home that night. I had a delayed reaction to the enormity of this projectI suddenly stopped reading, looked around the train, and thought, Does anyone know what Im holding in my hands? It was thrilling! Knowing that the story needed an author to finish it and an artist to illustrate it, Gilbert created a Word document to compile a list of prospective writers and illustrators. It contained two names: Philip and Erin Stead. Ive always admired their work, and I knew this was an incredibly complicated project, and that having them work together as a team would be enormously beneficial, she explained. Phil is an extraordinary storyteller and we were all mindful of what kind of story Twain would have writtenand that this was an old-fashioned fairy tale that needed some long-form storytelling. And I thought back to Erins art in A Sick Day for Amos McGee, in which people and animals share such a deep connection and empathy, as they do in The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine. [Philip and Erin] are both huge Mark Twain fans, and they very quickly jumped on board. Since Twains manuscript was far from complete, there was a lot of opportunity for us to collaborate with this American icon, said Philip. Though Erin and I both felt we werent qualified to pull this off, we knew we had to say yes. We knew almost immediately what the ending was, and spent the majority of our time figuring out the beginningand figuring out who these characters are and why we care about them. We knew we had to make sure we got that rightand thats what kept us up at night. A Tale Takes Shape Philip initially sequestered himself on Beaver Island, in the middle of Lake Michigan, to plunge into his manuscript. I knew I had to get something written down quickly, thinking it would be too big and scary to tackle later, he recalled. In what he called a stroke of luck, his remote retreat provided him with unexpected inspiration: I discovered that, while Brigham Young took his followers to Utah, a rival Mormon leader, James Strang, settled on Beaver Island with his followersand in 1850 declared himself king. Given that the story that Twain had begun and Stead was finishing involved a boy and his animal friends on a quest to rescue a stolen prince, despite a bullying tyrant king, Beaver Island serendipitously became part of the story. Philip framed The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine (the title derives from the name on the folder Bird found in the archivesOleomargarinewhich likely refers to a magazine ad that his daughters showed Twain as a prompt for the tale) as a story told to me by my friend, Mr. Mark Twain. Finding Twains voice, he reflected, was very tricky, especially since I wanted to steer clear of it as much as possible. That may sound counterintuitive, but I didnt want to mimic Twain. Rather, I wanted to convey what it would have been like if Twain told me a story, and I retold it, and was the one setting it to paper. So there are elements of myself in there as well. Twains presence, Erin reported, was also evident as she and her husband collaborated. We both felt there was a ghost in the room the whole time, she recalled. As we made decisions, about things like how to break up the text and which parts of the story could be told just through the pictures, we were aware that Twain would probably like the idea of still publishing, but hate the idea of someone collaborating with him. So we approached the work on both sidesthe story and the picturescautiously, wanting to make him as pleased as possible, yet knowing that a little part of him would still be irritated. Philip added that there were others he was more concerned about pleasing as he and his wife worked on the book, which was originally conceived as a 64-page volume and came in at a hefty 160 pages. I was more interested in making [Twains] daughters happy, he noted. At the age of 12, his daughter Susy [who died in 1896 of spinal meningitis at 24] wrote her own biography of her father, which was one of my most important sources. She wrote about what she saw as shortcomings in his storytelling, especially to children. She thought The Prince and the Pauper was a decent story, but not as good as he could have made it. She complained that her father had a kind and sympathetic nature, but he seemed to shy away from that aspect of his characterhe was too concerned with being clever. The Steads took this into consideration in their portrayal of Twain. Philip recalled, Erin and I said, We can do thatwe do kind and sympathetic in our books all the time, and its something we do quite well. If we can add that side of him and make his daughter a happy person, lets do it. In fact, The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine, which Doubleday will launch with a 250,000-copy first printing and an extensive marketing campaign, is dedicated To the Clemens Girls. The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip Stead, illus. by Erin Stead. Doubleday, $24.99 Sept. ISBN 978-0-553-52322-5 Atreseries has become a premiere vehicle across the Americas for Spanish media group Atresmedias drama offerings. Since the beginning of the year, the pay-TV network has held three international premieres of titles previously only released in Spain: Pulsaciones; Alli Abajos latest season; and Gavilanes, a Spanish version of the Colombian hit soap opera, Pasion de Gavilanes.In addition, Atreseries has launched the across the US Hispanics and Latin America three series that have racked up large audiences, namely Un Paso Adelante; Luna, El Misterio De Calenda; and Los Hombres de Paco.Since it launched in 2014, Atresmedias has been trying to reduce the time difference between the Spanish and the international premiere. Already in 2016, Atreseries was the first international screen for Vis a Vis, Buscando el Norte, Bajo Sospecha, La Embajada, Mar de Plastico and Alli Abajo, all of them premiered by Atreseries before any other network or pay-TV platform, stated Atresmedias international division through a release.Over the last three years, Atresmedia has also raised its bet on international expansion. Currently, its three international signals included in the portfolios of the main pay-TV operators across the US Hispanics and Latin America. Days after its former sister company was bought by Discovery Communications, EW Scripps Co. has taken full control of Katz broadcast networks, taking the 95% of shares in the company it didnt own for a net purchase price of $292 million. Explaining the rationale for its move, Scripps said that television was changing as over-the-air, cable and OTT all come together into a more seamless viewing experience for consumers. It noted that with national reach and scale, the Katz networks represent to Scripps valuable real estate, consistent with its strategy to remain a leader in the TV landscape. The business, which has about 130 employees, will remain based in the Atlanta area and founder Jonathan Katz will continue to lead the acquired company. Katz owns a number of thematic networks such as Bounce TV, Grit, Escape and Laff which collectively have a reach of more than four-fifths of all US households.Bounce TV is said to be the first and only African-American broadcast network on US television, airing sports, original dramas, movies and specials, while Grit targets men ages 25-54 with programming that features Western, war and action movies. Escape is designed for women ages 25-54 with stories of investigation and mystery. Laff is said to be the USs first over-the air network with around-the-clock comedy. The network features movies and sitcoms geared toward adults ages 18-49.Scripps said that it intends to finance the transaction with $250 million in new debt and about $50 million in cash on hand. The deal is expected to close on 2 October 2017 and the networks are expected to generate about $180 million in revenue and $30 million in segment profit in 2018.In todays fragmented television ecosystem, a growing number of viewers are consuming content from new over-the-air networks as a complement to over-the-top services, remarked Scripps chairman, president and CEO Rich Boehne. The entrepreneurs at Katz were among the first to take full advantage of this resurgence in over-the-air viewing. We were early investors in the company, and its a strategy and team we know well. Acquiring these innovators will increase our opportunity to serve the nations largest advertisers, who see tremendous value in the networks content and the large, targeted audiences they draw. The Montana Department of Transportation is planning to begin construction of two new roundabouts on Van Buren Street on both the north and south sides of the Interstate 90 interchange this winter. Missoula transportation planning officials want to make sure the projects are as friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians as possible. On Tuesday, the citys Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board met with Ben Weiss, the citys biking and walking program manager, to discuss drafting a plan to send to MDT with recommendations. There have been increasing calls for attention to the Broadway/Van Buren intersection, Weiss explained. Weiss wants to suggest that MDT make the existing Rattlesnake Creek/Broadway Crossing path, nicknamed the RUX path, more attractive so that it will cater to both northbound and southbound bicyclists and pedestrians when the roundabouts are complete. That means that cyclists and pedestrians moving against traffic on the west side of Van Buren as they head north could more safely cross Van Buren to the east side when they get past all the roundabout traffic. Weiss said the current situation for riders, walkers and joggers heading north on the east side of Van Buren is not ideal. If you are on a bike, you have a bike lane for the first little stretch and then you get pinched right as the turn happens, and then its kind of wide and a free-for-all under the on-ramp, and then you get pinched again right as it (goes) down to Van Buren, he explained. A lot of people stay on the sidewalk. A lot of people hug the curb and hope for the best and I receive a lot of complaints about it. Not from motorists, but as a rider, it feels uncomfortable to me. I consider this intersection a fairly stressful location to ride a bike. Weiss said the bike lanes in that area are super wide and hed like to get rid of them in favor of a large shared-use path. Currently people dont know where theyre supposed to be, he said. The on-street bike lane on Van Buren is frequently driven in by locals and visitors alike. Getting rid of the bike lane would not prohibit people from riding in the road, but in my mind the bike lane doesnt add any added benefit. Weiss said he would like to eliminate the bike lanes on Van Buren between the interchange and Broadway in favor of the shared use path. And have one very visible crossing location, he concluded. There would still be an eight-foot shared use path on the east side of Van Buren. Gene Schmitz, a member of the bike/pedestrian board, wanted to know if Weiss was going to ask MDT to prohibit right turns on red lights at the intersection to allow pedestrians to cross. Weve been working with MDT for a year and a half on that, Weiss said. We would like an interval which gives the pedestrian signal for five seconds before the southbound (traffic) gets a green light. MDT has not agreed to prohibiting a right turn on red because they said that is the dominant movement and theyre concerned traffic will back up into the interchange. Were going to monitor and see what happens. Weve recommended prohibiting right turns on red. Weiss said that now that the newly constructed roundabout at the I-90 interchange on Orange Street is complete, he feels that it enhanced the access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians. I felt very comfortable walking, biking and driving through it, he said. Its just a little gray now, but once the foliage fills i, itll look a lot better. The $10 million project also includes plans to build noise barriers along the eastbound exit ramps and along the westbound exit and entrance ramps. The Pentagon has confirmed that two U.S. soldiers were killed by a suicide car-bomb attack against a convoy of NATO troops near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on August 2. Navy Captain Jeff Davis, the U.S. military spokesman, confirmed the deaths but did not immediately provide details on the numbers of troops wounded or their nationalities. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that 15 NATO soldiers had been killed. Afghan officials said the Taliban suicide bomber rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into the convoy in the Daman area, south of Kandahar. A local security official the attack occurred near Kandahar airfield, about 23 kilometers south of Kandahar city, where international troops in NATO's Resolute Support mission are based. There are about 13,500 U.S. and NATO troops currently in Afghanistan. The U.S. administration is deciding whether to send additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan to fight Taliban militants. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and dpa Toomaj Salehi's lyrical support for protesters in Iran has landed him behind bars before, but this time the popular rapper's fortune-telling has fans and family members fearing for his life. Just days before his September 30 arrest, the 32-year-old Salehi released his latest music video, in which he makes foreboding predictions about the future of Iran's clerical regime if it continues its violent crackdown against ongoing anti-government demonstrations. "I am the predictor, the fortune teller," he raps in the video for Omen, which shows him reading the patterns left in his coffee cup and warning that brute force will not prevail. "I saw a cage in the coffee grounds -- a lion was hunting a jackal," he explains, alluding to a fairy tale about wisdom defeating physical strength. "We will rise from the bottom and target the top of the pyramid." Salehi goes on to warn that the regime's protectors -- including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the Basij paramilitary forces, the Intelligence Ministry, and the state media -- will all get their day in court. Salehi followed up on the new video by posting on social media images of him standing alongside protesters and chanting against security forces in his native city in Isfahan Province. The rapper, an ethnic Lur who was arrested last year after releasing other songs critical of the government, offered to turn himself in if protesters detained in his hometown of Shahinshahr were released. In subsequent posts, he called the provincial authorities "cowardly vermin" and "scum who suppress and arrest [innocent] people." Shortly afterward, Salehi went missing and has not been heard from since. State media reported on September 30 that Salehi had been arrested, and a news agency close to the IRGC published a photo of the blindfolded rapper inside a car. A short video later released by a press club associated with Iran's state broadcaster purports to show the rapper admitting he made a mistake. But the reports' claims he had been caught while "illegally exiting the western borders of the country" have been fiercely disputed, and the video confession has been labeled a fake by some and a coerced confession by others. Family members as well as Salehi's official Twitter account have said the rapper was, in fact, arrested in the southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, hundreds of kilometers from Iran's western border. In a statement, Salehi's uncle Eghbal Eghbali said his nephew was in the province's city of Borujen on the morning of September 30 when he wrote saying "suspicious things" were happening outside his home. Soon after, Salehi stopped communicating. Eghbali said he learned from Salehi's neighbors and friends that security personnel had arrived to take the rapper away. Later on September 30, a prosecutor in nearby Isfahan Province was quoted by the Meezan news agency, which is close to Iran's judiciary, as saying Salehi was arrested "in one of the provinces of the country." The prosecutor alleged the rapper had played a key role in "creating disturbances and inviting and encouraging the recent disturbances in Isfahan Province and in Shahinshahr." The official IRNA news agency, meanwhile, quoted a judiciary official from Isfahan Province as saying Salehi stood accused of "propagandistic activity against the government, cooperation with hostile governments, and the formation of illegal groups with the intention of creating insecurity in the country." Thousands of Iranians, many of them from the younger generation, have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran's hijab law requiring that women cover their hair. As the protests have continued, the authorities have intensified their crackdown, resulting in the deaths of at least 305 people, including 41 children, according to the latest figures released by the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) on November 6. Salehi is among the hundreds of prominent young voices, including activists, artists, and athletes, who have been arrested for speaking out against the states bloody crackdown on the protests. Overall, activists estimate thousands of people have been arrested by the authorities since the rallies erupted. Faced with a potential existential threat to Iran's clerical rule, 227 of 290 Iranian lawmakers this week called for even greater force by urging the judiciary to "deal decisively" with those behind the protests. In recent years, Salehi has gained notoriety for his open opposition to the country's leadership, using his music and social media presence to take on issues that resonate with Iranian youths. In the song Normal, he highlights the effects of poverty, saying "Our children sleep hungry at night" and asking Iran's leaders how their conscience can let them sleep. The song Rathole, released in 2021, accuses members of the media and art community both inside and outside Iran of being an "ally of the tyrant," a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In another song, he blasts Tehran's close relationships with Moscow and Beijing, asking: "Haven't you robbed us enough? Now, you want to give away half [of our resources] to China and the rest to Russia." Salehi was detained in September 2021 after security agents raided his home in Isfahan, with Human Rights Watch decrying the detention of the artist for "exercising his right to freedom of expression." Salehi was charged with "spreading propaganda against the state," but after more than a week was released on bail. In January, he was sentenced to six months in prison but was released on a suspended sentence in February. While out, he continued his work and released Omen amid the states increasingly violent crackdown on anti-government protesters. "Someone's crime was dancing with her hair in the wind," he raps. "Someone's crime was that she was brave and criticized." Listing a litany of violent acts carried out by the authorities against protesters, Salehi asks, "How many young people did you kill building a tower for yourself?" and predicts that next year, the 44th year of the clerical regime's rule, will be its "year of failure." Salehi's arrest has led to widespread condemnation inside and outside Iran, and his advocates have spread the #FreeToomaj hashtag on Twitter to shed light on his situation. His family has said they do not know Salehi's whereabouts or health, leaving them wondering if he is even alive. But the authorities have shed some light on the fate of another Iranian rapper arrested shortly before Salehi. The judiciary announced on November 7 that Saman Yasin, a rapper from Kermanshah Province -- a northwestern region with a significant Kurdish population and that has been a focus of the government crackdown -- has been accused of waging "warfare" against Iran and acting against the country's security. Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, with contributions by RFE/RL senior correspondent Michael Scollon YEREVAN -- The trial of Armenian opposition politician Andreas Ghukasian on charges of organizing mass disturbances opened in Yerevan on August 2. Ghukasian -- a leader of the civic movement Rise Up, Armenia -- was arrested in August 2016 after mass antigovernment rallies in the Armenian capital. More than 30 members of the Daredevils Of Sassoun (Sasna Tsrer) armed group seized a police station in Yerevan's Erebuni district on July 17, 2016, and held it for more than two weeks. They demanded the resignation of President Serzh Sarkisian and the release of Zhirayr Sefilian, the leader of the radical opposition movement Founding Parliament. Thousands of the gunmen's supporters joined nightly rallies for two weeks, occasionally clashing with police. The gunmen surrendered to police on July 31, 2016. Several dozen activists were arrested during the events and are currently facing trial. The violence claimed the lives of two police officers. Egyptian authorities have deported six Kazakh students who had earlier been detained. Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Anuar Zhainaqov wrote on Facebook on August 2 that all six students had been brought to the international airport in Cairo on their way to Kazakhstan. According to Zhainaqov, a Kazakh Embassy official also arrived at the airport to meet the students. Several photos of the Kazakh students and the Kazakh official were posted on Facebook. Zhainaqov added that it is still unclear why the authorities in Egypt detained the Kazakh men. On August 1, Zhainaqov said that Kazakhstan had sent an official protest note to Egypt asking the government to explain the July 19 detention of the Kazakh students, who were studying Arabic and lived together in a Cairo apartment. Zhainaqov said earlier that the students were not thought to be Islamic extremists. Kazakh officials have said that hundreds of its citizens have joined extremist groups in Syria and Iraq in recent years. Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili says his countrys territorial integrity and its eventual membership in NATO were clearly defined during U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's July 31-August 1 visit to the South Caucasus country. In an interview with Voice of America on August 2, Margvelashvili also said he has seen continued stable support for Tbilisi from President Donald Trump's administration during its first six months in office. The interview with Margvelashvili took place as Pence was on the final leg of a four-day tour of Estonia, Georgia, and Montenegro -- all countries where leaders have expressed concerns about Russias intentions in their regions. Estonia and Montenegro are NATO members, while Georgia has expressed the desire of eventually joining. Margvelashvili said he had received reassurances from Pence about an eventual invitation for Georgia to join NATO. Vice President Pence mentioned that the future of Georgia will be in NATO and that the U.S. is backing up the 2008 NATO summit decision on future prospects of Georgia, Margvelashvili said in the interview. In 2008, a NATO gathering in Bucharest proclaimed that Georgia would someday become a member of the alliance. Those aspirations have been cited as a chief catalyst for the five-day war later that year in which Russian forces drove deep into the South Caucasus country. WATCH: Margvelashvili said his predecessor, Mikheil Saakashvili, needs to decide whether he wants to become a Georgian again. Saakashvili was stripped of his citizenship in 2015 soon after becoming governor of Ukraine's Odesa region. His Ukrainian citizenship was recently annulled by President Petro Poroshenko, leaving Saakashvili effectively stateless. (VOA) After the brief war, the Kremlin recognized Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries, and Moscow maintains thousands of troops in the two regions. Pence was clear in his language as he spoke of freedom, our territorial integrity, our sovereignty, our partnership with the U.S.A., Margvelashvili said. The most important issue for my country is territorial integrity and reunification of Georgian sovereignty...This was clearly defined by Vice President Pence. Margvelashvili said his country has also seen strong support from both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress. The language we have seen from [Capitol] Hill supports Georgia, he said. He cited a visit in early 2017 by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators led by Republican John McCain, who was clear and precise about U.S. support for Georgia. So, during this administration, weve enjoyed interest, cooperation, support, and appropriate political wording of all of this significant attitude and support in respect to Georgia, he said. BISHKEK -- Former Kyrgyz lawmaker Sadyr Japarov has been sentenced to 11 1/2 years in jail for hostage-taking. The Birinchi Mai district court in Bishkek found Japarov guilty on August 2 of taking a government official hostage in 2013 and sentenced him the same day. Japarov has rejected the charges and says they are politically motivated. Japarov was detained on March 25 upon his return to Kyrgyzstan from three years of self-imposed exile abroad and went on trial on June 6. He was charged with hostage-taking, making a death threat, hooliganism, and violent assault of a government official. The charges are linked to Japarov's role in 2013 protests around the Kumtor gold mine by demonstrators demanding that the mine be nationalized. Japarov, who declares himself an opposition politician, had been a senior member of the government and an adviser to former President Kurmanbek Bakiev. After Bakiev was ousted in 2010, Japarov became a lawmaker in the Central Asian country's parliament. In 2013, Japarov was sentenced to 18 months in prison on charges of attempting to violently seize power after he and two other lawmakers tried to force their way into the presidential palace during a protest. Just three months after serving his term, Japarov was acquitted and released. He fled Kyrgyzstan later that year after an investigation into the last case was launched against him. After almost five-and-a-half hours of deliberation on Tuesday, a Missoula County District Court jury found 22-year-old Anthony Mascarenas not guilty of attempted deliberate homicide for shooting his fiancee with an AK-47 after an argument last year. However, the jury did find Mascarenas guilty of an alternate charge of felony assault with a weapon. Mascarenas crossed himself after the verdict was read aloud in court. In a police interview after he was arrested, Mascarenas told detectives he hadnt been trying to shoot the woman, but was trying to hit a vehicle across the street to scare her into dropping her phone after she called 9-1-1. The sentiment was echoed during the two-day trial by Mascarenas attorney Steven Scott, who repeatedly termed the shooting as an error in judgment by his client. Hes guilty of being impulsive, rash, not thinking through his actions, and making a foolish decision, Scott said, adding that if his client wanted to kill the woman after she fell from the first set of shots, he could have walked up and shot her point-blank. Mascarenas, who has been in custody since his arrest, remains in jail on a $250,000 bail until his sentencing on Sept. 26. *** Mascarenas was arrested in the early-morning hours of July 30, 2016, after a shooting outside the apartment he shared with his girlfriend on the 1700 block of Howell Street. After an argument, the woman left. Mascarenas, believing she was calling the police, grabbed an AK-47 and several loaded magazines from a case in the home and followed her outside, then fired six times, hitting the woman in the knee and also striking an SUV parked across the street. The woman was eventually taken to a Seattle hospital for emergency surgery. The woman did not testify during the trial. Mascarenas, who drove away after the shooting, called 9-1-1 shortly afterward and turned himself in at the Rock Creek exit of Interstate 90. *** On Tuesday, Travis Spinder a firearms expert with the Montana State Crime Lab testified about the pattern of bullet holes on the vehicle that was across the street from the woman when Mascarenas fired the rifle. Scott asked if Spinder had been called to the scene by investigators to examine the car in person and use techniques to re-create the trajectory of the shots. Spinder said he had not been asked to do that. Detective Sean Manraksa with the Missoula Police Department, one of the two detectives who investigated the case, said the re-creation wasnt necessary because Mascarenas told them where he had been standing when he fired, and that location matched where detectives found spent shell casings from the rifle. Manraksa, who is also an instructor for the SWAT team at the Missoula Police Department and a SWAT instructor at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, said the shot pattern on the car could be attributed to an inexperienced shooter tracking a moving target. Its very difficult to hit a moving target on your first shot, he said. Mascarenas attorney did not call any witnesses at trial. In his closing remarks, Chief Deputy County Attorney Jason Marks reminded the jury of Mascarenas own statements in his police interview, when he said that after firing the shots and seeing the woman fall, he smelled the gunpowder and realized what he had done. In those moments, he was trying to kill her, Marks said. BISHKEK -- Prosecutors at a high-profile trial in Kyrgyzstan are seeking lengthy prison terms for five opposition politicians charged with plotting to overthrow the government. Supporters of Bekbolot Talgarbekov, Torobai Kolubaev, Marat Sultanov, Aleksandr Gusev, and Toigonbek Kalmatov told RFE/RL on August 2 that the prosecutors want the leaders and activists of the People's Parliament opposition movement to be sentenced to prison terms of between 16 and 18 years. The defendants gave their final testimonies on August 2, which means that the trial being held behind closed doors is reaching its end. Investigators say the five men planned to seize power during a rally slated to be held in Bishkek in May 2016 but which did not take place. Some of the members were detained before the planned rally while others were arrested in the following months. The group had demanded the resignation of President Almazbek Atambaev, claiming they had the support of Russia. Macedonia and Bulgaria have signed a friendship treaty in an attempt to end years of feuding and boost Macedonia's bid to join the European Union. Macedonia's rocky relations with its bigger eastern neighbor have hampered its efforts to join NATO and the EU, although the two nations share close religious, historic, and linguistic ties. Bulgaria still does not recognize the Macedonian language, which it views as a dialect of Bulgarian. Both Skopje and Sofia hope the new treaty will help them set aside such differences. The friendship treaty is a "joint contribution to political stabilization between the two countries and in the region," Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said in Skopje after co-signing the pact with visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. In the document, Bulgaria, already a NATO and EU member, pledged to support Macedonia's efforts to join both. The two countries said they would also improve economic ties, renounce territorial claims, and improve human and minority rights. The treaty calls for an "objective" reexamination of the common history of Bulgaria and Macedonia, a process that could lead to a review of school textbooks. Macedonian schoolchildren are still taught that their country was occupied by Bulgaria, a Nazi ally during World War II. The two countries have also agreed to open a train line from Sofia to Skopje. "For the first time, without mediators or somebody telling us what to do, the two states came to a solution," Borisov said. The treaty "shows the EU that the turbulent Balkans, which have passed through a lot of troubles, can solve problems by agreements without mediators," he said. "If you look back, you will stumble and fall," Borisov said. "So we decided to look ahead. I am convinced that in 10 years the results will be visible." Last week, the Bulgarian parliament unanimously supported the treaty in a rare case of such consensus in the Black Sea country of 7.1 million people. However, Macedonia's opposition and the former ruling party, the rightist VMRO-DPMNE, denounced the treaty as a "capitulation" to Bulgaria and said it would not support the treaty in parliament. EU and German officials warmly greeted the agreement. EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a joint statement that the treaty "is an inspiration for the whole region." German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said it was "remarkable" the treaty was signed less than two months after Zaev's new government took office. Gabriel said he was counting on Skopje to "continue pursuing this form of constructive cooperation with all its neighbors." With reporting by AP, AFP, RFE/RL's Balkan Service, and Reuters CHISINAU -- The Moldovan government has declared Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin to be persona non grata. The government approved the move initiated by Foreign Minister Andrei Galbur on August 2, according to which Rogozin is barred from entering or crossing over Moldova. The government explained the decision by citing Rogozin's controversial public statements about Moldova, its people, and its leadership on July 28 after Romanian authorities banned a commercial flight that Rogozin was on from entering its airspace. Rogozin was scheduled to hold talks with Moldova's pro-Russia President Igor Dodon and attend controversial July 29 celebrations initiated by Moscow to mark the 25th anniversary of Russia's so-called peacekeeping operation in Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniester. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin called the ban on Rogozin "provocative and unsubstantiated" and said the Moldovan government is trying to "ruin relations" with Russia. Dodon said he still plans to meet with Rogozin in Tehran on August 4 while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Hassan Rohani. The declaration of independence by Transdniester separatists in the 1990s has not been recognized by any country -- despite Moscow's unofficial backing of the separatists. Russia maintains a 1,200-strong military force in Transdnieste. Moldova has repeatedly called for it to be replaced with international peacekeepers. Rogozin has been targeted by U.S., European Union, and Canadian sanctions over his public support for Russias illegal annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. Under those sanctions, he is banned from entering EU countries. With reporting by TASS and Interfax Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said that his country's recently acquired NATO membership "will have a long-term positive effect and encourage our neighbors who are walking the same or a similar path." Speaking on August 2 at the Adriatic Charter Summit in the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, Markovic added that countries of the Western Balkans should be proactive in shaping their future "rather than waiting for others to do it for us." The event was also attended by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and a number of heads of governments of the Western Balkans region. One of them, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, encouraged his peers "to show that we are a generation of politicians with positive spirits and open minds." (Reuters) Russia is disputing a report by the Reuters news agency that shows higher Russian casualties in Syria than has been officially reported. While the Russian Defense Ministry claims 10 Russian servicemen have been killed in Syria since January 1, Reuters reports that an investigation by its correspondents, which was made public on August 2, shows at least 40 Russian troops and contract soldiers have lost their lives in Syria in 2017. Reuters said it based its count on testimony from families and friends of the dead and local officials in Russia, many of whom said they were told by Russian authorities not to talk about those killed in Syria. But the Defense Ministry in Moscow rejected the Reuters report. "This is not the first time that Reuters is attempting to discredit, by any means, Russia's operation aiming to destroy Islamic State terrorists and the return of peace to Syria," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in an August 2 statement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has nothing to do with Russian volunteers fighting in Syria. "If there are Russian citizens in Syria as volunteers and so on, they have nothing to do with the state," Peskov said Russia's involvement in the conflict on the side of the Syrian government is being praised in Russia as part of President Vladimir Putin's "successful foreign policy" ahead of next March's presidential election that many expect him to win. Russian military losses that occur during special operations in peacetime are classified, according to a decree signed by Putin in 2015, just four months before Russia launched its operations in Syria fighting with Syrian troops against opposition forces and Islamist fighters. Discrepancies in the data may be explained partially by the fact that Russia does not acknowledge that private contractors fight alongside the army. Reuters says that, of the 40 allegedly killed, 21 were private contractors and 17 were soldiers. The status of the remaining two people is unclear. Peskov defended the Defense Ministry's data on Russian losses in Syria. "The information comes from the Defense Ministry, it is official and one to base [reports] upon," he said, mentioning as well that there might be "volunteers" from Russia in Syria. "If there are some Russian citizens in Syria acting as volunteers or something like that then they are not under the state's auspices and therefore the Defense Ministry has nothing to do with them," Peskov said. Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS KAZAN, Russia -- A member of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalnys campaign staff in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan has been sentenced to 15 days for "violating laws on public gatherings." A court in Tatarstan's capital, Kazan, found Andrei Boyarshinov guilty of two violations on August 2 and sentenced him to 15 days in jail on the same day. Boyarshinov took part in Navalny-organized anticorruption rallies held in Kazan on March 26. Police say he also took part in another unsanctioned protest in Kazan in May. On July 8, Boyarshinov and a colleague of his were detained when they were distributing print materials promoting Navalny's bid for the presidency. Authorities accused the men of illegally distributing election materials. Dozens of Navalny's campaign workers have been detained or questioned in Moscow and other cities in recent weeks. Anticorruption blogger Navalny is actively campaigning for the March 2018 presidential election, in which President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to seek and win a fourth term. Russia's Central Election Commission said in June that Navalny would be ineligible to run for president, citing one of his convictions that the politician says was politically motivated and used only to block his candidacy. A new push by one of Pakistan's most notorious militant groups to attract female fighters looks like an effort to keep up with Islamic State (IS) and other extremists who have used such appeals to bolster their ranks with women and spread propaganda, close observers of the militants' strategies say. On August 1, the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, released the first edition of a magazine tailored for women called Sunnat E Khaula, or The Way Of Khaula, a reference to a female follower of the Prophet Muhammad. The Pakistani Taliban is trying to draw on disaffected, educated Muslim women, says Omar Waraich, a Pakistani journalist. IS has targeted that demographic very effectively. The TTP has previously issued publications in Urdu and English to attract new recruits, but the new 45-page magazine marks the first time it has tailored its message to women. The militant group says the latest publication is intended to provoke women of Islam to come forward and join the ranks of [the holy warriors] of Islam. The TTP and IS, like other radical Islamist groups preaching violent jihad, vie for new recruits and influence in Pakistan and beyond, in some cases employing sophisticated digital and Internet strategies. IS militants have persuaded hundreds of Muslim women and converts to join the Sunni extremist group in Syria and Iraq, where their tasks include performing domestic work and giving birth to a new generation of fighters. Women have also fought on the battlefield as the last line of defense. IS has routinely abducted and raped women in areas where it has gained control since coming to international prominence in 2014 and declaring itself a global caliphate. New Tool In A 'Bag Of Tricks' Tore Hamming, a researcher on militant Islam, says the TTP has taken notice of ISs ability to attract both single women and married women who have joined their husbands already fighting on the battlefield. Hamming says the TTPs magazine for women is a continuation of the current trend among extremist groups. Organize secret gatherings at home and invite like-minded jihadi sisters. Distribute literature reflecting on the obligation of jihad. Arrange physical training classes for sisters. Learn how to operate simple weapons. Learn the use of grenades." Jihadi outfits have in recent years focused a lot on expanding their media and two important issues have been publications in several languages and addressing different target groups, including women. The TTPs publication has shed light on the radicalization and recruitment of women in Pakistan, a deeply conservative and religious country that has been a hotbed of militancy. Marvi Sirmed, a Pakistani political commentator, says the appeals to women in the South Asian country have increased in recent years, particularly in universities. She says Pakistani extremist groups initially succeeded in bringing more women into the fold through propaganda campaigns spread via Facebook groups and Telegram channels. Initiating a special publication is also part of the same drive, further intensifying it, she says. They need an active workforce consisting of women to attack soft targets. This publication may be one tool out of their large bag of tricks to lure more women to join their cause as an active force on the ground. Sirmed says recruiting women can be particularly effective in spreading extremist ideology because of the influence women enjoy within the family. The TTP, which seeks to overthrow the Pakistani government, has been weakened by infighting and an offensive by the Pakistani military that drove some of its fighters from their bases in the countrys lawless tribal areas. And observers say the group and others like it are on the lookout for new recruits. Despite its apparently diminishing capabilities, factions of the group have still claimed responsibility for a series of deadly assaults in Pakistan, including an attack on a market last month in the city of Lahore that killed 26 people. In 2014, the group attacked a military-run school in the countrys northwest that killed over 140 people, mostly students. Advice For Female Militants In the TTP's magazine, there is a purported interview with the unnamed wife of the group's leader, Mullah Fazlullah. She says she married him when she was 14 years old. She bemoans that Pakistan, which translates from Persian as "land of the holy," has not been able to implement the law of God. She also criticizes a recent Pakistani law against child marriages, saying it was a crime to outlaw the practice. The magazine includes an advice column for would-be female fighters. "Organize secret gatherings at home and invite like-minded jihadi sisters," the column says. "Distribute literature reflecting on the obligation of jihad. Arrange physical training classes for sisters. Learn how to operate simple weapons. Learn the use of grenades." The magazine also includes a column, titled My Journey From Ignorance To Guidance, purportedly written by a Pakistani female doctor who describes her decision to spurn her Western education and embrace radical Islam. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence praised Montenegro for becoming NATO's newest member two months ago. Pence visited Podgorica on the final stop of an Eastern European tour. Speaking alongside Prime Minister Dusko Markovic on August 2, Pence said the United States has "no small allies," and is committed to building its ties with the Western Balkans. (Reuters) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence pledged to help eliminate obstacles to Kosovo becoming a full member of NATO, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci said after meeting with Pence on August 2 at the end of his tour of Eastern Europe. Thaci wrote on Facebook that the two leaders had a "very friendly and also constructive meeting" on the sidelines of an Adriatic Charter summit in Montenegro. He said he told Pence that Kosovo remains a U.S. ally "without compromise in fighting any form of extremism, radicalism, and terrorism." Thaci added that "American leadership is irreplaceable for our Euro-Atlantic aspiration." Pence also met on August 2 with Serbia's new Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, the first openly gay leader in the conservative country. Brnabic's office said she sought Pence's support for Serbia's bid to join the European Union and the two discussed regional stability and bilateral ties. In an address at the summit, Pence urged Western Balkans leaders to strive to overcome their differences as they move to ally themselves with the EU and NATO. "You belong to a new generation of Balkan leaders and this is a historic moment for progress in the Western Balkans," he said. "I urge you with great respect to make the most of this moment." Earlier, Pence said the United States will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions and pledged American support for countries of the region in their efforts to pursue a European future." We must be resolute and uncompromising in the face of aggression from an unpredictable country that casts a shadow from the East, Pence told a summit of the Adriatic Charter in Montenegro on August 2. Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force, and here in the Western Balkans Russia has worked to destabilize the region, undermine your democracies, and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe, Pence said. The United States of America rejects any attempt to use force, threats, or intimidation in this region or beyond, he added. The Western Balkans have the right to decide your own future. The gathering in Podgorica was attended by heads of states and governments of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. Earlier on his Montenegrin trip, Pence said the future of the Western Balkans is in the West." The visit is his final stop of an Eastern European tour aimed at reassuring U.S. allies in the region in the face of an emboldened Russia. "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," Pence said ahead of a summit with Montenegrin and regional leaders in Podgorica on August 2. "We look forward to reaffirming the commitment of the United States to build the relationships that will strengthen the ties between the European community, the Western Balkans, and the United States of America," he told reporters. He also called Montenegros accession to NATO in June a "historic achievement" for the country and "a sign of the strength of this country 10 years after its independence" from former Yugoslavia. He was speaking alongside Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, who said the small Balkan nation had "irrevocably" tied itself with the West and its values when it joined NATO. He said his country's ascension to NATO "will have a long-term positive effect and encourage our neighbors who are walking the same or a similar path." Markovic added that countries of the Western Balkans should be proactive in shaping their future "rather than waiting for others to do it for us." At a dinner with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Markovic, and other Montenegrin leaders on August 1, Pence said his trip to the nation of 620,000 is "testament to the fact that America has no small allies -- only strong allies." "Your courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world, and I commend you for it," he said. Pence arrived in the tiny Balkan nation, NATO's newest member, after a visit to Georgia, where he denounced Russia's "aggression" and "occupation" of the Caucasus country's territory. "America stands with Georgia," Pence said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The Kremlin recognized Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries after fighting a five-day war against Tbilisi in 2008. Russia maintains thousands of troops in the two regions. "The United States supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," Pence said. "And under President Donald Trump, the United States of America will object to any claim at any time by any nation that undermines this enduring principle." Pence also reiterated that the United States "strongly" supports the Caucasus country's aspirations to become a NATO member. Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said during a troop review with Pence at the Vaziani military air base outside Tbilisi that Russian troops remain deployed as occupiers in Abkhazia and South Ossetia where they are supporting separatist leaders. "Some dozen kilometers away there are barb wire fences built and installed to prohibit citizens of my country from free movement," Margvelashvili said. "Just a few kilometers [from here], people are persecuted just because they are Georgians." With reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters, civil.ge, and Interfax Russian opposition activist Vladimir Yegorov has been extradited from Belarus to Russia, his lawyer says. Svetlana Sidorkina told RFE/RL on August 2 that her client is currently in a detention center in his native city of Toropets in the western Russian region of Tver. Earlier on August 2, Belarusian human rights activist Nasta Loyka told RFE/RL that Yegorov, who had been living in a Minsk hostel, had been missing since July 29. He left Russia for Belarus to avoid possible prosecution for his online posts. Yegorov -- the leader of the Russian opposition Yabloko party's branch in Toropets -- was charged with public calls for extremism in October after he posted materials on the Internet in August 2016 criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin. He later fled to Ukraine and asked for political asylum there. After Ukrainian authorities refused to give him asylum, Yegorov moved to Belarus, hoping to get asylum there. In June, Belarusian authorities detained a Russian rights whistle-blower, Murad Amriyev, and extradited him to Russia, where he was wanted for alleged forgery of documents. Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst on Wednesday charged Caressa Hardy, a 51-year-old arrested earlier this week in Frenchtown, with two counts of deliberate homicide for the alleged murders of Thomas Korjack and Robert Orozco. Pabst said the killings occurred in March 2013 at a Frenchtown home where Hardy, Korjack, Orozco and a woman were living, and that evidence suggests a financial motive for the alleged homicides. Following the deaths of Korjack and Orozco, multiple transactions were made on Korjack's financial accounts, investigators found. The case has been under investigation for more than a year by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office, assisted by the Missoula Police Department and the FBI. Korjack and Orozcos bodies have not been found. Officers, including the FBIs national Evidence Response Team, were at the house on Pond Road northwest of Frenchtown where the alleged murders are believed to have taken place. Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott said cadaver dogs are being used at the scene, and he expects investigators will be there at least through the end of the week. Hardy made her initial appearance in Missoula County Justice Court on Wednesday. She gave no address other than the jail, and when Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway asked her to confirm her birthday, Hardy responded "I reserve the right to remain silent." Pabst asked for bail to be set at $2 million and said if Hardy is released that she be on GPS monitoring and cannot have contact with any witnesses in the case. Holloway imposed the requested bail and release conditions. According to a court affidavit Pabst filed in the case, a woman who said she witnessed the killings reported them to police three years later in 2016. The woman said she first met Hardy previously known by the name Glenn Dibley in California, and that she and Hardy were in a long-term relationship and had children together. The older two children were removed from the couple by the state of California. The youngest child, a girl, who continued to live with Hardy after the alleged killings was found at the home when officers arrested Hardy on Monday. The woman told police Hardy shot and killed Korjack and Orozco who lived with them at the house after Korjack and Hardy began to have a falling out and Hardy thought she was going to be kicked out of the house, according to the affidavit. Before arriving in Montana, the woman and Hardy had moved to Wyoming, where Hardy changed her name, began to dress like the woman and adopted a similar hairstyle. (The woman) said she thought Defendant actually wanted to be her, the court affidavit said. Korjack, who was a father figure to the woman, brought her and Hardy to live in Frenchtown. The woman had left the home for a while, then returned and fell in love with Orozco, who began living with them, according to the court documents. The woman told investigators that after Orozco and Korjack were killed, she was kept in the house for around a month, and that Hardy carried a gun constantly. She said Hardy changed the locks so that the doors could be locked from the inside, preventing her from leaving. She said Hardy broke into the safe containing money and other valuables that Korjack owned, and that Hardy gutted the room where the two men were killed, and burned everything in piles outside. According to a court affidavit, detectives found a bullet lodged in the cement wall of the room where Korjack and Orozco were allegedly shot, hidden behind new drywall. She was eventually allowed to leave and lived with a friend near Kalispell, but later moved back to Hardys home before leaving for good, according to the court documents. The woman described Hardy as extremely anti-government and paranoid and that she didnt report the alleged murders for years because she was afraid Hardy would find out and kill her. DUSHANBE -- A court in Dushanbe has sentenced a Tajik man to 13 years in jail for giving medical aid to a high-profile defector, former Tajik police commander Gulmurod Halimov, who joined the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Syria. Officials of the Ismoili Somoni district court in Dushanbe said on August 1 that Mahmad Mahmadiev was found guilty of being a "mercenary." It is not clear when exactly he was convicted and sentenced. Mahmadiev was detained in Turkey in 2016 and extradited to Tajikistan in March. Investigators have said that Mahmadiev joined IS in 2015 and provided medical aid to Halimov for injuries he sustained there. Halimov, a former commander of Tajik Interior Ministry Special Forces, known as OMON, announced that he had joined IS via the Internet in May 2015. Tajikistan has issued an international warrant for his arrest and the United States has offered $3 million for information on his whereabouts. There have been several unconfirmed reports from both northern Iraq and Syria since 2015 that Halimov was killed while fighting for IS militants. Tajik authorities have repeatedly rejected those reports, saying they think he is still alive. ON MY MIND It's a time of politically significant anniversaries for Russia. This year, of course, marks the centenary of the Bolshevik Revolution. But it's also the 80th anniversary of Josef Stalin's Great Terror. But next year might be the most significant anniversary of all: the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The end of the First World War in 1918 in many ways marked the end of the age of empire in Europe. It was the death knell for the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires and was the beginning of the end of the British Empire. Of Europe's great empires, only the Russian Empire successfully reconstituted itself, in the form of the Soviet Union. And if the collapse of the U.S.S.R. in 1991 was supposed to mark the final end of the Russian Empire, somebody forgot to tell Russia's current rulers -- who continue to have designs on Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and Belarus. In a very insightful piece featured below, Vladislav Inozemtsev succinctly explains the political, geographical, sociological and psychological reasons why Russia can't shake its drive for empire. Nearly a century ago, Europe's age of empire ended. Only Russia held on -- and this has been holding Russia back ever since. IN THE NEWS U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he plans to meet with Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov in Manila during the weekend of August 5-6. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence praised Montenegrin leaders for standing up to "Russian pressure" on his final stop of an Eastern European tour aimed at reassuring U.S. allies in the region. Pence also reaffirmed Washington's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity during an earlier visit to Tbilisi and denounced Russias "aggression" and "occupation" of Georgian territory. Three members of a gang accused of highway killings in the Russian capital were killed in a Moscow court after a shoot-out. Moscow city officials say that some 5,144 Soviet-era apartment buildings will be demolished in the Russian capital in a controversial massive urban renewal project. A Chechen official has rejected a report by a respected Russian newspaper that 27 Chechens had been executed without trial. The U.S. Air Force said it is negotiating the purchase of two Boeing 747s that were abandoned by a bankrupt Russian airline with the goal of converting them into the next Air Force One. The White House acknowledged that U.S. President Donald Trump helped draft a statement about his son's meeting last year with a Russian lawyer during the presidential campaign. Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian president and Odesa regional governor who was recently stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship, says he intends to return to Ukraine. WHAT I'M READING Explaining The VPN Ban In The Moscow Times, Andrei Soldatov, co-author of the book The Red Web: The Struggle Between Russia's Digital Dictators And The New Online Revolutionaries, explains how the Kremlin's VPN ban has KGB roots. Human Rights Watch has also weighed in on the VPN ban. How Russians Adapt In Vedomosti, Aleksei Levinson of the Levada Center explains how Russians are adapting to declining living standards. The Ideological Struggle Historian Vladimir Pastukhov of St. Antony's College at Oxford University has a piece in Republic.ru outlining the main ideological battle in Russia today and how it was illustrated by opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's recent debate with Igor Strelkov. The Changing Energy War On The Atlantic Council's website, Mari Dugas of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvards Kennedy School explains the energy war between Russia and the West. Why The New U.S. Sanctions Matter Former U.S. State Department official Edward Fishman, a nonresident research fellow at the Atlantic Council, explains why the Russia sanctions bill passed by Congress "is a decisive moment for U.S. policy." The Persistent Empire Economist and political commentator Vladislav Inozemtsev has a piece explaining three characteristics of the Russian Empire that persist in contemporary Russia. Shootout In A Courthouse In Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin weighs in on yesterday's shootout at the Moscow City Court that killed three members of the so-called GTA gang. Putin's Pals A new report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project explains how a firm linked to a friend of Vladimir Putin helped smooth the path for BP in Russia. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev sharply denounced the sanctions bill signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on August 2, saying it ends hope for improving relations and ignites "an all-out trade war with Russia." "The hope for improving our relations with the new U.S. administration is now over," Medvedev said on Facebook after Trump reluctantly signed the bill he once opposed, calling it significantly flawed and signaling that he might not fully implement the sanctions. Medvedev attacked Trump's decision to sign the bill in a bow to Congress, where it passed with sizable majorities that ensured lawmakers could override any potential veto. Trump said he wanted to preserve "national unity." "Trump's administration has demonstrated total impotence by surrendering its executive authority to Congress in the most humiliating way," Medvedev said. "The American establishment has won an overwhelming victory over Trump. The president wasn't happy with the new sanctions, but he had to sign the bill." Medvedev said the bill's sanctions, aimed at punishing Russia for allegedly meddling in last year's U.S. presidential election and its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria, will only make Russia grow stronger as it is forced to develop new markets and industries . "We will continue to work calmly to develop our economy and social sphere, deal with import substitution, and solve important government tasks counting primarily on ourselves," he said. "We have learned how to do it over the past few years." 'Nothing New' With the sanctions sealed into law, Medvedev said they will aggravate U.S.-Russia relations for years to come and will be almost impossible to reverse. "The sanctions regime is codified and will be preserved for decades, unless a miracle happens," he said. "Relations between Russia and the U.S. will be extremely tense despite the composition of the Congress or the president's personality." The Russian Foreign Ministry called the sanctions "short-sighted and dangerous" and said it is reserving the right to impose further countermeasures beyond the expulsion of 755 U.S. diplomatic personnel in that Russia already ordered. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no further retaliatory measures from Moscow would be taken immediately, saying "this de-facto changes nothing. There's nothing new... We've already taken retaliatory measures," according to Russian news agencies. On August 3, Peskov declined to comment on Medvedevs remarks but said that Russia is determined to protect and defend its interests," without elaborating. Moreover, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it remains "open for cooperation with the U.S. in the spheres where we see it [as] useful for ourselves and international security, including the settlement of regional conflicts." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who said he's still seeking ways to cooperate with Russia and is "not happy" with the sanctions legislation, on the sidelines of a summit in Asia over the weekend. In a statement accompanying his signature of the sanctions legislation on August 2, Trump said it was significantly flawed and would hinder his administrations ability to negotiate with foreign adversaries. My administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions and will implement them in a manner consistent with the presidents constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations, he said in a statement released by the White House. My administration particularly expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed bill to hinder our significant work with European allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends, and our allies, he said. But Trump conceded that the bill "represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary," he said. "I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As president, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress," Trump said. The law cements into place an array of sanctions imposed on Russia by Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, for Moscows alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election, the annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and its support for separatists fighting Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine. Among other things, the measure targets Russian energy firms with new financial sanctions, something that several U.S. allies in Europe had spoken out strongly against. Several German companies in particular have said they could be penalized for working on a pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea to bring Russian gas directly to Germany. U.S. lawmakers modified the bill after initial complaints by European leaders, which appeared to mollify Brussels. EU Misgivings Still, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned on August 2 after the legislation was signed that European energy companies could be harmed, particularly those working on Russian natural-gas pipeline systems that transit Ukraine to reach EU member states. If the U.S. sanctions specifically disadvantage EU companies trading with Russia in the energy sector, the EU is prepared to take appropriate steps in response within days, Juncker said in a statement. Germanys economics minister had earlier urged the European Union to fight back against the sanctions. In Kyiv, Ukraine's president hailed the measure, and he singled out the undersea Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which he called a "politically motivated project." The sanctions "will be effective in [achieving] the full liberation of Ukrainian land," Petro Poroshenko wrote in a comment on his Facebook page. This is yet another confirmation of the strategic direction in relations being taken by Ukraine and the United States. The new law also imposes tough new sanctions on Iran and North Korea over their missile programs, as well as for human rights abuses by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, one of Tehran's most powerful military and security organizations. Iran on August 1 formally complained to the United Nations about the legislation, accusing the United States of violating its commitments under a nuclear agreement reached with six world powers With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, TASS, and Interfax U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson cast doubt on Tehran's commitment to maintaining good neighborly relations in the region in keeping with requirements under the nuclear deal struck by Iran and six other countries in 2015. Tillerson was speaking at a news briefing in Washington on August 1. Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the accord is aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. In return, Tehran won relief from international economic sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has been critical of the arrangement. (Reuters) Ukrainian officials and local residents moved to stabilize conditions in the freshly recaptured southern city of Kherson, as Russian symbols were being torn down and with the restoration of Ukrainian radio and television service and a new police presence. 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. The action on November 12 came after months of occupation by Russian forces following their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February and as Ukrainian and Western officials hailed Kyivs latest extraordinary battlefield success and Moscows strategic failure. Separately, Russian occupying forces said late on November 12 that they were preparing to leave the city of Nova Kakhovka, the site of a damaged dam on the Dnieper River, to a safer location, according to Russian state-run TASS news agency. As jubilant Kherson residents awoke the morning following the arrival of the first Ukrainian troops, Ukraines military said it was putting stabilization measures in place to ensure safety. Ihor Klymenko, chief of the National Police of Ukraine, said about 200 officers were at their posts in Kherson and that checkpoints had been set up. Authorities also began seeking out any evidence of possible Russian war crimes, he said in a Facebook post. The Ukrainian communications watchdog said national TV and radio broadcasts had resumed in the strategic southern city and officials said aid supplies had begun to arrive from nearby regions. Social media postings on November 12 showed local residents removing memorial plaques put up by Kremlin-installed authorities during the occupation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other officials warned that while special forces had entered central Kherson, the full deployment of Ukrainian troops was still under way and that some Russian soldiers could have shed military uniforms for civilian clothing and remained in the city. Even when the city is not yet completely cleansed of the enemys presence, the people of Kherson themselves are already removing Russian symbols and any traces of the occupiers stay in Kherson from the streets and buildings, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. But he said that medicine, communications, social services are returning. Life is returning. WATCH: Local residents welcomed Ukrainian soldiers into Snihurivka on November 10, as advance forces of the Ukrainian military recaptured the town in the southern Mykolayiv region. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, speaking to world leaders at an ASEAN summit in Cambodia, warned that the celebratory mood could turn grim with the possible discovery of war crimes evidence in Kherson. Such evidence was discovered after Russian troops pulled out of the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions months ago. Every time we liberate a piece of our territory, when we enter a city liberated from the Russian Army, we find torture rooms and mass graves with civilians tortured and murdered by the Russian Army in the course of the occupation of the territories," he said. "Its not easy to speak with people like this. But I said that every war ends with diplomacy and Russia has to approach talks in good faith. The White House on November 12 hailed Russias withdrawal from Kherson as an "extraordinary victory" for Ukraine. "It does look as though the Ukrainians have just won an extraordinary victory where the one regional capital that Russia had seized in this war is now back under a Ukrainian flag -- and that is quite a remarkable thing," U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters as he accompanied President Joe Biden to the ASEAN summit. Sullivan said that the Russian retreat would have "broader strategic implications," including relieving the longer-term threat by Russia to other southern Ukrainian cities such as Odesa. "It's a big moment, and it's due to the incredible tenacity and skill of the Ukrainians, backed by the relentless and united support of the United States and our allies," Sullivan said. Asked about reports that the Biden administration has started to press Zelenskiy to explore negotiations with Moscow, Sullivan said Russia, not Ukraine, was the side that has to decide whether or not to go to the table. "This whole notion, I think, in the Western press of, 'When's Ukraine going to negotiate?' misses the underlying fundamentals," Sullivan said. Russia, he added, continues to make "outlandish claims" about its self-declared annexations of Ukrainian lands, even as it retreats from Ukrainian counterattacks. "Ultimately, at a 30,000-foot level, Ukraine is the party of peace in this conflict and Russia is the party of war. Russia invaded Ukraine. If Russia chose to stop fighting in Ukraine and left, it would be the end of the war. If Ukraine chose to stop fighting and give up, it would be the end of Ukraine," he said. "In that context, our position remains the same as it has been and fundamentally is in close consultation and support of President Zelenskiy. Separately, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on November 12 that Moscow's "strategic failure" in Kherson will sow doubt among the Russian public about the point of the war in Ukraine. "Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson," Wallace said in a statement. "Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves: 'What was it all for?'" Meanwhile, Pavel Filipchuk, the head of the occupation government in Nova Kakhovka, told administrators and residents that Russian forces will be pullng back from the city on the right bank of the Dnieper River. He cited concerns that the key dam could be damaged by missiles, which would result in flooding. Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of planning to blast the dam, which has already been severely damaged. With reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, and Reuters The White House acknowledged on August 1 that U.S. President Donald Trump helped draft a statement about his son's meeting last year with a Russian lawyer during the presidential campaign. The Washington Post reported on July 31 that Trump told his son Donald Jr. to tell the press the meeting focused primarily on U.S. adoptions of Russian children, although e-mails later showed it was set up to discuss potentially damaging information about Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump only "weighed in, offered suggestions, like any father would do." She said Trump Jr.'s statement to the press when the meeting was first disclosed last month was true and there was "no inaccuracy" in it. The incident shows the president's determination to tamp down and manage the allegations about Russian meddling in the presidential electon which have dogged his presidency since he took office. It may intensify charges from lawmakers that Trump is trying to cover up connections with a foreign government accused of trying to tilt the election in his favor. Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow dismissed reports of the incident as "misinformed." Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters A suicide bomber and a gunman were involved. The scene was one of horrific carnage. Based on our initial information two terrorists were involved one of them wearing a suicide vest, who detonated himself while the second one was armed with a rifle. They are both dead, Herat police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said to media. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish initially said he thought it was a car bomb and tweeted that there was a possibility that it was a improvised explosive device. After attack, dozens of local residents, who are mostly Shias, attacked the police station pelting it with stones and setting it on fire. Scene of explosion at Jawadya mosque The Jawadya mosque in Herat is close to Afghanistans border with Iran. No one immediately took responsibility for the attack on the Jawayia Mosque in Herat but Shiites are a minority in Afghanistan which have been permanently threatened by the Islamic State affiliate that operates in the countrys east. This attack came a day after ISIS claimed an attack in Kabul. On Monday a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Iraqi embassy, allowing at least three other militants to breach the compound, unleashing an hours-long gun battle. Nischal Jain, 17 and Vedant Patel, 16, residents of Usmanpura, Ahmedabad were killed in a tragic accident. Both victims were Class XII students of the St. Xaviers School. Vedant is son of a Director in city based oil company, while Nischal is son of a businessman. On Saturday night, they had gotten together to study. They were studying at Vedants other residence in Thaltej. At about 1-30 AM they decided to go for a drive in Vedants dads car and get some fresh air. The Ford Endeavour SUV they were out on an early morning spin met with an accident on the NFD Circle-Vastrapur road on Sunday at 2 am. Nischal was behind the wheel of the SUV and initial investigations indicate that he lost control of the vehicle due to over-speeding after ramming into a tree, which led to this tragic accident. The SUV skidded out of control and somersaulted at high speed. Chirag Rajani, a resident of Bodakdev was at the accident spot which is close to the Sanjeevani Hospital where his father was admitted. He and his friend had come out of the hospital at 2 am and he saw the SUV go out of control. Both the occupants were thrown out of the vehicle from the front windshield, as they were not wearing seat belts. One of the teens was found near the vehicle while the other was thrown out and landed over 15 feet from the SUV. Nischal Jain, a resident of Orient Apartments, Usmanpura died on the spot while Vedant Patel, of Dariapur Patel Society, Usmanpura, was taken to a nearby hospital where he died soon after. Watch the CCTV video below. Police investigations are underway while CCTV footage of the area shows that the SUV was travelling at high speed, skidded and started to turtle. Investigations reveal that the rear left wheel was found to be flat while layers of gravel left after heavy rains in the region could also have led to the SUV skidding and somersaulting out of control. Even as more investigations will be conducted, parents or guardians of the teens are likely to be booked as both were underage and driving without license. Fairytale Riga Flights to Riga arrive in the capital of Latvia and home to the largest concentration of German Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Once dubbed the 'Paris of the East', it is not hard to see why. Riga's timeless beauty and elegance are evident on every street in every building, with a skyline sketched out in steeples and turrets. The charming old town and the area around the Freedom Monument are the citys biggest draws, while the quaint winding streets of the Town Square, the pretty Town Hall and Riga's oldest church, St Peters, are all well worth exploring. Be sure to purchase a Riga Card that will give you discounted access to the city's transport, museums and attractions like the Natural HIstory Museum and Museum of Modern Art, to name but a few. There is enough opera, theatre and live music in Riga to keep you going for months. As the sun dips behind the spires, settle down in a candlelit bar on sun-speckled or snow dusted street and savour every moment of this enchanting city. There is plenty of glitzy nightlife to keep you going until dawn if you can't bear the thought of going to bed. For down tempo beats, look no further than the Gioja Tea Room, or perhaps Leningrad's with its distinctive retro Soviet interior while the Skyline bar is the place to be at sunset. Don't forget to take time out from international cuisines and taste Latvia's heartwarmingly delicious dishes. Flights to Riga can be cheap, but it's when you get there that you'll realise how far your money goes. From hotels to restaurants, bars to bobsleigh runs, Riga will thrill you with its beauty and budget appeal. Browse for the best bargains on flights to Riga from the UK. Compare cheap flights from the best travel agents and over 600 airlines to get the best flight deals. Skyscanner is not only free, but quick and easy so you can find the lowest flight prices then book directly by clicking through to the airline or travel agency site. Browse cheap flight offers or use the search box to enter your travel dates and let Skyscanner find the cheapest flights to Riga, or wherever you want to go. Are you flexible on when you travel? We can show you the cheapest days of the month to fly. If you fancy trying somewhere new, select your chosen departure airport to everywhere on Skyscanner and we show you the cheapest places to fly to! Book your flights to Riga with confidence; theres no commission to pay as you book directly with your chosen flight provider. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite will fly in a unique highly-elliptical orbit to search for exoplanets around the nearest and brightest stars. WASHINGTON Cameras recently installed on a NASA spacecraft designed to look for nearby exoplanets will be slightly out of focus once launched, but the agency said that will not affect the mission's science. NASA confirmed July 26 that the focus of the four cameras on the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) spacecraft will drift when the spacecraft cools to operating temperatures after launch next March. The problem was noticed in recent tests when the cameras were chilled to approximately minus 103 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 75 degrees Celsius). "Recent tests show the cameras on TESS are slightly out of focus when placed in the cold temperatures of space where it will be operating," NASA spokesperson Felicia Chou said in response to a SpaceNews inquiry. "After a thorough engineering evaluation, NASA has concluded TESS can fully accomplish its science mission with the cameras as they are, and will proceed with current integration activities." [Gallery: The Strangest Alien Planets] Chou added July 28 that the out-of-focus area is limited to the outer edges of the image, and that "recent testing shows that the camera focus towards the image center is better than originally designed." The problem with the TESS cameras came up during a July 24 meeting of the NASA Advisory Council science committee in Hampton, Virginia. Alan Boss, an astronomer with the Carnegie Institution, brought up the issue in a summary of a meeting of the Astrophysics Advisory Committee, of which he is a member. "That could have some big effects on the photometry," he said of the focus problem. "This is certainly a concern for the folks who know a lot about photometry." TESS will use those cameras to monitor the brightness of the nearest and brightest stars in the sky, an approach similar to that used by Kepler, a NASA spacecraft developed originally to monitor one specific region of the sky. Both spacecraft are designed to look for minute, periodic dips in brightness of those stars as planets pass in front of, or transit, them. In a photo posted to Twitter July 25, technicians pose with the four cameras that will be installed on the TESS spacecraft. (Image credit: NASA) Chou said that since TESS is designed to conduct photometry, measuring the brightness of the stars in its field of view, "resolution is less important compared to imaging missions like Hubble." However, astronomers are concerned that there will be some loss of sensitivity because light from the stars will be spread out onto a slightly larger area of the detector. "The question is how much science degradation will there be in the results," Boss said. "The TESS team thinks there will be a 10 percent cut in terms of the number of planets that they expect to be able to detect." Despite the reduction, Boss said TESS scientists believe they will still be able to meet the mission's primary science requirements, and thus there is no need to fix the cameras. The four cameras were attached this week to a plate that will later be installed on the spacecraft, which is being assembled by Orbital ATK. "There will be some loss of science, and we just want to know more about it," Boss said. That includes anything the project can do in software, or even mechanical fixes to the spacecraft, to compensate for the focus problem. NASA has not disclosed the cause of the focus problem, but Boss said it may be due to crystallization of the glue used to bond the detector arrays in place. He said project engineers didn't expect the focus to continue to drift after the temperature stabilized. Chou said the project will continue to monitor the problem. "Should further testing reveal the cameras are unable to complete the mission, NASA will revisit the decision and determine the steps moving forward," she said. TESS is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 2018 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. That launch was previously planned for late 2017 but postponed by delays in SpaceX's launch schedule and the NASA launch certification process. TESS will operate in a unique orbit that takes it between 67,000 miles and 232,000 miles (108,000 and 373,000 kilometers) from Earth. The orbit is particularly stable, thus minimizing the maneuvers the spacecraft has to perform to maintain it. The spacecraft will have a two-year primary mission, and scientists expect it to detect thousands of exoplanets, including dozens the size of the Earth. Astronomers plan to follow up some of the most promising discoveries with the James Webb Space Telescope and the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. This image captured from (North) Korean Central Television on July 29, 2017, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talking to an official prior to the North's launch of its second Hwasong14 intercontinental ballistic missile on the previous day. North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test apparently wasn't a complete success. The ICBM's re-entry vehicle (RV) which would protect the missile's nuclear warhead during an operational launch likely broke apart toward the tail end of Friday's (July 28) test flight, according to missile expert Michael Elleman. Elleman studied video captured by a weather camera mounted on the roof of a TV station in Muroran City, on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. This camera happens to cover the patch of sky where the RV came back to Earth during the July 28 test, which was the second flight of North Korea's Hwasong-14 ICBM. [Images: North Korea's Rocket and Missile Program] The weather-cam footage shows that, at an altitude of about 12 miles (20 kilometers), the RV got so hot that it began to glow. At 2.5 miles to 3 miles (4 to 5 km) above sea level, "the RV appears to be shedding small radiant objects and is trailed by an incandescent vapor," Elleman, a senior fellow for missile defense at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote yesterday (July 31) on the North Korea analysis site 38 North. "At an altitude of 3 to 4 km [1.9 to 2.5 miles], the RV then dims and quickly disappears." If the RV had remained intact, the glow would have remained visible until the vehicle passed behind some mountains between it and the camera, Elleman added. So the RV apparently disintegrated a few miles above Earth's surface not coincidentally, just when it was experiencing "maximum stressing loads," he wrote. "If this assessment accurately reflects reality, North Korea's engineers have yet to master re-entry technologies, and more work remains before [leader] Kim Jong-un has an ICBM capable of striking the American mainland," Elleman concluded. That's the good news for the United States, South Korea and Japan, all of which nuclear-armed North Korea has repeatedly threatened to destroy. But there's bad news, too: The Hwasong-14 has demonstrated worrying range on both of its flights to date. (The first launch of the ICBM occurred on July 4.) Indeed, in its current form, the missile may be able to hit major cities on the U.S. West Coast, Elleman said yesterday during a conference call with reporters organized by the U.S.-Korea Institute (USKI) at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. (38 North is a USKI program.) "It's kind of a question that can't be answered with any real fidelity, but I think, assuming a 500-kilogram [1,100 lbs.] bomb, which gives you about a total of 700 kilograms [1,540 lbs.] 150 kilograms [330 lbs.] for the re-entry vehicle itself San Francisco, Los Angeles [and] Seattle would be threatened," Elleman said. "Possibly San Diego. Salt Lake City may be out of its range." Putting warheads atop ICBMs requires miniaturizing the bombs. If North Korea has not already mastered this technology, they'll likely do so soon, according to American intelligence officials. Indeed, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency recently predicted that the rogue nation will have a reliable nuclear-armed ICBM system by sometime next year. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. What began as a search by university students for a Mars-like landscape in a Canadian park took an unexpected detour into paleontology, when they discovered strange "rocks" that turned out to be dinosaur bones. Members of the University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team (USST) were visiting Midland Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada, on June 1, to scout locations for an upcoming robotics contest. They needed terrain that closely mimicked the Martian surface, to test prototypes of Mars rovers in a new competition bringing together teams from around North America, USST President Danno Peters, a student studying engineering physics at the University of Saskatchewan, told Live Science in an email. But the team found something else along the way: unusual-looking rocks embedded in the ground. Upon closer inspection, the "rocks" turned out to be fossils, including what appeared to be a thigh bone and part of a jaw, Peters said. [7 Most Mars-Like Places on Earth] Dry conditions in rocky deserts make many of them good candidates for finding fossils; some of the richest fossil repositories in the world are located in deserts, with the largest number of fossils originating in the badlands and deserts of China, Argentina and North America. For the first Canadian International Rover Challenge, held from July 7 to July 10, USST team members required a site with an arid climate, minimal vegetation and challenging terrain, "with loose iron-rich rock and sand," Peters said. "We initially noticed a rock that looked surprisingly like a thigh bone protruding from the ground. It was encased in rock which was lighter than the surrounding stones," Peters told Live Science. Conservation officials from the Alberta Parks Department and paleontologists from Alberta's Royal Tyrrell Museum who were with the students at the time of the discovery confirmed that the finds were fossils, and conducted a detailed inspection of the immediate area to see if they could find more. The bones have not yet been excavated, which makes it difficult to establish their identity with certainty. But experts suspect that they belong to a hadrosaurid, a type of duck-billed dinosaur, Peters said. From left to right: Jean-Philippe Hervieux (Ecologist, Alberta Parks), Earle Wiebe (Head of Education, Royal Tyrrell Museum) and Angie Quist (Ecologist, Alberta Parks) inspect the park site where the fossils were found. (Image credit: Danno Peters) Once the area around the fossils was secured, the competition was allowed to proceed using part of the site nearby. The rovers that rolled out were much smaller than those currently exploring Mars and were designed for scenarios in which they could assist humans living on an extraterrestrial world someday, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported. Competitions like this showcase how student engineers and designers explore the challenges of building complex scientific tools. The annual University Rover Challenge (URC) in the United States brings together rover-building teams from universities across the U.S. to demonstrate rover designs that could one day operate on Mars alongside astronauts, according to the URC website. And the European Rover Challenge, open to students from around the world, also tasks competitors with putting their rovers through a series of tests in a simulated Martian environment. Experts with Alberta Parks and the Royal Tyrrell Museum confirmed that the unusual "rocks" found by the University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team were fossils. (Image credit: Adam McInnes) University students, and even high schoolers, have also demonstrated their innovative design prowess by building an underwater camera-toting "rover" to explore the Southern Ocean near Antarctica; technology capable of mining the lunar surface for materials to make rocket fuel; and a remote-controlled diving robot that can perform rescue missions to damaged submarines. While fossil finding certainly generates excitement, the USST team won't be swapping robotics for paleontology anytime soon. Plans are already underway to expand the Mars rover competition in 2018, opening it to even more designs engineered by teams worldwide and finding more challenging terrain "to push the limits of the rovers and their designers," Peters said. Original article on Live Science. WASHINGTON Arianespace's smallest rocket launched two remote sensing satellites co-produced by Israeli and European teams on an Aug. 1 night mission from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Built by the Italian provider Avio with support from the European Space Agency, Vega now has 10 missions completed since debuting in 2012, launching successfully each time a feat for the harrowing early days of any launch system where failures are all but expected. Vega lifted off at 9:58 p.m. Eastern from the Guiana Space Centre's Vega Launch Complex on a mission lasting slightly over one hour and 37 minutes. The launcher deployed both satellites the 368-kilogram Optsat-3000 and the 264-kilogram Vens, or Vegetation and Environment monitoring on a New Micro Satellite into sun-synchronous orbits. [Photos: Meet Vega, Europe's New Rocket] Vega completed its 10th launch since debuting in 2012, bucking the failures and hiccups that often snag new launch vehicles. (Image credit: Arianespace video still) Avio CEO Giulio Ranzo told SpaceNews Aug. 1 that Vega owes much of its success to simplicity in design. "Vega was conceived with a simple architecture based on solid propulsion, which is inherently simpler than liquid propulsion as it is made of much fewer parts," he said, adding that Avio has been building solid rocket motors for more than five decades and has the full manufacturing process vertically integrated. "This factor is certainly responsible for a good part of Vega's reliability." The European Space Agency, spurred by the Italian Space Agency, approved the development of Vega in 2003. Arianespace took commercial responsibility for Vega launches in 2015 after six successful flights. Three of Vega's stages, the P80 first stage, Zefiro-23 second stage and Zefiro-9 third stage, all use solid propulsion. Ukrainian rocketry company Yuzhnoye provides the fourth and final stage, the Attitude and Vernier Upper Module, or AVUM, a bipropellant liquid propulsion engine. Ranzo said this upper stage "is also relatively simple" despite being a re-ignitable liquid propulsion system. He said AVUM uses an avionics suite derived from the Ariane 5, Arianespace's main heavy lift launcher that in June completed its 80th consecutive successful mission. "The collaboration methodology we have put in place with Arianespace and ESA throughout the last few decades is particularly effective in early detection of potential anomalies," said Ranzo. "When you put all these aspects together, this is why Vega is so reliable." Vega's design has not changed since the rocket was introduced, Ranzo said, though some components have been optimised. ESA said Aug. 2 that Vega used a lighter payload fairing from Ruag Space Switzerland and ELV, a joint company between Avio and the Italian Space Agency, during its most recent mission. Arianespace's Aug. 1 launch, the company's eighth for the year, placed the Italian Ministry of Defense's Optsat-3000 into low-Earth orbit about 42 minutes after liftoff. The Israel Space Agency and French space agency CNES's Vens satellite separated 49 minutes later. Optsat-3000 is a high resolution optical satellite that Israel Aerospace Industries, or IAI, built along with the ground segment through an Italian-Israeli inter-governmental agreement. The Leonardo-Thales joint venture Telespazio of Rome was the prime contractor for the mission, and German satellite manufacturer OHB Systems' Italian division OHB Italia handled launch services and associated engineering support. Optsat-3000 is designed to last more than seven years from its 450-kilometer orbit, and will complement the second-generation Cosmo-SkyMed Italian radar satellites. The Vens satellite is designed to capture 760-square kilometer multispectral photos in 12 wavelengths for vegetation monitoring. The satellite also carries a new Hall effect electric propulsion system from Israeli manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Vens has a chemical propulsion system as backup. The spacecraft has a design life of four and a half years. Europe's next generation iteration of Vega, called Vega-C, is scheduled for a first flight in 2019. Airbus in June procured two Vega C launches to orbit four Earth observation satellites two at a time. Vega C is designed to launch 2,300 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit, up from Vega's 1,500 kilograms. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. T he black comedy of this week in the White House felt oddly cathartic. How much more Trump-y can you get than the rise and fall of The Mooch? A character torn from The Sopranos for a brief stint in the West Wing, Anthony Scaramucci gave us a 10-day bonanza of ba-da-boom insanity until even the President himself was worn out. Ten days in which he air-kissed the press, received divorce papers from his wife, missed the birth of his son, cursed graphically to a reporter from The New Yorker about his colleagues, boasted of being a front-stabber who was going to purge the White House of leakers, and was finally stabbed and ejected by the President to whom he had repeatedly declared his love. At the start of his tenure The Mooch was the cure to all that ailed the Trump administration. He was going to be the Wall Street brawler, willing to go out and fight for the President and his beleaguered family, the way poor, pasty Sean Spicer never would. Trumps daughter Ivanka, as well as her husband Jared Kushner, urged her father to hire Scaramucci to be their enforcer. Everyone was going to love The Mooch and his funny, foul mouth. Ten days later he seemed more like a goon at the dinner table, his chin smeared in sauce, belching and patting his belly. The prim Trumps were appalled by who they had let in. Ivanka and Jared let it be known they wanted him gone. And so it goes for the Trumps: free-wheeling, chaotic, nuking every commonly held assumption about how administrations should be run. The President now treats every audience as a political one. The Boy Scouts of America were submitted to a rambling partisan address at their national jamboree last week. When Trump spoke to an audience of police officers on Friday he made a joke about treating suspects more roughly. Both the police and the scouts, normally the most loyal of audiences, have distanced themselves from Trumps remarks. Fired: Anthony Scaramucci (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) / Getty Images The President has even been attacking his loyal Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, trying to force him to resign. He would rather there was someone more pliant in the job as the investigation into his Russian connections gathers pace. The latest twist is that the President himself composed a statement on behalf of his son, Donald Jr, to mislead the press about a meeting with a Russian lawyer to discuss dirt on Hillary Clinton. It is all breathlessly rotten, and while the Democrats are feasting on outrage, conservatives are in various stages of agony. Those towards the political centre are turning on Trump. They cannot tolerate his ill-discipline, his nepotism, his endless betrayals and his basic profanity, which emerged briefly from the mouth of The Mooch. They fear that Trump has paralysed Washington exhibit A: his inability to repeal Obamacare. What hope now for tax reform, a far harder piece of legislation? These Republicans miss the flinty, can-do alpha-men of the Reagan-Bush eras, accomplished patriots who spoke little as they transformed America. As Reagans speechwriter Peggy Noonan wrote recently in The Wall Street Journal: The Presidents primary problem as a leader is not that he is impetuous, brash or naive. Its not that he is inexperienced, crude, an outsider. It is that he is weak and snivelling. It is that he undermines himself almost daily by ignoring traditional norms and forms of American masculinity. Trump complains his good work is being ignored As you move further Right on the conservative spectrum, there are those who argue that Trump is simply going through the growing pains that are typical of any administration. Bill Clintons first few months in office were a mess but he eventually got it right. Trumps decision to appoint former Marine Corps general John Kelly as his new chief of staff is being hailed by Fox News commentators as a sign that finally order is coming to the White House. The Marines have landed. Scaramuccis firing was the first act of bringing the administration under control. Next up will have to be the Presidents incontinent Twitter habit, and the exorbitant privileges and responsibilities bestowed on Ivanka and Kushner. Rex Tillerson, the Secretary of State, ran Exxon. Jim Mattis, the Secretary of Defense, ran the US Central Command. H R McMaster, the National Security Advisor, was one of the Armys top strategic thinkers. Ivanka and her husband, who come from the world of New York real estate and beauty and fashion products, are the odd ones out when it comes to discussions of national security. Then, way out on the Right, you find those who say Trump is doing exactly what he promised. He is fulfilling the ambitions of his chief strategist Steve Bannon, whose goal is the deconstruction of the administrative state. Trump is doing this by simply not filling hundreds of jobs and belittling entire wings of government. The State Department is reportedly in disarray, ambassadorships unfilled, requests from overseas governments piling up. A warning to the UKs International Trade Secretary Liam Fox: this is no time to be trying to get the US governments attention. The same goes for US dealings with Russia, China or North Korea. Members of Trump's administration who got sacked Conservatives also applaud Trump for dismantling the mystique of the Presidency. If the later Obama felt almost imperial, the early Trump has reminded us that this is a job only as big as the person who occupies it. By trivialising his office he has restored it to its proper status as only one of the many forms of government. If that sounds like a stretch, it is. But it is one way to explain the bedlam. And for people such as Bannon, every howl of outrage, every criticism, is proof that they are on the right track. As he said earlier this year, the corporatist, globalist media are adamantly opposed to an economic nationalist agenda like Donald Trump has. For now, though, the opposition appears to be winning. P olice are hunting a pervert who exposed himself to a 13-year-old schoolgirl on a north London tube train. The victim, who was wearing her school uniform, was travelling on the Metropolitan line between Kings Cross and Wembley Park when the incident happened. Police said a man boarded the train at Baker Street and stared at the girl, before standing up and exposing himself to her. The girl, who was scared and frightened by the ordeal, left the train at Wembley Park and boarded a Jubilee line service. Police want to speak to this man about the incident / British Transport Police But the man followed her off the train and then boarded the exact same carriage as her. The victim then ran to the next carriage just before the train pulled away, leaving the man staring at her through the windows between the two carriages. She left the train at Kingsbury Station and ran out of the station, while the man also got off at the same stop. Detectives investigating the incident have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to. Investigating officer Detective Constable Marc Farmer said: This poor schoolgirl was left frightened by the mans behaviour. No one should be subjected to this. I am pleased that the girl had the courage and confidence to report the incident, for us, every report builds a picture. Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 citing reference 159 of 02/08/17. T he devastated mother of a celebrity bodyguard killed by a machete-wielding teenager has shared a heartbreaking picture of him in his hospital bed, as she called for changes to the law around knife crime. Ricky Hayden, 27, was killed by Tommy Roome as he tried to stop his brothers scooter being stolen. The ITV bodyguard, who provided security for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch during his wedding to model Abbey Clancy, was fatally stabbed in the thigh. He was rushed to hospital after the attack in Romford, east London, but died there the following day. Victim: Ricky Hayden was stabbed to death on his driveway / Metropolitan Police Yesterday his mother, Suzanne Hedges, posted a shocking final picture of her son, She said on Facebook: Posting this picture has broken my heart once again and gone against all my wishes. This is the last picture of my boy before he took his last breath and lost his fight for life. I wanted to keep this picture private just for my viewing, but after yesterday I feel it needs to be made public for the rest of the world to see. This is what carrying/using a knife does to someone. It not only kills the person but also the family. Our hearts are broken and will never mend. Ricky Hayden at Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy's wedding / Rui Vieria/PA She attacked the justice system after her sons killer was found guilty of manslaughter but cleared of murder at the Old Bailey on Monday. Two relatives of Mr Hayden stormed out of the courtroom after the verdicts had been delivered. She said: The laws when carrying a knife need to be changed. If caught in possession of a knife a prison sentence should be handed out not a caution. I pray no other family are put through what we have been through. Especially as we have been failed by the so called British justice system. In a post that has been shared 14,000 times and generating thousands of comments, she added: RIP ricky love & miss you boy. Fly high Ricky Hayden xxx The court had heard that Mr Hayden was in just his boxer shorts when he went outside to confront Roome, 19, last September, believing he was eyeing up his brothers scooter. Accompanied by brother Perry, 21, and their father Paul, 55, Mr Hayden went to chase Roome and another 19-year-old, Tarrell Hinds, away. But Roome, from Romford, then pulled out a large knife, described in court as a machete, as the two groups clashed. Hinds, also from Romford, admitted being at the scene but denied and was acquitted of murder, attempted murder, and wounding with intent. Following the verdict, Judge Philip Katz QC remanded Roome in custody until a sentencing hearing on a date to be set. A high court judge has blocked plans to open a private nursery in a park, in a row that has divided parents of south Londons nappy valley. Smart Pre-Schools Ltd planned to take out a 15-year lease on buildings on Wandsworth Common to open a Montessori-inspired pre-school for 62 children. Part of Neals Lodge and Cottage had been converted into a cafe and Wandsworth council put the use of its empty sections out to tender. Nine nurseries came back with plans for the site amid demand for childcare places in the affluent area, where four-bedroom houses can fetch 3 million. The winning bid was from Smart Pre-Schools, which says it specialises in outdoor Scandinavian activities and the Montessori teaching philosophy and promotes a toxin-free organic environment. The nursery at Neals Lodge on Wandsworth Common / Alex Lentati But a legal challenge was launched by a teacher who had an alternative proposal to use the buildings as a scout camp-style retreat for local state schools as part of pupils studies. Now, after a two-year battle, Alexander Keay Muir, 56, has persuaded the High Court to quash the lease. He argued that granting a lease to a private company for a profit-making venture on common land was banned by law. Wandsworth claimed it could act lawfully as the nursery would have a recreational or educational character. But Mr Muir pointed out a lease would give a private company the right to restrict entry to members of the public on part of the common. Upholding his challenge on Friday, Mrs Justice Lang said: In my judgment the council has underestimated the constraints on its powers to develop the common. Mr Muir, a father of two grown-up children who lives in Balham, said: Its not right that common land should be used by only the few. We have plenty of nurseries, theres no need for another. My proposal was something unique which would benefit thousands of primary school children across Wandsworth. The decision received a mixed reception from locals. Liz Heath, 34, who has children aged one and three, said: There is incredible demand for nursery spaces, they dont call it nappy valley for nothing. The building isnt being used so lets put it to use for something vital to families. The childcare subsidy means any parent could have access to it. Mother Jenny Esdaile, 38, added: Theres a great shortage of nurseries in the area and this would have alleviated pressure. It seemed a good idea. I hope it doesnt just stay empty now. However Frances Gresty, a 39-year-old mother, said: It was selfish to turn it into a private nursery in a public space. There is always a need but I think commons and parks should remain for communities. Agreeing, assistant vicar Dave Matthews, 26, who has a five-month-old son with his wife Sophie, 28, said: Those who have money in this area are quite well served. I think an alternative that benefits everyone in a public space should be supported. Wandsworth council said: This is a disappointing outcome for all who wanted to see this building brought back into use for the benefit of the community while utilising our property assets for the benefit of council tax-payers. We will carefully consider the implications of this judgment. It claimed Mr Muirs own plan would be prohibited under the ruling. But Mr Muir said his idea was not commercial and could be run by the council. Smart Pre-Schools declined to comment. A n office worker received a six-month ban from the whole of the Canary Wharf Estate after a row over a 2 packet of bacon ribs. Jeannot Attard, 32, was stopped by staff at Tesco Metro after he failed to scan the item during his lunch hour. The pack of ribs from the hot deli counter was among his other shopping but Mr Attard said he was distracted while paying at the self-service machine. He told staff he could and would pay for the ribs. But the store manager called in Canary Wharf Group private security guards who issued a notice banning him from entering the shopping centre or any businesses in the estate for six months. After being contacted by the Standard, Canary Wharf has now suspended the total ban ahead of talks with Mr Attard later this week. But he is still banned from the Tesco Metro supermarket. The offending bacon ribs, which caused Jeannot Attard to be banned from Canary Wharf shops Canary Wharf Group controls the 97-acre private estate, home to the likes of JP Morgan, Citigroup and Bank of America. Guards monitor suspicious behaviour and police the retail complex. Photographers have complained about being stopped and questioned by them. Mr Attard, who protects the intellectual property of blue-chip clients on the internet, relies on regular meetings in Canary Wharf. Under the original ban he was told he could not visit restaurants for meetings. He was allowed to travel from the Tube and DLR station to his office, but if he strayed into any other part of the private estate he could be prosecuted for trespassing. He said: If I wanted to steal I would have made a run for it or not paid for the rest of my shopping or the more expensive items. It was an honest mistake but they made me feel like a common criminal. I felt useless and like I had no rights. Initially they couldnt find a manager so I was made to wait with security while everyone watched. It was hugely embarrassing. The police were not called and have had no involvement. Mr Attard, who lives in south-east London, had his photograph taken after the incident last Friday and believes it has been circulated to local retailers. He is calling for the ban to be lifted and after being contacted by the Standard, Tesco and Canary Wharf Group have offered him a meeting to discuss the issue. He said: I want commonsense to prevail. I cannot say no to client meetings and I cant just say, Im banned from Canary Wharf. According to the order I cant even visit my dentist. The banning notice, seen by the Standard, was printed on official notepaper and states: You are banned from entering the Canary Wharf Estate/Retail Complex for the duration of six months. "You are further advised that should you enter the designated area during the period of the ban, you will be considered a trespasser and staff have been authorised to escort you from the estate. "In addition, steps will be taken to exclude you from the Canary Wharf Estate for a longer period. Tesco said their area manager would be happy to meet with both Mr Attard and the Canary Wharf security team to discuss the matter further. A Canary Wharf Group spokeswoman said its security had been notified by Tesco about an alleged theft... We support Tesco in their investigation and are working closely with them to resolve the issue. A refugee from Syria has graduated as a doctor in London 10 years, four countries and 21 homes after first starting medical school. Dr Tirej Brimo, 27, was congratulated by Mayor Sadiq Khan at his graduation from St Georges, University of London. He wants to specialise in emergency medicine or trauma surgery. Dr Brimo said: Now I know what pain is, I am so ready to start my new role as a doctor and I am so ready to look after others loved ones. I promise I will do it with a heart full of love and a smile full of hope. Dr Brimo started medical school at the age of 17 in Aleppo, Syria, but the civil war broke out in 2011 and he was forced to flee 10 months before finishing the six-year course. He crisscrossed the Middle East via Lebanon, became separated from his family and spent time in Egypt, where he twice tried to finish his course but had to leave. He made it to the UK four years ago and applied to every medical school in the country to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor. He was rejected by most because of differences in the courses. Some suggested he retake his A-levels. However, St Georges offered him a place after interviewing him and he was allowed to start the five-year course in the third year. Dr Philippa Tostevin, the universitys medicine course director and reader in surgical education, said: I interviewed Tirej when he applied to St Georges and I did not hesitate to offer him a place. I remember the passion for medicine that he demonstrated at that interview and I am so proud of what he has achieved. I am truly delighted to see him graduate this year. Dr Brimo, whose mother, brother and sister have since made it to Britain, told the Standard: I have learnt that the UK is a fair place. If you put the effort in you get a result. I feel attached to the British community. It welcomed me, gave me love and believed in me. I feel attached to [Syria and the UK] and want to contribute to both of them. One day I might go somewhere where there is war because I understand how difficult it is to lose everything at once, and how important it is to have someone be compassionate towards you. But that wouldnt compromise the love I feel towards the British community. Dr Brimos graduation ceremony was held four years to the day after he applied for asylum in Croydon. He said: To move from a moment of non-trust where your fingerprints are being taken, to a moment where you are not only trusted, but trusted with peoples lives and health, is an honour and a big responsibility. I am so proud. Dr Brimo paid for his studies by working as a phlebotomist at Croydon University Hospital and also had a student loan. He is now working as a junior doctor at County Hospital in Stafford. Speaking about his time as a refugee, he said: I still remember the way I cried when I first realised that everything was lost and I became just a number. We all became numbers it was not only me. F irefighters from Londons busiest station have spoken about tackling the most harrowing emergencies of their careers this year from terror attacks to Grenfell Tower. White Watch, based at Soho fire station on Shaftesbury Avenue, can spend most of their normal shifts giving fire safety advice, servicing equipment, practising drills and attending broken smoke alarms. But over the past few months, the 15-man crew have attended the Westminster Bridge and London Bridge terror outrages, and then the Grenfell Tower inferno. Westminster borough fire commander Rick Ogden said: The same watch attending two terrorist attacks in a period of weeks is unheard of. Just as youre processing one event it seems to be that another one comes along. At Westminster they were first on the scene and gave medical triage, including oxygen and bandages, to badly injured victims who been mown down on the pavement. Then two months later at London Bridge, as knife-wielding attackers were tackled by members of the public and police, White Watch treated casualties and backed up a specialist squad trained in new marauding terrorist firearm attack procedures. Grenfell Tower Firefighters - In pictures 1 /32 Grenfell Tower Firefighters - In pictures A firefighter pours water over his head after battling a huge fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA Firefighters spray water after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west Londo PA A firefighter investigates a floor after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters rest as they take a break in battling a massive fire that raged in a high-rise apartment building in London AP A firefighter close at the scene after a fire engulfed the 27-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Alex Lentati The moment a resident is carried out of the Grenfell Tower block by fire bridgae and riot police carrying shield Sky News Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Alex Lentati Emergency services gather close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters rest as they take a break in battling a massive fire that raged in a high-rise apartment building in London AP Firefighters wait to start their shift after a massive fire raged in a 27-floor high-rise apartment building in London AP Firefighters stand amid debris in a childrens playground near a tower block severly damaged by a serious fire, in north Kensington, West London REUTERS Emergency services gather close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters react as a huge fire engulfs the Grenfell Tower AFP/Getty Images Emergency personnel operate during the fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 27-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA A firefighter rests during the ballte against the blaze at Grenfell Tower Jeremy Selwyn Emergency services close to the scene after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London Nigel Howard A London Fire Brigade worker moves air tanks close to the scene of a fire that engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Firefighters spray water after a fire engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Fire crews rest as they take part in the operation to put out a fire in a high rise apartment block in London AP A firemen reacts after battling a huge fire at the Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey apartment block in North Kensington, London EPA Residents were trapped "screaming for their lives" as flames raged through a 27-storey tower block in Notting Hill Alex Lentati Emergency services spray water towards a fire that engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in west London PA Commanders divided the scene into three zones: hot, for armed police and special forces to operate in; warm, for anti- terror police wearing special ballistics kit; and the cold zone, where firefighters worked. Police officers detonated thunderflashes as White Watchs specialist firearm attack-trained colleagues dashed into evacuated restaurants to check gas supplies and turn off hobs and oil fryers. Just three weeks later, all Sohos four watches which include three women firefighters were called to Grenfell Tower, where they continued to work around the clock for a fortnight. The flames were so intense at the height of the blaze that the station needed melted and charred helmets replaced. Mr Ogden, 36, said: Theres been some tough, dark days over the last couple of months here, its been quite relentless. Grenfell survivor: Images of blaze will stay with me forever With Grenfell it was just the enormity of it, with London Bridge it was the sheer savage nature of it. White Watch manager Shaun Howlett, 45, said: Youve got guys who have seen and dealt with the most horrendous of situations. I think Grenfell Tower has affected the whole station, theres been a change of mood. When we had a lecture the night before on fire survival guidance in the mess room, in our wildest dreams you never would have dreamed that 24 hours later something of that magnitude was going to happen in London. A lot of guys let things build up, and part of my role is to look for signs of trauma. I am never too ashamed to say, right, I need to talk to somebody. A Cabinet minister today called on Jeremy Corbyn to denounce the Left-wing president of Venezuela following the arrest of two opposition leaders in a violent crackdown. Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke said Labours leader had a track record of giving succour to a regime that had plunged the country into chaos and was trampling on democracy. Labour MPs Angela Smith and Graham Jones have urged Mr Corbyn to issue a statement condemning president Nicolas Maduro. The pressure ramped up after opposition politicians Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were frogmarched from their homes by armed police and taken to a military prison. Videos on social media showed Mr Ledezma being led away as a woman shouts: They are taking Ledezma! This is a dictatorship! Mr Lopez was marched to a car marked with the name of the secret police. Donald Trump warned Mr Maduro he would be held personally responsible for the safety of the pair. But the Maduro government announced moves to rewrite the constitution and override other government branches. Crackdown: Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro / AFP/Getty Images Mr Gauke said: It must be clear, even to Mr Corbyn, that they have destroyed Venezuelas economy and democracy and ordinary Venezuelans are suffering. It is high time Mr Corbyn publicly recognises this and apologises for giving succour to this appalling regime. In 2015 Mr Corbyn lauded the Maduro administration as a cause for celebration, and he has praised Venezuela for showing a better way of doing things. Today a video emerged of him appearing on a weekly radio show in 2014 hosted by Mr Maduro. In the video on the Guido Fawkes website, Labours leader addresses his host as Mr President as they discuss Tony Benn. Mr Maduro says: Thank you Jeremy, for your call and your greetings. Minister for London Greg Hands who was in Venezuela when Mr Maduros predecessor Hugo Chavez made a coup bid in 1992 said: As thousands take to the streets to protest, it is high time for Jeremy Corbyn to apologise for his past support for Chavez, Maduro and the regime. Silence isnt enough we need outright condemnation. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Mr Maduro was behaving like a dictator. Labour MP Ms Smith said: I hope my party leadership will as soon as possible condemn whats happening in the country and call for the release of opposition party political prisoners. On Sunday an assembly tasked with rewriting the constitution was chosen in an election boycotted by the oppostion. The Foreign Office is advising Britons against all but essential travel to Venezuela. Families of embassy staff have been evacuated. H olidaymakers travelling through Heathrow and Gatwick were caught in delays and huge queues on Wednesday morning after a British Airways systems crash. Passengers at Heathrow described total chaos after the computers went down at the busy west London airport. Some travellers awaiting flights from Gatwick Airport also reported problems. British Airways said on Twitter they were aware of some issues affecting check in this morning and apologised to travellers. It comes after the airlines IT systems crashed around the world in May, leaving flights from Heathrow and Gatwick airports grounded. George Edmonds said on Twitter: All over the place again computers down at Heathrow. You used to be so good. Tim Heptonstall tweeted the carrier and said: Anything to say about the mess at LGW this morning? Colin Parselle, who was travelling to Edinburgh, added: What have you done to your computers? At around 8.45am, a spokeswoman for British Airways told the Standard systems were back up and running after being down for around an hour. She said: "Customers are being checked in as normal after an earlier problem was resolved. We are sorry for the temporary check in problems which caused some delays for our customers first thing this morning. "This issue is now resolved and our staff are working flat out to help customers get away on their holidays." Today's problems come after Europe's biggest association of airlines warned holidaymakers are set to face massive delays at passport control when travelling abroad this summer. British Airways Delays May 2017 - In pictures 1 /14 British Airways Delays May 2017 - In pictures Thousands of passengers were forced to sleep on the floor at Heathrow Terminal 5 Jeremy Selwyn The chaos was caused by a computer glitch which caused a complete shutdown of BA services Jeremy Selwyn Passengers were left sleeping on the floor at the airport on mats while waiting for flights Jeremy Selwyn The computer glitch sparked chaotic scenes at Heathrow Airport Getty Images The fallout is expected to cost BA a multi-million pound sum in compensation payouts and lost revenue AFP/Getty Images A letter from British Airways being handed to passengers explaining to them the compensation which they were entitled to PA British Airways aircraft stand on their parking positions at Heathrow Airport EPA British Airways passengers wait at the baggage drop at Heathrow Airport EPA Huge delays: A passenger's view of the delays at the Terminal 5 departure lounge Emily Puddifer via AP Passengers slept on yoga mats on the floor after the IT system failure AFP/Getty Images A woman takes a nap on her suitcases at the airport Jeremy Selwyn Some passengers have missed their flights or been forced to queue for up to four hours after a new EU regulation means border officials have to carry out extra security checks. British Airways last computer system crash in May, which saw a power outage on its systems around the world, hit passengers for several days, with flights from Gatwick and Heathrow cancelled. It was thought to be caused by a power supply problem. Staff at British Airways have a "backlog" in allocating cancellation expenses because of recent disruption. The airline's cabin crew are currently in the middle of a two-week strike running until August 15. Passengers have already been hit with the effects of staff strikes this year. The walkout is over pay gaps between recently-hired mixed fleet crew and ordinary cabin crew. Unite the union said half of the new recruits have been forced to take a second job to earn enough for living. A Heathrow spokesperson said on Wednesday: Due to issues experienced earlier with the British Airways check-in system, some passengers experienced minor delays in Terminal 5. "We apologise for this experience and can confirm the issue has now been resolved. M uslims in the US are now more accepting of homosexuality than white evangelical Protestants are, new research has found. Despite still holding more conservative views than the rest of the general population, the percentage of Muslims who believe homosexuality should be accepted by society has doubled in the last 10 years. In the latest 2017 study, 52 per cent of Muslims backed acceptance, up from 27 per cent in 2007. The rate at which Muslims are becoming more accepting of homosexuality is also faster than some other faiths, including white evangelical Protestants, of whom 34 per cent back homosexuality in society. The figures come from the Pew Research Centre, which studied religion, public life and social views across America. People at a vigil for those killed in the Orlando nightclub shooting in June last year. / Getty Images Academics also noticed a generational trend, with six in 10 young millennial Muslims backing homosexuality in society while just four in 10 of Muslim baby boomers held the same view. Among the rest of the US population, research carried out last year found 63 per cent of the public back homosexuality to be accepted in society. This figure stands at 74 per cent for millennial Americans, 63 per cent for Generation X and 54 per cent of baby boomers and older. The issue of Islam and gay rights was thrust under the spotlight in London earlier this month after Muslim leaders lodged a formal complaint with the organisers of Londons Pride festival after placards carrying Islamophobic messages were seen at the event. The secularist group of ex-Muslims were seen with signs bearing slogans such as Allah is gay, F*** Islamic homophobia and East London Mosque incites murder of LGBTs. A spokesman for East London Mosque said their record for challenging homophobia is well-known. Also this month, one of the first Muslim same-sex marriages took place in the UK in Walsall, the West Midlands. Urooj Arshad, an activist who is a member of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, told the Huffington Post both Muslims and the LGBT community both share the experience of being victims of discrimination. Since September 11, the Muslim community has been dealing with severe erosion of their civil rights which has made the community more sympathetic to violations of civil rights against other marginalized communities in the US, Mr Arshad said. N ot knowing what to wear is an issue that plagues almost everyone when faced with the challenge of dressing appropriately, but for the Duchess of Cambridge , finding and donning a suitable outfit appears to be a breeze, with her latest public engagement proving to be another sartorial success. The Duchess, along with the Prince William , visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Ypres today wearing a suitably demure outfit that reflected the solemnity of the day. Standing alongside the Duke, who wore his service medals for the occasion, the Duchess had opted for a pale pink coatdress by one of her favourite designers, Catherine Walker . The royal couple is in Belgium to attend a ceremony commemorating the thousands of servicemen killed at the Battle of Passchendaele, which started a hundred years ago today. Made from Venetian wool hand appliqued with corded lace, Kate chose to pair her coatdress with pale blush court shoes, a poppy and a maple leaf broach made of pearls undoubtedly a reference to the Commonwealth. Melrose by Catherine Walker Her hair was pulled back in a simple low bun under a delicate pink and grey hat and she carried a simple clutch bag that matched her shoes. Centenary of Passchendaele - In pictures 1 /22 Centenary of Passchendaele - In pictures The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk among graves with Victoria Wallace, Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission PA A military band plays at the Tyne Cot Cemetery PA Fake poppies of remembrance at the cemetery PA Today sees the centenary of the battle of Passchendaele Reuters Duchess of Cambridge lays flowers at the commemorations Rex Features The Duchess of Cambridge during commemorations at the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, to mark the centenary of Passchendaele PA Prince Charles greets Prince William and Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge as he arrives at Tyne Cot cemetery for commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Passchendaele near Ypres in Belgium Reuters King Philippe of Belgium and Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales arrive at the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery as part of the Centenary of Passchendaele; The Third Battle of Ypres, in Zonnebeke, Belgium EPA Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Commonwealth War Graves Commisions's Tyne Cot Cemetery Getty Images Belgium's Minister of Defence and Public Service Steven Vandeput and British Prime Minister Theresa May, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Britain's Prince William walk past headstones of soldiers who fell in World War One at The Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Zonnebeke, , as part of a series of commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele AFP/Getty Images A general view of former servicemen walk among graves during the service at the cemetery in Belgium Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge wore all white for the day's events in Belgium PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk together at the event marking the centenary of the battle of Passchendaele PA Soldierss carry wreaths as they walks past cut out poppies with messages written on them dedicated to the soldiers who fell in World War One AFP/Getty Images A military band plays among graves of the war dead at the cemetery Getty Images Wreaths are carried into the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Ypres PA The Duchess of Cambridge speaks with workers from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission PA This page may have been moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable. 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Needing these vehicles quickly and inexpensively has led to a fleet of several hundred new vehicles from about ten different sources. The latest acquisition is 177 Spartan and Typhoon wheeled armored vehicles from a Canadian firm (Streit) that uses components and designs from Ukraine. These vehicles are also built in Ukraine and got their first combat experience in 2015 against Russian backed rebels in eastern Ukraine. These new MRAP designs proved a lifesaver against rifle and machine-gun fire as well as many types of landmines and roadside bombs. The first 25 of these vehicles recently arrived in Nigeria. Based on Russian designed trucks, they are of an MRAP design but smaller. The smaller one is the Spartan. At 8.8 tons each with a payload of 1.1 tons that means a vehicle that carries at least eight troops and can mount a machine-gun in a turret behind the driver. Being an armored truck Spartan has lots of bullet proof windows and firing ports for passengers. The Typhoon is also 4x4 and similar in other respects to Spartan but larger (12.5 tons) and has a payload of 2.5 tons (or ten passengers.) There are some unique problems when providing Nigeria with military equipment. In early 2016 the United States got a lesson in this after they donated 32 MRAP armored trucks to Nigeria. These were used (in Iraq) vehicles and were among the thousands the U.S. Army had declared surplus and donated to police and military organizations worldwide. This donation more than doubles the number of MRAPs Nigeria had. Previous to this American donation Nigeria had purchased a few MRAPs and found them useful in the northeast. But these vehicles are expensive, costing half a million dollars (and up) each. The ones the U.S. delivered were in running condition but needed regular maintenance and repairs and that cost money, which the Nigerian military has less of because of the much reduced oil income. Nigeria had problems keeping the MRAPs operational and some officers blamed the Americans because the MRAPs were used. But what these officers were really complaining about was that there was no way to get a bribe from the supplier of the MRAPs. To make matters worse a new reform-minded president (and former general) took power in mid-2015 and that encouraged the Americans to make the donations. The new president knew from bitter experience that although the Nigerian government had bought thousands of armored vehicles (and hundreds of aircraft) for the military over the years most of the stuff soon because inoperable because government and military officials would steal most of the money allocated for maintenance and operation of this equipment. Changing that attitude is taking time and the new president currently has some serious health problems. Technically the Nigerian Army had several hundred armored vehicles when the fighting in the northeast escalated in 2014. But because of corruption many of these older vehicles were inoperable and those that were in running condition were down in Niger River Delta trying to deal with local gangs attacking the oil production facilities. Many of the older armored vehicles (from over a dozen different suppliers) were in such bad shape that it would cost more and take longer to get them operational again than it would be to buy new vehicles. When new vehicles were purchased they soon became inoperable because of the corruption and resulting shortage of maintenance and even fuel. This helped get retired general Buhari elected but that alone has not changed the way things are usually done in the Nigerian military. In late June 2017 China flew in some emergency military aid to the Philippines, which was dealing with a major uprising of Islamic terrorists in a southern city. What was interesting about the 3,000 assault rifles (and five million rounds of 5.56mm ammo) and 80 7.62mm sniper rifles (and 800,000 rounds of ammo) was that these two weapons, while Chinese made, looked like two famous rifles from the 1960s; the U.S. 5.56mm M-16 and the Russian 7.62mm SVD sniper rifle. The CQ-A5 is one of many clones of the American M-16. It was introduced in the 1980s for the export market but was never a big seller. One customer, Iran, began making its own M-16 clone, but copied the CQ-A5. There are many Chinese weapons manufacturers and most of them compete for domestic as well as export sales. This is one reason Chinese weapons technology and manufacturing quality have increased so rapidly since the economy was partially privatized in the 1980s. Chinese leaders wanted competition and they got it. The CQ-A5 is but one of many examples. Filipino troops will find the Chinese rifle very familiar to the M-16s the Filipino armed forces has been using for decades. The CA-A5 was designed to do that and uses the same ammo magazines as the M-16 in addition to the same ammo. The Chinese sniper rifle was interesting in its own way. The CS-LR4 is a Chinese upgrade of the Russian SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova) "Dragunov" Sniping Rifle that was developed during the early 1960s. The SVD was one of the first rifles designed and built exclusively for sniping. The SVD was a 4.5 kg (10 pound) 7.62mm rifle that looked like a sniper rifle. It had a ten round magazine, was 1.2 meters (48 inches) long and even with second rate ammo (that Russian snipers often had to put up with) was very accurate out to 600 meters. Although Russia has since developed new designs to replace the SVD, second-hand SVDs still sell for up to a thousand dollars each. The CS-LR4 was introduced in 2012, weighs six kg (13.2 pounds) has a five round magazine and is 1.1 meters (43 inches) long. Meant for the police and military markets is uses the NATO 7.62mm round and is more accurate than the SVD. Snipers are known to be curious about new gear so the Filipino snipers will give the CS-LR4 a thorough workout and evaluation. Besides, you cant beat the price. In the United States a federal court recently ordered Sudan to pay $7.3 billion in damages to the families of American victims of the 1998 terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. These attacks killed 200 people, 12 of them U.S. citizens. Several American courts agreed that Sudan has liability for the bombings while Sudan insisted the case should have been dismissed. The case has been in the courts for over 15 years but Sudan did not begin contesting the lawsuit until 2004. Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden lived in Sudan until 1996. Sudan did kick Bin Laden out of the country but evidence judged admissible in court proved the Sudan continued to provide Al Qaeda with financial support. August 1, 2017: In South Sudan the government ordered that foreign aid organizations (NGOs, non-government organizations) must post public announcements via the government controlled media (especially radio stations.) The government is trying to control NGOs that report things that are usually true but that the government would rather not see made public. July 31, 2017: In South Sudan the government has ordered senior officials using members of the military as bodyguards must stop doing so and send these men back to their units. This was another form of corruption as the troops involved earned some more money and enjoyed safer and more comfortable duty. July 30, 2017: Foreign suppliers, especially those from neighboring countries, are complaining that the corruption in South Sudan is delaying payment for goods and services and some of the suppliers fear they wont be paid at all. July 28, 2017: Several of the SPLM (Sudan People Liberation Movement) factions that won independence for South Sudan.have signed an agreement to reunify the SPLM. The agreement is being called the Entebbe Declaration since Uganda is mediating the deal. The agreement brings together elements of three SPLM factions, including a faction that joined the rebels. The problem is that the government is still controlled by the Dinka which has always been the largest tribe in the SPLM (and South Sudan). It was always believed that if you could reconstitute the SPLM as a unified political party, you could begin to bridge tribal divisions. Many people are skeptical. July 27, 2017: Several foreign aid groups report that the Sudan government is giving them easier access to displaced people in Darfur's Jebel Marra area. The mountain region extends into three Sudanese states, South Darfur, North Darfur and Central Darfur states. Ceasefires declared by the government and rebel groups in the Jebel Marra appear to be holding. In June the UN reported that there was severe malnutrition in part of the Jebel Marra. The Sudan government contests that claim. The UN continues to report that around three million people in the entire Darfur region need humanitarian assistance in order to survive. A battle erupted between South Sudan government forces and rebels in the city of Maiwut (Upper Nile state). Government forces claimed they drove the rebels from Maiwut. Meanwhile, South Sudan is urging the army commander to combat tribalism in the country. This new policy is called "Our Loyalty and Service to the Nation not Tribes or Parties." July 26, 2017: The South Sudan government is being criticized for for excluding the rebel leader (Riek Machar) from a new regional peace process. They argue that this exclusion insures that the civil war will continue. July 23, 2017: In Sudan's East Darfur state two Moslem tribes, the Maaliya and the Rizeigat, fought a battle that left ten people dead and 18 wounded. A Maaliya leader claimed that Rizeigat gunmen ambushed Maaliya who were pursuing cattle thieves. The Rizeigat claimed Maaliya gunmen had attacked Rizeigat villages. Peacekeepers are investigating. July 21, 2017: Major donor nations (U.S. and European) now say they will no longer provide financial aid and other support to South Sudan until South Sudan government and rebel leaders, and the East African community, find a way to implement the August 2015 peace agreement. The government says it will no longer negotiate with rebel leader Riek Machar. July 18, 2017: Over 8,100 new South Sudanese refugees arrived in Sudan during June, making it 160,023 South Sudanese refugees arriving in Sudan so far in 2017. That brings the number of South Sudanese in Sudan to almost 410,000. July 15, 2017: The UN is considering establishing a peacekeeper base in South Sudan's Yei region. This comes after UN concluded that pro-government forces killed 114 civilians in Yei, from July 2016 to January 2017. July 14, 2017: The South Sudan claimed it forces in Upper Nile state were moving toward a major rebel base located in the town of Pagak. July 13, 2017: South Sudan fired 12 judges who began a strike for better pay in May. The judges had also demanded better working conditions. July 12, 2017: The U.S. has decided to delay for three months its decision on removing economic and political sanctions from Sudan. Some sanctions were temporarily lifted in January but none since then. The U.S. insists Sudan observe regional ceasefires, allow humanitarian aid organizations to have access to contested areas and to cooperate on counter-terrorism efforts. July 8, 2017: Today is the sixth anniversary of South Sudan's independence from Sudan. A civil war erupted in South Sudan in December 2013. Now from five to six million people (half the population of around 11 million) in South Sudan suffer from malnutrition and are on the edge of starvation. July 6, 2017: The Sudan president (Omar al Bashir) is still wanted for genocide and various other war crimes against civilians in Darfur. In 2009 the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Bashir's arrest on these charges. The ICC is now criticizing South Africa for failing to arrest Bashir when he visited South Africa in 2015. The ICC ruled that Bashir is not immune from arrest. ICC prosecutors accused the Sudan government if supporting militia gangs that systematically attacked villages. Over 300,000 people were slain in Darfur. July 4, 2017: Foreign observers accuse South Sudan of using pro-government militias to attack civilians in the Equatoria region. Apparently the South Sudan army attacked several villages with the village of Payawa attacked five different times. July 1, 2017: South Sudanese refugees continue to flee to Uganda. The Ugandan government says it has taken in 1.3 million refugees since June 2016, most of them from South Sudan. Aid agencies say that is the single most taken in by any country in the world. Of the 1.3 million refugees now in Uganda, the UN estimates 300,000 are undernourished and need immediate food aid. The refugee camp in Palabek, Uganda has over 150,000 people. The Bidi Bidi camp is the world's largest, with 260,000 refugees. June 30, 2017: The United States reminded Sudan that government-related atrocities must be greatly reduced before sanctions are lifted. In January 2017 the U.S. gave Sudan six months to improve its record before some of the sanctions imposed in 2006 were lifted. The sanctions were imposed because of the government's direct involvement in war crimes and genocide in the Darfur region. The U.S. points out that Sudan continues to restrict religious freedom and freedom of the press. The U.S. also opposes indiscriminate aerial bombardment, which has occurred repeatedly in South Kordofan state. The UN has decided to reduce its peacekeeping force in Darfur from 15,485 soldiers and 3,403 policemen to to 11,395 soldiers and 2,888 police by the end of 2017 and by mid-June 2018 to 8,735 soldiers and 2,500 police. Global Motorcycle Connectors Market - Drivers and Forecasts by Technavio LONDONTechnavio analysts forecast the global motorcycle connectors market to grow at a CAGR of almost 10% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global motorcycle connectors market for 2017-2021. The market is segmented based on vehicle type (commuter motorcycle and premium motorcycle) and geography (APAC, the Americas, and EMEA). The motorcycle connector market is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing demand and usage of motorcycle electronics, which boost the requirement for motorcycle wiring harness systems. OEMs are designing compact and lightweight wiring systems that connect every component and occupy less space. The growing demand for advanced safety solutions, such as lift-up control, electronic stability program, tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), anti-skid braking system (ABS), traction control systems, wheelie control, IMU sensors, etc., are raising the requirement for connection systems due to the rise in safety concerns among consumers. 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 automotive research analysts highlight the following three factors that are contributing to the growth of the global motorcycle connectors market: Increase in electronic content for motorcycles Increasing demand for motorcycles Legislation push for ABS usage Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report Technavios sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Increase in electronic content for motorcycles The motorcycle industry is aiming to introduce autonomous motorcycles that are electronically driven by onboard computers. Ideally, the vehicle should navigate using the information received from its connected vehicle network and the Internet of Things. This vision is directing the industry to adopt new technologies such as advanced infotainment systems. Amey Vikram, a lead automotive electronics research analyst at Technavio, says, The development of vehicle speed sensors gave rise to ABS technology that monitors the vehicle speed through a sensor and regulates the braking pressure accordingly. Additionally, the development of electronic fuel injection and ride-by-wire technologies has paved the way for the introduction of motorcycle cruise control mechanisms. Electronic fuel injection has enabled motorcycles to increase fuel efficiency by electrifying fuel injection into the combustion chamber of the engine. Increasing demand for motorcycles The revenue generated by the motorcycle connectors market depends on the production volume of motorcycles that include several connectors. As Asia is the largest market for motorcycle sales, it exhibits a huge growth potential for motorcycle connectors. There are many countries across the world that have a low penetration of motorcycles or a high usage of automatic transmission motorcycles compared to manual types. Electronics such as ABS have the highest adoption rate in ultra-luxury motorcycles owing to the high costs associated with the technology. The presence of a favorable environment in this segment will sustain this trend in the coming years. For instance, OEMs like Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, Honda, Triumph, Ducati, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, Indian Motorcycles, and Moto Guzzi have already integrated ABS in their premium motorcycle variants. BMW Motorrad has been implementing ABS as a standard fitment for all its models since 2012, adds Amey. Legislation push for ABS usage Motorcycles are more prone to road accidents and fatalities than other automobiles. They have a higher fatality rate per unit of distance traveled compared with other automobiles. A motorcyclist is 26 times more at risk of meeting with an accident than a passenger car driver. In India, motorcyclists accounted for 1,27,000 injuries and almost 33,000 deaths in 2016. This triggered the need to increase the safety quotient for motorcycles, which gave rise to legislation on the same. India and China, which are the prominent motorcycle markets, accounted for a maximum percentage of motorcyclist fatalities. Authorities in these regions are urged to necessitate the adoption of safety equipment for riders. Many states in India have made helmets mandatory while riding within city premises and intercity areas. The adoption of ABS is increasing owing to its provision of safety for motorcyclists. Top vendors: TE Connectivity Yazaki Delphi Automotive Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Browse Related Reports: 2018 Mazda3 Gains More Standard Equipment in all Trim Levels Smart City Brake Support Automatic Emergency Braking Now Standard on Base Mazda3 Trim; Dealership Arrivals Start This Month IRVINE, Calif. (August 2, 2017) Mazda3s combination of craftsmanship, quality and uncommonly good driving dynamics place it apart from its competition in the crowded compact segment. For 2018, Mazdas small sedan and five-door hatchback offer greater value, starting with standard Smart City Brake Support in the entry-level Mazda3 Sport, demonstrating Mazdas commitment to advanced safety technologies at all price points. Mazda3 Sport comes standard with cloth seating surfaces; a 2.0-liter, SKYACTIV-G engine that makes 155 horsepower; a 7-inch MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment screen with Commander control knob; Bluetooth phone and audio pairing; one-touch drivers power window; power mirrors; remote keyless entry; and push-button ignition, among a long list of other standard items. Mazda3 Sport sedan models have an available package that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, satin chrome interior trim and power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. Mazda3 five-door models have 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. Additionally, all Mazda3 models include G-Vectoring Control, a Mazda-exclusive technology that uses the engine to put a minute amount of weight on the front tires, making steering inputs more surefooted and increasing peace of mind with the goal of improving stability. The mid-level 2018 Mazda3 Touring carries an even greater level of equipment, starting with whats under its hood. Mazda3 Touring comes standard with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine, making 184 horsepower. Previously, only 2017 Mazda3 Touring 2.5 hatchback and Grand Touring models carried the larger of the two engines. Mazda3 Touring comes with leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, a six-way power drivers seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. Mazda3 Touring equipment includes a new dark silver alloy wheel color, standard illuminated vanity mirrors and an overhead sunglasses holder. Available as part of the new BOSE/Moonroof/Satellite package for Mazda3 Touring models are a nine-speaker premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio with a four-month subscription and a one-touch-open moonroof. Headlining the Mazda3 lineup is the Grand Touring model, which comes standard with perforated black or parchment-colored leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, full-color Active Driving Display head-up unit and LED fog lights as well as previously optional equipment such as self-leveling bi-LED headlights, LED combination tail lights and LED daytime running lights. Mazda3 Grand Tourings Premium Equipment Package adds pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters on automatic models, Mazda navigation system, auto-dimming interior mirror with Homelink, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support and Traffic Sign Recognition. Previously, many of these features were available in a separate package at an additional cost. Mazda3 is available with a choice of a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission; sedan or five-door hatchback body style; and in three trim levels, making it one of the most versatile vehicles available today for anyone from first-time new-car shoppers all the way up to those shopping for a premium compact. Mazda3 has been recognized by publications like Car and Driver and Wards Automotive for its exceptional interior quality at any price point, as well as its outstanding driving dynamics and KODOSoul of Motion design. MSRP[1] for all models is as follows: Trim Sedan Five-Door Sport 6MT $18,095 $19,345 Sport 6AT $19,145 $20,395 Sport Preferred Equipment Package $1,000 Touring 6MT[2] $20,090 $20,840 Touring 6AT $21,140 $21,890 Touring BOSE/Satellite/Moonroof Package $1,500 $1,500 Grand Touring 6MT[3] $23,145 $23,895 Grand Touring 6AT $24,195 $24,945 Grand Touring Premium Equipment Package $1,600 $1,600 Premium paint colors: Machine Gray Metallic $300 Soul Red Metallic $300 Snowflake White Pearl Mica $200 The 2018 Mazda3 is available in select regions of the U.S. now and will be available nationwide by the end of August. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. CENTER FOR AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH MANAGEMENT BRIEFING SEMINARS DAY TWO By Steve Purdy The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau Weve been sorely disappointed in the weather along Michigans Gold Coast. It is intensely hot with little breeze off the big lake. Were not, however, disappointed in the vibrancy we find at the conference. All the usual suspects are here - tier one and tier two suppliers, the OEMs, analysts, strategists, government officials and swarms of executives of many stripes. Among them were noticing a lot of fresh blood. That means, we contend, the auto business is healthy and optimistic. A big topic of conversation continues to be around autonomous and self-driving vehicles, some of which we reported on yesterday with the Continental Automotive- and Magna-supported drive from Detroit to Canada to Traverse City making for the first international drive of automated cars. While most experts think level 4 and level 5 autonomy are still a long way some expect the first applications will be fleet and commercial users rather than consumers. Were also hearing from Bosch with concerns about whether consumers will ever accept giving up control of their vehicles and how limited their knowledge is about other safety systems like stability control that have been around for a while. Bosch, said the companys VP of automated driving, is addressing these issues as well as being immersed in the further development of the technology. A system Bosch is working on now is focused on allowing the car to safely pull over and stop with no driver input in a situation where the driver does not, or can not, take control when needed. Lets talk about contract engineering. OEMs and suppliers often need more engineering expertise than they can generate in-house. One problem, as alluded to earlier in these narratives, is the shortage of qualified engineers and another is the cyclical need for intensive engineering as projects wax and wane. One of these contract engineering companies is AM General, perhaps best known for designing and manufacturing military trucks, think of the Humvee and Deuce-and-a-Half truck. AM General executive VP Kevin Rahrig suggested that a start-up company intent on building the next futuristic vehicle, for example, can hire them to do both the engineering and manufacturing. They do both. Along the lines of non-OEMs making whole cars or major components we learned this week Mercury Marine is thinking about making high-performance car engines as their boat business wanes. That company made engines for the Corvette ZR1 in the early 1990s. That motor was way more sophisticated than GM wanted to do themselves. As the ZR1 aged, though, it became nearly impossible to find and afford parts when something went wrong or wore out. Powertrains today, even the low end ones, are more sophisticated, and much better designed and built than in the 1990s. So, were wondering if they have some wonderful new engine innovations up their sleeves. Do you suppose everything has to become electrified? Craig Balis, Honeywell CTO, talked about that suppliers efforts to develop an electric turbocharger for mainstream vehicles. Currently they are used in racing applications so they may be closer than we think. Honeywell believes this technology could soon be common as automakers try to squeeze every last erg of energy out of a drop of fuel. The electrified turbo, we learned from Honeywell North American boss, Milind Godbole, will be most relevant as cars move to a 48-volt electrical system as it will be able to feed electrons back into the batteries under certain circumstances rather than loosing energy out a waste gate as do traditional turbos. And, the electric turbo will not generate the kind of ungodly heat that wastes energy and must be expensively dealt with. Industry leaders from Toyota, Mazda, Magna and others offered more powertrain insights as they look into the future planning for the long term. We auto enthusiasts are gratified to hear continuing support for the ICE (internal combustion engine) we all love. While they seem to agree that electrification of powertrains will continue they also agree that ICE will be in the mix, though sometimes hybridized in various levels. In spite of intense efforts to develop full electric vehicles no one seems to expect those to be a significant piece of the market for many years to come. We love the conference in Traverse City not only for its distillation of industry issues and the accessibility of top executives but for the social events as well. Our Tuesday evening began with the usual hospitality under a huge tent on the resorts back patio where the din of conversation and networking grows to a high-energy roar then slowly dissipates. We then drove over to the West Traverse Bay where we boarded an old two-masted schooner for a lovely sunset cruise dinner at the invitation of the Millerschin Group, a PR agency representing a variety of suppliers. We ended the evening at the Hagerty Garage full of classic and collector cars and equipment for their restoration at the behest of the Traverse City Economic Development Office. Hagerty Insurance is the largest private employer in TC and by far the major purveyor of classic and collector car and boat insurance in the U.S. Stay tuned for more reports from the Center for Automotive Researchs annual Management Briefing Seminars. Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked U.S. immigration officials from deporting a Mexican man who recently settled a lawsuit over claims that he was raped in a Montana jail while previously awaiting deportation proceedings. Attorney Shahid Haque filed a petition with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of Audemio Orozco-Ramirez. The attorney said the temporary stay will remain in effect until the court issues a judgment. Orozco-Ramirez was arrested Wednesday during a regular check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which had earlier allowed him to have a work permit, Haque said. It's not unusual for immigrants who are in the country illegally to regularly report to immigration officials and not be deported, as long as they are considered a low priority. That's changing under President Donald Trump, who used an executive order to broaden immigration officials' authority to deport people in the country illegally. The result has been more arrests during such check-ins. "Ever since President Trump took office and he issued these new priorities, we've been seeing more and more that people who previously had been allowed to just check in and be free from detention, they've been arrested now," Haque said. ICE officials told Haque they planned to put Orozco-Ramirez on a plane to Mexico within days. The attorney attributed the unusual speed to the high-profile rape allegations Orozco-Ramirez made while he was in federal immigration custody in 2013. "It's an effort to quickly remove him because of the public scrutiny this case has had over the years," Haque said. ICE officials declined to comment on the case on the phone and requested that a written query be sent by email. There was not an immediate response to the query on Wednesday. Orozco-Ramirez, who has lived in the U.S. illegally for the last 20 years and has no criminal background, was arrested in 2013 during a traffic stop of a vehicle he was riding in as a passenger. Immigration officials determined he was in the country illegally and detained him at southwestern Montana's Jefferson County jail while beginning deportation proceedings. Orozco-Ramirez, who was in a cell with nine other men, was held down and raped, he said in his lawsuit. He sued the county, which he said should have had policies in place to prevent the attack. The Associated Press typically does not name rape victims, but Orozco-Ramirez has talked publicly about his case. The county agreed to pay Orozco-Ramirez $125,000 to end the lawsuit in December without admitting the rape had occurred. Since then, Orozco-Ramirez has been living with his wife and seven children north of Billings, and reporting monthly to ICE officials without incident, Haque said. Orozco-Ramirez applied for a special visa in 2015 for victims of crimes who suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to investigating authorities, but ICE never responded to the application, Haque said. Haque said Orozco-Ramirez should be entitled to a U visa, which was created by Congress to assist victims of serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement in investigating the crime. Haque said ICE would not certify Orozco-Ramirez had cooperated in investigation of a crime and if they would, deportation would be stopped. U visas are issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Since his assault in 2013, more than 400 people have signed a public petition asking ICE to stop Orozco-Ramirezs deportation. A small group gathered outside of the ICE offices in Billings Wednesday afternoon in response to a call put out by the ACLU of Montana. "We're interested in keeping an eye on the front and back doors so they don't sneak Audemio out," said one of the protesters, Emma Kerr-Carpenter. "We have four in the back, four in the front." Orozco-Ramirezs son, Miguel, 15, was with his father at his monthly check-in meeting with ICE agents. He described his surprise when they heard a knock at the door and another man entered. "The one man said, 'Oh, did you already tell him?'" Miguel said. They quickly arrested Orozco-Ramirez. When Miguel asked what was happening, they didn't say. Later, Miguel said they told him it was a warrant from four years ago. In Billings on Wednesday afternoon, Billings Sanctuary Uprising called for an "emergency vigil" outside the federal building at 2900 Fourth Ave. N. The group, which had helped organize the petition, had been told that it would be notified before anything changed with Orozco-Ramirez's status. "Why won't the government be honest?" said Rev. Mike Mulberry, who helped organize the vigil. "We're all worried that this is about distraction and diversion from a serious issue. I don't understand why local folks who are a part of this community can be supportive of this. I just don't know what they're doing." Orozco-Ramirezs older son, who has a legal visa but has asked to remain anonymous because he is worried about retribution, had to come to Billings to assume custody of his younger brother. They hoped to see their father. When he came to get his younger brother, the older son said they denied a request to see his father. "It's so painful for us," the older son said, rubbing his eyes as tears hit the sidewalk. "All he does for us I mean honestly, all he does is work every day." If he could speak to his father, his message would be simple. "I love him," he said. "Now I have to take over and help out our family." Ecopetrol S.A. operates as an integrated energy company. The company operates through four segments: Exploration and Production; Transport and Logistics; Refining, Petrochemical and Biofuels; and Electric Power Transmission and Toll Roads Concessions. It engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas; transportation of crude oil, motor fuels, fuel oil, and other refined products, including diesel, jet, and biofuels; processing and refining crude oil; distribution of natural gas and LPG; sale of refined and petrochemical products; supplying of electric power transmission services; design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of road and energy infrastructure projects; and supplying of information technology and telecommunications services. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 9,127 kilometers of crude oil and multi-purpose pipelines. It also produces and commercializes polypropylene resins and compounds, and masterbatches; and offers industrial service sales to customers and specialized management services. It has operations in Colombia, the United States, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and internationally. The company was formerly known as Empresa Colombiana de Petroleos and changed its name to Ecopetrol S.A. in June 2003. Ecopetrol S.A. was incorporated in 1948 and is based in Bogota, Colombia. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. The company offers general purpose servers for multi-workload computing and workload-optimized servers; HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers; HPE BladeSystem and HPE Synergy; and solutions for secondary workloads and traditional tape, storage networking, and disk products, such as HPE Modular Storage Arrays and HPE XP. It also offers HPE Apollo and Cray products; and HPE Superdome Flex, HPE Nonstop, HPE Integrity, and HPE Edgeline products. In addition, the company provides HPE Aruba product portfolio that includes wired and wireless local area network hardware products, such as Wi-Fi access points, switches, routers, and sensors; HPE Aruba software and services comprising cloud-based management, network management, network access control, analytics and assurance, and location; and professional and support services, as well as as-a-service and consumption models for the intelligent edge portfolio of products. Further, it offers various leasing, financing, IT consumption, and utility programs and asset management services for customers to facilitate technology deployment models and the acquisition of complete IT solutions, including hardware, software, and services from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and others. Additionally, the company invests in communications and media solutions. It has a partnership with Striim, Inc. to offer high performance and mission-critical solutions with real-time analytics. It serves commercial and large enterprise groups, such as business and public sector enterprises; and through various partners comprising resellers, distribution partners, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors, systems integrators, and advisory firms. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. This past week, the Governors Office announced the state would be making additional budget cuts. Three days later, the Department of Public Health and Human Services held three administrative hearings, where over a hundred individuals described what this means for health services for our most vulnerable Montanans. These cuts will hit communities hard cuts to mental health services, home- and community-based services for seniors and people with disabilities, and wages for direct care workers, who care for our friends and family in some of the most difficult circumstances. Services will be eliminated. Families will suffer. Its important to remember how we got here. Before the legislative session adjourned, we reiterated that the budget wasnt ready for prime time. The Legislature had accepted cuts proposed in the governors budget, but also made even deeper cuts. Refusing to take a balanced approach, legislators blocked each and every tax fairness measure to restore much needed revenue. Instead, the Legislature passed, and the governor signed, a budget that contained deep cuts while leaving an insufficient ending fund balance to respond to an economic downturn or lower-than-expected revenues. In addition, a handful of legislators and the executive agreed to a backroom deal that put in place a number of additional painful cuts, triggered if revenue came in just $6 million (or 0.27 percent) below previous projections (with additional cuts if revenue dropped even further). The Governors Office announced last week that all four levels of cuts would be triggered. It is no surprise that this is where we stand today. Legislators and state policymakers will say, we had no choice. This is false. There was a choice. Legislators could and should have taken seriously proposals to ensure tax fairness and adequate revenue. From restoring a top tax bracket that would impact only the wealthiest 1 percent of households, to a long overdue increase to the tobacco tax, to closing tax loopholes that benefit large corporations shifting profits offshore, there were many opportunities to avoid this crisis. Legislators heard from their constituents, including direct care workers, teachers and families, who called and testified in support of these measures and urged legislators to consider revenue to stave off devastating budget cuts. Legislators ignored these pleas. Instead, Montanans who are struggling to make ends meet are now being asked to bear the burden of these cuts. Once again, communities will be forced to pick up the tab. Nonprofits will feel increased pressure as they attempt to fill the need for services. With cuts to education and the failure to invest in infrastructure, legislators shift their responsibility to local governments and, often, local property taxpayers to fill the holes in these budgets. We can and must do better. We can no longer afford to have our representatives protect special interests at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens and local property taxpayers. We deserve a state that takes seriously tax fairness and adequate revenue to invest in our communities. These cuts we face will have a devastating impact for years. But it is not too late to do something about it. The time of just saying no is over. We are ready to have a thoughtful debate about what it is going to take to ensure we can be the state that we all love and can afford to live in. It is time to come together to find common sense ways to create a fair tax system for all of us. Families in Montana deserve to have this conversation. Oil States International, Inc. engages in the provision of manufactured products and services used in the drilling, completion, subsea, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry, as well as in the industrial and military sectors. It operates through the following segments: Well Site Services, Downhole Technologies and Offshore or Manufactured Products. The Well Site Services segment includes a broad range of equipment and services that are used to drill for, establish and maintain the flow of oil and natural gas from a well throughout its life cycle. The Downhole Technologies segment provides oil and gas perforation systems and downhole tools in support of completion, intervention, wireline and abandonment operations. It also designs, manufactures and markets its consumable engineered products to oilfield service as well as exploration and production companies. The Offshore or Manufactured Products segment designs, manufactures, and markets capital equipment utilized on floating production systems, subsea pipeline infrastructure, and offshore drilling rigs and vessels, along with short-cycle and other products. The company was founded in July 1995 an 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. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer that provides clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brands. The company provides jeans, and specialty apparel and accessories for women and men; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections, as well as personal care products for women. It also offers graphic tees and other clothing products under the Tailgate brand name; and menswear products under the Todd Snyder New York brand name. As of January 29, 2022, the company operated 880 American Eagle stores, 244 Aerie brand stand-alone stores, and five Todd Snyder stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong. It also ships to 81 countries through its Websites; and offers its merchandise at 260 locations operated by licensees in 28 countries, as well as provides products through its Websites ae.com, aerie.com, and toddsnyder.com. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Telefonica Brasil S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services. The company also offers data services, including broadband and mobile data services. In addition, it provides pay TV services through direct to home satellite technology, IPTV, and cable, as well as pay-per-view and video on demand services; network services, such as rental of facilities; other services comprising internet access, private network connectivity, computer equipment leasing, extended service, caller identification, voice mail, cellular blocker, and others; wholesale services, including interconnection services to users of other network providers; and digital services, such as entertainment, cloud, and security and financial services. Further, the company offers multimedia communication services, which include audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts, and other information, as well as sells devices, such as smartphones, broadband USB modems, and other devices. Additionally, it provides telecommunications solutions and IT support to various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc. It markets and sells its solutions through own stores, dealers, retail and distribution channels, door-to-door sales, and outbound tele sales. The company was formerly known as Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. - TELESP and changed its name to Telefonica Brasil S.A. in October 2011. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil. USG Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells building materials worldwide. The company's Gypsum division manufactures and markets gypsum and related products to construct walls and ceilings of residential, nonresidential, and institutional buildings; and agricultural and industrial customers. This segment offers gypsum wallboards and compound portfolios, as well as corner beads, joint tapes, and plasters under the USG Sheetrock brand; glass mat sheathing portfolios under the Securock brand; construction plaster products under the Red Top, Imperial, Diamond, and Supremo brands; and lightweight gypsum panels under the USG Sheetrock brand, as well as ultralight panels, USG Sheetrock brand ecosmart panels, and industrial gypsum. Its Performance Materials division manufactures and markets products for interior and exterior building applications of residential and nonresidential buildings, as well as industrial applications. This segment provides cement boards, backer boards, shower systems, performance floorings, air barrier systems, roof board portfolios, and structural panels under the USG Durock, Fiberock, Levelrock, Securock, ExoAir, Securock, and USG brands. The company's Ceilings division manufactures and markets ceiling tiles under the Radar, Eclipse, Mars, and Halcyon brands; ceiling grids under the Donn, DX, Fineline, Centricitee, and Identitee DXI brands; specialty ceilings under the Curvatura, Compasso, Radians, Illusions, Multiples, Runways, Barz, Planx, Mirra, Corniche, Wallforms, and Parti brands; and acoustical drywall ceilings under the Ensemble brand. Its USG Boral Building Products division manufactures, distributes, and sells building products, mines raw gypsum, and sells natural and synthetic gypsum under the USG Boral Sheetrock, USG Boral NextGen, Elephant, Jayaboard, Durock, and Donn DX brands. The company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Vulcan Materials Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces and supplies construction aggregates primarily in the United States. It operates through four segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The Aggregates segment provides crushed stones, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates; and related products and services that are applied in construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, as well as in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential facilities. The Asphalt Mix segment offers asphalt mix in Alabama, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as engages in the asphalt construction paving activity in Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. The Concrete segment provides ready-mixed concrete in California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, and Washington D.C. The Calcium segment mines, produces, and sells calcium products for the animal feed, plastics, and water treatment industries. The company was formerly known as Virginia Holdco, Inc. and changed its name to Vulcan Materials Company. Vulcan Materials Company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines have found themselves in the middle of a multi-year political firestorm known as the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station. The Sheep Station is a federal research facility headquartered in Idaho that also grazes domestic sheep in Montanas Centennial Mountains. The Continental Divide Trail snakes it way through Sheep Station land in the Centennials before reaching 10,000 feet and overlooking the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The 16,600 acres of high-elevation Sheep Station land surrounding the Continental Divide Trail is closed to the public no hunting, hiking, camping or mountain biking is allowed. Continued funding of the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station is expensive. The former secretary of Agriculture under President Obama sought to save millions of taxpayer dollars by moving the research and employees to another federal research facility in Nebraska. The transfer would have opened up the 16,600 acres of land in the Centennial Mountains to the public. Daines passed two different appropriations riders that kept the federal facility funded and the Sheep Station land in Montanas Centennials closed to the public. President Trumps proposed budget would also open the 16,600 acres of Sheep Station land in Montana to the public and save millions of taxpayer dollars. The difference is that Trump would entirely close the Sheep Station without transferring the jobs or research. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Daines has said he will again work on passing appropriations riders to keep the facility open. With the election cycle heating up, Tester has now joined Daines in arguing the facility should remain open. The continued operation of the Sheep Station does not have to be such a black-and-white issue. The Sheep Station is in the process of completing environmental analysis that will determine whether grazing should continue in Montanas Centennial Mountains. Cottonwood Environmental Law Center received an email from the Sheep Stations lead researcher in response to a Freedom of Information Act request that says ending sheep grazing in the Centennial Mountains is not that big of a deal. Cottonwood has won two lawsuits against the Sheep Station that have stopped domestic sheep grazing in Montanas Centennial Mountains. Still, the area remains closed to the public. Commissioners for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have asked Tester and Daines to open up the 16,600 acres of Sheep Station land in Montana to the public. The senators should support public access to federal land. Last summer I was fortunate enough to attend the Sheep Stations 100-year birthday party in Dubois, Idaho. After eating lamb for the first time, I introduced myself to the crowd of Sheep Station supporters and told them that Cottonwood would stop filing lawsuits if the Sheep Station agreed to stop grazing sheep in the Centennial Mountains. If Senators Tester and Daines feel the need to keep the Sheep Station open in Idaho, they can score political points with hunters and other voters in Montana by encouraging the research facility to end unnecessary sheep grazing in the Centennials and open the area to the public. Photo: Amaia Hernandez / EyeEm/Getty Images Dear Polly, Im 31, and I just got married. I love my wife very much, and I am very happy with her. I have no doubts that marrying her was the right decision, nor do I wonder about whether or not she loves me. I know. I also know that we have a good dynamic. We fight, of course, and these fights are sometimes difficult and painful, and sometimes quick and relatively painless, but mostly theyre productive and we learn things and then were closer afterwards and things get better. Whats bothering me is that I cant stop thinking about divorce. Not because I want out! I want to stay firmly in. Im just so afraid that some years down the road it might happen to us. I know these fears are pointless and right now I should be relaxing and enjoying newly wedded bliss and I am, but I am also dreading the moment that ends. Im looking for ways to avoid mistakes. Maybe Im looking for ways to pull myself out of this dread, which might be the very thing that ruins us. When I was in grade school, my parents separated. During that separation, my mom had another secret relationship, and she leaned on me emotionally. It was confusing and frightening for me when she would ask me to lie to my dad, but I wanted them to reconcile more than anything, so I did it. They tried, briefly in my early teens, but then they divorced bitterly. They married other people and then these marriages were unhappy and ended badly. I watched them become mainly unhappy, regretful people. I feel a lot of pity and tenderness for them, and Im terrified that I resemble them in some essential way that I cant see. I feel like I learned a lot about what people can do to hurt one another and a lot of that happened way before I was ready for those lessons, but Im worried that theyre so internalized that Ill just expect to be hurt constantly. Still, I have some great hopes for how people can show up for one another. This woman is my family, and I have never been so honest with anyone. I do not want to see this break. How do I protect this from my past? Genetically Broken Woman Dear GBW, The longer Im married, the more I go back to the same basic truth: Honesty pulls a marriage out of the fire. Honesty beats back the shame and fear and contempt that are the death of so many marriages. Your marriage isnt doomed, because youre honest with your wife. Youre able to describe to her how completely your worldview has been shaped and distorted by your parents repeated failures, how you were pulled into those narratives and made to feel like they were your own. You can pinpoint the moments when you started to own these stories. You can zoom in and paint a detailed picture for her. You can isolate the minutes and seconds when your mother took her responsibilities and failures and made them yours, so that she could have an ally and feel less alone. Your fears and your dread can only break your marriage if youre so ashamed of them that you hide them from your wife. If you hide them, theyll fester and grow and haunt you. If you tell close friends about your fears but never tell your wife about them, youll be treating her like someone who needs to be protected from the truth in order to stay with you. You might trick yourself into thinking that this is how love works. But keeping her in the dark means keeping your shame alive. Her ignorance becomes a way of telling yourself that youre unacceptable, that youre broken, that youre not good enough to be loved. Its a way of believing that the truth of your past will inevitably make her turn against you and leave you. It lets you avoid the risk of showing her everything. Youre taking that risk right now, even though it scares the shit out of you, and you have to keep taking it. I say this because I think youre in danger of hiding at some point. Thats the natural reaction to so much fear and dread. Your worries about divorce are echoes of a fearful sensation you have that total honesty means destroying yourself and everyone around you, and destroying every relationship you have. You believe this because you confuse the sharing your mother did with the sharing you might do in a healthy marriage. But these two kinds of sharing couldnt be more different. Your mother brought you someone not mature and not a peer and not an equal partner capable of drawing clear boundaries into a boundaryless void of emotions and initiatives that werent your own. When youre invited into someone elses weird, shameful void, the shame multiplies exponentially. Youre not the one making crazy choices, but youre enlisted to help keep them hidden. You have no control! And the secrets feel even more dangerous to you, as a kid, than they do to your mom, the person whos responsible for those choices. Its almost like she was training you to be codependent. But as grown adults, one of the biggest mistakes we can make in life is to take other peoples realities and carry them around as if theyre ours. That can feel like love: Picking up someone elses burden, turning the sky black if they say its black. That can feel like loyalty and devotion. In my experience, when you have unresolved feelings of neediness and rejection from your early years that still haunt you, youre more likely to privilege that kind of overly sacrificial behavior. Some small part of you wants to be helpless and be taken care of, like a little baby, sometimes because your parents couldnt put their needs second to yours, ever. And when you have an irrational desire for that kind of self-abandoning love, you also think that its the ultimate, premium, platinum-level version of love, and giving it reflects well on you. But a healthy marriage is the exact opposite of that kind of dramatic self-sacrifice and babying. In a good marriage, you can share the universe of feeling and sensation and ideas and beliefs and memories that live inside of you without engulfing the other person completely. You hold your own reality and your own strength separate from your wifes reality and strength, so that when she sees nothing but darkness and needs some sunshine, you can show up and shine. But you can also hear and accept her darkness without trying to forcibly fix it. You can listen to her feelings and accept them without becoming anxious or angry. You can also share your fears and your darkness, knowing that she can take it in without letting it take over her whole world. You can be incredibly honest, every day, and share the full breadth of your interior world with someone else without expecting them to put your emotional experience before their own every step of the way. I think an important first step is for you to stop treating yourself as some mutant who will never recover from what your mother did. My feeling is that once you start treating the peculiarities of your past as interesting and valuable and worthwhile to explore and understand, youll find it easier to stop telling this odd story that they damn you to a broken marriage. That doesnt mean that these things arent terrifying and even objectively fucked up and lamentable! But its your job to approach them as a scientist or an artist would, embracing the ugliest details, zooming in on that moment when your mothers warped truth became your own, without concluding that these details have rotted your soul and left you broken. Or rather, you CAN decide thats what happened, but you have to say it out loud, with pride. Or say it out loud with shame, and listen for the moment when your shame turns to acceptance or even pride, simply because it has a voice. Broken people should take pride in their shattered souls. Being broken can bring out your deepest wells of inspiration and give you the strength to transcend the snares and pitfalls that people who havent been through hell are more prone to. The key is being honest and refusing to hide. Hiding keeps you haunted. Hiding makes that voice in your head whisper divorce, as if the future is predetermined. Say Im so afraid of divorce out loud instead. Say it until you and your wife laugh whenever you say it. Thats what it feels like to share without fear. Your partner can listen closely and still remind you that your pain doesnt blot out the sun, even if it feels that way to you sometimes. You can trust your partner to maintain a sense of balance when you have vertigo. She might not love these moments of fear or outright rage, but that doesnt mean that your world takes over hers. She isnt enraged by your rage, the way a boundaryless mother might be. She doesnt replace your feelings with her own. Thats what someone who hides and remains haunted does. They have to replicate their own prejudices and fears and paranoia in others because theyll never feel safe enough to accept and analyze and observe these things in themselves without experiencing so much shame that they cant breathe. Right now, your shame might be panicking you a little, making it tempting to follow your mothers path. Thats why I want to tell you to trust the commitment youve made. Trust your partner. Tell her the truth, knowing that shes strong enough to handle it. Talk with her about what it means to be two broken people who are stronger because they can see clearly how each other are broken. The more you accept your own shattered state, the more you make room for other shattered people to feel accepted and embraced and loved, and to come out of hiding, and to stop feeling haunted by their fears. Youve already gone all in with this love youve found, and its still strong. You have nothing to fear. The thing no one tells you about damage is that when you accept and even celebrate it instead of treating it like a scary liability, it actually becomes something new: It becomes part of what makes you valuable. It also becomes lighter and funnier and more interesting. My husband tells me more about his weird ideas and fears than he ever did before, and I love it. Its maybe one of my favorite conversations, and it tends to cheer us up after we discuss it, even when were talking about dark stuff. Its not like that happens overnight, though. When I met my husband, I had faith that he could tolerate my baggage. But in the first years of our marriage, I sometimes worried that it was too much. I worried that he would get worn out by me, and start to turn his back on my weird ideas and irrational needs. So sometimes I would admit to him, I got really mad because I thought, This is when he starts to treat me badly. This is the beginning of the end. And he would say, Well, I wont treat you badly. I just got mad because I thought, This is when she realizes Im worthless. This is when she realizes she could do better. That always made me laugh my ass off. Because I cant do better than him. And the fact that some weird little nugget inside of him thought that Id be better off without him was just too fucking absurd. This is part of what makes my husband who he is. His insecurities also make him a person who cares about fairness and justice. Hes obsessed with these things. That can be mildly inconvenient, sure, but its also amazing and its also sometimes weird and funny. In the early years of our marriage, when we were all in but still sometimes hiding from each other out of fear, it was harder for us to accept each other, because our fears made us defensive and angry and high-strung. These days, we know each other really well and were less afraid of each other and ourselves. Im not claiming that were incredibly mature, healthy human beings. Im actually saying the opposite: Were both really fucking reactive and defensive and moody when you catch us on the wrong day. Weve both got our strange irritating quirks. Were both too tough sometimes and a pile of nerves and emotions other times. Some of this stuff just doesnt change. We go through stretches of growing distant, and we wont notice until one of us blows a gasket. But we both believe in honesty. Weve seen how honesty has saved us, over and over again, from building up resentment toward each other. Weve seen how honesty lifts the shame we each feel about what confused babies we can be under rough conditions. We clash less and make up more quickly as the years go by. We take misunderstandings and defensiveness less seriously. We resist the urge to get very pissed off about stupid, small stuff (most of the time, anyway!). We resist the urge to translate our shame about ourselves into contempt for each other. I sometimes tell him, Just ask for exactly what you want from me. I cant always give it, but its good to understand what you really want, and its good to know that you can say it out loud without the other person blaming you for being a human being with needs. As long as you treat yourself as someone whos inadequate and not good enough for your marriage, youll be hiding and afraid and you wont stand up for your own needs, either. You should probably get a therapist to help with this. I dont want you to think that your love is magical and it wont require hard work. But ultimately the challenges you face are pretty simple: Dare to dig deeper into your own damage and dare to be fearless in the face of just how screwy you are at some core level. Keep telling the truth. Keep daring to stand up for the things that make you who you are, even when they look broken to you. When you take on a complicated emotional landscape that belongs to someone else when youre very young, its hard not to treat your own emotional needs as scary liabilities. But its time to put that map under glass, and point at it, and laugh at it, even. You can examine it closely but still treat it like the artifact that it is. You arent living there anymore. Youre right here, and youre stronger than you think. Polly Order the new Ask Polly book, How to Be a Person in the World, here. Got a question for Polly? Email askpolly@nymag.com. Her advice column will appear here every Wednesday. All letters to askpolly@nymag.com become the property of Ask Polly and New York Media LLC and will be edited for length, clarity, and grammatical correctness. Photo: unknown/Getty Images Three months after beauty blogger Neely Moldovan married her husband Andrew in Dallas, the couple went on local television in January 2015 to claim their photographer, Andrea Polito, was holding images from the event hostage, and soon began trashing her online. But on Friday, a Dallas jury found that story to be a complete fabrication and that the couple should pay Polito more than $1 million in damages for malicious defamation. As the Washington Post reports, the Moldovans stood in front of a local-TV crew weeks after their wedding to accuse Polito of withholding the pictures unless they fork over an additional $125, even though they had already reportedly paid thousands for her services. Its heartbreaking, because, you know, these are our memories, Neely Moldovan told KXAS in January 2015, per the Post. The story soon went viral even appearing on the Daily Mail with the headline Wedding photographer holds couples pictures hostage after they refuse to pay extra fee that wasnt in their contract and Polito soon found her reputation trashed. She was called a scammer and subjected to negative online reviews for her services, and as a result, her business was allegedly destroyed and she was forced to close her studio. But after the photographer filed a lawsuit against the Moldovans, a different and far less complicated version of the story came to light. According to the Post, the lawsuit claimed that all the couple had to do to get their images was to fill out a form, pick out a wedding album, and pay an album cover fee that they had already known about. Polito also shared emails with the court showing she and her staff tried to work with the couple throughout the process (even offering to absorb the $125 fee), while the Moldovans continued to reach out to reporters, post about the ordeal on social media, and write about it on Neely Moldovans blog, which is called It Starts With Coffee. On Friday, Dallas jurors sided with Polito, finding the accusations to be malicious defamation.The couple has not yet commented on the verdict, though Neely Moldovan has since posted a blog about her skin after pregnancy. However, Polito told the Post that she hopes the decision will help her rebuild her career and restore her reputation. For two and a half years I walked around my daughters school feeling ashamed and embarrassed, Polito told the Post. They know Ive won now. Update 8/4/17: Neely Moldovan recently released the following statement: We are stunned. We did what consumer advocates say to do: When you are wronged, you fight back. We were unhappy with a situation, so we complained like anyone would. This court decision tells consumers not to speak up for fear of fat legal bills and painful judgements. If this is the cost of standing up for whats right, we should have given in to start with. But we hope to prevail in the end. Wed love nothing more than to put this behind us and focus on raising our five month old child. Demonstrators hold a rainbow flag outside of the White House during the Equality March for Unity & Pride. Photo: AFP/AFP/Getty Images With the Trump administrations attitude toward the LGBTQ community passive at best and actively antagonistic at worst, a new poll from the Public Religion Research Institute suggests that the majority of Americans disagree with that aspect of the presidents agenda. According to PRRI, almost two-thirds of Americans oppose allowing business owners to refuse service to LGBTQ individuals on the pretext of their religious beliefs. In fact, of those surveyed, the only religious group who would support a so-called religious liberty bill was white evangelical Protestants black Protestants, Catholics, and unaffiliated Christians all overwhelmingly opposed it. Theres also broad support among all Americans for laws that protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and public housing, and the breakdown by political party holds pretty steady: 60 percent of Republicans surveyed think such laws should be in place, as well as 72 percent of Independents and 77 percent of Democrats. But when it comes to laws that force transgender people to use the bathroom that matches their birth sex, theres a deep partisan divide. Most Americans (53 percent) are against such bathroom bills, but while 65 percent of Democrats oppose them, 59 percent of Republicans favor them. (Religious groups surveyed were split on the issue.) Interestingly, the survey results seem to coincide more or less with how things are shaking out in the political sphere. Although the president signed a religious liberty order in May, it was more of a symbolic concession to his Christian base, and far less sweeping than a draft order circulated months earlier. The Trump administration also kept in place a 2014 order that banned LGBTQ workplace discrimination, but it rescinded Obama-era guidelines protecting trans students, and last week Trump himself tweeted that trans soldiers would be barred from the military. All of which suggests that, although hes indebted to the Christian right, Trump might move more cautiously when it comes to chipping away at LGBTQ rights weve come to depend on. Hawaii senator Mazie Hirono. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images It was nearly midnight on Thursday, July 27, when Mazie Hirono addressed her colleagues on the Senate floor. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells third attempt at repealing the Affordable Care Act was in play, and the bills status was uncertain would enough Republicans oppose it? Or would it get the votes to eke by? Hirono, who announced in mid-May that shed been diagnosed with kidney cancer, hadnt planned to speak that night, she told the Cut. But as she sat there, she began to jot down some thoughts. I thought, if this is the last night that were going to deal with a bill that would ultimately leave millions of people uninsured, what more can I say? she said. I felt moved to connect with people in a personal way. You really have to expose yourself when you go down that path, but I decided that was what I was going to do. So I asked [Senator] Patty Murray if I could get in the queue to speak. Personal, moving speech from Mazie Hirono tonight about her cancer diagnosis. This is worth your time. pic.twitter.com/DgMVojwrEr Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 28, 2017 The resulting four-minute speech was shared thousands of times on social media. In it, Hirono fought back tears as she talked about her sister, who died of pneumonia in Japan when she was 2. She also addressed her own cancer diagnosis, describing the outpouring of support shed received from her Senate colleagues. Where is that compassion tonight? she asked. In the end, three Republican senators answered her, voting no on the bill and effectively tabling it. In the aftermath of the vote, Hirono talked to the Cut about the ongoing health-care fight, the fumbling Trump administration, and what she thinks about John McCains dramatic 11th-hour vote. What was going through your mind during your speech last Thursday? I was really thinking about how I could get through it because part of my story was about my sister, and I had never talked about her before. I think you could tell that there was a lot of emotion in it for me it was very difficult. Immediately afterward, Heidi [Heitkamp], who was sitting next to me and is like a sister to me, gave me a hug. She said, I know how hard that was. And thats what really guided me: that need to show compassion. The millions of people in our country with severe health-care needs needed to know that many of us in the House and Senate have those kinds of concerns, too. Speaking of your colleagues, what would you say to Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who voted no on the bill? I consider Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski to be strong, principled leaders, and I was very grateful to them for staying the course and fighting their own caucus I think more attention should be given to them, and going forward, I expect both of them to be committed to working in a bipartisan way. Women are problem solvers, and often we dont get much credit for that because the typical image of a leader is someone whos loud, obnoxious, chest-pounding. Thats not my vision of what true leadership is; true leaders are the ones who work with great commitment to get something done. And these two women exemplify the kind of leadership Ive sought to follow. What about John McCain? I have a lot of respect for John McCain, and Im really glad he voted the way he did it was quite the moment. [But] it took all three Republicans to have the courage of their convictions. After the vote, many people compared McCains diagnosis to yours. Whats your response to that? Im not surprised that the dramatic vote would get a lot of press, but I take nothing away from the attention given to John McCain. Im really very surprised in a good way that so many people across the country have acknowledged my situation. Ive heard from so many people who listened to my speech, and its reassuring because it means were all in this together. What do you think happens next? Its not over yet. There will be further attempts to undo the Affordable Care Act, starting with the presidents own calls to sabotage the law. And frankly, I consider it to be totally unconscionable for the president of the United States to basically say that were going to make sure that the ACA implodes. Hes a big bully, and his administration doesnt seem to be able to govern at all. Why do you think Trump is so adamant about pushing a health-care bill through? Well so far he hasnt gotten much done, and in fact the White House is in chaos, the latest [evidence] being the resignation of Scaramucci. So I think the president really doesnt care what comes through, as long as something comes through that he can sign. So the way I look at [it] is that the adults among us the ones who care about whats going on in the country and the kind of bills that we propose will get together and work in a bipartisan way. I mentioned this Thursday night, but after my diagnosis my colleagues many from across the aisle sent me heartfelt notes and shared stories about cancer or other major health issues in their own families. So it was astonishing to me that they could turn around and vote for a bill that would hurt millions of people in our country. Wheres the compassion in that? Its gotta be some kind of compartmentalization. My hope is that we can break those barriers down. What if. Im just saying, what if you could have an employee sign some sort of a contract, maybe an employee agreement, in which the employee agreed to shorten the statute of limitations on all employment claims to six months. Given that employees often have years in which to assert claims, the ol statute-of-limitations shortener could be a gold mine! [cue music] Yo! That would be something, wouldnt it? Heck! Even in New Jersey, an employer was rollin there for a while. Then the State Supreme Court regulated. Still, a little over 700 miles west, an Indiana employer went for it! Heck, this employment-agreement language feels like a play out of my playbook: I agree that any claim or lawsuit arising out of my employment with or my application for employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries must be filed no more than six (6) months after the date of the employment action that is the subject of the claim or lawsuit. While I understand that the statute of limitations for claims arising out of any employment may be longer than six (6) months, I agree to be bound by the six (6) month period of limitations set forth herein, and I WAIVE ANY STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS TO THE CONTRARY. Should a court determine in some future lawsuit that this provision allows any unreasonable short period of time to commence a lawsuit, the court shall enforce this provision as far as possible and shall declare the lawsuit barred unless it was brought within the minimal reasonable time within which the suit should have been commenced. But, while this may work for some claims, not so much for trying to shorten the statute of limitations on an FMLA claim. No, not in the Hoosier State. Please explain, Judge Larry McKinney: Under the FMLA, an action may be brought under this section not later than 2 years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought. This language, particularly the term may, suggests that Congress implemented the statute of limitations provision for the benefit of potential FMLA plaintiffs, not defendants. And it is clear that employees cannot waive, nor be induced to waive, these FMLA rights. So, trying to shoehorn the FMLAs 2-year statute of limitations into 6-months even with an employment agreement may not fly. Therefore, while employers should be tread carefully on trying to shorten the statute of limitations on certain employment claims, there are other options. An employer can try to mitigate risk with jury-trial waivers, arbitration agreements, and (hopefully) class-actions waivers. Both the timber industry and U.S. Forest Service have implied that with fuel reductions (read: logging) there would be few fires or blazes would be easily contained. One needs to question such assertions and assumptions. There is very little evidence that fuel reductions are a good strategy or really work. Next time someone suggests that fuel reductions stopped a fire or significantly affected fire behavior, one must ask for more information. What was the weather doing when the fuel reduction supposedly halted the fire? Did the wind speed drop? Did the humidity go up? Did the fire run into a rock wall? Did the temperature drop? Was it night when humidity and temperatures are lower? Was the fire burning downhill, which reduces preheating of fuels? In almost all the instances that I have reviewed of fuel reduction successes, these other factors that are critical to fire spread occurred. While there will always be exceptions, and no doubt occasional fuel reductions do work, most thinning projects fail in part because their effectiveness, to the degree there is any, is short lived. Furthermore, under extreme fire weather conditions, almost all fuel reductions fail. Why is this an important qualifier? Because all large fires burn under extreme fire weather. So the very fires we most wish to control are those that are burning under conditions when fuel reductions repeatedly fail. On the other hand, under less than extreme fire weather, most wildfires will self-extinguish whether we do anything or not. We just take credit for putting them out when a change in weather or other factors actually put out the flames. The idea that fuel reductions could significantly alter fire behavior and spread is a myth perpetuated by the timber industry and Forest Service. Even though we have thinned millions of acres of the West, the acreage burned by wildfire continues to climb. Many scientific review studies have documented that when you have extreme climate/weather like a thousand-year drought thinning and other fuel reduction projects dont work for two reasons. First, the probability that a fire will encounter a fuel reduction during the very limited time it may be effective is extremely small. More importantly, extreme weather overcomes most fuel reductions. For example, one review found: Extreme environmental conditions ... overwhelmed most fuel treatment effects... This included almost all treatment methods including prescribed burning and thinning... Suppression efforts had little benefit from fuel modifications. Another study concluded: area treated (by fuel reductions) has little relationship to trends in the area burned, which is influenced primarily by patterns of drought and warming. A third study states: fuel treatments cannot realistically be expected to eliminate large area burned in severe fire weather years. The non-partisan Congressional Research Service determined, From a quantitative perspective, the CRS study indicates a very weak relationship between acres logged and the extent and severity of forest fires. Thinning/logging will not alter this outcome; in fact, it could make things worse. The CRS went on to note that logged areas appeared to increase wildfire: the data indicate that fewer acres burned in areas where logging activity was limited. This agrees with another review study published this past year which found forests with higher levels of protection had lower severity values even though they are generally identified as having the highest overall levels of biomass and fuel. In other words, active management advocated by the timber industry appears to increase fire severity and extent. These studies suggest is that thinning/logging is a poor strategy in part because it fails to acknowledge that climate/weather are the driving force in large wildfires. It's certainly been an interesting week in Washington, D.C. Starting with our commander-in-chief deciding a certain class of Americans were no longer fit for military service. This coming from a man who was unfit himself because he had a persistent owie on his foot that prevented him from helping our infantry win in Vietnam. Then his new communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, did his best to emulate a Mafia hit man with a vulgar, vile diatribe directed towards certain White House staffers he perceived as being disloyal "leakers." He might as well leave a stinking fish in their beds at home to finish off his point. And finally, our esteemed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke apparently called two Republican senators to let them know that there could be repercussions if they failed to toe the Trump administration line on health care. This was not the smartest maneuver for Zinke because Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Zinke made similar ethical gaffes while on active duty with the Navy, which contributed to his being passed over for promotion to captain. So what can we look forward to next week? Perhaps Sarah Palin replacing Jeff Sessions? Oh boy, I can't wait. Jim Hamilton, Florence The Swan Forest Initiative would turn management of a small parcel of national forest lands over to Montana Department of Natural Resources. Any revenues would go to the Lake County Conservation District, which since 1945 has improved agricultural land use practices, minimized soil erosion and mitigated noxious weeds. Recent pressures to return federal lands to the states illustrates frustration over a distant federal bureaucracy managing our lands. While our forests mature and become susceptible to pests and fire, debate goes on over logging sales. Localized management goes a long way toward relieving that pressure. An obvious benefit is that sustainable logging becomes a management tool, which reduces forest fuels and provides value-added jobs for Montanans. Ownership remains federal. The public retains all current rights to this public land. Budget reports reveal that federal harvests are at best net-neutral, and typically require subsidies to show a profit for taxpayers. The Lake County Conservation District is stepping up to take the risk that they can manage the lands profitably. In fact, their budget analysis resulted in annual profits of $300,000 to $500,000 after four years. Montana DNRC has proven it can manage its forests sensibly and locally. Please give this project a go. See swanforestinitiative.org. Carmine Mowbray, Polson Trying to find an apartment in Toronto is a lot like online dating, only more demoralizing. Ask Kin Lau. Normally, landlords would be swiping right on him. Hes got a perfect credit score and a good job. But last week he drove 40 minutes to check out a one-bedroom only to discover another suitor had snapped it up first. Do people just not go to see the place before renting? said Lau, a 25-year-old accountant. He just wants an apartment viewing. Is that too much to ask? Read more: Tenants at two west-end condos see rent double Average rent in Toronto passes $2,000 a month, report finds Short-term rental rules are on the right track: Editorial Who has the right to thrive in Toronto?: Micallef Renting in Toronto is the hardest its ever been. Home prices have doubled since 2008, so buying is out of reach for many people. Thats pushed Toronto rents to record highs, approaching those in Brooklyn and London. Potential tenants are so desperate theyre driving the streets looking for rentals and creating web profiles, similar to dating bios, to attract landlords. And prices are likely to keep rising given new laws that builders say discourage construction. I cant take clients with mediocre credit anymore, because landlords dont even look at them, said Conrad Rygier, a broker at Keller Williams Realty Inc. Ive seen a lot of frustration. Downtown is just absolute craziness. Investors, lenders and Canadians looking for places to live are wondering how much longer the home-price boom can last. Although values have fallen 17 per cent since March, compared with a 3-per-cent gain in the same period last year, the average price of a detached home in Toronto is still near a record at $1.39 million. Rental supply is down to two weeks, meaning it would take that long to rent everything in town, and average rents have hit an all-time high. Toronto mostly has three types of rental properties: privately owned condominium suites, rental buildings with a central landlord, and space in a private home. Supplies of all three are squeezed. There are 1,125 condominium units available for rent in the city, down 13 per cent from last year, according to second-quarter data from Urbanation Inc. Its also a record low for the period in Toronto. Rents jumped 11 per cent in the last year, blowing past the $2,000-a-month threshold for the first time, to $2,073 (about $1,644 U.S.), and nearing Brooklyn-level prices. In the Crown Heights section of the New York City borough, landlords ask an average $2,089 (U.S.) for a one-bedroom, according to June data from Brooklyn brokerage MNS Brands Inc. In greater London, average rent for new units in May fell to 1,502 ($1,960 U.S.), according to HomeLet. For newer rental-only towers, the vacancy rate reached a low of 0.1 per cent in the second quarter. In April the province of Ontario introduced the most sweeping rental rules in a quarter century. They cap rent increases at 2.5 per cent and extend rent controls to apartments built after 1991, which builders say will constrict new construction. It will likely keep renters climbing over one another to get a date with a landlord. Lau, the accountant, said he had four landlords cancel on him in two days. As for basement apartments and other unofficial listings, a segment of the market not actively tracked, good luck. Horror stories abound. Stephanie and Stephane Leonard spent more than a month checking online listings and cruising the city streets in their silver Audi, hunting for For Lease signs in house windows. In desperation, they posted an advertisement online that reads like a dating profile: charming, dependable and mature. Seeking: a one-bedroom rental. They joined dozens of others posting similar online ads. It got to the point where I would monitor Kijiji for properties as soon as they popped up, and even then we couldnt always get a showing, said Stephanie Leonard, a 47-year-old training-manual writer, referring to the popular classifieds website. Ive moved around a lot in my life, and this is the hardest time Ive ever had finding a place. The Leonards ended up renting one floor of a house in Mimico, an emerging neighbourhood along the water about a 30-minute drive from Toronto, with two other tenants living on the other floors. It wasnt a perfect match, but it works for now. Others arent so lucky. Dayna and Theo Block have to move to the city by Sept. 7, when Theo starts classes at the University of Toronto, joining the 100,000 other people migrating to the city each year. Their online ad, with a photo of the pair in a meadow by a wood fence, describes the 21-year-olds as a young, polite couple seeking to spend no more than C$825 a month. Theyre getting more emails from scam artists asking for money than from landlords. I want to tell people, You dont understand. We just need a place to live. The bare minimum, Dayna Block said by phone from their basement apartment in the western province of Alberta, Canadas oil-producing region. The couple have even offered to pay rent for August despite not living in the city. Landlords are ecstatic at their good fortune. Jeff Medley listed his downtown Toronto nothing special 600-square-foot (56-square-meter) condo on a Wednesday. On Thursday, the winner of a bidding war agreed to pay C$1,850 a month for the place hed offered for C$1,800. Each time Ive rented it, Ive got more, Medley said. Nothing has changed about the unit. Unless theres an influx of supply or a slowing of demand, the market will only become more unhinged, said Rygier, the Keller Williams broker. I was going to say, If its a reasonably priced suite, he said. But thats an oxymoron these days. SHARE: A Richmond Hill real estate brokerage has received a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty in an Ontario court to mishandling its trust accounts that were found to be short of funds. The amount is the maximum penalty a corporation can receive for a violation of the Ontario's Real Estate Business and Brokers Act (REBBA), the 2002 legislation that is being reviewed by the Ontario government. Individuals can be fined up to $50,000. Both HomeLife Victory Realty, which filed for bankruptcy in February 2016, and its broker of record, Victor Fishman, have had their real estate registration terminated, according to the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), the industry regulator. That means they can no longer trade in real estate in Ontario. Fishman was also fined $30,000 and ordered to pay $64,000 in restitution to an insurance company, which had to pay out deposits and commissions. The court sentenced him to 100 hours of community service and two years of probation for failing to ensure the brokerage complied with the real estate act. Under Ontario law, real estate brokers must keep separate trust accounts for deposits on agreements to purchase a home and on commercial transactions. Those accounts cannot be used for any other transactions. The fine to HomeLife Victory Realty is not unprecedented but it's the kind of penalty that is only issued once every couple of years, said RECO deputy registrar Kelvin Kucey. About two years ago, Monster Realty, operating as Brekland Realty in Oakville, was fined $600,000 and had its registration terminated for multiple convictions under the act, including trust mismanagement. RECO sent an inspector to look at HomeLife's accounts once it emerged that the company was facing financial difficulty. According to court documents, a RECO inspector found a number of improper payments were made out of the trust accounts. The payments for the amounts of $84,000 and $164,000, as well as monthly service charges, were not allowed under the terms of the trust and the balance of the trust account was found to be insufficient for the payments owed. The company also failed to report that it changed its trust accounts, which is required under the law. RECO announced the termination of HomeLife Victory Realty's registration and that of Fishman in its July newsletter. The penalties were decided by Justice of the Peace Herbert Radtke on March 31 in Newmarket. HomeLife Victory Realty owes about $3.3 million to secure and unsecured creditors, according to Kyle Harris of bankruptcy trustee Harris & Partners. The province is looking at modernizing the rules governing the real estate profession, including a look at whether the fines for the code of ethics violations, formulated in 2002, need updating. The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is looking at the rules around real estate transactions that involve a single agent acting for the buyer and seller. That part of the review is due in the fall. But a broader look at REBBA will include whether to increase the maximum penalties for violations of the Code of Ethics. Read more about: SHARE: The Fringe Festival beer tent is packed away and so is the one you brought to WayHome last weekend. But before you think Toronto festivals are running on empty, enter the SummerWorks Performance Festival, Canadas largest curated performance festival. From Aug. 3 to 13, celebrated and soon-to-be celebrated artists across disciplines performance art to dance to music to theatre, and everything in between, even lectures will appear in SummerWorkss 52 productions, creating the festivals signature blend of interdisciplinary experimentation, engaging in the festivals theme of coming together. But the 2017 festival even brings some work online, like Jordan Tannahills Nocturne, which is one of three projects (the other two are by Cara Spooner and Darla Contois) that can be accessed through the SummerWorks app and unlocked only by visiting three specific venues. The app is free to download and single performance tickets are now pay-what-you-decide, with options of $15, $25 or $35. Artistic director Laura Nanni has continued in the SummerWorks tradition of assembling a lineup of works that are eclectic, often interactive and most certainly memorable. Here are 10 were hoping to catch over the next 10 days: Bodies of Water This show that will show you what happens when you combine folk music from Iran and Azerbaijan, video projections and synchronized swimming. The site-specific poolside location and mixture of genres is quintessential SummerWorks. Trinity Bellwoods Community Centre Pool, 155 Crawford St. What Linda Said This production includes powerhouse female theatre-makers, dead and alive. Written by poet and playwright Priscila Uppal and directed by Gein Wong, What Linda Said is an imagined meeting between Priscila (played by Kimwun Perehinec) and the late playwright Linda Griffiths (played by Tracey Hoyt), inspired by their conversations after Uppal was diagnosed with cancer as Griffiths was nearing the end of her battle with breast cancer. It was also partly dramaturged by Iris Turcott, who also died of cancer in 2016. This will be beautiful and heavy. Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst St. Paths This interactive dance performance encourages you to get lost literally. Travel in a group of six through a maze and encounter dancers inspired by the four elements earth, wind, water and fire and track the environmental footprint of your own path. Artscape Youngplace, Studio 109, 180 Shaw St. Are We Not Horses Subtitled The Sci-Fi Summer Musical, Are We Not Horses celebrates the 2007 record of the same name by Rock Plaza Central, which imagines a group of robot horses facing an existential crisis. The ever-interesting Small Wooden Shoe Theatre Company presents this new Canadian musical, reuniting the band and joining forces with live illustrations, projections, puppetry, and some all-star performers like Liz Peterson and Elley Ray Hennessy. Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst St. The Archivist The Archivist premiered in 2016 through Why Not Theatres RISER Project, which also launched the lauded duetMouthpiece (on this month at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Its fortunate that Shaista Latifs intriguing solo performance, exploring her family history from Canada to Afghanistan, will get another look after that short run. (Another former RISER performance, Pearle Harbours Chautauqua is also appearing in this years SummerWorks). Lets see if RISER can continue its streak. Pia Bouman: Scotiabank Studio Theatre, 6 Noble St. Erased: Billy & Bayard It feels like the Queer Songbook Orchestra has been, for lack of a better word, everywhere lately. So it wasnt surprising to see them pop up in the SummerWorks lineup, especially with this new project. With the mandate of shedding light on queer composers overlooked by mainstream music, QSO created this production that resurrects two queer black men lost in history: Billy Strayhorn, an influence on the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Bayard Rustin, an adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. (also featured in the Fringe hit play The Seat Next to the King). Factory Theatre Mainspace The Only Good Indian Pandemic Theatre has been behind some top festival productions that have gone on to bigger runs (The Emancipation of Ms. Lovely, Daughter and Situational Anarchy just over the past year), so hopes are high for The Only Good Indian and its three impressive performers: Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, Tom Arthur Davis and Jivesh Parasram. After each performance, one of the three will sit down for a Long Table with the audience think of a big dinner party where, instead of courses of food, its courses of conversation. Factory Theatre Studio Ghost Days Details are light on this new work by renowned Blackfoot performance artist Terrance Houle because it hasnt been made yet. But in an exciting partnership with SummerWorks, emphasizing the coming together theme, he will be creating it every night of the festival and premiering it on the final day. It will likely be as interdisciplinary, and as impactful, as the rest of Houles work around colonialism, reconciliation and Canadian identities. The Theatre Centre Upper Lobby, 1115 Queen St. W. Serenity Wild SummerWorks is known for tackling taboo subjects and Serenity Wild promises to do so unflinchingly. From last years acclaimed Charisma Furs, Katie Sly has written a play, partly inspired by her own history with sexual abuse, about the line between desire and danger in sexual relationships. Sly, an emerging artist from Vancouver, already has the approval of some industry leaders, so Serenity Wild should be a remarkable step in her career. The Theatre Centre BMO Incubator, 1115 Queen St. W. Nashville Stories If you like shows that defy expectation, check out Nashville Stories, which likely will go against any idea of what you think might come next. A few things you can expect are: a bluegrass band, live cooking, a story steeped in pop culture references (especially revolving around Garth Brooks) written by David Bernstein and Jake Vanderham, joyous choreography by Alyssa Martin and probably a lot of neon. Grab your cowboy hat and join the square dance. The Theatre Centre Franco Boni Theatre, 1115 Queen St. W. Go to http://summerworks.ca/ summerworks.ca END for dates and times of the performances. Carly Maga is a Toronto Star theatre critic. She alternates the Wednesday Matinee column with critic Karen Fricker. SHARE: Montreals Olympic Stadium will be the first place some newcomers to Canada call home, with the venue starting to be used as a shelter for asylum seekers. The first groups were bused to the stadium on Wednesday as Quebec continues to manage a recent influx of people entering the province from the United States. Volunteers from the Quebec Red Cross helped set up the cavernous facility for a temporary stay with cots and food in the rotunda. Francine Dupuis, who oversees a Quebec government-funded program that helps asylum seekers get on their feet, said the numbers are not what theyre used to handling. The stadium was just a temporary solution to deal with the sudden increase and will only be used for a couple of months, she said. We were using hotels and its too many places to manage with too few rooms, Dupuis said. And there arent so many places that can accommodate 300 people like this. Dupuis said with as many as 100 people coming in daily, she has been hunting for secondary spots to house people. We need to take all the offers that are being made to us. According to recent federal government data, figures for June suggested a pronounced shift in the number of people arriving in Canada at the Quebec-U.S. border. Nationally, the RCMP intercepted 884 people between the ports of entry in June, up from 742 the month before. Of those, 781 were caught in Quebec. Overall, Quebec has accounted for 3,350 of the 4,345 people who have crossed into Canada this year, as of late June. Read more: Illegal border crossings into Canada continue to rise Canadian border communities struggle with surge in asylum seekers in past year-end Many of those arriving Wednesday were of Haitian descent. In the United States, the Trump administration is considering ending a program that granted Haitians so-called temporary protected status following the massive earthquake that struck in 2010. If the program isnt extended, as many as 60,000 Haitians could be sent back to their homeland. Dupuis said shes been told many plan to move on to Ontario, but others who speak only Creole may take advantage of Montreals large Haitian population. Guillaume Andre, a Montreal community worker, said hes helped some people who have arrived previously from the United States. Some of them have parents here, friends here, who can help them, said Andre, one of several Haitian-Montrealers who welcomed the new arrivals at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday. Were here to see how we too can provide help to them. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, an outspoken critic of the U.S. administrations immigration policies, went on Twitter to welcome Haitian arrivals and tell them they can count on the city. Coderre later tweeted that, according to his own sources, there were 2,500 new arrivals in Quebec via the United States in July, with as many as 500 currently held at St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, at the Quebec-New York border. Richard Goldman of the Committee to Aid Refugees said it is too early to say if the spike in the number of asylum seekers will be sustained, but acknowledged that all services are feeling the crunch. Definitely, everything is overloaded and thats why the Olympic Stadium is being put into service, said Goldman. Theres a great demand for all services. Part of the problem is that many of those entering Quebec have no intention of staying here and end up leaving for other cities, notably Toronto. Goldman estimates that one-half of the people entering Quebec have plans to move elsewhere. In other words, this overload problem is due to the fact people are here temporarily and are planning to leave, he said. The influx has meant that admissibility hearings, where seekers at the border were getting initial vetting and a hearing date in the city of their choice, are no longer completed in 72 hours as was once the case. Instead, those people are sent to Montreal for an appointment that could come one or two months later, Goldman said. Quebec Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil and Public Health Minister Lucie Charlebois will provide an update on the situation Thursday. SHARE: Robert Zunke was gentle and soft-spoken, offering a weathered hand and an open door, a Star reporters reward for a long search he had been as elusive as a spectre, but was now as welcoming as an old friend. Zunke says hes the artist responsible for crafting lofty structures made of discarded materials, wowing passersby for years, at the Leslie St. Spit. I just wanted to get away from Toronto, do something different, he said, when asked why he was building these structures. I saw the materials, so I thought I would make something for the people. He was the creator of an elaborate complex that had curvy walls, granite benches and walkways winding down to the lake. His masterpiece appeared on social media and prompted a search for the builder, but the structure had since been demolished in its place, large tracks criss-crossed parched earth. Last week, a spokesperson for Ports Toronto told the Star it was razed because it posed a risk to visitors. Those guys were jealous, Zunke said about the workers who toppled his work over the edge of the shoreline. Nothing was gonna knock it down. Zunke, who is in his 50s and does maintenance work in downtown buildings, said he called the main structure Eagles Point, because the top resembled a bird with outstretched wings. There have been multiple versions of the top including a flaming torch and an arrow because he has rebuilt the structure 26 times, he said. It was shaped like the eagle of the United States army crest, he said. Surrounding the central column were other wavy structures of brick, made to look like a snail without its shell and a martini glass with a monkeys head, he said. The Spit, home to Tommy Thompson Park, is a place that gives him solace. Its quiet out there, peaceful. I dont like crowds, said Zunke, who lives alone. Doing something constructive is more important. Talk is cheap. Reaching Zunke, who has been building a variety of structures for the past five years, was difficult. A Star reader sent a tip providing a rough idea of where he lived, and a search of the area revealed concrete blocks rubbed smooth and round by tidewater in front of a downtown apartment building. It seemed the materials had come from the Spit. As Discovery Channels How Its Made played on a television in the background, Zunke offered a tour of his apartment, including the granite work table where he assembles miniature buildings and greenery for large model train tracks that he sells. Model trains were everywhere in the small space. Trains are what started Toronto, said Zunke, explaining that hes had a fascination with locomotives since he was a child. Theyre antiques, he said. Zunke uses few tools to construct his structures at the Spit, aside from a cart affixed to his bicycle to transport building materials and a hammer, he said. He uses the horizon as a level and, with the formidable muscles of his arms, packs sand in tight between joints. The formations are top-heavy so that weight is distributed through the structures down to the ground, which keeps them stable, he said. Heavy support blocks are used to build the towers up literal stepping stones in a process Zunke likened to that used in ancient Egypt. You feel your way through it: tactile contact, he said. I feel quite strongly about that, actually. Zunke looked visibly discouraged when asked if he would return to the Spit to rebuild. I just dont know yet. Maybe for the freak of it, he said. Despite his low profile, he has admirers: Zunke played his voicemail messages aloud, and at least two were from people asking about his work. Someone was writing poetry on rocks and leaving it for him at Eagles Point, he said. Support like this could give him a second wind. That makes me feel good, cause then Ill build more. SHARE: Worried friends, families and co-workers of two missing men in Torontos LGBTQ community received few answers from police at a Tuesday night meeting at the 519 Community Centre, raising concerns over the pairs whereabouts. Officers from a Toronto police team tasked with finding Andrew Kinsman, 49, and Selim Esen, 44, met an overflowing crowd of more than 200 people in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood. Toronto police say they have yet to find any criminality in the pairs disappearances, or connection to three other missing persons cases from 2010-2012. Among those at 519 Church St. were Kinsmans two sisters, Patricia and Karen. Patricia praised her brothers friends and co-workers for going above and beyond in their ongoing efforts with police. Keep searching, she urged the audience. All the hours spent and all the miles that have been walked, the police are searching, echoed Karen, crying. Andrews not alone. There are many more people who are missing. Parallel investigations are now being carried out so that officers can share information. We do not have a lot of information for you. I understand how frustrating that must be, said Peter Code, the Toronto police inspector tasked with leading the investigation, who credited the community for sending an abundance of information. The police want to know everything. All information is important because we just dont know what the next piece will lead us to. Harold Barnett, a member of the gay community who lives near The 519, attended the town hall after he became worried when someone slipped a note under his door asking him to meet. Is it a pattern? Barnett, 74, wondered, pointing to the pairs similar appearances. Both men used internet dating apps and hung out in the Church and Wellesley area, according to police. Esen, described as 5-10 and 150 pounds with brown eyes, a beard and brown hair, was last seen near Bloor and Yonge Sts. Kinsman, described as 6-4 and 220 pounds with brown hair and a beard, was last seen near Wellesley and Parliament at 71 Winchester St., where hes the buildings superintendent. Code says the investigation never stopped, but that it is now being ramped up with exclusive staffing. We thank you for your involvement, he told the crowd. Assume whatever you know, we do not know. Town hall organizer Greg Downer says the LGBTQ community now needs to work together to build its own task force, one that can plan to better help spread the word about any disappearances. SHARE: Ontario is considering measures like exempting the first $450,000 of small-business income from taxes as is done in Manitoba to cushion the cost of moving to a $15 minimum wage. Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Small Business Minister Jeff Leal said thats one option as the province prepares an assistance package to be unveiled this fall before the minimum wage rises to $14 in January and $15 a year later. Another is to borrow an idea from the United States, which sets aside 25 per cent of government procurement contracts for small businesses, Leal said in Bobcaygeon, a cottage country town northeast of Toronto. In terms of small business, were looking at some of the best practices in North America, he told reporters during an appearance with Premier Kathleen Wynne at Kawartha Dairy, which is expanding its refrigerated warehouse with $311,200 in government aid. Im looking at all optionswe are leaving no stone unturned, Leal added. The pledge to boost the minimum wage from $11.40 has proved controversial with business groups, which warn small operations may have to close, raise prices or scale back workers hours and cut jobs to cope with a 32 per cent increase to $15. Wynne acknowledged those concerns, saying thats why her government which is up for re-election next June is developing a support program following consultations this summer. We know there are small businesses, particularly some mom-and-pop businesses, that are going to have a challenge going through that transition, she said at a news conference. If theres more that we can do to support small business, we will do that. She signalled that farms and agricultural businesses will get special consideration for unique circumstances, given that many employ seasonal workers who are provided with room and board. That has come up over and over again in consultations, the premier added. So have concerns about notice of work schedules, which often need to be more flexible in agriculture. Under workplace reforms that include the new minimum wage, employers will have to provide workers with more certainty in scheduling, including the payout of three hours wages if a shift is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice. But that wont necessarily work in agriculture, where harvest conditions and other factors can vary widely and change on short notice. If youre picking strawberries or picking tomatoes, obviously we have to factor in the challenges that weather presents. Were actively looking at that, Leal said. Wynne has been travelling the province this summer selling the minimum wage increase, noting that 10 per cent of workers now earn it and another 30 per cent earn less than $15 hourly. People cant live on $11.40 an hour. Thats the reality, she said in Bobcaygeon. Last Friday, she was in Windsor trying to ease concerns raised by restaurant owners, who have warned they will increase menu prices to cope with the higher minimum wage. Some have already begun nudging prices higher. Wynne also met with greenhouse growers in the Windsor-Essex County area. SHARE: WASHINGTONThere wasnt a dramatic public break or an exact moment it happened. But step by step, Senate Republicans are turning their backs on U.S. President Donald Trump. They defeated an Obamacare repeal bill despite Trumps pleas. Theyre ignoring his Twitter demands that they get back to work on it. They dissed the White House budget director, defended the attorney general against the presidents attacks and passed veto-proof sanctions on Russia over his administrations objections. Theyre reasserting their independence, which looked sorely diminished in the aftermath of Trumps surprise election win. Read the latest on U.S. President Donald Trump We work for the American people, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina said Tuesday. We dont work for the president. Those are surprisingly tough words from a Republican whose state Trump won easily less than a year ago. But after six months of controversies and historically low approval ratings, its clear Trump isnt commanding the fear or respect he once did. Some Republicans no doubt are giving voice to long-held reservations about a man whose election was essentially a hostile takeover of their party. But it is notable that the loudest criticism is coming from the Senate, where few Republicans are burdened with facing an electorate anytime soon. The situation is different in the House, where most Republicans represent conservative districts still loyal to Trump. For those lawmakers, the fear of facing a conservative primary challenger, possibly fuelled by angry Trump followers, is real. Read more: Investigator claims Trump pressured Fox News to run fabricated quotes linking DNC staffers murder to the Clinton emails scandal Why the latest Donald Trump bombshell is a cry for help from the presidents own staff: Analysis Donald Trump fires Anthony Scaramucci over his vulgar remarks, unpredictability In the most remarkable example of public Trump-bashing, Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona is taking aim at the president and his own party in a new book, writing that Unnerving silence in the face of an erratic executive branch is an abdication and marvelling at the strange spectre of an American presidents seeming affection for strongmen and authoritarians. The criticism from Flake is especially striking since he is one of just two GOP senators facing competitive re-election races in next years midterm elections, the other being Dean Heller of Nevada. The other 50 Senate Republicans are largely insulated from blowback from Trumps still-loyal base, at least in the short term, since they wont face voters for several years. That is likely contributing to their defiance, which is emerging now after an accumulation of frustrations, culminating in the failure of the health care bill Friday. In particular, senators were aghast over Trumps recent attacks on their longtime colleague Jeff Sessions, the former Alabama senator who is now attorney general and facing Trumps wrath over having recused himself from the investigation into possible collaboration between Russia and Trumps presidential campaign. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina deemed Trumps treatment of Sessions unseemly and a sign of great weakness on the part of President Trump. The comments were echoed by other Republican senators. Then, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, a former House member, suggested on a Sunday show that the Senate must pass health care before doing anything else. No. 2 Republican John Cornyn didnt hesitate to go after him. I dont think hes got much experience in the Senate as I recall, and hes got a big job, Cornyn said. He ought to do that job and let us do our jobs. The ill will flows both ways. At Tuesdays White House briefing, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders pointedly blamed lawmakers for the presidents failures to deliver. I think whats hurting the legislative agenda is Congress inability to get things passed, she said. Trump has been ignoring past warnings from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to stay out of the Senates business, tweeting relentless commands in the wake of Fridays failure on health care that the Senate should eliminate the filibuster rule that requires 60 votes to move forward on much major legislation. Mitch M, go to 51 Votes NOW and WIN. ITS TIME! the president said over Twitter. That ignored the fact that Republicans tried to pass the health care bill under rules that required only a simple majority. So Republicans, in turn, ignored Trump. Its pretty obvious that our problem on health care was not the Democrats, McConnell said drily on Tuesday. We didnt have 50 Republicans. Some Republicans say Trump and his administration only made it harder to pass health care by ineptly pressuring Sen. Lisa Murkowski with threats from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about consequences for her state, which rankled the Alaska senator. She proceeded to postpone votes in the Energy committee she chairs on a group of administration nominees, while saying it was for unrelated reasons, and voted no on the health bill. I think most Republican senators have their own identity thats separate from the president, said Alex Conant, a GOP strategist and former adviser to Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. If you look at the elections last fall almost every Republican senator who was up for re-election ran ahead of Trump and thats not a fact thats lost on Congress. The House has been a friendlier place for Trump. Republicans there pushed through a health care bill in May. For the most part our caucus is still in support of the president, said Rep. James Comer of Kentucky. That doesnt mean we agree with everything he says and does, but we still support his agenda, his presidency, and were not going to fumble the ball. In the Senate, though, lawmakers and the president appear to be going their separate ways, with some senators talking as though Trump is almost irrelevant. Ever since weve been here weve really been following our lead, right? said Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee. Whether it was the Supreme Court justice or the Russia sanctions bill, attempting to do health care and obviously we did so unsuccessfully, and now were moving on to tax reform, but most of this has, almost every bit of this has been 100 per cent internal to Congress. Read more about: SHARE: Buttes Tourism Business Improvement District committed $22,655 Monday to support events that its board members hope will put more heads in beds in the months ahead. The TBID board consists of people in the Butte hotel and tourism industry. The body collects a $1 assessment for every overnight stay in a hotel room in Butte and uses the money to fund events and venues that host events. The TBID also funds ad campaigns promoting Butte as a tourist destination, among other types of allocations. Grants the TBID committed to Monday included: $5,000 to An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival to host am event in Butte Aug. 11 through Aug. 13. with the condition that an independent group take an informal survey among festival-goers. $4,155 to cover advertising, marketing, and branding materials for an annual meeting and expo put on by the Alternative Energy Resource Organization. AERO, an organization that promotes clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and healthy eating, seeks to hold its event Oct. 20-22 in multiple venues Uptown Butte. $4,000 to the Montana Association of Business Professionals of America, a technical and career-oriented organization for students enrolled in a business education program, to hold a conference at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. -- Up to $3,500 to Mainstreet Uptown Butte for television, digital, and social-media promotion for the annual Butte Christmas Stroll. Funds are to be allocated as a reimbursement pending documentable marketing expenditures. Up to $3,000 to the Montana Booking Agency to promote the Original Festival, a two-day concert featuring multiple artists in Butte. Funds are to be allocated as a reimbursement pending documentable marketing expenditures. $2,500 to the Butte Civic Center to offset the cost of promoting the Northern Rodeo Association finals, to be hosted at the venue Oct. 5 through Oct. 7. $500 to Montana DECA, the Montana chapter of an international nonprofit that brings together high-school and college students and educators interested in business education, to host a conference at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Feb. 11-13, 2018. The board turned down a $20,000 grant application from the Covellite International Film Festival, to offset the costs of housing and feeding three separate groups of filmmakers who are currently or are planning to shoot projects in Butte. Russia is preparing to send as many as 100,000 troops to the eastern edge of NATO territory at the end of the summer, one of the biggest steps yet in the military buildup undertaken by Russian President Vladimir Putin and an exercise in intimidation that recalls the most ominous days of the Cold War. The troops are conducting military manoeuvres known as Zapad, Russian for west, in Belarus, the Baltic Sea, western Russia and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The drills will feature a reconstituted armoured force named for a storied Soviet military unit, the First Guards Tank Army. Its establishment represents the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union that so much offensive power has been concentrated in a single command. The military exercise, planned for many months, is not a reaction to sweeping new economic sanctions on Russia that U.S. Congress passed last week. So far, Russia has retaliated against the sanctions by forcing the expulsion of several hundred employees in U.S. diplomatic posts in the country. Read more:Russian military gets massive upgrade amid tensions from the West Mike Pence pledges U.S. backing to Baltic states against Russia: Attack on 1 NATO ally is attack on all China, Russia increasing military activity, annual report says But the move is part of a larger effort by Putin to shore up Russias military prowess and comes against the backdrop of an increasingly assertive Russia. Beyond Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election in support of the Trump campaign, which has seized attention in the United States, its military has in recent years deployed forces to Syria, seized Crimea and intervened in eastern Ukraine, rattled the Baltic States with snap exercises and buzzed NATO planes and ships. Punishing sanctions by the United States and European allies that have isolated Russia further have done nothing to stop Putins saber-rattling, as illustrated by the long-scheduled Zapad exercise. Even more worrying, top U.S. military officers say, is that the manoeuvres could be used as a pretext to increase Russias military presence in Belarus, a central European nation that borders three critical NATO allies: Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. The great concern is theyre not going to leave and thats not paranoia, Gen. Tony Thomas, the head of the U.S. Special Operations Command, told a national security conference in Aspen, Colo., in July. Peter Zwack, a retired one-star army general who was the U.S. defence attache in Moscow from 2012 to 2014, said: First and foremost, the messaging is, Were watching you; were strong; weve learned a lot; dont mess with Russia. Western military officials caution that the United States and Russia are not on the brink of war. But they expressed concern that the heightened Russian military activity could lead to unintended confrontations. For this instalment of the Zapad manoeuvres, a Cold War relic revived in 1999 and held again in 2009 and 2013, Russia has requisitioned enough rail cars to carry 4,000 loads of tanks and other heavy equipment to and from Belarus. The Russians already have about 1,000 air defence troops and communications personnel stationed in Belarus and logistical teams are surveying training sites there. By mid-August, advance elements of the thousands of Russian army, airborne and air defence troops that are to participate in the exercise are expected to arrive. The rest of the force is expected to reach Belarus by early September ahead of the Zapad exercises, scheduled for Sept. 14-20. The United States is taking precautions, including sending 600 U.S. paratroopers to NATOs three Baltic members for the duration of the Zapad exercise and delaying the rotation of a U.S.-led battle group in Poland. Look, well be ready; well be prepared, said Lt. Gen. Frederick Hodges, the head of U.S. army forces in Europe. But were not going to be up on the parapets waiting for something to happen. In 2014, Russias stealthy forays into eastern Ukraine and its rapid capture of Crimea were seen as skilful exercises in hybrid warfare, a combination of cyberwarfare, a powerful disinformation campaign and the use of highly trained special-operation troops and local proxy forces. But there is nothing subtle about the tank-heavy unit at the heart of the coming Zapad exercise. The First Guards Tank Army, made up mainly of forces transferred from other units, including elite motorized and tank divisions near Moscow, has an extensive pedigree. The unit battled the Germans during the Second World War on the Eastern Front and eventually in Berlin before becoming part of the Soviet force that occupied Germany. In 1968, it participated in the invasion of Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring. After the end of the Cold War, the unit was withdrawn to Smolensk, near the border with Belarus, before being disbanded in 1998. But it was reconstituted by Putin to give the Russian military more offensive punch and present a visible demonstration of Russian power. That name was chosen for a reason, said Philip Breedlove, a retired four-star Air Force general who served as NATO commander. It sends a very clear message to the Baltics and Poland. In addition, the Russians have fielded a new motorized division near Smolensk, close to the border with Belarus, which could be used in conjunction with the tank unit. In combination with the highly mobile tank army, that force has about 800 tanks, more than 300 artillery pieces and a dozen Iskander tactical missile launchers. That is more tanks than NATO has in active units deployed in the Baltic States, Poland and Germany put together, not including armour in storage that would be used by reinforcements sent from the United States, noted Phillip Karber, the president of the Potomac Foundation who has studied Russian military operations in and around Ukraine. There is only one reason you would create a Guards Tank Army and that is as an offensive striking force, Hodges said. This is not something for Homeland Security. That does not mean that they are automatically going to do it, but in terms of intimidation, it is a means of putting pressure on allies. Karber cautioned against exaggerating the First Guards Tank Armys capability, noting that not all of its units were fully manned and that some of the most modern tanks earmarked for it have not arrived. But if fully deployed into Belarus, he said, it will be a powerful offensive formation and a way for the Russian military to rapidly project power westward, which is all the more important for Moscow. The collapse of the Soviet Union meant that Russian forces lost Belarus and Ukraine as buffers. Just the presence of the First Guards Tank Army near the Polish border would put NATO on the horns of a dilemma, Karber said. Does NATO reinforce the Baltics or defend eastern Poland? NATO does not have enough forces to do both in a short period of time. It adds to the political pressure Russia can bring to bear to keep the Baltic nations and Poland in line. The Russians have also announced that the First Guards Tank Army will be the first formation to receive the T-14 Armata tank, a new infantry fighting vehicle, as well as advanced air defence and electronic warfare equipment. A more immediate concern, however, is whether Russia will use the Zapad exercise to keep Belarus in line. Belarus has long worked closely with Moscow and its air defence units are integrated with Russias to the east. But with friction between the nations autocratic president, Alexander Lukashenko, and Putin have come reports that Belarus is reluctant to host more Russian forces permanently. As part of the manoeuvres, units of the First Guards Tank Army are expected to establish a forward command post in western Belarus and to hold exercises in training areas near Brest, on the Polish border, and Grodno, near Poland and Lithuania. Russian officials have told NATO that the manoeuvres will be far smaller than Western officials are anticipating and will involve fewer than 13,000 troops. But NATO officials say the exercise is intended to test Russias contingency plans for a major conflict with the alliance and will also involve Russian civilian agencies. We have every reason to believe that it may be substantially more troops participating than the official reported numbers, Jens Stoltenberg, NATOs secretary-general, said in July. Adding to the concern, the Russians have yet to agree that international observers can monitor the Zapad exercise. U.S. officials have long said that monitoring is important, given the difficulty of Western intelligence in determining whether Russian military activity is merely an exercise or a preparation for an armed intervention. The United States, in contrast, allowed Russian, Chinese and even North Korean observers to monitor a recent army exercise called Saber Guardian in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria. At least two battalions of First Guards units, or some 3,000 armoured troops, are expected to participate in the Belarus manoeuvres. The total number of Russian troops, security personnel and civilian officials in the broader exercise is expected to range from 60,000 to as many as 100,000. The question NATO officials are asking is whether all of the troops and equipment in Belarus will leave. I am very interested in what goes in and what comes out, Hodges said. Read more about: SHARE: LONDONThree British men who dubbed themselves the Three Musketeers were convicted Wednesday of plotting a bomb attack on troops or police inspired by Islamic extremism. Jurors at Londons Central Criminal Court found 29-year-old Naweed Ali, 25-year-old Khobaib Hussain and Mohibur Rahman, 33, guilty of preparing terrorist acts, after a trial that was partly held in secret for national security reasons. A fourth defendant, Tahir Aziz, was convicted of the same charge. Prosecutors say the 38-year-old was brought into the plot in its later stages. Ali, Hussain and Rahman met while serving prison terms for terrorism offences, prosecutors said. They later set up a group on a messaging app called the Three Musketeers. As they planned an attack, the men were under surveillance by Britains domestic intelligence service, MI5, which created a fake courier company in the central England city of Birmingham and hired Hussein and Ali. In August 2016, undercover officers searched Alis car, and discovered weapons including an imitation handgun, a partially constructed pipe bomb and a meat cleaver with the word kaffir infidel in Arabic scratched onto the blade. Prosecutors said the men intended to attack police or military targets. Defence lawyers criticized the decision to hear from two witnesses in secret as they discussed claims by the defendants that MI5 had tried to recruit them. Rajiv Menon, attorney for Ali and Rahman, said the decision had a crippling effect on our ability to prepare for trial. The months-long trial also came close to collapse when a juror sought to find out whether a police officer in the case was single a breach of strict jury rules. The judge dismissed one juror, but allowed the trial to continue. The defendants, from central England, denied the charges and accused police of planting evidence. As they were led from the dock after conviction, one shouted: I hope youre happy with your lies! Lying scumbags. The four men will be sentenced Thursday. SHARE: MIAMIThe last of 12 inmates who escaped an Alabama lockup by tricking a guard with peanut butter is back in jail after persuading his sister to drive him to Florida, a sheriff said. Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder announced Tuesday night that investigators zeroed in on a house on a quiet street in Tequesta, just north of West Palm Beach, where a car with an Alabama license plate was parked outside. A short time later, Brady Kilpatrick, 24, was arrested, along with his sister, Jensen Davis Lefan, 18; her boyfriend, Hayden Thomas Mayberry, 24; and Mayberrys childhood friend, Dakota Anthony, 23. Read more: Inmates escape Alabama jail after using peanut butter to fool guard Final prisoner caught after peanut butter escape from Alabama county jail Kilpatrick escaped Sunday from the jail in Walker County, Alabama, where inmates tricked a guard into letting them out by using peanut butter to alter a number over a cell door. Authorities said the inexperienced guard, watching 150 inmates through security cameras from a control room, thought he was opening the cell at an inmates request, when in fact, the peanut-buttered number he punched in released a door to the outside. A dozen inmates fled, throwing off their orange jail uniforms and running in every direction. He told us that he never stopped running, Snyder said. He actually ran for two hours and never got pinned down. Lefan, of Cordova, Alabama, told investigators that her brother called her shortly after the escape, asking for a ride. She and Mayberry borrowed a car from his roommate and picked up Kilpatrick a short time later. He hopped in and told her Go! according to an arrest affidavit. Five to 10 minutes later, he told them hed escaped from jail, cutting his hands when he climbed a 15-foot fence topped with razor wire. Lefan and Mayberry, of Jasper, Alabama, took turns driving with Kilpatrick in the back seat, she said. They ended up at the home of Anthony, a childhood friend of Mayberrys, after stopping for food paying in cash and sleeping in a Wal-Mart parking lot. She feared getting caught, but said she had to try to help her brother because they are family, the sheriff said. Mayberry who told authorities they planned to marry soon told investigators he knew that what they did was wrong, but said you do crazy things for love. Belinda Ann Weldon, an Alabama attorney representing Kilpatrick on drug and burglary charges that landed him in jail, said she hasnt talked to him since the jailbreak. He and the other prisoners are being charged in Alabama with escape, she said. Weldon, who has been in Walker County lockup numerous times, said she can see how a guard watching remotely could be fooled if inmates partially obscure the number that identifies each door. That placard has a number on it; its an off-white. They covered it in peanut butter. Say the number was an 8; they made it look like a 9, she said. He pushed the button for a door that instead of going into a dorm went to an outside door. In Florida, Snyder praised his department and other agencies for using a good tactical approach once they located the home in Tequesta, where a car with an Alabama license plate was parked outside. Lets suffice it to say we had an overwhelming force and more than adequate resources as he made the unwise decision of trying to escape out of the house, he said. Jail records dont list attorneys for any of the arrestees. Lefan and Mayberry face charges of facilitating escape and hindering apprehension of a fugitive in Alabama, as well as aiding and abetting a fugitive in Florida. Anthony was charged with possessing a controlled substance. Kilpatrick initially jailed in Alabama on charges of possessing drugs and paraphernalia now faces prosecution on much tougher crimes. Walker County Sheriff James Underwood in Alabama did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the arrest of Kilpatrick, which happened only a few hours after he predicted it would. The other 11 fugitives had been rounded up by Monday afternoon. Kilpatrick appeared in court Wednesday in Stuart, Florida, where a judge ordered him held without bail pending his return to Alabama. Lefan and Mayberry also remained in the jail, with $7,500 bail set for each. Snyder said he tried to hide in the wrong county. Look, I dont like to brag, the sheriff told reporters, but weve never had an escape from the Martin County Jail. I can tell you this, he wont be getting any peanut butter. SHARE: SAO PAULO, BRAZILThe lower house of Brazils Congress voted Wednesday to block a corruption trial against Michel Temer, a victory for the embattled president that occurred 15 months after his predecessor was suspended for financial irregularities. Temers opponents fell well short of the two-thirds majority required in the Chamber of Deputies to send him to trial in the Supreme Court. In the end, 263 lawmakers voted for the president, 228 voted against him and the remaining 22 didnt vote or abstained. The president was determined to remain in power and aggressively courted legislators support well into the session, which stretched over more than 11 hours Wednesday. With more than 80 per cent of Brazilians in favour of sending the president to trial, according to polls, the chambers decision was a testament to the presidents skilful manoeuvring, and spoke to the desire for greater political and economic stability in Brazil. Temer, the first sitting Brazilian president charged with corruption, is accused of receiving $150,000 from a wealthy meat packing executive part of a $12-million bribe he allegedly accepted through an aide. Temer denies the accusations and has rejected calls for his resignation. The vote came as Brazilian politics are in turmoil. Last month, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, was convicted of corruption and money laundering and sentenced to more than nine years in prison. He has appealed the verdict. Temers predecessor, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended in May 2016 on charges of budget mismanagement, and she was removed from the presidency three months later. As Wednesdays session began, dozens of representatives gathered in the centre of the chamber, chanting: Out Temer. The people want to vote. Direct elections now. In speeches ahead of the vote, Temers supporters focused on the importance of political stability for the countrys economy. Brazil cannot return to chaos. Thats why Im voting against this charge, said representative Hidekazu Takayama of the allied Socialist Christian Party. The president chose to confront the crisis by delivering bitter but necessary medicine, said representative Paulo Abi-Ackel of the coalition Brazilian Social Democracy Party. Is now the right time to remove the president of the republic? We need to continue these efforts to reestablish confidence in the future of the country. But in Sao Paulo, hundreds of protesters opposing Temer, whose approval ratings sank to 5 per cent ahead of the vote, lit tires on fire to block access to major highways. While more than 80 per cent of Brazilians believe that Temer should stand trial, according to a recent poll, he maintains a significant base in Congress. He was expected to gather about 260 votes in his favour, putting him safely above the 172 needed to avoid trial, according to an analysis by political consultancy firm Arko in Brasilia, the capital. In May, leaked recordings appeared to show the president condoning the payment of hush money to protect Joesley Batista, a meat packing executive who was under investigation for corruption. A few weeks later, video emerged of a close aide exiting a pizza parlour with $150,000 in cash, allegedly intended for Temer. Read more: Brazils President Michel Temer says corruption charge is fiction, theres no proof END Brazil leader Temer handed boost in corruption case Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing forward with his promise of a harder line on legal immigration, endorsing a proposal to slash the number of immigrants admitted to the United States while favouring those with certain education levels and skills. Trump announced his support for such an overhaul of immigration law during an event Wednesday at the White House with conservative Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia. The changes proposed in their bill, called the RAISE Act, would be the biggest change in 50 years to the immigration system, Trump said, and reflect the administrations compassion for struggling American families that deserve an immigrant system that puts their needs first. The bill faces dim prospects in Congress, where nearly all Democrats and a sizable number of Republicans oppose its key provisions. But it reflects a central promise of Trumps campaign and the renewed emphasis the White House has made in recent weeks to appeal to the presidents core supporters. White House staff have been working closely with Cotton and Perdue for weeks on the legislation, which would restrict how the U.S. admits immigrants and move to what Trump has described as a merit-based system similar to that used in Australia and Canada. The proposal ends chain migration, Trump said, referring to the preference for uniting family members in the current immigration system. It would implement a points-based system for awarding lawful permanent residency, or green cards. Foreign applicants would receive a higher score if they speak English, can financially support themselves and have skills that can contribute to our economy, Trump said. Read more: Trump signs bill imposing sanctions on Russia as punishment for election meddling Trump says Boy Scouts head called to praise his speech, but group unaware of such call Little by little, Senate Republicans are abandoning Donald Trump The proposal has been praised by groups that advocate reduced immigration, including NumbersUSA and the Federation of Immigration Reform. Immigration advocacy groups are opposed, as are many economists who say the nation, with an aging population and low fertility rate, should be encouraging an influx of younger workers to spur economic growth. The current U.S. immigration system favours uniting family members with relatives already in the country. It was built on the premise that any person, regardless of how much education or money they have, can come to the United States and create a productive life for themselves. Any changes along the lines of the proposed bill would require support from moderate Republican senators such as Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and many Senate Democrats oppose making partial changes to immigration law without creating a pathway to legal status for immigrants who arrived in the country illegally and put down roots. Trump repeatedly has said he doesnt want to reduce the total number of immigrants admitted each year, yet the proposal by Cotton and Perdue would cut legal immigration by more than half. At the same time, Trump during his campaign called for returning the level of foreign-born Americans to their historic norm. The level is currently higher than at most periods in U.S. history. Immigration experts said at the time that Trumps goal could only be achieved by sharply reducing legal immigration levels. Trump has also been reluctant to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, started by President Barack Obama, which provides work authorizations to immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Trump called the program unconstitutional during the presidential campaign, but also has expressed sympathy toward people who are in this country illegally through no fault of their own and were raised here. At a rally in Ohio last week, Trump praised Cotton and Perdue and said he was working with the senators to replace todays low-scale system, just a terrible system where anybody comes in. We want a merit-based system, one that protects our workers, our taxpayers, and one that protects our economy. We want it merit-based, Trump said. SHARE: WASHINGTONAides to President Donald Trump were in deep talks about how to defuse tensions between Qatar and other Arab nations when the door to the secure room at the White House burst open. The urgent message: Trump had just tweeted about Qatar. One adviser read the tweet aloud and with that, the policy-makers in midconference call had no other choice but to rework their plans to reflect the presidents tweeted assertion that Qatar, host to some 11,000 U.S. troops, was funding terrorism. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump It was an accusation against a close U.S. ally that had never been voiced so publicly and with such indelicacy. The incident, relayed to The Associated Press by two people on the interagency call, offers a glimpse into the erratic business of crafting policy in the age of Donald Trump. Where carefully crafted policies ideally precede public messaging, advisers now often scramble to reshape policy to catch up with the presidents tweets and public declarations. On subjects from Qatar to Russia and, most recently, the presidents surprise call for a ban on transgender people in the military, the presidents tendency to tweet his mind is blindsiding advisers and, in some cases, complicating or even upending administration policy. When presidential advisers are caught flat-footed by a policy announcement, the story tends to be about how the decision was made, not the decision itself, said Bradley Blakeman, an adviser to former president George W. Bush. It is a process and communications challenge. Read more: No, Im not quitting Twitter, Donald Trump defiantly tweets Trump says Boy Scouts head called to praise his speech, but group unaware of such call Trump signs bill imposing sanctions on Russia as punishment for election meddling Policy-makers worry that Trumps tweets produce an inconsistent message. Theyre hoping Trumps selection this week of retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, known for his military discipline, to be White House chief of staff may help to streamline policy-making and convince the president that his tweets can create chaos when theyre at odds with administration policy. Trumps tweet about transgender policy last week made public a decision that military advisers had not agreed to. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, responded with an internal memo to military service chiefs stating that, for now, there will be no modifications to current policy. The presidents tweet prompted some GOP lawmakers, including Sen. John McCain to speak out. I think generally speaking, its accepted you consult the Secretary of Defence before you make a decision that has to do with defending the nation, McCain said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signalled this week that Trumps sometimes incendiary tweets are just part of the environment in which we work. Well adapt to it, Tillerson said. Theres a lot of unexpected things that happen to us in the world of diplomacy and we know how to adapt to that, we know how work with it. I dont view it as an obstacle, hindrance or as assistance. Whatever the president chooses to express, he expresses, and then thats information to everybody us included. Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, said that a public pronouncement that undermines existing policy corrodes morale at the bureaus and agencies because theyre hearing their leader say things that they know arent true or cant be implemented. It creates a culture of mistrust within your administration, he said. That started happening with Nixon but that only happened in his last year when things started corroding all around him. While the president has generally been more cautious about declarations related to Russia, in July he proudly tweeted after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about working with Moscow on forming an impenetrable Cybersecurity unit so that election hacking, & many other negative things, will be guarded. The idea was widely and swiftly criticized, and the backtracking quickly commenced. First, Trumps advisers defended the idea, then they cautioned that the cyber unit was just an idea floating around. Shortly thereafter, the president tweeted: The fact that President Putin and I discussed a Cybersecurity unit doesnt mean I think it can happen. It cant-but a ceasefire can, & did! Trump has also made public pronouncements on Twitter about Afghanistan and Syria, but the U.S. policy toward those countries remain in flux as the administration attempts to find solutions to those conflicts while learning from the mistakes of past administrations. And while disputes like the standoff over Qatar may be eased with a bit of skilful diplomacy, offhand tweets can risk major international incidents and raise legal issues in some cases. For example, as conservative pressure builds for Trump to do away with the Obama-era Iran nuclear agreement, policy-makers worry that the president might tweet something offensive about the fragile accord, jeopardizing any progress that has been made. Trumps tweets on health care policy seem to have caught the eye of judges on the federal court of appeals in Washington, who this week issued a procedural ruling counter to administration interests in case involving billions of dollars in Obamacare subsidies. In allowing a group of state attorneys general to intervene in the case, the appeals courts said states doubts that the administration could adequately defend their interests in court were fanned by accumulating public statements by high-level officials ... about a potential change in position. Hes really a terrible client, President Trump is, University of Michigan law professor Nicholas Bagley said. The states point to his public statements and say, Are you kidding me? We know the president is poised to throw us under the bus and we know because he said so. Bill Galston, a former Clinton administration official now at The Brookings Institution, said there is a standard process in policy-making that most administrations strive to follow. He cautioned: If the president is not prepared to accept an orderly policy process with all of the restraints on individual conduct and behaviour, then the new chief of staff will not have the power to implement policy. Read more about: SHARE: SAN FRANCISCOA teenage passenger was taken to a hospital for mental health treatment after he opened an emergency door on an airplane minutes after it landed in San Francisco then slid down the wing to the tarmac, officials said Wednesday. The teen travelling on Copa Airlines Flight 208 from Panama City was not injured during Tuesdays incident at San Francisco International Airport, airport spokesman Doug Yakel said. The 17-year-old a U.S. citizen was travelling alone and appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight, Yakel said. The teens name has not been released. Read more: There was a big ball of fire: Air Canada flight makes emergency landing at Pearson City police Officer Grace Gatpandan said Wednesday he was taken for treatment and will not be charged by local authorities. However, Copa Airlines said it is a violation of federal law to open an emergency door without having been instructed to do so by the crew. Federal prosecutors in San Francisco did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. After jumping from the plane, the teenager was held by an airfield construction crew until police arrived and arrested him. Witnesses said the teen seemed fidgety and anxious throughout the seven-hour flight. He was already on the ground and running by the time passengers realized the door had been opened. It was as if he was like flying out, like it was really fast, passenger Sophia Gibson told San Jose television station KNTV. Emergency exits over wings are intended to be opened by passengers at lower altitudes to allow evacuations in emergencies, the airline said. Copa confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that the boy was sitting in an exit row during the flight and that personnel had followed Federal Aviation Administration rules requiring passengers seated in an exit row to be at least 15. Flight attendants also followed security and safety procedures after the teenage pushed open the door, the Panama-based airline said. A crew member closed the door and the plane proceeded to a gate where passengers and crew safely left the aircraft, it added. Passenger Matt Crowder said people sitting near the exit row stood up and shouted when the boy jumped. They were yelling, Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The doors open. Someone jumped off, Crowder told the television station. It was pretty crazy. Passenger Isaac Rodrigues said a flight attendant used her body to block the gap where the door had been. We were on the runway for about an hour, Rodrigues said. No other flights were affected, Yakel said. SHARE: LOS ANGELES An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base early Wednesday to test the weapons reliability to defend against attacks on the United States and its allies, the Air Force said. The Minuteman III missile was fired at 2:10 a.m. local time from the base northwest of Santa Barbara, Calif., according to the Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile, equipped with a single test re-entry vehicle, travelled 6,760 kilometres to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The strike command said the test was not a response to recent North Korean actions. Rather the launch demonstrates that the United States nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and can protect against strikes, the command said. The test comes after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Friday the second in less than a month. The two-stage missile crashed off the coast of Japans northernmost island, Hokkaido. Flight data on North Koreas most recent test, conducted Friday, showed that a broad part of the mainland United States, including Los Angeles and Chicago, is now in range of Pyongyangs weapons, according to analysts. In response, the U.S. air force flew two B-1 bombers over the Korean Peninsula on Sunday in a show of force. The U.S. also said it conducted a successful test of a missile defence system located in Alaska. Previous Minuteman ICBM launches this year were conducted in February, April and May. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. government would agree to a dialogue with North Korea if it relinquishes its nuclear program. We are trying to convey to the North Koreans: We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond, he said. Wednesdays launch was conducted by Vandenbergs 30th Space Wing team, the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the Air Force said. The 90th Missile Wing is one of three bases overseeing the countrys intercontinental ballistic missile forces. The test is the fourth ICBM launched from the base this year. Read more: U.S. flies bombers in display of force after North Korea missile launch As North Korea intensifies missile program, the U.S. opens $11-billion base in South Korea North Koreas latest missile test puts Toronto, much of U.S. within range, experts say These test launches require the highest degree of technical competence and commitment at every level and provide critical data necessary to validate the reliability, accuracy and performance of the ICBM force, Col. Dave Kelley, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander, said in a statement. In February, a test missile was launched from the base. That missile was also equipped with a nonexplosive payload and travelled to the Marshall Islands. Another test was conducted by the Air Force Global Strike Commands team on April 26. Air Force officials said that launch was an operational test to show the countrys nuclear deterrent capability. Days later, a third test missile launched from the base. The unarmed Minuteman III missile was launched just after midnight on May 3 from the base to test the weapons reliability and ensure an effective nuclear deterrent, according to the Air Force. On May 30, the Missile Defense Agency conducted a flight test exercise of a ground-based interceptor that was also launched from the airbase. The interceptor successfully targeted and destroyed an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Marshall Islands. With files from The Associated Press Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONThe White House said a National Security Council staff member caught up in a controversy over the release of intelligence material to a member of Congress is leaving his job, a signal that National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster is gaining firmer authority following the installation of John Kelly as the presidents new chief of staff. Ezra Cohen-Watnick, 31, who led the NSCs Intelligence directorate, was an ally and former Defense Intelligence Agency colleague of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who resigned after he misled administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. McMaster had previously sought to move Cohen-Watnick off the NSC but had been blocked by other senior advisers to President Donald Trump. Cohen-Watnick, who worked on the Trump transition team and is close to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, appealed to Kushner and Stephen Bannon, Trump's chief White House strategist. Bannon and Kushner spoke with Trump, and Cohen-Watnick was kept in place. That he was now able to do so following Kellys swearing-in on Monday may be a sign that McMaster like Kelly, a former general is being given more power to shape the NSC. To me, this was simply about chain of command, said Michael Hayden, the former director of CIA and of the National Security Agency. This is the way things are done in John Kellys universe. People with responsibility get commensurate authority. McMaster wanted him out. It was unclear whether Cohen-Watnick would remain in some capacity. A statement released by the White House said McMaster is confident that Ezra will make many further significant contributions to national security in another position in the administration. Cohen-Watnick gained notoriety in Washington after it was reported that he had shown House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes classified documents that allegedly revealed members of the Obama administration had sought the identities of Trump campaign officials and associates inadvertently caught on government intercepts, known as unmasking. Nunes then revealed that information publicly in an attempt to bolster Trumps unsubstantiated allegation that President Barack Obama had wiretapped him. The news of Cohen-Watnicks departure came shortly after The Atlantic magazine reported that Rich Higgins, a former Pentagon official who served in the NSCs strategic planning office, was dismissed last month. The magazine reported that the departure of Higgins was probably motivated by a memo in which he outlined perceived threats to Trumps presidency. In the memo, Huggins reportedly argued that allegations over Russian interference in the election were a plot to sabotage the presidents agenda, and that a cabal of globalists, bankers, the deep state and Islamists were conspiring to derail his agenda. With files from The Washington Post Read more about: SHARE: Older people are dying on the job at a higher rate than workers overall, even as the rate of workplace fatalities decreases, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal statistics. Its a trend thats particularly alarming as baby boomers reject the traditional retirement age of 65 and keep working. The U.S. government estimates that by 2024, older workers will account for 25 per cent of the labour market. Getting old and the physical changes associated with it could potentially make a workplace injury into a much more serious injury or a potentially fatal injury, said Ken Scott, an epidemiologist with the Denver Public Health Department. Gerontologists say those changes include gradually worsening vision and hearing impairment, reduced response time, balance issues and chronic medical or muscle or bone problems such as arthritis. In 2015, about 35 per cent of the fatal workplace accidents involved a worker 55 and older or 1,681 of the 4,836 fatalities reported nationally. William White, 56, was one of them. White fell 25 feet while working at Testa Produce Inc. on Chicagos South Side. He later died of his injuries. I thought it wouldnt happen to him, his son, William White Jr., said in an interview. Accidents happen. He just made the wrong move. The AP analysis showed that the workplace fatality rate for all workers and for those 55 and older decreased by 22 per cent between 2006 and 2015. But the rate of fatal accidents among older workers during that time period was 50 per cent to 65 per cent higher than for all workers, depending on the year. The number of deaths among all workers dropped from 5,480 in 2005 to 4,836 in 2015. By contrast, on-the-job fatalities among older workers increased slightly, from 1,562 to 1,681, the analysis shows. During that time period, the number of older people in the workplace increased by 37 per cent. That compares with a 6 per cent rise in the population of workers overall. Ruth Finkelstein, co-director of Columbia Universitys Aging Center, cautions against stereotyping. She said older people have a range of physical and mental abilities and that its dangerous to lump all people in an age group together because it could lead to discrimination. She said shes not sure that older workers need much more protection than younger workers, but agreed there is a need for all workers to have more protection. We are not paying enough attention to occupational safety in this country, she said. The AP analysis is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census for Fatal Occupational Injuries and from one-year estimates from the American Community Survey, which looks at the working population. It excludes cases where the cause of death was from a natural cause, including a heart attack or stroke. AP also examined the number and types of accidents in which older workers died between 2011, when the bureau changed the way it categorized accidents, to 2015: Fall-related fatalities rose 20 per cent. Contact with objects and equipment increased 17 per cent. Transportation accidents increased 15 per cent. Fires and explosions decreased by 8 per cent. We expect that there will be more older workers increasing each year and they will represent a greater share (of the fatalities) over the last couple of decades, said Scott, the Denver epidemiologist. This issue of elevated risk is something we should be paying close attention to. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found in 2013 that 44 per cent of older Americans said their job required physical effort most or almost all of the time, and 36 per cent said it was more difficult to complete the physical requirements of their jobs than it was when they were younger. William White Jr. said his father had been working in the same Chicago-based warehouse for over a decade and was a manager when he fell to his death on Sept. 24, 2015. My dad was the best at what he did. Hes the one who taught me everything I know, the 26-year-old Chicago resident said. He went up to get an item for the delivery driver and the next thing you know he made a wrong move and fell. The job is fast-paced and everybody is rushing. Related stories: Worker safety still at risk 25 years after Westray tragedy: Wells GE workers paying price for decades of exposure to toxic chemicals: Report Thomas Stiede, principal officer for Teamsters Local 703, said White knew the safety procedures and he cant understand why White didnt wear a safety harness. He was a very conscientious employee, he said, his voice cracking with emotion. Testa Inc. was fined $12,600 by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to provide safety training. The company declined to comment for this story. The same year White died, the fatal accident rate in Illinois for older workers was 4.5 per 100,000 workers, 60 per cent higher than the comparable rate for all workers. In most states, the fatal accident rates for older workers were consistently higher than comparable rates for all workers. Nevada, New Jersey and Washington had the greatest per cent increase in fatal accident rates for older workers between 2006 and 2015. The three states with the biggest per cent decrease were Hawaii, Oregon and Vermont. Eight states saw their overall workplace fatality rate drop, even as the rate for older workers increased: Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. In two states North Dakota and Wisconsin the trend was reversed; older worker accident rates decreased while the accident rate overall increased. In metropolitan areas, Las Vegas ran counter to the national trend. In 2006, the fatal accident rate among older workers in the Las Vegas metropolitan area was lower than the rate among all workers. But by 2015, the rate of deaths among older workers more than doubled even as the rate among all workers declined. Transportation accidents account for a large portion of fatal workplace incidents among both older workers and workers in general. In one such incident, Ruan Qiang Hua, 58, died last Nov. 21 from injuries suffered in a forklift accident at Good View Roofing and Building Supply warehouse, according to the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration. After a bag of mortar fell from the pallet, Qiang backed up and rolled off a ramp. The forklift tipped over and Qian was crushed when he jumped off. The agency fined the San Francisco-based company $62,320, saying it had failed to ensure that forklift operators were competent and wore seatbelts. The company is appealing the penalties, according to OSHA. Records show that Hua was not properly trained or certified as a forklift operator. Video of the incident showed he was not wearing his seatbelt. Other video from the work site showed that other forklift operators also had not used their seatbelts and that the employer failed to install a curb along the sides of the ramp to prevent the lifts from running off the ramp. The company declined to comment. In California, the 2015 rate of fatal accidents was 3.4 per 100,000 workers for older workers, 60 per cent higher than the rate for all workers. The AP analysis showed that older workers were involved in about 1 in 4 fatal workplace accidents related to fires and explosions from 2011 to 2015. In April 2014, Earle Robinson, 60, and other employees were doing maintenance work at Bryan Texas Utilities Power Plant, about 100 miles north of Houston, when there was a loud explosion. Workers called 911 and pleaded for help. Hes in bad shape. Hes got a lot of facial burns, according to a transcript of the 911 calls. Hes got some pretty bad burns. Robinson was taken to a hospital in Houston and died days later. The company declined to comment for this story. The year Robinson died, the fatality rate among older workers in Texas was 6.1 per 100,000 workers 43 per cent higher than the accident rate for all workers. The National Center for Productive Aging and Work is pushing for changes in the workplace to make it safer for older workers. The year-old centre is part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. We advocate to make workplaces as age-friendly as possible, said co-director James Grosch. For example, increased lighting helps older workers whose eyesight has weakened with age. He said the centre is emphasizing productive aging and looking at how people can be more productive, how their wisdom can be leveraged in a workplace. SHARE: RAPE CHARGE ARREST Shane Pelletier, 29, was booked Monday in Butte in connection with a charge of sexual intercourse without consent out of Missoula County. Butte police assisted the U.S. Marshal's office in the arrest of Pelletier, who was found in the 300 block of Granite Mountain Road at about noon. He is being held in the Butte jail on a $100,000 bond. PARTNER ASSAULTS David Bustle, 53, of Butte, was arrested at the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department at about 4 p.m. Monday on a felony charge of partner-family member assault. Officers responded to a call of a male-female conflict at about 11:30 p.m. on July 28 in the 2000 block of California Street. Before officers arrived, Bustle allegedly left the scene. But police report that the female said Bustle pulled her hair, shoved her to the ground and dragged her by her hair. Police said hair was missing from the females head. A warrant was issued for Bustle, who then came to the police department Monday. This is his third partner-family member assault arrest, which makes it a felony. Police arrested Johnnie Bales, Jr., 62, of Butte, on a misdemeanor charge of partner-family member assault at about 4:30 p.m. Monday in the 1300 block of Hobson Street. A female called police at about 3:50 p.m. Monday for a partner-family member assault complaint. The female reported that Bales slapped her when she came home and broke her glasses, injuring her face, according to police. Officers went to Bales home, where they said they found him passed out. He was awakened and arrested. BAD HIDING SPOT Police said they found Anyssa Burch, 20, of Butte, hiding under a blanket in a bed at about 10:15 p.m. Monday in a home in the 500 block of South Dakota Street. She was wanted out of Butte Justice Court for shoplifting and out of Butte District Court for failure to appear for a felony charge. Police said they went to the house because they recognized a wanted male enter the house. But the male fled, according to police. Burch is being held on a $32,000 bond. SUSPENDED LICENSE Police arrested Skyler Reinke, 21, of Butte, at First and Wyoming at about midnight Monday for misdemeanor driving with a suspended or revoked license. Police recognized Reinke while patrolling the area and pulled him over for his fifth offense of driving on a suspended license, according to police. CO-WORKER ASSAULT Police were called to the Copper King Hotel, 5655 Harrison Ave., at about noon Monday on a female complaint of another employee grabbing her hair. When police arrived, the employee who allegedly committed the assault was no longer at work. But after viewing video, police requested a warrant for the employees arrest for simple assault. New Democratic Party federal leadership aspirant Jagmeet Singh is on a roll. Hes raising more money than his three rivals. Hes getting more attention. The 38-year-old Brampton politician, currently an Ontario MPP, is trying to present himself as a fresh new face. So far, his efforts appear to be working. This weeks financial release from Elections Canada is particularly good news for Singh. During the April-June period, his campaign raised a stunning $353,944. Thats more than the combined total of fellow contenders Charlie Angus ($123,574), Niki Ashton ($70,124) and Guy Caron ($46,970). While fundraising prowess doesnt guarantee success within the NDP, it can be telling. In the partys 2012 leadership race, the eventual winner Thomas Mulcair was also the top fundraiser. Singhs campaign says that roughly 75 per cent of his donors have never given before to the NDP. While that claim cannot be confirmed, it jibes with the limited amount of polling done in this race. A July survey by Mainstream Research estimated that federal MPs Angus and Ashton were the top choices of long-time party members. Among this group, however, Singh scored a distant third. But if Singh is able to attract enough new members into his camp before the vote this fall, any misgivings held by the partys old guard may not matter. Most of Singhs policy prescriptions fall within the boundaries of the NDPs current orthodoxy. He would raise corporate taxes. Like Justin Trudeaus Liberals (but unlike the NDP under Mulcair) he would raise income taxes on the rich. He would institute pro-union and pro-worker labour reforms in areas under federal jurisdiction. He is in favour of more infrastructure but critical of the Liberals new infrastructure bank. Like many federal New Democrats, he walks a delicate line on pipelines, praising both Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley (who wants a heavy-oil pipeline from the tarsands to the Pacific) and British Columbia Premier John Horgan (who does not). In the end, however, Singh comes out against both the proposed Kinder Morgan and Energy East pipeline expansions. Given their unpopularity among New Democrats in B.C. and Quebec, this is not a politically foolish position to take. Indeed, Singh already appears to have significant support in B.C., where he is backed by three New Democrat MPs and eight sitting MLAs. In at least two respects, however, he has broken with current party policy. First, as he said last month, he is amenable to the idea of an elected Senate. I doubt that most Canadians care about this one way or the other. But many New Democrats do. The party has long held that the Senate should be abolished, not reformed. Second, he favours eliminating Old Age Security for seniors and replacing it with a new means-tested program aimed only at the elderly poor. Given the popularity of OAS and the propensity of older people to vote, the NDP might find this a troublesome promise to take into the next election. Some, including fellow NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo, accuse Singh of pandering to the religious right during Ontarios bitter debate over sex education. Jagmeet lost me long ago, she said in an email, referring to Singhs support of those critical of teaching sex ed in schools. Right now, the main contenders in this contest appear to be Singh and Angus. Angus, the MP for Timmins-James Bay and a former rocker with the alt band Grievous Angels, has his roots in the Catholic left. For a while, all of that as well as his relentless advocacy for Indigenous peoples gave Angus some cachet in the party. Now, the main rap against him is that he is too mainstream, too old-fashioned, too much like Mulcair. In fact, it is Singh who has much of the party establishment on his side. But like Trudeau, the former criminal defence lawyer has nonetheless managed to present himself as someone new. With his well-tailored suits and colour-coordinated turbans, he typifies millennial hip in the way that former NDP leader Jack Layton, in his bicycle helmet, typified an earlier generation. Those who have seen Singh in action say that, like Layton, he is a formidable retail politician. And he can raise money. In politics, that helps too. Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Read more about: SHARE: Every day, Ontarios 29,000 practicing physicians go to work and provide dedicated patient care. Were solutions-oriented individuals who want to see the best-possible outcomes for our patients, without distraction. While we remain without a contract, we recently achieved binding arbitration, and look forward to reaching a fair agreement with the provincial government. But I worry that a recent announcement by the federal government will jeopardize this progress, and chase away some of our countrys best and brightest physicians. On July 18, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau launched a 75-day public consultation on tax planning using private corporations. Approximately 20,500 doctors in Ontario are incorporated, supported by the Business Corporations Act. And were not alone; we stand with many farmers; restaurant, retail and convenience-store owners, lawyers; accountants and more. This legislation was specifically designed to support these types of small businesses, and encourage physicians, like myself, to continue opening professional practices to care for patients. The provincial government gave doctors the ability to incorporate more than 15 years ago. Most other provinces have had the ability to incorporate for much longer. Ontarios doctors have been able to invest in their retirement and create self-financed benefits just like other incorporated businesses and salaried workers. My fellow physicians and I have been able to run small medical businesses where we incur debt and we take financial risks. But no risk is greater than compromised patient care. The proposed tax changes could create a 73 per cent effective tax rate on the earnings from investments held inside professional corporations. This comes in addition to eliminating income splitting. The loss of these benefits will affect physicians who are sole income-earners, on parental leave, as well as those on sick leave. It will impact doctors at all stages of their careers. Amid this uncertainty, business planning has become impossible. Doctors dont know if they can sign leases, purchase equipment or hire employees. We have already assumed huge debt during our education and training, and even more when we start our practices. We have no benefits, pension or sick time. If we get injured or lose our job, doctors have no employment insurance. If implemented, these proposals will make Canada an undesirable place to practice, a reality the people of Ontario know too well. Many of our rural communities still suffer from a shortage of doctors, and if these new tax measures come into effect, doctors will simply leave the country, and new physicians will choose to practice elsewhere. The effects will be felt throughout Canadian communities, as the proposed tax changes will impact all small corporations, including store owners, financial advisers, insurance brokers and others. Together, we form the backbone of many local economies. The government of Canada must take the time to listen to the impact these proposals will have on businesses throughout the nation. The ability to incorporate was seen as a positive change from the Ontario government. It supported all small business owners, including doctors, by allowing us to invest in for our future and set up the benefits many other workers in Canada get to enjoy as salaried professionals. Opening a medical practice was once attainable; doctors could focus on building a business designed to care for more patients. But, the federally proposed changes will affect how weve been investing in our medical corporations and ultimately could set the stage for a national crisis in primary care. Cuts to doctors mean cuts to patient care. It may take months, or even years, but patients will feel the cuts inevitably, and Im certain theyll be painful. These proposed federal changes wont make doctors work harder. Instead, when discouraged, were likely to work less, tell our children to avoid practicing medicine, retire early and leave the country. Ontarios doctors face grave uncertainty after this federal announcement. We cannot run medical businesses and care for patients when we have to continually look over our shoulder to see when the next round of government action is coming. You couldnt run your household like that, and I certainly dont run my doctors office like that. My focus remains dedicated to patient care; perhaps the government of Canadas should, too. Dr. Shawn Whatley is president of the Ontario Medical Association. SHARE: Every summer since 1967, Toronto has been treated to the sights, sounds, and flavours of the tropics as part of the Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The festival is a whirlwind of sequins, soca, and steelpan that heats up Torontos streets in the heart of the summer. This year the parade turns 50, and as it happens, this is my 20th year as official council liaison (and unofficial champion) to the festival. Im old enough to remember a more staid and lets face it more boring Toronto; one in which the summer highlight was leaving to go to a cottage. Now, thanks in large part to Toronto Caribbean Carnival taking over the hottest midsummer long weekend, Toronto is a summertime destination enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Caribbean Carnival has become a part of our distinctive Toronto heritage. As a contribution to Caribbean heritage, Carnival reinforces a sense of belonging and shared history for Caribbean-Canadians and provides an opportunity for them to embrace their transnational roots in a public space. The inclusiveness of the celebration reinforces our national narrative of multiculturalism. The first Carnival event at that time known as Caribana was a gift from Torontos Caribbean community to this country on the occasion of our centennial year. Caribbean Carnival is a mainstay of Torontos summer lineup, and the 2014 economic impact study demonstrates why. The festival has garnered a loyal following: out of 1.2 million attendees, 72 per cent are repeat visitors. The event sets an international standard for cultural tourism that should not be understated: one in five attendees travel to the festival from outside of Canada. Almost 40 per cent come to Toronto from elsewhere in Canada. With a total GDP impact in the hundreds of millions each year, Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a significant economic driver, not just for Toronto but for Canada. The Caribbean community at the heart of the festival is a group that has had to overcome many social and economic barriers to get established in Canada. The community doesnt have the same social capital as do members of the board for the National Ballet or the Canadian Opera. Theyve been moving this festival forward one year at a time for five decades with force of will, hard work, and passion. They have had great success, in spite of the challenges theyve faced. Yet the festival has reached a turning point in its growth. Anyone who has attended the grand parade in recent years will have experienced the impressive turnout. The popularity of the event has grown faster than the festival can effectively manage, and while thats a great thing, the organization needs to increase its capacity to do the work. Since the conclusion of the 2016 festival, the festival management committee has worked hard to throw the best 50th anniversary event possible. They have gone beyond the normal range of planning, working with Toronto police, city staff, and Exhibition Place to improve on route security and strategic communications. They signed on Peeks, a local social media startup, as the new title sponsor. The organization has built its capacity and strengthened its partnerships to the best of its ability, but one important thing is holding the festival back from achieving its full potential: appropriate, reliable public funding. The City of Toronto considers Toronto Caribbean Carnival to be a major cultural organization, in recognition of the major role it plays in enhancing the local cultural ecology and in developing Toronto as a worldwide cultural destination. In turn, the City supports the organization. This year, the festival received $625,000 through the major cultural grants program, as well as significant in-kind donations of city services, bringing the total to well over $1 million. The city derives no tax or financial benefit from the festival. The federal and provincial governments make significant tax revenue from this event, and while they are committed to supporting Toronto Caribbean Carnival, funding has been insufficient and unreliable. This year, the provinces contribution totalled $242,500, and the federal government provided $125,000. The festival received no money through Canada 150. So why is it that a vital cultural event that gives so much back to the community has to scrape by year after year with the bare minimum of public funds to support it? The answer, as always when it comes to the disbursement of public money, comes down to political will. For the festival to survive we need all three orders of government contributing, in equal amounts. No more excuses, no more delays. The Caribbean community, and in fact anyone who enjoys the festival, can help move the needle in the right direction. The next time a provincial or federal candidate comes knocking on your door, let them know that Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an event of national significance and it is past time we invested in its growth. Joe Mihevc is councillor for Ward 21, St. Pauls West. SHARE: Kathleen Wynne cant seem to buy a break this summer when it comes to bad news. With her personal approval rating near all-time lows and the Liberals continuing to trail the Conservatives badly in opinion polls, the Ontario premier is facing a fresh wave of negative news with just 10 months to go before the next election. First, Wynne will come under heavy public scrutiny when she testifies in early September in a Sudbury bribery trial in which her former deputy chief of staff Patricia Sorbara and Liberal fundraiser Gerry Lougheed are accused of violating Elections Act laws. The trial will revive charges that her government is riddled with scandals. Second, a new poll taken in mid-July suggests the Liberals may suffer huge electoral losses in downtown Toronto, considered the strongest of the partys strongholds. The survey, conducted by Mainstream Research and provided to QP Briefing newsletter, indicated 49 per cent of voters in the city of Toronto support the Tories, 31 per cent the Liberals and 15 per cent the NDP. Even in the downtown core the Conservatives led the Liberals by a 43-37 margin. If the results hold, the Liberals could be heading for a massive defeat in the June 7, 2018, election, given that the Conservatives have solid leads in almost all parts of Ontario. Indeed, theres a real possibility the Liberals could finish in third place if the NDP holds on to the 20 seats it now has in the legislature. Third, Wynne lost one of her key cabinet ministers when Environment Minister Glen Murray resigned on Monday. Murray, who represents the Toronto Centre riding, isnt the first Liberal MPP to jump ship before the coming election and he isnt likely to be the last. While both Wynne and Murray, who will now head the Calgary-based Pembina Institute, insisted the resignation isnt a vote of non-confidence in the Liberals re-election chances, a high turnover rate in a ruling partys ranks is often a signal of bad results to come. That was true in the 2015 federal election when Stephen Harper lost more than 25 per cent of his caucus, including high-profile ministers, such as John Baird, Peter MacKay and James Moore, before the vote was called. In the past year, several other Ontario cabinet ministers have resigned, including Madeleine Meilleur in Ottawa and David Orazietti in Sault Ste. Marie. Speaker Dave Levac has announced he wont seek reelection, as has veteran Toronto MPPs Mario Sergio and Monte Kwinter. Both have been at Queens Park for decades. Kwinter, at 86, is actually the oldest MPP ever to serve. The Conservatives have nominated virtually all their candidates for the 2018 election. However, the Liberals still have dozens of ridings without candidates, including many occupied by a sitting MPP. Even Wynne expects even more of her MPPs to pack it in. Their public reasons will range from having served for decades, wanting more time to spend with family or finding a new job in the private or public sector. None will admit they are leaving because they see the Liberals as a sinking ship and they fear they will lose seats in the next election or be relegated to the backbench opposition row. At Queens Park, Liberal insiders insist the current turnover is all part of normal churn, suggesting that at the end of the day you need a slate of candidates that balances experience with new blood. As for Glen Murray, his resignation wont put his seat is in jeopardy. Its considered the second safest Liberal riding in Ontario, topped only by Health Minister Eric Hoskins downtown Toronto riding of St. Pauls. Theres no good time to get into politics and no great time to get out of politics. Murray told reporters. True, but it sure doesnt help an embattled leader like Wynne when a key cabinet minister suddenly quits on the eve of an election. Indeed, it can cause any party to scramble for high-profile replacements and the party can lose the advantage of name recognition, which is critical in close riding races. For Wynne, though, such a last-minute resignation, coupled with the bad Toronto poll result and the coming Sudbury election bribery trial, only addsw to her misery. If she can survive this summers wave of bad news and start to reverse her partys fortunes this fall, she will give the Liberals some hope that an election miracle is possible by the time next summer rolls around. Bob Hepburn's column appears Thursday. bhepburn@thestar.ca Read more about: SHARE: Every year, between early- to mid-July and stretching to the end of August or even into the first week or so of September, I go crazy with Montana huckleberries. I make huckleberry pies, muffins, ice cream, jam and tarts, and also a few sauces to serve with roasted quail and game birds. Montana huckleberries are special. Only available wild, they have an indescribable tang that sets them apart from blueberries and from so-called huckleberries in other parts of the West. To preserve the huckleberrys wildness for when theyre not available fresh, I freeze them. And they freeze extremely well. I line rimmed baking sheets with plastic wrap or parchment, pour in a single layer of berries, and pop them into the freezer. When solidly frozen, in a couple of hours, I transfer them to heavy-duty zip-top bags, date them, and store in the freezer. I repeat the freezing and wrapping steps as often as I need until all the berries Ive got are frozen. Having a supply of frozen huckleberries at my fingertips whenever I want is a liberating luxury. In fact, thats what I used the first time I made this tart. Pastry, huckleberries, and topping are the three layers that make this tart. The butter pastry is crispy and flaky, the generous huckleberry filling is held together using an old European trick of beaten egg whites, and the crunchy topping adds the necessary sweetness. I think the tart is great served all by itself. Its pretty as a picture and tastes even better than it looks. Huckleberry Tart The pastry and topping for this tart are easily made in a food processor. Or you can make them by hand in a mixing bowl with a pastry blender. With huckleberry season in full swing right now, use fresh berries. Later in the year frozen huckleberries (still frozen) work perfectly well. Lacking huckleberries, feel free to substitute blueberries in the variation at the end of this recipe. You will need a 10-inch tart mold with a removable bottom. Pastry 1 cup (5 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour packed cup (1 ounces) cake flour teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 5 ounces (10 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 10 equal pieces 1 large egg yolk + enough ice water to reach the cup mark 1 teaspoon cider vinegar Topping 1 cup (5 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar teaspoon cinnamon 1 stick (4 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 equal pieces Filling 4 cups huckleberries (20 ounces) 2 large egg whites 1. For the pastry, process both flours, salt and sugar 5 seconds. Add the butter and pulse 4 times for 1 second each. Combine the egg yolk, ice water, and cider vinegar in a glass measure with pouring spout. While pulsing rapidly, gradually add the liquid through the feed tube and continue pulsing until the dough forms several large masses but does not join into one ball. If you feel the dough is too dry to come together, add 1 teaspoon ice water and pulse briefly. If still too dry, pulse in another teaspoon of water. 2. Remove the dough lumps to a lightly floured surface, press them together and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate about 1 hour. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 14-inch circle about -inch-thick. Fold the dough in half and then in half again and center the point of the dough on the bottom of the 10-inch tart pan. Carefully unfold the dough and lift the sides to help fit the dough into the pan without stretching. Trim the dough with kitchen shears to allow about -inch of overhang. Fold the overhang inward onto the side of the pastry shell, pressing firmly to make a double layer. Continue pressing on the dough to extend it -inch above rim of the pan. Refrigerate. 3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees with a baking sheet on a rack in the lowest position. 4. For the topping, process the flour, salt, sugar, and butter to make fine crumbs, about 20 to 30 seconds. 5. For the filling, have the huckleberries in a large mixing bowl. Beat the egg whites in a small bowl with a hand-held electric mixer until they form stiff, shiny peaks. Do not overbeat. Fold the whites into the huckleberries along with cup of topping. Spread in chilled pastry shell and sprinkle with the remaining topping. The tart pan will be full. Spread the topping evenly over the berries, but dont pack it down. 6. Bake 20 minutes at 425 degrees, then lower oven temperature to 400 degrees and bake about 40 minutes more, until edges of the crust and the topping are nicely browned and the fruit bubbles. 7. Cool completely on a wire rack. Makes 10-12 servings. BLUEBERRY-LIME VARIATION: Process the zest of 1 lime with the 1 cup sugar for topping for about 30 seconds. Add the 1 cup flour and teaspoon salt and pulse a few times to combine. Add the 8 tablespoons of butter and pulse to make fine crumbs. Combine 1 pound of blueberries with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice in a large bowl. Add cup topping and fold together well. Fold in the 2 beaten egg whites. Pile into the chilled crust and spread with the remaining topping without packing it down. Bake as directed. Health insurer Anthem undefined is pulling out of 16 of the 19 pricing regions in California where it offered Obamacare options this year, Reuters reports. The move takes effect starting in 2018 and leaves Anthem providing Obamacare coverage in three pricing regions consisting of 28 counties in California. That equates to just 41% of its current enrollment, about 108,000 customers, effectively leaving some 153,000 consumers without Anthem Obamacare options. Anthem said the move is in part due to uncertainty regarding whether the Trump administration would maintain subsidies that keep costs down. The insurer also blamed the move on "an increasing overall lack of predictability." "The market for these plans has become unstable. And with federal rules and guidance changing, it's no longer possible for us to offer some of those plans," Brian Ternan, president of Anthem Blue Cross of California, said. Anthem said it would extend individual plans both in and out of the state's exchanges in the three regions made up of those 28 counties. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: European benchmarks pared the previous session's gains Wednesday after a string of corporate earnings disappointments soured the mood among the continent's investors. London's FTSE 100 had fallen the hardest among major benchmarks just an hour out from the close, with a loss of 0.27%, to be quoted at 7,404. The DAX index dropped 0.11% to 12,238 in Frankfurt while the CAC 40 shed 0.04% to 5,125 in Paris. Southern Europe's indices were also broadly lower, with both the IBEX in Madrid and the FTSE MIB in Milan showing losses of up to 0.40%. In individual stocks the FTSE 100 was sank by a consortium of heavyweight names including emerging market bank Standard Chartered (SCBFF) , mining giant Rio Tinto (RIO) - Get Free Report and engineering firm Rolls-Royce (RYCEY) . Standard Chartered fell more than 5% to the bottom of the index after it reported results for the six months ending June 30 without declaring that it would resume its dividend, as had been baked into the share price. It also saw growth in its loan book come to a standstill in the wake of a broad rethink of the bank's risk appetite in recent years, leaving investors questioning where future revenue growth will come from in the absence contributions from other business units that it has either scaled back or exited altogether. Societe Generale (SCGLY) and ArcelorMittal (MT) - Get Free Report were the top fallers in France with losses of 3.2% and 2.2% respectively. Societe Generale beat consensus for profit before tax and delivered an in-line number for net income. However, the bank took a hit where it hurts, in the all-important TNAV metric, with tangible net asset value per share falling more than 4% for the period. In Frankfurt, the DAX index was sank by losses at Commerzbank (CRZBY) and medical device maker Fresenius (FMS) - Get Free Report , with losses ranging between 1.5% and 3.4%. Commerzbank reported a larger than expected loss for the second quarter after restructuring charges and weak markets activity bit deeply into its bottom line. This is while Fresenius gave back Tuesday's gains, notched up in the wake of solid first-half results, amid a down market. Separately, but also in Frankfurt, automakers helped offset some of the pressure on the DAX with gains of more than 1% each after BMW (BMWYY) , Volkswagen (VLKAY) and Daimler (DDAIF) reached a settlement with the German government over the emissions rigging and cartel scandals that have hit the industry in recent weeks. They will fix around 5 million cars in Germany and contribute to a clean air fund in an effort to put the past behind them. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Qatar Airways has chosen not to proceed with its proposed investment in American Airlines (AAL) - Get Free Report , according to multiple reports. The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar has previously suggested it was looking to acquire a 10% stake in the airline. The move was immediately met with resentment from American who opposed any such investment. "Further review of the proposed financial investment, taking into account the latest public disclosure of American Airlines, has demonstrated that the investment no longer meets our objectives," Qatar Airways said. "Qatar Airways will continue to seek opportunities to invest in global aviation to support the airline's goal to offer the best possible travel experience for its customers." Shares of American Airlines were sinking over 1.8% following the report. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: The New York State Department of Financial Services has subpoenaed two units of Wells Fargo & Co (WFC) - Get Free Report following the bank's admission that it had sold auto insurance to hundreds of thousands of customers who didn't need it, Reuters reported. NYDFS is demanding loan contracts Wells Fargo had with New York borrowers, financing agreements with auto dealers and agreements between the bank and its insurers. The regulators also want to find out when Wells Fargo knew its "collateral protection insurance" was unnecessarily or wrongfully used. The bank has until August 22 to provide the regulators with the required information. Regulators also sent a separate information request to National General Insurance Co (NGHC) - Get Free Report , which was identified as an underwriter for the insurance ploy. Wells Fargo said it will refund about $80 million to 570,000 customers who were wrongfully charged, including about 20,000 whose cars were repossessed. The auto insurance debacle is the latest in a string of scandals related to Wells Fargo sales practices. Employees previously created as many as 2.1 million accounts in customers' names without their permission. Wells Fargo stock traded down midday. Wells Fargo is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells WFC? Learn more now. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Customers and police officers are saying that one of Ford's (F) - Get Free Report most popular vehicles may be leaking fumes, and the problem is driving people off the road. This morning, an officer in Auburn, Mass. reportedly passed out behind the wheel of his modified Ford vehicle, and subsequent test results showed the officer had carbon monoxide in his system at the time. The report comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, is investigating hundreds of customer reports of exhaust fumes inside Ford Explorers. The probe is targeting 2011-2017 Ford Explorers, which includes an estimated 1.3 million cars. "Safety is our top priority and we are concerned for those involved," Ford spokeswoman Elizabeth Weigandt said. "We are working with the Auburn Police Department and have a team in Massachusetts on the way to inspect their vehicles and modifications made to them." Weigandt noted that an analysis of the car showed carbon monoxide at 13 parts per million. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has a recommended exposure limit of 35 parts per million for carbon monoxide. Jim Cramer Reveals How Apple Just Stunned Wall Street Apple to Bulldoze Its Way to $2 Trillion In February, CBS News reported that Newport Beach police officer Brian McDowell passed out behind the wheel of his Ford Explorer after experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. In March, the Austin Police Department announced a plan to install carbon monoxide detectors in its 361 Ford Explorer cruisers after an officer got sick in the car and hit a curb. Police in Louisiana, Kansas, California and other states have reported similar problems. Ford has said that the problems with the vehicles are related to upgrades made by the police departments and that drivers of non-police Ford Explorers are not at risk. The company has said that non-police customers have reported smelling exhaust, but that only the police cruisers are exposed to carbon monoxide, which is odorless. In 2012, the company issued a "Technical Service Bulletin" notifying customers that they should take their vehicle to a dealership for repairs if they smell exhaust fumes. Ford announced a profit of $2 billion in its second quarter earnings last week, remaining about flat compared to the same period last year. The stock is down more than 9% year-to-date as flagging auto sales continue to plague the sector. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: WASHINGTON Looking, as prudent people are disinclined to do, on the bright side, there are a few vagrant reasons for cheerfulness, beginning with this: Summer love is sprouting like dandelions. To the list of history's sublime romances Abelard and Heloise, Romeo and Juliet, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy add the torrid affair between Anthony Scaramucci and Donald Trump. The former's sizzling swoon for the latter is the most remarkable public display of hormonal heat since here a melancholy thought intrudes Jeff Sessions tumbled into love with Trump. Long ago. Last year. Sessions serves at the pleasure of the president, who does not seem pleased. Still, sympathy for Sessions is in order: What is he to do? If dignity concerned him, he would resign; but if it did, he would not occupy a Trump-bestowed office from which to resign. Such are the conundrums of current politics. Concerning which, there is excessive gloom. "To see what is in front of one's nose," George Orwell wrote, "needs a constant struggle." An unnoticed reason for cheerfulness is that in one, if only one, particular, Trump is something the nation did not know it needed -- a feeble president whose manner can cure the nation's excessive fixation with the presidency. Executive power expanded, with only occasional pauses (thank you, Presidents Taft and Coolidge, of blessed memory), throughout the 20th century and has surged in the 21st. After 2001, "The Decider" decided to start a preventive war and to countenance torture prohibited by treaty and statute. His successor had "a pen and a phone," an indifference to the Constitution's Take Care Clause (the president "shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed") and disdain for the separation of powers, for which he was repeatedly rebuked by the Supreme Court. Fortunately, today's president is so innocent of information that Congress cannot continue deferring to executive policymaking. And because this president has neither a history of party identification nor an understanding of reciprocal loyalty, congressional Republicans are reacquiring a constitutional a Madisonian ethic. It mandates a prickly defense of institutional interests, placing those interests above devotion to parties that allow themselves to be defined episodically by their presidents. Furthermore, today's president is doing invaluable damage to Americans' infantilizing assumption that the presidency magically envelops its occupant with a nimbus of seriousness. After the president went to West Virginia to harangue some (probably mystified) Boy Scouts about his magnificence and persecutions, he confessed to Ohioans that Lincoln, but only Lincoln, was more "presidential" than he. So much for the austere and reticent first president, who, when the office was soft wax, tried to fashion a style of dignity compatible with republican simplicity. Fastidious people who worry that the president's West Virginia and Ohio performances the alpha male as crybaby diminished the presidency are missing the point, which is: For now, worse is better. Diminution drains this office of the sacerdotal pomposities that have encrusted it. There will be 42 more months of this president's increasingly hilarious-beyond-satire apotheosis of himself, leavened by his incessant whining about his tribulations ("What dunce saddled me with this silly attorney general who takes my policy expostulations seriously?"). This protracted learning experience, which the public chose to have and which should not be truncated, might whet the public's appetite for an adult president confident enough to wince at, and disdain, the adoration of his most comically groveling hirelings. Speaking of Scaramucci, and in his defense: His love interest, the president, was elected for his persona rather than his principles. Hence there is a vacuum at the center of the person who is at the center of the country's absurdly president-centric conception of government. Therefore, loyalty inevitably manifests itself as sycophancy. Nevertheless, the smitten Scaramucci is himself evidence of something encouraging: Upward social aspiration is still as American as Jay Gatsby. When plighting his troth to Trump, Scaramucci repeatedly confessed his "love" for his employer, thereby exceeding Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's comparatively pallid testimonial to the president's "superhuman" health. Scaramucci grew up in Port Washington, the Long Island community that is East Egg in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." Gatsby lived in West Egg, yearning to live across the water, where shone the beckoning green light at the end of Daisy's dock. Scaramucci's ascent to a glory surpassing even that available in East Egg shows that the light on the lectern in the White House press room is, at last, something commensurate to his capacity for wonder. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus are two of the best Android phones around, but the Galaxy S9 (now $599) and Galaxy S9+ ($699) deliver a lot of phone for less money. You get solid cameras with a fun Super Slow-Mo video mode and swift performance inside handsets that are among the sleekest in their price range. No, you won't get the ultra-wide camera in the Galaxy S10 lineup or a fingerprint reader in the screen. But, overall, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are pretty great values, and today some of the best used smartphones around. We've also picked out the best Galaxy S9 cases. Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ Specs and Price Swipe to scroll horizontally Galaxy S9 Galaxy S9+ Price From $599 From $699 Display 5.8 inches (2960 x 1440 pixels) 6.2 inches (2960 x 1440 pixels) Camera 12-MP Super Speed Dual Pixel (f/1.5 - f/2.4) 12-MP Super Speed Dual Pixel (f/1.5 - f/2.4), 12-MP telephoto with 2x zoom (f/2.4) Front Camera 8-MP (f/1.7) 8-MP (f/1.7) CPU Snapdragon 845 Snapdragon 845 RAM 4GB 6GB Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB microSD Up to 400GB Up to 400GB Battery 3,000 mAh 3,500 mAh Colors Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple, Sunrise Gold Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple, Sunrise Gold Size 5.8 x 2.7 x 0.33 inches 6.2 x 2.9 x 0.33 inches Weight 5.8 ounces 6.7 ounces Design: Now even awesomer I'll give Samsung a pass for not changing the design of the Galaxy S9 much, because the phone's edge-to-edge Infinity Display already looked stunning when it was introduced a year ago on the Galaxy S8. This time around, Samsung trimmed the bezels slightly on the top and bottom, giving you the same size displays in slightly more compact packages. The S9+ measures 6.2 x 2.8 X 0.33 inches, while the S8+ is 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches. However, the newer S9+ is heavier than its predecessor, at 6.7 versus 6.1 ounces, likely owing to the addition of the second rear-camera lens. The S9 is a lighter 5.8 ounces. The biggest change is on the back of the S9 and S9+, as Samsung wisely moved the fingerprint sensor so that it sits beneath the camera instead of to the right of the lens (which is also a problem with the Note 8). And yet, despite this tweak, the reader is still pretty close to the bottom lens; it took a couple of days of practice for me to target the sensor correctly, but by that time, I had moved on to the iris and face-recognition methods for unlocking the phone. The S9+ and S9 are available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue and Lilac Purple. We received the black model, which is sleek enough for a business setting but kind of boring. We would much prefer a pop of color. As with the S8, Samsung's new phones are IP68 water resistant, so you can dunk them in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes without fear. The new phones also include headphone jacks, but the backs pick up smudges easily. Alas, the Bixby button remains on the left side, right underneath the volume button, which resulted in several accidental presses on my part. The good news is that you can turn this function off, but you can't remap the button to launch another app. Durability: Tough to a point We tested the toughness of the Galaxy S9 by dropping it on its face onto wood from a height of 4 feet and 6 feet; we then dropped it on its edge and face onto concrete from 4 feet. We also dropped it on its edge and face from 6 feet onto concrete. Drops from 4 feet and 6 feet onto wood caused no damage whatsoever to the S9. A 4-foot face drop onto concrete caused the S9's screen to crack, but the phone was still largely usable. Following that, a 6-foot drop onto its edge caused more damage, as did a face drop from that height. Finally, a 4-foot drop into a water-filled toilet didn't cause much more damage to occur, but by this point, the screen was shattered pretty thoroughly. It survived, though, which earned it a toughness score of 6 out of 10. To see the results of other smartphones, as well as our complete scoring methodology, check out our smartphone drop tests. Display: Its killer A funny thing happened with the iPhone X. Even though that phone reportedly packs a Samsung-made OLED screen, it beat Samsung's own phones in our screen shootout last fall, achieving the highest brightness (indoors), widest viewing angles and most-natural-looking colors. Samsung has responded with the Galaxy S9+, whose curved display offers a brighter picture than the S8+ and covers even more of the color gamut than the iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL. On our light meter, the S9's display registered a whopping 603 nits, which is higher than the Pixel 2 XL's 438 nits and even higher than the iPhone X's 574 nits. The S9+ got even brighter at 630 nits. However, it's important to note that Samsung's panels don't get this bright manually; you'll have to be in direct sunlight. Under normal indoor conditions, the max brightness on the iPhone X is higher than the S9 or S9+. The S9 definitely has the most colorful panel around, though, as it reproduces a whopping 220 percent of the SRGB color gamut. The S9+ registered 231 percent. That's much higher than the results from the iPhone X (128.6 percent) and Pixel 2 XL (120 percent). In side-by-side viewing of a scene from the Black Panther on the Galaxy S9+, iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL, the S9+ delivered the best image quality. The greens and blues popped more on the S9+s panel, even though the iPhone Xs display shined brighter. The Pixel 2 XLs image looked a little flat by comparison. My only nitpick with this curved panel is that it can sometimes be difficult to press buttons on the extreme edges of the display; on more than one occasion I had to press twice for something to register. Audio: A big boost I did something I've never done before when reviewing the Galaxy S9. I left the phone on for hours by my side playing music as I wrote this review and did my testing. That's because the sound coming from the stereo speakers at the top and bottom of the S9 is just that good. When I streamed Alice Merton's "No Roots," the vocals sounded clear even at maximum volume and the drums had a nice punch to them. With the S9 and S9+ delivering 1.4 times more volume than the S8 and S8+, I also had an easier time hearing directions coming from Google Maps while I drove. MORE: Galaxy S9+ Battery Life: Here's How It Stacks Up Although there's not a lot of content that supports it yet, both the S9 and S9+ support Dolby Atmos technology. This fools your ear into believing that sound is coming at you from different directions in 3D space, making movies more immersive. Camera: Low-light improvement, Super Slow-mo fun Boasting a new variable aperture, the Galaxy S9's new Super Speed Dual Pixel camera is designed to let in 28 percent more light than the S8. The aperture automatically adjusts from f/1.5 to f/2.4, depending on the conditions. In addition, the camera offers dedicated memory for reducing noise. The results were fairly impressive in my testing, although the S9 and S9+ still trail the Pixel 2 and iPhone X in overall image quality. If you like the idea of 2x optical zoom or you want to take convincing-looking portraits, the S9+ is the phone to get, as its dual rear lenses give you those benefits. The regular S9 has a single rear shooter. The Galaxy S9+ did a good job capturing a pinata indoors with some light streaming in through the window (to the left). When you zoom in, there's definitely less noise and more detail in the Samsung's shot. However, the oranges, purples and yellows are more vibrant in the iPhone X's photo. In much dimmer conditions, the S9+ pulled off a cool-looking shot at the Campbell bar in New York City. The glass in the background is well-defined, and you can make out the bartender, although the bottoms of some of the glass bottles get blown out. The Galaxy S9 offered the best focus in this shot of a raspberry tart dessert, and the powdered sugar looks delicious. However, the red looks more luscious and the gold foil more lustrous on the iPhone X. In this challenging photo taken inside Grand Central Terminal, the Pixel 2's image offered the clearest shot of the clock and the most-legible image of the signs. The Galaxy S9's shot offers truer colors, though. For video, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ up the ante with Super Slow-Mo, which lets you capture footage at 960 frames per second at 720p resolution. By comparison, the iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL record at just 240 fps (1080p) and 120 fps (1080p), respectively. To test out Super Slow-Mo, I shot this quick video of someone playing ping pong. The footage looked great, and his backspin shot looked dramatic. From there, I swiped up on the clip to apply my choice of one of three nifty effects: Loop, Reverse or Swing. I picked Loop and then shared the video out to Facebook as a GIF. My only complaint with Super Slow-Mo is that I wasn't always able to pick the exact right moment to film. In auto mode, the S9 is smart enough to detect motion and activate slow motion, but you might want to switch to manual so you can pick the exact moment you want to slow things down. I found it tricky to capture my son dribbling a basketball between his legs. AR Emoji: More creepy than cool If you've been jealous of Apple's Animoji on the iPhone X, the AR Emoji feature on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is probably not going to help. Using the S9's front camera, you can create a 3D avatar of yourself (similar to Bitmoji) and then create a gallery of GIFs and stickers you can share of yourself via all sorts of apps. The idea is fun, but the execution is lacking. The AR Emoji I created just had a passing resemblance to myself, and then one my daughter created looked almost nothing like her, except that it somehow managed to pick up some acne in her forehead not cool. Her take: "Tell Samsung they need to do a better job, because this is the worst ever." To be fair, another AR Emoji I created of my father-in-law looked almost spot on, right down to his mustache and glasses. But that was the exception. I just wish there were more clothes options for personalizing your emoji. You can also record videos using your AR Emoji, but I would advise against it unless you want to freak people out. The resulting footage looked jittery, and the S9+'s front camera didn't do an accurate job mirroring my facial movements. The TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X does a much better job with this sort of thing, although you're limited to using just animals. MORE: AR Emoji vs. Animoji: It's Not Even Close Security: Intelligent Scan is handy, but it's no Face ID The Galaxy S9 has an answer for Apple's Face ID, but it's not a great one. A new Intelligent Scan feature combines facial recognition with iris scanning to unlock your device. The good news is that you don't even need to touch the display (unlike with the iPhone X) to get into your phone. You just stare at it. The bad news is that Intelligent Scan doesn't work as well as Face ID, and not just because you can't verify purchases with it. For starters, Samsung warns you via its disclaimer that "your phone could be unlocked by someone or something that looks like you." That means that, just as with the Galaxy S8, someone could get into your S9 or S9+ using a photo of you. By contrast, the 3D sensor inside the iPhone X creates a depth map of your face using 30,000 invisible dots, so its more secure. My other nitpick with Intelligent Scan is that the S9+ kept prodding me to hold the phone more upright; I don't have to do that with the iPhone X to get into the device. Lastly, the IR sensor pulsates as it reads your eyes, which was disconcerting to me. (The disclaimer also warns against using this feature with infants, as it may damage their eyesight.) If you're worried about security, I would advise using the fingerprint sensor to unlock your phone, even though Intelligent Scan is slightly more convenient. Performance: A step up Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 processor and 6GB of RAM, the Galaxy S9+ is an absolute beast. The Galaxy S9 is swift, too, but it's a little less powerful because it has 4GB of RAM. When playing Tekken on the expansive 6.2-inch display with 18 other apps open in the background, I executed three combos in a row including an explosive kick to the face and the S9+ never stuttered. In terms of sheer processing might, the A11 Bionic chip in the latest iPhones is the fastest around, but Samsung is closing the gap. In our video-editing test, which involves exporting a 2-minute 4K video file, the Galaxy S9+ took 2 minutes and 32 seconds. The Galaxy S9 took 3:29. Both of those times are behind the iPhone X's 42 seconds. The Pixel 2 XL took 2:55 with its older Snapdragon 835 chip. The Galaxy S9+ also opened demanding apps more slowly than the iPhone X did. For instance, it took the iPhone X a little more than 13 seconds to fire up the Injustice 2 game, compared to 20 seconds for the S9+. And the iPhone X was about 5 seconds faster when opening Tekken 2. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ were no match for Apple's A11 Bionic on Geekbench 4, which measures overall performance. The S9 hit 7,276 and the S9+ 8,295, compared to 10,357 for the iPhone X. On 3DMark's Sling Shot benchmark, which measures graphics performance, the Galaxy S9 scored 5,739, which beats the iPhone X (3,998). However, on the more demanding Sling Shot Extreme OpenGL ES 3.1 benchmark, the iPhone X notched 4,994 to the Galaxy S9+'s 4,634. The regular S9 hit 4,617. When it comes to 4G LTE performance, the Galaxy S9+ smoked the iPhone X in side-by-side tests over T-Mobile's network. On the Speedtest.net app, the S9+ averaged 71.6 Mbps downloads and 10.1 Mbps uploads. The iPhone X mustered 48.8 Mbps down and 7.7 Mbps up. The based model of the Galaxy S9+ comes with 64GB of storage, and you can add a microSD card with up to 400GB. No iPhone lets you do that. A month after the S9's debut, Samsung started offering 128GB and 256GB versions of both the S9 and S9+ for an extra $50 and $100, respectively. Software: Bixby Vision and AR take center stage Running Android 8.0 Oreo, the Galaxy S9+ is anything but a stock Android phone. The Edge panel a series of shortcuts you can access by swiping in from the right side of the screen is very much all Samsung. The most compelling feature is App Pair, which lets you launch two apps side by side (or top and bottom) with a single touch. For example, I found pairing up email and Facebook to be a good work-and-play combo. Bixby, Samsung's digital assistant, is the hallmark feature on this flagship, and the assistant has developed some new talents since Samsung introduced it on the S8. For instance, using Bixby Vision and the Galaxy S9's camera, you can point the phone at food and get a calorie count, as I did with a green apple. You can also translate foreign languages on the fly, whether it's a menu, a sign or anything with text. I successfully translated some French headlines to English using this feature on the Le Monde site. There are some rough edges to Bixby Vision. For example, the Shopping tool accurately identified a jar of Jif peanut butter I held in front of the phone, but when I switched over to the Food tool, the Galaxy S9+ couldn't tell what the object was. I also had some trouble using the Place finder feature, which is supposed to overlay information on the camera view to show you things like business names, depending on where you point the phone. Unfortunately, the S9 showed me a listing for the Sweetgreen salad place as I pointed the camera directly at a Hale and Hearty Soups. Although I didn't test Bixby's virtual makeup tool, my colleague Caitlin was generally impressed by it. Using the S9's front camera, you can try on everything from lipstick and eyeshadow to blush; if you like what you see, you can buy it on the spot from Sephora. Otherwise, Bixby is more of a time-saver than an all-knowing assistant, reducing the number of steps it takes to perform complex actions. For instance, I loved that I could say, "Add this video to my family album," after pressing the Bixby button instead of performing the task myself with a series of taps. Battery Life: Excellent The Galaxy S9+ can easily last a full workday on a charge, but the S9's endurance could be better. On the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing over 4G LTE, the S9+ handset lasted a superb 10 hours and 59 minutes, which is comparable to the Galaxy S8+'s 11:04 and a little bit longer than the iPhone X's 10:49. On the same test, the regular S9 endured for an average of 10:52 over LTE. That's better than the iPhone X but is behind the Pixel 2 XL (12:09). All of these phones were tested on T-Mobile's network. Galaxy S9/S9+ vs. iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL Priced starting at $840 (depending on the carrier), the Galaxy S9+ has a significant price advantage over the iPhone X ($999). For $160 less, Samsung gives you a much bigger display (6.2 versus 5.8 inches), which you'll likely appreciate when typing, reading documents and watching videos. The S9+ also benefits from removable storage and a headphone jack, not to mention the ability to run two apps side by side. The regular Galaxy S9 (from $720) is cheaper than the S9+, but you'll have to do live with a smaller 5.8-inch screen, a smaller battery and less RAM (4GB vs 6GB for the S9+). Plus, the S9+ packs dual rear cameras to the S9's single lens. Samsung Galaxy S9+ (left) and Apple iPhone X (right) However, the iPhone X boasts a brighter display with more-accurate colors, a slightly better camera and more reliable Face ID biometric security. And that phone's A11 Bionic chip is more powerful. The iPhone 8 Plus ($799) has the same processor and great dual cameras as the iPhone X, but its 5.5-inch LCD display looks dated next to the OLED panel on the S9+. MORE: Best small phones The biggest advantage the Pixel 2 XL has over the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is the Google device's camera, as it edged out Samsung's handset in our camera shootout. Google's phone also offers even longer life and a pure version of Android. But the Galaxy S9+ has dual rear cameras, which make for better-looking portraits; a faster Snapdragon 845 processor; and a sleeker, edge-to-edge design. Bottom Line The Galaxy S9 and S9+ deliver nearly everything you could want in a flagship phone for less money, including speedy performance, good low-light photography, fantastic displays and impressive battery life (the S9+ wins there). But the S9 and S9+ are also proof that smartphones are starting to hit a wall in terms of radical new changes that companies can make from one generation to the next. Between these phones' lackluster AR Emoji and not-quite-nailed Bixby features, Samsung seems to be lurching a bit in order to trumpet that these are "new" phones and not just great upgrades. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with great upgrades. And all of the big and little enhancements for the S9 and S9+ make them worth the investment, especially if you don't want to overspend for your next phone. Credit: Tom's Guide Unlimited data plans at Verizon and AT&T have freed subscribers of those wireless carriers from having to worry about their dwindling data allotment every time they streamed a show on Netflix. But it's also slowed down the 4G speeds on those wireless networks, a testing firm has concluded. OpenSignal has published its regular look at wireless network performance and found that 4G speeds dropped for both AT&T and Verizon since those carriers rolled out unlimited data plans in February dramatically in Verizon's case. Sprint and T-Mobile, which have had unlimited options for longer, both saw their performance pick up over the last six months. In fact, Verizon's loss has been T-Mobile's gain. Not only can the Uncarrier lay claim to being the fastest network by OpenSignal's testing, it also swept the testing firm's awards for network availability and latency. That strong result follows an OpenSignal report from February that found T-Mobile and Verizon virtually tied in network speed. MORE: The Best and Worst Phone Carriers T-Mobile and Verizon remain in a very competitive battle for network supremacy, OpenSignal stressed in its latest report released today (Aug. 2). But the test firm found T-Mobile making clear strides in 4G speed and availability while Big Red's 4G download speed took a big step back. OpenSignal measured Verizon's average 4G download speed at 14.9 Mbps in this report a 12 percent drop from the 16.9 Mbps speed it tallied in OpenSignal's February report. That timing's significant as Verizon announced a new unlimited plan in February after years of only offering tiered data plans to new customers. AT&T, which added unlimited data plans of its own to match its rival carriers, also saw its speed drop, though not as dramatically. OpenSignal says AT&T's average 4G download speed fell to 12.9 Mbps during this test period from 13.9 Mbps earlier this year. (Image credit: OpenSignal) If there's any doubt that network congestion caused by subscribers taking advantage of their now limitless data is the culprit, OpenSignal noted that Verizon and AT&T have seen drops in speed in each month since they rolled out unlimited plans. Sprint and T-Mobile meanwhile both saw their 4G speeds tick up during the same period. Sprint rose to 9.8 Mbps from 9 Mbps, while T-Mobile's average reached 17.5 Mbps, up from 16.7 Mbps. OpenSignal theorizes that those carriers have had longer to absorb the extra traffic brought on by unlimited plans. T-Mobile started phasing out tiered data plans in 2016, for example, and it's offered unlimited data as an option for several years. OpenSignal bases its results on data collected from user smartphones. The numbers in this latest report reflect data collected from 172,919 users between the end of March and the end of June. T-Mobile can also point to big gains in 4G availability, which OpenSignal measures as the percentage of time users on a network get 4G service no matter where they happen to be. T-Mobile became the first carrier to pass the 90 percent mark for 4G availability, topping Verizon by 90.9 percent to 89.8 percent. All four major carriers saw gains in availability, though, with Sprint registering the biggest improvement. (It went to 81.6 percent, up from 76.8 percent in the last OpenSignal report.) All four carriers now offer 4G availability more than 80 percent of the time, OpenSignal said. After OpenSignal published its report today, T-Mobile, which rarely passes up the chance to dunk on its rivals, put out a statement emphasizing Verizon's drop in speed. For its part, Verizon highlighted OpenSignal's findings in 32 metro areas, where Big Red won the 4G speed award outright in six markets while sharing honors in 24 others; T-Mobile won in four markets, and shared the title in 25. In our testing of 4G network speed earlier this year, Verizon finished on top, though much of our testing was conducted before the carrier introduced unlimited data plans. T-Mobile placed second in our survey, ahead of AT&T. OpenSignal's report comes out a week after RootMetrics released its own survey of network performance. That third-party testing firm gave the nod to Verizon, while noting that AT&T had improved considerably during the first half of the year. Verizon, which topped RootMetrics' semiannual survey for the eighth consecutive time, noted that those tests were also conducted after it had introduced unlimited plans. Editors' Note: This article was originally posted at 1 a.m. ET. We updated at 7:15 p.m. ET with additional comment from T-Mobile and Verizon. Egypt's foreign reserves reached $36.036 billion at the end of July, returning to pre-2011 levels for the first time since the 25th January uprising, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced on Tuesday. Foreign net reserves jumped from $31.305 billion at the end of June to hit the $36-billion mark, with international net reserves increasing $4.7 billion in July alone, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency, citing CBE data. According to Ahram Online, the CBE's statement comes nearly one week after Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi said the country's foreign reserves were nearing $35 billion. The reserves have been climbing since Egypt signed an agreement for a three-year $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Reserves have increased from $28.641 billion at the end of April to $31.125 billion by the end of May. Lake Parker, FL - A Florida couple is accused of mutilating a trapped alligator just to cut off its tail and attempt to sell it door-to-door. Shaun Edward Sparks, 33, and Christy Vincent, 27, were arrested Sunday after residents in Lake Parker reported seeing the couple attempting to sell an alligator tail, FOX 13 reported. Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discovered the dead reptile in the afternoon when someone went to check a trap put out to catch a "nuisance" gator that was running toward people in the neighborhood. The small alligator was found stabbed multiple times in the head, the trapper told FOX 13. Neighbors identified the couple to FWC officers, saying the pair offered to sell them the 3-foot alligator tail. "To be walking around door-to-door and saying, 'hey,' to neighbors, that's bad," resident Greg Chronis said Officers said they found Sparks and Vincent in their home and spotted the gator tail inside. Sparks allegedly "spontaneously uttered" that he took a large knife and stabbed the gator before cutting off its tail, according to The Ledger. He then went home and showed off his "prize catch" to his girlfriend. "The two then went around the neighborhood trying to get people to buy the alligator tail," the arrest report stated. Sparks was charged on Monday with intentionally covering and killing an alligator, and possession of an alligator. Vincent is also charged with illegally selling alligator meat. Residents must obtain a special permit to sell gator meat and pay for a trapping license during the period from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1 -- the official Florida alligator season. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. - Most Kenyans have a lot of trust in the military, a survey by Ipsos has indicated - A whopping 85% of the respondents said they trust the KDF more than any other institution in the country - IEBC came in second with a confidence rating of 85% Despite the military having been implicated in poll rigging claims, a survey shows that Kenyans trust KDF more than any other institution in the country. Asked how much confidence they had on various institutions, 49% of the respondents interviewed during a poll by Ipsos said they have a lot of confidence in the military. Another 27% said they had some confidence in the KDF while 10% said they have a little confidence in the countrys disciplined forces. Photo:Ipsos. READ ALSO: The only way Uhuru or Raila can win the much anticipated August poll In total, the military scored a whopping 86% on the confidence scale. This was slightly above that of IEBC which has a confidence rating of 85% among voters, shows the survey released Tuesday August 1. The Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) men are involved in combating the al-Shabaab terrorists inside Somalia and also along the Kenya-Somalia border with much success. The Kenyan military is part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) which brings together several Africa military units in efforts to combat the terror group and pacify Somalia. READ ALSO: Uhuru would beat Raila in the election but undecided voters are the deal breakers-poll KDF soldiers. READ ALSO: Moses Kuria attempts to clear his name on the Chris Msando murder mystery But KDF has also been drawn into the highly competitive August 8 election with the Opposition NASA claiming Jubilee government has trained some of the military men in preparation to rig the election. NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka also released secret documents which they claimed showed how the KDF had planned to steal votes for Jubilee. Both President Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto as well as Defence Cabinet Secretary General Rachael Omamo denied the claims and condemned Raila for dragging the military in petty politics. READ ALSO: Jubilee tells CJ Maraga to remove Judge George Odunga from election-related cases Defence CS Omamo. The survey which was conducted between July 22 and 30 showed that 81% of the respondents have confidence in the police,83% trust the Chief Justice,82% have confidence in the Judiciary and another 81% trust international election observers. The margin-of-error for each of the sets of results was +/-1.49%, based on the total sample size of 4,308. Are presidential polls in Kenya sponsored by NASA or Jubilee? Source: TUKO.co.ke - Jubilee has told CJ David Maraga to remove Judge George Odunga from election-related cases - Jubilee believes Odunga is partisan and favours NASA because he is allegedly related to James Orengo - Jubilee claimed Odunga is married to Orengo's niece President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party has apparently written to Chief Justice David Maraga demanding the removal of a judge whom is suspected to be related to some NASA leaders. In a letter written on Tuesday, August 1, Jubilee party Secretary General Raphael Tuju asked Maraga to remove High Court Judge George Odunga from all election-related cases because he is allegedly related to Siaya Senator James Orengo. According to Tuju, Odunga is likely to be partisan in his rulings and therefore Jubilee feels he does not deserve to be making any ruling regarding the election. READ ALSO: Several people trapped after bus overturns on Mombasa Road The Jubilee letter to CJ Maraga Jubilee says it was dismayed to learn that Odunga had been selected to preside over election related rulings yet he is related to Orengo, a NASA lawyer. READ ALSO: The club where IEBC manager for ICT and a lady partied before their deaths The claims were first made when the High Court ruled in favour of NASA who had filed a case challenging the award of ballot printing tender to Dubai's Al Gurair firm. Judge Odunga ruled that the tender was wrongly awarded. Judge George Odunga Photo: Star An irked Jubilee went on a rampage in political rallies, castigating the judge and saying he is married to Orengo's niece. Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE However, Orengo said he is related to Uhuru and he has not heard Jubilee raising an issue. Odunga's ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal who gave Al Ghurair a go ahead to print the ballots. Who killed Chris Musando? Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke Source: TUKO.co.ke - An al-Shabaab attack on a bus in Witu, Lamu has claimed the lives of three Kenyans - The militants are reported to have ambushed a Kipini-bound bus at Nyongoro - Those injured in the attack have been admitted at Witu Hospital - The three killed have been confirmed to be boda-boda riders Three people have been confirmed death and several others injured after terror group al-Shabaab attacked a bus in Lamu county. TUKO.co.ke has learnt that the bus was headed to Kipini, when Al Shabaa militants launched an attack at Nyongoro area. The bus that was attacked in Lamu: PHOTO: Nation READ ALSO: Vote and go home- Uhuru's stern warning to voters The al Shabaab gunmen reportedly open fired at passengers at the bus belonging to Kipini Raha company, killing three bodaboda riders in the process. Reports indicate that the militia were strategically hidden in a nearby forest where they started firing at the bus. Police who were escorting the vehicle managed to repel the attackers. READ ALSO: Enough is enough- Judiciary takes on Uhuru, Ruto and Raila after series of attacks A number of injured were rushed to Witu Hospital where they are undergoing treatment. The incident marked the latest attack in Lamu county as trends of terrorism seem to be unrelenting despite President Uhuru's shoot-to-kill directive on militia. al Shabaab:FILE READ ALSO: Uhuru heckled badly in Makueni, threatens local chiefs with dire consequences for supporting NASA (video) On Monday, June 17, the terror group raided a General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Mokowe Lamu. Kenya police managed to repulse the attackers after hours of deadly gunfire. More to follow... Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke Here is a report of slain IEBC ICT director Chris Msando: Source: TUKO.co.ke Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The President General of the NUGFW and NATUC, James Lambert says, too many people in the cou The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States have started the process of planning supplies of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine, USA Today reported on Monday. "The U.S. military for the first time is putting together a plan to provide lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine to counter a growing Russian military menace to Ukraine and Europe," reads the report. The planning underway by the Joint Chiefs of Staff requires White House approval, which "puts President Trump in a bind because it threatens to upend his hopes of improving relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin." Meanwhile, an official at the White House's National Security Council said that the U.S. government "has not ruled out providing defensive weapons to Ukraine." According to him, the issue is being debated in the White House as violence spikes in eastern Ukraine, and as Russia prepares for a large military exercise that analysts expect will put more tanks on the borders of Ukraine and NATO countries. "It's about time," Senator John McCain wrote on Twitter, responding to reports of plans to arm Ukraine. The logic behind arming Ukraine, which the Kremlin opposes, was endorsed this week by Trump's special representative to Ukraine, former NATO envoy Kurt Volker. "Defensive weapons, ones that would allow Ukraine to defend itself, and to take out tanks for example, would actually help" stop Russia threatening Ukraine, Volker said in a BBC interview on Tuesday. op Ukraine is wary of the news about the Zapad 2017 Belarusian-Russian military exercises, because Russia does not keep its word and violated all existing international agreements. Ukrainian Ambassador to Belarus Ihor Kyzym said this in an interview with BelaPAN. "This topic [Zapad 2017 exercises] was discussed in bilateral and expanded formats at a meeting [between the presidents of Ukraine and Belarus] in Kyiv. However, it was discussed in the context that [Belarusian President] Alexander Lukashenko assured once again our side and the president personally that the territory of Belarus will never become a platform for aggression against Ukraine," Kyzym said. According to him, these maneuvers have attracted a lot of interest, since the plan for holding them has not been clearly stated before. The ambassador noted that Belarus had already outlined the scenario of the maneuvers in detail and that its announcement that observers will be invited has calmed neighboring countries. "The word 'Russian' causes alarm all the time because of what is taking place in Ukraine. Russia has not kept its word. Russia has violated all existing international agreements. Because of these considerations Ukraine will never have a calm attitude to a military exercise involving Russia," Kyzym said. op As many as 467 Ukrainian paratroopers have been killed during the time of Russian aggression in Donbas, the media liaisons office of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has reported. "467 infantrymen have given their lives for Ukraine's freedom and independence. The heroic feats of paratroopers in Sloviansk and Krasny Lyman, on Savur Mohyla and Karachun, in Izvaryne, Debaltseve, Avdiyivka and many other cities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions will forever go into every Ukrainian heart as a symbol of stability and loyalty to military oath," reads the report. According to the Defense Ministry, about 3,800 paratroopers were awarded state and departmental awards for their courage and heroism during combat missions. Twenty more were awarded the highest Hero of Ukraine rank, six of them posthumously. "With the start of Russian aggression, the Airmobile Forces proved to be one of the most combat-capable components of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Chief of the General Staff, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Army General Viktor Muzhenko said at celebrations in Dnipropetrovsk region on the occasion of the Day of Airmobile Forces. op The free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine is not only an economic treaty, but also a sign of solidarity between the two countries, Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko has said. "First of all, this agreement is a good treaty on customs duties, but, of course, it goes far beyond that. It sends a powerful signal to both the people of Ukraine and Russia," he told the CBC television channel, when asked if free trade with Ukraine was a sign of solidarity on the part of Canada. He said that relations between Canada and Ukraine have already reached a "mature" stage. "We are witnessing a very mature and pragmatic partnership between our countries in the field of defense, trade and in terms of promoting other important issues for Canada such as environmental standards, labor rights, and free trade. Ukraine believes in these things, as your country does," the ambassador said. The free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine came into force on August 1. Canada immediately lifted 98% of customs duties on Ukrainian goods to be sold to Canada. Ukraine cancels 72% of duties on Canadian goods, and in the next seven years duty free exports will grow to 98%. The agreement also mutually opens up public procurement markets. Certain sections of the document protect e-commerce and intellectual property. op The introduction by Russia of restrictions on navigation through the Kerch channel in connection with the construction of a bridge brings losses to Ukrainian ports and this decision will be appealed in court, Ukrainian Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuriy Lavreniuk has said. "The Justice Ministry, in line with existing lawsuits against Russia, separates the problem of closing the Kerch channel and the introduction of restrictions on navigation. The lawsuit is currently being prepared and losses from the funds not received by the Mariupol and Berdiansk commercial ports are being calculated," the Infrastructure Ministry's press service quoted him as saying at a meeting with representatives of the trade unions of sea and river ports. Lavreniuk added that the problem with the construction of the Kerch port, which was mentioned by the trade unions of the Berdiansk port, was now being solved jointly with the Foreign Ministry and the National Security and Defense Council. "This is a global, political and complex issue, but we will definitely resolve it," he said. The Russian Transport Ministry plans to close the Kerch Strait for 23 days in August-September 2017. Lavreniuk added that such actions could cause significant damage not only to the safety of navigation, but also to the national security of Ukraine as a whole. op The United Arab Emirates has lifted temporary restrictions on imports of Ukrainian domestic poultry and wild birds as well as products from them, which were imposed due to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. "As the World Trade Organization reports, the United Arab Emirates has lifted temporary restrictions on imports of Ukrainian domestic poultry and wild birds as well as products from them, which were imposed due to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza," the Government portal reports. In particular, the restrictions on imports of poultry meat, day-old stock and eggs have been removed. ol Full-fledged justice reform was launched in Ukraine almost a year ago with amending the Constitution, adopting the new laws and announcing a contest to a new Supreme Court. Although the process is still ongoing, we can sum up the first results and evaluate the progress. Regis Brillat, Special Adviser of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for Ukraine tells how Europe assesses the progress of judicial reform in Ukraine, what achievements can be already highlighted and what points should be paid more attention to. PEOPLES TRUST IN JUDICIAL SYSTEM WILL BE IMPORTANT INDICATOR - On September 30, 2016, amendments to the Constitution in the area of justice entered into force. It has been a year. Do you see any progress in implementing these amendments? - As you know, since 1995, when Ukraine became a member of the Council of Europe, our Organization has recommended a full-fledged justice reform in the country to meet the Council of Europes standards aimed at ensuring the protection of human rights in the state. Constitutional amendments in the area of justice have a decisive role not only for the judicial system of Ukraine, but also for the historical development of the country and its society as a whole. Evidently, one year is not enough to evaluate the implementation of such global changes in the justice system of a big by territory and population country as Ukraine. At the same time, a number of legislative acts aimed at the implementation of this reform, in particular, the new Law "On the Constitutional Court of Ukraine", new principles of formation and work of the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission of Judges, the process of formation of the new Supreme Court, the draft amendments to the procedural codes of Ukraine gives grounds to consider the significant progress in implementing these amendments. - Is the judicial reform in Ukraine going in the right direction? - Directions of the judicial reform in Ukraine are written out, both in adopted amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine in the judiciary field and the Law On the Judiciary and Status of Judges. I would say that this is a Roadmap of Ukraine in the area of judicial reform. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe has repeatedly expressed his support for these legislative acts and indicated that they should be implemented in compliance with the European Convention of human rights. During one year, the Ukrainian authorities have been in the process of implementing the provisions of both documents, and international organizations such as the Council of Europe are working with them every day to ensure that this process is conducted in compliance with and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Therefore, I can confirm that the direction is correct, but whether the objective is achieved will be known at the end of the process. On important indicator is that the Ukrainian people will trust the new judiciary as independent, effective and without corruption. CANDIDATE EVALUATION PROCESS CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH EUROPEAN STANDARDS - For the first time in the history of Ukraine, a competition to the Supreme Court of Ukraine conducted by the HQCJ has been announced in the framework of the reform, which is considered as a significant step forward. Do you track the competition process? - The Council of Europe does not only follow closely the competition to the Supreme Court of Ukraine, but also supports the High Qualifications Commission of Judges of Ukraine in this process through a technical cooperation. I have closely followed the process over the last 12 months and regularly met the Commission and, in particular, its president, in Kyiv as well as in Strasbourg. My colleagues in charge of cooperation programs in the field of justice reform also cooperate with the Ukrainian stakeholders in this process. This is made easier by the ongoing open and transparent process. We are therefore eager to learn the result of the process and expect the appointments to be made soon so that the new Court can start functioning. - By conducting the competition, the HQCJ is governed by the Law of Ukraine "On the Judiciary and Status of Judges", which contains basic provisions regarding the procedure for assessing candidates. Can you comment on the candidate evaluation process? - As a person who did not directly participate in organizing a competition to the Supreme Court and assessing candidates at this stage, I cannot comment on the evaluation of candidates. At the same time, the HQCJ has developed testing and practical tasks of the competition and conducted psychological tests of candidates on the basis of the methodology formulated by European experts. This demonstrates that the candidate evaluation process was conducted in accordance with existing European standards with a strong requirement of knowledge of the European Convention of Human Right as well as of the caselaw of the European Court of Human Rights. HQCJ ADHERED TO PRINCIPLES OF OPENNESS AND PUBLICITY DURING CONTEST TO SUPREME COURT - By conducting this competition, the Public Integrity Council has been established. The purpose of its activities determined by law is to assist the Commission in the assessment of judges and candidates for the position of judge according to criteria of professional ethics and integrity. Are you familiar with a similar practice in Europe? In your opinion, to what extent can the Public Integrity Council influence the formation of the new Supreme Court of Ukraine? - In order to answer this question, I will use the recent Council of Europe Opinion On the rules of procedure for the work of the Public Integrity Council. Our Organization like other international partners of Ukraine realized that to combat a low level of trust in the judiciary, Ukrainian authorities decided to involve a civic body - the Public Integrity Council (PIC) consisting of lawyers, scholars, and journalists in the process of assessing the integrity of candidates. The abovementioned CoEs Opinion states that European standards do not prohibit professionals, who can make a useful contribution to assessing candidates for a judge to take part in this process. However, the Opinion emphasizes that the role of these professionals can only be consultative, but not decisive. According to this Opinion, the provisions of Article 88 of the Law "On Justice and the Status of Judges", according to which the High Qualifications Commission of Judges of Ukraine may overcome negative conclusions of the Public Integrity Council on judges or candidates for the position of judge that should be regarded as positive and as such that meets European standards. - Almost the entire second round of the Contest, the interviews of candidates with the members of the HQCJ and the members of the Public Integrity Council, the results of the voting were broadcast online and even now we can review all these records. From your experience, can this be called sufficient publicity and openness of the competition to the Supreme Court of Ukraine? - The Ukrainian society expects new SCs judges to be independent and impartial in the judicial practice throughout their career, and for these principles to be respected also in connection with judges recruitment and appointment. It is obvious that the HQCJ has used all available means to adhere to the principles of openness and publicity during the contest to the Supreme Court. The HQCJ reports, coverage of competition statistics, briefings, meetings with civil society, media, international partners are a clear indication of transparency and openness of the competition. I must point out that broadcasting interviews with candidates or publicizing their files on the Commission's website is not common practice of the member states of the Council of Europe. At the same time, we understand that these steps are being taken by the Ukrainian authorities in order to restore full confidence in the justice system, and therefore these measures can be considered to be effective at this stage. FINAL OBJECTIVE IS TO IMPROVE DAILY LIFE OF UKRAINIAN POPULATION - During the final stage of the competition, we observed 30% of non-judge participants (lawyers, scholars, aggregate seniority). Do you think this figure is enough to talk about renewal the Supreme Court of Ukraine? - This happened because the amendments to the Constitution and the new Law On the Judiciary and the Status of Judges provided for the establishment of the new Supreme Court on a competitive basis. According to the new legislation, both judges of any court and experts from outside the system (lawyers and scholars) have the possibility to participate in this competition. This will allow a significant renewal of the Supreme Court. - Explain how competition for Supreme Court is held in the Council of Europe. Do they have certain expectations and do they support the methodology of conducting the competition? - The Council of Europe carefully observes the way in which judges of our member-states are recruited. This is a very sensitive subject as it has an impact on the independence that judges enjoy when performing their functions. The European standards in this area are not based on one or more specific procedures but make the conformity of states choices dependent on the existence of sufficient safeguards against the risk of appointments, which are not based on objective criteria. As a result, each of the Council of Europe member states applies a different recruitment methodology. It is important that the authorities, which are competent for the recruitment of judges enjoy enough independence. The process of competition for Supreme Court in Ukraine was organized by the High Qualification Commission of Judges that comprised mostly of judges, who were elected by judges. The HQCJ is a guarantee of the quality of recruitment procedures in terms of objectivity. The final objective of the process is that the new Supreme Court will improve the daily life of the Ukrainian population and ensure full respect of the Council of Europes three pillars: democracy, rule of law and human rights. It is therefore expected that the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court will constitute an essential step towards the realization of this objective. Olena Mihachova, Kyiv U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he hopes that the Normandy group countries, in interaction with the United States, can make progress in resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine, first of all, in achieving a ceasefire. He said this at a briefing in Washington on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "We are hopeful we can make some progress in beginning to move the situation in Ukraine to a place of engagement and movement towards achieving a true ceasefire," Tillerson said. He recalled that the U.S. administration had appointed former U.S. ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker as a special representative for the Ukrainian settlement. "Kurt's a very experienced ambassador, diplomat to the area. He knows the area well, he knows Russia well," Tillerson said. He noted that the State Department was expecting active interaction with the authorities of Ukraine and Russia, as well as with other members of the Normandy format. Tillerson also clearly outlined the position in relation to Russia in this matter. "We have been very consistent in our messages to Russia that the Minsk accords must be achieved, they must be implemented, otherwise nothing can be done about the sanction situation in Ukraine," he said. op The National Agency for Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) will cooperate with the Anti-Corruption General Directorate (ACGD) of the Interior Ministry of Romania. The corresponding protocol on cooperation in field of prevention of corruption was signed on Tuesday by NAPC chairwoman Natalia Korchak and ACGD deputy director general Constantin Preoteasa. "Chairwoman of the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption of Ukraine Natalia Korchak and Deputy Director General of the Anti-Corruption General Directorate of the Interior Ministry of Romania Constantin Preoteasa signed the protocol on cooperation in field of prevention of corruption," reads statement on NAPCs Facebook page. In accordance with the signed protocol, the parties agreed to consult and exchange information and experience in preventing corruption and promoting integrity in such areas as the assessment of corruption risks at the sectoral level, the development of measures to eliminate them and strengthen interdepartmental cooperation. ol The Law of Ukraine On the Constitutional Court of Ukraine has been published in the Holos Ukrainy (Voice of Ukraine) parliamentary newspaper. The law will come into force on the next day, August 3. The law reforms the organizational structure of the Constitutional Court. In particular, now the Constitutional Court of Ukraine consists of the Grand Chamber, two senates and six panels. The Grand Chamber is authorized to consider whether the acts of the Parliament, the President, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea comply with the Constitution of Ukraine. In addition, the Chamber officially interprets the Constitution and decides on the constitutionality of the issues proposed for a referendum. The senate consists of nine judges of the Constitutional Court and considers the constitutionality of the laws of Ukraine, their separate provisions on complaints. The panel functions in the composition of three judges of the Constitutional Court. Its powers include the opening of constitutional proceedings on petitions, appeals, complaints. The Constitutional Court of Ukraine is composed of 18 judges: six judges are appointed by the president of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada and the Congress of Judges of Ukraine. As reported, 245 Ukrainian lawmakers supported the draft law on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine in the second reading on July 13. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed the document on July 31. ol ALHESN, Sanaa, Yemen, 18 July 2017 A whirl of dust and wind sweeps through Alhesn, a village perched atop Sanaas highest hill. A young girl and her little brother slowly climb up the steep stony path leading to the village, carrying half-filled jerry cans of water. Nearby, a shepherd herds his cattle through the walled entrance of this hamlet, which is home to 70 families. There is an eerie silence in the village. Children play with broken toys on debris that was once someones home. They run around but their voices are low. Stone and rubble are strewn everywhere, along with plastic bags and garbage. Two years ago, a massive explosion on an adjoining hill killed many in this village, including children. Within seconds, homes were destroyed and lives shattered. Rocks flew at us from everywhere, I lost my 11-year-old brother on the spot, says a young English teacher. The memory of that tragic day is still fresh in the minds of the people of Alhesn. But now the village is grappling with yet another crisis. This time it is a widespread cholera outbreak, with more than 300,000 people across the country affected by acute watery diarrhoea/suspected cholera. Acute watery diarrhoea can be caused by a bacteria called vibrio cholera or other infections and may result in severe dehydration leading to death unless treated quickly and properly. The Establishment, a construct of Democrats and Republicans that rules in Washington no matter which party controls government, appears to be over its fainting spell following Donald Trump's election. It is now throwing everything at him from a daily -- make that hourly, even minute by minute -- onslaught of investigations to big media's equivalent of Molotov cocktails. Washington, D.C., recently made assisted suicide legal. The president isn't helping his cause by committing unassisted political suicide. Changing his chief of staff may help, but significant change must come from the president, himself. Name-calling by the president and his critics accomplishes nothing, other than to make the name-caller feel good. In my experience, name-calling changes few minds. Winning an argument is better than disparaging someone who holds a different view. The way to defeat your opponent is to present a better idea. In the case of the Establishment, the president should not only talk specifically about its many failures -- from health insurance to winning wars, or invading countries where we don't belong, but also present a list of alternatives he believes will work. How's this for a slogan, borrowed out of context from former president Obama: "If you like your Establishment, you can keep your Establishment"? The problem today is that we have exchanged what was once common sense for nonsense. Look at what consumes our attention -- transgender soldiers in the military, celebrities, leaks from the administration and gossip. It is junk food for the mind. Here's a positive suggestion. Let the new White House chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly, meet with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan. Give them a list of programs and policies the president would like to pass (or repeal) and ask the two leaders to poll their members to see what they could vote for. Then let Gen. Kelly receive from the leaders what congressional Republicans could support and vote for. Somewhere in between is enough common ground to repeal legislation and programs that aren't working and create new ones that will work, based on experience, not ideology. The president can then hit the road and sell an agenda he and his party, and maybe some Democrats, can agree on. The president deserves credit for eliminating regulations that have been choking the economy. It is a major reason why the economy is growing again and the stock market keeps hitting record highs. He should continue doing things his executive power allows him to do. Calling President Trump a narcissist and "childish" changes nothing. What is the goal of such language? Do the name-callers think he will become something other than what he is, absent a miraculous conversion? "Face the Nation" host John Dickerson editorialized on his show last Sunday about a video that purports to show President Trump ignoring an 11-year-old boy in a wheelchair while greeting others who attended his health care speech last week. Trump haters claim the video proves how insensitive he is. Dickerson said the first thing the president did when entering the room was to bend down and speak to the child. About the mischaracterized video, Dickerson said: "We're so ready for evidence to confirm the absolute worst about an opponent it snuffs out our charity." He's right and when it suits them both left and right engage in this shameful practice. Better build up this president and the good he can do, as he is the only president we have. North Korea and Iraq are becoming imminent threats. Throwing rhetorical "bombs" at our fellow citizens is not helpful. We are not each other's enemy. There are many who wish to destroy us. Why are we helping them? Cambodia is in talks with UNESCO to list three cities as sites of cultural or physical significance. The government has said it hopes that Battambang, Kampot, and Kratie will gain UNESCO listed status, helping to protect historical buildings and draw more tourists. Prak Sonnara, director general of cultural heritage, said it was the first time Cambodia had applied to have whole cities listed as sites of cultural significance. We have experience of listing temples, but listing cities are new for us, he said. It will not happen soon. He added that Cambodia had learned from the experience of Laos, which listed Luang Prabang by UNESCO in 1995. We were told that there are many problems when listing cities. So if we want to list them, we have to do clear research and study. We must have a clear management plan, Sonnara said, adding that several pagodas in those cities needed preserving for future generations. On July 8, Cambodia saw the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex accepted as a UNESCO-listed site. The sixth- and seventh-century temples and remnants of the ancient capital city of the pre-Angkorian Chenla Empire became Cambodias third listed World Heritage site after the Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear temples. Prime Minister Hun Sen, on July 17, claimed that his proper foreign policy had secured the listing and said his government would continue to advocate for more sites to be recognized by the organization. Other cultural phenomena, such as Cambodias royal ballet and shadow theatre, have also received the status. Nguon Rattanak, Battambangs deputy provincial governor, said an inter-ministerial working group was currently studying the citys architecture. This work takes a long time, he said. Most tourists come to Battambang for the cultural and natural tourism. Rattanaks administration has implemented strict planning policies to prevent the loss of old structures. Prime Minister Hun Sen has set July 29 as the date for the highly anticipated general election in 2018, almost exactly five years after a contentious poll that led to mass protests. The vote will be a major test of the premiers ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, which made significant losses in local elections in June. Cambodia last went to the polls in 2013 amid evidence of widespread voter fraud, intimidation, and political violence. The oppositions gains in the commune elections came despite efforts to marginalize the Cambodia National Rescue Party through a series of court cases. More than 25 political prisoners have been jailed since the 2013 election, the aftermath of which was marked by mass protests and killings by state security forces. Last month, the government finalized amendments to a law to ban political parties from associating with convicts, which CPP critics say was aimed at stopping the opposition from working with its former president, Sam Rainsy, who was convicted of defamation several years ago. Hang Puthea, National Election Committee spokesman, said there would be enough time prior to the election to update the voter list. A group of Cambodian girls will compete for the first time in a global technology competition in Silicon Valley after the mobile app they created was selected as a finalist out of more than 1,000 entrants. The team of five girls, aged between 11 and 12, will attend the Technovation World Pitch Summit at Googles California headquarters from August 7 to 11, where they will showcase their Cambodia Identity Product, a mobile application that promotes traditional Khmer products. The Technovation challenge is a global initiative from non-profit group Iridescent that aims to raise interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects among girls between the ages of 10 and 18 around the world. This year 12 finalist teams were selected with six competing in the junior category including the Cambodian team, who will compete against teams from India, Canada, the United States and Hong Kong. In preparation for the competition, the entrants underwent a 12-week training course in coding and entrepreneurship before creating an app that addresses at least one of the areas covered by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Tes Putthira, the Cambodian teams mentor, said the Cambodian girls had worked hard to make it to the finals. On the day we learned about the results, no one could focus on work. We were very pleased and proud of them that this year, in 2017, Technovation Cambodia had made it into the finals in the United States, in San Francisco, she said. We were very excited and thrilled that young Cambodians can succeed thus far, and we will do our best to support them in the finals. The girls app will promote traditional Khmer products such as kramas, hats and souvenirs, generating income for craftspeople, who would be able to sell their products directly to customers internationally. The creators, students of the Ligar Learning Center, an NGO-run school for promising students who can't afford international-standard education, could not be interviewed for this article, pending approval from the school. The Technovation project, which first launched in the country in 2014, is organized by USAID in partnership with Cambodias education ministry, NGOs and the private sector. Sotie Heidt, the wife of the current ambassador to Cambodia, who visited the school, said she was pleased that a Cambodian team had made it to the final. When they are interested in this early on, they will be good at it from a young age. So we should remove any barriers and encourage them to develop expertise in the field and they can be as capable as children in other countries, she said. The winners of Technovation this year are expected to receive a total of $145,000 in awards. Putthira is optimistic that with strong support at home the Cambodian team can take home the top prize, but whatever the outcome, she says the girls will become young role models for other Cambodian girls who want to get into technology. The National Police have dismissed rumors circulating on Cambodian social media of a kidnapping ring operating in the country to harvest peoples organs. Kirt Chantharith, a police spokesman, said the rumors were started by a group with bad intentions that had taken to Facebook to spread false information leading to serious concerns and misunderstandings. There is no such kidnapping case and people should not be concerned about it. We would also ask social media users, especially Facebook users, to be more cautious and careful. There is true and false information on Facebook, he said. He added that people spreading the fake news on Facebook could face legal action. On Sunday, a man identified as an opposition activist using the Facebook name Nay Sineng was arrested after claiming of Facebook that Vietnamese people kidnapped kids for organ harvesting in Kampong Thom province. Chantharith said the post was in reference to a Vietnamese national involved in a theft, not kidnapping. After questioning Sineng, Chantharith said the authorities released him without charge. Yim Sovann, an opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party spokesman, said he supported a fair investigation without political interests into the case. So Chantha, a political scientist, said the spreading of rumors could be intended to stir up chaos ahead of a general election scheduled for July 29. He added that detaining social media users could contribute to restricting the freedoms of those who want to share their opinions and concerns. Apple's iPhone may be ready for its next big act as a springboard into "augmented reality,'' a technology that projects life-like images into real-world settings viewed through a screen. If you've heard about AR at all, it's most likely because you've encountered "Pokemon Go,'' in which players wander around neighborhoods trying to capture monsters only they can see on their phones. AR is also making its way into education and some industrial applications, such as product assembly and warehouse inventory management. Now Apple is hoping to transform the technology from a geeky sideshow into a mass-market phenomenon. It's embedding AR-ready technology into its iPhones later this year, potentially setting the stage for a rush of new apps that blur the line between reality and digital representation in new and imaginative ways. "This is one of those huge things that we'll look back at and marvel on the start of it,'' Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts during a Tuesday conference call. Many analysts agree. "This is the most important platform that Apple has created since the app store in 2008,'' said Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research. There's just one catch: No one can yet point to a killer app for AR, at least beyond the year-old (and fading) fad of "Pokemon Go.'' Instead, analysts argue more generally that AR creates enormous potential for new games, home-remodeling apps that let you visualize new furnishings and decor in an existing room, education, health care and more. For the moment, though, we're basically stuck with demos created by developers, including a "Star Wars"-like droid rolling past a dog that doesn't realize it's there; a digital replica of Houston on a table ; and a virtual tour of Vincent Van Gogh's bedroom. Augmenting the iPhone At Apple, the introduction of AR gets underway in September with the release of iOS 11, the next version of the operating system that powers hundreds of millions of iPhones and iPads around the world Tucked away in that release is an AR toolkit intended to help software developers create new AR apps. Those apps, however, won't work on just any Apple device only the iPhone 6S and later models, including the hotly anticipated next-generation iPhone that Apple will release this fall. The 2017 iPad and iPad Pro will run AR apps as well. Apple isn't the only company betting big on AR. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg talked up the technology at a company presentation in April, calling it a "really important technology that changes how we use our phones.'' Apple rivals such as Google and Microsoft are also starting to deploy AR systems . Waiting for Apple's Next Big Thing Apple has been looking for something to lessen its dependence on the iPhone since the 2011 death of its co-founder CEO Steve Jobs, the driving force behind the company's innovation factory. Cook thought he had come up with a revolutionary product when Apple began selling its smartwatch in 2015, but the Apple Watch remains a niche product. For now, the iPhone remains Apple's dominant product, accounting for 55 percent of Apple's $45.4 billion in revenue during the three months ended in June. The total revenue represented a 7 percent increase from the same time last year. Apple earned $8.7 billion, up 12 percent from last year. An AR Explosion ... Maybe Tim Merel, managing director of technology consulting firm Digi-Capital, believes Apple's entry into AR will catalyze the field. His firm expects AR to mushroom into an $83 billion market by 2021, up from $1.2 billion last year. That estimate assumes that Apple and its rivals will expand beyond AR software to high-tech glasses and other devices, such as Microsoft's HoloLens headset. For now, though, nothing appears better suited for interacting with AR than the smartphone. Google already makes AR software called Tango that debuted on one Lenovo smartphone last year and will be part of another high-end device from Asus this month. But it will be years before Tango phones are as widely used as iPhones, or for that matter, iPads. Most of those devices are expected to become AR-ready when the free iOS 11 update hits next month. Nearly 90 percent of Apple devices powered by iOS typically install the new software version when it comes out. Assuming that pattern holds true this fall, that will bring AR to about 300 million Apple devices that are already in people's hands. Beyond the iPhone If the new software wins over more AR fans as Apple hopes, analysts figure that Apple will begin building AR-specific devices, too. One obvious possibility might be some kind of AR glasses tethered to the iPhone, which would allow people to observe digital reality without having to look "through'' a phone. Once technology allows, a standalone headset could render the iPhone unnecessary, at least for many applications. Such a device could ultimately supplant the iPhone, although that isn't likely to happen for five to 10 years, even by the most optimistic estimates. U.S. Senator Jeff Flake has a message for his fellow Republicans: Get a spine and stand up to President Donald Trump. It's time for Congress to act as a brake on the president's erratic impulses. In a scolding book, the Arizona lawmaker argues that Republicans are letting Trump lead the country away from conservative principles and staying silent as "the government of the United States has been made dysfunctional at the highest levels." As for Republicans controlling Congress, Flake warned in his new book, Conscience of a Conservative, that his party may be putting "at risk our institutions and our values" even as it faces the likelihood of scoring long-sought policy victories. In the halls of the Senate on Tuesday, however, it didn't seem as if Flake's message was being heeded. "My primary job is to work with the White House in the best interests of my constituents and the country, so I don't really understand this argument that our job is to stand up to the president or to somehow oppose him," said No. 2 Senate Republican John Cornyn of Texas. "We've got challenges, obviously," in trying to get things done, "and we've got to be able to work with the administration in order to do that," said Senator John Thune, R-S.D., when asked to respond to Flake's missive, most widely read as an excerpt published by Politico on Monday night. "So I think it's fine that everybody has different opinions about where we are and where we need to go. He chose to express his, and some members may choose not to express theirs." Standing firm Flake, narrowly elected to the Senate in 2012, has long been a critic of Trump, and it's been rumored that Trump is itching to back a primary challenge to him next year. Unlike some other Republican critics of Trump, whose voices became softer after his surprise victory, Flake has remained unsparing. "To carry on in the spring of 2017 as if what was happening was anything approaching normalcy required a determined suspension of critical faculties. And tremendous powers of denial," Flake wrote. Flake sees himself as a conservative in the tradition of Arizona icon Barry Goldwater. He has built a strong political brand in Arizona, but his criticism of Trump and his fellow Republicans has already lit a fire back home. "America strong & unapologetic under @realDonaldTrump," tweeted Flake's GOP primary opponent Kelli Ward. "#globalists like Flake are the problem #FireFlake." Democrats praised Flake, a Mormon with a reputation as a straight shooter. "I think he's one of the finest people I've met in politics in terms of his principles and his morality," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat. Other liberal commentators acidly observed that Flake has remained a loyal vote for GOP leaders and Trump, even as he worries that Trump's penchant for bombast and ridiculing his opponents works against conservative goals. Flake has voted for Trump's nominees and efforts to reverse Obama-era rules, and he broke with fellow Arizona Senator John McCain on last Friday's health care vote. On one foreign policy issue, Cuba, Flake has been at odds with Trump, steadfastly supporting rapprochement with Havana. Plea for cordiality "If we ascribe the worst motives to our opponents and demean them and call them clowns or losers, you just lose the ability to sit down and solve the big issues and actually enact conservative policy," Flake told MSNBC's Morning Joe. He added, "You know, somehow conservatism has become being mean or loud, and you can't enact conservative policy if you act that way." Flake said he's particularly concerned that conservative tenets of free trade and limited government have been lost to a national leadership that is erratic, mean-spirited and self-serving. The senator said that since the election, conservatives have been in denial as the government at its highest levels has become dysfunctional. Flake says in his book that people who felt abandoned by the top parties were drawn to Trump, "a candidate who entertained them and offered oversimplified answers" to complex issues. "If by 2017 the conservative bargain was to go along for the very bumpy ride because with congressional hegemony and the White House we had the numbers to achieve some long-held policy goals even as we put at risk our institutions and our values then it was a very real question whether any such policy victories wouldn't be Pyrrhic ones," Flake wrote. Asked what would finally elicit vociferous objections from Republicans, Flake said the firing of special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. "We can't stand for that," Flake said. "I don't think Congress will." Flake's book, published by Random House, went on sale Tuesday. When it rains in Emusala village, a person sick with a fever can find it hard to get to the nearest health center, which requires a trip along the slippery footpaths that lead to the nearest main road some 10km (6 miles) away, in the heart of Western Kenya's Kakamega County. But if the fever spells the onset of malaria, rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential. That's where Nicholas Akhonya comes in. With the aid of a simple medical kit and his mobile phone, Akhonya, a trained community health volunteer, is able to diagnose villagers with malaria in their own homes, offer treatment, and refer acute cases and pregnant women to health facilities for specialized care. Malaria cases are on the increase in Kenya, and experts attribute the upsurge to changes in the climate. According to Dr. James Emisiko, coordinator for the Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases in Kakamega County, mosquitoes breed particularly well in stagnant water in warm temperatures. The females feed on human blood in order to produce eggs, and if a mosquito carrying the malaria-causing plasmodium parasite bites a person, it is likely to infect them. Kenya's recent drought the harshest in East Africa since 2011 followed by sporadic rainfall in the middle of this year has created a perfect breeding environment for mosquitoes, Emisiko told Thomson Reuters Foundation. The result is an upsurge of malaria cases, especially in the Western Kenya region and around Lake Victoria. "The only way to control deaths from this life-threatening disease is to ensure that all fever cases are tested wherever the patients are, malaria-positive cases [are] treated and all complicated cases referred to nearby health centers," the doctor said. He said that parents in rural areas often initially give painkillers to children with fever. When families finally seek proper medical attention, it is often too late for those who have malaria to respond to simple anti-malarial drugs, and they require expensive hospitalization instead. Calling in the Volunteers To tackle the problem, for the past two years county governments in malaria-prone areas have worked with non-governmental organizations to train community health volunteers to diagnose the disease in patients' homes, using rapid diagnostic kits. The volunteers then treat those who test positive, and refer complicated cases to the nearest health center. "In case of any complication, all I need is to have power on my mobile phone so that I can communicate with medical experts using the toll-free number for further advice," said Akhonya, one of the volunteers. The U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are 6.7 million new clinical cases of malaria in Kenya each year and 4,000 deaths, most of them in Western Kenya. According to Moses Makokha, clinical officer in charge of the Bumala-A sub-county health center in Busia County, some malaria cases can be fatal little more than 24 hours after symptoms occur, especially in children below the age of five years and pregnant women. In pregnant women, malaria can lead to miscarriage or other serious complications, Makokha said. "It is always an easy disease to manage - but only if it is identified at the onset of the fever and treated immediately using the correct medication," Makokha said. Kakamega County's government has trained 4,200 community health volunteers to manage simple malaria, working with Community Asset Building and Development (CABDA), a local NGO, and with support from Amref Health Africa, an international Kenyan medical charity headquartered in Nairobi. The volunteers are supplied with test kits and basic drugs to treat the disease at no cost to patients. Treating malaria at the village level, among other interventions, has helped reduce the prevalence of the disease in Kakamega County from 38 percent in 2013 to 27 percent in 2016, according to County Health Executive Peninah Mukabane. "This is one of the success stories that we are all proud of," Ephy Imbali, CABDA's executive director, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Cash - and Status Refresher questions from trainers keep the volunteers on their toes, and ongoing training helps to keep their skills sharp, said Imbali. Experts from county health departments visit frequently to monitor the program. Each volunteer receives a monthly motivational stipend of 2,000 Kenyan shillings ($20). "Apart from the stipend, I have learned so many things in terms of health interventions which are not just important for my immediate family but also to the community where I live," said Miriam Opechi, one community health volunteer and a mother of three children. "I feel very happy whenever a patient gets well after my intervention. It gives me a complete satisfaction, and makes me feel a valuable member of the society, commanding a lot of respect from the villagers," she said. According to Imbali, the program makes it possible for residents of rural areas to get access to medicines even on weekends and holidays when public health facilities are usually closed. Emisiko, Kakamega County's health official, said the volunteers' efforts reduce crowding at local health facilities, making it easier for health providers to attend to other important ailments. But the work of community health volunteers is not always limited to malaria. Simon Ondeyo, who hails from Emusala, said in a telephone interview that community health volunteers had treated his children for malaria a number of times. But Ondeyo is himself is a tuberculosis patient who had given up on an arduous treatment regimen until community health volunteers began visiting him daily to ensure that he took his drugs. Today he feels fully recovered though is still completing his course of treatment. "Without the volunteers, I do not know if I would be alive today," he said. No diplomatic breakthroughs are expected to reduce tensions over the North Korea nuclear threat at this weeks ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila, even though it is one of the few global events where all the major countries involved will participate. Its more likely to see a showdown between China, Russia versus the U.S. on who bears the greatest responsibility for dealing with this issue, said Southeast Asia security analyst Carlyle Thayer with Australia's Defense Force Academy in Canberra. The United States, North Korea, China, Russia, South Korea and Japan are all sending high level delegations to the annual regional security summit, organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. Tillerson reassuring U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to the Philippines for the ARF then visit Thailand and Malaysia, where he will discuss "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maritime security, and counterterrorism, the State Department said. North Korea is rapidly advancing it capability to target the U.S. mainland or anywhere in the world with a nuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Independent experts say Pyongyangs second successful ICBM test last week demonstrated the ability to reach the midwest U.S. city of Chicago. While the test revealed re-entry technology problems, the program is advancing faster than previously expected, and some say North Korea is less than a year away from developing a verifiable miniaturized nuclear warhead to fit on an ICBM. Unless something really extreme is done North Korea will end up with that missile and nuclear capability that they want. Its really just an engineering problem at this point, said Grant Newsham, with the Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. U.S. President Donald Trump and his security team had focused on working with China, the Norths key trading partner, to fully implement sanctions. But Trump and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley recently expressed frustration with Beijing's refusal to impose crippling economic pain that would force Pyongyang to seek relief through compliance. President Trump has indicated he will soon sign a new bill passed by the U.S. Congress authorizing new sanctions against Chinese entities that do illicit business with North Korea. The Trump administration has also emphasized all options, including military action, are being considered to stop the growing North Korean nuclear threat. Senator Lindsay Graham, a Republican member of the armed services committee, said on Tuesday "a war with North Korea would be devastating to the region, but it may be the only way to stop their missile program." However the U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson on Tuesday sounded a more reassuring tone, saying the U.S. does not blame China for the situation in North Korea and reaffirmed that Washington does not seek regime change in Pyongyang. We're trying to convey to the North Koreans: we are not your enemy. We are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond, he said. Dialogue at some point Tillerson said he would like to sit and have a dialogue with North Korean leaders at some point, but at the ASEAN forum he is not expected to hold a formal meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. North Korea called its latest test a stern warning to the United States and maintains it needs a strong nuclear deterrent to defend against a possible U.S. invasion. With tensions so high and adversarial positions so entrenched, Southeast Asia security analyst Carlyle Thayer said, any chance for diplomacy will have to happen quietly, away from the press, and likely with the help of a neutral country. The policy has to be secret. If we know about it, its going to be sunk because opposition will grow to it, said Thayer. During the Clinton administration, Vietnam held sideline meetings with the United States and North Korea, covertly shuttling in envoys from both counties so they could talk privately. Ris participation at the ARF is a positive step said Thayer. North Korea had refused to attend a recent ASEAN forum and tried unsuccessfully to remove the denuclearization issue from the agenda. There is also speculation that an inter-Korean meeting could take place on the sidelines. The liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who took office in May, has tried to reach out to the North, but offers of dialogue, cooperation and humanitarian aid have all gone unanswered. The U.S. delegation is also expected to urge ASEAN members to take stronger measures to cut off funding for Pyongyangs nuclear program, by cutting down the number of North Korean embassy personnel and workers allowed in their countries. But the consensus driven organization is reluctant to take punitive action, and is expected to call for all sides to reduce tensions through dialogue, more in accordance with Chinas position. Youmi Kim in Seoul contributed to this report. Until a few weeks ago, says Lawrence Seretse, editor of The Botswana Gazette, few people in this nation of two million people even knew who the Dalai Lama was. But now, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader is making headlines in Botswana as it prepares to host him August 17-19 for a human rights conference in the capital, Gaborone. China, which happens to be one of Botswanas largest trading partners, has repeatedly objected to the visit. The objections carry weight because China is a leading investor in the Southern African nation, reaching a high of more than $1 billion in direct investment in 2011. China says the Himalayan region of Tibet has been part of its realm for more than seven centuries and considers the Dalai Lama to be a dangerous separatist. He has led a shadow Tibetan government in India since he fled into exile in 1959. Private visit? Botswanas government spokesman, Jeff Ramsay, described the Dalai Lama's planned visit. Hes coming here on a private visit, to take part in a seminar so its a kind of academic seminar, over three days," he told VOA. "... He may meet with the president. The president indicated that thats a possibility. If those two statements a private visit that includes a meeting with the head of state seem contradictory, thats because, Seretse says, they are. He says the government is playing a dangerous game by not taking a clear stance on the visit. Neighboring South Africa has on three occasions bowed to Chinese pressure by not granting the spiritual leader a visa. China has snubbed other nations for hosting the Dalai Lama most notably, Beijing suspended high-level diplomatic ties with Britain after then-Prime Minister David Cameron met the Dalai Lama in 2012. China also opposed former President Barack Obama's meetings with the spiritual leader, but did not follow those concerns with concrete actions. Seretse says he sees merit in the argument that Botswana is a sovereign nation and should be free to decide whom to host, and in the argument that Botswana should show support for human rights activists by inviting the Dalai Lama. But, he says, governments cannot afford to be vague, and that Botswanas government needs to make its position clearer. We as a country havent clearly stated what we want, and what we are going to do if anything happens," he told VOA. "What we have been doing is that we have been going back and forth with contradictory statements. Chinas government has condemned the pending visit. "Chinese side has made clear through the diplomatic channel that Dalai Lama is the head of a well-organized political group who has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities with the attempt to split Tibet from China," reads the latest statement posted by the Chinese Embassy in Gaborone. "Therefore, permitting Dalai Lamas attempted visit is an act of providing stage for him to carry out anti-China separatist activities, which is an unfriendly behavior of apparently interfering Chinas internal affairs." Beijing has not specified what action it may take if the Dalai Lama does visit, but Ramsay says his government is confident that China and Botswana will remain friends. Well, we hope whatever differences they have will not harm the genuine friendship and mutual cooperation that we have built up with the Peoples Republic of China since 1975," he said. "Certainly the position of Botswana remains a One China Policy. In the meantime, relations continue. Last week, China's government gave a $1 million grant to Botswana for flood relief efforts, with the Chinese ambassador saying, "whether China was poor or rich, whether Botswana was poor or rich, China never stopped its assistance to the Botswana friend. The Boy Scouts are denying a claim by President Donald Trump that the head of the youth organization called the president to praise his politically aggressive speech to the Scouts' national jamboree. Trump told The Wall Street Journal, "I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them, and they were very thankful." Politico published the transcript of the interview. On Wednesday, the Scouts responded, "We are unaware of any such call." It specified that neither of the organization's two top leaders President Randall Stephenson and Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh had placed such a call. Surbaugh apologized last week to members of the scouting community who were offended by the political rhetoric in Trump's July 24 speech in West Virginia. Other U.S. presidents have delivered nonpolitical speeches at past jamborees. To the dismay of many parents and former scouts, Trump promoted his political agenda and derided his rivals, inducing some of the scouts in attendance to boo at the mention of Barack Obama, his predecessor. "I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree," Surbaugh said. "That was never our intent." Surbaugh noted that every sitting president since 1937 has been invited to visit the jamboree. Stephenson, in a phone interview with The Associated Press two days after the speech, said Boy Scout leaders anticipated Trump would spark controversy with politically tinged remarks, yet felt obliged to invite him out of respect for his office. Hoping to minimize friction, the Boy Scouts issued guidelines to adult staff members for how the audience should react to the speech. Any type of political chanting was specifically discouraged. Stephenson, who was not in attendance at Trump's speech, said the guidance wasn't followed impeccably. The top prosecutors of Brazil and Argentina are accusing their governments of interfering in the creation of a joint anti-corruption task force to investigate bribes by the Odebrecht engineering group so that politicians, many of whom are under investigation, can themselves control the exchange of evidence. Brazil's Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot said on Tuesday the two countries had agreed in June to set up a task force to allow the rapid and simultaneous investigation of bribes paid by Odebrecht, but the joint effort has not taken off. "The task force is an essential tool without which we cannot join forces regionally to fight corruption," he told reporters. A statement issued late on Monday by Janot and his Argentine counterpart, Alejandra Gils Carbo, accused the governments of their countries of interfering in the effort to jointly investigate the Odebrecht bribe network. "The main authorities for international legal cooperation Brazil's Justice Ministry and Argentina's Foreign Ministry have placed obstacles and made requisitions that are an undue interference in carrying out agreements signed by prosecutors of the two countries in the Odebrecht investigation," the statement said. "We hope the central governments support our efforts and urgently remove the obstacles that have been imposed," it said. They said Brazil's Justice Ministry has sought to establish the rules of the joint force so evidence was shared through government channels and not directly between the prosecutors. In Argentina, they said, the Foreign Ministry wanted to turn the task force into a treaty signed by the government, undermining cooperation between the actual investigators. Odebrecht, Latin America's largest construction firm, is at the center of a global graft scandal. As part of a $3.5 billion settlement with Brazilian, U.S. and Swiss authorities in December, the company admitted to paying bribes in 12 mostly Latin American countries, including $35 million in Argentina, to secure lucrative contracts. Prosecutors in Argentina are also investigating four projects involving Odebrecht, the largest construction firm in Latin America, for corruption. U.S. prosecutors said Odebrecht paid approximately $788 million in bribes in association with 100 projects in 12 countries between 2001 to 2016, through carefully disguised payments routed through a network of shell companies. Janot said it was not the first time prosecutors have run into hurdles in setting up binational task forces to investigate international connections of Brazil's massive graft scandal first centered on contracts at state-run oil company Petrobras. A task force proposed by Swiss prosecutors a year ago and another sought six months ago by Spanish prosecutors never got off the ground. "And now this one with Argentina," Janot said. For Brazilian leaders, August is the cruelest month and one that now presents a potentially fatal challenge to the presidency of Michel Temer. In modern times, August has been a devastating month for Brazilian presidents, 31 days in which they have been impeached or resigned. One even committed suicide. Temer's own predecessor, President Dilma Rousseff, was removed last Aug. 31 for breaking fiscal rules in her management of the budget. Temer is facing his own August showdown a vote in Congress' lower house Wednesday on whether he should be suspended and put on trial over a bribery charge filed against him by Brazil's attorney general. Opposition lawmakers feel confident about adding Temer to the list of August casualties, either this week with the bribery charge vote or in a likely obstruction of justice accusation that Attorney General Rodrigo Janot could bring before the end of the month. The latter would bring its own vote by the Chamber of Deputies. "Even if he wins now [Wednesday] it won't be over,'' said Claudio Couto, a political science professor at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, a Sao Paulo-based university and think tank. Couto said Temer has been using much of his political capital to curry support ahead of Wednesday's vote, including the promising of billions of dollars in earmarked appropriations for many legislators at a time the country is struggling to emerge from its worst recession in decades. Temer is accused of receiving bribes indirectly, via a confidant who was caught by police carrying a suitcase with about $150,000 in cash. The case erupted in May when a recording emerged in which Temer apparently tells a meat-packing company executive to keep up paying of hush money to former Chamber of Deputies Speaker Eduardo Cunha, who is serving a 15-year sentence for corruption. Temer has denied wrongdoing and he adamantly rejected calls for him to resign from across the political spectrum. Until a few weeks ago, the president appeared to have an ample margin of support among the 513 members of the Chamber of Deputies. Chamber Speaker Rodrigo Maia, an ally of the president, has said that for much of July, he was confident that Temer would have "a comfortable win'' in the vote by the house, where the governing coalition has remained strong enough on some issues to pass legislation. But as August approached, news got worse for the president. Last week, an Ibope institute opinion poll said just 5 percent of Brazilians surveyed approved of Temer. Adding to the pressure, the vote of every deputy will be public. The member will have to step up to the microphone and say "yes'' or "no'' on suspending Temer. That could prove risky for the highly unpopular leader because Globo, a dominant TV network across Brazil, has pledged to show the voting live no matter how long it lasts. The opposition hopes that the prospect of having to support Temer in public might change minds at the last minute, particularly since all members of the chamber are up for re-election next year. If two-thirds of the lawmakers should vote against Temer, he would be suspended for up to 180 days while a trial was conducted by the Supreme Federal Tribunal, the country's highest court. A conviction by the court could bring a prison sentence from two to 12 years. In that event, Maia would serve out the presidential term, which ends Dec. 31, 2018. If two-thirds of deputies voted against suspending Temer, the bribery charge would be suspended. The pattern of grim Augusts for Brazilian leaders goes back to President Getulio Vargas. A populist dictator between 1930 and 1945, he was elected president in 1951 much to the dismay of his adversaries, throwing the country into political crisis. The nation's generals demanded his resignation. Vargas ended up shooting himself in the chest on Aug. 24 in the presidential palace that was still in Rio de Janeiro. A decade later, Janio Quadros won the presidency by a landslide, and then shocked Brazilians with his Aug. 25 resignation over the country's stance on the Cold War. President Juscelino Kubitschek, expected to lead Brazil from its then dictatorship, died on Aug. 22, 1976, in an apparent traffic accident that is still viewed with suspicion to this day. On Aug. 26, 1992, a Chamber of Deputies committee recommended that President Fernando Collor de Mello be impeached. He resigned a few months later. Oliver Stuenkel, who teaches international relations at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas university, estimates there is 50-50 chance that Temer's administration will end despite the president's apparent advantage. "We all know the August tradition. It is a long month and a lot more can happen,'' Stuenkel said. "If there is a second accusation, the risk for him will be substantially bigger.'' August hasn't started well either for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. On Tuesday, Judge Sergio Moro ordered another trial for him, this time for alleged corruption and money laundering in connection with a farmhouse he used for vacations on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. Prosecutors claim Silva is the secret owner of the place, but he denies any wrongdoing. It will be the sixth trial facing Silva, who had been the frontrunner in Brazil's next year's presidential election. Communist-run Cuba said on Tuesday it was suspending issuing new licenses for certain private-sector activities from bed-and-breakfasts to restaurants until it had implemented new measures to curb wrongdoing such as tax evasion. The move marked a pause in Cuba's seven-year old push to expand self-employment in a bid to cut the bloated state payroll and boost the ailing, Soviet-style economy, and will come as a blow for many Cubans hoping to strike off on their own. It also hints at unease among some in the ruling Cuban Communist Party that free market reforms may have gone too far, amid a broader debate about rising inequality on the island. The average state monthly wage is $30, the same sum a B&B owner can charge visitors for a night's stay. "The regulation states that new authorizations for a group of activities will not be given until the perfection of self-employment has been achieved," the party newspaper Granma wrote. According to a resolution published on Tuesday in the Official Gazette, the government has temporarily suspended licenses for those wanting to rent their homes, open a restaurant or cafe, or provide construction services. Also affected are would-be music or language teachers, party organizers and a handful of other professions. Cuba will also definitively no longer be issuing licenses for wholesale and retail sellers of agricultural goods, vendors of CDs or DVDs, and operators of recreation equipment, according to the gazette. "This news was like a bucket of cold water for me," said Antonio Victor Ruperon, 31, who said he had invested more than $3,000 in construction materials to convert his house into a cafeteria and bed and breakfast (B&B). "It seems like I have lost everything." Some Cubans worry restricting private business, thereby dampening the country's economic potential, is the government's solution to rising inequality. "This doesn't help us at all, because these businesses may be private but in truth they are another source of income for the country," said Margelis Santiesteban, 31, a waitress at a private cafeteria. The number of self-employed on the island has more than tripled to 567,982, some 12 percent of the total number of employed, since President Raul Castro in 2010 launched his plan to expand private enterprise. But Castro said in a speech to parliament last month that the government had detected wrongdoings in the sector, from tax evasion to the use of goods of illicit provenance, that it needed to curb before expanding further. "We are not renouncing the development of the self-employed sector," said Castro. "However, it is necessary to ... resolutely confront the illegalities and other deviations from the established policy." Castro also said the state had detected cases where "one same person has two, three, four and even five restaurants," which was problematic in a country that pledges to prevent the accumulation of wealth by individuals. He said the government had agreed on a package of such measures that it would publish in due course. Cuba would start requiring certain entrepreneurs such as B&B owners, builders and restaurant owners to use bank accounts that the tax authority could verify, Granma wrote on Tuesday. New U.S. public-opinion surveys show that President Donald Trump's approval ratings, already the lowest ever for an American president early in his White House tenure, are continuing to fall. Quinnipiac University said Wednesday that Americans, by a 61-to-33 percent margin, disapprove of Trump's performance six months into his four-year term in the White House. Gallup, with its three-day tracking average, said its latest surveys show the real estate mogul turned Republican politician has a 60-to-36 negative standing. Trump's latest Quinnipiac approval rating is worse than the 55-to-40 percent disapproval mark recorded in its last survey in late June. The pollster said that Americans by a 54-to-26 percent margin said they are embarrassed rather than proud to have Trump as president. Nearly three out of five voters said they think Trump is abusing the powers of his office; asked if they believe the president thinks his authority supersedes U.S. law, they agreed, 60 to 36 percent. The polling was done over the last several days, a particularly volatile time for the White House. During that time span, Trump dismissed both his chief of staff, Reince Priebus, and his communications director, Anthony Scaramucci, while the Senate rejected a Trump-supported effort to repeal the national health care act signed into law seven years ago by former President Barack Obama. 'Deepening concern' "It's hard to pick what is the most alarming number in the troubling trail of new lows for President Donald Trump," Quinnipiac pollster Tim Malloy said in releasing the survey. "Profound embarrassment over his performance in office and deepening concern over his level-headedness have to raise the biggest red flags. "The daily drip drip of missteps and firings and discord are generating a tidal wave of bad polling numbers," Malloy said. "Is there a wall big enough to hold it back?" Quinnipiac recorded two favorable assessments of Trump's performance: Nearly two out of three voters (58 to 39 percent) said the president is "a strong person" and, similarly (55 to 42 percent), they said they believe he is intelligent. However, the pollster said large percentages of those who were surveyed said they do not think Trump is honest, that he does not have "good leadership skills," that he "does not care about average Americans," and that he "does not share their values." The key vote in the U.S. Senate that rejected the health care repeal bill came between midnight and dawn last Friday. Republican Senator John McCain, recently diagnosed with brain cancer, cast the "no" vote that doomed the repeal effort Trump has championed. Quinnipiac said its polling showed that the 80-year-old Arizona senator, who lost the presidential race to Obama in 2008, now holds a 57-to-32 percent favorable rating among American voters. Money! Power! Glamour! Catfights! The CW's reboot of "Dynasty" will have much in common with the classic 1980s original. But the new "Dynasty" aims to "kick it up a notch," says Elizabeth Gillies, who plays Fallon Carrington, daughter of wealthy industrialist Blake Carrington, on the show. Pamela Sue Martin played her in the original series. Gillies told TV critics Wednesday that her character is "as feisty as ever" and that she loves Fallon's strength. She played a strong woman on FX's "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll." But on that show, her character was rough around the edges, while Fallon is refined. Gillies noted that "Fallon doesn't want to be a rock star. She wants to be CEO." That means trading in "crop tops and lace bras for Gucci and Christian Louboutins," Gillies said. "Dynasty" premieres Oct. 11. Nana Sajaia of VOA's Georgian service spoke with Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, following Vice President Mike Pence's visit to the country. Below is a transcript, edited for clarity and length. Q: Vice President Mike Pence is the highest official of the current U.S. administration who visited Georgia. What is the takeout from his visit? A: The vice president's visit was extremely important, and so is the timing. The administration is six months in office but we've seen continued stable support for Georgia from the Senate, House and White House. We see how very carefully, very targeted the U.S. new administration treats our issues. If you listened to V.P. Pence's speech, the clarity; there was no ambiguity. He was clear in his language as he spoke of freedom, our territorial integrity, our sovereignty, our partnership with the U.S.A., but most importantly, the future goals of my country, goals such as Euro-Atlantic integration. V.P. Pence mentioned that the future of Georgia will be in NATO, and the U.S. is backing up the 2008 NATO summit decision on future prospects of Georgia. And the second and the most important issue for my country is territorial integrity and reunification of Georgian sovereignty. This was clearly defined by V.P. Pence. Q: What other issues did you discuss with Pence during the bilateral meeting? A: I suggested to VP Pence a whole new upgrade of our bilateral relationships I suggested that we get a new format in the form of a special representative. Q: A couple of weeks ago Kurt Volker former U.S. envoy to NATO and very well-known Russia hawk was appointed as special envoy on Ukraine issues. The fact that we did not have anyone dedicated to Georgia separately, does that mean Georgia was forgotten or was not considered a priority in U.S. foreign policy? A: The language we have seen from [Capitol] Hill supports Georgia; language from the legislation backs up a non-recognition policy by concrete budgetary mechanisms. The language that we see in supporting Georgia for its aspirations to build a stronger military, and the vice president's clear and defined speech, I could not say that Georgia is underestimated in the U.S. administration. I'd say the Georgian issue is there. WATCH: Georgian President on U.S. Commitment to NATO Q: President Trump's campaign raised lots of issues he came to office with ambiguous messages regarding Russia and calling NATO an obsolete organization. Are you confident when it comes to U.S. support in deterring Russia? A: We've seen lots of discussions around those issues and let me not get into the U.S.'s domestic policy, but let me approach those questions from a Georgian perspective. We saw the vice president applauding Georgia's aspirations toward NATO. He also applauded our commitment and desire to strengthen our military. He has applauded our engagement in global security missions. He has applauded our standards of being so close to NATO requirements. And V.P. Pence has stated that U.S.A. backs up Article 5. So, from [the] Georgian perspective, we see a new and dedicated leadership on Georgia's integration to NATO and that was said by V.P. Pence just a couple of hours ago. Q: On this European tour of V.P. Pence, Georgia is the only non-NATO member. With Estonia being an example of a successful transformation, and Montenegro a very recent member of the alliance, what does it mean visiting Georgia on this tour? A: It means that the NATO policy of open doors remains, and dedication to Georgia that we will be NATO's member is clear. It has been repeated by V.P. Pence and it's an important message for us. Q: Is this a sign of a change in U.S. cautious politics toward Russia? A: We are happy with how things are developing. We are happy with the military cooperation we started building last year, happy for active engagement from the U.S. to build resilience and defensibility of my country, we are happy with the role this administration has politically toward Russia, we are happy with the active Russia-restraining policy of the U.S.A. Russia has clearly declared their interest in the region and other neighbors. They've called these areas, "area of special interest." I believe that a clear policy to restrain this aggressive, non-cooperative, destabilizing policy is going to be of a better good for Georgia, Ukraine [and] Europe, but Russia as well. WATCH: Georgian President Discusses U.S. Policy on Russia Q: Do you agree with the statement that in 2008 Bucharest, NATO Bucharest Summit, when Ukraine and Georgia were denied Membership Action Plan (MAP), that emboldened Russia's aggression in Georgia and later in Ukraine? A: No. Same was happening here in the beginning of the '90s. There was no NATO summit, there was no NATO policy in the very beginning of '90s, since Georgia declared its independence. Q: Just a couple of days ago, you hosted President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and you signed a declaration of establishing strategic partnership. Tell us more about that. A: [Ukraine is] challenged with the same challenge that we were going through for 25 years. And they backed us up during these 25 years; they were supporting our independence. Now we are supporting them. We are supporting their right for a free, strong and sovereign state. Q: Shortly after that visit, Poroshenko revoked citizenship to former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili. Was that issue discussed during your meetings? A: No, I did not discuss that issue. I think I have my personal record with Saakashvili. I was in opposition and I was criticizing him, and I would say I would have the record, record of, of being in opposition to the previous president starting from 2003. Q: Next year, your first term expires. Are you considering re-running for the office? A: I, frankly, don't know. It, of course, depends on many factors and I cannot answer you today. Q: What do you want to be your legacy? A: Well, I think I've built a part of my legacy as a president that is able to build [a] presidency which is able to embrace all different parties beyond political party discourse and be serving only the nation. This was [a] new precedent, and I believe I've been able to make a step into that direction. That is a step into the direction of the European culture of political communication. They are known as the "dark Web" encrypted corners of the internet that promise anonymity to customers who want to buy or sell illegal drugs, weapons and other contraband. But these futuristic marketplaces recently became much less anonymous after an international sting captured the addresses of thousands of users and shut down two of the biggest sites: first AlphaBay in early July, and then Hansa Market at the end of the month. Now, many users are wary of joining the next secretive marketplace, and that's exactly the point. "Don't be stupid and hop on the next big market," one user wrote on the Reddit discussion forum where users openly trade tips on dark Web markets. "It will most likely be completely run by [law enforcement]." U.S. and European law enforcement authorities say the closures of AlphaBay and Hansa Market were the largest dark Web criminal marketplace takedown in history. To dark Web users, the message is clear, said Europol Director Robert Wainwright: "You're not as safe, as anonymous, as you think you are." The takedown For U.S. law enforcement agencies, dismantling the criminal dark web has taken on added urgency in recent years amid a deadly opioid epidemic that feeds off these sites. According to a 2015 study, drug forums and contraband markets made up the largest category of sites on the TOR network. AlphaBay and Hansa were two of the top three criminal markets on the dark Web, sites that sprang up in the wake of drug market Silk Road's takedown in 2013. Hansa's users numbered in the five digits; AlphaBay had more than 200,000 customers and 40,000 vendors, making it 10 times as large as Silk Road. It generated nearly $1 billion in sales. The operation to shutter AlphaBay and Hansa grew out of several independent investigations, according to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The investigation into AlphaBay appears to have started as early as 2015 when undercover agents posing as customers started making small purchases on the site. In one case, an agent bought an ATM skimming device; in another, an undercover officer purchased a small quantity of drugs. In December 2016, investigators got a break when they came across a priceless clue: the site operator's personal email address. In the days after AlphaBay's launch in December 2014, investigators learned, the administrator included his personal email address Pimp_Alex__91@hotmail.com in AlphaBay's "welcome email" to new users singing up for the site's discussion forum. It was the kind of gaffe that had exposed Silk Road's founder and would lead to the downfall of AlphaBay's creator. Traced to website designer The email address was traced to Alexandre Cazes, a French-speaking Canadian website designer from Quebec. Born in 1991, Cazes had posted the email address on a tech forum as far back as 2008 and later used it to create PayPal and LinkedIn accounts. Meanwhile, Europol provided Dutch law enforcement authorities with a lead on Hansa Market that would allow them to identify the site's administrators and locate its servers in Lithuania, Germany and the Netherlands. "When we knew the FBI was working on AlphaBay, we thought, 'What's better than if they come to us?' " Petra Haandrikman, leader of the Dutch investigative team that brought down Hansa, told cybersecurity blogger Brian Krebs. Investigators then coordinated the timing of the two sites' takedown. A plan was hatched: The Dutch would move in first, followed by the Americans. On June 20, as German police arrested Hansa's two German administrators in Germany, Dutch law enforcement authorities moved to seize control of the site. The takeover was seamless. On July 4, the FBI took AlphaBay offline but made it look like an outage. Unaware that the FBI was on his tail, Cazes swung into action to bring the site back online. When Thai police, assisted by FBI and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents, raided Cazes' house in Bangkok the next day, they found he'd contacted AlphaBay's server host to request a reboot and was logged into its forum to answer comments by AlphaBay users. On his unlocked, unencrypted laptop, agents found passwords for AlphaBay, its servers and other online identities associated with the site. As rumors swirled that AlphaBay operators had absconded in what is known as an "exit scam," authorities sought to quell the talk: AlphaBay was down for maintenance and would be up again soon, they posted on Reddit on July 6. In the days that followed, the number of users on Hansa jumped 800 percent as AlphaBay users streamed in, according to Wainwright of Europol. To cope with the flood of orders, authorities temporarily closed registration to new users. "There was a lot of frustration from ex-AlphaBay users that weren't allowed to register on the site," Haandrikman said. Then on July 20, authorities pulled the plug. The Dutch shut down Hansa, putting up a banner saying the site had been "seized and controlled" since June 20. A nearly identical FBI banner went up on AlphaBay. U.S. and European authorities went public with the news. Attorney General Jeff Sessions called AlphaBay's seizure "the largest dark Web criminal market takedown in history." Wainwright of Europol said the criminal dark Web had taken "a serious hit" and that there were "more of these operations to come." Intelligence yield The intelligence yielded by the Hansa operation "has given us a new insight into the criminal activity of the darknet, including many of its leading figures," Wainwright said. Dutch authorities said that 10,000 foreign addresses of Hansa Market buyers had been identified and shared with Europol. Over 500 deliveries were stopped in the Netherlands alone. Europol sent "intelligence packages" on drug shipments to law enforcement agencies in 37 countries. Wainwright said the identified users would be subject to follow-up investigation by Europol and partner agencies. Joseph Campbell, a former assistant FBI director, said the intelligence users' names and phone numbers, email and IP addresses, banking and wire transfer information is invaluable to law enforcement authorities looking to dismantle criminal networks on the internet. "They can utilize that to identify criminals, identify victims, identify sources of the contraband, sources of the funding, transiting of the currency, look for money laundering activities, where the funds coming from, are they going to offshore banks," said Campbell, who is now a director at Navigant Consulting. The next AlphaBay Meanwhile, business is down on the dark web as shellshocked "AlphaBay refugees" lie low, waiting for the dust to settle. But sooner or later, they'll find a new home. "Just like a massive gang takedown in a city, some other group is going to come in, unless preventive activities take place, and fill that void even more," Campbell said. Still, he added, the operation is going to be "deterrent to some individuals." Law enforcement has long been criticized for playing catch up with criminals. Acting FBI Director Andy McCabe acknowledged the criticism but said that was "the nature of criminal work." "It never goes away," McCabe said at a July 20 news conference. "You have to constantly keep at it. And you've got to use every tool in your toolbox. And that's exactly what we'll do." For the FBI, cybercrime represents "a high-priority threat," Campbell said. "So they're going to continue to target their resources against this threat and work to identify where activities are taking place that are that are victimizing people," he said. Italy on Wednesday sent a navy patrol boat to Libya and seized a German rescue ship in dramatic steps aimed at ending the migrant crisis that has engulfed Europe in recent years. The crew on board the Iuventa, operated by the NGO Jugend Rettet, is being questioned on the orders of the Italian prosecutor. While investigators suspect "the crime of clandestine immigration'' was committed by some of the Jugend Rettet boat's crew, prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio told reporters that "my personal conviction was that the motive is humanitarian, exclusively humanitarian.'' Jugend Rettet said on its Facebook page Wednesday that it went to Lampedusa on instructions from the Rome-based maritime rescue coordination center after being asked to help in a search-and-rescue mission on Tuesday. "As it happened during other stops at this port, the crew was questioned by the local police, which also entered the ship,'' Jugend Rettet said. After a warrant-authorized search of the ship, authorities seized the Iuventa, which will eventually be taken to the main island of Sicily. Cartosio stressed that no individual members of the crew have been charged and the investigation was ongoing to see which of them might have made contact with smugglers at sea. "There is no indication [the crew] was paid,'' by smugglers, "nor is there any element to make us think there is a stable tie between the ship and Libyan traffickers," Cartosio said. New rules for NGOs It is the first time Italian police have seized a humanitarian boat. The move came amidst growing suspicion over the role non-governmental organizations are playing in picking up migrants off the Libya coast and bringing them to Italian ports. Jugend Rettet was one of several NGOs which declined this week to sign on to new rules promoted by Italy's interior minister and aimed at ensuring rescue groups don't end up effectively helping human traffickers. The humanitarian groups say they are only interested in saving lives, warning that thousands of people would die if they were not out at sea. Despite their efforts, 2,200 migrants have died this year trying to reach Europe from northern Africa. But Italians are getting tired of playing host to thousands of migrants. Migrant numbers The number of migrant arrivals in Italy in July was down dramatically on the same month last year, suggesting that efforts to train and better equip the Libyan coast guard could be having an impact. The Interior Ministry said 11,193 new arrivals had been registered in July, compared with 23,552 in July 2016. Italy's naval mission to Libya is aimed at holding that trajectory. Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti said Italy was providing technical support, not seeking to impose a "hostile" naval blockade designed to prevent the departure of migrant boats. Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said last week that the naval mission was being organized following a request from Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of conflict-torn Libya's U.N.-backed unity government. A new lawsuit lays out an explosive tale of Trump allies, the White House and Fox News Channel conspiring to push a false story about Democratic leaks and an unsolved killing in order to distract attention from the Russia investigation that has been swirling around the president. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday against Fox by an investigator who had been looking into the killing of Seth Rich, a former Democratic National Committee staff member who died in 2016 in what police say was a botched robbery. The investigator alleges that Fox quoted him as saying things he never said and was willing to show President Donald Trump its story before it was posted online. It's the second time in two days that Trump has been accused of being actively involved in pushing a public narrative to lower the heat of the Russia story. The Washington Post reported that the president had written a misleading statement for his son to give to The New York Times about Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting last summer with a Russian who promised dirt on Democrat Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Rich's death has become fodder for conspiracy theorists, deeply angering the 27-year-old's family. In May, the story was thrust into the headlines again when Fox posted a story on its website in which investigator Rod Wheeler said there had been contact between Rich and WikiLeaks, the organization that posted a trove of DNC emails last year. The story was heavily promoted by Fox News host Sean Hannity, who has informally advised the president. In the lawsuit, Wheeler now says that he never made that statement. He also contends he was told his false comments were put in the story because Trump wanted it that way. Rich's family released a statement Tuesday night supporting the lawsuit. "While we can't speak to the evidence that you now have, we are hopeful that this brings an end to what has been the most emotionally difficult time in our lives and an end to conspiracy theories surrounding our beloved Seth," the family wrote. Fox says it's "completely erroneous" to suggest it pushed the story to distract from the Russia investigation. Wheeler has made contradictory statements regarding the case and is simultaneously filing a racial discrimination lawsuit against the network, represented by a lawyer who has other lawsuits against Fox. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump had no knowledge of the false story before it was posted and that it was "completely untrue" that the White House had any role in shaping it. Wheeler, a Fox contributor on law enforcement issues, said he was brought into the Rich case by donor and Trump supporter Ed Butowsky. He says Butowsky, who has also made occasional guest appearances on Fox News, was intent on establishing a link between Rich and WikiLeaks. Two days before the Fox article was published, Wheeler said he got a text message from Butowsky: "Not to add any more pressure but the president just read the article. He wants the article out immediately. It's now all up to you. But don't feel the pressure." Butowsky said in a phone interview Tuesday he has never met Trump and his text message to Wheeler about the president reading the article was "tongue-in-cheek." Fox removed the story from its website a week after it was published, saying "it was not initially subjected to the high degree of editorial scrutiny we require for all of our reporting." Hannity ultimately backed away, saying he was acting out of respect for Rich's family. Wheeler also said that he and Butowsky had met with outgoing White House press secretary Sean Spicer and showed Spicer notes on Wheeler's investigation. Spicer asked to be kept informed, the lawsuit said. Spicer plays down the importance of that meeting. "Ed is a longtime supporter of the president's agenda who often appears in the media," Spicer said Tuesday. "He asked for a 10-minute meeting, with no specified topic, to catch up and said he would be bringing along a contributor to Fox News. As Ed himself has noted, he has never met the president and the White House had nothing to do with his story." On the day the Fox story was posted, Spicer was asked about the report that Rich had emailed WikiLeaks. He said, "I'm not aware of that" and did not mention that he had met with Butowsky and Wheeler a month earlier. One of Trump's attorneys, Jay Sekulow, also devoted attention to the Rich story during several Hannity appearances in May, before his hiring by Trump was announced. "There's a lot more to this, I would suspect," Sekulow said on the May 18 show, which Hannity devoted almost entirely to a discussion about Rich. "You can't ignore the fact that it was a DNC staffer. You can't ignore the fact that there was nothing taken from the individual's body." He said that while he hadn't seen "the files" on Rich, the incident "undercuts" the argument that Russians interfered in the election. At the time, Trump was facing news stories about the investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign and possible ties between his campaign aides and Moscow. He continues to blast the inquiries as a "witch hunt" aimed at discrediting his election win and tries to focus attention on Clinton, who has largely faded from the headlines. Jay Wallace, Fox News president, said, "The accusation that FoxNews.com published Malia Zimmerman's story to help detract from coverage of the Russia collusion issue is completely erroneous." Malia Zimmerman was a Fox producer on the story. "The retraction of this story is still being investigated internally and we have no evidence that Rod Wheeler was misquoted by Zimmerman," Wallace said. In May, Wheeler told Fox's local affiliate in Washington that he "absolutely" had sources at the FBI saying that there was information that could link Rich to WikiLeaks. But the station noted that Wheeler subsequently said contradictory things to other news organizations, and the station could not contact him again. Fox News Channel's prime-time opinion hosts, particularly Hannity, make no secret of their admiration for Trump. But any charges that the network worked with Trump on a false story could harm the reputations of the network's journalists. Trump has fostered an unusually close relationship with Fox and many of its personalities, particularly Hannity. Hannity gave Trump a frequent platform for non-challenging interviews during the campaign, as well as advice on air and behind the scenes. The Fox and Friends morning show also is a Trump favorite. The head of Libya's committee tasked with writing the constitution called upon the eastern parliament Tuesday to hold a national referendum on a final draft, setting in motion a long-awaited step that it's hoped will end the current political stalemate and terminate power struggles among the country's rival parties. More than three years overdue, the draft still leaves many of Libya's key questions unanswered. Experts warn that its lack of clarity will pave the way for another phase of instability, which has plagued the country since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. The call by Nouh Abdel-Sayyed to "take all necessary measures to enable the Libyan people to practice their constitutional right" came after days of confusion over whether his committee is following proper legal procedures. On Saturday, disgruntled protesters stormed the committee's session in the eastern town of Bayda, calling for a redo of their vote, which was in favor of putting the final draft up for a nationwide referendum. Opponents included secessionists who wanted greater say over the redistribution of resources in the oil-rich country and those in favor of the country's 1951 constitution, which would mean a return to the monarchy. The 60-member committee was elected in a direct vote in 2014; it was scheduled to deliver a draft in 120 days. However, unrelenting conflicts forced delays. Legal expert Sami al-Atrash said articles of the constitution look innocent enough on the surface, but "it's not a homogenous document and this is not an honest attempt to produce an inclusive constitution." A look at the draft shows efforts to keep most of the articles as vague as possible to avoid conflicts among the country's rival parties. The draft made no mention of the national anthem or the flag, to avoid friction between those who backed the 2011 uprising against Gadhafi and those who continue to support him. 'Legislative trap' "It was done in a way to just escape from the current situation and crisis," said al-Atrash, who warned this would, "postpone, rather than face, harsh realities." He added that leaving the articles open to interpretation "could lead to a legislative trap." The draft failed to live up to the aspirations of many easterners, who long complained of discrimination under Gadhafi. Eastern secessionists call for the return of autonomy to Cyrenaica, saying their lands are the major source of oil. However, for decades, Libya's centralized system has driven oil gains to the capital. In Article 143, the draft states decentralization is the basis of governance. However, Article 148 defers the issues of local municipalities and their budgeting to future legislation. The draft also removed an earlier mention of the eastern city of Benghazi as the economic capital and seat of the central bank. As for presidential elections, the draft places several restrictions on candidates; candidates with dual citizenship must revoke their non-Libyan nationality a year before registration for elections begins, and if married it must be to a Libyan national. The article risks isolating some of the most powerful Libyan politicians who under Gadhafi lived in exile and were granted non-Libyan nationalities or married non-Libyans. The draft also deprived non-Arab minorities like the Amazigh who make up between 5 and 10 percent of Libya's population of having their language recognized alongside Arabic as a state language. The push for the vote came less than a week after Libya's top rivals the internationally recognized, designated prime minister, Fayez Serraj, and army chief Marshal Khalifa Hifter met in Paris, where they shook hands on a cease-fire and agreed to work toward parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible. Malawi's former president denied on Tuesday any wrongdoing in a corruption scandal that erupted when she was in office, saying she will be going back to the southern African nation to prove her innocence. Joyce Banda is wanted for arrest over alleged abuse of office and money-laundering offenses, police said on Monday. Government officials are accused of siphoning off millions of dollars from state funds in the scandal, which was revealed in 2013. Banda, who was Malawi's president for two years from 2012, left the country when she lost in an election to Peter Mutharika. She has not returned since 2014. Banda has been living in the United States, serving as a distinguished fellow at Woodrow Wilson Center and the Center for Global Development in Washington D.C. "I will be coming back because I never did anything wrong and I am innocent," Banda told Reuters in a telephone interview from South Africa, where she had arrived from the U.S. "I am the only president who got to the bottom of corruption and instituted the first-ever commission of inquiry into corruption," she added. She was expected to proceed to Malawi after carrying out some charity work in South Africa. James Kadadzera, a police public relations officer, said authorities had obtained an arrest warrant for Banda. While president, Banda ordered an independent audit of the corruption revelations, which was conducted by British firm Baker Tilly. The findings were released in 2014. "Baker Tilly never linked me to any corruption and the rest is what everyone knows, that even some of my cabinet members were arrested. I never shielded anyone who was found to have been part of this," she said. A former justice minister and attorney general was convicted over "cashgate," as the scandal came to be known, and is in jail, along with a number of former high-ranking government officials and business persons. The corruption scandal led to international donors halting aid to Malawi. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday said the debate over raising the country's debt ceiling could stretch into September and he sought bipartisan support for the legislation to prevent a government default. We are looking for a way forward to pass a debt limit increase sometime in the next month or so, McConnell said after meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. He also told reporters that comprehensive tax legislation will move forward in September, but that he does not expect many Senate Democrats to support the Republican legislation. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, whose panel oversees government borrowing, said in a brief hallway interview that he does not expect bipartisan cooperation on the debt legislation. We're not going to get any Democrat help, I'll tell you that, Hatch said. The government bumped up against its statutory limit on borrowing at just under $20 trillion in March. Since then, Mnuchin has had to take extraordinary measures to stave off a default until Congress agrees to raise the Treasury's borrowing capability. To ensure that we have robust economic growth and promote fiscal discipline, the Trump administration believes it's important to raise the debt ceiling as soon as possible, said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. While the Trump administration had been hoping Congress would pass a debt limit bill before embarking on a long summer recess, the House of Representatives already has begun its break and McConnell did not explicitly include the debt limit in a list of legislation to get done before the Senate's recess begins in coming days. House conservative Republicans have been pushing for a variety of add-ons to a debt limit bill, such as deep spending cuts or the sale of government assets. That approach could draw opposition from Democrats and some Republicans as the government gets closer to a possible default. We don't know where the White House is because they have different factions saying different things, Schumer told reporters when asked if the White House had articulated clear goals. Conservative Republicans in the past have balked at debt limit increases as a wedge for advancing deficit-reduction legislation. When Congress returns from its summer break in early September, it also will have to pass bills to fund day-to-day government activities in the fiscal year that starts on Oct. 1 and there are some fears that the debt limit could get caught up in those negotiations. Two U.S. soldiers were killed and four were wounded when their NATO convoy was attacked in Afghanistans troubled Kandahar province Wednesday, U.S. and NATO military officials said. Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis gave no details. But the Taliban claims one of its suicide bombers drove an explosives-packed vehicle into the convoy. It says 15 soldiers belonging to foreign occupation forces, including two high-ranking officers were killed. The Taliban routinely exaggerates casualty figures when making such claims. NATOs military mission the four wounded soldiers were receiving treatment at a coalition medical facility and that their wounds are not considered life threatening. On behalf of the men and women of the Resolute Support Mission, I offer our deepest condolences to the families of our fallen comrades, said General John Nicholson, commander, Resolute Support Mission. These soldiers gave their lives in service of a mission that is critically important to the United States, our allies and partners. We will honor their sacrifice with our dedication to protect our homeland and complete the mission for which they sacrificed. A provincial government statement said the convoy was carrying foreign troops to the airport through Kandahar city when a suicide car bomber struck. It said the blast damaged one of the vehicles, but would not discuss further details. Kandahar is known as the birthplace of the Taliban, whose resurgence has led U.S. President Donald Trump to consider sending more American forces back into Afghanistan. There are currently about 8,400 U.S. troops in the country, joining NATO forces as trainers and advisers to Afghan forces. Kandahar hosts a major American military base and shares the border with Pakistan. Mosque attack Meanwhile, Afghan officials said Wednesday the death toll in the overnight suicide attack on a Shi'ite mosque in the western city of Herat has risen to at least 31, including two children. More than 60 people were wounded. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. Eyewitnesses said two armed suicide bombers entered the mosque during Tuesday evening prayer time and opened fire on several hundred worshippers in the main hail before blowing themselves up. The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has condemned the attack, saying deliberately targeting civilians at prayer can have no justification whatsoever. "Fanning terror and sectarian violence against a specific community is abhorrent, and those responsible must be brought to account," said Tadamichi Yamamoto in a statement issued in Kabul. UNAMA says it has documented at least five attacks this year targeting Shi'ite mosques and religious gatherings in Afghanistan. IS has taken credit for plotting three of those attacks. The Trump administration's review of the U.S. policy in Afghanistan is taking "longer than originally announced and intended," the former U.S. envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan told VOA, although that could be due to the complexity of the issue. "There are no easy answers, there are no easy solutions. After 16 years, a lot of different approaches have been tried or at least considered," said Laurel Miller in an interview with the VOA Afghan service this week. President Donald Trump and his security team may be finding that they need more time to establish a new way forward, she said. Miller, a Rand corporation foreign policy expert, served as the special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, or SRAP, for nine months, until June 23 of this year. The administration has released few details about its policy review, but several options have been floated in the news media. Among those options: a new influx of U.S. troops, turning much of the fighting and work over to private contractors, looking at ways to bolster Afghanistan by expanding its precious mineral mining industry, and sharply drawing down the U.S. and NATO presence. The range and contradictions of those ideas isn't surprising to Miller. "It's important to consider all legitimate options for the path ahead in Afghanistan," she said. Caution over contractors But she cautioned that "there aren't really a lot of new ideas" on how to move forward. The idea of replacing military troops and government employees with a team of private contractors wouldn't be practical, Miller said. For one thing, she said, it's unlikely that the Kabul government would accept the idea. Additionally, there are legal issues regarding what contractors can and can't do for the U.S. government, while hiring companies to do the government's work often isn't cost effective. But her key concern is that bringing in contractors wouldn't necessarily bring new success. "You don't achieve something different just by hiring different people," Miller said. Sharply reducing the foreign military presence could be effective if done gradually, with new steps to support stability for the Afghan government and economy, she said. But an abrupt drawdown without new support for the Afghans would be "highly destabilizing" and "send a signal to countries in the region of U.S. disengagement," so those countries might take actions that worsen the situation. An intermediate strategy, such as relying primarily on drone strikes and Special Forces operations, could be effective, Miller said, if the U.S. determines what its objectives are and plans such a strategy to meet them. Review is essential The U.S. never managed to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table, largely because the militants would hold peace talks only with Washington, and not the Kabul government, Miller said. At this point, she said, it appears Trump is still considering whether peace talks would be one of its policy goals. Miller, who was on loan to the State Department for four years, was named acting SRAP in November 2016. She left her position as the loan agreement with Rand expired, and her departure left in question the fate of the SRAP office. The acting assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia is handling the SRAP portfolio for now. The SRAP office may be folded into the South and Central Asia bureau, a move that Miller says makes sense in organizational terms. "I agreed and had recommended that consolidation should move forward. But even so, the planning surrounding that shouldn't be seen as irrelevant as a policy signal," she said. A detailed review of the entire U.S. policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan is essential for any new administration, she said. "I would also say it's important for a new administration to do that because in places of the world where it is sending its service personnel into harm's way, where the United States is spending an extraordinary amount of taxpayer dollars, there needs to be not just a bureaucratic and policy commitment at the technical level to that endeavor, there needs to be a political commitment," Miller said. Getting that political commitment means having the support of the White House, Miller said. Syrian refugees stranded in Greece chanted "no more waiting!" and protested outside the German embassy in Athens on Wednesday against delays in reuniting with their relatives in Germany. About 100 people, among them young children, marched from parliament to the embassy holding up cardboard banners in English reading "I want my family" and shouting slogans about travel to Germany. Greek media have reported that Greece and Germany have informally agreed to slow down refugee reunification, stranding families in Greece for months after they fled Syria's civil war. About 60,000 refugees and migrants, mostly Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis, have been in Greece for over a year after border closures in the Balkans halted the onward journey many planned to take to central and western Europe. "My message is 'enough waiting, enough suffering'," said 41-year-old Syrian Malak Rahmoun, who lives in a Greek camp with her three daughters while her husband and son are in Berlin. "I feel my heart [is] miserable," she said. Rahmoun said she and her daughter applied for family reunification last year but that the Greek authorities have not given a clear reply. A deal between Turkey and the European Union in March 2016 slowed the flow of people crossing to Greece but about 100 a day continue to arrive on Greek islands. Nearly 11,000 refugees and migrants have crossed to Greece from Turkey this year, down from 173,000 in 2016 and a fraction of the nearly 1 million arrivals in 2015. Most of the new arrivals this year are women and children, according to United Nations data. In earlier years, men were the first to flee to Europe, leaving other family members to follow. "I've never seen my son [in] two years," Rahmoun said. Sirens wailed across Poland's capital on Tuesday as the country marked the 73rd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, a doomed revolt against the occupying Germans during World War II. Sirens sounded for about two minutes starting at 5 p.m., the hour the 1944 uprising began, bringing traffic mostly to a standstill while people stopped to pay respect to the Poles who fought and died. President Andrzej Duda, veterans, scouts and others took part in ceremonies, as did several thousand far-right extremists who marched through Warsaw. The German Embassy in Warsaw flew its flags a German and a European Union flag at half-staff to honor the victims. The Warsaw Uprising broke out August 1, 1944, with the Polish underground taking up arms against the powerful Nazi forces, hoping to liberate the city before the arrival of the Soviet Red Army. They held out for 63 days before the Germans crushed the revolt. It was the largest act of resistance in any nation under German occupation during the war. The heroism of insurgents who fought for national liberation remains a defining element in Polish national identity. The Germans suppressed the rebellion brutally, destroying most of Warsaw and killing around 200,000 people, most of them civilians. Soviet troops who had arrived on the outskirts of Warsaw in their westward push against Adolf Hitler's forces remained on the city's outskirts without helping the Poles who were supposed to be their allies. The Red Army's inaction was viewed as a deep betrayal. U.S. President Donald Trump paid homage to the "desperate struggle to overthrow oppression'' during a July 6 visit to Warsaw. Trump recalled that the Soviets "watched as the Nazis ruthlessly destroyed the city, viciously murdering men, women and children.'' The 1944 uprising by the Polish resistance came more than a year after Jews confined to the Warsaw Ghetto and about to be sent to death camps took up arms against the Nazis. That revolt also ended in tragedy for the Jews. For more than 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside Britain's longest-serving monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative. On Wednesday, Prince Philip will make his 22,219th and final solo public engagement. He will be meeting Royal Marines who have completed a 1,664-mile (2,678-kilometer) trek to raise money for charity. After that, the Duke of Edinburgh will still appear at Queen Elizabeth II's side from time to time as the 91-year-old monarch soldiers on. In the meantime, the man known for his quips and gaffes has already been joking about his big retirement day. "I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs," the 96-year-old Philip told celebrity chef Prue Leith at a recent palace event. Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated but he won't play an active role by attending engagements. The queen supported the decision, which was greeted with an international press flurry when it was announced in May. The occasion marks a major landmark for the man born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece. Amid the upheaval of the military coup that overthrew his uncle, King Constantine, in 1922, the family fled. King George V, the queen's grandfather, sent a Royal Navy cruiser to evacuate Philip's family and he was whisked to safety in a cot made from an orange box. Later, he rarely saw his parents and went to school in Germany and Britain. Philip has had a long association with the military and had once had promising military career. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and served during World War II, winning mention in dispatches for service aboard the battleship HMS Valiant at Cape Matapan, on Greece's Peloponnesian peninsula. He rose to the level of commander. 'Liege man of life and limb' Two years after the war ended, Philip married the future queen at Westminster Abbey when she was 21 and he was 26. He renounced his Greek title and King George VI made him the Duke of Edinburgh. His career came to an abrupt end with George's death in 1952. At the queen's coronation in 1953, Philip swore to be his wife's "liege man of life and limb." He settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen and they had four children Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. And ever since, the milestones just kept falling. Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas. He's championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry. An accomplished sportsman, he played polo regularly until 1971. He earned his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilot's license in 1959. Health All that activity has led to overall good health. But Philip has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in the last few years for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery. Many of his health issues are related to sports. He has arthritis in his right wrist and broke a bone in his ankle from playing polo. He developed a rheumatic condition of the tendon in the hand after taking a fall in polo. He takes the stairs rather than elevators and can still fit into the uniform he wore for his wedding. He was only seen wearing hearing aids for the first time at a palace reception in 2014 at the age of 93. The palace says his health wasn't behind the retirement decision. Philip, who enjoys a slightly wicked turn of phrase, has poked fun at himself and his advancing years. In a letter to The Oldie magazine in 2011, he said he appreciated being named "Consort of the Year." "There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing ever more quickly and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame," he wrote. "But it is nice to be remembered at all." The number of refugees coming to the United States dipped sharply in July, dropping to the lowest level of monthly arrivals in more than a decade amid temporary Supreme Court orders that largely supported the government's efforts to curb the number of displaced people allowed into the country. By Monday afternoon, 1,224 refugees had arrived, according to U.S. State Department data less than any other month since the 2007 fiscal year. The number plummeted in recent weeks after the Supreme Court determined that only refugees with close family ties to the United States will be allowed in for now. The country's highest court is scheduled to hear two cases related to President Donald Trump's travel ban in October. Asked about the sharp drop in July, a State Department spokesperson referred to the July 19 order by the Supreme Court that determined the "bona fide" relationship applied to relatives, and not to the agencies that resettle refugees in the U.S. a decision that blocks those refugees without family already here. The sharp decline in July also comes as the U.S. reached a reduced limit for total arrivals set by Trump. That ceiling of 50,000 refugees for the fiscal year which began Oct. 1, 2016 was reached July 12. Trump has insisted on that limit since January; it is a significant reduction over the Obama-set ceiling of 110,000. As it stands, refugees beyond that limit will only be resettled if they can prove they have "bona fide" immediate family members already in the United States. The family-relations requirement also extends to programs like those to resettle unaccompanied refugee minors who have no family to care for them in the refugee camps, but have foster families waiting for them in the U.S. Throughout six months of Trump's executive orders, the lawsuits challenging them, and rulings that started and stopped various parts of the travel ban on six countries and all refugees, the arrivals continued. The last two weeks of July saw the fewest arrivals since Trump's inauguration the weekly average has been 751, according to an analysis of State Department data, with sometimes dramatic fluctuations depending on court rulings. But during the weeks of July 16 and July 23, an average of 142 refugees came to the U.S. Those numbers are "upsetting, not surprising," says Mark Hetfield, president of HIAS, one of nine nonprofit agencies that resettles refugees in the U.S. "If President Trump had his way, it could have been much worse. What he envisioned was a total moratorium of 120 days what we got was at least close family " Hetfield said. "It's a narrow subset, but I believe that more than half in our pipeline qualify for those family relationships." In the next two months, the Trump administration must announce how many refugees will be allowed in for the coming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Resettlement agencies and civil rights organizations are lobbying to keep the arrival numbers as high as possible as the U.N. projects an increasing demand for permanent, safe homes for millions of refugees. To date, Trump has not backed down from an aggressive reduction in the total. With the ultimate decision in the president's hands, "There's nothing to explicitly prevent him from saying zero," Hetfield said. In the eyes of some voters, Philippe Mpayimana, a fresh-faced former journalist running for president of Rwanda, is just a clown. Otherwise, they ask, why would he be running against longtime President Paul Kagame? Some of Mpayimana's campaign venues are nearly empty of people, underscoring a widespread belief among Rwandans that Friday's election is just another coronation for Kagame, who won 93 percent of the votes in the last election. In the tidy capital, Kigali, there is little hint of the coming vote. Presidential candidates are barred from putting campaign posters in most public places, including schools and hospitals. The electoral commission vets candidates' campaign messages, warning that their social media accounts could be blocked otherwise. "Some people here even don't know names of candidates running against Kagame," said Chris Munyaneza, a university lecturer who lives in Kigali. "People are not bothered." "There is no excitement because people knew the winner a long time ago," said another Kigali resident who insisted on anonymity for his safety. Kagame has been de facto leader or president of the East African nation of 12 million people since his rebels ended its 1994 genocide. While he remains popular for presiding over impressive economic growth, he inspires fear among some Rwandans who say he uses the powers of the state to remove perceived opponents. Three potential candidates for Friday's election were disqualified by the electoral commission for allegedly failing to fulfil certain requirements, including collecting enough signatures. Two others Mpayimana and Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda were cleared to run. The 59-year-old Kagame has already claimed victory, telling a rally in July that the winner of the election is already known: "The day of the presidential elections will just be a formality." He pointed to a constitutional amendment after a referendum in 2015 that allows him to stay in power until 2034. 'Climate of fear' Ahead of the polls, tension has been growing following the mass retirement of over 800 army officers rare before an election and the reported arrest of at least four senior officers. The arrests include a man related to the late Col. Patrick Karegeya, a former intelligence chief who became a prominent dissident but was found dead in January 2014, apparently strangled, in South Africa. Karegeya's widow, who now lives in the United States, said of Kagame: "I think he is a man with an endless hatred, even to those he has put in the grave like my husband." Leah Karegeya said six family members, including her sister Goretti Kabuto, are in detention in Rwanda because of their ties to her late husband. Two decades of often deadly attacks on political opponents, journalists and rights activists have created a "climate of fear" ahead of Rwanda's election, Amnesty International said in a report last month. "There are many unknown prisons in this country, and many people have vanished and died there," said one supporter of opposition candidate Habineza, Charlotte Umutesi. "My brother disappeared for a long time and we didn't find him until much later. We need a change before it is too late." 'Visionary' leader Rwandan authorities, including Kagame, deny critics' claims that the government targets dissidents for assassination or disappearances. Others insist the president has widespread support. Eric Ndushabandi, a professor of political science at the National University of Rwanda, said many admire Kagame as a "visionary" leader who united a country scarred by the 1994 genocide, in which over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred by Hutu extremists. "People are influenced by the traumatic situation of the genocide and conflictual politics in the past and no one is ready to go back," Ndushabandi said. Meanwhile, opposition rallies often flop, apparently because some people are afraid to be seen associating with the president's opponents. In the southeastern town of Nyamata, where independent candidate Mpayimana held his first campaign rally, only about 15 people most of them children attended. Police last week arrested the mayor of the western district of Rubavu, Jeremie Sinamenye, over allegations that he and some of his staff prevented voters from attending Mpayimana's rallies. The other candidate running against Kagame, Habineza, called his campaign an act of "hope" despite the obvious risks. The organizing secretary of Habineza's party went missing two years ago and remains unaccounted for. The body of his deputy, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, was discovered in 2010 with a severed head in the southern town of Butare. That killing followed the shooting death of newspaper journalist Jean-Leonard Rugambage, whose tabloid had been suspended by Rwandan authorities. "Running against President Kagame comes with courage," Habineza said. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly confirmed Christopher Wray as the new head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The vote was 92-5 for Wray to take over the agency, which has been at the center of controversy since the 2016 presidential campaign. "This is a tough time to take on a tough job," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said during the debate over Wray's nomination. "The previous FBI detector, as we know, was fired because of the Russian investigation" into its meddling in the presidential campaign. But Wray said at his conformation hearing last month that there was only "one right way" to do the job "with strict independence, by the book, playing it straight, faithful to our laws, and faithful to the best practices of the institution." Wray, 50, has a long, distinguished career as a federal prosecutor and in private practice. He has a law degree from Yale University. He was an assistant attorney general during President George W. Bush's adminstration and has considerable experience in national security cases. Wray replaces James Comey, whom President Donald Trump fired in May during the FBI's investigation into allegations of Trump campaign collusion with the Russians in an effort to sway the 2016 election. Trump had said the FBI was in turmoil under Comey and that agents and others in the bureau had lost confidence in him. FBI officials denied that, leading many in Washington to speculate Trump fired Comey because the then-director was reluctant to comply with Trump's desire for the agency to back down from the Russia probe. Trump had also criticized Comey for his decision not to prosecute former Democratic president candidate Hillary Clinton for the way she handled her email accounts as secretary of state. FBI directors are appointed to serve 10-year terms and are expected to be nonpartisan and objective. VOA Capitol Hill correspondent Michael Bowman contributed to this report. Bipartisan groups of Republican and Democratic lawmakers are looking for ways to fix problematic parts of the U.S. health care law, even as President Donald Trump says he wants to let it collapse. Trump has voiced his anger that the Senate last week failed in three attempts to overhaul the law, passed during the first term of former President Barack Obama and commonly known as Obamacare. Since then he has said he just wants to let the law implode and leave Democrats to explain to voters why their insurance premiums increased sharply or they couldn't buy insurance at all. But Republican Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said he would hold bipartisan hearings next month with Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington state on how to repair the market for those who, unlike most Americans, do not have employer- or government-provided insurance. Alexander said an array of witnesses would be called to testify about their experiences with Obamacare, focusing on what needs to be revamped to make it work better. It is a legislative effort sharply at odds with Republicans' seven-year effort to upend the law and replace it with a more conservative version that costs the government less money and places far fewer requirements on insurance companies regarding the types of polices they can sell. "If your house is on fire, you want to put out the fire, and the fire in this case is the individual health insurance market," Alexander said. "Both Republicans and Democrats agree on this." A group of about 40 lawmakers in the House of Representatives has embarked on a similar effort to find ways to make the law work rather than repeal it. Trump has given no indication so far that he wants to repair rather than repeal Obamacare. His White House budget chief, Mick Mulvaney, said the government could cut off monthly payments to insurance companies that help the poor buy insurance, a move that would most likely lead to further increases in insurance premiums in the individual market. 'Demand another vote' In a Twitter comment earlier this week, the president said, "Unless the Republican Senators are total quitters, Repeal & Replace is not dead! Demand another vote before voting on any other bill!" But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, conceded he did not have enough Republican votes to overhaul the law. In the key vote early Friday, all 48 Democrats joined three Republicans to reject Trump's overtures on a 51-49 vote to derail a bid to even pass a slimmed-down repeal measure. In the aftermath of the vote, Trump implored, "Don't give up Republican Senators, the World is watching: Repeal & Replace." Several thousand opponents of Guinea's President Alpha Conde protested in the capital Conakry on Wednesday against election delays and insecurity, as political tensions escalate. Conde's election win in 2010 ended two years of violent military rule but his opponents say he has cracked down on dissent - some protests have been banned - and fear he might try to change the constitution to seek a third term in 2020. Conde has declined to comment on whether he wants to do so. "We demand respect for the law and more security and justice for our fellow citizens," Conde's main political rival, Cellou Dalein Diallo, told reporters as he rallied demonstrators in Conakry's Cosa neighborhood, an opposition stronghold. Conde and Diallo signed an agreement last October to organize mayoral elections by February but they have yet to be held. In a statement on Tuesday, Conde urged Guinea's political class to work together to implement the stalled accord. Many Guineans are also angry that they have not benefited from the country's mineral wealth, with constant power cuts, few jobs and low public sector salaries being top complaints. An Ebola epidemic from 2014 saw economic growth grind to a halt, but a rebound since it ended two years later has heaped pressure on the government to deliver tangible benefits. Guinea has about a third of the world's reserves of the aluminum ore bauxite but ranks 183 out of 188 countries on the U.N. Human Development Index. In April, several days of rioting in the main bauxite mining hub over pollution and power cuts killed one person and injured several others. Two months earlier, five people were killed in protests sparked by a teacher's strike. "Guinean teachers are the worst paid in the region," said Elie Kamano, a reggae artist at the demonstration, lamenting Guinea's various economic woes. "There are fathers whose salaries aren't enough to cover the needs of their household." Secretary of State Rex Tillerson surprised reporters at the State Department Tuesday by joining their daily briefing for the first time, laying out his vision for U.S. foreign policy for North Korea, Venezuela, China, the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine, among other hot spots. Asked about U.S. relations with Russia following President Vladimir Putin's order to cut back sharply on the number of American diplomats in Moscow, Tillerson said he has repeatedly warned Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that ties between their two countries are bad, but could get even worse, and they just did. Tillerson said the additional sanctions against Russia that the U.S. Congress passed by an overwhelming margin last week are not helpful, from his point of view. Now the action by the Congress to put these sanctions in place, and the way they did, neither the president nor I were very happy about that, Tillerson said. We were clear that we didn't think it was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made. They made it in a very overwhelming way. 'We'll work with it' The top U.S. diplomat said he thinks President Donald Trump accepts the overwhelming vote by Congress, and will sign the bill into law. And then we'll just work with it, Tillerson added. Vice President Mike Pence sounded a distinctly different note about the sanctions bill Tuesday, when he was in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, seeking to reassure Russia's neighbors, who are worried about Moscow's expansionist policies. Pence said Trump would sign the sanctions into law very soon, and that states in eastern Europe, including Ukraine, the Baltic states and Georgia should see that as a further of American commitment to their independence and sovereignty. The United States prefers a constructive relationship with Russia based on mutual cooperation and common interest, Pence said. But the president and our Congress are unified in our message to Russia: A better relationship the lifting of sanctions will require Russia to reverse the actions that caused the sanctions to be imposed in the first place, and not before. No date for bill signing yet At the White House, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday that Trump would sign the sanctions bill into law, but she could not say when that would happen. As with any very particularly complex piece of legislation like this is, there's a legal review taking place beforehand, she said. Several foreign-policy experts have called on the president to sign the sanctions into law quickly, because a tougher approach to Moscow will benefit Ukraine, Georgia and other countries that feel threatened by Russian aggression. Former Ambassador John Herbst, now with the Atlantic Council, gave his view: I believe that the steps that Congress has just taken are very positive for our policy on Ukraine. Because it's clear that the price of Kremlin aggression is going up. And if the price gets too high, Moscow will have to reverse its policy in Donbass, where pro-Moscow activists opposed to the Ukrainian government in Kyiv are active. And if [Moscow] reverses its policy on Donbass, that will probably have a positive impact in medium term and long term on its policy in Georgia, Herbst added. On Capitol Hill, U.S. senators from both major political parties called on Trump to sign the sanctions bill into law without further delay. The president has until Aug. 7 to sign the bill. If he fails to do so a situation known as a pocket veto Congress could vote to override his inaction. Republican senators are bucking President Donald Trump's calls to revive the health care debate. And Trump just ousted his only top White House aide with deep links to the Republican Party. But the president and his party won't be calling it quits any time soon. They remain tightly linked by a force more powerful than politics or personal ties: cash. Trump's fundraising prowess is the engine of the Republican National Committee and a lifeline for every Republican planning to rely on the party for financial help during next year's congressional races. Leaning heavily on Trump's appeal among small donors, the party has raised $75 million in the first six months of the year, more than double what the Democratic National Committee had raised by the same point in President Barack Obama's first year. "The president is somebody who absolutely is an asset when it comes to fundraising,'' RNC chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel said. Trump resonates with a base of Republicans who have been more willing this year than ever before to chip in. The party says it collected more cash online in the first six months of the year than in all of 2016. In late June, Trump played star and host of a fundraiser for his re-election campaign and the RNC. The event at the Trump International Hotel, just down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, raised $10 million to be divided between Trump and the party, the kind of bounty usually reserved for the final months before an election. The fundraising numbers help explain why more Republicans particularly those facing re-election next year aren't openly distancing themselves from a president whose approval rating hovers below 40 percent and whose White House has been wracked by public back-biting and legislative stumbles. And while Trump hasn't hesitated to call out Republicans who defy him, he's largely come to appreciate the permanence the RNC offers a White House that has had to quickly staff up from nothing a task that hasn't always gone smoothly. Trump's dismissal last week of chief of staff Reince Priebus prompted a rush of concern from Republican lawmakers who'd gotten to know Priebus during his nearly six years as party chairman. Some wondered if Trump was losing his only link to the Republican Party. Yet the well-funded RNC has been reformatted for the Trump era. "The president likes the fact that the party is structured to help his agenda, and there's not a question that this RNC is 100 percent loyal to him,'' said Brian Ballard, one of the party's lead fundraisers. "It's not like the RNC he inherited as the party's nominee; it's his now." Party employees have led communication at key points of the investigations into whether the Trump campaign had anything to do with Russian interference in the presidential election. And the RNC, realizing how important television is to this particular White House, has added employees to help book Trump proponents on cable shows. There are awkward GOP moments, to be sure. Just this week, Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, in his new book, called out Trump for his "seeming affection for strongmen and authoritarians." Trump over the weekend on Twitter ridiculed Senate Republicans for not passing a health care bill, saying Democrats were laughing at them and they "look like fools." McDaniel said the president has "every right" to engage with Republicans however he sees fit. "The American people put him in office to accomplish his agenda," she said. She's backed him up on Twitter: "I run into people every day who are hurting across the country under Obamacare," she wrote recently. "Giving up is not an option." Priebus and others at the RNC were squeamish about their presidential nominee at various points during the 2016 campaign, but few if any detractors remain at its headquarters on Capitol Hill, where the hallways are lined with portraits of Trump and blown-up snapshots of him. The RNC voted McDaniel in as party chair on Trump's recommendation. As the Michigan GOP head, she'd been a staunch Trump supporter even as her uncle, 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, expressed his own reservations about Trump during the campaign. Trump also tapped Bob Paduchik, his campaign's Ohio director, to serve as a deputy to McDaniel. The two remain close, and Paduchik traveled with Trump last month for a rally in Youngstown. Trump's family, including son Donald Trump Jr. and daughter-in-law Lara Trump, Eric Trump's wife, are involved in the RNC's strategy and fundraising and have grown close to McDaniel. Longtime Trump friend Steve Wynn, a fellow billionaire businessman, is the party's chief fundraiser, and the president's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, is among the RNC's principal fundraisers. His campaign's trusted data and digital director, Brad Parscale, joined the board of Data Trust, the party's data vendor, which keeps its voter files up to date. Trump heaped praise on the RNC's leadership team during the June fundraiser, calling them stars and winners. Bill Stepien, the White House's political director, said relations between the party and the president are as good now as they were in the mid-2000s, when he worked at the RNC while George W. Bush was president. Stepien said the White House and the party have "a strong relationship" and that Trump's aides view the RNC as an "essential component" of his success. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law a sanctions bill he declared is significantly flawed, with clearly unconstitutional provisions. The bill, aimed at penalizing Moscow for its interference in last years U.S. election, imposes fresh sanctions on Russia as well as Iran and North Korea. It also restricts the presidents authority to lift the sanctions without consulting Congress. By limiting the executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together, Trump said in one of a pair of statements the White House issued Wednesday. Despite its problems, I am signing the bill for the sake of national unity, the presidents statement said. Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on executive power, disadvantages American companies and hurts the interests of our European allies. Watch: White House Denies Trump Was Forced to Sign Russia Sanctions More retaliation? The bill Trump signed was also characterized in one of the White House statements as sending a clear message to Iran and North Korea that the American people will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior. America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries malignant activities, the statement said. There was no immediate reaction from North Korea. A senior government official in Tehran was quoted as saying the new U.S. sanctions violate the nuclear deal Iran reached with the United States and other major world powers two years ago, and that there would be a response from Irans leaders in an appropriate and proportional manner. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the new U.S. law is tantamount to a full-scale trade war, and the foreign ministry in Moscow said there could be countermeasures against the United States, above and beyond President Vladimir Putins order three days earlier sharply cutting back the size of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian capital. Russias new ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said the new sanctions law is harming our relations inevitably, but we will be working in conditions that exist in the hope that it will turn one day. Sign of weakness by Trump The bill gained near-unanimous approval in both houses of Congress, which would have allowed lawmakers to easily override any presidential veto of the bill. House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi called on Republicans who hold the controlling majority on Capitol Hill to refuse to permit the Trump White House to wriggle out of its duty to impose these sanctions for Russias brazen assault on our democracy. One Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, told a television interviewer (CNN) that Trumps signing of the bill without fanfare, without the customary audience of reporters and cameras reinforces the narrative [that] the Trump administration is not really serious about pushing back on Russia. And I think that is a mistake, too, because Putin will see this as a sign of weakness. The presidents statements made clear he did not want to sign the bill, George Washington University Associate Professor Henry Hale told VOA. The last thing Trump needs now politically is another embarrassing legislative defeat, so signing the bill with reservations lets him claim it as a victory, even as he prepares to work against key provisions of the bill, in implementation or through the courts, said Hale, who directs the Program on New Approaches to Research and Security in Eurasia. PONARS Eurasia, based at the George Washington University, is a network of over 100 academic figures, primarily from North America and post-Soviet Eurasia. The Russian government retaliated against the new sanctions even before Trump signed them into law, seizing two properties in Moscow used by the embassy and members of the American community, and also ordering an overall cutback of 755 staff positions at the Moscow embassy and three U.S. consulates in Russia in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg. Most of the positions the U.S. was ordered to eliminate are filled by Russian nationals employed by the United States, but the extreme cutback, leaving the United States with 455 people in Russia, would greatly reduce the U.S. diplomatic presence there. Obamas sanctions are intact The sanctions law sets new restrictions on U.S. companies working with Russian gas and oil companies, and codifies sanctions Obama imposed last year after learning about Russias meddling in U.S. politics. Before leaving office, Obama expelled about three dozen Russians holding diplomatic passports and closed two compounds in the U.S. used by the Russian community. American counterintelligence experts said many of the Russians expelled had been engaged in espionage, and that the Russian embassy similarly used the compounds outside Washington for intelligence gathering. Trump has scoffed at investigations in Washington into the Russian meddling and accusations that his aides colluded with Moscow. He has said such allegations amount to a witch hunt aimed at him, and that Democrats have used the collusion scenario to explain away his upset win over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the November election. The presidents lack of any criticism of Putin or his government has continued to surprise and confound both analysts and observers in Washington and elsewhere across the United States. Is Russia a US adversary? Professor Hale of GWU noted that Trumps statements about the bill Wednesday appeared to be particularly carefully worded to avoid calling Russia an adversary of the United States, as is explicitly stated in the legislation. If the president continues to cozy up to Russia, lawmakers wont hesitate to act, said Elliot Engel, the senior Democratic congressman on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Turkey's top military body will replace its heads of the army, air force, and navy, Turkish media reported Wednesday. The heads of the three military bodies will be replaced by other high-ranking members of the military in Turkey's latest shakeup of the armed forces after last year's failed coup, according to media reports. The decision followed a Wednesday meeting of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) chaired by Prime Minister Binali Yildrim, and will go to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for final approval later Wednesday. Commander of Turkish Land Forces Salih Zeki Colak will be replaced by the commander of the gendarmerie forces Yasar Guler. Naval commander Bulent Bostanoglu would be replaced by Adnan Ozbal, a vice-admiral, and Air Force Commander Abidin Unal will be replaced by General Hasan Kucukakyuz. YAS usually meets once a year, but it has convened three times since the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. The council also has shifted to give more prominence to government ministers, and meetings now are hosted by the prime minister instead of being held at military headquarters. Last year, YAS put 586 colonels into retirement and reduced the length of some officers' service. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein is calling for the immediate release of two prominent Venezuelan opposition leaders who were taken into custody. The men, who had been under house arrest, were seized by authorities during raids on their homes early Tuesday. Zeid says he is deeply concerned opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma once again were in jail. The Venezuelan Supreme Court revoked their house arrests, claiming they were planning to flee. The high commissioners spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, tells VOA the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has declared the detention of both Lopez and Ledezma to be arbitrary and says they never should have been arrested. It is absolutely illegal under international human rights law to arrest somebody and detain them arbitrarily," she said. "Now, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is the authority on these matters and they make their decisions after a careful review of the facts and the analysis of the law behind it. Shamdasani says the high commissioner is worried the excessive use of force will worsen the volatile situation in Venezuela. She adds at least 10 people were killed over the weekend while demonstrating against the election of a new body to rewrite the constitution, an act the opposition considers undemocratic. We have received many reports of violent house raids that have been carried out by security forces in various parts of the country. So, the high commissioner is calling on the government to ensure that it does not use excessive force in relation to people who disagree with them, she said. Shamdasani says the high commissioner is urging the Venezuelan government to carry out prompt, independent investigations in cases where excessive force may have been used. She says the human rights office will be closely monitoring events in the country. The United Nations urged Thailand on Tuesday to drop criminal cases against female activists who campaign for the rights of their communities, amid concerns they face increasing harassment. The call came after the wife of a prominent Thai land rights activist was jailed last week and a separate group of female activists who protested against a gold mining operation were indicted for breaching public assembly laws. The U.N. Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia expressed concern over the two cases and said the female activists must be allow to campaign without fear or threat of lawsuits, harassment, violence or intimidation. The crucial work of women human rights defenders in Thailand should be enabled and protected, not prevented, its acting deputy representative Katia Chirizzi said in a statement. Supap Kamlae, wife of missing rights campaigner Den Kamlae, was sentenced to six months in prison last Thursday for forest encroachment in a land dispute involving her community in northeast Thailand, the United Nations said. Before his disappearance in April 2016, Den had been fighting for his community to be awarded legal title to land they occupy in a wildlife sanctuary. Authorities have denied any knowledge of his whereabouts. In another case, seven women activists in the northeastern province of Loei face up to five and a half years in jail after they were indicted on July 25 for violating public assembly and criminal laws, according to the statement. The women had led local residents in opposing a gold mining operation which they fear might jeopardize their health and the environment. Thailand has a history of land rights activists disappearing or being killed. Rural women at the forefront of rights issues related to land, environment and natural resources have been at increasing risk of violence, threats and harassment since Thailand's military seized power in a 2014 coup, according to a study last month by several rights groups. 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 [] The number of American churches declaring themselves sanctuaries for illegal immigrants has more than doubled since President Donald Trump was elected, but only a dozen people are known to be taking refuge there to avoid deportation. Since Trump's victory in November, about 400 churches have declared themselves sanctuaries, bringing the total to more than 800, according to Church World Service, an international humanitarian nonprofit. The surge came after Trump pledged to deport millions of undocumented people from the United States. Last resort But for immigrants seeking to avoid federal authorities, sanctuary remains a last resort and a potentially risky one. You need a certain mindset. You have to be a very strong-willed individual who's willing to make that personal sacrifice to make a larger statement towards immigration law, said Ray Ybarra Maldonado, a Phoenix-based immigration attorney. It's not just about an individual staying here; it's something much bigger than that, said Ybarra Maldonado, who represented Mexican-born Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, who made headlines in February and was one of the first illegal immigrants deported under Trump. Mother granted a stay Nury Chavarria was the most recent immigrant to publicly take sanctuary in a church. Her decision seems to have helped her win some relief in the short term. The Guatemalan-born mother of four was granted a stay of deportation on Wednesday after spending six nights in Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal in New Haven, Connecticut. Chavarria, who has no criminal record, was previously granted a stay of removal on humanitarian grounds, according to Khaalid Walls, spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She came to the attention of ICE after her application for asylum was denied in 1993, her attorney said. In June, during a routine ICE check-in, federal authorities told her she had a month to return to Guatemala. When illegal immigrants like Chavarria take sanctuary, they have no guarantees. However, ICE policy discourages arrests at sensitive locations, which include places of worship. Immigrants reluctant to take offer The concept of sanctuary has roots in an ancient Judeo-Christian tradition. Today, religious communities offering refuge do so as a protest against federal immigration policy. Still, as churches nationwide declare themselves sanctuaries, immigrants are reluctant to accept their offer. Garcia de Rayos decided against taking sanctuary in a church, her attorney said. It's almost like being incarcerated. You can't live the life you want to live, said Ybarra Maldonado, Garcia's lawyer. By complying with immigration authorities, Garcia knew that deportation was likely. She was arrested when she showed up at her February ICE check-in. In her mind, it was just as much a political statement as going into sanctuary, said Ybarra Maldonado. Last-ditch effort For Chavarria, the decision to take sanctuary was not initially an act of protest but a last-ditch effort to remain with her children, according to Kica Matos, director of immigrant rights at the Center for Community Change, which represents Chavarria. Still, she attracted attention from Connecticut's two Democratic senators, Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, and Governor Dannel Malloy, who rallied around her in support. Like Chavarria, Jeanette Vizguerra appears to have benefited from publicity surrounding her case. Vizguerra took sanctuary at churches in Denver for 86 nights before her application for a stay of deportation was approved in May. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and a pair of Democratic congressmen introduced legislation that enabled her and another immigrant to stay in the country until 2019 but did not provide relief to other immigrants. Honored by magazine While Vizguerra was in sanctuary, Time magazine named her one of 2017's most influential people. The more high profile you can make your case, the more you can show the government that the rest of the world is watching, said Ybarra Maldonado. But Vizguerra and Chavarria are exceptions. There are still 12 immigrants known to be living in churches, hoping for legal relief. Their uncertainty may be discouraging others from taking sanctuary. There's a lot of fear in the community, said Noel Andersen, grassroots coordinator for immigrants' rights at Church World Service. The fear is that they could be stuck in a church for years on end, or if their story is public, they may be more of a target. The crisis in Yemen that has left millions on the brink of famine is "a man-made disaster" driven not only by decades of poverty and lack of investment but also by economic strangulation being used as a tactic of war, the U.N. development chief in the country said Tuesday. Auke Lootsma said "there is no end in sight" to Yemen's civil war. He said about 70 percent of the country's 27 million people need humanitarian aid, 60 percent don't know where their next meal is coming from, and nearly 7 million "are close to slipping into a state of famine." In addition, he said, the U.N. has recorded almost 400,000 cases of cholera and nearly 1,900 related deaths in the past four months and in the last two weeks there has been a meningitis outbreak. Lootsma told U.N. reporters by videoconference from Yemen's capital, Sana'a, that nearly 2 million children are considered "acutely malnourished," which makes them susceptible to cholera and cholera creates more malnutrition. "We expect this cholera outbreak to continue to wreak havoc despite the best efforts of the U.N. agencies" and humanitarian agencies working on the ground, said Lootsma, who is the U.N. Development Program's country director in Yemen. Yemen, which is on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has been engulfed in civil war since September 2014, when Houthi Shiite rebels swept into Sana'a and overthrew President Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi's internationally recognized government. Campaign against Houthis In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition, backed by the United States, began a campaign against Houthi forces allied with ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh in support of Hadi's government. Since then, the Iranian-backed Houthis have been dislodged from most of the south, but remain in control of Sana'a and much of the north. Lootsma said 90 percent of Yemen's food is imported, "so imports are crucial." At the moment, he said, getting food into the country is difficult because there are few commercial importers, they face financing challenges, airports are closed to commercial flights and there are difficulties at ports. "Foreign exchange reserves are depleted and the country is facing a liquidity crisis as well as a hard currency shortage," he added. But Lootsma said the food crisis is mainly driven by the impact of increased food prices, and especially the reduction in purchasing power of Yemenis, many of whom were living in poverty before the conflict began. "So although food may be available in the market, it is financially out of reach for many of the poor families," Lootsma said. Yemen is like "a bus racing towards the end of a cliff," he said. "Instead of hitting the brakes and turning around, the one that controls the bus keeps going and pushes the accelerator, all but certain to crash." But, he added, "I think we can still stop this bus and turn it around before it goes over the cliff, but time is really running out." Lootsma said the most important task to be accomplished is stopping the war. He said there is also a shortage of funds to help Yemenis. The U.N. humanitarian appeal for $2.1 billion is only 45 percent funded, and he urged donors who made pledges in April to send in the money. As the U.S. stock market hit a new all-time high Wednesday, key U.S. lawmakers staked out core positions for a looming battle that could impact economic performance for decades: reforming America's complicated and much-maligned tax system. "Comprehensive tax reform represents the single most important action we can take now to grow the economy and to help middle-class families finally get ahead," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, adding that Washington has a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to act. "For families, we want to make their taxes simpler, fairer and lower. For small businesses, we want to provide the conditions they need to form, invest and grow," McConnell said. An object of near-universal ridicule, the federal tax code is thousands of pages long and forces many Americans to hire accountants or attorneys to comply with its vast array of provisions. President Donald Trump made tax reform a major campaign promise last year, including lowering America's corporate tax rate, the highest among the world's major economies. Failure to deliver on what has been a core Republican pledge to voters for multiple election cycles would be a bitter pill for a party still licking its wounds over its inability so far to abolish former President Barack Obama's signature health care law. While Senate Democrats unified in opposition to repealing Obamacare, many say they are eager to work with Republicans on tax reform so long as certain conditions are met. "First, don't cut taxes for the top 1 percent [richest Americans]," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat. "Second, don't increase the [federal] debt and deficit. And third, negotiate in a fair and open process." Opposition to reconciliation Democrats are objecting to any Republican attempt to pass tax reform though reconciliation, a Senate procedure that sets aside the three-fifths majority commonly required to advance a bill. Under reconciliation, Republicans could approve tax reform using their narrow Senate majority, bypassing Democrats entirely. Schumer warned that reconciliation would torpedo "bipartisan tax reform before a discussion between our two parties has even begun." "Is he [McConnell] closing the door on bipartisanship because he so dearly wants to cut taxes on the top 1 percent?" the minority leader asked. "The wealthy are doing great right now, God bless them." For his part, McConnell promised ample opportunities for Democrats to help shape a final tax reform bill. "Our expectation is for this legislation to move through the committees this fall under regular order, followed by consideration on both the House and Senate floor," the majority leader said. "There's a great deal of bipartisan consensus about what ails our tax code, and my hope is our friends on the other side of the aisle [Democrats] will join us in a serious way to address it." Revenue-neutral McConnell has said that tax reform should be revenue-neutral, meaning that any tax cuts would have to be offset by revenue increases in other areas of the federal code. It is widely assumed that Republicans will propose reducing a variety of tax rates paid by wage earners and businesses, while eliminating some tax deductions many Americans use to lower their tax bills. For decades, some Republicans have argued that tax cuts pay for themselves by stimulating the economy, leading to higher output and more tax revenue. Democrats contend the theory was proven false under the administrations of former presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, which saw deficits rise after major tax cuts were enacted. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal has taken focus away from other Iranian "destabilizing activities in the region," such as its ballistic missile program, support for terrorism and the roles it plays in conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. His comments Tuesday during a State Department briefing come as top officials in both the United States and Iran accuse the other side of violating the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which limited Iran's nuclear program to ensure it could not produce nuclear weapons while giving Iran sanctions relief. It's an agreement that should serve Americans America's interests first and foremost, and if it doesn't serve that interest, then why would we maintain it? Tillerson said. The Trump administration last month gave its latest certification to Congress that Iran is in compliance with the terms of the deal, which it will next be required to give in September. Trump himself has repeatedly criticized the JCPOA as being too friendly to Iran. Tillerson said Tuesday the United States is working with the other parties, which include Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, in order to fully enforce the terms and challenge whether Iran is living up to its commitments and the spirit of the agreement. Too much, too soon? He voiced displeasure with the timeline of the agreement, saying Iran was able to enjoy a lot of its benefits from the beginning. They got the immediate lifting of the sanctions before they ever had to deliver on anything, Tillerson said. The deal set up a period of time during which Iran was required to put in motion many of the key restrictions on its nuclear program, such as limiting the number of centrifuges it could operate, the amount of enriched uranium it could hold and keeping the enrichment level of the material far below weapons grade. Only after certification by the International Atomic Energy Agency were sanctions lifted. Tillerson also said Iran's ballistic missile activity has continued in a way that violates the spirit of the deal, and that under the JCPOA Iran agreed to become a good neighbor. The ballistic missile language has been a point of contention since a U.N. Security Council resolution endorsed the nuclear deal. An annex in the resolution says a previous resolution that expressly forbid ballistic missile activity would be lifted, and that Iran is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran has seen that language as more of a request than an enforceable prohibition. There is no specific language in the JCPOA that directs Iran to improve relations with its neighbors, but a section of the preface says all of the signatories anticipate that full implementation of this JCPOA will positively contribute to regional and international peace and security. Trump's threats Trump told the Wall Street Journal last week that if it were up to him, he would have declared Iran non-compliant six months ago and that he expects to do so at the next opportunity. We've been extremely nice to them in saying they were compliant, OK? We've given them the benefit of every doubt, he said. When asked if he would overrule his staff, Trump said, Sure, while expressing respect for Tillerson and his staff at the State Department. It's easier to say they comply. It's a lot easier. But it's the wrong thing. Iranian objections Iran has made its own complaints, including Tuesday in comments from Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Larijani said Iran's JCPOA team concluded new U.S. sanctions violated the nuclear deal and that his government should complain about them to the Joint Commission the deal set up in order to handle disputes between the two sides. The sanctions target people involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and the Revolutionary Guard. Larijani said the measures may be aimed at discouraging foreign investment in Iran, which the former nuclear-related sanctions sharply curbed. The agreement text says the European Union and the United States will refrain from policies specifically intended to harm the normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran. It also says officials from all sides will try to support the deal, "including in their public statements." Zarif meanwhile said U.S. moves to go back on the agreement and what he called hostilities toward Iran were discussed at the latest Joint Commission meeting, held July 21 in Vienna. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who was a key part of the JCPOA negotiations, is scheduled to travel to Iran on Saturday to review implementation issues with Iranian officials. Last month, in marking the two-year anniversary of the deal, Mogherini praised it as successful and noted reports by the IAEA showing Iran is abiding by the terms. The European Union is and will stay committed in preserving and implementing it, and building on it to address the remaining unresolved sources of tension and conflict that are still afflicting the region, she said. A stable and peaceful environment in a conflict-free and cooperative regional order remains our ultimate objective. The last IAEA report came in June and noted Iran was allowing the agency inspection and monitoring efforts to operate and was meeting the requirements for limits on centrifuges, enrichment and stockpile sizes. A leading Senate Democrat on Tuesday accused U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions of concealing policy recommendations that could change how the Justice Department enforces laws on illegal immigration, drug trafficking and violent crime. In a letter to Sessions, Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden said the Justice Department should release recommendations made by the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety, noting that the policy changes could end up hurting Americans. "These [Justice Department] decisions could have dramatic and wide-ranging consequences for Americans' daily lives," Wyden wrote, noting that the task force's work could impact everything from marijuana and asset forfeiture policies to hate crimes, immigration and human trafficking. "Yet Americans remain in the dark about the content of the task force's recommendations." The Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety was established through an executive order by President Donald Trump in February. Names of those serving on the task force have not been published, and the group was supposed to deliver its recommendations by July 27. In a public statement last week, Sessions said he had received recommendations "on a rolling basis" and he had already "been acting on the task force's recommendations to set the policy of the department." A Justice Department spokesman referred to Sessions' prior statement when asked for comment, saying the department will "make announcements on policy changes as appropriate." The department has already announced a few policy changes that stem from the task force's work. Earlier this month, for instance, the department said it plans to reinstate a controversial civil asset forfeiture program that lets local police departments seize cash from people without first charging them with a crime, even if their states do not condone such a policy. The policy had been rolled back during the Obama administration amid concerns it was allowing the government to take away peoples' property without due process. In May, the department also undid another Obama-era policy to allow for tougher charges and longer prison sentences. Wyden, whose state voted to legalize the use of recreational marijuana, said he was particularly concerned about the "secrecy shrouding" recommendations related to the drug. Sessions has previously made critical comments about marijuana use. "It is not the role of the Attorney General to unilaterally undermine the will of Oregon voters," he wrote. The United States, Britain, France and Germany have called Iran's recent rocket test inconsistent with a U.N. Security Council resolution and asked the U.N. chief to investigate it. This launch therefore represents a threatening and provocative step by Iran, says the letter sent Wednesday to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres and the president of the Security Council by the United States on behalf of the four powers. Last Thursday, Iran announced that it had successfully fired a rocket carrying a satellite into space. Tehran claimed the Simorgh rocket is capable of carrying a 250-kilogram satellite as far as 500 kilometers (311 miles) above Earth, but did not elaborate on the payload of the rocket fired last week. The launch followed the U.S. move in July to increase economic sanctions placed on Iran for its ballistic missile program. Under the text of the 2015 nuclear deal that limited Iran's nuclear activity in return for sanctions relief, ballistic missile tests are not expressly prohibited. But the document was endorsed by the U.N. Security Council in a resolution that further says Iran is called upon not to undertake any ballistic missile related activity. Wednesday's letter says Iran's launch is inconsistent with that section of the resolution. We call on Iran to immediately cease all activities related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology, the four powers wrote in their letter. In our reading of the JCPOA this is not a violation of the agreement because it concerns other things, which were not directly written into the JCPOA, Russia's new U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters, referring to the Iran deal by its acronym, Iran has repeatedly asserted that it is well within its rights to conduct the missile tests, and multiple officials have said new U.S. sanctions targeting the country's ballistic missile program amount to a breach of the nuclear deal. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was Iran's chief negotiator for the nuclear talks, said after U.S. President Donald Trump signed the sanctions bill that Iran will come up with a smart response. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday the United States is working with the other parties, which include Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, in order to fully enforce the terms of the Iran deal and challenge whether Iran is "living up to its commitments and the spirit of the agreement." During his campaign, President Trump dismissed the 2015 agreement as a terrible deal and threatened to pull out from it. On Tuesday, Secretary Tillerson left that option open. It's an agreement that should serve Americans. America's interests first and foremost, and if it doesn't serve that interest, then why would we maintain it? Tillerson told reporters. Weapons trade Meanwhile, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley singled Iran out for criticism during a debate Wednesday on the flow of weapons to terrorist groups. One country stands out for its deliberate, systematic contributions of weapons, training and funding for terrorist groups, Haley said. One country uses its support for terrorist proxies to conduct its foreign policy and to compensate for its own weakness. That country is Iran. She pointed to Irans support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and its interference in Iraq and Syria. The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Wednesday seeking to prevent terrorist groups from acquiring weapons. Haley said technical cooperation and security upgrades would not be enough to diminish the threat from Iran. As long as we allow the Iranian regime to violate this councils prohibitions with impunity, it will be a source of weapons to terrorist groups that will only grow in volume and destructive capability, Haley warned. The United States will officially begin banning its citizens from traveling to North Korea on September 1. The restriction, which was published Wednesday in the Federal Register, forbids U.S. nationals from traveling to North Korea due to a serious risk of arrest and long-term detention. "All United States passports are declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel," the published restriction reads. Humanitarian travel and, in some cases, travel for journalistic purposes, will be exempt from the ban, which will remain in effect for one year unless it is rescinded sooner by the U.S. State Department. The decision to ban travel came after the death of U.S. student Otto Warmbier, who passed away after falling into a coma into a North Korean prison. Warmbier was sentenced to hard labor in North Korea after being convicted of attempting to steal a propaganda poster from a hotel in Pyongyang. The 22-year-old was medically evacuated to the United States last month with severe brain damage. Following Warmbiers death, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was running out of patience with the North Korean regime. He called Warmbier's treatment a "total disgrace" and described the North Korean government as a brutal regime that doesn't "respect the rule of law or basic human decency." U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused Russia on Wednesday of working to "destabilize" the Western Balkans and divide the region from the West where he said its future lies. Pence spoke in Montenegro, which joined NATO this year in defiance of Russia, on the final leg of a tour designed to reassure Eastern Europe of Washington's commitment to its security despite doubts sowed by President Donald Trump's lukewarm support for the Western military alliance. Montenegro, a former Yugoslav republic with a population of 680,000 and an army of 2,000, became NATO's 29th member in June, eight months after Podgorica accused Russian spies of orchestrating an attempted coup to derail the accession. Moscow dismissed the accusations as anti-Russian hysteria and warned of retaliation against Montenegro's "hostile course." "As you all know, Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force and, here in the Western Balkans, Russia has worked to destabilize the region, undermine democracies and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe," Pence told a summit attended by leaders of NATO members Montenegro, Croatia, Albania and Slovenia, as well as Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Kosovo. "I can assure you the United States of America rejects any attempt to use force, threats or intimidation in this region or beyond," he said. Speaking earlier in the day, Pence underscored Washington's commitment to Euro-Atlantic ties, a commitment many in Europe questioned after Trump lambasted NATO as "obsolete" and argued in favor of better relations with Russia. "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," he told reporters, "and we look forward to reaffirming the commitment of the United States to build the relationships that will strengthen the ties between the European community, the Western Balkans and the United States of America." The West says Russia is increasingly engaged in the former Yugoslavia, particularly among fellow Orthodox Christians in Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Bosnia. Serbia, as the largest of the states to emerge from the ashes of socialist federal Yugoslavia in the 1990s, has become a focus of Russian attention as Belgrade pursues an increasingly difficult balancing act between European Union membership aspirations and a popular affinity for Russia. Russia strongly opposed NATO accession for Montenegro, whose deep-water Adriatic ports can support naval operations in the Mediterranean. Pence, addressing a dinner on Tuesday evening, said Montenegro's determination to press ahead with NATO accession in the face of Russian pressure "inspires the world." He arrived in the Balkans from ex-Soviet Georgia, which fought a brief war with Russia in 2008 over the breakaway enclave of South Ossetia. He also visited Estonia, telling leaders of the Baltic states they could count on U.S. support if they faced aggression from Russia. In the wake of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, its intervention in eastern Ukraine and the conflict in Georgia, Eastern Europe is watching nervously the prospect of large-scale military exercises next month on Russia's Western borders, which NATO officials believe could involve more than 100,000 troops. An electronic voting technology company that tracked voting in Sunday's Venezuelan elections to overhaul the country's constitution says the turnout was "manipulated" by at least 1 million votes. "We know, without any doubt, that the turnout of the recent election for a National Constituent Assembly was manipulated," said Antonio Mugica, CEO of Smartmatic, at a Wednesday news conference in London. "We estimate the difference between the actual participation and the one announced by authorities was at least 1 million." Mugica said the discrepancy of 1 million votes was between tallies announced by the government and those counted by his company's systems. Tampering Mugica declined to say whether the tampering changed the outcome of the election, which may be challenged by the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Assembly President Julio Borges said Smartmatic's findings are "complete confirmation" of what the opposition and election analysts had suspected and added that lawmakers will ask the country's top prosecutor to investigate members of the National Election Council for potential crimes. The council did not immediately comment on the findings. The government said more than 8 million people cast ballots. The opposition, which boycotted the vote, said the turnout was much lower. Reporters in Caracas said dozens of polling places were almost deserted Sunday. Even if 8 million people did cast ballots, that would be less than half of all registered voters. Pre-election polls indicated more than 70 percent of all Venezuelans opposed the election of an assembly to rewrite the constitution. The opposition contended the vote was rigged to pack the assembly with Maduro supporters who could dissolve the opposition-controlled national assembly, and fire officials who disagree with the government. Maduro's opponents are demanding early presidential elections, which have been scheduled for 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, says he is holding Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "personally responsible" for the health and safety of two opposition leaders taken from their homes by police early Tuesday morning. "The United States condemns the actions of the Maduro dictatorship," Trump said in a statement late Tuesday. "Mr. Lopez and Mr. Ledezma are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime ...we reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners." 'All who cherish freedom' During a visit Wednesday in Montenegro with Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged "all who cherish freedom to condemn the Maduro regime for its abuse of power and its abuse of its own people. Venezuela deserves democracy and the Venezuelan people deserve freedom." Twitter video purportedly shows intelligence agents dragging Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma out of their homes early Tuesday morning and shoving them into cars. The two were under house arrest for previous opposition activities. The Venezuelan Supreme Court says "official intelligence sources" warned that Lopez and Ledezma were planning to flee. The court said they broke the terms of their house arrest by "political campaigning" and "making statements to the media," encouraging protests against the Maduro government. Lopez' lawyer, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, denied his client violated his house-arrest regulations. He said Lopez was only forbidden from talking about his own case. Lopez and Ledezma, both former mayors, each had posted videos urging their followers to boycott Sunday's election. Lopez previously spent three years in jail on charges of instigating violence during anti-Maduro street protests in 2014; Ledezma was convicted in 2015 on charges of plotting a coup against Maduro. The U.S. imposed sanctions against Maduro on Monday for what it called his "illegitimate" election of an assembly to rewrite the constitution. All of Maduro's assets in the United States have been frozen and Americans are forbidden from doing any business with him. Maduro says he does not care. He raged on Venezuelan television: "They don't intimidate me. The threats and sanctions of the empire don't intimidate me for a moment...Bring on more sanctions, Donald Trump." Dismissed US charges Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino dismissed U.S. charges that Maduro is a dictator. He said dictators do not hold elections, invoke the constitution and work for peace to avoid civil war. Jennifer McCoy, a distinguished professor at Georgia State University and former director of the Carter Center's Americas program, said some legislators who are members of Maduro's United Socialist Party have distanced themselves as a critique of Sunday's election and the government's actions. "There have been some other defections from former Chavistas who are also critical of what the government has been doing," McCoy told VOA. "If a group of dissident Chavistas grows, that provides sort of a third or a middle ground. If they united with the opposition, then that isolates the government further along with the international isolation that seems to be growing. With those two tendencies we may see eventually a willingness for real talks to begin." McCoy also said that so far the Venezuelan military has supported Maduro. The Maduro government is determined to form the 545-member constituent assembly. Details on what might be included in a new constitution are unclear. Maduro has said it is the only way to pull Venezuela out of its severe economic and social crisis and curtail political violence. The drop in global energy prices and political corruption have destroyed Venezuela's oil-rich economy. Gasoline, medicine and such basic staples as cooking oil, flour, and sugar are scarce, and many Venezuelans cross into neighboring Colombia and Brazil to buy food. Maduro has blamed the country's woes on what he calls U.S. imperialism and its supporters inside Venezuela. He has warned against intervention by the Organization of American States, saying that would surely lead to civil war. A spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the U.N. chief is urging Venezuelans, particularly their leaders, to make all possible efforts to de-escalate tensions, saying the "only way forward is a political solution." A Palestinian-Syrian software pioneer has been executed in prison after being arrested five years ago by Syrian authorities in Damascus, his widow and colleagues said Wednesday, in what Amnesty International said was a "grim reminder of Syrian prison horrors." Noura Ghazi Safadi wrote on Facebook late Tuesday that she has received confirmation that security services executed Bassel Khartabil in October 2015 after torturing him in prison. Khartabil, who also went by the name Bassel Safadi, was a champion and leading contributor to Arabic Creative Commons, a framework for coding and legal rights that promotes the open distribution of software and ideas, according to his Lebanese friend Dana Trometer. He ran a software development workspace in Damascus, which was known to the Syrian authorities. Trometer says his trial was held in secret, and the cause for his arrest was never given. Khartabil was taken from the street in Damascus in March 2012 amid a wave of military arrests, Creative Commons said in a statement Wednesday confirming news of his execution. He was jailed for several years, during which time he was allowed to infrequently communicate with family members. Then, in October 2015, he was abruptly transferred to an undisclosed location and all communications with the outside world ceased, it said. Oussama Jarrousse, a Berlin-based colleague of Khartabil, said he was not only a highly skilled software developer but he was also knowledgeable in the policy side of the internet, and was well integrated with the international "Open Internet" community, such as Wikipedia, and had a good reputation among his international peers. "It takes years of hard work and effort to build such trust and relationships," he said. "We are deeply saddened and outraged at this awful news. Bassel Khartabil will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, who peacefully fought for freedom to the very end," said Anna Neistat, Amnesty International's senior director of research. In a statement, she said "his death is a grim reminder of the horrors that take place in Syrian prisons every day." "The tens of thousands of people currently locked away inside Syrian government detention facilities face torture, ill-treatment and extrajudicial executions. These cruel acts undoubtedly amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity," she said. The London-based watchdog said in a report earlier this year that Syrian authorities have killed at least 13,000 people since the start of the 2011 uprising in mass hangings at a prison north of Damascus known to detainees as "the slaughterhouse." The February report covered the period from 2011 to 2015, when Amnesty said 20 to 50 people were hanged each week at Saydnaya Prison in killings authorized by senior Syrian officials, including deputies of President Bashar al-Assad, and carried out by military police. The Syrian government rejected the Amnesty report and denied its findings. 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 [] Two Venezuelan opposition leaders who were on house arrest have been seized from their homes by state security forces, two days after a controversial vote creating a national assembly to rewrite the constitution. The families of Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma say the men were taken during the early morning hours Tuesday by agents with the Venezuelan intelligence service Sebin. Both families posted videos on Twitter of the men as they were taken, with Ledezma still wearing pajamas. WATCH: Video showing agents removing opposition leader from home Venezuela's Supreme Court said the two leaders were sent back to jail because "official intelligence sources" discovered they were planning to flee. The court also said Lopez and Ledezma violated the terms of their house arrest by "political campaigning" and "making statements to the media." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned rising political tensions "will distance the country from a path conducive to finding a peaceful solution to the country's challenges," according to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. He said the secretary-general is urging Venezuelans, particularly those representing the government, to make all possible efforts to de-escalate tensions. Dujarric said Guterres reiterated the need for the government and opposition to begin negotiations, adding, the "only way forward is a political solution." U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Francisco Palmieri posted on Twitter that the U.S. is concerned about the detention of the men, saying it is "further evidence of the #Maduro regime's authoritarianism." The two opposition leaders had each posted videos urging their followers to boycott last Sunday's vote to establish the assembly, which opposition forces said was an effort by President Nicolas Maduro to transform Venezuela into an authoritarian state. Lopez and Ledezma, both of them former mayors, had been under house arrest for various charges. Lopez entered house arrest just weeks ago after spending three-and-a-half years in jail on charges of instigating violence during anti-Maduro street protests in 2014. Ledezma was convicted in 2015 on charges of plotting a coup against Maduro. The detentions came hours after the United States imposed sanctions on Maduro over what it called his "illegitimate" election of an assembly to rewrite the constitution. All of Maduro's assets in the U.S. are frozen and Americans are forbidden from doing any business with him. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the sanctions Monday in Washington, calling Maduro a "dictator" who ignores the will of the Venezuelan people. Maduro showed his apparent indifference to the sanctions late Monday, calling them a sign of President Donald Trump's "desperation and hate." "I will not obey imperial orders. I do not obey any foreign governments. I'm a free president," Maduro said. The sanctions against Maduro follow those imposed recently on a number of current and former senior Venezuelan officials. Mnuchin would not comment on possible future sanctions, including a ban on Venezuelan oil exports. He said the U.S. will monitor the situation, but that "our objective is not to do anything to hurt the people of Venezuela." Maduro presses ahead The Maduro government appeared determined to go through with forming the 545-member constituent assembly, even before it releases final results of the election. The government said more than 8 million people cast ballots; the opposition, which boycotted the vote, said the turnout was much lower. Reporters on the ground in Caracas said dozens of polling places were almost deserted Sunday. If 8 million people voted, that would be less than half of all registered voters. Pre-election polls showed more than 70 percent of all Venezuelans opposed the assembly. Details on what is likely to be included in a new constitution are unclear. Maduro has said it is the only way to pull Venezuela out of its severe economic and social crisis and stop the violence. The opposition contended the vote was rigged, in order to pack the assembly with Maduro supporters who could dissolve the opposition-controlled national assembly and fire officials who disagree with the government. Maduro's opponents are demanding early presidential elections. Sundays election was the bloodiest day in four months of anti-government protests, with at least 10 people killed in clashes around the country. More than 120 have died since early April. The drop in global energy prices and political corruption together have destroyed Venezuela's once oil-rich economy. Gasoline, medicine, and such basic staples as cooking oil, flour, and sugar are scarce, and many Venezuelans cross into neighboring Colombia and Brazil to buy food. Maduro has blamed the country's woes on what he calls U.S. imperialism and its supporters inside Venezuela. He has warned against intervention by the Organization of American States, saying that would surely lead to civil war. Several dozen protesters marched to the electoral commission offices Tuesday in central Nairobi, demanding justice for election official Chris Msando. Msando was found dead Monday after going missing Friday. According to the head of Kenya's electoral commission, Msando was tortured before he was killed. Anti-corruption campaigner John Githongo says Msando's killing was meant to derail the electoral process. "The timing of his torture and murder serves to undermine Kenya's elections management body at this most crucial time in the work of the IEBC [Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission]," Githongo said. The nationwide vote is one week away, and the organization of the elections has been a source of tension during the past year. Msando was to oversee the use of biometric voter technology. Kenya Human Rights Commission Executive Director George Kegoro helped organize the march. "Even as the investigation gets on its way, we remind the state of its duty to take whatever necessary measures it finds possible to secure the safety of IEBC commissioners and all its staff," Kegoro said. "An intimidated and fearful staff cannot fully deliver its mandate or respect its oath to act without fear or favor in carrying out their important responsibilities [as] entrusted by the citizens of Kenya." Political parties on both sides have condemned Msando's killing. The ruling Jubilee coalition issued a statement urging police to investigate, while one of the leaders of the main opposition alliance, Musalia Mudavadi, spoke to reporters. "Chris [Msando], on television last week, assured Kenyans that they need not worry about the Kenya Integrated Electronic [Elections] Management System [KIEMS], as he was sure it would work," Mudavadi said. "That no effort was made to camouflage this killing as an accident shows the determination of the killers to send a chilling message that they will stop at nothing to ensure the outcome that they desire." Electoral commission chairman Wafula Chebukati met with protesters and said the commission is determined to do its job. "We are mourning with the family, we are mourning with the IEBC family, but this country is bigger than all of us [and] we have a mandate to deliver to the Kenyan people," Chebukati said. Kenya's inspector general of police called Msando's killing "a crime of grave proportions" and said a team has been assembled to follow what he called "several crucial leads" to bring the murderers to justice. The United States and Britain have offered to assist Kenya in the investigation. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP BACKS RAISE ACT Bill will create a merit-based immigration system that protects our workers, our taxpayers, and our economy A SURGE IN UNSKILLED IMMIGRATION: For decades, low-skilled and unskilled immigration into the United States has surged, depressing wages and harming Americas most vulnerable citizens. Our system does not prioritize the most highly skilled immigrantsjust 1 out of every 15 immigrants to the United States comes here because of their skills. On average, 1 million immigrants are accepted into the United States for legal permanent residency annually, and most of them are low or unskilled workers. This influx is the equivalent of adding more than the population of San Francisco to the country every year. More than 50 percent of all immigrant households receive welfare benefits, compared to only 30 percent of native households in the United States that receive welfare benefits. Immigrants with a college education or higher are, on average, less likely to be welfare recipients than those without the same degree of education. Since 1979, Americans with a high school diploma or less have seen their real hourly wages decline. American workers without a high school diploma have seen their real hourly wages fall by 17 percent. -------------------------------------- THE RAISE ACT PUTS AMERICAN WORKERS FIRST: President Donald J. Trump supports the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act to prioritize immigrants based on the skills they bring to our Nation while safeguarding the jobs of American workers. The RAISE Act replaces the current permanent employment-visa framework with a skills-based system that rewards applicants based on their individual merits. The system rewards education, English-language ability, high-paying job offers, past achievements, and entrepreneurial initiative. This system is similar to the merit-based immigration systems used by Canada and Australia. --------------------------------------- The RAISE Act reduces overall immigration numbers to limit low-skilled and unskilled labor entering the United States. The RAISE Act prioritizes immediate family members of United States residents, including spouses and minor children, but ends preferences for extended family members and adult children. United States citizens needing to take care of elderly parents can receive renewable, temporary visas for them. The RAISE Act eliminates the outdated Diversity Visa lottery system, which serves questionable economic and humanitarian interests. The RAISE Act limits permanent resident status for refugees to 50,000 a year, in line with the 13-year average. A PROMISE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: The RAISE Act follows through on President Trumps promise to the reform our immigration system to put America first. President Trump on July 26, 2017: As we speak, we are working with two wonderful Senators, Tom Cotton and David Perdue, to create a new immigration system for America. Instead of todays low-skill system, just a terrible system where anybody comes in. President Trump on February 28, 2017: Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers and puts great pressure on our taxpayers. Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, we will have so many more benefits.It will save countless dollars, raise workers wages, and help struggling families -- including immigrant families -- enter the middle class. Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi says he is worried by reports indicating that some members of the Zimbabwe National Army attacked police in the streets of Harare on Tuesday. Sekeramayi was responding to inquiries by parliamentarians who expressed shock over the attacks, which resulted in some policemen manning various areas, to flee to the Harare Central Police Station when they were being pummeled with clenched fists, sjamboks and other items. Sekeramayi, who could not release any further details, said he was worried about the attacks. He promised to respond fully to the attacks as soon as possible. Studio 7 has been informed that at least six policemen were seriously injured in the melee. A few days ago, police allegedly used spikes to stop an army truck, a move which angered ZNA members to hit back by mobilizing their colleagues and venturing into the streets of Harare. Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson, Alphios Makotore, did not respond to questions sent to him by VOA Studio 7 while police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba declined to comment. Background: Karymsky, the most active volcano of Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone, is a symmetrical stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera that formed during the early Holocene. The caldera cuts the south side of the Pleistocene Dvor volcano and is located outside the north margin of the large mid-Pleistocene Polovinka caldera, which contains the smaller Akademia Nauk and Odnoboky calderas. Most seismicity preceding Karymsky eruptions originated beneath Akademia Nauk caldera, which is located immediately south of Karymsky volcano. The caldera enclosing Karymsky volcano formed about 7600-7700 radiocarbon years ago; construction of the Karymsky stratovolcano began about 2000 years later. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago, following a 2300-year quiescence. Much of the cone is mantled by lava flows less than 200 years old. Historical eruptions have been vulcanian or vulcanian-strombolian with moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows from the summit crater. --- Source: GVP, Smithsonian Institution Bethesda-based aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin has played a role in space operations since the 1950s, when the companys rockets were used to launch some of the first American satellites into orbit. Today, satellites are still a critical part of Lockheeds business, and the firm announced Wednesday that it plans to spend $350 million building a satellite production facility at the companys Waterton Canyon campus near Denver In doing so, Lockheed hopes to reassert itself in a sector that has become a lot more competitive. Space is a big place, but we plan to be a leader in it, said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president for Lockheed Martins space systems business. Lockheeds business is being challenged by a cadre of well-heeled newcomers that have pledged to populate the lowest rung of Earths orbit with microsatellites, which are often just a few meters wide. The global telecommunications investment firm SoftBank is spending $1.7 billion to combine Luxembourg-based Intelsat with Richard Branson-backed OneWeb, creating a satellite behemoth that seems singularly focused on smaller, cheaper models. Elon Musks SpaceX is working to launch 4,425 small satellites into low Earth orbit by 2024. These competitors contend that their microsatellites can provide a better signal in more places. It remains to be seen how Lockheed will fare. It specializes in taking on the kind of big projects that few companies have the scale to complete. The satellites Lockheed makes circle the planet much farther outside the Earths atmosphere, giving them a broader view of the Earths surface. That means they have to be much more powerful, entailing longer production times and more expensive components. Plans for the new facility call for manufacturing, assembling and testing centers that are large enough to keep multiple production lines running at the same time, allowing the facility to produce large satellites as it is churning out smaller ones. Lockheed executives are hoping that that will allow them to compete in the small-satellite market at the same time that they keep legacy production lines going, all under one roof. Were trying to develop a capability to handle any direction the market moves, Ambrose said. The 266,000-square-foot factory will be easily the biggest satellite production facility in the companys manufacturing arsenal, executives say. It will include a thermal vacuum chamber, meant to simulate the harsh environment of space, that will be used to test fully assembled satellites before they are attached to rockets. The facility is to include a stock of 3-D printers to produce the satellites simpler components. Construction of the facility is underway, and the firm hopes to be finished by 2020, pending federal government approvals that include the clearance needed to conduct highly classified work. Alexandria These were among incidents reported by the Alexandria Police Department. For information, call 703-746-4444 or visit alexandriava.gov. ASSAULTS Bashford Lane, 800 block, 5:08 p.m. July 23. An assault was reported. Saint Asaph St. N., 700 block, 10:22 p.m. July 26. An assault was reported. Union St. N., 400 block, 1:07 p.m. July 22. An assault was reported. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Alfred St. S., 300 block, 2 p.m. July 23. A theft was reported. Columbus St. S., 100 block, 2 p.m. July 26. A theft was reported. Columbus St. S., 800 block, 3:07 p.m. A shoplifting incident was reported. Duke St., 3100 block, 12:22 p.m. July 19. A theft was reported. Dulany St., 500 block, 2 p.m. July 26. A theft was reported. Eisenhower Ave., 2200 block, 6:27 p.m. July 25. A theft was reported. Holland Lane, 400 block, 5:55 a.m. July 21. A theft was reported. King St., 1500 block, 12:45 p.m. July 24. A theft was reported. Mill Rd., 2100 block, 10:17 a.m. July 26. Property was stolen from a vehicle. Montgomery and N. Columbus streets, 8:42 p.m. July 26. A theft was reported. Montgomery St., 1000 block, 7:21 p.m. July 19. A theft was reported. Patrick St. S., 700 block, 12:30 p.m. July 26. A theft was reported. Pendleton St., 900 block, 12:54 a.m. July 22. A theft was reported. Quaker Hill Dr., 1100 block, 6:52 p.m. July 25. A theft was reported. Wythe and N. Henry streets, 8:48 a.m. July 21. A theft was reported. Wythe St., 900 block, 7:21 p.m. July 21. A theft was reported. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS Commonwealth Ave., 500 block, noon July 21. A vehicle was stolen. Prince St., 1100 block, 11:30 a.m. July 25. A vehicle was stolen. VANDALISM Bashford Lane, 800 block, 5:08 p.m. July 23. Property was damaged. Duke St., 2800 block, 2:05 p.m. July 19. Property was damaged. Wythe St., 1200 block, 2:37 a.m. July 22. Property was damaged. Arlington These were among incidents reported by the Arlington County Police Department. For information, call 703-558-2222 or visit newsroom.arlingtonva.us. ASSAULTS Army Navy Dr., 1500 block. An assault was reported. Carlin Springs Rd. N., 4300 block, 11:40 a.m. July 20. An assault was reported. Fairfax Dr., 4200 block, 2:30 a.m. July 24. An assault was reported. Glebe Rd. N., 300 block, 12:56 a.m. July 24. An assault was reported. Lee Hwy., 4300 block. An assault was reported. Pershing Dr. N., 4500 block. An assault was reported. Quincy St. N., 500 block, midnight July 23. An assault was reported. Shirlington Rd., 2300 block. An assault was reported. Washington Blvd. and N. Utah St., 8:58 p.m. July 21. Police responding to a report of a fight determined that a woman had assaulted an acquaintance, who had left the scene. During the investigation, the woman became combative and kicked an officer. An Arlington woman, 24, was charged. Yorktown Blvd., 5200 block. An assault was reported. Fifth Rd. N., 4000 block, 9:34 p.m. July 19. An assault was reported. 24th Rd. S., 2300 block. An assault was reported. MISSILE TO AN OCCUPIED RESIDENCE Eighth Rd. S., 5100 block, 12:38 a.m. July 26. A rock was thrown into a residential window. An investigation is ongoing. INDECENT EXPOSURE Wilson Blvd. and N. Rhodes St., 11:39 a.m. July 26. A man was observed fondling himself inside a vehicle. A Burke man, 37, was charged. Second St. S., 3500 block, 10:37 a.m. July 24. A man fled from the scene. ROBBERIES Washington Blvd., 5800 block, 9:20 a.m. July 23. Two men took merchandise and assaulted an employee. An investigation is ongoing. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Eads St. S., 1600 block. A theft was reported. Edgewood St. N., 900 block, 11:30 p.m. July 19 to 7 a.m. July 20. Property was stolen from a residence. An investigation is ongoing. Fairfax Dr., 3800 block, 10:30 a.m. July 24. A theft was reported. Fairfax Dr., 6900 block. Property was stolen from a vehicle. Four Mile Run Dr. S., 4100 block. A theft was reported. Glebe Rd. S., 2900 block. A shoplifting incident was reported. Hayes St. S., 1000 block. A shoplifting incident was reported. Hayes St. S., 1100 block. A shoplifting incident was reported. Hayes St. S., 1100 block. A theft was reported. Hayes St. S., 1200 block. A shoplifting incident was reported. Hayes St. S., 1400 block. A shoplifting incident was reported. Joyce St. S., 1300 block. Identity theft was reported. Kennesaw St. N., 1000 block. A theft was reported. Lee Hwy., 4500 block. A theft was reported. Lincoln St. N., 800 block, 1:45 a.m. July 20. Property was stolen from a vehicle. Lynn St. N., 1800 block, 2:16 p.m. July 19 to 6:08 p.m. July 23. Property was moved around inside a residence. Nothing was reported missing. Mckinley Rd., 800 block. Property was stolen from a vehicle. Pershing Dr. N., 2600 block, 7:02 p.m. July 21. A window of a residence was tampered with. Pershing Dr. N., 3500 block, 12:30 a.m. July 24. A theft was reported. Quincy St. N., 1000 block, 2:10 p.m. July 25. A theft was reported. Scott St. S., 1300 block. A theft was reported. Wilson Blvd., 1500 block. A theft was reported. Wilson Blvd., 3100 block, 11 a.m. July 24. A theft was reported. Wilson Blvd., 3100 block, 1:20 p.m. July 23. A credit card was stolen. Wilson Blvd., 3100 block, 10:30 p.m. July 20. Wilson Blvd., 5900 block. Property was entered. Ninth St. N., 3800 block, 4:55 p.m. July 21. A theft was reported. Ninth St. N., 4800 block, 11:40 a.m. July 26. A theft was reported. 15th and S. Hayes streets. A theft was reported. 16th St. N., 6500 block. A theft was reported. 22nd St. S., 800 block, 1:24 a.m. July 21. Responding to a report about a tenant who heard footsteps in the attic, police found a 60-year-old man of no fixed address in the residence. The man was charged. 23rd St. S., 300 block. A theft was reported. 31st St. S., 4200 block. Property was stolen from a vehicle. 31st St. S., 4400 block, 10 p.m. July 25 to 6 a.m. July 26. Airbags were stolen from seven vehicles entered by force. An investigation is ongoing. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS Edgewood St. N., 900 block, July 20. A red 2017 Nissan Maxima was stolen. George Mason Dr. S., 1500 block, July 26. A black 2004 Dodge RAM was stolen. Wayne St. N., 100 block, July 26. A white 2013 Nissan Sentra was stolen. 24th Rd. S., 2800 block, July 21. A green 2003 Honda Odyssey was stolen. 31st St. S., 4500 block, July 24. A white 2004 Dodge Caravan was stolen. VANDALISM Clarendon Blvd., 2000 block. Graffiti was reported. Columbia Pike, 4000 block. Property was damaged. Columbia Pike, 5500 block. Property was damaged. Four Mile Run Dr. S., 3700 block. Property was damaged. Glebe Rd. S., 2100 block. Property was damaged. Harrison St. N., 2100 block. Property was damaged. Kenmore St. S., 1900 block. Property was damaged. Madison St. N., 500 block. Property was damaged. Randolph St. S., 2900 block. Property was damaged. Wayne St. N., 100 block. Property was damaged. Wyoming St. N., 2700 block. Property was damaged. Fifth St. N., 5000 block, midnight July 20. Property was damaged. Fifth St. S., 3300 block. Property was damaged. 25th St. N., 6700 block. Property was damaged. Anne Arundel County The following were among incidents reported by the Anne Arundel County police. For information, call 410-222-8050. GLEN BURNIE AREA ROBBERIES Ritchie Hwy., 7200 block, 10:15 p.m. July 25. An armed male stole cash from a gas station. Annapolis These were among incidents reported by the Annapolis Police Department. For information, call 410-268-9000. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Heritage Ct., 12:45 p.m. July 20. Two males were found inside a home,. Two Annapolis male youths, both 17, were charged burglary. Monroe St., 800 block, 11 p.m. July 25. A group of people were found in a vacant apartment. One of the intruders was a former tenant and had let the others inside. An Annapolis man, 18, was charged with fourth-degree burglary. Tyler Ave., 1200 block, 4 p.m. July 19 to 6 a.m. July 20. A tow hitch, fireworks and fishing rods were stolen from a home. Virginia Ave., 1800 block, 11 p.m. July 22 to 4:30 a.m. July 23. A bicycle was stolen. West St., 1900 block, 2:20 a.m. July 24. A car stereo amplifier was stolen from a business. Howard County These were among incidents reported by the Howard County Police Department. For information, call 410-313-2236. ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Junction Dr., 10000 block, 6:55 a.m. July 22. A glass door was broken at a business; nothing was reported stolen. CLARKSVILLE AREA MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS Auto Dr., 12400 block, 6:20 p.m. July 19. A gray 2015 Toyota Rav4 was stolen. COLUMBIA AREA ROBBERIES Cedar Lane, 5700 block, 10:45 p.m. July 21. A male assaulted a man, stole his reading glasses and fled. Little Patuxent Pkwy., 10400 block, 10:59 p.m. July 24. Two males assaulted a man, stole his cellphone and prescription medication, and fled. Majors Lane, 6000 block, 5:37 p.m. July 25. A male with a knife stole a cellphone and video games from a man on a footpath. Skyrock Ct., 8900 block, 5 p.m. July 19. Three acquaintances stole a cellphone from a woman and threatened her with a handgun. The incident is thought to have been drug-related. Whiteacre Rd., 9600 block, 9:51 p.m. July 25. Three armed males stole cash from a man. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Centre Park Dr., 8800 block, July 18 to 19. A glass door at a business was broken; nothing was reported stolen. Enquiry Ct., 9300 block, July 14 to 19. A latch was broken on a shed; nothing was reported stolen. Nelson Way, 9000 block, June 18 to July 25. Jewelry was stolen from a home. Rivendell Lane, 5900 block, July 24 to 25. Screws were removed from a shed to gain entry; nothing was reported stolen. Tamar Dr., 8300 block, 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. July 21. Cash was stolen from a home. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS Bonnet Brim Course, 12200 block, July 23 to 24. Four tires and an airbag were stolen from a vehicle. Eden Brook Dr., 7300 block, 7:02 a.m. July 23. A 2014 Hyundai Elantra was stolen. ELKRIDGE AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Hearthside Way, 7500 block, 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 25. Coins and jewelry were stolen from a home. Montgomery Rd., 7200 block, 1:49 a.m. July 20. An unoccupied home was entered; nothing was reported stolen. Washington Blvd., 5400 block, July 18 to 19. Electrical wires were stolen from a library. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS Old Rockbridge Dr., 7600 block, 10:49 a.m. July 20. A black 2012 Suzuki DRV motorcycle was stolen. ELLICOTT CITY AREA ROBBERIES N. Chatham Rd., 3300 block, 5 p.m. July 20. An armed acquaintance assaulted and demanded the belongings of a male youth, but nothing was stolen. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Autumn Branch Lane, 3000 block, 11:04 a.m. July 24. Two males broke into a vacant apartment; nothing was stolen. An Ellicott City man, 31, and a Columbia man, 52, were charged with burglary. Oak Green Ct., 3000 block, July 22 to 23. A laptop computer and two remote control cars were stolen from a home. FULTON AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Lime Kiln Rd., 11800 block, 4:22 a.m. July 24. Cigarettes were stolen from a store. Glass in a front door was broken to gain entry. LAUREL AREA ROBBERIES Daly Ct., 9300 block, 4:24 p.m. July 24. During a meeting that had been arranged online to sell shoes, two armed men stole the shoes and cellphones from two men, and fled. Two Laurel men, 18 and 19, were charged with armed robbery, theft and assault. MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS Summer Park Ct., 9700 block, 6:16 a.m. July 24. A 2014 Mazda 6 was stolen. The former head of the main hospital for veterans in the nations capital has been fired from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs after an investigation found that he sent confidential information about the running of the troubled hospital to his wifes personal email account. The departure of Brian Hawkins, who was removed from the post of director of the VA Medical Center in Washington in April, capped months of scrutiny by the inspector general for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A probe revealed a hospital where patients were endangered by rampant organizational and managerial dysfunction. In a statement, the VA said that Hawkins was fired Friday because he failed to provide effective leadership at the medical center. His ouster was first reported by WRC-TV (Channel 4). This action underscores VAs commitment to holding all employees accountable if they fail to do their jobs or live up to VAs values, the agencys statement said. Hawkins was assigned to a different position within the agency in April, when Inspector General Michael J. Missal released an initial report detailing what he described as the highest levels of chaos at the hospital. Retired Army Col. Lawrence Connell was named acting director of the hospital and remains in that role. Brian A. Hawkins, shown here with veteran Alyce Dixon as she celebrated her 105th birthday on Tuesday at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center in the District, has been fired from the VA Medical Center after probe revealed numerous internal problems. (Sarah L. Voisin/WASHINGTON POST) In April, Missal found that roughly $150 million in medical supplies were not inventoried, leading to conditions in which sterile surgical items were kept in dirty areas and nurses were forced to spontaneously rifle through hospital rooms for emergency equipment, such as oxygen tubes. The inspector general said he was taking the unusual step of making some of his findings public before the investigation was complete because of the immediate risk to patients. The new report, which was shared with VA officials by the inspector generals office in June and made public Tuesday, found that Hawkins shared sensitive information about VA employees and administrative decisions with his wife who is not a VA employee via email. Those communications violated the agencys policies on the confidentiality of such information, according to the report. The inspector general could not substantiate separate allegations that Hawkins had attempted to impede a probe into employee bonuses that were allegedly given without proper justification at his authorization. However, the report describes extreme delays by Hawkinss staff in responding to requests for documentary evidence during the investigation into the bonuses. Kyree Cox, 18, of Washington spent a week caring for Bao Bao and other giant pandas at the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base near Chengdu, China. The trip was one of 22 offered to students this summer through the D.C. Public Schools study abroad program. (Courtesy of D.C. Public Schools) When Bao Bao left the National Zoo for China, thousands of fans showed up in February to bid the giant panda adieu. To Kyree Cox, who had grown to love the spunky bear during Bao Baos three and half years in Washington, it felt like saying goodbye to a childhood friend. I thought, after they took her, Shes going to be gone forever. Why? the 18-year-old D.C. student said. But last month Cox found himself in an unlikely position: on the other side of the globe, staring into the majestic animals eyes again. This time, he was her caretaker. Cox, a rising senior at McKinley Technology High School in Northeast Washington, had traveled to China through the D.C. Public Schools study abroad program an 8,000-mile journey that didnt cost him a penny. The trip was one of 22 offered this summer to DCPS students in the second year of a program that is thought to be the first of its kind for a public school district. Private donations covered the entire cost for more than 400 participants. From airfare to lodging, students paid nothing for the one-week trips, making the program accessible for all regardless of family income. DCPS officials say their goal is to deepen enthusiasm for learning by exposing students to global experiences. Does this lead to students getting higher scores on math exams? No, probably not, said D.C. Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson. But thats not what I want to measure. Wilson said he wants the trips to spur academic initiative, saying that they could inspire courage in students to sign up for Advanced Placement courses or further their language studies. Students would then be better positioned for success after high school, he said. To qualify, students must study a world language at school. Eighth- and 11th-graders are eligible to apply, as well as special education students working toward an alternate diploma. This years trips cost about $1.7 million. The D.C. Public Education Fund, which supports DCPS initiatives, provided the funding. Participants went to destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Most chose countries where they could practice the languages they have been learning Spanish students to Argentina, for example, and Mandarin students to China. During the getaways, many also completed volunteer work. [This school district wants all students to see the world--for free] Cox and 16 of his peers traveled the farthest, spending a week at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, in Sichuan province. There, they divided their time between caring for the endangered animals and learning about the conservation efforts. Because travel groups draw from schools across the District, students are able to form bonds across economic and neighborhood boundaries that otherwise might not be possible. Cox said the trip, from July 14 to 22, pushed him out of his comfort zone. He found it unexpectedly exhilarating. When the students were presented with a spicy beef-and-pepper dish, he was the first to try it. When locals asked to take the groups photo, he eagerly struck a pose. That excitement, he said, has changed his outlook on education. Before the trip, my future was pretty much, I guess Ill go to college, Cox said. Now he is certain he will. This really opened my eyes up, he said. He is especially eager to study abroad in college. Sarah Elwell, a librarian at McKinley who chaperoned the trip, said that Cox at times had struggled in school. Now she senses he is transformed. You give him some freedom and some leadership, and he just runs with it, Elwell said. Ayanna Morgan, a rising senior at Cardozo Education Campus in Northwest, joined Cox on the trip. Like him, she studied Mandarin for two semesters in her junior year. Morgan, who turns 17 on Saturday, said she could understand shopkeepers in China but wasnt always comfortable responding. In Mandarin, words with similar pronunciations can have different meanings depending on the speakers tone. I had to watch what I said because I could be calling someone a table, Morgan said. Despite her nerves, Morgan said the experience motivated her to continue learning the language, a skill she thinks will help her someday in the job market. For the teenager, the trip also offered lessons in empathy and appreciation. Traveling by bus to the panda conservation center, Morgan was struck by the sights outside her window: families, displaced from earthquake-ravaged homes, living in ramshackle tents on the side of the road. I dont think school is the only thing that teaches us, Morgan said. This is another way of learning. Its out of the box, to think about others and to experience someone elses life. As a condition of participating, students are required to develop projects about their experiences abroad that they present to classmates in the fall. Morgan, who was struck by the prevalence of smoking among young Chinese, is considering a project on health. Morgan said she is looking forward to answering the most basic of back-to-school questions when school resumes Aug. 21. To sit in the classroom and to have someone ask you, What did you do this summer? Well, I went to China, Morgan said. Getting to say that is mind-blowing. Get updates on your area delivered via e-mail David J. Trone, seen in March 2016, announced he will run for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.). (Marlon Correa/El Tiempo Latino) Rep. John Delaneys decision to forgo reelection next year has triggered a burst of interest in what is arguably Marylands only congressional swing district. On Wednesday, wine magnate David J. Trone and state Sen. Roger Manno announced that they would compete in Junes Democratic 6th District primary, joining state House Majority Leader Bill Frick, Del. Aruna Miller and retired intelligence officer Andrew Duck who twice ran for the seat years ago, when it was firmly in Republican hands. Republicans could have a race on their hands, as well. Matt Mossburg, a former delegate, is running, and Amie Hoeber, Delaneys 2016 challenger, is considering it. The filing deadline is in February. Delaney, who announced Friday that he would seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, has represented the 6th District since 2012, when he ousted longtime incumbent Roscoe G. Bartlett (R) after a partisan redistricting effort that is now under court challenge. Rep. John Delaneys decision not to run again has sparked a crowded Democratic primary. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) The Democrat barely defeated Republican Dan Bongino in 2014, when Gov. Larry Hogans surprise victory boosted GOP turnout. But Delaney easily triumphed over Hoeber in November, even though she had support from the national party. The redrawn district stretches from Montgomery County through Western Maryland. Of the candidates running so far, only Duck, Miller and Mossburg live in the 6th District, which candidates are not required to do. The others live in the neighboring 8th District, as does Delaney. Only Manno would commit to moving to the 6th District if elected. Trone, who lives in Potomac, spent more than $13 million of his own money running for a different seat in Congress last year, losing to then-state Sen. Jamie B. Raskin in the 8th District primary, one of the most expensive House nominating contests ever. He is expected to open his checkbook again this time and has vowed to reject campaign contributions from corporations, lobbyists or political action committees. In a video launching his campaign, Trone said he would pick up right where John leaves off. Ill fight President Trump and Congresss attempts to gut health care, womens rights, education, the environment and Social Security, he says. The video describes Trones experience growing up on a family farm that eventually went bankrupt, and he said that if elected, he will seek funding for the National Institutes of Health, based in Bethesda, and transportation projects. Delaney stopped short of endorsing Trone but issued a statement Wednesday praising his deep commitment to both public service and to bringing his business experience to the political debate. Hours after Trones announcement, Manno made his campaign official, touting his experience working as a Capitol Hill policy staffer when the Affordable Care Act passed. Manno, who lives in Silver Spring and who has served in the legislature since 2007, said he will focus on health care and economic issues in the race. Frick, of Bethesda, rose to leadership in the state House of Delegates over three terms and said hes most proud of legislation to increase the states reliance on clean energy which survived a Hogan veto and to create a mechanism for workplace retirement savings accounts. Miller, an engineer who lives in Darnestown, was first elected to the legislature in 2010. She has pushed for bills requiring electronic monitoring of domestic violence perpetrators and extending the statute of limitations for sexual offenses against minors. She is the only woman so far in the race to join a congressional delegation that has been all-male since the retirement of longtime senator Barbara A. Mikulski and the departure of congresswoman Donna F. Edwards last year. There are currently seven Democrats and one Republican member. Duck, who works at the Pentagon as a contractor and lives in Frederick, Md., challenged Bartlett in 2006, 2008 and 2010 and says his campaigns registered enough Democrats to show those voters strength as a voting bloc before the district lines were redrawn. On the Republican side, Mossburg, also of Frederick, served one term as a state delegate in the late 1990s. He said his personal recovery from opioid addiction and advocacy work qualify him to tackle the problem, which is particularly acute in Western Maryland. Hoeber, who lives in Potomac, is a defense expert who restarted her international affairs consulting business after losing to Delaney last year. Montgomery County would lose approximately 47,000 jobs by 2022 if it raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour, according to a study released by the county government Tuesday evening. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) commissioned the study which suggests the vast majority of jobs lost would be low-wage positions when he vetoed an increase to the minimum wage in January. Last week, county council member Marc Elrich introduced a new bill to bring the hourly minimum wage up from the current $11.50 to $15. The bill attempted to address opponents concerns about the impact of an increase by giving nonprofit organizations, adult day-care providers and companies with fewer than 26 employees until 2022, instead of 2020, to raise wages. The business community and others who oppose a higher minimum wage criticized Elrich for proposing the legislation days before the study was due. But proponents of raising the wage questioned the value of the study, conducted by the Philadelphia-based economic consulting group PFM, since it asked employers to predict what would happen instead of looking at the impact of an actual wage hike. PFM found that increasing the minimum wage to $15 would result in an aggregate loss of $396.5 million of income in the county by 2022 as businesses laid off employees, cut remaining employee hours and benefits, and suspended plans to invest in new locations and hire additional workers. We cant minimize some of the impacts outlined here, said Leggett, who explained his decision to veto the earlier bill by saying he was worried that the wage hike would hurt the countys economy. Even if its not 47,000 jobs lost, even if its half that, those are some startling numbers. You cant discount it all. No other jurisdiction in Maryland has embraced a $15-per-hour minimum wage, but several Democrats running for governor have included it in their platforms. Elrich one of three council incumbents running to succeed Leggett, who will retire after 2018 said last week that the PFM study was nonsense because it is not possible to project the future impact of a wage increase. He said asking employers about the potential effect of a wage increase was certain to produce negative responses. Despite decades of debate about raising the minimum wage which proponents say improves the lives of low-wage workers and decreases the amount taxpayers spend on services such as Medicaid and food stamps economists, politicians, and business and labor organizers have no consensus about its long-term economic impact. A study by economists at the University of Washington in June found that raising the hourly minimum wage to $15 cost low-wage workers in Seattle $125 a month because employers reduced hours and let workers go. A different study from the University of California at Berkeley found no job losses for low-income Seattle restaurant workers when their wages increased to $13 an hour. Although respondents in the Montgomery study expressed philosophical support for minimum-wage increases, especially in the nonprofit sector, they estimated they would have to reduce their lower-wage workforce by an average of 23 percent if the minimum wage reached $15. Employers said they can attract and retain quality lower-wage workers with pay of about $11 an hour, the study said, suggesting that the countys existing $11.50 minimum is reflective of the market and not likely to cause substantial disruption if left in place. PFM based its study on electronic surveys and phone and in-person interviews with business owners, business community leaders and nonprofit employers and leaders. The group conducted the surveys and interviews April through June. Judith Jones cooks pork scallopini as she teaches readers about cooking for one, the subject of her new book, in 2009. (Jonathan Ernst/For The Washington Post) Judith Jones, the legendary editor who rescued Anne Franks The Diary of a Young Girl from a publishers reject pile and later introduced readers to the likes of Julia Child and a host of other influential cookbook authors, died Aug. 2 at her summer home in Walden, Vt. She was 93. The cause was complications from Alzheimers disease, said her step-daughter Bronwyn Dunne. Mrs. Jones helped open a world of cuisines to a public previously bound by convenience foods, and her impact on cookbook publishing, home cooking and the American palate was monumental. Beginning in the 1950s, she followed her own curiosity and her instincts for what readers wanted to cook and needed to know, and she championed the work of unknown authors who became icons and whose books became classics. The list of these scholar-cooks who owe her their career includes Madhur Jaffrey, Claudia Roden, Marcella Hazan, Joan Nathan, Edna Lewis, Lidia Bastianich, Anna Thomas, Hiroko Shimbo, Michael Field and Nina Simonds. She also edited some of Alfred A. Knopf Inc.s most famous fiction writers, including John Updike and Anne Tyler. Without her discovery of Franks memoir, while she was at Doubleday in Paris, American readers might never have been introduced to Franks startling, first-person narrative, one of the first Holocaust accounts to reach the United States. Her role was small but pivotal, and it was enough to get her noticed and hired by Knopf co-founder Blanche Knopf in 1957. As a junior editor at Knopf, Mrs. Jones began primarily as a translator of such French writers as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, and she had no intention of editing cookbooks, the work for which she became famous. But she had fallen in love with French food when she lived in Paris after college, and upon returning to the United States with a new husband, she was desperate for help unlocking the cuisines secrets in their New York kitchen. One day in 1959, a huge manuscript arrived on her desk. From the moment I started turning the pages, I was bouleversee, as the French say knocked out, she wrote in her memoir, The Tenth Muse (2007). This was the book Id been searching for. This was also the book that Child, with co-authors Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, had spent six years unsuccessfully trying to shorten for an editor at Houghton Mifflin. Child worried that the book was unpublishable, she wrote in her own memoir, My Life in France. Maybe the editors were right. After all, there probably werent many people like me who liked to fuss around in the kitchen. Fortunately for Child and for generations of cooks who fell in love with her there was at least one who did: Mrs. Jones, who spent months trying recipes before deciding the book must see the light of day. If the book was so right for me, there were bound to be maybe thousands like me who really wanted to learn the whys and wherefores of good French cooking, she wrote. Ordinary Americans, not just the privileged, were traveling to Europe now, in droves, and their taste buds had been awakened. I hoped wed had our fill of quick-and-easy, and there was an appetite for the real thing. She prevailed, and as Childs editor, Mrs. Jones got her hands, and kitchen, dirty. She scouted for ingredients and equipment, practiced making omelettes and fluting mushrooms, and gave recipes to a cooking neophyte in the Knopf office to try all to make sure the recipes would work in American kitchens. She even was responsible for the books title, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. When I triumphantly showed our title to Mr. Knopf, he scowled and said, Well, Ill eat my hat if that title sells, she wrote. I like to think of all the hats he had to eat. We are flying blind The diminutive Mrs. Jones, known for her classic suits and pageboy haircut, was also good at getting her authors noticed. When Mastering was nearing publication, she sent copies to taste-makers James Beard and Craig Claiborne, the latter the food editor of the New York Times. They both loved it. Beard threw a party for Child & Co., and Claiborne agreed to review it but only if Mrs. Jones and her husband, Evan, would first agree to be the subjects of a Times story about their own cooking. Mastering sold millions of copies, and Child who had emerged from her co-authors as the books guiding force became a TV star, culinary treasure and household name. Mrs. Jones formed similar partnerships with other authors, having particular success with those writing about global cuisines curious to Americans. With a new, exotic, unfamiliar style of cooking, more than ever we are flying blind we may never even have tasted the dish we are trying to reproduce and we need a lot of hand-holding, she wrote. So I kept my eyes and ears, to say nothing of my taste buds, open to the kind of writer-cook who was particularly gifted, like Julia, at explaining the techniques of a different cooking culture. The best ones, she found, were often transplants, longing to re-create the foods of their homeland. That describes Hazan, whose passion for cooking didnt emerge until she and her husband had moved to the United States from Italy. She and Hazan clashed often, with Hazan insisting on authenticity and Mrs. Jones wanting recipes to be accessible. Mrs. Jones also developed a longstanding interest in regional American cuisine. After she was referred to Lewis, the granddaughter of a former slave who wanted to write a book about Southern cooking, Mrs. Jones was disappointed when sample pages Lewis wrote with a co-author didnt have Lewiss voice. The co-author quit, and Mrs. Jones and Lewis instead began regularly meeting to talk about Lewiss upbringing in a small Virginia community founded by freed slaves. While we were both still giddy with the pleasures she had evoked and the ease with which the details of each anecdote had surfaced, I suggested she go home right away and put everything down just as she had told it to me, Mrs. Jones wrote. It worked miraculously. The stories and recipes in 1976 became The Taste of Country Cooking, which served to transform the publics perception of Southern food and is still considered a masterpiece. Nathan, the eminent Jewish-cooking authority, worked on four books with Mrs. Jones and traveled with her to Israel while working on The Foods of Israel Today. She only wanted to do books that made a difference, Nathan said in an interview. Shes a real editor. There aren't many of them left. Her favorite lesson from Mrs. Jones: Find your voice, Nathan said. Find who you are and dont be afraid to show it. We have to publish this book Judith Bailey was born on March 10, 1924, in New York City, where she was raised on Depression-era and wartime cooking. Her mother banned such vulgarities as garlic and onions (and even forbade the discussion of food at the table), but Judith took refuge in the kitchen of her familys hired cook. She came from Barbados and at my urging would tell me about the foods she grew up on strange fruits Id never heard of, hot peppers that made one sweat, and, of course, garlic, she wrote in her memoir. Her father recognized her adventurous palate and indulged her on restaurant visits. After she graduated in 1945 from Bennington College in Vermont, she returned briefly to New York to work in publishing before a three-week vacation in Europe turned into a full-time move to Paris. At 27, working as a girl Friday at Doubleday in Paris, she was tasked one day in 1950 with filing rejected submissions. My boss went off to lunch with his fellow editors, and left me with a pile of stuff, she told the Jewish Chronicle in 2009. I came to this lovely face, she said, referring to Anne Franks photo on the advance copy of the French edition of the book. I read it all day. When my boss returned, I told him, We have to publish this book. He said, What? That book by that kid? It had been published in Dutch and was set for publication in French, but was rejected by other English-language publishers, too, before she successfully argued that the New York office of Doubleday should take it on. The story of the Holocaust as seen through a young girls eyes became an international sensation, one of the best-selling books of all time and adapted for stage and screen. Early in her Paris years, the future cookbook editor had been an assistant to Evan Jones, who edited a magazine aimed at American tourists. They wed in 1951, eventually settling in New York and maintaining their summer home in Vermont. Survivors include four stepchildren, Bronwyn Dunne of South Burlington, Vt., Pamela Richards of Stamford, Conn., Audrey Bierman of Grinnell, Iowa, and John Christopher Vandercook of Honolulu; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to her cookbook editing, Mrs. Jones wrote three books with Evan: The Book of Bread; Knead It, Punch It, Bake It! (a childrens book); and The Book of New New England Cookery. She worked at Knopf for a half-century, but her early time there was not without struggle. For many years, she and Blanche were the only women in the Knopf offices, Sara Franklin, who spent months interviewing Mrs. Jones for an oral history on behalf of the Julia Child Foundation, wrote in Cherry Bombe magazine in 2014. While editing prestigious writers helped Jones climb the ranks, her culinary pursuits were often perceived as fluff. Women were kept down, she remembers, and people often assumed she was a secretary rather than an editor. In 2006, Mrs. Jones was awarded the James Beard Foundations Lifetime Achievement Award. She retired from Knopf in 2010 as senior editor and vice president. Her husband died in 1996, but Mrs. Jones was determined to not let his absence deter her from continuing their favorite ritual: cooking. Instead of walking into what might have seemed an empty apartment actually, Ive always had a dog who is hungry to greet me I gravitate toward the kitchen, she wrote in The Tenth Muse. After her memoir was published, Mrs. Jones received so many requests to write more about her solo cooking that in 2010 she published The Pleasures of Cooking for One. Rather than dwell on the challenges, the book praises the joys of lighting a candle, pouring a glass of wine and laying out her best linens for a meal she would savor. She drew on a lifetime of cooking and lessons from the authors she had edited to espouse her belief in frugality and the smart use of leftovers, repurposing them into other dishes. [Cooking for one: The single shopper] Her last book was 2014s Love Me, Feed Me, a guide to making food that a cook could share with a dog. Its no accident that many of the recipes she wrote about doling out for herself and her little pooch, Mabon Moroccan moussaka, Indian red lentils, Southern-style shrimp and grits are staples of some of the same cuisines Mrs. Jones had long before helped demystify. THE DISTRICT Arrest after gun found at Cannon entrance An employee at the Washington office of the Navajo Nation was arrested Friday after police said they found a loaded handgun in a suitcase she brought to an entrance of the Cannon House Office Building. The woman told U.S. Capitol Police that she had brought the suitcase at the behest of her boss, according to charging document. Police said that they found the gun while screening the bag and that the woman told them that she had no knowledge of the weapon. Police said the gun belongs to a police officer with the Navajo Nation. Kimberly D. Barber, 34, of Northwest Washington was charged with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. Her attorney, Charlie Galbraith, who also represents the Navajo Nation, declined to answer questions but noted that Barber pleaded not guilty. Two people with knowledge of the incident said the officer is on the security detail for the vice president of the Navajo Nation, who was visiting Rep. Tom OHalleran (D-Ariz.) on Friday. The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a pending criminal case, said that the officer left his weapon in his suitcase in his hotel room and that Barbers boss instructed her to deliver the case to him, not knowing what was inside. Peter Hermann MARYLAND Death of woman at beach ruled accidental The death of a 30-year-old Texas woman found buried on a Maryland beach has been ruled accidental. Citing a ruling from the states Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Ocean City police said in a statement Wednesday that Ashley OConnor, of Plano, Tex., who was found buried in the sand, had suffocated. Beachgoers discovered the body Monday morning. Police spokeswoman Lindsay Richard said only OConnors arm was visible above the sand. Police say it is unclear whether she fell into the hole or climbed in on her own. Associated Press VIRGINIA Man is charged in fathers killing A Virginia man was charged with murder after his father was fatally shot and his body was found in a burning house last month, authorities said. About 5 p.m. on July 25, fire personnel responded to Bald Hill Road and Steed Hill Lane in Leesburg for the report of smoke in the area, the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. After suppressing a fire at a single-family home, they found Mario M. Bowles, 53, who lived in the home, dead inside the next day, the statement said. On Tuesday, Michael F. Bowles, 20, the victims son, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting, the statement said. Justin Wm. Moyer Police: Man held three captive in home A Virginia man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly held a woman and two children captive in his home for years, a law enforcement official said. As Fredericksburgs Free Lance-Star first reported, officers responded about 5 p.m. to a home in the 3600 block of Mine Road in Fredericksburg for a welfare check, according to Charles Carey, a spokesman for the Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office. A man at the home, 43-year-old Kariem Ali Muhammad Moore, was reluctant to let them in the house, according to Carey; while deputies were talking to Moore, a 32-year-old woman, an 11-year-old child and an 8-year-old child fled the house and said they had not been allowed outside for two years. The woman, Moores girlfriend, was hospitalized in serious condition. The children, who referred to Moore as their father, are staying with relatives, Carey said. Moore was charged with three felony counts of abduction and felony assault and battery, Carey said, and was held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail. Prince William County These were among incidents reported by Prince William County police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-792-5123. BRISTOW AREA SEXUAL ASSAULT Hazel Circle Dr., 11800 block, 11 a.m. July 19. A female juvenile inappropriately touched another female juvenile. A Woodbridge girl, 16, was arrested. WEAPONS Hopper Lane and Spindle Foot Ct., 8 p.m. July 22. Someone fired a weapon. No one was reported injured. GAINESVILLE AREA ASSAULT Gary Fisher Trail, 13900 block, 2:21 p.m. July 20. During an argument, a man assaulted a woman and a male juvenile, both acquaintances. A Manassas man, 52, was arrested. MANASSAS AREA ASSAULTS Irongate Way, 8400 block, 11:02 p.m. July 20. During an argument in a restaurant bathroom, a man assaulted another man, who was treated for injuries. A Manassas man, 27, was arrested. Leland Rd., 7800 block, 2:25 a.m. July 20. During an argument, a man assaulted a female acquaintance. A Manassas man, 20, was arrested. INDECENT EXPOSURE Rolling and Sudley roads, 5:20 a.m. July 23. A man exposed himself to a police officer. A Manassas man, 20, was arrested. THEFT/BREAK-IN Brookview Ct., 7800 block, 4:15 a.m. July 24. A man rummaged through several bedrooms in the basement of a residence. He fled empty-handed when a resident confronted him. NOKESVILLE AREA ASSAULT Lonesome Rd., 10400 block, 3:30 a.m. July 23. During an argument, a man assaulted a female relative and threatened her with a knife. The woman was able to leave the residence. As she was driving away, the man broke a window of her vehicle and attempted to grab her. A Nokesville man, 48, was arrested. WOODBRIDGE AREA ASSAULTS Berlin Ct., 3200 block, 10:33 p.m. July 25. During an argument, a man assaulted a female relative. A Woodbridge man, 31, was arrested. Dara Dr., 12700 block, 8:27 p.m. July 21. During an argument, a man assaulted a female acquaintance. A Woodbridge man, 32, was arrested. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY Kurtz Rd., 13200 block, July 19. A man exchanged illicit photographs with a male juvenile from New York between June and October 2016. A Woodbridge man, 33, was arrested. CHILD NEGLECT Potomac Mills Cir., 2700 block, 1:42 p.m. July 17. A child-care worker left a child in a stroller unattended at the mall food court. The child was not injured. A Woodbridge woman, 38, was arrested. WEAPONS Patrick Henry Ct., 2700 block, 11:27 p.m. July 19. Several gunshots were heard. A residence and three vehicles were struck by bullets. No one was reported injured. ROBBERIES Cardinal Dr. and Perch Branch Way, 10 p.m. July 24. Two men assaulted a male juvenile pedestrian and robbed him of cash, a watch and a cellphone. Jefferson Davis Hwy., 14400 block, 10:05 a.m. July 20. A gunman in a parking lot demanded money from a man and searched his pockets. The gunman fled empty-handed. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Inglebrook Dr., 1900 block, 3:45 p.m. July 19 to 11:45 a.m. July 21. A physical therapy massage device was stolen from a residence entered by damaging a basement door. Kona Noe Ct., 13500 block, 9 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. July 20. A video-game system and games were stolen from a residence. Mayfair Ct., 13700 block, 12:21 p.m. July 24. A webcam was stolen from a residence entered through a rear door. Saratoga Lane, 5200 block, 1:34 p.m. July 24. Someone attempted to enter a church. Manassas No reports were received from Manassas police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-257-8000. Manassas Park No reports were received from Manassas Park police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-361-1136. Gavin Grimm at his home. The transgender teen sued the Gloucester County School Board after it barred him from the boys' bathroom. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) The legal journey of a Virginia transgender teen took a step back on Wednesday when a federal appeals court said it would not immediately take up his fight to use the boys bathroom. Attorneys for Gavin Grimm, whose case was earlier put off by the Supreme Court, had hoped to have his challenge to the Gloucester County School Board heard by a federal appeals court before his graduation in June. Because Grimm no longer is a high school student, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit said Wednesday that a lower court must sort out whether Grimm still has enough of an affiliation to his alma mater to pursue the case. Because all of the prior litigation was conducted while Grimm was a student, the parties have presented us with nothing more than unsupported assertions regarding Grimms continued connection to his high school and the applicability of the school boards policy, according to the order from Judge Paul V. Niemeyer, who was joined by Judges Allyson K. Duncan and Henry F. Floyd. We remand this to the district court for the limited purpose of resolving, in the first instance, whether this case has become moot. [Gavin Grimm just wanted to use the bathroom. He didnt think the nation would debate it.] The unanimous order from the three-judge panel is a setback to Grimms efforts to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identities. Grimms case had been scheduled for oral argument at the Richmond-based 4th Circuit in September. Gavins life is going by while these procedural steps happen, said Joshua Block, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney for Grimm, now 18. Its another detour on his way to having his day in court. In March, the Supreme Court put off a ruling in Grimms case after the Trump administration revoked Obama administration-era guidelines directing U.S. public schools to accommodate transgender students. [Supreme Court sends Virginia transgender case back to lower court] The high courts move sent Grimms case back to the 4th Circuit. The appeals court earlier had sided with Grimm and deferred to the Obama administration guidelines on transgender rights released in May 2016. Advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights had hailed the move, but it was criticized by many conservatives, who said the administration was overreaching and violating the privacy of children. At Gloucester High, Grimm had been forced to use a restroom separate from his peers. In recent court filings, Grimms lawyers told the 4th Circuit that the teenagers future attendance at alumni and school-community events was enough of a connection to allow the court to continue to consider the case. Attorneys for the Gloucester County School Board said that unless Grimm stated a particular intention to return to school after graduation, his alumni status made the case moot. The bathroom policy does not necessarily apply to alumni, the school board said in its filing. The appeal to the 4th Circuit was limited to a preliminary injunction to stop the school board from enforcing its bathroom policy. Grimms claims of discrimination have been on hold in district court pending the resolution of the injunction. A Maryland public school teacher faces robbery charges after police say she chatted up two men at a bar, learned they were in the jewelry business and lured them into a parking garage where minutes later a masked gunman appeared. Give me the watches, he said, making off with timepieces valued at $6,000 and $8,450, according to court records filed Tuesday. The events, as described in the court records, unfolded in and around the Old Town Pour House in Gaithersburg in the early morning of July 15. The teacher, Lakeisha Burrison, 33, was arrested this week and remains jailed on no bond status. She has been suspended from work at the Blair G. Ewing Center, a Rockville school with programs for students with academic and behavioral problems. Burrison had been a teacher and recently held the title of community and career liaison, according to Derek Turner, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Public Schools. She joined the system in November 2014, Turner said. In court Tuesday, Amelia Maxfield, the public defender representing Burrison, said she had no previous criminal record and has been cooperating with authorities. These are allegations at this point, Maxfield said, adding that it is early in the case. Detectives continue to look for the masked gunman, described as about 5 feet 6 inches tall and skinny, said Officer Dan Lane, a spokesman for the Gaithersburg Police Department. According to a police affidavit, the two victims friends from Pakistan arrived just before midnight at the bar in the Rio area near Interstates 270 and 370. A woman who introduced herself as Keisha started a conversation and was very curious about the watches they were wearing and she asked many questions about their jobs, according to the affidavit. She asked how much the watches were worth, the detective wrote, and one man told her. The three talked, one man posed with the woman for a cellphone photo and they exchanged phone numbers. As the bar closed, the group parted ways. Shortly after, Keisha called one of the men to suggest they all get together again to talk and smoke cigarettes, and after the men agreed, they picked her up as she walked nearby, police say. She pointed out a parking garage and the men pulled in. The masked gunman appeared and pointed a gun at the men after about five minutes, the affidavit states. One man later told detectives that the robber never pointed a gun at the woman, who had left the car, crouched nearby and looked up to see what was going on. After getting the watches, the gunman ran. One victim chased him. The other victim looked at the woman, who told him, Go away. Its not safe for you, before she fled, according to police. Detectives said in their affidavit that they spoke to both men and after looking at the call history on at least one of their cellphones, determined Keisha was Burrison. They contacted her, detectives wrote, and she agreed to meet at a Chick-fil-A. In her account, she met the men at the bar, but it was their idea to get together in the parking garage, where they then said a guy was coming from the bar with marijuana. A man showed up, Burrison told the detectives, but robbed the two men. According to the court records, the detectives sided with the mens account, which included what police took as a telling detail: The gunman knew about the watches before seeing them. Burrison appeared in court Tuesday to have her initial bond conditions reviewed. Montgomery District Judge John C. Moffett said it was a difficult decision about whether to order Burrison held without bond, because she had been charged with participating in an armed robbery, or to assign her a bond, which could allow her to get out of jail, because there was no indication she had been armed. Im struggling with this one, he told Burrisons attorney and a county prosecutor. He eventually ordered her held without bond. On Tuesday night, the principal of the Alternative Education Programs at the Ewing Center, Damien Ingram, sent a message to families of students there, informing them of Burrisons arrest. He noted that the charges were unrelated to her school duties and that the Montgomery County school system is cooperating with law enforcement. The allegations presented in the charging document are completely unacceptable. They represent a serious breach of responsibility, integrity and the law, he wrote. This behavior does not reflect the values of MCPS or our community, and it will not be tolerated. Two men were killed Tuesday in separate, freakish incidents when , authorities said, they were struck by their own vehicles. (iStock/iStock) Two men were killed Tuesday in the Washington region when they were struck by their own vehicles while outside them in two separate and freakish incidents, according to authorities. One man was killed in Charles County,Md. while working on the engine of his disabled auto at the side of Route 5, near Legacy Farm Place, in the Waldorf area, the Maryland state police said. He was identified as Brian Smith, of Lexington Park, Md. No age was given. Smith was on the right hand shoulder of the northbound lanes of Route 5 around 12:45 p.m., when the fatal incident occurred, police said. As he worked at the front of his 2004 Lexus, they said, another car ran off the road and struck his disabled car in the rear. Smith was then struck by his own car, the state police said. He was thrown onto a grassy area adjacent to the shoulder, and was not breathing when state police arrived. A trooper and an off-duty nurse tended to him while awaiting rescue personnel, but Smith died at a hospital, the police said. It was not clear why the other auto ran off the road. Police said their investigation is continuing. In the days second deadly and unusual incident, a man was killed in the C0lumbia area of Howard County,Md when his truck rolled backward and struck him, the county police said. He was identified by police as Richard Dennis Wright, 60, of Aberdeen Avenue in Baltimore. The man had gotten out of his Ford truck on Wincopin Circle about 4 p.m., the county police said. However, they said, they thought he had failed to put the transmission into park. The truck, which had been parked on an incline, rolled backward, and struck him, the police said. Planned Parenthoods Virginia affiliate plans to spend $3 million to help elect Democrat Ralph Northam as the states next governor. The organizations Virginia political action committee, working with Northam, plans to deploy canvassers to knock on 300,000 doors, send mailers to 400,000 homes and run digital and radio ads. The abortion and reproductive health rights group is also supporting other Democrats on the November ballot, including lieutenant governor nominee Justin Fairfax and Attorney General Mark R. Herring. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia confirmed details of its campaign strategy, first reported in Politico, ahead of an official endorsement of Northam on Thursday. Everything about womens health is at stake, said Jennifer Allen, chief executive of Planned Parenthood Virginia PAC and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. Its really clear that Virginians want and need a fierce champion like Dr. Northam to stand up for them and to stand up for womens health. Polls have shown a tight race between Northam, the sitting lieutenant governor, and Republican Ed Gillespie, a longtime party operative and former chair of the Republican National Committee. National groups have poured millions into a campaign widely seen as a test of swing-state politics in the era of President Trump. With $3.2 million at the end of June, Gillespie had nearly twice as much campaign cash as Northam heading into the general election. Abortion rights advocates say the gubernatorial contest is also crucial for reproductive rights. Northam has been a key ally to abortion groups, making the issue a top priority during his time in Richmond. The state legislature is controlled by Republicans who support restrictions on abortion, but Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) campaigned on being a brick wall against antiabortion measures. This year, he vetoed legislation defunding Planned Parenthood. Lawmakers also debated, but did not pass, a bill banning abortion after 20 weeks. The states last Republican governor, Robert F. McDonnell, in 2011 signed a law requiring abortion clinics to operate under the same regulations as outpatient surgical centers. Abortion advocates say the law was an attempt to shut down clinics that could not afford costly renovations. Gillespie opposes abortion except in cases of rape, incest and when the mothers life is at stake. His spokesman, Dave Abrams, said Gillespie would support legislation to cut state payments to Planned Parenthood, though he noted that the candidate believes individual donors should feel free to give their money to the organization. Abrams accused Northam of extreme positions supporting abortions in the eighth or ninth month, an apparent reference to the Democrats refusal to back efforts to ban late-term abortions. In an online video Wednesday, Northam attacked Gillespies record on abortion rights, highlighting that he led the RNC when the party platform called for overturning Roe v. Wade and has said he would like to see abortion banned. Abortion was also a top issue in this years Democratic gubernatorial primary. Northams rival, former congressman Tom Perriello, faced a flurry of criticism, and a last-minute attack mailer from a mysterious group, over a vote in Congress to block insurers who cover abortion from receiving federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Planned Parenthood stayed out of the primary, although NARAL and its Virginia affiliate endorsed Northam. Thursday, August 3 English conversation club Adults can practice speaking English in a friendly environment. 4 p.m. Glenarden Library, 8724 Glenarden Pkwy., Glenarden. 301-772-5477. pgcmls.info. Free. Story Explorers Ages 5-12 can explore their favorite stories in a variety of forms. 4 p.m. Spauldings Library, 5811 Old Silver Hill Rd., District Heights. 301-817-3750. pgcmls.info. Free; registration required. Coffee crawl The Hyattsville Community Development Corp. hosts this networking event for local business owners. 6 p.m. Shagga Coffee & Restaurant, 6040 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville. 301-683-8267. hycdc.org. Free; reservations requested. Genealogical society meeting Falls Church resident Robert Lumsden shares his experiences with Y-DNA testing and discusses its strengths and limitations for genealogical research. 7-9:30 p.m. Severna Park United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 731 Benfield Rd., Severna Park. 410-760-9679. aagensoc.org. Free. Friday, august 4 Summer at the movies Bring a bagged lunch and watch a family movie. 1 p.m. Largo-Kettering Library, 9601 Capital Lane, Largo. 301-336-4044. pgcmls.info. Free. Survive the Library Age 5 and older can play the scary game Five Nights at Freddys. 2 p.m. Largo-Kettering Library, 9601 Capital Lane, Largo. 301-336-4044. pgcmls.info. Free. Bibliobop dance party Move and shake your sillies out. 3 p.m. Laurel Library, 507 Seventh St., Laurel. 301-776-6790. pgcmls.info. Free. Saturday, august 5 Bowie bird walk The Prince Georges County Audubon Society sponsors this group walk through the freshwater wetland to look and listen for bird species. 7:30 a.m. Fran Uhler Natural Area, 506-9512 Lemons Bridge Rd., Bowie. 240-603-5201. pgaudubon.org. Free. Glenn Dale farmers market Shop locally grown produce. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Marietta House Museum, parking lot, 5626 Bell Station Rd., Glenn Dale. 301-806-0111. facebook.com/GlennDaleFarmersMarket. Free. Skull Detectives Examine teeth and skeletons to discover what animal they belong to. 9:30-10:30 a.m. National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel. 301-497-5887. fws.gov/refuge/Patuxent/visit/NWVC.html. Free; registration required. Donations welcome. Chinese/English story time Stories, songs and activities in Chinese and English for ages 3-5. 10:15 a.m. Hyattsville Library, 6502 America Blvd., Hyattsville. 301-985-4690. pgcmls.info. Free. Kids coding class Learn how to create games, apps, graphic novels and more on the computer. For ages 5-12. All skill levels welcome. 11 a.m. South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd., Bowie. 301-850-0475. pgcmls.info. Free; registration required. Crochet workshop Bring own materials and join the circle. 1 p.m. Mount Rainier Library, 3409 Rhode Island Ave., Mount Rainier. 301-864-8937. pgcmls.info. Free. Laurel chess club Learn to play or improve skills. 1:30 p.m. Laurel Library, 507 Seventh St., Laurel. 301-776-6790. pgcmls.info. Free. Read to Rover Practice skills by taking a favorite book or choosing one from the stacks and reading to a trained therapy dog. For ages 5-12. 2 p.m. Surratts-Clinton Library, 9400 Piscataway Rd., Clinton. 301-868-9200. pgcmls.info. Free; registration required. Sunday, august 6 Bowie farmers market Shop fresh local produce, baked goods, meats and more. 8 a.m.-noon. Through Oct. 29. Bowie High School, 15200 Annapolis Rd. 301-809-3078, cityofbowie.org. Free. Space Jam Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny star in the 1996 live action/animated film. Outdoor screenings through Sept. 24. 6 p.m. National Harbor, 137 National Plaza. 877-628-5427. nationalharbor.com. Free. Monday, august 7 Bariatric weight loss lecture Dr. Hitesh Amin, general surgeon and medical director of the Bariatric and Weight Loss Center, discusses the benefits and procedure of minimally invasive bariatric surgery using the da Vinci robot. 9-10 a.m. Doctors Community Hospital, Professional Office Building, Suite 210, 8100 Good Luck Rd., Lanham. 301-324-4968. dchweightloss.org. Free; registration required. Kids achieve club Reading and homework help for students in grades K-6. 2 p.m. Beltsville Library, 4319 Sellman Rd., Beltsville. 301-937-0294. pgcmls.info. Free. Sewing for kids Learn basic skills including threading a needle, hand stitches and how to use a sewing machine. 4 p.m. Glenarden Library, 8724 Glenarden Pkwy., Glenarden. 301-772-5477. pgcmls.info. Free. SoulCollage A grief support group in which participants create collages to commemorate lost loved ones. 5-7:30 p.m. Church of the Redeemer, 7300 Race Track Rd., Bowie. 888-501-7977. chesapeakelifecenter.org. $10; registration required. Microsoft Word basics A beginners workshop to learn how to compose a document using the word processing software. 6 p.m. South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd., Bowie. 301-850-0475. pgcmls.info. Free; registration required. STEM for families Children ages 5-12 and their families are invited to drop in for hands-on experiments and activities in science, technology, engineering and math. 6:30 p.m. Laurel Library, 507 Seventh St., Laurel. 301-776-6790. pgcmls.info. Free. Resume writing workshop Adults can learn to create resumes that will stand out. 6:30 p.m. Hyattsville Library, 6502 America Blvd., Hyattsville. Free. 301-985-4690. pgcmls.info. Free; registration required. Wizard of Oz auditions Actors are wanted for the winter production. Come dressed in costume to sing and dance and read live from the script. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Greenbelt Arts Center, 123 Centerway, Greenbelt. 301-441-8770. greenbeltartscenter.org. Free. With Pen in Hand For authors to share ideas and give and receive critiques. 7 p.m. Bowie Library, 15210 Annapolis Rd. 301-262-7000. pgcmls.info. Free. CardioHIT No Excuse Workout leads this outdoor group fitness class for all ages. 7-8 p.m., through Oct. 23. National Harbor, 137 National Plaza. 877-628-5427. nationalharbor.com. Free. Tuesday, august 8 Summer at the movies Bring a bagged lunch and watch a family movie. 1 p.m. Largo-Kettering Library, 9601 Capital Lane, Largo. 301-336-4044. www.pgcmls.info. Free. Matinee at the library Ages 5-12 can watch a G-rated movie. 1 p.m. Baden Library, 13603 Baden-Westwood Rd., Brandywine. 301-888-1152. pgcmls.info. Free. Community-led book discussion A group discussion about a variety of adult books. 2 p.m. Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd. 301-839-2400. pgcmls.info. Free. Craft N Creations An open craft session for ages 5-12. 3 p.m. South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd., Bowie. 301-850-0475. pgcmls.info. Free. Story Explorers Crafts and stories about community-building for age 5-12. 3 p.m. Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd. 301-839-2400. pgcmls.info. Free. Sojourner Truth Room grand reopening ceremony Performances, library history and special guests to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the library. 6 p.m. Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd. 301-839-2400. pgcmls.info. Free. Teen gaming night For ages 13-18. 6 p.m. Surratts-Clinton Library, 9400 Piscataway Rd., Clinton. 301-868-9200. pgcmls.info. Free. John Jack Godfrey traumatic brain injury support group For survivors of traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers to build relationships and gain information and resources. 6-7 p.m. Prince Georges Hospital Center, Family Health and Wellness Center, first floor, Gladys Spellman Conference Room, 2900 Mercy Lane, Cheverly. 301-806-2364. dimensionshealth.org. Free; registration required. Wednesday, august 9 Food bank volunteers Help unload Capital Area Food Bank trucks. 9 a.m.-noon. Trinity Episcopal Church, 14515 Church St., Upper Marlboro. 301-627-2636. edow.org/trinityuppermarlboro/org. Free. Recycled art Create personal masterpieces using a variety of materials. 11 a.m. Upper Marlboro Library, 14730 Main St., Upper Marlboro. 301-627-9330. pgcmls.info. Free. Story Explorers Crafts and stories about community-building for age 5-12. 3 p.m. Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd. 301-839-2400. pgcmls.info. Free. Therapeutic riding program benefit Progressive Equestrian Therapeutic Services hosts this fundraising concert with Mary Ann Redmond and Susan Graham White performing jazz, blues, alternative folk and roots rock. 8 p.m. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St, Annapolis. 301-773-0856. pgpets.wordpress.com. $35. Compiled by Jillian S. Jarrett TO SUBMIT AN EVENT Email: pgliving@washpost.com Fax: 301-618-1780 Mail: Community Calendar, Local Living, The Washington Post, 9500 Arena Dr., Suite 400, Largo, Md. 20774 Details: Announcements are accepted on a space-available basis from public and nonprofit organizations only and must be submitted at least 14 days before the Thursday publication date. Include event name, dates, times, exact address, prices and a publishable contact phone number. Signs remain at a memorial for Justine Damond at the church she attended, Lake Harriet Spiritual Community in Minneapolis, on July 26. (Jenn Ackerman/For The Washington Post) Kim Handy-Jones stands at the front of a meeting room in a working-class portion of southeast Minneapolis, large pieces of butcher paper labeled Body Cams, Accountability and Training hanging behind her. In the months since a police officer shot and killed her son in neighboring St. Paul, Handy-Jones has met here regularly with a dozen or so longtime Twin Cities advocates of police reform. But this meeting is different. This time, the room is full. Some of the nearly 80 people present have to stand. And this time, the majority is white. Handy-Jones, who is black, pauses and bows her head, displaying the intricacies of her braided updo. Its as though shes considering her words, what she can and what she must say. I am so glad truly, my heart is glad to see this room so full, she says softly, before building in a crescendo. Kim Handy-Jones , center, speaks at a Justice for Justine event July 25 in Minneapolis. (Jenn Ackerman/For the Washington Post) Now, most of yall were not here when my son was killed. . . . But this is about life, human life, not black and white, not just my son or your neighbor, but about all of us, she continues. It took Justines death to make that clear, I think, for some of yall. But I really do welcome yall to the fight. This is Minneapolis, nearly two weeks after city police officer Mohamed Noor fatally shot Justine Damond, an Australian woman who moved here in 2015 to join her fiance. It has become a city divided: The usual loyalties that bind are strained and the ideals that tend to unite namely equal justice under the law have become a source of pressure, forcing new alliances and revealing fissures. In the shootings aftermath, the police union has been largely silent in defending one of its own. The citys white, female mayor facing a difficult reelection bid in which policing has become a primary issue demanded and received the resignation of the white, female police chief. Local Somali American leaders have distanced their community from Noor, expressing dismay about news coverage and public chatter that tied one Somali American officers actions to the entire community and culture. And while some white residents long have been engaged in calls for police reforms, advocates say their numbers have suddenly grown. The shifts in Minneapolis reflect a nationwide debate about officers use of force, an issue that became inflamed last week when, during a speech to law enforcement officers, President Trump told them not to be too nice to suspects and said they shouldnt protect suspects heads when putting them in squad cars. White House officials have said Trump was joking, but the comments received swift backlash from law enforcement leaders nationwide. The Twin Cities area has experienced contentious police shootings before, including the death of Philando Castile, who was shot during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb in July 2016. But the response to this shooting has been different. The reason, some say, is clear: The victim was white, and the police officer involved is a black immigrant. John Thompson a local activist who shouted down Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges (D) and demanded her resignation during a news conference after Damond was killed said he welcomes newcomers to the cause. Thompson became involved last year after the killing of Castile, his friend and co-worker of 11 years. Thompson, who is black, considers Castiles death and a jurys decision to acquit the officer involved an indelible stain on Minnesota. He was disturbed by the way Castile a man he calls a loving father who liked to play chess and video games was too often portrayed as an armed and dangerous weed smoker. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post) But now, this Minneapolis cop has killed a beautiful, middle-class white lady they dont know how to vilify, Thompson said. White people are outraged. And you know what? I say, Come on, because we need their voices. We need their white power. We need their white privilege. . . . They will not be ignored, and nobody is going to try. Damond who used her fiances last name instead of her legal name, Ruszczyk was a trained veterinary surgeon and yoga teacher, widely described as kind and cheery. In the airy screened porch of the brown brick house she shared with her fiance, Don Damond, a four-foot statue, a water feature and multicolored pillows mark it as a meditative space. Since her death, a video of her efforts to rescue ducklings from a storm sewer drain has been broadcast worldwide. In the moments before she was killed, Damond dialed 911 in an attempt to help a woman she feared was being raped in the alley behind her home. A search warrant filed in the case notes that an unidentified woman, which could have been Damond, slapped the back of the police cruiser seconds before Noor fired his gun, killing Damond. Orange signs have appeared around town warning of easily startled police. Robert Bennett, an attorney for the Damond family, drew the ire of many police reform advocates last month when he described Justine Damond as the most innocent victim hed seen killed by police. The comment, he says, was a reference to the way Damond will be viewed by the general public and Minnesotas predominantly white juries. There just isnt anything [negative] that can be said about Justine, Bennett said. Bennett, a stocky, energy-packed white man who wrestled for Notre Dame, has practiced law for more than 40 years. He represented Castiles relatives in a civil suit that resulted in a $3 million settlement with the city of St. Anthony, which employed the officer who shot Castile. An 11-pound pike that Bennett caught in 1984 hangs on his office wall, the sharp parts of its mouth, fins and tail harpooning nearly $10 million in checks paid after Bennett won settlements for clients maimed or killed by city workers and police officers around the Midwest. The usual dirty tricks and convenient rapid leaks from the department and the union about the victim just arent possible here, Bennett said of Damonds case. On the other hand, race has a lot to do with who does and does not have a criminal record in this country. Back at the meeting of police reform groups, Jon and Jean Sutton are taking seats in the rear of the room. The Suttons, who are white, live two blocks from the Damonds house, in the Fulton neighborhood in far Southwest Minneapolis. This is the couples first time at such a meeting, and they arent sure what they are prepared to do beyond listen, learn and share their ideas. Im here to satisfy my curiosity, Jon Sutton said. Id like to understand what means exist to assure some accountability. Id like to see the mayor and city council get involved. Minneapolis is home to nearly 414,000 people, most of them white, according to census estimates. About 19 percent of residents are black, and the share of the city that was foreign-born 15.5 percent topped the national average by a few points. Minneapolis is also home to the countrys largest Somali American population. Hodges, the mayor, acknowledges that she has been more frank about the need for policing reforms since the Damond shooting. But she says she learned some things during the protests and investigations that followed the fatal police shooting of Jamar Clark in 2015. In this situation, I am aware, of course, of the racial dynamics at play, she said. I cannot avoid what I believe to be right because of who was involved and what questions that will prompt about my motivation and sincerity. Last year, the Minneapolis Police Department started requiring officers to activate body cameras during most interactions with citizens. Three days before Damonds death, local station KSTP-TV reported that the average Minneapolis police officer had uploaded no more than 6.1 hours of footage each month. Interim police chief Medaria Arradondo announced last week a stricter mandate that all officers must activate their body cameras when responding to any call, initiating a traffic stop or otherwise encountering the public. The head of the police union, Lt. Bob Kroll who, until now, has been largely silent in the aftermath of the Damond shooting described Arradondos order as a knee-jerk reaction. Arradondo declined to comment for this report. In an email to The Washington Post, Kroll, president of the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation, said he has not commented on the Damond shooting because he doesnt want to create problems for Noor, who has not yet made a statement to investigators. Kroll has been a particular concern for activists, who point to what they say are indicators of racial animus. A 2007 racial discrimination suit filed by Arradondo and four other black officers claimed that Kroll had made racist statements, and several excessive-force complaints against Kroll claim he used racial slurs while choking, hitting or arresting suspects. Those complaints were dismissed or found to be without merit. I vehemently deny the false allegations, Kroll said. Nekima Levy-Pounds, a black civil rights lawyer running against Hodges for mayor, said she has been heartened by the speed with which Damonds mostly white neighbors have connected her death with systemic policing problems. That may be all that stands between the citys police department making a scapegoat of Noor and actual police reforms, she said. Many people in this city have been living in the dark with regard to police violence, she said. But the recognition this week that this is a human rights issue, not a black issue, thats powerful. Thats sad and powerful. President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally reacted to the brutal murder of IEBC ICT Manager Chris Msando. In a statement on Tuesday, the Head of State said he was deeply shocked by the murder of Mr Msando and Caro Ngumbu. He eulogized Musando as a man who gave himself to the service of his country, and its institutions. We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the murder of Chris Msando and Caro Ngumbu. I join in prayer with their families, and of every Kenyan of good will. Chris was a man who gave himself to the service of his country, and its institutions, the statement reads in part. He called on Kenyans to restrain from careless speculation and allow investigators to bring the perpetrators to justice. Careless speculation in this time of grief only makes the work of investigators harder, and it only adds to the pain of those who loved him. Let us respect his life, his achievements, and his memory by allowing these investigations to proceed calmly. The Republic must secure the lives, the property, and the safety of its people and it will, said Uhuru. But beyond that, we must remain united. This is not the time to allow a tragedy such as this to divide us, to turn brother against brother. In the face of death, we stand strong together: so that we can mourn a patriot; so that we can comfort his family and those he loved; and so that the ideal for which he lived the free and fair choice of our leaders is realised. Uhuru also ordered for the provision of security for all IEBC officials. JORDAN Lower house repeals marry rapist clause The lower house of Jordans parliament on Tuesday scrapped a provision in the kingdoms penal code that allowed a rapist to escape punishment if he married his victim. Applause erupted from a packed spectators gallery as legislators voted for a repeal after an emotional debate. The vote was hailed as a major step forward for women in the kingdom. Despite the countrys pro-Western political orientation and cosmopolitan urban elites, many areas of Jordan remain socially conservative, with entrenched notions of family honor. This includes the belief that having a rape victim in the family is shameful and that such shame can be expunged through marriage with the perpetrator. The decision still needs the approval of parliaments appointed upper house and King Abdullah II. After the expected final approval, Jordan would join Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt, which have canceled their marry the rapist clauses over the years. Associated Press TURKEY Nearly 500 go on trial over 2016 coup attempt Nearly 500 suspects, including army generals and pilots, went on trial in Turkey on Tuesday, many of them accused of commanding last years failed coup attempt from an air base in the capital, Ankara. Families of those killed or wounded in the coup attempt protested outside the courthouse as the defendants arrived under tight security. The government declared a state of emergency after the coup attempt and embarked on a large-scale crackdown that has alarmed Western allies of Ankara, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and a candidate for European Union membership. A total of 461 suspects jailed pending trial were brought to the courthouse. Seven defendants are on the run, while 18 have been charged but are not in jail. The main defendant is 76-year-old U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government accuses of orchestrating the coup attempt. Gulen is being tried in absentia and denies any role in the putsch. If convicted, many of the 486 defendants face life terms. Associated Press 3 defendants die in escape attempt in Moscow court: In a desperate attempt to escape, five defendants charged with multiple murders wrested weapons from their escorts at a Moscow courthouse, sparking a shootout with other guards in the buildings corridors. Three of the assailants were killed, officials said, and the other two were wounded and recaptured. The defendants, all from Central Asia, are accused of killing 17 motorists near Moscow in 2012-2014. Prosecutors said the men and other members of their gang placed spikes on roads, forcing the motorists out of their vehicles, and then shot them. 8 migrants reported dead in Mediterranean: Eight migrants died in the Mediterranean and 375 were rescued from small boats on Tuesday, the aid group Proactiva Open Arms said. More than 2,200 people have lost their lives this year trying to make the crossing from North Africa to Europe, while about 95,000 have been rescued and taken to Italy. Nongovernmental organizations carry out about a third of all operations in the search-and-rescue zone north of Libya, according to Italys coast guard, which coordinates the rescues. German office missed deadline to remove Hamburg suspect: Germanys migration office said officials missed a deadline two years ago to deport the Palestinian man identified as a suspect in the fatal stabbing of one person and wounding of six in Hamburg last week. Ahmad A. arrived from Norway in early 2015. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees told the news agency DPA that in July 2015 the agency asked Norway to take him back. But the request was made one day after a deadline expired, and Norway refused. Cambodian leader expels American-led group: Cambodias prime minister ordered the ouster of an American-led Christian group that seeks to rescue and rehabilitate women working in the sex trade, saying its comments in a CNN report last week demeaned the country. The TV report showed the head of the Agape International Mission describing child prostitution in a suburb of Phnom Penh. Much of the controversy involved the ethnicity of the three women the report focused on. They appeared to be ethnic Vietnamese, not Cambodias mainstream ethnic Khmer. Many Cambodians are known to share a long-established prejudice against Vietnam. From news services IN 1984, the U.S. Senate passed an amendment to rename the street outside the Soviet Embassy after Andrei Sakharov, the Russian nuclear physicist, dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Sakharov Plaza was named both to honor a human rights defender and to rebuke the government that spent years persecuting him. Though the move raised tensions with the Soviet Union, it also sent a strong message to Soviet diplomats and beyond that Sakharov and activists like him were not forgotten. Two years later, Sakharov was released from internal exile a decision that his stepdaughter attributes, at least in part, to the naming of the plaza. Now a similar measure is on the table to memorialize the late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) has introduced a bill to rename the street in front of the Chinese Embassy Liu Xiaobo Plaza. He could not have chosen a more worthy person to commemorate. Mr. Liu embodied the spirit of democracy in a country that has done its utmost to crush it. For more than two decades, Mr. Liu risked his security and freedom to press the Chinese Communist authorities for open elections and the rule of law. He was a beacon of hope for human rights advocates in China and all over the world until his death in Chinese captivity on July 13. Naming a street in his honor would not only be a tribute to his life and achievements but also tell Beijing that its crackdown on human rights has not gone unnoticed. Each time a Chinese diplomat entered or left the embassy, he or she would confront Mr. Lius legacy and maybe spare a thought for the hundreds of human rights lawyers and activists currently detained by the Communist Party. This should be impetus enough for the change. But there is another reason to keep the pressure on China. Mr. Lius widow, Liu Xia, has been kept under house arrest by the Chinese government though she has never been charged with a crime. Friends and family have not been able to contact her since her husbands funeral, raising concerns about her safety. As The Posts Josh Rogin reported this week, Chinese authorities are vehemently opposed to naming a street for Liu Xiaobo. Moving ahead with Mr. Cruzs legislation could be an effective way to remind China that Ms. Lius fate is an important issue for the United States. Critics have argued that renaming the street is a largely symbolic gesture. They are right. That doesnt mean it is not worth doing. Someday, we hope, Chinese officials representing a different sort of government will step out of their embassy onto Liu Xiaobo Plaza and take pride in a compatriot who sacrificed everything for the country they hold so dear. Reporters in search of the heart of Trumpism often travel to places such as York, Pa., or Youngstown, Ohio. Unfortunately, the true ethos of the Trump White House is not found in the factory towns of the industrial Midwest, but in the see-and-be-seen power-lunch spots of Manhattan. The Mooch may have quickly come and gone, but Moochism remains a guiding force of Trumps presidency a New York-centric worldview that values deals over details, and equates wealth and celebrity with wisdom. The ouster of Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci and the arrival of retired Marine Corps general John Kelly as chief of staff may obscure, at least temporarily, that fundamental reality. But the past six months have made clear that, in the Acela corridors balance of power, Manhattans Masters of the Universe have triumphed over Washingtons policy wonks and Bostons academics. (Jesse Mesner-Hage,Dalton Bennett,Meg Kelly/The Washington Post) And with all due respect to my friends in the 10022, therein lies many of President Trumps troubles. Perhaps the worldview of the now-defunct Four Seasons Grill Room was suited for dominating New Yorks media and real estate circles, but it is proving horrible for making things work in Washington. Three core views of the Midtown mind-set in the Trump White House illustrate the point. Policy is for losers; winners do deals. The single biggest problem that the Trump administration has had in advancing its agenda is a disdain for policymaking and in-the-weeds expertise. Policymaking seems too nerdy, too wonky, too boring for the president and his only the best people. Team Trump loves dealmaking instead. Thus, its no surprise that Trumps inner circle is filled with dealmakers Gary Cohn, Steven Mnuchin, Wilbur Ross, Rex Tillerson and, most of all, Trumps wheeler-dealer son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Kushners overstuffed portfolio which makes no sense to anyone experienced in government can be understood only as a series of deals he is supposed to close: a Middle East peace agreement, a trade deal with Mexico, some sort of bargain with China. The fact that he knows virtually nothing about any of these things is irrelevant in Trumpworld: Hes a deal guy, and, hey, there are deals to be done. The problem is that in government, policy actually matters. You cant achieve the art of the deal unless you know the parts of the deal. Even presidents famous for not sweating the details Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, for instance knew their stuff on their key priorities (tax reform and education policy, respectively). No sentence will ever capture Trumps policy doesnt matter mind-set more than his iconic Nobody knew health care could be so complicated. Well, actually, Mr. President, every person who had ever studied it with any rigor did. Only the big guys matter. This second Trump characteristic comes straight from the power-lunch crowd: If you arent a name, you dont count. Virtually all of Trumps in-depth interactions as president have been with corporate chief executives, four-star generals and celebrities. His economic policy has largely consisted of trying to get hiring promises out of some of the largest U.S. companies. Successful presidents in both parties have learned, however, that there is wisdom outside the famous names. Look at Trumps recent big-name job creation event in Wisconsin: Small businesses and entrepreneurs in that state will create four times as many jobs each year as a new Foxconn factory. But Trump has done virtually nothing to embrace such un-famous job creators or to explore ways to encourage their work. If you arent rich, you arent smart. Trump has openly boasted that he trusts only the rich to formulate economic policy. And its obvious that Trump accords special respect for the wealthiest members of his team Cohn, Mnuchin and Ross, in particular. It may explain why Trump has sloughed off the expertise of the men and women of the intelligence community, agency policy shops and the Congressional Budget Office. In the Trump mind-set, if public servants arent rich or famous, how could they really be smart? (Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post) Team Trump does not understand that public servants, community activists, nonprofit leaders and policy wonks have critical contributions to make in policy formation, even if they dont have the biggest bank accounts or the fanciest threads. (If youre still trying to puzzle out how the catastrophically unfit Scaramucci could temporarily be named White House communications director, theres your answer.) Representatives and senators also have a lot of policy expertise and insights and, if nothing else, more votes on a presidents legislative agenda than anyone in the Hamptons or Sun Valley. This is not to say that New Yorks finest cannot be great contributors in Washington: In both my stints in the White House, some of the savviest, most devoted, most effective senior officials came from New Yorks elite. But what these successful White House aides all shared was an appreciation for how much policy details mattered and how important it was to bring diverse voices and experiences to the table all sadly missing among Trumps dealmaking coterie. EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING is a hot concept in government these days, but politicians still often draft legislation or propose regulations based on what they think voters will like not the public interest as demonstrated by objective data. A notable exception has been the recent response of Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) with regard to efforts by members of the County Council to raise the countys minimum wage from the current $11.50 per hour to $15 per hour. In January, Mr. Leggett vetoed a bill, passed on a 5-to-4 vote, that would have raised the minimum to $15 by 2020. He cited cost increases to the county government and the likely negative impact on the countys economic competitiveness. However, advocates of a $15 minimum are trying again, with Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large) recently introducing a bill slightly adjusted to address some of Mr. Leggetts objections. Wisely, Mr. Leggetts veto message called for an objective economic study of the probable consequences, intended and unintended, of the proposed hike which would leave Montgomery as the highest-minimum-wage jurisdiction in the area except for the District. Proponents of the increase should have waited for the results of this study; theyve just come in, and they vindicate Mr. Leggetts caution. According to the 146-page report by Philadelphia-based consulting group PFM, the proposed higher wage would indeed yield benefits for low-wage workers who received it, in the form of reduced stress, greater food security and better mental health. Employers, in turn, could benefit from their workers improved morale, in the form of higher productivity. However, there would be offsetting costs and they could be substantial: a loss of almost 47,000 jobs and $396.5 million in total income by 2022, due to workers being priced out of the job market by the higher minimum wage. This would spell a reduction of nearly $41 million in expected county tax revenue between fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2022; meanwhile, the county governments payroll costs would go up $10 million. The results of similar experiments elsewhere in the country should also give boosters of $15 per hour in Montgomery more pause than it apparently does. A team of economists at the University of Washington recently found that low-income workers across all businesses in Seattle lost an average of $125 a month because of reduced hours or job loss after that city enacted a $15 minimum. No doubt the PFM study can, and will, be attacked on the basis that it was produced at Mr. Leggetts request. No doubt, too, a different study of Seattle restaurant workers by a University of California at Berkeley team found much more benign results from the citys mandated wage hike. But the existence of so much controversy over the real-world impact of previously untried minimum-wage levels suggests that its better to proceed cautiously, especially because the risks of error would be borne by the very workers the policy intends to help. At the least, $15-an-hour advocates owe the new report a careful reading and a respectful response. Imprisoned Iranian American businessman Siamak Namazi is pictured in this photograph taken in San Francisco in 2006. (Handout/Reuters) Regarding the July 27 editorial The hostages in Iran: The Trump administration must intensify and maintain pressure on Iran until every American hostage is released. Last week, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan resolution I introduced with Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), Theodore E. Deutch (D-Fla.) and Ted Poe (R-Tex.) that urges President Trump to take meaningful action to secure the release of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents held hostage by Iran. Two of these prisoners, Siamak and Baquer Namazi, were constituents of mine when they last lived in the United States. The strong bipartisan support for this resolution speaks to the gravity of the situation in Iran and the urgency it demands. An hour before the resolution passed, I once again met with Babak Namazi, the brother of Siamak and son of Baquer. At that very moment, Babaks brother and father were in Tehrans Evin prison, a true hell on Earth. We will never know the pain Babak and his family feel, nor will we know the agony of Siamak and Baquer. But we took a small step on July 26 to act. Now the Trump administration must do everything in its power to take the next step. Nita Lowey, Washington The writer, a Democrat, represents New Yorks 17th District in the U.S. House. Heres a contrarian thought: President Trump had the right instinct to insist that China help resolve the nightmare problem of North Korea. A peaceful solution is impossible without help from the other great power in East Asia. As Trump nears the threshold of a military crisis with North Korea, he needs to sustain this early intuition and not be driven into actions that may look tough but would leave every player worse off. The template hasnt really changed from the Korean War in 1950: North Koreas aggressive actions bring an American response and then a general war that devastates the Korean Peninsula. The conflict ends in stalemate and at huge cost. Trump in his first months saw the need for a negotiated halt in North Koreas program. But he has been pushed toward military options by Kim Jong Uns reckless continuation of his missile testing despite Chinas efforts to restrain the impulsive young leader. War fever is growing, as in Sen. Lindsey O. Grahams (R-S.C.) comment Tuesday that conflict is inevitable unless Pyongyang stops testing weapons. What is wise policy? Even as Trump ratchets up the pressure, he should quietly urge China to take the lead in a diplomatic solution. He should continue to make clear to Beijing that its economic and security interests would be severely harmed if the United States is forced to address the North Korea problem on its own, militarily. Heres a suggestion for Beijing: China should invite the other key players the United States, Japan, South Korea, perhaps Russia to gather in New York during the U.N. General Assembly meeting for talks about how to handle the North Korea problem. The model would be the P5+1 group that sponsored the Iran nuclear talks. China was an observer back then; this time it would be the convener. Xi Jinpings global status would be enhanced as he heads toward this falls big party congress that will shape his future as president. North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un supervising the test-fire of a strategic ballistic missile. (North Korean Central News Agency via European Pressphoto Agency) Three months ago, Trump was ready for face-to-face diplomacy with Kim, under Chinese sponsorship. He seemed to be packing his bags back on May 1, when he said: If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him, I would absolutely, I would be honored to do it. Ingratiating language aside, that was the right instinct. But now, Trump feels burned that the Chinese couldnt stop Pyongyangs missile tests, and the White House wants Xi to take the lead. There was a tone of personal betrayal in Trumps tweets last weekend: I am very disappointed in China . . . they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. Because of Trumps pique toward Beijing, trade is back on the table. The United States is readying harsh trade sanctions against Chinese steel producers and perhaps against several big Internet companies, too. Sources tell me that a milder trade deal worked out by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross last month was scuttled by the White House, humiliating the Chinese, and Ross too, but sending the message that Trump is serious in demanding Chinas help on North Korea as the price of trade flexibility. The U.S. Pacific Command is readying military options. But Defense Secretary Jim Mattis knows better than anyone that a military conflict would be a catastrophe. A preemptive strike by the United States would risk the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Koreans and Japanese (and U.S. residents of Seoul), albeit with little risk to the American homeland. That may appeal to some members of Congress, but it would outrage the rest of the world. It would also spin the problem of nuclear proliferation into a lawless zone of unilateral action, harming U.S. interests. China knows that the road ahead is potentially ruinous. Chinas U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, said last month: Currently tensions are high and we certainly would like to see a de-escalation. . . . If tension only goes up . . . then sooner or later it will get out of control and the consequences would be disastrous. Chinas state-run press also keeps hammering Pyongyang. Russia, too, seems willing to be helpful on North Korea, as it was on Iran because its interests are harmed by an erratic nuclear-weapons state. Trump has the opportunity for a foreign policy reset in the shadow of the North Korea crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin has overreached and been rebuffed by congressional sanctions. Kim has overreached with his relentless missile testing. Xi has overreached by offering more than he has delivered on curbing Pyongyang. (Gillian Brockell,Kate Woodsome,Karen Attiah,Daniel Mich/The Washington Post) The world is beginning to worry that Trump could go to war. Maybe thats the moment when China helps to organize one of those win-win solutions that Xi is always talking about. Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. No one is working harder for the impeachment of Donald Trump than Donald Trump. If we have learned anything about this president, it is that he has a compulsion to be the center of attention. He cant bear being out of the limelight and will say almost anything no matter how offensive, outrageous or dishonest it strikes millions of Americans to keep the public fixated on him. The more he does this, the more he risks impeachment. Just whether John F. Kelly, the retired Marine general who is Trumps new chief of staff, can restrain his boss is unclear. This certainly is a central question hovering over the White House, and it wont be easy. For months, Trumps behavior has posed a riddle. Why is he so self-destructive? His constant tweets deepen the countrys divisions, which he promised to heal. The customary explanation is that Trump is playing to his base, but recently, this has seemed less convincing. Opinion polls suggest his support has slipped even among loyal backers. (The latest Post-ABC News poll has Trumps approval rating dropping from 42 percent in April to 36 percent in early July.) In fact, weve been asking the wrong question. It has been widely assumed that Trumps behavior must reflect some political logic. He is, after all, the nations most important politician. His every move must aim to bolster his popularity and agenda. Although this sounds reasonable, it doesnt fit the facts. Trumps nonstop outbursts alienate, usually needlessly, countless voters: precisely the people he needs to broaden his support. But the mystery vanishes once we realize that Trumps motives, rather than advancing some grand political strategy, are deeply personal. He cant control himself. In his mind, silence means obscurity, which is unbearable, especially when ending it is only a tweet or two away. It doesnt matter what he says whether it is true or false, relevant or irrelevant to the issues as long as he stirs passions and dominates public discussion. (Adriana Usero/The Washington Post) It is personality more than politics that impels Trump to be Trump. With hindsight, his rhetorical escapades can be described as political maneuvers, but this is mostly damage control. See Trump and Russia. Superficially, the odds of Trump being impeached by the House and convicted ousted from office by the Senate are long. Impeachment (which resembles an indictment) requires a majority vote in the House. Conviction in the Senate mandates a two-thirds vote. Even if all Democrats voted against Trump, many Republicans would have to join them for Trump to be removed. To convict in the Senate would require 19 Republican votes, if all senators were present, says political scientist Sarah Binder of the Brookings Institution. As yet, an anti-Trump coalition doesnt exist. Still, nothing can be entirely discounted. Thats the reality Kelly faces as chief of staff. Trump is an extreme exhibitionist in a calling politics where exhibitionism is normal. His addiction to incendiary tweets will be hard, though not impossible, to break. It may defy political or legal logic indeed, it places him at further risk, because he may get himself in legal trouble or say something hugely unpopular. But it satisfies his need to own the news cycle. In this sense, Trump can be seen as the strongest and most determined advocate of impeachment. If he must flirt with impeachment to retain his command of the media, so be it. As a practical matter, he might see impeachment (though not conviction) as acceptable. He would be automatically in the spotlight every day for months. He would have a new arena in which to fight and win. Perhaps subconsciously, this is his goal: Impeach me, please! Read more from Robert Samuelsons archive. A private detective who investigated the slaying of a Democratic National Committee staffer alleged in a lawsuit Tuesday that Fox News Channel worked with White House officials to push a discredited theory about the case to undermine allegations of Russian collusion with Donald Trumps presidential campaign. The investigator, Rod Wheeler, further claims in the suit that President Trump was aware of the bogus story and urged Fox to publish it on its website. Wheelers defamation lawsuit which names Fox News, a Fox reporter and a wealthy businessman as defendants is an outgrowth of the slaying last summer of Seth Rich, a young data specialist at the DNC. Rich was killed in his D.C. neighborhood in July 2016 in what police said was a botched robbery attempt. But the timing set off a conspiracy theory among Trump supporters and those on the far right: that Richs death was somehow arranged by Democratic officials as payback for his leak of thousands of DNC emails and electronic files to WikiLeaks, which published them. The emails were an embarrassment to Hillary Clintons campaign, but Richs family and D.C. police have denied that Rich was the source or that his slaying had anything to do with his work at the DNC. Intelligence sources have said that the emails were stolen from the DNC by Russian hackers. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post) In May, however, a story was published on Foxnews.com asserting that Rich was the source of the email leak. It quoted Wheeler who has worked as a Fox News contributor as a primary source for the allegation. Amid complaints from Richs family, Foxnews.com retracted its story a week after publication, saying it had been published prematurely. Wheeler alleges in his suit that a Fox News reporter, Malia Zimmerman, made up two quotes in the story and attributed them to him. His suit claims that Foxnews.com pushed the story in an effort to deflect public attention from the ongoing investigations into the administrations ties to the Russian government. In a statement Monday, Foxs president of news, Jay Wallace, called Wheelers accusation that the story was published to detract from the Russian investigation completely erroneous. He said the story is still being investigated and that Fox has no evidence that Wheeler was misquoted. Wheeler alleges in his suit that he met with then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer on April 20, along with Ed Butowsky, a conservative financier who had been bankrolling Wheelers investigation of the Rich slaying. Butowsky is a frequent guest on Fox business programs. Butowsky, who did not answer requests for comment on Tuesday, urged Wheeler in emails and texts to push the bogus Rich story, according to Wheelers lawsuit, and suggested that Trump was paying attention. We have the full attention of the White House on this, he told Wheeler in one message, shortly before the meeting with Spicer. Spicer acknowledged on Tuesday that he met with Butowsky and Wheeler in April and was told about the Rich story, despite telling reporters in May that he was unaware of it when Fox News ran several segments about it. At the time, he told reporters, I dont Im not aware of generally, I dont get updates on DNC former DNC staffers. Im not aware of that. In a statement on Tuesday, Spicer said, Ed is a longtime supporter of the presidents agenda who often appears in the media. He asked for a 10-minute meeting, with no specified topic, to catch up and said he would be bringing along a contributor to Fox News. He added, As Ed himself has noted, he has never met the president and the White House had nothing to do with his story. Spicer did not explain the discrepancy in his public statements. Richs family, in a statement made through its representative, Brad Bauman, suggested that the revelations about how the story was sold might put some conspiracy theories to rest. While we cant speak to the evidence that you now have, we are hopeful that this brings an end to what has been the most emotionally difficult time in our lives and an end to conspiracy theories surrounding our beloved Seth, the family said. At Tuesdays White House briefing, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president had no knowledge of the story despite Butowskys claim in emails to Wheeler that he had kept Trump in the loop. (Butowsky told NPR that those were joking comments.) It doesnt bother me that the press secretary would take a meeting with someone involved in the media about a story, said Sanders. Matea Gold contributed to this report. ABOARD AIR FORCE TWO Vice President Pence, returning from a trip to Eastern Europe, continued his forceful rhetoric on Russia and warned that the United States expects China to do more to contain North Koreas nuclear ambitions. Pence, in an interview with The Washington Post on Wednesday, touted President Trumps signing of a Russia sanctions bill as evidence that the White House strongly rejects Russian meddling and misbehavior around the world. His decision to sign the Iran sanctions bill or the Iran-North Korea-Russia sanctions bill I think is reflective of a desire to make sure that freedom-loving countries around the world know that we are with them, and that Russia and the rogue regimes in North Korea and Iran know that this president and this administration expect a change, Pence said, sitting at a table in the middle cabin of his plane. [Trump signs what he calls seriously flawed bill imposing new sanctions on Russia] While Pence, who hopscotched between Estonia, Georgia and Montenegro over 3 days, used his trip to reassure skittish allies that the United States supports them against Russian aggression and is committed to NATOs promise of mutual defense, the president has been far less tough on Russian President Vladimir Putin and his country, repeatedly refusing to fully accept his own intelligence agencies conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and talking about a more collaborative relationship with one of the United States biggest geopolitical foes. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post) Although Trump signed the sanctions bill Wednesday only in the face of mounting bipartisan pressure, Pence said the original concerns the president had about the process and the efforts the administration took to increase flexibility dont change the fact that the direction of these sanctions is completely consistent to the direction that President Trump has set. Asked about a specific red line he and the president have for Russia, the vice president called it a really great question but declined to answer, instead criticizing former president Barack Obamas administration for not following through on the red line it set with Syria on using chemical weapons. [Trump blames Obamas weakness for Assads use of chemical weapons] Trump, he said, has a well see attitude toward Russia, but he added that the White House is hopeful that sanctions will force Russia which has retaliated in response to the legislation to change its behavior. We think that creates an environment where there can be a more honest dialogue about resolving differences and finding common ground, he said. He said that if Russia understands the United States backs its allies in an unambiguous way, his hope is that perhaps Russia will reconsider its recent actions and embrace the kind of changes that will make it possible for us to improve relationships going forward. On the question of North Korea, which recently developed an intercontinental ballistic missile believed to be capable of reaching the United States, Pence echoed recent tweets by the president calling on China to use both its economic and diplomatic leverage to pressure North Korea. Whatever China has done, to this point, has accomplished nothing, Pence said. We literally have seen more provocations, more missile testing, and more of the same kind of behavior that weve witnessed out that regime, now, for years. And I think in the days ahead, youre going to see President Trump continue to marshal the support of our allies in the region, to further isolate North Korea economically and diplomatically. But also, youre going to see the president, as he did this week, call President Xi of China to account. [The Latest: Trump calls North Koreas ICBM launch reckless] Pence left on his trip as turmoil continued to engulf Trumps administration at the six-month mark. The vice president departed just a day after the president pushed Reince Priebus out as his chief of staff. While Pence was in Georgia, news broke that Anthony Scaramucci, the latest White House communications director, had been fired after just 10 days on the job. Scaramuccis firing came, in part, because of an interview he gave to the New Yorker, savaging Priebus and Stephen K. Bannon, the presidents chief strategist, in crude, expletive-laced terms. Asked what he thought about Scaramuccis language, the vice president said, I fully support the presidents decisions about personnel. Praising Trumps leadership, Pence recited a list of achievements from stock market records that are, he said, increasing the wealth and resources of American families, to the confirmation of Neil M. Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and the reduction of illegal crossings along the nations southern border all of which he said are a testament to the strength of the presidents leadership, to his vision for the country. So far, however, the Trump administration has seen two chiefs of staff, two communications directors, two press secretaries, two national security advisers and two deputy national security advisers. Pressed on the chaos that has roiled the Trump White House and asked whether he truly believes it is the chaos-free and finely-tuned machine the president has claimed Pence said the recent churn is simply a sign of Trumps energy and commitment to the agenda that we would like to advance. I think it is a finely tuned machine, Pence said, but its led by a president with very high expectations, and like any good leader, he has the ability to take action and to make change when he determines it to be necessary. The president, he concluded, has my full support. Were counting down to Tuesday and what seemed so far is now just a matter of days. Kenya goes to the ballot next week in what has been termed Railas last bullet. Technically, Raila Odinga can still vie in 2022, but by then he will be 77 years, which is not exactly a prime age in politics. There is also the small matter of an MOU with Kalonzo which states that Raila will be a one-term president. However there are those in the school of thought that power is so sweet that Raila will find it difficult to honour such a deal should he become president. But before 2022, we have to deal with the present. What are Railas chances? In theory, Raila has better chances this time round than in 2013, because he has the support of Musalia Mudavadi. Even without much thought, Mudavadi adds almost 4% to Railas 2013 result of 43.7%. Thats significant but still wont matter if Uhuru crosses the 50+1 threshold as he did in 2013. It was therefore critical that Raila comes up with a strategy to eat into Uhurus base. He did this right from the word go, particularly eyeing Meru county. From the way our tribal country is set up, there are some regions youll never get anything unless you have the blessings of the tribal chief. The more you expand outward of these regions, the language spoken starts showing mild differences. A clever politician can exploit this, and this is what Raila did in Meru. Meru 2013: Uhuru Kenyatta 90.3%, Raila Odinga 7.6% Even towards the 2013 election, Raila had identified Meru as a region ready for harvest. The fact that Mt. Kenya leadership seems to start and end with the Kikuyus provided him good campaign material. Showing them that they have been ignored by their brothers and are only used to boost poll numbers. It was not a walk in the park and to abruptly change voting patterns is very hard. Nevertheless, ODM got an MP in the region against all odds. This was a big sign to Raila that the ground there was more friendly to him now. He may have performed dismally in 2013, but since then, he only boosted his strategy to raid the region. Raila has made countless trips to Meru and there is enough reason to believe this time round he will do commendably well. Current governor Peter Munya is not a fan of Jubilee though his party officially supports Uhurus re-election. In fact, there are some moments when he has come just short of endorsing Nasa. But still, he is seen as a favorite in the battle between him and Jubilees Kiraitu Murungi. This is another clear sign that though the ground has not completely shifted towards Raila, it is not hostile. A few weeks ago when Munya was asked whether Meru was now a Nasa zone, he refused to confirm or deny, making it obvious that its not business as usual for Uhuru. Meru 2017 Prediction: Raila 20-40% Bomet 2013: Uhuru Kenyatta 93.3%, Raila Odinga 4.6% Betweeen Isaac Ruto and Joyce Laboso, who will win the race? I would say it is too close to call. Jubilee is taking this county seriously and have been to Bomet about 3 times this campaign period. Its probably the one county that has received the most presidential visits last 1 month. Thats because Uhuru and Ruto understand and appreciate the threat posed by Isaac Ruto. Isaac exalted himself to national prominence through Railas Pentagon. I believe adding Isaac as a principal was more beneficial to Isaac than to Raila. Deputy President William Rutos base was not going to be shaken by a mere governor. Honestly, Ruto outsmarts Isaac in everything. From charisma, to display of power, to eloquence. But Isaac strategy was quite good after falling out with Ruto and Jubilee. The only way he stood a chance to recapture his seat was by raising his profile greatly. Transforming himself into a national leader has helped him on the ground, and Im sure a lot of people in Bomet will vote for him for this reason. It goes without saying that not all of Isaacs vote will translate into Railas votes. Indeed there are those who will stick with him but defy him when it comes to their presidential preference. But realistically, Raila can expect much more votes in Bomet than he did in 2013. There is no way he can go lower than 4%, especially now that he has a strong point-man on the ground. Bomet Prediction 2017: Raila 20-30% [showad block=6] Bungoma 2013: Raila 53.6%, Mudavadi 31.2%, Uhuru 12.4% Well, this should be pretty self explanatory. With Mudavadi now being a Nasa member with a promise to be a senior cabinet member, the Western Kenya votes are only going one way. And also this being Western, the current (recent) unga shortage will not go down well for Jubilee. Though the Sh90 unga is now available in supermarkets, most people will probably dismiss it as an outright bribe. Uhurus numbers may not change much, but Raila will see a great increase. Bungoma Prediction 2017: Raila 80-95% Nairobi 2013: Raila 49.4%, Uhuru 47.2% For some reason, Raila has been predicted to do better in Nairobi this time round. The capital is a cosmopolitan place. It also has probably the highest percentage of free thinkers. Thats why all signs show that Raila will win, though his preferred candidate Evans Kidero is not having a similarly easy ride. In a city like Nairobi, it is easy for people to confuse county functions with national government functions. Service delivery has been non-existent for the last 4.5 years, and Uhuru will take in probably as much blame as Kidero, whether rightly or not. The other reason why the ground may be better for Raila in Nairobi is the literacy levels in the city. The constant news about corruption during Jubilees term probably irritated more Nairobians than the rest of the country, simply because they have a smoother flow of information and most have the education levels needed to analyse this information and get angry. At the end of the day, tribe will still come into play, and thats why Nairobi cannot still be classified as an outright Raila stronghold. Nairobi 2017 Prediction: Raila 52-60% Narok 2013: Raila 50.6%, Uhuru 46.7% There is a sense that Raila has gained more among the Maasai than Uhuru. Though theres no supporting data, it looked likely that Raila came out the victor between him and Uhuru when showing who was Ole Ntimamas favourite. It was indeed here in Narok that Uhuru made the now (in)famous remark, Mtameza mate sisi tukikula nyama. Another sign that Raila may do better is the current gubernatorial race. The incumbent is Jubilee, but there are two Nasa affiliated candidates. One on an ODM ticket and another on a Chama Cha Mashinani ticket. This does not happen everywhere, but only where the ground is favourable. His preferred governor might not win, but I believe Raila will emerge victorious again in Narok, and possibly increase on the 2013 percentage. Narok 2017 Prediction: Raila 52-60% The above analysis is an opinion based on observation of the mood, and not supported by any scientific numbers. Now Read: Projection: 5 Counties Uhuru Kenyatta Will Perform Better Than in 2013 Vice President Pence toured Eastern Europe this week to reassure allies there that the United States stands with them against any Russian agression. (Savo Prelevic/AFP/Getty Images) The Eastern European countries that Vice President Pence toured this week on his 3 -day trip through the region could be forgiven for thinking that Pence with his throwback aesthetic of closely shorn hair and a square jaw was just another happy Cold Warrior abroad. At nearly every stop, the vice president spoke forcefully about the specter of Russian aggression, talked of peace through strength, and reaffirmed the United States commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, reiterating its cornerstone pledge that an attack on one nation is an attack on all. Under President Donald Trump, the United States of America rejects any attempt to use force, threats, intimidation, or malign influence in the Baltic states or against any of our treaty allies, Pence said Monday, at his first news conference with Baltic leaders, in Tallinn, Estonia. To be clear, we hope for better days, for better relations with Russia, but recent diplomatic action taken by Moscow will not deter the commitment of the United States of America to our security, the security of our allies, and the security of freedom-loving nations around the world. Pences trip came in the wake of bipartisan sanctions legislation against Russia and Russias near immediate retaliation including ordering the United States to reduce its staff at diplomatic missions in Moscow and elsewhere by 755 people and his firm, no-nonsense rhetoric was the natural message of a nation that has long considered Russia a chief geopolitical foe. The only problem is that Pences tough-on-Russia talk doesnt quite align with some of the previous comments from Trump, who remained mostly silent on the issue this week. Where Trump has called NATO obsolete and personally cut the roughly 20-word sentence from a May speech at NATO headquarters affirming his nations support for Article 5 the shared defense touchstone of the treaty Pence spoke of the United States commitment to both its NATO allies and to Article 5. Our allies in Eastern Europe can be confident that the United States of America stands with them, he said Sunday, speaking to reporters in Tallinns cobblestone Town Hall Square. We are committed to NATO. We are committed to our common defense. Later, he twice reassured Montenegro NATOs newest member that NATO is made up of large countries and small countries, but the United States of America has no small allies, and we cherish our new alliance with Montenegro through NATO. Where Trump has long coveted a friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly refusing to fully accept the intelligence communitys conclusion that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and agreeing to sign the sanctions legislation only under political duress Pence spoke of a Georgian front line compromised by Russian aggression nearly a decade ago and promised to stand up to any Russian malfeasance throughout the region. The United States strongly condemns Russias occupation of Georgias soil, Pence told U.S. and Georgian troops on Tuesday in Tbilisi, Georgia. The United States prefers a constructive relationship with Russia based on mutual cooperation and common interests. But the president and our Congress are unified in our message to Russia a better relationship, the lifting of sanctions, will require Russia to reverse the actions that caused the sanctions to be imposed in the first place. And not before. While Pence talked up the sanctions legislation this week, Trump signed the bill on Wednesday and focused most of his statement on what he didnt like about it lawmakers can block him from rolling back sanctions against Russia and took jabs at Congress. The bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate, Trump said in a statement. Congress could not even negotiate a health-care bill after seven years of talking. In an interview, Pence said Trump is taking a well see attitude toward Russia and said the administration hopes the sanctions will lead to an improved relationship. We think that creates an environment where there can be a more honest dialogue about resolving differences, and finding common ground, he said. Michael McFaul, who was the U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama, said Trumps stance on Russia is far different from that of many in his Cabinet a tension, he added, the vice president already has had to navigate. Recalling the Munich Security Conference in February, where Pence offered a similar message of support to NATO and U.S. allies, McFaul remembered, Everybody liked that message, but everybody wondered: Is he actually speaking for the president of the United States? Theres no question that will be part of the challenge for the vice president, he said, to make sure the people he meets with believe him when he says, This is our policy, not just the policy of the vice presidents office. But if Pences hard-fought diplomacy may yet be undone by a brash presidential tweet, the man on display in Eastern Europe was a confident, comfortable vice president, seeming to find his footing on the world stage on his third trip abroad. Later this month, he will head to South America, where he will visit Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Panama, against the backdrop of a crisis in Venezuela that has reached a feverish boil. Pence began his trip by coming to the back of Air Force Two to briefly chat with reporters, proffering cupcakes to one correspondent celebrating a birthday and asking if everyone was comfortable or needed anything. His office always travels with a doctor on board, he added, in case anyone is feeling sick. He then took questions from reporters on his first day in Estonia; chatted for five minutes off the record with the press corps on the flight from Tallinn to Tbilisi; and answered more questions during a joint news conference with Georgias prime minister before sitting down for an interview with Fox News Channel. Before his departure, he spoke with Fox News again, and on his return flight, he had interviews with the reporters traveling with him. Pences effort to be accessible offered a contrast with this first trip abroad, where he largely kept the media at bay save for an off-the-record conversation on the flight home, or his second trip a 10-day jaunt through Asia that left some reporters frustrated about his lack of accessibility. The president sent the vice president on this trip with a very clear message about what America first means, but thats not just a message for our foreign allies, said Jarrod Agen, Pences deputy chief of staff. The American people need to hear it too, which is why communicating that with the American media who are traveling with us is an important part of the trip. In some ways Pence was still relying on a familiar playbook. He tied everything back to Trump, and not a day went by when he did not deliver some greeting or policy he claimed came directly from the president or remind his hosts that he was but a humble messenger for his boss. In Tallinns old town, as he shook hands with onlookers many of them tourists like him who had crowded the square to glimpse his motorcade, and often tried to offer connections to the president. When a Polish couple introduced themselves, Pence enthused, The president was just in Warsaw, and when a Parisian man said hello, the vice president quickly noted, The president was just in Paris for Bastille Day. He seemed to have talking points ready for questions he didnt like, turning a query about the latest failed Republican heath-care vote and what exactly he had said to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the chamber before the senator turned, flicked his thumb downward and torpedoed yet another Republican heath-care plan into a long-winded response about the Trump White House keeping its word. Well never give up on our commitment to keep our promises, whether it be on health-care reform or getting the American economy rolling, or our promise to reengage the world, he said. Pence who keeps Air Force Two free of alcohol did not so much as sip from his wine glass during a toast with the Georgian delegation Monday night, or another with the Montenegro delegation Tuesday evening. He was also unfailingly polite. While Trump appeared to shove Dusko Markovic, the prime minister of Montenegro, out of his way at NATO headquarters in Brussels in May as leaders gathered for a group photo, Pence and Markovic spent much of Tuesday and Wednesday together, with nary a push. Your courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world, and I commend you for it, Pence said at a dinner with Montenegros leaders Tuesday night. In return for Pences support, his allies also stuck to script. At one point, a reporter asked Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili if he as a leader of a country that has long dealt with Russian meddling had any tips for the United States about Russias attempts to sway the 2016 presidential election. I dont think that Georgia is in a position to judge about Russian interference, Kvirikashvili replied. With our excellent intelligence capabilities, we were not able to detect any interference, and we think that the American nation has made its decision to elect a president. At this, one of the vice presidents top aides, who had been nodding along with Pences answers to questions from his seat in the front row, offered a small, appreciative chuckle. President Trumps plan for an aggressive hiring surge of 15,000 Border Patrol and immigration personnel to help keep out undocumented immigrants is unrealistic and the Department of Homeland Security has not made a case for it, the agencys watchdog says. A report released this week by the DHS inspector general concludes that based on its rigorous screening requirement for law enforcement jobs and the relatively high rate of attrition among Border Patrol agents, Homeland Security would have to vet 750,000 applicants to find 5,000 qualified personnel. In addition, to hire the 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents the president called for in executive orders he issued in his first days in office, a pool of 500,000 candidates would need to apply, auditors found. The report calls into question whether DHS officials even need 15,000 new hires to target undocumented immigrants. Agency leaders have done such poor planning for what their workforce should look like, with an understaffed, poorly trained human resources operation, that they cannot justify thousands of new employees, the report says. Neither [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] nor [ICE] could provide complete data to support the operational need or deployment strategies for the additional 15,000 agents and officers, the report by the office of Inspector General John Roth said. [Read the inspector generals report here] DHS officials told auditors that they are still three to four years from getting a system in place that will be able to tell them how many new personnel they need and where to deploy them. Without comprehensive staffing models, operational needs analyses, and deployment strategies, CBP and ICE will not be able to identify clearly the correct number and type of employees required, what positions must be filled, or where to deploy those employees, the report said. Trump promised on the campaign trail to vastly beef up enforcement against undocumented immigrants with a new border wall, a surge in agents to help seal off the Southwest border with Mexico and a deportation force to arrest people in the country illegally. The 15,000 new front-line employees would come with almost 9,600 more technical and support staff, the report said. The White House has stalled in getting Congress to approve funding to start construction of a wall. The hiring effort has stalled, too even though the Office of Personnel Management gave Homeland Security officials special authority for a year to fill jobs without competition, circumventing the governments cumbersome hiring rules. The immigration and Border Patrol departments have long had trouble hiring qualified candidates quickly and retaining them because of polygraph requirements, remote workplaces and low pay compared with other law enforcement jobs. Turnover averages 6 percent a year for the Border Patrol and 4 percent for ICE. Homeland Securitys personnel office suffers from fragmented systems, duplicative and paper-based processes and not enough of the staff or automation it needs to hire this many new employees, auditors found. They note that 61 percent of the 21,000 Border Patrol agents actually patrol the Southwest border, a number that may actually understate the number of employees assigned to management and administrative work. Almost 1,000 more agents than headquarters officials have allocated are assigned to intelligence roles in the field, auditors found. The use of Border Patrol Agents performing duties not directly tied to ensuring complete operational control of the border calls into question the departments operational need for 5,000 new agents, the report said. It also questions whether DHS even needs 15,000 new officers to carry out its mission as immigration arrests decline. The Border Patrol apprehended 12,193 people along the Southwest border in March compared with 18,754 in February, a 35 percent decrease, and 31,577 in January, a 61 percent slide. These trends may impact the number of new Border Patrol agents needed, the report said. In its response to auditors, a DHS official defended the presidents mandate to hire thousands of new agents, calling the push a response to emerging operational needs and changes in technology. DHS remains committed to ensuring correct staffing levels, ratios and placements, Jim H. Crumpacker, the departments liaison with the inspector general, wrote. Congressional Democrats pounced on the findings as proof that the president rushed to fulfill a campaign promise without planning. Its not surprising that President Trumps decree to drastically expand the Border Patrol and increase his deportation force was put in place without a clear need for the 15,000 new agents and officers or a plan for hiring and deploying them, Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.), the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement. I hope DHS goes back to the drawing board and shows us the need for new personnel along with a clear plan on how to better manage them once deployed. President Trump signed into law Wednesday legislation that will impose new sanctions on Russia, but he immediately expressed doubts about its constitutionality and criticized Congress for giving itself greater powers to prevent him from rolling back penalties aimed at Moscow. Trumps reluctant signing of the bill came nearly a week after it was approved overwhelmingly by bipartisan majorities in the House and the Senate that assured that any veto could be overridden. Trumps statement, however, raised questions about whether he will enforce all of the laws provisions. He called the legislation which imposes new penalties on Russia, Iran and North Korea seriously flawed, primarily because it restricts his ability to negotiate sanctions concerning Moscow without congressional approval. By limiting the Executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together, Trump said in a statement Wednesday morning. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. Although Trump said he would honor this section of the law despite his qualms, he argued that other parts of the measure are clearly unconstitutional and held out the possibility that he would ignore provisions concerning the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the denial of visas to foreign nationals targeted by the legislation. My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions and will implement them in a manner consistent with the Presidents constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations, he said. Trump said his problems with the legislation did not mean he opposed its underlying principles. I favor tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang, he said. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization. But lawmakers solidarity in tying Trumps hands on Russian sanctions reflects a deepening concern about the White Houses posture toward Moscow, which critics have characterized as naive. The new Russia sanctions expand on measures taken by the Obama administration to punish the Kremlin for its alleged efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. But Trump has continued to cast doubt that Russia alone was responsible, and he has called the investigations of the matter by Congress and by a special counsel a witch hunt. [The Debrief: Pence talks tough on Russia while finding his footing abroad] The administrations lobbying of lawmakers in public and private to pull back the legislations requirement that Congress review any attempt by the president to amend sanctions against Moscow ultimately fell on deaf ears. The measure imposes a 30-day review period to give Congress a chance to vote down any of the presidents proposed changes to these policies before they can be implemented. Despite Trumps objections, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) praised the new law. (Russia/Twitter) Today, the United States sent a powerful message to our adversaries that they will be held accountable for their actions, he said in a statement. These sanctions directly target the destructive and destabilizing activities of Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Trump said he signed the legislation despite his reservations for the sake of national unity, but in a pointed jab at lawmakers in his own party, he questioned Congresss ability to negotiate sanctions based on its inability to approve the Republicans health-care legislation. The bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate, Trump said. Congress could not even negotiate a health-care bill after seven years of talking. Trumps decision to detail his concerns in a signing statement, asserting which parts of the law he would enforce, follows in a tradition that has grown more common among modern presidents. President George W. Bush frequently used signing statements to say that he could selectively enforce or ignore parts of bills passed by Congress, including to rebuff congressional restrictions on interrogation techniques. Issuing signing statements continued under President Barack Obama. [Obamas secret struggle to retaliate against Putins election interference] Constitutional law experts said that with the sanctions bill, Congress rightfully asserted its powers to serve as a check on the executive branch, even on matters of national security. Michael Glennon of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy said that Trumps statement was a gross misreading of the case law he cited to bolster his claim that the congressional review provision had unconstitutionally robbed him of the power to negotiate. Thats obviously a misguided interpretation of his constitutional authority, he said. Congress has very broad authority over foreign commerce its explicitly given the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. It could have, if it desired, imposed those sanctions without giving the president any waiver authority whatsoever. Senators who voted for the measure said they were perplexed by the presidents assertion that it is unconstitutional. I dont know what hes talking about, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va). I dont think thats going to stand up. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) shrugged off Trumps criticism. It doesnt matter to me what the signing statement says, he said. I know theres been some resistance at the White House on congressional review, but I think its a good and important piece of legislation. I had that conversation with the president directly, and I am glad he signed it and that it has become law. Russia this week reacted to Congresss passage of the sanctions bill as well as the earlier Obama-imposed measures by announcing that it would order the U.S. Embassy there to reduce its staff by 755 people and seize U.S. diplomatic properties. [Putin orders cut of 755 personnel at U.S. missions] Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev criticized Trump on Wednesday for signing the bill. The Trump administration has shown its total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way, he tweeted. For now, Trumps desire to improve relations with Russia has hit a major speed bump at the same time Americans are expressing growing support for an adversarial approach toward Moscow, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The poll found that 53 percent support working to limit Russias power, compared with 43 percent who favor friendly cooperation and engagement, a sharp reversal from last year, when 58 percent favored cooperative efforts. More than 4 in 10 said Russian influence in U.S. elections represents a critical threat to the country. The survey found mixed support for imposing additional sanctions, with 38 percent saying they should be increased and 41 percent saying they should be kept about the same. Far fewer, 17 percent, said the United States should decrease or eliminate sanctions on Russia, according to the poll of a random sample of 2,020 adults conducted June 27 to July 19. Trump praised some recent changes made to the legislation that he said would help U.S. companies, including giving the Treasury Department more flexibility when handing out licenses. But he made clear that he thinks Congress should leave negotiating with foreign powers to him. I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars, Trump said in his statement. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress. Scott Clement contributed to this report. The relationship between President Trump and Senate Republicans has deteriorated so sharply in recent days that some are openly defying his directives, bringing long-simmering tensions to a boil as the GOP labors to reorient its stalled legislative agenda. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, announced Tuesday that he would work with his Democratic colleagues to stabilize and strengthen the individual insurance market under the Affordable Care Act, which the president has badgered the Senate to keep trying to repeal. Alexander also urged the White House to keep up payments to insurers that help low-income consumers afford plans, which Trump has threatened to cut off. Several Republican senators have sought to distance themselves from the president, who has belittled them as looking like fools and tried to strong-arm their agenda and browbeat them into changing a venerated rule to make it easier to ram through legislation along party lines. Some are describing the dynamic in cold, transactional terms, speaking of Trump as more of a supporting actor than the marquee leader of the Republican Party. If he can help advance their plans, then great, they say. If not, so be it. We work for the American people. We dont work for the president, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said. He added, We should do whats good for the administration as long as that does not in any way, shape or form make it harder on the American people. (Jesse Mesner-Hage,Dalton Bennett,Meg Kelly/The Washington Post) The friction underscores the challenge Republicans face headed into the fall. As they seek to move beyond a failed health-care effort in pursuit of an elusive, first big legislative win, the same infighting that has plagued them all year threatens to stall their push to rewrite the nations tax laws, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday he wants to do beginning in September and finish by years end. While some Republicans try to tune out what they see as distracting and sometimes destructive rhetoric and action from Trump, they recognize that they cannot fully disavow him without also dashing their hopes of implementing the conservative policies they championed in the campaign. For many Republican senators, the challenge is trying to walk an increasingly fine line. As public opinion polls show a decline in Trumps approval rating, some Republican senators have sought to address difficult questions about what the presidents diminishing popularity means for his mandate by insisting that congressional Republicans, not Trump, are the ones driving the GOP agenda. Ever since weve been here, weve really been following our lead, said Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). After ticking through major Republican initiatives so far, he added, Almost every bit of this has been 100 percent internal to Congress. 1 of 83 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad A look at the second half, so far, of President Trumps first year in office View Photos Scenes from the Republicans second six months in the White House. Caption A look at the second half of the presidents first year in the White House. Jan. 24, 2018 President Trump speaks to a group of mayors in the East Room of the White House. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Senate GOP leaders have openly flouted Trumps attempts to steer them back to repealing and replacing the ACA, an endeavor that collapsed in failure last week. On Tuesday, McConnell laid out the rest of the Senates plans before adjourning for the summer recess. Health care was not among them. Instead, Alexander signaled he would go around the president. He and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) announced they would hold fall hearings to shore up the individual health insurance markets. It was the most concrete sign yet of bipartisan work in the Senate on strengthening the existing health-care law, and it followed a proposal offered Monday by a bipartisan group of 43 House members. Trump, who installed John F. Kelly as his new chief of staff a day earlier, on Tuesday was noticeably tame toward fellow Republicans on Twitter. But White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders blamed the GOP-controlled Congress for the lack of major accomplishments this year. I think whats hurting the legislative agenda is Congresss inability to get things passed, she said Tuesday. Trump had spent the preceding few days in an antagonistic posture. He used his favorite social media platform to push Senate Republicans to end the 60-vote threshold for most legislation, writing: Republicans in the Senate will NEVER win if they dont go to a 51 vote majority NOW. They look like fools and are just wasting time. He also demanded they vote again on health care, despite an inability to round up enough votes for a far narrower bill than they had long promised. By Tuesday, it was wearing thin on Capitol Hill. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) said that if the rules were changed as Trump wants, it would be the end of the Republican Party. And it would be the end of the Senate. Trumps repeated insistence doesnt help, Hatch said. But he just doesnt understand that. McConnell was able to muster only 49 votes for his health-care bill. Under special rules he was using, it would have passed with 50 and a tiebreaking vote by Vice President Pence. Ending the 60-vote threshold as Trump has demanded would not have changed the outcome a point McConnell was quick to bring up Tuesday. Its pretty obvious that our problem on health care was not the Democrats. We didnt have 50 Republicans, he told reporters. He added, more forcefully, There are not the votes in the Senate, as Ive said repeatedly to the president and to all of you, to change the rules of the Senate. The concerns about the 45th president extend beyond arguments over how the Senate conducts its business, to his discipline, strategy and core values. Such concerns often are expressed in private, but one Republican senator, Jeff Flake of Arizona, has laid them out in lacerating fashion in his recently published book, Conscience of a Conservative. In the tweeting life of our president, strategy is difficult to detect, Flake writes. Influencing the news cycles seems to be the principal goal; achieving short-term tactical advantage, you bet. But ultimately, its all noise and no signal. . . . We have quite enough volatile actors to deal with internationally as it is without becoming one of them. Flake argues that the Faustian bargain that conservatives made in embracing Trump has put at risk our institutions and our values and that the strange specter of an American presidents seeming affection for strongmen and authoritarians . . . is almost impossible to believe. Asked about a Washington Post report that Trump dictated his eldest sons misleading statement about meeting with a Russian lawyer, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) replied: I dont know if its true or not. But the statement was misleading. And when you have a misleading statement, it just continues to breed distrust, so that means the investigation continues. Trumps criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former senator, has also irked Republicans in the chamber. The presidents threats against GOP senators during the health-care debate, including Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), also rubbed many the wrong way. Some said Tuesday they were hopeful that Trumps staff shake-up would produce better results. Im very pleased that [former communications director Anthony] Scaramucci is gone and that General Kelly, I believe, will bring a sense of order and discipline that is needed, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Sanders said Tuesday that Kelly has spoken to a number of members of Congress, a sign that relations could improve. Graham, who has been one of the most outspoken Republican critics of Trump, laid out his thinking on the president. Increasingly, his colleagues are sounding more like him in their willingness to offer curt assessments. I ran out of adjectives, and I voted for a guy I never met, Graham said. What was that guys name? Evan? Evan McMullin, reporters reminded him, mentioning the independent 2016 candidates full name. President Trump won. I respect his victory. I want to help him with health care and do other things that I think we can do together like cut taxes, Graham said. Ill push back against ideas I think are bad for the country, like changing the rules of the Senate. And thats the way Im going to engage the president. James Hohmann contributed to this report. What has failed in the past is to reverse engineer public policy from a poll, and we didnt do that this time, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), seen here in a file photo, said of his partys platform for the midterms. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post) In 2006, Democrats unveiled their new agenda less than four months before the midterm elections. In 1994 and 2010, Republicans did not release their platforms until just a few weeks before those pivotal midterms. In all three elections the House majority changed hands, and two of them also flipped the Senate majority. But todays Democrats have decided to move much faster than those other successful parties out of power, unveiling the first portions of their Better Deal agenda last week in Virginia. Democrats, after analyzing their miserable 2016 showing, found voters didnt know where the party stood on key economic issues. Starting now, they want to build an economic identity so that their candidates can run next year on something more than just opposition to President Trump. That continued Tuesday as Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) unveiled the latest plank proposed taxes and penalties on corporations that ship jobs overseas. The pressure point, however, is crafting an agenda that balances the needs of energizing anti-Trump liberal activists without driving away centrist voters and Republicans disillusioned with the president and the lack of results coming from the GOP-led Congress. Democrats success requires the party to win big among independents and a critical share of Republican voters, particularly in defending five Senate seats in states that Trump won by at least 19 percentage points last year. These Senate races do not fit into the normal debate that comes after losing a national campaign, where the losing side considers whether its candidate should have appealed more to the center or revved up the partys base. Without winning a significant bloc of Republican voters in next years Senate races, Democrats will fall deeper into the minority and find it difficult to win back the majority in 2020. Its a little better in the House, where Democrats need a net gain of 24 seats for the majority and there are 23 districts held by Republicans that Trump lost in 2016. But most of those seats are held by tough-to-beat incumbents with their own local brand. So the Democratic path to the House majority requires big gains in several dozen districts that supported Trump by at least a small margin. This formula played out six weeks ago when Democrats came up short in courting enough right-leaning voters in the special election for a House seat in Atlantas suburbs. We needed to find more Democrats and the math got difficult, John Anzalone, pollster for the Democratic candidate, Jon Ossoff, told consultants on an after-action call arranged by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. We needed to peel off Republicans, Anzalone said, according to the notes from a consultant on the call. To be sure, that Georgia district has a bigger GOP tilt than the first 30 or 40 seats that Democrats are targeting next year. The Ossoff campaign served up a rough formula for Democrats in those more fertile districts: match his winning share of independent voters, get almost 10 percent of GOP voters and then hope the base turns out enough to carry them to victory. Thats no easy task, even with a historically unpopular president. And Democrats have to do that while defending a dozen of their own districts that actually supported Trump. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D) won her western Illinois district by more than 20 percentage points, easily overcoming Trumps narrow win there. Bustos said the key in these Trump-leaning districts will be developing an agenda built around boosting wages to complete the sale with voters who are used to supporting Republicans, moving Democrats beyond the early anti-Trump focus. When I ask, whats on your mind, tell me what you want me to know before I head back out to Washington, not one question or comment about impeachment, not one question or comment about Russia, Bustos, who helped craft the Better Deal proposal, said. So far, in addition to tough talk on trade, the Better Deal calls for regulations to make corporate mergers more difficult, for tougher enforcement to lower costs of prescription drugs and for increased job training. The agenda is anchored around better jobs and lower costs for consumers. This is the headline, the fine print will be the policies still to come, Bustos said. Anzalone said that Democrats in the top 30 or 40 most contested races should model their campaigns off Ossoff, who ran as a bipartisan problem solver who wanted more tech jobs in the district. If those Democrats replicate Ossoffs edge among independents, they will win because these districts have fewer regular Republican voters than the one in Georgia, Anzalone said in an interview Tuesday. If you turn those independents, youll get enough Republicans, because youre on message, he said. But some liberals found Ossoffs campaign to be too bland and have been pushing Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to advocate more generous policies such as the free college proposal from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). That proposal, along with Sanderss push for a national health-care system for all, were left out of the early agenda items. Some liberal Democrats claim they are winning the early tug of war, by shunting aside political consultants whose only worry is campaign fallout. What has failed in the past is to reverse-engineer public policy from a poll, and we didnt do that this time, said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). The anti-merger policy is in line with what Sanders supports and the crackdown on prescription drug prices is not easy for Democrats from Mid-Atlantic states with a heavy pharmaceutical industry presence. It didnt look like last nights dinner put back in the microwave, Schatz said. That scares some Democratic strategists, who predict that Trumps presidency is its own guarantee to turn out liberal voters. They believe the economic agenda should appeal to those Democrats who supported Trump. Sens. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), facing reelection in states where Trump won by almost 20 percentage points, both cited a pending Better Deal proposal for a massive program to promote broadband technology in rural communities as the sort of platform they will discuss in their races. But each senator made clear they might stray from the Better Deal orthodoxy in their states. Im not offended at anything that is contained in there, McCaskill said. I may not join the huzzah for all the national Democratic branding. But at least were moving toward the stuff that really matters. Read more from Paul Kanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Supporters of the governing Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) walk to a campaign rally in Kigali, the capital, on Sunday. President Paul Kagame is expected to win reelection easily in a vote set for Friday. (Marco Longari/AFP/Getty Images) There is no litter in Kigali, Rwandas gleaming modern capital. Traffic sails smoothly along the wide boulevards that snake through the citys hills, past new buildings of glass and steel. Across the small east-African country, an economic miracle seems to be underway. According to official statistics, people are earning more and living longer. The number of those in extreme poverty has shrunk. Rwanda may lack a seaport and boasts few natural resources, yet it has earned the nickname Africas Singapore. None of this would have been imaginable 23 years ago, when neighbors turned on each other in the course of a genocide that lasted 100 days and left at least 800,000 ethnic minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus dead. The country is often likened to a phoenix risen from the ashes. Asked to explain this remarkable recovery, many Rwandans point to one man President Paul Kagame and in a vote set for Friday, they will almost surely reelect him for a third seven-year term. Others, though, voice profound concern, arguing that behind their countrys dramatic socioeconomic gains lies a climate of suspicion and evidence of a creeping authoritarianism. [20 years after genocide, Rwanda looks to tech revolution to create an equal society] Kagame greets supporters in Ruhango, the Southern Province district of Rwanda where he grew up, at his reelection campaign kickoff July 14. (Cyril Ndegeya/AFP/Getty Images) In the last presidential election, in 2010, Kagame won with 93 percent of the vote. He faces two challengers this time, the Democratic Green Partys Frank Habineza and independent former journalist Philippe Mpayimana, but neither is expected to peel off more than a few percentage points from the incumbents tally. To his critics, Kagame, 59, has turned Rwanda around by methods that include using violence against political opponents, curtailing freedom of expression and other rights, and maintaining a tight grip on all aspects of government. The executive branch of the state here in Rwanda has more powers than others and influences all other decision-making organs, Habineza said in a telephone interview. If its not checked, it can bring total dictatorship here. [Is Rwandas authoritarian state sustainable?] Human Rights Watch has documented 37 cases over the past year in which security forces have executed suspects for petty crimes, including stealing bananas and using illegal fishing nets. In 2015, Assinapol Rwigara, a wealthy businessman and former financier of Kagames party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), died in a car crash. His daughter, Diane Shima Rwigara, says she suspects that the crash was not accidental and that her father was assassinated after a fallout with the RPF. Hes one of the victims of this regime, she said. RPF supporters dance at a campaign rally in Kigali. In 2015, Rwandans voted in favor of a constitutional amendment allowing Kagame to run for a third seven-year term. (Marco Longari/AFP/Getty Images) Earlier this year, Rwigara announced an independent bid for the presidency. Two days later, nude photographs of her appeared online. The electoral commission later disqualified her from running, saying she had not gathered the required number of signatures. The terror has paralyzed people from fighting for their rights, she said. In 2014, Rwandas exiled former intelligence chief was found strangled in a hotel room in South Africa. Before the 2010 elections, the body of the Democratic Green Partys vice president was found nearly beheaded by the bank of a river. Some argue that a degree of authoritarianism is unavoidable if countries such as Rwanda are to be lifted out of poverty. The Rwandan model [suggests] . . . that you may actually need quite heavy-handed, highly orchestrated states to achieve the kind of socioeconomic goals that they set for themselves, said Phil Clark, a political scientist at the University of Londons School of Oriental and African Studies. Thats the difficult reality of the RPF as a party and the difficult reality of Rwanda under Kagame. In a phone call, Wellars Gasamagera, a spokesman for the RPF, condemned political violence and denied that his party played any role in deaths of its opponents. Instead, the ruling partys explanation for Rwandas transformation is that, under its watch, the country unified in the wake of the genocide, coming together to build a new national identity. Crucially, violence has not returned. Things like national unity cannot be put into question, Gasamagera said. Things like security cannot actually be put into jeopardy. [Hotel Rwanda hero decries oppression two decades after genocide] Publicly, ethnicity has been all but erased. Rwandans will rarely even say Hutu or Tutsi out loud. On Saturday, as they do on the final Saturday of every month, Rwandans across the country gathered for a day of semi-compulsory community service known as Umuganda, which translates roughly as coming together for a common purpose. In a suburb near the Kigali airport, some 100 people showed up at a primary school to clean the grounds and prepare classrooms to be used as polling stations Friday. The volunteers, many of whom wore RPF T-shirts, praised Kagame. One called him a miracle man. Yet, in a sign of their wariness about speaking candidly, none agreed to talk on the record. Events such as the service day, which are part of a tradition going back decades, amount to a local ownership of politics, said Eric Ndushabandi, director of the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace in Kigali. He dismissed the characterization of Kagame as an authoritarian. Go through the streets. You will see how ordinary people are proud to be Rwandans, he said. I could say those are small Kagames. Those are small leaders who are growing up with the values of a nation, with the values of accountable government. Despite repeated predictions of a political crisis, Kagames hold on power remains firm. Any serious threat dissipated in 2015, when Rwandans voted overwhelmingly for a constitutional amendment that allowed him to run for a third term. The amendment also created a new system of five-year presidential terms with a two-term limit. That new system does not go into effect until 2024, so Kagame could theoretically run again twice. Conceivably, he might not leave office until 2034. Some human rights groups and Western governments, whose aid money has been crucial to Rwandas success, have raised concerns about Kagames behavior and his efforts to stay in power. But they have had little effect. In neighboring Burundi and Congo, presidents have run for third terms without constitutional backing or simply declined to hold new elections at all. A few days after Rwandans go to the polls, Kenya will hold a presidential election amid heightened tensions that analysts say could devolve into violence. In comparison, Kagame appears to be a pillar of stability. Rwanda is now a country that has set its pace toward development, said Gasamagera, the RPF spokesman. Rwanda is a stable country. Rwanda is a secure country, much more than any other country around. This didnt happen just by chance. We have worked for this. Read more Rwandas children of rape are coming of age against the odds Rwandas gacaca courts are hailed as a post-genocide success. The reality is more complicated. Rwanda should have been a wake-up call. Why do the crises continue? Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news U.S. troops assess the damage to an armored vehicle of the NATO-led military coalition after a suicide attack in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Aug. 2. (Ahmad Nadeem/Reuters) Two American service members were killed Wednesday when a suicide bomber in a pickup truck attacked a NATO convoy that was returning to base from a mission in the southern city of Kandahar, U.S. military officials said. The identities of the service members were not immediately released. A spokesman for the Taliban insurgents claimed that the group carried out the assault and that 15 foreign soldiers were killed. He also said that two armored vehicles were destroyed. He named the driver of the truck as Asadullah Kandahari and called him a hero. A spokesman for the U.S. military assistance mission in Kabul confirmed that the convoy was attacked Wednesday morning near its base at the Kandahar airport. He said there were casualties but did not provide details. [U.S. poised to step up military efforts against Taliban] NATO soldiers secure the scene of a suicide bomb attack that targeted a NATO convoy in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Aug. 2. (Muhammad Sadiq/European Pressphoto Agency) The Pentagon said Wednesday that two Americans were killed in the attack. Officials did not immediately provide further information. Witnesses reported seeing two military helicopters land near the site of the bombing and take away wounded troops. A local mechanic whose workshop was near the site told the Associated Press that the force of the blast knocked him unconscious. When he revived, he said, he saw a military vehicle on fire and stepped out of his shop but was driven back by a burst of gunfire. Kandahar Airfield has long been a hub for U.S. and NATO forces in southern Afghanistan. American troops advise the Afghan armys 205th Corps at a small installation separate from the larger air base, while Special Operations troops operate from a facility near the city of Kandahar. [Behind the front lines in the fight against ISIS in Afghanistan] Nine U.S. troops have been killed by hostile fire in Afghanistan since the start of the year, six of whom were killed supporting operations against the Islamic States Afghan offshoot in the eastern part of the country. More than 2,000 U.S. troops have died in Afghanistan since Afghan forces and U.S. airstrikes drove the Taliban from power in 2001. The Taliban has increased its attacks in recent weeks as a part of its annual spring and summer offensives. In Washington, the Trump administration is weighing whether to send about 4,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, where the NATO troop total is now about 13,500. Most attacks are aimed at Afghan defense forces. Last week, 40 Afghan soldiers died in a single insurgent attack in Kandahar. [Deadly suicide bombing at Shiite mosque in western Afghanistan] A quarterly report released Tuesday by the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction said the conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan government remains a stalemate. It said that from Jan. 1 to May 8, the Afghan security forces had suffered more than 6,000 casualties. Afghan civilians also have been caught in the crossfire. According to a recent U.N. report, civilian deaths in Afghanistan are at their highest levels since the U.N. mission to Afghanistan began tracking them in 2009. Gibbons-Neff reported from Washington. Read more Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news The woman whose body was found next to that of slain IEBC ICT manager Chris Musando has been identified as Caroline Ngumbu. Ms Ngumbu, 21, whose real name is Maryanne Wairimu Ngumbu had just finished studies at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Karen branch and was due to graduate in December after her attachment in Naivasha. Her sister, Jedida Wanjiku, told journalists on Tuesday that she last spoke to the deceased on Friday at around 7 pm when she told her that she was going to have a few drinks with Mr Musando. The sisters had lunch together at a fast food joint in the city centre before Jedida went to get supplies for her business while Caroline left for some errands. Ms Ngumbu would later call Jedida at 7 pm to say that she was hanging out with Mr Musando. Jedida said her sister and Mr Musando had known each other for months but denied they had an affair. [showad block=6] She said she realised Ms Ngumbu was missing on Saturday after Ngumbus male friend called looking for her because her phone was off. Yesterday after seeing the news on TV, I immediately knew it was my sister because she had last gone hanging out with Chris but I hadnt heard from her. So I called some of my friends and we went to City Mortuary. We did not even inform our parents before going. At the mortuary, I was scared and I let my two friends go inside while I stayed outside. I shortly heard my friend scream and I knew it was her, said Jedida. Ms Ngumbus mother, at their home in Gachie, described her as very calm and peacefully child. When she told me she was going out on Friday I did not expect could receive such news, she said. This is not something that could have happened to my daughter because she is such a good person. an inconsolable Jedidah mourned her sister on Facebook, writing: God why?..my one and only sister is gone,God give me strength its so hurting that I will never see you again Shine on your way Ill miss you dearly. RIP. Most of the activists who embraced the calls for freedom that resonated across Syria in 2011 were imprisoned, killed or forced into exile before anyone even knew their names. One whose reputation had become known beyond Syrias borders was Bassel Khartabil Safadi, an Internet pioneer who embodied the hopes of a new generation that technology could be leveraged to build a fairer world. He was a successful Internet entrepreneur in the years before the 2011 uprising and then became an enthusiastic participant in Syrias protest movement until he was detained by government security forces in March 2012. This week, his family heard confirmation from an undisclosed source in Damascus of the news they long had dreaded: Safadi was executed by the government in October 2015, just days after prison guards came and took him away from his cell, never to be heard from again. Words are difficult to come by, wrote his wife, Noura, in a Facebook post Monday that announced the news of his death to family and friends. This is the end that suits a hero like him. Safadis fate is one that has been shared by untold thousands of Syrians who took part in the protests only to vanish into the black hole of Syrias prison system. Many simply disappear without a trace, their families left frantically scrambling to find out where they are. (The Washington Post) According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, more than 100,000 people have been detained since the uprising began, and the whereabouts of many remain unknown. Amnesty International has reported thousands of secret executions of political prisoners at the prison of Sednaya outside Damascus. Safadi was held at a different but equally notorious facility, Adra, where executions also have been held. A brief trial by a military court preceded Safadis execution, but such courts are notorious for conducting closed-door proceedings that do not meet the minimum international standards for a fair trial, Amnesty said in a statement issued Tuesday. His death is a grim reminder of the horrors that take place in Syrian prisons every day. The tens of thousands of people currently locked away inside Syrian government detention facilities face torture, ill treatment and extrajudicial executions, said Anna Neistat, Amnestys senior director of research. It is also a reminder of the cruel trajectory of the Syrian revolt, which began peacefully with widespread anti-government demonstrations but rapidly mutated into raging war. Safadi, a Syria-born Palestinian who was 34 at the time of his death, remained a staunch proponent of peaceful change. But in conversations with The Washington Post over Skype throughout the first year of the protests, his mood shifted, from confidence that change was coming to fear that he was being targeted for his activism. He went underground, moved frequently and became afraid to talk after learning that security forces were hunting for him. His connections with the international Internet community prompted widespread appeals for his release after he was detained, without result. The Index on Censorship awarded him its annual prize for digital freedom. Foreign Policy named him one of the top 100 Global Thinkers of 2012 for insisting, against all odds, on a peaceful Syrian revolution. Friends who mourned him Tuesday said they were struck by the contrast in outcomes between those who are detained by the government for advocating peaceful change and the militant Islamists, thousands of whom have been freed since the uprising began, who often go on to head armed groups. Bassel was a threat to the regime because he spoke a language they dont understand, said Mohammed Najem, a friend of Safadis who met him in 2009. The regime prefers to deal with Islamists because they speak the same language, of sectarianism and violence. As word of his death spread, tributes came from those who had known and worked with him. Bassel Khartabil lived and died for his belief in transparency and a free Internet, said the Index on Censorship, which awarded him its 2013 Digital Freedom Award. His death is a terrible reminder of what many individuals and families risk in order to make a better society, said Creative Commons. Read more: How the Syrian revolt went so horribly, tragically wrong Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news President Trump listens as Attorney General Jeff Sessions, newly sworn in by Vice President Pence, speaks inthe Oval Office in February. Sessions has announced that the Justice Department is seeking to curb affirmative action in a university admissions case. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Attorney General Jeff Sessionss internal announcement indicating that the Justice Department is seeking to curb affirmative action in a university admissions case has roused President Trumps conservative base by seizing on a longtime grievance of the right at a moment when the administration is struggling to fulfill core Republican promises. Sessionss apparent intention to prohibit intentional race-based discrimination is also a window into the direction he is pulling the departments Civil Rights Division in his effort to reverse Obama administration policies on a range of issues, including criminal justice, policing and voting rights. For a Republican Party still searching for consensus in the Trump era, Sessionss moves signal that the administration is embracing the base during a time of turbulence and tension, with heavy attention being paid to the concerns of the white voters who lifted Trump into the presidency. When Trump publicly attacked Sessions last week for his decision to recuse himself from the Russia probe, conservative groups and Republican lawmakers swiftly rallied to the attorney generals defense. They argued Sessions more than any other Cabinet member has delivered quickly and concretely on Trumps priorities, from his crackdown on illegal immigration and sanctuary cities to his overhaul of the departments criminal-charging policy. John F. Kelly, the new White House chief of staff, called Sessions on Saturday, the day after he was appointed, to assure him that his position as attorney general is safe and to tell him that the Trump White House supports his work and wants him to continue, according to two people familiar with the conversation. Although the president is still unhappy with Sessions, Kelly told him that Trump does not plan to fire him or want him to resign, the person said. Kellys call came after a week of criticism in interviews and tweets by Trump of his attorney general. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post) Some Republican operatives also see the affirmative action initiative as a strategic play by the White House to rally middle-class and upper-middle-class white voters, especially as the Republican agenda on Capitol Hill has stalled. This touches a lot of issues and talks right to the folks who look at college admissions and believe slots for their kids are being taken, whether its by illegal immigrants or by other groups, said Brett ODonnell, a veteran Republican consultant. It strikes to the heart of how they feel college is increasingly unaffordable and sometimes impossible to get into. Linda Chavez, the founder and chairman of the conservative Center for Equal Opportunity and the former head of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights under President Ronald Reagan, called opposition to race-based affirmative action a long-standing conservative approach. It isnt just white students who are excluded, Chavez said. Probably the biggest group of people who are affected by this are Asian students. But, it also isnt a service to the students who get admitted under those different qualifications because many of them struggle. Polling reflects the unease among Trump voters. A Washington Post-ABC News poll last year showed 44 percent of registered voters who supported Trump saw whites losing out because of preferences for blacks and Hispanics as a bigger problem than minorities losing out. [Discrimination against whites was a core concern of Trumps base] Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement, Press reports regarding the personnel posting in the Civil Rights Division have been inaccurate. The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian American associations in May 2015 that the prior Administration left unresolved. The complaint alleges racial discrimination against Asian Americans in a universitys admissions policy and practices. (Monica Akhtar,Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post) She continued, This Department of Justice has not received or issued any directive, memorandum, initiative, or policy related to university admissions in general. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting all Americans from all forms of illegal race-based discrimination. But two people familiar with discussions in the Civil Rights Division said the announcement came after career staffers who specialize in education issues refused to work on the investigation out of concerns it was contrary to the divisions long-standing approach to civil rights in education. Civil rights groups Wednesday lashed out at the initiative and said Sessions may be trying to end college affirmative action programs that allow schools to promote more diversity on campus by considering race in college applications. For generations, up until the mid-1960s, African Americans were systematically denied admission to universities, they said. Affirmative action is rooted in our nations fundamental commitment to equality, a commitment this administration woefully lacks and has expressed hostility toward, said Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Attorney General Sessions reportedly intends to waste taxpayer resources re-litigating last years Supreme Court ruling upholding decades of precedent in favor of affirmative action in higher education, Ifill said. In two cases, the Supreme Court has ruled that schools have a compelling interest in creating a diverse student body and may use race as one of multiple factors in admissions decisions. In June 2016, the court ruled 4 to 3 that a race-conscious admissions policy at the University of Texas was constitutional. Critics of affirmative action say the Supreme Court rulings have left an opening to challenge race-conscious policies, and federal cases are pending against Harvard College and the University of North Carolina. Both cases allege that race- conscious admissions policies result in discrimination against Asian American applicants. Affirmative action in America today is no longer a black-white issue. We are a multiracial, multiethnic nation, said Edward Blum, president of the anti-affirmative-action Project on Fair Representation. He played a key role in bringing the Texas case to the Supreme Court and has brought the two cases that challenge admissions policies at Harvard and UNC. Blum said he hopes one or both cases will eventually reach the Supreme Court and he would welcome the Trump administrations support. [Trump administration reopens volatile debate over race and college admissions] Sessions has long faced questions about his attitudes and actions regarding racial justice. In 1986, a Republican-led Senate committee rejected his nomination by Reagan for a federal judgeship amid allegations of racism. In January, civil rights groups spoke out against his nomination during a bitter confirmation hearing. For the first time, a sitting senator, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), testified against Sessions, focusing on his civil rights record. It is unclear how much Sessions has communicated with Trump, if at all, on affirmative action, according to White House officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations. They instead pointed to the attorney generals activities on combating gangs, illegal immigration and now affirmative action as part of an ongoing effort to recover his personal and political capital with the president. [For Trump and Sessions, a warm beginning turned into an icy standoff ] Still, two White House advisers chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon and senior policy adviser Stephen Miller, whom Trump calls my two Steves are passionate supporters of the hard-line ideology that is shaping Sessionss priorities as attorney general, and they both have a history of criticizing affirmative action. When Miller was a student at Duke University in 2006, he wrote that so-called affirmative action is a devastating, paternalistic policy endorsed by white liberals more concerned with how they look to their elitist friends than to the well-being of the minorities they claim to want to help. Bannon oversaw Breitbart, the conservative news site, when it ran headlines asserting that affirmative action humiliates blacks. Bannon and Miller echo the presidents instincts about what his base which Trump calls my people wants from the administration: a mix of grievance- infused politics, populism and hostility toward anything viewed as politically correct. Read more: Trumps pick for attorney general is shadowed by race and history Sessions issues sweeping new criminal charging policy Emma Brown and Devlin Barrett contributed to this report. Brazilian President Michel Temer speaks at a ceremony at the Planalto Presidential Palace, in Brasilia on Aug. 1. (Eraldo Peres/Associated Press) The lower house of Brazils Congress voted Wednesday to block a corruption trial against Michel Temer, a victory for the embattled president that occurred 15 months after his predecessor was suspended for financial irregularities. Temers opponents fell well short of the two-thirds majority required in the Chamber of Deputies to send him to trial in the Supreme Court. In the end, 263 lawmakers voted for the president, 228 voted against him and the remaining 22 didnt vote or abstained. The president was determined to remain in power and aggressively courted legislators support well into the session, which stretched over more than 11 hours Wednesday. With more than 80 percent of Brazilians in favor of sending the president to trial, according to polls, the chambers decision was a testament to the presidents skillful maneuvering, and spoke to the desire for greater political and economic stability in Brazil. Temer, the first sitting Brazilian president charged with corruption, is accused of receiving $150,000 from a wealthy meatpacking executive part of a $12 million bribe he allegedly accepted through an aide. Temer denies the accusations and has rejected calls for his resignation. 1 of 12 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Reaction to the bribery charge facing Brazils president View Photos Opposition politicians and protesters rally against embattled President Michel Temer. Caption Opposition politicians and protesters rally against embattled President Michel Temer. Aug. 2, 2017 Deputies from opposition parties carry banners and signs that read in Portuguese, Temer Out! during a key vote by the lower chamber of Brazils Congress on whether to suspend President Michel Temer and put him on trial over an alleged bribery scheme. Eraldo Peres/AP Wait 1 second to continue. The vote came as Brazilian politics are in turmoil. Last month, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, was convicted of corruption and money laundering and sentenced to more than nine years in prison. He has appealed the verdict. Temers predecessor, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended in May 2016 on charges of budget mismanagement, and she was removed from the presidency three months later. [Brazils president could be saved by politicians also under suspicion] As Wednesdays session began, dozens of representatives gathered in the center of the chamber, chanting: Out Temer. The people want to vote. Direct elections now. In speeches ahead of the vote, Temers supporters focused on the importance of political stability for the countrys economy. Brazil cannot return to chaos. Thats why Im voting against this charge, said representative Hidekazu Takayama of the allied Socialist Christian Party. The president chose to confront the crisis by delivering bitter but necessary medicine, said representative Paulo Abi-Ackel of the coalition Brazilian Social Democracy Party. Is now the right time to remove the president of the republic? We need to continue these efforts to reestablish confidence in the future of the country. A member of Brazil's Homeless Workers Movement shouts during a protest against President Michel Temer in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 2. But in Sao Paulo, hundreds of protesters opposing Temer, whose approval ratings sank to 5 percent ahead of the vote, lit tires on fire to block access to major highways. While more than 80 percent of Brazilians believe that Temer should stand trial, according to a recent poll, he maintains a significant base in Congress. He was expected to gather about 260 votes in his favor, putting him safely above the 172 needed to evade trial, according to an analysis by political consultancy firm Arko in Brasilia, the capital. But hours before the vote, the Social Democracy Party, Temers largest coalition party, instructed supporters to vote in favor of the charges. [Workers face the consequences of Brazils corruption scandal] In May, leaked recordings appeared to show the president condoning the payment of hush money to protect Joesley Batista, a meatpacking executive who was under investigation for corruption. A few weeks later, video emerged of a close aide exiting a pizza parlor with $150,000 in cash, allegedly intended for Temer. The revelations sent shock waves through Brasilia, which already was reeling from Operation Car Wash, a corruption investigation that has shredded Brazils political elite but had not previously tarred Temer. The president has been determined to remain in power and has dismissed some ministers to allow them to cast ballots as legislators in his defense. The night before the vote, Temer attended a dinner with more than 100 lawmakers at the home of the vice president of the lower chamber. Temer was greeted with applause and urged the legislators to help him usher in a new era in Brazilian politics. Temers government pumped $25 million in federal funding into legislators pet projects after the accusations arose in May. Over the past two months, the president has rewarded allied parties with prominent positions within his cabinet and fired coalition members whose parties broke with him. [How Brazils political class came undone] Temer is still expected to be formally charged in the next few months with racketeering and obstruction of justice in connection with the same case. The Chamber of Deputies also would have to approve those charges before a trial. Although his supporters have been betting that the president can withstand these accusations long enough to complete the 18 months left in his mandate, the scandal has paralyzed Temers government and stalled flagship reform programs that he hoped would promote recovery from Brazils longest recession on record. Temer has suffered from dismal approval ratings, with thousands of Brazilians questioning his right to rule. To pacify the country, we need direct elections. Temer does not have legitimacy, opposition member Weliton Fernandes Prado said. We vote for the acceptance of the charges and want direct elections. Read more Two possible paths for Brazils ex-leader: prison or the presidency Hungry Venezuelans flood Brazilian towns, as threat of mass migration looms Brazils new hero is a nerdy judge who is tough on corruption Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Anti-government demonstrators hold candles during a vigil in honor of those who have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 31. (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Results from a controversial election for a new Venezuelan political assembly were manipulated and are off by at least 1 million participants, the company that provided the voting system said Wednesday. The disclosure came as Venezuela braced for a pivotal moment in its descent toward full authoritarian rule. Voters on Sunday elected 545 pro-government legislators who will sit in a new super-congress vested with vast powers. Late Wednesday, President Nicolas Maduro announced that their official installation would take place Friday, a day later than anticipated, in the same neoclassical building in central Caracas that already houses members of the opposition-controlled legislature elected in 2015. It remained unclear whether some of the newly minted officials would still try to enter the building Thursday. Several opposition lawmakers had initially vowed to make a defiant stand inside the chamber when the newcomers arrived. But amid growing internal divisions, at least some in the opposition were apparently changing tactics. The plan, according to two opposition legislators, was to instead launch a protest march toward the assembly building. I think the public is aware of our capabilities, opposition lawmaker Juan Requesens said. Unless we armed ourselves to defend the space, we wouldnt be able to do it. Other opposition lawmakers began to suggest that both sides might be able to share the building. [As opposition leader is led away, a cry of Dictatorship!] The standoff loomed as Antonio Mugica, chief executive of London-based Smartmatic, which has provided technology for Venezuelan elections since 2004, said it detected an inaccurate turnout figure Sunday through the automated balloting system. Venezuelan authorities had said more than 8 million people cast ballots, more than the number of people who voted against the new assembly in an informal referendum last month. With the deepest regret, we have to say that the turnout data presented on Sunday, July 30, for the constituent election was manipulated, Mugica said at a news conference in London. His companys analysis of the data, he said, suggested the number was off by at least 1 million. Tibisay Lucena, the pro-Maduro president of Venezuelas election council, dismissed the allegations and threatened to sue Smartmatic. Its an irresponsible allegation with estimates that arent based on the data, Lucena said in a televised statement. The companys charges add to growing allegations of massive irregularities in Sundays election, which was condemned internationally. The Trump administration, which slapped sanctions on Maduro on Monday, described it as a sham election. A host of Latin American nations, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Colombia, have called the vote illegitimate. The European Union on Wednesday issued a statement saying its members would not recognize the new Constituent Assembly. In a country suffering food shortages and a deepening economic collapse, government channels on Wednesday showed celebratory images of the new assemblys members being announced to wild cheers from crowds adorned in red T-shirts and Venezuelan flags. Maduro, the anointed successor of leftist firebrand Hugo Chavez, who died in 2013, has portrayed the new assembly as the cornerstone of an effort to funnel more power and money directly to the people, including to slums. [Options shrink for Venezuelas opposition] Senior government officials have dismissed allegations of fraud, saying they came from enemies of Venezuelas socialist system. In a sense, there was no way that the government could lose Sundays vote. All candidates, including the wife and son of Maduro, were backers of the socialist administration. There was also no voter-participation threshold needed for the outcome to be deemed valid. But generating a high turnout was considered vital to proving public enthusiasm for the new Constituent Assembly, which gives the government effective control over all branches of government. Opinion polls show the new body and Maduro are deeply unpopular. The government claimed a turnout of 41.5 percent of eligible voters more than 8 million votes. On Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported that it had reviewed internal electoral commission data showing that only 3.7 million people had voted by 5:30 p.m. Most polling stations closed at 7 p.m., but some stayed open later. [Why even opposition forces in Venezuela are wary of U.S. oil sanctions] On Wednesday, there were more signs of broadening divisions among the opposition on the best path forward. Henry Ramos Allup, secretary general of the Democratic Action party, announced that his candidates would compete in state elections, initially scheduled for December, despite the allegations of government fraud in the recent balloting. He also backed away from a plan, supported by some in the opposition, to form a parallel government to challenge Maduro. Our strategy has always been respect for the constitution, institutions, and fight for free elections, he said. We cannot ignore that. Its what the international community backs. Rachelle Krygier and Mariana Zuniga in Caracas and Michael Birnbaum in Brussels contributed to this report. Read more In Venezuela, prisoners say abuse is so bad they are forced to eat pasta mixed with excrement Things are so grim in Venezuela that people are rationing toothpaste Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. There isnt a bride or groom in the world who doesnt want their wedding to be special in some way. Getting married in the Napa Valley is a good start, which not only hosts a lot of local weddings but also many so-called destination weddings for people from all over the world. One of the special touches many wedding and event planners throughout the area have discovered are hand-painted/illustrated signs by a local artist and entrepreneur, Kaila Inman. Inmans company is Napa Valley Wedding Signs, which officially began recently, although she has been doing signs through planners for about seven years. In the beginning, I created a lot of hand-painted signs for a neighbor of mine who worked as a wedding planner, Inman said. She got me involved with her business, but it was just a hobby for me until I decided to make it full-time and started my own business earlier this year. Inman, who studied design in college, uses all kinds of materials for her signs, which range in size up to 8 feet by 4 feet. I use chalkboards, wood, mirrors, windows or objects that clients provide me, Inman explained. Recently someone had me do a sign on an old breadboard. I use a lot of recycled materials where I can, she said, but it depends on what the client likes. One of my favorite signs came from one of the old doors in my home that I had to replace, she chuckled. I kept the panels from it and I made a really cool wedding sign from one of them. For weddings, Inman has made all kinds of signs, including 18 signs for a recent three-day wedding event for a couple from Indonesia. Typically for weddings, she makes welcome signs, menus, seating charts, escort boards and directionals. One of the things Inman stresses is the importance of lead time. I like to have at least a month to create the signs, she said. But if you know what you want even earlier than that, its better for me. I can do work in as little as two weeks, but there is a rush charge for that. There are no robots or machines involved in the creation of the signs Inman produces. They are all hand-drawn by her in calligraphy. But despite the amount of hand-work involved, her signs begin at less than $25 for smaller, simpler signs and ranging up to $800 for larger, more complex signs. Despite the name of her company, Inman also makes signs for restaurants and many other types of businesses, basically, anywhere that signage is used, Inman said. To view some of Inmans work, visit: facebook.com/napavalleyweddingsigns or email kodakai@sbcglobal.net. Welcome to The Independent Herald E-Edition! Check back each week on Tuesday to see our[Read More] It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of... Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ferrari is considering adding a roomy four-seat utility vehicle as part of a major expansion push beyond its traditional supercar niche in a bid to double profit by 2022, people familiar with the matter said. The final five-year plan under chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, whos set to retire in 2021, will target boosting annual deliveries beyond a self-imposed limit of 10,000 cars, which allows the company to operate with less-stringent fuel-economy rules, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. Under the plan, which is likely to be unveiled in early 2018 and could expose the carmaker to stricter environmental regulations, Ferrari will also build more hybrid models to improve its vehicles efficiency and woo new wealthy buyers, the people said. A Ferrari spokesman declined to comment. Since taking charge of Ferrari in 2014, Marchionne has been pushing volume, already blowing past an earlier cap of 7,000 cars. While that approach risks diluting the brands exclusive cachet, the 65-year-old flanked delivery growth with exclusive limited-edition models, such as the US$2.1 million LaFerrari Aperta convertible. Hes now seeking to dial up that effort to secure Ferraris independence as the auto industry grapples with the strains of shifting to electric-powered cars. Ferrari, which will report second-quarter figures today, is on pace to increase adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization more than 14 percent this year to at least 1 billion euros (US$1.18 billion). The new strategy is likely to include doubling that figure in five years, the people said. Shares of Ferrari traded in Italy rose 3.1 percent to 91.90 euros in Milan, valuing the carmaker at 16.8 billion euros. The stock is on course to close at the highest price since it started trading on that market in early January 2016. Among projects being evaluated is a four-seat family car that offers more space than Ferraris current two-door GTC4Lusso. The model is internally dubbed the Ferrari utility vehicle, following Marchionnes previous objections to developing an SUV. The big Ferrari would be targeted at Asian customers, particularly in China, and may alone contribute 2,000 vehicles to annual deliveries, the people said. Ferrari is studying ways to ensure its sporty style with the new car, which the manufacturer will try to market as a new industry segment rather than as another high-end sport utility vehicle, following the likes of Maserati, Bentley and Lamborghini, they said. The new auto, which could have two or four doors, is expected to be sold from 2021, the people said. No final decision on the model has been made. There is a risk that an SUV could dilute the Ferrari brand, Richard Hilgert, an analyst at Morningstar, Inc., said in an email. If Ferrari made a vehicle that has more space for occupants, looks like a Ferrari, sounds like a Ferrari, and drives like Ferrari, well itd be a Ferrari, but the company would have to get it right, he said. Ferraris current target is to boost vehicle sales to 9,000 cars in 2019 from 8,014 in 2016. Analysts at Mediobanca, UBS AG and Bernstein predict deliveries could jump to as high as 15,000 under a new strategy, which Marchionne hinted he was developing during his first-quarter earnings presentation in May. The business plan poses a risk, as raising annual deliveries to more than 10,000 cars a year would push Ferrari beyond its small vehicle manufacturer status, which protects it from some U.S. and European fuel-use and emissions rules. To address those issues, the Italian carmaker, which was spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV in 2016, plans to introduce more hybrid vehicles starting in 2019 to help comply with stricter environmental regulations, the people said. Those models, like the current US$1.5 million LaFerrari, will be equipped with an electric motor to improve performance and add horsepower, the people said. Ferrari can also pay penalties or buy carbon credits and add those costs to the price of its vehicles, Mediobanca analyst Massimo Vecchio said. Bloomberg News It took four years to finally reach America in August 1958, but it was a longtime dream and one he wasnt about to give up, and on Saturday the winemaker who fled communist Croatia was given the American Dream Award, a new award presented to immigrants who are making a difference in the community. Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) presented Miljenko Mike Grgich with a Congressional Record statement recognizing him as one of 18 recipients of the Fifth Congressional District American Dream Awards for all that (Grgich has) done for our community, for our country and for other people. Its a real honor for me to be here, its an honor to be your friend and its an honor to say that you are the recipient of the American Dream Award for 2017, Thompson said. Grgich was unable to be at a ceremony earlier in July where Thompson presented the award to the other recipients, one of whom, Gustavo Brambila, was once an employee of Grgichs, and now owns his own winery. The award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in Thompsons district who have made significant contributions in the areas of arts and culture, professional achievement, entrepreneurship and innovation, or community service. Saturdays ceremony took place at Grgich Hills Estate Winery as Grgich and his business partner Austin Hills celebrated 40 years in business together. Thompson congratulated Hills and Grgich on their 40-year partnership. Whenever you can do something for 40 years its a big deal. Not only have you done it for 40 years, youve done it well for 40 years, Thompson said. Anyone who knows anything about wine, they know about Grgich Hills fantastic wine, and certainly Mike, about your reputation as an outstanding winemaker, and youve really helped put Napa Valley on the map, Thompson said. Grgich said he was honored to receive the award, and that coming to America was a dream come true. Grgich recounted how he came from a communist country to America and he and Hills broke ground for the winery on July 1, a date close to Independence Day, to point out independence and freedom, Grgich said. It took me four years to come here through Germany and Canada. But I didnt stop until my dream came true when I came to Napa Valley in August 1958. I feel that today my dream came true, he said. Thompson decided to create the award in November because building up to November and everything weve seen after November, theres been a lot of very negative things said about our immigrant population in this country, he said. Being the grandson of immigrants who came from Italy to work right next door my great-grandfather worked for John Daniel at Inglenook Winery so I am the grandson of immigrants. But I also represent a lot of immigrants throughout our district and Ive seen fantastic work that theyve done. To be honest with you I was just spitting mad at all the negative things that have been said about immigrants. We are a nation of immigrants. Immigrants have contributed mightily to where we are today and they continue to do that every day. State Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, representing herself and State Senator Bill Dodd, presented Grgich and Hills a certificate from the California State Legislature in recognition of 40 years of exceptional wine and dedication to the craft of winemaking and for your ongoing contribution to the Npaa Valley community, Aguiar-Curry said. She said being a farmer herself she grows walnuts she understands how difficult maintaining an agricultural business can be. I know this takes a lot of work and a lot of heart and dedication to have a successful business, she said. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/08/2017 (1929 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Before a child pornography investigation began into a Winnipeg educational assistant and magician, his habit of using a cellphone to record videos of children on school grounds had been reported to school officials, court heard Tuesday. Daniel Kamenicky previously pleaded guilty to one count each of making and possessing child pornography after police investigators discovered 33 videos he had taken of young girls in public places over a period of at least three years. The faces of at least 24 little girls were shown in the videos, and nine of those girls were identified after police consulted with principals at the two elementary schools where Kamenicky was previously employed as a teachers aide Windsor School and Marion School. Many of the recordings were up-skirt shots that zoomed in on the girls genitals, so investigators couldnt tell how many victims were involved or their exact ages at the time of the recording. The majority of the identified girls were 10 years old when Kamenicky was arrested and were thought to have been much younger when they were unknowingly recorded. The surreptitious videos were taken on school playgrounds, in a classroom, a gymnasium change room, at a water park, and in other public places such as stores and restaurants. Winnipeg Free Press Files Daniel Kamenicky was known as Dan the Magic Man. Several of the videos were uploaded to Kamenickys Flickr account last summer, prompting internet services provider Yahoo!, which owns the photo-sharing site, to contact police with Kamenickys unique internet-protocol address. Investigators believe the mass upload was automatic and accidental, triggered when Kamenicky got a new smartphone last summer. Hes been in custody since his arrest, after police searched his home and electronic devices, where they also found other child pornography images and videos that Kamenicky had downloaded from the internet. A sampling of the videos Kamenicky created himself as well as ones that were found downloaded on his computer were played in court Tuesday. In some of his recordings, music with a pulsing beat and provocative lyrics had been added, and in others he can be heard instructing the girls on how to pose as they were doing gymnastics moves, playing on monkey bars or sitting back on a bench. The girls didnt know they were being recorded and Kamenicky is not accused of assaulting them. In one of the videos, he told a girl to stand over a vent to feel warm air and used his knowledge of magic to distract her, as he got the shot he wanted, Crown prosecutor Shannon Benevides told court. Benevides is seeking a six-year sentence, arguing Kamenicky entered his guilty plea to only two charges before all of the victims could be identified and may have faced a lengthier prison term otherwise. The children were used as props, by someone they trusted in a place they shouldve been safe, Benevides said. If you cant send your children to school to be safe, where can you send them? she said, noting news of the case sparked panic for many parents who had come into contact with Kamenicky through his work at the schools and magic shows. He faces a minimum one-year sentence on each count. A new date for the continuation of the sentencing hearing still needs to be arranged so defence lawyer Dan Manning can make his submissions to provincial court Judge Sidney Lerner, but Manning told the Free Press he expects to ask for a sentence much closer to the minimum total of two years. Manning said his client is remorseful and is looking forward to the opportunity to work out his issues in counselling once he starts serving his sentence. Hes been obviously devastated by the charges, Manning said. Hes lost everything. Kamenicky, who was known as Dan the Magic Man for his work as a childrens magician, worked as an educational assistant for Windsor School within the Louis Riel School Division at the time of his arrest in August 2016 and was also a respite worker for people with disabilities. He had worked at the school for three years, court heard, and during that time a fellow teachers aide noticed Kamenicky recording children openly and in secret. She told police she had reported his behaviour to school staff several times, and had brought it to the principals attention three times. A representative of the Louis Riel School Division could not immediately be reached for comment. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Im left looking at this situation mindful of the phrase that it takes a village to raise a child, a Manitoba judge said quietly as he imposed a life sentence with no chance of parole for 14 years on a Peguis mother who admitted to killing her toddler daughter after months of neglect and abuse. And saying to myself, where the hell was this village? Court of Queens Bench Justice Chris Martin sentenced 39-year-old Vanessa Bushie Wednesday afternoon for second-degree murder in the death of 21-month-old Kierra Elektra Star Williams. The judge imposed the mandatory life sentence along with the 14-year period of parole ineligibility that was recommended by Crown and defence lawyers. Kierra Elektra Star Williams I cant go into all the circumstances of what other agencies or other people knew or didnt know or did or didnt do, the judge said. The flags were there that this child was in danger, he added, describing the tragedy as truly shocking and stunning. It should not have happened. This child should not have died. The malnourishment, neglect and physical abuse Kierra suffered dated back months before her death it could have been as many as six months, but it was likely three or four, according to medical testimony heard at Bushies preliminary inquiry last winter. Up to 24 hours before her death on July 17, 2014, her mother purposefully assaulted her and caused a fatal abdominal injury that left the little girl with internal bleeding, a ruptured pancreas and damage to her liver and spleen. There were no witnesses to the fatal assault, court heard. For some reason, theres a relative dearth of information and observation respecting the deterioration of that child, leading up to the day she died, Crown prosecutor Daniel Chaput said. By that time, Kierra had already been malnourished for up to two months and had suffered several broken ribs, a skull fracture, a dislocated and fractured shoulder, a cut upper lip and missing teeth. The tip of her nose was missing, likely due to attempts to rid her of eczema, court heard. When she was rushed to hospital after her mother phoned 911 to report Kierra was unresponsive, she was badly bruised, dehydrated, emaciated and barely breathing. Its trite to say that given the nature of the injuries, the circumstances, that the actions of Ms. Bushie were brutal, callous, heinous, inexcusable, inexplicable, Chaput said, saying Kierra suffered prolonged, dogged abuse by her mother. Defence lawyer Mike Cook agreed Bushies actions were inexcusable, but he described her as a tragic figure and a broken person who was at her wits end with a baby she couldnt bond with. She asked for help from CFS and family members, but didnt get the help or the counselling she needed, and is now trying to become a better person, Cook said. Shes not a monster she did some monstrous things to Kierra, but shes a woman who has a lot of frailties and disappointments and a lot of difficulties in her own past, he said. Bushie was thrilled when Kierra and her two older siblings were returned to her and her partner, Daniel Williams, in July 2013, Cook said. The two older children had been removed due to a domestic-violence allegation against Williams and Kierra was apprehended at birth in October 2012. My client was thrilled to have the three children back at home. The difficulty is that Kierra was never comfortable in my clients home, he said. As Bushie wept in the prisoners box, Cook described to the court the sexual assaults she experienced at six and 12 years old, and said she carried overwhelming guilt and partly blamed herself for her fathers murder. He died when she was 16 after being beaten. One of those involved was the man who assaulted her when she was 12, Cook said. In addition to impaired driving charges from 2005, she was charged in 2007 with an assault against her oldest daughter, who was in her teens at the time. Bushie did community service as part of an 18-month suspended sentence with probation for that assault. While Bushie told paramedics Kierra had choked on a sausage and she had dropped her on the head while giving her the Heimlich manoeuvre, the little girl arrived at the Hodgson hospital weighing less than she had when she was returned by Child and Family Services to her biological parents a year earlier as a healthy, happy baby, Chaput told court. But Kierras autopsy told a much more sordid and disconcerting story than could be explained by choking on a sausage, he said. The Crowns case relied on preliminary inquiry testimony from Kierras 15-year-old and 12-year-old half-sisters who didnt live in the Bushie-Williams home but would often go over to babysit. In their testimonies, the older girls described seeing their mother hurt Kierra: she would be force-fed, pushed, hit, slapped, kept in a locked room for hours or even days without food or forced to sleep on the floor. Bushie would get angry and throw Kierra into the locked room, and told the older children not to comfort or baby her. Kierra would cry non-stop and often refuse food, which only led to more anger and frustration from her mother. Kierra had been taken into foster care at birth in October 2012 after her mother made domestic-violence allegations against her father. As a result, Kierras older siblings were already in the care of Child and Family Services. Her parents worked to regain custody, and after they completed all required programs, Kierra and her siblings were returned to their parents in July 2013. CFS officials visited the family occasionally until January 2014. Kierra seemed shy but happy, her siblings were doing well and the home was well-kept. CFS officials found nothing of concern and decided to close Kierras file. Six months after the CFS visits stopped, Kierra was dead. RCMP began a lengthy investigation that culminated in January 2015 with charges against Bushie, Kierras father, Daniel Williams, and her adult sister, Jasmine Bushie. All charges against Jasmine were dropped late last year and she has since sued the RCMP for its handling of the case. The lawsuit is still before the court and the Attorney General of Canada is defending itself against the allegations. Williams is charged with manslaughter and failing to provide the necessaries of life. He is set to go to trial in February. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/08/2017 (1929 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Omnitrax is refusing to explain what grounds it has to turn its back on a 2008 contract that provided millions of taxpayer dollars in exchange for keeping its rail line running to Churchill. On Monday, the company said it no longer felt an obligation to follow the agreement because of the May 23 flooding that damaged the line, as well as government changes to how the towns port is used. Two weeks ago, the company said it wouldnt pay to repair the line because it was not economically viable. Since then, Ottawa has insisted Omnitrax has a contractual obligation to keep the rail line running under a 2008 agreement that saw the feds and Manitoba each contribute $20 million for repairs along the line. Omnitrax Handout Omnitrax has a contractual obligation to keep the rail line running under a 2008 agreement that saw the feds and Manitoba each contribute $20 million for repairs along the line, but the American company said repairing the damaged line is not economically viable following flooding (above) in May. The Free Press has obtained the 43-page contract, as well as prior agreements dating back to Omnitraxs 1997 takeover. When asked Tuesday to specify which line in any contract allows Omnitrax to reneg on its duty to keep the line running, the company responded 20 minutes later and refused to explain. Omnitrax is not in a position to provide comment beyond the statement offered on this issue yesterday, wrote a spokeswoman with Toronto public-relations firm Edelman, which is handling Omnitraxs media requests. The 2008 agreement says Omnitrax has full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and repair of the rail line through to 2018, and that Canada can seek reimbursement (though only 10 per cent by 2017) if the company chooses to reduce, discontinue or substantially abandon either the rail line or port. On June 9, the company declared a force majeure, a contract term for when an unforeseen event such as a natural disaster or a war absolves a company of its responsibilities, but the Free Press has learned the 2008 agreement has no such clause. A force majeure clause exists in the 2012 terms for a three-year fund to keep Churchills port running, but not in the 2008 funding agreement for the railway, nor the 1997 contract that transferred the port to Omnitrax. Elden Boon, head of the Hudson Bay Route Association, said Omnitraxs refusal to explain its contractual obligations fits a pattern of asking for public money without answering the pubilcs questions. I find it unbecoming that an American company in our country here is operating the way they are, said Boon, whose group advocates for increasing traffic along the line. Since the rail line flooded some 10 weeks ago as of Wednesday the group has met with provincial ministers and corporations, asked an expert about examining the rail bed and corresponded with Ottawa. Boon said Omnitrax seems to be the only stakeholder he cant reach. Its just a real frustrating thing. Its clear that Omnitrax doesnt want to be involved in running this railway anymore, he said. Asked to respond to that criticism, Omnitrax claimed its busy getting the rail line back in service. Were focused on what is most important to the people of Churchill at the moment: working with government to return safe and reliable service, their spokeswoman said. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/08/2017 (1929 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. One of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus lieutenants vows the federal government will not turn its back on Churchill in the face of resistance from Omnitrax to repair the badly damaged rail line leading to the northern port. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains was reacting to a statement by Denver-based Omnitrax to the Free Press Monday rejecting federal pressure to fix the line. A 2008 agreement involving Omnitrax, the province and the federal government compels the company to maintain the line. Omnitrax Handout Spring flooding caused anywhere from $20 million to $60 million in damages to the rail bed and bridges on the rail line to Churchill. Theyre obligated to fulfil those commitments and we will look at all options to make sure that they pursue that, Bains said in an interview Tuesday. During a weekend stop in Winnipeg, Trudeau said Ottawa would enforce the 2008 deal. Omnitrax has legal obligations to clean up and to repair the tracks, the prime minister said Saturday. According to initial estimates, spring flooding caused anywhere from $20 million to $60 million in damages to the rail bed and bridges. A more precise estimate of the damages is expected by Friday. Bains wouldnt speculate on what measures Ottawa might take to force the company to fulfil its commitments. He sidestepped a direct question on whether the feds might take over the port and rail line. The minister also suggested it was premature for the feds to commit to any financial assistance at this time to repair the line. I think the ball is in their court, he said of Omnitrax. They need to honour their commitment and demonstrate what theyre going to do. And well look at what options exist going forward. But right now the onus is 100 per cent with them because they have to honour that contract. They have to show leadership. They have to take this initiative seriously, and they have to realize that this is really important to people in that community and they have a responsibility to honour their commitment. JUSTIN SAMANSKI-LANGILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Singh Bains speaks with the Free Press in the media office of the Manitoba Legislature Building Tuesday. Bains met with Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen on Tuesday and was to participate in a roundtable organized by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He is scheduled to make an announcement at Red River College today. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Manitoba government has hired a private consulting firm to study the value of a public-private partnership for building schools. KPMG LLCs contract is effective now and its business case is expected by the end of the year. The process is expected to involve meetings with stakeholders, as well as risk workshops. Premier Brian Pallister announced his government was interested in the P3 model back in the spring when it released a request for proposals to look more closely at the possibility of using it to build four new schools. Once the goverment has a business case, it can decide whether to start looking for possible private-sector partners. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES In a release, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart said KPMG was chosen for its significant experience in P3 projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan schools. He noted the firm is well-suited to determine whether the Manitoba Schools Project is suitable for a P3 delivery model. CUPE Manitoba was quick to criticize the announcement, saying in a release that the premier isnt telling the whole story. Concerns have been raised about the P3 model across the country, CUPE said, where at least one province actually bought back schools. The premier said KPMGs business case will be made public if there is demonstrated value for money. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Irene Soko opened the letter and felt sick to her stomach. It was April 7 and a notice from Manitoba Housing told the 78-year-old she would have to leave the place she had called home for the last 36 years. Soko is one of a group of seniors living in Gilbert Park who say theyre being unfairly kicked out of their homes and forced out of the community theyve lived in for much of their lives. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS From left, Chucky Brunette, Irene Soko and Bev Forbes. Brunette is helping his friends, Soko and Forbes, who are being evicted from their current homes to apartment blocks they consider to be in dangerous areas of the city. You wouldnt think of Gilbert Park as the most desirable place to live, but after 36 years, its home, Soko said. Were safe here. Were comfortable here. One of my neighbours has lived here for 42 years. I dont understand why they have made this decision now. The seniors arrived in their current units back in 2011, when renovations were being done on their previous homes in Gilbert Park. They say their Manitoba Housing property manager promised it would be the last time theyd have to move. We were told this would be our last move. This was promised to us face-to-face by the last property manager, 67-year-old Bev Forbes, whos lived at Gilbert Park for 27 years, said. They made it clear that we wouldnt have to leave the area or our units, Soko added. Everyone was told this. Now, six years later, they say Manitoba Housing is kicking them out of the two-bedroom units they were approved to move into back in 2011. The units have small secondary bedrooms which the seniors use as storage space since they no longer have access to storage lockers. It is because of these second bedrooms Manitoba Housing is making them move. It has come to our attention that there has been a change to your household and you no longer qualify for the unit you are living in, reads the letter sent by Manitoba Housing. That line which makes many of the tenants angry is proof Manitoba Housing is being dishonest, say Forbes and Soko. We all moved in here as single people, Forbes said. There hasnt been any change with any of us. Its dishonest and its getting to everybody. In addition, two of the tenants said theyve previously tried to add a family member to their lease. In both cases this was denied, but now theyre being told theyll have to move because there arent two people living in the home. At the time they knew what all our circumstances were, that we were living alone, Soko said. We were approved to move into these apartments. Now we get these letters saying our circumstances have changed, but they havent. Many of the tenants say theyre scared to leave their homes and have no interest in living in the places theyve been offered. In total, theyre aware of eight seniors being forced to move, although they suspect there are more. Their move date is subject to availability, which the tenants say means they have to be ready to leave whenever. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Bev Forbes (from left) and Irene Soko have banded together and recruited friend Chuckie Brunette to fight a Manitoba Housing order that they be moved from their homes. With the help of 75-year-old Chuckie Brunette, a Gilbert Park neighbour and friend, the seniors have banded together to try to fight the decision to move them from their homes. They say theyve reached out to Minister of Families Scott Fielding, Manitoba Housing and their property manager Debbie Cook, all in an effort to get a group meeting with the people behind the decision. For two months, they say, theyve been ignored. Both Manitoba Housing and Debbie Cook declined multiple requests for comment. They dont care what we have to say, Forbes said. Theyre not concerned about us. We dont cause problems. So what the heck? Leave us be. How many years, in reality, do we have left to live? Many of the seniors say the uncertainty of the whole situation has been affecting their health, with some losing weight, getting headaches and having difficulty sleeping at night. They say their support networks are located around Gilbert Park and thats not something they can take with them when they move. They have family who are able to help them get groceries, doctors that are close by and friends that look out for them. But what worries them most of all is being forced from the community theyve spent decades living in, making memories in, raising children in and calling home. Weve been good tenants all these years, Soko said. But were just disposable one moves out, another moves in. They dont really have to look at us as people. Its unfair and I dont know why this is happening. Every one of us was promised we would not be asked to move out. ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Its only August, but Winnipeg police have already seized 940 firearms in 2017, a figure not normally reached until around November over the last five years. By the end of July 2016, the police firearms investigative analysis unit had only seized 539 weapons and didnt reach this years end-of-July figure of 940 until Nov. 30. Last year, police seized 1,035 guns in the entire year, and in 2013, only 934 firearms were seized. BEN WALDMAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg police arrested three men with gang affiliations July 27 after the organized crime unit seized an AR-15 .223 calibre semi-automatic rifle and a cattle prod capable of administering a dangerous electrical shock from a suite in a multi-unit residence on the 500 block of Redwood Avenue. Not only are police recovering firearms at a much higher frequency than usual, police spokesman Const. Jay Murray said Wednesday, the variety of weapons recovered namely semi-automatic rifles, high-calibre shotguns, sawed-off shotguns, and rifles intended for hunting purposes has raised concerns. I would say the guns we see on the street are a reflection of the gun community as a whole, Murray said, mentioning hunters and gun enthusiasts have begun to purchase more specialized weapons. Murray said many of the guns recovered get into criminal hands through means of theft from those hunters and enthusiasts, and he attributed the uptick in weapons seizures to increased police presence in high-crime areas, investigative sources, and projects that specifically target organized crime. Still, an increase in weapon seizures may tell another story. While police have successfully recovered more weapons than usual, that also means there have likely been more firearms on Winnipegs streets, Murray said, with a significant portion coming into the possession of gangs or their affiliates. In one of the most recent cases, Winnipeg polices street and organized crime units seized a 12-guage Winchester Defender shotgun, ammunition, $1,135 in cash and a small amount of marijuana after executing a search warrant at a house in the 300 block of College Avenue Monday night. In that case, three people with known gang ties in the neighbourhood were arrested by officers prior to the seizure. The shotgun seized also appeared to be in the process of having its stock sawed through, a method used to aid in concealment of large weapons. Often, guns like the seized Winchester are hidden in pants or in bags, Murray said. Its an illegal modification, and were glad this gun was taken off the street before the modification was made, he said. The three suspects were arrested near the house at 7 p.m., and the search warrant was executed at 9 p.m. Sheldon John Michelle, 35, was detained in custody and received several charges including the possession of a weapon, the known possession of an unauthorized firearm, the possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, the possession of a scheduled substance, improper storage of a restricted weapon, and the possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Michelle was also charged with five counts of failure to comply on condition of recognizance by a judge or justice, and was arrested on two warrants for failing to appear in court. A second 35-year-old man is facing charges of possession of a weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, known possession of an unauthorized firarm, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, and the improper storage of a restricted weapon. A 30-year-old woman faces charges of possession of a weapon, the unauthorized possession of a firearm, and improper storage of a restricted weapon. While Michelle has been detained, the other two suspects were released on a promise to appear, and cant currently be identified. Between 2013 and 2016, police seized an average of 592.5 firearms by the end of July. This years figure of 940 represents a 58.65 per cent jump over that average, a rate that works out to over four firearms recovered for each day so far in 2017. ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As it navigates tumultuous budgetary times and significantly streamlines operations, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is turning to the CEO of St. Boniface Hospital as its new chief medical officer. Dr. Bruce Roe will step into the senior management role in early September, less than a month before the first round of ER and urgent care clinic closures are slated to occur, the Free Press has learned. Roe resigned from his position as CEO of St. Boniface Hospital last month to take on the role, according to a memo sent in July to the hospitals staff by Tom Carson, chairman of the board of directors. Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press Files The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has hired the CEO of St. Boniface Hospital, Dr. Bruce Roe, as its new chief medical officer. He replaces Brock Wright, who is heading up Shared Health Services Manitoba, a new provincial health organization the provincial government announced will serve to centralize some clinical and administrative tasks that are currently being handled individually by each of Manitobas five regional health authorities. Roe steps in just as health care in the province undergoes seismic change. In the spring, Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced plans to significantly overhaul health care delivery in Winnipeg. Since then, the announcements have come quickly, including the shuttering of some emergency departments and the closure of numerous rural Emergency Medical Services stations. To meet the provincial demand that it cut $83 million from its budget, the WRHAs own cuts are coming at an exhausting pace: the closure of four QuickCare clinics, fee hikes for seniors day programs and transportation, advance overnight urgent care closures at Misericordia. Roe will now be deeply involved in these decisions. While we regret Dr. Roes departure, Carson wrote, we have no doubt (he) will be an asset to the WRHA leadership team and the health system as it moves forward with changes to delivery of services. Wrights departure came roughly a week after the WRHA parted ways with president and CEO Milton Sussman. Sussmans role has not yet been filled, although it is currently being handled by chief operating officer Real Cloutier. During Wrights tenure, he had to oversee numerous controversies from the emergency room death of Brian Sinclair an Indigenous man left unattended for hours at the Health Sciences Centre before dying in his wheelchair to the death of Heather Brenan, who was in the emergency room at Seven Oaks for four days before being fully assessed, and later died after she was sent home by taxi. Cloutier sent an internal memo to advise staff of Roes appointment, noting he is recognized as a leader and teacher by colleagues and partners in health-care organizations that are committed to continuous improvement and lean transformation. jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Nazim Cicek might save the planet. Hes researching cellulosic biofuel production that could turn corn stalks and cattails into clean energy. A breakthrough could have a global impact. We all want to protect the environment the question is how? Technologies such as cellulosic biofuels show promise. Meanwhile, carbon taxes are expensive and ineffective. HANDOUT Revenue from a carbon tax, if earmarked for investments in innovative energy technologies, could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon taxes are supposed to reduce emissions by making them expensive. For example, higher gas prices might prompt people to buy electric cars. Cicek personally provided a case study when he explained why he doesnt drive an electric car to the cottage. I cannot drive out there with an electric vehicle, he told a Senate committee in 2011. Electric cars didnt have the required range. People will not transition into an electric vehicle until that range anxiety is resolved. There can be no doubt about Ciceks commitment to the environment, but a carbon tax wont make him choose an electric car if it cant do the job. A punitive carbon tax has limited potential when people dont have options. Families in Manitoba turn on the furnace because its the only way to keep their homes warm in the winter. Farmers transport their crops on trains and ships because thats the only way to get them to grocery stores around the world. For many, a carbon tax would be pointlessly punitive. British Columbias carbon tax experiment is demonstrating the point. The current increase in (British Columbias) emissions suggests either that the tax rate is not high enough to drive further reductions, or that other policy instruments are necessary to drive change in behaviour, wrote Jacinthe Clavet-Gaumont and David Huard in a report titled Synergies: Interactions Between Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Canadas Energy Supply System (Cicek is listed as a collaborator on the report). New numbers provide an interesting update. From 2014 to 2015, B.C. reduced its emissions by 0.5 per cent; meanwhile, Manitoba reduced its emission by two per cent without a carbon tax. Heres the thing: B.C.s carbon tax is ineffective, but its expensive. Even though B.C.s carbon tax is supposed to be offset by other tax cuts, the Fraser Institute found it was increasing the tax burden by $865 million over five years. Of course, its theoretically possible to push a carbon tax to a punishing level that forces people to take drastic measures, but even in that scenario, there are mathematical limits. Canada produces 1.6 per cent of global emissions. Manitoba produces 2.9 per cent of Canadas emissions. Even a devastating carbon tax would be a blip in the global context. Carbon tax proponents recognize this reality when they argue the impact of a carbon tax extends beyond individual behaviour because higher costs motivate innovators. But theres often a disconnect between the message sent by policy makers and the signal received by the marketplace. And that can have harmful unintended consequences. Consider the fertilizer plant in Brandon. Its Manitobas largest single emitter with 3.1 per cent of the provinces total emissions. Rather than encouraging efficiency, a carbon tax risks sending the market a signal to produce fertilizer elsewhere. And there are plenty of options. China isnt implementing a carbon tax. Australia has tried and repealed a carbon tax. The United States isnt implementing a carbon tax, and its not just because of President Donald Trump Washington state rejected a carbon tax in a referendum despite supporting Hillary Clinton in the general election and Bernie Sanders in the primaries. If products are produced in China or Australia or the United States, rather than Manitoba, theres a risk of hardship here without an environmental benefit. Even worse, a less competitive economy will leave fewer resources to support research such as Ciceks work at the University of Manitoba. The rate required to significantly reduce emissions might be outside what is politically realistic to achieve, Clavet-Gaumont and Huard wrote in their report. This is especially true as long as there is no common commitment across neighbouring provinces and states and there are risks that economic activity leaks from carbon taxing legislations to non-taxing legislations. Happily, innovation offers opportunity where punitive taxation fails. Progress may come through Microsofts plan to test battery technology at a billion-dollar data centre. It may come from farms where new wheat production practices reduce the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Or the breakthrough might be Ciceks cellulosic biofuel production research. To protect the environment, we need to focus on promising innovation rather than failed punitive taxes. Todd MacKay is prairie director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/08/2017 (1928 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Remember the joy of getting allowance as a child, and how the jingling of a few coins made your pockets heavy with purchasing potential? Coins and bills are destined to become more a memory and less a reality, thanks to a rapid shift to digital payments. In fact, tap-and-pay cards and digital wallets are becoming so dominant that some businesses now reject cash. The fast-food chain Iq Food Co. has five locations in Toronto and Vancouver, none of which accept coins or bills. Jonathan Hayward / The Canadian Press Files There will be casualties as cash use declines. Its the same at the two Mad Radish restaurants in Ottawa. A recent Canadian Press story reported the rapid rise of tap-and-pay methods in Canada: 30.8 per cent of financial transactions in 2016, growing to 39.5 per cent in 2017 and expected to reach 50 per cent in 2018. The story included a prediction that, by 2030, cash purchases will comprise only 10 per cent of all money spent in Canada. As we move toward an economy where 90 per cent of financial transaction wont involve cash, the future of funds will unfurl with implications for our day-to-day lives. Digital transactions are faster, a relief to anyone who has been stuck in a grocery line behind a customer exploring the deep recesses of a pocket or purse in search of the correct change. Another advantage is that all digital transactions are recorded by our banks and card providers, a boon for our household record-keeping that can be appreciated when its time to file income tax and give the government our annual account of where the money was spent. As another plus, the decline of hard currency will be a blow to the black market of service providers who dodge their fair share of taxes by working for cash, no receipts given. It will be more dangerous to wink and ask for under-the table payment when money consists of digitally transferred funds that can be traced by Canada Revenue Agency auditors. There are also drawbacks. Its easier for thieves to capture and misuse our financial-card information than it is for them to steal cash from our carefully guarded wallets. Also, some institutions charge for use of debit and credit cards, skimming a percentage point or two from every transaction. Some banks currently refuse services to people who dont have sufficient assets and a reliable income, so the push toward cashless will be worrisome for those who are denied the cards that are the passkeys to a digital economy. Increased emphasis on tap-and-pay transactions also runs the risk of leaving behind the less tech-savvy seniors, in particular who cant adapt to the marketplaces e-payment progression. There are even some entertainers, including the bevy of buskers in town recently for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, who pass the hat to collect cash. These arent tips; coin-and-bill donations are the livelihood that allows their shows to go on. Street performers tend not to take Visa or Mastercard. Most churches already offer alternatives to cash, allowing congregants to arrange direct-transfer donations on a weekly or monthly basis, but collection baskets are still passed during services, and cash in the basket remains an important part of keeping the church lights on and the clergy paid. The move to a digital economy has implications that perhaps have not been fully considered. Yes, there are good reasons for moving away from cash, but try explaining them to the neighbourhood kid who set up a lemonade stand at the corner of your street. The fallout from Februarys disaster at the massive Oroville Dam will include fresh inspections of the spillways at 93 other dams across California including those serving Napa, St. Helena and Yountville. Conn Creek, Bell Canyon and Rector Creek dams are among those for which the state Division of Safety of Dams has ordered re-evaluations of water-release channels, the agency announced last week. Conn Creek Dam feeds Lake Hennessey, the larger of two reservoirs serving the city of Napa. Bell Canyon Dam is St. Helenas municipal water source, and Rector Creek Dam, controlled by the state Department of Veterans Affairs, supplies Yountville and the CalVet-owned Veterans Home west of town. California announced in June it would seek a closer look at dams across the state, after the erosion of two spillways at the 770-foot-tall Oroville Dam triggered by exceptionally heavy water flows from winter storms forced the snap evacuation of a reported 188,000 people across Butte, Yuba and Sutter counties on Feb. 12. Helicopter drops of boulders and sandbags finally stanched the overflow, allowing residents to start returning home two days later. State regulators originally focused on more than 100 dams less than a tenth of the roughly 1,300 in California and then compiled their final list based on the age of spillways, the height and capacity of dams, and the potential downstream hazards at reservoirs. Dams also were evaluated for their design, construction, maintenance and geological conditions, the divisions supervising engineer Daniel Meyersohn said in a statement. These assessments may require acquiring additional information to adequately evaluate the spillways ability to perform satisfactorily during a flood event, said Meyersohn. It will not be known which spillways, if any, will need repairs until the comprehensive assessments are completed and reviewed by the dam safety division. Dam owners will be required to carry out any necessary spillway repairs before the start of the next flood season, the agency said. Raising the urgency of dam inspections is their age, with those in California now 70 years old on average, according to Meyersohn. Locally, Conn Creek Dam dates to 1948, Rector Creek Dam to 1946 and Bell Canyon Dam to 1959. Joy Eldredge, manager of the Napa city Water Division, said owners of the dams in question must file evaluation plans by Sept. 1. At Lake Hennessey, the city will review the dams design plans, study the surrounding soils, and finally use ground-penetrating radar to check for any weaknesses in the 800-foot-long spillways concrete structure. Were learning from the experience they had in Oroville to take anything related to inspections during construction, to go back in time and pretend youre looking at it for the first time with fresh eyes, she said Monday afternoon. Conn Creek Dams most recent scheduled inspection in the spring revealed no exposed rebar or similar concrete damage in its structure, according to Eldredge. The most recent concrete repairs to the spillway took place in the early 2000s, she said. The state also notified St. Helena and CalVet in early June of the inspection requirements for their respective dams, and both will file inspection plans before September, local officials said Monday. An inspection of the 95-foot-tall Bell Canyon Dam and its 510-foot-long concrete spillway revealed no visible deficiencies, according to Erica Ahmann Smithies, St. Helenas public works director and city engineer. However, the city in 2016 discovered deterioration in the dams water intake tower and has hired a consultant to design a replacement intake. The grisly balance of the European Unions refugee policy in the first six months of 2017 amounts to close to 2,400 people who have either died or are missing in the Mediterranean. And if the wishes of the EU and its member states are realised, this number will rise significantly. The Sophia mission, jointly conducted by Germany, France, Italy and other EU members, is allegedly supposed to reduce the number of drownings by combating people smuggling. Warships have been deployed equipped with the most modern drones and satellite technology, enabling them to carry out surveillance on every centimetre of the Mediterranean. In spite of this, 2,385 people either died or went missing in the Mediterranean this year by the end of July, according to the International Organisation of Migration. Only some 8 percent of those who survive the Mediterranean crossing in one piece are rescued by the Sophia mission. By contrast, some 40 percent of those who reach the European coast are rescued by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). However, Italy, with the backing of Germany and the EU, is adopting a series of new measures to bully these organisations. The latest attempt at harassment, the code of conduct, is equivalent to a blatant attempt to block the rescue of refugees at sea. NGO ships will have to accept armed Frontex police on board. The ships will also no longer be allowed to transfer rescued refugees to larger ships, meaning they will waste much more time sailing to and from ports, instead of providing aid on location. All of this is aimed at hampering the NGOs and keeping them away from the most dangerous waters where the most people face emergencies. Five aid organisationsDoctors Without Borders, Sea Watch, Sea Eye, Jugend Rettet (Youth Rescue), and SOS Mediterranneehave rejected the code of conduct. We could not sign it due to our principles, said Titus Molkenbur of Jugend Rettet. The organisations invoked the law of the sea, which applies to all captains. Italy is now threatening to close its ports to them, and the Austrian Interior Minister has added another threat: These NGOs are automatically placing themselves outside of the organised rescue system in the Mediterranean, with all of the consequences that brings for their security. The conflict will further restrict their rescue work, with deadly consequences for refugees. The EU states, led by Germany and Italy, continue to adopt new measures against refugees. Their proposals are increasingly aimed at keeping refugees in North Africa and preventing them from even reaching Europe. The Italian government agreed July 28 to send its navy with 1,000 sailors and soldiers into Libyan territorial waters to support the Libyan coastguard in combating people smugglers. Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni (Democratic Party, PD) described the move as a possible turning point in the refugee crisis. Parliament still has to agree to the proposal. The move means that shortly after they start out from Libya, refugees will be intercepted by the Italian navy, brought back to Libya and turned over to the Libyan coast guards notorious prisons and those run by other warlords. These prisons are among the worst imaginable. Refugees are confined by the hundreds in spaces which are far too small and exposed to violence, including beatings, rape, and even death. The necessities of life are often entirely absentwashing facilities, clean drinking water and foodand disease is frequently rampant. The Libyan coast guard, which is corrupt and brutal, is enriching itself through the smuggling business. With its support, the EU is making itself complicit in torture, people trafficking and murder. The Libyan government has protested Italys move. The presidential council (the Libyan cabinet), led by Fayez al-Sarraj, immediately denied having requested military assistance. Libya is a sovereign state, it said, and Italy did not have permission for such an intervention within Libyan territorial waters. Only further cooperation with the coast guard in training and the provision of equipment had been agreed in the latest talks in Paris and Rome, it added. Shortly before the Gentiloni governments decision, a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron hit the headlines. Macron declared suddenly on July 27 that before the end of the summer he would ensure that hot spots for refugees would be established on Libyan territory as reception centres for refugees. The proposal is not new. European politicians have been suggesting for months that Libya be turned into a bulwark against refugees and that reception centres, or hot spotsit would be more accurate to say concentration campsbe established on African soil. This has been coupled with the implicit assumption that setting up such camps would require the deployment of European soldiers in North Africa. Macron invited Libyan Prime Minister al-Sarraj, a UN puppet, and his rival, General Khalid Hafta, to Paris. He subsequently declared that the two parties in Libyas civil war were ready to end their armed conflict. Macron went public with his proposal for hot spots in Libya shortly afterwards. This prompted significant disquiet in Italy, which as Libyas former colonial power sees itself as responsible for Libya. French-Italian relations have also become tense over the STX shipyard in the French port city of St. Nazaire. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, a joint venture with a Chinese consortium, was originally set to take control of a large proportion of the shipyards shares. The worlds largest cruise ships are built there, but it is also important for the navy. Macron has now annulled the deal with Fincantieri and moved swiftly to temporarily nationalise the shipyard, as the government put it. On August 1, German Social Democrat (SPD) politician Boris Pistorius, who is responsible for domestic security in the SPD election campaign team, called for reception centres in North Africa. In an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung, Saxonys Interior Minister declared, People who have fled their homes must be kept outside of Europes borders. The people should not sit waiting in Italy, but already have advisers to speak to outside the EU if possible, in processing camps, Pistorius said. Asked who would operate these camps, he said, Either the Europeans or the UN would have to operate them. Chancellor Angela Merkel and Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere (both Christian Democratic Union, CDU) have already proposed holding refugees in internment camps in North Africa. They are thereby reviving the worst traditions of colonial rule. Camps where masses of people are confined have a grim historical record in Libya. Around 100,000 people were interned in concentration camps, where one in two people died, under the Italian occupation of 1911-1942. Libyas legendary Omar Muchtar was executed in front of the prisoners. Under fascism, the occupation was accompanied by widespread terror, with more than 100,000 dying in Cyrenaica and Tripolitania, now Libya. The latest plans by European governments to detain refugees en masse revive the terrible memories of these crimes. Several weeks ago, de Maiziere and his Italian counterpart, Marco Minniti, presented a plan to the EU to militarily seal off Libyas southern border with UN and EU troops. The latest proposal from German and French defence ministers Ursula Von der Leyen and Florence Parly is also the result of the same neo-colonial policy. They intend to create a joint military force for the Sahel zone and station soldiers in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritania. The German army already has troops deployed in Mali, Western Sahara, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and in the Horn of Africa, while France has secured its supply of uranium from Niger and has troops deployed throughout Central Africa. The goal, according to Von der Leyen, is to combat Islamist groups and stabilise the region. Germanys new great power policies are being packaged with the slogan of more security and stability. At the same time, all of the European powers are rearming so as not to leave North Africa to the United States, the main imperialist plunderer, or the rising power China. Their efforts are part of a new imperialist scramble for Africa to secure strategic positions and oil, gas and other raw materials. The latest phase of this scramble began six years ago with the destruction of Libya and the murder of then-leader Muammar Gaddafi. This was the chief factor in the destabilisation of North Africa. For the imperialist powers, the refugees are merely a cost factor. They view them as they view the working class: as material for exploitation or cannon fodder, or as an irritating burden that must be dispensed with. Without batting an eyelid, they are permitting thousands to drown or die of thirst in the desert. Instead of assisting refugees, they are sending tanks, bombs, warships, submarines and drones to Africa, and ensuring that more people will be turned into refugees. The German elites want war againWe do not! is one of the slogans the Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is advancing in the Bundestag (parliamentary) election. The urgency of this warning was demonstrated by two articles published in the conservative Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) recently. One calls for Germany to arm itself with nuclear weapons for a war against nuclear powers China and Russia. The other opposes the prohibition against non-nuclear countries acquiring atomic weapons. Under the headline, Atomic submarines for the Baltic Sea, Maximilian Terhalle writes that Germany, together with Poland and the Baltic, should now also use the know-how Israel has long made available about nuclear-armed submarines for its own protection. Such nuclear-equipped vessels should operate as a deterrent in the Baltic. The nuclear protection of Europe must be re-conceptualized with France and Britain, the article continues. Germanys contribution must be directed towards its own abilities, that is, to build up its own nuclear arsenal. Terhalles demands for Germany to have its own nuclear weapons are embedded in a long complaint about Berlins lack of a real foreign policy strategy. The mantra that Germany should assume more responsibility for security policy was launched years ago, primarily at the Munich Security Conference, he writes. However, if one asks how this should look concretely, this is often met only with empty phrases. The foreign operations of the Bundeswehr (armed forces) were not being determined according to strategic criteria, complains Terhalle. For this reason, they have led to an irresponsible erosion of the strategic orientation and capacities of Germany over the past 20 years. In other words: Germany had always oriented its foreign policy only in response to acute conflicts, but not according to its own world-strategic interests. Terhalle sees the vital security-policy and economic foundations of our existence threatened above all by China and Russia. Islamic terrorism also is not given sufficient weight, he adds. He believes a war between China and the United States, which would only remain strictly limited in the best scenario, is unavoidable because of the lack of compromise on both sides. As far as Terhalle is concerned, this is where Germany must act in association with others. Since there are enormous economic interests on the ground therealmost a third of German trade is conducted with the Far EastGermany would be directly affected. But what Germany lacks is a militarily underpinned strategy to deal with Chinas supposed expansionist policies. More importantly for Terhalle is Germany arming itself with nuclear weapons against Russia. In his opinion, Germany has missed a great opportunity in this regard. At the beginning of this year, the Baltic states, even Poland, had demanded stronger German engagement in Eastern Europe and visibly welcomed the idea of a European nuclear arsenal under German leadership. But in Germany, the proposal had been rejected by politicians and the media lock, stock and barrel. Two days later, the FAZ further stoked the fire. In a guest commentary titled, A nuclear ban would be damaging, Karl-Heinz Kamp argued that there are good reasons against a world free of nuclear weapons. The condemnation of nuclear weapons, as demanded by their opponents, undermined the idea of nuclear deterrence for the prevention of war, upon which NATO has successfully rested for almost seven decades. A ban on nuclear weapons soothed ones own conscience in an uncertain world ... it does not contribute to greater security and stability. The idea that a nuclear arms race in Europe and Germanys armament with atomic weapons would contribute to more security and stability is sheer insanity. An article published in the July/August edition of the journal Internationale Politik paints the following scenario: If Germany were to build its own genuine military nuclear potential, the risk of conflict in Europe would be considerably exacerbated. Russia would probably do something to prevent a German rearmament. It could try to have German scientists assassinated, to paralyse industrial plants with cyberattacks, or perhaps even to destroy them with air strikes. If it really came to nuclear war, either in Europe or in China, it would cost hundreds of millions of lives and probably mean the end of humanity. But Terhalle and Kamp are not insane, at least not in the clinical sense, but are well-connected servants of the ruling class. Terhalle is a political scientist and major in the reserve. He is currently teaching at the University of Winchester in England. Kamp has worked for the Christian Democrats Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and for NATO, for many years. Since October 2015, he has been president of the Federal Academy for Security Policy (BAKS) in Berlin. BAKS functions as a think tank as well as a training institution for state and political leaders in the fields of security and defence policy. As can be seen on its web site, it is directly linked to the federal government as a central training institution. Its leading body, the Board of Trustees, is also the Bundessicherheitsrat (Federal Security Council), which is composed of a number of federal ministers and is chaired by the chancellor. The fact that a leading member of the security apparatus like Kamp publishes such a piece in the FAZ shows how far the discussion about the armament of the Bundeswehr with nuclear weapons has already advanced behind closed doors. The fact that these contributions appeared in the FAZ is no coincidence. The newspaper plays a leading role in the ideological preparations for war. For example, it has defended professors Herfried Munkler and Jorg Baberowski in hysterical articles against students who denounced their militaristic and ultra-right viewsespecially against the SGP and its youth organization, the IYSSE. In his book Macht in der Mitte (Power in the Middle), Munkler had already declared two years ago that Germany had to go from being paymaster to become Europes task master. Significantly, he is also a member of the BAKS Advisory Board and is involved in foreign policy discussions at the highest level. Baberowski minimises the crimes of the Nazis, rails against refugees, and asserts that violence can only be answered by counter-violence, and that the terrorists own methods must be used in the fight against them. The call for German nuclear weapons in one of the most powerful German daily newspapers two months before the Bundestag elections is a warning. In its plans to impose its imperialist interests a third time on the global arena, the German ruling class will shrink from nothing. It is therefore all the more urgent to build the SGP as a new socialist mass party. The SGP is the only party that places the struggle against militarism and war at the centre of its election campaign and links this with the struggle against their source, capitalism. We call on all readers to contact us today and support the election campaign of the SGP financially. President Emmanuel Macron is preparing a drastic assault on the rights of refugees and immigrants designed to appeal to nationalist and far-right sentiment in France. Last Thursday, at Orleans, he said, By the end of the year, I do not want to see anyone in the streets or in the woods anymore. Macrons action plan includes both attacks on democratic rights of refugees and immigrants who have been able to arrive in France, and plans to set up a network of concentration camps in Africa to prevent the majority of refugees from ever arriving to Europe. In this, Macron is continuing the reactionary attacks on refugees and immigrants carried out by Frances previous Socialist Party (PS) government, in which Macron was a minister. Already, Macrons prime minister, Edouard Philippe, has announced a new plan of action for refugees and immigrants, which cuts the time for examining immigrants asylum and residency cases from 14 months into six months. Those not approved by then could be rapidly deported. Before they prepare their documents, refugees will be called for an inquiry by the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) and the National Court of Asylum (CNDA). The OFPRA and CNDA reject most cases. Under these conditions, refugees would likely be forced to live without any documents. Today, approximately 400,000 undocumented immigrants live in France under imminent danger of deportation. Macrons government also plans to construct detention centres in Libya to block refugees and immigrants from coming to Europe. At these detention centres, OFPRA officials would arrive and examine immigrants files to identify the real refugees. There can be little doubt that the overwhelming majority of people will be turned away, and that French officials would only allow in immigrants based on their calculation of the French states financial and political interests. The Italian government already signed an agreement last May with Libya, Niger and Chad to set up similar detention centres. Macron also aims to reinforce the European border agency Frontex in the Mediterranean, where thousands of refugees have drowned in recent years trying to escape countries devastated by poverty and imperialist wars, from Iraq and Syria to Libya and Niger. Macrons policy is a reactionary attempt to deal with the consequences of these wars. Millions of innocent people have been killed, and 65.3 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes as refugees, the greatest refugee crisis since the end of World War II. Earlier this year, a German intelligence report estimated that over 6 million refugees have arrived in North Africa, hoping to attempt the crossing of the Mediterranean to Europe. The UN High Commissioner on Refugees issued a report finding that in Libya over 1.3 million refugees or displaced persons are living in appalling conditions, preparing to attempt the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. All suffer from the bloodshed and civil war unleashed by the war waged by the NATO powers, including France, to overthrow the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Most of them, however, are living in notorious detentions camps run by Western-backed President Fayez al-Sarrajs corrupt government, together with various Islamist militias and criminal gangs. According to media reports, 34 detention centres have been identified in Libya, holding between 4,000 and 7,000 detainees each. Refugees are treated as prisoners in these centres, facing torture, extortion, or even rape and execution. There are reports that women and children face sexual abuse or are sold by their captors. Food, drinking water, health care and education are inadequate. Last May, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visited the Tariq al-Sikka detention camp and commented on the condition of refugees: I was shocked at the harsh conditions in which refugees and migrants are held, generally due to lack of resources. Children, women and men who have suffered so much already should not have to endure such hardship. These are the camps to which Macron will send OFPRA officials to determine who are real refugees who can be rescued, and who should be left to rot in misery. This underscores that Macrons government is a full participant in the Fortress Europe policy pursued by the European Union (EU) against refugees and immigrants. His main ally in Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and other European governments deployed similar drastic measures to tighten external borders to block refugees entry into Europe. They closed the Balkan land route from the Middle East with barbed wire fences last year, and coordinated with Turkey the construction of mass detention camps in Turkey, to block refugees from arriving to Europe. This also exposes the falseness of arguments that workers were obliged to vote for Macron in the presidential elections because, as a pro-immigrant candidate, he was a lesser evil than his opponent, neo-fascist Marine Le Pen. In fact, he bases himself not only on the ruthless oppression of refugees, but on nationalist and anti-immigrant appeals that will inevitably strengthen Le Pens National Front. Two days after announcing his immigration policy, Macron invited the two rival imperialist proxies vying for control of Libya, al-Sarraj and Benghazi-based military strongman Khalifa Haftar, to the chateau at La Celle-Saint-Cloud, west of Paris. One subject in the talks was how to strengthen the Libyan coast guard, which is tasked with preventing refugees from leaving the Libyan coast. France, Italy and Germany also provide money, military equipment and training to the Libyan military and collaborate in hunting for refugees in the Mediterranean. While Macron mounts his offensive against refugees in France and in Africa, he is simultaneously launching a new military intervention into Africas Sahel region, which includes countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad. On July 2, he visited the Malian capital, Bamako, to meet the Malian government , advocating French intervention in the name of the war on terror. Some 5,000 French troops will operate in a new French force deployed to the Sahel, alongside 12,000 UN peacekeeping forces. The various military operations carried out by these new forces will create new waves of refugees seeking to escape these countries. With as many as 17 million people internally displaced by war and climate change in the Sahel countries, Macron is planning to set up new detention camps in states bordering Libya, including Niger and Chad, to prevent these refugees from coming to Europe. The class character of political parties is most clearly revealed in the sphere of foreign policy. From this standpoint the political gulf between the Socialist Equality Party (SGP) and the Left Party could not be greater. The SGP is the only party participating in the German federal election on the basis of a socialist program calling for the unity of the international working class against militarism and war, while the Left Party staunchly defends the interests of German capitalism against its international rivals. The fierce conflicts between Berlin and Brussels on the one hand and Berlin and Washington on the other, arising from the new US sanctions against Russia, have thrust aside the scanty pacifist fig leaf of the Left Party, which is currently accusing every other party of not defending European and German interests aggressively enough. On his Facebook page, the former SPD chairman and founding father of the Left Party, Oskar Lafontaine, issued the following demand: It is time for Europe to take its own interests seriously and abandon more or less unconditional loyalty to the US. The conspicuous attempt by the US Congress to ban Europe from obtaining Russian gas and force Europeans to buy liquid gas from the US is yet another testament to the arbitrariness of US policy. In order to reinforce his demand for a more aggressive German great power policy, Lafontaine asks: But who is to take the lead in opposing such ruthless pursuit of interests in Europe? The patron of corporative tax evasion, Juncker? The investment banker Macron? Or the well-behaved former FDJ (former East German Stalinist youth organisation) secretary for agitation and propaganda Merkel, who has supported every turn in US policy up to now? According to Lafontaine, the response of the Social Democratic lead election candidate, Martin Schulz, who, together with Juncker, Macron and Merkel, has sharply criticised the US sanctions and threatened the US with trade war, does not go far enough. Lafontaine writes: The Bundestag election could be exciting if the well-behaved servant of US interests faced a candidate in the shape of Martin Schulz prepared to show a red card to the USs ruthless policy. Unfortunately, however, he continues, it is only the Left Party, which despite all its mistakes, is the only party that does not tamely swim in the wake of the only remaining world power. Only a strong Left in the Bundestag can oppose any conceivable coalition of the neoliberal parties ... and again and again insist that the interests of Germany and Europe be better represented against the unfair goals of US politics. The reactionary thrust of Lafontaines criticism is clear. He is seeking to transform widespread opposition to US militarism into support for German and European imperialism. US oligarch capitalism is particularly brazen, Lafontaine writes. After all, the United States has by far the largest military budget in the world (over 600 billion dollars) and has overrun the globe with more than 800 military bases. President Eisenhower had already warned against the US military-industrial complex and foresaw the danger that the arms industry and big business would determine US policy. There can certainly be no doubts regarding the reactionary character of American imperialism. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union it jettisoned any remaining inhibitions and has sought to compensate for its economic decline with a string of vicious wars that have resulted in millions of dead. In the figure of Donald Trump, a fascist millionaire has moved into the White Housea man who embodies all the brutality and criminality of the US ruling class. But what about German capitalism, whose interests Lafontaine is so keen to defend against America? It is by no means better. Seven decades after the defeat of the Nazi regime, it is once again showing its true face. It has reacted to growing international tensions as it did prior to the First and Second World Wars: by rearming, claiming its role as Europes hegemon and expanding its geostrategic and economic interests by military means all over the world. As is the case in the US, Germanys banks, big corporations, intelligence services, military forces and a small group of super-rich determine the politics of all parties. This is why their programs hardly differ from each other. At the same time, the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet. Forty percent of all workers are employed in precarious jobs, and 16 percent of the population live below the poverty level. Lafontaine and his party are part of this policy. Wherever the Left Party assumes power, it implements austerity as ruthlessly as all the other parties and organises social devastation in partnership with the SPD and Greens. On foreign policy, they reject the slogan of the revolutionary, Karl Liebknecht, The main enemy is at home, in favour of the main enemy is the USA. As tensions between Germany and the US grow, Lafontaine has become increasingly aggressive. Already in June 2015 he wrote on his Facebook page: The US minister for war calls on Europeans to confront Russian aggression. The Europeans have every reason to oppose US aggression. We need a European foreign policy that will contain US imperialism. Fuck US imperialism! Lafontaines European foreign policy explicitly includes military force. On his Facebook site at the end of May, he described former French head of state General de Gaullean authoritarian militarist and right-wing nationalistas a role model: For years, the Left Party has been calling for an independent European foreign policy. It is a long time since Charles de Gaulle realised that France itself must decide whether or not to participate in a war. That is why he did not integrate the French army into the military structure of NATO, i.e. the US. In earlier Bundestag elections, the Left Party was able to deceive some workers and youth with pacifist phrases. Now it is necessary, however, to settle political accounts. Lafontaines statements clearly show that the Left Partyeither as a party of government or in oppositionwill enthusiastically cheer on when Bundeswehr soldiers take to the battlefield to defend German interests. Lafontaines pacifism, which began with his support for demonstrations against the deployment of American Pershing II missiles in the early 1980s, was always directed against the subordination of German imperialist interests to America. Now that German imperialism has once again shown its flag, he has becomes an enthusiastic great power politician and militarist. The Greens underwent a similar development 20 years ago. Those who want to cast their vote against war and militarism on September 24 must vote for the SGP. It is the only party that advocates a socialist strategy against social inequality, militarism and war. We oppose the capitalist war hawks by fighting to unite the working class on both sides of the Atlantic. According to the SGP election platform, We reject all imperialist alliances and military blocs. We are for the dissolution of NATO and the European Union and fight instead for the United Socialist States of Europe. Our ally in the struggle against German militarism is the European, American and international working class. A fire that began in a large commercial smoker spread into the wall of a business on the 2500 block of Old Sonoma Road Friday night, prompting a structure fire response, according to Napa City Fire. After receiving several calls from people stating they had seen smoke in the area, firefighters arrived at the scene of a catering business that was filled with smoke at 11:01 p.m., Capt. Steve Becker said. A large amount of meat being cooked in the smoker had caught fire after the fire extended from the smokers fire box to its cooking box, Becker said. From there, the fire spread into the wall of the structure, he said. Firefighters entered the structure, extinguished the fire in the cooking appliance, accessed the wall interior, and extinguished the confined fire over the course of about 1 hours. No injuries were reported, but fire personnel remained at the scene to monitor the building for the rest of the night, Becker said. This was the second commercial kitchen fire to occur in Napa in the past week. Firefighters fought a 2-alarm structure fire at China House restaurant on Jefferson Street last Friday. Were just going to say itcertain popular vacation destinations need to be retired. When the world has so many incredible places to visit, why would you spend your time and money at overpriced, over-hyped, soul-sucking tourist traps? Unless you want to waste your hard-earned vacation days, we recommend striking these places from your travel bucket list. Photo: Getty Images The Hill The final results of the 2022 midterm elections have been trickling in over the past several days, but no winner has been declared yet in either major race in Alaska and wont be for some time. Alaskas ranked-choice voting system means determining a winner often takes longer than in most other states. Voters in this system The opioid epidemic is a national crisis. But what does that mean? To answer that, Yahoo News traveled to Middletown, Ohio a city once considered as ordinary as its name, more recently known for an explosion in opioid use and explored quantitative research about drugs, health care, and national public opinion. This is a problem so serious that it requires big data, so human that it needs a face. Here is what we found: Scott Weidle built a memorial park Germantown, Ohio, to honor his son, Daniel, who died of an opioid overdose on December 26, 2016. He visits daily. (Photograph by Mary F. Calvert for Yahoo News) Over years of hard work, Scott Weidle built up the Weidle Corporation a sand, gravel and topsoil company in Germantown, Ohio so he could pass it down to his son. But the day after Christmas in 2015, 30-year-old Daniel Weidle died of a heroin overdose. He was alone in his apartment. A prescription for pain pills had turned into addiction; inpatient therapy failed to keep him off drugs permanently; treatment with the opioid-blocker Vivitrol seemed to have worked a miracle until Daniels doctor left town without warning and his prescription ran out. The Weidles scrambled to find a new doctor to administer the monthly shot. They were turned away four times. Scotts sister-in-law Beth Genslinger deals with the loss of her son to heroin through community and communication. Scott looks for solutions. He argues that this is a solvable problem: We have to stop the overexposure to medical opioids. Since his sons death, Scott Weidle has dedicated himself to lobbying Columbus for new legislation in the form of the newly proposed Daniels Law on opioid prescriptions, as well as increased treatment availability. But in Ohio, overprescription continues to be a problem. Where do we go from here? Scott is rare for the clarity he brings to that question. The problem is daunting. It touches on any number of hot-button social issues: medicine, law, labor, economics, law enforcement. The cycle of addiction is too powerful. The costs appear prohibitive. Slideshow: In Middletown, addictions toll: Faces, places and headstones >>> Story continues Clean for one month, eight months, and the better part of 18, respectively, Larry Fugate, Jack Barrett and Gene Robinson all stress the need for treatment. That means medicine: Suboxone or Vivitrol. It also means social support for Jack, the tightknit community at Groups, his treatment center; for Gene, a fiancee who makes sure he takes his pills. They cite new centers, counseling services and helplines popping up in and around Middletown as signs of hope. But these work only for those who want treatment. A user has to have hit rock bottom before seeking help, Gene says. You just hope rock bottom isnt death. They are less certain when it comes to goals, and they dont talk about costs. Jack is looking for jobs. Mostly he just wants to stay clean. What does he do with his time? I mow the grass try to stay busy. Larry is interviewing with AK Steel. His mother hopes that he gets the night shift. It means he wont have time to hang out with people from the past. And she worries even about that: AK Steel is not an easy place to work. An ex-boyfriend died of black lung from particulate exposure. Jack, Larry, and Gene all rely on Medicaid for their treatment. Trumps going to be taking it away from us, says Gene. And then whats going to happen to us? They want to be able to pay back into the system. But for now, they cant. The Groups executive director, Jeremy Carpenter, admits that in this world, success is a very subjective term. And not everyone even believes in the possibility of success. Richard K. Jones, the Butler County sheriff is controversial for his hardline stance on immigration and, more recently, for prohibiting his officers from carrying the anti-overdose drug Narcan. I feel its dangerous, he says. You have to get down on your knees. He says victims dont like the police and might be violent (although overdose victims are more likely to be groggy and lethargic). His officers job is not to die for this person who chose to shoot drugs. Jones also insists that treatment has no effect. Theyll tell you how successful they are. They arent. According to him, we cant save the addicts. The only option is prevention education, crackdown on suppliers, a border wall. (When Scott Weidle hears this he snorts: Trumps wall is not going to do a damn thing about it. He argues that drug traffickers just mail the drugs. Theyll fly right over the wall.) Does Middletown just wait and hope? Under a thin layer of obfuscation, that seems to be what Mayor Mulligan suggests. Hell keep hosting summits and funding overdose runs, as he has for the better part of the past four years. But as with crack and meth before this epidemic will just have to run its course. At the fire station, the captain says, sighing: I dont know if theres an answer. All he can do is keep showing up, keep saving people and keep hoping that something works. The one thing everyone the sheriff included agrees on is the need for public education. People need to know what addiction looks like and how easily it happens. But education can go only so far. Over free breakfast at a local church, a slouching woman explains that she grew up in a family of users. She watched them tear their lives apart. She promised herself that she would never do drugs. But then her mother died. She was being molested. She was suicidal. Her uncle sold heroin: It was an easy escape. Now she is in intensive outpatient treatment. She has three children. She hopes that they will learn from her example not to use. Scott Weidle built a memorial park in Germantown, Ohio, to honor his son, Daniel, who died of an opioid overdose on December 26, 2016. The park is also dedicated to Daniels cousins, Andy Genslinger and Zach Cox, also victims of opioid addiction. (Photograph by Mary F. Calvert for Yahoo News) Standing outside the memorial park that they have built for Daniel, Scott Weidle and his wife, Carrie, stress that this is a human tragedy and a disease that we cannot ignore. They believe you have to keep fighting the battle, with whatever it takes. The only people who feel otherwise are those who havent been affected personally. But, Carrie sighs, they will be. _____ Emily de La Bruyere has written for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and the Daily Beast. She is a student at Sciences Po in Paris on the Michel David-Weill fellowship. Middletown, Ohio, a city under siege: Everyone I know is on heroin >>> Behind the white picket fences, heroin >>> For taxpayers, the drug epidemics bills come due >>> Photos: In Middletown, addictions toll: Faces, places and headstones >>> Photo credit: White House From Popular Mechanics In December of last year, then-president-elect Donald Trump tweeted that the projected cost of two new Air Force One aircraft was too high, and he threatened to "cancel" the order. The Defense Department then began a study to find ways to lower the cost of new presidential transport planes. After some searching, it sounds like the Air Force has found a solution in the form of two 747-8s that were abandoned by a defunct Russian airline. A new report from Defense One indicates that the U.S. Air Force is finalizing a contract with Boeing to purchase two 747-8s that were previously owned by Russian airline Transaero. The aviation company was the second-largest airline in Russia for a time, but it went bankrupt in 2015. Two years earlier, Transaero ordered two 747s, but the struggling airline defaulted on payments to Boeing for the planes. While Russia's largest airline, Aeroflot, absorbed most of the Transaero fleet, it did not opt to take the 747-8 orders. So Boeing picked up the two planes and flew them back to a storage facility at the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The facility is used as an aircraft boneyard where the arid climate helps prevent aircraft corrosion. Now the Air Force is planning to buy the Transaero's old 747-8s for "a good deal," according to Defense One. The official purchase could be announced by the Pentagon as soon as this week. The final price for the aircraft will not be released, but the average price for a 747-8 is just shy of $387 million. The Air Force could pick up the two Transaero 747-8s for a good bit cheaper, however, considering they were previously delivered to Russia and currently reside in the boneyard where Boeing is paying to store them. "We're working through the final stages of coordination to purchase two commercial 747-8 aircraft and expect to award a contract soon," Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said in a statement emailed to Defense One and Bloomberg. Story continues The two likely-future-presidential-transport-aircraft are numbered N894BA and N895BA, according to Defense One. FlightAware route data shows the two 747s were last flown in February, when they traveled from Paine Field in Snohomish County, Washington, to their current storage facility in Mojave. After the Air Force purchases the aircraft, it will still be a number of years before the two planes are ready to serve as Air Force One. Work to outfit the 747s with secure communications, defensive capabilities, and reinforced electronics to resist an electromagnetic pulse will follow as the Air Force takes bids from contractors to complete the modifications. The structure of the aircraft will also need to undergo significant modification as the standard fuselage interior needs to be ripped out and replaced with offices, conference rooms, and living quarters for the President and the First Family, as well as staffers, press and guests. The two aircraft that currently serve as the primary presidential transports are highly modified 747-200Bs that have been in service since 1990. The Air Force needs to replace these planes with more modern technology and more efficient aircraft. The new Air Force One jumbo jets will certainly not be completed during President Trump's first term, though he might get a chance to fly on the blue-and-white 787-8s if he is elected to a second term. Given the current requirements for Air Force One, including four engines and room for at least 70 passengers, the 747 is the only currently manufactured American-built option. However, 747 sales have been dropping, and Boeing doesn't expect to continue manufacturing the passenger version of the plane. Twin-engine aircraft, such as the 777 and 787, are more efficient and cost-effective for international airlines. So it may be that the Air Force has found its last 747s to serve as Air Force One, just waiting for them in the Mojave Desert. Source: Defense One You Might Also Like Bus seats or burkas? - Facebook A Norwegian anti-immigrant Facebook group has been mocked after confusing empty bus seats for women wearing burkas. Prankster Johan Slattavik posted the photo on the Fatherland First [translated] Facebook page as a joke asking: What do people think of this? Incredibly, many Norwegians opposed to immigration believed the post was serious, failing to spot that it was actually just a photo of an empty bus, The Local reports. It looks really scary, should be banned. You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons, wrote one. Another posted: Get them out of our country Frightening times we are living in. About | Muslim clothing The comical reactions to the photo gained further momentum when another user, Sindre Beyer, shared screenshots on Facebook. What happens when a photo of some empty bus seats is posted to a disgusting Facebook group and nearly everyone thinks they see a bunch of burkas? he asked. Eli Eriksen Sveen responded to the post: See only what they want to see Don't know if I'm gonna laugh or cry, wrote another. Ole Christian Apeland wrote: Funny! But also very sad and scary. Beyer told Norwegian new site Nettavisen he was shocked by how much hate and fake news is spread there. A woman wearing a burka Credit: AFP Several European countries, including France and Belgium, have moved to ban the face-covering niqab and full-body burka. Last year, Norways right-wing government announced plans to ban the full-face Islamic veil from classrooms and university lecture halls. At a glance | Where burkas are banned (Photo: Siloam Springs Police Department) An Arkansas man is behind bars after allegedly trespassing onto his neighbors property in order to sexually assault the couples donkeys. Police in Siloam Springs arrested Everett Lee Compton, Jr., 49, on Monday after he was allegedly caught abusing a donkey owned by Emert and Joyce Whitaker. The Whitakers had previously told police that they have had problems with people harassing their animals for the past three years. When no trespassing signs didnt work, the couple set up a camera to photograph intruders, according to local station KFSM. Police said Emert Whitaker told them he photographed a man on his property on the mornings of May 27 and June 4. The photos, which were turned over to police, showed a man placing a bag over one donkeys head and then rubbing his pelvis against the animals rear, according to ArkansasMatters.com. The Whitakers also photographed the same man with the donkeys on July 5 and 6. Police said the pictures showed the man later identified as Compton feeding a donkey from a bread bag while rubbing his pelvis against the animal. The Whitakers called police around 1 a.m. on July 16 to report that the suspect was in the field. This time, they took video of the alleged animal assault, which allegedly showed him appearing to have some type of sexual interaction with a donkey. A responding officer allegedly found Compton hiding behind some bushes. Compton allegedly replied that he was taking a walk. A police report obtained by Arkansas Online states that the officer asked him about the donkeys, and Compton replied that he gave them carrots but did not have sex with them. The responding officer told Compton about the video from Whitakers camera. Compton allegedly responded by saying that marijuana makes him do sick things. Compton was arrested Monday, when he was charged with four counts of bestiality, four counts of criminal trespassing and four counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Jail records show he remains in the Benton County Jail on $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 11. Story continues Also on HuffPost Kurtis Peterson Peterson plead guilty to bestiality and was sentenced in April, 2013 to between one and 15 years in prison for having sex with two dogs. Brandon Fanning Brandon Fanning, 19, is accused of having sex with a dog and, separately, an underage male. Kevin Dean Parrish Kevin Dean Parrish to Lyon, Oregon, deputies that he lost control with Kudo, his grandmother's 9-pound Chihuahua-Pincher, so he grabbed the dog and started punching it in the head with his fist. Then he tried to strangle the dog and then put him in an oven he had pre-heated to 350 degrees for his lunch. Parrish was arrested and booked at the Marion County Jail in Salem, Ore., on one count of Aggravated Abuse 1. Suspect Sought In Sexual Assault Of Horses An owner and breeder of world class miniature horses in Florida is hoping video surveillance footage will help identify the person suspected of sexual assaulting several of her horses and killing her watch dog. The brutal sexual assaults have been ongoing since May 2012, according to the horse owner, Abby Conder, of Marion County. On Dec. 30, 2012, Conder got her first glimpse of the alleged perpetrator when she reviewed video footage from inside her barn that was recorded earlier that morning. "Someone's got to know this man," Conder said. "He's been in this area at least 8 months now. These are babies I have raised and it's affected them psychologically. It's hard to get in a stall with them and I can't get near their rear ends to put a harness on them." Anyone who recognizes the subject in the video or has information about the animal sexual assaults is asked to contact the sheriff's department at 352-732-8181. Carlos Romero Carlos Romero was arrested Sept. 17 for having sexual contact with a miniature donkey. He told cops that Florida was was "backwards" since its residents "frown on zoophilia." Malcom Brenner And His "Wet Goddess" In a book entitled "Wet Goddess," Malcom Brenner writes about a nine-month romantic--and sexual--affair between a man and a dolphin, a story that he says bears a striking resemblance to his own real-life experience. Brenner claims that in the 1970s, when he was in his 20s, he had an erotic relationship with a dolphin named Dolly. Read more. Cody Slaughter And The World's Worst Interview Slaughter is accused of admitting to child molestation and bestiality during a job interview with the US Border Patrol. Read more. Gerardo Perez Gerardo Perez, 50, was involved in a tour of a Chicago animal shelter when he disappeared from the group. A shelter employee claims to have found Perez in a restricted area, where it appeared he just had sex with a pit bull. Read the whole story here. Eric Antunes And The Oral Sex Loophole When officials searched the computer and cell phone of Florida man Eric Antunes in May 2012, they allegedly found child pornography, as well as photos of Antunes engaged in a sex act with his girlfriend's three-legged dog. The 29-year-old was arrested on charges of child pornography and bestiality, but prosecutors ultimately dropped the bestiality charges on the grounds of a technicality. This development raised the question of whether or not Florida bestiality law contains an "oral sex loophole." Read more. Rodell Vereen, Repeat Offender A South Carolina man who twice pleaded guilty to having sex with a horse has been released from prison and put on probation, under the condition that he keep his distance from the horse. Rodell Vereen, pictured in this file photo, was released from prison after serving 16 months. Read more. Kimberly Lindsey, Arrested For Child Molestation And Bestiality Kimberly Lindsey (L) and Thomas Westerman were arrested on child molestation charges in October 2011. During the investigation, police also allegedly discovered photographs of Lindsey performing lewd acts on two pets. Read more. Eric Steven Easley Easley pleaded guilty to raping a woman and sexually abusing a horse in October, 2012 in Wilmer, Ala. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Capt. Jordan Smith did not expect to be pulling a cat out of his fishing net last week. Smith, who owns Floridas Lets Fish Destin Charters told HuffPost he was out in Destin Harbor on Thursday when an odd movement caught his eye. He saw something flying through the air near Marler Bridge, probably 15 feet off the water, before hitting the surface. At first I thought it was like a trash bag, with some trash in it, he said. When it started moving, he thought it could be an otter. But on closer inspection, he realized it was a cat. Jordan Smith and Miracle, shortly after he pulled the cat from the water. (Photo: Jordan Smith/Lets Fish Destin Charters) I saw this little head swimming around, he said. She was swimming toward me, like, Oh, human, save me! Smith dipped a net into the water to pull out the struggling feline, now named Miracle. She latched ahold of me and didnt want to let go, he said. She was just staring at me the whole time. Smith said theres no way the cat could just have fallen off the bridge, which he notes has a clearance of about 56 feet. He believes someone threw her off intentionally. He said that the black cat was spinning in the air in such a way that suggested someone tossed her off the bridge with some force. According to an Okaloosa County Sheriffs report that HuffPost obtained, Smith reported the incident to authorities but the case is inactive because there is no significant evidence leading to a particular suspect. In the meantime, Miracle was recovering at the vet this week. Smith said that the cat was pregnant and ended up miscarrying the kittens. He plans on adopting her when shes released from the vet. The vets say whenever they go into her care, she definitely hisses, but then when you start petting her shes great, he said. Miracles next challenge will likely be getting along with Smiths dog, who he described as his princess. The last time I had my dog around a cat, the cat chased my dog around, Smith said. Also on HuffPost Black cat's gaze My sister's black cat gazing at something Untitled My black cat Look into my eyes.. Lacey the 1.5 eared cat. Karali Her name is Karali Charan. Karali is Goddess Kali and charan is feet. Thus Kali's feet. Maiki Ojos Azules :))) <3 Like a lion In Zion. The black cat Chilo! Big Yawn BlackCat Magg is my besssttt Black cat at the graveyard Another kitty in the graveyard! kitty Untitled my dark side. gatonegro Chaton Noir I hate Humans A Eivone and the Noose Photography (Mia Xiou) A All Rights Reserved 2014 http://eivone-and-the-noose.deviantart.com/art/I-Hate-Humans-451961162 Cat Black look at me cat the myth Let Sleeping Cats Lie So peaceful when she isn't tearing the house apart. Nascondino NNNNN N gatto nero in allerta! When's the last time you turn upside down & stare at the ceiling ? Baby, one of my 6 cats. Dont know whats on her mind that day but cute ! Cat Untitled Negro como su consciencia Cat in the flowerpot Old cat spends the summer sitting in a flower pot at the bottom of the garden. I've Been Expecting You...! My cat decided to wait by the door just staring at it. Totally surprised my when I opened the door. Luckily I had my trusty camera near by! :) favorite tree black cat scratching tree Black Cat "Black Cat" est une photographie animaliAre rAalisAe en mars 2015 sur Hagondange (FR-57). A 2015 Aux Portes du Sourire - Samuel HULIN Photographe Alexandros Moraitis Bromance Bromance between our two cats Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The family of a woman, who died just weeks after undergoing a buttock enhancement surgery, is calling the death of the 31-year-old a "murder." Latesha Bynum's family said they wanted answers as to how the Harlem mother of two died after getting silicone injections at a local clinic. My daughter was murdered, Bertie Bynum, 51, told the New York Daily News on Monday. I want to know: Why did they kill my baby? Why did they do that. They wasnt supposed to do that. She added, You killed a mother, you killed a sister! Read: Can Weight Loss Surgery Kill You? No details have been provided by the police about the clinic where Latesha got her injections July 15. An investigation is currently underway into the incident. However, police sources told Daily News the injection was given to the mother of two in a residential building on E. 21st St. by First Ave., across the street from Stuyvesant Town. After receiving the injections, Latesha reportedly complained of dizziness and chest pains, sources said, following which she was rushed to Mount Sinai St. Lukes Medical Center, where doctors declared her brain-dead. Latesha died Thursday after doctors removed her from life support, just three days before her 32nd birthday. Authorities reportedly said that autopsy results from the city medical examiners office is pending, following which more details about the incident may come to light. So far the cause of death remains unknown. Latesha's brother, Tymel Bynum, also responded to her sister's death saying her feet turned blue after the procedure at the clinic, which has not been named. Why wasnt she taken to medical care? That probably couldve saved her life, he said. Thats murder. Just because the person didnt pull a trigger, its still murder. Just a day before the procedure, Latesha shared a photo of herself with a friend on Facebook. One of her friend commented: U look beautiful boo!! to which she replied, "Thank you so much." Story continues As the investigation into her untimely death continues, the family's lawyer, Jack Yankowitz, said the injection was given to Latesha by someone representing himself as a doctor. This is some sort of underground type of procedure this is not something thats done by professional doctors, he said, adding that the family is awaiting more information from police and the Manhattan district attorneys office. Bynums brother, Tymel, said Latesha was confident that the procedure was not risky. If she had high confidence in it, I dont think she felt like it was a risk that wouldve took her life. I dont think she wouldve jeopardized that for her daughters, he said. Read: Can Cosmetic Surgery Be Fatal? Over the past few years, several deaths have been reported among women and transgender people who opt for illegal pumping parties where they pay to have industrial-grade silicone injected into their breasts or their buttocks at a lower rate. In 2015, two botched buttocks enhancement procedures were said to be homicides after those taking the injections died. A Maryland woman died after getting injections in a Queens basement by a phony surgeon who fled the scene after the procedure went awry. The same year, in August, a 40-year-old was found dead in her Bronx home after getting cosmetic silicone injections. Related Articles A 65-year-old Napa man will be sentenced later this year for his role in a fraud scheme that promised investors a $1,000 return for every $1 invested, federal authorities reported. Robert Michael Stephens of Napa was one of a cluster of defendants who have pleaded guilty to defrauding investors of what the U.S. Attorneys office said was more than $8 million since 2009. One defendant, a 76-year-old British expatriate who falsely promised investors they would be repaid 1,000-fold for contributing to the care of a terminally ill woman on the verge of inheriting billions, has been sentenced to nine years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Jose. The sentence handed down Wednesday follows Laurence Miles guilty plea earlier this year to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Miles, who permanently moved from England to the United States in 1998, told his victims he was the trustee for the estate of Shirley, which only could be disbursed if she survived to see the end of a secret probate proceeding, according to court documents. They would receive $1,000 for every dollar that they contributed to her care. However, there was no heiress, and Miles and his four codefendants spent the money on themselves. Through Miles lies and alleged charm, he, along with his codefendants, obtained approximately $8,303,971, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a sentencing memorandum. Miles played a key role in the scheme, but it was his codefendant, Shirley Molina, who concocted the story and first used it to perpetrate funds in the 1980s and 1990s, for which she was twice convicted, according to prosecutors. They didnt start working together until 2004. The 108-month sentence doled out by U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh was exactly what prosecutors wanted and a far cry from the four months sought by defense attorneys. Miles lawyers claimed in their sentencing memorandum that their client actually believed Molinas story. Miles recognizes the illegality of his actions, and accepts full responsibility for them, they wrote. He deeply regrets the false statements he made and the damage that he caused so many people who trusted him, believing as he did that he was serving a greater good. Koh also ordered Miles to serve three years of supervised release and pay a forfeiture money judgment of $5.6 million. Miles is scheduled to report to prison in October and must wear an electronic monitoring device until then, according to prosecutors. Each of Miles four co-defendants, including Stephens, have pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the scheme and will be sentenced later this year. President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal that after his controversial speech at the Boy Scouts National Jamboree in West Virginia, the head of the Boy Scouts called him and told him it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them. But the organization told TIME they are unaware of any call from national leadership placed to the White House. The Chief Scout Executives message to the Scouting community speaks for itself, the organization said, referring to a July 27 statement from Michael Surbaugh, the Chief Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, who apologized to anyone in the scouting community who could have been offended or alarmed by the political rhetoric in the speech. For years, people have called upon us to take a position on political issues, and we have steadfastly remained non-partisan and refused to comment on political matters. We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program, Surbaugh wrote. The President also told the paper he did not find his politicized speech to the Boy Scouts last month to be controversial, despite Surbaughs apology. They loved it, the President told the Wall StreetJournal,according to a transcript of the interview obtained andpublished byPolitico.In the transcript, the President is responding to claims from the papers reporters that the reaction to his speech was mixed. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. Id be the first to admit mixed. Im a guy that will tell you mixed, Trump responded. There was no mix there. That was a standing ovation from the time I walked out to the time I left, and for five minutes after I had already gone. There was no mix. During his July 24 speech, the President bragged about his election victory, slamming his former opponent Hillary Clinton as well his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, and repeatedly decrying the media for what he deemed unfair coverage. The interview with the Journal took place July 25, but the paper only released excerpts rather than a full transcript. Politico obtained and released the transcript on Tuesday. Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil's lower house of Congress got off to a raucous start Wednesday in a debate on whether to send scandal-plagued President Michel Temer to face trial on a corruption charge. Opposition lawmakers brandished placards mocking Temer's rock bottom approval ratings and wheeled in a suitcase similar to one used by a Temer aide when he was caught carrying the equivalent of $150,000 cash in alleged bribe money. "Out with Temer," they shouted. A deeply unpopular veteran of the ruling PMDB party, Temer is accused of taking bribes from a meatpacking industry executive -- part of a wider scandal sucking in major politicians of every stripe. If two-thirds of deputies in the lower house of Congress accept the charge, Temer will be suspended for 180 days and face trial at the Supreme Court. The upheaval comes only 12 months after the same lawmakers ejected Temer's leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff in an impeachment trial. Analysts say Temer has enough support to stop a two-thirds majority, in which case the charge would be thrown out. The first question, however, is whether the vote will take place. Many in the opposition have vowed not to show up, preventing the chamber from reaching the necessary quorum of two-thirds or 342 deputies. Their hope is to postpone the vote and increase pressure on Temer, who has been lobbying energetically for it to go ahead so that he can put the issue behind him. "Every day, new information comes in on other corruption cases involving the government," Paul Pimento, from Rousseff's leftist Workers' Party, said. "The more of this that comes to the attention of voters and Congress, the greater the chances of us getting the votes to remove Temer." Temer is the highest-profile target in the Operation Car Wash anti-graft probe, which has uncovered rampant bribery and embezzlement in big business and high politics. Expectations are that top prosecutor Rodrigo Janot could file a second criminal charge -- for obstruction of justice -- in the coming weeks. Story continues - Suitcase of cash - In the current charge, Temer is alleged to have been the intended recipient of the cash being carried by a close aide in Sao Paulo. The money was allegedly part of millions of dollars of bribes to Temer from the JBS meatpacking giant. In a separate investigation, prosecutors cite a secretly recorded late-night meeting between Temer and one of JBS's owners, Joesley Batista. In the recording, Temer allegedly is heard authorizing hush money payments to a onetime senior politician convicted of corruption, Eduardo Cunha. Batista gave prosecutors the recording as part of his cooperation in a plea deal, one of the many that Car Wash investigators have used to build graft cases. But Temer has proved a canny operator in Brazil's toxic political landscape. Rousseff claimed to have been the victim of a coup mounted by the right, including Temer, who was her vice president. Once impeachment proceedings began, she was swiftly pushed out. Temer, however, has shored up his own teetering coalition with political patronage and support from business interests that back market reforms aimed at strengthening Brazil's tepid recovery from recession. "Five major parties have already decided to back the president and that alone comes to 200 votes," said an aide. House Speaker Rodrigo Maia, a Temer ally who would become interim president if a trial started, says he wants the vote to go ahead on time. "Brazil needs clarity on this. You can't play around with such a serious situation," he told journalists. A California father pleaded guilty Tuesday to the murder of his 5-year-old son. Aramazd Andressian Sr., 35, had previously pleaded not guilty but entered the new plea in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Alhambra, California. Five-year-old Aramazd Andressian Jr. vanished in April after his father took him to Disneyland. His mother reported him missing after Andressian Sr. did not drop him off for a scheduled visit. He was seen for the last time leaving the theme park with his father. Andressian Sr. was found the very next day at a park in South Pasadena unconscious inside a gasoline-doused car with a bottle of prescription pills beside him. Read: Who Is Aramazd Andressian Sr? California Father Arrested In Sons Murder The young boy was missing for more than two months before authorities finally located his body near a lake in Santa Barbara. Authorities declined to say how he died. Andressian Sr. was originally arrested on suspicion of child abduction and endangerment but was released on a lack of evidence shortly thereafter. He was later re-arrested and pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Ambrosio Rodriguez, said at the time that there had been a rush to judgment. Police, however, said Andressian Sr. was not acting like a father who had lost his son. Authorities said he had been living in a Las Vegas hotel for 47 days after his son went missing, had lightened his hair and shaved his beard and was socializing. Andressian Sr. also reportedly gave police conflicting accounts of how and where he lost his son. He was taking part in activities and displaying mannerisms that were not consistent with a grieving parent, Sheriffs Homicide Lieutenant Joe Mendoza said at the time. Officials noted that Andressian Sr. and his wife had a chaotic relationship and were going through a tumultuous divorce. Authorities said they believed he killed his son as a form of revenge against his wife, according to KABC. Story continues Andressian Sr. was being held on $10 million bail and was expected to face 25 years to life in prison. Related Articles Checking in: Live like James Bond in this weeks Airbnb picks Dr. No (1962) is the first James Bond film, and set on the idyllic shores of Ocarabessa, Jamaica. (Airbnb) This week, we take a look at three spectacular properties in exotic locations used to film James Bond movies. Feel like a secret agent on the Jamaican beach where Ursula Andress debuted the famous white swimsuit in Dr. No. Fly across the world to Udaipur, India, where 007 breaks into a floating palace in Octopussy. Or, head to a Bahamian beach and re-enact your favourite Thunderball sequence. Click on the slideshow to begin your caper. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. A woman at a railway station in Seoul walks past a television screen showing a video footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un celebrating his country's latest test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile: AFP/Getty Images Chinas state news agency has blasted Donald Trump for his emotional venting on social media after the President complained on Twitter that China is not helping the US rein in North Koreas nuclear weapons programme. Trump is quite a personality, and he likes to tweet, said Xinhua, Chinas official news agency, in an editorial displayed on Chinese news websites. But emotional venting cannot become a guiding policy for solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula, it said, referring to the divided Korean Peninsula. I am very disappointed in China, Mr Trump declared on Twitter on Sunday, after North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in defiance of United Nations sanctions. Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk, Mr Trump wrote. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem! Xinhua wrote in its 1,000 Chinese-character editorial that Mr Trump is clearly finding the wrong target for his outrage. What the peninsula needs is immediately stamping out the fire, not adding kindling or, even worse, pouring oil on the flames, Xinhua said, according to The New York Times. The tensions could, it added, evolve into a localized conflict, or even the outbreak of war, with unthinkable repercussions. China wants both balanced trade with the United States and lasting peace on the Korean peninsula, Xinhua said. China's large surplus with the US was $347bn in 2016. However, to realize these goals, Beijing needs a more cooperative partner in the White House, not one who piles blame on China for the United States' failures. Chinese diplomats and the state news media have asserted that the US and its allies should not depend so much on China to ease tensions created by North Koreas growing nuclear weapons programme and missile capabilities. On Friday, North Korea tested a ballistic missile that experts have said could have the range to reach the West Coast. Story continues In a statement after the launch, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that China and Russia bear unique and special responsibility for North Koreas growing threat to regional and global stability. Russia said on Monday that the US and other countries were trying to shift responsibility for the situation to Russia and China, almost blaming Moscow and Beijing for indulging the missile and nuclear ambitions of the DPRK (North Korea). China's Foreign Ministry, in a statement sent to Reuters responding to Trump's tweets on Sunday, said the North Korean nuclear issue did not arise because of China and that everyone needed to work together to seek a resolution. China's ambassador to the UN said on Monday it is primarily up to the US and North Korea, not China, to reduce tensions and work toward resuming talks to end Pyongyang's nuclear weapon and missile programmes. The US and North Korea hold the primary responsibility to keep things moving, to start moving in the right direction, Ambassador Liu Jieyi said at a news conference to mark the end of Chinas July term in the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council. HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba praised on Monday the election in Venezuela of a new legislative superbody and denounced what it called an international plot to suppress the will of the Venezuelan people in the wake of U.S. sanctions on its key ally. "Cuba denounces the initiation of a well-orchestrated international operation, directed in Washington ... to silence the voice of the Venezuelan people," the government said in a statement published by state-run media. The U.S. government slapped sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier on Monday in response to Sunday's election, which it called a "sham". Governments from Spain to Canada to Argentina and Peru joined Washington in denouncing the vote, which was boycotted by the opposition and widely seen as an affront to democracy. "We know well these interventionist practises," the Cuban government said. The United States imposed a devastating economic embargo on the Caribbean island after its 1959 revolution that Havana says has cost it more than $100 billion. "They think that they will manage to achieve the submission of the people to a puppet opposition that they financed," it said. Cuba said only the Venezuelan people could decide how to overcome their problems and reiterated its solidarity with them and their government. Venezuela and Cuba became close allies in the late 1990s under the respective leaderships of Fidel Castro and his younger disciple Hugo Chavez, both now deceased. Their close personal and political relationship resulted in extensive Venezuelan aid to the Caribbean island and a shared strategy for promoting Latin American unity against U.S. influence in the region. (Reporting by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Paul Tait) Dusk falls over a section of the US-Mexico border fence: David McNew/Getty Images Donald Trump's border wall could break numerous laws and fail various environmental reviews. But that isn't going to matter. The Trump administration has said that it will waive the wall through those laws and allow the president to keep to his campaign pledge. Studies have suggested that the border wall is a threat to the environment. As well as the huge amount of unclean resources and energy required to build the wall, it will also disrupt the life of the animals and plants that occur around the area it will be built, environmentalists have warned. The Department for Homeland Security said it will soon published in the Federal Register a notice that allows the government to be exempted from the National Environmental Protection Act, as well as a whole host of other laws. Ordinarily, that act requires that such a building would have to be extensively examined to work out whether it will damage the environment. The exemption hasn't been used since 2008, and it's only the sixth time since 2005. It was first passed that year, as an attempt to get border walls exempted from repeated and unsuccessful court challenges that tried to stop a border wall being built in San Diego on environmental grounds. Congress passed the law to try and stop similar challenges when government came to build walls elsewhere. It allowed George W Bush to build hundreds of miles of fencing across the US-Mexico border. Last week, the House of Representatives approved the administration's request for $1.6 billion to start building Trump's border wall, which would include replacing 14 miles (22 kilometers) in San Diego covered by the latest waiver and building 60 miles (96 kilometers) of new barriers in Texas' Rio Grande Valley. It was unclear if or when Homeland Security would issue waivers for Texas, which is currently the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. The Center for Biological Diversity will challenge the San Diego waiver by arguing that the 2005 law does not apply to replacing barriers, said Brian Segee, an attorney for the environmental advocacy group based in Tucson, Arizona. Story continues The group has already sued the administration over replacement of the San Diego wall and plans to build prototypes in San Diego for Trump's effort, which he has called a "big, beautiful wall." The case is before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, a target of Trump's enduring scorn over lawsuits that alleged fraud at the president's now-defunct Trump University and were settled last year shortly before trial. Curiel presided over that case. "The waiver has already been called the broadest waiver in U.S. history," Segee said. "Any attempt to enlarge it further beyond the scope is something we're going to challenge." Homeland Security said the San Diego waiver falls within the scope of the 2005 law and that the area is a high priority for new security measures including construction of border barriers and roads. The Border Patrol's San Diego sector logged nearly 32,000 arrests last year 8 percent of the total on the U.S. border with Mexico and seized more than 4 tons of marijuana and more than a half-ton of cocaine. "The sector remains an area of high illegal entry for which there is an immediate need to improve current infrastructure and construct additional border barriers and roads," the department said in its statement. Additional reporting by Associated Press Amid chaos in Washington, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is in Eastern Europe assuring American allies that the United States is committed to protecting them. We are with you. We stand with the people and nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and we always will, Pence said at a joint press availability with the Baltic leaders in Tallinn, even as, back home, President Donald Trump has yet to comment on Russian expulsion of U.S. diplomatic staff. The vice president participated in a listening session on cyber and innovation with the president of Estonia in Tallinn, and traveled on Tuesday to Tbilisi, where he met with the Georgian prime minister for their third substantive meeting since Pence took office. We see Georgia as a key strategic partner and stand by your territorial integrity and your aspirations to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Pence said at a dinner with Prime Minister Kvirikashvili in Tbilisi. At a joint press conference with Georgias prime minister, Pence noted that Russia occupies one-fifth of Georgian territory. Back in Washington, in the meantime, President Trump has yet to comment personally on a bill that Congress passed imposing tougher sanctions on Russia. The White House press secretary said Friday in a statement that Trump would sign the bill. Speaking in Tbilisi, Pence said the bill would be signed soon. From Tbilisi, Pence traveled to the newest NATO member, Montenegro. In May at a NATO summit, President Trump appeared to push Montenegros prime minister aside during a photo session. Pences staid tour abroad is in stark contrast to the roller coaster in Washington this week. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump lost a communications director who was brought on roughly a week prior; Jared Kushner, his son in law and advisor, told White House interns the Trump team was too disorganized to have colluded with Russia; and the Washington Post reported the president had dictated a misleading message to his son about a meeting with a Russian lawyer. Story continues Trumps is not the first administration to send a vice president abroad in the presidents stead, or to develop relations with diplomats and dignitaries from particular countries former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was known as Ukraines man in Washington. Vice President Pences visit sent a clear message about the enduring strength of the relationship between Georgia and the United States, Georgian Ambassador to the United States David Bakradze told Foreign Policy by email. This is an important milestone in the bilateral relationship. In short, a representative from the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C. relayed to FP, we consider the trip a great success. The embassy of Montenegro did not immediately respond to request for comment. Update, Aug. 1 2017, 4:16 p.m. ET: This piece was updated to include comment from the Estonian Embassy. Photo credit: ZURAB KURTSIKIDZE/AFP/Getty Images Endangered elephants and tigers are killing one person a day in India as humans put a growing squeeze on their habitat, according to new government figures. But man is in turn killing a leopard a day as the man-animal tussle for space reaches new heights. India has lost vast swathes of forests to urbanisation in recent decades, forcing animals into human-occupied zones. According to the environment ministry, 1,144 people were killed in attacks across India in 1,143 days between April 2014 and May this year. And there is no sign of the toll being cut. The ministry said 345 tigers and 84 elephants were killed in the same period, mostly in poacher attacks. Elephants are targeted for their tusks. A man with a tranquilizer gun approaches as a leopard attacks a man identified by Indian media as wildlife conservationist Sanjay Gubbi at a private school on the outskirts of Bangalore Credit: AFP Siddhanta Das, the ministry's director general of forests, said human encroachment into animal territory was causing the deaths. "We are running awareness campaigns to minimise the casualties," Das told AFP. Elephants accounted for 1,052 human deaths and tigers 92, according to the figures released to parliament last week. West Bengal state accounted for more than a quarter of deaths. The eastern state has nearly 800 elephants and is also home to famed Bengal tigers. A leopard attacking and wounding Indian labourer Pintu Dey in Guwahati in 2012 Credit: AFP Last year a herd of wild elephants went on an hours-long rampage in West Bengal, killing five people and damaging vehicles and homes before being subdued with tranquilliser darts. But tensions are also mounting elsewhere across the country. An elephant trampled to death four people, including a 12-year-old girl, in a village in southern Tamil Nadu state in June. There have also been cases of elephants knocking people off scooters. Most attacks on humans by elephants take place in so-called elephant corridors which they have used for centuries but are now being overrun by humans. An elephant attacking an Indian man in a field in Baghasole village, in Burdwan district in West Bengal state, in March 2016 Credit: AFP According to National Crime Records Bureau statistics, nearly 950 people were killed in animal attacks in 2015. But those statistics did not specify the nature of the incidents. India has nearly 30,000 elephants and is home to half the world's tiger population with some 2,226 of the big cats roaming its reserves, according to the last official count in 2014. Both are endangered species. Story continues "Rampant killing of wildlife is ongoing in India. Hundreds of leopards, tigers and elephants are killed for their body parts," Tito Joseph of the Wildlife Protection Society of India told AFP. An Indian policeman being helped by colleagues after being attacked by a leopard in the Maligoan area of Guwahati in 2015 Credit: AFP Fatality figures for the estimated 12,000 to 14,000 leopards living in the wild are becoming alarming, according to a 2015 census. More than 1,436 of the animals have been killed since January 2014, according to the WPSI. There are no figures on the number of humans killed by leopards, but experts say there are hundreds each year. Apple supplier Foxconn has in recent years been accused of poisoning waterways near its facilities in China. Now Republican Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin is not only proposing to give the company a $3 billion taxpayer subsidy, his administration has also quietly slipped language into a bill that would exempt the Taiwanese conglomerate from state environmental protection laws. Walker, President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan have in recent days touted Foxconns announcement that it will open a new manufacturing plant in Ryans Southwest Wisconsin congressional district. None of them, however, mentioned that the legislation providing the taxpayer subsidies included blanket waivers from Wisconsins environmental statutes. Under those laws, companies are prohibited from discharging materials or otherwise polluting wetlands without a specific permit to do so. Under the bill that Walker has put forward, companies within the new economics and information technology manufacturing zone will be allowed to discharge material into non-federal wetlands if it relates to the construction or operation of a manufacturing facility. Walker has called a special session that will discuss his bill tomorrow. Another section of the bill outlines how existing Wisconsin law requires companies to obtain a permit to disturb or transform nearby waterways. According to the official analysis of the bill by analysts in the Republican-controlled legislature, the new legislation will allow Walkers administration to waive those permitting requirements if they relate to the construction, access, or operation of a new manufacturing facility in the zone where Foxconn is planning to build its facility. A separate section of the bill exempts new energy utilities built inside the Foxconn development zone from facing regulatory oversight by the states Public Service Commission. Those provisions also exempt regulation of the building and relocation of high-voltage transmission lines, according to state legislative analysts. Story continues In 2013, Foxconn drew scrutiny in China for dumping polluted water from its manufacturing facility into a nearby river. Chinese environmental advocates described the water as having a black-green color and a strong chemical smell. Foxconn defended itself by saying it was complying with all local laws within the industrial park where it operated. China has suffered from a widespread problem of arable soil being polluted by heavy metals involved in the electronics manufacturing process. The language buried in the Wisconsin legislation comes as prominent Republicans have pledged to roll back environmental laws in the name of economic development. Trump, for instance, has said that his pending infrastructure initiative will include proposals to waive environmental regulations. House lawmakers earlier this month passed legislation to reduce permitting barriers for fossil fuel pipeline development. Related Articles Since the passage of Proposition 64 last year, speculation about the blooming marijuana industry somehow blending with the established local wine industry has escalated, to the point where a symposium will be held this week dedicated to just that. A wide cast of experts is slated to appear at the sold-out Wine & Weed Symposium in Santa Rosa on Thursday, alongside a bounty of contractors and exhibitors touting their wares and services to both industries. Among those with backgrounds in the Napa Valley wine industry now hoping to attract cross-industry interest at the event is Cannabis Caves. Founded in the past year, the endeavor today is an unofficial extension of sorts from Glen Ragsdale Underground Associates, Inc., whose consulting and building credits include the caves of Pine Ridge Winery, Rombauer, Harlan Estates, Quintessa, Davis Estates and others. The brainchild of Graham Wozencroft, mining engineer for Glen Ragsdale Underground Associates, and Alan Skinner, president and CEO of VirtuaLabs, a design and infrastructure contractor, Cannabis Caves touts a vision of underground growing its founders contend is superior to outdoor growing in terms of marijuana quality. Theres already a large difference between those who grow bulk outdoors and those who grow high-quality, high-intensity material indoors, whether its medical or recreational, said Skinner. Demand for high-quality marijuana is spurred in part by cannabis connoisseurs, Skinner said, similar to those who drink wine and seek out the best wine and spend time, effort, money, vacations going around the country, going around the world and looking for this thing. Indoor growing enables greater control over temperature, light sourcing, humidity, carbon dioxide production and other growing variables, leading to more aesthetically pleasing flowers and higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, cannabiss psychoactive compound, advocates say. The element of growing underground adds a layer of security and, Wozencroft speculated, may lend itself to what would be an easier permitting process than that for above-ground structures. Well see how it goes, because it really hasnt gone there yet, he acknowledged. But we think that thats one of the big plusses. While not its own company today, Cannabis Caves would contract work for any eventual clients through Glen Ragsdale Underground Associates, offering to excavate and build underground growing spaces, though Wozencroft also suggested ambitions of providing more for growers in terms of consultation. The endeavor has yet to find its first clients, but Skinner and Wozencroft are confident there will be interest at the Wine & Weed Symposium. Were definitely there to more than spread the word, Wozencroft said. Were actually looking for active clients who are looking for solutions and we believe weve got solutions for them. The hitch? Following legalization last November, Californians above the age of 21 can now use marijuana recreationally and grow up to six personal-use plants within their homes. But, it remains at the discretion of local governments to allow commercial marijuana growth in cities and unincorporated areas, leading to a patchwork of permissibility across the state. Its really a reflection of local community values and priorities, said David Morrison, director of the Napa County Planning, Building and Environmental Services department. Napa County does not allow for the commercial cultivation of marijuana indoors, outdoors, whatever, Morrison said. The city of Napa also remains opposed to commercial growth, though the Napa City Council in May motioned its support for personal outdoor growing, with a vote expected in the fall. A month earlier, the Calistoga City Council approved outdoor growing of two of the six personal plants the state allows. Regarding the possibility of Napa County one day allowing commercial growths, Most definitely we expect that that will happen, Skinner said. For now though, he and Wozencroft anticipate the bulk of their prospective clients will likely come from Mendocino, Sonoma or Lake counties; areas that have been more receptive of the growing industry. As for marijuana one day taking a place alongside the long-established wine industry in Napa, Skinner said, We dont believe that wine and weed is vinegar and water ... and we think that theres a place for both. I mean its the law now and it looks like its going to stay, said Wozencroft. And so this is an industry thats certainly not going away and we think that wed like to get involved. Mr Shine would be a walking into a chaotic workplace: Reuters Donald Trump is reportedly considering Bill Shine, a former Fox News executive, for a role on his press team, a day after the humiliated Anthony Scaramucci was removed as White House communications director. Mr Shine who was forced out of Fox News following allegations that he covered up incidents of sexual harassment against anchor Bill OReilly and former chief Roger Ailes is said to have spoken with White House officials about taking a position on the communications team. Mr Shine has denied all wrongdoing regarding the allegations, as did Mr Ailes, who died in May. Whether or not Mr Shine would have such a high-profile position as Mr Scaramucci is unclear. The New York Times reported the administration was considering a behind-the-scenes role for Mr Shine While he has no background in politics beyond cable news, Mr Shine counts Fox News host Sean Hannity as one of his allies. An informal advisor to Mr Trump and one of his most loyal on-air supporters, Mr Hannity dined with Mr Shine, the President and the first lady at the White House last week. If selected to join the communications team, Mr Shine would be walking into a controversy-ridden White House that is seen as chaotic and out-of-control by many observers. Staff has seen several changes over the last month, all of which culminated in the firing of Mr Scaramucci on Monday a move that has left Washington still reeling. Mr Scaramucci turned the White House upside down during the 10 days he worked for the US President who the former New York financier declared he reported directly to, without the interference of intermediaries such as Mr Trumps then-chief of staff, Reince Priebus. Upon resigning in July, ex-Press Secretary Sean Spicer reportedly told Mr Trump that hiring Mr Scaramucci as communications director would be a big mistake. Less than a week later, Mr Scaramucci, whose tough-talking persona was viewed to be similar to Mr Trumps, told a New Yorker reporter that Mr Priebus was a paranoid schizophrenic, a paranoiac and accused him of leaking information to journalists. On Friday, Mr Trump announced that John Kelly, his then-Secretary of Homeland Security, would replace Mr Priebus as White House Chief of Staff. Story continues Mr Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, is believed to have been selected to help bring discipline to the White House, and it appears that his first order of business was to get rid of the Mooch, as Mr Scaramucci likes to be called. Mr Trump is said to have removed Mr Scaramucci at the request of Mr Kelly, who was sworn in as White House Chief of Staff on Monday. In a statement announcing Mr Scaramucci would be leaving his role, the White House said: Mr Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. During a briefing following the firing, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also told reporters that Mr Trump certainly felt that Anthony's comments were inappropriate for a person in that position, referring to his remarks made to the New Yorker journalist. She also later added: As I think we've made clear a few times over the course of the last couple of days to several of you individually, but General Kelly has the full authority to operate within the White House, and all staff will report to him. Any new member of the communications team would be on the front lines defending Mr Trumps directives and decisions a job made more difficult by the Presidents social media use and off-the-cuff communication style. Mr Trumps press secretaries have also constantly battled questions from the media related to ongoing investigations into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government. Names that have been floated to fill the role of White House communications director include Kellyanne Conway, currently a counsellor to the President, and Laura Ingraham, a conservative radio host and commentator. During his profanity-laced discussion with the New Yorker, Mr Scaramucci suggested he was considering Mr Shine for a position. Oh, Bill Shine is coming in, Mr Scaramucci told reporter Ryan Lizza, apparently in an impersonation of Mr Priebus, adding, in colourful language, that Mr Priebus would likely try to leak that information. Yahoo News photo Illustration; photos: AP, Getty Despite President Trumps recent insistence that there is no chaos in his White House, his administration has been rocked by a seemingly never-ending series of high-level staff departures. Indeed, Anthony Scaramuccis Monday resignation was the culmination of a turbulent 10 days bookended with his hiring and dismissal that saw the departures of the White House press secretary and the chief of staff. Below, in chronological order, are the most notable firings, resignations, criticisms and reassignments since Trump took office including the attorney general, a former loyalist whom Trump has publicly taunted and criticized. January 30: Acting Attorney General Sally Yates is fired Yates was fired by Trump after she ordered lawyers at the Department of Justice not to defend his executive order barring Syrian refugees and citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. That executive order, the first iteration of the Muslim ban Trump promised on the campaign trail, was stymied in federal court. Trump later signed a revised version, and his administration is taking the issue to the Supreme Court. February 13: National security adviser Michael Flynn resigns Flynn, one of Trumps staunchest supporters, was forced to resign less than a month into his tenure as national security adviser, after it was revealed he discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador and then misled Vice President Pence about those discussions. March 10: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara is fired Bharara was one of 46 U.S. attorneys appointed by former President Obama who were ordered to resign by the Department of Justice after Trump took office. When Bharara refused to resign, he was fired. During the transition, Bharara said both Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions asked that he continue in his role as U.S. attorney. Its not uncommon for presidents to appoint their own U.S. attorneys, especially when their predecessors are of a different party. Story continues March 30: White House deputy chief of staff Katie Walsh is reassigned Walsh departed the White House in March to join America First Policies, an outside organization tasked with promoting the Republican agenda. April 9: Deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland is reassigned After Flynns departure from the National Security Council, his replacement, H.R. McMaster, shuffled the remaining staff. McFarland departed her post after scoring the U.S. ambassadorship to Singapore. May 5: White House chief usher Angella Reid is fired Reid, the first woman and second African-American to hold the chief usher position, was dismissed as part of what the White House said was normal staff turnover for a new administration. However, chief ushers are considered part of the White Houses permanent staff and usually enjoy a long tenure. Timothy Harleth, a Trump International Hotel employee, was later tapped to replace Reid. May 9: FBI Director James Comey is fired Comeys abrupt dismissal rocked the White House for weeks, and questions about the termination have continued to dog the administration. The White Houses original stated reason for firing Comey was his handling of the investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server, but Trump later admitted that the decision was influenced by the escalating investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia. Comey later testified he felt pressured by the president to ease up on the matter. Special counsel Robert Mueller now leads the investigation. (Trump has reportedly mulled firing Mueller as well.) May 18: White House communications director Mike Dubke resigns Dubke did not have a public role and his departure was largely drama free. Reports indicated that Dubke recognized a need for change in the West Wings communications strategy, given the mounting Russia investigations, the fallout from Comeys firing, and the absence of major legislative victories. Dubkes job would remain open for over two months, until Trump appointed Scaramucci. July 6: Office of Government Ethics Director Walter Shaub resigns Shaub, the department director since 2013, was publicly critical of the Trump White House even before his resignation, and has been even more vocal since leaving his post. Shaub said Trumps actions, such as using his namesake hotels to host fundraisers and campaign events, create the appearance of profiting from the presidency and risk Americas reputation becoming that of a kleptocracy. July 18: Attorney General Jeff Sessions is under fire The president does not hesitate to dole out criticism, but his rebuke of Sessions, one of his staunchest supporters and the first sitting senator to endorse his candidacy, was particularly stunning. Trump said he would not have appointed Sessions had he known he would recuse himself from the Russia investigation, a move he called very unfair. In the following days, he did not let up, branding Sessions beleaguered and attacking him for not investigating Clinton or firing acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe (who has since been confirmed). Trump has remained coy on Sessions job security. July 21: White House press secretary Sean Spicer resigns Spicers resignation marked the beginning of a turbulent 10 days in the West Wing. Spicer, who tussled with reporters during combative and widely televised press briefings, resigned the same day Scaramucci was appointed communications director. Though his stated reason for leaving was to give Scaramucci a clean slate, it was reported that Spicer strongly opposed bringing the New York financier into the White House communications shop. Spicers deputy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, moved up to fill his role. July 25: White House press aide Michael Short resigns Short was the second casualty of Scaramuccis short reign. After Scaramucci told a reporter he planned to fire Short as part of his plan to combat leaks, Short resigned, denying he was the source of any leaks. July 27: White House chief of staff Reince Priebus resigns Priebus offered his resignation after Scaramucci accused the former Republican National Committee chairman of being the source of White House leaks and suggested that he would be forced to resign. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly moved to take Priebus role. July 31: White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci resigns Scaramucci resigned Monday, apparently forced out by Kelly after Scaramucci gave a profanity-laced interview trashing Priebus and White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Read more from Yahoo News: Stephen Miller, President Trumps senior adviser for policy, got into a heated argument with the press over among other things the Statue of Liberty, while promoting the administrations plans for immigration reform on Wednesday afternoon. Miller described Trumps policy as one that would eliminate chain migration, limit family-based migration and introduce a point-based system that evaluates whether an applicant can speak English, earn a high wage and add a needed skill to the U.S. economy. The frequently contentious Miller stuck to his message about unskilled, illegal immigration taking jobs from Americans throughout most of the press briefing, which went off the rails during the final question. Jim Acosta, senior White House correspondent for CNN, quoted from the poem inscribed inside the Statue of Liberty, whose most famous lines read: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Acosta suggested it was not in keeping with American tradition when it comes to immigration to require that immigrants already speak English or have useful, in-demand skills. Miller dismissed the poem as not truly representing the meaning of the statue, which is formally named Liberty Enlightening the World. White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller at the White House daily briefing, Aug. 2, 2017. (Photo: Susan Walsh/AP) The poem that youre referring to was added later. [It] was not actually part of the original Statue of Liberty, Miller said, correctly although the poem, titled The New Colossus, was written by Emma Lazarus as part of an appeal to raise money to erect the base of the statue. Acosta said that answer sounded like National Park revisionism. Theyre not always going to speak English, Stephen. Theyre not always going to be highly skilled, he said. Miller accused Acosta of being shockingly ahistorical, noting that levels of immigration to the United States have ebbed and flowed. I want to be serious here, Jim. Do you at CNN not know the difference between green card police and immigration? he said. Do you really not know that? Story continues Acosta, who is Cuban-American, pointed out that his father immigrated to the U.S. in 1962, right before the Cuban missile crisis. He said many people immigrate to this country without passing through Ellis Island but still obtain a green card through hard work, and may learn English as a second language. He was highly critical of Millers insistence that immigrants know English before they arrive. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Are we just going to bring in people from Great Britain and Australia? Acosta asked. Ill honestly say I am shocked at your statement that you think that only people from Great Britain and Australia would know English. Actually, it reveals your cosmopolitan bias to a shocking degree, Miller said. [It] is so insulting to millions of hard-working immigrants who do speak English from all over the world. Acosta said Miller sounded as if he wanted to engineer the racial and ethnic flow of people into the U.S. That is one of the most outrageous, insulting, ignorant and foolish things youve ever said, Miller shot back. The notion that you think this is a racist bill is so wrong and so insulting. According to Miller, the United States foreign-born population has quadrupled since 1970. He accused Acosta of advocating unfettered, uncontrolled migration, which he said hurts immigrant, African-American and Hispanic workers the most. Insinuations like Jim made, trying to ascribe nefarious motives to a compassionate immigration measure, designed to help newcomers and current arrivals alike is wrong, he said. Miller concluded by apologizing to Acosta if things got heated, but reiterated that he thought the journalist made some pretty rough insinuations. Read more from Yahoo News: Sometimes the data just falls into place. Data from Google shows that people around the United States are increasingly searching for information about the upcoming total solar eclipse. But more than that, the people who are doing the most searching are actually the ones in the path of the eclipse, set to take place on August 21. SEE ALSO: Your most basic and burning questions about next month's solar eclipse, answered That trend is so clear that the Google map showing searches for the word "eclipse" in the last seven days actually vaguely tracks the path the total eclipse will take across the country. This makes a lot of sense, right? The people most likely to search for "eclipse" or information about it are the ones in the path of the event itself. It's always fun to see a dataset reflect something you can intuitively understand. If you break down the data by metro region, the path carved through the country (and the search data) becomes even more clear. Idaho Falls-Pocatello, Idaho which is in the path of the eclipse is the metro area with the most interest in the eclipse in the past week, according to the search information, but if you widen that out to look at a search breakdown by state, Oregon has the most interest in the "eclipse" search. A map of the eclipse. Image: nasa Oregon is actually the first state that will experience the total phase of the eclipse, when the moon fully passes in between the Earth and the sun, casting its dark shadow on the surface of the planet. Totality will begin along the Oregon coast at 10:15 a.m. PT. The total solar eclipse will pass over about a dozen states before moving out to sea after leaving the South Carolina coast at about 3 p.m. ET. August 21 will mark the first time a total solar eclipse has been visible from the contiguous U.S. since 1979. Even if you aren't in the relatively small path of the total eclipse, you'll still be able to see at least a partial eclipse from any spot in North America. (Just be sure to grab some serious eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.) A conservative senator has come out firing against his own party, blaming Republicans for the rise of President Trump and loss of conservative principles in Congress. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., argued that the Republican party created and must shoulder responsibility for President Trump on MSNBCs Morning Joe Tuesday and in a Monday book excerpt published in Politico . To carry on in the spring of 2017 as if what was happening was anything approaching normalcy required a determined suspension of critical faculties. And tremendous powers of denial, Flake wrote his new book. He said he sympathizes with the impulse to denial, but demanded his colleagues shed their rose-colored glasses and challenge the erratic executive branch. Flake, an outspoken critic of Trump during the campaign, continued to rail against his party on Morning Joe, urging Republicans to stand up for the principles of conservatism. The type of policies going forward protectionism, isolationism are really not conservative values, Flake said. And Im concerned about where the party goes if we embrace those kind of principles. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks with reporters after a vote in the Capitol on July 20, 2017. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images) Flake also said that a conservatives demeanor must remain measured and sober and predictable especially when it comes to foreign policy issues. Our allies need to know that. We need to embrace our allies and recognize our adversaries, Flake said. Chaos is the last thing that our allies and adversaries need to be seeing. And Im afraid theyre seeing too much of that. The White House has been rocked by a series of high-level staff changes, including the recent ousters of chief of staff Reince Priebus and communications director Anthony Scaramucci, as well as the resignation of press secretary Sean Spicer. Trump insisted on Twitter Monday that there was no White House chaos. During his Morning Joe interview, Flake zeroed in on Trumps sudden firing of FBI director James Comey. That should have set off more alarm bells, I think, than it did, Flake said. He cautioned senators to carefully watch for similar events, such as the termination of the attorney general. Story continues The Arizona lawmakers tough talk about Trump could add another twist in the 2018 races, in which Flake could face a competitive reelection. Trump and his staff members reportedly spoke to Flakes potential primary challengers. Read more from Yahoo News: Photo credit: Dave & Buster's From Delish As much as we love going out to eat - and indulging on apps like jalapeno poppers and Bloomin' Onions - there comes a time where we have to face facts and realize just how terrible most dishes at chain restaurants really are. That time is called the Xtreme Eating Awards, a tongue-in-cheek set of "honors" created by the Center for Science in Public Interest that reveals the shockingly terrible nutritional information of meals at fast-casual favorites like Chili's and the Cheesecake Factory. (Seriously - some of these bad boys contain more than an entire day's worth of calories!) Before we get started, it's helpful to note, as the CSPI did, that typical daily values include 2,000 calories 2,300 milligrams of sodium, 20 grams of saturated fat, and 50 grams of added sugar. Without any further ado, here are the worst offenders: 1. Chili's Ultimate Smokehouse Combo This enormous tray - yes, it's too much for a plate - features smoked bone-in BBQ chicken breast, jalapeno-cheddar smoked sausage, hand-battered Chicken Crispers or a half rack of house-smoked baby back ribs (except the ribs will set you back an extra $2). Plus, there's an overload of sides: roasted corn, fries, chile-garlic toast, and pickles. If you absolutely need to order this gut-busting meal, you're better off splitting it with a friend - or, better yet, two. Calories: 2,400; saturated fat: 41 grams; sodium: 7,610 milligrams That's not even a question. A post shared by Chili's Grill & Bar (@chilis) on Feb 23, 2017 at 3:09pm PST 2. IHOP's Cheeseburger Omelette With Pancakes This thing is quite beefy. Loaded with cheeseburger patty pieces, hash browns, tomatoes, onions, American cheese ketchup, mustard, and pickles - plus the side of pancakes with butter and syrup - it's worse than eating four McDonald's Sausage Egg McMuffins. Calories: 1,990; saturated fat: 45 grams; sodium 4,580 milligrams; added sugar 44 grams; cholesterol: 1,005 milligrams Story continues Cheeseburger meets omelette. Make my melt. A post shared by IHOP (@ihop) on Jun 7, 2017 at 9:57am PDT 3. The Cheesecake Factory's Pasta Napoletana While a heaping plate of pasta is already questionable, The Cheesecake Factory has dialed up its spaghetti about 20 notches by incorporating all the elements of meat lover's pizza. That means the restaurant piles on Italian sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, and bacon that's all been greased with butter and cream. Not to mention the generous shower of Parmesan cheese you're no doubt going to add on top when it arrives at your table. Calories: 2,310; saturated fat: 79 grams; sodium: 4,370 milligrams Twirling onto a fork near you, the new Pasta Napoletana! A post shared by The Cheesecake Factory (@cheesecakefactory) on May 20, 2017 at 12:01pm PDT 4. Buffalo Wild Wings' Cheese Curd Bacon Burger The name alone should tell you that this burger is doing too much. But what you may not realize is that the cheese curds are deep-fried before getting layered on top of lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese, a mayonnaise-based sauce, and two strips of bacon. Add the side of fries that comes with it, and you've got the equivalent of FIVE double bacon cheeseburgers from Burger King. Yes, you read that right. Calories: 1,950; saturated fat: 53 grams; sodium: 4700 milligrams Score the big cheese of burgers with our Cheese Curd Bacon Burger A post shared by Buffalo Wild Wings (@bwwings) on Dec 13, 2016 at 3:07pm PST 5. Dave & Buster's Carnivore Pizzadilla Like any food mash-up, you're basically asking for an overload of everything. Here, a pizza and quesadilla have created an insanely cheesy - and supremely unhealthy - meal. At 12 inches, the giant quesadilla is stuffed with Manchego and cheddar cheeses, pepperoni, and Italian sausage. But it doesn't stop there. This beast is also smothered in even more cheese, pepperoni, and sausage - plus bacon and marinara sauce. Calories: 1,970; saturated fat: 67 grams; sodium: 4,440 milligrams Photo credit: Dave & Buster's 6. Texas Roadhouse's 16-ounce Prime Rib One of this chain's favorite adages is that it provides bigger portions so that you get "more food food for your dollar." But a whopping 16 ounces means that hunk of beef is already setting you back 1,570 calories. And then there are the sides: a loaded sweet potato covered in mini marshmallows and caramel sauce (770 calories) and a Caesar salad. And this doesn't even account for the the unlimited peanuts and dinner rolls with butter. Calories: 2,280; saturated fat: 72 grams; sodium: 5,330 milligrams; added sugar: 51 grams Who celebrated National Prime Rib Day with us?! A post shared by texasroadhouse (@texasroadhouse) on Apr 27, 2016 at 6:06pm PDT Follow Delish on Instagram. Download the Delish app today. You Might Also Like By Dave McKinney and Karen Pierog CHICAGO (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner on Tuesday blocked hundreds of millions of new state dollars from going to cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools (CPS) by rewriting parts of a state school-funding overhaul bill, potentially imperiling the entire legislation and the flow of state money to all school districts. The Republican governor said he used his amendatory veto on the bill, which creates a new model for education funding, to remove "an unfair diversion" of money to help fund CPS teacher pensions. Senate Bill 1, in its current form, took a significant increase in school funding I advocated for and diverted hundreds of millions of dollars from classrooms around the state to Chicago, unfairly hurting children across the state and unfairly advantaging one school district, a school district that has mismanaged its pension systems for decades, Rauner told reporters in the state capitol. His action marks a return to the political gridlock that left Illinois without a complete budget for an unprecedented two-straight fiscal years. The Democratic-controlled legislature gave CPS, which is struggling with escalating pension contributions, a funding boost for pensions and state aid in the bill passed in late May. The governor's office was not immediately able to say exactly how much money for CPS was cut by the veto action. The $36 billion fiscal 2018 state budget the legislature enacted in July over Rauner's veto prohibits the flow of $6.7 billion in state money to schools in the absence of a funding overhaul like lawmakers approved. Rauner called for quick action by the General Assembly to accept his changes to the bill or to pass separate legislation reflecting what he wants so school operations will not be threatened. A failure by the House and Senate to muster a required three-fifths majority vote to override or accept the nine changes to the bill Rauner made would kill the measure. The governor has accused Democrats of jeopardizing the ability of schools to open later this month by not sending him the bill until Monday, two months after it was passed. The Illinois State Board of Education said it had not received any requests as of Tuesday from districts, which expect to receive their initial fiscal 2018 state funding by Aug. 10, to delay the start of their school year. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who controls the nation's third-largest public school system, said Rauner was "ignoring the needs of Illinois' school children" and school superintendents who supported the bill. (Editing by Matthew Lewis) Indonesia will deport 153 Chinese nationals arrested for alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar cyber fraud ring targeting wealthy businessmen and politicians in China, police said Tuesday. The syndicate, who ran their operation from abroad to avoid detection by Chinese officials but did not target any victims in their host country, made around six trillion rupiah ($450 million) since beginning operations at the end of 2016, Indonesia police said. They were arrested following a tip-off from Chinese authorities. "We are conducting an intensive investigation and currently coordinating with the Chinese police to deport them," said national police spokesman Rikwanto, who goes by one name. The group, based in several locations across Indonesia, contacted victims pretending to be Chinese police or law officials, promising to help resolve their legal cases in return for immediate cash transfers, Jakarta police said. The criminal network included IT specialists who would retrieve information on victims and develop communications systems for contacting them, he said. Chinese nationals were arrested in Jakarta, the city of Surabaya and on the resort island of Bali in separate raids over the weekend. "The perpetrators and the victims are Chinese. It just happens that they operate from Indonesia," said Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono. Police are investigating how several of the Chinese suspects were able to enter the archipelago without a valid passport. Cyber criminals targeting victims in China have increasingly exploited technological advances to operate from abroad, spreading across Southeast Asia and beyond in recent years. China has become increasingly assertive in extraditing suspects. In July, a gang of 44 people from China and Taiwan were arrested in Thailand for allegedly running an elaborate phone scam that conned $3 million from scores of victims, mainly based in China. Cambodia deported 74 people to China for their role in an alleged telecom fraud, also in July, according to Xinhua. Last year, 67 alleged criminals were deported from Kenya to China to face investigation for fraud. If you like North Koreas nuclear-armed ICBM, you are going to love America walking away from the nuclear deal with Iran. On this weeks episode of the Federal Apprentice, the staff forced Donald Trump to certify that Iran is complying with the terms of the nuclear deal brokered by his predecessor. None too happy with that outcome, Trump is reportedly exploring ways to collapse it. Thats a terrible idea. Two rocket tests launched last week in a single 24-hour span by Iran and North Korea help explain why. They offer a useful opportunity to compare two very different possibilities: what Iran looks like today, with the nuclear deal in place, and how things have turned out with North Korea following the collapse of efforts to negotiate limits on Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programs. Last week, Iran launched a rocket called the Simorgh as part of a program to place satellites in orbit. The Simorgh itself is not an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, but the technologies are broadly similar. Space launches do not, however, violate the terms of the nuclear deal, contrary to the claims of some of the deals opponents. The text of the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is silent on the subject missile launches. Accordingly, U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which implemented the deal, toned down the tough language in previous resolutions. Iran is merely called upon the diplomatic equivalent of a suggestion to refrain from activities related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons. (And the term designed to be capable is so ambiguous as to be almost meaningless.) Indeed, the fact that the deal contained no limits on Irans missile program was something opponents highlighted and supporters, like me, lamented. These details, though, dont matter. The Trump administration is already signaling that it intends to sabotage the nuclear deal by insisting on inspections in a transparent and cynical effort to push Iran out of the agreement. The JCPOA already provides for inspections, but Team Trump seems to be envisioning the equivalent of a safeguards colonoscopy, not to catch Iran cheating but to make life under the agreement a constant source of friction. Whether or not a space launch is legally permitted or prohibited, Team Trump is likely to decide that it is one more calumny to launch against what Trump modestly called the worst deal ever. Story continues But a casual glance at North Korea helps illustrate why that is shortsighted. According to Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, the Trump administration wont be talking about North Koreas missile launch. After all, whats to talk about? North Koreas recent tests of an ICBM clearly violate various U.N. Security Council resolutions, and the United States isnt going to do anything about it. North Koreas Hwasong-14 ICBM flew more than 3,700 kilometers in altitude, before landing in the Sea of Japan. Had North Korea fired the Hwasong-14 on a normal trajectory, it would have traveled far enough to hit most major U.S. cities including New York and Los Angeles. The people who are promising you a better deal with Iran have exactly no plan to deal with North Korea. Its the equivalent of repeal and replace, except that stripping 20 million people of health care looks like a walk in the park compared with blundering into nuclear war. During the 1990s, a lot of U.S. officials objected to any diplomatic agreement with North Korea that would allow it to use its own rockets to launch satellites into space, arguing that the country would learn too much about ICBMs in the process. The Barack Obama administration walked away from a deal with North Korea in April 2012 because Pyongyang insisted it be able to conduct a space launch to celebrate Kim Il Sungs birthday. The shortsightedness of those decisions should now be obvious. North Korea has tested an ICBM that can deliver a nuclear weapon throughout the United States. Did it convert its Unha space launcher, which the United States calls the Taepodong-2, into an ICBM? No, it did not. It built something far more frightening. North Koreas ICBM, known as the Hwasong-14, looks nothing like the Taepodong-2 or Irans Simorgh. The latter missiles are very large because their first stage uses the inefficient propellant types found in Scud missiles. It takes North Korea and Iran a long time to assemble these missiles using cranes and then to fuel them. The Simorgh was reportedly visible on the launch pad for an entire day. While this technology might be useful for an ICBM in a pinch, in a war the United States isnt going to give either Iran or North Korea a day to assemble a nuclear-armed missile. That is precisely why North Korea developed the Hwasong-14, which has a better first-stage engine, more advanced propellants, and a lightweight airframe. These innovations mean that the missile is small enough to be transported by a big truck that can drive to a remote location and then ready the missile to launch, probably in under an hour. That makes the Hwasong-14 extraordinarily difficult for the United States to track. For the most recent test, North Korea seems to have fired the missile from a surprise location deep inside the country to drive that point home. If you had to choose between North Korea armed with jerry-built space launchers as ICBMs and North Korea armed with the Hwasong-14, you would always take your chances with the space launchers. There are, of course, links between space launch programs and ballistic missiles. At CNS, my research institute, we suspect that the second stage of North Koreas Hwasong-14 missile is similar to the upper stages designed for the Iranian space launch vehicles. And while that does mean that Irans space programs could help advance an ICBM program, it also suggests something else that the flow of technology has reversed. We are now seeing innovations in Iran that later appear in North Korea. Iran could build an ICBM just as well as North Korea, if not better, whenever it wants. So whats stopping Tehran? Its not that Iran cant build an ICBM; its that Iran is choosing not to. And that is probably because, unlike short- or medium-range ballistic missiles, it is hard to imagine an ICBM with any purpose other than delivering a nuclear weapon. That would throw the Iran nuclear deal into chaos and trigger a confrontation that, for the moment, Tehran seems to want to avoid. In other words, the deal is working. If we want it to keep working, we have to learn to live with Irans aspirations for spaceflight, just as we have learned to live with its nuclear energy program in exchange for limits that help prevent Iran from building a bomb. In both cases, the sticks of sanctions and military attack have to come with carrots incentives like accepting the peaceful use of dangerous technologies. That includes a fair amount of research that might well be used for nefarious purposes. In life, there are some risks that you simply cannot eliminate. And there is this: Idle hands are the devils playthings. If we really want to discourage Tehran from building an ICBM, we need to keep Irans missileers busy doing something else. If Irans missile scientists are content with sending satellites into space, thats fine by me. We can sanction them when they sell their services to North Korea, but if they stop, we need to be prepared to welcome them into the community of space-faring states. Perhaps thats not the best outcome, but it could be worse. Look at North Korea. Photo credit: VAHID REZA ALAEI/AFP/Getty Images Rome (AFP) - Italian authorities on Wednesday impounded a German NGO's migrant rescue boat on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration, police said. The Iuventa, operated by the Jugend Rettet organisation, was "preventatively" impounded on the Italian island of Lampedusa on the orders of a prosecutor based in Trapani, Sicily, the state police force said in a statement. "Enquiries begun in October 2016, and conducted with the use of sophisticated techniques and investigative technology, have produced circumstantial evidence of the motorboat Iuventa being used for activities facilitating illegal immigration," the statement said. More details were to be provided at a 1530 GMT press conference. The impounding of the Iuventa came as Italy began enforcing a controversial code of conduct for charity boats rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. Jugend Rette was among six of nine NGO's operating search-and-rescue activities in waters off Libya to reject the new rules. Italian authorities say they are necessary to ensure the boats are not effectively encouraging migrants to embark on the perilous crossing. The NGOs have particularly objected to a requirement to allow an Italian police official to travel on each boat and a ban on moving rescued migrants from one aid vessel to another while still at sea, which they say could result in avoidable deaths. Some 600,000 mostly African migrants have arrived in Italy from Libya since the start of 2014, putting the country's reception facilities under strain and the centre-left government under pressure over the crisis. Just over a third of those rescued this year have been saved by NGO boats, up from around a quarter last year. ST. HELENA It will cost $40 million to bring St. Helenas infrastructure up to snuff, according to an updated to-do list city officials released last week. The latest draft of the citys five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) consists of 48 projects related to water, sewer, roads and civic facilities, with the most expensive being the first phase of upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant ($8.1 million), removal of the Upper York Creek dam ($6.5 million), citywide road repairs ($4.9 million), and upgrades at the Dwyer Road booster pump station ($2.6 million). On Tuesday, the CIP came before the Planning Commission, which determined that it was consistent with the strategic goals of St. Helenas General Plan, even though some of the 24-year-old plans specific policies are outdated. The CIP will come before the council on Aug. 8. Some major expenses are considered high priorities, like the $2.4 million replacement of the Bell Canyon intake tower, where immediate repairs are required to be in compliance with the citys state permit, according to the CIP. Other major water projects include upgrades to the Holmes water tank ($1.4 million), citywide water main replacement ($1 million), improvements at Bell Canyon reservoir in addition to the intake tower ($900,000), equipment to monitor water released into Bell Creek ($750,000), and rehabilitation of a tank at the lower reservoir ($750,000). Several major projects involve the wastewater treatment plant, where state regulators are pressing for upgrades to meet more stringent treatment standards. The $8.1 million Phase 1 upgrades will help bring the plant into compliance, but the city is also planning for Phase II upgrades ($200,000), improvements to the plants reclamation fields ($1.4 million), a new operations building and shop ($1.1 million), sludge removal ($150,000), new pond levees ($120,000), and a temporary trailer ($20,000). The high cost of the necessary water and sewer projects was the driving factor behind the drastic rate increases that started taking effect earlier this year, and which are now being reconsidered by the City Council. Officials have said that years of underinvestment in infrastructure are forcing the city to play catch-up to keep its equipment functional and stay in compliance with regulatory standards. Public Works Director Erica Ahmann Smithies said last years rate study and the recent meetings of the Ad Hoc Utility Rate Committee underscored the extent of the citys infrastructure needs and drove home how deferred many of these utility projects have been. In addition to the new rates, the countywide Measure T sales tax is providing a major influx of funds that will be crucial for fixing the citys roads, Smithies said. The city will start collecting Measure T funds in 2018. It is estimated at $600,000 per year. The city expects to draw more than half of the cost of the CIP ($22 million) from the water and wastewater utilities, which are funded by water and wastewater rates and kept separate from the General Fund. Other funding sources include the General Fund ($4.6 million), water bonds ($3.3 million), the Measure T sales tax for roads ($2.4 million over four years), and a $1.2 million grant for sidewalk improvements. In June the City Council agreed to take $800,000 out of the General Fund to cover the removal of the York Creek Dam. About $5.8 million worth of projects are budgeted for this fiscal year. While the CIP contains cost estimates and budgets for future years, its only a planning tool, so the city hasnt made any long-term financial commitments. Cost estimates and funding sources for the last four years of the plan are still tentative and subject to change. The CIP does not include funding or cost estimates for two major projects: repairs to the City Hall/police station and rehabilitation of the Signorelli Barn. Ivanka and Melania Trump were reportedly "disgusted" and "offended" by language used by sacked White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. The former hedge fund manager was removed from his position eleven days after he was hired, following a string of turbulent media appearances. In one interview, Mr Scaramucci said he had no interest in media attention and was not like Donald Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon because "I am not trying to suck my own c***". The First Lady and Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka were repulsed by the remarks, two sources close to the President told NBC News, triggering speculation they played a role in his firing. Yet Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner reportedly advocated for Mr Scaramucci to be given the job in the first place, one source told the broadcaster. Ivanka and Mr Kushner both serve as official advisers to the President. Speaking to The New Yorker's Washington correspondent, Ryan Lizza, Mr Scaramucci described former White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, as a "f****** paranoid schizophrenic". He also lambasted Mr Priebus for trying to "c**k-block" him from getting a promotion. Mr Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee said on Tuesday that Mr Scaramucci was fired because the President thought his remarks to The New Yorker were "inappropriate". John Kelly, who previously served as former homeland security secretary, was sworn in on Monday as chief of staff. The White House has said General Kelly will have "full authority" to bring discipline to the White House. The First Lady has previously dismissed lewd comments made by her husband about sexually assaulting women as "boys' talk". Ivanka, meanwhile, said Mr Trump's comments were "inappropriate". Mr Kushner's off-the-record remarks were leaked to the media - REUTERS White House senior advisor Jared Kushner's was heard discussing the Middle East peace process and admitting there may be "no solution". Mr Kushner's remarks to a group of interns in Washington were recorded and leaked to the media. White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said the team couldn't have colluded with Russia because the team was too dysfunctional Credit: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Mr Kushner, who is President Donald Trump's son-in-law, also told a group of congressional interns that the Trump campaign couldn't have colluded with Russia because the team was too dysfunctional and disorganised to coordinate with a foreign government. The remarks on Monday came in response to a question about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign worked with Moscow. ForeignPolicy.com first reported Mr Kushner's remarks, which were intended to be off the record. "They thought we colluded, but we couldn't even collude with our local offices," he said, according to the website. A Democratic congressional aide knowledgeable of the meeting confirmed the accuracy of the remarks and others that Mr Kushner made. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity. Mr Kushner also told the interns that the White House doesn't know where Mr Mueller's inquiry is headed. He said he didn't think he'd embark on a career in government and politics after Trump's victorious White House bid so he didn't carefully track his contacts with foreign officials, which is required information on a security clearance application. His meeting with the interns is part of a regular series in which guest speakers meet with them each year. The organizers of the event initially asked the interns to write down their questions and Mr Kushner would randomly select them to answer. But the congressional aide said Mr Kushner insisted on taking live questions and didn't hesitate to answer them. Fifteen years ago, John Cho touched down in Park City, Utah, as part of the ensemble of Justin Lins edgy crime drama, Better Luck Tomorrow, which had its controversial premiere at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. This past January, the Korean-American actor returned to Sundance with a far more contemplative rather than contentious film, the quiet character study Columbus. Filmed on location in Columbus, Indiana, a Midwestern mini-marvel of architectural design, the movie stars Cho and Haley Lu Richardson as a tourist and townie respectively, who bond over their conflicted feelings about their futures and their families. While Chos father lies in a coma in a local hospital, Richardson worries about pursuing her career ambitions outside of Columbus and leaving her single mother behind. Directed by video essayist, Kogonada, Columbus, which opens in theaters on August 4, received strong reviews at Sundance from both critics and audiences. I had people coming up to me after screenings who were visibly moved, Cho tells Yahoo Movies. My impression is that they really enjoyed being dislodged from where they were in their lives, and being temporarily put into this little adventure in a very unique space. We spoke with Cho about his time in Columbus, his future with the Star Trek franchise, and his star turn in the eye-catching #StarringJohnCho Internet meme. Better Luck Tomorrow premiered at Sundance 15 years ago, and made a big splash at the time. Looking back on it now, whats your favorite memory of being part of that film? I think its just participating in a film that mattered at a time when film mattered. I feel like independent cinema right now doesnt command the cultural authority that it once did. Not to say that it wont come back, but I worry about independent film and its place in American culture. Theres so many tentpole blockbusters, and it seems like cultures shifting toward television. Better Luck Tomorrow was a small movie and didnt make a bajillion dollars, but it felt like it was a movie that had something to say at a time when we looked to independent cinema to give voice to some concern. Story continues The film encountered some controversy after its premiere, and Roger Ebert memorably rose to its defense from the audience. What was it like to be at the center of that argument? I missed that screening because I had the flu! But I remember hearing about it. Its a badge of honor to be defended by Roger Ebert. And you know what? Id consider it a badge of honor to be slammed by Roger Ebert. Hes my dude. If Roger Ebert has an opinion on you, youre somebody, I say. Having worked with Justin Lin on his first film, was it fun to reconnect with him on the set of Star Trek: Beyond 14 years later? Yeah, it was really cool. It brings up so many emotions. You know one, Im so surprised that Im still here. Im not surprised that Justins here, but Im still surprised that Im still around! And as an Asian-American, its cool to have a fellow Asian-American be at the helm of something that big and something that important to me. Its like running into an old pal on the street years later and embracing. It was special. Although it does also mark the passage of time, which is always, which is complicated. It was like, Oh, right. Were not young anymore. He came onboard Beyond after some behind the scenes turbulence including director changes and new screenplays. Did he bring some stability to the film when it came time to shoot? And was it hard, as an actor, dealing with that kind of uncertainty? Well, I felt good, because I knew him and I felt like he was going to deliver a good movie. Unless he had changed a lot and was not the guy I once knew, I felt like we were gonna be in good stead. So that lent some stability to it on my end. I was a little worried, not so much about the personnel change itself, but what the personnel changes indicate. Are we not agreeing on what kind of movie were making? Are we conflicted about something? Is there internal fighting? That, to me, is the thing rather than the personnel change itself. I didnt get answers to those questions, because who do you ask? But thats what I was worried about. Heading into the fourth film, do you have a sense that the creative vision will be more consistent before they embark on shooting anything? I wish I had a sense. I dont. And maybe I should be aggressive and get a sense, but at this point its like if theyre gonna call, theyre gonna call and Ill be here. Id love to do another one. Im not even signed on past the first three. So I dont know where the state of the script is, and I dont know if Im involved. I certainly wish I knew more. Would you hope that future films continue to explore Sulus sexuality? We saw his partner and their child in Beyond. That would be cool to see if it makes sense within the narrative of the mission. But I dont think anyone is coming to Star Trek to see a lot of the private lives of the characters. Theyre coming to see what they do professionally. And I say that because I dont necessarily want to make Sulus private life a thing, when they dont make a thing of it for the other characters, if you get my drift. I dont want to go there only because we found out hes gay. And I like the treatment of it in Beyond; there wasnt a music sting and we didnt hear Dun dun dun! The film acted like you already knew. There wasnt even a lingering shot [of them]; it was just matter of fact. Id like to continue treating it that way and whatever happens organically happens. Turning to Columbus, the power of the movie lies in the way it invites the audience to consider how architecture affects them personally. How did the buildings you saw in Columbus impact your performance? If youre watching the movie, youre watching me being affected by the space. They were very strong spaces. I dont know anything about architecture, but Im affected by spaces all of us are and these buildings give you information and emotion. It was a real privilege to work in spaces that gave you so much. Maybe the Enterprise was another one of those spaces that just told me a lot, you know? Did you have a favorite building out of all the ones you saw in Columbus? Each one of them is so unique. My favorite is probably the North Christian Church. Growing up in a Christian house, it was a space that said something very meaningful to me about worship. The preacher is sunken below his or her congregation so, to me, the symbolism is that hes a servant. And the congregation is seated around this person and looks at one another, rather than looking at the backs of peoples heads. Youre looking at each other. To me, it jibes what I was told growing up: that a church is not the building, but the people who inhabit it. It seems like in this case, the building is telling you that the church is not a building. Are there any buildings you see in your everyday life that inspire you in the same way? I love my house and bought it because it felt good to be in it .These living spaces can encourage creativity and peace, while others can block up your mind and create anxiety. And there are buildings in L.A. that I can drive around and admire. Some are obvious; my kids and I go up to the Griffith Observatory and just love being up there on top of the mountain. And then there are weird spaces. I really love Southern California mini-malls because I grew up with them, and theyre so modular. Its crazy how many kinds of businesses can be in there; youll see a Spanish-speaking church thats next to a dry cleaner. People just sort of force these buildings to do what they want. It occurred to me that this is also one of the first times where were seeing you play your actual age. We see the weight of adult concerns in your face and eyes. Was it refreshing to be able to do that? Theres some of that. Also, what youre feeling is not always age so much as a very rich character with a lot of history. And with history, youre always bringing regrets and pain, as well as wisdom. So I think some of that age youre feeling naturally because Ive been given the opportunity to play a very deep character. This role is a lot more complex than Im accustomed to playing, so it was definitely a privilege. I think its striking because, going back to the Harold and Kumar movies, weve often associated you with characters who are a decade younger than you actually are. Ive always played young. When I started doing theater, I was in my early 20s and playing mid-teens. It was preposterous! But I was incredibly immature, so it felt fine. [Laughs] I always looked young for my age, and I was told that it was a good thing because you elongate your career. But at some point I did want to play older, because young roles can be very black and white. Sometimes thats fun to play, but so much of the rest of life seem to be in-between, and as I got older that was one part of playing younger that I grew tired of. The repetition and emotional simplicity. And I dont mean to cast aspersions on young people! But life is a lot simpler [for them]. There was a meme going around last year called #StarringJohnCho where your face was photoshopped into a number of different movie posters for big studio films like Me Before You and Spectre. It was intended to comment on the need for increased diversity in the casting process, particularly in regard to Asian-American actors. What was it like to be at the center of that meme? It was very strange. And I remember wondering whether it was sarcastic, you know? But it didnt feel that way, and I felt like chuckling at it was part of its brilliance. You see it and say, Thats ridiculous, but then you go, Is it really ridiculous? And why do I think that? Studios have been noticeably obtuse when it comes to casting issues; changing Asian characters to white characters has been particularly annoying. This was such an interesting way to treat [the issue], because its something that you could write a magazine essay about or you could hold a protest sign. But the creator, William Yu, got his point across so economically and so effectively. People have been shouting about it and not being heard, and he just wordlessly made himself heard. John Cho in Columbus: Watch a trailer: Read more from Yahoo Movies: By Brendan Pierson NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jurors in the trial of former drug company executive Martin Shkreli on Tuesday asked a judge to clarify the definition of "fraudulent intent," a key element of the case, in their first significant note since they began deliberating Monday morning. The jurors, who are weighing charges of securities fraud and conspiracy against Shkreli in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, ended their second day of deliberations without reaching a verdict. They were expected to return on Wednesday morning. Before going on trial, Shkreli, 34, was best known for raising the price of anti-infection drug Daraprim by 5,000 percent in 2015 as chief executive of Turing Pharmaceuticals. That increase sparked outrage from U.S. lawmakers and patients and earned Shkreli the nickname "Pharma bro." The criminal case stems from Shkreli's career before Turing, when he managed hedge funds MSMB Capital and MSMB Healthcare and drug company Retrophin Inc. Prosecutors have said that between 2009 and 2014, Shkreli lied to MSMB investors, lost their money and paid them back with stock and cash taken from Retrophin without the approval of the company's directors. In their note, sent in the early afternoon, jurors asked U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto for definitions of "assets under management" and "fraudulent intent." One of the accusations against Shkreli is that he greatly overstated the assets under management by the MSMB funds to lure investors. Using language agreed to by prosecutors and Shkreli's lawyers, U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto told the jurors that what Shkreli meant when he used the phrase "assets under management" was up to them to decide. For "fraudulent intent," the judge directed jurors to refer to relevant parts of the instructions they were given when they began deliberating. The jurors must find that Shkreli acted with fraudulent intent to convict him of any of the charges. Story continues Shkreli's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, has urged jurors to see his client not as a fraudster but as an eccentric genius determined to build a drug company that would cure rare diseases. He said that while Shkreli's statements to investors were not always entirely accurate, he made them in good faith. Brafman also emphasized that none of Shkreli's investors lost money, a rarity in a securities fraud case. Shkreli was ousted as chief executive officer of Retrophin in 2014 before going on to found Turing. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Antananarivo (AFP) - At least 34 people died when a bus carrying young Christian worshippers plunged down a steep ravine in central Madagascar, police and hospital officials said Tuesday. Police said 12 badly burned bodies were counted at the site, 70 kilometres (45 miles) north of the capital Antananarivo. Hospitals said that 22 other deaths had been confirmed after the late-night crash. "The bus struggled to climb a road on a hill and fell down a ravine about 20 metres deep," police spokesman Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told AFP. "It caught fire after rolling several times." Photographs showed the white bus upside down and badly damaged, surrounded by burnt undergrowth. The main hospital in Antananarivo said in a statement it had accounted for 18 dead, while a hospital in the town of Ankazobe near the crash scene reported four dead. Passengers on the packed bus were travelling from the central town of Soavinandriana to a church meeting in the north-western coastal port city of Mahajanga when the accident happened. Madagascan roads are often poorly maintained, with overloaded bus and trucks regularly involved in deadly accidents. In January, 47 people, including 10 children and a newlywed couple, were killed when a truck carrying a wedding party and guests crashed. The vehicle was transporting passengers the day after the wedding. Madagascar, a French colony until independence in 1960, is one of the world's poorest countries and relies heavily on international donors. Yahoo News photo Illustration; photos: AP, Getty WASHINGTON American political operatives planning an independent run for president in 2020 against President Trump are studying French President Emmanuel Macrons astonishing rise to power this past spring as they seek to lay the groundwork for what they hope will be a political miracle here in the U.S. There are a few people out there right now who know what it takes to run and fund a presidential campaign who are having serious conversations about what 2020 looks like. In fact, we are planning for it, said Joel Searby, a Florida-based Republican who was a senior adviser to Evan McMullins independent bid for president last year. Searby is talking with Democrats like Michael Slaby, a top technology and digital adviser to Barack Obamas 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. Joel and I are talking a lot and sharing a lot of thoughts, said Slaby, who provided advice to Americans working on the Macron campaign team to help them think about how to identify and recruit supporters. Slaby, 39, said he has not given up on the parties that we have entirely. Im thinking more about where were going to find leadership from, period, he said. There are people on both sides of the aisle who have integrity and are trying to lead. They just tend not to be the people in power in their parties. Searby, 36, has talked with members of the Macron team as well to glean insights into how an American campaign might take off. There has been no shortage of speculation about celebrities and business executives who might launch an outsider campaign for president in 2020. Some of the prominent names floated include Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, movie star Dwayne the Rock Johnson, Oprah Winfrey of film and television fame and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. Slabys main point of contact on the Macron campaign was Lex Paulson, who worked in small state organizing positions on Howard Deans 2004 presidential bid and Obamas 2008 campaign and then worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide to Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. Story continues Lex Paulson is interviewed on France 24 TV during President Trumps visit in Paris in July. (YouTube) Paulson, 37, went to France to study for a PhD and was there as Macron began to lay the groundwork for a long-shot run for the French presidency in 2016. They needed someone who had experience in voter contact and volunteer training, and just door-to-door methodology. No one really in France had done that before, Paulson said in an interview. When Macron launched his campaign, most observers expected former Prime Minister Francois Fillon to easily win the election. But Macron a product of Frances elite universities and a former finance minister created a new political party, En Marche! (In Motion!), and began to pioneer a kind of politics that France had not seen before. The traditional way of doing campaigning in France is big rallies and passing out fliers at metro stations, Paulson said. But Macrons campaign invested most of its effort in identifying grassroots supporters and empowering them to recruit and build their own teams of volunteers. It was a model built on Obamas 2008 campaign. After Fillons candidacy was sunk by a scandal involving a no-show job he had given his wife, the French election looked like it might be a choice between far right populist Marine Le Pen and far left liberal Jean-Luc Melenchon. Macron, having spent a year planning and preparing for such an opening, emerged from the radical center and gained a shocking victory in the spring election. He easily defeated Le Pen in a runoff by a ratio of 66 to 34 percent. Three years ago I didnt know who the hell he was, and nobody in France did. He came out of nowhere, said Robert Zaretsky, a professor of French history at the University of Houston. Paulson said that any independent candidate in the U.S. would need to have a combination of preparation and some huge lucky breaks to be successful. He has a mixed view of whether the political environment in the U.S. is right for such a run. Jean-Luc Melenchon and Marine Le Pen. (Photos: Julien Mattia/NurPhoto via Getty Images, Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images) It required the background condition of major disillusionment with the political system and desire for change, an openness to outsiders, thats true everywhere in the Western world right now, maybe outside of Germany, Paulson said. And while Paulson certainly sees the Republican Party as riven with divisions, he does not believe the Democratic Party in the U.S. is as fractured, or as far to the left, as Frances left wing was. Youre starting to see a way in which Republicans become either split or paralyzed by a multiyear White House scandal, split between the hardcore Trump supporters and those who defect. I dont see those kind of fissures in the Democratic side, Paulson said. Unless theres some other kind of massive event that splits major constituencies inside the Democratic Party, apart from one another, the Democratic coalition seems relatively united against Trump. Slaby, however, said he is worried that fellow Democrats are not addressing basic problems of disenfranchisement that discourage many voters from participating in politics at all. He said he and Searby dont agree on much, but we agree on kind of like everything that matters about whats broken in politics: the lack of integrity and lack of values, and the money problems, and the structural problems, and the corruption and the redistricting all the systemic things that make politics feel broken and make it feel like politicians arent really working for the people they represent. And Searby said he doesnt think Democrats have a compelling vision for our future that lines up with the basic ideas that most Americans have about how things should work in the federal government. Specifically, while social tolerance and environmental responsibility are hallmarks of the coming generation, they also are not clamoring for socialized medicine, a massive federal government with huge taxes or restrictions on freedoms of speech, religion and the internet, Searby said. They are working their tails off in the gig economy and want to not only remove barriers to their success but want the government to stay out of their way: Dont overregulate, overtax or tip the scales. Those are not values the Democratic Party supports. The obstacles to an independent run in America are many and they are significant. Simply getting a candidate on the ballot in all 50 states is a monumental task. And building up the volunteer infrastructure in each state to stand up an organization is a difficult and time-consuming process. Americas elections are far bigger, more expensive affairs, so fundraising is another massive challenge for any new party. But with the advent of small-donor fundraising and super-PACs, a candidate who captures the imagination of enough people could overcome that hurdle. At the heart of what seems to drive operatives like both Searby, who comes from the right, and Slaby and Paulson, who come from the left, is a dissatisfaction with the obsession over national politics and federal government, all of which perpetuates a sense of powerlessness in people who are too far removed from the people and processes involved. Im a true believer in less centralized control and more compelling ideas that people can rally around and make their own, for the benefit of their communities, Searby said. Paulson voiced a yearning to promote greater participatory democracy by pushing power down away from the national and federal level. I think the problem with democracy over the entire world is that were living with these 18th century representative models that have put a huge, huge premium on voting in national elections as the ultimate expression of citizenship and popular sovereignty. I just think that what thats done is its exacerbated this problem of national elites who are far away from voters, and its given openings to demagogues and populists and extremists, Paulson said. To me, the only long-term solution to that is not electing better national leaders, its shifting the focus or adding a focus on local horizontal distributed systems of political change and year-round citizenship and not just who we vote for in a national election. Paulson said that despite his involvement with Macron, he thinks the way to disrupt political party systems [in the U.S.] is not a moonshot. Its opportunistic disruption at a slightly lower level. French candidate Emmanuel Macron is shown on a television screen backstage before a debate in May. (Photo: Eric Feferberg/AFP/Getty Images) I think being disruptive at the state level to me would have a much higher likelihood of success than a moonshot of a national independent candidate, Paulson said. Find states where one party is dominant, whether the other party is demobilized, demotivated, etc., and where theres an opening to run a slate of candidates for a statewide office. But Macrons example has ignited the imagination of many American observers. It seems that American politics has long been allergic to an independent running for the presidency. It hasnt worked. It didnt even work for Teddy Roosevelt. Heres the thing, though. People were saying the same thing about France, Zaretsky said. If it happened in France, why not here? Its one of the things that allows me to sleep at night. Read more from Yahoo News: SANTA ROSA -- A Sebastopol woman has been charged with stealing more than $250,000 from an assisted living facility in Windsor where she worked as a payroll clerk, a Sonoma County sheriff's sergeant said Wednesday morning. Frances Farias, 59, allegedly created 10 fictitious employee accounts at Oakmont Senior Living at 9240 Old Redwood Highway over three years, Sgt. Spencer Crum said. The payroll accounts included contractor employees who had done work for Oakmont Senior Living and completely fictitious employees, Crum said. The employee accounts were directed at four different online banking institutions that detectives determined were actually owned by Farias, according to Crum. Oakmont Senior Living paid the fictitious employees checks totaling more than $256,000 over three years, Crum said. The grand theft and identity theft investigation began Jan. 13 when the company's management called the sheriff's office to report Farias, the former payroll clerk, funneled funds to secondary fictitious employees, Crum said. Farias left the company in May 2016. The new payroll clerk noticed the accounting irregularities, which triggered the investigation, Crum said. Farias was arrested on a $2 million warrant on July 25 at her home where evidence of the scheme was found. She is being investigated for several other fraudulent schemes that could lead to more criminal charges, Crum said. Farias was arraigned last Thursday on one count of grand theft and four counts of identity theft. She is being held in Sonoma County Jail under $100,000 bail and is scheduled to enter a plea on Aug. 15. Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma said to have violated house arrest terms UN human rights chief deeply concerned two men were taken into custody A woman leaves the house of the Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez in Caracas, just hours after he was taken away from his home by the intelligence service. Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images The rearrest of two of Venezuelas most prominent opposition leaders in midnight operations has prompted further condemnation of President Nicolas Maduros government which was already accused of attempting to seize absolute power in the crisis-hit country. Security officials led the raids early on Tuesday, after a court ruled that Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma had violated the terms of their house arrests by calling on Venezuelans to protest against the weekend vote to elect a new body to rewrite the constitution. Political career Maduro is the president of Venezuela. He served as the interim president upon the death of Hugo Chavez in March 2013, and won a hastily arranged general election in April 2013, narrowly defeating opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. Background Maduro was previously a bus driver and trade union leader. He was elected to the national assembly in 2000 and was appointed to a number of government positions by Chavez, including foreign minister Accusations The president, who lacks the charisma of his predecessor, has seen his approval ratings plunge amid widespread food shortages and triple-digit inflation. He stands accused of authoritarianism over his crackdowns on protests and attempts to shut off opposition paths to power. He claims he is the target of a US-backed economic war aimed at removing socialist control over the world's biggest oil resources The vote for the constituent assembly was boycotted by the opposition, and has been denounced around the world as an attack on democracy. Lopez was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in leading street protests against Maduro in 2014. Ledezma is accused of plotting a coup. Human rights defenders have said in both cases the charges have been trumped up. According to a statement from the pro-government supreme court, the two also had plans to flee. Story continues The UN human rights chief, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, said he was deeply concerned that the two men had been taken into custody. I urge the authorities not to make an already extremely volatile situation even worse through the use of excessive force, including through violent house raids by security forces that have occurred in various parts of the country. The US state department said the detentions were further evidence that Maduro is not willing to respect fundamental human rights. Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, said the rearrests expose the true nature of the dictatorship (Maduro) is imposing on Venezuelans. Maduro may lock up two prominent political prisoners, but he cannot silence the millions of Venezuelans who oppose his government, nor key democratic leaders abroad who know that these detentions are desperate moves to cling to power at the expense of Venezuelas democracy and the rights of its people. Lopezs wife, Lilian Tintori, posted a video of the moment of her husbands arrest on Twitter. 12:27 in the morning: the moment when the dictatorship kidnaps Leopoldo at my house. 12:27 de la madrugada: Momento en el que la dictadura secuestra a Leopoldo en mi casa. No lo van a doblegar! pic.twitter.com/0EdlQvEGXS Lilian Tintori (@liliantintori) August 1, 2017 Lopez was granted house arrest early last month after spending three years in the Ramo Verde prison. Ledezma has been under house arrest since 2015. His daughter, Vanessa, posted a video of her father, wearing pyjamas, being taken away by officials of the Sebin intelligence service. Other opponents of the government have been targeted by security forces, and several human rights activists have gone into hiding since Friday following repeated raids on their homes, one source told the Guardian. Several are considering leaving the country, said the source, who requested anonymity. Since 1 April, when widespread protests began against the government, more than 121 people have been killed. According to the prosecutors office, 16 died on Sunday, when the vote was held for the new constituent assembly, which would have the power to dissolve the legislature and other state institutions as well as rewrite the constitution. More than 5,000 people have been detained by security forces in the past four months, and 1,389 remain in custody, according to Foro Penal, a human rights group. By the organizations count, there are 498 political prisoners in the country. Boris Johnson, the British foreign secretary, accused Maduro of acting like a dictator of an evil regime and called for for the release of political prisoners. The opposition-controlled parliament convened on Tuesday for the first time since Sundays vote, and three members of the minority pro-government bloc broke with their coalition to form a new faction opposed to the rewriting of the constitution. They were the latest high-profile defections by people once loyal to the government after the nations top prosecutor, Luisa Ortega a veteran Chavista who originally jailed Leopoldo Lopez in 2014 declared the new assembly to be in violation of the 1999 constitution. On Monday, Ortega said that Venezuela was now run by a state with dictatorial ambitions. Speaking ahead of the session, the head of the parliament, Julio Borges, said: Our message is that the constituent assembly should be cancelled. However, state media have said the assembly will meet on Thursday in a chamber of the capitol a legislative building adjacent to the parliament. It remains unclear who will participate, as the national electoral council has not yet released the names of the bodys newly elected members. The ambassadors of the UK, France, Spain and Mexico countries that said they would not recognize the new super-body attended the parliamentary session in support of the lawmakers elected in December 2015 elections, where members of the opposition coalition, known as MUD, won a majority of seats. I am here to support democracy in Venezuela and to help to find a solution and a peaceful way out of the crisis, the UKs ambassador, John Saville, said. Maduro called the controversial constituent assembly earlier this year, arguing that the move would create peace and foster dialogue in a deeply polarized country that is suffering a severe economic crisis. The opposition blames government mismanagement, while the government lays the blame on what it calls an economic war against Venezuela. On Monday, the US imposed individual economic sanctions on Maduro, calling him a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people. It had previously frozen the assets of 13 senior government officials and managers at the state oil company. But the measures are largely symbolic, and the US has so far held back from imposing broader sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry which could have a devastating impact on the countrys economy. Maduro brushed off the move, saying: The threats and sanctions of the empire dont intimidate me for a moment. I dont listen to orders from the empire, not now or ever. Bring on more sanctions, Donald Trump. Don't mess with Maxine Waters' time. On Thursday, Rep. Maxine Waters went head-to-head with treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin during a House Financial Services Committee hearing. Mnuchin attempted to skirt past answering Waters' question with some long-winded compliments, causing Waters to repeatedly interrupt with "reclaiming my time" to try to focus his answer. During committee hearings, reps only have a limited time to ask questions, so Mnuchin was running out the clock and Waters wasn't having it, and effectively threw the book at him. Waters' response was badass and brazen, like the congresswoman herself, and has since inspired an a capella gospel remix from YouTuber Mykal Kilgore. "Our beloved 'Auntie' Maxine Waters laid this sermon down so good that I had to sing about it!" Kilgore wrote. "Whenever anybody tries to distract me or block me (even with praise or platitudes) I'm gonna have to let them know that I'm #ReclaimingMyTime!" Wow! Headed for the Grammys. Praises and thanks! - Rep. Maxine Waters Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) August 1, 2017 Here's the original exchange between Waters and Mnuchin: Now go read Christine Emba's take in the Washington Post about why "reclaiming my time" is important and possibly bigger than Maxine Waters. Mexico City (AFP) - Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said Monday he had not recently spoken to Donald Trump on the phone, after the US leader boasted his counterpart had called him to praise his border policy. Trump made the comments as he presented his new chief of staff, former Homeland Security secretary John Kelly, who is tasked with restoring order to a White House beset by scandal, infighting and legislative defeats. "At Homeland, what he has done has been nothing short of miraculous," Trump said of Kelly. "As you know, the border was a tremendous problem and they're close to 80 percent stoppage. And even the president of Mexico called me -- they said their southern border, very few people are coming because they know they're not going to get through our border, which is the ultimate compliment." Pena Nieto's office rejected that account. "President Enrique Pena Nieto has not recently communicated with President Donald Trump by phone," it said in a statement. It said the two leaders had last discussed migration issues when they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Germany on July 7. At the time, it said, Pena Nieto shared Mexican figures showing that 31 percent fewer Mexicans had been deported from the United States in the first half of 2017 compared to the year before, and that 47 percent fewer migrants had entered Mexico from Central and South America. The G20 sit-down was the first official meeting between the two presidents, whose relationship has been tense. In January, Pena Nieto cancelled a trip to Washington in response to Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for his planned border wall -- plunging the countries' relations into their biggest crisis in decades. Nerves are still raw in Mexico over the wall, Trump's attacks on Mexican immigrants as "criminals, drug dealers and rapists," and his insistence on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he accuses of shipping US jobs south of the border. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto meets Donald Trump at the G20 in Germany - REUTERS Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Monday he had not recently spoken to Donald Trump on the phone, after the US leader boasted his counterpart had called him to praise his border policy. Mr Trump made the comments as he presented his new chief of staff, former Homeland Security secretary John Kelly, who is tasked with restoring order to a White House beset by scandal, infighting and legislative defeats. "At Homeland, what he has done has been nothing short of miraculous," Mr Trump said of Mr Kelly. "As you know, the border was a tremendous problem and they're close to 80 percent stoppage. And even the president of Mexico called me - they said their southern border, very few people are coming because they know they're not going to get through our border, which is the ultimate compliment." Part of the current US-Mexico border wall Credit: AFP Pena Nieto's office rejected that account. "President Enrique Pena Nieto has not recently communicated with President Donald Trump by phone," it said in a statement. It said the two leaders had last discussed migration issues when they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Germany on July 7. At the time, it said, Pena Nieto shared Mexican figures showing that 31 percent fewer Mexicans had been deported from the United States in the first half of 2017 compared to the year before, and that 47 percent fewer migrants had entered Mexico from Central and South America. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto talks to US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the G20 Credit: Getty The G20 sit-down was the first official meeting between the two presidents, whose relationship has been tense. In January, Mr Pena Nieto cancelled a trip to Washington in response to Mr Trump's insistence that Mexico pay for his planned border wall - plunging the countries' relations into their biggest crisis in decades. Nerves are still raw in Mexico over the wall, Mr Trump's attacks on Mexican immigrants as "criminals, drug dealers and rapists," and his insistence on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he accuses of shipping US jobs south of the border. (Reuters) - Michigan ended state oversight for Pontiac and Lincoln Park on Tuesday, citing improved financial operations for the Detroit-area cities. For Pontiac, where state intervention began in 2008, a receivership transition advisory board in place since 2013 was dissolved. A similar board created for Lincoln Park in 2015 was also terminated. The action by Michigan's Treasury Department gives officials in each city full local control of operations and finances, according to Governor Rick Snyder's office. Treasury officials said Pontiac ended fiscal 2016 with a $14 million general fund balance, while Lincoln Park eliminated its general fund deficit and made required pension payments. Michigan has put several cities, local governments, and school districts under various forms of oversight, including an emergency manager for Detroit. The city still reports to a financial review commission after it exited what was then the largest-ever municipal bankruptcy in 2014. In addition to Detroit and that city's public school system, three cities, one township and four school districts remain under state oversight. (Reporting by Karen Pierog in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis) The opioid epidemic is a national crisis. But what does that mean? To answer that, Yahoo News traveled to Middletown, Ohio a city once considered as ordinary as its name, more recently known for an explosion in opioid use and explored quantitative research about drugs, health care, and national public opinion. This is a problem so serious that it requires big data, so human that it needs a face. Here is what we found: Jack Barrett, a recovering heroin addict, attends group therapy at Groups in Middletown, Ohio. He credits this treatment center with saving his life. (Photograph by Mary F. Calvert for Yahoo News) For 16 of his 36 years, Jack Barrett has been a heroin addict. Today, he sits casually in a white plastic chair at Groups, the treatment center that he credits with saving his life. That was after he finally sought help for the first time after overdosing, and being revived with Narcan, eight times in seven days. He says that the problem was fentanyl, a synthetic opioid some 40 times more potent than heroin: Its not just heroin anymore. How did he start using? How does anyone start? I dont know. Its his first time getting help that sticks in his memory. Groups lies off Main Street and Central Avenue in Middletown, Ohio a city of 49,000 that the Butler County prosecutor calls the buckle of Middle America, the Butler County sheriff calls the Heartland and many people here seem to call home, unfortunately. Far from making him stand out, in Middletown Jacks addiction signifies his belonging. If youre young here, he explains, people just assume youre on heroin. Between 1999 and 2014, American overdose deaths involving opioids nearly quadrupled to 28,647 much of the increase driven by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. In 2015, the toll exceeded 33,000. In few places is the magnitude and the pervasiveness of the crisis more apparent than in Middletown, Ohio. Yet the epidemic here is not unique: Ohios opioid deaths per capita are the third, not the first, highest in the country, after West Virginia and New Hampshire; Butler Countys the third highest in the state. In 1957, the National Civic League named Middletown an all-American city. Today, Middletown is the microcosm of an American epidemic that threatens to make addiction, crime and poverty a national norm. The city offers a lesson in the speed and power with which addiction can sabotage a community. And while we can glean possible answers in Middletown, we also see the high odds against success. Story continues Everyone I know is on heroin, says a hunched, fidgeting mother of three, running her hand through dry hair that was once blond. She is waiting for the free breakfast offered by a local church. She goes to a methadone clinic three times a week. Her next-door neighbors have lost two kids to overdoses since May. Its not an epidemic. Its a pandemic, warns a recovering addict one table over, his eyes wide. According to local lore, Middletown derives its name from its position halfway between Dayton and Cincinnati. That geography now intensifies the opioid epidemic: As Gene Robinson, clean for most of the past 18 months, puts it, Middletown is stuck in between two major cities. Dayton is the drug capital of Ohio. Its easy access. And theres not a lot of work in town. In her living room half a mile from downtown Middletown, Robinsons fiancee, Terri Fugate, gets straight to the point: This here is a town full of addicts. She talks about prostitutes patrolling the streets; a young girl left for dead in a boarded-up house down the street; a man who overdosed while driving a gas truck. Her son Larry started using heroin when he was 19, at his older sisters house. He had just broken up with his girlfriend. His sister asked if he wanted to sit around moping all day or get high. She shot him up herself. Larry Fugate, left, a recovering heroin addict at home in Middletown, Ohio. Five months ago, his mom Terri Fugate resuscitated him after a heroin overdose. His mother sits with her fiance, Gene Robinson, also a recovering heroin addict. (Photograph by Mary F. Calvert for Yahoo News) Slideshow: In Middletown, addictions toll: Faces, places and headstones >>> Five months ago, Terri found her son overdosed and blue in his room. She administered CPR. I had to literally bring my baby back. It was the most scariest thing in the world. Larry was convicted shortly after that for forging a check. (It had worked a couple times before, he says. I knew I would get in trouble for it eventually.) He got out two days early because he opted to go on the Vivitrol shot a monthly injection that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. The two days didnt really matter to him: I just wanted the Vivitrol. Larry explains that a week before going to jail, he decided he was done chasing it. I woke up one morning and was like, Im not buying dope today. He says heroin was just too much money. His mother says he had hit his rock bottom. Gene, Terris square-jawed, handsome fiance, sits on the couch in a neat yellow polo. Gene turned to heroin in 2009 after finding his then-wife dead of a painkiller overdose. He tried to go on Vivitrol once, but it didnt work. You have to be clean for a week before starting, and that was too much: Its good for people who havent been on drugs for that long. But I cant do that. Now, Terri makes sure that he takes his Suboxone a prescription medication that relieves opiate withdrawal symptoms. Hes been on and off it for a year and a half. Hes an electrician, but with his record he has to stick to side jobs. The calendar in the kitchen room comes from Access Counseling Services: Terris birthday and the dog wash punctuate doctors appointments and treatment sessions. Terri is proud of her boys, Larry and Gene. Larry writes music a cross between spoken word and rap. He promises, in his latest lyrics, to repay his mothers efforts. I picked up the mic, he sings, and put the drugs down. I bawled, Terri says. She has cervical and lung cancer. Its crazy. Saying that while I smoke. I guess everyone has their s***. Terri is a recovering alcoholic. Her sister is in treatment for a heroin addiction. The sisters boyfriend talks about kicking his coke habit, and about his brother whos on meth. The laundry room overflows with stacks of clothes that Terri pulled out the day before for the homeless shelter down the street. They almost obscure the glass bureau filled with neat hardcovers: Catherine Coulter, Mary Higgins Clark, Nelson DeMille. Terri has read most of them but wants to get back to reading. Living Clean: The Journey Continues sits on the living room table. The smell of stale smoke lingers everywhere, clinging to the doilies and embroidered pillows. It defines this house in the same way that addiction defines this loving family and, with them, Middletown. Jack tells everyone he knows to go to Groups. This place is a lifesaver. He plasters fliers around his neighborhood. He took his brother here for one session, but it didnt stick. He wasnt ready. You need to want help, explains Jack. He continues to live with his brother, who still uses. _____ Emily de La Bruyere has written for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and the Daily Beast. She is a student at Sciences Po in Paris on the Michel David-Weill fellowship. Behind the white picket fences, heroin >>> For taxpayers, the drug epidemics bills come due >>> Addicts, families, doctors, cops all wonder: What works? Where do we go from here? >>> Photos: In Middletown, addictions toll: Faces, places and headstones >>> (Reuters) - An Ohio man who professed support for the Islamic State militant group was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday for soliciting the murder of U.S. military personnel, federal prosecutors said. Terrence McNeil, 24, of Akron, Ohio, had pleaded guilty in April to five counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence and five counts of making threatening interstate communications. McNeil was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Akron, according to court records. In a statement, the Justice Department said McNeil spread Islamic State's violent rhetoric, circulated information about U.S. military personnel, and explicitly called for them to be killed. According to prosecutors, in 2015 McNeil posted online "kill lists" with the names and addresses of 100 U.S. military members and asked others to murder them on behalf of Islamic State, to which he had professed support on social media. "Kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their streets thinking that they are safe," one of his online posts read, according to the Justice Department's statement. McNeil also researched the online prices of firearms for sale and possessed detailed bomb-making instructions, the statement said. (Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) By Todd Melby MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - At least one person was killed and nine others injured on Wednesday after a gas explosion ripped through a Christian private school in Minneapolis, starting a fire and causing a building to collapse, authorities said. A school employee was missing more than six hours after the 10:20 a.m. CDT blast at Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel told a news conference, and crews were searching the rubble in the hope of finding that person alive. "We still consider it a rescue at this point," Fruetel said, adding that the situation was "precarious" with two floors of unstable debris that could still collapse during the search. Fruetel declined to identify the person who was killed, but the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that it was Ruth Berg, a 47-year-old receptionist at the school who was engaged to be married. Family members told local news channel KARE that John Carlson, an 81-year-old custodian, was still missing and that no one had been able to reach him. The nine people who were injured were taken to local hospitals, and one was in critical condition, Fruetel said. Authorities said there were early indications that a ruptured gas line may have led to the explosion and that it was caused by contractors working at the school. The academy confirmed on Facebook that there had been a gas leak and explosion at its Upper School. "This is a day of extraordinary heartbreak in Minneapolis," Mayor Betsy Hodges told the news conference. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on Twitter that its agents, fire investigators and trained canines were at the site of the explosion. Phillip Day, 41, said that he, his wife and their 17-year-old daughter, Chimali, had been at the school meeting with a counselor to discuss college options when the explosion occurred. Day said that as they left a conference room, his daughter was blown back through the door by the force of the blast and his wife was scraped. Story continues Tramon Van Leer, 33, was in the gym at the Minnehaha Academy playing basketball with his stepdaughter and four other girls when they heard the blast. After they ran outside to safety, Van Leer said he looked back and, "Wow, the whole section of the school is gone." According to its website Minnehaha Academy, which was founded in 1913, teaches more than 800 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade on two campuses. (Additional reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles and Gina Cherelus in New York; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Matthew Lewis) For decades, Jogdas dreamed of moving to India to escape the persecution he suffered as a Hindu in Muslim Pakistan. But the reality of life over the border is a far cry from those dreams. Seventy years after partition unleashed the largest mass migration in human history, Hindus are still moving from Pakistan to India, where tens of thousands languish in makeshift camps near the border with no legal right to work. Many have no choice but to toil illegally in the stone quarries near where they live because their movements are strictly controlled by the authorities, suspicious of anyone from across the border. It is not the welcome most of them expected in Hindu-majority India. "No job, no house, no money, no food. There, we were working in the fields, we were farmers. But here people like us are forced to break rocks to earn a living," said 81-year-old Jogdas, who goes by just one name. "For us the partition is still not over. Hindus are still trying to come back to their country. And when they come here, they have nothing," he told AFP from the camp on the outskirts of the western city of Jodhpur where he lives. More than 15 million people were uprooted following India's independence from Britain in 1947, which triggered months of violence in which at least a million people were killed for their faith. Amid the bloody chaos, Hindus and Sikhs fled the newly formed Pakistan, as Muslims moved in the opposite direction. Despite the exodus, Hindus remain one of Pakistan's largest religious minorities. Estimates vary, but they are believed to account for around 1.6 percent of the population of roughly 200 million. Many say they face discrimination and even risk abduction, rape and forced marriage. "Soon after partition, the harassment started," said Jogdas, whose family had only moved to what is now Pakistan a few months before partition to escape a devastating drought. "There was not even a single day when we could live in peace. I wanted to come back to live with my Hindu brothers." Story continues - 'We are alone' - Most of the migrants to India come from Pakistan's Sindh province, taking a four-hour train journey through the Thar desert to Jodhpur in the arid western state of Rajasthan. That they share the culture, food and language of Rajasthan should make it easy for them to assimilate in their adopted homeland. In reality, they live in isolated camps, far from local communities and are treated with suspicion by authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government has said it wants to make it easier for persecuted adherents of the faith to find refuge in India. Last year it changed the rules to allow immigrants to apply for citizenship in the state where they live, rather than having to go through the central government. Hindus from Pakistan qualify for a fast track to citizenship after seven years in the country. But bureaucratic delays have meant the process of getting it can take longer to complete. Khanaramji, 64, became an Indian citizen in 2005 after fleeing Pakistan in 1997. He said many others had given up and returned to Pakistan, disillusioned by life in India. "There is no assistance from the government. We are just like cattle with no owners. We are just surviving on our own," he said. - 'Life becomes hell' - Worse even than the poverty is the suspicion from authorities. "Those who do not have citizenship are harassed by (intelligence) agencies. They are always treated like suspects and agents of Pakistan," said Khanaramji, who goes by only one name. "They spend most of what they earn on going to police stations and agency offices." Hindu Singh Sodha, who runs a charity in Jodhpur for Pakistani Hindus seeking to settle in India, said they had high hopes of Modi when he came to office in 2014, but had been disappointed. The migrants still come under increased scrutiny whenever tensions flare between India and Pakistan -- a frequent occurrence under the Modi government. "Their life becomes hell," he said. "Because everything is affected. Their shelter, healthcare, access to education, their livelihood." But some feel even that is worth tolerating. Horoji fled to India with his two adult sons two years ago after receiving death threats from the family's Muslim neighbours in Pakistan. "To save our lives, we had to run to India," said 65-year-old Horoji, whose grandparents were originally from present-day India but found themselves on the wrong side of the border at partition. "My grandfather had gone to the other side for work. But he had told us to move to India when the right time comes as he had sensed times would not be safe for Hindus in future." At the New York premiere of the Netflix series Marvels The Defenders, star Krysten Ritter was certainly turning heads with a skintight red sequined cutout dress that was more Jessica Rabbit than Jessica Jones. But there was another heroine on the red carpet who deserves a little more attention: Lila Darville, wife of actor Eka Darville, who wore a black halter top that bared her very pregnant belly in a surprisingly elegant manner. VALLEJO -- A former Vallejo employee pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to soliciting a bribe as an agent of a program receiving federal funds, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento said. Donald Burton, 51, of Vallejo faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on Nov. 7 by U.S. District Court Judge John A. Mendez, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said. Burton worked as a landscape manager in the Vallejo Public Works Engineering Division and regularly contracted with local landscape companies doing business with the City of Vallejo. Vallejo received substantial federal funding, including more than $500,000 in Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Burton solicited a 10-percent kickback last spring in exchange for steering contracts to the owner of a maintenance company, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The company's owner contacted the FBI in March and met undercover with Burton during meetings in April and May. During the meetings, Burton directed the business owner to add five extra workdays to a 10-day contract so he and the business owner could share the profit, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Burton said the excess workdays in the contracts generally came to $5,000, and he agreed to take $2,000, according to the prosecution. Burton was arrested on June 7 when he took the $2,000 payment from the undercover maintenance company. By Ginger Gibson and David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Three top Democratic senators, in a rare show of bipartisanship, on Wednesday urged U.S. President Donald Trump to stand up to China as he prepares to launch an inquiry into Beijing's intellectual property and trade practices in coming days. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer pressed the Republican president to skip the investigation and go straight to trade action against China. "We should certainly go after them," said Schumer in a statement. Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio also urged Trump to rein in China. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated in recent months as Trump has pressed China to cut steel production to ease global oversupply and rein in North Korea's missile program. Sources familiar with the current discussions said Trump was expected to issue a presidential memorandum in coming days, citing Chinese theft of intellectual property as a problem. The European Union, Japan, Germany and Canada have all expressed concern over China's behavior on intellectual property theft. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer would then initiate an investigation under the Trade Act of 1974's Section 301, which allows the president to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions to protect U.S. industries, the sources said. It is unclear whether such a probe would result in trade sanctions against China, which Beijing would almost certainly challenge before the World Trade Organization. U.S. Section 301 investigations have not led to trade sanctions since the WTO was launched in 1995. In the 1980s, Section 301 tariffs were levied against Japanese motorcycles, steel and other products. "This could merely be leverage for bilateral negotiations," James Bacchus, a former WTO chief judge and USTR official, said of a China intellectual property probe. Some trade lawyers said that WTO does not have jurisdiction over investment rules such as China's requirements that foreign companies transfer technology to their joint venture partners, allowing sanctions to proceed outside the WTO's dispute settlement system. But Bacchus argued the United States has an obligation to turn first to the Geneva-based institution to resolve trade disputes, adding: "There is an obligation in WTO to enforce intellectual property rights that is not fully explored." Lighthizer and Trump's Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, have complained the WTO is slow to resolve disputes and biased against the United States. The threat comes at a time when Trump has become increasingly frustrated with the level of support from Beijing to pressure Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and missile program. Trump has said in the past that China would get better treatment on trade with the United States if it acted more forcefully against Pyongyang. Beijing has said its influence on North Korea is limited. China counters that trade between the two nations benefits both sides, and that Beijing is willing to improve trade ties. A senior Chinese official said on Monday there was no link between North Korea's nuclear program and China-U.S. trade. Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Lighthizer urging action to stop China from pressuring U.S. tech companies into giving up intellectual property rights. Wyden's state of Oregon is home to several companies that could make a case regarding intellectual property rights and China, including Nike Inc and FLIR Systems Inc. (Addiitonal reporting by Steve Holland, Lesley Wroughton and David Lawder; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Lisa Shumaker) The remains of a young Massachusetts father, who mysteriously disappeared nine months ago, have been found inside an airtight container on a Coast Guard boat, authorities said. Family members identified the body of 24-year-old Matt Amsler, who vanished in October after undergoing a bad reaction to medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, relatives said. Read: WWII Airman Returned to Family 70 Years After His Death as Remains Are Found Embedded in Tree His wife, Catherine, reported him missing after he failed to return home from work. The couple has a 2-year-old daughter, Emma. A GoFundMe page established to help pay the familys expenses appealed to the public for help in finding the man, who lived in Chatham, Mass. He loves his wife, and daughter and would never intentionally do anything to hurt his family, read a November post. However, right now he is not himself, and he may not be fully aware of his actions. We need to find him, we need to bring him home, and we need to continue to help him through treatment! the message said. Chatham police continued searching for Amsler without luck as Thanksgiving and Christmas passed, and then Emma's second birthday in April. On Monday, U.S. Coast Guard personnel inspecting a retired lifeboat on display in Chatham discovered human remains and contacted police. Mike Trudeau, first assistant district attorney with the Cape and Islands DAs Office, said the 44-foot motor lifeboat was on Coast Guard property that was open to the public. Read: Man Said His 5-Year-Old Son Vanished in a Park Pleads Guilty to Murdering Him Workers conducting a drill opened a closed compartment that was apparently airtight and watertight, Trudeau told InsideEdition.com Tuesday. Inside was the decomposed body. Autopsy results are pending, Trudeau said. Authorities have not publicly identified the body. The GoFundMe page bore sad news Monday with a post identifying the remains as belonging to Amsler. This, of course, was not the ending we wished or hoped for, the announcement read. Story continues We thank you all for keeping him in your thoughts and our family in your prayers. The post went on to say that Amsler had crawled inside the compartment while seeking shelter from a storm and apparently died due to a lack of air. Donations are now being sought to cover the mans funeral costs. Watch: College Football Player's Body Found 1 Year After He Disappeared in Lake Tahoe Related Articles: By Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A ban on travel by U.S. passport holders to North Korea will take effect on Sept. 1 and Americans in the country should leave before that date, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday. Journalists and humanitarian workers may apply for exceptions to the ban, the department said in a public notice. The U.S. government last month said it would bar Americans from traveling to North Korea due to the risk of "long-term detention" there. The ban comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and North Korea, which has been working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States. North Korea will become the only country to which Americans are banned from traveling. American student Otto Warmbier, sentenced last year to 15 years' hard labor in North Korea, returned to the United States in a coma on June 13 after being released on humanitarian grounds, and died June 19. The circumstances surrounding his death are not clear, including why he fell into a coma. North Korea has said through its state media that Warmbier's death was "a mystery" and dismissed accusations that he had died as a result of torture and beating in captivity. The State Department issued a notice in the Federal Register on Wednesday declaring U.S. passports invalid for travel to, in or through North Korea. The restriction takes effect in 30 days, and applies for one year unless extended or revoked by the secretary of state. "Persons currently in North Korea on a U.S. passport should depart North Korea before the travel restriction enters into effect on Friday, September 1, 2017," the department said in a statement. Professional reporters or journalists, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross or the American Red Cross traveling on official missions, those traveling to North Korea for "compelling humanitarian considerations" and those whose requests are "in the national interest" may ask for a special validation of their passports in order to travel to the country, the State Department said. North Korea is currently holding two Korean-American academics and a missionary, a Canadian pastor and three South Korean nationals who were doing missionary work. Japan says North Korea has also detained at least several dozen of its nationals. (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati, David Brunnstrom and David Alexander; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and James Dalgleish) Paris (AFP) - The first flower to appear along the path of plant evolution, during the time of the dinosaurs, was a hermaphrodite with petal-like organs arranged in concentric circles, researchers said Monday. The bloom had both male and female reproductive organs at the centre, surrounded by multiple layers or "whorls" of petal-like parts called tepals, arranged in sets of three per layer, they wrote in the journal Nature Communications. The reconstruction, based on the largest dataset of flower traits ever assembled -- from 792 existing species -- challenges scientific assumptions that the ancestral flower would have had its sex organs and "petals" arranged in a spiral. Most flowers today have four "whorls" -- the outer leaves or sepals, followed by the petals, which enclose the male organs called stamens, with the female organs or carpels at the centre. The ancestral flower likely did not have separate sepals and petals, instead sporting tepals -- a mix between the two -- around the sex organs at the centre. Modern flowers with tepals rather than petals include tulips and lilies. "The results are really exciting," said Maria von Balthazar, a floral morphology expert at the University of Vienna, who took part in the research. "This is the first time that we have a clear vision for the early evolution of flowers across all angiosperms" -- the scientific term for flowering plants. We still do not know the flower's colour, what it smelled like, or its size -- presumed to have been less than a centimetre (0.4 inches) in diameter. Experts believe that land plants emerged from ancestral water plants about 470 million years ago -- more than three billion years after the first life is thought to have emerged when Earth was about a billion years old. - Tree or shrub - The first seed plant -- the group that includes flowering plants and cone-bearing ones -- likely emerged about 320 million years ago, when there were diverse animals on land and at sea, but not yet dinosaurs, mammals or birds. Story continues The oldest-known fossils of flowering plants date from about 140 million years ago -- during the age of the dinosaurs which went extinct some 66 million years ago. Since then, the first flower has evolved into at least 300,0000 species that include almost all plant types used by people for food, medicine and other purposes, said the research team. Flowering plants represent about 90 percent of all plants on Earth. In 1879, evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin famously described the flower's rapid rise and diversification during the Cretaceous geological era as an "abominable mystery". The team combined DNA data and a vast library of plant traits to compile a detailed evolutionary tree leading back to the last common ancestor. "The flower grew (on) only one type of plant, the ancestral species of all living, flowering plants," co-author Herve Sauquet of the Universite Paris-Sud in France told AFP. "Not many people have looked into the question of what kind of plant this was, but according to previous work it was probably a small tree or shrub." The team stressed that although their reconstruction presents the closest picture of the ancestral flower yet, much remains to be uncovered by future research. By Darren Staples PASSCHENDAELE, Belgium (Reuters) - Relatives read letters and diary excerpts from soldiers who died in the World War One battle of Passchendaele when they gathered on Monday for a ceremony to mark 100 years since the start of one of the war's bloodiest offensives. Politicians and royalty joined relatives of the dead for the centenary of the 103-day battle in western Belgium in which more than half a million Allied and German troops were killed or wounded. The brutal clash, which became a symbol of the horrors of the war, began on July 31, 1917 when Britain launched an assault against German forces who were holding the plateau overlooking the Belgium city of Ypres. Hit by heavy rain, the campaign transformed the Flanders lowlands into a mud-churned swamp rendering tanks immobile and virtually paralyzing the infantry. Some 4,000 relatives of the soldiers who fought there gathered at the Tyne Cot Cemetery near Ypres, where nearly 12,000 Commonwealth dead are buried. They were joined by Britain's Prince Charles, Prince William, his wife Kate, Prime Minister Theresa May, and Belgian King and Queen Philippe and Mathilde. At the service, Prince Charles honored the "courage and bravery" of those killed and said the gathering was "to promise we will never forget." Military personnel and descendants read out letters and diary excerpts penned by many of those who died. The ceremony concluded with a fly-past by the Belgian air force in a "missing man" formation. Prince William paid tribute on Sunday at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres to those "who sacrificed everything for the lives we live today." As he spoke, thousands of paper poppies were dropped from the roof of the gate, which is engraved with the names of 54,391 British soldiers who have no known grave. (Writing by Fanny Potkin; Editing by Richard Balmforth) On Russian television station NTV, reporter Nikita Razvozzhayev ran into just a little bit of trouble while covering Paratroopers Day celebrations at a park in Moscow. Paratroopers Day is for celebrating airborne service members past and present. Along with the celebration comes heavy alcohol consumption, the occasional fight, and now a drunk guy punching a reporter on live TV while apparently yelling about conquering Ukraine. Soon after Razvozzhayev began his report, a large man began yelling and apparently cursing, based on the bleeps in the video, and got very close to the reporter. Razvozzhayev said something to the man, then turned back to the camera. Then the man unexpectedly punched Razvozzhayev hard in the side of the face. Razvozzhayev took the punch, a little dazed, but stayed on his feet and walked away from the man. The cameraman, for his part, didnt try to stop any further attack, deciding instead to zoom out to a wide shot and record whatever was going to happen next. Watch this Russian couples pet bear eat at the breakfast table with them: Read more from Yahoo TV: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter. By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A leading Senate Democrat on Tuesday accused U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions of concealing policy recommendations that could change how the Justice Department enforces laws on illegal immigration, drug trafficking and violent crime. In a letter to Sessions, Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden said the Justice Department should release recommendations made by the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety, noting that the policy changes could end up hurting Americans. "These [Justice Department] decisions could have dramatic and wide-ranging consequences for Americans' daily lives," Wyden wrote, noting that the task force's work could impact everything from marijuana and asset forfeiture policies to hate crimes, immigration and human trafficking. "Yet Americans remain in the dark about the content of the task force's recommendations." The Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety was established through an executive order by President Donald Trump in February. Names of those serving on the task force have not been published, and the group was supposed to deliver its recommendations by July 27. In a public statement last week, Sessions said he had received recommendations "on a rolling basis" and he had already "been acting on the task force's recommendations to set the policy of the department." A Justice Department spokesman referred to Sessions' prior statement when asked for comment, saying the department will "make announcements on policy changes as appropriate." The department has already announced a few policy changes that stem from the task force's work. Earlier this month, for instance, the department said it plans to reinstate a controversial civil asset forfeiture program that lets local police departments seize cash from people without first charging them with a crime, even if their states do not condone such a policy. The policy had been rolled back during the Obama administration amid concerns it was allowing the government to take away peoples' property without due process. In May, the department also undid another Obama-era policy to allow for tougher charges and longer prison sentences. Wyden, whose state voted to legalize the use of recreational marijuana, said he was particularly concerned about the "secrecy shrouding" recommendations related to the drug. Sessions has previously made critical comments about marijuana use. "It is not the role of the Attorney General to unilaterally undermine the will of Oregon voters," he wrote. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Thousands of Shiite protesters chanted slogans against the Islamic State group Wednesday as they carried the coffins of victims of a mosque attack that killed 33 people in the western Afghan city of Herat. Up to 5,000 angry mourners, including relatives of the dead, congregated near the site of Tuesday's suicide bomb attack as IS claimed responsiblity for the latest atrocity targeting the minority community. "Death to Daesh (IS)!" and "Down with fundamentalism", the demonstrators chanted, as the coffins were brought one by one and placed in a refrigerated lorry near the Jawadya mosque. The mourners, who then marched to the cemetery to bury their dead, also demanded that the government bring the perpetrators to justice and pledged to "take revenge" if it did not. Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for the governor of Herat province, said the death toll from the attack, in which two suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the packed mosque, had risen to 33. Another 66 were wounded. It came a day after IS claimed a deadly assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul as it extends its footprint in the war-torn country. Underscoring the nation's insecurity, a Taliban suicide bomber on Wednesday rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces in the restive southern province of Kandahar, killing two US soldiers. Shiites, a minority of around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted by IS jihadists over the last year. They accuse police and troops of failing to protect them. "I lost all my loved ones, they even killed children as young as seven. This wasn't an attack on Shiites, this was an attack on all Afghans, all Muslims," Farhad Dost, whose cousin died in the assault, told AFP. Members of the Shiite community said police had fled their checkpost, around 100 metres from the mosque, after the two attackers struck at around 8:00 pm (1530 GMT) on Tuesday. Story continues - 'Died in my hands' - Angry locals then clashed with the police and set the checkpost on fire, according to witnesses who reported that officers opened fire, injuring some demonstrators. The governor's spokesman said the police chief of the district had been suspended for "negligence" and a delegation from Kabul had been sent to investigate the attack. In a statement Wednesday, IS's propaganda outlet Amaq claimed the group had killed "around 50 Shiites" and wounded 80 more in the attack, which also left young children dead. Witnesses described scenes of terror and chaos, with emergency wards overwhelmed and survivors rushing victims to hospital in their own vehicles and even on foot. "There weren't enough ambulances... I tried to take a small child to hospital but he died in my hands," Ali, who only gave one name, told AFP. Farhad Afshar rushed to the mosque, where worshippers had gathered for prayers, after hearing the explosion. "When I arrived the mosque was full of flesh and blood. I saw a mother crying and searching for her two children. She found one them wounded inside the mosque, the other was found dead in an ambulance," he told AFP. Quoting survivors, he said the attackers first opened fire on the worshippers, then threw grenades before finally blowing themselves up inside the mosque. IS has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks killing dozens of Shiites in Kabul over the past year, including twin explosions in July 2016 that ripped through crowds of Shiite Hazaras, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. burs-pdh/aph A woman was killed and five children were seriously injured in a solo vehicle rollover crash on state Highway 12 in unincorporated Solano County on Tuesday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol. All of the occupants of the 1999 Ford Taurus were ejected in the crash on westbound Highway 12 near Nurse Slough Road south of Suisun City around 5:30 p.m., CHP Officer David Harvey said. The children between 3 months old and 8 years old suffered major injuries and were taken to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland. The female driver allowed the Ford to travel onto the dirt shoulder of Highway 12 where it overturned a number of times. She died from her injuries at a hospital at 6:45 p.m., Harvey said. The crash is still under investigation. SoundCloud is one of the worlds most popular music services. Its kind of like the YouTube for music, in that it lets anyone post any kind of audio: rough cuts from famous musicians, mixes from obscure DJs, independent tracks of every kind. Every month, 175 million people dip in for free listening to cool new music. Unfortunately, nowhere in that description will you find any indication of how such a service makes money. And SoundCloud isnt making enough. It may need to find a wealthy company to acquire it so it can survive. In 2015, the company lost $52 million, and now things are looking grim. Last month, SoundCloud laid off 40% of its staff, and closed its offices in San Francisco and London. A devastating TechCrunch article on July 12 estimated it had enough cash to last for, at best, another 80 days. The company has tried advertising; its tried a Spotify-style subscription service; three times, its reportedly been at the negotiation table to sell itself to a bigger companyTwitter (TWTR), Deezer, and Spotify. Each time, the deal fell apart when SoundCloud set a price that was too high for the buyer. Meanwhile, a group called the Archive Team, whose specialty is backing up services that are shutting down, like GeoCities and Google Video, has promised to back up SoundCloud. (SoundCloud has ordered them to stop, insisting that its future is fine.) At this moment, Bloomberg says that SoundCloud is in talks to be bought by two unnamed private equity firms; if that deal goes through, SoundCloud would soldier on that way, but lose its independence. SoundCloud has that long history of killing deals, but it would do well to remember that YouTube itself would probably not be around if Google hadnt bought it. Sometimes, the only way a struggling artist can surviveor struggling artists platformis by teaming up with a wealthier partner. If it worked for patrons in Mozarts era, it can work now. More from David Pogue: Is through-the-air charging a hoax? Story continues Electrify your existing bike in 2 minutes with these ingenious wheels Marty Cooper, inventor of the cellphone: The next step is implantables The David Pogue Review: Windows 10 Creators Update Now I get it: Bitcoin David Pogues search for the worlds best air-travel app The little-known iPhone feature that lets blind people see with their fingers David Pogue, tech columnist for Yahoo Finance, welcomes nontoxic comments in the comments section below. On the web, hes davidpogue.com. On Twitter, hes @pogue. On email, hes poguester@yahoo.com. You can read all his articles here, or you can sign up to get his columns by email. Washington (AFP) - It may not yet be a full-blown divorce, but the relationship between Donald Trump and the Republican Party is fast unraveling, threatening the president's prospects of steering legislation through Congress. Trump took barely 18 months to conquer the party of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, swatting aside more traditional challengers as he seized the Republican White House nomination in last year's US election. But six months into his presidency, his disconnect with many in his party is clear, after the departure of two party stalwarts from the White House and the public shaming of his own attorney general. And after a recent humiliating defeat in the Senate on health reforms, party insiders are warning Trump can expect similar setbacks unless he learns to work constructively with Republicans on Capitol Hill. "His presidency will only be successful if he has allies throughout the government, and that includes the legislative branch," said Alex Conant, a former senior aide to Senator Marco Rubio. "If he spends his entire presidency at war with Congress, it will be a very unfulfilling four years," added Conant, who classed the current relationship between party and president as "awkward." With chief of staff Reince Priebus and White House spokesman Sean Spicer -- both party insiders -- exiting within a week of each other, few senior Republicans remain among Trump's inner circle, besides Vice President Mike Pence. And while Pence -- a former lawmaker in the House -- acts as a bridge to Congress, it's far from clear how much the president is seeking his advice. After the health debacle, instead of regrouping with Republican senators to find a common way forward, Trump rebuked them on Twitter, saying they would be "total quitters" if they abandoned his reforms. - Offense taken - Establishment Republicans have long winced at the probe into Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 presidential race and the swirling allegations into whether his campaign colluded with the Kremlin. Story continues More recently, they have taken offense at the president's attacks on his Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Republican senator who has significant support among congressional conservatives. As pressure mounts on Trump, senior figures are becoming bolder in their criticism. Senator Jeff Flake has urged Republicans to speak out if the president plays to his populist base in ways that damage the party's ability "to speak to a larger audience." As a former Republican National Committee chairman, Priebus had impeccable connections and so his ouster last week has deprived the White House of a valuable link with Capitol Hill. Spicer -- who went a week earlier -- was also a long-time Republican insider who owed his position as Trump's mouthpiece more to his party connections than his close relations with the president. In Priebus's place, Trump brought in John Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general who has little experience in dealing with Republican lawmakers in either the House of Representatives or Senate. Other key White House staff -- such as chief strategist Steve Bannon, a former head of the fiercely right-wing Breitbart News media outlet -- are also far removed from the Republican establishment. The president's chief economic advisor, former Goldman Sachs president Gary Cohn, is a registered Democrat who has donated to both parties. Trump's daughter and son-in-law Ivanka and Jared Kushner, both senior advisors, are self-styled New York progressives. The little trust that existed in the first place between Trump and the Republican establishment may well have been shaken in the president's first six months in office. But Richard Keil, a former Washington-based strategist who now works with the Hill + Knowlton consultancy, said ties were not necessarily beyond repair as long as the two sides could identify shared goals, such as tax reforms. "If he can help them deliver what they want, that repairs relations pretty quickly," Keil said. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday when their convoy came under attack in Kandahar province, Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. He did not immediately provide further information. Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday that a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the convoy near the Kandahar airport, home to a major military base for international troops helping Afghan security forces in their battle against the Taliban insurgency. (Reporting by Phil Stewart) The formerly al-Qaeda affiliated Tahrir al-Sham released three Hezbollah fighters on August 1 as part of ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, according to Hezbollah-affiliated media. Buses arrived to Tahrir al-Sham-controlled areas of Lebanons Arsal on August 2 to carry thousands of fighters and their families to opposition areas in northern Syria. Hezbollah also received five bodies of its fighters from Tahrir al-Sham on Sunday, July 31, as part of the deals first stage, Syrian state media said. The completion of the second stage, the evacuations, was delayed in order to allow more buses to arrive. Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched a wide-scale operation against Tahrir al-Sham in the Arsal area on July 21. A ceasefire took effect last Thursday, July 27. Credit: War Media via Storyful The Iran nuclear deal is deeply flawed. Its duration is too short, and it fails to require of Tehran the universally agreed-upon minimum for effective verification a complete and correct declaration of all relevant activities. Nonetheless, it would be a mistake for President Donald Trump to renounce it now, as he is reportedly contemplating. First, the deals short duration is problematic. President Barack Obama himself warned, [A] relevant fear would be that in year 13, 14, 15, [Iran has] advanced centrifuges that enrich uranium fairly rapidly, and at that point, the breakout times would have shrunk almost down to zero. Tearing up the deal now would only compound this problem. Trump should be seeking a longer deal, not a shorter one. Worse, with the unfreezing of hundreds of billions of dollars in assets and approval of like amounts of investments and commercial transactions, Iran has already gained enormous benefits from the agreement, while the other parties have not. In real estate terms, walking away now would be like putting down a two-month deposit and six months of prepaid rent, and then abandoning an apartment after a few weeks. Irans benefits from the deal were immediate and permanent, whereas those that may accrue to the other parties are deferred and temporary. Second, if the United States destroyed the Iran nuclear deal, it would be impossible to reassemble the international coalition necessary to impose effective sanctions. China and Russia would certainly press ahead with the commercial deals they have been busy signing. Their willingness to do business with Tehran alone, not to mention the vetoes they wield in the U.N. Security Council, would be enough to undermine fatally any attempt to re-impose sanctions. Thus, tearing up the deal now would give Iran the best of all worlds: freedom from sanctions and unlimited enrichment efforts. Third, Britain, France, and Germany vigorously oppose ending the deal they helped to negotiate, and therefore doing so would deepen the fissures that already threaten North Atlantic alliances. Russian President Vladimir Putins primary strategic objective is to fracture NATO, and tearing up the Iran deal would hand Moscow an important victory in that campaign. Story continues Lingering frustration over the Iran deal is understandable. It was badly oversold. While Obama said, Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off, he knew that restrictions on enrichment capacity would fade away eight to 13 years from now. The administration promised anytime-anywhere inspections, but did not deliver. The deal was also rammed through Congress under jury-rigged procedures, despite opposition by a bipartisan majority of both houses. Moreover, Iran is almost daily salting these wounds with missile tests, aggressive regional policies, and continuing support for terrorism. Frustration about the deal, however, would be best directed toward three positive actions. First, the accord must be enforced rigorously, but has not been. Second, the United States will need to map out and build a consensus for actions that will be necessary to deter Tehran from fulfilling its plans to deploy almost twenty times the enrichment capacity at which it was operating when the agreement was finalized. This will require a sophisticated, multiyear diplomatic campaign. Third, Irans long-range missile program, which given its inaccuracy only makes sense when paired with nuclear weapons, must be curbed. Those are objectives that our allies can endorse and ones that we will need their help to achieve. Absent those actions, Trumps successor will face an Iran only days from the ability to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, unfettered by international sanctions and fortified by renewed oil revenues. Tearing up the deal now would only hasten that perilous day. Photo credit: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images Divers have recovered the main telegraph machine from the Lusitania, the wreck at the center of one of the most infamous maritime disasters of the 20th century. Irish heritage officials confirmed that the telegraph was recovered and brought to the surface Tuesday (July 25) and is now undergoing conservation on land. [Sunken Treasures: The Curious Science of 7 Famous Shipwrecks] The bronze artifact was "undamaged and in excellent condition," Heather Humphreys, Ireland's minister for culture, heritage and the Gaeltacht (areas where Irish is still spoken), said in a statement. The Lusitania was the largest ship in the world when it made its maiden voyage in 1907. The British ship was bound forLiverpool after a transatlantic crossing in 1915, when it was struck by a torpedo from a German submarine off the southeast coast of Ireland during World War I. It sank in just 18 minutes. Of the 1,962 passengers and crew aboard at the time, 1,198 died, most of them from drowning and hypothermia. The attack on civilians prompted diplomatic outrage. Munitions have been found at the wreck site, but it's still up for debate whether the ship was a legitimate military target. As 128 Americans were killed in the disaster, the event helped push the United States into World War I. The 787-foot-long (240 meters) shipwreck now lies on its starboard side, at a depth of about 300 feet (91 m) off the coast of County Cork. Retired American venture capitalist Gregg Bemis has been the sole owner of the wreck since 1982 and has occasionally clashed with the Irish government over his plans to explore the wreck and recover artifacts, according to a profile in Fortune. Bemis is particularly interested in investigating the cause of the second explosion that rocked the Lusitania after the initial torpedo strike, which could help to explain what made the ship sink so quickly. The telegraph was recovered and brought to the surface on July 25, 2017. DAHRRGA The successful recovery of the telegraph comes after a failed attempt to raise the artifact along with its pedestal in July 2016. Details of that botched mission came to light in March, when an Irish parliamentary committee heard that a diver working on behalf of Bemis lost the telegraph when the lift bag bringing the artifact to the surface burst. Ireland's National Monuments Service was criticized for allowing the private operation to go ahead without an archaeologist present. Story continues Recreational divers spotted the lost telegraph this month and marked its position on the seabed. Bemis and government officials gave approval for the artifact to be brought to the surfacethis time, under the supervision of an archaeologist, according to the announcement from Humphreys. Bemis plans to put the telegraph and the pedestal on display in a local museum, along with other artifacts that have been recovered during earlier dives, "which is great news for the local community," Humphreys said. Editor's Note: This article was updated to clarify that munitions were found at the site, though there is debate over whether the ship was a military target. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia Aug. 5 to Aug. 9, the State Department said on Tuesday. Tillerson will participate in meetings of diplomats of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila, and discuss "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maritime security, and counterterrorism," the State Department said. In Thailand, Tillerson will pay his respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016, and discuss the U.S.-Thai relationship with officials there. In Malaysia, he will discuss bilateral relations with officials. "Secretary Tillerson's travel reaffirms the Administration's commitment to further broaden and enhance U.S. economic and security interests in the Asia-Pacific region," the State Department said. (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati) Nairobi (AFP) - A top official overseeing Kenya's electronic voting system was found tortured to death just over a week before national polls, the election commission's chairman said Monday. Rights groups reacted with outrage, with one saying the victim had received death threats and demanding a quick inquiry into the death of the official, who had a key role in combating election fraud. The body of Chris Msando, an information technology manager at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), was identified at the city morgue. "There was no doubt he was tortured and murdered," IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati told reporters. "The only question in our mind is who (killed him) and why he was killed a few days to elections." Msando was in charge of a system of electronic voter identification and ballot counting seen as crucial to avoid rigging. He was the number two in the commission's IT department. All eyes are on the electronic system ahead of August 8 polls because its crash in 2013 led the opposition to accuse the election commission of rigging the election. Msando's death follows a mysterious attack at the home of deputy president William Ruto on Saturday, northwest of Nairobi. Police say a lone assailant killed one officer, wounded another, then held off security forces for nearly 24 hours before being killed. Msando had helped seal loopholes that could be used to manipulate vote tallies, a source close to the IEBC told AFP. Human Rights Watch called for his death to be urgently investigated. "Msando's killing comes as the electoral management body was due to audit its systems, a week away from the election day," said the group's Africa researcher Otsieno Namwaya in a statement. Chebukati announced the cancellation of that audit after Msando's killing. - 'Death threats' - The Kenya section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) also called for an investigation. Story continues "Prior to his death, Mr Msando reported death threats to the central police station and the police did not provide him detailed security," it said. "ICJ Kenya is deeply concerned with the continued unexplained insecurity incidents across the country and the extrajudicial killings." Msando was declared missing over the weekend. In an earlier statement, Chebukati said Msando was last seen Friday night and had sent a text message to a colleague early Saturday suggesting "that he was conscious and fully aware of his itinerary for that day". A mortuary employee said Msando's body was brought in by police on Saturday alongside that of a woman. Both were naked and appeared to have been tortured before their bodies were dumped in a forest in Kiambu outside Nairobi. It was unclear why it took 48 hours for his body to be identified. Msando acted as the head of the IEBC's IT department in May after its director was suspended for 30 days for failing to comply with government auditors. He had recently appeared on television, explaining the voting system and assuring viewers that the polls would be successful. - 'Heinous murder' - Tensions have risen in Kenya ahead of the presidential election, a bad-tempered and tight race between President Uhuru Kenyatta and longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga. Both sides have accused the other of underhand tactics; the president says Odinga is trying to divide the nation and provoke violence, while the opposition leader claims Kenyatta plans to rig the poll. Odinga's opposition alliance condemned the "heinous murder" of Msando, saying in a statement they were "gravely concerned" about its implications. "That no effort was made to camouflage this killing as an accident shows the determination of the killers to send a chilling message that they will stop at nothing to ensure the outcome they desire," read the statement. While 2013's polls were largely peaceful, Kenya remains traumatised by a disputed 2007 election, which Odinga claimed was rigged. Two months of ethnic clashes and a crackdown on protests left 1,100 dead in east Africa's richest economy, which had been seen as a bastion of stability in the region. WASHINGTON President Trump backed a sweeping plan Wednesday to halve legal immigration to the United States, flanked by the two Republican senators who crafted the bill. As a candidate I campaigned on creating a merit-based immigration system, Trump said. He added that the legislation, called the RAISE Act, would be the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century. The president said that the bill shows compassion to struggling American families and that it would give American workers a pay raise by reducing unskilled immigration. Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and David Perdue, R-Ga., first floated a version of the bill back in February. They proposed cutting the number of green cards given to family members of U.S. citizens by half and eliminating the annual visa diversity lottery that gives 50,000 green cards to people in nations without significant immigration levels to the U.S. The bill would allow U.S. citizens to sponsor their minor children and spouses for legal status, but not their parents, adult children or siblings. (Some exceptions would be made for sick older parents.) That would likely reduce the number of new legal immigrants to the United States per year from roughly 1 million to 500,000. While the senators and Trump are billing the legislation as a way to make the U.S. immigration system more based upon skills and merit, the bill does not route any of the eliminated family green cards into the merit system. In designing the legislation, Perdue said lawmakers were inspired by the merit-based immigration systems of Canada and other developed countries. But Canada, which is nearly 10 times smaller than the United States, admitted more jobs-based permanent residents in 2015 than the United States would under this Trump-backed bill. Asked by Yahoo News about this gap, Perdue said his bill is just the first step to fixing the immigration system and he would consider increasing the number of skills-based green cards later. Story continues President Trump speaks about immigration at the White House on Wednesday. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters) The revamped bill Trump helped unveil Wednesday goes a step further than the original, transferring the 140,000 employer-based green cards currently given out per year to a points-based system that gives applicants extra credit for language skills, for holding advanced degrees, and other factors. The revised bill also allows for a one-year grace period for the millions of family-based green card applicants who have been waiting for years, and in some cases more than a decade, to immigrate. Most of the people who have been waiting in line for years will still see their petitions erased under the legislation, however, but would be allotted extra points if they applied for a skills-based visa. The reforms in the RAISE Act will help ensure that newcomers to our wonderful country will be assimilated [and] will succeed, Trump said. Cotton said the current immigration system is an obsolete disaster and needs to be fixed. Later on, White House aide Stephen Miller explained the legislation to reporters at the White House briefing. In response to a question, Miller said Trump would not stop bringing over foreign workers to staff his businesses to set an example, because those workers do not receive green cards, but rather visas that do not lead to citizenship. He then got into an extended back and forth with CNN reporter Jim Acosta about the poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty and whether a merit-based system was in line with American values. Groups that favor lowering legal and illegal immigration levels praised Trump for endorsing the plan. Seeing the president standing with the bills sponsors at the White House gives hopes to tens of millions of struggling Americans in stagnant jobs or outside the labor market altogether, said NumbersUSA president Roy Beck in a statement. The bill faces a very steep climb in the Senate, where nearly all the Democrats and several Republicans have backed paths to legalization for undocumented immigrants. Also, many Republicans see a need for robust legal immigration in order to keep the economy and U.S. population growing. The bill contains no hint of compromise for the other side neither a modest increase in employment-based visas nor a small-scale legalization. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., tweeted Wednesday afternoon that the legislation would devastate South Carolinas economy by cutting agricultural and tourism workers. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said hed be supportive of having hearings on the issue. SC #1 industry is Ag. Tourism #2. If proposal were to become law devastating to SC economy which relies on this immigrant workforce. 3 Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 2, 2017 And pro-immigration groups accused Trump of backing a proposal that targets predominantly nonwhite U.S. citizens who want to sponsor their family members for citizenship. Lets call it as we see it: This is a white nationalist agenda masquerading as a bill about skill levels, said Frank Sharry, the director of the Americas Voice immigrant advocacy group. Welcome to the Trump era. Cotton says the bill would return legal immigration to historical levels, when immigrants made up a smaller share of the U.S. population than they do now. Net immigration right now equals about 0.3 percent of the U.S. population annually lower than the 0.4 percent yearly average since 1790. But the foreign-born population overall is currently at 13 percent higher than its been in recent decades and approaching Americas record high of 14.8 percent set in 1890, according to the Pew Research Center. Read more from Yahoo News: Washington (AFP) - The White House admitted Tuesday that Donald Trump helped draft a misleading statement about his son's meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer -- deepening the president's entanglement in the saga over his team's ties to Russia. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump had "weighed in, offered suggestions, like any father would do." Trump's personal intervention, first reported by The Washington Post, casts doubt on claims he knew nothing about a meeting during the 2016 campaign that is now central to a federal investigation. It also paints a picture of a president acutely aware of the scandal -- and determined to manage it down to a minute level. Allies fear that such a level of involvement, if proven, could put the Republican billionaire leader in legal jeopardy. Politically, it will only intensify allegations that the White House is trying to cover up connections with a foreign government accused of trying to tilt the November election in Trump's favor. "This was... unnecessary," one presidential adviser told the Post on condition of anonymity. "Now someone can claim he's the one who attempted to mislead. Somebody can argue the president is saying he doesn't want you to say the whole truth." Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow dismissed the report as "misinformed." Emails show that Trump's eldest son Donald Jr, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his then campaign manager Paul Manafort met Kremlin-connected officials in June 2016 in the hope of getting dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. On the other side of the table were government-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, Russian real estate player Ike Kaveladze and Rinat Akhmetshin, who has denied long-standing allegations that he works for Russian intelligence. A British middleman pitched the meeting as an opportunity for the Trump campaign to obtain "very high level and sensitive information" as "part of Russia and its government's support" for the now president. Story continues In a statement -- allegedly dictated by Trump on Air Force One coming back from a Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany -- Don Jr said the meeting "primarily discussed a program about the adoption of Russian children." Trump's lawyers had claimed he was not involved in the meeting or its aftermath, and the Republican billionaire had rushed to his son's defense, accusing the media of a political "witch hunt." One Republican congressman, Lee Zeldin of New York, told CNN: "I would be really interested in knowing what the president knew at that time." - Twitter 'only way to get truth out' - Possible Trump-Russia collaboration is the subject of several Congressional investigations as well as a sweeping federal probe led by special counsel and former FBI director Robert Mueller. The scandal has overshadowed Trump's first six months in office and threatened to ensnare his whole administration in a legal thicket. In recent weeks, the scandal has taken a back seat to White House chaos amid the departure of Trump's chief of staff Reince Priebus, his short-lived communications director Anthony Scaramucci and press secretary Sean Spicer. This latest drip-drip of Russia-related information has overshadowed what the White House was hoping would be a fresh start with new chief of staff John Kelly. The four-star retired Marine general on Monday began his quest to impose order on an administration careening out of control. On Tuesday, Trump focused on the American economy, a bright spot on the otherwise gloomy political landscape. "Stock Market could hit all-time high (again) 22,000 today. Was 18,000 only 6 months ago on Election Day. Mainstream media seldom mentions!" he said on Twitter. Later in the day, he participated in a White House event with small businesses, at which he reiterated his comments on Wall Street. But just in case there were any illusions that Kelly could tame Trump's Twitter venting, the president was at pains to dispel them. "Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out!" he tweeted. During his meeting with small business leaders, Trump jokingly complained out loud that Kelly had not made journalists give him credit for a years-long economic recovery. "I keep telling General Kelly, 'General, come on, let's go, you're chief of staff'," Trump said in a subtle dig. WASHINGTON President Trump on Wednesday grudgingly signed legislation toughening sanctions on Russia over its interference in the 2016 election, but ripped into the law and mocked its authors in Congress as he vowed to pursue better relations with Moscow. The Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which also imposes punitive measures against Iran and North Korea, had sailed through the House and Senate by near-unanimous, veto-proof margins. At the same time, the legislation had drawn angry criticisms from European allies, notably over concerns it would cripple ongoing energy projects, and from Russia. In a pair of statements, Trump condemned the law as a significantly flawed policy that risks damaging U.S. foreign policy and contains clearly unconstitutional provisions that improperly encroach on his presidential powers. He also signaled he might not enforce it as vigorously as its authors intended. Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity, the president said. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary. Trump, who has publicly doubted the U.S. intelligence community finding that Moscow meddled in the 2016 election, also said he supported making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization. The remarks highlighted a slow but steady shift in the Trump administrations public position on U.S. relations with Russia since taking office six months ago. At the outset, Trump seemed to chiefly consider making concessions to Moscow like easing sanctions in order to secure closer cooperation on issues like the war against the so-called Islamic State. But recently, top aides including Vice President Mike Pence have said its up to Russia to take steps to improve ties. Story continues The two statements from the White House had broadly similar messages couched in very different styles. The first, a traditional signing statement, made essentially a legal argument against individual provisions of the bill and a constitutional argument that the president would enforce it in line with the prerogatives of his office. The second was a blend of political and legal arguments spiced up with jibes at Congress, including a recent Republican failure to advance legislation repealing Obamacare. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking, Trump said. I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As president, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress. The legislation codifies sanctions then-President Barack Obama imposed after Russias 2014 invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, as well as its alleged interference in the 2016 election. The law is notable in part for the way it restricts the presidents ability to waive key provisions unless Congress signs off. The unusual limits reflected lawmakers concerns that Trump might try to ease sanctions using his executive authority. The White House had argued that it needed greater diplomatic flexibility, joining up with oil and gas companies and defense contractors looking to water down some provisions. My administration particularly expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed bill to hinder our important work with European allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends, or our allies, Trump said. The bill has drawn an angry response from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who over the weekend ordered U.S. diplomatic missions in his country to reduce their staffs by 755 employees overall. The majority will be local Russians, not American diplomats, but the cuts will likely badly hamper some consular services. Later in the day Wednesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Twitter that the bill signing ends hopes for improving our relations. Medvedev also said that the bill would have few consequences and that it humiliated Trump. The Trump administration has shown its total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) August 2, 2017 The US establishment fully outwitted Trump. The President is not happy about the sanctions, yet he could not but sign the bill Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) August 2, 2017 Last updated 4:50 p.m. ET (Cover tile photo: Joshua Roberts/Reuters) Read more from Yahoo News: Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's top military body on Wednesday replaced the land, air and naval commanders of the military at a critical meeting just over a year after the failed coup bid, Turkish media reported. The Supreme Military Council (YAS) decided to replace land forces commander General Salih Zeki Colak, naval chief Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu and air force commander General Abidin Unal, CNN Turk broadcaster said. Colak will be replaced by General Yasar Guler, currently head of the gendarmerie and former deputy chief of staff, the channel said. Bostanoglu would be replaced by Vice Admiral Adnan Ozbal and General Hasan Kucukakyuz would replace Unal as air force commander, CNN Turk added. The decisions made during the YAS meeting chaired by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will be presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for formal approval later on Wednesday. The council usually meets only once a year but this is the third meeting since the July 15, 2016 coup bid blamed on the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. He denies the charges. The government upped the civilian component of the council following the failed coup, giving more place to government ministers than military figures. Previously, such meetings were held at military headquarters but are now hosted by the prime minister. Following the attempted putsch, the government's changes included discharging 149 generals, almost half of the military's entire contingent at the time of 358. Under Erdogan, the political influence of the once-all powerful military responsible for overthrowing governments four times since 1960 has been weakened, especially since the coup attempt. Guler had been abducted for several hours together with the Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar and other military figures on the night of the attempted overthrow. There was no indication that Akar would be replaced and he appears set to stay in the job, as had been expected, until at least 2019. MOSCOW (Reuters) - The U.S. embassy in Moscow accused Russian authorities on Monday of barring diplomatic staff from a property on the outskirts of Moscow, after having earlier agreed to grant access until midday on Tuesday for them to retrieve belongings. A Russian foreign ministry official, quoted by state news agency RIA, said the U.S. embassy had sent in its trucks without first obtaining permits which, the official said, are required by law because the property is in a conservation area. The property, in a picturesque spot on a bend in the Moskva river northwest of the capital, is leased by the U.S. embassy for its staff to use for recreation. Moscow has said it is taking it back as part of retaliatory measures after Washington approved a fresh round of sanctions against Russia. A Reuters TV cameraman outside the country residence, known in Russian as a dacha, saw five vehicles with diplomatic license plates, including a truck, arrive at the site. He said they were denied entry. An embassy spokeswoman said: "In line with the Russian government notification, the U.S. Mission to Russia was supposed to have access to our dacha until noon on Aug. 1. "We have not had access all day today or yesterday," she said. "We refer you to the Russian government to explain why not." The Russian foreign ministry official, who was not identified, said the Americans were to blame for failing to obtain the necessary permits. To accuse Russia of blocking access amounts to a "pre-meditated provocation," RIA news agency cited the official as saying. (Reporting by Gennady Novik and Polina Devitt; Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) By Lisa Lambert WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The public may soon be able to delve into how a U.S. District Court judge came to rule that MetLife Inc is not "too big to fail," after three appeals judges on Tuesday decided many records in the case should be unsealed. District Court Judge Rosemary Collyer last year rescinded financial regulators' designation of MetLife, the largest U.S. life insurer, as "systemically important," a label triggering heightened oversight and requirements to hold additional capital. When advocacy group Better Markets then asked Collyer to unseal the case's records, she decided that under a confidentiality provision in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law they had to remain under wraps. Better Markets appealed that decision while former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, appealed Collyer's recission. Both appeals were argued at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The three-judge panels hearing the appeals share one member, Judge Sri Srinivasan, an Obama appointee. Tuesday's opinion in the Better Markets appeal was written by Chief Judge Merrick Garland, Obama's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court who the Republican-led Senate last year refused to consider. It said the public has a longstanding right to see judicial records. "The right of public access is a fundamental element of the rule of law, important to maintaining the integrity and legitimacy of an independent judicial branch," the opinion said. In a unanimous vote, the judges remanded the case, ordering the lower court to review each document and provide reasons beyond the Dodd-Frank provision for any it decides should remain sealed. "The decision is a huge victory for the American people and their right to know how our courts and agencies are protecting the public interest," said Stephen Hall, the Better Markets legal director who had argued the appeal. The Financial Stability Oversight Council, which includes the Treasury secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission chair and the Federal Reserve chair, was established within Dodd-Frank in part to identify institutions so large and interconnected they could devastate the financial system if they fail. Story continues The council, which now includes many of Republican President Donald Trump's appointees, is currently considering whether it should withdraw Obama's appeal. Many had expected the appeals judges to render a decision soon after hearing arguments in October. But since January, MetLife and FSOC have both asked for abeyances. (Reporting by Lisa Lambert, editing by G Crosse) US secretary of state says Washington does not seek regime change in Pyongyang and does not blame China for crisis, despite presidents tweet A TV in South Korea shows Kim Jong-un during the Norths latest test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Rex Tillerson has said the US does not seek regime change in Pyongyang. Photograph: Ahn Young-joon/AP Rex Tillerson has said the US would welcome a dialogue with North Korea and insisted the US did not seek regime change in Pyongyang, telling the country: We are not your enemy. The secretary of state said the North Koreans nuclear weapons programme would have to be on the table at any such talks and that the outcome would have to be that the regime would have to relinquish its arsenal while the US would provide security assurances. But he went out of his way to assure the leadership under Kim Jong-un that the regime would not be endangered if it dispensed with its growing nuclear arsenal. We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek the collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, Tillerson said. We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel. The conciliatory tone and the emphasis on dialogue represented a pronounced contrast with Donald Trump, who has become significantly more agitated about North Korea as it continues its tests of long range missiles. The Republican senator Lindsey Graham said he had been told by the president that the regimes continued development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear weapon to the US mainland would lead to war between the two countries. He has told me that. I believe him, Graham told NBCs Today programme. Tillersons tone was also markedly different to Trumps on Chinas role with regard to North Korea, and its failure to pressure North Korea into curbing its weapons programme. I am very disappointed in China, Trump tweeted on Sunday. They do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem! Speaking at a rare appearance before the press at the state department, Tillerson stressed that while China did have a great deal of potential leverage on Pyongyang, we certainly dont blame China for the situation in North Korea. Only the North Koreans are to blame for this situation. Story continues Such open dissonance between the president and members of his cabinet have become commonplace in the Trump administration. Tillerson conceded he had differences with the president citing the example of the nuclear agreement with Iran, which Trump adamantly opposes but he presented the divergent views as a plus, and a motivation in his job. If we did not have those differences, I would not be serving him, Tillerson said, giving an insight into the working relationship between the two men. We have a good relationship ... He calls me late at night on the weekends, the secretary of state said. It is a very open relationship and its one in which I feel quite comfortable telling him my views. While Trump has delivered ultimatums to North Korea, insisting that it would not develop ICBMs on his watch, Tillerson conceded that the lack of feasible military options gave Washington little choice but to seek a diplomatic solution. We initiated a sustained, continued and intensified campaign of what I like to call peaceful pressure because the options available to us ... are limited, particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time, said the secretary of state, who will embark on a trip to east Asia later this week. We felt the appropriate thing to do first was to seek peaceful pressure on the North Korean regime to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk with us and others, but with the understanding that a condition of those talks is that there is no future in which North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less to the homeland. There are still many in Russia who take pleasure in watching the White House consumed by infighting and stumbling from one setback to another, most recently the failure to push through health care reform and the rapid hiring and firing of foul-mouthed communications director Anthony Scaramucci. But the more common feeling around the Kremlin these days might seem familiar to many Republicans. After observing Trump in office for more than six months, there is a mix of disappointment and foreboding. President Vladimir Putin seems particularly out of sorts. By now he has realized that betting on Trump represents a mistake he has made before with Western leaders, and his decision on Sunday to expel hundreds of diplomats and other personnel from the U.S. embassy in Moscow shows that hes ready to cut his losses. There was nothing more to wait for, his spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said in explaining the decision on Monday. It was all pretty obvious. And Putin should have known better. His closest alliances with the West have all gone the same way. Whether it was Jacques Chirac in France, Silvio Berlusconi in Italy or Gerhard Schroeder in Germany, each was built on a personal rapport with an incoming head of state, always another man, usually also a blowhard. Each collapsed when that leader was confronted by the limitations of democracy: term limits, a free press, an independent legislature, an unhappy electorate, or any of the other checks and balances built into their constitutions. But with each new attempt at a friendship with the West, Putin seemed to hope that his counterparts could override these curbs on their authority the same way Putin has done in Russia. They have always let him down, though none quite as spectacularly as President Trump. The U.S. Congress sent Trump a veto-proof bill on July 27 imposing new sanctions on Russia for its alleged interference in the U.S. presidential elections last year, not even a month after the two Presidents met for the first time during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. To many in Moscow, the legislation proved Trump to be a feckless leader, unable to make good on his earnest promises to get along with Russia. Since Trump cannot handle his own lawmakers, it means he is weak, the Russian political analyst Alexei Makarkin wrote in an analysis of the sanctions bill. But the point Makarkin missed was the one that Putin also seems incapable of getting his head around: that members of the U.S. Congress, including the Republicans, are not Trumps own lawmakers. They represent a co-equal branch of government, much like the judiciary that has repeatedly blocked Trumps agenda on immigration. That confusion over the limits on executive authority goes back to the early years of Putins presidency, when he established control over the Russian media and began to assume that his Western counterparts could do the same in their countries. During a summit in 2005 with then-President George W. Bush, Putin refused to believe that the U.S. commander-in-chief does not have the power to muzzle American journalists. Dont lecture me about the free press, Putin said, according to Bushs memoir. Not after you fired that reporter. It took a moment for Bush to realize what Putin was talking about. Vladimir, he said, Are you talking about Dan Rather? The veteran broadcaster had been forced to apologize and resign from CBS News a few months earlier, not due to any White House fiat but because of a flawed report on Bushs service in the National Guard. In Putins eyes, the incident showed that the American posturing about freedom of the press was a charade. Bush tried to set him straight. I strongly suggest you not say that in public, he recalls telling the Russian President. The American people will think you dont understand our system. But thats just it he doesnt. A few years into my stint as a reporter in Moscow, I lost track of the number of officials who tried to explain to me that there is no such thing as an independent journalist. One official even started our interview by exclaiming that American reporters are all just secret agents in disguise. This is how Pavel Astakhov, then the Kremlin ombudsmen for childrens rights, greeted me one afternoon in 2013: The CIA is here! he shouted, laughing, to his assistant. Send him in! He wasnt entirely kidding. In Russian officialdom (and among the public generally) people often assume that the West functions a lot like Russia, with a tame judiciary, a subservient media and a ruling clique that pulls all the strings. This view of the world makes it easier to brush away foreign criticism: if everyone is corrupt, no one has the right to judge. But a lot of very senior officials in Moscow also happen to believe this. They tended to believe, for instance, that Trump would be able to override the other branches of government in pursuing his agenda, especially when it comes to easing U.S. sanctions against Russia. On a deeper level, they believe that power in the U.S., like in Russia, is concentrated in the hands of the executive, while the rest is mostly democratic window dressing. And that conviction is not likely to budge amid the latest lesson in American civics. On Russian state television channels, Trumps failure to silence the media and force his agenda through Congress and the courts has simply been cast as further proof that the U.S. is run by some all-powerful cabal only this time the cabal has turned on the U.S. President. It is a new twist on a familiar narrative, and it suggests that the Kremlin still holds out hope for Trump getting a grip on the American system and steering it toward an alliance with Moscow. We have fed the hope that the situation will change, Putin lamented on Sunday in a televised interview. But it seems that if this change does come, it wont be soon. By David Shepardson (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG , trying to put a massive emissions-cheating scandal behind it, has asked a U.S. judge to reject a lawsuit by Wyoming potentially seeking more than $1 billion in additional penalties for environment damages. The ruling could help decide whether other environmental claims against VW brought by about 15 states and some counties in Texas will go forward. In total, VW could faces billions of dollars in additional costs. Volkswagen has agreed to spend up to $25 billion to address claims from U.S. owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers, and offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting U.S. vehicles. The company pleaded guilty in March to intentionally cheated on emissions tests. The current issue is whether federal law preempts most states from filing environmental enforcement suits against automakers. VW lawyer Robert Giuffra told U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in a court hearing in San Francisco on Monday "you run the math on the Wyoming penalties. It would be higher than the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) penalty Volkswagen paid, which was $1.45 billion," according to a transcript of the hearing released on Tuesday. Volkswagen has settled with Wyoming and most other states over consumer claims for more than $600 million but not over environmental matters. Federal law allows California and states that adopt its emissions rules to enforce vehicle rules. Volkswagen has settled environmental claims with most of those states. Giuffra said that allowing Wyoming to bring its own lawsuit would be "unprecedented" and if the state won "it would make it impossible in the future for auto manufacturers to actually enter into the kinds of global settlements that Volkswagen did." Elizabeth Morrisseau, Wyoming senior assistant attorney general, urged Breyer to reject Volkswagen's argument. "This case really comes down to ... a struggle between Congress telling the states, You don't get to design cars, but you do get to control how they work on your roads," she said. Breyer expressed skepticism over Wyoming's arguments. The fact that no similar case had been brought is "a yellow flag, not a red flag," he said. Last week, U.S. regulators approved a fix for 326,000 older 2.0-liter Volkswagen diesel cars. The fix includes hardware and software upgrades, including replacing an emissions catalyst. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) Bear with me, but I am one of those Republicans who have always thought that something would happen or a threshold would be crossed and Donald Trump would pivot to become a better leader. Starting when he won the New Hampshire primary through at least a dozen other points, I thought Trump would see the value of doing things, large and small, differently. I hoped he would behave more rationally. So, after witnessing President Donald Trumps first six months in office and the debacle that was last week, what do I think now? I still hold some dim hope that things could change. Maybe there is something about John Kellys gravitas that will compel Trump to behave like a president should. The anti-Trumpers say nothing about how this president can change, but just hear me out. Perhaps the appointment of the former four-star Marine Corps general as the White House chief of staff is Trumps cry for help. Perhaps, at some level, Trump knows the problem with this White House is himself, and since he cant control himself, maybe a guy like Kelly can. Letting Kelly get rid of Anthony Scaramucci was an acknowledgement by the president that the hiring of Scaramucci was a mistake that needed to be remedied immediately. There are few examples of Trump ever admitting error. So, with Scaramuccis near-immediate ouster, I see a glimmer of hope that maybe the president realizes he needs to be protected from himself and, in his mind, only someone with Kellys stature is worthy of such responsibility. Perhaps naming Kelly as chief of staff shows more self-awareness on the part of Trump than many ever thought possible. Okay . . . maybe not. Anyway, some have suggested that Kelly just doesnt fit the precise mold of a White House chief of staff given the jobs immense political responsibilities. But I think that criticism misses the point. What Trump needs is not a more subtle, ambidextrous hand to artfully navigate the political waters of Washington. What he needs is someone who can bring some semblance of basic order to this careening, imploding presidency. Time and again, Kelly has proved himself capable of managing complex organizations at the highest levels of government- from serving as commander of United States Southern Command during the Obama years to leading the Department of Homeland Security under Trump. His task at the White House is urgent. And hey, so far, so good. In first 24 hours since Kelly was sworn in, there werent any disasters, the president didnt tweet anything crazy and Scaramucci is out. So, by Trumps standards, they are on a roll. And now, a word about the latest twist in the Trump-Russia story that greeted Kelly this week. The presidents political enemies and the usual media critics will pounce on The Posts article, breathlessly declaring that Trump, himself, is responsible for some of the initially false statements about the infamous June meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, the Russian lawyerNatalia Veselnitskayaand others. They will say this piece is further proof of the scandals depth and potency. The Posts article is problematic for the president on a number of fronts, but, oh, by the way, nothing about it suggests there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. This is just another example of the White House mismanaging and overreacting to the non-scandal. But, we are reminded of the dangerous political and legal environment in which this White House is operatingnow under the direction of Kelly. As I have written before, the frenzy surrounding talks of collusion has created a scandal without a crime. But given the special counsels intense investigation of every possible accusation, the medias desperation to move the story and congressional committees issuing subpoenas, this is the perfect environment for an otherwise innocent person to wander into a crime. The easiest way to come close to a crime would be to lie about any matter associated with the subject of the underlying investigation. And that appears to be exactly what happened. The lies in this instance dont appear to be criminal since there is no law against lying to the public or the media, but this latest revelation puts another falsehood into play that some in Trumps universe will think has to be defended. And that is what could turn the non-scandal into a fatal cancer. Thankfully, Kelly has a reputation for being able to bring order to difficult situations. Regarding all matters associated with the Russia collusion story, the White House should be quiet. They should rely on precise lawyering and full compliance. If they leave it alone, the collusion story and all the attendant investigations will run their course, no one will serve any time and this faux-scandal wont become Trumps Watergate. Good luck, Gen. Kelly. The White House was briefed in advance about a baseless Fox News report claiming murdered Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich provided documents to WikiLeaks, according to a new lawsuit that also alleges President Donald Trump encouraged the articles publication. Rod Wheeler, an ex-police detective, private investigator and paid Fox News commentator, made the allegations in a suit filed against the network, parent company 21st Century Fox, Fox News reporter Malia Zimmerman and Trump supporter Ed Butowsky. In the lawsuit, first reported by NPR, Wheeler alleged that Zimmerman fabricated quotes as she and Butowsky worked to advance a political agenda for the Trump administration. Wheeler, who said he was approached by Butowsky in February and later retained by the Rich family to investigate the murder, alleged that he never told Zimmerman he found evidence of an email exchange between Rich and WikiLeaks or that powerful entities were impeding the police investigation into the young staffers death in July 2016. The erroneous claims about communications between Rich and WikiLeaks first surfaced on May 15, when a Fox affiliate in Washington, D.C., ran a report. The quotes also appeared the next day in Zimmermans since-retracted article on Fox News website. On Tuesday afternoon, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump had no knowledge of this story and that it was completely untrue that the White House was involved in it. Sanders acknowledged that her predecessor, Sean Spicer, met with Wheeler and Butowsky prior to publication, but dismissed the significance of the White House discussion. (Spicer indicated he was not aware of the Rich story when asked about it on May 16.) The press secretary also said she was not sure if Trump believed that Rich was WikiLeaks source the crux of Fox News retracted story. The U.S. intelligence community has concluded that Russian hackers stole documents from the DNC, but many Trump supporters have pushed the bogus conspiracy theory about Rich to distract from investigations into whether Trump allies colluded with Russia during the 2016 campaign. Story continues The accusation that FoxNews.com published Malia Zimmermans story to help detract from coverage of the Russia collusion issue is completely erroneous, Jay Wallace, president of news for Fox News, said in a statement. The retraction of this story is still being investigated internally and we have no evidence that Rod Wheeler was misquoted by Zimmerman. Rod Wheeler appeared on "Hannity" on May 16 to talk about the death of Seth Rich. (Photo: Fox News) Zimmermans report, which attributed information to an unnamed source and Wheeler, spread quickly in conservative media and was amplified by pro-Trump shows like Fox & Friends and Hannity. Host Sean Hannity continued discussing the Rich story even after Fox News retracted Zimmermans report. Wheelers lawsuit sheds light on how the story was handled inside Fox News. It includes an email Butowsky sent to Fox & Friends co-hosts the night before Zimmermans story was published, in which he suggested how to frame the story for Trumps benefit. One of the big conclusions we need to draw from this is that the Russians did not hack our computer systems and ste[a]l emails and there was no collusion like trump with the Russians, Butowsky wrote, according to the lawsuit. Wheeler also claims that the White House was briefed on Zimmermans story and that Trump pushed for the piece to be published immediately after reading a draft. (Photo: Rod Wheeler lawsuit) Butowsky told Wheeler in a May 14 text message that Trump just read the article and wants the article out immediately. Butowsky acknowledged sending the text to Wheeler, but told NPR it had been a joke. The rush to publish the story was playing out as Trump faced increased scrutiny over firing FBI Director James Comey on May 9. The president later admitted he had made that decision at least partly in response to the agencys ongoing investigation into allegations of that his associates had colluded with Russia. According to the lawsuit, Butowsky and Zimmerman told Wheeler on May 10 that they had an FBI source saying Rich sent emails to WikiLeaks. The still-unpublished Fox News story had the full attention of the White House and they needed to close the deal, whatever weve got to do, Butowsky told Wheeler in a voicemail on May 14, according to the suit. The Fox affiliate story came out on May 15 and Wheeler cited a source during an interview that same day to bolster the Rich conspiracy. According to the suit, Wheeler was referring to Zimmermans supposed source and not to anyone who had confirmed the claims independently to him. Zimmermans story was published on May 16 and retracted a week later. Wheeler appeared on Hannity on the night of May 16 and did not dispute the quotes attributed to him. He admitted to not personally seeing any emails between Rich and WikiLeaks, but said there was a very credible federal investigator backing up the claim. Wheeler said that based on his experience as an investigator, it appears Rich and WikiLeaks communicated. Skepticism should be applied to Wheelers claims in the lawsuit. However, the White House and Butowsky are not disputing significant aspects of it, even if they are downplaying their significance. Both Butowsky and Wheeler met Spicer in April, which the former press secretary acknowledged Spicer told NPR that he met with Butowsky as a favor to the presidents supporter and said he wasnt aware of Trump being involved in the process. It had nothing to do with advancing the presidents domestic agenda and there was no agenda, Spicer told NPR. They were just informing me of the [Fox] story. Wheeler also met with Sarah Isgur Flores, the Department of Justices director of public affairs, on April 19, but that meeting did not concern Seth Rich, according to the lawsuit. However, the suit alleges that Butowsky told Wheeler he was in regular contact with Flores before publication and claimed in a text message that he knew her well. She [Ms. Flores] knows me well, Butowsky wrote to Wheeler, according to the suit. Tell her I said hello. Let her know why I was calling her, Seth Rich. Ask her to keep it quiet because we dont know...who the good or the bad people are anymore. But we know shes one of the really good ones. Flores disputed the claim. I have not communicated with Mr. Butowsky at any point this year, she told HuffPost. The lawsuit describes Wheeler as having lost all credibility in the eyes of the public as a result of Fox News handling of the Rich story. Wheeler, who is black, is also alleging racial discrimination at the network. Wallace said in his statement that FOX News vehemently denies the race discrimination claims in the lawsuit the dispute between Zimmerman and Rod Wheeler has nothing to do with race. Attorney Douglas Wigdor, who is representing other current and former Fox News staffers claiming racial bias in separate suits, has also opposed parent company 21st Century Foxs takeover bid of British broadcaster Sky News because there have been several recent sexual harassment and racial discrimination suits against the network. In a statement, Wigdor said that as 21st Century Fox was trying to convince regulators in the United Kingdom that the company upheld broadcasting standards, Fox News was working with the Trump administration to disseminate fake news in order to distract the public from Russias alleged attempts to influence our countrys presidential election. Democratic National Committee communications director Xochitl Hinojosa said that if the allegations are true, it is beyond vile that the White House and possibly even Trump himself would use the murder of a young man to distract the publics attention from their chaotic administration and Trumps ties to Russia. The Rich family has begged those responsible for these conspiracies to stop, she added. And yet, Trumps allies have ignored their pain and their pleas, degrading the office of the president by spreading repulsive lies. Read the full lawsuit below: Fox Suit by mlcalderone on Scribd This article has been updated with comments from Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sarah Isgur Flores and Xochitl Hinojosa. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Also on HuffPost Anchor Asks Why A Muslim Would Write About Christianity "You're a Muslim, so why did you write a book about the founder of Christianity?" Fox's Lauren Green asked scholar and author Reza Aslan during a 2013 interview. Face, meet palm. 'Obama's Hip-Hop BBQ Didn't Create Jobs' Greg Gutfeld Has Thoughts On Fossil Fuel "Isn't fossil fuels the ultimate renewable energy? It's renewed once. It used to be a dinosaur. Now it's fuel. How is that not renewable?" This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The White House confirmed Tuesday that President Trump had been involved in drafting a statement for his son Donald Trump Jr. after reports emerged last month that he had met with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 campaign. The statement that Don Jr. issued is true. The President weighed in as any father would based on the limited information that he had, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday at the daily press briefing. This is all discussion frankly with no consequence. There was no follow up; it was disclosed to the proper parties, which is how the New York Times found out about it to begin with. He certainly didnt dictate, Sanders continued, but you know, he, like I said, he weighed in, offered suggestion, like any father would do. The Washington Post reported Monday night that President Trump had personally dictated the initial statement from Donald Trump Jr. about his June 2016 meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after the New York Times broke the news about it. Trumps statement said the two primarily discussed Russian adoption policy. Trumps campaign manager at the time, Paul Manafort, attended the meeting, as did the Presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is now a Senior White House adviser. The New York Times subsequently reported that Donald Trump Jr. had met with Veselnitskaya because he was promised compromising information about Hillary Clinton. After that report, the Presidents son released his emails leading up to the meeting, which showed he was promised very high level and sensitive information but is part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump. One of Trumps lawyers, Jay Sekulow, told the Post, apart from being of no consequence, the characterizations are misinformed, inaccurate, and not pertinent. Sanders said the focus on this meeting was part of a political ploy by the Democrats. The Democrats want to continue to use this as a PR stunt and are doing everything they can to keep this alive and in the paper every single day, she said. Apple CEO Tim Cook. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP) Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday defended his companys decision to pull privacy apps from the Chinese App Store, saying the iPhone maker is simply abiding by the law of the country, just as it would in the U.S. Cooks comments, which came during Apples Q3 2017 earnings call, follow the companys removal of virtual private network, or VPN, apps from the App Store over the weekend, drawing criticism from privacy advocates and app makers alike. We would obviously rather not remove the apps, Cook said during the call, adding that Apple is simply following Chinese law. VPNs allow users to circumvent Chinas Great Firewall, which it uses to monitor and block its internet users access to sites the government deems subversive to its thinking. The impetus for the removal of the VPN apps, Cook explained, was the governments renewed effort to enforce regulations that banned VPNs that havent been licensed by the Chinese government. Despite his stated displeasure with having to remove the apps from the App Store, Cook said that Apple believes in engaging with governments even with which we disagree. Whats more, the CEO said that hes hopeful that such restrictions will be loosened over time since, as he put it, innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate. Cook then tried to make a distinction between the decision to remove the VPN apps in China and Apples legal showdown with the FBI, during which the tech giant refused to provide the agency with the ability to crack the encryption of an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters. In the case of the U.S., the law in the U.S. supported us, it was very clear, he said. In the case of China the law is also very clear there. That said, Cook explained that the company isnt afraid of telling governments it disagrees with how it feels. That doesnt mean that we dont state our point of view in the appropriate way, he said. We always do that. More from Dan: Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. It seems as if Apple is leaking its own iPhone. Thats the emerging picture as developers navigate the recently released firmware for the HomePod, Apples smart speaker that comes out in December. Apple released HomePod operating system on its website late last week to give private developers time to make apps for the Apple device that will compete with Amazon Echo and Google Home, but use Siri and sound really, really good. If Apple wanted to keep news about the iPhone 8 to a minimum, it faced a tough decision in releasing the HomePod operating system, which includes heavy references to an iPhone that hasnt been launched yet. A number of developers, including Steve Troughton-Smith and Guilherme Rambo, have discovered hints that suggest previous iPhone 8 leaks are accurate. The next iPhone, expected to launch this fall, has been rumored to include a 5.8-inch OLED display on a device the same size as the 4.7-inch iPhone, with a virtual home button and face detection system. Apples leak appears to confirm all of this and more. Heres what we learned: That design is probably real The phone is expected to use a non-square screen shape that extends to the far edges of the phone, with a cutout for the camera, sensors and speaker. This was confirmed by a design discovered in the HomePod software: This matches with previous leaked designs: It will have a face scanner That face scanner could support augmented reality The HomePod software also suggests Apple may be planning something more with the scanner. References to ARKit, Apples augmented reality software, and facial expressions suggest there could be some face detection functionality available for developers to tap into. It will have a virtual home buttonbut it wont be called that The software makes reference to a home indicator, suggesting this could be the new name for the feature. It also seems the software has no issue with hiding the home indicator when necessary. This is both good and bad: good, because it means more screen space for watching movies and the like, but bad in that for the past 10 years the home button has been a dependable way of leaving the current application and returning to the home screen in an instant. Story continues It may support a dock The keyboard now contains references to a dock user interface. This could move some user interface elements into the space next to the home indicator. This is not entirely out of left field, as KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted this back in February. This would avoid the lower region of the screen going to waste, and could improve reachability. It wont have a fingerprint scanner Although previous leaks suggested Apple was working to place a fingerprint scanner underneath the screen, allowing the company to hide the home button without sacrificing security, it seems the HomePod software contains no references to even suggest this is likely. It could support tap to wake This is a feature found on Windows Phone and some Android devices. Rather than using the home or power buttons to wake the device, users tap the dark screen twice to re-awaken. This would solve the issue of how users can switch their phone on using the home button if the home button is now virtual. It will have a split status bar Previous speculation suggested the status bar along the top would split, displaying either side of the camera cutout. That appears to be accurate, with the UIStatusBar (the technical term for the feature) now supporting a split mode. Troughton-Smith also suggested the new status bar is far more complex, leading to speculation Apple may have something interesting up its sleeve. After months of leaks and rumors, Samsung is about to unveil the Galaxy Note 8 flagship smartphone later this month. Theres no question that the Note 8 is shaping up to be Samsungs best ever smartphone, but for gadget fans, the excitement has certainly faded a bit. There will be absolutely no surprises left once Samsung executives finally take the stage in New York City on August 23rd, since practically everything there is to know has already leaked. We know what it looks like, we know just about all of the specs, and we know about most or even all of the Note 8s key features. Perhaps the fact that the Galaxy Note 8 is already old news is part of the reason why a new Galaxy Note 9 concept posted on Tuesday is so intriguing. Don't Miss: Leak: Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL cases on Amazon may show Googles new designs Budding graphic designer Benjamin Geskin on Tuesday posted his vision of Samsungs Galaxy Note 9, which is expected to be released next fall as a followup to this years Galaxy Note 8. Long story short, its a stunning vision of a phone that would be a natural iteration of the Note lineup. We often see crazy concepts that arent rooted at all in reality, but this Galaxy Note 9 mockup looks like a phone that could actually launch in 2018. First, lets look at the Galaxy Note 8s design. Heres a render that BGR exclusively posted last month: Now, lets check out Geskins Galaxy Note 9 concept: In a nutshell, the designer took actual Galaxy Note 8 renders and stretched the phones Infinity Screen so that it reaches almost all the way to the edges of the phone. This is the same nearly bezel-free design were expecting to see on the iPhone 8. Also like the iPhone 8, Geskin extended the display to the top of the phone on either side of the ear speaker and sensors. This would allow Samsung to move status bar icons off the main part of the display, just like the iPhone 8. It looks great in the render and its technically within the realm of possibility, but this type of display configuration would be much more difficult to implement on an Android phone than on iOS. Androids status bar fills up quickly with notifications and other information, so Samsung would have to completely rework the status bar UI to push notifications to a second tier (which would defeat the purpose) or to limit the amount of info that can be displayed (which would be a big step backwards in terms of UX). Story continues Geskin envisions the phone with a 6.4-inch display that has 4K resolution and an embedded fingerprint sensor. Again, 4K phones already exist today so theres no technical barrier here for Samsung, and Qualcomms next-generation fingerprint sensors are expected to arrive in consumer products next year. In case youve forgotten, theyre designed to work through glass, displays, and even metal. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com By now, were used to our local internet monopolist taking its pound of flesh in return for access to a basic utility. We also know that maintaining that monopoly and crushing any attempts at competition is the key to keeping those annual profits ticking. So I guess that it shouldnt be surprising to hear that Verizon is allegedly going out of its way to stop Charter from deploying broadband in New York State. But the brazenly anti-competitive practices outlined in a complaint from Charter to the NY State Public Service Commission still makes for surprising reading. Don't Miss: Leak: Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL cases on Amazon may show Googles new designs The problems surround Charters need to attach wires or equipment to roadside poles owned or co-owned by Verizon. Attaching to existing poles is commonplace, and generally a right supported by law to prevent our streets turning into a mess of competing utility poles. In order to make way for Charters equipment, Verizon has to move some of its own equipment on poles. The standard process is that Charter identifies the work that has to be done, applies to Verizon to get that to happen, pays Verizon for the manpower and time involved, and then can finally attach its own equipment to the poles. Its already a bureaucratic nightmare, but in a complaint to the PSC, Charter claims that Verizon is being uniquely annoying: Since the Buildout Condition took effect in May 2016, Charter has submitted 822 pole attachment applications to Verizon, requesting permits to attach to 55,856 polesnearly a third of all of the poles that Charter needs to access in order to meet its buildout requirements. In connection with those applications, Charter has paid $409,296 to Verizon in application fees. To date, however, Verizon has approved only 179 of those applications and has released only 4,048 poles to Chartera mere 7 percent of poles for which Charter has submitted applications to Verizon. Verizon has not conducted any pre-construction surveys for 51 percent of Charters applications (representing 62 percent of the poles), despite accepting Charters payment of application fees to pay for such work. Story continues Verizons motivation for dragging its feet is obvious: Charter is trying to bring internet and TV service into regions where Verizon is the only high-speed provider, and competition has this nasty habit of driving prices down. The cumulative effect of Verizons conduct has been to frustrate Charters ability to bring its services to additional areas in the state and offer competitive alternatives to bottleneck providersincluding competing against Verizon itself, Charter told Ars Technica. In fairness, Charter isnt trying to expand to new areas out of the goodness of its heart. The broadband rollout is a condition imposed on Charter due to its purchase of Time Warner Cable. Regulators often put competition clauses on new mergers to try and ensure that in return for two companies merging, they also keep expanding to provide competition. In Charters case, it was supposed to expand service to 36,250 new houses by May, and a total of 145,000 by May 2020. Charter says that Verizon is standing in the way of its expansion, and wants the PSC to use its enforcement powers to speed things up. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Apple is expected to launch three new iPhone models this fall, which we keep calling iPhone 7s, iPhone 7s Plus, and iPhone 8. The latter is the most exciting of the three, and its also the most likely of them not to be called iPhone 8. There are various name versions that weve heard, including iPhone Pro or iPhone X, but theyre yet to be confirmed. Apple, meanwhile, did leak a bunch of things about the next-gen iPhones, but it hasnt mentioned their names yet. And its likely that your usual suspects wont deliver it until Apple actually launches it. Don't Miss: Huge Apple leak confirms iPhone 8 design Months before Apple unveiled the iPhone 7 last year, the AirPods, and the MacBook Pro with a TouchBar, a lawyer discovered trademarks for all these products. Apple registered them in Jamaica, one of the countries that do not list these trademarks online. But, as Bloomberg explains, a lawyer was more than willing to go to Jamaica in person and perform Apple-related searches. That was the only way to discover trademarks for new products. In previous years, similar discoveries were made long before Apple actually unveiled new products, with the iPad being one other example. Bloomberg explains that Apple and other tech companies use countries like Jamaica exactly because the local databases cant be accessed online. Thanks to a rule of the U.S. Trademark Act, Apple can apply for a trademark in one country and then receive registration priority in the US if filed within six months of the original. Until recently, it costs just $1.17 per page of trademark documentation in Jamaica, but youd have to travel down there and use the local computers. Thats what Brian Conroy did last year, and thats how he was able to retrieve trademarks for iPhone 7, AirPods, and TouchBar. This year, however, the trademark office in Jamaica is making things a lot more difficult for anyone looking to discover such listings. Rather than allowing anyone to come over and search the database, the searches will be done upon request and after payment of certain fees. In return, only information on published and registered marks will be provided. So unless you know what youre looking for, you wont get lucky. Story continues You can no longer search for any applications filed by Apple in the last X months,' Conroy told Bloomberg, which is what you really need to do to find trademarks for products which dont yet exist and which we dont know the name of. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com There is a certain stage in the life of a person or a nation in which the excuse turns into a passionate faith. In the past two years, Israel has had a right-wing government. There is no one to politically disrupt any determined diplomatic moves. There are no leftists around or a lack of hands in Knesset votes. Life is allegedly sweet, and all it takes is to make decisions and implement themtill the last metal detector. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter I have been writing for years about the steps the State of Israel should take. The list is long: Governance in the Negev and in the Galilee, and enforcement of the law in the Arab sector, an all-out war on the Arab nationalists who hold an Israeli identity card, an annexation of the Jordan Valley and the settlement blocs, construction in Jerusalem and turning the Temple Mount from a third-world countrys religious site to an area controlled by Israeli sovereignty. Some of these things could be implemented, if only there were a desire to implement them, others would lead to an Arab response and diplomatic pressure on Israel. There is no move in the real world without a price tag. Even an unmade decision carries a price, sometimes a high one. If Netanyahu believed from the very beginning that the price tag for placing metal detectors at the Temple Mount was too high, he shouldnt have put them there in the first place (Photo: AFP) I was in favor of the metal detectors and I thought that removing them was a serious mistake. Not because of God or dreams about a TempleI have no such dreamsbut for the sake of people and so that less blood would be shed. Its an argument over the components of power in Middle Eastern diplomacy, over the iron wall, over the influence of determination and deterrence. I would love for things to be different, but so far, the Arabs have been proving that what happened in the past will continue in the future. The difference between a columnist like myself and the prime minister is that I have no responsibility on my shoulders. I try to make a difference through words. In a radical situation, I may find myself with a call-up notice. A prime ministers words, on the other hand, have a different effect. Sometimes, they turn into handcuffs. They are always responsible for the lives of many people. The current governments biggest problem is the huge gap between what is possible and what is said. Its very hard to come down from the place the words climb to without crashing. In a conversation I had last week with a senior Likud member, he accused Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett of dragging everyone into an abyss. The Temple Mount, Jordan, Turkeya Middle Eastern escalationare all because of Bennetts irresponsibility. Thats an appropriate excuse. If it wasnt Bennett, it would have been Likud members in Judea and Samaria, and if it wasnt them, it would have been a columnist attacking from the right. At the end of the day, with all due respect to the excuses, its the leaderships wisdom which calls the shots. If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unlike me, believed from the very beginning (as he told his associates) that the price tag for placing metal detectors at the Temple Mount was too high, he shouldnt have put them there in the first place. Criticism from the right doesnt kill, it passes quickly. There are enough Likud voters who will have faith in Netanyahu even if he places metal detectors in the middle of the street. If Netanyahu thought he was willing to pay the price and do what it takes, he shouldnt have caved. The message to the Arab world and to the Islamic Movement is that pressuring Israel is worthwhile. The terrorists disgraceful funeral in Umm al-Fahm indicates that they feel a sense of victory, and such a sense only increases the appetite. Prophecy was given to fools, yet allow me to predict that the flood of right-wing responses from the Prime Ministers Office on the day after are part of a Jerusalem folktale. Sacred excuses. Cameras wont be installed on the mountain in the coming months, the Nationality Bill wont be approved despite its importance, just like it hasnt been approved on numerous occasions in the past decade, and there will be no manual security check despite the declarations. Why? Because it cant be done on tens of thousands of people during the Friday prayer. By the way, if were already refuting fairytales, camerasas smart as they may beare incapable of completely preventing the smuggling of weapons. So the world, which is searching for solutions, still uses metal detectors and X-ray machines. Ask anyone who enters the Western Wall or passes through an airport. There are face databases and initial metal identification experiments. Its not there yet, unless the terrorist wears a hate with the caption Terrorist on it. And finally, the price. If I have to keep guessing, more Arab terrorists will arrive through the dam that was breached with the Temple Mount attack. Every terror attack at the site is strategic. If we fail to prevent it with all available measures, theres a chance well miss the riots that have taken place so far. A chance that its not worthwhile even in the short term. The gap between declarations and reality The Jordanian interest is to fight Palestinian independence. Its completely different from what is said in public declarations. The Jordanian governments biggest nightmare is to find a Palestinian state in the Jordan Valley. Thats one of the reasons the security ties with Jordan are such a significant component in the region, and its details will probably remain confidential even in 50 years from now. Theres nothing standing in the right-wing governments way. All it has to do is make decisions and implement them (Photo: Reuters) The security guard who was seemingly attacked at the Israeli embassy in Jordan before firing his weapon is an excuse. He wouldnt have stayed there in any event, regardless of the circumstances of the shooting and the percentage of injuries. When excuses become a faith, an incident which should be settled quietly and forgotten is accompanied by a photo opportunity and declarations. I doubt Israel would have reacted with such courtesy to a security guard killing his landlord during an event. A local doctor. This gap between declarations and reality requires a self-examination. It starts with the preoccupation with marginal issues in the past two years. A large part of our public discourse is dedicated to left-wing organizations. The New Israel Fund, the leftists and Breaking the Silence are mentioned in almost every political statement. They are all worthy, I believe, of criticism and a public campaign. The New Israel Fund supports some despicable organizations (it supports many other worthy organizations), Breaking the Silence are harming Israel in international arenas, and the leftists dont share my opinions, unfortunately. Its an appropriate battle, but it isnt something the government and the prime minister should be dealing with in the media. When you engage excessively in a marginal issue, you become addicted. What do you do when there are no leftists involved? You come up with other excuses. The lowest point last week was the attempt to blame the defense establishment for the zigzag policy. We dont need the Military Intelligence Directorates Research Department or the Shin Bet to tell us that decisions related to the Temple Mount have an explosive potential. All we have to do is study history or simply open Wikipedia and read about it. A person who doesnt know that shouldnt be a decision maker. The defense establishments job is to present scenarios, including the most difficult ones. The decision makers job is to decide, to know that there is a price, andin my opinionto decide to pay it for the sake of future peace and quiet. With tensions between Israel and Jordan still simmering, rabblerousing Jordanian MP Yahya al-Saud decided to turn up the heat by challenging his Israeli counterpart, MK Oren Hazan, to a fight at the Allenby Bridge border crossing. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "If he's a man, then let him come meet me on the bridge," said al-Saud, who made his comments in response to a Tweet by Hazan that he took offense to. Yahya al-Saud and Oren Hazan (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Hazan had earlier Tweeted, "It seems like our neighbors east of the Jordan Riverwhom we support and stay quiet when it comes to their behaviorare in need of reeducation." Al-Saud responded by launching into a Twitter tirade, saying, "Israelis are germs that can only be identified through a microscope made by the United States, which protects them. The shoe of every Palestinian child has more respect than the stupid MK Hazan." Al-Saud, who is chairman of the Palestine Committee in the Jordanian parliament, is no stranger to controversy, having been involved in a previous fight in parliament that escalated to AK-47 gunfire. Both al-Saud and Hazan became the targets of mockery on Jordanian social media, with one user writing, "We're organizing special transportation to the border. Al Jazeera will broadcast the fight live, we'll sell tickets. If al-Saud loses to Hazan, we'll leave him at the border because no one needs him in Jordan." Pictures of al-Saud superimposed over a sumo wrestler also circulated around social media, with several users referring to both men as "idiots." MK Oren Hazan (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) On Tuesday evening, Hazan indicated he was prepared to meet al-Saud at Allenby, saying, "After much thought, I decided to accept the Jordanian parliament member's call for an eye-to-eye meeting on the bridge at ten in the morning. It is my duty to seize this opportunity and try to help facilitate relations between the two countries through direct contact with the other side. "I will propose to him a joint call to resolve the conflict with his brothers, the Arabs of the territories who define themselves as 'Palestinians,' to return to their homes in Jordan and to exercise their right to national self-determination for one large and powerful Jordan." True to his word, al-Saud arrived at the Allenby Crossing with reporters in tow, saying, "If this isn't going to be physical confrontation, then there will be no discussions between me and this pig." Hazan did not make the rendezvous, after being barred from the journey by the Prime Minister's Office. Al-Saud doubled down, telling journalists, "I'll confront him anywhere in the world; I'll take a plane right now. I tell him: Infidel MK, the Jordanian people will never agree to a relationship with the Zionist entity and the Israeli people occupying our holy lands and places." Hazan issued a statement after he failed to appear at the crossing, saying, "As someone who always yes to peace and no to violence and confrontation, I was on my way to Allenby to meet with my Jordanian colleague. On the way I was asked by Prime Minister Netanyahu not to arrive and out of a sense of responsibility and leadership, I decided to respect his request. MP Yahya al-Saud "I admit that I am disappointed. After all, I wanted to talk with him and explain to him that at the end of the day, Jordan is Palestine and Palestine is Jordan. It would be better if he took his brothers and sisters with himArabs from the West Bank who call themselves 'Palestinians'back to their homes in Jordan." Ever notice how the Russia-gate scandals are coming faster now, one after another, like plot twists in a noir film? As an experienced reader of spy fiction, I dont think all the leaks are coming from low-level staff---looks more like theyre coming from retired (that is, fired) intelligence analysts. How do I know? The information is organized so neatly the journalists dont even have to edit it that much. This becomes clearer when one reads Malcolm Nances fascinating book "The Plot to Hack America---How Putins Cyberspies and Wikileaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election." Its a quick read, and at present easily the best book on the subject. But whats really killer about the Nance book is the appendix, which contains extremely revealing assessments made by American intelligence agencies, all presented in an unclassified format. Nance, besides being a good writer, also has a background in intelligence work, which shows in the professionalism of his analysis. Many of the conclusions that were included in the consensus opinion of the principal three intelligence agencies, the NSA, the CIA, and the FBI, are identical to The Plot to Hack America, says the appendix. Appearing in this same appendix was also intriguing comment: It should be noted that the intelligence community conclusions in this and the CIA report were written at the same time that the author was writing this book, and delivered to the president on the exact same date, September 23, 2016, [while] The Plot to Hack America was released in an online edition. This is because both the intelligence community and the author worked on the exact same subject, for the exact same time period, using the same methodologies and came to the exact same conclusions at the exact same time. Right. Remember how Trump picked a fight with the intelligence agencies, calling them incompetent and stupid? Big mistake. But why are the intelligence professionals some cashiered and some perhaps still on the job involved at all? Because it has become increasingly clear that Trump and his retinue have engaged in some extremely un-American attacks on the U.S. Constitution, not to mention the election statutes, that are slowly, but surely, taking us into an ugly constitutional crisis. And when push comes to shove, intelligence professionals are patriots who refuse to stand aside and let America get sold out to the authoritarian thugs in the Kremlin. The result is a new and extremely interesting alignment of political interests. In the past, the liberals, the democratic Left, and thoughtful centrists, have generally considered themselves the enemies of the intelligence services---and for good reason. During the Cold War, the CIA undermined democracy throughout the developing world, set up death squads throughout Latin America, supported Pinochets concentration camps in Chile, and unleashed a genocide against the Ixil people in Guatemala. But that was during the Cold War. Things have changed a bit since then. With times healing hindsight, we can see what went wrong. Collecting intelligence is absolutely necessary for modern nations to navigate a complex and dangerous world. Problem is, collecting information is rarely enough for the conflicted types who run intelligence agencies, and sooner or later they want to go operational. Instead of trying to understanding how the world works, they want to change it, usually violently. But the original, primary impulse of intelligence workunderstanding how power works in real time---is still good. And that brings me to my main point. I propose a truce---cooperation, actually---between political and cultural progressives and intelligence operatives who are in the best position to understand how negative power works. Cyber warfare is the biggest challenge America faces, and not just to our electoral system. It consists of a sophisticated attack on the way free people communicate, layered with highly-targeted digital propaganda aimed at changing the way people perceive reality. With the help of experts like Nance -- who understand how the new threat is likely to play out -- we can oppose it without violating our traditional values. The intelligence agencies are not perfect, and we civilians should denounce them when necessary. But precisely because they know more than we do about new modes of illegitimate power, people like Nance are an invaluable source of information regarding the latest and most dangerous battle for democracy. The truth is, we may need such experts more than they need us before the struggle is over. Lawrence Swaim Angwin Menlo Park, Calif. Some of the worlds tiniest crystals are known as artificial atoms because they can organize themselves into structures that look like molecules, including superlattices that are potential building blocks for novel materials. Now scientists from the Department of Energys SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have made the first observation of these nanocrystals rapidly forming superlattices while they are themselves still growing. What they learn will help scientists fine-tune the assembly process and adapt it to make new types of materials for things like magnetic storage, solar cells, optoelectronics and catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The key to making it work was the serendipitous discovery that superlattices can form superfast in seconds rather than the usual hours or days during the routine synthesis of nanocrystals. The scientists used a powerful beam of X-rays at SLACs Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) to observe the growth of nanocrystals and the rapid formation of superlattices in real time. A paper describing the research, which was done in collaboration with scientists at the DOEs Argonne National Laboratory, was published today in Nature. The idea is to see if we can get an independent understanding of how these superlattices grow so we can make them more uniform and control their properties, said Chris Tassone, a staff scientist at SSRL who led the study with Matteo Cargnello, assistant professor of chemical engineering at Stanford. Tiny Crystals with Outsized Properties Scientists have been making nanocrystals in the lab since the 1980s. Because of their tiny size theyre billionths of a meter wide and contain just 100 to 10,000 atoms apiece -- they are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, and this gives them interesting properties that can be changed by varying their size, shape and composition. For instance, spherical nanocrystals known as quantum dots, which are made of semiconducting materials, glow in colors that depend on their size; they are used in biological imaging and most recently in high-definition TV displays. In the early 1990s, researchers started using nanocrystals to build superlattices, which have the ordered structure of regular crystals, but with small particles in place of individual atoms. These, too, are expected to have unusual properties that are more than the sum of their parts. But until now, superlattices have been grown slowly at low temperatures, sometimes in a matter of days. That changed in February 2016, when Stanford postdoctoral researcher Liheng Wu serendipitously discovered that the process can occur much faster than scientists had thought. Something Weird Is Happening He was trying to make nanocrystals of palladium - a silvery metal thats used to promote chemical reactions in catalytic converters and many industrial processes by heating a solution containing palladium atoms to more than 230 degrees Celsius. The goal was to understand how these tiny particles form, so their size and other properties could be more easily adjusted. The team added small windows to a reaction chamber about the size of a tangerine so they could shine an SSRL X-ray beam through it and watch what was happening in real time. Its kind of like cooking, Cargnello explained. The reaction chamber is like a pan. We add a solvent, which is like the frying oil; the main ingredients for the nanocrystals, such as palladium; and condiments, which in this case are surfactant compounds that tune the reaction conditions so you can control the size and composition of the particles. Once you add everything to the pan, you heat it up and fry your stuff. Wu and Stanford graduate student Joshua Willis expected to see the characteristic pattern made by X-rays scattering off the tiny particles. They saw a completely different pattern instead. So something weird is happening, they texted their adviser. The something weird was that the palladium nanocrystals were assembling into superlattices. A Balance of Forces At this point, The challenge was to understand what brings the particles together and attracts them to each other but not too strongly, so they have room to wiggle around and settle into an ordered position, said Jian Qin, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Stanford who performed theoretical calculations to better understand the self-assembly process. Once the nanocrystals form, what seems to be happening is that they acquire a sort of hairy coating of surfactant molecules. The nanocrystals glom together, attracted by weak forces between their cores, and then a finely tuned balance of attractive and repulsive forces between the dangling surfactant molecules holds them in just the right configuration for the superlattice to grow. To the scientists surprise, the individual nanocrystals then kept on growing, along with the superlattices, until all the chemical ingredients in the solution were used up, and this unexpected added growth made the material swell. The researchers said they think this occurs in a wide range of nanocrystal systems, but had never been seen because there was no way to observe it in real time before the teams experiments at SSRL. Once we understood this system, we realized this process may be more general than we initially thought, Wu said. We have demonstrated that its not only limited to metals, but it can also be extended to semiconducting materials and very likely to a much larger set of materials. The team has been doing follow-up experiments to find out more about how the superlattices grow and how they can tweak the size, composition and properties of the finished product. Ian Salmon McKay, a graduate student in chemical engineering at Stanford, and Benjamin T. Diroll, a postdoctoral researcher at Argonne National Laboratorys Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), also contributed to the work. SSRL and CNM are DOE Office of Science User Facilities. The research was funded by the DOE Office of Science and by a Laboratory Directed Research and Development grant from SLAC. -Written by Glennda Chui Citation: L. Wu et al., Nature, 31 July 2017 (0.1038/nature23308) Press Office Contact: Andrew Gordon, agordon@slac.stanford.edu, (650) 926-2282 SLAC is a multi-program laboratory exploring frontier questions in photon science, astrophysics, particle physics and accelerator research. Located in Menlo Park, California, SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. To learn more, please visit www.slac.stanford.edu. DOEs Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. 1862: Jacob Schram bought 200 acres Mt. Diamond property from government 1870: Chinese laborers dig Napa firsts hillside caves 1878: First hillside vineyards planted in Napa Valley 1905: Jacob Schram dies, his son, Herman, inherits the property 1912: Winery ceases operations, Herman Schram sells property 1916-1965: Property transferred ownership seven times 1965: Jack and Jamie Davies buy 200-acre Schramsberg property, crush grapes onsite. Hugh Davies, Jack and Jamies youngest son, born 1996: Hugh Davies joins Schramsberg as enologist, named head winemaker in 2000 and five years later named CEO/president, while Jamie is board chairman 1998: Jack Davies passes away 2004: Hugh Davies and Monique Nelson married 2004: First vintage of J. Davies Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon, vintage 2001, released 2006: Sean Thompson joins company as assistant winemaker, promoted to senior winemaker in 2015 2008: Jamie Davies passes away 2009: First non-estate pinot noir produced 2012: Davies family buys former Epps Chevrolet dealership, 555 Main St., St. Helena and converts it to a winery to produce J. Davies still wines 2012: First crush at new Davies Vineyards property 2012: 150th anniversary of Schramsbergs founding 2014: Davies Vineyards starts construction on a new tasting room next to the winemaking facility 2015: 50th anniversary of the revival of Schramsberg property April 2017: After three years of construction, the Grayson Building, the new home for Davies Vineyards wines, opens in St. Helena From Davies and Schramsberg Vineyards websites Grayson Building history September 2014: Planning commission OKs request to expand production facility from 20,000 to 75,000 gallons; and to allow construction of Grayson Building, a 4,300-square-foot tasting room and visitor center located at the corner of Highway 29 and Grayson Avenue September 2014: A local group, Citizens Voice St. Helena, appeals planning commission approval to City Council, citing the proposed Grayson Buildings impact on traffic, water, parking and proximity to the high school October 2014: City council denies appeal and upholds planning commission decision July 2015: Citizens Voice St. Helena files lawsuit against city in Napa County Superior Court. They claim the Grayson project violates the General Plan, exceeds the size limits set in the citys zoning ordinance and deserves a full Environmental Impact Report. September 2015: Napa County Superior Court Judge Rodney Stone rejects lawsuit, upholding the citys approval of the project. Legal fees are paid for by the applicant. November 2015: Opponents appealed Stones ruling to the First District Court of Appeal July 2017: The case is still pending, and no court date has yet been set, according to Susan Kenward of Citizens Voice St. Helena. From St. Helena Star archives When Tom Gamble saw the puppy on the side of the road he hesitated for only a second before pulling over. He was chasing a car down the side of the road, and when it didnt stop for him I just pulled over, Gamble said as he readied for the fourth annual WineaPAWlooza auction held Saturday, July 29 at the Gamble Family Vineyards in Oakville. When I opened the passenger side door he ran up, gave me a lick and then jumped right into the car, Gamble said. By the size of the ticks on him he must have been out there for days, maybe longer. We named him Cairo, but his nickname was Velcro because we were pretty much always together. He has since died, but hes still remembered, we named a wine after him that we are serving to the guests tonight. The proceeds of the WineaPAWlooza annual auction go to Napa Valleys Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch. We are grateful to the Gambles and the entire community for their overwhelming support of JARRs mission, said the organizations founder, Monica Stevens. The success weve had helping animals is my motivation to keep going. I dont get paid I am like any other of the many volunteers that help. For me physically, this is demanding but worth every drop of effort. Lifetime animal advocates Stevens and her husband, David, founded the ranch in 2014. The Stevenses, owners of 750 Wines, an exclusive retail wine shop in St. Helena, created the nonprofit to end animal cruelty and overpopulation in the Napa Valley and beyond. As a part of their mission JARR provides transitional and permanent shelter coordination, adoption and rescue services; pet-food and pet-care assistantship for seniors, the homeless and low-income families; and more. Since our inception we have helped place over 500 rescued animals with adopted families, Stevens said. And in just the last year alone we have spayed or neutered over 1,000 animals, had 500 animals vaccinated and microchipped, funded 20 emergency surgeries and weve gone from three to 12 programs that are all based on helping animals, including launching Ellas CatHouse in January. Napas newest cathouse Located at 1009 Caymus St., Napa, Ellas CatHouse and Catnip Bar is a cage-free, no-kill adoption center for cats. It is the first of its kind in the Napa Valley. The center is named after JARRs past WineaPAWlooza auction chair Vanessa Conlins beloved cat, who died in 2016. Cats are not like dogs that you can just take on a leash to a possible foster family, and so Ellas allows people to come get to know these animals in a relaxed space, said Brenda Jones, who is one of the volunteers called a lead-cat specialist at the center. Since we opened six months ago weve had 42 cats adopted. The space also allows people to come learn or just hang out with cats if for whatever reason they cant have one where they live. Reducing kill rates At one point Napa County had a 48 percent kill rate for cats that had been placed in shelters Ellas provides another way to reduce that number, Stevens said. Of course that rate has also been decreased dramatically as a result of Measure A that we got passed with 78 percent of the vote in Napa just last year. Beyond being a no-kill rescue and sanctuary in the Napa Valley for companion and farm animals in trouble, part of JARRs mission is to provide supportive services such as spaying and neutering for those owners who cannot afford them. We not only place animals in forever homes, but through our emergency and assist fund weve been able to help existing pet owners keep their animals, said Deassa Binstock, manager of adoptions and foster care. Part of what we do is to help educate people on animal care, but we also train animals. And were not just helping dogs and cats. Weve rescued donkeys, rabbits, horses, pigs, goats, any farm or domestic animal, weve even done some chinchilla re-homing as well. Planning for the future In three years the Stevenses have created what has become a model for community-based animal care that will include building an animal-rescue home base in Carneros. We just went into contract for a four-acre property down in Carneros, Stevens said. The property is $2.3 million and will serve as our headquarters. Its cooler down there for both the animals and people. It is also the gateway to the Napa Valley, which we feel is appropriate people stopping in to see the animals before they come to this farming community. Treating both animals and auction attendees well I believe that you can judge a farming community by the way it treats their animals, said Carlo Mondavi, owner of RAEN Winery and grandson to famed Napa vintner Robert Mondavi. I support JARR because animals need a voice and need to be protected and cared for. We have the wherewithal to do this and so we should. As a part of Mondavis support, he acted as co-chair of the auction this year, helping to bring in offerings from some of the valleys most prestigious wineries, and even a little beer. In collaboration with Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards and Tesla, the car company, weve created a dream weekend for lovers of pinot noirs from our vineyard on the Sonoma coast, Mondavi said. Weve also donated a weekend for 10 people with my business partners Elliot Taylor and Jacob Busch. This lot includes a weekend experience and a barrel of our Barrels and Sons Brewery pilsners-style beer that we make right here in the Napa Valley. Prior to the auction guests enjoyed a wine-tasting with more than 50 local vintners and restaurants sharing their wine and food, with only one restriction. We are a no-kill organization, so we only serve vegetarian and vegan fare its only right, Stevens said. It can be a challenge to find just the right vegan match that pairs with wine, said Ethan Speizer, owner of Nuri catering in Napa. I cook lots of types of food, but people are shifting and chefs are getting creative, finding ways to make it work. People now not only want to eat healthy, delicious food, but they also want to feel good about what they are eating. Plus we live in a place where fresh vegetables are spectacular, so theres lots of options. After enjoying the initial libations, guests, volunteers and animals all gathered together to form a Pet Parade as they made their way to the auction tent, where famed Napa Valley auctioneer Fritz Hatton encouraged the packed house to raise their paddles for a good cause. The night was full of surprises: an unveiling of a new emergency trailer for horses and large-animal rescue, heartfelt stories of rescue animals changing the lives of families and even a chance to dance to live music from the local band WristRocket. Saving souls Cairo passed, but he was my constant companion for 15 years, Gamble said. We were inseparable Velcro and I am pleased that tonight weve shared our ranch and some of our Cairo wine. After a long pause, he continued. Ive rescued a few animals in the past, and you learn pretty fast that you might save their lives, but that they save your soul. Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch is a 501(3) registered nonprofit organization. To learn more about the ranch and how you can help, visit jamesonanimalrescueranch.org or facebook.com/JamesonRescueRanch. Jangbogo III programme Under the Jangbogo III programme, the first submarine is due to be launched in 2018 and handed over to the ROK Navy at the end of 2020 following two years of sea trials. The second submarine will be delivered at the end of 2022. KSS-III is expected to be produced in three batches: Batch-I consists in the first two hulls to be built by DSME and the third submarine to be built by HHI. Batch-II will consist in three hulls with some design changes. They will be fitted with a greater deal of South Korean technology. In May 2016, DAPA select DSME for KSS-III Batch-II Design and construction of the first hull. Batch-III will consists in the three remaining hulls (for a total of nine KSS-III submarines across all batches). The last submarine is expected to be delivered in 2029. The original design of the submarine includes 6x VLS (vertical launch system) tubes. They would accomodate a future cruise missile in development by LIG Nex1 while the launchers would be provided by Doosan. It was announced earlier in the program that Spanish company INDRA was selected to provide its electronic defense system (ESM) PEGASO and Babcock of the UK would design and manufacture the Weapon Handling System for the Batch-I submarine. It was officialy announced during Euronaval 2014 that Sagem (now Safran Defense Electronics) would supply the optronic masts for the class. Flank array sonars will be provided by Korean company LIG Nex1. Hanwha Thales contacted Navy Recognition by email to explain they would supply KSS-III's combat management system. The submarine will be fitted with South Korean lithium-ion battery technology. "We have signed a contract on behalf of the Qatari navy to acquire seven warships from Italy for five billion euros (5.9 billion U.S. dollars)," Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said at a Doha press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano. The deal includes support services in Qatar for further 15 years after the delivery of the vessels. All the units will be entirely built in Fincantieri Italian shipyards starting from 2018, ensuring 6 years of work and an important impact on the main Italian defense companies. Leonardo will be responsible for the integrated supply of the new naval units combat system, main radars and on-board sensors and defence sub-systems, including 76/62 medium calibre and 30mm small calibre weapon systems, the anti-torpedo protection system, the Thesan mine avoidance sonar. MBDA will be supplying the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) with Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles as well as Aster 30 Block 1 and VL MICA air defence missiles. Applying for Fulbright grants Emory undergraduates, including those in nursing and business, and recent undergraduate alumni who are interested in applying for future Fulbright awards can read up on the process here. Information about applying for Fulbrights through Laney Graduate School is listed here. Emory University will send a dozen students and recent graduates across the globe in the coming year as part of the 2017 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. They are among about 8,000 recipients nationwide for the flagship international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Winners for the award, named after the late Sen. J. William Fulbright, are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. This year, 29 undergraduate students and recent graduates applied for the prestigious program through Emory College of Arts and Sciences and 12 masters and PhD students applied through Laney Graduate School. Of those applicants, 12 students who applied through Emory College and five who applied through Laney were named semi-finalists. A total of 13 Emory students eight who applied through Emory College and five through Laney were selected to receive Fulbright grants, but one Laney student has declined the award after receiving another fellowship. We were excited to work with several Fulbright applicants from the business school this year, and our finalists represent a really stunning diversity of backgrounds, experiences and academic disciplines, says Megan Friddle, director of Emorys National Scholarships and Fellowships Program. The common quality in each of these finalists is an ability to articulate not only the impact that the Fulbright experience will have on each of them as individuals, but also the impact they hope to have through their work as researchers, teachers and volunteers in their host communities, she adds. James Hughes, director of advanced student fellowships at Laney Graduate School, notes that the school is committed to students' professional development, including emphasis on developing and nurturing grant-writing skills. We have a robust grant-writing program with specific sessions dedicated to preparing our students to be competitive in the Fulbright application process, Hughes says. We continue to see success with this approach, and I am pleased to share that we have five Laney awardees this year. These students represent a range of disciplines, and Fulbright support will take them to destinations across the globe. Grants for graduate student research All of the Fulbright winners who applied through Laney Graduate School were selected to conduct research projects: Isaac Foster, who is pursuing a doctorate in Islamic Civilizations Studies, will conduct research in India; Rebekah Haigh, a master of theology student in Candler School of Theology, will conduct research in Israel; Roshni Patel, who is pursuing a PhD in philosophy, will conduct research in India; Ved Patel, a doctoral student in the Graduate Division of Religion, will conduct research in India; Kathy Trang, who is pursuing a doctorate in anthropology, was awarded a Fulbright to conduct research in Vietnam, but has declined it in order to accept an NIH-Fogarty Global Health Fellowship. Haigh, who also earned a master of theological studies degree from Candler in 2016, will spend her Fulbright year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem studying the War Scroll, one of the first Dead Sea Scroll manuscripts to be discovered in 1947 in caves around Khirbet Qumran, the location of a religious sect that coexisted alongside early Christianity. Haighs project, "Desert Drama: The War Scroll as a Performance Text," will draw on the field of performance studies through orality and textual analysis to consider how the scrolls disparate elements made up of ritual, descriptive, narrative and liturgical material might be holistically understood. My project will hopefully lay the groundwork for further research on the performativity of Dead Sea Scroll texts and expand the ways we might imagine these texts functioning, as well as shaping the communitys sense of identity, she says. Recent Emory College alumni projects Two of the winners who applied through Emory College Thomas Hugh McGlade and Morika Hensley will also conduct research abroad through Fulbright Study/Research grants, which required they design a proposal for research or coursework in a specific country. McGlade, a Connecticut native who graduated with highest honors in May with a degree in history and international studies, is headed to Brazil. His Fulbright will allow for further research from his honors thesis investigating the U.S.-Brazilian hunger alleviation program that operated in Brazil during World War II. McGlade, an IDEAS Fellow and undergraduate fellow at the Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry during his undergraduate tenure, will also enroll as a graduate student in history at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV) in Rio de Janeiro. He plans to complete two courses and produce a manuscript of a journal article on his work. My primary goal for my time in Brazil is to meet people. For the last three years, I have researched and written extensively about Brazil from afar, McGlade says. While I have been lucky to travel there twice (thanks to Emory funding), I have never spent an extended period of time in the country. After the Fulbright, I plan to return to a management consulting job in the U.S., but I have a hunch that I will return to teaching and research. Hensley is the first student to graduate from Emorys new BS/MS program in environmental sciences. She completed her bachelors degree in 2016 and earned her masters degree in May, completing a thesis on the patterns of conflict and coexistence between agro-pastoralists and snow leopards in Ladakh, India. The winner of the 2014 Excellence in Tibetan Award, Hensley will use her Fulbright to examine the relationship between sacred art images (especially in monastic wall paintings) and environmental awareness and engagement in Tibetan Buddhist communities in India. This project also gives the New Mexico native the opportunity to explore intersections of religious philosophy and ecology/conservation biology, disconnects between cultural classification systems, and the place of subjectivity in research. I first decided to come to Emory in large part because of the Emory-Tibet Partnership and the many learning opportunities it offered. In short, Emory has been absolutely central in this journey, and will continue to be, says Hensley, who plans to remain involved in the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative and similar programs that emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to science and religious philosophy following her Fulbright. Morika Hensley, shown here on a previous research trip to Ladakh, India, will use her Fulbright to examine the relationship between sacred art images and environmental awareness and engagement in Tibetan Buddhist communities in India. Teaching English around the world The remaining students who applied for Fulbrights through Emory College will work in the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, which places them in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and to provide a native speaker in classrooms. Those students and their assigned country are as follows: Preston Adhikari, 17C in biology, will teach in South Korea; Alfredo Torres, 17C in linguistics and international studies, will teach in Israel; Sarah Hesse, 17C anthropology and human biology and German studies, will teach in Germany; Wanting Wendy Ye, 17B in operations management and human health, will teach in Malaysia; Emma Reidy, 17C with high honors in linguistics and Spanish, will teach in Argentina; Isabelle Saldana, 17C with highest honors in interdisciplinary studies in society and culture, will teach in India. Hesse, a native of suburban Atlanta who served as co-director of Camp Kesem Emory and won the Sprachpreis for German Language Acquisition, will teach at the elementary level during her Fulbright. She hopes to instill the same passion for acquiring a new language that she gained at Emory, where studying abroad in Vienna gave her a new appreciation for the German language and tutoring in German revealed a talent for teaching. But she also is interested in research. I look forward to learning more about how Germany handles the influx of immigrants and refugees it has had coming in since 2015 and I look forward to doing my part by working with organizations that deal with the issues of a seamless entrance into a new culture, society and language, Hesse says. Future plans include applying that knowledge in a public health or anthropology program in Germany or the United States, she adds. I am honored to be a Fulbright scholar, and I know that the investments my professors, parents and friends put in me have helped me to get where I am, she says. Meanwhile, an Emory Scholar who won a 2016 Fulbright to teach English in Taiwan was recently selected as the winner of the Outstanding Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Performance Award. Abigail Holst, who graduated in 2016 with high honors in Chinese and a double major in human health, was recognized for her exemplary service outside the classroom as well as her work with more than 500 first-grade through sixth-grade students at two elementary schools in Taichung. The Fulbright Foundation for Scholarly Exchange honored Holst based on classroom observations, biweekly reports, participation in teaching workshops and Fulbright events and community service. Holst, a Deans Achievement Scholar who received multiple fellowships and an independent research grant during her undergraduate tenure, completed her Fulbright term at the end of June. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 01:57:11|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close HELSINKI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese naval flotilla arrived in Helsinki, Finland early Tuesday after finishing its mission in the joint maneuvor with the Russian military in the Baltic Sea last week. The formation, comprising missile destroyer Hefei, missile frigate Yuncheng and supply vessel Luomahu, was the first Chinese fleet that ever sailed to the region for a military exercise. The Russia-China joint drill aimed to carry out rescue missions and safeguard maritime economic activities. It was the first phase of "Joint Sea 2017", which will also witness similar exercises in the Sea of Japan and Okhotsk later this year. More than 500 Chinese living in Finland gathered at the harbor to greet the warships. Commander of the fleet Rear Admiral Yu Manjiang delivered a short speech to the audience. He said he hoped the three-day visit will broaden the exchanges and enhance the cooperation with the Finnish army. After the speech, the greeting people had a chance to get on board missile frigate Yuncheng and communicate with the officers and sailors. The ship will be open to the Finnish public on Wednesday. Finnish Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto said the Chinese navy is welcome to Finland. "We have friendly relations with China, and we do this kind of cooperation," he told Xinhua at a reception celebrating the 90th birthday of the Chinese Liberation Army. Commenting on the Chinese effort to continue reducing the size of military staff, Niinisto said it is a good and friendly gesture to the world. He said Chinese army is still an impressive power, and "we want to have good relationship with the Chinese army." Niinisto visited China in 2016, and hosted a visit by Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan in 2015. "It is very useful for both of us to visit regulary because in that we learned more about each other," Niinisto said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 02:07:15|Editor: Zhou Xin Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (R) is sworn in by Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (L, front) as Pakistani 28th Prime Minister in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Aug. 1, 2017. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in as the 28th Pakistani Prime Minister Tuesday evening shortly after the parliament elected him with a clear majority. (Xinhua/PID) ISLAMABAD, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in as Pakistani 28th Prime Minister Tuesday evening shortly after the parliament elected him with a clear majority. Abbasi was elected as prime minister four days after the Supreme Court ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over corruption charges. He belongs to Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. The newly elected prime minister criticized the Supreme Court's verdict which disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday in a speech delivered to the country's lower house National Assembly after he won the prime minister election. He said that Nawaz Sharif has never been involved in corruption and he would be re-elected as the country's prime minister in the future. Regarding the country's economy, he said one of the top agenda in his mind is to promote the country's tax culture. "The perception here is that paying taxes is optional. If my cabinet approves, I will set my sights on non-taxpayers, and we shall catch the people whose lavish living style does not match to the amount of tax they pay," he told the parliamentarians at the lower house. He pledged to solve the country's loading-shedding issue after November this year. He said an additional 10,000 megawatts of electricity are being added to the national grid. He promised to continue to facilitate investment and the ongoing development projects in the country. He also promised better treatment and welfare for the country's farmers as he believed that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan. Talking about the country's security issue, he said that his government will stop civilians from holding automatic weapons. All the licensed automatic weapons held by civilians should be taken back by the government and the government should compensate them for this, he said. In terms of social life, he stressed the importance of quality education in the society and called from improvement in the education field. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 03:37:46|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday that the United States would like to have dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at some point. "We are not your enemy...but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," said Tillerson here at a press conference. "We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." Tillerson also reiterated that the United States seeks neither a "regime change" nor "collapse of the regime" in the DPRK. "We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula," Tillerson said. "We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel." Tillerson's remarks came days after the DPRK launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile in a month. The missile traveled about 1,000 kilometers before splashing down into the sea, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said in a statement. The DPRK said that the test-firing aimed to "finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 04:38:10|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close CARACAS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two Venezuelan courts on Tuesday revoked house arrest for two opposition leaders, saying they were planning to flee the country and had violated terms of their house arrest by making political statements and speaking to media. Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were charged with "plans to flee" and "failing to comply" with the conditions of their house arrest, according to the Ministry of Communication and Information. The Fifth and Sixth Courts for the Caracas Metropolitan Area handed down the decision "once they had verified the failure to comply with the conditions that were set for them to remain under house arrest." The men were taken from their homes in the early hours of the day to the Ramo Verde Penitentiary in northern Miranda state. In violation of their terms, both men were actively campaigning against the elections held on Sunday for a National Constituent Assembly (ANC), urging supporters to boycott the initiative, the ministry said. Ledezma had agreed to make no declarations to the press, but on Monday released a video in which he described the ANC elections as a "fraud." Lopez is serving a nearly 14-year jail sentence for instigating violence, arson and other crimes in connection with anti-government protests, and was released from prison last month. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 04:58:26|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have found a switch-like brain mechanism for burning fat after a meal, according to a study out Tuesday that offered a potential novel target for the treatment of obesity. Researchers at Monash University in Australia looked at a process known as browning, during which the body converts white fat, which stores energy, into brown fat, that is used to burn it. Fat in the human body is stored in specialized cells called adipocytes, which can change from white to brown states and back again. Their study, published in the U.S. journal Cell Metabolism, showed that a rise in blood glucose after a meal will cause the brain to send signals to promote the browning of fat so that the body will expend energy. By contrast, after a fast, the brain instructs these browned adipocytes to once more convert into white adipocytes to store energy. The complex process is controlled by a switch-like mechanism that turned on after fasting and turned off after feeding to help prevent both excess weight gain and excess weight loss. "What happens in the context of obesity is that the switch stays on all the time -- it doesn't turn on off during feeding," lead researcher Professor Tony Tiganis from Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute said in a statement. "As a consequence, browning is turned off all the time and energy expenditure is decreased all the time, so when you eat, you don't see a commensurate increase in energy expenditure -- and that promotes weight gain," Tiganis said. The researchers are now exploring the possibility of inhibiting the switch for therapeutic purposes to promote the burning of excess fat. "What our studies have shown is that there is a fundamental mechanism at play that normally ensures that energy expenditure is matched with energy intake," Tiganis said. "When this is defective, you put on more weight. Potentially we may be able to rewire this mechanism to promote energy expenditure and weight loss in obese individuals. But any potential therapy is a long way off," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 06:29:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Christopher A. Wray as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wray, with a 92-5 vote, replaces James Comey who was abruptly fired by U.S. President Donald Trump as investigators were looking into possible links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. At Wray's nomination debate on Tuesday afternoon, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said "this is a tough time to take this tough job." "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months," she said. Wray was nominated by Trump to succeed Comey as the FBI director in June. During a confirmation hearing last month, Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would strive for independence. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 07:04:16|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close BERLIN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- ROSSMANN, Germany's second-largest drug store chain, has introduced Alipay, a major mobile payment platform in China, into its more than 2,000 retail outlets across Germany since its first adoption this May. Raoul Rossmann, managing director of ROSSMANN, told Xinhua that the company is trying to improve Chinese customers' shopping experience through the using of Alipay. "We are continuously learning about our Chinese customers and their preferences," said Rossmann, who's responsible for sales and marketing at ROSSMANN. The Chinese are well-regarded and increasingly important customers, said the drug store chain. The managing director said the adoption mainly targets the groups of Chinese tourists and Chinese customers who reside in Germany. The positive responses from the Chinese customers have shown the effects. "It would be very convenient if there is cashless payment per smartphone like Alipay in Germany. The cooperation between ROSSMANN and Alipay makes it possible," said Cheng Wei, who works in Germany. According to Cheng, he used to pay with his smartphone in China with no need to bring cash with himself. He totally welcomes to see that Alipay can be used in German stores. Another Chinese customer Qu Lijun, a student in Germany, recalled her embarrassed moment when she went shopping in a supermarket but forgot to carry her wallet. "At that moment, I only had my smartphone in my hand and really hoped that I could pay with it," she said. For ROSSMANN, Alipay is not an improvement only for the Chinese customers, but also leverage to increase ROSSMANN brand awareness in China. "We are working on providing coupons and other discount opportunities in the Alipay App, which will allow users to directly see if there is a promotion ongoing at a ROSSMANN shop nearby," said Rossmann. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 07:09:17|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of Florida on Tuesday reported its first sexually transmitted Zika case in 2017. In a statement, the state's health department said the Zika case has been confirmed in Pinellas County. "While the individual had no travel, their partner recently traveled to Cuba and was ill with symptoms consistent with Zika," the department said. "Both tested positive for Zika." Based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tuesday's confirmed infection is the second Zika case acquired through sexual transmission in the continental U.S. this year. It stated that there is no evidence of ongoing transmission through mosquitoes taking place anywhere in Florida. This year, Florida has reported a total of 118 Zika cases, including 90 travel-related cases. An additional 28 patients were infected in 2016 but tested this year, including six locally acquired cases and 22 with undetermined exposure. Last week, the state of Texas reported its first local Zika infection by a mosquito in 2017. The Texas case is also the first local case in any U.S. state this year. Zika is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito, but it can also be spread by sexual contact. Four out of five people infected with the Zika virus never develop symptoms, and when symptoms do occur, they may include fever, joint pain, maculopapular rash, and conjunctivitis. In addition, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 07:35:07|Editor: Yang Yi File photo taken on July 25, 2017 shows Liu Jieyi (R), China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and UN Security Council president for July, addressing a Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East at the UN headquarters in New York. China on July 31 concluded its rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July. Under the month-long Chinese presidency, the Security Council, which is the most powerful UN body, convened more than 30 meetings, adopted four resolutions and four presidential statements, and issued seven press statements. In July, China succeeded in holding two open debates on "enhancing African capacities in the areas of peace and security" and on the Mideast, namely the Israeli-Palestinian problem. The Security Council also discussed the issues of Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Colombia, Libya, Cyprus and the Korean Peninsula. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 07:49:30|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Casual contact like kissing or sharing a fork or spoon is unlikely to pass a Zika virus infection, a new study said Tuesday. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) who conducted experiments with monkeys found that saliva does not appear to be an approach to spread Zika, according to the study published in the British journal Nature Communications. "If passing the virus by casual contact were easy, I think we would see a lot more of what we would call secondary transmission in a place like the United States," Tom Friedrich, a virology professor at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, said in a statement. "But we're not seeing clinically apparent spread of Zika throughout the continental U.S. without the presence of the mosquitoes that carry the virus, and our study helps to put into context some of the transmission risk." Scientists believe that mosquito bites are the source of most Zika virus infections in people. The virus can also be spread by sexual intercourse, but it has been unclear whether the saliva of an infected person posed a danger. In the new study, researchers infected monkeys with the strain of Zika virus that has been circulating in North and South America in recent years, and collected saliva from the infected ones. Then, they swabbed the tonsils of five uninfected monkeys with the saliva, and for comparison, swabbed the tonsils of three monkeys with a concentrated high dose of Zika virus in solution. None of the saliva-swabbed monkeys developed an infection, nor did a pair of monkeys who had infected saliva swabbed in their nostrils or eyelids. However, all three monkeys who had high-dose virus applied directly to their tonsils in the absence of saliva got infected, though the infection took slightly longer to develop than in monkeys infected under their skin. Actually, the study's infected monkeys had very little active virus in their saliva, compared to the amounts typically passed into people or monkeys by mosquito bites, the researchers said. Meanwhile, there are also anti-microbial components in saliva making that low level of virus even less infectious than it might be in another medium, they said. In addition, saliva is "viscous" stuff, which hinders the ability of the Zika virus to move and get to cells that they could infect. However, the researchers were also quick to point out a mysterious case of Zika transmission - between an elderly man and his caretaker son in Utah last year -- that ruled out better-understood routes such as mosquitoes or sexual activity. The son became infected apparently after having contact with his deceased father who had a "uniquely high amount" of virus -- more than 100,000 times higher than seen in other samples of infected people -- in the blood. "The case in Utah was an outlier -- by orders of magnitude -- in terms of the amount of virus that was present in his blood," Friedrich said. "Transmission via saliva is theoretically possible, but it would require extraordinarily high viral loads that just aren't present in the vast majority of infected people." Most people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms when infected with Zika, but the virus has been linked to a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects in babies whose mothers were infected during pregnancy. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 07:59:34|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The University of California, Berkeley, said Tuesday it will host a two-day conference to discuss potential applications, ranging from human and animal health to agriculture and conservation, of a type of gene-editing technology known as CRISPR. While CRISPR is short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, UC Berkeley researchers are on the forefront in the area. Known as "CRISPRcon: Science, Society, and the Future of Gene Editing," the conference scheduled for August 16-17 is open to the public and is expected to bring together farmers, doctors, patients, environmentalists, consumers, nonprofits, community leaders and scientists. "Fulfilling the promise and the potential of CRISPR technology requires collaboration and thoughtful, open dialogue," Jennifer Doudna, co-inventor of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, was quoted as explaining in a news release from UC Berkeley. "CRISPRcon will provide a forum for the kind of honest discourse we need to examine what a future with CRISPR technology might look like, and what its continued advancement might require in terms of policy and oversight." As professor of chemistry and of molecular and cell biology at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of UC Berkeley, Doudna will deliver one of the keynote talks at the event. Since the CRISPR-Cas9, with Cas standing for CRISPR Associated Protein, technology was invented five years ago, it has revolutionized biomedical and agricultural research while fueling angst about questionable applications, such as designer crops, farm animals and humans. Organizers hope that CRISPRcon, through a series of keynotes, panels and interactive discussions, will help examine the social dimensions of CRISPR in medicine, food and the environment, and the role of regulation and social acceptance in determining the future of the technology. Christopher A. Wray testifies during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on his nomination to be the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington D.C., the United States, on July 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Christopher A. Wray as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wray, with a 92-5 vote, replaces James Comey who was abruptly fired by U.S. President Donald Trump in May as investigators were looking into possible links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. At Wray's nomination debate on Tuesday afternoon, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said "this is a tough time to take this tough job." "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months," she said. In June, Wray was nominated by Trump to succeed Comey as the FBI director. During a confirmation hearing last month, Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would strive for independence, in light of that Trump had allegedly asked for loyalty from the then-FBI leader. "My commitment is to the rule of law, to the Constitution, to follow the facts wherever they may lead," Wray said. "There isn't a person on this planet whose lobbying or influence could convince to just drop or abandon a properly predicated and meritorious investigation," he added. Born into a family of New York lawyers, Wray graduated in 1989 from Yale University and got a law degree in 1992 from the Yale Law School. Wray was later hired as a Justice Department prosecutor for years before rising to assistant general in charge of overseeing fraud investigations. In 2005, he resigned to join private practice as a litigation partner with the law firm King & Spalding. Under U.S. law, the FBI director serve a single 10-year term. Danish student Troels Jeppesen practices Kung Fu.(Photo by Ying Chen) By Ru Ge Among the many Danish friends that I have made during my seven months of study as an exchange student in Denmark are several who have really impressed me with their profound interest in and deep love of Chinese culture. Troels Jeppesen, who majors in Chinese studies in Copenhagen University, is a huge fan of Shaolin martial arts. He has been practicing Kung Fu for three years since he graduated from his gymnasium (Danish name for high school). "I've never been to Shaolin Temple, but I have a Danish master who had studied martial arts at the temple multiple times over a period of four or five years. So he is very skillful at Kung Fu, and passed on the teachings to his Danish students," he said. Jeppesen can talk about Kung Fu moves like a real expert: from 18 Luohan Hands (Luohan means warrior monk) to Wuxingbafa, or Five Animals and Eight Methods (the Kung Fu moves that imitate animals). Jeppesen's love of martial arts was the reason he chose Chinese studies as his major. (Photo by Ying Chen) In his opinion, 18 Luohan Hands and Wuxingbafa are two sides of the same coin. The former is more related to bodily exercises, whereas the latter is more about imitating animals and their movements. He explained to me that there are five imitation forms included in Wuxingbafa: tiger, crane, leopard, snake and dragon. He also said that in the later development of Shaolin Kung Fu, people also started imitating weather, water, thunder, and rivers. I almost feel ashamed that a foreigner knows so much about Shaolin martial arts, while a native Chinese like myself - born and brought up in the country - knows comparatively little about this important part of Chinese culture. In addition to explaining the movements of Shaolin Kung Fu to me, he also mentioned that his love of martial arts was the reason he chose Chinese studies as his major when he entered Copenhagen University. "It's a long story, but put it more simply, it's because my Kung Fu master is good at telling stories, and I found out the ideas and philosophical views are very different from what we have here in the west," he said. Because of that, he became very interested in Chinese culture and decided to major in Chinese. In the upcoming semester, he is going to study Chinese for five months at Beijing International Studies University as an exchange student and he said he would definitely go to visit Shaolin Temple in Henan Province in central China. Another student is so passionate about Chinese culture that he asked to be called Song Jiang, a hero in the ancient Chinese novel of "Outlaws of Marsh." The tall, blond 27-year-old is nothing like the dark-complexioned leader of outlaws. Song studied Chinese for four years as his major and just graduated from Copenhagen University. I met him twice at a "speak in Chinese" cafe. He speaks almost flawless Chinese and is a voracious reader of ancient classical Chinese literature, with his favorite books being "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Outlaws of Marsh." He has an ambition to translate these two novels into Danish in collaboration with an even more knowledgeable friend who also majored in Chinese studies. "I hope one day I can introduce the marvelous ancient Chinese culture to Danish people by translating the Chinese classical works into Danish," he said. One interesting fact about Song is that I can tell he definitely reads a lot of classical works. Sometimes, when speaking Chinese, he uses ancient words instead of the ones we use nowadays. Take, for example, the word "pirate." We usually call it "haidao," but he used an ancient version: "haikou" instead. This is a word that was used in the Song and Qing Dynasties. In addition, whenever I mentioned unique Chinese phenomenons and expressions, they resonated with him really well. When we talked about the Chinese phenomena of "dama" (Chinese aunties) or "xueba" (literally "academic emperor", a term that labels nerds, bookworms and all students that study excessively), he laughed and nodded. He also showed off his knowledge of the Chinese accent, imitating Chinese people speaking English with strong Chinese accents. I couldn't help laughing because his skill of mimicking was quite sharp and he sounded exactly how some Chinese sound when they speak English. "Speak Chinese cafe" in Copenhagen University.(Photo by Ying Chen) Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 09:16:00|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SYDNEY, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A 50-year old man in Australia's Sydney was released from police custody on Tuesday evening, after he was arrested by a counter-terrorism operation on Saturday. Abdul Merhi was one of four men caught up in a series of police raids across the city, which allegedly thwarted a plot to bring down an international passenger jet with an explosive device. Local media reported that a kitchen meat grinder was to be used as a way to disguise the bomb, in what justice minister Michael Keenan described as a "quite a sophisticated plot." On Wednesday, the man's lawyer Moustafa Kheir took to social media following the release, saying it had been a "tough few days" for his client and that "he's relieved the truth is out." He also stated that he plans to "review police action" during the four day process. Meanwhile, the other three men remain in custody under special police powers, which allow them to hold a terror suspect for up to a week without charge. In a joint statement, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales State Police said "this investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be provided at an appropriate time." Although specifics of the intended target have not been made clear, UAE carrier Etihad and their aviation security team acknowledged in a statement obtained by Xinhua, that they are "assisting the AFP" with their investigation and "monitoring the situation closely." There has been no further development about how authorities uncovered the terror plot, however local media have suggested that a tip-off likely came from a foreign intelligence agency. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro celebrates the results of Constituent Assembly, in Caracas, on July 31, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Though U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro were seen by many as symbolic, more U.S. sanctions targeting the country could follow, experts said. The United States on Monday slapped economic sanctions on Maduro after Venezuela held its National Constituent Assembly (ANC) on Sunday. "By sanctioning Maduro, the United States makes clear our opposition to the policies of his regime," U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. Though it was rare for the United States to slap sanctions on a sitting leader of a country, the U.S. move on Monday was far more limited in its scope compared to previous estimation that the United States would target Venezuela's oil industry. Venezuelan political observer Sergio Rodriguez Gelfenstein told Xinhua that the U.S. sanctions against Maduro were a symbolic measure designed to show Washington's disapproval of the leader who defied a White House order to scrap Sunday's poll. Personal sanctions against Maduro are unlikely to harm U.S. interests, whereas economic sanctions against the South American country could affect U.S. businesses, Rodriguez said. "Maduro is not going to be deterred, so the question is what happens when the new constituent assembly starts dismantling the existing institutions or we have further bloodshed. I think we will start to see escalating economic measures," Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC. Maduro on Monday rebuffed U.S. sanctions that targeted him personally, saying he was "proud" to be singled out by the measure. "They sanction me because I call for an electoral process that is unique in the history of the Americas ... because I don't obey the orders of foreign governments? If that is so, then I feel proud of the proposed sanction," said Maduro. "The threats and sanctions ... do not intimidate me... I have nothing to fear," Maduro said, adding that the sanctions serve to highlight the impotence, desperation and hatred felt in Washington. Apart from the sanctions against Maduro, the U.S. Treasury Department had slapped sanctions on 13 current or former senior officials of the Venezuelan government amid political turmoil in the South American country. The U.S. Treasury Department on Monday also warned that anyone who participates in the ANC could be exposed to future U.S. sanctions. Currently, the Trump administration is keeping all sanctions options on the table. According to White House senior officials who briefed reporters on Venezuela sanctions, possible sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector were also considered. "All options are being carefully studied, carefully analyzed," said the official on a conference call last week. Among the possible U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, the most severe option would be an embargo against Venezuelan crude oil imports into the United States. According to data by U.S. Energy Information Administration, Venezuela is the third biggest U.S. supplier of oil. Given the fact that Venezuela's oil industry supplies over 90 percent of the South American country's hard currency, such a U.S. embargo would further cripple Venezuela's already weak economy. The Wall Street Journal cited sources familiar with White House inner discussion on Venezuela sanctions as saying that an embargo against Venezuelan crude oil imports into the United States was currently off the table. The most likely option is a ban on exports to Venezuela of refined petroleum products and lighter crude grades that Venezuela mixes with the heavy crude it then sells to the United States, say the people familiar with U.S. discussions. That could force Venezuela to import light crude at higher prices from distant places like Algeria or Nigeria, and deepen its steady oil output decline, Francisco Monaldi, a Venezuela expert at Rice University, told The Wall Street Journal. Another option is to ban state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela from using the U.S. banking system and U.S. currency, the people were quoted as saying. The vote on Sunday came at a time of high tensions in Venezuela, with anti-government protests organized by the opposition having led to more than 110 deaths since early April. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 10:21:38|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A man of Asia origin fired multiple gunshots outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles Tuesday morning before shooting himself dead. The shooting was reported about 6 a.m.(1300 GMT). The man, in his 60s, died in his vehicle at the shooting scene, an official from the consulate told Xinhua. Policeman confirmed that the man was of Asia origin, but did not release his name, the official said. The shooting resulted in six bullet holes on the building of the consulate, Xinhua found. A witness at the scene told Xinhua the gunman shot 17 bullets before killing himself in his car. It was not immediately clear if the gunman had any political motive, local media cited police source as saying. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 10:46:41|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that the United States does not blame China for the Korean Peninsula nuclear conundrum. Speaking here at a briefing, Tillerson said that to achieve the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, the United States seeks to "partner with China," and that the United States doesn't blame the Chinese for the situation on the Korean Peninsula. But days ago, Trump baselessly linked in his latest tweets the U.S. trade deficit with China to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, saying, "I am very disappointed in China. Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk." Tillerson also said that the United States would like to have a dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at some point. "We are not your enemy ... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," said Tillerson. "We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." Tillerson also reiterated that the United States seeks neither a "regime change" nor "collapse of the regime" in the DPRK. "We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula," Tillerson said. "We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel." Tillerson's remarks came days after the DPRK launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in a month. The DPRK on Saturday confirmed the test-firing of a second ICBM simulating its maximum range, which it said can cover all the territories of the United States. "The second test-fire of the ICBM Hwasong-14 was successfully carried out at night of July 28, 2017, under the supervision of (DPRK top leader) Kim Jong Un, who guided the test-fire on the spot," the Korean Central News Agency said in a report. The missile traveled about 1,000 km before splashing down into the sea, said Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis in an early statement. This is the second time for the DPRK to have successfully launched its ICBMs, the first being launched on July 4. China has always called for negotiated solutions to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, said on Monday that China is firmly opposed to any violation of the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including nuclear tests and ballistic missile tests by the DPRK. China has been urging the DPRK and other relevant countries not to exacerbate the situation on the Korean Peninsula by avoiding words and actions that could escalate regional tensions, which run counter to the objectives sought by the UNSC. China has been working with Russia to put forth a road map for achieving regional peace and the UNSC's objectives, the Chinese ambassador told a press conference at the United Nations. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 11:37:03|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close BRAZZAVILLE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Located along Lake Kivu in Bukavu city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the campsite of the engineering unit of Chinese peacekeeping forces in the country. A total of 218 members of the engineering and medical units of the 20th batch of Chinese peacekeeping forces in DRC have recently received the UN Peace Medal of Honor there, the highest honor for peacekeepers, also called the "blue helmets". Since entering task area in September last year, the peacekeeping forces have built roads and helped the locals in other ways, and are called "Chinese brothers" by government soldiers. SAFETY TEST IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY The 20th batch of Chinese peacekeeping forces were dispatched to the central African country at a turbulent time, when an anti-government parade took place in capital Kinshasa, which then prompted clashes and bloodshed, leading to the death of more than 30 people. At that sensitive period, the peacekeeping forces traveled from afar and began their mission in the restive country. Due to the long-time occupation of multiple foreign and local rebel forces in the eastern area, the safety of team members has been quite worrisome. Second vehicle squad leader Xu Bin will probably never forget the time he dug up an unexploded mortar last October. Xu was constructing a defensive facility with a shovel, when some dark red matter was exposed to light. He took a closer look and broke into a cold sweat. An unexploded bomb! Xu immediately shouted at team member Liu Xu, and told him to notify others to evacuate at once. In a short time, all soldiers, sentinels and cooks nearby evacuated. But a power generator set was located just 20 meters from the site - if anything happens, the consequence would be unimaginable. Deputy Commander Zhang Qing, among others, came to the scene, determined the bomb was a 60mm mortar, and decided to report to a special UN dispatch team. Three hours later, UN staff arrived, removed the mortar and induced the explosion with the support of the Chinese team. The crisis was solved. The rapid response and proper handling of the situation by the engineering unit were highly praised by the UN's mine operations department. BUILDING ROAD IN INDIGENOUS FOREST The northern part of DRC has a tropical rain forest climate, with frequent breakout of infectious diseases such as malaria and cholera. In May, the World Health Organization announced that the Ebola epidemic resurfaced once again in the north of the country. But just a few hundred kilometers away, the engineering team's progress did not slow down. The road under construction by the engineering unit goes through the indigenous forest, but serves as a key connection between Bukavu, the capital of South-Kivu Province, and Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province. As the second largest country by land area in Africa, the DRC has weak infrastructure and underdeveloped land traffic. The road was originally opened up during the Belgian colonial period in the 1950s, according to local officials. After more than six decades, it is dilapidated beyond recognition, with numerous 1-meter-plus big pits along the way, making it difficult for even motorcycles to pass, let alone trucks. Team members had encountered attacks by gorillas and poisonous snakes while building the road, and had to be careful about potentially dangerous mosquito bites. Kalehe Contingent team leader Zhu Guorui said roads are quite developed in his hometown Shandong Province. When he came to DRC, he was shocked by the vast gap in infrastructure. More than 60 percent of accidents in the area are related to traffic, he said. Zhu told Xinhua that he could feel a longing for a better life by local residents. Simple dirt roads built by peacekeepers are called "high-speed road" by the locals, he said. "CHINESE NOT FRIENDS, BUT BROTHERS" For the past 27 years, China has devoted itself to peacekeeping missions in conflict-torn countries, and the contribution of China's "blue helmets" has earned applause and respect from the international community. China first participated in UN peacekeeping missions in 1990, when five military observers were sent to Damascus, the capital of Syria. Since then, China has dispatched a total of 35,000 person-times of peacekeeping and military personnel to take part in 24 UN missions. Currently, China contributes 2,512 people to UN peacekeeping missions, according to UN official statistics. On average, the Asian country contributes more troops to UN peacekeeping missions than any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. "China is a country with dreams, everyone has his own dream, and Chinese soldiers here have shared their dreams with the Congo people," said Ahsande Ullah, a staff sergeant from Pakistan peacekeeping forces. Ahsande provides armed guards for Chinese engineering units in the DRC, allowing him to become more acquainted with the Chinese than would be otherwise. Chinese soldiers are diligent and down to earth, they have built roads and bridges here and turned things in order, Ahsande said, noting that even local resident short of food occasionally help Chinese soldiers clear roads of stones. Some even offer the soldiers food like bananas. "Chinese engineering soldiers built roads for us, we could thus transport bananas in the mountains to markets for sale and buy some daily necessities. Everyone has the money to buy a motorcycle, and lives are getting better day by day," Captain Arthur of the DRC government forces said. As of July 20, the engineering unit has built 57.7 km of roads, and completed more than 30 construction projects. The medical unit has accepted roughly 1,430 patients, and took part in emergency treatment for Pakistani personnel injured in a fire and the treatment of Egyptian special forces in a major accident during helicopter training. Whenever Captain Arthur hears someone says Chinese people are friends of the DRC, he has a simple reply ready. "The Chinese treat us like brothers," he says. "They are not friends, but brothers." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 11:42:06|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close BRASILIA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's wide-reaching anti-corruption investigation, known as Operation Car Wash, has been extended "for at least one more year," Brazilian authorities announced Tuesday. The Superior Council of the Federal Prosecution Service (CSMPF) on Tuesday approved a deadline extension to continue the activities of the 14-member federal task force in charge of the investigation. The operation has uncovered a slew of scandals involving top government officials and leading to numerous convictions. "So far, 157 of the investigated suspects have been convicted, with jail sentences totalling a combined 1,563 years," said the CSMPF. Prosecutors have also recovered more than 3 billion U.S. dollars in embezzled public funds. In addition to prolonging the operation, the council has more than tripled the task force's operating budget for next year to 527,000 dollars. The operation was instrumental in uncovering a long-running corruption scheme at state-run oil giant Petrobras, which involved kickbacks and bribes from construction firms contracted to build oil wells and other infrastructure. Some of the money was used to fund political campaigns. Nearly 200 politicians, including lawmakers, are currently under investigation for illicit enrichment and other wrongdoing. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 11:52:09|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A senior UN official Tuesday said that the war-torn Yemen, already reeling from malnutrition and dwindling health care, is plummeting into further distress amid a deadly cholera outbreak and looming famine. "Historically, Yemen has been one of the poorest Arab nations -- if not the poorest -- with (poverty) and corruption, poor governance and poor infrastructure. The war has simply made it much worse," said Auke Lootsma, UN Development Program (UNDP) Country Director, while briefing journalists in New York via teleconference from the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. He compared the situation in the country to a bus "racing towards the edge of a cliff." Instead of hitting the brakes and turning around, "the one controlling the direction of the bus keeps going and pushes the accelerator, all but certain to crash," Lootsma warned. He stressed that the Yemeni people are enduring incredible hardship, with 70 percent of the population -- some 20 million people -- in need of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, some 400,000 cases of cholera recorded in the past few months have resulted in 1,900 deaths. Due to the scope of the crisis combined with a lack of funding and access, humanitarians "are asked to cover gaps that are well beyond" their mandates and capacities, he said. The country is on the brink of famine, with 60 percent of the population not knowing where its next meal is coming from, according to the UN official. "The current food security crisis is a man-made disaster not only resulting from decades of poverty and under-investment, but also as a war tactic through economic strangulation," he noted. Pointing out that Yemen imported 90 percent of its food even before the crisis, he painted a picture of the difficulty in bringing food into the country now, as "it is actually financially out of reach for many of the poor families at this point in time." "The collapse of the health, water and sanitation sector due to a lack of salaries and damaged infrastructure" exacerbated the situation, the UNDP Country Director introduced. Almost half of the health facilities are no longer functioning because they are partly or completely damaged. What makes the situation worse is that "doctors and nurses are not coming to work because they have not been paid and looking for income elsewhere." With almost 1.2 million civil servants having not been paid since September 2016, many businesses have collapsed. The conflict continues unabated as remaining infrastructure continues to be shattered -- garbage is piling up and water treatment facilities are marginally functioning, creating ideal conditions for diseases -- and civilian casualties continue to mount, rendering Yemen as the world's largest cholera crisis, according to Lootsma. With its population set to double by 2050, pressing development challenges -- including changing climate, negative production and malnutrition -- will have a great impact on Yemen's future. Lootsma called on the international community to redouble their efforts, warning that time is running out to find the brakes to stop the bus before it goes off the cliff. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 11:57:12|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States was mulling dispatching two aircraft carriers to the Korean Peninsula in an apparent show of force following the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s test-launch of what it called an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday. An unidentified South Korean government source was quoted as saying the military authorities of South Korea and the U.S. had considered the mobilization of the U.S. aircraft carrier to the peninsula for the joint annual war games, codenamed Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG). The mobilization date would be moved up, before the computer-assisted simulation exercise that was scheduled to kick off on Aug. 21, according to the source. The two U.S. aircraft carriers to be mobilized would reportedly be USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike groups, which were sent to the waters near the peninsula in late May. The source was quoted as saying that reviews were underway over the dispatch of two U.S. aircraft carriers and an undefined number of U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in the third week of this month, before the joint U.S.-South Korea war game kicks off. The mulling of the dispatch followed the DPRK's test-firing last week the ICBM that flew about 1,000 km and was lofted as high as over 3,700 km. It was an advanced version of Hwasong-14 that traveled 933 km at a maximum altitude of 2,802 km at the July 4 test-launch. The source was quoted as saying the mobilization of the two U.S. supercarriers would have the meaning of issuing a strong warning against the DPRK to deter any further provocation, describing the upcoming UFG war game as a high-intensity joint drill to show force against the DPRK in waters near the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK has denounced the U.S.-South Korea war game as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 12:32:19|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close HAVANA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Elections for a National Constituent Assembly (ANC) in Venezuela represent a "resounding blow" to U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies, Venezuela's ambassador to Cuba said Tuesday. "Elections for the ANC had a very high turnout and it is a resounding blow for Mr. Trump and his allies in the region. The U.S. failed in its strategy to provoke violence in our country and derail the elections," said Ali Rodriguez at a press conference. More than 8 million Venezuelans voted on Sunday to elect 537 of the total 545 members of the ANC, according to the country's electoral authorities. The ANC is tasked to draft a new constitution to strengthen social protections, communal programs and a diversified economy, among other goals. The record high voter turnout sent a "strong message" to the international community, Rodriguez said. Venezuela's opposition groups, with full support of the White House and other regional governments, had campaigned and protested for months to prevent the elections from taking place on Sunday, but failed, said the ambassador. Rodriguez expressed optimism that the ANC could put the country back on track, saying "now comes the economic recovery of the country." "We must go after the main problems, particularly the chronic shortage of food and medicines," he added. Participation in the elections signals that Venezuelans want to overcome the political crisis, as Rodriguez sees it. "Venezuelans are peaceful and reject violence promoted by the right-wing opposition. With the approval of the constituent assembly, new measures to return to calm will be implemented," said the former foreign affairs minister. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed the constitutional initiative in May, saying it would help to resolve the political deadlock between the country's leftist and right-wing factions. The right-wing opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), boycotted Sunday's vote, claiming that the ANC was an attempt by Maduro to consolidate power. The United States labeled the elections a "sham" and announced personal sanctions against Maduro on Monday. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 12:42:22|Editor: Song Lifang Venezuelan Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino, takes part in a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, on August 1, 2017. Venezuela's Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, reaffirmed on Tuesday the loyalty of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB, for its acronym in Spanish) to President Nicolas Maduro, ahead of the sanctions against him issued by the United States. (Xinhua/Stringer) CARACAS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's military and cabinet expressed their continued support for President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday, a day after the United States announced sanctions against the president. The sanctions were in retaliation for defying the White House by refusing to cancel elections for a National Constituent Assembly (ANC) to rewrite the Constitution. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez affirmed that the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) remained loyal to the president. "The FANB ... ratifies its unconditional support and loyalty to our Commander in Chief, and reiterates its historic commitment to defend national sovereignty and independence," Padrino said. According to the electoral authorities, more than 8 million Venezuelans went to the polls on Sunday to elect the members of the ANC, which is to draft a new "improved" constitution. "We ask for respect for these Venezuelans, because by sanctioning President Nicolas Maduro, they are sanctioning the more than 8 million Venezuelans who went out to vote against all odds," said Padrino. The White House initially threatened to slap economic sanctions against Venezuela if the vote went ahead. But U.S. President Donald Trump settled on personal sanctions against Maduro. The measure was just the latest display of U.S. "intervention" in Venezuela's domestic affairs, said Padrino. Venezuela's Council of Ministers issued a statement read by Vice President Tareck El Aissami to "categorically (reject) the intended sanctions" against Maduro. "This unacceptable threat ... is a serious aggression (against the Venezuelan people) aimed at silencing the voice of free peoples and their popularly elected leaders," said El Aissami. Maduro became the fourth head of state named on the U.S. Treasury Department's black list, following Syria's Bashar Al-Assad, the DPRK's Kim Jong Un and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, all labeled "dictators" by Washington. Also on Tuesday, three lawmakers belonging to Venezuela's United Socialist Party (PSUV) announced they were splitting from the party over the ANC initiative. Deputy Eustoqui Contreras said he and two other colleagues would form their own voting bloc at the National Assembly, where the right-wing opposition holds a majority. "We have decided to create the Socialist Parliamentary Bloc ... driven by the need to contribute to the study of the solutions that the country's major problems require," Contreras told an assembly session as he read from a prepared statement. The 1999 Constitution was called for by the people, who voted for it in a prior referendum, whereas the ANC was proposed by Maduro, he said. "Today's (constituent assembly) was convened by one branch and we cannot remain silent," said Contreras, predicting other disaffected party members "will gradually be joining" the new bloc. "We remain socialists and believe in the Bolivarian project, our difference lies in how to tackle the crisis," he said. The President of the Assembly, opposition leader Julio Borges, welcomed the new group. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 13:07:33|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The White House said Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump "weighed in" on a statement his eldest son had made about a controversial Russia-related meeting. The statement that Donald Trump Jr. issued "is true", said White House spokeswomen Sarah Sanders in a briefing on Tuesday afternoon. "There is no inaccuracy in the statement." The meeting between Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer during the 2016 campaign was brought back into limelight after Trump reportedly dictated the July 8th statement that claimed the meeting was "primarily" about American families adoption of Russian children. Sanders pushed back the story, saying Trump "certainly didn't dictate" the statement but he "weighed in as any father would, based on the limited information that he had." The matter was "of no consequence", Sanders stressed. But her remarks appeared to have contradicted with Jay Sekulow, one of the attorneys representing Trump in the Russia probe, who has repeatedly denied that the president played a role in drafting his son's statement. Sekulow has denied in previous interviews that Trump had any involvement in the drafting of the statement, which, he said, was written by Trump Jr. with consultation with his lawyer. A Washington Post report said on Monday Trump dictated the document while flying back on Air Force One from the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, held on July 7-8. "Apart from being of no consequence, the characterizations are misinformed, inaccurate, and not pertinent," Sekulow said in a statement to the Post after the story was released. It was revealed last month that Trump Jr. met a Russian lawyer last year in New York after being promised "damaging" information about Hilary Clinton, the then Democratic presidential candidate running against his father. After issuing the misleading statement in attempt to "clarify" himself, Trump Jr. made public a chain of emails with an intermediary about the meeting to be what he called "totally transparent." But he was later accused of violating a federal act by conspiring to solicit a contribution from a foreign national during the campaign because of what he revealed. A federal special counsel and several congressional panels are conducting the Trump-Russia investigations. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 13:32:39|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close HONG KONG, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor Wednesday embarked on a visit to Singapore and Thailand, hoping to further boost ties between the HKSAR and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This is Lam's first visit outside the HKSAR as the chief executive. Choosing the two ASEAN member states as the destination for her first visit was because "ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN are very close", with ASEAN being Hong Kong's second largest goods trade partner, Lam told the media Wednesday morning before departure. To further enhance Hong Kong-ASEAN ties in trade and investment, the two sides have been promoting negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) for years, she said, adding that the FTA is hopefully to be announced and signed before the end of this year. According to the HKSAR government, Lam will stay in Singapore until Thursday evening to meet senior Singapore government officials, attend a celebration event for the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, and visit facilities including an innovation lab for digital services. She will then head to Bangkok, Thailand and will meet senior Thai government officials and business leaders, as well as officials from other ASEAN countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 13:37:42|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- CJ Logistics, a logistics arm of CJ Group, South Korea's 14th-biggest conglomerate, signed a partnership Wednesday with Cainiao, a logistics affiliate of Alibaba Group. The strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between CJ Logistics and Cainiao to build a supply chain management (SCM) line for e-commerce between South Korea and China, the South Korean company said in a statement. Under the MOU, the CJ Logistics became the official logistics partner of Cainiao in South Korea to provide logistics services for e-commerce products sent from South Korea to China. The two companies also held the launching ceremony of the Global Fulfillment Center (GFC) of Cainiao as the first step of their partnership. The GFC is a hi-tech logistics center that integrates work related to direct overseas sales of products on e-commerce, which ranges from storage, inventory management, packaging and waybill invoicing to customs and international air shipment. The center would handle the products, which are sold to China on e-commerce, for South Korean companies that are registered with Alibaba Group's Chinese retail platforms. Cainiao had four GFCs across the globe. The CJ Logistics became the fifth official operator of the GFC. "The opening of the Global Fulfillment Center, which leverages Cainiao's technology, will be a meaningful extension to our global logistics network which will better facilitate cross-border trade for Korean merchants and bring quality goods to Chinese consumers in a timely fashion," said Guan Xiaodong, general manager of Cainiao Global. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 13:52:45|Editor: Mengjie Video Player Close by Muhammad Tahir, Zhang Qi ISLAMABAD, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The election of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as Pakistan's new prime minister on Tuesday has ended political uncertainty in the country created due to the removal of Nawaz Sharif over corruption charges by the country's top court, said local watchers. The election of Abbasi, a senior leader of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, has ensured continuation of Sharif's policies, they said. In his first address to the National Assembly after his election, the new prime minister listed strengthening of economy and agriculture, promotion of tax culture and investment, and security as his top priorities. As Pakistan faces energy crisis, Abbasi promised the nation that there would be no power outage after November this year and that 10,000 megawatts of additional electricity will be added to the national grid. Independent political observers, lawmakers and politicians are upbeat at the successful transition and hoped it ensures the continuation of the democratic process which is very good sign for the political stability in Pakistan. Jan Muhammad Achakzai, a senior leader of the PML-N, said that Prime Minister Abbasi's election will take out Pakistan from "political uncertainty" after the Supreme Court ousted Nawaz Sharif. "Pakistan's democracy is back on track now as a sign of continuity. Economic policies will continue with Mr Khaqan Abbasi," Achkzai told Xinhua on Wednesday. He said the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects will be PM Abbasi's priority as the government attaches great importance to the construction of the energy and infrastructure projects in the country. "All fears of work slowing down on CPEC have been paid to rest following the assurance of the Prime Minister to pursue Nawaz Sharif's commitment to complete CPEC on time," said Achakzai, who is also the adviser to the Chief Minister of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. Dr Ghazi Gulab Jamal, a former minister and sitting member of the parliament, said the whole process of the prime minister election was completed in accordance with the constitution. "Pakistan was in the state of a political chaos after the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, but the PML-N and other parties showed political maturity to deal with the difficult situation and the situation has now returned to normalcy with the election of the new prime minister," Jamal told Xinhua. Jamal, an independent member of the National Assembly from Orakzai tribal region, said it would send a positive message across the country and outside that all political parties agreed on the unanimous election of Khaqan Abbasi. Like political leaders, independent political watchers also share the notion that democratic system is strengthened in view of the uninterrupted election of the prime minister and that Abbasi will continue Nawaz Sharif's policies. Omar Farooq Zain, Professor of the Department of Politics and International Relations at Bahaudin Zakria University in Multan, said "I believe he will try to do the things more aggressively and pro-actively, especially related to development projects." Speaking about the possible challenges, he argued that the biggest challenge for the new prime minister will be to deal with senior party leaders who are going to be part of his cabinet. Professor Saeed Chaudhry, Director, Islamabad Council for International Affairs, told Xinhua that the election of Abbasi as the prime minister will impress PML-N voters and will increase their trust and belief in the party that a political worker who is not from Sharif family or other ruling class can also become the prime minister of the country. The Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed satisfaction at the democratic process when a journalist sought his comments during the oath-taking ceremony of the new prime minister, said local media. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 14:07:47|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SINGAPORE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Health Ministry will put 5 million Singapore dollars (about 3.68 million U.S. dollars) in a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) research grant and spend another five million dollars to establish a new TCM development grant, Channel NewsAsia reported on Wednesday. Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Health, was quoted as saying that the TCM research grant was set up in 2014 and used for collaborative research on prevalent chronic conditions in Singapore. It had seen "good progress" so far, he said. The newly-injected fund will support collaborations between researchers in public healthcare institutions, TCM industry players and institutes of higher learning over the next five years, according to the Senior Minister. He added that the ministry has expanded the scope of the TCM research grant to cover research into traditional Chinese exercises such as taiji, therapies like tuina and the use of TCM herbs in preventing diseases and improving patient outcomes. About the new TCM development grant, Chee said it will co-fund the training and development of registered TCM professionals, provide funding to accredited TCM course providers and support TCM clinics in adopting technology. Chee also announced that the government intends to make it compulsory for TCM practitioners to undergo a structured continuous education programme by the TCM Practitioner's Board yearly to have their practising certificates renewed. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 14:17:50|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close Kabul, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Up to 25 armed militants have been killed and 30 others injured during the clashes between security forces and Taliban militants along the Kabul-Kandahar highway in Wordak province east of Afghanistan, the government said Wednesday. "A group of armed militants have attacked on Kabul-Kandahar highway in Wordak province on Tuesday, planed to block the road on traffic," the interior ministry said in a statement. The attempts of the militants have been foiled following counter-offensive and the militants, after leaving 25 bodies, fled away, the statement said. The clashes also left one civilian killed and 30 insurgents and six security forces injured. Two other militants were arrested, according to the statement. Taliban militants who are intensifying their activities in most of the provinces have yet to make comment. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 14:22:55|Editor: Yamei Photo taken on Aug. 2, 2017 shows the site of a blast in Herat province, Afghanistan. The death toll in Tuesday's attack on a mosque in western Afghanistan's Herat province has risen to 29 as more people succumbed to critical injuries, an official said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Elyas) KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in Tuesday's attack on a mosque in western Afghanistan's Herat province has risen to 29 as more people succumbed to critical injuries, an official said Wednesday. One of two armed assailants shot dead some non-military individuals near Jawadia Mosque, paving the way for another to enter the mosque, where they blew up their explosives-packed vests, spokesman for provincial police chief Jailani Farhad told Xinhua. A group of people were gathering for a religious program at the mosque at the time of the attack. The attack has left at least 29 worshipers dead and 64 others wounded. Children's dead bodies were seen among the victims, he said. The presidential palace has condemned the attack "in the strongest possible term", calling it as "against Islamic teachings and Muslims." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 14:27:57|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian authorities said Wednesday that officials had foiled two attempts to smuggle elephant ivory tusks and pangolin scales, worth up to nearly 1 million U.S. dollars. On Sunday, the department successfully seized an illegal smuggling of 23 ivory tusks weighing 75.74 kg, with an estimated value of 275,542 ringgit (64,266 U.S. dollars) at a warehouse of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Malaysian custom department's assistant director general Mohd. Pudzi Bin Man said in a statement. On the same day, the authorities also busted an illegal smuggling of pangolin scales weighing some 300 kg, amounting about 3.86 million ringgit (0.9 million U.S. dollars) at an airport warehouse. The ivory was declared as "food stuff," while the pangolin scales was declared as "fish maw". Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 15:18:04|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close KIEV, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Frequent visits by senior officials of the UN and the West to Ukraine last month were seen as signals of continuing support to Kiev amid the crisis. Seen as Kiev's diplomatic climax, the visits, however, showed that the East European country may only count on the partnership with NATO and the EU, without near-term membership prospects. UKRAINE REMAINS AS INT'L FOCUS On July 9, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson paid their first ever official visits to Ukraine. The visits were followed by the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which was attended by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and the Ukraine-EU summit, which brought to Kiev European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Notably, the visits took place just after G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, where world leaders have discussed the ways out of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk ceasefire agreement. The appearance of the high-profile western officials in Ukraine after the summit is apparently a signal that big powers are not going to decide the fate of Ukraine without Kiev involvement. Analysts believe that the visits are aimed at reassuring Kiev that the Ukraine crisis remains one of the key issues on the current international agenda. "Visits of high-ranking Western politicians have confirmed that nobody has forgotten about Ukraine. These visits demonstrate the high-quality work made by the Ukrainian diplomats," said Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies. U.S., UN SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE TO CONTINUE The maiden visit of Tillerson was long-awaited in Ukraine as it was the first trip of a high-profile representative of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to Kiev. The visit, which was perceived as a vital tool to clarify the stance of the current U.S. administration on the Ukraine crisis, has sent a message that Washington policy towards Kiev will remain supportive. It is illustrated by Tillerson's pledge to further assist the East European country in becoming attractive for foreign investments and to promote partnership in security, cyber security, energy and cultural spheres. Another aim of Tillerson's visit to Kiev was to introduce Kurt Volker, the newly-appointed U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, who will be responsible for advancing U.S. efforts to achieve the objectives set out in the Minsk agreements. "The appointment of Volker clearly demonstrates that the resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine is one of the priorities of American foreign policy," said Mykola Beleskov, an analyst at the Institute of World Politics. The UN has also signalled that it is intended to play a bigger role in Ukraine's diplomatic settlement. During his visit, Guterres emphasized that the UN is ready to support all efforts, including those of the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. What is also important, the UN chief, who formerly served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, promised greater support to humanitarian activities in Ukraine. UKRAINE'S EU, NATO MEMBERSHIP NOT ON AGENDA The 19th Ukraine-EU Summit was held in Kiev on July 12-13 during a favorable period for bilateral relations. The recent EU decision to grant visa-free regime for Ukrainians and its finally approval of the Association Agreement after three years of postponement have given Kiev a reason for celebration. During the summit, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said a dividing line has been drawn between Ukraine's "Soviet past and the European future". However, Tusk was more restrained in his statements. He said that Kiev and Brussels have achieved a lot of progress towards re-rapprochement but they are still only halfway down the road. The differences in the rhetoric of Ukrainian and European leaders have underscored the differing positions of Kiev and Brussels on Ukraine's EU membership prospects. The issue was further overshadowed by the absence of a traditional joint declaration at the summit. The statement was reportedly blocked by several EU members over the wording that the political block "support Ukraine's European aspirations". In another development, the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission was not more fruitful for Kiev regarding its membership ambitions. While Ukraine has proposed NATO to start talks on the establishment of the Membership Action Plan, the alliance has avoided public comments on the issue, only saying that it would continue support to help Ukraine in implementing reforms and meeting NATO standards. Experts believe that the reluctance of the EU and NATO to discuss Ukraine's membership prospects came as not a surprise, because currently the country does not meet political, military, legal and economic criteria for joining the alliances. "According to my expectations, Ukraine's road to NATO as well as to the EU will be very long," said Oleg Starykov, an independent political and military analyst. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 15:23:06|Editor: An Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The man who fired gunshots outside the Chinese Consulate General here has not been identified, consulate officials said Tuesday night. The report saying that the shooter is a Chinese is "just a speculation," a consulate official told Xinhua, adding that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was investigating the incident and would ascertain the gunman's background in the next one or two days. The gunman, in his 60s, was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate office building, according to a statement read by a local police officer to Xinhua. Policemen found a bullet wound on the chin of the man, who appeared to be Asian, saying he may have committed suicide. The shooting, reported to 911 between 6:00 a.m.(1300 GMT) to 6:30 a.m. (1330 GMT), did not injure anyone else. The shooting resulted in six bullet holes on the building of the consulate, Xinhua found. A witness at the scene told Xinhua the gunman fired 17 bullets before killing himself in his car. It was not immediately clear if the gunman had any political motive, local media cited a police source as saying. The consulate general expressed serious concerns about the shooting incident and urged U.S. authorities to take necessary measures to protect the safety of the consulate office building as well as diplomatic staff, according to a press release on its official website. Another official from the consulate told Xinhua that the consulate opened to the public Tuesday as usual. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 15:58:19|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 people were injured Wednesday in clashes in Aden between security forces loyal to the Saudi-backed government and rival militiamen, a security official told Xinhua. The security source said that the clashes broke out in three residential neighborhoods of Sheikh Othman district in Aden province as forces aligned with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government deployed to arrest "a number of sabotage elements and outlaws in the area." According to the Aden-based source who asked to remain anonymous "the security forces surrounded a neighborhood and tried to capture some wanted elements, but other militiamen intervened and caused the gunfight." Other sources in Aden said that unknown gunmen launched an attack on a local police station and attempted to free arms dealers arrested by security forces earlier in the day. Residents in Aden confirmed to Xinhua that the UAE Apache military chopper hovered over Aden's airspace and targeted two armored vehicles belonging to the militiamen. Houses and stores located in the neighborhood of Sheikh Othman were partially affected as a result of the four-hour gunbattle, the residents said. Local media outlets reported that loud explosions and heavy artillery fire ranged out across the Sheikh Othman district throughout Tuesday night. The southern port city of Aden is the headquarters of Yemen's internationally-backed President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government. Aden witnessed several well-planned assassinations and armed attacks after Saudi-backed forces drove the Shiite Houthi rebels out from the strategic city in July 2015. Yemen has been suffering from a civil war and a Saudi-led military intervention for around two years. The civil war began after the Houthi militants with support from forces loyal to the former president ousted the UN-backed transitional government and occupied capital Sanaa militarily in September 2014. The legitimate government controls the south and some eastern parts, while the Houthi-Saleh alliance controls the other parts including the capital Sanaa. The UN has sponsored peace talks between the warring factions several times, but the factions failed to reach common ground. The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two million, according to humanitarian agencies. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 16:03:21|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BEIRUT, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah and Syria's al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front completed prisoners swap on Wednesday, with release of 3 Hezbollah fighters in return for 3 al-Nusra prisoners, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. The swap took place in the Wadi Hmayyed area on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, the NNA said. The three al-Nusra prisoners from the central Roumieh prison, two non-convicts and one who has finished his jail term, were swapped for Hezbollah captives. General Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim, who is playing a key role in the negotiations, assured that all three Hezbollah fighters were in good health. The three Hezbollah captives, identified as Mahmoud Harb, Hussam Fakih and Hafez Zakhim, were kidnapped when they lost their way during the cease-fire between Hezbollah and al-Nusra for their battles in Arsal's outskirts last month. Lebanon's General Security, the Lebanese army and the Lebanese Red Cross supervised the transfer in accordance with the implementation of the second phase of negotiations, the NNA said. The deal also includes the release of another five Hezbollah captives captured in Aleppo in 2015, at a time when the evacuation of civilians from the Syrian towns of Kefraya and al-Foua has started. The exchange and evacuation deal came in the wake of a military offensive by Hezbollah fighters and Syrian troops, during which they captured border areas between the two countries and left hundreds of Nusra fighters besieged in a small rugged mountain area. The fighting ended with a cease-fire on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 16:13:25|Editor: An Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A man of Asia origin fired multiple gunshots outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles Tuesday morning before shooting himself dead, local police said. The shooting, reported about 6:00 a.m.(1300 GMT), did not injure anyone else. The man, in his 60s, was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate office building, according to a statement read by a local police officer to Xinhua. Policemen confirmed that the man was of Asia origin, but did not identify him. They found a bullet wound on the man's chin, saying he could commit suicide. Chinese consulate officials told Xinhua that the earlier media report saying that the shooter is a Chinese is "just a speculation." Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident and can make clear the gunman's background in the coming one or two days, consulate officials said. Xinhua reporters who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident saw six obvious bullet holes in the consulate building, with one on the metal address plate of the building, two on the facade near surveillance cameras and three in the windows. A security guard of the consulate told Xinhua that the gunman shot at least 17 bullets before killing himself in his car. It was not immediately clear if the gunman had any political motive, local media cited police source as saying. The consulate general has expressed serious concerns about the shooting incident and urged the U.S. authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the building and diplomats working there, according to a press release on its official website. Officials from the consulate also told Xinhua that the consulate general opened to the public Tuesday as usual. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 16:48:48|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An explosion rocked near an airport in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Wednesday, with feared casualties, local police sources said. "The blast occurred in Shoorandam locality when a foreign forces' military convoy was passing by the area at around midday," the sources told Xinhua, adding that it was suspected to be a suicide car bombing. Security forces have cordoned off the area, which is located in Police District 5 of the city, for precautionary measures. The blast caused a plume of grey smoke to rise above the scene, according to witnesses. "So far, we have no more details and we still cannot provide details on causalities. There is fear of possible causalities," the sources said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 16:48:50|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BEIRUT, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A convoy of buses carrying about 7,800 al-Nusra Front militants began its journey into Syria Wednesday as part of an exchange deal between Hezbollah and the fundamentalist organization, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. The convoy set out from the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, NNA said, adding that al-Nusra's leader in the Syrian Qalamoun mountain region was also among the evacuees. The second round of the exchange was supposed to happen on Monday along with the evacuation of al-Nusra's militants and their families, but ran into some hurdles and postponed to Wednesday, local media said. The media said al-Nusra "insisted on taking the three (Hezbollah) captives to areas inside Syria to release them there." But Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, the head of the Lebanese Security General, categorically rejected the demand. The exchange and evacuation deal came in the wake of a military offensive by Hezbollah fighters and Syrian troops, during which they captured border areas between the two countries and left hundreds of Nusra fighters besieged in a small rugged mountain area. The fighting ended with a ceasefire on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 17:24:05|Editor: An Video Player Close WELLINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Republic of Singapore Air Force flying training exercise hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will take place at the Ohakea Air Force base from Aug. 30 to Sept. 25, New Zealand Defense Minister Mark Mitchell said on Wednesday. Mitchell said in a statement that the deployment will include six F-16D+ fighter jets, about 110 personnel and associated support equipment. The contingent will be based at Ohakea, one of New Zealand's three Air Force bases, but will carry out training missions throughout New Zealand, including day and night flying, using New Zealand air weapons ranges, and conducting other training at both high and low altitude, Mitchell said. "Singapore is one of our closest defense partners," he said, adding that all three Services of the New Zealand Defence Force regularly train and exercise with their Singaporean counterparts under the two countries' agreement to explore opportunities for further military cooperation and training. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 17:39:19|Editor: An Video Player Close ASTANA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- More than 400 soldiers from 18 countries gathered Tuesday in a military base in southern Kazakhstan for the opening ceremony of an international military games. Kazakh drummers, dombra players and a military orchestra staged performances for the participants and guests, and the Kazakhstan air force also performed spectacular aerobatics, at the 40th military base of Kazakhstan Armed Forces in the Zhambyl region. The military games, expected to conclude on Aug. 9, will include competitions such as sniper rifle, experts of artillery fire and unmanned aerial vehicle exercises. It is the second time that Kazakhstan has held the Russia-initiated military games. Other hosting countries of the annual event this year are China, Russia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 17:49:27|Editor: An Video Player Close MELBOURNE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Students may have to meet literacy and numeracy standards before they can receive their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) under a plan revealed to be under consideration by the state government in Australia on Wednesday. The Victorian government has asked the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to investigate what would be the biggest change to the VCE system in decades. Under the current system, students need to only receive a pass mark on their final secondary school exams in order to be granted their VCE. The call for changes to the VCE system is being led by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), which expressed concern over the poor skills of secondary school graduates. "With minimum standards in place, business and employers would be assured that young employees with this qualification have achieved a consistent level of competency in literacy and numeracy skills," VCCI chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Stone told Australian media on Wednesday. National Assessment Program -- Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results released on Wednesday, showed that literacy and numeracy skills among Australian students had stagnated for the fourth consecutive year. Students in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA) are already required to meet minimum requirements in literacy and numeracy before they can receive the state's VCE equivalent. Robert Randall, chief of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), said he believed the minimum standards should be a part of high school certificates, but it was up to the states to establish the minimum level required. "Discussions are going on with each of the relevant authorities about the importance of literacy and numeracy standards," Randall said. "They are observing what WA and NSW have done and wondering whether they would do the same thing or adopt a different approach ... we should set expectations and standards and we should work with young people to achieve them." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:04:34|Editor: Song Lifang Photo taken on Aug. 2, 2017 shows NATO convoy at the site of an attack in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. An explosion struck a NATO convoy near an airport in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Wednesday, leaving casualties, NATO's Resolute Support (RS) confirmed. (Xinhua/Sanaullah Seiam) KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An explosion struck a NATO convoy near an airport in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Wednesday, leaving casualties, NATO's Resolute Support (RS) confirmed. "Resolute Support can confirm that a NATO convoy was attacked this afternoon in Kandahar. The attack did cause casualties," it said in a statement. The statement said that the RS was working "to gather additional information as quickly as possible and will release more details as appropriate." A local police source told Xinhua earlier that the nature of the blast was a suicide car bombing. "The running convoy was travelling to Kandahar International Airport, where a foreign military base is located, but the blast occurred in Shoorandam locality which is located in Police District 5 of the city," the police told Xinhua anonymously. It was not immediately known if any passersby were harmed in the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack came as war-weary Afghans have been witnessing a surge in attacks by Taliban militants and Islamic State (IS) fighters across the country. Currently, around 13,000 foreign troops remain in Afghanistan to train and assist local security forces in their fight against the insurgents. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:09:37|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Following its recent expansion to the British city of Manchester, Mobike, the Beijing-based world's largest bike-sharing operator, announced Tuesday it would enter the London market. Mobike's vice-president and head for overseas expansion, Chris Martin, is helping bring this Chinese innovation -- a fully dockless bike-sharing system -- to his hometown, London. The bike-sharing scheme should grow into a "shared language worldwide" to facilitate travel of the public and help foreign visitors break the language barriers of the "Tower of Babel," Martin, wearing a T-shirt saying "Mobike-U.K.," told Xinhua in fluent Chinese on Aug. 1. Martin said that just with a city map and a Mobike, every Mobike user may go wherever he or she wants regardless of language barriers. Mobike launched in the Chinese city of Shanghai in April 2016 and attempted its first ambitious overseas expansion in Singapore on March 21, 2017. This "silver and orange" storm, referring to the color of the bike body, has swept through the British cities of Manchester and Salford, Fukuoka and Sapporo in Japan, and Milan and Florence in Italy in the past five months. Martin said that Mobike has offered 1,000 bikes in Manchester in June, each of which serves nine or 10 users per day. As the riding range has expanded from the city center to the suburb, demands are increasing, he added. Mobike's scheme will debut with 750 bikes available for pick-up in the London borough of Ealing and more to follow according to the market demand. Users shall pay a 29-pound (about 38 U.S. dollars) initial deposit and 50 pence (about 0.67 dollars) per half hour for each use. Martin said the bike-sharing plan is not merely China's business, and all the world can join the ride. Combining creativity, science and technology, as well as design, Mobike is attracting many potential cooperators. According to the man at Mobike's wheel, it is not always the operator that actively selects the location overseas, but some foreign cities that wish to promote cooperation with Mobike in their hopes of developing smart cities with an intelligent transportation system and Internet of Things (IoT). From Asia to Europe, the Chinese operator has made changes to its scheme, taking specific regulations and customers' preferences into account. For instance, the bikes in London are all equipped with a forehead light as required. Mobike is willing to explore ways to better adapt to the needs of each target city, said Martin. He also said Mobike's manufacturing system has been accredited by international certification authorities such as TUV SUD, a global certification provider headquartered in the German city of Munich, and attained many internationally recognized standard certifications including the EU, British and Japanese standards. Mobike's cooperation with the global top telecommunication operators and IoT businesses paves the way for a broader international market. The company's globalization continues to accelerate. Data show that with a customer base of 100 million users in more than 150 cities in five countries around the world, the bike-sharing provider is used 25 million times every day. Its service network is scheduled to cover 200 cities globally by the end of 2017. Martin said domestic enterprises may easily acquire ideal capital resources, market opportunities and growth, but for transnational companies, high quality is the premise of development. Mobike pays special attention to science elements, brand value, social responsibility and environmentalism. "To be a quality bike-sharing operator" is in Mobike's DNA during its globalization process, said Martin. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:29:45|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close MELBOURNE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The wealth gap between the old and young in Australia is growing wider, a national study published on Wednesday has revealed. The Household Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, compiled by the Melbourne Institute at the University of Melbourne, found that income growth has stagnated. Findings from the report highlighted that the median annual disposable income in Australia was 60,688 U.S. dollars in 2015, down from 61,632 U.S. dollars in 2009. Roger Wilkins, the lead author, said that while inequality remained steady, the wealth gap between the old and young was widening at an alarming rate. "One of the more concerning trends is a growing wealth divide by age group," Wilkins told Australian media on Wednesday. "The difference in wealth between the older generations and the younger generations has been growing over time. "It's very much connected to what's going on in the housing market." Just 25 percent of Australians younger than 40 owned property in 2015 compared to 36 percent in 2002, the report said. Nowhere was it harder to crack into the market than in Sydney, the report found, where less than 20 percent of young people owned a home. Even those who do own a house are struggling with average debts of 268,101 U.S. dollars, up from an average of 134,774 U.S. dollars in 2002. According to Wilkins, almost 40 percent of the young people who owned a house increased their debt from 2014 to 2015. "I think that would be a reasonable argument that, in the face of incomes not growing anymore, that people are accessing the equity in their homes to fund their living expenses," Wilkins said. "This is an economic and social problem for Australia that does I think require a policy response. "I think you can't get away from the arithmetic that if you want more homeowners, you're going to have to have fewer investors in the market." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:34:47|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close MELBOURNE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Australian state of Tasmania's mining industry could be dead within 10 years if current trends continue, an expert warned on Wednesday. Ross Large, professor of geology at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), said that mining activity in the island state has been steadily declining for decades. Mining made up 1.2 percent of Tasmania's economy in financial year to June 2017, compared to 6.9 percent in the 1970s. "Mining used to be one of the major industries for Tasmania, a real producer, but more recently other industries have picked up and mining has declined," Large told Australian media on Wednesday. He said that if the industry was to survive, the onus was on mining companies to invest in finding new mineral deposits. "They're taking our resources but they're not putting money back into serious continuous exploration," Large said. "So I would say the companies have a fault, the Government has a fault because they're not supporting the industry enough in terms of exploration again." Saul Eslake, one of the state's most respected economist, said that a downturn in commodity prices was responsible for the decline of Tasmanian mining. "It's not that the Tasmanian government is anti-mining, it's that most of the known mineral resources which Tasmania had ... have been more or less fully exploited," Eslake said. "It appears that the mining industry has concluded that there isn't much point in spending a lot of money exploring for minerals in Tasmania because there aren't many to be found." Tasmania's Premier Will Hodgman said that his government maintained a positive outlook for the mining sector. "I think the fact that we're partnering with mining businesses that are in fact wanting to expand their exploration and to be part of Tasmania's mining sector shows that there is a more buoyant outlook," he said. "Mining is still the largest export sector for our economy ... its importance to Tasmania's economy remains strong." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:34:48|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's speeches during the Army Day parade and a ceremony marking the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have been applauded by many overseas experts and scholars. "President Xi's speech at the Army Day celebration was powerful, befitting of a rising power with long and rich history," ANM Muniruzzaman, president of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), told Xinhua on Tuesday. "It is also very much an inspiring message to the members of the PLA," Muniruzzaman added. "He (President Xi) also touched on the need to be ever ready for any eventuality which is a requirement of any professional military. The need is specially important because of the bitter memories of the past and the current uncertainties of the strategic environment," said Muniruzzaman. Beijing has always remained committed to the principle of peaceful rise, said Muniruzzaman, who has extensive experience in United Nations (UN) Peace Support operations. "Rarely in history has a country risen to a great power status without violent conflict and war, China is an exception. It has shown the path that peaceful rise is possible. It has also taken tremendous efforts to solve its border disputes with almost all of its neighbors peacefully," the analyst said. "A rising China that follows this policy of peaceful rise does not only make the ground for internal development, but is also a force for regional and international peace and stability," he added. President Xi confirmed in his speech at the Army Day celebration that China is a peaceful power, which is ready anytime to defend its political and economical interests, said Richard Turcsanyi, director of Stratpol, a Slovakia-based think tank, on Tuesday. "President Xi just repeated the key message of the Chinese strategy. He also clearly showed that China is prepared to defend (against) any aggression. This is undoubtedly a pragmatic and logical position," Turcsanyi said. Meanwhile, Lucia Husenicova, director of the Institute of Asian Studies, Slovakia, said the speech highlighted the peaceful settlement of any potential conflicts. "The peaceful political and economic relations in Asia and in the whole world create the core of the Chinese foreign policy. The economic growth means the political stability as well," said Husenicova. Lukas Visingr, a security analyst, underlined the growing role of the Chinese Army, which has improved its quality in terms of personnel and technology. "China is a global superpower in the economic point of view. It needs to confirm its position also in the military field in the world, just for the reason to prevent any potential attack or aggression. Nevertheless, the primary role of the Chinese Army is to defend the country and ensure its stability and economic development," said Visingr. "Over the past few decades, I have personally witnessed the ever-changing development of China and saw the great achievements China has made in various fields," said Jean-Marie Bossy, executive director of the Swiss-China Cultural Exchange Association and a Swiss scholar. "As the president said, your great country, 'is closer to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation than at any time in history,' and I insist that your progress and development are peaceful and help the world," Bossy said. Zhao Yuan, the honorary president of China Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification, commented that, "China's growing economy and increasingly strong defense force will only benefit the stability and development of the world and will not cause any so-called 'threat' to the world." Koh Chin Yee, CEO of Singapore's Longus Research Institute, said China's comprehensive strength has improved in the recent decade. Koh said this is reflected not only in the economy, science and technology, and culture, but also in the military. "It will benefit the stability and development of China, which, as we expect and believe, will push forward cooperation and win-win in Southeast Asia and bring prosperity and advances." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:49:57|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A conservationist group has found 19 nests of globally endangered giant ibis during the current breeding season in the Northern Plains of Cambodia in Preah Vihear province, a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) statement said on Wednesday. Community members and conservationists are working together under the Bird Nest Protection Program to protect these nests from human disturbances and other threats, the statement said. Giant ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea), Cambodia's national bird, is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and exists only in Cambodia and Laos, it said, adding that about 99 percent of the global population, estimated to contain 194 mature individuals, lives in Cambodia. "As of July this year, our research team has recorded 19 nests of the giant ibis; 14 located in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary and five in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary," said Thong Sokha, wildlife research and monitoring team leader for Environment Ministry and WCS in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary. He said the species' breeding period is between June and September, and the team is now working closely with local communities to monitor those recorded nests and search for new ones in both sanctuaries. WCS, in collaboration with the Environment Ministry, has been involved in the conservation of the giant ibis and its natural habitat in the Northern Plains of Cambodia through various activities, the statement said, adding that these include the Bird Nest Protection Program, in which local people and wildlife rangers are rewarded with "direct conservation payments" when they locate nests, and receive a bonus if nestlings successfully fledge. "These latest findings represent the continued importance of the Northern Plains landscape in Preah Vihear province for conserving this critically endangered bird," said Alistair Mould, WCS's technical advisor to the Northern Plains of Cambodia. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 18:55:00|Editor: Zhou Xin Bangladeshi Food Minister Qamrul Islam (front L) shakes hands with Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak (front R) during a signing ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 2, 2017. Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to purchase 1 million tons of milled rice from Cambodia within five years from 2017 to 2022. (Xinhua/Sovannara) PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to purchase 1 million tons of milled rice from Cambodia within five years from 2017 to 2022. The deal was inked in Phnom Penh between Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak and Bangladeshi Food Minister Qamrul Islam. Bangladesh, the world's fourth-largest rice producer, has become a major importer of the grain this year after flash floods hit rice paddy output this year, said Qamrul Islam. "We want to purchase immediately 200,000 tons of white rice and 50,000 tons of parboiled rice from Cambodia," he told reporters after the signing ceremony. Sorasak said in the first phase, the Cambodian government's rice exporter Green Trade will deliver 250,000 tons of rice to the Bangladesh's Directorate General of Food by October, and the remaining 750,000 tons will be delivered in phases until 2022. "This is one of the biggest rice deals Cambodia has signed with friendly countries," he said. Cambodia produced about 9.3 million tons of paddy rice a year. With this amount, it has more than 3 million tons of milled rice left over for annual export. According to government figures, Cambodia exported a total of 542,000 tons of milled rice to 56 countries and regions in 2016, up 0.7 percent year-on-year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:00:06|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of several senior officials Wednesday. Luo Wen was appointed vice minister of industry and information technology; Shi Yugang was appointed deputy director of the state ethnic affairs commission. Sun Meijun becomes deputy head of the China Food and Drug Administration. He Jing was appointed deputy director of the liaison office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hu Keming will no longer be deputy director of the legislative affairs office of the State Council. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:10:17|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli police said a knife-wielding Palestinian youth seriously injured an Israeli man in a supermarket in central Israel on Wednesday. The assailant was identified as a 19-year-old resident of the West Bank, Police Spokeswoman Luba Samri said, adding that the incident is suspected as a "terror attack." She said the young man entered a supermarket in Yavne, a city in the central district, at noon and stabbed a man before he was caught by civilians, who called the police. A video clip on Israel's Ynet website showed three passers-by kicking the Palestinian in the head as another man held him to the ground. According to Israeli emergency medical services, the man in his 40s was badly wounded in the stabbing. The attack is still under investigation, Samri said. The stabbing was the latest in a wave of violence that erupted in mid-September 2015, which has claimed the lives of at least 283 Palestinians, 44 Israelis, two U.S. nationals, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a British tourist. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:10:18|Editor: An Video Player Close NAIROBI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's umbrella body representing local investors in Kenya on Wednesday renewed call for peaceful and transparent general elections on Aug. 8 in order to safeguard economic and social progress the country has made in recent past. The lobby through Mkenya Daima (forever Kenya) initiative said that investors will rally behind efforts to promote free and fair elections in a bid to boost social cohesion and economic growth. "We reiterate our full support for agencies tasked with conducting the upcoming elections to ensure the exercise is above board. We are confident that the electoral agency has put in place strong measures to ensure the voting exercise is credible," the investors said in a joint statement issued in Nairobi. Kenya's business leaders have since 2013 actively championed for peaceful campaigns and transparent elections under a flagship project called Mkenya Daima, loosely translated into forever Kenyan. The investors have since 2015 held sessions with lawmakers, policymakers and ward representatives to explore ways to strengthen national cohesion ahead of this year's national polls. While acknowledging that the upcoming elections will be hotly contested, the investors urged aspirants and their supporters to restrain from inflammatory statements that may balkanize the country. "We urge Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and vote peacefully. They should however avoid making divisive comments on social media and promote cohesion. Elections should not be a reason for the disruption of businesses and provision of key services," said the business leaders They expressed optimism that Kenyan economy will remain resilient despite election jitters that have slowed down business activities. Kenyan investors will rally behind programs aimed at uniting the country in this election cycle to avoid a repeat of the 2007-08 post-poll chaos that negatively impacted on the country's economic growth. The Chairman of Mkenya Daima, Dr Vimal Shah said the business community will actively engage with key stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure peace and stability. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:20:25|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BRATISLAVA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A charter flight of AMC Airlines managed to land in Slovakia on Wednesday after finding problems with landing gear. The flight from Hurghada to Sliac airport in central Slovakia had serious problems with landing, the Slovak Defence Ministry spokesperson Danka Capakova said on Wednesday. "The airplane Boeing 737 had problems with the landing gear. The military and civil rescuers were involved in the intervention on the runway. No one aboard was hurt," stressed Capakova. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:30:27|Editor: An Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Trade ministers from BRICS countries pledged to rise against protectionism and safeguard the multilateral trade system after concluding their annual meeting in Shanghai Wednesday. The member countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, are also members of the WTO, playing a major part in global economic governance, according to a statement released after the meeting. Ministers agreed to firmly oppose protectionism and pledged to annul any protective measures, calling on other countries to follow suit. They also encouraged more countries to participate in the WTO, urging the institution to show more commitment to receiving the least developed countries. "Safeguarding the multilateral trade system and the rise against protectionism serves the common interests of emerging and developing economies," Zhong Shan, China's minister of commerce, said Tuesday. "As the host nation of this year's meeting, China has confidence in implementing the consensus reached by leaders of BRICS nations. The Shanghai meeting will pave way for the leaders summit later this year," he said. China, which took over the BRICS presidency this year, will host the Ninth BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:35:28|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close ANKARA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Supreme Military Council (YAS) convened on Wednesday in the capital Ankara, and is expected to focus on senior armed-forces appointments. The meeting started at Cankaya Mansion with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim chairing the event, along with Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli, Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar and senior army commanders present, according to local media. This meeting is a bi-annual gathering which discusses the appointments and retirements of high-ranking staff officers and generals, as well as the removal of military personnel. It is the third YAS meeting since the last year's failed coup attempt, and military reassignments and promotions are expected to be discussed. Turkish President Erdogan is expected to host a dinner for YAS members at the presidential complex on Wednesday evening. Decisions taken at YAS gatherings will be announced after being ratified by the president. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:40:34|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close CAIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian and Algerian foreign ministers met Wednesday in Cairo to coordinate efforts over a political settlement in neighboring war-torn Libya. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told a joint press conference with his counterpart Abdelkader Messahel that coordination between the two countries is necessary for reaching a settlement in Libya. "We addressed several regional issues topped by the situation in Libya and its direct effect on security in both Egypt and Algeria," Shoukry said, adding that the Egyptian and Algerian visions on Libya's settlement are "identical." For Messahel, who also met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi earlier, said both Algeria and Egypt support a political settlement to be reached by Libyans themselves. "There is no alternative to a settlement to be reached between Libyans, so we should support our brothers in Libya," said Messahel, adding that ongoing meetings between Libyan rivals make a possible settlement more hopeful. Six years after the 2011 uprising ended the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi and his life, Libya is currently engaged in a civil war and run by two rival administrations, one in Tobruk and another in Tripoli. Tobruk's parliament-backed government was internationally recognized before the Presidential Council (PC) was established in 2015 to run a unity government in Tripoli as per a UN-brokered peace deal between Libyan factions reached in Skhirat, Morocco. Supported by self-proclaimed Libyan national army led by Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar, the government in Tobruk refuses to recognize the UN-backed unity government based in Tripoli, which is known as the Government of National Accord (GNA). Sharing borders with Libya, Egypt and Algeria are concerned about the growing presence of the Islamic State in Libya after its decline in Syria and Iraq, as the terror group poses a direct threat to their national security and to the Arab national security in general. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:45:38|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close MADRID, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The number of people registered as unemployed in Spain fell by 26,887 from June to July, according to data published on Wednesday by the Spanish Ministry of Employment and Social Security. The total number of unemployed people stood at 3,335,924 in July, a similar level to that of the beginning of 2009, just after the financial crisis hit Spain in 2008. On a year-on-year basis, unemployment fell by 347,137 people over the last 12 months. Regarding sectors, unemployment fell by 17,656 people from June to July in the services sector, especially due to the tourist peak season. It also fell by 5,257 people in the industry sector and by 4,143 people in the construction sector, while rising by 708 people in the agriculture sector. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said this data was "excellent" and considered the figures a reason to go on working. He said that it could be possible to meet the goal set by his government: 20 million Spaniards working by 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:50:44|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Three civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Wednesday, a local official said. The incident took place after a van touched off an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jagroom locality, Maiwand district at around 8 a.m. local time, district Police Chief Sultan Mohammad told Xinhua. "The victims died on the spot and no bystander was hurt in the blast," he added. He blamed Taliban militants for the attack as the Taliban fighters use the home-made IEDs to target security forces, but the lethal weapons also inflict casualties on civilians. In a separate incident, two Taliban militants were killed and one other was injured after a car bomb they were building detonated accidently in Archi district of northern Kunduz province late Tuesday, Nasratullah Jamshidi, an army public relations officer, told Xinhua earlier. The Taliban has been on the rampage since April when they launched a so-called annual rebel offensive in different places in Afghanistan, killing and injuring hundreds. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:55:49|Editor: An Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Worldbridgeland (Cambodia) and Sino Great Wall International Engineering Co. Ltd. signed an agreement on Wednesday to form a joint venture company called the "Company," which will focus on the development of public infrastructure projects in Cambodia. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked in Phnom Penh between Sear Rithy, chairman of Worldbridgeland (Cambodia), and Liang Rong, vice chairman of Sino Great Wall International Engineering Co., Ltd. Under the deal, the new firm would join its bid for the construction of public infrastructure projects and public buildings in Cambodia, especially the Cambodian government's projects. Rithy said the Chinese firm owned 60 percent of the new company's stakes, and his company held the remaining 40 percent. "The MoU paves the way for our two companies to jointly invest in constructing public infrastructure such as bridges, roads and other buildings in Cambodia," he said. Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Sino Great Wall International Engineering Co., Ltd definitely had enough expertise and resources to take on large infrastructure development projects in Cambodia, Liang said. "We sincerely hope that we can work together to bring China's sophisticated technologies to Cambodia in order to contribute to the development of public infrastructure here," he said. Infrastructure development is one of the top priorities for Cambodia to boost economic growth and to enhance its competitiveness. It is estimated that the Southeast Asian country needs around 600 million U.S. dollars a year for infrastructure development. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 19:55:50|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close BANGKOK, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme Court of Thailand on Wednesday acquitted former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat of charges on ordering a 2008 crackdown on anti-government protesters. The former prime minister, together with three high-profile defendants including his then-deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, then-national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon and then-metropolitan police commander Suchart Mueankaew, were charged with malfeasance over the deadly crackdown on the yellow-shirt movement nine years ago. Somchai ordered the crackdown to clear protesters from the entrance to parliament after his cabinet were prevented from leaving the parliament grounds. The riot control police used teargas to disperse the anti-government campaigners, leading to two deaths and 417 injured. The court cleared allegations against them, saying the government was required by the constitution to address the parliament that day, but blocked by protesters. The court ruled that the defendants have no intention to cause injuries or deaths and such volatile situation prompted them to order the crackdown. Somchai said he felt happy to know justice still exists. He thanked his supporters who flocked to the front of the court since the early morning. The accusation was made in 2015. The first hearing of the case took place in 2016. Somchai gave his closing statement verbally on June 30. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 20:00:52|Editor: An Video Player Close SHIJIAZHUANG, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Once, twice, three times, Xu Dongguang keeps practicing his lines until he gets them just right. He want this psychodrama to hit home. "This is the second time I have acted the leading role in a play," Xu said. "I put my whole feeling into it." After the performance, the play "A Letter from Home," moves most of the audience to tears. But Xu is not a regular thespian treading the boards for fame. He is a prisoner at Luquan Prison in Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province. As part of the country's judicial reform efforts, China's prisons have introduced psychotherapy to help correct prisoner behavior and rehabilitate them Psychodrama is just one of the therapies being adopted by prisons across the country. Different from traditional psychological interventions, such as counseling and music therapy, psychodrama can help treat a large group of prisoners all at once. Through psychodrama, prisoners act out situations as a group to perform their own stories, helping them understand and examine their emotions. Luquan Prison held its first psychodrama performance in 2016. Xu said that he and the other prisoners were mainly interested in psychodramas with themes of family affection. "Prisoners were so active when participating in the performance," said Miao Yi, the prison warden. Prison conditions are changing in China, with mental well-being being paid more consideration. "Prisoners have paid high attention to their own mental health in recent years," said Feng Feng, a psychological counselor at the prison. "Psychodramas work well in the prison." Feng said that through the practice and performance of psychodramas prisoners are able to review their past experience, learn the truth and create hope for the future. Cui Chao, a police officer at the prison, liked writing plays when he was a college student. His talent makes him popular in the prison. "I wrote a story of a prisoner, Zhang Xiaodong, in July. I invited him to perform in the psychodrama but he initially refused," Cui said. "After the debut of the play, Zhang asked me to allow him to act himself in it next time." So far, 16 psychodramas have been performed in Luquan Prison this year, with 129 prisoners participating. The prisoners are awarded bonuses from 500 yuan (74.3 U.S. dollars) to 1,000 yuan for taking part. Xu Dongguang earned 1,000 yuan for his excellent performances. "I am glad to share my psychological problems with others with the performance, which can help cure my inner trauma," Xu said. "Sometimes, I think I may have a chance to start all over again." Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 20:36:12|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA) says various endeavors are going on in promoting the country's horticulture products in China and different other markets. EHPEA Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, told Xinhua on Wednesday that the country's export performance of the flower sector in the last few years has shown remarkable progress, but the fruits and vegetables sector is not growing that much compared to its potential. While promoting Ethiopia's horticulture products to different markets, Tewodros said the Association is closely working with the concerned public and private stakeholders to address the challenges related among others to logistics issues. "We are aggressively promoting our products in Europe, the feedback is quite good from the buyers. Some promotion activities are also going on to China; we can also benefit from the market opportunity in the Middle East," he said. A workshop with the aim of popularizing the essence of the Global G.A.P. Certification scheme to exporters, producers and other stakeholders in the East African country was held on Tuesday in the capital Addis Ababa. Speaking of the workshop, the Executive Director said, "The very purpose of the workshop is to promote the very sense of Global G.A.P. When we say good agricultural practices, it starts from the land preparation up to the fork; so, it is very critical certification scheme especially for exporting fruits and vegetables to any market in the world." Stating that many farms are in the process to penetrate the international market, the executive director underlined the need for them to be certified with Global G.A. P. and other standards as well. Ethiopia has reportedly earned about 300 million U.S. dollars from export of fruits and vegetables in the just-concluded Ethiopian fiscal year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 20:36:15|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close RABAT, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's spending on cooking gas and sugar subsidies reached an equivalent of nearly 700 million U.S. dollars in the first half of 2017, according to official statistics. The spending was up 45 percent from the first half of 2016 when the bill was 481 million dollars, data from government's subsidy fund Caisse de Compensation show. During the first half of 2017, spending on cooking gas increased 70 percent year-on-year from 310 million dollars to 525 million dollars, while spending on sugar subsidies slightly increased from 171 million dollars to 172 million dollars. The increase was mainly due to a rise both in gas imports and domestic consumption. In 2013, Morocco started cutting subsidies in what is believed to be one of the most successful subsidy reforms in the Middle East and North Africa. By the end of 2016, the government eliminated subsidies on gasoline, diesel and industrial fuel and reduced its budget deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP from 5.6 percent in 2011. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 20:46:31|Editor: Yang Yi Guests pose for photos after the agreement signing ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Aug. 2, 2017. Prasarana Malaysia, a public transport infrastructure company, signed an agreement with a consortium led by China's rolling stock manufacturer CRRC on Wednesday to introduce autopilot trains to Malaysia's public transportation system. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung) KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Prasarana Malaysia, a public transport infrastructure company, signed an agreement with a consortium led by China's rolling stock manufacturer CRRC on Wednesday to introduce autopilot trains to Malaysia's public transportation system. Prasarana, which is owned by the Malaysian government, awarded the 1.56-billion-ringgit (364.11-million-U.S. dollar) Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) work package of the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) to a consortium including CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive (CRRC ZELC) and Siemens Ltd China. The agreement will see the consortium to be responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 42 six-car LRVs for the LRT3 project. CRRC Zhuzhou said the LRVs, which will be Malaysia's first six-car driverless trains, marks a key step of the group's overseas expansion. Fourty of the 42 trains will be manufactured in CRRC's manufacturing center in Malaysia. CRRC Chairman Liu Hualong said CRRC and its partners are looking forward to providing the Malaysian commuters with the delivery of superior LRVs that will ensure reliable performance and topmost quality. "The consortium will provide the necessary experience and skill sets to ensure the smooth delivery of the works involved," he added. The LRV, which will be the first green rail in Malaysia, is capable of carrying 1,271 passengers. It would employ the most advanced autopilot system, which would require no pilot on board the train. Spanning 37 km in length, the LRT3 will provide an accessibility to commuters in three major cities near the capital of Kuala Lumpur - Klang, Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya. The project is expected to be completed in 2020. Qatar orders for seven warships from Italy worth 5 billion euros on Aug.2 for the purpose of defense amid deepening crisis with Saudi-led bloc. (Reuters Photo) DOHA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has ordered for seven warships from Italy worth 5 billion euros amid diplomatic crisis with Saudi-led bloc, according to Qatari foreign minister. "We have signed a contract on behalf of the Qatari navy to acquire seven warships from Italy for five billion euros (5.9 billion U.S. dollars)," Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said at a Doha press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano. Qatar, a key US ally, denies the allegations and accuses the Saudi-led bloc of imposing a "siege" on the tiny emirate. Saudi Arabia and its allies including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing Doha of backing extremist groups and being too close to Riyadh's arch-rival Iran. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 21:16:56|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close NAIROBI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The East African Community (EAC) member states will prioritize the integration of their capital markets in order to boost foreign investment into the region. Kenya's Capital Markets Authority CEO Paul Muthaura told journalists in Nairobi that full integration of the national capital markets will require implementation of 21 EAC council of ministers directives by each of the member states. "So far all the EAC partner states have operationalized seven laws and are fast tracking the implementation of the remaining regulations," Muthaura said. EAC member states include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. Only Burundi and South Sudan are yet to establish a capital market. Muthaura said that Kenya and Rwanda have gazetted 12 out of the 21 EAC directives. The market regulator noted that a fully integrated market will allow free flow of capital in the trading bloc. Currently, the member states are developing infrastructure that will link the capital markets to each other. He added that each of the member states securities exchange are still very small to attract huge inflows of capital into the region. "As an economic bloc, we are committed to harmonizing all laws and regulations of our capital markets to enable international investors with large pool of funds find capital market products to invest in," Muthaura said. The CEO said that once the EAC capital markets are fully integrated they will become a single asset class. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 21:32:05|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close NAIROBI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenya plans to roll out new products in order to attract foreign investors into the capital markets, officials said on Wednesday. Capital Markets Authority CEO Paul Muthaura told a media briefing in Nairobi that the products seek to reverse the current decline in foreign ownership at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). "In line with the industry Capital Markets Master Plan, CMA plans to provide multiple gateways for foreign investors to enter the market through new tailored products such as derivatives and Exchange Traded Funds," Muthaura said. He added that foreign investors prefer sophisticated trading products which Kenya is yet to fully embrace. Data from the CMA indicates that as at June, foreign investors held 20.8 percent of the total holdings at the NSE, compared to 21.1 percent in 2016. The CEO said that since the beginning of the year, there has been a net outflow of approximately 2.2 million U.S. dollars by foreign investors in the capital markets. "In fact, in March alone foreign equity investors withdrew 18.8 million dollars more from the securities exchange than they invested," he said. Despite the decline in foreign ownership, international investors still account for between 70 and 80 percent of all daily equity trades. Muthaura noted that in the past two months, the country's capital market has experienced resurgence as investors have more confidence on the future performance of the economy. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 21:52:14|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's national air carrier Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is to start flights to Jakarta, capital of Indonesia and Southeast Asia's largest city in 2018. Speaking to Xinhua on Wednesday, ET CEO Tewolde Gebremariam says ET initially planned to fly this year but Jakarta international airport runway renovation scheduled to be completed in January 2018 delayed the flight plan. With nearly 11 million inhabitants Jakarta is the cultural, business and political hub of Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy and member state of Group of 20 Industrialized nation (G20). "This move will further increase ET's presence in Asia, connecting Africa to the Asia region and in turn strengthening the tourism and trade ties between the peoples of Africa and Asia," says Gebremariam. The air carrier also plans to tap into the estimated 87 percent of the 260 million Indonesians who are Muslims by offering connecting air services from Jakarta to Islam's two holiest places of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Indonesia also has a large expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations which Ethiopian Airlines plans to tap as potential customer base. Africa's largest air carrier, Ethiopian Airlines currently operates around 111 international destinations spanning five continents. A woman breastfeeds a baby in the framework of the World Breastfeeding Week in Cancun, Mexico, Aug. 4, 2015. (Xinhua/Francisco Galvez) ABUJA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has launched a nationwide campaign to scale up infant nutrition through breastfeeding. Apart from considering its economic benefit, the vision of the West African country is to massively advocate exclusive breastfeeding to measure up to the global target average rate of at least 50 percent by 2025. The nationwide campaign, tagged "Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative," was launched Tuesday as the 2017 World Breastfeeding Week kicked off throughout the globe with "Sustaining Breastfeeding Together" as its theme. The health benefits of breastfeeding are numerous but knowledge about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding is quite low in the most populous African country. According to the Nigerian ministry of health, only about 25 percent of mothers in parts of Nigeria know that newborns must be fed only breast milk in the first six months of life. Grace Mojekwu, head of the infant and young child feeding/nutrition desk of the health ministry, told Xinhua breast milk was the ideal food for every newborn. Apart from reducing incidents of death in newborns, she said breastfeeding is also believed to help in the cognitive development of children, as they prove to do better in school, and longer breastfeeding durations are associated with higher scores on intelligence tests. "We will intensify campaign on exclusive breastfeeding and young child feeding practices in health facilities, communities, workplaces as well as train health care professionals," the official said. "The Nigerian government has a policy that says nursing mothers should breast feed exclusively for six months and thereafter, complementary feeding can be introduced while breastfeeding is sustained for two years," Mojekwu noted. The level of exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria is only 17 percent. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), each year, at least 5.4 million children in Nigeria miss out on the benefits of breastfeeding, contributing to the country's problem of chronic child malnutrition. Also, 11 million children under age five are currently malnourished in Nigeria. UNICEF said the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding leads to more than 100,000 child deaths and translates into almost 12 billion US dollars in future economic losses for the country. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and fluids a baby needs for the first six months of life. Colostrum is a clear, thick and sticky liquid produced by a mother's mammary glands after a child's birth. Packed with natural antibodies and nutrients, it prevents the child from infections, including gastrointestinal discomforts. Colostrum is produced in small quantity for the first four days and then replaced with a lighter and thinner liquid. It gives the baby a chance to fight against bacteria, parasites, and disease causing pathogens. There is an enormous misconception that colostrum is dirty, but experts said it is not. At the launch of the new nationwide campaign by Nigeria, experts agreed breast milk is the critical first vaccine for babies, as it gives the best protection they can have against an array of illnesses and diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia, to mention a few. About 74 percent of children who are not exclusively breastfed are from families in the lowest income group in Nigeria, according to UNICEF. The government has outlined a number of action plans which include demonstrating a political will to support breastfeeding, regulating the breast milk substitute industry, increasing public sector investment in breastfeeding interventions, enacting policy interventions and scaling up, monitoring breastfeeding and trends in breastfeeding practices, among others, to reinforce a breastfeeding culture in the country. Through the newly launched campaign, the Nigerian government said it will also disseminate accurate information on the value of breastfeeding as a powerful intervention for health and economic development, benefiting both children and women. In line with the global target, the country's National Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition aims to increase breastfeeding rate to at least 50 percent by 2018, the government added. Going by the World Bank's new investment framework for nutrition, every dollar invested in promoting breastfeeding can generate a return of 35 U.S. dollars in economic benefits. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 22:07:23|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close THE HAGUE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) announced Tuesday there would be more product codes for eggs found to contain the harmful substance Fipronil. White eggs coded 2-NL-4015502 "contain such a high amount of Fipronil that they create an immediate threat to public health in case of consumption," the NVWA said. Eggs with many other codes have a Fipronil level higher than the daily maximum allowable quantity in case of prolonged consumption by children. As a precaution, the NVWA advises parents not to let their children eat these eggs. The warning was triggered as Fipronil was found in egg samples in stores and at poultry farms where a company called Chickfriend performed a treatment against blood lice. Fipronil is believed to have been used during this treatment. Fipronil is an insecticide often used in veterinary medicine to ward off fleas, mites and ticks. The use of the substance on animals destined for the food chain is not allowed. By Monday, about 180 poultry industry farms had been blocked because of the suspected use of Fipronil, and their eggs are being examined. If the eggs are found to contain the substance, farmers have to remove them from the trade chain. The NVWA keeps a list of codes of the eggs concerned updated on its website. The World Health Organization considers Fipronil "moderately toxic" for humans. When consumed in large quantities, it could damage kidneys, liver, or thyroid. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 22:12:28|Editor: An Video Player Close LHASA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- August will be a month of celebration for southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, with a series of traditional festivals. On Aug. 8, a horse-racing festival will be held in Damxung county in Lhasa, the regional capital, featuring competitions such as horse racing and picking hada, a traditional Tibetan scarf, on horseback. During the horse racing, local residents wearing colorful long-sleeved clothes and hats race against each other on horses decorated with colorful ornaments. Picking hada is another challenging task. Competitors on horseback are required to pick up white scarves lying on the ground. In Xigaze city, a tourism festival centering on Mount Qomolangma will start on Aug. 26. During the festival, there will be 20 events, including a hiking competition and performances of Tibetan Opera. In Tibetan Opera, performers usually wear colorful masks to play characters from history or mythology. The traditional Shoton Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibet, will begin on Aug. 21. This year's event will feature Tibetan opera performances, buddha exhibitions and a food exhibition. A huge Thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk, will be demonstrated in front of crowds. The Shoton Festival, also known as the Yogurt Banquet Festival, is a week-long extravaganza that has been held since the 11th century. It was originally a religious occasion when locals would offer yogurt to monks who had finished meditation retreats. Local authorities expect many tourists during the festivals. In the first half of 2017, Lhasa received about 3.86 million domestic and foreign tourists, a year-on-year increase of 18.21 percent, generating tourism revenue of about 5.1 billion yuan (759 million U.S. dollars). Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 22:22:35|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close ABUJA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Terror group Boko Haram has killed six in an early morning attack on a village in Nigeria's northeast region, a government spokesman said on Wednesday. While resisting the attack, local hunters of Midlu Village in Madagali area of the northeastern state of Adamawa killed one of the Boko Haram fighters, Ahmad Sajoh, the commissioner for information and strategy in the state, told Xinhua. A combined effort of soldiers and hunters dislodged the attackers from the village, Sajoh said. Another local official said the attack had caused most residents to flee the village, which also hosts the Sukur Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was destroyed three years ago by Boko Haram. The terror group is blamed for the deaths of more than 20,000 people and displacing of 2.3 million others in Nigeria since their attacks started in 2009. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 22:27:39|Editor: Song Lifang Video Player Close LONDON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 40 Army cadets are in difficulty Wednesday on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains, with emergency services trying to carry out rescue operation, Sky News reported. The cadets, aged between 12 and 17, got into difficulties in bad weather in the Mourne Mountains, according to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Northern Ireland Coastguard said three rescue helicopters, three rescue teams and two senior officers are involved in the operation. The Northern Ireland Ambulance said 16 of the group are suffering from hypothermia and some had suffered minor injuries. ABUJA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Terror group Boko Haram has killed six in an early morning attack on a village in Nigeria's northeast region, a government spokesman said on Wednesday. While resisting the attack, local hunters of Midlu Village in Madagali area of the northeastern state of Adamawa killed one of the Boko Haram fighters, Ahmad Sajoh, the commissioner for information and strategy in the state, told Xinhua. A combined effort of soldiers and hunters dislodged the attackers from the village, Sajoh said. Another local official said the attack had caused most residents to flee the village, which also hosts the Sukur Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was destroyed three years ago by Boko Haram. The terror group is blamed for the deaths of more than 20,000 people and displacing of 2.3 million others in Nigeria since their attacks started in 2009. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 23:08:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close CHENGDU, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The first giant panda cub born to a captive mother and wild father is in good health, according to China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). The male cub was born early Monday at the Hetaoping semi-wild training base in southwest China's Sichuan Province, the first success in encouraging captive pandas to mate with their wild counterparts in hope of increasing the genetic diversity of the captive stock. The cub is being nursed by his mother, 15-year-old Cao Cao. Its weight has dropped to 185 grams from 216 grams at birth, a normal phenomenon for newborn giant pandas, according to his keeper He Shengshan. The cub is much heavier than most captive newborns which weigh around 150 grams. Training base staff attribute his weight to the good health and appetite of Cao Cao during pregnancy. The cub's weight will start to increase on his fourth day and by the seventh, he will appear more like a panda instead of a pink little mouse, with new black and white fur. Cao Cao was born in the wild and rescued by the CCRCGP in 2003 at 2 years old. She has had six cubs, including two pairs of twins. For most of the last seven years, she has lived at Hetaoping, where she has adapted well to life in the semi-wild. Wearing a tracking device and a recorder on her neck, Cao Cao was released into the wild on March 1 and stayed at large for nearly two months. The recording device showed that she went into heat on March 11 and searched for a wild mate by herself. She mated with a wild male panda on March 23. The CCRCGP began to experiment last year with ways of bringing in genes from the wild population to improve the quality of the gene pool. As of the end of last year, the worldwide captive giant panda population stood at 471, leading to growing concerns of inbreeding. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 23:33:19|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a sanctions bill on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, according to local media reports. Several U.S. media outlets on Wednesday morning cited White House officials as saying that Trump had signed the bill into law. Those officials spoke on condition of anonymity because an official statement was yet to be made. Unlike the previous sanctions bills, the new bill also grants U.S. lawmakers power to block Trump from unilaterally lifting sanctions on Russia. The bill was approved overwhelmingly by the U.S. Congress despite the Trump administration calling on lawmakers to grant the White House "flexibility" in dealing with Russia. In retaliation, Moscow ordered the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia to cut its staff by 755 people. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 23:43:38|Editor: yan Video Player Close ROME, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Italian police and coast guard authorities on Wednesday implemented an order by a judge for preventative seizure of the Iuventa, a ship flying the Dutch flag operating for the German NGO Jugend Rettet, Ansa news agency reported. The order is related to a probe into alleged aiding of illegal immigration, according to Ansa reports. Jugend Rettet is one of several NGOs conducting migrant rescues in the Mediterranean which refused to sign a new code of conduct at the Italian interior ministry earlier this week. The European Commission has said that NGOs that do not sign the code will not be guaranteed of access to Italian ports. Earlier on Tuesday, Jugend Rettet said via Twitter that the vessel "has not been confiscated" after it was stopped and checked at the Italian island of Lampedusa. Jugend Rettet is one of five humanitarian groups that declined to sign Italy's new code of conduct for migrant rescue NGOs. Doctors without Borders (MSF), Sea Watch, Sea Eye, and SOS Mediterranee NGOs also declined to subscribe to the code of conduct, which was drawn up by Italy and approved by the European Commission in July. The Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), Pro Activa Open Arms from Spain, and Save the Children agreed to sign, saying they already follow all the rules stipulated in the code. Jugend Rettet explained that although it didn't sign Italy's code, it wants to keep talking to authorities, suggested bringing in the United Nations as a mediator, and said the European Union as a whole, not just Italy, must "take responsibility" for the ongoing refugee and asylum seeker emergency. "Some paragraphs (of the NGO code of conduct) might have forced us to break international maritime law. Other paragraphs are in direct contrast to the humanitarian principles on which our work is based," Jugend Rettet wrote in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday. Berlin-based Jugend Rettet has a core team of 11 members and a network of 70 people across Germany, according to the NGO's website. It was founded in 2015, in response to mass drownings of refugees and asylum seekers in the Mediterranean. Due to a lack of legal routes into Europe, thousands of men, women and children fleeing war and famine in North Africa and the Middle East pay hefty sums to embark on unseaworthy boats run by human traffickers in a bid to reach Europe. Most of the vessels leave from Libya, with Italy as the nearest European landfall on the so-called Central Mediterranean route. Also on Wednesday, Italy's Lower House of Parliament approved the government's operational mission to support the Libyan Coast Guard in the fight against migrant traffickers in the Mediterranean. According to the latest running tally by the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration (IOM), 114,287 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2017 through July 30. At least 2,385 died in the attempt, according to the IOM. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 23:48:46|Editor: yan Video Player Close BELGRADE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States wants to further reaffirm its commitment to Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries by strengthening bilateral ties and their relations with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), U.S. Vice President Michael Pence said on Wednesday. Pence made the statement after his meeting with Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and on the heels of the country becoming a NATO member in early June. Montenegro is the last stop on Pence's European tour which started in Estonia, followed by a visit to Georgia in an effort to strengthen the bilateral ties of the U.S. with regional countries and to improve their cooperation with NATO. He is to take part in a summit in Montenegro with leaders of members of the Adriatic Charter -- Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina -- as well as observers in this association. "I look forward today to our continued discussion on ways in which we could further enhance our bilateral ties and further affirm the commitment of the U.S. to the Western Balkans," Pence said at a press conference after his meeting with Markovic. Pence said the future of the Western Balkans was "in the West." Congratulating Montenegro on its recent NATO membership, Pence said "We cherish our new alliance with Montenegro through NATO...We consider the accession to NATO to be an historic achievement of Montenegro and a sign of the strength of this country ten years after its independence," he stressed. Markovic pointed out that the "strategic partnership of Montenegro and the United States was proclaimed on June 5 when Montenegro became a full member of NATO and when the country irreversibly tied its destiny to those values promoted and defended by this alliance." "I am confident that our talks today will additionally reinforce our determination to enrich our cooperation primarily in the area of economy. We expect open and concrete exchange of opinions among the leaders of the Adriatic Charter at a special summit later on during the day," Markovic said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-02 23:58:55|Editor: yan Video Player Close VILNIUS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis would announce his decision about participating in the next presidential elections only at the start of 2019, local media announced on Wednesday. "I believe it is too early to announce any decisions at the moment. They must be announced on proper time, which means just before the start of 2019," Skvernelis said in an interview with Lithuanian business newspaper Verslo Zinios. The current PM is being mentioned by local political experts as one of potential successors to the incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite. Lithuania's presidential elections will take place in May 2019. Skvernelis noted in the interview that his current priority is to implement necessary reforms. "2017 and the first half of 2018, when the upcoming elections are relatively far away, gives a good chance to implement decisions on necessary reforms," he said. "According to my calculations, the best time to leave the office of the prime minister would be December 2020, after the full four-year term," the PM added. Lithuania's incumbent President Grybauskaite became the first president of Lithuania to be reelected for a second consecutive term in 2014. According to Lithuania's constitution, the president is elected directly for a five-year term and can serve maximum of two terms consecutively. According to the poll conducted by local Vilmorus research centre back in June, President Grybauskaite remains the most popular politician in Lithuania with 64.4 percent of respondents' support, while Skvernelis ranks second with 47.9 percent. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:03:59|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SINGAPORE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Wednesday that a HK-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is likely to be inked by the end of this year, is mutually beneficial for both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and ASEAN member countries. Hong Kong's active role in the Belt and Road Initiative added to the justification of the view, she said while meeting the press after launching a photo exhibition. On her first official visit abroad since taking office on July 1, the chief executive is on a tour which will also take her to Thailand. "Singpore and Thailand are Hong Kong's largest and second-largest trading partners in ASEAN, and I want to thank the governments of the two countries for their support in facilitating an anticipated free trade agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN, which would hopefully be signed by the end of this year after a three-year discussion," she said. Lam said that she advocated more pragmatic fiscal policies and more investments on education and infrastructure. The chief executive would meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other Singaporean government officials during her two-day visit to the city state. On Wednesday afternoon, Lam attended the opening ceremony of a photo show together with Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Sim Ann and Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Chen Xiaodong, which was held at the Arts House. Some 50 photos were on display to showcase the images of Hong Kong in the 1950s, when the Singapore-born photographer Lee Fook Chee immigrated to Hong Kong. The exhibition was presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore and a foundation to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. "The photos from the 1950s Hong Kong convey the can-do spirit of people of all backgrounds who helped to build our city, values or hard work, creativity and determination that we all share," Lam said at the opening ceremony. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:09:01|Editor: yan Video Player Close ROME, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Italian parliament on Wednesday gave its approval to a naval mission off Libya to help tackle human trafficking and limit migrant flows. Both lower house and senate voted in favor of the mission that was approved by Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's cabinet last Friday. Italian navy's ships would be operating in Libyan waters to provide logistical, technical, and operational support to the Libyan coast guard, according to Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti. The decision followed a specific request by the UN-backed Libyan government in Tripoli, Italian authorities said last week. "Our role will be to help Libyans in their (migrant) rescue activities, and in tackling human traffickers," Pinotti told defense and foreign affairs parliamentary committees on Tuesday. Italian ships would operate on the base of the needs expressed by Libyan authorities, through joint and coordinated activities, the minister said. "There will be no interference, nor wound to the Libyan sovereignty: if anything, our goal is to boost such sovereignty," Pinotti said. It was still unclear how many vessels Italy would send. The defense minister, however, specified the units involved would be those already deployed in the central Mediterranean within the "Safe Sea" search and rescue operation launched in 2015. The mission was part of the Italian government's wider effort to tackle migrant trafficking and limit the inflow of people fleeing poverty and war from Africa and the Middle East. Italy has become the major point of entry for those trying to reach Europe, through the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean from the Libyan shores, since after the Balkan route was closed in early 2016. Italy also drafted a "code of conduct" for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating rescue vessels in the Mediterranean, whose role has grown increasingly crucial in saving the life of migrants and refugees, due to the endless flow of departures from Libya. The government asked at least eight major NGOs to accept the new rules, including a ban to enter Libyan waters to rescue migrant boats in distress, and to allow armed police officers on board to search for possible smugglers hiding among migrants. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry meets with his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel( L) at Tahrir Palace in Cairo on August 2, 2017. (AFP photo) CAIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Intense and earnest coordination between Libya's neighboring states, particularly Egypt and Algeria as the two most influential, is the key to limit the growth of affiliate militants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Libya after their ongoing decline in Syria and Iraq. Bordering Libya, both Egypt and Algeria see that IS growth in Libya as a new incubator after their decline in Syria and Iraq poses a direct threat to their national security and to the Arab world. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel met in Cairo on Wednesday for further coordination over political settlement and future plans to bring rival Libyan factions together for peace talks. "Libya will be the incubator of such terror groups after their activities declined in Syria and Iraq and they will gradually try to reach other neighboring countries," Egypt's former foreign minister Mohamed al-Orabi told Xinhua. He warned that IS may expand from Libya to vulnerable southern neighboring states like Chad, Niger and Mali to create some kind of "connected belt" of affiliate militants covering the area between Somalia and Nigeria and threatening the security of Libya itself, Egypt, Algeria and others. "Therefore, Egyptian-Algerian coordination is a must as they are two influential states and their coordination will limit the growth of IS and its affiliates in Libya who would try to stir up further disorder in the region," said the Egyptian ex-minister, also a member of a parliament committee for foreign relations. Libya has been engaged in a civil war since the 2011 ouster and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, which eventually divided the war-torn country into two governments, a UN-backed one in Tripoli and a parliament-backed, military-oriented one in Tobruk. Tobruk's government was internationally recognized before the Presidential Council (PC) was established in 2015 to run a unity government in Tripoli as per a UN-brokered peace deal between Libyan factions reached in Skhirat, Morocco. Supported by self-proclaimed Libyan national army led by Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar, the government in Tobruk refuses to recognize the Tripoli-based unity government known as the Government of National Accord (GNA). Both Cairo and Algiers hosted several meetings between Libyan opponents and led several ministerial meetings of Libya's neighboring states in a bid to resolve the conflict. "There are various strong fields of coordination between Egypt and Algeria in this regard, including political, information and security cooperation," said retired general Sameh Abu-Hashima, a professor of national strategy and military sciences at Cairo-based Nasser Supreme Military Academy. The security expert explained that politically the two countries have great abilities to communicate with Libyan rivals and also to coordinate with world powers like the United States and Russia to push for Libyan unity. Egypt's Western Desert witnessed a terrorist attack that killed at least 21 soldiers in July 2014. Later in February 2015, IS militants released a video showing the beheading of 20 Egyptians near the Libyan chaotic city of Sirte. Since May, the Egyptian air forces destroyed at least 42 vehicles loaded with weapons, ammunition and explosives before they infiltrate into Egypt via its western borders with Libya. "In terms of information and security cooperation, both Egypt and Algeria have the ability to deal with terrorists and they can exchange information on terror elements that hinder inter-Libya national reconciliation via communication with Libyan factions and tribes," Abu-Hashima told Xinhua. More world attention has been paid to fighting terrorism in Syria and Iraq than in Libya, before France and Italy have recently exerted earnest efforts to pave the way for a settlement in Libya as a basic step for regional stability as well as international security. France managed earlier in July to rarely bring face to face Libya's two main rivals Fayez al-Sarraj, head of Tripoli-based government, and military chief Haftar who is backed by Tobruk's government, which is undoubtedly a positive leap in the issue. "The U.S.-led anti-terror alliance cares only about illegal migration from Libya, unlike the Egyptian vision that targets international crackdown on all terror groups alike, whether in Syria, Iraq or Libya," said former foreign minister Orabi. Supported by France, Italy and Germany that are mainly concerned with illegal migration and militant infiltration to Europe, the peacemaking efforts of Egypt, Algeria and also Tunisia can invest the recent Sarraj-Haftar talks in Paris to push for a Libyan agreement. "I believe world attention to Libya will grow in the coming period, with Egypt and Algeria as key regional players for a Libyan settlement," Orabi told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:14:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close MAKUENI, Kenya, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police officers in Makueni County in eastern Kenya have launched a man-hunt for the driver who was involved in a deadly accident on Sunday in a human trafficking syndicate. The police said Wednesday that Daniel Kaniu Kabusho was involved in an accident leading to the death of one Ethiopian national while two others were seriously injured. "Two other Ethiopians who were passengers in the vehicle were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment. The aliens were being illegally trafficked from Nairobi to Tanzania through the Taveta border," the police said in a statement. The police said an Ethiopian national who was on board the salon car died in the accident while two others were seriously injured. Kabusho escaped from the scene and is yet to be traced. The aliens told police they were being illegally smuggled from Nairobi to Tanzania through the Taveta border. Police handling the matter revealed that Kabusho has been profiled as a human smuggler with a past criminal record. He was arrested in March last year in Machakos County while ferrying 12 illegal immigrants of Ethiopian origin. "While the case is ongoing, Kabusho was released on bail. Details of his criminal history were shared with the Asset Recovery Agency, and it was expected that the vehicle used to ferry the aliens would have been seized as an accessory to a crime," the police said. "Oddly, the police released the ill-fated vehicle to Kabusho, allowing him to continue engaging in human smuggling," the police said. The trafficking of illegal immigrants through Kenya remains a big security challenge to law enforcement agencies. While the implications of this vice may not be obvious at face value, Kenya continues to be ranked poorly in the Global Trafficking in Persons Report, as a country watchlisted for its role (both active and passive) in human trafficking. Police and immigration officials have decried increased cases of human smuggling in which Ethiopian aliens are nabbed in the country while on transit to either Tanzania or South Africa. Cases of human smuggling have been on the rise in the region with hundreds of young men from Ethiopia finding their way into South Africa through Kenya in search of employment. The majority of them cannot however communicate in English. What is puzzling is how the immigrants manage to evade many police roadblocks mounted from Moyale border near Ethiopia where they use to Nairobi. There are more than 20 roadblocks on the stretch, which raises the seriousness of the security agents to tame the practice amid complaints of corruption in the security sector. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:19:09|Editor: yan Video Player Close GENEVA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- For the second time within a week, the remains of a person buried for decades in Alpine ice has been found in Switzerland. This time it was a German hiker who died 30 years ago on his way up a mountain. Police said Wednesday that climbers found the remains of the hiker "partially imprisoned in the ice" on the mountain a week ago, Swiss News Agency reported. The body was discovered near Saas-Grund in the German-speaking part of Switzerland by two climbers who had set off up the 4,010-metre Lagginhorn, said police in the Swiss canton of Valais. The climbers discovered the remains at a spot called the Lagginjoch at 3,499 meters, Swiss national broadcaster Swissinfo reported on its website. The following day, the remains were flown by helicopter to the University of Bern, where the victim was formally identified as a German citizen, born in 1943, who went missing on Aug. 11, 1987. Two weeks ago, the mummified bodies of a Swiss couple who disappeared 75 years ago were found near a ski resort in the Alps. The frozen corpses of Marceline and Francine Dumoulin were found lying near each other in the receding Tsanfleuron glacier not far from the famed Gstaad resort. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (R) meets with his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel at Tahrir Palace in Cairo on August 2, 2017. (AFP photo) CAIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Intense and earnest coordination between Libya's neighboring states, particularly Egypt and Algeria as the two most influential, is the key to limit the growth of affiliate militants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Libya after their ongoing decline in Syria and Iraq. Bordering Libya, both Egypt and Algeria see that IS growth in Libya as a new incubator after their decline in Syria and Iraq poses a direct threat to their national security and to the Arab world. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Algerian counterpart Abdelkader Messahel met in Cairo on Wednesday for further coordination over political settlement and future plans to bring rival Libyan factions together for peace talks. "Libya will be the incubator of such terror groups after their activities declined in Syria and Iraq and they will gradually try to reach other neighboring countries," Egypt's former foreign minister Mohamed al-Orabi told Xinhua. He warned that IS may expand from Libya to vulnerable southern neighboring states like Chad, Niger and Mali to create some kind of "connected belt" of affiliate militants covering the area between Somalia and Nigeria and threatening the security of Libya itself, Egypt, Algeria and others. "Therefore, Egyptian-Algerian coordination is a must as they are two influential states and their coordination will limit the growth of IS and its affiliates in Libya who would try to stir up further disorder in the region," said the Egyptian ex-minister, also a member of a parliament committee for foreign relations. Libya has been engaged in a civil war since the 2011 ouster and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, which eventually divided the war-torn country into two governments, a UN-backed one in Tripoli and a parliament-backed, military-oriented one in Tobruk. Tobruk's government was internationally recognized before the Presidential Council (PC) was established in 2015 to run a unity government in Tripoli as per a UN-brokered peace deal between Libyan factions reached in Skhirat, Morocco. Supported by self-proclaimed Libyan national army led by Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar, the government in Tobruk refuses to recognize the Tripoli-based unity government known as the Government of National Accord (GNA). Both Cairo and Algiers hosted several meetings between Libyan opponents and led several ministerial meetings of Libya's neighboring states in a bid to resolve the conflict. "There are various strong fields of coordination between Egypt and Algeria in this regard, including political, information and security cooperation," said retired general Sameh Abu-Hashima, a professor of national strategy and military sciences at Cairo-based Nasser Supreme Military Academy. The security expert explained that politically the two countries have great abilities to communicate with Libyan rivals and also to coordinate with world powers like the United States and Russia to push for Libyan unity. Egypt's Western Desert witnessed a terrorist attack that killed at least 21 soldiers in July 2014. Later in February 2015, IS militants released a video showing the beheading of 20 Egyptians near the Libyan chaotic city of Sirte. Since May, the Egyptian air forces destroyed at least 42 vehicles loaded with weapons, ammunition and explosives before they infiltrate into Egypt via its western borders with Libya. "In terms of information and security cooperation, both Egypt and Algeria have the ability to deal with terrorists and they can exchange information on terror elements that hinder inter-Libya national reconciliation via communication with Libyan factions and tribes," Abu-Hashima told Xinhua. More world attention has been paid to fighting terrorism in Syria and Iraq than in Libya, before France and Italy have recently exerted earnest efforts to pave the way for a settlement in Libya as a basic step for regional stability as well as international security. France managed earlier in July to rarely bring face to face Libya's two main rivals Fayez al-Sarraj, head of Tripoli-based government, and military chief Haftar who is backed by Tobruk's government, which is undoubtedly a positive leap in the issue. "The U.S.-led anti-terror alliance cares only about illegal migration from Libya, unlike the Egyptian vision that targets international crackdown on all terror groups alike, whether in Syria, Iraq or Libya," said former foreign minister Orabi. Supported by France, Italy and Germany that are mainly concerned with illegal migration and militant infiltration to Europe, the peacemaking efforts of Egypt, Algeria and also Tunisia can invest the recent Sarraj-Haftar talks in Paris to push for a Libyan agreement. "I believe world attention to Libya will grow in the coming period, with Egypt and Algeria as key regional players for a Libyan settlement," Orabi told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:29:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close FLEITA, Syria, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Hezbollah group praised on Wednesday that the swift battle in western Syria and the Syrian-Lebanon border area against extremist militants is a "perfect one." The joint battle, launched by the Hezbollah and the Syrian army, is aimed to eradicate the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and the Islamic State (IS) from the Syrian-Lebanon border area, said a commander with the Hezbollah on condition of anonymity. The battle, started on July 21, was capped when the Hezbollah fighters and the Syrian army captured the hilltop of Kirra, which exposed the Nusra militants in both Fleita barrens in Syria and Juroud Arsal in Lebanon, the commander added. "The level of coordination and harmony between the Syrian army and Hezbollah is high," he said. He said both allies aim to clear the border area in Syria and Lebanon from Nusra and IS, adding that there is a small area under IS control on the borders that is completely besieged. The battle on the Syrian side of the borders was completed, while in Lebanon, a deal between Hezbollah and the Nusra militants was made for the evacuation of the Syrian militants from Lebanon to the insurgent-held areas in northern Syria, mainly the northwestern province of Idlib. The evacuation was initially scheduled for Monday, but was delayed due to complications in the negotiations, which were later resolved. As many as 113 busses with Nusra militants and their families onboard started leaving Arsal for Fleita, where they will proceed to Idlib. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:44:28|Editor: yan Video Player Close LUSAKA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Wednesday expressed concern over the low usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among learners despite incorporating ICT in the school curriculum. Minister of General Education Dennis Wanchinga said it was unfortunate that only 250,000 out of 4 million learners in the country have access to ICTs despite the ministry embracing it in the curriculum. The government wanted to bring the ratio down considering that education now revolves around ICT and science, he added. The minister, who was speaking after a tour of education facilities in Chililabombwe district on the Copperbelt province, said the government was concerned with the high number of schools operating without science laboratories and computers in the country, according to state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation. According to him, teaching without science laboratories and computers was not good for communities because global economic development was now anchored on ICTs. The minister pledged the government's commitment to invest heavily in the development of education infrastructure and technology to ensure learners obtain quality education. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:49:34|Editor: yan Video Player Close LONDON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 Army cadets are in difficulty Wednesday on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains, with emergency services trying to carry out rescue operation and 46 people rescued, Sky News reported. According to the report, mountain rescue teams pull 46 people off the site but 17 are yet to be evacuated after helicopters were grounded. The cadets, aged between 12 and 17, got into difficulties in bad weather in the Mourne Mountains, according to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Northern Ireland Coastguard said three rescue helicopters, three rescue teams and two senior officers are involved in the operation. The Coastguard posted on Facebook that all members of the group had been accounted for. Some required treatment for minor injuries. "PSNI and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service contacted UK Coastguard just before 12 pm today requesting assistance after receiving several reports that a large number of people were in difficulty after being caught out in inclement weather," the Coastguard said. The Ambulance Service has declared it as a major incident. The Northern Ireland Ambulance said 16 of the group are suffering from hypothermia and some had suffered minor injuries. 10 accident and emergency crews, a hazardous area response team and Mountain Rescue went to the scene. Ken Johnston, chief press officer with the ministry of defence, Northern Ireland, said: "We had a number of young people from England attending an Army Cadet Force camp in Northern Ireland. "This morning they were in the Mourne Mountains when that atrocious weather swept in. A decision was taken to withdraw as the weather and rain, wind continued." A Mourne Mountain Rescue spokesman said only a small number of people required assistance - for ankle injuries from slipping on stones and exposure to the poor weather conditions. Young people from Middlesbrough were at their annual camp in Northern Ireland, carrying out adventure training and cultural visits. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 00:54:37|Editor: yan Video Player Close ZAGREB, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Union members of Croatian Airlines have warned of a strike action starting on Aug. 8, according to online magazine Croatia Week. Employees of Croatia's state-owned flag carrier will hold a strike in the height of the tourist season over the lack of a collective agreement on pay rise and working hours. Representatives of the union tried to negotiate with the company's board on a new agreement to replace the one that expired at the end of last year, but talks were unsuccessful. The airline stated on Wednesday that it would do everything possible to transport passengers according to the planned timetable during the strike. Most passengers will fly on scheduled Croatia Airlines flights. The remainder will be transferred to flights by partner airlines or carried aboard leased aircraft, the statement read. Company director Kresimir Kucko said he was expecting only 50 out of 923 employers to strike, but that to ensure there is no traffic disruption, the company would rent planes with a staff. The company said that it had asked the Croatian Supreme Court to ban the strike from taking place in the middle of tourist season, but the court has not yet issued a ruling. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 01:09:44|Editor: Liu Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday laid out its position on India's incursion into Chinese territory in the Himalayas. China's Position Concerning Indian Border Troops Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector was published Wednesday to allow the international community to become better acquainted with the facts of the issue, and to fully explain China's stance on the matter, according to a press statement by the Foreign Ministry's Geng Shuang. India's action "severely violates" China's territorial integrity and poses "grave challenges" to regional peace and stability, said Geng. Over 270 Indian troops crossed the Sikkim sector of the China-India border and obstructed Chinese road works in the Dong Lang area (Doklam) on June 18. As of end of July, over 40 members of the Indian military and one piece of heavy earth-moving equipment remained in Chinese territory. Since the incident, the Chinese side has made serious representations to the Indian side, demanding an immediate withdrawal of Indian troops. The China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector is delimited by the 1890 Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet, and is recognized by both Chinese and Indian governments. According to the 1890 convention, the area in question is indisputably Chinese territory. Once established, the boundary came under the protection of international law. The unauthorized crossing of such a delimited boundary is a "very serious incident," the document said. India's accusation of the "serious security implications" of road building and its attempt to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf have no "factual or legal grounds." China's road building is being conducted entirely within Chinese territory and India has been kept fully informed of all proceedings throughout, a reflection of China's goodwill in the matter. The intrusion is nothing more than an attempt to "change the status quo" of the boundary, according to the document. Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen is the eastern starting point of the boundary in question and also the junction of the boundaries between China, India and Bhutan. The Indian incursion occurred more than 2,000 meters from Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen and has nothing to do with the the boundary junction. As good neighbors, China and Bhutan have had several rounds of boundary talks, and as a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede those talks, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf. China will defend its territorial sovereignty, safeguard the principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations, Geng said. "Justice will prevail," the spokesperson said. Related: Full text of facts and China's position concerning Indian border troops' crossing of China-India boundary BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry issued on Wednesday a document of the facts and China's position concerning the Indian border troops' crossing of China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese territory. Full story Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 01:09:47|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A school building in Minneapolis in the midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota collapsed after a natural gas explosion late Wednesday morning, leaving three people unaccounted for and others injured, authorities said. Fire crew were searching for possible victims and trying to extinguish a blaze following the explosion-led collapse at Minnehaha Academy's upper school in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Fire Department initially said one person was killed, but later tweeted the fatality was not confirmed. Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner said fire crew rescued three people off the roof and were looking for three others who were unaccounted for. In a statement, the academy said the explosion involved a natural gas leak, but it only affected the upper school. The school has a lower school, many blocks downriver. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 01:14:50|Editor: yan Video Player Close DUBLIN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The number of Irish people looking for help to manage debt continued to rise between April and June, according to new figures on Wednesday from the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI). According to ISI, there were 1,259 new applications for debt solutions during the second quarter, an increase of 71 percent on the same period last year. The agency said the vast majority of the applications were for personal insolvency, which provided for the restructuring or settlement of secured debt. Since its inception in 2013, there have been 9,361 applications submitted to the ISI. During the first year, just 112 applications were made. The ISI is an Irish independent statutory body whose main functions are to monitor the operation of arrangements relating to personal bankruptcy. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 01:19:54|Editor: yan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An autopsy conducted on the body of the slain Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ICT Manager Chris Msando revealed Wednesday that he was tortured and then strangled to death. The exercise conducted on his body indicated his killers may have used bare hands in the strangulation and also hit him with a blunt object in the head inflicting a deep cut. According to Government Chief Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor and family one Dr Bessie Byakika, Msando's back had deep scratches, indicating the body was either dragged on a rough surface or scratched. His right hand had deep cuts giving an indication of severe torture using a very sharp object. "He was strangled. Strangulation was the cause of the death," said Oduor, adding that Msando had a collapsed trachea, giving an indication the killers used bare hands, he added. Msando was a key official at Kenya's electoral commission. He was one of a handful of officials who had the electoral commission's computer system passwords and knew the exact location of the servers to run the election. Msando's death was confirmed less than an hour before he was scheduled to oversee the test run of the live results transmission system in Nairobi on Monday. The autopsy report now forms the basis of the probe into the murder that happened hours after Msando was abducted. His body alongside that of a 21-year-old nutrition student was found dumped in a forest in the outskirts of Nairobi on Saturday. Investigators said they are talking to at least three suspects in connection with the murder. It is not clear what role the suspects played in the murder of the two. They said they had covered much of the ground and now with the results of the postmortem out, they want to get the real killers and motive. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 01:24:57|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a sanctions bill on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), but he criticized the bill as "seriously flawed." In a statement released by the White House, Trump said while he favoured tough measures to "punish and deter bad behavior" by Iran and the DPRK and supported making clear to Russia that "America will not to tolerate interference in our democratic process," he criticized the legislation for including "unconstitutional provisions" and being "seriously flawed." "Still, the bill remains seriously flawed - particularly because it encroached on the executive branch's authority to negotiate," said Trump. Unlike previous sanctions bills, the new legislation grants U.S. lawmakers power to block Trump from unilaterally lifting sanctions on Russia. The bill was approved overwhelmingly early this month by the U.S. Congress despite the Trump administration calling on lawmakers to grant the White House "flexibility" in dealing with Russia. "By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people," said Trump in the statement. In retaliation for the new sanctions legislation, Moscow had already ordered the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia to cut its staff by 755 people. National flags of Germany and Vietnam. BERLIN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Germany on Wednesday accused Vietnam of kidnapping a Vietnamese asylum seeker in Berlin and ordered a Vietnamese intelligence officer to leave the country within 48 hours. German Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the abduction of Vietnamese citizen Trinh Xuan Thanh on German territory is "an unprecedented and blatant violation of German and international law." An incident of this kind has the potential to affect relations between Germany and Vietnam in a very adverse way. It is also an extreme breach of trust, the statement said. The Vietnamese ambassador had been summoned on Tuesday afternoon, and Markus Ederer, state secretary of German Foreign Ministry, expressed the German government's views on this in no uncertain terms. Germany demands that Trinh Xuan Thanh be allowed to travel back to Germany immediately so that the application for extradition and the asylum application can be examined in due process. The official representative of the Vietnamese intelligence agencies at the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin has been declared persona non grata and given 48 hours to leave Germany. The 51-year-old Thanh was former head of the state-owned Petro Vietnam Construction Corporation, and was accused of causing about 150 million U.S. dollars in losses. The Vietnamese government issued an international arrest warrant for him in September. German media said the asylum seeker kidnapped by armed men in the center of Berlin resurfaced on Monday in Vietnam, where state-owned newspapers reported that he had turned himself into authorities. So far, Vietnam has not responded to Germany's expulsion of its diplomat. U.S. State Secretary Rex Tillerson delivers a speech to State Department employees in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, May 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan) WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that the United States does not blame China for the Korean Peninsula nuclear conundrum. Speaking here at a briefing, Tillerson said that to achieve the goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, the United States seeks to "partner with China," and that the United States doesn't blame the Chinese for the situation on the Korean Peninsula. But days ago, Trump baselessly linked in his latest tweets the U.S. trade deficit with China to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, saying, "I am very disappointed in China. Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk." Tillerson also said that the United States would like to have a dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at some point. "We are not your enemy ... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," said Tillerson. "We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." Tillerson also reiterated that the United States seeks neither a "regime change" nor "collapse of the regime" in the DPRK. "We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula," Tillerson said. "We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel." Tillerson's remarks came days after the DPRK launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in a month. The DPRK on Saturday confirmed the test-firing of a second ICBM simulating its maximum range, which it said can cover all the territories of the United States. "The second test-fire of the ICBM Hwasong-14 was successfully carried out at night of July 28, 2017, under the supervision of (DPRK top leader) Kim Jong Un, who guided the test-fire on the spot," the Korean Central News Agency said in a report. The missile traveled about 1,000 km before splashing down into the sea, said Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis in an early statement. This is the second time for the DPRK to have successfully launched its ICBMs, the first being launched on July 4. China has always called for negotiated solutions to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, said on Monday that China is firmly opposed to any violation of the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including nuclear tests and ballistic missile tests by the DPRK. China has been urging the DPRK and other relevant countries not to exacerbate the situation on the Korean Peninsula by avoiding words and actions that could escalate regional tensions, which run counter to the objectives sought by the UNSC. China has been working with Russia to put forth a road map for achieving regional peace and the UNSC's objectives, the Chinese ambassador told a press conference at the United Nations. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 02:10:23|Editor: yan Video Player Close LISBON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed when a small plane landed on an emergency landing at Sao Joao beach on the Costa de Caparica in Almada, near Lisbon, Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported on Wednesday. "The victims are a man and a child," said Commander Pedro Coelho Dias, a spokeswoman for the National Maritime Authority (AMN). "We have confirmation that two people were hit by the plane and died on the spot. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 02:15:26|Editor: yan Video Player Close JUBA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At lest four people were killed and ten others injured in armed attack on a convoy along South Sudan's major Juba-Nimule highway on Wednesday. The South Sudan Police spokesman Brigadier Justine Buolo told Xinhua on phone in Juba that they were yet to identify those behind the latest attack on convoys. "Actually the convoy fell into attack between Moli and Pageri area, four people are dead and 10 wounded," he disclosed. Since July 2016 clashes, several deadly attacks have been staged along the 125 miles major highway that links the war-torn country to its East African neighbor Uganda. Hundreds of lives have been lost in attacks the government blames on Sudan People's Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) rebels allied to former First Vice President Riek Machar. A bus driver attached to Eco Bus Company told Xinhua from the Ugandan capital where most of the passengers often travel to along the insecurity-hit road that the convoy was struck by Rocket propelled Grenade (RPG). "They attacked Gold line bus with an RPG and forced other vehicles in the convoy to return to Nimule," Isaac Mashete said. 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 Machar to flee into exile. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 02:25:30|Editor: yan Video Player Close KIEV, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The demand for biometric passports in Ukraine is booming after the introduction of the visa-free mechanism with the European Union (EU), the State Migration Service of Ukraine said on Wednesday. "Currently, between 21,000 and 22,000 biometric passports are issued every day," spokesman Sergey Gunko was quoted as saying by the state-run news agency Ukrinform. Since the beginning of 2017, the State Migration Service has issued more than 1.8 million of biometric passports, which enable their holders to enter the EU without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period. Overall, about 4.5 million of Ukrainians, or 10 percent of the country's population, are now holding biometric passports. The visa-free mechanism between Ukraine and the EU was launched on June 11. Smoke rises from a building in Raqqa, Syria July 31, 2017. (REUTERS photo) DAMASCUS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 26 civilians have been killed over the past 24 hours in Syria's northern city of Raqqa by U.S.-led airstrikes, amid talks that the Islamic State (IS) there is in procession of chemical weapons. Some 15 children and women were among those killed by the intensified airstrikes on IS positions in Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Tens of thousands of civilians are stuck in Raqqa, who are trying to flee that hot zone from the intensified battles spearheaded by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The airstrikes and attacks have caused great damage to the infrastructure of the city, where the IS militants are losing ground to the Kurdish-led SDF and the Syrian army, which is advancing in the countryside of Raqqa, according to the observatory. Meanwhile, other activists placed the airstrike death toll over the past 24 hours at 62. The Syrian Foreign Ministry sent letters of condemnation to the UN on Wednesday, saying the U.S.-led coalition is killing civilians and destroying infrastructure in Raqqa. The ministry urged the UN to shoulder its responsibilities in putting an end to the "crimes" of the coalition. The ministry statement came two days after the Syrian government urged the UN to work to dissolve the U.S.-led coalition in Syria. The move comes amid ongoing military operations in Raqqa by the SDF and the Syrian army, who are fighting against the terror-designated group separately but in coordination between the United States and Russia. State news agency SANA cited a military source as saying that the Syrian army advanced in several areas in the southern countryside of Raqqa, capturing over five villages as well as oil fields over the past 24 hours. The report said the Syrian forces have become in control of 30 km of the southern bank of the Euphrates River in Raqqa. The SDF forces have also made new progress, becoming in control over the southern rim of Raqqa, following the wide-scale offensive they waged two months ago to drive out IS militants. In another report, the observatory, which said it relies on a network of activists on ground, claimed that the IS militants are in procession of chemical weapons in areas they are still controlling in Raqqa. The London-based watchdog group added that the terror-designated group is planning to use those weapons in the last stage of the war against the SDF in the city. The observatory voiced fears for the lives of tens of thousands of civilians as those will surely be affected should the IS chose to use such weapons. U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS) WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a sanctions bill on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), but he criticized the bill as "seriously flawed." In a statement released by the White House, Trump said while he favoured tough measures to "punish and deter bad behavior" by Iran and the DPRK and supported making clear to Russia that "America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process," he criticized the legislation for including "unconstitutional provisions" and being "seriously flawed." "Still, the bill remains seriously flawed -- particularly because it encroached on the executive branch's authority to negotiate," said Trump. Unlike previous sanctions bills, the new legislation grants U.S. lawmakers power to block Trump from unilaterally lifting sanctions on Russia. The bill was approved overwhelmingly early this month by the U.S. Congress despite the Trump administration calling on lawmakers to grant the White House "flexibility" in dealing with Russia. "By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people," said Trump in the statement. Despite his objections, Trump said he signed the bill "for the sake of national unity." "It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States," said Trump. In retaliation for the new sanctions legislation, Moscow had already ordered the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia to cut its staff by 755 people. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday announced Moscow's decision to reduce the U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia by 755 people, including U.S. and Russian nationals, by Sept. 1. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 03:46:20|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Gu Zhenqiu, Gui Tao LONDON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- It could be a good time for some biased Western media outlets, which once criticized China's efforts to stamp online terrorism and extremism, to have a rethink. Shouldn't the endeavors of the world's most populous country to purge the internet of poisonous and pernicious material deserve the same credit, if not more, as British government proposals to achieve the same aim? Some Western news organizations have been challenging China's policy to regulate the internet to prevent terrorism. This has been unfair to China. The critics should have seen not only the regulation measures, but also their purpose and beneficiaries. Earlier this week, Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd, at a meeting in the U.S. state of California's Silicon Valley, called for a united stand against online terror. Rudd should be supported when she reportedly asked the U.S.-based tech and social media giants to counter or remove content that incites terrorism. World experts have said that to effectively curb terrorist attacks which have been on the rise across the globe, it is critical to work out ways to curb the online spread of terrorism. That makes much sense to China, one of the world's most vulnerable and victimized countries to cyber terrorism. Describing a challenge to online extremism as "complex", Rudd, one of the most senior members of the British Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet, resolved to fight the war on the frontline. She described this frontline as the screen of a tablet, a laptop or a computer in a teenager's bedroom or the cell phone in his or her pocket. The official's latest move has been put forward as a critical part of May's determination to come down hard on cyber terrorism and extremism by introducing regulations on the way the internet works. "Some people say that it is not for government to regulate when it comes to technology and the internet," according to the manifesto published by Britain's ruling Conservative Party led by May ahead of the June general election. "We disagree." For a country which has suffered four major terrorist attacks over the past months, Britain knows only too well how the turning of a blind eye by internet companies to the terror material on the internet can, and does, have deadly consequences for innocent people. So is China's case any different from that? The vast country's once restive western region has seen an array of ideologically driven attacks over the past years, many of which could be traced to online extremist material. The British government's plan is expected to allow Britain to become "the global leader in the regulation of the use of personal data and the internet." How could China, with the same purpose of safeguarding its own national security, be accused of suppressing cyber freedom and violating human rights? China should be fairly treated when it is fighting online terrorism, the common enemy of mankind. It has been indicated by both Chinese and British officials that the internet should not be a lawless jungle. Their cooperation with the internet companies aims to ensure there is no "safe space for terrorists to be able to communicate online." The same commitments to national security, with the same logic behind them, should be equally credited. Cooperation against internet terror is needed since no country can handle the tough issue all by itself. The basis for a sound cooperation is nothing but mutual understanding. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 04:46:57|Editor: Liu A combination of file photos show Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) at a news conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Feb. 28, 2017 and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 1, 2017. (Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a sanctions bill on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), while describing the bill as "seriously flawed." In a statement released by the White House, Trump said while he favoured tough measures to "punish and deter bad behavior" by Iran and the DPRK and supported making clear to Russia that "America will not to tolerate interference in our democratic process," he criticized the legislation for including "unconstitutional provisions" and being "seriously flawed." "Still, the bill remains seriously flawed -- particularly because it encroached on the executive branch's authority to negotiate," said Trump. Unlike previous sanctions bills, the new legislation grants U.S. lawmakers power to block Trump from unilaterally lifting sanctions on Russia. The bill was approved overwhelmingly early this month by the U.S. Congress despite the Trump administration calling on lawmakers to grant the White House "flexibility" in dealing with Russia. "By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people," said Trump in the statement. Despite his objections, Trump said he signed the bill "for the sake of national unity." "It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States," said Trump. In a rare bipartisan move, U.S. House of Representatives approved the sanctions bill by a vote of 419 to 3 with the Senate passing the bill by 98 to 2. The near-unanimous congressional approval indicated a bipartisan consensus to punish Russia for the Ukraine crisis and its alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election, which Moscow had for long been strongly denied. The solid bipartisan push for the legislation also reflected lawmakers' concern about the Trump administration's posture toward Russia. On the campaign trail and after the election, Trump repeatedly raised the possibility that he would consider lifting sanctions on Russia to mend the bilateral relations. In retaliation for the new sanctions legislation, Moscow had already ordered the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia to cut its staff by 755 people. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Moscow was reserving the right to take further retaliatory measures in response to a sanctions bill signed by U.S. President Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday announced Moscow's decision to reduce the U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia by 755 people, including U.S. and Russian nationals, by Sept. 1. In making the announcement, Putin said that Russia had run out of patience in waiting for relationship with the United States to improve. "We waited for quite a long time that, perhaps, something will change for the better," said Putin in an interview with a Russian TV station aired on Sunday. "But, judging by everything, if it (bilateral relationship) changes, it will not be soon," said Putin. U.S. President Donald Trump (C) poses for photos with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (1st L) and European Council President Donald Tusk at the European Council headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, May 25, 2017. (Xinhua/European Union) BRUSSELS, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is ready to take "appropriate steps" in response to U.S. sanctions against Russia if the bloc's interests are undermined, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday. In a statement released by the Commission, Juncker expressed his satisfaction "in principle" that the bill approved recently by the U.S. congress has dropped "a significant proportion" of the intended sanctions against Russia after the EU raised its concerns. "Moreover, U.S. Congress has now also committed that sanctions will only be applied after the country's allies are consulted," said Juncker. "I do believe we are still allies of the United States," Juncker said, underscoring that European interests can thus be taken into account in the implementation of any sanctions. But if not, the president warned that the EU is prepared to take "appropriate steps" in response within days if the U.S. sanctions disadvantage EU companies trading with Russia in the energy sector. "The sanctions would affect energy transport and the maintenance of pipeline systems in Russia which supply the Ukrainian gas transit system. The new U.S. sanctions could also impact EU efforts to further diversify the energy sector, particularly in the Baltic," said the statement. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a sanctions bill on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), but criticized the bill as "seriously flawed." Under the bill, companies supporting Russia in building energy export pipelines would be fined. In particular, the bill singled out Nord Stream 2, a project led by Russian energy giant Gazprom in cooperation with five major European energy companies. Nord Stream 2 aims to expand an existing gas pipeline from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. In retaliation for the new sanctions legislation, Moscow had already ordered the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia to cut its staff by 755 people. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 05:02:05|Editor: yan Video Player Close CAIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawqi Allam on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack on a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan that left 30 worshippers dead. In a press statement, the highest Islamic Jurist in Egypt warned the Afghani people against falling into the trap of sectarian strife from these terrorist attacks. He offered condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to the injured. Late on Tuesday, 29 Afghans were killed and dozens others wounded as a blast ripped through a Shiite mosque in Herat city, capital of western Herat province. Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. More than 1,660 civilians were killed and over 3,580 others injured in conflict-related incidents in the first half of the year, according to the United Nations mission in the country. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 05:22:12|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close BRUSSELS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) regulators approved the creation of a joint venture between China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) and Japan-based Asahi Kasei Corporation (AKC) on Wednesday, saying the case raised no competition concerns. The joint venture has no actual or foreseen activities in the European Economic Area as it is designed to be active in China, said the European Commission, the bloc's executive arms which oversees competition policy, in a press release. ChemChina is active worldwide in the production of a wide range of chemical products while AKC is active globally in the production of fibres, chemical products, electronics materials, pharmaceutical products, medical devices and housing. The two global companies concluded a joint venture agreement in February in a bid to facilitate production and sale of their flagship plastic goods in China, said ChemChina on its website. The EU, as well as other major economies, screens mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures between multinationals under antitrust regulations. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 05:32:16|Editor: Zhou Xin Rwanda's presidential candidate Frank Habineza (2nd R) of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) greets people at his last campaign rally in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on Aug. 2, 2017. Rwanda's three presidential candidates Wednesday concluded their campaign rallies ahead of Friday polls that will elect the president for the next seven years. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran) KIGALI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's three presidential candidates Wednesday concluded their campaign rallies ahead of Friday polls that will elect the president for the next seven years. The three presidential contenders, incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling party Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate held their final rallies in Kigali. Kagame, who has been the president of Rwanda since 2000, wrapped up his campaign rallies at Bumbogo sector, Gasabo district in the outskirts of capital Kigali. Hundreds of thousands of supporters cheered as well-known local musicians kept the crowd entertained before the incumbent president arrived. The RPF flag bearer's final campaign rally was characterized by "Walk for Paul Kagame", where thousands of his supporters most especially the youth walked a 20 kilometers journey from Amahoro National Stadium to Bumbogo at the final event venue. Kagame in the rally reiterated his pledge to further work to enhance Rwanda's development, strengthen security, and improve general welfare of Rwandans. "Rwanda has passed through a lot, drawing useful lessons along the way," he said. "We know how to make choices for our lives basing on where we have come from and where we are today." Habineza concluded his campaign rally in Nyabugogo, a suburb of Kigali city while independent candidate Mpayimana held his last rally at Amahoro National Stadium. Habineza moved around the city waving the residents before he arrived at the rally. "I will end all unnecessary and none registered taxes to tax payers," Habineza said at his last rally. For the last two weeks, the three presidential candidates have been travelling countrywide soliciting votes. RPF's manifesto mainly focuses on strengthening the economy, citizen's social welfare, and good governance among others. On the other hand Habineza campaigned on pledge to promote food security, re-enforce the rule of law in the country, reduce taxes, and grow more environment-friendly economy. Mpayimana's campaign message focused on a pledge to strengthen democracy, promote trade and agriculture, foster unity among Rwandans and empower Rwandan youth among other pledges. Many analysts predict Kagame as the winner. "I think Kagame will win with well over 90 percent of the total national vote largely due to his stature and achievement, the strength of his party RPF and the clear weakness of his opponents," Christopher Kayumba, senior lecturer, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Rwanda told Xinhua in an interview. Kagame, 59, has been president since 2000 when he was elected president of the transitional government by ministers and members of parliament following the resignation of then President Pasteur Bizimungu. Kagame was then reelected in 2003 and 2010. National Electoral Commission (NEC) has set up 2,340 polling centers and 16,691 polling rooms across the country which will minimize long queues during the elections, Rwandan media The New Times quoted official of NEC as saying. According to NEC, Polling stations will be open at 7 a.m. and will close at 3 p.m.. Over 6.8 million people will participate in this year's presidential elections, up from 5.7 million, who participated in 2010 presidential elections. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 05:37:19|Editor: yan Video Player Close ENTEBBE, Uganda, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A plane carrying the bodies of peacekeepers killed in Somalia touched down at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday as wailing family members mourned their loved ones. Twelve Ugandan peacekeepers were killed and nine others injured by Somali militant group Al-Shabaab on Sunday while on patrol. As a military band played heroic songs, the caskets wrapped with the country's national flag were offloaded. The country's top military brass, ministry of defense officials and family members lined up to receive the bodies. The bodies were transferred to a waiting ambulance and transported to Bombo Military Hospital, about 70 km away. Brig. Richard Karemire, Uganda's military spokesperson, told reporters that the death of their colleagues will not deter them from eliminating the militant group. "We are not going to chicken out and pull out. There is a reason why we went to Somalia. All these deaths and injuries we expected them. When you go for war anything can happen," Karemire said. "This mission requires a lot of effort. There will always be a price to pay," he added, noting that the mission of eliminating the militant group has to be accomplished. The Ugandan military on Tuesday appointed a board to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the fateful incident. Uganda contributes some 6,500 soldiers to the 22,000 African Union peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 05:37:20|Editor: yan Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and 16 more injured when a passenger bus collided with a truck on Wednesday morning in the northern state of Tamaulipas, the local coordinator of public safety, Pedro Granados, told Xinhua. The official explained that the accident happened at 7 a.m. along the highway connecting the town of Jaumave to Ciudad Victoria, the state capital. After hitting the truck, the passenger bus left the road and fell into a ravine about 50 meters deep, said Granados. Granados explained the bus, belonging to the Omnibus company, had left Mexico City on Tuesday night, bound for Ciudad Victoria and the border town of Reynosa. Rescue workers from various emergency response bodies worked for hours to retrieve the bodies from the ravine, near Jaumave. Granados added the 16 injured people had been taken to local hospitals. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 05:37:24|Editor: yan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Moldovan ambassador Andrei Neguta and expressed a strong protest after Moldova declared Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin persona non grata on Wednesday. The ministry in a statement called the decision an "irresponsible step aimed at deliberately undermining Russian-Moldovan relations." "Such dangerous actions can have a serious destabilizing influence on the overall situation in the region and in Europe as a whole," it said, adding that Russia will respond appropriately. Earlier in the day, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry declared Rogozin persona non grata and banned him from entering the Eastern European country and crossing its territory, citing Rogozin's defamatory remarks about a Moldovan governmental delegation. The pro-Western Moldovan government is at odds with its president Igor Dodon, who wants to establish close relations with Russia. Last week, a passenger plane with Rogozin aboard was refused by Romania to enter its airspace as the Russian senior official is sanctioned by the European Union over Crimea and the Ukrainian conflicts. Rogozin was flying to meet Dodon in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau. He was forced to land in the Belarusian capital of Minsk before returning to Moscow. Rogozin vowed to retaliate. A general view photo taken on July 31, 2017 shows the Kremlin, the History Museum and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Russia. (AFP PHOTO) MOSCOW, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States has declared a full-scale trade war against Russia with the enactment of a new sanctions bill on Wednesday, said Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. "The hope of improving our relations with the new U.S. administration has come to an end," said Medvedev on Facebook, commenting on the signing of the bill by U.S. President Donald Trump. The bill was approved overwhelmingly early this month by the U.S. Congress despite the Trump administration calling on lawmakers to grant the White House "flexibility" in dealing with Russia. The Trump administration demonstrated "complete impotence, in the most humiliating manner, transferring executive powers to Congress," said Medvedev. "The U.S. establishment completely outplayed Trump. The president is not happy with the new sanctions, but he can not refuse to sign the law," said the Russian prime minister. According to him, the interests of U.S. businesses are almost ignored, and anti-Russian hysteria has become a key part of U.S. foreign and domestic policy. The sanction regime is codified and will last for decades as the new law allows the Congress to limit the president's power to lift anti-Russian measures, said Medvedev. "Therefore, the relationship between Russia and the United States will be extremely tense, regardless of the composition of the Congress or the personality of the president," he said. Against such a backdrop, Russia will continue to work quietly on economic and social development, count primarily on itself and reduce reliance on imports from the West, he said. Also on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry regretted the enactment of the bill and blasted the new sanctions as "short-sighted and even dangerous." Nevertheless, the ministry said in a statement that Russia remains open to cooperation with the United States in various areas, including on the settlement of regional conflicts. "However, fruitful cooperation is possible only if U.S. politicians overcome their own delusions and cease to perceive the world around them through a reality-distorting prism of 'American exclusiveness,'" said the ministry. In retaliation for the new U.S. sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday announced a decision to reduce the U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia by 755 people by Sept. 1. "Naturally, we reserve the right to take additional countermeasures," said the foreign ministry statement. Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-03 06:32:48|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An Italian warship on Wednesday arrived in the Libyan capital Tripoli with a naval expert team on board, a Libyan navy spokesman said. Ayob Qassem said that the ship's visit aims to boost technical cooperation to fight illegal immigration and provide training to Libyan coastguards. Italy said that the mission is based on a request by the UN-backed government in Tripoli. However, Libyan eastern parliament rejected the Italian naval mission, calling it a "violation to the national sovereignty." "Such agreements or requests are only made by the legitimate parliament, not an executive authority," said Abdullah Belheeg, a parliament spokesman. Moreover, eastern-based army commander, General Khalifa Haftar, issued orders to naval bases in different cities in the country to attack any naval vessel in Libyan water without a permission from the armed forces, and only allow permitted commercial ships. Due to the state of insecurity and chaos, thousands of immigrants choose to depart from Libya to Europe. Many immigrants have drown halfway in the Mediterranean. 75 years jail for convicted killers The ten Allan Henry, Norbert Williams, Dexter Lendore, Deshan Rampharry, Evans Xavier, Victor Baptiste, Deolal Sukhram, Frazal Amin Khan, Girijadat Siewpersaud and Michael Bullock were all convicted of murder on varying dates between 1988 to 1993. The appeal of six of the ten in which they challenged the constitutional validity of their substituted sentences imposed on them -was used as a test case heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which delivered its ruling on Monday. The inmates death sentences were commuted in adherence to the 1994 Jamaican death penalty case of Pratt and Morgan, where the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled that executing convicted killers five years or more after their conviction, was cruel and unusual punishment. The inmates death sentences were commuted in adherence to the 1994 Jamaican death penalty case of Pratt and Morgan, where the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled that executing convicted killers five years or more after their conviction, was cruel and unusual punishment. The six received sentences of natural life or 75 years imprisonment and challenged these decisions in a constitutional claim which was dismissed by then High Court judge Justice Peter Rajkumar who did not agree their commuted sentences were illegal and held that quashing the commutations would have a ripple effect of reinstating their original death sentences. They appealed Justice Rajkumars decision and in a 68-page ruling, appellate court comprising Justices of Appeal Peter Jamadar, Rajendra Narine and Mark Mohammed - disagreed with several of their contentions, but found that the trial judge erred in his finding that the law at the time of their commutations did not require they be given an opportunity to make representations to the Advisory Committee. As such the procedure adopted for the commutation of the appellants respective death sentences was in contravention of their right to the protection of the law, the appellate judges ruled, although they held that the actual commutations by the President were legal and within his Constitutional remit. According to Justice Mohammed, who delivered the ruling, it was held that the two forms of punishment prescribed by the President had a prospect of ending due to the operation of the prison rules and that, persons sentenced to imprisonment for the rest of their natural lives retain the right to petition the advisory committee for mercy. In their ruling, Lords Mance, Kerr, Sumption, Reed and Hughes held that there was no general rule that all reviews must be judicial in response to complaints by the mens attorneys that the review process was flawed because it was administered by the executive rather than by judicial process. The men had also argued that the substituted sentenced imposed incarceration without any prospect of ever being released. But the Law Lords held that there were principles set out in case law for a system of review and pointed out that the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Rules ordain regular reviews of life sentences and 75- year prison terms. They also noted that a prison was entitled to petition the President for clemency. The mere fact that the substituted sentences were imposed on groups of prisoners without consideration of their individual circumstances does not by itself mean they are cruel and unusual punishment. Sentencing by a court is an individual exercise, but the President is exercising a separate power of dispensation. Nor would it follow, even if he were exercising a sentencing function, that to impose the same sentence in multiple cases would necessarily render those sentences cruel and unusual, the Law Lords held. HIRE US In an interview with Newsday yesterday, Joseph said there were more than enough young men and women in Trinidad and Tobago looking for work. He was also sympathetic to the foreign nationals brought to Trinidad illegally to work, saying it was ironic that while the country celebrated Emancipation Day yesterday, these Chinese nationals experienced it on a daily basis. Here we have migrant workers, being brought here illegally, while we have laws that explain proper hours of work, and the proper minimum wage. Those people that come in illegitimately cannot benefit from these laws, as the people who bring them here are simply looking for a quick profit, Joseph lamented. He also believed the police may have stumbled upon a greater human trafficking racket where illegal immigrants are being supplied as contract workers. Joseph said for an immigrant to be legally requested for work in Trinidad and Tobago the person must have a special area of expertise which no other local worker has and a local understudy must also be hired to build the capacity of the workers locally. However, according to Joseph, there are several cases where the rule is not followed. I have seen people working at some places and I ask myself why was someone brought from another country to do such a menial job when we have local people more than equal to the task. This practice is resulting in a lot of people being left unable to provide for their families, he said. On Monday, eight Chinese nationals were detained by officers of the Port of Spain City Police and the Immigration Division during an exercise held on Charlotte Street. The police were told there was a group of Chinese workers living in slave-like conditions on Charlotte Street. None of the workers detained spoke English. The men worked and lived in cramped unfinished rooms with no ventilation and no bathroom facilities. They drank water which contained mosquito larvae, and quite possibly, harmful pathogens. The eight men were among 20 that were detained during the police raid on Monday. Were not asking for $3M Speaking at the SRFPs smoke ceremony at the communitys centre in Arima yesterday, Hernandez said at the launch of the celebrations recently he was asked how much it would cost to host the celebrations in October and his response was $3 million. Yesterday he said the community expects to spend much less since they may get venues and services for free and stressed that the community was not asking the Government to give them the estimated $3 million. We are asking the government to assist to whatever extent that they can, he said. Hernandez also called on corporate TT to support the venture. Other fund raising efforts include bar-b-que, t-shirt, bookmark and limited edition stamp sales. All of these will add to the revenue pool to make up the funds needed to carry out our celebrations and various planned events. This is a one-off holiday. It is not an annual event like what all the other major ethnic groups have, he said as he also called for support from the wider community. Endoscopy Suite at EWMSC to reduce bed space demands Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh officially declared the ward open on Monday, although it has been operating since May 2016. This is a red letter day that enhances the experience of a patient, having to undergo anaesthesia whether local or general. It is a much safer product to deliver, patient satisfaction goes through the roof, and we also decrease the burden of taking up bed space, so it is a win-win situation for all, he said. The unit would provide treatments for gastro intestinal, thoracic and urological conditions. When before patients were required to be admitted to the hospital, now they could have same day surgery. Deyalsingh said since the Endoscopy Suite was commissioned last year, more than 1,600 procedures have been performed. This would significantly reduce the demand for bed space, but we are still challenged for bed space and that is why we have to build the Pt Fortin Hospital, Arima Hospital and expand the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. The PoSGH central block would increase from 400 to 540 beds. We are building a hospital in Sangre Grande to take it from 150 to 200 beds. With the NCD (non-communicable diseases) burdens and other diseases, there will be a demand for bed space, so we have to look for innovative ways to decrease it, the minister said. Deyalsingh said this was the first endoscopy series that offered eight services. He said they had limited endoscopy services at some of the other regional health authorities and were trying out the system at the other RHAs. We will use this as a pilot. It is a cost effective way of delivering high-quality care at very low cost, he said. Chief executive officer at the EW MSC Davlin Thomas said the initial cost of the equipment to treat with these health issues cost just over $1 million. It is certainly smaller than the cost of having to do surgeries or having overnight care with the surgical team that was required. We saw ten patients today, so on average we see about 50 patients a week, he said. Deyalsingh said since the programme was started over 1,600 patients have been treated. Asked why EW MSC was chosen as compared to PoSGH or San Fernando, Deyalsingh said, We have space and we have the catchment area where people need this type of service. We could not have done it in PosGH knowing that we had to build a new central block there, so this was the obvious location, he said. Asked if EW MSC was being fully utilised, Deyalsingh said he believed so, however adding that Government had serious plans for the health facility. All of that has to be approved by Cabinet. One of the things we need to look at is if we need to be triplicating serious tertiary intervention all over the island. Trinidad and Tobago is small, we keep forgetting that and the way health services are being delivered now and should be delivered, instead of triplicating and quadruplicating advanced tertiary intervention at four hospitals, what you want to do is set up centres of excellence and that has been my thought pattern since I became Minister of Health, he said. The minister added that he would be looking at all options and advising Cabinet on how to proceed with the Couva Childrens Hospital. We are looking for a way to best utilise it. The Prime Minister when approving the note for rebuilding central block we were looking for all ways of recanting central block which has 400 beds and looking to Couva as a possibility. Share Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) is coming to the U.S. next month. And thats a big deal. This giant industry gathering has taken place in Barcelona for the past few years. Theres also been a Shanghai version of Mobile World Congress. And this year, on Sept. 12 through 14, San Francisco will play host to the first Mobile World Congress Americas. So it should come as no surprise that cellular infrastructure giants like Nokia (News - Alert) have big plans for the event. In fact, Nokia recently got news that the Federal Communications Commission has approved its request to demonstrate its Flexi Zone base station and a mobile unit on 27.5-28.35GHz spectrum during Mobile World Congress Americas. The approval for this experimental effort will enable Nokia to use some of the spectrum that the FCC (News - Alert) recently made available for licensed use. The FCC last year made 3.85GHz between 27.5 and 28.35GHz and between 37 and 40GHz for licensed use. Thats why AT&T and Verizon (News - Alert) were both so interested in buying Straight Path Communications, which had licenses in both the 27GHz and 39GHz bands. AT&T first announced plans to buy the company, but then Verizon swooped in and got the company for more than $3 billion. Verizon also has the option to acquire additional 28GHz airwaves from NextLink as part of its acquisition of XO Communication, which is closed in February. That led Verizon to purchase 28GHz spectrum from NextLink via the XO Communications (News - Alert) deal. NextLink Is a former XO affiliate. T-Mobile also has some 28GHz and 39GHz band spectrum. That includes 200MHz worth in select markets. 5G will usher in higher bandwidth services and a whole lot more. Ultra reliable low latency communications is one of the capabilities that makes 5G different from past iterations of cellular technology. This capability could help cellular service providers support things like the connected car and remote surgery via robotics. What both of these example applications have in common is their need for extreme reliability and performance, as the ability for a vehicle to communicate with whats around it to make the right decisions at the right time, and the ability for a doctor to move the robot at the right time and in a timely fashion, can be the difference between life and death. Edited by Alicia Young It started in mid-September Black Friday specials. I took the bait when I saw an email from a retailer offering sales that were way ahead of the traditional Friday after Thanksgiving Black Friday sales. Beat the rush! Get all the deals before anyone else offers them and you lose out! Get y "Love wins." Warren Gus Wesche was this week's winner. The winner's name will be put into a drawing for a free month subscription or extension. Look for a new photo Monday. Tourist arrivals in Morocco in the first half of 2017 have grown 9% compared to the same period last year to stand at 4.6 million tourists, the tourism ministry said. International tourist arrivals increased 14% while Moroccans living abroad visiting their homeland rose by 3%, the ministry said in its latest statistics covering the January-June 2017 period. Arrivals from Germany grew 12%, while the numbers of Dutch, Spanish and French tourists grew 8%, 7% and 5% respectively, the ministry added. The increase was also driven by the surge in the emerging tourist markets, especially China and Japan. Chinese arrivals jumped exponentially by 565%, while Japanese and Brazilian visitors rose by 46% Morocco expects tourists arrivals to increase by 6% in 2017 after 10.3 million tourists visited the country in 2016, up 1.5% from 2015. Libyas increasing oil exportations are beginning to raise eyebrows in Italy as authorities believe that the mafia is linking up with extremist groups loyal to the Islamic State group to smuggle crude oil from the Middle East into Italy. As Libya has been in turmoil for the past six years, it was, along with Nigeria, exempted from the oil-cap, reached by OPEC and non-OPEC members in efforts to boost global oil prices. In July, Libyas exportation increased by 11%, when compared to June, as it shipped around 865,000 barrels per day based on the data provided by Bloomberg. Carsten Fritsch said the increase in productivity hurts OPECs efforts to re-balance the oil market. Italian authorities are however concerned about the amount of shipments reaching their shores. According to La Republica, the police had found substantial amounts of Libyan and Syrian crude that were greater than some local refineries inventories. Sources connected with the investigation said that crude should not have been there. Authorities think that Italian mafias are cooperating with extremist groups relying on revenues generated from oil to finance their activities. The Islamic State group had boasted that it had penetrated Italy with analysts believing that some of its members reached the European country by travelling as illegal migrants from Libya. Although there is yet to be concrete evidence to portray the connivance between the mafia and the extremist group in oil smuggling, the two sides are believed to have been cooperating in drug smuggling in the Sahara desert. Libyan Prime Minister Faez Serraj has promised to attend financially to Tobruk municipality, which is housing the Libyan internationally recognized parliament, the House of Representatives (HoR), opposed to the UN-backed Presidency Council and Government of National Accord. The move came after Faez Serraj held talks with acting mayor of the eastern city, Ali Saghir, who was in Tripoli to seek financial support. Saghir explained to his interlocutor the municipality budget needs to meet public services, particularly water and sanitation, Libya Herald reports. Serraj reportedly responded favorably to the request, pointing out that 17 municipality staff who have not been paid for several months would receive their salaries and that proposals to establish a medical centre would be looked at. Tobruk has remained largely aligned with the HoR and its associated Beida-based government. Both entities have rejected Serraj and his leadership establishment, which they claim is illegal. Both the Beida government and the HoR have backed army commander Khalifa Haftar who agreed on a cease-fire with Serraj late last month at a meeting organized by President Emmanuel Macron of France. Reports say Saghirs meeting with Serraj was decided last week as Beida-government and the HoR lack funds to support the municipality. According to Libya Herald, the municipality officials came to the conclusion that the towns needs were greater than political allegiances. The Executive Committee of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended, on Tuesday in Istanbul, the efforts led by King Mohammed VI of Morocco to defend the holy city of Al-Quds in his quality as Chairman of Al Quds committee. In a statement issued at the end of its extended extraordinary meeting to discuss the latest developments in Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Committee praised the efforts made by the King, highlighting that the Monarch sent a letter recently to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and denouncing the systematic attacks against the holy city and the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque while stressing the need for a return to the status quo ante. In his recent letter to the UN Secretary-General, King Mohammed VI of Morocco had strongly condemned as unacceptable Israels practices in Jerusalem, saying these practices are meant to impose a fait accompli in the city. The King had also urged the international community to take decisive actions to compel Israel to put an end to these provocative practices that could incite extremist tendencies, further tension, animosity and violence in the entire region. The OIC Executive Committee also thanked Morocco, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia for their proactive support for the Palestinian people. It reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the religious and spiritual character of Al-Quds for the entire Muslim Ummah, as well as its determination to defend it against all threats posed by the Israeli colonial occupation. The OIC foreign ministers also condemned in the strongest terms the Houthi militias and the partisans of Saleh as well as the parties arming them with ammunition and missiles for targeting the holy city of Makkah for the second time since July 27. Such an attack violates the sacrality of Islams holy sites and represents a provocation of the feelings of Muslims across the globe. Believe it or not, men, reproductive rights are kinda personal to women! Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Earlier this week Ben Ray Lujan, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (the fundraising wing of the House Democratic Caucus) touched a chronically sore point with the vast majority of Democrats who are pro-choice: Democrats will not withhold financial support for candidates who oppose abortion rights, the chairman of the partys campaign arm in the House said in an interview with The Hill There is not a litmus test for Democratic candidates, said Lujan, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman. As we look at candidates across the country, you need to make sure you have candidates that fit the district, that can win in these districts across America. Lujans initial mistake, I would argue, was in framing the question as a matter of litmus tests. Unlike their counterparts in many other countries, Americas major political parties dont have formal membership protocols, much less binding tests of what is or isnt a common position on controversial topics. When it comes to candidates, the national party and for that matter, state parties, in most cases has no control over who calls her- or himself a Democrat; thats the job of party primary voters. The DCCC does make decisions every day about how to use its financial resources to maximize the number of House Democrats, and would probably cheerfully funnel money to a Koch brother if it added a vote to Nancy Pelosis column in the next House balloting for Speaker. Confusing that hammer-headed perspective with some sort of official pronouncement on the relative importance or nonimportance of reproductive rights is a bad idea from the get-go. But as some of Lujans critics immediately noted, it is not a good thing that a commitment to reproductive rights is often so high on the list of progressive principles Democratic officials seem willing to throw over the side in the pursuit of electoral victory or as Lujan put it, creating a big family in order to win the House back. Would anyone go out of their way to suggest, for example, that Democrats are happy to find and back candidates who oppose progressive taxation or want to radically reduce immigration? How about opponents of Social Security or of civil rights? Why is the right to choose so disposable? Its not a matter of intra-party democracy. According to the most recent Pew survey of how Americans feel on the basic matter of whether abortion should be mostly legal or mostly illegal, self-identified Democrats are pro-choice by a 79/18 margin. Pew also finds that Democrats oppose overturning a constitutional right to choose by an even larger 84/14 margin an opposition that has been in every Democratic national platform since 1976, just as overturning Roe v. Wade has been a staple in Republican national platforms since the same year. No one is stopping individual Democrats, including candidates, from dissenting from that long-established consensus position. But the implicit encouragement of heterodoxy on abortion policy that Lujan (like other party leaders) offers cannot help to be maddening to the many millions of Democratic women for whom this is a question of basic personal rights, not some policy preference. That this suggestion came from a man makes it even worse. Political parties inevitably encompass multiple views on multiple things. But some are more fundamental than others, touching on values and mutual respect. In my pre-journalism career, I used to conduct a value-based message training for elected officials that made a big deal out of distinguishing between values and broad policy goals on which unity is critical, and programs or initiatives where diversity is not only tolerable but optimal. The conviction that women should have control of their reproductive health is clearly a value; protecting it is also clearly a policy goal. Exactly how to do that is another matter, and I dont think any pro-choice Democrats are insisting on uniformity as to the details of abortion policy. If Democrats continue, as they probably will, to argue about this topic, there is another level of self-discipline that Democratic men should exercise. The most appropriate slogan for progressive men is the one the late Dr. George Tiller adhered to, right up until the time he was murdered during Sunday services at his own church: Trust women. And if you cant bring yourself to trust them with decisions over their own bodies, Democratic men, at least respect them enough to keep your own counsel about it. The Nevada Republican has managed to alienate everybody on health care, most recently by toeing the party line. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images For months and months Republican Nevada senator Dean Heller played Hamlet over legislation to partially repeal and replace Obamacare. His uncertainty appeared to ooze over in the direction of outright opposition to the Senate GOPs Better Care Reconciliation Act in June, after a joint press conference with Nevada governor (and fellow Republican) Brian Sandoval wherein both pols complained about BCRAs quick phase-out of the Obamacare Medicaid expansion. He was subjected to all sorts of blandishments and threats from conservatives back home, and a pro-Trump group briefly ran anti-Heller ads until Mitch McConnell told the White House to yank its chain. When the deal went down in the Senate, Heller voted against both the latest version of BCRA and a straight repeal bill similar to one he had voted for in 2015. But before that he gave McConnell a precious yea vote on the motion to proceed that revived the whole effort from the grave, and after that he stuck with his caucus on the skinny repeal vote that ended the whole exercise. Heller was, in other words, all over the place, but stuck with his partys unpopular course when the chips were down. According to a new survey from Public Policy Polling, his act bombed decisively with Nevadans. Heller, who will face voters next year, now has an approval rating of 22 percent, with 55 percent disapproving and 23 percent unsure. Only 31 percent of respondents say they would vote for him against a generic (unnamed) Democrat, who would receive 50 percent. A June PPP survey showed Heller doing a lot better, though not that great: his approval ration then was 31/44, and he was only trailing a generic Democrat by 7 points. In other words, one of the two most vulnerable GOP senators running next year (the other is Arizonas Jeff Flake) appears to have fundamentally mishandled the biggest issue of 2017. It probably did not help that Mitch McConnell apparently insisted on Heller and Flake voting for the skinny repeal after he knew he didnt have the votes to pass it. Heller is now trying to recover by supporting the Graham-Cassidy let the states decide after we cut their money health-care bill, but he may just be digging his hole a little deeper by appearing so irresolute that hes eager to dump the whole problem on the states. The senator should probably find three policy positions that poll really, really high, and talk about them incessantly and emphatically until the end of the year. How long will Kelly be able to do a spectacular job? Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images Most weeks, New York Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich speaks with contributor Alex Carp about the biggest stories in politics and culture. Today: why theres no such thing as a post-Scaramucci era in White House communications, Trump helping Don Jr., and Republican senator Jeff Flake critiquing his own party. After an adventurous 11 days, Anthony Scaramucci followed Sean Spicer and Reince Priebus out of the White House, with General John Kelly and possibly former Fox News executive Bill Shine on the way in. How will this change the way the White House communicates? Heres one thing I can say without fear of contradiction: The removal of Scaramucci, like that of Spicer before him, will have no impact at all on White House communications. The default setting will still be All Lying All the Time. It says all you need to know that Trumps leakers floated the notion that the ousted Fox News executive Bill Shine, the former Roger Ailes deputy, might be the Moochs successor even as he is busy fending off lawsuits alleging that he was an enabler of his late bosss serial sexual harassments. Billy Bush would be a better choice. Whoever is in charge, its safe to say that nothing will be too small to lie about at this White House. Even as the latest chaotic organizational-chart shake-up was in full swing in the West Wing, the communicator-in-chief was on Twitter declaring No WH chaos! Nothing has changed since Inauguration Day, which, as many will recall, had the biggest crowd turnout in the history of Western civilization. One of the things I was reminded of when taking a recent deep wallow in Watergate history was how much fun that scandal was at the time, even as a grave constitutional crisis loomed. The incessant drip-drip-drip of White House horrors made one feel like being drunk, as Elizabeth Drew quoted one Washingtonian in The New Yorker back then. Certainly the rise and fall of the Mooch had that effect. Everything about it was deeply entertaining, from the dime-store Goodfellas swagger so pricelessly parodied by Mario Cantone to the earnest discussions at high-end publications about the propriety of publishing the phrase suck my own cock. Scaramuccis mandate to stamp out all leaks and fire any culprits will fare no better with his successor. No sooner had Kelly shown him the door than there was a major leak about Kelly himself, with CNN reporting that the new chief of staff had almost quit his previous cabinet job at Homeland Security in protest of Trumps firing of James Comey. Hardly had that news broken than we also learned that congressional interns interns! had leaked (complete with audio recording) the rambling hour-long address they received from Jared Kushner, arguably the most powerful intern in White House history. Kushner bragged about his prowess as a Middle East negotiator, attributing his imaginary success in part (as he bragged at least three times) to the fact that nothing has leaked. Scaramuccis mandate to stamp out all leaks and fire any culprits will fare no better with his successor. You have to feel a bit sorry for Kelly, though surely he knew what he was getting into when he undertook a role most likely to end with his humiliating banishment from the island on Pennsylvania Avenue. Yes, he is a much-admired Marine one of what Trump calls my generals. But I doubt that even Hermann Goering could impose discipline on this White House. Some hope has been invested in Kellys decisive canning of the Mooch on his first day of work. But that was low-hanging fruit. Kelly lacks the power to fire the presidents son-in-law or daughter, both of whom were behind the brilliant idea of Scaramuccis appointment in the first place and both of whom had pushed another candidate, the Goldman Sachs alum Dina Powell, over Kelly as his replacement once the Mooch was caught sucking his own cock. To paraphrase a joke about nepotism from the old show How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, blood is thicker than water in this White House, and Jared Kushner is thicker than anything. He is lying in wait for Kelly, and you can bet everything will leak along the way as Kushner administers the shiv. The Washington Post reported this week that Donald Trump Jr.s first response to the Russia meeting the short statement describing it as primarily about the adoption of Russian children was personally dictated by the president himself. Is there a way to explain this other than as a cover-up attempt? This lie was so big that one Republican in the Senate, Lindsey Graham, was actually moved to call it a lie, of all things. Ive lost count of how many lies have been told about this Trump Tower meeting by Trump, his son-in-law, his son, and their various lawyers and flacks. And even as this new Post scoop landed, the collusion plot thickened with the revelation of a new lawsuit, first reported by David Folkenflik of NPR, brought by a Fox News contributor and private investigator named Rod Wheeler. The suit alleges that the Trump White House, with Sean Spicer as point man, collaborated on a cover-up story that was aired by Fox in May: a supposed expose (later retracted), hyped by Sean Hannity, that tried to whitewash Russian culpability in the hack of DNC emails by blaming the hack instead on a bogus conspiracy allegedly implicating Hillary Clinton and a murdered 27-year-old DNC data worker named Seth Rich. Yesterday Sarah Huckabee Sanders dismissed the allegations in this lawsuit, saying the president had no knowledge of the Fox story and that it was completely untrue that the White House had any involvement in Foxs muscular effort to shift the blame from Russia to the Democrats for the publication of DNC emails by WikiLeaks. This is essentially the same denial Sanders issued to knock down speculation that Trump had any involvement in Donald Jr.s initial adoption of Russian children explanation for the Trump Tower meeting. We can safely assume that her new lie is at least as big as the last. In a new book, Republican senator Jeff Flake of Arizona has written that his party, in a Faustian bargain with Trump, has made the government of the United States dysfunctional at the highest levels. He encouraged his colleagues to end their unnerving silence in the face of an erratic Executive branch. Are we seeing the start of Congress genuinely pulling away from Trumps agenda? Flake, a NeverTrumper from the start, has written by far the toughest anti-Trump critique yet to be delivered by a Republican politician currently holding high office. But as Jennifer Senior pointed out in her review of his book for the Times, Flake likes saying Republicans should do something to counter Trump but is short of battle plans for realizing that goal. Flake did not even have the guts to join Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and his fellow Arizona senator John McCain in voting down the skinny repeal of Obamacare last week. (Nor, by the way, did Lindsey Graham.) We are seeing some small, if as yet inconclusive, signs that GOP senators, notably Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, are pulling away from Trumps entreaties to vote on repealing Obamacare yet again and will instead try to join with Democrats on bipartisan efforts to shore up the law against the administrations attempts to sabotage it. Its an open question whether this is anything more than political posturing to provide fodder for those pundits who are always spotting the dawn of bipartisanship on the Hill just before it evaporates in the cold light of day. The biggest motivating factor for the GOP to pull away from Trump, Ill say yet again, is the ever-approaching 2018 midterms and the punishment that is likely to be inflicted on Republicans for their unblemished record of legislative failure. Steve Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, has urged Congress to raise the debt ceiling by the deadline of September 29 and vowed that a tax bill is going to get done this year. Neither is likely to happen, nor is anything else, thanks in no small part to a White House paralyzed by scandal, consumed with intrigue, and run by a sociopath. Yet this is what the party in power will have to run on a mere 15 months from now. Trump has one tweet right when he declared after the health-care debacle that Republicans in Congress look like fools. But most of them still seem to be afraid of him or if not him, his hard-core supporters. Those supporters are a loyal cohort: Polls found that 25 percent supported Trumpcare until the bitter end and 26 percent wanted Scaramucci to stay on the job even after his rant to The New Yorker. Thats the base, and it is never going to defect from Trump. Unless and until Republicans in Washington are willing to cross those voters, the status quo in Washington will remain as is. For another 15 months, anyway. New White House Chief of Staff John Kelly at his first cabinet meeting. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images When President Trump fired Reince Priebus and hired John Kelly to take over as his chief of staff, it was with the expectation that the retired Marine four-star general, known to be a hard-ass, would institute some much-needed order to the carnival that took over the West Wing in January. After 48 hours on the job, he appears to have had some success. In his first high-profile act as chief of staff, Kelly fired former communications director Anthony Scaramucci. In what may have been an acknowledgment that his current job in the White House is different from his previous jobs in the military, he did not unscrew the foul-mouthed hedge-fund bosss head and shit down his neck. Instead, Scaramucci told Huffington Post, It was a very polite conversation. In some ways, Scaramucci was a sacrificial lamb. After months of watching with frustration as chaos reigned in the White House, Kelly was no longer on the sidelines. Previously, his only option had been to make a deal with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to ensure one of them was always in the country to keep an eye on Trump. But starting Monday, Kelly was in a position to do something about the disarray. So he fired Scaramucci, which wasnt just an obvious move but a signal to everyone in building that, unless your name is Trump, mistakes have consequences. No matter how many people Kelly fires though, the true measure of his success will be whether he can contain Trump himself. So far, the results are mixed. On one hand, Trump has been on his best behavior since Kelly was sworn in, Axios reports, by acting sharper in meetings and even rattling off stats. Stats such as the populations of Malaysia and Indonesia, perhaps. On the other hand, less than 24 hours after Kelly arrived, Trump tweeted that he remains committed to one of his most self-destructive tendencies tweeting. Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2017 While Kelly will no doubt have trouble controlling what Trump does on his phone, hes already put in new rules for the Oval Office. The always-open door is now closed, according to Axios. The drop-ins and impromptu shit-shooting, so common when Priebus was in charge, have ended. Meetings are short, Axios says, and even Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are deferring to Kelly. The former head of the DHS has even set his sights on new staffers without the lust for drama that so many West Wingers have. Homeland Security spokesperson David Lapan is atop his list. Kellys longtime aide, Lapan is being eyed for the White House communications role vacated by Scaramucci, CNN reports. Like Kelly, Lapans history is largely with the military, having served as a spokesperson for the Defense Department and the Marine Corps. Hiring Lapan would be yet another sign that Kelly is steadying the ship at the White House. But he may encounter some resistance. The White House has reportedly been courting right-wing radio personality Laura Ingraham for the job and, CNN says, shes still on the list. Donald Trump: This time John Wayne does not walk off into the sunset with Grace Kelly. Photo-Illustration: Daily Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images (Trump); Twentieth Century Fox (Die Hard) One of the cliches of the action-movie script is the final-scene twist where the villain, having seen his intricate plot foiled, lashes out in a wild and pointless act of vengeance. Think of Alan Rickman in Die Hard as he falls out of a skyscraper window trying to shoot Bruce Willis, or Dennis Hoppers character in Speed deciding that if he cant get his ransom he might as well try to kill Keanu Reeves: The repeal of Obamacare has a similarly cliched story arc. After John McCain returned from cancer to cast the deciding suspenseful vote on the Senate floor, President Trump has taken defeat in perfect movie-villain form. If Congress wont repeal Obamacare, he warns, he will destroy it anyway, by withholding important payments to insurers on the exchanges. The payments Trump is threatening to withhold are called cost-sharing-reduction payments, or CSRs. Obamacare authorized these payments as reimbursements for insurers who sign up disproportionate numbers of low-income customers. Without the payments, insurers would increase premiums. As part of their sabotage campaign against Obamacare, Republicans in Congress filed suit in 2014 to end the payments, resting their case on a legal fine point that the legislation promised the payments but did not technically appropriate them. The legal merits of the lawsuit are not terribly impressive. There are, however, two primary ways the threat can harm Obamacares exchanges. The first is that Trump has regularly threatened to end the payments, and while he hasnt withheld any yet, his threats have created an unpredictability that has scared many insurers into leaving the marketplaces (which Trump holds up as evidence that Obamacare is collapsing). The second, larger danger is that Trumps Department of Justice, which is defending the Executive branch in the lawsuit, would give up its defense. The lawsuit doesnt have to be strong if the defendant doesnt challenge it. The second danger is now gone. The D.C. Circuit Court ruled last night that state attorneys general have legal standing to defend the payments. The court cited Trumps constant threats as reason for the states to step in to defend a law the administration is unwilling to defend itself. Their doubts about adequate representation arose due to accumulating public statements by high-level officials both about a potential change in position and the Departments joinder with the House in an effort to terminate the appeal, the court found. In other words, University of Michigan law school professor Nicholas Bagley observes, President Trumps loose lips have once again created problems for his lawyers. Trump still has the ability to stop the payments on his own. He has been cutting the checks month to month, insisting he could stop them at any time. But members of both parties in Congress have expressed strong support for keeping up the payments. Democrats dont want to harm patients and the operation of a system they care about a lot, and Republicans dont want to suffer the political blowback from premium spikes under their watch when they have promised lower premiums. Both parties are negotiating bills to ensure the payments are made. Trump might stand in the way of this bipartisan agreement, but he will further alienate a Congress that is already disregarding him. It is not clear what rationale Trump has to threaten to harm the insurance system. He has no leverage here Democrats are hardly going to support a bill that would throw millions of people off their insurance just to avoid higher costs for a smaller number of people. As his own party recognizes, sowing chaos is only going to create voter anger at the party in control of government. Blaming the other party for the status quo never works. And so Trump is left with nothing but blind rage, lashing out wildly in the face of defeat. At the first conference on finance and technology (Fintech) held in Uganda last Friday, delegates were told only those companies able to adapt will survive, writes ALON MWESIGWA. Look around. Has the way you used to send money to your mother five years ago changed? How about the way you banked or borrowed money? Do you own a currency in any other form other than the paper note? If the answer is yes, you are living in the world ruled by fintech, a buzzword used to mean finance driven by technology. If the answer is no, then you are probably left behind. This came out clearly at a first Fintech Africa conference convened by law firm Bowmans (AF Mpanga Advocates) at Golden Tulip in Kampala last week. Citi banks Esther Chibesa (L) chats with Bowmans Uganda partners David Mpanga (C) and William Kasozi during the Fintech conference Themed Fintech in Uganda; unpacking the risk and regulation, the conference discussed the impact technology is having on the business environment, finance, and how businesses can adapt. It [technology] is changing business and the people who are doing business, said David Mpanga, a partner at Bowmans. There is no single agreed definition of what a fintech company is but according to Dr Maureen Owor Mapp, a tutor of cyber law at the University of Birmingham, fintech covers an almost unimaginably wide variety of services, from the traditional such as payment processing to the more cutting edge such as crowd-funding and digital currencies like bitcoins. Mapp said it could also be a new financial industry that applies technology to improve financial activities as defined in the Journal of Innovation Management. In Uganda, the most visible impact has been on mobile money. More people now send money to their loved ones through phones. MTN and Airtel have launched platforms where individuals can borrow small amounts of money on their phones. And the figures are staggering. At least Shs 2.5tn is transferred through mobile phones in Uganda monthly totaling more than Shs 30tn a year, according to the central bank figures for 2016. Also, World Remit is helping transfer money from one country to another using mobile phones. Are there visible disruptions? Commercial banks are coming out of their traditional shell to be digital and put more products on mobile phones. For us, it is a new reality and banks might be made obsolete if we dont embrace technology. We may not be there in the next five to ten years, said Agelina Namakula, the head legal at Barclays Bank Uganda. Bowmans' Uganda partner David Mpanga Esther Chibesa from Citi Bank Kenya said: Fintech is evolutionary and revolutionary; the ubiquity of mobile phones is driving the fintech revolution in Kenya and Africa. A couple of other industries have come face-to-face with the impact of technology. Take the central bank. Traditionally it was known as the single issuer of a countrys currency. Not anymore. More people own and trade using digital currencies, which central banks have found hard to regulate. Bitcoin and other crypto currencies have become more popular than ever before, giving central bankers a headache. Fintech is receiving funding. It attracted $12bn of investment in 2014, up from $4bn the year before, according to The Economist. In Africa, Nigerias ($109m), South Africas ($96.7m) and Kenyas ($92.7m) fintech start-ups received the biggest chunk of that money last year, according to a report by Partech Ventures. Ugandan fintech start-ups only received $270,000 last year. The disruptions have come with humongous challenges. Mpanga said there were those using the swiftness of fintech to do predatory lending to unsuspecting people. He said although predatory lending is as old as lending itself, technology has amplified it. There is a case of cyber security too. Ronald Bakakimpa, the head of cyber security at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), said: Most tech firms focus on service but are less [keen] on security. Thats one of the biggest challenges that start-ups are facing. Commercial banks as well as customers have paid a heavy price as geeks penetrate their digital walls to fleece them of huge sums of cash. This brings in the bigger question that was asked at the conference who should regulate fintech? Mapp suggests co-regulation, where local authorities collaborate with international regulators, as the best possible way to regulate fintech. Currently, there are too many regulators in Uganda that have simply led to confusion, she said. The regulators include Bank of Uganda, UCC, Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Capital Markets Authority, etc. It is not clear who should do what as regards to fintech. The conference also noted that while fintech is changing the way people look at and do business, there are those that will be hard to change. For instance, a lot needs to be done to get the local people to move along with technology. amwesigwa@observer.ug Ensuring that many Ugandans acquire the skills to participate in the oil industry will be one of the main targets for the new leaders of the council of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum. Building local content in Ugandas oil industry remains a buzzword as the country moves to producing its first barrel of oil by the year 2020. However, few Ugandans have the skills and the capital to exploit the opportunities that abound. Before any oil gets out of the ground, a lot of money is going to be invested in the economy somewhere between $10 billion and $15 billion. That is almost 50 per cent of Ugandas GDP, said Patrick Mweheire, the new vice chairman of UCMP, and also chief executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda. He added: So, the questions we have to grapple with are, What can we do as a chamber to unblock particular areas that will allow us to harness this opportunity? and What are the challenges in our way? among others. He was speaking recently during a cocktail by Stanbic bank for the new leaders of the UCMP council. For Ugandas oil industry to have a stronger impact on the economy, experts say building local content remains paramount. New UCMP vice chairman Patrick Mweheire and UCNP chairman Dr Elly Karuhanga According to the 2014 Industrial Baseline Survey (IBS), titled, A survey to foster opportunities for Ugandans in the Oil and Gas sector, Ugandas petroleum sector will generate 100,000 to 150,000, direct and indirect jobs. Laws have been put in place to ensure that local content is respected, with some going on as far as ensuring that foreign companies enter into shareholding partnerships with Ugandans. Recently, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) released a list of 293 entities which had been successfully verified and qualified to be on the 2017 National Supplier Database for Ugandas oil and gas sector. A total of 753 entities submitted applications before the closing date of May 15, 2017; with 501 of the applications received from companies registered in Uganda and 252 from companies registered in 32 countries outside Uganda. Still, the issue of lack of skills among Ugandans makes it hard to enforce these local content policies and regulations. There is a lack of depth in a numbers of very remedial skills along the value chain whether its driving, welding, fabricating, name it. These gaps can be filled with skilling and training and a little bit of guidance, Mweheire said. Dr Elly Karuhanga, the chairman of the UCMP, said they will continue holding discussions with government to ensure that local content is built. The chamber will continue to engage the state through a special committee to ensure that the upcoming Local Content law addresses all our concerns so that many Ugandans can participate in the sector. As such, the UCMP will hold its first skilling convention on September 20, 2017, to supplement what some companies have already been doing, albeit at individual company level. The event, which the Education minister, Janet Museveni, is expected to grace, will be open to everyone, including the private and public stakeholders plus the donor community, according to a statement from UCMP. The UCMP will participate in a similar skilling forum in Tanzania in January, 2018. tusiime.chris20@gmail.com The forensic preliminary report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) into the mismanagement of Crane bank shows payments were made for software that was never supplied and sometimes money paid in billions would be withdrawn on the same day, writes ALON MWESIGWA. Crane Bank Limited bosses procured and paid for information technology (IT) services and software systems that were non-existent, defrauding the company of billions of shillings, the PWC report shows. The report findings show the depth to which fraud that finally led to the collapse of the countrys fourth largest bank had reached. Bank of Uganda has sued Sudhir Ruparelia and Meera Investments, a company owned by Ruparelia, seeking to recover up to Shs 400bn and land titles said to have been fraudulently stolen from the bank. The report, dated December 2016, found that Crane bank spent Shs 25.6bn from 2003 to 2015 on its core banking systems (CBS). However, whereas Temenos Africa (PTY) Limited and Misys International Banking Systems supplied respective software, investigators discovered that $8.2m (Shs 20.6bn) of the Shs 25.6bn was paid to another company, Technology Associates (TA), which did not deliver. Former Crane bank headquarters along Kampala road While it was not illegal for Crane bank to enter into contract with other companies that were related to Ruparelia, it was illegal if there was a lack of arms-length transactions and business decisions undertaken outside proper management, due diligence and board approval. Using IT services is a common form in which companies fraudulently make money. This is because it is very difficult for regulators to prove whether IT services were delivered or not. And it is also hard to put a value to IT services. With a case against Ruparelia now before court, lawyers simply have to prove to the judge the fraudulent nature of some of these transactions and the linkage they have with the businessman. SOFTWARE USED Crane bank was using a software called Micro Banker until it migrated to Bank Master in 2006. It then transitioned to T24 in 2015. Former CBL IT senior manager Zaki Syed told investigators that Bank Master consists of a CBS hosted at the head office and a branch user interface known as Branch Power, hosted at the branches. Misys was the vendor and was paid for the licenses, installation and the annual maintenance fee for Bank Master. But the forensic probe found that TA, which was not a vendor, was also paid. TA, whose chairman is Girisch Nair, was paid an initial fee of Shs 682.5m on July 10, 2003. It was paid another Shs 331.5m on December 17, 2003 for Bank Master and Branch Power licenses Then in 2005 and 2006, two payments Shs 42.9m and Shs 15.5m were made directly to Misys. Bank Master license fees as well as annual maintenance fees appear to be paid directly to Misys, the vendor, said the report. It is, therefore, unclear why TA was paid licenses fees as well. From the above, the report added, that TA was paid Shs 1bn while Misys Shs 58.5m for what appears to be the same licenses. It is not immediately clear why the amount charged by TA should be significantly higher at 17 times the amount paid to Misys, the investigators wondered. They also found that the payments to TA in 2003 for the Bank Master license were three years prior to the installation of Bank Master in Crane bank. In 2013, another payment totaling $1.7bn (Shs 4.4bn) for licenses was paid to TA for the extension of the existing Bank Master licenses. It was approved by A. R Kalan, the then managing director, and another official called Ajay Kumar, who was the deputy managing director, into TAs Crane bank account. A review of the $1.7m payment indicates that the funds were paid into the TA Crane bank account number 0245030909000. The money was drawn down on the same day via a transfer of $245,000 to Misys and a cash withdrawal of $1,455,000 via counter cheque number 00572525 by Suneet Sahai, the then managing director of TA. An analysis of the payments from the TA CBL account could suggest that the amount payable to Misys for the extension of the licence is likely to be only $245, 000, said the report. A review of the minutes of the meeting of board of directors held on September 4, 2013 reveals that Kalan informed the board that an extension of the existing Bank Master license had been obtained as the license had expired on May 31, 2013. This was aimed at buying CBL time as they decided on the upgrading of the existing CBS or migration to new software. CBL had paid TA and Misys for Bank Master licenses in the past. Documentation from TA indicates that only $37,333 was payable to Misys as annual maintenance costs. The report shows the board never authorized the payments and was only informed three months after the payments. And even then, without sufficient details to show the significant amount paid. The report said: The Shs 4.4bn payment is likely to be exorbitant as this is approximately four times the initial cost paid for the purchase of the same licenses and only 14 per cent of the amount paid was subsequently forwarded to the vendors of the system. When PWC asked TA chairman Girisch Nair about the payments, he denied any knowledge of this license payment to TA. He told PWC officials that he had a dispute in 2013/2014 between him and the then MD of TA. He said he was kept out of many affairs of the company. He, however, indicated that he should have been aware if the payment was done as he was a signatory in all the accounts. Investigators concluded that the Shs 4.4bn payment to TA with respect to the Bank Master CBS license is likely to be irregular. MORE PAYMENTS On February 6, 2013, Crane bank paid TA an amount of $930,000 purportedly for the supply of HP Advanced Management software. The payment voucher, number 12728, made the payment out to TA via cheque number 2758. This was approved by Kalan, Ajay Kumar, who was the deputy MD from 2006 to 2013, and Ajay Valentina, who was Sudhirs personal assistant. A second payment of $700,000 was made on September 19, 2013 to TA for Electra Monitor and Electra Wire middleware upgrades. This was also approved by Kalan, Kumar and Ajay. Even when the payments were made, Samuel Mutunga, the CBL IT manager, told investigators that the HP and Electra software and upgrades were not deployed in the bank. The report does not show the payments went directly to Ruparelia Group chairman Ruparelia, but were approved by Kalan. TA LINKED TO SUDHIR The investigators also found a link of TA with Ruparelia. It is formally Computer Point and currently works in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and United Arab Emirates. It is registered in Dubai as a Jebel Ali offshore company (Non-resident company) and, as such, the company is protected by laws of confidentiality. Confidential enquiries that PWC staff made revealed that TA was until 2014 associated with Ruparelia. Ruparelia is said to have sold the company to Nair, the report said. A director search undertaken in the UAE by confidential sources does indeed show Ruparelia as a former director of Technology Associates Inspiring Solutions LLC, the report added. Whereas Nair confirmed that Technology Associates Inspiring Solutions LLC is indeed TA and that he bought it off in 2014, he denied knowledge of its previous association with Dr Sudhir, saying he acquired the shares from a one Sunit Sahai, PWC found. amwesigwa@observer.ug It is 11:22am and I arrive at Nyadri health centre III in the West Nile district of Maracha. As patients and caretakers sit outside the pharmacy, a mother in a tattered black dress catches my attention. She rubs her slightly-swollen left cheek, a signal that she possibly has a toothache. She softly tells me that fever and headache are the other ailments that have brought her to this facility. I have had this toothache for the last three days, but I will be fine, Jessica Maturu says, adjusting a rusty safety pin on her buttonless dress that is exposing her breasts. Her wailing 13-month-old baby strapped to her back is an obvious added burden for this 27-year-old mother-of-seven. Despite her illnesses, Maturu is at least pleased with the changing service delivery at this facility that enables patients to leave early. Jesca Maturu shows her swollen cheeks during the interview There was a time when people would come and they were not attended to, or they would leave late. I walked three kilometres to reach here at 9am, and if it was not for the hepatitis B vaccination, I would have left by 11am, she says, abandoning the interview to pick her drugs. Other patients agree; general health service delivery has greatly improved in the district. This is thanks to a three-year Community and District Empowerment for Scale-up (CODES) project that has been implemented by ChildFund Uganda in partnership with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). Funded by Unicef, the project sought to demonstrate the importance of a district-focused strategy to strengthen management performance complemented by community engagement to improve equitable coverage and the quality of key interventions for children under five years. ChildFund and LSTM also expected to reduce childhood illness and deaths due to diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia. The CODES project was first rolled out in five districts of Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Mukono, Wakiso and Buikwe in 2011, before expanding. With a population of 198,666, Maracha district has 10 health centre IIIs, seven health centre IIs and one private not-for-profit hospital owned by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau. According to Zac Ssinabulya, the regional health supervisor of the CODES project, a survey found Maracha district with high mortality and morbidity rates of malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia in children below five years. In 2014, we found the district performing generally well but something was lacking in their district health teams (DHTs), communities, management and health practioners to improve services, Ssinabulya says. Findings from the survey came with a Bottleneck Analysis (BNA) tool that enables the community and health service providers to identify supply and demand challenges and how to act on them. For instance, health facilities like Nyadri have been able to adapt the five S component sort the workplace, set it well, make it shine, standardize it and sustain your work all designed within the BNA tool. Patrick Andima, a clinical officer in charge of Nyadri health centre III, attests that the components have become routine in most facilities. This BNA tool is very simple. Once you know the challenges around you, you can serve better, Andima says. If the bottleneck is arriving late on duty, sort that challenge, report early and attend to your patients. Here, arrival on duty strictly closes at 8:45am. Using the BNA tool, it was also discovered that doctors prescribed drugs without lab testing and health facilities lacked essential equipment including measuring tapes, infant weighing machines, and respiratory timers for testing pneumonia and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes to assess nutrition in children. There were also findings of family members sharing drugs. All these shortcomings are now history in Maracha. The communities are informed, the equipment were bought and doctors were trained on testing and counseling before prescribing drugs, says Andima. Patrick Andima, the clinical officer in charge of Nyadri health centre III (in white coat) talking to patients Before the project, Nyadri outpatients department would receive up to 80 patients daily but this has reduced to 40 thanks to community health dialogues. Statistics at the facility indicate that in the last two years, there have been no maternal deaths while only one baby in 2015 and another in April this year suffered intrauterine foetal deaths. RECOGNITION When the CODES project was launched in 2014, little did ChildFund and LSTM know that the BNA tool would be adopted by the ministry of health. According to the 2016 local government planning guidelines for the health sector, district working plans without the BNA tool will not be approved. The bottleneck analysis should be followed for each of the identified bottleneck, the district health management team should conduct an in-depth analysis to determine the underlying causes of the bottleneck, reads part of the guidelines. Sunday Cadribo, the acting district health officer in Maracha, says the tool has seen the district improve in its rankings in just three years. The project found us in a situation where you dont know that you dont know. Our health planning system was poor and uncoordinated; it was not informed by anything at all but just copy and paste, Cadribo says. [But] after one year, we started doing things differently. Every year, the health ministry assesses districts and places them into what is known as the national league table. In 2013/14, out of 112 districts, Maracha was ranked 69 and 4th in the West Nile region. In 2014/15, the district sunk to position 90 and 5th in the region. But after fully embracing the BNA tool, it rose to position 21 and first in the region in 2015/16. Our health budgets did not change much. It was little money, but we put it to good use with informed plans, he says. He says the district emphasized more community engagements and introduced attendance registers to track rampant absenteeism. We now have daily attendance registrars and forms that in-charges of facilities forward to district headquarters every two weeks. Other forms are digital and reflect overall attendance of health workers, Cadribo says. He cites an incident in one of the health facilities where the temperature of the fridge used to store some vaccines was not checked for three days. The temperature must be checked daily, every morning and evening. This means internal supervision was the bottleneck and we fixed it, Cadribo adds. Initially, health workers thought it was a witch-hunt, but they adjusted to the new regulations and improved service delivery. With the limited funding to the health sector, Cadribo has advice for district health officers: Before you ask government for more money, build health centres in the minds of the people so that they avoid diseases, observe personal hygiene and live a healthy life. Secondly, endeavour to properly utilise the minimal funds. Currently, the district has an estimated health budget of Shs 3.3bn for the 2017/18 financial year. According to the health sector ministerial policy statement for the 2017/18 financial year, the sector will be underfunded after Shs 964m was cut off its budget. This implies that scaling up interventions to address the high burden of HIV/TB, malaria, nutritional challenges, environmental sanitation and hygiene, immunization, Hepatitis B and Non Communicable diseases will remain a challenge. At least Shs 275 billion is required annually. While the sector will also grapple with inadequate operational funds for Primary Health Care services (PHC), Maracha district is set to address such shortcomings with skills obtained during the CODES project. During a recent visit, Ssinabulya urged district officials to continue on the set pace. The project is closing but Maracha people should not close with us. Let them continue implementing what they have learnt. We have left behind the necessary skills and knowledge, he said. Marachas health service delivery leads in West Nile, followed by Zombo, Yumbe, Moyo, Nebbi, Adjumani, Arua and Koboko in last place. nangonzi@observer.ug During the June 6 State of the Nation address, President Museveni praised Maria Lubega Mutagamba as one of his most dedicated ministers. At the time, little did the president know that his former minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities was writhing in pain at Lubaga hospital. During the State of the Nation speech, Mathias Kasamba, an East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) member was busy trying to get Musevenis handlers to tell the president that his former minister needed specialised medical care. Kasambas message got to Museveni through Maj Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso. That evening, Mutagamba was transferred to Case hospital where she died on June 24. Before her admission to Lubaga hospital, she had gone to the USA where she underwent an operation to remove gallstones. But her condition worsened upon return to the country. Some media reports suggested at the weekend that she had been suffering from cancer of the liver but the government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa, told mourners during a requiem mass at Lubaga cathedral on June 26 that government would officially release her post-mortem report. CAREER During the 1989 elections for the expanded National Resistance Council (NRC), Mutagamba contested and won the affirmative action seat for Rakai district. Mutagamba had been a quiet supporter of the Democratic Party (DP). She remained unknown to most DP leaders at the time including Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere who had led the party in the 1980 elections. My first contact with her was during the CA [Constituent Assembly] and I was impressed with her articulation of the issues DP stood for, Ssemogerere told The Observer on June 26 outside Lubaga cathedral. At the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution, Mutagamba was among the opposition politicians in the CA who refused to append their signatures because some of the issues they espoused such the return to multipartism had been left out. She proved a brilliant and hardworking person. That persuaded Ssemogerere to appoint her to lead his 1996 presidential bid. I formed an opinion about her, chose her to lead my campaign. That was my judgementwhat happened next, I dont want to comment, Ssemogerere said. Despite her DP leanings, she reached out across the political divide to work with NRM to develop Rakai. Mutagamba, the late former minister Manuel Pinto and Brig Elly Kayanja were leaders of Rakai Development Association. Mutagamba was at the time the associations treasurer when they sought assistance to deal with the HIV/Aids scourge that was ravaging families in the district. At the time, Mutagamba ran a microfinance institution, Equator Building Society, which was housed on Johnson street near the defunct Munno publication. Besides offering financial services, she used her firm to finance DP activities and also to support needy orphans. JOINING NRM After the 1996 elections, Mutagamba got actively involved in DP politics. She went on to become the partys deputy secretary general. By 2000, she had got frustrated with DPs frail financial muscle. At one time she accused the party of failing to clear her accumulated mobile telephone bills with the now defunct Celtel Uganda. She piled up the bills when she led Ssemogereres 1996 campaigns. She had, however, been in contact with some government bigwigs such as former vice president Prof Gilbert Bukenya who connected her to President Museveni. President Museveni has a talent for identifying talented people whether in government or in the opposition, and once he has identified you, he will bring you on board so that you also contribute to the transformation of the country, Nankabirwa said. He [Museveni] saw a unique leadership quality in Mutagamba and that is why he got her from the opposition to come and serve in cabinet, Nankabirwa added. Her defection was rewarded with an appointment as minister of state for water resources. She used her new job to position herself as the political kingpin in Rakai district. But her influence at the time was overshadowed by the presence of Sarah Kiyingi, the then state minister for Internal Affairs and Rakai Woman MP. Given Kiyingis opposition to the lifting of presidential term limits during the 2005 constitutional amendment and her subsequent quitting of politics, Mutagambas political clout in Rakai grew, and she went on to become the NRM chairperson in the district. She diligently served DP and when she joined NRM, she served wholeheartedly without any grumbling, which is characteristic of many in NRM, NRM secretary general Justine Kasule Lumumba said on June 26. She had used her position in the ministry of Water and Environment to improve water coverage in Rakai, and thus did not expect any challenge in the 2006 parliamentary elections. All the candidates that had come up to challenge her were talked out of the race and offered jobs within the Rakai district service. As a minister, she shined on the international scene, becoming the president of the African Ministers Council on Water (2004 to 2012) and coordinator of the Global Women Leaders Forum for Water and Sanitation (from 2005 to 2012). She was later to be appointed by the then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as the vice chairperson of the United Nations Task Force on Integrated Water Resource Management. Her accomplishments on the international scene won her elevation to full cabinet minister for Water and Environment in the post-2006 election cabinet. In 2012, she was appointed as minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, a portfolio she held until her retirement from active politics in May 2016. PERSONAL LIFE Mutagamba was born 65 years ago on September 5, 1952 to the late Emilio Lubega of the Buganda royal families headed by Kibi Kaganda of Ssanje near Kakuuto. Details of her primary school education were not readily available. But as a child she was interested in becoming a nun and in 1967 she earned a placement at St. Aloysius Senior Secondary School at Bwanda, the headquarters of the Daughters of Mary sisters in present-day Kalungu District. It is here that she sat for her O-levels in 1970. The following year in 1971, she joined Mount St Marys College Namagunga until 1972 when she sat for her A-levels before joining Makerere University from where she graduated with BA (Economics) in 1976. In 1980, she joined ICL computer school in Nairobi, Kenya for a diploma in computer programing in addition to other certificates that she obtained from the USA and an honorary doctorate of law from McMaster University, Canada. She was married to the late Tarsis Matthew Mutagamba, a former employee of Bank of Uganda. sadabkk@observer.ug The UN special representative in Somalia, Michael Keating, has paid tribute to Ugandan soldiers under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), who were killed in an ambush on July 30. The troops were ambushed during a regular patrol to secure the Mogadishu-Barawe main supply route, which still harbors pockets of Al Shabab insurgents. The joint patrol was conducted with Somali National Army soldiers in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, about 140 kilometers south-west of Mogadishu. In all, 12 AMISOM soldiers were killed and seven others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. Michael Keating offered his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the soldiers, who were killed by the Al-Shabab militants. His message was delivered by UN spokesperson Stephanie Dujarric. Meanwhile, the special representative of the chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, has commended the courage and bravery of the AMISOM troops, who were targeted in an IED (improvised explosive device) attack in Goryowein, Lower Shabelle region. Ambassador Madeira said the sacrifice and commitment to peace in Somalia is recognized and most appreciated by every member state of the African Union and will never be in vain. The African Union Mission appreciates and honors the heroes whose lives have been lost while pursuing peace and stability in Somalia. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of our fallen soldiers, the people and government of Uganda, Ambassador Madeira stated. On Monday, the spokesperson for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Richard Karemire, said they were launching an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to this fateful incident. The same board of inquiry will help in expediting the compensation process by the African Union in respect of the deceased. Such incidents that require our soldiers to pay the ultimate price will not deter our resolve to accomplish the mission, he added. He also said by telephone yesterday that preparations to bring the bodies of the fallen soldiers home were in advanced stages and an official communication would be made. Uganda remains the biggest contributor to AMISOM with the largest contingent of 6,223 troops. Burundi is the second-largest contributor to AMISOM, with 5,432 soldiers. Government has backtracked on its proposal to effect a pay raise for UPDF this financial year, citing insufficient funds. In a radio message sent out to all army units on Monday evening, Gen David Muhoozi, the chief of defense forces, said there shall not be any salary increment for the soldiers this financial year as previously proposed. This is to inform you that due to budgetary constraints, the planned salary enhancement will not be possible this financial year. The required amounts totaling to Shs 43.7 billion, inclusive of payment of recruits currently undergoing trainings is unavailable, reads the message in part. UPDF soldiers in Somalia The army had previously proposed to effect the salary increments, which would see the lowest-paid soldier earning Shs 469,355, up from Shs 385,279 each month. A 2nd Lieutenant would earn Shs 798,667 compared to the Shs 543,690 they currently earn each month. The planned pay raise was meant to cater for private soldiers up to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant because enhancement across all the ranks was unaffordable, according to the message. Brigadier Richard Karemire, the UPDF spokesman, had previously said the planned increment was meant to ensure that the lowest-paid soldier gets an equivalent of what a primary school teacher earns. Karemire told The Observer yesterday: We [had] budgeted for it but the ministry of Finance wrote to us and said we dont have those resources. He added: As patriotic Ugandans, we understand when they say there is no money this year; that it will first go to things like roads. Commenting on the development, Lt Col Deo Akiiki, the deputy UPDF spokesman, said in the meantime the army has decided to focus on issues of strategic importance. The minister of Defence, Adolf Mwesige, told parliaments Defence and Internal Affairs committee in April: We have a proposal which has been blessed by the High Command and Defence Council to make sure that the minimum a private should get is at least equivalent to a primary school teachers salary. Mwesige added: That decision was adopted and we want the committee to support it so we get funds to pay our soldiers. We know it is not enough but we could begin from there. Jim Mugunga, ministry of Finance spokesman, said UPDF leaders know well why the enhancement of soldiers salaries isnt possible this financial year. In the proposed structure, a General was set to receive an 86 per cent salary increment, from about Shs 2m to Shs 3.77m, while a Lieutenant General was expected to receive an 83 per cent pay raise, from Shs 1.87m to Shs 3.4m. The salary of a Major General would rise by 40 per cent from Shs 1.7m to Shs 2.4m, while that of a Brigadier would jump from Shs 1.6m to Shs 2m. Soldiers salaries are free of tax. Officers in other ranks were also expected to get a considerate pay raise. The ministry of Defence was this financial year allocated Shs 463.54bn, compared to last financial years Shs 459.84bn. amwesigwa@observer.ug Two former leaders of Jinja town faced a difficult time explaining to the commission of inquiry investigating land matters how a government building on plots 60 to 62 along Alidina road was demolished and the property handed to a businessman. David Kyaasanku, the former town clerk, and Gume Ngobi, the former LC-V chairman who is now a minister, appeared before the commission led by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire to explain how a 99-year lease was granted to Simpson Birungi, proprietor of Birus Property Services and Movit Cosmetics, leading to the demolition of a government structure in the land. A dispute has raged over the land, which was previously under the control of the Privatization Unit in the ministry of Finance, since 2011, pitting a group of traders against Birus Property Services and Jinja Municipal Council. Land Probe commissioners Appearing before the commission on Monday, Kyaasanku who served as Jinja town clerk from 2012 to 2016, was accused of favouring Birungi, the Movit investor, to take over the property. On his part, current minister of State for Co-operatives and Bulamogi North-West MP Ngobi served as LC-V chairman from 2011 to 2016. Kyaasanku told the commission that court dismissed the case over the disputed land, and that ownership had been granted to Birungi. Ebert Byenkya, the commissions lead counsel, produced a January 12, 2015 court order, which neither sanctioned the eviction of tenants, resolved the ownership wrangle nor directed the demolition of structures. It was noted that on January 13, 2015, a day after the court order was served, Birungi wrote to the town clerk requesting to demolish the structures on plots 60 to 62 Alidina road. According to the minutes of the urban physical planning committee meeting held on January 14, 2015, two days after the court order was served, and one day after Birungi filed his demolition request, it took the council 48 hours to rule on the matter. The commission found this fast-tracked decision-making in the meeting chaired by Kyaasanku unusual. HOODWINKED Tabitha Kakuze, who served as physical planner for the council at the time and acted as secretary in the council meetings, said the town clerk waved a court order, which he said had clarified the ownership dispute. I was requested by the chairman of the committee (Kyaasanku) to put [the Birungi] proposal on the agenda, Kakuza submitted. Mubarak Kirunda, the LC-III chairman, was accused by the commission of negligence and participating in looting the traders merchandise during the demolition exercise with the help of police on January 18, 2015. Kirunda said although he was against the demolition exercise, he faced a lot of pressure from his superiors. I didnt take keen interest with regard to [verification of the documents presented by Birungi for the property] but the town clerk (Kyaasanku) said the man had documents, he said. KEY FINDINGS The commission has established that in 2013, the Inspectorate of Government ordered the cancelation of the title issued to Birus Property Services. A copy of the report was availed to town clerk and the council. Evidence before the commission also shows that the shopping mall that Birungi built on the land has no occupation permit to do business. The commission is also investigating the value of the said property. While Birungi paid Shs 2.5 million to government for the lease, he also paid Shs 70 million to his agents as commission, leaving the commission astonished. The minister for Justice and Constitution affairs, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire has also been dragged into the saga after it was revealed that he gave a no-objection letter for the lease while serving as minister of trade. For now, support staff at Makerere and Kyambogo universities say they have called off their strike, which had gone into its 18th day, yesterday. But they warned to resume their strike action if government doesnt enhance their salaries in the financial year 2018/19. United under the National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI), the staff yesterday agreed to resume their duties today (Wednesday). Speaking at a general assembly held at Makerere University, Bruce Twesigye, the vice chairperson, NUEI Makerere branch, said government offered them a better deal. For all the strikes we have engaged in, this is one of the best offers that government has given to us. We have engaged in several meetings and they were willing to listen to us, he said. But come July next year, we shall resume the strike if our money and arrears are not paid. Kyambogo university In the financial year 2017/18, government provided Shs 19.625bn for enhancement of salaries for both teaching and non-teaching staff of public universities. In a July 28, 2017 circular read to the staff yesterday, the ministry of Public Service permanent secretary, Catherine Musingwiire, committed to give support staff first priority during the next salary enhancement for public universities. JULY SALARY SOON On Monday, The Observer reported that government had also halted payment of the July salaries for all university staff following disagreements over the current salary structure from support staff. But Allan Muhereza, the assistant commissioner for Human Resource Management in the Public Service ministry, said yesterday the ministry is now processing payment after an agreement was reached with staff. We discussed and looked at the reasons the support staff were advancing and in terms of fairness; yes, they make sense, Muhereza said. We worked on the new figures together with the non-teaching staff and we shall honour our pledge next financial year. nangonzi@observer.ug Yesterday, Frederick Gume Ngobi, the state minister for Cooperatives, appeared before the Justice Catherine Bamugemereire-led land commission to explain how, as then Jinja district LC-V chairperson, he participated in the sale of Block 103, Plot 2 in Jinja to Jadhvini Harehes, an Indian. Gume admitted receiving Shs 5m but maintained he had no connection to the land purchase. On Monday, Harehes, the managing director at Favourite Enterprises, a company that bought the controversial land, claims Ngobi and one David Pande, a former member of the Jinja district land board, worked closely. ZAHRA ABIGABA & ALI TWAHA captured the proceedings during a cross-examination led by Ebert Byenkya, the lead counsel of the commission. Jadhvini Harehes (R) spoke through his interpreter Neren Mettha Byenkya: Can you state your name for the record? Harehes: My name is Jadhvini Harehes. Byenkya: How old are you? Harehes: 31 years. Byenkya: What do you do for living? Harehes: My lord, I deal in electronics and furniture and also a dealer of Gapco Uganda in Jinja. Byenkya: The commission is investigating the matter on Block 103, Plot 2 in Lutemba, Jinja. What do you know about it? Harehes: I was looking for land for agricultural machinery for making cooking oil from India. Byenkya: What happened next? Harehes: A [land] broker came to my shop by names of Simon Kalulu and told me he has land opposite Kiira [River Nile]. I engaged him and then asked him to find me some land. Then they took me to Njeru firstI saw three different pieces of land. Byenkya: Lets come to this land Harehes: Then they took me to a l[piece of] and at opposite Kakira. I said: who is the owner? Then he brought one man who I got to know as David Pande [former chairperson of Jinja district land board. Pande took me to the land. He told me: from here to Lake Vitoria is all [his] land. But I told him I saw some people digging in the land. Then I asked who they were, then he said those are all his people. Then we came back to town. Then he asked for commission. Byenkya: Who asked for a commission? Harehes: That is Simon. Then there is another man called Sadiq Pande, who is also a broker. We agreed Shs 8m per acre and the first agreement was approximately 25 acres at Shs 200m. I have it here. Byenkya: Why did you have two agreements? Harehes: My lord, when we made this agreement we were sold approximately 25 acres and we had agreed with Shs 8m per acre amounting to Shs 200 million. But, the lease agreement had 7.58 hectares adding up to 20 acres and I told them that [they] selling 25 acres but the lease shows 20. So, we called the lawyers and reduced the agreement to 20 acres. Byenkya: So, the second agreement was made after you realized that they sold you less land? Harehes: Yes, my lord. Byenkya: Was the first agreement made by a lawyer? Harehes: Yes, my lord, both agreements by the same lawyer. Byenkya: At the time you were buying the land, did you seek advice on the land? Harehes: My lord, I went with the lawyer to see the land and the lawyers tried to inquire. They then came back and told me that the land is clear and we can go ahead with sale agreements. Byenkya: After you signed the agreement, what happened? Harehes: My lord, after signing the agreement he [Pande] came with application forms which he filled himself and just showed me where to sign and stamp, which I did, my lord, and he took the application forms to the land office. Byenkya: Did you know the land office they took the applications too? Harehes: My lord, at that time I did not know any land office but eventually I got to know about one when I started paying ground rent. Byenkya: How did you get your lease offer? Harehes: My lord, Pande brought the photocopies of the lease offer and the land title was not given to me because he was still demanding money. Byenkya: We have been hearing from witnesses about this land; [Frederick] Gume, was he personally known to you? Harehes: Yes, my lord, they are my customers for office furniture and other things. Workers are the ones who told me that Gume is a big man and he is the LC-V chairman. After two to three months, I requested him to look for me land. Byenkya: So, was he [Gume] involved in this land? Harehes: For me it was Pande who came to me with the applications forms; so, I stamped and signed but Shs 7,460,000 premium paid was taken by Gume on July 20, 2004. Byenkya: Where did he receive it from? Harehes: My lord, I wrote a cheque and he took itBefore that, Pande had called and told me to write a cheque for Wairaka land and give it to Gume. Byenkya: The land titles had come out and you were not ready with payments; how did you deal with the payments in order get the land title? Harehes: My lord, the first agreement was for Shs 200m, Shs 50m for the processing of the land title. So, I paid Shs 155m. Byenkya: When you paid the Shs 155m; how did you pay it and to whom? Harehes: My lord, I paid all that to Pande by cheque; first was Shs 20m, then Shs 30m and the Shs 7,460,000 was also part of the money. And all this money is on my audit reports of fixed assets. Byenkya: How much was Gume involved in this transaction? Harehes: My lord, I was told by Pande to give Shs 4m to Gume and he woul sign afterwards. Byenkya: You took long time to pay; did you have some doubts about the transaction? Harehes: Yes, my lordKakira Sugar Works was also claiming that the land is theirs; so, I called Pande to verify the matter. Byenkya: Any other claims by any person? Harehes: Kakira Technical School also called me claiming for the same land; so, it was those two claiming for the same land. Byenkya: How did you get the 49-year lease when the land is not developed and you have not built the factory in the five years you were given? Harehes: My lord, in 2015, there is a guy who was working in the land office called Faisal in Jinja district land board. He told me that lease is going to expire; so, renew the lease. He asked if I had acquired Ugandan citizenship because the first time I showed interest on the land, I had Indian nationality. Byenkya: Did you write a letter for extension? Harehes: No, my lord, but the letter was written for me by Pande. Byenkya: Do you know that it is a criminal offence to procure and process land title by false pretense? Harehes: My lord, I did it out of ignorance. Byenkya: Do you know that the Constitution prohibits non-Ugandans from acquiring customary land? Harehes: My lord, I did not know. Byenkya: Do you now understand that the land that was given by the Jinja district land board actually belongs to Uganda Land Commission? Harehes: My lord, before that I did not know but now Im fully aware. Byenkya: Do you now understand that there is a superior owner of that land and that is the government of Uganda? Harehes: My lord, I understood that when the land commission sat in Jinja but before that nobody complained. Byenkya: Have you tried to get legal advice on this matter? Harehes: No, my lord. Commissioner Fred Ruhindi: Do you now agree that you do not have a valid land title? Harehes: My lord, with all the evidence before the commission, I now agree. Ruhindi: The people you have been dealing with are thugs; so, we advise you go to police and open up case [against them], including Gume. He can be charged for getting money on false pretense. azabigaba@gmail.com alitwaha@observer.ug After two parliamentary grilling sessions on the tabled Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017 on land, government now is toying with the idea of changing some of the contentious clauses of the draft legislation. Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire told The Observer at parliament yesterday that there are a number of issues in the draft legislation, which have since come up and require cabinet to revisit. We are going to revisit some of the issues in the bill and see how we can improve on them, Otafiire said, moments after appearing before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee. Asked, which particular sections of the bill may be revisited, Otafiire was cagey. He said he would have to consult cabinet because that is a decision he cannot take alone. Ministers Kahinda Otafiire and Betty Amongi before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee Appearing before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee, government officials for the second time in a row failed to defend the amendment bill, which seeks to allow government to take compulsory possession of private land without prior compensation of the owners. Otafiire and the minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Betty Amongi, led the government team, which also comprised technical staff from either ministries and managing of a few stalled projects. When Amongi and the deputy attorney general, Mwesigwa Rukutana, first appeared before the same committee on July 25, they had a torrid time responding to a barrage of MPs questions. Boxed into a corner yesterday, Otafiire and Amongi asked for two weeks to return to parliament with satisfactory answers. This was after a seemingly ill-prepared government team failed to respond to various issues the MPs raised, and in some incidences, the ministers gave contradictory statements. For instance, Amongi said that because of disputes, government was bound to lose lots of money borrowed largely to compensate landowners along the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) project route. The SGR agreement requires that the contractor gets land free of any encumbrances; we took a loan for land acquisition, which is left with only two months but there are still many court cases which are delaying the ongoing land acquisition by SGR, Amongi said. She was later forced to swallow her words when an SGR project official told the committee that no money had ever been borrowed to compensate landowners. The ministers also failed to name any country where the proposals in the draft legislation had been implemented. This is a peculiar amendment; there is no country where it is working, you have no benchmarks, we have also done our research; our [Parliament] research department has conducted extensive research and I can assure you that we are better informed, committee chairman Jacob Oboth-Oboth told the ministers. Amongi again found herself short on responses when MPs tore into her list of alleged landowners who had stalled infrastructural projects because they were demanding higher compensation rates. Among them is a farmer, Ali Kafuko, who is demanding for Shs 395,000 in compensation for his crops. The reasons being advanced for us to amend the Constitution are ridiculous. Surely, do we have to amend the Constitution because government has failed to pay someone Shs 395,000? Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri) wondered. The highest figure for compensation on this list is Shs 71m and the total amount is Shs 350m, which government can just clear, Katuntu added. Otafiire, however, asked MPs not to be carried away by the figures. He urged them to focus on the attitude of the property owners. Its not about the magnitude, but the attitude...we have got situations where a government valuer values land at Shs 20m but the owner is just a speculator and demands for say, Shs 200m. Should we burden Ugandans because of that one Ugandan? Otafiire wondered. Otafiires submission were shot down by MPs. We have always had disputes; must we amend the Constitution every time we get disputes? Why dont you instead amend the law [Land Act] and create a time frame within which such disputes should be resolved? Oboth-Oboth asked Otafiire who attempted to draw the committee into talk about Ugandas political history. But MPs Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda (Kira Municipality) and Katuntu could not allow him. They said parliament cannot legislate for the inefficiencies in government. Governments lack of proper planning should not shift to now burden the ordinary Ugandans. I have a report from the ministry of Finance and according to it, all the loans we approved in 2011 have not been fully put to use after five years, Ssemujju said. Why do you want us to think that it is only land that is stalling government projects? Ssemujju asked the ministers. Katuntu in support of Ssemujju heaped blame on government institutions. The issue is with transparency and corruption in your [government] institutions. It is the unscrupulous officers in those offices that connive with mafias who go and acquire land in areas where a project is going to be implemented so that they can ask for huge sums of money in compensation, Katuntu said. Go and sort out the corruption in your departments, but dont tamper with the Constitution, the Bugweri MP added. sadabkk@observer.ug Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, an influential Muslim leader and Buganda kingdom royal, has added his weight to the growing opposition to the Constitution Amendment Bill 2017 on compulsory acquisition of private land for public works. In a speech at his residence in Kibuli, Kampala, during the commemoration of 122 years since his grandfather Prince Nuhu Mbogo Kyabasinga returned from exile in Zanzibar, Nakibinge said though he is not expected to make political comments, land is too crucial for him to keep quiet. Where is that amendment coming from? Land is a crucial matter and because I am an interested party, I cannot keep my silence, Nakibinge said. Like other critics of the bill, Nakibinge is not swayed by the governments argument that the amendment will facilitate quick implementation of its infrastructural development projects. Muslims at the function In the proposed amendment to Article 26, government seeks to gain possession of private land for public works without prior compensation. Government officials argue that this is necessary to avoid unnecessary delays of government projects by landowners who dispute government valuation. However, Prince Nakibinge is not convinced by this argument. Amending the constitution is within your [governments] mandate but I have heard of so many transactions that have been executed in the past; didnt we have a law? I have never heard of anything that failed because the law is weak, Nakibinge said. Nakibinges grandfather, Mbogo Kyabasinga, was forced into exile in Zanzibar in 1893 by Capt Frederick Lugard, the representative of the colonial government, following religious wars in Buganda in the 1880s. Because of his strong influence among Baganda Muslims and the Buganda royal family, the colonial state eventually allowed him back on June 25, 1895. He was later to be allocated 24 square miles of land at the signing of the 1900 Buganda Agreement, an estate that is currently under Nakibinges direct control. Most of this estate is prime land in Kibuli, Kawempe and Kyambogo in Kampala. Already, the Kibuli prince is embroiled in a disagreement with government over a piece of land occupied by Kyambogo University. The land in question is wanted for the expansion of learning facilities at Nabisunsa Girls School, one of the education institutions run by the Young Mens Muslim Association (YMMA), the registered trustees of all social service institutions under the Mbogo family. Speaking on Sunday, July 30, Nakibinge hinted that he was not ready to lose more land. Should the change in the law lead to the taking of my properties, I will mobilise the Muslims against you, Nakibinge warned. MPs Abdul-Latif Ssebaggala (Kawempe North), Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala), Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda (Kira Municipality) Safia Nalule (PWD Central) and Syda Bbumba (Nakaseke North) were forced to stand and make public vows that they would vote against the amendment. The bills critics fear that it is intended to defeat a provision of article 26(b)(i), which requires government to make prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation prior to taking possession or acquisition of private property. The controversial legislation was tabled on July 13 by Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana who faced a torrid time defending it in parliament before it was referred to the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee. Supreme Mufti Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa also urged MPs to tread carefully when handling the proposal. Land is not an issue to play about with and we expect MPs to be extra careful when handling the amendment. The [current] law provides for prompt payment of the landowner before land is taken over by government; that is the only just and fair way of handling such a transaction, Ndirangwa said. Once the amendment is passed, government will, in case of a dispute over land valuation, deposit the compensation award in court and proceed with the project. BUGANDAS TAKE The bill attracted more opposition from Buganda kingdom during Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebis 24th coronation anniversary at Kaweeri in Mubende district on Monday. Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga told Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda who represented President Museveni, that instead of amending the law, government should instead create special courts to handle compensation disputes. Land is important to our people because it is an asset that doesnt shift. Because of its importance, we dont want government to take it away from people forcefully without compensation, Mayiga said. What we propose is that government pays compensation to landowners before taking their land and in cases where compensation disputes come up, a special court must be set up to solve these issues, Mayiga added. Mayiga blamed the widespread land wrangles on polices poor investigative methods, weak courts and corruption in the land registry. In response, Rugunda said government is open to proposals on the amendment. We want to stop the long delays in developing government projects [because] delays increase the cost of the projects [and] we end up spending more money [than] we had planned [for], Rugunda explained. sadabkk@observer.ug Social media is awash with gory tales of many Ugandan girls suffering inhumane treatment in Arab countries where they seek menial employment. The Daily Monitors story of the 30 girls who returned from Qatar confirms this troubling state of affairs. Evidently, the fatal fate of 22-year-old Sumayiya Nakachwa shows that our government does little to protect the rights and lives of our citizens in these places. Life in the Arab world is culturally dramatic, requiring adequate preparatory training. Just in April, Minister Janat Mukwaya assured the nation that Uganda signed bilateral agreements with some Gulf nations to safeguard the rights of these workers. Legislators need to follow up with stringent mechanisms to monitor, review, and enforce these agreements. These countries must account for the abuses of our citizens. According to the Gender ministry, Uganda has 65 licensed and operational employment agencies exporting surplus cheap labour. These agencies should commit to stringent obligations over the safety and evacuation of our girls. Government is not doing enough! Unfortunately, for Ugandans, it is the dysfunctional state syndrome where the people who own the employment agencies are also those within the nexus of political power. As such, they are above reproach and are at liberty to dispose of Ugandans for profit. At the minimum, these agencies should provide a safe exit plan in countries that undermine womens rights. The plight of these girls illuminates contradictions in the fragile economy that resorts to selling human labour abroad. One wonders how Uganda will achieve the middle-income status on slave export. Recently, President Museveni praised universal primary and secondary education as the cornerstone for youth skills development. Incidentally, Uganda Bureau of Statistics tells us that 83 per cent of youths, who form nearly 78 per cent of our population, are either under-skilled or unskilled; as such, they are mostly unemployed, underemployed or unemployable. These correlations only make absolute sense given the quality and investments in UPE/USE. Clearly, UPE and USE potentials are underutilized, leading to the low quality of human resource that we dispose of in Arabia. Many of these girls are not seeking high-end jobs. Such jobs belong to citizens there. Ugandans do the menial, dirty, undervalued, precarious, and shunned low-pay jobs that machines do elsewhere. These girls bring in foreign currency to sustain the regime. Parliament should review and tighten some of the human export laws to protect these girls. Continued inaction affirms that our government is the active agent committing our own citizens into slavery. Morris Komakech, mordust_26@yahoo.ca. Museveni should heed Nagendas advice John Nagenda, the senior presidential advisor on media, seems to have defied the odds, if not crossed the line, by relaying his advice to President Museveni. Museveni has adamantly remained silent about the proposed constitutional amendment to remove the age limit cap. Its common knowledge that few presidential advisors are in touch with the president. On several occasions, many have argued that it can take a presidential advisor more than two years to secure an appointment and meet the president. I wonder whether the same advisors will wait long enough to meet the president and advise him against the wrong decision of tampering with the Constitution to favor his life presidency. I think Nagenda decided to use the media as an alternative platform to air his views to the president by reminding him of the future of Uganda and continuity of leadership beyond self. Nagenda raises laudable thoughts about lifting the age limit and also warns us against the repercussions associated with Musevenis appetite for extension of rule. If Museveni was patriotic enough, he would heed Nagendas piece of advice and peacefully retire. Badru Walusansa, Kampala. Rest in peace our gallant soldiers! I am still mourning 12 gallant Ugandan soldiers that were killed on a peacekeeping mission in Somalia. It is a sad moment for all Ugandans and families of these fallen heroes. It also saddens me when part of our society doesnt appreciate the sacrifice of our troops on foreign missions. When news of this massacre broke, some Ugandans used social media and other forms to politicize the incident. Some people in this country think freedom is free. Look around across media platforms and see how many people have sacrificed their lives for this country. We should all celebrate the lives of these gallant servicemen who decided to go to Somalia and make sure our brothers and sisters that side realize peace. The men and women forego sleep, happiness, nice meals and family just to make sure we are safe. And for those on the peacekeeping mission in Somalia, all security organs in Uganda and all over the world, we are proud of you! May God rest the souls of our fallen soldiers in peace! Michael Woira, Patriotic Ugandan. Lets dialogue on age limit I was astonished when the president feigned ignorance of some of his handlers trying to push for the removal of constitutional age limit. Our constitution should be sacred, and not subjected to any bogus changes. The real question here isnt the biology of the matter (if someone can serve as president after 75 years of age), but the principle. Let the president retire as the hero he is! Ugandas Constitution has been tinkered with many times, but article 102(b) is one of the only safeguards left. Let us guard it sanctimoniously. I recently talked to David Mafabi, a presidential aide, and he agreed with me on guarding the rule of law. I would like to thank the Democratic Party for their campaign dubbed kojikwatako (shall you dare touch it!) Let us go into dialogue and amicably resolve the political question at hand. Joel Mukisa, Political commentator. letters@observer.ug There is a short story by Ngugi wa Thiongo called A Mercedes Funeral. Written in the mid-1960s, this story is a timeless critique and caricature of politics on the African continent. In this story, Ngugi fictionalizes a young man growing up with the ambition of improving his life, not only by learning to speak English like white men, but also growing rich and owning a Mercedes Benz. Unfortunately, Wahinya, so was his name, dies before achieving any of the above. But having worked at a bar and taken much to drinking, villagers were fully aware of his aspirations as he often chanted them. Indeed, he had even been nicknamed Wahinya Benji. Having died during an election year, and his name popping up during a question session at a campaign rally, Wahinya became important as candidates jostled for control over his burial service. The incumbent, John Joe James, or J.J.J, as he was commonly known, (He used to be John Karanja, but dropped his African names on first being elected standards, efficiency, international dignity demanded it of him, you know!) was willing to enable Wahinya fulfil his dreams. If Wahinya wanted to own a Mercedes Benz, and politics and other structural conditions made it difficult, Hon J.J.J. was willing to make it possible. If he could not do so in life, at least in death! On the day of the burial, J.J.J. unveiled a brand new black Mercedes-Benz 660S complete with doors and glass and maroon curtains and blinds as Wahinyas coffin. Since all candidates were to bring coffins, it had been agreed that mourners will choose the best for Wahinyas body. Upon seeing the Benz-coffin, mourners could not believe their eyes. There was no applause but disbelief. Quietly, one by one, they walked away. The absurdity of this story cannot be lost on any non-governmental organisation worker in sub-Saharan Africa. Born in the wake of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in the late 1980s, NGOs were made for dreams of dead men, and to do so with pomp and ceremony. The journey to the death of the African economies through SAPs did not come by accident. It was clear from the beginning that African economies many still agrarian to this day were not strong enough to stand on their own. But the World Bank and International Monetary Fund were determined to push through with their reforms as this was the only way they could turn them into dependent economies! African governments were not only condemned into ineffectiveness, but politicians would be liberated from their masses. Guilty of collapsing African economies in an instant, the World Bank and IMF turned around and breathed life into the aid industry. They pumped money into African economies without being seen to do so directly. Among others, NGOs proliferated serving a duo-mandate: channel money into African economies, and seem to be helping, but also soothe the anxieties of a growing noisy and critical elite. By this token, the elite were tactfully crafted into a bourgeois lifestyle big salaries, big cars. Living under the illusion that they were actually being helped, communities were cowed into submission to the global capitalist regime of power and control. After about 30 years, the NGO narrative is starting to flounder. As the critique is raised against the emptiness of President Musevenis 30-year-old government (which, by the way, not only embraced SAPs hook, line and sinker but also gave them a new look, enabling its politicians to free wealth), the same is being said about NGOs. They have been active only in the pursuit of dead causes. Born of a humanistic spirit, the NGO elite is guilty of being active for years for absolutely nothing. Health, education, human rights, democracy or food and nutrition, the story is bad! Although government is the principal sinner here, NGOs have often overdone themselves. Moving forward, NGOs have to appreciate that the history of their founding does not speak to any intention towards real transformation. At best, they were crafted as beautiful funeral decoration giving grandeur to death of African economies! They could only be cosmetic. For any meaningful contribution, practitioners will have to step outside of the NGO infrastructure and software. The dilemma comes with the attractiveness of the NGO Disney World: big monies, big cars, celebrity aura, etc. These are difficult to extricate oneself from and embrace the penury of real activism. The author is a PhD fellow at Makerere Institute of Social Research. For a very long time, we did not sleep in a brick-made house because our father, Hajji Ali Nganda, prioritized a community primary school Bijaaba Islamic Institute. He gave away the sand, cement and bricks that had already arrived at the site for the construction of our home. The land, nearly 20 acres, on which the school and mosque were constructed, was also donated by another resident, Hajji Zakaria Ssegirinya. One by one, residents of my ancestral village Bijaaba donated all that was required to construct a primary school for their children. Similar efforts that have resulted into three community primary schools, each with a mosque, have been made to correspond to the growing population. In Kira municipality where I am a member of parliament, almost all churches, mosques and many schools were built through similar processes. Land is either donated or money is raised to buy a plot; then individuals use their own money to erect the necessary structures. You saw how people donated money to finance the wedding of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. What about the recent ettoffaali project by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga? When Gerald Ssendawula was the chairman of Masaka district, we used to fix our village roads in what is locally called bulungi bwansi. All he did as a leader was to provide a truck for ferrying soil and a tractor. Today, everything from a tractor, truck to manpower must be provided either by an MP or a local government leader. Why do people who donate freely to the Church and traditional leaders demand obscene sums of money in compensation when it comes to public works? That, for me, is the matter that government must address the lack of faith, love and trust in political leaders. All of us serving in public offices today are suspected or are being looked at as thieves seeking to increase personal privileges, and not improving the welfare of the population. Any opportunity to squeeze something out of us is being grabbed by both hands. That is what has fueled the increased cost of public works and caused unnecessary delays, sometimes. To expand a community or a national road, you have to first compensate people living along the road even if they dont use a particular piece of land. These compensations used to be an urban/town affair, obviously because people here live on decimals of land, but have now slowly spread to rural areas. I have sampled 13 projects that parliament has approved since 2013 to illustrate the point I am making. We are borrowing $210 million from Islamic Development Bank to construct Rwekunye-Apac-Lira-Acholibur road but government must raise $17 million to first compensate the beneficiaries of this road. For Luweero-Butalangu, we are borrowing $23 million from Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) but we need $1.4 million for compensation. The total cost of road expansion of Busega-Mpigi is $191 million, but compensation is $41 million. Muyembe-Nakapiripirit road will cost $128 million and compensation is $6 million. For Kampala flyover projects, we have borrowed $199 million from Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and compensation is $25 million. For upgrading Masaka-Bukakkata road, we are borrowing $27 million from BADEA and compensation is $3 million. For Pallisa-Kumi-Kamonkoli road, we are borrowing $120 million and compensation is $15 million. I dont need to list all the 13 roads for you to get the point. In all, we are going to spend $168 million (Shs 605 billion) on compensation for the 13 road projects. And in all these and other cases, government is responsible for compensation. Most road projects have delayed because of governments poor paying record. It is a requirement that government first pays/compensates people before accessing the borrowed money. This is what they call counter-funding. This information is available in all annual reports on the public debt. I was, therefore, surprised when my friend the Lands minister Betty Amongi justified the proposed constitutional change which will allow government take possession of peoples land before compensation on account of delayed projects. Disagreement over land value, she argued, is delaying public works. The truth is that this current administration has broken peoples love for their country. Most of us are acting like mercenaries hunting for fortunes. It is the reason Nakapiripirit people who have not seen tarmac in their lifetime want to first be paid before it is taken there. And those doing valuation on behalf of government are real thieves. This administration even established a Patriotism Secretariat to mobilize people to love their country! It is like all of us are on journey to somewhere. As long as the biggest part of the country is made to work for a few people they consider alien to their communities, things can only get worse. And I am not suggesting that traditional and religious leaders are more accountable. We are simply tired of working for some groups. I know the Baganda, Basoga, Banyoro will happily donate land once the request is made by the Kabaka, Kyabazinga, or Omukama respectively. Traditional rulers are the building blocks of our country. I think, and I am not saying I am right, that the federo system of government would solve what Amongi wants to resolve by changing the Constitution. When people begin to believe that the projects belong to them, they will, at least in villages, donate land just like they have done before. semug@yahoo.com The author is Kira Municipality MP and Opposition Chief Whip in parliament. Coffee farmers, traders, factory owners and local politicians in Masaka and neighbouring districts are up in arms after Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) clamped down on factories that dont comply with basic quality control measures. UCDA was forced to act in the districts of Masaka, Lwengo, Sembabule, Rakai, Kalungu and Bukomasimbi two months ago after repeated warnings went unheeded. The operation is to spread to other regions thereafter, the coffee sector regulator says. The bad practices UCDA is seeking to stamp out include harvesting of immature coffee cherries, processing of coffee that has not attained the right moisture content, piling up of wet coffee leading to mould growth, drying of coffee beans on bare ground, processing and marketing of coffee in unhygienic conditions, etc. These practices pose a direct threat to the competitiveness of Ugandan coffee on the global market. If they are not addressed, a ban on Ugandan coffee is not inconceivable, according to Minister of Agriculture Vincent Ssempijja, who made a statement in parliament about this issue last week. To avoid the risk of Ugandas coffee being branded inferior on the global market or even the possibility of being banned altogether because of the actions of a few individuals, the regulator is right to step in. Not surprisingly, the affected people are exerting pressure on the government to reverse the decision, arguing that farmers livelihoods are at stake. While we are sympathetic to those adversely affected, we say let UCDA stand its ground until it is satisfied that the mission has been accomplished. Better to suffer temporary financial pain than face the wrath of the international market. The price to pay for substandard exports is too high. Uganda has been here before with fish exports being banned years ago because of poor handling practices. The same must not happen to coffee. Over the last couple of years, the government has spent a fortune on coffee seedlings to boost coffee production from the current three million to 20 million bags by 2020. Such an ambitious target will become even harder if poor handling methods are not addressed. Clown love was in the air at #GOTJ18. (PHOTOS) https://t.co/ux5CbgP4OO LA Weekly Music (@LAWeeklyMusic) August 1, 2017 Police: 8 people arrested during 'Gathering of the Juggalos' in Oklahoma City https://t.co/Hye8K4CZWK pic.twitter.com/tICHAAGqIF KOKH FOX 25 (@OKCFOX) August 1, 2017 Officials: Paramedics respond to 11 calls at 'Gathering of the Juggalos' music festival https://t.co/EUzeNfCI3Z #KFORalert pic.twitter.com/wgC9AId5Zk KFOR (@kfor) July 28, 2017 Our NSFW Photos From The 2017 Gathering Of The Juggalos https://t.co/p987ZEGT2C pic.twitter.com/wHfOxS4OMf Chicagoist (@Chicagoist) July 31, 2017 WOOP WOOP! Another year, another Gathering of the Juggalos gone by. While the weekend of debauchery may be over, the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is resplendent with sticky Faygo residue, lovingly used drug paraphernalia, and the discarded pasties of a thousand 'Lettes.Ninja did you miss out on the event of the summer? Not to worry! Roll up that K2 Spice blunt, kick back, and let's go! (Plus there's always the Juggalo March on Washington that we have to look forward to!) Here's the recap: Love was in the air at the Gathering. Some couples opted to have their nuptials at the festival, while others came alone and found love on the fairgrounds. Don't we all want someone to walk that Dark Carnival with us? Some pics at the above source are NSFW. Parental discretion is advised 8 people were arrested over the course of the weekend for various charges including: illegal fireworks, excessive illegal fireworks, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, public drunkenness, marijuana possesion, and driving with a revoked license. One guy slapped his co-worker after he was fired for theft from one of the vendors. By Friday morning (the beginning of the third day of the four day festival) the paramedics had been called to the festival 11 times Mostly due to heat & drug overdose related concerns One person was taken to the hospital after being trampled in a mosh pit Some more photos to help ease that Gathering FOMOsource: 13 trump and the repubs are trying their damnedest to take the US back to the 1950s Reply Thread Link And Jedediah Bila continues to ignore her Arab heritage. This Imitation of Life realness. Her statement reeks of desperation to be considered White. There is a clear physical distinction between Sara Haines and Jedediah. She is not WASP and will never be considered WASP. Reply Parent Thread Link it benefits white women the most so not sure how far this will go...lol Reply Thread Link Well, since they want all women back in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, it still suits their desires. Reply Parent Thread Link Under his eye. Reply Parent Thread Link Do they gaf about women? They want no one to have anything they didn't earn and obvs men like Trumpster are the only ones that legitimately do that. Reply Parent Thread Link you think Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III cares about women? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That's the biggest thing that opponents of affirmative action don't realize, which is so frustrating. Reply Parent Thread Link GIVE ME THE PEE Reply Parent Thread Link pee tape release day should become a national holiday Reply Parent Thread Expand Link today please! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i have synthetic pee in my pocket rn /csb Reply Parent Thread Link OMFG this signing statement by Trump on the sanctions bill: https://t.co/ffKSV3kmT8 pic.twitter.com/dA9NRe7y6e Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) August 2, 2017 Please read the last few sentences from the dumb fuck Reply Thread Link what kills me is he's more upset by the US sanctions than Russia kicking out US diplomats LMAOO Reply Parent Thread Link tbh, this feels v strategic Reply Parent Thread Link GOOD LAWD! and this shit is gonna be engraved in history like omfg Reply Parent Thread Link do we even import anything from north korea lol like would they care about trade sanctions Reply Parent Thread Link He's going to find out just how bad an idea it is to promise Putin sonething and not deliver. That might work with Atlantic City contractors but it won't fly with that cold-eyed snake. Reply Parent Thread Link Wow, fucking dolt. He's seriously like the guy on Silicon Valley that freaks out when he's no longer a billionaire. I 100000000000% believe thats why he doesn't want his tax returns released. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link "many billions of dollars" Reply Parent Thread Link what 'deals' does he think he can make with sanctions?? the country is not one of his failed businesses. Reply Parent Thread Link lbr he signed the sanctions bc if it wasn't signed by the 9th, it would've become law anyways. Reply Thread Link Not with Congress out of session technically as of today. If congress was in session the orange demon would have had ten days to sign or veto, then he would lose the option to do either. With the recess, if he hadn't signed, it would have been a pocket veto, and this version of the bill would have essentially died. I wonder why he did sign. But hey, if his ignorance of legislative process shoots him in the foot, I'm good with that. Reply Parent Thread Link lmao thank god hes stupid Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Dems already said they were not formally going out of session and GOP signaled they'd allow it (GOP did this to Obama to stop his nominees) No pocket veto, no recess appointments. Edited at 2017-08-02 04:57 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It was my understanding the bill passed both houses with a veto-proof majority. So it wouldn't have mattered, right? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I think Congress can be out of session, mostly everyone goes home but still in technically in they leave behind one person, who I guess drew the short straw and their job is to go into the chamber and essentially bang the gavel every three days or so. I think the minute the miss doing it on the right day, it counts as recess so they have to be diligent. I think I saw this explained on MSNBC when they were talking about the health care bill. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is an excellent thread. Do you know how many white people truly and genuinely believe that black people get to go to college for free? Ashley C. Ford (@iSmashFizzle) August 2, 2017 DONALD TRUMP is the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and we're really supposed to believe mediocre white people aren't getting a fair shake Emily (@emilydawnlove) August 2, 2017 You know who was subpar student and still got into Harvard? Jared Kushner Oh & his dad donated $2.5 mil.https://t.co/bmMLMwvloc pic.twitter.com/M68x2qWWWJ ProPublica (@ProPublica) August 2, 2017 modern conservatism has no organizing principle beyond imagined white victimhood pic.twitter.com/106Wmjqvv0 sean. (@SeanMcElwee) August 2, 2017 And in other news, I can't @ Trump calling the WH a dump. From the dude whose NY home is full of tacky ass ugly gold decor. Remember when Republicans got mad at Barack Obama for not wearing a tie in the Oval? The current occupant thinks the White House is a "dump" https://t.co/9uH6rd0I2D Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) August 1, 2017 "Calling the White House a 'real dump' is the latest iteration of this president's disdain of our nation's most revered institutions." https://t.co/syq0Ydw6g6 Broderick Greer (@BroderickGreer) August 1, 2017 Seriously, if Obama called the White House a "real dump" Fox News would have covered it 24/7 for at least a year. Ben White (@morningmoneyben) August 1, 2017 Edited at 2017-08-02 04:26 pm (UTC) I must admit that Trump and Sessions going after affirmative action is a genius move. It's a perfect way to drum up his base who are professional victims and always feel they don't get a fair shake in life. Nvm that white women benefit the most from affirmative action. I'm sure more Abigail Fishers will appear to blame their mediocrity on POC.This is an excellent thread.And in other news, I can't @ Trump calling the WH a dump. From the dude whose NY home is full of tacky ass ugly gold decor. Reply Thread Link OBAMA PUT HIS FEET ON THE DESK AND PPL WERE UPSET Reply Parent Thread Link I read that Ashley Ford thread and it blew my mind. Reply Parent Thread Link It sadly didn't even surprise me. Reminds me of how so many Canadians think Indigenous people get free education. Or remember that dumbass comment Bieber made about free gas? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My heart was racing reading it! Bless her for staying so calm because I don't know if I could have. Reply Parent Thread Link that thread is NUTS, i can't Reply Parent Thread Link And after all the trouble he went to for those gold lame curtains and shit. Reply Parent Thread Link if obama would said this he'd be impeached in a week Reply Parent Thread Link I legitimately laughed out loud seeing that republicans think Black people face the least amount of discrimination. God, I was an these people could wake up in my skin, in my gender, in my sex. They'd kill themselves before a whole month was over. Reply Parent Thread Link White people ALWAYS show their ass when it comes to affirmative action. Always. Reply Parent Thread Link Those selections of tweets just made me more and more furious as I scrolled. Trump is the real dump in the White House. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, that Ashley Ford thread... ugh. Reply Parent Thread Link Trump *knew* there was gold in the walls of the Oval Office dining room apparently. Must have been in his waters. https://t.co/qnwOfGoYUo pic.twitter.com/vJro05ZhF9 Oscar Williams-Grut (@OscarWGrut) May 11, 2017 And that first thread blew my mind. I knew a lot of stupid people thought/claimed that meanie people of color were getting into college over thousands of white geniuses or whatever, but I didn't know the delusion (well, lies) went as far as THAT. Incredible. Please don't forget that this dumb bitch also claimed to have found gold in the walls of that "dump." We all just ignored it because it was like the 16th most psychotic thing he said that week, but it happened:And that first thread blew my mind. I knew a lot of stupid people thought/claimed that meanie people of color werecollege over thousands of white geniuses or whatever, but I didn't know the delusion (well, lies) went as far as THAT. Incredible. Reply Parent Thread Link And all because Abigail Fisher wasnt smart enough to get into UT amd had to settle for LSU. Reply Thread Link "if affirmative action is racist against white people." Pretty sure it's a known fact that white women benefit from it the most tho. Reply Thread Link Under Session's Eye, it's definitely a "two birds, one stone" type of deal. Reply Parent Thread Link BREAKING: Pres. Trump announces support for bill that would prioritize immigrants based on skills they bring to the US. NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) August 2, 2017 Reply Thread Link so yay for engineers again?! Reply Parent Thread Link He's coming after legal immigrants and only doing this to block more immigrants, so it's pretty much a yay for no one tbh. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i swear they said applicants must speak English like 5 times, like direct point at people who speak Spanish. but theres no official language in the US so there could be a lawsuit/pushback? these assholes. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link WTF Reply Parent Thread Link it won't pass Reply Parent Thread Link I like that Joy listens Reply Thread Link They fucking would. I can't deal with this administration, like, not even a little bit. Reply Thread Link lmfao Reply Parent Thread Link Kelly Anne is supposedly the front runner Reply Parent Thread Link Think of all the props and signs we'll be seeing then. Reply Parent Thread Link Corey Lewandowski is seriously pond scum. I really can't believe CNN had him on for so long Reply Parent Thread Link Remember that mess where he assaulted that Breitbart reporter? Really wish he went down over that. Reply Parent Thread Link Aren't middle-class white girls the people who get the most from affirmative action? Reply Thread Link idk... Asians are also negatively impacted by discriminatory affirmative action, so I'll wait before I pass judgement. Reply Thread Link Yeah, their spots go to white people. Reply Parent Thread Link read some of the comments in this post first like the ones from spanishsaharaa Edited at 2017-08-02 05:56 pm (UTC) yeah, their spots go to white people [2]read some of the comments in this post first like the ones from. You can read mine too. not saying this specifically about you since I don't know anything about you and your background, but in general I'm tired of white people concern-trolling Asian-Americans. like fuck off, we know what their real agenda is Reply Parent Thread Link I see. I'm not american (or white), so the whole affirmative action thing always confuses me a bit. But I saw that apparently the system means that whichever ethnicity ranks better on average academically has a worse "quota" than the others, so asians get the shaft bc they rank higher than others on average? I don't trust Trump and his administration but there should be a way to benefit all minorities cuz it does seem unfair from where I'm standing. Reply Parent Thread Link you would Reply Parent Thread Expand Link When hes cute, Welsh and 6 foot 2#CBB pic.twitter.com/056fmWFJLr Big Brother UK (@bbuk) August 2, 2017 -Whatshisname failed to complete his mission set out to him by BB so he only gets part of his prize, Killer Nom(Prize included Killer Nom & Safety) and chose Marissa.-Trish and Jordan talk to one another where she thinks that he is an escort and/or gay. Trish goes on to ask him if he he has skin down there (ie:penis) and how "don't all of you (brits) have skin down there?". He reveals that he isn't circumcised nor is he gay. Trisha challenges him to whip out his penis but he declines.-Sam/Jemma/Jordan discuss who they fancy in the house. Jordan fancies Brandi/Marissa-Brandi thinks that Chad is lost within all the fame while Chad/Marissa have a heart2heart-Paul sets the fire alarm off trying to get into the diary room-Big Brother has 2 separate rooms this year so everyone wont be sleeping together (wtf)-Chad goes over his options as far as women to date in the house and actually thinks they are all hot so he can't choose for once. Justin Bieber bragged that he f**ks "bitches" in a desperate attempt to save face after he got ripped to shreds during a comedy show in L.A. -- and TMZ obtained footage of the entire awesome display. Biebs made a surprise appearance at the Laugh Factory on Friday -- during comedian Chris D'Elia 's set -- and the ex-" Whitney " star ROASTED Justin for his ridiculous fashion choices. Douchey genie pants and leather tank top, por exemplo. Justin sat quietly through the ribbing until D'Elia made a joke about Justin only "f***ing" himself -- that's when JB just had to respond with a quip that was disgustingly misogynistic ... or totally female-friendly. Depends if you're a Belieber or Gloria Steinem (Google her). Any news about energy storage advancement is bound to make a splash. After all, storage is the main stumbling block for renewable energydata from Bloomberg New Energy Finance reveals that over the first six months of 2017, California lost more than 300,000 MW of solar and wind power because there was no storage capacity. China is losing about 17 percent of its renewable power because it cant store all of it either. On top of that, Bloomberg notes, utilities are shunning renewable energy because of the intermittent nature of solar and wind power generation. Energy storage is essential for the viability of renewables, leaving pioneers in the industry desperately searching for the only path toward increasing the presence of renewables in the energy market: finding suitable storage solutions. And to that end, there has been a string of new projects in the energy storage department. Last month, Tesla said it was starting to build the largest lithium-ion storage system in the world in Australia. Later that month, Siemens and AES announced a joint ventureFluencewhich will focus on energy storage system development and marketing. Related: Halliburton Sees Oil Price Spike By 2020 Now, Alphabet, Googles parent, is joining the party with an alternative to the lithium-ion battery systems. Its Malta project, led by the X research lab of the company, is working on a prototype of a system that uses salt and a hydrocarbon fluid, such as antifreeze, to transform electricity into air and vice versa. If that sounds a bit vague, Bloombergs Mark Bergen has provided a more detailed explanation: Two tanks are filled with salt, and two are filled with antifreeze or a hydrocarbon liquid. The system takes in energy in the form of electricity and turns it into separate streams of hot and cold air. The hot air heats up the salt, while the cold air cools the antifreeze, a bit like a refrigerator. The jet engine part: Flip a switch and the process reverses. Hot and cold air rush toward each other, creating powerful gusts that spin a turbine and spit out electricity when the grid needs it. It sounds simple, and it also sounds cheap, which is a top priority in energy storage systems to make them commercially viable on a wide enough scale. Yet this X prototype seems to be in the preliminary stages of development, and years may pass before its market-ready. Meanwhile, other alternatives are popping up, too. Earlier this year, a new battery that uses glass instead of liquid electrolytes received well-deserved media coverage. According to the researchers who developed it, the battery has at least three times the energy density of other lithium-ion batteries, and it has a longer life cycle (a minimum of 1,200 charge-discharge cycles), and it charges more quicklyin minutes instead of hours. On top of all of this, the low-cost batteryyes, its cheapcan work in both subzero temperatures (-20 degrees Celsius) and major heat (60 degrees Celsius). Related: Ecuador Abandons The OPEC Deal: Whos Next? Then there is VIZn Energys utility-scale zinc-iron flow battery thatthe company said last monthoffers energy storage at a rate of only US$0.04 per kWh of energy. The low price was made possible by the longer lifespan of zinc-iron flow batteries, which can be up to 20 years. Yet there is a catch with this price: it only refers to storage systems yet to be paired with solar and wind generation capacity; that is, storage systems that qualify for the Investment Tax Subsidy. New energy storage system solutions will no doubt continue to make headlines as utilities, battery makers, and research labs scurry to grab a piece of a market pie that BNEF estimates could hit US$40 billion in investments by 2024. Already investments in energy storage are rising sharply. Just VC investments in the segment in the first half of this year reached US$480 million, up from just US$179 million a year earlier. Energy storage is the next stage in the renewables evolution, and it will be drawing even more attention in the future. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Only a year ago, the Brazilian state company Petrobras seemed a complete basket case, an exemplary case of how not to lead a company that is rich in both resources and know-how. Today, however, the Brazilian state giant has demonstrated unhoped-for prowess in its quest of ridding itself of the disagreeable label of being the most indebted oil & gas company in the world. Brazil is still susceptible to sporadic political earthquakes, emerging from revelations of which the Operation Car Wash has still not exhausted itself like the sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Teori Zavascki in a plane crash this January and it will take Petrobras, having played a major role in previously existing kickback schemes, write-downs and money laundering, a good deal of time to clean itself of the acquired bad optics. Still, Petrobras, it seems, has bent to task. The new management of Petrobras decided that a healthy combination of austerity and liberalization is just about what the company needs. Bolstered by higher oil prices, which led to Petrobras debt burden easing from $122 billion in 2015 to $116 billion by 2016, it has slashed capital expenditure and investment by 25 percent for the 2017-2021 Business Plan, voiced its intent of laying off 20 percent of its workforce and divesting almost $20 billion, concentrating on selling stakes in its Brazilian subsidiaries, as well as assets which are outside Brazil in adjacent countries. Petrobras has also identified another income-gathering instrument, opening up the tightly controlled pre-salt oil sector to foreign investment. This, in itself, is a groundbreaking development for it carries on where the Lula government has closed the books in 2006. In the early 2000s, Brazil was taking the last steps of opening up its oil & gas sector to international investors. Foreign majors could lay claim to hydrocarbon concessions as Petrobras exploration and production monopoly was called off in 1997, what is more Petrobras saw its exclusive rights on importing oil products scrapped and fuel prices were no longer regulated by the government. Yet then Tupi happened, or as it is known today, the Lula oil field was discovered, the largest oil discovery in 30 years in the Western hemisphere (at that time). Soon followed by other pre-salt oil fields, containing light and sweet crude, among others the Libra, Iracema, Carioca and Guara fields. The 7.8 BBbl Libra field turned out even bigger than the 7.5 BBbl Lula, thus bettering the record. It was in this context that in 2006 the Lula government decided to exempt pre-salt fields from the hydrocarbon law and affix them under Petrobras authority. Related: Macquarie: OPEC Deal To Collapse In 2018 Following a ten-year period during which Petrobras was obligated to operate in at least 30 percent of every single pre-salt block in Brazils offshore, President Michel Temer signed into law a new regulatory framework in November 2016 which relieves Petrobras from doing so mandatorily. The new concession allocation system is still far away from what one might call liberal. During new licensing rounds another presalt one was expected to take place sometime in 2017 Petrobras will be offered rights to operate the blocks it wishes, in case Petrobras does not express interest in a given block, its owner will be determined by means of a regular auctioning procedure. It remains to be seen whether majors would be up for blocks which were not cherrypicked by Petrobras, however, the new legislation should provide the Brazilian state giant with more space to introduce them into already existing projects. Notice the usage of the word should. As one could suspect, Brazils trade unions are anything but satisfied with the sweeping transformations Petrobras is going through. Hence, as soon as they saw an opening, they went all out on it. When Petrobras sold in November 2016 its 66 percent stake in the 1 BBbl Carcara field to the Norwegian Statoil for $2.5 billion, the National Federation of Oil Workers filed a lawsuit against Petrobras, stating that there ought to have been an open-bidding process and managed to suspend the deal. Similarly, when Petrobras initiated the selling of its gas pipeline unit to a group of Canadian investors for $5.2 billion, trade unions lobbied for a thorough review of the deal and the Sergipe federal court blocked the transactions, alleging discrepancies in the transaction. With the ouster of the trade union-affiliated Workers Party whose links to the previous management of Petrobras went beyond the traditional definition of a constructive partnership, one might anticipate more roadblocks down the road. For instance, as Petrobras is offering seven shallow-water offshore fields for sale, they can easily fall prey to the Petroleum is ours! (Petroleum e nosso) protest movement. Related: Halliburton Sees Oil Price Spike By 2020 The mother companys privatization, either full or partial, has been ruled out by the Temer government, however, Petrobras fuel distribution subsidiary, Petrobras Distribuidora, is slated for an IPO. Yet generally the Petrobras management seems to be far more willing to jettison its assets abroad. Thus, Petrobras is seeking to sell its Paraguayan subsidiary, Petrobras Paraguay, which comprised a medium-sized service station network (circa 200) and a well-working aviation services company, the largest in Paraguay. It also sold its assets in Argentina and Chile for a total of $1.3 billion. It also wants to sell its Pasadena refinery one of the many corruption bombs that shed light on the corrupt practices within the company yet it is highly unlikely that it will get an offer equivalent to the $1.2 billion it paid for it in 2012 (thirtyfold its 2005 price). With regard to activities outside the scope of oil & gas, Petrobras is minimizing its footprint there, too it intends to leave the power generation and biofuels sectors altogether. Petrobras new strategy might work out in the end, at least from what can be judged by its dealings with foreign partners - oil majors having an interest in the Brazilian market did not go cold on Petrobras, quite the opposite, Galp, Total, Statoil and CNPC inked strategic partnerships with the Brazilian company. Petrobras might also be bolstered by a timid revival in Brazils economic growth in 2017 after two years of -4 percent GDP shrinking, as well as by the crude oil price finding a transitionary balance around the $50/barrel mark. Yet risk-averse international investors still need more signs that they could possibly act on their own in Brazil for now, the optimal variant is to become a minor stakeholder in an already allotted project. If Petrobras does not fall subject to political infighting and the current development course aimed at reducing the bloated nature of the company remains the same for the next couple of years, soon a new company is bound to reemerge, a technology leader in pre-salt production and financially robust to go global, again. By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Optimism, at first tentative and in the last week more pronounced, has been taking over oil markets. Short positions on WTI were at a three-month low as of Monday, according to Bloomberg, while long positions continued to rise. The last couple of weeks have seen some strong indications that the oil market is returning to balance. The latest OPEC meeting with Russia in St. Petersburg on July 24 had Saudi Arabia pledge to further cut its crude exports from this month, and Russias Energy Minister said that global inventories have shrunk by 350 million barrels since last December. At the same meeting, Nigeria said it was willing to stop increasing its production once it reaches 1.8 million barrels of crude oil production daily. In the U.S., there were indications of a slowdown in the growth of shale oil production, with new rigs being added in smaller numbers amid warnings that if prices fall further towards US$40 a barrel, production growth will become unsustainable for many producers. And then, yesterday, bulls were dealt a blow. Three separate surveys, from Reuters, Bloomberg, and Petro-Logistics, suggested OPECs July output had grown. The Reuters poll was the most optimistic, pegging the increase at 90,000 bpd. Petro-Logistics estimated it at 145,000 bpd, and Bloombergs was the most pessimistic, seeing the increase at 210,000 bpd. Separately, data from Kpler showed OPECs crude oil exports reached 26.68 million bpd last month, up by 388,000 bpd on June. The UAE led the increase, with a 326,000-bpd boost in its exports, while Kuwait was responsible for the biggest decline in exports, at 241,000 bpd. OPEC is meeting next week again to discuss compliance with the cut deal. Related: Goldman: $50 Oil More Profitable Than $100 Oil To top it off, the American Petroleum Institute estimated U.S. commercial oil inventories went up by 1.78 million barrels last week, versus analyst expectations of a hefty draw, at 2.8-2.9 million barrels. While APIs figures are not the official ones, a surprise build or draw reported by the industry body regularly swings prices, at least until the EIA comes in with the official figures. These, its worth noting, have been largely in line with API estimates in the last couple of months. So, is there a justification for the growing bullish sentiment? There seems to be. After the initial euphoria from the start of the year, when Brent touched US$56, both OPEC and the shale players seem to be settling down and adjusting their expectations to reality. This reality is that it will take more than a cut of 1.8 million bpd to bring oils fundamentals back to balance. Yet, this optimism should be cautious. Big Oil majors have reported improvements in their second-quarter performance from a year ago with most of the improvements resulting from the higher oil prices in the first half of the year. But the rise has not been consistent, as weve seen, and Big Oil said it will remain frugal during the second half. Thats an approach that oil bulls might want to adopt, too, until we get some hard evidence that global supplies are indeed falling consistently and demand is growing. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Okay, you think were the bad guys, were going to be bad guys and well see whether you like it or not Konstatin Eggert, a political commentator, told The Washington Post in response to U.S.s bid to introduce fresh economic sanctions on Russia. With the expulsion of tens of U.S. diplomats from Russia, this next stage in the great political battle is underway. Though the Trump administration has given mixed signals about whether it would sign the new sanctions bill into law, it might not matter. Combined with an earlier piece of legislation based by the Senate this summer, there could be, as Vox says, veto-proof majorities in both chambers of Congress. Effectively it would mean Trump would require permission before he could ease any sanctions on Russia creating an obstacle in his bid to develop improved relations with Moscow. And its not just causing ructions between Washington and Moscow. Its deeply unpopular in some parts of the EU, with close U.S. allies warning it will hit their economies and they will act within days if sanctions are adopted without EU concerns being taken into account. EU Commission President Jen-Claude Juncker sent a note to his fellow commissioners in which he expressed his concerns that The measures risk breaking the transatlantic and G7 unity. There have already been tensions between Germany and the U.S. after it entered the EU market selling liquefied gas. This move was seen as being in direct competition to projects like Nord Stream 2, which would bring 55 bn cubic meters of natural gas from Russia under the Baltic Sea, demonstrating the blocs dependence on Russian energy. And this project could be in jeopardy if/when the new bill is made law. Related: Will Sanctions On Russia Push The EU To US Energy? Thats because the U.S. would be able to impose sanctions on any company that contributes to the maintenance or development of Russias energy export pipelines. The Nord Stream 2 line is owned by Gazprom but there are five Western firms who are working on this project. But its not the only one. It is understood that there are eight others which could be affected including oil majors Eni, BP and Shell. Alexey Pushkov, an international relations commentator said: The exceptional nation wants to block Russian gas supplies to Europe and to sell expensive shale gas from the US to its European servants. Thats the entire morality of Congress. There are actions the EU could take. It could demand a public declaration from the president that discretionary powers would not be used against European companies; use the EU Blocking Statute which effectively prevents the enforcement in the EU of any decision made by the U.S.; or possibly call for WTO retaliatory measures. Reuters suggests it may even impose outright bans on doing business with certain US companies. Seeing this as unintended consequences of a domestic battle between Trump and Congress has not endeared Trump to Juncker, who warned after the difficult G20 amid Trumps suggestions of hiked U.S. tariffs on steel imports, that the EU is prepared to take up arms if necessary. According to the most recent reports the bill which will finally be presented will have fresh accommodations of EU concerns. The sanctions language is believed to have been softened. And well watch with baited breath to see how this develops. By Precise Consultants More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: If you are looking for the person primarily responsible for the failure of the Senate Republicans to repeal and replace Obamacare, look no further than that perpetual pain-in-the-ass Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who cast the deciding vote to ensure its defeat. You might wonder why Mr. McCain would rise from his hospital bed after serious brain surgery, travel nearly 2400 miles from Phoenix, AZ to Washington, DC to cast the deciding procedural vote to ensure consideration of the repeal and then cast the deciding vote to ensure its defeat? Is it because Mr. McCain is a great American imbued with an urgency to heal the political wounds of the past two decades of bitter partisanship? While Mr. McCain is undeniably a former war hero, he is hardly a great American and he has done as much to exacerbate political discord as any member of Congress, The answer, as usual, can be found in the New York Times by reading their articles and assuming that the truth is exactly the opposite. On Friday, July 25, the New York Times headlined its front-page story thusly: McCain Returns to Cast Vote to Help the President Who Derided Him The truth is more probably that McCain Returns to Cast Vote to Embarrass President Who Derided Him. Had Mr. McCain not cast the critical vote to allow the repeal of Obamacare to advance to debate, the matter would have remained in limbo and the Republicans would have been tasked to find a compromise that could have delivered that extra one crucial vote from either Sen. Susan Collins (R-Me) or Sen. Shelly Capito (R-WV) or possibly Sen. Joe Mancin (D-WV) or Sen. Heidi Heitcamp (D-ND). No, the only way to kill the repeal was to make sure it came to a vote and then cast the decisive vote to kill the attempt. Mr. McCain did not have an alternative solution that he preferred. He did not support any of the solutions proffered by other Republicans. No, he was simply against any solution that would have permitted President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans to fulfill a campaign pledge. How perverse is that? The truth is also probably contained in the opening lines of Mr. McCains speech to the Senate upon returning from his surgery for brain cancer: Mr. President: Ive stood in this place many times and addressed as president many presiding officers. I have been so addressed when I have sat in that chair, as close as I will ever be to a presidency. (Emphasis supplied) Mr. McCain hates President Donald Trump. Even more than he hated President George W. Bush who defeated him decisively in the Republican presidential primaries of 2000. Mr. McCain then spent eight years stabbing Mr. Bush in the back at every chance he had usually in front of the television cameras. He may have good reason to hate Mr. Trump but he had no reason to hate Mr. Bush. It doesnt matter. Both men aspired to and won the prize that Mr. McCain sought for himself. The fact that they were elected President and that he was not was sufficient. And it was probably more painfully felt by Mr. McCain who lost a race against a virtually unknown junior Senator from Illinois with a sketchy background populated with dope smoking, radical clerics and former domestic terrorists. The fact the voters preferred Mr. Bush and former President Barack Obama over him must have irritated the hell out of him. And then to have a brash, loudmouth from New York with no political experience who derided his sacrifices during the Viet Nam War and then beat the presumptive establishment favorite Hillary Clinton was more than the self-proclaimed maverick could bear. How could Donald Trump be elected president and not him? Will wonders never cease? Fine. I get all of that but we elect our public officials to represent the voters will, not to exorcise their own personal demons or visit their revenge on their enemies. The voters of Arizona overwhelming supported the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. But that doesnt matter to Mr. McCain because this, like everything else he has done over the last three decades, is about him not them. The Republican leaders have now said that they will pivot to tax reform. I do not know why they think they will have a different result with tax reform than they have had with the repeal of Obamacare. There are a whole number of issues that divide the congressional Republicans and there does not appear to be any willingness on their part to find common ground. Among those issues are whether any tax reform package is revenue neutral, whether the purpose of tax reform is to promote economic growth or to reduce and simplify taxes for the middle class and whether to eliminate or reduce current death taxes and capital gains taxes. Too much time has passed since the election. The ideologues, the lobbyists, and the protectors of the status quo have had time to dig in. The momentum for change has been buried by an avalanche of false accusations about Mr. Trump collaborating with the Russians, about Mr. Trump trying to deny health insurance coverage to millions, about Mr. Trump favoring the rich at the expense of the middle class, about the size of Mr. Trumps hands (penis) and about a whole lot of other nonsense. And while Mr. Trump does not appear to have lost any of his energy and zeal for the fight, it is obvious that the Congress has returned to its old habits of doing nothing and blaming others. Let me suggest an easy path through these problems. It is a difficult path for Republicans because it focuses on the middle class, ignores the wealthy, simplifies the tax codes, eliminates the special interest tax benefits and results in significant increases in capital available to stimulate growth and resulting job creation. It also has the ancillary benefit of reversing the trend of social policy masquerading as tax policy. In addition it rankles Democrats to no end because they have never found a tax that can be reduced or a spending program than shouldnt be increased. Here are the elements: 1. A substantial reduction in the corporate tax rate and an extension of that tax rate to Sub-chapter S corporations and pass-through business entities. That tax rate would be applied to gross revenues reduced by cost of goods sold and an accelerated depreciation schedule. All other special purpose tax breaks, including tax breaks for oil and gas companies, alternative energy providers, and hedge fund managers would be eliminated. My target would be twenty percent. 2. A substantial reduction in the individual income tax rate for individuals earning less than $250,000 or households earning less than $500,000. The income level would be indexed and adjusted annually. That level represents over ninety-five percent of all taxpayers and defines the middle class. (Roughly fifty percent of all people pay no federal income tax. Those who argue that such reductions do not provide any significant stimulation of investment capital are correct; however, that stimulation is already provided by reducing the taxes on business at referenced above. Accompanying the reduction in these tax rates would be the elimination of itemized deductions but a doubling of the rate for standard deductions. 3. There would be no tax reduction for those earning in excess of $500,000. However, it might well be appropriate to earmark a percentage of those taxes for deficit reduction. 4. Income earned outside the country by companies and persons subject to tax in America will be taxed in the same fashion as if it were earned domestically reduced by the amount of taxes imposed and paid where it was actually earned. In doing so you avoid creating an incentive to invest and earn elsewhere while at the same time eliminating any punishment for repatriation of income. Income currently being held overseas would be repatriated using the same formula. 5. Pre-empt the states with regard to death taxes and capital gains. Then eliminate the death tax and reduce the capital gains tax to ten percent. Thats it pure and simple. A tax break for the middle class, a tax simplification that reduces a tax return to one page, a stimulation for both C and S corporations (and pass-through business entities) that will stimulate growth and job creation, and a complete disregard of the very wealthy. The likelihood of anything like this getting done is low given the mindless resistance of the Democrats and the entrenched deference of the Republican elites to their traditional allies apparently nobody has told them that the rich have been supporting the Democrats for decades. And even if the Republicans can work their way through these issues, there is still John McCain standing in the wings waiting to stab Mr. Trump and his fellow Republicans in the back waiting to deny them any successes. I do not wish Mr. McCain ill in his pending fight with cancer. In fact I hope that he can successfully recover. However, if Mr. McCain is half the patriot he claims to be, he would leave behind his anger and his vengeance, retire gracefully to enjoy his remaining years and allow Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) to appoint his successor. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi took oath as 18th PM the country 02 August, 2017 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Types of Casino Payment Methods Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Are Slot Developers Important for players? Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Ways that Players Used to Take Advantage of Slot Sites ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) loyalist Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as new Leader of the House, who later in the evening took oath as 18th prime minister of the country, though for an interim period until Nawazs nominated successor, his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif, is elected to the 342-member House and eventually takes the top office. Abbasi secured 221 votes against Pakistan Peoples Party-Parliamentarians Syed Naveed Qamar who got 47 votes. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q)s joint candidate Sheikh Rashid fetched 33 votes while Sahabzada Tariqullah of Jamaat-e-Islami bagged four votes. Awami National Party (ANP) and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) abstained from the voting process while Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) withdrew its candidate in favour of PML-Ns Abbasi. In his maiden speech to the assembly soon after being elected leader of the house, Abbasi expressed his loyalty with ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and declared that he (Nawaz) is still present on the seat which I hold today. Insha Allah (God willing), one day the real prime minister of this country will come back and sit on this chair, he said. Abbasi said, I am grateful to you all for following the democratic process, no matter you voted for or against me. I am grateful to the people of Pakistan and I am also grateful to the peoples prime minister (Nawaz Sharif), he said, and added, I am also grateful to the opposition and Imran Khan as well, for remembering us in their daily slander. On SCs verdict disqualifying Nawaz Sharif, Abbasi said, An unprecedented decision was taken last Friday. We accepted it as it was. We did not challenge the court ... there was no division in our ranks ... whoever the prime minister [Nawaz Sharif] named was supported unanimously, he said. Within four days, the democratic process is back on track. There were no defections. There was no dissension in our ranks, he said, and added, Justice requires that 1,000 guilty people may go free, but a single innocent person should be convicted. I will not go into details of the Fridays decision ... I only want to say that there will soon be another court, the one held by the people ... there will be no JIT there. Abbasi said there were no allegations of corruption against Nawaz Sharif. His only fault is that he made Pakistan a nuclear power, stabilised economy, brought 60 billion dollar investment under CPEC, worked day and night to end load shedding, imported LNG to run industry and introduced politics of decency, he maintained. Abbasi declared to continue the policies of deposed prime minister in all sectors including education, health, railway, agriculture and economy. Referring to ongoing power projects, he said there will be no load shedding after November since 10,000 megawatt of additional electricity was being added to the national grid. Referred to problems in Karachi, Abbasi said the package announced by former prime minister for the mega city would be implemented in true letter and spirit. He said development of FATA would be expedited. "Whether it's 45 days or 45 hours, I am the prime minister of Pakistan and I am here to work, not keep the seat warm," he said. Abbasi expressed his intention to ban licences of automatic weapons for general public. While urging people to pay taxes, he announced to take stern action against those involved in tax evasion. "Politics has become so abusive it is duty of this House to work for uplift of our image and credibility", he urged his colleagues, adding, "Every institution will have to act according to the constitution of Pakistan we all are riding the same boat. If it sinks, everyone will sink." Praising the former finance minister Ishaq Dar as most 'hardworking member' of the previous cabinet, Abbasi said, "His polices provided economic space to the country." PPP's Naveed Qamar in his speech said that the democratic process will go on and the business of the House will continue as "individuals come and go". Sheikh Rashid said that it would have been better if the prime minister-elect had spoken on foreign policy. The Lower House looked like a public place as PML-N supporters from the galleries overcrowded joined their voices with lawmakers present inside the hall in chanting sloganslike "Daikho daikho kon aya, Sher aya Sher aya" and "Wazir-e-Azam Nawaz Sharif." The members of ruling party also carried the portraits of disqualified prime minister Nawaz Sharif and one of his picture was also placed by an MNA in front of the rostrum during Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's speech. Though PTI members responded with the slogan of "Chor, Chor", but their chants were eclipsed due to excessive number of lawmakers from PML-N coupled with support from galleries. Sh Rashid: During the proceeding, PML-N MNA and former state minister Abid Sher Ali and some others used abusive language against Sheikh Rashid. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq warned Abid but he did not bother and continued his slanderous speech against AML chief. Interestingly, none form the PTI came forward to defend Rashid. At one stage, when Capitan (r) Safdar attacked the personal life of Imran Khan, PTI lawmaker Murad Saeed retaliated harshly but the situation came under control when other parliamentarians intervened. During his speech, when Sh Rashid mentioned the name of Maryam Nawaz in connection with Dawn Leaks, Capitan (r) Safdar stood up on his seat and warned, "I will not allow anybody to mention names of my family with disrespect in this House." Other party MNAs also backed him, forcing Sh Rashid to end his speech. "If I am killed someday, Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif and their family will be responsible for my murder," Sh Rashid said while addressing the speaker. Throughout the proceeding, former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan looked indifferent to the election process, unlike Kh Saad Rafique, Kh Asif and others. A group of MNAs surrounded him when speaker asked the lawmakers to leave the hall to cast their votes. Nisar was the first to return to the House. He went to the attorney general of Pakistan and held one-on-one discussion with him for around 15 minutes. He remained in the House during the speech of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi but left before its adjournment. The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, Vistas de pagina en total Precio del Brent To get the BRENT oil price, please enable Javascript. Precio del WTI To get the oil price, please enable Javascript. Precio del Oro To get the gold price, please enable Javascript. Dolar USA Vs Euro Archivo del blog PROHIBIDO OLVIDAR OTAN = Asesinos OTAN = NATO = Muerte Mas temprano que tarde los derrotaremos Hipocresia 3.0 El principe Carlos habla sobre el alto costo de la vida Es un chiste? 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Por culpa de Chavez Cerveza Polar Algun dia Colombia volvera a la ideologia de Bolivar Translate LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares? Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano... Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos: Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias. Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera. No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje. En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio. Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida. Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella. Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal. Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista. Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen. Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che? Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio. Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora. Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo. Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo. Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania. No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar. Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga. Alguna duda? Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia. OZ1 OZ2 OZ3 OZ4 Homenaje a Jason Galarraga La Victoria de Samotracia Odalisca Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008 La Sierra Nevada de Merida Nuestro precioso Churum Meru Homenaje a Picasso Autoretrato Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola? La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar. Mi profesion? Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos. Sal en la Coca Cola? A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar. De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla: Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido) azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa) Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas Mucha Cafeina Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja. Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos. Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja. En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero). Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma. La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate. Bebidas Light? Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal. Publicado por loretahur En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina: 1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias. 2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina. 3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard. 4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos. 5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla. 6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos. Ahora... sobre la margarina: 1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) . 2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias. 3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno). 4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer. 5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna. 6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo. 7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina. Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas: * No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo). * No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!! No a la guerra, Si a la Paz Misterios de la ciencia... Los costos de la guerra medicos y capitalismo... Capitalismo... medicos (2) Quien educa a nuestros hijos? Los Medios... Sin Palabras... Chistes feministas - Cual es el problema, Eva? - Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas. - Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas... - Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti. - Que es un hombre? - Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente. - Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente. - Cual es el truco?. - Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion. - Cual? - Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer. Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas? Porque todos son unos cerdos Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas? Porque todos son unos cerdos Ellas... Ellas (2)... Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1 Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije: -Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro. Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria. Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre? -Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa! VENGANZA NUMERO 2 Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris. A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita: - Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!! Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta. La mujer paso quince dias en Francia. El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla. Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es: - Y amor me trajiste mi francesita?? - Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina. VENGANZA NUMERO 3 El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion. - No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo. - Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz. Te quiero confesar algo. - Esta bien, esta bien. Habla! - He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga. - Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!! machismo y cibernetica Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston. -Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad. El simio hace la sena de OK. -Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?. El simio hace la sena de OK. -Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide. -Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!. .Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos. Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco. Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas Gol !!!! Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso! Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy! No birthday cake for Democratic congressional candidate Don Boyajian. His mother baked him a birthday pie -- strawberry rhubarb -- his favorite, he said, in an interview on Tuesday. A few moments later, the astute politician backtracked and said key lime pie is a close second on his favorite pie list. Whatever flavor pie, he likes to eat it with a scoop of Stewart's ice cream, said the environmental and municipal government lawyer who recently moved from Saratoga County to Cambridge, in Washington County. Boyajian said he moved to Cambridge to be close to his favorite trout streams -- the Batten Kill and the Owl Kill. He said the Owl Kill is under appreciated. "A lot of people don't fish it, and it's loaded with trout," he said. Boyajian is one of five announced candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the 21st Congressional District in 2018: The other announced Democratic candidates are: Tedra Cobb of Canton, a business consultant and former St. Lawrence County legislator; Emily Martz of Saranac Lake, an economic development adviser; Patrick Nelson of Stillwater, a political activist and Bernie Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention; Katie Wilson of Keene, a political activist and business owner. Russell Finley of St. Lawrence County, a beef cattle farmer and real estate broker, is challenging U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, a two-term incumbent, in a Republican primary. FORT ANN The state will take a closer look at a well contamination case that has been linked to manure from a next-door farm. DEC had already visited Adam Tracys Clay Hill Road farm several months ago. Since Tracy has fewer than 200 cows (he has about 20), the states regulations about manure control do not apply. DEC officials said they also did not see any direct evidence that the manure was affecting the stream that runs through the farm, but they did not test the water. The well of Tracys neighbor had tested positive for E. coli, but Tracys well passed the same test. Neighbor Deborah Witherell hired an engineer herself to investigate the cause of her well contamination. He determined the most likely culprit was piles of manure from Tracys cows. He observed piles of manure next to and partially in the stream. The stream also tested at 5,800 cfu/100 ml. of E. coli before crossing the farm. But when it leaves the farm, E. coli was recorded at 58,000 cfu/100 ml. Any amount of E. coli even 1 cfu/100 ml is considered unsafe in drinking water. When Witherell could not get DEC or anyone else to make Tracy remove the manure, she sued him in civil court. But now, increased interest in the situation has convinced DEC officials to look again, they said. DEC does not typically regulate small farms through a permit program. However, DEC is responsible for protecting all NYS waters, including this stream and groundwater, and does have the authority to take action if a small farm causes or contributes to a violation of state water quality standards, the agency said in a statement. Now DEC will use that authority, the agency said. Based on recently raised concerns, DEC will undertake a wet weather investigation in the near future and has coordinated with the local and state health departments regarding the well water concerns, the agency said. In the meantime, Witherell paid for an ultraviolet light system, which kills E. coli bacteria when the water enters her house. Tracy has an ultraviolet light system on his drinking water too, which could explain how his water passed the E. coli test. However, he says he does not use the ultraviolet light system because of the expense; the UV bulb must be replaced each year and costs more than $200. He has three children, the youngest of whom is 6. He cites them as proof that he is taking care: He would not risk them by letting them drink contaminated water, he said. He expected DEC to prove his innocence when workers came to his property months ago, he said. He believes his safe well test prove that his cows are not contaminating his neighbors well. However, Witherells engineer said her septic system could not be at fault. If he is correct, that leaves only the manure, or Tracys septic system, as the potential culprits. An expensive genetic test could be the only way to find out, the engineer said. A genetic test was used when E. coli killed two people and sickened dozens of others at the Washington County Fair in 1999, and it found that contamination likely came from one of the fairgrounds septic systems. The test could not rule out the possibility that heavy rain had washed manure into the well, but found that the exact type of E. coli in the well was the type found in a nearby septic system, according to the Department of Health. Local Green Party activist Matt Funiciello, who ran for Congress in 2014 and 2016, announced Tuesday he will not run again in 2018. I really think that the amount of time that it takes and the amount of money that it takes to be able to do this full time I know that I am not in it this cycle, Funiciello, a bread company owner who lives in Hudson Falls, said in a telephone interview Tuesday after he announced his decision in a post on his political Facebook page. Funiciello said the Green Party will definitely have a candidate running in the 21st Congressional District in 2018, and most likely a party primary. I am pretty confident that we will probably have a primary, he said. There are two people that are seriously interested. Funiciello would not identify the potential candidates or say what counties they are from because the candidates have asked him not to disclose their identity until after the November local elections. I will say that they are both women, he said. Funiciello received 11 percent of the vote in 2014 and 4.4 percent in 2016, placing third twice in races that U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, won. It was necessary to organize, Funiciello said, referring to his two campaigns. The party in Saratoga and Washington and Warren counties are all organized and theres a firmer organization between Albany and here, he said. And a lot of that was inspired by running a very visible race twice. Funiciello said in November 2016 he intended to run again, but he has wavered since, saying he needed time for his business. Funiciello said the timing of his announcement was because it seemed that curiosity in political circles about whether he will run for Congress again seemed to be overshadowing Green Party races in the city of Glens Falls this fall, where the party has candidates running for mayor, councilman at-large and 4th Ward councilman. I think too much attention is being paid to these federal races. Thats not necessarily good for the building of the party, he said. In an open letter posted to the Matt Funiciello-Green Politics Page on Facebook, he thanked supporters of the past two congressional races. Funiciello also touched on the current political climate in the open letter. LAKE GEORGE Nine years ago, Ghana native Sayuti Sulemana spent the summer cleaning restrooms for the village as an international student worker. Now he works for the Ghanaian government at its embassy in Turkey, processing applications from four nations. He intends to honor the village that embraced him so warmly by starting the Lake George International School in Ghana. When you give back to your community, showing your appreciation for what they have done for you, its an act of worship, he said. Sulemana is back in Lake George for a short visit. He has acquired an acre of land for the school project, he said. It will be a private school for students in elementary and junior high school to start. That school will not be a dream. It will come to a reality, he said. Sulemana came to Lake George in 2008 as an international student on a guest worker visa program. He said his time in the village, which he called heaven on Earth, has positively affected his life and holds a special place in his heart. That summer was the first time he had traveled outside his homeland and the first time he was on an airplane. It was in Lake George I got to meet people from various ways of life, having fun, he said. Ive never experienced a single crime. Sulemana said people were always very appreciative and thanking him for keeping the village clean. People know each other and they try to care about each other, he said. In addition to cleaning village facilities, Sulemana scooped ice cream for Patty Kirkpatrick at Ninas Sweet Shoppe. He said she treated him well, which left a positive impression. He also thanked Dan Courtney, owner of a local motel that houses international students, for his accommodations. They call his house a crazy house. Its not crazy to me, he said. Courtney said Sulemana is a great guy and was very appreciative of his time in Lake George. Sulemana said his experience in Lake George made him a better person and opened up doors for him. He completed a masters degree in international trade and finance. He has been working for the consular office since January 2013. He speaks Turkish, which is helpful. He organizes meetings for the ambassador and takes care of visitors going to Ghana, including government officials. He processes visa applications for people from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Albania and Bulgaria, scrutinizing the visas for approval. Ghana is prone to a terrorist attack, he said. He is going to attend the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, in September 2018 to pursue a doctorate, with the ultimate goal of working as an ambassador and handling peace and conflict resolution. Sulemana returned to Lake George in 2014 as a volunteer and again for a visit this year. They are very nice people. Ive never seen a city like Lake George in my life, he said. Blais said people like Sulemana show the value of the guest worker program. Sulemana came Tuesday to the meeting of the Student Connection board, the group working to address problems of international student workers. He presented Blais with a hat, a drum and a traditional handmade smock worn by politicians and kings during festivals. Sulemana said when he finishes the school project, he will have photos and a brochure to present to the mayor. Blais said Sulemana is welcome back. Ive got an idea to bring him back just before I run for election next time. Have him be my campaign manager, Blais quipped. LAKE LUZERNE A program led by researcher Stephen Cernek on Tuesday will focus on the Pagenstecher family in Lake Luzerne and the history of papermaking in and around the town. The free event, titled "The Largest Paper Mill in the World: Building the Hudson River Pulp and Paper Company, 1869-1898," is being held in celebration of the 225th anniversary of the town of Lake Luzerne. The program at Lake Luzerne Town Hall on Lake Avenue will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Cernek was born in Corinth, attended Corinth schools, and worked at the International Paper mill for five summers. He earned a Ph.D in American history and teaches at Southern New Hampshire University. He has been at work researching the history of paper manufacturing in Corinth since the mill, then operated by International Paper Co. closed in 2002, and he currently serves as director of the Hudson River Mill Museum Project that is working to convert the former IP office building in Corinth into a museum. Albrecht Pagenstecher, brother Rudolf, and cousin Alberto imported a patented wood grinder from Germany to the United States in 1866 that could turn wood into a pulp suitable for making paper. Until then, all paper was made from either from cotton rags or straw. They first operated a successful pulp mill in Massachusetts before building, in 1868, a small wood pulp mill at Lake Luzerne where the first American-made wood pulp grinder was installed. By early 1869, the Pagenstechers and their business partners incorporated the Hudson River Pulp Co. and built a second pulp mill 5 miles south at Palmer Falls on the Hudson River at Corinth. In less than 30 years, the mill at Palmer Falls grew from a one-building operation into a sprawling complex of stone and brick buildings that become widely recognized as the largest pulp and paper mill in the world. For further information, call 696-7184. Iran on Saturday condemned new sanctions passed by the US Congress against its missile program, which US President Donald Trump is set to sign into law, and vowed to continue it. We will continue with full power our missile program, foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state broadcaster IRIB. We consider the action by the US as hostile, reprehensible and unacceptable, and its ultimately an effort to weaken the nuclear deal, Ghasemi added, referring to a 2015 agreement with the United States and other world powers that lifted some sanctions on Tehran. The military and missile fields are our domestic policies and others have no right to intervene or comment on them. We reserve the right to reciprocate and make an adequate response to the US actions, he said. Iran has complained to the UN Security Council over the latest US sanctions imposed on Tehran. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani announced the complaint on Tuesday, though its unclear what Iran expects the United Nations would do. The move came after the US Senate approved sanctions on Friday against Iran for launching a satellite-carrying rocket into space. The US legislation imposes mandatory penalties on people involved in Irans ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them. It would also apply terrorism sanctions to Irans prestigious Revolutionary Guard and enforce an arms embargo. It now goes to US President Donald Trump for signing. Iran has said the US legislation amounts to a hostile breach of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Irans JCPOA supervisory body assessed the new US sanctions (on Tehran) and decided that they contradict parts of the nuclear deal, speaker of the Iranian parliament Ali Larijani was quoted by the Tasnim news agency as having said. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg The Iowa Court of Appeals has ruled that a 49-year-old Quad-City man serving life without parole in the 1986 death of Jennifer Jenny Crompton was properly sentenced and denied his request for post-conviction relief. Mark Allen Smith, who was 18 at the time of Cromptons death, argued in his appeal that his sentence was cruel and unusual punishment and that juvenile sentencing factors should be extended to young adults because their mental and emotional development is similar to a juvenile. Federal and state courts have ruled in recent years that lengthy mandatory minimum sentences without the possibility of parole is unconstitutional for defendants convicted as juveniles. He appealed to the Iowa Court of Appeals after a Scott County District Court judge denied his application for post-conviction relief and his request to resentence him to life with the possibility of parole in October. The Iowa Court of Appeals wrote in a written opinion released Wednesday that although Smiths argument was compelling, there is no violation of equal protection for failing to sentence young adults and juveniles in the same manner because the two classes are not similarly situated for purposes of sentencing. Jenny was a 15-year-old Pleasant Valley High School sophomore when she was killed on Sept. 26, 1986. Smith, who had dated Crompton, broke into her family's Bettendorf home and waited for her arrival. Jenny had tried for months to break off the relationship. She had taken the mail from the mailbox and was looking at it when she was attacked. During his trial in Scott County District Court, testimony revealed that Jenny was stabbed more than 60 times with a butcher knife taken from the family's kitchen. Smith was convicted of first-degree murder on Jan. 23, 1987, and is serving his sentence at the Iowa State Penitentiary, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections website. In 2011, former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad denied his request to commute his sentence. Western Illinois University (WIU) named Liz Nolte as its new director of development. She will be based at the WIU-Quad Cities campus, but will serve the entire university and report to the vice president of advancement and alumni relations. Nolte earned her bachelor's degree and was a member of the track and field at WIU, and previously served as the operations and communications director for Renew Moline in Moline, Ill. and the director of alumni engagement and annual giving at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. The Harkin Steak Fry went by the wayside three years ago, but Polk County Democrats are reviving it. The event won't have Tom Harkin's name attached, but its inaugural event will feature three prominent Democrats, including Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill. Bustos has increasingly gained a national reputation as a prominent voice for the Democrats as they seek to regain their footing after President Donald Trump's election. She and two House colleagues, Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, and Seth Moulton, D-Mass., will be the guest speakers at the Sept. 30 fundraising event. The Harkin Steak Fry was often a showcase for rising political stars and those who wanted to position themselves to run for president. Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama all spoke there. Both Moulton and Ryan have been mentioned in political circles as possible 2020 candidates. As Politico pointed out Wednesday, that isn't the case with Bustos. However, she has been a key candidate recruiter for House Democrats. She also has been grooming candidates at the local level. Bustos wasn't available for comment Wednesday, but in a statement she said: "Democrats believe in a better future, where all hardworking men and women have the opportunity to find a better job with better wages to support their families. This is the better deal we're committed to delivering to the American people and I look forward to speaking about how we'll turn this vision into reality for all Americans." The Harkin Steak Fry was an Iowa mainstay for decades, but it ended in 2014 as the senator prepared to retire from Congress. Sean Bagniewski, chair of the Polk County Democrats, said Wednesday that local Democrats worked with Harkin for more than a year to get permission to bring the event back. Now called the "Polk County Steak Fry," Bagniewski said he hopes the event will take on the importance that it once had. In the meantime, the event will utilize some of the same organizers, vendors and caterers, he said. "We lost part of our Iowa political legacy when it went away," he said. Bagniewski said he thinks Harkin may make an appearance at this year's event, too. Bustos, Ryan and Moulton have been emphasizing an economic message as a way to appeal to voters, particularly those in rural areas that Trump won last year. Bustos, who co-chairs the House Democrats' Policy and Communications Committee, helped to draft the party's legislative agenda released last week. That focus on jobs was one of the reasons the three were invited, Bagniewski said. The three also are relatively new, he said. "Theyre faces we havent seen a lot of yet in Iowa," he said. Ryan has been in Iowa before. He gave a commencement address in Fairfield in June. Bustos also is familiar with the state. She represents the 17th District in Illinois but spent a lot of time in Des Moines while working as a hospital executive before being elected to Congress in 2012. The steak fry will be at Des Moines Water Works Park. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds was among the speakers Tuesday applauding the federal governments proposed renewable fuel volumes for 2018, but farm-state and renewable energy industry officials expressed concern that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was backpedaling on future advanced biofuel production. The Renewable Fuel Standard, passed and signed into law in 2005, requires increasing volumes of renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply. The new EPA targets call for the statutorily required 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels, including corn-derived ethanol, but propose to cut volumes for advanced biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass-based diesel. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said the proposed 2019 biodiesel level was flatlined at 2.1 billion gallons compared with 2016 consumption of 2.9 billion gallons, while the proposal cuts cellulosic ethanol by 25 percent. Reynolds and others testified at a hearing in Washington, D.C., that fuel production levels will drive demand and investment decisions critical to the industry and rural economies. As the current ag economy experiences a downturn, Reynolds testified, sustainable and predictable renewable fuels markets are incredibly impactful to the bottom line of farmers and rural Iowa. Reynolds noted that President Donald Trump has been extremely supportive. She praised EPA officials for their accessibility and willingness to make timely decisions, but she said she was disappointed to see biofuels cut overall and volumes in biodiesels main category stay flat under the latest proposal. She and other expressed hope the EPA would adjust the numbers before issuing a final rule in November. More than 43,000 of the roughly 340,000 U.S. jobs supported by the renewable fuels industry are in Iowa, generating $2.3 billion of income for Iowans. Reynolds said the EPA decision carries considerable economic significance for her state given that about $4.6 billion of Iowas gross domestic product was tied directly to the renewable fuels industry in 2015, and the price break Iowa motorists get at service stations offering ethanol-blended fuels saved them more than $315 million, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, expressed concern that the reduced or flat production volumes for biodiesel and cellulosic biofuels would create uncertainty and slow investment at a critical time for the industry and rural America. When President Trump visited Iowa in June, he reiterated his commitment to supporting ethanol and biodiesel as part of his plan to rebuild rural America, Ernst said. I trust that the presidents commitment will be reflected in the final rule that the EPA puts forward. Others in the renewable energy industry testified that the RFS was designed to drive investment and innovation by providing stability and incentives for the development of clean alternative fuels. But the proposed advanced biofuel volumes fell short of the goal by perpetuating the status quo rather than spurring sustainable alternatives to petroleum. Cellulosic biofuels are poised to drive the next great wave of manufacturing investments across the heartland of the United States, but for the administration to succeed in rebuilding the rural economy, the EPA must set forward-looking targets for cellulosic production. Any retreat sends an unmistakable signal to investors that the U.S. is no longer fertile ground for innovation, said Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council. Less than two years into running a medical marijuana operation in Illinois, Quad-City businessman Matt Stern now has his sights set on Iowas budding cannabis program. Although the state is not yet accepting applications for dispensary licenses, Stern, who owns Natures Treatment of Illinois, a cannabis retail shop in Milan, wants to open up a second location in Iowa. Were definitely going to apply for one of the dispensaries, he said Tuesday. Id like to get the Iowa side of the Quad-Cities and be ready for the future. The Iowa Department of Public Health will open the bidding process in January, with the goal of awarding licenses to as many as five dispensaries in different parts of the state by April. The state also will choose up to two manufacturers before that deadline. The application fees are $7,500 for manufacturers and $5,000 for dispensaries. Those selected must begin supplying product no later than Dec. 1, 2018. Iowas newly expanded law, which took effect May 12, allows license holders to produce and sell cannabidiol, or CBD, that has a tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, content of up to 3 percent. THC is the plants main psychoactive component that creates a high. Stern, whose business carries CBD oil-based products, including mints and gummies, with varying levels of THC, said Iowa will need to loosen its THC cap for the program to succeed. CBD with 3 percent THC is virtually just CBD, said Stern, whose dispensary, one of 53 in Illinois, serves about 425 patients. I dont think it will be very profitable at all with that limited product, but I think the state will change their offerings as they get more mature and understand things a bit more. Before Iowas Medical Cannabidiol Act, only patients with epilepsy were granted access to the drug. The new regulation will expand access to nine more conditions: Cancer Multiple sclerosis (MS) Seizures AIDS or HIV Crohns disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Terminal illnesses with a life expectancy of less than one year Parkinsons disease Untreatable pain As of Tuesday, 114 patients and caregivers in Iowa had received their cannabidiol cards, according to the Department of Transportation, the agency that issues the permits. Meanwhile, there are 21 individuals with active cards in Scott County, more than any other county besides Polk, which also has 21, the DOT reports. Moving forward, Stern said he is confident about his chances of winning one of Iowa's dispensary licenses. "We're just more qualified than somebody who has no expertise in the area," he said, noting he is willing to partner with someone in Iowa if that's what it takes. "I think it would be wise to weigh our application a lot heavier." To maintain a consistent brand, Stern would call his new business, Nature's Treatment of Iowa. The Moline City Council voted Tuesday to table for one week a vote that would allow deer hunting within city limits. Alderman Quinten Rodriguez, 1st Ward, said he needed more information about a possible city-wide hunt and its implications. He also stated he wanted to see how other cities handle such a hunt. I want more information to just to make sure were doing the right thing, Rodriguez said during Tuesdays committee-of-the-whole meeting. The vote to table the issue for one week passed by a 6-2 margin, with Aldermen Kevin Schoonmaker, 6th Ward, and Lori Turner, 5th Ward, casting the "no" votes. Before the issue was discussed, the council listened to a presentation on urban deer from Tim Preuss, urban deer project manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Preuss explained to the council the dangers of too many deer, from damage to public and private property, to deer-vehicle crashes, to issues with declining food supplies for other herbivores, to the spread of parasites and tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease in humans. But when council members asked Preuss if Moline had an urban deer problem, he said, That is something the city of Moline must determine. Alderman Dick Potter, 4th Ward, said in regard to the deer, Im not sure that the problem is as bad as some segments of society would have us believe. But Schoonmaker said that in his ward, the urban deer problem is very real. Alderman David Parker Jr., 2nd Ward, said he would like to know how Rock Island operates its deer hunt. Interim Police Chief John Hitchcock told the council he would contact Rock Island to see how that city uses the hunt to cull the deer herd. Mayor Stephanie Acri also asked if there was a way to map all of the deer-vehicle crashes that have occurred since 2013. She would like to see where in the city limits the crashes occurred as well as what time of day. In May 2016, the City Council passed a special ordinance for a hunt that was directed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The ordinance allowed for firearms to be used in the city limits at 901 46th St., which is property belonging to Moline businessman Hunt Harris. Although the council passed the resolution, the city did not obtain a permit from the DNR, so no hunt was conducted. Aldermen were told that instead of using sharpshooters with DNR permission, a public hunt would cost the city virtually nothing and could be a revenue source. Instead of the city spending money to get rid of deer killed by sharpshooters, the people participating in a city-sponsored hunt could keep the deer they kill for food. The city would offset any costs of the hunt by having a minimal application fee or hunting fee. The next committee-of-the-whole meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. I would like to ask, does England have a 4th of July? Our 4th of July evolved from the Revolutionary War. It started when Benjamin Franklin and others sent a message to King George to go fly a kite. Everybody knows about Paul Revere, the midnight cowboy of 1776, who rode around yelling, "The British are coming." His first stop was at a sleazy hotel. Nobody knows how he got his horse up to the 7th floor. After that, a nut, thought to be John Paul Jones, was seen waving a lantern. He must have been looking for girls, because he believed in life, liberty and the happiness of pursuit. He was willing to pay their transportation, one if by land, two if by sea. George Washington was known for standing up in a boat while crossing the Delaware. He was afraid to sit down because somebody would hand him an oar. When Washington's troops wintered at Valley Forge, it got down to 10 below zero. It was the United States first cold war. Some of us celebrate the 4th with fireworks well into the night. We believe it's Snap, Crackle and Pop, Larry, Darryl and Darryl or The Three Stooges. Our country is great and we should honor our flag. Millions have come for a better life, because we have been blessed with liberty. We have equal opportunity and should be equally obligated. Dignity should be given to all. Our country is not perfect. We should all do what we can for it. David Dorris Davenport CEDAR RAPIDS Conceding it likely would make some Republicans mad, Iowa gubernatorial hopeful Ron Corbett on Tuesday attacked Gov. Kim Reynolds handling of the state budget and said she could face the same fate as Big Debt Chet at election time. Corbett, who is competing with Reynolds for the 2018 Republican nomination for governor, was referring to former Gov. Chet Culver. Corbett charged that the fiscal steps the governor is taking are going in the wrong direction. Principled fiscal conservatives do not borrow one-time money from their rainy day fund to meet ongoing, operational expenses, he said at a campaign luncheon in Cedar Rapids. Corbett, the former speaker of the Iowa House who is closing out an eight-year run as mayor of Cedar Rapids, also took Reynold to task for not yet proposing reforms to the states income tax system, which both have called outdated and uncompetitive. As speaker of the House from 1995-99, Corbett made tax cuts a part of his agenda every year. During that time, the Legislature cut income taxes 15 percent across the board. he said. If were going to grow as a state, Iowa needs to be competitive for people to stay here and for people to move here, he said. Thats one our biggest challenges were not growing fast enough. Corbett is campaigning on creating a simpler income tax coupled with a sales tax increase. He proposes eliminating nearly all deductions for people making more than $10,000 a year. At the same time, his plan calls for raising the sales tax by a penny with three-eighths of a cent going to water quality improvements and outdoor recreation projects. That would allow the state to eliminate Iowas top tax bracket of 8.98 percent, which Corbett called sticker shock to businesses and individuals considering a move to Iowa. Under his plan, Iowans would pay a flat 3 percent income tax. The Reynolds campaign suggested Corbett is playing political games while she is focused on building a better Iowa for all Iowans. Reynolds spent Tuesday morning fighting for Iowans, a campaign spokesman said, by testifying in Washington, D.C., about the Renewable Fuel Standard. A strong RFS helps keep our agriculture economy humming and is good for all Iowans, the spokesman said. Reynolds handling of the budget was part of Corbetts answer to a frequent question on the campaign trail: Is she vulnerable in 2018? He thinks she is not only in the primary, but even more vulnerable in the general election. Describing himself as coming from the tax-cutting wing of the GOP, Corbett said hes disappointed that Reynolds hasnt put forward a tax overhaul plan. Its not like the governor hasnt championed causes, he said. Shes done it on STEM (science, technology, engineering and Math). Shes done it on Future-Ready Iowa. But she has not championed income tax modernization. Corbett said Reynolds should call a special session of the Legislature to deal with a projected $104 million budget shortfall. Lawmakers already borrowed $131 million to get through the fiscal year that ended June 30. Corbett blamed bad fiscal projections and a wait-and-see approach of Reynolds and former Gov. Terry Branstad, who turned over the reins to Reynolds in May. If the current projections hold true of this $104 million, Gov. Kim Reynolds will be borrowing $104 million twice what Gov. Chet Culver borrowed, Corbett said. Culver, a Democrat, served from 2007-11. He borrowed $47.5 million to balance the state budget. And what was the nickname of Gov. Chet Culver? Corbett asked. Who actually coined the nickname for Gov. Chet Culver? It was Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. They referred to him as Big Debt Chet. And he was a one-term governor. John Delaney plans to spend a few days at the Iowa State Fair being a normal person enjoying the fair with my family. He also will talk about his plans to seek the presidency in 2020. The three-term Democratic U.S. representative from Maryland acknowledges its an early start by conventional standards. In fact, launching a presidential campaign 1,194 days before the election is a record, according to Smart Politics. But it doesnt seem like much time to Delaney. He said talking with voters, sharing his vision and listening to concerns is a good thing. More time strikes me as the right answer, he said. Delaney, 54, said hes not the only one already running, hes merely the only one to publicly announce his intentions. According to CNN, at least 22 Democrats are considered possible candidates. At least two of them, U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan of Ohio and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, will visit Iowa in September, and Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota will be in Iowa on Aug. 31. In addition to spending a few days at the fair, which runs Aug. 10-20, Delaney plans to meet with people who might be interested in being a part of his campaign. Its not his first Iowa visit. Delaney campaigned for Jim Mowrer, a two-time congressional candidate. Before that, Delaney, who started two companies now publicly traded, visited Iowa to see clients. Although he doesnt embrace the generic Democrat label, Delaney said most in his party share a common set of goals and values. We all want health care for all Americans, he said. "We all want to take positive steps to build the middle class. We all want to do some concrete things to deal with risks like climate. I have progressive instincts, which is why some of the things I say sound like other Democrats. The difference, Delaney said, is that he favors market solutions to achieve those goals. Its probably the entrepreneur in me, he said. "I really believe in the power of private markets." For example, in how technology, automation and global markets are changing the economy, he calls those trends fundamentally positive, but not for everyone. So public policy should be oriented toward making sure these trends can continue to benefit people, but we should try to bend them to help more Americans, he said. He sees the private economy as a miraculous innovation machine that has continued to improve the standard of living of the average American if you go back over time. Its not always perfect in helping everyone, Delaney said. As policymakers, we should make sure those left behind are taken care of and to create incentives to a capitalism that is more inclusive and more just. PIERRE | The Legislatures committee studying workforce housing will make recommendations at the next meeting in late September or October, its chairman said Tuesday. Rep. David Lust, R-Rapid City, told lawmakers there wouldnt be public testimony. Lust said he would catalog items from the two days of meetings so far and circulate the list for additional comments. The study group is looking for ways to expand availability of affordable housing for workers in South Dakota. We have to have the incentives on the front end, said Barbara Garcia, manager for the community development division of Rapid Citys municipal government. Jed Baumann, who runs Baumann Lumber in Fort Pierre, said South Dakota should define affordable workforce housing. He said the biggest costs are water, sewer and utilities. In other business, the committee discussed: Housing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. More than 5,200 people go to work each day on Pine Ridge, but 51 percent come from outside the reservation because they cant find housing there, according to Nick Tilsen of Thunder Valley Community Development. Thunder Valley purchased 34 acres of property near Sharps Corner, where the organization plans to build houses and apartments. Eventually 700 to 900 people are expected to live there, and retail space is planned too, according to Tilsen. An update on the Governors Office of Economic Development, which is making $1 million per year available to help remove dilapidated houses from communities. Deputy commissioner Aaron Scheibe said the programs initial application deadline is Aug. 18. He said houses must be owned by a county, city or nonprofit or have a purchase agreement. He said local government must provide a one-to-one match and a redevelopment plan is necessary within two years. Scheibe said there are about 3,000-plus blighted houses, based on estimates. He said the funding match means about 300 houses could be removed annually. For right now were going to stick on the residential side, Scheibe said. State governments Revenue Department, which for the first time is assembling an annual report on tax increment financing districts, according to Michael Houdyshell, the agencys director for property taxes. Gov. Dennis Daugaard issued an executive order March 6 calling for the report and for recommendations from revenue officials regarding TIFs. Developers use TIFs to pay for infrastructure improvements within defined areas. The additional taxes are put in a fund that pays off the debt for improvements. After it is repaid, the additional tax revenue flows to the government bodies again. Theres inconsistency among communities on whether TIFs should cover infrastructure for housing developments, Houdyshell said. That affects public school districts because TIFs generally are exempt from the state-aid formula, he said. The question facing state government is whether local property owners or taxpayers statewide should be responsible for covering the difference, according to Houdyshell. SIOUX FALLS | Several law enforcement agencies are searching for a man accused of leading officers on a chase from Iowa to South Dakota and injuring a sheriff's deputy. The search Wednesday is centered in Sioux Falls. Police spokesman Sam Clemens says the suspect struck the squad car of a sheriff's deputy from Iowa's Lyon County, sending the officer to the hospital. Authorities say the man was driving a stolen pickup truck from Harrisburg that was found in a business parking lot in Sioux Falls. They also say there might have been a second man in the vehicle. Officers from Sioux Falls, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and South Dakota Highway Patrol are using a drone and an all-terrain vehicle in the search. Authorities say the suspect might have a stolen weapon. PIERRE | The state House speaker said Tuesday that he plans to pursue a ballot measure that would impose a $1 tax hike on a standard pack of cigarettes to make South Dakota's four technical institutes more affordable. Republican Rep. Mark Mickelson said he decided to push that proposal rather than a smaller package of tax increases on tobacco products. Attorney General Marty Jackley earlier on Tuesday filed an explanation of the initiative with the secretary of state's office, a step required before signature gatherers can spread out across the state. The proposed ballot measure would increase taxes on different tobacco products including a $1 hike per 20-cigarette pack. South Dakota's tax is currently $1.53 per pack, according to the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy nonprofit. The tobacco tax plan aims to make state technical institutes more affordable and raise money to offer more programming, and Mickelson has said that lowering the cost of attendance would help keep young people in South Dakota. A June report to a state legislative panel found that South Dakota's tech institutes charge the highest average resident fees and tuition regionally. Backers of the ballot measure need to submit nearly 14,000 valid signatures to the secretary of state in November 2017 to get on the ballot in 2018. Voters in neighboring North Dakota last year rejected a ballot question that would have raised the state's 44-cent cigarette tax to $2.20. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. | A federal appeals court Tuesday retained federal protection for gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region, ruling that the government acted prematurely when it dropped them from the endangered species list. The court upheld a district judge who in 2014 overruled the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which had determined that wolves in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin had recovered after being shot, trapped and poisoned nearly out of existence in the previous century. They've bounced back and now total about 3,800. The service announced in 2011 that wolves in the region would be stripped of their endangered status and managed on the state level. In a unanimous ruling, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said the service had not adequately considered a number of factors in making its decision, including loss of the wolf's historical range and how its removal from the endangered list would affect the predator's recovery in other areas, such as New England, North Dakota and South Dakota. The ruling prohibits the three states from having wolf hunting or trapping seasons, as they did when wolves were under their control. A spokeswoman for the Fish and Wildlife Service had no immediate comment. The same court took wolves in Wyoming off the endangered list in May. Environmental advocates cheered the ruling on Great Lakes wolves, saying they remain vulnerable despite their comeback in recent decades. "The second highest court in the nation reaffirmed that we must do much more to recover gray wolves before declaring the mission accomplished," said Noah Greenwald, endangered species program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Wolves are still missing from more than 90 percent of their historic range in the lower 48 states, and both the Endangered Species Act and common sense tell us we can't ignore that loss." Killing an endangered animal is illegal unless human life is threatened. Organizations representing farmers and ranchers, who want authority to shoot wolves preying on livestock, have long pushed to drop them from the federal list, a move that hunting groups also favor. Some members of Congress have tried repeatedly to attach provisions to various bills that would "delist" wolves, return management responsibilities to the states and bar further court challenges. The latest effort fizzled in May when congressional negotiators dropped such a proposal from a spending measure. Rep. Sean Duffy, a Wisconsin Republican, urged the Trump administration to appeal the court ruling. "Our farmers deserve to be able to protect their livestock, and they should not suffer because of the decisions made by an overreaching federal government a thousand miles away," Duffy said. Rapid City joined thousands of other communities across the country Tuesday to celebrate the vital relationship between citizens and first responders. Its a community-police relations builder, and theres neighborhood block parties going on all over the country, said Karen Springer, an officer administrator for Rushmore Mall and the organizer of Rapid Citys National Night Out event. Ive lived here for three years now, and I hadnt seen one happen here. So I asked the boss if we could do one and he said, Sure. National Night Out started in 1984 and has expanded to all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide, the event's website says. Springer said the local event, held in the Sears parking lot at the mall, was thrown together kind of last minute, but she was happy with the turnout. Members of the Rapid City fire and police departments, paramedics, Pennington County Sheriffs Office and the military working dog unit from Ellsworth Air Force Base were on hand. Springer said it's important for community members including kids to know emergency workers are here to protect them. It wasnt quite as hot this week although the temperatures stayed in the upper 90s. The prairie is bone dry and the fire danger is high so be careful. Made another run to Hettinger Monday afternoon to get a starter for one of the pickups and some other stuff for Casey while Reub went up to our Horse Creek pasture to check on the well. With hardly any rain, he has to make that trip every other day to make sure the well is keeping the cows watered. When its dry like this the dam in the pasture turns bad and cows start dying if they have to drink that water. I called former Rep. Mark DeVries Tuesday to tell him about Paul Higbees book about our cowboy governor Tom Berry. Mark lives in the area where Gov. Berry ranched and knew Toms son Baxter Berry, who was an old friend of mine back in the day. The guys have been working on the new fence theyre building over on our east place. Taz came home off the rodeo circuit Wednesday and helped them fence. They ran out of posts and wire, so Casey went to Buffalo to get more supplies from the hardware store. They borrowed Jace Jensons post pounder and when they got the last of the posts in the ground Taz and Amanda took the post pounder back to Jace Wednesday evening. Taz helped with the fencing Thursday before he had to leave that afternoon for rodeos in Nebraska, Colorado and Deadwood. Amber Wiechmann hosted a baby shower for her sisters new baby at the ranch Thursday evening. Rebecca and Andrew Trouten came from Washington with little Rilee Rae to visit her family. This is the first time most of us met Rilee and let me tell you, shes a keeper! Looks just like her momma did at that age. Laura Johnson got a bunch of the Bible study ladies together Friday morning for a surprise birthday party for Briana Fabris. Briana and the girls thought they were invited to Lauras for a tea party and so they were surprised to see all the cars parked in the yard when they drove in. There were a lot of goodies to eat and we sure had fun. Happy Birthday Briana hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Saturday night we went down to the Ranchers Camp meeting at the Darrel Lyon Campground south of Meadow Corner to hear Pastor Mark Richardson from Bethel Lutheran in Faith speak. Phil Hahn played his guitar and led the singing. After the service Jim Lyon grilled hot dogs for us and the ladies served some delicious side dishes. Duane Shea donated a beautiful picture taken by Christian Begeman to Slim Buttes Lutheran. This summer Begeman took the picture of a double rainbow centered right over our church. It is impressive! Have you been listening to the circus in DC this week? These quotes are so fitting: 1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. - John Adams 2. If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. - Mark Twain 3. Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. - Mark Twain 4. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Winston Churchill 5. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw 6. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money. - G. Gordon Liddy 7. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. - P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian 8. Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. - Frederic Bastiat, French economist(1801-1850) 9. I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. - Will Rogers 10. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! - P.J. O'Rourke Simulated fire tested first responder skills HOT SPRINGS At about 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon, July 27, the fire alarm in Pine Hills Retirement Community sprang into life and began its loud beep- beep beep warning, telling residents that a fire had broken out in the building. The fire wasnt real, but part of a planned simulation created to involve all of the communitys first responders -- the Hot Springs Police Department, the Fall River County Sheriffs office, the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department and the Hot Springs Ambulance Service; also people from the State Home and Pine Hills and test their timing and response to the scenario. The idea behind the simulation was that a fire broke out in the Pine Hills kitchen and filled the building with smoke. Residents had to be evacuated, and some would be burned and require hospitalization, a couple may even require Black Hills Life Flight helicopter evacuation to a Denver burn center. Pine Hills would be a scene of mass confusion and concern. Fall River County Emergency Manager Frank Maynard said this is the first time such a thing had been attempted in Hot Springs and that new federal rules make it a requirement for some 75 first responders and emergency managers in the community to participate in the simulation. This will be a learning exercise for everyone, he said. And so it was: Moments after the fire alarm sounded, Pine Hills residents began to be evacuated from the building, beginning with the first floor. Within three minutes after the alarm sounded, the Hot Springs Police Department was on the scene. Chief Mike Close came into the building first, grabbed a fire extinguisher and headed towards the kitchen. He was followed by Captain Bill Wainman, who was put in charge of traffic control outside the facility. Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Company trucks and firefighters arrived at 1:07 p.m. They came into the building dragging hoses through the front door, and going low, below the smoke and pretended to put out the fire in the kitchen. After the fire was out, they set up exhaust fans to clear the building of smoke, and a search for residents remaining the building began. Several people, including State Home Director of Operations Randy Meyers, and Pine Hills staff members, portrayed fire victims who were confused, argumentative, or simply passed out from the fire. When firefighters approached Meyers, for example, he acted disoriented, asked them what they were doing, and became argumentative when they tried to place him on a stretcher to get him out of the building and to the ambulance, to add to the simulations realism. A Hot Springs Ambulance Service ambulance arrived shortly after the fire trucks, awaiting to treat the injured and transport them to care facilities. By 1:27 p.m., it was announced that there remained eight residents on the second floor. By 1:32 p.m., they had been found and removed from the building, with medical care given if necessary. After the exercise at Pine Hills was completed, the facilitys Executive Director, Vickie Nekuda, and Michelle VanCleave, Operations Manager, said they were very pleased with the results of the simulation. Everything went as it should with one small exception, both pointed out: The buildings service doors didnt operate in the way they thought they should have. Both agreed that this is exactly the kind of thing a simulation is designed to point out areas that need improvement. So if the real thing ever happens and certainly no one could wish for this they now have the knowledge to proceed and solve this element of the simulation. Still some of the shoppers at Shopko, Pine Hills neighbor, were certainly wondering what was going on at the retirement home. After a couple of fairly comfortable days, the week ended with warm, muggy weather on Saturday and Sunday. David Ruth spoke briefly at the Community Baptist Church in Union Center on Sunday about his mission with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. David graduated in May with a BA degree in Architectural Studies from Amherst College in Amherst, Massechusetts. He will be helping with equiping others in the field with tools to minister to college students in Massachusetts where he will be returning in August. The Dean of the Witherspoon University of Rapid City was the main speaker during the church service. The University offers bachelors and associate degrees in some areas now so it is an additional option for those wishing to proceed with a quality education. David Ruth, and Reggie and Jennifer Rhoden were dinner guests of Larry and Sandy Rhoden on Sunday after church service. It was a very warm day so the younger ones headed to the Red Owl Dam for some fun in the water. The end of July is the time for county fairs all over the state. Now, many of the 4-H members are making plans to head to the State Fair in Huron, which typically concludes on Labor Day. The Faith Stock Show and Rodeo will take place from August 8 - 13. Tuesday opens with the Dakota Cahmpionship Open Roping at 10:00 am. The livestock show begins on Wednesday morning at 8:00 am. while Wednesday evening there will be the Faith Match Bronc Ride at the fairgrounds freaturing 25-30 top NFR brond riders and horses. There will also be a carnival from Wednesday through Sunday evenings provided by Paradise Amusements Carnival. On Sunday the week will conclude with the Firemen's Pancake Breakfast at the fire hall from 6:30 - 8:30 am. At 8:30 am there will be the Cowboy Worship Service at the Legion Hall. The parade will take place at 10:00 am and at 1:00 pm will be the Third SDRA/NRCA Rodeo Performance at the fairgrounds with many fun activities. With August comes the ringing of the school bells in all South Dakota schools. Registration and open house for students in the Rural Schools will be 9:30am to 11:30 am, grades k-8 on Thursday, August 24. Registration for new students at the Sturgis Brown High School will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginnning on Monday, August 14, at the office of SBHS. The open house and orientation will be held Tuesday, August 22 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The rest of the summer will go very fast from here on out. Enjoy what is left of it and keep praying for rain. Rod and Tracy Ingalls kept appointments in Rapid City on Thursday the 20th. Beside the chiropractor it was time for eye appointments and new specks. Jason Ingalls also went to Rapid for appointments that day, coming home through Sturgis for errands and home early. So terribly dry a person hates to leave the ranches without watchful eyes for fires. Kay Ingalls took her turn for town on Friday. Went around by Newell as highway 34 is under construction so avoided that. Met Rita Bestgen on highway 79 to exchange stuff, then on to Sturgis and Rapid then home before 3 o'clock. Hot day so glad to be home. Saturday the 22nd was the Ingalls reunion held at Mark's Park north of Sturgis. Rod, Tracy, Nate, Jason, Justin, Kay, Hugh and Eleanor Ingalls as well as Dwayne, Zona, Hope and Darrell Vig and Walter and Diane Fees attended from this area. Smaller than other years but those there had a good meal and visit. Roch and Rita Bestgen and their family went to a lot of work to make this come together for everyone to enjoy and especially all the activities for the kids. Thank you ! John Heidler had a mishap with his 4-wheeler over the weekend and broke his collar bone. Sorry, John and hope you mend completely and quickly Sunday the 23rd was the Simons Reunion held in Union Center at the much appreciated air conditioned community center. Another nice crowd, good food and visiting with a band playing for dancing and listening. Thanks Misty Walker for all your work with that project. Dwayne, Zona and Hope Vig went to Prairie City for services on the 23rd where Dwayne gave the lesson, then they went on to Newell for lunch before attending the 60th wedding anniversary celebration held in Sturgis for Keith and Sue Keffeler. Congratulations to Keith and Sue. Keffeler's son Tracy and Aurora Vig Keffeler and family from Gillette, Paul and Cheyenne Vig Winkler and family and JT Vig and family were in attendance as well. Dwayne and Zona stopped in at the Simons Reunion on their way home so they could visit with friends there. Tuesday the 25th Dwayne, Hope and Darrell Vig flew to Rapid City to visit Merle Vig for his 81st birthday. Lisa Vig Loveridge was there also. Kay Ingalls left on Tuesday afternoon to go to Sturgis to visit sister Freda and niece Linda Grenz and family members and to attend the family services that evening for Bill Grenz. Bill passed away after a long hard fight with the horrible cancer disease. Robert Ingalls also came in to the services. I spent the night at Carpenters, had breakfast on Wednesday with Gladys and Guy Edwards and their daughter Trisha and hubby Craig Henderson from Colorado then attended the funeral for Bill on Wednesday forenoon. Rod and Tracy and family also came in for the services along with many other friends and relatives. Bill was the best of the best and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Condolences go to out to Linda, her sons Bert and Bart Grenz and families and others who loved him as well. Kelsey, Brixie and Reno, Marty, Morgan and Hope Vig joined Dwayne and Zona for supper meal on Wednesday. Later JT Vig came to be part of the homemade ice cream, cake and strawberries experience for Hope's birthday. The weather was so pleasant the group were able to sit out on the patio and enjoy the ice cream and visit long after dark. Dwayne, Zona and Hope Vig drove to Prairie City for Bible Study on Thursday. They picked up Kelsey's traveling chicken coop that Robyn Goddard had used earlier that week. Rod and Tracy Ingalls were in Rapid City on Friday to keep appointments and pick up their new glasses. Rita Bestgen came to her mom's, Kay Ingalls on Friday forenoon. We went into Faith for dinner and other business and she went back home later that afternoon. Friday Zona Vig rode with Morgan, Marty and Hank and a load of hay to Sturgis to pick up the car that had been at the body shop after the incident with the deer. Zona visited with Keith and Sue Keffeler and Geri Ericson before heading home. Tammy Vig came Friday evening and spent the weekend with hubby Darrell Vig. Won't be long now before Tammy will be home here to stay. Welcome to the community Tammy. Saturday afternoon a thunder storm brewed up and caused 3 lightning fires in the community. A couple close to the Opal School area and one east and south of our place here. Started on us and traveled onto Vig's pasture. Thankful for the area fire departments, family and friends and neighbors that respond so quickly to these fires. Dwayne Vig and Justin Weiss did some ground breaking with farm equipment to help keep the fire contained as well. We got not a drop of rain, but the Reeve Ranch managed to get an inch of rain that afternoon. Sunday Dwayne, Zona and Hope Vig attended services in Faith and then picked choke cherries at Norma Antrim's and then joined JT Vig and family for dinner. Kay Ingalls dined with Rod, Tracy, Nate and Jason on Sunday after church. Justin was working in Faith. Strange event this morning with the weather here this Monday morning as it was so foggy could not make out the outlines of the buildings across the road. Does that mean a Halloween weather event in the works ? We will see. The former Bennett County states attorney convicted of tax evasion was recently arrested for again failing to pay taxes, according to authorities. Ken Orrock, 48, of Rapid City, is set to be sentenced at the end of the month for evading business taxes in 2015. Orrock admitted that as owner of the Black Hills Patrol security agency, he didnt remit $17,000 in federal taxes he had collected from employees in the last quarter of 2015. The offense, willful failure to collect and pay over tax, is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The federal court allowed Orrock to remain out of jail while waiting to be sentenced Aug. 30. But on July 21, Orrock was arrested and detained at the Pennington County Jail following allegations he hasnt paid Black Hills Patrols taxes for the year. This would be a violation of the conditions of his release. In a hearing at the Rapid City federal courthouse Monday, according to a record of the proceedings from the IRS, Orrock admitted failing to pay the security agencys employment taxes in the first and second quarters of 2017. Orrocks lawyer, Stanton Anker, told the Journal the taxes were paid prior to Monday's hearing but had not been timely paid. The IRS record states that Orrock blamed his mother-in-law for not paying the taxes. Anker declined to comment on the issue, citing his clients ongoing case. Federal prosecutors had asked Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann to keep Orrock in jail until his sentencing, saying he was a flight risk. The judge didnt think he was a flight risk, or a danger to the community, and let him go. But Wollmann added another condition to his release: Orrock needs to provide the U.S. Attorneys Office with proof that he is making semimonthly payments to the IRS. Orrock was released from the county jail mid-afternoon Monday. It was the first time he had been arrested in his tax evasion case; Orrock made his initial court appearance following a summons, and without being arrested, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. He pleaded guilty the same day he first appeared. Under his plea agreement with prosecutors, signed in February, Orrock agreed to pay the IRS some $280,000. The amount includes other Black Hills Patrol taxes he failed to pay: $100,000 in employers taxes from 2011 to 2015, as well as $162,000 he taxed employees from 2011 through the third quarter of 2015. Orrock said he used a portion of the unremitted taxes for personal expenses, including vacations and private school tuition. In February, Orrock met with Rapid City police officials to voluntarily surrender his personal security license, said Rapid City government spokesman Darrell Shoemaker. At the time, Shoemaker said, Orrock and his lawyer indicated they would be transferring ownership of Black Hills Patrol to Orrocks wife, Julia Orrock. Anker did not know if the agencys ownership has already been transferred. He said a different lawyer is handling the matter. The Rapid City government is among the security agencys clients. The citys existing business with the agency involves security for the Rapid City Water Reclamation Division and Rapid City parks and cemeteries. The services are renewed on a month-to-month basis, Shoemaker said. Black Hills Patrol would not be barred from bidding on city contracts, said Shoemaker. It is up to each city department or entity, he said, to decide whether to continue doing business with the security agency, taking everything into account during the review and selection process when contracts come up for renewal. Meanwhile, Orrocks license to practice law in South Dakota has been revoked. Last week, the state Supreme Court placed a notice in the Journal, stating Orrock has been disbarred from the practice of law in all of the Courts of South Dakota. The judgment was effective July 19. Orrock was states attorney for Bennett County from 2013 till last year, when he lost the Republican primary to the incumbent states attorney, Sarah Harris. As a defense attorney, his recent clients included Jody Kreycik, who was convicted of killing a Rapid City woman in a drunken boating accident at Pactola Reservoir in 2015. Turns out there's one more thing we can count on besides death and taxes and it's that whenever Donald Trump opens his mouth, it won't be long before he puts his foot in it. Sometimes it's his dishonesty; he makes a claim that is demonstrably untrue, and very often there's video to prove how untrue it is. Or sometimes it's his narcissism; bragging about how his TV ratings were better than Arnold Schwarzenegger's at a National Prayer Breakfast. Or sometimes it's his disloyalty, the things he says about friends who have shown great loyalty to him. As I write this, his target is Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, (though Reince Priebus, as we now know, was also in the crosshairs) and there may very well be a brand-new target 10 minutes from now. Jeff Sessions, as everybody knows, was an early supporter of Trump when no one thought he had a chance of winning the nomination; when every other GOP senator wouldn't touch the guy with a 10-foot pole. Memo to POTUS: You're not humiliating Jeff Sessions with your nonstop cheap shots. You're humiliating yourself. And there's something else about this president: He's not nearly as smart as he thinks he is. Despite his Ivy League education, he still hasn't figured out that he's no longer running a relatively small company out of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. When he was Businessman Trump his word was the law. He had no board of directors to answer to and no stockholders to please. He could be the king of his domain and get away with it. But he's not the king anymore. Being president requires a Reagan-like optimism and collegiality and an understanding of how to get things done when you can't simply issue a decree qualities in short supply with this president. It's not exactly a bulletin that Donald Trump has plenty of enemies. But another thing he doesn't quite seem to grasp is that he doesn't have the kinds of friends he really needs. He needs to pretend that his most loyal followers the ones who love anything and everything he does don't exist. Instead of throwing them red meat whether it's about "fake news" or "Crooked Hillary" (he can't let that one go either) he needs to ignore them. They give him a false sense of security. If he doesn't build the wall, he'll still have his base. If repeal and replace goes nowhere, he'll still have his base. If there's no tax reform or infrastructure legislation, he'll still have his base. They'll blame obstructionist Democrats and "squishy" Republicans for any and all failures. But they won't blame Donald Trump. Acolytes don't blame the ones they worship. But we understand why he continues to toss them the red meat that they love. It's because he needs their adoration, their adulation; he needs their applause the way most of us need oxygen. Without it he can't survive. But they're not his friends. Friends hold friends accountable when they do stupid things. Friends don't let friends blow up their presidency. President Trump's approval ratings stink, to use a technical term. And they're not going to get better by simply appealing to his base. What the base loves about him, most Americans don't. That's because the Donald Trump's most loyal supporters are not like most Americans. They're angrier and more alienated. They believe they're losing the America they grew up in and they don't like it. And they sense that Donald Trump, the tough guy who pretends he doesn't care what anybody thinks, understands them in a way that most politicians don't and never really have. And he'll remain their kind of guy even if he fires Sessions ... and then dumps the deputy attorney general ... and after that the special counsel who seems to make the president nervous. But if he does any of that, his days will be numbered. Yes, he'll still have his base. But that's all he'll have. And that won't be nearly enough to make America great again. It might not even be enough to stay in office for a full term. Investigators seek to extend house arrest of Renova Groups managers MOSCOW, August 2 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) Investigators have filed a motion to extend for a month the house arrest of Yevgeny Olkhovik, a co-owner of top Russian group of companies Renova, and Boris Vaynzikher, CEO of Renovas subsidiary, T Plus Company, the Basmanny District Courts press service told RAPSI on Wednesday. The hearing has been scheduled for August 3. On August 1, the court released Olkhovik and Vaynzikher, who stand charged with bribing officials of Russias Republic of Komi, from detention and placed them under house arrest. Earlier, a criminal case was opened against some former and acting managers of Kompleksnye Energeticheskiye Sistemy (KES) company, of which T Plus is the legal successor, over alleged corruption. At that time, the offices of the companys parent holding Renova were also raided. Three men holding CEO posts in the KES at different time, Olkhovik, Vaynzikher and Mikhail Slobodin are defendants in the case. Vaynzikher and Olkhovik were initially put detention. Slobodin, ex-head of the telecommunications giant VimpelCom, has been arrested in absentia. In late July, Russias prosecutors turned to Interpol asking it to issue a Red Notice for Slobodin. Investigators believe that between 2007 and 2014 the defendants bribed officials currently involved in the criminal case against the Republics ex-head Vyacheslav Gaizer. Olkhovik and Vaynzikher have allegedly received 177 and 89 million rubles (about $4.5 million in total) in bribes respectively during their management in the Kompleksnye Energeticheskiye Sistemy and transferred the money to the accounts of affiliated companies. Tatneft appeals refusal to enforce ruling against Ukraine MOSCOW, August 2 (RAPSI) Russian oil company Tatneft has filed an appeal against the Moscow Commercial Courts decision to cancel enforcement of ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague awarding the company $112 million in the dispute with Ukraine, RAPSI learnt from the Moscow court on Wednesday. The Moscow court believes that the company has a right to file a petition with a Russian commercial court seeking enforcement of a foreign courts ruling only if the commercial court in question has effective jurisdiction granting it right to actualize the ruling. According to the court, Tatneft did not provide evidence proving existence of other partys property on the Russian territory that can be recovered. Tatneft, based in Russias Republic of Tatarstan, claimed forcible takeover of Ukrtatnafta and seizure of its shares. In May 2008, the company took its case to a tribunal administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. In the summer of 2014, the tribunal ruled that Ukraine had broken the bilateral investment treaty with Russia and awarded compensation of $112 million plus interest over the Ukraine's Kremenchug oil refinery (Ukrtatnafta). Ukraines authorities have challenged the ruling, but the Court of Appeal of Paris dismissed the appeal in November 2016. In March 2017, the Russian company filed a motion with the U.S. court seeking to confirm arbitral award and enter the judgment in its favor. According to Tatneft, the amount of debt plus interest reached $144 million. Later, Tatneft filed similar motions with the High Court in London and the Moscow Commercial Court. This July, Ukraine filed a motion with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia asking to dismiss the enforcement petition of Tatneft. Custom motorcycles from nationally recognized builders will be on display at Anglers Lodge and Cabins in Hamilton on Wednesday evening. Rebel Yell Bourbon will arrive around 5 p.m. with the six custom motorcycles, which are on their way to the Buffalo Chip Campground in Sturgis, South Dakota. The motorcycles will be displayed and raffled off at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to the entrant with the best photograph of their rebel attitude. Photo entries can be submitted at rebelsuncaged.com. The builders of one-of-a-kind motorcycles are riding them - and transporting them on trailers at times - from Spokane, Washington, to Sturgis, South Dakota where as many as 500,000 people attend the rally annually. At Anglers Lodge and Cabins, people can meet and talk with the builders. Mike Johnson said this is a good event for cyclists in the Bitterroot Valley to come and see both what Hamilton has to offer and some neat bikes. Theres guys who build bikes in the Bitterroot and anyone whos building bikes or cars would be interested in this kind of thing. Its a good opportunity to get peoples minds off fires, Johnson said. Naps Burgers will cater the event at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, and Mineshaft Pasty Co. will serve breakfast Thursday morning before the riders leave. After responding to 13 human-caused fire-related incidents this weekend including one involving a cannon Ravalli County fire officials are urging the public to be more self-restrained as hot temperatures and a lack of rain pushes the fire danger into the very high zone. The request comes as the air quality hovers between unhealthy for sensitive groups and generally unhealthy based on monitors in Hamilton, and it probably will get worse. Windy conditions were expected to whip up the Lolo Peak fire. Tuesday afternoon, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation warning for approximately 70 homes on the south side of Highway 12 from Elk Meadows Road to Fort Fizzle, including Mill Creek. National forest firefighters are dealing with five lightning-caused wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest. We have got to reach out to some of these folks before they start really seriously burning, Ravalli County Lt. Zae Hudson told commissioners on Monday. The fireworks issue is alarming to me. He didnt return telephone calls Tuesday asking for details about the cannon, but Sheriff Steve Holton said some people own old ones in the valley and occasionally shoot them off. Holton adds that western Montana, remains under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which ban open burning. An important part of the restrictions involves smoking cigarettes, which is only allowed in enclosed areas, like a vehicle, or outside in areas devoid of flammable materials for a 6-foot diameter. Smoking is a big thing, Holton said on Tuesday. Florence had a fire on the side of the road a week ago that almost certainly was caused by flipping a cigarette out the window. Hamilton Fire Chief Brad Mohn said they also had a fire off of Skalkaho Road that he believes was started by a cigarette thrown from a vehicle. Four other small fires on West Bridge Road probably were caused by a safety chain between a vehicle and a trailer that was dragging on the ground. People need to be careful, because its just getting drier and drier out there, Mohn said. As of Tuesday, the Lolo Peak Fire covered 5,724 acres. The National Weather Service issued a red-flag warning for the evening, with strong, gusty winds expected from the northeast a direction not usually experienced in the Bitterroot. Mark Wilson, the fire management officer for the Bitterroot National Forest, said the wind probably will push smoke into the valley from fires into the Sapphires and Lolo Peak. That causes not just respiratory problems, but also can make it difficult to see any new fire starts. He added that the forecast doesnt call for any moisture in the near future, and there's the possibility of dry lightning on Sunday or Monday. We are approaching extreme fire danger, and its wouldnt surprise me if were there before this weekend, he said. The Energy Release Component or ERC for fuels is at the 90th percentile, and he expects that to grow to the 97th percentile soon. The ERC measures fuel dryness and compares it to the same date during a 10-year period. So when were at the 97th percentile, in the past 10 years only 3 percent of those days have been drier, Wilson said. We havent set any records, but if were getting to where only 3 percent of those are drier, we will be close to setting records. The Lolo Peak fire was started by lightning on July 15. Since then, crews have completed more than 25 miles of a fire break to protect homes along Highways 12 and 93. Fire information officer Mark Struble said the northeasterly winds should help by pushing the leading edge of the Lolo Peak fire back upon itself. Hes not hearing any concerns that the winds might blow the flames farther south, adding that if it does it will burn into wilderness. We will just have to hope this thing doesnt blow out in a direction we are not anticipating, Struble said. But the weather observers and everyone else think the fire will just blow back on itself. The fire has spotted west onto about 50 acres on Lantern Ridge, which Struble said had heavy fuel loads. But its still up in the forest and not threatening anything, he said. But that will probably cause an increase in smoke. Wilson also urged people to follow the fire restrictions that are in place. Firefighting resources are stretched thin, and we cant afford to be chasing human-caused starts, he said. Wednesday brought a welcome calm to most of the wildfires surrounding Missoula, aside from evacuations ordered near Lincoln on Tuesday night, which were spurred by quick growth of the Park and Arrastra fires from the wind. Rice Ridge fire: The menacing fire burning east of Montana Highway 83 near Seeley Lake added another 2,800 acres as it sent up great plumes of smoke over the town, to a current size of 6,857 acres. The fire became the nation's No. 1 priority Wednesday. Although the fire remained zero percent contained, no growth was reported Wednesday. The fire sat at about 60 acres for days, surrounded by a line of retardant, until it broke through Sunday to grow over 100 times that size in the early part of the week. Aircraft continued dipping water from Seeley Lake (which is closed to the public) Wednesday, including two Canadair Bombardier CL415s, known as super-scoopers, according to the daily report on the national fire information site InciWeb. Evacuation warnings remain in place on both sides of Highway 83 between Rice Ridge Road and Morrell Creek and south of Cottonwood Lakes Road, including the town of Seeley Lake and Double Arrow Ranch. Aircraft will continue to drop water and retardant today, the Wednesday update said. Firefighting activities are prioritized by those actions that will have the greatest probability of success. Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority. A Type II incident management team will take over the fire Thursday morning, and another public meeting is planned, but had not been scheduled as of Wednesday evening. Lolo Peak fire: A firefighter died Wednesday, apparently after being hit by a falling snag, on the Lolo Peak fire Wednesday. (See related story.) The 6,300-acre fire burning in the peaks and valleys above Highways 12 and 93 saw little growth Wednesday, after climbing over Lantern Ridge on Tuesday afternoon. That triggered evacuation warnings, but the fire failed to make a run down the Cedar Creek drainage toward the homes, according to Public Information Officer Leigh Golden. Winds were quieter near Lolo and Florence as well, she said. The fire continued to burn in the South Fork Lolo Creek drainage, protected from the shifting breeze. People will see flames and torching from Highway 12, Golden said. Because the fires in the canyon, in a north-south orientation, we werent too concerned the fire would threaten homes. Crews are expecting moderate fire growth the rest of the week, with four helicopters on hand to drop retardant as needed, while firefighters continue laying fire line and fuel break at the base of the mountain. Evacuation warnings are still in place for residents south of Highway 12 from Fort Fizzle to Elk Meadows Road. A public meeting was schedule for 7 p.m. Thursday at Florence Baptist Church 5561 Old Highway 93. Sunrise fire: Fire crews expecting high fire activity the rest of week will patrol night and day to protect evacuated structures while engines look for spot fires as the 10,800-acre fire continues to grow. The fire is growing to the north, east and south, according to InciWeb incident management system, about a mile from Interstate 90 near Tarkio. Residents in Quartz Flats, Quartz Creek, Sunrise Creek and Verde Creek are under mandatory evacuation. A Red Cross shelter is on standby at Superior High School and will open for evacuees, if needed. Liberty fire: Firefighters successfully held the Liberty fire out of the Boles Creek drainage Tuesday, which would have given the flames a straight shot toward Placid Lake homes. Instead, the fire burned down into South Jocko Canyon and toward Hidden Lake, according to InciWeb. The crews No. 1 priority was to strengthen containment line along the Boles Meadow burn scar Wednesday, to keep the fire out of the Boles Creek drainage and Placid Lake. The lightning-caused fire stood at 3,220 acres Wednesday. The Missoula County Sheriff Departments Evacuation Warning for the community of Placid Lake remains in effect. Sapphire Complex: A windy Tuesday evening spurred the Little Hogback, Sliderock and Goat Creek fires and forced mandatory evacuations out of the Rock Creek drainage, but by Wednesday afternoon the evacuation order for Stony Creek south to Kyle Bohrnsen Memorial Bridge was downgraded to a warning, according to InciWeb. Today our fire resources are going to continue prepping structures, said Public Information Officer Erin OConnor. If conditions are right, theyll start burn operations on the south side of the fire.'' BISMARCK, N.D. North Dakota is continuing to seek federal funding to help pay state law enforcement bills related to months of protests over construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, despite being rejected on its first attempt. The state has applied for nearly $14 million in funding from a Justice Department program that helps pay costs related to law enforcement emergencies around the country. The state in late June applied to the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program, according to U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp. The North Dakota Democrat sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Monday, urging his agency to "expeditiously review and approve" the state's request. A decision is expected by the end of September. The $3.8 billion pipeline built by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners began moving oil from North Dakota to a distribution point in Illinois in June. The project is still being contested in federal court by American Indian tribes who fear a leak could endanger their water supply, and protests from August to February resulted in a large-scale police response and 761 arrests. Gov. Doug Burgum in late April asked President Donald Trump for a disaster declaration to pave the way for federal aid to help recoup the $38 million spent by the state policing the protests and spare taxpayers the expense. The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the request in May. Such declarations typically involve natural disasters, and the governor's office acknowledged last month that the request was a "longshot." The state did not appeal. The Justice Department program might be better tailored to the civil unrest North Dakota experienced. One example of a past grant is about $625,000 during the Waco standoff in Texas in 1993. The North Dakota Legislature and Burgum earlier this year approved borrowing money to fund the protest response, but that money would have to be repaid by state taxpayers. There also is a longstanding offer from ETP to pay the state costs, and Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki on Tuesday said that option hasn't been ruled out. Toxicology Supervisor Scott Larson will become the next director of the Montana State Crime Lab after longtime leader Phil Kinsey leaves later this month. Attorney General Tim Fox announced the appointment Tuesday afternoon in a news release and on Twitter. Sheriffs, coroners, county attorneys and other members of the criminal justice community who rely on the lab for forensic analyses were notified in a letter last Wednesday. Larson will take over Saturday, Aug. 12, the day after Kinsey leaves. This transition period will allow us time to make sure lab services will continue uninterrupted and in the same spirit of improvements and efficiencies, Fox wrote in the letter. Larson, a board-certified toxicologist, earned his bachelors of science degree from the University of Montana in 1999 and went on to earn a masters in pharmacology in 2005. He started at the Missoula-based state crime lab as a graduate student intern and was hired to lead the toxicology section about four years ago. He previously had worked as a toxicologist in the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System in Maryland and as the deputy chief Toxicologist for Washington, D.C. Scott (Larson)s supervisory role in the Lab has played a big part in the improvement of its toxicology testing turn-around times, Fox said in a written statement. Larson said Tuesday that he hopes to build upon the improvements secured by Kinsey at the crime lab that provides forensic analysis and autopsy services to law enforcement statewide. Over the past several years, the lab has struggled with turnover, months-long testing times, tensions with county coroners about fees and quality of service, and an employee who stole narcotics from the evidence room. The lab has seen successes, too: securing tough-to-get international accreditation, cross- training its staff to avoid backlogs, helping to coordinate testing for a statewide backlog of untested rape kits, and restructuring the medical examiners office to clarify chain of command as well as to improve service to rural, eastern Montana communities. Recently, the lab became the 26th in the country to earn accreditation for its breath alcohol testing. Something Phil Kinsey really instilled in me is creating efficiency in the testing processes and monitoring the metrics of our performance to be as efficient as we can with the resources we have, Larson said. He will be paid an annual base salary of $99,486.40. Kinsey was paid the same base rate, but collected $102,960 in his final year with the lab because of longevity pay, said Fox Spokesman Eric Sell. The Montana Neighbor Award embodies the essence of Montana clean air and water, land stewardship and a commitment to public access, Gov. Steve Bullock said Tuesday. For the ranchers traveling to the Capitol to receive their awards, it was a recognition of doing what comes naturally to better their lands and offering a helping hand to a neighbor in need. The Montana Neighbor Award is among the most inspiring he gets to give out, Bullock said, signifying the spirit of collaboration, where Montanans may have differences but still care about their neighbors. (You) represent all that we as a state not are, but aspire to be, Bullock told the recipients, adding that he hoped their efforts will inspire more Montanans. Boulder-area rancher Leah Lewis was recognized for her commitment to the Block Management hunter access program, hosting tours for children, and working with agencies and nonprofits to improve wildlife habitat. She has also served on the Elkhorn Working Group and the Jefferson County Fair Board. Dad was always an advocate for public access and that kind of rubbed off on me, the fifth generation Montana rancher said. I really enjoy opening the ranch to nonranching kids because they may live only 15 miles away and its all around them, but for a lot of them its their first time on a ranch. Ranching can be draining at times but Lewis says she cannot think of any other way she would like to live. Joseph and Betsy Purcell of Lolo were awarded for the many projects on their ranch to improve habitat and agriculture, as well as allowing access for hunting and other recreation. You only go around once and we want to give back to Montana because its given us everything, Joe said. Mary Louise Peters of Trego was honored along with her late husband Jack for placing a conservation easement on their property, along with allowing access to the ranch and adjoining Forest Service land. Winnett ranchers Chris and Gari King allow public access for hunting, bird watching and other recreation. Along with stewardship of their property, the Kings were recognized for working collaboratively on often difficult issues such as water rights and land exchanges with neighbors, BLM and FWP. Tom and Barbara Sanders of Philipsburg ranch on Upper Rock Creek where the placed a conservation easement on the property. The fourth generation ranchers allow public access through Block Management where their family has been in agriculture for more than a century. The late Otto Teller, with the help of his wife Anne, began acquiring land in the Bitterroot Valley for what is the present day 1,200-acre Teller Wildlife Refuge. The land continues to be managed for fish and wildlife habitat and conservation education, in addition to allowing archery deer hunting and some youth hunting. The 12th annual Montana Neighbor Awards were given in partnership among the Montana Association of Land Trusts, Artemis Common Ground, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, The Nature Conservancy of Montana, the Montana Council of Trout Unlimited, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Governors Office. Post Office Plaza The K&D Group has a deal to purchase Post Office Plaza, a downtown Cleveland office building with substantial vacancy, from Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., is preparing to sell its last remaining piece of Tower City, the mixed-use complex positioned as a linchpin for downtown revival in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The K&D Group of Willoughby has inked an agreement to buy Post Office Plaza, a five-floor office building on West Third Street, from Forest City. Doug Price, chief executive officer for K&D, said the sale could occur in late August. He wouldn't divulge the price for the 477,000-square-foot building, which is 55 percent vacant after the departures of tenants including Quicken Loans and engineering firm AECOM for other downtown addresses. But, Price said, "it was a good deal. I'll put it that way." The sale will end Forest City's run as a downtown landlord. Once a dominant player in the central business district, the publicly traded company has shed its local holdings in favor of investing in bigger, busier cities including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Forest City still owns apartment complexes in the Cleveland suburbs and has a stake in a few suburban office buildings. But the company, much-changed over the last decade, is bowing out of the downtown real estate game - presenting opportunities for other investors to step up. Post Office Plaza will be K&D's third purchase from Forest City. In late 2014, K&D bought the Halle Building on Euclid Avenue, at the western edge of the theater district. Last year, K&D snapped up Terminal Tower, the 52-story building where Forest City has maintained its headquarters for 20 years. Forest City plans to move its offices to nearby Key Tower in the spring. K&D is converting part of the Halle Building into apartments and hopes to transform the lower floors of Terminal Tower into housing, as well. But Post Office Plaza won't be a residential redevelopment. Price expects to attract new office tenants to the building, which opened in the 1930s as Cleveland's central post office and was renovated as a corporate headquarters called MK Ferguson Plaza in 1989. "We don't have immediate tenants," he said, "but with the future of Public Square and the whole area, it's going to be a great space for somebody." Jeff Linton, a Forest City spokesman, declined to comment. The company typically won't discuss property sales until they're complete. But Forest City has been openly exploring sale prospects for Post Office Plaza for at least four years. Regulatory documents show that the building carries $13.6 million in debt - a mortgage that Price said K&D will take over as part of the transaction. The Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office puts the value of the property at $21.6 million, but that figure doesn't necessarily account for recent vacancies. AECOM and Quicken Loans left last year, emptying more than 130,000 square feet. Post Office Plaza houses the central plant system that heats and cools all of the buildings at Tower City, along with offices leased to legal, financial-services and call-center tenants. There's enough wiggle room to accommodate a company that needs more than 200,000 square feet of contiguous space, said Rico Pietro of Cushman & Wakefield/Cresco Real Estate, the real estate brokerage that has been marketing the building for Forest City and will stay on the job for K&D. Pietro said he and colleague Bill Saltzman found that tenants were reluctant to commit to Post Office Plaza without clarity about who the landlord would be. "A tenant with hundreds of jobs wants to know there is consistency down the line," Pietro said. He played up the building's proximity to Public Square and public transportation as key selling points for companies, particularly those with young employees who want to be close to everything downtown. The property includes access to 500 parking spots at Tower City, though K&D won't actually own that parking. "They're in it for the long-term," Pietro said of Price and longtime business partner Karen Paganini, K&D's president. "I think they're getting a great price for the building, and it's going to allow them to be aggressive with lease terms. "And I think what Forest City gets out of the transaction is peace of mind. They have a buyer they have worked with in the past ... and can be confident they're going to close on time, at the price point that they negotiated. In a market like Cleveland, that's a very important thing." Guwahati, August 2 : Tension gripped in many parts of Assam after a popular minority student leader of lower Assam and president of All Bodo Minority Students Union (ABMSU) Lafikul Islam Ahmed gunned down by miscreants in Kokrajhar district on Tuesday evening. According to the reports, two motorcycle borne unidentified assailants opened fire from an AK-47 rifle at Lafikul at a shop in Titaguri market in Kokrajhar district, while he had gone to buy tiles. Seriously injured Lafikul was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead. In the firing incident, the shopkeeper also injured and admitted at a hospital. Police found three empty AK-47 cartridges from the spot. Following the incident, members and supporters of ABMSU blockade roads by burning tyres and shouted slogans against the government and demanded a high level probe into the incident in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Guwahati and other parts of the state. Meanwhile, ABMSU called an indefinite bandh in protest against the killing and demanded immediate arrest of the killers. On the other hand, Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay had rushed to Kokrajhar following directive by the Assam Chief Minister and took part in a high level meeting with top police officials of the lower Assam districts. Assam DGP Sahay said that, the investigation is going on to nab the culprits and he had already asked an IGP to rush the area to maintain peace and order. "A massive hunt has been launched to nab the culprits," the Assam DGP said. Condemning the incident Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also asked Special DG Kula Saikia to rush to Kokrajhar and review the prevailing situation. On the other hand, Assam government has announced an Ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the victim family. On the other hand, Congress's Assam unit president Ripun Bora and opposition leader Debabrata Saikia demanded a high level probe into the incident. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) GAUSHALA, August 2: Minister for Labor and Employment, Farmullah Mansoor, has blamed the CPN (UML) and Madhes based parties as being separatists. At a news conference organised at Jaleshwor on Wednesday, Minister Mansoor said, "Development construction works of the country have been halted as the constitution has not got completion and acceptance due to stance of the CPN (UML) and Madhes-based parties." Saying that the Nepali Congress was ready to make the constitution acceptable to all by addressing the demands of all including Madhesi, Tharu, backward communities, among others by amending and making some revision in the constitution, he said that the NC has been carrying out activities in a responsible manner to create environment conducive to address the demands of all communities. Minister Mansoor said that the NC was always ready to establish rights of people, sustainable peace and development in the country and appealed to all to make the NC victorious with two-third majority in the upcoming elections. Responding to a query, he said that the government was serious to establish factories and industries in the Tarai area including Mahottari. RSS KATHMANDU, August 2: Most of the lawmakers supported the proposal of the Election Commission that it should get the authority to announce poll dates in the upcoming days. In the meeting of the State Affairs Committee under the Legislature-Parliament on Wednesday, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav presented this proposal before the meeting. Similarly, deliberations on the Bill relating to Election of the Member of House of Representatives-2017 have begun in the meeting. The lawmakers expressed positive views regarding the EC's proposal, saying the trend of announcing the election date by political parties and government at their favourable time in lack of authority to the EC to announce the poll dates has been affecting the smooth organization of the periodic elections. Similarly, the lawmakers also suggested the government to make arrangement of providing equal term through lucky draw respecting the mandate of the people if both candidates garner equal votes in the election. There is now a practice that the candidates getting the same number of votes in the election can be winner or loser on the basis of lucky draw. On the occasion, Home Minister Janardan Sharma familiarized the Committee about the rationale, necessity and provisions of the delegated legislation of the bill. He assured that the Committee's suggestions regarding the bill would be incorporated. A 312-point amendment proposal has been registered on the bill. Lawmakers also stressed that the date of periodic elections should be mentioned in the Act as well as suggested the government's representatives to bring the bill in order to hold the local-level election or House of Representatives on a single date. Discussion regarding the amendment proposal on the bill would continue on Thursday. RSS Thanks for responding, Capt. Basil! (And my appreciation for your avatar! I think The Great Mouse Detective is one of the most underrated films in the Disney library.) I also hope it becomes more easily available here. As for "The Baker Street Nursemaids," Sheldon Reynolds did both series, one filmed in France and one filmed in Poland, so I'm not all that surprised that he re-used titles and probably even plots. (The Ronald Howard series has surprisingly interesting set-ups to their plots, including the only filmed adaptation [albeit highly truncated] of VALL I know, besides Wontner's The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes.) Some guys might be forgiven for thinking that things are pretty good for women in the geek world: we are clearly visible at conventions (though perhaps more as audience than behind the tables), more 'geek' films are featuring (and made by) women; more women comic artists are making a cultural impact. But we're still only a few years out from Gamergate, and just this week, Marvel editor Heather Antos was bullied after she posted a photo of herself and other women who worked at Marvel. We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go, and these ups and downs form Geek Girls. Gina Hara, a filmmaker out of Canada, set out to find geeks like herself, and found both inspiration and disheartening truths, which she presents in her documentary. Geek Girls is framed around Hara's personal journey of looking for like-minded girl geeks, the friends and mentors she never had growing up, and looking to see if their experiences have been similar to hers, and how they differ. Hara covers a lot of ground, interviewing prominent figures in comics, films, gaming play and game development, cosplay, and even aerospace engineering. Women, while still in smaller numbers than men, work across all fields of what can be considered 'geekdom', and they as as varied in personalities and interest as can be imagined. So what does it mean to be a geek, especially a girl geek? We like to think that geek culture is 'in', but we might live in our own bubble, where that's what we read and hear about most of the time. Hara's journey first takes her to Japan which she sees as the birthplace of geek culture, given the popularity and anime and manga. Instead, it takes weeks before she finds any women willing to speak to her. The 'otaku', as they are known in Japan, prefer to exist in secret, especially women, and they speak of having their own supportive community while at the same time having to hide, for fear of harassment not only from the wider culture, but male otaku who are unwilling to accept them. Indeed, with all the women Hara interviewed, including Jamie Broadnax of Black Girl Nerds website and podcast, Mariko McDonald of Gamerwife, programers such as Miss Harvey, cosplayers and others who fall into the geek category, there was a similar pattern: a reluctance to admit their geek status, 'coming out' to family and friends, finding like-minded geeks of all genders, and then, for the women, frequently harassment, bullying, and even in some cases (as we know), threats of bodily harm. Hara frames the story around how it evolved during the course of filming: how she expected the story of geek girls to be more uplifting than what she found. This is not to say it's all doom and gloom: Hara does find a strong community of women, connections made through the hardship, and none of these women would ever stop being a geek or part of the gaming/cosplay/comic world, but it's amazing what we have to put up with just to do what we love. Hara covers an great deal of ground in the film given its length, interviewing across diverse people, personalities, and interests. We can see that girl geeks are a broad spectrum, rejecting monotony and stereotype, striving in their respective industries, all the while putting up with a small but sadly active minority who try to drive them out. Should Justice Ginsburg be accused of propagating "fake news" about the death penalty? | Main | Two effective new commentaries on mass incarceration, the drug war and local realities of criminal case processing August 1, 2017 "Prosecutors Dilemma: Will Conviction Lead to Life Sentence of Deportation?" The title of this post is the headline of this intriguing New York Times front-page article which indirectly highlights the realities and uncertainties of prosecutorial discretion and collateral consequences. Here are excerpts: Now that President Trumps hard line has made deportation a keener threat, a growing number of district attorneys are coming to the same reckoning, concluding that prosecutors should consider potential repercussions for immigrants before closing a plea deal. At the same time, cities and states are reshaping how the criminal justice system treats immigrants, hoping to hopscotch around any unintended immigration pitfalls. These shifts may inaugurate yet another local-versus-federal conflict with the Trump administration, which is already tussling with many liberal cities over other protections for immigrants. For prosecutors, such policies are also stretching, if not bursting, the bounds of the profession. Justice is supposed to be blind to the identity of a defendant. But, the argument goes, the stakes might warrant a peek. Theres certainly a line of argument that says, Nope, were not going to consider all your individual circumstances, we want to treat everybody the same, said Dan Satterberg, the prosecuting attorney for Seattle and a longtime Republican, who instituted an immigration-consequences policy last year and strengthened it after the presidential election. But more and more, my eyes are open that treating people the same means that there isnt a life sentence of deportation that might accompany that conviction.... But many prosecutors remain wary, hesitant to meddle in what they regard as the federal governments business and even more reluctant to depart from what they say is a bedrock principle of the system. Theres probably hundreds if not thousands of issues that I suppose we could take into consideration, said Brian McIntyre, the county attorney in Cochise County, Ariz., and when we do that, we necessarily wind up not being as fair to someone else.... If he made accommodations for an immigrant, Mr. McIntyre said, he felt that he would also owe a citizen in similar circumstances the same option, because is he not being, essentially, negatively impacted by his U.S. citizenry? A criminal record often has different stakes for an immigrant than it does for a citizen. It can mean losing a green card or being barred from citizenship. Those who lack legal status can lose any chance to gain it. Those with legal status, as well as those without, can face automatic deportation. In many cases, the city-and-state-level changes dovetail with broader criminal justice reforms that were already underway before Mr. Trump took office. But to the administration, policies that help noncitizens duck immigration penalties are tantamount to an assault on the rule of law. It troubles me that weve seen district attorneys openly brag about not charging cases appropriately under the laws of our country, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in April. The local efforts to help immigrants may not always work. The Trump administration has made clear that anyone without legal status may be deported, regardless of whether they have been convicted of a crime. But reducing criminal penalties can help immigrants by keeping them out of jail, which can make it more difficult for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to find them, or by preserving their options in immigration court.... Prosecutors who take immigration status into account say this consideration will not be extended to serious or violent crimes. They argue that showing flexibility in nonviolent, minor cases will help build trust with immigrants in their communities, making them more likely to report crimes and serve as witnesses. The acting Brooklyn district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, went further than most in April, when he announced that his prosecutors would begin notifying defense lawyers about the potential immigration fallout of their clients cases and that he would hire two in-house immigration lawyers to consult on prosecutions. Days later, the states attorney for Baltimore, Marilyn J. Mosby, said she had told her staff members to use their discretion when it came to cases with an immigration factor, considering defendants prior records and community ties. Theres no set standard, she said. You have to base it on everything thats in front of you. It is not yet clear what that will look like in Baltimore or Brooklyn. But in Santa Clara County, Calif., whose district attorney was among the first to outline an official policy, prosecutors often allow a noncitizen to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for more jail time or probation. If were giving something, were going to get something, said the district attorney, Jeff Rosen. California law now requires immigration consequences to be factored into criminal cases. The state has also passed a law allowing people to erase or revise old convictions if they successfully argue that they were not advised at the time that a guilty or no-contest plea would endanger their immigration status. August 1, 2017 at 05:59 PM | Permalink Comments Why would any community want to have an immigrant criminal. Being an immigrant and committing a crime is an aggravating factor. Posted by: federalist | Aug 2, 2017 8:47:03 AM "California law now requires immigration consequences to be factored into criminal cases." The law mandates that such consequences be considered in plea bargaining by prosecutors. This law, if mandatory as opposed to aspirational, is very likely a violation of separation of powers and therefore unconstitutional. Posted by: Eric | Aug 2, 2017 10:25:38 AM Padilla essentially requires that local prosecutors and local judges understand the immigration consequences of pleas -- either to avoid a later challenge to the plea or to address such a challenge. Once the immigration consequence is understood, it necessarily becomes part of the bargaining process. A reasonable defendant/defense counsel will try to avoid deportation. That changes the dynamics of plea bargaining. In some cases, that might mean a slight increase in the punishment in exchange for pleading to a lesser offense to avoid triggering deportation. (An alternative offer that might be a "coin flip" for a U.S. citizen -- fewer collateral consequences, but longer punishment -- might be a clearly better offer for a permanent resident who has to consider the additional collateral consequence of deportation.) Posted by: tmm | Aug 2, 2017 10:47:11 AM Deport them. Posted by: federalist | Aug 2, 2017 12:10:56 PM "Life Sentence of Deportation" Well really we don't need to read beyond this phrase. It equates a life sentence in prison (the common use of the term "life sentence") with living the entirety of one's life in a non-American country. A beautiful example of American exceptionalism. How would any of us feel if we went to Europe and upon seeing our passport a European said, "you poor thing, condemned to a life sentence in that God forsaken country." Deportation is no more a life sentence than being born female is a life sentence. It is mischievous and cruel to suggest that it is. Posted by: Daniel | Aug 2, 2017 12:40:58 PM @Tmm I think that your comment is correct. That's not my objection. I totally understand why some defendants will do anything to avoid deportation but a defendant's subjective desire to avoid deportation in their individual case doesn't turn deportation into a heinous act as a matter of public policy. Satterberg is arguing that because he objects to deportation as a matter of policy, he should give more weight immigration concerns in specific cases than he otherwise would. That's fair enough and within the bounds of prosecutor discretion. I believe, however, that his objection to deportation as a matter of policy makes him an arrogant, spiteful SOB. Posted by: Daniel | Aug 2, 2017 12:50:25 PM The "equalization" is more a matter of inference than implication. The "life sentence" here means in this context they are being sentenced to a life of away from the country. Doesn't mean each "life sentence" is the same, be it prison or this. Nor does is the concern merely that the U.S. is the country at issue. The article ends with an example of a woman that was liable to leave the country she knew all her life, except as a toddler. Not the U.S. as if we are uniquely precious. Finally, deportation can be burdensome to third parties (including citizen children) and deprive society of certain useful members. A zero tolerance policy here is pragmatically ill advised. Posted by: Joe | Aug 2, 2017 1:19:31 PM tmm, I don't agree that Padilla essentially requires local prosecutors and judges understand the immigration consequences of a plea. It requires defense attorneys to know them. Because CA law prohibits the courts asking the immigration status of an offender, they are in no position to know regardless. Posted by: Eric | Aug 2, 2017 1:52:18 PM http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/08/02/dreamer-accused-brutally-raping-woman-in-washington.html By all means, let's keep this DREAMER. "deprive society of certain useful members"--yeah, maybe once in a blue moon, but immigrant criminals are not my idea of "useful members"--they can all live near Joe. Posted by: federalist | Aug 2, 2017 2:08:39 PM Post a comment Maybe you felt a little safer with yesterday's news that the sinking Millennium Tower could withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake. But perhaps the more relevant question is Can the building I live in withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake? And a surprising number of San Francisco structures still cannot. Despite earthquake-shaming them with signs posted by the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), the mandatory retrofitting of soft-story buildings (buildings with garages or open spaces on the ground floor and housing units above, the type deemed most likely to collapse in case of an earthquake), the San Francisco Examiner reports that nearly 1,500 soft story buildings have yet to even submit permits for earthquake retrofit work, let alone start the work itself. The deadline for submitting permits is Sept. 15, as mandated by the DBI. First, lets cut right to the chase do you live in one of these still-not-retrofitted, soft-story buildings? The Department of Building Inspection has an interactive map of soft-story properties color-coded by their work or permit status, and a list of soft story properties and their current work completed or permit application status, as we learned back in October when 60 percent of soft story buildings were not in compliance. Now that weve got you either relieved or having an anxiety attack, lets take a look at where in San Francisco we find the largest numbers of story buildings not yet seismically retrofitted. Unsurprisingly, the largest numbers of out-of-compliance soft-story structures are found in the neighborhoods that have the most soft-story structures. That means very few issues in South of Market, the Sunset, and the Excelsior, but many out-of-compliance buildings in the Marina, Noe Valley, and the Castro. The Western Additions District 5 has the most soft story buildings not up to code with 304 properties with permits outstanding, and many residents likely unaware of their buildings status. We are heavily involved in the outreach program right now, said DBI director Tom Hui told the Building Inspection Commission at a July meeting. Right now, we have 1,500 not complying yet, thats why we need to do a big push. Otherwise, the code enforcement will be a nightmare for us. Its not just a nightmare for the Department of Building Inspection, but also for the homeowners. Retrofit work runs anywhere between $50,000 and $200,000, with absolutely no financial upside. Landlords are permitted to pass the costs onto their tenants, but this cost has to be amortized out over a 20-year period. Many elderly and fixed-income homeowners have had to sell their properties because they cant afford the retrofit costs. And even among owners who can afford the costs, its the kind work where most owners have no way to determine whether the contractor has actually performed the work properly. We know there is some sloppy and inadequate work being done thats a fact but we do not have a complete understanding of how pervasive the problems are, or of where they initiate, structural engineer David Bonowitz told the Examiner. Are the problems weve seen one in 1,000? Or one in 10? Are they from specific contractors or inspectors, or are they more randomly distributed? DBI deputy director of inspection Ed Sweeney says hes had senior staff double-check these retrofits, and does not feel quality of work is an issue. Instead, hes worried about a lack of qualified contractors in the Bay Area. I dont think theres enough engineers or contractors to meet this deadline, Sweeney told the Examiner. Thats my opinion. That said, the Sept. 15, 2017 deadline isnt the real deadline, its just the deadline for submitting seismic retrofit permit application plans. The real deadline for completing the retrofit work on a property is Sept. 15, 2019. Related: We Are Still Due For A Big Earthquake On The Hayward Fault Dear Rain, My family and I will be in the area for a little over 24 hours. We live in Austin and we understand tourists taking over your town, so we don't want to be that. If you could help with some direction on how not to look like a ridiculous tourist that would help tremendously. We just want to be normal people walking about. We are not natives, but we don't want to be intrusive. Please help! Google said Bubba Gump and Joe's Crab Shack were great seafood spots. We live near the other coast so we know that's a lie. The kiddo loves chocolate and my husband and I love bread. We all want seafood of course. Lastly, I know that the chances of us getting this particular loaf of bread are slim, because I cannot seem to remember the shop, but dad would bring me there in my 20s and the baker still makes his bread fresh every day in a basket. It is an old school style bake shop (bread only, if I remember right). Shot in the dark, but do you know the shop's name? Please help if you can... Signed, The Hopefully Non-Ridiculous Tourist Dear HNRT, First, I appreciate your candor, and your desire to do all you can to not be an annoying tourist when you come and visit San Francisco. And really, I don't think you have much to worry about. The mere fact that you know tourists can be annoying puts you one step ahead of a lot of them! I've written about tourists before, and some of the things many locals find annoying, so if you avoid standing in the middle of sidewalks blocking foot traffic to check a map or your phone, or standing in the middle of actual traffic to take a photo, you'll save yourself a lot of angry glares. That said, if the city were to design a new official flag, it would probably feature the image of someone with their nose buried in their phone as they're walking down the street. Do that, and you're sure to blend right in! And walking really is the best form of transportation within the city, as long as you're hearty enough for the hills. The traffic within the city seems to get worse every week, so driving will only cause frustration, not to mention, you probably won't find parking where you're going anyway. Muni is your second-best bet, though be prepared for packed buses, long waits, and some....characters. Do your best to figure out the routes before you venture out, (some drivers are great with directions; others are decidedly not) and get a pass so you don't have to deal with having exact change. I'd also warn you to be prepared for the weather. If you're coming within the next month, do know that even though it's technically summer, it's likely to be pretty cold for at least half of the day. Don't get caught sightseeing after the sun goes down while wearing summer clothing! Nothing screams "Tourist!" more than someone wearing an Alcatraz t-shirt and cargo shorts, shivering as they ride a cable car at dusk. If Google were a person, I'd slap them right in the face for even mentioning Bubba Gump and Joe's Crab Shack as acceptable places for a tourist to check out! That said, I would not steer you away from Fisherman's Wharf in general, despite its reputation as a tourist trap. I've written of my love for it in the past, and that love still stands. But the secret to having a good time down there is avoiding any chain restaurants, and sticking to the places that have stood the test of time. Great seafood can still be found at places like Scoma's, Sabella and La Torre, and The Franciscan (which also has some of the best bay views of any restaurant in the city). Away from the Wharf, there's Waterbar and Hog Island Oyster Bar, but your best bet for seafood is Swan Oyster Depot, as long as you're willing to wait in line. They're only open until 5:30 p.m., and the place is tiny, so there will be a line to get a seat at the counter. But if you're willing to get stuff to go, you can usually skip that line, place your order at the register, and be on your way pretty quickly. (Take that grub up to Huntington Park, which is a few blocks up California Street, for a nice picnic, weather permitting!) As for chocolate, you'll have no trouble finding Ghirardelli Square chocolate all over the city, including at Ghirardelli Square itself. But they aren't the only game in town. There's also Dandelion Chocolate, Charles Chocolates, and Christopher Elbow Chocolate, to name a few. Lastly, I'm sad to say I'm drawing a blank about where that bread bakery may have been, (or still might be); I'm hoping perhaps some readers may have ideas, and will be willing to share them in the comments. In the meantime, be sure to check out this recent list of the best bakeries in the city for some possible alternatives during your visit. In summation, don't sweat it! You're going to do fine, and have a great time! And don't be afraid to ask questions while you're out and about. Because while there are certainly locals who might say they hate tourists, that so-called hatred is easily tampered by something they all love: Being a know-it-all about the places you simply must see while in San Francisco. Rain Jokinen was born and raised in San Francisco and, miraculously, still calls the city home. Her future plans include becoming a millionaire, buying a condo complex, and then tearing it down to replace it with a dive bar. You can ask this native San Franciscan your questions here. At least three San Francisco businesses were robbed at gunpoint Monday, all victims of a thief or thieves demonstrating the same MO. Police say that the first stick-up went down at 2:06 p.m. Monday, at a business on the 300 block of Clay Street, which is between Battery and Davis Streets. According to the San Francisco Police Department, a man in his 30s entered the business, pointed a handgun at the 29 and 26-year-old women inside the establishment, and took money from the register. He then fled in an unknown direction. An hour later, the same thing, this time on the 1800 block of Lombard Street, which is between Buchanan and Laguna Streets. At 3:09 p.m., police say a man in his 30s "entered the business displayed a handgun and took money from the register." The 39-year-old man working at the business at the time of the robbery was not injured, police say. The suspect fled by car, police say. Was it he who then at 3:55 p.m. robbed a third business, this one on the 3400 block of Geary Boulevard between Jordan and Commonwealth Avenues? In this case, police say that the suspect (again, a male in this 30s) entered the business and ordered a drink. When the 32-year-old female cashier opened the register, the man "brandished [a] hand gun and demanded money." The employee handed over the cash, and the suspect again fled in a vehicle, police say. As of publication time, the SFPD has not released any additional details on the suspect or suspects, nor have they indicated that the robberies were related. As of publication time, police confirm that no arrests have been made, and the suspect or suspects remain at large. Source from the Yonhap News Agency said Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is to attend foreign ministerial meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) early next week in Manila, the Philippines. They include the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), a rare gathering attended by North Korea. "On the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, we are arranging a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan," a ministry official told Yonhap News Agency on customary condition of anonymity. "We are pushing to hold such a meeting but the final timetable has yet to be confirmed. Finding a time that satisfies the three top diplomats with busy schedules is very hard," he added. They didn't hold trilateral talks during last year's ASEAN meetings in Laos. Seeking a three-way meeting is aimed at strengthening cooperation in dealing with the North in the wake of its recent missile provocations, he said. On Friday night, the North test-fired what it claimed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile, marking the second such provocation in a month. Kang is expected to have bilateral talks with her counterparts from around a dozen countries on the ASEAN meetings' sidelines including Japan, the U.S. and China. Keen attention is being placed on whether Kang will meet with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho. Though the foreign ministry here has not confirmed the matter, it has hinted that the door for an encounter remains open. Last year, there was a brief encounter between then Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Ri on the sidelines of the same ASEAN meetings held in Laos. LOS ANGELES Adam Fleischman, the man who brought us the Umami Burger, is holding a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It is not the PB&J of your cafeteria childhood, but rather an enclosed disk that looks remarkably like something from Area 51. The sandwich, and a fleet of others built and branded like them, is Fleischmans latest project: a new empire of nostalgia-driven, high concept food that will, early next month, arrive in the form of a sleek sandwich stall in downtown Los Angeles Grand Central Market. First stop, the 100-year-old food court. Then, if all goes according to plan, the world. That kind of hyperbole is normal in Fleischmans realm, and given the wild success of the burger empire he founded in 2009 a brand harnessed to a deeply addictive, absurdly flavor-jammed hamburger it is hard not to play along. Fleishmans talent is that of the pitchman, and what he slides across the counter is meant to be wrapped not just in paper but in comfort, convenience, even archetype. PBJ.LA, as the nascent sandwich business is called, is a branded delivery mechanism as much as it is a food stall. Were trying to create disruptive products, says Fleischman of the sandwiches, which are made from round bread, made for them by a local baker he wont identify, and crimped in a machine that Fleishman is equally secretive about. The rounds of bread look like edible frisbees, the machine a bit like a giant lemon squeezer. Whats pressed inside the discs: house-made nut butters and jams, whose ingredients and flavor profiles fit nicely into todays Southern California farm-to-table ethos. Jams made with rose and stone fruit; nut butters from pistachios and almonds. Theres espresso and organic chocolate, cashew butter and mango chutney, apple jam and Angostura bitters. Everyone has their memory of what it is; I think weve been able to elevate it and gourmet-ify it, says Fleishman, your Marcel Proust moment via Don Draper. The sandwiches, which come formed like saucers (Its kind of like a burrito, everything is locked in there.) and packaged, in white and purple, to be packed or ported, are meant to be simultaneously nostalgic and forward-leaning. If this sounds familiar, thats because it is. The formula is familiar: Fleishman wants to reinvent PB&J the way he did the hamburger, to rewire and rebrand a basic comfort food. In this case, the mechanism is familiar too: Anybody remember Hot Pockets? Fleishmans history of big ideas does not just include the hamburger. In addition to Umami Burger, currently 26 restaurants and counting (Fleischman partnered with Sam Nazarians sbe group in 2011), there is the pizza empire. Fleischman co-founded the pizza chain 800 Degrees part of the new wave of ingredient-driven, fast casual restaurants when it opened in 2010 which now includes 16 restaurants, both in and outside of the U.S. And then there was ChocoChicken, Fleishmans chocolate-and-fried-chicken project, which debuted to mixed reviews in 2014 and has since closed. (Fleishman told me yesterday that hes reviving the project and hopes to reopen the restaurant next year.) PBJ.LA is still only one stall, as yet unopened. And Fleishmans partners in the project are three guys he met at a gym. Fleishman, who likes origin myths (the original Umami Burger was invented, according to Fleishman and the world, one day in his kitchen), says that PBJ.LA happened after he met Payvand Salehi, Brad Greenberg and Jimmy Franklin at Sky Sport and Spa in Beverly Hills a few years ago, at a training session. That none of the men had much of a culinary history wasnt apparently considered much of an issue Fleishman has a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Maryland and worked in finance and wine before opening the L.A. wine bars BottleRock and Vinoteque, selling those and using the money to open Umami Burger. The four men loved the idea of recalibrating the old school sandwich, and eventually Fleischman took the idea to the folks at Grand Central Market. The two wine questions I get asked most are What is your favorite wine? and some version of Where do I start? The former question comes from people well into their wine journey, and considering I dont have any kids, asking me to name my favorite wine is like asking me to name my favorite Rush or Todd Rundgren song. Dont make me choose! The latter question comes from people who are curious about wine and so overwhelmed by it they dont know where to begin, or how to proceed once theyve begun. They expect to hear that there is some formula wine folks know and follow. I guess you could say there is, but its never the same for two people. Years ago, when I worked at a magazine, I learned about the concept of multiple points of entry for longer feature stories. Its a design thing. Instead of offering you only a giant gray block of text, a designer makes sure that a page has several other elements on it. A title in an interesting font. A deck a phrase that sums up the story below it. A photograph with a caption under it. A little box with some statistics or other at-a-glance information in it. The idea was that your eye could go to any of it, and it would be fine. Everything would send you on your way: the title, the deck, the photo, the caption, the information box, the text itself. Like watching the worlds most ambitious documentary film project ever, The Up Series (which, in eight films separated by seven years each, has followed the lives of a handful of British people from childhood to middle age), you could enter anywhere and very soon be up to speed. So when people ask what the best way to start learning about wine is, its kind of like asking how to read a magazine article or at least how to read the kind I just described. The answer always is: You start at the spot that draws you in. In wine, this could mean walking the aisles of a store and picking out a bottle that fits your budget. Any bottle, any style of wine. Gotta start somewhere. It could also mean reading an article about syrah, and then tracking down a bottle of it. Or taking a wine tasting class. You could also drink a dozen bottles without reading or uttering a single word about them. Eventually, if you are truly interested in the topic, it will all dovetail together. Do all of this and dont think about the order in which youre doing it. Dont feel like you need to read all about Australian shiraz before you host a tasting of it. Sometimes its better to go in the opposite direction: taste knowing nothing and then go back and read up on what you just tasted. And then taste the same stuff again. Or read everything you can find about the Edna Valley of California before you visit the place to taste through its chardonnays. Or dont read a single word, and just go there and taste first. Or taste through four different Chianti Classicos in your living room, and then go have a conversation about Chianti with a wine store clerk. All too often and here is the key to all of this people think that knowledge must precede enjoyment. Knowledge can increase enjoyment, sure, but it is not a prerequisite in wine appreciation. There are pursuits that require the acquisition of knowledge and skill in a very specific, linear order. Airline pilot, for one. Medical doctor. With wine, theres no threshold of knowledge you need to cross before you can begin your practice. You dont have to know everything, and you dont even have to know anything. It seems like an obvious point, but theres something about wine that makes people think they cannot enjoy it unless they know what they are enjoying. Yet most of us make authoritative judgments about movies all the time without ever having taken a single film class. While wine learning is linear and circular in some ways, you could never accurately depict it with a straight line or even a circle. A more accurate depiction would look more like a Jackson Pollock drip painting. All of those squiggles and blobs add up to your final, symmetrical composition. But unlike a painting, which is complete and dry at some point, the quest for wine knowledge has no end, and never dries up. The only nonnegotiable in your wine journey: To really learn about wine, you have to get a lot of it into your mouth. Another popular question from novices is: What should I read to start learning about wine? And the best answer to that is: The label of the bottle youre drinking. Taste and spit if you must. Or open a bottle with dinner and drink every drop thoughtfully, making note of how it improves or drags down the food youre eating. Make your wine education as academic as you like, but make sure that it always involves more bottles than pages. For reasons you can imagine, a meteorologist can sit in a beach chair and look out at a sunset and see things you cant. His technical knowledge gives him the upper hand when it comes to appreciating exactly what is causing all of those blazing colors and 3-D textures. But you can still enjoy the beauty of it the moment you see it. Its just a sunset. And its just wine, which exists solely for your pleasure. Unless you are studying wine for work purposes, and need to have flash cards taped all over your home just to maintain your sanity, make sure to keep your learning fun, and organic, and as unchained, frenetic and wildly beautiful as a Pollock. HARTINGTON, Neb. | A judge has scheduled a preliminary hearing for a Nebraska mayor accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Randolph Mayor Dwayne Schutt was arrested last week on four counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child and one count of child abuse. Schutt, 61, appeared in Cedar County Court Wednesday morning, and Judge Douglas Luebe scheduled an Aug. 30 preliminary hearing, in which it will be determined if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed. Schutt is accused of touching the girl, who was 14 years old or younger, from about Aug. 18, 2011, to May 17, 2013. In one incident, according to court documents, Schutt laid on top of the girl, tried to take her clothes off and touched her. Schutt is currently serving his second four-year term as mayor. SIOUX CITY | Sioux City could receive some welcome rain overnight as showers are expected to move through Siouxland. Mike Gillispie, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, said Sioux City can expect the best rain chance sometime between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Estimated amounts in the Sioux City area will be one-half to three-quarters of an inch, with potential for thunderstorms and locally heavier amounts. Following the overnight rain, conditions are expected to cool down significantly in the second half of the week. Following a high of 86 on Wednesday, Thursday's high will drop to 74 degrees, with temperatures continuing in the mid-to-upper 70s through the weekend. The next-best chance of rainfall will be Friday into Saturday morning. Gillispie said the cooler temperatures and the rain will help the area's current drought conditions. "An inch of rain right now per week is kind of about normal, so if we can pick up close to that inch of rain tonight (it will) keep things going for a week," he said. "It's going to be quite a bit cooler, as well, which is going to help the drought conditions as much as the rain." WEST POINT, Neb. | Charges filed against two men accused of killing a Rosalie, Nebraska, man and then burning his house down will stand, a judge has ruled. District Judge Mark Johnson overruled pleas in abatement filed by both Derek Olson and his father, Jody Olson, finding that there is enough evidence to support the charges. Both men have pleaded not guilty in Cuming County District Court to second-degree murder, accessory to a felony, use of a weapon to commit a felony and first-degree arson in connection with the death of Ernest Warnock, 64, whose body was found inside the burned rubble of his rural Rosalie home on March 11. Derek Olson is also charged with cruelty to an animal. Derek Olson, 27, of Oakland, Nebraska, had challenged the murder, weapon and accessory charges. Jody Olson, 47, also of Oakland, was challenging his arson charge. Johnson ruled there was sufficient probable cause to believe Derek Olson killed Warnock and that Olson and his father conspired to set the fire to destroy evidence of the crime. According to court documents, Derek and Jody Olson, Becky Weitzenkamp and Jenna Merrill went to Warnock's rural Rosalie home on March 10 to discuss retrieving property belonging to Weitzenkamp. A fight began, and Warnock stabbed Jody Olson in the arm. Derek Olson then stabbed Warnock several times in the neck and head and hit him in the head with a ball peen hammer. The four left Warnock lying on the floor of his house and drove to seek medical attention for Jody Olson's stab wound. They were later pulled over for speeding in Dakota City. The next morning, court documents say, Derek and Jody Olson were overheard in a Sioux City hospital room talking about the killing and agreeing that Derek Olson "needed to fix it." Derek Olson is accused of taking a can of lighter fluid that Weitzenkamp had bought and setting fire to the house with Warnock's body inside. A dog trapped inside the house died in the fire. An autopsy showed that Warnock was dead before the fire. Weitzenkamp, 41, of Oakland, was bound over to district court Wednesday. Her arraignment on charges of accessory to a felony and first-degree arson was set for Sept 7. She is accused of driving Derek Olson back to Warnock's home to set the fire. Merrill is currently being sought for making a false report to police. Derek and Jody Olson are scheduled to appear Thursday in court for hearings on other motions. SIOUX CITY | A 45-year-old Sioux City man is facing a pair of sexual abuse charges after Sioux City Police say he inappropriately touched an 11-year-old girl and a woman diagnosed with an intellectual disability in separate incidents. William Leon Bowles was charged Tuesday afternoon with second- and third-degree sexual abuse. He was being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $25,000 bond. According to court documents, sometime between June 1 and July 4, Bowles was at a cookout and started a conversation with a woman who has an intellectual disability and lives in a group home. During the conversation, he unbuttoned her pants, touched her inappropriately and told her he wanted to have sex with her, according to documents. Documents say he stopped after the victim told him to. Then, documents say on Tuesday Bowles was in an apartment with an 11-year-old girl who was sleeping on a couch and placed his hand down the girl's pants, touching her inappropriately. Bowles admitted to both instances and was cooperative during the investigation, documents said. His next court appearance will be 9 a.m. Aug. 11. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts were among the speakers Tuesday applauding the federal governments proposed renewable fuel volumes for 2018, but farm-state and renewable energy industry officials expressed concern that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was backpedaling on future advanced biofuel production. The Renewable Fuel Standard, passed and signed into law in 2005, requires increasing volumes of renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply. The new EPA targets call for the statutorily required 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels, including corn-derived ethanol, but propose to cut volumes for advanced biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass-based diesel. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said the proposed 2019 biodiesel level was flatlined at 2.1 billion gallons compared with 2016 consumption of 2.9 billion gallons, while the proposal cuts cellulosic ethanol by 25 percent. Reynolds and others testified at a hearing in Washington, D.C., that fuel production levels will drive demand and investment decisions critical to the industry and rural economies. As the current ag economy experiences a downturn, Reynolds testified, sustainable and predictable renewable fuels markets are incredibly impactful to the bottom line of farmers and rural Iowa. Reynolds noted that President Donald Trump has been extremely supportive. She praised EPA officials for their accessibility and willingness to make timely decisions, but she said she was disappointed to see biofuels cut overall and volumes in biodiesels main category stay flat under the latest proposal. She and other expressed hope the EPA would adjust the numbers before issuing a final rule in November. More than 43,000 of the roughly 340,000 U.S. jobs supported by the renewable fuels industry are in Iowa, generating $2.3 billion of income for Iowans. Reynolds said the EPA decision carries considerable economic significance for her state given that about $4.6 billion of Iowas gross domestic product was tied directly to the renewable fuels industry in 2015, and the price break Iowa motorists get at service stations offering ethanol-blended fuels saved them more than $315 million, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, expressed concern that the reduced or flat production volumes for biodiesel and cellulosic biofuels would create uncertainty and slow investment at a critical time for the industry and rural America. When President Trump visited Iowa in June, he reiterated his commitment to supporting ethanol and biodiesel as part of his plan to rebuild rural America, Ernst said. I trust that the presidents commitment will be reflected in the final rule that the EPA puts forward. Others in the renewable energy industry testified that the RFS was designed to drive investment and innovation by providing stability and incentives for the development of clean alternative fuels. But the proposed advanced biofuel volumes fell short of the goal by perpetuating the status quo rather than spurring sustainable alternatives to petroleum. Cellulosic biofuels are poised to drive the next great wave of manufacturing investments across the heartland of the United States, but for the administration to succeed in rebuilding the rural economy, the EPA must set forward-looking targets for cellulosic production. Any retreat sends an unmistakable signal to investors that the U.S. is no longer fertile ground for innovation, said Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council. Ricketts, who took part in an energy roundtable at the White House earlier this year, commended the EPA for timely action on the Renewable Fuel Standard, saying the certainty and stability within the proposal allows for the business sector to better react. Ricketts called on the agency to review proposals for biodiesel and advanced cellulosic ethanol requirements considered setbacks in some circles. "It's a mistake to go backward with regard to those advanced targets," Ricketts said. In Nebraska alone, the ethanol industry provides over $5 billion of investment to the economy, and Ricketts said the state stands ready to increase its biofuel output. Biofuels are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cheaper, cleaner octane booster, and driving economic development in our states," he said. CHICAGO -- News headlines are screaming about how fearful Latinos are due to moves the Trump administration is making toward stepping up deportations. These are valid concerns for many Hispanics, a majority of whom have acquaintances or family members who could be at risk. Yet Hispanics always seem to look on the sunny side of life when things are tough. Countless research studies have found they feel better about the economy, their potential to be healthy and their family's long-term financial health than either whites or blacks. This even when they are targeted for abuse or strident discrimination by people with hatred for anyone who they think could be an immigrant. And there's plenty of those incidents, that's for sure. The very latest I've found was in Lansing, Michigan, where a 47-year-old Hispanic man was allegedly beaten by two white men who stapled a note to his back. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime. These types of crimes -- and lesser abuses, as evidenced by videos of Hispanics getting yelled at to "go back to Mexico" or to "speak American" that have gone viral in the past few months -- have increased since Donald Trump's election as president. Writing in The New Yorker, the novelist and journalist Hector Tobar nailed the zeitgeist this way: "Today, Trumpism hangs over all things Latino. We seek to be, as [W.E.B.] Du Bois wrote of African-Americans, 'a co-worker in the kingdom of culture.' But whether we like it or not, the accomplishments of our valedictorians, our mayors, and our veterans are weighed against the crimes that Donald Trump and Bill O'Reilly attribute to our 'alien' fathers and sons." And still, Latinos hold their heads high. According to a new national survey by Pew Research Center, while most people find it stressful and frustrating to talk politics with those who differ politically, Democrats feel more negative than Republicans do about talking with people who hold opposing opinions about Trump. Even more interesting, however, is that white Democrats and Democratic-leaners are more likely (74 percent) than black (56 percent) and Hispanic (61 percent) Democrats to say it is stressful and frustrating to talk to people with different opinions of Trump. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaners, whites, college graduates and liberals are among the most likely (40 percent) to say knowing a friend voted for Trump would strain their friendship. Only 28 percent of black Democrats and 25 percent of Hispanic Democrats said the same. Incredibly, the people who are most affected by the ugly, abusive rhetoric that Trump has inspired in some -- and here I can only refer to Hispanics, since the Pew Research Center did not break out numbers for Muslims -- are the least likely to carry around the fear and bitterness that can alienate those who don't share their politics. How can this be? It's pretty simple, actually. Immigrants from Latin America have, on the whole, escaped desperately poor or violent conditions cultivated by failing or corrupt governments that provide no hope for a decent future for themselves or their children. Here, if they get the worst, smelliest, grossest, most humiliating jobs but are able to eke out a living that includes a home with bare necessities and a decent education for their children, things are looking up. Those who are U.S.-born have seen their parents overcome unbelievable hardships, work miserable hours and toil with little respect to provide the basics of the American dream. Mindful of their parents' sacrifices, they know their lives amount to far more than the pettiness -- and even evil -- that occasionally comes their way from misguided souls who think Latinos are to blame for their own unrealized potential. Hispanics have been a thriving part of the American tapestry since the country was founded. We've served in wars, contributed to the economy and helped shape popular culture, so we're not going to let post-election anti-immigrant rhetoric, the wall or Trump's executive orders get us down. We're looking forward. According to Florida Atlantic University's most recent quarterly Hispanic Consumer Sentiment Index, more than three-quarters of Hispanics (78 percent) said they expect to be financially better off over the next year compared with 60 percent in the previous quarter. When asked about the economic outlook of the country in the next five years, 51 percent said they expect good times, up 8 percentage points from the previous quarter. Sounds like old-fashioned American optimism, and that can-do spirit that is precisely what made our country great. A high level delegation from Thailand is in Samoa to explore potential trade and investment opportunities with members of the local community. Among the groups they have met with is the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (S.A.M.E). On Tuesday, the group met with S.A.M.Es President, Tautaituasivi Tagaloa Wilson and member companies. They discussed trade opportunities, private sector cooperation, investment opportunities and private sector development. The Thailand delegation is led by Ambassador Maris Sangiampongsa. Samoas Ambassador to New Zealand, Leasi Tommy Scanlan was also present during the meeting. Thailand hosted a six S.A.M.E member delegation last year where they visited various manufacturing and export enterprises there. President Tautaituasivi said one of the initiatives S.A.M.E launched following the visit to Thailand was the development of the S.A.M.E-Samoa Export Plan 2016-2020, which was launched in December 2016. The Export Plan highlighted key areas the Samoa Exporters will be targeting including Fisheries/Agriculture Export value added items; Export Services . The Thailand delegation requested from S.A.M.E champion products and companies- that Thailand can assist through Technical assistance. The S.A.M.E President- pointed to the Samoa Export plan- as the connection between Samoan Exporters and 80% of the Samoan population which by and large depend on the land & sea for their livelihoods. S.A.M.Es membership has an increasing interest in learning from trade and private sector developments in Thailand, especially in the areas trade, export development, agro-tourism and Investment. Opportunities to link exporters to other countries in the Pacific to grow their markets and attract interest from Asian Investors were also discussed. A leading Thailand manufacturer and export of biodegradable plastics also made a presentation to the Samoan exporters and gained significant interest in the use of biodegradable packaging for all locally manufactured products going into the future. Public Goods August 2, 2017 Natalia Tylim After months of increasing delays at all times of the day and night, a series of incidents have now raised an even more urgent question: about the daily safety for those who ride and work on New York Citys Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). On July 17, the Monday morning commute ground to a halt for anyone in need of the A, B, C or D lines when a track fire trapped two trains full of people underground and disrupted service for tens of thousands trying to get to work. Four days later, the derailment of a Q train at Brighton Beach the fourth derailment on an MTA subway this year shut down service for five hours, with passengers forced to evacuate. That same day, jam-packed rush hour trains from the Roosevelt Avenue transit hub in Queens were stalled for hours due to signal problems. New Yorkers growing frustration at constant service problems is now being combined with anxiety about impending doom. Nightmare Scenario? A 2005 New York magazine article about the chronically underfunded MTA by Clive Thompson opened with this hypothetical scenario: Picture this: Sometime in the near future, you get on a subway train heading into Brooklyn, and zoom into the tunnel. Unbeknownst to you, though, something bad is happening on the other side of the river. A track fire is smoldering. Throughout the subway, there is fine-grained metal dust that comes from the constant grinding of wheels on rails. Its combustible stuff, and tonight, as the train ahead of you leaves the station, the 600-volt current from the third rail arcs and ignites some of the dust, like a Fourth of July sparkler. The sparks torch a mess of paper wedged on the tracks, left behind because budget cuts have resulted in fewer cleanups. Normally these fires are a mere nuisance but this one really gets going, and soon the tunnel ahead of you fills with acrid smoke. The tunnels nearest ventilation fan hasnt been fully repaired, so the smoke doesnt clear. The motorman tries to contact his command center, but his radio has hit one of the systems dead spots, so he gets no signal. Chaos ensues: The car fills with smoke, nobody has any clue whats going on, and a bunch of passengers start kicking out windows in a bid to escape. Theres a growing sense that this nightmare scenario could happen any day. The dangerous combination of budget cuts, neglect of upkeep and any number of unfortunate but not uncommon events could create a disaster on the scale of Londons Grenfell fire. As in London, this situation reflects a tremendous disregard for the safety of transit workers and ordinary people who have no choice but to rely on the subways to make it from home to work and back. Passing the Buck Who will take responsibility for this gathering state of emergency? On the local level, city and state officials are eager to absolve themselves of the financial and moral burden. The debate taking place is about who is responsible for funding the MTA. Mayor Bill de Blasio says the state of New York needs to step up and help fix the problem and that the state budget should allot more funds to the MTA since it is such an outsized proportion of the states transit system. Meanwhile, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his reliable collaborator Joe Lhota whose second appointment as MTA Chair followed his failed Republican Party run for New York City mayor are insistent that the NYC Transit Authority needs to take on more of the responsibility. They say that the only reason the state got involved in the first place is because the city needed help during the fiscal crisis of the 1980s. At that time, the state was acting like a private contractor, helping for a particular amount of time to address a crisis, but now that the fiscal crisis is over, state officials believe that the city needs to take responsibility. Lhota is working to draft a plan to modernize and fix the New York City subway system, but if his suggestion to ban food in subway stations in order to stop track fires is any indication of the direction he will take things in, there can be little hope that anything good will come from this plan. For one thing, blaming commuters who eat food for causing track fires is a ridiculous assertion, considering that one of the first impacts of budget cuts to the transit system has been fewer trash cans in stations and less regular track cleaning. The last thing that would make for a better subway experience is for cops to be deployed to ticket and harass anyone eating a sandwich or littering when there are no garbage cans to be found. But this blaming of ordinary people fits in with the constant privileging of big spending projects such as the extension of the Second Avenue subway line and the Hudson Yards luxury station on the west side of Manhattan over the more basic maintenance and repairs that would make the everyday use of the subway safer and smoother. Mayor De Blasio, too, thinks of the subway primarily as a way of expanding the boom in the housing market as his proposal for a BQX trolley along the waterfront from Brooklyn to Queens shows. Workers to the Rescue But dont take my word for it listen to the real experts, the men and women who make the subways and buses run, the members of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 that represents MTA workers. This week, they put out a 10-point plan for fixing the subways. The lesson that needs to be learned is that you can do all the long-term investment you want in a capital plan, but you cant forget about day-to-day reliability of the system, explained TWU President John Samuelsen in stressing the need for more upkeep. The TWU plan calls for more regular preventative inspections, more maintenance, back-up plans for when cars go out of commission, and more staff to carry out these tasks. Indeed, the same supposed lack of funds to maintain the trains is regularly used as a pretext to dangerously understaff the transit system and then scapegoat the union for the resulting problems. In mid-July, for example, the union filed a grievance on behalf of a pregnant employee who couldnt even take a bathroom break due to understaffing. The scapegoating of the union by city and state politicians is cynical and reactionary but it is also what intrinsically binds the interests of transit workers with transit riders. More than 100 activists attended a July 22 film screening sponsored by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) about the Los Angeles bus riders union. The screening was followed by a discussion about the power that could be unleashed if train riders and train workers linked forces around demands for improvements. While the politicians that run New York try to pass the buck, life for working people in the city is becoming more unlivable and more precarious. Our lives are being put at risk by the interests of capital, and those that serve it. At this moment, we are a far cry from being able to generate enough pressure to compel the politicians to pursue a different course, but that storm is brewing. It is up to socialists and the rest of the left in New York City to put organizational muscle behind demands to improve the crumbling transit system. This issue isnt going anywhere and we may not be either if we cant force the state to fund our means of transport. 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. WALDORF, Md. (August 01, 2017)On Tuesday, August 01, at approximately 12:48 p.m., Senior Trooper M. Moore, of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) came upon a motor vehicle collision on northbound Maryland Route 5 in the area of Legacy Farm Place. Trooper Moore located a subject not breathing and began life saving measures with the assistance of an off-duty nurse until paramedics arrived. Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to assist and investigate the collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack requested the Maryland State Police Crash Team to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the La Plata Barrack and the MSP Crash Team indicates a 2004 Lexus IS 300 was disabled on the right northbound shoulder of the roadway with the pedestrian/operator, Brian K. Smith, of Lexington Park, in front of the vehicle, working on the engine. A 2012 Acura MDX operated by Wendy Moore, of Mechanicsville, was traveling northbound on Maryland Route 5 approaching the Lexus from behind. The operator of the Acura traveled onto the right shoulder and collided into the rear of the Lexus. The Lexus then collided with Brian Smith who was thrown into a grassy area adjacent to the shoulder. Wendy Moore was transported by ambulance to University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland for the treatment of minor injuries. Brian Smith was pronounced deceased at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the MSP La Plata Barrack Duty Officer at (301) 392-1200. The investigation is continuing and being investigated by Corporal J. Zimmerman of the Maryland State Police Crash Team. (17-MSP-032358) ANNAPOLIS (August 01, 2017)The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $10.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to improve public boating access and navigation throughout the state. Passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed by Governor Larry Hogan, this critical funding will go toward 49 projects in 18 counties from Allegany to Worcester. Funded projects in the tri-county area include: Hallowing Point Boating Facility, Prince Frederick: Develop master plan for expanded Hallowing Point facility North Beach Volunteer Fire Department: Purchase of a new fire/rescue boat Smallwood State Park, Marbury: Re-deck the boating ramp piers and the marina concession pier at Sweden Point Marina Smallwood State Park, Marbury: Design of bulkhead replacement along the Sweden Point Marina waterfront St. Mary's Countywide: Public boating facilities improvement Point Lookout State Park, Scotland: Re-deck marina boardwalk and piers St. Clements Island, Coltons Point: Re-deck the north and south light house piers The Waterway Improvement Fund was created in 1966 to support the development, enjoyment and use of Maryland's waters for the benefit of the general boating public. It is primarily derived from a five-percent vessel excise tax on boat purchases and titling. PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (August 02, 2017)The Calvert County Department of Technology Services (TS) announced that Calvert County Government employee email addresses have changed. Emails sent from Calvert County Government will now come from @calvertcountymd.gov. "When we first established our email designation in the 1990s our options were limited and rather cryptic," explained TS Director Joe Klausner. "With all the options out there now, it made sense to make our email addresses more intuitive and easier for our employees to identify themselves and Calvert County Government as part of county government's recent reorganization." Calvert County employees' old email addresses will remain active so it will not be necessary to update contact lists, Klausner continued. "We are simply notifying the public to make sure everyone understands the change is deliberate." The calamity and catastrophe that is President Donald Trump impacts our country everyday. Last week, however, it impacted our community adversely not once, but twice. First, the Justice Department, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions authored a legal brief arguing that sexual orientation discrimination is not a form of legal sex discrimination. This reverses the progressive legal initiatives of the Obama Administration. Its an abhorrent and Neanderthal policy determination by the Trump administration. Second, and more publicly known, was the presidential tweet attempting to ban all transgender persons from serving in the military. This warrants nothing less than your condemnation and our censure. Significantly, without even reaching out for partners to criticize the President, politicians and community leaders on both sides of the aisle echoed disapproval and disgust with the presidential proclamation, both as to manner and substance. First and foremost, even the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced they would not initiate the presidents initiative until and unless it was presented properly, through appropriate channels of communication. Second, enlightened legislators, Republican and Democrat, took up the mantle of the transgender community. From local groups to national voices, there was a clear and clarion call that anyone who meets current medical and readiness standards should be allowed to continue serving in the military. Third, while the president referred to the lame excuse of cost considerations as the operative reason for his determination, we know, and I suspect that courts will see, that it is phony on one hand, and legally insufficient on the other. Administrative expedience is never a lawful reason for denying someone a constitutional right- and banning a class of citizens the opportunity to serve in the military solely because of their gender would be an unconstitutional restriction. Elections have consequences. Mark these down as some of them. But the Trump administration is already infecting and influencing the LGBTQ community in many more adverse ways. There wont be any more Harvey Milk Days at the White House, celebrating LGBT champions of change. The administrators at the helms of government are mostly now insensitive to our interests and apathetic as to our needs. In June, six members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS angrily resigned, saying in a Newsweek article that President Trump doesnt care about HIV. The group noted that Trump took down the Office of National AIDS Policy website when he took office and hasnt appointed anyone to lead the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. Ultimately, there probably wont be one. SFGN has already run features documenting how many of the top administration cabinet officials have vigorously opposed LGBT human rights issues. The majority of cabinet officials with legislative backgrounds have a history of opposing laws supportive of ENDA, equal rights, domestic partnerships, gay marriages, and gays in the military. They rise to power with the law on our side, but do you trust them to enforce those laws? You should not blindly. In fact, you should instead follow the credo of Ronald Reagan, the Republican Adonis: Trust, but Verify. While the transgender ban is the most transparent and galling of anti-LGBT initiatives undertaken by the Trump administration, we need to keep our eyes on the White House very closely. The people at the reins of power do not have our interests at heart. Our place at the table has been kicked under the chair. The response from our community to the transgender ban has been strong and forceful. Here at SFGN, we will be loud and proud, weekly and with vigor. We will cover the story and uncover the lies of those who seek to deceive you, in print and online. This week, SFGN has created a poster of Uncle Sam in a rainbow uniform, paraphrasing the world famous words of the renowned German Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemoller, first published during World War II. Display it in your home. Cut it out and put it in your dorm room, on your frig, or mail it to a friend. Speak out for yourself. If not now, when? If not you, who? According to international reporting site Foreign Policy, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, or UNAIDS, estimates there are 36.7 million people living with HIV today, and more than half of them are on drugs that hold the virus at bay preventing it from becoming full-blown AIDS as well as preventing the virus from spreading to sexual partners or through drug use. Thanks to that treatment, substantially paid for by U.S. taxpayers, death rates have plummeted from a 2005 annual high of nearly 2 million to about 1 million in 2016, Laurie Garrett of Foreign Policy wrote. While there are increasing numbers of people taking both preventative medication and post-infection treatments and death tolls are decreasing the number of yearly infections around the world have not slowed down, and there are roughly two million people infected with HIV each year. If that rate stays the same, UNAIDS projects that there will be nearly 54 million people living with HIV by 2030 with death rates taken into account. All of them will be in need of daily medication, which is a daunting task due to stagnated funding and stronger, drug-resistant strains of HIV. A World Health Organization survey estimates that almost 10 percent of the people who start antiretroviral therapy are found to have a virus that defies easy treatment, requiring them to move to more expensive and less successful second- and third-line treatment. These numbers are pulled from new cases recorded in Argentina, Guatemala, Namibia, Nicaragua, Uganda and Zimbabwe. A 2015 survey in Mexico found that 14 percent of those infected were found to have drug-resistant viruses. A London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 2016 analysis of African patients found that a staggering 16 percent of new infections were multidrug-resistant, meaning patients immediately needed third-line therapy. If these resistant strains continue, an additional $650 million will be needed just for second-line treatment, and even then the success rate will be far below that of antiretrovirals, increasing the death toll by 135,000 and increasing the infection rate by 105,000. The threat of an impending HIV/AIDS outbreak lies in these new drug-resistant strains, as second- and third-line treatments are less reliable and difficult to administer to patients in poor countries, as these backup treatments are much more expensive than treatments such as tenofovir, one of the biggest first-line HIV treatments. This not only presents a need to develop more effective medications, but shows the need for more funding in terms of research, development and medicine distribution. In wealthy countries where anti-HIV drugs are free and fully available the rates are much lower and the threat of drug-resistant strains are less of a threat. Comparing African and European patients, researchers found a lifelong probability that 20 percent of Europeans will build resistance to tenofovir but as much as 60 percent of Africans are estimated to build the same resistance. Preventative treatment like PrEP seems to lessen the threat of infection and drug-resistant strains. In San Francisco, where preventative treatment is common in gay men, it was found that in the year 2015 new infection rates plummeted by 17 percent. However, instead of extending drug availability in poor and middle-income countries, proposed funding is expected to decrease dramatically over the next few years, meaning that at-risk countries need to come up with their own funds. According to UNAIDS, poor and middle-income countries will need to boost domestic spending on HIV by 450 and 530 percent respectively to offset the decrease in funds. Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF), an international humanitarian health organization calls this proposed increase highly unrealistic, stating that few of the HIV hardest-hit countries have health budgets capable of even making a dent in these epidemics. Much of this issue lies in the necessity to continue funding for daily HIV treatment as every HIV-positive case requires daily treatment, often funded by the government or care organizations. The need for daily medication results in large sums that continuously need to be allocated. A decrease in funding marks a loss of medication availability for many people in struggling countries. There is always the hope of future HIV and AIDS treatments such as vaccines, curative treatments and better preventative medication. But these solutions require further funding and research, and the global research and development budget has been on the decline since 2012. Foreign Policy reports that the proposed 2018 White House budget would slash funding for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Americas primary funder of HIV research, by $838 million. The overall National Institutes of Health would take a loss of almost $6 billion with the proposed budget. The International AIDS Society notes that the budget cuts would result in catastrophe and lost lives. Dependency on U.S. aid is a serious vulnerability for the entire future of worldwide control of HIV/AIDS, Garret reported. The United States contributed $4.9 billion in 2016, or 71 percent of global support. It was followed by the United Kingdom ($646 million), France ($242 million), and the Netherlands ($214 million). Even at the most optimistic levels, these other donor nations cant make up the difference. Pre- and post-infection treatment have become more widely available all over the world, but as new drug-resistant strains of HIV arise in poor countries without access to second- and third-line treatment, infection rates will rise and HIV will continue to spread. If the world isnt willing and able to not merely stay the course, but expand support for treatment and R&D, it is hard to imagine any way out of the grim pandemic scenario, Garrett wrote. For those of us who chronicled the first HIV pandemic and witnessed entire social groups and societies in the throes of AIDS, the prospect of a second wave is gut-wrenching and hideous beyond contemplation. Check here for more information on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to see the full press release behind this story. 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. A referendum is coming to California, perhaps as soon as 2018, in which the great state will clear a path towards seceding from the United States of America. Stick to coffee, Sprudge! Sure, thats finebut no matter where you stand on CalExit, one things for sure: if California becomes its own country, it will be the greatest cafe country in the world. From Venice Beach to the Outer Sunset, Martinez to Redlands, Sacramento to Santa Cruz, every last city and town in the Nation of California will be adjacent to both delicious coffee and In-N-Out. And that includes Fresno, in the heart of the Central Valley, the agricultural breadbasket that helps drive Californias crop economy. Thats where Hi-Top Coffee is laying down roots. They open in just a few short weeks. As told to Sprudge by Aaron Bagato. For those who arent familiar, will you tell us about your company? Karsyn, Spencer, and Aaron all met at a local rock climbing gym. Weve worked various careers and jobs, some in coffee and some not and that has brought us to this place of opening our own shop. We will be giving our customers a positive and friendly coffee experience with a quality roasted product. Our values are centered around the process and enjoyment of specialty coffee. We are really good friends, a lot of the time our meetings feel more like hangouts. We hope this easygoing and friendly vibe is something the people we serve in our coffee shop experience! Can you tell us a bit about the new space? Our space is beautiful and bright. Weve gutted the entire building and began the remodel process. We are making it a super comfortable space. It will feature natural concrete floors, a custom mural upon entry, wooden table tops, and hexagon tiles lining the counter area. Large windows line our front entry way, allowing natural light to flood in during the day time. We have painted the walls white and the ceiling a light sea foam green. The space will feel modern and bright but not too modern, we are staying away from the feeling that you cant touch anything or youll ruin it. Our building is located in a historic neighborhood of businesses and residential housing alike. It is one of the more progressive neighborhoods in Fresno and has characteristics that are not found anywhere else in Fresno. We are focused on creating a space that is comfortable and welcoming for everyone that walks in our doors, a place that you know you can always go to and see a friendly face. Whats your approach to coffee? We believe that making great coffee allows us the opportunity to positively impact the lives of the people who work with us and the people who walk through our doors. We will offer classes, cuppings and tutorials on a monthly basis to our customers. Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up? In our shop we have a matte black two group La Marzocco Strada EP. For grinders, we have the Mahlkonig Peak, a few K30 Airs, and we are still lining up our coffee selection. We have some exciting things in the works! Whats your hopeful target opening date/month? August 2017. Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that youd like to mention? We have worked with some amazing people for this project. Joe Parker has been our go to person for a number of things. We couldnt have done this project without his help. David Baisa is our architect and has done a phenomenal job in getting our building up to code and making it look beautiful. Weve had photos and video work done by Enrique Meza of Meza Films and these photos came from our friend JP Moya. Quinn Bowman is doing a phenomenal mural inside our shop. Lastly, our friends and family have been super supportive. We cant thank them enough for cleaning floors, knocking out walls, and feeding us from time to time. Thank you! Thank you for featuring us! The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub. Got a Build-Out of your own? Get in touch. Indiana-sired two-year-old trotters were the featured attraction at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Tuesday as the evenings 14-race card was highlighted by a pair of $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals for the freshmen trotters. Custom Cantab and driver Peter Wrenn made a clean sweep of the second round of stakes action as they scored their second consecutive Hoosier Park victory, this time in the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final for two-year-old trotting fillies. After scoring handily in her elimination last week, Custom Cantab rallied gamely late in the lane to score in a new lifetime best of 1:55.3. In a race ruled by miscues, Custom Cantab sat patiently on the rail through splits of :27.2 and :56.4 before making her move. Verlin Yoder had the heavily favoured O So Easy on the front just before the three-quarter mark in 1:26.2 and her lead was ever-increasing. As the field turned for home, Wrenn asked Custom Cantab for more and the filly utilized a :29 closing panel to track down O So Easy in the final stages of the mile and get the win by a head. Shes a perfect filly to drive, Wrenn noted in the winners circle. Shes still a little green so the trip actually worked out perfect for us. Shes not ready to be out there on the front but I think it will actually make her a better filly in the long run. Trained and co-owned by Christopher Beaver, the daughter of Mr Cantab-Custom Model recorded her second seasonal victory from four outings in 2017. Custom Cantab has now bankrolled $71,250 in lifetime purse earnings for owners Christopher Beaver, Donald E. Robinson, and RBH Ventures Inc. All On Black and John DeLong also made a clean sweep of the stakes action for the two-year-old trotting coltsscoring tonight in the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final in 1:56.2. With the win, All On Black established a new lifetime best and also remains undefeated in three starts in 2017. DeLong sent All On Black away from the gate to get the first call before yielding the lead to Skyway Torpedo and Peter Wrenn. Skyway Torpedo dictated fractions of :28, :57.2, and 1:27.2 before feeling a threat from the rest of the field. As the field turned for home, DeLong found late racing room up the passing lane and All On Black responded with a :28.4 closing quarter to get the win by a head. Trained by Jenny Melander, the gelded son of Swan For All-Right On Renee has now earned $54,000 in lifetime purse earnings. All On Black is owned in partnership by Gabriellas LLC and Melander Racing Inc. He was a little sick early on when we were training down, Melander noted after the victory. Thats why we missed the first round of the stakes action here but hes always been a nice colt weve just had to take our time with him. (Hoosier Park) The Meadowlands Racetrack has issued an update in regard to the situation regarding Lady Shadow. The Meadowlands has said that, in a hearing today (Wednesday, August 2) in Bergen County Superior Court, Hon. Robert P. Contillo, P.J.Ch. denied an application for emergent injunctive relief filed by the owners of Lady Shadow, seeking to enjoin the Meadowlands from refusing the entry of the mare in the Lady Liberty Stakes on August 5. NMR was represented by Jennifer Borek and Angelo Genova of Genova Burns LLC On Saturday, July 29, the Meadowlands announced that Lady Shadow, an earner of $1,915,777 and the 2016 Dan Patch Award winner as champion pacing mare, would be unable to race at the Meadowlands after a post-race test at Harrahs Philadelphia on May 28 came back positive for Clenbuterol. According to the ruling issued by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, Ronald Adams as trainer is in violation of PHRC medication rules and the trainer responsibility rule. Mr. Adams has waived his hearing before the Judges and will appeal the ruling to the Racing Commission. All purse money earned on 5/28/2017 must be returned and redistributed. Transfers of horses must be approved by the Judges at Harrahs Chester or by the PHRC. As a result of the finding that Lady Shadow was found to have unacceptable levels of Clenbuterol when she raced at Harrahs Philadelphia and the split sample came back positive, the owners have been advised that the horse will not be allowed to race in the upcoming stake at the Meadowlands, Meadowlands chairman Jeffrey Gural said on Saturday. On Tuesday, August 1, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey issued a statement in regard to the Meadowlands Racetracks decision to bar the entry of $2-million earner Lady Shadow. In its statement, the SBOA, on behalf of the horsemen of New Jersey, stated that it believed it must address the Meadowlands decision to ban Lady Shadow from the Lady Liberty Stakes. The statement went on to say that while the SBOA applauded and supported the effort to protect the integrity of the sport, it cannot agree with this decision. The statement said that Lady Shadow had a Class 3 overage for a therapeutic medication and that the ruling was under appeal, with a stay granted by the Pennsylvania Racing Commission. The SBOA related that it believed that Lady Shadow's owners are entitled to due process and no action should be taken pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. Lady Shadow is not included in the field for the Lady Liberty, which has been drawn and appears below. Lady Liberty Stakes (PP Horse Driver Trainer - Line) 1 Call Me Queen Bee Scott Zeron Ross Croghan 6-1 2 Medusa Matt Kakaley - Andrew Federico Jr. 15-1 3 Pure Country Mark MacDonald Jimmy Takter 4-1 4 Frost Damage Blues David Miller Tom Fanning 10-1 5 Nike Franco N Tim Tetrick Jo Ann Looney-King 6-5 6 Penpal Pat Lachance Pat Lachance 5-1 7 Blue Moon Stride Brian Sears Mark Harder 10-1 8 Shesjustadelight N Ron Cushing Heidi Gibbs - 15-1 (With files from the Meadowlands) Another major barrier to new a 168-unit apartment complex in Lexington has been removed. At Tuesdays regular meeting, the Cowlitz County commissioners unanimously amended the countys zoning map, changing nearly 14 acres of land of Solomon Road from single-family/commercial use to high-density/multi-family use. Senior Long Range Planner Greta Holmstrom told the commissioners that the proposed apartments would consist of 168 units. The apartments would be located on vacant dredge spoils at the intersection of Solomon Road and West Side Highway, across the street from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Tim Wines, a consultant for Kelso-based Red Beard LLC, said the development company can start making decisions on exactly what the potential multi-family housing units could look like. Wines said that as of now, there is no timeframe for breaking ground on the project, as Red Beard still has to go through the lengthy permitting process. Still, he applauded Cowlitz County for its operation through the permitting and zoning change process. Over the years, the county planning department has been the butt of many complaints by developers. Cowlitz Countys attitude has been real helpful, Wines said. They want to help. You need to meet code. Theyre not letting you slide, but theyre helping us solve problems, which is really beneficial. I hope it continues like that. According to Homstrom, the new comprehensive plan, which was approved last week, has helped Red Beard save $6,000 and streamlined the process for them. Commissioner Dennis Weber said he was thrilled about the potential for more housing in the area. (Wines and I) have spent an awful lot of time in the past year and a half talking about housing and how it relates to homelessness, Weber said. Its programs like this that create a key to addressing homelessness by increasing the affordability of (housing). A 2017 study by the Washington Department of Commerce found that there were about 350 homeless families in Cowlitz County. However, although he approved of the plan overall, Weber said he did have a few reservations about the area, one being the lack of public transportation in Lexington. (Lexington) doesnt have transit, which an urban area would most likely have, he said. This is something to consider, because the development thats going on out there continues to attract affordable housing development. Amy Asher from RiverCities Transit said Lower Columbia CAP already has a service to Lexington twice daily. Weber said he was also concerned about overcrowding Beacon Hill Elementary, and he feels that Riverside Park, Lexingtons main public outdoor area, is in bad shape. The park currently features a burnt-down restroom thats been boarded up. Scott Westlund, the executive director of business and operations for Kelso School District, said the district purchased 10 acres of property in Lexington off of Boardwalk Way in anticipation of potentially building a new elementary school, but there are no concrete plans at the moment. We do estimate that there will be a number of ... students that will potentially move into those units, should this come to fruition, Westlund said. That has been a part of our discussion, because weve known about that development. Cowlitz County Parks and Recreation Director Mike Moss said the department is currently working on plans to improve Riverside, including fixing the restroom. According to Holmstrom, the new development, if built, would not require a traffic light on Solomon Road entering West Side Highway, but the project would require turn lanes and a fire access road. Its been 20 years since Big Jeff Walker passed away from late-stage kidney cancer, yet the man continues to save lives. Thats because Walker made his hiking partner and friend Brian Mahon promise him two things before he died: that hed never climb another mountain without him, and to get the word out about cancer prevention and early detection. Walker, who worked for a small logging company in the Columbia Basin, stood at 6 feet 5 inches and left behind about 7 pounds of ashes, Mahon said. His remains have been sprinkled at the summit of Mount Everest twice, as well as the South Pole and Mount McKinley. He had a huge heart, unbridled energy and was so generous with his time, Mahon said. This past Thursday, the 60-year-old Longview resident scaled three peaks in less than 30 hours in honor of his friend, who died on July 28, 1997. Nineteen years ago, a younger Mahon accomplished the same feat climbing Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mount St. Helens consecutively on the one-year anniversary of his friends death. Mahon said that every year he tries to scatter some of Walkers ashes on around four to six mountains hes never climbed before. In the intervening years, Mahon has carried out Walkers wish. He has spoken to thousands of people about the importance of cancer screenings. Walkers dying words also eventually worked to save Mahons life and his sons. When Mahons 10-year-old son began experiencing vision problems about 13 years ago, his wife suggested a screening that revealed brain cancer. Because the disease was detected early, Mahons son was treated and cured; hes now pursuing a writing and publishing career in New York City. In December 2015, Mahon also learned he had aggressive prostate cancer in his own body. My prostate was trying to kill me, he said. Jeff saved my life. A day later Mahon was on the operating table having the tumor removed. Mahon is a vivid example of someone who practices what they preach. With the help of a small grant, the now-retired physician assistant at a local family practice center developed the Cancer Prevention 101 Challenge. The presentation has been tailored to high school students, U.S. Forest Service officers and firefighters. The idea is to encourage people to take responsibility for their own health and screen for cancers that are most common based on age, gender and lifestyle. I would love to give the oncologists and cancer specialists a little less business, Mahon jokes. Mahon also developed a cancer screen guide called the Cancer Prevention Manual, which is fashioned after an auto manual. Mahon said he wanted to create an easy-to-digest guide aimed at both men and women that covered how to screen for all different kinds of cancer. We do regular maintenance on cars, trucks, SUVs, Mahon said. But were not doing nearly enough regular maintenance on our own selves. Mahon said hes motivated by the fact that of the roughly 500,000 cancer-related deaths in the United States every year, roughly half are preventable either through early detection or lifestyle changes. Most of what young people need to do, they can do in their own home, he said. Today, Mahon will introduce Walkers remains to another new mountain: Mount Olympus on the Olympic Peninsula. I want him back, but I cant have him back, so I do anything I can to help his wishes continue to be honored, Mahon said. Editors note: Todays editorial originally appeared in The Walla Walla Union Bulletin. Editorial content from other publications is provided to give readers a sampling of regional and national opinion and does not necessarily reflect positions endorsed by the Editorial Board of The Daily News. Last week the law on distracted driving got a lot tougher. If you are caught with a smartphone or electronic device in your hand while you are driving or even when you are waiting for the traffic light to turn green you can be cited. The new law also includes other forms of distracted driving that might interfere with safe driving grooming, smoking, eating or reading, for example. Apparently more than a few folks are a bit worked up about the changes in the law. Specifically, they are freaked out they wont be able to drink coffee or eat a snack while driving. Just days after the new law went into effect, more than 25,000 people signed an online petition seeking changes to the law because they contend it goes too far. Relax, take another sip of your morning coffee and continue your drive to work. Its highly unlikely you will be ticketed for breaking Washington states new distracted driving law at least by the Walla Walla Police Department. The eating and drinking part of the law terms it a secondary offense, which means an officer cant just pull you over for sipping on coffee or soda. The officer must pull you over for another offense such as speeding or reckless driving. Beyond that, Walla Walla Police Chief Scott Bieber said, officers are given the latitude to use their good judgment in determining whether sipping, chewing or even shaving was an activity that was distracted driving. Good judgment is also required of motorists when considering doing anything that diverts attention from the road. Its not going to be the end of the world as we knew it, Bieber said, adding that folks will still be able to drink their coffee or soda, and even eat while driving. We use discretion with those, he said. Basically, the purpose of the secondary offense is so that if a driver is acting outrageously they can be cited. For example, Bieber said, if someone were to be swerving from lane to lane and had a cheeseburger in one hand and a giant drink in the other essentially being an idiot then action could be taken to prevent that behavior in the future. Walla Walla police, however, are going to take the main aspect of the law, no holding of electronic devices, seriously. Yet, at least until the end of this year, officers are likely going to issue warnings rather than tickets in many cases, Bieber said. The goal at this point, the chief said, is to educate the public about the new law, not punish people. Ultimately, that will make this new law work better. Drivers have gotten too careless when it comes to using their smartphones while driving. Its made the roads more dangerous than they were and than they should be. The approach being taken to curb distracted driving is sound. An Ohio judge recently took freedom to a new level by ruling that pacemaker data from an arson suspect could be used during his trial. Privacy is supposed to encompass being free from public attention or being observed by others, especially when it comes to medical information. It seems as more laws are passed, we are forced to relinquish what privacy and freedom we have left. Whats next? Implants that capture your every move? The idea isnt too far-fetched if you look at the progression of technology. Siri, the intelligent personal assistant (according to Apple) on smart phones has been around since 2011. Plus, who would have thought 10 years ago that we could order a pizza without lifting a finger? Back in Ohio, Ross Compton was charged with aggravated arson and insurance fraud stemming from a house fire in 2016 that caused about $400,000 in damages. His account of what happened didnt jive with evidence at the scene prompting investigators to dig deeper. What could a pacemaker prove anyway? Some say a lot. Police captured data from Comptons pacemaker through a search warrant and analyzed his heart rate, pace demand and cardiac rhythms from before, during and after the incident. Compton claimed he packed belongings, threw them through a windows and then escaped to his car, but a cardiologist is disputing his statement claiming it was highly improbable due to his medical conditions. Can you imagine the doors this ruling may open? Most of us have signed a privacy disclosure when visiting the doctors office, but this precedent may impede on what should be our personal information. Stephanie Lacambra, criminal defense attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation said, We as a society value our rights to maintain privacy over personal and medical information, and compelling citizens to turn over protected health information data to law enforcement erodes those rights. Many citizens pride themselves on keeping private. Its a chance to be yourself without the rest of the world knowing everything little thing about you. When the Butler County judge went as far to rule pacemaker data admissible in court it left many of us scratching our heads. What does privacy truly mean anymore? Blue Alert The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to add another form of communication between law enforcement and the public Blue Alert. This amazing new emergency alert system is designed to notify citizens of serious threats to law enforcement officers as well as the public. We believe this is a great step forward in keeping our communities safe. Blue Alert will use the same process as Amber Alert and Silver Alert. Details are transmitted through radio, satellite, phones and cable to notify the public if lives are endangered. Amber Alert is a very well known emergency support system that notifies communities of an abducted child along with descriptions of possible suspects. To date approximately 870 children have been rescued. Silver Alert broadcasts information about missing senior citizens, especially those with Alzheimers or dementia. Blue Alert offers another link between police officers and citizens. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said, This network provides the means of quickly identifying, pursuing and capturing violent offenders who have hurt, killed or pose an imminent danger to law enforcement. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund there were 72 officer fatalities in 2016. Tom Berry, president of the National Blue Alert foundation, said, If theyre willing to kill a police officer wearing a badge, they will kill civilians. Currently, 28 states have adopted the Blue Alert system, but Washington State isnt on the list yet. Implementation on a nationwide scale requires approval from the FCC, which Ajit Pai, chairman of the FCC supports. The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act was signed into law in 2015 kicking off nationwide efforts to launch Blue Alert. The measure was named after two fallen officers in New York that were ambushed and killed in December 2014. The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office is administering the national network due to the recent ambush attacks on law enforcement. In addition to Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Lius deaths, a Dallas attack in July 2016 left five officers dead and nine others wounded; it was one of the deadliest shootings for U.S law enforcement. Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio said The National Blue Alert Network will provide this country with the necessary framework for rapid response to help save lives and apprehend criminals who would attack those who bravely protect public safety. We hope to see Washington adopt the new emergency alert system soon. If the system is anything like Amber Alert its bound to succeed. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like youve never been hurt and live like its (sic) heaven on earth. Mark Twain, as told to Anthony Scaramucci. It was a fall of biblical proportions. Huge! Like, bigger than Jericho falling to Joshua. I said we were brothers, Scaramucci, the newly named White House communications director, said last week of his rivalry with Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff. Thats because were rough on each other. Some brothers are like Cain and Abel. Scaramuccis retelling of Genesis had a twist: It was a murder-suicide. Priebuss Abel was indeed slain by Scaramuccis Cain; the chief was ousted Friday. But Cain met the same fate Monday afternoon; his buffoonery, self-aggrandizement and foul mouth caused him to be sacked after just 10 days on the job. He wasnt officially supposed to start until Aug. 15, so his tenure, technically, was minus 16 days. Much too soon, The Mooch is gone. As the Good Book says: What the &@%$#? Those &@%$# can go &@%$# themselves with a &@%$#. Never was a man more devoted to a cause than the Mooch was to the Donald. He sold his business. He gave up his political beliefs. He apparently gave up his wife. He definitely surrendered his reputation and his dignity. All for President Trump, who thanked him by saying, Youre fired. Only hours after tweeting to the world: No WH chaos! The Moochs tenure was such a whirlwind that its tempting to describe them as Ten Days That Changed the World. But the Mooch didnt really change anything. He just made everything wildly entertaining. As word leaked on July 21 that Scaramucci had been given the communications job, press secretary Sean Spicer quit. Scaramucci immediately gave a televised news conference, blowing a kiss to the cameras and planting many kisses on the wonderful human being who is Trump. So devoted was the Mooch to his patron that he tried, with all the subtlety of the Soviets, to airbrush his previous criticism of Trump whom hed called a hack and a bully and Trumps beliefs. Full transparency, the Mooch tweeted. Im deleting old tweets. And so, in the name of transparency, he tried to erase a past in which he thought well of Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, gun control, abortion rights, Islam and climate-change science. But the Mooch let stand one of his best tweets: his false claim that Mark Twain had uttered the dance like no one is watching quotation, which actually had its origins in 1980s pop music. The parodies poured in: Na na na na na na na nana Na na na na nana Gettin jiggy wit it Nelson Mandela. Love. Love will keep us together. Think of me, babe, whenever. Jesus Christ. Nothings gonna stop us, nothings gonna stop us now. Ernest Hemingway. Then there were the photos: The Mooch giving a thumbs up on Air Force One (en route to Youngstown, Ohio, where Trump would muse about his place on Mount Rushmore), and the Mooch with thumbs in his belt loops, facing off against Priebus in the Oval Office. Wednesday night brought a tweet suggesting that Priebus was responsible for the leak of my financial info which is a felony. Turns out the financial information was public record. Thursday, the New Yorkers Ryan Lizza reported on a phone call in which Scaramucci said top Trump strategist Stephen Bannon was trying to [expletive] his own [expletive], that Priebus was a [expletive] paranoid schizophrenic who was trying to [expletive]-block rivals. He said he wanted to [expletive] kill all the leakers, who, he said, are going to have to go [expletive] themselves. On Friday, the New York Post reported that Scaramuccis second wife, in late-stage pregnancy, had filed for a divorce in early July. The report suggested her husbands involvement with Trump had something to do with it. She gave birth to a boy on Monday, but it took Scaramucci four days to meet his son. Can the Mooch pick himself up after this fall? I believe he is Abel. As Mark Twain once said: I see a little silhouetto of a man Scaramooch, Scaramooch, will you do the fandango? Thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening me Galileo, (Galileo), Galileo, (Galileo), Galileo Figaro. How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time. Kindness is a gateway for all of us to connect and care for each other. Morgan Freeman Whether its a supporting... MAKING CONNECTIONS Editors note: The following random acts of kindness were emailed or called into County Press editor Jeff Hogan at jhogan@mihomepaper.com. The following acts of kindness experienced by County Press readers... Ed-Tech students connect with community ATTICA TWP. The Lapeer County Education and Technology Center (Ed-Tech) is a place where students can get a taste of the career opportunities that exist in their field of... Hold DUCSU election immediately ELECTION to Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) is not taking place over the past 27 years after the last annual election being held in 1990. As a result the varsity students remained deprived of their right to elect their representatives and are not having any say in the running of the country's biggest university in absence of their representatives in the 105 member Senate. DUCSU has five-member representation in the Senate; who are entitled to vote in the election of VCs and other functionaries. They are also designated representatives of students to take their problems and mismanagement in residential halls to the VC and the Senate to resolve those problems. But since those posts are now remaining vacant over the years without DCCSU election there is none to protest manifold irregularities and corruption grabbing the country's highest academic institutions. The biggest backlash from absence of DUCSU election and central student bodies' election in other public universities has come in the form of shutting the door of creating new generation leadership for the country. In fact this is unfortunately the common scenario in all public universities while private universalities don't allow student body in their campuses. The successive governments from 1991 discouraged constructive student politics in the campus to stop protest against corruption and their repressive politics. The vacuum is so far reaching now that students denied of creative activities are indulging in mugging, killing and other violence. Ruling party backed student cadres are holding control of the campus denying access to activists of their rival groups. It has turned the campus into a battleground. We can't deny the fact that DUCSU leadership has played the most pioneering role to organize unflinching protest against the repressive regime of Pakistani rulers that ended in the creation of independent Bangladesh. Dhaka University created so many outstanding leaders in the past but the door is now almost totally shut. More hoodlums are now being created instead to endanger the social life. It appears political party leaders - be it in the government or in the opposition are afraid of constructive student politics and want to use them as muscle men to protect power and destroy the opponents. As it appears Dhaka University students are becoming impatient as the blocking of their creative activities is ruining their future while the nation is going to face growing crisis of competent leadership that Dhaka University has always produced. Students in the campus held demonstrations recently demanding the long-pending DUCSU election. In our view the voice of 37 thousand students of Dhaka University can't be shut for long and we share their demand and ask the varsity authorities to hold DUCSU election immediately. Mismanagement of Hajj flights THE fate of Bangladeshi pilgrims intending to perform hajj under private management is facing uncertainty over performing the religious rituals this year due to negligence and mismanagement by a section of officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and private agencies. Media reports said that many of the pilgrims have not yet got visa, which caused disruption in flights amid lower passenger turnout while most of the local agencies could not yet ensure residence for pilgrims in Makkah and Madina. The mismatch is not anew as we observed in the yesteryears that many aspirants failed to perform the rituals due to sheer negligence of the government and the agencies. Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry cancelled nine hajj flights on Tuesday, out of total 177 flights, over visa complications. Visa complications may affect around 40,000 pilgrims while the passports of 85,000 pilgrims have still not reached the Hajj office. Representatives of different hajj agents could not go to Saudi Arabia as the ministry has not paid their fee. Each hajj pilgrim has deposited Tk 30,752 to the ministry during their pre-registration. Of them, Tk 20,351 was supposed to be sent to Saudi Arabia for Muallem fee through concerned agencies but the ministry delayed to send the money. So every Hajj agency will have to pay additional Tk 3,672 for each Hajj pilgrim's Muallem fee. The anomalies in this situation regarding thousands of Hajj pilgrims have come to light just before the Hajj flights. The ministry concern promised to take stern action against those responsible but why would the pilgrims pay for their negligence. Around 127,798 Bangladeshis will perform hajj this year, of which 5,800 will go under the government management, while rest 121,998 will go under private arrangement. State carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines authorities instructed that, from now on, all the hajj agencies will have to confirm the visas and plane tickets 72 hours before the day of flight. Processing the enormous number of hajj pilgrims is a hard task but systematic management and procedural steps eases the task which become mismatched each year. The government should ensure the smooth management of hajj. Nation observes first day of painful August with various programmes The first day of tragic month of August to Bangalee nation was observed on Tuesday with various programmes and with due solemnity. The day's programme started with the placing of wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road-32 in the early hours of Tuesday. The ruling Awami League, its associate and like-minded bodies have chalked out a month-long programme in observance of the 42nd anniversary of martyrdom of Bangabandhu, who along with 16 members of his family including wife and three sons, were assassinated on the fateful night of August 15 in 1975. Both the daughters of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, miraculously survived the mayhem as they were abroad then. Awami Jubo League organized a month-long photograph exhibition at Shilpokola Academy. Agriculture Minister and AL Presidium Member Begum Matia Chowdhury inaugurated the exhibition with Jubo League Chairman Omar Faruq in the chair. Besides, the day was marked with holding of discussions, rallies, mourning marches, blood donation camps, free medical camps and human-chains. Bangladesh Krishak League organised a voluntary blood donation camp and a discussion on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the programme as the chief guest. Bangabandhu Somajkollyan Parishad organized a meeting at TSC auditorium. AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader addressed the meeting as the chief guest with parishad Chairman Bahalul Majumder Chunnu in the chair. 21' August Bangladesh Kendriyo Committee formed a human chain in front of National Press Club. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique chair it while AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki addressed it. VP Pence says Russia's stance must change before ties improve US Vice President Mike Pence speaks to the press in Podgorica, Montenegro, on Wednesday Reuters, Tbilisi : U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that relations with Russia would not improve until Moscow changed its stance on Ukraine and withdrew support for "regimes like Iran and Syria and North Korea". The U.S. Congress voted last week for new sanctions on Russia and, at a news conference in Georgia's capital Tbilisi, Pence said the "lifting of sanctions will require Russia to reverse the actions that caused sanctions to be imposed in the first place". "Russia's destabilizing activities in Ukraine, their support for rogue regimes like Iran and Syria and North Korea ... their posture has to change," he said at a joint news conference with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. Pence said U.S. President Donald Trump would sign the new sanctions on Russia into law this week and said that Trump and Congress were "speaking with a unified voice". Keeping to previous U.S. administrations' line, Pence also condemned Russia's presence in Georgia. Moscow, whose annexation of Crimea in 2014 prompted U.S. and EU sanctions, still has troops stationed in Georgia after a 2008 war over the breakaway region of South Ossetia, backing Georgia's Abkhazia, a region also controlled by pro-Russian separatists. Pence also said the U.S. was still behind Georgia's application to become a member of NATO. "We'll continue to work closely with this prime minister and the government of Georgia broadly to advance the policies that will facilitate becoming a NATO member," he said. NATO promised Georgia membership in 2008, and three ex-Soviet Baltic nations - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - are already members. Pence has reassured them during this tour that Washington firmly backs NATO's doctrine of collective defense. In the Estonian capital of Tallinn on Monday, he assured them of U.S. support if they faced aggression from Russia. Asked about Pence's visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said nations had the right to choose their partners. "The only problem for us, is when this involves the expanding of various alliances and their infrastructure toward our borders. This is a cause of concern for us," Peskov told reporters on a conference call. During his visit, Pence attended Georgian-American military exercises, which began in Georgia on Sunday. About 2,800 soldiers from the United States, Britain, Germany, Turkey, Ukraine, Slovenia, Armenia and Georgia are taking part in the maneuvers, which will last for two weeks. On Wednesday, Pence visits Montenegro, which joined NATO in June. The tiny Balkan nation won praise from Washington for joining despite pressure against the move from Russia. BOGRA: VP Saiful Islam, President, Bogra District BNP with other leaders visiting rape victim\'s mother and daughter at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital recently. Copyright 2021 New Nation. All Rights Reserved by thedailynewnation.com Two sisters' slit-throat bodies found in Jamalpur Mother, cousin, grandfather picked up Staff Reporter : Two minor sisters were allegedly slaughtered by some unidentified miscreants in their own room in Telibari village of Jamalpur sadar upazila on Tuesday night. The deceased have been identified as Bhabana Akhtar, 13, Nurunnahar Lubna, 9, daughters of Shamim Ahmed, an expatriate in Saudi Arabia. Bhabna was a student of Class IX at Puglai Mannafia High School and Nurunnahar Lubna was a student of Class II at Matiur Rahman Kindergarten School, said Md Delwar Hossain, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Jamalpur. Police recovered the slit-throat bodies of two sisters on Wednesday morning, the police official said. We have arrested a cousin of the deceased and their grand father on suspicion in connection with the sensational murder, while the deceased's mother Taslima Begumhas was being interrogated to get information regarding the incident, the SP said. Quoting the locals, Jamalpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nasimul Haque, said "Locals found throat-slit bodies of Bhabna and Rubna lying on the floor inside their house at about 8:00am and called police. On information, police recovered the bodies." "The deceased's mother Taslima Begum went to the district town with her youngest daughter on Tuesday morning instructing her daughters to go to the school. After returning home on Wednesday morning, she became unconscious finding the slit-bodies of her beloved daughters," the police official said. The bodies were sent to district Sadar hospital morgue for an autopsy, the OC said. Waterlogging persists Poor drainage, unplanned urbanisation, traffic jam turn Dhaka unlivable: Experts A rickshaw-puller along with the passenger is seen struggling with his rickshaw in a waterlogged Motijheel road in the city on Wednesday which is also a very common scenario in most of the city roads even if after a little shower. Staff Reporter : A one and half hours rain deluged Dhaka again on Wednesday, with the persisting waterlogging almost everywhere. The worst affected areas include Karwan Bazar, Kathalbagan, West Shewrapara, Kulshi, Dhanmondi, Rayerbazar, Hazaribagh, Kakrail, Noyapaltan, Fakirapool, Rajabazar, Shantinagar, Rampura, Motijheel, Tikatuli, Doyaganj, Postogola, Bijoynagar, Shahidbagh, Rayerbagh, Jatrabari, Mouchak, Malibagh and the old town. Poorly managed drainage system and negligence of civic bodies made such waterlogging a perennial problem, urban planners say. Dhaka Met Office recorded 24 millimetres (mm) rainfall during the last 12 hours ending at 6 pm on Wednesday. "Dhaka may experience light to moderate downpour over the next 24 hours," a meteorologist said. The day's brief rain also inundated many Dhaka streets, causing acute suffering to city dwellers experiencing heavy traffic jams in busy intersections. According to the Managing Director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) Taksim A Khan, "26 out of the 56 water drainage canals are operational, but not in full capacity. However, if the authorities cannot ensure that rain waters are pumped out to proper places, this means the problem cannot be resolved." "Waterlogging caused by the downpours has become a chronic problem for Dhaka city. Unplanned urbanization and lack of coordination among the civic bodies are mainly responsible for the problem," Prof Nazrul Islam, an urban planner, told The New Nation yesterday. He said different parts of the capital go under ankle to knee-deep water just because of a few hours of rain. Even after the rain subsided the waters took hours to drain out. This proves that the drainage system was not functioning properly for swift water drainage. "If the civic bodies had ensured that storm water drains were desilted before, rainwater would not have stagnated. So, they must play a proactive role to get rid of this problem," Islam added. "Dhaka's water-logging problem takes a serous turn due to poor drainage system," architect Mobasser Hossain, told The New Nation. He added the entire drainage system of the capital has been clogged, as it is not properly connected with the rivers surrounding it to carry the water during rainy season. As a result, the rainwater is not passing through the drainage system causing waterlogging in Dhaka. "Disappearances of marshy lands and canals and improper planning are also responsible for the Dhaka's water logging problem," said Hossain. "Dhaka witnesses severe water logging almost on an annual basis. But Dhaka WASA and the two city corporations trade blames over the recurrent failure to keep the capital free from water logging in rainy days," another architect Iqbal Habib told The New Nation. "We want action, not blame game, to come out from Dhaka's waterlogging problem," he added. Iqbal Habib, also an urban planner, further said a move was initiated in bringing the capital's drainage system under a single authority a decade back, but we are yet to see progress of the move. "If the task has to be entrusted to a single authority, it may help improve the situation," he added. Last year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Dhaka the 2nd least liveable city in the world in its annual Liveability Ranking. The report lists 140 cities worldwide based on a variety of lifestyle issues such health care, education, culture, environment and infrastructure. Monno to be buried today UNB, Dhaka : Industrialist and BNP chairperson's advisory council member Haruner Rashid Khan Monno will be buried at his family graveyard in Manikganj today. Monno, also a former minister without portfolio, died at Monno Medical College Hospital in Manikganj around 5:05am on Tuesday at the age of 86. His first namaz-e-janaza will be held in front of BNP's Nayapaltan central office in the capital at 10am today, while the 2nd one at South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 11:00am, said a BNP press release on Wednesday. Later, his body will be flown to Manikganj and his 3rd janaza will be held at Saturia's Syed Kalushah College ground at 1:30pm followed by 4th one in Govt Debendra University College field at 2:30pm, fifth one in Harirampur's Patgram High Scholl field at 3:30pm and sixth one at Monno Medical College ground at 4:30pm. Later, he will be buried at his family graveyard near Hurunnahar Jam-e-Mosque around 5:30pm. Monno was elected MP from Manikganj-2 constituency in 1991 and 1996 and from Manikganj-2 and 3 seats in 2001 with BNP ticket. He was also made a minister without portfolio in 2001. Beginning his business career with Monno Art Press, Monno appeared as a big industrialist through founding the Monno Group of Industries. He established Monno Ceramic, Monno Jutex Industries, Monno Fabrics, Monno Attire Limited, Monno Medical College Hospital, Monno Nursing Institute, Monno International School and College and some other institutions. Tk 6cr waste bin project flops The bins create excess wastes, stinks Reza Mahmud : The waste bin project of two Dhaka City Corporations has failed due to inappropriate management and unawareness of city dwellers. "We are trying to make Dhaka a clean city. The waste bin project was one of the initiatives to this end. But it is not only City Corporations' responsibility. The city people also need to be aware oof its necessity and use. They should use the waste bins properly," Khan Mohammad Bilal, the Chief Executive Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation, told The New Naiton. He said the DSCC has found many of its waste bins broken and being unusable due to inappropriate uses. He also said the authority is now monitoring the waste bins to make the project a success. The Dhaka South City Corporation fixed 5,670 waste bins in different places. Besides, the Dhaka North City Corporation has set 1,000 waste bins. The two City Corporations have spent around Tk six crore on this project. But mismanagement and misuse of the bins make the project flopped. The bins, full of dirty garbage, and the broken ones create extra wastes in the city. While visiting Swamibag area, this correspondent found most of the wastebins unusable as those were full of garbage. Because, the cleaners have not cleaned the bins. "Day by day, the waste bins have been filled with wastes, but the cleaners have not turned up and collected those garbage," a man residing in the area said. A shopkeeper at Dayaganj said, "We have not so far found any waste bins. The street people may have stolen those." However, some stands of stolen and broken waste bins were on the Dayaganj-Jurain road. Gulistan and Wari area people also experienced a similar scenario. Even a waste bin at Gulistan, a few yards away from the Nagar Bhaban, the head quarter of DSCC, was found filled with wastage for long, but no one cleaned that. Stands without bins were also found in Mirpur, Farmegate, Tejgaon and other DNCC areas. According to officials at the DSCC, 30 waste bins have been stolen and 90 broken in Hazaribagh and Jhigatola areas. In Lalbag-Chakbazar and adjacent areas, nearly 150 waste bins were stolen and more than 300 broken. As many as 50 waste bins have been broken and 20 stolen in Dhanmondi area. In Khilgaon, Bashabo and Mugda areas, 54 were stolen and around 300 broken. When contacted, Khondokar Millatul Islam, the Additional Waste Management Officer of DSCC, told The New Nation, "Some waste bins were found broken and missing in many places in the DSCC areas. We are trying to replace all of those soon." Politics damaged all the democratic institutions, SC observes Staff Reporter : The Supreme Court's (SC) full verdict on the 16th amendment that was released on Tuesday focused among others on democratic institutions of the country. The judgement most importantly pointed out the arrogance and self-importance in the affairs of the country. Criticising the supremacy attitude in politicians, Chief Justice (CJ) Surendra Kumar Sinha in the full verdict of the amendment wrote, "People are the sole source of power. Parliament cannot make any law contrary to the interest of people and the Constitution has empowered the SC to verify whether any rule has been made against people's interest." In the verdict, it was also observed that all are facilitating prominence. "No nation or country was built by a person. So, if we really love our country, we all should get rid of the ego of supremacy," the Chief Justice said. "Until the Jatiya Sangsad earns optimum maturity, it will be suicidal to empower it to remove the judges of the Supreme Court. Judges should not be accountable to the Parliament," the verdict read. The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the High Court verdict that declared illegal the 16th amendment empowering the parliament to remove the judges of the Supreme Court. Due to the absence of checks and balances, the government seems to be uncontrolled, observes the Supreme Court in the verdict scrapping the 16th amendment to the Constitution. "Human rights are at stake, corruption is rampant, parliament is dysfunctional, crores of people are deprived of basic healthcare and mismanagement in the administration is acute," reads the verdict of the Appellate Division of the SC. With the development of technology, the dimensions of crimes are changing, the apex court says, adding that the lives and security of citizens are becoming utterly insecure. "The law enforcing agencies are unable to tackle the situation and the combined result of all this is a crippled society, the one where a good man does not dream of good things at all; but the bad man is all the more restless to grab a few more of bounty," reads the verdict. "In such a situation, the executive becomes arrogant and uncontrolled and the bureaucracy will never opt for efficiency," the apex court made observation in the verdict. It further states, "Even after forty-six years of independence, we have not been able to institutionalise any public institutions." In the verdict, the apex court also focuses on the state of the judiciary. It says that even in this endless challenge, the judiciary is the only relatively independent organ of the state which, even though sinking, is striving to keep its nose above the water. "But judiciary too cannot survive long in this situation. Yet, no law has been formulated for selection and appointment of judges in the higher judiciary. There is no scope for imparting training to the judges of the higher judiciary. It is the high time for formulating laws for the selection of the judges and their training so that they can be equipped to face the challenges of 21st century," reads the verdict. It states, "Instead of strengthening the judiciary, the executive is now trying to cripple it and if it happens, there could be disastrous consequences." The government in September 2014 brought the 16th amendment. The amendment was challenged with the High Court. The HC in May 2016 declared the amendment unconstitutional and void. The government challenged the verdict by filing an appeal with the Appellate Division which rejected the government's appeal on July 3 and upheld the HC verdict. On both occasions, MPs in Jatiya Sangsad launched a scathing attack on the apex court for scrapping the amendment. In the full verdict, the apex court also focuses on the country's political culture. It says the state power, which is another dimension of political power, is nowadays becoming a monopoly of a few and this suicidal tendency of concentration of power is increasing. The apex court criticises the last two martial law regimes as well. It says that after independence, those unholy alliances of power-mongers reduced this country to a banana republic twice. People were bluffed and compromised to legitimise their illegal exercise of power. "They did not empower the people, rather they abused their position and introduced different bluffing tools," reads the apex court verdict. "Thus as an institution, the notion of 'politics' has been completely destroyed." It says dirty political practices of those undemocratic regimes to a great extent even infected the civil politics. "Politics is no longer free, it is now highly commercial and money is in the driving seat which controls the course of action and its destination. "Now power, not merit, tends to control all public institutions of the country. Irony of the history is that with the unflinching determination and indomitable spirit, we were able to free a country from the clutches of a military superpower but we have been measurably defeated by ourselves in that very free country," reads the verdict. The SC says even in matured democracy, bureaucracy and judiciary, like in India, there is strong criticism of parliamentarians, parliament, and bureaucracy. Earlier on June 1, the Appellate Division concluded the hearing of the appeal filed by the government challenging the HC order. On February 8 last, the SC appointed 12 senior jurists as amici curiae (friends of court) seeking their opinions over the legality of the 16th amendment. On September 17, 2014, the Jatiya Sangsad passed the 'Constitution (16th Amendment) Bill, 2014' without any opposition, empowering parliament to impeach judges of the Supreme Court for their 'incapacity' or 'misconduct'. Nine Supreme Court lawyers filed a writ petition with the High Court on November 5, 2014, questioning the validity of the amendment. On May 5 last year, the HC declared the 16th Amendment to the Constitution illegal. The government on 4 January last filed an appeal challenging the HC decision. The Constitution drafted in 1972 had given the MPs the power to impeach judges and decide their term in office. But after the Fourth Amendment in 1975, the power was vested with the President. VIENNA State Sen. Dale Fowler is expected to be at tonight's 12th annual school supply giveaway and community night at the Shawnee Worship Center. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Shawnee Worship Center. Sen. Fowler, expected to arrive about 5:30 p.m., will be donating school supplies to help assist students. In 2016, this event served more than 330 students from 10 different Southern Illinois counties. Students and their families are provided with school supplies, haircuts, dental exams, clothing, food, and the services of more than a dozen community partners all for free. This year, the church is planning to serve nearly 400 students and their families through this event. We are honored to welcome State Senator Dale Fowler to our event," said Jeffrey Isbell, childrens minister at Shawnee Worship Center, in a press statement. "His attendance and donation of school supplies further highlights the regional impact of this event as we strive to serve the entire Southern Illinois community. We appreciate Senator Fowlers efforts to genuinely serve those throughout the region. Representatives from several local businesses and organizations will also be on hand to help. The United States benefits greatly under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) from trade with Canada. This positive benefit of NAFTA is often overshadowed by statements, usually false, about the ways the U.S. is being harmed by trade with Mexico under NAFTA. A look at the facts, however, shows the benefits for the U.S. and also how trade and manufacturing have become intertwined in a variety of sometimes complex cross-border arrangements. Consider, for example, pigs, something important to farm states in the Midwest. The U.S. imports piglets from Canada, fattens them on Midwestern farms, and exports pork back to Canada. While pigs may not represent a major portion of the U.S. economy, the cross-border process by which pork is raised and sold is common today for many other agricultural and manufactured products. For example, automobile components are often manufactured in the U.S. and exported to Canada where the automobiles are assembled and exported back to the U. S. These cross-border arrangements keep costs as low as possible for consumers, and jobs are created in importing, exporting and production. Manufacturing and other trade relationships could be thrown into turmoil if NAFTA is terminated or renegotiated, risking unemployment and higher prices. Trade with Canada under NAFTA has tripled. Canada is the largest importer of U.S. goods of any country in the world. U.S. exporters benefit from negligible tariffs on most goods exported to Canada, and eight million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Canada. Furthermore, because of these cross-border production arrangements, 25 percent of the value of imports from Canada is actually made up of components produced in the U.S. There are numerous examples of the importance of trade under NAFTA. For example, the U.S. exports corn, soybeans and many other agricultural products to Canada and Mexico, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Farmers will be greatly harmed if NAFTA is terminated or significantly renegotiated. Illinois, in particular, benefits from the import of Canadian oil to the Wood River refinery and from the oil tank farm in Patoka, and Indiana benefits similarly from the Whiting refinery that processes Canadian oil. These have triggered billions of dollars of investment and are responsible for high-paying on-going jobs. If a NAFTA termination or renegotiation places tariffs on Canadian oil, Canada will simply export it somewhere else, stranding investment in the U.S. and costing a large number of good jobs. Are there problems? Yes, but these must be considered in the larger context of the benefits from NAFTA. The U.S. has ongoing issues with Canada regarding its lumber industry (whether prices are unfairly subsidized) and with its protected dairy industry. But these problems can be, and are being, addressed. They are not reasons to throw out NAFTA and lose all the benefits. While the U.S. has claimed for years that Canada unfairly subsidizes its lumber industry, other analysis, for instance from the U.S. International Trade Commission, has questioned any harm to the domestic industry. In any case, the 20 percent tariff the Administration has just placed on lumber from Canada will only increase house prices in the U.S. And Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is considering retaliatory measures in response, just the sort of trade war to be feared. Tariffs are not the solution. Indeed, Canada offered concessions on its dairy industry in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal from which the U.S. pulled out, thereby at least for a time losing this benefit. We should recognize NAFTA for what it is a free trade agreement that has greatly benefited the U.S. Ending or significantly modifying it will only raise prices for customers in the U.S. and will cost jobs as exports are reduced. A reduction in imports from Canada is unlikely to result in more U.S. jobs, but rather production will be transferred to other countries. In addition, jobs will be lost from the decreased production of components used in the Canadian products exported to the U.S. Trade is not a zero sum game. It can be win-win for everyone, but it also can be lose-lose if NAFTA is terminated or significantly renegotiated. Orangeburg County's top fire official wants to develop guidelines to will ensure fire departments are operating according to federal and state standards. While every department currently follows procedures, We are going to bring it to the surface so that everybody knows about it, not just this department or that department, Orangeburg County Fire Director Teddy Wolfe said Monday. Wolfe discussed his plan to develop an operational procedure manual with the Orangeburg County Fire Commission on Monday. He said the guidelines will be presented to the county's Fire Advisory Board for discussion and revisions. "I am going to take one sheet at a time," he said. "I am not taking the whole book. The first thing we will do is job descriptions." "It will be an ongoing process," Wolfe said. Wolfe said the guidelines will unify the Orangeburg County Fire Districts operational standards to ensure it is functioning according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines related to such things as respiratory protections, cleaning of gear and equipment inspections. The guidelines will also cover general administration, member health and safety, public education and safety, training levels and safety at emergency incidents. In other business: Commissioners unanimously approved spending $18,998 for six new gas monitors for use throughout the district. The six gas monitors will replace the district's current four gas monitors. Wolfe said the monitors will allow officials to take air samples at fire scenes and monitor carbon monoxide calls. He also said it can be used to assist in home evacuations should there be an exposure of some sort. Wolfe reported the county has a new computer system that will impact how calls are reported to the 911 center and then dispatched to the fire district. Wolfe said the fire district will be working to implement the program for its needs in the coming week. "This is a very huge undertaking," Wolfe said. Wolfe said the new system will enable the 911 center to better identify the resources needed at any given emergency or fire call. Orangeburg County Fire Advisory Board Chairman Carl Thompson said the board would like to have all fire service lines redrawn and in effect by the end of the year for both the Orangeburg and Santee areas. Thompson said firefighters are in agreement on the proposed new coverage lines related to the city of Orangeburg. He said firefighters believe the Santee Fire District should be pulled back to their original lines and contracted to anything outside of it. Wolfe said he is confident everyone will be on the same page and in agreement with the proposed service lines as the matter moves forward. Wolfe said he is looking to acquire a ladder truck for the West Middle Fire Department. The departments current ladder truck is 41 years old and is completely out of service. "It could be fixed, but it would cost more than what the truck is worth," Wolfe said. Wolfe said the department needs a ladder truck to serve the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park. The park has ten buildings requiring a ladder truck. Currently, the city of Orangeburg responds to county fires needing a ladder truck. Wolfe presented commissioners with a photo of the newly purchased all-hazards training safety house. Wolfe said the 27-foot mobile trailer house is located at the Orangeburg County Emergency Services Department, but will be used by the fire district as well. "It will be like a rolling billboard for fire safety," Wolfe said. Wolfe said the safety house simulates other disasters besides fires, such as an earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. The safety house will be used by the county at various safety demonstration events and area schools. The fire district contributed about $10,000 to the safety house, which cost a total of roughly $40,000 to $50,000, Wolfe said. The attempts are all too common. Their success should not be. In one instance, an Orangeburg business owner was taken advantage of by scammers posing as representatives of the Department of Public Utilities. According to DPU, the business received a call from someone named Michael claiming to represent the Orangeburg utility. The business owner was told his bill was a month past due and the power would be shut off within an hour unless he made a payment over the phone. Through a process outlined by Michael, the business owner made a payment of $400 and upon inquiring with DPU found out he had been scammed. DPU will never try to collect a payment in such a manner. Nor will other utilities or reputable businesses, agencies and organizations. But scammers are hoping to find just a few people willing to go along. And they try in all kinds of ways. Recently, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell warned about a scam using his department's name. An individual is targeting seniors with threats that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The scammer states a $500 payment to him will negate the warrant. And then there are the scammers posing as IRS investigators, calling to tell a resident he or she owes taxes and will be arrested if the taxes are not paid via the method outlined by the caller. There are many other ways in which people are attempting to separate you from your money. The S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs Identity Theft Unit fielded more than 750 scam report calls between Jan. 1 and June 30. Nearly half were imposter scams (46 percent), while the debt-collection and sweepstakes scams had 11 percent each. In total, consumers reported actual losses of more than $750,000 from scams, and the potential loss of more than $760,000 by those who did not fall victim to the scams they reported. A YouGov survey commissioned by CPR Call Blocker has similar findings. Alarmingly 89 percent of people in South Carolina receive between five and 30 nuisance calls per week. And a fifth of South Carolina adults admit they have been a victim of a telephone scam. The survey found the top five are: 1. IRS scam 2. Credit/loan scam 3. Robocall/automated messages scam 4. Lottery/sweepstakes scam 5. Missed call scam While many people are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to spotting a scam, 17 percent of those questioned have lost money to scams in the last 12 months. Of those, 23 percent lost less than $100, 22 percent lost between $100 and $500, but 27 percent lost between $500 and $10,000, with 4 percent scammed out of more than $10,000. If youre contacted out of the blue, be suspicious and never respond to an unsolicited call. Dont assume a caller is genuine because he or she has information about you such as your account details. Never give out personal information when answering an incoming call, and if youre not convinced the call is genuine, hang up and call back using the official phone number of the organization calling from their website or any paperwork you have, such as statements. Scam reporting is an important step in helping empower consumers to recognize and avoid scams. To report a scam, call the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs at 800-922-1594 or 803-734-4200. Orangeburg DPU can be reached at 803-268-4100 for any questions about bills. Suspicious calls can also be reported to the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety at 803-533-4110, the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office at 803-534-3550 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Nice weather and the friendly smiling face of Digger the News Hound, the mascot of The Times and Democrat, were the perfect combination in helping draw individuals to support an annual school supply drive. Notebooks, pencils and pens were among the items collected during the "Tools 4 Schools" drive that was held Saturday in front of Walmart at 2795 North Road in Orangeburg. The event is a partnership effort between The T&D and Walmart to provide students in Orangeburg Consolidated School Districts Three, Four and Five with needed school supplies. "We would consider the event a success. We collected a good amount of supplies, which will be divided among the three school districts," T&D Advertising Director Kyla Fraser said. Children also took advantage of fun features included at the event. "The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety provided a fire truck, and that was fun. And, of course, Digger was in attendance. There were also a lot of kids who really enjoyed his company during the event," Fraser said. She said the "Tools 4 Schools" drive would not have been possible without the generous support of the community, noting that there are plans to hold the supply drive, which is in its fifth year, again next year. "We definitely would like to thank everybody who participated, and we look forward to seeing them all come out next year. We had a good amount of donations ahead of time as well as on that day," Fraser said. Individuals who donated to the supply drive on Saturday had their names entered into a drawing for Walmart gift cards. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Gabala, a charming part of Azerbaijan, successfully hosts the International Music Festival. A concert of famous musicians from Azerbaijan, Israel and the USA took place in the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center on August 1, Trend reported. Director of Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society, Professor Murad Adigozalzadeh (piano), concertmaster of Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, famous violinist Jeanne Gandelman, one of the artistic directors of the festival, the musical director of the orchestra "Virtuosos of Kiev", the conductor of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra , a world-renowned cellist Dmitry Yablonsky, a teacher of the Music Academy "Buchman-Mehta" in Tel Aviv and Sadna Conservatory, horn player Michael Slatkin took the stage on August 1. Young Azerbaijani pianists Sayida Taghizade, Elkhan Niftiev and violinist Rena Ragimov performed at the concert works of European composers. Their performance was greeted with stormy applause. Gabala International Music Festival is an annual open-air festival of classical music held every summer beginning from 2009 in Gabala, Azerbaijan. Famous musicians from different countries, world-known symphonic and philharmonic orchestras will perform at the festival, which will close on August 3. The event is co- organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the support of Gilan Holding. Visa has announced its support of the new global QR code payment specifications from EMVCo, the global technical body that manages the EMV Specifications. The specifications cover consumer-presented and merchant-presented QR code use cases for digital payment acceptance. QR codes are two-dimensional machine-readable barcodes, used to facilitate mobile payments at the point-of-sale. Visa and the other EMVCo members worked to develop these new globally interoperable EMV specifications. Visa has already successfully enabled the merchant-presented QR technology in 15 countries around the world, with India, Kenya and Nigeria currently live in market with both bank and merchant partners. Weve already seen tremendous progress towards adoption of standardized, interoperable QR code payment systems in the developing world, said Sam Shrauger, SVP, Digital Products, Visa. We are working with governments and central banks in countries like India to develop and implement QR code payment solutions that provide the convenience and security that are synonymous with Visa and help the journey toward a cashless future. Visa has enabled the growth of merchant-presented QR code payments around the world with its innovative mobile payments solution, mVisa. mVisa allows consumers to pay for goods and services by scanning a QR code on a smart phone or entering a merchant number into their feature phones. Payment goes straight from the consumers Visa account into the merchants account and provides real-time notification to both parties. mVisa is completely interoperable, meaning that the consumer and the merchant do not need to be customers of the same bank. This brings the same convenience, security and reliability provided by the trusted Visa brand. For merchants eager to harness the power of QR code payments, the Visa Ready Program has adopted the interoperable QR standards to develop tools and capabilities which help easy generation and deployment of QR code merchants by banks, processors and merchant aggregators. Once enrolled, merchants can freely accept payments from any country or bank given mVisas interoperability while trusting Visa will securely and efficiently process each transaction. QR Code payments driving a cashless future As digital payments help continue a shift toward a cashless future, this new global specification is an important step that promotes interoperability and standardizes the fast growing ecosystem of QR code payments across the world. Already, 33 banks and more than 328,000 merchants across India, Kenya and Nigeria have adopted the interoperable standards as they accelerate their QR code digital payment programs. mVisa enables successful completion of the transaction independent of the mobile operator service on both the consumer and the merchants phone, and the consumers and merchants banks, said Shrauger. This addresses a major challenge with mobile money programs, and lets consumers and merchants choose their own bank or mobile operator. Reserve Bank of India has encouraged the adoption of standardized QR code payments to provide access to low-cost, secure digital payments to millions of consumers and merchants. Working with our partners, Visa is converting both everyday and recurring cash purchases to digital payments through direct integrations with supermarket chains and large utility billers. By presenting dynamic QR codes to consumers that provide a seamless payment experience, billers such as Tata Sky, Idea Cellular, Reliance Energy, Mahanagar Gas, as well as Pizza Hut and supermarket chains Nakumatt, Spar, and Zucchini, are bringing benefits of digital payments to millions of potential customers. Visa intends to replicate this success in 12 other countries where mVisa has been enabled: Cambodia, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam. TradeArabia News Service Top international and regional industry experts will participate, network and engage in discussions on the latest technology innovations influencing the marketing domain, at the upcoming Arab Marketing Innovation Summit, to be held in November in Dubai, UAE. The summit is the regions only event designed for marketing professionals to learn, network and engage in discussions on the latest technology innovations influencing the marketing domain. The event, being organised by global conference producers Expotrade, will take place on November 27 and 28. The convergence of technology has changed the way business is conducted. Banking, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing are some of the industries that have embraced technology to offer its target audience better processes and enhanced customer experience, said a statement. In todays day and age, technology has become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. Companies are implementing new age marketing tactics and strategies to garner consumer interest and retain the existing customer. The marketing function in every business has also adopted numerous tools to optimise its strategies digital marketing, performance marketing, data-driven marketing techniques are some of the processes widely used by companies looking at increasing customer engagement and building brand loyalty. Across two days, the summit includes over 40 international and regional industry experts delivering keynote sessions, case study presentations and participate in panel discussions on topics pertaining to data-driven content marketing strategy, fitting artificial intelligence (AI) into your marketing strategy, performance marketing for the digital age and marketing in the mobile world, to name a few, said a statement. Brad Hariharan, regional director, Expotrade Middle East, said: According to a report, the UAE was ranked amongst the top 10 countries globally where internet users spend the maximum time on social media; Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter are some of the widely used social media apps in this region. Marketers have noticed this discernible change in consumer behaviour and tweaked their marketing strategies to address the shift in focus from traditional to digital mediums, he said. The marketing landscape has undergone a major transformation; traditional advertising or marketing methods have given way to technology-driven marketing techniques. The summit is a two-day event that will attract over 300 senior marketers from various industries based in the Middle East region. We felt a need to create a platform such as the summit for senior marketers in the region to discuss the best practices, challenges and opportunities in this space, trends and innovations in shaping the marketing industry, Hariharan concluded. TradeArabia News Service The 201 plastics plants operating in Abu Dhabi, UAE are generating investments in excess of Dh204 billion ($55.5 billion), according to the Industry Development Bureau of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The revelation came during a workshop organised by the bureau as part of the ADDED's 'Industry Dialogue' initiative, aimed at bolstering an investment-conducive environment at the industrial sector and cementing channels of communications between manufacturers, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency. "Among its multifaceted strategic objectives, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 lays a special focus on non-oil sectors as part of the economic diversification programme which is premised to ensure a sustainable development drive, the mainstay of which is the industrial sector," said Khalifa Bin Salim Al Mansouri, ADDED acting under-secretary. "The Industrial Dialogue initiative fits within the Industrial Development Bureaus role to chart a strategic path for the industrial sector by empowering and engaging different official and semi-official departments along with private sectors companies to contribute to enhancing the emirates competitiveness and boost its Gross Domestic Product," he explained. Increasing the emirates GDP and enhancing the efficiency and added-value of processing industries while ensuring a business-friendly, innovation-based environment and protecting patent rights are on top of the Bureaus priorities, he maintained. In order for these objectives to gain traction, the ADDED spares no effort to enhance direct channels of communications between owners of industrial facilities in order for them to keep abreast of the challenges besetting the industry and help them develop efficient solutions thereto, Al Mansouri noted. He singled out the plastics industry as one of the main industrial platforms in the emirate which stands on the same footing of importance with other heavy industries, including steel, aluminium and petrochemicals. The workshop occasioned a review of plastic products manufacturers opinions and suggestions to develop the industry in the best possible way before referring them to the ADDED management for review and possible implementation. Jordan-based Siniora Food Industries, a pioneer in the manufacturing of cold cuts, frozen meat and luncheon, has reported a net profit of JD1.926 million ($2.7 million) for the first half of 2017, a growth of 36 per cent compared with the same period of 2016. While total revenues grew by 16 per cent over the same period of 2016, and amounted to JD27.5 million ($38.8 million) in the first half of 2017, said a statement from the company. Chairman of Siniora Tarek Omar Aggad announced that the company's positive results confirm the success of the expansion and development strategy put in place, especially in the Gulf and several Arab countries, which led the company's growth and that have boosted its position and strength and enhanced its financial position, as well as increased its market share locally and regionally. Aggad added that the Siniora's regional sales grew by 26 per cent in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period of 2016, predominantly after its acquisition of the Diamond Meat Processing Company in Dubai in 2016, which has recently been accredited by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to export its meat products to Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the company's sales increased across all the Gulf markets, with a sharp increase in the sales of the frozen meat products in the Jordanian market. Aggad confirmed that Siniora has continued to maintain its leading position both in the Palestinian and Jordanian markets. Siniora Food Industries, a subsidiary of Arab Palestinian Investment Company (APIC), is a market leader in the manufacture and sale of branded Siniora Al-Quds and Unium processed meat. It was founded in Jerusalem, Palestine, in 1920, and established its factory in Jordan in 1992. Siniora acquired Diamond Meat Processing Company in Dubai in 2016. Siniora produces cold cuts and canned luncheon meat from three state-of-the-art processing plants in Palestine, Jordan and UAE. In 2015, Siniora Jordan established a factory for its new line of frozen meats. Siniora has been awarded the Food Safety System Certificate (FSSC 22000) and ISO 9001 certifications for quality and food control safety, in addition to the Palestinian Standard Certificate in Palestine and Halal Certificate issued by Jordanian Standards. Siniora factories in Jordan and Palestine have been maintaining the international certifications for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:2007 and Environmental Management Systems ISO14001:2004 since 2014. The company markets its products through mass merchandisers, grocery stores, high-frequency stores and department stores in Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and UAE as well as in 10 other countries in the Middle East. Siniora also has distribution centres in Saudi Arabia, UAE and a dedicated export department covering the Gulf and the Levant, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Iran and Italy will broaden cooperation in the water and electricity industry, a top official Iranian government official said. Head of Export Promotion and Logistics at the Ministry of Energy Hamid Reza Tashayoei was speaking in a meeting with Italy economy attache to Tehran on Tuesday, Irna reported. Italy is among those countries that after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have broadened economic cooperation with Iran, Tashayoei said. Since Iran suffers a dry climate, expansion of cooperation in water and electricity industry is of prime importance, he said. Iran is determined to broaden cooperation in renewable energy with Italy, he underlined. Formation of a joint working committee can help broaden all-out cooperation in education, research and industry, he said. Grounds are well-prepared for active participation of Italian companies in Iran, he said. Italy's economy attache to Tehran said Italy welcomes formation of a joint committee to ease expansion of cooperation between the two sides' state-run as well as private sectors. City Centre Rotana Doha, Rotanas newest hotel in Qatar, has launched a new and exciting Spanish Theme Night La Noche Espanola, to take place every Tuesday at Olive Oil, the hotels all day dining restaurant. Guests can enjoy authentic Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine with a wide selection of tapas that include tortilla de patatas, delicious gazpacho and traditional Valencia style paella. It will also include a wide range of appetizers like gambas al ajillo or garlic prawns as well as pulpo a la Gallega or octopus in Galician style; all beautifully prepared by the speciality outlet Chef Adriana Toledo, who hailing directly from Spain, serves nothing but the most authentic dishes. On this occasion, Chef Adriana Toledo said: "We are delighted to welcome guests to Olive Oil to try a distinctive selection of Spanish dishes made using only the best and most authentic products, spices and herbs in the market". She added: "The flavours and ways of cooking of the Middle East has made a strong impact in Spanish culinary tradition. For hundreds of years, they have been at the heart of our cuisine, and our Spanish Theme Night menu at Olive Oil has been designed to properly showcase that beautiful tradition. - TradeArabia News Service InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Pro-invest Group have signed the first Even Hotels property in New Zealand. Even Hotel Auckland is scheduled to open in 2020 and is the first of the brand to be signed outside of North America. It is also the first in Pro-Invest Groups portfolio of 10-15 Even Hotels across the capital cities and economic hubs in Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with IHG. The Even Hotels brand was home grown by IHG based on an understanding of the consumer shift toward holistic wellness especially as it relates to travel. Best-in-class fitness facilities, in-room exercise zones and simple, fresh and organic foods are the cornerstones. Beyond food and exercise the brand offers initiatives that build on the bigger wellness picture, such as bedrooms with plush bedding, aromatherapy amenities, intended to encourage a good nights sleep and lighting profiles that energise and relax. IHG has partnered with leaders in the wellness space to deliver the best experience for guests across all EVEN Hotels in Australasia. Nutritionally-designed menus and quality, ethically-sourced food will be supplied by THR1VE, the food experts who are focused on extraordinary health, deliciously simple. Fitness facilities will include a state-of-the-art, multi-functional zoned gym and flex space for small group fitness classes, and in-room fitness elements. Jan Smits, chief executive officer Asia Middle East & Africa, IHG said: Some brands know what theyre made of, we know who were made for. Wellness travel is a global phenomenon and a $563 billion industry today and, with EVEN Hotels, we have a created a brand that will deliver a local wellness experience to travellers for whom health and wellbeing is so important. I firmly believe that the EVEN Hotels brand will be a key driver in market share growth in New Zealand and Australia.Ronald Barrott, Principal of Pro-invest said: With more than 3.5 million visitors in 2016 and a naturally adventurous and health-conscious population, New Zealand is a great fit for EVEN Hotels. We are very excited to be opening EVEN Hotel Auckland, the first outside of North America, in partnership with IHG. Located in the very heart of Aucklands centre, at the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street, the 200-room EVEN Hotel Auckland will not only look different, but will also have a distinctive vibe. It will feature fresh, natural and modern design; bringing the outdoors inside and offering playful and energising workspaces, dining and social areas, natural outdoor spaces. It will also feature design and technology elements to enable guests to maintain the balance they desire on a daily basis. IHG currently has 32 hotels operating under four brands across New Zealand and Australia: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express with a further 14 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo. - TradeArabia News Service Small Luxury Hotels of the World has announced The LaLiT London as the latest addition to its collection of small, independently owned hotels in the UK capital. The hotel, which is available to book from July 26 via the SLH website www.slh.com/lalit opened in February 2017 and is the first overseas venture for New Delhi-based hotel company The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. The LaLiT London sees the transformation of a derelict Grade II listed building into a 70-room luxury boutique hotel following a five-year restoration, and combines original Victorian features with custom-made Indian interiors and modern technology. Once home to St Olaves Grammar School, there are nods to the buildings history throughout, most notably in the striking paneled Great Hall, two bars located in the former Teachers Room and the Headmasters Room and some guestrooms which boast 30 ft ceilings. The dramatic great hall is home to pan-Indian restaurant Baluchi. Here guests can sample a selection of flavours from across India including Kashmir, Bengal, Kerala and Goa. The restaurant features a Naanery where guests can pair wines with artisanal breads prepared in the tandoor and an outdoor shisha terrace. During the afternoon guests can enjoy the best of both worlds with a High Chai Afternoon Tea as well as two bespoke teas. Localised phones are provided in all the guest rooms enabling guests to navigate their way around the city and stay connected during their visit. To disconnect, Rejuve The Spa features one of the only Ayurvedic treatment tables in London and offers treatments including Shirodhara, where a continuous stream of warm medicated oil is poured over the forehead. This has been known to improve memory, regularize sleep and normalize blood pressure. Daniel Luddington, vice president of Development at SLH says: SLH now has nine hotels in London, so any new hotel we add to the collection here has to be something really special. The LaLiT London offers extraordinary attention to detail and craftsmanship as well as a modern take on Indian fine dining. A stones throw away from Tower Bridge and the Southbank, we are excited to offer the SLH community our first luxury experience south of the River Thames. Arun Kumar, general manager of The LaLiT said: We are delighted to be part of SLH, for us they incorporate the same core values to drive unique one of a kind experiences for guests, with a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression. Our London hotel is an incredibly special hotel to the family and its staff, and joining the SLH family feels like the perfect partnership in a portfolio of so many incredible hotels. Rates start from 250 ($330) per night on a room only basis. - TradeArabia News Service Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has appointed Michel Checoury as its new chief financial officer (CFO). An accomplished finance professional, Checoury brings more than 30 years of global experience to the role. Possesing an MBA in Finance from Paris XII University, Checoury has spent his entire career working in senior financial positions for hospitality brands across the world including Mandarin Oriental, InterContinental Hotels Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the Jumeirah Group, as well as Disneyland Paris. He joins the Movenpick leadership team from Aman Resorts where he has been CFO since 2014, responsible for the finance function of the firms entire portfolio of 31 properties across 19 countries. Checoury will report to the companys president and CEO, Olivier Chavy. Michel brings to the role a wide range of advanced technical and commercial experience, gained with some of the worlds biggest hospitality brands. His expertise will prove invaluable to the finance and executive teams, particularly as Movenpick continues to expand its portfolio across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East at a rapid pace, said Chavy. Id like to extend a very warm welcome to Michel on behalf of the entire ExCom team. We look forward to having him on board. Checoury will be responsible for aligning strategic planning processes, the ongoing implementation of Movenpicks successful business model and supporting all finance-related decisions and functions. He is familiar with Dubai where he will be based, having worked for the Jumeirah Group as Resort Director of Finance until 2008 before moving to Mandarin Oriental as regional director of Finance EMEA, prior to joining Aman Resorts. - TradeArabia News Service Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Authors Fernanda Santos and Robin Whiteplume will be at Wind City Books from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday to sign their books about fires and the people who battle them. Whiteplumes book Sho-Rap Highway tells the historical account of Native American firefighting crews of the Wind River Reservation. The tale is the result of six years of research from library documents including newspaper clippings, archived materials and trips to Jackson and Cody. Whiteplume is a Wyoming author who lives in Lander and worked as a firefighter and crew boss with the group. The Sho-Rap story is more than just about firefighting but the struggles to adapt to a changing world around the Wind River Reservation, according to a news release about the book. Santos book, The Fire Line, is the story of the 20 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who fought what would become the deadliest wildland fire in recent U.S. history. Only one of the men survided the 2013 fire outside of Yarnell, Arizona. According to Wind Citys website, the book won the 2017 Spur Award for Best First Nonfiction Book. The Hotshots is a story of collective heroism strong, capable and ambitious men who aimed for team gold, not individual glory, according to Santos website. The book offers a portrait of the lives they lived, the risks they faced and the struggles they endured to balance their dedication to their families, to a crew that gave them purpose and to the job that ultimately took their lives. Santos worked as the Phoenix bureau chief for the New York Times for more than 10 years before taking a job this summer as a journalism professor at Arizona State University. The Fire Line is her first book. Wednesday support meetings Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 1124 Elma, Imitate the Image Church; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, closed; 7 p.m., 520 CY; 8 p.m., 328-1/2 E. A; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688. Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 15th and Melrose, at the church. Web site: http://www.urmrna.org. Back to school vision screenings Jensen Eye Care is offering free vision screenings for school-age children (ages 5-18) Wednesday, August 2 and 9, 9 to 11:30 a.m. The screenings will be held at Jensen Eye Care, 3101 SW Wyoming Blvd., across from Sutherlands. As school approaches, it is important to make sure your childs vision does not negatively affect their ability to learn. Let our eye care professionals test their vision. If you would like to schedule your child, call 265-7008 to reserve a time. Wednesday Writers Practice writing, share your work and receive constructive feedback from fellow writers at 10 a.m., on the main floor of the Natrona County Library. Call 577.READ x2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Quilts of Valor every Wednesday The Central Wyoming Chapter of Quilts of Valor meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to sew at the Central Wyoming Senior Services Center, 1831 E. Fourth St. Quilts of Valor are made by volunteers. Donated fabrics, supplies or monetary donations are appreciated. The chapter awards quilts to veterans who reside in the Central Wyoming region. Dues are $5 per year, and new members are always welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Yung Hui Torske at 258-5578, Sandy Elliott at 307-554-0331 or any chapter member. NCPL Players at library The NCPL players will perform for elementary-age students at the Natrona County Library at 2 p.m. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early. Tickets will be handed out one hour prior to each performance. Call 577-READ x5 for more information. Salad bar at the Elks Beat the heat with the Wednesday Night Special, salad bar, at the Casper Elks Lodge. All you can eat for $7, children 5 to 12 are $3, serving from 6 to 7 p.m. or until gone. Also enjoy a dessert for $1. Member, significant other and guest accompanied by a member. For more information, call 234-4839. The menu is subject to change. All proceeds go to any of the Elks Charities. Barbershoppers welcome members The Oil City Slickers barbershop a capella singing group holds weekly, year-round rehearsals at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Marks Church and does performances upon request. The group sings for funerals as well as services at churches and other venues. The director is Roy Hayford, and phone contacts for people wishing to join or inquire are 472-4722 and 267-2673. A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by a Wyoming man who spent nearly 24 years in prison for a crime he didnt commit. U.S. District Court of Wyoming Judge Scott Skavdahl dismissed Andrew Johnsons suit last week, citing numerous legal reasons. The most important factor was Skavdahls finding that many of the claims included in the suit had been brought up in previous lawsuits filed by Johnson and dismissed by prior judges. Legal standards mandate that issues generally cannot be relitigated once a judge has already made a decision on them or, more simply, plaintiffs cant file two suits with the same claims. Johnson had sued the former Cheyenne police officers who conducted the investigation, as well as the city itself. Skavdahl did express compassion for Johnsons unfortunate conviction and imprisonment, as he described it in his order dismissing the suit. In 1989, a jury found Johnson guilty of breaking into an acquaintances home and raping her. Johnson spent the next 24 years in prison for the crime before a DNA analysis of semen samples taken from the scene caused prosecutors to drop the charges against him in 2013. The prosecutors then declined to re-try the case, and a judge later declared Johnson innocent. The semen examined as part of the rape kit matched that of the womans fiance at the time. When Johnson was released from prison, he had no money, no job and no car, and he owed child support. As the first person in the state whose charges were dropped after conviction due to DNA evidence, there was little precedent for him to follow while reclaiming his life. There is little recourse for Johnson to pursue compensation for his time behind bars outside of a civil suit. Bills that would guide state compensation for the wrongfully convicted were introduced in 2014 and 2015 but ultimately failed. Johnson sued Cheyenne and a number of its former police officers in April, alleging the officers failed to properly investigate the crime and that the city did not adequately train the police. The suit claimed that investigators withheld crime scene photos, lied under under oath and generally did not conduct a thorough investigation. But the federal judge determined that Johnson had already attempted to sue the officers and the city on those claims. Skavdahl cited two federal suits from 1991 and 1992, both of which were dismissed with prejudice by other judges. Others affirmed those dismissals on appeal. Johnson filed and litigated those suits without the help of an attorney. Plaintiffs present claims were, or could have been, the subject of previously issued final judgments from this same District Court, Skavdahl wrote in his order. Therefore, his present action is barred by res judicata. Johnsons attorneys immediately filed a request that Skavdahl set aside the decisions in the earlier matters so that the current suit could proceed, stating that it would be a grave miscarriage of justice to deny him the right to seek compensation for his wrongful conviction. To refuse Mr. Johnson the right to seek redress in the face of these events is to say that the objective truth can be completely ignored in favor of a technical and now demonstrably inapplicable legal construct called res judicata, the request states. That is not fairness, by any definition. That is, instead, in the words of the United States Supreme Court, a grave miscarriage of justice. A federal judge sentenced a California man Wednesday to 15 years in prison for using various social media profiles to coerce two Wyoming teens into sending him sexually explicit images of themselves. Even after his release, Chase McKay Stagner will have to serve 15 years of supervised probation for two charges of producing child pornography, according to the sentence handed down by U.S. District Court of Wyoming Judge Scott Skavdahl. Stagner pleaded guilty to the two charges in May, and prosecutors agreed to dismiss two other felony charges. Sheridan County Sheriff deputies contacted agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation in November after two 14-year-old girls reported they had been coerced into taking sexually explicit pictures of themselves by a Snapchat user. In an interview, the girls told investigators that a person with the username ccrystalcclearr had added them on the popular smartphone app. The user then told the girls that they had nude photos of them and would release them to family and friends if the girls did not comply with their requests. One of the girls said she had never sent nude photos before but was scared into taking sexually explicit photos. The blackmailing continued for weeks and the users requests became more sexually explicit as time passed, according to court documents. On a few occasions, the user asked the girls to perform sexual acts on each other. Then, the coercion became more complicated. A Facebook profile contacted the two girls via Facebook. The person claimed to also be a victim of the Snapchat users blackmail scheme and said she knew of a person using the Snapchat username Sammystags6 who could help them. Instead, the Facebook account began to coerce the girls into sending more sexual images. A DCI agent later determined that one person 21-year-old Stagner was using all of the above social media accounts from both California and New Mexico. The ccrystalcclearr Snapchat account was registered to his personal email address, which included both his first and last name. A Washington man with Alzheimers disease was found safe Wednesday in Montana, three days after he went missing in Wamsutter. Police in Missoula found 82-year-old Robert Winters in a restaurant there on Wednesday morning, according to the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office. He was not injured and authorities there checked him into a hotel. Winters was driving home to Port Angeles, Washington, with his wife, Barbara, on Sunday when they stopped in Wamsutter, a small town in eastern Sweetwater County. He drove off alone, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities began searching for him and his vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. They learned his credit card had been used on Monday afternoon in Eden, Idaho, along the Interstate 84 corridor. Because of the location, officials believe he had purchased fuel. Winters family has been told of his whereabouts in Missoula, the sheriffs office said. His wife had been staying in Rawlins. Authorities referred his case to Montanas Adult Protection Services agency. ROCK SPRINGS Laid out on the table were memories. Several patches, a Russian pistol in its brown leather holster, an old map of Vietnam and many, many photos all memories six men brought with them here, to share and remember the time they spent together in Vietnam fighting a war a lifetime ago. Jerry Lenox, David Uhlenhake, Ernie Guthrie, Bill Woznick, Bill Rossetti and Paul Steinmetz had not seen each other for 46 years, not since 1971 and their time with the 23rd Infantry Division, Delta Company, 196th Brigade, 2nd Battalion, in Vietnam. They fell out of touch after the Vietnam War, each veteran going his own way, each dealing with the demons brought home from a small country a world away. But reunite they did, thanks to a three-year effort by Jerry Lenox and his wife Donna Lenox to find the members of the 23rd Infantry Division. The decision to meet in Rock Springs was made after learning that Rossetti would not be able to travel, and they gathered in July at American Legion Archie Hay Post 24. The men looked at the photos together and talked about the experiences they shared. It was a quiet meeting, not emotional except for a few choked words and a few tears brimming in the eye but not overflowing. These men had been brothers in arms, and their memories were forged in fire, creating a bond that requires composure and quietness to fully understand. They know what they went through and they share the experience daily, no matter the distance. The search So many years ago in Vietnam Jerry Lenox wrote a letter. In this letter were the names of his division members. He said he asked them to write down all their names because they were ordered into a valley Antenna Valley and the rumor was it would not end well. Lenox wanted the list just in case. Lenox sent the letter to his mother who, unbeknownst to him, eventually stored it away in a steel box. Fast forward to 2014. Lenox found the letter still in the steel box, after his mother passed away. He vowed to try and contact all people who signed their names to that letter. Lenox began with Terry Mezzacasa, who was his close friend in Vietnam. He tracked Mezzacasa down only to learn he had passed away. He then located Steinmetz in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was glad to hear he was still kicking. The third person he sought out was Paul Thompson; finding out he, too, had passed away, Lenox became too emotional to continue. His wife Donna took up the reins. She continued the search, eventually tracking down 24 soldiers of the 23rd Infantry Division, 12 of whom had passed away by that time. When the reunion was planned, some said they could not come. Donna explained many of these veterans still have a hard time with their memories, and she was glad to have the six who did say they would attend. Several members didnt come because the memories are so painful, she said. Many have terrible post-traumatic stress disorder, even now, so many years later. Struggling with the past Steinmetz offered a glimpse into their life in Vietnam, which in turn explains the struggles they have all had to face once they returned to the United States. Even now, their memories haunt them. Their battalion was what the military called a swing battalion, Steinmetz explained. This meant the battalion was sent where extra help was needed, and the battalion served in such capacities as blocking agents and search and destroy. Steinmetz said his battalion was sent most anywhere, from the demilitarized zone, which at that time divided North Vietnam from South Vietnam to the division headquarters at Chu Lai near the east coast to the mountains in between. This put us in a lot of unusual circumstances, he said. This was a highly decorated battalion; the battalion fought at the Tet Offensive (in 1968), and it had a reputation. Steinmetz recalled his first days with the company. He said he and several of the others in the room got there after the company lost an entire platoon in a helicopter crash. He remembers that Guthrie was the only one left after that crash and it was particularly hard for him since he remembered all the men who died. Steinmetz credits getting a job in a plant in Lincoln, Nebraska, with helping him deal with his memories upon his return to the states. He said there was another veteran who worked there with him, and the two would talk about their experiences; he believes being able to talk about it helped him through that first year back home. Donna Lenox said Jerry still will cry out in the night with his bad dreams and struggles with PTSD and his memories. Woznick said there are some memories he simply cant or will not remember. Donna Lenox added that all but one of the battalion members she has contacted has some malady that stems from the time they served in Vietnam, ranging from PTSD to a myriad of other physical ailments. Of the 12 that have passed away, three died from Agent Orange and one died tragically at the age of 34, she said. Other memories Not all of their memories from that time are difficult to face. While none can be described as happy, several of the memories are bittersweet, some even funny, in the telling. Guthrie held a photo of himself with his arm around a Vietnamese child. Guthrie said the company would periodically have an orphaned child in tow until a safer place would be found for the child. The child in the photo came to them after his company was taking fire and a village in the area was completely destroyed. The only person left alive in that village was this little boy, he said. He stayed with us for three days, and he would sleep next to me. He eventually went to an orphanage. Many did. Guthrie said there was a lot of collateral damage like that in the Vietnam War. Another story was told by Woznick. He recalled one mission where they ended up jumping from the helicopters into a rice paddy. He said most rice paddies would be filled knee-deep with water and the rice plants. Well I jumped right into a shell hole eight feet deep! Down I went, straight to the bottom, he laughed. Steinmetz said Woznicks helmet floated for a second on top of the water, before it too sunk below the surface. Because of the weight of his pack and other equipment, he had to be pulled out, Woznick added. They all had a good chuckle from that memory. Rock Springs connection Bill Rossetti is the Rock Springs connection in this group of six. He said he was born and raised here and of course came back to his roots after his service in Vietnam. He worked at Jim Bridger Power Plant for 35 years, starting in 1975 and retiring in 2010. I have lived here all my life, he said. Rossetti said he was sort of shocked when Donna Lenox first contacted him. It had been so long ago, and he said he had a hard time remembering the names mostly the last names of his division members. He credits Donna for all the work and time she put in to finding as many members as she has. Its pretty amazing, he said. She put a lot of work in it. When the reunion was planned, Rossetti wanted to see all the guys but was not confident about being able to travel. A neck injury years ago has left his legs weak and his ability to walk is limited. To his surprise, the guys were willing to come to Rock Springs. He called the gesture awesome. Rossetti said the reunion was particularly successful due to the cooperation of the many businesses in the area. People in the various eating establishments treated them wonderfully. The cooperation we got from people was amazing, he added. What about plans for another reunion? Rossetti said Guthrie is thinking about hosting a second reunion in late spring of 2018 down in Georgia. Several of the men have already said they will be there, Rossetti confirmed. From his time in Vietnam, Rossetti doesnt dwell on the fighting. Instead, he likes to remember the friendships and bonds that were created. Many never came back, so its important to stay close with those that did, he said. We watched out for each other. We helped each other make it through. Afni is hosting two open house events this week with the goal of hiring 50 inside-sales representatives in Tucson. The business-to-business inside-sales representatives will support a new client in the financial services industry. The sales positions are part of the 200 to 300 new employees the company plans to hire at its two Tucson locations within the next 45 days. The starting wage is $13.50 per hour with a commission plan. Applicants with experience in selling business to customers in an inside-sales environment are being sought. Afni is also hiring customer service representatives and customer sales representatives in Tucson. The hiring events are Thursday, Aug. 3, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Afni locations: 7810 E. Escalante Road, on the southeast side, and at 5320 N. La Cholla Boulevard, on the northwest side. Applicants can take a tour, meet the Afni team, apply and interview. Successful candidates will receive a job offer the same day. Micah Blatt was being hush-hush Tuesday afternoon about the menu at his North Fourth Avenue restaurant The Drunken Chicken. He wants to wait until he and partner, Ben Sattler, open the doors at 429 N. Fourth Ave. former home of Maya Quetzal Guatemalan restaurant before hell reveal the menu. But he did give us a few tasty hints: Tucson craft beer, fluffy waffles and fried chicken. Oh, and one of those fowl choices will wear a beer batter. Thats the inside joke of the name, The Drunken Chicken, said Blatt, who owns Mr. Heads Art Gallery and Bar down the avenue at 513 N. Fourth. Its catchy, and with any good business you want a good name, he said. One thing Blatt was quick to let slip: Everything coming out of the kitchen will be made from scratch and the chicken will be antibiotic-free. The focus of the streamlined menu will be on quality, fresh ingredients, he said. Barring any last-minute hiccups, Blatt and Sattler plan to open The Drunken Chicken at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8. Restaurant hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Were really trying to do a little more late-night food on Fourth Avenue, said Blatt, vice president of the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association board who said he has spoken with other restaurateurs in the area about creating a late-night dining district. Were trying to create a nice little hub for late-night food, a nice little late-night pocket, he said, one that could include Lindy Reillys new venture at 431 N. Fourth Ave., the original location of Lindys On Fourth. Lindys moved across the street to 500 N. Fourth Ave. in the spring. Reilly on Tuesday said work is underway to spruce up the old location, including painting the building where he fine-tuned his burger-dominated menu for more than a decade. But he has yet to decide on a concept for the space. No, hes not opening another burger joint, he said. But he wants to follow the ideals of Lindys on Fourth comfort food at reasonable prices. I love burritos and breakfast and all kinds of things like that, so we may want to do another comfort-food thing, he said. I really just like mixing and playing with different flavors. I can look at two things and say, why cant they just be on one sandwich instead of two sandwiches? Reilly said he hoped to finalize a concept this week and plans to be open for business by months end. Heres something you dont hear often in Tucson, especially in the summer: A restaurant is moving because its too busy for its current location. Thats whats happening with Wild Garlic Grill, the nearly 5-year-old, fine-casual restaurant that resurrected celebrated Tucson chef Steven Schultzs career. We sell out almost every single night and you have people waiting outside to be sat, said Schultzs wife and Wild Garlic Grill owner Maudi Gourdin-Schultz. Were just too busy (for the space). On Thursday, Aug. 3, Gourdin-Schultz was expected to get the keys for the 3,700-square-foot space at 2870 E. Skyline Drive that was home to Shlomo & Vitos New York Delicatessen & Pizza Kitchen, which closed in February. Schultz said he hopes to be open in the new location by mid-October after some minor renovations. Im super excited. That facility there is so nice, said Schultz, who owned the popular Red Sky Cafe at Plaza Palomino for 12 years before closing in spring 2012. Its just perfect for our restaurant. It has an excellent kitchen and its not too big. Wild Garlic Grill will be open at 2530 N. First Ave. until mid-October, serving up Schultzs menu of French and California-inspired garlic-centric fare, from grilled meats to burgers, seafood and pasta. Gourdin-Schultz said the plan is to seamlessly transition to the new location; close one night in midtown and open the next in the foothills. Our goal is to keep everything the same, but it is going to let (Steven) have the ability to execute more specialty dishes, she said. Hes going to have the space to be more creative. What limits Steven right now is space. Gourdin-Schultz said she opened Wild Garlic Grill as a project to get Schultz back into the kitchen after he closed Red Sky in the aftermath of the tumultuous 2008 economic downturn. The building on North First Avenue, near East Grant Road, was a seemingly unlikely spot for Schultzs French-inspired, California-styled, fine-casual cuisine. The building was well-worn and had a reputation in the neighborhood for fast food; in the 1950s, it was home to a Frosty Top drive-through burger joint. In the 80s and early 90s, it housed Sanchez Burrito Company. When we opened, we did not know what to expect, Gourdin-Schultz said. We opened it not knowing it would be a success, and people came and they were so supportive. Buzz about Wild Garlic Grill quickly spread and within months of opening on Dec. 12, 2012, the restaurant was a hit. Diners commented on the quirky location and praised the food coming from the small kitchen. Some Red Sky fans rediscovering Schultz started emailing requests for the chefs old signature dishes. But his kitchen was more often than not too small to accommodate them, he said. As a chef you have to be on point every second. Sometimes I can only cook a certain amount of things a day because of the size of the kitchen and the pace of business, Schultz said. I had a lot of dishes that I just cant make because of the facility. Ive got a really large repertoire of dishes, but it just gets so busy that its extremely difficult to execute, especially in the winter season. Some of those dishes will make it back on the menu with the move, he said. Gourdin-Schultz said moving from North First Avenue is bittersweet. In some ways, she said, she feels like they are abandoning the neighborhood, which some of their neighbors have told them they helped to revitalize. I feel like in a lot of ways we helped recharge that area, she said. But the timing is right for Tucson. The economy is improving. Brian Lopez and his XIXA band were flabbergasted when they discovered their rental van had been broken into and all their equipment stolen in Italy last week. But thanks to the generosity of fans in Tucson and beyond, XIXA Lopez, Gabriel Sullivan, Jason Urman, Efren Cruz Chavez, Winston Watson and Hikit Corbel was showered with donations that helped them pay for new equipment and salvage the final two weeks of their "Bloodline Tour 2017 ptIV." The tour wraps up Saturday, Aug. 5, in France. "People all over the world have helped us out. It's crazy," Lopez said early Wednesday morning via Facebook message. The band started its European tour at Germany's Transit Festival in mid-July. In a Facebook posting early Tuesday Tucson time, Lopez thanked fans for their generosity and recounted what happened in Italy. Here is an abridged version of that post; click here for the full text. "As some of you may know, our van was broken into during a day off in Torino, Italia, last week. The thieves made off with Jason's laptop, keyboards, our merchandise case (seriously, who would steal $2k in XIXA t-shirts!?) our stage clothes, as well as my entire pedalboard which contained about $2,500 worth of guitar pedals that I use specifically for this band. ... They got through the thick wooden barrier covering the rear window pane by using a heavy metal sewage grate from the street. A violent, amateur robbery, at best. They left all the heavy amps ... but my pedal case was probably the first thing they saw, in a bright pink suitcase practically shouting "take this!" ... When I saw my case was gone, I felt nauseous. Then angry. REALLY angry. " ... And as I sat there, paralyzed in disbelief, unable to concentrate, let alone finish my list for the police report, Gabriel had the idea to ask YOU for help. It was desperate. But so were we. He made a Facebook post explaining the dire situation; that we needed to replace a minimal amount of the stolen gear to finish the tour. He put our first album, 'Live at the Dust Ballroom' up for sale on our old Chicha Dust Bandcamp site, with a 'pay what you want' option. Obviously this was a desperate plea from some severely desperate musicians...we had no idea what we were doing...just needed to figure out a way to make it through the next 2 weeks. "We posted to our XIXA facebook page, all the band shared. Others saw and shared. And within just a couple minutes, donations came in...then a few more...and then a few more. Within an hour of said post, Jason, Gabriel and myself had arrived at the Scavino Music Store in Torino, desperately scavenging for the minimum amount of gear that could get us through the next 2 weeks. Pushing our band credit card to the brink, where it usually resides anyhow. No other choice. Meanwhile, PayPal emails kept popping up: "$10,$15, $25...$50" !??? Some were even more. We looked at each other in that music store and we realized what was happening: Our family, friends, and fans, were SAVING OUR ASSES, in real-time. "We were able to gather enough gear in that music store (seriously, Scavino Music in Torino has some amazing new and used gear for super reasonable prices...). After hearing of our situation, Scavino even gave us a little 'pity' discount. God bless those folks. "I got back to the hotel lobby, distressed, with a cluster muck of new and used pedals ... as emails kept trickling in, one after another: '$15...$25...$100!' Is this for real??? As I finished putting the board together, I realized we were gong to be okay. People were reacting to our post, and they genuinely wanted to help. I've literally never seen anything like it. It blew me away ... still does. "You see, the world is full of villains and heroes. Those who steal and those who give back. I tend to fixate on the brightly colored former, while the latter is often overlooked, hidden in an imperceptible cloud of grey. I feel like I'm not alone in this sentiment...cynicism takes a approximately a millisecond to accomplish. And a lifetime to break from. Today, Im going to give you the food of Somalia, Chef Samiro Elmi says to her practice cooking class. Are you ready to eat? Elmi is preparing for the 3-hour class shell be teaching in partnership with the International Rescue Committee and the Tucson Jewish Community Center. Elmi is a Somali refugee who moved to Tucson last March. America is a peaceful country; thats the experience Ive gotten, Elmi says with the help of translator Fardoso Mohamed. Elmi is originally from Somalia, but spent eight years in Kenya before moving to Tucson to receive a better education for herself and her three children. Tucson is a nice place, Elmi says. Its a bit hot, but I like it. I dont miss much about Somalia, even the food, because I can make it all myself. Elmi, who works full-time preparing tamales for Tucson Tamale Company, learned to cook from her mother when she was very young. This will be her first time teaching a cooking class. Her enjoyment for cooking is quite simple. I like to cook because everyone likes food, she says. She doesnt plan to open her own Somali restaurant in Tucson; she says her children love her cooking, which is more than enough for her. Elmi says the upcoming cooking class is important to her and to Tucson because she wants to teach Tucsonans about the cuisine and culture of Somalia. There are a lot of different foods in Somalia, but I cant show it all in one day, she says. But the foods I will show are important to me. One of Elmis favorite meals is bariis, a Somali rice dish. The dish usually consists of Basmati rice, veggies, and spices such as cilantro, garlic, and cumin. Elmi serves the dish with raisins and a homemade chile pepper sauce with a freshly cut salad on the side. Bariis is often served with a banana, which isnt meant to be eaten separately. The beauty of bariis is how different it can be prepared, says Elmi. She often uses different vegetables and spices, and sometimes adds different meats. Although spices are important in Somali cuisine, Elmi says that vegetables are the key. Even in a simple dish like scrambled eggs, Elmi likes to add in tomatoes and onions. Another one of Elmis favorites is baasto, which is pasta served with a thick tomato sauce, vegetables, sometimes a banana, and a lot of meat, as Elmi says. She also likes to serve bariis with baasto. As for an American favorite of Elmis, she says she loves good ol Kentucky Fried Chicken and wouldnt mind learning how to make the chicken herself. Im a good learner, she says. If you show me once, Ill get it. The JCC has previously worked with the IRC to present two Syrian cooking classes, both of which sold out. This is the first Somali cooking class offered. This collaboration pays homage to the history of the JCCs legacy as a support site for immigrants, says Barbara Fenig, the JCCs director of arts and culture. According to Fenig, Tucson is home to 900 refugees from around the world. Food brings people together, Fenig says. What better way to celebrate a community partnership than to gather around the table to share a cooking lesson, a meal, and conversation between people from all backgrounds, faiths, and ages? Besides the Somali class, the JCC will work with the IRC to offer four more Syrian cooking classes in the fall, in addition to Congolese and Iraqi classes in the spring. Each class will be led by a refugee. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Aug. 2 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages. TUCSON, Ariz. Authorities used a state police helicopter to rescue three people trapped by flash flooding at Tanque Verde Falls in Redington Pass near Tucson, the latest in a series of recent flash flooding incidents in Arizona. Pima County sheriff's Deputy Cody Gress says two adults and a 5-year-old child were rescued Tuesday evening after authorities got a call reporting that three people were unable to get across the water. Approximately 35 hikers were airlifted out of Sabino Canyon recreation area on Sunday. Previously, 17 people were rescued July 23 from Tanque Verde Falls and 10 members of an extended family died in July 15 flooding in the Tonto National Forest in east-central Arizona. PHOENIX Former Department of Economic Security Director Tim Jeffries wants $5.1 million from taxpayers after he says his reputation was damaged by a state investigation. In a notice of claim Tuesday, Jeffries attorney, Tom Horne, said a July 7 report by the Department of Public Safety contained a series of false statements. He said these ranged from a conclusion that Jeffries carried a gun onto state property, to claims that he wanted to create and control his own DES police force. Jeffries reputation has been damaged along with his ability to earn a living, Horne said. The Attorney Generals Office has 60 days to respond. If it does not offer a settlement acceptable to Jeffries, he is free to sue. We do not comment on pending litigation, said DPS spokesman Bart Graves. Jeffries had been Gov. Doug Duceys choice to head the agency of more than 7,000 employees, which oversees a host of programs including food stamps, welfare benefits and unemployment insurance, and is responsible for investigating cases of adult abuse. Last November, the governor fired Jeffries after reports that he had flown to Nogales on a state plane to take several staffers out drinking at a restaurant during business hours. Jeffries was celebrating the fact these workers had agreed to become at will employees who could be fired for no reason at all. Gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato said the firing of Jeffries from the $215,250-a-year post was the result of a series of incidents. The DPS got involved after it was learned that DES, which had its own security force, had a cache of weapons and ammunition. State troopers eventually seized 55 handguns and nearly 89,000 rounds of ammunition stored in the basement. Henry Darwin, named by Ducey as interim DES director, said the officers followed Jeffries to his Scottsdale home where they confiscated a gun he had purchased for himself with public funds. Ducey asked DPS to audit the stockpile and review the purchases and security procedures. Among the findings was that the amount of ammunition may reasonably be described as excessive, with the report saying it is three or four times what a large police department might need in a year. Investigators also said they could not find about 4,000 rounds. The report also said policies and procedures for purchases were violated, that there was essentially no security for the ammunition and that DES employees had easy access to the weapons. Jeffries contends some other points in the report are lies. One is the conclusion that Jeffries was building and wanted to control a police force at DES, partly in response to the 2015 terrorist attack on a San Bernardino, California, social-services center in which 14 people were killed. That was false, Horne stated in his notice of claim. Also false, Horne said, are conclusions in the report that Jeffries regularly took ammunition from the DES inventory, that he went to a gun range on a weekly basis and would leave early, and that he wanted to arm every DES employee. Jeffries criticized the findings when they were released last month. This slipshod DPS audit is disjointed, disingenuous, deceitful, dishonest and dishonorable, he said on Twitter. Horne said the state and its taxpayers are liable because the statements in the report came from state employees. The state is responsible for its employees, he said. And if they act with malice, the state is liable. Malice means either they knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Some of the sources (for the DPS report) were former employees who were justly fired, Horne said. Theyre getting back at him, he continued. I think we can prove malice. In a historic 1964 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that the First Amendment protects the publication of even false statements about the conduct of public officials. Someone can sue for damages only when they can show the statements were made with actual malice. That ruling was later expanded to cover public figures. And while Jeffries is no longer a public official, he remains a public figure. As to where the $5.1 million figure came from, Horne said Arizona law requires those threatening to sue the state to provide a specific figure for which they are willing to settle. He did not say how he arrived at that number. Jeffries was involved in several controversial issues at DES before the plane trip to Nogales. He had fired close to 500 workers, including many who previously received high evaluations and raises. That led to allegations that the director was targeting women, minorities, older workers and gays. It got to the point that Ducey removed Jeffries power to fire workers. The governor also set up a process for fired workers to get their jobs back. Last year, Jeffries came under scrutiny for emailing staffers, offering to take their written special intentions to the holy shrine of Lourdes. A month later, Jeffries sent a message to all DES employees on a state-owned email list with a link to a story with arguments against Proposition 205. That measure, since defeated, would have allowed the recreational use of marijuana. The sheriff's department on Tuesday identified the man who died when bees attacked him Monday morning on Tucson's southwest side. Danny Martinez, 48, died at the scene of the bee attack in the 6600 block of South Camino de la Tierra, near West Valencia Road, Drexel Heights Fire District said in a news release. Another landscaper and a resident also were attacked. The resident was taken to a hospital but was expected to be released today. The second landscaper refused treatment. He told officials he was spraying for weeds and bugs when Martinez came up to him under attack by the bees, according to Drexel Heights. The bees also stung two firefighters, but they are fine, according to the news release. Camino de la Tierra was closed from Valencia to Calle Faisan due to swarms of bees in the area, according to a news release from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Residents were asked to use caution and remain inside. The road re-opened around 11 a.m. Visitors enjoy the chilly waters of Tanque Verde and Sabino Creeks northeast of Tucson in August 2017. Officials warn to always be vigilant of the monsoon weather outlook and storm and flash flood warnings. Sudden monsoon downpours upstream can create dangerous conditions in low-lying areas and narrow canyons. The Pima County Sheriff's Dept., Rural/Metro Fire and Southern Arizona Rescue Association rescued 14 people from a flash flood that enveloped Tanque Verde Falls on Sunday, July 24. The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved on Tuesday a resolution banning sexual orientation conversion therapy of minors in exchange for a fee. The 3-2 decision of the board echoes decisions in nine other states that have made conversion therapy illegal and takes the public stance that sexual identity is not a disorder or mental illness. The ordinance will restrict sexual orientation change efforts to change behaviors, sexual or gender identities or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings towards persons of the same sex, the resolution says. Conversion therapy is the attempt to prevent or change a person from being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Among the many public speakers at the boards meeting were educators, parents, therapists, religious leaders, advocacy groups and members from the LGBTQ community. Resident Paul Stratton said he has known his sexual identity since age 6, and has experienced the inefficacies of conversion therapy. It did not work for me and caused more problems than it solved, he said. If you want to love your child, love them, try to understand them, be affirmative but dont put them through a voodoo kind of therapy that is just ineffective. In 2009, the American Psychological Associations Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation found that there is no evidence that the practice of sexual orientation conversion therapy on minors is effective in changing sexual orientation or gender identity in adulthood. For those opposed to the resolution, it is a matter of hindering a parents ability to choose the care or treatment their child might require. The ordinance will not restrict minors from having general discussions with licensed therapists, religious practitioners or free counsel, only conversion therapies on minors where a fee is charged. The resolution makes an infraction a civil offense, with the person who violates its subject to a civil fine up to $2,500 for each offense. Supervisor Ally Miller voted no, calling the resolution one-sided and addressing concerns over the legal ramifications if the measure was approved. Accept me for what I am works both ways, folks, she said. Quite frankly it scares me to death, because I believe passing this ordinance will put Pima County taxpayers at risk for loss of federal funding and state funding. According to the county attorney, while the ordinance could cause legal challenges, the county would be prepared to defend it and would likely be successful. Supervisor Steve Christy also voted no, citing it as one of many national resolutions coming to the board and taking time away from dealing with local issues. He noted that if therapists do this kind of work for free, the ordinance would not prevent it. I have yet to see any evidence in Pima County where this is a rampant problem with all this abusive therapy, but if there is this abuse there is an organization called Child Protective Services (now Department of Child Safety) that has laws on the books and exists already, he said. The ordinance was proposed by Supervisor Richard Elias, who said it reaffirms the board is on the right side of civil rights. I care for all of you, just as you are, and I especially care for our children, he said. Theres nothing wrong with any of us, even though we may disagree sometimes. Crews are stabilizing the banks along the Nogales Wash as they prepare to fix a partial breach in an underground pipe that carries millions of gallons of wastewater from Nogales, Sonora, to Nogales, Arizona, every day. The emergency repairs to the pipe will include building a watertight enclosure to allow for inspection of the damaged area. The contract for that work went to Tucson-based KE&G Construction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is rebuilding the slopes of the wash that failed during heavy monsoon rains. Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is testing water for E. coli bacteria near the breach, at the intersection of San Xavier Road and the Santa Cruz River south of Tucson, and at a location southwest of Eloy, according to a Tuesday news release from Santa Cruz County. Heavy metals were not detected in early testing. The daily testing and analyses will continue until the breach is repaired. A 20-year-old Sierra Vista man was arrested Monday in connection with charges of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor, police said. At about 3:15 p.m., detectives investigating the sexual assault of a juvenile served a search warrant at a home on the 500 block of North Coronado Drive, belonging to Alec Hansen, said Corporal Tim Wachtel, a Sierra Vista Police Department spokesman. Police located Hansen a short time later in the 600 block of Highway 90 and arrested him on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Hansen is being held in the Cochise County jail on $100,000 bond, Wachtel said. Hansen is the subject of an ongoing Sierra Vista police investigation and detectives have evidence indicating that he's sexually exploited other juveniles, Wachtel said. A crew of rescuers was carrying a dehydrated woman down the trail from Seven Falls Saturday and had just crossed the stream when Shelley Littin noticed a bad sign. I saw that the water had changed color. It had changed from clear to a dirty, muddy black. Littin and her fellow crew members from the Southern Arizona Rescue Association knew there was a risk of a flash flood. Now she warned her fellow crew members: Clear the stream! Quickly, the water level rose. What was knee deep became waist deep, then turned into full flood. Instead of wheeling out the injured hiker in whats known as a litter basket over five more stream-crossings, they had to call in a Pima County Sheriffs Department helicopter. Then the dozen rescuers scrambled out of Bear Canyon over the ridges. Another flash-flood drama in the series that has struck the Tucson area since drenching monsoon storms began July 11. The next evening, an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter carried 35 people across a newly flooded Sabino Creek. They had been stranded on the wrong side of the creek by floodwaters. Earlier, 17 were pulled from Tanque Verde Creek, some of them trapped on rocks amid the torrent. When the rains come, you just cant keep Tucsonans from our local swimming holes. Its such a delicious treat: Beautiful cool water to dunk in and relieve the summer swelter. But the same rain that fills the holes and streambeds brings floods that could kill us. You cant have the pleasure without the danger. The risks became obvious to all of Arizona July 16. Thats the day 10 members of a family celebrating a birthday at a swimming hole north of Payson were drowned in a flash flood. That disaster hit me and several friends especially hard. We have spent many July days at the same swimming hole, on Ellison Creek next to the Cold Spring Ranch, which is owned by my friend Tyler Pierces family members. We also narrowly averted being hit by a flash flood there in 2015. Still, the temptation to plunge into the cool tea-colored pools is overwhelming for many of us. Last week another friend invited a bunch of families to join him in Sabino Canyon at a popular pool with rocks to jump from, upstream from Anderson Dam. The invitation was for Sunday. And you saw what happened Saturday: Widespread heavy rain in the mountains and across the Tucson basin. Sunday morning it was raining lightly, and we considered our options: Simply skip it and be safe, or weigh the risks and maybe enjoy the pools. We weighed the risks. It turns out many guidelines and tools can help you at least reduce the chance of getting caught in a flash flood while playing in or near our seasonal streams. One is to consider the time of day: Most flash floods happen in the afternoon and evening hours, heading into nighttime. Aaron Hardin, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Tucson, told me most of the flash-flood warnings around here happen between 1 p.m. and midnight. Morning is typically the least likely time for a wall of water to come down. Another key step is to consider the terrain youre heading into: Narrow stretches of canyon are more dangerous than broader floors. Thats because the water rushes through them fast and deep, leaving little time or room to escape. Of course, you should check the weather. Not only does the forecast matter and you should avoid times when thunderstorms are forecast but you need to check whats already happened. It can take hours for water that has fallen on the Catalina mountaintops to gather into a flood and hit downstream playgrounds like Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon. In places like the Ellison Creek pools, its hard even to see the upper watershed, where heavy rains could fall without you knowing it. Here, Pima County Flood Controls online Alert system displays rain gauges that are all over the mountains and valley floor. You can check them to know whether its been raining upstream from the waters you want to swim in. Thats what I did Sunday. I checked the weather forecast and the rainfall, and we got to the pools about 11:30 a.m. with a plan to leave within two hours. I also checked with an employee at the canyon visitors center. Our arrival was later than I wanted, but conditions seemed OK, and we took the plunge. The deep, cool water was delightful. But by the time we fled down the canyon, about 1:30, saturated gray clouds were blossoming over the peaks. As usual lately, it poured on the mountains. We were long gone when, at 3:08 p.m., the weather service issued a flash-flood warning for the area and warned people to get out of Sabino and nearby canyons. It was 4:41 p.m. when a stream-flow gauge at the Sabino Creek dam registered a big spike in the flow the flood had arrived. After that, you were stuck if you were on the wrong side of the creek, and many were. That evening, the Sheriffs Department called in the DPS helicopter to ferry people over the stream because they were worried those stranded would risk their lives trying to cross before the water went down. Videos from earlier last week show people forming human chains to cross waist-deep water in Sabino a terrible idea. The stream-flow gauge shows the water didnt recede to near normal till about 5 a.m. Monday. Ive visited Tanque Verde Creek before with my friend Eric Shepp, the countys floodplain administrator, and our sons. He told me Tuesday, just back from an out-of-state trip, that he would consider going to local swimming holes even during a flood-prone period like now, but only in the morning, not in narrow canyons, and only after checking the weather forecast, precipitation and stream flows on the Alert system. My friend Tyler, though he bowed out of Sundays visit to Sabino. Hes been talking to his brother, Nelson, who was at Cold Spring Ranch when the disaster happened. Nelson helped officials load out the bodies. To a very real degree you can manage risk, Tyler told me Tuesday. But a lot of times nature has its own plan. Hes imagined what was going through the minds of the family members lost at Ellison Creek. Did any of them think they should get out of there but not speak up? I could see myself being one of those bad decision-makers, he said. So, for now, hes playing it safe a justifiable approach in the circumstances. But at the least, those of us who cant resist the waters should be using the commonsense guidelines and amazing online tools that will help us reduce the risk of being stranded and of disaster. PHOENIX A customer at a Phoenix drugstore shot and killed a man who was attempting to rob the pharmacy Tuesday night, authorities say. A man jumped the pharmacy counter, pointed the gun at people and demanded oxycodone from the pharmacist. An armed customer shot and wounded him, the Arizona Republic reported. Officers found about a dozen workers and customers hiding in the Walgreens from the suspect who was still inside, Sgt. Jonathan Howard said. After officers cleared the store, a police dog pulled the suspect away from his gun. Police administered CPR to the man, but he died at the scene. In his new book, Sen. Jeff Flake makes a bogus attempt to position himself as a critic of President Trump. Don't be fooled. Flake speaks and writes criticism of President Trump, however, he votes with Trump 95.6 percent of the time. Actions speak louder than words. One of 43 is NOT a major leadership role. Rep McSally - former combat pilot - was elected to represent her constituents. Yet she refused to meet with her constituents in Town Hall meetings. So much for combat tested. Just who does she thing she is? The Queen of Arizona? The Czarina of CD2. Rep. Martha McSally's press release this week heralds her "leadership" in bipartisan efforts for health care reform. She's painting herself as a moderate given the deep unpopularity of repealing the Affordable Care Act. Sorry, Martha, but no amount of PR can erase your voting record. We remember how you led the charge (exhorting House members to "get this f'in thing done") for a bill that would have stripped 400,000 Arizonans of their health insurance. Where was your pragmatism when it mattered? Likewise, McSally touts herself as a supporter of the military and veterans, but she's silent on the travesty of Trump's transgender military ban. She promotes herself as a champion of women's rights, but she said nothing as GOP congressmen physically threatened female Senators during the health care vote. There's a pattern here. No, McSally's no moderate. She's out of sync with her district. Expect more of this PR posturing as the 2018 elections approach. Her voting record tells a different story. Elizabeth Oglesby Midtown It is welcome news that General Kelly is the new chief of staff in this White House. But will he truly take over to avoid the continuing disaster that has been occurring the past six months? With everyone required to report to him, will perhaps Ivanka go back to New York to her handbags, shoes and cosmetics? Will her husband give up his huge government portfolio to return to his real-estate dealings? These two and others were never qualified for the positions they were given. Two former Sacombank executives have been arrested and placed in custody for their involvement in a massive bank fraud that caused damages worth nearly US$289 million, police said on Tuesday. Former Sacombank deputy chairman Tram Be and ex-CEO Phan Huy Khang were put in four-month custody to serve an investigation on charges of deliberately acting against the state's regulations on economic management, with serious consequences, according to officers. Tram Be listens to his arrest warrant in this photo provided by the police. Sacombank, fully known as Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank, is one of Vietnams biggest lenders by assets. Be, 58, is also a former chairman of Sacombanks credit council, and Khang, 44, an ex-member of the council. In February, Be, one of Vietnams most well-known banking moguls, and his son Tram Khai Hoa officially had their membership of the board of directors at Sacombank terminated. On Tuesday night, Be and Khang were taken by police to board a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi as part of their investigation. Phan Huy Khang listens to his arrest warrant in this photo provided by the police. Also on Tuesday, police launched criminal proceedings against 22 other individuals, on charges of deliberately acting against the state's regulations on economic management, with serious consequences. An arrest warrant was issued for 14 of these people. Be, Khang and their accomplices have broken the law at four different banks, resulting in total financial losses of VND6.6 trillion (US$288.4 million), the police said. The banks in question are the Vietnam Construction Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VNCB), Tien Phong Bank (TPBank), Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) and Sacombank itself. Financial damage at the VNCB alone is estimated at more than VND9 trillion ($401.79 million), with its ex-chairman Pham Cong Danh sentenced to 30 years behind bars for his role in the case. Besides Danh, 26 other defendants, including three former VNCB executives also received custodial sentences of up to 22 years in September 2016. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Philippine shares fell nearly 1 percent on Tuesday on continued window dressing ahead of key corporate earnings this week, while Vietnam hit a fresh nine-year high with material and energy stocks leading the gains. Most other Southeast Asian markets were subdued in lacklustre trade ahead of the release of a clutch of global economic data. The Philippine Stock Exchange PSEI Index was headed for a second straight session of fall with financials and industrials leading the broad-based decline. The index was down on Monday because of month-end window dressing, and it is a continuation of that move on Tuesday, said Joseph Roxas, president of Manila-based Eagle Equities Inc. On a technical basis, the failure to convincingly break the old high of 8,046-8,048 is the reason for the index going a little lower, Roxas added. Index heavyweight SM Prime Holdings Inc fell 2 percent, while telecom company PLDT Inc declined 1 percent ahead of its quarterly results due later in the day. "I think there is some anticipation about second-quarter results which are due anytime. One of the heavyweights is of course PLDT and expectations are not good for that," said Roxas. Thai shares edged down, with financials losing the most. Siam Commercial Bank PCL fell 0.7 percent, heading for a third session of drop. Indonesian shares slipped with consumer and industrial stocks leading the drop, after data showed factory output contracted again in July. Vietnam shares rose as much as 0.4 percent to their highest in nine years, bolstered by gains in material and energy stocks. Factory output in Vietnam expanded in July again, though at a slower pace than in the previous month, according to the Nikkei Vietnam Purchasing Managers' Index. Hoa Phat Group JSC gained 1.2 percent, while Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corp rose 1.1 percent. Malaysian shares gained as much as 0.5 percent, with financials and consumer cyclicals leading the gains. Malaysia's manufacturing activity contracted in July on the back of weaker output and new orders, though the rate of contraction was slower than in June. Selected photos by French photographer Rehahn are being displayed at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi. The exhibition, called Precious Heritage, opened on Tuesday, and will remain open to the public until October 1. Based in the tranquil city of Hoi An in central Vietnam, Rehahn has become known among the local community as well as international photography enthusiasts for his works that capture the heritage of Vietnams 54 ethnic minority groups. Over the past several years, the 38-year-old photographer has spent a lot of time traveling to remote areas in Vietnam to capture photos depicting ethnic cultures, which he described as fading away so fast. Rehahns photographs have been featured in international journals like National Geographic and Vogue Italy. Rehahns lens unfailingly captures the natural, soulful and blinding beauty of the Vietnamese people in traditional costumes. Assoc. Prof. Vo Quang Trong, director of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Visitors to the Precious Heritage exhibition will be treated to a selection of 35 photographs by Rehahn that depict the richness and diversity of Vietnamese ethnic cultures. His portraits of children and elderly women from all corners of the country have served to recognize the smallest minority communities with populations as few as a couple of hundred. Posing in traditional costumes, they symbolize ancestral custom and ancient wisdom passed on from one generation to another. The exhibition looks to promote the beauty and pride of these communities that together form the great mosaic of Vietnam. French photographer Rehahn explains one of his photos to visitors at the Precious Heritage exhibition at Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, August 1, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre The most efficient way to preserve the culture of ethnic groups is to promote them outside their community, to create a sense of pride for their heritage and ancient customs, Rehahn said. Sometimes, you need someone else's vision to make you realize what you have. According to Assoc. Prof. Vo Quang Trong, director of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the extraordinary beauty of different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Rehahns lens unfailingly captures the natural, soulful and blinding beauty of the Vietnamese people in traditional costumes, Trong said. The Precious Heritage exhibition is open to the public until October 1 on the 2nd floor of the Trong Dong building inside Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Chinas construction and opening of a cinema on Phu Lam (Woody) Island in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, over which Vietnam affirms its sovereignty. Chinas actions infringe upon Vietnams legal and historically founded sovereignty over the archipelago, said foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang on Tuesday. Hang made the statement in response to reporters questions over Chinas activity on Phu Lam Island. Last Sunday, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that around 200 civilians and soldiers stationed on the island had enjoyed a Chinese movie at the newly opened Yinlong cinema. According to the report, the cinema would be screening movies daily to entertain local Chinese citizens. Vietnam has full legal foundation and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes, Hang reinstated in her response. Chinas actions are an infringement upon Vietnams sovereignty over Hoang Sa as well as upon international law, she affirmed, and cannot alter Vietnams sovereignty over the islands. Vietnam therefore objects to Chinas building and opening of a cinema and requests that the country do not repeat such actions, the spokesperson said. Phu Lam Island is the largest of the Hoang Sa islands in the East Vietnam Sea. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out what is in the news today, August 2 Politics -- Vietnam strongly opposes Chinas launch of a cinema on Phu Lam Island, part of Vietnams Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed on Tuesday. -- Mozambican Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario expressed hopes during a meeting on Tuesday with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc that Vietnamese enterprises will expand their operation in different areas in Mozambique. Society -- A 30-year-old woman and her two young sons drowned on Monday afternoon while having a swim in a stream in Dai Tu District, located in the northern province of Thai Nguyen, local authorities confirmed on Tuesday. -- A Japanese company and its Vietnamese partner on Tuesday began work on an anti-flood reservoir on a street section in Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City. -- The economic police unit under the Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday detained and began court proceedings against Tram Be, one of Vietnams most well-known banking moguls, and Phan Huy Khang, who are both former top executives at Sacombank, for their wrongdoings that caused damage of approximately VND6.6 trillion (US$288.4 million). -- Police in Quang Yen Town in the northern province of Quang Ninh revealed on Tuesday they were monitoring the retrieval of a barge which had sunk on the Chanh River along with 1,000 metric tons of coal on board on Sunday. Business -- Petrolimex, Vietnam's largest fuel wholesaler, disclosed in its recently released financial report that the group earned VND74.2 trillion ($3.2 billion) in total revenues and VND1.18 trillion ($5.1 million) in profits from gas and oil alone within the second quarter of 2017. -- National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Tuesday launched a fast track service at airports in Japan and Indonesia that saves its business class and VIP passengers lengthy waits and queues. Lifestyle -- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved the establishment of Vietnam Journalism Museum, to be located in Cau Giay District, Hanoi. -- An exhibition showcasing works by French photographer Rehahn C, who has devoted himself to taking photos of Vietnamese people, is running in Hanoi until October 1. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! : , , . Help India! By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter Students of Lucknow University were lathi-charged by the Police on Tuesday after their protests against the faulty hostel allotment system got out of hand. The police have arrested nine students and lodged a case against at least 100 students. The University has been facing a lot of heat for the past couple of weeks after the administration decided to hike the hostel fee of self-financed courses up to six times, a decision which was taken back in next couple of days seeing the protest from every side. Support TwoCircles On Tuesday morning, University administration started allocating Acharya Narendra Dev Hostel to the students without putting the list of qualified students online because of which many students had to return empty-handed because they did not know of their eligibility for the same. Around 3 in the evening, student leaders and activists reached the Registrar office to discuss the same. The grievance could not be resolved at the moment, so students reached the vice-chancellor office to protest against the same. Protest outside the VCs office turned serious when VC Professor SP Singh and other university officials could not come out of their office. University officials accused the protesting students keeping them as hostage until the matter of allotment process was resolved and tweeted their grievance and the complaint filed with the police to the Chief Ministers Office on the evening of August 1. University officials along with Vice Chancellor held hostage. Students do not respond to call for talks. Police yet of no help. @CMOfficeUP Lucknow University (@lkouniv) August 1, 2017 Complaint filed with the police. pic.twitter.com/8wU3NPnaL8 Lucknow University (@lkouniv) August 1, 2017 Around 15 past midnight, police reached the campus with heavy force and started charging at the students. Moreover, police arrested around nine students and lodged FIR against 100 students including Vinay Vikram Singh, Prabhat Singh. Vipul Balian, Manish, Ashish Mishra and Pooja Shukla. Universitys chief proctor Prof. Vinod Singh wrote a complaint to Hasanganj Kotwali, in which he accused students of being drunk while protesting outside the VC office. Students were also accused of being accompanied by outsiders, a charge which students have refused. Complainant Vinod Singh refused to talk to us, but Spokesperson NK Pandey told TwoCircles.net, Who talks to a mob? They were not willing to talk to us. When police asked us for giving permission to lathi-charge, we did not tell them to do so. But we said that do whatever seems fit and legal. When TwoCircles.net questioned Pandey about why he referred to the incident as a hostage situation, he said, They were not ready to talk. It is clear that they were keeping us hostage. Help India! By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net The recent order by the Uttar Pradesh government which makes it mandatory to register marriages has largely been welcomed by the Muslim leaders of the state, even though there are a few conditions that have not gone down well with the Muslim community. Support TwoCircles Zafaryab Jilani, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has welcomed the decision. He said, I see no problem why anyone would oppose it. People get various benefits when they go out of India or when they apply for passports. This should have been done long ago. However, one of the clauses of this compulsory registration is that the couple must have Aadhaar cards, and Jilani believes that this could have been avoided or at least be accompanied by alternatives. Many people still do not have Aadhaar card, especially those who live in rural areas of the state. There should be a separate provision for those who do not have Aadhar card, he added. Vice-chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani said this scheme might face logistical issues even as he welcomed the move. Marriage registration is a good practice, but making it compulsory is not. So many marriages are happening in the state, how can one register itself who are living in remote areas and does not have information of this? The inclusion of a mandatory passport size photo for registration has, however, not been welcomed by Islamic clerics. Government spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh said yesterday that if the people do not have any problem putting a photo on their Aadhaar card, they should not have any problem putting it onto registration form as well. To this, Nomani said, This step is a hit on Islamic values because putting photos on marriage forms has never been an Islamic practice. It is like asking people to get Aadhar card. Many people do not have it, so they cannot get register their marriage as well. And as they cannot get their marriage registered, they cannot get the benefit of government schemes. Basically, the step not just bypasses Islamic values, it also does the same with common social values, added Nomani. But some clerics do not see any problem with the photograph. Lucknow-based cleric Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said, People put it when they apply for the passport, what is the problem in putting it for marriage registration? He said, I agree with this decision, but there should be some relaxation. The government should not do push it as mandatory; instead, they should make more people aware so that they voluntarily go for registration. Before the scheme was launched, several rumours were doing rounds primary among which was that if a couple does not have a registered certificate, the marriage will be deemed invalid. The only loss of not complying with this rule is that couples will be unable to benefit from various government schemes. The marriage registration scheme also includes a provision that the marriages should be conducted within UP and one from the couple should be a resident of UP. The registration should be done within a year of the marriage, it stipulates. The task has been assigned to the Stamp and Registration Department and the whole process of registration will be made online. The European Union has taken notice of and welcomed the commitment of candidate countries, Albania and Montenegro, European Economic Area member Norway, and Ukraine, to align themselves with the extension of the economic sanctions against Russia until January 31, 2018, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said in a statement. "They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision," Mogherini said in a statement posted in Brussels on Wednesday. "On 28 June 2017, the [EU] Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1148[1]. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 31 January 2018," the statement said. In an age where Trump and Brexit have shaken the global political establishment to its core, President Macron believed that he could still make centrist Politics look 'cool.' Last week he was entertaining celebrities like Rihanna and U2's Bono at the French presidential palace and he was still relishing in his landslide victory this year over his rival, Marine Le Pen. But as Harold Wilson once said: 'A week is a long time in politics.' And a lot can change as the weeks go by. But the French President's poll numbers have quickly dropped. Mirroring Tony Blair's style of politics during the 'Cool Britannia' era, his New Labour idol soon discovered that the attractive lure of charismatic politicians can fade. By 2003, after leading Britain into the disastrous Iraq War, Mr. Blair found his popularity gradually beginning to vanish. Yet very few Brits, including members of his own party, have any respect left for Labour's most successful leader so far. He hopes that his mixture of policies will shift the emphasis off his dwindling fortunes Rather like Mr. Blair, President Macron has an overwhelming majority in the French parliament. But many members of his young political party, En Marche, are failing to unite behind him. He hopes that his mixture of policies, like nationalising the country's biggest shipbuilder, STX France, and meeting Libya's two main political rivals to agree a ceasefire prior to upcoming elections, will shift the emphasis off his dwindling fortunes. That has not turned out to be the case. So what is the young President's next move? To use Brexit as a chance to escape his growing domestic problems. Many leaders use foreign affairs to present themselves as 'tough' when their ratings are collapsing at home. Tsar Nicholas II tried to use the First World War to restore popularity to the failing Tsarist regime and failed. But Margaret Thatcher succeeded during the Falklands War and this shifted her political fortunes massively. The beginning of the end of Marcon's honeymoon President Macron hopes that by persuading British bankers to move abroad, it will create more jobs and act as a boost to France's economy. He also wants his country to become more competitive and he intends to snatch UK talent to help achieve this aim. Any government loves to boast that it has created employment for its citizens and transforming Paris into a financial hub will aid the French President's purpose. But with banks like HSBC refuting the French President's Brexit charm offensive, his efforts may fall flat on his face. For when he finds his many other measures have failed to become legislation, this could be the beginning of the end of Macron's honeymoon. Prior to the 2008 Recession, the banks were one of the most respected institutions in Britain. If the EU Referendum had been held in 2006, as opposed to 2016, the majority of electors would have taken their warnings that leaving the trading bloc would trigger a downturn much more seriously. But as a result of the worst recession since the Second World War, of which the banks were one of the main protagonists, their reputation for financial prudence evaporated. Nowadays, many taxpayers, understandably, view them as a liability. The Royal Bank of Scotland, nearly a decade following its bailout, remains government-owned, with no hope of it being returned to the private sector any time soon. Northern Rock was sold at a hurried pace by former chancellor George Osborne and the Government has only just dissolved its ownership of the Lloyds Banking Group. Despite people's dependence on them, they are still mistrusted. The banks are rescuing the UK economy Throughout last year, voters became tired of their constant warnings that they will be financially worse off if they chose Brexit. JP Morgan and numerous experts became notorious for their alarmist threats of another recession should Britain leave the EU. Yet these are the same people who failed to anticipate the 2008 Recession. Thankfully, the majority of electors ignored their arguments and 52 per cent of them opted to quit the trading bloc. Even though the banks feared Brexit, it is strangely ironic that this event they did not want has actually restored some of their credibility. Brexiteers are happy to share articles on social media of financial bosses demonstrating their support for Britain's prospects after it leaves the EU. Most people are happy to read news of bankers staying in the UK in the future. It is this positive information which boosts Britain's global reputation since June 23rd. It turns out the banks are rescuing the UK economy, as controversial as that may sound these days. Earlier this year, Lord Norman Blackwell, chairman of the Lloyds Banking Group who supported leaving the EU last year, said London will thrive post-Brexit. Lloyds has no intention of quitting the UK after March 2019, when Britain is due to cancel its EU membership. And now the HSBC Group Finance Director, Iain Mackay, said his company intends to continue with its British operations. With the UK economy still largely dependent on the banking sector, to lose it would cause another crash. We should be thankful they are staying. The banks are becoming Britain's saviours Margaret Thatcher purposefully stripped back banking regulations during the Big Boom of 1986 for circumstances like Brexit. By doing so, she made the City resilient to any situation. That is why so many businesses want to stay in London after Britain leaves the trading bloc. Nearly a decade following the 2008 Recession, the banks are becoming Britain's saviours following almost ten years of vilification. A Labour councillor has been deferred after dubbing Pride marchers as "paedophiles." Councillor Chika Amadi, who has been a Labour councillor on Harrow Council since 2014, was suspended after writing on Twitter: "Nothing but paedophilia being labelled liberalism adults polluting children with their senselessness." Councillor Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council and councillor for the Queensbury area of the London borough, said that the national Labour Party has suspended her pending an investigation into her social media activities. Pride marchers are "evil" But the Labour councillor, who is also an evangelical pastor, has faced calls her to resign altogether after branding Pride marchers as "evil." According to Pink News, she has posted many anti-LGBT messages on social media without challenge for many years. She distributed an article from anti-LGBT Christian website, LifeSiteNews, that used a misleading photo from seven years ago to argue that Pride parade marchers were traumatising little girls with nudity. Although she was challenged by LGBT activists, she responded: "Evil. If you dare walk naked in front of my child God will give you terrible assignment that will put you to perpetual sleep. Be warned." Her comments are absolutely disgusting Conservative activist Liam Pen said: "Her comments are absolutely disgusting. To think a person charged with political responsibility and power would do this is is horrendous. I hope she gets the whip withdrawn, such language is completely disgusting." On her Facebook page, Cllr Amadi posted: "Recently one respectable man in my constituency questioned me on my faith especially on homosexuality. I warned him not to try me next time. Anyone who wants to bring me down from my political career because of my faith and stand on the word of God will encounter the burning anger of the God that I serve." Homosexuality is anti-humanity In 2013, she shared a Facebook post protesting against demands to legalise homosexuality in Gambia, saying "Homosexuality is anti-humanity." In 2010, she tweeted: "Are people born gay or is it a choice?" Councillor Christopher Noyce, a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Rayners Lane area of Harrow, told Blasting News: "I will reiterate London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon's comments: 'these comments are clearly disgusting and have no place in a society that is tolerant and open.' "Her remarks are totally out of place and I am glad that she has been suspended by the Labour Party. I had no idea about these comments until now and I am very surprised by her tweets." Cllr Amadi was approached for her response, but she declined to comment. Hannah discovered her real purpose in New York. She realised that photography is something she needs to do and told us about her other photography projects. Portfolio in New York Sabina: Hannah, when did you realise that photography is your passion and something you just have to do? Hannah: I started practising photography while I was living in New York, I was out there working as a textiles designer and used my first bonus to buy my first DSLR camera. From that point, there was no going back. I became friends with some part time bloggers and so every weekend we travelled to photogenic parts of New York City to shoot various looks for their fashion blogs, I loved it. Once my portfolio started to grow and I became present on social media I began to get inquiries about paid work, which is when I figured I had the potential to turn my passion into my career. So when I moved back to London, thats what I did. Sabina: What kind of experience did you gain in New York? Hannah: I am a self-taught photographer, so my photography experiences in New York were priceless in building my strong photography foundation of knowledge which I now use on a daily basis. New York itself gave me the experience of a lifetime. The City is constantly buzzing with people to meet and events to attend, it definitely lives up to its name of the city that never sleeps. I feel like it gave me the best kick-start to becoming my own creative boss that I could have ever asked for. Being so far away from my friends and family was also a new experience and encouraged my independence. I am quite happy to go to the cinema and eat out on my own nowits a New York thing. Shooting with a model called Ricki Hall Sabina: Can you highlight your best projects so far? Hannah: One of my most favourite projects to date was shooting with a model called Ricki Hall at a barber shop in East London. I had previously been a big fan of the bearded model and had followed his career from his campaigns for Diesel that was blown up on Times Square to his coining the term 'The Hipster'. It was a great moment for me when I got the call to photograph him, he was a lovely guy and I hope to work with him again. Sabina: What kind of photography is your favourite and why? Hannah: I really enjoy look book and lifestyle photography. Shooting varying looks on location and using the natural elements to compose my imagery. I have shot in the studio many times, but I really enjoy using elements of nature and architecture to frame and enhance my images. I think this gives my imagery a point of difference that is hard to replicate and makes it a bit different to the next photographers. Variety of fashion and lifestyle projects Sabina: Where do you see yourself in the future, in what kind of projects are you willing to work? Hannah: In the future I see myself working on a variety of fashion and lifestyle projects around the globe. I would love to build some strong working relationships with a select few clients and work with them very closely to build their brands through the collaboration of their branding knowledge and my photography. I am always open to opportunities abroad, especially in New York, so fingers crossed my work gets noticed overseas and I gain some traction globally. Imagine that youre rushing to your office on a typical Monday morning and suddenly your phone rings and a menacing voice informs you that your wife/husband/child has been kidnapped. The person then threatens to kill your loved one unless you pay up. Ransom money is demanded but the caller refuses to put the kidnapped victim on the phone, despite your incessant pleas to talk to the victim. You are gripped with anxiety; afraid to even think about the unthinkable and agree to pay the ransom only to realise hours later that the kidnapping never happened and that your loved one is completely safe and unharmed. This is virtual kidnapping. The 'kidnappers' rely on theatrics and technological skills Virtual kidnappers rely solely on deception, fear and their technological expertise to make families think that a loved one is in danger and a ransom must be paid immediately, through an electronic transaction or wire transfer, in order to gain their release, explains a CNBC report. These kidnappers are mostly con artists or extortionists, usually living overseas. Thanks to their convincing theatrics, the receiver of such calls usually fall for the Scam. In some cases, a scammer will contact a person by telephone claiming that the person's loved one was involved in a road accident that damaged the caller's vehicle. The scammer then threatens to kidnap and harm the resident's loved one unless the caller immediately receives ransom money, explains Palo Alto police in a release. "The language they're using is the language you expect from someone calling to tell you that your wife's not going to make it," Travis Hamblet, a victim, told KHOU.com. Hamblet was on his way to attend a meeting when he got a call from a man who told him there had been a car accident and began to inform Hamblet about his wife. Yet another incident, a high-profile one, took place in October 2016, when a woman living in Washington, D.C. was duped to pay 6,904 by scammers who convinced her that her daughter had been abducted. Most of the virtual kidnapping calls go unreported as the victims feel either too embarrassed or afraid to tell, stated the FBI, in a CNBC report. "While virtual kidnappings have not been widely seen in the United States and Europe, they have long been common in parts of Latin America and Asia, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan and the Philippines," writes Scott Stewart, VP of Tactical Analysis at a private intelligence firm called Stratfor, in an analytical report. According to a 2015 FBI press release, fraudulent calls can be identified with the help of certain indicators, including the following: The call usually comes from an outside area code The person doesn't call from the kidnapped victims cell phone Scammers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone to prevent you from contacting/locating the abducted victim or informing the police Ransom money is accepted only electronically Holding Data Hostage Another form of virtual kidnapping is holding one's data hostage. In this case, scammers infect a computer, usually via an e-mail attachment or a malicious website. Using the ransomware, the criminals are able to encrypt all the files, and an electronic ransom note is issued. Getting those files back means paying a fee to the criminals who control the malwareand hoping they will keep their side of the bargain by decrypting them, explains an MIT Technology Review article. One of the major reasons behind a surge in virtual kidnapping cases is the fact that it's very easy to carry out. Most of the information that a virtual kidnapper needs, other than the contact details, are easily available on popular social networking sites. In order to make the kidnapping seem legitimate, some scammers dig up the victims social media to find out the names of their loved ones among other details. Also, calling the victims from overseas makes them difficult to trace and catch. And even if a virtual kidnapper gets caught, they do not face the harsher punishments that a conventional kidnapper would. This is because virtual abduction is an extortion or a confidence scam with no harm caused, so even if the criminal gets caught he/she is able to get away with a lesser sentence, notes the Stratfor article. Ever since Donald Trump was sworn into office, he's faced an onslaught of criticism from his political opponents and the majority of the mainstream media. As the president continues his war of words against the press, he's using questionable information to backup his agenda. Trump on Twitter It didn't take long for Donald Trump and the media to get off on the wrong foot. During his speech to announce his campaign for president back in the summer of 2015, Trump labeled illegal immigrants from Mexico as "rapists" and "murderers," which instantly triggered backlash among the press. Ever since then, the former host of "The Apprentice" has made a habit out of bashing the media, labeling any reports he doesn't agree with as "Fake News." In recent weeks, Trump's expanded that criticism, which has included shots at hosts on MSNBC, and the entire network for CNN. After CNN was forced to retract a false story linking the president to a Russian bank, Trump amped up his attack. In addition, Trump set his sights on the hosts of "Morning Joe," going as far as calling Mika Brzezinski "dumb as a rock" while accusing her of having a facelift. In his latest pair of tweets on July 3, the president decided to question the media once again, while also bragging about the current economic numbers. Dow hit a new intraday all-time high! I wonder whether or not the Fake News Media will so report? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2017 Taking to Twitter on July 3 was Donald Trump as the president was quick to cite recent economic news to attack the press. "Really great numbers on jobs & the economy! Things are starting to kick in now, and we have just begun!" Trump tweeted out, before adding, "Don't like steel & aluminum dumping!" Really great numbers on jobs & the economy! Things are starting to kick in now, and we have just begun! Don't like steel & aluminum dumping! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2017 Not stopping there, Donald Trump posted a follow-up tweet where he questioned whether or not the media would report the economic news in question. "Dow hit a new intraday all-time high!" Trump wrote on his Twitter feed, before rhetorically asking, "I wonder whether or not the Fake News Media will so report?" Twitter reacts Within minutes of sending out his latest round of tweets, critics of the president revolted on social media. "You realize that the term "Fake News" was created to describe bullshit news stories out there which you asked the Russians to share. Right??" Greg Shugar replied, before adding, "The irony is lost on you." The irony is lost on you Greg Shugar (@GregShugar) July 3, 2017 Real men are confident in themselves enough that they don't search for constant validation. You are a very sad thing. Josh Sanchez (@jnsanchez) July 3, 2017 Will you take credit when it hits the all-time low? Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) July 3, 2017 "Again? Haven't you got more important things to be doing...like your job?" Sarah-Elizabeth Daly wrote on Twitter. "Will you take credit when it hits the all-time low?" actor Tommy Campbell went on to ask. "Real men are confident in themselves enough that they don't search for constant validation. You are a very sad thing," Jose Sanchez said. How is the online bullying campaign going, @FLOTUS? I have interesting statistics to share with you. Call me! kim (@kim) July 3, 2017 Again? Haven't you got more important things to be doing...like your job? Sarah-Elizabeth Daly (@selizabethdaly) July 3, 2017 Yes, we all remember you paid $25 million to settle that right before you were inaugurated. Pe Resists (@4everNeverTrump) July 3, 2017 "Cool. Now go enjoy your holiday instead of bragging about Wall Street and neglecting your wife," an additional tweet read. The negative responses continued to pour in as it was made more than clear that the rift between many Americans and the White House was not going to end anytime soon. Just hours after Donald Trump announced his "RAISE Act" to address immigration reform, a press briefing was held at the White House. Over the course of the briefing, Senior White House Adviser stephen miller took a variety of questions and clashed with multiple reporters, which didn't go over well across social media. Miller time When Donald Trump decided to run for office, it didn't take long before he clashed with the mainstream media. Ever since Trump's controversial remarks about illegal immigrants from Mexico being "murderers" and "rapists," the press and the former host of "The Apprentice" have been at odds. Following Trump's upset win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last November, many critics pointed to fake stories on the internet for the results of the election. After being accused of benefiting from phony stories, Trump went on to flip the script, claiming that any news outlet that dares to criticize him is just "fake news." In addition to Trump, the bad blood has poured over to members of the administration, which was evident when Stephen Miller engaged in heated debates with reporters on Wednesday afternoon. As seen across Twitter on August 2, Miller was quickly trending. CNNs Acosta and Stephen Miller Battle Over Immigration: Youre Engineering Racial and Ethnic Flow of People! https://t.co/0ZzSpRoEDN pic.twitter.com/eBmizGtVjV Mediaite (@Mediaite) August 2, 2017 Stephen Miller took questions from reporters over a variety of issues, but quickly engaged in near shouting matches, including with Glenn Thrush of the New York Times, and Jim Acosta of CNN. As a result, the internet had a field day with the controversial White House adviser. Stephen Miller proves that if you don't want your new immigration plan to be called racist, don't let it be presented by a creepy racist. John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) August 2, 2017 Ok General Kelly, another test. If Stephen Miller is still employed in the morning you have failed. David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) August 2, 2017 "Stephen Miller looks like a demon breathed life into a bag of gonorrhea," Solomon Georgio tweeted out. "(He) is what white nationalism looks like in 2017. It's not KKK rallies & hoods, it's well-spoken, educated bigots in suits," Britni Daniello added. All the kids who picked on Stephen Miller in elementary school owe America an apology Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) August 2, 2017 About time someone like Stephen Miller had the political genius to take on the very overrated Statue of Liberty, who everybody hates James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) August 2, 2017 "Santa Monica native and duke grad, accusing people of elitism," Sam Stein pointed out. "About time someone like Stephen Miller had the political genius to take on the very overrated Statue of Liberty, who everybody hates," James Poniewozik replied. "All the kids who picked on (him) in elementary school owe America an apology," Dan Pfeiffer tweeted. Stephen Miller is what white nationalism looks like in 2017. It's not KKK rallies & hoods, it's well-spoken, educated bigots in suits. Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) August 2, 2017 stephen miller, santa monica native and duke grad, accusing people of elitism. Sam Stein (@samstein) August 2, 2017 Next up As Stephen Miller and others in the White House continue to become the butt of a joke to millions of Americans across the country, Donald Trump and his team are still facing major issues and road blocks. In addition to his attempt to pass immigration reform, Trump is also facing an uphill battle on rallying enough Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, while also dealing with the Russian scandal that is growing by the day. "The Good Fight" will be adding Audra Mcdonald in the second season. The actress will be reprising a role she played in the original series, "The Good Wife." Audra McDonald will play state attorney Liz Lawrence. Her character, who was featured in one episode of "The Good Wife" season 4, will be revealed as the ex-wife of Adrian Boseman (Delroy Lindo) in The Good Fight. Boseman is the head of the Reddick Boseman & Kolstad firm that employs the show's lead character Dianne Lockhart (Christine Baranski). Thrilled to work with her again "The Good Fight" showrunners, Robert and Michelle King, announced in a press release via Deadline that they are thrilled that Audra McDonald agreed to reprise her role. "After seeing her facility with both comedy and drama, we were dying for the chance to work with her again," the showrunners' statement read. Audra McDonald is a Tony-winning stage actress who has worked on shows like "Private Practice" and the live musical version of "The Sound of Music." Fans of "The Good Fight" can expect her character to heighten the drama in season 2. Promoting two cast members Meanwhile, Robert and Michelle King also announced that Michael Boatman and Nyambi Nyambi are going to be series regulars on "The Good Fight" season 2. Michael Boatman plays the role of lawyer Julius Cain, which he also played in "The Good Wife." Nyambi Nyambi, on the other hand, is a new character, Jay Dipersia, who was introduced in "The Good Fight" season 1. Dipersia is the law firm's investigator. He had lots of screen time with Sarah Steele (Marissa Gold), who hopes to also venture in the same field of expertise. Filming season 2 Filming for The Good Fight season 2 is expected to begin this fall. The second season is expected to premiere in early 2018 on CBS All Access. The upcoming installment will have 13 episodes as opposed to just 10 episodes last season. Also expected to return are Cush Jumbo (Lucca Quinn), Rose Leslie (Maia Rindell), Justin Bartha (Colin Morello) and Erica Tazel (Barbara Kolstad). The series follows Christine Baranskis Lockharts transition in a mostly-African American law firm after leaving her firm in The Good Wife. The first season delved on a big money scam that affected Lockharts investments and ruined her relationship with the Rindells, her long-time friends. Rose Leslies character is Lockharts goddaughter who had no idea her parents were misusing other peoples money. Shes also training under Lockhart as a lawyer. When one discusses North Korea, the images that come readily to mind are those of its leader Kim Jong Un and his missiles. His ambition is to be regarded as a Nuclear Power and he wants to prove his might to the United States. His country is faced with sanctions from the international community that should have had a major impact on its economy, but the ground realities appear to be quite different. In fact, the country is flourishing in spite of trade restrictions. How is North Korea managing? Fox News reports that diplomacy over the years by US Presidents and sanctions from the global community have not had the desired effect on North Korea. It continues to pursue its programs of building nuclear weapons and its economy is improving. This is evident from recent satellite images provided by South Korea that show more lights visible in areas around Pyongyang, the capital, as compared to 2002. An obvious conclusion is that its economy has not only survived the sanctions but has made a turnaround. The report is prepared by South Koreas government-run Korea Development Institute. In its opinion, satellite images provide useful information like the extent of urbanization, density of population apart from economic activity. Bank of Korea in Seoul has indicated that the economy of North Korea had grown by nearly 4 percent in 2016 and it stands to reason that North Korea does not want to be cowed down by sanctions. It has devised strategies to overcome such hurdles and declare itself as a nuclear power. Is China the savior? North Korea exports coal and other minerals to China and that is one of the factors that is believed to have helped in the fast rate of growth. US president Donald Trump had suggested to Chinese president Xi Jinping to put a check on trade with North Korea to defuse the nuclear crisis. If China agrees to the proposal, it could reduce Norths earnings in the current year. However, China is exporting its goods to North Korea. An example is a mobile phone. The Korea Information Society Development Institute has reported that there were more than 3-million mobile phone users in North Korea in 2015 which is several times more than approximately 70,000 in 2009 when ordinary citizens were allowed to use such devices. It is proof that its people have acquired the economic power to possess such devices. Another yardstick of prosperity is the increase in the number of government-approved markets that has doubled since 2010. These markets employ about 1 million people in various capacities. In addition, people are employed in private enterprises and have improved their living standards. Other positive indications are the increase in the number of cars on the streets of Pyongyang, and there are people who go in for online shopping and visit ski resorts and luxury hotels. When taken in totality, it shows that Kim Jong Un is not only devoting his energies to build nuclear missiles and become a nuclear power in spite of sanctions but is also trying to ensure prosperity for a section of his people. An exhibitor demonstrates a Hover Camera Passport drone at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, US, Jan 6, 2017. [Photo/VCG] Snap plans to buy Chinese drone firm as it eyes smart hardware US-based camera company Snap Inc, well-known for its messaging app Snapchat, plans to buy Chinese drone maker Zero Zero Robotics, a tech media site The Information reported. The Information said Snap held talks with Zero Zero Robotics as the drone maker launches new round of fundraising. Previously, Zero Zero Robotics had completed two rounds of fundraising totaling $25 million. The Zero Zero Robotics's best known product is Hover Camera Passport, a 242 gram selfie drone that can follow its controller wherever he goes. Earlier this year, the Chinese drone maker announced it had signed a deal with Apple Inc to sell the Hover Camera Passport at Apple stores in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, US, Canada and UK. Snap prides its computer vision techniques, and also has ambition on smart hardware. In 2015, it launched smart glasses Spectacles, and received good market response. This year, the camera company acquired Venice-based drone manufacturer Crtl Me Robotics. However, as investors worry about Snap's corporate structure, the company's share price fell 22 percent during last month. On Tuesday, its share price on the New York Stock Exchange closed at $13.1, dropping 4.17 percent. The price share has fallen below its initial offering price of $17. Snap carries out dual-class voting structure which means the company issues two types of shares with, or without voting rights. As Standard & Poor's 500 stock will not accept new members that issue multiple classes of shares, Snap will not be included in the S&P 500 stocks pool,according to Los Angeles Times. China's tourism trade surplus is expected to increase as the country takes in more cash from inbound visitors than its outbound travelers spend overseas, according to the country's tourism industry watchdog. The inbound tourism market has emerged from the downturn following the global financial crisis and has grown continuously in the past few years, the China National Tourism Administration said in a statement on Monday. The country's outbound tourism industry has entered a stage of slower growth after experiencing rapid expansion, the statement said. Inbound tourism revenue rose 5.6 percent year-on-year to $120 billion in 2016, exceeding outbound tourism spending by $10.2 billion, according to administration figures. In the first half of this year, inbound tourists made 69.5 million trips; 62 million Chinese tourists went overseas, the statement said. Both the number of inbound trips and revenue generated have increased steadily since 2014, it said. China has vowed to develop tourism into a major driver for economic transformation and upgrading by 2020. The administration predicted that direct investment in tourism this year will jump by more than 20 percent from last year to 1.5 trillion yuan ($223 billion). In 2016, China's tourism revenue was 4.69 trillion yuan, about 11 percent of the national economy. Xinhua Governmental services will be improved with focus on projects Though private investment growth bounced back in the past few months, economic development demands a greater increase from the sector to invigorate employment and market vitality. That is why a slew of measures were released to boost private investment after a State Council executive meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on Friday. The meeting called to further streamline administration and improve governmental services, by making it easier for privately invested projects to get approved, according to a statement released after the meeting. Eligible projects should be approved in designated time after projects are checked by departments under the State Council and local governments. Private companies were encouraged to participate in the "Made in China 2025" strategy, focusing on modern agriculture and technical upgrading. A mechanism will be established to ensure reasonable returns for private investors when they take part in public-private-partnership projects in areas such as infrastructure and public amenities. A credit evaluation system will also be improved and prioritize credit management, providing multiple financial services such as circular loans. Financial institutions will be prohibited from requiring additional conditions when granting loans. The meeting encouraged local governments to set up funds to compensate for credit risk, which will increase support for small and medium-sized enterprises and technological startups. Stricter management will be conducted to control fees charged on companies and reduce institutional costs for the enterprises. In addition, special checks will be conducted to review whether local governments have kept their promises to private investors, in accordance with laws and regulations. Any governmental behavior that hampers the legitimate rights of these enterprises will be punished, the statement added. "These measures focus on key problems private investors are facing; I believe effective private investment will be boosted," said Han Zhifeng, deputy director of the investment department of the National Development and Reform Commission. Private investment has been a focus of the central government and the premier, who is committed to reducing institutional costs and boosting finances for enterprises. On June 18 last year, the premier chaired a meeting to boost growth in the area. "Private investment can strongly spur consumption and employment. It also concerns economic growth and restructuring," he said at the meeting. Private investment has contributed about 60 percent of the country's total investment and created 80 percent of employment opportunities. It increased by 7.2 percent during the first half of this year, 4.4 percentage points higher than the first half of last year. However, experts said private investors have been facing challenges such as financing difficulties and broken promises by local governments. In the first six months, private investment in industrial projects increased by 5.1 percent, slower than the total private investment. Some favorable policies to support private investment have not been fully implemented and relevant departments should clear and revise outdated rules and regulations, Li Yizhong, deputy director of the economic committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was quoted by Xinhua News Agency as saying. The mechanism to ensure returns for PPP projects was one of the most eye-catching points made during the meeting, said Wang Manchuan, secretary-general of the China Society of Administrative Reform. Public-private-partnership has become a vital way to connect China's massive infrastructure building with private investments since 2014. By the end of March, the country had announced 700 public-private-partnership projects that attracted investment of 1.7 trillion yuan ($248 billion). The success of PPP depends on reasonable returns and reducing risk, said the 2007 Nobel laureate Eric Maskin when he attended the Dameisha China Innovation Forum in November in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Reasonable return is key in promoting public-private-partnership as private investors or companies have to carry out these projects over the long term but actually earn a low income each year, which also imposes extra financial risks for contractors, said Yan Zhijun, a 45-year-old contractor for drainage pipes in Chaohu, Anhui province. "These policies target safeguarding our interests and I believe it will be done if properly implemented by local governments," Yan added. Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday that all US states, including Michigan, are welcome to strengthen exchanges with provinces and municipalities in China and deepen cooperation in fields such as trade, investment, manufacturing and innovations. Premier Li Keqiang meets Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in Zhongnanhai, the central leadership's compound, in Beijing on Tuesday. They discussed a range of subjects, from trade to investment and employment. [Photo/Xinhua] He was speaking to Rick Snyder, Michigan's governor, when they met in Beijing, one stop for Snyder's nine-day investment mission to China that started on Sunday. Li said local cooperation between the two countries is booming, which is helpful to expand common interests. China will cultivate an open and facilitating environment, he said. "You have visited China each year since taking office as governor. The cooperation between your state and China has been highly productive, which shows the cooperation between our two countries has delivered tangible benefits to our people," Li said. Common interests far override differences for China and the US as the world's largest developing country and developed country, Li said. Since the outset of this year, the presidents of both countries have met twice, while both nations are expanding dialogues and exchanges at various levels. China would like to enhance understanding and mutual trust and expand pragmatic cooperation in key areas to achieve a healthy and stable relationship with the US, he said. In response, Snyder said Michigan has benefited from cooperation between the countries and hopes to expand exchanges in all fields, which he said will help promote mutual understanding and bilateral ties. Michigan is home to much of the US auto industry, with 375 automobile research centers, and is one of the world's leading destinations for high-quality technicians and engineers. The governor's investment mission to China focuses on promoting job-creating business growth, attracting investment to Michigan and making the state a tourism destination for Chinese travelers, according to the state's website, Michigan.gov. The governor also will visit Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Chengdu in Sichuan province, Shanghai, and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, it said. In August 2015, the Ministry of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding to promote trade and investment between Michigan and five provincial regions, namely, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangdong and Sichuan provinces and Chongqing. Last year, Michigan ranked second in the US in the number of investment projects from China. Michigan also ranked third in the number of jobs created through Chinese investment. Between January 2010 and July 2017, the state received $1.1 billion in new business investment from China, the website said. Apple Inc posted a strong earnings report overall on Tuesday but continues to see its sales trail in China. Apple's earnings climbed 12 percent to $8.7 billion, and revenue increased 7 percent from last year to $45.4 billion. The fiscal third-quarter results exceeded analysts' projections for the period covering April to July 1. The company's net income rose to $8.72 billion, or $1.67 per share, from $7.80 billion, or $1.42 per share, a year earlier. But Apple's revenue from the Greater China region fell 9.5 percent to $8 billion, as consumers switched to newer domestic phone offerings. Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri said Chinese mainland revenue was flat, as were iPhone sales on the mainland. Sales of other Apple products rose on the mainland and also were up in Taiwan. The services segment was a bright spot, recording double-digit revenue growth in Greater China from January to March. "The decline from a market standpoint was concentrated in Hong Kong, which is a place that has been really affected by a reduction in tourism because the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar," Maestri said. The iPhone's share of China's smartphone shipments fell to 9 percent from January to June, from a peak of 14 percent in 2015, according to consultancy Counterpoint. Apple has several Chinese smartphone competitors, such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, Xiaomi Inc, OPPO Electronics Corp and Vivo, which have steadily built market share. Apple is expected to unveil its 10th anniversary iPhone later this year, considered crucial to winning back Chinese buyers. "Because others have eaten away at Apple's market share in China, it now has to pay more attention to regulation from government," said Beijing-based tech analyst Li Chengdong. "China is such a key market for Apple that it has to listen." The stock was up $9 a share, or 6 percent, to $159.10 in after-hours trading. China Daily-reuters-associated Press (China Daily USA 08/02/2017 page2) China's growing global importance makes American study of the country more relevant, and that includes Chinese philosophy. Bryan Van Norden, professor of philosophy at Vassar College, said that "there are more than 120 doctorate-granting programs in philosophy in the US, but only nine of them have a single member of their regular faculty who specialized in Chinese philosophy". At Chinese universities, both Western and traditional Chinese philosophy are routinely taught. "We should improve Chinese philosophy curriculums in US universities," said Van Norden, who was a guest professor at the School of Philosophy of Wuhan University in 2014. "China is becoming an increasingly important world power, and traditional Chinese thoughts have continuing relevance to Chinese culture." A study conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers this year forecast that China will overtake the US as the world's largest economy before 2030. And China's rapid nuclear expansion will result in it passing the US as the nation with the largest atomic power capacity by 2026, according to BMI Research. Van Norden also noted that President Xi Jinping has repeatedly praised Confucianism in a number of his speeches. "Americans students - our future diplomats, representatives and business leaders - need to learn more about Chinese philosophy at school to understand Chinese culture and people better," Van Norden said. "Most US university students are not exposed to Chinese thinkers in their philosophy classes," said Eric Schwitzgebel, a professor of philosophy at UC Riverside. "Academic philosophy in the United States has a diversity problem," he said. "Among US citizens and permanent residents receiving philosophy PhDs in this country, 86 percent are non-Hispanic white." Schwitzgebel said that many of his colleagues suggest that part of the reason for this is that students of color are confronted with a curriculum that is almost monolithically European. Van Norden believes that Chinese philosophy is rich in persuasive argumentation and careful analysis. "It's very important in its own right," Van Norden said. "For example, Confucianism can teach us about ways to cultivate virtues, new ways to think about political organizations and also about cooperative spirit." Confucius and Laozi have been enormously influential , probably more influential in East Asia than Socrates, Plato and Aristotle have been in the West, Van Norden said. Zhang Ruinan in New York contributed to this story. China Daily (China Daily USA 08/02/2017 page2) American archeologist Chap Kusimba introduces an archeological site of Manda Island in Lamu county, Kenya, to researchers, on July 29, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] A team consisting of archaeologists from China, the United States and Kenya announced last Friday the excavation of three human skeletons associated with Chinese blood at the first "Ancient and Contemporary Relations between China and East Africa" conference opened in Lamu county, off the northern coast of Kenya, Xinhua News Agency reported. The team leader Kusimba, a professor with American University, said it marked the first time such relics were found in East Africa. All the skeletons had front teeth that are exclusive for the East Asians and one of them could be determined to be from the same period when Chinese admiral Zheng He traveled to East Africa in the 15th century. The other two are determined to be living in a period after Zheng's expeditionary voyages. Kusimba said these people might have come to East Africa through land trade routes or the Maritime Silk Road, adding that no belongings were found at their tombs. Chinese navigator, explorer and diplomat Zheng He, known as the Christopher Columbus in China, might have come to East Africa among his seven voyages to the Indian Ocean between 1405 and 1433 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Zhu Tiequan, an archaeologist with Guangzhou-based Sun Yat-sen University, was quoted as saying that the excavation on the island began in December 2012. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (R) is sworn in by Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (L, front) as Pakistani 28th Prime Minister in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Aug 1, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] ISLAMABAD - Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in as Pakistani 28th Prime Minister Tuesday evening shortly after the parliament elected him with a clear majority. Abbasi was elected as prime minister four days after the Supreme Court ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over corruption charges. He belongs to Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. The newly elected prime minister criticized the Supreme Court's verdict which disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday in a speech delivered to the country's lower house National Assembly after he won the prime minister election. He said that Nawaz Sharif has never been involved in corruption and he would be re-elected as the country's prime minister in the future. Regarding the country's economy, he said one of the top agenda in his mind is to promote the country's tax culture. "The perception here is that paying taxes is optional. If my cabinet approves, I will set my sights on non-taxpayers, and we shall catch the people whose lavish living style does not match to the amount of tax they pay," he told the parliamentarians at the lower house. He pledged to solve the country's loading-shedding issue after November this year. He said an additional 10,000 megawatts of electricity are being added to the national grid. He promised to continue to facilitate investment and the ongoing development projects in the country. He also promised better treatment and welfare for the country's farmers as he believed that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan. Talking about the country's security issue, he said that his government will stop civilians from holding automatic weapons. All the licensed automatic weapons held by civilians should be taken back by the government and the government should compensate them for this, he said. In terms of social life, he stressed the importance of quality education in the society and called from improvement in the education field. File photo shows FBI Director nominee Christopher Wray sits during a meeting with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, June 29, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON - The US Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Christopher A. Wray as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wray, with a 92-5 vote, replaces James Comey who was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump in May as investigators were looking into possible links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. At Wray's nomination debate on Tuesday afternoon, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said "this is a tough time to take this tough job." "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months," she said. In June, Wray was nominated by Trump to succeed Comey as the FBI director. During a confirmation hearing last month, Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would strive for independence, in light of that Trump had allegedly asked for loyalty from the then-FBI leader. "My commitment is to the rule of law, to the Constitution, to follow the facts wherever they may lead," Wray said. "There isn't a person on this planet whose lobbying or influence could convince to just drop or abandon a properly predicated and meritorious investigation," he added. Born into a family of New York lawyers, Wray graduated in 1989 from Yale University and got a law degree in 1992 from the Yale Law School. Wray was later hired as a Justice Department prosecutor for years before rising to assistant general in charge of overseeing fraud investigations. In 2005, he resigned to join private practice as a litigation partner with the law firm King & Spalding. Under US law, the FBI director serve a single 10-year term. File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi attends the celebration of liberation and victory of Mosul, in Baghdad, Iraq, July 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] BAGHDAD - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday warned the world not to relax in fighting terrorism of the Islamic State (IS) group and the tracking of its terrorists. He added that Iraq has suggested a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to pursue terrorism. Abadi said at a press conference after his weekly cabinet meeting that the draft resolution is aimed to prosecute terrorism and those associated and collaborated with the IS group, because "the terrorists will return to other areas in a new cover." Abadi also said that it is necessary to pursue sources of recruitment and funding of the IS. Abadi's comments came after he officially declared Mosul's liberation on July 10 from IS after nearly nine months of fierce fighting to dislodge the extremist militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. As for the upcoming offensive to liberate the IS-held town of Tal Afar, some 70 km west of Mosul, Abadi said "there are regular airstrikes targeting IS militants in preparation to liberate the areas under control of IS group, including Tal Afar." The offensive to free Tal Afar will be launched soon with the participation of all kinds of security forces, including the predominantly Shiite paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units and Sunni tribal fighters, according to Abadi. File photo shows Lebanese President Michel Aoun hands out a sword to a Lebanese officer cadet during his graduation parade at a military academy marking the 72nd Army Day in Fayadyeh, near Beirut, August 1, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] BEIRUT - Lebanon vowed to defeat terrorism as the country marked Tuesday the Army Day after a two-year absence of the celebration due to the presidential vacuum. President Michel Aoun stressed on the occasion that "we are now waiting for our armed forces to achieve a new victory and liberate what remains of the regions that have been violated for years by terrorists." Celebrations kicked off at the Lebanese Army Military Academy in Fayadieh under the chairmanship of President Aoun and in the presence of House Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and other political and military figures. Aoun addressed the graduates, encouraging them to be the protectors of this country's sovereignty and independence. "Your graduation coincides with major challenges that the military and security institutions are facing in fighting the dangers of terrorism and aggression against Lebanon," he added. He also mentioned soldiers who were kidnapped in 2014, with their fate still unknown, saying that works to combat terrorism could accelerate the disclosure of their whereabouts, and ease "the pain that has been inflicted on their families, their institution and all the Lebanese people." A Lebanese warplane struck the Islamic State group (IS) posts Monday in the outskirts of Ras Baalbeck, resulting in injuries among the militants, local TV stations reported. The strikes came after a battle between Hezbollah and the al-Qaida linked al-Nusra Front that ended with a cease-fire agreement Thursday. Since then, the Lebanese army has reinforced areas around Ras Baalbeck and Al-Qaa near the IS-held Lebanese territory, warning that they would soon launch an offensive to push the militant group out of the country. In remarks addressed to troops on Monday, the eve of the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the army, Army Commander Joseph Aoun praised the courage of his men. He called for remembrance of the hero soldiers who were injured, martyred or abducted by terrorist organizations," saying that terrorism remains the same "whether its aggression are launched from the southern border or the eastern border." He underlined the importance of continuing to firmly target militants, in order to frustrate their attempts to escape towards villages or refugee camps with the aim of using civilians as human shields. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. Hanoi, August 1 (VNA) The cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) needs to be developed in a more effective and practical manner for the common benefits of the two countries people as well as for peace and development in the region and the world. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made the affirmation while receiving Mozambican Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario in Hanoi on August 1. He spoke highly of the valuable, effective support and assistance that the Mozambican Party, State and people have given to Vietnam during the past struggle for national liberation as well as in the current national construction and defence. He congratulated Mozambique on its political and socio-economic achievements gained under the leadership of Frelimo over the past time. Party leader Trong also highlighted that the fine CPV-Frelimo relationship has contributed to promoting the traditional solidarity and friendship between the two States and their people. For his part, the Mozambican PM valued Vietnams achievements and experience in national development as well as its prestige and position in the region and the world. He affirmed his countrys determination to fostering the friendship and cooperation with Vietnam in all spheres, especially telecommunications, agriculture, investment and trade. VNA/VNP HA NOI SWIFT has announced that Vietcombank is the first bank in Viet Nam to sign up for SWIFT GPI -- its global payments innovation initiative. The bank joins more than 110 of the worlds major transaction banks that are already committed to the largest change initiative that the world of cross border payments has seen in the last 30 years. SWIFT GPI is also bringing in a new world for corporates, dramatically improving the cross-border payments experience of corporate treasurers by enabling enhanced services from their banks. SWIFT GPI went live in January 2017, and is already revolutionising cross-border payments by combining real-time payments tracking with the speed and certainty of same-day settlement. The service enables enhanced multi-bank business rules, unique end-to-end identification of payment messages across a transaction and a secure Tracker database in the cloud that provides real-time transaction status reporting. ao Minh Tuan, deputy chief executive officer of Vietcombank, said: SWIFT GPI provides an adequate answer to the evolving needs of corporate treasurers by offering a service that is easy to implement, yet removes the friction that currently exists in correspondent banking, such as the lack of speed, transparency and traceability. We look forward to implementing SWIFT GPI and to keep enhancing the services we offer our clients going forward, as new features get released. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams Index of Industrial Production (IIP) posted a 6.5 per cent year-on-year increase in the first seven months of the year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). But GSO experts said it was lower than the 7.2 per cent rate in the first seven months of 2016. They also warned that the growth of the national IIP in the first seven months was not sustainable because the index of inventory rose by 10.4 per cent year-on-year, higher than the inventory index of 10.2 per cent in the first seven months of 2016. According to the GSO figures, the IIP of the manufacturing and processing sector rose by 10.6 per cent over the same period last year. However, the mining sector, one of key industrial production sectors, saw a 7.5 per cent IIP drop during the first seven months. Several production sectors surged on the IIP, including metal production (35.4 per cent), electronics, computer and optical products (15.2 per cent), and paper production (10.4 per cent). Output of some industrial products reached high growth during this period, such as televisions, up by 36.6 per cent to 5.98 million units; rolled steel products, up 25.2 per cent to 3.6 million tonnes; urea fertilizer products, up 15.2 per cent to 1.42 million tonnes; and electricity, up 8.2 per cent to 108 billion KWh. Many other products experienced lower growth or reduction in output, including motorbikes, coal, mobile phones, auto, crude oil and gas. The office said the consumption index of the processing and manufacturing sector achieved a year-on-year increase of 8.4 per cent in the seven months, contributing to the growth of the national IIP. New firms Meanwhile, 72,953 new enterprises were established in the first seven months of this year with a total registered capital of VN690.74 trillion (US$30.39 billion), an annual increase of 13.8 per cent in the number of enterprises and 39 per cent in registered capital. But department experts said the growth rate of new firms and registered capital in the first seven months of 2017 had dropped sharply against the increase of 23.3 per cent and 54.7 per cent, respectively, in the first seven months of 2016. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investments Department for Business Registration Management, during the January-July period, 21,383 enterprises registered to expand their investment capital with a total supplemented capital of VN979.73 trillion. The average registered capital per enterprise was reported at VN9.5 billion, up 22.2 per cent over the same period last year. The department said the number of newly-established enterprises has increased in almost every sector compared to the corresponding period last year, including 2,706 new enterprises in the real estate sector, up 68 per cent; 812 new firms in the financial, banking and insurance sector, up 31 per cent; and 385 new ones in the health sector, up 31 per cent. Only the shipping and warehouse sector witnessed a 6 per cent decrease in the number of newly-established enterprises. Meanwhile, 17,549 enterprises nationwide resumed operations in the first seven months of the year, an annual increase of 5 per cent. However, 15,866 enterprises registered for the temporary suspension of business activities, up 16 per cent over the same period last year, while 27,408 others ceased operations or are waiting to be dissolved, up 21 per cent over the same period last year. A few sectors reported a higher number of workers compared to the same period last year, including the financial, banking and insurance sector, up 48 per cent; the health and social work sector, up 34 per cent; the education and training sector, up 26 per cent. The total number of registered workers by newly-established enterprises in the January-July period was over 720,700, down 3.2 per cent against the same period last year. - VNS HA NOI Viet Nam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) reported a consolidated pre-tax profit of VN2.443 trillion (US$107.6 million) in the first half of 2017, which is 52.2 per cent of its annual target. In this period, Petrolimexs consolidated revenue of affiliates reached VN74.25 trillion, up 26.4 per cent over the same period last year. The groups increasing revenue is a result of the average price of world crude oil in the first six months of 2017 being around $49.95 per barrel, a year-on-year rise of 25.6 per cent. Its petroleum business earned VN1.18 trillion of the consolidated pre-tax profit, and accounted for 48.3 per cent of the groups total pre-tax profit. The non-petroleum business contributed to around VN1.26 trillion of the profit. Of this, the profits from petrochemicals, bitumen and chemicals reached VN440 billion, while that from the gas business stood at VN98 billion. The transportation and aviation fuel business brought in a profit of VN129 billion and VN171 billion, respectively. The companys insurance and banking business also generated a profit of VN112 billion. Petrolimexs subsidiaries in Laos and Singapore contributed modest profits of only VN27 billion. Petrolimex has contributed around VN18.2 trillion to the State budget in the first six months of the year, the group revealed. Overall, the consolidated after-tax profit of the group is VN2.02 trillion, and the ratio of after-tax profit on charter capital is 15.6 per cent. Till date, Petrolimex has completed the sale of 20 million treasury shares, with an average selling price of VN50,533 per share, and earning around VN1 trillion, of which the capital surplus is VN810.66 billion. The group has also opened payment gateways for 90 million ATM cards from 41 banks at its petrol stations across the country from August 1. In the future, Petrolimex plans to implement the replacement of E5 RON 92 gasoline with mineral gasoline RON 92, creating a RON 95-IV gasoline and diesel oil grade IV business plan, as regulated. This year, Petrolimex has targeted a revenue of VN143.21 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 16.3 per cent; a pre-tax profit of VN4.68 trillion; a minimum dividend of 12 per cent; and total investment of VN1.45 trillion. VNS HA NOI PetroVietnam Low Pressure Gas Distribution JSC (PV Gas D), an affiliate of PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (PV Gas), will sell 24.9 per cent stake to Tokyo Gas Asia, a subsidiary of Tokyo Gas. The announcement was made on Tuesday. The two sides last month signed a strategic alliance agreement under which Tokyo Gas Asia will use its technology and expertise in developing the demand for natural gas and introducing energy-efficiency technologies to improve PV Gas Ds operational capacity. The move aims to realise a memorandum of understanding on comprehensive co-operation in developing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain in Viet Nam, signed between PV Gas and Tokyo Gas. Earlier, in July 2016, Tokyo Gas and PV Gas established the LNG Vietnam JSC, which specialises in LNG infrastructure and trade. Founded in December 2014, Tokyo Gas Asia is wholly-owned by Tokyo Gas, Japans largest national gas utility, and headquartered in Singapore. Tokyo Gas has developed its network in many countries in the world. VNS HA NOI The Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank) on August 1 delivered a press release on criminal proceedings against its former executives Tram Be and Phan Huy Khang. Tram Be is the former vice chairman of the board of directors of Sacombank and ex-chairman of the banks credit council, while Phan Huy Khang is an ex-member of the credit council and former general director of the bank. They are accused of intentionally violating State regulations on economic management and causing serious consequences relating to a case involving Pham Cong Danh, former chairman of the board of directors at the Viet Nam Construction Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VNCB), former chairman of the members council and general director of the Thien Thanh Group Co. Ltd. Sacombank said according to a State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) inspection, Sacombank did not incur losses through lending to six companies Danh is found to have been linked with, adding that the bank recovered the capital and interest from the loans by April 2014. Tram Be has not held a management position at the bank since February 23, 2017, while Phan Huy Khang has held no position at the bank since July 3, 2017, according to Sacombank. On June 30, 2017, Sacombanks annual shareholders meeting for the 2016-2017 fiscal year elected the board of directors and supervisory board for the 2017-2021 period, with Duong Cong Minh elected chairman of the board of directors. The press release said Minh is leading Sacombank through a banking restructuring scheme approved by SBV, with several major plans, such as reshuffling apparatus and personnel, improving business operations, handling and recovering bad debts and managing expenses, as well as reforming business procedures and ensuring safety and sustainable development. Sacombank said it is operating normally and recording stable growth. In the first seven months of the year, the bank mobilised more than VN326.6 trillion (US$14.37 billion), a year-on-year rise of eight per cent, and lent VN218.5 trillion, a yearly increase of 12.2 per cent. Its accumulated profits in the first seven months reached VN586 billion, surpassing the yearly target by 29 per cent. The Police Department for Investigation of Economic and Corruption-related Crimes on August 1 launched criminal proceedings and detained Tram Be and Phan Huy Khang. Tram Be allegedly colluded with Pham Cong Danh and accomplices to use money from Sacombank to guarantee and pay off the debts of six companies set up by Danh, causing losses of more than VN1.8 trillion for VNCB. In April 2013, Danh asked Tram Be to lend him money to pay off debts the six companies had incurred. Tram Be agreed to loan Danh VN1.8 trillion from Sacombank, with VNCBs deposits in Sacombank used as collateral. Later, Tram Be took Danh to meet Phan Huy Khang to complete the loan procedures. On April 26, 2013, VN1.8 trillion was transferred to Danhs account. A day later, he used VN1.7 trillion to pay off debts to the Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BIDV). Danh kept the remaining money in his personal account. As Danhs companies failed to pay off their debts to Sacombank, the bank took VN1.8 trillion and VN35 billion in interest from VNCBs deposits. On February 24, 2017, the SBV announced that it had terminated Tram Bes role at Sacombank. VNS HA NOI Shares recorded unexpected downturn Wednesday afternoon following concerns over the detainment of two ex-bankers. On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Index edged down 0.07 per cent to close at 786.23 points after peaking over 788 points in the morning. The southern market index expanded nearly 2 per cent in the last three sessions. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index dipped 0.35 per cent to end at 100.97 points. The northern market index gained 4.5 per cent in a six-trade rally. Bank shares slipped due to rising investor caution, following the news Tram Be, Sacombanks former chairman, and Phan Huy Khang, the banks former CEO, were arrested on Monday for allegedly economic mismanagement related to a unauthorized lending of VN1.8 trillion (US$80 million). Sacombank shares fell for a second day, dropping 3.5 per cent and settling at VN12,550 a share. Vietcombank (VCB), Military Bank (MBB) and Sai Gon-Ha Noi Bank (SHB) slipped between 0.8-1.2 per cent. BIDV (BID), Vietinbank (CTG) and Eximbank (EIB) bucked the trend; EIB rose by a daily maximum limit of 7 per cent. According to some securities companies, investors should not be too pessimistic about the information, as difficulties at this bank were revealed a long time ago. On the bright side, many large-cap stocks maintained growth and supported the market. PetroVietnam Drilling and Wells Service (PVD) increased by over 2 per cent, while other shares in the list of the 30 largest stocks by market value and liquidity such as Vinamilk (VNM), Petrolimex (PXL), Sabeco (SAB), FPT Corp (FPT) and Masan Group (MSN) ticked up by less than 1 per cent. Selling pressure increased substantially when the VN-Index reached the old peak at 783.81 points, which pushed many large-cap stocks down. The market growth was mainly sustained by some heavyweight shares such as Vinamilk, Sabeco and PVD, analysts at Sai Gon-Ha Noi Securities Co wrote in a note. They predicted the profit-taking pressure would continue challenging the uptrend of the VN-Index when it is moving towards the 790-point landmark. Liquidity remained modest, with 298 million shares worth total VN4.75 trillion ($209.3 million) being traded in the two markets. VNS HA NOI Portraits depicting the beauty of Viet Nams different ethnic groups by French photographer Rehahn will be part of the Precious Heritage exhibition at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, starting Wednesday. On display in Ha Noi will be a selection of 35 photographs through which Rehahn shows the countrys rich and diverse ethnic culture. His famous portraits of young children and old women from across the country represent both large and small ethnic groups, from communities that have hundreds of thousands of members to just a few hundreds like the O u and Ro Mam. Posing in their traditional costumes, they symbolise their ancestral customs, the ancient knowledge passed down from one generation to another, the challenges in preserving it and the hope of keeping it alive. The renowned photographer believes that the most efficient way to preserve the culture of the ethnic groups is to promote them outside their community, to create a sense of pride for their heritage and ancient customs. Sometimes, you need someone elses vision to make you realise what you have. Associate Professor Vo Quang Trong said the Precious Heritage exhibition showcases the natural beauty of Vietnamese people in their traditional costumes through the lens of the French photographer, and will enrich the viewer, making him/her feel happy and proud. Earlier, the Precious Heritage exhibition was inaugurated as a free outdoor exhibition in the ancient coastal city of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam on July 1, and will run through this summer. The photographer has lived in Hoi An for the past six years, and so far has reached out to 45 of the total 54 ethnic minority communities in Viet Nam. In January 2016, he was nominated as the second most renowned online French photographer on photography website xxlpix.net. VNS CHICAGO A gold replica of a lunar landing module gifted to US astronaut Neil Armstrong by French jewelers has been pilfered from an Ohio museum, with security footage offering little help to police. The artifact was stolen late Friday from the astronauts namesake museum in his small hometown of Wapakoneta. Local police are working with only a blurry image of the thief taken via security camera, which has not helped them identify the suspect. The five-inch (13-centimetre) tall solid gold model of the 1969 Lunar Excursion Module, which took the first humans to the Moon, was one of three made by Cartier. They were given to Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins during their visit to Paris, as part of a celebratory world tour following their return from space in 1969. Authorities were unable to give an estimated value for the object, but the museum said the loss could not be measured in dollars and cents. "Theft from a museum is a theft from all of us," the Armstrong Air & Space Museum said in a Facebook post. "For every day that an item is missing, we are all robbed of an opportunity to enjoy it and our history." Wapakoneta police believed more than one person was involved in the burglary, but only one entered the museum by breaking in through the front entrance on Friday near midnight. Along with the gold replica, other items in the same exhibit display were also taken, including award medals and presentation coins, police said. The museum employed video surveillance, door alarms and other security measures, which it would not specify. Authorities did not say how the thief managed to best those measures. "This is an ongoing criminal investigation," said Wapakoneta Police Chief Russel Hunlock in a statement. "I will continue to release information as I can, but I will not tarnish the integrity of the investigation." The theft occurred just days after the 48th anniversary of the first Lunar landing on July 20. The museum held a celebration featuring Aldrin to mark the occasion. AFP Dr Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology, speaks to the newspaper Ha Noi moi (New Ha Noi) about the role played by venture capital funds in start-up development. The concept start up ecology has become rather popular in Viet Nam. In your opinion, what are the main factors in a sustainable start up ecology? Start up ecology consists of five main components, two of which are the most important and classic: the start-ups themselves (the demand) and the research institutes/universities (the supply). Generally speaking, the term start up refers to any new business. But for us the concept is applied to a new enterprise using high-tech. The other three components are support services; investors particularly risk averse ones; and a legal system to protect investors and start-ups. All the required components are available in our country, but their operation is not up to expectations. Do you know why? There are various reasons. The first weakness I should mention is our incomplete legal system. Venture capital investment is not regulated in any official legal documents. The Government has submitted to the National Assembly the Law on Small and Medium Enterprises, which includes venture capital investment, but it only stops at the terminology, not going into its legal aspects. In 2013, the Ministry of Science and Technology piloted a project it billed as support for start-ups based on the Silicon Valley model. I should say the project was a success. It has extended support to many start-ups in seeking financial support from investors inside and outside the country, particularly from venture capital funds. However, most of our start-ups with investment funds have been lured to neighbouring countries in the region. Thats why it is imperative for us to have a legal system on start-ups to register their business and operate in Viet Nam. This means they will pay taxes to the State. The start-up movement has nonetheless drawn the attention of many young Vietnamese entrepreneurs. Dont you agree? It is undeniable that the start-up movement presents a high level of risk and even failure. But when it becomes smooth sailing, it will bring high value added to the national economy. Thats why we should instil the spirit of creativity among young people and encourage them with the motto that failure is the father of success. In my opinion, the Government should give start-ups close guidance, particularly in the areas of application and research. Ideally, we should encourage them to follow the successes of Intel, Uber or even Apple and Microsoft, and others. Do you know why Viet Nam does not have any investment funds dedicated to start-ups which have potential for development? The market economy in our country is relatively new, whereas in developed countries, it has operated for a century, providing a good foundation for start-ups to develop. However, we can learn from their trials and errors in terms of operations, investment, benefit sharing and risk acceptance, and even tax policy. We presented quite a few proposals to establish a venture capital investment fund. During the preparation of the Law on High Tech, the National Assembly accepted the idea, in principle, but it remained on paper. I earnestly hope the Government will soon give a green light to the establishment of a venture capital fund, just on a pilot basis. We can then integrate lessons learned from the pilot into an official legal document a firm foundation for start-ups to operate and scale up. VNS HA NOI With its goodwill, endeavours, enthusiasm and responsibility, Viet Nam has significantly contributed to the achievements of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh wrote in an article marking the groups 50th founding anniversary. In the article, Deputy PM Minh recalled the formation of ASEAN in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 8, 1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines as founding members.ASEAN was born to create a firm foundation for common actions in order to enhance cooperation in Southeast Asia in the spirit of equality and partnership, contributing to peace and progress in the region, he wrote. After admitting Brunei in 1984, Viet Nam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999, ASEAN now brings together ten members. The first ASEAN Summit in 1976 demonstrated the groups political commitment to regional cooperation. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), established in 1992 as the outcome of the first 25 years of economic cooperation, created an important foundation for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. Formed in 1994 in the spirit of promoting peace and security through dialogue and cooperation in Asia-Pacific, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) initiated dialogue and consultation mechanisms on security and political issues in the region, the Deputy PM added. He also recalled the signing of the ASEAN Charter in 2007, turning ASEAN from a merely cooperation organisation into a legal entity. Despite close geographical locations, the ASEAN member countries have different political systems, cultures, languages and development levels. However, the gaps have been narrowed and the establishment of the ASEAN Community on December 31, 2015 opened up a new chapter, bringing ASEAN cooperation to a new height. ASEAN has also stepped up collaboration with countries outside the region in an effort to take advantage of practical support and assistance from partners, while consolidating and maintaining its central role in the region, the article says. Challenges The official also pointed out a range of difficulties and challenges facing the group, caused by adverse impacts of competition between world powers as well as rapid developments of the regional and international situation. Against this backdrop, the Deputy PM underlined the need for ASEAN member states to make stronger political commitments, carry forward intra-bloc solidarity and connectivity, seriously implement programmes and plans, respect common principles and standards, and harmonise national with regional interests. He highlighted Viet Nams 22-year membership in ASEAN, during which the country has made every effort to accelerate the admission of other Southeast Asian nations to the group, and contribute to defining development targets and orientations. Worthy of note, Viet Nam is one of the two best performers in implementing priority measures set by the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint, the article says. Viet Nam has also made significant contributions to expanding and strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, and successfully assumed the role of co-ordinator for relations between ASEAN and China (2009-2012), ASEAN and the EU (2012-2015) and ASEAN and India (2015-2018). As an active member, Viet Nam has played a key role in promoting solidarity and unity in ASEAN, especially in maintaining peace and security to serve the regions development. The country has taken the initiative in putting forth action plans and proposing initiatives and feasible projects regarding social welfare, education, employment and environmental protection, aiming to raise peoples living standards. Deputy PM Minh pledged that Viet Nam would work harder to promote practical cooperation between ASEAN and its major partners, and uphold the roles played by ASEAN and the country itself in relations with countries and organisations worldwide. "ASEAN is of strategic significance to Viet Nam," he stressed, adding that with the resolve to ensure development with people as its centre, the ASEAN Community would hopefully develop sustainably and prosperously. VNS HA NOI Chinas construction and opening of a cinema on Phu Lam island in Viet Nams Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago violates Viet Nams sovereignty over the archipelago, said Vietnamese Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang. Hang made the statement yesterday in response to reporters queries about Viet Nams reaction to Chinese activities on Phu Lam island. Viet Nam has full legal foundation and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, she said. "Chinas actions violate international law and cannot change Viet Nams sovereignty over the archipelagos," she affirmed. "Viet Nam objects to Chinas building and opening of the cinema and requests the country not to repeat similar actions," the spokesperson stated. FM spokesperson: Viet Nam deeply concerned about DPRKs missile launch Viet Nam is deeply concerned about the launch of an inter-continental ballistic missile by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) on July 28, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang. She made the statement in Ha Noi yesterday in response to reporters queries about Viet Nams reaction to the missile launch, saying that the act seriously violates relevant resolutions by the United Nations Security Council and increases tension in the region. Viet Nam consistently supports every effort to promote dialogue and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and urges parties concerned to seriously abide by relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council and take practical and constructive action to contribute to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world, the spokesperson said.-VNS HA NOI Mozambiques Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario yesterday urged Vietnamese firms to engage more with his country in the fields of oil and gas, marine transport, and farm produce and seafood process in order to meet the trade targets set by the two countries leaders. Rosario, who is paying an official visit to Viet Nam, made the appeal during his talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ha Noi. The host described the visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations after the visit to Mozambique by former President Truong Tan Sang in March 2016. The two Government leaders expressed their satisfaction at the growing friendship between Viet Nam and Mozambique. Regarding political ties, they agreed to maintain delegation exchanges at all levels while coordinating and supporting each other at international forums. They discussed challenges in security, politics and economics along with regional and global issues of mutual concern. The two sides pledged to contribute to maintaining peace and cooperation in the region and beyond on the basis of respecting international law and addressing disputes via peaceful means and in line with international law. PM Phuc proposed Mozambique support Viet Nam in becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure and the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the 2017-2021 tenure. Pertaining to trade, investment and development cooperation, the PMs expressed their pleasure at the effective operation of Movitel, a joint venture between Viet Nams military-run telecom group Viettel and Mozambiques investment company SPI, as well as Viet Nams food crop development research cooperation project in Mozambique. Mozambique is expected to become a leading partner of Viet Nam in the southern Sahara, while Viet Nam will serve as a bridge to connect Mozambique with the Southeast Asian region. Viet Nam agreed to share more development experience with Mozambique in the fields of natural disaster prevention, weather forecasting, climate change adaptation, education-training, expert exchanges, and security-defence. The Southeast Asian country asked Mozambique to make it easier for Vietnamese businesses to open bonded warehouses, develop goods distribution channels, and improve the legal framework for foreign investors. After the talks, the PMs witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation to protect and preserve wild flora and fauna and the initialling of an agreement on aviation transport services. VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday suggested Viet Nam and Laos intensify co-operation to tackle urgent renewal issues in either country, especially regarding building of the Party and political system, socio-economic development and international integration. He made the suggestion while receiving Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Secretary of the Lao Party Central Committee, Head of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committees Commission for Propaganda and Training, and President of the Lao National Council for Social Sciences, in Ha Noi. The senior Lao official is in Ha Noi to attend the Fifth Theoretical Workshop on Rapid, sustainable development. "Viet Nam strongly supports the renewal process in Laos and believes the Lao people will record more significant achievements and implement successfully the Resolution adopted at the fifth National Party Congress," Trong said. Viet Nam would spare no effort to maintain and nurture the special solidarity with Laos, he added. The Lao official expressed his pleasure at growing bilateral relations in all fields. He also thanked Viet Nam for the valuable assistance it has provided Laos in the past and at present. VNS HANOI Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa has submitted a letter of resignation to the ministry leaders. This was confirmed by o Thang Hai, deputy minister and spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), to online newspaper vietnamplus.vn. She also applied for vacation leave from August 1. Deputy Minister o Thang Hai was temporarily given charge of the management areas under Thoas responsibility. As Thoa is a high ranking official, it is up to the Party Central Committee to decide whether or not to accept her resignation, leaders of the MoIT said. Earlier, on Monday, the Party Central Committees Inspection Commission issued a warning to Thoa for serious violations when she was head of the ien Quang Lamp Company. The commission also proposed Thoa be stripped of all current positions. Her violations had earlier been pointed out during a commission meeting late in June. The commission said while holding the position of Party Committee secretary and director of former State-owned ien Quang Lamp Company (later ien Quang Lamp Joint Stock Company) from January 2004 to May 2010, Thoa violated regulations and procedures on business equitisation, and wrongly handled loan interest exempted by banks worth VN6.7 billion (US$298,000). She also violated State regulations on land management when the company signed a contract with another company to invest in land on No. 12, Ton an Street, HCM City. Further, she failed to properly handle revenue of VN30 billion ($1.3 million) from transferring rights to exploit land. In the third violation, Thoa brought more shares than permissible and her transfer of shares violated the companys regulations. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams Party and Government always create the best possible conditions for the Vietnamese and Lao defence ministries to promote co-operation for political stability, social order and safety in both nations, said Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong while receiving Director of the General Department of Politics of the Lao Peoples Army, Major General Vilay Lakhamphong, in Ha Noi yesterday. Trong hailed growing engagements between the two armies and praised the outcomes of talks between their senior officials. Highlighting achievements secured in bilateral defence co-operation, a pillar in the Viet Nam Laos relations, he urged the two armies to expand their joint work to fulfil their political missions. For his part, Vilay Lakhamphong informed his host on Laos recent affairs, the co-operation outcomes between the two defence ministries and the results of his talks with officials of the General Department of Politics of the Viet Nam Peoples Army. He promised that in all circumstances, the Lao Defence Ministry will work closely with its Vietnamese equivalent to carry out co-operation plans and agreements sealed by high-ranking officials from both nations. The Lao Party, Government and army will do their best to cement the special friendship with Viet Nam for the benefits of both peoples and for peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region and the world. VNS HA NOI The police detained two ex-bankers yesterday for allegedly contributing to the loss of VN1.8 trillion (US$80 million) as part of Pham Cong Danhs notorious case. The Department of Economic and Corruption Crime Investigation under the Ministry of Public Security announced that it initiated official probe against the 58-year-old Tram Be, former chairman of the credit board of the Sai Gon Thuong Tin Commercial Bank (Sacombank) and the banks former CEO Phan Huy Khang. The two were both accused of deliberate breaches in economic management causing serious consequences, according to Article 165 of the Penal Code. A July probe into Pham Cong Danhs case revealed that the former board chairman of the Viet Nam Construction Bank (VNCB) caused a loss of more than VN6 trillion ($266 million) to his bank from making loans with another three banks: Sacombank, Tien Phong (TPBank) and the Viet Nam Investment and Development (BIDV). According to the investigation, Danh came to visit Be in April, 2013, asking to borrow VN1.8 trillion from Sacombank for his six companies. Be agreed to lend the amount, demanding that the VNCBs money deposited at the Sacombank to become the collateral for the loans. He in person took Danh to meet Khang, ordering the then-CEO to let Danh borrow the money. The loan documents were signed off by Be on April 25, 2013, according to the police. As Danhs companies later failed to pay off the debts, Sacombank took VN1.8 trillion from the VNCB and another VN35 billion in interest. The police concluded that Be and another 14 Sacombank employees broke the law by allowing Danh to borrow the money. The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV), however, said that the loans did not cause financial losses to the Sacombank, and thus have asked that the group be exempt from criminal charges. Be resigned from Sacombank deputy board chairmanship in February after prompting by the SBV. Another 23 indicted Also yesterday, the police announced that they were prosecuting 23 other suspects from different banks for intentionally acting in contravention of the States regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences, as regulated in Article 165 of the Penal Code. Of those, they also issued arrest warrants for 14 defendants. The suspects, like Tram Be, are also leaders and staff of Sacombank, TPBank, BIDV and VNCB. They were arrested for allegedly helping Pham Cong Danh withdraw trillions of ong in the biggest economic scam in the nations history. The Investigation Department of the Ministry of Public Security also conducted searches at the suspects residences. VNS IEN BIEN Luong Hau Tan, director of the Muong Cha District Health Centre in the northern highland province of ien Bien, says he has seen an increasing number of suicide attempts by villagers drinking weed killers. The latest case concerns 31-year-old Giang Thanh Giong and his wife Hang Thi Cua, who were found on June 26 after drinking herbicide. They were taken to the Huoi Leng Commune Clinic for emergency treatment and transferred to Muong Cha District Health Center. The couples life was saved, and it transpired that their decision had been prompted by domestic conflict. This was one of five conflict-driven suicide attempts using herbicide to have occurred in the Hmong ethnic group communes of Huoi Leng, Sa Long and Trung Dinh in Muong Cha District in June and July. Hang A Pao of Cong Troi Village in Sa Long Commune tried to kill himself in a similar way. On July 19, after an argument with his wife, Ho Thi Cau, he swallowed about 10ml of herbicide. Fortunately, relatives helped him vomit and brought him to the health centre. Trang A Long, head of the Huoi Leng Commune Clinic, attributes the problem to peoples lack of awarness of conflict resolution options and the easy accessibility of herbicides in rural areas. Tan said those exposed to Paraquat herbicide could suffer irreversible organ failure and death. To prevent inadvertent poisoning and suicide attempts he recommended tightening herbicide management and rushing those affected to medical treatment. Paraquat posioning is not unique to ien Bien Province. It is estimated that the poison is responsible for 1,000 deaths annually in Viet Nam. A dose of 5ml results in a fatality rate of 90 per cent, according to doctors from Ha Nois Bach Mai Hospital. "Dying because of paraquat is scary since patients are conscious until they die," said Nguyen Trung Nguyen, head of the Poision Control Centre at Bach Mai Hospital. Therefore, doctors advise replacing Paraquat with other herbicides for home use, and educating people who use it about its lethal effects. VNS Khanh Duong HA NOI The rainy season is a peak time for infectious diseases, and the last few weeks have seen a surge in the number of patients with dengue fever. According to the Health Ministrys Department of Preventive Medicine, more than 58,000 people have contracted dengue fever in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 11.2 per cent. Of these, 49,000 were admitted to hospitals, and 18 lost their lives. The latest fatality was in the southern province of ong Nai last Saturday. There has also been an increase in other diseases and conditions like malaria, diarrhea, skin allergies and conjunctivitis (red eye). In the capital citys Lang Thuong Ward, ong a District, an area where a lot of rooms are rented out is a dengue fever hotspot. Rubbish and water tanks can be seen at every corner in the area. Local residents see keeping the common spaces clean as someone elses job. Tran Thanh Tung, a tenant, said everyone should do the job. If it is only me who cleans up, it wont be effective. In Binh Chanh District, a dengue fever hotspot in HCM City, the water tanks in some households have mosquito larva. Liquid waste tanks are not fully covered. Residents took action only after inspection teams from the municipal Health Department paid a visit. In some cases, local authorities feel helpless. At the Chua Lang cemetery, flower vases are cemented to the graves, making it impossible to remove the vases and get rid of stagnant water. Tran ac Phu, head of Department of Preventive Medicine said that the dengue fever outbreak happened earlier than normal this year. Most cases were still in the South (64.4 per cent), followed by the central region (19.9 per cent). The infection rate was lower in the North, but it is only entering peak time now. Dengue fever has broken out strongly in Ha Noi with over 1,000 cases each week. Without proper control and mobilization of sectors and residents, this number may increase rapidly, he said. Urban challenge Doctor Ngu Duy Nghia, deputy head of the Epidemiology Department at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Ha Noi, said that besides tropical weather conditions, the high speed of urbanisation was a major reason for many rainy season diseases spreading widely. Disease prevention had not been carried out strictly at construction sites, factories and workers tents, he said. In our experience, awareness of residents in the outskirts is better. In inner cities, residents tend not to cooperate well with authority. They tend to be unaware of disease prevention, he told Viet Nam News. However, Professor Vu Sinh Nam, also of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that Ha Noi had basically implemented dengue fever prevention activities in full. Leaders of healthcare departments and units had initiated preventive measures at all levels, but the disease continued to spread, he said. He said dengue fever prevention work had proven ineffective not only in Ha Noi and Viet Nam, but also in other countries in the region and the world that have seen outbreaks. While local authorities at city and district levels are anxious about the epidemics complicated occurrence, those at ward, commune and hamlet levels are yet to pay due attention. They think that it is the job of the medical sector, he said. He said the involvement of local authorities was very important. In some urban areas, quite a few households do not agree to allow city staff to spray chemicals in their houses. In such situations, local authorities need to step in. Another challenge, said Professor Nam, was the thin medical force in charge of a large number of outbreak sites. The number of staff instructed by professionals was very small. Others were low-paid hired workers working in toxic environments. This meant that the spraying had not been done properly, in terms of the process as well as the quantity sprayed, he said. He also said while a lot of people get involved in the larvae killing campaigns, only a small number were equipped with skills to spot areas where the mosquitoes lay their eggs. Sometimes, even after an area was found, it was not treated well. Public involvement I want to emphasize that dissemination plays an important part in raising awareness and this must be done regularly. Medical staff can only instruct others. Residents must understand that they themselves are the main force. Each resident is a warrior, each house a fortress, Doctor Nghia said. "While authorities support the public with forecasting and prevention activities, they cannot remind residents every day. Prevention cannot be effective if residents are not aware or dont take responsibility for hygiene in their homes and surrounding areas," he added. The need for peoples involvement was also stressed by Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc Dam when he visited dengue hotspots in Ha Noi last weekend. He reiterated that local authorities could not clean up and keep reminding residents round the clock. Preventive measures are not new but we have to drastically apply them, the Deputy PM said. Ive inspected Ha Noi, but also want to mention other provinces with a lot of construction sites. Investors must be penalized if they do not act after information about prevention has been disseminated, he added. Professor Nam said supervision must be stepped up to detect infections early and isolate outbreak sites in time to prevent the epidemic from spreading. Sprayers, chemicals, medicines, human resources as well as funding should be mobilised at all levels for responding to emergencies, he said. In outskirt districts, we should establish quick response teams including local militia, youth, students, farmers, veterans and Red Cross Associations, and conduct training on identifying and treating mosquito larva sites. This work is more difficult in inner districts and ward. But we should also set up quick response teams here in co-operation with local authorities. Nguyen Nhat Cam, director of Ha Nois Preventive Medicine Centre said We have been working with universities and colleges to raise students awareness. Landlords renting rooms have to sign commitments with local Peoples Committees on ensuring hygiene. This year we have penalized individuals and organizations for hygiene violations. In Mai Dich Ward, Cau Giay District, we recently fined an enterprise dealing in used tires VN2million (US$87). Such penalties aim to raise awareness of disease prevention. -- VNS A NANG Ensuring social security, knowledge and stable incomes for workers is a top priority for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Doan Mau Diep, said yesterday. He spoke at the opening of a Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) from these countries in central a Nang City. He said the meeting of the so-called CLMTV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam) forum played an important role in the context of the rising number of migrant workers in the five countries. The co-operation among CLMTV nations has achieved sustainable prosperity goals and boosted integration and economic connections. Migrant workers make considerable contributions to countries economic growth and sustainable development, but it also presents challenges for nations in dealing with human resources management and training, as well as related problems, Diep said. Viet Nam hopes representatives of the relevant countries, the International Labour Organisation and the International Organisation of Migration will discuss and review achievements in vocational training, prevention of human trafficking and illegal migrant labour, as well as legal support and worker protection. Diep said the meeting would be an opportunity to focus on migrant worker safety and related challenges ahead of the Ministerial Declaration at todays CLMTV Ministers Meeting. Acording to Dr Nguyen Hong Minh from Viet Nams General Department of Vocational Training Viet Nam has 53 million employees, 22 per cent of them are trained workers with diplomas or certificates. But the rate of skilled workers with vocational training is only 38.5 per cent, considered low. According to a report issued last year, the country had nearly 2,000 vocational training centres in which 2.2 million students were enrolled. Participants also joined discussions on promotion of legal cross-border employment and bilateral agreements, addressing the root causes of irregular migration and unprotected migrant workers. Participants agreed on the need to raise awareness of their people of safe labour immigration, rights, benefits, responsibilities and obligations. Migrant workers should undergo courses on employment contracts, language, culture, discipline, and laws in destination countries. VNS HCM CITY Deputy director of the HCM Citys Department of Health Nguyen Huu Hung on Wednesday instructed city districts to speed up the opening of new general healthcare clinics for patients with HIV. International aid agencies will stop offering free ARV medicine in the country for patients with HIV next year. Insured anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment for HIV patients will begin in June next year once international aid stops, according to the Viet Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control. Seventy-two per cent of patients with HIV have health insurance, Hung said, adding that the citys Peoples Committee had approved funds for the remaining 27 per cent of patients with HIV who cannot afford cards. Who will treat them? How will we carry out? Hung said. This is the issue to which we should pay more attention. Many representatives of district-level health centres have complained that they have not been able to set up a general clinic because of a shortage of doctors. Dr Pham Thi Kim Hoa, head of Can Gio District Health Centre, said there were not enough available staff to set up the clinics. Around 110 patients with HIV are being treated at the districts Community Counselling and Assistance Centre, Hoa said, adding that the centre has sent eight of the 110 patients with HIV to the districts health stations. The remaining number of patients with HIV have been sent to the district hospital for treatment, but the hospital has not provided treatment, even though the citys Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention has provided training to the hospitals doctors. Dr Phan Thanh Phuoc, head of the District 2 Health Centre, suggested that instead of general health clinics, the department should allow district-level hospitals to set up a satellite department for ART treatment under health insurance. The Health Department plans to merge all district-level hospitals and health centres by 2020 in order to solve the shortage of doctors and ensure treatment for patients with HIV with health insurance. Thu uc and Hoc Mon district hospitals and health centres will be the first to merge this year. Dr Tieu Thi Thu Van, head of the citys Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention, said that interruption in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for patients with HIV/AIDS raised the risk of spreading the virus in the community. This could lead to a failure to achieve the UNs 90-90-90 goals by 2020. The goals are to have at least 90 per cent of all people with HIV know their status and 90 per cent receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART). The goals call for 90 per cent of all people receiving ARV therapy to be eventually diagnosed with viral suppression. VNS PODGORICA, Montenegro US Vice President Mike Pence made his final stop Tuesday on an Eastern European tour aimed at reassuring US allies under "Russian pressure", pledging Donald Trump would sign off on new sanctions against Moscow "soon". After a visit to Georgia, where he slammed Russias "occupation" of the Caucasus nations territory since a brief 2008 war, Pence arrived in NATOs newest member Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. At a dinner with leaders of the Balkan country, which is home to around 620,000 people, Pence said his trip was "testament to the fact that America has no small allies -- only strong allies". "Your courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world, and I commend you for it," he said. Pence, who began his tour in Estonia on Sunday, hopes to buoy allies rattled by Russias 2014 integration of Crimea and its backing of a bloody separatist rebellion in Ukraine. Montenegros accession to NATO in early June -- and Georgias hopes of joining the military alliance -- have stirred fury in Moscow, which considers both countries within its historic sphere of influence. We are with you Standing alongside Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili earlier Tuesday, Pence pledged firm US support to the small ally on Russias southern flank. "We are with you, we stand with you," Pence said, calling the ex-Soviet state a "key strategic partner" for Washington. The vice president also gave a speech to some 750 troops taking part in joint military drills billed as the largest ever held between the United States and Georgia. Georgias tilt to the West set it on a collision course with Russia that exploded into a conflict over the breakaway region of South Ossetia in 2008. Moscow officially recognised South Ossetia and another rebel province Abkhazia as independent after routing Georgias forces and moved thousands of its troops into the regions. Pence said the "US strongly condemns the occupation" that "sees Russian tanks parked on Georgian soil". He insisted again that Trump is gearing up to approve new punitive measures against Russia that have already pushed battered ties with Moscow still lower. "President Trump will sign the sanctions bill soon," Pence told a press conference. The US Senate on Thursday approved a package of tough additional sanctions against Russia over alleged meddling in last years election and its integration of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine. The White House has said Trump will now approve the bill but has not set a timeframe. Balkan leaders gather On Wednesday, Pence will attend the Adriatic Charter summit in Montenegros capital Podgorica, which will also bring together leaders from Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Slovenia. Washington said in April there were credible reports that Moscow had backed an alleged coup attempt in Podgorica on the eve of Montenegros election in October last year. Montenegrin authorities also allege that "Russian state bodies" were involved in the conspiracy in a bid to prevent the country from joining NATO, but Moscow strongly denies any involvement. Among those on trial over the murky affair are two leaders of Montenegros pro-Russian opposition, and two Russians being tried in absentia. No weapons intended for use in the alleged coup have ever been presented. In Estonia on Monday, Pence insisted that a retaliatory move taken by the Kremlin, to cut the US diplomatic mission in Russia the face of the looming sanctions, would not lessen Washingtons commitment to its allies. AFP BAMAKO French and German support for a regional Sahel force to battle jihadists will persuade other European nations of the benefits of backing the counter-terror measure, Germanys defence minister said Tuesday. Ursula von der Leyen spoke to journalists in Bamako after talks with President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, arriving six days after a helicopter crash in the countrys north killed two German crew who were monitoring clashes for the United Nations mission to Mali. Von der Leyen said the discussion had centred on the autumn deployment of the force from the so-called "G5 Sahel" countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger), "and above all the Franco-German initiative to support it". Franco-German backing would ensure that other European nations "join in our support" for the 5,000-strong joint unit, said von der Leyen, who was joined in Mali by French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly. The talks focused on the "very substantial progress made" since President Emmanuel Macrons Mali Bamako visit last month, Parly told reporters, which saw the French leader throw his weight behind the anti-jihadist force. "We were able to check that commitments, in terms of timing especially, were being adhered to and that in particular a base in Sevare (in central Mali) will be ready by the end of August," Parly said. France is trying to muster international support for the estimated 423 million euros (US$480 million) it will cost, as the participating countries rank among the poorest nations in the world. Macron has won a commitment -- yet to be detailed -- from German Chancellor Angela Merkel to support the scheme. France has 4,000 troops serving across the Sahel region with a counter-terror mandate, while Germany has reinforced its presence in Mali this year, deploying several helicopters and raising the number of Germans serving with the UN mission to 639 as of June. WATERLOO The longest-serving K-9 officer in the history of the Waterloo Police Department has died. Robby, a Belgian Malinois who spent nearly 10 years with the department, died July 28 of bone cancer, the Waterloo Police Department K9 Unit announced on its Facebook page Tuesday. He was 12. Robby was born in 2005 in Holland and began working in Waterloo in 2006 alongside partner Sgt. Gus Farmer. Robby had a gentle balance with family and friends, with the precise ability to flip the switch to take care of business, Farmer said in the post, noting Robby would be missed by many. Before the K-9 officer retired in 2016, Farmer said Robby had been involved in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics and thousands of dollars of currency, including finding 12 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 100 pounds of marijuana. In 2007, Robby fell three stories while searching a building in Waterloo for a burglary suspect and sustained life-threatening injuries, but recovered and returned to full duty, Farmer said. Farmer estimated Robby assisted in arresting hundreds of suspects over the course of his career. Man charged with arson after fence fire WATERLOO A Waterloo man was arrested for arson after police say he used an accelerant to set fire to a fence. Taylor James Gray, 24, of 616 Kern St., was arrested at 2 p.m. Monday when he showed up to meet with his parole officer, according to Waterloo Police Lt. Al Carrier. He was charged with first-degree arson and remains in the Black Hawk County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Police say witnesses saw Gray setting fire to a fence at 520 Elm St. at 11:19 a.m. July 23. One of those witnesses who knew Gray later reported he was behind the fire to Cedar Valley Crimestoppers. First-degree arson is a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Gray was on a five-year probation after pleading guilty to charges involved in the 2014 burglary of a Waterloo church. Waterloo man caught fleeing police WATERLOO A Waterloo man was arrested after police say he briefly fled from them in his vehicle and then on foot before hopping into another car. Traeves Dashonn Bowers, 32, of 217 Shilliam Ave., was arrested in the 700 block of Adams Street and charged with eluding police, an aggravated misdemeanor, as well as interference with official acts and habitual offender. Bowers was booked into the Black Hawk County Jail and released. According to Waterloo Police, officers tried to stop the vehicle Bowers was driving at 7:48 p.m. near the intersection of Mobile and Sumner streets when Bowers took off. Police say he then left his vehicle and ran on foot. Police found Bowers as a passenger in someone elses vehicle at 7:52 p.m., just four minutes after the initial chase began. It was not known how fast Bowers was traveling in his vehicle. WATERLOO Cedar Valley school district and health officials are working to ensure a new vaccine requirement wont keep students from starting classes on time. Students entering seventh and 12th grades across Iowa will not be allowed to go to school if they havent received at least one meningococcal immunization shot under a state law taking effect this fall. The vaccine protects people from contracting meningitis, a bacterial disease spread through the respiratory system. The life-threatening illness can lead to hearing loss, limb loss or brain damage. Incoming high school seniors who received their first shot before age 16 must get a second one, as well. Seniors who dont have a second one will be given a 60-day grace period to get the shot or be excluded from school. Doctors have long immunized children against meningitis, but the Iowa Legislature in 2016 approved a law requiring it for school attendance. The vaccination requirement for meningitis is really to help especially the adolescent population to receive more protection and build their immunity, said Nafissa Egbuonye, director of the Black Hawk County health department. School settings provide a lot of opportunity for the contagious disease to spread, making children who are not vaccinated vulnerable. Since last spring, the departments nursing staff serving Waterloo and Cedar Falls community schools have been taking steps to contact and inform families of the new requirement. Across the Cedar Valley, 10 billboards advertise the need to get the vaccine. The requirements only apply to 12th-graders born after Sept. 15, 1999, and seventh-graders born after Sept. 15, 2004. There also are exemptions for medical and religious reasons. Shannon Ingamells, school nurse program manager for Cedar Falls Schools, said as of last week the district still had some students to reach with the message. Among incoming seventh-graders, a total of 109 students had not received the shot, accounting for 29 percent at Peet Junior High and 26 percent at Holmes Junior High. At the high school, 14 incoming seniors have not received the vaccine and wouldnt be able to start classes while another 144, or 40 percent, have not yet met the two-shot requirement. Waterloo compared its students against Iowas Immunization Registry Information System and has been reaching out to families online and through mailings. At that time (in the spring), we had 753 students that were going to need immunizations, said Angie Beenken, school nurse program manager for Waterloo Schools. Notices to families have been making an impact, though, with about 100 children immunized during a recent week. Currently, were down to a total of almost 500 children who need the shot, with about 200 seniors who qualify for the grace period. Officials hope to make an even bigger dent during district-wide registration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St., where a mobile vaccine clinic will be on site. Dr. Dan Wright of Covenant Clinic will operate it out of a recreational vehicle that is usually used to provide influenza shots in the community. Were pretty excited for that partnership, said Julia Eckerman, district registrar. Nurses will check students against the state registry. Then we can send them right out to that mobile unit and get it taken care of. The mobile clinic will provide other vaccinations that are given to adolescents including tetanus, diptheria, pertusis (Tdap) and human papillomavirus (HPV). The idea is that were really behind on immunization rates for these grade levels, said Wright, noting he started talking about the mobile clinic concept with colleagues a year ago. After children receive the shots, We can encourage kids that havent been in to see their doctor to see their doctor. We dont want to take the place of their primary care doctor. Shots will be billed to insurance if possible, but Wright said there will be no out-of-pocket costs for the service. He hopes to make plans to later visit individual schools that still have a need for the vaccination service, including those outside of the Waterloo district in other parts of the county. Our immunization rates are not acceptable, said Egbuonye, while noting the collaborative efforts between the schools, health department and mobile clinic to increase them. I really want to take the time to applaud the districts, both Waterloo and Cedar Falls. WATERLOO A group of rural Black Hawk County residents is pushing for more zoning restrictions on industrial wind energy turbines. Members of Cedar Valley Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy asked the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to schedule a public work session or place their request on a future meeting agenda for debate. We believe the ordinance in Black Hawk County should be reviewed and updated based on changes we see in wind energy generation systems we see in the United States and how those things can impact Black Hawk County, said Patrick Dillon, an attorney hired by the residents. We specifically want to build a more robust ordinance that can balance the needs of landowners who want to take advantage of wind power generation with those that are going to live in the area where that power is generated, he added. Cedar Valley Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy was formed by residents living south Waterloo where DeSoto-based RPM Access is working on plans to develop a 70 megawatt wind farm with an estimated 35 turbines. RPM Access is expected to file its zoning applications later this year, which would prompt hearings before the countys Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment. But many property owners in the project vicinity believe the current county requirements for wind turbines are inadequate to protect them from harm and lost property values. Theyve voiced frustration about their inability to have input in the project or the zoning ordinance to date. Wayne McGarvey asked the supervisors to consider more zoning rules, including a lower sound threshold from the turbines and requiring farther distances from property lines. I dont think our ordinance with a 60 decibel sound limit and no word of a setback from an occupied residence protects my health and well-being, McGarvey said. In effect, they have trespass rights on my property with ice throw, blade throw, whatever. That isnt right. Resident Greg Cory joined those calling for county government leaders to start the discussion now. Im smack dab in the middle of where this proposed wind farm is going to go, Cory said. This is affecting your neighbors quite drastically. Please put us on your agenda. Cory said real estate studies show property values are lower near wind turbines, noting one of his neighbors just saw the sale of her acreage fall through when the buyer learned of RPM Accesss plans. Were asking for a property value guarantee as one of the items to be added to the Black Hawk County wind ordinance, he said. A property value guarantee should be required by a developer. Resident Rusty Bowman was unhappy only property owners planning to allow a turbine on their land have been involved in the discussion with RPM Access. If theyre moving into our neighborhood we need to be involved, Bowman said. I think it should be more transparent. The Board of Supervisors has been reluctant to date to schedule a public meeting on the zoning ordinance. Dillon had requested a moratorium on wind turbine projects and asked for a work session on the zoning ordinance in a June 16 letter to the board. If were going to have a work session or an agenda item we need something specific to discuss, said board chairman Frank Magsamen. We need to sit down with (county zoning staff) and do a review again to get some feedback before we even discuss having an agenda item or a work session. Meanwhile, Magsamen said he would encourage RPM Access officials to hold informational meetings with all residents living near the project area. WATERLOO Plans for a new grocery store in the Walnut Neighborhood won a zoning endorsement despite some concerns about parking and the demolition of an existing house. Members of the Waterloo Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 Tuesday to recommend approving a zoning change and site plan for the proposed 26,077-square-foot Franklin Street Supermarket near the CVS pharmacy at U.S. Highway 63 and Franklin Street. While the store to be developed by Rodney Anderson and Dan Levi drew heavy support from neighborhood representatives and planning commission members, some voiced a desire to build the store around the current House of Hope residential building at 222 Walnut St. The site plan shows the house would razed to make room for the store. House of Hope is already planning to move its transitional housing for women and children to a new building on West Fourth Street. Its a beautiful building, said commission member Marcia Buttgen. I think this would be sad to not say it would be saved. Commissioner Tavis Hall added, It would seem to me that a building thats been there 95 years can still serve the neighborhood. But Anderson and Levi said the size and orientation of the store, which will include a restaurant, is vital to its success given the location in an under-served neighborhood. Based on the feasibility studies we have used with our national consultant for this project, there is a sweet spot our store needs to hit in terms of square footage for a certain amount of product sales in order for this project to be viable, Levi said. Too small and its not going to go well, he said. Too big, its not going to be able to compete with some of the larger grocery store chains in our area. Eric Johnson, an attorney for the developers, noted theyve already agreed to pull a request to vacate Clay Street and develop an off-site employee parking lot after meeting Monday with representatives of a housing coalition for the Walnut Neighborhood. We have heard some opposition to parts of our plan, not unusual and we tried to address those, Johnson said. Hopefully weve come up with a better plan that is more supported by the neighborhood but ultimately also by you. The developers also are anticipating the city will be able to acquire and convey a 28-stall parking lot on the site, which is owned by Dave Larsen and used by tenants of the nearby Walnut Court Apartments. Larsen said he needs to find an alternative parking site before he can sell the lot, but he offered strong support for the store. We are in favor of a grocery store there and that would be great in the community, Larsen said. I know theyre putting themselves out there its a thin margin gain and I really appreciate it. Commissioner Bob Tyson said the store is needed. I see a lot of people in that neighborhood and a lot of folks are on foot, he said. I see them walking across the river to get a carton of milk. Anything we can do to increase the services to our citizens can be nothing but a godsend. Commission members did vote 4-2 to reject a request by the developers to park in the street right-of-way along Second Street. All of the zoning matters will be considered at a future meeting by the City Council, which ultimately decides the stores fate. Council members are expected to vote Monday on a development agreement for the project. WATERLOO The Cedar Bend Humane Society is offering a new Office Cat program. Pet friendly businesses are encouraged to hire (foster) temporary workers (cats) to fill the position of office cat until a permanent position (adoption) can be secured. This allows the cat to experience enrichment outside of the shelter and provides additional room at the shelter. The business will need to provide social media exposure for the office cat, litter and litter box, food, toys, bed and daily care. The humane society will provide an adoptable cat, veterinary and medical care if needed, transport crate and business recognition. Business employees benefit from pets in the workplace by decreasing their stress and increasing job performance. WATERLOO Nearly a dozen neighborhoods came together to celebrate the 34th annual National Night Out on Tuesday. The celebration kicked off late in the afternoon with block parties, cookouts, parades and visits from police and fire departments, among other local organizations, and City Council members, Mayor Quentin Hart and other city officials. Over 10 Waterloo neighborhoods, including Maple and Walnut, participated in this years event, each creating a different vibe. The Maples gathering was held at St. Pauls United Methodist Church and featured activities for all ages, including bingo inside the church and a bike safety course in the parking lot for children while attendees feasted on burgers and hot dogs inside. UnityPoint Health was there providing free blood pressure readings and giving out helmets to children in order to enforce safety habits. Meanwhile, Walnuts event made it their mission to enjoy the beautiful summer evening as residents of the neighborhood chatted over their potluck meals while sitting in the shade of the Boys and Girls Clubs building. We just attempt a lot of different things and look for whats right, said Walnut's Neighborhood Association President Laura Hoy. A lot of neighborhoods think, whats wrong and whats missing. We instead try really hard to say, whats right, what do we have, lets build on it. Over the last 10 years of Walnuts involvement with NNO, the location and activities for the event have varied. This years was held on Harvest Vineyard Churchs lawn with food being served in the kitchen of the Boys and Girls Clubs, who donated that space. As the attendees visited, it was obvious they already knew each other from past celebrations as well as from other events held within the neighborhood. These events include bi-weekly Picnic in the Park gatherings on Sundays, prayer walks on Tuesdays, community breakfasts on Saturdays and miracle of marigolds and zinnia blast annual planting parties. Weve been working on this neighborhood for a long time, said Judy Marshall, Harvest Vineyards pastor. We already have kind of a neighborhood awareness because of the other things, and that helps build momentum for change. Walnuts neighborhood association has various partnerships with other organizations including House of Hope, Boys and Girls Clubs, Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls and the Youth Art team. Marshall said these relationships help change the us and them into we. Unity within the community is an important aspect for Walnut and its residents. Along with the neighborhoods monthly meetings, one specific listening meeting allowed the residents to voice their areas of concern and raised awareness for the communitys housing issues. Therefore, a house rehab program began and has since renovated four homes. Its been a journey, and its been tough along the way, Marshall said. But now were finally seeing the fruit of the things that weve been hoping for. WATERLOO For Pam McKee Portillo, the finish line at the Irish Fest 5K on Saturday will feel more like a beginning than an end. For her, the race is just getting started. Portillo, who lost both legs in a boating accident last year, will walk alongside her niece. Im not one to just sit. Ive worked all my life, she said. I just made up my mind. Im not going to think about the injury. Im going to think about the healing. Aug. 1 marked the one-year anniversary of the accident for the 54-year-old Cedar Falls native and mother of five. She and her boyfriend, Chris Langenfeld, were on vacation with friends last year on Stockton Lake in Missouri. They headed out on the lake for a pontoon boat ride. It was wonderful out on the water. We were all swimming. It was a beautiful day, she said. At days end, Portillo took a seat at the back of boat to let her feet trail in the water for the trip back to the dock. She grabbed the gate to steady herself, and it gave way. The gate flew open with me hanging on. Within seconds the gate separated from the boat. The force just took me out, she said. Disoriented momentarily, she sprang to life when she realized she was under the pontoon. I knew exactly where I was, and it was not good. I started kicking to swim my way out of there. Turns out I was close enough to the propeller and went straight into it. It got me, she said. The current separated her from the pontoon by 40 to 50 yards. The boats motor died and wouldnt restart, so Langenfeld, still on the vessel, leaped into lake to assist Portillo and provide her with a life vest. I was treading water, but I was sinking, Portillo said. I tried to swim to the boat but I couldnt, and I didnt understand why. I thought I was OK. I didnt feel anything. I just thought I was exhausted. Passengers on a nearby speedboat helped pull the pair into their boat. I dont remember much after that. I went in and out of consciousness. All I could hear was whispers, Oh my God! Oh my God! she said. Portillos left foot and right leg below the knee had been mangled by the propeller. She was airlifted to a Missouri hospital where, a day later, doctors amputated her right leg 5 inches below the knee. Initially, surgeons hoped they could save her left foot, but the damage was too great. A week after her right leg was removed, her left leg was amputated 6 inches below the knee. Three months later, with Langenfeld, her children and grandchildren cheering her on, Portillo was fitted for prosthetics. I was ready for them, Im telling you. I was ready, she said. I have no regrets to this day. From the very beginning, losing my legs, I didnt feel sorry for myself. I just took what I had, looked at what my choices were. I only had two choices: I could sit in the wheelchair for years to come, or just keep pushing myself. Portillo, who now lives in Lake City, will push herself across the finish line on Saturday, hoping to inspire others to keep moving forward in the face of lifes challenges. One step at a time, one day at time, just keep going. Dont look back. Demolition worker Yuichi Aoki's face creases up when he thinks about Japan's future. "I got asked to resign from my job in the IT industry when I was 55," Aoki, 59, tells CNN as he takes a break from tearing down a derelict house in Saitama, Japan. "Now I have to work into my sixties. I worry about how my children and their children will cope with an increasingly ageing population." Considerably older than most of his co-workers, Aoki, a former IT worker is also one of only a handful of Japanese nationals employed by a Saitama-based demolition company owned by a Kurdish former asylum seeker. The company, the majority of whose workers hail from Turkey, Iran and various parts of Africa, is somewhat unique in Japan, where foreign nationals make up just 1.6% of the country's overall population. Operated by Mehmet Yucel, 28, the company is part of a growing and largely unregulated grassroots economy, that is helping to ease Japan's labor shortage in so-called undesirable sectors such as demolition and construction. Since founding the company in 2016, Yucel says he has received daily calls from immigrants in search of work -- some with the right to work legally and others without. "Japan is turning a blind eye to these workers because it needs them, but it won't come up with a proper long-term strategy for them," says Yucel, whose company is located on the fringes of the Japanese capital. Yucel came to Japan 12 years ago to escape ethnic conflict. Now married to a Japanese woman, he has permanent residency status. Part of a increasing group of 2.23 million legal immigrants, Yucel considers himself one of the lucky ones. Though Japan is the fourth largest donor to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in 2016, it accepted just 28 refugees from a total of 10,901 applicants. Graying population Japan is considered a "super-aged" nation, where more than 20% of the population is over 65 and the birth rate has reached record lows. By 2060, the country's population is expected to plummet by more than 40 million from 2010, to 86.74 million people, according to a projection by the Japanese health ministry. With fewer workers paying taxes to support a growing silver population in need of pensions and healthcare services, Japan's economy is facing an unprecedented challenge. This year, labor shortages were the highest they'd been in 40 years, and analysts predict rising shortages in the years ahead. Calling Japan's shrinking population an "incentive" as opposed to a "burden," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has attempted to encourage more senior citizens and women to join the workforce. Yet outside observers argue that large-scale immigration would provide a more obvious fix to Japan's labor crisis and demographic issues. But there appears little appetite among the country's political class to increase levels of immigration, however important the need. In 2005, the then director of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau Hidenori Sakanaka, promoted a plan where Japan would accept 10 million immigrants over a 50 year period. Few people supported the idea and it was later dropped. "Japan doesn't have an immigration policy -- this is something that politicians stress," Chris Burgess, a migration researcher and lecturer of Japan studies at Tsuda Juku University in Tokyo, tells CNN. "Many people in Japan believe that the country's peace and harmony is based on it being a homogenous country where there are few foreigners," says Burgess. "That kind of thinking pervades a lot of aspects of society and underlies the no immigration principle." Door is closed Japan's attitude to the outside world is nothing new, and the country has a history of being closed off from foreign influence. During a period of isolation between 1641 to 1853, Japan barred its nationals from leaving and foreigners from entering. Only traders from China and the Netherlands were allowed at the port of Nagasaki on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu. Nor did Japan rely on foreign labor during its era of rapid economic growth between 1955 and 1973. Only in the late 1980s, with the threat of a growing labor shortage, did the country debate the possibility of accepting foreign workers, according to Atsushi Kondo, a law professor and immigration expert at Meiji University. Since 1988, the Ministry of Labor has welcomed a small number of foreigners with high skills and qualifications. In the 1990s, the country began to encourage the return of nikkeijin (people of Japanese descent) to the country, under a special visa program. But the doors remain closed to low-skilled workers. Though Abe has mentioned the need for "foreign technicians" to construct buildings for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he stressed that this should not be misunderstood as an implementation of an immigration policy at an economic meeting held with his cabinet in April 2014. The "technical trainee" program is a heavily-criticized government program where foreign workers -- predominantly from China and Southeast Asia -- travel to Japan to work in the agriculture and manufacturing industries purportedly to acquire skills to bring back to their respective countries. Experts argue, however, that this program has led to the exploitation of some, and forced others to depend on loopholes in the system. 'Smoke and mirrors' In a small office in northeast Tokyo, Ippei Torii, who has fought for migrant rights for the better part of two decades, is exasperated. He maintains that Japan's labor shortages could be solved if there was an actual visa for manual laborers seeking to come Japan. Torii, the director of non-profit organization, Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan (SNMJ) tells CNN that instead of creating a long-term immigration strategy that would allow low-skilled workers to have access to the same rights as Japanese citizens, the government has continuously opted for "backdoor" measures that allow low-skilled foreign workers into Japan on a temporary basis. Torii slammed the technical trainee program, asserting that foreign workers ended up taking menial jobs as opposed to learning skills they could take back to their respective countries. He criticized another measure that allows foreign students in Japan to work up to 28 hours part-time. "These programs are all just smoke and mirrors," says Torii. A spokesman from Japan's Ministry of Justice, however, refuted Torii's claim. "It's not true that we use backdoor policies and tolerate illegal immigration to help solve the labor shortage," he tells CNN. "The asylum seeker's application status is misused by illegal immigrants and we believe that most of the applicants aren't really asylum seekers. That delays the process for real asylum seekers," he says. In 2016, Japan saw a 44% increase in asylum applicants with Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines being the top three countries of origin. A 2010 legal revision has led to the rise of economic migrants posing as asylum seekers, according to Takizawa Saburo, an expert on refugee policy and a member of the Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Discussion Panel. "As Japan doesn't accept unskilled laborers, many people from countries in Southeast Asia have no way of coming to Japan to work, except through the asylum route," Saburo tells CNN. The 2010 legal revision allows foreigners with valid visa statuses who apply for asylum to start working six months after their application is submitted. While it allows asylum seekers waiting for their cases' outcome to regain a sense of normalcy and support themselves, it doesn't allow those without a valid visas status who apply for asylum to work. "When this loophole in the law was discovered, it spread through word of mouth and is well-known nowadays," says Saburo. Caught in the system In May of this year, around 20 asylum seekers detained at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau staged a rare two-week hunger strike. Frustrated by a bureaucratic system that is often slow to process cases, the protesters demanded an end to repeated detentions and a more viable path to working visas. Yuki Moriya, a UNHCR Japan spokeswoman tells CNN the current issue was "really a chicken and egg problem." "While the numbers of asylum seekers have increased, the numbers of immigration officials hasn't, and that's led to a real delay in processing all these cases. It's hard for both parties," she says. At Yucel's demolition site, 25-year-old Kurdish asylum seeker Nurettin, knows what it's like to be caught in the system. He arrived in Japan in 2012, fleeing conflict in southeast Turkey, and has spent two stints in an immigration detention center. He is currently waiting for his asylum case to be processed. Nurettin has no legal right to work, but he can depend on the grassroots support of men like Yucel, and on a larger Saitama-Tokyo based community of around 1,400 Kurdish migrants to get by. He's had no difficulty working alongside his Japanese colleagues despite the language barriers. "We might have different beliefs and ideologies, but when we're at work it doesn't matter, we just get the job done," Nurettin says. "I'd be happy to pay taxes to the state if I could receive more support in return, but I don't see that happening anytime soon." To his side, Aoki nods in agreement. "Young people in Japan don't want to do demolition work, so it's helpful to (Japanese) society that foreign workers want to do this, and they should get support from the state in return," Aoki says. "Japan really needs to get over its identity as a homogenous nation. If the country remains closed off, the future is uncertain." CNN's Yoko Wakatsuki contributed to this report Sen. John McCain took a stand for honor and country July 28 in sharp contrast to the self-obsessed showman in the White House. The Arizona Republican summoned the strength to return to Congress after a brain cancer diagnosis to urge fellow senators to halt the ugly partisanship that is destroying our institutions. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was busy tweeting threats to fire his top officials and undercutting any chance for coherent domestic or foreign policies. McCains statesmanship stood in stark contrast to the circus in the White House, where a willfully ignorant president is emboldening our adversaries and could provoke a war. When McCain cast the vote that finally scuttled GOP repeal of the Affordable Care Act his intent went beyond the health-care issue. His real objection was to the secretive Republican process that failed to produce any credible replacement for Obamacare and would have made the health care situation worse, not better. The last GOP skinny repeal bill, which the Arizonan nixed, was so bad most Republican senators disliked it, but were ready to pass it just so Trump could chalk up a win. In a moving floor speech, McCain warned of a U.S. Senate that was more partisan, more tribal, more of the time than any other time I remember. He pleaded for senators to recognize the genius of our democratic system which made it different from cruel autocracies was its recognition compromise is needed in order to reach solutions. He urged a return to the old way of legislating in the Senate with hearings and bipartisan input. It is our responsibility to preserve that, he urged, even when it requires us to do something less satisfying than winning. The jab at the president could not have been more clear. And McCain offered another pertinent caution. Stop listening to the bombastic loudmouths on radio and television and the internet, he advised. To hell with them. They dont want anything done for the public good. Meanwhile, the tweeter-in-chief was busy illustrating just what McCain was warning about. Instead of leading on health care, he spent the week tweeting a stream of grotesque insults at Attorney General Jeff Sessions, one of Trumps most loyal backers. Lacking the guts to fire Sessions, he was trying to goad the AG to quit. Then in case the world wasnt already convinced the White House had gone mad Trump brought in plutocrat pal Anthony Scaramucci as his chief communications director. The Mooch promptly let loose a foul, expletive-laced public rant against White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and Trumps chief strategist, Steve Bannon a clear warning their jobs were endangered. Scaramucci was clearly fronting for Donald Youre Fired Trump, with whom hed just had dinner. Priebus was fired July 28. This White House reality show endangers the republic, as McCain knows all too well. Beyond his domestic failures, the presidents antics destroy any coherent foreign policy process. Trump publicly countermands Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on important issues such as Iran and the Arab Gulf to the extent that Tillerson had to deny hes quitting. Rumors swirl about the future of National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, who is openly challenged in the White House by Bannon. In the meantime, Trump openly insults his own intelligence agencies and continues to refute their conclusion Russia hacked the 2016 election. And the president plays fast and loose with the Pentagon, ignoring normal policy processes. Just a week ago, he tried to ban transgender service members from serving via a tweet without first informing the Pentagon or military brass. Such White House antics display a tempting show of weakness to Americas adversaries, inviting them to test the presidents ability to respond. (Trumps minor missile strike on one Syrian base is no longer viewed abroad as a sign of strength.) The president is eager to withdraw from the nuclear treaty with Iran over Tillersons disapproval and chafing over North Koreas missile testing. But can the country trust the reaction of an erratic president who tweets before consulting his experts and believes he knows better than his generals? Trumps next missile strike might heedlessly trigger a war. Which brings me back to McCains warnings. We are an important check on the powers of the executive, he told his fellow legislators. Our consent is necessary for key appointments and in many respects to conduct foreign policy. We are not the presidents subordinates. We are his equal! What this means is that its is insufficient for the Senate to resume bipartisan cooperation on legislation (although it would be a welcome miracle if this happened). Its time for a bipartisan delegation of senators to visit the White House and warn Trump his destructive style of governance is endangering the country and emboldening bad guys. McCain understands this, but he cant do it alone or with the two brave female GOP senators who voted nay on the Trumpcare horror. Which male GOP senators, if any, have the guts to follow McCains lead? For 45 years, John Kelly served in the Marine Corps, becoming a much-decorated four-star general while head of the U.S. Southern Command in Miami overseeing Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Most recently the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kelly now faces his most daunting challenge providing discipline in the dysfunctional Trump administration as chief of staff. Kelly is a no-nonsense guy with vast management experience, unlike his predecessor, Reince Priebus, the former Republican National Committee chair and ally of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who was in over his head. On Monday, Kelly made it clear he wont suffer fools, firing Anthony Scaramucci as White House communication director. Scaramucci had been hired by Trump only 11 days earlier over the objections of Priebus, then White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and White House Strategic Adviser Steve Bannon. His lack of qualifications beyond being a Trump sycophant, mimicking his mannerisms to the point colleagues called him Mini-Me soon became obvious fodder for late-night comedians. In his blazingly brief tenure, the former New York hedge-fund manager threatened to fire his entire for staff for possible leaks and engaged in an obscene on-the-record rant with a reporter denigrating Priebus and Bannon. Although Scaramucci is a Harvard Law School graduate, he wanted an FBI investigation into the leak of his government financial disclosure form, a public document. Trump may have tweeted Monday morning, No WH chaos, but it was Kelly who later made it happen. Indeed, Kelly will need all his skills to successfully guide a president without any filter who cares only about winning, not bread-and-butter policy details; a business titan from a family empire whose autocratic dealings dont translate well in a multifaceted political world. Trump may have promised to bring a business ethic to drain the Washington swamp, but no corporation would tolerate his behavior as CEO the past six months using Twitter for policy, overriding subordinates without consultation and bullying opponents and allies. Take his decision to ban transgender people from the military. That prompted White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders to refer reporters to the Pentagon, which maintained it had not received the proper instructions. James Mattis, the highly competent secretary of defense, had vowed a six-month review of the issue in June and wasnt notified of the policy change until a day before Trumps tweetfest. Even Trumps knowledge of the basic workings of government are lacking after sixth months on the job, let alone tact. Following the failure of health-care legislation, he ridiculed Republican senators as fools for requiring 60 votes (as with a filibuster) when only 51 were required. He has drawn the ire of Republican senators for disparaging U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, their former colleague and one of Trumps earliest and most loyal supporters, while decrying loyalty owed him. Huckabee Sanders insists, This is a White House that has lots of different perspectives because the president hires the very best people. With that competition, you usually get the best results. The president likes that kind of competition and encourages it. What results? Little on Trumps legislative agenda has been achieved despite Republican control of all three branches of government. One problem has been the warring West Wing factions. Kelly may achieve a cease-fire. He is on good terms with the so-called globalists and closet Democrats like presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, whose back-channel communications with Russians Kelly publicly defended, and alt.right nationalists like Bannon, a Navy veteran, who has a rapport with Kelly. Kelly was on the outs during the Obama administration opposing the closing of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, military prison, but ignored on terrorism and border threats, including cartel and gang violence. Although he disagreed with Trump on his border wall (a physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job) and reintroducing torture, he aggressively implemented directives at Homeland Security, rounding up and deporting undocumented immigrants. Kelly shares much of Trumps contempt for critics. At the presidents Coast Guard Academy graduation speech, Kelly was overheard on an open mic saying Trump should use a sword on the press. At George Washington University, he said, If lawmakers do not like the laws theyve passed and we are charged to enforce, then they should have the courage and skill to change the laws. Otherwise, they should shut up. Kelly may lack Priebus political connections, but Trump had nearly burned those bridges anyway. If Trump is going to Make America Great Again, Kelly must first Make the White House Functional. 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association is insidious because it cant be cleared in court. The claims that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. election are now known as RussiaGate, in a loose reference to the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s. In the U.S., the issue has been poisoned by profound partisanship: those who feel disenfranchised by the election of Donald Trump are trying to use RussiaGate to unseat or cripple the Trump presidency, while those who elected Trump feel RussiaGate is nothing but an attempt by the corrupt status quo to disenfranchise them. Lets see if we can clarify the issues with some key questions. 1. Did Russia meddle in the 2016 U.S. election? This is the entire thing in a nutshell. But this raises a second question: did Russia successfully meddle in the 2016 U.S. election? In other words, we have two investigations: one to identify verifiable, legally actionable evidence of meddling, and a second investigation into the effects of any meddlingshould evidence arise that would stand up in court. 2. What federal laws or statutes were broken? This is a serious charge, and the first step in any investigation is to nail down precisely what federal laws were broken?The next step is to assemble evidence for the criminal activity that will stand up in court. 3. What standard of evidence/proof is required in a federal court to convict the accused? Is intent a necessary component of the laws that were broken? What precisely constitutes burden of proof? It isnt enough to accuse persons unknown of wrong-doing: the precise laws that were broken must be identified and the case against specific individuals must be built on verifiable evidence that will stand up in federal court. Recall that this is not about partisan talking pointsits about justice. Those who reckon justice counts for nothing in this investigation disqualify themselves. If justice no longer matters in America, there is no America left to defend. 4. If incontrovertible evidence of Russian meddling arose in 2016, why did the federal agencies under the Obama administration (Department of Justice, F.B.I., etc.) do nothing? While we can cook up various theories, the common-sense conclusion is 1. no federal laws were broken and/or 2) there was insufficient evidence that would stand up in court. 5. Precisely what meddling occurred? Somebody meeting with a Russian does not constitute proof of anything. rather, this is the classic witch-hunt accusation of the McCarthyite Red Scare of the 1950sguilt by association: you were seen conversing with a Communist, thus you must also be a Communistor at a minimum, you are tainted by association and thus under a cloud of suspicion that can never be cleared because no accusation of guilt in a court of law is ever made. Guilt by association is insidious because it cant be cleared in court. Those accused of guilt by association are not innocent until proven guiltythey are guilty until proven innocent, a proof that can never satisfy the accusers. A precisely defined chain of verifiable actions is required to prove meddling beyond reasonable doubt. So date, all the accusations have failed to meet this most fundamental standard of evidence of wrong-doing. As for the claim that all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies concur that blah-blah blah Where precisely is the evidence? If there is no verifiable evidence and no chain of events that can be substantiated with hard evidence that will stand up in federal court, then all we really have is accusations of guilt by association, i.e. a witch-hunt. 6. What evidence supports the claim that Russian meddling actually influenced the election? The claim that Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee emails has fallen apart for lack of evidence; it now seems clear that the hack was an inside-the-DNC whistleblowing incident. As for the claim that Russian meddling negatively impacted the campaign of Hillary Clinton: the most damaging bits were all verifiably accurate in the public record: The Podesta emails were in fact Podesta emails. The video of candidate Clinton apparently collapsing on the curb was not fabricated; it was a video recorded by an amateur bystander. Reports of pay-to-play and other unsavory activities within the Clinton Foundation predate the election by years. Candidate Clintons comments on deplorables were her own words. Again, standards of evidence and proof of guilt of federal crimes require a precise chain of events and actions for which there is evidence that will stand up in federal court, , i.e. evidence that will persuade a jury or federal judge and that can withstand cross-examination and the inquiries of experts hired by the defense. Given the absolute paucity of actionable, verifiable evidence to date, RussiaGate is so far nothing but a series of unsupported accusations of guilt by association, i.e. a witch-hunt. This is why some in the mainstream media have characterized the whole thing as a nothing-burger. Compare RussiaGate to Watergate. Watergate was always about compiling evidence of activities that violated federal laws. People who broke federal laws were identified, evidence was compiled and presented in a court of law where the accused were able to defend themselves against an indictment presented by federal prosecutors. Some were acquitted, many were convicted, others plea-bargained a conviction with a reduced sentence. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. 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 ATHENS, GREECE, August 02, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- INFINITI HR, the leading Professional Employer Organization and Human Capital Management infrastructure designed for franchises, small and mid-size enterprises, welcomes 2017 President's Club honorees in Athens, Greece. The President's Club is the highest honor INFINITI HR bestows to exceptional associates and national alliance partners committed to the highest standards of innovation, teamwork, accountability and success for its clients. The members of this year's President's Club are National Sales Leaders, Franchise Division Coordinators, Conversion Managers and HRIS Specialists of INFINITI HR who achieved the prerequisite standard for revenue and client retention for the 2016 calendar year and represent the top ten percent of INFINITI HR offices during that time. As members of the 2017 President's Club, honorees proved their ability to persevere and rise above challenges. Their dedication to such an achievement is rewarded with an exceptional adventure to some of the most highly desirable destinations throughout the world. Such an achievement is a significant professional milestone cherished by team members and their honored guests. "Congratulations 2017 President's Club honorees," INFINITI HR Division Vice President Daniel Mormino said. "You took personal ownership this year to exceed expectations for revenue growth through a world-class service standard. We thank you for your consistent commitment, innovation and teamwork to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients. Now it's your time to celebrate your triumphs and embrace this most exceptional President's Club adventure. Our President's Club cruise will take you throughout the Greek Isles including Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes as we make our way to Athens in a 10 night exceptional experience you can cherish and always remember. Welcome to the 2017 INFINITI HR President's Club Cruise to Greece," Mormino said. The INFINITI HR President's Club has made its name as the gold standard in the PEO industry, open to all qualified team members and national alliance partners that share in the values that made INFINITI HR the Premium PEO for Franchises and leading enterprises of all sizes throughout the United States. The INFINITI HR President's Club takes place every year at world-class international destinations. About INFINITI HR INFINITI HR is the Professional Employer Organization designed to protect franchisors, franchisees and leading enterprises from employer liability. Our PEO platform provides full Regulatory Compliance Management, On Demand HR Directors, Real-Time Payroll /Tax Filing, POS Integration and access into industry leading True-Group Master Policies for Workers' Compensation, Employment Practices Liability Insurance and Employee Benefits available in all 50 states. Click here for the latest press releases and up-to-date news on human resources outsourcing. To learn more about how your units can save time, money and mitigate employer liability, call INFINITI HR at 866-552-7360 or email [email protected] # # # Aug 2, 2017 | By Julia A collective of makers from the Warsaw multidisciplinary design studio UAU has been making waves in the Polish design scene with a recent exhibition at the renowned Gdynia Design Days 2017. Titled RE:MAIN, UAUs newest initiative is a set of 3D printed objects for daily use and problem solving. Born out of a series of workshops held in Gdynia, UAUs RE:MAIN project aims to target and conceptualize problems we face every day - whether minor crises or great cataclysms. From surviving financial problems, overcoming mobility problems, and self-reliant food production, to building your own inconspicuous flashlight, the problems tackled in the RE:MAIN exhibit are as diverse as their design solutions. First up is a cradle cart by Jacek Ryn. As a device designed to assist children crawling on all fours with motor dysfunction, this 3D printed object could prove assistive in cases including cerebral palsy, spinal hernia, genetic syndromes and spina bifida. Ryn used an SLS system for this specialize device in order to best combine a springy support with rigid construction. As the Warsaw-based designer notes, his cradle cart is only the beginning of whats possible with the technology: 3D printing opens new possibilities in the field of designing rehabilitation devices, he says. Thanks to this method of production it is possible to precisely adjust the geometry to the needs of the particular patient. Likewise, Nikodem Szpunar and Kamila Niedzwiedzka also targeted health issues with their fruit and vegetable dryer. As it becomes increasingly difficult to access unprocessed, healthy food, the two designers turned their attention to the process of food production, and more specifically, how to easily produce long-lasting food. The act of drying foods, they note, has been around for centuries and remains one of the most popular ways of preserving food. With Szpunar and Niedzwiedzkas device, fruit and vegetable preserving becomes easier and more efficient: the dryer can be hung outside the window or on top of a radiator, while not consuming any extra energy. Asia Piascik, on the other hand, focused on the minutiae of our everyday consumption. A morning without coffee? For many it is a crisis situation comparable to a drought, she writes. The Drip (Kapka) allows the brewing of this energy drink without the need to use disposable paper filters. Its a solution to material shortages on an individual scale, Piascik explains, as well as on a global scale, with regard to the Earths dwindling natural resources. Duszan Almonkari decided to go small with his 3D printed piece as well. His lantern with a flashlight embedded inside emits a pleasantly softened light, as opposed to the sharp spotlights typically seen with flashlights. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Almonkari says the device also rethinks the concept of flashlights altogether: The form of the lamp is subordinated to the rigor of simplicity and harmony instead of the language of survival equipment. Finally, Miosz Dabrowski and Justyna Fadzinska focused on the issue of materials proper. Their clever Make Your Own Ceramic (MYOC) device is designed for self-making and self-decorating small objects made of porcelain or ceramic. Thanks to 3D printing, MYOC molds can be produced in any quantity and, unlike plaster molds, they do not require drying. Once the prints are prepared, they can be dried and burned in a ceramic oven. The UAUs RE:MAIN project was curated by Justyna Fadzinska and Miosz Dabrowski, and first exhibited during the 10th edition of Gdynia Design Days 2017. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: wut wrote at 8/2/2017 11:09:47 PM:So they designed absolutely nothing which benefits from 3-D printing to demo the use of 3-D printing. wow. Dangerous bacteria can linger in a dish sponge even after attempts to sterilize it, according to a new German study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Researchers from Furtwangen University described kitchen sponges as a "common microbial hot spot," International Business Times reports. The study included DNA analysis of 14 kitchen sponges taken from private households that found 362 kinds of bacteria, even more than typically found on a toilet. Because sponges are primarily moist and designed for absorption, they have the potential to pick up bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and staphylococcus. Most of the bacteria found were not harmful, but there were pathogens that could cause infections in humans, the researchers said. They also noted that "kitchen sponges not only act as a reservoir of microorganisms but also as disseminators over domestic surfaces, which can lead to cross-contamination of hands and food, which is considered a main cause of foodborne disease outbreaks." Researchers also found that previously recommended cleaning methods, such as microwaving a sponge, kills only about 60 percent of the bacteria. And some bacteria may even multiply after cleaning the sponge because the resistant strains recolonize. The study recommends that people replace sponges weekly to reduce bacteria risk. Here are other germ offenders that you may not have thought about. Toothbrush holder Your toothbrush holder is the third most germ-infested household item, according to a study from NSF International, a nonprofit public health group based in Michigan. To keep it clean, close the lid on the toilet when you flush and put the holder into a dishwasher on the sanitizing cycle once or twice a week (if it's dishwasher safe) to kill any germs. Purses and handbags A British study found that the average purse is three times dirtier than an office toilet seat and that 1 in 5 handbag handles contain enough germs to pose a significant risk of cross-contamination from the handle to your hand. Nonleather bags can be wiped down with an antibacterial cloth. For leather bags, wipe with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Office desk According to British cleaning company CSG, the most germ-ridden place in an office is the telephone, with 25,127 microbes per square inch; followed by the keyboard, with 3,295 microbes; and the computer mouse, with 1,676 microbes. Use an antibacterial wipe on your office equipment daily, and regularly wash or sanitize your hands throughout the day. School board, county commission and zoning meetings are this week Here's a look at who's meeting this week and what's on the agenda. James Bay Drilling Delivers Further High Grade Results Perth, Aug 2, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Galaxy Resources Limited ("Galaxy" or the "Company") ( ASX:GXY ) ( GALXF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce further assays from its 2017 drilling campaign at the James Bay Project in Quebec, Canada. In late March, the Galaxy James Bay team commenced a ~31,000m diamond drilling campaign to extend and develop the existing resource at the James Bay Project in Quebec, Canada. 29,300m of drilling to date has been completed with the entire program now expected to be completed by the end of August 2017. Highlights from the most recent stage of drilling (all intercept data reported downhole) and assay are as follows: - Drill hole JBL-18 from 55.45m to 87.55m for 32.10m at 1.83 %Li2O and from 177.90m to 213.30m for 35.40m at 1.43 %Li2O; - JBL17-19 from 0.00m to 98.75m for 98.80m at 1.62 %Li2O; - JBL17-20 from 16.15m to 85.00m for 68.90m at 1.55% Li2O; - JBL17-22 from 127.00m to 175.20m for 48.20m at 1.91% Li2O; - JBL17-53 from 162.84m to 246.03m for 83.19m at 1.56% Li2O (new pegmatite); - JBL17-54 from 142.34m to 183.92m for 41.58m at 1.87% Li2O; - JBL17-55 from 214.60m to 256.20m for 41.60m at 1.71 % Li2O (new pegmatite); - JBL17-56 from 29.51m to 83.27m for 53.76m at 1.55 % Li2O; - JBL17-57 from 0.70m to 74.56m for 73.90m at 1.50 % Li2O. Assays (see Table 1 in the link below) have been received for a further 32 diamond holes for 6,450m of 47.6mm (NQ) core diameter drilling. Drill hole collars are presented in Table 2 (see the link below). Both resource infill and resource extension diamond ( core ) drilling has been conducted. Pegmatites outcrop at surface as seen in Figure 1 (see link below) and the drill program as outlined in Figure 2 (see link below), has been targeting approximately 1,850m of pegmatite to the west of the James Bay Highway. Resource infill type drilling can be seen within known pegmatites, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 (see link below). The objective of this drilling is to improve and upgrade the resource classification of the existing resource to "measured" and "indicated" classifications. The resource extension drilling is aiming to test the extent of known pegmatites in areas where there are gaps and where there has been limited or no drilling, below the existing drilling sections. This drilling has now delineated two new large pegmatites in the gap between known pegmatites in the western part of the mineralized zone, shown in Figures 3 and 4 (see link below), with drill holes JBL17-19 (98.80m at 1.62 %Li2O); JBL17-53 (83.19m at 1.56% Li2O) and JBL17-57 (73.90m at 1.50 % Li2O) returning exceptional results. Intersections outside the current resource at its eastern extremity outlined in Figures 3 and 4 (see link below), returned more typical widths. Mineralization remains open at depth throughout and to the east of the highway. Galaxy's Managing Director and CEO, Anthony Tse, commented "The ongoing successful drilling at James Bay has demonstrated the significant scale of the project. The results of the campaign will provide the essential inputs to the James Bay resource upgrade, as well as the feasibility studies to be completed. The project will look to leverage off the existing infrastructure in Quebec, which we believe is a premier location for an integrated upstream and downstream operation to be developed". ABOUT THE JAMES BAY PROJECT The James Bay Project is located 2 kilometers south of the Eastmain River and 100 kilometers east of James Bay. The property is accessible by paved road from the James Bay Road which cuts through the property close to the 381km road marker on the highway Route/109 from Val d'Or, Quebec, Canada. Val d'Or is approximately 526km westward from Montreal, Quebec. A large, multi-service truck stop is located at marker 381. Discovered in the 1960's and then known as the Cyr property the site consists of a swarm of 33 pegmatite dykes that belong to the rare-element 'class', the LCT (Li-Cs- Ta) 'family' and the albite-spodumene 'type' according to the classification by Cerny (1991). Two new major pegmatite dykes have been discovered in this current drill campaign as well as smaller swarms eastward of the known extents. The mineralized pegmatite is open at depth and to the east. The lithium bearing mineral contained in the pegmatites is spodumene LiAl(Si2O6), a member of the pyroxene group of minerals. A classified resource was reported at cut-off grade of 0.75% Li2O of 11.75Mt @1.30% Li2O (Indicated) and 10.47Mt@1.20% Li2O (Inferred) within a conceptual pit shell using a lithium carbonate price of USD 6,000/t, metallurgical and process recovery of 70%, mining and process costs of USD 64 per tonne and overall pit slope of 45 degrees. The current resource is based on 14,457m of diamond drilling and 201.3m of horizontal channel sampling. The pegmatite swarms have dip direction ~N 103 degrees E., dip steeply at ~60 degrees westward and forms a corridor of discontinuous dykes about ~4km in length and ~300m wide. This outcrop is about 15-20m above the surrounding muskeg/swamp. This phase of drilling should be completed by the end of August, 2017. To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/Y184MW9I About Galaxy Resources Limited Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX:GXY) (OTCMKTS:GALXF) is an international S&P / ASX 200 Index company with lithium production facilities, hard rock mines and brine assets in Australia, Canada and Argentina. It wholly owns and operates the Mt Cattlin mine in Ravensthorpe Western Australia, which is currently producing spodumene and tantalum concentrate, and the James Bay lithium pegmatite project in Quebec, Canada. Galaxy is advancing plans to develop the Sal de Vida lithium and potash brine project in Argentina situated in the lithium triangle (where Chile, Argentina and Bolivia meet), which is currently the source of 60% of global lithium production. Sal de Vida has excellent potential as a low cost brine-based lithium carbonate production facility. Lithium compounds are used in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, and consumer electronics and are an essential cathode material for long life lithium-ion batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as mass energy storage systems. Galaxy is bullish about the global lithium demand outlook and is aiming to become a major producer of lithium products. A suicide bomber attacked a convoy of international troops near the airport in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Wednesday, a security official said, and the NATO-led military coalition confirmed there were casualties. We are working to gather additional information as quickly as possible and will release more details as appropriate, the coalition said in a statement. A local security official said the attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the convoy. No further details were immediately available. A Reuters witness at the scene said military helicopters landed at the site at least four times. The airport in Kandahar is home to a major military base for international troops helping Afghan security forces. The coalition maintains nearly 13,000 troops from 39 countries as part of a mission to train, advise and assist Afghan troops, who are struggling to contain a resurgent Taliban insurgency. U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have asked for several thousand additional troops, but the request is stalled in Washington, where President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism over extending the American commitment. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 42F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 42F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Barbara Brown, executive director for the Citizens Center for Public Life and an affiliate with the National Issues Forum Institute, opened up a forum at the 2017 Stakeholders Symposium on Tuesday for residents to discuss topics about safety and justice in the community. Iraqi Assyrians Look to Reclaim Their Ancient Homes -- It's Now or Never An Iraqi Assyrian man stands in his burned-out home in Qaraqosh in February. ( Reuters/Muhammed Hamed) It was the night of August 6, 2014. Fresh from their capture of Mosul, ISIS fighters swept through the Nineveh Plains and overnight drove more than 12,000 Christian families from their homes and ancestral lands. The families fled, quite literally, with only the clothes on their backs. In Kurdistan, they joined the approximately 15,000 Christians who had fled Mosul just weeks earlier. For the next three years, some 120,000 internally displaced persons, or IDPs, were housed, fed, and clothed by the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil. Led by Archbishop Bashar Warda, whose herculean efforts were made possible by the steadfast support of an array of faith-based agencies, the local Church was even able to open six new schools so the children would not be deprived of their education. Now, with the third anniversary of that dark night in view, there is a glimmer of hope. The Iraqi government has just recaptured Mosul, while earlier this year ISIS was expelled from the Nineveh Plains. Iraq's long-suffering Christians, worn out by many months of living in make-shift conditions, now want to go home. Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako of the Chaldean Catholic Church has urged the Christian IDPs to "return quickly to reclaim their lands before others seize them" and to avoid internal disputes. "We are the indigenous people of this country and its ancient civilizations, he added. "Our history is traced back to the oldest Christian Church in the world." As of this writing, more than 1,200 families have returned to their newly repaired homes on the Nineveh Plains. However, 13,000 Christian-owned homes await repair or rebuilding. And the revamping of the basic infrastructure of the nine Christian towns and villages on the Plains requires major funding -- well beyond the ability of faith-based groups to deliver. Meanwhile, the overall situation is far from stable and secure. The threat of renewed violence hangs over the land. Baghdad may tout its defeat of ISIS, but the group's Sunni co-religionists still feel like second-class citizens in Iraq, as their devastated cities get scant help from the government. That situation is made worse by the growing influence of Shiite Iran, thousands of whose fighters have joined Iraq's security forces. There are also reports that ISIS militants are going underground, preparing for guerrilla warfare, suicide attacks, and car bombs. Christians and other religious minorities count on Western governments not only to help fund the reconstruction but also to insist that both Baghdad and Kurdistan guarantee security. Christians are at risk -- yet again -- of becoming collateral damage of the Sunni--Shiite battle for control of Iraq and the larger region. The issues affecting the region are complex and constantly evolving. On September 25, 2017, the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government will hold a referendum on declaring independence from Baghdad. KRG president Masud Barzani has promised that an independent Kurdistan would respect the rights of Christians living on the Nineveh Plains. However, a declaration of independence from Iraq proper may lead to a war pitting Baghdad against Kurdistan precisely on the Nineveh Plains -- and Christians would again be put in harm's way. Christians and other religious minorities count on the Western governments -- and the U.S. in particular --not only to help fund the reconstruction of the Nineveh Plains but also to use their power and influence to get both Baghdad and Kurdistan to guarantee the security of all minorities and to ensure their equality of citizenship, including their property rights and freedom of worship. The West must act now. For if a significant number of Christians do not return to the Nineveh Plains very soon, and the power vacuum persists into 2018, the hopes for an enduring renaissance of Christianity in Iraq may be dashed forever. Iraqi Turkmen Reject Kurdistan Region Independence Referendum Like other regional countries, Iraq is home to multiple ethno-sectarian groups, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and minorities such as the Assyrians, Akkadians, Yazidis, and Armenians. Although for some countries, diversity proves to be a strong point, for Iraq it has been source of troubles and divisions. Among other groups, the Kurds of Iraq are a major part of the state. The ethic group since the 1990s has run its own autonomous region in northern Iraq. Recently, President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) Masoud Barzani has announced that they intend to hold a referendum on independence from Iraq. But so far, the idea has failed to draw widespread approval across the nation as the central government, Iraqi people, and very specifically the Turkmens of the IKR have apparently voiced objection to any separatist moves of this kind. The president of the Iraqi Turkmen Front and representative of Kirkuk in the Iraqi parliament Ershad al-Salihi has recently reflected Turkmens' opposition to an expected referendum set to be held by the Kurdish region's government. "The September 25 referendum has drawn massive reactions by regional and Iraqi sides and we think that its holding will have no use for any side," al-Salihi was reported as saying. Opposition to the upcoming Kurdish move is transforming the Turkmens of Iraq to a key party to the debate on the future of the IKR and other northern Iraqi regions. Turkmens' demur to the Kurdish independence is emboldened by the Turkey's support that reinforces stances of Iraq's Turkmen parties such as the Iraqi Turkmen Front which disapproves of federal system as a governing model for Iraq and proposes that Kirkuk should be returned to the central government of Iraq. Contrasting views of the two sides over Kirkuk fate so far led to clashes and casualties. After Arabs and Kurds, Turkmens make up the third-largest ethnic group of Iraq. Their presence in Iraq dates back to the Ottoman Empire's seizure of Iraqi territories where Turkmens were positioned to work as governments employees. They predominantly live in Kirkuk, Salaheddin, Diyala, and Nineveh provinces. Many of Turkmens changed their living places in Iraq or left the country following Saddam Hussein regime's policy of Arabization of northern Iraq as well as the post-Saddam terrorist attacks. Their residential areas spread from Tal Afar and Sinjar close to the Syrian borders to different towns and village across northern Iraq, and end in Salaheddin and Kirkuk provinces right behind the Iranian borders. The Turkmens live in the middle of hot spots and any conflict directly affects their life. The Turkmens in Iraq are Muslim, with 60 percent of them being Sunni and 40 percent being Shiite. The Sunnis are from Hanafi and Shafi'i branches and concentrate in both Tal Afar and Mosul. Turkmens of southern regions such as Diyala's Kifri and Salaheddin's Tuz Khurmatu are Shiite Muslims. When autonomous Kurdish government was founded in 1991, feud between the Kurds and Turkmen deepened, making the latter fall victims to systematic policy of Kurdization that affected disputed areas including Kirkuk. The Kurds started their government in northern Iraqi areas where the Turkmens argued were their rightful territories. The Turkmens' opposition to autonomous Kurdistan stemmed from the Turkish government's viewpoints that regarded the modern-day Turkey as the inheritor of the Ottoman Empire in the northern Iraq. For Turkmens, an independent Kurdish state poses an existential threat as Erbil has in hand strategies to force them out of the predominantly-Kurdish regions or absorb them in a purely Kurdish state. Before foundation of the Kurdish region, the Turkmens' largest area of concentration was Erbil, the capital of the later Kurdistan government, where they occupied outstanding economic and administrative positions. After 1996, the powerful Turkmens of Erbil have been opposing Kurds measures especially those of the Kurdistan Democratic Party led by Masoud Barzani Turkmens are now living in tough conditions, with many of them having left their cities for Erbil and Karbala, and the remaining being exposed to terrorist and revenge attacks. Beside ISIS and Sunni Arabs, the Turkmens have to deal with Kurdish challenges. Peshmerga forces fully controlled Kirkuk after Iraqi army units in the city fled upon ISIS seizure of Mosul in 2014. They now expanded their grasp over surrounding areas and are preparing the grounds for referendum to determine if the disputed regions want to go under Kurdistan region's administration. In April 2016, the Peshmerga fighters set up checkpoints in Tuz Khurmatu that was faced with the Turkmen popular forces opposition and deadly clashes that killed and injured people from both sides. The conflict winded down following mediation by Iran. Former AirBridgeCargo vice president North and South America, Hendrik Falk has joined Swiss WorldCargo as head of cargo for the US west, south, and South America. He will be responsible for all aspects for the carriers cargo business in the region, based in Atlanta, Georgia. He said that Swiss WorldCargo has increased its network in the region and added capacity with the introduction of 777-300ER aircraft on some routes. Hendrik Falk added: I am thrilled to be part of a team that is so quality-driven, customer oriented, experienced, flexible and agile. Share this story Global freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) put in their strongest first-half performance for seven years, said IATA in its report for the first six months of 2017, published on 2 August. Traffic grew by 10.4% in the first half of 2017 compared to the first half of 2016, the best showing since the global financial crisis in 2010 and nearly triple the average growth of 3.9% over the last five years. Freight capacity in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs) grew 3.6% in the first half of 2017, helping to push up yields, IATA said. Click on chart for interactive version It added that the strong performance in the first half of 2017 was confirmed by Junes results with year-on-year demand increasing 11% compared to the same period in 2016. While a slight slowing over the 12.7% increase seen in May, it remains well ahead of the 3.9% five-year average, IATA pointed out. Freight capacity grew by 5.2% year-on-year in June. Airfreight is mirroring the improvement in global trade, says IATA new global export orders remain close to a six-year high. There are though some signs that cyclical growth may have peaked; the period when companies look to restock inventories quickly which often gives air cargo a boost may be nearing an end. Regardless, the outlook is optimistic with demand expected to grow at a robust 8% during the third quarter of this year, IATA predicts. Its director general and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac, comments: "Air cargo is flying high on the back of a stronger global economy. Demand is growing at a faster pace than at any time since the global financial crisis. Even more importantly, he said: The industry is taking advantage of this momentum to accelerate much-needed process modernisation." Breaking down the figures, IATA said all regions saw growth, but Asia Pacific and Europe accounted for two-thirds of the increase. Asia-Pacific airlines freight volumes grew 10.1% in June compared to 2016 and capacity grew 7.8%. European airlines posted a 14.3% year-on-year increase in demand in June and a capacity rise of 6.1%, helping to boost volume for the first half of 2017 by 13.6%. The weak Euro is helping to increase export orders. Capacity increased by 5.4%. North American demand increased 12.7% in June year-on-year and capacity was up 3%, contributing to a 9.3% increase in the first half of 2017, in contrast to the fall seen in 2016. Middle Eastern volume increased 3.7% year-on-year in June and capacity increased 2.2%. The 7.6% increase in demand in the first half of 2017 was well below the 10.8% average of the past five years mainly due to strong competition from carriers in other regions. The regions share of total international freight flown fell in the first half of 2017, for the first time in 17 years. Latin American demand grew 9.8% in June compared to 2016 the fastest since November 2010 but seasonally adjusted international volumes remain 10% lower than at the 2014 peak. African carriers had the fastest growth in year-on-year freight volumes, up 31.6% in June and a capacity increase of 7.6%, contributing to a 25.9% surge in freight demand in the first half of 2017. Read more air cargo data Share this story July 31, 2017 Turkeys plans to procure an advanced long-range air and missile defense system (LORAMIDS) has been dragging on for 10 years, but now it could be leading to a profound crisis of confidence between Turkey and the US-Western security blocs. The latest indicator was a July 23 statement by Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford at an Aspen, Colorado, security forum: [Turkey has] not bought the S-400 air defense system from Russia. That would be a concern, were they to do that, but they have not done that." Russia did not comment on Dunfords statement, but Turkey reacted harshly. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the United States had not helped Turkey one bit in acquiring LORAMIDS, which he said is urgently needed. That's why Turkey had to look for alternatives and signed an agreement in principle with Russia. In a July 13 story, "Turkey Chooses Russia Over NATO for Missile Defense," Bloomberg reported that the proposed deal for four S-400s would be worth $2.5 billion. On July 28, Erdogan spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey has been deeply disappointed by the attitudes of the West, and the United States in particular, about LORAMIDS. The agreement with Russia has been mostly concluded, he said, disclosing for the first time that Russia has agreed to joint production and technology transfer. Many wonder if this development will affect Turkeys NATO membership. Turkeys quest for LORAMIDS has been problematic from the outset. Ankaras ultimate goal is to manufacture its own system. Ankara has already made some progress with the Hisar-O medium-range air defense system made by Roketsan A.S., the Ankara-based affiliate of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation. Turkey's goal is to develop this model and manufacture its own LORAMIDS by 2025. It's no secret that Roketsan is cooperating with Paris-based Eurosam on this project. In the meantime, Turkey is determined to fill its urgent security needs, given the Syrian crisis and Irans aggressive ballistic missile program. When Turkey went shopping for a LORAMIDS, it received offers from the Eurosam French-Italian partnership for the Aster 30 SAMP/T; from China for its China Precision Machinery Import and Export Corp.s HQ-9/FD-2000; from Russias Rosoboronexport with the S-400; and from US Raytheon for PAC-3 systems. Turkey launched negotiations in 2013 for the $3.4 billion Chinese HQ-9 model, but called off the plan in June 2015 because the HQ-9 did not have anti-ballistic features and the company was not willing to discuss technology transfer. No doubt, NATO pressures played a role in the decision to call off the Chinese contacts. Meanwhile, Turkey felt that because of the growing ballistic missile threat from Syria, it urgently needed a defensive system. NATO tried to fill the void by deploying US, German, Italian and Dutch Patriot and Aster systems on Turkeys Syrian frontier from 2014 to 2016. In the days following Erdogans announcement of the S-400 as his system of choice, the Turkish news media became very interested in the affair. In just four days, the Turkish media printed 36 news reports and 12 commentaries on the S-400. According to some media outlets, 80% of the public supported the S-400 without reservations, 15% were somewhat cautious and only 5% were against it. These statistics indicate Erdogans influence over the media, as well as the growing anti-West sentiments in Turkey. Security analyst Turan Oguz told Al-Monitor the S-400 will provide defense against short-range ballistic missiles with a 620-mile range. Also with the S-400, Turkey will be able to monitor air activity up to 372 miles in neighboring air spaces and lock its radars onto them at a distance of about 250 miles. Oguz said this capacity will enhance Turkeys military, political and diplomatic deterrence in the region and minimize any surprise actions against Turkey. Oguz also believes these systems will significantly increase Turkeys military superiority in the Aegean Sea. Those commenting cautiously on the S-400 acquisition have technical and political reservations. Deniz Zeyrek, of the daily Hurriyet, finds Turkeys selection of the S-400 a risky move that will erode NATOs "collective defense" strategy set out in its charter, and it will create more dependence on Russia. Defense analyst Arda Mevlutoglu told Al-Monitor that until Turkey develops its national defense industry which wont be easy Turkey will have to procure LORAMIDS from external sources. Long-range ballistic missile and air-defense systems have to operate as an integrated network of intertwined elements to be effective against cruise or ballistic missiles, which are targets hard to acquire and eliminate. Otherwise, your system will be limited for use against planes and helicopters at medium and high altitudes. Used singly, S-400 will have limited effectiveness. We have to continue at full pace to develop national radar and air defense systems. I am afraid procuring the S-400 will stall those vital projects, he said. Hakan Kilic, an expert who opposes Turkey's purchase of an S-400 system, has two technical objections. First, he doesnt believe Russia will ever give Turkey its advanced radar technology, software and guidance systems, even though Turkey will pay $5 billion for a system from a leaflet, without even a test video." Moreover, he said, the S-400 will be incompatible with other radar and communications systems. "I think that such a stand-alone system, which in principle can be used only against airplanes, is much too expensive, Kilic said. Kilic also believes that a system that's not part of an integrated umbrella will be easily defeated by both NATO and Eastern bloc countermeasures. Why should I pay billions of dollars for a system that I wont be able to use productively in case of war? he added. Also raising eyebrows is Russias silence while the S-400 is becoming a full-fledged crisis between Turkey and the West. Moscow State University political science expert Kerim Has identified two reasons for Moscows silence: First, Russia is waiting for the right time. Second, final signatures have not been affixed. The Kremlin doesnt want to sound like it's contradicting Erdogan by having to say, No, we havent affixed our final signature,' because it prefers the NATO/S-400 debate to widen" and create discontent. Mikhail Barabanov, a senior research fellow at the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, attributes Russias silence to domestic politics. "This sale causes mixed reactions in Russian public opinion and among experts, given the outbreak of anti-Turkish sentiments" after Turkey shot down a Russian plane in 2015, as well as Turkey's membership in NATO and the country's "contradictory attitude toward the Ukrainian crisis." He added, "Apparently, the Kremlin does not want [domestic] public discussions on this issue and is trying to conduct a deal without publicity" within the country. Has and Barabanov dont believe the S-400 can be delivered to Turkey before 2020, even if a final accord is reached. Has emphasized his belief that Russia is pleased with the raging arguments. Russia is delighted because the S-400 debate can lead to a rift in its primary geopolitical foe, NATO. A possible breakup in NATO-Turkey relations has the potential of being the grandest strategic gain of the 21st century for Moscow. Moreover, by showing that it can sell such systems to a NATO country, Russia boosts its standings in the global weapons market, Has said. Barabanov believes Russia wont actually transfer S-400 technology to Turkey. He said, The order volume is too small, and the import of technologies will require a long-term agreement, which is clearly not there. The Turkish side understands this well. Barabanov, who drew attention to NATO member Greeces use of the S-300PMU1 long-range, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for a long time, added, I believe that the question of the alleged incompatibility of Russian SAM systems with NATO systems is too politicized and not practical. Regardless of speculation, it's obvious Washington is concerned with Turkeys efforts to acquire the S-400. Russia is happy but silent, and Ankara is emotional and furious with NATO and the United States. August 1, 2017 Iran is gradually increasing its support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Rather than eliminating the Iranian presence in the country, the Saudi-led war is giving Tehran the opportunity to become more influential there than ever. The Houthis remain fiercely independent of Iran, but they will need Tehran's backing more as the stalemate continues. The Iranian connection with the Houthi movement dates back over a decade, before the Arab Spring, to the battles between the Houthis and the government of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Backed by the Saudis, Saleh tried to crush the Houthis in a series of military campaigns. Iran began providing training and expertise for the Houthi forces at camps in Lebanon run by Hezbollah and in Iran by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Houthis openly emulated Hezbollah as a role model and successfully thwarted both Saleh and the Saudis. But Iran did not gain direct input into Houthi decision-making as it has with its Lebanese partner. Iran reportedly discouraged the Houthis from seizing Sanaa in September 2015, fearing that would provoke civil war. With the help of former President Saleh, who switched sides by 2015, the Houthis did take the capital, which precipitated the crisis leading to the Saudi intervention. So far from being pawns of Iran, the rebels ignored its advice. The rebels have also been quick to deny any plans for a future permanent Iranian military base in the country. When the commander of the Iranian navy suggested that Iran would acquire a base in Yemen, the Houthis rejected the idea. Observers in Sanaa report that the Iranian presence is hidden from view and operates discretely behind the scenes. But it is growing. This spring, the powerful head of the IRGC's Quds Force, Gen. Qasem Soleimani, ordered a step-up in aid to the Houthis, including more advisers and experts on the scene and more technology-sharing with the Yemeni forces. Naval mines, anti-tank missiles and drones are among the items reportedly sent. The most important assistance is ballistic missile technology and expertise. Yemen had bought Scud missiles during Saleh's reign and used them in the civil war in 1995. Iran has developed a large missile infrastructure and supplies Hezbollah with them. Last month, the Houthis fired a missile that they claimed was targeting a Royal Saudi Air Force base but that the Saudis claim was intended to hit Mecca. Saudi air defense systems intercepted the missile. With time and Iranian help, the rebels may be able to hit Riyadh. The IRGC has suffered some casualties in Yemen. According to one study, at least 23 Iranian soldiers have been killed or captured and another 21 Hezbollah fighters have been lost. Iran is now also sending Afghan Shiite fighters to Yemen, just as it has done in Syria. It is far more difficult for Iran to smuggle weapons and personnel to Yemen than to Syria or Lebanon. The ports are blockaded and the airports closed. Yemen has 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles) of coastline and a porous border with Oman, so the Saudi blockade is not impenetrable. The Iranians are experts in the business of clandestine weapons smuggling. For Tehran, the aid to the Houthis is a very inexpensive means to bog down the Saudi kingdom in a quagmire that has gone on for more than two years. For the Saudis, the war is far more expensive. A new Harvard study says it may cost Saudi Arabia as much as $200 million a day. Iran's role in Yemen is likely to get more aggressive as the United States increases sanctions against Tehran. The Iranians see the United States and Saudi Arabia as more closely aligned than ever in a hostile and threatening entente against them a view reinforced by US President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh in May. Yemen is a useful battlefield to weigh down the Saudis indefinitely. If the Americans can be dragged into the quagmire more deeply, even better. A war designed to weaken Iran is actually helping it against its regional rival. It's in American interests to find a path to end the war soon. Our allies are squandering resources. The Yemeni people are paying a horrific price with mass malnutrition and disease. The immediate requirement is for an open-ended cease-fire and the lifting of the Saudi blockade. To ensure that the Iranians do not use a truce to massively resupply the Houthis, the United Nations should install monitors at airports and seaports to monitor traffic. The United States could assist by providing intelligence to the monitoring mission. August 1, 2017 BEIRUT On July 24, Judge Saqr Saqr, the state commissioner of the Lebanese military court, received the report of the medical committee, which was tasked with investigating the death of four Syrians while in custody. They are identified as Mustafa Abd el-Karim Absse, Khaled Hussein el-Mleis, Anas Hussein el-Husseiki and Othman Merhi el-Mleis. The four were among hundreds of people arrested during army raids on Syrian refugee camps in Arsal that started on June 30 and are aimed at what the army describes as capturing terrorists. In the report, the committee of three doctors said the deaths were not the result of violence but of different health problems that led to their immediate death following the arrest. The autopsy report of the four Syrian detainees concluded that one of the detainees died of a sudden heart attack, while a second died of pneumonia, a third of climate shock and substance abuse and a fourth of emphysema. The report of the Lebanese military judiciary comes after several parties, most notably the Lebanese government and Prime Minister Saad Hariri, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of death of the four Syrians amid suspicions that the Lebanese army was behind their death. However, the report was not warmly welcomed by the lawyer of the four detainees. Diala Chehade had confirmed in a July 7 Facebook post that prior to their detention the detainees were in good health before their bodies were returned with clear signs of torture. She had gotten the judiciarys approval to have body samples examined at the Hotel-Dieu de France hospital in Beirut, but she said it was not long before the Lebanese army intelligence confiscated the samples. Chehade noted in her post that it is a divine miracle for three people whose families and friends said were in perfect health to suddenly die less than 48 hours into their arrest by the same party in two hospitals run by the government from natural causes. The fourth Syrian died in a government hospital in Beirut. After Saqr received the medical committee report, Chehade reiterated her words in an interview with Al-Monitor. She said that the Beirut Bar Association has prevented her from discussing any details relating to this issue in the media, although Article 39 of the Code of Ethics of the law profession allows the discussion of major issues that are of interest to the community in the media. At a time when the bars decision prohibited tackling any details related to the case, the military prosecution leaked excerpts of its report to the media, thus confusing public opinion and preventing it from knowing the truth behind the death of the four Syrians. In this context, Human Rights Watch said in a July 20 report that the forensic pathologists conclusion that the death of the four Syrians was not the result of violence raises many questions, especially as photographs of the bodies showed signs of torture. Asked about the military judiciarys report, Bassam Khawaja, a researcher at the Lebanon office of Human Rights Watch, told Al-Monitor, The Lebanese authorities should publish the full investigation in the media, the issue being of interest to public opinion, and hand over the full copies of the investigation to the four families. The photographs of these detainees show injuries and signs of physical torture, and any claim that their deaths were caused by natural causes would be inconsistent with these photos. The only way to reach a solution is to publish the full investigation because a brief statement [thereon] is insufficient. The Lebanese people and the families of the victims deserve to know the full story of what happened in this case. Asked to comment on the controversy resulting from this incident, a Lebanese military source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, What happened on June 30 is very serious, as four suicide bombers were found and four bombs were detected [during the armys raids], which means eight possible bombings could have occurred anywhere in Lebanon, had the army not carried out its pre-emptive operation. Three hundred and fifty-six Syrians were arrested [during the raids] and were moved to a building of the Rayak air base in Zahle for interrogation, while 15 of them were hospitalized at the Zahle and Beirut government hospitals. The source added, On July 1, one of those arrested died in Zahle before the interrogation had started. That same afternoon, two others also died in Zahle. Subsequently, and due to their overcrowding in one building, 165 of the detainees were taken to eight different locations, including the Directorate of Intelligence in the south and the north. Another detainee died in the emergency department of the government hospital in Beirut. The four bodies were medically examined under the supervision of the judiciary, and the forensic pathologists reported that none of them had been subjected to any torture. The defense team of the four deceased detainees insists on receiving a copy of the full investigation to be able to take the appropriate measures. Meanwhile, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International continue to demand the full disclosure of the circumstances behind the death of the four detainees. Thus, the question arises as to why the military leadership and the military judiciary only leaked excerpts from the investigation of the medical committee when the deaths are reportedly the result of health problems. The issue will continue to worry the legal community and the Lebanese public opinion so long as the investigation is not fully released. July 31, 2017 Iraqi Vice President Nouri al-Maliki had a lot on his mind when he paid a three-day visit to Moscow last week. He had a busy agenda that included high-level negotiations with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russian Federation Council (Senate) Speaker Valentina Matvienko and President Vladimir Putin. Diplomatic protocol did not call for a meeting with Putin, but the fact that the Iraqi politician met with Russias head of state points to the unique character of the visit. Another striking feature of Malikis trip was that it was arranged not by the Russian Foreign Ministry, but by the Senate. Matvienko has been quite active politically in recent months. It can be assumed that the organizers were unsure whether Putin himself would grant an audience to Maliki so their meeting testifies to the Russian presidents keen interest in Iraqi affairs. Speaking about the visits objectives, the Iraqi vice president told RIA Novosti news that during the negotiations he would focus on the need to activate Russia's role in the region, particularly in Iraq, and to intensify economic relations in the fields of electricity, energy and trade." He also said he would discuss Russia supplying military equipment to the Iraqi army. Maliki appears to have wanted the interview to be music to Russias ears, as he dwelt on Americas misadventures in the region and praised Russias invaluable contribution to Arab affairs. Some Russian media outlets have misinterpreted Malikis willingness for Moscow to have a stronger presence in Iraq, seeing it as a Syria-style request to send troops to Iraq. No matter how much that idea pleases some in Moscow, it is obvious the Iraqi vice president was speaking merely of an intention to foster military and technical cooperation. This is evident by Maliki inking a contract during his visit to purchase a large number of T-90 battle tanks. If, however, the agenda had been limited to military and technical cooperation, energy partnership and counterterrorist measures, the Iraqi vice president would not have needed to meet with the top Russian leadership. Experts in Moscow tend to see Malikis visit in the context of his countrys coming elections in April and Iraqi Kurdistans independence referendum this September. Ruslan Mamedov, an expert with the Russian International Affairs Council, told Al-Monitor, The Moscow visit can be analyzed against the backdrop of the diplomatic flurry by various Iraqi political forces on a regional scale and the upcoming voting procedure. Iraqi politicians are stepping up their efforts to engage internationally, which has culminated in fence-mending with all Middle Eastern powerhouses, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and in some ways, even Turkey. By doing this, Iraqi office-holders are seeking external support to shore up their positions at home. Generally, such political behavior found among elites of the Mashriq area (eastern Mediterranean) signals a decline in a states independent decision-making. Considering Iraqs contemporary political landscape, Mamedov believes Maliki, who is also a former prime minister, wields much less power than he used to. He is struggling to return as kingmaker in a fight for influence. At the same time, he is hardly alone in challenging Haider al-Abadi, Iraqs incumbent prime minister and Malikis fellow party member. Moreover, the Sadrist movement, which has agreed to form a united parliamentary bloc with the National Alliance, headed by another former prime minister, Ayad Allawi, should be added to the list of Iraqs major players. In his pursuit of a second term in 2010, Maliki is thought to have lost the support of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most influential Shiite cleric, which matters greatly in todays Iraq. Conversely, in addressing Mosuls combatants and civilians after the liberation of the city from [the Islamic State], Abadi highlighted Sistanis role and blessing, Mamedov said. He added, At the beginning of his tenure, Abadi was portrayed as a weak and accommodating politician, but this image has recently been cleaned up. Moreover, he continues to skillfully maneuver between Americans exerting influence on Iraq and Iranians, which is also a positive contribution to future consolidation of his own positions. Unlike Abadi, who is continuously perceived by all the groups as a compromiser, Maliki has implacable enemies who consider his rule unacceptable. Mamedov noted that Abadi and his Cabinets discontent with the vice presidents trip to Moscow was rather suggestive in this respect. Ildar Minyazhetdinov, a fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Al-Monitor the visit should be considered through the prism of the upcoming independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan. He said, The visit mainly aims to secure the Kremlins assistance in trying to influence its Kurdish partners in Erbil [which some Kurds consider their capital], the faction of the Kurdish political elite that has always been favorably disposed toward Russia. Baghdad hopes Moscows support will pave the way for conflict resolution and encourage the Kurds to postpone the referendum to a later date, to reject the idea altogether or to vote 'yes' to preserving the integrity of the Iraqi Republic. But Baghdad may be equally trying to drive a wedge between the Kurdish groups with Moscows help and shatter their fragile and questionable union. Since 2014, the Iraqi government has fiercely resisted Erbils attempts to hold an independence referendum. In turn, Erbil has repeatedly resorted to the threat of that referendum in its horse-trading with the authorities over political autonomy and its economic interests. Minyazhetdinov noted that the growing desire of the Kurds to secede can largely be attributed to Malikis term as prime minister, which led to the financial, economic and political crisis in Iraqi Kurdistan. Moscow, however, is quite skeptical about the potential secession, though the Russian government avoids strongly worded statements and supports the peoples right to self-determination. Still, the Kremlin hopes for a compromise and some alternative scenario. In an interview with Kurdish TV channel Rudaw, Lavrov said, We see [the referendum] as a manifestation of the aspirations of the Kurdish people. We expect that the final decision will be made with due account of all the factors of this step, including the situation in the region and positions of neighboring states. In reply to a question about Russias readiness to maintain relations with Iraqi Kurdistan if it votes for independence, Lavrov said he would rather not comment on hypothetical questions. Russian experts think the independence of the regions of northern Iraq will not only imperil the countrys economic well-being, but will also threaten the survival of Iraqi statehood, since the integration of the Sunni regions into a united sociopolitical space is hard to imagine at this point, especially after the mass casualties of the Mosul operation. In addition, independence for Iraqi Kurdistan could negatively affect neighboring states, primarily Syria and Turkey, but also Iran. Minyazhetdinov puts heavy emphasis on the Iranian role in organizing Malikis Russia visit. What made Maliki think Moscow would help him? The matter is that he conducts the pro-Iranian policy in Iraq. Today, Irans influence of Iraqi politics is unprecedentedly strong. The vice presidents visit should certainly be analyzed within the broader context of improving Russian-Iranian relations. Moreover, greater military-political cooperation between the two states in the Middle East should also be taken into account, he said. Minyazhetdinov added, Malikis appeal to Moscow, which has long-standing strong ties with Iraqi Kurdistan, is essentially Irans request for the Kremlins assistance in addressing the Kurdish issue in Iraq. August 1, 2017 NORTHERN ALEPPO COUNTRYSIDE, Syria The Syrian government is working to lure displaced residents back to regime-controlled areas, even as the opposition hopes to keep that from happening. Among those originally displaced from Homs' al-Waer neighborhood, 574 people, or nearly a hundred families, came back July 10 to the regime-held city. They had left the Zoghra camp, which is near Jarablus in the Operation Euphrates Shield area in the northeastern Aleppo countryside namely the areas the operation liberated from the Islamic State. A few hours after their arrival in Homs, the regime allowed the displaced to return to their houses once they were searched and their names checked on the list of returnees. Darar al-Homsi, who was displaced from al-Waer, accompanied the returnees from the camp to the military crossing between the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the regime forces south of al-Bab, before he returned to the camp. He told Al-Monitor that the convoy consisted of 1,000 people protected by a Turkish military force to the entrance of the regime-held areas. Homsi added, 574 people reached their destination, while the rest of the families changed their minds before arriving at the crossing between the regime and FSA. This is after the FSA militants managed to convince them to stay and promised to provide better services at the camp. Homsi said, Those willing to return [to Homs] have had their names registered at the Zoghra camp since early June, more than a month before the convoy departed. From the beginning, the whole process took place with the knowledge of the Turkish officials in the Euphrates Shield area, which is a Turkish area of influence. The deteriorating situation at the Zoghra camp, where more than 7,500 displaced al-Waer residents live, drove some families back to Homs only a few months after they had reached the FSA-controlled Euphrates Shield area. They returned in groups from March 18 until May 22. Since the Turkish government's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) established the camp in March, the site has lacked sufficient accommodations even the most basic services such as health care, water, electricity and food. Also, the high temperatures in the tents, which lack thermal insulation fabric, were unbearable for many. The FSA militants, along with their families, originally moved from al-Waer to northern Aleppo during the regimes ongoing siege and the increased shelling that preceded the Russian-brokered settlement reached March 13 between both sides. The regime is trying to take advantage of the families return to al-Waer and other areas they fled to show that everything is normal in areas under its control, as the economy and security deteriorates in opposition-held areas, particularly in the Operation Euphrates Shield's camps in rural Aleppo province. Judy Arsh, a media activist displaced from al-Waer to the Euphrates Shield area, said the government has established rules for those who return. The regime stated clearly that if a family wishes to return home, all its members, as registered in the family register, must return together. The regime also said it will not be responsible for moving the families' belongings [and refuses] to send the necessary trucks and pickups for transferring luggage and belongings. In other words, the families will have to pay all the related expenses," Arsh told Al-Monitor. However, the pro-regime figures who negotiated the citizens' return to al-Waer promised that the regime will facilitate the arrival of defectors and those who had avoided militarily service. She said that is the regime's attempt to exploit the return of al-Waer's people in the media and for the regime to be viewed as the strong ruler that cares for the people. Once people heard that the regime was not arresting families who returned to al-Waer, more of them felt encouraged to make the trip. "More have registered their names and decided to return," Arsh said. "Another batch of more than 1,000 displaced, nearly 200 families in the same camp, has been preparing to return to al-Waer," but the FSA and Turkish forces have delayed it. In parallel, the AFAD, along with the FSA factions in the Euphrates Shield area, have been trying since early July to provide additional services to improve living conditions in the Zoghra camp to convince people to stay, no matter how tempting the regimes offers are. Arsh confirmed that services are improving at Zoghra. "Medical clinics were started in the camp, water is regularly supplied, there were repairs in the sewerage network and AFAD distributed food parcels to the displaced. The camp, however, needs permanent care and additional services, and torn tents need to be replaced with new ones. The situation has improved in general in the camp, which has become favorable for the people," Arsh said. In cooperation with Turkish governmental and nongovernmental organizations, the Jarablus local council has been trying to provide more services in the Zoghra camp so the displaced will settle in the area. The local council launched a primary school July 25 and promised to open complementary and secondary schools. August 1, 2017 CAIRO Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is sparking widespread controversy with his recent court appointments, ignoring the protests of numerous judges. On July 19, Sisi appointed Judge Ahmed Abu al-Azm as head of the State Council, which adjudicates disputes to which the government is a party. The assembly of the council's judges had recommended Judge Yahya Dakroury, the most senior judge in line for that position. On June 29, Sisi appointed Judge Magdy Mahmoud Taha Abu El-Ela to head the Supreme Judicial Council, instead of the most senior judge, Anas Amara, who supports the judiciary's independence and who was chosen by the Supreme Judicial Council from among three candidates. On the same day, Sisi also appointed Judge Hussein Abdo Khalil to head the State Lawsuit Authority and Judge Rachida Fathallah to lead the Administrative Prosecution Authority. Sisi took those actions in accordance with a law parliament passed April 26 granting him the power to appoint the heads of four judicial bodies from among multiple candidates. Previously, each body appointed its most senior judge, and the president, strictly as a formality, authorized that person. Many judges oppose the new law, believing it undermines the judiciary's independence and the separation of powers. On July 23, Amara challenged the decision that ruled him out. In a submission to the Court of Cassation and the Supreme Judicial Council, he said the new law is unconstitutional and claimed he is entitled to the post. Dakroury submitted a complaint to Sisi as a preliminary step toward challenging Sisi's decision by submitting a lawsuit before the Supreme Administrative Court. In his complaint, published July 24 by al-Shorouk newspaper, Dakroury said his non-appointment is an unjustified precedent that has not happened for more than 70 years, in violation of the principle of appointment by seniority admitted as a norm by the judicial system." "Undermining this principle would affect the proper conduct of justice," Dakroury's complaint reads. Some judges said Amara's and Dakrourys challenges will fail, as the newly appointed judges have already started filling their positions. The judges who spoke to Al-Monitor said the proceedings will be lengthy and the men might even reach retirement age in June before seeing their challenges settled. Former Justice Minister Ahmed Makki told Al-Monitor, The judges seem to have found that the appropriate way to confront the recent presidential decisions is to challenge them." He believes the president's actions are illegal because they allow the executive branch to encroach on the judicial branch, violating the principle of separation of powers. The president of the republic, head of the executive branch, cannot choose the heads of judicial bodies. The judiciary is an independent branch by virtue of the constitution, he said. Makki explained that through his appointments, the president can effectively turn the country's security apparatus into a supervisory body over the judiciary. The judiciarys main task is to supervise the works of the executive branch, including the security services. Amnesty International expressed similar concerns, citing that in a number of past cases involving mass death penalty sentences, lower courts relied only on investigations conducted by Egypt's National Security Agency. The Court of Cassation overturned those rulings. Makki added, "Authoritarian regimes restrict freedom of information, prevent citizens from expressing their views and impose their control over the judiciary. This is exactly what the Egyptian regime has done." Lawyer Gamal Eid, director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, told Al-Monitor, The decisions of appointing the heads of judicial bodies are similar to the decisions taken by ousted President Mohammed Morsi in 2012 when he sacked public prosecutor Abdul Majid Mahmoud. The non-appointment of Yahya Dakroury and Anas Amara would lead to loss of confidence in the justice system." The new legislation, he said, could give Sisi enough power over the judiciary to turn Egypt into a one-man-rule state. Mustafa Shaat, a legal researcher at the American University in Cairo's Law and Society Unit, told Al-Monitor, The appointments approved by Sisi consecrated the philosophy of appointing heads of judicial bodies based on security services reports." He added, "This is a real catastrophic indication that we are witnessing a new stage of convergence or perhaps integration in the relationship between the judicial institution and the state in general. He said, "The judicial institutions were shaky and lacked a unified vision. They did not coordinate to take a unified position against the [new] law." The State Council, the States Lawsuits Authority and the Supreme Council of the Judiciary did register formal opposition to the law before parliament voted. The State Council carried it further, nominating Dakroury the oldest judge in the council as a single candidate to head the council instead of nominating three of its seven senior judges. "This was an act of defiance against Sisi," Shaat said. Sisis appointment of heads of judicial bodies will increase the regimes chances [for control] and encourage it to limit the remaining powers of judges, such as reducing the retirement age of judges and reducing their financial privileges," he said. As for the impact Sisi's choices will have on justice in Egypt, Shaat said, "It is too early to determine the repercussions of these appointments. When judges will feel that security clearance is a condition for promotion, their professional conduct will surely be affected." Ammar Ali Hassan, a researcher in political sociology and a journalist, told Al-Monitor, Sisis recent appointments subordinated the judicial branch to the executive branch. ... Sisi has two goals. The first is to control the judiciary. Two years into his presidency, Sisi noted that the judiciary is the only institution out of his control. ... The second is to control the Supreme Electoral Committee, which will oversee the upcoming presidential election in 2018." With passage of the new law, "I think he achieved his objectives." Sisi is expected to run in the 2018 election, but he has linked his candidacy to "the will of the people." If the will of the Egyptian people requires me to run for another term, I will so do," Sisi said a year ago, speaking with editors-in-chief of national newspapers. August 2, 2017 CAIRO Mehmet Nur has been hiding out, spending time in mosques, living at friends houses and avoiding police at all costs since Egyptian authorities began a crackdown on Uighur residents, arresting scores of them in July. I am waiting to see what will happen to the detained students, Nur, a Uighur student at Al-Azhar University, told Al-Monitor after requesting a pseudonym for security reasons. Will they be released and allowed to move on with their studies, or will they be deported? I have to wait to see if I can enroll in university next semester. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Egyptian police rounded up at least 62 Uighurs in Cairo on July 3 at the apparent request of the Chinese government. The New York Times reported on July 6 that Egyptian aviation sources had revealed that authorities had deported 12 members of the community and detained another 22 for immediate deportation. On the night of the raids, Nur was lucky to have been praying at a mosque far from Nasr Citys Hay al-Sabea neighborhood, where most foreign Al-Azhar students reside. We have a WhatsApp group, and a friend warned us not to go home or to a Uighur restaurant in that area, Nur said. Police raided the restaurant and then arrested some students at their homes nearby. I stayed out that night and ended up waiting under a building. Nur later traveled with 12 other students to Hurghada, where he spent four days at a hotel before going back to Cairo. Nur took some of his female colleagues to the Hurghada airport for flights to Turkey and was detained for an hour and a half. We didnt want to let the girls go to the airport alone, especially because they dont speak Arabic, Nur explained. I got detained and they asked for my passport. Luckily, I have my residency paperwork. They interrogated me and eventually let me go. I was scared they wouldnt. There is an arbitrariness to the process. Nur said that authorities had arrested more than 20 students attempting to travel to Turkey from Alexandrias Borg El Arab airport and that one friend was picked up at the Cairo airport. HRW reported similar claims. I dont know why they are arresting us, Nur said. I asked the police officer at the airport why they were doing this, and even he told me that he did not know why they had [received] these orders. Nur is now afraid to travel in case his name is on a travel ban list. Mohab Saeed, a lawyer specializing in students rights at the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE), told Al-Monitor that, according to their analysis, the fact that some Uighur members were allowed to flee to Turkey while others were not points to the probability of a list, but, he said, It is more likely that it was sent from China rather than written by Egypt. It is unclear on what the list is based, Saeed said. Nur, who has been able to stay in touch with a detained friend who smuggled a phone into prison, said that Chinese officials had interrogated the Uighur detainees in Tora. For years, China has cracked down on Uighurs, an ethnic minority from Chinas Xinjiang region, on the premise of fighting terrorism. There have been multiple cases of countries deporting Uighurs back to China, where they face persecution. Saeed and a group of lawyers have visited two Nasr City police stations and the Tora prison, but officers denied that there were any Uighurs there. So, officially, the state hasnt even recognized the arrest of these people, Saeed said. The states narrative has been one of denial. Mohamed Abdelsallam, the head of AFTE's research unit, told Al-Monitor, Knowing what possible future implication this situation holds depends on the Egyptian governments disclosure of information. Government officials and institutions have only issued scattered statements to journalists, he said. On July 9, an unnamed security source told Al-Masry Al-Youm that authorities had not deported the Uighur students and that the arrests concerned residency and paperwork checks. Abdelsallam said, If these students had real charges and accusations handed to them, then they should have been referred for prosecution and then put to trial in a court setting. This is not whats happening. Al-Azhar spokesperson Hossam Shaker told Al-Monitor, This is a private governmental matter, and the university has no relation to it. There were no students arrested at the university. On July 7, HRW and AFTE wrote a letter to the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, asking him to cease the mass arrests of ethnic Uyghurs. Shaker said that he does not know how many of the detainees were enrolled at the university, but that Tayeb had intervened to release 17 Al-Azhar students. There are currently 263 Uighurs finishing degrees at Al-Azhar, according to Shaker, who also noted, Some [of the detainees] might be students at other institutions. Saeed pointed to a discrepancy in the narratives, with the Interior Ministry denying the detentions and Al-Azhar sometimes saying this is a security matter they have no link to and then saying they have already released their students. Nur said that many of his friends have been sleeping in mosques in Old Cairo, while Abdelsallam said that some Uighurs have left Cairo for other cities in an attempt to avoid arrest. The police are still in Hay al-Sabea to arrest people, Nur remarked. Some of them have even asked the doormen of some of the buildings about the students. Nur explained that the Chinese crackdown fluctuates, stating, I came here in 2013, but I went back home in 2015 without a problem and stayed there for 22 days. Since 2016 over the past six months especially this has changed because of Chinese policy. Nur has not spoken to his family in four months. While he still has savings, they will not last for long. For now, he has chosen to stay in Cairo rather than Hurghada for financial reasons. We do know that a lot of [Uighurs] are having budget problems now, Saeed said. Their money is running out. There are also families that now do not have access to medical services because of the lack of money and their fear of moving around [lest police see them] Saeed added, Some of them who were applying for refugee status at the UNHCR cannot go there now either, because there is a police presence around the headquarters. Meanwhile, Shaker said, There is nothing against Uighur students following up with their studies and enrolling next semester as long as they have gone through their enrollment procedures and their paperwork is in order. In May and June, students began hearing rumors that police would start arresting them. Back home, Chinese authorities threatened some of their families to pressure the students to return, Nur said. In June, Interior Minister Magdy Abdel Ghaffar met with Chinese Deputy Public Security Minister Chen Zhimin and discussed future cooperation and exchange of information about countering extremism and extremist organizations. We really didnt expect [the arrests], though. I never thought Egypt would do this, Nur said. But it happened. August 1, 2017 While President Donald Trumps State Department has twice now certified Iranian compliance with the July 2015 nuclear deal, there are indications that Trump is intent on scuttling his predecessors signature foreign policy achievement. However, the conundrum for the White House and its allies is that withdrawing from the deal known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA when Iran is fully complying with its obligations according to all objective observers cannot be done without isolating the United States. You want the breakup of this deal to be about Iran. You dont want it to be about the United States, because we want our allies with us, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the Senates Foreign Relations Committee chairman and a prominent JCPOA critic, said. Notably, Trump has already tasked a team in the White House with presenting him with an option to not recertify Iranian compliance at the next review in September, and he has said that he personally believes Iran will be found noncompliant. An informed source in Washington who asked to remain anonymous told Al-Monitor that the White House is seeking ways to accuse Iran of technical noncompliance and material breaches of the deal, such as pressuring the International Atomic Energy Agency into demanding access to sensitive military facilities in Iran and using an Iranian rejection as a pretext for withdrawing from the deal; renegotiating the deal to get zero uranium enrichment in Iran or make the current limits on the Iranian nuclear program permanent; and trying to validate a 2016 German intelligence report claiming Iran continued illegal proliferation-sensitive procurement activities," despite the fact it was already dismissed by the Barack Obama administration and independent experts. US regional allies led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have begun lobbying Congress for the right to enrich uranium themselves, citing that the JCPOA allows Shiite Iran to do so. Corker has also touched on this issue, stating that weve got to ultimately get to a place where we renegotiate this deal and they never have the right to enrich. Meanwhile, a senior US official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the Trump administration is pushing for inspections of Iranian military sites. During the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Trump also called on foreign leaders to stop doing business with Iran, in direct contravention of the nuclear deals text prohibiting actions that adversely affect Iran establishing normal economic relations. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described Trumps comments as a violation of not the spirit but of the letter of the JCPOA. He added that Iran has available the option to withdraw from the deal in the event of significant nonperformance by the United States. The Trump White House is on the brink of an action that will have major consequences for peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. However, Trumps options are not limited. The root of the Trump administrations qualms with Iran has to do with US-Iran differences on regional issues. Therefore, the Trump White House must recognize that the JCPOA is a multilateral agreement involving five other global powers that is focused only on the nuclear dispute, and it is an agreement that met each sides bottom lines not their maximalist demands. At a recent joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini significantly stated, We will ensure that engagement with Iran will continue and that the deal will be implemented in all its parts by all. This means the nuclear part; this means also all the rest like the lifting of sanctions, as you know, and the gradual re-engagement in all sectors. To this end, the most prudent option for the Trump administration would be to uphold Americas credibility and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the deal, by remaining committed to the JCPOA and simultaneously seeking to resolve differences with Iran over the region through pragmatic diplomacy. The source of US contention with Iran has little to do with where the Islamic Republic stands on human rights or terrorism of the flavor that has ravaged Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Libya and killed countless innocents in the West. It is well-known that on human rights, Iran is light-years ahead of some of Americas closest regional allies such as Saudi Arabia. Moreover, both Hillary Clinton and Trump lambasted Saudi Arabia as the worlds biggest funder of terrorism. A former Qatari prime minister has also recently admitted how the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey all made mistakes in supporting extremist groups in Syria. The fact is that Iran is the only regional power directly fighting the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, who likely would have captured Baghdad and Damascus if not for Irans intervention. However, a number of realities cannot be denied. First, the United States and Iran have sharply clashing interests in the region. While the United States views Irans regional influence as destabilizing, Iran sees Americas decadeslong underwriting of regional autocracies and its wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and complicity in the Yemeni-Saudi conflict as spurring instability and fostering terrorism. Second, the United States is at odds with other global powers such as Russia, China and even some of its European allies over its Middle East policy. Third, the United States also currently has serious differences with some of its traditional allies among the Arab Persian Gulf states as well as Turkey. If Trump continues with his policies of all-out confrontation and regime change in Iran, increasing Americas military presence in Afghanistan, supporting Saudi Arabias brutal war in Yemen and flooding the region with hundreds of billions of dollars more of US arms, he will only add more fuel to regional fires, which will also sooner or later gravely harm US security. Furthermore, while international diplomacy achieved success in peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear dispute, its track record on the crises in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Palestine is of failure. As such, before settling on an Iran policy, Trump must take a holistic view of the US footprint in the region and decide on a comprehensive regional strategy. His administration must take note of past failures, especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya; take to heart their lessons; and make the appropriate reforms to ensure such mistakes never occur again. If this occurs, then when it comes to Iran, Trump will not be fated to repeat the counterproductive polices of the past decades. August 1, 2017 Debate on the second-term Cabinet of moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who was re-elected in May, has turned controversial as Reformists suspect that their expectations may not be realized. On July 31, Abdullah Nouri, an influential Reformist leader, criticized Rouhanis likely new Cabinet. The news that we have heard about the abilities and capabilities of a number of the [proposed] people for the Cabinet is concerning. The Reformists' disagreement or opposition to the presence of some people in the Cabinet is being brought up [in order] to make [Rouhanis] promises come true, he said in a meeting with the Student Islamic Association of Tehran University. He went on to say, The concerns of the Reformists are that if Rouhani's promises and slogans are forgotten and deposited in the archives, the trust of the people will be damaged and the country will be harmed. In order to fulfill [Rouhanis] promises, those who believe in [these promises] should be [the members] of the [new] Cabinet, because otherwise, problems will arise for Rouhani more than others." Nouri added that the Reformists must not shy away from demanding that Rouhani name figures who believe in his electoral pledges. The Reformists believe that their decision to put their weight behind Rouhani led to his victory, and they are now expecting that Reform-minded figures be chosen for the presidents second-term Cabinet. However, reports have emerged about the presence of some conservatives in key positions, including the Interior Ministry. In the past months, various lists of possible Cabinet members have circulated in the Iranian media. While far from reliable, it appears as if a number of controversial ministers who are not welcomed by Reformists will remain in the government. Among the most contentious ministers is conservative Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, the incumbent interior minister. Both moderates and Reformists have criticized Fazli for not having picked Reform-minded figures or supporters of the government as governors in the past four years. Many Reformists opine that Fazlis likely reappointment is the result of a deal between moderate-conservative parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani and Rouhani. Outspoken member of parliament Ali Motahari told local media July 21, They told the president to propose that figure [for the Interior Ministry], [and in return] we will help you so that your three preferred ministers obtain votes of approval [in the parliament]. In this vein, an interior minister was proposed with whose performance we are not really satisfied with. Moreover, Rouhanis likely decision to name Mahmoud Vaezi as his new chief of staff has also raised criticism among Reformists, who think Vaezi is working with Larijani and moderate-conservatives to marginalize the Reformists in the Cabinet. Meanwhile, prominent ministers, including popular Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, will remain in the Cabinet. However, it is not clear whether experienced Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh, who has achieved success in retaking Irans market share after the termination of nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran, will agree to continue his work. Zangeneh has reportedly told the president that he is no longer in a mood to deal with his hard-line foes. Of note, Zarif, Ghazizadeh and Zangeneh three particularly successful ministers have been constantly attacked by hard-liners over their approaches and plans. In response to Reformist criticisms, government spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht stated Aug. 1, The president has heard different opinions about the Cabinet and he himself will make the final decision. The president is committed to the demands of the people and invites the best, the most coherent and the most appropriate figures [to the Cabinet]." Nobakht continued, Instead of responding to the demands of certain political currents, Rouhani considers himself responsive to the demands of the people, while not forgetting and respecting the efforts and services of the political currents, hinting at the Reformists. In addition, various reports have indicated that Rouhani will not appoint women as ministers, going against a key electoral promise. On July 30, Reformist member of parliament Mohammad Reza Tabesh stated that it is highly unlikely that there will be any female ministers, adding that Rouhani will appoint a number of women as his deputies, which is currently the case. In this vein, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Mowlaverdi stated July 31 that she will not keep her current position in the next administration. She also said Aug. 1 that there will be no special quota or share for women in Rouhanis next administration, but she added that negotiations are still underway about the potential appointment of female ministers. August 2, 2017 On Aug. 1, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia surprised political observers by shaking hands with each other at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul. Given that the encounter came in the wake of months of direct verbal clashes between the two over regional developments, some saw the unexpected greeting as potentially signaling a glimmer of hope for improvement in the Iran-Saudi relationship. Following the warm greeting, Mohammad Javad Zarif told Iranian journalists Aug. 1 that what happened on the sidelines of the OIC summit was a diplomatic norm and based on mutual respect and a long-standing friendship with Adel al-Jubeir. He added that the brief encounter was not groundwork for the resumption of diplomatic relations, which Saudi Arabia cut following the storming of its diplomatic facilities in Iran over its execution of a dissident Shiite cleric. In response to a question about whether there was any link between the greeting with Jubeir and Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadrs trip to Saudi Arabia on July 31, Zarif said Aug. 2, The policy that Saudi Arabia is pursuing in Iraq had no relation with this encounter. This was just a simple greeting. Zarif continued, The Islamic Republic of Irans policy is to cooperate with its neighbors, and if the neighbors are prepared and dont seek to create tensions, they definitely see Iran as a good partner and companion because it is in Irans interest to have a safe and stable region. Reformist and moderate Iranian media welcomed the warm greeting, while hard-liners have yet to comment on the matter. The Reformist Shargh daily reported Aug. 2, Iran is not seeking hostility toward Saudi. Zarifs greeting with Jubeir may be a prelude to the end of whatever that has created disagreement, [even] if the meeting was accidental. We should talk to Saudi Arabia diplomatically. Describing the handshake as the first positive step, Nosratollah Tajik, a former ambassador to Jordan, told a local news site Aug. 2, Whether this meeting was preplanned or coincidental, it indicates that both countries have the will to reduce the tensions and resolve the misunderstandings [between each other]. He added, That both foreign ministers decided to talk and greet instead of taunting and confronting each other shows that the atmosphere is being prepared for the beginning of talks. In other news, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has reacted to the new US congressional sanctions against Tehran. Irans countermeasures against the US lack of commitment to the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] will be coordinated and [conducted in] parallel [with one another], Shamkhani said Aug. 2. The senior Iranian official continued, The US is seeking to withdraw from the JCPOA at the expense of Iran, while we would definitely not give that country [the US] such an opportunity. Nonetheless, this does not mean maintaining the JCPOA at any cost. He added, Practically, the five countries [UK, France, Germany, Russia and China] have stood up to the US, and all of them have clarified or have hinted that the US is breaching the JCPOA, and this is a political achievement for Iran, having paid the lowest price. Shamkhani said, In the view of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to curb this raging bull [the US], we should direct its energy to the preferred path so that we can reach our anticipated objective without any additional expense and damage. August 2, 2017 On May 2, Saudi Arabias Mohammed bin Salman (now the crown prince) said in a television interview that dialogue with Iran was impossible due to Iranians' belief in the Shiite Messiah. Their stance is that the awaited Mahdi will come, and they need to create a fertile environment for the arrival of the awaited Mahdi, and they need to take over the Islamic world, bin Salman said when he was deputy crown prince. He then asked, Where are the common points that we might be able to reach an understanding on with this regime? Almost three months later, on July 31, the crown prince received in the western port city of Jeddah prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Sadr is the leader and founder of what used to be called the Mahdi Army named after the same Shiite Messiah mentioned above whose reappearance Sadr believes in. The Iraqi cleric has also publicly expressed harsh views of Saudi Arabia. In 2016, he reacted to the execution of Saudi Shiite dissident cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr by calling on Saudi Shiites to take to the streets and by describing the authorities in the kingdom as "Daesh [Islamic State] rascals. Despite these sectarian rants, neither Salman nor Sadr found it difficult to meet and pose for pictures as they discussed issues of common interests, according to the Saudi state news agency. The meeting was once again more proof that sectarianism in the Middle East is only a thin veil that covers the heart of the current strife in the region, namely politics. This is what brought Sadr to Saudi Arabia and prompted the Saudis to open their arms and welcome him via their former ambassador to Iraq, Arab Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan, who was once seen by the Iraqi authorities as persona non grata. Sadr isnt the first prominent Iraqi Shiite figure to have recently visited the kingdom. On July 18, Interior Minister Qasim al-Araji, a close ally of Tehran, traveled to Saudi Arabia one month after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi started a regional tour by visiting Riyadh and from there made his way to Tehran and Kuwait. These visits have sparked many questions. For instance, are they really part of an Iraqi attempt to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and is there an Iraqi channel for the exchange of messages between Tehran and Riyadh? Or is it all a Saudi plan to curtail Iranian influence by embracing Shiite Arabs at the eastern gate of the Arab world? When Sadr arrived in Jeddah, an anonymous Twitter user known as Mujtahid noted for his regular leaking of alleged developments within the secretive House of Saud tweeted that the warm welcoming of Sadr and prior to him al-Araji, offering thousands of [hajj] visas to PMU [Popular Mobilization Units], celebrating the [liberation] of Mosul, are all attempts to get closer to Iran so that they can convince the Houthis to have mercy on bin Salman. Thamer al-Sabhan in a July 31 tweet attacked [Ayatollah Ruhollah] Khomeinis version of Shiism and praised what Sabhan called genuine Shiism. Less than 24 hours later, however, that tweet was removed. It is still unclear whether Sadr is really attempting to mediate between Tehran and Riyadh. However, a senior Iranian official who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity expressed doubt that such an endeavor would succeed in ending the rivalry between the two regional powers. The apparent Saudi-Iraqi rapprochement was given greater attention as many observers expressed shock at suddenly seeing Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir embracing one another and shaking hands in Istanbul on July 1. The top diplomats were in the Turkish city to take part in the Organization for Islamic Cooperations snap meeting on the latest developments in Jerusalem. Both men have taken part in several gatherings in the last year, including one in Switzerland on Oct. 16. However, in the latter session, while both were facing each other, they did not appear to even maintain eye contact. While Zarif quickly dismissed speculation about a thaw, saying that he and Jubeir have long known each other, and that was [simply] another greeting, he added that although Iran does not agree with many policies of Saudi Arabia, its policies have always been based on establishing good ties with neighbors. The surprising encounter in Istanbul also notably came as the first pilgrims from Iran arrived in Saudi Arabia to take part in the first hajj in two years; as part of this, Riyadh granted 10 Iranian diplomats permission to be present in three Saudi cities to take care of the pilgrims, even after Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2015. While there may at present be no common ground between the two countries, some steps might help if there is an intention to bridge the gaps. Iraq has the potential to play an important role in such an effort, and whereas the Iranians have the upper hand in Baghdad, the Saudis might help in integrating the Iraqi Sunnis in the political process. This might have implications later on, perhaps on the Yemeni crisis and the situation in Syria. For now, there can only be speculation, for there is no definite evidence that a serious initiative to foster reconciliation is being pushed with the consent of both sides. Iran is unhappy about seeing the Saudis getting close to Israel, even behind the curtains, as Iranian officials see this as a threat to Iran's interests. On the other hand, the Saudis are very concerned that Iran might be gaining influence in some Arab countries, and this alone from the Saudi point of view undermines Riyadh's ability to draw policies in the region. Syria, Yemen and Lebanon are good examples in this regard, not to mention the latest crisis with Qatar, where Iran played an important role in breaking the blockade on the tiny Gulf State. Despite many indications to the contrary, Saudi Arabia and Iran might even be experiencing a truce, a ceasing of hostile acts or having an understanding where each state gives the other some concessions. But even this wouldnt mean that their rivalry will end. At best, it would just be another break before the next standoff begins. August 2, 2017 In almost all the years of Israel's existence, the heads of its military and other defense organizations were practically sacrosanct. Israel may be the only country in the world that is forced to fight for its very existence on a regular basis. Its people live under a long-standing state of siege, surrounded by enemies who would like to see them thrown into the sea. That is why Israelis are so aware that without a powerful Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military's superiority in the air and top-notch intelligence agencies, the country wouldn't last a single day in this part of the world. Ever since the state was first founded almost 70 years ago (1948), there has been a flourishing romance between Israel and its generals. The IDF's chief of staff was a consensus figure who almost always topped the popularity charts by an enormous margin. There was good reason that the position of chief of staff was considered to be a springboard to future political leadership. Two chiefs of staff, Yitzhak Rabin and Ehud Barak, went on to become prime minister. So did a major general Ariel Sharon. At one point, Israelis knew the names of every general serving on the general staff, and flags with their pictures flew from the ramparts on Independence Day. Everybody knew their names. While those days have long gone, even in the modern era, the IDF's generals and the heads and senior officials of the Shin Bet, the Mossad and other such organizations were the most popular people in Israel by an enormous margin. The same is true about the various defense ministers. The position of defense minister was always considered the ultimate springboard to leadership, and anyone who held the office was at the top of every ranking of politicians by popularity. Israel's defense minister was usually someone with a heroic military past. He did not deal with mundane affairs. He would not dirty himself with politics. He did not deal with bureaucracy. Instead, the defense minister visited the various military bases and handed out ranks, usually in full battledress, sunglasses and a modicum of stardust. Even now, years after his death, and even after his pristine image was shattered by the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, with his black eyepatch, is still considered a mythological figure. He remains one of the most admired people from the young state's early days. All of that changed right before our eyes over the past two years. Moshe Ya'alon is a former defense minister who also served as chief of staff. Yet he was obliterated in public opinion polls once he condemned the actions of the Hebron shooter Elor Azaria. The public, particularly the Israeli right, would not forgive his calls to punish the wayward soldier who shot a dying terrorist. Israeli public opinion has veered to the right over the last few years. The public has become more right wing, the left has been diminished and concern about such concepts as the peace process or the suffering of the Palestinians has been reduced accordingly. This has had a profound impact on politicians, particularly on the right. Prompted by their voters, they are constantly veering ever more to the right. So, for instance, just last week on July 23, the popular Minister of Culture Miri Regev called the Shin Bet "delusional." Once it was learned that the Shin Bet recommended to the Cabinet that it remove the metal detectors at the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the chairman of the coalition, Knesset member David Bitan, declared in a radio interview that the Shin Bet is cowardly and that all its agents want is to get home in one piece. He was still speaking when attorney Yoram Sheftel, a darling of the far right, attacked Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot. Sheftel called him "pathetic" and said that he "does not, in any way, shape or form, have the appearance of a soldier. He is similar, in his appearance, to a file clerk in the Kirya [IDF headquarters]." Sheftel is not a political figure. He has a popular radio show and is considered a guru of the far right. He also spearheaded the appeal of the Hebron shooter Azaria after a court convicted him of manslaughter. Sheftel was criticized for his comments about the chief of staff and he eventually apologized for them, but even then, the uproar that his comments evoked was limited in scope. Large swathes of the public, particularly on the right, have been convinced recently that the chief of staff and other heads of the armed services are essentially a group of leftists constantly trying to influence the right-wing government to "get back on track." This constitutes a real revolution to the Israeli social fabric. It can all be traced back to a law passed in 2007, commonly known as the Dan Halutz Law. The person behind this law was none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The law established a three-year cooling off period (which is extended to four years when considering the adaptation year granted to retiring senior officers) from when officers complete their service in the military or other branch of the security apparatus and when they can run for elected office. Netanyahu wanted to block generals and other popular military commanders from entering politics in order to ensure that they do not pose a threat to his status as "permanent" prime minister. He succeeded. Israel's defense establishment, which was the country's largest leadership incubator and training center during Israel's first 60 years, has since been defused. No one remembers the daring exploits of some general or other four years after he left the IDF. The heroic aura that once surrounded him has long since faded away, and any threat to the country's leadership has been reduced considerably, as his entry into politics generates little public attention. Growing criticism of the supposedly hefty wages, benefit packages and pensions of career officers in Israel has played a part in this too, especially when combined with the rightward shift of the Israeli electorate. Meanwhile, the IDF and other security services continue to represent a clear and professional attitude, which sees the geopolitical situation in the Middle East from a more sober perspective. The result is a growing disconnect between the people of Israel and its defenders. In this new reality, Israelis still love their troops dearly. The problem is that they are wary of their troops' commanders. The defense minister is little more than a political figure subject to intense criticism. He no longer receives the benefit of the doubt. The chief of staff is judged by his actions. The Shin Bet is expected to toe the government's line instead of preserving professional judgment. And the list goes on and on. There are those who will say that these are all signs of a normal country one that is less militaristic and more critical of itself. In the case of Israel, however, it is not at all certain that this is the right diagnosis. In the past, Israel's political leadership was forced to rein in its generals, who always wanted to take action and perhaps even put the state at risk by initiating unnecessary military adventurism. The situation has changed since then. Now it is the generals who have to rein in the political leadership by explaining the risks, geopolitical interests and other truly important issues. Israel has changed. Its sacred cows are being slaughtered one by one, and the herd feels totally free to go its own way. In the Middle East, that's a dangerous way to go. August 1, 2017 It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, an image can also be as dangerous as a cannon. This appears to be the conclusion reached by two women, one Israeli and the other Palestinian, who have dedicated most of their lives to researching images related to the conflict and their use and fate. Rona Sela, a curator and lecturer at Tel Aviv University, recounted to Al-Monitor how she first became involved with these images 20 years ago. I was doing research in the mid-1990s, she began. My focus was an analysis of Zionist photography in the early stages of the state of Israel. I researched the way institutional Zionist propaganda departments from the 1920s to 1948 used visual images to construct a national identity to build peoples consciousness about national issues. As the Palestinian narrative was, in most cases, missing from the Zionist one, I started searching for Palestinian images. Early on in her research, Sela found a large group of images by the photographer Khallil Rasas, whose work was not known but had been looted from his studio in Jerusalem. Rasas images of Palestinian life during the first half of the 20th century, never made public, often contradicted the official Israeli narrative. Sela published a few texts about Rasas and his work as well as other Palestinian photographers active in Palestine in the 1930s and 1940s. Sela explained, In the beginning, it was accidental that I came across traces of the looting, but then I started deliberating trying to find more material that was plundered and to understand what the meaning of these images was and how they fit into the larger narrative of the conflict. Another Sela discovery was a pre-state Zionist project called Village Files, Aerial Photos and Surveys. Sela went public with her research in 2009 and later published it in the Jerusalem Quarterly in 2013. The project involved detailed documentation of pre-1948 Palestinian villages in which the Jewish underground was interested. The Village Files included photographs and surveys of most of the 418 Palestinian villages that have since been demolished or repopulated by Zionists after the Nakba. According to Selas published research, many of the images were taken from the air by young Jewish couples often posing as tourists taking romantic flights over the villages. In fact, they were documenting the area and providing the photos to the Jewish underground. The images were to have been kept secret to prevent the possibility of comparisons between before and after photos. Sela believes that the secrecy behind Israeli efforts to hide the images is part of an attempt to protect the monopoly enjoyed by the Israeli narrative. She remarked, From my experience, correspondents, talks and processes, it is very clear that Israel is interested in one narrative prevailing. Sela has published numerous articles on the subject, held exhibits and produced films detailing what she has unearthed. Selas publications and exhibits, as per her website, include Photography in Palestine/Eretz-Israel in the 30s and 40s (2000), Six Days and Forty Years (2007), The Absent-Present Palestinian Villages" (2009), Made Public Palestinian Photographs in Military Archives in Israel (2009), Chalil Raad, Photographs, 1891-1948 (2010), Effervescence (Unrest) Housing, Language, History A New Generation in Jewish-Arab Cities (2013) and Rethinking National Archives in Colonial Countries and Zones of Conflict (2015). Selas most recent essay, The Genealogy of Colonial Plunder and Erasure Israel's Control over Palestinian Archives, focuses on two archives: those of the Palestinian Research Center and the Film Center of the Palestine Liberation Organizations (PLO) Media Department, both of which were stolen by the Israeli army after invading Beirut in 1982. Published in March 2017 in the Journal of Social Semiotics, Selas article reflects on what she calls a characteristic of colonial archives, describing how the ruling state plunders/loots the colonized archives and treasures and controls them in its colonial archives erasing them from the public sphere by repressive means, censor. According to Sela, she has a forthcoming article on the looting of the films in Beirut in the academic journal Anthropology of the Middle East, and an essay about Rasas is also in the works. Researching and attempting to publicize looted Palestinian imagery has also been a passion of Azza el-Hassan. When the Israeli army looted the Palestinian film archive, Hassan, a Palestinian documentary filmmaker born into a PLO family, was 11. She recalled that Hiba Jawharia, daughter of the Jerusalem-born Hani Jawharia, who filmed much of the material for the PLOs film unit, had been a childhood friend of hers in Beirut. Hani was killed on April 11, 1976, while filming in south Lebanon, leaving Hassan and her friend forever shaken. Hassan went on to study at the University of Glasgow, where she obtained a BA in film in 1994, and a year later obtained an MA in television documentary from the University of London. After concluding her studies, she was able to move to Palestine with the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accord. She related to Al-Monitor how the story of the missing archives including the footage shot by her childhood friends father never left her. Hassan ultimately decided to trace what had happened to the films. Before the Israelis arrived in Beirut, some of the films had been collected at the last moment and hidden in different homes and locations. Most, however, were seized by Israel and are now in its army's archives. Hassan decided to embark on a journey that would eventually take her to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel in search of the missing material. She documented her adventure and search in Kings and Extras, a 2004 German-Palestinian production. A 2006 review of the film by the author Maymanah Farhat published by the Electronic Intifada touches on the historical and cultural importance of the search in Palestinian history. 'Kings and Extras' begins to gain importance not only with the documentation of a missing piece of history, but also as a portrait of a people resolved to maintain their community, culture and political struggle, wrote Farhat. The efforts by Sela, Hassan and others to search, document and present the public with hidden images of Palestine and the Palestinians flies in the face of the prevailing Israeli narrative, which aims to negate the Palestinians and therefore justify the continued occupation and colonization of the land and the people. Ongoing attempts to muzzle information and keep the truth hidden from a curious public will not succeed in erasing the memories and images that show what Palestine was before the Zionists and Israelis attempted to erase its history and with it the Palestinians' presence and rights in Palestine. August 1, 2017 Libya's opposing factions appear to have made progress toward resolving their country's three-year civil war. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted talks July 25 between Libyas two main opponents: Fayez al-Sarraj, the prime minister of Libyas Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), and Gen. Khalifa Hifter, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) based in eastern Libya. In their previous meeting May 2 in Abu Dhabi, the leaders failed to reach any tangible results and the meeting ended without a joint statement. Based on their joint statement and respective press interviews, it appears they reached agreements on certain issues this time. The meeting was held in La Celle-Saint-Cloud, a western suburb of Paris. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian played a vital role in bringing about the meeting, capitalizing on his good relations with Hifter, as Le Drian was defense minister under former Socialist President Francois Hollande and supported Hifters war against terror groups in eastern Libya, including the Islamic State (IS). So what exactly was agreed to in France, and what are the chances any agreements will be implemented to bring about a political settlement in Libya one that would unify its army and public institutions and lead to elections? Hifter and Sarraj have agreed to a cease-fire across Libya, except in the so-called war on terror. This is a preventive measure since neither Hifters forces nor Sarrajs loyal groups are currently engaged in any military activities against each other. But both parties seem to want to ensure that neither side resorts to force unless under extreme circumstances. Right after the Abu Dhabi meeting in May, an air base under LNA control was attacked in a surprise move by armed militias claiming loyalty to Sarraj, killing over 140 civilians and soldiers. Another important issue agreed to in Paris was that national elections should be held as soon as is feasible, possibly next spring. Elections are not a straightforward process in Libya. The country remains divided between the two governments, neither of which is in full control of its turf. This makes it difficult to have fair and secure elections across Libya. In particular, western Libya where armed groups are nominally loyal to the GNA is difficult to secure. In eastern Libya, Hifter's forces might be able to deliver security during elections, but this also is not an easy task since Derna in northeastern Benghazi, for example, is still controlled by different terror groups, including IS. Another issue that might impede elections is logistics. The national election commission would need to have ballot boxes and administrative issues sorted out by spring. Even if this can be arranged somehow, the issue of constitutionality remains. The country currently has no constitution, and its Constitutional Assembly has been deadlocked over drafting a new one for three years. One sticking point seems to be that minorities, including the Tebu and Amazigh (Berber), say the proposal does not grant them adequate rights. Add to that the Libyan Political Accord (LPA) signed in December 2015, which gave rise to the Government of National Accord but has yet to be passed by the Tobruk-based parliament. The meeting in France stressed that the LPA is the basic legal framework on which any future political settlement is to be built. As it stands now, the LPA does not enjoy a consensus among different protagonists, particularly Hifter, who sees it as a threat to his future role. To say the meeting was a success is too optimistic, though it was not a complete failure. Both sides, as well as the French government, repeatedly affirmed their commitment to see the process through and confirmed that failure is not an option. Undoubtedly, Hifter came out as the big winner after the meeting. He has been accepted as a legitimate military leader, as Macron put it in a news conference about the meeting. Hifter has long been seeking recognition as a legitimate military commander of LNA not as just another militia leader. Hifter also moved one step closer to being the dominant negotiator representing eastern Libya, at least for any interim talks expected to take place within Libya and with the new United Nations envoy Ghassan Salame. After being invited by a world power like France and accepted as a legitimate commander of regular armed forces, Hifter will certainly be at least the contact person for France and the wider European Union for any future compromises. After all, France played a leading military role in deposing Moammar Gadhafi's regime in 2011 and worked very hard to get the UN Security Council to pass a series of resolutions against his regime, ultimately authorizing the use of force. Now it becomes Salame's role to oversee how to bring about wider support for the meeting's results. He also has the difficult task of amending the LPA without renegotiating the entire document. Salame knows that he cannot overlook Hifter any longer, as previous envoys did. Salame attended the meeting in France and saw firsthand Hifter's influence. August 2, 2017 After months of speculation, Turkeys chief of the General Staff, Hulusi Akar, survived a shake-up of Turkey's top brass on Wednesday that saw the heads of the army, the air force and navy replaced. Doubt had fallen on the prospects for Akars continued leadership after the failed July coup attempt last year and conflicting accounts of his actions that day. The commander of the Turkish Land Forces, Salih Zeki Colak, will be replaced by the commander of the gendarmerie, Yasar Guler, who was detained and interned by the rebel officers during the coup. Navy chief Bulent Bostanoglu will cede his position to Adnan Ozbal, a vice admiral, and Hasan Kucukakyuz, the commander of the Turkish Warfare Air Force, replaces air force commander Abidin Unal. Gulers shift to the Land Forces Command suggests that the path has been cleared for him to become the next chief of the General Staff when Akar, whose handling of the coup is seen by many as riddled with contradictions and incompetence, likely retires next year. As Al-Monitor columnist Metin Gurcan has noted, Guler is known for his ferocious opposition to Fethullah Gulen, the Pennsylvania-based Sunni cleric the government has accused of orchestrating the July 15 coup. At a panel in Washington last month, Guler described the botched putsch as a terrorist act and called Gulen the leader of a radical terrorist organization. Fellow panelists rejected the notion that Gulenist perpetrators had joined forces with militantly pro-secular Kemalist officers in the attempt. Hakan Yavuz, a political scientist at the University of Utah, said, "The argument that Gulenists allied themselves with Kemalist officers isnt viable, because Gulenists would never ever even sit with the Kemalist officers, because they would hide their true identity at all times." The 63-year-old general is known as a a pugnacious advocate of Turkish military intervention in Syria and of armed support for the Syrian rebels. The reshuffle of the top military echelons coincides with the second day of the trial of nearly 500 people on charges of taking part in the coup. Gulen, the main defendant in the case, is being tried in absentia. The others include a former air force commander, Akin Ozturk, and other commanders from Ankara's Akinci air base, which is said to have been the nerve center of the failed operation. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Akar and the main opposition leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu of the Republican People's Party, among others, have petitioned the court to testify at the hearings. The debate over who led and organized the coup has not abated, but some prominent columnists in the pro-secular media have echoed Gulers assertion that the Kemalists had nothing to do with the coup. Such labels can, however, be misleading, and power often trumps ideology in Turkeys once-omnipotent armed forces. Kemalist credentials long served as a fig leaf for those eager to rise in the ranks. In todays Turkey, unswerving loyalty to Erdogan topped with a dollop of overt piety appears to be the formula for success. One consensus opinion is that many Gulenist officers who knew they were going to be purged last year by the Supreme Military Council were at the forefront of the putsch but that assorted others opposed to Erdogan were involved as well. This explanation chimes with the broader pattern of Gulen marshaling all of his now-mostly-purged disciples in the security services and the judiciary to overthrow Erdogan. Another common narrative is that Erdogan had caught wind of the coup, but allowed it to unfold anyway, so he could smoke out his enemies. In any case, Erdogan has used the coup as a pretext to crack down on myriad adversaries, real and perceived. Thousands of officers, including at least 149 generals and admirals, and hundreds of military attaches posted at NATO facilities across Europe and the United States have been fired, prompting comments that the Turkish Armed Forces, NATOs second-largest army, is a lame duck. An administration official recently told Al-Monitor, We have few people left in the Turkish military that we can talk to. And the rest are too scared. On the bright side, military tutelage, at least on paper, is no longer a threat. Under new rules rammed through by the government last August, the land forces, navy and air force now all report to the minister of defense, a civilian. All military-run academies and lycees have been shuttered, and the president will appoint the rector of the National Defense University being established in their place. Graduates of Islamic clerical training schools, previously shunned by the military, will be permitted to enroll. Thus technically speaking, in the new Turkey, one can simultaneously be an imam and a general, rather like the Ottoman sultans, who were both caliph and commander. Then again, Erdogan might want to reserve those titles for himself. Correction: August 3, 2017. An earlier version of this article said that Yasar Guler rejected the notion that Gulenists had joined forces with Kemalist officers in last year's coup attempt. The quote in question was instead from Hakan Yavuz. Apologies. August 1, 2017 The White House decided to cancel a covert program to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels after weapons ended up in the hands of Al-Qaeda fighters, President Donald Trump said in an interview transcript released today. The CIA program was begun by intelligence officials during the Barack Obama administration in an effort to push Bashar al-Assad to the negotiating table. The Washington Post first reported its termination last month. But Trump disputed the accounts of US officials quoted by The Washington Post who said he decided to cancel the program ahead of a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July. Rather, Trump said the decision was made by people, not me. That was not something that I was involved in, other than they did come and they suggested, Trump told Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Gerard Baker in a July 25 interview whose transcript was released by Politico today. It turns out its ... a lot of Al-Qaeda were giving these weapons to. Trumps brief comments provide the most detailed rationale to date for canceling the program. The move was criticized by Syria hawks, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., who complained the move emboldened Russias ongoing intervention in Syria. Gen. Raymond Thomas, the head of US Special Operations, also confirmed that the program had ended at the Aspen Security Forum last month. He also denied the move was meant to assuage Russian concerns and questioned the efficiency of the program. Still, US officials maintain that they foresee a future Syria that does not include Assad. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Monday that Assads regime had no role in the future governing of Syria, and that the United States was working with Moscow to achieve a unified government. With the CIA programs cancellation, it remains unclear what future role, if any, the US government will play in supporting anti-government rebels fighting for Assads ouster. These include Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who have taken the lead in ousting the Islamic State (IS) from Raqqa. Despite fears that some of the trainees may have switched sides, the decision to terminate the program has some US officials worried that without a viable alternative to Assad, Iran and Russia could become increasingly assertive in a post-IS Syria. Today, you have Iran extending its reach, making an effort to cross the borders and link up from Iraq, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said at the Aspen Security Forum. They now have a significant foothold in Syria. The Syrian regimes victory over rebel forces in Aleppo last year, for instance, came with significant Russian and Iranian support. In an interview with PBS last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif confirmed that the country has military advisers in both Iraq and Syria. The full extent of Irans presence in the country is unknown, although some 2,000 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps troops were stationed there at the beginning of the conflict. Russia may have as many as 4,000 troops stationed in the country, but it has proven effective primarily through air strikes against Syrian rebel forces. Moscow has provided more than a dozen Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets that can be outfitted with laser-guided bombs and missiles. For its part, the US Defense Department has not elaborated upon how it plans to deal with Russian and Iranian influence in the region after the likely defeat of IS in Raqqa. Pending defense legislation in Congress, however, authorizes funding for new facilities, weapons caches and staging areas that could be used in the future, pointing to a continued US military presence. The last remaining inmate of the 12 who escaped from Walker County Jail on Sunday has been captured at a home near West Palm Beach in Florida. The Walker County Sheriff's Office said Brady Andrew Kilpatrick, 24, was captured as of 6:28 p.m. on Tuesday. The Cordova man was in jail for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana. The Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida said on social media that a team of local deputies and agents with the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force flooded the neighborhood where Kilpatrick was trying to hide, which was located about 20 miles North of West Palm Beach. Kilpatrick told authorities who he was during his arrest, according to a video posted by the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Kilpatrick was one of the 12 inmates who used peanut butter to cover a door number and tricked a young jailer at 6:30 p.m. Sunday night, Sheriff James Underwood said. "Changing numbers on doors with peanut butter -- It may sound crazy, but these kinds of people are crazy like a fox." Underwood said during a news conference on Monday. "He thought he was opening the cell door for this man to go in his cell, but in fact he opened up the outside door." The inmates then climbed up a 12-foot fence. Some of them were cut by the razor wire, but none of them were seriously injured. All of them met at an undisclosed location after the escape. By Monday afternoon, 11 of the inmates were taken into custody thanks to the help of other inmates and multiple law enforcement agencies. The following six inmates were captured within 90 minutes of their escape when law enforcement went to the location where the inmates agreed to meet: John Richard Hunter, 26, Christopher Cole Spain, 18, Kristopher Keith Secrest, 20, Quadrekas Latoddrick Key, 21, Timothy Chaz Cooper, 28, and Steven Sanford Hartley, 27. Five of them were captured over the next eight hours: Michael Adam MicGuff, 30, Steven Blake Lamb, 28, Christopher Michael Smith, 19, Larry Inman, 29, and Ethan Howard Pearl. One of the inmates was recaptured in Townley, where the sheriff said a car was stolen. Two others were captured by deputies and Birmingham police at the Flying J off of Interstate 65. A Birmingham man has been indicted on a capital murder charge in the February shooting death of an Odenville man who whose body was found inside an abandoned home. The Jefferson County grand jury issued the indictment against 35-year-old Anthony Fairley on July 28, according to newly-released court records. He is charged in the Feb. 10 slaying of Lakota Barak Miller. Charging documents state that Miller was shot and killed during a robbery. The 29-year-old Miller's body was discovered when a Birmingham police detective received a tip around 9 p.m. that Friday of a man being shot inside a house in the 6800 block of Fifth Terrace North. At the scene, officers found Miller on the floor. He had been shot multiple times, and was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. In the days following his death, friends set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for Miller's funeral expenses. This is what a friend wrote for the fundraising site: "Lakota was not only a good friend but he was also an amazing person. Of course he had his downfalls but he always bounced back! On February 11th that amazing person was taken from us and only at the age of 29. " Fairley has an extensive arrest record dating back at least 15 years, including charges of cocaine possession, burglary and second-degree rape, however records show all of those charges were dismissed. In additional to the capital murder charge, he is currently awaiting trial on unrelated charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and obstruction of justice. He is being held without bond in the Jefferson County jail. Skeletal remains found in an Ensley neighborhood late Tuesday afternoon could be that of a 60-year-old retired U.S. Marine who disappeared nearly one month ago from the boarding home where he had been staying. The remains were found at 5:22 p.m. between two homes in the 3000 block of Prince Avenue in Ensley by residents who live in the area, just one block away from where the missing man lived. Family members told AL.com hours later they believe the remains are that of Walter Richardson, their missing loved one who disappeared on July 6. Richardson was living at Steps and Traditions boarding home at 1945 Warrior Road when he wandered off and never returned. Authorities with the Jefferson County Coroner's Office contacted the family Tuesday night, and they working to get medical records to confirm the man's identity. Richardson, who served in the Gulf War, suffered from dementia, high blood pressure and diabetes. Relatives brought Richardson to Birmingham in June so that he could receive treatment from the VA Medical Center, and set him up at Steps and Traditions for transitional housing. He didn't know the area, and family members became concerned when he didn't return to the boarding home. They searched for him in small groups and then, on July 10, brought more than 40 family members, friends and church members from Mt. Nebo C.M.E. Church in Baldwyn, Mississippi by bus to Birmingham to fan out to hand out 1,000 flyers. "It's very, very stressful,'' Richardson's sister, Debra Ward, said at the time of that search. "Everybody is devastated." "Our hope is to find him alive,'' Ward said then. "We just want to bring him home." An autopsy was underway at the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. There were no obvious signs of foul play. Family said they hope to hear more from authorities today, but feel certain the remains are that of Richardson. "We want to thank everyone who assisted in trying to find him,'' said his niece, Ne'Kya Ward. Lawyers for former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard claimed today that a Lee County jury convicted Hubbard for conduct that was not against the law. Hubbard's lawyers try to use the prosecutors' own words against them in a 54-page brief filed today with the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. In the state's brief filed four weeks ago, prosecutors said if the ethics law does not outlaw Hubbard's actions then the law is a "sham." That was in response to Hubbard's claims that his conviction relied on expanded interpretations of the law. In today's brief, Hubbard's lawyers wrote, "The prosecutors have trusted their own instinct about what things 'must' be illegal, more than they trust the Legislature to make the laws. They even go so far as to tell this Court that if the Legislature's intent on various points was different from these prosecutors' intuition about what the laws should be, then ethics legislation was a 'sham' and a 'cover for corruption.' " Lawyers Bill Baxley and Sam Heldman signed the brief. It concludes by asking the five-judge appeals court to vacate or at a minimum reverse the conviction. In June 2016, a Lee County jury found Hubbard guilty of 12 felony counts of violating the ethics law. Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker sentenced Hubbard to four years in prison. Hubbard has remained free while his appeals are pending. Baxley said he expects the appeals court to rule soon on the defense's request for oral arguments. Today's brief was the final one to be filed with the Court of Criminal Appeals. Hubbard was convicted of voting for legislation with a conflict of interest; receiving money through consulting contracts with businesses that employed lobbyists, known as principals; using his office for personal gain through a consulting contract; lobbying executive agencies and using state personnel on behalf of a consulting client; receiving business investments from executives with companies that employed lobbyists, known as principals; and receiving business advice from a principal. In today's brief, Hubbard's lawyers challenge the assertion by prosecutors that Hubbard "sold his office," saying that Hubbard was not accused of taking part in a quid pro quo, or taking an official action in exchange for something else. They also challenge each of the 12 convictions on various grounds. One argument, affecting multiple counts, is the definition of a principal under the ethics law. Hubbard's lawyers argue that three business executives who invested $150,000 each in a debt-saddled printing business that Hubbard partly owned should not be defined as principals under the ethics law, but instead were officers or employees of companies that are principals. Hubbard's lawyers also argued that the executives invested under the same terms as other investors and received "full value" for what they paid. That means the transactions did not violate the ethics law, Hubbard's lawyers said. In addition, Hubbard's lawyers say the trial court wrongly allowed former Ethics Commission Executive Director Jim Sumner to testify on the Legislature's intent for the ethics law, failed to properly investigate a juror's affidavit alleging possible juror misconduct and wrongly denied a request by the defense to dismiss the indictment because of alleged prosecutor misconduct. Prosecutors, in their last brief to the appeals court, filed four weeks ago, wrote, "Hubbard's conduct goes to the very heart of what the Ethics Laws prohibit, and the jury found that his conduct violated the law, as properly explained by the circuit court. At every turn, he sought to use his position to benefit himself and his businesses, while hiding the true nature of his interests from his colleagues, the public, and his staff. If Hubbard's conduct is not prohibited by the Ethics Laws, then the laws are a sham designed to let lawmakers disguise unethical conduct with a veneer of legality." Updated at 5:41 p.m. to add the last six paragraphs. Updated again at 5:50 p.m. to add last paragraph. by on Scribd State Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, raised about $271,000 in July for his campaign for governor, according to his monthly report filed today with the Secretary of State's office. The contributions come on top of the $170,000 Hightower raised in June, the first month candidates could raise money for next year's elections. The total of $441,000 is likely to place Hightower among the leaders in fundraising for the governor's race so far. Hightower raised more in July than Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, who had led all the candidates in June. Today is the deadline for candidates to file their monthly reports. Among Hightower's largest contributors in July were BWR Co. LLC of Delaware; DC Co. LLC of Delaware; Real Estate Equity Investments LLC of Mobile and Theodore Industrial Port. They all gave $25,000 contributions. Hightower has not officially announced that he will run. Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington reported raising about $29,000 in July after raising $126,000 in June. Carrington's largest contributions in July were $5,000 each from Metro Mini Storage of Pelham and F. Dixon Brooke of Birmingham. Another Republican candidate, Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, reported raising about $42,000 in July. Cavanaugh had raised about $70,000 in June. Cavanaugh and her husband have also loaned the campaign $500,000. Cavanaugh reported spending about $24,000 and had a balance of about $583,000 to end the month. Evangelist Scott Dawson of Hoover, who ranked second among the candidates in fundraising in June with $178,000, reported raising another $78,000 in July. Dawson, a Republican candidate, reported that his campaign spent about $11,000 and had a balance of about $245,000. Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, who is also seeking the Republican nomination, reported raising $42,000 in July in addition to the $30,000 he raised in June. McMillan reported spending $27,000 and a monthly ending balance of $54,000. Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, a Democratic candidate, reported raising $44,000 in July on top of the $42,000 she raised in June. Cobb reported spending $40,000 during the month and a month-ending balance of $47,000. Updated at 10:15 a.m. to add David Carrington's report. Updated at 12:05 p.m. to add Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh's report. Updated at 4:45 p.m. to add reports from John McMillan, Scott Dawson and Sue Bell Cobb. The EU claims refugee flows from Turkey to Greece have slowed, so it is cutting funding to aid agencies and paying the Greek government to take over services there instead. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the media switches off. Only last year, journalists were winning awards for watching refugees drown. Last week, seven people died just off the Turkish coast and it hardly got a mention. There are many reasons why, and it isnt news that journalism is fickle. Most outlets dont stay on the story. For the European Union, thats good news. It means a lack of attention on the implications of ending the funding for aid agencies working to ease the suffering of refugees in Greece. In essence, the EU has decided that the crisis in the Aegean is over and there is no need for emergency funding any longer. It has shifted its financial responsibility to the Greek government instead of paying specialist aid groups. It is expected that Greece will cope. They are trying to be polite, but every person from every non-governmental organisation (NGO) we have spoken to this week on the island of Chios is somewhere between bewildered and apoplectic. Nobody believes Greece has the capability to deal with the enormous issues involved in caring for refugees and their children. A joint statement of seven of them, including Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials, MSF), Save the Children, Doctors of the World and others said: To date, no national response plan has been released, and information about how the transition will be implemented is severely lacking. That was on July 11. Nothing has changed since. One example: education. The Greek government has no plan for schooling children in refugee camps on the islands on the grounds that the people are transitory. But they arent, and many have been on Chios for nearly a year. Thats a long time not to go to school. On Chios, a little NGO was trying to educate children from the camps, but after the EU cut its funding it has had to crowdfund its services from the public. On the mainland, Save the Children was doing a lot. Not any more. Almost every childrens project is leaving. But this is the thing: The Greek government has been given hundreds of millions of euros to spend to replace these services. There is no reason any longer why the public should have to stump up. Thousands of children out of school It isnt even a new problem. On the mainland, 2,000 out of 20,000 refugee children go to Greek public schools. Thats 10 percent, if my maths is correct, so 18,000 dont go to school properly. Among other things, the trauma specialists from the medical groups on islands like Chios are leaving. These are the first people that refugees running away from Syria or Iraq might be introduced to. On Chios, they have advertised equivalent jobs in the local hospital. It isnt clear if they will be filled. As of this writing, they dont exist. OPINION: I listen to refugees and I hear my own story There were, and remain, different needs in different places. In the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sicily, aid groups have ships and rescue people who would otherwise drown. They are accused falsely and outrageously of conspiring with people traffickers. On the Aegean route, the EU has now decided NGOs are redundant and unnecessary. Everywhere, there is suspicion of organisations, which, in other parts of the world, are lauded by Western governments as being indispensable. Yet close to home they are increasingly seen as part of the problem. Back to Chios. Neither the European Commission nor the Greek government appears to be under any pressure to explain how exactly almost 1bn euros allocated to Greece is being spent, and how it will improve a temporary system, run by caring people, that has just been dismantled in the interest of suggesting there is no longer a crisis. In the first of a four-part series, Al Jazeera examines the accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation against the UN. An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the UN started the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in 1948. The UN started deploying peacekeepers in 1948, but didnt set up DPKO until 1992. This has been corrected. The article has also been updated to clarify that Kathryn Bolkovac worked for the British subsidiary of the American firm DynCorp International. UN peacekeepers are sent to the most war-ravaged countries on Earth, ostensibly to help them transition to peace. But some stand accused of committing crimes against the very people they are supposed to protect. According to a recent investigation by the Associated Press (AP), between 2004 and 2016, the United Nations received almost 2,000 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against its peacekeepers. The UN says it has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, but survivors, activists, lawyers and human rights organisations say such crimes have been allowed to continue with impunity. Through conversations with UN peacekeepers and officials, gender experts, academics, researchers and activists, as well as through an investigation of UN data, in this four-part series, we try to navigate these competing accounts to answer the question: How did some peacekeepers become predators? In part one, we examine the history of accusations against the UN. A history of immunity? When, at the end of World War II, the UN conceived of peacekeepers it made them immune from prosecution by the host state for any alleged crimes committed while on mission. This was considered necessary to stop others sabotaging their efforts to assist in post-conflict environments. Instead, they would be held accountable by their own government or judicial system. Decades later, however, it became apparent that some peacekeepers were abusing this privileged position. It was not envisioned that immunity would become so problematic by Fiona Tate, Queen Mary University According to Fiona Tate, a PhD candidate studying law at Queen Mary University of London in the UK, it was part of a problem with much deeper roots. When the UN first started deploying peacekeepers in 1948, it didnt consider the rights of women and children in the militarised environments in which the peacekeepers would be operating. As a result of this exclusion, crimes committed against [women] would go largely unrecorded, explains Tate. But in the early 1990s, these crimes started to come to international attention. There have since been reports rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Eritrea and Somalia, of prostitution and trafficking in Bosnia and Liberia and of abuse of minors in Sierra Leone. In 1992, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) was set up. In 1994, the UN appointed Graca Machel, the former first lady of Mozambique, to investigate the effect of armed conflict on children. Her landmark report, released in August 1996, was one of the first to raise the issue of the sexual exploitation of children by peacekeepers and to call for an end to impunity for the perpetrators. In 2001, it was discovered that aid workers and UN peacekeepers had sexually abused refugees in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In 2003, the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan introduced a zero tolerance policy on sexual abuse and exploitation as well as a special mechanism for reporting it. He also discouraged peacekeepers from engaging in sexual relations with beneficiaries of assistance since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics, [and] undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of the United Nations. In his letter to the UN Security Council, Annan wrote: We cannot tolerate even one instance of a UN peacekeeper victimising the most vulnerable among us. Part II: Is the UN sending the wrong people to keep the peace? But the abuse didnt end. Often [accused] peacekeepers were just moved out of their mission, deployed elsewhere or sent home, explains Paul Higate, a lecturer at the school of sociology, politics and international studies at the University of Bristol in the UK. The APs investigation revealed that few of the accusations levelled against UN peacekeepers led to prosecutions by member states. And when peacekeepers did end up in court, it was often on reduced charges. It was not envisioned that immunity would become so problematic, says Tate. Worst kept secret? In 1999, an American hired as a UN police investigator by the British subsidiary of the American security firm DynCorp International was fired. Her name was Kathryn Bolkovac and, following reports of sexual abuse and forced prostitution that implicated UN personnel in Bosnia, she had been tasked with investigating the alleged crimes. But when she submitted a report to her superiors detailing a sex trafficking ring among UN police officers, including Ukrainians, Pakistanis, Romanians, Germans and Americans working in conjunction with local criminal gangs, she was fired. Bolkovac became a campaigner for womens rights in conflict zones. I have spoken on this issue for the past 15 years there has been little progress, she says. Bolkovac believes the UN is fraught with misreporting, concealment and a lack of accountability. She describes sexual abuse by its peacekeepers as the organisations worst kept secret. The UN will never promptly report allegations to troop-contributing countries to avoid publicity and to give them time to cover up, Bolkovac says. Part III: UN peacekeepers do more harm than good? Ismini Palla, deputy chief of public affairs at the UN Departments of Peacekeeping and Field Support, disputes Bolkovacs view. The UN notifies the concerned member state on every allegation of sexual exploitation and abuse within days of the receipt of the allegation and makes the information concurrently publicly available on the conduct and discipline unit website, she explains. The secretary-general has also requested member states to finalise investigations within a six-month timeframe. Palla says there have been improvements in the response of member states to accusations of sexual exploitation and abuse. In 2012, the average time to appoint a national investigation officer was two and a half months and in 2016 was only eight days. Similarly, in 2012, a national investigation would last 266 days but in 2015 the duration dropped to 185 days (six months). What happens when the secret is exposed? But to illustrate her point, Bolkovac refers to the case of Anders Kompass, the man widely credited with exposing allegations of sexual abuse by around 16 troops 11 from France, three from Chad and two from Equatorial Guinea in the Central African Republic in 2015. Although the French troops were not peacekeepers, they were sent by the UN Security Council to assist in restoring peace and stability following a coup in March 2013. The peacekeepers from Chad and Equatorial Guinea were part of the African Union. Kompass, a former director of field operations at the UN human rights office in Geneva, submitted a report to his superiors detailing the abuses allegedly carried out by the French troops in CAR. When the UN failed to act upon the report, Kompass leaked it to the French authorities in July 2014. It documented allegations of sexual abuse against 13 minors, including the sodomy of boys between the ages of nine and 13. In March 2015, Kompass was denounced by the UN for violating protocol by sharing the report and was placed on internal investigation. He was exonerated nine months later, but subsequently resigned. He told Irin news that he refused to work for an organisation that lacked accountability. An independent panel appointed to investigate this by then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the UNs handling of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation as a gross institutional failure. The independent panels report noted the lack of respect, dignity and protection afforded to survivors and found that Babacar Gaye, the head of the UN mission in the Central African Republic, neither acted on the allegations, nor made any attempt to ensure that the child survivors received medical attention or humanitarian aid. The welfare of the survivors and the accountability of the perpetrators appeared to be an afterthought, if considered at all, the report stated. In August 2015, Gaye was forced to resign. There was data, testimony and even stories written all over the world. But in the end, the French prosecutors dropped the cases by Lydie Koundja, lawyer in Bangui French prosecutors eventually dropped their case against six French troops in January 2017 over a lack of evidence. But Lydie Koundja, a lawyer and chairperson of the Association des Femmes Juristes de Centrafrique (AJFC), an organisation that assists and represents survivors of sexual abuse in the Central African Republic, says her organisation has applied to the High Court in Bangui for the case against the French peacekeepers to be reopened. Shes aware that its a long shot. We have evidence, we have testimony, now we will see what the judge says, Koundja explains. There was data, testimony and even stories written all over the world. But in the end, the French prosecutors dropped the cases, she says. No transparency Experts say that the UNs processes almost certainly shield the accused. Carla Ferstman, the author of a 2013 report by the United States Institute of Peace called Criminalising Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Peacekeepers, says there is no transparency at any level of investigations [by the UN or the governments of the accused peacekeepers]. Beatrice Lindstrom, a lawyer with the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), a New York-based NGO that helps survivors of human rights violations pursue cases in national and international courts, describes the UN investigations system as incredibly opaque. When it comes to the UN, justice is extremely rare, she adds. The UNs gut reaction is always to cover up, to handle in-house, to make the problem go away, Lindstrom says. Yes, of course, rape happens everywhere, but there is no system where you have this type of legal protection for such crimes. These are people being sent to protect others, after all. But Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, disagrees, saying: I dont think anyone is trying to bury these cases and trying to make them go away. The spokesperson for the UNs peacekeeping operations, Olivier Salgado, describes the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse as a top priority of the secretary-general and the entire leadership of the organisation. Fighting sexual exploitation and abuse is a system-wide uphill battle and we will not let anyone cover up these crimes with the UN flag, Salgado tells Al Jazeera. Bambari, Central African Republic In late 2015, Eunice Danpena* heard a knock on the door of her hut at a displacement camp in Bambari, a town in the Ouaka prefecture in the Central African Republic. It was a UN peacekeeper. She told him she was busy. But he let himself in and raped her. He forced himself on me and as he was stronger I had no choice, she says. Source: HRW *Name changed to protect identity There are currently 12,870 peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. Since 2015, there have been 83 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the country. The allegations concern some 177 UN peacekeepers and 255 survivors. To date, just five of the accused have been jailed. Follow Azad Essa on Twitter: @AzadEssa It was hailed as a breakthrough, a rare display of regional cooperation, and a positive step that may pave the way for resuscitating talks between Palestinians and Israelis, which have been on hold since 2014. But a recent water agreement, signed under the auspices of US President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy in mid-July, may actually cement Israels control over water resources in the West Bank, experts say. The mindset with many US administrations has been that its a victory getting a Palestinian and an Israeli in a room. It sells newspapers, said Diana Buttu, a former adviser to the Palestinian negotiating team. What doesnt sell is someone looking at this with a critical eye and saying its a terrible idea. The water agreement, which effectively increases the amount of water that the Palestinian Authority (PA) can buy from Israel, was inked in the context of the Red-Dead project, as it is commonly known a plan to link the Red Sea, Dead Sea and a desalination plant in the Jordanian port of Aqaba through a 200km pipeline. That $900m Red-Dead plan, sponsored by the World Bank and agreed upon in 2013, aims to boost water supplies for Israel, the Palestinians and Jordan, by diverting water from the Red Sea, turning some of it into fresh water, and pumping the excess from the desalination process into the Dead Sea, thereby replenishing its dwindling levels. The recent bilateral water agreement would see Israel sell 32 million cubic metres of water to the PA 22 of which would go to the West Bank for 3.3 shekels ($0.9) per cubic metre, while the rest is allocated to the Gaza Strip for 3.2 shekels per cubic metre. READ MORE: Israel, Palestinian Authority reach water-sharing deal We hope that this deal will contribute to the healing of the Dead Sea and that it will help not only Palestinians and Israelis, but Jordanians as well, US envoy Jason Greenblatt said, speaking at a news conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi and the head of the Palestinian Water Authority, Mazen Ghoneim. The same day, the White House released a statement hailing the new agreement as another indication that the parties are capable of working together to achieve mutually beneficial results. Meanwhile, the PA contends that water is a final-status issue, to be negotiated in a final peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, and that signing this agreement would not have any effect on any future political negotiations with Israel. Speaking to reporters in Ramallah on July 18, Ghoneim acknowledged that the deal is only a band-aid. The crisis wont end until Israels occupation ends and we secure our water rights in the three underground basins under Israels control, he said. The water being given to us as part of the agreement is our right because we have a share in the coast of the Dead Sea. This has nothing to do with negotiations on a final [settlement] with Israel. Under the Oslo Accords, signed between Palestinians and Israel more than two decades ago, Israel retained control of most water resources in the West Bank (80 percent), with the remaining 20 percent going to Palestinians. But the accords, which were meant to be temporary, have left Israelis consuming four times more water per person than Palestinians. Having left out this larger issue of Palestinian rights to water resources, the plan is being downplayed by some experts as merely a basic agreement to outline how much water the PA can buy. It is a simple commercial deal between Israel and the PA, said Jad Isaac, the director of the Applied Research Institute Jerusalem, which promotes sustainable development through the management of natural resources. This is Trumps way: saying its a breakthrough, and trying to make a PR campaign out of it and saying that he made progress. This is the Trump approach. But actually there is nothing substantial about it. Critics have also warned that the plan does not address Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access to water and the development of infrastructure needed to address the water crisis in the occupied West Bank. Palestinians in the West Bank consume only 70 litres of water per capita per day, well below what the World Health Organization recommends as a minimum (100). In the most vulnerable communities in Area C those not connected to the water network that number further drops to 20, according to EWASH, a coalition of Palestinian and international organisations working on water and sanitation in the Palestinian territories. READ MORE: Israel Water as a tool to dominate Palestinians EWASH adds that Palestinians in the West Bank extract not more than 10 percent of the shared water resources due to Israeli restrictions on the development of Palestinian water infrastructure and its exploitation of the shared Mountain Aquifer. Palestinians maintain that their rights to the water on the banks of the River Jordan and Dead Sea shores are being violated. When the Red-Dead deal was signed in 2013, Palestinian environmental and human rights groups said that it did not address the damage to the West Bank Eastern Aquifer, one of the only water sources for West Bank Palestinians, which is rapidly depleting because of the shrinking Dead Sea. The Dead Seas water levels have been falling by about one metre per year with a devastating environmental and economic impact mainly because most of the water of the Jordan River is being diverted, and industries mine the Dead Sea for minerals. The recent bilateral agreement, which does not increase the Palestinians quota of water in the Jordan River, makes an untenable situation permanent and guarantees Israel a lions share of its water, thus reinforcing the status quo, Buttu said. They have moved away from the idea that water is a shared resource and instead adopted the approach that Israel controls and allocates water to Palestinians, she added. Israel has been selling water to Palestinians for a long time, but this is enshrining it even further by saying that this is the way to alleviate the water problem. They have moved away from the idea that water is a shared resource and instead adopted the approach that Israel controls and allocates water to Palestinians. by Diana Buttu, former adviser to Palestinian negotiating team In 2012, Palestinian human rights organisation al-Haq accused Israeli settlements and companies of pillaging the natural resources of the Dead Sea. The presence of settlers who directly utilise and profit from the Dead Sea wealth has severely exacerbated this situation and contributed to the overexploitation of the area, resulting in severe environmental damage, the group said in a report at the time. Israel counters criticism by pointing out that, under the Oslo Accords, it has full control over Area C, a vast area that represents more than 60 percent of the West Bank, and that includes the Dead Sea shore. Authorities also say that the Israeli-Palestinian Joint Water Committee which, until May, had not convened in seven years will now address some of the thorny water issues. Recently, the Joint Water Committee was renewed, during which the two sides will discuss, together in cooperation, all the needed solutions, including water drilling and more, COGAT, the Israeli militarys civil body that administers the West Bank, said in a statement. Israeli officials say that water problems in the territories could have been addressed had the Palestinians attended the meetings of the joint committee. Palestinians attribute their refusal to conditions set by their counterparts, namely that they must support Israeli settlement water projects for any Palestinian water improvements to be approved. According to Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon, There are many things to be done together to upgrade the water infrastructure in the PA. We are talking about old, leaking pipes, and a more rational use of water. He also pointed to the illegal tapping into pipes, which he maintained Palestinians did because they did not want to pay for water. This is something weve been wanting to do over the years, and the new water agreement is one of the ways to deal with that. The new agreement is not only about water quotas; its also about more coherent and better use of water, in order to address the needs of the Palestinians. But water specialists say that the root cause of the problem is not illegal activity, but the unavailability of water resources to Palestinians and the mismanagement and diversion of the Jordan River. Muna Dajani, a water researcher based in Jerusalem, said that this months agreement depoliticises the issue of water, turning it into a commodity that is only dealt with under technical or commercial auspices. It puts Palestinians in a corner. The PA is also so weak that it cant ask for its water rights. How to watch a master stylist filmmaker doing what he does best about a war long-waged, won and lost at a time of wars scarcely chronicled, let alone comprehended in the full magnitude of their calamity? Christopher Nolans much anticipated, and now loudly praised, war film Dunkirk (2017) was by serendipity released at a time when the battle of Mosul had just been waged and won with at heavy cost. The massacre of Mosul, the headlines were screaming, 40,000 feared dead in battle to take back city from Isis as scale of civilian casualties revealed. Film critics and filmgoers in United States, Europe, and indeed around the globe, were queuing to watch a film rendition of the World War II Battle of Dunkirk between the Allies and Nazi Germany, while we were reading the horrid accounts of how in Mosul many bodies are still buried under the rubble and the level of human suffering is immense. How do we reconcile what we read in our daily headlines with what we watch in a widely celebrated Hollywood production? Whats Hecuba to Nolan, or he to Mosul, Aleppo, or Yemen? Curb your enthusiasm Dunkirk has been received with rave reviews. Christopher Nolans WWII Epic May Be the Greatest War Film Ever, Rolling Stone reviewer Peter Travers put it quite bluntly, Filmmakers recreation of key British battle is stunning, stirring and a stone-cold masterpiece. This type of sudden overexcitement about a film is, of course, a sign of either complete ignorance of the history of cinema and its towering masters or else a momentary insanity with no enduring consequence. OPINION: On Batman Allegories of a faltering empire and the vagaries of an election The trouble with such bombastic praise is that the genre of war films is the battlefield of some mighty filmmakers. You cannot just hire Hans Zimmer (however gifted a composer he is) to Bang & Olufsen your head in and shove a film down your throat and then Rolling Stone it a masterpiece. I intentionally saw the film on the largest screen possible in New York for the full immersion experience of its sound design and music, as it was meant to be seen. That kind of acoustic arrogance and deafening pitch that numb your skull, so you would think what you are watching is a masterpiece is pure Trumpian charlatanism worthy of Anthony Scaramucci (aka Joe Pesci) expletives. Thirty minutes into Nolans Dunkirk, I was texting a filmmaker friend sharing my boredom and frustration. By contrast, 60 years after its original making, Stanley Kubricks Path of Glory (1957) still freezes me staring at my laptop screen when I review any sequence of it before sharing with my students. Obnoxiously loud music and massively oversized screen do not make for a masterpiece. Eyeglasses, as we way in Persian, dont turn you into an intellectual. A master stylist in search of a signature Nolan, to be sure, is a master stylist now in his top form who has a solid record with enduring films like Memento (2000) and his signature take on his Batman trilogy but he is no Sergey Eisenstein in Battleship Potemkin (1925). Nolan is a self-assured filmmaker with a solid command of his craft but he is no Stanley Kubrick in Path of Glory (1957) or Full Metal Jacket (1987). Nolan is a gifted storyteller staged confidently here in his Dunkirk but he is no Terrence Malick in The Thin Red Line (1998). Nolan stages a judicious sense of drama but he is no Elem Klimov in Come and See (1985). Nolan has a sensual sense of the sea and sand but he is nowhere near Wolfgang Petersen in Das Boot (1981). READ MORE: Superheroes take over Hollywood Please, ladies and gentlemen film critics: Nolan has a good pair of eyes for the aesthetic of warfare but he is no Akira Kurosawa in Ran (1985). The greatest war film ever? You need to go back to film school if you had any serious education to begin with. Ultimately, Nolans stylistic craftsmanship and the bravura finale of the story of Dunkirk itself saves Nolans film so you exit the theatre not entirely disappointed and just with a headache from the unbearably loud music and overbearing sound design. Nolan does indeed perfectly weaves together the parallel story lines to create a mythical saga of the historic incident. But the film never transcends its myopic British nationalism to achieve anything remotely universal in its aspirations. Consider Nolans choice of ending his film with Churchills unabashed praise for British imperialism (put in the voice of one of his young soldiers) as the salvation of the world in his famous we shall not flag or fail speech. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in Gods good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old. READ MORE: Toothless tigers Can a film please China and the West? And compare it (for a minute) with that miraculous central sequence of Trance Malicks Thin Red Line and its poetic implosion in the voice of one of his soldiers: This great evil. Where does it come from? Howd it steals into the world? What seed, what root did it grow from? Whos doin this? Whos killin us? Robbing us of life and light. Mockin us with the sight of what we mightve known. Does our ruin benefit the earth? Does it help the grass to grow, the sun to shine? Is this darkness in you, too? Have you passed through this night? Nolan is simply not in the same league. One sequence in Kurosawas Ran the violent siege in which Hidetora and his samurai are attacked by his sons Taro and Jiros combined forces has forever in the history of cinema defined what it means to do a war scene. That sequence uplifts the Shakespearean tragedy and medieval Japanese dynastic feuds into the stage of archetypal truth. Nolan is no Kurosawa. Dunkirk is not Ran. So no, Dunkirk is most certainly not the greatest war film ever, nor indeed is it the worst. It is the best Nolan has been capable so far to do as he desperately tries to find his cinematic signature, which here is somewhere near Spielbergs equally hyped, but vacuous, Saving Private Ryan (1998). There is no place for him yet in the pantheon of master visionaries like Eisenstein, Kurosawa, Lean, Kubrick, Malick, and a few others. Brown skins, white sands But how do we tell the difference between a Kubrick, a Kurosawa, a Malick, on one side, and a Nolan or a Spielberg on the other? Kubrick, Kurosawa, or Malick were not antiquarian. They did not make a film about World War I, or set a Shakespearean tragedy in medieval Japan, or turned their attention to the Vietnam War to entertain peoples historical fantasies. They went searching for the quintessence of war and turned it against itself. Their war movies were without exception antiwar movies. Directing their films, they were always fully conscious and responsive to the perilous time they lived in and the wars raging in their own times. At the time when Nolan has turned all his cinematic wherewithal to a now obscure incident during World War II, the world is being ripped apart by other gut-wrenching wars. Who will tell the Afghan, the Iraqi, the Libyan, the Syrian, or the Yemeni stories, their battlefields and slaughterhouses? People in war-torn areas today need not necessarily produce a Kurosawa, a Kubrick, a Malick, or an Eisenstein to tell their stories. There is a universality to what master filmmakers have achieved that is far beyond their own historical particularities. Master artists did not muster their cinematic gifts to canvass their particular provincialism for a global audience. They did precisely the opposite. They collected their courage and staged their imagination to see the hidden universal truth in the particulars of their biographical incident. You watch Kurosawa or Malick or Kubrick and you can see Mosul, Kandahar, and Aleppo in them. You watch Nolan and you see nothing but a bunch of decidedly white Europeans shooting at each other before they pause, collect their wits, and start shooting at Afghans, Iraqis, Libyans, Syrians, or Somalis. It is not accidental that in his rush to cite Churchill that his Empire will come to their aid if the Germans were to defeat them in England, Mr Nolan altogether forgot that, in fact, there were Indian soldiers (and mainly Muslims from areas of British India that later became Pakistan) at Dunkirk defending England. But their brown skin would have presumably not quite matched the white sands of those long shots at the beach and confused his aesthetics. By opting to cite Churchills boldly imperialist speech at the end and by failing to raise his Euro-universalist vision beyond Dunkirk, Nolan has made a highly profitable film about an episode in his countrys war history. But by seeing through the terror of one particular war that very imperialism had brought to Vietnam, Kubrick or Malick had uplifted their unrivalled artistry to a vision of the horrors of war anywhere else in the world. Nolan is a great Anglo-American filmmaker and all the power to his military provincialism. But the claim to the greatest war film ever has long since been made by filmmakers watching over this art from a heaven too far to reach and too close to ignore. Hamid Dabashi is Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. The Holocaust narrative focusing on the exclusivity of the Jewish experience is wrong and must change. Gina Benevento is a former UN diplomat living and working in Madrid as a strategic communications consultant. A photograph freezes a moment in time. A young girl stares out from the door of a train, her head covered in a scarf, her expression a strange mixture of weariness and fear. The girls name? Anna Maria Settela Steinbach. Ten years old when the photo was taken. Three months later Settela was dead gassed at Auschwitz concentration camp, along with her mother, brothers and sisters. For decades Settelas face was an icon of children in the Holocaust. Her name unknown, she was simply called the girl with the headdress. Along with Anne Frank, she was a haunting symbol of what had been done to Dutch Jewry. But in 1994 a journalist, Aad Wagenaar, discovered her identity. Using the numbers that appeared on the train car, Wagenaar was able to determine the trains day of travel, May 19, 1944, and its passenger list. Settela wasnt Jewish. She was Roma (alternately Romani, Sinti, Gypsy). It was assumed the girl was Jewish because even in the 1990s a half-century after World War II the genocide of the Roma people was hardly known to the world. In America, The Diary of Anne Frank was required reading at my Florida public school, as was Eli Wiesels Night. With Native American history absent from history classes, the death of six million European Jews was my first knowledge of genocide. As I read about Wiesels faces of children turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky, Jewish children were the face of the Holocaust for me. I didnt know that children such as Settela had existed. Yet estimates by Roma historians state that as much as 70-80 percent of the total Roma population in Europe at the time were murdered in the Nazi madness. READ MORE: Roma in Kosovo The justice that never came Despite this, recognition of the Roma Holocaust remains scant. Historians term it under-studied, neglected, hidden. We have consistently been put into the others category along with Jehovahs Witnesses, homosexuals, Poles and Catholics, as if we werent part of the Final Solution, says Ian Hancock, director of Romani Studies at the University of Texas, Austin. Experimenting upon Roma children, Mengele placed them in pressure chambers, tested drugs on them, amputated body parts, attempted to change eye colour by injecting chemicals into children's eyes, and froze them. The rare child to survive these 'experiments' would be murdered and then dissected. by While Nazis murdered numerous groups for their beliefs or actions trade unionists. pacifists, communists, Spanish Republican exiles and Jesuits, among others they applied a consistent policy of extermination only against three groups: the handicapped, Jews, and Roma. The campaign in Germany against the Roma began shortly after Hitler assumed power in January 1933. On the basis of discriminatory laws already in place, Roma were barred from marrying Germans, castrated and sterilised, and shipped to labour camps. An office to combat what SS chief Heinrich Himmler called the Gypsy nuisance opened in Munich in 1936. And five months before Kristallnacht, Roma were rounded up in what was called Gypsy Clean-Up Week. Then in December 1938, the first known reference to The Final Solution of the Gypsy Question appeared in a document signed by Himmler. In 1939, Dr Kurt Hanneman wrote in the Journal of the National Socialist Union of Doctors: Rats, insects and fleas are part of nature, just like Gypsies and Jews We must gradually eliminate these pests through biological means. That same year, 250 Roma children were murdered in Buchenwald used as guinea pigs in a test of Zyklon-B gas crystals. Warsaw Ghetto Remembrance Day, April 19, is commemorated annually to remember the many Jews who fought and died. How many people know that Roma were also imprisoned inside? Roma were trapped inside Lodz ghetto, too. Arie Princ and Mendel Grossman, photographers who were the first to enter, wrote: We could not recover for a long time from the shock, reading the inscriptions in German left by the Gypsies on the walls. And Roma were present in every concentration and extermination camp. Josef Mengele was the most infamous of Germanys racial theorists. Witnesses say Roma children called him Onkel Mengele because he would bring them sweets and toys, personally escorting some to the gas chambers afterwards. Experimenting upon Roma children, Mengele placed them in pressure chambers, tested drugs on them, amputated body parts, attempted to change eye colour by injecting chemicals into childrens eyes, and froze them. The rare child to survive these experiments would be murdered and then dissected. READ MORE: Thousands of Roma made homeless in France in 2016 The full extent of Mengeles experiments will never be known because most records were destroyed. Instead we have first-hand testimonies, such as this from Vera Alexander, a Jew who survived Auschwitz, where she had looked after 50 sets of Roma twins: One pair of twins called Guido and Nina was barely older than four. Mengele picked them up and brought them back mutilated in a perverse way. They had been sewn together at the back like Siamese twins. Mengele had also connected their veins. Their wounds were suppurating, they cried day and night. Their mother, I remember that she was called Stella, had somehow been able to get hold of some morphine and used it to put an end to the suffering of her children. Eli Wiesel, the worlds most famous Holocaust survivor, late in life became a vocal advocate for victims of South African apartheid and Argentinas disappeared. He recognised the suffering of Bosnians, Kurds, Armenians. But in 1992, as a member of the advisory council of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, he lobbied successfully against recognising non-Jewish victims in the museums permanent exhibition. There are rules about the Holocaust. In July 1998, Roberto Benigni premiered Life is Beautiful at the Jerusalem Film Festival. I remember how tense and restless the hall was throughout the screening. Who was this Italian to make a comedy about the Shoah? The most important rule has been Wiesels dictum: The Holocaust was a unique and uniquely Jewish event. Addressing 600 Jewish leaders at the World Jewish Conference by video conference on April 23, two days before visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington, US President Donald Trump in stark contrast to his earlier statements followed those rules carefully. Six million Jews, two-thirds of the Jews in Europe, murdered by the Nazi genocide We mourn, we remember, we pray, and we pledge never again, I say it, never again. Its hard to imagine Trump praying. Its even harder to imagine him genuinely moved by the Nazi Holocaust (or by any other genocide). And Trumps repeated never again feels tired, devoid of meaning. In contrast, on the same day as Trumps speech, a thirtysomething Jewish-Israeli posted this on Facebook: Its Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel. Between Syria, the refugee crisis and Chechnya LGBT death camps, I can no longer say never again with a straight face. A generational change is under way. Six million Jews did die in the Holocaust; antisemitism and Holocaust denial are real. And, simultaneously, the Holocaust narrative focusing on the exclusivity of the Jewish experience is wrong and must change. Gina Benevento is a former UN diplomat based in Jerusalem, now living and working in Madrid as a strategic communications consultant. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Vehicle travelling from Mombasa to Kipini targeted in Lamu, killing three people, amid tensions in run-up to elections. Three people have been killed in Kenyas Lamu county after suspected al-Shabab fighters opened fire on a passenger bus, according to an official. Larry Kieng, local police chief, said on Wednesday the bus was travelling from Mombasa to Kipini and was attacked in the afternoon. He said the assailants shot from the bushes and fled once police escorting the bus engaged them. Al-Shabab, the armed group based in neighbouring Somalia, has carried out more than 100 attacks inside Kenya, calling it retribution for Kenya deploying troops to Somalia in 2011. In recent weeks, it has stepped up the attacks in Kenyas border counties of Lamu and Mandera. READ MORE: The murder that shook the Kenyan elections Al-Shabab has threatened to disrupt Kenyas August 8 elections in which President Uhuru Kenyatta is pitted against Raila Odinga. The situation is already tense in the country in the run-up to the vote, with a senior electoral commission official recently found dead in a forest. Dr Johansen Oduor, government pathologist, said on Wednesday that strangulation was the cause of the death of Christopher Msando, who was in charge of running biometric readers and electronic-transmission equipment meant to greatly reduce incidences of electoral fraud. Msando, whose body was found on Saturday, had been hit by a blunt object and had deep cuts on his right arm, indicating torture. State MP with dual Australian-Syrian citizenship says he was discriminated against after being refused entry to US. Australias government has called on the United States to explain why a politician with dual Australian-Syrian citizenship was refused entry last week. Victoria state MP Khalil Eideh, a 62-year-old who was born in Lebanon to Syrian parents, was travelling with other politicians on government business when he was prevented from flying from Vancouver, Canada, to Denver, Colorado. At the foreign ministers request, Australias embassy in Washington made urgent inquiries of the US authorities as to what happened, and why Mr. Eideh was refused entry to the United States last week, Foreign Minister Julie Bishops office said in a statement on Tuesday. The US authorities are following up on our request for information. Having returned to his hometown of Melbourne on Saturday, Eideh told reporters that he had been discriminated against. Im very, very disappointed and frustrated, he added. No explanation Eideh said he had a US visa and was given no explanation for why he was denied entry. To me, it is unacceptable, because Im representing the Australian people, the Victorian people, he said. The US Customs and Border Protection agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Eideh had a US visa and was part of a group of Victoria politicians examining the effectiveness of drug laws and regulations in Europe and North America. OPINION: The Muslim ban and the ethnic cleansing of America US President Donald Trumps Muslim ban went into partial effect in June. Under the ban, visitors from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen must prove they have a bona fide relationship to a US person or entity to be allowed entry to the US. The ban has faced a number of court challenges since a revised version was announced by the Trump administration in March. Widow says Bassel Khartabil, missing Creative Commons web developer, was killed by the Syrian government in 2015. The Syrian government executed Syrian-Palestinian web developer and cyberactivist Bassel Khartabil in 2015, his wife has said. NOURA GHAZI SAFADI ON HER HUSBANDS DEATH I cant get the words out of my mouth. Today I announce in my name, the name of Basils family and my family, the confirmation that the order to execute my husband Basel Khartabil was carried out days after he was moved to the Adra prison in October 2015 an appropriate end for a hero like him. Thank you all for killing my loved one. Thank you all, it is because of you that I was a bride of the revolution, and it is because of you that I have become a widow. Oh, Syrias loss Oh, Palestines loss Oh, my loss I cannot get the words out of my mouth, Noura Ghazi Safadi wrote in a Facebook post late on Tuesday. Today, I announce in my name, the name of Bassels family and my family, the confirmation that the order to execute my husband Bassel Khartabil was carried out days after he was moved to the Adra prison in October 2015. She did not indicate how she was able to confirm his death. The computer engineer, also known as Bassel Sadafi and credited with vastly extending online access and knowledge to the Syrian people, was detained on the first anniversary of the 2011 uprising in Syria. He was routinely denied access to his family and lawyers, rights groups and his wife said. He disappeared from official records in October 2015 when he was transferred from the Adra prison in northeast Damascus. Better because of Bassels work Khartabil was hailed for his contributions to the open web. He was the co-founder of Damascus Aiki Lab, a collaborative online community in Syria, was a regular contributor to Wikipedia, and worked as the Syria lead for Creative Commons, an organisation that aims to make creative content available for others to legally share and build upon. We are deeply saddened and completely outraged to learn today that our friend and colleague Bassel Khartabil has been executed by the Syrian regime, Creative Commons said in a statement on Tuesday. Creative Commons, and the global commons of art, history, and knowledge, are stronger because of Bassels contributions, and our community is better because of his work and his friendship. READ MORE: Concerns over fate of Syrian prisoner In 2012, Khartabil was named by Foreign Policy magazine as one of top 100 thinkers for fostering an open-source community in a country long on the margins of the internets youth culture. The magazine added that as a computer engineer living in Damascus, his innovative programming skills helped integrate Syria into the online community. Many online, including the founder of Wikipedia, expressed outrage over the news of his death, with some vowing to keep his work and memory alive. I am saddened and outraged in equal measure. https://t.co/1MzrM49C9t Jimmy Wales (@jimmy_wales) August 1, 2017 Bassel was an amazing Syrian activist for free knowledge: https://t.co/7kc1SCHxUp His death is an outrage and a tragedy. https://t.co/ZZEvZBlkDY Kat Walsh (@mindspillage) August 1, 2017 One way his supporters hope to memorialise Khartabils work is through the New Palmyra project. Khartabil launched the project in 2005 and worked with a team of artists in Damascus to remodel the ruins until his arrest nearly eight years later. Their work became even more important when the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group took control of Palmyra, first in 2015, and then again in late 2016, destroying parts of the treasured ruins. In April, Creative Commons, along with a US-based 3D printing company, created a 90kg 3D rendering of one of Palmyras Tetrapylons. Gigabot at work at #ccsummit. And this is a 3D printed replica of the Tetrapylon. #NEWPALMYRA #freebassel pic.twitter.com/vJmYISGEva nikki forebber (@antischokke) April 28, 2017 Khartabils visionary work ignited a community that stands for transparency, openness, and free culture and continues to grow via the remix, reuse, and sharing of his foundational work, Creative Commons said in April. Forced disappearances Rights groups have said the arrest of Khartabil highlighted how the Syian government has arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared thousands of Syrians. Dana Trometer, the spokeswoman of the #FreeBassel campaign, said it was a truly sad day. He had a high profile in the open-source network in the world, Trometer told Al Jazeera. But he is not the only one sitting in jail or [involved in any] other kidnapping situation at the moment. We cant understand why these good people disappear. Since the war began in March 2011, there have been more than 106,000 arbitrary arrests, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. As of July 2016, more than 65,000 people have forcibly disappeared, the group documented. According to Human Rights Watch, tens of thousands of political activists have been detained in Syria and held solely on the basis of their peaceful activity. Court rules police had to use force to end demonstration in 2008, but says there is no proof officers caused casualties. Two former Thai prime ministers have been cleared of abuse of power in a case involving an anti-government protest in 2008 that turned deadly. Thailands highest court in Bangkok on Wednesday acquitted Somchai Wongsawat, his then deputy Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and two former police officials. They had been accused of authorising the police to use force against protesters who had blockaded the National Assembly building. A pitched battle ensued, injuring several hundred people and causing two deaths. A judge said the court could not conclude that the injuries protesters sustained were from police weapons and grenades, according to the AP news agency. Thaksins brother-in-law Somchai is the brother-in-law of another former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, whose removal in a 2006 coup triggered sometimes violent battles for political power in Thailand. Thaksins supporters see the various criminal cases against him and his allies as attempts to erase his influence from Thai political life. Somchai thanked the court after its verdict and said he was grateful there was still justice in the country. Chavalit who served as premier in the 1990s did not comment. They could have faced up to 10 years in prison if they had been convicted. The ruling, however, angered a small group of protesters outside the court, some of them participants in the October 2008 protest. One woman shouted: Let them all get terrible diseases that cant be cured and die painful deaths! as Somchai walked away. In a separate trial, Thaksins sister, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, declared her innocence and asked for kindness from the court that will decide whether she mishandled a rice subsidy programme that allegedly lost billions of dollars. Her bank account has already been frozen after an administrative court held her responsible for some of the losses. The verdict in Yinglucks case is to be issued on August 25. Thaksin has been in self-imposed exile since 2008 to escape a prison sentence on a conflict of interest conviction. Anger grows amid spate of attacks, the deadliest of which was claimed by ISIL and killed 29 Shia Muslims in a mosque. Public faith in Afghanistans police and security services has been shaken again after a pair of suicide attackers killed at least 29 Shia worshippers in the western province of Herat. Around 50 Shias killed and 80 wounded in an attack by Islamic State fighters yesterday on a mosque in western Afghanistans Herat, the groups propaganda outlet Amaq said. Tuesdays blast, claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group on Wednesday, comes amid a spate of nationwide assaults over 48 hours. Most recently, a Taliban attack on Wednesday against NATO troops in Kandahar killed two US soldiers. Deadly violence was also reported on Tuesday in Helmand province and Paktia. WATCH: INSIDE STORY Can the US defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan? (23:49) On Monday, fighters belonging to ISIL, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for a suicide blast at the Iraqi embassy in Kabul that killed at least two Afghan guards. Protesters took to Herats streets on Wednesday after funerals for some of the victims of Tuesdays attack at the popular Jawadya mosque. Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herats governor, said he feared the death toll could rise, given the gravity of some of the injuries sustained by more than 60 people. Before blowing themselves up, two attackers fired on private guards outside the mosque in Herat city and then shot at crowds of worshippers. Screaming and running Police and the guard did not shoot back, witness and activist Mohammed Jawad Amid told Al Jazeera. People started screaming and running out. All eyes were on the police and the security guards who did not shoot back when asked. They said they were not authorised to do so, he said. There were four attackers, two of whom managed to escape, Amid said. The police also escaped from the scene. Angry locals clashed with the police and set a checkpoint on fire after the attack, venting their frustrations over what they said was a weak police response. READ MORE: SIGAR questions millions spent in Afghanistan Security was heightened in Herat in advance of the rallies, in which protesters are demanding better protection. Funerals took place in the afternoon. Jawad, the protest organiser, said both Shia and Sunni Muslims are attending the rally. Herat is united. When the injured were brought to the hospital, many Sunnis volunteered to donate blood, he said. Everyone is angry. Its not about Shia or Sunni. No one cares about this at the moment. We are all a target for these terrorists. May God punish them Ismail Mohammadi, a shopkeeper, spent Tuesday evening in Herat searching for his nephew as he received calls from family members asking about Alis whereabouts. Ali was among those killed in the mosque bombing. I was at my shop at the time of the blast. When I heard a loud bang, I closed my shop and walked towards the area where the attack took place, Mohammadi told Al Jazeera. I knew my nephew used to go to that mosque every Wednesday as there are special prayers on that day. While I walked towards the mosque, my niece called me saying that Alis phone was switched off. Mohammadi searched hospitals only to discover that his nephew had died. The mosque is Gods home and we think its the safest place in the world, but people were butchered there as well. Mohammadi said he believed more than 70 people were killed, and that officials were covering up the death toll. I protest today to hold our government and security officials responsible for the deaths. As for the terrorists who killed my nephew, may God punish them and take my revenge, Mohammadi said. Indonesia and encrypted messaging service Telegram set procedures to stamp out terrorist propaganda on the platform. The Indonesian government has lifted its threat to ban the encrypted messaging app Telegram, saying it has taken steps to block negative content that includes forums for ISIL supporters. Rudiantara, the minister of communications and information technology, met Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov on Tuesday, announcing that we have agreed to keep Telegram accessible. Earlier in July, the ministry said it was preparing to shut down Telegram in Indonesia, where it has several million users, if it did not develop procedures to block unlawful content including group discussions supportive of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL). As a partial measure, it asked internet companies to block access to 11 addresses offering the web version of Telegram, saying it had several forums that were full of radical and terrorist propaganda. At a joint news conference with the minister, Durov apologised for failing to quickly respond to the Indonesian governments request, blaming a miscommunication. READ MORE: Telegram blocks terror content after Indonesia threat He said there would be a line of direct communication between the ministry and top people in Telegram as that would allow it to shut down public channels more efficiently within several hours. We have discussed ways to block publicly available propaganda of terrorism on Telegram, which is something we have committed to do globally, and particularly in Indonesia, Durov said. The Indonesian government had not made any requests that would require Telegrams encryption to be compromised, he said, adding: The basis of Telegram is a 100 percent promise of encryption. This is why our company exists. Rudiantara said the blocking measures against Telegram could be lifted next week, but warned that other sites could now face scrutiny. Many other social media sites, messaging apps and file and video-sharing systems are used in Indonesia, he said, specifically mentioning Facebook and Google as platforms that could be scrutinised in the near future. Suspected fighters arrested by Indonesian police have told authorities that they communicated with each other via Telegram and received orders and directions to carry out attacks through the app, including from Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian with ISIL in Syria accused of orchestrating several attacks over the past 18 months. Critics of the governments threat said it would make more sense to monitor the ISIL discussion groups for possible intelligence than to ban the app. Several governments, including those of Australia and Britain, have urged technology companies to do more to help security agencies to thwart threats. North Carolina social worker and anarchist risks jail by not complying with order to attend federal grand jury. An activist in the US state of North Carolina could face up to 18 months in jail for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury over the firebombing of a Republican Party office during the 2016 presidential election. Katie Yow, a 31-year-old anarchist and social worker, decried the order, arguing that the secretive nature of grand juries enables the government to target activists without accountability. Because witnesses lawyers are not allowed in grand jury testimony sessions, Yows supporters accuse the government of using the subpoena to intimidate activists and gather information on protest movements. Their fears come at a time when hundreds of anti-Trump protesters are facing felony charges nationwide. On Monday, dozens of supporters rallied outside the US Middle District Court while Yow was inside. She later emerged and informed the crowd that a hearing over her fate had been scheduled for a later date. Kris Hermes, an activist and legal worker affiliated with the Grand Jury Resistance Project, said the use of grand juries by the state occurs in waves. Its a tool that becomes used by the state when political movements are gaining traction, he told Al Jazeera. I will never comply with this A grand jury is different from a trial jury in the US justice system because they are used to assist a prosecutor in deciding whether or not to bring criminal charges against an individual during an investigation. With no judge present and no legal defence lawyer for the witness, the prosecutor explains the law to the jurors, decides what type of evidence jurors see and can effectively interrogate any witness they like. Grand jury members and the prosecutor are also barred from revealing what took place during the hearing. However, there are legal repercussions for refusing to appear, including being jailed for the duration of the grand jury, which can span up to 18 months. READ MORE: Reporters face 70 years in prison over anti-Trump march In October 2016, less than a month before the presidential elections, a firebomb was thrown through the window of the local Republican Party headquarters in Hillsborough, North Carolina, badly damaging the building. While many things about what will happen next are developing and uncertain, one thing is absolutely clear: I will never comply with this or any subpoena, Yow said in a statement released after she received the order on July 10. I am resisting this grand jury with the considerable support and wisdom of many people who work every day to combat state repression, she added. I am resisting this grand jury in solidarity with all those resisting the unforgivable daily violence of the state. Witch hunt Jude Ortiz, a friend and supporter of Yow, told Al Jazeera that he feared the consequences of the activists actions. [Another friend] I supported was locked up for four months on civil contempt of court for refusing to testify until she was suddenly released, without explanation, he said. Ortiz argued that grand jury subpoenas could be part of a witch hunt, citing a crackdown on anti-Trump activists and a wave of bills introduced in state legislatures that could severely limit protesters actions. Last year, as thousands of people rallied in Standing Rock, North Dakota, during the standoff over the Dakota Access Pipeline, a grand jury was convened to investigate events during the protest movement. In 2010, subpoenas were issued to 23 international activists with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), a nonviolent group, in Chicago. They were summoned to a federal grand jury during an investigation of material support of terror. READ MORE: US police arrest left-wing protesters as far-right rallies The FRSO members were planning trips to support Palestinian and Colombian political movements. They refused to cooperate with the grand jury, citing political oppression. While no charges have been made, it is unclear whether the investigation has ended. More than 200 activists are currently facing 70 to 80 years in prison for protesting against Trumps inauguration on January 20 in Washington, DC, a move many view as an example of increased political pressure on anti-Trump activists. Antiracist activists in Virginia have also accused police of a crackdown on their communities as far-right movements are allowed to organise and rally. The Guilford County District Attorneys Office could not be reached for a comment. Ortiz said that he and members of the anarchist movement across the country plan to support Yow until the end. Follow Creede Newton on Twitter: @CreedeNewton The president says: That son-of-a-wh*re maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has described North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a maniac who could destroy Asia by touching off a nuclear war. The remark came before a regional summit on Wednesday in the capital, Manila, to be attended by the North Korean foreign minister. Using characteristically crude language, Duterte attacked Kim in advance of the regional security meeting where the ballistic-missile tests will be a key item on the agenda. He is playing with dangerous toys and this crazy man, do not be fooled by his face, that chubby face that looks nice, Duterte, 72, said of Kim in a nationally televised speech. That son-of-a-wh*re maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war, because [if] a limited confrontation blows up here, I tell you the fallout, the soil, the resources. I dont know what will happen to us. We wont be able to plant anything productive. Under Kims leadership, North Korea has accelerated its nuclear ambitions in defiance of international condemnation and multiple sets of UN sanctions. North Korea last week conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, which led Kim to boast that he could strike any target in the US. Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, and Wang Yi, Chinas foreign minister, will also be in Manila for the security forum, which is hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ministers will express grave concern over North Koreas nuclear missile test, according to a draft copy of the chairmans statement obtained by AFP news agency and scheduled to be released on Tuesday next week at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Crude language Duterte, who won presidential elections last year, has come under fire from foreign leaders over his war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives. He typically flavours his speeches with crude language and jokes deemed by many to be offensive, including about rape. Duterte last year called then US President Barack Obama a son of a whore for criticising the drug war. Saudi Arabia claims plaintiffs cannot prove the kingdom supported those who carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks. Washington, DC Saudi Arabia has asked a US judge to dismiss 25 lawsuits filed against it in relation to its alleged support of the September 11, 2001 attacks, court documents filed late on Monday afternoon show. In a filing in US District Court in Manhattan, lawyers representing Saudi Arabia claim the plaintiffs who represent thousands of victims who died and were injured in the attacks, as well as businesses and insurers cannot prove the Gulf kingdom supported the al-Qaeda-affiliated men who hijacked and crashed planes into New Yorks World Trade Center, the Pentagon outside Washington, and a Pennsylvania field. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks. Saudi Arabia also claimed it deserves sovereign immunity. James Kreindler, a lawyer representing those killed in the September 11 attacks, told Reuters news agency the filing was expected We have tonnes of allegations of what many Saudis and the countrys alter ego charities did. Saudi Arabia cannot hide from the facts. Saudi Arabias lawyers introduced several exhibits which they say support their claims. One such exhibit was an executive summary from the CIA dated to 2005, which says there was no evidence that Saudi Arabia supported the attackers. OPINION: 9/11 then and now Terror, militarism, war and fear But doubt has long-centred over claims that Saudi Arabia wasnt involved. It is known that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, and several met Saudi nationals with ties to their government, such as Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi national who has connections to Saudi diplomats. A trove of declassified documents suggested evidence of collusion between the hijackers and Saudi Arabia described as chilling by investigators. Congress initiated an inquiry on November 27, 2002 into the attacks. A report totalling over 1,000 pages was published in 2004. There were 28 pages left out of the report on the orders of former President George W Bush, which became a source of controversy. These pages were finally made public in July 2016, though no definitive answers arose, and further possible ties between al-Qaeda and the Saudi embassy in the US were uncovered, as phone numbers saved in the phone of an al-Qaeda operative captured in Pakistan were linked to Saudi consulates in the US. Former Senator Bob Graham, the co-chair of Congresss 9/11 Joint Inquiry and one of the voices alleging the Saudis and the hijackers were connected, told Politico he no longer called the US governments actions a cover-up. That would be a passive activity. What theyre doing now I call aggressive deception. The 25 cases were previously in danger of being thrown out, due to a legal inability for US citizens to sue foreign governments for support of extremists. Then, in 2015, legislators introduced the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which made possible legal action against states that support terrorists who commit violent acts on US soil. Then-President Barack Obama attempted to veto the bill after months of Saudi threats and lobbying, but the US Congress overrode Obamas veto in 2016. The override was widely praised as a step towards justice for the victims of the deadliest attack on US soil in history by much of the US public. Lawyers for the plaintiffs have until October 2 to file documents in opposition to the motion. Lawyers on both sides declined Al Jazeeras request for comment. Christopher Wray inherits job at a challenging time given Trumps ousting of James Comey, who was admired in the FBI. The US Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly confirmed Christopher Wray as the man to lead the FBI, replacing James Comey, who was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump amid the investigation into Russian meddling in last years presidential election. The vote was 92-5 for Wray, a former high-ranking official in President George W Bushs Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud. Wray, 50, inherits the FBI at a particularly challenging time given Trumps ousting of Comey, who was admired within the bureau. This is a tough time to take this tough job, Senator Amy Klobuchar said during a relatively low-key Senate debate of the nomination. The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And weve had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months. READ MORE: Donald Trump and James Comey A timeline Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska said after the vote: Chris Wray will bring character and competence to a city that is haemorrhaging public trust. Wray won unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, with Republicans and Democrats praising his promise never to let politics get in the way of the bureaus mission. Asserting his independence at his confirmation hearing, Wray said: My loyalty is to the constitution and the rule of law. Those have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to them no matter the test. Al Jazeeras Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from Washington, DC, said Wray told senators during his confirmation hearing last month that if he were asked for a loyalty pledge from Trump as Comey was he would refuse and would rather quit than drop any investigation under pressure. Wray is seen as a person who likes to stay away from drama. He has a reputation for a low-key demeanour and his nomination by Trump was seen as a safe and mainstream and non-partisan choice for this position, Zhou-Castro said. We need leaders with steel spines Trump roiled Washington on May 9 by firing Comey in the midst of his 10-year term as the FBI chief and as the law enforcement agency was investigating Russias role in the election and possible collusion with Trump campaign officials. Andrew McCabe has served as acting FBI director during the nearly three-month interim period. Wray has worked on white-collar crime and regulatory cases as a partner at the King & Spalding law firm. From May 2001 to May 2005, he held various high-ranking positions in the Justice Department, rising to the head of the criminal division in September 2003. He also served as principal associate deputy attorney general. He was a federal prosecutor in the US attorneys office for the Northern District of Georgia from May 1997 to May 2001. Wray had represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in the so-called Bridgegate scandal. Wray is a graduate of Yale University, where he also received his law degree in 1992. Mr Wray possesses the skill, the character and the unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law that we need in a FBI director, said Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The top Democrat on the panel, California Senator Dianne Feinstein, said Wray has the strength and fortitude to stand up and do what it is right when tested. She added:: We need leaders with steel spines, not weak knees, and I am hopeful that Mr Wray will be just such a leader. Commenting on the vote, Senator Lindsey Graham said: Todays bipartisan show of support is indicative of Wrays professionalism and commitment to independence. I have no doubt the FBI is in good hands with Mr Wray at the helm. Two US soldiers confirmed dead as suicide bomber rams vehicle filled with explosives into convoy of foreign forces. Two US soldiers have been killed by a suicide bomber who targeted a convoy of foreign forces in Afghanistans southern province of Kandahar, according to security officials. NATO confirmed in a statement the convoy was targeted on Wednesday in an attack that did cause casualties. At around noon a car bomb targeted a convoy of foreign forces in Daman area of Kandahar, Zia Durrani, Kandahar provinces police spokesman, said on Wednesday. A US Pentagon spokesman confirmed that at least two casualties were US soldiers. Two US service members were killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when their convoy came under attack, Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. US Forces Afghanistan will provide additional information as it becomes available. Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it took place near an Afghan intelligence quick reaction force base in the Shor Andam area of Daman district. READ MORE: Can the US defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan? Witnesses reported seeing two foreign vehicles in the area on fire. The Taliban are very active in that area, and for the past few days there has been a lot of fighting between the group and Afghan security forces, Al Jazeeras Jennifer Glasse reported from Kabul. There is a lot of concern here about the growing violence in the country and anger [with people] wondering why the Afghan government cannot protect its people. The combined US and NATO troop contingent currently in Afghanistan is about 13,500 troops. The Trump administration is weighing whether to send about 4,000 or more US soldiers to Afghanistan in an attempt to halt Taliban gains. Wednesdays attack came as Afghan authorities in Herat tightened security before a mass funeral for the victims of an attack in the western province that killed 29 and left 64 people wounded, 10 of whom are in a critical condition. A suicide attacker opened fire inside a mosque packed with worshippers at evening prayers, before detonating his explosives. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on Wednesday claimed responsibility for that attack. Fighters, families and refugees head to Idlib in bus convoy following deal between Hezbollah and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. Buses carrying Syrians have begun leaving refugee camps in the Lebanese border area of Jroud Arsal under a truce deal between Lebanons Hezbollah and Syrian Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters. Thousands of Syrians, including fighters, their families and refugees, are to leave the border zone and head for Syrias Idlib province under the agreement. The Lebanese Al Manar television station said on Wednesday that 26 buses crossed further northeast from the Arsal area to Wadi Hmeid, in the direction of the Syrian border. Al Jazeeras Imtiaz Tyab, reporting from Labweh, said the logistics of the long convoy would be challenging. The Lebanese Red Cross will escort this convoy to the border with Syria, he said. They will then be met by the Syrian Red Crescent, which will escort the convoy to Idlib province, a rebel-held area. That is where these refugees, these fighters and their families will be going, but we understand this could take many many hours. Nearly 7,000 Syrians are expected to leave the area under the ceasefire deal, according to Hezbollah-run news media outlets. The deal also included the release of Hezbollah fighters by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, which took place overnight. The ceasefire took effect last week, just days after Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and other armed groups from their last foothold along the Syria-Lebanon border. Figures disputed Security sources say that about 1,000 Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters are among those who will leave the area for Idlib aboard dozens of buses. However, in an interview to Al Jadeed, a Lebanon-based TV station seen as close to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Lebanese General Security official estimated the number of fighters to be much lower. What we know is 120 fighters, Major-General Abbas Ibrahim said. How a young girl was rescued from the rubble of her home in Shujayea after an Israeli bomb killed most of her family. Filmmaker: Ibrahim al-Otla I saw a red light, then the house was bombed. I fainted. Then I woke up and found myself under the rubble. Bisan Daher will never forget the day when Israel attacked Gazas Shujayea neighbourhood in 2014. The eight-year-old girl was rescued from the rubble of her home after an attack that killed six members of her family. Israeli Operation Protective Edge began on July 7, 2014, and was purportedly aimed at stopping alleged rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. On the 13th day of the assault on Gaza, Israel declared the district of Shujayea a closed military zone. Israeli artillery, backed by the air force, intensified its attacks, forcing thousands of residents to flee. They pulled out those who were still alive first. Me, Shaimaa and my brother, Mohamed. by Bisan Daher, survivor At least 72 Palestinians were killed and another 288 injured during the attack, according to Palestinian health ministry sources. As Israeli planes still flew overhead, a Palestinian ambulance team heard someone crying for help from deep under the remains of a home on Nazzar Street. The civil defence workers hesitated the paramedics were strongly against it because their colleague was killed that morning, says cameraman Yaser Murtaja. They were worried theyd be bombed if they entered the area. After much debate, the civil defence team along with Red Crescent paramedic Alaa Abu Sheir decided to risk their lives to rescue Bisan Daher and her pregnant sister-in-law, Shaimaa. Shaimaas husband, Mohamed, was pulled out of the rubble first, but later succumbed to his injuries and died at Shifah Hospital. Under the constant threat of the building collapsing and further Israeli shelling, the teams rescue efforts grew more complicated, according to Abu Sheir. We thought wed reach them. But we found it was still very difficult. It was dark and dangerous. It became even harder when I got inside. When more bombs fell nearby, I thought the ceiling would collapse. The fear increased, for myself and those under the debris, he says. Describing Shaimaas rescue, Abu Sheir says, Shaimaa was in a very difficult situation. Concrete blocks, a metal window and lots of rocks were on her. And a dead body, too. I asked her who that was. She said, Adham is on my legs and I cant move. I asked her if he was alive. She said she didnt know, but he was very cold. I checked his pulse. He was dead. Recalling that horrific day, I was in a dark place, like a grave, says Shaimaa. There was only a very small opening. When I felt I was suffocating, Id raise myself to get air. Bisan and Shaimaa both survived and two months after she was rescued, Shaimaa gave birth to a baby boy, naming him Mohamed after her dead husband. Bisan is physically and psychologically scarred, but returned to school. She now lives with her two brothers who were out of the house when the Israeli missile struck. Gaza: Surviving Shujayea is a visceral, compelling story of mental and physical survival against the odds and of the close bond that formed between Bisan and her rescuers. On May 23, Qatar woke up to news of a hack attributing false statements to the emir of Qatar. The fake news was aired on several UAE and Saudi-owned networks in the Gulf. This prompted a series of diplomatic breakdowns between the GCC countries. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE cut diplomatic, commercial and transport links with Qatar on June 5, accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism an allegation the country has repeatedly rejected as baseless. On August 5, the Qatar-GCC crisis will enter its third month. Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of the Saudi-led group met in the Bahraini capital of Manama. I by Khalid . All the parties are obliged to sit and discuss in an open dialogue, and to reach to a common understanding between the GCC countries.] They said they were ready for dialogue with Qatar if Doha agrees to certain demands and shows its sincere willingness to stop funding terrorism and extremism. In an interview to Al Jazeera, Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, Qatars defence minister, says that if Gulf countries stay in the stalemate situation, [the GCC] will be jeopardised, adding that he believes the wisdom of [Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah] will not let it go this far. According to him, there are some signs of movement to resolve the crisis. Qatar, since day one, was calling for dialogue and I think today this language is prevailing in the GCC, he says. Regarding Qatars military exercises with the US and Turkey, he says: Some of this training goes back to 2014 this has nothing to do with whats going on with the GCC. The United States is a strategic ally, especially on the defence and counterterrorism activity. The same with the Turks we have a strategical relation with the Turks. Nevertheless, Qatars defence minister responded to the blockading countries assertion that they are ready for dialogue, if Qatar will accede to their 13 demands, by suggesting that there is room for negotiation, but not if sacrificing Qatars sovereignty is a prerequisite. Lets talk about the 13 demands, Khalid bin Mohammed tells Al Jazeera. Lets see, the demand number 12 [it] says that if Qatar does not reply within 10 days, the demands are considered null and void, so they are already null and void, and even so Qatar was open to discuss any of the blockade concerns. Some of the 13 demands are a basis on which we can discuss. But we cannot have a pre-acceptance, otherwise, we are giving away our sovereignty. Al Jazeera also asked Khalid bin Mohammed about Qatars role in the conflict in Yemen and whether Qatar was aware of the human rights violations of which the Saudi-led coalition has been accused. Khalid bin Mohammed noted that Qatar was tasked to be inside Saudi Arabia, and we have been tasked to defend certain points, side by side with our colleagues from the Saudi military. Qatar has not been involved at all inside Yemen, and this is the role which it had been a tasked with by the coalition operation command. Despite the continuing standoff, the Qatari defence minister believes that the rift in the GCC can still be mended. I believe its fixable, he said, but it needs to start soon. We should put all our weight behind [Kuwaiti Emir] Sheikh Sabah [al-Ahmad Al Sabah] to bring this mediation to a success level. You can talk to Al Jazeera, too. Join our Twitter conversation as we talk to world leaders and alternative voices shaping our times. You can also share your views and keep up to date with our latest interviews on Facebook. Sketching a mural on a wall is a long and difficult process, but UF alumna Liza Kholodkova found a way to save both the effort and time: get a robot to do it. Kholodkovas invention, a robot named Botsy, can help muralists who want to make their artistic process easier. Depending on the size of the mural, a sketch could take an artist days or even weeks to complete, Kholodkova said. Botsy can finish it in a couple of hours. In 2015, Kholodkova graduated from UF with a dual degree in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering and began a company called BeDrawn, which sells her invention to muralists looking to save time. While living in Gainesville and painting murals as a hobby, she noticed how difficult it was to initially map the murals out, leading her to create and build Botsys original prototype after graduating. Last year, UFs Integrated Product and Process Design, or IPPD, program in the College of Engineering commissioned Kholodkova and Botsy to create a mural in the departments currently barren hallway. It will be the largest mural Kholodkova and her robot have created thus far. In its largest form, Kholodkova said her small robot is normally able to produce mural sketches that are 8-by-6 feet. However, the piece for IPPD will be 30-by-6 feet, requiring Botsy to be used in four different blocks. They thought my project was cool, Kholodkova said of the College of Engineerings proposal. When they called, I wanted to come up with something that captured the spirit of (IPPD). Once Kholodkova agreed to lend Botsy for the engineering buildings new hallway mural, she began a yearlong search to find the artist best suited to creating the design. By chance, while watching videos on YouTube, Kholodkova stumbled upon the channel Kurzgesagt, which translates to In A Nutshell in German. Kholodkova said she instantly fell in love with the channels artwork style and emailed them asking if they would design the mural. Much to her joy, they responded and said yes. They took some kind of scientific concept and tried to explain it in simple terms, she said. When I emailed them, they actually replied. According to IPPD director Keith Stanfill, the College of Engineering wanted to fill the blank hallway wall leading up to their department. It looks like it leads to a morgue, Stanfill said. I wanted something memorable to make the hall more interesting, and I want it to showcase the combination of technology and art. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Stanfill said he was inspired by Kholodkovas commitment to the project, which he considers a nontraditional path for engineering students to take due to its artistic focus. On Tuesday, Botsy began outlining IPPDs future mural. Kholodkova, along with a group of volunteers, plan to spend the rest of the week filling it in with paint. Stanfill said the mural, a collection of images of people and technology, reflects the mission and purpose of his program. It captures the spirit of what we do, he said. While her robot, Botsy, continues to outline the remaining pieces of a new mural on a once blank hallway in UFs New Engineering Building, UF alumna Liza Kholodkova begins to paint. The Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation of Egypt and COMESA Regional Investment Agency announced today the holding of Africa 2017 ([www.BusinessForAfricaForum.com](http://www.businessforafricaforum.com/)), a high-level forum offering participants an unparalleled platform for promoting trade and investment within Africa. The Forum will be held under the High Patronage of H.E. President Read more on https://africa-newsroom.com/press/heads-of-state-and-business-leaders-to-gather-o...Source : http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric... The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementing partner Management Sciences for Health marked the successful completion of the USAID-funded Leadership, Management and Governance project. The five-year project focused on capacity building of public sector health care providers and civil society organizations in Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Read more []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric... In early June, a group of concerned Americans of Iranian origin as well as other Americans held a meeting at the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. to set the stage for regime change in Iran. They assembled at the House Visitors' Center and discussed practical ideas for bringing about regime change in Iran. The impression the meeting made among those concerned with the situation in Iran and the Middle East was so positive that the event immediately made headlines around the world. A number of prominent figures followed up on that event. A few days later, the former crown prince of Iran in exile, Reza Pahlavi, visited a number of House and Senate members, allegedly discussing very much the same possibilities. On June 14, 2017, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the United States policy toward Iran is based on the support of Iranian forces who can bring about peaceful regime change to which the Iranian dissidents warmly responded by an open letter. On July 10, 2017, the Daily Caller broke the news of Secretary of Defense Mattis's stance toward Iran to the effect that "Iran needs regime change for relations to improve with the U.S." On the other hand, the Iran regime's lobby in America, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), immediately attacked the "June 8 Coalition" meeting in the press and on their blogs, as well as directly confronting the participants on social media with their Iran regime supporters' echo chamber, which was set up by Trita Parsi and bragged about in the New York Times by former Obama White House staffer Ben Rhodes. Here is where we say, "Hold the presses!" The Iran lobby has run circles around Obama, Clinton, Kerry, the State Department, and Congress for more than a decade. If you don't believe us, ask anyone at the National Endowment for Democracy. Or ask former U.S. Republican senator Mark Kirk, who blasted the lobby on the U.S. Senate floor. Or ask Democrat senator Bob Menendez, who also opposed the "Iran deal." Before we can contemplate regime change in Iran, we must set policy standards and implement a decisive plan of action to clean our own house and take down the Iranian regime-supporters in America. We should start by investigating and auditing all Iran lobby groups and their financial resources, the misuse of their 501(c)(3)s, and the possible misuse of their 501(c)(4)s, one of which should have never been approved, after a U.S. court sanctioned Trita Parsi and the NIAC and forced them to pay a $172,000 settlement to Hassan Daioleslam, who had exposed the illegal lobbying activities on behalf of the Iranian regime by Trita Parsi at the NIAC. To improve the situation, President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson should immediately consider John Bolton's appointment to a now understaffed State Department. As Reza Parchizadeh has written before, former U.N. ambassador Bolton is perhaps the most experienced character in American politics when it comes to the Iranian regime and the Middle East. Bolton will bring his much needed experience and a coherent Iran policy, as well as order to State's Middle East section. Next, Congress needs to come down hard on senators and congressman who fundraise for Iran lobbies, which in turn benefits the Iranian regime that has openly declared the United States and her allies Israel and Saudi Arabia as the regime's number-one enemies. The House members' assisting the enemy, in any form, is unconscionable and must stop. We must also remove the regime-supporters from the U.S. taxpayer-funded entities Voice of America Persian and Radio Farda and get back on a pro-democracy, pro-liberty, and pro-human rights mission. According to BBG Watch, during an address on Capitol Hill as part of an event about regime change in Iran, coordinated with the office of Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.) Reza Parchizadeh said: The old media, including the state media directed towards Iran, must be completely overhauled and restructured. In that regard, Voice of America and Radio Farda stand at the forefront, as they have been stuffed with regime sympathizers. So biased has been their broadcast in favor of the Iranian regime that the people of Iran and the dissidents derogatorily call Voice of America the "Voice of Ayatollahs" and Radio Farda "Radio Khatami." Removing pro-regime agents and sympathizers from VOA and Radio Farda must be made a State Department priority, to be accomplished by November 30, 2017. We must win back the hearts and minds of the Iranian people after they were left decimated in the streets of Iran during the 2009 election protests by the failed policies of Obama, Clinton, and Trita Parsi. President Trump should openly declare U.S. support for the people of Iran and fully implement immediate sanctions on Iran's leaders as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, better known as the IRGC, based on human rights abuses and the export of international terrorism. Before the disastrous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the misguided Iran deal, Khamenei and his IRGC were mostly contained in Iran and two provinces of Iraq, Basra and Maysan. The regime has now spread throughout Iraq and Syria, and by proxy in Lebanon and Yemen. Through Hezb'allah, the regime has been threatening Israel at the Golan Heights for months. It is also threatening Iraqi Kurdistan over its independence claim and is bolstering its troops along the Iran-Kurdistan border. The U.S. is the only power that can stop Soleimani's advance into Kurdistan, where his Quds Force seems to have posed for opening yet another front. Finally, we cannot successfully remove the regime in Iran unless we clearly show to the Iranian people that their real enemy is not America, but the Islamist regime that has bent justice, severely violated human rights, abused the rights of minorities, imprisoned and executed dissidents through show trials, misused the treasury to fund terrorism and war, stolen land from the people, destroyed lakes and water resources, done gross damage to the environment, and oppressed and terrorized the country since 1979. That is why the Iranian regime's mouthpieces in the U.S. that completely subvert the truth about the nature of the regime must be shut down. A black student at Cambridge University has just said that all white people are racist. (This was in response to Saturday's riots in Dalston, east London.) His name is Jason Osamede Okundaye. He's also the President of the Black and Minority Ethnic society at the University. Okundaye wrote: The other fantastically ironic thing is that he also claimed that middle-class white people have colonised Dalston. In full: Of course, if white people had claimed that Dalston was formerly colonised by black people, they'd have been classed as racist by anti-racists. Though since blacks can't be racist (they don't have the power), then this statement can't be racist either. Nothing a black person says or does can be racist. This is according to the standards of the many and various anti-racist theorists and academics who exist today; some of whom will teach at Okundaye's Cambridge University. Predictably, once the news spread outside of the Students' Union and the University itself, a spokesperson from the University said: The College is looking into this matter and will respond appropriately. However, if blacks can be racist, then what can Cambridge University do about this? Jason Osamede Okundaye has done nothing wrong. That is, according to many theorists and academics at Cambridge University, he's done nothing wrong. He's black and therefore he can't be a racist. He's only a victim. Not a suspect or even a free agent. He's a black man. A man infantilised by anti-racist theory and anti-racist activists. According to Trinity College [Cambridge] Students' Union website: BME, Black and Minority Ethnic, is a term used in the UK to describe people of non-white descent. Thus, the Black and Minority Ethnic society seems to think that all people who aren't white have something in common. That's from middle-class African blacks (like Jason Osamede Okundaye?) to deprived Indians who've been given a scholarship. So this institution is racist for the simple reason that it places an absolute emphasis on race and colour. What better definition of racism can there be? After all, racism can be both positive and negative. Presumably, the BME sees itself as practicing and promoting positive racism; though it won't use the word racism about itself. For example, at Cambridge University there are academic courses which teach that all white people are racist. They won't, of course, use the same inflammatory discourse which Jason Osamede Okundaye uses. Nonetheless, he's the logical/political conclusion of such theoretical and academic anti-white racism. There have also been a series of seminars on Critical Race Theory in July this year at Cambridge University. The University also featured research under the headline: 'Racism in the US runs far deeper than Trump's white supremacist fanbase'. (It was written by Nicholas Guyatt, a Cambridge University lecturer.) More relevantly, the University of Cambridge published a piece which states that it's wrong to single out or demonize the white working class for racism; when, as a matter of fact, all white people are racist. (This, I presume, is class prejudice.) So I wonder if Jason Osamede Okundaye will win one of the award categories which Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU) has just announced as part of its anti-racism campaign. After all, what better way is there of being anti-racist than being racist against all whites? Jason Osamede Okundaye is digging his own grave anyway; even if he is a student at Cambridge University. If all white people are racist, then that must be some kind of racial fact. A fact about white DNA, perhaps. And if that's the case, there's nothing white people can do about it. Therefore, condemning white racism is pointless. It's racial. It's genetic. It's a given. So why the political and moral outrage? Changing white racism would be like changing the colour of one's skin or how many fingers one has. It's also ironic that this black racist is a member of a Cambridge University equality group. Although only black and brown people can be members, many white middle-class Trotskyists, communists, and progressives will support it to the hilt. And these are the very people aiming Jason Osamede Okundaye is aiming his racist words at. This is a variation, of course, on the more polite and theoretical anti-white racism of academics and people like Diane Abbott MP (the British Shadow Home Secretary); who, predictably, has stuck her own nose into the Dalston riots. From her previous statements, she believes more or less the same as Jason Osamede Okundaye. For example, in 2012 she wrote: "White people love playing 'divide and rule' We should not play their game." In 1988, when, at a black studies conference in Philadelphia, she claimed that "the British invented racism. She also made a racist comment about white Finnish nurses. Jason Osamede Okundaye is the logical/political conclusion of academic anti-racism. So we'll have to reap the harvest. Are you worried about the Russian influence on the presidential election? If so, there's a chance you are at least eight years too late. Consider the curious case of Rainer Baake, born in 1955 in the West German town of Witten. From his German Wikipedia entry (translated): After the Abitur (final high school examinations), Rainer Baake worked as a Community Organizer in Chicago from 1974 to 1978. So a 19 year old German went from a small town in Germany to be a community organiser in Chicago for four years. This is as strange as a 19-year-old African-American would be going from the Midwest to work as a community organizer in Hamburg, overcoming the problems of a different skin color and a high-school-level language abiliy. Doubtless young Rainer had a burning ambition to inform disadvantaged Chicago residents of tenants rights and the like. Or perhaps not? And four years? It was as if it was his job or education, that he didnt have a normal life to get back to. The next question is who paid for young Rainer to be in Chicago? One suspect should be Markus Wolf, head of the Main Directorate for Reconnaissance (the foreign intelligence division) of East Germanys Ministry for State Security, commonly known as the Stasi. He is considered to be the most successful spymaster in the entire post-World War II period. West Germany was riddled with Stasi agents, including, at one stage, the secretary to the German Chancellor, Willy Brandt, who had to resign as a consequence. The Stasi would have known who all the promising young West German communists were. But there is most likely to be another layer. Most people would be aware that the Russians have influenced public opinion in the West against fracking, which is a threat to their income. So have the Saudis, for that matter. For some reason the Russian campaign against fracking doesnt concern many people. Influence campaigns to change public opinion in the target country, and thus weaken it, have a long history. If we consider the possibility that young Herr Baakes presence in community organizing circles in Chicago was connected to Communist influence strategies, the simplest explanation for young Rainers presence in Chicago forty years ago was that a Russian or East German national would attract attention, while a West German would not. And a young communist straight out of high school in West Germany would be highly expendable if things didnt work out. There were plenty of communists, socialists and allies in Chicago at the time for Rainer Baake to coordinate with, including Frank Davis Marshall, Saul Alinsky and Bill Ayers. That seems likely to explain the choice of Chicago for Rainer Baakes stint at communiy organizing. Barack Obama was born in 1961 and was thus 17 when Rainer Baake returned to West Germany. Mr Obamas turn at community organizing in Chicago was from June 1985 to May 1988. East Germany disappeared in 1990 with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Russia continued, somewhat shrunken though retaining a highly effective espionage operation. But Russian agents still have a hard time operating in the United States. So the handling of the Chicago community organizer operation was passed to Cuban intelligence, the Direccion General de Inteligencia, I am told by sources in the DC intelligence community. Obama, as president, did what he could to reduce the size of the U.S. economy with climate concerns as the excuse. The economy has bounced back strongly now that his regulations are being removed by President Trump. No wonder Chancellor Merkel was so upset at President Trump over the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement because she is from a privileged family in the East German nomenklatura, and the product of a similar influence campaign. Merkel is flat out trying to shrink the German economy with climate-based restrictions, including closure of Germanys nuclear reactors. She is ably assisted to that end by Rainer Baake, who reappears in our story as State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin. His main preoccupation now is wrecking the German car industry. Of course, this thesis has a slender basis, and there could be many other possibilities. But we are dealing with people who knew the importance of covering their tracks. For example, in retirement Markus Wolf wrote his memoirs, which were published in English and German. The content and message, for each language, is different because he had two different audiences to manipulate and influence. David Archibalds latest book is American Gripen: The Solution to the F-35 Nightmare In psychology, the term "identity crisis" refers to a personal, psychosocial conflict involving confusion about one's social role and personality. Not exclusive to teenagers, the internal strife can occur in adults and organizations. From Eric Erikson's (1963) "stages of psychosocial development" through Engler's (2006) observation on role confusion ("the inability to conceive oneself as a productive member of one's own society"), researchers have learned to classify individuals into four categories depending on their "identity status." Identity achieved people have thought profoundly about their beliefs and have no problem identifying themselves. individuals in status of moratorium are trying to determine what their life choices are. Those classified into the foreclosure category took an identity, copycat-style, and people who didn't bother to think about their personal choices are stuck inside identity diffusion box. Many supporters of leftist leaders are clearly in a state of confusion regarding the nature and direction of the dangerously morphing Democratic Party. The "militants" change their slogans as often as teens swap subcultures, and they come up with new names quicker than a snake can shed its skin. The title "Democrats" is still in use, but forget Adams's "Our Constitution was made only for moral and religious people" or JFK's "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." The donkey brays: "Love trumps hate!" Some "militants" show off Palestinian scarves and yell that Trump is an anti-Semite. The opponents of "the racist wall" are sporting Che Guevara t-shirts. If you quote Che's words "Mexicans are a band of illiterate Indians," or "the black is indolent and a dreamer, spending his meager wage on frivolity or drink" they will escape in denial. They are "for freedom of speech" but will ransack your car or...bite your ear if you have a different opinion. In terms of identity crisis, foreclosure and identity diffusion categories dominate in a frenzied crowd. They know that "Trump is a Nazi" but can't explain why. If you disagree with them, you are "a Nazi," too. The "militants" fancy themselves a revolutionary movement but are unwilling to use logical thinking; they hope to "acquire personality" in a rioting crowd and resolve identity conflict through flag-burning. They want to be the "Resistance," as if they had the courage of the Europeans who fought the National Socialists of Germany and their puppet regimes. It's interesting to observe that in their quest for a label, the leftists avoid associating themselves with true communist and socialist symbols such as Stalin, Mao, or Pol Pot. And let's not forget the "Antifa." Well, an Italian historian, and an expert on the ideology of fascism, Emilio Gentile, described fascism as a mass movement: ... organized as a party militia, that bases its identity not on social hierarchy or class origin but on a sense of comradeship, believes itself invested with a mission of national regeneration, considers itself in a state of war against political adversaries and aims at conquering a monopoly of political power by using terror, parliamentary politics, and deals with leading groups, to create a new regime that destroys parliamentary democracy. Who is inciting hatred and unleashing violence? Well, some F-bomb- and S-grenade-throwers like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and DNC chairman Tom Perez certainly encourage rage. Some "militants" will parrot demagogues such as Maine's Democrat rep. Scott Hamann, who called the president "a joke, a rapist ,a racist, a liar and un-American." (He apologized when confronted.) Others may whine that "it's a shame that more Republicans weren't shot." But, quite ironically for those who claim to "fight for people," the real drivers of the botched revolution are oligarchs who like to use crowds as a tool in order to keep power for themselves only. True autocrats love their "folks" ignorant and confused. As observed by Alexis de Tocqueville, "[d]emocracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." Meanwhile, Democrats who won't address their political identity crisis and hubristic rage have only themselves to blame for dragging their own party to the bottom of political culture. The unmasking scandal has suctioned in the name of President Obama's "mind meld," deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes, according to a report from Sara A. Carter of Circa, citing congressional sources. Rhodes, along with Susan Rice, Samantha Power, John Brennan, and other Obama loyalists, has been accused of "unmasking" innocent Americans whose names were caught up in intelligence dragnets directed at foreign targets in the House Intelligence Committee investigation. The tool is so strong as a surveillance instrument that U.S. intelligence agencies are legally bound to keep names of Americans "masked" to avoid spying on them. If an official reading an intelligence report wants to unmask a name, it has to be for grave national security purposes. Team Obama found hundreds and hundreds of grave national security purposes as they unmasked hundreds of Americans, significantly higher in the final year of Obama's term as president, according to Carter, who wrote: According to the documents reviewed by Circa, government officials conducted 30,355 searches in 2016 seeking information about Americans in NSA intercept meta-data, which include telephone numbers and email addresses. The activity was a 27.5 percent increase over the prior year and more than triple the 9,500 such searches that occurred in 2013, the first year such data was kept. In 2016 the administration also scoured the actual contents of NSA intercepted calls and emails for 5,288 Americans, an increase of 13 percent over the prior year and a massive spike from the 198 names searched in 2013, according to the data. As Breitbart News points out some of these unmaskings were followed by leaks to the press. This raises questions about whether Team Obama used U.S. intelligence resources, paid for by all Americans for their own national security, for shady partisan political purposes instead. So now Rhodes, who rose to the title of deputy national security adviser, is being called a "person of interest" in the unmasking investigation of the House Intelligence Committee, along with his close Twitter friends Rice, Power, and other Obama officials. We'd like to see Vice President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Colin Kahl, come up, too. Rhodes and Kahl are close on Twitter. Would Rhodes be the sort to do it? My vote is yes. A look at who Rhodes is gets the ball rolling. He's a 30-something ne'er-do-well with a creative writing major who never amounted to much before got his big break through his political associations with President Obama. An unsuccessful novelist, he lived in the shadow of his successful older brother, David Rhodes, who was president of CBS News. Apparently there was enough of a political advantage in that for Obama to hire Rhodes first as a speechwriter and then as a strategic communications director at the White House, entitling him deputy national security adviser, a designation well above what his underachievement merited. Complicating things, he was reportedly unable to get an interim security clearance in 2008, even with the bar lowered as it was in the Obama years. Why that happened is unclear, but it's noteworthy that he was the only one of more than 187 who otherwise got them. Suffice it to say, if he couldn't qualify, it's likely he thumbs his nose at either the law or the flag in some way. With that much handed to him cheaply, and things in his background so bad he apparently wasn't allowed to access classified reports, it would be pretty easy to thumb one's nose at intelligence rules and do what he darn well pleased. Rhodes is a serial liar, something derived from his past as a spin doctor and creator of "narratives." Much of his Obama career has been centered on dishonest acts. He's an author of the infamous Benghazi talking points, which sought to cover up the al-Qaeda-planned assassination of a U.S. ambassador by claiming that the killing was nothing but a crowd of enraged film critics who got out of hand. His buddy Susan Rice went and delivered the talking points, over and over again, on television as the 2012 election approached and the administration sought to claim that President Obama had al-Qaeda "on the run." He's also the architect of the Iran deal, the outrageous giveaway to the mullahs, including a $400-million payoff, in exchange for Iran's supposed termination of its illegal nuclear program, which hasn't happened. Rhodes famously told a reporter after that fiasco that he had created a media "echo chamber" to fool the American people, whom he expressed nothing but contempt for. He's also the author of the great giveaway to communist Cuba, free diplomatic relations and trade goodies in exchange for...nothing. Cuba's Ladies in White and other dissidents endured new waves of beatings and assaults as a result of the newly moneyed Castro regime, and worse still, Venezuela became Hell on Earth as Cuban agents pulled puppet strings with their newfound power and cash that came with the U.S. opening. Rhodes attended Castro's funeral for purposes unknown. Besides being a congenital liar, Rhodes is also a whiner. Late last year, a Beltway source told us that Rhodes was asked about why his holdover buddies and pals in the Deep State were going so far out of their way to trash President Trump's appointees before they had even taken office. Rhodes leaned back and confidently told our source that it wasn't about principle or merit; rather, "they did it to us first." So no matter how wrong they may be, Rhodes and his little friends were slapping back harder, as if Trump had any connection to Republicans and their acts under President Bush. Here's another instance of whining, from a recent tweet: Also the problem of having a compromised POTUS demand that the AG of the United States pursue investigations of his political opponents https://t.co/mDgfMN2xSt Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) August 1, 2017 Also the problem of having a compromised POTUS demand that the AG of the United States pursue investigations of his political opponents https://t.co/mDgfMN2xSt Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) August 1, 2017 So there's never anything untoward that he ever did it's just a compromised president looking to prosecute political opponents to deflect attention. There never was anything wrong with his illegal unmaskings of innocent citizens and likely leaks to the press; that was merely his job as Obama wanted it. All there is is questioning of the president's motives. I think that adds up to how Rhodes will fight if he finds himself in the dock for these illegal unmaskings. He will hold no scruples about whether he tells the truth in spinning his "narrative," for one. He will justify his own acts by saying "everybody did it." And he will question the motives of anyone who makes a move to punish him for his misdeeds. It might be enough to win, because it's always worked for him up until now. But it should be noted that he's an ideal fall guy for these nonstop instances of lawlessness from Team Obama. Someone as well known as Rice would be hard to prosecute, given that she claims a mantle of respectability now as former national security adviser (when was the last time we saw one of those punished? Sandy Berger?), and she would also be able to play the race card. Samantha Power would do the same, playing the feminist card plus the sweet little human rights defender she's made her persona as well. But Rhodes, known for his arrogance and insignificance, might have a harder time of it. While he will fight like a rat with every tool in his "narrative" box, he might not be as shielded by titles and respectability as Power and Rice. He's still a sniveling spin doctor who thumbs his nose at the law and despises the public. He may well find himself in deep trouble now that the investigation is rolling forward. The Department of Justice will investigate the affirmative action admission policies of several universities, according to a document unearthed by the New York Times. Admittedly, this is a target-rich environment. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that affirmative action is legal as long as it's not the sole criterion used in admissions. But this is a gigantic loophole that schools routinely use to justify a virtual quota system. Reuters: The internal memo seeks lawyers in the department's Civil Rights Division who are interested in working on a new project on "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions," the Times reported. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that universities may use affirmative action admissions policies, which are intended to give minority applicants an edge in getting into college. The court has rejected racial quotas but said race could be used as one factor among many in evaluating an applicant. Critics of affirmative action say that in some cases it goes too far in discriminating against white and Asian-American applicants. The Times said the Justice Department document does not explicitly say whom it considers at risk because of affirmative action admissions policies. But the Times reported that supporters and critics of the project said it clearly targeted admissions programs that seek to help black and Latino students. A Justice Department spokesman told Reuters the department would not comment on personnel matters. The Times said the document suggests the project will be run out of a part of the Civil Right Division where its political appointees work, rather than the Educational Opportunities Section, which is devoted to handling cases involving universities and is run by career civil servants. In a recent Supreme Court decision involving affirmative action programs at the University of Texas, the court did not give schools carte blanche to discriminate: The decision, Fisher v. University of Texas, No. 14-981, concerned an unusual program and contained a warning to other universities that not all affirmative action programs will pass constitutional muster. But the ruling's basic message was that admissions officials may continue to consider race as one factor among many in ensuring a diverse student body. The decision, by a 4-to-3 vote, was unexpected. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, the author of the majority opinion, has long been skeptical of race-sensitive programs and had never before voted to uphold an affirmative action plan. He dissented in the last major affirmative action case. The Fisher decision raises questions about what exactly universities can use to determine eligibility for admissions. The loophole left open by Kennedy includes determinations based on extracurricular activities, test scores, even work in the community. But it is the contention of critics that none of those factors is as important as race, and schools are getting away with blatant discrimination by muddying the waters regarding their admissions policies. The Justice Department will have to cut through the BS by schools and get to the heart of the matter: why are so many qualified whites and Asians denied admission to some of the top schools in the country? Another dodge used by schools is the "diversity" argument. The Supreme Court ruled in Grutter v. Bollinger that universities can factor in the diversity of their faculty and student body in determining admissions. This was an open invitation to use quotas, which many schools did. Again, the schools piously claimed that other factors were also used to determine admissions. These are the legal standards that the Justice Department is going to have to investigate to determine if schools are using quotas. There will probably be court challenges in trying to deny the Justice Department access to records that would prove or disprove discrimination, so expect a long, slogging investigation drawn out over years. If you want to know where the progressive left wants to take U.S. elections, a trip through Maryland's Washington, D.C.-area suburban counties is instructive. The City of College Park in Prince George's County is on the verge of becoming the ninth city in Maryland to allow non-citizens including illegal aliens to vote in municipal elections. In a revealing 20-minute video of a June 7 council meeting, city officials discussed how best to get rid of the citizenship requirement so that virtually anyone of legal age living in the city can vote. A council vote is slated for August 8. One councilwoman noted that in the hippie community of Takoma Park (modifier added), where 16-year-olds can vote, "they do not ask and do not care if the resident is in their city legally or not," a policy she indicated should be adopted by College Park. One lone College Park council member opined that immigration status should be a factor and that the council could serve all residents without letting unqualified residents vote. Because elections loom in November, the council discussed creating a separate deadline for citizens and non-citizens to register before the election. Citizens must register 28 days ahead of an election. But non-citizens can register up to 14 days before the election if the city charter amendment is approved. When someone asked whether legal residents who missed the 28-day mark could have a grace period up to 14 days, the idea was quickly dismissed. Welcome to the new America, where actual citizens are intentionally disadvantaged. The eight other Maryland cities that already allow non-citizens to vote include Hyattsville, which is also in Prince George's County and is a "sanctuary city," and Mount Rainier, also in Prince George's, which amended its charter in January. The others are Takoma Park, Barnesville, Glen Echo, Garrett Park, Martin's Additions, and Somerset, all of which are in tony Montgomery County. The radical nature of this voting scheme reflects the progressive view that borders are merely artificial inconveniences and that citizenship is a leftover concept from slave-holding days that should give way to global consciousness. Apparently, no documentation will be needed at all for non-citizens, green card holders, undocumented fence-jumpers, or over-stays on visas. The council did informally agree to "retain the other qualifications" that Maryland law stipulates, barring felons and mentally incapacitated people presumably Republicans. At the July 11 council meeting, along with immigrants' rights groups promoting the policy, some residents voiced opposition, including U.S. Army veteran Larry Provost. According to the Diamondback, the University of Maryland newspaper, "Provost stood firmly opposed to the amendment. He said he and his wife try to teach their child, whom they adopted from overseas, about what it means to be a citizen. "'Voting is a right, but it is also a privilege,' Provost said. 'There are standards for voting. It is no mistake that the 14th Amendment gave citizenship and the 15th Amendment gave the right to vote. I would urge the council to look elsewhere to integrate our non-citizens.'" Here is a voice of reason that should be heeded. Robert Knight is a senior fellow for the American Civil Rights Union. Research by three Belgian professors at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles makes some interesting observations about victimhood and how aggrieved groups "engage in 'competitive victimhood' in a quest for recognition of past sufferings such as slavery and colonialism." Toni Airaksenin of PJ Media: Laura De Guissme and Laurent Licata, professors at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, made the claim in a recent article in the European Journal of Social Psychology, further finding that the struggle for victimhood can "foster intergroup conflict" such as a desire for revenge, increased hostility, and racism against other minorities. Consequences of competitive victimhood are especially dangerous, the professors note, because they can contribute to the escalation of conflict (for example, with regards to the Israel/Palestine conflict), reduce trust and empathy, and impede the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means (heightening the threat of violence). While the need for recognition is part of human nature, the desire for recognition of "past sufferings" can be especially problematic. This is because past sufferings often involve feuds between different tribal, ethnic, or racial groups feuds which oftentimes have persisted to the present (past slavery of African Americans is one example), and thus have present-day consequences. Much of the information gleaned for the studies is self-evident. From the study: The victim status is highly coveted because it tends to empower victimized groups, which are perceived as morally superior, entitled to sympathy, consideration, and protection against criticism. The race card, the woman card the perception that these "victims" hold the moral high ground and any criticism is further evidence of oppression has become common in the U.S. in recent years. Airaksinen continues: Conversely, the lack of victimhood status poses a problem to minorities, since it reduces their ability to garner attention, protection, and even financial rewards (reparations, for example). This explains why the denial of victimhood status can be so troubling: denial of victimhood recognition can lend credence to a denial of help and assistance. While much of the literature on minorities' desire to claim victimhood status is largely theoretical, Guissme and Licata conducted three studies at their university to learn more about the negative consequences of victimhood. For one study, they surveyed 133 Belgian Muslims on their sense of victimhood and their levels of anti-Semitism. The sense of victimhood among Muslims was gauged by how much respondents agreed with statements such as "Muslims have a huge past of sufferings" and "The suffering Muslims have been through was undeserved and unfair." Then, the Muslims were asked questions designed to gauge if they held anti-Semitic viewpoints, such as "Jews should stop constantly complaining about what happened to them in Nazi Germany" and "The Jews exploit the remembrance of the Holocaust for their own benefit." In line with the professors' predictions, the survey found that feelings of anti-Semitism were strongly correlated with feelings of victimhood among Belgian Muslims. Further, the study also found that anti-Semitism was especially strong towards Israelis in particular, who were viewed with significantly more hostility than Belgian Jews. The studies imply that we're not finished with creating more "victims." The next great frontier of victimhood may be morbidly obese people fighting for their "rights." This is actually an outgrowth of the women's movement, which is looking to identify obesity as another way for males to oppress women objectifying them based on their looks. It's only a matter of time before the "fat lobby" is legitimized as representing "victims," and a whole new subset of "rights" will be promoted. What I found most interesting about the study is the conflict among victim groups as they struggle for recognition and moral authority. In the U.S., some of the most passionate supporters of civil rights were Jews. There was a close alliance between the two minority groups during the 1960s. But today, civil rights groups have abandoned Jews in favor of supporting their tribal enemies, the Arabs. Some blacks even claim racial solidarity with Arabs. The BDS movement is strong in the black community, especially on campus, and because of that, support for the Palestinians has become a civil rights litmus test. Are these victimhood groups overplaying their hands and losing sympathy and support because of their outrageous statements and behavior? Even if it isn't happening now, I think it inevitable. No one likes to constantly be told he is evil, nor does he really need constant reminders of past injustices. There is such a thing as "outrage fatigue," and only the most dedicated leftist will be able to avoid it in the near future. Our "progressive" (not) left is becoming more and more domineering hysterical, really in its attempt to control what the rest of us see, hear, and read. In their quest to manipulate what we think, what we learn, leftists are resorting to tactics ridiculous, despotic, and sometimes violent. They are completely out of the closet with regard to the First Amendment; they want it expunged from the Constitution. The latest in their bag of tricks is that speech that offends them constitutes violence! One Lisa Feldman Barrett wrote recently in the NYT that speech she opposes that would be any speech defending conservative principles causes stress, which causes grievous psychological harm. Her argument is a pitiful way of defending those students at Middlebury College who rioted when Charles Murray came to their campus to speak, during which time the professor who invited him was injured. She uses much bloviating academic blather to defend her untenable position and pretends to champion open debate but concludes by calling talks from a speaker like Milo Yiannopoulos a "campaign of abuse," too much to bear for college snowflakes. Milo may not be to everyone's taste, but no one is likely to be brain-damaged by hearing him speak. Barrett sees scholarship such as Murray's as "repugnant and offensive" but not violent. Still, it is impossible to misunderstand her view that conservative speakers who challenge liberal dogma should not be allowed to be heard. Barrett's argument that words can be psychologically damaging would ring true if she were discussing the verbal abuse visited upon the spouses and children of personality-disordered persons or on children bullied over a long period of time at school, but her contention that the words of conservative speakers equal violence is sheer nonsense. If speech were soul-destroying violence, the Founders would never have made it to the signing of the Constitution. They would have all been killed by the words of those who had opposed them since 1776. Even more ridiculous than Barrett's "speech can be violent" theory is the case of artist Dana Schutz, whose best known work is a painting, "Open Casket," a portrait of the young black American Emmett Till, who was murdered in 1955. David Marcus wrote about this bit of balderdash at The Federalist. Last week, at the Institute for Contemporary Art in Boston, social justice warriors protested the exhibition of Schutz's work because she is white! It was the lie of a white woman that led to Till's death, so no white woman should be allowed to memorialize it. Schutz must be contaminated by the racism that caused the murder. Now these "progressive" tyrants want to dictate who can and who cannot create art. The ICA capitulated, and the painting was absent from the exhibition. Perhaps the most bizarre protest by leftist activists is the drive to prevent Dennis Prager, longtime conservative radio host, author, founder of PragerUniversity, and music-lover, from conducting the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra at Disney Hall in Los Angeles on August 16. Shockingly, members of that orchestra mounted a campaign to have Prager disinvited! Not shocking is the fact that they are also college professors. How utterly predictable. Who else but university professors would be so intolerant? Oh, the former mayor of Santa Monica made it clear he would not be attending a concert featuring a "bigoted hate-monger." As Prager wrote, "this is a new low for the illiberal left: It is not enough to prevent conservatives from speaking; it is now necessary to prevent conservatives from appearing even when not speaking." So far, the board of directors has defied the protest. Anyone who knows of Prager knows that the last thing he is is a bigoted hate-monger. That would be the illiberal left, who are the real bigots and hate-mongers. From Barrett's opposition to anyone hearing Milo to those objecting to Dana Schutz's art to the idiots protesting Dennis Prager conducting part of a concert at Disney Hall, this level of intolerance is destroying American civil society. It is leftists who are the fascists, totalitarian, autocratic, and despotic. Freedom of speech is part of the First Amendment for a good reason. The Founders knew that it was and would remain an inviolable aspect of individual liberty and human freedom. Those of the repressive left need to be ignored, if not to be mocked for their small-mindedness and for their obscene and destructive prejudice. President Trump's July 26 LGBTQ directives signaled his intention to ban the politicized transgender production from the theater of war. LGBTQ is a political program why? Central to the concept of "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning" in the military is the idea of a group whose members have chosen to identify not as Private X or Private Z, but as a party to a political fraternity that promises and delivers an aggressive, noisy sexual identity politics. Evangelizing for the cause is implicit in the introduction of this political production into the military. Ditto payment for drastic elective surgical procedures and the attendant hormonal maintenance. In other words, LGBTQ in the military isn't about enhancing a fighting force; it's about introducing another state-driven reformation program. Egalitarian access here aims, inadvertently (as always), to grow an arm of government and, at the same time, "re-educate" the country. Moreover, LGBTQ in the military is but another "[d]raconian social policy [enforced] without showing any interest in and in many cases actively suppressing good-faith information about how those policies [are] playing out at ground level," in the prescient words of Stephanie Gutmann, author of "The Kinder, Gentler Military: Can America's Gender-Neutral Fighting Force Still Win Wars?" As trailblazing as Ms. Gutmann's shoe-leather investigation was, back then, into the way women had transformed the military, its morale, and its readiness never could this author have imagined that from gender neutrality, the military would move into the even Braver New World of gender fluidity. Gutmann saddled "Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, Secretaries of Defense Richard Cheney, Les Aspin, and William Cohen, the Congresses who wrote and passed the bills they signed, and the Pentagon leadership who just grinned nervously and sat on their hands while all of this was going on." What were the fatal conceits of these leaders and their legislation? One of the projects mesmerizing the brass throughout the nineties was the integration of women. ... [T]he nineties were a decade in which the brass handed over their soldiers to social planners in love with an unworkable (and in many senses undesirable) vision of a politically correct utopia, one in which men and women toil side by side, equally good at the same tasks, interchangeable, and, of course, utterly undistracted by sexual interest." "[W]omen have been in the forces since ... well ... forever," observed Gutmann. "But something new happened in the nineties in respect to the way the military handled 'women's issues.'" The goals "changed from making good use of the relatively small numbers of women the military had been attracting over the years, to achieving what President Clinton and Secretary of the Army Togo West [had] called 'a force that looks like America.'" The rest is history. The "New Army," as it was openly termed, was created, "the warrior culture" obliterated, replaced with a weepy sensitivity. What appalled Ms. Gutmann was, again, the utter disinterest expressed by "the big boys (and a few big girls)" "in the hearts and minds of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in various ways during the last half of the nineties." This craven indifference is still apparent today and is evinced in leadership's reaction to President Trump's transgender-policy impetus. When Sen. Orrin Hatch, joined by GOP leaders, scolded the president regarding his transgender ban did he and they show any interest in "good-faith information" about how transsexualism "plays out at ground level," to echo Gutmann's charge against political and military leadership circa 2000? Do these arch social planners give a hoot about how flesh-and-blood men interact with a mate who suddenly grows breasts and bats eyelashes at a buddy? And how do these layered dynamics affect life-and-death situations? Still, LGBTQ in the military is inconsequential by now. It's a minor matter in a spent force, shot through with punitive sexual politics, hobbled and demoralized by the needs of women, as interpreted by military and political leadership. When all is said and done, LGBTQ is a fig leaf, camouflaging that the army was neutered by "recruiting nineties style," where nothing less than "proportional representation" of women became the recruiting goal. The official line then became "something like, 'We want you [ladies] to join us; we want you to stay with us. Tell us what you don't feel 'comfortable' with so we can change it." And they did. Democrat wishful thinking may be getting ahead of electoral reality, if a mcclatchydc.com article headlined "Dems are starting to win state races in Trump districts" is any indication. Writer Alex Roarty, in the post linked at drudgereport.com, quotes a Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee staffer: Out in the states, we're seeing an incredible over-performance at the state legislative level. Oh, really? In what amounts to a pep talk for Democrats, the author claims that Democratic candidates have "already won four seats previously under Republican control" and describes in anecdotal fashion, with no links to any further details, a total of six state legislative special election results. A few details of the six races in question paint a slightly different picture: A New Hampshire "Democratic Senate candidate" defeated a former state senator, but the Democrat win "kept the seat in Democratic hands." No pickup there. A "pair of victories earlier in July in deep-red Oklahoma" were indeed Democrat victories in Republican-held seats, but "[b]oth of the races came out of Republicans resigning after sex scandals." And as tulsaworld.com notes, "the overall trend for the [Oklahoma Democratic] party has been downward in the Legislature." A "New Hampshire state House" special election won by a Democrat was held "to fill the seat vacated by the resignation" of another Democrat who had won the seat in November 2016. No Democrat pick-up there. A "New York state general assembly" Democrat special election winner did indeed replace a 13-year Republican assemblyman, who had resigned to take a local government position. In a special election race "in Delaware for state Senate," the Democrat winner, who incidentally received campaign support from former vice president Joe Biden, filled the seat vacated by another Democrat who moved on to win election as the state's lieutenant governor. No pick-up there either. Summing up the six Democratic state-level special election wins referenced in the Roarty column, three were replacing Democrats, two were replacing Republicans who had resigned in disgrace, and one was actually a solid win in a formerly Republican seat. To put these six Democrat state legislative wins in perspective, there are currently 7,383 state legislative seats, with 4,146 held by Republicans, as compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). That's after losing "958 state legislative seats" during the "Obama years." And after four losing straight congressional special elections this year, in Kansas, Montana, South Carolina and Georgia. The Democrats are essentially pinning their hopes on one state assembly pickup in New York. Talk about grasping at straws. As one NCSL source notes regarding the handful of Democrat special election wins at the state level: That is a really small sample size to extrapolate much beyond these local races[.] There are quirky factors in all of them, and you just never know until you see a big trend. The Roarty piece mentions the big fundraising haul by the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, "a high-profile group with the support of former President Barack Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder," but also quotes a Republican source, who adds, "The results they have gotten, based on that financial increase, really are not that impressive." Countering the Democrats' wishful thinking, David Bossie, writing at foxnews.com, contends that "[t]he Democratic Party is a mess. It has no effective national leader. It has no serious agenda." Bossie goes on to say: The idea that ultra-liberals like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York City, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, or Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of the People's Republic of Vermont have any intention of fixing or even acknowledging the problems facing ordinary Americans is absurd. And a politico.com piece observes that the Chuck Schumer-Nancy Pelosi "Better Deal" message is receiving mixed reviews at best among Democrats across the states, with one "Democratic consultant who is working on a wide range of 2018 races" sarcastically questioning the wisdom of a coordinated message, saying "[t]he message should be: 'The other guy sucks[.]'" A cnn.com piece by Jonathan Tasini, who appears to take the Bernie Sanders approach to most questions, compares the Democrats' "Better Deal" branding to "a sales pitch for a discounted item at a shopping mall." So much for superior messaging by Democrats. As Bossie notes, Trump voters in particular "have well-founded beliefs about what today's Democrat Party stands for and it's not good." It will take more than wishful thinking for Democrats to make significant inroads in the Republican majorities at the federal and state levels. Perhaps New Jersey Democratic senator and possible 2020 presidential candidate Corey Booker is on to something, as he "introduced legislation" on Tuesday to "end the federal prohibition on marijuana and encourage [i.e., coerce by withholding federal funds] states to legalize pot." That would make wishful thinking easier for everyone. (ANSA) - Rome, August 2 - A meeting between French and Italian ministers failed to produce a breakthrough regarding Fincantieri's scuppered takeover of French shipyard STX. Last week Paris scuppered the takeover, exercising pre-emption rights on the shipyard's capital and irking Rome, which had an agreement with the previous administration for full control. The French government said the move was only temporary to buy time for re-negotiation of the deal and calling for a 50-50 split. But the Italian government has said it will not accept an agreement that does not entail Fincantieri having a controlling stake. Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said that the two sides were still distant after a meeting with his French counterpart Bruno Le Maire and Italian Industry Minister Carlo Calenda on Tuesday. A September 27 Italy-France summit has been set as the deadline to find an agreement. The ministers said in a joint statement that they will try to focus on building a European naval industry player together, a sort of shipbuilding Airbus. PALERMO - Italian police and Coast Guard authorities on Wednesday executed an order by a Trapani judge for the preventative seizure of the Iuventa, a ship flying the Dutch flag operating for the German NGO Jugend Rettet, sources said. The order is related to a probe into alleged aiding of illegal immigration. Jugend Rettet is one of several NGOs conducting migrant rescues in the Mediterranean that refused to sign a new code of conduct at the Italian interior ministry this week. The European Commission has said that NGOs that do not sign the code will not be guaranteed of access to Italian ports. Earlier on Tuesday, Jugend Rettet said via Twitter that the vessel "has not been confiscated" after it was stopped and checked at the Italian island of Lampedusa. Prosecutor says traffickers brought migrants aboard Iuventa. But says no link between NGO and Libyans Trapani prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said in a press conference that personnel working aboard the NGO vessel Iuventa twice brought migrants aboard the ship who were escorted by Libyan traffickers and not in dangerous situations. Cartosio requested and received permission to seize the vessel, which has been blocked in Lampedusa since Monday evening. "The preventative seizure was arranged in order to stop the crime from reoccurring," Cartosio said. Cartosio said the fact that the NGO operating the Iuventa didn't sign the Italian government's proposed code "has nothing to do with today's operation", and said that is no relationship between the NGO and the traffickers. "We've documented meetings at sea, but we've concluded there were no connections between the NGO and Libyans," he said, adding that this also means categorically excluding that anyone "took action for profit". The Iuventa is regularly used to rescue migrants off the Libyan coasts and to bring migrants to other vessels in international waters, and it regularly sails in the Libyan Sea near the country's territorial waters, the Trapani police said. The Trapani police's investigation into NGOs that rescue migrants off the Libyan coasts was announced last April. On May 11, Cartosio spoke of the Trapani investigation in a hearing before the Italian Senate Defence Committee. "The Trapani prosecutor's office is conducting investigations into the possible aiding and abetting of illegal immigration involving NGOs not as organizations but the physical persons belonging to the NGOs," Cartosio told the committee.(ANSAmed). LAMPEDUSA (AGRIGENTO) - In the first measure towards NGOs rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean after the code of conduct drafted by the interior ministry, the Iuventa vessel of German NGO Jugend Rettet was blocked off Lampedusa overnight by Italian coast guards, which escorted the boat to the port. The NGO did not adhere to the protocol, which was signed only by three organizations. Two Syrians were escorted off the boat and taken to the island's first reception center. The two migrants were previously transferred aboard the boat of the German NGO by one of the Italian military units deployed in migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean. Several coast guard cutters were deployed to escort the Iuventa and security was tight around the peer where the boat docked. Lampedusa port authority chief, lieutenant Paolo Monaco, boarded the boat and stayed in the control cabin for over two hours. ''It is a routine check that we carried out and it will not lead to any problem - the officer said after leaving the Iuventa -. We will now control the documents of the whole crew and this morning they will already be able to leave Lampedusa if everything is in order. The NGO Jugend Rettet, founded in 2015 by upper middle class youths from Germany with the objective of rescuing migrants fleeing war and famine, bought the Iuventa two years ago at the port of Endem in Germany, turning the old fishing boat into a vessel fit for search-and-rescue operations. Zahi Hawass says Italy, Egypt can reestablish relationship Archaeologist guest in Catanzaro at Magna Graecia film festival (ANSAmed) - CATANZARO, AUGUST 2 - Egyptologist and archaeologist Zahi Hawass, a former Egyptian minister of antiquities currently serving as Egypt's secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said he believes Italy and Egypt can rebuild relations. "I know that there are big problems between our two countries, and I feel very unhappy to not see an Italian ambassador in Cairo or an Egyptian ambassador in Italy, but I believe our two nations can work hard to be able to reestablish a strong relationship between the two countries," Hawass said, speaking at the Magna Graecia film festival in the southern Italian town of Catanzaro. Hawass spoke at the screening of the film "Il Loto e Il Papiro" (The Lotus and the Papyrus) written by Francesco Santocono. "I know that many think Egypt isn't a safe place right now, but it's not so. Our country is actually a safe one. In three years I've received three thousand American visitors and I want Italians to return to Egypt. There's not any danger, I assure you".(ANSAmed). Amnesty Intl says Italy mission exposes migrants to abuse Says could make Italian authorities accomplices in 'horrors' (ANSAmed) - ROME, AUGUST 2 - Amnesty International on Tuesday harshly criticised a vote in the Italian parliament to send Italian warships to patrol Libyan waters. "Today, the Italian authorities have demonstrated that they consider it more important to keep migrants and refugees away from their coasts rather than protect their lives and their safety," said Amnesty International Deputy Europe Director Gauri Van Gulik. "Facilitating the interception of migrants and refugees and their return to Libya will mean sending them to the country's detention centres, where they will almost certainly be exposed to the risk of undergoing torture, rapes, and even being killed," she said. "Today's vote could make the Italian authorities accomplices in these horrors". "Italy, together with other members of the European Union, should dedicate itself to increasing search and rescue operations. Instead, it has chosen to abdicate its responsibilities and to put in danger the same people that it says it wants to save, even providing military cover and support to the Libyan Coast Guard, whose violent and reckless actions have been documented several times, including by Amnesty International," she said. (ANSAmed). ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, AUGUST 2 - These are the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area: DOHA - Visit by Italy's Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano, who is scheduled to meet with high level officials. ROME - The Lower House examines a report on a resolution on the Libya intervention approved by the joint defence and foreign affairs committees of the House and the Senate. (ANSAmed). Oxfam says Italy's Libya mission traps migrants in hell NGO Emergency says decision 'act of war against migrants' (ANSAmed) - ROME, AUGUST 2 - Oxfam Italy Campaign Director Elisa Bacciotti said the Italian Lower House decision on Tuesday to provide Italian Navy technical and logistical support to the Libyan Coast Guard in patrolling its shores "won't help alleviate the suffering of migrants who cross the country fleeing from war and atrocities". "On the contrary, by facilitating non-voluntary repatriation in Libya directly through the Libyan Coast Guard, the mission could have the effect of bringing back and blocking a higher number of migrants to a country whose detention centres are comparable to true concentration camps, in which people are systematically exposed to inhumane treatment," Bacciotti said. "This is a reality made up of abuse, torture and illegal detention experienced by the majority of migrants arriving in Libya, at the hands of local militias, traffickers and criminal gangs," she said. "The code of conduct for the NGOs working in the Mediterranean puts the lives of thousands of people at risk and constitutes an unprecedented attack on the principles that inspire the work of humanitarian organisations," she said. The Italian NGO Emergency called the Italian government's decision to deploy military ships in Libya "an act of war against migrants". Despite the fact that it isn't currently involved in search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, Emergency called the code of conduct imposed by the Italian government on humanitarian organisations working in search and rescue operations "unacceptable". "In particular, the request to permit military personnel, presumably armed, to board ships, is in fact an open violation of the humanitarian principles that form the pillar of the work of NGOs worldwide," it said. "This concession risks creating a dangerous precedent," it said. On Tuesday, 320 migrants were rescued in the Central Mediterranean off the coasts of Libya, in three rescue operations coordinated by the Italian Coast Guard's Central Operations Centre in Rome. The migrants were traveling aboard a rubber dinghy and two small boats, one of which was made of wood. Ships from the EU military operation EU Navfor Med participated in the rescues, as well as two NGOs: Save the Children, which signed the Italian government's "code of conduct", and SOS Mediterranee, a partner of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which did not sign the code.(ANSAmed). PALERMO - Trapani prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said in a press conference that personnel working aboard the NGO vessel Iuventa twice brought migrants aboard the ship who were escorted by Libyan traffickers and not in dangerous situations. Cartosio requested and received permission to seize the vessel, which has been blocked in Lampedusa since Monday evening. "The preventative seizure was arranged in order to stop the crime from reoccurring," Cartosio said. Cartosio said the fact that the NGO operating the Iuventa didn't sign the Italian government's proposed code "has nothing to do with today's operation", and said that is no relationship between the NGO and the traffickers. "We've documented meetings at sea, but we've concluded there were no connections between the NGO and Libyans," he said, adding that this also means categorically excluding that anyone "took action for profit". The Iuventa is regularly used to rescue migrants off the Libyan coasts and to bring migrants to other vessels in international waters, and it regularly sails in the Libyan Sea near the country's territorial waters, the Trapani police said. The Trapani police's investigation into NGOs that rescue migrants off the Libyan coasts was announced last April. On May 11, Cartosio spoke of the Trapani investigation in a hearing before the Italian Senate Defence Committee. "The Trapani prosecutor's office is conducting investigations into the possible aiding and abetting of illegal immigration involving NGOs not as organizations but the physical persons belonging to the NGOs," Cartosio told the committee.(ANSAmed). A study from 2016 assesses the odds of artistic longevity through the prism of academia: does a formal education enhance ones chances of making it (and staying) in the arts? Using data gathered by Statistics Denmark, Artistic education matters: survival in the arts occupations analyzes more than 27,000 employment records between 1996 and 2012 across five categories of Danish artists: visual artists, choreographers and dancers, composers and musicians, film/stage actors and directors, and writers (including journalists). Shares of airline trading marginally lower at Rs 594.65 in late afternoon trade on BSE. Airline proposes to hold its board meeting for approval of the financial results for the June quarter on or before September 14. New Delhi: Jet Airways has informed stock exchanges that its financial results for the June quarter would be delayed since it is adopting new accounting standards from this fiscal. The airline proposes to hold its board meeting for approval of the financial results for the June quarter on or before September 14. "Since the company is adopting the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) from the financial year 2017-18... the company may submit its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 to the stock exchanges by September 14, 2017," the filing said. Ind AS is converged with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Under Sebi regulations, a listed company is required to submit its quarterly financial results to the stock exchanges within 45 days of the end of a quarter. Shares of the airline was trading marginally lower at Rs 594.65 in late afternoon trade on the BSE. The actress is spending loads of time with her British boyfriend Michael Corsale, but is far from ready to go public about it. Shruti Haasan is always very quiet about her personal life and nothings changed in that department. In spite of being seen every now and then with Britisher Michael Corsale she has consistently refused to entertain any questions about her rumoured boyfriend. When asked about him at a recent event Shruti made it clear that she wouldnt talk about that aspect of her life. Attending the screening of the movie RaagDesh she said, Sorry, not talking about it. Currently shuttling between Mumbai and Chennai for her next film with her father Kamal Haasan, she was also spotted at the Mumbai airport with Mr Corsale. Sources say Michael was there to spend time with his lady love. While the duo was quite okay being photographed, they made no effort to make things official. The love birds probably want more time to themselves before going official and were only too happy to give it to them! On July 26, the Centre told the apex court that there is a fundamental right to privacy, but is a 'wholly qualified right'. A nine-judge Constitution bench, dealing with the contentious issue whether right to privacy was a fundamental right, rejected plea of a Gujarat government lawyer that misuse of personal information could be dealt with on a 'case-to-case basis'. (Photo: PTI/File) New Delhi: The nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgement over issue of whether right to privacy is fundamental right or not. The Supreme Court on Tuesday had said that there have to be "overarching" guidelines to protect an individual's private information in public domain to ensure that it was used only for an intended purpose. A nine-judge Constitution bench, dealing with the contentious issue whether right to privacy was a fundamental right, rejected plea of a Gujarat government lawyer that misuse of personal information could be dealt with on a "case-to-case basis" and said an all-embracing guideline was needed keeping in mind the size of the population. The bench, headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar, also referred to the fact that India was a signatory of a 1948 international convention which recognised privacy as a human right. On July 26, the Centre told the apex court that there is a fundamental right to privacy, but is a 'wholly qualified right'. The centre made this submission before the nine-judge Constitution bench that is hearing the Aadhaar Card privacy matter. Attorney General, K.K. Venugopal told the apex court that "privacy, as a fundamental right, could have been mentioned in Article 21, but has been omitted. Right to life transcends right to privacy". In special circumstances, government can interfere in a matter that comes under a wholly qualified right. An absolute right cannot be reduced or amended. Earlier on July 20, all the petitioners had completed their argument in the apex court. The petitioners contested that the twelve-digit biometric unique identification card raises privacy threat. On June 10, the top court had ruled that from July 1 onward, every person eligible to obtain Aadhar card must quote their Aadhaar number or their Aadhaar Enrolment ID number for filing of Income Tax Returns as well as for applications for Permanent Account Number (PAN). The Income Tax Department has stepped up its efforts to encourage people to link their PAN with Aadhar. Assam Police has stepped up the security measures all over the state and directed the police forces to remain vigilant. The problem compounded after the family members of the deceased minority leader refused to take the body and started protest outside Silakati Idgah field in Kokrajhar. (Photo: PTI/Representational) Guwahati: Tension gripped Western Assam on Wednesday following a series of protest march and rallies in protest against the gruesome murder of All Bodoland Territorial Council Minority Students Union (ABMSU) president Lafikul Islam on Tuesday at Kokrajhar. The angry protestors blocked national highways and other roads at various places in Bodoland Territorial Council areas and nearby districts. The protestors, who shouted slogan against the government, demanded a high level probe by CBI. The problem compounded after the family members of the deceased minority leader refused to take the body and started protest outside Silakati Idgah field in Kokrajhar. The family members accused district administration of trying to hush up the investigation in to the murder. However, Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Shahay who rushed to Kokrajhar said that they have arrested one of the culprits and picked up three others suspected to have been involved in murder. The local media claimed that Mr Islam was very vocal against the syndicate of cattle smugglers along the India-Bangladesh international border. He was going to expose the syndicate by releasing the telephonic conversation of cattle mafia. The local media claimed that the tape, which Mr Islam was about to release, may have exposed some big names associated with syndicate of cattle smugglers. Security sources however indicated that killing was the fall out of some business rivalry as land mafias are suspected to have been involved. Meanwhile, political leaders and various students organisations including Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal cutting across the party line have condemned the killing of the student leader. The powerful All Bodo Students Union leaders have also condemned the killing and appealed not to give any communal colour to the tragic incident. Assam Police has stepped up the security measures all over the state and directed the police forces to remain vigilant. Hansraj Ahir on Wednesday downplayed Abdul Basit's claim saying Islamabad's charges are baseless. Further assuring India's support towards Jadhav, Ahir stated that the Centre is working towards his freedom. (Photo: File) New Delhi: A day after the outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit stated that alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav had provided a lot of useful information leading to the busting of several sleeper cells, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir on Wednesday downplayed the former's claim saying Islamabad's charges are baseless. "I will not give importance to anyone's comment; India never arrested anyone without proper investigation like what Pakistan has done with Kulbhushan Jadhav. The charges which Islamabad Army has put on him are without proper facts. That is why National Investigation Agency (NIA) had to take action with complete base and structure. Our stand for Jadhav is right and we will give him justice too," Ahir said Further assuring India's support towards Jadhav, Ahir stated that the Centre is working towards his freedom. "We do not have to listen to them (Pakistan) always. We have been doing that since ages; now it's time to take a stand. We know and believe that Jadhav is innocent and the world also believes that too. We are working towards his freedom as a prisoner," he said. Abdul Basit on Tuesday had informed that since Jadhav's arrest, he has provided a lot of useful information leading to the busting of several sleeper cells. Basit said, "There is a process involved and currently his (Kulbhushan's) mercy petition is pending with Army Chief. A decision has to be taken in this matter. It's not an ordinary case; and we will wait to see how law takes its course with time. My Indian friends need to understand that Kulbhushan is not ordinary citizen of India; he was convicted for espionage and subversive activity so the charge is very serious". Basit further informed that a mercy petition has been filed and the Army court will take a decision on it soon. "He (Jadhav) had also provided Pakistani authorities a lot of information. Since his arrest, we have arrested hundred operatives in Pakistan and busted several sleeper cells," he said. The Pakistan government had earlier accepted the request of Abdul Basit to resign from the foreign service after he was passed over for the post of foreign secretary earlier this year. Basit was to retire in April 2018, but he opted for an early retirement and sent his resignation letter to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif. India-Pakistan relations have been strained ever since death sentence was awarded to former Indian Naval officer Jadhav. India even moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek justice for Jadhav that stayed the death sentence till its final decision. When asked about the future of the downhill relations, the outgoing envoy said, "Never give up. Keep trying; things will get better." Jadhav was sentenced to death on April 10 this year after being accused of espionage and working for the India's external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). He was arrested from Balochistan on March 3 last year. It will be the first time that the Pakistan High Commission is asked to claim the body of a militant killed in Kashmir Valley. Dujana was killed on Tuesday in a well-planned operation by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. (Photo: Screengrab) Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police will approach the Pakistan High Commission via the Union home ministry to take the body of Abu Dujana, the Lashkar-e-Taiba commander gunned down in south Kashmir, a senior police official said on Wednesday. It will be the first time that the Pakistan High Commission is asked to claim the body of a militant killed in Kashmir Valley. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Munir Khan said that he would be writing a letter to his police headquarters, which in turn would approach the Union home ministry to take up the matter with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. "We will ask the Pakistan High Commission in India to take back the body of Abu Dujana, who was a Pakistani national," Khan said. Read: Abu Dujana killing: Situation tense in Kashmir; 1 more civilian dies Dujana, believed to be in his late 20s, was killed on Tuesday in a well-planned operation by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The inmates of the house where he was holed up had told police that he claimed to be from Karachi. Earlier, China emphatically rejected India's interference in its ongoing boundary dispute with Bhutan in the Doklam area. Emphasizing that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbours, the foreign ministry said in its statement that Beijing has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. (Photo: Representational/PTI) New Delhi: India on Wednesday reiterated that peace and tranquility along Indo-China border is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations between the New Delhi and Beijing. In response to a question on Chinese MFA's document released on Wednesday on the Doklam issue, India's Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "India's position on this issue and related facts have been articulated in our Press Statement of June 30, 2017. India considers that peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China." Earlier, China emphatically rejected India's interference in its ongoing boundary dispute with Bhutan in the Doklam area and again urged New Delhi to withdraw unconditionally and end the nearly two-month long stand-off. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Read: Sikkim standoff: No compromise with India, situation grave, says China China alleged that India's intrusion into its territory under the pretext of defending Bhutan's territorial claims, has not only violated Beijing's territorial sovereignty, but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. Emphasizing that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbours, the foreign ministry said in its statement that Beijing has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. It added that the border area between China and Bhutan has always enjoyed peace and tranquility due to the joint efforts of both sides. Asserting that it will continue to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue between the two countries through negotiations and consultations in the absence of external interference, China said the Dong Lang (Doklam) area has all along been under its continuous and effective jurisdiction. "There is no dispute in this regard. Since the 1980s, China and Bhutan, as two independent sovereign states, have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue," the foreign ministry said, adding that so far both sides have had 24 rounds of talks and reached a broad consensus. Read: Refuting Chinas claims, India says it has not its reduced troops at Doklam Although the boundary is yet to be formally delimited, Beijing said both sides have conducted joint surveys in their border area and have arrived at a basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their respective boundaries. Referring to the China-India boundary issue in the Sikkim Sector as delimited by the 1890 Convention inked with Britain at the height of its colonial rule over India, the Chinese foreign ministry said that both Beijing and New Delhi have been in discussion on making the boundary in the Sikkim Sector an "early harvest" in the settlement of the entire bilateral boundary question during meetings between Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question. "This is mainly in view of the following considerations. The boundary in the Sikkim Sector has long been delimited by the 1890 Convention, which was signed between then China and Great Britain. China and India ought to sign a new boundary convention in their own names to replace the 1890 Convention. This, however, in no way alters the nature of the boundary in the Sikkim Sector as having already been delimited," it said. Beijing again accused New Delhi of attempting to change the status quo of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector repeatedly and said it poses a grave security threat to China. China also reiterated that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The Chinese side urged India to keep in mind the larger interest of bilateral relations and the well-being of the two peoples. It said that India must and should abide by the 1890 Convention and the delimited China-India Boundary established therein, respect China's territorial sovereignty, observe the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespass so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries. Beijing added that this would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community. Indian and Chinese troops continue to be locked in a standoff in Doklam and both sides have moved additional troops, ammunition and military equipment to the area. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has beefed up its defence in a region south of the Kunlun Mountains under the pretext of conducting a military exercise near Tibet. Hardware has been moved simultaneously by road and rail by China's western theatre command, which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet,and handles, among others, border issues with India, media reports have said. This show of strength is being projected by Beijing as a warning to India by China to back off from its objection to China constructing a road at the Doklam tri-junction. Earlier, India's External Affairs Ministry of India (MEA) reiterated that differences between India and China should not and would not be allowed to become disputes, and added that communication between the two governments have never ceased, nor have been broken. The stand-off emerged after Chinese troops were stopped by the Indian Army from construction roads in the Doklam border. India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, while China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China. Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim sector of the Indo-China border. Beijing has accused New Delhi of violating a convention signed in 1890 between Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet. Dujana was killed by security forces in an encounter in Pulwama on Tuesday, triggering widespread protests in parts of the Valley. Meanwhile, a shutdown called by separatist leaders has brought life to a standstill elsewhere in the Valley. (Photo: Twitter) Srinagar: The security forces in riot gear on Wednesday enforced a lockdown in parts of Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar as tensions run high in the aftermath of the killing of Abu Dujana, a top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Dujana alias Hafiz, a Pakistani national, was along with a local militant gunned down by the security forces during a fierce encounter in southern Pulwama district on Tuesday, triggering widespread protests in parts of the Valley. Two people were killed and scores others were injured in the security forces firing during the clashes in Pulwama. Read: Clashes erupt in Pulwama after LeT commander Abu Dujana killed While the security forces are enforcing curfew-like restrictions in seven police station areas of Srinagar, a shutdown called by an alliance of key separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik has brought life to a standstill elsewhere in the Valley. Pulwama and neighbouring districts of Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag are very tense but no fresh incident of violence has taken place in the area, the officials said. On Saturday, a civilian driver Firdous Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Pulwamas Begumpora, Kakapora village, was killed when hit by a bullet in the chest during intense protests in the area, the witnesses and hospital sources had said. Read: LeT Kashmir chief Abu Dujana killed in Pulwama encounter A statement issued by the police later, however, said that the civilian was injured near the encounter site in the crossfire and later died in hospital. Scores of others including several police and CRPF personnel were injured in the clashes. One of them identified as Akeel Ahmed Bhat who had received a bullet in the abdomen succumbed in a Srinagar hospital on Wednesday morning, the officials said. Dujana figured at number one in the list of most dangerous terrorists released by the Army in June this year. The officials termed his killing as a huge achievement of the J&K police and the security forces combating a three-decade old militancy in the State and a good riddance to a nuisance in the area. He carried a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 million on his head. The other militant killed with him was Arif Nabi Dar alias Rehan alias Arif Lalhari, a local Kashmiri. Dujana had escaped several such operations in the past. During one of these, his close associate Abu Okasha who was allegedly involved in the August 5, 2015 ambush on a BSF convoy near the garrison town of Udhampur was among those killed in Pulwamas Padgam Pora-Wandakpora village in March this year. On June 1, the Army had released a list of top 12 militants active mainly in Jammu and Kashmir's southern districts, falling in two categories of A and A++ and belonging to the Hizb-ul-Mujahedin (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). Abu Dujana, alias Hafiz (LeT Divisional Commander, South Kashmir), was listed under the A++ category and the Army had also said that he is based out of Pakistan and has been active since December 14, 2014. It had also said that getting these militants dead or alive is the top priority of the Army. As Dujanas killing sparked off protests in the Valley and at some places including Srinagar students also took to the streets and subsequently clashed with the police and the CRPF, the authorities ordered closure for all educational institutions. While these institutions remain shut, the Kashmir University has announced postponement of all examinations which were scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday. Also the mobile internet services have been snapped and the rail services are suspended as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions. Adityanath Cabinet had decided last week to go for a CBI probe into the 'appointments made by the UPPSC' during the Samajwadi Party rule. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath further said, there has not been a single appointment made since 2012 over which an accusing finger has not been raised. (Photo: PTI) Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday recommended a CBI probe into the results declared by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission since 2012. "A letter recommending a CBI probe into all results declared by the UPPSC from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2017 was sent to the central government today," state Home Secretary Mani Prasad Misra said. The Yogi Adityanath Cabinet had decided last week to go for a CBI probe into the "appointments made by the UPPSC" during the Samajwadi Party rule. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had on July 19 said in the state Assembly: "What have you done to UPPCS? ... Its credibility is in question. We will get all the appointments made in the UPPCS since 2012 probed by the CBI." "There has not been a single appointment made since 2012 over which no accusing finger has been raised," the chief minister had said, noting that there were at least 1.5 lakh posts lying vacant in the police department. Sources said authorities do not want Dujanas funeral in Kashmir as such events in the past have sparked unrest. Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir police will approach the Pakistan High Commission, through the Union home ministry, to take back the body of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) militant and Karachi resident Abu Dujana who was gunned down in south Kashmir on Tuesday, a senior police official said. This is for the first time in the nearly three decades of militancy that the J&K police is seeking to send the corpse of a slain Pakistani national to his country. The decision to send back Dujanas body was taken on a day when separatists called a shutdown and security forces enforced curfew-like restrictions in seven police station areas of Srinagar. Inspector general of police (Kashmir range) Munir Ahmed Khan said, We will ask the Pakistan High Commission to take back the body of Abu Dujana, who was a Pakistani national. Mr Khan said he will soon write to the police headquarters which, in turn, will approach the Union home ministry to take up the matter with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. He said that the inmates of the house where the militant was killed have told police that Dujana used to claim he was from Karachi. Sources said authorities do not want Dujanas funeral in Kashmir as such events in the past have sparked unrest. In the past, all Pakistani militants killed in clashes with security forces in the Valley have been buried in the state. The J&K Assembly then passed the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 which came into force on July 8, 2017. Union Minister Arun Jaitley speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session, in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Two bills extending Central GST and Integrated GST to Jammu and Kashmir were passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with finance minister Arun Jaitley saying that it will ensure greater economic integration of the state with rest of the country. He asserted that special status of J&K was never meant to create economic impediment as he maintained that the GST is in the larger interest of traders and consumers of the state. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill were passed by the Lower House through voice vote, and are aimed at giving effect to the formal amendments required in Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) Acts by removing the exemption that was carved out for J&K. Replying to a debate on the bills, Mr Jaitley said it was a positive step that Jammu and Kashmir has been integrated with GST and the dream of one tax regime is now met. He hit out at the Congress for its reported claim that GST would infringe upon the special status of J&K. The finance minister said a national party such as the Congress should not have got itself entangled by taking such a stand which is the argument of the separatists. He asserted that the special status (was) never meant to create economic impediment for the state whose government, Assembly and people he complimented for the roll out of the new tax regime. If they (J&K) didnt integrate, then the traders would not have got input credit and the tax on final products would have been higher... That would have made products costlier and consumers would have to pay more, the minister said. J&K is a consumer state and GST being a destination-based tax, the revenues of the state would increase, he said. He said if GST was not put in place in J&K, then customers would prefer to buy products like cars and refrigerators from outside the state, thus causing economic loss to traders and customers of the state. The CGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 provides for levy of the GST on goods sold and services rendered in the state while the IGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 seeks to levy the tax on inter-state movement of goods. The GST, which replaced more than a dozen central and state levies, came into effect from July 1 all over the country except J&K where the Assembly passed a resolution adopting the constitutional amendment only on July 5. The J&K Assembly then passed the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 which came into force on July 8, 2017. Participating in the discussion on the bills, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asked the Centre to ponder over why it is taking recourse to Ordinance for every legislation. He said while the UPA government was accused of policy paralysis, the present government is undergoing policy dialysis and hence there was economic stasis. When we have access to Parliament, we should not frequently resort to Ordinance, he said, adding the government had failed to impress upon the J&K government to implement GST from July 1. Mr Chowdhury said GST, as implemented, cannot be called one nation, one tax as nearly 50 per cent of the GDP remains out of its ambit. Another Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that extending GST to J&K has serious impact as it alters the taxation power of the state and by impinging on the states right the Centre is violating the Constitution. J&K must be approached with sensitivity, but no sensitivity was shown as the bill was passed in assembly when Opposition was not present... It could signal future problems, he said. He said the state has been dealing with conflict and the government should not do anything which impacts its stability. Beijing has claimed that it had notified New Delhi in advance about its move to build a road in the area for local transportation. New Delhi has maintained that the road was in Bhutans territory and the stand-off was triggered after Thimphu objected. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) New Delhi/Beijing: China on Wednesday said that India, which had already reduced its troops in Doklam from 400 to just about 40, must pull back completely, with no strings attached. However, sources in the Indian security establishment dismissed Chinas claim of withdrawal and said that the stand-off continues as it was with about 350 Indian troops digging their heels in and facing about 400 Chinese troops a short distance away. In a 15-page fact-sheet on the Doklam stand-off, China claimed that there were 270 Indian troops in Doklam in mid-June, which went up to 400, but dropped to about 40 at the end of July. India reacted to the Chinese statement, saying it considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China, thereby strongly conveying that it stands by its position despite the Dragons fury, and that ties depends on peace on the borders. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) also referred to its earlier statement wherein it had said it was deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese covernment that such construction (of a road in Doklam) would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India. China also said that it has conveyed - at the July 28 meeting between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi - its firm stand that India must take concrete actions by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam to resolve the current standoff. Beijing indicated there was no breakthrough in the talks. Despite the face-off, there have been no hostilities so far. But there has been a lot of posturing and strident rhetoric in Chine media. China has variously referred to Indian presence in Doklam (which both India and Bhutan regard as Bhutanese territory) as illegal, trespass, and an attempt to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector, while warning that India should not underestimate its resolve to defend Chinese territory. Beijing has claimed that it had notified New Delhi in advance about its move to build a road in the area for local transportation. New Delhi has maintained that the road was in Bhutans territory and the stand-off was triggered after Thimphu objected. China claims Doklam as its own and refers to it as Dong Lang. Bhutan had protested in mid-June about the presence of Chinese troop in Doklam but the Chinese dismissed its concerns. Following which Bhutan approached India for help. In the statement, Chinas foreign ministry said, On 16 June 2017, the Chinese side was building a road in the Dong Lang area. On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area. In addition to the two bulldozers, the trespassing Indian border troops, reaching as many as over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory. As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory. The Chinese foreign ministry said during their talks with Mr Doval, Mr Yang expressed Chinas stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into Chinas territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary. In the fact-sheet, China separately said, Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and great restraint and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. But no country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident. Panagariya was the Prime Ministers Sherpa during the G-20 Hamburg summit, which was held on July 7-8. New Delhi: Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya, who sent in his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, has suggested him that keeping in mind Indias rapidly rising global stature, which was quite evident from the kind of attention Mr Modi received at last months G-20 summit in Hamburg, the G-20 Sherpa should be turned into a separate entity and its responsibilities be segregated from that of the vice-chairmans. Mr Panagariya was the Prime Ministers Sherpa during the G-20 Hamburg summit, which was held on July 7-8. In his letter (a copy of which is with this newspaper) to the Prime Minister where Mr Panagariya requested Mr Modi to be relieved from the Niti Aayog vice-chairmans post as his leave from Columbia University (where he is a full time professor) was ending by August-end, he suggested that as the Sherpas role is going to expand, it should be set up as a separate responsibility. The suggestion made by Mr Panagariya was also based on the premise that in the past two years of his tenure in Niti Aayog, the responsibilities of the vice-chairman have multiplied at a fast pace, which translates into rising demands on the time of a vice chairman. Simultaneously owing to Indias growing global stature, in future the Sherpas role is going to expand. Therefore to ensure that work of Niti Aayog and G-20 engagements receive due attention, it may be worth considering separating these roles in future. Mr Panagariya was appointed Indias Sherpa for G-20 talks in September 2015, replacing railway minister Suresh Prabhu. Sherpas, who are representatives of leaders of G20 member countries, coordinate on the agenda of a summit. As per the practice, the deputy chairman of the erstwhile Planni ng Commission used to be the Sherpa. During the UPA rule, former deputy chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia was Sherpa for G-20 talks. Arun Jaitley said this raid should not be linked with any Gujarat poll; this is a purely economic offence. The Income Tax officials said they seized Rs 5 crore cash from the Delhi residence of Shivakumar, who has been taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the I-T team. (Photo: Deccan Chronicle) New Delhi: The Congress Party on Wednesday slammed the BJP government at the Centre over the Income Tax raids at multiple properties related to Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near Bengaluru. Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, in a tweet, that the BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat. After using the state machinery and every other agency, these I-T raids show their utter desperation & frustration, he added. The Congress hit out at the government in Parliament too, with the Rajya Sabha witnessing protests by the Opposition against the "witch-hunt by the government". Congress leader Anand Sharma said it is now becoming a trend to blatantly misuse powers of the state. "The minister and his brother, an elected representative coordinating in stay of Gujarat MLAs that is why it is a targeted timing," he added. Attacking the BJP, Another leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Conduct raids on residences of those people from your party (BJP) who are offering Rs 15 crore." The Rajya Sabha was also rocked by opposition protests over an Election Commission notification that provides the MLAs the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in the voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat on August 8. Angry members of the Congress and other Opposition parties forced adjournments of the proceedings as they questioned the NOTA provision for these elections. Meanwhile, in Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley clarified that the Income Tax raids had nothing to do with Gujarat polls. This raid should not be linked with any Gujarat poll, this is on a purely economic offence, Jaitley said in Lok Sabha. The Income Tax officials said they seized Rs 5 crore cash from the Delhi residence of Shivakumar, who has been taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the I-T team. Officials privy to the early morning raids said I-T sleuths reached the Eagleton resort near here to question the minister, who was staying at the resort for the night. Shivakumar, was in charge of the 44 MLAs lodged there, to keep the flock together for preventing the BJP from allegedly "poaching" on them, was at the resort when the search took place, I-T officials said. As the raids on the resort triggered angry reactions from the Congress, the I-T department said the resort is not being raided. Read: Raids at K'taka minister's house not linked to 44 Cong MLAs from Gujarat: I-T dept They said only the minister's room in the resort was "searched" and not of the MLAs from Gujarat. "The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team," the department said in a statement. I-T officials said a total of 39 premises of the minister and his family are being raised by a team of about 120 Income Tax Department officials with the aid of central paramilitary forces. The raids are taking place in Delhi and Karnataka. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. The 47-member SP has 13 Yadav legislators, and some BJP MLAs have been asked to encourage them to switch loyalties. Lucknow: Yadavs are now on the BJP wish list for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. BJP president Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Lucknow, asked party leaders to focus on the Yadav community and the target, once again, are the Yadav MLAs. The 47-member Samajwadi Party has 13 Yadav legislators and the BJP will now try to woo the weak links. A section of BJP MLAs have been entrusted the task of encouraging these MLAs to switch loyalties to the BJP. The BJP apparently wants to weaken the Samajwadi Party by weaning away its Yadav vote base before the 2019 general elections. The BJP in Uttar Pradesh does not have a Yadav face, and efforts are now on to bring up a Yadav leader, who can bring his community into the party fold. Mr Shah launched his campaign by choosing to have lunch at the residence of a booth-level worker Sonu Yadav in Lucknow. Though he later told reporters not to read too much into the caste of the party worker, the caste angle was more than evident. According to party sources, the BJP president has asked leaders to identify at least one prominent Yadav leader in every district. The booth level workers have also been directed to woo Yadavs and dalits and register them as members at booth levels. Focus on making more and more members from the Yadav and dalit communities, Mr Shah told party vistaraks (those directly responsible for membership drive and expansion) at a meeting. Though the Yadavs voted for the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, some of them returned to back the Samajwadi Party in the 2017 Assembly elections. We now wish to consolidate the Yadavs in our favour, and will be working on this mission, said a party functionary. The party will be focusing on the Yadav belt in the state that includes Etawah, Etah, Mainpuri, Ferozabad, Kannauj and Azamgarh. It was ion this belt that the Samajwadi Party had won five seats in the 2014 elections. Sources said the BJP would make a conscious effort to woo Yadavs and also make sure that the Yadavs do not begin to emphasise with Mr Lalu Yadav who is trying to capitalise on the betrayal game in Bihar. Interestingly, Yadavs form the largest chunk among OBCs in Uttar Pradesh. Of the 45 per cent OBC population, the Yadav share is about 9 per cent, followed by other OBC castes like Kurmi, Lodh and Jat. The BJP has already made inroads into the Kurmi vote ban through the Apna Dal (Sonelal) a Kurmi based political outfit which is an ally of the party at the centre and in the state. According to Tejaswi, several political leaders named in Panama case are somehow associated with the NDA Referring to a recent survey report, Tejaswi Yadav said that more than 75 percent ministers in the new NDA regime are tainted and facing criminal charges including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (Photo: PTI/File) Patna: Former Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav on Wednesday questioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Zero tolerance policy on corruption and asked him whether he would seek a probe into the Panama case He said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had dumped the grand secular alliance because his conscience didnt allow him to remain with people who faced corruption charges but we fail to understand now that why he hasnt raised his voice or demanded a probe against those whose names surfaced in Panama case. According to him, several political leaders named in Panama case are somehow associated with the NDA and no action against anyone has been taken so far. Referring to a recent survey report, Tejaswi Yadav said that more than 75 percent ministers in the new NDA regime are tainted and facing criminal charges including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. More than 75 percent ministers in the newly formed cabinet are tainted including Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, what happened to his zero tolerance policy on corruption, how the state will develop with so many ministers facing criminal charges, Tejaswi Yadav said. Tejaswi Yadav has been criticizing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ever since he left the grand secular alliance and formed a government with the NDA. On Wednesday he reiterated that Nitish Kumar used cases against him as an excuse to form an alliance with the BJP. He also announced a massive agitation in Bihar against the new NDA regime and said the Opposition unity will be expanded further to fight against the communal forces. Talking to reporters on the issue former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav confirmed that Lalu Yadav and other secular leaders have been in constant touch with Sharad Yadav and he is likely to announce his decision soon. Our party president Lalu Yadav and other leaders are in touch with him. Sharad Yadav is a senior leader and he is also upset over Nitish Kumars attitude. Those who were with Nitish Kumar during Samata Party days have left him one by one due to his attitude, Tejaswi Yadav said. Senior JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav has been showing signs of aggressiveness against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars decision to form a government in Bihar with NDA. Sources said that veteran leader Sharad Yadav may float a political party to remain with the grand secular alliance. This is not the first time, earlier also Nitish Kumar had tried to weaken Mandal movement by joining hands with the BJP and once again when opposition parties were trying to form an alliance against the communal forces he left us, Tejashwi Yadav said. The policies and initiatives taken in the last three years have started showing results. New Delhi: Making no secret of Indias aspiration for a super power status for which the development of an indigenous defence production base is necessary, defence minister Arun Jaitley has said military power is key to a nations rise to super power status. Though all the aspects of power constitute a super power, the military power is a key to a nations rise to great or Super Power status, the minister has written in a special feature article. Expressing concern over the heavy reliance on defence imports, the minister said: As per a rough analysis, out of our total defence procurement, 40 per cent is indigenous production. Naming some platforms that have achieved significant indigenisation, Mr Jaitley mentions T-90 Tank (74% indigenisation), infantry combat vehicle (BMP II) (97%), Sukhoi 30 fighter aircraft (58%), Konkurs missile (90%). Some systems, like Akash missile system, Advanced Light Helicopters, Light Combat Aircraft, Pinaka rockets, various types of radars such as Central Acquisition Radar, Weapon Locating Radar, Battlefield Surveillance Radar etc., have more than 50-60% indigenisation, Mr Jaitley wrote. He added with liberalisation in the licensing regime in last three years, 128 licenses have been issued for manufacturing of various defence items, whereas in the last 14 years before that period, only 214 licenses were issued. The policies and initiatives taken in the last three years have started showing results. Three years back, in 2013-14, where only 47.2% of the capital procurement was made from Indian vendors, in the year 2016-17, it has gone up to 60.6%. Gradually, disinvestment in DPSUs is also being pursued to make them more accountable and bring in operational efficiency. In the last three years, the value of production (VoP) of DPSUs and OFB has increased by approximately 28% and productivity by 38%, the defence minister wrote. There are 41 ordnance factories, nine defence public sector undertakings, more than 200 private sector license holder companies and a few thousand small, medium and micro enterprises feeding to the large manufacturers and DPSUs. More than 50 defence laboratories of DRDO are also part of the entire eco-system of defence manufacturing in the country. Mitch O'Connell created the work in 2015 for a horror film festival in Chicago headlined by the 1988 cult classic "They Live." Mexico City: His skin is blue, his face contorted and his eyes bulge from his head, but the hair is unmistakable: that alien in the giant billboard over one of Mexico City's busiest roads is Donald Trump. In case the US president's distinctive blond swirl didn't tip you off, the artist has put an American flag in the background and framed the whole thing with Trump's campaign slogan: "Make America great again. Ironically, this extraterrestrial Trump has landed in Mexico because he could not find a home in the United States. American artist Mitch O'Connell created the work in 2015 for a horror film festival in Chicago headlined by the 1988 cult classic "They Live." But what began as a publicity poster turned into a zeitgeisty political statement, he told AFP. "I was drawing a poster of the 'They Live' alien and the TV was on my drawing table. There was Trump, campaigning or doing something on television. And that hair is so distinctive. I'm looking at my drawing and at his hair and I said, 'That hair would look fantastic on this alien,'" he said in a phone interview from Chicago. "They Live," a satirical sci-fi movie starring late pro wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, is the story of a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that enables him to see that Earth's ruling class is in fact made up of aliens who manipulate people via the mass media to spend money and accept the status quo. O'Connell said his 21st-century take on the film resonated at a moment when reality TV star and real-estate billionaire Trump was starting his improbable rise to the presidency. "Reality kind of just turned into this drawing. It was not meant to be political, but it just kind of evolved," he said. "People had huge reactions to Trump and they loved the movie, those two things together: America getting stranger by the week with Trump running and Trump as president." Illegal alien O'Connell, 56, initially tried to get the work displayed on a billboard in the United States, but said he was rejected in several cities -- despite raising $3,000 online to fund the project. "Major billboard companies, I think they were actually worried about getting people protesting. There was an actual real possibility that Trump would tweet about them or bash the company," he said. A Mexico City gallery then stepped in to get the work displayed in Mexico, the target of much vitriol from Trump. Trump kicked off his campaign in June 2015 with a tirade against Mexican immigrants, whom he referred to as drug dealers, criminals and rapists. Anti-Mexican rhetoric was central to his campaign, with Trump vowing to deport Mexican immigrants en masse, make Mexico pay for a wall on the border and tear up the US trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. "Trump's first (campaign) speech was calling everybody from Mexico rapists and thieves and how he was going to build this majestic wall to keep them out," O'Connell said. "Mexico being the only place where I can get this billboard erected, it was a wonderful ironic twist ending to the story." In Mexico City, the billboard has met with bemused approval. "To me, artistic expression related to Trump is a really good thing, in the sense that it has an impact on society, because this is kind of how we all feel, right?" said Carla Baeza, an employee at a telecommunications company in the capital. "I think the artist wanted to capture the essence of how Trump treats Mexicans. He doesn't respect us much," said computer programmer Julio Acuna. The collective's work has spread to other cities thanks to a social media campaign. Berlin: A ragtag band of Berlin street artists is taking aim at an urban scourge of neo-Nazi graffiti, using "love and humour" to turn swastikas into colourful symbols of inclusiveness. As authorities report a sharp rise in far-right activity in Germany, including the rampant spread of anti-migrant propaganda, the #PaintBack initiative in Berlin is fighting back. "We as street artists wanted to send the message: you're abusing graffiti," said the club's founder Ibo Omari. "Graffiti's got nothing to do with racism -- it's about bright colours and diverse backgrounds." Omari, 37, owns a paint shop catering to street artists, and runs "The Cultural Heirs", a organisation bringing together youth from German and immigrant backgrounds for activities from breakdancing and street art to hip-hop DJing and skateboarding. "It's a culture that shaped us in a positive way and gives young people a chance to express themselves creatively so they don't end up on the street," he said. 'Beautify' the swastika At the headquarters, in a room plastered with classic rap album covers, the teen members practise turning Nazi swastikas, used by the far right to whip up support and intimidate minorities, into new designs. An owl, a mosquito, a rabbit with its tongue sticking out, a Rubik's cube, two men kissing, a cat in a window -- the inspiration for transforming the sharp-edged symbol seems endless. "It's not hard to come up with ideas," 17-year-old Klemens Reichelt said. "I like it because I think swastikas don't belong in Berlin -- it's a city open to the world and I want to defend that." Omari and a half dozen adult volunteers use the kids' motifs to "beautify" the swastika tags when they're spotted in the neighbourhood. The project began when a local resident entered Omari's shop looking for paint cans. "He didn't look like a graffiti artist, so I asked him why he wanted them and he said he needed them to cover up a swastika that had been sprayed on a children's playground," Omari said. "We were pretty shocked that someone had done that, especially here in Schoeneberg," a western district of Berlin which is home to middle-class Germans, Turkish and Arab families, and a lively, century-old gay scene. The appearance of the symbol of hate proved not to be a one-off, however, and swastikas started turning up more and more -- in parks, in apartment buildings -- apparently fuelled by the influx of more than one million asylum seekers after Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the borders in 2015. The domestic intelligence agency this month reported a seven-percent rise in politically motivated crimes in 2016, one-third of which were classified as "propaganda offences". 'Sweet, cheeky images' Omari, whose own parents fled Lebanon as refugees when they were expecting him, said he turned those feelings of shock and powerlessness into action with the help of local youth who wanted to leave their own mark on the German capital. "The last swastikas I had seen were more than 20 years ago so this was a new, unpleasant development," he said. "Unfortunately the zeitgeist changed in the last few years and we have to explain things to young people that actually weren't that long ago," referring to the facts of the Nazi era and the Holocaust in the 1930s-40s. "We thought long and hard about how to react to such ugly sentiments and then we said: we'll answer with humour and love," he said. "We chose sweet, cheeky images, most of them drawn by kids so even beginners who aren't graffiti artists could reproduce them." Neighbours now report the swastikas they find to the club. "It doesn't happen that often but once is too many," he said, estimating that the group has transformed about 20 since May 2016. It is against the law in Germany to display swastikas and other Nazi-era symbols, but those who take matters into their own hands can also run afoul of the authorities. Germany's most famous crusader against far-right graffiti, 71-year-old Irmela Mensah-Schramm, was convicted by a Berlin court last October for spray-painting over an offensive tag. It took until this month for the veteran of three decades on the city's streets to get the charges dropped. Omari expresses admiration for her but said he cannot allow his fellow activists to get into trouble with the police. "It is important to get the permission of the property owner because two wrongs don't make a right and we didn't want to have anyone do anything illegal," he said. The collective's work has spread to other cities thanks to a social media campaign. Images with the hashtag #PaintBack are swapped on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and a video the group made has been viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube. Earlier, Centre had claimed improvement in city air quality this year. This was revealed in a recent study by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which comes under the ministry of earth sciences. New Delhi: There is a substantial presence of PM 1 ultrafine and ultra dangerous particles in the Lodhi Road area, which is considered to be one of the greenest areas in the city and potentially less polluted. This was revealed in a recent study by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which comes under the ministry of earth sciences. Particulate matter (PM) 1 particles have a diameter of less than 1 micron and are much smaller than PM 2.5 and can easily penetrate deep into the lungs or enter the blood stream, causing cardiovascular problems and damage to the inner walls of the arteries. The monitoring station of SAFAR has recorded that the average volume of PM 1 during summer, winter, and the monsoon remains around 46, 49, and 20 micrograms per cubic metre respectively. However, it has not attracted much attention till now as the safe standards of PM 1 have not been defined yet, in the absence of which its potentially harmful effects have not been documented, said scientist Gufran Beig, the project director of SAFAR. PM 1 is a major product of vehicular combustion. The roads in and around the Lodhi Road area, like other parts of Lutyens zone, see a huge flow of vehicles. Presently, there are only SAFAR monitors PM 1 in the national capital. The Delhi government was also planning to monitor the ultrafine particles in the new monitoring stations that are to be installed by October. The prescribed 24-hour-average of PM 2.5 is 60 micrograms per cubic metre while the same is 100 in case of PM 10 in India. Meenakshi Lekhi also read out names of 14 BJP and RSS workers who were allegedly killed in Kerala in the last few months. Comments by Joshi and Lekhi drew sharp reactions from the MPs of the Left parties who countered them vociferously. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: From God's own country, Kerala has transformed into the God's forsaken country, a BJP MP said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, coming down hard on the LDF government there for "failing" to contain the killing of RSS and BJP workers. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Meenakshi Lekhi alleged that the political opponents were being killed in "Talibani style" in the state and even workers of Congress, CPI and Muslim League have been targeted. Another BJP MP Prahlad Joshi said 17 BJP and RSS workers were killed in Kerala in the last 17 months and demanded a probe into the deaths by either the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Joshi alleged that terrorists were involved in the killings. Comments by Joshi and Lekhi drew sharp reactions from the MPs of the Left parties who countered them vociferously. Lekhi, the BJP MP from New Delhi constituency, said "the God's own country has transformed into God's forsaken country." She also read out names of 14 BJP and RSS workers who were allegedly killed in Kerala in the last few months and wondered whether anyone in the House knew their names. "People will immediately connect if someone talks about about Pehlu Khan or Akhlaq. But nobody knows about the people killed in Kerala," Lekhi said. In a hard-hitting attack on the Left Democratic Front government, she also alleged that seven children from the families of RSS and BJP workers were targeted. "One Rajesh had received 80 wounds. His hands were chopped off. People are being killed in a Talibani style. A total of 40 Congress workers were alone killed in Kannur," she claimed. He said the native place of Rohith Vemula had witnessed 50 incidents of attacks on women. Vemula's death in January last year had triggered a nationwide outrage. Lekhi wondered why Congress was maintaining silence over killing of their workers. Joshi alleged that maximum murders had taken place in the area from where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hails. Talking about communist rule in various parts of the world, he claimed that "more than one million people were killed" during the period. State to probe Swati Sathes alleged support to six jail staffers. Mumbai: Maharashtra Home minister for state Ranjit Patil announced the suspension of Byculla womens jail superintendent Chandramani Indalkar and Tanaji Gharbudve, who was the acting superintendent at the time when inmate Manju Shetye was allegedly murdered on June 23 by six other jail officials. Mr Patil made the announcement in the legislative council on Tuesday. It was in response to the motion raised by Opposition leader Dhananjay Munde and others. He said that the government is also probing the alleged assistance extended to the accused police officers in the case by DIG (Prison) Swati Sathe. We have the detailed WhatsApp conversation between Swati Sathe and other officers asking to join hands in helping police officers who are accused of murdering Manju Shetye. How could an officer who was the investigating officer in the case make such an appeal? The officer should be suspended, said Mr Munde. By announcing the suspension of the two officers, Mr Patil assured the house that all the allegations levelled against Ms Sathe would be probed and if she is found to be guilty, she will be not be spared. Mr Munde reiterated his experiences of visiting the Byculla jail along with a delegation of MLCs. The prison conditions are too bad to even be described. The women inmates were scared to even speak in front of the officers that came with us. They only spoke after the officers were asked to leave us alone, said Mr Munde, adding that the convict and under trials in the jail are undergoing inhuman treatment, including sexual harassment. Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe, referring to Ms Sathe said that if an officer can dare to seek help for officers so openly, it is possible that she might have helped the officers in the past as well. Mr Patil said that measures would be taken to improve the jail conditions. The investigators have recorded the main complainants statement and if found necessary we can recall her for the same, he said. Following SC diktat, Bombay high court to re-examine states plea for ban on festivities. The Supreme Court had on Tuesday directed the Bombay HC to hear the state governments plea for reconsidering the limit put on height of human pyramid. Mumbai: The Bombay high court will on August 7 have a re-look at the states appeal against the ban on pyramids over 20 feet and minors participation in Dahi-handi celebrations to mark Krishna Janmashtami. This comes after the Supreme Court directed the Bombay high court on Tuesday to hear the states plea and NGOs for reconsidering height restrictions on the human pyramid as well as minors participation in Dahi-handi celebrations. The key grounds such as placing mattresses around pyramids, insuring govindas, providing helmets, chest guards, etc as well as the fact that capping the height of the pyramid would deter participants from trying to challenge the Guinness Book of World Record of 43.79 feet prompted the SC to refer the case back to Bombay HC. Speaking about the apex courts direction, Kamlesh Bhoir, secretary of the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti (DHSS) which had approached the SC against the height and age restrictions imposed by the Bombay high court, said, The apex court took a holistic view after the state submitted details of safety and precautionary measures it had put in place to curb injuries to the Govindas. We are of the view that in light of the SC directions all the past decisions on the two issues should be set aside and the HC must hear them afresh. The state in its affidavit submitted to the SC mentioned that it had issued numerous guidelines to Dahi-handi organisers for ensuring the safety of the participants and hence the restrictions should be relaxed. Assistant government pleader Manish Pabale who appeared in the previous hearing in the case in Bombay high court said that the previous orders would stand till new orders are passed with regards to the pyramids height and age restrictions. The court will hear the matter on its own merit and take into consideration the submissions made by the state in its affidavit and decide on whether to relax the height and age norms or not, said Mr Pabale. The chief minister had ordered an inquiry into an M.P. mill compound SRA project at Tardeo. Mumbai: Two days after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis promised an inquiry into an SRA project signed by housing minister Prakash Mehta, the Congress and the NCP on Wednesday, demanded the resignation of the minister. Mr Mehtas woes increased further after a press release, in which he blamed his Cabinet colleagues and opponents in the party for targeting him through the allegations, went viral. However, he has denied that his office sent any such release. Party sources said that Mr Mehta might have to resign from his post if the controversy intensifies further. On Monday, the chief minister had ordered an inquiry into an M.P. mill compound SRA project at Tardeo. The minister had approved the project without informing the CM, but wrote on the files that the CM was aware about it. However, he has pleaded not guilty and said he was ready to face any inquiry. Leader of opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said that Mr Mehta himself accepted his mistake. Mehta should immediately resign. He has said that he did not inform the CM about the project, he said. There was an uproar in the House and it was adjourned four times. As the opposition has a majority in the upper house, the ruling BJP members walked out of the house and did not participate in the proceedings. Meanwhile, the press release was circulated without any letterhead or signature of Mr Mehta, countering the allegations levelled against him in the SRA project. The end of the release said that it was not just the opposition, but also his own party colleagues who were targeting him. Speaking to the media, the minister said he was not aware of any such letter. I have already given a clarification on the issue in the assembly. There is nothing new that I have to say. I have not sent any press release nor has my office, he said. According to the buzz in the corridors of power on Wednesday, this controversy surrounding the housing minister clearly indicates that all is not well in the Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A group of BJP leaders have been feeling isolated in the party, sources said. Mr Mehta is believed to be close to BJP national president Amit Shah and this was a point of jealousy for many leaders within party. It was also rumoured that he received the housing ministry portfolio because of his proximity to Mr Shah. The chief minister was junior to Mr Mehta and a few others when the BJP was in the opposition in the state. However, when Mr Fadnavis became the CM, Mr Mehta was a senior leader in his cabinet along with revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, education minister Vinod Tawde, finance minister Sudheer Mungantiwar and former minister Ekanath Khadse. The buzz is that after Mr Fadnavis became the CM, a group in the BJP kept its distance from him. When Mr Khadse had to resign from the ministry in June 2016, there was buzz that he had been cut to size as a result of inter-party tussle. Without due permission from the CM, Mr Mehta wrote on the SRA project file that the former had been informed. The project allowed extra building rights to slum dwellers in M.P. mill compound, that were transferred to another project meant for project affected people. According to development control rules, there is no such provision for transferring rights. However, the CM was not informed about the project approval and he halted it later. The notice was moved by a case eye-witness, Mariam Shaikh. Mumbai: The Metropolitan Magistrate Court at Ballard Pier on Wednesday issued a notice to a few senior officers including DIG (prison) Swati Sathe, Dr Tatyarao Lahane, dean of J J Hospital and Mumbai police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar, among others, for conducting narco analysis, brain mapping, lie detector test and CDR, voice analysis and decoded conversation to find out the truth behind the murder of Byculla women's prison inmate Manju Shetye. A senior police officer said, The 37th MM court has only called for the say of the respondents on the next date of the hearing. Shetye died on June 23 after allegedly getting assaulted by six prison officials. The notice was moved by a case eye-witness, Mariam Shaikh, who has alleged threat to her safety for calling out the jail staff who was involved in beating up Shetye which led to her death. The application was moved by Shaikh's lawyer Nitin Satpute, who sought for call records details, voice analysis and recording of conversation between Padsalgikar, Sathe and Dr Lahane from June 23 to July 10. The application also prayed for directions to DCP Zone III to conduct a narco analysis, brain mapping and lie detector tests on certain prison officials and others. Mr Satpute said, "The 37th metropolitan magistrate has allowed the application and issued notice to the above mentioned authorities and has kept the matter for appearance wherein the above mentioned persons have been asked to give consent to undergo the narco test, brain mapping and lie detector test on them." He said that the appearance is to be held on August 9. The commuter will now be able to know exactly how late their train is directly on their phone. Mumbai: The Western Railway (WR) plans to links its app, Disha, with its own Train Management System (TMS) angling out the super giant Google who had been approaching the WR for the same. The app can be accessed via android phones. People will no longer have to be dependent on only railway announcements during train delays. The commuter will now be able to know exactly how late their train is directly on their phone. The WR who have been trying to work out a way to retain the information of its Mumbai suburban was hesitant to hand over their inside information to Google and are working on an in-house project that will allow each commuter to know where their train is, at that very exact moment. An official said, "We wanted to provide this facility to commuters, but without handing over our intellectual property like the timing of our trains to an outsider." As a result, information from the TMS, a software system that already tracks trains among many of its other functions, will be filtered and directed to another server that will be linked to WR's Disha app. Once live, the app will be able to tell you if your regular train to work and back home has been delayed, down to the seconds. The official said, "Currently the TMS gives information on the position of each and every local train, long distance trains in the Mumbai line, status of signals, information of diversions that can be or are already implemented, interlocking of tracks etc. The benefits of the TMS system have finally reached the common man due the leaps made in technology especially smart-phones in recent years. Convenient travel The parties to the dispute are still not in direct talks, and Washington is keen to pressure its allies in the region to mend ties. Washington: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has asked two officials, including retired general and former Middle East envoy Anthony Zinni, to work to end the Gulf diplomatic crisis. On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with key US ally Qatar, accusing it of backing extremism and building ties with their rival Iran. Qatar, home to a huge US air base, has denied the claims but has agreed to Kuwait acting as a mediator and has come to an agreement with Washington to fight terror financing. The parties to the dispute are still not in direct talks, however, and Washington is keen to pressure its allies in the region to mend ties and work together against extremism. Tillerson told reporters that Qatar is so far fulfilling its commitment to the United States, but that he had sent senior US diplomat Tim Lenderking to the region to push for progress. "And I've also asked retired General Anthony Zinni to go with Tim so that we can maintain a constant pressure on the ground because I think that's what it's going to take," he said. "There's only so much you can do with telephone persuasion." Zinni, now 73, was a Marine general who once commanded US forces in the Middle East. After the military he served as special envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority. World powers have been trying to stifle Pyongyang's weapons programme through United Nations-backed sanctions. Washington: A Republican senator said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has told him he would go to war to destroy North Korea rather than allow it to develop a long-range nuclear-armed missile. Influential lawmaker Lindsey Graham, a foreign policy hawk, told NBC's Today Show: "There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's program and North Korea itself." Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un boasted that his country could now strike any target in the United States after carrying out its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test. World powers have been trying to stifle Pyongyang's weapons programme through United Nations-backed sanctions, but have failed to daunt the regime and Washington is growing frustrated. Graham said that if diplomacy, and in particular pressure from the North's neighbor China, fails to halt the program then the United States will have no choice but to take devastating military action. "They've kicked the can down the road for 20 years. There will be a war with North Korea over the missile program if they continue to try to hit America with an ICBM," he said, describing his discussions with Trump. "He's told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically. "I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top." The scandal has overshadowed Trump's first six months in office and threatened to ensnare his whole administration in a legal thicket. Trump's personal intervention, casts doubt on claims he knew nothing about a meeting during the 2016 campaign that is now central to a federal investigation. (Photo: File) Washington: The White House admitted Tuesday that Donald Trump helped draft a misleading statement about his son's meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer deepening the president's entanglement in the saga over his team's ties to Russia. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump had "weighed in, offered suggestions, like any father would do." Trump's personal intervention, first reported by The Washington Post, casts doubt on claims he knew nothing about a meeting during the 2016 campaign that is now central to a federal investigation. It also paints a picture of a president acutely aware of the scandal and determined to manage it down to a minute level. Allies fear that such a level of involvement, if proven, could put the Republican billionaire leader in legal jeopardy. Politically, it will only intensify allegations that the White House is trying to cover up connections with a foreign government accused of trying to tilt the November election in Trump's favor. "This was unnecessary," one presidential adviser told the Post on condition of anonymity. "Now someone can claim he's the one who attempted to mislead. Somebody can argue the president is saying he doesn't want you to say the whole truth." Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow dismissed the report as "misinformed." Emails show that Trump's eldest son Donald Jr, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his then campaign manager Paul Manafort met Kremlin-connected officials in June 2016 in the hope of getting dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. On the other side of the table were government-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, Russian real estate player Ike Kaveladze and Rinat Akhmetshin, who has denied long-standing allegations that he works for Russian intelligence. A British middleman pitched the meeting as an opportunity for the Trump campaign to obtain "very high level and sensitive information" as "part of Russia and its government's support" for the now president. In a statement allegedly dictated by Trump on Air Force One coming back from a Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany Don Jr said the meeting "primarily discussed a program about the adoption of Russian children." Trump's lawyers had claimed he was not involved in the meeting or its aftermath, and the Republican billionaire had rushed to his son's defense, accusing the media of a political "witch hunt." One Republican congressman, Lee Zeldin of New York, told CNN: "I would be really interested in knowing what the president knew at that time." Twitter 'only way to get truth out': Possible Trump-Russia collaboration is the subject of several Congressional investigations as well as a sweeping federal probe led by special counsel and former FBI director Robert Mueller. The scandal has overshadowed Trump's first six months in office and threatened to ensnare his whole administration in a legal thicket. In recent weeks, the scandal has taken a back seat to White House chaos amid the departure of Trump's chief of staff Reince Priebus, his short-lived communications director Anthony Scaramucci and press secretary Sean Spicer. This latest drip-drip of Russia-related information has overshadowed what the White House was hoping would be a fresh start with new chief of staff John Kelly. The four-star retired Marine general on Monday began his quest to impose order on an administration careening out of control. On Tuesday, Trump focused on the American economy, a bright spot on the otherwise gloomy political landscape. "Stock Market could hit all-time high 22,000 today. Was 18,000 only 6 months ago on Election Day. Mainstream media seldom mentions!" he said on Twitter. Later in the day, he participated in a White House event with small businesses, at which he reiterated his comments on Wall Street. But just in case there were any illusions that Kelly could tame Trump's Twitter venting, the president was at pains to dispel them. "Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out!" he tweeted. During his meeting with small business leaders, Trump jokingly complained out loud that Kelly had not made journalists give him credit for a years-long economic recovery. "I keep telling General Kelly, 'General, come on, let's go, you're chief of staff'," Trump said in a subtle dig. The lawmakers said their legislation provides protections for American workers and visa holders as it calls for more transparency. US lawmakers urge President Donald Trump to use his authority to the greatest extent possible to stop H1B visa abuses. (Photo: Representational/File) Washington: A bipartisan group of influential lawmakers from both the House and Senate has urged US President Donald Trump to crackdown on jobs outsourcing companies and reform the H-1B and L-1 visa systems. "We write because for far too long the H-1B visa has been abused by some corporations as a way to displace American workers with cheap foreign labour. We urge you to use your authority as President to the greatest extent possible to stop H-1B abuses, but we believe reform also must happen legislatively because of loopholes in the law," the lawmakers said in a letter to the President. In the letter dated July 27, which was released on Tuesday, they said the legislation H.R.1303 and S.180, the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017 introduced by them close these loopholes and overhaul these visa programs to protect American workers and crack down on outsourcing companies which deprive qualified Americans of high-skill jobs. "This bipartisan bill will restore the H-1B visa program to its original intent, protect American workers, and preserve the limited H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers," the letter said. Led by Congressman Bill Pascrell, the letter was signed by Senator Richard Durbin, Congressmen Dave Brat, Ro Khanna and Paul A Gosar among others. The lawmakers said their legislation provides protections for American workers and visa holders as it calls for more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers. The bill, they said, addresses gaps in the current law by requiring that the employers make a good faith effort to recruit and hire American workers before bringing in guest workers. In addition, the bill also asks for prohibiting employers from replacing American workers or giving preference to visa holders when they are filling open positions. It also proposes to modify existing H-1B wage requirements to ensure employers pay foreigners comparable wages in the area of employment. Current law allows the payment of below-market wages to H-1B workers across industries and geographic areas and even allows H-1B-dependent employers and employers who have previously wilfully violated H-1B program requirements to avoid obligations to recruit US workers and not displace them simply by paying a USD 60,000 annual wage. "Merely raising this wage floor to another arbitrary level will not prevent future abuse," they said. Instead, the bill would end the "exempt" H-1B worker loophole and would peg H-1B salaries to current wage levels by requiring employers to pay the highest wage applicable to each occupation and geographic area from three categories. The three categories are locally-determined prevailing wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment; median wage for all workers in the occupational classification in the area of employment; and median wage for skill level two in the occupational classification found in the most recent OES survey. Noting that the current law makes it easy for outsourcing companies to circumvent the intent of the H-1B visa by bringing in guest workers to displace American workers, the lawmakers wrote the bill prohibits the outsourcing or leasing of H-1B workers to other employers and prevents an employer with more than 50 employees in the US from hiring additional H-1B workers if the employer's US workforce is more than 50 per cent of the H-1B and L-1 visa holder workers. In the letter, the lawmakers have opposed allocating visas by lottery. This does not allow the government to determine how it awards the 85,000 visas and outsourcing companies are thus able to secure tens of thousands of H-1B visas annually to offshore American jobs. "Our bill creates specific categories of H-1B workers to give preference in the allocation of visas based on education, training, and economic value. Further, our bill amends the law to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with discretion to allocate H-1B visas within this framework in any manner or order the secretary deems appropriate," the lawmakers wrote. American Air Force tests Minuteman III days after Pyongyang conducted missile test. Washington: The US military conducted a test Wednesday of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile, officials said, just days after North Korea conducted its own ICBM launch. Tests at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California are typically scheduled weeks or even months in advance, but this one came at a time of soaring tensions with North Korea over its trial of an ICBM last week. While not a response to recent North Korean actions, the test demonstrates that the United States nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and ready to be able to deter, detect and defend against attacks on the United States and its allies, the Air Force Global Strike Command said. The unarmed Minuteman-III ICBM test was previously scheduled and not a response to recent North Korean action, a statement from the Air Force said. The Minuteman III missile went up on Wednesday the Air Force Global Strike Command said. The ICBM arced into the night sky from Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California and travelled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. North Korea has alarmed the international community by the pace and progress of its missile development programme, and in July leader Kim Jong-Un conducted two tests of an ICBM the first time he had demonstrated ICBM capability. The first of these trials, which Mr Kim described as a gift to American bastards, showed the rocket had the potential range to hit Alaska. The second rocket test last week flew even longer, with some experts even suggesting that New York could be in range. Decades after the Cold War, and frequently forgotten by a public preoccupied with the threat of terrorism, the United States still fields hundreds of Minuteman III ICBMs, dotted in silos across rural America. The US Air Force will switch out the entirety of its Minuteman III fleet with a new missile known currently known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). A citizen, Raja Basharat Mehmood filed an application before the ECP, calling for the disqualification of Imran Khan. Islamabad: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was moved on Wednesday to disqualify Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan over allegations of harassment levelled against him by lawmaker Ayesha Gulalai Wazir. A citizen, Raja Basharat Mehmood filed an application before the ECP, calling for the disqualification of Imran Khan. According to the application, Imran Khan should be disqualified from National Assembly membership and by-election should be held in NA-56. Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Supreme Court resumed hearing the disqualification case against Mr Imran. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Faisal Arab, is conducting proceedings into PML (Nawaz) leader Hanif Abbasis petition seeking Mr Imrans disqualification for concealing his assets and foreign funding of his party. Mr Abbasis counsel Akram Sheikh in his arguments said: How can someone who submitted a false certificate be considered sadiq (honest) and amin (truthful). Justice Bandial observed that the receipt of prohibited funds has to be established first. The court observed that it was the ECPs job to determine if prohibited funds were acquired by the PTI. The chief justice observed that under the Political Parties Act, no one could be disqualified for filing a fake certificate regarding party funds. He said that in the Representation of Peoples Act, nothing is mentioned regarding the consequence of filing a false declaration of party assets. Earlier on Wednesday, PTI women wing termed flurry of scathing allegations from Ayesha Gulalai Wazir as an attempt to earn cheap publicity. PTI women wing asked Ms Wazir to seek forgiveness over baseless allegations or else Jirga (a tribal council) would be sent to her home. If Gulalai does not seek forgiveness within a week, we would send Jirga as per tribal traditions, asserted PTI leader Zareen Zia. Imran Khan respects all women and as far as text messages are concerned, he does not own a blackberry. These accusations have hurt sentiments of PTI workers, she added. Ms Wazir had alleged that the honour of PTI female members was not safe from Imran Khan and his gang. She said that Imran Khan sent indecent text messages to female members of the party. She revealed that the first message she received from Imran Khan was in October 2013 and many other female members also received those messages. She said that Imran Khan keeps Blackberry phone and asks the female members of the party to also carry Blackberry so that messages could not be traced. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to al-Qaeda and the ISIS. (Photo: AP) Beijing: China on Wednesday said it will take "a decision in due course" about the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist when it comes up for a review. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the Chinese foreign ministry said about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. Early this year, China had put a six-month technical hold on the application which is expected to come up for review shortly. Read: India renews bid to nail Masood Azhar "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. Read: Talks on Masood Azhar ban still continuing: China envoy India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. This year the US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six-month technical hold. Ayesha Gulalai, who hails from South Waziristan tribal region, accused Khan of sending 'obscene text messages' to women leaders of party. Islamabad: An estranged woman lawmaker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Tuesday accused party chief Imran Khan of harassing women leaders in the party. Ayesha Gulalai, who hails from South Waziristan tribal region, in a press conference alleged that "honour" of women affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not safe. Announcing to quit the party, she said, "My integrity matters to me the most" and "I cannot compromise when it comes to my honour and dignity." She also accused Khan of sending "obscene text messages" to women leaders of the party. She refused to share the messages but said that "they were so mean that nobody can tolerate them." Taking a jibe at Khan, she said he suffered from "psychological problems" and "gets jealous of, people who are better than him." She also leveled charges of corruption against PTI government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and its Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who she alleged was acting like "mafia boss". Gulalai was elected to the National Assembly on a reserved seat for women from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), and has been a staunch and vocal supporter of the PTI and Khan. She resigned from both her party membership and NA seat. She rejected reports that she was joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) of Nawaz Sharif but praised Sharif for respecting women. "No matter what the charges against him but Nawaz Sharif knows how to respect women," she said. Rejecting the allegations, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said that Gulalai had "sold her soul to PMLN for money". "It is old tactic of PMLN that they buy people and she (Gulalai) has sold her. She has been used and would be forgotten in 24 hours, he said. Residents were furious the police did not prevent the second explosion, although it is still not clear what caused it. Kabul: A suicide bomber stormed into the largest Shiite Muslim mosque in Afghanistan's Herat province Tuesday night opening fire on worshippers before blowing himself up, killing at least 29 and wounding dozens more, said the provincial governor's spokesman Jalani Farhad. However Mehdi Hadid, a lawmaker from Herat, who went to the site soon after the explosion told The Associated Press that the scene was one of horrific carnage. He estimated at least 100 dead and wounded were scattered throughout the mosque. The attack took place in the middle of evening prayers when the mosque was packed with about 300 worshippers. At Herat Main Hospital, Dr. Mohammed Rafique Shehrzai, confirmed 20 bodies were brought to the hospital in Herat city, the capital of western Herat province Tuesday night, soon after the blast shattered the late evening. Hadid said he saw several pieces of a body that was being identified as the assailant. Although it's not clear if there was a second attacker, witnesses in the area reported hearing a second explosion about 10 minutes after the initial bomber detonated his explosives. Located just 50 meters (150 feet) away was an Afghan National Police station, but Hadid said the police were too frightened to take action and stood outside the mosque while the attack happened. Residents were furious the police did not prevent the second explosion, although it is still not clear what caused it. Dozens of local residents, who are mostly Shiites, attacked the police station pelting it with stones and setting it on fire, said Farhad. Shiites are a minority in Afghanistan and have been threatened by the affiliate of the Islamic State group that operates in the country's east. Herat borders Iran whose capital Tehran was attacked by the so-called Islamic State in June. Herat has previously been the scene of several smaller attacks on Shiites. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on Herat's Jawadia Mosque. However, after its attack on Monday on the Iraq Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul IS warned Shiites in Afghanistan that they are targets. Hadid said he rushed to the mosque after hearing about the explosion. He was told the attacker first fired on the private guards outside the mosque before entering. When inside, he fired on the praying worshippers until his rifle jammed then he blew himself up. The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. (Photo: AP/Representational) Beijing: China on Wednesday said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Read: Chinese media divided over outcome of Doval's visit amid Sikkim standoff Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. Read: Sushma lying on Sikkim row, says Chinese daily, claims India will lose if there's war India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Sikkim standoff (Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry) Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. Read: Amid Sikkim row, Ajit Doval discusses issues in bilateral ties with Chinese counterpart The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China values the growth of good-neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. by Wang Zhicheng Zhang Huawei, vice-minister of the Central Inspection Group. The Central Committee for Party Inspection speaks of "darkness hiding beneath the light". Without democracy, Xi Jinping's anti-corruption fight is a war lost from the outset. Beijing (AsiaNews) - One of the highest personalities of the Central Inspection body was expelled by the Chinese Communist Party after an investigation revealed that he had taken advantage of his position to receive bribes. According to the statement of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), released today, Zhang Huawei, deputy minister , "lost his ideals and convictions" and damaged the reputation of the Commission. The CCDI had launched an inspection into Zhang's office last April. According to Caixin magazine he would be investigated for financial fraud. Since coming to power, President Xi Jinping has launched a fight against corruption within the Party to hit "tigers and flies", high ranking figures and low ranking officials. For Xi an anti-corruption reform is a matter of "life or death" for the government of the Chinese Communist Party. Although many observers point out that this campaign has political motives, directed against Xi Jinping's enemies, it has had some success. In 2014, Zhang Huawei and his office were able to unveil the corruption of the Liaoning government, which for years has inflated its budget figures to show false promises in its economy, and two years later it again revealed in Liaoning a scandal about the sale of votes to be elected to the National People's Assembly. But the struggle against corruption by commissions made up of the same corrupt Party is a war lost at the outset. Many dissidents have always invoked democracy as the only method to fight corruption. The CCDI continues to fight corruption within its own structures, complaining of "darkness hiding beneath the light". He pays homage to Liu Xiaobo. Beijing's "unfortunate" choice of Tiananmen massacre. But the priorities of the diocese are the elderly and the young. Being a "bridge" Church in relations between Beijing and the Holy See. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Freedom, human rights, tensions with local government, relations between China and the Vatican, gay rights: the issues and questions journalists have poured on Msgr. Michael Yeung, the day after his official appointment to Ordinary Bishop of Hong Kong. In a press conference held in the diocesan center near the cathedral, responding to questions of a more or less political nature, Msgr. Michael Yeung replied by emphasizing that his priorities are to take care of the poor and abandoned. "Our elderly need to feel dignified and valued, he added. We must also care about our younger generation ... Not all of them want to fight the government, they just need to express their discontent, and those in power have to listen". The underlying reference is to the Occupy Central movement, which originated from the demands for greater democracy, and has been critical of the Government of the Territory for lack of housing, lack of work and prospects for young people. If required he will fight on political issues, he explained: "The church is not a political party. However, when facing some problems that affect the whole society, like human rights, justice, openness and accountability, I think the church must stand up to speak. When asked about how the Church will face the forthcoming parliamentary elections, the bishop said: "I will not certainly tell people to vote for this or that candidate. I will ask them and encourage them to vote according to their conscience. On the ongoing dialogue between Beijing and the Holy See, Msgr. Yeung addressed it saying that he played too small a role in meetings between governments. At the same time, he stressed that the Hong Kong Church will serve as a "bridge" between the Vatican and mainland China. "If there is any way that we can maintain some kind of a dialogue, we will be willing to do so. There is always room for betterment, to improve, he said. Bishop Yeung also had a thought for the death of Liu Xiaobo, the great dissident that China allowed die of liver cancer in prison. The Hong Kong diocese celebrated a funeral rite for him. "It broke my heart and I was sad to see a person die in jail after defending democracy and justice, not for ulterior motives. Yeung called the fact that Beijing destroyed the pro-democracy movement in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989 "unhappy" . But he also said that the Church will continue to communicate with Chinese authorities on various topics. The initiative was launched with great clamor in February 2017. It aimed to help the Japanese work less, to consume more, to have children. But small businesses can not afford to give the staff extra free time. Workers choose to save. According to experts, more incisive policies needed to support maternity. Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - "Premium Friday" was the latest attempt by the Japanese government to address a problem: the consumption crisis due to time shortages and excessive workload in companies. But the initiative launched with great clamor in February 2017 is already losing interest. In fact, small businesses realize that they can not afford to give extra time to staff and workers choose to save their money and rest rather than fuel consumption. The Japanese government's intentions was that the Premium Friday would improve the balance in the citizens private life, reducing stress linked to a work overload. At the same time, the bureaucrats hoped that a free Friday per month would encourage the population to increase purchases, dine outside, drink and socialize more. A theory that had even begun to hypothesize an increase in the birth rate. But six months after the launch, the Premium Friday is not giving any results. "The concept is positive, but a couple of hours out on Friday once a month can not be enough to achieve the grand plans the government has set," says Makoto Watanabe, associate professor of communications and media at the University of Hokkaido Bunkyo. "To achieve an appreciable effect, much more incisive public reforms are needed that may have an impact on working life styles." "Among the most needed reforms for Japan are measures to support maternity, allowing women to build their own career at the same time as having children," the professor added. "And the situation is probably worse in rural areas of Japan or in smaller cities," Watanabe said, "where regional economies are unable to grow at the same pace as cities and where young people and couples choose to save the their money for the future rather than spend them on the Premium Friday. " "The economy is weak, wages have not increased significantly over the last decade, and in many cases, people are worried about job retention, so are careful with their spending," he concluded. After an initial enthusiasm for the Premium Friday, retailers say spending has returned to previous levels. Store owners do not see significant and prolonged spending, although restaurants and bars say they have more customers. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, more than 500 companies have signed up for the initiative and are actively encouraging their employees. But big companies can absorb a temporary lack of staff, but small businesses are not able to give employees more freedom. Yet there are those who argue that it is good to insist on this plan. "I think companies are assimilating the initiative, albeit under strong government pressure," said Martin Schulz, senior economist at the Fujitsu Research Institute. "I think it will take a long time before attitudes towards work and traditions in the workplace change completely, but it may take place." As the General Audience resumes after the summer break, Pope Francis recalls the symbolism of ancient churches structured from west to east: the west is "where the light dies; The East is "the place where darkness is defeated by the first light of the dawn and calls upon us the Christ, the Sun raised from above on the horizon of the world". Christians "are oriented men and women: they do not believe in the darkness, but in the light of day." "The Church's Life is a Contamination of Light". Pilgrims from Iraq, Syria and Japan present. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - With the grace of baptism, "a Christian truly becomes a Bearer of Christ in the world," bringing hope and light to the "situations of mourning, despair, of darkness and of hate. " On the resumption of Wednesday audiences, Pope Francis broached the theme of "Baptism: A Gateway to Hope", dwelling on the symbol of light and darkness: "What does it mean to be Christian? It means to look to the light, to continue to practice the profession of faith in light, even when the world is wrapped in night and darkness. " There were delegations from Japan, Syria and the Chaldean Church of Baghdad under the leadership of Bishop Shlemon Warduni among the thousands of pilgrims at the audience, held in the Paul VI hall. Francis recalled the ancient rites of baptism in which the faithful, turning to the West, renounced Satan; Then turning to the east, they were questioned on the faith, to which they answered "I believe!". In ancient times, the churches were oriented in the west-east line. "The West - explained the Pope - is the cardinal point of the sunset, where the light is dying. The East, on the other hand, is the place where darkness is dispelled by the first light of the dawn and calls us to Christ, the Sun raised from above to the horizon of the world. " "In modern times we have partially lost the charm of this ritual: we lost the sensitivity to the language of the cosmos. There has naturally remained the profession of faith, according to the baptismal question, which is proper to the celebration of some sacraments. However, it remains intact in its meaning. What does it mean to be Christian? It means to look to the light, to continue to practice the profession of faith in light, even when the world is wrapped in night and darkness. Christians are not exempt from darkness, externally and even internally. They do not live out of the world, however, because of the grace of Christ received in Baptism, they are "oriented" men and women : they do not believe in the darkness, but in the light of day; They do not succumb to the night, but hope in the dawn; They are not defeated by death, but they desire resurrection; They are not bent over by evil, because they always confide in the infinite possibilities of good." "We are those who believe that God is the Father: this is the light! We believe that Jesus has fallen in the midst of us, has walked in our own lives, becoming a companion especially of the poorest and most fragile: this is the light! We believe that the Holy Spirit works without rest for the sake of humanity and the world, and even the greatest pains of history will be overcome: this is the hope that resounds in us every morning! We believe that every affection, every friendship, every good wish, every love, even the most minute and neglected ones, will one day find their fulfillment in God: this is the force that drives us to embrace our everyday life with enthusiasm! ". Pope Francis then recalled another sign of the light of the baptismal liturgy: the lighting of the candle from the Paschal candle. "This is - he explained the great candle that on Easter night enters the completely dark church to reveal the mystery of the Resurrection of Jesus; All candles are lit from that candle , the passing of the flame from neighbor to neighbor. In this sign we see the slow propagation of the Resurrection of Jesus in the lives of all Christians. The life of the Church is a contamination of light." "The most beautiful exhortation we can give to each other - he concluded - is to always remember our Baptism. We were born twice: the first to natural life, the second, thanks to the encounter with Christ, in the baptismal source. There we are dead to death, to live as children of God in this world. There we became human as we would have imagined. That is why all of us must spread the scent of the Chrism, with which we were marked on the day of our Baptism. The Spirit of Jesus lives and works in us, the eldest of many brothers, of all those who oppose the inelucability of darkness and death. What a grace when a Christian really becomes a "Bearer of Christ in the world! Especially for those who are going through mourning, despair, darkness, and situations of hate. And this is understood by so many small details: from the light that a Christian holds in their eyes, from the background of serenity that is not affected even in the most complicated days, by the desire to begin again despite many disappointments. In the future, when they are writing today's history, what will they say about us? That we have been able to hope, or have we hid our light under a bushel? If we are faithful to our Baptism, we will spread the light of God's hope and we will be able to convey reasons for living to future generations." by Santosh Digal Therese Maria Abigail V. Ledesma, 21, hosted from 30 July by an Indonesian family, explains her expectations. "As I come from a predominant Catholic country, I am keen to learn how youth and Catholics in Indonesia live their faith in a Muslim majority nation, she said. Yogyakarta (AsiaNews) "The 7th Asian Youth Day (AYD7) in Indonesia is an apt occasion to strengthen ones faith and learn from others. I am excited," said Therese Maria Abigail V. Ledesma, a delegate from the Philippines, speaking to AsiaNews. Ledesma is one of 80 Filipino delegates of the AYD7. For her, this is the first time to attend an Asian youth gathering. It is a God-given opportunity to learn and share ones faith with the youth of other countries. After graduating from the University of the Philippines, a public institution, in 2016, the 21-year-old went to work for the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Her father is in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Her mother works at a local government office in her native town of Tarlac, on the island of Luzon, north of Manila. In high school and college, she volunteered with her parish, working in various pastoral activities. At university, she continued with the Campus Ministry Programme, albeit under other forms, that have enriched her faith. The 7 AYD is an apt occasion to strengthen ones faith and learn from others, she explained. As I come from a predominant Catholic country, I am keen to learn how youth and Catholics in Indonesia live their faith in a Muslim majority nation and other youth delegates in their respective countries and cultures. Indeed, AYD7 challenges her personally to value her Catholic faith as Gods gift, nurtured by her parents and others and enlightened by the Church. Ledesma and the Filipino delegation stayed with families in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, especially in the Diocese of Bogor, from 30 July to 2 August. More than 2,000 young Catholics from 21 Asian countries shared this experience called "Days in the diocese", staying with Catholic families in 11 Indonesian dioceses (out of 37). Today, all the delegates converged for the main event set for 2 to 6 August in Yogyakarta (Central Java), Semarang archdiocese, centred on "Joyful Asian Youth: Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia!" Morning News Brief For August 2, 2017 Morning Minute: Kanye West Butts Head With Insurance Co Over Cancelled Tour Last November was a little weird for all of us, but it was especially so for rapper Kanye West. After his wife Kim Kardashian was robbed in October, West added additional dates to his Saint Pablo tour to make up for cancellations but they didn't last long. At a November 17 concert, he went on a rant where he talked about not voting. At the next show, he was even more unhinged, begging rapper/mentor Jay Z to not send assassins after him. Shortly thereafter, he was hospitalized with an unspecified "debilitating medical condition." Forced to offer refunds and cancel all remaining tour dates, West lost out on millions of dollars. But artists often take out insurance policies for just such an occasion, and Kanye was no different. If he cancelled his tour for legitimate medical issues, insurance company Lloyd's of London would have been on the hook for the projected revenue for both Kanye and his cancelled venues. But eight months later, they haven't paid up. So Kanye's taking them to court. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the $10 million lawsuit claims that despite sworn testimony from West's physicians saying that the tour had to be cancelled for medical purposes, Lloyd's is looking for any reason to deny coverage, up to and including testimony from outside (and unrelated) witnesses and an independent medical examination performed by a doctor of Lloyd's choosing. Drug use and even West's own lyrics are reportedly part of their reasons for denying Kanye's claim. It's a thorny issue, for sure. On the one hand, Kanye has a long history of acting extremely weird, and only recently was his mental health called into question (he was just stupid-drunk when he did his infamous Taylor Swift speech hijacking, for instance). If you're a major insurer like Lloyd's of London, collecting no doubt sky-high premiums from the world's biggest stars for these insurance policies, you'd better come correct if you're going to deny coverage to one of the most visible people on Earth. That is, if they're going to insist upon doing this, they may have a very good reason. On the other, larger, probably more correct hand, mental health isn't something to take lightly. Kanye was pretty transparent about his illness from the get-go, and surely his wife being robbed at gunpoint dealt a huge blow to what was (apparently) an already fragile psyche. Culturally, we already tend to dismiss mental health issues as something less, or other than, actual medical problems. A major insurer denying the claim of someone with a clearly laid out timeline of distress (with physician testimony, no less) is a pretty gross manifestation of that cultural shortcoming. We'll just have to see how it all plays out. Other Headlines Renders Of The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Have Already Leaked The Galaxy Note 7 was a huge debacle, what with it exploding and all. Samsung is looking to this fall's Note 8 release to put those days behind them, and so far the new phablet has mostly impressed. But because we apparently can't get the newest thing fast enough, people are already "leaking" renders of what's allegedly next year's Galaxy Note 9: 2018 Samsung Galaxy Note9 | Concept - 4K 6.4' Display - Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor - New Display Form - New Cameras & Processor pic.twitter.com/5Qf6ID8DHA Benjamin Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) August 1, 2017 Geskin is pretty reliable as far as these things go, so there's at least some reason to believe these are legit. The under-screen fingerprint reader is probably the biggest news here: it's something Apple allegedly couldn't pull off with the iPhone 8, nor could Samsung with this year's Galaxy Note 8. Instead, the fingerprint scanner is on the back of the phone near the camera, meaning you'll probably smudge the lens. [BGR] SNES Classic Pre-Sales To Begin Later This Month After Walmart accidentally allowed (and then cancelled) some last month, Nintendo announced that pre-sales of their extremely hyped SNES Classic Edition console will begin in earnest later in August. Though the company claims they'll avoid the supply issues that plagued the NES Classic, pre-ordering isn't a bad ideal if you want one. [PCMag] President Trump's Daughter-In-Law Hosts 'Real News' Show On His Facebook Page Apparently fed up with all the danged "fake news" lately, Lara Trump (wife of Eric Trump) hosted a short "real news" segment on the President's Facebook page yesterday. You can watch it, if you want, though I feel weird embedding what comes about as close as you can get to state-sponsored propaganda. It's presented as a "real" look inside the White House, touching on stories Trump claims the "fake" media ignores, like the President donating his salary and the strong economy. She doesn't mention any of the other stuff going on. Hmmm. [The Hill] Amazon's Echo Can Be Turned Into A 'Covert' Microphone A hacker spent a few minutes examining the inner workings of Amazon's Echo before being able to configure the device to send everything it recorded to a remote server. It took him physically manipulating the device, though, and there's nothing really "covert" about the Echo's microphone it, uh, is already an always-on microphone. [BBC News] The Watch Snob On Traveling With A Watch Would You Use A Casio G-Shock While Traveling? The Watch Snob Thinks You Should The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Does The Perfect Travel Watch Exist? While researching for a upcoming study abroad trip to London and Florence, I realized I couldnt think of a perfect travel watch. Now you may be thinking Well of course there is the Rolex GMT Master/ Grand Seiko GMT/Planet Ocean GMT etc. But, at least to me the perfect travel watch would: Be as cheap as possible for easy replaceability in case of theft/damage Display more than one time zone Have a non-metal strap and case for ease going through security and lack of scuffing, Be nearly impossible to break or drown, Wearable with all types of attire and Keep accurate time for a long time. What would the Snob recommend for these criteria? Or does a watch such as this simply not exist? Unfortunately for you, in your last sentence you have intuited exactly the problem: such a watch does not exist. Each of your criteria individually presents no problem but it is virtually impossible to think of a single watch that fulfills all. A G-Shock is probably the closest to a watch that fulfills all your criteria, but of course even the most sedate G-Shock is not wearable with all types of attire. Another possibility is the Seiko GPS Solar Dual Time the advantage to the Seiko is that its a GPS controlled watch, as well as solar powered which means that barring some collapse of civilization and loss of the GPS system, you will have atomic clock accuracy on your wrist, anywhere in the world, in any time zone, essentially indefinitely; however from a styling standpoint these again are not very versatile and as well, they have metal cases. Again, I would have to suggest a G-Shock its the one watch I can think of that suits the greatest number of the criteria you have articulated, and the fact that its not terribly well suited to dress, is depending on where you are the least problematic issue. After all bear in mind that if you do a lot of business in the United States, that it is the country where no one thinks it peculiar if you wear a Timex Iron Man with a bespoke suit from Kiton. The Ideal Platinum Anniversary Gift I've married my wife for almost 20 years with 2 sons and a daughter. For our anniversary, I would like her to have a classic look watch with the least "bling" to remember our long journey. She wears Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 (Steel) and sometimes a Cartier Tank received as a gift from mother long time ago on her graduation. Since your column is Askmen, I know you wouldn't particularly address ladies watches. But would Snob kindly suggest one? She is definitely not Omegas or IWC fan, but more JLC Reverso or Rendez-Vous or Cartier. Thank you so much. Congratulations very sincerely on reaching 20 years of matrimonial bliss. It is all too clear to the Snob after many years of watching the travails to which marriages are subject, that such nuptial longevity is a thing to be envied. In my own romantically beleaguered life alas, the fruits of such a concord of hearts has been notable more for its absence and yet, still, I can look from afar as it were upon the happiness of others, and wish for them, its continuance. Anyhow, to the matter at hand. Your good lady wife already has an excellent watch for daily wear (the Rolex) and a fine dress watch in the Tank. She seems a lady who prefers distinctiveness to gaudy display of status, and who would like to be chic without being too obvious or predictable. I would therefore recommend a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso specifically, the Tribute to 1931 model, with a suitable inscription engraved upon it. She would thus have a watch of classic good looks and discretion, that betrays the sophistication that no doubt won your heart lo those many years ago, and keeps it faithful to this day. How Do You Know Who To Trust To Service Your Timepiece? Hi, I have the AP Jules Audemars ultra thin purchased five years ago used from a reputable jeweller here in the U.K. It is in my opinion a stunning and understated watch which makes me feel special every time I wear it. That said, it is not choice for day to day wear, instead it comes out for those special days and nights. Because of this I estimate over the past five years it has only run for around 25 days per year. Its reliability has been excellent and when being used it keeps excellent time. I read your articles on servicing and agree with you that it is better to service, instead of waiting for something to go wrong. My question is where do I take it. AP say a service costs 600.00 and will take three months. Watches of Switzerland quote 450.00 and a local independent will charge 225.00. All quote basically the same the watch is stripped down, cleaned, checked, oiled and any worn parts replaced. The watch is then run and checked for accuracy and all metal bits are cleaned and polished. I see the benefits of using AP but wonder what (if anything) they do that should inflate the price so much. Are they better, or is it just smoke and mirrors and the perception that they offer the best. It really depends on the risks you are willing to take. Watches of Switzerland and your local independent watchmaker might be just fine, but a point to bear in mind is that the movement in your Jules Audemars Ultra Thin is a very particular kind of movement. It is capable of providing excellent timekeeping and good service in every way and as well, it is an historically important mechanism for many decades and to this day, the very thinnest full-rotor self-winding movement anyone has ever managed to make. A true undervalued jewel of twentieth century watchmaking. However, in order for it to perform well, it requires service from someone who understands its idiosyncrasies. The conservative choice, therefore, would be to have it serviced by Audemars Piguet whom of the three choices you have, is the one likeliest to put the watch in the hands of a watchmaker who has been properly trained and equipped to service that specific caliber. You might be all right with another choice, but considering that this movement is in its own way such a treasure, and that after all the cost amortized over, say five years, works out to about 120 quid a year, Id say the peace of mind it should afford you makes AP authorized service a bargain. Send the Watch Snob your questions at [email protected] or ask a question on Instagram with the #watchsnob hashtag. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. Shore Medical Center and Kona Ice are hosting a Koolest Kid contest as part of the hospitals Farmers Market & Craft Fair Friday, Aug. 4. Kids, you could win one free Kona ice for every week left in the summer by entering Shore Medical Centers costume contest. Open to ages 9 and younger, dress up as your favorite fruit or vegetable or whatever else you think is kool. The contest will be held at 4 p.m. next to the Kona Ice Truck located at the farmers market, taking place on Bay Avenue between Medical Center Way and New York Avenue. Seasoned chef brings fine-dining experience to casual OC Eatery From the outside, OC Eatery looks like the small, casual beach cafe that it is. However, the The winner and up to three family members will receive one free Kona Ice at the farmers market during the remainder of the summer. They will also appear in the Ocean City Baby Parade on Aug. 10. All participants will receive a prize. Creativity is encouraged. Call 609-653-3527 or go to SomersPointBA.org. Jacklyn McQuarrie Rate attraction: 2 2 View Map Heber City is a predominantly Mormon town in the heart of Utahs mountains. The town was founded back in 1859, when it was surrounded by nothing but wilderness. Today, the wilderness remains, but the town has grown to become a beautiful community with plenty to offer. There are many wonderful fun outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boat tours and horseback riding. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the most popular excursions in the area. Be sure to take a trip on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Line for awesome views of Utahs Alps and the plains that drew settlers to the wild, Wild West. Address: Heber, UT Website: www.gohebervalley.com Largest-ever trade push for Aussie vegetables announced Horticulture Innovation has launched its biggest ever trade push following the announcement of an Australian Federal Government plan to significantly grow exports by 2025. The new Taste Australia program will help promote premium Australian produce in current and future overseas markets. It will also see more research and development to grow market access, as well as increased support for current and aspiring exporters. Vegetable industry group, AUSVEG, has welcomed the program, saying it will help solidify Australias premium position when it comes to food. Australia has an international reputation for being naturally blessed, including our spectacular climate and beautiful landscapes, said AUSVEG Chief Executive Officer, James Whiteside. Taste Australia is a valuable initiative that will tap into this national image while telling the unique story of our growers to give overseas consumers a sense of Australia with every bite. Taste Australia was developed in consultation with growers, state and federal government agencies, along with other trade stakeholders. The program will be presented at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong next month. It will then go on a six-month tour of trade shows across the world. As part of the export push, Horticulture Innovation and AUSVEG say they will work to increase the value of vegetable exports to $315 million by 2020, equivalent to a 40 per cent increase overall as part of the Vegetable Industry Export Strategy published this year. This will be achieved through relationship-building, supporting industry to get export-ready, boosting supply chain efficiencies and overseas activities. The vegetable industry is in an excellent position to capitalise on expanding markets for premium fresh produce, like the increasing middle class in south east Asia and the Middle East, and were continuing to work with growers to increase our industrys export readiness, Whiteside said. Photo of the Ford Kuga courtesy of Ford. Ford South Africa has begun the second phase of its safety recall for Kuga SUVs that have reported having engine fires in South Africa. Over 4,500 Ford Kugas produced from December 2012 to February 2014, equipped with a 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine, were recalled in March by South Africa Ford following dozens of reports of vehicles catching fire, according to Reuters. Ford South Africa is continuing the recalls of the vehicles, which also now includes the Fiesta ST hot hatch, in what the automaker has described as Phase 2," according to Wheels 24. "Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has commenced with Phase 2 of the safety recall action for all affected Kuga 1.6 models, and is requesting customers to schedule an appointment with their dealer in order to have the vehicle enhancements completed, the automaker said in a statement. For the second phase of recalls, new hardware will be installed, which comprises of a new coolant expansion tank with a sensor that monitors the level of the vehicles coolant, according to Business Tech. Ford South Africa has requested customers to schedule an appointment with their dealer in order to have the vehicle enhancements completed. Additionally, the vehicles updated software introduced as part of the second phase of recalls includes the vehicle's ability to reduce engine power, as well as providing notification to the driver to safely pull over if coolant levels drop below the minimum required level. Shortly after the second phase was announced, a Ford Kuga caught fire in Ekurhuleni, a metropolitan municipality in South Africa, according to Times Live. Photo of 2017 Clarity Electric courtesy of Honda. Honda has begun leasing its 2017 Clarity Electric in California and Oregon, Honda has announced. Honda is offering the battery-electric vehicle for $269 per month for 36 moths with $1,730 due at signing. As part of the deal, lessees receive an allowance of 20,000 miles per year and around-the-clock roadside assistance. The terms reflect the federal tax credit of $7,500. Additionally, residents of the two states can apply for a $2,500 state rebate once they become available. The Clarity Electric is powered by a 161-horsepower (120-kilowatt) electric motor that makes 221 lb.-ft. of torque. A 25.5-kWh lithium ion battery pack can be fully charged in just over three hours at 240-volits (Level 2). With DC fast charging, the vehicle can achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the vehicle's range at 89 miles on a full charge. VIDEO: Nissan Tech Reminds Drivers to Check Rear Seat Nissan has developed Rear Door Alert, a new system that uses a center instrument panel message display and a series of horn honks to remind drivers of anything, or anyone, they may have forgotten in the rear seat after the vehicle is parked. During summer weather, a child left inside a car or truck is at risk for vehicular heatstroke. Rear Door Alert (RDA) is designed to help prevent this deadly threat, according to the automaker. The new feature monitors the rear door switches to detect their open-and-closed status before and after a trip, Nissan said. If the system detects that a rear door was opened and closed prior to the trip, but then was not re-opened again after the trip was completed, RDA responds with a series of notifications. These alerts start with a display in the instrument panel and progress to subtle but distinctive chirps of the horn. Because there are so many scenarios in which a driver might open a rear door everything from throwing in a gym bag to cleaning the car the RDA system is easily configurable and can be turned off temporarily or permanently through prompts in the cluster display, according to Nissan. The idea for RDA came from Elsa Foley, an industrial engineer and mother of two children, and Marlene Mendoza, a mechanical engineer and mother of three. They wanted to work on a system to help remind drivers to check their back seats before walking away from their vehicle. After the two women presented their idea with Mendoza eight months pregnant at the time the project moved into full development at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Mich. The new RDA feature will debut as standard equipment on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV in September, and will be available on other Nissan models in the coming years. The 2018 Pathfinder, which had a mid-cycle refresh in 2017 that added engine power and automatic braking, goes on sale in September. Photo via Flickr/Atomic Taco Avis Car Rental has announced that its launching a Google Assistant action for Google Home, available next month. Avis is the first car rental company to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help enhance a customers journey, according to the company. "At Avis, our goal is to use AI technology to create a more intuitive and seamless user experience for our customers that significantly differentiates us, said Arthur Orduna, chief innovation officer, Avis Budget Group. Machine learning allows us to anticipate our customers' needs and questions, based on their Avis Preferred profile, so they can get what they need faster. The Avis Google Assistant action changes the way travelers can interact and transact with us before, during, and after their car rental journey." Designed to help save time through more access to the booking and reservation process, Avis' new Google Assistant action for the Google Home device will provide travelers with instant, voice-controlled access to the car rental booking process. Through a secure integration with Avis, travelers can use Google Home to make or modify current reservations and review past trips, according to the company. The Google Assistant action is available to travelers enrolled in Avis Preferred, the company's express rental/loyalty program. The AI technology uses preferences stored in a customer's Avis Preferred profile to automatically take into account a user's car preference and additional options such as SiriusXM radio, GPS devices, and coverages. A first of its kind walk-in clinic for patients who may qualify for medical marijuana prescriptions is now open for business in the Bay Area. Tetra Health Care started in CA in 2015 Now 6 locations in Florida For more information, visit tetrahealthcenters.com Tracilea Young was inspired to open Tetra Health Care in California in 2015 after tragedy struck her own family. "The father of my 8 children was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer," Young said. "When you go through that experience, you immediately go into shock." When Youngs loved one didnt respond well to chemotherapy, they tried an alternative treatment. It inspired her to open a health care center where patients can see a licensed doctor about obtaining cannabis as a form of treatment. "Our doctors are so educated on cannabis and medical marijuana's uses for different conditions," Young said. Tetra Health Care doesnt carry any actual products -- just plenty of information. A patient brings in medical records, a Florida identification card, and proof of residency. Theyll then meet with a physician, who follows specific guidelines to determine if they qualify for a cannabis prescription. "These are people who have pain they have neurological conditions, muscle spasms, ALS, they have real issues, real diseases," Dr. Howard Riker said. Physicians will then write a recommendation for treatment, and staff helps walk patients through the process to get registered through the state. Patients can then fill their orders at any dispensary. "There's many people that are living out the balance of their life, some terminal, some debilitating condition [sic], and those people are in need," Young said. Young has opened six Tetra Health Clinic locations across the state of Florida, and plans to open more. Five of the current locations are in the Tampa Bay area - three in Hillsborough County and two in Pinellas County. For more information about Tetra Health Care, visit http://tetrahealthcenters.com/. The person who contracted Zika, and who eventually gave the virus to his or her partner via sex, was traveling in Cuba before returning to Florida, the state's Department of Health has confirmed on Tuesday. 2 people confirmed to have Zika in Pinellas County Person who returned from Cuba transmitted Zika to sexual partner State says there is no evidence of Zika-carrying mosquitoes in Florida Find out more about Zika and its symptoms, treatments here RELATED: 1st sexually-transmitted Zika case of 2017 from Pinellas County It's the first sexually transmitted case of Zika reported this year, the department said. The health department reported a person contracted Zika after traveling to Cuba recently, returned to Pinellas County, had sex with his or her partner, and the partner got the disease. The department said both people tested positive for Zika. Health officials say mosquito reduction measures are taking place in the undisclosed area of Pinellas County. The Florida Department of Health declared that at the moment, there is no evidence of mosquitoes transmitting Zika in the state. Still, with recent rainfall, preventative measures are being taken across the state to try to limit the mosquito population. Mosquitoes are the most common carrier of the virus, which can cause fevers, rashes and headaches in adults and serious deformity issues for unborn children if the mother contracts the disease. There have been 118 cases of Zika statewide in 2017, and 90 of them are from people who contracted Zika outside of the U.S. and then returned to Florida. The highest number of cases in Central Florida is 10 in Orange County. The health department said it's critical for people who travel outside of the country to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes for at least three weeks after they return home. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Tim Collins/The Enterprise Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Tim Collins/The Enterprise Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Beaumont police are searching for four men accused of driving stolen trucks through two stores. The first incident occurred at about 4:38 a.m. at an 11th Street convenience store, according to information from the Beaumont Police Department. Four men in a blue Ford F350 stolen from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office drove through the front of the store before leaving the scene. A newborn calf is following in the footsteps of a rock 'n' roll legend. Genie the calf, of Kerrville, has KISS' frontman written all over. At only 4 days old, Genie's not only got the signature Gene Simmons makeup, she's also perfected his famous wagging tongue. "(She was) born Friday morning and already she's probably the world's most recognizable bovine," Drew Taylor, Hill Country Visitor partner and general sales manager, told mySA.com. READ ALSO: Drone footage shows the creepiness of an abandoned West Texas water park With strikingly similar black-and-white markings and her long tongue sticking out, Genie is being hailed as a miracle, and not only for her looks. Taylor, who also promotes Kerrville restaurant Cowboy Steak House, said Genie was a total surprise for rancher Heather Leonard Tacetta, a 20-year employee of the restaurant. He said Tacetta's 25-year-old cow, barren for three years, unexpectedly gave birth to the calf Friday morning. Heather sent a photo of her Simmons look-alike to the tourism website Hill Country Visitor. When the site shared the photo on Facebook, the legend himself took notice of his animal doppelganger. READ ALSO: '80s rockers the BoDeans announce San Antonio concert date On July 30, Simmons tweeted: "This is real, folks!!! Calf called Genie is born on Texas ranch and looks EXACTLY like Kiss rocker Gene Simmons," and followed with a link to a news story. In honor of the rocker, Tacetta named the calf Genie and decided to keep her off the meat market. The steakhouse has traded food for figurine and will place a statue of Genie at the front of the restaurant. Taylor said the calf will be transported to a Dude Ranch and "will probably live on forever." jthorpe@express-news.net @jerilynnthorpe Starbucks is celebrating National Friendship Day this week by giving people an excuse to "meet for macchiatos." Starting tomorrow, the coffee store will be offering buy one, get one macchiatos from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The promotion lasts through Monday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Beaumont woman accused of causing a car wreck that killed her young son was indicted Wednesday by a Jefferson County grand jury. Beatricia Ann Lewis, 33, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following the May 16 crash. Lewis was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt at 7:50 a.m. when she veered from the road and hit a utility pole near the intersection of Irving Avenue and Lincoln Street, according to a probable cause affidavit. Quincy Davis Jr., 10, was in the backseat of the vehicle at the time of the wreck, the document states. He was not buckled, and hit his head with the impact. Davis was taken by medical helicopter to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston where he died the following day. Lewis told police that her son was unbuckled because the belt in that seat had been broken since she purchased the car, the affidavit says. "Beatricia Ann Lewis later admitted to CPS case worker...that she had taken Xanax that was not prescribed to her as well as Phencyclidine (PCP)," the affidavit says. It also claims a drug test administered by CPS detected PCP and traces of marijuana. Davis was in fourth grade at Pietzch-MacArthur. If convicted, Lewis faces up to 20 years in prison. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Cheyenne Gerald held out a clump of hay, laughing as Ethel, a black heifer, tried to lick her hand. In a pen next to Ethel, another heifer, Sweetheart, tried to stick her head through the fence, reaching for a peppermint from Gerald's hand. Tiny "barn kittens" greet visitors to the Beaumont ISD agriculture farm, where Gerald and other students spend up to three hours a day caring for their animals, which they'll show as part of FFA. "I've always liked animals, but I never knew I would be raising a cow," said Gerald, who joined FFA on the advice of her father, who took agriculture classes in high school. The courses require commitments far beyond the typical class period: junior Erin Lindsey said she's at the barn at 5 a.m. on school days before classes start, and during the summer, they come twice a day. "It's great getting to come out here," she said - even when that means feeding heifers before the crack of dawn. Beyond raising animals, she said being in FFA has helped her confidence in public speaking and made her more responsible. That's what Agriculture Education director Will Humber hopes to spread to more students, by expanding the program this year to more campuses. "I challenge the idea that kids in an urban setting cannot embrace agriculture classes and FFA," he said. "We just have to be able to figure out a way to have agriculture programs with opportunities for every kid." To make that happen, he's leading the consolidation of the district's agriculture programs, bringing the same curriculum to all high school and middle school teachers, and merging the campus FFA chapters to bring them under one umbrella. Starting this fall, all 700 students in those classes will automatically be made members of FFA (Future Farmers of America), joining already dedicated students like Gerald, a junior. If enrollment rises to more than 2,000, as Humber expects it will in the next three years, Beaumont FFA would be the largest chapter in the state. A Port Arthur man accused of fatally shooting his brother last month was indicted on Wednesday for murder. Isaiah Jacobs, 28, was arrested on July 20, hours after police found his brother in a wrecked Kia Sorento in the 1300 block of Joe Louis Avenue. A Texas woman arrested on outstanding warrants initially told officers she didn't have anything illegal on her, but then removed a small plastic bag containing methamphetamine from her genital area while being booked into Angelina County jail, police said. According to a post on Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches' Facebook page, a deputy pulled over Melissa Natoli, 35, on July 31 for failing to signal a lane change as well as failing to drive in a single lane. When outstanding warrants for bail jumping and driving while intoxicated were flagged, Natoli was arrested. The Texas Department of Public Safety's latest report shows where some of the biggest criminal groups are most active in the state. The July 2017 "Gang Threat Assessment Report" includes county maps of Texas, each tied to individual gangs in the "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" categories. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sometimes, even a year later, there are no answers. For Kristian Guerrero, confusion remains on the one-year anniversary of an alleged drunk driving crash that killed her husband and unborn child. Guerrero and her husband Fabian Guerrero-Moreno, a couple in their early 20s, were headed home from a day spent celebrating in San Antonio Guerrero-Moreno had received his United States residency and a gender reveal party for the couple was two days away. While on Highway 21 in San Marcos, Shana Elliott, a former Texas State University student, hit the vehicle the couple was in, killing Guerrero-Moreno and their 19-week-old unborn child, authorities said. Elliott was arrested in connection to the crash but a year later is still awaiting trial. "(One) year ago today, I woke up just like any other day," Guerrero wrote on her Facebook page Wednesday. "I woke up to a dream come true that turned into a nightmare I'd never wake up from." Guerrero was taken to St. David's South Austin Medical Center, where doctors induced labor on her the very day she was supposed to be at the gender reveal party. She was also recovering from a brain bleed. An affidavit obtained by mySA.com, states Elliott had recently wrapped up a river trip and told officers she had consumed beer and liquor. A witness at the crash scene told police they saw her roll a bottle under her vehicle. RELATED: Family shares photos, heartbreaking details about young couple in fatal San Marcos wreck Guerrero did not return a request for comment but has frequently posted memories of her husband to social media since the crash. Speaking to her deceased husband Wednesday, Guerrero said: "No matter how many days that pass, no matter how far we go I still feel like you're going to show up as if you were coming back from a long vacation. There's so many milestones I wish I could get to share with you just to see your smile. Just to hear your voice, your little laugh. You didn't deserve this fate." She posted photos of her and Guerrer0-Moreno, who were married almost a year before the crash in November 2015. Elliott remains in the Hays County Jail on two intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle charges, and an intoxication assault with a vehicle charge, records show. A hearing for pre-trial motions was set for Aug. 23, but has already been rescheduled several times. She was previously arrested of five drugs charges. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate According to El Pais, an international publication, two teenagers confessed to authorities that they were forced to eat the flesh of their victims as an initiation into the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Mexico earlier this year. The publication reported that the 16- and 17-year-olds told officials in Tabasco, a Mexican state on the southern tip of the country, some flesh-eating occurred in May during an incident involving the CJNG. Cartel members, the publication reported, busted into a car dealership in Tabasco on motorcycles, decapitated five people and left a signed note on May 22. READ ALSO: 'This is not a game, nephew': Pile of bodies discovered outside Nuevo Laredo residence Four days later, another dismembered body was discovered west of Tabasco in Nacajuca, according to El Pais. After authorities connected both incidents to the CJNG, they discovered parts of the body found in Nacajuca stored in a freezer in one of the cartel's houses, according to El Pais. The teenage members of the cartel were drugged and had to eat some of the victim's flesh, the publication reported. This is not the first time acts of cannibalism within Mexican cartels has been reported. Earlier this month, a Mexican journalist told El Blog del Narco that a former Zetas cartel leader used to eat the flesh of his victims. RELATED: Report: Former Zetas cartel leader used to eat victims The journalist told the publication he had seen former Zetas leader Heriberto Lazcano, or "El Lazca," eat human flesh, according to El Blog del Narco. He said after the cartel leader would have someone killed, and then the victim would be cleaned and shaved, according to the publication. Lazcano would have the flesh prepared in a tamale dish, the journalist said in the report, and would consume skin from a victim's buttocks, the journalist said in the report. Lazcano was killed in 2012, according to news archives. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 Cooperation is rare in the Texas Legislature these days, so when members of both parties can unite on something - and a positive item at that - it's worth applauding. Lawmakers agreed in the current special session to study why the state's maternal death rate is not only the highest in the U.S. but the developed world. That's a statistic which should shock any Texan. But the reason behind it isn't much of a mystery. Many medical experts and some state officials already believe they know why so many women in Texas die before, during or soon after giving birth. And that would be because Texas has systematically reduced the health care available to these mothers by closing clinics, waging war on Planned Parenthood and refusing to expand access to Medicaid or other types of health insurance. So just as in less-developed countries, problems will predictably follow when medical care is denied or withdrawn to pregnant women. The same logic would apply to any other segment of the population, whether children or the elderly: Less health care produces more health problems. That shouldn't surprise any fair-minded lawmaker. The numbers speak for themselves. In the previous decade, the maternal mortality rate in Texas was about the same as other states. Around 2010, when the medical cutbacks began, the deaths started increasing. As with so many other challenges, the focus should be on preventing problems instead of reacting to them. About half of all pregnancies in Texas are unplanned, a number that could be lowered by more access to birth control. Yet after the Legislature cut off state funding to abortion providers in 2011, 82 family-planning clinics closed in Texas. The unplanned pregnancies and births that followed also cost taxpayers far more in emergency room visits and hospital stays. This study's conclusions will be available when the next regular legislative session convenes in 2019. Lawmakers should know then how they can reverse the deadly toll. The only question is whether they will act. ----------------------------------- This is our opinion; what is yours? Email us a letter to the editor at opinions@beaumontenterprise.com Make sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number so we can contact you to verify the letter, but only your name and city of residence will be published. You can also mail letters to The Enterprise, P.O. Box 3071, Beaumont, TX, 77704. The limit on letters is 200 words. An institutional shareholder is suing Aetna for breach of fiduciary duties after the payer withdrew from 11 ACA exchanges, The Hartford Courant reports. Here's what you should know: 1. The Allegheny County Employees' Retirement Fund filed the lawsuit against Aetna in a Pennsylvania court this week. 2. The group claimed Aetna lied about why it withdrew from the exchange. The group alleges Aetna withdrew from the exchanges to "punish government regulators who rejected [Aetna's] proposed merger with Humana." 3. Aetna declined to comment on the lawsuit to the Courant. In a conference room in Dallas, HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, met with surgeons to assure them he was aware of issues they face in today's healthcare environment, according to STAT. John Gill, MD, a solo practitioner in Dallas, told STAT he believes Dr. Price took their concerns "to heart." While Dr. Price was more of a listening ear than anything else during that meeting, he offered to help the physicians, especially those in small and rural practices, Dr. Gill said. Under Dr. Price's rein as secretary thus far, he gave the American Medical Association more power regarding deciding how much money the federal government will allocate practices for various medical services. Additionally, Dr. Price proposed changing various Medicare rules for some providers so they wouldn't have to face penalties for various measures. Repeatedly, Dr. Price has delayed ACA regulations that would have fined physicians who were either not ready or unable to transition from a fee-for-service to a value-based payment model. One physician spoke to STAT on an anonymity condition, saying "We're [physicians] are not used to having wins, and all of a sudden, we're getting these rules where a lot of what we asked to have happen is happening." On the other hand, Dr. Price has proposed to slash Medicare payments for services outpatient departments provide. Additionally, he proposed a payment cut to a program aimed at giving hospitals that serve low-income populations additional funding. STAT reports Dr. Price has more so sided with physicians who work within larger health systems, as opposed to the health systems themselves. Other officials are looking to ease the burden reporting requirements place on physicians, including CMS Administrator Seema Verma. She said, "We've heard the concerns that too many quality programs, technology requirements and measures get between the doctor and the patient. That's why we're taking a hard look at reducing burdens." Phoenix-based Banner Health will open retail-based clinics in three Safeway grocery stores in Arizona with an aim of improving healthcare access and affordability, according to Az Central. All three locations will have a nurse practitioner on site and will be open 365 days per year. The clinics will provide treatment for the common cold, allergic reactions, pinkeye, strep throat and urinary tract infections. Physical exams and vaccinations will also be offered at the clinics. "We are trying to make it easy for patients to really seek the right care in the right location at the right time," Devin Minior, MD, director of retail-based Banner Health Clinics, told Az Central. Dr. Minior said patients will receive the same level of care as they would in an emergency department but with less waiting time and cost. The three clinics will be located in Chandler, Tempe and Tucson. The clinics in Tempe and Chandler opened Tuesday, and the Tucson location will open Aug. 9. Banner will consider additional clinic locations depending on the success of the first three. Some residents of Avondale, Ohio, want to stop Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's up to $650 million expansion into their neighborhood, according to WCPO. The hospital's proposal includes a new emergency room, 10-story patient tower and 1,100-car parking garage. This expansion would require zoning changes, rerouting streets surrounding the building and destroying six to nine homes to accommodate the expansion. At a recent City Council Neighborhoods Committee public hearing, 30 Avondale residents spoke out against the plan accusing the hospital of pushing through the expansion at the expense of the neighborhood. Hospital officials say they pledged $11.5 million over five years to help the community and relocate the residents impacted by the expansion, according to Cincinnati.com. Michael Fisher, Cincinnati Children's president and CEO, told WCPO that time and proximity matter for critically ill patients and "that's why this location connected to our existing buildings right across the street will be essential." The Neighborhoods Committee was scheduled to vote Aug. 1; however, two members were unable to attend, forcing the vote to Aug. 2. If a quorum is not reached, the vote may be delayed until next week. After the committee votes, the full city council will consider the issue. Security incidents at government departments, insurers and other healthcare organizations captured public attention last month. While media outlets reported on the following breaches in July, healthcare organizations experienced breaches as early as 2003. The following security incidents were reported by Becker's Hospital Review in the past month. The incidents are presented in order of number of patients affected. 1. Bupa, a London-based international healthcare group, notified roughly 547,000 of its customers after learning a former employee inappropriately removed customer information from the company. 2. A computer virus at a practice site of Oaks, Pa.-based Axia Women's Health, formerly Women's Health Care Group of PA, compromised the protected health information of 300,000 patients. 3. Atlanta-based Peachtree Neurological Clinic uncovered a 15-month breach to its computer system while investigating a separate ransomware attack. In total, 176,295 patients were affected, according to the HHS Office for Civil Rights breach portal. 4. Anthem reported protected health information of 18,580 customers may have been compromised after learning an employee at a third-party coordination service, LaunchPoint Ventures, was likely misusing customer information. 5. Sacramento, Calif.-based UC Davis Health alerted roughly 15,000 patients of a privacy breach July 5 after an employee's email account was compromised in a phishing scam. 6. Buffalo, N.Y.-based Kaleida Health is notifying 2,789 patients of a phishing incident that may have compromised their protected health information. 7. Tewksbury (Mass.) Hospital, one of four hospitals operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, discovered a former employee had inappropriately accessed 1,176 patients' protected health information during a span of roughly 14 years. 8. Detroit Medical Center notified 1,529 patients after learning a former employee contracted by the hospital through a staffing agency compromised patients' protected health information. 9. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing notified 822 of its Medicaid patients after its third party fiscal agent DXC Technology discovered an issue in its internet link to billing reports. 10. Laramie, Wyo.-based Ivinson Memorial Hospital notified more than 500 patients of a security incident involving a third-party online payment service FastHealth. 11. Caro (Mich.) Community Hospital shut down systems at three of its locations following a ransomware attack. More articles on health IT: Appeals court rules health insurance customers can sue for data breach HIMSS: 5 cybersecurity notes from July Apple revenue grows 7% in Q3: 6 things to know Four of the top vendors hospitals use to attest to the meaningful use program are Allscripts, Cerner, Epic and Meditech, according to June 2016 ONC data. Here are 20 hospitals and health systems that posted job listings seeking EHR and IT expertise in the past two weeks. Editor's note: This is not an exhaustive list. Job listings were compiled from job seeker websites. Allscripts 1. Cleveland Clinic: Seeks a systems analyst 2. Methodist Hospital of Southern California (Arcadia): Seeks a clinical IT analyst 3. Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.): Seeks an application analyst 4. Saline Memorial Hospital (Benton, Ark.): Seeks a clinical informatics analyst 5. Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (Philadelphia): Seeks an application development specialist Cerner 1. Banner Health (Phoenix): Seeks an informatics analyst 2. Children's Hospital Los Angeles: Seeks a clinical applications program manager 3. Lubbock (Texas) Heart Hospital: Seeks an IT clinical specialist 4. Northside Hospital Healthcare System (Atlanta): Seeks a senior applications analyst 5. Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.): Seeks a senior analyst for clinical apps Epic 1. Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore): Seeks an interfaces analyst and developer 2. Multicare Health System (Tacoma, Wash.): Seeks an implementation project manager 3. Partners HealthCare (Boston): Seeks a project specialist 4. Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (Philadelphia): Seeks an EHR application analyst 5. UC San Francisco Medical Center: Seeks a clinical systems project manager Meditech 1. Eastern Connecticut Health Network (Manchester): Seeks a health information management specialist 2. Fresno (Calif.) Surgical Hospital: Seeks a clinical analyst 3. Medical City McKinney (Texas): Seeks a clinical system analyst 4. Salina (Kan.) Regional Health Center: Seeks an IT applications manager 5. Springs Memorial Hospital (Lancaster, S.C.): Seeks a clinical systems analyst and coordinator Todd Ostendorf, CFO of Minneapolis-based Children's Minnesota, resigned July 28 in the wake of a public showdown between the hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, according to the Star-Tribune Mr. Ostendorf joined Children's in April 2016. As CFO, he issued public statements for the hospital during its contract dispute with Blue Cross, in which the payer sought to cut Medicaid reimbursement rates. Children's eventually reached an agreement with Blue Cross in early July. Becky Woitalewicz will serve as acting CFO until a permanent replacement is found. "Ostendorf made significant contributions during his time at Childrens, bringing balanced, mission-centric financial guidance to every conversation he was in," a Childrens spokesperson said in a statement. "We thank Todd for all he has done for Childrens and for his steadfast dedication to doing whats best for kids." More Articles on Executive Moves: Children's Minnesota names Emily Chapman CMO Maui Health System names new CEO 5 latest hospital, health system executive resignations Kevin Counihan, the former CEO of Healthcare.gov, will join St. Louis-based insurer Centene as regional vice president in charge of Midwestern health plans, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Mr. Counihan began working for Healthcare.gov, the ACA's online portal for insurance exchanges, in 2014, a year after the website's rollout, until January 2017. Prior to Healthcare.gov, Mr. Counihan led Connecticut's healthcare exchange. More Articles on Executive Moves: Children's Minnesota names Emily Chapman CMO Maui Health System names new CEO 5 latest hospital, health system executive resignations Kalispell (Mont.) Regional Healthcare named Pamela Robertson CEO, effective Sept. 15. Here are five things to know about Ms. Robertson. 1. She has more than 25 years of healthcare experience. 2. Most recently, Ms. Robertson served as president and CEO of Christus Spohn Health System, a six-hospital system in Corpus Christi, Texas. 3. She also previously served in other roles at Christus Spohn Health System, including chief administrative officer, executive vice president and COO. 4. Prior to joining Christus Spohn Health System, Ms. Robertson was vice president of operations for Sentara Norfolk (Va.) General Hospital. 5. In her new role, she takes over for KRH Interim CEO and Board Chairman Curtis Lund. A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of community activists in Lakewood, Ohio, against Cleveland Clinic over its closure of Lakewood Hospital in 2016. After Cleveland Clinic announced plans in January 2015 to close 108-year-old Lakewood Hospital, five local residents sued Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The residents were seeking a court order requiring Cleveland Clinic to continue leasing Lakewood Hospital through 2026 instead of closing it and opening a family health center and emergency department in its place. The plaintiffs also accused the city of wrongdoing, claiming the city failed to represent residents' best interests when officials reached an agreement with Cleveland Clinic in December 2015 to close Lakewood Hospital. Judge John P. O'Donnell dismissed the lawsuit July 11, stating the plaintiffs didn't have the right to sue, as any harm caused by the closure of the hospital would be to the city as a whole and not to individual taxpayers. The judge also said it couldn't enforce the order the plaintiffs were seeking. "Such an order would be impossible to enforce because it could never contain an unambiguous statement of what is, and is not, in the city's interest," Mr. O'Donnell wrote in the opinion, according to cleveland.com. The plaintiffs plan to appeal the court's ruling. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 12 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements Man accused of killing physician over botched prostate surgery 21 years prior Celgene to pay $280M to settle whistle-blower case over cancer drugs Palo Alto, Calif.-based blood testing startup Theranos said Tuesday it settled a civil breach of contract lawsuit brought by Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens. The settlement is confidential. However, Theranos said the agreement "will result in the dismissal of Walgreens' lawsuit against Theranos, with no finding or implication of liability." The settlement comes after both sides reached a tentative agreement last June, under which Theranos agreed to pay Walgreens less than $30 million. Walgreens said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review the finalized settlement resolves the lawsuit "on mutually acceptable terms." Theranos and Walgreens partnered to offer blood tests at approximately 40 Walgreens stores in Arizona and California, according to a Los Angeles Times report. But the partnership ended in June 2016 after Theranos recalled tens of thousands of blood tests and provided corrected tests. Walgreens filed a lawsuit in November 2016, accusing Theranos of breach of contract. Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Dominican Hospital was placed on lockdown for over an hour Tuesday morning after a man called 911 threatening to shoot up the hospital, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel. A man called 911 at 9:53 a.m. claiming Dominican Hospital was mistreating and killing his wife, according to Santa Cruz County Sheriff Sgt. Chris Clark. The hospital was placed on lockdown shortly after the threat. "He said he's upset and said he's going to bring a gun to Dominican Hospital. He claimed Dominican was killing his wife. He made threats to shoot up the hospital," Mr. Clark told KSBW. The lockdown was lifted at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities said there is no evidence the man went to the hospital with a gun. Deputies will remain at the hospital to ensure safety of hospital staff and patients. Hospital spokesperson Claire Henry said hospital operations were not affected during the lockdown. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below The boss of a firm which went bust owing nearly 1m has received a boardroom ban The boss of a make-up firm which went bust owing nearly 1m has received a boardroom ban of six years for misconduct. Andrew Porter (45), of Knightsbridge Park in Belfast, accepted he had shown misconduct including filing annual returns late and failing to submit a statement of affairs. His company, Zen Beauty Services, had been based on Heron Road in Belfast and went into administration in December 2014. He has been disqualified as a director for six years in an action brought by the Department for the Economy. A fellow director received a six-year ban earlier this year. Mr Porter also acknowledged he had entered into transactions which harmed the firm and its creditors. He also used the company to settle his personal capital gains tax, and breached his fiduciary duty by failing to act in a way to promote the success of the company. In a separate case, the Dublin boss of a cleaning company which went bust owing around 116,000 also accepted a six-year boardroom ban. Michael McKeown (56), from Broadford Drive in Ballinteer, was disqualified as a director by the department after the collapse of Direct Cleaning Services (NI) Ltd. Another director of the same firm was barred for six years earlier this year. Their company carried out contract cleaning from an address in Belfast's Adelaide Street. The firm went bust in June 2014 owing 116,000. Mr McKeown gave an undertaking to the department that he would not act as a director for six years. He accepted breaching his fiduciary duty by transferring just over 146,000 to a connected company, to the detriment of creditors and, in particular, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs. He also accepted that he had failed to act in the firm's best interests. Mr McKeown acknowledged that he didn't file annual returns within the prescribed periods over 2006 to 2013. And over 2006 to 2008, he also failed to file annual accounts within the prescribed periods. A family-run Co Tyrone meat company that has been in business for less than a year is among a host of Northern Ireland food producers to walk away with top UK industry gongs. Around 180 products from these shores were honoured at the Great Taste Awards. One of those walking away with the top three-star award was Ispini, which produces cured meat outside Dungannon. The company, which has been in business for just seven months, took the award for its bresaola - an Italian-style cured beef. Other victors included the award-winning Hannan Meats in Moira, Co Down, which specialises in salt-aged beef. The business, which is run by Peter Hannan, won three-star awards for its sweet-cured bacon rack and salt-aged lamb. It picked up the highest accolade along with other businesses including Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative and Tempted Cider's elderflower cider. Mr Hannan expressed his delight on Twitter, posting: "Thrilled to be among the stars of such an array of outstanding food from Northern Ireland at this year. What a result again for NI. 9 x 3 star products received in this year's Great Taste Awards. Delighted to contribute with two of the nine." Speaking about his win, Jonny Cuddy of Ispini added: "I think it's about using fresh ingredients where you can get them. "Sourcing the best beef, herbs and spices, and taking your time. "There is so much good food here, and to be getting that three-star recognition so early in the business is great." Each of the businesses is still in the running for the overall top award. The supreme champion will be unveiled in London in September. Across the UK, 12,336 products were judged, with 4,347 awarded a Great Taste accolade. Other three-star winners from Northern Ireland included Echlinville Distillery, which is based in Newtownards, Erin Grove Preservers, in Co Fermanagh, Rooney Fish from Kilkeel and Baronscourt Estate, Omagh, for its wild venison. A theatre in Londonderry that hosted a world premiere of Sam Shepard's final play has paid tribute to the Hollywood star after his death aged 73. Shepard was in Derry in November 2013 as part of its City Of Culture year with Field Day and fell in love with the city. Described by the New York Times as "the greatest American playwright of his generation", his long career saw him win a 1979 Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Buried Child. He was also an Oscar nominee in the best supporting actor category for playing pilot Chuck Yeager in 1983's The Right Stuff. He died last week at his home in Kentucky from complications related to Lou Gehrig's disease. Niall McCaughan, CEO of The Playhouse in Derry, said he had been saddened by Shepard's death. "Shepard had written A Particle Of Dread (Oedipus variations) and we were fortunate as one of the key commissioning and producing theatres in Ireland to host this world premiere," said Mr McCaughan. "Having Field Day back in our buildings was exciting enough, but to have a screen legend was another thing. He was a true gentleman; everyone liked him and he took Derry to his heart. "In one interview for The Guardian he stated: 'In Derry, you have a feeling of home, there's a centre to it. In LA, you don't get that feeling at all, you feel like home is splintered off in a thousand directions'. When we first learned that Sam was coming to the city I Googled him and was surprised to learn that he was better known as a playwright than a Hollywood screen legend. "His plays were bleak, poetic, had black humour, and focused on those living on the outskirts of American society. Originally when he came to The Playhouse, he only was to stay a week, but ended up staying nearly two months. "He was a likeable man, and I have to say that I was a bit star-struck when I first met him. "On the world premiere of his play, I had, on the opening night, to give my seat up for Edna O'Brien. "On my second attempt the following night I again had to give up my seat, this time to Neil Jordan, and ended up heading to our theatre bar to chat to our staff. "Here I was surprised to find Sam on his own, and I ended up spending a lovely night chatting about life in general. I was really surprised to learn that, like me, he was from a farming background and still kept a busy farm. "This was the highlight personally for me of his visit to Derry, and we in The Playhouse were honoured that he came into our lives for such a brief time, but left his mark here in our cultural city and globally." Members of the Fire and Rescue Service tackle a gorse fire near Brookebrough, Co Fermanagh The cost of dealing with a spate of gorse fires earlier this year topped 500,000, it has been revealed. Crews responded to nearly 2,000 blazes in the Northern Ireland countryside in the first six months of 2017. Many of these took place during a spell of hot, dry weather in May. The wildfires spread rapidly across acres of arid land, putting the public, property and important habitats at risk. In one week alone crews attended 511 fires - the vast majority of these had been started deliberately. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed that the cost of dealing with the blazes totalled 556,405. The figures were released after a Freedom of Information request by this newspaper. In one case, dealing with a gorse fire in Co Tyrone topped 40,000. The blaze at Mountfield near Omagh on May 9 raged over a stretch of grassland, and cost 41,031 to deal with. A fire near Fivemiletown in Co Tyrone on May 8, which swept across grassland, crops and forestry, cost 22,751 to put out. This was the second blaze on the same site in 24 hours. A day previously a similar fire cost 10,445. In this incident some local residents had to be evacuated to a community hall. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alan Walmsley said gorse fires posed a serious risk to life, property and the environment, and placed further strain on resources. He added: "It drastically impacts upon NIFRS operational response and puts additional fiscal strain on an already challenging financial environment. "People need to realise that we simply cannot be in two places at once and fighting gorse fires means that fire appliances and firefighters are diverted from other incidents." The overall 556,405 bill includes incidents up to June 28. The Fire Service said the figure is based on the costs that are directly attributable to attendance at an incident, such as staff time and fuel consumption. However, the real cost is likely to be considerably higher when other costs and overheads are factored in. A breakdown of the most costly call-outs reveals a fire near Newtownhamilton in south Armagh, which spread across 100 acres in early May, totalled 9,219. Another at Blackisland Road near Portadown, which covered around 15 hectares, cost 6,395. In this six-month period, crews were sent to a total of 1,917 incidents. A geographical analysis of call-outs shows that the Downpatrick area was one of the worst areas for blazes, with 207 incidents. Crews from Lurgan Fire Station dealt with 137 gorse fires, while crews at Northland in Londonderry were called out 106 times. Nearly half of the gorse fires occurred in May, with 983 reported across Northern Ireland that month. More than 90% were started deliberately, the Fire Service said. Some raged in areas of special scientific interest, including Slieve Beagh, near Clogher, which is a key habitat for the hen harrier. In May the popular Cuilcagh boardwalk in Fermanagh, known as the 'stairway to heaven', was closed while firefighters dealt with a heather fire. Due to the difficult terrain and fading light the blaze was allowed to burn. In response to the epidemic, a multi-agency taskforce named Operation Wildfire was set up. It brings together experts from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the PSNI and the Fire Service. Mr Walmsley added: "We have been working hard to address the problem of gorse fires and educate people about the dangers and consequences of deliberate fire setting with partner agencies and community groups." He added: "Gorse fires still remain a community problem and I am appealing for help from the community in preventing these types of fires. "Be vigilant for anyone starting fires deliberately and report any suspicious behaviour to the police. "While the majority of gorse fires that we attend are started deliberately they can also start unintentionally by thoughtless and careless behaviour. "Deliberate and accidental fires can cost lives and we recommend that the public heed our advice to protect themselves and our countryside." by adrian rutherford DUP leader Arlene Foster has said the Irish Taoiseach needs to accept that Brexit is going to happen. She also accused Leo Varadkar of being "unhelpful" by making comments about the Irish border after Britain leaves the European Union. Although relations between the democratic unionists and the Irish government remain strained, Mrs Foster said she is looking forward to meeting Mr Varadkar on Friday when he makes his first visit to Northern Ireland since taking over as Taoiseach. While in the region, Mr Varadkar will attend a gay Pride event in Belfast on Saturday morning to promote the rights of the LGBT community. Although Mrs Foster's party is strongly opposed to same-sex marriage, she said that Mr Varadkar is "perfectly entitled" to attend the event. Speaking following an event at the former Maze Prison outside Lisburn, Mrs Foster rubbished Mr Varadkar's hope that Britain will U-turn on Brexit and remain within the European Union. The Taoiseach said this week he remained "hopeful" that Brexit would not happen. However, Mrs Foster told reporters on Wednesday this was "disrespecting" the wishes of the British people. "He may be hopeful, but that is disrespecting the will of the British people," she said. "Brexit is going to happen. We are leaving the European Union. "I just hope the Republic of Ireland will continue to work constructively with us in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK because it is very much in their interest to have a Brexit that works for them as well as a Brexit that works for the UK," the former Stormont first minister said. Mr Varadkar angered unionists when he said Ireland would not help Britain design an economic border for Brexiteers. Mrs Foster said the comments were "not helpful" and added that the Irish Government "should reflect on whether they are being helpful to the process here in Northern Ireland or not". She said: "They have made various interventions recently in relation to Northern Ireland politics. It would be better if we focused on finding solutions to what is in front of us. We want to find ways forward. "We know there are huge opportunities in relation to Brexit and we also accept there are short-term challenges. To overcome all of that, we have to work together. The sort of megaphone diplomacy that has been engaged in is not helpful. We have to work together to get a European exit that works for everybody." She added that she will be raising a "number of issues" with Mr Varadkar on Friday and that she was "looking forward to the meeting". When asked about his planned attendance at the gay Pride Breakfast on Saturday, she responded: "He is perfectly entitled to come and attend whatever he wants. I go to the Republic of Ireland and attend events down there so he is perfectly entitled to do that here." The youngsters were at their annual camp in the Mourne Mountains Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) All Army cadets evacuated from a mountain in Northern Ireland following bad weather are safe, a spokesman said. A group of more than 50 from the Cleveland Army Cadet Force in Middlesbrough were on a training exercise in the Mourne range in Co Down when they got into difficulties on Wednesday. Children as young as 12 were among those rescued. Five suffered ankle injuries after slipping on wet stones and a number were treated for the effects of exposure, the MoD said. An Army spokesman added: "We can confirm that all Army cadets caught in today's inclement weather on the Mourne Mountains are safe and accounted for." The Mournes are a range south of Belfast which is extremely popular with walkers but like all mountains the conditions can be unpredictable. The group included children aged from 12-17. Emergency services were called to the scenic Annalong Valley at around midday. A Mourne Mountain Rescue spokesman said it was not a major incident but weather had caught them out. He added: "It is nothing out of the ordinary. "Everything is under control and within normal team procedure." Northern Ireland Ambulance Service paramedics provided medical support. Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick, were on scene. Also attending were the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and ambulance service. An MoD spokesman said: "We are exceptionally grateful for their assistance." Belfast City Council has passed a motion allowing it to remove bonfire material from sites within the city boundaries. Sinn Fein called the meeting, however, ahead of the debate the party put forward an amendment to the motion stating that the bonfires concerned were only those that threatened life or property. Sinn Fein group leader Jim McVeigh said there was no "attack on unionist culture" but that culture should be celebrated while offending no one. The DUP, however, argued that given the council's review of bonfires the matter was premature. "To have this motion and policy before a review, is a contradiction, is a joke," said councillor Lee Reynolds who said community engagement was key. "Progress on bonfires has only been achieved through the bonfire programme - that is a fact." The motion was passed with 31 votes to 21. After the meeting, councillor McVeigh added: "We are opposed to bonfires, which cause damage to homes and public amenities and which have been used to promote hate crime. Time and again the law is being broken and flouted at rogue bonfires and lives, property and the environment put at risk. The council has a duty to act and deal with these unacceptable bonfires and public displays of hate. We have a responsibility to ensure that residents who live close to these bonfires are protected, that they can feel safe in their own homes. Tonights motion enables council officers to remove bonfire materials from council and other sites, which belong to statutory agencies and those which are in private ownership with their consent. This sends out a strong message that this council stands against displays of racism, sectarianism and homophobia on bonfires in any part of the city. Alliance councillor Michael Long added: "We support positive, respectful and safe expressions of culture, however, bonfires which damage property, threaten the environment or people, or facilitate hate crimes are not that. "I have worked on this issue for many years and recognise the good examples many bonfires set. We welcome the move by Sinn Fein to alter their motion prior to tonights vote and clarify this was not a move against all bonfires, which Alliance would not have supported. It is disappointing we had to have this meeting tonight, as the motion restated the previous Belfast City Council position, but it was needed because unionist Councillors were opposed to the continuation of that policy. This whole episode is an attempt by some parties to deflect from their decision last month to support the Councils injunction against a number of bonfire sites in private and then refuse to admit that in public. For them to then go on to state this was an attempt to stop all bonfires is nothing other than a deliberate lie. I understand the anxiety felt by some bonfire builders in relation to this issue. If I had been told the lies they have been fed by some parties, I would be worried too. But I want to reassure them this motion was not about removing all bonfires and Alliance extends an invitation to meet with them to ensure an inclusive solution to this situation. Many people have worked hard to prevent damaging bonfires from taking place and I hope tonights decision allows the issue to be addressed further, whether in relation to unionist or nationalist bonfires. The buck-passing and blame game needs to stop, and a positive way forward agreed which builds on the progress made, so we dont have this matter raising its head continually. A cruise ship has given out safety warning letters to passengers for their arrival in Belfast. The letters expressed concern with references to possible terror attacks with "the potential risk of isolated violence" in Belfast. Obtained by The Irish News, the safety letters were found among records of complaints made to tourism body Visit Belfast in recent years. The letter was given to Belfast-bound passengers aboard P&O's Azura cruise ship which docked last year in June ahead of the Twelfth of July. Tourism officials in Belfast branded the letters "unnecessarily alarmist" and urged the cruise operator to "consider softening" its contents. This year alone, a record 93 ships are expected to dock at the city carrying around 157,000 passengers, with cruise ships becoming a booming tourism business for Belfast. Visit Belfast, which assists cruise ships visiting the city, said it raised concerns about the leaflet. "We became aware of the safety information letter passed out to passengers on board P&O's Azura cruise ship on the day it arrived into Belfast," the organisation said. "Mixing references to both the potential of terrorist attacks across Europe at the time and the potential risk of isolated violence at demonstrations we felt the wording was unnecessarily alarmist and, along with out partners Belfast Harbour, asked the cruise operator to review and consider softening." It added: "Cruise ship communications to their passengers is not routinely shared with Visit Belfast nor its partners and often reflect travel advice provided by the host nation cruise operator's department of travel, such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK of the Department of State in the US. "Visit Belfast run a marketing partnership with Belfast Harbour called Cruise Belfast. This campaign is aimed at attracting the cruise industry to Belfast and Northern Ireland." A Belfast Harbour spokeswoman added: "Cruise ships make available a daily fact sheet detailing local information of interest to visitors such as key attractions. P&O Cunard is the only line which we know of which advises on passenger safety. This information is based on the daily regional threat level as advised by the UK Government. "This information is given out in many cities they visit, for example we know in 2016 it was distributed in France, Athens and Istanbul. This has had no impact on the popularity of Belfast as a destination with 100% growth in visitor numbers in the past five years and an even busier year is expected in 2018." Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Rescue worker pictured at Carrick-Little car park Annalong. Army cadets, aged between 12 and 17, got into difficulties in the Mourne Mountains. Coastguard, ambulance and helicopter crews have been called to the scene. Medical staff are treating several of the children on the mountain. Weather conditions have been very poor. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Rescue worker pictured at Carrick-Little car park Annalong. Army cadets, aged between 12 and 17, got into difficulties in the Mourne Mountains. Coastguard, ambulance and helicopter crews have been called to the scene. Medical staff are treating several of the children on the mountain. Weather conditions have been very poor. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Rescue worker pictured at Carrick-Little car park Annalong. Army cadets, aged between 12 and 17, got into difficulties in the Mourne Mountains. Coastguard, ambulance and helicopter crews have been called to the scene. Medical staff are treating several of the children on the mountain. Weather conditions have been very poor. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland. PressEye.com Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of children on the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Emergency Services at the scene on an ongoing incident involving a group of involving 70 young people in the Mournes close to the Head Road in Annalong on August 2nd 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Dozens of young people were evacuated from the Mournes after Army Cadets got into difficulty while camping. A rescue operation was put in place on Wednesday after 73 people - including 10 adults- experienced difficulties. The young people from an Army Cadet force in Cleveland England were on an annual camp based at Ballykinlar. The Ministry of Defence said the Army Cadets involved were aged between 12 and 17. The Coastguard was contacted by the PSNI and Ambulance Service just before 12pm on Wednesday requesting assistance after receiving several reports that a large number of people were in difficulty after being caught in inclement weather. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed that sixteen of the group suffered from hypothermia and some with minor injuries. An A&E crew set up at Annalong Community Hall to treat the walking wounded. The Coastguard said on Wednesday afternoon that most of the group were being walked down the mountain to safety but up to 20 people may require stretcher evacuation as they are suffering from exposure. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the Army Cadet group were undergoing adventure training on the Mournes when the decision was taken to withdraw as the weather conditions worsened. Spokesman Ken Johnston said: "A fairly extensive support operation swung in and we are extremely grateful." Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick attendend. In addition the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, PSNI and NI Ambulance Service also attended. SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said they had been experiencing "woeful weather" and that there was a "substantial emergency vehicle response". He said: Such an incident will surely highlight the need for extreme caution when walking in the mountains especially on days such as today when weather conditions have been atrocious on street/town level never mind up in the mountains. I wish all involved a safe resolution to the incident and hope that no one is seriously injured as a result. Mourne councillor Henry Reilly said conditions are "unbelievably bad for August". He said: "People are in winter coats, so if it's like that in the low-land what's it like in the high-land?" One of the two helicopters delivering Northern Ireland's first ever Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (Press Eye/PA) Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 2nd August 2017 Air Ambulance Northern Ireland officially launch at its Maze/Long Kesh site outside Lisburn. This is Northern Ireland's first air ambulance helicopter and is now fully operational. Eleven-year-old Conor McMullan pictured beside one of the air ambulance helicopters with(left to right) air doctor Darren Monaghan, paramedic Glenn O'Rourke and pilot David O'Toole . Conor from Castlewellan was the first people to use the air ambulance after he was involved in an accident and the helicopter was diverted from a training exercise. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 2nd August 2017 Air Ambulance Northern Ireland officially launch at its Maze/Long Kesh site outside Lisburn. This is Northern Ireland's first air ambulance helicopter and is now fully operational. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 2nd August 2017 Air Ambulance Northern Ireland officially launch at its Maze/Long Kesh site outside Lisburn. This is Northern Ireland's first air ambulance helicopter and is now fully operational. DUP leader Arlene Foster and party colleague Jeffery Donaldson pictured at the launch Chief Executive of the Air Ambulance Patrick Minne. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com PACEMAKER BELFAST 02/08/2017 11 year old Conor McMullan who was the first to be rescued by the new Air ambulance after a farming accident in Co Down with Dr Darren Monaghan , Paramedic Glenn O'roark and Pilot David O'Toole as the new Air Ambulance officially takes to the air at the old Maze prison Site in Lisburn. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press DUP leader Arlene Foster, Jeffrey Donaldson and Patrick Minne as the new Air Ambulance officially takes to the air at the old Maze prison Site in Lisburn. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 02/08/2017 DUP's Simon Hamilton and Jeffrey Donaldson as the new Air Ambulance officially takes to the air at the old Maze prison Site in Lisburn. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Conor McMullan (11) who was the first to be rescued by the new Air ambulance after a farming accident in Co Down as the new Air Ambulance officially takes to the air at the old Maze prison Site in Lisburn. Northern Ireland's air ambulance was called out as the official launch of the new service was taking place. The new helicopter service is based at the Maze/Long Kesh near Lisburn was officially launched on Wednesday and means emergency paramedics will be able to reach any part of Northern Ireland within 25 minutes now an air ambulance has been introduced. Last month it was called out following a tractor accident involving a boy, 11, in Castlewellan, Co Down. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service chief executive Shane Devlin said: "The introduction of HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) to our response model is a really positive advance in pre-hospital care throughout the region. "The advanced medical interventions which can be delivered by our doctors and paramedics in the HEMS team at incidents where life may be ebbing away will further improve survival rates and help to ensure better patient outcomes." The campaign to create an air ambulance service has spanned many years. It was a passion of race medic Dr John Hinds - who died aged 35 on July 4 2015, after a motorbike accident. The launch is the culmination of a 12-year campaign backed by members of the public. Complaints about a billboard campaign claiming Northern Ireland's restrictive abortion laws had saved 100,000 lives have been dismissed by the regulator. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the assertion was not misleading and there was a "reasonable probability" it was largely accurate. Pro-life lobby group Both Lives Matter (BLM) faced a challenge after 14 complaints said the claim could not be substantiated. Read More The billboard said: '100,000 people are alive today because of our laws on abortion. Why change that?' An ASA statement said: "On balance, we concluded that the evidence indicated that there was a reasonable probability that around 100,000 people were alive in Northern Ireland today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so. "Because we considered that readers would understand the figure to represent an estimate, we concluded that the claim was unlikely to materially mislead readers." Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where terminations remained banned after the 1967 Abortion Act. BLM said it had attempted to estimate the number of people alive here today because the law had not been introduced in the province, meaning the procedure was still illegal. It said it was not possible to calculate an exact figure, but 100,000 represented a credible and conservative estimate. The calculation was based on a comparison with Scotland's abortion ratio. Dawn McAvoy from Both Lives Matter said she was delighted with the result. She said: "Our opponents said we could not substantiate the claim, despite us producing a robust report. The ASA have examined our calculations and backed our figure. "Their expert concluded that it is reasonable to say that 100,000 people are alive today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so. "This independent verification is a real endorsement of our campaign." South Belfast Green Party MLA Clare Bailey said the 100,000 figure failed to represent the full picture in Northern Ireland. "I am surprised by the decision," she added. "It looks like BLM have a report to back up their claim which I haven't seen, but it would be interesting to know if they've taken into account the amount of women here forced to use online abortion pill providers, and if that would affect the figure." "They talk about the 100,000 lives this has changed. "But my response to this is that one in three women will face a decision to have an abortion in their life, so the law here doesn't stop abortions, it just makes them unsafe and forces people to travel." Emma Campbell, co-chair of the Alliance for Choice group in Northern Ireland, also criticised the ruling. "Although we are disappointed with the decision of the ASA, we are far more concerned with the disingenuous use of the title 'Both lives matter' for the campaign, when we know that lives of women only matter to them if they live by their strict anti-abortion-in-all-circumstances principles." She added: "I'm glad they are delighted with their stigmatising of women, as it's clear to see where their priorities lie. "We will continue to educate against stigma and misinformation as we continue to trust women to make decisions that make sense for their own lives." by MARK EDWARDS A father and son and two haulage companies have been fined a total of 26,500 for illegally dumping around 39,000 tonnes of waste at a site in Portadown A father and son and two haulage companies have been fined a total of 26,500 for illegally dumping around 39,000 tonnes of waste at a site in Portadown. Landowner Fergal McNally (63), of Derrykeeran Road, Portadown, was fined 6,000 at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for unlawful disposal of waste on land on Derrykeeran Road in the town. His son, Michael McNally (38), of Derryneskan Road, also Portadown, was fined 3,000 for keeping waste. Both men had pleaded guilty in May. Hauliers Brendan Loughran & Sons Limited, of Termon Road, Carrickmore, and Colin Donnelly, trading as Donnelly Transport, of Ballyscandal Road, Armagh, were found guilty of unlawfully depositing waste on the site and were fined 15,000 and 2,500 respectively. Authorities visited the site in 2014 and 2016 and calculated that over 39,000 tonnes of waste had been deposited there. A number of businesses in Co Tyrone were warned to withdraw their sponsorship of a sporting event in a sinister threat from an unknown republican group. Police confirmed they are investigating the handwritten letter sent to businesses around Dungannon before last weekend's event. Up to seven triathlon sponsors were warned there would be "war and bloodshed" if they didn't pull out of the event which took place on Saturday. A phone call was also made to another triathlon organisation in Dublin ordering the event to be cancelled. It's understood the phone call was traced to a mobile phone in the Dungannon area. A PSNI spokesman said: "Police can confirm that a number businesses in the Dungannon area have reported receiving threatening letters and telephone calls in recent days. "The police investigation into these reports are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time." The event organiser - Tri Limits Triathlon Club, a community-run organisation - said it did not want to comment on an ongoing police investigation. The letter, which was posted days before the event, said: "Tri limits are very foolish to blacken their good name throughout Ireland for one rogue event. "Tri limits should cancel this event now and no one should support it. "Don't come, and stop war and bloodshed taking place. "You could be a victim, a dead one." It was signed by the 'Republican Brotherhood Unit'. Ulster Unionist councillor Walter Cuddy described it as a "sinister" letter. "I can only hope that people would see sense and realise this is a sporting event that includes all sections of the community," he said. "Lots of triathlons take place right across Northern Ireland and it's disappointing that this particular event has been targeted. "Tri Limits is a local organisation that is run by a committee of local people and they should be able to host an event that is free from any type of threatening behaviour. "I hope that the PSNI can find those responsible for this letter." SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn also condemned the letter. He said: "Anybody should be able to sponsor any event they want, free from intimidation or threats. Those sorts of days are long gone and I am shocked to learn of these letters. "They are threatening what seems to be a very innocent competition and what business is it of the people behind this to target these local companies. "It's what these independent businesses want to do and they should be left to sponsor whatever event they want. "I know of some other businesses outside the Dungannon area that are threatened if they carry out work with or for the police. "I am dumbfounded that anyone would threaten a sporting competition." A Londonderry man from a Catholic background who admits to "throwing stones" as a teenager has spoken about his journey to becoming a Protestant clergyman. The Reverend Dr Keith McCrory was raised in a one-parent family in the strongly nationalist Shantallow area of Derry. His father died when Keith was just 15 and he was taken into care. He describes himself as having no religious background. "I was brought up in a tough area. I would not describe myself as a tearaway, but I had my share of throwing stones," he told the Belfast Telegraph. He first encountered Christianity at the age of 16 when a teacher introduced him to a Crusaders group on the traditionally unionist west bank of the Foyle. He later found his spiritual niche in Kilfennan Presbyterian Church. Keith trained at Union College Belfast and is now the minister of a burgeoning community Presbyterian Church in Maynooth, which meets for weekend worship in a long corridor above a Dunnes store. Plans to construct a new building as an outreach church are being developed by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Keith says many of his congregation are not from a religious background. "Like many of the new churches in the last decade, this will be a multi-purpose building, and this helps us to establish a new dynamism," he said. "Many of our members come from an unchurched background, or have not gone to church for a long time. "We have a congregation of 90 people of all ages, but the majority are between 20 and 38 years old. About half come from the Republic, and the others are originally from various places including Northern Ireland, South Africa and the USA. We also have a strong ethnic representation. "The church sermons are usually about four minutes long, and several speakers take part. There is no fixed liturgy. Prayers and hymns, psalms and paraphrases, scripture readings and sermons are adapted to the occasion." The Maynooth Community Church traces its roots to 2002, in association with its parent Lucan Presbyterian Church, where Keith was an elder. It began with nine people meeting for prayer, and on September 7, 2003, the first official service of the church was held. Sinn Fein may water down its motion to give council officers in Belfast powers to order the removal of bonfire material, City Hall insiders have said. The party has called a special meeting of Belfast City Council tonight to discuss the issue, but sources said that Sinn Fein was considering changing the wording of its original motion. The initial motion gave officials permission "to remove bonfire materials or employ contractors to facilitate the removal of bonfire materials from council sites and other sites". But sources said it may alter the wording to say that material would be removed only from "rogue" fires. "Sinn Fein is still debating the exact wording of the motion it will put forward to Belfast City Council," a source said. "The argument has been made that the wording in the original motion was too sweeping, so the party may amend it." Sinn Fein yesterday said it was confident its motion would pass. Group leader Jim McVeigh denied it was aimed at setting a precedent ahead of next year's Eleventh Night bonfires. "This is not about every bonfire. It is about rogue illegal bonfires on both sides that pose a threat to life, public amenities and property. It is those that are facilitating hate," he said. Alliance councillor Michael Long said: "Alliance has no issue with responsible bonfires. "Our argument is with problem bonfires. We are flexible regarding the wording of this motion and if a change is needed to clarify the situation in the public's mind, that is fine." A Northern Ireland woman whose family were told to prepare for the worst after she suffered brain damage during surgery is making remarkable progress. Toni Watson was born with genetic disorder Turner syndrome, and has had to undergo a series of heart operations since she was six weeks old due to the condition. After undergoing 16 hours of major surgery to stretch a heart valve at the Royal Victoria Hospital on June 4, the 24-year-old was hit by multiple strokes. Her loved ones were told that she may not recover. Now, less than two months later, the big Adele fan has taken her first steps, is able to speak, and is due to move into Musgrave Park Hospital's regional acquired brain injury unit for rehabilitation. In a post on Toni's No Ordinary Girl Facebook page on Monday, her proud relatives said "7 weeks ago today we were given the most devastating news that she wasn't going to live" and that Toni has "completely beaten the odds with everything she has achieved". "She has come on in leaps and bounds - it's absolutely miraculous, and even the medical staff are dumbfounded," her proud cousin Claire McQuillan told the Belfast Telegraph. "With the multiple strokes and the brain damage, the doctors had warned us that she could be left severely disabled and wheelchair-bound, and our fear was that she would completely lose her personality and ability to communicate. On Monday, seven weeks to the day after we were told that she had suffered strokes during the surgery, she was moved to Musgrave, which we couldn't have imagined happening a few weeks ago. "We don't know how long she will be in Musgrave, and she has a long way to go; it's a journey, but we still have her and we can see her personality coming through. "She can recall things which happened years ago, which is unbelievable, and you can have a conversation with her, although it is tiring for her due to her brain injury. "Toni has been amazingly strong and she has approached it with her own 'take things in your stride, this is what needs to be done' attitude. She is an inspiration to us all." Poignant family footage of Toni in her hospital bed shows her saying that she had "never felt as happy" due to her major operation being over. She is also pictured walking around the ward with support, to cheers from her family. Toni can subsequently be seen laughing at a clip of herself taken in the early stages of her recovery, when she mouthed the words to Adele's Rolling In The Deep. The clip went viral on social media, and Toni's family have been campaigning under the #AdelehelpToni slogan to get the music megastar to send a personal greeting to encourage Toni's recovery efforts. "We have reached out to Adele's people and they said they would pass on the email, but we haven't heard anything back yet," Claire added. "When we made our request Adele had just pulled out of the shows at Wembley, so maybe it wasn't a good time, but we are still hoping that she might record a message to reward Toni's progress. If not, we will still have all the nice messages left by people, which will give us nice memories." In the meantime, brave Toni is hoping that her move to Musgrave Park Hospital will help her progress even further in her recovery. "She had been bed-bound in the Royal for so long, and she definitely sees the move to Musgrave as another step to getting better, with the help of the physios and the occupational therapists there," Claire explained. "We are so grateful to the staff at the Royal for everything they have done for Toni so far, and we have a big sense of relief that she can progress to the next stage of her journey. "We are planning a fundraising night for the Royal Victoria Hospital cardiac intensive care unit at the Kosy Club in Dundonald on September 1 as a way of saying thank you. "Words can't express how grateful we are." To follow Toni's progress, visit the No Ordinary Girl Facebook page. The DUP has moved to defuse a row with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar after accusing him of engaging in "megaphone" politics over Brexit as the diplomatic row between Dublin and Belfast intensified. In a clear heightening of tensions ahead of scheduled talks on Friday, Mr Varadkar claimed he had "nobody to call" in a position of authority in Northern Ireland because of the absence of an Executive. And he confirmed he will attend a special breakfast to mark Belfast Pride on Saturday, saying he will not issue "an apology" for doing so. "I won't be able to attend the parade because I want to get back to Croke Park for the (Dublin) match, but I will attend the Pride breakfast on Saturday morning in Belfast to express my support for equality, for the law, Catholics, Protestants, non-religion, women, gay people and straight people," Mr Varadkar said. "I won't be making any apology for that to anyone, really." He was asked about the city's Gay Pride parade in the context of the DUP and its leader Arlene Foster having blocked same-sex marriage in the Assembly. He previously challenged Mrs Foster over the issue at a meeting in Dublin. Mr Varadkar made the remarks in Dublin's Temple Bar, where he was flanked by the only other gay member of his Cabinet, Children's Minister Katherine Zappone. Mr Varadkar yesterday cited the strong relationships he shared with the First Ministers in Wales and Scotland, Carwyn Jones and Nicola Sturgeon. But he said the same cannot be said for Northern Ireland. "When it comes to Belfast I have nobody to ring and so the best thing the Northern parties can do is get back around the table as soon as possible, and having done so continue to uphold the four principles they agreed with us - one of those was that we would work together to preserve the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and people." Earlier, DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson urged Mr Varadkar and Fine Gael to "step back" from what his party perceived as an increasingly antagonistic stance on the UK's EU exit. "What won't solve the problem is megaphone diplomacy from Dublin," he told BBC Radio Ulster. "I think the Taoiseach needs to recognise that going back to the politics of the 1970s and 1980s in Anglo-Irish relations isn't going to help anyone." The Lagan Valley MP said any failure to reach co-operation with Dublin could result in a hard border. "We have to co-operate here. A solution has to be one that is agreed and that means Dublin has to have an input. If Dublin refuses to co-operate on this, inevitably we are going to end up in a different arrangement that could result in some sort of hard border. "Now that's not in Dublin's interests - the Irish economy would suffer greatly if we can't find an agreed way forward." But Mr Varadkar rejected the criticism. "I have never been involved in megaphone politics. I expressed the position of the government in relation to Brexit, that is my role as Taoiseach to express the position of the government publicly just as people from the DUP, Sinn Fein and any party in Northern Ireland are free to give their position and give it forcibly, and I think they have done that, so I would not accept that contention at all," he said. "But I look forward to being in the North on Friday and having a chance to meet the parties." Speaking last night, Sir Jeffrey emphasised his desire to work with Mr Varadkar and he welcomed "the Taoiseach's awakening to the reality that we need to talk about Brexit, and hopefully not by megaphone but in person". "The Taoiseach will be surprised by how willing the DUP is to engage with him and his government in finding practical solutions to the challenges that lie before us," he said, adding there was "no issue" over Mr Varadkar attending the Pride breakfast. "So long as he doesn't interfere in the internal affairs of Northern Ireland, who he meets is a matter for him," he added. Sinn Fein has branded MP Gregory Campbell as "crass, offensive and lacking in respect" over comments made by the MP about an Irish festival in Derry featuring an exhibition on the late Martin McGuinness. Posting on Facebook, Mr Campbell described the Gasyard Feile as a "failure" and that he was not sure if there was a "warning for those of a nervous disposition" at the entrance to a photo exhibition for the late Sinn Fein leader. "The Gasyard failure should be a real bundle of laughs this year," he said. "First Marty's photos (don't know if there will be the obligatory warning at start in case those of a nervous disposition are viewing) then the serial election loser George (the cat) Galloway. "Roll up, roll up get your tickets please!" Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney said the comments were at odds with the outreach made by the DUP leadership toward Irish language speakers. "These comments are another example of the DUP's Gregory Campbells total and utter disrespect for the Irish language with his offensive comments about the Gasyard Feile," he said. "The Gasyard Feile is a hugely successful and inclusive community festival, now in its 25th year, which promotes community health and wellbeing, international awareness and human rights and enables dialogue and discussion." Previous Mr Campbell was censured in the Assembly when he mocked the Irish language. He later made his infamous "curry my yoghurt" speech at a DUP conference. Just last month senior DUP figure Edwin Poots spoke Irish at an event in Donegal. Mr McCartney added: "Sadly, this is not the first time Gregory Campbell has insulted the Irish language community with his offensive anti-Irish mockery. "His arrogant and ill-informed comments are ironic as the Feile also includes an event with Linda Ervine looking at the relationship between the Irish language and the Protestant, unionist and loyalist communities. "His disgraceful comments and mockery are also at odds with recent comments made by the DUP leadership following meetings with sections of the Irish language community. "Gregory Campbell also showed a lack of respect for others with his crass and offensive comments about the late Martin McGuinness and clearly at odds with his party leaders attendance at Martins funeral. Last month Arlene Foster condemned the placing of a Martin McGuinness effigy on a bonfire in east Belfast as "wrong". Gregory Campbell and the DUP have been asked for a comment. Read More The men are being questioned on suspicion of IRA membership Four men have been arrested by gardai investigating dissident republican activities. The suspects, two aged in their 40s and two in their 20s, were detained in a search and arrest operation in the Dublin area on Wednesday morning. The men are being questioned on suspicion of IRA membership. They are being held at Dublin Garda stations under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. Gardai from the Special Detective Unit were involved in the arrest operation along with officers from the Garda Meath Division. The head of Luxembourg's financial lobby group has accused Irish politicians of making "false accusations" against the Duchy as the battle to snare London-based firms looking for a new home after Brexit intensifies. Nicolas Mackel denied suggestions the Duchy is allowing so-called "brass plate" operations that would give firms token access to the single market. He was responding to comments made by former Irish finance minister Eoghan Murphy earlier this year which were interpreted as a thinly veiled criticism of Luxembourg. The chief executive of Luxembourg for Finance told the Press Association: "As long as we can get those sorts of false accusations out of the debate, I think all the other competitive elements are just a normal occurrence of business." "We make it a point never to talk negatively about our competitors, unlike some of them. I think it's just like in politics - you resort to that sort of communication if you really don't have anything to say about yourself and your strength." Mr Mackel believes the inflammatory remarks made by Mr Murphy in a Reuters interview - complaining that other European cities were being "very aggressive" and taking part in "creeping regulatory arbitrage", referring to lax rules - were made for "internal political needs". He added: "Since then, the circumstances in Ireland have changed with a new government and they themselves having been able to make some announcements on companies (choosing Dublin after Brexit). "So there will be no more need to resort to this sort of communication." A spokesperson for the Irish Department of Finance said the comment by Mr Murphy "was not a criticism of Luxembourg or any other member state". They added Mr Murphy had raised a number of issues during a scheduled meeting with European Commission VP Valdis Dombrovskis earlier this including " ensuring there is consistency across EU member states" in applying regulatory standards for financial services. Mr Mackel acknowledged there was competition to draw business among rival EU financial centres, including Frankfurt and Dublin "to a certain degree", but said Luxembourg felt no pressure to offer special terms and firms were weighing a raft of criteria when choosing their post-Brexit hubs. In recent months Barclays, Legal & General and Bank of America have revealed plans to base EU-focused operations in Dublin, while the Duchy has gained commitments from the likes of US giant AIG, Northern Trust and insurers RSA and Hiscox. The Luxembourg for Finance chief said having a dedicated insurance regulator has been a draw for the sector, while most asset managers have boosted activity in the country without fanfare in preparation for Britain's divorce from the EU. He expects the city to attract approximately 2,000 jobs in the next one to two years as a result. Mr Mackel said Luxembourg made a conscious decision to hold back from running international roadshows in a bid to win business, eschewing a tactic employed by the likes of Paris and Frankfurt. He added: "We felt we would not necessarily need to and I think we were actually right. "Many of the asset management companies that operate out of London have a Luxembourg platform, and were going to very naturally use that Luxembourg platform to consolidate their activities on the European continent. "The same goes for banks." However while Luxembourg was gaining business, Mr Mackel said Brexit is still being viewed as a "lose-lose proposition overall". Irishman David O'Sullivan who has gone missing during a hike in the United States Police in the United States are trying to trace an Irishman who has gone missing during a hike. David O'Sullivan, reportedly from Cork, last had contact with his family in April, when he emailed them from Idyllwild in California. The 25-year-old had been hiking alone along the Pacific Crest trail which runs between the Mexican border and Canada, according to a missing person poster from Murrieta police. He had been due to meet up with a friend along the route in Santa Barbara in early May but did not turn up, according to the poster on a Facebook page appealing for information. Another post read: "By April 5th, he had arrived in Idylwild, CA. On April 7th my parents received an email from him, detailing his hike since Mt. Laguna. "This was our last contact with him. We knew that weeks might pass without contact but no more than 2/3." Mr O'Sullivan, who is described as having dark hair, blue eyes and speaking with a thick Irish accent, has been reported as missing with the Irish police, US and Irish embassies, Interpol and police and search and rescue organisations in California, according to the post. The Duke of Edinburgh has retired from official royal engagements in his own inimitable style by joking with Royal Marines they should be locked up for their madcap fundraising efforts. As a former Royal Navy officer Philips last public solo event, after more than 65 years championing his own causes and charities, fittingly featured men from the Royal Marines, an integral part of the Navy. But from the demeanour of the Queens Consort you would never have guessed he was retiring after carrying out 22,219 solo engagements since 1952. He waved warmly to the crowds, acknowledging their cheers and was described as chirpy by a senior officer. Wearing a bowler hat and rain coat the Duke did not let a heavy downpour affect his final day which was staged in Buckingham Palaces forecourt. The event marked the end of the 1664 Global Challenge, which recognises 1664, the year the Royal Marines were founded, and has seen marines push themselves to the limit with a series of physical exploits in aid of the Royal Marines Charity. Expand Close (Hannah McKay/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (Hannah McKay/PA) Expand Close The Duke of Edinburgh was taking part in his final solo royal engagement at the Captain General's Parade (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke of Edinburgh was taking part in his final solo royal engagement at the Captain General's Parade (Yui Mok/PA) The Duke, who is the Captain General of the Royal Marines, met Corporal Will Gingell, 33, and Corporal Jamie Thompson, 31, who have run 1,664 miles over 100 days. He also chatted to Sergeant Matt Burley, a physical training instructor, who swam 1,664 lengths underwater over 10 days and Lieutenant Colonel Aldeiy Alderson, who ran 100 kilometres in 12 hours wearing his Royal Marines uniform and polished boots. Looking at the group of marines he made them laugh with the quip: You all should be locked up. Expand Close The weather was not kind on the Duke of Edinburgh's final official royal engagement (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The weather was not kind on the Duke of Edinburgh's final official royal engagement (Yui Mok/PA) The Queens Consort announced in May he would be retiring from royal engagements, a decision which was fully supported by the Queen and was not medically related. Buckingham Palace has stressed, although the Dukes diary of engagements has come to an end, he may decide to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time to time. The Queens public schedule continues as normal but other members of the Royal Family will step up in support of the monarch in her role as head of state. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted a tribute to the Duke praising his public service over the decades. She said: As he carries out his final public engagement, I thank The Duke of Edinburgh for a remarkable lifetime of service. Adding in a second Tweet: I hope The Duke, after 22,219 solo engagements since 1952, can now enjoy a well-earned retirement! We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Despite the formality of the occasion with a Royal Marines guard of honour giving the Duke a royal salute and the national anthem observed, it had a relaxed feel. The Band of HM Royal Marines, Plymouth played the Sir Rod Stewart hit I Am Sailing and Philip shared a laugh when he stopped to talk to veterans from the Royal Marines Association and 30 members of RM cadet units from across the country. The Duke was wearing his Royal Marines tie and it is thought his large collection of 17 medals and military honours under his raincoat, including his War Medal (1939-1945) with Mention in Dispatches, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Burma Star, (with Pacific Rosette) and Italy Star. Expand Close The Duke was praised for his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines (Hannah McKay/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke was praised for his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines (Hannah McKay/PA) Lieutenant Colonel Gary Green, who devised the 1664 Global Challenge, said: He was really surprised at the two guys who have run 1,664 miles but he was very chirpy and, as always, really interested in what the Corps does. He loves the fact that Royal Marines, when they do something, they do something thats a little bit extraordinary, and the guys come up with these really weird and wonderful and extraordinary challenges and it makes him sort of, certainly on this occasion, chuckle. Expand Close Duke of Edinburgh: days spent on public engagements (PA graphic) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Duke of Edinburgh: days spent on public engagements (PA graphic) He added: This day is hugely historic when you look back at when the Duke became Captain General in 1953, 64 years later this is his last (solo) event in public. Jeremy Corbyn is under pressure to personally condemn Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro amid violence in the South American state that has seen the families of British embassy staff withdrawn. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has accused Mr Maduro of behaving like the dictator of an evil regime as he appeared to crack down on his enemies after a widely disputed vote. In the wake of the poll that gave his ruling socialist party nearly unlimited powers security agents seized two opposition leaders from their homes at night. Expand Close Anti-government demonstrators during clashes in Caracas, Venezuela (Ariana Cubillos/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Anti-government demonstrators during clashes in Caracas, Venezuela (Ariana Cubillos/AP) As fears over civil unrest and instability in the country grew on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said it had withdrawn the families of its embassy staff and instructed Britons that they should consider leaving too. Labour MP Angela Smith, who according to The Times has joined a new all party parliamentary group on Venezuela, told the Press Association: I think Corbyn needs to condemn the actions of the Venezuelan regime, which are a very serious threat to democracy in that country. Graham Jones, another Labour MP and chairman of the group, told The Times: I believe everybody in the Labour Party should condemn the Venezuelan regime because the first duty of any state is to look after its citizens. Venezuela has failed. Expand Close A pedestrian walks past a message formed with Venezuelan currency that reads: The Constituent Assembly is a fraud (Ariana Cubillos/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A pedestrian walks past a message formed with Venezuelan currency that reads: The Constituent Assembly is a fraud (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable and Tory MP Mark Pritchard also called for Mr Corbyn to break his silence on the Venezuelan regime he has previously supported under socialist Hugo Chavez and his successor Mr Maduro. A spokeswoman for the Labour leader said the partys position was made clear in a statement on Monday from shadow foreign minister Liz McInnes. Ms McInnes urged the government of Venezuela to recognise its responsibilities to protect human rights, free speech and the rule of law and said Mr Maduro must respond personally to the legitimate concerns of the international community about the increasingly authoritarian nature of his rule and the growing hardship facing his people. The spokeswoman for Mr Corbyn said: The Labour Partys statement on Monday made clear our position on the importance of the respect for the rule of law and human rights. Were watching the situation and developments in Venezuela closely. Expand Close Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shows his ballot after casting a vote for a constitutional assembly (Miraflores Press Office/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shows his ballot after casting a vote for a constitutional assembly (Miraflores Press Office/AP) Mr Maduro called the vote for a constitutional assembly to overhaul Venezuelas political system in May after a month of protests against his government, which has overseen the countrys descent into a devastating crisis during its four years in power. Plunging oil prices and widespread corruption have left the formerly prosperous nation struggling with widespread shortages of food and medicine. The South American countrys National Electoral Council has said more than eight million people voted to grant Mr Maduros government the powers with the assembly, but the turnout is disputed by political opponents. On Tuesday the Foreign Office said: As of the 1 August, all dependants of British Embassy staff have been withdrawn. You should consider leaving the country by normal commercial means. Theres a risk of significant disruption to transport links in and out of the country. If the political situation worsens, the British embassy may be limited in the assistance that it can provide. The UKs first woman to captain a jumbo jet has retired after landing at Gatwick Airport for the last time. Virgin Atlantic pilot Yvonne Kershaw fought back tears as she described stepping off the Boeing 747 flight from Cancun, Mexico, on Wednesday morning. The crew faced a challenging journey after a passenger was taken ill but the aircraft landed in London as planned, where it was met by an ambulance. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Mrs Kershaw, a grandmother from Petworth, West Sussex, joined the airline in 1990 and was granted command of the aircraft three years later. The 64-year-old said many people have preconceptions about what an airline captain should look like and recalled that initially the main response from passengers was surprise. She told the Press Association: I suppose normally they would expect to see a silver-haired fox flying the aeroplane in command. It took a few years before people got used to seeing a woman coming out of the flight deck and being in charge. Expand Close Yvonne Kershaw with co-pilot Paul Singleton after landing her last Boeing 747 flight at Gatwick (Lauren Hurley/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Yvonne Kershaw with co-pilot Paul Singleton after landing her last Boeing 747 flight at Gatwick (Lauren Hurley/PA) She went on: Breaking down those barriers wasnt easy but nobody ever said it would be. What you need is passion about your job, determination and skill. Mrs Kershaw said she hoped her career would encourage women to pursue their passion. She said: I really, really hope that it will inspire girls to consider flying. Or anything they want to do. You can do it Ive proved it. Expand Close Mrs Kershaw learned to fly aged 19 (Lauren Hurley/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mrs Kershaw learned to fly aged 19 (Lauren Hurley/PA) Mrs Kershaw learned to fly aged just 19 and after initially flying small aircraft around Europe and north Africa she gained her commercial licence and began piloting executive jets. She worked at a UK regional airline named British Island Airways before joining Virgin Atlantic when its fleet comprised only four 747s. I felt very proud that I was able to do it, she said. Its such an iconic aeroplane and its what I wanted to fly. For decades it was the largest aircraft in the world and the most loved by everybody. Thats why I joined Virgin Atlantic. For the opportunity to fly the aeroplane and be part of the Virgin family. Mrs Kershaw has clocked up more than 2,000 flights and 18,000 flying hours in the flight deck of the four-engine 455-seat jet. Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Neymar as the Barcelona forward begins pre-season transfer talks with Paris St-Germain. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The Argentine striker posted a message to his Instagram account which read: It was a great pleasure to have shared all these years with you, my friend. @neymarjr. I wish you good luck in this new stage of your life. See you tomorrow, alongside a slideshow of photographs cataloguing their partnership at the premier Spanish club. Barca confirmed rumours that the Brazilian forward would be allowed to move to PSG on Wednesday, providing his new employers paid his 222million euro (198.5million) buy-out clause in full. Neymar made a brief visit to Barcelonas training ground on Wednesday to inform them of his wish to leave, and departed before their training session began. Expand Close Neymar and Messi shared a close working relationship at Barcelona (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Neymar and Messi shared a close working relationship at Barcelona (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) A club statement read: Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the clubs offices. Faced with this position, the club has informed them they refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of July 1 totals 222million euros, which will have to be deposited in its entirety. Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the contract extension bonus, the club has once again made it clear that the amount remains deposited with a notary until the case is resolved. The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions. Expand Close PSG will have to pay Neymars full buy-out clause if they want to complete the transfer (Tim Goode/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp PSG will have to pay Neymars full buy-out clause if they want to complete the transfer (Tim Goode/PA) PSG seem keen to initiate the deal despite the hefty price tag, adding to concerns from Barca fans who are afraid to see him go. The video quickly amassed nearly 4.5 million views, along with comments expressing dismay at the loss. President Michel Temer appeared likely to survive a key vote in Brazil's Congress on whether to put him on trial over an alleged bribery scheme to line his pockets. Despite a 5% approval rating in opinion polls and myriad calls for him to resign the last few months, he has been able to maintain most of his governing coalition in the Chamber of Deputies, where he was the presiding officer for many years. Opposition MPs are hoping at least some of his support will be eroded by members having to publicly back a toxic president on national television. Major broadcaster Globo plans to transmit Wednesday's proceedings live and all 513 members of the house are up for election next year. The opposition also believes that if it cannot muster the necessary votes to suspend Mr Temer, it can at least stall a resolution by keeping enough members from entering the chamber so a quorum cannot be reached. To suspend the president, two-thirds of the 513 members, or 342, would have to vote against him. The government said it had at least 50 more supporters than necessary for Mr Temer to survive. Speaker Rodrigo Maia, a Temer ally, told reporters late on Tuesday that victory was assured. The months-long crisis is the latest fallout from a colossal corruption investigation that has led to the jailing of many of the country's elite. They include Marcelo Odebrecht, the former chief executive of giant construction company Odebrecht, and Eduardo Cunho, the former lower house speaker who is serving a 15-year sentence. Mr Temer, who was vice president, came to power a little over a year ago when President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and later ousted for illegally managing the federal budget. Ms Rousseff, a member of the left-leaning Workers' Party, accused Mr Temer, from the ideologically barren Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, of being behind the move to force her out. She said Mr Temer and others wanted her removed in part because she refused to stop the sprawling "Car Wash" corruption investigation. Mr Temer denied that. Since taking power, Mr Temer's administration has been rocked by one scandal after another while still managing to move unpopular legislation forward, such as loosening labour rules and proposals to cut pension benefits. The ambitious economic overhaul agenda, supported by the business class in Latin America's largest economy, has helped the 76-year-old Mr Temer stay in office so far despite the uproar over corruption allegations against him. A recording purportedly made in March emerged in which Mr Temer apparently supported the continued payment of hush money to Cunha, who is believed to have dirt on many politicians. As part of the probe, it came to light that Mr Temer allegedly orchestrated a bribery scheme in which he would get payouts totalling millions of dollars for helping JBS, a giant meat-packing company, resolve a business issue. A former aide was arrested while carrying a suitcase with 114,000, much of which was allegedly destined for Mr Temer. Attorney General Rodrigo Janot opened an investigation into Mr Temer for bribery, obstruction of justice and being part of a criminal organisation. He ultimately filed a bribery charge against the president, though at least one of the other charges is expected by the end of August, which would prompt another suspension vote in the Chamber of Deputies. AP Representatives of Kanye West claim that insurers have failed to pay nearly 10 million dollars (7.57 million) for West's cancelled Saint Pablo Tour last year, according to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday. The suit filed by Very Good Touring against several Lloyd's of London syndicates alleges breach of contract and seeks punitive damages and lawyer fees beyond the 9.8 million dollars (7.42 million) in concert losses. West cancelled several scheduled concert appearances last year, including a few dates after his wife, Kim Kardashian West, was robbed in Paris. West cancelled the remainder of his tour after he was admitted for undisclosed reasons to UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital on November 21. An after-hours message left for Lloyd's of London's New York office was not immediately returned. Very Good Touring says in its court filing that it obtained insurance against "accidental bodily injury or illness" for West's entire tour, and that his being admitted to hospital qualifies. The tour company says West submitted to an independent medical exam and that he and 11 of his associates have given statements under oath to insurance investigators, who have yet to pay or deny the claim. Very Good Touring is seeking a jury trial in the matter. AP Leopoldo Lopez outside his home in Caracas following his release from prison after more than three years - the opposition leader has now been arrested again (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File) The official count of Venezuelans who participated in the election of an all-powerful constituent assembly was tampered with - off by at least one million votes - the head of a voting technology company said. The finding is certain to sow further discord over the super-body that has generated months of nationwide protests. Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica said results recorded by his systems and those reported by Venezuela's National Electoral Council indicate "without any doubt" that the official turnout figure of more than eight million voters was manipulated. The international software company has provided electronic machines in Venezuela since 2004. "Even in moments of deep political conflict and division we have been satisfied with the voting process and the count has been completely accurate," Mr Mugica told reporters in London. "It is, therefore, with the deepest regret that we have to report that the turnout figures on Sunday, 30 July, for the constituent assembly in Venezuela were tampered with." Mr Mugica did not specify if his company's figures showed one million more - or one million fewer - voters participated in the election. The assembly will be granted vast powers to rewrite the nation's constitution and override every branch of the government. Opposition members boycotted the election, claiming the terms to select delegates were heavily rigged to favour the ruling party. President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to use the assembly to target his enemies and solidify Venezuela as a socialist state. Mr Maduro says the body will help end the violence and protests that have engulfed the country since March, with at least 125 reported dead and some 2,000 wounded. Despite the unrest and plummeting popularity ratings, Mr Maduro appears to have maintained the full support of the country's most important institutions, notably the armed forces. Top military figures have been given special status and are scattered throughout the government. They also are in charge of strategic areas such as food distribution in which Venezuelans say bribery is widespread. An independent exit poll concluded Sunday's turnout was less than half that reported by the election commission. Opposition leaders who stationed observers in every municipality also questioned the count. Julio Borges, the president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, said politicians will ask the nation's chief prosecutor to investigate commission members for potential crimes. "They want to give total power to an assembly who people with more than 10 years managing the electoral process in Venezuela say with all certainty, irreversibly, with hard data from their own servers, that the announced result was crooked," Mr Borges said. The assembly is expected to be sworn into office on Thursday. Opposition leaders are calling on Venezuelans to gather in Caracas for a mass protest. Despite widespread international condemnation, Mr Maduro has appeared undeterred in his plans to seat the constituent assembly this week. He has threatened to use the assembly's virtually unlimited powers to go after his opponents - and the jailing of two prominent opposition leaders on Tuesday appeared to show he is willing to proceed with full force. Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were dragged from their homes by heavily armed security agents and thrown into a military prison. The nation's Supreme Court is accusing them violating the terms of their house arrest by plotting to escape and releasing video statements criticising Mr Maduro. Both men's supporters denied the charges and vowed to continue to try to push the ruling socialist party from power. However, they gave little indication of how they planned to do that, and the capital was unusually quiet after months of sometimes violent protests. AP Rudiantara (left), Indonesias minister of Communications and Information, shakes hands with Telegram CEO Pavel Durov during a meeting in Jakarta about establishing procedures to block extremist propaganda on the popular messaging platform, Aug, 1, 2017. The Indonesian government agreed Tuesday to unblock nearly a dozen domain names used by the encrypted messaging service Telegram, after the companys co-founder promised to eradicate terrorist propaganda and content. Last month Indonesia blocked 11 domain names belonging to Telegram after collecting evidence that many channels on the messaging app had been promoting extremist ideologies, including some linked to the extremist group Islamic State (IS). The decision came after Telegram co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov met with Rudiantara, Indonesias minister of Communications and Information, in Jakarta on Tuesday. We discussed ways to block the public channels available for the propaganda of terrorism, which is something that we are committed to do globally, and particularly in Indonesia, Durov said during a joint news conference. And we have discussed ways to make it more efficient. We have agreed to keep Telegram accessible, said Rudiantara, who, like many Indonesians, goes by one name. The government will take steps to remove all blocks this week, officials said. Meeting at Rudiantaras office, the two sides discussed ways to eliminate distribution of extremist propaganda on the popular messaging app. Semuel A. Pangerapan, director general of the communications ministry, told reporters that other social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Google, could be scrutinized too for extremist content. Indonesia, home to the worlds largest Muslim-majority population, had identified 55 channels on Telegram that contain terrorism-related content, including forums and discussions regarding terror plots, officials said. They said they had printed out 17,000 pages of terrorism-related content from Telegrams web-based channels, adding that most individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges between 2015 and July 2017 claimed to have used the application. Apologies from Telegrams boss Durov apologized for failing to respond immediately to emails from the Indonesian government requesting the removal of channels and forums used by extremist supporters. Officials said they had sent six emails to Telegram from March 29, 2016, to July 11, 2017, but got no response until July 13, when the government decided to block 11 domain names used by the messaging platform. Durov said he and Rudiantara talked about propaganda by individuals on public channels in which IS can recruit members. He said Telegram could block terrorist channels within hours as it would employ Indonesian-speaking staff to assist in identifying content related to terrorism and extremist propaganda. Critics said it would make more sense for the government to monitor Telegram, which had more than 100 million monthly active users last year and is believed to be popular among IS sympathizers. To counter the spread of radical content, other critics said, the government could take other steps, including disseminating anti-radical videos on social media. Regional cooperation to counter propaganda At a regional terrorism meeting in Manado, North Sulawesi province, officials from six nations agreed on Saturday to cooperate in countering terrorist propaganda, including those shared through social media. The six countries agreed that there is an urgency to cooperate with companies that provide social networking, content sharing and messaging services, Wiranto, Indonesias coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, told a news conference after the meeting. Social media companies will help track down the existence of terrorists or directly prevent them, he said. Rudiantara was among the officials who attended the meeting co-hosted by Indonesia and Australia and attended by Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines and New Zealand. A naval officer watches as Malaysias first French-made submarine prepares to dock at its base in Port Klang, near Kuala Lumpur, Sept. 3, 2009. A former aide to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has come under formal investigation in France as part of a probe into alleged kickbacks from a controversial sale of submarines in 2002, a report said Wednesday. Abdul Razak Baginda, who was an adviser to Najib when he served as defense minister between 2000 and 2008, was placed under investigation over the nearly one billion-euro (U.S. $1.18 billion) sale of two Scorpene-class submarines by French state-controlled warship builder DCN International to the Malaysian government, Reuters news agency reported. It did not say when he was placed under probe but Agence France-Presse (AFP), quoting a judicial source, reported a day earlier that Razak Baginda was charged on July 18 with active and passive complicity in corruption and misappropriation of corporate assets. On Wednesday, Razak's office in Kuala Lumpur issued a statement expressing regret over what it called misleading news reports on the issue and lamenting that the correct facts of the matter [are] not reported. Razak has not been charged in any court of law in France, the statement said. Reuters said that two French former defense industry executives had also been placed under investigation last month as part of the same probe into alleged kickbacks from the submarine deal. In France, being put under formal investigation means there is serious or consistent evidence that points to likely involvement of a suspect in a crime. It does not necessarily lead to a trial. Razak's office said the inquiry by the French is welcomed because he has not committed any crime of corruption or breached any laws in the matter. A French probe into the sale of the submarines was launched in 2010 after Malaysian human rights group Suaram alleged that the deal had led to some U.S. $130 million in commissions being paid to a company linked to Najib. The Malaysian government has denied any allegations of corruption concerning the submarine sale. The submarine sale came under scrutiny in Malaysia following the 2006 murder of Razaks Mongolian mistress Altantuya Shaariibuu, who allegedly had demanded a payoff for working as a language translator in the deal. She was shot dead and her body blown up with powerful explosives near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Razak had been acquitted of charges of abetting the murder, of which two of Najibs bodyguards were found guilty. Opposition bloc chairman Mahathir Mohamad (center), and other opposition leaders show a copy of a letter presented to the Malaysian King, at the gates of the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 2, 2017. Leaders of four opposition parties met with Malaysian palace officials Wednesday to petition the king to ask the nations top court to rule on the governments decision to extend the tenures of two top judges. The main opposition bloc Pakatan Harapan, led by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, presented a letter of petition, saying the Malaysian king was the only person with discretionary power under Article 130 of the constitution to refer such a decision for court review. Mahathir, who is one of current Prime Minister Najib Razaks harshest critics, said the king extended the tenures after receiving advice from Najib. All of us representing the four parties in Pakatan Harapan, through this letter, urge the Yang di-Pertuan Agong [the king] to exercise his discretionary powers and refer the matter to the federal court for a decision on whether the re-appointments are valid, Mahathir told reporters outside the gates of the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. Article 130 reads: the Malaysian King may refer to the Federal Court for its opinion any question as to the effect of any provision of this Constitution which has arisen or appears to him likely to arise, and the Federal Court shall pronounce in open court its opinion on any question so referred to it. Malaysian lawmakers and legal experts have criticized the prolonged appointments of Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif and Court of Appeal President Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin, calling the changes unconstitutional and saying these undermine the independence of the judiciary. Mahathir, chairman of the newly formed United Malaysian Indigenous Party [Bersatu], signed the letter along with Peoples Justice Party [PKR] President Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, National Trust Party [Amanah] Deputy President Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, and Democratic Action Party [DAP] leader Lim Kit Siang. Age limit on judges Under the constitution, judgeships cannot to be extended for those who have reached the age of 66 years and 6 months, legal experts said. However, according to the government, those classified as additional judges are constitutionally exempt from this requirement. Md Raus will reach the mandatory retirement age on Thursday and Zulkefli will reach it on Sept. 27. But both are to stay on the bench as additional judges who are not bound by the same age limit. Their tenures were extended by three and two years, respectively, with both judges being appointed as additional judges to the Federal Court the nations highest court, according to a statement issued by Najibs office on July 7. The extension of Chief Justice Md Raus Sharifs tenure comes into force within two days, and if this matter is not addressed immediately, it could very well result in a judicial crisis as all trials or decisions after Aug. 4 will become invalid, Mahathir said. It will also cripple the judiciarys administrative system, headed by the chief justice, as it will not be managed by a legitimate judge under the constitution. The government said the move was done in accordance with the constitution. The Malaysian king, acting on the advice of the prime minister and after consulting the Conference of Rulers who represent the 13 states in the Malaysian federation approved these moves, government officials said. The federal constitution does not forbid any additional judges in the federal court from holding other positions, Minister in the Prime Ministers Department in charge of law Azalina Othman said last month. I am of the opinion that the experience and the expertise of the two judges are much needed by the countrys judicial system. The prime ministers office could not be reached for comment. Residents carry the body of a suspected drug dealer who was killed during an anti-narcotics raid by police in a Manila slum, July 20, 2017. The Philippines on Wednesday defended its anti-drug war from widespread criticism that followed the killings by police of 15 people, including a southern mayor whom President Rodrigo Duterte had declared as being on his list of suspected traffickers. Rights advocates as well as leading public officials, including ex-President Benigno Aquino, questioned Dutertes violent methods, saying these did little to dent the widespread use of narcotics in the country. With all due respect to former president Aquino, the results of [Dutertes] anti-illegal drug campaign speak for themselves, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Comments like the above from past leaders imply a jaded cynicism borne of a history of political opportunism, he stressed. Abella said the campaign had led to the unprecedented voluntary surrender of about 1.3 million drug users and the arrests of more than 96,700 others. This was higher than the 77,800 people arrested in the entire six years of Aquinos presidency, he noted. In one year alone under Dutertes young administration, police have seized more than 2,400 kilos of the banned stimulant methamphetamine hydrochloride compared with about 3,200 kilos during his predecessors entire term, Abella said. Much ground has been gained in the campaign against hard drug traffickers and violators, he said. But the mission is to end the demand, production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs. I cannot build a nation in disarray: Duterte A day earlier, Aquino questioned Dutertes all-out war against drugs, which has led to thousands of suspected small-time pushers and traffickers allegedly being killed at the hands of police and vigilantes. All I can say is during my term, there were some 1.8 million drug users. Now, despite an all-out campaign against drugs, there are still 1.8 million users according to a survey by the government, Aquino said, arguing that despite the bloodshed, illegal drugs remained a huge problem. In a speech to tax collectors on Wednesday, Duterte appeared to bristle at Aquinos comments, saying the former president appeared to belittle the problem that had placed in jeopardy the next generation of the Philippines. I am trying to protect and build a nation. I cannot built a nation in disarray, Duterte said, adding that human rights bodies that have questioned his governments methods were stupid. Deadly raid in south Sundays anti-drugs operation in southern Ozamiz city left 15 people dead, including Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, his wife, Susan, and brother, Octavio. His daughter, Nova Princess, the deputy mayor, was arrested and taken to Manila to face charges of drug trafficking. Duterte had earlier publicly named Parojinogs on his list of 150 politicians, judges and members of the police and military personnel suspected of being involved in drug trafficking. The Parojinogs had denied the accusation. Parojinog was the third mayor on Dutertes drug list to be killed, and national police chief Ronald dela Rosa has vowed that more arrests would follow. The deadly raid came a week after Duterte vowed before Congress that he would carry on with his drug war, as he lambasted local and International rights groups who had questioned his methods. Felipe Villamor in Manila contributed to this report. Health counselor Maiyk Felicitas (right) talks to a man who took a blood test at the Love Yourself Anglo Center in Manila, Dec. 7, 2016. Philippine human rights monitors and public health advocates called on the government Wednesday to allow greater access to condoms and allow sex education in schools to curb an epidemic of the virus that causes AIDS. This came a day after the United Nations reported that the infection rate for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the predominantly Catholic Philippines had become the highest in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the alarming report by the U.N., the government continues to delay the release of proven low-tech and low-cost contraception and intervention programs that could address the spread of the virus among men who have sex with men, said Carlos Conde, a Philippines-based researcher for Human Rights Watch. Conde said the government should immediately remove official obstacles to condom access and usage, as well as ensure schools include safer-sex and HIV-prevention education in the curriculum. The Philippines has recorded the fastest-growing HIV/ADS epidemic in the Asia Pacific region in the past six years, according to the report from the United Nations. It pointed to a 140-percent increase in the number of new infections in the country, from an estimated 4,300 in 2010 to around 10,500 in 2016. The worsening severity of the Philippines HIV epidemic is unquestionable, Conde said. The Philippines government needs to demonstrate its finally willing to adequately address it. The Philippines is Asias bastion of Catholicism in the region, and while Manila and some urban centers are highly modernized, the church still retains considerable influence on daily life and politics. But the church still frowns on contraceptive use, which has been blamed by health advocates as one of the reasons that contribute to the spread of the virus that causes AIDS. Conde said the government should also reactivate programs that would help discourage the sharing of injections and needles among drug users, a growing problem particularly in the central city of Cebu. Dr. Rossana Ditangco, head of the AIDS Research Group at the state-run Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, warned on Monday that we cant control the rapid rise of HIV infection. 140-percent hike The report by UNAIDS showed that in 2016, a majority of new infections, or about 83 percent, was among men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men. The rise in infections in the country the past seven years contrasted with the decreasing or stagnant rates of new infections in other parts of the region, the study said. In fact, the countrys HIV infection rate grew by an alarming 140 percent from 4,300 individuals in 2010 to 10,500 in 2016, Data from the Department of Health matched the UNAIDS numbers. Health officials said this meant that two out of three among men aged 15 to 24 years old who engaged in sex with men had been infected. The Philippines is now one of eight countries that account for more than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the region, according to UNAIDS. The Philippines has a small window of opportunity to act now and stop a major HIV epidemic from taking hold, said Eamonn Murphy, director of UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia-Pacific, in a statement. Sen. Risa Hontiveros, deputy head of the Senate committee on health, expressed alarm at the report and urged the government to immediately declare it as a national emergency. She said stigma remained one of the key reasons for the spread of HIV. The government, she said, must focus its time and resources on this urgent, life and death matter. We cannot afford to lose our young people to this epidemic, Hontiveros told reporters. This is a fight we cannot afford to lose. People in a public square in Pyongyang watch the broadcast of a North Korean test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, July 29, 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called North Koreas leader crazy for pushing the isolated communist states nuclear ambitions, days before diplomats from around East Asia and beyond are to converge in Manila for a regional meeting. In expletive-laced language, Duterte accused Kim Jong Un of playing with dangerous toys that endangered the entire region, referring to recent missile tests by the Pyongyang regime that have drawn international condemnation. That crazy leader. He has a chubby face which looks kind. But son of a bitch, he is a maniac, Duterte said in a speech to tax officials. If he makes a mistake, then the Far East will become an arid land. He added: A nuclear war must be stopped because [if we have] a limited confrontation and it blows up, I tell you, the fallout could deplete the soil and its resources. Duterte is known for a blunt and undiplomatic style, and using foul language to attack leaders of other countries. Last year, he called U.S. President Barack Obama the son of a whore. Dutertes comments against Kim came shortly after United States criticized Pyongyang for testing an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 29, which heightened fears in Washington that North Korea was on track to develop nuclear weapons that could reach the mainland U.S. Last week, according to Filipino diplomats, a North Korean delegation secretly visited Manila in preparation for an upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in the Philippine capital. Duterte is this years chairman of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will mark its 50th anniversary on Aug. 8. Next week, the Philippines will host meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers as well as the ARF, which brings together 27 countries. Apart from all members of the ASEAN bloc, the ARF includes the United States, North Korea, China and other countries. In May, the Philippines said it supported calls for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and encouraged Pyongyang and Seoul to continuously engage in peaceful dialogue. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in Manila, said the North Korean threat had materialized in the ways that we expected it would. We initiated a sustained and continued intensified campaign on what I like to call peaceful pressure, because the options available to us, I think as all of you well understand, are limited, and particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time, Tillerson said. He said the U.S. was seeking to pressure North Koreas regime peacefully, but he emphasized that Washington would never allow it to have the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less to the homeland. Officials in Thailand and Laos said Tuesday they had no information about a missing activist linked with the Thai pro-democracy Red Shirts, while Human Rights Watch called for a full investigation into his alleged abduction in Vientiane over the weekend. Thai activist Wutthipong Kachathamkhun (alias Ko Tee), who was living in exile in Laos since 2014, was allegedly abducted after getting out of a car in the nations capital on Saturday. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported witnesses said they saw 10 armed men dressed in black clothes and balaclavas assault Ko Tee, his wife and a friend as they were about to enter Ko Tees house in Vientiane. The assailants hit and shocked them with stun guns, tied their hands with plastic handcuffs, covered their eyes and gagged their mouths before driving off with Ko Tee. Wuthipongs shocking abduction by armed men in Vientiane needs to be fully investigated; it should not be treated with silence or swept under the rug, HRW Asia director Brad Adams said in a statement Tuesday. The Lao government needs to move quickly to ascertain the facts and publicly report their findings, including an assessment of Wuthipongs whereabouts and who might be responsible for this crime that was so boldly carried out in its own capital city. No details On Tuesday, Thai officials maintained that they had no information on Ko Tees whereabouts. He is aligned with Red Shirt leaders former prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra, who were toppled in military coups in 2006 and 2014, respectively. National Security Council Secretary-General Taweep Netniyom said Thai officials could not confirm whether Ko Tee was alive or still in Laos, the Bangkok Post reported. He might have hid somewhere and sent a rumor or anything to spread among his network that the government did this, the newspaper quoted Taweep as saying. We have been trying to coordinate with Laoss government all along in every way to arrest him. But Laos has not been able to confirm whether Ko Tee has been living in Laos, he added. Reports surfaced on Monday that Ko Tees friends had filed a missing person report at a local police station. Police in Vientiane said they had no information on Ko Tees status, according to Radio Free Asias Laos service, a sister entity of BenarNews. Ko Tee has lived in Laos since June 2014 after he refused to obey a summons from the Thai junta for so-called attitude adjustment. Since taking power following a coup in May 2014, the regime of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has summoned politicians and reporters who spoke out against the junta for attitude adjustment detention sessions. HRW request In addition to calling for an investigation into Ko Tees disappearance, HRW said the Lao government of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who took office in April 2016, had repeatedly failed to respond to the countrys serious human rights problems. In June 2016, Itthipol Sukpaen, an exiled Thai activist who broadcasted anti-monarchy radio programs, vanished in Vientiane. The Lao government failed to conduct a serious investigation, HRW said in a posting on its website. The New York-based global rights watchdog also called on Laos to permit the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to open an office in Vientiane in order to provide protection for people fleeing political persecution in Thailand and elsewhere. Former Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat waves to supporters as he enters the court house to hear the verdict on charges related to the deaths of two demonstrators in 2008, Aug. 2, 2017. Thailands Supreme Court on Wednesday declared former prime ministers Somchai Wongsawat and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, along with two associates, not guilty of causing the deaths of two people and injuries to nearly 500 more during protests at parliament in 2008. A nine-judge panel ruled for Somchai, the 69-year-old brother-in-law of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the three other defendants, saying the demonstration was not peaceful and therefore was not constitutionally protected. The two demonstrators were killed when riot-control police fired tear gas into the crowd that had stormed the parliamentary grounds on Oct. 7, 2008, when Somchai served as prime minister. The demonstrators aroused their fellows to besiege the parliament compound, therefore they were not peaceful. ... The defendants did not have any intention to order the police force to harm or cause fatality among demonstrators, one of the judges read from the verdict. The verdict stated that anti-riot police dispersed the demonstrators properly and they could not predict the level of damage that tear gas could cause in such a tense situation. Prosecutors have a month to consider appealing the verdict. Somchai and Chavalit, who served as his deputy, along with then-National Police Bureau chief Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan and then-Metropolitan Police commander Lt. Gen. Suchart Meaunkhaew co-ordered officers to disperse members of the Yellow Shirts or the Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who surrounded the parliamentary compound on that day on October 2008, the court found. Yellow Shirt members are loyal to royalists including the junta, which seized control of the government in a May 2014 coup, while Red Shirts, a pro-democracy group, align with Somchai and others linked to Thaksin. Chavalit served as prime minister during the Asian economic crisis of 1997, and Patcharawat is a younger brother of current Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan. The four men left the courthouse through backdoors after the verdict, and were greeted by a few dozen Yellow Shirt supporters who booed and chanted: Murderers, murderers! Police shot at me with tear gas Before the verdict was handed down, a man who had been in front of the Metropolitan Police Bureau near parliament on Oct. 7, 2008, described how an explosion from a tear-gas canister tore off his right leg. The police shot at me with tear gas. They did not give us a warning. I have waited years to learn whether the court would find them guilty, Tee Saetiew, 73, told BenarNews. PAD leader Weera Somkwamkid said the acquittal could be used to set a standard for crowd control. This verdict might set a standard in which authorities are not guilty for controlling demonstrators. People would not dare protest in the future, he told BenarNews. Tee Saetiew (center) who lost his right leg in the 2008 crackdown, speaks to defendant Suchart Meaunkhaew (in suit), prior to the verdict, Aug. 2, 2017. (Nontarat Phaicharoen/Benar News) Turbulent politics Thailand has been through two dozen coups since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. Thaksin took power in 2001, but was booted out by a military coup five years later, after being accused of corruption and disrespecting the monarchy. After he was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison in 2008 for graft tied to a land purchase, his Thai Rak Thai Party disbanded and he has been in exile abroad since. Thaksin and his successors capitalized on popular policies to gain support from grass roots people including farmers who represent more than half of eligible voters. After an interim military-sponsored government ended and the country held new elections in 2007, the party returned as the People Power Party. Two party leaders became prime minister Samak Sundaravej followed by Somchai but both were forced to resign. Somchai replaced Samak on Sept. 18, 2008, but his term in office lasted only 75 days. Somchai, who married Thaksins sister, met with protests by thousands of conservative PAD demonstrators, who accused him of being the former prime ministers puppet. As he prepared to give a speech to parliament on the morning of Oct. 7, 2008, Yellow Shirt protesters stormed the compound. Anti-riot police were able to escort cabinet members and parliamentarians into the parliament. The officials ended up trapped while protesters tried to break in, forcing the officials to flee over a back fence. Meanwhile, police efforts to disperse the crowd lasted for hours and left two people dead and 471 injured, according to the government. Yellow Shirt supporters said a dozen people died. Yingluck Shinawatra, a younger sister of Thaksin, was elected prime minister in 2011, but was forced from office by a military coup in 2014. She faces a verdict on Aug. 25 on charges of criminal negligence related to a multi-billion-dollar rice-subsidy scheme, which her government had implemented and could face 10 years in prison, if convicted. After an 18-year run in Goose Creek and unforeseen challenges presented by COVID-19, Dreamalot Books has gradually but decidedly gained a steady foothold in the Moncks Corner community as a welcoming haven of second-hand books for both area bibliophiles and those traveling in from Myrtle Read moreThe 'happy place' for used books: Dreamalot Books emerging as a go-to hot spot in Moncks Corner ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. Dr. Sri Kolla spent an intensive four months teaching and researching as a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar, traveling from the far south of India to the heights of Nepal. With everyones support at my host institution, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, India, and at my home institution Bowling Green State University, I was able to accomplish many things during this semester-long visit, said Kolla, a professor of electronics and computer engineering technology. His fellowship grant, Smart Grid: Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Electric Energy Systems Operation and Control, included teaching a full-semester graduate course on Selected Topics in Integrated Power Systems, in Bangalore and organizing and co-teaching a short-term course, Topics in Control, Operation and Protection of Power Systems, which was attended by about 20 faculty members from a number of Indian engineering colleges. Kolla is a sought-after presenter and speaker for his expertise in the application of artificial intelligence to smart electrical grids, an increasingly important topic as the need for dependable and reliable energy expands. During his fellowship, he gave guest lectures at two Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campuses, four other universities and colleges in India and at two universities in Nepal. For Kolla, having the opportunity to visit colleges in small towns in addition to working at the highly prestigious Indian Institute of Science was one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. When the faculty at an engineering college in a small town called Vizianagaram came to know that I was visiting IISc as a Fulbright-Nehru scholar, they approached me to deliver a lecture in a workshop, he said. It is most fulfilling for me to visit a college in a small town in addition to reputed IITs and share my knowledge in the contemporary areas for the benefit of their students and faculty. He also interacted with researchers at government labs and industries in and India and Nepal on developing systems that properly control and protect the electrical power network. With additional funding from a South Central Asia travel grant, he met in Kathmandu, Nepal, with representatives from power industries, the Nepal Electricity Authority, Fulbright alumni, U.S. Embassy representatives and Nepal Fulbright Commission representatives on Smart Grid at Innovationhub@AmericanSpaces, located in the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries Office. Some of his activities were covered by local media in both countries. In addition to teaching, advising and giving guest lectures, Kolla continued his research into the application of artificial intelligence techniques to smart electric grid control and protection, with a focus on the application of machine learning and cyber physical system techniques. He will continue his collaborations with IISc colleagues, which he developed during his first Fulbright-Nehru Scholar stay at the institute, in 2008-09. 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! For Immediate Release, August 2, 2017 Contact:Jonathan Evans, (213) 598-1466, jevans@biologicaldiversity.org Stronger Protections Urged for Pacific Fishers, Other Rare Wildlife, From Expanding California Marijuana Industry More Robust Oversight of Water, Energy, Rodenticide Use by Pot Growers Required Under Measure 64 SACRAMENTO, Calif. As California officials begin work this week to finalize environmental oversight of recreational pot growing, conservation groups are calling for stronger protections for imperiled Pacific fishers, spotted owls and other rare wildlife. Following voter approval last year of Measure 64, which allows personal production and use of marijuana, the state was required to create strict environmental measures to regulate pot growers use of pesticides, water and energy. But the draft regulations and environmental plan released by the California Department of Food and Agriculture leave loopholes allowing the use of dangerous pesticides and fail to adequately assess the broad impacts of projected increases in water, energy and rodenticide use, according to comments filed this week by the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Protection Information Center, Sequoia Forestkeeper and Preserve Wild Santee. We cant allow the expanding pot industry to snuff out imperiled wildlife like Pacific fishers, said Jonathan Evans, environmental health legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Some growers have already eliminated unnecessary poisons to control rodents and are taking steps to conserve water and energy, but the state has to make sure that all growers are behaving responsibly. Under the terms of the measure, also known as The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, state regulators are required to crack down on the illegal use of water and provide funds to restore lands damaged by illegal marijuana grows. These protections are critical because the environmental damage from marijuana cultivation continues to increase, and unlawful water diversions for marijuana irrigation are harming salmon, steelhead and other wildlife species that are already on the brink. By dramatically underestimating the likely increase in demand of marijuana products, the draft environmental impact report incorrectly suggests that marijuana cultivation in California will remain relatively constant. It fails to offer a realistic projection of the likely increase in indoor grow operations and the corresponding increase in use of power, rodenticides and water diversions, the groups say. Voters approving recreational pot didnt want a free-for-all, said Evans. They demanded that we fix the broad harms to waterways and wildlife caused by the states unregulated marijuana growers and that we put aggressive regulations in place to eliminate those harms moving forward. This plan doesnt do that. The environmental analysis fails to sufficiently address the effects of rodenticide use on wildlife, the groups say. Rodenticides recklessly used to protect marijuana grow operations have killed nontarget wildlife, including imperiled species, that have ingested the poisons or eaten a poisoned rodent. Of particular concern are the Pacific fisher, a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act, and the northern spotted owl, a federally protected species that is also a candidate species for state protection. Additional affected species in California include mountain lions, endangered San Joaquin kit foxes, Alameda whipsnakes, hawks and eagles, and rodents, including the salt marsh harvest mouse. For the sake of Californias waterways and wildlife, we want to make sure that Measure 64 is a success, said Evans. Other states will follow Californias lead, so we need to get this right and lay down a sustainable plan that protects the environment we all share. For Immediate Release, August 1, 2017 Contact: Taylor McKinnon, Center for Biological Diversity, (801) 300-2414, tmckinnon@biologicaldiversity.org Nathan Johnson, Ohio Environmental Council, (614) 487-5841, NJohnson@theOEC.org Jen Miller, Sierra Club Ohio Chapter, (614) 461-0734 x 300 jen.miller@sierraclub.org Tabitha Tripp, Heartwood, (812) 307-4326, info@heartwood.org Protest Challenges Fracking Plan for Ohio's Only National Forest Feds Ignore Rover Pipeline Connection, Danger to Wildlife, Ohio River COLUMBUS, Ohio Conservation groups have filed an administrative protest challenging the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's plan for a September auction of three parcels in Ohio's only national forest for oil and gas leasing. The parcels are adjacent to the Rover Pipeline. The protest, filed Monday, targets the BLM's failure to adequately analyze the impacts of fracking and pipelines on watersheds, forests and endangered species and its decision to open portions of the Wayne National Forest to fracking. Construction of the Rover Pipeline, which could transport fracked gas from the Wayne, has been halted because of spills and numerous safety and environmental violations. We're protesting this dangerous fracking plan because drinking water safety and public lands should come before corporate profits, said Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity. The Ohio and Little Muskingum rivers provide precious water to millions of people in Ohio and downstream states. Pollution from fracking and faulty pipelines would be disastrous for the people who depend on this water. Fracking would industrialize Ohio's only national forest with roads, well pads and gas lines. The infrastructure would threaten or destroy habitat for threatened and endangered species and damage watersheds and water supplies within and beyond the national forest. In 2014 a well pad caught fire in Monroe County, resulting in the contamination of a creek near the forest; wastewater and fracking chemicals spilled into Opossum Creek an Ohio River tributary killing 70,000 fish over a five-mile stretch. The Wayne National Forest is a place for families to hike, hunt, fish, camp and enjoy nature. Toxic air pollution and pipeline corridors don't square with those values, said Nathan Johnson, public lands director with the Ohio Environmental Council. Oil and gas development is a threat to the public's enjoyment of this special place, and the Ohio Environmental Council is committed to ensuring the Wayne National Forest is available for future generations of Ohioans. "The co-conspiring of federal, state and local agencies to do the bidding of fossil fuel and energy companies while abdicating themselves from following federal and state laws is disgusting, says Tabitha Tripp, spokesperson for Heartwood. "Incomplete and flawed environmental assessments not only place public health and safety at colossal risks, but leave a legacy of morbid consequences to our children and the environment. Conservation groups filed protests challenging BLM oil and gas lease sales in December and March. In May the groups sued the BLM and other federal agencies for failing to protect endangered species and analyze other environmental impacts before opening the Wayne to fracking. In total about 40,000 acres of the Wayne National Forest are available for fracking. The Wayne is Ohio's only national forest and it belongs to the people. As one of our last vestiges of wilderness, it should be preserved for generations to come instead of serving as a profit center for the fossil fuel industry, said Jen Miller, director of the Sierra Club's Ohio Chapter. We call on the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to immediately stop the irreparable harm that industrial fracking and the dangerous ETP Rover Pipeline will invariably cause. Download a copy of today's protest here. Download a copy of the May lawsuit here. Download a map of Wayne National Forest fracking plan and Rover Pipeline route here. Images of the Wayne National Forest are available for media use here. Download a factsheet about Wayne National Forest fracking here. Starting your day with a cup of mushroom coffee can give a much-needed twist to your daily regimen. Many speak of its benefits, and some even prefer it to regular coffee. But given its unique The startup will deploy its technology and capitalize on the network created by this agency in Bengaluru. Health technology startup Click2Clinic has acquired Home Health Care, an agency which offers home health care services in Bengaluru, for approximately Rs 4 crore in an all-stock deal. The startup, which is an aggregator of hospitals, clinics, diagnostics, pharmacy, ambulance services and allied health services, will deploy its technology and capitalize on the network created by this agency in Bengaluru. Founded by Punnam and Dr. Murali Bharadwaj in the United States, the company is now looking to raise $1 million for an aggressive expansion into Indian cities. The company also forayed into Malaysian markets recently and plans to extend their presence in other countries including Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh by the end of this year. Click2Clinic, which has raised approximately Rs 6 crore in the past, also launched a health application Clinicopedia, which enables connects home health services and patients. Though Bhargava had ceased to be an active researcher for over 20 years, he remained engaged with issues in science and policy. Veteran molecular biologist and a vehement critic of genetically modified crops, Pushpa Mittra Bhargava, died at 89 in Hyderabad. Though Bhargava had ceased to be an active researcher for over 20 years, he remained engaged with issues in science and policy. A strident critic of multinational seed companies, Bhargava was opposed to the introduction of genetically modified crops from cotton to brinjal and, most recently, transgenic mustard in India. His argument was that these crops posed health hazards and required decades more of tests before possible clearance. He had led what came to be called the Award Wapsi programme in 2015 when scientists and litterateurs returned their awards against what they called rising tide of intolerance in the country. Bhargava was chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Bill 2013. The Bill was the culmination of a 15-year struggle as he mobilised and marshalled support by meeting legislators and policy makers. The draft Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2016. However, Bhargava opposed the ban on surrogacy, instead calling for protection of the rights of surrogate mothers. Bhargava was also vice-chairman of the National Knowledge Commission. In his role as a founder director of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), he also invigorated the art scene in Hyderabad by inviting artistes from across the country and creating a residency programme. Ghana's AGOA strategy aims to boost jobs and private sector growth. Ghana began developing an AGOA Strategy last year, following the renewal of AGOA for a 10-year period (2015 to 2025) by the US Congress. niroworld via 123RF US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson joined officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry at a validation workshop on Ghanas African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Strategy. The meeting brought producers, processors and exporters together with customs and government officials to discuss the implementation of Ghanas AGOA Strategy, which aims to helps Ghanaian companies take advantage of AGOA, a trade preference provided by the US government to African countries allowing duty-free access to certain goods. Ghana began developing the AGOA Strategy last year, following the renewal of AGOA for a 10-year period (2015 to 2025) by the US Congress. The strategy builds on Ghanas National Export Strategy, which seeks to double the countrys non-traditional export earnings to $5 billion per year. The AGOA Strategy aims to enable Ghana to make maximum use of opportunities under AGOA, with an emphasis on intensifying export development and diversification, a key initiative of the Government of Ghanas 10-point Integrated Industrial Transformation Agenda. It identifies Ghanaian industries with the greatest potential to benefit from AGOA. These industries include apparel, fisheries, horticulture, tropical fruits, specialty vegetables, root crops, vegetable fats (palm oil and shea butter), cocoa, handicrafts, and jewellery. USAID works with the Ghanaian government and private sector to target key barriers to trade and investment and promote regional integration and trade competitiveness. Successful implementation of the strategy will require collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and its agencies, notably the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, the Free Zones Board and Ghana Standards Authority. Collaboration is also required with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority under the Ministry of Finance; Food and Drugs Authority; and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre will play a key role in attracting foreign direct investment and implementing the strategy. USAID works with the Ghanaian government and private sector to target key barriers to trade and investment and promote regional integration and trade competitiveness. It seeks to increase intra-regional African trade and exports to the United States and reduce the time it takes to import or export from ports to land-locked interiors on the continent. LAGOS, Nigeria: Nigeria is the third country in Africa to adopt the innovative what3words' digital address system to increase the number of homes it can deliver to and improve delivery services in preparation for the take-off of Nigerian ecommerce. Bisi Adegbuyi and Chris Sheldrick Nigerias postal service, NIPOST, has just announced its adoption of the innovative global addressing system what3words. Nigeria is the seventh country to adopt what3words, and the third in Africa. The system is already being used for mail deliveries in Mongolia, Sint Maarten, Cote dIvoire, Djibouti, Tonga and Solomon Islands. Nigeria is Africas largest economy and its most populous country with approximately 184 million inhabitants. It has the seventh largest population in the world. Nigerias poor addressing system means that only 20% of its inhabitants receive mail at home: 79% of homes and businesses cannot receive deliveries to the door, and the remaining 1% receive their mail using one of the 478,000 P.O. boxes throughout the country. A postcode system does exist, but only 5% of mail gets properly addressed with the postcode, hampering the efforts of NIPOST to improve its quality of service. Addressing the solution Determined to improve this situation, NIPOST has set itself the ambitious target of increasing home delivery to 70% within the next two years and 90% by 2020 through the Mail for Every House Initiative (MEHI), and has adopted what3words to help it achieve these goals. The innovative global addressing system has divided the world into 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique three word address. It means that every home and business in Nigeria has a simple and accurate address that is easy to remember and to use. For example, the three words, bracelets.hesitations.mutes refers to the exact 3m x 3m square at the entrance to the main post office in Nigerias capital, Abuja. what3words is an innovative global addressing system. It has divided the world in 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique three word address. Three word addresses are easy to remember, and to share via email, text or over the phone. Available in 14 languages, with many more currently in development, what3words is used in over 170 countries by governments, postal services, logistics companies, emergency services and NGOs, as well as individuals. It is more accurate than traditional street addresses, simpler than landmark-based directions, and easier to remember and communicate than GPS coordinates. The system has built-in error detection and is available through a free mobile app and API integration. The system even works offline, without a data connection. We are very pleased to be collaborating with what3words as an addressing solution with huge potential to unlock opportunities, said Bisi Adegbuyi, Nigerias postmaster general. Better addressing is a key to NIPOSTs agenda, which aims to transform, innovate, and deliver more services to more people all over the country. Ecommerce potential Young people make up 62% of Nigerias population, and this is reflected in the significant increase in cross border ecommerce in the country; 53,612 parcels and packets were handled in 2016 (about 200 per day) which is up 70% since 2014. The ecommerce market is currently worth $12 billion, but there is still huge potential for growth. With improvements to infrastructure, innovation around payment systems and a reliable addressing system, Nigerian ecommerce could be set to take off at an incredible scale. With a rapidly growing ecommerce ecosystem, Nigeria is a very exciting country to be working with, said Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words. Postal services have a critical role in building a strong economy and NIPOST are firmly focused on the future, and are taking steps to modernise and grow their capacity and range of services. The annual SAB Environmental Media Awards and Environmentalist of the Year 2017 is open for entries. The awards, now in its 29th year, were started by the late conservationist Dr Ian Player to recognise members of the media who have excelled in reporting on environmental matters in video, audio and written media as well as photography over the past year. The Nick Steele Memorial Award for Environmentalist of the Year acknowledges individuals who have gone above and beyond to look after the environment. The categories for the SAB Environmental Media and Environmentalist of the Year 2017 are as follows: Written Media Award (print and online) Photography Award (print and online) Video Media Award (television and online) Audio Media Award (radio and online) The Macqubu Ntombela and Ian Player Cub Award for environmental journalists with less than two years' experience in the industry Nick Steele Memorial Award for the Environmentalist of the Year Entrants for the SAB Environmental Media Awards and Environmentalist of the Year 2017 should submit work produced between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 through the awards portal at www.sabenviromedia.co.za. All main category winners will receive a cash prize of R25,000 while merit winners each receive R3,000. The winner of the Magqubu Ntombela and Ian Player Cub Award will receive R15,000 prize money. The Nick Steele Memorial Award winner will receive R25,000. Over the years, these awards have served as a window to the state of the environment in South Africa and we look forward to seeing, hearing and reading this years entries, says Robyn Chalmers, director communications, AB InBev Africa and SAB. Members of the media and the public can also motivate their nominee for the Environmentalist of the Year via the website. Entries are open and will close at 5pm on Friday, 1 September 2017. The Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival will once again be a celebration of technology, creativity, collaboration, and innovation from across the African continent. It takes place from 6-16 September 2017 under the theme Brave tech hearts beat as one'. From the isiZulu term meaning add power or put on the electricity, Fakugesi acts as a platform that brings together diverse digital and technology sectors to collaborate and share skills in technology innovation and digital media. The Tshimologong Precinct located at 47 Juta Street in Braamfontein will be at the heart of festivities to include opportunities for attendees to meet, play and share at a variety of seminars, talks, exhibitions, workshops, hackathons, music, films, artists, games, innovation riots, and much more. Now in its fourth year, Fakugesi was originally founded by Prof Christo Doherty and Tegan Bristow from Wits Digital Arts, together with Prof Barry Dwolatzky from the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE). Key events 8 September: Digital Africa Exhibition Opening and Festival Launch 8-10 September: Making Weekend, a free workshop programme to promote and celebrate skills development and skills exchange in the digital and technological space, catering to a variety of ages and experience levels. This will include a special focus on community driven urban design via Mixed Reality and Minecraft with Ericsson, UN Habitat and the City of Johannesburg. 11-13 September: Daring Curating, International Forum for Art and Technology in Africa, drawing the festivals theme of bravery and collaboration, this forum brings together practitioners at all levels of professional experience to debate issues around curating art and technology in Africa. 13-16 September: A Maze, welcomes African and international game developers, digital artists, forward thinkers, entrepreneurs, and digital activists to South Africa to exchange tools, skills, and ideas in the fields of independent games and playful media. 14 September: Fakugesi Conference, this one-day event will highlight the important conversations on the role of collaboration and interdisciplinary practice for creativity, technology and innovation in Africa. 16 September: Fakugesi Beats Bloc Party, curated by We Heart Beat and featuring ColabNowNow by British Council ConnectZA together with Canada 150. ABC/Randy HolmesLinkin Park fans will hold a memorial for Chester Bennington at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 12, the same day the band was scheduled to play the venue on their now-canceled North American tour. "Linkin Park created a sense of community among its fans, and we want to open our arms to you, whether you were a fan or not,"organizers write on the event's Facebook page. "Help us remember an amazing humanitarian and spread awareness for a cause so many of us struggle with. Come join our family." The memorial also aims to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. To cover the costs of the event, organizers have set up a GoFundMe account. Any extra funds raised beyond what's needed will be donated to the Linkin Park-founded charity Music for Relief. Linkin Park was scheduled to kick off a North American headlining tour in support of their new album One More Light last Thursday, July 27 in Boston. Bennington died by suicide on July 20, and the band canceled the tour the next day. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Kenya is experiencing an upsurge of cholera cases since the beginning of the year. The first cholera outbreak reported in 2017 was in Tana River County. The outbreak started on 10 October 2016 and was controlled by April 2017, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report. A second wave of cholera outbreaks started in Garissa County on 2 April 2017 and was reported later in nine other counties including Nairobi, Muranga, Vihiga, Mombasa, Turkana, Kericho, Nakuru, Kiambu, and Narok. The outbreak is being reported in the general population and in refugee camps. In Garissa County, the outbreak is affecting mainly Dadaab refugee camps and cases and deaths are being reported from Hagadera, Dagahaleh, and IFO2 camps. In Turkana county, the disease is also affecting Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps. In addition to the outbreak reported in the general population, there have been two point source cholera outbreaks in Nairobi County. One occurred among participants attending a conference in a Nairobi hotel on 22 June 2017. A total of 146 patients associated with this outbreak have been treated in different hospitals in Nairobi. A second outbreak occurred at the China Trade Fair held at the KICC Tsavo Ball between 10 and 12 July 2017. A total of 136 cases were reported and one death. Currently, the outbreak is active in two counties, namely Garissa and Nairobi. As of 17 July 2017, a total of 1,216 suspected cases including 14 deaths (case fatality rate: 1.2%) have been reported since 1 January 2017. In the week ending 16 July 2017, a total of 38 cases with no deaths were reported. A total of 124 cases tested positive for Vibrio cholerae in the reference laboratory. In the week ending 25 June 2017, 18 samples out of 25 tested positive for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa by culture at the National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi. The main causative factors of the current outbreak include the high population density that is conducive to the propagation and spread of the disease, mass gatherings (a wedding party held in Karen and in a hotel during an international conference), low access to safe water and proper sanitation and the massive population movements in country and with neighbouring countries. Since December 2014, the Republic of Kenya has been experiencing continuous large outbreaks of cholera, with a cumulative total of 17,597 cases reported (10,568 cases reported in 2015 and 6,448 in 2016). Public health response The country has activated the national task force to coordinate the response to the outbreak. Since January 2017, WHO and partners are providing technical support to the country for the control of the outbreak. The country will develop a response plan with focus on the preparedness interventions to avert further spread of the outbreak. The WHO country office will repurpose its staff members and experts deployed in Nairobi for the management of the post El Nino effects in the Horn of Africa to support the quick control of this outbreak. WHO will also support the five most at risk counties with disease surveillance and response coordination. Partners on the ground are committed to provide support to the ongoing response efforts including support to primary health care and social mobilisation by United Nations Childrens Fund (Unicef). WHO risk assessment The risk of the current outbreak is assessed as high at national and regional levels and moderate at global level. The outbreak occurred in the context of a sub-regional drought, conflicts and insecurity in the Horn of Africa. In addition, the outbreak is affecting the densely populated capital city Nairobi, and two large refugee camps (Kakuma and Dadaab) with massive population movements within country and between neighbouring countries. Previous large outbreaks in the Republic of Kenya have originated from similar settings, and the risk for propagation of cholera within the affected area as well as to other parts of the country is high. The country has identified a limited capacity for response and low access to safe water. There is an opportunity to implement early preparedness and response measures to contain the outbreak and prevent spread. The current outbreaks linked to mass gathering activities poses additional risk of food safety as well as the need to conduct sanitary inspection in restaurants and hotels. Liberty 2 Degrees (L2D), which is the Liberty Group's listed property vehicle, says it is improving the tenant mix at a number of its malls as it looks to tackle a weak retail environment across the country. Melrose Arch New restaurant tenants form the thrust of the strategy, says CEO Amelia Beattie. US poultry chain Popeye's Chicken will open its first branch at Sandton City later in 2017. Septimo will launch at Nelson Mandela Square and South African burger group RocoMamas will be a halaal offering at the centre. Popeye's Chicken is also opening at Eastgate along with Starbucks. L2D released its first set of interim financial results, for the six months to June, on Monday, in which it declared a distribution of 30c per share. Its net asset value per share grew 3.1% during the reporting period. Its investment properties increased R84m in value while its portfolio vacancy rate fell from 4.6% at the end of December 2016 to 3.3%. But the market has been unimpressed by L2D since it listed in December 2016. The group's share price is down about 9.5% year to date. L2D had exposure to the Sandton City complex, the Eastgate complex, Melrose Arch, Liberty Midlands Mall and Nelson Mandela Square at the end of the reporting period. Some investors had been unhappy that L2D had not included more of the Liberty Group's total R30bn property portfolio in the L2D. But post the reporting period, Liberty Group had sold its undivided shares of properties it co-owned pursuant to Liberty exercising a put option granted by L2D when it listed. Before exercising the put option, L2D owned 22% of the Liberty Group's R30bn property portfolio. After the put option, L2D will own 31%. Some fund managers believe L2D being managed externally may end up out of shareholders' favour. Jay Padayatchi, executive director at Meago Asset Management, said while there was "no doubting the quality... of the assets", its corporate structure remained cause for concern. Source: Business Day A mentorship programme to address gender and transformation in the renewable energy sector has been initiated by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). The WindAc Africa Mentoring Programme seeks to promote the professional and personal development of female and male students with exclusively female mentors. Noupoort wind farm Transformation of the four-year-old SA renewable sector requires specific programmes focused on actively addressing the value chain within renewable power. This programme aims to contribute to the work of changing the leadership of the industry over time. It is part of SAWEAs commitment to actively working to drive the transformation agenda within the renewables industry, explained Brenda Martin, CEO of SAWEA. The structure of the mentoring programme includes matching mentors with mentees, establishing mutual commitments of time, and ongoing advisory and guidance. The first cohort of mentors and mentees will be announced at the WindAc conference on 14-15 November in Cape Town. The Graduate School of Business (GSB) of the University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched the MTN Solution Space in Philippi Village, brings the university's business resources directly to the communities of Philippi, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. With the launch of its first community campus in Philippi Village, the GSB has begun to achieve its long-term goal of getting stakeholders and students to interact beyond the traditional spaces of the university. Philippi Village is set at the site of the old cement factory, a mixed-use 6,000 m2 entrepreneurial development zone situated at the intersection of five of Cape Town's largest townships. Situated 22km from the city centre, the area has a large youth population and high unemployment. New model The development is a joint investment by the Bertha Foundation for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (founding sponsor of the GSBs Bertha Centre) and the Jobs Fund, with the vision to create economic opportunities for those who are excluded from mainstream development. The Philippi campus offers students, alumni, clients and local entrepreneurs a place to meet and engage. It is a new model for the traditional university space a two-way engagement between UCT and the community. We hope that we bring together people from all walks of life to create an engaging platform to have rich and authentic discussions and to facilitate new connections that wouldnt normally take place, says Solution Space manager, Sarah-Anne Arnold. South Africa needs spaces like these, where collaborative conversations lead to seeds of change and solutions that we need and want. For GSB director Associate Professor Mills Soko, the Philippi campus fulfils an important goal: deepening roots in the community and the GSBs relevance as an African business school while developing more socially relevant solutions to African challenges. The GSB is widely regarded as the leading business school in Africa, but its location at the V&A Waterfront is far from representative of the reality that the vast majority of South Africans face every day. This intention has a physical expression. The old Philippi cement factory serves as a frame for the new building, described as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship involving the community, private stakeholders, donors, corporate parties and university students. The aim is to reverse the exodus of resources from these townships to the CBD. Students from Breakwater campus go to Philippi Though the GSBs Solution Space at Philippi Village has been operating for a year, the 24 July launch also spotlighted the businesses and initiatives that have started there. Creating awareness about the possibilities for collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship that exist in the space, continues Arnold. Students at the GSBs Breakwater campus at the V&A Waterfront attend courses at the Philippi campus. Soko believes, This transfer is essential if students are to become comfortable with uncertainty and paradox in a complex and fast-changing world. Here at Philippi Village, we get to practise what we preach. The reality is that we live in a thoroughly divided country and city from a geographical perspective and that creates a divide in understanding, in connections and in networks and our presence in Philippi seeks to bridge that. Being here helps our students to develop empathy and resilience and to open their eyes to wider perspectives all of which are vital attributes for the modern leader, especially one operating in an emerging market. Soko believes that the GSB is able to be more inclusive and involved in developing social innovations by working directly with entrepreneurs in the community. Arnold adds, We see this as a development that tries to create different possibilities for all types of organisations. There is a container walk on the perimeter that is front facing for visitors and clients walking by, which, in some ways, I s the first step for an entrepreneur to up their business and have access to infrastructure. Being here helps our students to develop empathy and resilience and to open their eyes to wider perspectives. Mixed space The Solution Space does not see its role as that of a typical tenant in Philippi Village. In our first year weve prioritised getting to know what the other organisations are doing and whats working and whats not, what the communitys needs are, and from there focus our priorities and programmes. Whats exciting about this development is that there is a huge range of opportunities for different individuals to get involved. On the ground floor is a range of walk-in centres that assist youth, entrepreneurs and small businesses. For example, the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator helps youths land their first job. Likewise, the public library offers access to the internet, books and knowledge and the different activities that take place. There are also small offices and space available for entrepreneurs to rent. As a business incubator, the Solution Space currently hosts three ventures-in-residence, all addressing different community needs. Blue Door works in early childhood development; Lakheni looks at bulk buying goods for community households; and Discover Ikasi promotes township tourism. With its campus set up with workspaces, lecture venue, lounge and meeting areas, the Solution Space also provides spaces for creative thinking on entrepreneurship and technology. More than 100 workshops and educational programmes have been held there in their first year. Participants and visitors have included the World Bank, Columbia University, the University of Warwick, George Washington University and Esade Business School. We run programmes that give them new perspectives on the work theyre doing; new insights they might not necessarily have thought of sitting in the Waterfront, Arnold adds. More recently, a group of students participating in the GSBs MPhil in Inclusive Innovation programme got together with 15 local entrepreneurs and the World Bank to discuss what inclusive means and looks like. Share craziest ideas Arnolds team shares this enthusiasm. Solution Space programme coordinator Ndileka Zantsi previously worked as an entrepreneur and consultant and has run several community development projects. The Solution Space provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and the community; its a space for collaboration and where we can create a platform to link organisations and work together to develop the community. Solution Space Liaison officer Simnikiwe Xanga says her job is to create connections with everyone who enters their doors, whether schoolchildren, visitors or community entrepreneurs. The thing I enjoy most is that you get to form amazing relationships. In the small town that I come from [Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape] you learn that relationships are key. And from the outset coming to Philippi was to get to know the people from here and the entrepreneurs and organisations that are based here. Speaking from a third-floor perch, Solution Space marketer Sivu Nomana said, The first time I came here I couldnt wait to get a view of the whole township. That really touches me that I am here working in this community. My job is about meeting different personalities, sharing ideas and connecting, and trying to bridge gaps the community faces, and which bring about social innovation, trying to make things work better. What I love about our youth is that everyone is self-sufficient and self-driven and the fact that we have this space here does try to assist people that are from here to work best for this community. Another thing were trying to drive is to be a space where everyone can be themselves and share their craziest ideas. Were up for that, as long as you are driven to bring about change to your community. PARIS - A dispute among developers of virtual currency Bitcoin gave birth to a new version of the crypto coin after they failed to agree on software changes. Bitcoin, which is created or "mined" from computer code and not regulated or backed by nation's central bank, can be used to pay for a variety of products and services online and increasingly in real shops. Miners run a digital ledger, known as the blockchain, which keeps a theoretically unhackable record of transactions. But some developers have grown impatient with the original technical protocols for the currency since its 2009 launch that limit the number of transactions. A group backing a new protocol allowing for an increase in the volume of transactions that can be processed by the increasingly popular currency have broken away and created a new variant -- Bitcoin Cash. Bitcoin's value has been extremely volatile but recent months have seen the peer-to-peer traded virtual commodity close in on the $3,000 mark. Following the announcement its market value was almost unchanged at $2,775.03 (2,347.37) according to data compiled by Bloomberg, which collates readings from the crypto unit's largest exchanges. That compares to an all-time high on June 12 of $2,999.97 -- that equating to a 222 percent rise on the start of the year. By contrast the new unit was trading on the futures market at around $300. Among a flood of other virtual coins to come into being in recent years are ethereum, launched in July 2015, and zcash, launched last October. NYATIKE, Kenya - In the fields visible from the bumpy dirt road leading to Ongare Owuoda's home, acres of maize plants with sagging leaves suggest farmers here will reap a poor harvest this season. Owuoda, however, is not worried. "I am relying on my green gram harvest this season," said the farmer in southwest Kenya. "I do not expect much (harvest) from my maize crop because it has all been damaged by the pest." An infestation of crop-eating caterpillars known as Fall armyworm has ravaged harvests in Kenya and neighbouring countries, exacerbating damage already caused by prolonged drought. James Ndanda, a government agricultural officer, estimates that about 40 percent of farms in western Kenya have been affected by the pest. "Farmers will get a poor maize harvest this season," he predicted. "That could lead to food insecurity as the region is a big producer of maize." Better odds To protect themselves from total crop failure, Owuoda and over 50 other farmers in Nyatike village grow pulses alongside their traditional crops like maize - a practice known as intercropping. "I grow green gram with maize so that if one crop fails I can get a harvest from the other," he explained. His three acres of maize are infested with the Fall armyworm, while his one acre of green gram - also known as mung bean - is so far intact. Other farmers in the village have diversified their production, some by growing soy beans as well as mung bean, and many said they expect to reap at least one harvest despite the drought. But about 20km (12 miles) from Owuoda's farm, George Onyango is not expecting a good harvest. Almost all of his 10 acres of maize have been destroyed by armyworm. During a good harvest, he can get 200 bags of maize and sell it for 100,000 Kenyan shillings (about $1,000), he said. A bad harvest gives him less than half of this. "I am not sure how I will feed my family and pay school fees for the rest of the year," he said. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, about 143,000 hectares (350,000 acres) of land have been affected by the pest in the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza regions of Kenya. Ndanda, who through the government trains farmers in western Kenya on better farming practices, said farmers need to diversify their production to avoid losses caused by repeated pest attacks on maize. "We want to avoid dependence on maize as a staple crop," he said. "Crops like sorghum and cassava - which farmers rarely grow as they don't sell as well as maize - should be grown more because they are more resistant to pests." Owuoda now makes up to 102,000 Kenyan shillings ($980) per season with his combined harvests of maize and green gram, compared to 30,000 shillings ($288) when he only grew maize, he said. Faster, healthier Growing pulses such as green gram also bring other benefits, Owuoda said. Green gram matures in about two months - about half the time needed for maize - which makes it less likely to be attacked by pests, he said. "Pests target crops that take longer to mature so they can breed on the plant," he said. "Plus green gram requires less rainfall to grow." The small beans also are rich in nutrients, Owuoda added. "Mature grams produce grain but, even before they mature, my wife picks their green leaves and uses them as vegetables for meals at home," he said. According to Nesline Ogwe, who manages an irrigation project in western Kenya, pulses also absorb nitrogen in the soil and feed it to the plant, replacing the need for fertilisers. Lack of research hampers pest warnings Lawrence Kiguru, a resilience officer at World Vision Kenya, a charity, said that pest warning forecasts could help farmers dealing with pest attacks, although for the moment "there is a lack of research on pest prevalence in the country". Ayub Shaka, an assistant director at Kenya's Meteorological Department, said that weather forecasts generally can help farmers anticipate pest attacks because most occur when it rains. But he said pest forecasts were the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture. Albanas Kyuli, a pest control inspector at the Ministry of Agriculture, said that while his department issues warnings for various kinds of pest attacks, it has yet to do so for the Fall armyworm "as we don't know enough about how it works." (Reporting by Kagondu Njagi, Editing by Zoe Tabary and Laurie Goering. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit Thomson Reuters Foundation News) Agri trends: grains, oilseeds, livestock and fibres brought to you by ABSA South Africas maize export With an all-new record crop of 15.9 million tonnes, SA is expected to have a carry-over stock of about 2.2 million tonnes of total commercial maize in the following season. Only about 750,000t of maize is expected to be exported by the end of August in the current marketing year, the rate of exports is currently slow considering expectations of exports around two million tonnes plus by April 2018. We may see an increased export rate once prices reach R1,550/ton, this may ensure that the weekly export potential reaches full swing. Alternatively, should the rand depreciate to R16 levels, maize prices may be supported, export parity price will then increase to production cost levels (R2,100/ton), because farmers will be willing to sell. Another factor that may support domestic exports is any adverse weather uncertainty in the United States. Its difficult for producers to sit back in late July when prices are moving sideways at unprofitable levels. Old crops are still in storage. New crop deliveries are heading. Marketing strategies will be essential to mitigate risk. Highlights Livestock and fibre Due to higher livestock prices, additional investment in the livestock industry may be expected, which should improve livestock productivity and production within the next two years. This should increase supply, which could see consumer prices of protein foods eventually decline. The current lower maize price during 2017 suggests that the cost of feed has declined from the high levels seen during the past season, which may boost production An important development in the livestock industry is the fact that the JSE (Johannesburg Stocks Exchange) is reviewing the beef contract and is also considering the introduction of a weaner contract. These two contracts will be positive for the industry, as they can unlock a lot of interest and potential players in the industry. This means that a yellow maize contact and a weaning calf contract can serve as input and output the beef contract. Profit opportunities can be identified quicker and absorbed by the industry through such contracts. Livestock prices may enjoy support from increased uptake during month end. Grains, oilseeds and vegetables Commercial white and yellow maize production prospects were revised to reach a total of 15,969,300 tonnes, up 2% from the previous 15,631,050 tonnes. The July 2018 open interest (JSE contracts) had 10,000 contracts, meaning the inflow of international funds showed support to the current white maize prices keeping it at levels of R1,700/ ton. We may see an increased export rate once prices reach R1,550/ton, this may ensure that the weekly export potential reaches full swing. The CECs 6th estimated area planted under wheat declined by 1.87% from the previous season. This area (498,850 ha) is the third smallest area planted since the 1930s. The local soybean /maize price ratio and the sunflower seed/maize price ratio are both at 2:6, supporting the expected shift of planting area under maize to sunflower or soybeans, due to the very large maize crop. Positive margins in the soybean and sunflower seed crushing industry, and higher prices received for sunflower seed and soybean crop supports a positive outlook. Click here to view the detailed report. Source: ABSA The government is looking into transforming the agricultural sector so that it allows the entry of black people to participate meaningfully in the economy and the food production value chain. The agriculture sector has been identified as a key platform for both transformation and growth and job creation which could create one million jobs by 2030. Richard Van der Spuy via 123RF "Let me emphasise that that such transformation does not mean destroying what we have and what works. It also does not mean that we want to destroy commercial agriculture. We fully support all our farmers, black and white, established and emerging," said President Jabob Zuma on Monday. He was speaking at a gala dinner hosted by the African Farmers' Association of South Africa (Afasa) in Boksburg on the East Rand. To advance this goal in agriculture, President Zuma said the government will continue to provide support to smallholder farmers. "We declare 2017 the year of the commercialisation of the black smallholder farmers. Indeed the government has committed itself to support the commercialisation programme for 450 black smallholder farmers per year," said President Zuma. AgriBEE Enforcement Regulations The government is also finalising the AgriBEE Enforcement Regulations to enforce Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment through the government levers such as licenses, permits, concessions, authorisations, grants and incentives. The AgriBEE Sector Code provides guidelines for transformation in the agriculture sector and some of the significant aspects in the Amended AgriBEE Sector Code is the inclusion of farm workers under ownership scorecard. The government also recently established the AgriBEE Fund, which is geared towards increasing black entrepreneurs in the sector. The fund covers the funding of qualifying enterprise development initiatives, which are targeted at creating economic access and participation for black people in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in partnership with the Forest Sector Charter Council, is working on the development of a Funding Scheme for Black Foresters. Support for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses Other existing government programmers include the Comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme, Ilima/Letsema, LandCare, and MAFISA, the Micro Agricultural Financial Institutions of South Africa which all seek to address the financial services needs of the smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. In addition to these, the government has also introduced innovative programmes such as the Agricultural Parks or Agriparks in all 53 District Municipalities which provide much-needed markets for emerging farmers. President Zuma said with all these initiatives in place, they are also aware of the need to invest in recruiting, training and supporting agricultural extension officers, who should be knowledgeable and able to assist farmers. However, for these interventions in agriculture to succeed, the president said all sectors must work together. "It is for this reason that we developed the Operation Phakisa in Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform programme in agriculture, which we launched in February this year in Tshwane. It brings together government, business, labour, academia and the agricultural sector to find solutions and boost the agriculture sector." Comitted to clean governance President Zuma went on to assure the association that government is committed to rooting out the scourge of corruption to restore investor confidence. "We remain fully committed to clean governance. Funds that are allocated for public services must be used for public services and nothing else. There must be no deviation in this regard. "I, therefore, wish to assure you all that law enforcement agencies have been authorised to deal decisively with corruption and crime in both the private and public sectors," added President Zuma. Born and raised in Nantes, France, Coline Mauroy is an interior architect with a passion for humane approaches to design. A graduate of Geneva University, she was involved in a research project during her time there that investigated the housing needs of the Swiss city. Concerned by the difficulties that young people encounter while trying to access property due to the astronomical costs, Mauroy began working on a conceptual project that explores and questions the principle of self-building in high-density environments. Called Homemade, the speculative solution brings affordable housing into the inner city through the establishment of a Villa District close to the centre of Geneva, offering the convenience of being close to public transport, schools and shops. To me, says Mauroy, architecture is not only about making a building beautiful, its more about thinking about a space that can provide a better way of living, opened and connected to the city and to the people. A low-cost solution based on mutual aid, Homemade removes the necessity of professional contractors and instead focuses on a community assisting other residents in the building of their homes. Construction professionals would permanently reside in the Villa and when a new inhabitant arrives, they would teach and monitor the construction of their new home. An existing structure would act as the skeleton of the whole building, Mauroy explains. There are floors, supporting columns, stairs, elevators, corridors, electricity and water facilities, along with workshops. All are permanent and are utilised to get the building completed with the self-built apartments. Residents would be able to choose from a range of materials and then follow the construction principles a very simple assembly of panels and battens. They are also able to choose where in the space theyd like to live, the placement of walls, doors and windows. The other inhabitants can also help, offering advice, and guiding them through their new environment. This system offers an affordable habitat, connected to the city and to the people, and each resident is the owner of their apartment, both financially and emotionally, Mauroy explains. An inexpensive and removable solution that aims to contribute to a human experience of community, Homemade is a project that Mauroy has plans to investigate further. Currently based in Japan where she is working in famed architect Riken Yamamotos office to develop her architectural sensitivity and skills, she intends to continue her architectural exploration and experimentation through the pursuit of her masters degree. Her portfolio is also available on the Arts Thread website. Gauteng-based women working in the transport and logistics industry are invited to apply for fully funded training in the International Certificate in Logistics and Transport by UK-based professional body Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) has secured funding from the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) for the training of 30 employed women and is inviting employers to enrol learners for this opportunity. This is the first time that TETA has been awarded funding for a candidacy programme, a very intense and practically oriented programme, explains Elvin Harris, president of CILTSA. We are inviting the industry to enrol learners on this programme, which will not only enhance the skills levels in their organisation but will also enable graduates to apply for internationally recognised professional designations. It is aimed at women who have some experience in logistics and/or warehousing operations. At the end of the programme, these women will be able to add more value and contribute to increased efficiencies in the workplace, as the theoretical and practical experience this programme offers will equip them with unparalleled learning and growth opportunities. Local learning, global designations One of the most valuable outcomes of this programme is that once the candidates have completed the programme, they will be encouraged and assisted to apply for the professional designation awarded by CILT International, Member (MILT), adds Harris. These designations are prestigious, globally recognised and provide successful candidates with a significant competitive advantage. CILT can also award the designations of CMILT (Chartered Member), as well as FCILT (Chartered Fellow), once the candidates have achieved certain additional qualifications and experience. Minimum qualifying criteria The minimum qualifying criteria for applicants are: Females, with Matric, based in Gauteng and currently employed in an operations or logistics role, with a minimum of two years working experience Able to attend training/examinations in Midrand Clear record Priority will be given to equity targets: 85% of places will be allocated to Black females Programme provision and content CILTSAs accredited partner, Commerce Edge, will provide training and the project will be managed by Alto Training. The programme, which is scheduled to be completed by October 2018, is both business- and industry-focused, continues Harris. The subjects include Business Theory, Business Application, Warehousing and Freight Transport Operation. Employer commitments Whilst all costs for tuition, assessment, graduation and certification, including Student membership of CILTSA, will be paid for by the TETA Fund and administered by CILTSA, employers will be responsible for learner transport costs to the induction, tuition/ examination and graduation venues (all in Gauteng). Mentoring and work-based experience A key element of the success of this programme is that learners receive intensive mentoring in order to achieve their training objectives. We urge employers to provide dedicated, experienced and senior individuals take on the responsibility of mentoring the learners from your organisation, concludes Harris. For more information, email Catherine Larkin from CILTSA at az.gro.astlic@nikralvc or call +27 (0) 11 023-4369 or +27 (0) 83 300 0331. The deadline for submission of applications is Friday 11 August 2017. President Jacob Zuma signed the Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Act 1 of 2017 (FICA) into law on 26 April 2017, avoiding expulsion from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental organisation that develops global policies to prevent money laundering, terrorist funding and tax evasion. This empowers the country to meet its obligations to the FATF, points out Michael Denenga, a partner at the South African division of Dentons global law firm. With the current political climate, probably of greatest interest to the public and business are the amendments concerning politically exposed persons (PEPs). South Africa sorely needs to regain the trust of the international community in general, and investors in particular, and this enhanced legislation is intended to provide the required assurances. Identifying PEPs It is especially relevant to banks, who must adapt their systems to assess, monitor and report on any suspicious transactions by this group. However, what is a PEP and how should they be managed? The FICs guidelines define a PEP as an individual who is or has in the past been entrusted with prominent public functions in a particular country. This includes politically connected persons, their families and close associates. Further details and practices can be found in Wolfsberg Guidance on PEPs, published in May 2017. Dealing with PEPs First, sufficient customer due diligence must be performed. Banks should also have reliable risk management systems to ascertain if a person is indeed a PEP. Additionally, senior management must approve establishing business relationships with PEPs and maintaining those relationships afterwards. Further, they should reasonably determine a PEPs source of wealth and funds, and carry out continuous, enhanced monitoring of their transactions. Policies for PEPs Banks must factor PEPs into their risk framework and money laundering policies. As high-risk clients, PEPs require stronger due diligence, with closer scrutiny of family members or close associates involved in transactions. In identifying PEPs, it should be standard practice to ask about any political functions, especially if they come from corruption prone countries. Bank advisers should only deal with clients from a specific region to enhance their political knowledge of that area. Banks should also include PEP instruction in their regular Know Your Customer training programmes. Lastly, banks can keep a database of PEPs, their families and close associates. Implementation of Fica The new legislation will be implemented in phases. The first phase started on 13 June 2017 and requires no changes to existing practices. The second requires accountable institutions to implement new practices, including those for PEPs, and commences on 2 October 2017. Note that penalties for non-compliance will be delayed to allow sufficient time to implement Fica correctly. But this is only for the amendments. Previous FIC requirements must be adhered to, and banks must at all time maintain records of whom they are doing business with, concludes Denenga. The remaining phases should be implemented no later than 2018 and South Africa will next report its progress to the FATF in October 2017. The ANC wants the government to provide free higher education for poor would-be students as early as next year. At a lekgotla of the governing party's national executive committee at the weekend in Tshwane, it was proposed that the 2018 budget include provision for full first-year subsidies for students from households with a gross income of R150000 or less a year. ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the meeting also proposed a combination of grants and "affordable" loans for students from families with a gross annual income of between R150,000 and R600,000. "We think that if we can introduce this for first-year students in 2018 we'll be beginning to phase in fee-free education at institutions of higher learning for students from poor households," Mantashe said. "Students will be required to maintain adequate academic performance. That is the condition. You must perform. If you fail to do so, you will have to be disqualified." The proposal has been made just a month before the Heher Commission of Inquiry is due to table its report on the feasibility of free higher education. President Jacob Zuma established the commission following widespread protests in 2015 over fees at universities and amid demands for free higher education. Mantashe denied that the move was meant to pre-empt protests that might flare up over fees in the next few weeks. He said the party was acting on a long-standing resolution. The secretary-general said the proposal should be factored into next year's budget. "Ministers are ministers of the ANC. As they meet, they should discuss how best [they] can effect this decision of the ANC. We don't say: 'Put it in the October budget or the February budget.' We are saying that by January 2018 this should be effected for first-year students." Most of the proposals about the economy put forward at the Tshwane national executive committee lekgotla were a rehash of old ones. Mantashe said the meeting spent a lot of time discussing the state of parastatals, many of which are being led by an acting chief executive. The meeting discussed the "stalemate" in the mining sector. Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane introduced a new version of the Mining Charter that has been criticised by industry stakeholders, who say the minister had not adequately consulted them before signing it. The committee has asked its economic transformation subcommittee to come up with an approach that will look beyond the current impasse and focus on the future of mining. This lekgotla's position suggests that Zwane's charter drafting does not enjoy the support of his party. Source: The Times Taking place from 5-6 August 2017, the 2017 GirlCodeZA Hackathon (#GirlCodeHack) has secured a total of R300,000 in prizes. This years' grand prize will be a trip for the winning team to the Grace Hopper Celebration* in the USA, courtesy of Standard Bank. The Grace Hopper Celebration is an annual event produced by the Anita Borg Institute and in partnership with ACM, designed to celebrate Women in Computing and is the world's largest gathering of women technologists. Over the years, weve seen some exceptional product ideas pitched at the GirlCode Hackathon and so, in partnership with Standard Bank, we want to provide the winning team with outstanding opportunity to learn, grow their idea, and come back to South Africa with some inspired stories of women in tech to share with their peers," says GirlCode chairwoman, Zandile Keebine. As Standard Bank we are proud to be associated with initiatives that change the narrative on the opportunities available to young women. These programmes help us to grow and nurture talented individuals for the future world of work and get them to their next. Over the past year we have engaged in several programmes designed to promote a focus on women in technology and the Grace Hopper Trip for girls is another avenue for us to do this, says Jayshree Naidoo, head: Standard Bank Incubator. The winning team will be encouraged to write blogs and post updates each day to share with the broader GirlCode network thereby ensuring that the insights and inspirational stories make their way back to their peers in South Africa. Says Keebine: We want to create networks with other women in tech community groups to start sharing knowledge and expanding our reach and the value we can offer the GirlCode network. Bringing ideas back to SA that have the potential to make a significant difference to the way we encourage women in tech here. Other prizes Over and above the grand prize, participants will be vying for second and third place spots and the chance to win several educational and data courtesy of MTN. Weve never offered prizes for second and third place teams before, but were particularly excited about these prizes as they have the specific objective of empowering our girls to learn and grow, says Keebine. Throughout the weekend, there will also be a social media competition and spot prizes where participants have the chance to win Google headsets and tickets to rAge, among other prizes. We want the Hackathon to be more than women in tech getting together over a weekend; we want the girls to feel empowered after the event. The prizes on offer from Standard Bank and MTN are all designed to do just that, says Keebine. About the event The event will take place at Tshimologong Precinct in celebration of Womens month. The objective of the Hackathon is to provide young girls, eager to join the software industry with an opportunity to develop some of the real-world skills they need to enter the business environment. As such, this years hackathon will require the participants to develop a solution within one of the following category areas; e-government, gamification, multi-channel retail, social welfare, or productivity. The event will take place at Tshimologong Precinct and is aiming to cater for 150 developers. Register here. BERLIN, Germany: Bosses of Germany's powerful car industry and top politicians met on the fate of diesel engines, as the sector faces an existential threat after a colossal pollution cheating scandal and new allegations of collusion. badmanproduction via 123RF With major cities also eyeing partial bans on diesel vehicles to fight deadly smog, the sector with more than 800,000 jobs in the balance desperately needs a strategy. Two months before a general election, both parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel's right-left grand ruling coalition are in no mood to mollycoddle an industry that is fast losing popularity. "A responsibility to win back trust" "The automobile industry has steered itself onto difficult terrain" ... and it "has a responsibility to win back trust," Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a member of Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, said at the weekend. "I'm not up for cronyism," he added. Merkel was more nuanced, as she noted the huge number of jobs at stake. "The government expects openness, transparency from the auto industry at the auto summit," said her spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer. "The car industry is of strategic importance ... it must be strong and innovative but also honest. So it's about criticising what needs to be criticised, but to do so while bearing in mind that it's a strategically important industry in Germany," added Demmer. The first cracks in the oft-vaunted sector had emerged in September 2015, when Volkswagen admitted installing illegal devices in millions of vehicles worldwide to rig pollution emissions readings. But suspicions of similar cheating have since widened to other German carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler and BMW. In July, Spiegel magazine heaped on further pressure as it published details of a VW letter to German and European competition authorities which it said showed that auto giants colluded on technology, suppliers, costs, sales and markets since the 1990s. Adding to the clouds hanging over the industry, a court in Stuttgart - the home city of Mercedes and Porsche - ruled that only a partial ban on diesel vehicles would be an effective method to clear the air of poisonous nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Public health outweighs the interests of diesel vehicle drivers, the court ruled. Public in favour of outlawing diesel Germany has already been warned by the European Commission over its air quality, and now public opinion is starting to swing in favour of outlawing diesel. A survey commissioned by Greenpeace found that 57% of Germans back a ban on such vehicles in cities with poor air quality. The problem is that the industry had invested heavily on diesel as it spews out less climate-altering carbon dioxide gas than petrol-burning motors. For this reason, Merkel herself has warned against "demonising diesel". But the flipside of the technology is that it emits more NOx, contributing to the formation of smog and fine particles that cause respiratory and cardiac problems. For now, Germany's auto giants are hoping to ward off a ban by voluntarily offering software patches for diesel vehicles to limit the harmful emissions, buying time as they ramp up electric car development. VW has avowed its ambition to be the world leader in electric cars by 2025, while leading German carmakers had also pledged cooperation on a Europe-wide network of electric charging stations. Going into the summit, the two ministers due to lead the talks - conservative minister Dobrindt and Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks, a social democrat, - were also still struggling to find a common line. While Dobrindt favours the cheaper option of a software tweak, Hendricks views them as insufficient. Ahead of the 24 September election, the issue has added fuel to criticisms from Merkel's challengers, who accuse her and her ministers of failing to head off the crisis due to their unhealthily close relationship with automakers. Former environment minister Juergen Trittin of the Greens minced no words as he accused the car industry and the government of collusion. "At the head of the cartel is the chancellor," he charged. Both industry and politics are to blame in the view of Stefan Bratzel from the Center of Automotive Management. While carmakers had driven themselves into a corner through their emissions cheating, "the culture of looking the other way and years of talks that are only symbolic have also indirectly hurt the automobile industry hard," said Bratzel, calling for an "overhaul" in the relationship between politics and industry. Source: AFP Primedia Broadcasting has announced two key appointments with Kagiso Msimango taking on a new strategic marketing role, and Lucy Diole taking over as Chief Financial Officer. Kagiso Msimango Lucy Diole Anthony Popper Kagiso has extensive experience in media and marketing. She moves to Primedia Broadcasting from the Primedia Group where she headed up marketing across all of Primedias diverse media assets. Prior to that she was with Kagiso Broadcasting for eight years where she occupied various roles, the last being Head of Innovation and Head of Marketing. She served as deputy chair at the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) for four years and honed her brand strategy skills at Yellowwood Brand Architects. In addition to her radio and marketing work, Kagiso has a large and loyal following due to her Goddess Academy, a personal development organisation that empowers and develops women. She has published two bestselling books, The Goddess Bootcamp and The Goddess Mojo Bootcamp, and featured on TV as host of Mokapelo on SABC1. Kagiso has both the experience and the creativity to lead Primedia Broadcastings new marketing strategy, which has not been a focus for the business for many years, explained CEO, Omar Essack. Shes already made a positive impact on a number of key brand decisions and we look forward to invigorating Primedia Broadcastings presence in the trade and consumer space, through her work. New CFO: Lucy Diole Lucy Diole will take over as CFO from Michelle Sampson who is moving on to a new opportunity after more than a decade with Primedia Broadcasting. An SAICA accredited Chartered Accountant, Lucy has more than ten years post articles experience. She has served as CFO in her previous company, and has experience across the spectrum of financial management, audit and regulatory reporting . As we strive to grow profits in a difficult economic climate and with complex social responsibilities as business leaders, the role of CFO is more critical than ever, said Essack. Lucy has proved to have all of the necessary skills and experience to handle the multiple challenges and responsibilities that will be placed on her. Lucy will work with Michelle until Michelles departure in August to ensure a smooth handover of this weighty portfolio. I am extremely excited to join Primedia Broadcasting team and I am proud to be associated with the brands, said Lucy. Agency sales manager: Anthony Popper Anthony Popper has been appointed Agency Sales Manager in Johannesburg. Not new to Primedia Broadcasting, Anthony has been heading up the Direct Sales Team for the past eight years and will continue to oversee that department until his successor is appointed. In South Africa, it seems that whenever drought starts to bite, talk of desalination returns to the national debate. In principle, everyone supports the idea of desalinating sea water or sewage wastewater to a potable level, but the real challenge is to produce it at an economical, affordable level. The Western Cape is only now emerging from another close scrape, where the winter rains arrived with the provinces dams around 10% of capacity. Drought conditions are now such a regular occurrence that we need to look seriously not only at water conservation, but at alternative sources of potable water. The principle of desalination is as an ancient process. Through the ages sailors at sea have boiled seawater and captured the condensate to provide drinkable, desalinated water. Thermal desalination and reverse osmosis At the moment, there are primarily two types of desalination, namely thermal desalination and reverse osmosis, where saline water is forced through a membrane at very high pressure, to remove the saline content. Thermal desalination is by far the most expensive method, costing roughly four times more than reverse osmosis. But even the latter is still more than twice as costly as the current conventional treatment of surface and groundwater. We live in an arid country mostly desert, in fact. Our water resources are stretched to the limit, with our few water-rich areas being highly localised. This is an international problem. Only about 0.08% of the worlds water is accessible for direct human use, which means that 2.5-billion people worldwide live in water-stressed areas. South Africas freshwater resources are virtually fully utilised and are under heavy stress. It is predicted that by 2030 freshwater demand will be 50% higher than current levels. Water is intimately linked to our economy. A decrease of only 1% in quality and the usability of water in South Africa may cost 200,000 jobs, nearly 6% in disposable income per capita, and 5% or R1.8bn in government spending. Our national water resource strategy says that the national water deficit by 2025 will be more than 240,000Ml per year. This is the shortage that desalination seeks to fill. Roughly 47% of desalination plants use thermal desalination, with the balance being reverse osmosis plants. Thermal desalination is mainly used in in the Middle East, where fossil fuel energy sources are easily available to drive power plants. Desalination plant linked to Koeberg One of South Africas hopes for a large-scale desalination plant would be a desalination plant linked to the Koeberg nuclear power plant, where the water used in the plants cooling process can be repurposed as a source for desalination. At present, Koeberg returns its coolant water to the ocean, where it is roughly 10 degrees warmer than the ocean. The economics of desalination involve a supply cost, usually made up of capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, environmental costs and transportation costs. Jacques Laubscher, GIBB technical executive: integrated infrastructure Besides the Koeberg option, reverse osmosis desalination has been the process of choice in South Africa. Currently there are a small number of operational desalination plants, with the largest in Mossel Bay supplying about 10Ml a day to the municipality and another 5Ml a day to PetroSA. To contextualise, Cape Town recently brought its water consumption down to 685Ml a day. Already Cape Town is looking to the private sector. Koeberg, if it gets on stream, could eventually provide anything from 150 to 450Ml/day up to two thirds of Cape Towns daily water needs. Ethekwini is looking at building a 100Ml/day plant, combining seawater with wastewater, which is a sensible thing to do. Other coastal communities are also looking at reverse osmosis desalination plants. Sustaining economic growth Seawater desalination can increase and sustain a countrys coastal freshwater supply and thereby sustain economic growth. The capacity for seawater reverse-osmosis desalination is growing at roughly 14% per year, though it still accounts for only 1% of the worlds freshwater supply. Unfortunately, technology has not yet caught up with demand, despite significant investments in research and development around reverse-osmosis technology. I trust that science will be able to develop a viable solution, though. Then it will be up to the policy experts to come up with a cross-subsidisation model that makes water affordable to all. The leader at this stage in desalination is Israel, now desalinating around 582,000Ml of water a year. But technology everywhere is catching up. Government recently announced a partnership with Iran to develop desalination plants near coastal communities to boost water supply. A South African-based global desalination company in Cape Town recently submitted a white paper to the city at the height of its drought, proposing the rolling out mobile 20Ml reverse-osmosis desalination plants within four months, and in parallel developing a larger desalination plant that could deliver 450Ml per day in a public-private partnership. Desalination technology has improved, and the associated energy costs have decreased to the point where it must be taken seriously. The question is no longer Is desalination feasible? but Is it feasible not to use desalination? A quote Nelson Mandela once said with regards to leadership made me think about the kinds of qualities that are needed by leaders of business in Africa to drive economic growth. A leader, Mandela said, is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go on ahead, whereupon others follow, not realising that all along they are being directed from behind. Dr Hischam El-Agamy It has become fashionable to use short slogans to describe Africas potential. One week the continent is the last frontier of globalisation. A week later its the new China. Then its the land of opportunity. And so on. Although Im bullish about Africa, this constant search for an elevator pitch is too simplistic. With 54 countries and nearly 1 billion people, the continent is too diverse and complex to be treated as a single entity. A more interesting question is to ask what kind of skills business leaders need to help stimulate growth and improve peoples lives in Africa. Demand and supply Managers and business leaders create and stimulate the growth; they are the engine of growth. While there are proudly successful African business leaders and managers in each country on the continent, they remain limited in their numbers and with the lack of specialised institutions to develop these kinds of leaders, the continent is facing one of its most critical challenges. Developing more business leaders is crucial if Africa is to address big challenges such as poverty, economic volatility, poor infrastructure, corruption and weak public governance. Developing more business leaders is crucial if Africa is to address big challenges such as poverty, economic volatility, poor infrastructure, corruption and weak public governance. The ILO recently estimated that 28% of Africas 392 million-strong labour force has a wage-paying job (not counting informal and temporary jobs). Thats about 110 million people. It is estimated that Africa will need around 10 million managers to manage this labour force. To train young executives and sharpen up seasoned ones, Africa needs more specialised business schools, not just universities, adjusting their curricula to meet managers learning needs. According to a recent report by African Management Initiatives (AMI), Africa has roughly 90 business schools offering an MBA, or one for every 11 million people. India, by contrast, has more than 1,500 MBA schools. African enterprises and business leaders should be the catalysts in developing business schools that not only expose executives to international best practices, but also adapt these to African business realities. Four key skills To drive their companies long-term growth in Africa while also achieving quick wins, business leaders need several specific skills. I would highlight four: 1. Critical thinking is crucial for innovation and for sustaining African resources for the generations to come. Managers who can analyse and evaluate differing views could make the difference between success and failure for a business in Africa. They are most likely to learn these skills on the job and at business school, given the poor state of many African countries primary, secondary and higher education systems. Top executives, in African enterprises, also need to encourage critical and collaborative thinking among employees who have less privileged educations. This is not an easy task, but it could be the difference between success and failure for the enterprise. 2. Managing complexity is another must for executives in Africa. Besides running complicated businesses, they also need to manage multiple stakeholders such as communities, clients, suppliers and employees. Africas business climate is getting better, but it remains complex and challenging. This is partly because much of the continent still lacks the basic infrastructure that developed countries take for granted. Take power supplies. Managers of African operations need to ensure that their business has backup electricity and even in some cases a backup of the backup. In addition, Africa is still a fragmented market. Managers must navigate very different rules, regulations and dynamics in different countries. This can make it complex, inefficient and expensive to do business across African borders. Good stakeholder management is also vital in Africa, where factories and supply chains tend to have stronger ties to communities than they do in developed countries. Managers of enterprises in Africas villages, towns or even cities are often responsible for ensuring the nutrition and healthcare of their employees (and possibly their families too), as well as the good functioning of local schools. They might sponsor local sporting activities too. There is also an expectation, from the local communities, that companies should continuously create job opportunities for people entering the workforce, either directly or at other points in the supply chain. 3. Expecting the unexpected is skill number three. Managers in Africa must be able to deal with disruptionnot only from competitors, but also from political uncertainty and social unrest. Businesses pretty much anywhere in the world have a yearly budget and a plan for the next three to five years. African companies have these too, but their top managers also need to have additional scenarios for when external events dont go as planned. They must be aware of social, political and economic trends in each country and try to anticipate events and risks that could affect business performance. This requires talented managers with very deep knowledge and understanding of the realities around them. This management style is not always understood outside the continent, and there are sometimes tensions when a multinational firms headquarters asks an African subsidiary to follow standard procedures without taking local or regional realities into account. 4. Developing execution capabilities is becoming increasingly important. Managers everywhere need to identify problems, decide on a possible solution and put this into practice. The specific challenge for business leaders in Africa is ensuring that plans get executed from top to bottom within an organisation. This is no easy task, since poor education systems have resulted in big skills gaps between upper management and the workforce. African business leaders not only need to be role models in executing projects; they also need to mentor their teams to apply these disciplines and cascade them further down the company. More leaders wanted Despite its challenges, the African continent has enormous potential, and business leaders have a big role to play in unlocking it. While there are a lot of lessons that could be learned from successful business leaders and managers in Africa, the upcoming ones will have to be critical thinkers who can manage complex businesses and multiple stakeholders, handle unexpected events and execute crisply. In addition they need to be excellent mentors and inspire the staff and labour force to achieve great results in, sometimes, very challenging contexts. Advertising Week, the world's largest annual gathering of marketing, media, and technology leaders, makes its long-anticipated debut in Africa on 14-19 February 2023, after the planned launch was delayed by the global pandemic. Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION A file photo. BEIJING (AFP): China has officially opened its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, state media said on Tuesday, a major step for the country's expansion of its military presence abroad. Chinese military personnel, officials and guests attended a flag-raising ceremony and military parade to mark the occasion, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), on August 1. Officers and troops paraded for an audience that included Djibouti's defence minister, Xinhua said. The logistics base is the first of its kind for Beijing, which will use it to support "naval escorts in Africa and southwest Asia, (UN) peacekeeping and for humanitarian support," according to a previous China defence ministry statement. China sent its first deployment of troops to the facility on July 11, marking the occasion with a ceremony in the southern province of Guangdong. China has described the base as "defensive in nature", saying it will provide support for naval escorts, UN peacekeeping, anti-piracy and evacuating Chinese nationals from the region in case of emergency. The Chinese navy has long assisted anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden, as well as UN peacekeeping efforts throughout Africa. China started building the base in February 2016 in the entrepot on the Horn of Africa, where it will be stationed just a few miles from Camp Lemonnier, the United States' only permanent base in Africa. Beijing has made extensive infrastructure investments throughout the African continent as it seeks to gain access to natural resources and new markets. Chinese banks have been major funders of at least 14 such projects in Djibouti, valued at 14.4 billion dollars in total, including a railway line that will halve transit times from Djibouti to Ethiopia's Addis Ababa. Home to only around 800,000 people, Djibouti also hosts troops from France and Japan. ZHUKOVSKY, RUSSIA (PTI): Russia will always be India's strategic partner despite New Delhi's growing ties with countries like the US, France and Israel as there are certain defence products and technology that "no one else will give" except Moscow, a top Russian official has said. Sergei Chemezov, the CEO of the Rostec State Corporation, said cooperation with India will certainly continue, regardless of whether India cooperates only with Russia or also with Israel, France, the US or other countries. "We have our own niche, these countries have their own directions for cooperation. Therefore, this does not mean that if India will work with some other countries, cooperation with Russia will cease. No," Chemezov told a select group of reporters on the sidelines of Russia's premier air show MAKS 2017 at Zhukovsky near Moscow. "There are defence products and technology that no one else will give except Russia. Therefore, Russia has always been and will be a strategic partner of India," he asserted when asked about the prospects of Indo-Russia cooperation given India's growing defence collaboration with other countries. Rostec Corporation, one of the main organisers of MAKS- 2017, presented the latest Russian developments in the space industry as well as in aircraft and helicopter engineering and weapons at the event hosted here from July 18-23. "I would like to note that Russia is the only partner to fully transfer manufacturing technologies to India, allowing Indian defence enterprises to set up full-scale production of their own defence products," said the head of Rostec, Russia's umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms. Currently, the Military and Technical Cooperation (MTC) between Russia and India is planned for the long-term. The parties are currently implementing the MTC Programme for 2011-2020, he said. Russia has been one of India's major suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of Indian armed forces that the supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country. Also, in recent years India's defence ties with the US and Israel have deepened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian premier to visit Israel last month. The US designated India a major defence partner last year. India also inked a multi-million dollar deal with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets last year. However, Chemezov reiterated that India has been and remains Russia's strategic partner. The bulk of Russia's exports go to Southeast Asia, India and China, he noted. "They are our two major partners. Every year we supply products to India for more than US$ 2 billion. Sometimes it is more. Therefore, we have about the same volumes last year as before. That is, there are changes, but insignificant, somewhere in the range of 10-15 per cent is the fluctuation," said Chemezov. "Therefore, with regard to cooperation with India, it is aimed not only at selling products, but we are also transferring technology. It began with the late 90s with the sale of licenses for SU-30MKIs," he said. Military and technical cooperation is certainly the main area for collaboration with India, Chemezov noted. According to some estimates, 40 per cent of weapons and military equipment of the Indian land force, 80 per cent of the Indian Air Force and 75 per cent of the Indian Navy was manufactured by the USSR and Russia or produced in India under the Soviet and Russian licenses, he said. "I would like to stress that India is a privileged strategic partner of Russia. Despite the tough international competition, we demonstrate that the military and technical cooperation between Russia and India does not only develop stably but also deepens," Chemezov said. He said Rostec's strategy was to further expand the cooperation with Indian manufacturers in compliance with the Indian Government's "Make in India" policy. Highlighting the growing Indo-Russia cooperation, Chemezov pointed out that the SU-30MKIs are manufactured in India and stated that the country has mastered the production of the T-90 tank. Asked about opportunities for joint exercises, Deputy Minister of Defence Yuri Borisov, at the same briefing, said, "We are always in contact with our Indian colleagues, we have an intergovernmental commission, on our side it is headed by our Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu. We constantly meet and discuss the issues." On the contentious issue of Western nations' sanctions against Russia, Chemezov said, "I think that in 1-2 years we will close our needs for components that we bought abroad. As a result, who will suffer? Our partners with whom we once worked, from European countries, from Ukraine, will suffer." "As for Europe and the West, we had excellent relations with Safran, Thales, Boeing, Airbus, General Electric, with them we had joint ventures. "Some of them continue to work independently of sanctions. Nevertheless, many partners wanted to continue work with us. Unfortunately, because of the sanctions, they cannot do this. Life forced us to develop our industry even more, the result you can observe today," he said. Chemezov asserted that it was the Western countries that lost the market, "and not a small one". JAIPUR (PTI): Lt Gen Cherish Mathson has taken over the charge of the Army's South Western Command at a ceremony in Jaipur. He paid tributes to the martyrs at the Prerna Sthal and later reviewed a Guard of Honour after assuming charge on Aug. 1. Mathson took over as the Army commander after Lt Gen Abhay Krishna relinquished the command and moved to take over the reins of the Eastern Command in Kolkata where Lt General Praveen Bakshi GOC-in-C retired on July 31. Lt Gen Mathson is an alumnus of Sainik School, Trivandrum (Kerala). He was commissioned into the Garwal Rifles in June 1980. He is a graduate from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and has attended various important career courses which include Senior Command Course at the Army War College, Mhow and Long Defence Management Course at Secunderabad, defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Ojha said. Mathson has also attended the prestigious National Defence College Course at New Delhi and in the Republic of South Africa and has considerable experience in varied operational assignments across India and in Somalia (UN operations). He has fought in rural and urban insurgency/terrorism situations in Mizoram against Mizo National Front (MNF) and in the Operation Bluestar in Amritsar. Lt Gen Mathson has commanded his Battalion on the Line of Control with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, during Operation Parakram. He has served two tenures on Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, and has commanded the Trivandrum Brigade which he transformed to an Amphibious Role (akin to US Marines). Half of people between 18 and 24 say a mental health issues has affected their ability to work, but almost the same amount would not call in sick because of it. 45% of all workers say they would not be comfortable discussing their mental health in the workplace, rising to 53% in younger staff. DUP leader Arlene Foster has said the Taoiseach needs to accept that Brexit is going ahead. She also accused Leo Varadkar of being "unhelpful" by making comments about the border after the UK leaves the European Union. Although relations between the Democratic Unionists and the Irish government remain strained, Mrs Foster said she was looking forward to meeting Mr Varadkar on Friday when he makes his first visit to the North since taking over as Taoiseach. While in the region Mr Varadkar will attend a gay pride event in Belfast on Saturday morning to promote the rights of the LGBT community. Although Mrs Foster's party is strongly opposed to same-sex marriage she said that Mr Varadkar is "perfectly entitled" to attend the event. Speaking following an event at the former Maze Prison outside Lisburn on Wednesday, Mrs Foster rubbished Mr Varadkar's hope that the UK will U-turn on Brexit and remain within the European Union. The Taoiseach said this week he remained "hopeful" that Brexit would not happen. However, Mrs Foster told reporters this was "disrespecting" the wishes of the British people. "He may be hopeful but that is disrespecting the will of the British people. Brexit is going to happen. We are leaving the European Union. "I just hope the Republic of Ireland will continue to work constructively with us in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK because it is very much in their interest to have a Brexit that works for them as well as a Brexit that works for the UK," the former Stormont first minister said. Mr Varadkar angered unionists when he said Ireland would not help the UK design an economic border for Brexiteers. Mrs Foster said the comments were "not helpful" and added that the Irish Government "should reflect on whether they are being helpful to the process here in Northern Ireland or not". She continued: "They have made various interventions recently in relation to Northern Ireland politics. It would be better if we focused on finding solutions to what is in front of us. We want to find ways forward. "We know there are huge opportunities in relation to Brexit and we also accept there are short-term challenges. To overcome all of that we have to work together. The sort of megaphone diplomacy that has been engaged in is not helpful. We have to work together to get a European exit that works for everybody." She added that she will be raising a "number of issues" with Mr Varadkar on Friday and that she was "looking forward to the meeting". When asked about his planned attendance at the gay pride breakfast on Saturday, she responded: "He is perfectly entitled to come and attend whatever he wants. I go to the Republic of Ireland and attend events down there so he is perfectly entitled to do that here." A Clare man remains in hospital after suffering injuries on his farm. The incident happened at around 7pm yesterday evening at a farm in Fanore in the north of the county. It is understood a hay bale rolled over the man. The Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard was requested to respond to the scene and assist the National Ambulance Service. The Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 115, which had been returning from a training exercise in Galway Bay, was originally directed to the beach in Fanore but was able to land in a field close to the scene. Ambulance paramedics and Coast Guard volunteers stretchered the casualty to the helicopter before he was airlifted to Shannon Airport. From there he was transported to by road to University Hospital Limerick for treatment. The man is understood to have sustained crush injuries in the accident. An Estonian man charged with conspiracy to murder a friend of the Hutch family has been further remanded in custody after a judge granted the State four weeks to complete a book of evidence, writes Tom Tuite. Gardai from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau supported by members of the Special Crime Task Force, Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Unit raided a premises in west Dublin on the morning of April 4. Three men were arrested as part of an investigation into the Hutch-Kinahan feud. Imre Arakas, 58, with an address at Sopruse, Tallinn, Estonia, was charged on April 6 last and then remanded in custody. He is accused of conspiring with others not before the courts to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and April 4. The offence is under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He faced his tenth hearing on Wednesday when he appeared via video-link at Cloverhill District Court. There was an application by the State for a four week adjournment for the book of evidence to be completed. Mr Arakas told Judge Kathryn Hutton that he had difficulty understanding and wanted to be in court in person for the next hearing. He was further remanded in custody to appear again on August 30. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that he is to face trial on indictment meaning his case will be transferred to a higher court once the book of evidence has been served on him. At his first hearing, on April 6, a court was told he made no reply to the charge and due to the nature of the charge a bail application could only be made in the High Court. He has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charge. Legal aid was granted following submissions that he was unemployed and unable to pay for a lawyer. The other two other men arrested in connection with this investigation have been released from Garda custody without charge. Malaysian authorities have seized 23 pieces of elephant tusks and 664lb (301kg) of pangolin scales believed to have been smuggled from Africa in a haul worth nearly 1 million US dollars. Senior customs official Mohamad Pudzi Man said officials raided a Kuala Lumpur airport cargo warehouse on Sunday and found the ivory in two boxes marked as "food stuff". He said the ivory, worth 275,000 ringgit, was flown in on an Etihad Airways flight from Lagos, Nigeria, and transited in Abu Dhabi before arriving in Kuala Lumpur. He said that later on Sunday, officials confiscated six sacks of pangolin scales worth 3.86 million ringgit shortly after it arrived on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Congo. The sacks were marked as "fish maw" and the airway bills used in both cases had fake final destinations, he said. Mohamad Pudzi said no-one was arrested and the case was under investigation for smuggling of prohibited goods. The seizure marked the latest in a series of contraband wildlife products that have been confiscated by Malaysian authorities in recent months, including more than a ton of pangolin scales in just two months. The wildlife trade monitoring group Traffic has expressed concern that Malaysia appears to be a transit point for the illegal trade of pangolins and ivory, with traffickers routinely moving their contraband through Malaysia. Eight species of pangolin, or scaly anteaters, live in Asia and Africa and are targeted for their scales and meat. More than a million have been poached in the past decade, threatening the creature with extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In Vietnam and some parts of China, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy, while its scales of keratin, the protein also found in fingernails and rhino horn, are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The demand is causing rampant poaching that is decimating the pangolin population. AP A 49-year-old man has been arrested at Southend Airport on suspicion of preparation of acts to commit terrorism, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command detained the man at the Essex airport on Tuesday. A teenage boy travelling alone opened an emergency door after his plane landed, slid down the wing and jumped on to the tarmac at San Francisco before shocked passengers could do anything to stop him, witnesses said. The 17-year-old, a US citizen, removed the door minutes after the Copa Airlines flight arrived from Central America, San Francisco Airport spokesman Doug Yakel said. An airfield construction crew working nearby confronted the boy and held him until police arrived and arrested him. The teenager, who appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight, was not injured, Mr Yakel said. Witnesses said the boy seemed fidgety and anxious throughout the seven-hour flight from Panama City, Panama, and that by the time passengers realised the door had been opened, he was already on the ground, running. Sophia Gibson, of San Jose, California, said people sitting next to him were shocked when he jumped out of the plane and on to the wing. "It was as if he was like flying out, like it was really fast," Ms Gibson told San Jose television station KNTV. Copa Airlines said in a statement that over-wing emergency exits are designed to be opened by passengers after the plane reaches a lower altitude to allow for an evacuation in case of an emergency, but it is a federal law violation to open them without having been instructed to do so by the crew. Matt Crowder, of Atherton, California, said people sitting near the exit row stood up when the boy jumped out and started to shout. "They were yelling 'Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The door's open. Someone jumped off'," Mr Crowder told the television station. "It was pretty crazy." The Panama-based airline said in a brief statement that the plane then taxied to the gate, where all the other passengers disembarked Copa Airlines Flight 208 without incident. Passenger Isaac Rodrigues said a flight attendant used her body to block the gap where the door had been until the plane was at the gate. "They put one of the stewardesses to block it so no-one would fall out of there or leave," he said. "We were on the runway for about an hour." No runways or other flights were affected, airport spokesman Mr Yakel said. AP The US air force has successfully launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from California, the fourth such test this year. The 30th Space Wing said the Minuteman 3 missile launched at 2.10am local time from Vandenberg air force base, about 209 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles. An air force statement said the test would show the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system. Minuteman missiles are regularly tested with launches from Vandenberg that send unarmed re-entry vehicles 6,800km across the Pacific to a target area at Kwajalein Atoll. However, the latest US launches come amid tensions with North Korea as it develops its own ICBMs. Flight data on North Korea's most recent test, conducted on Friday, showed that a broad part of the mainland United States, including Los Angeles and Chicago, is now in range of Pyongyang's weapons, according to analysts. In response, the US air force flew two B-1 bombers over the Korean Peninsula on Sunday in a show of force. The US also said it conducted a successful test of a missile defence system located in Alaska. Previous Minuteman ICBM launches this year were conducted in February, April and May. That month, the air force also conducted a test of a missile interceptor launched from Vandenberg. The interceptor destroyed a mock warhead over the Pacific. AP Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris has promised a years-overdue review of the ACT's opioid treatment guidelines will be complete in six weeks. Ms Fitzharris held a 'frank and robust' meeting with senior ACT Health staff on Monday, after The Canberra Times revealed the five year-long delay to the review last week. The ACT's opioid treatment guidelines will be updated, years after national guidelines were updated. Credit:Peter Braig She said the meeting on Monday was held to ensure the review of the ACT's opioid treatment guidelines "will conclude within the next six weeks". "While the conversation was frank and robust, I was pleased to leave that meeting with confidence this review will now be finished quickly and professionally," she said. Insurer AAMI has been criticised after it sent an "ad" that resembled a bill to a woman in Sydney. Natalie Tran, a video blogger who runs a popular YouTube channel, said the letter - which was about her partner's car - was sent to her. In large print, it reads: "Compulsory third party personal injury insurance green slip certificate", with a policy number and a registration number. A second section reads "policy notice", followed by the final paragraph giving payment options on an amount of $728.00, due on September 4. Renewed turmoil at beleaguered dairy co-op Murray Goulburn could stall a move to swank new office space at Collins Square. Murray Goulburn last year committed to the two top floors of tower four at Lang Walker's $2.5 billion office development at Docklands. Some observers believe Murray Goulburn will sublease its Collins Square space. Credit:Jared G Marshall It is understood a $10 million dollar fit-out has been completed at the 5200-square-metre space but management is poised for a backflip as part of its corporate restructure. Market speculation is rife. Some parties say Murray Goulburn will stay at Freshwater Place, where it has sublet 4000 square metres for the past five years, and sublease the Collins Square space. Jean Claude Perrottet was having a good Saturday he applied for a job, caught a bus to the shops, bought a belt and a watch band on sale, and won Monopoly games at McDonald's. "It's been so good today," he wrote in a text message to his older sister, detailing his morning. Jean Claude Perrottet has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual intercourse without consent. Credit:AAP "And now I'm going to a ball." But the evening of the University of Sydney's St John's College formal ended very differently. One of four Sydney men arrested in connection with an alleged terrorist plot to bring down a plane will heavily scrutinise the actions of police after he was released without charge on Wednesday. Abdul Merhi, 50, was taken into custody with three other family members on Saturday after international intelligence agencies became aware of an alleged elaborate plot to smuggle an improvised explosive device onto a flight from Sydney to Dubai. Following his release at about 7pm on Tuesday, Mr Merhi said he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. There could have been no better timing for the Queensland government to announce it was dumping the $3 billion ASF casino resort proposal on the Gold Coast's Spit. It came just hours before Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her ministers faced a rowdy town hall meeting at the Currumbin RSL, the largest held so far by the government. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk addresses the town hall meeting on Tuesday night. But of course, nothing could keep the anti-Adani protesters away. After mentioning the Spit decision to the crowd in her opening speech, all Ms Palaszczuk had to do was say: "That area is iconic" to whip the crowd into a frenzy. About eight years after a water fountain was removed from King George square, millions of dollars will be spent bringing it back. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said ratepayers would invest $6.6 million to bring two new water features to Brisbane after fountains were turned off or removed during drought. Proposed locations (yellow) for the fountain at King George Square. The money has been allocated for two fountains - one in King George Square and the other in the Brisbane River. In 2015, the council brought three fountains that were decommissioned during the drought back to life including one at E.E McCormack Place, Emma Miller Place and the Mooney Memorial Fountain. A Brisbane barrister, who claimed the $50,000 in cash that former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale was found with at Melbourne airport belonged to his client, has been fined for contemptuous comments made to a magistrate. Sam Di Carlo appeared in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday over contempt proceedings brought by the attorney-general in relation to comments he made to Magistrate John Costello in January last year. Barrister Sam Di Carlo has been fined $4000 for contempt. Credit:Jorge Branco While noting all lawyers experience frustration at times, Chief Justice Catherine Holmes agreed Mr Di Carlo's remarks amounted to contempt and fined him $4000, to be paid within three months. It came after barrister Shane Doyle, QC, for Mr Di Carlo, told the court his client had reflected on his conduct and acknowledged the need to temper his emotions. Strike action has spread beyond Brisbane's bus drivers, with council employees from eight other departments fighting City Hall for a better work environment. On Wednesday hundreds of council employees rallied on King George Square at noon. Several union-member council employees have gone on strike as part of ongoing EBA negotiations Credit:Ruth McCosker The calls of protest attracted attention from City Hall security personnel, police and the occasional tourist - but little response from inside City Hall. One protester, who identified herself as a bus driver, stood at the front of the crowd of about 400 and called out "Graham Quirk, come out and talk to your workers". Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had conceded her government's decision to dump the $3 billion ASF casino resort plan at the Gold Coast's Spit will open her up to attack from some quarters. Speaking a Gold Coast small business breakfast on Wednesday, Ms Palaszczuk said she knew she was going to "cop some criticism". Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she knows she will 'cop some criticism' on the decision to dump the ASF proposal at the Spit on the Gold Coast. Credit:AAP "We've started to see a bit of that," she said. Ms Palaszczuk pointed to a column written by federal LNP Investment Minister Steve Ciobo, published by News Corp, in which he wrote: "The Palaszczuk announcement with respect to the three-storey limit is sensible and consistent with something I said 15 years ago and still agree with." UPDATE: Police have found the man they were searching for in connection to a car theft on the Gold Coast. EARLIER: Queensland Police are appealing for public assistance to find Dylan Slingsby, who they believe will be able to assist with their investigation into a car theft and violent assault on the Gold Coast. Dylan Slingsby. Credit:Queensland Police Service Officers have been on the hunt for a man who assaulted a woman and stole her luxury car at Southport in the early hours of Wednesday morning. A 54-year-old woman drove her Mercedes-Benz sedan into an underground carpark of an apartment building on Marine Parade, when she saw a man trying to enter a locked stairwell. A man who fled to India after killing a teenager while drink-driving in Melbourne is reportedly claiming Australia's justice system is racist in a bid to avoid facing justice. Puneet Puneet had been on bail and was awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to culpable driving over the 2008 death of Gold Coast teenager Dean Hofstee when he fled Australia using a friend's passport in 2009. He was arrested four years later in India. Mr Puneet was a 19-year-old learner driver when he hit and killed Mr Hofstee, 19, and seriously injured Clancy Coker, 20, in Southbank on October 1, 2008. Police estimated Mr Puneet was driving at 148km/h - more than double the legal limit in the area. He also tested positive for alcohol. Mr Puneet is fighting extradition to Australia. TV personality Andrew Denton has been diagnosed with advanced heart disease and will be required to undergo multiple bypass surgery shortly. The diagnosis has forced Denton, 57, to withdraw from the campaign to legalise euthanasia to which he has been devoting his energy in recent years. As the director of Go Gentle Australia, the organisation he founded to achieve law reform around the country, Denton may be absent at a critical juncture: as Premier Daniel Andrews' bill for assisted dying is introduced and thrashed out in the Victorian Parliament. Go Gentle Australia's media director Gina McColl said Denton is "quite young and so the prognosis is extremely good". But the Xinhua editorial broke with Beijing's usual public reticence when Trump has taken China to task over trade imbalances, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Taiwan and other sources of tension. US President Donald Trump. Credit:AP "Taking out this outrage on China is clearly finding the wrong target," it said, warning such broadsides could be dangerous. "What the peninsula needs is immediately stamping out the fire, not adding kindling or, even worse, pouring oil on the flames," Xinhua said. Visitors attend a museum exhibition in Beijing marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Credit:AP The tensions could, it said, "evolve into a localised conflict, or even the outbreak of war, with unthinkable repercussions." Submarines US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Credit:AP A US military source reportedly claimed yesterday that Pyongyang's submarine force had been carrying out "highly unusual and unprecedented levels" of activity. The defence official told CNN that three "ejection tests" were carried out on land at Sinpo Naval Shipyard in July. Another test was carried out earlier this year at the base, which is the headquarters of the Maritime Research Institute of North Korea's Academy of National Defence Science. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Credit:AP An ejection test is designed to assess the cold-launch system which is required to propel a missile away from its tube on the submarine before the missile engine ignites, so protecting the boat. The ground-based tests also coincide with a North Korean Romeo-class submarine carrying out "unusual activities" off the east coast of the peninsula for at least one week in late July. Meanwhile, a senior White House official said Trump is close to a decision on how to respond to what he considers China's unfair trade practices, Trump is considering encouraging US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to initiate an investigation of Chinese trade practices under the 1974 Trade Act's section 301, the official said. Pressure on China Chinese diplomats and the state news media have consistently argued that Washington and its allies should not rely so much on China to defuse tensions created by North Korea's growing nuclear weapons and missile capabilities. On Friday, North Korea tested a ballistic missile that experts have said could have the range to hit California. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has turned up pressure on China to help isolate and cajole North Korea. "China and Russia bear unique and special responsibility for this growing threat to regional and global stability," he said in a statement after the launch. In addition, the Pentagon will conduct a test of its intercontinental ballistic missile system on Wednesday, defence officials said, a move that is bound to raise questions about the Trump administration's intentions. Defence officials had scheduled the missile tests months ago, but the timing of the test is nonetheless expected to be noted in Pyongyang and Beijing. It is planned a day after Tillerson said the United States was not seeking regime change in North Korea and would be willing to talk to Pyongyang. "We do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel," Tillerson told reporters at the State Department. But, he added, "You are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." The Chinese government argues that North Korea will not back down and return to negotiations over its weapons programs unless the United States and its northeast Asian allies, South Korea and Japan, take conciliatory steps. In particular, China has proposed that North Korea freeze its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for a halt to major military exercises by US and South Korean forces on the Korean Peninsula and off its coast. As the tensions with North Korea have escalated, Trump has often treated Xi in public as a friend who was valiantly, though unsuccessfully, trying to bring North Korea around. "At least I know China tried!" Trump said on Twitter in June. Now that friendly facade appears to be cracking. But Trump also has a long record of harsh criticisms of China, stretching back to his election campaign and much earlier. "China controls North Korea," he said in 2013. "They are using the Norks to taunt us," he said, using slang for North Koreans. The Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Liu Jieyi, said on Monday that it was up to the United States and North Korea to find a solution to the current stand-off, not China. "People talk about China a lot," he said at a news conference to mark the end of China's July term in the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council. "If the two principal parties refuse to move toward what is required by the Security Council resolutions - de-escalation of tension, negotiations to achieve denuclearisation and peace and stability and also resume dialogue -- then no matter how capable China is, China's efforts will not yield practical results because it depends on the two principal parties." Loading The US Senate has confirmed former Justice Department lawyer Christopher Wray as FBI chief, nearly three months after the agency's previous director, James Comey, was fired by President Donald Trump. Wray, who was confirmed by vote of 92-5, will take charge of the country's top domestic law enforcement agency during a federal probe into allegations of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia. Since the dismissal of Comey on May 9, the Justice Department has appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the investigation with the help of the FBI. Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia. Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia, ending immediate hopes of a reset of US relations with the Kremlin and marking a defeat for his administration. In a statement outlining his concerns, Mr Trump called the bill "seriously flawed," primarily because it limits his ability to negotiate sanctions without Congressional approval. "By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together," he said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "The framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice." When firing the FBI director in May, Trump deployed one his most trusted and longest-serving aides to carry out the task: bodyguard-turned-security director- turned director of Oval Office operations Keith Schiller. Schiller was sent to the Justice Department to deliver a letter notifying Comey of his firing. But the director was in California and learned of his dismissal from TV. Corey Lewandowski Campaign manager Corey Lewandowski had guided the campaign with the motto, "Let Trump be Trump". Trump had stuck with Lewandowski even after he was accused of roughing up a female reporter. He agreed to pull the plug in June 2016 only after an intervention from his adult children and son-in-law. Lewandowski was unceremoniously escorted out of Trump Tower in Manhattan by security after being notified of his dismissal. Chris Christie New Jersey's governor spent months leading the president-elect's transition team, pulling together policy papers and coming up with lists of potential cabinet members. But Trump decided he no longer required Christie's services in the days after his November 8 election. According to The New York Times, Trump gave chief strategist Steve Bannon the chore of telling Christie he was out. Paul Manafort Trump chose to fire his campaign chairman amid a steady stream of negative headlines about Manafort's foreign consulting work. He technically resigned from the position last August but Trump's son, Eric Trump, said in an interview his father was concerned that questions about Manafort's past were taking attention away from the billionaire's presidential bid. Michael Flynn Trump's campaign adviser-turned-national security adviser resigned in February following reports that he had misled Pence and other officials about his contacts with Russia. But Flynn's resignation wasn't voluntary. Trump later said that he'd fired Flynn, and blamed leaks from intelligence agencies and biased reporting from the "fake media" for forcing his hand. Preet Bharara The former leading prosecutor claims he was sacked by Donald Trump in March after refusing an order from the attorney general to resign. Mr Bharara, a 48-year-old US attorney for the southern district of New York, made a name for himself taking on Wall Street corruption, terrorism and political malfeasance. Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, issued an order that all 46 Obama-appointed prosecutors resign immediately. Mr Bharara refused to resign and so was subsequently fired. Walter Shaub The head of the US Office of Government Ethics stepped down in July before his five-year term was to end. Mr Shaub, who also served during the administrations of Barack Obama and George W. Bush, had been an outspoken critic of Mr Trump over potential for conflicts of interest involving his business affairs. He said: "In working with the current administration it has become clear to me that we need improvements to the existing ethics programme." Michael Dubke The founder of Crossroads Media resigned as White House communications director in May. "The reasons for my departure are personal, but it has been my great honor to serve President Trump and this administration," said Mr Dubke, in an email to friends, reported by Politico. Mr Dubke's resignation came amid criticism levelled at the White House over its communication strategy, in particular contradictions between the president and his press team. Sally Yates The acting US attorney general was fired by Mr Trump in January after she ordered Justice Department lawyers not to enforce Mr Trump's controversial immigration ban. The president accused Ms Yates of having "betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States." Ms Yates, who was appointed by Barack Obama, said in an open letter that she is "not convinced that the executive order is lawful". Sam Nunberg Loading Jacinda Ardern, the new leader of the Labour Party in New Zealand, has labelled a morning radio show host's comments that employers should know women's baby plans before hiring them as "totally unacceptable" in 2017. Ardern appeared on the AM Show with panellist Mark Richardson on Wednesday morning, the day after she took over as the Labour leader following the resignation of Andrew Little. And she promptly told Richardson, one of the show's hosts, he'd gone too far. Richardson had said: "I think this is a legitimate question for New Zealand, because she could be the prime minister running this country - she has our best interests at heart, so we need to know these things. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams 84th Precinct Brooklyn HeightsDUMBOBoerum HillDowntown Through the bedroom window A thief broke into a Joralemon Street apartment and stole electronics and jewelry on July 25. The victim told police the burglar entered the abode near Clinton Street through a locked bedroom window while he was out, sometime between 8:30 am and 6:45 pm. The filcher lifted an iMac desktop computer, a Nikon SLR camera, Canon Powershot camera, Boom portable speaker, three Alexis Bitar bracelets, one Alexis Bitar necklace, and other assorted jewelry, according to a report. Shot Police are searching for a crook who they say shot a guy after demanding he hand over his money in a York Street apartment building on July 30. The pirate was in the third-floor hallway of the residence near Gold Street at 11:23 pm when he pulled out a gun and snarled, Give me all your money, and proceeded to shoot the victim in the left leg, he told police. The robber was dressed in a black shirt, black pants, and a black mask, according to a report. Train trouble Some snake snatched a $10 bill from a womans hand as she was buying a MetroCard in Hoyt-Schermerhorn station on July 7. The lady was buying the train pass in the station near Smith Street at 6 pm when the jerk came up from behind and grabbed the money from her hand, cursed at her, and fled, police said. Cash bash A bruiser bashed a guy over a $10 bill on Fourth Avenue on July 28. The victim had gotten into an argument with the punk by St. Marks Place at 3:50 pm when he took the money out of his bag and the nogoodnik grabbed it and repeatedly punched him, authorities said. Sneaky A crew of four women pickpocketed a guy after getting into an argument with him on Fulton Street on July 29. The victim was walking by Bond Street at 8:16 pm when the louts approached him and began to argue. One of the weasels then bumped into him, and he later realized his wallet was missing from his pocket, cops said. Lauren Gill Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Talk about playing the villain! Crown Heights activists are accusing Mayor DeBlasio of using a Manhattan town hall tonight as an excuse to avoid a public meeting on his redevelopment plan for their nabes armory, but said they will not let his absence stop them from airing their grievances. Id rather have the mayor there, but hes running scared, said Vaughn Armour, a 17-year Crown Heights resident and leader of anti-development group, Our Armory Coalition, which organized the event. Were going to have someone portray the mayor and were going to have questions and answers. Well probably get a tall guy. DeBlasio supports handing over the publicly owned Bedford-Union Armory to developer BFC partners, which has promised to construct below-market-rate housing and a non-for-profit recreation center at the historic military structure on Bedford Avenue between President and Union streets in return. But community members continue to rail against the scheme, which also calls for more than 50 luxury condos and will only offer 18 of its planned 330 rental units at rates affordable to locals of a neighborhood with a median income of $40,000. Activists invited DeBlasio to this evenings 6:30 pm town hall at Crown Heights Dr. Gladstone H. Atwell Middle School in response to comments reported last month by Crains, in which he suggested the city needs to do a better job of explaining the projects benefits to the community. Hizzoners remarks implied that locals are not smart enough to understand his grand plan, according to event hosts, who said that the mayors problem is not one of communication but of values in the written invitation they sent to city hall on July 25. You dont have a communications problem here, the invitation read. You have a values problem: your plan does not represent a real progressive vision for how to create deeply affordable housing and preserve a diverse, mixed-income community. But the real outrage occurred after organizers learned that DeBlasio scheduled a meeting on the distant isle of Manhattan at the same time as theirs, which they saw as a thinly vieled escape from what could be an overtly hostile gathering, according to Armour. Mayor DeBlasio is running because he knows his redevelopment plan for the armory faces growing opposition in Crown Heights and across the city, he said. The local activists are not interested in traveling across the river to confront him, however, and instead will direct their criticism tonight at a stand-in for the 6-foot-5-inch pol, according to Armour. Were going to go on with the meeting as though hes there, he said. The mayor did not schedule the Manhattan meeting to avoid facing his critics in Crown Heights, according to a spokeswoman, who said his meeting on the island was arranged before he received the invitation to talk about the armory. Tonights town hall in Harlem with Councilman Bill Perkins was scheduled before any invitation was extended, said Melissa Grace. Those seeking to cast doubt on the mayors commitment to making the Bedford-Union Armory the best project it can be simply arent paying attention. Over 1,200 mail-in votes added to Montco totals; Bucks still in limbo Two of Montgomery County's three commissioners said they did not support disenfranchising more than 1,200 voters because of a handful of rule breakers 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... Just when you thought things were tying up too nicely on The Bold Type, our three protagonists have a lot on their hands in this episode, titled No Feminism in the Champagne Room. Jane battles a lawsuit from the subject of her latest piece, Kat tries to maneuver her relationship with Adena, and Sutton finds out that the fashion job is offering less money than her current position on Laurens desk. What Makes the Bold Type Ladies Stand Out from Other Female Protagonists? >>> A Stripper Named Morgan Stanley Jane writes an article on a Wall Street woman-turned-stripper with the stage name Morgan Stanley. When Jane goes to show her the piece, however, she is escorted from the premises. Meanwhile, Kat wakes up in Adenas apartment, apparently having stayed the night after their kiss. Adena expresses that shes feeling guilty about what happened and needs to tell her girlfriend, Coco. Back at Scarlet, Sutton finds out that the fashion job salary is much less than she had anticipated. Jacqueline informs Jane that she is being sued for defamation by Morgan Stanley. Richard, aka Suttons boyfriend, will be representing her in discussions with Stanley and her lawyer. Things become even more complicated for Jane when she admits that she didnt record the interview. Furthermore, her notes, while handwritten and lengthy, are blurry after beer was spilled on them at the club. Later, Adena calls Kat to tell her she still hasnt broken up with Coco. She accidentally tweets about her relationship problems to the Scarlet Twitter account. Sutton goes to Oliver to negotiate her salary. The fashion offer is less than she currently makes as Laurens assistant. He says he will consider it. Sutton also finds out that Lauren has already replaced her with a new assistant. Richard and Jane Try to Settle Richard calls Jane and informs her that Morgan Stanley wants to settle. Jane is worried that this means she is admitting guilt when she doesnt think she did anything wrong. Kat meets up with Adena at her place after learning that she finally ended things with Coco. Things quickly become awkward when Coco keeps calling Adena, and Kat leaves. The next day, Oliver informs Sutton that he cant change the fashion assistant salary. Kat, stressing about her relationship with Adena, texts that she cant do this, and turns off her phone. The attempted settlement with Morgan Stanley doesnt go well when Jane stands up for herself and speaks against Richards advice. Stanley decides to pursue her lawsuit. Later, Adena comes storming into Scarlet, upset that Kat sent a cowardly text and then went off the grid. Kat pushes Adena away, saying relationships arent her thing, and she should work things out with Coco. When the three girls meet up later that night, they get into a fight when Sutton tries to express her frustrations about the salary and no one is listening. She feels she has no safety net, and Kat and Jane dont understand. Sutton reveals that Morgan Stanleys son got kicked out of school because of Janes article. Quiz: Who is Your TV Summer Fling? >>> Stanley Settles, Sutton Gets the Gig and Kat is Left Heartbroken The next day, Jane and Kat apologize and promise to support Sutton as her safety net if she passes on the fashion job. Jane goes and apologizes to Morgan Stanley and, later, Stanley agrees to settle. Sutton goes to Oliver to negotiate perks to make up for the lower salary. Oliver agrees to her terms, and Sutton officially accepts the fashion job. While at a Soul Wheel event for Scarlet, Kat realizes her feelings for Adena and the mistake she has made. She rushes to Adenas apartment and expresses her feelings. She wants to work things out and go all in on their relationship. Adena, however, tells Kat that she is leaving that night for Paris to try and work things out with Coco. Things are looking up for Jane and Sutton, but Kat is left in a place of conflict. What did you think of this tension-filled episode? Whose storyline was most intriguing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. The Bold Type season 1 airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Freeform. Want more news? Like our Facebook page. (Image courtesy of Freeform) Research News World leaders in GIS speaking at UB conference By GROVE POTTER Partnerships such as CPGIS foster long-term and mutually beneficial relationships between UB and its international partners. In 1992, UB graduate students brought top geographic information scientists to Western New York for what would become the first annual International Conference on Geoinformatics. The conference led to the formation of the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences (CPGIS). Now, 25 years later, as UB continues to play a leading role in advancing geographic information science worldwide, the conference returns to Western New York Aug. 2-4, giving leading scientists a forum to discuss the latest trends in GIS. We have eight world-class scholars coming to speak, says Ling Bian, director of the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) at UB and professor of geography in the College of Arts and Sciences. Bian is organizing the conference with fellow UB faculty members Le Wang, professor of geography, and Li Yin, associate professor of urban and regional planning in the School of Architecture and Planning; and Laura Mangan of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. GIS is the field of research that combines maps with data. It includes disciplines such as geography, information science, computer science and more. Since the 1970s, UB has been a leading institution in GIS research and education. In 1988, UBs Department of Geography was chosen as one of three sites nationally for the NCGIA, an independent research consortium founded in 1988 with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation. The designation helped attract to UB faculty and students from around the world, including the founding members of the CPGIS, which has evolved into a globally influential GIS organization that publishes its own peer-reviewed journal. Many CPGIS members are now leaders in academia, business and government agencies. In addition to showcasing UBs leadership in geographic information sciences, this conference also spotlights how UBs international students make an impact, both locally and globally. Partnerships such as CPGIS foster long-term and mutually beneficial relationships between UB and its international partners, says Stephen Dunnett, UB vice provost for international education. In a nod to the first International Conference on Geoinformatics, Dunnett will open the conference, just as he did 25 years ago when the CPGIS was formed. The eight keynote speakers at this years conference include members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and fellows of The Royal Society in the U.K. and the Royal Society of Canada. The conferences keynote speakers are: Luc Anselin, University of Chicago, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Michael Batty, University College London, a fellow of The Royal Society in the U.K. Jing M. Chen, University of Toronto, a fellow in the Royal Society of Canada. Jianya Gong, Wuhan University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Michael Goodchild, University of California, Santa Barbara, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Huadong Guo, Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Deren Li, Wuhan University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Anthony Yeh, University of Hong Kong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The conference is open to the public, and registration is required at the conference website. Credit: Sarah Irvin Photography(CRAB ORCHARD, W.V.) -- Brittany Yost's wedding day featured a special surprise from one of the people she loved the most, even though he couldn't be there in person. Brittany and Jordon Yost were married in Crab Orchard, West Virginia, on July 22. The bride had always hoped her grandfather would officiate her wedding, but he died in 2016. "From the time I was little, I knew I wanted him to officiate my wedding and he always told me he would be honored to do so," Brittany Yost told ABC News. "Truthfully, I would've been honored to have him there." But Brittany Yost's family found a way to include him on her special day. As the ceremony was nearing its end and the preacher asked the guests to bow their heads in prayer, a familiar voice came over the speaker. It was the voice of the bride's "pawpaw," as Rev. Ronald Adkins was known to his granddaughter, that prayed over the couple and announced them as husband and wife. "When I first heard a voice over the speaker, I knew immediately who it was. My heart shattered, but I felt so much joy and happiness through all the tears," Brittany Yost said. "The emotion and chills that filled my body are indescribable. I was weak to my knees, but I felt his presence. A calming came over me and I felt a weight lift off because my dream came true, all thanks to my sister and Jordon." Brittany Yost's sister and brother-in-law were married in 2015 and the girls' "pawpaw" had officiated that wedding. Knowing how important it was for Brittany to have pawpaw at her wedding too, Jordon and Brittany's sister took the audio recording from that wedding to play for her special day. "I had the privilege to get to know her grandfather a little bit before he passed, so it was a very heartfelt moment for me as well," Jordan Yost told ABC News. "When she broke down, I tried everything that I could to support her and embrace her by grasping onto her arms. The emotion was very intense. We both cried like babies, as well as everyone in attendance." Photographer Sarah Irvin snapped a shot of the moment when the couple heard Adkins' voice. "I was crying so hard I had to go back and look at the photos immediately to make sure they weren't blurry from me moving so much," Irvin told ABC News. "I have never seen anything like this. The whole crowd was silent except for the sniffles. Even after he said, 'You may kiss the bride,' no one moved. One man even came up to me afterward and said he was glad he was standing beside a tree because he was sobbing." Brittany Yost said it was a powerful way to start the couple's marriage. "Having him pray over our wedding was the most memorable moment and one I will cherish forever. Family is very important to me and I could not have imagined anyone else pronouncing us husband and wife besides my papaw," she said. "All the dreams I had as a little girl came true." Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Travis Perkins has announced its sponsorship of the first Inspire Women in UK Construction, Property and Engineering summit. The summit is taking place on the 6th of September 2017, in Manchester. The Inspire Summit highlights the women working in the UK construction, engineering and housing sectors who are bucking the trend, reshaping expectations and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. The event will see 400+ construction professionals (both female and male) come together to hear about the contribution that women in these sectors make, while offering free attendance to young women in full-time education. Travis Perkins will be leading a panel discussion at the event, featuring women from across its group of 21 businesses who have joined from all walks of life, including ex-military, fast track managers and apprentices who are working their way up the career ladder. All of whom have a great story to tell about our business and the opportunities on offer. Head of Learning and Skills, Louise Powell, said: This is a fantastic way for us to learn about how others in our sector are taking on the challenge of recruiting more females into what have always been traditionally very male roles. We have women at all levels joining our business in what is an exciting time for our industry and for career development opportunities. Woodbury's road to sectional title began on the blacktop The Thundering Herd rumbled to their second straight sectional title. That wasn't a surprise, but where the road to the championship began was. Bharti Airtel, Indias largest wireless carrier, is considering selling about a three per cent stake in its tower unit through an institutional share sale, people with knowledge of the matter said. Emami Ltd, a company that has grown its portfolio and market share through acquisitions in segments it did not have a presence in earlier, is now eyeing new deals this year to grow its healthcare and personal care products. Some of the early-stage investors in Snapdeal, such as Nexus Venture Capital, have come out in support of the co-founders move to end merger talks with Flipkart. A host of minority shareholders, along with early-stage investor Kalaari Capital, are, however, displeased with the decision taken by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal. Paper mills in unorganised sector face huge difficulties due to the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), their lack of competitiveness to install green technology and disappearance of informal and cash trade. The government should facilitate the integration of unorganised sector players into the formal system, says, Vice Chairman, West Coast Paper Mills Ltd and President of Indian Paper Manufacturers' Association (IPMA) in an interview with Dilip Kumar Jha. Edited excerpts: What is driving cheaper imports of paper in India? It was expected that Lupin's US sales for the June quarter would be a disappointment. The company did not meet even the low expectations. Its North American sales (42 per cent of revenue) declined 26.8 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y). Analysts at Motilal Oswal Securities had anticipated the US business to decline 18 per cent over a year due to competition to its generic equivalent of diabetes drugs Glumetza and Fortamet. It's not only a y-o-y decline on a high base but a sequential decline of 15.8 per cent, indicating a continuing trend of sharp price erosion. The performance comes despite launch of generics of oral contraceptive drug Minastrin on exclusivity and limited competition HIV drug Epistone's generics. Glumetza has seen larger than expected price erosion. India sales, a fourth of revenue, did better than expected. Despite GST-led destocking, domestic sales declined only 1.8 per cent over a year, which analysts say is better than the industry's. On a sequential basis, domestic sales growth of 6.1 per cent provided some cushion. In another setback for Essar Steel, the Ahmedabad bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Wednesday admitted the insolvency petition against the defaulter company filed by lenders State Bank of India (SBI) and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) in a common order. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the proposed merger between Bharti Airtel and Telenor India. The tribunal has instructed the to hold a meeting of equity shareholders and unsecured creditors. The Sunil Bharti Mittal-led company had announced in February that it would acquire the business of Telenor India for an undisclosed sum. Anil Ambani-promoted Reliance Infrastructure reported a 24 per cent dip in its consolidated profit for the June 2017 ended quarter on account of higher expenses. The company also plans to launch its pending InvIT issue in the current quarter. Snapdeal may trim its workforce to half from the current 1,200 employees over the next few months as it pursues an "independent" path post calling off merger with bigger rival Flipkart, according to company sources. After turning down Flipkart's $900-950 million offer earlier this week, the e-commerce firm has started working on its new roadmap which it calls 'Snapdeal 2.0'. Snapdeal will trim its operations over the next 2-3 months, the workforce could be pared to about 500-600 people, two people familiar with the company's plans said. They did not wish to be identified as they are not authorised to speak on the matter. Snapdeal did not respond to emailed queries. Snapdeal is estimated to have about 1,200 staffers currently. Over the past few months, the beleaguered company has seen a steady exit of employees across levels. One of the persons said there could be a higher level of attrition in the coming days. Many employees were waiting for the Flipkart deal and see if things would turn around, the person said adding that now that the deal has been called off, these staffers may look at other opportunities. Once inspired by China's Alibaba model, Snapdeal is now said to be moving to a 'Taobao' model with a consumer-to- consumer e-commerce marketplace. The company had started operations as a deals and coupons platform and pivoted to a marketplace model around 2012. However, over the last few quarters, the SoftBank-funded company has seen its fortunes failing amid intense competition from US-based Amazon and homegrown player Flipkart. (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.) In June, when Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited the US to meet President Donald Trump, both sides pledged their commitment to the US-India strategic partnership, with Trump underlining that the relationship between the two countries has never been stronger. To understand this relationship, Ishan Bakshi spoke to John Chambers, executive chairman, CISCO and chairman of newly launched US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Edited excerpts: Full service carrier is likely to place a mega order for wide-body aircraft soon. The order The order which will be a mix of narrow and wide body will come after fresh capital infusion from promoters may be for more than 100 aircraft. Tata Sons holds 51 per cent stake while Singapore Airlines owns the rest 49 per cent. As part of its plans, may advance its current A320 delivery schedule from June 2018 as it is negotiating with the lessor for early delivery. A 20th aircraft will allow the airline to fly abroad but not before four to six months. Ventures, the investment arm of has made an investment in Vienna-based software testing company Tricentis. The investment of an undisclosed sum in Tricentis' series B funding in January this year where Tricentis raised roughly $165 million. ventures has invested over Rs 156 crore in 11 startups globally. Wipro will take its products and solutions to its customers. The partnership will integrate Tricentis Tosca, a continuous testing platform with Wipro AssureNX, a quality assurance platform and combine with Wipro HOLMES artificial intelligence platform in a broad automation ecosystem. Tricentis has been named Leader in Gartner's magic quadrant for software testing two years in row. Last month Tricentis acquired Flood IO, a popular load testing solution provider. HBO, ExxonMobil, Toyota, Deutsche Bank and Vodafone are among the company's global clients. CEO Sandeep Johri served as Vice President of Hewlett Packard's Strategy and Industry solutions before working with a number of high profile startups. Wipro's recent investments have ranged from cyber security firms like Vectra Networks, Demisto and Israel-based Intsights to automation and AI driven firms like Vicarious, Altizon systems and Avaamo apart from service management like Tradeshift, Drivestream and Talena. The $100 million Wipro Ventures is headed by Azeem Premji's son Rishad Premji and invests in early to mid-stage startups. Most of these are less than 10 years old but are also highly valued. Tricentis witnessed 101 per cent revenue growth in the June quarter compared to the previous year. Similarly, peer Infosys has been backing startups with a $500 million (Rs 3183 crore) venture fund which has invested in nine so far. The investments include AI firm UNSILO, big data startup Tidal Scale and Waterline DataScience, data visualization startup Trifacta and Cloudyn software based in Israel. Infosys has also written down Rs.700 crore in animation company DWA Nova as reported in the June quarter. YouTube, the video platform of Google, said on Tuesday it expects its user base in India to double to over 400 million as more consumers, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, get access to affordable internet that would help them access videos on their mobile phones. Contrary to popular perception that the deeply rooted prejudice against girls, reflected in the countrys sex ratio, is mostly present in rural areas, some of the largest cities in Indiaincluding Delhi and Mumbaihad imbalanced sex ratios in 2011, according to an analysis of government data. Bomb squads and canine teams were today rushed in to check a suspected object that was recovered at the cargo hold area of the Delhi airport, later declared safe. CISF Director General O P Singh said the "suspect item has been declared safe and there is nothing to worry about." Officials involved in airport security said that an emergency call was received by the control room around 7:05 am that a suspect item has been seen in the cargo area. "The bomb disposal and canine teams found that the suspect item was nothing but some spare parts of Maruti company. The consignment and the area have been sanitised and declared safe," they said. The cargo, which was declared safe around 9:00 am, was to be loaded in a Delhi-Goa Vistara flight. The cargo terminal of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is guarded by private agencies but in case of a threat or emergency the airport guarding Central Industrial Security Force and the police respond. (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.) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said China cannot let a single piece of its territory split and won't allow anyone to damage its sovereignty. Guests at official functions in Uttar Pradesh will now be gifted inspiring books in place of large bouquets that are usually presented as a token of welcome. "It has been seen that big flower bouquets are presented to guests in government functions in which flowers are used in large numbers," an official order from Principal Secretary (Information) Avneesh Awasthi said. The order addressed to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries said that instead of presenting large flower bouquets, inspiring books and single flowers be presented to guests. The Income Tax Department Tuesday conducted searches at multiple properties related to Karnataka Energy minister D K Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near Bengaluru, in connection with a tax evasion case. IT officials said Rs 5 crore cash was recovered from the Delhi residence of the minister, who has been taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the IT team. Officials privy to the early morning raids said I-T sleuths reached the Eagleton resort near here to question the minister, who was staying at the resort for the night. The minister, was in charge of the 44 MLAs lodged there, to keep the flock together for preventing the BJP from allegedly "poaching" on them, was at the resort when the search took place, IT officials said. As the raids on the resort triggered angry reactions from the Congress, the IT department said the resort is not being raided. They said only the minister's room in the resort was "searched" and not of the MLAs from Gujarat. "The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team," the deparment said in a statement. IT officials said a total of 39 premises of the minister and his family are being raised by a team of about 120 Income Tax Department officials with the aid of central paramilitary forces. The raids are taking place in Delhi and Karnataka. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. The IT Department further said the timing of the search was decided well in advance. "The search is the continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time.They added that the timing of the search was decided well in advance," the IT statement said. "The events involving certain MLAs of another state being brought to Karnataka were unforeseen and unpredictable events," it said. The search, described as an "evidence gathering exercise", is being conducted by the Karnataka Investigation Wing of the Income tax department. "The search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act is an evidence gathering exercise which is being carried in compliance with all statutory requirements. The search is the continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time," the IT department said. The Congress legislators have been camping at the resort since Saturday last after the party flew them in here to fend off alleged "poaching" attempts by the BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Six of the 57 Congress MLAs in Gujarat, from where senior party leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for the Rajya Sabha, have resigned from the party in the last few days with three joining the BJP on Friday. The party has apprehensions over Patel's election prospects if more MLAs defect. The MLA are attending classes on a host of topics including "the party's achievements in the last 60 years" and "the BJP's lies" among others, since yesterday. The move to hold the classes came at a time when a few MLAs from flood-hit constituencies of Gujarat had reportedly expressed their intention to go back, worried about the public opinion going against them. Earlier, the itinerary during their stay here included visit to some tourist destinations and religious places, which drew criticism as MLAs were accused of "abandoning" voters when their constituencies were facing nature's fury. (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.) The talks between Indian and Pakistani officials over the Indus Water Treaty took place in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, the World Bank has said asserting that the two parties have agreed to reconvene in September here for continued discussions over the issue. "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The World Bank said that the secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues over the IWT took place this week in a spirit of "goodwill and cooperation". However, it did not provide any other details. Earlier, in a letter dated July 25, the World Bank had assured Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its "continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward." The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes -- for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. (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.) The Duchess of Cambridge, Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor have worn her designs. Last year, Fortune India ranked her No. 21 on its list of the countrys most powerful women. Her clothes and jewellery are sold in India, the Middle East and Africa. The Income Tax department on Wednesday denied that its raid at Karnataka Energy Minister's residence and the resort has anything to do with the Gujarat's Congress MLAs. The IT officials on Wednesday morning raided Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar's residence and at a private resort in Bengaluru where 42 Congress lawmakers from Gujarat are staying. The IT department's clarification came after Congress termed the raids as 'political witch-hunt of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "The search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act is an evidence gathering exercise which is being carried in compliance with all statutory requirements. The search is the continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time," a press release by Directorate General of Income-tax (Investment), Bangalore said. The press release claimed that the timing of the search was decided well in advance. The events involving certain MLAs of another state being brought to Karnataka were unforeseen and unpredictable events. Income Tax Department conducted searches at 39 locations related to Shivakumar. The press release further said that "the minister being searched was staying at a resort near Bangalore where some MLAs from another state are put up. Hence, the Minister's room alone is being searched". The raids started at 7 am this morning and are still underway. Shivakumar was in-charge of hospitality for all 44 Congress Gujarat MLAs in Bengaluru, who were sent out of Gujarat by Congress. BJP president on Wednesday began his Haryana visit from Bahadurgarh and is slated to hold a series of meetings and review works undertaken by the M L Khattar government during his three-day stay. Shah will be camping in Rohtak as the BJP is eyeing political gains from the district, which is considered as the nerve centre of the state's politics. The party chief, who has a packed schedule, arrived to a grand welcome in the morning at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, which is considered the "gateway of Haryana". Bahadurgarh lies adjoining Rohtak, the venue of Shah's three-day stay, which is about 70 km from Delhi. At Bahadurgarh, Shah, was received by Khattar, some of his Cabinet colleagues including Ram Bilas Sharma, Capt Abhimanyu, Krishan Lal Panwar and state BJP president Subhash Barala. Shah was honoured with traditional Haryanvi 'pugri'. The party chief will be camping in Rohtak as the ruling BJP, which came to power for the first time in Haryana, is looking to consolidate its position after being in power for almost three years. Shah will be attending 27 programmes, including 17 meetings with BJP MLAs and others, State BJP president Subhash Barala said. En route to Rohtak town, Shah was welcomed by party workers at eight different points. Thousands of party workers also took out a bike rally to welcome him. Shah has a series of meetings lined up for the first day including with party office bearers, former MPs and ex-MLAs of the party. During his stay, Shah will also be holding meetings with the state unit core group, various morchas of the party and intellectuals. He would also inaugurate a library building in the party office at Rohtak, Barala said. On the concluding day of his visit, Shah will address some meetings where the focus will be to work hard on 'vistarak yojna' (expansion plan) which was initiated across the country to strengthen BJP in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will also be presented with a report card highlighting the Khattar government's achievements during its rule, state BJP chief Barala said. He will also take stock of implementation of the schemes related to poor. Asked why the BJP has chosen Rohtak as the venue of Shah's visit, Barala said, "Rohtak has been our party's headquarter for decades. It is also the political capital of Haryana. Rohtak was also the stronghold of one of our tallest leader, late Mangal Sain". Notably, Rohtak is considered a stronghold of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Congress had managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat from Haryana in the 2014 parliamentary election as Hooda's son Deepender Singh retained his Rohtak seat. Haryana's Health minister and senior BJP leader Anil Vij said there was great enthusiasm among party workers in view of Shah's visit. Taking a dig at opposition Congress and INLD, both of whom have claimed that Shah's Haryana visit will not have much impact, Vij said, "Opposition is in a disarray. Wherever goes the opposition goes into hibernation. The opposition tries to hide itself". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across states to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. The BJP president had visited Chandigarh in May. The BJP chief is on a 110-day country-wide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. Union minister Prakash Javadekar today dismissed Congress' allegations of a "vendetta" and said the I-T searches on properties linked to Karnataka minister D K Shivakumar were aimed at tracking tax evaders. Shivakumar has been hosting 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort near Bengaluru since Saturday, allegedly to prevent the BJP from "poaching" on them ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. The exercise is carried out by the department was aimed at tracking tax evaders, Javadekar told reporters, adding that none of the Gujarat Congress legislators had been summoned, investigated or raided. "Nothing has been done as the vendetta. No Gujarat MLA has been summoned, investigated. No Gujarat MLA staying there has been raided. The raided man is the Karnataka minister, nothing to do with Gujarat," the HRD minister told reporters. Javadekar said the MLAs had been staying at the resort for the "last five days and will be there for another eight days (till the Rajya Sabha election)". Posing a counter question, he asked whether "law enforcement" should be stopped for 13 days. The BJP leader also said the law would take its own course and the government does not entertain corruption. Terming the raids "a political vendetta and witch-hunt", senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge earlier in the day accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy". The I-T department conducted searches at multiple properties related to Shivakumar in connection with a tax evasion case. I-T officials said Rs 9 crore cash was recovered from the raids on various properties, including in Delhi, linked to the minister. He has been taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the I-T team. The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the conviction of former UP chief secretary Neera Yadav in a land allotment scam from 1993-95 in Noida but reduced her jail term from three to two years. A bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and R Banumathi also upheld the conviction of former IAS officer Rajiv Kumar in the case and modified his jail term from three to two years. The CBI had alleged that Yadav, a 1971 batch IAS officer, was chief executive officer of Noida in 1995 when she violated norms in allotting a prime plot of land to an industrialist. It was alleged that she entered into a criminal conspiracy with 1983-batch IAS officer, Rajiv Kumar, then deputy chief executive officer, Noida, to change land use of a plot which was earmarked for a guesthouse and also increased its area in violation of norms. The probe agency had said that Yadav, during her tenure as Noida CEO, misused her official position as a public servant and got herself allotted a plot in violation of norms. "The allotment was done despite the fact that the application submitted by her was incomplete in many respects and was submitted after the closing date of the scheme," CBI had said. It was also alleged that she got two plots allotted in the names of her two daughters, knowing full well that rules in Noida permitted only one plot of land to one family. A red-faced BJP will seek written explanations from its MPs, including union ministers, whose absence from the Rajya Sabha despite a whip resulted in opposition amendments getting passed, after party chief pulled them up today, taking a "serious view" of the matter. Pakistan has extended by two months the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, accused by the United States of masterminding 2008 attacks on the Indian financial capital of Mumbai that killed 166 people, a government document reviewed by Reuters showed. The separatists in Kashmir called for 'bandh' on Wednesday to protest the killing of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and a civilian on Tuesday. The civilian was killed in protest that erupted following an encounter in which LeT terrorist Abu Dujana and Arif were gunned down by security forces on Tuesday. Separatists Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik have jointly called for 'Bandh'. They have also appealed people to offer funeral prayers in absentia after Zuhr prayers for slain militants and civilian. As a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, the authorities have imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC under the jurisdiction of five police stations- Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal- of district Srinagar. In a major breakthrough, LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice Arif were killed in an encounter with security forces at Hakripora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday morning. Dujana was one of the most wanted terrorists and carried over Rs 15 lakh bounty on his head. On July 19, Dujana and two of his associates gave the slip to security forces in Pulwama district. According to media reports, the trio exchanged fire with the armed forces and managed to flee from the spot. The Indian Army in July released a list of 12 most-wanted terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley and Dujana was among them. Jose, 19, is a college student in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines.On a regular school day, after he wakes up, he takes a shower, scrubbing his body using soap made of papaya (Carica papaya), a fruit thats said to have skin-whitening properties. Afterwards, he applies a facial whitening lotion, and before finally going to school he uses SPF 30 sunscreen, again with whitening properties, on his face and arms. Jose was one of many young people I met in my ethnographic work as part of the Chemical Youth Project, a research programme that sought to document and make sense of the different chemicals that young people use in their everyday lives, from cosmetics to cigarettes. The 12-digit biometric identifier Aadhaar can be used to "weed out" infiltrators besides checking pilferage of government doles and bogus payments, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Tuesday. The minister while addressing a conference of IPS officers and commandants of central armed police forces said that today 100 per cent of India's adults are on Aadhaar, except in Assam where it was stopped. "Infiltrator can be caught easily by Aadhaar. Suppose an infiltrator gets Aadhaar by the name of Somesh Prasad. Some of the neighbours complained to you that he is an infiltrator. First thing as a district officer you can do is to stop the benefit in his bank accounts. Therefore digital identity can also weed out Infiltrator quickly," Prasad said. He added that Aadhaar is not a sign of filtration. The minister, however, cautioned police officers from using biometrics for ordinary policing. "Fingerprint and iris in Aadhaar can only be put out unless there is a joint secretary home approval and affirm by the committee of IT secretary, cabinet secretary and law secretary and for pure national interest. That is the privacy we have given. For ordinary policing you must not insist upon disclosure of biometrics- fingerprint and iris," he said. Prasad said that he has had discussion with Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to link driving licence with Aadhaar which will help check issuing of duplicate licences. He said that the government has been able to save Rs 57,000 crore public money in the last three years with the help of Aadhaar. The minister said that Aadhaar is a digital identity which cannot be manipulated. The minister asked IPS officers to adopt digital technologies for efficient governance. Nearly a year ago, Raghuram Rajan had decided not to continue as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Rajans exit in September 2016 had preceded weeks of sustained attacks on him by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Subramanian Swamy and others. In his last months in office, outgoing NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman was hounded by Sangh Parivar outfits such as the Swadeshi Jagran Manch and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS). Both Rajan and Panagariya were attacked for being foreign-educated people who either did not understand Indian realities, or were too steeped in academics to come to grips with the governments workings. Both Rajan and Panagariya were largely left to fend for themselves by the government. Panagariyas departure, unlike Rajans departure, was significantly quieter. Rajan won admirers for his outspokenness, particularly on issues other than those related to his work at the RBI. Panagariya was equally outspoken, but on issues related to the NITI Aayogs ambit. After predicting that growth in Q4 of 2017-18 will touch 8 per cent, senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram tweeted, Panagariya has wisely resigned before (being) proved wrong. BMS General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay said the NITI Aayog, under Panagariya, was encroaching on the jurisdictions of several ministers. We had urged the Aayog to consult stakeholders before making any policy. It used to meet corporate lobbies but not labour unions. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch had shot off a letter to the prime minister in May complaining the NITI Aayog catered to the interests of the corporates. At a June meeting in Kanpur, the BMS accused the Aayog of working against the interests of workers. If the Sangh Parivar outfits were exulted at Panagariyas departure, the 500-plus employees of the governments think tank were caught unawares by the resignation. Panagariya went ahead with his regular meetings and also had lunch with a group of advisors before announcing his resignation. I just informed my nearest staff as I didnt want to make a big and create unusual speculations about my leaving, Panagariya told a group of reporters. The government, however, was far from surprised when Panagariya announced that he has urged the prime minister to relieve him of his duties as his leave from the Columbia University was nearing its end. A source said the government had anticipated Panagariyas departure nearly three months ago, and had time to find a successor. The government refused to divulge who the new vice-chairperson of the think tank could be. But sources said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu was a front runner. Panagariya on Tuesday said he has suggested to the PM to find a full-time Sherpa for G20 talks, as Indias role was expanding in the global arena. Panagariya, who said he will leave on August 31, was appointed Indias Sherpa for the September 2015 G20 talks, replacing Prabhu. With a Cabinet reshuffle in the offing, there is a possibility that one of the Cabinet ministers might be appointed at the helm of the Aayog. During his tenure of over two and a half years at the think tank, Panagariya led several new initiatives in the organisation formed after the Narendra Modi government scrapped the Nehruvian legacy of the Planning Commission. A mild-mannered celebrated economist, Panagariyas advice was always heeded by the top leadership of the government. But he never made a show of it, continuing with his unassuming ways. Though he maintained he was resigning to keep his job at Columbia, the manner of his leaving gave rise to speculation about his not-so-comfortable relationship with the powers that be. Some even pointed to the creation of two power centres at the Aayog as a source of friction between the vice-chairman and the government. But sources close to him rejected this. In his letter to the prime minister, he clearly said he would lose his job in Columbia if he is not allowed to go and would have loved to continue if the university permitted. Therefore, all these reports of rift between the vice-chairman and the government is mere speculation, a senior official said. South Asia, long a backwater for energy markets, is emerging as a hotspot for liquefied natural gas (LNG), with Pakistan and Bangladesh set to join India as major consumers, helping to ease global oversupply that has dogged this market for years. Only India and Pakistan currently import in South Asia, taking in a combined 25 million tonnes, or 8 per cent of global demand last year. But with a fast growing population, strong economic growth and soaring energy demand, more import projects are being developed, lead by Pakistan and Bangladesh. "Both countries already have extensive gas infrastructure due to legacy production from domestic gas fields," said Chong Zhi Xin, principal Asia analyst at energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie. "As domestic production has failed to keep up with demand, both markets are a natural fit for imports." Pakistan only started importing its first LNG in 2015, and surprised some in the industry by developing its first terminal within schedule and budget. A second is about to become operational and a third is expected to be completed next year. With Bangladesh set to join the club of importers next year, the region could import 80-100 million tonnes a year by the mid 2020s, analysts said, making it the world's second biggest import region, ahead of Europe. Bangladesh Boom Bangladesh, a country of over 160 million people, could import as much as 2,500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of LNG, equivalent to around 17.5 million tonnes per year, by 2025, said Nasrul Hamid, Bangladesh's state minister for energy and power. With its own gas reserves depleting and seeking to almost double power capacity to 24,000 megawatt (MW) by 2021, Bangladesh is tapping cheap and plentiful supplies on world markets and investing heavily in LNG. Several floating storage and regasification units (FSRU), the first developed by private U.S. company Excelerate Energy, are due to begin importing cargoes starting in 2018. "We are working on two FSRU's from which gas will start flowing (by) next July," Hamid told Reuters. Both FSRUs will be deployed off Moheshkhali Island in the Bay of Bengal, in the southeast of the country. They will have a combined capacity of 7.5 million tonnes a year. Two more FSRUs are planned, though no exact dates have been finalised. In addition, state-run Petrobangla signed a preliminary deal with India's Petronet in December to set up an onshore terminal to regasify a further 7.5 million tonnes a year of LNG on Kutubdia Island, just to the north of Moheshkhali, at a cost of $950 million. "By 2025, depending on our national demand, we will import anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 mmcfd gas," Hamid said. Those imports would add to plans from India and Pakistan to buy 50 million and 30 million tonnes of LNG per year, respectively, by the mid-2020s. "LNG imports in South Asia are expected to rise four-fold from 22 million tonnes per year in 2016 to over 80 million tonnes per year by 2030," said Mangesh Patankar, head of Asia/Pacific business development at energy consultancy Galway Group. Should all plans in the region go ahead and Sri Lanka also start imports, this figure could rise to 100 million tonnes, industry project data shows. That would push South Asia's demand ahead of Europe as the world's second biggest LNG import region by 2020, though it would still lag North Asia's 150 million tonnes of annual imports. The boom in demand will help ease oversupply in LNG markets, which have resulted in a more than 70 percent price fall from their 2014 peaks to $5.75 per million British thermal units. Supply Talks Hamid said Bangladesh was in talks with Qatar's RasGas and Indonesia's Pertamina for long-term deals, while it also planned to import significant amounts of its future demand via the freely traded spot market. "We are looking for a mixture of both long-term contracts and the spot market," Hamid said. Rupantarita Prakritik Gas, part of Petrobangla, in June posted a notice looking for LNG suppliers for spot cargoes from 2018. Not everyone believes Bangladesh and Pakistan will achieve their LNG ambitions. "It is likely to be an overly ambitious target... China took more than 10 years to reach 20 million tonnes of LNG imports. In India, it took 13 years to reach the same amount," said Chong Zhi Xin. Low domestic gas prices also required LNG imports to be subsidised in Bangladesh and Pakistan, he said. "As LNG imports increase, so does the subsidy bill. Without pricing reforms, it would be a challenge for Pakistan and Bangladesh to fulfil their LNG import ambitions." Hamid, however, is confident. In order to meet surging demand, he said LNG was part of an even bigger plan. "The solutions are FSRU, land-based LNG, deep sea exploration in the Bay of Bengal, and transnational (gas) grids," he said. Following is the full text of the letter which outgoing vice chairman of NITI Aayog, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his permission to relieve him of his charge as his leave from Columbia University was coming to an end. A successor to Panagariya is expected to be appointed soon. When we last met, I had mentioned that my leave from Columbia University will soon be ending and that, after two and a half years, my wife is keen to return closer to children. Accordingly, I am writing to request that I may be relieved of my duties as the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog by 31st August 2017. This will allow me to resume my employment at Columbia University beginning 5th September 2017. The government is planning to make Aadhaar mandatory for property buying to curb benami deals, in a move that follows a string of developments that have delivered a body blow to the real estate sector. Many in the industry feel that after bearing the brunt of demonetisation, real estate regulatory authority (RERA) and goods and services tax (GST), this move could slow down the market further. A senior finance ministry official said last week, why has got into public-private-partnership? That portfolio had clearly traveled to the finance ministry. The official was referring to the renewed enthusiasm within the Aayog to use the model to offer solutions for sectors like health care. It was also reported earlier that the government might dismantle the finance ministrys public-private partnership committee and ask to do the work. This came just as the government scrapped the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. Indian Railways' ambitious plan for the re-development of 400 stations for commercial use at an investment of about Rs 1 lakh crore is set to get a fresh lease of life as state governments are joining the initiative through a unique land-pooling method. The country received foreign direct investment (FDI) of over $9.79 billion since 2014-15 in the telecom sector, Parliament was informed today. As per the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), FDI equity inflows in between financial years 2014-15 and 2016-17 and April-May 2017 totalled $9,790.40 million, MoS for Electronics and IT P P Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The FDI inflow in 2014-15 was $2,894.94 million, $1,324.40 million (2015-16), $5,563.69 million (2016-17) and $7.36 million (April-May 2017), he added. The minister said the government is taking initiatives to promote manufacturing in the telecommunication sector in the country. "Electronics and telecommunications manufacturing is one of the 25 focus sectors of the Make in India programme, which seeks to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub," he said. FDI up to 100% is allowed in the manufacturing of telecom products under the automatic route, he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Top US bosses are backing a new effort to build strategic ties with India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent first meeting with President Donald Trump. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) seeks to reset and broaden the relationship between the world's two largest democracies and to supplant an existing body under the umbrella of the US Chamber of Commerce. While Modi's bear hug with Trump and a clutch of deals at their meeting in June symbolised a budding friendship, trade between the two nations has underperformed and Washington wants to narrow a $31-billion bilateral deficit. "What we are announcing today is an organisation redesigned for the future," said John Chambers, the executive chairman of Cisco Systems Inc, who is also chairing the USISPF that was launched on Wednesday. The rollout follows a schism in which the management team of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), headed by Mukesh Aghi, has joined the new organisation. Chambers met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to brief him on the initiative and share its new logo - featuring interlocking blue and gold circles that symbolize the "win-win" nature of the project. The new body would focus not only on trade but also promote business startups, innovation and education - areas that Modi has prioritised in his three years in power. Describing Modi as "fearless", Chambers praised the Indian leader's decision last year to scrap high-value bank notes to cleanse the Indian economy of illicit wealth. He also backed a new national sales tax launched last month, saying it was vital for Asia's third-largest economy to scale up manufacturing and achieve strong long-term growth. "India is moving faster than any other country in the last three years," Chambers told a small group of reporters in New Delhi. "India used to be known as a very slow follower, and now it's a fast innovator." Unanimous vote to split The strategic partnership initiative followed a unanimous vote on July 10 by the USIBC's board to separate from the US Chamber of Commerce. The new body's board includes high-profile chief executives, such as Indra Nooyi of Pepsico Inc and Ajay Banga of Mastercard Inc. One source familiar with the move said it was motivated in part by perceptions that the US Chamber of Commerce had become too close to the Republican Party, and tended to deliver public lectures detrimental to the two-way relationship. This included the controversy over the issue of so-called H-1B visas widely used by India's $125 billion software industry to send engineers and programmers on assignments to the United States. Trump administration officials were briefed on the strategic initiative and were supportive, added the source, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Thomas Donohue, president and chief executive of the US Chamber of Commerce, last month criticised the breakaway as a "curious action". In a letter to members he described the USIBC as "alive and well". The USIBC's acting president, Khush Choksy, was not available to comment. Trump, despite clashing with leaders from allies such as Germany and Australia, turned on the charm for Modi, whose trip to Washington was deemed a success by both sides. He has yet to nominate an ambassador to New Delhi, although senior White House official Kenneth Juster is tipped for the job. The State Department has yet to staff up its South Asia team. Chambers played down those concerns, saying the Trump administration's commitment to India was "unparallelled", and adding, "This is the only strategic partnership that the Trump administration has really talked about." Continuing with its purported agenda of purging cash rich development authorities in Uttar Pradesh, especially Noida and Greater Noida, of corruption, the government has decided to merge the service cadres of nine such entities into a centralised body. Deutsche Bank AG envisions shifting almost half its UK positions to the European continent over coming years as the lenders Brexit plans take shape, people briefed on the matter said. Internationals long-standing chief executive officer, Irene Rosenfeld, will step down in November, the company said. Allowing a new chief executive, Dirk Van de Put, currently with Canadian major McCain Foods, to take over. German carmakers agreed on Wednesday to update the software in 5.3 million diesel-powered cars to reduce emissions, Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt told reporters. He said the carmakers would also self-fund incentives aimed at encouraging consumers to trade in diesel cars that were 10 years old and older for newer models with lower emissions. Dobrindt and Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks both said the German government would do all it could to avoid driving bans for diesel cars in German cities. North Korean leader is a "maniac" who could destroy Asia by triggering a nuclear war, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday, ahead of a regional summit to be attended by the regime's foreign minister. Using characteristically crude language, Duterte teed off against Kim ahead of a regional security meeting in Manila where the hermit state's ballistic missile tests will be a hot agenda item. "He is playing with dangerous toys and this crazy man, do not be fooled by his face, that chubby face that looks nice," Duterte, 72, said of Kim in a nationally televised speech. "That son-of-a-w**** maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war, because (if) a limited confrontation blows up here, I tell you the fallout, the soil, the resources. I don't know what will happen to us. We won't be able to plant anything productive." Under Kim's leadership, Pyongyang has accelerated its nuclear ambitions, in defiance of condemnation and multiple sets of United Nations sanctions. North Korea last week conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile test, which led Kim to boast he could strike any target in the United States. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be in Manila for the security forum, which is hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ministers will express "grave concern" over North Korea's nuclear missile test, according to a draft copy of the chairman's statement obtained by AFP and scheduled to be released on Tuesday next week at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Duterte, who won presidential elections last year, has come under fire from foreign leaders over his war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups that he may be overseeing a crime against humanity. He typically flavours his speeches with crude language and jokes deemed by many to be offensive, including about rape. Duterte last year called then US president Barack Obama a "son of a w****" for criticising the drug war. Fifty-six retired US generals, admirals and other senior officers voiced opposition on Tuesday to President Donald Trump's announcement of a ban on transgender military service, saying it would be disruptive and degrade readiness. The heir to the world's top smartphone maker Samsung took the stand today in his corruption trial, to be questioned by prosecutors about the scandal that brought down South Korea's last president. It was the first time Lee Jae-Yong, vice president of Samsung Electronics and the son of the Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-Hee, had faced interrogation since the high-profile proceedings began in March. The 49-year-old, under detention while the trial is underway, took the stand in a Seoul court wearing a shirt and dark blazer. He bowed slight towards the three judges on the podium as his co-defendants, an army of lawyers, and a packed courtroom looked on. Lee and four other Samsung executives are accused of bribing the powerful confidante of then-President Park Geun- Hye with millions of dollars to win presidential favours and ease a controversial 2015 merger deal. The merger was seen as a key step in ensuring an untroubled power transfer to Lee from his father. Park was formally impeached and removed from power in March after public uproar over her questionable ties with confidante Choi Soon-Sil sparked mass nationwide protests for months. Choi - daughter of a shady late religious figure who was Park's mentor for decades - is currently on trial for using her presidential ties to force top South Korean firms including Samsung to "donate" nearly $70 million to non- profit foundations which she controlled. Park is also detained and on trial on 18 charges including coercion, abuse of power and bribery for offering policy favours to tycoons who bribed Choi. She is also accused of letting Choi, who has no title or security clearance, handle a wide range of state affairs including senior nominations and even her daily wardrobe choices. Park has denied all wrongdoing and blamed Choi for abusing their friendship. Samsung, the single largest donor to Choi's foundations, also separately gave her millions of euros to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. Lee has denied all wrongdoing, arguing he was not aware of Choi's existence until recently, and that Samsung was pressured to pay the money and did not seek any policy favours in return. Choi Gee-Sung, a former Samsung Electronics vice chairman and a co-defendant - took the blame in his testimony on Wednesday, saying Lee was not involved in daily business decisions made by other senior executives such as himself. Choi Gee-Sung is accused of approving a payment of millions of euros to finance Choi's daughter. "Final approvals for most business decisions at the group were made by me, under my responsibility," Choi said, adding he did not tell Lee about the confidante or her daughter. Until he stepped down in February, Choi was the head of Samsung's elite Future Strategy Office, which dictated the vast group's overall direction and major business decisions. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. US President Donald Trump grudgingly signed into law on Wednesday new sanctions against Russia that Congress had approved overwhelmingly last week, criticising the legislation as having clearly unconstitutional elements. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson promised today that the United States is not trying to topple Kim Jong-Un's North Korean regime, but warned it must halt its nuclear missile program. Briefing reporters on diplomatic efforts to pressure Pyongyang, Tillerson said Washington would be willing to talk to the North if its leaders accept that they must disarm. "We don't think having a dialogue where the North Koreans come to the table assuming they're going to maintain their nuclear weapons is productive," he warned. But he sought to reassure the isolated authoritarian regime that it does not need a nuclear arsenal to defend itself from a US attack. "We do not see a regime change. We do not seek the collapse of the regime. We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula," he promised. "We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel. And we're trying to convey that to the North Koreans. "We are not your enemy. We're not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond." US President Donald Trump has demanded that China, North Korea's neighbour and biggest trade partner, rein in its nuclear ambitions -- angrily tweeting over the weekend that Beijing is not doing enough. But here too, Tillerson was more diplomatic. "We certainly don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea," Washington's top diplomat said. "Only the North Koreans are to blame for this situation, but we do believe China has a special and unique relationship, because of this significant economic activity, to influence the North Korean regime in ways that no one else can." Last week, Kim boasted that North Korea could now strike any target in the United States after carrying out its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test. Republican foreign policy hawk Senator Lindsey Graham said Trump is ready to launch a devastating military strike if diplomacy fails to stop the nuclear missile threat. The Trump administration is planning trade measures to force Beijing to crack down on intellectual-property theft and ease requirements that American companies share advanced technologies to gain entry to the Chinese market. During the early years of the Cold War, the Soviet Union made a great push to reach out to the developing world, and particularly to the Middle East and Asia. It established particularly close ties with Nassers Egypt and later with Syria, but didnt do so well with others; the Chinese leadership in particular doubted whether the USSR really empathised with the Global South and its anti-colonial struggle. Russia, it argued, was essentially a former colonial power, or at the very least a white European country incapable of understanding the developing worlds problems. 11 Naxals on Wednesday surrendered in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Two surrendered Naxalities had bounty of eight lakh on their heads. Naxals surrendered in front of Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena along with huge quantity of their arms. Amongst the 11 Naxals three were women. Earlier, many Naxalites also surrendered. A mass militia commander JRD Jenny Sambhau surrendered with one country made gun before the CRPF's 80th Battalion in Jagdalpur, while five Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur earlier in April. Sambhu, a naxalite who was a comrade of Ramesh Poyum Gupiyapal Jumililia, was involved several Naxalite incidents including the Jharkhati ambush attack. Sambhu carried a bounty of Rs. one lakh over his head. In March this year, thirty-three naxals surrendered before the Jagdalpur police, whereas two Naxalites were nabbed by the Bijapur police. Out of the thirty-three Naxalites who surrendered before the Inspector-General (IG) and Superintendent of Police (SP), twenty-nine were males and 4 females. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct polygraph test of witness Abhishek Verma in the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots case. On July 26, the court had ordered that Verma be provided 24-hour security till he undergoes a polygraph (lie detector) test. The court also allowed the counsel of Verma, who is controversial arms dealer, to be present along with him when the test will be conducted. The court, in its order, also stated that as per the Apex Court, polygraph test must be conducted by an independent agency (such as a hospital). So, it directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to check availability with Rohini Hospital to conduct the test. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that the polygraph can be conducted on Verma any day after August 8. The Court further directed CBI to file a reply by August 1 that whether Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) is an independent agency or not. The Court also ordered that after the polygraph test, threat perception of Verma will be analysed and only then any decision will be taken to withdraw the security. Currently, two security guards from Delhi Police are providing him security. On July 6, Witness Abhishek Verma had appeared before the court and said that he is ready for polygraph test on the condition that he is provided security cover for him, wife and mother. He said that he has threat perception from the accused in the case, Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, and therefore wants security cover. The case in which Verma is a witness pertains to killing of three Sikhs- Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh - at Gurudwara Pulbangash in North Delhi on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The CBI gave clean chit to Tytler thrice in the past but is reinvestigating the case after a December 2015 court order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence experts on Wednesday said that High Commissioner of Pakistan to India Abdul Basit's statement on Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Syed Salahuddin shows he is following Pakistan's policy of trying to create chaos and mayhem in India. "When the Pakistan Government itself does not accept him as a terrorist, then how would their Ambassador in India accept him to be one? Pakistan, in fact, has nurtured him as a asset and a strategic partner and they continue to use him to try to create mayhem and chaos in India because that is their policy. Basit is just furthering their policy," defence expert P.K. Sehgal told ANI. He added that when Trump administration declared Syed Salahuddin an international terrorist, then the Pakistan Government said that they do not consider him as one and even China backed them up. Another defence expert D.S. Dhillon said that the entire world knows that Salahuddin is a terrorist and that he gives moral support and funds to all those who are trying to create chaos in Jammu and Kashmir. Ealier yesterday, defending Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Syed Salahuddin, outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan to India, Abdul Basit called out the United States for branding the former a 'terrorist'. Speaking to ANI here, Basit said that Salahuddin was struggling for right to self-determination of Kashmiris. "Whatever he is doing, which is also seen in Pakistan and J-K, is a struggle for the right to self determination," Basit said, adding that Salahuddin is not a terrorist as far as Pakistan is concerned. "We don't agree with him being a global terrorist and also criticise the decision on part of the United States as well," he said. Salahuddin, the senior leader of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, is one of the most wanted terrorists in the Investigation Agency's (NIA) list. In September, 2016, Salahuddin vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict, threatened to train more Kashmiri suicide bombers, and vowed to turn the Kashmir valley "into a graveyard for Indian forces." Under Salahuddin's tenure as senior Hizbul leader, the terror outfit claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and BRICs countries to set up BRICS Agriculture Research Platform, on Wednesday. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for a MoU signed among India and various BRICs countries for establishment of the BRICS Agriculture Research Platform (BRICS-ARP). The proposal was presented by Prime Minister Modi to establish BRICS Agriculture Research Centre during the 7th BRICS Summit held on 9thJuly 2015 at Ufa in Russia. The Centre would promote sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation through strategic cooperation in agriculture to provide food security in the BRICS member countries, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The MoU on establishment of the Agricultural Research Platform was signed by the foreign Ministers of BRICS countries in the 8th BRICS Summit held on 16th October, 2016 at Goa. This was done so in order to further intensify cooperation among BRICS countries in agricultural research policy, science and technology, innovation and capacity building, including technologies for small-holder farming in the BRICS countries. BRICS-ARP will be the natural global platform for science-led agriculture-based sustainable development for addressing the issues of world hunger, under-nutrition, poverty and inequality, particularly between farmers' and non-farmers' income, and enhancing agricultural trade, bio-security and climate resilient agriculture. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The performance audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on Planning and Implementation of Phase III Expansion Project of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited was laid in the Parliament today. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, in the year 2006, decided to undertake refinery upgradation project at an estimated cost of ' 7,943 crore. The objective of the Project was to increase the refinery capacity from 11.82 MMTPA to 15 MMTPA and to enhance the production of value added products. The estimates of cost underwent changes from time to time due to change in capacity, addition and deletion of various units. As of October 2015, the total adjusted estimated cost of the Project worked out to '16,323 crore. Against this, the Company had incurred an expenditure of '14,832 crore by March 2016. The project, which was initially proposed to be completed in June 2010, was actually completed in June 2015. The planning, execution and commissioning of units under the project and its impact on refinery operations during the period 2011-16, were reviewed during the course of Performance Audit. The Performance Audit was conducted with a view to examine the economy, efficiency and effectiveness in execution of the Project and to review the refinery operations, so as to ensure that the same were carried out economically and efficiently. Audit covered the planning and execution of Capital Projects including Phase III expansion, setting up of Single Point Mooring, synchronisation and operational performance of the processing units, auxiliary units and utilities for the period 2011-12 to 2015-16. Compliance with relevant statutory regulations relating to environmental issues was also covered. Significant audit findings are summarised in the following paragraphs: PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS Deficiencies in planning of capital projects The company frequently revised Capital Projects Plan which resulted in time overrun of more than two years and escalation in estimated cost by ' 2,509 crore during the planning stage. (Para 2.1.1) Delay in establishment of Poly Propylene Unit The production of Propylene by processing Vacuum Gas Oil in Petrochemical Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit was known to the company at the time of evaluation of viability of the standalone PolyPropylene Unit in 2006/2008. The unit, however, was included in the plan in May 2009 which delayed the process of acquisition of land, obtaining clearances, etc. Delay in taking decision to establish PolyPropylene Unit delayed the production of value added product, Polypropylene. Availing External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) loan without mitigation of risk The Company availed (March 2012 and March 2013) ECB loan for USD 650 million equivalent to ' 3,727 crore without hedging the related exchange risk even though the cost of loan with hedging was cheaper as compared to domestic loan. Due to non-hedging of ECB loan, the company has already lost approximately '13.70 crore (up to September 2016) and may incur further losses in case rupee weakens against USD. Drawal of funds in excess of requirement The Company drew funds for the project in excess of its requirements due to which '768.46 crore was lying idling in non-interest bearing current account. Delay in commissioning of Captive Power Plant Captive Power Plant (CPP), a critical utility for a refinery for supply of steam and power, needs to be commissioned before commissioning of all other process units. CPP-III was commissioned in August/September 2014 as against schedule date of January 2012 due to which various process units remained idle for a period ranging from 11 to 26 months, even after their mechanical completion. Non-finalisation of arrangement with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited Company entered (June 2014) into a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited for sharing of Single Point Mooring (SPM) Project and Cavern facility but the related Infrastructure Sharing Agreement was pending. Single Point Mooring Project got commissioned in August 2013 but the envisaged benefit could not be derived as Cavern facility was not ready (November 2016). Idling of Booster Pumping Station and Pipeline Company commissioned (December 2013) Booster Pumping Station at a cost of '188.69 crore and pipeline from cavern to refinery at '14.73 crore, which remained idle till September 2016 due to delay in commissioning of Cavern. Execution of Single Point Mooring Project The Company planned (2010) to install a Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility at an estimated cost of ' 1043.57 crore, to handle the increased quantity of crude in larger vessels (VLCC). Savings in freight, avoidance of demurrage and improvement in Gross Refinery Margin as envisaged while the decision for setting up of SPM facility was taken, were actually not achieved. OPERATION OF PROCESSING UNITS Crude Planning and Procurement Though Crude Distillation Unit-III which was designed to process High Tan crudes, commissioned in March 2012, the secondary processing units designed to process feed from this unit were commissioned only from November 2012 to September 2014 due to which the Company produced low value products like Vacuum Gas Oil, Naphtha, Aviation Turbine Fuel and Fuel Oil during 2011-12 to 2014-15. Excess quantity of these products were exported at lesser rate compared to domestic rate which resulted in loss of revenue of ' 2774.52 crore and non-recovery of production cost of ' 1666.86 crore. Non synchronisation of Hydrocraker Units (HCU) with Petrochemical Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (PFCCU) HCU-1 and HCU-2 were revamped (Sep 2011 and May 2012) to convert the mode of operation from Recycle to Once Through Mode. However, HCUs' had to be operated under recycle mode during the period 2011-12 to 2014-15 defeating the objective of revamp. Even under the recycle mode of operation there was under recovery as against the designed yield which resulted in loss of revenue of ' 6,328.76 crore. Commissioning and operation of PFCCU PFCCU, which was commissioned in August 2014 to produce propylene, had to be shut down for 20 days in September 2014 for rectification, which resulted in loss of production and consequential revenue loss of ' 198.53 crore. PFCCU processed (August 2014 to May 2015) 6,96,922 MT of feed and produced 3951 MT of Propylene as against the design yield of 1,43,566 MT which resulted in loss of margin of ' 382.83 crore. Post commissioning of Poly Propylene Unit in June 2015, propylene produced by PFCCU was short by 136791 MT (June 2015 to March 2016) compared to the design yield, which resulted in short production of Poly Propylene and consequent revenue loss of ' 364.77 crore. (Para 3.6) OPERATION OF SUPPORT FACILITIES Excess consumption of Steam Steam consumption during the year 2015-16 was more than the ideal consumption which resulted in extra expenditure of ' 231.94 crore. Excess consumption of Naphtha in Hydrogen Generation Unit (HGU) During 2011-16, none of the three HGUs could achieve designed yield of 33 per cent. However, due to low yield, 335,990 MT of additional naphtha valuing ' 1,025 crore had to be processed for the required quantity of Hydrogen. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS Petroleum refinery, during the conversion process of crude, impacts the environment and the eco system. Potential environmental issues associated with petroleum refining include air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, land pollution, waste water and other hazardous materials. It was noticed that the Company was yet to comply with provisions of environment clearance of MoEF (April 2008) regarding installation of Flare Gas Recovery System and establishing of green belt. It was also yet to comply with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board's direction to cover the coke yard and sulphur yard to avoid dust pollution. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations made in the Report are given below: In future, the Company may draw up a comprehensive plan before finalising the projects in order to avoid time and cost overrun. Requirement of funds for the projects may be made on a realistic basis to avoid excess drawl of funds. The Company may ensure timely completion of utilities like Power Plants which have cascading effect on commissioning of other units The Company may make urgent efforts to optimise the utilisation of SPM. The Company may ensure optimum capacity utilisation of all the processing units. The Company may evolve a system for evaluating the consumption of utilities by the various processing units so as to ensure optimum utilisation of these utilities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Opposition on Wednesday demanded resignation of Cabinet Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, whose wife has been accused of acquiring the state's forest land for constructing a resort. The Chhattisgarh Assembly witnessed chaos as MLAs belonging to the Opposition parties raised slogans against Agarwal and demanded his resignation. The Congress had earlier raised an issue regarding the same. Speaking to ANI, Congress had demanded a thorough investigation of the case. It also said that such a case wouldn't have been possible without the support of the minister. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh had also assured an impartial probe in this matter. He added that a detailed report has been sought from the concerned collector. Sarita Agrawal, wife of Chhattisgarh cabinet minister Brijmohan Agrawal, is accused of acquiring a portion of the state's forest land and building a resort on it. As per the reports, Sarita is said to have acquired three "khasras" - 1.38, 1.37 and 1.37 hectares - totaling 4.12 hectares on September 12, 2009 for Rs 5,30,600. Agrawal, however, had refuted these claims and has maintained that he and his family have always been 'law-abiding citizens'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Wednesday emphatically rejected India's interference in its ongoing boundary dispute with Bhutan in the Doklam area and again urged New Delhi to withdraw unconditionally and end the nearly two-month long stand-off. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. China alleged that India's intrusion into its territory under the pretext of defending Bhutan's territorial claims, has not only violated Beijing's territorial sovereignty, but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. Emphasizing that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbours, the foreign ministry said in its statement that Beijing has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. It added that the border area between China and Bhutan has always enjoyed peace and tranquility due to the joint efforts of both sides. Asserting that it will continue to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue between the two countries through negotiations and consultations in the absence of external interference, China said the Dong Lang (Doklam) area has all along been under its continuous and effective jurisdiction. "There is no dispute in this regard. Since the 1980s, China and Bhutan, as two independent sovereign states, have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue," the foreign ministry said, adding that so far both sides have had 24 rounds of talks and reached a broad consensus. Although the boundary is yet to be formally delimited, Beijing said both sides have conducted joint surveys in their border area and have arrived at a basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their respective boundaries. Referring to the China-India boundary issue in the Sikkim Sector as delimited by the 1890 Convention inked with Britain at the height of its colonial rule over India, the Chinese foreign ministry said that both Beijing and New Delhi have been in discussion on making the boundary in the Sikkim Sector an "early harvest" in the settlement of the entire bilateral boundary question during meetings between Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question. "This is mainly in view of the following considerations. The boundary in the Sikkim Sector has long been delimited by the 1890 Convention, which was signed between then China and Great Britain. China and India ought to sign a new boundary convention in their own names to replace the 1890 Convention. This, however, in no way alters the nature of the boundary in the Sikkim Sector as having already been delimited," it said. Beijing again accused New Delhi of attempting to change the status quo of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector repeatedly and said it poses a grave security threat to China. China also reiterated that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The Chinese side urged India to keep in mind the larger interest of bilateral relations and the well-being of the two peoples. It said that India must and should abide by the 1890 Convention and the delimited China-India Boundary established therein, respect China's territorial sovereignty, observe the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespass so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries. Beijing added that this would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community. Indian and Chinese troops continue to be locked in a standoff in Doklam and both sides have moved additional troops, ammunition and military equipment to the area. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has beefed up its defence in a region south of the Kunlun Mountains under the pretext of conducting a military exercise near Tibet. Hardware has been moved simultaneously by road and rail by China's western theatre command, which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet,and handles, among others, border issues with India, media reports have said. This show of strength is being projected by Beijing as a warning to India by China to back off from its objection to China constructing a road at the Doklam tri-junction. Earlier, the India's External Affairs Ministry of India (MEA) reiterated that differences between India and China should not and would not be allowed to become disputes, and added that communication between the two governments have never ceased, nor have been broken. The stand-off emerged after Chinese troops were stopped by the Indian Army from construction roads in the Doklam border. India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, while China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China. Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim sector of the Indo-China border. Beijing has accused New Delhi of violating a convention signed in 1890 between Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An endangered bat species with a UK population of less than 1,000 could be further threatened by the effects of global warming, according to a new study led by the University of Southampton. Scientists warn that, while conditions in the UK could actually become more favourable for the grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus), populations in southern Europe that hold the key for the survival of the species as a whole could be devastated. Working with its partners, the University has developed a new framework to identify wildlife populations threatened by climate change. The study outlining the framework, published in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources, focuses on the grey long-eared bat and shows that its populations in Spain and Portugal are particularly at risk as conditions there become too harsh. This is of great concern to ecologists because the populations in these areas include pockets with the highest levels of genetic diversity, thanks to their ancestors having survived major climate change events such as ice ages. This makes them better suited to the hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change. However, other populations in the region that lack such genetic diversity and are unable to adapt to the harsher conditions could become isolated if they cannot fly to more climatically suitable areas because the landscape in between is unsuitable. This could also stop the bats from better-adapted populations - whose genes could help the threatened bat populations survive - from reaching them. Lead author Dr Orly Razgour, of the University of Southampton, explained, "Long-lived, slow-reproducing species with smaller population sizes are not likely to be able to adapt to future climate change fast enough through the spread of new mutations arising in the population. "Instead they will depend on the spread of adaptive genetic variation between populations through the movement of individuals. "As climate change progresses and the environment becomes less suitable for the bats, they will not only struggle to survive where they are currently found but they will also find it more difficult to shift their range to climatically suitable areas." "This reduced connectivity between populations will in turn affect the ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions because of reduced movement of individuals that are better adapted to warmer and drier conditions into the population." The framework developed by Dr Razgour and her colleagues at partner institutions uses three measures to identify wildlife populations at risk from climate change. It uses ecological modelling and climate data to looking at where climate change is likely to be most extreme; gathers genomic data to assess which species are likely to be most sensitive to the effects of future climate change (in the case of the bats, wing biopsy samples were collected from eight populations in the Iberian Peninsula and two populations in England); and considers range shift potential - i.e. the ability of a species to move from an unsuitable to a suitable area. Using these three measures, levels of risk are generated for each population - low risk, medium, medium-high and high risk. Dr Razgour said, "The framework we have developed can be used to identify the wildlife populations that are most under threat, and therefore help decide how to focus conservation efforts to help the species survive under future climate change. "In the case of the bats, this may require people moving them to a more climatically suitable area. "Alternatively, we can focus our conservation efforts on medium-high risk populations, where we can encourage the bats to move to more suitable areas through increasing connectivity with other populations and to areas where climatic conditions will remain more suitable." Dr Razgour was funded to conduct the study as part of a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Independent Research Fellowship. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the crazy price hike for tomatoes in the country at the moment, which has resulted in several thefts, the Congress in Lucknow has come up with a novel idea to help locals and farmers protect their precious vegetable Amid the protest launched against Central Government over the recent hike in tomato prices, the Congress has opened one-of-its-own-kind 'State Bank of Tomato'. The bank lets its customers enjoy all the basic banking facilities, the only difference being, everything is related to tomatoes. Customers of the bank can get Fixed Deposit (FD) on tomatoes, lockers as well as facility of loans on the same. A long queue of customers was seen outside the bank here, while people saying that due to the fear of tomatoes getting stolen from their houses, they have brought their tomatoes to deposit in the bank. A 103-year-old man was also a part of the queue, who said that he had never thought he would have come to a bank to deposit tomatoes. "I have deposited 500 grams of tomatoes and will get back one kilogram back after six months," he said. The Congress members, managing the bank, said they are getting great response and if it continues, they will have to more branches of the bank. Not just this, with tomato prices skyrocketing, it has become important in the whole sale vegetable market of Madhya Pradesh's Indore city, to guard the pricey vegetable. It has been reported that in the wake of soaring tomato prices, cases of theft in the vegetable market of Indore have cropped up and has created tension amongst the sellers. The sellers now to safe guard the expensive vegetable, have deployed security guards to safeguard tomatoes. However, it is not only Indore, as similar incidents of tomatoes being stolen have been reported from other parts of the nation as well. Approximately 300 kilograms of tomatoes were stolen from the vegetable market in Mumbai's Dahisar earlier this week on July 20. The tomatoes were worth Rs 70,000. Reportedly, the police have registered a case in the regard and are investigating the matter. Since past few weeks, the prices of tomatoes have tremendously increased owing to crop damage in producing states. The government has asserted that it is keeping a close watch on price movements. Tomatoes, in various parts of the nation, are still being sold at Rs 100-120 per kilogram. However, improved production is supposed to bring down tomato prices from mid-August and September. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Designer brand Diamond Ark Lifestyle announced the closing down of its operation in the Indian market while targeting expansion in the emerging fashion markets in Nigeria and parts of Africa. "I love India very much but my plan is to make Diamond Ark a leading brand in Africa; and also a major player in global fashion industry. I will surely miss Indian market, Indians and Africans in India, and so I promise to visit here again in 2019," said founder of Diamond Ark Lifestyle, John Uche Jesus. The designer brand, which launched in 2012, aims to become a leading fashion brand in Africa and also a major player in global fashion. In India, Diamond Ark is already quite popular and is renowned for its distinctive use of colours, quality of fabrics, intricate embroideries and an Indian, African and Western aesthetic. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least five police vehicles were set ablaze last night at Goeragre on the outskirts of Tura by unidentified miscreants around midnight. Goeragre is about 10-kilometers from Tura in the West Garo Hills. Meghalaya police today ordered a high level probe of the incident. The incident occurred last night, between 11:30 p m to 12 a m. The miscreants escaped. Police said that unidentified persons targeted the parking lot inside the 2nd battalion headquarters in Goeragre, where five new police Gypsies were parked along with a few a motorcycles and a scooter. All the vehicles were torched. Following the incident an alarm was sounded and the battalion personnel rushed out of their barracks thinking it to be a militant attack. The incident occurred very close to the sentry post from the main gate though no alarm was initially raised allowing the arsonists to get away after their act. However, it also led to the suspicion that the arson may have been an inside job though police are currently probing all angles to the incident. Fire tenders from Rongram, about two kilometers away, rushed to the spot to douse the fire but by the time they got there the entire area was gutted and all the vehicles destroyed. The sentry on duty was unable to spot the fire until it was too late. The total amount of damages is expected to cross Rs 30 lakh as all the vehicles gutted were regularly used in operations as well as patrolling. The lack of CCTVs at the affected area is expected to prove a hindrance to investigations even as police grapples with the question as to why the incident occurred. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Garo Liberation Army (GNLA) cadre was killed in an encounter at Gare Ringdi village in South Garo Hills in Meghalaya. The rebel was gun downed by Meghalaya Police around 6:30 am yesterday. Police had launched the operation based on source input about the presence of six armed cadres taking shelter at the village led by GNLA cadre Nit and Adram. An exchange of fire took place between the operations team and the militants with one unidentified body being recovered from the encounter site. Two other sustained injuries and managed to escape. Police recovered a pistol along with live ammunition, GNLA demand notes, GNLA seals, diaries, receipt books, gelatine sticks and six mobile phones. Meanwhile Hembone T Sangma alias Sling, a cadre of the 6th batch of the GNLA surrendered yesterday before superintendent of police South Garo Hills Abraham T Sangma. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after the outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit stated that alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav had provided a lot of useful information leading to the busting of several sleeper cells, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir on Wednesday downplayed the former's claim saying Islamabad's charges are baseless. Speaking to ANI, Ahir said, "I will not give importance to anyone's comment; India never arrested anyone without proper investigation like what Pakistan has done with Kulbhushan Jadhav. The charges which Islamabad Army has put on him are without proper facts. That is why Investigation Agency (NIA) had to take action with complete base and structure. Our stand for Jadhav is right and we will give him justice too." Further assuring India's support towards Jadhav, Ahir stated that the Centre is working towards his freedom. "We do not have to listen to them (Pakistan) always. We have been doing that since ages; now it's time to take a stand. We know and believe that Jadhav is innocent and the world also believes that too. We are working towards his freedom as a prisoner," he said. Yesterday, Abdul Basit informed that since Jadhav's arrest, he has provided a lot of useful information leading to the busting of several sleeper cells. Speaking to ANI, Basit said, "There is a process involved and currently his (Kulbhushan's) mercy petition is pending with Army Chief. A decision has to be taken in this matter. It's not an ordinary case; and we will wait to see how law takes its course with time. My Indian friends need to understand that Kulbhushan is not ordinary citizen of India; he was convicted for espionage and subversive activity so the charge is very serious". Basit further informed that a mercy petition has been filed and the Army court will take a decision on it soon. "He (Jadhav) had also provided Pakistani authorities a lot of information. Since his arrest, we have arrested hundred operatives in Pakistan and busted several sleeper cells," he said. The Pakistan government had earlier accepted the request of Abdul Basit to resign from the foreign service after he was passed over for the post of foreign secretary earlier this year. Basit was to retire in April 2018, but he opted for an early retirement and sent his resignation letter to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif. India-Pakistan relations have been strained ever since death sentence was awarded to former Indian Naval officer Jadhav. India even moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek justice for Jadhav that stayed the death sentence till its final decision. When asked about the future of the downhill relations, the outgoing envoy said, "Never give up. Keep trying; things will get better." Jadhav was sentenced to death on April 10 this year after being accused of espionage and working for the India's external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). He was arrested from Balochistan on March 3 last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a bizarre incident, Patna's Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences has asked its employees to declare their virginity and number of wives in a marital status declaration form. Out of three such declarations, one reads as: "That I am bachelor/widower/virgin." Recently, IGIMS has been in news for wrong reasons. It has allegedly refused to provide an ambulance to the parents of a child, who died battling cancer here. After which, the father had to carry the dead body of his five-year-old son on his shoulder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar's 100-acre land and a stone quarry have been frozen by the sub-registrar in Pudukottai district on Wednesday, following the order of the Income Tax (I-T) department. The assets in Thiruvengaivasal (native village in Pudukottai district) belong to the minister and his family members. Interestingly, sub-registrar Pudukottai, Sasikala was transferred to Virudunagar district after freezing the property Vijayabaskar and his family. On May 17, the I-T department conducted raids at Vijayabaskar's residence in Pudukkottai. On May 3rd, the IT department had issued summons to Vijayabaskar's wife. Earlier in May, several income tax officials raided Vijayabaskar's Greenways Road residence and other locations in Pudukkottai and Trichy. The I-T officials also raided several premises belonging to the minister and his relatives in Chennai and other districts owing to allegations of involvement in cash distribution to voters in R.K. Nagar constituency where a by-election was held on April 12. In his defense, Vijayabaskar said the I-T Department was harassing him despite his full cooperation. During the same time, I-T conducted raids at 23 different locations across the state. As per preliminary reports, raids were conducted as they were not paying their income tax regularly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "What bothers people is my brilliance, insects only attack lamps that shine," said star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, an accused of tax evasion by Spanish authorities. Ronaldo made these comments on Instagram on Tuesday, a day after he appeared in a Madrid court in connection with a tax evasion case. The Real Madrid star has been accused by the Spanish prosecutors of defrauding the authorities of almost 15 million Euros. The Portuguese spent over 90 minutes on Monday answering the questions of investigating judge Monica Gomez at a closed door hearing in Pozuelo de Alarcon, the wealthy suburb of Madrid where he lives, reports Sport24. Ronaldo told the judge that he had "never tried to avoid taxes". According to a statement in Spanish released by his public relations firm, the 32-year-old Ronaldo told the judge: "I have never hidden anything, and never tried to avoid taxes." Ronaldo is accused of defrauding Spanish authorities of 14.7m (12.95m) between 2011 and 2014. As per reports, the prosecutor's office, in a statement, said Ronaldo had knowingly used a "business structure" created in 2010 to hide his income in Spain from his image rights. The alleged irregularities were in relation to money the Portuguese star had in the Virgin Islands, although officials acknowledged adjustments to this structure in 2014, where the player paid back an extra seven million Euros in tax. However, the 32-year-old denies any wrongdoing. "Spain's tax office knows all the details about my sources of income because we have reported them. I always file my tax returns because I think that we should all file and pay our taxes," Ronaldo told the judge as per his statement. "Those who know me know that I tell my consultants that they must have everything in order and paid up to date because I don't want trouble," he added. Last summer, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi also faced similar charges for which he and his father convicted. Messi and his father Jorge Horacio Messi were handed the jail term last July after they were charged with three counts of tax fraud, which amounted to 4.1 million Euros. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till Thursday with Opposition party calling the Karnataka Income Tax raids a political scheme by the Bharatiya Janata Party, to which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley responded saying the raids have no connection with Gujarat polls. "This raid should not be linked with any Gujarat poll, this is on a purely economic offence," Jaitley said. Congress although has claimed this to be a political ploy saying that the raids can't be a coincidence. "It has become a brazen trend to use state power and agencies, whether it is the income tax department or the CBI," Congress leader Anand Sharma said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. He further said that the raid was an attempt to "poach" 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs who are currently under the shield of Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar's resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Arun Jaitley has denied this and said that the "use and abuse of power" will depend on what the I-T department recovers. On the other hand Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that if the raid was to be done only on the person then why wasn't it done a month before or a month after. To which Jaitley said that that the authorities had to confront the Minister with the recovery and hence had gone to the resort to get him to his residence. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place and no MLA has been searched," he added. "This was done so he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the Finance Minister said. The I-T department recovered around Rs 7 crores from Shivakumar's properties that it found to be questionable. The Congress on the other hand said that there was a clear connection between the raids and the upcoming elections in Gujarat for three Rajya Sabha seats. I-T department on the other hand says that this was a pre-planned raid. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday dubbed Income Tax (IT) raids at residence of Karnataka power minister DK Shivakumar as 'undemocratic'. "It's against the grain of democratic policy to use IT raids. BJP uses raise against people who raise voice against it," said Siddaramaiah. The IT officials on Wednesday morning raided Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar's residence and at a private resort in Bengaluru where 44 Congress lawmakers from Gujarat are staying. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States is ready with the military options, saying, it is inevitable, if North Korea continues with its provocative acts of missile launch. However the U.S. administration has also underlined that such an action could risk thousands of lives in South Korea where millions of innocent people including 30,000 US troops are already in range of North Korea's current missile capabilities, says a report published in the CNN. The report says, "While all war game scenarios show the US winning a military confrontation, that victory could come at the cost of hundreds of thousands of deaths, mostly in South Korea where millions of innocent people -- and nearly 30,000 US troops -- are already in range of North Korea's current missile capabilities." U.S. officials has informed that revised military options to prevent North Korea from developing a nuclear missile capable of hitting the United States, have been prepared and will be presented to President Donald Trump soon "There is a military option to destroy North Korea's (missile) program and North Korea itself," Graham said."If there's going to be a war to stop them, it will be over there. If thousands die, they're going to die over there, they're not going to die here and President Donald Trump told me that to my face." He continued: "I'm saying (military options are) inevitable if North Korea continues." "What we have to do is to 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," CNN quoted National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster as saying during remarks at a Washington think tank. North Korea conducted test of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 3 and July 28 and Kim Jong-un has claimed the "entire US mainland" is now within range of his Hwasong-14 missiles. However, U.S. government believe that North Korea will not be able to launch a reliable, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile until early 2018. In July, CIA Chief Mike Pompeo said regime change could be a possible approach. He said that while a denuclearised Korean peninsula would a welcome development, the most dangerous thing about the weapons is Kim Jong-un. The official said that while North Korea can currently get a missile "off the ground," a lot of undetermined variables remain about guidance, re-entry and the ability to hit a specific target. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan has informed that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif can make a comeback in politics as the apex court's verdict could be overturned as an "error of judgement" Khan said that he has informed the leadership that the Supreme Court's verdict could be overturned as an "error of judgement", provided a review petition against it was heard as an appeal by a larger bench, because "receivables" could not be considered assets under the Income Tax Act. Khan said there is no need for elevating the chief minister from Punjab to the federal government.Sharif's brother and Punjab Province Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been chosen by the PML-N party to contest from the NA-120 Constituency in Lahore, which fell vacant after the Prime Minister was disqualified on July 28. After the apex court on July 28 disqualified Nawaz Sharif to remain prime minister for hiding assets in his nomination papers for 2013 polls, Nawaz had named his younger brother, Shehbaz, as his successor during the PML-N's parliamentary party meeting. He argued that Nawaz Sharif might re-enter electoral politics and was not disqualified for life because in an almost similar case, retired Justice Iftikhar Cheema, who had won from the National Assembly constituency NA-101 (Gujranwala) in 2013 but was later disqualified by the Supreme Court for concealing assets, had been allowed to contest the by-polls held last year. The PML-N leadership is seriously considering a proposal to continue with Abbasi as prime minister till the next general elections, the Dawn reported. The 17 months inquiry against Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was wrapped up in December for his alleged role in awarding a Rs220 billion contract for the import and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2013. "NAB, Karachi, closed the case in its regional board meeting held on Dec 19, 2016 on merit," the Dawn reported. The inquiry was stopped despite the fact that it had been proved that the contract had been awarded in a 'non-transparent manner. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is now considering to file a petition in the Supreme Court against Prime Minister Abbasi. The former minister for petroleum and natural resources was a principal suspect in the NAB inquiry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fifteen renowned painters from Karnataka are exhibiting their works at the Delhi Karnataka Sangha in New Delhi. The event kicked off on August 2 and it is the first time an open air Karnataka art camp is being held in the capital. The event was inaugurated by Professor H.S. Shivprakash of Jawarharlal Nehru University. Even though the Karnataka Sangha in Delhi has hosted several exhibitions and cultural events in the past, this live and open air art exhibition is taking place for the first time. In addition, this is the first joint collaboration between the Delhi Karnataka Sangha and the Karnataka Lalithkala Academy. Dr. M.S. Murthy, President of the Bengaluru-based Karnataka Lalithakala Academy, told ANI in an interview that this event marks the 50th anniversary of the Lalithakala Academy in Karnataka. He said that the aim of having such an event in the capital was to introduce the rich art and cultural heritage of Karnataka to the non-Kannadiga community. Emphasizing on the importance of visual communication through art, Dr. Murthy said, "Art is the mother of visual communication and we are aiming to give a glimpse of the art and culture of Karnataka all over India. As this is the only medium of art which breaches the boundaries of language, we aim to reach as many people as possible through this exhibition." "Hopefully, this is the beginning of a beautiful initiative. We'll see how this works out and we'll organize many more such events in the future." he added. Mr. Vasantha Shetty Bellare, President of the Delhi Karnataka Sangha, said, "This initiative is special because, unlike other art exhibitions, this is the first time the artists will be painting in front of the people so that the people can get an idea of their work" Giving a glimpse of their art and the different forms of art they aim to exhibit, fifteen experienced and enthusiastic artists have been called in from various parts of Karnataka to showcase their talent. Speaking to ANI about his painting, a contemporary artist, G. L. Baburajendra Prasad said that he aims to focus on the issues India faces at the moment. He said, "My paintings aim to show the kind of mindset Indians have these days." Citing the example of the recent GST in his painting, Prasad said that aimed to depict that Indians are finding it hard to accept GST. Another artist, Dr. Ashok S. Shatkar, said that he doesn't aim to depict anything in particular through his paintings. His only aim is to showcase the beauty of paintings as it is a diminishing form of art. The exhibition is set to continue till August 6. (ANI) . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to demolish illegal restaurant constructed by a private party near Taj Mahal in Agra. The Green Tribunal observed that the ecology of the area surrounding the Taj Mahal cannot be compromised. The NGT said that the Uttar Pradesh Government should encourage plantation drive around Taj Mahal. In its earlier hearing, the Green Tribunal had directed the Divisional Commissioner of Agra to provide information on the trees planted in the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) near the historic monument. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the officer to provide necessary data within three weeks to advocate M C Mehta, who has been appointed as local commissioner to probe the alleged illegal felling and sale of 4,000 trees in the area. The green body had taken cognisance of the case on its own after going through a media report. According to the report, a former Agra Divisional Forest Officer had allegedly cut 8,000 trees in Babarpur and around 4,000 trees in 500-metre-radius of the Taj Mahal, which is an eco-sensitive zone. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan must try the perpetrators of the 1971 genocide carried out in the eastern part of the country as it existed then, understand the gravity of the war-related crimes committed then and apologize to Bangladesh officially on the issue, said popular Pakistani poet Ahmad Salim. Delivering the Jahanara Imam Memorial Lecture 2017 at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday, Salim charged Islamabad with not learning lessons from its past and urged the young generation of Pakistan to come forward and tell their government to assume responsibility and try the perpetrators of 1971 genocide and offer an apology to Bangladesh. The Daily Star quoted Salim, as saying "Now, although the landscape in Pakistan has changed and now thousands of people are there to respect the independence of Bangladesh, the issue of seeking apology at official level is still at the doldrums." "It seems that governments in Pakistan haven't learnt from the past. Our new generation is more enlightened and less prejudiced... It's now the responsibility of this young generation to come forward and help us to make the Government of Pakistan understand that as a responsible country, it should try the people involved in war crimes against the Bangladeshi people and tend its apology to Bangladesh," Salim added. Ahmad Salim, who was associated with the Punjab Students Union and the National Awami Party, was jailed for six months and lashed for writing poems in protest against the genocide committed in East Pakistan in 1971. He said today Bangladesh was a reality, was a more developed, free and a sovereign country when compared to Pakistan. He recalled that when he was asked by the judge why he was criticizing the Pakistan Army when he was a Punjabi, he said, "The people that shed human blood cannot be termed Punjabi or Pathan." Anam Zakaria, an award winning Pakistani author, said, "It is the denial of your stories of the martyred families, freedom fighters, women who were raped, harassed and tortured so many ways that I can never comprehend, has brought me here." "I cannot make the Pakistani government seek apology, but I can take the voice of the people of Bangladesh back to Pakistan," she added. Haroon Khalid, another Pakistani writer and journalist, said, "...because our country is still facing those same issues today. We still are calling our communities, our people not Pakistani enough. We still are calling them not Muslim enough. So, we have still not learnt from history." "Perhaps, more than Bangladesh, I believe it is more important for Pakistan sanity to acknowledge what happened in 1971," he added. This year, Jahanara Imam Memorial Award was given to Salim and the Dhaka-based Institute of Conflict, Law and Development Studies. In March 2012, the Bangladesh government gave him the "Friends of Liberation War Honour" for his contribution to their liberation cause. The Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organized the programme to mark the 23rd death anniversary of war crimes trial campaigner Jahanara Imam. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday reached Murree to meet former premier Nawaz Sharif. Abbasi preferred to meet Sharif as his first task after taking oath as the chief executive of Pakistan. Abbasi will thank Sharif for reposing confidence in him to succeed the latter and will also discuss the formation of his cabinet and seek his approval for the nominees for ministerial portfolios, ARY News reported. However, no major changes are expected in the cabinet but it would be interesting to see that who will replace the key portfolio of finance ministry. Pakistan's Supreme Court had disqualified Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from office in Panamagate case. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was elected Pakistan's Prime Minister by the country's National Assembly on Tuesday, becoming the interim leader of the country after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal. Abbasi got elected after getting 221 votes in the House of 342. Naveed Qamar of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) got 47 votes, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf got 33 while Jamaat-e-Islami's Sahibzada Tariqullah managed just four votes. After announcing the results amid sloganeering, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq asked Abbasi to take the seat of the prime minister and address the House. The Supreme Court on Friday disqualified 67-year-old Prime Minister Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing him to resign. The National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, was summoned by President Hussain to elect the new leader. Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) nominated Abbasi as interim Prime Minister until Sharif's brother Shehbaz is elected as a National Assembly member. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan will be touring New Zealand for a limited-over series, comprising five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20Is in January 2018. The five ODIs between the two sides are slated to be held between January 6 to 19. Pakistan will then head into T20 series against the Black Caps, beginning January 22. Sarfraz Ahmed, who guided Pakistan to their maiden Champions Trophy in June, will be leading the side in both formats against the Kane Williamson-led team, the Dawn reported. Last year, Kiwis had convincingly beaten Pakistan in the two-match Test series by 2-0. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China's One Belt,One Road initiative that includes China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is only benefiting the economic growth story of China and resources of Pakistan are just being exploited by Chinese. High-altitude border outpost called Tashkurgan is at the geographic heart of Beijing's plans to build a major trade artery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connecting Kashgar to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar. But the residents of Pakistan claimed that promises made by Chinese are hollow and it is using every resources and investing billions of dollars on infrastructure projects to expand Beijing's growth story, said an editorial in Express Tribune highlighting the ground realities of the China's CPEC in Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs over 1,300 kilometres from the far western Chinese city of Kashgar through the world's highest mountain pass and across the border. "China says our friendship is as high as the Himalayas and as deep as the sea, but it has no heart," said Pakistani businessman Murad Shah, as he tended his shop in Tashkurgan, 120 kilometres from the mountain pass where trucks line up to cross between China's vast Xinjiang region and Pakistan. "There is no benefit for Pakistan. It's all about expanding China's growth," Shah said. Tashkurgan project is a crown jewel of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, a massive global infrastructure programme to revive the ancient Silk Road and connect Chinese companies to new markets around the . Pakistan's exports to China fell by almost eight per cent in the second half of 2016, while imports jumped by almost 29 per cent. In May, Pakistan had accused China of flooding its market with cut rate steel and threatened to respond with high tariffs, the editorial stated. "There are all of these hopes and dreams about Pakistan exports. But if you're connecting with China, what are you going to be exporting?, editorial quoted Jonathan Hillman, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington as saying. Quoting a Pakistani businessmen in Xinjiang, the editorial said, "CPEC is not benefiting us, as Chinese officials demand high tariff for imported Pakistani goods but less for Chinese exports." In 2013, Beijing and Islamabad signed agreements worth $46 billion to build transport and energy infrastructure along the corridor, and China has upgraded the Karakoram Highway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Non-government charitable trust Sanatan Sanstha on Wednesday accused the Maharashtra Police of implicating 'innocent' seekers of the organisation in the murder case of Gopal Pansare, without an iota of evidence against them. The organisation said that whether it is the Pansare or Dabholkar killing, 'innocent' seekers of the organisation are being implicated and persecuted by the police. "To declare rewards for informants of Sanatan's seekers, but not the killers of Pansare is a prejudicial act by the police," read a statement released by the organisation. "The innocent Samir Gaikwad who was arrested in the case of Pansare killing was incarcerated for 21 months; he was recently granted a bail. Virendra Tawde is behind bars since last one year. On the top of it, the Kolhapur Police have declared a reward of Rs. 10 lakh for providing information on Sarang Akolkar and Vinay Pawar, who are not being located for last few years, and thus, the police attempt to hide their inefficiency," it read. The organisation said that it does not have any objection over such declaration of award since both of them are suspects as per police. "However, when there are no strong proofs and investigation is yet incomplete, to declare reward for giving information on those two is inappropriate," it further read. The organisation further said that if the reward had been declared for giving information on the killers of Pansare, it would have been more appropriate. "However, the attempt to purposefully implicate the Sanatan's seekers without following the proper procedure, is a prejudicial act on the part of the Police administration, which is the outcome of the pressure brought by so-called rationalists. And this is one of the reasons for the Police investigation still going astray," remarked Sanatan Sanstha spokesperson Abhay Vartak. The organisation linked the above with the plan hatched to take revenge with it. "The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha exposed the corruption in Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, and the CID inquiry in this case has been initiated. An individual who is involved in the above scam has suddenly tipped the police that the seekers of Sanatan Sanstha and volunteers of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti are involved in the Pansare killing, and the fact that the description given by him matched with that of Sarang Akolkar and Vinay Pawar is a pure coincidence," it read. It further clarified on the same, putting forward its defence. "However, the gun used in Dabholkar killing and seized from Nagori is with the Police from 2003. How did this gun reach the killers of Pansare in 2015 and how did it come back to the Police? It is beyond comprehension that the Kolhapur Police are not speaking a word about investigating this incident," the statement read. The organisation alleged that the police are turning blind to all the other information it is receiving regarding Pansare killing, and are only concentrating on their organisation. "The police are receiving several letters and details about Pansare killing. However, they have adopted a policy to throw all these letters and details in garbage can except for those connected with some particular organisations and individuals who are prejudicially targeted by the police," said Vartak. In 2014, Pansare was gunned by two unidentified persons when he was returning home from his morning walk. The SIT in its chargesheet named Sanatan Sanstha's activist Samir Gaikwad as co-conspirator and said he along with other Sanatan activists killed Pansare. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Wednesday reiterated that peace and tranquility along Indo-China border is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations between the New Delhi and Beijing. In response to a question on Chinese MFA's document released on today on the Doklam issue, India's Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "India's position on this issue and related facts have been articulated in our Press Statement of June 30, 2017. India considers that peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China." Earlier, China emphatically rejected India's interference in its ongoing boundary dispute with Bhutan in the Doklam area and again urged New Delhi to withdraw unconditionally and end the nearly two-month long stand-off. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. China alleged that India's intrusion into its territory under the pretext of defending Bhutan's territorial claims, has not only violated Beijing's territorial sovereignty, but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. Emphasizing that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbours, the foreign ministry said in its statement that Beijing has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. It added that the border area between China and Bhutan has always enjoyed peace and tranquility due to the joint efforts of both sides. Asserting that it will continue to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue between the two countries through negotiations and consultations in the absence of external interference, China said the Dong Lang (Doklam) area has all along been under its continuous and effective jurisdiction. "There is no dispute in this regard. Since the 1980s, China and Bhutan, as two independent sovereign states, have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue," the foreign ministry said, adding that so far both sides have had 24 rounds of talks and reached a broad consensus. Although the boundary is yet to be formally delimited, Beijing said both sides have conducted joint surveys in their border area and have arrived at a basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their respective boundaries. Referring to the China-India boundary issue in the Sikkim Sector as delimited by the 1890 Convention inked with Britain at the height of its colonial rule over India, the Chinese foreign ministry said that both Beijing and New Delhi have been in discussion on making the boundary in the Sikkim Sector an "early harvest" in the settlement of the entire bilateral boundary question during meetings between Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question. "This is mainly in view of the following considerations. The boundary in the Sikkim Sector has long been delimited by the 1890 Convention, which was signed between then China and Great Britain. China and India ought to sign a new boundary convention in their own names to replace the 1890 Convention. This, however, in no way alters the nature of the boundary in the Sikkim Sector as having already been delimited," it said. Beijing again accused New Delhi of attempting to change the status quo of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector repeatedly and said it poses a grave security threat to China. China also reiterated that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The Chinese side urged India to keep in mind the larger interest of bilateral relations and the well-being of the two peoples. It said that India must and should abide by the 1890 Convention and the delimited China-India Boundary established therein, respect China's territorial sovereignty, observe the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespass so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries. Beijing added that this would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community. Indian and Chinese troops continue to be locked in a standoff in Doklam and both sides have moved additional troops, ammunition and military equipment to the area. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has beefed up its defence in a region south of the Kunlun Mountains under the pretext of conducting a military exercise near Tibet. Hardware has been moved simultaneously by road and rail by China's western theatre command, which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet,and handles, among others, border issues with India, media reports have said. This show of strength is being projected by Beijing as a warning to India by China to back off from its objection to China constructing a road at the Doklam tri-junction. Earlier, India's External Affairs Ministry of India (MEA) reiterated that differences between India and China should not and would not be allowed to become disputes, and added that communication between the two governments have never ceased, nor have been broken. The stand-off emerged after Chinese troops were stopped by the Indian Army from construction roads in the Doklam border. India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, while China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China. Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim sector of the Indo-China border. Beijing has accused New Delhi of violating a convention signed in 1890 between Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that about 3004 km stretch along the Indo-Bangladesh Border has been covered by physical barriers. "About 3004 km stretch along the Indo-Bangladesh Border has been covered by physical barriers. The balance border is covered by day & night patrolling, Ambush/Nakas, special operations, usage of force multipliers like high-tech surveillance equipments, Hand Held Thermal Imager (HHTI), improvised methods, etc," Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply to question by Congress MP Ranee Narah in the Rajya Sabha He also said that Rs. 50 crore budget has been allocated for each floodlight work and road work along Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) for the financial year 2017-18 "The budget allocation is Rs. 50 Crore each for floodlight work and road work along Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) for the financial year 2017-18. During 2017-18, an expenditure of Rs. 7.97 Crore for border roads and Rs. 6.06 Crore for border floodlight have been incurred by construction agencies along IBB," he said. Rijiju noted those totals 1181 border out posts are held along IBB. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096 km international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world, including 262 km in Assam, 856 km in Tripura, 180 km in Mizoram, 443 km in Meghalaya, and 2,217 km in Bengal. In a written reply in Rajya Sabha today, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that setting up of Border Haats is one of the methods for facilitating and increasing border trade across neighbouring countries. "Currently four Border Haats are operational along India-Bangladesh border. Two Border Haats are located in Meghalaya at Kalaichar and Balat and two are located in Tripura at Srinagar and Kamalasagar. In addition to the four functional Border Haats, Government of India and Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh have agreed to set up six more border haats-two in Tripura and four in Meghalaya," she said. "Government of India has also executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of the Republic of Union of Myanmar under which Border Haats are to be set up at nine mutually agreed locations," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Smart phone advertising platform, POKKT on Wednesday announced the addition of several new names to their team in order to strengthen their leadership. The company announced the appointment of Siddharth Kelkar as Vice President and Head of performance advertising, Shrikant Rajemahadik as Global Head of publisher acquisition, Wayne Li as General Manager of programmatic in Singapore, and David Zenna as General Manager of programmatic sales in USA. This move took place shortly after the appointment of Abdul Wahab as its Vice President and Global Head of delivery. Abdul Wahab has over 13 years of relevant industry experience to his new role, having previously served as Senior Director of supply and delivery at C1 Exchange. Siddharth has an experience of more than 15 years in the digital sales and media space working with brands like Reliance's Zapak.com, Network 18, Hindustan Times and Times of India. Shrikanth Rajemahadik is a veteran enabler and growth expert and has over 13 years of experience in leading growth. David Zenna is a digital sales strategist with more than 17 years of experience in all aspects of digital advertising including Big Data, Display, Programmatic, Search, Social and Mobile. Wayne Li holds extensive experience in the field of business development and specializes in sales, strategy, digital media, and marketing. "POKKT is today the preferred platform for most brand advertisers in the India and South East Asia (SEA) when they want to reach out to gaming audiences. We work with over 100 Global and local brands," said founder and CEO, POKKT, Rohit Sharma. "Leveraging our huge in-app inventory, over 200 successful campaigns and our strong data capabilities, we see two key growth drivers for us in the future. One is a great opportunity to expand our Brand Advertising business to other global markets, USA being the first one of them. And second is to scale up our performance advertising business in India and SEA. This is why we have focussed on strengthening our leadership team by bringing several domain experts on board," he added. The platform currently works with over 300 game publishers in the region with a strong focus on gaming apps as their preferred monetisation partner. POKKT's latest move underlines their efforts to boost their leadership ranks by bringing in experienced industry veterans with domain-specific expertise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will be visiting flood-affected areas of Dhanera in Gujarat and Jalore in Rajasthan on August 4. In Rajasthan, after stopping first spell of monsoon rain, rescue and relief operations have been expedited in flooded districts including Sirohi, Jalore, Pali and Barmer. Thousands of people are still living in shelters in flooded areas. Since July 22, nearly 17 people have lost their lives in the state. Most of the roads of Rajasthan's Sirohi, Pali and Jalore districts have been blocked and the traffic movement is badly affected due to the massive floods in the state. The relief and rescue operations are in full swing and more than 1,050 people have been rescued from the affected areas. The situation in the Sanchore town further aggravated when the gates of the Jawai Dam were opened on last Friday. Due to excessive rainfall and heavy flooding, water entered many houses and residential areas in Gujarat's Patan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently undertook an aerial survey of the region in Gujarat and announced a compensation of Rs. two lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives in the floods in Assam, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Prime Minister also announced Rs. 50,000 each for those seriously injured in the floods in the two states. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday rejected the opposition Congress Party's claim of the government carrying out a witch hunt by ordering the Income Tax (IT) department to raid Karnataka's Minister for Energy D.K. Shivakumar's residence and the Eagleton Resort in Bengaluru. "When the law is taking its course, where is the question of a witch hunt," said Rijiju. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy said, "It is the income tax department's duty to conduct raids if information on black money is received. Meanwhile, IT officials have recovered Rs. 5 crores from D.K. Shivkumar's Delhi premises. Earlier, the Congress had condemned the raids at Shivakumar's residence and at the resort where 44 Congress Gujarat MLAs where staying and alleged that it is "dirty and ugly" trick of the BJP to win the Rajya Sabha seat in Gujarat. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Separatist leader and Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman Shabir Shah's Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand has been extended for one more day, in connection with the terror funding case. On July 26, Shah was produced in the Patiala House Court, following which he was sent to a seven-day ED custody. On July 25, Shah was arrested from his residence, where he was under house detention for a very long time, in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. The Investigation Agency (NIA) has been tough on Separatists regarding the alleged funding by Pakistan for illegal activities in Kashmir. On July 24, the NIA arrested seven separatists over money laundering charges, for funding terror in the Kashmir Valley. All seven separatist leaders - Altaf Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Mehraj Kalwal, Shahid-ul-Islam, Naeem Khan and Bitta Karate - were later sent to 10-day NIA custody. The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA visited Srinagar in May to probe the alleged funding by Pakistan for illegal activities in Kashmir, and questioned several separatist leaders on the issue of raising, collecting and transferring funds via the Hawala route and other channels to fund terror activities in Kashmir. The NIA sleuths specifically questioned separatist leaders Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba at that time. The NIA is said to be probing all aspects of funding to separatist leaders and how they reportedly used these funds to fuel unrest in the Kashmir Valley. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suspecting presence of terrorists, the Indian Army and the police on Wednesday, launched a cordon and search operation at Sugan village of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. In a major breakthrough, LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice Arif were killed in an encounter with security forces at Hakripora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday morning. Following this, the separatists today had called for 'bandh' to protest the killing of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and a civilian. The civilian was killed in protest that erupted following an encounter in which LeT terrorist Abu Dujana and Arif were gunned down by security forces. This is security forces' another big achievement after gunning down of Hizbul-Mujahideen chief Burhan Wani last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as six policemen were killed and three were wounded in a Taliban attack on a check post in Nawa district of southern Helmand on Tuesday night. Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor, also confirmed the attack and said, "We have casualties in the attack, but so far there is no exact information." Tolo News reported that the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. In another incident two National Directorate of Security (NDS) soldiers were killed in a blast in eastern Paktia province on Wednesday The blast happened after an NDS vehicle hit a roadside mine in Chawk-e-Ghazni area of Gardez, the capital of Paktia, a security police official, Nesar Ahmad Abdulrahimzai said. A second explosion happened minutes later close to a truck, but there were no casualties in this explosion, Abdulrahimzai said. No group including the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the blasts yet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors' passenger and commercial vehicle total sales (including exports) in July 2017 were recorded at 46,216 vehicles, higher by seven percent from last year (43,160 vehicles). The company's domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for July 2017 were at 42,775, higher by 13 percent from July 2016. "After a sluggish Q1, our commercial vehicles, in the domestic market, in July 2017, grew by 15 percent due to ramp-up of BS4 production, across segments. Passing on the benefits of GST to consumers by reducing the prices of its vehicles across all commercial vehicle segments has resulted in improved consumer sentiments. We are delighted with the strong response to our new introductions in SCVs (XL Series) and pick-ups (Tata Yodha) due to which growth momentum in this segment continues. In line with our turnaround, we continue to undertake series of actions to drive the growth momentum and improve the financial performance," said Girish Wagh, Head - Commercial Vehicle Unit, Tata Motors. "With an improved customer buying sentiment post GST, we are delighted to record a growth of 10 percent in the passenger vehicle market, in July 2017. The Tata TIAGO continues to witness strong demand, the TIGOR and HEXA have also witnessed strong traction in the market. We continue to maintain cautious optimism and will work towards turning around the business, in line with our well-defined strategy," added Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Unit, Tata Motors. The overall commercial vehicles sales in July 2017, in the domestic market were up by 15 percent compared to July 2016, due to ramp-up of BS4 production, across segments. The company also passed on the benefits of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to consumers by reducing the prices of its vehicles across all commercial vehicle segments. The M&HCV segment saw a rebound in July 2017 and witnessed pick-up in demand and availability due to continued production ramp up. New models launched in the fastest growing segments of 49 ton and 37 ton categories have also gained strong traction in the market. Sales of M&HCV business grew by 10 percent in July 2017 at 8,640, over 7,879 in July 2016, establishing the wider acceptance of the new SCR technology. The I&LCV truck segment also grew by 28 percent at 3,354, over 2,626 vehicles sold in July 2016, on the back of good response to the new Ultra range and the new BS4 range in other products. Tata Motors Passenger Carriers sales (including buses), in July 2017 were at 4,472, registering a decline of 15 percent over compared to July 2016, largely due to supply constraints in the bus segment. The SCV cargo and pickup segment continued the growth momentum at 11,376 nos., higher by 34 percent than last July 2016, due to good response to the Ace XL, Mega XL, Zip XL, and the Tata Yodha. The company's sales from exports was at 3441 nos. in July 2017, recording a decline of 36 percent, compared to 5,371 vehicles sold in July 2016, due to a drop in volumes in Sri Lanka and Nepal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that Washington is not seeking a regime change in North Korea, but rather willing to initiate a dialogue only if Pyongyang relinquishes its pursuit of nuclear weapons. "We do not seek regime change. We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the Korean peninsula. We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel (that divides North and South Korea),"CNN quoted Tillerson, as saying during a press briefing on Tuesday. But he emphasized that the danger posed by Pyongyang, which test fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July, was unacceptable as that forces Washington to respond. Tillerson, however, expressed hope that Washington and Pyongyang can resolve their issues through negotiations. "We would like to sit and have a dialogue with them about the future that will give them the security they seek and the future economic prosperity for North Korea," Tillerson said. We are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us and we have to respond," Tillerson said, speaking to North Korea directly. "We would like to sit and have a dialogue about the future." "Our other options," Tillerson added, "are not attractive." A willingness to talk if North Korea agrees to pursue denuclearization was also Obama administration policy, though it was never successful in getting Pyongyang to the table, and some analysts have questioned whether assumptions North Korea may be willing to scale down its arsenal are out of date. Tillerson will travel to Asia later this week to increase "peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk to us and others," but with an understanding that there's no possibility of talks if North Korea doesn't abandon its nuclear program. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia after being approved by overwhelming majorities in Congress. According to reports, the sanctions bill targets Russia's mining and oil industry and aims to punish the country for interfering in the 2016 presidential election as well for its military aggression in Ukraine. U.S. lawmakers on Thursday passed a legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea and that will now head to the President Donald Trump's desk for his signature. The bill was approved overwhelmingly by the Senators 98-2 and that gives Congress new powers to block Trump from easing sanctions. It passed the House on Tuesday 419-3. This is one of the first major bipartisan pieces of legislation passed during Trump's presidency. "Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies. My Administration has attempted to work with Congress to make this bill better," Trump said on signing the "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act". "We have made progress and improved the language to give the Treasury Department greater flexibility in granting routine licenses to American businesses, people, and companies. The improved language also reflects feedback from our European allies - who have been steadfast partners on Russia sanctions - regarding the energy sanctions provided for in the legislation. The new language also ensures our agencies can delay sanctions on the intelligence and defense sectors, because those sanctions could negatively affect American companies and those of our allies," the statement added. Russian President Vladimir V Putin announced on Sunday that 755 American diplomats would be expelled from Moscow by September 1. The expulsions were ordered on Friday when Russia ordered the United States to reduce the number of their diplomats in the country as a mark of retaliation for new sanctions against Moscow passed last week by the US Congress. Putin, while speaking in a television interview on the Rossiya 1 network, said that "Russia's patience in waiting for improved relations with the United States had worn out." Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also threatened further retaliation against the U.S. sanctions. "If the US side decides to move further towards further deterioration, we will answer, we will respond in kind," CNN reported Ryabkov, as saying to ABC's "This Week." The growing tensions between Russia and the US over the sanctions bill come in the wake of the congressional investigations into Russian hacking into the 2016 election, which the US intelligence services have said was an effort to influence the election in Trump's favour. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The U.S. military has recorded "highly unusual and unprecedented levels" of activity by North Korea's Romeo-class submarine force in Japan's waters, including evidence of a nuclear "ejection test" after Pyongyang's second intercontinental ballistic missile test. Three ejection tests were carried out on land at Sinpo Naval Shipyard in July alone,CNN quoted U.S.officials, as saying. A further test was carried out at the base, which is the headquarters of the Maritime Research Institute of North Korea's Academy of National Defence Science, earlier in the year. An ejection test examines a missile's "cold-launch system," which uses high pressure steam to propel a missile out of the launch canister into the air before its engines ignite. That helps prevent flames and heat from the engine from damaging either the submarine, submersible barge or any nearby equipment used to launch the missile. Carried out on land at Sinpo Naval Shipyard, Sunday's ejection test is the third time this month and fourth in 2017, that North Korea has conducted a trial of the missile component that is critical to developing submarine launch capabilities, according to the US defense official. U.S. intelligence officials has been continuously montoring the North Korean submarine movements and detected that Sang-O submarine was operating in the Yellow Sea and the length of its deployment was notable. Two Romeo submarines were detected in the waters off Japan for about a week. U.S. President Donald Trump is concerned with the recent two intercontinental ballistic missile test by North Korea and now U.S. officials has detected f Pyongyang's increased submarine activity coupled with another ejection test . In response to North Korea's latest missile launch, the U.S. Air Force flew two B-1B bombers accompanied by South Korean and Japanese jet fighters over the Korean Peninsula on Saturday. The U.S. Pacific Command said the mission was in "direct response" to North Korea's "escalatory launch" of intercontinental ballistic missiles July 3 and July 28. After his second full Cabinet meeting, Trump said that his administration will be able to take care of North Korea but offered no specifics about what he plans to do. "We will handle North Korea. We are gonna be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything," Trump said Monday after a reporter asked him about his strategy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One of the vehicle's of a foreign troops was damaged in a suicide attack by a car bomber who targeted the convoy while it was on their way to Kandahar airport, the Governor's office said. "One of the troop vehicle's was damaged in the attack but there are no reports of casualties," Tolo news quoted Governor's media office as saying. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. On Tuesday two suicide bombers had killed at least 29 and wounded more than 64 people at a Shiite mosque in Herat province of Afghanistan during evening prayers. Last week, an ISIS carried out the suicide attack outside the Iraqi embassy in Kabul killed at least two people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A person was killed and 15 others injured after a tractor-trolley, which was carrying 25 people, turned turtle in Visakhapatnam district on Wednesday. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The details of the victims and injured are awaited. An investigation is underway. Further results are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has left Islamabad United in order to join new franchise of Multan for the upcoming third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Confirming the news, Akram's manager Arsalan Shah said that the former pacer has decided to move on after two successful seasons with United. "We have left Islamabad United and are officially signing with another franchise this week," he said. When quizzed as to which team Akram is expected to join, Arsalan said that they are negotiating with many franchises, with special mention given to Multan. "We have been in talks with Multan for some time and also plan on holding discussions with other franchises. A decision will be made this week," Akram's manager said. Although there have been speculations going around that Akram has already decided to join Multan, the franchise's marketing manager Hammad Ilyas quashed the same. "These are all rumours. We haven't considered him for any position yet," he said. Ilyas, however, admitted that the franchise is extremely excited about the idea of Akram joining the third edition of the PSL. "We are just excited to hear all the rumours. We are still in the process of setting up a team and nothing has been locked yet. We are looking at big names but nothing has started yet," he added. Akmal, who guided United to PSL glory in the first season, had earlier received praise from former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq for the way he managed things following the infamous spot-fixing scandal during the second edition of the league. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday asked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar if he would ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a probe against those who have been named in Panama Papers leak case. Speaking at a press conference here, Tejashwi said, "The people of Bihar demand an answer to all the questions that Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi have accused us of. Also would Nitish ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a probe against people who have been named in Panama Papers leak case? That day will never come..as all accused are together". Further lashing out at Nitish, Tejashwi said that Chief Minister's arrogance will destroy the present government very soon. "Nitish's arrogance will destroy the present government very soon and he will also fail in completing his tenure. If Nitish didn't want to work with us then why did he wait so long? And why he has ruined four years of Bihar?" He alleged that 75 percent of the ministers in government are tainted, but the Chief Minister has kept mum on the issue. Yesterday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that Nitish Kumar had wanted to sacrifice his son Tejashwi Yadav out of sheer insecurity. He claimed that Nitish got alarmed, when people started taking about Tejashwi's good work as deputy chief minister. He also accused Nitish of being on Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) side from the very beginning of their alliance. He also mentioned that, "Once Sharad Yadav had put his life on stake in an election campaign against me for Nitish." Further lashing out at Nitish, Lalu stated that only because of Mulayam Singh, he allowed the Chief Minister in his alliance. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lalu said that Nitish used to speak ill of BJP and today he is singing his glory. Earlier, Nitish has stated that if Lalu had explained himself over the corruption allegations, then the situation could have been different in Bihar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States Department of State(WASHINGTON) -- Neither President Donald Trump nor Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are fans of the new congressional sanctions on Russia, particularly because they may hinder attempts at restoring the relationship between the two countries, the top U.S. diplomat admitted Tuesday. "The action by the Congress to put these sanctions in place and the way they did, neither the President nor I were very happy about that," Tillerson told reporters in the State Department briefing room. "We were clear that we didn't think it was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made, they made it in a very overwhelming way. I think the president accepts that. Despite his displeasure with the sanctions, Tillerson said of the president, "all indications are he will sign that bill." Tillerson's comments sound at odds with those of Vice President Mike Pence, who said the president is "unified" with Congress. "President Trump will sign the Russia sanctions bill soon," Pence said at a press conference this week in Georgia with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. "And let me say that in signing the sanction, our President and our Congress are speaking with a unified voice." Secretary Tillerson comments on U.S. relations with #Russia, efforts to achieve a unified #Syria. https://t.co/SsJL42xJxI pic.twitter.com/tJN5meVQLg Department of State (@StateDept) August 2, 2017 The U.S. Congress voted last week by overwhelming margins for sanctions to punish the Russian government over interference in the 2016 presidential election and its annexation of Crimea.Tillerson added that the sanctions may hinder attempts at restoring the relationship between the two counties. "We were clear, we didn't think it would be helpful to our efforts ... we cant let it take us off track of trying to restore the relationship .... [which is] under considerable stress."The secretary of state also revealed that during their meeting in the Oval Office in May, Trump told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, "we need some good news" from Moscow. The pair met a day after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey over the Russia investigation.Tillerson said he understood why Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the U.S. to drastically cut its diplomatic presence in Russia, even though the move was in retaliation for a similar U.S. action last year under President Barack Obama. Still, Putin's decision to do so came right after Congress voted to slap Russia with more economic sanctions."I think its important to recognize that any leader of any country has their whole population watching them as well, and President Putin has his population of Russia watching him," Tillerson said. "And so I think the fact that they felt the need to take symmetrical action - and thats the way they view it - is that they were delayed in taking this action, and I think President Putin has said that. He didnt react when the two dachas were taken away in December. He didnt react when 35 diplomats were sent home. He waited. And now this action came on top of that, and I think from his perspective and how he looks in the eyes of his own people, he felt he had to do something."Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. With effect from 01 August 2017 Amit Spinning Industries announced that Krishnan Sankaramani has resigned from the position of Director of the Company w.e.f 1 August, 2017. Malpeddi Nagnath S has resigned from the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Company 1 August, 2017. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On 14 August 2017 Bannari Amman Spinning Mills will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company on 14 August 2017, to consider and approve the Unaudited Financial Results for the quarter ended 30.6.2017. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha said that the Indian telecom industry has seen a paradigm shift from a voice centric market to a data-centric market. While voice business still contributes a large chunk towards operator revenues, data revenues have shown an exponential growth trajectory over the last few years. The Minister said that by the end of 2016 the number of internet subscribers in India was 391.50 million making India globally the 2nd highest in terms of internet users. He said that mobile data traffic also grew by 76 per cent in India in 2016 primarily attributed to increased smart phone penetration. This growing usage of smart phones, especially in urban areas, has increased the usage of internet on hand-held devices - in 2016, 559 megabytes of mobile data was generated per month by an average smart phone, up from 430megabytes per month in 2015. Consumption of video content is also forecasted to be 75 percent of India's mobile data traffic by 2021, compared to 49 percent in 2016. Shri Sinha said that advancements in innovative IoT technologies, like health monitors, smart transport, smart meters among others, is projected to result in 21 per cent increase in M2M services. These advances will result in a significant growth of mobile data, and as the telecom sector moves to newer technologies, TSPs will need to identify innovative avenues to monetise this data opportunity. He said that Indian Telecom Market is expected to cross the INR 6.6 trillion revenue mark by the year 2020. The Minister said that Indian Government had launched the 'Digital India' initiative in July 2015 which had three broad targets - providing Digital Infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, Governance and Services on Demand as well as Digital empowerment of citizens. Shri Sinha said that one of the projects under the 'Digital India' initiative was 'BharatNet', launched to deploy high-speed optical fiber cables to connect 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayat across the country by 2018. This project would also help in increasing the fiberized sites in India which currently stands at less than 20 per cent as compared to other developed countries. The project is being implemented in Phases, with more than100,000 gram panchayats connected under Phase-I as of July2017 and states like Kerala, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh neared 100 per cent completion. The Minister also outlined the major achievements of the Indian Telecom Industry- Over 400 million internet users FDI quadrupled in FY2016-17 recording inflow of approximately USD 5.6 billion Greater than 20 per cent tower sites now diesel free Rural Tele density increased by 30 per cent over the last five years More than 3/4th of the data consumption was from 3G/4G Telecom industry generates over 4 million jobs direct and indirect LTE device ecosystem grew by 270 per cent from 2015 38 new mobile manufacturing units set up since September 2015 30 new locations added to 'Smart City' mission in June 2017, total count reaches 90 smart cities The government, is also working aggressive to connect 54,000 unconnected villages and would speed up its efforts after getting due reports from all states. There is the inter-ministerial group to look into the financial health of the sector. Secretary, Telecom, Ms Aruna Sundararajan said that in tune with the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is attempting to do nothing short of charting a new digital strategy for growth. She said that new Telecom Policy will be a key building block for achieving the growth target of 10 percent from the current 7.6 percent as Telecom and IT are the two sectors contributing to 16.5 percent to the GDP, and there are immense possibilities for it to go up to 25 percent. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On 9 August 2017 KJMC Corporate Advisors (India) will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company on 9 August 2017, for approval of un-audited financial results of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, & to fix date and venue of the Annual General Meeting. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Receives bids for 3.63 crore shares The initial public offer (IPO) of Security and Intelligence Services (India) (SIS) received bids for a total of 3.63 crore shares on the last day of bidding today, 2 August 2017, compared with 53.16 lakh shares on offer, data on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) website showed as at 17:15 IST. The IPO was subscribed 6.84 times. The IPO comprises fresh issue of shares aggregating upto Rs 362.25 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 51.2 lakh shares by the selling shareholders. The IPO price band has been fixed at Rs 805-815 per share. Ahead of the opening of the IPO, the IPO Committee of the board of directors of the company at its meeting held on Friday, 28 July 2017, finalized allocation of 43.04 lakh equity shares in aggregate, to anchor investors at a price of Rs 815 per share. Anchor investors include Abu Dhabi Investment Authority - Behave, Reliance Capital Trustee Co, Birla Sun Life Trustee Company, Amundi Funds Equity India, Sundaram Mutual Fund amongst others. The company intends to utilize the proceeds from the issue towards repayment & pre-payment of outstanding loans, funding working capital requirements and general corporate purposes. Security and Intelligence Services (India)'s consolidated net profit rose 20.53% to Rs 91.28 crore on 19.05% growth in net sales to Rs 4567.09 crore in FY 2017 over FY 2016. Security and Intelligence Services (India), promoted by Ravindra Kishore Sinha and Rituraj Kishore Sinha, is a leading provider of private security and facility management services in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Wednesday left for Islamabad after completing his turbulent three-year term that saw bilateral ties sink to a new low. Basit, who took premature retirement after he was bypassed for the post of Foreign Secretary and envoy to Washington, left the Indian capital in the afternoon. His request for early retirement was approved by then Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif late in July. Basit was among the top contenders for the Foreign Secretary slot when the then top Pakistani diplomat Aizaz Chaudhry was appointed the country's Ambassador in Washington. However, the post was handed to then UN envoy in Geneva Tehmina Janjua. A career diplomat, Sohail Mahmood, 55, will replace Basit in mid August. Mehmood's appointment comes at a time when the official dialogue between the two countries has been stalled due to India's concerns over cross-border terrorism. Basit was known to be close to Rawalpindi, the Pakistan military headquarters, and took several decisions that adversely affected bilateral ties. His decision to invite Hurriyat leaders often to the Pakistan High Commission led to derailment of bilateral talks, including the first Foreign Secretary-level talks in August 2014. His tenure also saw the conviction of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan for alleged spying. Sharif, who was trying to build a rapport with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, was known to be unhappy at Basit over the talks getting stymied time and again. Incoming envoy Mehmood has not played any direct role in Pakistan's India policy so far and is expected to land in New Delhi without any baggage. --IANS ahm/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has been roped in as ambassador of Ayurvedic personal care brand Lever AYUSH. The actor believes Ayurveda can be the answer to most of the modern lifestyle problems. Hindustan Unilever Ltd has launched an exclusive range of Ayurvedic personal care products, and Akshay Kumar has been signed on as its face, read a statement issued by the brand on Wednesday. "Ayurveda has been an integral part of our culture for years. I personally believe that it answers most of the modern lifestyle problems, which is found in simple natural remedies that have always been a part of our roots," Akshay said. Talking about the series of advertisements that he has shot for the brand, the "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" star said: "I always look forward to new experiences, and this shoot was definitely a memorable one. What better way to connect with audiences than in a language that embodies our rich culture just like Ayurveda." In the video, Akshay is seen chanting verses in Sanskrit and referring to a "granth". The products will be available starting from August. In the eastern and western states, the launch is slated for September. Commenting on the launch of the new range, Sandeep Kohli, Executive Director and Vice President Personal Care, Hindustan Unilever, said: "Akshay Kumar is the perfect choice for our brand as there is a genuine synergy between our philosophy and his belief in the power of Ayurveda." --IANS sug/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) American chocolate brand M&M's has made its India entry, and officials hope it boosts the "nascent bite-size category" in the market. As a promotional stunt for the launch, the popular M&M's characters Mr. Red and Mr. Yellow scootered down the iconic Gateway of India, in true Bollywood style, channeling their own "Sholay" moment. "India is a priority market for Mars Incorporated and we are committed to bring our best loved brands to Indian consumers... With the launch of the brand in India, our aim is to grow the nascent bite-size category in the market," Andrew Leakey, General Manager, Mars Chocolate, India and India Sub-Continent, said in a statement. "Across the world, for more than 70 years, it has been a favourite brand. We are confident its uniqueness will win the hearts of consumers in India," he added. The brand is available in the country in two variants - Chocolate and Peanut. --IANS nv/rb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit's security convoy on Wednesday was involved in an accident in Meghalaya, in which five of his bodyguards were injured, police said. Purohit, who is also the Governor in-charge of Meghalaya, was unharmed, a Raj Bhavan official said. The accident occurred in Mawiong area when the convoy was heading towards the Shillong Raj Bhavan, Governor's Principal Secretary K.N. Kumar told IANS. He said the vehicle carrying the bodyguards which followed the Governor's vehicle overturned while trying to avoid a pick-up van coming from the opposite direction. Kumar said three of the bodyguards have been admitted to the Civil Hospital, while the others have been discharged after first aid. "The Governor was with them (injured bodyguards) in the hospital," he said. The Meghalaya Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to find out what caused the accident. --IANS rrk/in/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress General Secretary Ashok Gehlot, who is in charge of the party affairs in Gujarat, on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying it is hell-bent upon killing democracy in the Rajya Sabha elections. In a series of tweets, the former Chief Minister of Rajasthan said: "Nobody could have thought, BJP would stoop so low. First elections were postponed, then NOTA was permitted and then they even started threatening MLAs in Gujarat, which led to defections from the Congress." "Now they have resorted to IT raids. It shows their frustration and that the BJP is ready to use every kind of manipulation to win election, which is condemnable." Later talking to the media, Gehlot said: "In spite of all the manipulations, we will win the Rajya Sabha poll in Gujarat." "just wait and see... On August 8, you will see how we win," Gehlot said. Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political advisor and close confidant Ahmed Patel is contesting the Rajya Sabha poll from Gujarat. Replying to a question on Shankar Singh Vagehla, who recently quit the Congress in Gujarat, Gehlot said that Vagehla had declared he would vote in favour of the Congress candidate. Gehlot also castigated the BJP government in Rajasthan. He said that for the first time in the history of state, farmers had committed suicide during the present BJP regime. The government should declare loan waiver and provide compensation to the farmers, Gehlot said. He said half the state was facing flood-like situation. "Relief measures should be taken up on priority." --IANS as/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP members in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday raised the issue of political killings in Kerala and accused the CPI-M-led Left Front government in the state of inaction. Speaking during Zero Hour, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Prahlad Joshi said: "In 17 months of Left government in Kerala, 17 people have been killed. "Congress workers have also been killed, but they are hobnobbing with them in Delhi and fighting in Kerala," Joshi said. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi read out a list of names of alleged victims of political violence -- Anil Kumar, Pramod, Ramchandran, Vineesh, Vishwa, Radhakrishnana, Santhosh, Sujit and Biju. "These are names of those who were victims of political murders in Kerala," she said. "The people who give lectures on intolerance and democracy cannot tolerate alternate ideologies in democracy. "People who join IS (Islamic State) also come from this state 'majorly'," she said, adding that in Kannur workers from the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League have also been killed. "When BJP workers are killed we raise voice, others do not even raise their voice. does not give licence to kill," she added. --IANS ao/in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union cabinet on Wednesday gave ex-post facto approval for a MoU between India and BRICS countries to set up a BRICS-Agriculture Research Platform (BRICS-ARP). During the 7th BRICS summit held on July 9, 2015 at Ufa in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed to establish BRICS-ARP. "The centre will promote sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation through strategic cooperation in agriculture to provide food security in the BRICS member countries," an official statement said. In order to further intensify cooperation among BRICS countries in agricultural research policy, science and technology, innovation and capacity building, including technologies for smallholder farming in the BRICS countries, an MoU on establishment of the Agricultural Research Platform was signed by the Foreign Ministers of BRICS countries in the 8th BRICS Summit held on October 16, 2016 in Goa. "BRICS-ARP will be the natural global platform for science-led agriculture-based sustainable development for addressing the issues of world hunger, under-nutrition, poverty and inequality and enhancing agricultural trade, bio-security and climate resilient agriculture," the statement said. --IANS am/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has lodged a protest with South Korea after Seoul restarted negotiations with the US to resume the deployment of the anti-missile system Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD), a Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday. Two out of the six launchers of the THAAD were already installed before work was suspended by South Korea's new President Moon Jae-in in June, pending an environmental impact report, Efe news reported. Washington and Seoul restarted negotiations on Monday, following recent launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles by North Korea, to finalise the specifics of the deployment of the remaining four launchers. China said it expressed its concern to South Korea "through diplomatic channels" and had urged the two countries to halt the installation and dismantle the part that has already been deployed, said the spokesperson's office of the Chinese chancellery. In July 2016, South Korea, under former President Park Geun-hye, agreed to install the THAAD as a protective measure against repeated missile tests by North Korea. The deployment began in April despite strong opposition by China, which believes the powerful THAAD radars, installed about 300 km southeast of Seoul, could be used to spy on its military bases. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) sponsored by India and Japan is welcome as long as it does not try to trip China's Belt and Road initiative, a Chinese newspaper said on Wednesday. Announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May, the AAGC, essentially a maritime corridor, was seen by some as a counterbalance to the Belt and Road initiative, the state-run Global Times said in a report. "The new venture, jointly led by India and Japan two countries that have so far opted not to join the B&R initiative sets out a vision for the better integration of South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia with Africa and Oceania," it said. The Times said the India-Japan vision indicates an overlap between the AAGC and the Belt and Road project "and invites controversy over the actual intentions behind the growth corridor. "It goes without saying that India and Japan could feel free to embark on a new connectivity initiative and no one is begging them to join the B&R initiative. "As long as the AAGC aims to embrace inclusive growth and promote joint prosperity, the corridor should be encouraged. "But if India and Japan design the corridor to deliberately counterbalance China's B&R, they should think twice before rushing to it because the route of the AAGC has an extensive geographic overlap with the route of the B&R initiative," the report said. "That's particularly the case, considering that China has already made huge commitments to developing Africa while the India-Japan partnership is only just taking shape. "If the AAGC aims to squeeze out China's B&R initiative instead of serving as a complement, it actually divides what's supposed to be a united force to forge ahead with inclusive growth in dozens of countries and regions along the route of the B&R initiative. "India, for its part, should be particularly level-headed and guard against any over-assertive plans that may go awry." (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.) Delhi will apply for "Unesco Imperial Capital Cities" status, the government said on Wednesday, alleging that the city's entry for Unesco World Heritage City was withdrawn by the Centre due to "political agenda". Atishi Marlena, the adviser to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, said Delhi's entry for heritage city status was withdrawn to favour Ahmedabad, which was last month declared the first Unesco World Heritage City in India. "Delhi will apply to get the prestigious tag of Unesco Imperial Capital Cities. Delhi has 218 heritage sites and the city has an important role in the history and heritage of the country. "Sisodia will also write to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma in this connection," Marlena said. The central government in 2015 had pulled out Delhi's entry for the Unesco World Heritage City status, saying that if Delhi was given the prestigious tag, it would put "restrictions" on several infrastructure works in the capital. Marlena said Delhi's dossier for the heritage city status was prepared in 2008 by the Indian Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and in 2014 it was submitted to the Unesco during the AAP government's 49-day tenure. "But the BJP-led central government pulled out Delhi's entry in 2015 and submitted Ahmedabad's nomination for the prestigious tag. Delhi's nomination was pulled out by the Centre because of their political agenda," Marlena told reporters. She added: "We have no problem with Ahmedabad being given the tag of Unesco World Heritage City but withdrawing Delhi's nomination due to political agenda is not fair." On the central government's clarification for withdrawing Delhi's nomination, Marlena said norms were already there restricting construction-related works in Lutyens' Delhi and in Shahjahanabad area (Old Delhi). Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev died on Wednesday at a hospital here in Assam, family said. He was 83. "Nothing could have prepared me for this moment. I lost him at 6.06 a.m. today (Wednesday). Thank you everyone for your prayers, your love for him," Dev's daughter and Lok Sabha MP Sushmita Dev said in a tweet. Dev a seven-time Congress MP had held various positions in the Congress government. He was appointed as Heavy Industry Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA-I government. He also served as Minister of State (MoS) for Communications from 1986-1988 and MoS for Home between 1988-1989. He was given independent charge of the Steel Ministry in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government in 1991. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Dev's death, and said: "Saddened by the passing away of Santosh Mohan Dev. He was veteran political leader who worked extensively for welfare of people." "My thoughts are with the family and supporters of Santosh Mohan Dev in this hour of grief," he added. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief over Dev's death. "In a political career spanning five decades, Dev held numerous crucial political assignments in the Congress party and in the government, including that of a Union Cabinet Minister," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement. "His immense contribution to build the party in the Northeast, right from the grassroots level, would always be remembered," she said. She also said that his death is an irreparable loss to the nation. The Congress President expressed her solidarity with Dev's family and supporters, particularly Congress MP Sushmita Dev, and prayed for peace of the departed soul. Indias foodgrain production rose five times over six decades, according to 2016 government data, the latest available. But with the average Indian farm half as large as it used to be 50 years ago and yields among the lowest in developing economies, the agriculture sector and farmers have been driven to the brink, shows an IndiaSpend analysis. Output of foodgrains in India increased from 50.82 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 252.22 million tonnes in 2015-16, according to the Agriculture Statistics At A Glance 2016 report. Yield increased as well, from 522 kg per hectare (ha) in 1950-51 to 2,056 kg/ha in 2015-16. But this is still low in comparison with other countries. Though it is the largest producer of pulses in the world, India's pulses crop yield (659 kg/ha) was the lowest among BRICS countries in 2014. Cereal yield in India was the second-lowest in the BRICS list, above Russia (2,444 kg/ha), according to Food and Agriculture Organisation's 2014 data, the latest available. China reported the highest yield of cereals (5,888 kg/ha) and pulses (1,725 kg/ha) among BRICS nations. The reason for the low yield is excessive dependence - 52 per cent of farmland is not irrigated -- on the annual monsoons, which climate change is making ever more erratic. "The preponderance of small and marginal holdings makes this high volatility even more worrisome, as small and marginal farmers are highly vulnerable to adverse climatic conditions," said the State of Indian Agriculture 2015-16 report. Small and marginal farmers cannot afford to adopt modern techniques of irrigation and production. They also find it hard to use modern machinery on small plots. Stressed and burdened by indebtedness, successive crop failures and low yields, 4,659 farmers opted to end their lives in 2015. The impact of these multiple problems is that the agriculture sector's share in the economy is declining. It contributed 17.5 per cent to the gross value added (current price 2011-12 series) in 2015-16, down from 18.2 per cent in 2012-13; 18.6 per cent in 2013-14 and 18 per cent in 2014-15. This is further expected to decline, the data suggest. The contribution of the services sector is rising, from 50 per cent in 2012-13 to 52.9 per cent in 2015-16. India's agriculture growth rate has been volatile, from 1.5 per cent in 2012-13 to 5.6 in 2013-14, -0.2 in 2014-15 to 0.7 in 2015-16. The primary reason is that more than half of farms still depend on the monsoon, increasingly uncertain in an era of climate change. Climate change can impact crop yields, as well as the types of crops that can be grown in certain areas, by impacting agricultural inputs such as water for irrigation. Yields in rainfed areas remain low, underscoring the importance of irrigation. Similarly, rising temperatures are likely to worsen yield fluctuations of many crops, the agriculture report said. Yield can be achieved by adopting non-conventional methods such as sprinkler, drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation, said the report. The size of the average farm holding in India declined from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.15 hectares in 2010-11. These small and marginal land holdings comprise 85 per cent of operational farms. About 67 per cent of agricultural land is held by marginal farmers with farm size less than one hectare, while farmers with large holdings -- having more than 10 hectares -- constitute less than one per cent. The area operated by marginal farmers is less compared to their holdings but large farm holders get access to land area that is 10 times their holdings, indicating the stress marginal farmers face in the country. Farmers' capacity to invest in land has decreased due to smaller land holdings at disposal, the Economic Times quoted Prakash Bakshi, former chairman of the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development, as saying on August 24, 2013. "With average land holding halved, the cost of getting inputs and time consumed has doubled," said Bakshi. "Laws governing ownership of land has made matters worse. So a marginal farmer lets his land (lie) untilled while he seeks jobs elsewhere." About 52 per cent of India's agricultural households are indebted; with an average outstanding loan of Rs 47,000, according to Agricultural Statistics 2016 based on the National Sample Survey Office -- Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households (Jan-Dec 2013). The indebtedness varies across states, from 93 per cent in Andhra Pradesh to 2.4 per cent in Meghalaya. Agricultural households with marginal holdings are the most indebted (64 per cent) compared to just 0.6 per cent of households holding large farms. Nearly 70 per cent of India's 90 million agricultural households spend more than they earn on average each month, pushing them towards debt. About 62.6 million households spending more than they earn had land holdings of one hectare or less. In contrast, 0.39 per cent households owning more than 10 hectares of land had an average monthly income of Rs 41,338 and consumption expenditure of Rs 14,447, thereby maintaining a monthly surplus of Rs 26,941. Among farmers/cultivators, indebtedness was the major cause of suicide (3,097) in 2015, followed by crop failure (1,562). Small and marginal farmers accounted for 72.6 per cent of all farmer suicides in 2015. As many as 12,602 farmers and agricultural labourers committed suicide in 2015. Of these 8,007 were farmers/cultivators and 4,595 agricultural labourers. Over 300,000 Indian farmers have committed suicide since 1995. (In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform, with whom Chaitanya Mallapur is an analyst. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org ) --IANS/IndiaSpend mallapur/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In good news for wildlife conservationists, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has announced that 19 nests of the critically endangered giant ibis have been discovered in the Northern Plains of Cambodia in Preah Vihear province. The community members and conservationists are working together under the Bird Nest Protection Program to protect these nests from human disturbances and other threats. The giant ibis, Cambodia's national bird, is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and occurs only in Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. About 99 per cent of the global population, estimated to contain 194 mature individuals, lives in Cambodia, making it the most important country in the world for giant ibis conservation. "As of July this year, our research team has recorded 19 nests of the giant ibis; 14 located in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary and five in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary," an official statement quoting Thong Sokha, Wildlife Research and Monitoring Team Leader for the WCS in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary, said. "We expect to find new nests of this species in both sanctuaries because its breeding period is between June and September. Our team is now working closely with local communities to monitor those recorded nests and search for new ones in both sanctuaries," he added. The WCS, in collaboration with Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, has been involved in the conservation of the giant ibis and its natural habitat in the Northern Plains of Cambodia through various activities. These include the Bird Nest Protection Program in which the local people and contracted community wildlife rangers are rewarded with direct conservation payments' when they locate nests and receive a bonus if nestlings successfully fledge. The program also promotes awareness about the importance of this species and installs protective measures on nesting trees that prevent small carnivores from eating eggs. "These latest findings represent the continued importance of the Northern Plains landscape in Preah Vihear Province for conserving this critically endangered bird," said Alistair Mould, WCS's Technical Advisor to the Northern Plains of Cambodia. The WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. --IANS vg/amit/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Lok Sabha member on Wednesday urged the government to include Jews in the list of minorities, saying this will strengthen India-Israel relationship. George Baker, from the Anglo Indian community nominated by the President, raised the issue in Zero Hour on Wednesday. The member said Jews came to India hundreds of years ago and the community had contributed a lot to India's growth. "They should be given recognition as a minority community... It will also help strengthen ties with Israel," Baker said. --IANS ao/py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Riding on the 'Internet Saathi' programme - a digital literacy initiative aimed at empowering women in rural India, Google India on Wednesday announced that it has now reached 100,000 villages in the country. Launched as a pilot in Rajasthan in July 2015 along with Tata Trusts, Google announced plans to scale the programme to cover 300,000 villages across India in December the same year. "From being afraid to touch a smartphone, worried that they will spoil it, to now demanding services that can help them get more from the Internet - women in rural India have come a long way," Sapna Chadha, Director Marketing, South East Asia and India at Google, a statement said. "We are delighted with the progress we have made with the 'Internet Saathi' model and it is remarkable to see the passion of these women learning about the Internet," she added. In its two-year journey, the initiative has continued to gain momentum and is today live in 10 states in India. Nearly 25,000 fully-trained 'Internet Saathis' are working everyday in these villages to help women and children learn about the internet. In total, over 10 million women have gained from the programme so far and have become familiar with the benefits of using the Internet in their daily lives. Further, on the second-year anniversary of the programme, Google also announced the expansion of the programme in two new states -- Haryana and Bihar. "In Haryana, the initiative has already started to roll out and will be covering nearly 1,000 villages and in Bihar the programme has kicked off from Ramnagar, Bagaha, Lauria, Manjha and Chakai villages and we will be covering nearly 7,000 villages expanding it further later in the year," the company said in a statement. The Gujarat unit of the Congress on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging the decision to introduce None of the Above (NOTA) option for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in the state. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, seeking an urgent hearing of the case, mentioned the petition before a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra, who agreed to list the petition for hearing on Thursday. The Gujarat Congress, challenging the Election Commission (EC) decision to introduce NOTA in the upcoming election in the state, also sought a stay of the notification. The Congress on Tuesday moved the EC and demanded that the provision of NOTA should not be made in the ballot papers for the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections as it would render the system of proportional representation "nugatory and otiose" -- or render it inconsequential. The party said that use of NOTA option during the Rajya Sabha elections was contrary to the mandate of the Constitution, the Representation of People's Act, the conduct of election rules as also judgments of the Supreme Court. The EC has, however, said the panel had made it clear in its communications following a Supreme Court judgment of 2013 that NOTA option would be applicable in the Rajya Sabha elections. --IANS gt/in/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An exchange of prisoners between the Lebanese Shia Hezbollah movement and former Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham began on Wednesday as part of an agreement to end hostilities in the region of Arsal, bordering Syria. According to the Shia group information centre, three militants from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham were released in Roumieh Prison in exchange for three Hezbollah men, who were captured during the battles in Arsal in the past two weeks, Efe news reported. The exchange, mediated by General Security head Major General Abbas Ibrahim, was originally scheduled for Monday but was postponed for logistical reasons and further negotiations between the two sides. The three militants were taken from the outskirts of Arsal to be transported soon to the Syrian province of Idlib, a region controlled mostly by Islamist and opposition factions. Another swap of five prisoners is scheduled to be held between Hezbollah and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in the Syrian city of Aleppo, according to the report. The agreement between both sides included the exchange of bodies of dead fighters and evacuating the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham extremists from Lebanon to Syria. Since Monday, buses have been arriving in Arsal, which is expected to evacuate about 9,000 members of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which was Al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria until it cut ties and rebranded in 2016. The Shia group launched an offensive two weeks ago to expel the radicals from the territory they controlled in northeastern Lebanon and managed to recover most of the area after days of intense fighting. Hezbollah announced a ceasefire in the area last week and since then negotiations had been launched to evacuate the radical fighters and their families to the Syrian province of Idlib. --IANS soni/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As China struck a tough posture again on the Doklam stand off, India on Wednesday refused to be drawn into giving counter arguments, and merely said that it reaffirms its June 30 statement and called for peace and tranquility along the border. "India's position on and related facts have been articulated in our press statement of June 30, 2017," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to a question. "India considers peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas as an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China," he said. On Wednesday, China claimed that it had informed India that it would be constructing a road in Doklam area in Sikkim sector and again asked New Delhi to withdraw its troops immediately from the area. Beijing sought to firm up its claim over the disputed region by citing a document of 2006, according to which India and China agreed on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector where their armies are now locked in a stand-off. In a 15-page document, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also said the number of Indian troops in Doklam since the beginning of the crisis in mid-June had fallen from 270 to 40 by the end of July. Indian officials have denied any pullout has taken place. China also said India should not make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf in the Doklam standoff even as it maintained that it valued good neighbourly and friendly relations with New Delhi and to keep peace on the border. --IANS ab/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a follow-up to the mammoth 'March for Science' in April this year, a section of Indian scientists is gearing up to supplement the global effort with pan-India rallies on August 9, to press for higher funds allocation for basic research. The march is scheduled in at least 15 cities including New Delhi, Kolkata, Benguluru, and is in response to appeals by eminent scientists and activists, including late P.M. Bhargava. The appeal notes: "Science in India is facing the danger of being eclipsed by a rising wave of unscientific beliefs and religious bigotry, and scientific research is suffering serious setback due to dwindling governmental support." The scientists participating in the march would demand curbing propagation of "unscientific, obscurantist ideas and religious intolerance". They are also set to protest the slashed funding to research and bat for allocation of at least three per cent of the GDP to scientific and technological research and 10 per cent towards education. "We note with deep concern that financial support to even premier institutions like IITs, NITs, and IISERs has been slashed. Universities are facing shortage of funds to adequately support scientific research." "Research funding agencies like DST, DBT and CSIR are reportedly impacted by reduced governmental support. Scientists in government laboratories are being asked to generate a part of their salary by selling their inventions and from other sources," the appeal says. Spearheaded by Breakthrough Science Society (BSS), the gatherings would see the members of scientific community standing in "defence of science and scientific attitude in an open and visible manner as done by scientists and science enthusiasts worldwide". In Kolkata, a rally would be organised from Calcutta University Rajabazar Science College campus in north of the city to Esplanade in the city's centre. "Requests are pouring in to organise marches in other cities (even small towns) as well. In each of these places, committees of scientists are being formed to decide the specifics of each march," Soumitro Banerjee from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, told IANS. On Earth Day on April 22, scientists ditched their labs and hit the streets in over 600 cities, in what was dubbed as the largest ever protest by science advocates against US President Donald Trump. The march was seen by international organisers as "a global effort to push back against a political climate that has become increasingly hostile toward sound, evidence-based science and its value to society." --IANS sgh/ssp/ahm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Income Tax Department officials on Wednesday raided Karnataka Power Minister D.K. Shivakumar's residences and a private resort outside Bengaluru where 44 Gujarat Congress legislators are housed and said Rs 10 crore in cash have been seized. The taxmen's searches stoked a major political row as the development echoed in Parliament and triggered cries of foul play by the Congress. "Our state Investigative Wing is conducting searches at the residence of a Karnataka Minister (Shivakumar) and the room he is staying at a resort (Eagleton) near Bengaluru where some MLAs from another state (Gujarat) are put up," Income Tax Joint Commissioner S. Ramesh said in a statement in Bengaluru. The searches were conducted under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act as an evidence-gathering exercise in compliance with statutory requirements, he said. The searches were believed to have been conducted at Shivakumar's houses in Bengaluru and Delhi. Officials said Shivakumar's aide and his driver have been detained for questioning. "The Income Tax officials seized over Rs 10 crore during the raids at over 39 places in Delhi and Bengaluru," an IT official told IANS. "About Rs 7.5 crore was seized in Delhi and Rs 2.5 crore in Bengaluru," the official said. The early morning exercise sparked an uproar in both the Houses of Parliament where the Congress claimed that it was an attempt to terrorise the Gujarat MLAs ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections, in which senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel is fighting a close battle to retain his seat. Already six Congress lawmakers have resigned from the Congress. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley rejected charges of political motives behind the searches and said these had nothing to do with the Congress legislators' stay at the Bengaluru resort and developments in Gujarat. He said the searches related to "an individual", an apparent reference to Shivakumar, and said the tax officials visited the resort because he was staying there. They (income tax officials) had to bring him to his house to check certain documents seized during the searches, Jaitley said. The Income Tax Joint Commissioner said the searches were in continuation of an investigation going on for a considerable time. He maintained that the timing of the searches was decided well in advance and that it had nothing to do with the shifting of Gujarat Congress MLAs to Karnataka. The Congress had flown its 44 Gujarat lawmakers from Ahmedabad on July 29 and lodged them in the Eagleton resort at Bidadi, 30 km from Bengaluru, to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from poaching them ahead of the Rajya Sabha poll. The resort is located in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Congress legislator D.K. Suresh, younger brother of Shivakumar, a lawmaker from the Kanakapura assembly segment in the district. The Congress alleged political vendetta by the BJP-led NDA government and forced repeated adjournments of the Rajya Sabha which wound up business much ahead of schedule because of continued slogan shouting by Congress members in the house. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government agencies were being used to terrorise people just ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. "What is happening in this country? This House, as well as the Election Commission, will have to ensure free and fair elections," Azad said. Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha as soon as the house met for the day. "For the past few days, we have been raising our grave concerns about the attempt to derail and hijack elections to the council of states by abusing state power. Today (Wednesday) IT raids were conducted against a Congress minister at the resort where our MLAs are staying," Sharma said. In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the government was using central agencies against opposition leaders. "In Gujarat, there is election for three Rajya Sabha seats. The Congress had 57 members and support of four others, but they (BJP) broke away five members," Kharge alleged. "Now they are using the IT department on our MLAs from Gujarat, who are in a resort in Karnataka. The Income Tax Department is being used to threaten them as well as a Minister of Karnataka," Kharge said, as members from the treasury benches raised their pitch in protest. Jaitley denied the allegations. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place. No MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He had parked himself at the resort. The resort is certainly not an immune area," Jaitley said. Sharma said the timing of the raids was significant. Jaitley quipped that whether it is use or abuse of authorities will depend upon recoveries. Income Tax sleuths on Wednesday began searching the residence of Karnataka Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the city and a luxury room he was staying at a private resort here, an official said. "Our state investigative wing is conducting searches at the residence of a Karnataka Minister (Shivakumar) and the room he is staying at a resort (Eagleton) near Bengaluru where some MLAs from another state (Gujarat) are put up," said Income Tax Joint Commissioner S. Ramesh in a statement here. The searches were being conducted under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act as an evidence gathering exercise in compliance with the statutory requirements. "The search is the continuation of an investigation, which has been in progress for a considerable period of time," asserted Ramesh. Clarifying that the timing of the search was decided well in advance, Ramesh said the events involving certain MLAs of another state (Gujarat) being brought to Karnataka were unforeseen and unpredictable. "Our search team has no concern with the MLAs and there is no contact between the team and the MLAs. The Minister's room alone was beibg searched," added Ramesh. The search at the state Power Minister's posh residence in the city's upscale suburb and his deluxe room at the resort caught the ruling party in Karnataka unaware and led to strong condemnation. "It's a political vendetta by a desperate party (BJP) and its governments in the state (Gujarat) and in Delhi to frighten the opposition," party's state unit spokesman Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters here. The Congress had flown its 44 Gujarat lawmakers from Ahmedabad on July 29 and lodged them in the resort at Bidadi, 30 km from here, ostensibly to prevent the BJP from poaching them ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha by-poll in which its senior leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for the fifth term from Gujarat. --IANS fb/in/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Income Tax sleuths on Wednesday conducted searches at the residence of Karnataka Power Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the city and at a luxury suite he was staying in at a private resort here where 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs have been housed. "Our state investigative wing is conducting searches at the residence of a Karnataka Minister (Shivakumar) and the room he is staying at a resort (Eagleton) near Bengaluru where some MLAs from another state (Gujarat) are put up," said Income Tax Joint Commissioner S. Ramesh in a statement here. The searches were being conducted under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act as an evidence gathering exercise in compliance with the statutory requirements, he said. "The search is the continuation of an investigation, which has been in progress for a considerable period of time," asserted Ramesh. He maintained that the timing of the search was decided well in advance, and that it had nothing to do with Gujarat Congress MLAs being brought to Karnataka. "Our search team has no concern with the MLAs and there is no contact between the team and the MLAs. The minister's room alone was being searched," Ramesh said. The Congress has slammed the raids and termed it as political vendetta. Ahead of the searches, security was stepped up at the minister's residence and at the resort and vehicles coming out of the two places were checked. The IT sleuths brought Shivakumar to the city from the resort to question him on the documents and a huge haul of cash that was found in his residence. The search at the Minister's posh residence in the city's upscale northwest suburb and his deluxe room at the resort caught the ruling party in Karnataka unaware and led to condemnation. "It's a political vendetta by a desperate party (BJP) and its governments in the state (Gujarat) and in New Delhi to frighten the opposition members," party's state unit spokesman Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters here. The Congress had flown its 44 Gujarat lawmakers from Ahmedabad on July 29 and lodged them in the Eagleton resort at Bidadi, 30km from here, ostensibly to prevent the BJP from poaching them ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha poll in which its senior leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for a fifth term from Gujarat. The resort is located in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Congress lawmaker D.K. Suresh, younger brother of Shivakumar, a lawmaker from the Kanakapura assembly segment in the district. Patel, also political secretary to party President Sonia Gandhi, filed nomination in Ahmedabad on July 26. He needs 47 preference voters in the first round for re-election. It also has the support of two NCP lawmakers. The party's high command directed Shivakumar and Suresh to look after the needs of the Gujarat legislators, who are likely to stay at the resort till August 7 before flying back to Ahmedabad for the crucial voting on August 8. Ironically, the ruling BJP in Gujarat has fielded Balwantsinh Rajput, who quit the Congress as Chief Whip, to contest against Patel. BJP National President Amit Shah and Union Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani are the two other candidates in the fray for four of the 11 Rajya Sabha seats from the state. --IANS fb/in/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rapper has launched a $10 million lawsuit against the insurers of his Saint Pablo Tour. The 40-year-old cancelled his tour after he suffered a breakdown last year but he has now sued syndicates of insurer Lloyd's of London after they refused to pay him, hollywoodreporter.com reports. The suit, filed here in the Superior Court, reads: "Nor have they provided anything approaching a coherent explanation about why they have not paid, or any indication if they will ever pay... implying that Kanye's use of marijuana may provide them with a basis to deny the claim and retain the hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance premiums paid." Kanye's suit alleges breach of contract as well as breach of good faith and fair dealing on the insurer's behalf. Kanye was hospitalised at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital Center in November 2016, leading him to cancel his remaining 21 tour dates. He reportedly underwent independent medical evaluation in relation to his insurance claim. Lebanon has vowed to defeat as the country marked the Army Day after a two-year absence of the celebration due to the presidential vacuum. President Michel Aoun stressed on the occasion on Tuesday that "we are now waiting for our armed forces to achieve a new victory and liberate what remains of the regions that have been violated for years by terrorists", Xinhua news agency reported. Celebrations were held at the Lebanese Army Military Academy in Fayadieh under the chairmanship of President Aoun and in the presence of House Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and other political and military figures. Aoun addressed the graduates, encouraging them to be the protectors of this country's sovereignty and independence. "Your graduation coincides with major challenges that the military and security institutions are facing in fighting the dangers of and aggression against Lebanon," he added. He also mentioned soldiers who were kidnapped in 2014, with their fate still unknown, saying that works to combat could accelerate the disclosure of their whereabouts, and ease "the pain that has been inflicted on their families, their institution and all the Lebanese people." In remarks addressed to troops on Monday, the eve of the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the army, Army Commander Joseph Aoun praised the courage of his men. He underlined the importance of continuing to firmly target militants, in order to frustrate their attempts to escape towards villages or refugee camps with the aim of using civilians as human shields. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After playing a king in the "Baahubali" franchise and a naval officer in "Ghazi", actor Rana Daggubati says he keeps the excitement meter ticking by finding something new and different to do in his films. The excitement will continue for Rana as he awaits the release of his forthcoming Telugu drama "Nene Raju Nene Mantri", in which he plays a politician. "I have always urged to do something different. I played a politician in my first film 'Leader', and it wasn't a regular debut. I like to find something exciting in everything I do. In a film like 'Baahubali', each day was exciting. In 'Ghazi', a submarine war film, the excitement was in making something ambitious on a tight budget," Rana told IANS here. What was exciting about Teja-directed "Nene Raju Nenu Mantri", slated for release on August 11, in Tamil as well as Malayalam? "Teja approached me with the idea at the end of 'Ghazi' and at the beginning of 'Baahubali 2'. We spent eight months developing the character (Jogendra) and wrote different versions of the story. This is a commercial story of a politician, but told in a way an art film is narrated," he said. Explaining the story in a nutshell, Rana said this is the story of a moneylender who is pushed to the brink by those in power. "I'm a huge fan of 'The Wolf of Wall Street', and I consider it today's classic. As a tale, it could be very dark but the flamboyance with which (Leonardo) DiCaprio's character takes you through the madness in his life is amazing. We tried to do that in a rural set up but against the backdrop of Indian politics," he said. At the heart of "Nene Raju Nene Mantri", is a very heartwarming love story of a husband and wife, says Rana. Asked how different Jogendra is from Arjun Prasad, the politician character from "Leader", he said: "Arjun was an honest guy and he wanted to clean the system. Here, Jogendra is angry with a bunch of people and he wants to show them what power can really do to a simple man like him. The story is about the rise, fall and redemption of Jogendra." Many things about the film are a tribute to actor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G Ramachandran (MGR). "Director Teja is a huge fan of MGR, and he grew up in Chennai idolizing him. What really inspired him was the greatness of MGR, and his rise from a film star to a leader," he said, clarifying the film is not based on the life of MGR. "The film will feel like real events but it will all be fictional. When we did 'Ghazi', we were aware that it was a true event but nobody really knew what had actually happened because everything was classified. But we ensured everything that happened in the film should feel real," Rana said. The MGR connection extends to the film's Tamil title "Naan Aanaiyitaal", a line borrowed from the yesteryear actor's hit film "Enga Veetu Pillai". According to Rana, the film has not been dubbed in Tamil. "We actually re-shot some portion of the film in Tamil. We even roped in some popular actors for the Tamil version, to make it look and sound authentic," he said. The film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Catherine Tresa, Ashutosh Rana and Navdeep. (Haricharan Pudipeddi can be contacted at haricharan.p@ians.in) --IANS hp/nn/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Malaysian authorities have foiled two attempts to smuggle elephant ivory tusks and pangolin scales, worth up to $1 million, an official said on Wednesday. The Royal Malaysian Customs Department on Sunday seized 23 ivory tusks weighing 75.74 kg, with an estimated value of 275,542 ringgit ($64,266) at a warehouse of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying. On the same day, the authorities also seized pangolin scales weighing about 300 kg, valued at about 3.86 million ringgit ($0.9 million) at an airport warehouse. The ivory was declared as "food stuff" and the pangolin scales as "fish maw", the official said. --IANS py/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 32-year-old man was found hanging in the toilet of a police station here in the early hours of Wednesday, police said. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijayanta Arya said the deceased, Raj Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was found hanging in the toilet of Jehangirpuri police station in northwest Delhi in the early hours of Wednesday. "He had come to the police station in connection with an ongoing inquiry related to a habeas corpus petition where he was a respondent," the officer said. "The Judicial Magistrate and SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) were called on the spot and a request for post-mortem by a board of doctors was made," Arya said. Another police officer told IANS the body has been moved to the Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jehangirpuri, adding that the man was in a state of depression. Stating that all mandatory actions are being taken, the officer said the home department will form a board to conduct the autopsy of the deceased. --IANS nkh/amit/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man of Asian origin fired multiple gunshots outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles before shooting himself dead, police said. The shooting took place about 6 a.m. on Tuesday but did not injure anyone else. The man in his 60s was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate building, Xinhua news agency quoted police as saying. The police have not identified the man yet. They found a bullet wound on his chin, saying he could commit suicide. Consulate officials told Xinhua the man was not Chinese. A security guard at the consulate said the gunman shot 17 bullets at the building before killing himself in his car. The consulate general has expressed serious concerns about the shooting incident and urged the US authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of its diplomats. --IANS py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 32-year-old man's body was found hanging in the toilet of a police station here early on Wednesday, the city police said. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijayanta Arya said the body of Raj Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was found hanging in the toilet of Jahangirpuri police station in northwest Delhi. "He had come to the police station in connection with an ongoing inquiry related to a habeas corpus petition where he was a respondent," the officer said. The Judicial Magistrate and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate were called on the spot and a request for post-mortem examination by a board of doctors was made, Arya said. Family members told IANS that a woman who worked with Raj Kumar in Delhi had gone missing and he was called to give statement in the case. Raj Kumar, who had left the job of a security guard in Delhi around 10 months back, came from Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday morning to meet the police officers, according to family members. His friend Situ Sharma said he dropped him at the police station around 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday. "Later, the police asked me to leave and I left the station after five minutes," Sharma told IANS outside the Jahangirpuri police station on Wednesday afternoon. Raj Kumar's 24-year-old nephew Ankit, who lives in Delhi, said Kumar had called him around 4 p.m. on Tuesday and said he's going inside the police station and that he is a little scared. "What happened in those few hours that he decided to commit suicide? He came by himself to give the statement, why would he do it? I don't believe it," Ankit said. He said that though Raj Kumar was found dead in the early hours of Wednesday, his family was not informed till 11 p.m. His body has been moved to Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri and Arya said the home department will form a board to conduct the autopsy. --IANSA nkh/him/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Incidents of violence perpetrated by Left Wing Extremists (LWE) have been declining consistently for the past five years, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. In a written reply, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir informed Rajya Sabha that 1,048 Maoist attacks were reported in 2016, as against 1,089 incidents in 2015. The Minister said a total of 1,415 Maoist attacks -- highest in last five years -- were reported in 2012 while the number stood 1,136 in 2013 and 1,091 in 2014. He said that "the government already has a comprehensive national policy and a multi-pronged action plan to deal with LWE comprising of security related measures, developmental interventions and ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities". Citing a written document, Ahir said that 213 civilians and 65 security personnel were killed in Maoist attacks in 2016 compared to the killing of 171 civilians and 59 security personnel in 2015. A number of 222 civilians and 88 security personnel were killed In 2014, he said. The Minister also said that Maoists attacked on 79 infrastructure and economic targets in 2016, the number stood at 127 for 2015 and 100 for 2014. --IANS rak/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lampedusa (Italy), Aug 3 (IANS/AKI) An Italian judge on Wednesday ordered seizure of a migrant rescue ship chartered by German NGO Jugend Rettet which they accuse of abetting illegal immigration. Italian police and Coast Guard officers seized the 'Iuventa' on the southern island of Lampedusa after the ship was earlier intercepted by the Coast Guard and escorted to the port. According to an investigation begun in October last year, the Jugend Rettet vessel had been "regularly" picking up migrants in the Mediterranean close to Libyan waters and transferring them to other ships in international waters. "The rescue - that is to say the transfer of migrants - took place when they were not in any specific danger," Ambrogio Cartosio, deputy prosecutor in the Sicilian port city of Trapani, told reporters. But he stressed investigators had found no evidence of any "prearranged plan" between Libyan people traffickers and the NGO. "I believe the Jugend Rettet crew is motivated by humanitarian aims," he said. Jugend Rettet this week refused to sign the Italian government's new controversial rules for NGOs rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, but Ambrogio denied this was linked to the Iuventa's seizure. "The fact that it didn't sign the accord (code of conduct) is irrelevant," he said. The reason Iuventa was seized is because "there is a serious dangerous the criminal activity (abetting illegal immigration) will be committed again," he said. Jugend Rettet tweeted earlier on Wednesday that it had received no official information that it was under investigation but said some of its crew had been questioned by Italian officials as a matter of routine. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Jugend Rettet said it wanted to continue negotiations with Rome over the code of conduct which it and other NGOs have said will hamper their life-saving operations in the Mediterranean. The 11 point-code requires armed police on board NGO vessels, bans making phonecalls or firing flares, forbids the ships from sailing into Libyan waters unless lives are at risk, and bans the transfer of migrants from one vessel to another. The new rules, which have been given a green light by the European Union, have also drawn criticism from rights groups including Amnesty International and from the United Nations.--IANS/AKI vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Wednesday said it told India in advance about its road building activity in Doklam on the border and again asked New Delhi to withdraw its troops immediately from the area. Beijing sought to firm up its claim over the disputed region by citing a document of 2006, according to which India and China agreed on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector where their armies are now locked in a stand-off. In a 15-page document, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also said the number of Indian troops in Doklam since the beginning of the crisis in mid-June had fallen from 270 to 40 by the end of July. Indian officials deny any pullout has taken place. The document entailed a map, picture and excerpts of letter exchanged between Jawaharlal Nehru and Zhou En-lai to back its claim over Doklam. It cited a "non-paper" which, Beijing claims, was provided by the Indian side during the Meeting of the Working Teams of the Special Representatives on China-India Boundary Question in May 2006. "Both sides agree on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim Sector," the document quoted the "non-paper" as saying. In diplomacy, a non-paper is an informal document. India says it forged an agreement with China and Bhutan in 2012 to decide the ownership of Doklam. Beijing refuses to acknowledge the agreement. The stand-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers began after Indian troops stopped Chinese troops from constructing a road in Doklam. Both China and Bhutan claim Doklam. India supports Bhutan's claims and sees the road up to Doklam as a threat to its security. The document said China's road building was in its own territory and that India was informed in advance. "China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of China's goodwill." Beijing, which earlier said it won't talk to New Delhi until the Indian troops leave, also hinted that the two sides were in touch to resolve the dispute. "Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and great restraint and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident." India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi met last week on the sidelines of the BRICS security meet and discussed major problems between both countries. The document said "no country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China's territorial sovereignty". The document dismissed Indian claims that China was attempting to change the status quo of the border region with the road. It said Indian troops "transgressing" into Chinese territory was "indeed a real attempt to change the status quo of the boundary, and it has gravely undermined peace and tranquility of the China-India border area". It dismissed India's contention that the road building at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan had serious security implications for New Delhi. "To cross a delimited boundary and enter the territory of a neighbouring country on the grounds of so-called 'security concerns', for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. "No such attempt will be tolerated by any sovereign state, still less should it be the normal way of conduct between China and India as two neighbouring states." The document maintained that China had no issues with Bhutan and both sides were deliberating on the boundary issue and this was of no concern to India. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident." --IANS gsh/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Wednesday said that a total of 373 scientists have returned to work in India in the last three years leaving reputed foreign institutions. The government said that 125 of the 373 scientists had been absorbed in different schemes initiated by the government. "Department of Science and Technology (DST) through Ramanujan fellowship and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship provides attractive avenue and opportunities to Indian Researchers of high calibre, who are residing in foreign, to work in Indian Institutes and Universities of their respective interest and domain," Minister of state for Science and Technology Y.S. Choudhary stated in the Parliament. He informed that under the ministry's Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) faculty scheme, young Indian citizens and people of Indian origin across the world with PhD in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture related subjects are offered contractual research positions in Indian institutions to carry out independent research. Beside that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has a scheme to attract scientists and technologists of Indian Origin (STIO) under which they are appointed at an identified CSIR laboratory so as to nurture a research field in their area of expertise. DST had recently also initiated named VAJRA -- Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme -- that offers NRIs and people of Indian origin abroad to work as adjunct or visiting faculty for a specific period of time in Indian Public funded academic and research institutions. "The Ministry has ensured sufficient funds depending upon the availability of brilliant scientists and engineers from all over the world to take up scientific research positions in India," the Minister stated. --IANS kd/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A leading Pakistani newspaper on Wednesday urged Islamabad and Kabul to jointly fight the Islamic State terrorist group. With the IS now facing setbacks in Iraq and Syria, it can be expected to start taking roots in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well, the Dawn said in an editorial. "Afghanistan - long suffering from conflict - seems to be an ideal location for the self-proclaimed 'Caliphate' to put down roots," it said. It quoted American military officials as saying there may be around 1,000 IS fighters active in Afghanistan. "Due to a long, porous border and a complicated relationship, often Afghanistan's militancy problems spill over into Pakistan; the case of IS is no different," it said. "Transnational militancy is a nebulous phenomenon; it does not recognise borders or national sovereignty. "That is why it is imperative that Pakistan and Afghanistan work together to neutralise the threat of IS in both countries. "This may be difficult to achieve, given the often tense relations that prevail between Islamabad and Kabul. "But as IS and militants sympathetic to its ideology have shown elsewhere, if a vacuum is left - as was the case in Syria and Iraq - IS will move in very quickly to fill it. "That is something neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan can afford. Therefore, a joint policy to counter IS is the only way forward," the Dawn said. --IANS ahm-mr/py (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and India have concluded the much-delayed water talks in the US, raising hopes that they will avoid further tensions over an issue with far-reaching consequences, a media report said on Wednesday. The Secretary of Water and Power, Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, led the Pakistani delegation, including technical experts, at the two-day talks which ended on Tuesday at the World Bank headquarters, the Dawn newspaper said. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Amarjit Singh, headed the Indian delegation. The Indian team also included representatives from the External Affairs Ministry. The meeting was part of the World Bank's efforts to resolve a dispute over Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectricity projects that India is building in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan opposes the two projects, saying the plans violate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that distributes waters of the river Indus and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. The two countries last held talks over the projects in March in Pakistan. The projects will allow India to use water of three Indus tributaries to irrigate 912,000 acres of land, up from 800,000 acres, and to produce 18,600 MW of electricity. Pakistan says the projects would lessen its share granted in the treaty. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nawaz Sharif's disqualification as the Prime Minister of Pakistan could pose risks to continuity of policies and impact adversely on its rating, New York-based credit rating agency Moody's has said. "If heightened political uncertainty and strife among the various branches of government disrupt the administration's economic and fiscal agenda, macro-economic stability and the government's access to external finance could be impaired, weighing on Pakistan's credit profile," the agency suggested on Tuesday. Investigations into the financial affairs of Sharif and his family followed the 2015 publication of the Panama Papers, which disclosed his children's vast and previously unreported wealth, Dawn online reported. "High domestic political risk (is) embedded in Pakistan's credit profile," said Moody's. The agency explained the probability of political events that could affect sovereign credit profile was high and such events would have an impact on policymaking and thereby on the economy and the government's access to finance. The South Asian nation's has long been "characterised" by coups and strife between the executive, judiciary and military. The persistence of heightened political risk has weakened government effectiveness and its control over corruption, it maintained. Following the country's first democratic transfer of power in 2013, when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured absolute majority, it appeared that Sharif might become the first premier in the history of the country to complete a full five-year term. "His ouster now could trigger another period of political instability, undermining Pakistan's ability to address pressing domestic economic challenges, bolster investor confidence and attract external financial support from official creditors and donors," Moody's said. Talking about uncertainty regarding policy continuity beyond Sharif's immediate succession, it said political continuity would be maintained in the near term as the former Prime Minister had announced his brother Shahbaz Sharif as his successor and standard bearer of the PML-N. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, he must step down as Punjab Chief Minister and get elected to the parliament on the seat vacated by his brother. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will serve as the Prime Minister till then. Given the PML-N's support in Punjab and Shahbaz's popularity, his victory in the by-election appears highly likely. However, with the next election due by August 2018, the change in PML-N leadership and the ongoing investigation could disrupt the policymaking process and economic reforms. Nawaz Sharif oversaw a major expansion of Pakistan's economic relationship with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. "However, security-related issues and Pakistan's weak track record of public project implementation suggest the pace of execution will be relatively slow. "Continued support for the CPEC project across all branches of government will be critical to its success and full implementation," said Moody's. --IANS py/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A masterpiece by Pablo Picasso, one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century, is on display at Duff House, a Georgian mansion in Aberdeenshire. Picasso's Les Soles that went on display on Tuesday, rarely leaves Scotland's National Gallery in Edinburgh because of its fragility. But it loaned to Duff House in Banff by the National Galleries of Scotland for display until October 29, Xinhua news agency reported. Les Soles, inspired by the bustling markets of the seaside town Royan, in France, depicts a crab and two fish, said to represent Picasso and two of his mistresses. The work was painted during a three-month trip to Paris in March 1940 while the artist was still based in Royan, shortly before he fled his coastal retreat when it was occupied by Nazi troops during World War II. Duff House, one of the finest mansions in Scotland, also played a part in World War II, being used as an internment camp, prisoner of war (POW) camp and a base for Norwegian allied troops. Graeme Curran, manager of Duff House, which is operated by Historic Environment Scotland said: "We're delighted that Duff House will host an artwork from one of the most iconic artists of the modern era. Banff, as a coastal town, seems a fitting location for exhibition of Picasso's Les Soles, which so vividly draws inspiration from life by the sea." Hannah Brocklehurst, Scottish National Galleries Managing Curator for Duff House, said: "Owing to the fragility of the painting it rarely travels, and this will be the first time in many years that this has seen outside of Edinburgh. We are thrilled to be showing this important work in such a beautiful venue." Built for a wealthy businessman in the mid-1700s, Duff House fell into disrepair after World War II, and was eventually restored and reopened in 1995. It now houses a collection of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Gainsborough, Raeburn as well as contemporary art. --IANS py/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will visit flood-affected areas of Assam on Thursday, two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi went there. Modi announced Rs 2,000 crore for the northeastern states to deal with havoc caused by floods that have killed 76 persons in Assam and affected millions. Gandhi will leave for Lakhimpur on Thursday and visit the worst-affected areas, according to party sources. Thereafter, he and state Congress leaders will visit Amtala and Mazgaon areas in Lakhimpur district by road. Gandhi will go to Jalore in Rajasthan and Dhanera in Gujarat on Friday. --IANS sid/tsb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday urged the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) to call off its strike over revising the daily wages of its members. Rajinikanth, in a statement said, he doesn't like the word "strike". "Whatever the problem is, if we discuss an issue without standing on pride, there can be a solution. As a senior artiste, I humbly request Producers Council and FEFSI to sit together and resolve the issue at the earliest," Rajinikanth said. FEFSI on Tuesday began a strike as their request for revision of daily wages had been turned down by Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council (TFPC). FEFSI, which comprises 24 unions of various crafts of the film industry and has over 25,000 members, and TFPC are at loggerheads after FEFSI had an altercation with producer-actor RK Suresh on the sets of his Tamil film "Billa Pandi". The strike has come as a big blow for over 20 Tamil films that are currently on floors. "The shoot of over 20 Tamil films including Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' has been stopped. FEFSI workers are part of most Tamil films and they have been instructed to not take part in the shooting. They have to understand it will only affect their livelihood," a member of the Producers Council had told IANS. --IANS hp/rb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) on Tuesday reported a rise of 5 per cent in its standalone net profit for the first quarter (Q1) of 2017-18. The company's standalone net profit rose to Rs 417 crore from Rs 397 crore reported for the corresponding quarter of 2016-17. According to RInfra, its standalone total income for quarter under review increased by 2 per cent to Rs 3,209 crore from Rs 3,147 crore earned during Q1, 2016-17. The firm's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) increased by 16 per cent to Rs 1,449 crore from Rs 1,253 crore. Besides, the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 344 crore for Q1 of 2017-18. In addition, RInfra's consolidated total income was up 4 per cent at Rs 7,848 crore during the quarter under review. The Q1 consolidated EBITDA increased by 14 per cent to Rs 2,303 crore from Rs 2,023 crore in the corresponding quarter of 2016-17. Among other highlights, the company's power distribution business added more than 74,000 new customers in the metros of Delhi and Mumbai in Q1, 2017-18. The firm's power distribution business in Mumbai recovered Rs 251 crore arrears in the quarter under review. "Discussion in advanced stage to monetise stake in Mumbai power business," the company said in a statement. The infra major maintains its lead as being the largest private sector distributor of power in the country, serving 70 lakh consumers. The company's EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) business earned a revenue of Rs 591 crore in Q1, 2017-18. Its order book stood at Rs 5,721 crore. "Won EPC contract to build 66 kms NHAI road project worth Rs 711 crore in Tamil Nadu," the statement said. "Targeting opportunities worth Rs 2 lakh crore p.a. planned by government across power, roads, railways including metro rail, ports and mega infrastructure projects." In the infrastructure segment, the company said that it has earned revenue worth Rs 270 crore from all of its 11 revenue generating assets. The infrastructure major pointed out: "Delhi Agra and Pune Satara toll road is expected to be completed by Q3 FY18." "RInfra InvIT fund receives SEBI approval for its proposed IPO - issue size of Rs 2,500 crore with option to retain upto 25 per cent oversubscription." Further, the company said that its "Mumbai Metro One" earned a revenue of Rs 63 crore in Q1 FY18 - representing an increase of 15 per cent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis. In terms of arbitration award, the company said it has won Delhi Metro arbitration award against DMRC worth Rs 4,700 crore including interest. "Arbitration award won for 2 road projects i.e. NK Toll Road and DS Toll Road worth Rs 170 crore," the statement said. The company added that its defence manufacturing business has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Dassault Aviation. "Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd JV with Reliance holding 51 per cent - JV will play major role in meeting the offset obligation of Rs 30,000 crore for "Rafale 36" contract," the statement said. The company mentioned that its Reliance Defence and Engineering Ltd (RDEL) has become the only shipyard in India selected by the US Navy to repair it's ships in Indian Ocean Region. "Only private sector company building naval offshore patrol vessels for Indian Navy. RDEL simultaneously launches two naval offshore patrol vessels - first private sector shipyard in India to launch warships for Indian Navy," the statement said. "Signed contract to build 14 fast patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard. Only private sector shipyard to deliver Panamax Ice class vessel." --IANS rv-ppg/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced a Rs 10 lakh reward for information about two missing gunmen wanted for the killing of veteran Communist leader and social activist Govind Pansare, a senior official said here. Kolhapur Range IGP Vishwas Nangare-Patil said Vinay Pawar and Sarang Dilip Akolkar opened fire at Pansare and his wife Uma on the morning of February 16, 2015 in the city. While Pansare, 81, succumbed to his injuries on February 20, Uma survived the murder attempt. Besides the reward, the police have also issued non-bailable warrants against the two, who continue to elude the police since the attack. Uma has recognised the pictures of the two gunmen who opened fire at them, while another prime accused Samir Gaikwad -- in custody now -- was also in regular contact with them, said Nangare-Patil. A witness has also testified that Pawar, hailing from Sangli and Akolkar of Pune district, had visited a shop in Kolhapur to buy a revolver. The developments came after the state government approved a proposal submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the killing to announced an attractive reward for information on his killers. The Central Bureau of Investigation had earlier announced a Rs 5 lakh reward for information on the two. The police had earlier arrested the right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha activists Gaikwad and Virendra Tawde in connection with the case. The Pansare killing is among the three murders of rationalists and civil society activists including Narendra Dabholkar who was gunned down on August 20, 2013 in Pune, and M.M. Kalburgi who was shot dead in Dharwad in neighbouring Karnataka on August 30, 2015. --IANS qn/py/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Modi government has allocated Rs 50 crore for the India-Bangladesh border management, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. "The budget allocation is Rs 50 crore each for floodlight work and road work along the India-Bangladesh border for 2017-18," Rijiju said in a written reply. He said Rs 7.97 crore on border roads and Rs 6.06 crore on border floodlights had been incurred. A total of 1,181 border outposts are held along the India-Bangladesh border. He said 3,004 km of the India-Bangladesh border had been covered by physical barriers and the balance would be covered by day and night patrolling, high-tech surveillance, hand held thermal imagers and improvised methods. --IANS rak/ahm/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Rajya Sabha was on Wednesday repeatedly adjourned over the Income Tax Department raid on a Bengaluru resort where 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs have been lodged. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley however denied the resort was raided. He said the officials went there just to nab "one particular individual" (Karnataka minister D.K. Shivakumar). Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue as soon as the House met for the day. "For the past few days we have been raising our grave concerns about the attempt to derail and hijack elections to the council of states by abusing state power. Today (Wednesday) IT raids were conducted against a Congress minister at the resort where our MLAs are staying," Sharma said. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government agencies were being used to terrorise people just ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. "What is happening in this country? This House as well as the Election Commission will have to ensure free and fair elections," he said. The election to Rajya Sabha are scheduled for August 8 and the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded three candidates, including a Congress rebel. The Congress is seeking another term for party President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel. Jaitley, denying the allegations, said the searches were being done against one minister and not other MLAs staying at the resort. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place. No MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He had parked himself at the resort. The resort is certainly not an immune area," Jaitley said. Sharma said the timing of the raids was significant. Jaitley quipped that whether it is use or abuse of authorities will depend upon recoveries. The Congress members meanwhile came to the Chair's podium and shouted slogans against the government. The Chair adjourned the House for 10 minutes. During Question Hour, the Congress members again raised the issue and Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for 10 minutes. As the House reconvened, the Congress MPs again began raising slogans against the government. Ansari, after repeatedly requesting the members to let Question Hour go on, adjourned the House till 2 p.m. --IANS mak/py/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an unprecedented act, members of Maharashtra's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena coalition staged a walk-out from the Legislative Council on Tuesday, disrupting proceedings. The development came after a series of three adjournments in the upper house by the belligerent opposition parties - which are in majority in the upper house - on various issues, including a demand for the resignation of Housing Minister Prakash Mehta. Complaining that the opposition parties were not allowing the ministers and legislators to speak, the ruling BJP-SS members walked out of the house in the afternoon. Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab accused the opposition Congress-Nationalist Congress Party members of flouting rules, creating ruckus and disrupting the proceedings of the upper house. --IANS qn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday said that rural sanitation coverage had gone up from 39 percent to 66 percent in the last three years and 2.17 lakh villages were now free of open defacation. Addressing the 99th birthday celebrations of Dada Vaswani in Pune, Modi called upon NGOs to help make sanitation a mass movement. Lauding Dada Vaswani's thoughts on "Making the Right Choice", the Prime Minister said that if people resolve to make the right choice, evils such as corruption, casteism, drug abuse and crime can be overcome. "A reason for evils in the society is that despite knowing what is right and what is not, some people choose the wrong alternative. Making the right choice and moving on it is a basis for creating a stong society," Modi said. He said when the Swachh Bharat mission was launched in 2014, rural sanitation coverage was only 39 percent. "Today it has reached 66 percent. A healthy tradition has also begun. There is competition among villages, districts and states to be open defecation free. Till now 2.17 lakh villages have become open defecation free," Modi said. He said Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Kerala had been declared open defecation free. Modi said toilets can be constructed and employees can be asked to clean roads but to keep them clean on a regular basis needed all round efforts. "I want to make an appeal to every NGO through this programme... Cleanliness is not a situation but a habit. It should become part of our nature. If practised daily, the habit will become the nature of the society," he said. Referring to climate change, he said steps such as afforestation, making energy out of waste and increase in use of solar energy will help meet the challenge. He said the county was taking a pledge of making a "new India" to fulfill the dreams of freedom fighters by 2022, the 75th anniversary of the country's Independence. He urged the Sadhu Vaswani Mission to join this effort. Modi said targets should be such which can be measured in numbers. --IANS ps/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets and an An-26 military plane, on a training flight over the Baltic Sea neutral waters, were "followed" by a NATO fighter jet, the Defence Ministry has said. "While the Russian planes were flying over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation F-18 fighter jet approached the Russian aircraft and followed them at a safe distance for about one minute. Later, it changed its course and flew away towards the airspace of the Baltic state," Xinhua news agency cited the ministry as saying. NATO earlier said its fighter jets of the Baltic air-policing mission had intercepted three Russian planes over the Baltic Sea. The Russian Defence Ministry has repeatedly said the flight of the aircraft was performed in strict compliance with the international rules of the airspace use and air border of other countries were not violated. The number of air incidents involving Russian and NATO planes has increased over the past years since the US-led alliance ratcheted up its military presence on Russia's western border in 2014. --IANS py/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Wednesday demanded that Tamil Nadu Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar be sacked immediately after raids at his residence and other places and attachment of his properties by the Income Tax Department. In a statement here, Ramadoss welcomed the department's action to attach Vijayabaskar's properties after the raids at 35 places in April 2017 in connection with charges of distributing cash for votes ahead of the R.K. Nagar assembly constituency by-election. Ramadoss said Vijayabaskar has been asked to appear before the Income Tax Department officials on August 17. According to the PMK leader, there are several other charges against Vijayabaskar and he should be removed from the cabinet. --IANS vj/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi on Wednesday urged religious leaders to use their huge following to unleash a "mass awakening" against sex abuse and trafficking of children. "Every religious head I have spoken with, every faith leader I have met, has expressed support and a true willingness to fight for children," a statement from his office quoted him as saying. "This is the beauty of religious diversity in India. They endorse my view that child sexual abuse and trafficking is an issue which blurs the boundaries of region and as we must come together to fight against these heinous crimes," he said. The meeting was attended by spiritual leaders from across faiths. He emphasised that with their numerous followers and disciples, religious leaders can herald a revolution and incite a mass awakening. The meeting held here was a follow up of a roundtable meet which took place in Delhi last month. --IANS vn/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Wednesday reduced to two years the jail term of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Neera Yadav in a Noida land allotment scam and disproportionate assets case. She was sentenced to three years in jail by the Allahabad High Court in November 2012. On Wednesday, a bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and R. Banumathi reduced the quantum of sentence to two years. Yadav, the first woman Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, was CEO and Chairperson of Noida Authority between 1994 and 1995. She was elevated as Chief Secretary in 2005 by then Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, a post she held for two years, before taking voluntary retirement. The Noida Industrialist Association had in 1997 filed a case against Yadav in the apex court, following which a Central Bureau of Investigation probe began in 1998. The CBI probed 36 matters related to plot allotment by Neera Yadav and another IAS official Rajeev Kumar. A chargesheet was filed against the two in 2002. Yadav had later surrendered before the CBI court in Ghaziabad and was sent to the Dasna prison. The Supreme Court also upheld the two-year jail term awarded to Rajiv Kumar, a former IAS officer, in the same case. --IANS md/him/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aslam Wani, a Kashmiri trader whose confession is tipped to be a key evidence to prove separatist leader Shabir Shah's role in terror funding in the valley, was acquitted by a Delhi court in 2010 because Delhi Police had failed to prove that the money recovered from him was meant to be used for subversive activities. Shah, an associate of hardliner separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, is currently in the custody of Enforcement Directorate after he was arrested on July 25 on charges of receiving funds from Pakistan for subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley. The case dates back to August 2005 when police arrested alleged hawala dealer Wani. The trader in his disclosure statement confessed that he had passed on money worth Rs 2.25 crore to Shah, according to police records. The ED had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Wani and Shah in 2007. According to ED officials, Wani is evading summons. But Shah's counsel M.S. Khan while opposing the Enforcement Directorate plea seeking extension of his custody told the court on Wednesday that Wani was acquitted of charges of raising funds for terrorist activities by then Additional Sessions Judge Satinder Kumar Gautam on November 25, 2010. Khan pointed out that Delhi Police had not challenged the judgement in the higher court and now there was no material left to connect Wani with Shah as it was not proved that the money that was recovered was meant to be used for any illegal purpose. However, Wani was convicted under the charges dealing with Arms Act for possessing a pistol. The court had sentenced Wani to imprisonment already undergone and slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 against him. He spent about five years in judicial custody. The 2010 judgment order copy which is with IANS observed that the "prosecution has also not been able to...establish connectivity of the accused with some militant on the basis of telephonic communications. The prosecution had not presented any telephonic conversations record nor the cell phones have been made case property". The judgment said the police had failed to prove that the accused was involved in any criminal conspiracy with any militant group. While acquitting Wani of the charges of waging war against the country and provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the court observed that the prosecution had failed to prove that the accused had any contacts with an enemy country. The court had observed that there were "material contradictions and improbabilities" in the evidence led by the prosecution while proving charges dealing with possession of explosive substance. (Amiya Kumar Kushwaha can be reached at amiya.k@ians.in) --IANS akk/sar/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Manish Goplani says he is enjoying working for the Indonesian show, "The Man From Bekasi". "After 'Thapki Pyar Ki', I am enjoying shooting for the series, 'The Man From Bekasi'. Talks are on for other shows too. The culture and lifestyle of people in Indonesia are totally different. I'm enjoying the change," Manish said in a statement. He was last seen on the small screen on "Thapki Pyar Ki" as Bihaan Pandey. -*- Anisha Hinduja enjoying break from playing bad Actress Anisha Hinduja, who played antagonist on "Ishqbaaz", is now seen as one of the protagonists on "Kundali Bhagya". She says she is enjoying a break from the negative roles that got monotonous for her. "After doing negative and roles with grey shades, I'm enjoying my role in 'Kundali Bhagya'. I play Rakhee who is a kind person. I am enjoying the positivity after a break from the monotony," Anisha said in a statement. "It's the first time that I got to play a positive role... that too in an Ekta Kapoor show. I have been showered with very positive responses from my fans on social media too," she added. -*- Plabita living my dreams: Parineeta Actress Parineeta Borthakur, known for shows like "Swaragini - Jodein Rishton Ke Sur" and "Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani", has praised her sister Plabita Borthakur for living her dream by starring in a movie -- "Lipstick Under My Burkha". "Extremely happy with the success of the film. I saw the movie during MAMI festival and everyone gave a standing ovation there. I am proud of my sister. I feel she's done really well as a newcomer," Parineeta said in a statement. "I always loved off-beat films and though I wasn't lucky enough to get such roles, I am happy my sister is fulfilling my dreams," added Parineeta, who will star in "The Underworld" -- an Assamese film. --IANS nn/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thailand's Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on charges relating to a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2008 in which two people died and hundreds were injured. The judges found the former Prime Minister and three other defendants -- former deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, then national police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon and then metropolitan police commander Suchart Mueankaewnot -- not guilty of abuse of power charges, Efe news reported. The four were tried over the October 7, 2008 police operation in which authorities evicted anti-government protesters attempting to occupy Parliament with legislators inside the building. The protesters had occupied the Government House earlier that day. The judges ruled that the government had taken all necessary precautions, made repeated warnings before police moved to disperse the protesters and that the defendants had no intention of causing harm. The protesters were part of the anti-government "Yellow Shirt" movement, which in 2006 held protests that led to the coup that deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, had taken office a month earlier, replacing Samak Sundaravej, who was disqualified by the courts over receiving payment for taking part in a television cooking show. The deadly crackdown in October spurred on the anti-government protesters and in November they occupied the city's two airports for several days. The protests ended after the Wongsawat government was dismissed by the courts and a new government led by the opposition Democrat Party was formed. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has said that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is responsible for the the health and safety of two leading opponents of his government who were dragged from their homes by state security agents and sent to prison. In a statement issued by the White House on late Tuesday, Trump said that opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were "political prisoners" being held illegally by the regime. "The US condemns the actions of the Maduro dictatorship. Lopez and Ledezma are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime," Trump said in a statement, referring to Maduro's Venezuela for the first time as a "dictatorship". "The US holds Maduro -- who publicly announced just hours earlier that he would move against his political opposition -- personally responsible for the health and safety of Lopez, Ledezma, and any others seized. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners," Fox News quoted the President as saying. Lopez and Ledezma, who had been placed under house arrest for several weeks, were arrested on Monday night for allegedly plotting "an escape plan", according to the Supreme Court of Justice. The arrests came after Washington on Monday ordered sanctions against Maduro, describing him as "dictator" for the first time, with the freezing of assets that he may have under US jurisdiction and the ban on financial transactions, Efe news reported. Washington's decision came in response to Sunday's election of National Constituent Assembly representatives, which it called a "farce". Despite labelling Maduro a "dictator", the US still considers the Maduro government legitimate and would not recognise a possible parallel executive body formed by the opposition, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Michael Fitzpatrick said on Tuesday. --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hollywood actor George Clooney's Foundation will contribute $2.25 million to sponsor seven schools in Lebanon, which could help over 3,000 Syrian refugee children back to school this year. This project was disclosed by its partners, including Google.org, HP and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), Xinhua news agency reported. HP supported the project with $1 million technology grant and Google.org made a generous donation as well. The Unicef in a statement on Monday quoted the super star and his wife Amal Clooney as saying: "Thousands of young Syrian refugees are at risk -- the risk of never being a productive part of society. Formal education can help change that. That's our goal with this initiative." "We don't want to lose an entire generation because they had the bad luck of being born in the wrong place at the wrong time," it said. Lebanon's Minister of Education Marwan Hamade said: "Each child given access to education, and new ways of learning, represents a life changed for the better. Today's grant from the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is a crucial investment in future generations." Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, millions of families fled the region and many children were out of school. Currently there are over one million Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon, with a third being children. The actor established the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016 with his Lebanon born wife. The couple recently welcomed their twins. --IANS py/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The new US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) that was announced on Wednesday can shape up the Indian digital payment and economy sector and help the GDP grow, a top government official said here. "India's digital economy stands at 15 per cent and it has the potential to increase the GDP growth of the country more than others. This strategic partnership will be a game changer in this sector," Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary Department of Telecommunications, told reporters here. "It will also have a great impact on digital payment because we work with a lot of US companies in this area," she added. Sundararajan said the government was laying 500,000 kilometres of optic fibre to connect rural areas to the Internet and half of it has already been completed. She added that it will become operational by the end of this year. The Secretary pointed out that the new US-India partnership can play a part in this area too in order to bring more Indian villages within the networking zones. She added that the digital partnership demonstrates synergies between the US and India for what it has accomplished. "We have seen seamless integration in silicon valley between the US technology companies and India," Sundararajan said. Cyber Security Coordinator at Prime Minister's Office Gulshan Rai said as part of the sound and strategic partnership, both the countries need to work on security as the cyber attacks can happen in either of the countries. "Digital transactions is growing tremendously in India and it's expected to double by the end of this year. As such the issue of cyber security becomes paramount. So this strategic operation is going to play an important role here," Rai said. To deepen business ties between India and the US, the USISPF was set up on Wednesday. According to the Executive Chairman of Cisco John Chambers, the USISPF would help build stronger and meaningful business relations between the two countries. "What you see now is a potential of strategic partnership between two countries to be the model for the rest of the world," the Cisco Executive Chairman said. "It's mission is to see how to get economic growth, startup growth, and get innovation, entrepreneurism and benefit society," he added. Chambers termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India initiative as a model for the rest of the world, and said the initiative is a comprehensive framework. "Digital India initiative has the ability to be inclusive in terms of how education, smart cities and health sector will change," Chambers said. USISPF will work closely with businesses and government leaders to achieve the goal of driving economic growth, job creation, innovation, inclusion and entrepreneurship. Chambers said Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in June was successful. "I am a huge believer in your country and your Prime Minister. India has grown faster than any other country in the last three years and is now known as one of the leading innovators," Chambers said. "Our two countries will be able to make great strides in the months to come and USISPF is honoured to be a part of this exciting future," he added. --IANS qd/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US on Wednesday successfully launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a military base in California to a Pacific atoll, the US Air Force Global Strike Command said in a statement. The unarmed Minuteman 3 missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, about 130 km northwest of Los Angeles, to the Kwajalein atoll across the Pacific, the New York Post reported. It was the fourth such test by the US this year amid growing tensions with North Korea, which last Friday launched its second ICBM. The US Air Force said the test was to check the readiness, effectiveness and accuracy of the weapons system. "While not a response to recent North Korean actions, the test demonstrates that the US' nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and ready to be able to deter, detect and defend against attacks on the United States and its allies," the US Air Force statement said. Minuteman missiles are regularly tested with launches from Vandenberg that send unarmed re-entry vehicles to a target area in the middle of the Pacific. US President Donald Trump condemned Pyongyang's July 28 missile launch and said that all necessary measures will be taken to protect his country and allies in the region. The test launch comes after the US successfully tested its THAAD anti-missile system in Alaska on Sunday. --IANS soni/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that Washington does not seek to topple the Kim Jong-un regime in Pyongyang and is willing to sit down for talks with the country on the condition that it stops its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tillerson made the remarks at the US State Department on Tuesday after North Korea tested its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 28, the Washington Post reported. "We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel," he said. "We are trying to convey to the North Koreans: 'We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond'." Tillerson added that the US hopes that "at some point", North Korea will understand and sit down for a dialogue. The Secretary of State said the administration had been attempting to exert "peaceful pressure" on North Korea, "because the options available to us are limited, particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time". On last Friday, the Kim Jong-un regime conducted its second ICBM test, in which the projectile flew for 47 minutes reaching a maximum altitude of 3,724.9 km before falling into the Sea of Japan. This was the second such test by Pyongyang in a month. On July 4, it conducted its first successful ICBM test in a show of military progress made by the country. North Korea said the test-firing aimed to "finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range". Tillerson is travelling to Asia this week, where he will continue his drive to increase "peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk to us and others". But he made it clear that there was no possibility of talks if North Korea did not abandon its nuclear programme. He said China had a particular role to play, as it accounted for 90 per cent of trade with the Communist nation. Trump had emphasised that point as he courted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit and pressured Beijing to use its influence on Pyongyang. The US President had recently expressed disappointment that Beijing had not applied as much pressure as he would like or caused a change in North Korea's behaviour. Arguing that China sees eye-to-eye with the US about the threat posed by Pyongyang's aggressive weapons development, Tillerson said: "We don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea." "But we do believe China has a unique and special relationship," he added. "We continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue." --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two senior US officials, during a visit to India, have reiterated US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, the US Embassy said on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the US Embassy, Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for South and Central Asia Lisa Curtis and Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Alice Wells travelled to India from July 31 to August 1. During their visit, they spoke at the inaugural India-US Forum and met Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Doval, other senior government officials as well as thought leaders, and business executives. "In their meetings, Deputy Assistant to the President Curtis and Ambassador Wells reiterated President Trump and Prime Minister Modi's commitment to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between our countries and advance common objectives such as combatting terrorist threats, promoting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, increasing free and fair trade, and strengthening energy linkages," the statement said. "Both looked forward to maintaining the positive momentum of the bilateral relationship following Prime Minister Modi's successful visit to Washington in June," it added. --IANS ab/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Wednesday said it had informed India in advance about its road building activity in Doklam on the border and reiterated its demanded that New Delhi must withdraw its troops immediately from the area. In a document, Beijing has dismissed India's claims that China was attempting to change the status quo of the border region by building a road. It said that Indian troops "transgressing" into Chinese territory was "indeed a real attempt to change the status quo of the boundary, and it has gravely undermined peace and tranquility of the China-India border area". The comments came in a document titled "The Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory". It dismissed India's contention that the road building at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan had serious security implications for New Delhi. "To cross a delimited boundary and enter the territory of a neighbouring country on the grounds of so-called 'security concerns', for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations." It said: "No such attempt will be tolerated by any sovereign state, still less should it be the normal way of conduct between China and India as two neighbouring states." The document maintained that China had no issues with Bhutan and both sides were deliberating on the boundary issue and this was of no concern to India. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," it said. --IANS rn/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cisco Executive Chairman John Chambers says it was wrong to replace American workers by bring in software professionals from abroad, cautioning "we have to be careful not to misstep" when it comes to H-1B visa. "You cannot go in and take a whole bunch of H1-B visas and displace American workers because you can do it at lower costs. That was just a mistake. We have to focus on investment," Chambers told a group of journalists at a roundable here. Indian tech giants like Infosys and Wipro have recently decided to ramp up hiring local talent in America after President Donald Trump asked tech companies to manufacture and hire more in the US. Chambers, however, said Cisco was committed to invest and hire more in India as well as in the US to help enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations. "India is a great, great market to invest. It has well-educated resources and that makes it easy for companies to do business and manufacture here. The progress has been good but we have to move faster," Chambers said in response to question by IANS during a select roundtable here. "Same is with the US. It is a win-win situation for both countries. Our two countries working together can benefit nearly 303 million people in the US and nearly 1.3 billion people here. We can grow much faster together as we have common goals," Chambers added. In India, Cisco -- which began operations in the country in 1995 -- saw profits grow 340 per cent in the 2016 financial year on the back of Smart City initiatives and its partnership with Reliance Jio. Cisco employs almost 12,000 people across its various centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Gurugram. "If Cisco grows in India, it grows in the US too," Chambers said. In November last year, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins had said that the networking giant is engaged with state governments at various levels to digitally transform 14 cities with the help from its partners and "wished to take this number to 100 in the next five-seven years. To further deepen business ties between India and the US, a new representative body called the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is being set up and Chambers is on its board of directors. According to Chambers, the USISPF would help build stronger and meaningful business relations between the two countries. "What you see now is a potential of strategic partnership between two countries to be the model for the rest of the world," the Cisco Executive Chairman said. "It's mission is to see how to get an economic growth, startup growth, and get innovation, entrepreneurism and benefit of society," he added. USISPF will work closely together with businesses and government leaders to achieve the goal of driving economic growth, job creation, innovation, inclusion and entrepreneurship. Chambers said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings with the US President Donald Trump in June was successful. "I am a huge believer in your country and your Prime Minister. India has grown faster than any other country in the last three years and is now known as one of the leading innovators," Chambers said. "Our two countries will be able to make great strides in the months to come and USISPF is honoured to be a part of this exciting future," he added. --IANS sku/na/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will leave on Saturday for Myanmar on a two-day visit, an official said on Wednesday. In his first overseas trip after assuming power in Uttar Pradesh, he will depart on Friday for New Delhi from where he will fly to Myanmar the next day. Adityanath will take part in a symposium on "World Peace and Environment", organised by the Vivekanand International Foundation. --IANS md/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Youth Congress leader M. Vikram Goud, who was injured in a firing last week, had stage-managed the incident and offered Rs 50 lakh to the gang he had hired to execute the plan, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy said that Goud, who was still undergoing treatment at a hospital, was under police surveillance and would be arrested once he is discharged. Police have arrested five other accused, while two others are on the run. The arrested include Raees Khan, a native of Indore, who had opened two rounds on Goud. Goud, 35, has been booked for abetment to commit crime, criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, giving false information to police and for possessing and using illegal firearm. Goud, a businessman and son of former Andhra Pradesh Minister M. Mukesh Goud, was injured in the firing at his residence in upscale Banjara Hills area at 3.30 a.m on July 28. He had told the police that two assailants riding a bike barged into his house and opened fire. The police investigations, however, revealed that Goud had himself planned the attack and hired a gang to execute it. Goud, who also produced some Telugu films and had investments in real estate and other businesses, had hoped to gain public sympathy in the Jubliee Hills constituency in Hyderabad from where he is planning to contest next assembly elections in 2019. He also wanted to use the incident as an excuse to avoid some businessmen pressurising him to repay the loans. Interestingly, Goud tried to execute in real life a plot from one of his own movies. Apart from Raees Khan, police arrested S. Nanda Kumar, Sheikh Ahmed, K. Babujaan and A. Govind Reddy -- all hailing from Kadapa and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh. Venkat Ramna and Ghouse are absconding. The police chief said the arrests were made during searches across five states -- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Of the Rs 50 lakh that Vikram Goud had promised to the gang to shoot at him, he had paid Rs 14 lakh and had made all arrangements. The gang had purchased a pistol from Indore and along with ammunition it was kept at his house since it was brought to Hyderabad in early July. Police recovered the country-made pistol, which the accused had thrown into a pond after executing the plan. The police chief said Vikram Goud's wife M. Shipali had no knowledge of his plot. She told the police that her husband woke up early and asked her to get ready to go to a nearby "dargah" for making arrangements for feeding the poor. Raees Khan, who had helped the gang in procuring pistol from Indore, rushed to Hyderabad to execute the plan on July 27 after the other accused backed out. The planning started four months ago when Vikram asked Govind Reddy, who wanted to work in films, to procure a weapon and make an attempt on his life. Govind Reddy approached his friend Nanda Kumar, who in turn brought other accused to execute the plan. As per the plan, the attack was to be carried out on July 26 but it had to be postponed as Sheikh Ahmed did not turn up due to miscommunication. The accused decided to go back to their Anantapur district as they were not confident of executing the plan. Sheikh Ahmed then called Raees Khan to Hyderabad to do the shooting. As per the plan, Raees opened fire on Vikram who was sitting on sofa. He sustained two bullet injuries on his both upper arms. Raees could not fire a third round as per the plan as the bullet got stuck, the Police Commissioner said. --IANS ms/nir/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While the media is abuzz with various analyses on how the current India-China military stand-off in the Doklam bowl may pan out, they generally miss the larger issue at stake, namely the need for a permanent border resolution between both nations. Opposition vice-presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi interacted with Trinamool Congress (TMC) members of Parliament (MP) on Wednesday. The MPs presented him with an uttariya, or a scarf, that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had sent for him. That Gandhi had worn a dhoti for his visit to the TMC office in Parliament endeared him to party members. He talked with the MPs for nearly 45 minutes and had lunch with them, which comprised pongal that Gandhi said was one of his favourite dishes. He is scheduled to meet MPs of other Opposition parties in the run-up to the voting on August 5. The ruling Congress in Karnataka has spooked the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on several occasions in the last few months - be it the Kannada flag issue, the Bengaluru declaration on social justice, hijacking the anti-Hindi plank and the decision to support a move for a separate religion for Lingayats, the dominant community that has a leaning towards the BJP. On Wednesday, Income Tax officials raided the residence of D K Shivakumar, Karnataka's power minister and his room at a resort in the outskirts of Bengaluru, where the Gujarat MLAs are housed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government led by it on Wednesday built a narrative around the alleged corrupt ways of Opposition leaders. The Opposition hit back by accusing the Narendra Modi government of misusing central agencies to muzzle dissent. It said that by raising the specter of corruption, the government was trying to conceal its incompetence on the economic and diplomatic fronts. Eleven Naxals, five of them carrying cash reward on their heads, today surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, citing disappointment with the "hollow" Maoist ideology, police said. The cadres, including three women, turned themselves in before Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena at the district headquarters, around 400 km from here, they said. They also surrendered two guns, the police said. Two of the surrendered ultras, Kunjam Hadma and Madvi Hidma, were carrying reward of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads, Meena said. The duo was attached with the military wing of the Maoists and active in the south Bastar region, the SP told PTI. Similarly, Tati Sanki, a "deputy commander" rank cadre, was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head, the police officer said. Two others -- Dirdo Deva, a member of Dornapal LOS (local operation squad), and Kadti Hidme, chief of the Kisan Adivasi Mazdoor Sangathan (KAMS), a front organisation of Maoists - were carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on their heads, Meena said. The rest of the ultras were active as lower-rung cadres, the SP said. Meena said in their statement, the Naxals said they were disappointed with the "hollow" ideology of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and violence carried out by the outfit. Hence, they decided to surrender and join the national mainstream. Moreover, they were impressed with the provisions of the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy for rebels, the police officer added. He said Rs 10,000 in cash was given to each of the surrendered rebels as encouragement money, the SP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fourteen Sanskrit scholars will be honoured by the Rajasthan government for their contribution to the language. State Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari said that Swami Govind Dev Giri of Pushkar, Ajmer will be honoured with the Sanskrit Saadhna Shikhar award. He will be given Rs one lakh as the award money in a state-level ceremony on August 4. The award will be given to Satyanrayan Shastri of Ajmer and Kailash Chandra Moondra of Chittorgarh. Under the award, they will be given Rs 51,000 each, she said. Six scholars will be honoured with the Sanskrit Vidwatsamman award (Rs 31,000 each) and five scholars will be awarded with the Sanskrit-Yuvpratibha award (Rs 21,000 each). Students who have secured top positions in the university and board exams will also be awarded. "The government is making all efforts for the development of Sanskrit education in the state. This is necessary for conserving our culture," the minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court here today convicted 15 Somali pirates who had hijacked a fishing boat and taken 22 Thai and Myanmarese nationals hostage in 2011. "Judge J C Jagdale convicted them for attempt to murder and kidnapping and sentenced them to seven years in prison," said special public prosecutor Ranjeet Sangle. The Mumbai sessions court also imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 each on them. It directed the government to deport the convicts to Somalia after they serve their prison terms. The judge, however, acquitted them of charges of 'kidnapping for ransom' (where the maximum punishment is death) and offences under the Arms Act. According to the prosecution, the accused hijacked the boat 'Prantalaya 14', took its crew hostage, and used it as mother vessel to launch piracy attacks. The Indian Coast Guard received a distress call about piracy attempt from a merchant vessel south of Lakshadweep Islands in January 2011. The Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft spotted two small pirate skiffs which were approaching the merchant vessel. On seeing the aircraft, the pirates retreated. Following which, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard launched a chase, and intercepted Prantalaya 14 on January 28, 2011. The pirates, who had 25 AK-47 assault rifles and two rocket launchers, opened fire on the Navy boat, and when the fire was returned, their mother vessel caught fire. Of the 25 pirates on Prantalaya 14, 10 died in fire. A case was registered against the remaining pirates at the Yellow Gate police station in Mumbai. Prosecutor Sangle said he examined 15 witnesses during the trial. However, the rescued Thai and Myanmarese nationals did not depose, which, according to him, led to prosecution's failure to establish the charge of kidnapping for ransom. The Navy and Coast Guard had nabbed a total of 120 pirates between January and March 2011. The pirates who were convicted today belonged to the first batch of those arrested. Judgements in remaining cases are awaited. All 119 pirates (one died during the trial) pleaded guilty before the court in Mumbai. Sangle said the judgement is "a reflection of commitment of India towards performing its obligation under the UN convection on law of the sea" and it sends a stern message to criminals on high seas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court here has awarded 20 years' rigorous imprisonment to two men for abducting and raping a minor tribal girl in 2015. Special judge for cases under the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act Yogesh Pareek also imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 each on Raki Yadav (22) and his cousin Ravi Yadav (24) yesterday, said public prosecutor Ramesh Singh Yadav. On April 18, 2015, the duo, residents of Gharipakhna village, abducted the 17-year-old girl from a nearby village, took her to their home and raped her, the prosecutor said. They held her captive in a secluded place for some days and sexually assaulted her multiple times. However, the girl managed to escape. Based on her complaint, the accused were arrested under section 366 (kidnapping) and 376 (d) (gang rape). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three boys were arrested for impersonating as other students in class 10 examinations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, police said today. A team of police officials conducted inspection in connection with the impersonation in the examinations being conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education in the district, they said. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid at the examination centre yesterday. During the raid and after verification, three proxy candidates -- Abdul Qayoom, Mohd Fareed and Shiraz Ahmad (all between 15-16 years of age) -- were apprehended and were found to be impersonating for Mohd Aftab, Rafi Pervez and Mohd Sabir respectively, police said. A case has been registered under section of Prevention of Unfair Means Examination Act and an investigation is underway, they said. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajiv Panday and police teams conducted checking in connection with copying and impersonation in the examinations. "Role of deployed staff for examination is also being investigated. More arrests in the case are expected," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 50 new special economic zones (SEZs) have been set up in the country during the last three years, Parliament was informed today. Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to Rajya Sabha also said that in 2016-17, exports from overall SEZs increased by 12 per cent year-on- year to Rs 5.23 lakh crore. In a separate reply, she said 36 alerts were received for export of fresh fruits and vegetables to European Union and 41 shipments to the US were issued import refusal during 2014-16. She said it was not feasible for the government to ascertain the exact volume of export opportunities lost due to non-trade barriers. The relevant agencies of the government in association with states "are continuously putting in place measures to educate exporters and farmers on requirements to be complied with as per the changing regulations of importing countries," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha government today said it has converted about 60 per cent of intents into specific investment proposal for establishment of new industries in the state. "Because of constant follow up through IPICOL and State Level Facilitation Center (SLFC), so far around 60 per cent of these intents have been converted to specific investment proposals," chief secretary AP Padhi said after reviewing progress of projects. "Out of this 50 projects have already been accorded approval through State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) committee at different points of time. These 50 projects in total envisage an investment of around Rs 1,23,760 crore with employment potential of around 95,235 persons," he said. Five other projects have also been accorded approval by respective departments and authorities, Padhi said. Odisha government during its three investment meets at Mumbai, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar last year, had received 124 investment intents from different group of companies. The approved projects are mostly in seven different sectors like Food Processing, Petro-chemicals, Chemicals & Plastics, Infrastructure & Logistics, Power & Renewable Energy, Tourism, Health Care and other sectors. The major projects under today's review includes the proposal of Rare earth unit by Saraf Industries, Aluminium refinery of L&T, Breweries of & Sense Infra, LPG bottling plant of HPCL and Refinery expansion of IOCL. These proposals after approval would add another Rs 66,356 crore of investment with employment potential of 7,418 persons. Apparel Park planned at Chhatabar of Khordha district have already been grounded. Around 100 acer of land has been demarcated for the purpose. The raising of boundary wall has also been completed. The Park is now getting ready for implantation of the industrial units, said industries secretary Sanjeeb Chopra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There are 75 missing Indian defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, who are believed to be in Pakistan's custody, the Lok Sabha was informed today. However, presence of these missing Indians has not been acknowledged so far by Pakistan, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said in a written reply. He also said that as of July 27, there are 417 fishermen in Pakistan's custody and 15 fishermen in Sri Lanka's custody, who are believed to be Indian nationals. "In case of Pakistan, consular access is awaited and information about the states that they belong to is not available. In case of Sri Lanka, the 15 fishermen are believed to be from Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry," Singh said. Replying to another question on the issue, he said, the government regularly takes up with Sri Lanka and Pakistan the matter of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI today informed the Bombay High Court that eight railway personnel will be booked for allegedy sexually abusing a 25-year-old man, who was in their custody on suspicion of robbery, but there was no evidence to show he was murdered by them. The CBI's counsel Hiten Venegaonkar today told a division bench headed by Justice Ranjit More that the agency would charge the eight Government Railway Police (GRP) officials under IPC section 377 (unnatural sex). The CBI will soon file a supplementary charge sheet to this effect in the trial court, Venegaonkar said. He said the CBI had found evidence that the man was physically and sexually abused by the accused policemen while he was in their custody, but it had not found any prima facie evidence to book them for his alleged killing. Valdaris and three others were picked up by the Wadala GRP personnel on charges of robbery on April 15, 2014. For the next three days the men were allegedly stripped, tortured and even forced to have oral sex. On April 18, 2014 Valdaris died allegedly in custody while the others were released on bail on April 22. After his death, the Wadala police claimed that Valdaris tried to escape from custody and was run over by a train. However, the father of the deceased approached the high court seeking a CBI probe, which was allowed. The CBI, in its FIR, booked eight officials of the GRP in Wadala on charges of murder, unnatural sex, kidnapping and falsifying evidence and so on. However, in its charge sheet filed in January this year, the CBI charged the accused only with criminal conspiracy, voluntarily causing hurt and other lesser charges. The charges under which the policemen were booked attract a maximum punishment of three years, in contrast to the life sentence, had they been charged with the man's killing. The high court had then come down heavily on the CBI, observing that prima facie evidence points to offence of murder and unnatural sex against the accused persons. The court had then directed the CBI to take a relook at the evidence in the case and file a supplementary report. The high court today directed the advocate appearing for Valdaris's father to respond to the CBI's claim that no murder charge was made out against the accused person. The court then posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sameeksha Trust, which publishes the Economic and Political Weekly, clarified today that it took down an article related to a business house from its website as it "failed" to meet the standards of the journal and also did not go through its editorial review process. In a statement, the trust asserted it will continue to critique all manner of policies and establishments of all political colours, like it has always done, while stressing that the instrument for criticism has to be evidence-based research and analysis or commentary. The Adani group had served a legal notice on Sameeksha, former EPW editor Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and three co-authors of the article published on the journal's website on June 17, threatening legal action against them. Subsequently Guha Thakurta resigned as editor. The trust said Guha Thakurta had unilaterally initiated legal proceedings over the notice, without informing its members, a charge which the veteran journalist acknowledged, while claiming that the "full picture" was not being shared. Seeking to address concerns over the journal's current standing and future, the office-bearers said, in their view, the article was riddled with allegations based on information from anonymous sources, often just a single unnamed source. "Several assertions were unsubstantiated by evidence; and there were insinuations of impropriety against several persons, not backed by any firm evidence," it said, adding that when asked for supporting evidence, Guha Thakurta was "unwilling" to provide it. The trust's decision to remove the article from the EPW website was criticised by many academics, including Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen, and sections of the media fraternity, who said the decision was against the principles of free speech. "It is important to give authors of investigative articles a fair chance to respond before deciding how to deal with a threat of legal action. In India today, where liberty and freedom of expression are severely under attack, courage with critical judgement must have a hugely important role," Sen and Angus Deaton, also a Nobel winner, had written in a letter to the Indian Express newspaper. The EPW article in question claimed favours were given to the Adani Group by the Centre. Guha Thakurta told PTI that Sameeksha's claim that he was unwilling to provide proof on the said article is "incorrect" as he was never asked to provide any supporting evidence. "At the meeting on July 18, no one from the trust asked me to provide any supporting evidence. I asserted that I stood by every sentence that I published. I still stand by every single word. Nobody from the government of India has controverted or denied any thing that has been published till date," he claimed. He said that what has been described as an "advice" to him by the trust to remove the article was interpreted by him as a direction or an instruction or an order as it had come when he was still the editor of the publication. "I acceded to what the trustees wanted me to do, and very soon thereafter, on July 18, I put in my papers. "Whereas the trustees had indeed pointed out that my predecessors wrote unsigned editorials and commentaries and did not publish signed articles, at no point of time was I categorically instructed that I could not write articles under my byline in the EPW," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : AirAsia today announced the launch of direct flights between Tiruchirapall and Bangkok at starting fares of Rs 3,399 for a one-way journey. The new route to be effective from September 29, 2018 along with the Jaipur-Bangkok route, would be operated four times a week, a press release said. Booking of tickets commenced from July 31 and would go on till August 13, 2017 for travel between September 29, 2017 and August 28, 2018. The flights would be operated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. "AirAsia plans to continually penetrate the Indian market in the latter half of 2017 as it is a major market with great growth potential, especially as Bangkok and Thai cities have proven popular destinations for Indians", Thai AirAsia, Commercial Director, Santisuk Klongchaiya said. The direct Tiruchirapalli-Bangkok flight offers a multitude of trade, investment and travel opportunities as Tiruchirapalli is not only home for many interesting tourist attractions, but also an exotic destination that is rich in tradition, culture and history, he said. Currently, AirAsia offers direct flights to Thailand from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today spoke to his Karnataka counterpart to seek his intervention in case of assault on the family of a retired Army officer by miscreants in Bengaluru. Singh called up Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to express concern over the brazen attack on the family members of retired Sikh Army officer Colonel R S Uppal, a spokesperson said. He urged Siddaramaiah to provide protection to the family and to direct the police to arrest the culprits immediately. The Karnataka chief minister assured Singh of all support from his government to Uppal's family, the Punjab government spokesperson said here. "Uppal's wife and two sons were assaulted. His son Harmeet, an IT professional working in the US, has received multiple fractures and other injuries. Taking cognisance of media reports, Singh decided to get in touch with the Karnataka chief minister to seek his personal intervention in the matter," he said. He added that Singh decided to call up Siddaramaiah, especially, in view of Uppal's charges that the Bangalore police failed to provide security to his family despite complaints of threats received earlier from unknown persons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) E-commerce major Amazon India will set up three more 'Fulfillment Centres' in the country as a part of its expansion programme by Diwali, it said today. "We are setting up three new Fulfilment Centres (where the goods bound for delivery to customers are stored) at Hyderabad, outer areas of Gurgaon and Ahmedabad soon, and with this the total number of such facilities will increase to 41 in the country," the company's vice president (India Customer Fulfillment) Akhil Saxena told PTI. Saxena was here to inaugurate the company's 38th and Madhya Pradesh's first Fulfillment Centre, spread over 40,000 sq ft area on the Ring Road in Indore. In Madhya Pradesh, nearly 6,000 sellers are associated with Amazon, 2,200 of them from Indore and nearby areas, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah will visit Tamil Nadu from August 22 to 24 as part of his efforts to strengthen the party organisation in the state. BJP's Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said Shah's visit will help strengthen the party at the grass-root level in the state. Claiming that political analysts felt that the top leader's visit will have a positive impact on the party in Tamil Nadu, she said the party cadres are enthusiastic about his visit to the state. Shah will be given a grand reception, Soundararajan said, adding a meeting was held in this regard at the party headquarters here. With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP national president is travelling across country to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress today accused the BJP of "misusing" central forces to "intimidate and terrorise" its Gujarat MLAs lodged in a resort near Bengaluru ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, after the income tax raids on properties linked to Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumar, who owns the resort. Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that the 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat were also questioned by the central forces as to when and why they had come to the resort. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of "waging a war" against the Congress in a "pre-meditated conspiracy". He also alleged that it had launched an attack on democracy and the Constitution. It was an assault on the federal structure, he added. Asked what steps the Congress would take, Kharge said, "For such unlawful activities, we will go not once but many times to the EC. We will take the support of all constitutional institutions to stop the BJP from doing such things." On Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's remarks that the MLAs have not been questioned by the forces, the Congress leaders termed his statement as "wrong" and said they would seek a clarification from him in the Rajya Sabha. "It is clear that central forces are questioning our MLAs lodged in a resort in Karnataka and are trying to intimidate them. They are trying to create an atmosphere of fear so that the MLAs do not cast their votes in the August 8 Rajya Sabha election," Kharge said. He claimed that the BJP and the central government will not succeed in their attempts to terrorise and intimidate the Congress MLAs. "There is no doubt that Ahmed Patel is winning the RS election with a majority despite the use of manpower, money power, muscle power and 'Modi power' by the ruling BJP. This is not good for democracy," Kharge told reporters. He said that the ruling party was trying to create a "fear psychosis". "We condemn this as this is not good for democracy. They are bringing such a system in parliamentary democracy which is not good and we condemn this," Kharge said. Ramesh said the central forces have been misused without the state government's permission. He also said that the BJP will fail in this war against the Congress. The Congress leader termed today's action in Bangaluru as "tanashahi" (dictatorship) and "Amitshahi", saying "this jugalbandi (chorus) of the PM and (BJP president) Amit Shah is a threat to our democracy". "This is an attack on the Constitution and the federal structure as also on the Congress party...It is very clear that democracy is in danger and the prime minister and BJP chief duo are working 24X7 to remove all other parties from power," he said. Ramesh said the BJP and the prime minister should not adopt such a method and return to the path of democracy and talks. "To use CRPF in any state is an attack on the federal structure. It is an attack on the Congress surely, but it is a pre-conceived attack. "On one side the prime minister talks of believing in cooperative federalism. This is not cooperative federalism, it is confrontationist federalism. PM talks of skill India, but this is 'Kill India'," he said. Ramesh said the timing chosen by the central government to raid the Karnataka minister was deliberate ahead of the Rajya Sabha election aimed to defeat Congress leader Ahmed Patel. "It looks like the PM and the BJP chief have a one-point agenda of defeating Ahmed Patel. We are confident that our candidate Ahmed Patel will win and this war of BJP will not prove successful," he said. I-Tofficials said about Rs 10 crore cash has been recovered during the raidsat various properties linked to the minister, who was taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the taxman early today. A "good amount" of jewellery has also been recovered from a teacher's locker in a college here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The colourfully illuminated building of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) here was the centre of attraction for the city residents yesterday, when the historic structure entered into the 125th year of its existence. Beside the grand lighting, a glittering ceremony was held in the civic body's premises to celebrate the completion of 124 years of the building. On the occasion, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party controls the civic body, kicked off the inaugural session of the year-long celebrations. The construction of the building, which houses the country's largest and richest civic body, began on April 25, 1889 and was completed on July 31, 1893 with a cost of Rs 11,19,686, according to a statement issued by the BMC. The lighting will continue to be put up for public viewing from August 1 to August 15. Arthur Crawford, on whom the famous Crawford market in south Mumbai is named, was the first municipal commissioner of the civic body. Initially, Robert Chisholm was appointed as the architect to design the grand building but he was later replaced by Victoria Terminus fame F W Stevens. BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, deputy mayor Hemangi Worlikar, cabinet minister Subhash along with other leaders of various parties and officials were present at the ceremony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The two-day meeting of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) trade ministers was held in Shanghai, the commerce ministry today said. A six-member delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the August 1-2 meeting. It said the ministers adopted seven documents at the conclusion of the meeting and that includes trade in services cooperation roadmap, e-commerce cooperation initiative and framework on strengthening the economic and technical cooperation, and outlines for BRICS investment facilitation. The ministry also said that Sitharaman held a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart yesterday. This meeting assumes significance as there is a huge trade deficit between the two countries. India's trade deficit with China has marginally dipped to USD 51 billion in 2016-17 from USD 52.69 billion in the previous fiscal. India's bilateral trade with China stood at USD 71.48 billion in 2016-17. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leading bourse BSE has received 'no objection' from markets regulator Sebi to act as a facilitator in non-competitive bidding in auction of government securities through exchange mechanism. The facility would give retail investors an avenue to participate in the government securities market, the BSE said in a statement. Under the non-competitive bidding (NCB) scheme, eligible investors apply for a certain amount of securities in an auction without mentioning price or yield. The scheme was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January 2002. NCB is open to individuals, HUFs, regional rural banks, co-operative banks, firms, companies, corporate bodies, institutions, provident funds, and trusts. "However, NCB has failed to attract retail investors and and the penetration of government securities continues to be low," the exchange said. In January, BSE had received in-principle approval from the RBI to act as a facilitator to retail investors, including individuals, to participate in non-competitive bidding facility in the auction of government securities and treasury bills. Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made an announcement in his Budget speech last year for greater retail participation in government securities in primary as well as secondary markets through stock exchanges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A district court today released 12 student leaders after cases against them were withdrawn by the public prosecutor following a massive student protest rally. Along with them, some former student leaders were also released by the court. Magistrate of the Aizawl district court H Lalduhsanga discharged the accused when public prosecutor R C Thanga submitted a letter withdrawing cases against them. Criminal cases against the student leaders and former leaders were reopened recently following which they were summoned to appear before the district court for staging agitation against the then Commissioner for People with Disabilities in January last year. Commissioner B Sairengpuii, a retired senior government official and younger sister of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla's wife Lal Riliani, had to resign after the Mizo Students' Union and Aizawl City College Joint Students' Union protested her appointment, terming it as an act of nepotism on the part of the Congress government. There was violent confrontation between the students and the police on April 21, 2016. Different bodies of disabled persons, including the Mizoram Blind Society, also protested against the appointment of Sairengpuii, alleging that she neglected their welfare when she was holding the post of the assistant commissioner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CCI has directed a grouping of container trailer owners and related associations to "cease and desist" from unfair business practices after a detailed probe into a complaint by the Cochin Port Trust. Container Trailer Owners Coordination Committee (CTOCC) and its four participating associations were found in violation of competition norms. The four groupings are Cochin Container Carrier Owners Welfare Association (CCCOWA), Vallarpadam Trailer Owners Association (VTOA), Kerala Container Carrier Owners Association (KCCOA) and Island Container Carrier Owners Association (ICCOA). Ten office bearers of these entities have also been asked to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices. After a detailed investigation, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) found that CTOCC along with the four entities resorted to price fixing under the garb of 'Turn System'. It was alleged that under 'Turn System', these entities indulged in unilateral fixation of prices. Users and container trailers were obliged to book services only through that centrally controlled system, an official release said today. Among others, it was alleged that CTOCC was restraining outside transporters from lifting the containers which was impeding the ability of the users to hire trailers of their choice. Under the Competition Act provisions, the presumption arose against the said arrangement leading to appreciable adverse effect on competition, which was not satisfactorily rebutted by these associations despite being given ample opportunity, the release said. "Through this order, the Commission has unequivocally clarified that though forming an association for furthering the legitimate trade activities does not fall foul of the Act, transgressing the legitimate boundaries and indulging in anti-competitive activities does," it noted. According to the regulator, the purpose of imposing monetary penalties can be two-fold -- for disciplining the erring party for its anti-competitive conduct and for creating deterrence to stall future contraventions. "Considering that the contravention discontinued long- back and the parties are not indulging in such behaviour any more, the Commission does not find it appropriate to impose any monetary penalty in the present case," the order said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China today claimed that India has reduced the number of its troops from 400 to 40 by the end of July in the Doklam area of Sikkim section, where the troops from the two countries are involved in a standoff for nearly two months. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. It said that on June 18 about 270 Indian troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Doklam pass and "advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area." "In addition to the two bulldozers, the trespassing Indian border troops, reaching as many as over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it claimed. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," the document said. In New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said India's position on the Doklam issue and related facts have been articulated in a statement on June 30. "India considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China," the spokesperson said in response to a query on China's document. The Chinese document said since June 18 the Indian border troops have "illegally crossed the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector and entered the Chinese territory." "This is an undeniable fact. The incident occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary," it said. The China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector has already been delimited, and the Dong Lang area is Chinese territory, the fact sheet claimed. China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of China's goodwill, the document said. New Delhi has expressed concern over China's road building activities in the border areas, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. However, the fact sheet said, "the China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf." It asserted that China will take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests, and India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A civilian who received pellet injuries near an encounter site in south Kashmir's Pulwama district yesterday, died this morning, police said. Akeel Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Gabarpora area of the district, was injured in the abdomen during security forces action on protesters at Hakripora yesterday, a police official said. He said Bhat was referred to SKIMS hospital here where he succumbed to his injuries this morning. Bhat was second civilian after Firdous Ahmad was killed in the crossfire between militants and security forces yesterday. Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants, including the outfit's commander Abu Dujana, were killed in the encounter with the security forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is a "clear" risk of a trade war happening because of protectionist policies, the World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo has said. The WTO's director-general did not implicate any countries by name behind such policies, even though he was asked about the effects US President Donald Trump's "America First" stance could have on the global trading system. "The risk of a trade war is very clear," Azevedo told reporters yesterday during a visit in Panama. "Once a country, whichever one, applies unilateral measures, there is a response from others and we could see a domino effect," he said. "The reality is that, at the end of the process, if we have a trade war everybody without exception will be worse off than when it starts." Since entering the White House, Trump's administration has talked about the US trade deficit vis-a-vis several countries, notably China and Mexico. The president has said he is prepared to tear up the NAFTA free trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Yesterday, reports said the US was looking at probing China for unfair trade practices. Azevedo was in Panama for meetings with government officials and business representatives. "The problem we have is a global problem: we have an not growing sufficiently fast and that gives rise to temptations of unilateral protectionist actions," he said. (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.) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said the Finance department has been directed to examine the recommendations submitted by the Fifth State Pay Commission today to ensure it is implementation at the earliest. "I on behalf of the government received the recommendation of the Fifth Pay Commission within the timeline that we have indicated," Sangma told reporters after the cabinet meeting here. He said the Finance department has already been asked to examine the recommendation so that the cabinet can deliberate on this. "The idea is that we want to implement the recommendation of the pay commission at the earliest," Sangma said. The Chief Minister said the government wants to complete the whole exercise of examining the recommendation immediately after it is being submitted and the whole exercise will take some more time before the government takes a call on the matter. Earlier, the Fifth State Pay Commission submitted its recommendation to the Chief Minister led by its chairman P J Bazeley and members Uttam K Sangma and Lambha Roy. The Commission has recommended hike in pay of nearly a lakh government employees and over 20,000 pensioners. The Commission met and heard the detailed submissions and grievances of 78 Federation Associations between January 27 and May 17 and 48 Groups/Individuals between March 28 and June 2. The Commission also met and heard the detailed submissions and suggestions of 101 senior government officials who were representing their respective Departments/ Directorates between May 3 and May 17. Earlier, the Commission also visited Kolkata from January 17 to 18 to meet and ascertain the grievances and other issues of the State Government employees located at the Meghalaya Houses at Kolkata and the Meghalaya House at Vellore. It visited New Delhi from January 19 to 21 to meet and ascertain the grievances and other issues of the State Government employees located at the Meghalaya Houses at New Delhi and the Meghalaya House at Mumbai. The Commission also visited States of Mizoram, Tripura, Kerala and Gujarat to familiarise itself with the structure of emoluments and conditions of service of different categories of Government employees. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Coast Guard evacuated an injured Filipino crew member from a Singapore-bound merchant vessel off the city coast and shifted him to a hospital here. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Coast Guard headquarters here coordinated a medical emergency on-board a foreign merchant vessel, Rickmers Shanghai, and evacuated Pilayre Gil Lopena, a 46-year-old crew member of the ship, said a spokesperson of the Indian marine agency said. Lopena hails from the Philippines, he said. "The incident took place 350km off Mumbai yesterday. Pilayre Gil Lopena crushed his fingers on-board leading to severe bone fracture. "The vessel was on passage to Singapore when the medical emergency cropped up. The controller of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai immediately diverted the vessel to Mumbai anchorage and informed the concerned shipping agent," the Coast Guard spokesperson said. In the meantime, the medical team at MRCC provided regular medical advice. Necessary assistance was also provided to the agent in obtaining clearances from customs/immigration department, he said. "The Coast Guard, in coordination with the agent, made arrangements to disembark the patient safely at Mumbai anchorage through a tug. The ship arrived at Mumbai anchorage early today and the patient was disembarked and shifted to a private hospital in Mumbai for medical assistance. "The condition of the patient was reported to be stable," the spokesperson added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Sonia Gandhi today approved the candidature of Girish Chodankar and Roy Ravi Naik for bypolls to Panaji and Valpoi seats in Goa respectively. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to contest from Panaji after quitting the Rajya Sabha. The bypolls will be held on August 23. The notification for the byelections was issued on July 29. While August 5 is the last date of filing nominations, August 9 is the last date of withdrawing from the electoral battle, an EC statement said. The counting will take place on August 28. Parrikar had represented the Panaji assembly seat in the Goa assembly till he was appointed Defence Minister in the Modi government. With Parrikar becoming the chief minister again after the recent assembly polls, he should become an MLA within six months of taking oath. Siddharth Kuncalienkar (BJP) had recently resigned from the Panaji seat to make way for Parrikar's election as MLA. The bypoll to Valpoi seat in Goa was necessitated after sitting Congress MLA Vishwajeet Rane had resigned to join the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hitting out at the Congress, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today alleged the main opposition party is stalling development by dragging every initiative of the state government to courts. Having failed to come to power in Telangana, the party is now trying to see that the TRS government does not get credit with its good work, he said. "The total cases they filed so far is 196... 'If they do (good work), we will not be able to win'. This is their attitude... Instead of doing positive politics, they are filing cases for political gains," Rao told reporters. The Congress was behind filing court cases and obtaining stays on different issues, including construction of irrigation projects, government job notifications, Mission Bhagiradha drinking water scheme, among others, he claimed. "Is this the behaviour expected of a national party? A PIL is filed for anything we do," Rao said. Referring to Congress leader Digvijay Singh's allegations against the TRS government in the ongoing probe into a drug racket busted here, Rao said his government is conducting the probe with firmness. Problems like drugs and others thrived during the long Congress rule, the chief minister said. The Centre is positively considering the state government's request for transfer of certain parcel of land, which is under possession of defence authorities, in Hyderabad, Rao indicated. The government proposes to build a new secretariat building and take up other works at the site, he said. On opposition allegations of police torture against some Dalits in Rajanna-Sircilla district, he said only a few among the 10 accused, arrested for torching trucks, were from Scheduled Castes. "Will any government say, beat up Dalits? The government of KCR?... You know the incident that happened. Nine-ten lorries are burnt and we will do our 'goondagiri'. Police will take action then. Is there a board about Dalits? Those involved are caught and case is registered. "It was an unexpected incident. You can say (Dalits are attacked) if a Dalit locality is particularly attacked. About two-three are Dalits among 10. They are trying to make it a Dalit issue. We don't appreciate that. It should not have happened," he said. Asked about Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's allegations on purchase of motor vehicles by the TRS government, Rao said he would prove his charges. About the stir in the northern West Bengal hills for a separate Gorkhaland, Rao said he will have to discuss the issue within his party before taking a stance on it. "It's on international border... Security forces opine that North East would become vulnerable if chicken's neck (a narrow stretch of land that connects NE to the rest of India) goes into their control. China is already doing some 'harakiri' there. "It is giving some threats. You are seeing in newspapers. The Centre and the Bengal government are thinking about it from that perspective," he said. The TRS generally supports separate statehood demands, but Gorkhaland has some speciality to it, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court is likely to frame charges against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia on August 8 in a criminal defamation complaint. Kejriwal's lawyer said Metropolitan Magistrate Pranjal Aneja today asked the two AAP leaders and Yogendra Yadav to appear before him on August 8. The court was hearing the criminal defamation complaint filed against the two AAP leaders, who sought quashing of the plea, and Yadav by advocate Surender Kumar Sharma, who was denied ticket by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). "Order on notice under CrPC pronounced and matter listed for issuance of notice," the court said in its order and listed the case for framing of charges on August 8 for the alleged offence of defamation. Yadav was a member of the National Executive of the AAP until 2015, when he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities. Later, he floated his own party Swaraj India -- which is going to contest municipal corporations election in Delhi. Sharma, in his complaint, had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal waspleased with his social services. He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP's Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him theticket. However, it was later denied to him. On October 14, 2013 the complainant claimed, articles inleading newspapers carried "defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons" which have lowered his reputation in the Bar and the society. Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders had submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party. On the basis of the complaint, the trial court had earlier sought their presence before it in the matter. It, however, had granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav, after they had appeared before it in pursuance to summonses against them. The summonses were issued on the complaint under sections499, 500 (defamation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC,with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused. While issuing summonses against AAP leaders, the trial court hadsaid, "The press release published in newspapers as well as testimonies of witnesses reflect that defamatory remarks werepublished in the newspaper which affected the reputation of the complainant in the society and lowered his reputation inthe eyes of other members of the society." The Delhi High Court had earlier refused to stay the trial court proceedings in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The police today arrested a 25-year-old daily labourer at a village in Odisha's Ganjam district for allegedly repeatedly raping a woman and making her pregnant. Kandarpa Das of Malasa village in Ganjam district raped the woman last on July five, according to a complaint filed by the victim, the inspector in-charge of Hinjli police station, Prasant Kumar Sahoo, said. The accused entered into a physical relation with the 23-year-old woman assuring her all the time that he would eventually marry her. After getting pregnant, the FIR stated, she went to the house of the accused and requested him to marry her, but he allegedly abused her and also threatened to kill her if she visited his house again, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley met her newly installed Russian counterpart, Vassily Nebenzia, in New York City on Tuesday. Nebenzia took up his post as Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations on Friday. A deputy foreign minister since 2013, Nebenzia replaced Vitaly Churkin, who died in February. "Ambassador Haley welcomed Ambassador Nebenzia and congratulated him on taking up his new post at the UN," the U.S. Mission to the United Nations said in a statement. "Ambassador Haley and Ambassador Nebenzia discussed counterterrorism; North Koreas dangerous provocations, especially its recent missile tests; and the U.S.-Russia relationship at the UN going forward." Haley posted a photo of their meeting on her Twitter. Pleased to welcome the new Russian Amb to NY. We discussed many issues including counterterrorism, N. Korea & US/Russia relations at the UN. pic.twitter.com/2R93eN39sY Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) August 2, 2017 At a ceremony last week at which he presented his credentials to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Nebenzia said Russia "will continue contributing constructively to addressing those challenges, together with the international community." He said Russia would "reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, development and human rights." Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The Delhi government today said it would urge the Centre to reconsider Delhi's nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage city tag. A senior government official said Delhi Tourism Minister Manish Sisodia will be writing to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma on the issue. According to the government, Delhi's nomination had been submitted to UNESCO in 2014, but in 2015, the central government withdrew the same, just days before the UNESCO was to make its final announcement. Last month, Ahmedabad became the first World Heritage City from India. "When the AAP government was formed in 2014, the then Lt Governor and the government had endorsed the nomination. The then tourism minister and chief secretary had also expressed their concerned after the Centre withdrew Delhi's nomination without giving any reason," said the official who did not wish to be named. The Delhi government has now decided to take up the issue with the central government once again. "The Delhi tourism minister will write to the Centre, asking it to push Delhi's nomination for world heritage city (tag)," the official said. Delhi's dossier, named 'The Imperial Capital Cities of Delhi', seeks a heritage tag for the Walled City and Lutyen's Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A BJP member today demanded in the Lok Sabha a probe into the dual freight policy adopted by the railways several years back, saying it has resulted in the loss of thousands of crores of rupees. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Nishikant Dubey said the railways had adopted the dual freight policy under which the rates were different for transporting goods meant for domestic and international purposes. Under this dual freight policy, iron ore transported for domestic purpose was later exported, mostly to China which hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he said. Dubey said a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had put the losses at Rs 30,000 crore. He claimed the subsequent railway ministers, including Mamata Banerjee, did not take any action against this alleged irregularity. Trinamool Congress member Dinesh Trivedi, who also served as the railway minister after Banerjee, defended his party chief (Mamata), calling her honest. "This is a serious subject and the railways was cheated. The loss cited is much more. I had asked for a CBI inquiry into the matter, but the the probe is going slow. I urge the government to fast track the case so that it is taken to its logical conclusion," Trivedi said. LJP MP Chirag Paswan demanded a separate commission for youth. Nominated MP George Baker demanded that the Jewish community be recognised as a minority community. This, he said, will also strengthen ties with Israel. BJP MP Ravindra Kumar Rai alleged that banks, particularly in rural areas, were not accepting coins causing a lot of inconvenience to the people. He demanded action against banks for this. P K Biju (CPI-M) demanded withdrawal of GST on life insurance policies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi Jal Board (DJB) employee was found murdered in the office of his son in Rohini area of the city today, police said. Babu Ram Yadav, 48, worked as a section officer in the DJB office in east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar. He had gone to the office of of his elder son Nitin who also worked with the DJB at DDA market in Sector 16 of Rohini where his body was found around 11 AM, a senior police officer. Yadav's body was found in a pool of blood and his head was hit by a blunt-edged weapon, he said, adding that the footage of a CCTV camera has been accessed to identify the two suspects who were looking for the victim. Ram had gone to meet his son, Nitin, at his office but he was not there. A colleague of Nitin was there but he went out for for some work and Yadav was left there alone. Nitin's colleague returned back after half-an-hour and found Yadav lying in a pool of blood. He informed the police who reached the spot. The body was later sent for post mortem. Police said Nitin, in the past, had an association with some persons running betting racket in Rohini and Mukherji Nagar areas. He was allegedly being threatened by them over some monetary dispute. A case has been registered in connection with the murder at the KN Katju police station and further investigation is underway, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expounded his vision of a "new India" and urged the people to set a goal for themselves for 2022, the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, and work towards accomplishing it. He said there are dreams of freedom fighters, which still remain incomplete, and it's everyone's duty to work towards fulfilling them. The PM was addressing the 99th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Dada J P Vaswani through a video link. Dada Vaswani, as he is popularly known, is the head of Pune-based Sadhu Vaswani Mission, a non-profit organisation. Wishing Dada Vaswani on his birthday, Modi, in his 17- minute speech, said his blessings will help in accomplishing the goals for a new India. "We will celebrate 75 years of Independence in 2022. There are dreams of our freedom fighters, which are still incomplete, and it's our duty to fulfil them. "Today, when we are celebrating the 99th birthday of Dada, who himself was a witness to the freedom struggle, we should set a goal for 2022, which should be quantifiable," Modi said. "Set a goal - such as I will associate these many number of people with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or these many number of people with solar energy or waste to energy programmes. Decide I will educate these many number of people from rural areas and make efforts to achieve these goals," he told the gathering. The PM said when individuals or institutions set their goals and make sincere efforts to achieve them, the nation will be able to accomplish the desired objectives. This will also help in fulfilling the dream of building a "new India". Modi highlighted the role being played by Dada Vaswani and the Sadhu Vaswani Mission for the welfare of the society. "Dada's blessings and the Mission's will power will help us accomplish the goals of New India by 2022." Modi spoke about 'Swacchagraha', an initiative for cleanliness on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagraha' movement. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has become a mass movement, he said. "There is a healthy competition to make villages, districts, states open-defecation free. Till date 2.17 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF." He said cleanliness is not only a system, it is actually a tendency and cleanliness should become our character. "We have to consider cleanliness as a tendency, and with interest, this tendency will gradually turn into habit. Lauding Dada Vaswani's contribution to the society, the PM said he has carried forward the rich tradition of saints in the country. "He has dedicated his life in bringing happiness in the lives of the people from the suppressed and under privileged class. His life is an inspiration for today's youth. "There are social evils such as corruption, casteism, crime, society, drug addiction. We can fight these out only if we choose the right option," said Modi. Speaking on the occasion, Dada Vaswani appreciated Modi's leadership and his government's work in a host of sectors in the last three years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FMCG major Emami Ltd is hungry for acquisition to grow its healthcare and personal care products. "We are open to acquiring both small-sized as well as big companies provided the brand value and the business model is good. We can acquire companies which has a Rs 50 crore to Rs 500 crore turnover," Emami director Harsh V Agarwal said at the company annual general meeting here. "This year, our core focus will be on the healthcare and personal care products. There will be brand extensions as well as new launches," he said. Goods and Services Tax(GST) has opened up more possibilities for Emami to make acquisition of smaller companies. As GST calls for tighter compliance norms, several small companies in the consumer goods space will be up for grab. In June 2015, Emami Ltd acquired Kesh King for Rs 1,651 crore which was one of its largest deals in the FMCG space. The company also acquired the Zandu brand in the past which opened up the balms portfolio for the company. Agarwal said Emami was also aiming to increase its presence in Bangladesh by widening the product portfolio as it expects that country's growth to be considerably higher than other foreign countries it operates in. Bangladesh accounts for 30 per cent of Emami Ltd's consolidated international sales. Emami chairman R S Agarwal in his address to the shareholders said that the company has initiated the process to reduce dependence on wholesale channels and instead increase the emphasis on direct distribution. "In FY 16-17, the company has increased its direct distribution by 1,00,000 to 7,30,000 outlets with a vision to ramp it up upto 8,00,000 in the current year," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The EU said it was ready if needed to retaliate within days against new US sanctions on Russia but believes Washington wants to spare European energy firms from any fallout. US President Donald Trump reluctantly signed off on the new sanctions against Russia Wednesday, bowing to domestic pressure and holding off on efforts to improve ties with Moscow. "In the wake of Donald Trump signing off on stricter US sanctions against Russia, the Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker expressed his satisfaction, in principle, over the softening of the bill after the EU had expressed its concerns," said the commission. "Moreover, US Congress has now also committed that sanctions will only be applied after the country's allies are consulted. And I do believe we are still allies of the US," Juncker was quoted as saying in the statement. However, he warned Brussels was ready to retaliate if the sanctions in the end hurt EU energy firms. "If the US sanctions specifically disadvantage EU companies trading with Russia in the energy sector the EU is prepared to take appropriate steps in response within days," the commission said. To date, the sanctions have been coordinated on both sides of the Atlantic to maintain a united front. The EU and US imposed the sanctions in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014 as the Ukraine crisis deepened after the ouster of a pro-Moscow government. In addition to the Crimea measures, the EU imposed damaging economic sanctions against Russia after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine in July 2014, blamed by the EU on pro-Russian rebels. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Tumi Bahir Theke", a feature film based on the unknown history of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War is set to have a worldwide release in December this year. The movie directed by Sajal Ahmed and Ujjal Chakraborty, will be simultaneously released in London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Stockholm, New York, Los Angeles and Montreal, among others. The political thriller is a tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for Bangladesh's liberation. "The decision to showcase the film in the aforementioned cities is due to the influence the Bengali community wields in those regions," Chakraborty said. The film is expected to be released on December 16, which is observed as 'Victory Day' in Bangladesh. The respective Bengali Associations will help in the release, he added. Talking about the story line, Chakraborty said "the movie captured the atmosphere in the year 1971, when some people resided outside Bangladesh - in cities like Kolkata, London and New York. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top foreign stories at 2120 hours today: FGN28 WB-IWT-3RDLD INDIA Washington: India and Pakistan will hold another round of talks here next month to discuss differences in the implementation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank says. By Lalit K Jha FGN27 CHINA-INDIA-LD SIKKIM Beijing: China says it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. By K J M Varma FGN32 CHINA-INDIA-TROOPS Beijing: China claims that India has reduced the number of its troops from 400 to 40 by the end of July in the Doklam area of Sikkim section, where the troops from the two countries are involved in a standoff for nearly two months. By K J M Varma FGN26 CHINA-LD AZHAR Beijing: China says it will take "a decision in due course" on its hold on the US-led proposal to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist which is expected to come for a review later this month. By K J M Varma FGN37 NEPAL-PM-LD INDIA Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who took over from Maoist leader Prachanda in a power- sharing deal in June, will visit India on his first official trip overseas from August 23, according to government sources. By Shirish B Pradhan FGN33 US-TRUMP-RUSSIA Washington: President Donald Trump has signed into law a package of sanctions against Russia, the White House says after he had privately opposed the measures and his aides had lobbied against them. FGN35 PAK-ABBASI-LD SHARIF Islamabad: Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi delays the formation of his Cabinet, saying it would be announced in a couple of days. By Sajjad Hussain FGN36 PAK-IMRAN Islamabad: A petition is filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan to disqualify opposition leader Imran Khan after a woman lawmaker from his party accuses him of harassing her and other women leaders. By Sajjad Hussain FGN34 UK-PHILIP-LD RETIREMENT London: Britain's 96-year-old Prince Philip carries out his final solo engagement here to begin his retirement from royal duties. By Aditi Khanna. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories of the northern region at 1800 hrs: NRG9 JK-AMARNATH Jammu: As many as 946 pilgrims leave for the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas and the mountain shrine of Buddha Amarnath in Poonch district of Jammu region from here. NRG4 JK-RESTRICTIONS Srinagar: Authorities impose restrictions in parts of Srinagar in view of a separatist strike against the killing of a civilian, caught in the crossfire between security forces and militants in Pulwama, say police. DES4 JK-CIVILIAN-SUCCUMB Srinagar: A civilian who received pellet injuries near an encounter site in south Kashmir's Pulwama district yesterday, dies, say police. DES5 HR-SHAH Rohtak: BJP president Amit Shah begins his Haryana visit from Bahadurgarh and is slated to hold a series of meetings and review works undertaken by the M L Khattar government during his three-day stay. DES10 IGI-CARGO-LD SCARE New Delhi: Bomb squads and canine teams are rushed in to check a suspect object that is recovered at the cargo hold area of the IGI airport here, later declared safe after it is found that the consignment only contained some auto spare parts. DES11 RSQ-TOURISM-MEDICAL VISA New Delhi: The Centre says that the number of tourists arriving in the country on medical visa has more than doubled in the last two years and India's medical visa policy has been appreciated by foreign governments. DES14 LSQ-LOKPAL New Delhi: A report of inter-ministerial committee on Lokpal is under examination of the government, says Union Minister Jitendra Singh. DES25 JK-INTERNET Srinagar: The mobile internet services are partially restored in the Kashmir Valley as the day passes off peacefully. DES27 HEALTH-MOTHERS-MILK New Delhi/Amsterdam: Early introduction to cow or buffalo milk may lead to several health complications in newborns, say experts who maintain there is no substitute to breastfeeding as mother's milk is the best source of nutrition for a baby. By Payal Banerjee LGD8 DL-COURT-SEPARATIST New Delhi: A Delhi court grants one more day to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to interrogate Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah in connection with a decade-old case of money laundering for alleged terror financing. NRG18 JK-FLASH FLOODS Jammu: A 7-year-old boy is among three persons killed in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir, say police. NRG12 JK-IMPERSONATORS Jammu: Three boys are apprehended for impersonating as other students in class 10 examinations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, say police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A parliamentary panel has again recommended the commerce ministry to frame a national rubber policy at the "earliest" to promote the sector. Natural rubber is a strategic industrial raw material and it can not be put on the same footing as other plantation crops, the action taken report tabled in the Rajya Sabha said today. The committee is of the "considered opinion that the national rubber policy may be framed at the earliest," the action taken report on issues related to the commerce ministry said. Earlier also, the committee had recommended for the rubber policy. On this, the ministry has stated that no policy has been framed for any particular plantation crop, so it was decided not to make a separate policy for the commodity. In the action taken report, the committee stated that it is not convinced with this justification. It has also called for a comprehensive support framework for promoting MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) exports. "...The MSME exporters lack information on many fronts and thus need to be educated of the global markets and areas where they have trade opportunities," it said. It asked the department of commerce to come up with a customised schemes or programmes for education and awareness of MSME about the aspects of foreign trade. The sector contributes about 40 per cent in the country's total exports. Further, the committee criticised that the department has invested lot of resources in DGFT's (directorate general of foreign trade) EDI (electronic data interface) system but it still has to become completely paperless. On export performance, the report said that for 2016-17, Rs 2,640 crore was requested by the department of commerce for the interest subsidy scheme for exporters. "However, in BE (budget estimate) 2017-18, only Rs 1,100 crore has been allocated under the scheme....(it) is not sufficient to meet the reimbursement claim for 2017-18. "Additional requirement of funds, based on the requirement of funds by RBI, would be sought from ministry of finance during RE (revised estimate/supplementary stage," it added). The department has also informed the committee that the government is examining various proposals received for expansion of the list of services under the Services Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) in consultation with the concerned ministries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat today left on a five-day visit to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan with an aim to bolster bilateral defence cooperation with the two central Asian countries. Gen. Rawat's first destination will be Kazakhstan, where he will meet the country's defence minister, chairman of the national security Committee and vice minister of defence, the Army said. The Army chief is accompanied by a high-level military delegation. During his three-day-long visit to Kazakhstan, Gen Rawat will also hold talks with the commander-in-chief of the country's land forces and will interact with the top echelon of the Kazakh aerospace industry. Gen. Rawat will be in Turkmenistan on August 4 and 5 during which he will be meeting the minister of defence and the secretary of the national security council on ways to ramp up defence ties between the two countries. He will also meet the first deputy minister and the chief of general staff along with the commanders of land, naval, air and air defence forces of Turkmenistan, the Army said. The delegation will also visit the prestigious military institute and the military academy of Turkmenistan. "The visit to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is yet another outreach initiative to engage with our extended neighbourhood and strengthen the existing defence cooperation with the two nations," the Army said in a statement. Gen. Rawat will be the first Indian Army chief to visit Turkmenistan, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The German government accused Vietnamese intelligence services today of involvement in what it called the kidnapping in Berlin of a former Vietnamese oil executive, and gave the country's intelligence attache 48 hours to leave Germany. Trinh Xuan Thanh, 51, disappeared in July last year after he was accused of mismanagement at a subsidiary of national oil and gas giant PetroVietnam, resulting in losses of some USD 150 million. Vietnamese police issued an arrest warrant in September. This week, Vietnamese authorities said he turned himself in to police in his homeland yesterday. German authorities, however, believe that he was kidnapped in Berlin on July 23. They say that he had sought asylum in Germany an application that hadn't yet been processed and that Vietnamese authorities had sought his extradition. "There is no longer any serious doubt about the participation of the Vietnamese intelligence services and the embassy ... In the kidnapping of a Vietnamese citizen in Berlin," German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer told reporters. The kidnapping, he added, "is an unprecedented and flagrant violation of German and international law" and "has the potential to negatively influence relations in a massive way." Vietnam's ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry yesterday and was told that Germany demanded that Thanh be returned so that the asylum and extradition proceedings could be conducted properly. Schaefer said that German and Vietnamese officials had met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit on July 7-8 to discuss Hanoi's wish to have Thanh extradited. Germany is declaring the intelligence attache at Vietnam's embassy persona non grata and demanding that he leave within 48 hours, Schaefer said. "We reserve the right to draw further consequences if necessary at a political, economic and development policy level," he added. Berlin prosecutors said they couldn't comment on the case beyond confirming that there is an investigation. Calls to the Vietnamese embassy in Berlin were not answered. Thanh was chairman of PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation until 2013 when he was appointed to several senior government positions, including vice chairman of Hau Giang province in the southern Mekong Delta. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gujarat government today told the Supreme Court that transparency is a key component in the technological era and providing basic personal information could not be covered under the right to privacy. A nine-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar has been grappling with the contentious issue whether right to privacy can be held as fundamental right under the Constitution. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for Gujarat government, said that some aspects of privacy may be traced to various fundamental rights but providing basic personal information to authorities was needed to bring more transparency in the present technological era. He then referred to the Supreme Court rules which make it mandatory for lawyers to part with various personal information for filing a private interest litigation. "Your lordships are marching forward with technology by seeking various personal information under the rules," Dwivedi said. He then referred to the fact that personal information like names, address, telephone number, occupation and national unique ID cards, if any, are being sought by the apex court for allowing a litigant to file a PIL before it. The bench, however, said that personal information has to be used for the intended purpose only. The hearing in the matter will continue after lunch. Yesterday the apex court had said that there has to be "overarching" guidelines to protect an individual's private information in public domain to ensure that it was used only for an intended purpose. The bench also comprises justices J Chelameswar, S A Bobde, R K Agrawal, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Abhay Manohar Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa government is planning to re-introduce the scheme for one-time settlement of loans taken by people for mining-related purposes. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said in the state Legislative Assembly last evening that he has discussed with the banks to re-introduce the scheme for the people, including truck owners, affected due to closure of the mining industry in Goa. "I have already discussed with the banks to re-open the one-time settlement scheme," he said. The scheme, providing an opportunity to the people to repay the loan, was launched in September 2014, two years after the state's iron ore industry was shut down following a Supreme Court order, in view of illegal mining activities. Under the debt relief scheme, a subsidy of up to 35 per cent on the total loan settlement amount was provided by the state government. However, the scheme was closed in March last year after the then chief minister, Laxmikant Parsekar, said there was poor response from borrowers, who had piled up huge loan liabilities in different national and cooperative banks. Parrikar said the state government, through various financial schemes, had so far paid Rs 278 crore to the people affected with the closure of the mining industry. The chief minister also assured the House that the money collected from the mining companies as a part of the 'district mineral fund' would be utilised after appointing the committee required for the same. The fund collected from mining firms is lying idle with the Goa government for want of a committee which is to decide how to spend the amount. As per the Supreme Court's directive, mining firms have to contribute 30 per cent of royalty to a special fund created by the government. The money in the fund has to be utilised to create infrastructure and other facilities in the state's mining belt. "Post the Assembly session, the notification (for appointing the committee) will be out and by October, the fund will be put into operation," Parrikar said. "We will use the money to construct the long pending mining corridor project. In the next two years, we will ensure that it is shaped up," he said in the House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit today thanked India as he bid adieu to the country after serving as envoy in New Delhi for four years. "Goodbye India and thanks for everything," he tweeted. A spokesperson of the High Commission said that Basit left Delhi late afternoon and has reached Pakistan. Basit was appointed as the High Commissioner to India in 2014. He will be succeeded by Sohail Mahmood, who is expected to take up his responsibilities around mid-August. Recalling his stint in India, the High Commission's Spokesperson Khawaja Maaz said, "For me, personally, two of his qualities stood out, his composure and him not losing his nerves, even in the face of aggressive media." "He is being remembered here for his warm personality. He always responded to people or mediapersons with a smile, even if they provoked him," he told PTI. Maaz said Basit took back home "fond memories" of India and the friends he made here. "In his farewell speech yesterday, he shared his experiences in India and also expressed hope that sometime in the future, he would get to visit this country again," he said. "Basit sahab was not a typical foodie but loved good cooked mutton. He also had visited several restaurants in Delhi, from Karim's in Chandani Chowk to the plush ones in Connaught Place and Khan Market," he added. After reaching Pakistan, Basit tweeted, "Just landed at Lahore airport. Thanks fellow Pakistanis for your support and encouragement. I am indebted. Pakistan zindabad". At a recent event here, in his capacity as the outgoing envoy, he had said that a dialogue between India and Pakistan was a "pre-requisite" and a "necessity" to mend relations between the neighbours, which might require "give and take" from both sides. Basit, who has also served as the Ambassador to Germany before taking up his assignment in New Delhi, was twice overlooked for the post of Pakistan's Foreign Secretary. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra Government has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for providing information about the two key absconding accused in the murder of communist leader Govind Pansare, a senior police official said today. Pansare and his wife were shot by unidentified persons in Kolhapur during their morning walk on February 16, 2015. While his wife survived, the veteran CPI leader died in a Mumbai hospital four days later. "The state government has sanctioned a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any person who will give specific information and whereabouts of Sanatan Sanstha activists Vinay Pawar and Sarang Akolkar, who are the key accused in Pansare's murder case," Inspector General of Police, Kolhapur Range, Vishwas Nangre Patil told PTI. In September 2015, the police had arrested Sameer Gaikwad, an alleged member of the right wing group Sanatan Sanstha, for his alleged involvement in Pansare's killing. The attack on Pansare seemed to be similar to the one in which noted rationalist Narendra Dabholkar was killed in Pune in 2013, an official said. The state government had formed a special investigation team (SIT) of the CID to probe Pansare's murder. The Maharashtra government and Pansare's daughter and daughter-in-law had earlier filed applications in the Bombay High Court challenging a lower court's order granting bail to Gaikwad. Pawar and Akolkar are the key accused in Pansare's murder, an official said. The SIT had earlier arrested Sanatan Sanstha activist Sameer Gaikwad in connection with Pansare's murder, he said. Pawar and Akolkar are also wanted in connection with the murder of Dabholkar. Akolkar, who hails from Pune, is an electronics engineer. He has been on the run ever since his name cropped up during the probe of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Goa blast case. The NIA had secured an Interpol red corner notice against him in 2012 but the security agencies are yet to track him down. Pawar, a resident of Miraj in Sangli district of western Maharashtra, also has been untraceable for the last seven years. The petitions filed by the family members of Pansare and Dabholkar are pending before the Bombay High Court, which has been periodically calling for progress reports on the investigations from the state CID, which is probing the Pansare case, and the CBI, which is investigating the murder of Dabholkar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today directed the central government to decide before December 31 the site for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to be set up in Tamil Nadu. A bench of justices K K Sasidharan and G R Swaminathan gave the direction during the hearing of PILs on the matter. Earlier, the Centre's advocate said a committee formed to inspect and decide the site would file its final report shortly. Initially, when the matter came up this morning, the judges asked the government counsel to get information as to when the announcement regarding the site would be made and adjourned the hearing till noon. During the resumed hearing, the judges gave the deadline of December 31 and said the government should announce the location by that date. Petitioner K K Ramesh had sought a direction to the Centre to announce the district where the institute would be set up. Another PIL litigant R K Baskar wanted the AIIMS to be set up in Madurai itself. In the previous hearings, the counsel for the centre had said it was for the union government to finalise the location. When the judges referred to the counter affidavit which said it was for the state government to decide, the central government pleader had sought time. The counter had said it was up to the state government to identify and offer suitable location as per the specification of the 'Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana' rules for establishing AIIMS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Trinamool Congress today termed the Income Tax Department's searches at locations and properties linked to Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumar "vendetta politics" by the BJP to undermine the opposition parties. "This is nothing new. We have seen such things before also. Whenever the BJP faces any sort of opposition, they will use the CBI, ED, Income Tax against opposition parties. This is the BJP's true colour," TMC's secretary general and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters. "They (BJP) don't believe in democracy but in vendetta politics. This is an effort by the BJP to establish 'Modi raj' in the country, which is turning into 'goonda raj'," he said. The Income Tax Department conducted searches at 64 locations and properties linked to Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near Bengaluru, in connection with a case of alleged tax evasion. I-Tofficials said about Rs 10 crore cash has been recovered during the raidsat various properties linked to the minister, who was taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the taxman early today. Chatterjee said, "Why did the I-T department conduct the raid now? If he has done anything wrong then what was it doing for all these days? As soon as he arranged for the stay of the Gujarat MLAs raids were conducted by the I-T. From this only it is proved how the CBI, ED and I-T are being used politically. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will develop a new advanced online programme on human rights that could be taken up by senior- level police personnel. The IGNOU today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in this regard. The programme, to be developed jointly by the NHRC and the IGNOU, will have separate modules on human rights subjects. The MoU was signed by IGNOU Registrar (Admin) S K Sharma and NHRC Joint Secretary J S Kochher. "Our Inter-University Consortium (IUC) platform and SWAYAM portal will be used for disseminating information on Human Rights to the proposed target groups," IGNOU vice- chancellor Ravindra Kumar said. The regional centres of the university will be used as training centres for spreading human rights education and material developed will be in the form of e-books and printed books, he added. As part of the MoU, offline and online curriculum of the existing programme on Human Rights -- Basic Programme on Human Rights and Training of Trainers Programme on Human Rights -- which targets lower-level police personnel will also be updated. "The updated material will be more interactive and multimedia tools will be used to make it simple and interesting for the constables to sub-Inspector level which constitutes 80 per cent of the Police Force," according to a release. The courses -- Basic Programme on Human Rights and Training of Trainers Programme on Human Rights -- was put to use after an MoU was signed between the IGNOU and the NHRC in 2009. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Implementation of GST in Jammu and Kashmir marks economic integration and would help increase the revenues of the state, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today in the Lok Sabha which passed two bills extending the Central GST and Integrated GST to the state. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill are aimed at giving effect to the formal amendments required in Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) Acts by removing the exemption that was carved out for J&K. Jaitley said the GST is in the larger interest of traders and consumers of Jammu and Kashmir and that the state government, its asssembly and people should be "complimented" for the roll out. "If they (J&K) didn't integrate, then the traders would not have got input credit and the tax on final products would have been higher... That would have made products costlier and consumers would have to pay more," the minister said. "J&K is a consumer state and GST being a destination- based tax, the revenues of the state would increase," he said. The CGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 provides for levy of the GST on goods sold and services rendered in the state while the IGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 seeks to levy the tax on inter-state movement of goods. The two bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 31. Participating in the discussion on the bills, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Cong) asked the government to ponder why it is taking recourse to Ordinance for every legislation. He said while the UPA government was accused of policy paralysis, the present government is undergoing "policy dialysis" and hence there was "economic stasis". "When we have access to Parliament, we should not frequently resort to Ordinance," he said, adding the government had failed to impress upon the J&K government to implement GST from July 1. Chowdhury said GST, as implemented, cannot be called 'one nation, one tax' as nearly 50 per cent of the GDP remains out of its ambit. "Given the sensitivity of the J&K region, you should have been better prepared before introducing the tax regime," he said, adding the apprehension of people of the state should be allayed by assuring that Article 370 giving them special status as well as fiscal autonomy would not be tampered with. Shashi Tharoor (Cong) said that extending GST to J&K has "serious impact" as it alters the taxation power of the state and by "impinging" on the state's right the Centre is violating the Constitution. "J&K must be approached with sensitivity, but no sensitivity was shown as the bill was passed in assembly when Opposition was not present... It could signal future problems," Tharoor said. He said the state has been dealing with conflict and the government should not do anything which impacts its stability. "GST was implemented in extreme haste... GST Network is in shambles," he said, adding Malaysia was given one-year time before GST was implemented there. While the Centre had promised a simple tax, in reality GST has become 'one nation, three slabs and six taxes' (0, 5, 12, 18, 28 and 40 per cent), Tharoor said, adding the structure is "irresponsibly complicated". The Congress leader from Kerala said that J&K is facing increased terrorism and "we need to do everything to protect the interest" of the state and see that it is not undermined by "finance ministry's terrorism". Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) said the cost of most of the goods and services have increased post the GST and the GST Council has "arbitrary" powers to fix rates even without consulting Parliament. During Banerjee's speech, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge pointed out that the finance minister was not present in the House, while the treasury benches contested that Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Santosh Gangwar was present. As the House saw uproar over the issue for a brief time, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S S Ahluwalia said "cabinet system is a collective responsibility and two cabinet ministers and MoS Finance is sitting here". The GST, which replaced more than a dozen central and state levies, came into effect from July 1 all over the country, but the J&K assembly passed a resolution adopting the constitutional amendment only on July 5. Thereafter, the president issued an ordinance extending the provisions to the state. This was necessary because of the special status that Jammu and Kashmir enjoys in the Constitution. The state of Jammu and Kashmir passed the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 which came into force on July 8, 2017. But with the state adopting the law, ordinances were promulgated. And now the legislations have been brought in Parliament to replace them. As Parliament was not in session and an urgent legislation was required to be made, the president promulgated the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 on July 8, said the statement of Objects and reasons of the two bills. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Income Tax raids on a Karnataka minister today had its echo in Parliament where the protesting Congress members disrupted the proceedings even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley insisted that the searches had no connection with the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. The Congress members vociferously raised the issue in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, forcing four adjournments of the Upper House before the final one for the day at 2.45 pm. In the Lok Sabha, the Congress members staged a walkout. Jaitley, who spoke on the issue in both the Houses, said that no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs are staying. He said only the minister, who had "parked himself" at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning. As soon as Rajya Sabha met for the day, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue, alleging that an attempt was being made to "derail and hijack" the elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the raids were "targetted". "Since morning they (ED and IT) have started the raids," Sharma said and questioned the timing and place of the raids. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held without fear in a free and fair manner but "all these three things are not happening with regard to Gujarat. He alleged that Congress MLAs of Gujarat were being "kidnapped" and that "This is against democracy." Azad also asked why the raids on the minister was "taking place today and not a month later or before." Responding to them, Jaitley said the properties of a "particular" minister of the Karnataka government was searched. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place, no MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He has gone and parked himself in that resort. "So the authorities, because they had to confront him with the recovery, they had gone to get him to his residence so that he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the finance minister said, adding that the minister has been taken to his residence from the resort. Jaitley also said the resort was not an area where the Karnataka minister can get "immunity from the law". Dissatisfied with Jaitley's remarks, Congress members trooped into the well of Rajya Sabha and started shouting slogans. The House was adjourned for 10 minutes. Later the House took up Zero Hour mentions. However, Congress members again started raising slogans during the Question Hour. Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for the second time for 10 minutes and later till 2 pm. The uproar continued at 2 pm, in view of which the House was again adjourned for 15 minutes at around 2.15 pm. When the House met again, the Congress members were unrelenting in their protest. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien kept urging the agitating members to let the House proceed with listed business but failed as a result of which he adjourned the House for the day at 2.45 pm. In the Lok Sabha, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but Jaitley said the matter should not be linked to the polls in Gujarat for three Rajya Sabha seats. Terming the raids as "a political vendetta and witch- hunting," Kharge accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy." "I appeal to the government, not to terrorise and threaten the MLAs. You will also have to face this tomorrow. .... If there is any offence, then action should be taken, even if it involves me. You are resorting to this to defeat one person (Ahmed Patel) in the Rajya Sabha polls," Kharge said. Patel is the Congress candidate for the polls in Gujarat. Terming Kharge's allegations as "baseless", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the raids were part of action against black money and corruption. Kumar, who also belongs to Karnataka, said the state government had decided to slap a penalty of Rs 942 crore on the resort. At the same time, the Gujarat MLAs are lodged there, he said. "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ahmed Patel should explain this. They should come out clean on this matter," Kumar said. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were present in the House earlier. Jaitley, in his reaction to Kharge's charge, said, "Don't link it with (the) Gujarat) MLAs, link it with economic offence." He said, "I have taken details from the income tax department and verified (them) myself. No resort where the Gujarat MLAs are lodged have been searched. Yes, searches have taken places at 39 locations involving a Karnataka minister." "He (Karnataka minister) himself went to the resort. As per the procedure, the person against whom the raid was conducted has to be confronted to take his statement. The officials only visited the resort where the minister was tearing off the papers. We have also collected these papers and done a 'panchanama'," Jaitley said. Kharge later led a walkout of the Congress members from the Lok Sabha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States is one of India's indispensable partners with whom it is seeking to work closely on security as well as economic issues, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said today. Speaking at a discussion on strengthening of US-India strategic and commercial partnership, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first meeting with US President Donald Trump in June was a "very clear meeting of minds". India, he said, is going through big changes and "in making those changes happen, the US is the, or (is) one of the, indispensable partners." On Modi's June visit to the US where Trump praised him for being "such a great prime minister" of India, Jaishankar said there was quality of discussion, "chemistry" between them, participation on the larger theme and perception of similar challenges for working together. It was "very clear meeting of minds," he said, adding a lot was said about the challenges of forging a relationship. "I must tell you that we came out of that very confident of that relationship." India's relations with the US has seen a "steady climb" in three preceding administration. "There are no pressing issues, no huge problems. When I look at the rest of the world looking at the Trump administration and India approaching, I found we have a very solid base here," he said. Stating that he was "very optimistic" about US-India economic ties, he said a big change in relations between two nations has been that business today has become central to the relationship. "Look at the business content of the relationship and to my mind of the many changes this is a very big change," he said. America's relations with Europe, the UK and Japan are "ultimately sustained by business". "Good politics, grand strategy - I accept all of that but the bread and butter was business," he said, adding the good sense of Modi's meeting with American CEOs has been "actually carried to the White House". "It was very very helpful for us to have both the tailwinds because what it did was it created an impression and a pre-conception that this is the government which is committed to do more business with America, and I think that gave the relationship a positive direction," he said. India would aspire to be in a similar situation with other countries. "I think there are countries which will be closer to where we are with the US in terms of business, they are the countries where we are still struggling to make business central as we have managed to do with the US," he said. On things that were important for India to derive from relations with the US and vice versa, Jaishankar said top on the list was to have a "political supporting position" and working together on security issues as well as very strong economic aspects. Issues like terrorism, maritime security, energy and lifestyles are not issues that any country can work by itself or on purely bilateral basis, he said. "When you go into these big discussion and say we are supporting each other we may not fully agree but you created a much larger comfort level for the relationship," he said. Three-four decades back, there was not enough resilience and comfort. "There wasn't enough of a relationship." Things have gone beyond that stage. "I think few years from now, may be five, may be less, there is a sense ... This country is going through big changes. If there is a sense that in making those changes happen, the US is the, or one of the, indispensable partners," he said. The relationship should have a visible impact on everyday quality of life. "If you look at the chemistry between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the quality of discussion, he is a leader very well briefed, a lot of participation on the larger theme and I would say on the big political strategic issues - a very clear meeting of minds, perception of similar challenges where to work together," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mobile industry body Indian Cellular Association (ICA) today criticised the business climate in India saying cumbersome processes have emerged out of distrust between tax officials and customs authorities. "Ease of doing business...There are very few countries we can compete with, obviously from the bottom. Probably, this is the worst country to do business in. That is a very frank statement I want to make," ICA National President Pankaj Mohindroo said at an event organised by IAMAI. He said that IGCR (Import of goods at concessional rate of duty for manufacture of excisable goods) processes are very cumbersome in the country. "There is no trust between customs authorities and taxation authorities. Most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard is that there is target given for revenue collection," Mohindroo said. He said that lack of ease of doing business is very upsetting to the industry. Industry players raised concerns over huge capital getting blocked in bank guarantees given as assurance to customs that the items imported by them on concessional duty rates will not be retailed in the market and will be used solely for making mobile phones. As per data available in April, it is estimated that bank guarantees to the tune of Rs 29,000 crore have been furnished by companies. Ajay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT who was present at the event, countered Mohindroo's claim saying that there has been continuous improvement when it comes to doing business in India. "India has jumped up several position in global indices released on ease of doing business. Now, government gives 30 clearances in one day on e-biz portal for which people were required to approach similar number of offices. Ease of doing business is a continuous improvement process and India is on right track," Kumar said. The Fast Track Task Force, a joint government and industry body, has an objective to achieve production target of 500 million mobile phones by 2019 and generate employment for 15 lakh by 2019. Mohindroo, who heads the task force, said the target can be achieved only if India is able to match competitors like China and Vietnam. "China today is around 82 per cent of global manufacturing, which means it produces 20 lakh mobile phones per year. We are very elated that (mobile production) in India has reached Rs 90,000 crore, Vietnam is already at 3 lakh crore. We have to match them in terms of direct taxes what Vietnam and China are able to give," Mohindroo said. He said that direct tax in China in special cases is around 10 per cent while in Vietnam it is nearly zero. Mohindroo said exports will play key role to achieve the target set by 500 million mobile phones production in India. "Pakistan does not permit Indian mobile phones to enter Pakistan, which is closest biggest market, and we have given most favoured nation to Pakistan. This is not fair. I think Commerce Ministry has to take a lot of lead in this. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, also don't give us any credits," he said. Mohindroo, however, appreciated the government decision to impose 10 per cent basic customs duty on mobile products. He said that in 1-2 years, India will start exporting mobile chargers to China. "If we are able to export electronics and electricals to China, that means the competitiveness has set in," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Islamic State group today claimed responsibility for a suicide attack a day earlier against a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan that left dozens dead. "Around 50 Shiites killed and 80 wounded in an attack by Islamic State fighters yesterday on a mosque in western Afghanistan's Herat," the group's propaganda outlet Amaq said. Afghan authorities said earlier that 30 worshippers including young children were killed and 64 wounded when suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the Jawadya mosque in the western city near the Iranian border late yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Income Tax Department today conducted searches at multiple locations in Karnataka and Delhi related to Karnataka Energy minister D K Shivakumar, who is hosting 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near here, in connection with a tax evasion probe case. Officials privy to the early morning raids said a team of I-T sleuths have also reached the Eagleton resort near here to question the minister, who was staying at the resort for the night. "The resort is not being raided," the officials said. A total of 39 premises of the minister and his family are being raised by a team of about 120 Income Tax Department officials with the aid of central paramilitary forces, they said. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. Shivakumar, is hosting his party's MLAs from Gujarat who have been brought to the Bengaluru resort till the day of the Rajya Sabha elections on August 8. The Congress legislators were taken to the resort after six of their colleagues quit the party. Six of the 57 Congress MLAs in Gujarat, from wheresenior party leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for the RajyaSabha, resigned from the party in the last few days with three joining the BJP on Friday last ahead of the Rajya Sabha poll. The party has apprehensions over Patel's election prospects, if more MLAs defect. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jammu and Kashmir police will approach the Pakistan High Commission via the Union home ministry to take the body of Abu Dujana, the Lashkar-e-Taiba commander gunned down in south Kashmir, a senior police official said today. It will be the first time that the Pakistan High Commission is asked to claim the body of a militant killed in Kashmir Valley. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Munir Khan told PTI he would be writing a letter to his police headquarters, which in turn would approach the Union home ministry to take up the matter with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. "We will ask the Pakistan High Commission in India to take back the body of Abu Dujana, who was a Pakistani national," Khan said. Dujana, believed to be in his late 20s, was killed yesterday in a well-planned operation by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The inmates of the house where he was holed up had told police that he claimed to be from Karachi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government officials in Odisha's Kandhamal district were today urged to donate a day's salary for the treatment of conjoined twins from the district who have been admitted to the AIIMS, New Delhi. Kandhamal District Collector Brunda D appealed to all government officials of the district to donate one day's salary for conjoined twin boys of Milupada in Phiringia block. The rare surgery to separate the twins is likely to be conducted in the last week of this month, Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra, District Emergency Officer and Incharge officer of District Red Cross Society, told reporters. The conjoined twins - Honey and Singh alias Jagannat and Balram - hailed from a BPL tribal family and were born on April 9, 2015 in Phiringia Primary Health Centre and were kept at the district Headquarter Hospital for about two months, official sources said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the treatment of conjoined twins. The amount will be given to the director of AIIMS from the chief minister's relief fund. The amount is sanctioned as per the recommendation of the AIIMS doctors looking after the twin's treatment, official sources said. Earlier Odisha Health and Family Welfare minister Pratap Jena had visited AIIMS, New Delhi and consulted with the treating doctors. The twins boys are hospitalised at the All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi at the state government's initiative. The twins father Bhuyan Kanhar is a poor man and can not affort the high cost of treatment required to separate the conjoined twins. Their mother Pushpanjali Kanhar had appealed the chief minister for help. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stating that the Mahadeyi water dispute issue could not be resolved with the neighbouring states on the party lines, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today accused Karnataka of planting an "ecological bomb" by building dams upstream. Speaking in the state legislative assembly on the water dispute issue involving Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, Parrikar also said that the state government has come up with certain strategies to tackle the water dispute. Karnataka and Maharashtra have planned dams upstream Mahadeyi river, which meets Arabian Sea near Panaji. The Goa government has raised objections over the diversion, claiming that such an act would hamper the ecology of the coastal state. Karnataka plans to construct at least seven dams and three hydroelectric projects by diverting the water to river Malprabha. "There are certain issues that cannot be dealt with the governments based on the party lines. All members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) will have to come together, where there is interest of the state," Parrikar said during a discussion on the issue during the Zero Hour. He said he could try to speak to his Maharashtra counterpart and convince him on the issue. "But it is a dispute, so you cannot handle it on the party lines," the chief minister said. The chief minister said he himself would not like to tackle the issue on the party lines as it is concerning the interests of Goa. Parrikar said as far as Karnataka was concerned, the state was going to face the elections, hence there would be lot of one-upmanship in the state in the run up to the polls. He also accused Karnataka of "not telling the whole truth". "We brought this issue before the Water Dispute Tribunal, where we proved that Karnataka is not telling the entire truth," he said. Parrikar said that 78 per cent basin of the entire Mahadeyi river lies in Goa. "And out of all the river basins in Goa, 47 per cent belongs to Mahadeyi," he said. He stated that constructing dams upstream will increase the salinity in the rivers of the state and also ecologically affect the areas up to the Western Ghats. "This is an ecological bomb that Karnataka is planting in the form of dams," the chief minister told the House. He claimed thatthe Goa government has designed certain strategies to tackle the water dispute, Parrikar refused to reveal them in public. "When it comes to water, Karnataka has problems with several states as the state is not interested in understanding how best the water can be used," Parrikar alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From God's own country, Kerala has transformed into the God's "forsaken" country, a BJP MP said in the Lok Sabha today, coming down hard on the LDF government there for "failing" to contain the killing of RSS and BJP workers. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Meenakshi Lekhi alleged that the political opponents were being killed in "Talibani style" in the state and even workers of Congress, CPI and Muslim League have been targetted. Another BJP MP Prahlad Joshi said 17 BJP and RSS workers were killed in Kerala in the last 17 months and demanded a probe into the deaths by either the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Joshi alleged that terrorists were involved in the killings. Comments by Joshi and Lekhi drew sharp reaction from the MPs of the Left parties who countered them vociferously. Lekhi, the BJP MP from New Delhi constituency, said "the God's own country has transformed into God's forsaken country." She also read out names of 14 BJP and RSS workers who were allegedly killed in Kerala in the last few months and wondered whether anyone in the House knew their names. "People will immediately connect if someone talks about about Pehlu Khan or Akhlaq. But nobody knows about the people killed in Kerala," Lekhi said. In a hard-hitting attack on the Left Democratic Front government, she also alleged that seven children from the families of RSS and BJP workers were targeted. "One Rajesh had received 80 wounds. His hands were chopped off. People are being killed in a Talibani style. A total of 40 Congress workers were alone killed in Kannur," she claimed. He said the native place of Rohith Vemula had witnessed 50 incidents of attacks on women. Vemula's death in January last year had triggered a nationwide outrage. Lekhi wondered why Congress was maintaining silence over killing of their workers. Joshi alleged that maximum murders had taken place in the area from where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hails. Talking about communist rule in various parts of the world, he claimed that "more than one million people were killed" during the period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi greeted Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who turned 61 today. Bedi conveyed her wishes on her Twitter handle and wrote: "Happy Birthday Honble Chief Minister. May you be blessed with good health and prosperity for the State you serve. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations has decided to extend the last date of registration of students for class 9 and 11 in schools situated in the Darjeeling Hills in view of the prolonged shutdown there. At a meeting with the heads of affiliated schools in Kolkata on July 31, the CISCE has assured the schools in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong that they will be given scope to register online once the Internet services were restored in the hills even after the last date of registration on August 31. This was stated by Nabarun De, General Secretary, Association of Heads of ICSE Schools in West Bengal. The meeting was attended by CISCE chief executive and secretary Gerry Arathoon. "They will be given the docket number by the Council, which is necessary for registration, once they approached the Council," De said. Arathoon said, when contacted, the council would ensure that the "students in the hill schools do not face any proble. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alleging that Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has been sitting on files related to farm loan waiver, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said today that he had written to the Centre requesting it to look into the matter. Narayanasamy, who has been at loggerheads with Bedi over various issues, met Tamil Nadu farmers protesting at Jantar Mantar here. "We are making all efforts to help farmers, including announcing a loan waiver, but the LG has not given the nod yet. We have written to the Centre asking it to look into the issue," he said. The Puducherry government had earlier announced that it would write off crop loans by farmers totalling about Rs 20 crore. The farmers have been protesting to press their various demands including loan waiver, crop insurance and setting up of Cauvery Management Board by the Centre. The sit-in began on July 16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a rare occurrence, members of the ruling BJP and the Shiv Sena staged a walkout in the Legislative Council today, as combative opposition continued to demand the sacking of Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, under the scanner in a slum rehabilitation project. Complaining that the Opposition members were not allowing the ministers and legislators to speak, the ruling BJP-Sena members walked out in protest. "Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has become a pasture of corruption where officials as well as ministers are no exception. In the SRA project at MP Mills compound in Tardeo, Mehta had planned to allow more FSI for constructing a third tower, which was originally granted to slum dwellers," Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde (NCP) said. He said had Mehta had his way, this could have led to a windfall of nearly Rs 700 crore for the builder concerned. Earlier, the issue of corruption in the SRA was raised by NCP's Kiran Pawaskar through a Calling Attention motion. Backing Munde's contention, several members of the opposition became aggressive and demanded immediate resignation of the housing minister who belongs to the BJP. Members of the ruling parties then decided to stage a walk out against the "high handedness" of the opposition and against "their act of flouting rules, creating ruckus and disrupting the proceedings of the Upper House". Later, Leader of the House Chandrakant Patil told PTI that members of the ruling parties will not participate in the proceedings of the House until the chairman lays down strict rules to be followed by the opposition parties. "This (Calling Attention) motion was admitted (by vice-chairman Manikrao Thakre) despite being rejected earlier. From the time this session has begun, rules are not being followed and the opposition is indulging in high-handed behaviour. This has to stop. We have decided to not take part in the proceedings until assurance is given that the order of the day's proceedings will be followed," Patil said. Munde said the government had no answers to questions raised by the opposition. "They staged a walkout to avoid embarrassment as they were cornered by us," he added. Fadnavis recently ordered a probe against Mehta for allegedly allowing unauthorised transfer of extra building rights in the slum rehabilitation authority (SRA) project in south Mumbai, originally granted to slum dwellers, to project affected people (PAPs), apparently to favour a developer. While sanctioning the changes, Mehta had wrongly mentioned in the project file that he had kept the chief minister in the loop, which was denied by Fadnavis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leading global payments company Mastercard is working closely with the Indian government and industry to drive low cost payment technologies and popularise the country's digitisation programme, a top company official has said. "To date, there are more than 300,000 merchants who have deployed Bharat QR, the world's first globally inter-operable payments solution," said Ajay Bhalla, President of Global Enterprise Risk & Security at MasterCard. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks Association launched Bharat QR on February 21 this year to boost digital transactions. The solution was developed by Mastercard in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Visa and American Express. Noting that digital payments in India remain "very positive", Bhalla said it was a growing business. "We are committed to India in a very big way as an organisation - working with regulators, banks and stake holders in developing solution," said Bhalla. Citing industry estimates, he said there was an 86 per cent increase in merchants accepting card payments on a daily basis compared to pre-demonetisation period. He also highlighted the RBI's data showing 70 per cent growth in point of sale terminals in six months, from 1.5 million in September 2016 to 2.5 million in March 2017. With 850 million debit cards in circulation in India, debit card per capita is approximately one today, he added, referring to the RBI data. On card market potential, Bhalla said there were 900 million adults above 15 years of age in India today. He said India remained a big base for Mastercard for developing solutions. "We are using India as a big base for developing a number of solutions and innovations," he said. Mastercard has a huge staff deployed in India who are working on developing some software products which are used uniquely for India and some of these are used globally, Bhalla said. "We really compliment the Indian government in the laudable step that they are taking in converting the cash economy into the digital economy," he said. American multinational Mastercard held a two-day meeting in Singapore on August 1 and 2 for its clients and customers to share knowledge and best practices on key payment security issues, vulnerabilities and innovative techniques to mitigate fraud. Union health minister J P Nadda today flagged off relief material for flood affected people in Assam, Manipur and Gujarat. He said that the government was ensuring that there was no shortage of essential items to the flood victims. "We have released the first batch of relief material worth around Rs 3.15 crore containing medicines, mosquito nets, clothes among others and will soon send the second batch as well," he said. He further said that the Red Cross units of Assam, Manipur and Gujarat through their volunteers have also initiated immediate response by providing relief supplies to the affected communities from their existing stocks. Further, the Indian Red Cross Society, National Headquarters has also released relief items from its prepositioned stocks for response operations. This includes mosquito nets, kitchen sets, tarpaulin pieces, towels, dhoties for men and sarees for women, cotton blankets, bed sheets and buckets. Minister of State (IC) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh, was also present. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NDA vice-presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu has sought support from all parliamentarians, assuring them that he will uphold the spirit and principles of the Constitution and dignity of the office of the vice- president. In a letter to all MPs who constitute the electoral college yesterday, Naidu gave an account of his long years in public life. "I would like to assure that on being elected as the vice-president, it shall be my endeavour to defend and uphold the ideals that propelled the freedom struggle, the spirit and the principles of the Constitution of India, including justice, liberty, equality and fraternity and the cherished values of national unity and integration," Naidu said. Naidu said he was firm believer in the principle of cooperative federalism. He noted that the Rajya Sabha may be required to play an "even more important role" in the years ahead to build a new and modern India. He said there is responsibility of overcoming poverty, illiteracy, social and gender discrimination, corruption and debasement of politics. Naidu said that he was "fully conscious" of the role and responsibility of Parliament in furthering the cause of the nation. "With my long experience of legislative work, I am also conscious of the rights, responsibilities and privileges of our MPs, the law makers," he said. Naidu said that Parliament and all the successive governments since Independence have played their part in the nation taking major strides in different spheres but still there is lot to be done. "We today face the challenges posed by terrorism, climate change, economic and cultural globalisation and the opportunities and disruptions of technology," he noted. Naidu said that it would be his "endeavour to facilitate" the proper conduct of the Rajya Sabha so that all MPs can contribute their best to the making of a "new India". "I can assure you that I will uphold the dignity of office and protect the collective constitutional inheritance," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today met Nawaz Sharif to "consult" him before finalising his Cabinet, the state media reported. The two met at Sharif's private residence in the hill resort of Murree near Islamabad where Sharif has been staying since he vacated the official residence two days ago after the Supreme Court disqualified him over the Panama Papers scandal. Shehbaz Sharif, who will take over from Abbasi after he is elected to the National Assembly, was also present during the meeting, the Pakistan TV reported. Abbasi, a die-hard Nawaz Sharif loyalist, was yesterday elected as the interim prime minister by the National Assembly. He was later sworn in by President Mamnoon Hussain. Abbasi has said that Sharif may have been disqualified by the Supreme Court but remains the "people's premier". He has praised Sharif's leadership and criticised opposition parties for accusing him of corruption. "Justice demands that 1,000 guilty are set free than one innocent is convicted," Abbasi said. "It is my firm belief that Nawaz Sharif will return to the seat of premiership," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today delayed the formation of his Cabinet, saying it would be announced in a couple of days. "Cabinet will be announced in one to two days," Abbasi told reporters, but did not say why the decision was delayed when arrangements had been made for the oath-taking ceremony today. Abbasi had met Nawaz Sharif at the ousted former prime minister's Murree residence earlier today. He was accompanied by Sharif's brother Shehbaz, who will take over from Abbasi after being elected to the National Assembly later this year. Sharif has been staying in Murree since he vacated the official residence two days ago after the Supreme Court disqualified him in connection with the Panama Papers scandal. According to the National Accountability Bureau, the Sharif family will face four cases for allegedly possessing offshore assets following the court's direction that graft cases be filed against Sharif and his children. The Press Information Department said in a statement that the Cabinet was to take oath at 5:30 pm local time, but it has been postponed. The formation of the Cabinet is a challenge for the new prime minister as former interior minister and senior party leader, Nisar Ali Khan, is supposedly not ready to join it. Khan had announced on Thursday he would resign from Cabinet and parliament after the Supreme Court verdict on Friday. Though, he automatically lost his seat in the Cabinet after Sharif's ouster, he has not yet relinquished his seat in the National Assembly and was sitting in the front row during the voting to elect Abbasi the new prime minister yesterday. Khan has accused Sharif of excluding him from his "inner circle" despite a 32-year-long association with the party. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is trying to convince Khan to join the Cabinet to put up a united face ahead of general elections next year. Abbasi would have to find a suitable replacement for Khan if he refuses to join the new government. He would also have to fill the post of minister for petroleum and natural resources which he controlled before his elevation to the top job. The new government may also come up with a permanent foreign minister as previously Sharif kept the portfolio with himself and ran it through his Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz. The information ministry had to be run by minister of state Marriyum Aurangzeb during the latter part of Sharif's tenure after Pervaiz Rashid was sacked following the Dawn leaks episode. There is a strong possibility that Abbasi would appoint a senior party leader as information minister. There are reports that former railway minister Khawja Saad Rafique, a close confidante of Sharif and party loyalist, may be appointed the information minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor-presenter Nick Cannon has been roped in to host reality singing series for children "Lip Sync Battle Shorties". The 36-year-old star will be seen hosting the Nickelodeon show alongside YouTube celebrity Jojo Siwa, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Three real-life children will personalise their performances by putting up their costumes, choreography, staging and songs on their own in every episode. Each chapter will feature a special celebrity, a final performance from all the kids and the Shorties Dance Crew, which is a 10-person in-house backup crew. "Lip Sync Battle Shorties" will return with Halloween and holiday specials. The first 10-episode season launches in early 2018. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China today said it will take "a decision in due course" about the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader as a terrorist when it comes for a review. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the Foreign ministry told PTI here about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. Early this year, China had put a six-month technical hold on the application which is expected to come up for review shortly. "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to Al- Qaeda and Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second-year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. This year the US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six-month technical hold. Lashkar-e-Taiba's Kashmir chief Abu Dujana was killed in predawn darkness yesterday and buried somewhere in north Kashmir in the dead of the night, senior security officials said today, taking a cue from the operation against Osama bin Laden. Darkness ran like a recurring theme as security forces launched an operation in south Kashmir's Pulwama district to hunt down the terrorist who had slipped away from their grasp more than 12 times. And all the while, as dawn slowly turned to dusk and night fell over the Kashmir Valley, the Hollywood blockbuster 'Zero Dark Thirty', it is learnt, played in the minds of security officials. The film, which chronicles the manhunt that felled Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011 is what gave security officials the idea to conduct the operation at night. The tip-off that Dujana was holed up inside a house in Pulwama district had come around midnight. Believed to be in his late 20s, Dujana had been elusive many times in the past and there were some suggestions that the operation be conducted after dawn to avoid "collateral damage", officials said. "The movie and how Osama was finally captured came to our mind and we wasted no time in waiting for dawn," said a senior official, who was part of the operation, on condition of anonymity. "After deliberations with senior officers, a call was taken to carry out the operations during the night itself and troops were mobilised." Armed with "confirmed knowledge" from a trusted source about the presence of Dujana in the home of a woman he is believed to have married, crack teams of the Special Operations Group (SOG) were quickly mobilised and moved towards Hakripura, adjacent to Neva, a bastion for LeT militants located 13 km from the district headquarters of Pulwama. Dujana, along with his local accomplice Arif Bhat, was inside the house. "For us, the inmates of the house were also civilians and we wanted to ensure their safety too. A first crack team of the police was sent amid heavy fire from the two militants. But his wife and other family members were taken out to safety," an official said. Dujana and Bhat were killed in the exchange of fire that followed. After ensuring complete secrecy, Jammu and Kashmir Police took custody of Dujana's body and moved it to the other side of the valley. Dujana, who was killed in south Kashmir, was buried somewhere in north Kashmir. It's a place where other foreign militants are buried, an official said, without specifying exactly where. "We have preserved his DNA sample before burying him last night amid darkness," the official said. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesperson, both Dujana and Bhat were involved in a number of anti- national and subversive activities. These included the killing of politicians in Pulwama, hurling grenades at security personnel and recruiting local youth. Dujana, described as a womaniser by the spokesperson, was also believed to be involved in the killing of two CRPF personnel at Sangam Bijbehara and an attack on police party at Pampore that claimed the life of two constables. While Dujana had told his wife and other family members that he was from Karachi. Bhat was a local boy from Lellhar in Pulwama, the officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The police today said an operation was on to arrest the killers of Lafiqul Islam Ahmed, a popular minority leader and president of All Bodo Minority Students' Union (ABMSU), even as the outfit demanded a CBI inquiry and immediate removal of Kokrajhar superintendent of police. "Operation is on to nab the killers," Kokrajhar SP Rajen Singh told PTI. Yesterday, two motorcycle-borne assailants had opened fire on Ahmed when he had gone to buy tiles at a shop in Titaguri market in Kokrajhar, killing him on the spot and seriously injuring the shopkeeper. The SP said some sporadic incidents and minor protests were reported at some places. "But it was nothing serious and law and order is under control," he said. Additional forces have been deployed in Kokrajhar and other sensitive places across the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) to avoid any untoward development in repercussion of the incident. Director General of Assam Police, Mukesh Sahay had rushed to the spot last night and is camping at Kokrajhar after he got instructions from Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal. Late last night, Sonowal held a high-level meeting with civil and police administration and asked the authorities to launch a manhunt and arrest the culprit within 24 hours. He also asked Special DGP Kula Saika to rush to Udalguri district in BTAD and assess the situation there. While condemning the act, Sonowal called upon the people at large to maintain peace and harmony, and stay away from rumour mongers. ABMSU general secretary Shahkamal Khandakar said, "We believe it was a political killing and there was a deep-rooted conspiracy behind this. That is why we demand a CBI inquiry into the killing". The ABMSU also demanded the "physical presence" of the chief minister in Kokrajhar alleging that the "pace of investigation is not satisfactory and there has been no arrest so far". He said that Ahmed's last rites would not be performed without any concrete action by the chief minister. Khamdakar also called for the removal of Kokrajhar SP for an "impartial" inquiry into the incident. "The SP misled us many times since yesterday. His action is doubtful. So we demand the chief minister to immediately remove the Kokrajhar SP for an impartial enquiry," he said. The ABMSU, he said, has not officially announced any protest yet, but if anything happens in future, then the administration will be responsible. Members of ABMSU and other supporting groups last night blocked roads at many places across the BTAD and demanded strong action against the killers of their leader. Earlier also, Ahmed was attacked by miscreants, following which Assam Police had provided him with personal bodyguards. The guards, however, were not present during yesterday's attack. Khandakar alleged that Ahmed's body was brought and kept outside the home in the early hours today, without informing the family members. "The police is not allowing us take the body to the ABMSU head office to pay our last respect", he alleged. The Congress, AIUDF, AGP, BPF, CPI(M), AASU, KMSS, DYFI, SFI and SMSS have condemned the killing and demanded a high-level inquiry into the episode. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Opposition today castigated the government over the rising non-peforming assets (NPAs), especially in the Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks, and accused it of failing to tackle the problem. Initiating a debate on 'The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017' in the Lok Sabha, Congress member Gaurav Gogoi questioned the government's "inability" to sort out the NPA problem despite several measures like bringing the Insolvency Code. He quoted a report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to say that the NPAs are only expected to increase. He also took a swipe at Jaitley, saying both the ministries of Finance and Defence headed by him are suffering. Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chawdhury described Jaitley as "Mr Ordinance", saying the finance minister has been bringing "ordinance after ordinance" to legislate. Saugata Roy (TMC) said the bill was unncessary as existing laws are good enough to deal with the issue. He said the government should have resorted to restructuring of debts and structuring of the stressed assets to address the NPAs. Of the Rs 7.7 lakh crore NPAs, 12 companies alone have defaulted Rs 2.53 lakh crore, Roy said. "Since 88 per cent of NPAs are with PSU banks, the government could have easily issued a direction and sorted the problem out," he said. Roy was highly critical of the Reserve Bank of India, calling it "inefficient" and "incapable" for not being able to count demonetised notes. Rabindra Kumar Jena (BJD) claimed NPAs have risen by over 300 per cent over the years and Malaysia and Sri Lanka fare better than India in this aspect. Anandrao Adsul of the Shiv Sena supported the bill, but questioned why the problem had escalated in the PSU banks when they have government nominated members, and control of the government as well as the RBI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has slammed the Maharashtra government for not allowing the transfer of Rs 520 crore from six district co-operative banks (DCBs) in the state that were in financial distress. The PAC, in its report tabled in the state legislative assembly here yesterday, observed that the money in these banks was locked and could not be used for public purposes. The committee said that in 2012, it had pointed out that four district central co-operative banks - namely Buldhana, Nagpur, Osmanabad and Wardha - were in dire financial straits. "Despite the NABARD's statement about the financially troubled co-operative banks conveyed to the then state chief secretary, the government did not do anything. Rs 368 crore in three banks and Rs 59 crore in Osmanabad bank were locked," the PAC said in the report. "The government delayed its decision allowing transfer of funds to the nationalised banks from these banks. But it did not help then. The transactions in the banks were stopped after the RBI's instruction in May 2012," the report stated. The apex bank gave similar instructions to Dhule and Nandurbar DCBs. But the banks continued their transactions and Rs 93 crore got locked in the banks till August 26, 2014, the report said. The PAC suggested that the the CEO of zilla parishads should take measures so that the deposits in the banks are protected. The ZP CEO should also review financial status of the banks. It also pointed out that customers should be protected by any institution, and here the zilla parishad is the main customer of the district banks, it said. The PAC also questioned the government as to why it did not pay attention to the banks earlier. "Now that the banks are in trouble, the department is paying attention. But had it paid attention earlier, the situation would have never occurred," it said. Advising the government that the accounts of the DCBs should be checked every two years, the PAC added that a zilla parishad CEO alone cannot be held responsible for the financial situation. "If the government departments, zilla parishads do not keep their deposits in the district banks, then the common people, businessmen would doubt about the banks' functioning. The district banks help the rural people. It lends loans to farmers and small businessmen, and hence it is necessary to protect them," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Palestinian stabbed and critically injured an Israeli in a town near Tel Aviv today, police said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the 19-year-old Palestinian stabbed the 42-year-old Israeli in a "terrorist" attack in Yavne. The suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the victim taken to hospital with "critical" injuries, a later police statement added. The Shin Bet security agency named the assailant as Ismail Ibrahim Abu Aram, born in 1998, and said he had no previous record of security-related offences. Israeli soldiers later searched Abu Aram's home in Yatta, near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, a spokeswoman confirmed. Footage released by Israeli authorities showed the man apparently browsing in a supermarket before attacking an employee. The man manages to fight off the attacker but is stabbed several times. A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has killed more than 290 Palestinians or Arab Israelis, 44 Israelis, two Americans, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according to an AFP toll. Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were shot dead in protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. The violence had greatly subsided in recent months but tension around the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem saw a spike in July. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The tenure of vice chancellors in Uttar Pradesh universities should be for five years in place of existing three years, recommended a committee formed by Governor Ram Naik to improve the quality of higher education in the state. The panel, formed on June 17 to recommend amendments to the State University Act, 1973, had on July 31 submitted its initial report to the governor, who is also the chancellor of state universities. The five-member committee is led by legal advisor to the governor S S Upadhyay. So far, the committee has held eight meetings with educationists, VCs and other renowned persons in the field of higher education, Raj Bhavan sources said here. "The tenure of VCs of state universities should be for five years in place of existing three years. After the end of three years, the chancellor to give a two-year extension if he is satisfied with the VCs working," the panel has recommended. For affiliation of colleges from the universities, the panel has recommended that a three-member committee, including the sub-divisional magistrate concerned, professors of the university concerned and a senior government officer, should inspect colleges and submit a report along with videos of the facilities available at the college. The universities are expected to decide on affiliation within a stipulated time period otherwise it would deemed to be automatically forwarded to the chancellor's office for a final decision. The committee has recommended that teachers can avail leave without pay for 10 years in place of existing five years, with certain conditions. For increasing university fee, the committee has proposed that they should sent its proposal to the state government for a final decision within 30 days and if no decision comes in this period it will be deemed as approved. On issues of increasing retirement age of teachers of state colleges and universities from 62 to 65 years, promotions and others, the committee will start the second round of meetings from August 19. The committee has also been entrusted with the task as to how private universities are regulated with one Act as presently they are governed by differed Acts and how they can improve quality of education. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a swipe at the Congress over the issue of dynastic politics, BJP president Amit Shah today said that political parties whose internal democracy was not intact could never contribute towards making the country's democracy stronger. Hitting out at the Congress and the INLD, Shah said both these parties lacked principle and centred around dynastic politics. The BJP president is on a three-day visit to Haryana. He addressed a gathering of intellectuals and eminent citizens here this evening. He told the gathering that a party where internal democracy was finished could not do any good to democracy. "Parties who do not have internal democracy can never make the nation's democracy stronger. And if any party runs on any one individual's thoughts, even then it cannot contribute to the democracy," Shah told the gathering where Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and senior BJP leaders including Ram Lal, Anil Jain and Subhash Barala were also present. "After 70 years of the country's independence, 1,650 parties were formed and out of these, if we see how many parties' internal democracy still intact, you will find it in only one or two parties including the BJP," he said. Raising the issue of dynastic politics in the Congress, Shah asked the gathering "after Sonia Gandhi, who will become the next Congress chief," to this the gathering replied Rahul Gandhi. "Tell me who will become BJP president after me," Shah said and after a silence in the hall, the BJP president told that "you don't have an answer because the BJP does not choose anyone as its president by virtue of his birth in a particular family". "Anyone who has capability, determination and conviction to take the country forward and believes in our policies and ideologies can become the party chief in BJP," he said. Citing his own example, he said, "It is only in the BJP that a worker who used to paste posters today became the national president of the party and a person (Narendra Modi) who came from a humble background rose to occupy the post of prime minister on the basis of hard work and merit." He further said that in BJP every worker gets a chance to move forward. The party gives a platform to contribute to all its workers for the betterment of the nation. Whereas in the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), if the worker does not belong to the Chautala family, can he aspire to become chief minister of this state, Shah asked. "Similarly in the Congress party, a meritorious worker who hails from Haryana, aspire to lead the party one day, the answer is no because he is not born into the Gandhi family," the BJP leader said. The BJP chief highlighted several achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The BJP believes that the last man standing in the queue has to benefit from various schemes and "our development model is based on that, which is all inclusive. The Narendra Modi- led government at the Centre and in Haryana, the Khattar government are trying to move ahead on this model", he said. "It is a matter of fact that whenever BJP-led governments are formed, country progresses," he said. Taking a dig at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Shah said under the economist PM the country had a poor growth rate of just 4.4 per cent, whereas today India is the fastest growing economy in the world. Shah also said that the previous Congress-led UPA government was hit by scams of Rs 12 lakh crore, "whereas not even the opposition parties have been able to point fingers at the BJP governments at the Centre and ruling some states". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across the country to strengthen the party. He is on a 110-day nationwide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 35 pigs and piglets have died of classical swine fever in Mizoram-Myanmar border village of Biate in Champhai district since July. State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department director Dr Saingura Sailo said, laboratory tests have confirmed that the pigs died of classical swine fever and not Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). The laboratory tests were conducted at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at Selesih near Aizawl, he said. Sailo confirmed that there was an outbreak of classical swine fever in Champhai town and Biate village of Champhai district. Young Mizo Association (YMA) leader of Biate village Remkunga told PTI over phone that the pigs died before any medical treatment could be administered. "All the dead pigs and piglets were hastily buried to arrest further spread of the disease," he said. While classical swine fever has killed over 170 pigs and piglets in Champhai town during June and early July, there was an outbreak of the disease in Biate village after it was contained in Champhai town, he said. Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious disease among pigs. Meanwhile, 3,000 pigs died of PRRS in 2013 and over 4,000 pigs died of the same disease in the state last year. PRRS is a viral disease characterized by two overlapping clinical presentations, reproductive impairment or failure in breeding animals and respiratory disease in pigs of any age. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Piramal Enterprises today said it has appointed Anand Piramal to its board as a non-Executive, non-Independent Director of the company. Anand Piramal, founded Piramal Realty in 2012 and prior to that a rural healthcare start-up Piramal eSwasthya. ******* Madison Media acquires controlling stake in HiveMinds Mumbai: Madison Media today said it has acquired a controlling stake in Bengaluru-based performance marketing agency, HiveMinds Innovative Market Solutions for an undisclosed sum. Established six years ago, HiveMinds' strengths have been in search, social, performance marketing and programmatic buying and specialises in ecommerce, education and travel, and its clients include BigBasket, ABOF, ClearTrip, CloudNine Hospitals among others. ******* Black & Veatch elevates Rajiv Menon as MD for India business Mumbai: EPC solutions provider Black & Veatch today said it has elevated Rajiv Menon as Managing Director for its India business. He succeeds Anand Pattani as Managing Director of Black & Veatch India, who has moved to Overland Park, USA to take up a senior role in the company's oil and gas business. Menon joined the company in 2013 as Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development. ******* Religare Health ties-up with Punjab National Bank Mumbai: Religare Health Insurance today said it has entered into a bancassurance tie-up with public sector lender Punjab National Bank. "Punjab National Bank is among the largest and most respected banks in India, with a 123-year old tradition of bringing true value for money and convenient banking solutions to its customers. With this partnership we endeavour to offer long-term healthcare and wellness solutions to the bank's customers," Religare Health Insurance Managing Director Chief Executive Officer Anuj Gulati said. With the bank's around 7,000 branches across the country, Religare Health Insurance will expand its footprint across the country. ******* InCred ropes in Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador Mumbai: Fintech startup InCred today said it has roped in former India skipper Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. The company plans to work closely with Dravid on its marketing strategy through various online and offline marketing platforms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Poland is looking into demanding reparations from Germany for the massive losses inflicted on Poland during World War II, an official said today. The Polish parliament's research office is preparing an analysis of whether to make the claim and will have it ready by August 11, said Arakadiusz Mularczyk, a lawmaker with the ruling Law and Justice party. The step comes after Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Poland's most powerful politician, said in a recent interview that the "Polish government is preparing itself for a historical counteroffensive." "We are talking here about huge sums, and also about the fact that Germany for many years refused to take responsibility for World War II," Kaczynski, who is the leader of the conservative ruling party, told Radio Maryja last week. The massive suffering inflicted on Poland has been a topic of public discussion recently as Poland marked the anniversary of the start of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 yesterday. The doomed revolt against the Nazi German occupying forces resulted in the killing of 200,000 Poles and the near total destruction of Warsaw. Amid the observances, Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said Germans need to "pay back the terrible debt they owe to the Polish people." World War II, which began with the German invasion of Poland in 1939, killed nearly 6 million Polish citizens and wrought huge material loss on the country, including the destruction of churches and other cultural treasures and entire cities. Kaczynski also called for reparations from Germany when he was prime minister more than a decade ago, creating some tensions between Poland and Germany, which are important trade partners and allies in NATO and the European Union. Germany has paid billions of euros over the years in compensation for Nazi crimes, primarily to Jewish survivors, and acknowledges the country's responsibility for keeping alive the memory of Nazi atrocities and atoning for them. Poland's former communist government said it wouldn't make claims on Germany. Macierewicz said yesterday that the communist-era Poland was a "Soviet puppet state" whose decision is not legally valid today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain's 96-year-old Prince Philip carried out his final solo engagement here today to begin his retirement from royal duties. The Duke of Edinburgh is the longest serving consort to a British monarch with 65 years of public service and appearing at hundreds of events alongside his wife Queen Elizabeth II. His appearance today at a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge - a series of strength and endurance challenges raising funds and awareness for charity - brings his solo engagements total to 22,220 since 1952. In his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, he met British naval servicemen who have taken part in a 1,664- mile trek as part of the challenge at a Buckingham Palace ceremony. Prince Philip then took the royal salute from a dais on the Palace forecourt and parade ended with three cheers for the Captain General. He then set off to join the Queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the couple traditionally spend this time of the year. While his official diary of engagements come to an end today, the Palace has said the Duke may still decide to attend some events alongside the Queen, 91, whose diary of events remains unchanged. "The parade would bring His Royal Highness' individual programme to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time to time,"a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said. According to palace records, Prince Philip has undertaken 637 solo overseas visits to 143 countries, delivered 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and carried out the role of patron for 785 organisations during his royal career. It was announced in May that he would no longer undertake any solo royal engagements but the Palace had stressed that the surprise was not health related. The Duke is known for his quips and over the past few months has been joking about his impending retirement, telling British celebrity cook Prue Leith at a Palace event: "I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs". PrincePhilip, who has long been considered among the most active royals in the UK, has been married to Queen Elizabeth IIsince 1947. The couple are set to mark their 70thor platinumwedding anniversary in November this year. Their son and heir,PrinceCharles, and grandsonsPrincesWilliam and Harry are expected to take on additional royal duties to step in forPrincePhilipat public engagements from this month. The Queen andPrincePhiliphad already cut down on long-haul travel for some years now, with younger royals taking on those duties. Close confidantes of the royal family said that the decision to retire was a personal one taken byPrincePhilip himself, who may now devote his time to writing his memoirs. (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 asked the doctors to provide best possible treatment to patients and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of swine flu. During inspection of the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences here, the chief minister said that the institute should stress on enhancing its facilities so that patients arriving here from different parts of the state get benefited. A UP government spokesperson said that the chief minister visited critical care medicine, dialysis unit and new OPD wards and also inspected the isolation ward meant for treatment of swine flu patients. He also said that the UP government was committed to provide better health facilities to the poor. The chief minister asked the doctors to optimally utilise the resources available in the hospital and not send the patients out unnecessarily to buy medicines or for tests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Wednesday said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held a bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect China's territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops' crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China's territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China values the growth of good- neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. announced it has dropped plans to buy a 10-percent stake in American Airlines, as Doha remains embroiled in a diplomatic row with its neighbours. A review of the planned move "demonstrated that the investment no longer meets our objectives," the company said in a statement, without elaborating. The Qatari airline's surprise plan to buy at least $808 million in American Airlines shares was disclosed by the US carrier in a securities filing June 23. The Qatari carrier said it would "continue to investigate alternative investment opportunities in the United States of America and elsewhere that do meet our objectives." The announcement comes as Qatar remains embroiled in the worst regional crisis in years. On June 5, Saudi Arabia and its allies including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of backing extremist groups and being too close to Riyadh's arch-rival Iran. Qatar, a key US ally, denies the allegations and accuses the Saudi-led bloc of imposing a "siege" on the tiny emirate. On July 13, American Airlines announced its decision to no longer share flights with as part of its push against government subsidies of Middle East carriers. American Airlines -- along with fellow US carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines -- has called for the White House to crack down on an alleged $50 billion in state subsidies to carriers in the Middle East. The Texas-based US airline said the Qatari decision left American's immediate plans unchanged. "We respect Qatar Airways' decision not to proceed with its proposed investment in American Airlines," the company said in a statement. "This in no way changes the course for American. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today held a meeting of the newly-formed All India Professionals' Congress and urged it to help the country's professionals connect with the Congress and bring their voices into politics and policy making. "We have formed All India Professionals' Congress. We invite the country's professionals and want their voices to be included in politics and policy making in the country," he told reporters. "Great to have Shashi (Tharoor) and Milind (Deora) build a platform to bring the voices of working professionals into politics," he said on Twitter. The Congress has created two new organisational departments -- Professionals Congress and Unorganised Workers Congress -- to reach out to tax-paying professionals and unorganised workers as part of its revival plan. Besides its chairman Tharoor, those who attended today's meeting at the AICC headquarters included Deora, Geeta Reddy, Gaurav Gogoi and Salman Soz, who have been appointed coordinators of West, South, East and North zones. The Congress wing has been formed to help integrate the educated tax-paying professionals of the country and their aspirations for the future of India into the Congress's political system. "This is all a part of reviving the party. This is one more step to say the Congress continues to be a vibrant party," Tharoor said. The Congress is seeking to give an opportunity to such people channelise their imagination, energies, professional skills and ideas to help meet their aspirations in India. He said the initiative aims at having a decentralised, democratic platform with chapter in every city, but there will be a fellowship fee of Rs 1,000 so that it is not going to be like the BJP's missed calls and "fake members". He said some people have interest in politics but stay detached from it because they feel that professional work is different and that they have no access to the political world. "Very often they have bright minds, political ideas but have no idea how to connect to the political process. They feel that the political process has no room for them," he said yesterday. The office-bearers today discussed the future strategy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil superstar Rajinikanth today objected to the strike by an employees' federation of Tamil film industry over a wage dispute and called for talks to end the strike, which entered its second day today. In a related development, Film Employees' Federation of South India (FEFSI), which had given the strike call following differences with a producers' body, pressed for "unconditional talks" to solve the impasse. In a statement, Rajinikanth, currently shooting for his multi-lingual 'Kaala', said "Strike is one among the words I don't like. A solution can be found for any issue without giving space to personal egos and keeping in mind the general good," he said. The veteran star urged FEFSI and Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) to hold talks and soon arrive at an "amicable solution." "This is my humble request as a senior artiste," he added. Meanwhile, FEFSI president, director RK Selvamani, asked TFPC to come for "unconditional talks." Selvamani told reporters that issues could be solved through talks even as the fate of about 10,000 workers, including 1400 of them employed in the "Kaala" unit, was at stake. "Please hold unconditional talks. About 10,000 persons are affected and even you (producers) are facing losses," he said. Selvamani said FEFSI had apprised Rajinikanth of the situation and the actor had suggested holding talks to find a solution for ending the strike. FEFSI planned to meet veteran actor Kamal Haasan also, Selvamani added. FEFSI went on strike yesterday after TFPC refused to budge from its decision to hire workers of their choice and not source those owing allegiance to the former. Recently, the shooting of a Tamil film was disrupted when FEFSI members reportedly sought a hike in their wages, prompting TFPC to declare that producers were free to hire employees of their choice to carry on with their work. It had also said wages should be paid according to scales fixed by the producers' council. Irked by this, FEFSI had announced that only those registered with it should be employed by the producers. TFPC chief and actor Vishal had informed FEFSI that the producers' council was not against the employees but made it clear that business will go on as usual. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala government today informed Karnataka that it was ready to provide security to People's Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Madani, jailed in connection with Bengaluru blast case, during his visit to the state. Madani (51), an under-trial lodged in Bengaluru prison in connection with the 2008 serial blasts case, has been permitted by the NIA Court to visit his parents in Kerala. The Supreme Court permitted him to attend the wedding of his son on August 9 at Thalassery in Kannur district. While granting permission to Madani to visit Kerala to attend his son's wedding, the apex court had on July 31 asked him to bear the expenses incurred on his escort provided by the Karnataka police. PDP leader's visit ran into trouble after Karnataka police sought Rs 14.79 lakh towards security expenses during his visit to Kerala. State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a letter to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah, informed Kerala's readiness to provide security to Madani and asked to reduce the amount sought for security expenses to a reasonable and affordable amount. "My apprehension is that seeking such a huge amount is a covert move to prevent Madani from visiting the state," Vijayan said in the letter. Madani had visited Kerala on three previous occasions between 2013-16. During the first two visits, no amount was insisted and in the third visit, Rs 50,000 was required to be paid. "The amount now demanded was exorbitant and it is equal to denying justice to Madani," Vijayan said in his letter. PDP state leaders had brought the issue to the notice of the chief minister today. Opposition leader in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala also asked the chief minister to pave the way for the visit of Madani by ensuring security to him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ryan Reynolds is known for his acerbic sense of humour and the actor once pranked one of his close friends by painting his office with outrageous red colour. In a recent interview with Men's Health magazine, Reynolds opened up about the biggest prank he ever played. "A friend of mine left town for a week. When he was gone, I painted his entire office puce," the Deadpool star shared, describing the "strange colour" as "this muddy, ugly sort of red". "But we didn't just paint his office that colour - we painted everything in his entire office that colour," he continued, adding they painted "the inside of his desk, every pencil, every pen - everything". In the interview the 40-year-old actor also revealed his cheat food. "Patsy's Pizza...There's a Patsy's Pizza up in Harlem that's pretty much the best pizza on the whole planet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The political slugfest over the decision to use NOTA option in the upcomimg Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat today reached the Supreme Court which agreed to hear tomorrow a plea filed by the state unit of the Congress. The BJP has fielded its national president Amit Shah, Union minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput for the three Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat against the lone Congress candidate Ahmed Patel. The election is scheduled on August 8. The plea was mentioned before a bench comprising justices Dipak Misra, Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar by senior counsel Kapil Sibal who sought an urgent hearing on the ground that there was no statutory provision for the none of the above (NOTA) option in the ballot paper for these elections. Chief whip of the Congress in the Gujarat Assembly Shailesh Manubhai Parmar in his petition has sought quashing of the August one circular issued by the secretary of the Assembly. The circular has stated that the NOTA option would be made applicable in the Upper House elections. The petition has alleged that use of the option would be violative of the provisions of the Representation of People's Act, 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. "Without a corresponding amendment in the Act and the Rules any purported administrative action of the Election Commission of India to introduce NOTA is ex-facie illegal, arbitrary and in fact tainted with malafide," it claimed. The petition alleged that the ECI, which despite being the constitutional watch dog for ensuring free and fair elections, "has become a tool in the hands of the ruling dispensation to facilitate violation of the provisions of the Constitution, the Act and the Rules". It said the All India Congress Committee (AICC) had made a representation before the ECI "highlighting the illegal nature of the circulars" and requesting the poll panel to refrain from implementing the same to ensure free and fair elections, but the state Assembly issued a circular making available the NOTA choice. The plea sought quashing and declaring as "void" the circulars dated January 24, 2014 and November 12, 2015 issued by the ECI making available the option. It alleged that the direction was not only "contrary" to the express provisions of Article 80(4) of the Constitution, the RPA and the Rules, but also against a judgement of the apex court in 2006. The petition claimed that the circulars on NOTA defeated the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. The direction to have NOTA in the elections was enforced in January 2014 after the Supreme Court in 2013 made it mandatory to have the option in the electronic voting machines (EVMs). In the Rajya Sabha polls, the MLAs have to show their ballot paper to an authorised party agent before putting it in ballot box. If a voter (MLA) defies the party directive and casts the ballot for someone else or uses the NOTA option, he cannot be disqualified as a legislator. But the party is free to take disciplinary action including expulsion. The defiant voter can continue to be an MLA and his vote can also not be invalidated for defying the party direction, according to the ECI rules. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who has voiced displeasure over the split in Bihar's Grand Alliance, today met some party office bearers where he discussed the development even as an aide said the veteran leader could float a new party. Sources said after the meeting where some general secretaries were present that he would take a call on the future direction he would take around the time when the JD(U) national executive meets in Patna on August 19. Although Yadav has voiced his displeasure over JD(U) walking out of the Grand Alliance and embracing BJP to form a government in Bihar, he has refrained from attacking party president and chief minister Nitish Kumar so far. He has called a meeting under the banner of 'Sajhi Virasat' (common heritage) on August 17 to which leaders of various opposition parties will be invited, sources close to him said. With issues like communal harmony and democratic rights on the agenda, speakers are likely to attack the BJP-led NDA government, they said. Meanwhile, Vijay Verma, a trusted aide of Yadav, said in Bihar's Madhepura that the senior JD(U) leader was in touch with "old friends" and pondering over the political situation that has emerged after the split. "Forming a new party is one of the options to which serious thought is being given," he said. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad has already appealed to Yadav to come out of the JD(U) and join the fight by secularists against communal forces. However, K C Tyagi, JD(U) principal general secretary considered close to Yadav, termed the talk about such a move a "rumour". Verma claimed Yadav had said "emphatically" that he would continue to be a part of a coalition of secular parties. He has already met senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury. Quoting Yadav, Verma said he had also ruled out the possibility of joining the Modi government as a cabinet minister. There is unease in a section of the JD(U) over Kumar joining hands with the BJP, with at least two of its Rajya Sabha MPs--Ali Anwar and M P Veerendra Kumar-- making their displeasure public. "Yadav had expressed surprise (over decision to join hands with the BJP) but never said I protest against this," K C Tyagi said. "I have seen Sharadji closely for the past 40 years and know that he had parted ways with Lalu Prasad on the issue of corruption...How can he go with Lalu now?" he asked. Sources close to Yadav said he would visit Bihar after the vice presidential election on August 5. They said many state units of the party were with Yadav as they were opposed to Kumar's decision of aligning with the BJP. However, JD(U) is a recognised party only in Bihar where its legislators are firmly behind Kumar. "The decision to break the Grand Alliance was taken by Bihar JD(U) at its executive meeting which I had to abide by. "The JD(U) is registered with the Election Commission as a regional party in Bihar and hence going against the decision of the state party was not possible for me," Kumar had said earlier while defending his decision to go with the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of Shiite protesters chanted slogans against the Islamic State group today as they carried the coffins of victims of a mosque attack that killed 33 people in the western Afghan city of Herat. Up to 5,000 angry mourners, including relatives of the dead, congregated near the site of yesterday's suicide bomb attack as IS claimed responsiblity for the latest atrocity targeting the minority community. "Death to Daesh (IS)!" and "Down with fundamentalism", the demonstrators chanted, as the coffins were brought one by one and placed in a refrigerated lorry near the Jawadya mosque. The mourners, who then marched to the cemetery to bury their dead, also demanded that the government bring the perpetrators to justice and pledged to "take revenge" if it did not. Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for the governor of Herat province, said the death toll from the attack, in which two suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the packed mosque, had risen to 33. Another 66 were wounded. It came a day after IS claimed a deadly assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul as it extends its footprint in the war-torn country. Underscoring the nation's insecurity, a Taliban suicide bomber on Wednesday rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces in the restive southern province of Kandahar, killing two US soldiers. Shiites, a minority of around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted by IS jihadists over the last year. They accuse police and troops of failing to protect them. "I lost all my loved ones, they even killed children as young as seven. This wasn't an attack on Shiites, this was an attack on all Afghans, all Muslims," Farhad Dost, whose cousin died in the assault, told AFP. Members of the Shiite community said police had fled their checkpost, around 100 metres from the mosque, after the two attackers struck at around 8:00 pm (1530 GMT) on Tuesday. Angry locals then clashed with the police and set the checkpost on fire, according to witnesses who reported that officers opened fire, injuring some demonstrators. The governor's spokesman said the police chief of the district had been suspended for "negligence" and a delegation from Kabul had been sent to investigate the attack. In a statement today, IS's propaganda outlet Amaq claimed the group had killed "around 50 Shiites" and wounded 80 more in the attack, which also left young children dead. Witnesses described scenes of terror and chaos, with emergency wards overwhelmed and survivors rushing victims to hospital in their own vehicles and even on foot. "There weren't enough ambulances... I tried to take a small child to hospital but he died in my hands," Ali, who only gave one name, told AFP. Farhad Afshar rushed to the mosque, where worshippers had gathered for prayers, after hearing the explosion. "When I arrived the mosque was full of flesh and blood. I saw a mother crying and searching for her two children. She found one them wounded inside the mosque, the other was found dead in an ambulance," he told AFP. Quoting survivors, he said the attackers first opened fire on the worshippers, then threw grenades before finally blowing themselves up inside the mosque. IS has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks killing dozens of Shiites in Kabul over the past year, including twin explosions in July 2016 that ripped through crowds of Shiite Hazaras, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AICC general secretary Sushil Kumar Shinde, who has recently taken over as in-charge of party affairs in Himachal Pradesh, arrived here today. Shinde will be meeting the members of Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), district party presidents and other senior leaders during his stay, the party said. He will also hold separate meetings with the MLAs to iron out differences between Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and HPCC president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. On his arrival, a section of party workers shouted slogans against the HPCC chief. Shinde, however, said that such things keep happening but he was confident that the party will contest the assembly elections unitedly and return to power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Sonia Gandhi today expressed grief over the passing away of senior party leader and former Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev. She noted that in a political career spanning five decades, Dev held numerous crucial political assignments in the Congress and in the government. "His immense contribution to build the party in the Northeast, right from the grassroots level would always be remembered," she said in a statement His death is an irreparable loss to the nation, she added. The seven-time MP died at his home in Silchar in Assam due to a kidney ailment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress created a ruckus in the Maharashtra Assembly today demanding removal of Housing Minister Prakash Mehta who is under the scanner in connection with a slum redevelopment project. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis turned down the demand for Mehta's ouster. Fadnavis recently ordered a probe against Mehta for allegedly allowing unauthorised transfer of extra building rights in the slum rehabilitation authority (SRA) project in south Mumbai, originally granted to slum dwellers, to project affected people (PAPs), apparently to favour a developer. While sanctioning the changes, Mehta had wrongly mentioned in the project file that he had kept the chief minister in the loop, which was denied by Fadnavis. Raising the issue in the House, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the housing minister had allotted a plot in suburban Ghatkopar to Nirmal Holdings this year which was taken back from the developer in the year 2016 by the state government. "The same builder was given the same plot in 2006 also, but he did nothing to develop the plot for the next 10 years (upto 2016). The state government in 2016 took the plot back, but again the plot was given to the builder this year. This is highly unethical and unacceptable. A plot at such crucial location can not be handed over without the consent of the minister concerned," he said. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said Mehta had issued a press statement in which he has blamed his Cabinet colleagues on the matter. Meanwhile, Fadnavis said, "I have already said that I am ready to set up an inquiry into alleged transfer of (extra building) rights by Mehta. A decision cannot be taken immediately as scrutiny has to be done first". However, Opposition MLAs argued that Mehta should be removed as minister first as his presence in the House could influence the inquiry against him, and walked out of the House in protest. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Mehta said, "I will answer every question (regarding the issue) in the Assembly only. I won't make any comment outside the House. I have not issued any press statement about the allegations levelled against me". When asked about the re-allotment of the plot to the developer, the minister said he didn't remember. "I will have to check the records," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Successive governments have "short changed" by treating it like their private properties, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Dinesh Trivedi said on Wednesday as he urged the Centre to review the decision to divest stake in the airline. "By just looking at the debt and ignoring the revival signs would be to take a narrow view of the situation," the former railway minister said. As part of efforts to revive the carrier, the Cabinet has given in-principle approval for divestment and the final contours are being worked out by a group of ministers. "If today is in this financial situation it was not because of but successive governments have short-changed Air India and treated it like their private properties and at times private airlines, be international or domestic came under category of favoured airlines," Trivedi said. Against this backdrop, Trivedi said it is evident that there is potential for further growth of Air India if the turnaround plan continues along with other rationalisation measures. The airline, which is staying afloat on a little over Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime, reported an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in 2015- 16 - the first time it turned operationally profitable in a decade. Urging the government to reconsider the decision on Air India disinvestment, Trivedi said it should work on restructuring debt and push the turnaround plan. "As the government operates BSNL and MTNL in communications and Doordarshan and All India Radio in broadcasting, it should have a carrier as well," he added. He has also served as a member of the parliamentary consultative committee of the civil aviation ministry. (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.) Tamil Nadu received the highest footfall of foreign tourists in 2016, followed by Kerala, across all states in India, Parliament was informed today. Tamil Nadu also ranked first in receiving total number of both domestic and foreign tourists in the country, Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha member Ram Narain Dudi. While Tamil Nadu received nearly 47.22 lakh foreign tourists, consuming 19.1 per cent share of the total number of foreign tourist visits to states across the country, Kerala received over 10.38 lakh tourists taking 4.2 per cent share. In terms of domestic tourist visits, other than Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh - both 9.5 per cent, Karnataka - 8 per cent, and Telangana - 5.9 per cent, were among the top 10 states. Kerala's domestic tourist footfall was around 1.32 crore, whereas the Union Territory of Puducherry received 13.99 lakh domestic tourists and over 1.17 lakh foreign tourists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 17-year-old boy opened the emergency door of a plane minutes after it landed in San Francisco, slid down the wing and jumped onto a tarmac, authorities said. The teen, a US citizen, was flying by himself from Panama City, Panama, to San Francisco and appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight, said San Francisco Airport spokesman Doug Yakel yesterday. An airfield construction crew working nearby confronted the boy and held him until police arrived and arrested him. He was not injured, Yakel said. Passengers said the teen seemed fidgety and anxious throughout the flight that he acted so quickly, no one had a chance to stop him. Sophia Gibson, of San Jose, said people sitting next to him were shocked when he jumped out of the plane and onto the wing. "It was as if he was like flying out, like it was really fast," Gibson told San Jose television station KNTV. Matt Crowder, of Atherton, said people sitting near the exit row stood up when the boy jumped out and started to shout. "They were yelling, 'Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The door's open. Someone jumped off,'" Crowder told the television station. "It was pretty crazy." The Panama-based airline said in a brief statement that a crew member on Copa Airlines Flight 208 closed the door and the plane then taxied to the gate, where all the other passengers got off the flight without incident. But passenger Isaac Rodrigues said there was no door to close and a flight attendant blocked the gap with her body and the plane then continued on to the gate. "They put one of the stewardesses to block it so no one would fall out of there or leave," he said. "We were on the runway for about an hour." No runways or other flights were affected, Yakel said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) today said it entered into an MoU with Red Hat Inc, a provider of open source solutions, to offer training and certification programmes to engineering students in the state. As part of the MoU, TASK and Red Hat will discuss areas for collaboration to equip all TASK partner colleges with Red Hat Enterprise Linux for purpose of training and services for their labs and to subsidise the cost of training and certification for faculty, a press release said. Open Source solutions are core to innovation in areas like cloud computing, containers, mobile, artificial intelligence and machine learning and beyond. With this MOU, TASK and Red Hat are aiming to prepare enterprise-ready talent in India, the release said. "As part of the programme, TASK member institutions can receive no-cost instructor training and support Red Hat Technology for use in the lab environments at the colleges with flexible delivery options and printed, digital or online textbooks," it said. Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Rege, Managing Director of India and SAARC at Red Hat, said, "We hope through this initiative with TASK, we can help prepare students for strong careers support future open source contributors and innovators." Sujiv Nair, CEO of TASK, said "This collaboration aims to reach 1,500 students in the next two years to gain expertise in open source skills and certification on emerging technologies like DevOps, cloud, IT automation and more. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will not meet his North Korean counterpart at a regional forum in Manila and will instead push to deepen Pyongyang's diplomatic isolation, a senior US official said. North Korea's push to build a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening US cities has brought the region to the brink of crisis, and Washington is using every diplomatic lever to shut the program down. But, in defiance of efforts to isolate Kim Jong-Un's pariah regime, Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho will attend a regional security forum alongside the ASEAN ministerial meeting this weekend. Tillerson and other key players, including China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will also be in the Philippine capital -- but Susan Thornton, the acting US assistant secretary of state, today said the US diplomat would not take the opportunity to meet Ri. "What we would expect to see this year at the meeting would be a general chorus of condemnation of North Korea's provocative behavior," she said. Tillerson has no plans to meet separately with the North Koreans, she said, while at the forum itself she predicted "pretty serious diplomatic isolation directed at the North Korean foreign minister." South East Asian diplomatic sources told AFP that Tillerson had lobbied US allies to exclude North Korea from the ASEAN regional forum, which meets to discuss Asia-Pacific security issues alongside ASEAN talks. Thornton confirmed that Washington is seeking to further isolate Pyongyang, but admitted that there had not been time to convince its regional allies to update the guest list before the Manila talks. "We've been going around talking to partners to talk about what more they can do to increase pressure on the regime and increase the diplomatic isolation of the regime," she told reporters. "We've been having a serious discussion about what it would take for a member to be suspended from this organization that is dedicated to conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. "We'll see how that develops in the coming year. Of course it's too late for us to have that conversation, since the meeting is upon us for this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu continued to press the Centre seeking an exemption from the National Eligibility- cum-Entrance Test (NEET), with its Health Minister C Vijayabaskar meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi today over the issue, second time in about three weeks. "Vijayabaskar, who has been camping in Delhi, met the prime minister along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai once again and requested for a NEET-exemption," a state government release here said. This is the second time the state health minister met Modi on the NEET issue in the past three weeks. He was the part of a ministerial delegation that called on Modi on July 20, pressing for the Presidential assent to two bills adopted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in February. The bills aimed at paving way for continuation of the undergraduate medical admissions on the basis of class 12 marks, exempting Tamil Nadu from the ambit of NEET for admission to MBBS/BDS courses. Earlier this week, Vijayabaskar had called on Union Home Ministers Rajnath Singh, Health Minister JP Nadda and MoS in the PMO Jitendra Singh. Chief Minister K Palaniswami had also met Modi over the issue recently. Opposition parties, including the DMK, have protested against the AIADMK government on the issue, with the DMK holding a human chain protest here last week to press for president's assent to the two bills. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Truck operators in Punjab today held a rally at Nakodar near Jalandhar to protest the state government's decision of disbanding 134 truck unions in the state. One of the protesting truck operators set his truck on fire. They also blocked the Bathinda-Jalandhar highway for some time. All Punjab Truck Operators' Union chief Happy Sandhu said a truck operator burnt his vehicle as he was upset over the government's decision of disbanding unions. "The chief minister had promised us that our interests will be taken care of but no step has been taken for our benefit," he said. "There is anger against the government for not protecting the interests of small truck operators," Sandhu said. The state government had in July approved the Punjab Goods Carriages (Regulation and Prevention of Cartelization Rules), 2017, which bars forming cartels or unions. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said it was unfortunate that truck operators were being oppressed. SAD spokesman Daljit Cheema also said the Congress government "has pushed the truck operators into unemployment and the black phase of the Punjab economy". He urged the truck operators to desist from burning their trucks and destroying their means of livelihood. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Trump administration says it has sufficient legal authority for military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and is not seeking any changes to the 2001 law. In a letter to Congress, the administration says the authorisation for the use of military force that Congress passed after the September 11 terror attacks grants the military the authority to defend US and allied forces fighting against Islamic State forces. The letter came yesterday, the same day Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis were briefing members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill. Republicans and Democrats have raised questions about whether the 2001 law, passed as the US was targeting al-Qaida, should be revised. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump today threw his weight behind an immigration overhaul aimed at dramatically reducing the number of low-skilled migrants in the US and introducing a merit-based points system. The proposals would prioritise English speakers for green cards, and would put a cap on the number of refugees able to gain permanent residency at 50,000 a year. Trump endorsed the proposal in remarks at the White House, flanked by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue, who drafted the legislation. The president said the plan would represent "the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century." "Our system does not prioritize the most highly skilled immigrants-just one out of every 15 immigrants to the United States comes here because of their skills," the White House said in a statement previewing Trump's remarks. "On average, one million immigrants are accepted into the United States for legal permanent residency annually, and most of them are low or unskilled workers. This influx is the equivalent of adding more than the population of San Francisco to the country every year." Trump said the new system, if approved, would "help ensure that newcomers to our wonderful country will be assimilated, will succeed and achieve the American dream," while also protecting "struggling American families." Critics say that the proposals would result in an actual reduction of wages across the board, by slashing the number of migrants creating jobs. "High-skilled immigrants are huge economic multipliers," the libertarian CATO institute said in a recent report claiming every skilled migrant coming to the US creates 1.8 jobs for native-born Americans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed Christopher Wray as the new FBI director, replacing James Comey who was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump amid a probe into the Trump campaign's alleged collusion with Russia to influence the last year's presidential election. Wray, 50, received a bipartisan support of 92-5 votes on the Senate floor. "The FBI is our country's top law enforcement agency and it needs a qualified leader committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting its independence. I'm confident that Christopher Wray is up to that considerable task," Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee said. "He said he would resign if President Trump asked him to do anything illegal, and that he would consider any effort to tamper with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation to be unacceptable," she said. Mueller's team is investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. A former high-ranking official in President George W Bush's Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud, Wray takes up the top job at a critical juncture marked by the ouster of Comey, 56. Trump on May 10 abruptly fired Comey who was overseeing a criminal probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government to influence the 2016 presidential election that was won by the real estate mogul. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said the next FBI Director will be under incredible scrutiny. "America needs an FBI Director who will face that pressure with integrity, independence, and a firm commitment to the rule of law. He may also have to stand up to this President if the interests of justice demand it. I believe Mr Wray can do that, and Congress will be closely monitoring the FBI to ensure Mr Wray is effectively serving the American people and the rule of law," Durbin said. Wray is a proven public servant with an impressive law enforcement track record, and he is well-equipped to take the reins of the FBI during these challenging times, Senator Tom Carper said. In a statement, Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Trump's firing of Comey and his continuing public criticism and intimidation of Attorney General Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein shows that "the President has little respect for the rule of law or separation of powers". "Mr Wray will have a steep challenge ahead of him as he swears to support and defend the Constitution," he said. Cardin said it is outrageous that the Trump administration's decision to cancel the current request for proposals for a fully consolidated FBI headquarters puts America's national security at risk. Deputy Assistant to the US President Lisa Curtis met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval during her two-day India visit and discussed bilateral relations. Curtis, who is the National Security Council Senior Director for South and Central Asia, met senior government officials as well as business executives to discuss US-India relations and regional issues during her visit from July 31 to August 1, a US Embassy statement said today. She was joined by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Alice Wells. "In their meetings, Curtis and Ambassador Wells reiterated President (Donald) Trump and Prime Minister Modi's commitment to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between our countries and advance common objectives such as combating terrorist threats, promoting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, increasing free and fair trade, and strengthening energy linkages," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Under mounting domestic pressure, President Donald Trump today signed into law a legislation that imposes tough sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea and limits his ability to lift the curbs unilaterally. "I favour tough measures to punish and deter bad behaviour by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilisation," Trump said in a statement after he signed the 'Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act'. The bill sanctions Russia - citing its cyberhacking as well as aggression in Ukraine and Syria - while also slapping new sanctions on North Korea and Iran. The legislation limits the ability of the president to lift the sanctions unilaterally. The signing of the bill put to rest questions about whether Trump would support the legislation passed overwhelmingly by Congress last week while he still excoriated the measure as "significantly flawed." Trump said the bill was seriously flawed - particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate. "Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the US to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together," he argued. Yet despite its problems, Trump said, he is signing the bill for the sake of national unity. "It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary," said the US president. The sanctions targets the Russian energy sector, giving the US the ability to sanction companies involved in developing Russian pipelines, and placing curbs on some Russian weapons exporters. The sanctions seek to penalise the Kremlin for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- which Trump won -- and Russia's annexation of Crimea. In his signing statement, Trump alleged that in its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions. The bill prescribes a review period that precludes the president from taking certain actions, he asserted. After Trump's signing of the bill, Senator Rob Portman said by doing so the US made important progress toward holding Russia, Iran, and North Korea accountable for their aggressive and destabilising behaviour. "I am pleased President Trump signed this legislation, which includes my priorities to counter Russian propaganda and disinformation, into law," he said. These countries actively undermine US allies and interests and this legislation sends a clear signal that their actions have consequences and that the US stands with its allies around the world, he added. "The important sanctions and policies included in this law will also provide constructive guidance to the administration as it continues to formulate its foreign policy. The US must demonstrate a firm and principled approach to Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and this law helps us do just that," Portman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump has signed into law a package of sanctions against Russia, the White House said today, after he had privately opposed the measures and his aides had lobbied against them. Two White House sources said Trump had signed the bill behind closed doors and away from the cameras -- in signing it, he avoided the humiliating prospect of Congress overriding his veto. The package introduces tough additional sanctions against Russia over alleged meddling in last year's election and its annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 47-year-old Indian-origin doctor in east London was on Thursday charged with 118 sex offences, including one assault on a child under 13, by the Scotland Yard. Dr Manish Shah, from Brunel Close in Romford area of the city, is accused of 65 counts of assault by penetration and 52 allegations of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police said. The doctor is also charged with one count of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13. "Manish Shah has been charged with 65 assault by penetration, contrary to Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, 52 sexual assault, contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and 1 sexual assault on a child under 13 years, contrary to Section 7 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003," the Met Police said in a statement today. Shah is out on bail and is due to appear on August 31 at Barkingside Magistrates' Court in London. "The NHS ( Health Service) has a dedicated number for any individuals who may have concerns or questions. They can be contacted on 0800 011 4253," the Met Police said. The offences are alleged to have occurred between June 2004 and July 2013 and relate to 54 victims. The charges announced today follow a long-running investigation into Shah, who has been bailed several times after first being arrested in 2013. The UN's peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has voiced alarm at "arbitrary arrests" during a protest against President Joseph Kabila's sustained grip on power. "I am concerned by the restrictions imposed on peaceful assembly and arrests of those who seek to express their political views, as well as by the targeting of journalists and the confiscation of their materials," said UN Mission in the Congo (MONUSCO) head Maman Sidikou. On Monday the United Nations documented more than 120 arrests or detentions in Kinshasa, Goma and other towns, including local and foreign journalists, he added. Police and opposition protesters clashed in Goma on Monday as demonstrators called for elections. Several opposition coalitions and prominent figures had publicly backed the marches, timed to mark the July 31 date given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to conclude a voter registration programme. Political tension is rising steadily in DR Congo as the pressure mounts on Kabila, whose mandate expired on December 20 last year, to organise elections. Under an agreement reached at the end of last year, Kabila was to hold them by the end of 2017, under the aegis of the influential Roman Catholic church. On July 7, however, CENI announced it would not be possible to organise elections in the vast and troubled country by year end. Decrying the "arbitrary arrests and detentions" Sidikou yesterday called on the national and local authorities "to fully uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Congolese Constitution". He also stressed the need for all political stakeholders "to refrain from any statement or action that could heighten tension and further polarise the political landscape". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet's approval to a proposal making registration of all marriages, including the Nikaah, mandatory has been largely welcomed by Muslim organisations in the state. However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said there should be no provision that unregistered marriages are equivalent to no marriage. President of the All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Shaista Amber said the government's decision was a step in the right direction. "The marriage registration certificate will remain as a proof of marriage, and it will also help family members of bride and groom as well as their children," Amber said. Welcoming the decision, AIMWPLB general secretary Rabia Sandal said it will go a long way in ensuring social security for women. "This is certainly a good move by the Uttar Pradesh government and we welcome it," she said. All India Shia Personal Law Board also welcomed the decision to make mandatory registration of all marriages, including the Nikaah, taking place in the state. "It is certainly a good move, and we welcome it wholeheartedly. We believe that this decision will definitely boost the social security of women as many of them after marriage were forced to suffer and face social stigma because of their husbands deserting them," said Yasoob Abbas, spokesperson for the All India Shia Personal Law Board said. However, AIPMLB member Zafaryab Jilani said, "See, we have no problem in making registration of marriages mandatory. But, at the same time, there should be no provision which says no registration mean no marriage." The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet yesterday gave its approval to a proposal making registration of all marriages taking place in the state mandatory. "After the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Guidelines-2017, all marriages taking place within the state or where either of the parties is a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh, will have to be registered," a state government release had said. UP cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, "People from all religions were consulted. People from a particular community said that in Nikaah, there is no photo. The government said that if you have no objection in putting your photo on the Aadhaar card or voter I-card, then why not this." In a normal Nikaahnama, there is no provision to put a photograph of the bride and groom, Rabia Sandal said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The growing partnership between the US, India and Japan is to keep peace in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, a top American commander has said, dismissing as "unfortunate" concerns raised by China over multilateral drills, including the Malabar naval exercise. "I say our partnerships stand on their own merits. Deepening military cooperation between these four great democracies (the US, Japan, Australia and India) is based on shared values and shared concerns," US Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Admiral Harry Harris said. In Malabar, he said, the US, Japan and India continued growing their partnership to keep the peace throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific. "And in Talisman Saber, Japan and the US joined our war- fighting mates in Australia," Harris said. "Unfortunately, there are some who question the motives for the increasingly cooperative relationship between the US, Japan, Australia and India," Harris said in an apparent reference to the Chinese objections to such multilateral exercises. India, Japan and the US last month held Malabar naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal amid China's growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean region. Harris said that China's desire to pick and choose when it comes to international law demonstrates the kind of nation China is. "To me, China is a strategic competitor for the United States - and to Japan, for that matter," he said. Harris said he has repeatedly emphasised that they can't allow the areas where they disagree with China to impact their ability to make progress in the areas where they do agree. "All Indo-Asia-Pacific nations, including the United States, should use smart power and try to cooperate with China where possible," he said. "For PACOM, my goal remains to convince China that its best future comes from peaceful cooperation and meaningful participation in the current rules-based international order," Harris added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US does not seek a regime change in North Korea and is weighing "all options", including working with China, to prevent the reclusive country from developing nuclear weapons, top American officials have said. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un bragged that his country could strike any target in the US after it carried out its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test. US President Donald Trump has been very outspoken about the need to stop North Korea from developing the nuclear programme. He recently said China's efforts to rein in North Korea had "not worked" out even as he appreciated Beijing for its attempts to pursue its closest ally to abandon its nuclear ambitions. "We're weighing all options, keeping all options on the table. As we've said many times before, we're not going to broadcast what we're going to do until that happens," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters yesterday. "We've been very focused on stopping the nuclear programme, stopping the missiles, stopping the aggression. That still continues to be the focus, and we're keeping all options on the table in order to do that," Sanders said. Sanders was responding to Senator Lindsay Graham's remarks that there is a military option to destroy North Korea's programme as well as the country. "The goals are to stop the nuclear programme, stop the missiles, stop the aggression. With North Korea, we're going to continue looking at the best options and ways to accomplish that," she said. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said yesterday that the US did not seek a regime change in North Korea and wanted to work with China to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. He said the US was ready to hold a dialogue with North Korea if the Communist nation gives up its pursuit of nuclear weapons. "We have reaffirmed our position towards North Korea, that what we are doing, we do not seek a regime change; we do not seek the collapse of the regime; we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula; we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson said. "We are trying to convey to the North Koreans we are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," he said. Tillerson said he hoped that at some point the North Koreans will begin to understand that the US would like to sit and have a dialogue with them about their future that will give them the security they seek and the future economic prosperity for North Korea. "This is going to be a continued effort to put ever greater pressure on the North Korean regime because our other options, obviously, are not particularly attractive," he said. Identifying North Korea as one of the first threats encountered by the Trump administration, Tillerson said the threat has materialised in the ways they expected it would. "That's why early on we identified it as a very urgent matter, and the North Koreans have certainly proven the urgency of that to us," he said. Tillerson said the US initiated a sustained and continued intensified campaign on "peaceful pressure" as the country's available options were "limited". He said the US felt the first appropriate thing to do was to seek peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk with America and others but with an understanding that a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region much less to the homeland. In doing so, the Trump Administration has sought to partner with China, he added. China accounts for 90 per cent of economic activity with North Korea, Tillerson said, adding that the Chinese have been very clear with the US that they share the same objective of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. "They do not see it in their interest for North Korea to have nuclear weapons, just as we do not see it in anyone's interest. China has ways that they can put pressure on and influence the North Korean regime because of this significant economic relationship that no one else has," he said. He said we the US continue to call upon China to use the influence with North Korea to create the conditions where America can have a productive dialogue. Tillerson said the US did not think of having a dialogue where the North Koreans come to the table assuming they are going to maintain their nuclear weapons is productive. "So that's really the objective," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cisco Chairman John Chambers today said firms taking Indians to the US for cost arbitrage displacing American workers was a "mistake" and it is important that jobs are created in both countries to ensure sustainable growth. Chambers, who is also the chairman of the newly formed US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), said the two nations can work together to create opportunities in each nation. "We have to be careful not to misstep. You cannot go in and take a whole bunch of H1-B visas and displace 500 American workers because you can do it at lower costs. That was just a mistake. I think we have to focus on investment," Chambers told reporters here. He highlighted that employment has to be created in both countries as it is "not a win-lose" situation. "Both countries can have dramatic job creation by working together and then, you have to articulate when that occurs," he said. The US government has been critical of outsourcing firms for "unfairly" taking jobs away from US workers. In the past, it accused Infosys and its larger rival Tata Consultancy Services of "unfairly" cornering the lions share of the H-1B work visas. Over the past few quarters, Indian IT companies have ramped up their efforts of hiring more locals in the US, which accounts for over 60 per cent of the sector's export revenues. Chambers explained that when an Indian company hires 10,000 Americans in the US or Cisco hires in India, the same needs to be "articulated" and that USISPF would play that role. "We are not at all a lobbying organsition... We are a strategic organisation, a forum that is focussed on how both countries can be successful," he added. USISPF, which includes prominent names like Indra Nooyi (Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo) and Ajay Banga (President and CEO, MasterCard), aims to promote bilateral trade. Chambers said USISPF will work on creating meaningful opportunities that have the power to change the lives of citizens. "We will work closely together with businesses and government leaders to achieve the goals of driving economic growth, job creation, innovation, inclusion and entrepreneurship," he added. Chambers also lauded various steps taken by the Narendra Modi government in India like demonetisation and GST. He said these will help India in creating a "sustainable" economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Urban Development Minister Madan Kaushik today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and apprised him about the progress of various projects, a state government official said. During the meeting, Kaushik said the state government was reviewing the progress of various schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and projects related to solid waste management, sewerage and drinking water, the official said. Kaushik also apprised the prime minister about the various workshops the state had organised for creating awareness about the Real Estate Act for its smooth implementation. The state minister also gave information about the preparations for the Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2021. He also thanked Modi for the support the state had received from the Centre for its development, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro moved quickly to swear in a new assembly with extraordinary powers as he faced charges that turnout figures for the body's election were "manipulated." The firm that supplies Venezuela's voting technology, Smartmatic, today said official figures in Sunday's election were "tampered with" in such a way that the turnout appeared greater than it was. The election of the new super-assembly, with candidates selected from the ruling party, drew international condemnation as a power grab by the unpopular Maduro, whose leftist government is beset by violent street protests and an economy on the brink of collapse. Those fears were underscored yesterday when two prominent opposition leaders were hustled off to jail in the middle of the night by armed members of the Venezuelan intelligence services. Maduro planned to swear in the 545 members of the so- called Constituent Assembly, including his own wife and son, today at a concert arena in Caracas, his press office said They will then take their seats on Thursday in the formal chamber of the National Assembly, which is now controlled by the opposition but whose powers will be superseded by the new body. The opposition has called a major rally for Thursday as well. Venezuelan officials claim that more than 40 percent of the country's 20 million voters cast ballots on Sunday, which were boycotted by the opposition. In London, Smartmatic chief executive Antonio Mugica told reporters: "Based on the robustness of our system, we know, without any doubt, that the turnout of the recent election for a National Constituent Assembly was manipulated." "We estimate the difference between the actual participation and the one announced by authorities is at least one million votes," he said. The British company, which has worked in Venezuela since 2004, deplored the fact that opposition parties did not provide election auditors or send representatives to the tabulation center when the results report was issued. It noted that political parties usually received printed copies of election returns of all polling stations, to allow them to compare these printed records against the results published later by the electoral commission. "This protocol has been followed in all Venezuelan elections since 2004, except for the elections last Sunday, because the opposition didn't participate," Mugica said. The opposition says turnout was closer to 12 percent -- on a par with the population of state employees, who were under major pressure to vote. According to polling firm Datanalisis, more than 70 percent of Venezuelans oppose the new assembly. Yesterday, Luis Emilio Rondon, the only opposition representative on the National Electoral Council's five-member board, charged there were irregularities in Sunday's elections. "I consider to be reasonable the doubts the people may have about the results offered by the CNE," he said, referring to the election authority by its Spanish acronym. The National Assembly on Tuesday agreed not to recognize "the fraudulent and illegitimate" Constituent Assembly, which will have the power to dissolve it. More than 125 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters since April 1 in an uptick of resistance to the Maduro government. Today's seizure of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, who were already under house arrest, marked another ominous turn in the conflict. In a statement, the Supreme Court said Lopez and Ledezma violated the terms of their house arrest by making political statements and had "a plan to flee" -- a charge their lawyers vehemently denied. In a video he pre-recorded in case he was sent back to jail, Lopez urged his supporters to keep fighting Maduro's government. "We must not give up the fight. We must never surrender. We must not tire of demanding a better Venezuela," he said. The men are two of Venezuela's most high-profile opposition leaders. Both had called for a boycott of Sunday's vote. The United States, which has already slapped sanctions on Maduro and top officials, was scathing in its reaction to the detentions. President Donald Trump sternly warned Maduro's "dictatorship" that he holds him personally responsible for the health and safety of the two men. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Maduro's administration to "lower tensions" and "find avenues for political dialogue," an appeal echoed by European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman. Spain said it would push for EU sanctions. Maduro has dismissed the US sanctions and criticism, retorting that he will not heed "imperial orders." Lopez, 46, was transferred to house arrest in July after serving three years and five months in prison as part of a 14 -year term. He had been convicted of instigating violence during protests against Maduro in 2014 that left 43 people dead. Ledezma, 62, was arrested in February 2015 on charges of conspiracy and racketeering and was placed under house arrest three months later for health reasons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Brazilian lawmakers angrily debated ahead of an unprecedented vote on whether President Michel Temer should face trial for alleged corruption, just a year after his predecessor was booted from office. Opposition deputies brandished placards today mocking Temer's rockbottom approval ratings and wheeled in a suitcase similar to one used by a Temer aide when he was caught carrying the equivalent of USD 150,000 cash in alleged bribe money. "Out with Temer," they shouted. Temer, a deeply unpopular veteran of the ruling center- right PMDB party, is accused of taking bribes from a meatpacking industry executive -- part of a wider scandal sucking in major politicians of every stripe. If two-thirds of deputies in the lower house of Congress authorize a trial and the Supreme Court accepts the case, Temer would be suspended and lower house Speaker Rodrigo Maia would take over. The upheaval comes only 12 months after Congress ejected Temer's leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff in an impeachment trial for breaking budget rules. Temer is the first sitting president to face criminal charges and now the left, which opposes his business-friendly economic reforms, smells a chance for revenge. "A thief is a thief and needs to be treated as a thief," Major Olimpio, a deputy with the leftist Solidariedade party, told the assembly. But analysts believe Temer has enough support to stop a two-thirds majority, in which case the charge would be thrown out. The president's lawyer, Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira, called the case "fiction." Temer himself was bullish, telling lawmakers at a dinner held Tuesday to try to win their support that he is "the victim of banditry and that he needs to fight back," Globo newspaper reported. There had been an opposition bid to prevent today's vote from going ahead in order to leave Temer hanging and even more vulnerable to new charges. However, lawmakers unexpectedly reached the required quorum of two-thirds of the 513 deputies quite quickly. Each deputy was to vote individually and in public on live national television, making a short statement. The process, once started, will take hours to complete. Temer is the highest-profile target in Brazil's Operation Car Wash anti-graft probe, which has uncovered rampant bribery and embezzlement in big business and high politics. Expectations are that top prosecutor Rodrigo Janot could file a second criminal charge -- for obstruction of justice -- in the coming weeks. In the current charge, Temer is alleged to have been the intended recipient of the cash being carried by a close aide in Sao Paulo. The money was allegedly an installment in millions of dollars of bribes that the JBS meatpacking giant agreed to pay Temer. In a separate investigation, prosecutors cite a secretly recorded late-night meeting between Temer and one of JBS's owners, Joesley Batista. In the recording, Temer allegedly is heard authorizing hush money payments to a onetime senior politician convicted of corruption, Eduardo Cunha. Batista gave prosecutors the recording as part of his cooperation in a plea deal, one of the many that Car Wash investigators have used to build graft cases. But Temer has proved a canny operator in Brazil's toxic political landscape. Rousseff claimed to have been the victim of a coup mounted by the right, including Temer, who was her vice president. Once impeachment proceedings began, she was swiftly pushed out. Temer, however, has shored up his own teetering coalition with political patronage and support from business interests that back market reforms aimed at strengthening signs of a tepid economic recovery. "Five major parties have already decided to back the president and that alone comes to 200 votes," said an aide. Temer then would need only the support -- or abstentions -- of 172 deputies to bury the charge against him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court today directed the central and Maharashtra governments to file replies to petitions challenging constitutional validity of some of the provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) saying its applicability will have to be tested. A division bench headed by Justice Anoop Mohta was hearing petitions filed by DB Realty, MIG (Bandra) Realtors and Builders and others, questioning the "extreme and unreasonable" provision that requires ongoing projects to be registered with the authority set up under the new act. After hearing brief arguments, the court asked the Centre and the state to file reply affidavits in four weeks. "We will have to consider and test the applicability of the act," Justice Mohta said. The court also asked the Maharashtra government to file reply to a petition filed by some plot owners, challenging a circular issued by the state authority under the RERA which says plot owners are covered under the definition of 'promoter' in the act, if they take part in construction and sale of flats. The May 11 order of the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority notified that any owner or organisation signing development agreement with a builder will also have to register under the RERA, and will be treated as a co-promoter. This is because such owner/organisation will be getting a share of revenue from the sale of flats, it said. Maharashtra Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni today told the court that RERA was aimed at regulating construction activity and also the sale of flats to third parties. "If the owner is part of the construction and also sale of flats, then he is a promoter," Kumbhakoni said. The judges, while asking the government to file reply, noted that they would have to examine the definition of 'promoter' under the act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 21-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the terrace of her building in suburban Andheri today, the police said. Varsha Yadav, a resident of the SRA building in Chandivali area of the suburb, plunged to her death at around 5:30 pm, a police official said. She was rushed to a nearby hospital by the residents of the building, where she was declared brought dead before admission. As per preliminary investigation, Yadav, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was staying with her brother, who works for a pharma company. She came to Mumbai only two months ago, the official said, adding the trigger behind Yadav taking the extreme step is being investigated. "We are recording statement of her brother to dig out information about the deceased," the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an interesting twist to the recent 'attack' on Telangana Youth Congress leader Vikram Goud, police claimed that the leader had hatched a conspiracy to harm himself to gain people's sympathy and manage a ticket for the 2019 legislative assembly elections. Goud, son of former Andhra Pradesh minister Mukesh Goud, was shot at in his residence in Film Nagar area of the city on July 28. Hyderabad Police cracked the case by arresting five persons today, who spilled the beans on the conspiracy. They are among the eight accused, including Goud who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, while two others are absconding. The 35-year-old Youth Congress leader hatched the plan of a "murder attempt" on his life to gain sympathy of people of a city constituency from where he was planning to contest, a senior police officer said, adding Goud also wanted to win the sympathy of his family and friends. "It all started in April this year, when Vikram Goud hatched the plan and told the accused that he wanted to get a ticket for the next elections. He then asked them to procure a weapon and make an attempt on him to gain popularity as well as sympathy," Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy told reporters. Goud wanted the police to believe that the act was committed by his political rivals, he said. Reddy said the accused demanded Rs 50 lakh from Goud to execute his plan. "As per the plan, S Nanda Kumar and other accused procured a country-made weapon from Madhya Pradesh. On Goud's instructions, two of them, namely Raees Khan and Shaik Ahmed, reached his house in the early hours of July 28. Khan fired two rounds at Goud's hands before fleeing along with Ahmed," the commissioner said. Two other accused arrested today have been identified as K Babu Jan and A Govind Reddy. Goud's wife Shipali M, after hearing the gunshots, rushed to the ground floor of the house only to find her husband lying with bullet wounds. Goud told her that a person shot at him before fleeing. Following a complaint from her, the police had registered a case of attempt to murder. However, during the course of investigation, it was revealed that it was Goud who had hatched the plan to pass off the incident as a genuine bid on his life. "His (Goud's) entire thought process was if this incident goes undetected and the culprits are not identified, it will remain a mystery and he will be able to secure sympathy of people of the constituency from where he was planning to contest as MLA in 2019. "Apart from this, he probably also thought that he could settle score with the people with whom he had financial disputes," Reddy said. Goud, who had invested a lot of money in mining in Odisha and also in other businesses, is indebted and quantum of his debts is being ascertained, the officer said. The top cop said Goud also wanted to get a weapon license and gunmen for his protection. "His wife is not aware about the incident (conspiracy), however, since she was not the eyewitness, whatever her husband has indicated she has just mentioned in the complaint. We have recorded Goud's statement and he has confessed to whatever others (those arrested) have told," the officer said. We would arrest Goud once he gets discharged from the hospital, he said. The Telangana Youth Congress leader and eight others have been booked on relevant sections of IPC besides the Arms Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Zoomcar, India's first 100 per cent self-drive car rental company, today announced the launch of "Hop," a one-way intercity self-drive service, in the city. The new one-way intercity self-service facility allows a customer to travel from point A to point B which would enable customers to pick up a car from Zoomcar location from one city and drop it off at a Zoomcar location in another city, a company release said. The launch of one-way inter-city service adds flexibility and options to people's travel plans, it said. "Hop" service would be available across 24 cities including intra-state and eventually inter-state routes as well, the release said. The 24 routes include Bengaluru-Mysore, Bengaluru-Mangaluru, Mangaluru-Mysuru, Mumbai-Pune, Ahmedabad-Surat, Kolkata-Siliguri, Chennai-Coimbatore, Vijayawada-Vizag. "With the launch of Hop, the company is offering a new level of convenience for our 20 lakh-plus Zoomcar customer base. We expect demand from both business and leisure travellers," Zoomcar CEO and co-founder Greg Moran said in the release. Stating that the company had expanded from seven cities in 2016 to 24 cities in 2017, he said it looks forward to expanding to more than 30 cities later this quarter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Douglas Busvine NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Top U.S. bosses are backing a new effort to build strategic ties with India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first meeting with President Donald Trump. The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) seeks to reset and broaden the relationship between the world's two largest democracies, and to supplant an existing body that operates under the umbrella of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. While Modi's bear hug with Trump and a clutch of deals at their encounter in June symbolised a budding friendship, trade between the two nations has underperformed and Washington wants to narrow a $31-billion deficit. "What we are announcing today is an organisation redesigned for the future," said John Chambers, the executive chairman of Cisco Systems Inc, who is also chairing the USISPF that was launched on Wednesday. The rollout follows a schism in which the management team of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), headed by Mukesh Aghi, has joined the new organisation. Chambers met Modi on Tuesday to brief him on the initiative and share its new logo - featuring interlocking blue and gold circles that symbolize the "win-win" nature of the project. The new body will not only focus on trade but also promote business startups, innovation and education - areas that Modi has prioritised in his three years in power. Describing Modi as "fearless", Chambers praised his decision last year to scrap high-value bank notes to cleanse the economy of illicit wealth. He also backed a new national sales tax launched last month, saying it was vital for Asia's third-largest economy to scale up manufacturing and achieve strong long-term growth. "India is moving faster than any other country in the last three years," Chambers told a small group of reporters in New Delhi. "India used to be known as a very slow follower, and now it's a fast innovator." UNANIMOUS VOTE TO SPLIT The strategic partnership initiative followed a unanimous vote on July 10 by the USIBC's board to separate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The new body's board includes high-profile chief executives, such as Indra Nooyi of Pepsico Inc and Ajay Banga of Mastercard Inc. Thomas Donohue, president and chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, last month criticised the breakaway as a "curious action". In a letter to members he described the USIBC as "alive and well". "The USIBC and its staff continue their hard work on key issues affecting the critical relationship between our two countries," the Chamber of Commerce said in answer to Chambers' announcement. "We continue to receive strong support from our member companies as we focus our efforts on strengthening commercial ties," it added. "We will have more to say in the weeks ahead." One source familiar with the move said it was motivated in part by perceptions that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had become too close to the Republican Party, and tended to deliver public lectures detrimental to the two-way relationship. This included controversy over the issue of so-called H-1B visas widely used by India's $125 billion software industry to send engineers and programmers on assignments to the United States. Trump administration officials were briefed on the strategic initiative and were supportive, added the source, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Trump, despite clashing with leaders from allies such as Germany and Australia, turned on the charm for Modi, whose trip to Washington was deemed a success by both sides. Lisa Curtis, point person at the National Security Council for South and Central Asia, attended the inaugural forum. Joining her was Acting Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells, the U.S. embassy said. Chambers said the Trump administration's commitment to India was "unparalleled", adding: "This is the only strategic partnership that the Trump administration has really talked about." (Additional reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Robin Pomeroy) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Singaporean sovereign fund GIC pipped Canadian investor Brookfield to emerge as the front-runner to buy a significant stake in Adarsh Jatia-owned Provenance Land, which owns Four Seasons Hotel & Residences in Worli area of Mumbai. The deal size is expected to be around Rs 1,000 crore the biggest transaction in the hospitality sector this year. Japanese conglomerate SoftBank may invest $2 billion in India's largest ecommerce player Flipkart through its $100 billion Vision Fund in the wake of rival Snapdeal calling off the proposed merger with the etailer. The funding will give Flipkart more ammunition in its fight for market share with deep-pocketed US-based juggernaut Amazon. "SoftBank, through SoftBank Vision Fund, is in discussions with Flipkart to invest between USD $1.5-$2 billion," sources said. The Masayoshi Son-led company, an investor in troubled Snapdeal, was looking to invest in Flipkart as part of the merger. SoftBank was reportedly looking at picking up equity in Flipkart. However, with the five-month-long talks between Snapdeal and Flipkart collapsing, Softbank could now still go ahead and invest in Flipkart, the sources added. SoftBank, which has investments in Indian start-ups like Snapdeal and cab aggregator Ola, had committed investments worth $10 billion in India in 2014. In May this year, Soft-Bank pumped in $1.4 billion (over Rs 9,079 crore) digital wallet company Paytm. A SoftBank spokesperson said Soft-Bank Vision Fund independently evaluates each investment on its own merit. SoftBank Vision Fund, founded by SoftBank Group chairman Masayoshi Son, operates as a separate entity. It also has participants like Apple, Foxconn and Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Flipkart did not respond to emailed queries. Meanwhile, Flipkart on Tuesday completed its merger with eBay India's operations, which will allow customers to eventually shop from a wider array of products. Flipkart will own and operate eBay.in, which will remain an independent entity as part of Flipkart, the company said in a statement. Besides, the companies will also partner to leverage opportunities in cross-border trade. As a result, Flipkart customers will get expanded product choices with the wide array of global inventory available on eBay while eBay customers will have access to a more unique Indian inventory from Flipkart sellers, the statement said. Online payments firm PayPal has launched its two technology labs in India. The firm has opened up its Innovation Labs in Chennai and in Bengaluru. India is the third country after US and Singapore where PayPal has launched these Innovation Labs. The lab will serve as a platform to promote innovation in the newest technology areas, the company said. The company further informed that these labs will upport innovation across diverse fields including machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, internet of things (IoT), penetration testing, software defined radios and wireless communication, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), computer vision and basic robotics. PayPal is an US based multinational company, whose presence in India and rumour has it, that it may acquire a stake in Freecharge, although Freecharge has out rightly denied this. Snapdeal's earliest investor Kenneth Glass has come out in support of CEO Kunal Bahl over the decision to call off merger talks with larger rival Flipkart. Glass, a former Microsoft executive, has written an email to Bahl extending his support for 'Snapdeal 2.0'. "Ten years ago, I believed in Kunal and Rohit's vision to create a successful company in India and was excited to be their very first investor," he wrote in an email, a copy of which was seen by PTI. He further said: "Today, I'm equally excited about the announcement introducing Snapdeal 2.0 and believe the future for Snapdeal is very bright and I'm thrilled to continue to be on this journey with them." When contacted, Bahl, in an emailed response, said it is great to see the continued support from shareholders like Kenneth, who has been an integral part of Snapdeal's journey. "Our team really appreciates the continued commitment of our shareholders to Snapdeal," he added. There have been reports that Snapdeal's decision to walk away from the Flipkart deal and instead pursue an independent path has not gone down well with a section of shareholders. According to a report by ET Now, Vani Kola -- co-founder of Kalaari Capital (an investor in Snapdeal that has Board representation) -- had criticised the move. "I am extremely disappointed and shocked with the founders and their disregard for investors and the employees' interest," she was quoted as saying. After Snapdeal's announcement, its largest shareholder SoftBank, which was driving the discussions, had said it respected the decision to pursue an independent strategy. While Japanese conglomerate SoftBank holds close to 35 percent stake in Snapdeal, the beleaguered e-commerce firm has a number of minority stakeholders. These include high-profile names like Ratan Tata and PremjiInvest (investment arm of Azim Premji). Other investors include Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Foxconn, Temasek and BlackRock. Apple Inc has asked the Indian government to extend tax breaks to its suppliers if India seeks to become a manufacturing hub for iPhones and its components. Government officials say meeting this request would require a new policy that applies fairly to other device makers, too. The U.S. tech giant has been in talks with Indian officials since May of last year, when CEO Tim Cook and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to set up a production base in the country that goes beyond just assembling the devices, as happens today. The two sides have been discussing a list of "prerequisites" that Apple submitted in October, including duty exemption on raw materials for manufacturing components and capital equipment for 15 years for it to make iPhones from scratch in India. The company has told the government it would be bringing in a host of these ancillary units when it sets up operations to cater to India, one of the world's fastest growing smartphone markets, a top government official said. "They want the same treatment to be given to the component manufacturers; the tax concessions, they want everything. But then some kind of policy will have to be evolved," the official said. Apple declined to comment. The demand could further delay Apple's plans to penetrate the Indian market, the world's third largest for smartphones behind the United States and China, but where it has only a 2 percent share. The company is looking to India after sales in the Greater China region, once a major growth driver, slid 14 percent year-on-year to $10.7 billion in the three months ended April 1. In May, Apple, working with Taiwanese contract manufacturer Winstron, began assembling the iPhone SE in Bengaluru. The plan that Modi and Cook ordered the two sides to work on, however, envisages manufacturing a full range of iPhones for the domestic market, as well as for export. Ecosystem for Handsets For India, which would only be the second iPhone production centre after China, such an investment would be a big win for Modi's Make-in-India campaign. It would also spawn a vast network of suppliers, in the way that India's auto ancillary sector took off to feed Maruti Suzuki India's production line over three decades ago. Another official, who has led efforts to secure foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, said Apple's proposal to build its phones in India was being examined favourably by the government. "My view is that India needs to support Apple to create an ecosystem, which was done for Maruti. This helped to build the automobile and auto component industry in India," the official said, seeking anonymity in line with government policy. "Initial support will pay rich dividends in the long run and facilitate innovation, design and manufacturing of electronics components in India," the official added. Apple competitors such as South Korea's Samsung Electronics and China's Oppo could also benefit from a broader policy review as they, too, currently have predominantly assembly operations in India. Another government official familiar with the matter said it would be difficult for India to agree to Apple's request for a customs holiday for just its own operations in India. Customs duties have already been slashed in order to make India a hub for handset assembly lines, the official said. That move has encouraged phone makers to set up such facilities in India, and so the duty structure cannot be changed for one company, the official said. After Raghuram Rajan quit his job as the Governor of Reserve Bank of India last year, there were murmurs that Arvind Panagariya would replace him. That, however, did not happen. But, a year later, the deputy head of policy think-tank Niti Aayog , has followed Rajan's lead professionally, opting to pursue a career in academics. Panagariya is heading back to the US to teach at the Columbia University. "The kind of job that I have in Columbia University would be almost impossible for me to get again. In the US, there is no retirement age. As long as our body and brain work, you can continue to work," Panagariya told the Times of India soon after he announced his retirement. In his stint as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Panagariya posited faith in the growth of the Indian economy in the years ahead. As a think tank working for the government, the CEO of NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant and Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya have played a critical role in some of some of the policy decisions of the PM Modi government. In recent months, Panagariya expressed his views on a range of topics related to the Indian economy: Panagariya on demonetisation Panagariya believed that demonetisation was a strong step that the government had taken to counter the problems in the Indian economy. "Those who have been critical of demonetisation don't understand what a gigantic task it was to remonetise the economy," Panagariya had said at a lecture on 'Economic Policy and Performance in India Under Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi' hosted by the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University. Panagariya had added: "Demonetisation sends a very very strong signal that the days when the Central Government was complacent are over. If you misbehave, it will be seen that you pay for it," he said. He also praised the Reserve bank of India for keeping Indian currency stable during the period of demonetisation. "The rupee remained incredibly stable and the credit for it goes to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). You only heard about the demonetisation story during this period but nobody noticed this fact that the RBI played an admirable role in ensuring that the rupee did not become incredibly unstable. The RBI had a great role to play in that," Panagariya said. Panagariya on the future of Indian economy Panagariya also has faith in the performance of Indian economy in the years ahead. "Our base GDP is large. If we grow at an 8 per cent average rate for the next 15 years, our GDP will be Rs 469 lakh crore by 2030 (around USD 7.25 trillion)," Panagariya had said in April. Panagariya had also made Aayog's detailed presentation on a 15-year vision, 7-year strategy and 3-year action plan for the country. The Niti Aayog's document titled "India 2031-32: Vision, Strategy and Action Plan" said "new India awaits two wheeler or car, air conditioner and white goods for nearly all". According to Panagariya's presentation, India's per capita GDP will rise by Rs 2 lakh in 2031-32 from 2015-16. India's per capita GDP is currently Rs 1,06,589 and will reach Rs 3,14,776 in 2031-32, it added. In the last week of April, NITI presented the three-year agenda first. "We have tried to reallocate the resources that are available with us and focus on priority sectors like health, education, agriculture, rural development and infrastructure" Panagariya said. Panagariya on taxing agriculture income Panagariya had made it clear that at a policy level there was no way farmers could be taxed after a controversial remark on taxing farm income made by NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy. "80 per cent of rural areas are connected to agriculture and we are talking about doubling farmers' income. How can we talk about taxing farmers income?" Panagariya told. On farm loan waiver, the NITI Aayog vice-chairman said, "States are empowered to waive farm loan... Besides their priorities, states are bound by the FRBM Act." Also watch: ALSO READ: Top exit at Niti Aayog: Arvind Panagariya resigns as Vice Chairman China on Wednesday said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect China s territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates China s sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan s behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China s territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China values the growth of good- neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. In what could be a huge embarrassment for the Chandigarh administration, the UT officials on Tuesday launched a probe into the official statement released by its Education Department which claimed a student named Harshit Sharma has been offered a job at Google as trainee with a stipend of Rs 4 lakh per month. Last week, the Chandigarh Administration had issued an official release saying, "Harshit, a student of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 33 of Class 12(IT stream) has been selected by tech giant Google for graphic designing. Initially, he will be trained for a one-year period for which he will receive a stipend of Rs 4 lakh per month. On completion of training, he will get remuneration of Rs 12 lakh per month. He was interviewed through video conferencing and was selected on the basis of posters designed by him. Principal, Indra Beniwal lauded him on his achievement." "Currently, we don't have any information on our records with respect to Harshit Sharma's candidacy," a report in The Indian Express quoted Google's spokesperson as saying. Commenting in the unverified announcement made by the education department, UT Secretary for Education, BL Sharma said, "The official statement issued by the education department was not in my notice. I have asked Director, School Education to look thoroughly into the matter". According to several media reports, Harshit and his parents were not present at their home in Mathana village of Kurukshetra and his mobile phone was switched off. On July 28, the school principal Indra Beniwal had informed the UT administration under her signature and stamp, about Harshit's 'selection' at Google and termed it as 'national achievement'. "The student passed out from our school this year and he had come to the campus to inform us about the Google offer. He had sent me the letter on WhatsApp mentioning his recruitment with Google but I deleted the letter by mistake," TOI quoted Beniwal as saying India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank has said. The World Bank's comments came as officials from India Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the IWT. Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir, the global lender said in a fact sheet issued yesterday. Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet. It noted that the talks on the technical issues of the IWT took place this week "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation". The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington DC, it said in a separate statement. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank's role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. Earlier, in a letter dated July 25, the World Bank had assured Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its "continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward." The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. The international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes for appointing neutral expert and establishing of a court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The talks between the two nations over the treaty come amid tensions between them after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based terror groups. After winning the hearts of everyone by potraying the role of the India's most successful captain, MS Dhoni, Sushant Singh Rajput is prepping up to register yet another milestone under his name. The actor is currently shooting for his next, Chanda Mama Door Ke. Sushant will essay the role of an astronaut, and has started undergoing training at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, the film is touted as India's first space odyssey. Producer Viki Rajani shared a picture of Sushant dressed as an astronaut training in USA-based premier aeronautics institute NASA. The first ever bollywood film to ever visit NASA for training #chandamamadoorke @itsSSR @NextGenFilm @sanjaypchauhan @ErosNow pic.twitter.com/m110yAI7SX Viki .Rajani (@vikirajani) August 2, 2017 Last month, Sushant had shared a picture from NASA from his twitter account. From a miniature Rocket to a life size one , this grown up kid will never cease to Dream. My mother always wanted her ' Sushant in Space '!! pic.twitter.com/9z4pI61PRF Sushant Singh Rajput (@itsSSR) July 22, 2017 Sushant co-stars in Chanda Mama Door Ke with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and R Madhavan. Prior to Sushant's movie, Shah Rukh Khan had also shot his film Swades at NASA. Swades was the first Bollywood film to be shot at NASA. Khan acted as a researcher at NASA in the Ashutosh Gowariker-directed film. | BY Ricki Green | With peak property season about to kick off, Domain has launched its new spring campaign and TVC via DDB Sydney. Domain will leverage a host of mediums including launching a huge outdoor campaign, an array of new content for social media channels, a TVC, an online video content series, as well as extended sponsorships with The Block and radio segments on Macquarie Radio Network. The new Domain TVC has debuted and features a catchy track from #1 album selling Canadian artist Serena Ryder. The 60 second TVC follows the emotion of the inspection and auction experience when searching for a home. Domain has openly embraced outdoor as a key brand awareness channel over the last two years. This season, Domain has increased the national buy with QMS, APN, JC Decaux, Adshel, Go Transit and oOh! Media. Over 2000 street furniture, billboards, trams and buses will go live during the spring period. The Domain app continues to be the highest rated property app in Australia and with bold, green creative, Australias #1 Property App will be central to messaging. New online series The Circle, focusing on QLD From the writers of Domains INMA-award winning Avalon Now online video series, Domain will release a new series called The Circle, which follows a group of people frustrated with the expense of Sydney and Melbourne property who make the move to the Sunshine State. Audiences can expect the same quirky style from Avalon Now that attracted more than 4 million views on social and won several awards over two seasons. The supreme angst of where people choose to live remains the underlying theme throughout this series too. The first episode of the 6 part series will launch on September 14th, and will be available to watch on Domain platforms as well as Domains various social media channels, which now reach 1.3 million. Domain deepens sponsorship of The Block for the third year running This Spring, Domain steps up sponsorship of Channel Nines The Block. This season brings a whole host of clever in-show integration. Shot at the Domain Melbourne offices, Domains chief economist, Dr Andrew Wilson and chief data scientist Nicola Powell host a property market lesson with contestants. Alice Stolz, Domains national managing editor, joins The Blocks judging panel on the show each week, scoring the contestants room reveals and discussing the data around property locations. New Ben Fordham and Macquarie Radio program partnerships In radio, Domain will feature in new drive time radio segments with Ben Fordham and Talking Lifestyle morning shows with John Stanley and Garry Linnell on Macquarie Radio Network. Over 21 weeks, Domain journalists and economists will appear on the programs aired across six stations around Australia to discuss whats hot and interesting in property. Domain will also run commercials aired across the Macquarie Radio Network. The deal adds to Domains existing sponsorship agreements with Domain Stadium in Western Australia, the Adelaide Crows and more recently, the new Domain Auction House in Sydneys Double Bay. Domains National luxury property magazine Prestige to relaunch Under the vision of Stolz, Domain has reinvigorated the Australian property print experiences in homes and cafes around the country. Readership of the Domain Magazine has bucked category trends, and in May readership hit a new record of 1.63 million1. The premium content has proven a success with both readers and advertisers. Launching on August 18, Domain Prestige will also have a fresh look with glossy cover. The liftout will continue to be a national magazine, distributed on Wednesdays through the Australian Financial Review, showcasing the best in luxury Australian property. The refreshed magazine will also include the new Domain App Codes, automatically linking properties to their corresponding listing on the Domain app, making it even easier for property hunters to find their next home and reinforcing the strength in the Domain app. Says Melina Cruickshank, chief of editorial and marketing, Domain: Spring property season remains a big focus for Domain. With listings on the rise, the property market is set for a big season which is fantastic for both buyers and sellers. The Domain property app remains central to our marketing. Our investment in the app means it now delivers almost 60% of our enquiry to agents and vendors. Each person now spends an average of 55 minutes per month3 on our app, strong growth from 30 minutes the prior year. Were building a loyal mobile audience with daily app launches also rising over 28% in 12 months4. We use app launches as a clear indicator of brand engagement as the product is so core to our business. The new Domain App Codes which allow users to instantly scan listings from the Domain Magazine illustrates why QR codes were ahead of their time and simply waiting for the period where mobile technology became embedded in consumers lives. With readership to the Domain Magazine hitting a new record of 1.63 million1, app attribution is important for our customers. The Domain app is also front and centre in our new TVC. Mobiles are essential in the property hunters hectic spring season and our snappy TVC shows why searching for property becomes fast and easier when you have the Domain app. | BY Ricki Green | The Midas Awards for the Worlds Best Financial Advertising is now open for entries. Founded in 2001, the Midas Awards is the only awards show to recognize excellence in financial advertising and marketing on a global scale. The deadline to enter the 2017 Midas Awards is Friday, September 29th, 2017. The Midas Awards charges out of the gate this year with New York Festivals Incs, recent appointment of Scott Rose to executive director of the Midas Awards. Rose, a creative session producer and digital assets manager has produced and created showcase presentations for 4-plus years for New York Festivals 6 brands. As executive director of the competition, he will recruit prominent industry executives to serve on the 2017 juries, create strategic alliances to benefit both the competition and its entrants and expand its global footprint. With Rose at the helm, Midas has launched a number of new initiatives for 2017 including the addition of the Midas executive jury. This new jury adds an additional judging component to compliment the judging round provided by Midas award-winning grand jury. Three Aussies have been picked to sit on juries this year including David Bell, executive creative director, MercerBell and Mike Spirkovski, chief creative officer, Saatchi & Saatchi Australia both sitting on the grand jury and Dylan Taylor (left), creative partner, thedylanagency picked as one of four jurors on the executive jury. Rose has also initiated an expansion of Midas categories adding a robust 12 newly minted categories. Says Ellen Smyth, CFO/partner of New York Festivals: Were thrilled that Scott Rose has accepted the position of executive director and confident that he will apply his talents to successfully lead strategy and brand expansion of the Midas Awards. His production skills and creativity, along with his dedication to NYFs brands throughout the years have provided Scott with both a vast knowledge of how to run a competition and a thorough understanding of the industry. 2017 marks the launch of the inaugural Midas Awards executive jury, a panel comprised of creative officers and executive creative directors from the worlds foremost advertising agencies as well as prominent internationally recognized experts in financial policy and communications. The executive jury will review the shortlisted entries selected by the Midas Awards grand jury and will provide an even more comprehensive evaluation of global creative work. Says Rose: The Midas Awards, for the past 16 years has dedicated itself to honoring the planets most creative financial advertising and now with the addition of the Executive Jury the competition will hold creative entries to an even higher standard of assessment and insure that each global entry is judged with the utmost attention. The Midas Awards invites entries in the following five category sections: Consumer, Business to Business, Use of Discipline, Use of Medium and Craft. This year the competition unveiled 12 new categories, 8 within the Consumer Categories, and 3 into business to business Categories and 1 in Use of Discipline. These categories reflect the unprecedented growth of the Midas Awards and the extensive scope that the world of financial advertising and marketing encompasses. Says Rose: Midas expanded roster of categories mirror the changes taking place within the industry today. By offering additional categories in Consumer within the banking and insurance sectors provides opportunities to showcase the terrific creative emanating from around the globe. Additional categories in Business to Business address the growth we are seeing in work created within the financial planning and retirement arena. Jury selection has begun for both the Midas Awards executive and grand juries. These juries represent the respected and influential minds in financial advertising. Client and agency leaders from the creative and marketing disciplines, as well as internationally recognized experts in financial policy and communications, will participate on both juries. Midas awards Gold and Silver Ingots to the highest scoring entries, and presents the Grand Midas to the entry considered Best in Show. The results of the juries are parsed in an annual rankings brief, The Midas Report, a veritable whos-who in the world of financial services advertising that includes the 3 individual reports: agency, brand and network. | BY Ricki Green | Victorian real estate agency hockingstuart has launched a marketing campaign via Melbourne creative agency Sense, to highlight how the companys commitment to innovation has again brought about a new real estate experience for customers. The hockingstuart showcase campaign leverages the imagery of a major movie production, communicating how the Groups existing promotional capabilities are boosted by new, best-in-class tools engineered to better showcase homes through enhanced interaction, presentation, and promotion. The campaign, which coincides with the launch of hockingstuarts new website, reflects hockingstuarts big-picture ability to bring together the industrys top talent, tools and technologies to present homes at their best and excite the interest of every prospective buyer. Says Guillaume Roux, CD, Sense: We wanted to incorporate all the features and benefits of hockingstuarts new offerings into one entity, which is where hockingstuart showcase came in. The campaign brings to life the innovative and advanced resources hockingstuart puts behind every listing, making each a blockbuster in its own right. The integrated campaign underscores the combined offering of hockingstuarts new website, which features premium photography displaying each listing as they would appear in the best architectural magazines, alongside immersive DIAKRIT technology introduced earlier this year and exclusive to hockingstuart that allows buyers to visualise their perfect home with 3D floor plans and interactive tools to furnish and restyle the kitchen, including 360 views of every room. Says George Dedic, head of marketing and client experience, hockingstuart: hockingstuart showcase reflects the new state-of-the-art ways properties can now be listed to directly engage the senses of the buyer, connecting on a personal level to customer needs by giving them a genuine feeling of what it would be like to live there. This campaign builds on the narrative that the minute you list with us, youre getting the very best service to present your home in its very best light. The hockingstuart showcase campaign will appear across Facebook, metrolites and banner ads from this week. Client: hockingstuart Creative: Sense Digital strategy: Sense | BY Lynchy | DDB New Zealand has hired a familiar face, with Rory Mckechnie returning to the agency as creative director. Mckechnie, who previously enjoyed a five-year stint at DDB, has rejoined the agency after spending time in New York at Droga5 as a senior creative. He picked up more than 60 local and international awards during his last stint at DDB, and has been involved with some standout campaigns during his tenure at Droga5, including The Ripple for Chase. Mckechnie says hes excited to be back at Greys Ave after working for one of New Yorks top creative agencies: DDB has always held a place in my heart, so the opportunity to return home with such an incredible experience under my belt is fantastic and Im looking forward to producing more great work with the team here. DDB NZs chief creative officer Damon Stapleton, says Mckechnies return brings invaluable experience to the agency. Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 11:32PM If youre a tech nerd, film buff, or camera enthusiast, you know Red. The brand is known for making modular cinema cameras but now theyre branching out to make its first phone called the Red Hydrogen. Its not going to be a simple device, nor will it be affordable. Its pre-order prices peg it at US$1,595 for the titanium version and US$1,195 for the aluminum alloy model. The smartphone will supposedly feature a holographic display it calls 4-View. It wont need any special glasses but will supposedly give you a glasses-free 3D image that will let you look around or behind the objects by showing multiple perspectives of what youre watching. Its 5.7-inch display with nanotechnology can switch seamlessly from 2D, stereo 3D, to 4-View holographic modes. Some of the details Red released about the device include that it runs on Android, itll be carrier unlocked, itll have front and back cameras with support for modular attachments (including being able to upgrade the camera module itself). Itll have USB-C support, microSD card expansion, and a headphone jack. If you own a Red camera, it can be a touchscreen monitor for that. The device is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2018. CNET dug deeper into what else Red might throw into the device and looked at patents the company has been filing since early 2014. One of the first things is itll have ridges on the side to provide better grip. Another is it might get support for interchangeable lenses with the companys patent for a low profile lens mount, which is designed to be small and strong enough to attach interchangeable lenses (even the existing ones made by other manufacturers) to the phones chassis. Aside from that, theres talk that you might be able to upgrade the camera sensor itself as well as swap out batteries. Some of the other modular ideas in the patent filing include a camera flash, image stabilization module, stereo 3D camera, a module with tripod mounts, and I/O module for ports. There are prototypes of the device already with news that Brad Pitt and director David Fincher seeing one a few weeks back. Even J.J. Abrams got to see one. Major US carriers have also supposedly signed on. But the wait is still going to be a bit long. We cant say yet if Red will be able to meet its target release date or keep the price within the pre-order range. Red founder Jim Jannard has hinted that it might even cost more. If and when it does come out, itll be in the bleeding edge of tech. And were excited to see if it delivers. There's supposed to be some frost and fog about to start the day, but we're fog-free here in Fyshwick. The good news is that there is another sunny afternoon on the cards. We had a chilly minimum just shy of minus 2 degrees this morning, but a high of 14 degrees is expected later on. "I think with the way that we're focusing on improving our schools through the National School Improvement Tool and really harnessing strong professional learning resources, upskilling our teachers, upskilling our leaders, getting comments out and workshops out into the community ... even in a couple of years time we would be very hopeful that going through this very strong improvement agenda that we would see our results taking a sharp slope up," she said. "I hope... that this is not an attempt to hamstring the Public Accounts Committee in an issue which is clearly of discomfort to the government and we have to ask ourselves is the non-government member of the Public Accounts Committee being pursued because the government is uncomfortable about the extent of the inquiry?" Mrs Dunne said. The report acknowledges this: "The survey data has been derived from a sample of the target population who were motivated to respond, and made an autonomous decision to do so. It may not necessarily be representative of the entire student population." However, this is then ignored throughout the report as is the finding that women are five times as likely to be "harassed off campus as on". Interestingly there is no attempt at a validity study, for example, comparing those who claim to have reported incidents with actual records. I wonder why not? The agreement, which was established in 1975, now expires in January 2020, at which point the transport of goods between Chile and Brazil could be carried out on ships of any flag. Brazils Chamber of Foreign Trade (CAMEX) says it has decided not to renew a 42-year-old maritime agreement with Chile which stipulates that only Brazilian- or Chilean-flagged vessels could operate between the two countries. The agreement, which was established in 1975, now expires in January 2020, CAMEX ruled in late July. After that point, the transport of goods between Chile and Brazil could be carried out on ships of any flag, which is expected to increase competition and reduce costs of shipping goods between the two nations. A study by the Institute for Applied Economic Research, a Brazil-based economic think tank, previously found that the maritime pact ads five percent to the final price of products in both countries. The arrangement between the countries currently gives two companies Alianca, the Brazilian unit of Hamburg Sud, which is now owned by Maersk Line, and CSAV, the Chilean subsidiary of Hapag Lloyd AG exclusive shipping rights between the two South American countries. In an action related to dropping the exclusionary maritime shipping agreement, CAMEX has also extended the waivers for roll-on/roll-on (ro-ro) and breakbulk transport, which arent currently subject to the above restrictions due to the low availability of specified Brazilian- and Chilean-flagged vessels. The waivers were extended for one year by CAMEX. First, Haldane says that functions should be allocated by "defining the field of activity in the case of each department according to the particular service it renders" rather than on the basis of "persons or classes to be dealt with." That's re-iterated by the Coombs Royal Commission which says that "departments should be organised around a coherent function." The 1987 changes sought to do that with departments dealing with foreign affairs and trade, health and community services, industry services and the like rather than children, the unemployed or the ill. Turnbull says that the proposed Home Affairs portfolio is about "entrenching cooperation between agencies which has helped us thwart 12 terrorist attacks and stop 31 people smuggling ventures." That is to say, he's wanting an organisation based primarily on what he sees as overlapping classes of people to be dealt with "terrorists" and refugees. It's unlikely to work well and to apply the approach as a general principle in government administration would be disastrous. The legislative reforms in investment field, the increase of countrys recognition at international platforms contributed to increasing foreign investments flow in Armenia. August 2, 2017, 10:44 Foreign investments increase in Armenia: Germany, Canada and Lebanon among major investors STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 2, ARTSAKHPRESS: The volume of foreign direct investments in the first quarter of 2017 has increased by nearly 4.84%, comprising over 19.7 billion AMD. According to official data, most investments in the first quarter have been made in information and communication, processing industry, mining industry and energy fields. Vahagn Lalayan head of investment attraction and coordination department at the ministry of economic development and investments, told Armenpress the major investors of the recent years are Germany, Canada, Lebanon, France, Cyprus, Argentina, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In recent period we are taking active steps aimed at attracting foreign investments. We have created a serious state support tool that promotes all sectors. We have launched investment legislation reforms. The law on foreign investments is almost ready and will be submitted to the government soon. The main focus is on protection of investments which will contribute to increasing investors trust. We have taken huge steps to present Armenia at major platforms. They increase the recognition as a country for investments. The ministry also created printed materials presenting Armenias investment environment, investment programs which were distributed across the world through our diplomatic representations, as well as they were posted in websites, Lalayan said. According to him, the next step is the creation of platform for investment programs. Major prospective programs in Armenia are posted at investmentprojects.am. According to official data, most investments in the first quarter have been made in information and communication, processing industry, energy and mining industry fields. The net investment flows in ICT field amounted to 16 million USD, in mining industry the investment comprised 18 million USD, 5 million USD in housing, and 4 million USD in processing industry. According to statistics, foreign investments in the first quarter of 2017 have not been made in plant growing, cattle breeding, cigarette production, construction of buildings and other spheres. Speaking about these sectors, Lalayan said there can be numerous reasons. According to the data of the ministrys internal monitoring, 66 programs are being carried out in the first 6 months of 2017, with a total of 500 million USD investments which will provide with 7140 new jobs. Majority of investments have been made by foreign investors. Based on the data of the first half of the year, over 230 million USD investments have already been made, nearly 2700 jobs have been created. These investments were mainly made in mining industry, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical fields. Over 45 million USD investments were made in agriculture field, creating 640 jobs. There is also a great activeness of investments in energy, IT and tourism spheres. 167 million USD investments have been carried out in provinces, with over 2000 new jobs created, mostly in Vayotz Dzor, Ararat, Syunik, Kotayk provinces. The textile industry has great potential, however, it was not being utilized until the past 2 years. During this year 8-10 productions have been created in this field. The monitoring results show activeness. The expectations are positive, and we also expect positive result based on annual data, Lalayan stated. A former 40 year Atheist analyzes Atheism, without resorting to theism, deism, or fantasy. *** If You Don't Value Truth, Then What DO You Value? *** If we say that the sane can be coaxed and persuaded to rationality, and we say that rationality presupposes logic, then what can we say of those who actively reject logic? *** Atheists have an obligation to give reasons in the form of logic and evidence for rejecting Theist theories. 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. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer touted Fort Drum and advocated for the northern New York installation to remain a priority during a meeting with Dr. Mark Esper, President Donald Trump's Army secretary nominee. Schumer, D-N.Y., invited Esper to visit Fort Drum if he's confirmed by the Senate. He also asked Esper to protect the base from any potential budget cuts. "During our meeting I made it clear to Dr. Esper that Fort Drum is not only a key asset to the Army, but that it is also woven into the very fabric of the North Country," Schumer said in a statement. "I am committed to working with the Army to ensure Fort Drum maintains a strong presence in the region and has the resources it needs to train and support the dedicated men and women in uniform and their families for years to come." Fort Drum was at risk of troop reductions and budget cuts in past years. Schumer played a role in preserving jobs and troop levels at the military installation, which is home to the 10th Mountain Division. He also helped Fort Drum acquire $19 million to support a new non-commissioned officer training academy at the base. Esper is an Army veteran who served during the Persian Gulf War. Most recently, he has worked as a lobbyist on behalf of Raytheon, a leading defense contractor. Trump's previous two choices for secretary of Army withdrew from consideration. Vincent Viola, a New York businessman who owns the NHL's Florida Panthers, dropped out due to the rules in place that would've required him to separate himself from his financial interests. Another candidate for the post, state Sen. Mark Green of Tennessee, withdrew after he was criticized for comments made evolution, Islam and transgender people. It was a joke. Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered good news in Columbia County Tuesday. The city of Hudson will receive $10 million after being selected as the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council's winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The competition awards $10 million grants to 10 municipalities one in each of the state's 10 regional economic development councils. But Cuomo seemed to indicate that there would be additional prizes given for the runner-up finishers. Cuomo said there were 104 applicants in the 10 regions and lauded the entries as "great plans." "What we're going to do because we have so many good plans, we're going to have just 10 first place winners that would receive $10 million," he said. "We're going to have second place winners also that win $5 million ... We're going to have third place winners that win $2.5 million, fourth place winners that win $1 million and a set of steak knives." While the $10 million prize is real, the consolation prizes are not. Cuomo was joking, although that's not how it was received. The Associated Press, which reported on the grant for Hudson, mentioned that the other top finishers would receive funding. It's not the first time Cuomo has announced a downtown revitalization grant and referenced consolation prizes that didn't actually exist. In 2016, he visited Oswego to reveal that the city was the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council's winner of the $10 million prize. Much like his speech in Hudson Tuesday, he provided the number of applications received statewide (there were 122 last year) and noted that the competition for the grants was "very, very stiff." And then came the joke. "Ten first place winners win $10 million. There are second place winners that win $8 million. There are third place winners that win $6 million and a fourth place winner that wins a plaque and a set of steak knives," Cuomo said. "You really don't want to be the fourth place winner even though they are nice knives." Cuomo was trying to be funny, but at least one municipality the city of Auburn briefly thought they could be in a position to receive millions in funding despite not winning the competition. That wasn't the case. Abbey Fashouer, a spokesperson for Cuomo, said the governor "made a joke in jest about the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which is now in its second year and has fostered fierce competition among communities across the state." She added, "To be clear, there is one $10 million award for each of the state's ten regions, and there is currently no funding in the budget for steak knives." AUBURN An Auburn man accused of burglarizing two Cayuga County treat shops has claimed he was framed for the crimes. Patrick Langworthy, of 39 Nelson St., was arrested last month following an investigation by New York State Police and the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office. According to a news release, Langworthy committed two separate burglaries in June one at Tom Thumb Drive-In in Owasco, the other at Classic Cones in Throop. The 43-year-old was arraigned on an indictment Tuesday in Cayuga County Court, where he was charged with three felonies two counts of third-degree burglary and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny and a misdemeanor petit larceny. Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said more charges are pending. Langworthy pleaded not guilty to all counts, claiming he was being framed by the district attorney. Langworthy, a registered sex offender with four prior felonies, could face up to life in prison if convicted. During his arraignment, Langworthy asked the court if he could have a preliminary hearing. After Judge Mark Fandrich denied his request, Langworthy turned to Budelmann. "See you at trial, a--hole," he said. Then, as Fandrich began to reprimand Langworthy, the defendant turned to the judge. "I'm facing life in prison," he said. "What more can you possibly do to me?" Langworthy was remanded to Cayuga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond. He was scheduled to return to court Oct. 3. Also in court: A Cayuga County man was sentenced to prison Tuesday for robbing two farms last summer. Devin Meacham-Wheeler, 21, of 9576 Route 38 in Conquest, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree robbery and two counts of second-degree burglary in May. At the time, he admitted to possessing a bat, a machete and a gun while helping his co-defendants Christopher Johnson Jr. and Emilie Keeney break into two local farms. "(Meacham-Wheeler) has a long criminal history for someone so young," Budelmann said Tuesday in court. "He robbed some of our most vulnerable residents, immigrants who did not speak much English." Although the district attorney recommended five years in prison, Judge Fandrich sentenced Meacham-Wheeler to a total of 4 1/2 years in prison plus five years post-release supervision. That will run concurrently to a sentence of one to three years he is serving in Seneca County. "You have a long life ahead of you," Fandrich said. "I hope you take a different path when you get out of prison." Audi wants to slash its costs by up to 10 billion euros ($12 billion) by 2022 in an effort to fund its fleet of all-electric vehicles. German newspaper Handelsblatt reports that Audi is working on five all-electric models and will bring the first to the market next year. Taking the shape of the e-Tron SUV, it will signify a new age in the German automakers illustrious history but wont come cheap for the company. Sources suggest that despite the high costs associated with its EV program, Audi wants to maintain an 8 per cent operating profit a year and intends on saving most of the planned $12 billion by slashing research and development costs, Automotive News reports. Audi has declined to comment on the report but it is suggested one key avenue of cost saving will come thanks to the brands closer involvement with Porsche in co-developing a new flexible architecture. PHOTO GALLERY Drivers in Australia might want to limit their hoonage as the Hume City Council has coated the roads with a special substance which reportedly destroys tires. According to The Age, the city has coated local hot spots with a coarse spray seal on bitumen which can damage the tires of vehicles that are being driven recklessly. According to Sustainable Infrastructure and Services director Peter Waite, If a driver attempts to drive dangerously on this type of road, it would be difficult for a driver to spin their wheels. If the driver ends up being successful, Waite warned they would burn through the rubber of tires faster than on a smooth road surface. The City Council is keeping the locations of the spray a closely guarded secret but they are targeting known hoon gathering areas. The spray reportedly reduces tire life dramatically but doesnt have any effect on vehicles that are being driven normally. The report goes on to say the coating should last between 10-15 years before needing to be reapplied. The exact details on how the coating works remain mysterious but if the coating proves to be successful, it wouldnt be surprising if other towns start using it. Photo Gallery The German government has called an emergency summit in Berlin with the chief executives of VW, Daimler and BMW in order for them to convince ministers and state leaders of the diesel technologys future, despite the steady negative press on the technology. The car makers will offer further upgrades of existing diesel vehicles in return for political support to avoid driving bans, Bloomberg reports. At this point German car makers need diesel as a stop-gap technology in order to buy time to catch up with electric cars. Chancellor Angela Merkel on the other hand, whos facing a federal election in less than two months, has to ward off criticism that her government goes too easy on the car makers while also not endanger Germanys 800,000 jobs. The manufacturers will play their part to improve air quality in cities and make diesel fit for the future, said Matthias Wissmann, head of German auto lobby VDA, proposing reduction in nitrogen-oxide emissions of at least 25 percent on average. Diesel is enormously important for climate protection as well as prosperity in Germany. The two sides are expected to agree on a range of measures in order to lower the nitrogen oxide emissions of diesel vehicles. Car makers are haggling with the government over software fixes and much more expensive hardware changes that could lift the final bill to around 5 billion euros ($5.9 billion), with most of it to be paid by the companies. I think this is a result that is achievable today because everyone knows that it will otherwise be legally enforced, so this part is clear, Armin Laschet, member of Merkels party, said when asked if carmakers will bear the full cost of diesel modifications. The significance of the car industry is extremely high. VW is more important to Germanys economy than Greece, said Carsten Brzeski, Frankfurt-based chief economist at ING-Diba AG. The industry has to find a solution together with government over how to face the big questions head on around the structural transformation. PHOTO GALLERY The German automotive industry has agreed to a series of measures with their government, including a voluntary update to Euro5 and partial Euro6 diesel models, in a bid to save the diesel technology and avoid city driving bans. The deal was reached at todays National Diesel Forum, with BMW also announcing incentives of up to 2,000 euros for Euro4 diesel owners to trade-in their old vehicles for a new car with up to 130g/km of CO2 emissions in the NEDC. The automotive industry is aware that it has lost a lot of confidence, said the German auto industry lobby VDA in a statement. We must and will work to regain this confidence. This is a core concern of the industry in our own interest, in the interest of our customers and employees as well as in the interest of our country. The recall will be carried out by BMW, Daimler, Opel and Volkswagen and includes around 2.5 million Euro5 and Euro6 diesel-powered models. The companies will retrofit these models with a software update that will reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions by 25 to 30 percent. VW has already fixed an additional 2.5 million diesel vehicles related to its Dieselgate scandal. VDA says that the update has been made possible by the technical advances in exhaust gas after-treatment and engine control, which have been developed in recent years. The update will be free for the owners and will not affect the engine performance, fuel consumption or service intervals. PHOTO GALLERY Fight plan One of the initial challenges of the ferry sequence was orchestrating a fight between Toomes and Parker within the confines of the moving ship. Although eventually Toomes flies off from the ferry and widens the scope of the fight, he initially battles Parker amongst the car hold and later on its deck. This was prevised by The Third Floor. The characters were all within a confined space and Spidey didnt have buildings to web to, said Third Floor previs supervisor Javier Lopez-Duprey. Put him too far from the ferry and he wouldnt be able to return. So we kept him quick on his feet and jumping around to dodge shots. If Vulture would try to pull him away, then he would have to anchor himself back. We went through many iterations and versions of this scenario. The Third Floor also produced its previs knowing what practical builds of the set would take place. That meant the cg model of the ferry actually had two modes, one that appeared to be the full ferry and the other that had color-coded sections (green for the practical sections of the boat, and red for what would be done digitally or as a cg extension). It was tough at first to try to keep the ferry splitting within the small sliver of practical set we had, which was around the front 1/5th of the ship, noted Lopez-Duprey, but we managed to get some great angles by looking up at the ceiling or down towards the floor. Of course, this was all balanced out by wider, more expansive shots of the ferry coming apart. We kept all previs camera work as realistic and grounded as we could, only deviating for a few iconic Spider-Man moments. A new Spider-Man Live-action photography for the sequence made use of real sets, a hydraulic rig to simulate the splitting apart of the ferry, and water dump tanks to help sell the action as the ferry almost sinks. But there was always going to be a large visual effects component. Digital Domain was brought on board to animate a cg Spider-Man and Vulture, build a digital ferry model (and split it open), and flesh out the environments with New York backgrounds, water, and crowds. One of their first assignments was to work out how Spider-Man would move. Watts and overall visual effects supervisor Janek Sirrs sought to focus on how Parker was only still coming to grips with his new powers. They wanted to show hes just a young kid and hes new to it, said Digital Domain animation supervisor Jan Philip Cramer, who oversaw the ferry sequence with Digital Domain visual effects supervisor Lou Pecora. So when hes shooting a web and starting to swing, we would animate it so hes not easily absorbing that and not doing it elegantly. Although they would be crafting a cg Spider-Man for just about every shot, Digital Domain relied heavily on wire stunts and motion capture sessions Holland had undertaken. Cramer has significant respect for what the actor was capable of stunt-wise. This kid is unreal. I cant believe they found a Spider-Man who is Spider-Man outside of the job. On Youtube you can see he does parkour and there are lots of crazy videos doing what he does in the film. So we wanted to take advantage of that, both on the live-action side and in mocap. You need that ton of wire work on set because it grounds it back in reality, added Cramer. We enhance the stunts he did and we base it on everything he did. Whenever we tried to capture stunt people it didnt really end up working. We would have to replace it with Tom Holland mocap or we would roto-mate him. The digital Spider-Man benefited from a new muscle system Digital Domain had been developing, and the animation approach was also carried out slightly differently than the studio was used to. Although final renders were done in V-Ray, Digital Domain used the GPU renderer Redshift to spit out fast, but high-quality, work-in-progress shots to show Marvel and get quick feedback. Swinging and saving As the sequence progressed, Digital Domain was called upon to add more and more action to the battle. They prevised new sections, making Spider-Man, more acrobatic, more airborne and Vulture more aggressive, according to Cramer. Ultimately, so much of what happens in the fight became fully synthetic, especially when the ferry splits open. Its as this point that Spider-Man unleashes his web-slingers to try and hold the boat together. Here, animators laid out the timing and placement of the webs, while the effects team at Digital Domain made them look like silky forms. There were so many styles of webs, said Cramer. We were constantly looking for different ways we had shotgun webs, machine webs, splinter webs, web bombs, split webs, multi-split webs whatever the animator could think of, we would give it a name and it would be something we would present to Marvel to see if they liked it. One dramatic shot has Spider-Man connect as many webs to the two halves of the ferry as possible, with the camera following him as he weaves in and out of the ships super-structure. Digital Domain actually looked to Olympic gymnast footage for reference to help pull that shot off. It also heralds the arrival of Iron Man, another cg character, who welds the ferry back together. Iron Man saves the day; in a parallel to that achievement, Cramer says the Digital Domain effects department were this sequences saviors, partly because of the complexities of simulating water, smoke, and fire, but also making all that happen right down to the wire. The amount of work we did was just over 200 shots, said Cramer, but to get to that we probably did 500 shots. This is whats so great about Marvel nothing is locked until its in the theater. You just massage it into place until you have a great result. Its difficult for effects, but they did an amazing job. Photo: Contributed North America is in the midst of an obesity epidemic. In Canada, one in four adults and one in 10 children have clinical obesity, which is a major public health concern. Obesity is a leading cause of type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, some forms of cancer and Alzheimers. For each unit increase of body mass index in a 50-year-old, one study predicts onset of dementia symptoms 6.7 months earlier. We also known, obesity can be a problem in some psychiatric conditions. One meta-analysis found a significant link between ADHD and obesity in both children and adults. Roughly four per cent of school-aged children experience ADHD and the majority of them will continue to have symptoms as adults. Examining this link between ADHD and obesity represents an important finding and public health challenge. An international group of researchers examined data from 42 studies, which included more than 700,000 people, and found a significant association between ADHD and obesity. Adults with ADHD saw an increase in the prevalence of obesity by about 70 per cent. In children with the condition, obesity prevalence was increased about 40 percent. Individuals receiving treatment for their ADHD did not have any additional likelihood of obesity than their untreated peers. These findings are counter-intuitive in some ways because the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD have reduced appetite as a so-called adverse effect. In children, weight loss can be a dose limiting side-effect and in some cases a reason to discontinue medication altogether. Most adults are delighted to hear that reduced appetite is an expected adverse effect. Although reasons for this link between ADHD and obesity are unknown, it is likely to have at least some behavioural aspect. ADHD is associated with symptoms of impulsivity, which could make it more likely for people with this condition to have difficulty regulating eating behaviour. If this is the case, behviour therapy in combination with medication may be helpful for both conditions. Study authors noted it is also possible ADHD and obesity share underlying causes such as genes or environmental risk factors. Regardless of the cause, education and awareness of the issue could help parents of children with ADHD to intervene early and prevent obesity from developing. Similarly, adults visiting their doctor for help in managing obesity may be helped by being screened for ADHD. They may find better treatment success if both conditions are well-managed. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: The Canadian Press On Aug. 2, 2016, the provincial government implemented a 15 per cent tax on foreign nationals buying real estate in Metro Vancouver. When then finance minister Mike de Jong introduced the legislation containing the tax, he said the goal was to address low vacancy rates and high real estate prices in southern B.C. Today, with the anniversary of the taxs implementation only a day away, Elton Ash, Remax of Western Canadas regional executive vice-president, questions whether it had any positive, long-term effects. For Ash's insight into how the tax impacted the real estate market, and how that affected Kelowna, check out the full story on Castanet's sister business news website, Okanagan Edge. BEIJING - The second China-Mongolia Expo will serve as an important platform to improve economic cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Mongolia, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Tuesday. The biennial event, scheduled for September 26 to 30 in Hohhot, capital of China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, will help promote China-Mongolia economic ties to a high level and improve cooperation among northeast Asian nations at large, Qian Keming, vice-minister of the MOC, said at a press briefing. China has been the largest trading partner with Mongolia for more than a decade with bilateral trade up 44.2 percent year on year to reach $3.1 billion in the first half of 2017, he said. Chinese investment in Mongolia has also seen robust growth with non-financial outbound direct investment reaching $4.1 billion by June this year. Both countries will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, animal husbandry and mineral resources, Qian said. Over 2,000 delegates from China, Mongolia and Russia will attend the expo to carry out pragmatic cooperation to strengthen economic ties, Ai Lihua, vice-chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, said at the briefing. The New York State Police arrested Benjamin W. Frey, 22, of Lodi, after an investigation stemming from a complaint filed by the girl's parents. Frey has been charged with third-degree rape. He was arraigned at the town of Lodi Court and remanded to Seneca County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. Photo: Contributed The Cariboo Regional District has issued an expanded evacuation order for the Kluskus, Blackwater and Clisbako areas. The Cariboo Regional District has issued an expanded evacuation order for the Kluskus, Blackwater and Clisbako areas, some 100 kilometres west of Quesnel. The CRD has also issued an adjacent expanded evacuation alert for the Nazko, Tatelkuz and Batnuni area. These are expansions of the order and alert issued for the area on July 30. Due to immediate danger to life safety due to fire, members of the RCMP or other groups will be expediting the evacuation. The evacuation route is along the Blue Kluskus FSR to Kluskus FSR to Highway 16 into Prince George For residents on evacuation alert, be prepared to evacuate your premises or property should it be required. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however they may receive limited notice due to changing conditions. Photo: RCMP Cpl. Stephanie Lin is taking care of a found Border Collie at the Williams Lake RCMP Command Post. A lost pup was found by police in Williams Lake near an area that had been burned by a wildfire. The dog is believed to be a border collie cross and has since given her food, water and a makeshift bed. Officers were conducting a check in the evacuated zone near Mountain House Road and Highway 97 north on Monday when the dog emerged. Shes very mild-mannered and easy going, and has been a good morale boost for our police officers, working long shifts," said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey. Officers will be turning the dog over to SPCA today and hope the dog can be reunited with her owners. Photo: City of Penticton The map of road closure during the parade. The largest parade in the B.C. interior will follow a new route during this year's Peach Festival. Due to improvements made to the 100 and 200 blocks of Main St. during the City of Penticton's downtown rehabilitation, the Peter Bros. Construction Grand Parade will follow a new route Aug. 12. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Main St. and Eckhardt Ave. and moves north on Main St. before turning left on Wade Ave, right on Winnipeg St. and returning to its previous route by turning left on Lakeshore Dr. Parade closures are from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Close Main St. from the North side of Edna Ave. to the North side of Wade Ave. Close Wade Ave. from the east side of Main St. to the west side of Winnipeg St. Close Winnipeg St. from the south side of Wade Ave. W to the north side of Lakeshore Dr. W. Close Lakeshore Dr. from the east side of Winnipeg St. to Riverside Dr. south of Dynes Ave. Parade marshalling closures are from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Close Edna Ave., Nelson Ave., and Edmonton Ave. from the east side of Main St. to the westside of Manitoba St. and Jermyn Ave from the east side of Main St. to the crosswalk at KVR School. Close Preston Ave. from the west side of Main St. to the east side of Fairview St. Close the Penticton Library parking lot for registration. The City of Penticton is not permitting street parking along the route during closure times. Photo: File photo The theft of a water pump and hoses being used by the BC Wildfire Service has hindered fire suppression efforts on the Harrop Creek wildfire. As if their job was not hard enough already, BC wildfire crews also have to deal with thieves. The theft of a water pump and hoses being used by the BC Wildfire Service has hindered fire suppression efforts on the Harrop Creek wildfire, which is burning 10 kilometres south of the communities of Harrop and Procter. One water pump and 10, 100-foot lengths of hose went missing during the night of July 31-Aug. 1. BC Wildfire Service officials said criminal acts such as these impact the effectiveness of fire suppression activities and pose safety risks to the public and also to the first responders working to contain these fires. RCMP has zero tolerance for such actions and those suspected of theft or mischief will be arrested. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact the RCMP or contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. As of the afternoon of Aug. 1, the Harrop Creek wildfire covered about 655 hectares and is burning at high elevations. Twenty personnel are currently establishing a fire guard with the aid of heavy equipment and one helicopter. While this fire is visible from surrounding communities, it is currently not threatening any communities or structures. Photo: Contributed BC Hydro says it plans to spend $1.2 billion to gain complete ownership of a dam and generating station in Trail. The company says in a release that it will purchase a two-thirds interest in the Waneta Dam from Teck Resources Limited to help keep electricity rates affordable for customers. The deal includes a 20-year lease agreement where electricity generated at the dam by the two-thirds interest will supply power to Teck's smelter in Trail. BC Hydro bought a one-third share of the dam in 2010 in a deal that included the right of first offer on any remaining interest in the dam. Teck previously announced a deal with Fortis Inc. to buy the outstanding interest, and the mining company says in a release that it expects to pay a fee of about $28 million for cancelling that agreement. The deal between BC Hydro and Teck is subject to a number of conditions, including approval by the BC Utilities Commission. Photo: Contributed An evacuation alert has been issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District due to the Elephant Hill wildfire that continues to pose an imminent threat to people and property. The alert has been issued for the following properties in the Bonaparte Plateau and Blue Sky Country areas: Photo: BC Wildfire Service Smoke from BC wildfires is making its way to the Lower Mainland. Things are getting smoky at the Coast. Health officials in Metro Vancouver are urging residents to take precautions as changing winds blow smoke from wildfires in the provinces Interior towards coastal B.C. Air quality statements were issued Tuesday for most of the Lower Mainland. The haze blanketed Vancouver Tuesday morning and was clearly visible over downtown and the North Shore Mountains. It is expected to last for at least a few days. Images from NASA even show the smokes westward movement from space. Geoff Doerksen, an air quality specialist with Metro Vancouver said the smoke is a health concern because it carries small particles that can aggravate existing lung and heart conditions when inhaled. The smaller the particles, the deeper they can get into a persons airways. Children, seniors and those with chronic conditions are most at risk of experiencing symptoms associated with the smoke in the air. Residents are urged to stay cool and hydrated and seek medical attention if they experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or chest pain. Photo: Thinkstock.com An SUV burst into flames in a collision that closed a busy Surrey street overnight. About 8 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to a three-vehicle crash on 64th Avenue, near 127A Street. A Toyota 4Runner, was westbound on 64th when it was rear-ended by a Chrysler 300. The force of the impact sent the 4Runner off the road, where it rolled onto its side and caught fire. The Chrysler continued west and collided with a Cadillac Escalade. Firefighters extinguished the fire, and the 22-year-old male driver of the Toyota was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Speed and alcohol have not been ruled out as contributing factors in the crash, which closed 64th for several hours. Any witnesses are asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers. Photo: CTV A black bear has killed at least 20 sheep on southern Vancouver Island. The bear has been attacking a flock belonging to Metchosin farmer John Buchanan, as well as other farmers' animals, in recent weeks. Hes clearly biting them on the neck, and then we usually find them on their backs, opened up, Buchanan told CTV. Mayor John Ranns believes the same bear is responsible for more livestock deaths last year. Conservation officers have had no luck trapping the bear. Its a very smart bear, said Scott Norris of the BC Conservation Service. Its outwitting us. A decision on euthanization would be made once the animal is caught. If the bear has concluded that its OK to come in and kill sheep, I mean, maybe pets are the next thing and maybe even kids, said Ranns. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: CTV A blood transfusion has saved the life of a dog that was suffering from a horrific flea infestation. The 14-year-old terrier was dropped off at the Nanaimo SPCA last week with more than 100,000 fleas on its body. It had lost more than 85 per cent of its red blood cells and was in critical condition. The most fleas Ive seen, and Ive been in practice for almost 40 years, said Dr. Ken Langelier of Island Veterinary Hospital told CTV. A blood transfusion from a German shepherd saved the dog's life, he said. The SPCA has started an animal cruelty investigation to find out who left the dog at the shelter. If convicted, the owner could face criminal charges. with files from CTV Vancouver Island NORWICH State police said they've arrested a New York man on a first-degree murder charge in the slaying of an 11-year-old girl inside a rural upstate home. Troopers said Wednesday that 36-year-old James Brower was arrested Tuesday, two days after Jacelyn O'Connor was found dead in Brower's home in the Chenango County town of Norwich, 45 miles southeast of Syracuse. Troopers said they were called to the home late Sunday morning for a report of a girl in cardiac arrest. Police say the girl, from Morris in neighboring Otsego County, was dead when they arrived at the scene. Police aren't saying how Jacelyn was killed. Brower is being held in the county jail without bail. He's due back in court Thursday morning. Authorities didn't know if he has a lawyer yet. Photo: The Canadian Press Housing, transit and the devastating opioid crisis were the main topics of conversation Tuesday between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, but talk of a controversial pipeline expansion was absent. Speaking later outside city hall, Robertson appeared unfazed that the Kinder Morgan pipeline wasn't on the agenda, even though he has described the approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline project as a "big step backwards" for Canada's environment and economy. "We didn't spend time talking about Kinder Morgan," Robertson told reporters, gesturing with his hand as if to brush the topic aside. "The B.C. government is working on that, to some degree." The province's previous Liberal government signed off on the pipeline before the May election. The federal government had approved the project a few months earlier. British Columbia's new government, under NDP Premier John Horgan, has pledged to use every tool at its disposal to block the $7.4-billion pipeline expansion that would see a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic in the waters off Vancouver. Robertson said previously he was "profoundly disappointed" by the federal government's decision, but the change in the provincial government means the city can focus on other issues. "It's great to have the alignment of the B.C. government now, that's what changed," said Robertson, who is a former New Democrat member of the legislative assembly. Disagreement around the pipeline expansion won't sabotage discussion on other agenda items where the two politicians' values more closely align, Robertson said. Photo: Google Street View UPDATE: noon All lanes are now open on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Golden. However, DriveBC says motorists can expect long delays due to heavy congestion. UPDATE: 9 a.m. Highway 1 is now open to single-lane, alternating traffic at the scene of a crash east of Golden. DriveBC warns motorists to expect long delays due to heavy congestion. ORIGINAL: 8:40 a.m. The Trans-Canada Highway is closed in both directions east of Golden. The highway was closed about 25 kilometres east of Golden due to a motor vehicle collision earlier this morning. According to DriveBC, the route is expected to reopen sometime between 10 and 11 this morning. The normal detour using Highway 93 is not available because that route from Radium to the Alberta border is closed due to a wildfire. Photo: The Canadian Press Jagmeet Singh Federal NDP leadership hopefuls will make a critical pitch tonight to supporters in British Columbia a province where party members are finding renewed hope after the swearing-in of NDP Premier John Horgan. Ontario legislator Jagmeet Singh, Manitoba MP Niki Ashton and Quebec MP Guy Caron will go head-to-head in Victoria, though Ontario MP Charlie Angus is unable to attend the event due to a serious illness in his family. The debate comes at a key time for all of the candidates as they strive to sign up as many party members as possible before a registration cutoff on Aug. 17. The location for the event decided before the outcome of the recent provincial election is also significant for all contenders who see B.C. as fertile ground for the party. Peggy Nash, a former Toronto NDP MP and 2012 leadership candidate, acknowledged Horgan's win was "razor thin" but said it is very exciting for the party as it tries to rebuild from a 2015 federal election disappointment. "Whenever you win, people get excited," she said. "Winning is way better than losing, so I think that it will be an encouragement and it gives you more resources, too. It means out in B.C. right now they will hiring young activists to come and be part of the new government administration." Singh's campaign appears to be resonating with politicians in B.C., where he has earned the support of eight provincial legislators and four B.C. MPs including, most recently, Alistair MacGregor, the caucus justice critic. MPs Randall Garrison, Kennedy Stewart and Jenny Kwan have also endorsed Singh. Photo: Contributed Police found an impaired driver asleep at the wheel after driving into the ditch. Shuswap emergency crews were called after a boozy driver got snoozy and went off the road yesterday. Cpl. Scott Linklater said police responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision in the 2600 block of Squilax Anglemont Road, Lee Creek on Aug. 1 at 5:45 a.m. Scotch Creek Fire Department arrived first on scene to find a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am in the ditch with the driver asleep at the wheel, said Linklater. The 53-year-old male driver was found to be impaired by alcohol. He was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. Photo: Twitter A sailboat went up in flames Wednesday, in Victoria's Inner Harbour. The highly public blaze was visible from around the downtown waterfront and sent a plume of black smoke towering over the capital city. A fire boat was attacking the blaze over the lunch hour, in the Fisherman's Wharf area of the harbour. The incident closed a nearby fuel dock. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: realtor.ca Home for sale in Vancouver for $1,025,000. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says the typical price of a home in Metro Vancouver has surpassed $1 million. The board says the composite benchmark price for all residential properties in the area is currently $1,019,400, up 8.7 per cent from July 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties in the area is about $1.612 million, for attached properties $763,700 and for apartments $616,600. While home prices jumped, there were more listings and fewer sales in Metro Vancouver last month. The board says there were 2,960 residential property sales in the region down 8.2 per cent from a year ago and 5,256 properties were newly listed for sale last month. That brought the total number of properties above 9,000 for the first time this year. Today also marks the one-year anniversary since the province's former Liberal government imposed a 15-per-cent foreign buyers' tax, aimed at cooling the hot housing market. The new NDP government has said it's reviewing whether the tax and other measures were effective. Photo: Dave Ogilvie Sandbags from all public property in West Kelowna are gone. Where once there were several hundred thousand sandbags - now, there are none. The City of West Kelowna announced Wednesday all sandbags on public property in the city have been removed. This just days after Okanagan Lake fell below full pool, effectively reducing the flood level along the waterfront to nil, eliminating the need for flood protection. Residents with sandbags remaining on their property are asked to drop them off at the curbside by no later than the end of day Monday, Aug. 7 for collection. Neighbourhoods will be swept the following two days to remove any remaining sandbags. After that, homeowners will be responsible for their own removal. Detached orphaned dock removal is ongoing by barge and will take several weeks to complete. Please clearly mark items deemed for removal with bright paint or flagging tape. As assessment of all public property impacted by flooding has been completed, and repair work has begun. Photo: Contributed The Province has announced it will be conducting a review of the Hullcar Aquifer. Spallumcheen residents on a tainted water source are encouraged by a B.C. government announcement there will be review of the Hullcar aquifer. Residents who draw water from the aquifer have been on a boil water advisory for more than two years due to high nitrate levels. The Save the Hullcar Aquifer Team was formed to provide a voice for frustrated residents who fear their health may be impacted by the high nitrate levels and have been actively lobbying the government to take action. Al Price, SHAT president, said he is cautiously optimistic the review will yield action. Price said the new government is taking some action on the issue which is more than we got before. Price said the change in government has made a difference. We were encouraged when George Heyman was made Minister of Environment, said Price. Heyman said the goal of of the review is to ensure agricultural practices are consistent with the provision and protection of clean, safe drinking water. An independent, respected expert is being commissioned to lead the review, but the expert was not named. The review is expected to be presented to the government by the end of September 2017 and will look at decisions and actions taken to date with respect to pollution in the Hullcar aquifer. Calvin Sandborn, legal director with the University of Victoria's Environmental Law Centre, will serve as special advisor to the reviewer. Price said that is also good news as we have been working with him for more than a year. Hopefully we can get on with finding a solution. Price said SHAT is ready and willing to work with the province on the issue. "Providing the residents of the Hullcar Valley with an innovative, new path forward is a priority for me," Heyman said. "Residents need to have faith that government is listening and will be taking action to protect water quality and safety in the region while ensuring agricultural interests are protected." The review is expected to provide forward-looking recommendations to help inform best practices for the agricultural sector and improvements to regulations that can be applied province wide. Photo: Twitter Highway 93 prior to closure. UPDATE: 9:30 p.m. Highway 93 is open in both directions, but smoke is affecting visibility. "Further closures may be required without notice depending on fire behaviour, especially late afternoon and overnight," states DriveBC. Drivers are being advised to reduce speeds and expected possible delays. ORIGINAL: 1:25 p.m. The highway that winds through British Columbia's Kootenay National Park has been closed indefinitely as wildfire smoke makes for dangerous driving conditions. Parks Canada said Wednesday that Highway 93 has been closed from Castle Junction near the Trans-Canada Highway to the town of Radium Hot Springs some 100 kilometres south. Incident commander Jane Park said the smoke is extremely dense in some areas. "The visibility is definitely under 100 metres, some places probably under 50 metres," she said. The Verdant Creek wildfire burning just west of the Alberta-B.C. boundary has shuttered British Columbia's Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and closed parts of Banff and Kootenay national parks. Park said the fire now covers an estimated 110 square kilometres double previous estimates. "That's significantly larger than the last estimate mostly due to the fact that we were unable to get to the southern end of the fire to do accurate mapping due to smoke," she said. The fire has also closed the Sunshine Village resort in Banff to visitors. Parks Canada ordered the resort to clear out guests nearly two weeks ago to make room for firefighting crews and heavy machinery to fight the Verdant Creek wildfire a couple of kilometres away. The resort reopened to guests three days later, but Sunshine Village said on Monday that hot, dry and windy weather was making the fire more active in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Park said starting Thursday, firefighters will once again be working out of Sunshine Village, where it is less smoky than the area of Kootenay National Park where they are currently based. There are about 60 firefighters and 10 helicopters battling the fire, but Park said she is expecting that to increase in the coming days. Photo: Grey Nyman A controlled burn spread over to one man's property. UPDATE: 4:05 p.m. A BC Wildfire Service spokesman says conditions appeared ideal until winds shifted, causing a controlled burn to spread onto private property. Kevin Skrepnek said firefighters are still working to put out the blaze. Controlled burns are an essential and effective tool for fighting wildfires, he said Wednesday. "The fact of the matter is that when fires get to this size, the use of controlled ignitions is one of the best tactics that we have in terms of trying to contain them. Unfortunately, in this instance the winds just weren't in our favour." The Canadian Press ORIGINAL: 3:20 p.m. Residents in the South Cariboo are frustrated after a controlled burn got out of hand, Tuesday. The burn threatened homes after wildfire crews set it in an effort to control the massive Elephant Hill fire near Clinton. Greg Nyman told CTV the controlled burn scorched part of his property. The Elephant Hill blaze broke out July 6, and the fire is 30 per cent contained, even with more than 500 firefighting personnel working on it. BC Wildfire Service said shifting winds forced the flames up a hillside, and that the wildfire would have been pushed in that direction regardless of the controlled burn. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: NWPD An officer with the New Westminster Police Department has been arrested and charged with sexual assault. The NWPD announced Wednesday that Constable Sukhwinder (Vinnie) Dosajnh was arrested by members of the Victoria Police Department after an investigation into an incident alleged to have occurred in Victoria in 2005. While this incident is alleged to have occurred in an off-duty capacity, the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner was advised of the allegation early in the investigation and has been monitoring since that time, an NWPD release states. Dosajnh was suspended from duty upon his release from custody, with the department considering the conditions of his suspension from duty and the provisions of an unpaid suspension. He will also be the subject of a parallel Police Act investigation. This is always concerning when a police officer is accused of a criminal offence, especially one as serious as this, Deputy Chief Constable, Dave Jansen said. The New Westminster Police is committed to maintaining public trust and accountability and within the bounds of what due process allows, we will be as transparent on this process as we can. Dosajnh will appear in court on Aug. 17. Photo: CTV A man who took his estranged wife hostage before shooting her in the head in Southern Alberta has died in custody in Abbotsford. Correctional Service Canada did not say how 66-year-old Leonard Louis Wright died, but said his death will be reviewed by the agency. Wright was given a life sentence for the second-degree murder of his wife Jacqueline Wright, who was 35. In June 1991, Jacqueline Wright called police saying her estranged husband was trying to break into her home in Claresholm, Alta. When RCMP responded they saw the couple struggling over a rifle in the backyard. Not wanting to see the woman or officers hurt, police said they pulled back and waited for the emergency response team to get to the community, about 130 kilometres south of Calgary. Ninety minutes later, officers heard the shot that killed Jacqueline Wright and Leonard Wright was tackled as he fled the scene. Supt. Owen Maguire of Lethbridge RCMP said at the time that officers had no opportunity to intervene before the fatal shot was fired. ''I grieve for the victim, I really do, but it wouldn't have done any good to have a couple of dead policemen on our hands,'' he said at the time. Court heard how Leonard Wright, who had been drinking that night, pleaded with the arresting officers to kill him. He also told the judge he wished he could be given the death penalty when he was sentenced to life. He was being held at the Pacific Institution in the Fraser Valley and he died at the hospital in Abbotsford. Photo: Twitter Attorney General Jeff Sessions has sworn in Christopher Wray as the new FBI director. Wray calls the appointment the "honour of a lifetime" and says he is humbled and excited to serve. Wray was picked by President Donald Trump to succeed James Comey, who was fired in May amid an FBI investigation into potential co-ordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. Wray was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate earlier this week. In a statement, Sessions says Wray "has the experience and the strength of character that the American people want in an FBI director." Wray was a high-ranking Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration and has spent the last decade in private practice. Photo: Contributed No arrests have been made in the death of Willie Bartz. There has been no arrest made in connection to the death of Willie Bartz in Vernon last month. But two weeks after his death, RCMP have officially released his name and acknowledged his death was a murder. The Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are confirming that the death of a Vernon man reported on July 19, was a homicide, said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. No arrests have been made in connection to Mr. Bartz's death. Police do not believe that the matter poses any threat to the general public. Castanet spoke with Bartz's sister and father the day after the murder. Both were stunned anyone would want to hurt the man who was seriously injured in an accident 27 years ago. Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-545-7171 or via Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Photo: The Canadian Press UPDATE: Thursday 6 a.m. A second body was found in the rubble of a collapsed school building in Minneapolis after an explosion killed a school employee and injured several others, fire officials said Wednesday night. City Fire Chief John Fruetel said the body was recovered around 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Minnehaha Academy. Fruetel said the medical examiner's office is working to notify relatives. The blast occurred in a utility as students were playing soccer and basketball at the private Christian school, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, according to fire and school officials. Contractors were working on one of the campus' buildings at the time of the blast, which investigators believe was caused by a natural gas explosion, said Assistant Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner. The explosion killed Ruth Berg, a receptionist for 17 years at the school who "welcomed everyone with a smile," the school said in a statement. John Carlson, a part-time janitor known for giving Dilly Bars to students, was reported missing. The 81-year-old attended the school as a child, sent his own children there, and was like a grandfather figure to students, school officials said. ORIGINAL: Wednesday 4 p.m. One school staff member has been found dead and another is still missing following a natural gas explosion Wednesday at a private school in Minneapolis, authorities said. The body was found in the rubble of a building that partially collapsed during the explosion at the Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel said during a news conference. The Christian school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Both individuals worked at the school, according to the Minneapolis Fire Department. No other details were immediately released. Contractors were doing work on the building at the time of the blast, which investigators determined was caused by a gas explosion, according to Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner. Four people remained hospitalized late Wednesday, including one in critical condition, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, according to the hospital. Victims suffered injuries ranging from head injuries and broken bones to cuts from debris, according to Dr. Jim Miner, the hospital's chief of emergency medicine. Aerial video footage of the school's campus showed part of a building crumbled, windows in other areas blown out and shattered, and bricks and other debris scattered about. Three people were rescued from the roof of the building shortly after the explosion and fire, Tyner said. If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... The following editorial appeared in The Mercury News on Tuesday, Aug. 1: Its as if North Korean President Kim Jong Un is doing one of those Verizon commercials repeatedly asking the rest of the world: Can you hear me now? If there was any doubt before, the answer now that North Korea has successfully test fired a missile capable of reaching the interior of the United States is, Oh yes, we hear you now. And we dont like what we are hearing. All that is left for the rogue nation to do is demonstrate it can miniaturize and attach a nuclear warhead to one of those missiles and the world will be in full-scale crisis. It is foolhardy to believe the North Koreans wont do it shortly, if they havent already. Time is running out for diplomacy. But the Trump administration is blathering about China and others needing to step up with pressure. The United States has the most to lose, with missiles within shot of Silicon Valley and maybe even Washington D.C. Catherine Dill, a researcher for the Middlebury Institute, said in an interview in the Wall Street Journal that Fridays launch is a direct response to skeptics about North Koreas capabilities. If theyre able to master this level of technology, I dont see why they cant master miniaturization, she said. Of course, North Koreas close neighbors Japan and South Korea, strong U.S. allies, already see this is as full-scale crisis. Theyre right. They know the worlds experts have underestimated North Korea and its capabilities at nearly every turn and that this threat must be neutralized. To underscore the point, the U.S. and South Korea carried out live-fire missile exercises in waters off the coast of South Korea, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised to work with the U.S. to strengthen pressure on Pyongyang. But China is the one country with enough influence in North Korea to help alter Pyongyangs course, and it seems only to apply lip service. ?As if to make the point, a spokesman for Chinas Foreign Ministry said China opposed any further North Korean missile launches and urged all sides to act cautiously. Whew. Glad we got that said. After the launch on Friday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said United Nations sanctions on North Korea must be tightened. He called out both China and Russia for not doing enough. This leaves us stuck in a dangerous game of chicken in which the table stakes are nuclear bombs. Complicating matters both Kim and President Donald Trump have hair-trigger tempers, and neither is known for prudent restraint, let alone subtle diplomacy. U.S. administrations have been kicking this can down the road for decades. But the buck is stopping here. With Trump unlikely to reason this through, Tillerson may be our only hope. This is a test. We need our own missile: A diplomatic one. Today is Wednesday, Aug. 2, the 214th day of 2017. There are 151 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On August 2, 1776, members of the Second Continental Congress began attaching their signatures to the Declaration of Independence. On this date: In 216 B.C., during the Second Punic War, Carthaginian forces led by Hannibal defeated the Roman army in the Battle of Cannae. In 1876, frontiersman "Wild Bill" Hickok was shot and killed while playing poker at a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, by Jack McCall, who was later hanged. In 1892, movie producer Jack L. Warner was born in London, Ontario, Canada. In 1923, the 29th president of the United States, Warren G. Harding, died in San Francisco; Vice President Calvin Coolidge became president. In 1927, President Calvin Coolidge issued a written statement to reporters: "I do not choose to run for President in nineteen twenty-eight." In 1939, Albert Einstein signed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt urging creation of an atomic weapons research program. President Roosevelt signed the Hatch Act, which prohibited civil service employees from taking an active part in political campaigns. In 1943, during World War II, U.S. Navy boat PT-109, commanded by Lt. (jg) John F. Kennedy, sank after being rammed in the middle of the night by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri off the Solomon Islands. Two crew members were killed. In 1967, the crime drama "In the Heat of the Night," starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, premiered in New York. In 1974, former White House counsel John W. Dean III was sentenced to one to four years in prison for obstruction of justice in the Watergate cover-up. (Dean ended up serving four months.) In 1985, 137 people were killed when Delta Air Lines Flight 191, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashed while attempting to land at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, seizing control of the oil-rich emirate. (The Iraqis were later driven out in Operation Desert Storm.) In 1997, "Naked Lunch" author William S. Burroughs, the godfather of the "Beat generation," died in Lawrence, Kansas, at age 83. Ten years ago: Mattel apologized to customers as it recalled nearly a million Chinese-made toys from its Fisher-Price division that were found to have excessive amounts of lead in their paint. A Marine Corps squad leader was convicted at Camp Pendleton, California, of murdering an unarmed Iraqi man during a frustrated search for an insurgent. (Sgt. Lawrence G. Hutchins III was sentenced to 11 years in prison; he served more than half of his sentence before his conviction was overturned. Although convicted in a 2015 retrial, Hutchins received no additional prison time.) Two small Russian submarines completed a voyage below the North Pole where they planted the country's flag on the Arctic Ocean floor. Five years ago: Kofi Annan resigned as peace envoy to Syria, blaming the Syrian government's intransigence, the growing militancy of Syrian rebels and a divided U.N. Security Council that he said failed to forcefully back his effort. Gabby Douglas became the third American in a row to win gymnastics' biggest prize when she claimed the all-around Olympic title; Michael Phelps added to his medal collection with his first individual gold medal of the London Games in the 200-meter individual medley. One year ago: President Barack Obama castigated Donald Trump as "unfit" and "woefully unprepared" to serve in the White House, and challenged Republicans to withdraw their support for their party's nominee, declaring "there has to come a point at which you say 'enough.'" Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A tour of the Gage County Courthouse will be held on Aug. 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m as a part of the Tuesday Night with the Library series. Anyone interested should meet at the east entrance of the courthouse on the Seventh Street side. Dave Jones, the building manager, will conduct the tour. Laureen Riedesel, a Gage County Heritage Preservation board member, will accompany the tour to provide historic information about the original use of each floor in the 1890s. The Gage County Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places more than 25 years ago at the time of its centennial. This tour is part of the librarys summer reading program, Build a Better World. The courthouse was selected for recognition as a significant example of local architecture in the ongoing celebration of Nebraskas sesquicentennial. For more information, contact the Beatrice Public Library at 402-223-3584 or visit www.beatrice.ne.gov/library. For too long, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strayed from its intended purpose and instead has become a red tape factory with little to no accountability. Thankfully, the Trump administration is working to reverse this harmful trend. Farmers and ranchers have been hit especially hard by the endless onslaught of EPA regulations, even though they are careful stewards of our land and water. Their livelihood depends on responsible usage of these resources, and the Nebraskans I talk with take this responsibility seriously. We all want clean air and clean water, which can and should be combined with the goals of economic growth and competitiveness. One of the clearest examples of the agencys new direction under the Trump administration is the proposal released by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to repeal the Obama administrations Waters of the U.S. rule, or WOTUS. This rule was one of the most flagrant abuses of regulatory power in modern history and threatened the future of agriculture. It would have given the EPA sweeping jurisdiction to regulate everything from ditches to prairie potholes, even on private land. When the Obama administration finalized WOTUS in 2015, I introduced the House resolution to block the rule using the Congressional Review Act, or CRA. The Senate version of my resolution passed both chambers of Congress but was unsurprisingly vetoed by President Obama. Now, the Trump administrations proposal to repeal this rule is a welcome step toward certainty and relief for producers, landowners, and local communities. The formal proposal was released on July 27, and the public has until Aug. 28, 2017, to submit comments to the agency at Regulations.gov. The Clean Power Plan, another dangerous Obama administration regulation, threatened to force hundreds of coal-fired power plants to shut their doors, killing jobs and increasing the cost of energy. Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order at the EPA to dismantle these federal regulations and empower states to move forward with responsible energy development. To this point, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has worked to undo more regulations in his short tenure than any other administrator in the history of the agency. The regulations issued by the Obama administration threatened entire industries and defied the Constitution with costly legislating through the executive branch. In April, Pruitt announced his back-to-basics agenda of returning EPA to its core mission: protecting the environment by engaging with state, local and tribal partners to create sensible regulations that enhance economic growth. As Pruitt reins in the red tape, I am hopeful we can see the agency refocus on important projects which have been languishing. For example, Missouri residents have been waiting 27 years for an EPA decision on how to clean up a toxic waste site. Pruitt has stated his commitment to resolving this and other long-awaited cleanup efforts. Standing against federal overreach has been a priority of mine for many years and I appreciate the Trump administrations commitment to this effort. An EPA which prioritizes both protecting our resources and growing our economy is certainly a welcome change. Saturday Peace Lutheran Church, 1301 Avenue D: A traditional Lutheran worship service is led by guest musician Robin Goodheart at 5 p.m. Sunday American Lutheran Church worshiping at Moss Mansion, 914 Division St.: An outdoor worship service takes place at 10 a.m. Bring a lawn chair. (No child care is available for this service.) Billings Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 2032 Central Ave.: At the 10:30 a.m. service, David Leuthold presents Civility, Truth and Liberal Churches. Intense partisan polarization has led to a reduction of civility and truth in our public and private discourse. Reacting to the 2016 election, many liberals, including some liberal churches, are becoming more politically active. What criteria will we use to decide that some statements or events are true or false, civil or uncivil? Some liberals will participate in uncivil and untruthful ways. How can we, as Unitarian Universalists, avoid reducing our civility and truthfulness when others seem to profit from bullying and lies? Live With Passion mission at St. Benedict Parish, Roundup: The public is invited to attend the Live With Passion parish mission at St. Benedict Parish in Roundup, Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 6-8. The Rev. Cedric Pisegna presents the mission at 7 p.m. each night. Pisegna has authored many books and hosts a Trinity Broadcast Network program at 6 a.m. on Sundays. For more information or to RSVP, call the church at 406-323-1019. Billings Association of Humanists meeting at First Congregational Church, 310 N. 27th St.: At 1 p.m. is a viewing of The End of the World: 1177 BCE and the Collapse of Bronze Age Civilization. It is a 70-minute video lecture by Eric Cline, professor of classics and anthropology, about his book, 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed. A discussion focusing on lessons from the past for today follows. Peace Lutheran Church, 1301 Avenue D: The 10 a.m. worship service is followed by a time of fellowship and doughnuts. Sign-up sheets for August outreach events are available. First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N.: A Communion worship service takes place at 10:30 a.m., after coffee and fellowship at 10 a.m. St. Johns Lutheran Ministries, 3940 Rimrock Road: The Rev. Stacey Siebrasse, pastor of First English Lutheran Church, leads worship in the Ocee Johnson Chapel at 7 p.m. Unity of Billings, 9 14th St. W.: At 10 a.m., the Rev. Karen Brannon, chaplain at Billings Clinic, shares her message, "The Art of Listening." Immediately before the service, Glenn Kamamura, a massage therapist, spiritual healer and a certified Reiki master, provides sound healing toning. Pilgrim Congregational Church, 409 36th St. S.: After the 9 a.m. coffee fellowship, Pastor Steve Heppner leads the 10 a.m. Communion worship service, based on Matthew 14:13-21, themed God is worshiped for giving what we give. Also, Kyle Walter reads Scripture, and Shelly Moats provides special music. Monday Shiloh United Methodist Church, 1810 Shiloh Road: At 5:15 p.m., Messy Church begins with a light meal, followed by the story of Jesus' special relationship with children and then wraps up with crafts and lots of fun. Tuesday Unity of Billings, 9 14th St. W.: At 6 p.m., Rebecca Flores facilitates a half-hour silent meditation followed by a time for questions and answers. A love offering of $5 is suggested. For more information, call Unity at 254-9554. Wednesday Community Lecture Series at Billings Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2032 Central Ave.: Danny Choriki presents Jean-Jacques Rousseau, another segment of his "Humanists in History" series, at 7 p.m. Rousseau is an Enlightenment philosopher (18th-century France), considered by some to be one of the first political philosophers. Rousseau's works influenced the American and French revolutions. Atonement Lutheran Church youth fundraiser at MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, 2695 King Ave. W.: Twenty percent of sales from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. benefit Atonements youth ministries. To donate, diners should mention the fundraiser to the cashier. Atonement Lutheran Church, 1290 Sierra Granda Blvd.: The Rev. Darren Paulson leads Are We Building as One? a Bible study based on Ephesians 4:1-6, in the Little White Church at 10 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. W.: The community is invited to meet Charles and Melissa Johnson, Presbyterian missionaries from Zambia, Africa, at 1 p.m. The Johnsons discuss their work in sustainable agriculture in Zambia, and free dessert and refreshments are served. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 180 24th St. W.: The public is invited to hear Charles and Melissa Johnson, of Zambia, Africa, give a presentation on their work in Zambia, at 7 p.m. Melissa works in health education to improve maternal and child health. Charles works with farmers and pastors, teaching new agricultural techniques. He teaches courses in sustainable agriculture at Chasefu Theological College. Friday Unity of Billings, 9 14th St. W.: At 7 p.m., Connie Hill leads a drum circle. She has been teaching and leading drumming circles and teaching people to make drums for 30 years. Hill finds drumming to be a very special, spiritually deepening and calming activity. No experience is necessary; participants do not need their own drums. The evening starts with a guided meditation before drumming. A love offering of $10 is suggested. For more information, call Unity at 254-9554. Saturday, Aug. 12 Outdoor Concert Series at Atonement Lutheran Church, 1290 Sierra Granda Blvd.: At 6 p.m. is a concert featuring Gary Lane, The Garibays and Servant 28 with Ed McIntosh. Dunmeyer is a member of the church. Sal Garibay has played for more than 40 years, beginning in Chicago. He and his wife have performed in the area for several years in various groups and now as a duo at local venues. Servant 28 members Pierre and Kristin LaVe' are joined by McIntosh for some familiar songs and fun dance music. The concert is free. Proceeds from the sale of food and beverages benefit youth attending the Houston Youth Gathering next summer. Music continues until sunset. To submit items The deadline for submitting information for the Faith Guide is noon Tuesday for consideration for publication in the upcoming Saturday edition. The items should be special events open to the public and of interest to readers outside your congregation. You may mail information to: Faith Guide; Billings Gazette newsroom; P.O. Box 36300; Billings, MT 59107. Items also may be faxed to 657-1208 or emailed to citynews@billingsgazette.com. Be sure to address faxes or emails to the Faith Guide. Or you may drop off your item at The Gazette, 401 N. Broadway; please mark it to the attention of Rachelle Lacy. Items are used as space is available. The principal component of petroleum and natural gas are hydrocarbons and their mixtures, and are indispensable as resources supporting modern infrastructure as raw materials for the petrochemical industry. A technique which has been conventionally used to create beneficial chemical products from hydrocarbons was to use a large amount of metallic peroxides in hazardous organic solvents to oxidize hydrocarbon compounds. To use resources effectively and to reduce environmental impact, clean catalytic oxidization without solvents using the oxygen in the air has been a popular research subject in recent years. Research of noble metal nanoparticles supported on porous carbon materials or metallic oxides are especially prevalent, and they are viewed as promising catalysts. Vital elements determining the reactivity of such heterogeneous catalysts are the shape, size, and metallic composition of the metallic nanoparticles. Particles of a size less than 2 nm have especially gained attention in the development of new high-performance catalysts, since it has been found that reducing the diameter of the catalyst particle not only increases the surface area ratio but greatly changes the state of the electrons on the surface of the metals, greatly changing its reactivity. However, the method of synthesizing metallic nanoparticles of such a size while controlling both its diameter and composition had not been discovered. Overview The research group led by Kimihisa Yamamoto of Tokyo institute of Technology developed a method of synthesizing microscopic alloy nanoparticles using branched molecules "dendrimers" they themselves had developed in Yamamoto Atom Hybrid Project on the ERATO program, the Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, research funding program supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Molecules called dendrimers have a regular branching structure with only one definite molecular weight although they are classified as macromolecules. The research group implemented many coordination sites for forming metal ions and complexes. By using a dendrimer with such coordination sites as a template for the nanoparticle, the group was able to synthesize a nanoparticle with a controlled number of atoms. Further, they evaluated the activity of this alloy nanoparticle as an oxidization catalyst for hydrocarbons under ordinary pressures when using oxygen in the air as the oxidizing agent, and found that its activity was 24 times greater than that of commercially available catalysts for oxidization of organic compounds. They also found that, by adding a catalytic amount of organic hydroperoxide, this catalyst promotes the oxidization of hydrocarbon into aldehydes and ketones under ordinary temperatures and pressures. Further, by comparing the changes in activity due to alloy catalysts of different metallic compositions and examining the composition and other characteristics of the intermediates, ketones and organic hydroperoxides, the group was able to observe the process of reaction promotion due to the alloying of the catalyst. Future Development The catalytic transformation of inactive hydrocarbons to substances with higher added value is a technology garnering much attention in recent times.?The knowledge gained from this research is anticipated to become a design guideline for new high-performance catalysts. The method for synthesizing alloy nanoparticles developed in this research can be used generally and applied to other metals. For this reason, this could be said to be the technology uncovering the reactivity of other microscopic alloy nanoparticles, whose catalytic performance had not been known. Further study is required on the increase of catalytic activity at the interface of copper and other noble metals in the oxidizing transformations of other organic compounds, not only the oxidization of hydrocarbons. Application is anticipated for next-generation high-performance materials in the fields as diverse as optics, electronics, and energy. 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... Retired Army Sgt. Garrett Anderson, who lost his hand and most of his forearm from an IED blast in Iraq, was among the first to test the Psyonic prosthetic hand. (Ben Wolozyn / Blue Sky) Retired Army Sgt. Garrett Anderson lost his right hand and part of his forearm in 2005 after an improvised explosive device blew up under his truck during patrol duty in the Abu Ghraib district of Iraq. He survived, but the blast severed his right arm, broke his jaw and gave him a traumatic brain injury. Naturally a righty, Anderson said learning to live as a below-the-elbow amputee has been "difficult" and a "long process," as even small tasks like writing a note or drinking from a water bottle can prove challenging. Advertisement Prosthetics help, Anderson said, but they're often costly or cumbersome. He uses one that's effectively a pair of hooks, technology which dates back 100 years but is still preferred by many for its durability, practicality and affordability. Still, it leaves much to be desired. "There's no sensory feedback, so you have no idea how hard you're squeezing or what you're doing," said Anderson, who currently studies rehabilitation counseling at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a master's student. "And I'm only 40 years old so obviously I'm a little harder on prosthetics than most people might be." Advertisement Psyonic, a startup operating out of U. of I.'s Research Park, is trying to change all that by building a better, more affordable bionic hand that's guided by machine learning. But the company needs more funding first. Launched in 2015, Psyonic aims to bring down the cost of advanced, electromechanical prosthetic hands that look and move like regular human ones. These types of bionic limbs can aid greatly in an amputee's daily life, but the most advanced versions often cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, according to Psyonic co-founder and CEO Aadeel Akhtar. Psyonic's bionic hand is less expensive to make, but the company is still up-and-coming. In July, it announced a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo seeking $250,000, but so far it has raised less than $5,000. Psyonic's Indiegogo campaign closes on Aug. 18. "Most prosthetic hands that are out there and available on the market, they're really big and bulky," Akhtar said. "Ours is about 20 percent lighter than the average human hand weight, which is really important for a user." About the size and shape of an average female hand, Psyonic's bionic device is made from lightweight rubber and silicone parts cast from 3-D-printed molds. Besides being affordable to source, the materials give the Psyonic prosthetic hand a flesh-like feel and distinctive flexibility that mirrors human tissue, Akhtar said. Tiny gears and motors housed inside the hand allow fingers to flex and extend individually, while also giving the thumb the ability to rotate. Small sensors located in the device's socket analyze muscle movements from a user's residual limb and, in turn, tell the fingers how to behave. The battery-powered and USB-rechargeable Psyonic hand can emulate between 80 to 90 percent of normal human hand functions, Akhtar said. It costs less than $600 to manufacture. "Even though they're missing their hand, (amputees) still have muscle activity from their forearm usually," said Akhtar, who has a PhD in neuroscience as well as a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering, both from U. of I. "If they were trying to make a pinch versus a fist, they'll have different muscle activity going on, and that's enough for us to decipher what they would have wanted to do if their hand was actually there." Advertisement To "teach" the bionic hand, all users have to do is hook it up and perform a series of movements for two minutes. Psyonic's machine-learning algorithm takes things from there and then improves over time with continued use, Akhtar said. Anderson was among the first amputees to test the bionic hand, which he did by picking up hollowed-out eggshells and hammering nails. In addition to its light weight and durability, Anderson said the device is "remarkable" because it helps users experience the feeling of touch; it does so through a network of electrodes connected to highly sensitive pressure sensors embedded in the prosthetic device's thumb, index and middle fingers. "Whenever you grab something, there's this feeling of electricity on your skin, like a mild shock, but not to where it hurts," Anderson said. "It's never going to be the same, but at least it's a step in the right direction." Psyonic has to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before it can take its bionic hand to market, a process that can take anywhere from six to 10 months, Akhtar said. After that, the startup will also need to get the device covered under health insurance policies, he said. Psyonic's funding has primarily come from U. of I. and a handful of awards, including the Cozad New Venture Competition at U. of I. in 2015 and the Illinois Innovation Prize in 2016, which Akhtar personally won. Psyonic's award earnings total $58,000, according to Akhtar. The startup also participated in the university's iVenture Accelerator, he said. Akhtar who's currently in China to scout out manufacturers said the money Psyonic raises in its Indiegogo campaign will be used to seek FDA approval and insurance coverage. It will also be used to build an initial batch of 50 hands, he said. Advertisement "We're looking at the beginning of 2019 for when we would hopefully be able to sell this as a medical device," Akhtar said. Robert Holly is a freelance writer. Twitter @robertwadeholly Michael Raines, Derrell Davis, Chris Paar and Laticia Wright are among the hundreds of people who stood in line Aug. 2, 2017, at the Amazon fulfillment center in Romeoville, participating in the e-commerce giant's job fair. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) Alexa, what are your deals? On Wednesday, at least, it was warehouse jobs thousands of them, Amazon said. Seattle-based Amazon held its largest-ever hiring event Wednesday, inviting prospective employees to apply at 10 fulfillment centers nationwide, including sites in Romeoville and Kenosha, Wis. Advertisement In the two years since Amazon announced plans to open its first Illinois fulfillment center, it has opened or planned 16 facilities as part of its distribution network in Illinois, totaling more than 7.2 million square feet, according to supply chain and logistics consulting firm MWPVL International. Amazon already employs 7,000 Illinoisans, and is the largest employer in Will County. But it's looking to fill another 2,500 jobs in Romeoville, Joliet and Monee and 1,500 in Kenosha, part of the 50,000 total open jobs Amazon says it's hoping to use the national hiring event to fill. Advertisement Consumers keep placing more orders online, increasingly forcing e-commerce companies to compete to recruit the armies of workers who fill them, supply chain experts said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 People wait in line Aug. 2, 2017, at an Amazon warehouse in Romeoville, to participate in a job fair hosted by the company. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) "It's getting harder and harder to find people, and companies don't want to be left in a situation where they can't ship," said Marc Wulfraat, president and founder of MWPVL. Amazon appeared to have little trouble drawing a crowd with the prospect of on-the-spot job offers Wednesday. By 10 a.m., the company had posted signs at the entrance saying the parking lot had filled and encouraging job-seekers to apply online. Liticia Wright, 58, of Woodridge, and her son Chris Matthews, 27, were among the applicants who walked away with offers of jobs stocking items or filling customer orders. Wright already works at a warehouse in Romeoville, but it's a seasonal job ending in October. "I needed to grab something fast, and I like that it's full-time with benefits," she said. For Wladhimar Zurita, 22, of Cicero, whose brother also works for Amazon, it was a step up from his job as a Buffalo Wild Wings cook. He plans to work while pursuing business management and culinary degrees, but hopes to eventually open a seafood restaurant. "(Amazon is) the No. 1 company in the world right now," he said. "I go where the money's at." Employers generally have been able to meet day-to-day fulfillment and distribution hiring needs, but staffing up for peak seasons like back-to-school and the holidays remains a major challenge, said Frank Layo, managing director at consulting firm Kurt Salmon. Advertisement At the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Romeoville, items are picked off the shelves, packed into boxes and shipped to customers. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) (Brian Cassella) Shipping items to customers takes more work than selling them in stores, which means retailers need more employees as e-commerce grows, he said. Unemployment is also relatively low, and the work itself is often physically demanding and not universally appealing. "If I can drive for Uber for $30,000 per year, that sounds a lot better than going to a warehouse where you're sweating and getting dirty for the same amount of money," Layo said. Distribution centers also tend to cluster in areas with easy access to transportation networks, meaning they're competing for the same pool of workers. Amazon spokesman Zeshan Kazmi said Amazon hasn't been noticing extra competition for hires and said he thinks Amazon's benefits are a selling point, including more flexible parental leave policies and a tuition reimbursement program added within the past couple of years. Part-time employees working more than 20 hours per week also receive benefits, including access to the tuition reimbursement program. Advertisement That's what attracted Juanita Jackson and Tracey Lewis of East Chicago, Ind., even though Jackson's daughter, who works at an Amazon facility in Joliet, said the job entailed plenty of hard work. "I'm looking for something to retire on. I want to go into retirement with a bang," said Jackson, a home health care provider. Jackson had applied online and got a call inviting her to attend, and encouraged Lewis to apply as well. He said he was looking for a job with more possibilities to advance than he has in his current role as a mail processor, and they liked the idea of sharing the long commute. Amazon's reputation and rapid growth were also selling points to applicants like Alice Goncher, 62, of Bolingbrook. She said she had been laid off about two months ago and wasn't looking for warehouse work, but hoped Amazon might have other openings for people with her background in health care and insurance. Job-seekers line up Aug. 2, 2017, at Amazon fulfillment center in Romeoville to participate in a job fair. The company said it was hoping to fill 2,500 jobs in Romeoville, Joliet and Monee and 1,500 in Kenosha, Wis., as part of the national event that sought to fill a total of 50,000 positions. ( Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune ) "I've worked for four companies that closed their doors. I want to be somewhere I'm confident is going to stay," she said. Others were looking for better wages or more reliable hours, like 18-year-old Dawson Huffman, of Joliet. Huffman wants to work full-time, but said he struggles to get hours in his current job at White Castle. Advertisement "I've heard the hours are good, and I want to have a chance to move up," he said. Some warehouse employers have been raising wages or adding perks to recruit and retain employees, said Brian Devine, senior vice president at logistics staffing firm ProLogistix. In addition to keeping pay competitive, employers struggling to recruit may need to increase compensation during less-desirable shifts or allow more flexible scheduling, he said. Some retailers struggling to keep costs down are trying to find creative perks with a smaller price tag, such as on-site clinics and day care or car washes for employees with good attendance, Layo said. But in addition to trying to make warehouse jobs more attractive, employers are eyeing technology that could automate some tasks workers handle today. That doesn't mean all those new jobs will evaporate. Machines will still need people to supervise and maintain them, Wulfraat said. Those jobs may be fewer in number, but better-paying, he added. Advertisement Even if technology eventually improves and robots can handle more work that currently must be done by humans in a cost-effective way, Layo and Devine were skeptical it would lead to a significant drop in employment. Machines still will need humans to supervise and maintain them. And so far, automation isn't replacing people but making them more efficient and helping the industry keep up with demand, Layo said. "If we hadn't been automating things at a pretty steady state, we would be in a much worse labor position," he said. lzumbach@chicagotribune.com Twitter @laurenzumbach More than four months after Chicago's contentious short-term rental ordinance took full effect, the city is not enforcing some penalties outlined in the new rules. Airbnb hosts, meanwhile, have not heard from the city about the registration numbers they're required to have under the law. Though the city says it's working on it, hosts are wondering if they should continue booking guests' stays. Advertisement "I'm in a state of limbo," said Daniel McGrath, who lives in the West Town community area and rents out one of his rooms on Airbnb. "I don't want to take further reservations in the event that I get shut down." The ordinance, passed last summer, imposes stricter rules on Airbnb and other short-term rental sites. It requires each unit listed to have a registration number, but most Chicago listings currently are stamped with "city registration pending." Advertisement While Chicago has faced delays getting its program up and running, at least one other city has issued thousands of licenses using similar technology. The city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is still processing the data on hosts and units and has not yet finalized the new registration platform, said Lilia Chacon, a department spokeswoman. That means the fines outlined in the ordinance for not having a registration number which after a certain period could be between $1,500 and $3,000, or more depending on how many days an offense has continued are not being levied. Chacon did not address the reason for the delays. "The department anticipates the registration process to be completed within days," she said Tuesday in an emailed statement. The regulations went into full effect in March after facing a three-month delay due to lawsuits filed against the city. Airbnb will continue to partner with the city "every step of the way," spokesman Ben Breit said in an email. "This was a groundbreaking ordinance, and it's important for the city to take the time it needs to get this right." Airbnb, which worked with the city on the ordinance, allowed hosts to comply with the rules through its website. If hosts didn't comply by May 1, their listings were dropped from the site. Airbnb passed the information to the city for unit registration. Before the deadline on May 1, there were about 6,500 active hosts in Chicago. Airbnb declined to comment on the current number of hosts. But according to Inside Airbnb, a website that scrapes the tech giant's data, there are about 5,200 listings in Chicago. Advertisement Uptown resident Phil White, 25, has kept an eye on the ordinance for more than a year. When Airbnb's deadline came around in May, he decided to let his listing get kicked off the platform. Recently, his girlfriend Sarah Tesfai moved in, and they've started hosting again. But White said he wonders if the lack of a city registration number could cause problems. "It has got to be having some effect," he said. "If it can't do anything, then why would it be required?" Owners of apartment buildings also are crying foul on the lack of registrations, in at least one case faulting Airbnb. MDA City Apartments, which owns a luxury high-rise apartment building in the Loop neighborhood, filed a lawsuit last month against Airbnb and corporate housing company TempHomes Chicago. The suit alleges Airbnb was interfering with the property's leases. The lawsuit cites the city ordinance, alleging neither Airbnb nor TempHomes "have completed the necessary registration requirements." As a result, MDA has had to increase security, constantly screen Airbnb's website and evict tenants, according to the suit. Advertisement TempHomes is vacating the property, company owner Jason Jones said. The company went through the registration process about four months ago, he said, but "I never heard back from the city." Down in New Orleans, hosts also are working through a new registration process. The Louisiana city's law imposing stricter regulations on short-term rental platforms took effect April 1, without any delay-inducing lawsuits like Chicago had. It requires properties being rented for less than 30 days to be licensed with the city. New Orleans opened its application window in mid-March, said Jared Munster, the city's director of safety and permits. Since then, it has received more than 5,100 applications, and of those, about 2,900 licenses have been issued. The city shares data with Airbnb, but the tech giant doesn't provide everything the city needs to process an application. "We still have to touch every one of those applicants," Munster said. Advertisement After a grace period, New Orleans started enforcing its ordinance, Munster said, resulting in total fines of about $48,000 as of Tuesday. Chicago's ordinance took full effect a couple of weeks before New Orleans' and was adopted half a year prior. Chicago is working with other companies to ensure the host registration process moves forward, Chacon said. One of those is HomeAway, an Austin, Texas-based short-term rental platform that was bought by Expedia in 2015. HomeAway filed a federal lawsuit against the city in May, alleging the "deeply flawed law" threatens fines that are based on categories "that cannot meaningfully be distinguished from one another." The suit, which is still pending, asks the court to declare the ordinance unconstitutional. Other parts of the ordinance are seeing some action. Airbnb has collected more than $2.8 million from a new 4 percent tax on every booking in Chicago. The city said the revenue helped launch a program that addresses homelessness. Advertisement Meanwhile, some aldermen have moved to establish their wards as zones where short-term rentals would be restricted, another allowance in the ordinance. Though guests are likely unaware of Chicago's new rules when they visit, hosts remain concerned. Airbnb host McGrath said he's sure there's no reason for his unit registration to be denied, but the silence from the city has caused some second-guessing. "As a host ... I do take this very seriously," he said. "I haven't canceled a reservation yet, and if I had to do this, it would be damaging to my reputation and credibility on the site." amarotti@chicagotribune.com Twitter @AllyMarotti River North Point, once known as the Apparel Center, is seen in March 2016. Mall landlord GGP will be moving to the building in the first quarter of 2018. ( Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune ) Mall landlord GGP plans to move its headquarters to River North early next year, just in time for its current Wacker Drive offices to be reduced to dust. GGP's more than 700 headquarters workers will move to 168,000 square feet in the former Apparel Center, now called River North Point, building owner Blackstone Group said. The move about a half-mile north is planned for the first quarter of 2018. Advertisement GGP is leaving its squat, five-story headquarters along the Chicago River because Dallas-based developer Howard Hughes Co. which spun out of GGP in 2010 and Chicago developer Riverside Investment & Development plan to tear down the building next year. They're replacing the Wacker Drive structure with a 51-story tower, where Bank of America will lease about 490,000 square feet. Wednesday's announcement by Blackstone's Equity Office unit confirms a Tribune report in May that GGP planned to move to the River North building at Orleans Street and the river. Advertisement GGP was represented in the lease by brokers Vineet Sahgal and Meredith O'Connor of Jones Lang LaSalle. Equity Office was represented by Michael Kazmierczak, Ron Lakin and Ellen Zalatoris of CBRE. GGP, formerly known as General Growth Properties, is a real estate investment trust that owns malls throughout the country. Locally, it owns three retail properties on North Michigan Avenue including the Water Tower Place Mall and the Oakbrook Center and Northbrook Court malls in the suburbs. Blackstone bought the River North office building for $378 million in 2015, the same year it paid a Chicago-record $1.3 billion for 110-story Willis Tower. Blackstone is in the process of upgrading River North Point, which was once home to apparel showrooms. The revamp will include new fitness and conference centers and a 5,000-square-foot rooftop deck. GGP will occupy the entire fourth floor and parts of the third and fifth floors. "GGP was highly sought-after and they chose River North Point due to its prominent location on the bank of the Chicago River, large flexible floorplates, unparalleled access to transportation and neighborhood amenities, and our 25,000-plus square feet of new, tenant-only amenities that will be delivered at the end of this year," David Moore, Equity Office senior vice president and portfolio director, said in a news release. rori@chicagotribune.com Twitter @Ryan_Ori JAKARTA - Indonesia will take part in China's annual tourism expo in Xi'an on Aug 4-6, to tap more visitors from China and other countries, an official from the Tourism Ministry said Tuesday. During the upcoming China Xi'an Silk Road International Tourism Expo (CXSRITE), Indonesian exhibitors would actively promote national destinations, 2018 Asian Games to be held in Indonesia's Jakarta and Palembang, and meetings between Indonesian tour agencies and their counterparts from China and other countries, the official said. "The expo is highly expected to produce significant amount of tour package transactions, which would eventually bring more foreign visitors to Indonesia," Vincensius Jemadu, assistant deputy minister for Asia Pacific Tourism Development at the Tourism Ministry said. Indonesian exhibitors would occupy 108 square meters in the upcoming annual tourism expo held in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shannxi province. Some 45,000 people were estimated to visit the tourism expo, where more than 500 exhibitors from 30 countries have been registered to take part. The number of Chinese visitors to Indonesia in the first four months this year reached 1.1 million, out of a total of 4.2 million foreign tourists. Court proceedings in the case against a former Casper gynecologist charged with molesting six of his patients were delayed again Tuesday at the request of his defense attorney. Paul Harnetty's trial will now take place in the winter, though an exact date has not been selected. The trial was originally slated to begin June 26 but was delayed for 60 days during a hearing in June and then delayed another 90 days after Tuesday's hearing. Harnetty, 47, faces 10 felonies for allegedly sexually assaulting women during medical exams at Community Health Center of Central Wyoming in 2014 and 2015. He stopped practicing at the center in October 2015 and voluntarily relinquished his license. Minnesota law enforcement arrested him on a warrant in January. The delays have been caused by a series of complications with his lawyers. His first attorney, John Miner, retired in the midst of the case. His new attorney, Don Fuller, asked in a June 16 hearing that the trial and hearings be delayed for 60 days so that he could have time to review the case. Natrona District Court Judge Thomas Sullins granted the postponement. At Tuesday's hearing, attorney Ian Sandefer asked Sullins to delay the trial because Fuller had been hospitalized for an undisclosed health condition. Sandefer said he was standing in for Fuller but was not prepared to argue what evidence should be admissible in trial, which was supposed to be the focus of the hearing. Miner, Fuller and Sandefer all work for the same law firm. "It's under extreme circumstances that we're asking for this continuance," Sandefer said, noting that Harnetty has a right to be represented by an attorney of his choosing. Assistant District Attorney Kevin Taheri said he did not oppose the request to postpone. "We obviously can't object with the defense attorney in the hospital," he said. Taheri and another prosecutor, Michael Schafer, are taking over the state's case from Brett Johnson, who is leaving the Natrona County District Attorney's office. But for at least one of Harnetty's alleged victims, the delay is only causing more frustration. "Harnetty may have waived his right to a speedy trial. However, the victims weren't given that option," she said Tuesday after the hearing. "I have waited two years. That is two years of replaying the event every single day, being without closure and stuck in limbo. That takes a very hard toll on his victims." Sullins reluctantly granted the request for a postponement. He expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the case and twice having to prepare for a complicated hearing only to delay it for circumstances outside of his control. Harnetty, who is living out of state, did not appear in court Tuesday, nor did he appear for the June hearing. Sullins reprimanded Sandefer for the absence and ordered that the former doctor appear at all future court hearings as required by his bond unless the court specifically excuses him. Iliana Mora, center, president and CEO of Women Employed, stands with her daughter Stella Kittikamron-Mora, 6, and converses with Steph Willding, left, of Chicago Family Health Center on July 15, 2017, at the Galvanize Program for female leaders at McCormick Place. (Kristen Norman/Chicago Tribune ) Iliana Mora says her 6-year-old daughter would follow her to work every day if she could. "She loves being with her mom," said Mora, who had little Stella in tow last month as Mora made one of her first public appearances in her new role as president and CEO of the Chicago advocacy group Women Employed. Advertisement Mora, 40, took the reins of Women Employed from Anne Ladky, who retired at the end of June after 40 years with the nonprofit. Founded in 1973 to advocate for fair employment practices, Women Employed recently has been pushing a state bill that seeks to narrow the gender wage gap by barring employers from asking for salary history, and is backing Chicago legislation to give hourly workers more schedule predictability. It also helped craft paid sick leave laws recently implemented in Chicago and Cook County. Mora assumed her new role after 15 years with Erie Family Health Center, a network of 13 community-based health care centers where she most recently served as chief operating officer. She has been a Women Employed board member for the past nine years. Advertisement Mora started her career as a risk management underwriter for the Chubb Group, but the work didn't motivate her. So the George Washington University alumna left for a graduate fellowship in urban planning and policy at the University of Illinois, which exposed her to Chicago's social challenges. "I'm so glad ... that I followed my intellectual interest and my passion because it has felt that I have never worked a day in my life," Mora said. "There's a greater purpose outside of myself for what I do everyday." A native of Wilmette, Mora is married to her high school sweetheart and lives next door to her parents, immigrants from Colombia who still live in the house where she grew up. She has a 9-year-old son in addition to her daughter. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: Can you point to a life experience that drove your interest in community work? A: My dad comes from very modest and humble beginnings, and for him to get himself a medical degree and immigrate here and be able to carry out his profession (as a physician) here, is monumentally different from what his roots were. And he is always very deliberate in reminding us where he came from and appreciating how far you can come. Q: What are your priorities for Women Employed? A: I want to make sure that the discourse is about women and families. Whether we're mothers or not, many of us are caregivers. I also want to recognize the diversity in voices and make sure we bring to the forefront that diversity in voices, whether it's economic diversity, racial or ethnic diversity, age, faith, sexual orientation. Advertisement Q: What do your employer collaborations look like? A: Back when sexual harassment was added as one of the forms of discrimination, we worked with employers on helping them to create an environment that was not prone to sexual harassment. I want to build on those roots and do more around working families, mothers returning from having a baby, how do we integrate them, make it easy for them to get back into a routine. Because that's a very difficult time. Q: What's missing from the conversations we're having about women at work? A: I think we could be storytelling more. But that's hard to do when you've suffered the discrimination. We know that it happens in terms of statistics, but we don't hear those stories as much because of the sensitivity to each woman, and I think that would be really powerful. Q: What is a story you think people need to hear? A: Even among high-ranking executive women, they're the only woman on the team and there are constant comments made, sexually (explicit) comments made. And it can really affect women emotionally. Advertisement Q: What do you hear about sexual harassment among low-wage women workers, which rarely gets attention? A: Hotel workers are just in a terrible position and extremely susceptible to sexual harassment. ... And it's really disgusting. Q: What do you make of so many suburbs opting out of the Cook County paid sick leave law? A: It's very disappointing because I think what has not been a big enough part of the conversation are the benefits of paid sick time. It's all been about the costs. What they're not really focusing on are the public health benefits. Seventy percent of the norovirus outbreaks (from contaminated food) are because an employee came in sick. Q: Do you see paid parental leave coming to Chicago? A: We are definitely working on the beginnings of it. Advertisement Q: As a whole are things getting worse or better for women at work? A: There's no doubt things are getting better for working women. We have a lot further to go. What I think is really great and inspiring, women are showing up, women are speaking out and women are engaged. This current moment has moved women to act, and that is a very good place for us to be to make change. Q: Given your experience running a health care organization, how do you view the current health care situation? A: All of the research shows that if you take away people's insurance it's just going to cost you more money. I remember when health care reform and Medicaid expansion first happened, one of the very first people who walked through our doors was a woman who had stage 3 cervical cancer. She hadn't been to the doctor since she gave birth, and she was 60 years old. She had no idea (she had cancer), but then she signed up for Obamacare, she got her insurance, but by the time she got to us it was just too late. That's what happens when you don't have access to insurance. Q: What has been critical for you to advance in your career? A: If I have to work evenings, if I have to work weekends, if I have to travel sometimes that's happening all in one week I have to make sure my kids are cared for. What has made me successful is that I have all of my family living right around me. And I can also afford to hire people to help me. Advertisement Q: What's an early management lesson you learned? A: Speak up. Your idea doesn't have to be fully thought out, but share what you're thinking. aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com Twitter @alexiaer Mondelez International CEO Irene Rosenfeld will retire in November, bringing an end to her time at the helm of the $26 billion global snack and candy company known for brands like Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers, the company announced Wednesday. She'll be replaced by Dirk Van de Put, who's currently president and CEO of Canada-based McCain Foods, a global frozen potato company. As one of the relatively few female CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, Rosenfeld, 64, cut costs, overhauled the company's global supply chain network and worked to position Mondelez for growth in a changing food industry. Advertisement Dirk Van de Put will replace Irene Rosenfeld as CEO of snack giant Mondelez. Van de Put is currently CEO of McCain Foods, based in New Brunswick, Canada. (Handout) Van de Put will replace Rosenfeld as CEO in November and will take over her position as chairman of the board March 31. Rosenfeld became CEO of Kraft in 2006, orchestrated a hostile takeover of Cadbury in 2010 and then oversaw the spin-off of Kraft Foods, the North American grocery portion of the company, from the newly formed Mondelez. Rosenfeld also attempted a $23 billion acquisition of Hershey last summer but ultimately failed. That tie-up made good strategic sense, Rosenfeld said in an interview Wednesday, but "it takes two to tango." Advertisement "I was willing to make the bold moves and never took the easy way out," said Rosenfeld, who lives in suburban Kenilworth, when asked about her legacy. In Chicago, Rosenfeld's also known for laying off about half of its 1,200 workers from the longtime Nabisco bakery on the Southwest Side as the company shifted some operations to Mexico part of a larger plan to streamline and upgrade the company's manufacturing facilities globally. Some of those workers have since been hired back at the plant, but the largest union affected continues to protest the job cuts and lead a boycott of Mexican-made Nabisco products. "Our hope is the new CEO will bring a wider and brighter vision than his predecessor," said Ron Baker, spokesman for the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers union, on Wednesday. Though she drew the ire of union workers, Rosenfeld had fans in the business community. In June, she was awarded International Executive of the Year by the Executives' Club of Chicago, the first woman to be honored in the award's 22-year history. Mondelez International CEO Irene Rosenfeld will retire in November, the company announced Aug. 2, 2017. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) "I can tell you she's one of the most courageous, smart, authentic and caring CEOs I've ever known. She's been a trailblazer as a female in her generation, but what I've seen over and over is she hasn't left women behind," said Ana Dutra, CEO of the Executives' Club. During Wednesday morning's earnings call with analysts, Rosenfeld called Van de Put an "ambidextrous" leader who could help grow both revenue and profits going forward. During his six-year tenure as CEO of McCain Foods, Van de Put grew net sales by more than 50 percent, according to the Mondelez news release. Previously, he held executive positions at companies such as Groupe Danone, the Coca-Cola Company and Mars, Incorporated. The CEO change announcement overshadowed Mondelez's quarterly earnings release, announcing the company continued to expand profit margins despite revenues being negatively affected by a recent malware cyberattack that disrupted manufacturing and distribution. Advertisement As for what's next for Rosenfeld, she said she likely won't be spending much time at the beach. She intends to work with Van de Put to ensure a smooth transition, then focus on more personal pursuits, she said. Rosenfeld, who collected total compensation of $16.7 million last year, lives in Kenilworth with her husband, Richard Illgen. She has two daughters, Allison Rosenfeld, who works at the Anti-Defamation League in Chicago, and Carol Rosenfeld, who works at the Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina. When she was a child growing up on New York's Long Island, Rosenfeld had bold ambitions to become president of the United States. Might she go into politics now that she's retiring from Mondelez? "Never say never," Rosenfeld said. gtrotter@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @GregTrotterTrib If an individual homeowner in a townhouse association finds structural flaws in his or her new-construction property, its worthwhile to see if other owners are experiencing similar issues. If so, get the association involved. (Getty Images ) Q: My husband and I purchased our retirement town home three years ago. We were the fourth building in the first phase of a two-phase subdivision. Our builder is very reputable in our area. The first phase has been completed and phase two is underway. The builder continues to manage the association-related activities and plans to do so until both phases are built out. Now here's my problem. Our buildings consist of two-story units with either three or four per building. Ours is a four-unit building and we are one of the middle units. The first summer we were here, we discovered a crack running down the entire brick area in the back just off of our deck. We notified the builder and the builder's architect came out and inspected the crack. He told us they had also found the same crack in the first building, which is still used as the model and was the only other four-unit structure at the time. The crack was repaired by the bricklayers; they simply smoothed it out with mortar to secure the crack. There was never any evidence of the crack running deeper within the foundation. Advertisement Last summer the crack reappeared in the same spot. They repaired it again, but this time we were told they removed the bricks and replaced them. We unfortunately were out of town when the work was done. Now this summer we again see the same crack starting down the outside wall. On occasion, we continue to hear what we think may be settling sounds (moderately loud creaks) in that area of the structure. So, as you would suspect, we are becoming alarmed at the recurrence of this crack and the unknown cause. I'm especially afraid that once the second phase of this subdivision is complete, I may lose some leverage when it comes to obtaining a response from the builder. Advertisement Can you please advise us of what our rights might be in the new-construction arena? Should I try to secure a lawyer or architect to investigate the cause of the crack and the extent to which the builder is responsible? A: Each state has different laws regarding warranties. For example, under District of Columbia law, a condo unit owner has two years to file a claim against the developer, but three more years in which to file suit. There are several kinds of warranties. They can be specific or they can be implied; they can be latent or patent. In your case, while this is not a legal opinion, I believe you have a strong case against the developer because he recognized there was a problem and allegedly attempted to resolve it. But why are you getting involved? Perhaps this is something your association should pursue. Do other homes have the same problem? To answer your question, I would talk with a real estate attorney. Find out first if this is exclusively your problem or whether the attorney believes the association should get involved. Clearly, you'll have much greater impact and shoulder much less of the expense if you can get your association involved. Regarding whether you should hire an architect, let your attorney decide what's the best approach. Benny Kass is a practicing attorney in Washington, D.C., and in Maryland. He does not provide specific legal or financial advice to any reader. Readers may email him, but he cannot guarantee a personal response. mailbag@kmklawyers.com Watch our latest Real Estate videos. We know Disney is supposed to be the happiest place on earth, but with foods like these on the menu, we're shocked it's not also the fattest place on Earth. Seriously, these eats and treats are absolutely ridiculous. Being on vacation makes indulging just that much more tempting. And that's totally okay. To everyone's surprise, letting loose on vacation could actually help you to lose weight, not gain it. However, the over-the-top, food-challenge-worthy dishes offered at Disney's theme parks could be enough to throw you overboard. For the Unhealthiest Foods at Disney Parks, click here. Advertisement At one park, they fill an entire sand bucket with full-fat, creamy ice cream. At another location, they put a whole fatty fish in the deep fryer and call it a meal. They just send the whole thing to your table in one giant, single, breaded serving. It takes more than imagination to conjure up these wild dishes - and it should take more people than could possibly be sitting at your large family table to finish each one. Advertisement View slideshow In the wine world, "Chilean" used to be code for "good everyday wines for a steal." They weren't wines that, after a first sip made people go, "Dios mio, nothing will ever be the same from this moment forward!" But they were wines that halfway through a bottle made people go, "I would have gladly paid much more than $7 for this wine. Let's go back to the store and stock up." Things have changed since then since 20 or 30 years ago and a lot of the changes have been for the better. The $7 bottles are pretty much all gone, but Chilean wine is still available at budget-bin prices and at prices that inch up a little bit beyond those. What "Chilean" says in today's wine world is, "in addition to those decent, inexpensive everyday wines that you can quaff at backyard barbecues or with your delivery pizza, there are some serious wines too." Advertisement Without looking at a map you might not instantly recall just how long and skinny Chile is, a sliver of a country knifed in between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the prodigious Andes mountain range to the east. The country is almost 2,700 miles long, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the icy Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, and little more than a comparatively wispy 200 miles wide at its thickest spot. Chile's latitude is from 17 to 56 degrees south, with the majority of the country's wine regions falling between the 32nd and 38th parallels. Therein lies a pocket where good things have been happening with wine for a long time. The good thing in recent decades has been the proliferation of decent wine that is somewhat easily available in the United States, and at price points that have ranged from dirt cheap to more-than-fair. The good thing these days is better wine a different class of wine coming from one of the world's most prolific wine-producing countries. In recent years Chile has been ranked between fifth and seventh in worldwide production, mainly due to the gallons of inexpensive wine it ships beyond its borders. Of course that is still happening; most of Chile's wine gets exported. But winemakers there are also crafting exquisite wines worthy of collectors' attention. And we're getting those bottles too. Advertisement The country's history with humble winemaking reaches back more than four centuries. Grapes have been growing in the vineyards of Chile's Central Valley since the mid-16th century, and the general consensus is that the vines were brought to Chile by Spaniards. All (or practically all) of the country's wine stayed in the country until the 1980s when exports started making their way to the United States in larger numbers. Exports grew in the 1990s and into the new century. Today the country continues to crank out those good, inexpensive bottles while also focusing in part on finer wines that can cost 10 times as much as the entry-level bottles. The latter movement began in the 1990s, when outside talent and capital began trickling in. The Chilean wineries that were the beneficiaries of this influx of money, equipment, technology and talent from France, Spain and California have ushered Chile into the larger world of fine wine production. The country that had been producing nothing more than serviceable domestic wine for 400 years was now finally, solidly and wholly a part of the modern winemaking world, and this is where it remains today. Soon after those budget bottles started arriving here and Chile had its own section among the wine aisles of retail stores, the country became well known as a producer of cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay that were good and wouldn't eat up an entire $10 bill. Most of these wines came from Chile's dry and sunny Central Valley, which is home to the Maipo Valley, southwest of Santiago. The Central Valley is also home to the Rapel Valley, which is even farther south, and includes Cachapoal and Colchagua, two of the country's most famous high-quality red wine regions. Another important region is the northerly Aconcagua, which contains the cool-climate, coastal white-wine havens of Casablanca and San Antonio (and the even smaller Leyda), among others. Two more notable regions to the south are the Maule Valley and Bio Bio. Besides those pioneering bargain exports of cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, today Chile turns out even better versions of those varietals, along with good versions of sauvignon blanc, merlot, pinot noir and the grape variety that has become the country's signature, carmenere. This red grape, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, has, in a way, become to Chile what malbec is to Argentina. Arguably, cabernet sauvignon remains Chile's most successful grape variety and wine style. But the Chilean wine industry has adopted carmenere as its own, just as Argentina did with its own French import, malbec, on the other side of the Andes. If you are interested in exploring another part of the wine world with wines that possess everything from New World freshness and drinkability to layers of fine wine complexity Chile is for you. No, those decent bottles don't cost $7 anymore, but hardly anything does. Even a pack of gum costs close to $2 these days. Check back here in the coming weeks for more coverage of Chile, with recommendations of specific bottles. food@chicagotribune.com Twitter @pour_man The pinot noir from Anderson Valley benefits from the Northern California region's cool climate. Ferrari-Carano picks up accents of cherry and cola. Maggy Hawk exhibits menthol, cardamom, cedar and licorice. (Abel Uribe, Chicago Tribune) The maxim "Follow the money" works for good investigative journalism and for learning about good wine. When, during the past decade, winery heavies from Napa and Sonoma such as Kendall-Jackson, Schramsberg (as Davies Vineyards), Cliff Lede, Duckhorn (as Goldeneye Winery) and Donum invested in remote, heretofore unheralded Anderson Valley in California's northerly Mendocino County, we wine folk took note. Advertisement Only a few years ago, very few winemakers or wine drinkers considered Anderson Valley a producer of high quality wine (except, of course, those few winemakers long there, such as Navarro Vineyards & Winery, Roederer Estate, Handley Cellars and several other under-the-radar wineries that had been making great wine for years unbeknownst to any but their fans). Well, the money's been spent and the word is out on the street that Anderson Valley is a primo place for pinot noir, chardonnay and other cool-climate grapes. Advertisement Anderson Valley runs 15 miles northwest from the town of Boonville in central Mendocino County to its terminus at the town of Navarro, a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. It is 2,244 acres in size; is home to 88 individual vineyard plots and 49 winemaking operations. "What I think makes the place ideal for California," says Ryan Hodgins, winemaker at FEL Wines, "is the lateness of the growing season." Hodgins explains that "nine out of a dozen years in California, we get a significant heat event around Labor Day weekend." What that means for winemaking is that the wine grapes may be just sufficiently ripe to make good wine, but that any significant heat ("100 degrees isn't unusual," says Hodgins) dries out and shrivels the grapes' skins. "Pinot noir could be susceptible to moisture loss for three full days," Hodgins says, "and that makes for overblown wine." But the grapes in Anderson Valley are three weeks behind in their ripening schedule than grapes from most other California winemaking districts and so, even if there is a heat event there, the vines can easily and quickly recuperate and the grapes will continue ripening steadily. "We can have hot days," says Elizabeth Grant-Douglas, winemaker at Maggy Hawk, "but there's also a 40- to 50-degree drop (in temperature) at night. So we get concentrated fruit on top of elegant tannin structure, power and elegance at the same time. It's rare to get both in pinot noir." Temperature variance is a characteristic of Anderson Valley's terroir makeup too, and matters to how its many wines turn out. "The valley is 15 miles long," says Hodgins, "and for every mile from Boonville to Navarro, you lose 1 degree in temperature. So, if it's 85 in Boonville, it's 70 in Navarro." What that means, coupled with differing soil types in its vineyards, is that Anderson Valley pinot noirs will sport certain defining characteristics depending where they're grown in the valley. Advertisement "Boonville makes for precocious, fruit-forward pinot," says Hodgins. "Five miles down the road, in Philo, the pinot is more savory, with darker fruit. All the way up at the Deep End (Anderson Valley talk for that end of the valley closest to the Pacific), the pinot is its most herbaceous, spicy, almost tobacco-y." Here are some highly recommended Anderson Valley pinot noirs grouped by their place of origin along the valley itself. From around Boonville 2012 Baxter, Langley Vineyard: Very Burgundian in style; medium bodied, with both red and blue fruit character; lively, orange-y tang to finish. $50 2012 Foursight, Charles Vineyard: Best word for it: juicy; plush texture, gets saliva running, liquid cherries. $50 From around Philo Advertisement (Or a blend of several vineyards) 2012 Crossbarn: Good value, dark fruit, baking spice notes. $35 2012 Ferrari-Carano: Accents of cherry and cola over dark raspberry fruit; firm. $35 2011 Toulouse: Spiced dark fruit with hint of wet black earth; like a Cote Chalonnaise and a great buy. $40 2011 Witching Stick, Cerise Vineyard: Nicely balanced, medium-bodied, showing bright cherry aromas with hints of sage on the nose.$48 Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > From The Deep End Advertisement 2012 Drew Family Cellars, Morning Dew Ranch: So much aroma, so many waves of fragrance! Cherry, of course, but also leather, wood, baking spice, on and on. An elegant style, nothing heavy handed. $60 2012 Donum Estate, Single Vineyard: Terrific bouquet followed by delicious, unfolding flavors of cola, dark cherry, sarsaparilla and a dusky, earthy note; deeply rendered fruit, lots of length. $72 2011 Maggy Hawk, Jolie: Shows the vapors of the Deep End, with menthol, cardamom, cedar and licorice accenting rich dark cherry fruit; nice wood integration. $66 If your wine store does not carry these wines, ask for one similar in style and price. Bill St. John has been writing and teaching about wine for more than 40 years. bsjtrib@gmail.com Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is photographed at Sixteen restaurant in the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Sept. 6, 2016. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune) Arlington Heights native Sebastian Maniscalco celebrated his debut on the Forbes list of highest-paid comedians last week with some ribs from back home. "My friends back in Chicago, who I still am really tight with, three or four guys back there, our friendship is based on ripping each other to shreds," Maniscalco told the Tribune by phone this week. "They're having more fun with it than I am I think." Advertisement Maniscalco, 44, landed in 10th place on the Forbes list with an estimated pre-tax income of $15 million between June 1, 2016 and June 1, 2017. Jerry Seinfeld topped the list with $69 million, followed by Chris Rock ($57 million) and Louis C.K. ($52 million). "It's crazy. I always used to look at those lists when I was a kid growing up, you know, who's the richest person in the world and whatnot, just always kind of fascinated me, but then to actually be on the list is crazy," Maniscalco said. "It's nice. I'm a little uncomfortable sometimes with it just because, I think I said in the Forbes interview, I'm kind of a private guy. I don't like to boast about anything like that, but it's nice." Advertisement Forbes noted Maniscalco is a prolific performer, which he said "is quite exhausting, but at the end of the day I'm doing stand-up comedy, I'm doing what I love, so it's great." He has plans for a fall tour, but doesn't expect to perform in Chicago until early next year. He said he visits the city three or four times a year to perform or see his father, who still lives in Arlington Heights. "I try to come back when the weather's nice, but sometimes it doesn't always work out," said Maniscalco, who moved to Los Angeles nearly two decades ago after graduating from Rolling Meadows High School. In between gigs, he's also done some film work. He said he recently shot "Tag," an upcoming comedy starring Ed Helms, Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm. He voices a groundhog in "The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature," which is due out in some Chicago-area theaters Aug. 10. He is also writing a memoir that he expects will be released in April. Dear @nbcsnl I know it's probably too late, but please consider CASTING @SebastianComedy as Anthony Scaramucci. It's uncanny... pic.twitter.com/u2pS4mj6Mh The Crafty you know is gone. (@GCraftyCouture) July 28, 2017 And though he's been told by fans on social media he resembles Anthony Scaramucci, it doesn't look like he will get to play him anytime soon since Scaramucci left his White House communications post Monday. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 July 25, 2017: White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci walks back to the West Wing of the White House in Washington. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP) "That was a short stint, two weeks and gone. So maybe there's another Italian guy out there that's going to be the new communications director, who knows," Maniscalco said. RELATED STORIES: 'Goodbye, Mooch': Late-night comedians bid farewell to Anthony Scaramucci Ranking Scaramucci's 11 days in the White House Advertisement Arlington Heights native Sebastian Maniscalco lands on Forbes list of highest-paid comedians Watch the latest movie trailers. 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) CODY, Wyo. Prosecutors accuse two Wyoming brothers of abandoning three horses in the backcountry. David and Bradley Flint allegedly left the horses during a pack trip in Park County last fall. A horn hunter and game warden retrieved two of the horses in April. The third horse had died. Prosecutors have charged each man with three counts of failing to provide an animal with food, drink or protection. The brothers live elsewhere in the state and their initial court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 15. David Flint says in a post on the Cody Enterprise website the brothers will have their day in court to defend themselves and their efforts to catch the horses. The brothers say a grizzly bear chased the horses out of camp at night. The once-controversial sculpture by Picasso in Daley Plaza is almost 50 years old. A re-enactment of the 1967 unveiling will take place Aug. 8, 2017. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) (Chris Walker) Daley Plaza is a place where people stroll and sit and very often gather. It is where farmers market their corn and tomatoes and the other things they grow far away. It is where protesters rail against an ever-steady stream of inequities and injustices that hit close to home. Nothing formal was happening Tuesday afternoon. People strolled, people sat and pigeons flew. Advertisement Always there are pigeons. And also that familiar face, unchanged from the first time we saw it, which was Aug. 15, 1967 when Mayor Richard J. Daley, in the company of other politicians, dignitaries and one poet (Gwendolyn Brooks), pulled a white ribbon and allowed a light blue covering to fall away and give us our 50-foot-tall, 160-ton whatever-it-is created by Pablo Picasso. The area was then called Civic Center Plaza and on that day it was filled with thousands of people, shoulder to shoulder. I was there, a curious teenager, standing with my father, a curious newspaperman, and a couple of his friends, the radio host Studs Terkel and the columnist Mike Royko. They were curious too, and Studs carried with him a large tape recorder and a microphone that he stuck near peoples' faces after asking them the question of the moment: "What do you think it looks like?" Advertisement He got a wide variety of answers. Some of them were strange: "A pelvic structure of a prehistoric monster," "A politician because it's got so many faces," "A bird, "A big butterfly." Some people were befuddled ("Is that the front view?") and one was obviously a loyal Democrat ("If Daley says it's good, it's good enough for me"). You can hear Terkel's recording from that afternoon at http://studsterkel.wfmt.com. A great many of the people he talked to thought the thing it was not named by the artist resembled a woman, though Royko was not among them, writing the next day in the Daily News, "(A woman) is what many art experts and enthusiasts had promised. If it was a woman, then art experts should put away their books and spend more time in girlie joints." Patricia Balton Stratton was not in the plaza that day. Though she worked for a bank only a block away, she was tied to her desk. But she is now perhaps the leading expert on the sculpture, having devoted many years to give us a book titled "The Chicago Picasso: A Point of Departure," handsomely designed, illustrated and published by locally based Ampersand Books. It is, surprisingly, the only book devoted exclusively to this subject. It began decades ago as her masters thesis in art history at Northwestern University, which she earned after wisely giving up midway through work toward an MBA. She raised a family, worked as a docent at various art institutions and split her time between homes here and in Florida. About three years ago, the 50th anniversary approaching, she decided to revisit and expand her work into a book. There need not be another, for one could not ask for something more detailed, lively and definitive. She has it all: deep research; interviews with many of the principal players (though not the artist himself, who died in 1973); historical, artistic and political background and context; stories of the fashioning and construction of the sculpture; its impact on public art, and more. "I have always thought of the Picasso not as a curiosity but as a work of art," Stratton said. "It has lasting power. It is strong. It speaks for the working man and woman in this working city. And it was always meant to interact with people. Picasso would not allow a fence to be built around it. He wanted it to be physically accessible, and I so like that about it and him." She will be in town for some of the events scheduled to mark the Picasso's 50th birthday. On Aug. 15 she will be in the Harold Washington Library from 6-7:30 p.m., talking with sculptor Richard Hunt; Fred Lo, a retired Skidmore, Owings & Merrill architect, who worked on the original project; Lynne Warren, curator of contemporary art at the MCA; and David Van Zanten, an architectural historian and professor at Northwestern. Former president of the Field Museum John W. McCarter Jr. will moderate. More at www.chipublib.bibliocommons.com. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 23 William Hartmann, of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, gestures toward a quarter-scale model of the Picasso sculpture Dec. 21, 1966, at a news conference at the Gary plant of U.S. Steel's American Bridge division. Hartmann personally persuaded artist Pablo Picasso to create the famous sculpture in Chicago. (Jack Mulcahy / Chicago Tribune) The largest of the "birthday parties" will take place in Daley Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday. It will feature such people as the head of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Mark Kelly; artists/performers Orbert Davis, Avery R. Young, Tatsu Aoki and Edra Soto; and the Chicago Children's Choir and the After School Matters Orchestra. The program will also have teens from YouMedia, a Chicago Public Library digital learning initiative, interviewing "attendees while in character as the legendary Studs Terkel." Advertisement Good luck to them, imitating the inimitable. So, Studs did his thing that long-ago day, and so did Mike, and this is some more of what he wrote the day after the unveiling: "(The Picasso) has a long stupid face and looks like some giant insect that is about to eat a smaller, weaker insect. It has eyes that are pitiless, cold, mean. "But why not? Everybody said it had the spirit of Chicago. And from thousands of miles away, accidentally or on purpose, Picasso captured it. "Up there in that ugly face is the spirit of Al Capone, the Summerdale scandal cops, the settlers who took the Indians but good. "Its eyes are like the eyes of every slum owner who made a buck off the small and weak. And of every building inspector who took a wad from a slum owner to make it all possible "Any big time real estate operator will be able to look into the face of the Picasso and see the spirit that makes the city's rebuilding possible and profitable . Advertisement "It is all there in that Picasso thing the I Will spirit. The I will get you before you will get me spirit. Picasso has never been here, they say. You'd think he's been riding the L all his life." One of Picasso's contemporaries and fellow countrymen, Spanish sculptor and painter Joan Miro, got to the city in 1981 when his "The Sun, the Moon and One Star" (now known as "Miro's Chicago") was installed across Washington Boulevard from the Picasso. Miro said, "A great work takes time to appreciate, bit by bit. If something is understood immediately, it is mediocre." The Picasso in Daley Plaza turns 50 on Aug. 15, 2017. Here are some details you may not know about the iconic statue. Do we understand the Picasso now? Stratton believes that any continuing "debate hardly matters." She writes, "What is undeniable is that over time, the work has gradually seeped into public consciousness as a woman's head and it universally referred to in the feminine gender. Chicago has grown accustomed to her face." Sitting in the plaza earlier this week and watching the Picasso's shadow move almost playfully across the concrete, and watching kids climb on it and slide down it made it tough for me to see it in as harsh a light as Royko once did. Yes, his observations still haunt, but the Picasso seems softer now, perhaps even sympathetic. Familiarity has made this heart grow fonder. rkogan@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @rickkogan [ Revising Statue Stories: They're still talking and still worth hearing ] [ Mike Royko's Chicago voice: Memorable excerpts from his columns ] Watch the latest movie trailers. 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) "It's music, but not. It's poetry, but not," McKenzie Chinn said about the Growing Concerns Poetry Collective. Mykele Deville, a popular local rapper who is, like Chinn, a member of the collective, agreed. "The energy we provide and even how we curate what we do demands attention, because we're not just up there singing songs," said Deville. "We're telling stories." The collective was only meant to be a small thing, Deville said. He and Jeff Austin, the Growing Concerns music producer, were members of a different group before forming the collective in January. As the two experimented with placing Deville's words over Austin's music, Deville realized he didn't want his words to be the only part of the group's story. "I wasn't interested in just having my own voice be the lead storytelling mechanism for a group like this," Deville said . "I wanted things to be expressed that weren't within even my own body." Advertisement Deville reconnected with Chinn at an event this year and asked her to participate in one of their rehearsals. By the end of the session, the three crafted a full performance set. Chinn was effectively the missing key. And since those earliest efforts, the collective has found an eclectic audience from across the city. That comes as no surprise after watching one of their performances. Advertisement Their potent combination of live music and spoken word creates a heady effect for the listener. Like a siren's call, the group's pieces draw the listeners in, refocusing their energy on the sights and sounds and words of the performers in front of them. It's reminiscent of early spoken word and music experiments, the kind one might find on an early Earth, Wind & Fire album like "The Need of Love," but for the millennial generation steeped in the sounds of electronic and hip-hop music. More importantly, it is precisely a product of Chicago, a place that has nurtured some of the best and brightest young writers and musicians of this generation. Deville and Chinn are among the many leading the pack. The collective's ability to inhabit multiple worlds at the same time helps build its popularity. Rap fans familiar with Deville's rapid ascent on the local scene will be drawn to the performer's sharp stories. Deville admits that most of his writing begins as poetry and he later reconfigures it to fit within lyrical, narrative rap. But not all of his ideas work for rap, thus the collective. One such piece, titled "Black Boys," is a four-minute solo prose poem and the group's only work lacking musical accompaniment. Deville leans into the silence of the poem. Both Deville and Chinn create pieces that speak to the concerns of contemporary audiences. Their work focuses on violence against black bodies or the struggle to be heard in a society that would rather ignore you. They are, most importantly, creating art that speaks to the moment. The immediacy of art is what fuels the collective. And music fans, especially electronic and hip-hop music fans, will find something enjoyable in Austin's beats. More than just ambient experimentation, Austin's sounds work in tandem with Deville and Chinn's words to feel like one living, breathing organism. "We each come together with this work that stands on its own, and then take that work that's so powerful and find ways for it to lift each other up even more," Austin said. The group is at work on its debut album, "We Here," and will celebrate its release with a two-day event taking place at the Steppenwolf Theatre. The album, like the work Growing Concerns has performed live, includes tracks focusing on the experiences of marginalized populations. "I think the things (we're) interested in talking about in our writing and our poetry are things that our audiences are interested in talking about," Chinn added. "They're things that are on our minds because they're things that are in the news and happening in our communities." When: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Advertisement Where: Steppenwolf Theatre, the 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $20; www.steppenwolf.org Britt Julious is a freelance writer. onthetown@chicagotribune.com Twitter @chitribent [ RELATED: The struggle is real for Nicole Atkins ] [ The Lemon Twigs are a long way from home ] [ Ron Gallo taps into his inner musician via difficult times ] Watch the latest movie trailers. 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) Ron Gallo's "Heavy Meta" (New West) is one of those albums that both energizes and polarizes. It was largely written at a time when Gallo's life was going through an emotionally exhausting transition. "I was in a relationship with someone struggling with self-abuse issues," he says. "I got to the worst of the worst while living with someone who was going through this, and it was like I was leading a double life. It was hard to deal with." Advertisement Gallo had been playing for several years in the Philadelphia roots-rock band Toy Soldiers after graduating from Temple University in 2010. "I look back on it like I was a different person I realize I was barely scratching the surface of what I was trying to do with music," he says. When things bottomed out with his relationship and his girlfriend moved out, "I realized I had been kind of wasting my time," he says. "I started to tap into who I was and what I really wanted to say with music. I realized I had just been fooling myself up until then." Advertisement Two weeks later he moved to Nashville, Tenn., and started putting together a new band to play his new songs in all their anger and unvarnished honesty. Their raw, guitar-driven sound was in part inspired by the punk and postpunk artists he embraced with new fervor as his life was falling apart in Philly: Richard Hell, Patti Smith, the Stooges. "I was touring with my old band and I was surrounded by the great rock 'n' roll underbelly in America," he says. "I was getting into those shows or playing in the same shows with people like Ty Segall. I revisited (the Stooges') 'Fun House' and it blew my mind, it was so freakish and relentless." Gallo realized his new songs really didn't suit Toy Soldiers. He gave free rein to his guitar in tandem with lyrics that poured out of him as he tried to make sense of where his life had taken him. "It led to a lot of inquiry about what's around you, and I started to figure myself out," he says. "It's like the first 27 years of my life were chapter one, and this was chapter two." "Heavy Meta" struck a chord, unlike anything Gallo had recorded previously. It was released in the first few weeks of this year, and the song's themes were broad enough to mirror the post-election turmoil in America. "There was a weird timing there," Gallo says. "We played these songs on tour and people who were ticked off about the political climate were responding. The fury seemed to resonate with people in a way that I hadn't intended when I wrote these songs." The twist on that tale is that Gallo now finds himself in a better place than when he wrote songs like "Kill the Medicine Man" and "Please Yourself." After his troubled girlfriend walked out, "she went to a rainforest in South America and transformed herself from the inside out," Gallo says. "It inspired me to see what she had done. It instilled some belief in me about what human beings are capable of. It's a miracle this person went from the bottom to where she is now. When all that stuff started, it gave music a purpose for me. Now I feel like I need to let people know what's possible, that there is more to life than how those earlier songs sometimes sound. That's what fuels this quote-unquote 'mission.' " To perform some of the songs on the album, Gallo tries to bring a different perspective. "I was a miserable person when I wrote these songs, and I was ticked off at humanity, which means I was really mad at myself," he says. "There's a sense of aggression and honesty and freedom in it, but those songs don't really represent how I feel now. So I try to dig out the humor, the off-the-cuff feel and tread the line between light and dark and not be overly serious about it. I want people to know that we're in this together and that we can get through it." Several songs sound downright nasty, the work of a once-unhappy guy a little too eager to point fingers. They include "Why do You Have Kids?" In the song, the narrator takes out his frustration on a parent who clearly isn't embracing the responsibilities of rearing children. Gallo agrees that the song is overly judgmental, a snapshot of a moment on the street that upset him so much he turned it into a scathing indictment of "accidents having accidents." "We've stopped playing it because I have an infinitely more compassionate perspective on all human beings since I wrote those lyrics," he says. On the plus side, Gallo says he hears from listeners who have told him the cathartic moments on the album helped them through their own personal difficulties. Advertisement "I like when people find hopefulness in that music, because in a way I was looking for a little hope and meaning myself," he says. "I'm happier now, so what does that really mean? The idea is that by changing yourself, that's how you start to change the world around you. That's what you can control, and that's why I'm excited about the next album. It's going to come from a lot more positive place. But it's still going to be the truth, as unfiltered as I can make it. Otherwise, it's pointless." Greg Kot co-hosts "Sound Opinions" at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 11 p.m. Saturday on WBEZ-FM 91.5. When: 10 p.m. Friday Where: Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Tickets: $18; www.ticketweb.com When: 2:10 p.m Saturday Advertisement Where: Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Monroe Avenue and Columbus Boulevard Tickets: Sold out; www.lollapalooza.com Greg Kot is a Tribune critic. greg@gregkot.com Twitter @gregkot [ RELATED: Greg Kot's picks for Lollapalooza 2017 ] [ The Lemon Twigs are a long way from home ] [ Liam Gallagher, still cranky after all these years ] Watch the latest movie trailers. 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) Much has changed in the wake of last year's presidential election. But as Van Jones sees it, his line of thinking isn't included. "I've literally been saying the exact same thing for years!" the political commentator and progressive activist declares. Despite identifying as a liberal, or as he puts it, "left of Pluto," the 48-year-old has long held the feet of both political parties to the fire, he said by phone one morning from San Francisco . "A year ago I was the only progressive on TV saying Donald Trump is likely to win," Jones said. Only after Trump was elected president, and he continued to hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable in equal measure, did he suddenly begin receiving backlash from fellow progressives. Advertisement "Now what I'm saying is some big problem," Jones said with a laugh. "I used to get on TV like everybody else and say my little part. But nobody knew who I was, so nobody cared what I said. What I do know, though, is that I'm going to continue to say what I think is right and I'm going to continue to point out where I think both parties could use some tough love and improvement." For more than two decades, the Yale Law School-educated Jones has been fighting against social and economic injustice at every turn. His voice has become more prominent in recent years thanks to his post as President Barack Obama's special adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation as well as his frequent appearances on CNN as a contributor but the man who co-founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in his mid-20s still sees his greatest work happening at the grass-roots level. Advertisement "I wanted to get off of TV and out of the food fight on Twitter every day and get people together and have a deeper conversation," Jones said of his motivation for embarking on We Rise, a 14-city tour. He and special guests will visit local community centers, schools and organizations in each city and explore how to foster dialogue and engagement across the social, racial and cultural divide. "It's about physically getting people to breathe the same air and feel each other's presence and to get people away from the screens and the screams," Jones says. "That has to be replaced by actual dialogue and actual conversation." As was the central conceit of his CNN show, "The Messy Truth," Jones is convinced our political affiliations and "the constant need to be right" have trumped our ability to tackle key issues. Most important to Jones and to his Dream Corps, a nonprofit organization he founded in 2014, is finding ways to tackle issues including criminal justice reform, drug addiction, and creation of high-tech jobs for a diverse youth population. "We're in a pattern now where rather than turning to each other, we're turning on each other," he says. "And that's particularly sad and ironic. Because the same problems are all over the country --- in red states and blue states." According to Jones, the first step in creating the change he envisions is to realize that to accomplish anything be it national legislation or grass-roots change at the local level we must work with those whose political opinions differ from our own. "I've never met a single person in prison who said, 'Get me outta here but don't talk to any Republicans while you do it,'" Jones said with a laugh. "The people I'm fighting for have been let down by Democrats and Republicans for generations. The people I'm fighting for are in Appalachia and are poor with bad health; They're in Flint, Mich., they're in South Central Los Angeles, they're on Native American reservations, they're at the Arizona-Mexico border. They have every problem in the world times 10, and neither political party has done much for them. That's the reality of where we are." If Jones has come under fire recently from his fellow progressives, it's because he's never one to mince words even when done at their expense. At the suggestion that many liberals were inclined to bury their heads in the sand after Trump's election, Jones scoffed at the notion. "If your house were on fire and your baby were on the third floor and you were hoping that Hillary Clinton was going to get your baby out and it turns out she can't do it, then you gotta find another way," he says. "So here we are. We're supposed to sit here for four years and not do anything? That doesn't make any sense. "I don't understand why it is now fashionable to be more cynical than Donald Trump, to be ruder than Donald Trump, to be as destructive of reasonable discourse as Donald Trump, and then call that progressive," he continues. "That's not progressive. Geez, man, we want to put our heads under the pillow over a bad tweet or some crappy Facebook post comment? I just think we have to remember this is a constant struggle. It's two steps forward and one step back. But we're making progress." When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Advertisement Where: Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. Tickets: $39.50-$69.59; 773-404-2827 or www.thechicagotheatre.com/ Dan Hyman is a freelance writer. onthetown@chicagotribune.com Twitter @chitribent [ RELATED: 'Goodbye, Mooch': Late-night comedians bid farewell to Anthony Scaramucci ] [ Dwayne Kennedy begins week at Zanies with a little comedy philosophy ] [ ASL interpreters visualize noise for deaf fans at Lollapalooza and beyond ] Watch the latest movie trailers. 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) The Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital hosted its 17th annual Summer Lovin' party July 28 at the Chicago History Museum. Nearly 500 young professionals attended the fundraiser that was co-hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine to support cutting-edge research for cardiogenic shock, a complication of the heart that has a higher mortality rate than that of the average heart failure patient. As guests entered the museum, they passed through the Abraham Lincoln installation, where artifacts from his election, his assassination and the Civil War were displayed. The silent auction offerings were staged in the Sanger P. Robinson Gallery that was modeled after the interior of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Advertisement For the main event, partygoers meandered throughout the Morse Genius Chicago Room and behind the museum on a grand terrace where a variety of food stations from Chicago's top restaurants offered tastings. Sous-chef Alfonso Martinez from Dolce Italian Chicago handed out octopus bruschetta and polenta meatballs. Rockit Bar & Grill's executive chef Michael Sheerin served watermelon and edamame salad. Also available were gelato from Eataly, tiger shrimp poke from Sunda, apricot and pistachio burratas from Bar Siena, pulled-pork sliders from Blackwood BBQ and mini caramel pies from Beatrix, among other tasty treats. During a short program, Valentina Vulcu, auxiliary board president, spoke about the group's mission. "We have about 45 young professionals on the board who support a different physicians group at this event every two years, one that is typically involved in very innovative research that has profound effects on patients' care at the hospital." Advertisement Since the board was established in 1987, it has committed more than $2 million to support Northwestern Medicine's research programs in the areas of Type 1 diabetes, stroke, bone marrow and prostate cancer, to name a few. Dr. Esther Vorovich, an assistant professor who specializes in cardiology, presented an overview of the project she and Dr. Duc Thinh Pham and Dr. Arif Jivan lead at the hospital. Valentina Vulcu, Auxiliary Board president, introduces Dr. Esther Vorovich, an assistant professor who specializes in cardiology, who presented an overview of the project that the Summer Lovin' party event supported. "Our cause and what the Auxiliary Board is helping to fund is the creation of a multidisciplinary team across cardiology and cardiac surgery to allow for rapid and efficient treatment of patients with a condition called cardiogenic shock," she said. According to Vorovich, these patients face a 40 to 50 percent in-hospital mortality rate, which is higher than that of the average heart failure patient, who already experiences mortality rates of 50 percent by five years -- worse than most cancers. "Heart failure is truly an epidemic in the U.S. today, affecting approximately 6 million with 1 million new cases every year. It's the No. 1 cause of hospitalization for the elderly, and these numbers are expected to climb, with costs approaching $70 billion over the next 10 years," she said. Vorovich then summed up the physicians' group goals, saying "We hope to become thought leaders in this field for the surrounding hospitals and be the epicenter for the treatment of cardiogenic shock. We hope to treat it with the same sense of acuity as we currently treat other traumas, like gunshot wounds and heart attacks, and that earlier intervention is better and doable." Later in the evening, guests enjoyed dancing to DJ Sasha Savic and access to the museum's "Chicago: Crossroads of America" exhibit, which included images by street photographer Vivian Maier and memorabilia from the Chicago Fire and the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Summer Lovin', the Auxiliary Board's signature fundraising event, brought in over $60,000 to provide "seed money" for cutting-edge initiatives aimed at enhancing treatment and outcomes for patients and their families at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Advertisement Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers. More coverage: Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candace's website at www.candidcandace.com, or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace. RELATED STORIES: Israel Idonije's iF Charities event honors Sarah and Kerry Wood Lincoln Park Zoo Ball inspires a roar to tune of $1.4M for new visitor center Night Heist: A Gauguin-inspired party for the Art Institute SEATTLE Each week in his Bellevue counseling office, Bill Lennon sees 13 groups of eight men, all seeking help for compulsive sexual behavior. Such behavior can range from obsessively viewing pornography to answering Craigslist ads for minors selling themselves at cheap motels. He said that none of the men are there voluntarily. Instead, they got busted in a police sting, or were caught by their wives or their employers and forced to confront their conduct. And most, Lennon insists, are nice guys. "These are doctors, lawyers, pastors, professional athletes, your neighbor. Sex is an equal-opportunity addiction," he said. As many as 12 million Americans suffer from sex addiction, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Lennon and a growing number of sex-addiction therapists argue it is a highly treatable disease that affects the brain in ways similar to drug or alcohol addiction, etching in neural pathways a powerful drive for pleasure and an increasingly compromised ability to exert control. These therapists say that the explosion of online pornography and internet sites for escorts and hookups has meant that men who would never have considered picking up a prostitute can now make a date for sex with ease and anonymity on their cellphone or computer. "When you give people immediate access to highly stimulating, highly pleasurable content or experiences, the likelihood that addiction will appear goes up," said Rob Weiss, a California-based sex-addiction therapist and the author of "Always Turned On: Sex Addiction in the Digital Age." Weiss divides sexual activity into three categories: casual, at-risk and addictive. Addicted users, he said, compulsively seek non-intimate sexual encounters or experiences regardless of the consequences, often as an escape from their own problems. They are unable to quit and typically lead a double life, telling lies, keeping secrets and justifying the behavior to themselves. "The people I work with get lost in the pursuit of sex," he said. "They lose their wives, their kids, their jobs and they keep doing it. They return to the same behavior again and again, expecting a dazzling new experience. But over time, it isn't that dazzling a new experience. It isn't fun to be caught in a prostitution sting." Stefanie Carnes, president of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), which trains and certifies addiction therapists, said the past few years have seen a surge in research on neuroscience and sex addiction. In one study, she said, the brain scans of sex addicts exposed to stimuli such as pornography mirrored the brain scans of cocaine addicts when shown a line of cocaine. "There's a convergence of evidence that sex addiction looks like other addictions in the brain," she said. Carnes said a very primitive part of the brain is triggered by basic drives, including mating and food. The area, known as the reward pathway, is activated with the anticipation of pleasure and accompanied by a release of dopamine, which creates an intense high. "Orgasm is a powerful release of dopamine in the brain," she said, explaining why, biologically, sex can become addictive. But over time, she said, the brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors, which makes it harder to experience pleasure. That accounts for the familiar pattern of addicts seeking more frequent or novel experiences and engaging in increasingly risky behavior to attain the same high. At the same time, Carnes said, the brain's frontal lobes, which are responsible for judgment, decision making and impulse control, get sluggish and less effective. "This is what we mean when we say the brain is hijacked by addiction," she said. "The reptilian part of the brain seeking these pleasurable responses is highly activated and the critical thinking part of the brain is not. And that's how you start having people make really bad decisions." In King County, men convicted of soliciting or promoting prostitution are sent to a 10-week class on sexual exploitation that seeks to hold them accountable for the harm caused by the sex trade. Topics include how men are socialized toward women and sex, the relationship between power and violence against women and mutuality in relationships. Peter Qualliotine, who teaches the class and co-founded the Seattle-based Organization for Prostitution Survivors, said that while the class is not treatment, it encourages self-reflection and critical analysis about the men's decision to buy sex. He sees patronizing prostitutes as part of a continuum of what he calls "toxic masculinity," behavior that includes sexual harassment, domestic violence and rape. Lennon, the Bellevue sex-addiction therapist, says the diagnosis of addiction is an explanation, not an excuse. Many of his clients are educated professionals who have never talked about their compulsive sexual activity with anyone before seeking treatment. Some tell him that online encounters or prostitutes are less trouble than real relationships, that they can be scheduled into busy and stressful work lives and that it's an activity between consenting adults. "It's a lot more work to be in a relationship that's mutually, sexually satisfying," he said. "It's so much easier to use the internet." It's back-to-school shopping season, so it might be time to shop for a laptop. But with so many different types and ever-updated models, how to know what's best? Here are some things to think through. What will the laptop be used for? A student going into graphic design, for example, might use it for different things than a budding engineer or someone who only needs Word. Tercius Bufete, Consumer Report's associate editor for electronics notes that a kid into gaming won't be happy with a budget laptop under $500. An illustrator might want an Apple computer, still the go-to for creative professionals. Advertisement For intensive use, consider a higher-resolution screen, more memory and a larger hard drive, advises Best Buy spokesperson Bianca Jones. She also tells customers to consider a touch-screen 2-in-1 option, like a Surface Pro 4 with Windows Ink, which can be used as a traditional laptop or as a tablet and can be written on with a digital inking pen. Also weigh whether the laptop should be a surprise. "Laptops, like smartphones, are an incredibly personal device," Bufete said. Students might be brand-loyal already or they might only need something basic and budget. "You'll never know unless you ask," he said. Advertisement Where will the user log in? How often the laptop keeper will be throwing it in a book bag and lugging it to class is key. Jones points out that screen size, storage devices and whether it has CD/DVD or Blu-ray drive can affect size and weight. Streamlined laptops that weigh less than 3 pounds, for example, are good for those who just need to be able to do basic email and internet surfing. For people who might need to work from different places on campus from time to time, aim for 4 to 5 pounds, but what she calls "workhorses" check in at 6 pounds or more with more powerful processing and larger screens. These might be a type of advance that a college student doesn't need just yet. And another option? Don't discount the desktop. "Desktops are experiencing a renaissance," Bufete said, suggesting a machine like the Microsoft Surface Studio. What specs matter? The processor, for one. "This is both the brain and the muscles of the laptop," Jones said. The faster it is, the more it can handle. The more RAM, the more data you can access and manipulate at the same time. And consider battery life because college students might not always think to recharge before class. What's the price? Many options exist other than buying the priciest version. Consumer saving expert Andrea Woroch suggests refurbished laptops, for example. Newegg has a site dedicated to lower-price options, and Apple also offers refurbished MacBooks and iPads. You can also offset the cost by trading in an old device at places like Target and Amazon. Make sure to compare prices it sounds obvious, but many retailers will price match. So if you find a great deal somewhere else, pull it up on your phone in the other store. Woroch suggests price-comparison tools like Pricegrabber. And Jones notes that Best Buy has discounts for college students, accessible with an .edu email address through its College Student Deals. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/clp/college-student-deals/pcmcat276200050000.c?id=pcmcat276200050000 abowen@chicagotribune.com Twitter @byalisonbowen [ 10 cool back-to-school backpacks ] [ How to tell your children you can't afford to buy new school gear ] [ Work, nap, clean: Parents and the first day of school ] An employee of a Rosemont used-car dealership was charged with arson after a surveillance camera captured him fleeing a fire he set that heavily damaged vehicles and office equipment, federal authorities said Wednesday. Also, Bryant Cameron, who had worked at Epic Motorsports for about six months, confessed his involvement in the arson as well as the theft of televisions and computers, the charges alleged. Advertisement Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Chicago police officers seized two flat-screen TVs and two computer keyboards from Cameron's car, whose left rear bumper was blackened and melted from the fire, authorities said. Five fire departments responded to the blaze on the evening of July 24. One firefighter suffered injuries consistent with dehydration, authorities said, and multiple vehicles, tools, office equipment and files were damaged or destroyed. Advertisement Cameron, 28, of Broadview, was arrested Thursday and charged with one arson count punishable by a minimum seven years in prison upon conviction. A detention hearing has been scheduled for Monday at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Cameron had returned to work the day of the fire after being off for a month because of a broken ankle, authorities said. Tasked that evening with closing up at the dealership at 9739 Farragut Ave., Cameron was captured on a surveillance camera from a neighboring business backing up a Lincoln Town Car he'd bought from the dealership to a warehouse roll-up door at 6:51 p.m., authorities said. About 7:39 p.m., fire and smoke poured from the roll-up door as Cameron could be seen on the surveillance camera running across the front of his car, jumping into the driver's side and driving off, according to a criminal complaint. Cameron admitted to authorities that he poured gasoline throughout the front office and reception area, leaving a trail of gas to the warehouse roll-up door, the complaint alleged. He then acknowledged using a cigarette to light the fire, authorities said, but to his surprise the fire spread to his clothing. He fled from the building in fear of his life, the complaint said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Cameron, who suffered minor burns to his face, said he drove fast to extinguish the flames that had also spread to his car, according to authorities. He told authorities he realized neighboring businesses had surveillance cameras but thought the dealership cameras did not work, according to the complaint. Advertisement When police executed the search warrant of his house, Cameron was found wedged between a wall and a furnace, apparently hiding, authorities said. Cameron was a contract employee who cleaned, moved and picked up cars for the company, authorities said. A representative from Epic Motorsports did not immediately comment. gpratt@chicagotribune.com Twitter @royalpratt Wyndham Lathem, 42, left, and Andrew Warren, 56, are suspects in the stabbing death of Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, 26, in the 500 block of North State Street on July 27, 2017. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) A Northwestern University associate professor and a University of Oxford employee are wanted in connection with the stabbing death of a man in a Near North Side apartment, according to public records. A Cook County judge issued arrest warrants Monday charging Wyndham Lathem, 42, and Andrew Warren, 56, with first-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Trenton Cornell-Duranleau last week, records show. An alert broadcast over police radio says the two should be considered armed and dangerous. Late Wednesday afternoon, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi reported no arrests. Advertisement "Our search will only intensify,'' tweeted Guglielmi. "Prof Latham (Lathem) & Mr Warren, do the right thing & turn yourself in to any police dept.'' Lathem is an associate professor at Northwestern's Department of Microbiology-Immunology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. In his LinkedIn profile, Lathem said his research is focused on pathogens and the diseases they cause. Advertisement Lathem has been placed on administrative leave and is banned from all Northwestern campuses, according to school spokesman Alan K. Cubbage. He was a faculty researcher at the school's Chicago campus. The university is cooperating with the police investigation, Cubbage said. Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, 26, was found stabbed to death in the 500 block of North State Street on July 27, 2017. (Family photo) Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Warren is a senior treasury assistant at Somerville College, part of the Oxford University network, according to a university web page. Chicago police officers responded to a 10th-floor apartment in the 500 block of North State Street about 8:30 p.m. Thursday after a maintenance worker reported getting an anonymous call that a crime was committed there. Officers found Cornell-Duranleau dead on the scene. Lathem lists his home at the same address on State Street, public records show. The building is on the same block as the Grand Avenue Red Line station. Cornell-Duranleau died of multiple sharp force injuries, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He had lived in the 2200 block of South Wood Street in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood on the Near Southwest Side, the office said. He grew up in Michigan, according to public records. Cornell-Duranleau earned a state license as a cosmetologist in 2011, according to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. His mother, Mischelle Duranleau, posted a message on Facebook over the weekend asking for prayers "as we navigate this very dark part of our Journey." According to an obituary posted by the mother, Cornell-Duranleau was born in Lennon, Mich., a small town about 50 miles northeast of Lansing. "Throughout his life he loved music and animals," the obituary said. "His enthusiasm for life was infectious. Trenton was a caregiver and loved to help others. His youthful free-spirit fueled his love of cars, video games and cartoons." Northwestern was made aware of the investigation into Cornell-Duranleau's death on Monday afternoon, Cubbage said. Lathem has been with Northwestern since 2007, according to Cubbage, who said he worked primarily in a research lab. "At some point in the past few years he taught medical students or graduate students, never undergrad,'' Cubbage said. Lathem was not currently teaching and was not scheduled to be in a classroom in the fall, Cubbage said. Oxford University, where the other suspect worked, released a statement Tuesday saying it was "not aware of this case, which is clearly extremely concerning. We will liaise with the relevant investigating authorities and provide any assistance that is required." There will be no changes the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke confirmed Wednesday. The announcement made official what Zinke told The Gazette last weekend, that his late June commitment to leaving the 590-square-mile national monument hadn't changed. The monument is one of the only free-flowing areas of the Missouri that remains as Lewis and Clark saw it more than 200 years ago," Zinke said Wednesday in a press release. The central Montana monument near Landusky is one of 27 monuments established during the previous 20 years by presidents using the Antiquities Act. President Donald Trump ordered the monuments reviewed in May. Zinke has made recommendations on four monuments thus far. The former U.S. representative from Montana said Saturday that the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument decision was effectively made in early June after consulting with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and hearing from Montana Gov. Steve Bullock. In the month that followed, Interior officials looked at whether designated roads into the monument area were being maintained and whether public access, hunting and fishing opportunities were preserved. Department of the Interior received thousands of letters concerning the monument. Most comments submitted supported preserving the monument, which stretches 149 miles down the Missouri River and abuts the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Former President Bill Clinton created the monument Jan. 17, 2001, less than a week before leaving office. Opponents say the last-minute proclamation was a way to dodge public outcry from people who considered the declaration a grab by the federal government. The Antiquities Act allows presidents to set aside objects of historic or scientific interest to prevent their destruction. The law was created in 1906 to guard against looting of sacred American Indian sites. When designating the central Montana monument, Clinton said the Breaks is the only major portion of the Missouri River to be protected and preserved in its natural, free-flowing state. The area also is the premier segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Lewis and Clark spent three weeks in 1805 traveling the area, which includes rolling grasslands, white cliffs, rugged badlands and remnants of ancient cottonwood groves. The explorers journals described the wildlife, geology of the river banks and Native American cultures. The review of monuments came about in response to Republican lawmakers from Utah who accused former President Barack Obama of abusing the Antiquities Act last fall to create the Bears Ears National Monument, which includes several prehistoric sites and artifacts. The site also includes private property. In June, Zinke recommended Trump reduce the size of the 1.3 million-acre Bears Ears National Monument. Federal land removed from the monument would remain public, but would not be protected under monument designation. There are also thousands of acres of private property within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument boundary. Some of those landowners say that although the 16 years since the designation have been inconsequential, they worry about future restrictions. They worry that the monument designation will become the foundation for lawsuits about how land within the monument is used. Although the public comment period on the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument ended in early July, pro-monument groups continue encouraging Montanans to contact Zinke and Daines about leaving the monument as is. The Montana Wilderness Association is running save-the-monument ads in Billings and Missoula TV markets. Aaron Schock speaks to reporters on Feb. 6, 2015, in Peoria. The former Illinois congressman's attorneys accuse federal investigators of misconduct in their probe of the Republican and want the charges against him dismissed. (Seth Perlman / AP) WASHINGTON Attorneys for ex-U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock asked a judge Tuesday to throw out the felony indictment against him, contending federal prosecutors and agents asked witnesses what they called irrelevant, offensive and prejudicial questions including whether he is gay and with whom he's slept. Defense attorneys allege in court filings in Urbana that the government's "apparent obsession" with Schock's sexuality resulted in prosecutorial misconduct. They said some witnesses were testifying before a grand jury when they were asked about his sex life, "thus potentially prejudicing Mr. Schock through salacious innuendo." Advertisement The "invasive" questions show the "extent of the government's efforts to prejudice Mr. Schock and impugn his character," the filings said. Defense attorneys also argued that prosecutors overstepped their bounds in other ways, saying, for example, the prosecutor in the case made "false, misleading and erroneous statements" about Schock to witnesses both in front of the grand jury and outside its presence. Advertisement The U.S. attorney's office for the Central District of Illinois had no comment Tuesday. Prosecutors have a month to respond formally in court. Schock, 36, a Republican from Peoria, was indicted last November on 24 alleged felonies by a grand jury meeting in Springfield. He is accused of repeatedly using his campaign accounts and his House office allowance for personal expenses that included travel, a flight aboard a private plane to watch the Chicago Bears and rent payments. His trial is set for Jan. 22, 2018, in Urbana and is expected to last five weeks, court records show. Schock first entered Congress in 2009. Six years later, he had his congressional office painted ruby red and styled after TV's "Downton Abbey," a redocorating that gained notoriety via a Washington Post story that an aide tried to quash. Amid a flurry of negative stories in the press, he quit his job in March 2015. So far, the case has centered around lavish spending, but Schock's team of lawyers Tuesday raised new, PG-13 drama engulfing the once-rising political star. "The government has investigated nearly every facet of Mr. Schock's professional, political, and personal life," defense lawyers said in their filings. "This even includes his sex life," they wrote. "It is no secret that there has long been speculative gossip in the media about Mr. Schock's sexual orientation. For no apparent reason, the government has felt itself compelled to investigate this too. Indeed, from the very inception of this investigation, the government has discussed with witnesses whether Mr. Schock is gay, whether he really 'dated' his ex-girlfriend (a highly accomplished diplomat and attorney), and whether he spent the night or shared hotel rooms with her." Schock has pleaded not guilty in the case. He has mounted an aggressive defense, spending, according to federal campaign reports, millions of dollars on legal fees. A deadline for some pretrial motions in the case fell on Tuesday, when defense lawyers filed their explosive motions. Advertisement "This has been an investigation of a man in search of a crime," they said. Defense lawyers also argued in other new filings that the House rules governing spending are ambiguous, writing: "How much documentation is required for mileage vouchers? Ambiguous. When is travel official as opposed to personal? Ambiguous. What does 'nominal' value mean? Ambiguous." One of the witnesses in the case is a onetime Schock staffer who wore a wire and turned over office documents to prosecutors. The government, defense lawyers said, is trying to be a "super-enforcer that can target a member of Congress for prosecution, use improper means to investigate him, and then narrowly confine important separation of powers principles so as to run roughshod over the Constitution." The separation of powers reference pertains to how far law enforcement, part of the executive branch, can go with respect to probing a member of the legislative branch. Another line of attack from the defense involves whether the grand jury's independence was compromised by a prosecutor's reported statement to jurors that Schock and his attorney were asked to appear before the jury but did not. The Fifth Amendment protects people from having to testify if they may incriminate themselves through the testimony. Advertisement The case is before federal Judge Colin Stirling Bruce. kskiba@chicagotribune.com Twitter @KatherineSkiba Air Force One sits on the runway during U.S. President Donald Trump's arrival at Orly Airport.on July 13, 2017 in Paris, France. (Pierre Suu / Getty Images) The next generation of presidential jetliners will reportedly be two modified Boeing 747 jumbo jets that were originally set for service with a now-defunct Russian airline. Trade publication Defense One reported Tuesday that the Air Force was finalizing a deal with aerospace giant Boeing Co. to buy the two planes, which were initially ordered in 2013 by Russian airline Transaero. Advertisement The airline ceased operations in 2015 and never took ownership of the planes, which are now parked along with other retired or surplus aircraft in a "boneyard" in the Mojave Desert, according to Defense One. Boeing has flight-tested the jets and had reportedly paid to store the planes in new condition while looking for a buyer. Advertisement A source close to the matter confirmed details of the Defense One story. In a statement, Air Force spokesman Ann Stefanek said, "We're working through the final stages of coordination to purchase two commercial 747-8 aircraft and expect to award a contract soon." The commercial jetliners will go through a number of updates including installation of top-secret communications equipment and aerial refueling capability so the plane can fly for days without landing before it becomes Air Force One. Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson said in a statement that the company was "still working toward a deal to provide two 747-8s to the Air Force" and that the transaction was focused on "providing a great value for the Air Force and the best price for the taxpayer." News of this deal comes months after President Trump criticized the cost of a new version of the iconic presidential jumbo jet, tweeting in December that its $4-billion price tag was "out of control." Trump later met with Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg, who told reporters after the meeting that the Chicago company would build the next generation of Air Force One for less than $4 billion. The current Air Force One aircraft were ordered by President Reagan and delivered under President George H.W. Bush's administration. Boeing's 747 program has deep roots in Southern California. A Hawthorne supplier still makes the fuselage panels for the wide-bodied jet, though Boeing's production rate has slowed over time to just six 747s a year. Advertisement samantha.masunaga@latimes.com @smasunaga Brazilian President Michel Temer gestures during the announcement of the launching of a new medical college in Brasilia on Aug. 1, 2017. Temer on Wednesday survived a key congressional vote that could have suspended him over a bribery charge. (Evaristo Sa / AFP/Getty Images) BRASILIA, Brazil Brazil's embattled president survived a key congressional vote that could have suspended him over a bribery charge, mustering enough support late Wednesday to stay in office and avoid being tried by the country's highest court. President Michel Temer needed the support of just one-third of the 513 members of the lower Chamber of Deputies, or 171 members. Hours after the voting began, he had received the votes of more than that number of legislators. A final tally was expected later in the evening. Advertisement While Temer was clearly victorious, he won't likely have much time to celebrate. Attorney General Rodrigo Janot, who leveled the bribery charge against Temer, is expected to charge him with obstruction of justice by the end of the month. That would provoke a second vote, forcing his allies to once again decide whether to risk their own political futures by sticking with the deeply unpopular leader. All 513 seats in the chamber are up for election next year. The bribery allegation, which stunned even Brazilians inured to graft cases, was the latest in a bevy of scandals that has rocked the administration and created deep uncertainty and angst in Latin America's largest nation. Advertisement The vote in the Chamber of Deputies began after a day of hearings and vote cajoling by both sides behind the scene. Opposition lawmakers tried unsuccessfully to delay the vote, an acknowledgement that they likely wouldn't get enough support to suspend Temer despite his dismal support nationwide. The latest national poll said just 5 percent of Brazilians approval of Temer. Throughout the day, there was shouting and even periodic pushing between lawmakers. "Temer is a crook and he needs to sort out his situation with the Justice Department," said Elvino Bohn Gass, a member of the Workers' Party, one of the main opposition parties. "Brazil should not be governed by a gang of thugs." For the vote, which was telecast by the influential Globo network, each member was announced and asked his or her vote. While members voting against Temer were outspoken, most of those who supported him cast their vote without speaking, a sign that many preferred not to broadcast their support for the deeply unpopular leader. "Brazil can't change presidents three times in one year," said Sergio Moraes, a Temer supporter. "He will be investigated later." Temer, then vice president, took office about a year ago after Dilma Rousseff was impeached and removed as president for improperly handling government finances. Since taking power, Temer's administration has been rocked by repeated scandals while still managing to move unpopular legislation forward, such as a loosening of labor rules and proposals to trim pension benefits. The ambitious economic overhaul agenda, supported by Brazil's business class, has helped the 76-year-old Temer stay in office so far despite the uproar over corruption allegations. Advertisement Early in the day, Temer's lawyer, Antonio Claudio Mariz de Oliveira, tore into the charge against the president during his opening statement. He said that a recording secretly made of the president in March was illegal and that a confiscated suitcase of money, allegedly destined for Temer, was a red herring. "The suitcase of money was returned" by the police to the Temer aide who had been carrying it, said Mariz de Oliveira. "Why was it returned? Because the president is a good man, an innocent man." Throughout a rocky year in office, Temer has been able to maintain most of his governing coalition in the Chamber of Deputies, where he was the presiding officer for many years. The few who spoke in his favor praised Temer's stewardship of Latin America's biggest economy, which is struggling to emerge from its worst recession in decades. "Brazil is improving," said Mauro Pereira, a member of Temer's party. "Inflation is going down, our national reserves are going up. We now have international credibility." Many economists, however, note that while inflation has slowed, unemployment has sky-rocketed and several states and municipalities are broke and unable to pay thousands of public workers. Advertisement The session was the latest fallout from a colossal corruption investigation that has led to the jailing of many of the country's elite, including Marcelo Odebrecht, the former CEO of giant construction company Odebrecht, and Eduardo Cunho, the former lower house speaker who is serving a 15-year sentence. A recording purportedly made in March emerged in which Temer apparently supported the continued payment of hush money to Cunha, the powerful former speaker believed to have dirt on many politicians. As part of the probe, it came to light that Temer allegedly orchestrated a scheme in which he would get payouts totaling millions of dollars for helping JBS, a giant meat-packing company, resolve a business issue. A former aide was arrested while carrying a suitcase with $150,000, much of which was allegedly destined for Temer. "To be a great nation Brazil needs a president that is honest, Christian and patriotic," said Jair Bolsonaro, a presidential hopeful. Associated Press writer Peter Prengaman reported this story in Brasilia and AP writer Mauricio Savarese reported from Sao Paulo. AP video journalists Renata Brito and Mario Lobao in Brasilia contributed to this report. Fifty seconds. That's how long Cheatham County Deputy Sheriff Mark Bryant held a stun gun to Jordan Norris over the course of four bursts, at times inches from his heart, in an incident captured on video in a Tennessee jail. Straps held Norris' arms and legs while a deputy appeared to hold his mouth shut with a rag. The stun gun's low hum drowned out Norris' deep heaves. Advertisement "I'll keep on doing that until I run out of batteries," Bryant warned in between jolts. The Nov. 5 incident in a county jail outside Nashville, Tennessee, led to a recent lawsuit from Norris, 18, who filed a complaint last month against the three deputies involved. Their actions were caught on surveillance video and cameras attached to the stun gun. Advertisement Another jolt from the stun gun went on for 10 seconds. Burns covering Norris' body indicate there were likely more, according to court documents filed in a district court in Tennessee. The teen's lawsuit alleges that the three Cheatham County deputies - Bryant, Josh Marriott and Jeff Key - used excessive force "without legitimate law enforcement purpose" in deploying a stun gun on Norris while he was restrained in a chair. The suit, which seeks punitive damages, additionally alleges that officers and others in the area failed to protect the inmate's rights. "The repeated and prolonged use of a Taser against a fully restrained person amounts to torture; the videos speak for themselves," Benjamin Raybin, one of Norris' two lawyers, told The Washington Post. Raybin said he advised Norris to decline all interview requests. The sheriff's office referred questions to the county's criminal investigation division, which did not return calls for comment. But the three deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Norris had been arrested Nov. 3 on drug and weapons possession charges, the Tennessean reported. Two days after his arrest, on Nov. 5, Norris began to suffer a "mental health episode" and banged his head against the door. He was placed on suicide watch while a nurse was called to attend to him. His arms, chest, waist and legs were restrained, according to his lawsuit. Marriott was on hand to apply pressure to his face and neck to cause pain, the filing said. Advertisement "Are you ready?" Bryant asked Norris, who seemingly braced for the inevitable surge of voltage. He appeared to ask for water. "Would you like to comply?" Bryant asked. Norris' response was inaudible. "No you won't," Bryant said as his stun gun surged into Norris, who grimaced and groaned. "Stop resisting!" one of the deputies yelled at Norris, who was strapped into restraints. "You don't like it, do you?" a deputy asked. Norris was strapped to the chair for three hours, with authorities reporting him as "very combative" and yelling he wanted to be shot, according to jail logs obtained by the Tennessean. Advertisement The lawsuit alleges two instances of unnecessary stun gun use, but Norris' stepfather, William Chapman, told CBS affiliate WTVF that he counted more than 40 burns all over the teen's body. "I was actually giving the police benefit of the doubt over my own child because I was thinking he must have been fighting back, he must have been resisting," Chapman said. He said he now doubts the version of events offered by Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove, who told the station that his deputies acted accordingly and that Norris was combative. "When I found that he was actually strapped to a restraint chair, it was even more mind-boggling; it didn't make any sense," Chapman said. He told the station the situation should have been avoided. "I think he had some sort of breakdown," he said. "They said he was feeling suicidal." Advertisement Breedlove declined to give an on-camera interview to a local news station, and he could not be reached for comment by The Washington Post on Tuesday. But in a July 28 statement, the sheriff sought to distance himself from earlier comments suggesting the deputies were in compliance with the law. "I was briefed about the situation and shown video evidence, however, not all video footage was presented at the time of the briefing," Breedlove said. He added that he directed supervisors to evaluate the office's use-of-force policy and asked for an independent investigation. "As sheriff, I want our citizens to know that any inappropriate behavior that may have violated an individual's rights will not be tolerated," he said in the statement. "We will work closely and cooperatively with the TBI [Tennessee Bureau of Investigation] and district attorney's office to ensure all facts are provided and all angles of this incident are thoroughly investigated." His statement was a departure from his previous writings. Breedlove documented arrests his officers made with lengthy and at times bizarre messages posted to the official Cheatham County Sheriff's Facebook page. Advertisement In a Nov. 3 post about Norris following his arrest, Breedlove wrote: "Let it be known he was going to kill any Deputy who tried to arrest him. He was armed with stolen weapons. A drug dealer by trade and on the fast track to live the Thug life." "The team, armed with a search warrant, invited themselves into the 'House of Norris' on Little Pond Creek with such dynamic quickness, he became shocked with awe and peed a little bit. Great job Cheatham SWAT!" the sheriff added. The Facebook page has either been deleted or hidden. The text of those comments was obtained by The Post. Breedlove told Nashville's CBS affiliate that the weekly arrest updates were intended to be humorous. Taser International, a manufacturer of the devices, did not respond to a request for information on potential hazards for using a stun gun near a suspect's chest. But a 2009 advisory from the company said potential lawsuits could assert that a stun gun caused arrhythmia, or a disruption of the heart's rhythmic beating. Officers should focus on the back, pelvic muscles or thigh, the advisory said. Advertisement In photos attached to the lawsuit, stun gun burns, in raw red pairs as if they were bites from a viper, dot Norris' body - including on his chest. A 2015 Post investigation found that about one person per week died that year in incidents in which stun guns were used. While a link between stun guns and those deaths was not clear, the devices were mentioned in at least a dozen cases as one factor on the autopsy reports or cause-of-death listings. Research has shown that when used correctly, these devices are generally safe, but policing experts and company product advisories have warned about the increasing risk of death or injury if used excessively or in a way that breaks from the company's guidelines or police department policy. Tasers "may not be effective on emotionally disturbed persons or others who may not respond to pain due to a mind-body disconnect," the company warned in 2013. "Avoid using repeated drive-stuns on such individuals if compliance is not achieved." The Washington Post's Mark Berman contributed to this report. Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel says national delegates voted last week to adopt a travel advisory that the state chapter issued in June over concerns about civil rights. Above is the skyline of St. Louis. (John Smierciak / Chicago Tribune) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The head of the Missouri NAACP says the national organization is backing a travel advisory urging caution in Missouri over concerns about whether civil rights will be respected. Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel says national delegates voted last week to adopt a travel advisory that the state chapter issued in June. Chapel says the national board will consider ratification in October. Advertisement The advisory cites a new state law making it more difficult to sue for housing or employment discrimination. The state NAACP says the measure could make it tougher to hold people accountable for harassment and discrimination. Supporters argue the law will help reduce "frivolous lawsuits" in the state. Advertisement The advisory also cites a report showing black Missouri drivers last year were 75 percent more likely to be stopped than whites. Chapel says he hopes recognition from the national organization will boost awareness. Dealt a striking congressional rebuke, Donald Trump grudgingly signed what he called a "seriously flawed" package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, bowing for the moment to resistance from both parties to his push for warmer ties with Moscow. Trump signed the most significant piece of legislation of his presidency with no public event. And he coupled it with a written statement, resentful in tone, that accused Congress of overstepping its constitutional bounds, impeding his ability to negotiate with foreign countries and lacking any ability to strike deals. "Congress could not even negotiate a health care bill after seven years of talking," he said scornfully of lawmakers' recent failure to repeal "Obamacare" as he and other Republicans have promised for years. "As president, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress." Still, he said, "despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity." It was powerful evidence of the roadblock Congress has erected to Trump's efforts to reset relations with Russia at a time when federal investigators are probing Moscow's interference in the U.S. presidential election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign. The legislation is aimed at penalizing Moscow for that interference and for its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria, where the Kremlin has backed President Bashar Assad. The law also imposes new financial sanctions against Iran and North Korea. Trump said the law will "punish and deter bad behavior" by the governments of Iran and North Korea as well as enhance existing sanctions on Moscow. But he made no secret of his distaste for what the bill does to his ability to govern. "The bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate," he said. Last week, the House overwhelmingly backed the bill, 419-3, and the Senate rapidly followed, 98-2. Those margins guaranteed that Congress would be able to beat back any veto attempt. Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the conclusions of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign with the intention of tipping the election in his favor. He's blasted the federal investigation as a "witch hunt." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called the president's concerns over the bill misplaced. "Vladimir Putin and his regime must pay a real price for attacking our democracy, violating human rights, occupying Crimea and destabilizing Ukraine," McCain said. "Going forward, I hope the president will be as vocal about Russia's aggressive behavior as he was about his concerns with this legislation." Trump's talk of extending a hand of cooperation to Putin has been met by skeptical lawmakers looking to limit his leeway. The new measure targets Russia's energy sector as part of legislation that prevents Trump from easing sanctions on Moscow without congressional approval. Russia wasn't pleased. Putin responded on Sunday by announcing the U.S. would have to cut 755 of its embassy and consular staff in Russia. And Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in an emotional Facebook post Wednesday that "Trump's administration has demonstrated total impotence by surrendering its executive authority to Congress in the most humiliating way." The congressional review section of the bill that Trump objects to was a key feature for many members of Congress. Trump will be required to send a report explaining why he wants to suspend or terminate a particular set of the sanctions on Russia. Lawmakers would then have 30 days to decide whether to allow that. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson echoed the president's sentiments that the measure poses more diplomatic hindrances than solutions. "Neither the president nor I are very happy about that," Tillerson said Tuesday. "We were clear that we didn't think that was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made." Sean Kane, a former official with the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said the Obama administration had sought similar wiggle room when negotiating Iran sanctions with lawmakers. "These issues have come up before where an administration wants flexibility in place in a deal that would potentially lift sanctions, and Congress wants to tie the administration's hands in some ways," said Kane, now at the law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed. Trump said that Congress had "included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions." Last winter, just before Trump was sworn in, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled a bill designed to go beyond the punishments already levied against Russia by the Obama administration and to demonstrate to Trump that forcefully responding to Moscow's election interference wasn't a partisan issue. Action on Russia sanctions didn't really pick up until late May, when Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, threw his support behind the effort. The bill underwent revisions to avoid inadvertently undercutting U.S. firms or interfering with how European allies acquire energy. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle celebrated the passage and signing. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said the bill sends a "powerful message to our adversaries that they will be held accountable for their actions." But the House's top Democrat said Trump's statement calling the bill "seriously flawed" raises questions about whether his administration will follow the law. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said the Republican-led Congress must not allow the White House to "wriggle out of its duty to impose these sanctions for Russia's brazen assault on our democracy." WASHINGTON Associated Press writer Josh Lederman contributed to this report from Washington. WASHINGTON The relationship between President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans has deteriorated so sharply in recent days that some are openly defying his directives, bringing long-simmering tensions to a boil as the GOP labors to reorient its stalled legislative agenda. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, announced Tuesday that he would work with his Democratic colleagues to "stabilize and strengthen" the individual insurance market under that Affordable Care Act, which the president has badgered the Senate to keeping trying to repeal. He also urged the White House to keep up payments to insurers that help low-income consumers afford plans, which Trump has threatened to cut off. Advertisement Several Republican senators have sought to distance themselves from the president, who has belittled them as looking like "fools" and tried to strong-arm their agenda and browbeat them into changing a venerated rule to make it easier to ram through legislation along party lines. Some are describing the dynamic in cold, transactional terms, speaking of Trump as more of a supporting actor than the marquee leader of the Republican Party. If he can help advance their plans, then great, they say. If not, so be it. Advertisement "We work for the American people. We don't work for the president," said Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. He added, "We should do what's good for the administration as long as that does not in any way, shape or form make it harder on the American people." The friction underscores the challenge Republicans face headed into the fall. As they seek to move beyond a failed health-care effort in pursuit of an elusive, first big legislative win, the same infighting that has plagued them all year threatens to stall their push to rewrite the nation's tax laws, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday he wants to do in September. While some Republicans try to tune out what they see as distracting and sometimes destructive rhetoric and action from Trump, they recognize that they cannot fully disavow him without also dashing their hopes of implementing the conservative policies they championed in the campaign. For many Republican senators, the challenge is trying to walk an increasingly fine line. We work for the American people. We don't work for the president. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. As public opinion polls show a decline in Trump's approval rating, some Republican senators have sought to address difficult questions about what the president's diminishing popularity means for his mandate by insisting that congressional Republicans, not Trump, are the ones driving the GOP agenda. "Ever since we've been here, we've really been following our lead," said Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. After ticking through major Republican initiatives so far, he added, "Almost every bit of this has been 100 percent internal to Congress." Senate GOP leaders have openly flouted Trump's attempts to steer them back to repealing and replacing the ACA, an endeavor that collapsed in failure last week. On Tuesday, McConnell laid out the rest of the Senate's plans before adjourning for the summer recess. Health care was not among them. Instead, Alexander signaled he would go around the president. He and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., announced they would hold fall hearings to shore up the individual health insurance markets. It was the most concrete sign yet of bipartisan work in the Senate on strengthening the existing health-care law, and it followed a proposal offered Monday by a bipartisan group of 43 House members. Advertisement Trump, who installed John Kelly as his new chief of staff a day earlier, on Tuesday was noticeably tame toward fellow Republicans on Twitter. But White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders blamed the GOP-controlled Congress for the lack of major accomplishments this year. "I think what's hurting the legislative agenda is Congress's inability to get things passed," she said Tuesday. Trump had spent the preceding few days in an antagonistic posture. He used his favorite social media platform to push Senate Republicans to end the 60-vote threshold for most legislation, writing: "Republicans in the Senate will NEVER win if they don't go to a 51 vote majority NOW. They look like fools and are just wasting time." He also demanded they vote again on health care, despite an inability to round up enough votes for a far narrower bill than they had long promised. By Tuesday, it was wearing thin on Capitol Hill. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said if the rules were changed as Trump wants, "it would be the end of the Republican Party. And it would be the end of the Senate." Trump's repeated insistence "doesn't help," Hatch said. "But he just doesn't understand that." Advertisement McConnell was able to muster only 49 votes for his health-care bill. Under special rules he was using, it would have passed with 50. Ending the 60-vote threshold as Trump has demanded would not have changed the outcome - a point McConnell was quick to bring up Tuesday. "It's pretty obvious that our problem on health care was not the Democrats. We didn't have 50 Republicans," he told reporters. He added, more forcefully, "There are not the votes in the Senate, as I've said repeatedly to the president and to all of you, to change the rules of the Senate." President Donald Trump pauses during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington on July 31, 2017. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP) The concerns about the 45th president extend beyond arguments over how the Senate conducts its business, to his discipline, strategy and core values. Such concerns often are expressed in private, but one Republican senator, Jeff Flake of Arizona, has laid them out in lacerating fashion in his recently published book, "Conscience of a Conservative." "In the tweeting life of our president, strategy is difficult to detect," Flake writes. "Influencing the news cycles seems to be the principal goal; achieving short-term tactical advantage, you bet. But ultimately, it's all noise and no signal. . . . We have quite enough volatile actors to deal with internationally as it is without becoming one of them." Flake argues that the "Faustian bargain" that conservatives made in embracing Trump has "put at risk our institutions and our values" and that "the strange specter of an American president's seeming affection for strongmen and authoritarians . . . is almost impossible to believe." Asked about a Washington Post report that Trump dictated his eldest son's misleading statement about meeting with a Russian lawyer, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., replied: "I don't know if it's true or not. But the statement was misleading. And when you have a misleading statement, it just continues to breed distrust, so that means the investigation continues." Advertisement Trump's criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former senator, has also irked Republicans in the chamber. His threats against GOP senators during the health-care debate, including Sens. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also rubbed many the wrong way. Some said Tuesday they were hopeful that Trump's staff shake-up would produce better results. "I'm very pleased that [former communications director Anthony] Scaramucci is gone and that General Kelly, I believe, will bring a sense of order and discipline that is needed," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Sanders said Tuesday that Kelly has "spoken to a number of members of Congress," a sign that relations could improve. Graham, who has been one of the most outspoken Republican critics of Trump, laid out his current thinking on the president. Increasingly, his colleagues are sounding more like him in their willingness to offer curt assessments of him. "I ran out of adjectives and I voted for a guy I never met," Graham said. "What was that guy's name? Evan?" Advertisement Evan McMullin, reporters reminded him, mentioning the independent 20i6 candidate's full name. "President Trump won. I respect his victory. I want to help him with health care and do other things that I think we can do together like cut taxes," Graham said. "I'll push back against ideas I think are bad for the country, like changing the rules of the Senate. And that's the way I'm going to engage the president." The Washington Post's James Hohmann contributed to this report. The last of a dozen inmates who used peanut butter to escape from an Alabama jail was caught Tuesday. Brady Kilpatrick was captured in Florida, where he was tracked down by Florida law enforcement and the FBI, according to the Palm Beach Post. Advertisement The 24-year-old was the only one of the escapees to make it out of Alabama, according to the sheriff's office. On Sunday a dozen inmates escaped from a Walker County jail not by cutting through steel bars, drilling through walls or ripping a toilet from a wall. Advertisement Walker County Sheriff Jim Underwood told reporters Monday that the inmates used peanut butter to make the number on one of the cell doors look like the number on a door leading to the outside of the jail. An inmate then asked an unsuspecting jail guard in the control room to open his cell, saying he needed to get back in. But unknown to the guard, he had inadvertently unlocked the door that opened to the outside. "That may sound crazy, but these people are crazy like a fox," Underwood said. Underwood said the inmates' plan was "well laid out," and they took advantage of an inexperienced employee. "This is one time we slipped up. I'm not going to make excuses. It was a human error that caused this to happen. . . . He's a young guy, hadn't been here that long," Underwood said of the guard, whom he did not name. The 12 inmates then used blankets to cover and climb over a razor-wire fence that surrounds the Walker County Jail in Jasper, Alabama, northwest of Birmingham. Several of them rode in one truck, while the others ran in different directions, Underwood said. Helen Kuwashima, the daughter of a strawberry farmer in California, spent part of her childhood in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, came to Chicago and became the executive secretary to the president of National Tea, then one of the largest grocery chains in the United States. After retiring at 62, she became a founding member and the driving force behind the Na Kupuna Ukulele Club, a popular performance group known for its hula dances and such crowd-pleasing songs as "Blue Hawaii." Advertisement As the club's biggest promoter, Kuwashima scored big in 2004, when the club was chosen by the city of Chicago as one of 21 groups to perform at the opening of Millennium Park in front of thousands of people. "She was so excited," said her niece Joyce Naka. "It was the thrill of her life." Advertisement Kuwashima, 85, of Chicago, died of stomach cancer on June 23 at Swedish Covenant Hospital. "She loved the club and ruled it with a velvet glove, or depending on whom you've talked to, with an iron fist," said club co-founder Tonko Doi. Founded in 1997 by nine Chicago area seniors, the club was named Na Kupuna, which means "elder" in Hawaiian. Prior to forming the club, Kuwashima had never even held a ukulele the four-stringed instrument adapted by Hawaiians from an instrument brought to the islands by the Portuguese in the late 1870s much less played one. But just a few weeks into lessons, she was strumming alongside her fellow club members and creating a repertoire that over the years has grown to more than 300 songs. "She wouldn't let a little thing like not knowing how to play the ukulele get in the way of expressing her joy," Naka said. With her unbridled enthusiasm, Kuwashima immediately took charge of the club's bookings throughout the Chicago area, and some as far away as Hawaii. "She did a great job getting the word out," Naka said. "And if there wasn't money to pay the club for their performance, she'd say, 'Just feed us!'" Advertisement Born Helen Bingo on April 7, 1932, in Torrance, Calif., Kuwashima was interned with her family in a makeshift camp at the Santa Anita racetrack near Los Angeles, at the start of World War II. "They slept in the horse stalls," said Doi. "It was filthy and smelled horrible." From Santa Anita, she was sent with her family to an internment camp in Jerome, Ark., and later to one in Tulelake, Calif. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 86 Dick Orkin, an award-winning radio advertising creator for close to a half-century who was perhaps best known for his syndicated Chickenman spoof, which aired on Chicago stations, died on Dec. 24 in California. He was 84. Read more. (Handout) After the war, Kuwashima moved to Chicago and lived with her family on the South Side. Later they settled on the North Side, and she attended Tuley High School before graduating from Waller High School, now Lincoln Park High School. She landed a job with Del Farm Foods, a supermarket chain, and worked her way up to office manager. After the chain was bought by National Tea in 1958, she was promoted and became the executive secretary to the company's president. During that time, she met and married Hiroshi Kuwashima, a co-worker of Hawaiian descent. He was in charge of the sound equipment for the ukulele club prior to his death five years ago. Advertisement Kuwashima also served as a surrogate mother to her nephew, Ken Taguchi, following the death of her older sister, Flo. "Kenny was the child that Helen never had," said Doi. "She adored him." In more recent years, Kuwashima kept busy organizing outings for the club and getting as many gigs for them as possible. "Recently, she asked me if I thought she was bossy," Doi said. "I said 'Yes, you are bossy.' But in truth, the club would not have been together for 20 years without her determination and leadership." Kuwashima is also survived by two other sisters, Frances Hirai and Mary Bingo. Services were held. Advertisement Joan Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter. Economic sanctions work better as a symbol than as a solution. The United States government imposed them on Cuba's Castro regime in 1960, and it's still in power. We imposed sanctions on Saddam Hussein, but had to invade Iraq to remove him. We imposed sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear program, which is humming along. So anyone who expects big results from the legislation putting new ones on Russia for meddling in the 2016 election, which President Donald Trump grudgingly signed Wednesday, will probably be disappointed. But that doesn't mean it's a mistake. Showing Vladimir Putin he can't attack us with impunity is worth doing regardless. Advertisement The old sanctions on Russia haven't produced much. Enacted to punish Russian officials after a lawyer who exposed corruption was tortured to death and after Russia invaded Ukraine, they didn't improve Putin's human rights policies or send him packing from Crimea. Nor did they stop the Kremlin from trying to subvert our democratic process. No big surprise there. A 2008 study by Gary Clyde Hufbauer and other scholars at the Peterson Institute for International Economics reviewed 174 cases and concluded "Sanctions often do not succeed in changing the behavior of foreign countries." Advertisement These penalties may inflict too little pain to matter, or they may inflict pain mainly on the target country's people, who are helpless to change the policy at issue. The governments we sanction may get help from other countries that don't share our goals. Sanctions can even backfire by hurting American companies. When we are the victim of hostile or threatening actions by a foreign country, the logical response is to improve our defenses and respond in kind. Given that the electoral interference was akin to an act of war, robust countermeasures are in order. We didn't answer the attack on Pearl Harbor by going after Japanese bank transactions. If Russians hacked into Americans' computers to wreak havoc in our political system, we might do something comparable. That could be the surest way to discourage a repetition of this aggression. But we may lack the means for that right now or we may worry that the Russians could outdo us in their capacity to escalate a cyberwar. In that case, economic penalties would be the best of our lousy options. Even the most ardent supporters of sanctions realize their limits. Endorsing the new ones, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., didn't promise results now or later. But he favors them "to send a strong message to Vladimir Putin and any other aggressor that we will not tolerate attacks on our democracy." The chief attraction of sanctions is what they are not. They offer a middle course between retaliating with military force, which would entail costs and risks far too great to justify in this instance, and doing nothing, which would invite more attacks by Russia and other adversaries. It's true that Putin isn't likely to come to us with a raft of concessions, pleading for relief. But these sanctions have a greater chance of working than most because they don't require the Russian government to change its fundamental internal policies or surrender anything it considers vital, such as Crimea. It merely needs to stop doing something that, in the end, gained it little or nothing. Even if they don't alter Putin's behavior, the new measures serve several commendable purposes. Cornell University political scientist Jonathan Kirshner tells me, "They clarify the American position on Russian election meddling, illustrate that such actions will carry real costs, possibly motivate those whose interests are directly affected to assess their internal political calculations and communicate all of these notions to other actors." Advertisement The legislation, of course, is not aimed only at Putin. It's also aimed at Trump. Whatever else it may achieve, it put him on notice that no one on Capitol Hill sees him as reliable in dealing with Putin. If he came into office with the foolish hope of establishing a cozy partnership with the thuggish autocrat, he has been soundly disabused of it by the House and Senate. Even if he didn't collude with Russia, Trump took such an inexplicably positive view of Putin that Congress almost unanimously believes he has to be tightly constrained. With a different president, Congress and the public might think it's possible to reduce tensions and improve relations with Russia in a way that fully protects our interests. Not with this one. Download "Recalculating: Steve Chapman on a New Century" in the free Printers Row app at www.printersrowapp.com. schapman@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SteveChapman13 Montanas Public Service Commission is losing touch and putting the states largest utility, and half the public, at risk of high energy prices, NorthWestern Energy has told legislators. NorthWestern, which provides electricity to 500,000 Montanans, told state lawmakers this week that recent decisions by the PSC had prompted analysts to recommend the utilitys investors consider selling or reducing stock in NorthWestern. David Hoffman, NorthWesterns government affairs director, told legislators on the Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee that new laws might be needed to curb risky PSC behavior. The Montana Public Service Commission, or at least a majority of the commissioners, have lost their regulatory minds, Hoffman told the committee. Theyre destroying existing law and theyre out of control. NorthWestern said a new law requiring the PSC to adhere to judicial standards should be considered the next time Montana's Legislature meets. The commission is a quasi-judicial body tasked with balancing a regulated utility's reasonable right to profit, with utility customers' right to a fair price. Brad Johnson, Montana Public Service Commission chairman, said NorthWesterns concerns were overblown. He had expected criticism about a recent PSC decision to shorten energy contracts, but nothing more. We were assuming we were going to hear from NorthWestern a calm and well-reasoned argument against aspects of the order, Johnson said. Instead, Mr. Hoffman engaged in a bunch of hyperbole and name calling and condescension. And I dont think that was productive. In speaking out Monday, the utility joined a chorus of the people, including ETIC members, concerned about the PSC rulings governing everything from small solar energy farms to major projects by NorthWestern. There remained a concern Tuesday that Montana was losing millions of dollars in energy investment because of PSC decisions. At issue are the PSCs actions to reset the rates and contracts for Montana energy projects big and small. So long as those projects are being built to service the needs of NorthWestern and its customers, the PSC ruled that prices set by contracts should be guaranteed no longer than five years. The cut was dramatic. Contract lengths had previously be for 25 years. Small solar farm developers objected first, arguing that five-year contracts were too short to secure financing. Rates utilities are expected to pay for the power were also cut 40 percent. And some on the PSC appeared to know the contracts were unworkable. On the day the contracts were shortened, Public Service Commissioner Bob Lake, speaking with staff during a mid-session break, acknowledged that cuts made that morning to rates and contracts would likely kill future development of small, commercial-scale solar energy projects. Lakes comments were recorded by a hot mic left on during the break. By federal law, the commissions actions are supposed to promote alternative energy. State legislators on the ETIC then penned a letter warning that PSCs contract changes might be unlawful for not observing the Legislatures preference for long-term contracts. On its face, a five- or 10-year contract is not long-term. In addition, Montana law requires contract lengths that enhance the economic feasibility of qualifying small power production facilities, the letter stated. Absent evidence that five- or 10-year contracts enhance or even maintain the economic feasibility of qualifying facility development in Montana the Commissions actions appear unlawful. The letter arrived on PSC Chairman Johnsons desk in mid-July, shortly before commissioners revisited their June decision and finalized it, ruling that the contracts were technically 10 years long with a mandatory price re-negotiation at five years. NorthWestern and small energy producers are now preparing arguments to compel the PSC to reconsider. Developers of MTSUN, a 480-acre solar farm planned for Billings, has said it cannot move forward with the $110 million project under a 10-year contract and $20 megawatt hour rate set by the PSC in late July. Commissioners set those terms for NorthWestern's obligated purchase of power from the solar farm. The contract length makes financing impossible, Mark Klein of MTSUN told The Gazette. The short contracts pose challenges for NorthWestern as well, Hoffman told The Gazette on Tuesday. NorthWestern had been in the market for new power plants capable of delivering peaking generation, that is adding electricity to the energy grid during times of peak demand. The utility planned to spend $100 million developing the power plants, Hoffman said, but scrapped project after PSC shortened contracts. The contracts were too short for NorthWestern to make investment worthwhile. Hoffman said without long-term contracts NorthWestern would likely abandon power plant development and buy the power it needs in the future on the spot market, where prices are currently cheap. That move to the spot market exposes NorthWestern and its customers to the risk of energy prices rising. The risk resembles the challenges Montana faced in energy crisis of the 2001 after the Montanas 1997 Legislature deregulated utilities. Spot market prices resulted in higher costs for regulated Montana utilities and their customers. In the last 16 years, long-term contracts for energy have again been viewed as a way to stabilize prices and lock in rates that dont spike with the spot market. The Public Service Commission has lately argued the opposite, that long-term contracts bind utility customers for decades to prices higher than the current market rate. If the PSC cant forecast rates years into the future, the contracts should be short, commissioners argue. Johnson said Montana isnt heading back to the volatile days of deregulated utilities. NorthWestern generates a good portion of the power it needs via hydroelectric dams and a stake in Colstrip Power Plant. That base that represents 60 percent of their load is still in place and its not coming off, Johnson said. Market priced power wont be the bulk of what NorthWestern needs. In this photo provided by Oregon Health & Science University, taken July 31, 2017, Shoukhrat Mitalipov, left, talks with research assistant Hayley Darby in the Mitalipov Lab at OHSU in Portland, Ore. Mitalipov led a research team that, for the first time, used gene editing to repair a disease-causing mutation in human embryos, laboratory experiments that might one day help prevent inherited diseases from being passed to future generations. (Kristyna Wentz-Graff / AP) Seen any clone armies in your backyard lately? Probably not. This might surprise you if you are old enough to remember the ethical panic that greeted the birth of Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, in Scotland 21 years ago. The cloned creature set off a crazy overreaction, with fears of clone armies, re-creating the dead, and a host of other horrors, monsters, abuses and terrors none of which has come to pass. That is why it is so important, amid all the moral hand-wringing about what could happen as human genetic engineering emerges, to keep our ethical eye on the right ball. Freaking out over impending superbabies and mutant humans with the powers of comic book characters is not what is needed. Advertisement An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University, has used genetic engineering on human sperm and a pre-embryo. The group is doing basic research to figure out if new forms of genetic engineering might be able to prevent or repair terrible hereditary diseases. How close are they to making freakish superpeople using their technology? About as close as we are to traveling intergalactically using current rocket technology. Advertisement So what should we be worrying about as this rudimentary but promising technique tries to get off the launch pad? First and foremost, oversight of what is going on. Congress, in its infinite wisdom, has banned federal funding for genetic engineering of sperm, eggs, pre-embryos or embryos. That means everything goes on in the private or philanthropic world here or overseas, without much guidance. We need clear rules with teeth to keep anyone from trying to go too fast or deciding to try to cure anything in an embryo intended to become an actual human being without rock-solid safety data. Second, we need to determine who should own the techniques for genetic engineering. Important patent fights are underway among the technology's inventors. That means people smell lots of money. And that means it is time to talk about who gets to own what and charge what, lest we reinvent the world of the $250,000 drug in this area of medicine. Finally, human genetic engineering needs to be monitored closely: all experiments registered, all data reported on a public database and all outcomes good and bad made available to all scientists and anyone else tracking this area of research. Secrecy is the worst enemy that human genetic engineering could possibly have. Let your great-great-grandkids fret about whether they want to try to make a perfect baby. Today we need to worry about who will own genetic engineering technology, how we can oversee what is being done with it and how safe it needs to be before it is used to try to prevent or fix a disease. That is plenty to worry about. Arthur L. Caplan is head of the division of medical ethics at the New York University School of Medicine. "Welcome to Illinois, the cookie crumb state!" "If we're lucky, we're the spillover state!" Advertisement "Illinois, where we survive on economic scraps!" "Shrewder states, send us your leftovers!" Advertisement Ugh. We're trying out unsatisfying slogans now that Foxconn, the Taiwanese tech giant, has picked Southeast Wisconsin as home for a $10 billion investment. Foxconn's new LCD panel plant eventually may employ 13,000 people. President Donald Trump says the company's U.S. investment could hit $30 billion. Foxconn considered Illinois and elsewhere before settling on a site just up the road and across the state line. The alleged saving grace for dysfunctional and anti-employer Illinois is that this state will get ancillary benefits from its proximity to Wisconsin: Some Foxconn jobs may go to Illinois commuters, while some Illinois businesses should pick up work as suppliers and contractors. "There would absolutely be great spillover opportunities," Kevin Considine, president and CEO of Lake County Partners, a nonprofit economic development organization, told the Tribune. "A plant like that will have lots of multiplier effects. It will bring supply chain companies with it, so other companies will set up near it and around it, similar to what happens in automotive." True enough. Yet not nearly good enough for struggling Illinois, which has squandered its reputation as a great place to do business and hire workers. Chicago is vibrant, but the statewide economy is severely hobbled in its ability to attract new investment. Among the reasons: Illinois' calamitous fiscal condition, anti-business regulations and rapacious tax policies. The beauty contest Foxconn ran to pick a location isn't a death knell for Illinois. We don't know all the factors that went into the company's decision. Wisconsin is offering a treasure trove of financial incentives worth $3 billion that Illinois may not have been able or willing to provide. We've always felt state and local governments are too quick to give up tax revenue and other benefits to woo jobs, though there are circumstances that justify providing perks especially infrastructure. The point of focusing on Foxconn is to warn that as other Midwest states move their economies forward, Illinois falls further behind, hobbled by bad fundamentals: State government admits to $130 billion in unfunded pension obligations (Moody's Investors Service says the true total is nearly double that); a bond rating just above junk status; and a stalemate between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrat-controlled legislature over Rauner's proposals to make the state more employer-friendly. And legislators just raised the individual income tax rate by 32 percent over Rauner's veto, which says a lot about the Democrats' priorities. If you're running a business, do you run to Illinois so you can pay reparations for these decades of mismanagement? Or do you run away? The worst of it is that Illinois should be booming. This state, an agriculture and manufacturing center, has a crossroads location and is home to a great metropolis, excellent universities and a highly trained workforce. Yet Illinois is an economic laggard. From 2006-2016, as the nation generated a 1.3 percent average annual growth rate, Illinois' growth was an even shabbier 0.4 percent, according to James Broughel of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The growth rate in Wisconsin was 0.7 percent and in Indiana 0.9 percent. Even those small differences translate into jobs. Advertisement Why the miserable Illinois performance? Here's one reason Broughel and his colleagues cite: Illinois saddles businesses and individuals with an onerous level of regulations in some cases twice as demanding as those of similar states. The researchers used software to analyze legal text and identify words and phrases such as "shall," "may not" and "prohibited," which signify obligations and requirements. Broughel tells us Illinois has about 260,000 regulatory restrictions in its code, compared to a preliminary count of 160,000 for Wisconsin. That's 100,000 reasons for Foxconn and every other employer to conclude that Wisconsin has a friendlier business climate than Illinois'. Is that why Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou selected Wisconsin over Illinois? Or was it the pension debt here? The lousy credit rating's impact on government costs (and taxes)? The Springfield opposition that thwarts this governor's efforts to improve the business climate? The gridlocked major fixes to Illinois' workers' compensation system? We don't know. What we do know is that Wisconsin won the kind of fight Illinois used to win. And no matter what this state's apologists want to pretend: No, Illinois can't survive on other states' crumbs. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. What to read next: Advertisement Why I'm moving my family out of Illinois' Can millennials afford a future in Illinois? Wisconsin won Foxconn factory, but Illinois won't lose out Another Obamacare whack for Illinois: Price hikes of 43 percent? Become a subscriber today to support editorial writing like this. Start getting full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday vetoed a sweeping education bill, saying the proposed funding formula that Democrats sent him "put Chicago in line for millions more" that would be "diverted from other, needier districts." Rauner rewrote the measure to take away a $250 million block grant that Chicago Public Schools has long received and also changed how the funding formula weights CPS pension funding when dividing up new money for schools. The governor said his amendatory veto would keep an extra $221 million for CPS pensions, but put it in a separate appropriation which would have to be approved by lawmakers. Southerly winds bring warmer and more humid air into the Chicago area, and that combined with a cold front to our north and west will make for increasing chances of thunderstorms the next 24 to 48 hours. As a cold front moves through from west to east Thursday, strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and localized heavy downpours are likely. As the front moves off to the east Friday, the leading edge of much cooler Canadian-source high pressure, more representative of mid- to late September, will nose into our area. High temperatures into the weekend and the first part of next week will average some 7 degrees below the normal 83 degrees experienced this time of the year. After Thursday, the next chance of significant rain will come Sunday. John Hersey High School 2017 graduates Ashley Boldt, Hannah Mulroe and Alexandra Tiahnybok sing the National Anthem at the Arlington Heights Police Department's National Night Out event Aug. 1. Thousands of Arlington Heights residents gathered Tuesday night at North School Park to mingle with local police during the village's 13th annual National Night Out. Arlington Heights Police Chief Gerald Mourning said both residents and police look forward to the event each year. Advertisement "Our goal is to build community trust, and to have an opportunity to meet the public in a very positive way," Mourning said. "And we do get quite a few people saying 'thank you.'" Since 2005, the Arlington Heights Police Department has received national recognition for the annual event, which takes place in towns across the U.S. on the first Tuesday in August, according to Arlington Heights Crime Prevention Officer Brandi Romag. Advertisement During the event Tuesday, officer John Vinson, an evidence technician, spent the evening "fingerprinting" residents of all ages as part of a forensic demonstration. "Kids under the age of about five or six are usually pretty apprehensive, but everyone seven and older loves it," Vinson said. Officer Jeff Tegtmeyer, a K-9 handler for the police department, spent the evening leading dogs Yara, a Belgian Malinois, and Max, a German shepherd, in a simulated canine search and seizure demonstration, which is one of the more popular attractions at the event. "Our canines are a big hit every year," Tegtmeyer said. "Everyone loves dogs, and I think people are always impressed with their level of obedience." Arlington Heights residents Peter and Sarah Halliday dropped by the event with their 6-month-old son Henry and their daughter Savannah, who is 22 months. "We moved to Arlington Heights from the Logan Square neighborhood in the city just over a year ago and since then, we've tried to make every event they hold here at North School Park," Peter Halliday said. "With two kids under the age of two, it's always good to get out of the house." kcullotta@tribpub.com Twitter @kcullotta Mark Volman, left, and Howard Kaylan, founding members of the Turtles, bring their Happy Together tour to the Paramount in Aurora Aug. 25. ( Mark Volman/HANDOUT ) Mark Volman, one of the founders of the iconic 1960s band the Turtles, said the audience will experience a night of nostalgia as they listen to top hits from yesteryear at the Happy Together tour Aug. 25 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. "We're not trying to do a lot of B sides, a lot of the album tracks, we're doing songs that are very much a part of each artists' career, and life, musically," he said. Advertisement "The bottom line is you'll hear 30 or 35 of the most known hits between 1967-1971," of the Turtles, Three Dog Night, the Cowsills, the Association, the Box Tops, and the Archies. Together, these groups have produced 53 Billboard hits. At least one original member of the bands will perform, for example Ron Dante of the Archies and Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night. Advertisement The audience, Volman promised, will hear and be able to sing along and dance to such tunes as "Cherish" by the Association, "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies, "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, "The Letter" by the Box Tops, and "Hair" by the Cowsills. Vocalists Volman and Howard Kaylan, known as Flo (Volman) & Eddie (Kaylan), led the Turtles to sell more than 40 million records, including hits like "Elenore" and "Happy Together." After their stint with the Turtles, Volman and Kaylan joined Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, and then invented their Flo & Eddie persona, which they use to emcee the Happy Together Tour, sneaking in comedic bits in between the hit songs. Of course, they'll sing "Happy Together," which Volman said, "is one of those tunes that has found a life all of its own. It's part of commercials. It's a part of television. It's part of the movies. It lives and breathes on its own." Asked why it has such staying power, Volman said, "It's the overall atmosphere that the song conjures up. There's a positive, imaginary nature to it." Volman and Kaylan started the Happy Together Tour in 1984, took a hiatus, then started it again in 2010, touring annually ever since. Both grew up taking clarinet lessons at a local music store, though they didn't know each other at the time. They met while singing in the award-winning Westchester (California) High School a cappella choir. Fun-loving guys, "Howard and I grew up with a lot of tendencies toward the comedic part of the music," Volman said. "Our families had records in the house of a lot of comedic musical groups, like the Kingston Trio of the 1950s. Comedy was a big part of the folk music scene back then. Advertisement "We liked the sophomoric humor of the '50s and '60s. That became part of our output on stage." Volman won't give away any of the comedy Flo & Eddie have planned during the tour, but he did say, "In the past, we've made fun of everything from Adele and her wind-blown videos to dancing and doing a lot of crazy things that parody music." The music, however, he said is what brings audiences back to the show, he said. The groups they ask to perform with them on tour are those with hits that had solid melodies and harmonies, he said. New to the tour this year are the Box Tops and the Archies, he said. The Association, Negron and the Cowsills have been on the Happy Together tour in the past, he said. "Every night of the tour there's this tremendous relationship between the songs and the artists and the fans," Volman said. The artists enjoy the affection they get from the audience, he said. "I think the relationship with the fans has a lot to do with them just wanting to reconnect with these fantastic songs that bring back memories." Advertisement A new generation, he added, is coming to the concerts and learning the songs. "We get a lot of grandparents and parents bringing their children to our shows. We do six or seven fairs every summer and that attracts younger fans." Sheryl Devore is a freelance writer for the News-Sun. Happy Together Tour When: 8 p.m. Aug. 25 Where: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: $59.50 Advertisement Information: 630-896-6666; paramountaurora.com This empty field along East New York Street in Aurora, next to the former Kelly's Ace Hardware building, could soon be home to a new used car dealership if the City Council approves a plan for it. (Steve Lord/The Beacon-News ) The Aurora City Council is set to vote on a final plan for a new used-car dealership along East New York Street. Aldermen will vote Aug. 8 on the plan that would involve a new, 4,335-square-foot building, along with a 59-space parking lot, on the south side of New York Street, west of Welsh Drive. It is next to the former Kelly's Ace Hardware building. Advertisement The petitioner, Fox Valley Property Services, LLC, is requesting plan approval for the one lot for the dealership, but is looking at eventually subdividing the land with two other lots as part of the Fox Valley Square subdivision, which would be a small strip mall. Along with the dealership building, the developer would build an 18-foot by 17-foot monument sign, which would be shared by all the tenants in the strip mall. No one user of the mall could use more than one-third of the sign. Advertisement Also, at some point, the property owner is expected to divide off the back end of the property, which is unbuildable wetlands, for donation to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County as part of the Oakhurst Forest Preserve. The 9-acre site is vacant. The property owner used to own New York Auto Sales, and has a development similar to the one proposed on New York Street in Montgomery. The council's Planning and Development Committee recommended the final plan, and the Committee of the Whole this week put it on the consent agenda for the full Aug. 8 City Council meeting. slord@tribpub.com The community room at Aurora St. Charles Senior Living was filled for the dedication and ribbon-cutting for the $24 million project earlier this year. (Steve Lord/The Beacon-News ) Landmarks Illinois will honor the rehabilitation project at Aurora St. Charles Senior Living during its Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards Celebration Sept. 16 in Chicago. Each year Landmarks Illinois honors nine historic preservation projects and the people who made them happen. Advertisement Located at 400 E. New York St. in Aurora, the project transformed the former St. Charles Hospital, a six-story Art Deco building, into a 60-unit senior housing complex. The site was redeveloped as the state's first affordable housing project to use the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Historic Tax Credit, a program in Illinois that offers development incentives in Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford, according to a press release from Landmarks Illinois. Advertisement The rehabilitation project included cleaning and repairing the original Art Deco-style brick, limestone and terra cotta exterior and restoring and converting the original chapel and balcony to a community room for the building's residents, according to the release. "When I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Aurora St. Charles Senior Living facility in January, I was impressed by how many people from the community were there to celebrate, including neighbors and elected officials," said Bonnie McDonald, Landmarks Illinois president and CEO, in the release. "The rehabilitation of this National Register listed site has truly been a revitalizing force for the entire neighborhood." Authorities ordered the evacuation of up to 10 homes in the Lincoln area Tuesday as gusty winds led to increased wildfire activity nearby. Officials put the order into effect in the Upper Stonewall Creek area around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office was to lead the evacuations. The residences, a mix of year-round and seasonal homes, were deemed immediately threatened by a wildfire. It was done as a safety precaution due to gusty winds fanning the flames, said Terina Goicoechea, public information officer for the Park Creek fire north of Lincoln. The winds changed direction to the northeast, as predicted, causing increased fire behavior and a spot on the west side of the handline at Park Creek, she said. "We are getting tested by the winds right now," she added Tuesday evening. The fire is on state land. Bulldozers, fire engines, crews and helicopters were attacking the hottest spot on Tuesday evening. The Park Creek fire has burned more than 4,700 acres. Crews have been doing burnouts in recent days and the fire is considered 30 percent contained. Four more fire engines joined the attack on Tuesday, bringing the total number to nine. Weather and heavy timber, including significant beetle kill, have seen the Park Creek and Arrastra Creek fires grow to nearly 8,500 acres combined. On Tuesday, firefighters faced the latest of multiple red flag warnings, signifying high wildfire potential, due to a cold front expected to bring high winds. While temperatures will moderate, relative humidity is forecast to remain low with 15-25 mile per hour winds and gusts to 40 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service in Great Falls. Fire crews building line on the 3,700-acre Arrastra Creek fire burning northwest of Lincoln got some help from air tankers Tuesday. That fire is considered 25 percent contained. Fire crews continue to build line around the 50-acre Alice Creek fire northeast of Lincoln, and have not encountered significant issues with the small blaze. More information is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/. Meanwhile, Wildfire smoke continuing to flood the Helena Valley has prompted health officials to extend air quality alerts. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued an alert for several counties, including Lewis and Clark, remaining in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Air quality in Helena is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and Lewis and Clark Public Health recommends that people with breathing issues or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit strenuous outdoor activities. While smoke is coming in from across the region, the wildfires near Lincoln are the closest active blazes to Helena. World without cars, cell phones: If Americans would have to give up their vehicles and smartphones for one year, I think mental depression would fill the hospitals and suicides would fill the morgues. Taxpayers lose in new state budget: Now that this tax issue went through in Illinois, I've got a question. I am assuming all the businesses are going to raise their prices. Of course they are. They are going to have to pay the higher tax. It hits the business people the most. Famous Dave's on Randall Road already closed. This is unbelievable. The poor taxpayers of Illinois. I say everybody get out of Illinois then everyone in high power can't scam anymore. They (won't be able to) rob and plunder like they do now. Advertisement ISIS makes Satan proud: One thing I am grateful to ISIS is they praise God in the process of destroying innocent lives. I was raised to believe all evil comes from Satan. I am glad to see credit given to the deserving party. Satan must be overjoyed. Trump unfit: For those out there that think Donald Trump don't need to see a doctor then you need to see a doctor because there is obviously something wrong with that man, and it is mental. He doesn't realize it. It's not his fault. He just doesn't realize it. But there is something wrong with that man and he needs to see a doctor. Any 69-year-old or 70-year-old man that acts like a little kid on the playground at recess has a mental problem. His mental capacity is not where it should be. He is unfit to be my or your president regardless of what you think. Advertisement Management wasteland: Aurora city government is drowning in management waste and inefficiency. Have you ever taken a look at the number of chiefs, directors, assistant directors, managers, coordinators and superintendents employed there? How can they possibly all be justified? While regular workers are out serving the public, these many managers are in their office never proving any direct service whatsoever. An independent view: First of all, I would like to say I am an independent voter but I did vote for Hillary Clinton because I thought she was the better candidate to run this country. Not because I so much trusted her, but I trusted her to take care of this country and run it professionally. I have never seen the Republican Party as it is now. First of all, the Republican Party would have been the first party to jump all over anybody involved with the Russians. Now it seems they don't even care. They are so divided with one another. People think the Democrats are doing this, doing that. The Democrats are doing nothing but standing there looking. They should be getting their act together. The Republican Party is never going to get anything done especially when you have an idiot running around here putting the media on notice that he'll kick their behind. What are we doing in this country? We all need to get it together. Aurora building parks: I am getting a big kick out of all these parks Aurora is building. Tear down a building, put up a park. Oh, look there's an empty hole in the wall, let's paint a mural on it. I think they used to call it putting perfume on a pig. Make mural multicultural: This mural that is supposed to go at Brady School you best remember every single immigrant that was in there. Romanians. Germans. Italians. Polish. Asians. There were a lot of us from all the surrounding neighborhoods not just Hispanics. Civilized society?: How long has America been a civilized society? Apparently not yet by 1934. After law enforcement shot and killed crime figure John Dillinger in Chicago, his remains were placed for opening viewing by the public. How gross. Pritzker's cause: Democrat J.B. Pritzker's latest political ad in his quest for governor of Illinois tells us about his concern that children receive a good breakfast at school. Who sees that these children get showered and dressed? Perhaps they should have permanent residence at the school. Editor's note Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line. CHEYENNE, Wyo. The winners of a Wyoming online auction will be able to welcome people to their home or business in a big way. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is selling five "Welcome to Wyoming" signs that used to greet drivers from other states. Each sign measures 8 feet by 4 feet and weighs over 100 pounds. As of Tuesday, online bids ranged from $510 to $760, with 13 days of bidding left. State officials say they're auctioning off the signs in response to public demand. The signs resemble Wyoming's license plate design. Wyoming replaces its welcome signs at the same time it changes its license plate design every eight years. Theres no mystery regarding who destroyed the willow stakes planted along the North Platte River, according to Michael Hall. The avid fisherman and longtime Casper resident said the answer is obvious: Its the river. The river fluctuates, and when the water rose, it washed away the newly planted willows, he explained. A person only needs to take a walk down the river and see, he said. You can find (the willows) all through there just piled up on the banks. Roughly 6,000 willow stakes were placed in the ground at Morad Park in the spring of 2016 as part of the Platte River Revival Project, a longstanding effort by the city to clean up the formerly polluted river. Within only a few months, all of the willow stakes which cost $24,000 to plant had been uprooted, according to Jolene Martinez, the project coordinator. Martinez said last week that the same thing is happening again. Martinez said she believes vandals are behind the destruction, contending that the high water couldn't account for all of the uprooted stakes. She also noted that a member of the Platte River Revival Advisory Committee had seen people pulling the willows and tossing them to their dogs. She reported the matter to the police, who said last week that is not an ongoing investigation at this time. But since news of the missing willows broke, many people have insisted on social media that the river is to blame. I think they should have investigated it more before they accused people of destroying it, said Virginia Christman, a lifelong Casper resident. I feel that maybe the high water is responsible. Martinez, however, remains convinced that the damages were an act of vandalism. No one is trying to blame the community at all, she said Tuesday. Our feeling is that its a very small group of misguided people. Martinez said those involved with the project are well aware that the rivers level fluctuates, and acknowledged that high waters might have washed away some of the willows, but said its not responsible for all the damage. Theres a definite pattern to how they are being removed, and its clear that its mostly human beings, she said. Adam Frisch keeps calm waiting for all ballots to be counted in CD-3 Democrat Frisch says national media "wrote this district off" and didn't take him seriously, despite Lauren Boebert's national reputation. A panel of experts says Ramaco Carbon must improve "deficiencies" in its proposed Brook Mine before the plan can proceed. The company's plan was sent back to state regulators after a Tuesday hearing before the Environmental Quality Council in Cheyenne. The first proposed coal mine in Wyoming in more than three decades has been subject to a lengthy dispute. Some locals say the Brook Mine would affect local water wells and could exacerbate sinkholes in the region where historic mining weakened land stability. Local landowners and a neighboring coal company have argued that Ramaco Carbons mine plan, a final proposal that must be approved by state regulators before a permit to mine coal can be obtained, was insufficient. State regulators, however, had deemed the plan complete. The dispute led to a week-long hearing in May, when experts at the Department of Environmental Quality defended their decision. Lawyers for the Powder River Basin Resource Council and Big Horn Coal brought in their own experts, including an engineer who called the plan wholly inadequate. Ramaco has maintained that the state regulators were diligent in their approval process and has questioned the intent of those who would hold back development. The hearing Members of the Environmental Quality Council, which hears contested cases, disagreed with the state's decision in a four-one vote Tuesday. Two council members had recused themselves due to potential conflicts of interest, including Megan Degenfelder, manager of public affairs for the Powder River Basin coal company Cloud Peak Energy. Councilmember Nick Agopian was the sole dissenter for the day, saying he believed the plan was complete. He did criticize the company for not holding public meetings, a common complaint from the council. "Doing business in Wyoming requires you to be a good neighbor," he said. However, the law does not stipulate that the company must offer such engagement, he added. Members echoed concerns about the plan brought by local landowners, including the lack of long term responsibility to provide water to nearby homeowners after mining activity impacted their well water, a likelihood noted by state regulators. Others voiced concern about the lack of blasting limits, the increased risk that land could sink in the area and the lack of data collected by the company. These issues, most agreed, were solvable. Bob LeResche, chairman of the Powder River Basin Resource Council, said in a statement that the dispute with Ramaco had been an "uphill battle" for locals. Our members were subjected to a trial-like hearing with intimidating cross-examination from state and industry lawyers, and we are grateful that justice has been served," he said of the EQC decision. "We will remain vigilant and continue our efforts to ensure that any future proposed mine meets fair standards to protect our water and our land and does not threaten our safety." A spokesman for the company could not be reached by press time. Mixed reaction Ramaco Carbon first proposed the Brook Mine in Sheridan County in 2014 but was immediately caught up in legal limbo. Big Horn Coal first fought the company regarding right of ways and historic leases. The region in Sheridan was mined for coal in the early 1900s. The result of those years of underground mining has made the area north of Sheridan prone to subsidence, or large sink holes. Locals trade in stories of burning coal seams, unearthed by accident and tricky to extinguish. Though many local politicians see the company as an economic benefit to the region, and many residents have a history in the coal industry, Ramaco is not everyones idea of a good neighbor. Part of that distrust comes from the companys changing plans with the Brook Mine. The estimated 1 billion tons of coal that Ramaco procured years ago was originally going to be sold to the power market, like most of the states coal. But that business model became questionable as the coal industry faltered in recent years. Ramaco announced earlier this year that it would mine coal for carbon products. Additionally it would build a coal research center and an industrial park adjacent to Brook Mine. Theres been a fair amount of bad blood brewing since then as the disputed mine plan came before state regulators. The companys spokesman Bill Bissett, former president of the Kentucky Coal Association, called members of the Powder River Basin Resource Council stupid hippies in a recent Facebook post. He later apologized for the comment, which he said he had intended to send as a private message rather than a public post. However, he acknowledged that it was unprofessional. The company has linked up with a Wyoming nonprofit, the Western Research Institute in Laramie. The institute attracted a $3.7 million Department of Energy grant to research carbon fiber products in conjunction with a number of other research partners and Ramaco Carbon. The Powder River Basin Resource Council criticized the grant, recalling other large coal research projects that have failed in Wyoming after millions of research dollars were allocated. The groups pushback triggered Bissetts Facebook comment. Misstatements by Ramaco regarding direct affiliation with the University of Wyoming were corrected by school officials, who said they are working with the Research Institute, not Ramaco. Two other groups Ramaco named as partners were unable to pinpoint who in their organizations had formed a public association with the coal research project. The contractor that damaged a natural gas pipeline in western North Dakota last week has a history of striking pipelines, including hitting 20 utility lines last summer during a project in Iowa. Carstensen Contracting of Pipestone, Minn., was installing a water pipeline near Watford City last Thursday when it damaged a natural gas liquids pipeline owned by Oneok. No one was hurt, but the damage caused the release of an estimated 3,000 barrels, or 126,000 gallons, of natural gas liquids. It is at least the second natural gas pipeline the contractor has damaged in North Dakota while installing water pipelines for the Western Area Water Supply Project in the northwest part of the state. In addition, city leaders in Fort Dodge, Iowa, agreed to part ways with Carstensen Contracting last summer after the contractor hit 20 underground utility lines in less than three months while working on a sewer project, said city engineer Tony Trotter. The Fort Dodge Messenger reported Carstensen workers broke four gas lines, broke three water service lines, knocked down an overhead electrical line and cut a phone line. The company also left sandbags in a manhole, causing two sewage backups, the newspaper reported. Trotter said Carstensen Contracting completed a successful project for Fort Dodge a year earlier. The North Dakota Public Service Commission recently fined Carstensen $15,000 after investigating an alleged violation of the North Dakota One Call Law connected to damage of a different natural gas pipeline in 2015. In that case, investigators determined that Carstensen called 811 four hours after damaging a natural gas pipeline in Williston, according to the PSC complaint. State law requires companies to call the hotline at least 48 hours before an excavation. Oneok, which also owned that pipeline, alleged in a complaint that the incident caused $61,000 in damages and the loss of $294,000 worth of wellhead natural gas. In addition, a local homeowner had to evacuate for a day due to safety reasons, Oneok said in its complaint. Carstensen reached a consent agreement with the PSC this spring, which included suspending $5,000 of the fine on the condition that the company commit no further violations within five years. Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus said regulators have not received a complaint about last weeks pipeline strike, but the commission plans to investigate and could consider requiring the rest of the fine or filing a new complaint if the company is found at fault for the most recent incident. We will be taking a very close look at it, Kroshus said. Third-party damage to pipelines is by far the leading cause of pipeline spills, Kroshus said. In last Thursdays incident, Brad Carstensen, vice president for Carstensen Contracting, said the company took the necessary steps to locate underground oil and gas pipelines, including calling 811 and doing a hydro excavation to determine the depth of the pipelines. The company is investigating why equipment struck the natural gas pipeline while crews were boring underneath two pipelines in McKenzie County. On the same project, Carstensen workers completed 25 other natural gas pipeline crossings in 7 miles without incident, the companys vice president said. Its a very, very dense area for underground pipelines, gas and oil pipelines, Carstensen said. The pipeline that was damaged serves Oneoks Bear Creek natural gas processing plant. The pipeline is now repaired and back in service, but the damage caused the gas plant to be down for three days, Oneok said in a statement. Carstensen said the company has since put a safety coordinator on the project full time, instead of a couple of days a week, and added a foreman with a lot of boring experience to manage the crew. The Western Area Water Supply board selected Carstensen as the contractor because the company was the lowest bidder, said Mark Owan, chairman of the board. From our perspective, theyve always done good work, Owan said. Few statistics are available about how often pipeline strikes occur in North Dakota. The PSC investigated 18 One Call complaints that related to pipelines last year, down from 31 in 2015 and 2014. But not all pipeline strikes lead to complaints. The PSC is trying to get pipeline owners to voluntarily report how many line strikes occur each year, Kroshus said. The more information and data we have on hand, we can identify certain patterns that way and use it for educational purposes and awareness programs, Kroshus said. The latest issue of China Briefing Magazine, titled Internal Control in China, is out now and currently available to subscribers as a complimentary download in the Asia Briefing Publication Store. In this Issue: Internal Control for Business in China Internal Control Review: Audit and Evaluation Internal Control for Day-to-Day Operations Using ERP Systems to Improve the Internal Control of Your Business Experienced investors in China have invariably encountered instances of fraud. In 2016 alone, Chinas fraud market was worth an estimated RMB 100 billion about US$14.8 billion according to government statistics. However, while fraud is a well-known issue for foreign investors doing business in China, many companies underestimate the risks of fraud occurring from within their own organizations. Cultural differences and language barriers frequently cause misunderstandings and lapses in operational protocols, especially when senior managers are based overseas. Other times, the threats are more malicious, with opportunistic employees taking advantage of an unstructured business environment for their own gain. The answer to limiting exposure to these risks is internal control. Internal controls are processes implemented by an organization to limit the potential for mismanagement and increase operational efficiency. These processes range from checks and balances to ensure no single employee has too much authority within a company, to establishing best practices for business activities at all levels of an organization. In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we provide foreign investors with best practices for implementing internal controls in China. We explain what makes Chinas internal control environment distinct, and why China-based operations need to prioritize internal control. We then outline how to execute an internal control review to gauge organizational resiliency and identify gaps in control points, and introduce practical internal controls for day-to-day operations. Finally, we explore why ERP systems are becoming increasingly integral to companies internal control regimes. About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com Related Reading: 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 China 2017 This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting. Payroll Processing in China: Challenges and Solutions In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we lay out the challenges presented by Chinas payroll landscape, including its peculiar Dang An and Hu Kou systems. We then explore how companies of all sizes are leveraging IT-enabled solutions to meet their HR and payroll needs, and why outsourcing payroll is the answer for certain company structures. Finally, we consider the potential for China to emerge as Asias premier payroll processing center. Dezan Shira & Associates Next week's ballot offers some intrigue for North Dakotans from late congressional entries by independent candidates to term limits and marijuana legalization. Voters will decide whether to endorse changing the state constitution to limit the terms of the governor and state legislators. Another citizen-led initiative also will put the question of marijuana legalization before voters, who rejected the idea four years ago. Ninety-eight of the Legislatures 141 seats are on the ballot. All but one Democrat is up for reelection this year. Contests for secretary of state, attorney general and other state offices Also will appear on the ballot. You are here: Home U.S. manufacturing activity cooled in July, while businesses remained optimistic about their business conditions. The manufacturing index, also known as the purchasing managers index (PMI), registered 56.3 in July, down from June's reading of 57.8, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said in a report on Monday. A reading above 50 indicates the sector is generally expanding, while a reading below that level indicates contraction. The new orders index dropped 3.1 points from the previous month to 60.4, production index fell 1.8 points to 60.6, and the employment index also went down 2 points to 55.2. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, only apparel, textile mills and petroleum and coal product recorded contraction in July. "Comments from the panel generally reflect expanding business conditions, with new orders, production, employment, backlog and exports all growing in July compared to June, as well as supplier delivers slowing (improving) and inventories unchanged during the period," said the report. China must step up transforming its armed forces into a world-class military that is ready to fight and win wars as the country will never compromise on defending sovereignty, President Xi Jinping said Tuesday at an Army Day celebration. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a grand gathering in celebration of the 90th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 1, 2017. [Xinhua/Ju Peng] "No one should expect us to swallow bitter fruit that is harmful to our sovereignty, security or development interests," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), during a speech at a ceremony to mark the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). While hailing the PLA's great achievements over the nine decades, Xi said the Chinese military has reshaped its political environment, organizational form, system of military strength and work style over the past five years. The PLA should firmly safeguard the CPC's leadership and the socialist system, protect national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as regional and world peace, Xi told senior officials and military personnel gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "The Chinese people love peace. We will never seek aggression or expansion, but we have the confidence to defeat all invasions. We will never allow any people, organization or political party to split any part of Chinese territory from the country at any time, in any form," Xi said. The ceremony was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang and also attended by Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Xi's speech came two days after China held a massive military parade involving more than 12,000 service personnel at the Zhurihe military training base in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. "Today, we are closer to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation than any other time in history, and we need to build a strong people's military now more than any other time in history," Xi said in Sunday's speech. GLORY & TRADITION The PLA has come a long way since its birth at the Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927. Today, the PLA commands about two million service personnel. Xi told Tuesday's gathering that the armed forces had transformed from a "millet plus rifles" single-service force, one with only the most basic of supplies and equipment required to survive, into one that has fully-fledged services. The PLA has basically completed mechanization and is moving rapidly toward "strong" informationized armed forces, he said. Xi attributed the PLA's success to its glorious traditions and fine conduct under the leadership of the CPC. "The armed forces must follow the banner, the direction and the will of the Party at all times and under any circumstances." Xi noted, saying that the principle is an irreversible truth that the CPC has attained in struggles of blood and fire. Behind the PLA's glorious victories are also ideals and beliefs, as well as the reform determination, Xi said. "Only by continuous reform and innovation, can the people's army constantly gain development vitality and put itself in an impregnable position," Xi said. The PLA must be bold in reform and adept in innovation while staying away from rigidity and stagnation, he said. The president also stressed the role of fighting spirit, revolutionary discipline and civilian-military unity in claiming victories. As long as the armed forces stand with and win the support of the people, a "wall of iron" can be fortified, Xi said. RESHAPED PLA Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party has put forward the goal of building a strong military that follows the Party, fights to win and forges exemplary conduct, Xi said. The Party has strengthened political work within the armed forces and made firm efforts to ensure a clean environment and fight corruption in the military, according to Xi. A series of major structural reforms have been made in recent years, including the establishment of the PLA Army General Command, the PLA Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force. The four general departments were reorganized into 15 agencies of the CMC, and five theater commands have replaced the seven military area commands. The CMC has taken charge of the overall military administration, while theater commands focus on operations and different services on troop developments. "The system, structure, pattern and image of the people's military have all been renewed," Xi said. Moreover, Xi said the fundamental changes have taken place in the governance of the military. Putting combat effectiveness as the "sole and fundamental" standard for the military, the PLA remains resolved in safeguarding the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. PARTY LEADERSHIP Xi reaffirmed the CPC's absolute leadership over the PLA. which is a "fundamental guarantee" for the army to maintain its great cohesion, creativity and combat capabilities. Quoting Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, Xi said: "Our principle is the Party commands the guns, and we will never allow the guns to command the Party." He ordered the PLA to always follow the command of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC."There shall be no wavering, no hesitation, and no ambiguity." The CPC has put forward a series of new ideas and requirements concerning national defense and military building in the past five years.These theories should be constantly enriched and developed to cope with new challenges and solve new problems, he said. FIGHT TO WIN Xi urged the PLA to focus on war preparedness to forge an elite and powerful force that is always "ready for the fight, capable of combat and sure to win." "All thoughts must be put on combat, and all work should focus on combat so the military can assemble, charge forward and win wars any time the Party and the people need them to," he said. Xi called for a new generation of "capable, brave and virtuous" service personnel "with soul." The PLA must have ironclad faith, beliefs, discipline and responsibility, and retain its nature and goal as the people's army, he said. The PLA must step up efforts to build a modern military force system capable of winning information-based warfare, he said. WITH THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE China must build a national strategic system and capacity in military-civilian integration, he said. Upgrading integrated military and civilian development as a national strategy is a major decision made in consideration of national development and overall security, and a major measure to deal with complicated security threats and gain national strategic advantages, Xi said. He urged efforts to create the "coordinated, balanced and inclusive development" of economic and national defense construction. Calling the modernization of national defense and military "a common cause of the Party and the people," Xi urged central and state organs, Party committees and governments at local levels to create a favorable environment and offer strong support for building a strong military. Xi also urged the armed forces to bear in mind the sacred duty of fighting for the people. The PLA is deeply rooted in the people and its strength comes from the people. It must maintain a close relationship with the people and "go through thick and thin" with them, he said. WORLD PEACE China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and an upholder of international order, Xi said. His words echoed his speech during Sunday's parade where he said: "The world is not all at peace, and peace must be safeguarded." "Enjoying peace is a bliss for the people while protecting peace is the responsibility of the people's army," he told the troops in field. The PLA will continue international military exchanges and cooperation to cope with global security challenges, Xi said in his Tuesday's speech. It will implement the responsibilities and duties commensurate with the country's international status and contribute to fostering a community of shared future for mankind, he said. The first panda cub produced by mating a female raised in captivity with a wild male was born in Sichuan province in the early hours of Monday. A panda cub weighing 216 grams is born on July 31, 2017 at the Giant Panda Research Base in Sichuan province.[Photo: cnr.cn] The cub weighed 216 grams, much heavier than the average 150 grams for a newborn, according to Zhang Hemin, deputy executive director of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong National Nature Reserve. Cao Cao, the mother, is 16 years old (equivalent to 48 in human years) and considered old for giving birth, he said. She had been raised in captivity and was released into the wild at the center's Hetaoping base on March 1 in time for the panda mating season, which runs from March to May. In March, several male pandas were seen fighting for the right to mate with her, and researchers at the center began checking data every five days sent by the GPS tag on her neckwhich was fitted with a recording device. When they checked the recording on March 27, they heard her making noises similar to those made by females while mating. The mating, which might have taken place on March 23, lasted 1 minute and 30 seconds, Zhang said. Cao Cao was born in the wild but was rescued and taken to the center at age 2 after she was found in poor health inside the reserve. Before giving birth on Monday, she had already given birth to six cubs. Two of the six are well-known to pandaphilesmale Tao Tao and female Zhang Xiang. Both have been released into the wild in the Liziping Nature Reserve in Sichuan. Tao Tao was 2 years old when released into the wild in 2012, and Zhang Xiang was the same age when released in 2013. With the goal of enlarging the wild panda population, the center has released seven captive pandas in Liziping since 2006. Five are faring well, including Tao Tao and Zhang Xiang. The center used to capture wild pandas for research and reproduction purposes, but since the early 1990s, the government has banned capturing wild pandas. As a result, captive pandas have had to mate with their captive peers. As the number of captive pandas is limited, this might result in inbreeding and is not good for biodiversity, experts say. The center formulated a plan last year under which captive pandas could mate with wild ones, and Cao Cao was the first captive panda chosen. The objective is to improve the gene pool of captive pandas. Instead of a group of stereotypical young men defending their village from fires, a group of women whose average age is 50 years old are fighting fires in their village in East China's Fujian province, according to a report by Xiamen Evening News. Wu Shuchun carries a firefighting hose at Shantou village, Dadeng Island in East China's Fujian province, on July 24, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Due to the village's remote location, professional firefighters cannot arrive in time at Shantou village in Dadeng Island once a fire is reported. Also, most male laborers in Shantou village work outside the community. So beginning in 2008, the women stepped in. Called the Haixia Women's Volunteer Firefighter Brigade, the group has 12 members. The oldest is 69 years old, while the youngest is 36 years old. Since most of the volunteer firefighters have grandsons or granddaughters, they nicknamed their group, "The Grandma Firefighter Brigade". "In the early days, the brigade was poorly equipped. Nowadays, we have fire hoses, firefighting lances and other equipment. Since we are not professional firefighters, we are used to receiving more than two hours of relevant training twice or three times a week at night," said Zheng Shuxian, who organized the brigade in 2008. The fire hoses they used before weighed 3.5 or 4 kilograms. Wu Shuchun,53, a brigade member, said she ran about 10 kilometers a day to improve her physical strength. In the past 10 years, the women have responded to almost 100 fires and have won praise from locals. Zuoquan County in Shanxi Province convened a seminar commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Taihang Anti-Japanese Aggression Base from July 30 to 31. The seminar, aimed at remembering revolutionary martyrs during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, conveyed "Taihang revolutionary spirit" and inherited folk culture. A seminar commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Taihang Anti-Japanese Aggression Base is held in Zuoquan County, Shanxi Province, from July 30 to 31, 2017. [Photo by Yuan Xiao /China.org.cn] Zuoquan County is located in the southeast of Jinzhong, Shanxi Province and to the west of Taihang Mountain. After General Zuo Quan sacrificed his life in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Liao County was renamed Zuoquan County in his honor. Between 1937 to 1945, Zuoquan County took up an important place in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Eighth Route Army (led by the Chinese Communist Party during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression) was located in Zuoquan County for five years. During this period the "Taihang revolutionary spirit" was formed whereby the Eighth Route Army worked and cooperated with local people, overcame hardship and poverty, united to fight against the Japanese invaders, "We not only should honor martyrs and inherent their spirit, but also pass down the 'Taihang revolutionary spirit' of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression to the younger generations," said Liu Wu, grandson of General Zhu De, senior colonel of the People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force. Also, the unveiling ceremony of Taihang Anti-Japanese Aggression Academy was held during the seminar. The academy, which focuses on studying the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the Taihang Mountain, promotes the "Taihang revolutionary spirit" and will improve historical research on this topic. China on Wednesday released a position document on the Indian border troops' illegal trespass into Chinese territory. The document titled "The Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops' Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory," has four parts and three appendices. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a press statement that China released the document to "lay out the facts and truth of the illegal trespass of the Indian border troops to the international community and give a full account of the position of the Chinese government." "What India has done not only severely violates China's territorial sovereignty but also poses grave challenges to regional peace and stability and the normal international order, which will not be tolerated by any sovereign state," Geng said. According to the document, over 270 Indian border troops crossed the boundary in the Sikkim section of the China-India border, entering Chinese territory and obstructing the road building of the Chinese side in the Dong Lang area (Doklam) on June 18. As of end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory. Flash China's tourism trade surplus is expected to increase as the country is taking in more cash from inbound visitors than its outbound travelers spend overseas, according to the country's tourism industry watchdog. China's inbound tourism market has emerged from the downturn after the global financial crisis and increased continuously in the past few years, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) said in a statement. Meanwhile, the country's outbound tourism industry has entered a stage of slower growth after fast expansion, according to the statement. Inbound tourism revenue rose 5.6 percent year on year to 120 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, exceeding outbound tourism spending by 10.2 billion dollars, CNTA data showed. In the first half of 2017, inbound tourists made 69.5 million trips, while 62 million overseas trips were made by Chinese tourists, the CNTA statement said. Both the number of and revenue from inbound trips have increased steadily since 2014, it said. China has vowed to develop tourism into a major driver for economic transformation and upgrading by 2020. The CNTA predicted direct investment in tourism to jump more than 20 percent from last year to 1.5 trillion yuan (223.3 billion U.S. dollars) this year. In 2016, China's tourism revenue totaled 4.69 trillion yuan, contributing around 11 percent to the national economy. Flash In the wake of two consecutive years of profits, French leisure group Club Med said it is launching a new line of resorts in Chinatargeting business generated by the increasing sophistication of consumers and higher demand for traveling from affluent Chinese families. The company said the new resort brand is called Club Med Joyview, and has been designed especially for the Chinese market. The first two Joyview resorts will be unveiled in the northern coastal resort town of Beidaihe and in Anji county, in Zhejiang province, by the end of this year. Club Med President Henri Giscard d'Estaing said the Joyview resorts would mainly target middle-class families and business people visiting first-tier cities. As a result, the new resorts will mainly be located in smaller cities within three hours drive from the main cities. Bought by Chinese conglomerate Fosun Group for 900 million euros ($1 billion) in early 2015, Club Med swung back to profit within the first year, turning round the 44 million euro loss posted in the year prior to the acquisition. The group reported that its business revenue for the winter 2017 season, from November 2016 to April 2017, hit a record high of 875 million euros, up 6.5 percent year-on-year. With these successes in the bag, Club Med said it will open eight new resorts worldwide between 2017 and 2018. By 2020, the leisure group said it is targeting opening five new international resorts annually, including in Italy, Spain and the United States. Club Med managed double-digit growth in China last year. Its new ski resort in Beidahu, located outside of Jilin city in Jilin province, opened in late November last year and reported an occupancy rate of 81 percent for its first season. The group says there will be 20 Club Med resorts in China by 2020. Giscard d'Estaing said his company's surging presence in China is the result of the evolution of the local market. The rise of the millennials, China's second-child policy, and the developing tastes of consumers had resulted in their pursuit of special travel experiences, he added. According to China's biggest online travel agency, Ctrip, demand for travel is hot target among millenials and travel is meeting that need. It said that since the second-child policy was introduced in late 2015, one third of the orders the agency had received were for family trips, with each family trip worth an average of just over 10,000 yuan ($1,481) in 2017. Giscard d'Estaing also said that Club Med's success in the past two years was inseparable from the input provided by Fosun. "We have partnered with Fosun for nearly seven years," he said. "It has supported our development not only with their financial means, but also with their global capability, particularly its industrial base in China." Speaking of Beijing's recent scrutiny into Fosun's overseas investments and debt, he said he agreed that anything that contributed to economic stability was a positive move. "In that respect, the action of Chinese authorities reinforces stability and growth. We have seen Fosun's steady and reasonable development, as well as their ambitions," he said. Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with visiting Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday encouraged Michigan and other U.S. states to enhance exchanges, two-way trade and investment with China's provinces to create more opportunities and jobs for both sides. Li said at a meeting with visiting Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in Beijing that the more exchanges between the two countries at sub-national levels, the better the two sides can expand their common interests. The premier called on U.S. states to tap potential in manufacturing, innovation and other fields. China will create a more open environment for sub-national cooperation, according to Li. The heads of China and the U.S. have held two successful meetings since the beginning of this year, Li said, noting that relations between the two countries have developed steadily. Li stressed that China-U.S. common interests are far greater than their differences, saying China is willing to continue to promote mutual understanding and trust with the United States and push forward pragmatic cooperation in key areas on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Snyder said that Michigan is looking forward to expanding cooperation with China in trade, investment, tourism, innovation, manufacturing transformation and other fields. FARGO Under the chin of the brand new unmanned aircraft at the Air National Guard's airport hangar is a 2-foot wide turret with six gleaming glass panels. Behind each panel is a powerful camera or a laser used for range-finding and to designate targets for guided missiles. MQ-9 Reapers like this one have been hunting and killing terrorists in Syria and Iraq. With the Guard's 119th Wing planning to fly a pair of Reapers out of their home base at Hector International Airport, officials are wary that these capabilities might somehow inspire fear in the public. In a media tour Tuesday, several officials including Col. Britt Hatley, the wing's commander, stressed that the aircraft wouldn't spy on the public the military isnt allowed to do this on American soil and would not haul live weapons. According to Hatley, the Reapers are a great training tool for the wing's pilots, sensor operators and, especially, maintenance crews. Their previous aircraft, unmanned MQ-1 Predators, were stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base and then later relocated to other U.S. bases making hands-on training difficult. There 119th hasnt had an aircraft stationed here since 2013 when the last C-21 Lear jets left. With their bright red tail flash bearing the wings Happy Hooligans nickname, Hatley expects the new Reapers would also help with recruitment. There are more than 120 openings right now from aircraft mechanic to intelligence specialists, including full-time jobs. We are hiring, Hatley said, touting financial incentives such as college tuition. Initial training lasts from six weeks to a year depending on the job, he said. Staying in control The Reaper is a spindly aircraft with a wingspan thats nearly twice as long as the fuselage. A bulge at the front end houses a satellite antenna that allows it to be flown overseas from control rooms at Hector airport. Since October when the Predators were relocated, 119th airmen have been flying Reapers remotely often in overseas missions. Other protrusions on the aircraft hide antennas that link the aircraft directly to the control rooms. These would be used during training flights between the airport and the Guards training area at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake. Despite redundant antennas, it is theoretically possible for controllers to lose contact with the aircraft. If that were to happen, the aircraft is programmed to orbit over a certain area while troubleshooters try to restore contact, according to a pilot that the 119th asked not be named for security reasons. The military has been hesitant about naming pilots and others involved in anti-terrorist operations since the Islamic State released a kill list naming about 100 U.S. service members in 2015, according to Guard spokesman Senior Master Sgt. Dave Lipp. Hauling bombs The Reapers turret is equipped with cameras that can see in visible light and infrared. Behind the turret is a synthetic aperture radar that uses radio waves to form pictures, allowing the aircraft to see through clouds. The sensors wont be turned off while the Reapers flies over civilian areas initially theyll limit themselves to flights over Fargo before making the trip to Camp Grafton Hatley said, but sensor operators wont be tracking any specific person or vehicle and keeping a record of what they do. For that kind of practice, he said, theyll use a simulator with different combat scenarios. The Hooligans Reapers are Block 5 models, the latest variant of an aircraft that the Air Force has flown for nearly a decade. The first time a Block 5 flew in combat was in late June when airmen of the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., flew a sortie targeting Islamic State militants, according to the Air Force. Their Reaper flew reconnaissance for 16 hours and used a 500-pound GPS-guided bomb and two laser-guided missiles to destroy two defensive fighting positions, two vehicles and a mortar. General Atomics, the Reapers manufacturer, said it can loiter for as many as 27 hours. The Hooligans Reapers will be unarmed while flying here, according to the unnamed pilot. If the public did see bomb-like objects hanging from the wings, they would most likely be training rounds without explosives in them. This is to give pilots practice flying a laden aircraft, Hatley said. Sensor operators also get practice, too, using their turret to check the physical status of the weapons. The weapons will not come off the airplane. I would just say to allay any concerns that the Fargo populace has, were doing wonderful things with this airplane for this country, he said. Its going to take off and land here just like any other airplane does. You are here: Home Flash The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Christopher A. Wray as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). File photo shows FBI Director nominee Christopher Wray sits during a meeting with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, June 29, 2017. [Photo/China Daily] Wray, with a 92-5 vote, replaces James Comey who was abruptly fired by U.S. President Donald Trump in May as investigators were looking into possible links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. At Wray's nomination debate on Tuesday afternoon, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said "this is a tough time to take this tough job." "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months," she said. In June, Wray was nominated by Trump to succeed Comey as the FBI director. During a confirmation hearing last month, Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would strive for independence, in light of that Trump had allegedly asked for loyalty from the then-FBI leader. "My commitment is to the rule of law, to the Constitution, to follow the facts wherever they may lead," Wray said. "There isn't a person on this planet whose lobbying or influence could convince to just drop or abandon a properly predicated and meritorious investigation," he added. Born into a family of New York lawyers, Wray graduated in 1989 from Yale University and got a law degree in 1992 from the Yale Law School. Wray was later hired as a Justice Department prosecutor for years before rising to assistant general in charge of overseeing fraud investigations. In 2005, he resigned to join private practice as a litigation partner with the law firm King & Spalding. Under U.S. law, the FBI director serve a single 10-year term. Flash Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in as Pakistani 28th Prime Minister Tuesday evening shortly after the parliament elected him with a clear majority. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (R) is sworn in by Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (L, front) as Pakistani 28th Prime Minister in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Aug 1, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Abbasi was elected as prime minister four days after the Supreme Court ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over corruption charges. He belongs to Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. The newly elected prime minister criticized the Supreme Court's verdict which disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday in a speech delivered to the country's lower house National Assembly after he won the prime minister election. He said that Nawaz Sharif has never been involved in corruption and he would be re-elected as the country's prime minister in the future. Regarding the country's economy, he said one of the top agenda in his mind is to promote the country's tax culture. "The perception here is that paying taxes is optional. If my cabinet approves, I will set my sights on non-taxpayers, and we shall catch the people whose lavish living style does not match to the amount of tax they pay," he told the parliamentarians at the lower house. He pledged to solve the country's loading-shedding issue after November this year. He said an additional 10,000 megawatts of electricity are being added to the national grid. He promised to continue to facilitate investment and the ongoing development projects in the country. He also promised better treatment and welfare for the country's farmers as he believed that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan. Talking about the country's security issue, he said that his government will stop civilians from holding automatic weapons. All the licensed automatic weapons held by civilians should be taken back by the government and the government should compensate them for this, he said. In terms of social life, he stressed the importance of quality education in the society and called from improvement in the education field. You are here: Home Flash Around 21 school children, organized by Home and Abroad News Press, and 25 children from Foreign Link Academy visited Embassy of Pakistan on August 2, 2017. Young journalists and diplomats visit Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] Wei Yan, President of Home and Abroad News Press, thanked the Pakistani ambassador and expressed hope that the young generation shall open a new chapter of China-Pakistan Friendship. Students from Foreign Link Academy termed the experience as memorable, which shall help in understanding Pakistan and its people. Children were enlightened about various aspects of Pakistan and China-Pakistan friendship through video and presentations. Ambassador Masood Khalid extended warm welcome to the group and urged the young guests to study the history in order to reach a better understanding of the of the deep rooted China-Pakistan friendship. Ambassador said that people to people, educational and cultural contacts are necessary for taking our relations to new heights. He termed the young students not only as future leaders of China, but also the future ambassadors of China-Pakistan friendship. A question answer session was followed by a group photo. You are here: Home Flash About 84 militants have been killed and 74 others injured amid military operations in different Afghan provinces, said the Defense Ministry on Wednesday. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched 21 cleanup operations, 22 special operations and three night raid operations in 15 of 34 Afghan provinces over the past 24 hours, the ministry said in a statement, adding among those killed militants were three local Taliban commanders and 10 members of Haqqani militant group. Taliban militants have yet to make comments. Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants recently as the security situation is getting worse across the country, but the militants responded by armed attacks and bombings. Earlier on Wednesday, a suicide car bombing struck a NATO military convoy in southern province of Kandahar, leaving casualties, the collation forces confirmed. Flash Two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets and an An-26 military transport plane, on a training flight over the Baltic Sea neutral waters, were "followed" by a NATO fighter jet, Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday. "While the Russian planes were flying over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)'s F-18 fighter jet approached the Russian aircraft and followed them at a safe distance for about one minute. Later, it changed its course and flew away towards the airspace of the Baltic state," the ministry said. NATO said earlier that its fighter jets of the Baltic air-policing mission had intercepted three Russian planes over the Baltic Sea. The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly stated that the flight of the Russian aircraft was performed in strict compliance with the international rules of the airspace use and air border of other countries were not violated. The number of air incidents involving Russian planes and NATO ones has increased over the past years since the U.S.-led alliance ratcheted up its military presence on Russia's western border in 2014. The North Dakota Department of Health received 97 letters from those intending to apply to be a medical marijuana manufacturer or dispensary, a figure that surprised state officials running the program. The department asked those interested in submitting proposals to be selected as a so-called compassion center to submit a letter of intent by the end of the day July 28. We werent sure if we were going to get 15 or if we were going to get 40 or way more, said Kenan Bullinger, the departments medical marijuana director. That really helps us plan for the future on how much time we need to spend reviewing these applications. Bullinger said they hope to open the application period later this month. That will come after the attorney generals office reviews the departments rules and Gov. Doug Burgum grants the department emergency rulemaking authority, he said. Bullinger expects the application period to last seven to eight weeks. North Dakota voters approved a medical marijuana ballot measure last year, but lawmakers said it was unworkable and needed changes. They approved a bill rewriting the law this year with what they said was better safeguards. State law allows the Health Department to register up to two manufacturing facilities and up to eight dispensaries across the state. The letter of intent was the first step in that process, and the nearly 100 responses the department received signals strong interest in the new program. Bullinger predicted that not all 97 of those who submitted letters will end up submitting an application, which carries a $5,000 nonrefundable fee. I was surprised by the numbers and maybe well still be surprised by the applications that come in, he said. But its great to have that many interested because were convinced were going to have some excellent applications to choose from. China Aviation Daily | Aug. 02, 2017 This report reflects on-time arrival performance of major global carriers as well as Asia-Pacific and Mainland Chinese carriers. The report is based on the flight status data acquired by VariFlight (Feeyo Technology Co. Ltd.) in June 2017. INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES For this part of the report the airlines operating globally were separated into two groups: carriers that perform over 400 flights per day incuding both domestic and international, and the airlines performing 200-400 flights per day. Table 1. On-time Performance (Arrival) Data of Major International Airlines Operating More Than 400 Flights Per Day Among all global carriers operating over 400 flights per day Pegasus Airlines had the best on-time performance rating - 97.32% with average time of delay 2.93 minutes. Table 2. On-time Performance (Arrival) Data of International Airlines Operating200-400 Flights Per Day Hawaiian Airlines reached the highest on-time arrival accuracy (97.48%) among other international carriers operating 200-400 flights per day with average time of delays 4.28 minutes in June 2017. INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES. ASIA-PACIFIC REGION Table 3. On-time Performance (Arrival) Data of Asia-Pacific Airlines Operating on the International Level with over 400 Flights Per Day As seen from the table above, Japan Airlines demonstrated the most punctual on-time performance (arrival) among other Asia-Pacific airlines in June 2017 - 97.10% with average time of delay being equal to 4.11 minutes. Table 4. On-time Performance (Arrival) Data of Asia-Pacific Airlines Operating on the International Level with 200-400 Flights Per Day Among Asia-Pacific carriers with 200-400 flights per day ANA Wings had the best on-time performance rating - 95.09% with the average time of delay 7.55 minutes. MAINLAND CHINESE AIRLINES For the simplicity of this report airlines of Mainland China were divided into two categories according to the number of flights they operated on a daily basis in 2016: airlines with more than 250 flights and airlines with less than 250 flights per day. Table 5. On-time Performance (Arrival) Data of Mainland Chinese Airlines with over 250 Flights Per Day Among Mainland Chinese airlines operating over 250 flights per day, Tianjin Airlines demonstrated the best on-time arrival performance - 71.09% with the average time of delays 34.93 minutes in June 2017. Table 6. On-time Performance (Arrival) Data of Mainland Chinese Airlines with less than 250 Flights Per Day Urumqi Air reached the highest on-time arrival accuracy (83.88%) among other airlines operating less than 250 flights per day with average time of delays 15.12 minutes in June 2017. ABOUT DATA Time period: 2017.06.01-2017.06.30 Only scheduled commercial passenger flights are included in this report. Cargo flights, business aviation and general aviation flights are not included. Only the flights with actual departure and arrival time that could be monitored by VariFlight are included. Cancelled flights are excluded from the report. On-time arrival flights: flights that arrived no later than 30 minutes after their scheduled time of arrival. On-time performance (arrival): total number of on-time flights divided by the total number of flights arrived. Average arrival delay time: total time of delay divided by total number of flights arrived. Delay time of a single flight: the difference between actual arrival time and scheduled arrival time. If a flight arrives prior to the scheduled time, the delay time is equal to 0. Contributed by VariFlight By Maggie, China Aviation Daily | Aug. 02, 2017 In the first half of 2017, 214.4 thousand Chinese passengers flew to New Zealand, representing a decrease of 11.2 thousand passengers or 4.96% compared with the same period of last year. For this six months, only January witnessed a significant increase in passenger number because of the Spring Festival. The number of Chinese passengers flew to New Zealand remained at an ordinary level in the following five months. In the first half of 2017, the number of New Zealand's passengers flew to China kept a rapid increase. 52 thousand passengers flew to China in this six months, representing an increase of 7.8 thousand or 17.5% compared with the same period of last year. For China-New Zealand route's capacity, both of the two countries' flight frequency and seats recorded an increase. In the first half of 2017, seats on China-New Zealand route recorded an increase of more than 10%, which means that airlines' capacity is still larger than the market demands. From September 2015, China's airlines have launched six routes to New Zealand. Sichuan Airlines launched a newest Chengdu - Auckland route on June 13. Currently, there are 37 weekly flights from China to New Zealand. For the second half of 2017, with the coming of a peak tourist season, China - Australia aviation market will keep a rapid growth without the capacity limitation. However, China - New Zealand routes will face problems of slow demand growth and diversion of nonstop flight market. As if to cover up their own helplessness on the issue, some countries have demonstrated a renewed penchant for pointing an accusing finger at China, alleging that China has not put enough pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to rein in its nuclear weapons program. As well as provoking a new round of vehement criticism and condemnation from the international community, the test-launch of a second intercontinental ballistic missile by the DPRK on Friday prompted Washington to once again claim Beijing is not exercising the influence it has over Pyongyang. US President Donald Trump tweeted after the launch that he was "very disappointed" with China and Beijing was doing "nothing" to curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions. Such accusations are unfair, as they are totally unfounded. China is doing all it can and employing whatever influence it has. It has consistently and fully implemented UN Security Council resolutions, and repeatedly urged the DPRK to respect the collective will of the international community and cease any activities that escalate tensions. Trump's implication that Beijing is somehow at fault for the US' current unease is simply a reflection of what has been his administration's inaccurate assessment of the situation. Which is why US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's latest remarks on the issue are so welcome; they suggest the US has adopted a more rational perspective. At a US State Department briefing on Monday, Tillerson said the US does not blame China for the escalating tensions and the US is willing to sit down and negotiate with the DPRK over its nuclear weapons program in coordination with China. Tillerson's remarks hopefully signal Washington has adopted a more pragmatic approach to the issue and it is willing to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang in a bid to break the current impasse. No stakeholder can single-handedly resolve the Korean Peninsula issue. But instead of concerted efforts to defuse the volatile tensions on the peninsula, the finger-pointing has merely highlighted the growing divergences among stakeholders on how to resolve the issue, which has threatened to prompt reckless moves that would exacerbate the already fragile situation. It is hoped the US will now make concrete moves to translate Tillerson's words into action, and the DPRK will demonstrate its own sincerity to de-escalating tensions. Tian Guoli, head of Bank of China Ltd [Photo/VCG] China Construction Bank Corp, the country's second-largest bank, has nominated Tian Guoli, head of Bank of China Ltd, as its next chairman, the bank confirmed on Tuesday. Tian, 57, has been appointed as the bank's Party chief by the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. CCB's current chairman Wang Hongzhang, 63, will leave the position as he has reached the retirement age, according to CCB's media office. Chen Siqing, BOC's current president, is expected to succeed Tian as the lender's chairman, sources with the knowledge of the matter said. The personnel changes at the two major State-owned banks came ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which will be held later this year. Tian's move from BOC to CCB was considered "surprising" by some observers as previous speculation was that he could be a potential candidate for a higher position at China's financial regulatory agencies. Chen Siqing, BOC's current president [Photo/VCG] The nominations will go through the approval process at the boards of directors of the two banks, both of which are listed in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Tian has extensive experience in the Chinese financial sector. He started working at a local branch of CCB in 1983 straight out of college. He was promoted as the assistant president of the bank in 1997 at the age of 37. In 1999, Tian began to work for China Cinda Asset Management Co, one of the country's Big Four bad debt managers and became head of the company in 2004. Between 2010 and 2013, Tian served as the president of State-owned conglomerate CITIC Group Corp before moving to BOC as the chairman of the lender. Tian said at the meeting of his appointment that he had an "attachment" with the bank and was happy to return and work for it, according to a report by business magazine Caixin, quoting sources from the bank. Chen, the likely successor of Tian, has worked at BOC for 27 years and was regarded as an energetic and capable banker with extensive knowledge of risk management and corporate business. BOC had total assets of 18.9 trillion yuan ($2.81 trillion) by the end of March, up 4.24 percent year-on-year. CCB's total assets rose to 21.7 trillion yuan in the first quarter of the year, up 3.5 percent year-on-year, according to the financial reports of the two lenders. Jiang Xueqing contributed to this story. Vice-Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen shakes hands with Marcelo Maia, secretary of commerce and services at Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, at the MOU signing ceremony in Shanghai on Tuesday. CHINA NEWS SERVICE Action Plan to help Latin American nation build modern service sector China and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to diversify service trade to upgrade their commerce structure from commodity and goods exchanges. The MOU, or the Two-Year Action Plan, is designed to encourage the two countries to improve service trade in eight areas including engineering, architecture, e-commerce, banking automation and tourism, to enrich bilateral trade ties over the next two years. "Signing this Two-Year Action Plan will help Brazil build a modern service sector, as well as create new e-commerce and financial activities to boost the economy," said Marcelo Maia, secretary of commerce and services at Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. The plan is expected to provide experiences for BRICS countries to promote services trade cooperation. Even though China-Brazil trade is heavily focused on commodity and goods trade including soybeans, beef, iron ore, construction machinery, chemicals, garments and vehicle products, service trade has not notably featured in bilateral trade. Chinese companies invested $8.39 billion in Brazil last year, an increase of 13 percent year-on-year. Both countries have already begun to intensify their cooperation in infrastructure, energy and telecommunication business development, data from the Ministry of Commerce show. "Supported by rich natural resources, Brazil has been keen to upgrade service trade and related sectors such as logistics, tourism, shipping, healthcare, education, finance and smart city development," said Wang Haifeng, a researcher with the Institute for International Economic Research at the National Development and Reform Commission. The deal was sealed during the trade ministers' meeting from the five BRICS countriesBrazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of next month's leaders summit in Xiamen, Fujian province. China is expected to further open its market to imports from Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, and spearhead an anti-trade protectionism campaign. In the past six months, China's imports from these countries surged 33 percent year-on-year. "We hope that BRICS countries can further expand their cooperation with economies related to the Belt and Road Initiative. This will help to better meet the challenges brought by the uncertainties of the global economy and generate new growth momentum," said Zhong Shan, China's commerce minister. Vice-Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said while protectionists have doubts about multilateral trade, BRICS countries, as major developing economies, can tackle the skeptics as a united team and build a sufficient trade mechanism. To strengthen trade links, Wang said China will host an international imports exhibition from 2018 in Shanghai and it will help with trade and stimulate investment. "China will further open its market to other BRICS countries and increase imports, as they are highly complementary in trade," said Wang. Trade ministers from the five countries will discuss topics including trade and investment facilitation, enhancing economic and technology cooperation, as well as supporting a multilateral trade system in Shanghai. An employee works at the A320 family final assembly line of the Airbus plant in Tianjin. REUTERS State-of-art facility aims to grab next big change to transform aerospace sector European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Group SE will start operating an innovation center in China by the end of the year to support future products and services, as the plane maker looks to leverage local R&D capabilities. Former Uber China executive Luo Gang has been appointed the CEO of Airbus' new innovation center, the company announced late on Monday. Airbus said Luo spent nearly three years establishing Uber China's business before it was acquired by Didi Chuxing in 2016. It said his experience in London with UK startup Rangespan taught him how quickly technology can transform traditional businesses. The statement said the location of the new Airbus innovation center will be announced later in the year. Luo said China's fast-paced startup culture made it an ideal place for Airbus to create a new innovation center. "China is now a powerhouse of innovation and has a strong and complete ecosystem, including hardware, software, artificial intelligence and others," he said. He said extending this knowhow to aerospace would advance new ways of manufacturing. In his role, Luo will report to Paul Eremenko, the chief technology officer of Airbus, who earlier said in Beijing that Airbus was experiencing a significant shift in its culture, as its mainly European-based engineers involved in research and technology are incentivized to engage more with the outside world. "Our strategy is to assess global innovation hot spots for specific types of technologies, and develop a presence in these locations that allows us to interface with startups, universities, research laboratories and other partners," Eremenko said. Airbus said its innovation center, which will focus on specific research and development areas, aims to grab the next big change to transform the aerospace sector, and will serve to strengthen the company's extended innovation ecosystem. Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and columnist at carnoc.com, one of China's biggest civil aviation websites, said as one of the duopoly players, the competition was not fierce for Airbus in the global aviation market. Lin said that it was easy for such companies to get slack and rigid if they did not keep innovating. By ZHANG YU and YUAN HUI in Baotou, Inner Mongolia | China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-02 07:46 A new vehicle that can transport magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI equipment, and other key medical devices has been introduced to the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in an important initiative that will provide treatment in remote areas from otherwise relatively immovable heavyweight medical machines. The vehicle, the Chiying A30, was made by Baotou-based medical and hospital equipment manufacturer XBO Medical Systems Co Ltd. General Manager Wang Yongzhong said the vehicle is China's first mobile transporter for MRI equipment, which is widely used in hospitals to get internal pictures and scan the anatomy and organs of patients. "Usually, a MRI machine is too large and heavy to move around and patients can only get their bodies' images in a hospital," Wang said. But poor people in rural areas usually can't easily get access to advanced hospitals. Inner Mongolia had an estimated 560,000 poverty-stricken people by the end of 2016, most of whom live in distant rural areas, according to the regional government. The autonomous region is pushing to improve medical services for poor and remote areas, to equip them with permanent as well as mobile medical equipment. The target is that by 2020, some 90 percent of people in the autonomous region will be able to receive such medical treatment. "Mobile medical devices will be able to help us reach the goal," Wang said. The new vehicle is not only an ambulance that can only ferry sick or injured people to hospital and provide simple medical services. Wang said it would also have a variety of ancillary applications in different fields, operating in remote and poverty-stricken areas that lack hospitals and sophisticated medical devices. He added the MRI machine inside the vehicle was a smaller and portable version of the standard hospital-bound model and was equipped with remote monitoring function. Even if there were no doctors in the vehicle, treatment schedules can be provided via the remote monitoring device. In addition, the portable service is linked to cloud computing and test results can be transmitted to computers in hospitals, ensuring an optimal diagnosis by doctors. Aside from the MRI and remote monitoring devices, other medical key equipment for the examination and treatment of patients is also available in the vehicle. XBO was founded in 2010, with registered capital of 500 million yuan ($74 million). Its main shareholder, with a 40 percent stake, is China Northern Rare Earth (Group) High-Tech Co Ltd, one of the country's leading rare earth companies. Its main products are magnetic resonance imaging machines which use rare earth-powered magnets. According to the local government, the Baotou region holds an estimated 43.5 million metric tons of rare earth, accounting for more than 80 percent of China's total reserves and 30 percent of the world's reserves. An employee counts yuan banknotes at a bank in Huaibei, Anhui province, June 22, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] KUALA LUMPUR - China's renminbi is expected to regain its momentum as US dollar is likely to remain weak and the Belt and Road Initiative may drive the demand of RMB, economists said here Tuesday. JP Morgan (China)'s senior economist Grace Ng told a banking conference in Kuala Lumpur that the macro backdrop for RMB has been gradually improving as the global economy is starting to improve and the greenback is expected to stay weak. "As the US dollar started to weaken against many currencies in the first half, we don't see the return of significant dollar strengthening as we saw in the previous two to three years," she said. The global economy, which is in recovering path, will also boost China's export sector, which in turn would create a more stable condition for the country and its currency, she added. The event was organized by the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers and China's Tsinghua University. Concurred with Ng, BNP Paribas Asset Management (Hong Kong)'s senior economist Chi Lo opined that the RMB will regain its confidence from investors if the US dollar remains weak. According to Bloomberg statistics, the US dollar has depreciated 3.25 percent to 6.71 against RMB year-to-date. "I believe at the end of this year, the US dollar against the RMB could trade even below 6.7. By next year, the RMB may strengthen another 2 percent further," Lo said. Lo also sees the increasing trades demand as the major driving force for RMB, especially with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. "When China expands its trade network via the Belt and Road Initiative, using RMB will be quite natural; assuming the trading partner to accept RMB is also logic," Lo added. He does not discount the possibilities that RMB would become the third largest global reserve currency in three years' time. RMB accounted for only 1.2 percent of global reserve currently, he said. HSBC (Hong Kong)'s Greater China foreign exchange trading's head Ben WP Lim shared the same view that the RMB internationalization will regain its momentum, underpinned by the Belt and Road Initiative. "I am quite confident the (RMB internationalization) process will be speeding up in the next three years, and we will see the increasing usage of RMB in offshore market," he added. BEIJING - China is ready to enhance cooperation with Gambia in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other fields, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Tuesday. Wang said the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries has not only brought bilateral relations back to the right track, but also opened up broad prospects for cooperation. China appreciates the new Gambian government's firm adherence to the one-China principle and its commitment to friendship with China, Wang told visiting Gambian Foreign Minister Ousainou Darboe during a meeting. China is willing to work with the Gambian side to enhance mutual trust, expand people-to-people exchanges as well as strengthen coordination in global and regional affairs to push bilateral relations to a higher level, said Wang. The Gambian government and people highly appreciates the ideas and initiatives proposed by Chinese leader on China-Africa cooperation, and highly appreciates the support and assistance China has provided to the country, according to Darboe. Gambia will stick to the one-China policy, and is looking forward to pragmatic cooperation with China in various fields, he said. The two ministers signed an agreement on a consultation mechanism between the two ministries following their talks. Later on Tuesday, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi also held a meeting with the Gambian delegation. China and Gambia resumed diplomatic ties in March 2016 since the latter recognized that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Invited by Wang, Darboe is paying a week-long official visit to China from July 31 to August 6. It is Darboe's first China tour since the new Gambian government took office earlier this year. A bank clerk shows a customer how to log onto mobile banking in Nantong city, Jiangsu province, Sept 21, 2016. [Photo/VCG] BEIJING - The new economy, spurred by the latest round of information and technological revolution, has created new sectors and business models in China, allowing the country to play a leading role in global economic development. China should use emerging information technology, including cloud computing and the internet of things, to shore up the digital economy, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at a seminar Monday, citing rapid growth in information consumption, mobile payments and e-commerce. The following are facts and figures on China's development of the new economy: - As a major part of the new economy, the digital economy has grown rapidly in recent years. The aggregate value of the country's digital economy soared to 22.6 trillion yuan ($3.4 trillion) in 2016 from 18.6 trillion yuan the previous year, accounting for over 30 percent of the country's GDP. - The range of information intensive products expanded, which now include mobile phones, computers, intelligent internet-connected vehicles, and sharing bikes. The value-added of the information industry reached 5.2 trillion yuan in 2016, 8.7 percent higher on a year-on-year basis and accounting for 6.9 percent of the country's GDP. - Over the past five years, information consumption has grown at an average annual rate of nearly 21 percent, accounting for over 9 percent of final consumption expenditure. In 2016, the amount of information consumption increased to 3.9 trillion yuan from 3.2 trillion the year before. - The country's information technology services industry yielded income of 1.37 trillion yuan in the first half of 2017, up 15.7 percent year-on-year. - E-commerce has maintained relatively rapid growth in the first half of 2017. In 2016, China's cross-border e-commerce transaction reached 6.5 trillion yuan, making the country the world's largest cross-border e-commerce market. - From December 2016 to May 2017, online retail sales hit 3.02 trillion yuan, 35.3 percent higher than the same period the year before. In the first five months of 2017, online retail sales accounted for about 13.2 percent of China's retail sales. - The country's sharing economy witnessed a total transaction volume of 3.45 trillion yuan in 2016, more than doubling that in 2015, with products ranging from shared bikes and cars to umbrellas and apartments. - The aggregate size of China's cloud computing sector reached 150 billion yuan in 2015. - China's Internet of Things sector was valued at 750 billion yuan in 2015. - The market size for smart logistics and intelligent driving reached 200 billion yuan and 49 billion yuan respectively in 2016. - By the end of 2016, there were nearly 60 online banks, serving 250 million clients nationwide. - In 2016, the total value of mobile payments nationwide reached over 157 trillion yuan, up nearly 50 percent over the previous year. VIENTIANE - Lao government has given the green light for a Chinese company to conduct a feasibility study on developing the Khonphapheng Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in southern Laos' Champassak province, local media reported on Tuesday. The Chinese company had informed authorities that it wants to invest $10 billion to develop the SEZ, some 580 km south of capital Vientiane, the Deputy Governor of Champassak, Buasone Vongsongkhone told Lao state-run media Vientiane Times. If the project is realized, it will become the largest investment venture in Champassak province and potentially the country. A memorandum of understanding was recently signed between the government and the Chinese company, Guangdong Yellow River Industrial Group, in Vientiane, Vientiane Times online reported Tuesday. The move will allow the company to conduct a feasibility study for this project as well as project designs and other activities within six months. "If the study is positive, we can move forward on a concession agreement which will allow the company to develop the project," Buasone said on Monday. Khonphapheng waterfall and the surrounding area are designated for development as a new town that will focus on tourism. The Chinese company's study will identify business activities and tourism facilities to facilitate the growth of tourism in Laos. This would include hotels, restaurants, a trade center and other tourism-related businesses. In July 2015, the government approved the development of Khonphapheng and the surrounding area, also known as Siphandone (the 4,000 islands region), as a new SEZ. Even before the government's approval, investors from China, South Korea, Singapore and the Philippines had expressed initial interest in the zone. Khonphapheng, located in Khong district, is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Nevertheless, more facilities are needed to attract more tourists. Officials said the waterfall, close to the Laos-Cambodia border, is a suitable location for developing the SEZ as it would bring more businesses to the area. The provincial authorities have allocated more than 7,000 hectares for the potential development, which would be divided into four zones: Zone A (480 hectares), Zone B (797 hectares), Zone C (2,120 hectares) and Zone D (3,678 hectares). BEIJING - During a conversation recently, a friend of mine was waxing lyrical about contactless cards in the UK. "All I have to do is tap my card on the reader and I can pay for my shopping!" she told me. "Oh," I said. "You still use cards?!" China is edging its way toward being a cashless society. I have travelled across the country, and from city to village, cash is no longer king. It is becoming increasingly more common place to use one of the various payment apps you can install on your phone. It's fine not to not carry cash in China, but you do need a data plan. The two market leaders for mobile payment in China are Alipay and Wechat Wallet. In the first quarter of 2017, Chinese commercial banks dealt with 9.3 billion payments made on mobile devices. In fact, Chinese mobile payment apps are going global as more Chinese travel abroad and other countries look to offer the Chinese model for customers. Alibaba's e-payment arm, Alipay, can settle 18 varieties of currencies in more than 200 countries and regions, thanks to agreements with 40 million overseas merchants that accept settlements through the digital wallet. Wechat, too, is gaining popularity around the world. In addition to China, WeChat Pay covers more than 130,000 overseas businesses in 13 countries and regions, supporting settlements in 10 currencies, including the British pound, Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar. Both AliPay and Wechat are pushing for the full adoption of digital payments. To this end, in August they will both run "cashless" marketing promotions. Alipay's promotion is based on its projection that China is a mere 1,698 days away from being a cashless society. While it is difficult to find the basis for this forecast, it does show that both businesses envisage a future where digital payment will be the norm. Digital wallets are just one modern innovation reshaping the way people live in China. With 10 million shared bikes, nearly 2,600 high-speed trains and 15,000 new enterprises registered each day, there is no denying that China is speeding into the future. In today's China, senior citizens use smart phones to buy vegetables at the market. Office workers ride to work on shared bikes, and young lovers buy cinema tickets on the very same messaging apps they use to text each other sweet nothings. Even residents of rural areas are becoming more technologically savvy, using online payment services or marketplaces to buy and sell products. Transport, too, is being reshaped by digital innovation. Case in point: shared bicycles. China has over 30 shared bike companies. While the idea itself is not new, it took a Chinese firm to perfect the model. Using GPS and QR codes, Chinese firms created an accessible and affordable bike sharing system. Two of the market leaders, Mobike and Ofo, have already ridden into foreign markets. Mobike's distinctive orange bikes can be seen on the streets of Manchester, Singapore, Florence and Milan. Ofo is already operating in the United States, Britain, Singapore and Kazakhstan. Since parking its yellow bikes across Singapore in February, Ofo has already gained 100,000 users in the city-state, and its bikes are used 20,000 times a day. While the UK invented the locomotive, China is driving the train this century. It had 2,595 high-speed trains in operation by the end of 2016 - 60 percent the world's total high-speed trains. As of the end of 2016, China had more than 20,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines. It aims to add another 10,000 km by 2020 and surpass 45,000 km by 2030. China is working on next-generation bullet trains with a maximum speed of 400 km per hour. They will be ready by 2020 for markets linked to the Belt and Road Initiative. A train recently left Beijing for Xuzhou in East China's Jiangsu province with a top speed of 350 km per hour. China's high-speed rail (HSR) has also gone global. Chinese businesses have helped build the Ankara - Istanbul HSR in Turkey, and is currently involved in the building of the Moscow-Kazan high-speed railway in Russia, the China-Thailand railway and the Hungary-Serbia railway. Not only can China's high-speed rail passengers book tickets with digital payment systems they can now also order food on the railway's website, accessing this service on computers or smart devices. Meals are then delivered to passengers during their journey by train attendants. If this spells the end of food cars, only time will tell, but for the time being it offers more choices, which are is what customers want. China has around 731 million internet users - roughly the population of Europe - and 695 million of them use mobile phones to go online. With numbers like these, it is no wonder China is the world's largest and fastest-growing e-commerce market. Alibaba has grown into a $556 billion business empire that employs 56,000 people and is linked to the creation of 33 million jobs in China. It dispatches 65 million packages across the country every year. E-commerce is also helping revitalize China's rural villages, home to half of the country's population. China's rural residents spent 894.54 billion yuan ($131.47 billion) online in 2016. Moreover, there were more than 8.11 million online business owners in rural China last year, creating over 20 million jobs. The main players in the sector are JD.com, and Alibaba's Tmall and Taobao. For foreigners in China who may not be able to navigate these Chinese-language sites, there is also Baopals, which offers English speakers in China a way to access the over 800-million products on Alibaba platforms Taobao and Tmall. The huge, dynamic e-commerce market in China is hard to ignore, and this year JD.com, Alibaba and Tencent were on the Fortune Global 500 list. From compass and papermaking to mobile payment, shared bikes, HSR and e-commerce -- what many are calling the modern four great modern inventions - China has gone from creating the physical to innovating the virtual. They say that when the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills. I know I am not the only one excited about what the next winds of change will bring. Tag Design, a Chinese mobile internet start-up, launched a new app with which users can learn the history of China's ancient folding fan through eye-catching graphics, vivid animations and interesting games in a bid to take advantage of digitalization to promote traditional Chinese culture. The newly-launched app, Folding Fan, explains the technique for making traditional folding fans in 16 steps and includes a small game for each step. Users can experience the whole process of making a fan, starting from choosing the bamboo, which is the initial material used to make a fan. Notably, this is not the first time that the company has designed apps of such kind. This young company developed Wood Joints in 2014, an app focused on China's classic tenon-and-mortise joints used in woodworking, which has been downloaded over 4 million times and won Best App on the App Store for China in 2014. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc, also visited the company when he came to China. He said that Wood Joints has brought some uniqueness to the Chinese market. Sun Yong, founder of the company, said that based on their experience of running apps, they found that technology is a direct and interesting way of sharing obscure culture and knowledge. In addition to learning the structure of fans, users can learn more about the history of Chinese fans through three-dimensional animations. The app's design team also invited a group of popular artists to design paintings for the fan. Compared to other apps, "Folding Fan" appears to be simple but is enchanting. Users can simply immerse themselves into the long history of traditional Chinese culture via up-to-date technology. "We are a young and small team but we try out best to appeal to people to learn more about traditional Chinese culture through a mobile phone app, giving them a new platform for more people to learn, especially the young," Sun said. By Ouyang Shijia in Beijing and Yang Jun in Guiyang | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2017-08-02 17:10 Huawei Technologies Co Ltd officially broke ground on a data center in China's southwestern Guizhou province on Wednesday, to meet the firm's growing need for better cloud services. The move is part of a deal Huawei signed with the Guizhou provincial government last November, as the Chinese technology juggernaut intensifies resources to compete globally. The new data center will be located in Guian New Area, Guiyang, Guizhou province. Covering 400,000 square metersthe upcoming first phase of the new center will attain 600,000 servers. Ren Shulu, Huawei's senior vice-president, said the company aims to build an industrial park in Guian New Area. "Guizhou province offers the ideal climate for operating data centers. It is also an important energy base in China, alongside its favorable data center polices. Taking the advantages, we will build an industrial park, which [will] serve as a global management data storage center and a base to train the talents," Ren said. In November last year, Huawei and the Guizhou provincial government signed a cooperation agreement to work on internet of things technology, the construction of a smart city, intelligent manufacturing and the application of big data and cloud computing. A man rides a bike operated by Mobike in Manchester, the United Kingdom. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Chinese bike-sharing behemoth Mobike Technology Co Ltd is gearing up its overseas expansion, as the company aims to meet its ambitious goal of operating in 200 cities globally by the end of this year. Beijing-based Mobike announced on Tuesday the launch of bike-rental services in London, with a plan to operate 750 bikes in September. "Considering our current operation status, we are able to complete and may even exceed our global expansion goal of 200 cities," said Chris Martin, Mobike vice-president and head of its overseas expansion business. Much of that expansion will be domestic, but he said Mobike will cover more countries in the second half of the year. Mobike's orange dockless bikes are now crowding sidewalks in more than 150 cities in countries including Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy. Users in overseas markets will be able to ride shared bikes by simply scanning a QR code on the downloaded app and pay online on their smartphones via their debit or credit cards. Martin said as Mobike is set to cover more countries, the company will explore more payment methods. According to the company, the shared bikes are produced in China and then exported to overseas markets, and it will also seek more global partners in the supply chain business. The bike-sharing craze sweeping China is now going global. Mobike's arch rival Ofo Inc previously announced it plan to enter 200 cities in 20 countries globally by the end of this year. On Tuesday, Ofo said it plans to operate a total of 6,000 shared bikes in Bangkok by the end of September. Now Mobike has rolled out more than 6 million bikes in over 150 cities globally. Its top rival Ofo said it has over 100 million users and has recorded more than 2 billion rides since its debut in 2015. Zhang Xu, an analyst at Beijing-based internet consultancy Analysys, said bike-sharing firms' overseas expansion will help companies to expand their influence in the overseas market, but it will also bring about challenges and uncertainties. "As the overseas market is quite different from that in China, there will be problems concerning local residents' habits in terms of using bikes, the way of operating bikes, and local policies when Mobike operates its service overseas." Mobike and Ofo's overseas expansion Overseas expansion timeline of Ofo February 10: Singapore March: San Francisco and Boston, United States April: Cambridge, United Kingdom June 9: Astana, Kazakhstan, 1,000 bikes July 31: Bangkok, Thailand, 6,000 bikes by the end of September Overseas expansion timeline of Mobike March 21: Singapore June 13: Manchester and Salford, United Kingdom, 1,000 bikes June 22: Fukuoka, Japan June 23: Sapporo, Japan July 25: Florence and Milan, Italy, 4,000 bikes will be launched in August August 1: London, United Kingdom, 750 bikes Jack Ma, founder and chairman of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, picks up an imported crab in the newly opened Hema Xiansheng outlet in the Jinqiao area of Shanghai on July 14. Hema Xiansheng, financed by Alibaba, is a new form of online-to-offline retailer, committed to fresh food, and ready-to-cook meals delivered to customers in 30 minutes. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Hema Xiansheng has made its bricks-and-mortar stores feel like giant online supermarkets Hema Xiansheng's fresh approach appears to be paying off in the cutthroat world of hybrid shopping. Rolled out by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd in 2015, the online-to-offline or O2O retailer has successfully combined bricks-and-mortar stores with online services. Known for its fresh food, this O2O startup has steadily expanded its network of supermarkets since it opened its first outlet two years ago. Now, it has 10 stores in Shanghai, two in Beijing and one in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. "Having both an online and offline outlet should create synergies by aligning two sets of customers under one grocery brand," said Matthew Crabbe, Asia Pacific research director for consultancy Mintel. "That is important for Alibaba, as the company gets a better understanding of online and offline customers, and the data about their spending habits," he added. Hema is a prototype of "New Retail" for the e-commerce behemoth as it cements its position in the online marketplace, despite fierce competition from domestic and overseas rivals. During a visit to the flagship supermarket in Shanghai's Jinqiao area in July, Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma and CEO Daniel Zhang were delighted at what they saw. "The store leverages data and smart logistics technology to seamlessly integrate online-to-offline systems," said Zhang. "This means we can deliver fresh food to customers in just 30 minutes." The online grocery market is expected to reach 678 billion yuan ($100.8 billion) this year, nearly 10 times the value of the sector back in 2013, consultancy Mintel pointed out in a report. Indeed, the shift to O2O has been pioneered by major internet players such as Alibaba, Tencent Holdings Ltd, Baidu Inc and JD.com Inc. "The real spurt in growth came from 2015 onwards, which followed Alibaba setting up Hema and JD.com collaborating with convenience stores," Crabbe, of Mintel, said. Since then, the sector has grown rapidly. At hyper-local Hema, customers can either shop from the comfort of their own homes by using the supermarket's app or pop into the store. Once there, they can handpick their food, have it delivered or eat it on the spot. A shopper visits a newly opened Hema Xiansheng store in Shanghai. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY In one 10,000 square-meter outlet located in a shopping mall in Shanghai's downtown Changning district, every item had a bar code. When scanned, this showed the price, product information and origin of purchase. Before leaving the store, customers scan the code and complete their electronic purchase through Alipay, Alibaba's homegrown payment system, at a checkout register. Nearly all of Hema's products come in single-meal portions. This is to address the demand for high-quality food with unnecessary waste. "Unlike in the past, city dwellers seldom cook for at least half of the week," said Zhang Guohong, general manager at Hema. "They tend to dine out or order food in." The O2O supermarket's fresh seafood section, such as king crabs and lobsters, has proved to be extremely popular. Shoppers can purchase what they want to eat from large tanks, have it cooked and then tuck into their food in the dining area. Alternatively, they can have it delivered to a location within a radius of three kilometers from the store. Fuelled by the voracious appetite for fresh food in China, Alibaba has expanded its seafood and fruit sectors. Fresh produce, in fact, now accounts for more than half of all Hema's stocks. In some stores, it is as high as 70 percent. "If we can handle fresh fruit and seafood, then learning to handle all the other kinds of imports becomes relatively easy," said Ma when Alibaba's business-to-customer site Tmall first introduced Canadian lobsters. Naturally, online retail is expected to grow from 15 percent of overall sales in 2015 to 47 percent through to 2022, according to KPMG, the professional service company and one of the big four auditors. "That is evident from the rise of the likes of Hema," said Jessie Qian, head of Consumer Markets for KPMG in China. "Hema achieves a 50 percent split between offline and online sales through a business model integrating showrooms and online delivery of fresh products," she added. Statistics suggest that Alibaba's early venture into O2O retail is paying off, although financial figures are sketchy. The online giant reported that Hema's Jinqiao store in Shanghai, the first to open in the country, is now profitable. Shoppers on average make 4.5 purchases a month and visit the supermarket 50 times a year, the group revealed. Among Hema app users, the conversion rate for making a purchase was as high as 35 percent, although again detailed figures were not disclosed. Finally, stores' sales per unit area are three-to-five times those of other supermarkets, Alibaba stressed. Since the shops are also giant warehouses, Hema has cracked the problem of how to deal with 1,000 deliveries per outlet a day. Big data and cloud computing, as well as an innovative distribution system, have been crucial to making that work. In particular, big data has become a vital pillar of the information industry, and is used to crunch vast amounts of complex statistics to show patterns and trends in business and consumer habits. In store, "order-fulfillment" specialists move up and down the aisles with scanners, reusable shopping bags and special bar codes for each order. The bar codes not only help customers trace the origin of their goods but they also track deliveries. Once an order has been put together in shopping bags, they are placed on hangers and swept off on overhead conveyor belts. Normally, it takes about three minutes to put a small order together after receiving it online. Again, big data is key to this operation as the process goes through an app. Hema is able to collect reams of statistics for physical and virtual stores, which allows it to track and analyze the shopping patterns of customers. Every purchase is logged and preferences noted, with items promoted that appeal to the tastes of individual shoppers. But the supermarket chain faces challenges as it expands, such as delivery delays and logistical problems. "If the Hema group is to continue to expand, it will have to take this into account," Crabbe, of Mintel, said. "It must learn how to avoid such problems in new cities and districts they open stores in." A sign of Alibaba Group is seen at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Asia 2016 in Shanghai, May 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies ] Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd is gearing up for expansion in the telecom sector, as it aims to meet the communication demand of millions of small and medium-sized enterprises across China. The Hangzhou-based company, which has emerged as one of China's two biggest corporations by tapping into the online shopping boom, is stepping up its investment in the telecom sector, amid market speculation that it will be an investor in China Unicom. China Unicom, formally known as China United Network Communications Group Co, is the country's second-largest telecom carrier by subscribers. It is pushing forward a mixed ownership reform, which aims to revitalize its business by attracting private backers. Yu Pengwu, general manager of Ali Telecom, a department of Alibaba's cloud computing unit, said the country's three telecom carriers are playing a very active role in serving State-owned enterprises and governments. "But millions of SMEs are under-served, whose demand for tailor-made communication services represents almost a 500-billion-yuan ($74.5 billion) market. That is what Alibaba is interested in," Yu said, adding it is not a competitor but complements telecom carriers' services. The company obtained a license to conduct trial operations of virtual network operator services in 2013. Virtual network operators are resellers of network services from telecom suppliers that do not own the telecom infrastructure. They often offer more diversified services at lower costs than telecom carriers, in the hope of complementing their businesses. Yu said in an interview with financial news outlet Jiemain that the company's virtual network operator business was profitable last year and its telecom services are also deeply intertwined with its sprawling ecosystem of e-commerce, cloud computing, internet finance and other businesses. For instance, sellers on its popular online shopping platforms can now attract consumers by promising free mobile data traffic packages. Fu Liang, an independent telecom expert, said cloud computing will be a major area of cooperation between Alibaba and China Unicom if the former invests money in the latter. "Investing in China Unicom will give Alibaba privileged access to its core information infrastructure resources, such as servers and network, which can make its cloud computing service more flexible and responsive," Fu said. According to him, tech companies also bank on telecom carriers' services to connect different internet centers, which will increase China Unicom's appeal to Alibaba. The logic seems to be proven by Alibaba's reported investment in Chinese telecommunications gear maker ZTE Corp. Bloomberg reported last month that Alibaba is closing in on a deal to acquire ZTE's software subsidiary. The deal, which is expected to cost 2 billion yuan to 3 billion yuan for ZTEsoft Technology Co, can help strengthen Alibaba's global internet computing business, as it can benefit from ZTEsoft's global client portfolio and relationships with wireless carriers from Europe and Africa, analysts said. Both Alibaba and ZTE declined to comment, but Fu said if the ZTE deal goes through, the chances of Alibaba investing in China Unicom will be even higher. Xiang Ligang, a telecom expert and CEO of telecom industry website Cctime, said telecom services will also be a key area of cooperation between the two. "Alibaba excels in attracting consumers with flexible marketing and retailing strategies. Its innovative prowess will help rejuvenate China Unicom's businesses," Xiang said. Alibaba said it sold 240,000 SIM cards in a three-day telecom festival on Tmall, one of its two major online shopping platforms, which help pushed the total transactions of telecom services to 2 billion yuan, up almost 20 percent year-on-year. Alibaba is already partnering with China Unicom in low-cost data traffic package services, which have attracted more than 3 million users, Wang Xiaochu, chairman of China Unicom, said at a news conference in May. By HE WEI in Shanghai | China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-02 08:08 A sales promotion by JD Daojia was held in Wuhan, Hubei province. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY JD Daojia is expanding its links with Walmart by adding another 50 stores to its delivery service. The online-to-offline or O2O grocery platform is backed by e-commerce giant JD.com Inc and already has a partnership deal with the United-States-based retail behemoth. Under the original agreement, JD Daojia's two-hour delivery operation was available to customers within a three-kilometer radius of more than 80 Walmart stores. "Combining our unparalleled delivery network with Walmart stores means consumers will enjoy convenient access to a wide range of high-quality goods," said Kuai Jiaqi, chief executive officer at JD Daojia. The move will tighten ties between the two companies. Indeed, Walmart customers can have their groceries delivered by using the retailer's location-based app. JD Daojia does the rest. "Their orders will be delivered to their homes or offices in record time," said Kuai. Last year, Daojia emerged after a merger between JD's O2O operation and Dada Nexus Ltd, a crowdsourcing platform. The online company now has more than 25 million registered customers, while Walmart has 426 stores in nearly 170 cities across China. JD Daojia claims to connect with more than 70,000 offline retail outlets in 22 cities, including supermarket Walmart, Groupe Auchan SA and Yonghui Superstores Co Ltd. While financial figures are vague, the O2O delivery service reported that revenue for the first half of the year jumped significantly with online orders increasing by 20 percent compared to the same period in 2016. Monthly gross merchandise volume, a crucial gauge in the e-commerce sector, increased by 30 percent, although the company did not disclose detailed numbers. "Merchants can now build their own territory online by virtue of Daojia's platform," Kuai said. "Traditional retailers are able to overcome the limit on time and distance." Fresh food delivery startups are booming amid reports of near static sales at bricks-and-mortar stores across the country. Last year, traditional retailers reported just 2.6 percent growth in fast-consuming goods, which was a historical low, a report by consultancy Kantar showed. With immense competition from e-commerce players, the hypermarket format is under intense pressure. Still, the focus on fresh food has helped supermarket group Yonghui overtake Bailian to become the fifth largest retailer in the country and challenge French retailer Carrefour, the report stated. But then, JD Daojia's collaboration with convenience stores has worked because it uses the existing model and puts it online, and delivers orders. "This benefits both sides," said Matthew Crabbe, Asia-Pacific research director of consultancy Mintel. "It increases sales and customers for the online platform, and adds a new revenue stream and new customers for the convenience stores." A college student plays video games at an e-sports bar during his summer vacation in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily] HONG KONG - There is a big growth potential from global e-sports in Asia, as over half of the world's frequent e-sports viewers and enthusiasts are from Asia, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational professional network said on Tuesday. According to the PwC, global e-sports industry will accelerate from roughly $327 million in revenue in 2016 to $874 million by 2021. PwC Global, China-Hong Kong TMT Leader Wilson Chow told media that although the current per capita consumption expenditure in e-sports sector in Asia is quite low, the growth potential in the region is "undoubted." About 51 percent of the world's frequent e-sports viewers and enthusiasts can be found in Asia Pacific, he added. As to the Asia's e-sports market size, South Korea ranks the first by taking 61 percent of the market share with $128 million in revenue, while Chinese mainland ranks the second, with $77 million in revenue, accounting for 36 percent of the market share, according to the PwC. Chow estimated that China will surpass South Korea in market size in 2020, and Hong Kong should seize the opportunity to become a leading e-sports hub in Asia. Chow said Hong Kong has many competitive advantages, such as strategic geographic location, developed telecommunication infrastructure and experiences in holding international events. SEOUL - CJ Logistics, a logistics arm of CJ Group, South Korea's 14th-biggest conglomerate, signed a partnership Wednesday with Cainiao, a logistics affiliate of Alibaba Group. The strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between CJ Logistics and Cainiao to build a supply chain management line for e-commerce between South Korea and China, the South Korean company said in a statement. Under the MoU, the CJ Logistics became the official logistics partner of Cainiao in South Korea to provide logistics services for e-commerce products sent from South Korea to China. The two companies also held the launching ceremony of the Global Fulfillment Center (GFC) of Cainiao as the first step of their partnership. The GFC is a hi-tech logistics center that integrates work related to direct overseas sales of products on e-commerce, which ranges from storage, inventory management, packaging and waybill invoicing to customs and international air shipment. The center would handle the products, which are sold to China on e-commerce, for South Korean companies that are registered with Alibaba Group's Chinese retail platforms. Cainiao had four GFCs across the globe. The CJ Logistics became the fifth official operator of the GFC. "The opening of the Global Fulfillment Center, which leverages Cainiao's technology, will be a meaningful extension to our global logistics network which will better facilitate cross-border trade for Korean merchants and bring quality goods to Chinese consumers in a timely fashion," said Guan Xiaodong, general manager of Cainiao Global. Vice Admiral Tian Zhong, deputy commander of the PLA Navy, inspects forces in Djibouti, August 1, 2017.[Photo/VCG] China's first overseas logistical base began operations on Tuesday, the same day as the 90th birthday of the People's Liberation Army. More than 300 people attended the flag raising ceremony that marked the opening of the Djibouti base, on the Horn of Africa. Representatives from both countries attended, including Vice-Admiral Tian Zhong, deputy commander of the PLA Navy; Chinese Ambassador to Djibouti Fu Huaqiang; and Djibouti Defense Minister Ali Hasan Bahdon. The base, near the southern entrance to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is China's only permanent overseas logistical base. It was established to support the Chinese military's escort and peacekeeping missions in Africa and West Asia. It can support some 10,000 people, according to PLA Daily, but official figures for the number of personnel to be stationed there have not been released. On July 11, the Navy dispatched two ships, CNS Jinggangshan and CNS Donghaidao, to bring in personnel and put on the finishing touches. The Jinggangshan is an amphibious warfare landing platform dock that carried marines, engineers and vehicles to the base. The Donghaidao is a heavy-lift, semisubmersible logistics ship for oversized cargo like equipment. The base is near Camp Lemonnier, a US naval base used for staging aerial, drone and Special Forces missions in East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. France and Japan also have bases in the country. This year, Saudi Arabia is finalizing deals to build a base there. Liu Hongwu, the president of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, said Djibouti, with a population of 960,000, is strategically significant both economically and militarily, hence many nations are "scrambling to get a footing" there. "It is situated at the juncture of Europe, Asia and Africa; in a sense, it is the crossroads of the world. Djibouti is also a relatively stable and safe country. Its leaders are open to international cooperation, thus making the country an ideal logistics hub and door to Africa." A 750-kilometer railway, financed and built by China, links the port capital of Djibouti with landlocked Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. A newborn panda cub is examined in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Monday. The mother, Cao Cao, who was raised in captivity, mated with a wild male. It is the first time such a union has produced offspring.[Li Chuanyou/For China Daily] The first panda cub produced by mating a female raised in captivity with a wild male was born in Sichuan province in the early hours of Monday. The cub weighed 216 grams, much heavier than the average 150 grams for a newborn, according to Zhang Hemin, deputy executive director of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong National Nature Reserve. Cao Cao, the mother, is 16 years old (equivalent to 48 in human years) and considered old for giving birth, he said. She had been raised in captivity and was released into the wild at the center's Hetaoping base on March 1 in time for the panda mating season, which runs from March to May. In March, several male pandas were seen fighting for the right to mate with her, and researchers at the center began checking data every five days sent by the GPS tag on her neckwhich was fitted with a recording device. When they checked the recording on March 27, they heard her making noises similar to those made by females while mating. The mating, which might have taken place on March 23, lasted 1 minute and 30 seconds, Zhang said. Cao Cao was born in the wild but was rescued and taken to the center at age 2 after she was found in poor health inside the reserve. Before giving birth on Monday, she had already given birth to six cubs. Two of the six are well-known to pandaphilesmale Tao Tao and female Zhang Xiang. Both have been released into the wild in the Liziping Nature Reserve in Sichuan. Tao Tao was 2 years old when released into the wild in 2012, and Zhang Xiang was the same age when released in 2013. With the goal of enlarging the wild panda population, the center has released seven captive pandas in Liziping since 2006. Five are faring well, including Tao Tao and Zhang Xiang. The center used to capture wild pandas for research and reproduction purposes, but since the early 1990s, the government has banned capturing wild pandas. As a result, captive pandas have had to mate with their captive peers. As the number of captive pandas is limited, this might result in inbreeding and is not good for biodiversity, experts say. The center formulated a plan last year under which captive pandas could mate with wild ones, and Cao Cao was the first captive panda chosen. The objective is to improve the gene pool of captive pandas. A volunteer at the education base in Chengmagang, Hubei province, discusses an exhibit related to former military figures. Photos provided To China Daily A small township in Central China is renowned as the birthplace of many high-ranking PLA officers, as Hou Liqiang and Zhou Lihua report from Chengmagang, Hubei province. There are more than 40,000 townships in China, but few are as famous as Chengmagang, Hubei province, known as the hometown of generals and revolutionary martyrs. In 1955, in the most important round of promotions after the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1,042 military officers were promoted to the rank of general, and 26 of them were born in Chengmagang. Meanwhile, more than 20,000 people from the township were killed during the revolutionary period from 1924 to 1949, with 5,938 officially registered as martyrs. The revolution ended in 1949, but since then, joining the People's Liberation Army has become a tradition for Chengmagang natives. "Now, in the township, one in every seven people are serving or have served in the PLA," said Tao Xiaowu, a local government official in charge of military recruitment. "It's not unusual to meet people who followed in their fathers' footsteps and joined the PLA. More than 100 families in the township can boast several generations of soldiers." Military family Zheng Zunyuan's family has four generations of PLA soldiers. Zheng's grandfather, who was born in 1895, began collecting information for the Communist Party of China in 1926. He joined the Red Army, the PLA's predecessor, in 1930, and was executed six years later as a prisoner of the Nationalists after being betrayed by an informer. Zheng's father joined the PLA in 1949 at age 18. He left the Army in 1955, and died last year. "My father ended up as a manual laborer after my grandfather died. His clothes were in poor condition and he was forced to sleep near the cooking range of a street confectionery stall because it gave off a little heat as it cooled after being used all day. The soles of his shoes were almost worn away," Zheng said. "My father didn't talk much about his experiences in the PLA, and only told us a little during his last few years. But every time we watched the movie Battle on Shangganling Mountain, which told the story of a battle during the Korean War (1950-1953), he would burst into tears." Zheng, 54, only discovered the full story of his father's exploits when he checked government records. The veteran was one of the PLA solders who liberated Hainan province in 1950, and his unit was one of the first to volunteer to fight in the Korean War in the same year. Duty calls Zheng has five siblings. Although the family's life was hard, his father never asked for government support and always supported government policy. "My father believed that it was his duty to join the Army and serve the country. No matter what he did, it was always his duty. He never complained, no matter what difficulties he encountered," Zheng said. Zheng joined the PLA in late 1982 and served for four years. He now runs a printing store in downtown Macheng, the city that administers Chengmagang. Spurred by their father's example, Zheng and his three brothers were keen to join the PLA, but only Zheng passed the medical. In turn, his Army service inspired his son, who enlisted in 2013, after graduating from university. "My son was deeply influenced by our family's military culture. During our leisure hours, we watched a lot of movies, TV series and other programs about war. We watched Battle on Shangganling Mountain more than twice a year," he said. Zheng said his father led a simple life after he retired. Though his family often suggested trips around China, the senior always refused because of the cost of travel. With the exception of one trip, he stayed in his hometown until his death from laryngeal cancer, according to Zheng Zunyuan's younger brother Zheng Zunsheng. After his condition had been diagnosed, the veteran made a trip to Zhenghzhou, Henan province, where he attended a reunion of Chinese volunteers who fought in Korea. "I never saw my father so happy. He didn't speak much at home, but when he went to the reunion, he spoke with the other veterans and sang Korean songs," Zheng Zunsheng recalled. The old man also expressed a wish to visit Dandong, Liaoning province, where the Yalu River forms the border between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to take a last look at the country where he once fought. However, he died before he could make the trip. Zheng Zunsheng, 46, said he is sad that medical problems prevented him from serving in the PLA, but he hopes his 9-year-old daughter will enlist. "I told her she should study hard and make an effort to join the Army. Not only to serve the country, but also because it would be good for her," he said. Inspiration According to Tao, the recruitment official, about 30 young men from Chengmagang, which has a population of about 60,000, enlist every year. However, the township's quota is limited and there are more applicants than places, so some are persuaded to withdraw their applications or wait until the following year. At this time of year, the recruitment process is in full swing, and more than 40 men from Chengmagang have applied to join the PLA. One of them is Zhang Jinzhong, who has been inspired by his brother and two classmates who are already serving in the Army. "My hometown is the 'home of the generals'. I grew up hearing stories about those men. They are heroes. I want to join the Army because I want to be a hero like them," the 20-year-old high school graduate said. The character for "clean" is displayed on a drum at the education base in Chengmagang, where clean governance is the main theme. [Photo provided to China Daily] To educate cadres and officials, the disciplinary watchdog of Macheng, a city in Hubei province and the site of a former revolutionary base, is scouring military history in search for examples of clean governance. On May 10, the city established a special education base, where examples - old regulations, details of punishments and uplifting stories of senior officers - are exhibited in a revolution-themed museum. The local authorities are planning more exhibitions to illustrate the legacy of clean governance. "Macheng is one of the most important places in China. It's where the Huangma Uprising (a Communist-led insurrection) was planned and rolled out. Exploring the revolutionary army's culture of clean governance and establishing an education base is a historic mission for Macheng's supervisory apparatus. It could help to pass on that culture, and promote efforts to combat corruption and build a clean government," said Luo Lijuan, head of the Macheng committee for discipline inspection. On Aug 1, 1927, the Communist Party of China initiated the Nanchang Uprising in Jiangxi province to counter anti-communist purges by the Kuomintang. The move marked the beginning of the CPC's efforts to build an army aimed at serving the people and establishing a government of the people for the people. The residents of the Dabie Mountains, located on the border between the provinces of Hubei, Henan and Anhui, quickly followed the example of Nanchang, and launched the Huangma Uprising on Nov 13 of the same year. The Fourth Corps of the Red Army (the predecessor of the People's Liberation Army), one of the Army's three principal forces, was established in the region in 1931. In the month after the education base opened, more than 200,000 people visited to view three famous documents in its possession, plus 36 lists of disciplinary regulations and the stories of 53 famous local people. Five 'don'ts' One of the most famous stories involves Wang Bicheng, a lieutenant general from Macheng who joined the revolution in 1926. He famously drafted five "don'ts" for his family, including vowing to never use a car the government dispatched for him and never to use his position for personal gain. In another story, Wu Huanxian, a Red Army officer, and more than 20 soldiers ran out of food after being surrounded by enemy troops for three days. Wu only allowed each soldier to dig two sweet potatoes from nearby farmland to eat. He then buried a parcel containing five silver dollars (China's old currency) as compensation for the farmer, along with a letter explaining what had happened. Yang Yao, the Party chief of Macheng, has asked the committee to set up at least two more exhibitions in the city's martyrs' cemetery and a local park, according to Shu Li, an official with the Macheng committee for discipline inspection. Xue Fushun joined the PLA in 1943. He retired in 1951 and started work as an official in Macheng. The 87-year-old veteran spoke highly of the clean governance of the revolutionary armies, saying the troops always left money or IOUs if they had to take goods when the owners were absent. "The strict discipline continued to influence me after I retired from the Army. I never gained extra profit from the government or owed the government anything," he said. Editor's note: Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at a grand event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Here are some highlights from his speech. Xi Jinping, commander-in-chief of the PLA, reviews the armed forces as part of the commemorations marking the 90th founding anniversary of the PLA at a military training base in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, July 30, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] 1. CPC's absolute leadership over army "To build a strong military, [we] must unswervingly adhere to the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces, and make sure that the people's army always follows the Party," said Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. It is an essential trait of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and a major political advantage of the Party and the state, he said. "No matter how times develop and how circumstances change, this army of ours will always remain one of the Party and one of the people," Xi said. "The armed forces must follow the banner, the direction and the will of the Party at all times and under any circumstances," Xi added. "History has told us that the principle of 'the Party commanding the gun' is the fundamental guarantee for the people's army to retain their nature and goal," Xi said. Workers celebrate the completion of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) "Caiyun" in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, Aug 1, 2017. The Chinese made TBM, which has a 9.03-meter cutter head, was completed in Kunming on Tuesday and it will be used to drill a railway tunnel in the province. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING -- China on Wednesday released a position document on the Indian border troops' illegal trespass into Chinese territory. The document titled "The Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops' Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory," has four parts and three appendices. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a press statement that China released the document to "lay out the facts and truth of the illegal trespass of the Indian border troops to the international community and give a full account of the position of the Chinese government." "What India has done not only severely violates China's territorial sovereignty but also poses grave challenges to regional peace and stability and the normal international order, which will not be tolerated by any sovereign state," Geng said. According to the document, over 270 Indian border troops crossed the boundary in the Sikkim section of the China-India border, entering Chinese territory and obstructing the road building of the Chinese side in the Dong Lang area (Doklam) on June 18. As of end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory. A soldier uses a hydraulic gun to flush out a "chemically contaminated substance" at the Safe Environment event of the International Army Games 2017 in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Aug 2, 2017. [Photo by Zou Hong/CHINA DAILY] The Safe Environment event of the International Army Games 2017 began today in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear reconnaissance units of military forces from five countries, including China, Russia and Iran, battled to see which team is the fastest when turning an extremely dangerous environment into a safe one. Each team sent out two crews to compete in the individual race. Each three-member crew, in protective gear and gas masks, drove a China-made Warrior SUV through an obstacle course while carrying out tasks, including identifying toxic substances and detecting radiation sources. The two crews from the CBRN reconnaissance units of the People's Liberation Army's Ground Force took first and second place after the individual race. They nicknamed themselves the "The Exorcists". "We used much less time in identifying toxics than the foreign teams, despite the heat on the Gobi Desert today that made the test more difficult," said Gao Pan, driver of a crew. The surface temperature of the Safe Environment course reached 50 C during the race. The IAG 2017, which will conclude on Aug 12, is comprised of 28 events held in Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Some people call the comprehensive games the military Olympics. Most of the events held in Korla will be broadcast live on TV and social media. Local spectators are invited to watch the heated military competitions at the venues for free. By Zhan Qianhui in Beijing and Sun Ruisheng in Taiyuan | China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-03 07:19 Brent Johnson, his wife (center), his two daughters and Lin Lin, a former foster care child from China who used to live with the Johnson family in the United States.[Photo provided to China Daily] Father of six has helped about 1,000 disadvantaged children over 20 years of charity work When Brent Johnson first arrived in Shanxi province in 1990 to study Chinese culture and history, it proved the start of a close bond with orphaned and disabled children there. Then a junior at the University of South Carolina, he was enrolled at Shanxi University on a one-year student exchange program, during which he met his future wife, Serena, a fellow American who shares his affection for China. Their deep concern for poor people meant their dates were often spent at welfare institutes. Johnson was impressed by his year in China, and after returning to South Carolina to finish his medical degree, he and his wife decided to move to China in 1998 to start voluntary work with orphans. Since then, they have been dedicated to helping sick and disadvantaged children, and have traveled to many parts of northern China, including Beijing and the provinces of Heilongjiang, Shandong and Hebei, to carry out charity work. Johnson's ties with orphans in Shanxi date back to April 2004, when he approached Geng Kaiwen, the dean of the Taiyuan Social (Children) Welfare Institute, during a gathering in Beijing. He offered to fund treatment for the institute's disabled children through the China Care Foundation, a charity aimed at saving the lives of medically fragile orphaned children. Although touched by the doctor's sincerity, Geng hesitated because Johnson was a foreigner. However, Johnson did not give up. He went to Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi, and gave Geng a persuasive presentation. He also invited Geng to visit the foundation in Beijing. Seeing how the China Care Foundation operated eased Geng's concerns, and he was moved by Johnson's proposal to send sick children to the capital for treatment and return them to Shanxi after recovery. "Many children didn't get the treatment they needed in time due to a lack of funds and the outdated conditions in our institute," Geng said. "Johnson's proposal would address our problems and help those in need in a broader way." During a business trip to Taiyuan in 2005, Johnson needed to catch a late flight to Beijing, and Geng suggested they have dinner together. Considering the tight time and budget, he bought the American a simple bowl of rice noodles. Touched by Geng's frugal behavior, Johnson decided to nail down the funding agreement with the Taiyuan institute there and then. In addition to providing manpower, funding and technology, Johnson also founded a project in Taiyuan to create a cozy environment for children to recover after treatment and help find new permanent homes for orphans. Dang Xiaohua, born in 1992, had congenital scoliosis and was told she would not live to see her 18th birthday, as the surgery she needed was expensive and risky. As a result, she cut herself off from others. When he became aware of Dang's situation, Johnson contacted a hospital in the United States and paid for the surgery, which cost more than 400,000 yuan ($59,500). He also managed to arrange her adoption by an American family before she turned 14, the age limit for adoption. When Dang returned to Taiyuan 18 months later, Johnson said she had become an outgoing teenager who always had a smile on her face. Johnson has changed the lives of many disabled orphans. He has helped an estimated 1,000 orphans in Taiyuan since 2004, including several hundred who received free surgeries. He also raised 800,000 yuan to improve living conditions at the Taiyuan Social Welfare Institute. His kindness has not only warmed orphans' hearts, but also touched the people around him. Geng said he remembers Johnson's words, "Every life needs to be treated with respect, even if he is a disabled newborn." Johnson, now 49 and a father of six, returned to the US in mid-July after nearly 20 years of charity work. It was difficult for his friends in China to say goodbye. Lu Lu, a former colleague who witnessed Johnson's commitment to charity in China, said she can still recall the first time they met 11 years ago. "Johnson told me in Chinese that it was his hobby to help people, especially disabled orphans," she recalled. "He set a great example for Chinese charity workers, and built an all-Chinese team to continue his work. "We hope to inherit his spirit and sow the seeds of love across the country," Lu added. The Military Band of the People's Liberation Army holds a special concert for the 90th anniversary of army on July 30. [Photo/VCG] On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, celebrations are held across the country to commemorate the history and tradition of the army. Exhibitions, performances, cultural events and sporting activities are taking place across China. Soldiers in active service, veterans, and civilians all participate in the events. Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with counterpart Ousainou Darboe China vowed on Tuesday to beef up cooperation on infrastructure construction, agriculture and tourism with Gambia, the West African nation that resumed diplomatic ties with Beijing last year. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks when meeting his Gambian counterpart Ousainou Darboe at the Foreign Ministry. NEW YORK - A deadly cholera outbreak and looming famine threatens to sink war-torn Yemen into an even deeper crisis, a senior UN official said on Tuesday. Auke Lootsma, UN Development Program Country Director, compared the situation in the country to a bus "racing toward the edge of a cliff". Instead of hitting the brakes and turning around, "the one controlling the direction of the bus keeps going and pushes the accelerator, all but certain to crash," Lootsma said via teleconference from the Yemeni capital Sanaa. "Historically, Yemen has been one of the poorest Arab nations - if not the poorest - with poverty and corruption, poor governance and poor infrastructure. The war has simply made it much worse," he added. Lootsma said that the Yemeni people are enduring incredible hardship, with 70 percent of the population - some 20 million people - in need of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, some 400,000 cases of cholera recorded in the past few months have resulted in 1,900 deaths. Due to the scope of the crisis combined with a lack of funding and access, humanitarian groups "are asked to cover gaps that are well beyond" their mandates and capacities, he said. The country is on the brink of famine, with 60 percent of the population not knowing where its next meal is coming from, Lootsma added. "The current food security crisis is a man-made disaster not only resulting from decades of poverty and underinvestment, but also as a war tactic through economic strangulation," he said. "The collapse of the health, water and sanitation sector due to a lack of salaries and damaged infrastructure" has exacerbated the situation, he said, with almost half of the health facilities no longer functioning because they are partly or completely damaged. What makes the situation worse is that "doctors and nurses are not coming to work because they have not been paid and looking for income elsewhere." With almost 1.2 million civil servants having not been paid since September 2016, many businesses have collapsed. Lootsma called on the international community to redouble its efforts, warning that time is running out to end the crisis. Xinhua People gather around a charity tanker truck to fill up their jerrycans with drinking water in Bajil of the Red Sea province of Hodeidah, Yemen, on July 29.Abduljabbar Zeyad / Reuters (China Daily 08/03/2017 page11) HERAT, Afghanistan - A suicide bomber and a gunman killed at least 29 people and wounded 63 at a packed Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's main western city of Herat on Tuesday, the latest attack to highlight the country's deteriorating security situation. The assault on the Jawadya mosque, which is close to Afghanistan's border with Iran, came a day after the Islamic State group claimed a deadly attack on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul. The Herat attack was the latest in a series of assaults on Afghanistan's minority Shiite population. "The death toll has risen to 29 killed and 63 wounded. Some wounded are in a critical condition so the toll may go up," hospital spokesman Rafeeq Shirzai said. Herat police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said the assault happened around 8 pm when "a terrorist attack was carried out on a (Shiite) mosque in the third security district of Herat city". "Based on our initial information two terrorists were involved, one of them wearing a suicide vest who detonated himself while the second one was armed with a rifle. They are both dead," he added. A reporter said he had seen a number of bodies brought out of the mosque, leading to fears of a heavy death toll. He reported seeing a body torn to pieces at the entrance, possibly that of the attacker, while others were lying in pools of blood inside, some still crying and moving. Photos posted on social media showed large crowds had gathered at the hospital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but IS has been targeting Shiite minority crowds and mosques in Afghanistan for around a year. The Taliban specifically denied that it was involved. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the "attacks that deliberately target civilians are clear violations of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law". IS has been expanding its footprint in eastern Afghanistan and has recently claimed responsibility for several devastating attacks in the capital. In July last year, IS militants claimed responsibility for twin explosions that ripped through crowds of Shiite Hazaras in Kabul, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. Afp - Xinhua (China Daily 08/03/2017 page12) Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Since 2014, when Russia abruptly shifted its policy eastwards, China has been viewed as Russias core partner. Many projects that were initially planned to be implemented in Western Europe and North America also changed their vector towards the East and countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. But, undoubtedly, China has become more active in the eastern region in recent years than other Asian countries. With Chinas innovative and business-like attitude, it has been the number one economic partner for Russia for the whole seven years. During these years, the frequency of official meetings between the two countries leaders has increased which suggests that the bilateral relations are at their highest. Since then, China and Russia have been gradually strengthening their mutual ties. During the last visit of Chinas high ranking officials to Russia, several agreements were signed in a range of areas such as culture, politics, the economy and social matters. The two sides have agreed to focus on an economic partnership. It is well known that China is Russia's number one partner in terms of international trade. Year-on-year, the trade turnover between two countries increases, but it is still desirable to attract more potential investors from China. Russia has a lot to offer to China. It has vast natural resources and land which can be exploited for the benefit of both Russia and China. One of the most discussed projects today is the Belt and Road Initiative. When the project was officially announced in Kazakhstan and then launched, Russia was among the first countries that expressed its eager support. Nowadays, all major projects between Russia and China are implemented under the Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, in 2015, Russias and Chinas leaders discussed the possibility of integrating the Eurasian Economic Union into the B&R Initiative. The countries in EAEU have also expressed their support and eagerness as the B&R Initiative will benefit the economic development of these countries, resulting in establishing peace and stability in the region. The educational cooperation between Russia and China is also flourishing, as the number of exchange students grows each year. For now, there are numerous scholarships, both in Russia and in China, that allow students to get education partially or fully exempt from fees. It is crucial for China and Russia to have good ties, as the two countries, being neighbors and both of strong geopolitical importance to each other, are involved in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Belt and Road Initiative and BRICS. In Eurasia, Russia and China relations determine the development of the whole region. Hopefully, the friendship between the two countries has a long-term tendency and will have a positive impact not only on the Eurasian region, but also globally. Japan's Defence Minister Tomomi Inada announces her resignation during a news conference at the Defence Ministry in Tokyo, Japan July 28, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada resigned on Friday following weeks of scandal that included the alleged withholding of internal documents, especially those on the daily activities and safety conditions of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force during its UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan. Once Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's protege and a shining female member of the Japanese Cabinet, Inada resigned days before completing one year in office. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida will now hold the additional charge of the defense portfolio until a new defense minister is appointed. Ostensibly, Inada's involvement in the "cover-up" of the self-defense force's activities a year ago in South Sudan, where the Japanese troops were barred from taking part in peacekeeping operations unless the warring parties declared a ceasefire, ended her career. However, the daily activity logs of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force suggest combat between government and rebel forces in South Sudan in July 2016. If confirmed, the documents could put a big question mark on the legitimacy of Japan's overseas peacekeeping operations. The Japanese Defense Ministry had said late last year that the data had been deleted, but it released part of the information which was found on a computer in February. Inada's recent missteps occurred in the lead-up to the Tokyo metropolitan election that were held on July 2. She came under fire for rallying support for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a move seen as the politicization of the Ground Self-Defense Force and a violation of Japan's Self-Defense Forces Act. Not surprisingly, her gaffe dealt a blow to the LDP, which won only 23 seats in the 127-member chamber, an all-time low. Although not unanticipated, Inada's resignation could add to the political woes of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid a string of political scandals and plummeting support rate, which has fallen below 30 percent in some polls, the lowest since he returned to power in 2012. Since the end of the Cold War, his predecessors with less than 30 percent popular support have all ended up stepping down within a year. Abe's personal rapport with Inada, an outspoken political hawk, could no longer save her because his own career is in trouble. Alleged favoritism linked to a friend's business and flawed disclaimers in the face of solid evidence have undermined public trust in him and his administration. So Abe has to make efforts to prevent his approval rating, which is still above the "deadly" single-digit level, from dipping further if he wants to seek a third three-year term next year and remain Japan's leader until 2021. And the planned reshuffle of the Cabinet and LDP leadership this week is very important for Abe to regain public support. Of all the changes, the posts for Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, and LDP heavyweight and former defense minister Shigeru Ishibaalso the front-runners for the LDP leadershipwill be closely watched. Ishiba, who left the Cabinet to work out a strategy to replace Abe when the latter's term as LDP president expires in 2018, remains an unknown element. But no matter who gets ahead in the LDP leadership race, there is a risk that Abe will be forced to step aside by his party rivals if his support rate drops to a level that threatens the LDP's legitimacy to rule. The author is an associate researcher at the Japan Studies Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Employees work on the assembly line at a Foxconn plant in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.[Photo/BLOOMBERG] MULTINATIONAL ELECTRONICS CONTRACTOR Foxconn Technology Group, headquartered in Tucheng, New Taipei, has announced it will invest $10 billion over the next four years to build a liquid-crystal display manufacturing facility in Wisconsin in the United States. China Youth Daily commented on Tuesday: Foxconn's investment will be the largest new greenfield investment made by a foreign company in the United States, creating 3,000 new jobs and 10,000 more in the future, according to reports. The move is partly seen as a response to US President Donald Trump's ambition to revitalize domestic manufacturing. Not long after he assumed office, Trump threatened to impose punitive tax as high as 35 percent on US companies manufacturing overseas and selling their products in the US. Because of its high labor costs and thriving capital market, in theory, the US should import labor-intensive products and export capital-intensive ones. However, in reality, it is the other way round, as the country exports labor-intensive products thanks to its leading position in scientific research and technological innovation. Investment in professional education and training has also helped US companies improve efficiency without employing a great number of workers. And more capital, intellectual and financial, has been poured into the manufacturing sector to facilitate automation. These have led to a steady increase in labor costs and a waning demand for manual labor. Foxconn's new plant in Wisconsin, for example, will rely heavily on automation. Only 3,000 workers are needed in initial stages, which is not many considering the size of investment. The world's largest electronics contractor also aspires to advance in areas such as nanotechnology and cloud computing. Foxconn should be an inspiration to mainland manufacturers that recruitment is becoming more about the quality of workers instead of the quantity. US House Speaker Paul Ryan (Front) speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, the United States, on July 25, 2017. The US House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that will slap tougher sanctions on Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). [Photo/Xinhua] The best scenario in pursuing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsulaall stakeholders jointly pursuing a peaceful resolutionappears increasingly distant and unachievable. Indeed, there are signs that the fragile solidarity that had appeared to have been forged recently has already crumbled, since the apportioning of blame has resurged after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea test-launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile in a month. By all measures, Pyongyang's latest progress in intercontinental ballistic missile technology is bad for all parties concerned. Not only is it in clear violation of United Nations resolutions, but it also constitutes a greater threat to peace and stability in the region. Pyongyang's right to develop nuclear capabilities aside, its constant saber-rattling cannot but be taken as a dangerous threat to all, including China, which feels threatened by the damage Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ambitions may inflict on its immediate neighborhood. For that reason, although US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration at what he considers Beijing's failure to dissuade Pyongyang from its nuclear adventure, Beijing has every reason to feel unfairly burdened with a task that is obviously beyond it, especially as it has been working diligently to broker a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Trump is wrong in his assumption that Beijing can single-handedly handle the matter. As Beijing has said, repeatedly, it does not have the kind of "control" over Pyongyang that the US president believes it does. Nor will Beijing accept Trump's allegation that it has done nothing. From Beijing's perspective, it has significantly increased the pressure on Pyongyang by doing everything the strengthened UN sanctions regime requires of it. The only thing that has proven to be true so far is no country can solve the DPRK problem by itself. The logical conclusion, therefore, is the stakeholders need to work more closely together in order to find a way to guarantee peace on the peninsula. Unfortunately, Trump's threat to link the issue to trade and mount pressure on China show these two stakeholders are moving further apart rather than coming together. This lack of unity is a formula for failure and may, instead of a peaceful resolution, lead to a worst-case scenario. The flag raising ceremony during the military parade at Zhurihe training base in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region Sunday, July 30, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] On the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech on its historical contributions, development and the necessity of further reform. What the PLA has accomplished over the past 90 years can be boiled down to its indispensability to the founding of the People's Republic of China, the irreplaceable role it has played in guaranteeing a peaceful environment for the republic's economic development and social progress and the contributions it has made to maintaining world peace. Without a strong military, it would have been unimaginable for China to achieve what it has and make the contributions it has to the overall development of the global economy. And it should go without saying that the country needs a strong and modern military to counter any aggression and to defend its sovereignty and territory integrity. Just as President Xi said in his speech, Chinese people treasure peace and will never wage a war of aggression, but they will never allow any of its territory to be scraped away, in any form, at any time. To guarantee it never has to swallow this bitter pill and ensure it can counter any aggression, further reform is needed to make its national defense stronger. Taiwan still has to be reunified with the motherland, and some secessionists on the island harbor the intention of making it an "independent" country, and there are also the threats of terrorism and extremism. To counter these threats and safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, the military needs further reform so that it is not only ready to fight but also able to win. A founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of its Security Council, China has also become increasingly involved in the UN's global peacekeeping operations as its capabilities have developed. In recent years, the PLA has undertaken a growing number of peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions, and the number of troops China has contributed to such missions is more than any other Security Council member. But to do a better job of fulfilling its UN obligations, China needs further reform to modernize its military. As the PLA celebrates its 90th anniversary, the contributions it has made to a politically stable and economically prosperous China can never be overestimated, and its efforts to better shoulder its international responsibilities should be welcomed. Since 2004, the University of Science and Technology of China has provided "invisible financial aid", which uses big data technology to identify impoverished students and without fanfare provide them with a monthly subsidy of 160 yuan ($23.81) for 10 months of the year. The university monitors students' consumption in the canteens, and provides the subsidy to students whose monthly expenditure in the canteen is less than 200 yuan. The university's invisible financial aid project respects the students' privacy and is a good example for other universities to follow. The China National Center for Student Financial Aid has required student financial aid staff nationwide to learn from University of Science and Technology of China's successful experience to improve their student financial aid work, especially at the beginning of the new academic year. The student financial aid system covers students with financial difficulties in all stages of education, and both public and private schools. The system aims to prevent any students with financial difficulties being deprived of education. The flag raising ceremony during the military parade at Zhurihe training base in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region Sunday, July 30, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] August 1, 2017, marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It is a historically important milestone for China and all oppressed peoples of the world. The past 90 years have witnessed glorious achievements made by the PLA under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Founded in 1927 and originally called the "Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army", the Chinese military has played a key role in determining the course of the country. Undoubtedly, the army has made great contributions to the nation's socialist construction and reform drives as well as demonstrating its increasing capacities and unshakable determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in particular, its defense responsibilities in Hong Kong and Macao. In the words of President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the PLA with multidimensional characters has "loyally committed to its sacred duty of defending the security of the motherland and the peaceful life of the people, and loyally committed to the sacred duty of safeguarding world peace". In present times, the PLA with its highest combat capability and "live-fire exercises" is known throughout the world as a mighty, civilized force for global peace. Indeed, the PLA has been through a long revolutionary process with its course over the past 90 years. On August 1, 1927, with only 20,000 soldiers, the Red Army, the forerunner of the PLA, held an uprising in Nanchang city, capital of East China's Jiangxi province, which marked the founding day of the armed forces of the CPC. On that day, Zhou Enlai, He Long, Ye Ting, Zhu De and Liu Bocheng commanded their troops to attack and occupy the city of Nanchang. The Nanchang Uprising marked the first shots of the armed resistance against the Kuomintang (KMT, or Nationalist Party of China) reactionary forces, and has been recorded as a great event in China's revolutionary history. The PLA, led by the late leader Mao Zedong and many others fought courageously the Agrarian Revolutionary War (1927-37), the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and the War of Liberation (1946-49) and through an arduous struggle of 22 years defeated enemies from both within and outside the country and founded the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. More than 35 million soldiers and civilians were killed and injured in China, the main oriental theatre of the Second World War. The hard-working spirit of the Red Army has never faded. China's contributions and sacrifices against Japanese Aggression have been stored in the people's collective memory from generation to generation. The Long March spirit is with the Chinese people today, and its aim is to make Chinese dreams come true. China follows a 'defensive' defense policy, providing the guarantee for maintaining China's security and unity, and realizing the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way. In the past 90 years, the PLA, under the CPC's collective leadership with Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping, has made indelible contributions to national independence, prosperity and strength, and the well-being of the Chinese people. Today, the PLA is vastly different from its humble origins of 1927. Currently it is the world's largest military force. The PLA is composed of five main service branches, consisting of the PLA Army, PLA Navy, PLA Air Force, Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), and the PLA Reserve Force. The PLA Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force were established in late 2015. According to a national defense white paper entitled "China's Military Strategy," published in 2015, the PLA boasts 2 million soldiers, 800,000 reservists, and an Armed Police Force numbering 1.5 million. Since its establishment, the PLA has evolved significantly and rapidly, particularly when it comes to the defense technologies and the weapons it uses. During the 1960's China emerged as another nuclear power in the world. The 1964 atomic bomb test at the Lop Nur nuclear test site in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region made China the fifth nuclear power. Over the last decade, the PLA has built up capabilitiesincluding nuclear submarines, anti-ship missiles, advanced fighter jets and an aircraft carrierthat are designed to prevent the US from intervening in a conflict in Asia. Founded on November 11, 1949, the Air Force began developing during the Korean War from 1950. It is the largest air force in Asia and the third-largest in the world, after the United States and Russia. In recent years China's air force is moving forward to the fourth generation from the third-generation fighters. In July last year, the Xi'an Y-20, a large military transport aircraft, entered service with the air force. The Chengdu J-20, China's independently developed fourth-generation stealth fighter, entered service on March 9 this year. China's J-15 "Flying Shark" fighter jet is considered one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. Today, the air force is no longer dependent on Russian-made air defense missiles or transport planes, thanks to its own indigenous, cutting-edge HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missile and the Y-20 strategic transport aircraft. During the massive military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, held on September 3, 2015, China displayed a host of home-made conventional and nuclear weaponry which included the Dongfeng-5B intercontinental strategic missiles, designed to carry nuclear warheads, and the Dongfeng-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles described by some media as the "carrier killer." Other cutting-edge weaponry included the PLA's state-of-the-art tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and its new generation of airborne early warning and control aircraft, carrier-based fighters and attack helicopters which streaked low across the skies. Surely, these high-profile weapons reflect the latest modernization of the Chinese armed forces, which was a result of the country's economic and technological progress. The PLA Navy has developed rapidly under Xi's military modernization. On June 28, 2017, China became a global naval power when it launched its new generation destroyer, the Type 055 with domestic designs and well equipped with air defense weapons. The new destroyer is one of the largest and mightiest of its kind in the world, compared with other destroyers like the United States' Arleigh Burke, South Korea's Sejong the Great, and Japan's Atago. The nuclear-powered Type-094 ballistic missile submarines along with Type-093 and Type-091 nuclear-powered attack submarines give the PLA Navy the capability to better execute open sea missions. China launched its first domestically developed aircraft carrier, after the Liaoning, on April 26 this year. The ship is the largest and most sophisticated surface vessel China has ever built. Before that, the PLA Navy operated a single aircraft carrier, the CNS Liaoning, which is a refitted Soviet-era vessel. According to a report published in China Daily, the PLA Navy commissioned 18 ships in 2016, including missile destroyers, corvettes and guided missile frigates. China's armed forces have been actively expanding their military cooperation with other countries. The PLA is participating in many missions such as international peace-keeping, anti-piracy, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and other international activity. At present, 2,409 Chinese peacekeepers are engaged in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. The PLA provided medical aid to those affected by the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, in 2014 with unprecedented generosity. This is the responsibility that the PLA accepts as the armed forces of a major country. The PLA Navy officially established its first overseas base ever, the Djibouti base, in the African nation's capital, Djibouti City on July 11, 2017. The United States, France and Japan now have military bases in Djibouti. But it should be noted here that China's Djibouti Logistics Support Base has not been established for China's strategic deployment of military forces, but for implementing the country's escorting, peace-keeping and humanitarian aid missions in Africa and West Asia. Nine decades later, China's army is in the process of wide-ranging modernization with the aim of reducing its size while upgrading its technological prowess. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the PLA has resolutely abided by the decisions and instructions of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, earnestly studied and implemented the content of Xi's important speeches, in particular his exposition on national defense and army building. President Xi announced on September 3, 2015, that he would reduce the country's military personnel by 300,000 in coming years to present the People's Liberation Army as a force for peace and regional stability. According to the PLA Daily article published on July 11,2017, China will downsize its army to under a million and will increase the numbers of other services, including the Rocket Force, Air Force, Navy and Strategic Support Force (mainly responsible for electronic warfare and communication), with more resources and inputs. On July 24, 2017, during a group study attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, President Xi urged "all-out efforts" to deepen national defense and military reform. "Quantity should be reduced and quality improved to build a capable and efficient army, and labor intensity should become science and technology-oriented, he said. It can only be hoped that reducing the organizational mass of the PLA, China can fulfill its growing mission and win modern wars with a smaller but more capable military under the new global situation. The army is moving in the right direction with the support of the entire nation and the CPC. The PLA, true to its name, has always maintained its basic peoples' army character. PLA men and women are resolutely supporting the realization of the "two centenary goals" and the Chinese dream of great national renewal, following the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, and Deng Xiaoping Theory. However, the army always should bear in mind what Mao Zedong taught, "Army is more like a fish and people are like the water in a river." Since late 2012, China's military system has been changed from quantity to quality and from human-intensive to scientific-intensive in accordance with the country's ongoing national defense and military reform guided by Xi's. It is hoped the PLA will faithfully strive to fulfill the sacred duty of protecting China's security and people's well-being, and carry out the noble mission of upholding world peace and progress of humanity. Xiamen international conference and exhibition center will host the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on September 3-5. [Photo/People's Daily Online] People arriving these days at Xiamen Gaoqi international airport, Southeast China's coastal Fujian province, are quick to notice that there is an important event in the offing. Banners of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, BRICS economic bloc summit to hold in Xiamen city from September 3-5 are already fluttering in the hallways of the busy airport. Sponsored by a local bank, the red banners carry the message, "Welcome to BRICS summit" in English and Chinese. Summit theme With theme, "BRICS: Stronger partnership for a brighter future," the summit's main venue will be the Xiamen international conference and exhibition center. Elsewhere on the 13.7-km-long island with a population of almost 4 million inhabitants, discussions tend to center on the forthcoming BRICS leaders' summit the second time China will host the event after 2011. All hands on deck for BRICS summit Preparations for a successful event are already in full gear. Xiamen city officials on May 22 launched a 100-day countdown to the 9th BRICS summit. "BRICS Xiamen summit is fast approaching. We have drawn up schedules and kept everything in progress," Pei Jinjia, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xiamen Municipal Committee told a press conference at the C&D Hotel, Xiamen last May. The Philippines News Agency cited Pei as saying then that preparations for the biggest international event to be hosted by Xiamen were based on five guidelines. These are avoiding extravagance, ensuring that the event benefits the city and its citizens, assuring security and safety, providing quality logistic services and encouraging massive public participation. Chinese panda Huan Huan, which is on loan to France, is expecting twin cubs, according to the zoo which carried out a medical examination and revealed the results exclusively to China Daily on Tuesday. [Photo provided to China Daily] Chinese panda Huan Huan, which is on loan to France, is expecting twin cubs, according to the zoo which carried out a medical examination and revealed the results exclusively to China Daily on Tuesday. With France's first lady likely to be a "godmother" to the new arrivals, a team of Chinese and French panda experts is awaiting the birth of Frances first baby panda, which is expected later this week. The excitement follows the recent discovery that 9-year-old Huan Huan was pregnant following artificial insemination. She has been receiving intensive care from a team of experts at ZooParc de Beauval, which is located more than 200 kilometers from Paris. "It is very difficult to know exactly when the baby (cubs) will be born," said Delphine Delord, the director of the zoo. "My colleagues told me it will be on Friday or Saturday but we are waiting. Maybe, it will be a little bit earlier or later. We still do not know exactly when." Delord said one French expert and two from China are sleeping next to Huan Huan in preparation for the birth. The zoo has formed a team to help with the birth that comprises at least 10 people, she said. She said Huan Huan is off her food and has begun to lose weight, something that is normal for a panda in the final days of a pregnancy. "Now, she only eats bamboo, and sometimes apple," said Delord. She said her team has access to panda milk, which was brought from China. They do not yet know the gender of the cubs. The zoo will follow tradition and wait for China to name them. Delord confirmed that Brigitte Macron, the nations first lady, will be reported shortly after the delivery and she is believed to become god mother of the cubs. "I fell very excited because it is the first baby of Huan Huan and the first panda to be born in France. It is a very important birth. After the baby comes, we will contact the first lady," said Delord. She said the plan calls for the cubs to remain with Huan Huan. "If not, we can keep the baby in the incubator," she said. "And the baby will be returned to mom every two hours and every four hours in addition to us feeding the baby." Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, which is also 9, arrived in France in 2012 but failed to hit it off as a couple and have not been successful during the panda breeding season, which only lasts for two to three days each year. Delord said she felt proud that Huan Huan and Yuan Zi have boosted the relationship between China and France. This year, China and Europe have intensified panda diplomacy, with pandas arriving in the Netherlands in April and in Berlin during June. Beijing has also reached agreements with Finland and Denmark for China to supply pandas to those countries. And pandas have already settled into enclosures in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Spain. Xiang Chen in Brussels contributed to this story. The United States is expected to overtake the European Union as China's largest trade partner this year, a former vice-minister of commerce said. At the same time, China's trade structure will continue to optimize, and private companies are likely to dominate the export sector, Wei Jianguo, who is also vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, told China Daily in an exclusive interview. Sino-US trade will continue to boom in the second half of this year, "with China's imports from the US growing faster than its exports". Therefore, the US trade deficit with China will decline, he said. Part of the reason why the US would surpass the EU, which was China's number one trading partner for almost the past decade, Wei said, lies in ever-strengthening Sino-US economic and trade ties. In April, China and the US agreed to initiate a cooperation plan to address the trade imbalance. Under the plan, China will resume US beef imports, and allow rice imports for the first time. Wei's predictions are in line with recent industry figures. Between January and June, Sino-US trade reached 1.85 trillion yuan ($272 billion), up 21.3 percent year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs. The growth rate is higher than that between China and EU members, which stood at 17.4 percent in the same period. Sino-EU trade was 1.97 trillion yuan. "With such a growth rate, it won't take long for China's total trade volume with the US to exceed that with EU members", said Wei. China's total trade volume was 13.14 trillion yuan in the first six months, up 19.6 percent year-on-year, according to the GAC. Specifically, exports grew by 15.0 percent to 7.21 trillion yuan, and imports surged 25.7 percent to 5.93 trillion yuan. Huang Songping, a spokesman for the GAC, said earlier that the increase was mainly due to recovering external demand that pushed up exports. Looking into the overall picture in the second half of this year, Wei said China's trade would still gain momentum. "The growth rate of China's trade with economies along the Belt and Road Initiative would be 5 to 6 percentage points higher than other regions." Official data show trade between China and Belt and Road economies posted double-digit growth year-on-year in the first six months. Privately run companies, even some small and micro businesses, would dominate the trade sector, with more high-tech products and self-owned brands being exported, Wei added. In the first six months, private companies' imports and exports grew 20.6 percent year-on-year to 5.02 trillion yuan, show data from the GAC. It accounted for 38.2 percent of the nation's total volume. "The current domestic and foreign environment is favorable to future trade flows But it is still an arduous tasks to maintain the uptrend for the rest of the year," Qian Keming, a vice-minister of commerce, said on Monday at a news conference. Qian cited trade protectionism and rising costs as the major factors. (China Daily USA 08/01/2017 page1) The Journey of Glory photo exhibition opened on Monday at UN headquarters in New York to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. Major General Huang Xueping, head of the Military Staff Committee of China's Permanent Mission to the UN, speaks at the opening of the Journey of Glory photo exhibition. Liao Pan/China News Service It illustrates 90 years of achievements of the PLA, led by the Chinese Communist Party, in its fight for the independence and liberation of the Chinese nation; safeguarding the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the country; and participating in the great cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, said Major General Huang Xueping, head of the Military Staff Committee of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. It also shows that the PLA is committed to maintaining world peace and stability and continuously demonstrating China's responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Huang said. "In UN peacekeeping missions, escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, the fight against the Ebola infectious disease in Africa and in international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, the images of the PLA are everywhere," Huang said. The weeklong exhibition is composed of more than 60 photographs displayed on the first floor. "China plays a significant role in the peace and security architecture of the United Nations, not only as a permanent member of the Security Council, but also as a significant financial as well as police and troop contributor to UN peacekeeping," said Alexander Zuev, assistant secretary-general for rule of law and security institutions in the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations, or DPKO. Zuev said that in 2016 and 2017, China was the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping's budget from assessments on members, after the United States, contributing 10.29 percent of the total of $7.87 billion. China is now 12th among 127 member states in providing troops and police to UN peacekeeping operations. China has more than 2,500 military and police personnel deployed in nine missions. "I would like to commend Chinese peacekeepers for their high performance, discipline and operational efficiency during their service in UN peacekeeping operations," Zuev said. Zuev said that at the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping in 2015, President Xi Jinping pledged a standby peacekeeping force of 8,000 troops and, at the UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial in September 2016, China joined five other countries in pledging units deployable within 60 days. "DPKO is very grateful for China's increased contribution and continued support to UN peacekeeping," said Zuev. Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with counterpart Ousainou Darboe China vowed on Tuesday to beef up cooperation on infrastructure construction, agriculture and tourism with Gambia, the West African nation that resumed diplomatic ties with Beijing last year. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with his Gambian counterpart Ousainou Darboe in Beijing on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua] Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks when meeting his Gambian counterpart Ousainou Darboe at the Foreign Ministry. Darboe is on a China visit from Monday to Sunday. It is his first official visit here after Gambian President Adama Barrow took office in January. He also met State Councilor Yang Jiechi, China's top diplomat, later on Tuesday. "Since China and Gambia resumed diplomatic ties in March 2016, bilateral relations have come back to the right track, opening up broad prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation," Wang said. Beijing formed diplomatic ties with Gambia in 1974. But in 1995, Gambia cut those ties and shifted to Taipei. In late 2013, it said it would cut "diplomatic" ties with Taiwan. A statement from the Gambian president's office said the decision was based on national strategic considerations. After learning of the decision, Beijing said it had not contacted Gambia beforehand. In February, Barrow vowed to follow the one-China policy of his predecessor. President Xi Jinping sent a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as his special envoy to attend Barrow's inauguration. China will deepen mutual political trust with Gambia, consolidate cooperation and expand civil exchanges, Wang said. China is Gambia's top trading partner, the Foreign Ministry said. Wang said the two countries will also beef up cooperation in international and regional affairs, lifting ties "to a higher level". Darboe told Wang that Banjul will "firmly adhere to the one-China policy" and expects to enhance pragmatic cooperation with China. He said Gambia appreciates China's support and assistance in reconstruction of its economy and society. Gambia speaks highly of Xi's Africa policies and major cooperation measures China raised at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2015, he added. After the meeting, they signed an agreement for a consultation mechanism between the two ministries. Former Chinese special envoy on African affairs Liu Guijin said that due to a lack of diplomatic relations in the past, Gambia missed a period of rapid development in China's assistance to Africa since the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was established in 2000. "But now Gambia has good relations with Beijing. So it will benefit from measures to help Africa raised at the Johannesburg summit," Liu said. Gambia now also will see increasing Chinese investment, he said. As for intraministry consultation, Liu said the Foreign Ministry formerly set up such links only with large countries. "But now we are setting up the mechanism regardless of the size of the nation." A collection of more than 400 letters and documents written two centuries ago will be digitized and made available to the public by the end of the year, something that is likely to shed light on Britain's intellectual engagement with China in the 19th century. The papers, produced by Thomas Manning, who lived from 1772 to 1840 and who was one of Britain's first scholars of Chinese language and culture, will be made available by the London-based Royal Asiatic Society. Although Manning is famous for his friendship with leading British literary figures, including Charles Lamb, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Charles Lloyd, his contribution to Western understanding of Chinese language and culture was previously little known. Gordon Johnson, president of the Royal Asiatic Society, said: "Wide public access to these papers could help Western scholars and members of the public see Chinese culture in a new way. These historical documents will play an important role in furthering relationships between China and the West in the 21st century." The archive consists of letters, papers, diaries, and notebooks detailing Manning's unpublished research, as well as the manuscript of Narrative of the Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa, which was published posthumously in 1876. Johnson said the documents, which were acquired by the Royal Asiatic Society in October 2015 for 98,000 pounds ($129,500), may be accessible to the public as soon as December. Manning, the son of a British rector, developed a fascination with Chinese history and culture at an early age. He travelled to Paris in 1800 where he studied the Chinese language. He later returned to England, where he studied medicine because he wanted to have useful skills to offer upon his later travels to China. Manning arrived in China in 1807 and lived in Guangzhou in the south of the country before embarking on several trips to less accessible areas in China, including Tibet. He returned to the United Kingdom in 1816. The full extent of Manning's achievements as a Sinologist only became apparent recently when his China-related papers were found and study of them revealed interesting and unexpected new material. "New study of this collection will be of tremendous value in furthering our understanding of European political and cultural engagement with Asia at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries: a critical period of interaction between the West and the wider world," Johnson said. Peter Luff, chairman of the UK's National Heritage Memorial Fund, said the Manning papers provide a "vital new perspective on the nature of Western intellectual engagement with Asia in the early 19th century". US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks during a press conference after talks with Chinese diplomatic and defense chiefs at the State Department in Washington, US, June 21, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday that the United States would like to have dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at some point. "We are not your enemy...but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," said Tillerson here at a press conference. "We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." Tillerson also reiterated that the United States seeks neither a "regime change" nor "collapse of the regime" in the DPRK. "We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula," Tillerson said. "We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel." Tillerson's remarks came days after the DPRK launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile in a month. The missile traveled about 1,000 kilometers before splashing down into the sea, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said in a statement. The DPRK said that the test-firing aimed to "finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Chinese investments have boosted Nepalese economy by generating employment and elevating living standards of the people, Nepal's Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal said. China is the largest source of foreign investment in Nepal while the country recorded economic growth of 6.5 percent last year and the World Bank has predicted the growth rate to reach 7.5 percent this year. Nepal's Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal Talking to China Daily website, Paudyal praised Chinese government's assistances to Nepal's stability and economic development. "China, as a reliable, trustworthy and all-weather good neighbor, has been providing assistance for socio-economic development and helping in stability of Nepal. China has never held back its support to Nepal irrespective of big political changes (even regime change) in Nepal and in international arena. China has never intruded in our internal matters and continuously supports the government as per the wishes of the Nepalese people," said the ambassador in the context of 62 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two neighbors. He said Nepal and China have been enjoying relations since ancient times. "Exchanges of intellectuals and artists from Kathmandu and Lumbini, birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha, to China and from Xian and other parts of China to Nepal opened up the avenues for cooperation since 2,000 years of recorded history. Gyirong remained uninterrupted pass in the last 2,000 years towards north and south of Himalayas. We have to explore the opportunities therein." Referring to trade deficit with China, Paudyal expected that China would consider the list of the products Nepal has proposed to specify under duty free and quota free category to enable Nepalese exports to China. "China has been very open, flexible to help us and let Nepalese product enter Chinese market on a large scale. We need help from China for the time being to enhance our production capacity by means of Chinese technology, capital and skills to produce as per Chinese market demands," he said. He emphasized linking Nepal with the Chinese rail network as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further increasing Chinese investment in Nepal in infrastructure, agriculture and service sectors. "Our priorities should include the improvement in connectivity such as railways, roadways, airways and communications between China and Nepal. To make this happen, we have to see more high-level political visits. Such visits create stronger basis of trust and understanding for all rounds of cooperation," he said. Paudyal urged Chinese investors to feel confident about their investment as Nepal is a land of opportunities and that the embassy would provide all necessary assistance if the investors faced any difficulties. The author works for The Rising Nepal and is currently a visiting reporter at China Daily Online. See full text of the interview Q: Nepal and China this year are marking 62nd year of their diplomatic relations. How do you see the relations in this context? A: We have adequate basis and reasons to be satisfied and feel happy with the achievements made in Nepal-China relations during the last 62 years. We have trouble-free and time tested excellent relations with China since we established the diplomatic ties in 1955. Nepal-China relation serves as an example of how a big and small neighbor in terms of economy, geography and population can happily coexist. Our relations have been continuously developing on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in internal matters and understanding on each other's concerns and sensitivities. China, as a reliable and trustworthy and all-weather good neighbor, has been providing assistances for socio-economic development and wishing for stability of Nepal. China never interrupted its support to Nepal irrespective of big political changes (even regime change) in Nepal and in international arena. China never intrudes in our internal matters but supports to the government of the day as per the wishes of the Nepalese people. Chinese clothing brand Urban Revivo will open its first store outside Asia, in the United Kingdom early next year as the "fast fashion" label expands. The company will open a branch in West London's Westfield shopping center in March, and then plans stores in Japan, France, the United States and the Middle East as part of a 600 million pound ($792.5 million) international expansion. Urban Revivo has 160 stores in China and one in Singapore. The company operates on the "fast fashion" model, releasing new designs twice a week. Founder Leo Li established the brand in 2006. A spokeswoman from the company said: "London is going to be UR's first step to expand into the European market and is a strategic priority for building UR's fashion empire." Karl McKeever, a retail analyst and director of retail agency Visual Thinking, said Urban Revivo will have noted London's status as a "key global fashion center". "It's a great coup that the UK is getting the first store outside of Asia," McKeever said. "London, specifically, is one of those places where all international brands want to be established." He said the company will need to differentiate itself from similar brands in London's crowded fashion market. He noted that the now hugely popular Japanese brand Uniqlo failed to catch on in the UK when it first entered in 2001, but returned with a distinct image. But McKeever was surprised by Urban Revivo's choice of location, electing to open a branch in the Westfield mall, rather than a high-profile high street location, such as on Oxford Street or Regent Street. China's Gangtai Group completed its acquisition of 85 percent of Italian jewelry brand Buccellati at a cost of 196 million euros ($233 million) on Tuesday. The deal, which values Buccellati at 230 million euros, will see Gangtai invest an additional 200 million euros into the company to help its global expansion over five years. This additional investment will help Buccellati open another 88 stores globally. Xu Jiangang, founder and chairman of Gangtai, said: "Our goal is to further improve the international presence of this iconic brand. We have defined a five-year investment plan of 200 million euros to sustain a strong growth in the existing markets, namely Italy, Europe and North America, and also to develop in the new markets, such as China, Asia, the Middle East and East Europe". Xu added that Gangtai will work to "maintain Buccellatis identity while enhancing all of the elements which make it one of the best known brands worldwide in the fine jewelry sector, including its craftsmanship, design and originality, which are the heritage of Italian jewelry." Buccellati, founded in Milan in 1919, is one of the most prestigious Italian jewelry brands. It was previously owned by the Clessidra private equity fund and the Bucellati family, which created the brand. After the sale, Clessidra and the Bucellati family will jointly retain 15 percent stake in the company. To ensure the continuity of the brands traditions, the core family members will keep their roles as managers within the company Andrea Buccellati, honorary chairman of Buccellati, said: "We will continue to devote ourselves to supporting its development." Buccellati added Gangtai Group's commitment to keep the jewelrys production in Italy represents its commitment to "preserve the company's uniqueness, especially its excellence, craftsmanship and quality". Gangtai Group is a privately held conglomerate with business across the consumer, culture, finance and health industries. Its subsidiary Gansu Gangtai Holding Co is one of largest gold jewelry distributers and a leading internet jewelry retailer in China with more than 1,200 employees. WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has signed into law new sanctions against Russia that were passed overwhelmingly by Congress last week and that run counter to his desire to improve relations with Moscow. A White House official said on Wednesday he had signed the bill, and White House adviser Kellyanne Conway confirmed this during an interview with Fox News. Given the delay since Congress approved the legislation last Thursday, there had been speculation that the Republican president might be resisting signing a bill that has already provoked countermeasures by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Congress, controlled by Republicans, approved the sanctions to punish the Russian government over interference in the 2016 presidential election, annexation of Ukraine's Crimea and other perceived violations of international norms. Trump, who has long said he would like better relations with Russia, grudgingly accepted the new sanctions, which also include Iran and DPRK. The bill had enough support in Congress to override a presidential veto. There were conflicting signals from the administration in recent days about the sanctions. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters on Tuesday that he and Trump did not believe they would "be helpful to our efforts" on diplomacy with Russia. Vice-President Mike Pence said that the bill showed Trump and Congress were speaking "with a unified voice." The new sanctions measure, the first major foreign policy legislation approved by Congress since Trump took office in January, includes a provision allowing Congress to stop any effort by the president to ease existing sanctions on Russia. The legislation will affect a range of Russian industries and might further hurt the Russian economy, already weakened by 2014 sanctions imposed after Russia annexed Crime from Ukraine. After Congress approved the sanctions last week, the Kremlin ordered the United States to cut about 60 percent of its diplomatic staff in Russia. Putin said on Sunday that Russia had ordered the United States to cut 755 of its 1,200 embassy and consulate staff by September, and was seizing two diplomatic properties. Several provisions of the new sanctions target the Russian energy sector, with new limits on US investment in Russian companies. American companies also would be barred from participating in energy exploration projects where Russian firms have a stake of 33 percent or higher. The bill includes sanctions on foreign companies investing in or helping Russian energy exploration, although the president could waive those sanctions. The bill would give the Trump administration the option of imposing sanctions on companies helping develop Russian export pipelines, such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline carrying natural gas to Europe, in which German companies are involved. Besides angering Moscow, the legislation has upset the European Union, which has said the new sanctions might affect its energy security and prompt it to act, too. Reuters India's trespass across the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector and into the Dong Lang area (Doklam) is a severe violation to China's territory and integrity, and its behavior "cannot be tolerated by any sovereign state", Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the ministry issued a paper giving details of the incursion and rebuking India's excuses for the move. On June 18, more than 270 armed Indian border troops and two bulldozers crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into Chinese territory to obstruct road building of the Chinese side, the paper shows. Geng said the Indian troops remain illegally in China's territory, and India, "instead of taking effective measures to correct its wrongdoing, has fabricated excuses for the illegal trespass by concocting various ungrounded reasons." China has repeatedly pointed out that India's trespass violates the 1890 Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet, which delineates the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector. According to the convention, the Dong Lang area (Doklam) is on the Chinese side of the boundary. The area, located in Yadong county of the Tibet autonomous region, "has all along been part of China and under China's continuous and effective jurisdiction", the Foreign Ministry said in the paper. "There is no dispute in this regard." Indian border troops have "obstructed the normal patrols along the boundary by Chinese border troops, and attempted to build military installations across the boundary" in recent years, the ministry said. "The fact of the matter is it is India that has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. A Foreign Ministry photo released on Wednesday shows Indian troops encroaching on Chinese territory. Provided to China Daily The ministry also rebuked the notion that the incursion took place at the boundary tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan, saying it occurred "more than 2,000 meters away from Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen" and thus has nothing to do with the tri-junction. According to the 1890 convention, the mountain is the eastern starting point of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector and the boundary tri-junction of the three countries. "It (India) has no right to unilaterally alter the delimited boundary and its eastern starting point, still less should it violate China's territorial sovereignty on the basis of its untenable arguments," the ministry said. Urging India to withdraw troops "immediately and unconditionally", the ministry said, "China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests." Geng said China issued the paper to further explain what really happened and elaborate on the Chinese government's position. "China did this to safeguard its territory and sovereignty, the basic principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations, as well as justice," he said. "China believes that the right cannot be wronged, and justice will prevail." wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn The trouble with modern politics is not merely that it is tribal. It is that the tunnel vision these tribal allegiances demand blind us to the permanent things. In Europe, a rhetorical battle wages over Europeans self-image. One side supports Angela Merkels open-door immigration policy and EU migration quotas for member states. It sees itself as cosmopolitan, Europhile, and offering the only compassionate response to the refugee crisis. This view, dominant in Brussels and the centers of political and academic influence, portrays the other side who tend to be Euroskeptics as provincial, unenlightened, and possessing an indifference to the suffering of Middle Easterners motivated by racial and/or religious bigotry. The problem, as Stephen Herreid points out in a new essay, is that this desire to solve the worlds problems through global governance has tragic, and sometimes deadly, unintended consequences. Among them is the explosion of human smuggling across the Mediterranean Sea corridor between Libya and Italy, and a rising death toll of the very people the policy was thought to relieve. In his latest article at Religion & Liberty Transatlantic, Herreid notes that even the most Europhile of politicians have begun to see that the open-door policy has become an economic incentive for human smugglers, leaving regions of northern Africa in chaos: At a press conference before the G20 Summit in Hamburg, European Council President Donald Tusk described opaquely how recent EU policy has encouraged the abuse of human dignity. The organized business of migrant smuggling generated $1.6 billion in Libya alone last year, Tusk said. These profits allow the smugglers to control some parts of the country. They also cooperate with terrorists and further undermine the stabilization in Libya. But most importantly, this status quo leads to the loss of innocent lives, he said. Like their spiritual forebears, the slave traders, human smugglers have no regard for the human dignity of their cargo. The number of would-be migrants who have died in the Mediterranean this year is 2,385, according to the United Nations. And, as Herreid reveals, charities and NGOs appear to be colluding with the pirates. Herreid who has written extensively on refugee issues for CatholicVote and The Stream insightfully details the issue, including last weeks ruling from the European Court of Justice, which was a significant setback for the policy. Devolving power to individual nations, rather than imposing an arithmetic formula of immigration and assimilation on each component part of an entire continent, would avoid such a widescale incentive to demean human dignity and revive the lost virtue of subsidiarity: When a centralized bureaucracy rules from on high and ignores subsidiarity, nobody wins but that central power itself which is in no position to manage local conditions. In fact, it is often those they claim to help who suffer the worst unintended consequences. When history books make their assessments of human misery in the early twenty-first century, those who spoke up for the least of these will be shown in the best light. For EU political institutions, truly protecting the suffering will mean reversing course from entrenched, remote, bureaucratic policymaking. Subsidiarity not only assures the sovereignty and influence of voters but, far more importantly, in this case it would prevent the unintended byproduct of compromising human dignity whether European, Libyan, Egyptian, or Pakistani. You can read his full essay here. (Photo: Irish naval forces rescue migrants, transporting them to Lampedusa. Photo credit: Irish Defence Forces. This photo has been cropped. CC BY 2.0.) The regular shoot of Allu Arjuns Naa Peru Surya is finally on the sets. The makers have officially kick started the regular shoot of the film today morning in Hyderabad. The makers are very much happy and excited with the way the things are progressing around the movie now as the initial buzz is so satisfactory and inspirational. The film makers also announced the release date, and it will be released on April 27th, 2018. In the film, Allu Arjun plays a military officer. The film marks the debut of writer Vakkantham Vamshi and it is certainly a great achievement for him. The film also stars Arjun Sarja in a key role and it is heard that Arjun will be playing Allu Arjuns father in the film. Along with some patriotic touch, the movie also has a father son drama in the backdrop of a military atmosphere. Anu Emmanuel is the heroine. Vishal -Sekhar composing the music for this flick. From Palestine to Gaza Area Settlements, Journey Into Times Coverage | Main | AFP Wrong on Western Wall August 02, 2017 Jordan Confirms Attack on Guard, Reuters Conceals Jordanian officials agree with Israeli officials that Jordanian carpenter Mohammed Jawawdah attacked Israeli embassy guard Ziv Moyal with a screwdriver before Moyal shot him dead. But Reuters refuses to report the Jordanian confirmation. In story after story, rather than reporting Jawawdah's attack on Moyal as fact, the influential wire service attributes the information to Israel, as if Jordan has not confirmed the attack, and as if the facts are not known. Here's what Jordan's Public Security Directorate concluded last week, and what Reuters refuses to tell readers: Based on statements by eyewitnesses, Two persons came at the apartment located inside the compound to furnish the bedroom. during [sic] the work inside the apartment, a dispute has erupted between carpenters as one of them is the son of carpentry owner, a verbal arguments delayed the completion of work. the [sic] son of carpentry owner attacked the Israeli diplomat who responded by shooting the carpenter the apartment owner. Injuries of both wounded led to instantaneous death upon arrival to the medical hospital. Testimonies of eyewitnesses revealed that during the verbal argument between the carpenter and the son of carpentry owner, the carpenter attacked the Israeli diplomat who responded by shooting. The owner of the apartment was shot and pronounced dead. The testimony of the door man was the same of other eye witnesses. The fact that multiple Jordanian eyewitnesses concur that Jawawdeh attacked the Israeli guard has not prevented Reuters from attributing the information only to Israel. Today, for example, in an article about an averted face-off between a Jordanian and an Israeli lawmaker ("Netanyahu calls off fistfight between Israeli, Jordanian lawmakers"), Reuters qualifies: The July 23 shooting to death of two Jordanians by an Israeli embassy guard who said he was acting in self-defense has outraged Amman, stirred up pro-Palestinian sentiment in the kingdom and prompted U.S. mediation efforts. In a July 28 article ("Jordanian protesters at Israeli embassy call for ending peace treaty"), Reuters likewise concealed the Jordanian finding that Jawawdeh attacked Moyal: Israel said the guard had been defending himself after Jawawdeh assaulted him with a screwdriver in a "terrorist attack". On July 27 ("Jordan's king demands Israel put guard on trial for killing Jordanians") as well Reuters attributed the information only to Israel, ignoring the Jordanian confirmation that Jawawdeh attacked the Israel: Israel said the guard had been defending himself after Jawawdah attacked him with a screwdriver in a "terrorist attack". CAMERA contacted Reuters about the failure to note that a Jordanian investigation found that the Jordanian worker attacked the Israel embassy guard, but the wire service stands by its reporting and continues to churn out the skewed account. In contrast, the Associated Press has explicitly reported that Jordanian authorities confirmed that Jawawdeh attacked the Israeli: Jordanian authorities have said the guard opened fire Sunday after a 16-year-old attacked him with a screw driver during a furniture delivery to the embassy. See also: How Reuters Twists a Fistfight That Never Was Posted by TS at August 2, 2017 11:41 AM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment In Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press, New York University associate professor Jay Rosen describes good investigative journalism as that which exposes things that powerful people dont want known. Through much of its history, America has celebrated efforts to speak the truth about power; however, the current social and political moment is one in which journalists who attempt to do so are sometimes demonized and even threatened. A slate of recent documentaries attempts to rehabilitate the reputation of the free press while reminding viewers of its role in protecting democracy by exposing the words and deeds of powerful people to public scrutiny. Nobody Speak, which premiered at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival and is now playing on Netflix, uses the case of Bollea v. Gawker to highlight the ways rich and powerful people can attempt to undermine and discredit the free press. Terry Bollea (a.k.a. Hulk Hogan) sued Gawker for posting excerpts from a sex video in which he appeared, eventually prevailing in a Florida court even after attempts to sue in federal court were dismissed. No one comes off well in Nobody Speak. Gawker appears to have legal precedent on its side, but it makes itself an easy target by wallowing in the journalism of personal destruction. Nick Denton sums up Gawkers mission by saying they wrote the news without access, favor, or discretion. Gawker writer John Cook is blunter, saying he wanted to write true things about bad people. But even as Gawkers mission and attitude help explain why they were a lightning rod for anti-press forces, they still come off as more honest and sincere than the people who vilify and punish them. Bollea, who the film intimates cared more about suppressing the reporting of a second video in which he used racial epithets, laughably dismisses questions about his emotional distress by claiming that Hulk Hogan gave up the expectation of privacy by going on Howard Stern and joking about the sex tape, but that he and his character should be treated as different legal entities. Bolleas lawyers leave serious doubts about whether they are serving their client or the secret financer of the lawsuit when they dismiss a charge in the lawsuit for no other apparent reason than to make Gawker unable to use insurance to cover possible damages. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Peter Thiel admits to paying millions of dollars of Bolleas legal fees even though he has no connection to the case. The scapegoating of the media plays out against a backdrop where thenpresidential candidate Donald Trump tells a riled up rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that I would never kill [journalists], and then grins and waves his hand in a 50-50 gesture as the crowd turns to hurl obscenities and jeers at the reporters covering the event. One attendee wears the now infamous shirt with the caption: Rope. Tree. Journalist. Some Assembly Required. As Nobody Speak spirals outward from the Gawker case to examine the broader cultural conflicts between journalists and the powerful, it loses some of its focus but none of its righteous indignation. The chapter on Sheldon Adelson buying the Las Vegas Review-Journal probably belongs in a separate movie, even if it does underline the films thesis that money can squash dissent even if it can never fully silence it. (In one of the films ugliest moments, columnist John L. Smith recounts how Adelson offered to pay over $100,000 of his daughters medical feesbut only if the columnist would publicly say he libeled him.) If embracing Gawkers rebels as soldiers at the frontlines of the culture wars protecting freedom of the press is a bridge too far for some viewers, two documentaries from First Run Features offer encomiums for some of modernitys more celebrated and influential writers. Kirk Simons The Pulitzer at 100 includes a biographical profile of Joseph Pulitzer, Hollywood stars providing dramatic readings from prize-winning literature, and interviews with journalists who have been awarded their professions highest honor. Article continues below Simon, who describes himself as an avid reader, cited a combination of literary craftsmanship and personal courage when describing the qualities that linked the dozen or so prize-winning journalists he interviewed. They are people I very much respect, the director said in an exclusive interview. A self-effacing recipient quips in the film that the Pulitzer is normally awarded to the story rather than the journalist, but Simon notes that award-winners are rarely the only ones covering the story for which they are best known. He mentioned New York Times journalist Sheri Fink and famed Washington Post reporter Carl Bernstein as two examples of journalists who exemplified the excellence that the Pulitzer is supposed to inspire and recognize. The stories these journalists are most known for reportingHurricane Katrina, the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, Watergategenerated lots of media attention. But, as Simon points out, even when the public is inundated with media coverage one set of stories stand out. Simon said he believed the film shows we need our great journalists because there are ways to dismantle [freedom of speech, which] is really the heart of American democracy. Barbara Kopples Hot Type: 150 Years of The Nation also provides an historical overview of some of American journalisms finest moments. The Nation, which Rachel Maddow calls a lefty North Star, was actually founded by Republicansabolitionists who wanted to expose and challenge the immoral practice of slavery. Over a century and a half, however, it has come to be known as a leading voice of progressives. Like nearly all newspapers and periodicals, The Nation faces challenges remaining financially solvent as its labor-intensive industrys infrastructure crumbles. Hot Types shadowing of editor Katrina vanden Heuvel drags a little as she tries to navigate the periodical through those challenges, but the film shines as it follows reporters on the road and underscores just how much time and effort goes into tracking, investigating, and reporting important events. Few if any of these reporters will ever attain the name recognition and awards of their peers in The Pulitzer at 100, but they share with those colleagues a passionate commitment to disseminating the truth, whether that means long drives to interview draught-plagued Texas farmers or trips to Haiti to document the devastating effects an earthquake has on an already impoverished nation. Although it is likely to be the least-viewed film of this group, Shine Globals The Wrong Light may ultimately be the most powerful reminder of the value of investigative journalism. Directors Josie Swantek Heitz and Dave Adams travel to Thailand to draw attention to human trafficking and profile Mickey Choothesa, the founder of COSA, a nonprofit refuge for at-risk girls. When one of the films subjects refutes Mickeys story that she was sold into slavery by her family and rescued from a brothel, the filmmakers dig deeper, and the profile shifts into an expose. Ultimately, COSAs biggest supporter, Hands Across the Water, severs all ties with the organization and accuses Choothesa of defrauding donors of over $750,000. Article continues below The Wrong Light doesnt present viewers with abstract arguments about freedom of the press; instead, they are shown that press in action. Human trafficking is real, and every dollar that is swindled by fake charities is a dollar that doesnt go toward helping some of the most vulnerable members of the global community. The film shows that we need committed, responsible, determined journalists because few of us have the resources to investigate the truth claims of those who make demands for our attention, our money, our votes, and our praise. Individually, each of these documentaries makes powerful points about how both individuals and communities are served and strengthened by a healthy and active free press. Collectively, they inspire, challenge, and provoke us to move past easy sloganeering about fake news and media bias to consider the ways good journalism informs and serves us. Dont Speak concludes with a quote from Thomas Jefferson: Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. Today we might update his sentiments by saying that the Gawkers of the world may be salacious, but we cannot suppress them without irreparably altering the environment and violating the principles that have given rise to the best journalists in our nations history. Kenneth R. Morefield (@kenmorefield) is a professor of English at Campbell University. He is the editor of Faith and Spirituality in Masters of World Cinema, Volumes I, II, & III, and the founder of 1More Film Blog. | A conservative South Carolina diocese that left The Episcopal Church five years ago has been involved in a complicated dispute over its name, leadership, and land ever since. Today, the Palmetto States supreme court decided that the Diocese of South Carolinawhich contains about 50 churches and 20,000 parishioners and is now part of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)does not get to keep about $500 million worth of historic church properties that it claimed in the split. The ruling declares that 29 local parishes cannot take their properties with them and must return them to the Episcopal Church. However, the breakaway diocese can continue to use its name, seal, and symbols. A lower court decision in 2015 granted the conservative Anglicans all their property, including churches, symbols, and other assets, worth half a billion dollars. That same year, the breakaway diocese rejected an Episcopal attempt to settle the dispute by basically letting the conservatives keep their physical properties in return for giving up their intellectual property. They refused. Today, the conservative churches received almost the opposite outcome. The complicated court reversal, which includes opinions from all five justices, hinged on the Dennis Canon, an Episcopal church law granting ownership of parish property to the local diocese and the national church. Justices ruled that even after the diocese moved to leave the denomination, only churches that had not acceded to the Dennis Canonjust seven in the diocesehad the rights to their property. The Diocese of South Carolinas lead counsel, Alan Runyan, called the ruling inconsistent with South Carolina and long-standing ... Pope Francis Commends Efforts of Knights of Columbus on Behalf of Persecuted Christians, Promotion of Family Life Papal greeting sent to K of C's 135th international convention Contact: Andrew Walther, 203-824-5412, andrew.walther@kofc.org; Joseph Cullen, 203-800-4923, joseph.cullen@kofc.org; both with Knights of Columbus ST. LOUIS, Aug. 1, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Pope Francis has praised the Knights of Columbus for its charity, especially on behalf of persecuted Christians and for defending and promoting the sanctity of marriage and the dignity and beauty of family life. The pope's sentiments are expressed in a letter of greeting to the Knights' 135th international convention, whose theme, "Convinced of God's Love and Power," is described as "a missionary one," revealing "enthusiasm for evangelization." Pope Francis expressed his "gratitude for the commitment of the Knights to supporting our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East" and commended the Knights of Columbus Refugee Relief Fund as "an eloquent sign of your order's firm commitment to solidarity and communion with our fellow Christians." The fund has raised $13 million in aid primarily for those suffering persecution in Iraq, Syria and the surrounding region. The letter asks the Knights to combat injustice and the growth of a global culture of indifference "in fidelity to the vision of the Servant of God Father Michael McGivney," and to do so in "their families, their parishes and their local councils." The letter notes that Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus "as a fraternal and charitable union of Catholic laymen, workers, husbands and fathers." The letter also points out that Pope Francis "is especially appreciative of the unremitting efforts of the Knights of Columbus to defend and promote the sanctity of marriage and the dignity and beauty of family life." It is in the family, says the letter, "that we come to see that the larger world is also our home, in which we are called to live together, to learn closeness, care and respect for others, and to value the God-given gifts that each of us has to offer for the good of all." The pope's message was conveyed in a letter from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Nearly 100 bishops including almost a dozen cardinals were present along with more than 2000 attendees at the convention as the letter was read at the opening business session on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Founded in 1882 by Father McGivney in New Haven, Conn., the Knights of Columbus has grown to nearly 2 million members with charity as its primary mission. Last year, Knights donated $177.5 million and more than 75 million hours of service to charitable causes. Share Tweet Senator Graham Introduces Parental Rights Amendment Contact: Maggie McKneely, ParentalRights.org, 540-338-1245, media@parentalrights.org WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate to propose a Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Graham's Senate joint resolution had four original cosponsors at its introduction on Tuesday, August 1: Roy Blunt (R-MO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Jim Risch (R-ID). The resolution will receive a bill number later this week. "We are gratified to see this crucial amendment introduced in the U.S. Senate for the fifth straight Congress," declared ParentalRights.org President Jim Mason, a proponent of the resolution. "If the recent Charlie Gard tragedy in the UK showed us anything it is that children are better served when loving parents make the important decisions about their care." The Amendment, which would provide that "[t]he liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right," requires a two-thirds vote in each house of Congress to go to the states for ratification. This means bipartisan support will be necessary for its passage. "The Parental Rights Amendment should absolutely have bipartisan support," according to Detroit-area family law attorney Allison Folmar. "And the consensus among the American people is that it does have that support. Now we're looking to Congress to reflect that reality." The NFL's 2005 MVP, Shaun Alexander, is also among those supporting the Amendment effort. Alexander is vice-president of ParentalRights.org. "The Parental Rights Amendment will protect the greatest team ever assembledthe family. Let's pass this amendment and let's protect the family," Alexander said in a recent release to the organization. "I want to thank South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham for his leadership in introducing this amendment, and I want to thank Senators Risch, Blunt, and Isakson for standing up for parents and children across this great nation as original cosponsors of the Parental Rights Amendment." Senators interested in cosponsoring the measure should contact Senator Graham's office. home World Archbishop of Canterbury discusses religious freedom of Christians with Sudan's president The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, has raised the issue of religious freedom in Sudan during his recent meeting with President Omar al-Bashir. Welby visited Khartoum last weekend to inaugurate Sudan as the Anglican Communion's 39th Province. The archbishop presided over the ceremony held on Sunday at the All Saints Cathedral, which included the installation of the province's leader, the Most Rev. Ezekiel Kumir Kondo. The ceremony was hailed by the archbishop as a "new beginning" for Christians in Sudan, according to World Watch Monitor. In an interview with the BBC, Welby said that he had "strongly" raised the issue of religious freedom when he met with al-Bashir the day after the ceremony. "We talked of how in England we seek to help mosques in ensuring that they are able to function well and freely," Welby said, according to Sudan Tribune. "In England, the Church of England often seeks to protect Muslims when they are under pressure," he explained, adding that he expected the same of Sudan when it came to protecting Christians. During a meeting at the Guest House in Khartoum on Sunday, al-Bashir claimed that Sudanese Christians and Muslims are enjoying "peaceful coexistence," even at the "level of the family." "The Christian churches or institutions have not been subjected to any aggression across history, which confirms that the Christian brothers in Sudan enjoy peace and live in love," the Sudanese president said. The Archbishop of Canterbury also spoke of seeing Christians and Muslims "co-existing powerfully and effectively" when he visited the southern diocese of Kadugli in the Nuba Mountains prior to the ceremony in Khartoum. During the Sunday service in Khartoum, Welby implored the government officials who attended the ceremony to respect the freedom of the nation's Christian minority. "My prayer for Sudan is that there will be freedom continually so that Christians may live confidently, blessing their country. The more they are free, the more they will be a blessing to Sudan," the archbishop said. Welby's visit came a few weeks after the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom accused Sudan of carrying out arrests of religious leaders and demolition of churches. Following a visit from EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, JAn FigeA, in March, the Minister for Religious Endowments promised to delay the demolition of more than 25 churches in the country. However, the minister has since been replaced and at least two churches have been demolished. A church worker was reportedly killed when he tried to defend church property from government takeover. During his visit in March, Figel also called for the release of two Sudanese pastors who were jailed along with a Czech aid worker. The aid worker had spent a year in prison before he was freed by presidential pardon in February. The two Sudanese pastors were eventually released in May. The Open Doors' World Watch List currently ranks Sudan as the fifth worst persecutor of Christians in the world. home World Sweden gave 'protected identities' to returning ISIS fighters, report claims The Swedish government has welcomed hundreds of Islamic State militants who returned from Iraq and Syria and gave them "protected identities" to keep locals from finding out who they are, according to a report. The Swedish magazine Expressen reported in late June that it has tracked as many as 150 ISIS fighters who have quietly returned to Sweden. One returnee interviewed by the publication was 27-year-old Walad Ali Yousef, who complained that he had difficulty finding a job. "I am looking for many jobs but can not get one because my pictures are out there," he said, according to Arutz Sheva. Yousef, who hails from Malmo, traveled to the ISIS capital of Raqqa in Syria in 2014 to join ISIS. He has sent pictures of himself posing with Kalashnikov rifles in Syria in an attempt to encourage his friends in Sweden to join the militants. Bherlin Dequilla Gildo, who posted images of himself posing with dead bodies in 2012, has also been given an entirely new identity after he returned to Sweden. The 39-year-old former ISIS fighter has reportedly participated directly in the killings of Syrian regime soldiers. About 100 Swedes are still believed to be fighting for ISIS in the Middle East. Some have feared that those Swedes will return home when Kurdish troops start pushing further into Raqqa. Alice Bah Kuhnke, the Swedish Minister for Culture and Democracy, has suggested that Swedes who fought for radical Islamist groups in the Middle East should be welcomed back and reintegrated into society. But she said that the government has no idea how many of the returnees are still radicalized compared to those who left because they had become disillusioned with Islamist beliefs. Terror expert Magnus Ranstorp noted that "the really dangerous ones have not come back yet." "The vast majority may not do anything, but they are still a danger to the authorities and it must be managed. It is important for the police to be able to prioritise this area so that they do not become dangerous to society," he added. In July, Sweden's security police SApo noted that there are around 3,000 violent extremists in the country, and about 2,000 of those have Islamist motives. Th agency has previously stated that around 300 people from Sweden are known to have traveled to the Middle East to join groups such as ISIS In 2012. Around 50 Swedes are said to have died while fighting abroad. A report from the agency in 2010 estimated the number of violent Islamist extremists in Sweden at 200. Meanwhile, an estimated 8,000 Christian asylum seekers are believed to be in hiding in Sweden because they face deportation. An Ethiopian Christian man suffered deep wounds to the back of his head when he was attacked by a group of local Muslims with machetes while at home alone because he had been evangelising, according to World Watch Monitor (WWM). The attack, which took place on July 16 and left the 27-year-old man needing life-saving surgery, occured in Hirna, a rural town east of the country's capital, Addis Ababa. The victim, who cannot be named for security reasons, was referred by his local clinic to the hospital in nearby Asebeteferi which in turn sent him to Adama, where a doctor, believing he would die on the way to a bigger hospital, operated on his wounds. Although he is still unwell according to WWM, the surgery stabilised him and his treatment is continuing. WWM was told by a source that the gang of Muslims who attacked the man were angry because he had been evangelising. The gang had first attacked the local Full Gospel Church and partly damaged its roof and a wall before going to the man's house, WWM reported. According to Open Doors which produces its annual World Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted violence against Christians in Ethiopia increased during 2017. More than 100 incidents were recorded in the country, including murder, imprisonment and physical attacks on people and businesses. WWM outlined how Christians also face other forms of harassment: Muslims who convert to Christianity will often be shunned by family members, denied inheritance and child custody rights. Meanwhile, evangelical Christians face challenges with the more conservative Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as well as the government, with Tigray state in northern Ethiopia reportedly considering adopting a new law that would ban Christians from evangelising outside church compounds and make it difficult for non-Orthodox Christians to own their own church or even meet in a house. Nonetheless, the latest census, in 2007, showed that Christianity is still Ethiopia's main religion (63 per cent of the population), and it is expanding its influence. The country is home to 'one of the fastest growing evangelical churches in the world', according to the theologian Allan Anderson in 2014. Beyond Boundaries: Avant-Garde Masterworks and Magnificent Jewels from a European Collection The sale of these exceptional pieces, offered in the second half of 2017 in New York, Geneva and Paris, represents one of the greatest moments of the autumn season This exceptional collection, assembled by a couple with a keen eye for art and design, comprises around 180 works from five categories: Impressionist and Modern Art, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Jewels, African Art and Design. This collection is without doubt one of the greatest moments of the autumn season, says Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christies. Not only because this group of works is of the highest quality and refinement, but also because this collection has a soul, a unique spirit. It is obvious that every object has been chosen with passion and with an extraordinary liberty by this couple of collectors. The Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art section was assembled with the guidance of renowned advisor Alain Tarica, who also worked with Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, and Hubertus and Renata Wald. The selection is led by Wassily Kandinskys Improvisation mit Pferden (Studie fur Improvisation 20), executed in 1911 and estimated at between $10,000,000 and $15,000,000. The Impressionist and Modern Art section reflects the connoisseurship of the collectors, who carefully acquired an extraordinary range of Modern and Dadaist masterpieces. In addition to the Kandinsky, the group encompasses examples by some of the most revered Modern and Dada artists of the 20th century, including Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, Man Ray, Gino Severini, Theo van Doesburg and Henri Laurens, among others. Executed in the crucial years between 1911 and 1920, several of these works are the last ones of such importance still in private hands. The collection also features 10 contemporary works, including pieces by Dan Flavin, Jean Fautrier and Yves Klein. Of these, a beautiful Klein Monogold from 1959 will be offered in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Auction in New York. Each of the 113 Art Deco and Art Nouveau jewels offered in Geneva on 13 November reflects the passion of the collector, who liked to surprise his wife with beautiful pieces by Rene Lalique and Georges Fouquet. This personal jewellery collection, estimated at SFr.2,300,000-3,300,000, is led by a spectacular Cedar pendant by Fouquet (estimate: SFr.100,000-150,000). Open a larger version of this image Marc Newson (1963), Pod of drawers, created in 1987. Estimate: 500,000-700,000 The world of design is represented by pieces by some of the 20th centurys greatest artists, including Ron Arad, Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and Marc Newson. Newsons iconic Pod of drawers, from 1987 (estimate: 500,000-700,000), is still frequently referenced by contemporary practitioners. Open a larger version of this image Ron Arad (1951), Chaise longue Narrow Pappardelle, created in 1992. Estimate: 80,000-120,000 The African and Oceanic Art sale in Paris in November will include two objects from the collection, including an important Hemba figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Estimated at 200,000-400,000, this superb statue was acquired from the renowned French dealer Jacques Kerchache. Open a larger version of this image Hemba figure, Democratic Republic of Congo. Estimate: 200,000-400,000 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A West Texas board unanimously approved a contentious new project to drill into a desert aquifer near Van Horn, build a 60-mile pipeline and ship 5.4 million gallons of water a day from the Apache Mountains to the heart of the nations most prolific oil field, the Permian Basin, to feed thirsty hydraulic fracturing operations. The Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District voted on Wednesday to allow oilman and land baron Dan Allen Hughes to proceed with his multi-million dollar project, called Agua Grande. RELATED: As the oil patch demands more water, West Texas fights over a scarce resource Weve dug our heels in for six months, said Blaine Saathoff, the efforts chief operations officer and a petroleum engineer for Dan A. Hughes Co. Were very excited. Ranchers, farmers, residents and environmentalists have protested the application vigorously, packing the projects June hearing, sending the district dozens of letters, and again arguing on Wednesday that the project could steal water from cattle and crops, or dry up the famous spring-fed pool at nearby Balmorhea State Park. Some have promised to file suit to stop Hughes. Agua Grande, however, is likely just the start of the fight over West Texas water. Several companies see a new market in the Permian, where water use in hydraulic fracturing operations has risen six-fold since the start of the shale oil revolution, from more than 5 billion gallons in 2011 to almost 30 billion last year. Energy research firm IHS Markit predicts that demand will double again by the end of this year. Hughes, based out of San Antonio, runs his fathers oil company, Dan A. Hughes Co., which operates all over the world, but largely in South Texas. He is also one of the countrys large landowners, with 390,000 acres in Texas and Montana, including the 140,000-acre Apache Ranch, near Van Horn. Hughes knew he had vast water reserves in the Capitan Reef aquifer under the desert mountains there and, not long ago, asked his staff to investigate ways to make money off the water. In March, Hughes submitted an application to the Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District, asking to drill seven wells on the ranch. Such activity would not have required a permit just to drill. But Hughes also wants to build a 60-mile pipeline northeast, to the heart of the Permian's Delaware Basin. Twenty oil and gas companies are interested, the application said, including some of the biggest names in the play: Anadarko Petroleum Corp. and EOG Resources, of Houston, and Midlands Concho Resources. Agua Grande argued to the district board that the Capitan Reef did not provide a significant quantity of water to the San Solomon Springs, which feed the Balmorhea State Park pool, and that the companys pumping would not deplete rancher and farmer wells. On Wednesday, the company also promised it would begin a voluntary well monitoring program, to watch aquifer levels. About 50 concerned residents packed the meeting, Saathoff said, and spoke for about an hour. The board deliberated for about an hour and a half. Saathoff said construction will start by years end, and will be selling water by the second quarter next year. We shared concerns of the citizens as well, he said. Were confident in our hydrology study. What were planning to withdraw will not adversely affect surrounding landowners. Hopes are high. It wasn't mournful howling or swirling mists that convinced Chad Calek. Instead, it was the knocking. Not polite knocking like the rap-rap-rap of an old-time seance - but a fierce throbbing, like a heartbeat welling up from the bowels of the house, chasing him to his brother's room and then down the stairs. That was the thing that convinced him, the moment he came to believe. Almost three decades later, Calek has made a career out of documenting ghost sightings on film - and then touring the country to show off his footage, like a paranormal P.T. Barnum of the digital age. So when the 41-year-old visits the House of Blues Saturday, he'll be bringing a ghost with him - or at least what he says is proof of one. More Information Chad Calek: 'Sir Noface Lives' When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline Information: $25-$200; 888-402-5837, houseofblues.com See More Collapse An Alvin native, Calek is breezing through the Bayou City to show off his latest work, "Sir Noface," a film he says features footage of a full-body apparition captured on camera in an abandoned Australian naval base and prison. Though his latest footage hails from half a spin around the globe, Calek's own ghost story starts much closer to home. As a kid, Calek was raised an atheist and a skeptic in a family full of them. But then in 1986, his father was badly burned in an industrial accident at a now-defunct Alvin concrete company when stray sparks from nearby welding work flew into an oil drum, sparking explosive flames. "He was not supposed to live," Calek said. "We said our goodbyes to him several times. We were told he wasn't gonna make it." But he did. Calek was only 10 at the time, but he clearly saw the change in his family. During his long, halting recovery, Calek's father - once a devout skeptic - began speaking of new spiritual, almost supernatural connections with his wife. "He claimed he could literally feel her touch healing him," Calek said. "Not metaphysically. But literally." Still, Calek himself wasn't a believer, not yet. The fire left heavy scar tissue all over Calek's father's body, a condition that raised the risk of heat stroke and forced the family to relocate to cooler climes. So the Caleks decided to move to Persia, Iowa. Population: 363. And the first step? Finding a new home. "My parents had heard of this house that looked too good to be true," Calek said. "And I remember pulling up and I didn't want anything to do with it. It just felt unwelcoming." Just like in the movies, the problems didn't start until after they moved in. "I hate to tell this story because it sounds so effing crazy," Calek said, before relating that at first, it was just his parents who witnessed the weirdness. Flying objects. Spontaneous fires. Signs of possession. "To be completely honest, I thought they were crazy," Calek said. But then, as the walls started pulsating around him one night, he ran downstairs to safety and saw his mother speaking in a gravelly voice - "almost like Cookie Monster" - and his father reading scripture. His mother was violent, and seemed far away. "She would eventually come out of this and had no memory of it," Calek said. "I remember thinking, 'There's no way I can tell anybody this, they're gonna think I'm crazy.' I knew it was earth-shattering, I knew it would alter me forever." His family wanted to seek help from the Catholic Church - but found out that first they needed documented proof of the paranormal. So Calek, then in his early teens, went hunting for evidence - and a ghost hunter was born. He left the spooky house when he ventured off to college at 18, but his parents stayed another couple years before finally seeking out a haunt-free living space. For more than a decade, Calek pursued a career in filmmaking and kept his ghost-hunting activities to a hobby. But eventually he grew tired of directing music videos and decided to make a movie documenting paranormal encounters. One thing led to another and a film spurred a TV series ("The Ghost Prophecies" on A&E) and more films. Later came the speaking events and cross-country movie tours, including the current one for "Sir Noface." The film chronicles ongoing investigations into the paranormal phenomena at Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbor. Though it won't be available for download until sometime next year, "Sir Noface" made its debut in Austin on Wednesday. This weekend the tour stops in Houston at the House of Blues. His own best hype man, the Los Angeles-based Calek offered a hefty promise for fans: "The 'Sir Noface' documentary will blow your mind." KIDNAP: Halle Berry plays a mother who engages in a high-speed chase when her child is abducted in a park. (R) LANDLINE: "Obvious Child" director Gillian Robespierre and star Jenny Slate reunite for a family drama about trust and infidelity. (R) When John Mayer released his debut album "Room for Squares" in September 2001 the record industry hadn't yet collapsed. He was 23 and a talented young guitarist, so somebody at Columbia - a prestige record label back when that mattered - believed in him. They were rewarded for their investment: "Squares" was a slow-grower, and by March of the following year it was yielding hits and selling a lot of copies - actual, physical CDs in a time when boy bands were still dominating sales charts. The debut sales success of Mayer, who plays the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sunday, turned out to be one of the last in a now antiquated system that was built on the premise that a music gatekeeper with money makes an investment in young talent. Risk and reward and all that. Mayer, with five platinum records on his resume, was a reward. Still, even at the outset, the success of Mayer's first album was built in part through a more modern approach that was ahead of its time. Before Columbia released "Squares," the album existed as an internet-only release issued by a little Atlanta label called Aware. More Information John Mayer When: 7 p.m. Sunday Where: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins, The Woodlands Tickets: $41-$109; ticketmaster.com See More Collapse Three months ago, Mayer released "The Search for Everything," his seventh album. Again, his music arrived through an unorthodox rollout. He offered four songs as "The Search for Everything: Wave One" in January, followed by "The Search for Everything: Wave Two" in February. Each had four songs. The final four were included in the complete album. Musicians have shown a reluctance to abandon the album as a format. That format has, for more than half a century, been the defining canvas for most musicians who see individual songs as snapshots in a larger work representing them in a specific time and place. But the album has weathered a rough 15 years, marked by online piracy, declining sales and the paradigm shift to digital products and streaming. Case in point, John Mayer. His "Squares" sold more than a million copies in its first nine months, which was a strong debut. Granted, the definition of a "sale" is different today in the age of streaming, but "The Search for Everything" sold more than 125,000 album equivalent units in its first week. These days that's considered a big success. If "album equivalent units" fails to roll off the tongue, consider the 2016 year-end report by BuzzAngle, a company that measures music consumption across all platforms. The king of 2016 by their measure was Drake, whose "Views" reached nearly 4 million "total project consumption units." For comparison, in 2001, Linkin Park's "Hybrid Theory" sold 4.8 million albums, with almost all of them coming in the physical format. But, for some context, that was a down year. The top selling album in 2000, "No Strings Attached" by NSYNC, sold 9.9 million copies. In 2002, Eminem's "The Eminem Show" moved 7.6 million records. Yes, times are a-changing. And the BuzzAngle report had plenty of interesting data about this shift. Not surprisingly, physical album sales continue to plummet, down nearly 12 percent from the year before. That said there were still 89 million physical copies sold, which makes me feel less alone in the world. Overall album sales were down 15 percent, which must be distressing for artists who prefer to create their songs in bundles. Song downloads were down, too, as streaming continues to grow to the tune of more than 80 percent over the previous year. Regardless, artists are reacting not by abandoning the album format but rather doubling down on their efforts to present an album as an interesting evolution. One of the industry's biggest scams was charging listeners $18 for a pop CD in the '90s and early 2000s. Artists with heavy radio play, like Britney Spears, saw their one or two viable singles packaged with garbage tracks and sold for the same $18. When the six desirable minutes of music became available for $2 through iTunes - or for free through other means - the album format went into free fall. But an interesting development has seen former singles artists - like Beyonce, to name just one - find value in the album. Her last two collections of music were released as albums, not teased by singles or behind marketing campaigns built around one or two key tracks. They were issued as whole pieces of expression. And Beyonce wasn't content to just make "Lemonade" a strong album of songs. She also produced a visual counterpart for it Fifteen years ago, Carly Rae Jepsen fans would've been gouged by her label: forced to pay full album price for a single or two, like her megahit "Call Me Maybe," which sold 6 million "units" in 2012, the year it was released. Her 2015 album, "Emotion," proved dense with interesting music. SPIN called her latest single, "Cut to the Feeling," "black tar pop music." "Feeling" hints at intriguing and dark things to come from her next album, but right now it's unconnected to any Jepsen release. It appears she knows the value of a good single as well as a loaded album. Despite all the data in the BuzzAngle report, nobody has cut a single clear path through the woods going forward. The old system ran nearly a half century and spanned multiple formats -LP, cassette, CD - which is pretty impressive for an industry built around the concept of perpetual renewal. But digitization proved the industry's undoing: turning music into ones and zeros was enormously profitable until those ones and zeros started getting traded without any exchange of money. But musicians are increasingly taking control of this mess. Some have used the digital sphere for projects that would have proved logistically difficult in years past. Max Richter's "Sleep" was one of my favorite albums from 2016. The German ambient composer designed "Sleep" as an eight-hour experience to accompany a night's sleep. He also made a "Sleep" that fits onto an LP/CD, but what fun is that? Brian Eno this year released "Reflection," a 54-minute ambient piece as a CD and LP. For those with more time on their hands, Eno also offered "Reflection" as a generative music app that will play as long as a listener wants it to. "My original intention with ambient music was to make endless music," Eno wrote. "Music that would be there as long as you wanted it to be. I wanted also that this music would unfold differently all the time - like sitting by a river: it's always the same river, but it's always changing. ... an endless and endlessly changing version of the piece of music." Countering Eno's modern approach are David Rawlings and Gillian Welch, who have made eight albums together. Their attentiveness to capturing an unadorned, rootsy style of music makes the pair seem like a natural fit for vinyl, though until last week none of their albums were pressed into that form. A Wall Street Journal story last week tells of how they sunk $100,000 into their own record-cutting lathe. Welch and Rawlings court a smaller audience than Beyonce, but theirs is a fervent following, many of whom are attuned to the nuances Welch and Rawlings believe a well-produced LP will provide. The artists are assuming higher risk with shakier opportunity for reward. But at this point, what choice do they have? Whether it's a visual album, an endless album, an expensive vinyl album or an album deconstructed into three installments and released over the course of a season, musicians are seeking different ways to convince people to pay for something they want, even if they don't necessarily want to pay for it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is finally ready to tackle the East End sector of Houston's central waterway. The nonprofit group has engaged a group of high-caliber consultants to develop a master plan to create a waterside greenway from downtown to the Port of Houston's Turning Basin that it hopes will be a catalyst for inclusive growth and community development. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the internationally known landscape architecture firm that recently completed master plans for Hermann Park, the Menil Collection (now being implemented) and the Houston Parks Board, will lead the team. Also on board are the real estate, economic development and public policy firm HR&A Advisors, Huitt-Zollars/formerly Houston's Morris Architects (architecture and civil engineering), Utile (urban planning and design), Greenberg Consultants (urban design), Nelson/Nygaard (transportation) and LimnoTech (hydrology). While redevelopment of the Allen Parkway segment west of downtown was in many ways a no-brainer, the East End is a longer and far more complex stretch, with a multitude of residential and industrial stakeholders. GRAY MATTERS: How will the redevelopment of Buffalo Bayou change east Houston? Tom Fish, the partnership's board chair, noted that the East Sector offers an opportunity to bring together communities north and south of Buffalo Bayou that have long been disconnected from the waterfront and each other. The group realizes it is "dealing with an entirely different context" in the East End," said partnership president Anne Olson. "We not only want to reinvigorate the waterfront but bring equitable revitalization opportunities to the East Sector neighborhoods." One of those neighborhoods, the Second Ward, is among Mayor Sylvester Turner's designated "Complete Communities." The team has been charged with designing a plan that creates unique park spaces that reflect the east sector's cultural and industrial legacy, rethinking how parks and neighborhoods interact to activate and connect residents to the waterfront and spurring "inclusive revitalization" that won't simply gentrify the area. A community stakeholder committee, comprising East End and Fifth Ward residents and civic leaders, has met once and will offer advice and recommendations throughout the planning process, which will also involve meetings with the public. A North Carolina woman claims she came into contact with flesh eating bacteria in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and had to be airlifted to a hospital. The woman's daughter shared a photo of her leg, which has boils and red skin. "Surgery is the only option until it is completely cut away from her," the daughter wrote in the post. The Trump administration is considering Energy Secretary Rick Perry as one possible replacement for John Kelly at the Department of Homeland Security, according to three people familiar with the deliberations. Kelly became White House chief of staff on Monday, and President Donald Trump has not made a decision about who should succeed him as Homeland Security secretary. White House officials are considering others for the position in addition to Perry, the people said. They asked not to be identified discussing a personnel matter. Dallas-based Jacobs Engineering Group said it's buying Denver's CH2M Hill for $2.85 billion to create one of the world's largest energy engineering firms. Jacobs, which relocated from California to Dallas last year, said the deal aims to form a juggernaut in engineering and construction services for the energy, petrochemical and government sectors. The acquisition gives Jacobs added strength in the water, transportation and nuclear sectors worldwide, which are key niches for CH2M. State regulators have fined a Pasadena refinery for violating emissions regulations and have ordered the company to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to Harris County. Pasadena Refining System, Inc., a subsidiary of Brazilian national oil company Petrobras, will pay the county $452,825. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced fines against 15 other companies on Wednesday. Nearly half of Pasadena Refining's fine will go toward the purchase of buses with lower emissions, according to the commission. Pasadena Refining said it is committed to complying with all local, state and federal regulations. Petrobras is considering the sale of the Pasadena refinery, after it got caught up in recent corruption scandals in Brazil. Environmental groups believe Pasadena Refining is among the worst polluters in Texas. RELATED: Petrobras CEO steers Brazilian giant out of crisis Brazil's state-run oil company may sell the facility, about 15 miles east of Houston, as part of a plan to divest $21 billion in assets over the next two years, it said in regulatory documents filed in May. The announcement came as Petrobras, under the leadership of new chief executive Pedro Parente, is still reeling from revelations of widespread corruption and a severe recession in Brazil that forced the company to find outside cash to pay down its ballooning $120 billion in debt. The troubled Pasadena refinery, nearly a century old, has become notorious for its multiple accidents, fires and emissions releases over the years. The federal government has said about 75,000 people live within three miles of the plant, as well as several schools and day care facilities. Harris County sued Petrobras' Pasadena Refining System this spring, alleging it repeatedly violating Texas clean air and water acts. Bill Ingram, a radio personality and host of "Welcome to Houston" for KSBJ, is among an elite group of radio broadcasters who will be inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame Nov. 4 in Kilgore. For Ingram, who lives in Tarkington with his wife, Leitha, eight times is a charm. "This is the greatest thing to ever happen to me in my professional life and I am grateful. This was my eighth nomination and I was beginning to feel like Susan Lucci from All My Children. Poor girl, did she ever win her award? I hope she finally got something," Ingram said with a laugh. Since 2008, Ingram has been the calm, and as he says "somewhat goofy," voice over the airwaves as Houston-area residents tried to navigate their way through traffic jams and accidents. He joined KSBJ -- an Humble-based, Christian-oriented FM station located at 89.3 on the dial -- in 1997, first working in programming, engineering and promotions. "I drove the original KSBJ broadcast van for 15 years doing daily remote broadcasts and doing the technical set-up for all live broadcasts," Ingram said. In later years, he was allowed his own feature segment called "Welcome to Houston," during which Ingram shares his insights on local cuisine and life in the Houston area, and relates stories from outings with his family. "They [KSBJ management] give us freedom to show our personality. We are allowed to have fun. If we are having fun, whoever is listening is going to have fun with us," Ingram said. "I try not to be a stick in the mud. I just try to be myself and I am kind of goofy anyway." He credits his start in radio to the legendary Phil Parr of KSPL in Diboll. "I started working with Phil Parr, who is known as the legendary blind disc jockey, is 1975. He gave me my start," Ingram said. "He gave me my first job right off the street after probably listening to the worst demo tape he had ever heard. He hired me anyway." The wages were low -- $75 per week -- but it got Ingram the start he had so desperately wanted. "It wasn't a whole lot but I was on the air!" he said. In 1979, he joined KJCH in Cleveland, working for the late Cleveland Advocate columnist and former KJCH station manager Glen Dodson. After a year there, he became the program director, leaving four years later for KPXE in Liberty. Radio jobs took him to WTAW in College Station in 1984 and KFRD in 1985. In 1991, he began working for Metro Traffic Control and Road Watch America Radio Network. "That's where I learned to do traffic," Ingram said of Road Watch America. "I was on the national network of radio stations and my voice was heard in cities across the country." That experience also helped him land a job with KSBJ. When asked if he thinks technology will eventually replace radio stations, Ingram has a quick response. "Tell that to all the people who listen in their cars," he said. "There are a ton of people still listening to the radio. "Even though there is a lot of competition these days because of iPods, mp3 players and such, radio is still the number one source for people. You can't get what we offer anywhere else," he said. EvelynA Rubenstein JCCA Houston presents The Second Time Around film MFAH Film, The Bridge on the River Kwai This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 1001 Bissonnet; mfah.org THE PEARL: The discovery of a valuable pearl brings sudden wealth to a poor Mexican shell-diver and his family. 2 p.m. Thursday ROSAURO CASTRO: A government official travels to a small Mexican town to investigate the murder of a mayoral candidate. 2 p.m. Friday TUNES OF GLORY: A bullying, sly, touchy lieutenant colonel takes charge of a post-World War II Highland regiment in a snow-clad Scottish castle. 7 p.m. Friday THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI: POWs in Burma are forced to build a bridge to aid the war effort of their Japanese captors. 4 p.m. Saturday MACARIO: Poor, hungry peasant Macario longs for just one good meal on the Day of the Dead. 2 p.m. Sunday GRADUATION: A film about compromises and the implications of the parent's role. 5 p.m. Sunday Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive; hmns.org DREAM BIG 3-D: Learn how today's engineers are shaping the world of tomorrow. Multiple screenings daily PENGUINS 3-D: The tale of a penguin's journey through his species' central rite of passage. Multiple screenings daily AMAZON ADVENTURE 3-D: A Victorian-era naturalist discovers a butterfly that reinforces Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Multiple screenings daily River Oaks Theatre 2009 W. Gray, landmarktheatres.com THE NEVERENDING STORY: A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book. Midnight Friday and Saturday Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood, erjcchouston.org THE SECOND TIME AROUND: Two seniors meet and discover that it's never too late to fall in love again. 5 p.m. Monday Discovery Green 1500 McKinney, discoverygreen.com HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE: Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York's secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter reads his book in school. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Houston superchef Hugo Ortega is collaborating with world renowned chef Michael Mina for a pop-up concept called Mi Almita at Mina Test Kitchen in San Francisco. Described as a "journey through Mexico," the menu is a collaboration between two James Beard Award-winning chefs that will begin on Aug. 23 and run for about three months at the San Francisco-based Mina Group's Mina Test Kitchen, 2120 Greenwich St. The pop-up runs Wednesday through Saturday nights with tickets priced at $39 for a five-course menu that will include additional courses at supplemental price. This is the seventh pop-up at Mina Test Kitchen. Mina said he asked to work with Ortega after dining at his restaurants while in Houston for the Super Bowl in February. "I was blown away by the hospitality and cuisine," Mina said. "The bold flavors and ingredients worked so well together, and everything was light and flavorful. I knew I wanted to find a way to work with Hugo." POP THE CORKS!: First look at new champagne-happy a'Bouzy in River Oaks Mi Almita ("my little soul" in Spanish) will serve dishes such as corn soup with huitlacoche and queso fresco; ceviche trio; green pozole with little neck clams, hominy and pumpkin seeds; greed octopus with sweet peppers; and a tasting menu of Mexican chocolate desserts. The beverage program will highlight agave spirits (tequila, mezcal, bacanora and raicilla) as well as Mexican wine and California wine made by Mexican winemakers. Mina owns dozens of restaurants in California and throughout the United States. Ortega is a principal in H-Town Restaurant Group whose restaurants include Backstreet Cafe, Hugo's, Caracol, and the newest, Xochi, which was named as one of the country's Best New Restaurants by Eater. For tickets to Mina Test Kitchen see minatestkitchen.com. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- An Ocean Springs husband and wife have both been arrested and are facing multiple sex charges in connection with a relationship the couple was having with a 15-year-old Gautier boy. Gautier police first learned of the possibility of an improper relationship between the 15-year-old and 40-year-old Cory William Skalla of Colmer Circle in Ocean Springs. Investigation revealed that both Cory Skalla and his wife, 26-year-old Ariel Lynn Skalla, were both engaged in a sexual relationship with the juvenile. Gautier police arrested Cory Skalla on July 31, but only charged him with using a computer to lure a child under 18. The remainder of the case was turned over to Ocean Springs police, since the reported relationship between the Skallas and the minor took place in Ocean Springs. According to Ocean Springs Police Capt. Chuck Jackson, Cory Skalla has been charged by Ocean Springs police with six counts of sexual battery of a child and two counts of lustful touching of a child. He is currently being held without bond at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center. Ariel Skalla, meanwhile, is facing two counts of lustful touching of a child. She is in the Ocean Springs Municipal Jail awaiting a bond hearing before Judge Matthew Mestayer. Jackson said the investigation is ongoing and other charges may be pending. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate New York veterinarians are noticing a higher number of owners who are refusing vaccinations, possibly because of the anti-vaccine movement, the Brooklyn Paper reported. READ ALSO: Anti-vaccination measure added to foster care bill in Texas House "I had a client concerned about an autistic child who didn't want to vaccinate the dog for the same reason," said Dr. Stephanie Liff. "We've never diagnosed autism in a dog. I don't think you could." Others have told their animal doctors they don't want to inject chemicals into their pets if it causes problems. READ ALSO: Anti-vaccine activists spark a state's worst measles outbreak Of course, veterinarians argue you should vaccinate your pets to prevent easily avoidable diseases. Johnny Hanson/Staff The Spring Branch Family Development will host its 12th annual Back-To-School Health Fair on Saturday, Aug. 19 that will offer free immunizations, school supplies and health screenings for adults. To receive immunizations, you must bring your shot records or request from the school nurse. The event takes place at the development center, 8575 Pitner Road, from 8 a.m. to noon. Houston Independent School District Nutrition Services is urging all parents and guardians to complete the student applications for free and reduced-price meals online as soon as possible. The National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program applications and surveys are now available at https://mealapps.houstonisd.org. They can also be accessed by visiting the HISD Nutrition Services website and clicking on the "One Form Means So Much" button on the right side of the page. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Early returns show graduates from some of the nation's top-ranked charter school networks -- including two in Houston -- are earning four-year college degrees at higher-than-average rates, according to new data collected for The Alumni, a series published in partnership with the nonprofit news organization The 74. Roughly 25 to 50 percent of high school graduates who attended the select group of charter networks have earned degrees from four-year colleges, The Alumni reported. The networks largely serve students in urban, high-poverty areas, where four-year college degree attainment rates are often estimated at roughly 10 percent. The Houston area's two most prominent charter network operators, KIPP Houston and Yes Prep, were included in The Alumni's analysis. Both networks produced a higher percentage of four-year college graduates than Houston ISD -- albeit with major caveats that makes such a comparison difficult. CHARTER: Houston ISD considers saving low-performing school At Yes Prep, about 47 percent of high school graduates earned a four-year college degree within six years, according to The Alumni. According to KIPP Houston, about 46 percent of students who completed eighth grade at a local KIPP middle school went on to graduate from a four-year college or university. (As of 2016-17, about 83 percent of KIPP Houston students were in grades pre-K through eight, so the network tracks students who finished eighth grade at their schools, rather than those who graduated from their high schools.) By comparison, about 20 to 25 percent of Houston ISD graduates receive a four-year degree within six years, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. Now for the caveats. The biggest issue with comparing KIPP and Yes Prep to Houston ISD is the number of students tracked. The college completion rates for KIPP and Yes Prep are based on 691 graduates and 569 graduates, respectively, over a several-year time frame. The numbers are so low because the schools are relatively new, with small graduating classes relative to a traditional urban school district. By comparison, Houston ISD has had about 8,000 to nearly 10,000 graduates each year. Lamar High School alone graduated 816 students in the Class of 2015. HoustonChronicle.com: Early results show charters have little to no impact on future earnings It's also worth noting that Houston ISD and the charter networks serve somewhat different student populations. Houston ISD has a slightly lower percentage of economically disadvantaged and minority students, and it offers several magnet programs that attract higher-performing students. In addition, several KIPP and Yes Prep campuses are outside of the Houston ISD area. And finally, KIPP's tracking method -- following students after eighth grade, rather than 12th grade -- makes it a less-than-perfect comparison. This story has been corrected to reflect The Alumni's affiliation with The 74. At the July 19 Needville Independent School District school board meeting, trustees approved the first draft of the 2017-18 budget. Dovie Peschel, assistant superintendent of finance, presented the balanced budget of $29,739,550 in the general fund, $1,288,490 for food service fund and $4,182,830 for debt service. Peschel said she is only able to use preliminary data for taxable values to calculate the budget at this point because official certified values will not be provided by the Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District until after July 26. Once that happens, she said, "we will have solid figures." Trustees will review the budget again at their Aug. 16 meeting, and have set a special meeting and public hearing for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, to adopt the budget. Peschel said salaries and benefits comprise about 73 percent of the budget, and Superintendent Curtis Rhodes said only about a third of the district's funding comes from local taxes, with the remainder from the state. The Tax Ratification Election (TRE) overwhelmingly passed by Needville ISD voters last December allowed the district to swap 0.13 cents from the interest and sinking portion of the overall tax rate to the maintenance and operations portion, with no overall increase in tax, and has netted the district about $2 million in additional state aid. That money will fund the construction of classroom additions at the junior high and middle school. "The hope is to continue providing a high-quality, 21st-century education to prepare our students to be successful in their future," Rhodes said. "At the same time, we want to reward our employees for the great job they are doing, and still fiscally manage the district." "During the past 10 years," said Rhodes, "Needville ISD has made vast facility improvements, increased salaries to be competitive, provided a great education to students and increased our fund balance so we are very fiscally sound. As the number of students and property values increase, we also hope to continue reducing the effective tax rate." He said the State Legislature's current special session includes numerous unfunded bills that can have a negative effect on local public school districts and communities. "One of the many bills is a $1,000 mandatory teacher raise in pay," Rhodes said. "NISD fully supports this legislative bill to increase teacher pay, but we also expect the state to increase the funding to cover the expense of this mandate. If the State Legislature passes such a bill, but does not provide the additional funds, they are simply expecting the local taxpayer to fund their ideas from Austin and they will take the credit as politicians, when re-election comes around, as increasing teacher pay in Texas." In May, Needville School Board approved its own raises for employees, with teachers receiving their annual state-mandated step pay increases along with $1,500, and all other employees receiving a 4 percent increase in pay. Rhodes said another important piece of legislation being considered is a voucher-type bill. "The local citizenry needs to be aware that the voucher bill has many alias names in an attempt to get it passed, such as ESAs, ESGs, savings grants, etc.," he said. "NISD does not support any voucher-type or private school bill. The bottom line is that it will take the local taxpayer dollars from public schools and send it to private/parochial schools, with no accountability on how that money is spent." Rhodes said Texas public schools are already underfunded, with the Lone Star State ranking approximately 45th of the 50 states on a per-student funding level. He said private and for-profit schools can select their students, have no tax base and no elected management board, do not give standardized tests, and are not accountable to government oversight. "Removing more public funds and providing them to private and for-profit schools just seems ridiculous and wrong, but that is the plan of our governor, lieutenant governor and many senators," Rhodes said. "We encourage all citizens to register to vote, get involved by educating themselves and exercise their right to vote in elections." Rhodes said residents should review how incumbents actually voted while in office "and not what they say or communicate in their public relations, as sometimes these do not correlate." "Local control is why our country and state was formed. Local control is also what makes cities, towns, public school districts and communities unique in their own way because the local community has built it," he said. "We live, love and own our school-community, and the basic expectation is, the people of that community should govern locally and not be mandated by the state leadership for the sake of personal political ambition." Assistant Superintendent Beth Briscoe presented an overview of the district's Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) scores for grades kindergarten through two, and State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores for grades three through eight. "We beat all state averages, so we're real proud of that," she said. In addition, said Briscoe, "Our dropout rate is very, very low at Needville ISD and I think we're doing a great job with these students." For the second year in a row, and three out of the past four years, Needville Junior High students scored 100 in Algebra I. Briscoe said the goal for students taking the ITBS test is to score at least their grade level plus seven months, meaning the scores should be a minimum of K.7, 1.7 and 2.7. Needville ISD kindergarten students' composite score was 1.1; first graders scored 1.9; and second graders scored 3.0, meaning all far exceeded the state's expectations. Still, Briscoe vowed, "We will always get better; we will always improve." In other matters, trustees approved: a proposal from Bernshausen Oil Co. that will extend for one year its contract to provide fuel for the district; renewal of the district's contract with Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Risk Management Fund for auto and liability insurance coverage for 2017-18, with a $4,530 increase to $34,740; renewal of the district's contract with TASB Risk Management for Workers' Compensation coverage for 2017-18, with an increase of $1,635 to $83,099; the Student Code of Conduct for 2017-18, with no changes; and a review from Claycomb Associates from the May school board meeting, verifying renovations at the middle school. As of Aug. 1, concealed firearms will be allowed in certain areas of Wharton County Junior College. The college has campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City. The decision to allow concealed firearms on campus is in compliance with the Texas Penal Code State statutes currently prohibit the possession of firearms on the premises of institutions of higher learning. The new Campus Carry Law allows two exceptions to this law: A commissioned peace officer acting in an official capacity (as a WCJC student or visitor) may possess a handgun. A person possessing a valid License to Carry (LTC) may carry a concealed handgun into certain areas of the institution that are not deemed Exclusion Zones. The Campus Carry Law takes effect on Aug. 1 for WCJC's campuses at Wharton, Bay City and Richmond. WCJC's Sugar Land campus falls under University of Houston Campus Carry guidelines, which took effect this past year. For more information, visit the WCJC website www.wcjc.edu and click on "Campus Carry Information" underneath the "News" tab. Submitted Four individuals, one business and one nonprofit have been selected as the 2017 Hometown Heroes. Rob Johnson, Amy Lecocq, Bob Milner, Melissa Young, Cassidy Joined for Hope and The Woodlands Christian Academy are the honorees who will be recognized for their many contributions to the community at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands. The gala will be Saturday, Oct. 7, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center with Honorary Chairs Mr. Peter Huntsman and Mrs. Brynn Ballard Huntsman. The 2017 Hometown Heroes were chosen by a selection committee comprised of Hometown Heroes alumni, a group which includes 109 residents of The Woodlands and 14 businesses who have contributed to the educational, civic, cultural and spiritual fabric of the community. This annual tradition of honoring Hometown Heroes began in 1999 as part of The Woodlands 25th Anniversary Celebration and has continued ever since. This year, there was an overwhelming response for nominations of nonprofits; and the selection committee decided to add a new nonprofit category to highlight philanthropic efforts in the community. Submitted Melissa Young has had roots in The Woodlands since 1990. Young and her husband, Jeff, have two young sons. As president of a very successful company, Corporate Incentives, Young gives of her time and resources to many local organizations in the community. Young recently was selected to be vice chair of Leadership Montgomery County. She has mentored many LMC class members on class projects during the past two years. She is chair of Montgomery County Regional Council of the United Way of Greater Houston, United Way of Greater Houston Board of Directors and a member on Thrive Council, a committee of United Way of Greater Houston. Young was instrumental in providing support for Montgomery County United Way with its recent reorganization. Submitted The Woodlands Christian Academy is an independent, Christ-centered college preparatory school that integrates learning with biblical faith and challenges students to reach their highest potential spiritually, academically, physically, and socially for the glory of Jesus Christ. Julie Ambler, head of school, has assembled an exceptional team of administrators who manage the academic, financial, development, marketing, technical, facilities and admissions operations of the school. The Woodlands Christian Academy serves approximately 650 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. They are active members of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A 33-year-old Ocean Springs woman has been charged with two counts of sexual battery after police say she had a sexual relationship with an Ocean Springs teen. Ocean Springs Police Capt. Chuck Jackson said Wednesday that police received a complaint from the father of a 15-year-old male, saying his son had been involved in a sexual relationship with an adult female. Further investigation led to the arrest of Corri Louise Collins of 4730 Gibson Rd. in Ocean Springs. Collins remains in the Ocean Springs Municipal Jail under a total bond of $100,000 set by Municipal Court Judge Matthew Mestayer -- $50,000 for each of the sexual battery charges. Anyone with additional information on the case is asked to contact the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211. After some serious drama, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Tuesday gave Delaware the green light for its Every Student Succeeds Act plan. You read that right. Delaware, aka the state whose Feedback Shook the World , is the first state to get the all-clear to proceed on ESSA. What drama are we talking about? Heres some quick background: DeVos had been hitting the local control theme hard in speeches since taking office. But her teams response to the submitted plan from Delaware, one of the first states to get ESSA plan feedback from the Trump education department, seemed out of line with that rhetoric. The department questioned the ambitiousness of the First States student achievement goals and criticized the state for wanting to use Advanced Placement tests to gauge college and career readiness. (The department said this was a no-go because the tests and courses arent available in every school .) That got many important people pretty upset, including Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the Senate education chairman and an ESSA architect . Chris Minnich, the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers , also said he was disappointed. Both said that DeVos team had essentially overstepped the bounds of the law. In response, Delaware made some tweaks to its plan, and clarified some things for the department . The state gave some more information to show why its goal of cutting the number of students who dont score proficient on state tests in half by 2030 is indeed, ambitious. And it explained that all public high school students do, in fact, have access to the courses, tests, and other measures the state wants to use to figure out whether students are ready for college and the workforce. Delaware also moved science test scores to another part of its accountability system, at the behest of the feds. More in this great blog post from Andrew. Apparently, all that was good enough to convince DeVoswho has final say over giving a state plan the thumbs up or downto approve Delawares ESSA vision. My criteria for approval is clear: does the states plan adhere to the law? Delaware demonstrated their plan does, and so I am happy to approve it, DeVos said in a statement. I hope it will give the students, families and educators in the state a strong foundation for a great education. Upon learning that the department had approved Delawares plan, the CCSSOs Minnich said in a statement Tuesday that he was pleased the department had acted quickly to give the states plan the go-ahead. Importantly, although the department laid out its problems with the First States ESSA plan in detail, that might not be the case with other states from here on out. Last week, the department announced a switcheroo in the way it gives states feedback on their ESSA plans . Instead of sending letters explaining where state ESSA plans fall short, the feds will first schedule two hour phone calls with states to go over possible problems. If the state is able to explain a potential hiccup to the departments satisfaction, the feds might not mention in the states official feedback letter, to be made public after the call. That has raised big questions about transparency, including from two key Democratic ESSA authors, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia. Reminder: So far, sixteen states and the District of Columbia have turned in ESSA plans. Of those, nine states have received feedback from the department. The remaining states are set to turn in their plans in September. We break down highlights from all the plans that have been turned in so far here. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It had the feel of an international summit meeting as the heads of two multinational manufacturing giants, local officials and others gathered to celebrate the opening of a new ICOTEX factory in Conroe. Officials of ICOTEX -- which is an abbreviation for Industrial Components of Texas -- hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning to show off the company's new 71,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in Conroe Park North industrial park. The plant is a joint venture between Germany-based Jungheinrich and Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, with officials from both companies at the Conroe facility for the ceremony. "Today is the termination of a project that began about one year ago," ICOTEX president Reinhild Kuehne said as she addressed the crowd of about 200 people, which included company executives, Conroe city leaders, Montgomery County officials and others. "To finish such a project in such a lifespan you need trustworthy and reliable partners," Kuehne said in her crisp German accent, noting the factory was finished on time, and in her words, "without compromising quality." Conroe Mayor Toby Powell, in addressing the crowd, noted the relatively short turnaround from the time ground was broken on the facility, through completion. "It's come a long way since we first broke ground out here," Powell said. "It's been amazing to watch this come together and watch how it came together and what it took to what it is today." Parts and components for Mitsubishi's forklift trucks and Jungheinrich's warehouse equipment are being made at the plant. Once built, the parts are trucked to Mitsubishi's forklift plant in Houston. "We're looking forward to having part shipments coming down to our factory to the west side of Houston," said Ken Barina, president of Mitsubishi Caterpillar, or MCFA for short. The ICOTEX plant is now operating, but with only about 20 people currently working in the plant. As production ramps up at the ICOTEX plant about 80 people are expected to be hired to work in the facility within a year or so. A spokeswoman says the company will need to fill a number of positions, including positions as quality control technicians, machinists, welders, powder coat paint operators and more. The ICOTEX facility is the first of three plants built by international companies that will have new operations on Pollok Drive. Galdisa USA, a company based in Mexico, is building a new 46-thousand-square-foot peanut processing facility adjacent to the ICOTEX plant. Memstar USA, part of a China-based company that makes equipment for the water treatment industry could be breaking ground on its new 40,500-square-foot manufacturing facility as early as next week. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos came to Washington promising a massive new federal investment in school choice. So far, theyre having trouble getting momentumand moneyfor vouchers or a tax-credit scholarship. But some school choice supporters may have another policy up their sleeves: allowing parents to save for private school the same way many of them save for college, through the use of so-called 529 plans. These plansnamed for a section of the federal tax codeare a tax-advantaged investment fund that works somewhat like an IRA or 401(k) retirement plan. Parents or guardians put a portion of their income in the fund and can receive a tax credit or deduction, depending on the specifics of the plan, which can vary state-by-state. Right now, 529s are primarily for college expenses. But the Heritage Foundation, a favorite think tank for the Trump team and Republicans in Congress, would love to see the accounts expanded to K-12 schools. Another, similar option: lifting the cap on an another type of savings account, so-called Coverdell accounts, which allow families to put money away for both K-12 and higher education expenses, again with tax advantages. Right now, the cap on the accounts is $2,000. Heritage would love to see it lifted. The idea has some at least one big champion: Rep. Luke Messer, R-Ind., has introduced a bill that would both raise the cap on Coverdells and extend 529s to K-12 . Messer, whose former aide, Rob Goad, is now a top aide at the U.S. Department of Education, is running for Senate. The 529 or Coverdell option has some big advantages for conservatives, said Lindsey Burke, the director of the Center for Education Policy at Heritage. For one thing, unlike a brand new federal tax credit scholarship, it wouldnt create a new program, at least in her eyes. Its an existing program thats in place, youre not growing the size of federal intervention in K-12, she said. Its just an individual saving their own money. A federal tax credit scholarship, on the other hand, would give a tax credit to corporations and individuals who donate to scholarship granting organizations. Burke worries this could lead to a lot of unnecessary federal intrusion, including unintended consequences for states that already have their own tax credit scholarships. (More from Heritage on tax credit scholarships here.) But opponents of other forms of school choice, including tax-credit scholarships, and vouchers, are also not fans of 529 plans. It is diverting revenue when were in a position where we have a president and secretary of education who are looking to cut almost $9 billion in federal funding for education, said Mary Kusler, the senior director for the National Education Associations Center for Advocacy. And she said the money may not actually help the neediest families, since parents would have to have extra income to set-aside in the first place in order to get the tax advantages 529s and Coverdells offer. Youre providing a tax benefit for people who are likely already sending their children to private schools, Kusler said. Burke agreed that the policy shift wouldnt help everyone, which is why shed like to see it paired with another school choice-friendly initiative that would have more impact on poor families, such as allowing federal Title I dollarswhich help districts educate disadvantaged kidsfollow students to the school of their choice, including a private school. Thats not an easy pitch. In fact, school choice fans tried to get that included in the Every Student Succeeds Act, but House lawmakers defeated it. So what are the chances of 529s for K-12 or expanded Coverdell accounts actually making it over the legislative finish line? Its probably a long shot, at least for now. An expansion of 529s or Coverdell accounts would likely be tied to a GOP tax overhaul bill that Republican leaders are working on behind the scenes. No one knows for sure whats going to be in that package. But there are some clues in a blueprint released by the House Ways and Means Committee last summer . The blueprint talks a lot about revamping various college access and apparenticeship programspotentially including 529sbut it doesnt say anything specific about school choice. And lawmakers have been clear that any extra costs in the bill, like a new tax benefit, would need to be paid for in some other way. Still, given the Trump administrations enthusiasm for school choice, the 529 issue is one worth keeping your eye on. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The lawyer for a Texas man accused of stabbing his 16-year-old girlfriend to death in a brutal triple murder is asking for a competency examination, asserting her client has episodes of "delusional beliefs." Jesse Dobbs was charged last year with the slaying of Kirsten Fritch, and police have named him as a suspect in the death of the teen's mother and younger sister who were found shot to death Nov. 8. But now, the 21-year-old's lawyer has filed court papers alleging her client has delusional episodes and doesn't consistently understand the facts of the case. "On several occasions, but not always, Jesse Dobbs does not have the sufficient present ability to consult with me with a reasonable degree of rational understanding," attorney Jyll Rekoff wrote in Friday's filings. Story continues below ... When police initially discovered two bodies inside the family's Louise Street home on Nov. 8, it wasn't immediately clear that Fritch was in danger. But once police realized the girl had vanished, along with her boyfriend and the family car, they put out an Amber Alert. The following day, a multiagency task force picked up Dobbs on a resisting arrest charge. But it wasn't until Nov. 10 that searchers found Fritch's body, lying at the edge of a wooded area behind the same Texas City bar where her boyfriend had been arrested - wet and shoeless - the day before. When the accused killer, who has a history of domestic violence, was interviewed by police, he brazenly admitted to the slaying, according to court records. "Kirsten is dead, I killed her," he allegedly said. But he went on to claim it was the "fake Kirsten" he killed. Although the Livingston man was eventually indicted in the teen's slaying, no one has been arrested in the earlier killings of 13-year-old Breanna Pavilicek and 37-year-old Cynthia Morris. Baytown Police Department spokesman Steve Dorris said Wednesday that Dobbs is still considered the primary suspect. "I know that they've carried the story that he shot them but we don't believe that's the case," Rekoffsaid in November. At the time, she also said that her client was high on methamphetamine when he was arrested and that he'd fought an ongoing battle with addiction. On Friday, Rekoff filed a motion in Galveston County court for an examination to probe whether her client is competent to stand trial. "On most occasions, Jesse Dobbs does not have an appropriate appreciation of the factual understandings of the proceedings in which the defendant finds himself," Rekoff wrote. "During these occasions, he seems to suffer from delusional beliefs concerning the facts of the case charged against him." Galveston County Assistant District Attorney Bill Reed said Tuesday he has no plans to oppose the defense motion. "It's pretty standard and expected, especially in a case like this," he said. If Dobbs is found not competent, he'll be ordered to a state mental health hospital for treatment and a restoration to competency. "But I don't expect that to happen," Reed added. Rekoff did not return a request for comment, but records show her client is due back in court on Aug. 16. Researchers say that Internet searches for information about suicide spiked 19 percent during the period immediately after the popular, but controversial, Netflix series 13 Reasons Why debuted on March 31. Queries such as how to commit suicide and how to kill yourself were all significantly higher in the 19 days after the show debuted over a comparable period. (More on the methodology below.) Seventeen of the top 20 related queries were higher than expected, with most rising queries focused on suicidal ideation, or suicidal thoughts, says the paper by John W. Ayers of the San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health and four other researchers that was posted online July 31 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine , published by the American Medical Association. The researchers say it was unclear whether the increase in searches related to suicidal thoughts led to an actual increase in suicide attempts. However, suicide search trends are correlated with actual suicides, media coverage of suicides concur with increased suicide attempts, and searches for precise suicide methods increased after the series release, the report says. 13 Reasons Why is based on a book of the same name and is about a set of tapes left behind by 17-year-old student Hannah Baker detailing whom she believes wronged her and led her to commit suicide. The final episode includes a flashback depicting Bakers suicide by razor in a bathtub, a scene that unfolds in graphic and grisly detail over three minutes. The show has been widely viewed by teenagers, but came in for criticism on several fronts , including for the depiction of the act of suicide. The National Association of School Psychologists offered a public caution that vulnerable youths not view it. The producers of the 13-part series have maintained that it was intended as an honest portrayal of the pain and finality of suicide, as well as such contributing factors as cyberbullying, stalking, slut shaming, and rape. In a 30-minute after show that was released with the series, Bryan Yorkey, the executive producer of 13 Reasons Why, addressed why the decision was made to depict Hannahs suicide. We wanted it to be painful to watch, he said in the show. Because we wanted it to be very clear there is nothing, in any way, worthwhile about suicide. In a statement released this week in response to the JAMA Internal Medicine study, Netflix said: We always believed this show would increase discussion around this tough subject matter. This is an interesting quasi-experimental study that confirms this. We are looking forward to more research and taking everything we learn to heart as we prepare for Season 2. (Netflix announced in May that it had renewed the series for a second season.) The company also some of the steps it took because of the sensitive subject matter, such as consulting with mental health professionals during production, releasing a companion website (13ReasonsWhy.info ) directing viewers to regional mental health resources, and the after show. The authors of the JAMA Internal Medicine study said they compared internet search volumes for the period from March 31 to April 18 with expected search volumes, based on an algorithm, as if the series had never been released. 13 Reasons Why elevated suicide awareness, but it is concerning that searches indicating suicidal ideation also rose, the report says. The authors suggest in the relatively short report that the deleterious effects of shows such as 13 Reasons Why could possibly be curtailed by following the World Health Organizations media guidelines for preventing suicide , such as removing scenes showing suicide, or addressed by including suicide hotline numbers in each episode. This month, Rick is out catching up on various and sundry projects that piled up during the rollout of Letters to a Young Education Reformer . In his stead, weve got a terrific slate of guest bloggers. Up this week is Lance Fusarelli, professor and director of graduate programs for the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development at N.C. State University. The cover of the latest issue of The Economist boldly proclaims, The Future of Learning: How Technology is Transforming Education. One article discusses how technology and teachers can revamp schools through personalized learning. Another notes that recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) permit machines to learn about the students using them by analyzing data from problem sets and practice tests. Such headlines are not new. The emergence of radio, film, and television in the twentieth century was going to transform teaching and learningbut it didnt. The advent of computers and laptops was going to transform learningand it has somewhat, although not as rapidly or as comprehensively as advocates dreamed. Similarly, smartboards were going to transform education, but have done little to actually change the way teachers teach and students learn. Worksheets remain common in schools, although at least the clarity has improved from the old mimeograph machines. Schools spend a great deal of money on education technologyentire infrastructures have been built to support such endeavors and district- and school-level positions have been created to lead and manage those systems. The combined value of the edtech market (including continuing and higher education) in North America and Europe is estimated to reach $120 billion by 2019. But if you went into many schools today, you would see something not entirely unfamiliar; students might not be aligned in rows (although, depending on the school, they well might) and students at times will be working on small group projects, but students were doing that decades ago. This is not to suggest technology has not improved or impacted educationit clearly has. Students and teachers have access to more knowledge, content, and resources than ever before. Students can now engage in self-paced learning. Adaptive computer software has been developed that assesses student performance by skill and unitif a student misses too many questions while working on a particular set, the program drops down to the previous skill set to ensure the student has mastered the content necessary for the higher-order problems. Once mastery is achieved, it takes the student to the next level, adjusting the degree of difficulty along the way. These are interesting and good developments. A 2015 study of personalized learning conducted by RAND found that in 62 schools using this approach, students made greater academic progress relative to their peers; the effect was greatest for those students furthest behind. While personalized learning holds much promise, it does not follow that all advances in educational technology improve schooling. Lets take the case of virtual schooling, which is becoming increasingly popular in several states and has generated great interest among educational entrepreneurs and investors. School districts, particularly those in rural areas, have been effectively utilizing virtual or online schooling for several years for specialized high-school courses that the district is unable to offer. For example, the NC Virtual Public School is the second largest virtual public school in the nation. The school is funded by districts themselves, who pay per student enrollment. Supplemental courses are available to students in public, private, or homeschools. It is not a fulltime school but rather offers courses not available in the schools themselves, which is particularly important in a state where roughly half the schools are rural. Courses are taught by certified teachers, and the school must comply with other reporting and regulatory requirements. Lets also look at the other, darker side of virtual schooling. Imagine creating a school without walls, borders, or attendance boundaries; one in which you dont need to provide transportation or school lunches, has limited infrastructure, and requires virtually no maintenance. You also arent restricted by onerous class-size limitations or requirements to hire certified teachers, enabling you to outsource instruction. In addition, you can purchase all the technology, instructional tools and curriculum, fiscal reporting, records-management software, and related administrative services through a subsidiary or parent company. In a world with 1.5 billion children, thats quite a market. To date, multiple studies of student performance in virtual schools suggest they are ineffective at improving student performance or learning. The Walton Family Foundation commissioned three studies of virtual charter schools . The results were dismal: students enrolled in online charter schools demonstrated weaker growth in reading and math compared to their peers in traditional brick-and-mortar charter schools. Over the course of a school year, students enrolled fulltime in online charter schools learned the equivalent of 72 fewer days in reading and fell behind a full year in math (180 days)essentially demonstrating no growth in math over the course of a year. In one of the studies, conducted by Mathematica, researchers found that students spent less synchronous instructional time in a week than students in traditional brick-and-mortar schools spent in a day and that class size and student-teacher ratios were higher in online charter schools than in brick-and-mortar charter schools. A recent report of the findings of five case studies by Michael Barbour, Gary Miron, and Luis Huerta for the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute revealed that for-profit Education Management Organizationswhich account for 71% of students enrolled in virtual schools in Ohio, Wisconsin, Idaho, Washington, and Michiganenroll a lower percentage of minority students and English language learners compared to state averages. Virtual schools in these states have high student-teacher ratiosroughly double state averages. Studies have found student-teacher ratios to be 2-3 times larger in virtual schools than in traditional public schools, with the largest ratios found in virtual schools operated by for-profit EMOs. To date, research indicates that virtual schools often have high dropout rates, low graduation rates, and nearly a quarter of students enrolled in fulltime virtual schools return to traditional public schools. Marc Sternberg and Marc Holley of the Walton Family Foundation noted that if virtual charter schools were grouped together into a single school district, it would be the ninth-largest and among the worst-performing in the country. The promise of integrating technology into the teaching and learning process is greatif it is used thoughtfully. It has the potential to reduce inequities in education by making advanced curriculum and personalized learning more accessible to everyone. It also makes it easier for teachers to obtain real-time data about specific areas or concepts in which students need help. On the other hand, when applied wholesale to schooling, as in the case of virtual schooling, the endeavor is not without risk. Legislators and policy makers must craft policies to ensure that public money is well spent on such initiatives, including creating an equitable system of funding and requiring public reporting of student-performance data, dropout, and graduation rates. Legislators also need to carefully evaluate the effectiveness of virtual schools and hold them accountable for results before rushing to expand them. Technology is indeed transforming education; it is incumbent upon legislators, policy makers, and educators to ensure the transformation improves education, not makes it worse. Lance Fusarelli By Catherine Gewertz and Mark Walsh Education advocates are reacting with dismay to a report that President Donald Trumps administration is recruiting lawyers within the U.S. Department of Justice for an initiative to investigate and potentially sue colleges and universities over racial preferences in admissions that discriminate against white applicants. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that there is a compelling interest in higher education institutions having diverse student bodies, said Anurima Bhargava, a former Justice Department civil rights official under President Barack Obama. My sense of the way this [Trump initiative] is playing out, the idea is to instill fear and intimidation among educational administrators, she said. Opponents of race-based policies in education, however, applauded the report in The New York Times on Aug. 2 about the Justice Department effort, suggesting it would have an impact in K-12 schools as well as in higher education. If a school board is thinking about coming up with some system to override the wishes of parents and teachers, or to override the usual sound educational policies to achieve a particular racial balance, they had better be careful, said Roger B. Clegg, the president and general counsel of the Center for Equal Opportunity in Washington, who was a Justice Department official under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. A Personnel Posting The advocates were reacting to something whose existence the Justice Department, at least initially, declined to confirm. But the Times reported that the department had issued a memo internally seeking lawyers interested in a project on investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions, in the words of the memo. The project would be run from the front office of the Justice Departments civil rights division, the paper said, meaning it would be run largely by political appointees, rather than from the divisions educational opportunities section, which consists of career lawyers and employees who enforce civil rights laws in the educational context. Civil rights division lawyers who want to work on the affirmative action project must submit their resumes by Aug. 9, the departmental memo said, according to the Times. At the White House on Wednesday, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders seemed to have a prepared answer for a query about the project. The New York Times article was based entirely on uncorroborated inferences from a leaked internal personnel posting, Sanders said at the daily press briefing. While the White House does not confirm or deny the existence of potential investigations, the Department of Justice will always review credible allegations of discrimination on the basis of any race. And I dont have anything further on that. [Update:] Late Wednesday, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores issued a statement that said, Press reports regarding the personnel posting in the Civil Rights Division were inaccurate. The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved. The complaint alleges racial discrimination against Asian Americans in a universitys admissions policy and practices. Flores continued: This Department of Justice has not received or issued any directive, memorandum, initiative, or policy related to university admissions in general. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting all Americans from all forms of illegal race-based discrimination. The complaint referred to by Flores involved allegations against Harvard University. Admissions practices at Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have also been challenged on behalf of Asian-American students in suits organized by a group called the Project on Fair Representation. Opinion Divided The Supreme Court has upheld certain uses of race in college admissions as long as they meet the highest level of judicial scrutiny. In 2016, the justices ruled 4-3 in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin that courts reviewing a race-conscious admissions plan owe considerable deference to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission. In K-12 education, the court sharply curtailed the permissible voluntary uses of race in its 2007 decision, in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District , but a concurrence by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy suggested ways in which school districts could consider race in assigning students to schools. At a time when we have an increasingly diverse student pool in K-12 schools as well as in higher education, it is odd that there is an effort to curtail some of the important tools and resouces that institutions have to try to promote an inclusive and diverse environment for students, said Bhargava, who as a political appointee was the head of the educational opportunities section for much of the Obama years and is now a fellow at the Open Society Foundations, in New York City, and the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government. Other education advocates also expressed concern about the reported Justice Department initiative. Wil Del Pilar, the vice president of higher education policy and practice at the Education Trust in Washington, said in an interview that attacks on race-conscious admissions impact how students view themselves, where they belong at institutions of higher education. If Im a student and the messaging has been that were going to ban affirmative action, the way students internalize it is, They dont want me here if Im black or Latino. They dont value my experience, as adding to this campus. David Hawkins, the executive director for educational content and policy at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, said the Justice Departments effort could be one more obstacle to educational diversity efforts. We know that for folks in secondary schools, particularly counselors, but anyone who works with students to try to get them to higher education, that this is yet another obstacle in a field full of obstacles that already challenge our college access and success objectives, he said. It creates real challenges when you work with students and they feel that the system is adding yet another weight on the scale against which they have to fight. Cornell William Brooks, a former president of the NAACP, said on CNN Wednesday that the reported project sends a chilling message. This seems to be race-baiting if you will, meant to address the ideological concerns of the presidents base, he said. We dont see white applicants being discriminated against categorically. What we see are offices of admission using race and ethnicity as a part of an admissions process to develop a diverse campus and student body. But opponents of affirmative action in education, while disagreeing with the Supreme Courts limited embrace of certain policies, have long argued that many colleges and universities have impermissibly used race preferences to the detriment of some white and Asian-American applicants. Todd F. Gaziano, the head of the Washington office of the Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramento, Calif.-based organization that opposes racial preferences, said that for many U.S. colleges and universities, such race-conscious policies are not the last resort, as the Supreme Courts precedents call for, but are the first resort, the second resort, and the third resort, and they would never survive strict scrutiny under the courts precedents. Whats going on in most elite universities falls far short of what the Supreme Court has authorized, he said. The Justice Department initiative, Gaziano said, at a minimum ought to be conducting serious investigations. Im sure the government lawyers are going to investigate before they sue. ACLU Sues Oklahoma Business for Worker Exploitation The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of three Filipino immigrants against a couple and their various Oklahoma business enterprises, claiming the entities breached employment contracts, violated federal wage and immigrations laws, and participated in what amounts to human trafficking. The suit claims that Walter and Carolyn Schumacher, along with a company that recruited workers, enticed Filipino nationals with promises of good pay and free housing, then exploited those workers for cheap labor, and used ties with law enforcement to intimidate workers. Stable, Long-Term The named plaintiffs, Madelyn Casilao, Harry Lincuna, and Allan Garciasay claim they were promised full-time jobs with "stable, long-term work potential" and free housing, food, and transportation under the H-2B temporary foreign worker visa program. According to the lawsuit, the Schumachers, through recruiting and HR company Apex USA Inc. induced the trio and other Filipino workers to pay for their own recruitment, the immigration process, and even travel to Oklahoma. But upon their arrival at work at a Holiday Inn Express, Montana Mike's Steakhouse, and Water Zoo, only a few hours of work for a few hours a day and for very few dollars. The plaintiffs claim those "working as housekeepers were paid approximately $4.25 per room cleaned," those "working as servers at Montana Mike's Restaurant were paid ... just over $2.00 per hour plus tips," and "breakfast cooks or Water Park employees were paid approximately $1 to $2 per hour less than they had been promised." These wages also fell below the federal minimum wage requirements. Sparse and Fluctuating The workers, their lawsuit states, felt they had little recourse: Due to their sparse and fluctuating work hours, Plaintiffs and other putative class members were barely able to earn enough to pay their living expenses in Oklahoma, and were not able to send money home to the Philippines to repay any debts they had incurred to obtain the H-2B visas. The businesses also refused to reimburse any of the workers for their travel expenses or recruitment expenses. The lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages in the name of unpaid expenses and wages, as well as punitive damages and attorneys' fees and costs. Related Resources: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Texas lawmaker has proposed a bill to protect historical monuments in response to a fake attempt at removing the Sam Houston statue in Hermann Park more than two months ago. State Sen. Brandon Creighton, a Conroe Republican, called Senate Bill 112 a "necessary" response to "recent attempts across the state" of removing public monuments. "A rally occurred in Hermann Park in Houston earlier this year regarding the removal of the Sam Houston statue," Creighton said in a news release. "Sam Houston is the namesake of the city of Houston and one of Texas' most important founding fathers." BIG SAM DRAMA: Texas group calls for removal of iconic Sam Houston statue from Hermann Park The hubbub around Sam Houston, an unapologetic slave owner during the 1800s, began in late May after a fake Facebook group called Texas Antifa created a page calling for the statue's removal. The entire page was a farce perpetrated by an alt-right group that had borrowed the name from the anti-fascist group, Houston Antifa, the Houston Press reported. "Comrades, we need to fight to remove the disgusting statues of ALL war criminals and slave owners. Texans want these statues removed!" the fake group wrote May 22 on its Facebook page. Despite Texas Antifa's efforts being debunked, that did not stop armed protesters from flocking to the Big Sam to protect it in June. BUSTED: Armed protesters at Hermann Park defend Sam Houston statue While Big Sam seems safe for now, a Confederate statue in San Antonio is under siege. The statue in Travis Park has been there since 1899 and features a confederate soldier with the words "Our Confederate Dead" and "Lest we forget" engraved on it. Two councilmen have called for a vote in August to decide if the statue should be moved. "These statutes and monuments are important to Texans," Creighton said. "Texas should not erase our history -- we should learn from it." Just over halfway through 2017 dozens of men and women in Houston have been arrested and charged with murder or capital murder. And while murder rates are rising across the country, the number of killings in Houston has actually dropped in the first six months of the year, according to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate President Donald Trump recently visited Long Island, New York, to give a speech on law-and-order as well as highlight the MS-13, a street gang known for its brutal violence. In his speech, Trump promised to restore peace and "destroy the vile, criminal cartel MS-13." In the past year, Long Island has seen a string of MS-13 killings that have made national headlines and gained the attention of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Trump also urged police to not be "too nice" to "thugs" being arrested, language that was rebuked by several police departments across the country who stressed use of force only when reasonable and necessary. DETAILS: Trump targets MS-13, 'worst of the worst' says Houston top cop Acevedo Story continues below... Like the Long Island community he spoke to, Houston is no stranger to the violence the infamous gang can bring. Harris County contains the highest reported membership of MS-13 in the Lone Star State, according to the most recent gang threat assessment by the Texas Department of Public Safety. "While the increase in the presence of the MS-13 grows, it appears that Texas is continually used as a transitional zone, as gang members are traveling onward to the U.S. East Coast," detailed Texas safety officials. "The increase in violent activity in Texas along with the constant influx of illegal members crossing into the state exemplifies the gang's Tier 1 threat level." CHARGED: MS-13 gang member accused of killing high school student, rival gang member One recent example is the arrest of 20-year-old Douglas Alexander Herrera-Hernandez, an alleged Houston member of MS-13 that is suspected in two area murders. Herrera-Hernandez, also known as "Terror," was apprehended in Alexandria, Virginia, more than 1,400 miles from Houston. Click through above to see other violent MS-13 crimes committed in 2017 as well a ranking of Texas' most dangerous gangs. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man was beaten up by a group of people Sunday on a Dallas train after he had reportedly asked them to stop smoking marijuana. Kennan Jones was riding the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) on a Northbound Green Line train when he complained about five males and two females smoking pot. "Everything just went from 0 to 100," Jones told CBS DFW. "I'm just very happy to be here... happy to hug my kids." WANTED: Police release name of Texas woman who allegedly beat a girl in school Jones was savagely kicked and punched by the group of people, which was all caught in a video posted on Facebook. Once the train stopped, Jones got out but was followed by the group who kept beating him. At one point a person can be seen grabbing a skateboard and hitting Jones with it. A copy of the video was reposted by Dallas news anchor Steve Eager Tuesday. It has collected more than 127,000 views and more than 1,000 comments. READ MORE: Texas man accused of beating father to death, hiding body in freezer, is indicted by grand jury "This video is maddening and outrageous. The beating victim had the audacity to ask young people on a DART train (Green Line) in Dallas to stop smoking weed. Of course there was NO Dallas Area Rapid Transit... police officer on the train, or on the platform once the beating spilled there," Eager wrote on Facebook. "DART officials claimed the victim didn't want to press charges." A request for comment has been placed with DART. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Navy veteran from Odessa, Texas, is recovering from cuts and bruises he received from being attacked at a park. Tony Haro, 27, feared for his life when five individuals jumped him from behind and pointed a gun to his face. The young man pointing the gun pulled the trigger, but to Haro's relief, it was only a BB gun. Haro was shot five times in the lip before his attackers ran away laughing. GANG INITIATION: Cartel reportedly makes new members eat flesh of victims Incredibly, Haro told News West 9 he isn't mad about the incident. Instead, he has a message for his assailants. "If you keep this up, you're going to die," Haro said. "Plain and simple. You're going to be judged by 12 and buried by six. Don't mess with that lifestyle, you're just dancing with the devil. Do you really want that on your life script, that you did such really stupid stuff and dying for it? Make something of yourself." DROWNING: Houston man found dead in Oregon lake In a Facebook post, Haro thanked his friends and family for their concern. In addition, he also warned them to be vigilant and protected, even if that means just carrying pepper spray. "I don't want to hurt anyone, but if someone is trying to senselessly try to hurt me or my family for no apparent reason, this time I'm going to be more than ready to meet the challenge." Click through above to see the most shocking crimes of 2017. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It was 44 years ago this week that the infamous Chicken Ranch in La Grange was shuttered. The brothel, also the subject of ZZ Top's blues-rock jam "La Grange," was an open secret in Texas for some time. The Chicken Ranch was reportedly the oldest continuously operating brothel in the nation when it closed in August 1973 following an expose by KTRK consumer reporter and Houston broadcasting god Marvin Zindler. GOOD GOLF, GOOD FISHING: Remembering Houston media icon Marvin Zindler a decade after his passing This past week we remembered the life of Zindler on the 10th anniversary of his passing. For longtime residents of Houston he's achieved icon status, and it was the Chicken Ranch story that put him in the national spotlight. Now Playing: It's been ten years since Houston said goodbye to the man who protected us from slime in the ice machine and made miracles happen for the less fortunate. Video: Craig Hlavaty, KTRK-TV Zindler received a tip and ran with it. Story continues below... "Action 13 received an anonymous complaint about two alleged houses of prostitution," was how Zindler opened his nightly segment in late July that year. "The complainant said the houses were operating openly in our neighboring towns of Sealy and La Grange. It's illegal to operate a house of prostitution in Texas. And past history shows they cannot function without someone in authority protecting them." OLD SCHOOL COOL: Vintage pictures show Houston as it was in 1977 Gov. Dolph Briscoe ordered law enforcement to close the two "bawdy houses," as Zindler called them. The story received national attention and spawned "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" on Broadway and that really cheesy Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds flick in 1982. A version of Zindler was campily played by Dom DeLuise. In 2013 Edna Milton Chadwell, the last madam of the Chicken Ranch, passed away at the age of 84. She died due to complications from injuries she received in a car wreck the previous year. In the late '70s she sold the rights to her story to writer Larry L. King, who wrote a piece for Playboy magazine and which was adapted by Peter Masterson for the stage. During her tenure running the brothel she established a good working and personal relationship with T.J. Flournoy, the Fayette County sheriff who put in a direct line to the Chicken Ranch so he could be easily apprised of any criminal activity. She also barred employees of hers from having any contact with locals other than that of a professional nature. She also insisted on weekly visits by the girls to a doctor, shopped with local merchants on a rotating basis, and gave generously to local charities. Everyone seemed to be happy with the setup. HAW HAW HAW: ZZ Top is coming to Sugar Land Anyone with older relatives who lived around these parts at the time might have a few interesting anecdotes related to the ranch. According to local lore, generations of students at nearby Texas A&M University discovered that a visit to the Chicken Ranch was an established rite of passage for freshmen. Legend also has it that a nearby military base ferried clients in by helicopter. WASHINGTON A congressman from the Rio Grande Valley is asking Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to pardon deported veterans from Texas, an act he says "would make it more feasible for them to return to the country they love and served." In a letter this week, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat from McAllen, wrote, "There is national precedent for pardoning deported veterans who served their country honorably." His letter also noted that in 2015 Abbott was quoted in the McAllen Monitor saying that veterans' "service to this nation may end when they leave the battlefield, but this country's debt to them does not." The letter comes a week after Gonzalez introduced the Repatriate Our Patriots Act, a piece of bipartisan legislation that would bring home deported veterans and expedite their citizenship application process. Other co-sponsors included Alaska Republican Don Young and El Paso Democrat Beto O'Rourke, a 2018 candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas. Gonzalez said that President Donald Trump personally expressed his support for the legislation at a recent White House dinner attended by the freshman congressman. Congressional aides say that while deportation orders are issued by federal authorities, a governor's pardon would help those with criminal records find jobs and re-acclimatize to civilian life. Gonzalez's bill would exclude those who have been convicted of crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, or terrorism. His office said it has no estimate of how many Texas veterans would be affected by a pardon. California's Governor, Jerry Brown, pardoned deported veterans from his state in April, affecting only three veterans. Neither Abbott nor the White House were immediately available Wednesday morning for comment. Under the Texas constitution, the governor can only pardon on the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The instructors join others across the country calling on the Ministry of Education to institute a clear promotion policy that is more fair and consistent than the current one. Many consider the current policy arbitrary and have demanded that the ministry address their complaints by August 4. We, the teachers from the TU [Technological University] with a B.E. [Bachelor of Civil Engineering], are only considered assistant lecturers. Within the same ministry there are inconsistencies between departmentsin the same department at other universities, those with a B.E. are appointed to full lectures while at TU we remain assistants, said Daw Aye Su Thu Thu, an assistant lecturer at the Technological University of Mawlamyine. She added that because they all work for the same Ministry of Education, they were able to launch a nationwide campaign with teachers from other technology and computer universities to demand a fair promotion policy. It is not just that other employees get promoted and we want to be promoted as well. Its a matter of policy. If one person is promoted with a certain level of education and experience, a person with the same qualifications should also be promoted. If promotions are to be given they should be given equally. Every employee wants equal treatment, said U Aung Ko Win, from the Department of Myanmar. He said that there is a promotions schedule, but that it is widely ignored. We were told that we would be given a promotion after working as an assistant lecturer for 3 years. But I have now been working as an assistant lecturer for seven years and a month. In the same department, other assistant lecturers who finished their M.E. [Masters of Mechanical Engineering] and Ph.D. in the same batches as me have now become full lecturers. I am still working as an assistant, said Daw Yin Mon Swe, an assistant lecturer at the Technological University of Mawlamyine. The campaign is led by thousands of teachers from technology and computer universities and medical institutions. It was launched on July 31 and includes universities in Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay, Taunggyi and Pathein. Teachers at some universities started campaigning on July 25. By Mon News Agency (MNA) Houston paddlers will soon have five new launch points for their canoes and kayaks with City Council's approval of a plan to build paths down to Brays Bayou on the city's east side. Councilman Robert Gallegos will contribute $5,000 from his district funds to help lay gravel paths lined with old railroad ties at five spots along Brays. Once complete, the effort aims to provide a 5-mile "urban paddling trail" between MacGregor Park and the Houston Ship Channel. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott says hedge-fund billionaire George Soros and other liberals are messing with Texas. "And they don't plan on stopping there," Abbott writes, in a warning to Texans published, of all places, in an online news outlet in Washington, D.C. READ ALSO: Hungary's leader accuses EU, Soros of 'Muslimizing' Europe Here's the Republican governor's hypothesis: "Still reeling from nearly a decade of devastating losses in statehouses across the nation as well as in the 2016 presidential election, Democrats in Washington, D.C. are plotting to pour hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local elections across the country," Abbott says. "With the help of hedge fund billionaire George Soros, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee hopes to wrest control from voters of congressional re-districting in 2021 when booming conservative states such as Texas will gain seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. All for the benefit of their special-interest donors. "That the first fundraisers for this self-described 'super group' were held in San Francisco and Los Angeles reveals one of their goals: to reinstate Rep. Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. But they aren't stopping there." READ ALSO: Billionaire Soros makes $500K ad buy for Democratic DA candidate Ogg Abbott says Texas is Ground Zero for Democrats' efforts to redraw congressional district boundary lines so they can gain seats in future elections. And he opines that the Harris County district attorney's race last year was part of the take-back push. "In 2016, (Soros) also reportedly spent nearly $11 million on a dozen local district attorney races, including one in Harris County, Texas. The vast majority of his selected candidates won when their opponents were overwhelmed by the inflow of cash and negative campaigning. "Those victories, along with recent successful efforts to challenge redistricting maps in a handful of states, have given Democrats a taste of victory. "What Obama could not accomplish while in office, turning red states blue, he will attempt to do now through the machinations of this 'super group' a partisan focus unbecoming a former president." Abbott draws this line in the sand: "I've got news for Nancy Pelosi and her pet project: Texas is not up for grabs." "I'm running for re-election to make sure that San Francisco liberals such as Pelosi will not be running our great state. I'm committed to preserving Texas' liberty. And I will continue to fight back against the liberal agenda that threatens the future of our nation." Read the entire Abbott op-ed piece here. Fifty-six retired U.S. generals, admirals and other senior officers today voiced opposition to President Donald Trump's proposed ban on transgender military service. Trump attempted to justify his bigotry on the bogus grounds it would be disruptive and harm readiness. "Patriotic transgender Americans who are serving and who want to serve must not be dismissed, deprived of medically necessary health care, or forced to compromise their integrity or hide their identity," the former officers wrote. Read their letter here. Snip: The Commander in Chief has tweeted a total ban of honorably serving transgender troops. This proposed ban, if implemented, would cause significant disruptions, deprive the military of mission-critical talent, and compromise the integrity of transgender troops who would be forced to live a lie, as well as non-transgender peers who would be forced to choose between reporting their comrades or disobeying policy. As a result, the proposed ban would degrade readiness even more than the failed 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. Patriotic transgender Americans who are servingand who want to servemust not be dismissed, deprived of medically necessary health care, or forced to compromise their integrity or hide their identity. From Reuters: The letter and comments were the latest push-back from retired or active military members after Trump said on Twitter he would ban transgender people from serving in the military "in any capacity", reviving a ban that had ended in 2016. Trump's announcement appealed to some in his conservative political base, but it created vast uncertainty for active-duty and reserve transgender service members, who say they number in the thousands. The retired officers said in their open letter that the ban "would cause significant disruptions" and deprive the military of talent or force members to live a lie. The retired officers said the move would "degrade readiness" even more than the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy implemented in 1994 under President Bill Clinton that lifted a ban on gay people serving in the military but called for them to be circumspect about their sexuality. The letter was released by the Palm Center, a public policy think tank. Also today, U.S. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft voiced support for transgender Coast Guard service persons. 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. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Former Justice Department lawyer Christopher Wray was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the FBI, about three months after its previous director James Comey was fired by President Donald Trump. From Reuters: Wray, who was confirmed by vote of 92-5, will take charge of the country's top domestic law enforcement agency during a federal probe into allegations of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia. Since the dismissal of Comey on May 9, the Justice Department has appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the investigation with the help of the FBI. Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia. Wray vowed in his confirmation hearing last month to remain independent and not be swayed by politics or pressure from the president. He also praised Muller as the "consummate straight shooter." He also worked with Comey on the government's case in the Enron Corp fraud scandal in the early 2000s. During the confirmation hearing, Republican Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said Wray's background showed he was committed to independence, an attribute he said was "vitally important" in the next FBI director. Wray served as assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division at the Justice Department under former Republican President George W. Bush. Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute rescues are overflowing with dogs named Nymeria and Ghost. Thanks, Games of Thrones! Siberian huskies, the strong, wolf-like dogs originally bred for sled-pulling in the Arctic, have along with some of other wolf-esque breeds like the Alaskan malamute been gaining huge popularity in the US and the UK the last several years, due in large part to the influence of Game of Thrones and before that, the Twilight movie franchise. The Daily Mail reported on the problem of large numbers of abandoned huskies showing up in British shelters three years ago, and here in the Bay Area, the phenomenon continues and as the Chronicle reports, the dogs often show up in shelters with weird GOT-inspired names like Ghost, Nymeria, and Grey Wind. The dogs are likened to the Stark clan's direwolves, and it seems that far too many people are buying or adopting huskies hoping to add some Stark-like swagger to their homes, only to find out these dogs are a heavy-shedding handful. Angelique Miller, president of Northern California Sled Dog Rescue, tells the Chronicle that her numbers of monthly intakes of abandoned dogs has more than doubled, and she's seeing about 45 new dogs per month. "These people, they watch these shows and think how cool these dogs are. People can't even tell the difference between a husky and a wolf because they're always asking us at adoption fairs if these dogs are wolves and it's clearly a husky. They're just following the trend of what they think is cute." She says in the past there have been upticks of abandoned dogs connected to movie releases like Snow Dogs and Eight Below, but clearly the biggest influence is now GOT with many owners who sought out huskies as pets after the show premiered in 2011 now recognizing that they can't take care of the dogs anymore because they require too much exercise and grooming. San Francisco Animal Care & Control also reports seeing a lot of huskies come through, as has Bay Area Siberian Husky Club (BASH). The Federal Emergency Management Agency should take back $2 billion dollars in grants approved to fix New Orleans sewers and water pipes damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and to repair streets afterward, a federal audit says. FEMA says no. The Department of Homeland Security inspector generals office prepared the audit. It says the pipes were old and in bad condition before the storm, and the city didnt have paperwork to prove the damages are disaster related, news outlets reported. FEMA has agreed with 100 of 103 audits from the Department of Homeland Security inspector generals office, but this is one of the three exceptions, the agency said in a news release Wednesday. Throughout the audit process, agency staff provided detailed documentation, it said. The FEMA grants make up most of what the city has to begin work on an estimated $9 billion repair backlog, media reported. However, the matter may not go any farther unless the inspector general appeals to higher authorities in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The New Orleans Advocate reported. Teams from FEMA and the city went over every mile of street in the city, Cedric Grant, executive director of New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, told The Advocate. He called it the most comprehensive review of a road system for damage that FEMA has ever done. The audit defies logic, Zach Butterworth, Mayor Mitch Landrieus executive counsel and federal lobbyist, told Nola.com | The Times-Picayune. Were just going to push back very strongly against this. Regardless of its age, the New Orleans infrastructure was functioning to serve a population of 445,000 prior to Hurricane Katrina, FEMA wrote in a response included with IGs report and quoted by WWL-TV . This infrastructure was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and FEMA appropriately limited the approved funding to Katrina-related disaster damage. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The families of five Washington state high school students shot in a high school cafeteria in 2014 have settled a lawsuit against the school districts insurance company for $18 million. Attorney Lincoln Beauregard, who represented the plaintiffs, said the settlement amount was determined by the cap of the Marysville School Districts insurance policy, which was $20 million, The Seattle Times reported. The settlement stems from a lawsuit alleging that a substitute teacher had been told of the possibility of a shooting but failed to alert school officials. The plaintiffs elected not to pursue amounts that would erode the school districts general budget designated for educating and protecting students, according to documents filed Monday in Snohomish County Superior Court. The facts of this case are tragic, and the errors that led to this lawsuit, substantial, Beauregard wrote. At the same time, he wrote, the school district, the substitute teacher, Rosemary Cooper, and the insurance companies handled this matter with great dignity and respect for the aggrieved families. Four students were killed and a fifth critically injured on Oct. 24, 2014, when 15-year-old Jaylen Fryberg opened fire on them before killing himself at Marysville-Pilchuck High School north of Seattle. Gia Soriano, Zoe Gallaso and Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, all 14, and 15-year-old Andrew Fryberg were killed. A fifth student, 15-year-old Nate Hatch, was shot in the face but survived. Cooper, a substitute teacher, said that she had warned school officials of the impending mass shooting, but later it was revealed that she may actually not have told anyone. The lawsuit initially named the school district itself, but it was dropped as a defendant after the School Board agreed to indemnify Cooper as a school employee whose actions, if reasonable, would be covered by insurance. Coopers claim that she had warned the school about the shooting first surfaced in a report released by the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office. She told detectives that, on Oct. 22, she was told by a student that there was going to be a shooting, and that she reported it to the front office. Cooper retracted part of the story to detectives, though later she claimed she was pressured to do so. According to court documents, Cooper claims she told someone in the attendance office about the message and wrote a note to the teacher whose class she was covering. But detectives and civil attorneys have not turned up anyone she talked to, and the teacher said he did not receive any note, documents said. Additionally, notes in court documents from two therapists Cooper saw in July 2016 indicate Cooper was suffering from extreme guilt for never having passed along the student warning. A claim against Raymond Fryberg, the father of the shooter who purchased the gun used in the shootings, remains active, according to Beauregard. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man accused of setting two deadly house fires -- including the deadliest single fire in Akron's history -- made a court appearance Wednesday morning. Stanley Ford appeared in court Wednesday by video from the Summit County Jail where he is being held on charges that say he killed a total of nine people by setting two homes on fire. Wednesday's court appearance was his arraignment on all of the charges he faces in connection with the April 18, 2016 fire that killed two people, the May 15 fire that killed seven people, including five children. The charges also include a January car fire. Defense attorneys Joseph Gorman and Donald Malari entered a not-guilty plea on Ford's behalf to all the charges. Ford was charged Friday in the 2016 incident, just weeks after investigators connected him to the May 15 fire. Ford faces a slew of criminal charges including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, aggravated arson, cruelty to animals, arson and aggravated menacing. He remains in the Summit County Jail on $7 million bond. Family members of the victims of both house fires sat in the courtroom gallery Wednesday as Summit County chief assistant prosecutor Margaret Scott spent more than an hour reading Ford's indictment. The May 15, 2017 fire on Fultz Street killed Dennis Huggins, 35; Angela Boggs, 38; Jered Boggs, 14; Daisia Huggins, 6; Kylle Huggins, 5; Alivia Huggins, 3; and Cameron Huggins, 1. All of them died of smoke inhalation, the Summit County Medical Examiner's office said. The family's pet dog also died in the fire. The April 2016 fire on the same street killed Lindell Lewis, 66, and Gloria Hart, 65. A third person managed to escape. The victims in the fires were trapped in the homes and were overcome with smoke, Scott said. Ford continues to deny any involvement in the fires, authorities say. He also is charged in a car fire that happened earlier this year on Russell Avenue, within walking distance to the two homes. No one besides Ford has ever been charged with killing nine people in Summit County, Scott said. Ford is scheduled for a pretrial hearing at 1 p.m. Aug. 8. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. Welp. This doesn't sound good, from what appears to be an official Russian state Twitter account. https://twitter.com/Russia/status/892832078781444097 President Trump today grudgingly signed into law sanctions against Russia. Moscow replied by declaring a trade war on the U.S. Trump criticized the bill he pretty much had no choice but to sign as an unfair limit on his executive power to shape foreign policy, and complained that he could make "far better deals" with foreign governments than Congress can. From Reuters: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called the sanctions tantamount to a "full-scale trade war," adding in a Facebook post that they showed the Trump administration had demonstrated "utter powerlessness." "The hope that our relations with the new American administration would improve is finished," he wrote. Trump's litany of concerns about the sanctions, which also affect Iran and North Korea, nonetheless raised the question of how vigorously Trump will enforce them and pursue action against Russia. "While I favor tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing behavior by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed," Trump said in a message to lawmakers. The new law will also empower Congress to stop any effort by Trump to relax the Russia sanctions. Russia's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement. "It's high time to realize that threats and attempts to exert pressure on Russia will not make it change its course or sacrifice its national interests," the statement read. AKRON, Ohio - Three additional artists have been added to the lineup in Akron Soul Train's second year of fellowships, putting the residential artists' village ahead of schedule. Akron Soul Train, which sponsored Akron artist John Sokol in a successful inaugural year, had announced three artists were selected for the 2017-2018 year. Now, through strong fundraising, the nonprofit will bring that number to six fellows, said Akron artist Amy Mothersbaugh, who co-founded the village with Nancy Brennan. Newly added artists include performance artist Danny Volk, installation artist, Eva Kwong and writer Gabe Gott. Artists, chosen each year through a competitive process, demonstrate their artistic process to the public, teaching and exposing visitors to all artistic genres through educational outreach, workshops, classes and exhibitions. Artists are paid a stipend and get a percentage of sales of their work. The residential artists' village of shipping containers, railroad cars and tiny houses has raised more than $500,000 since it was awarded $150,000 during the 2015 Knight Arts Challenge. The Knight grant was the largest in Knight's 26 cities in 2015, and Knight's second largest arts challenge grant to date. In the current fellowship year, Akron Soul Train will sponsor four full fellows and one partial fellowship this fall, and two fellows in spring 2018. "The goal is to have enough funding to have residencies all year round," Mothersbaugh said. Phase I of the village, soon to break ground, will include shipping containers housing two studio areas, gallery space and a restroom area. By spring, organizers expect the artists to be able to live on site and host events at the Akron Soul Train village, located on nearly three acres of wooded land at the edge of downtown at 100 North Canal Street. The site is adjacent to a portion of the Towpath Trail that runs along the Ohio & Erie Canal on the west side of downtown. "You're in downtown Akron and then you're going into the woods," Mothersbaugh said. "It's a green oasis; what a great place to come do your art." Phase I of the village, soon to break ground, will include shipping containers housing two studio areas, gallery space and a restroom area. The design will preserve green space, prevent erosion and include rain permeable materials for parking areas and pathways. Until the village is built, the fellows will work from their home studios and offer various worships, presentations and lectures at a number of locations. Once Akron Soul Train village is built, artists will be able to work in residencies of varying lengths of time, Mothersbaugh said. In five years, organizers hope to have five artists living on site. Future programming will include LGBTQ and international fellowships, as well as emerging artist programs and teen day-residencies, where young people can shadow professional artists. Among upcoming events, Akron Soul Train will sponsor Abandoned Art: Rock Painting hosted by Mothersbaugh from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Aug. 12 from at Schumacher Cascade Mills Park on West North and Howard streets. To learn more about Akron Soul Train and get dates for hard hat tours, fellowship events and the groundbreaking, sign up for the mailing list and visit the Facebook page. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Save Save Save Save Save Save Save BEREA, Ohio - The Cleveland Browns continue their 2017 training camp on Wednesday at the team's headquarters in Berea. But if you're unable to attend, you can still follow along with live updates right here on cleveland.com. The updates begin with player interviews from 12-1 p.m. Practice is from 3:25-5:55 p.m., and Hue Jackson will answer questions from the media following practice. This post features Twitter updates from local media covering the team. Also, the comment section will include Twitter updates from our Browns coverage team of Mary Kay Cabot, Dan Labbe and Scott Patsko. To get you up to date, be sure to check out our five-minute guide to Wednesday. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- New York Community Bank, the parent of Ohio Savings, will slash more than 200 jobs in Greater Cleveland next month when it gets out of the mortgage business. The New York-based bank, which bought Ohio Savings/Amtrust after it said last week it would sell its mortgage business to Freedom Mortgage of New York. But it initially declined to discuss how many jobs would be affected. In a notice to the state this week under a required Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, NYCB said it plans to eliminate 210 mortgage-related jobs, based out of the bank's Cleveland headquarters at 1801 E. 9th St. in Cleveland. It's also laying off 14 people in customer service or personal banking who work at the bank's office at 7570 Northcliff Ave. in Brooklyn. The layoffs are effective Sept. 29, the end of the third quarter. "Our presence in Ohio is an important component of our business strategy and following the close of the transaction, we will continue to have 28 branches and more than 400 employees in the state," spokeswoman Donna Winfield said last week. "We look forward to continuing to grow NYCB's position as one of the 25 largest banks in the country." Freedom said it plans to hire "select employees in organizations, servicing and operations from New York Community Bank's Cleveland-based residential mortgage operation." It did not indicate how many people may be hired. Charles Bromley, a veteran advocate of consumer issues including fair lending in Ohio, said it "will be interesting" to see how the bank meets community credit needs. "Mostly I'm disappointed," Bromley said. "I thought they were supposed to be lenders. Same story - lots of deposits, no loans." Ohio Savings is the 11th-largest bank in Greater Cleveland by deposits, with $1.7 billion in local deposits, amounting to 2.6 percent of local market share. Before the financial/ mortgage crisis that squashed dozens of big lenders like Amtrust/Ohio Savings starting in 2007, it was the third-largest bank in Greater Cleveland. Bromley said the financial problems aren't over for NYCB. "If you look at their stock, it's way down,'' he said. "They obviously needed some cash. The bid for a Astoria bank did not happen it cost them a lot of money. They have received consistently low CRA ratings." Winfield said Ohio Savings expected to "maintain CRA activity at current levels in alignment with our continuing commitment to this community." Freedom, which is a privately owned lender, is buying about $500 million in mortgages from NYCB. The deal includes the servicing rights for $20 billion in mortgages. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Rocky River woman has sued the Cleveland Metroparks Board of Commissioners, saying the Metroparks' restrictive rules on free speech are unconstitutional and that park rangers harassed her while she collected signatures Thursday at the Edgewater Live concert series. The Metroparks require anyone who wants to engage in "First Amendment activities" to apply for and receive permission, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday. Anyone granted permission is only allowed to be in certain areas at each of the Metropark sites, even though the parks are public. The suit says Alison Abdul-Kareem did not get a permit -- and has no intention of doing so in the future -- when she sought to collect signatures from patrons of Edgewater Live on Thursday on Cleveland's West Side. The signatures were in the hopes of placing a measure on November's ballot asking Cleveland whether marijuana possession should be decriminalized. Abdul-Kareem says she positioned herself near the Edgewater Beach House. She did not harass anybody, the lawsuit says. Metropark rangers stopped Abdul-Kareem twice as she tried to collect signatures, according to the lawsuit. During the first instance, park rangers demanded that Abdul-Kareem cease her activities and leave. While they told her she would not be arrested if she continued, she was stopped a few minutes later and surrounded by park rangers. Eventually, the rangers left her alone, the lawsuit says. The Metroparks only allows people who want to engage in free-speech activities to do so at Edgewater "within one picnic area described as 'Upper Edgewater - Near Statue,'" the lawsuit says. "Had Abdul-Kareem stationed herself in the designated First Amendment Activity area, she would not have had access to the audience she was trying to reach," the lawsuit says. The lawsuit, which also lists 15 unnamed park rangers as defendants, says the Metroparks officials violated Abdul-Karrem's First and 14th Amendment rights. It asks for a federal judge to declare Metroparks' policies unconstitutional. Abdul-Kareem is also asking a federal judge to bar the Metroparks from enforcing its policies and to prohibit the rangers from harassing her while the lawsuit is pending. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. Metroparks spokeswoman Jacqueline Gerling said in an emailed statement that "Cleveland Metroparks respects and values first amendment rights and activities. We just received notification of the lawsuit this afternoon and it is under review." CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Highland Heights drug dealer will likely serve 12 years in federal prison after he admitted Tuesday that he gave a type of fentanyl to a Cleveland man who overdosed and died in February 2016. Alec "A.J." Steinberger, 22, pleaded guilty to three federal drug charges and seven counts of using a phone to conduct a drug trafficking offense. He said he gave furanylfentanyl to Laith Hudson, a 19-year-old from North Collinwood. The path from Hudson's death to Steinberger's plea took nearly a year and a half, with Steinberger later admitting that he framed another suspected drug dealer to throw police off his trail. Meanwhile, he also racked up another criminal case in Lake County and went to a rehabilitation facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to address his own heroin addiction. On Tuesday, wearing black jail garb and seated next to defense attorney Thomas Shaughnessy, Steinberger said all he takes now is a prescribed sleeping medication for his depression. He admitted to his deeds as U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cronin described them. He dutifully said "guilty" as Oliver listed all 10 charges against him. One of the charges Steinberger pleaded to involves a "death specification," which carries a mandatory prison sentence of at least 20 years. Prosecutors and Steinberger, though, have agreed to seek a 12-year prison sentence. Steinberger has also agreed to pay Hudson's mother $9,468 in restitution to cover the 19-year-old's funeral costs and counseling. Oliver must accept Steinberger's plea agreement for it to go into effect. While noting that he almost always accepts plea agreements, he would not commit on Tuesday, saying he wanted more information from the U.S. Probation Office before he enters an agreement that gives him no discretion. The judge is expected to sentence Steinberger Oct. 31. None of Hudson's loved ones showed up at Tuesday's plea. Steinberger's family looked on from the viewing gallery. Prosecutors said Steinberger received furanylfentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that's more powerful than heroin, from China and then reached out to heroin users to sell it. They said he persistently texted Hudson, whom Steinberger considered a friend, to take a sample of some of the drug, and that Hudson acquiesced. Steinberger told Hudson he wanted Hudson to help find more customers. The text messages laid out in Steinberger's indictment say Steinberger warned Hudson that the furanylfentanyl was strong. Cronin said Tuesday that Steinberger changed his phone number and deleted text messages between him and Hudson after finding out that Hudson died. Steinberger also admitted at a detention hearing held in Baton Rouge in April that he lied to Cleveland police immediately after Hudson's death, saying a man named "Mitch" gave Hudson a fatal dose of heroin. When asked by a prosecutor why he lied, Steinberger said, "I did because I was really bad on drugs. I don't really know why I said it, but when the marshals picked me up this time, I told the truth." Steinberger is one of 25 suspected drug dealers that federal prosecutors in northern Ohio have charged with selling fatal doses of opioids. Authorities hope this tactic can be effective in combating the tidal wave of heroin and opioid deaths. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section. GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio - Detectives are working to identify a man who forced a Garfield Heights woman into her apartment at gunpoint before he raped her, police said. No arrests have been made in the attack that happened early Saturday at an apartment building on Valley Lane Drive, police said. The woman arrived home just after midnight and found the man in the apartment building's lobby. The man put a gun to her head and forced her into her apartment, according to a police report. The man told the woman that he knew her boyfriend, the report says. The man left on foot shortly before the woman walked to a nearby restaurant to call 911, the report says. Paramedics with the Garfield Heights Fire Department took her to Hillcrest Hospital for treatment. Detectives have not learned of any similar sexual assaults in Garfield Heights or any nearby cities, police said. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The hot-button issue of justice reform will be the subject of a City Club of Cleveland conversation on Aug. 18 with John J. Russo, administrative and presiding judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, and County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley. "There is an emerging groundswell of support for criminal justice reform and efforts to end mass incarceration in the United States," reads the City Club promo for the noon forum, which costs $20 for City Club members and $35 for non-members. Justice reform is something Russo had a hard time discussing with O'Malley's predecessor Timothy J. McGinty, who had a knack for rankling judges whenever he discussed the need to make the legal system to be more fair and efficient. Russo said he expects the City Club conversation to focus on how the landscape has changed with O'Malley as prosecutor. "I know they want us to be able to highlight differences, if there have been any, between Mike's way of handling things versus the prior prosecutor and how that has helped or not helped with the court moving forward on reforms," Russo said. After years of talking about justice reform, leaders in Cuyahoga County's legal community are now taking action. Cleveland Municipal Court Administrative and Presiding Judge Ronald Adrine urged his fellow judges to release more defendants on their own recognizance and eventually to embrace a new system for determining bail created by a Houston organization called the Arnold Foundation. Adrine believes too many defendants who are not flight risks remain behind bars pending their court appearances because they don't have the money to post bond. Russo, while initially somewhat skeptical of the need for changes in pre-trial procedures in common pleas court, created the Bail and Bond Review Steering Committee and its four subcommittees after cleveland.com launched its Justice For All series on inequities in the bail system. The subcommittees are expected to suggest possible reforms after completing reviews of how existing bail systems operate as well as the social and financial impact of changing the systems. The subcommittees are waiting for information about the jail population in Cuyahoga County so that they can make more informed recommendations. Using money provided by the Gund Foundation, the Pretrial Justice Institute is reviewing the populations in the Cuyahoga County Jail and several suburban jails. The information gathered will include charges filed against inmates, date of arrest, bond type and amount, flight risk and other profile characteristics such as mental health concerns. Russo said he expects the data to be collected by September. Justice reform is going on across Ohio and the rest of the country. Lucas County Common Pleas Court has adopted the Arnold Foundation risk-assessment method with positive results. And statewide, the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is expanding its Targeted Community Alternatives to Prison program that is designed to keep low-level offenders out of state prison by keeping them in local jails or under the supervision of a community-based program. Also, philanthropist Agnes Gund recently sold a famous Roy Lichtenstein painting to seed "The Art for Justice Fund," a five-year initiative to safely reduce prison populations and to improve education and employment opportunities for former inmates. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A man who previously served prison time for stealing from the West Side Market is again accused of similar crimes after a weekend break-in that targeted several vendors at the Cleveland landmark, police say. James Sneed Jr., 30, of Maple Heights is charged with felony breaking and entering. A warrant was issued for his arrest Monday, but he remains at large. A West Side Market security guard documented a "strange man" carrying items while leaving through the back docks around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, according to a Cleveland police report. That information was passed on to a Cleveland police officer working for the West Side Market Tenants Association. The officer recognized Sneed, the police report says. Surveillance footage from that morning captured Sneed as he rummaged around several vendor stands, the report says. Police later learned that about $470 went missing, along with a Bluetooth speaker valued at $100. Also missing was a hand-painted quarter, a 1953 Wheat penny, and a sentimental dollar that one vendor acquired during their first transaction, the report says. Several people recognized Sneed, as he previously worked at the market and was fired on suspicion of theft, the report says. He was also at the market on Friday asking about possible jobs, the report says. Police and court records do not say if Sneed's termination was related to a 2013 felony case where he stole from several produce stands. Sneed pleaded guilty in that case to breaking and entering and aggravated theft. He was sentenced to one year in prison and was ordered to pay restitution to two produce vendors, documents say. To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said Wednesday that more than $2.7 million in grant money will be going to law enforcement groups that put on drug-prevention programs in public schools, including 22 agencies in Northeast Ohio. The Drug Use Prevention Grant money will go toward creating or maintaining drug abuse awareness and prevention programs this coming school year, a news release states. These programs include D.A.R.E., PALS (Prevention through Alternative Learning Styles), Too Good for Drugs and Stay on Track. The programs must address prescription drug abuse as a condition of receiving the cash. "The abuse of prescription drugs is one of the primary reasons behind the current opiate epidemic in Ohio, which is why it's important that students receive age-appropriate lessons about the dangers of these and other drugs," release quotes DeWine as saying. In total, 130 law enforcement agencies across the state were assisted by the grant, DeWine's office says. A full, official list can be found here. The 22 Northeast Ohio groups got a total of $586,384 - a little less than one-fifth of the total grant. See a list of each agency and how much money they got below. Avon Police Department (Lorain Co.) - $7,136 Barberton Police Department (Summit Co.) - $12,000 Brecksville Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $22,988.16 Broadview Heights Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $20,849.40 Brook Park Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $31,104 Brunswick Police Department (Medina Co.) - $12,856 Chardon Police Department (Geauga Co.) - $2,927.49 Cleveland Division of Police (Cuyahoga Co.) - $48,431.56 Copley Police Department (Summit Co.) - $11,312 Cuyahoga Falls Police Department (Summit Co.) - $2,250 Eastlake Police Department (Lake Co.) - $8,799 Euclid Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $7,375.05 Geauga County Sheriff's Office - $35,335 Lakewood Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) -$41,931.25 Lorain County Sheriff's Office - $22,495.20 Medina County Sheriff's Office - $77,265.68 North Olmsted Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $27,300 Rocky River Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $48,565 Solon Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $30,504 Strongsville Police Department (Cuyahoga Co.) - $32,838.75 Summit County Sheriff's Office - $77,324 Willowick Police Department (Lake Co.) - $4,796.55 DeWine is one of five Republicans in the 2018 governor's race. A poll commissioned by a conservative group indicated last week that DeWine is the popular choice in among the Republican field, which also includes Secretary of State Jon Husted, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cambridge Education Group, the operator of 19 Ohio charter schools and of a new school about to open in Cleveland's West Park neighborhood, is distancing itself from recent fraud and racketeering charges in Florida against founder Marcus May. But details are trickling out about how much that alleged fraud may have spread from Florida to the 19 schools Cambridge operates here in Ohio. And Cambridge and its counterpart in Florida, Newpoint Education Partners - a company that is itself under indictment in that state - have had a tight relationship for several years, beyond just being founded by May. The school logos in both Ohio and Florida for Cambridge and Newpoint have the same theme, featuring a dark blue circle. Executives have talked openly about the connection. And the two companies have shared some of the same officers at times, including Cambridge owner and President John Stack. Stack has not been charged in the case. His name does not appear in court filings against May. He was vice president of operations of Newpoint when prosecutors say some of the fraud occurred. And he was "executive director" of Cambridge while prosecutors say money was diverted from schools here in Ohio to businesses May had an interest in. Stack said that he was unaware of any of the schemes to defraud schools of money that May is accused of. Court filings accuse May, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, of steering overpriced contracts at schools managed by both Newpoint and Cambridge to companies he owned or would receive a kickback from. In Ohio, schools run by May or Cambridge were overcharged close to $500,000 for online lessons and t-shirts for students, court filings in Florida say, though they do not specify the exact timing and which schools were affected. "I had no knowledge of any stake Mr. May had in any contract," Stack said. Stack also said he has no evidence that money was diverted away from Ohio students into May's pockets. "To date, our audit has not shown any evidence in Cambridge's accounts of direct impact on schools," Stack said, though he conceded that money paid to May by another company would not show up in Cambridge's files. He said he served as vice president of operations of Newpoint only because he was called in from Ohio to help resolve an existing problem with use of federal charter school expansion grant money. And he placed the blame for any wrongdoing squarely on May, who resigned this summer and who Cambridge is trying to sever all ties to. "It does appear that - like the schools in Florida - Cambridge itself has been harmed by the actions of Marcus May," Stack said. "Based on this, we may broaden the scope of our internal audit to go further back in time and it is likely that we will file suit against Marcus May once the audit is complete." Officials of at least one Ohio charter school once run by Cambridge, Invictus High School in Cleveland, has questions about how its money was spent. The school board there fired Cambridge last fall. "Such decision was based on the discovery of what Invictus believed to be deceitful and/or fraudulent and/or otherwise unlawful behavior by Plaintiff, Newpoint, Cambridge, and/or related entities, and on the discovery that Newpoint had been indicted in the State of Florida for similar conduct," Invictus lawyers state in court filings. They do not spell out the details of that behavior. Cambridge immediately sued the school for breaking its contract - a suit that Cambridge continues to pursue in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Cambridge claims in court that Invictus still owes Cambridge nearly $2.5 million in management fees through 2020. Stack declined to discuss that case while it is still in court, only stating that Cambridge helped that school avoid financial issues. Cambridge's Ohio presence grew several years ago when the boards of several charter schools here broke free of the White Hat charter management company. Cambridge, which, like Newpoint, had several former White Hat employees, stepped in to run those schools. Cambridge now operates 19 schools statewide, including seven in Cleveland. See below for a full list. The planned new West Park school, Orchard Park Academy, will go at the former home of the Menlo Park gifted charter school at the St. Mel Parish facility at 14440 Triskett Road. The school recently sparked some controversy when Mayor Frank Jackson called for its opening to be blocked until its sponsor, an oversight agency, could be reviewed by a city panel. That review is continuing, though the school is still scheduled to open. Click here for more on that review and how the sponsor, the St. Aloysious Orphanage, is handling the legal concerns with Cambridge. According to public records and news reports out of Florida, Newpoint operated 15 schools in that state and won some awards for student test scores, until financial, attendance and management issues started surfacing in 2015. Some Florida school districts and the state started taking action against Newpoint, closing several of its schools, before the company essentially ceased operations in the state. As described by the Tampa Bay Times, by April 2016 "it becomes clear that Newpoint has disappeared, breaching its management agreements with the schools. Parents and volunteers join the schools' boards to keep things going. The new boards regain their authority and set up new bank accounts, sever ties with Newpoint-affiliated vendors and change the schools' locks and security systems." Last year, a grand jury in Pensacola indicted Newpoint and three companies with ties to May -- School Warehouse, Red Ignition and Epiphany Management Group -- on charges of grand theft, money laundering and aggravated white collar crime the following month. May and School Warehouse owner Stephen Kunkemoeller were then charged this June with "racketeering and organized fraud in connection with fraudulent schemes" involving the Florida schools, according to a press release from states attorneys. "The financial improprieties involved use of public funds in a fraudulent billing scheme by Newpoint, in which Newpoint used related vendors to submit excessive, false, and/or fictitious invoices for furniture, computers, equipment, and services," an affidavit in that case states. The affidavit says that both Ohio and Florida schools were overcharged by Apex Learning, a Washington company, for online curriculum, with well over $450,000 in overpayments from Ohio schools then sent back to May. Stack said May alone, not Cambridge, would have benefited from those kickbacks. "To my knowledge, Mr. May arranged the contract with Apex directly and Apex invoiced the schools directly," Stack said. Newpoint and an Ohio company, Consolidus LLC, also overcharged families for school uniforms, the affidavit states: 'Newpoint charged $19-$25 for polo style shirts, which cost Newpoint $11-$12, or markups of approximately 100%," the affidavit states. May pleaded not guilty to the charges and his lawyers have said the charges do not list proper specifics of which transactions and schools were involved on which date to properly defend the charges. Here are the Ohio schools operated by Cambridge: School Grades Public District Location Buckeye Preparatory Academy K-12 Columbus City School District Central High School 8-12 Columbus City School District Clark Preparatory Academy K-12 Springfield City School District Cliff Park High School 9-12 Springfield City School District Colonial Prep Academy K-8 Akron City East Preparatory Academy K-8 Cleveland Municipal Invictus High School 9-12 Cleveland Municipal Lake Erie International High School 9-12,UNG Cleveland Municipal Lincoln Preparatory Academy K-8 Cleveland Municipal Main Preparatory Academy K-8 Akron City Marshall High School 9-12 Middletown City Mason Run High School 8-12 Columbus City School District Middlebury Academy K-8 Akron City Old Brook High School 8-12 Cleveland Municipal Regent High School 9-12 Cleveland Municipal River Gate High School 9-12 Warren City Towpath Trail High School 9-12 Akron City West Preparatory Academy K-8 Cleveland Municipal Winton Preparatory Academy K-8 Cincinnati City Here are details of the charges against Marcus May: President Donald Trump's nominee to be the Department of Agriculture's chief scientist, Sam Clovis, wrote a personal blog for years on which he accused progressives of "enslaving" minorities, described black political figures as "race traders," and said then-President Obama was a "Maoist" with "communist" roots. Clovis was an eager and vocal Trump supporter during the 2016 presidential campaign. Climate activists and democratic lawmakers have attacked the right-wing radio host's total lack of scientific credentials and denial of widely accepted climate science. From CNN: Clovis, a long-time Iowa political activist and former economics professor, wrote the blog posts on the now-deleted website for his radio show "Impact with Clovis," which aired for several years on Sioux City KSCJ. Copies of the show are not available online, but the blog is archived on The Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Most of the available blog posts are from 2011 and 2012. () In a post from September 2011, Clovis wrote in reference to Obama, "He was brought up by socialists to be a socialist. His associations were socialists or worse, criminal dissidents who were bent on overthrowing the government of the United States. He has no experience at anything other than race baiting and race trading as a community organizer." The month before, Clovis said the 2012 Republican primary candidates needed to call out progressives for what they were "liars, race traders and race 'traitors.'" At times, Clovis adopted a conspiratorial tone in his blog postings, openly pondering whether the Obama Administration would place conservative activists on a kill list that included terrorists like Anwar al-Awlaki and accusing Obama-era czars of using taxpayer money to buy the support of academics who would claim science was settled. In one blog post in April 2011, Clovis contrasted the successful recovery efforts following the 2008 floods in Iowa with the chaos in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, attributing the difference to Iowa's culture "focused on family, community and the primacy of faith in life." A spokesperson for the USDA told CNN, "Dr. Clovis is a proud conservative and a proud American. All of his reporting either on the air or in writing over the course of his career has been based on solid research and data. He is after all an academic." No comment from the White Supremacist House, of course. In yet another display of zero competence or situational awareness, President Trump issued new unhinged commentary in his "Statement by President Donald J. Trump on Signing the 'Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.'" Still, the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary. Further, the bill sends a clear message to Iran and North Korea that the American people will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior. America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries' malignant activities. I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress. The mock-up renderings reviewed March 16 by the Commission of Fine Arts for a 2017 American Eagle palladium bullion coin exhibit designs mandated under the authorizing legislation. Starting in September, the U.S. Mint will be issuing its first American Eagle bullion coin struck in .9995 fine palladium. The United States Mint will start selling American Eagle palladium coins to authorized purchasers in September, Acting Principal Deputy Mint Director David Motl told Coin World on Aug. 1. Motl revealed the start of sales in an interview with Coin World senior editor Paul Gilkes at the American Numismatic Association Worlds Fair of Money in Denver. The bullion coins will be struck at the Philadelphia Mint and like all American Eagle bullion coins, will not have a Mint mark. A Proof version of the coin will be offered in 2018. It will be struck at the West Point Mint and bear the W Mint mark. It will have same designs as the 2017 bullion version. The peak of Olympic gold coins: Another column in the August 14 weekly issue of Coin World also profiles a rubber token that promotes a commonplace object we all use. Motl told Gilkes that the bullion coins will be struck in sufficient quantities to meet anticipated demand. As Coin World reported previously, the coin has been a long time coming. It was authorized under provisions of the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010, which calls for production of a 1-ounce palladium coin with a $25 face value. The coin is an extension of the American Eagle bullion coin program. Connect with Coin World: Sign up for our free eNewsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Like the American Eagle gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins, the American Eagle palladium coins will have distinctive designs, and like the gold and silver issues, the designs will be based on earlier designs by an artist and sculptor active in the early 20th century. The legislation mandates the obverse design be a high-relief version of sculptor Adolph A. Weinmans Winged Liberty Head design for the dime struck in 1916. The reverse is mandated to be a high-relief version of the Eagle design Weinman rendered in 1906 for the reverse of the American Institute of Architects gold medal first presented in 1907. This is a developing story. Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed the official 1905 inauguration medal for Theodore Roosevelt. This first collaboration between the artist and the politician led to a new renaissance in American coinage. The artistic collaboration between Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens gave birth to what collectors today call the Renaissance of American Coinage. And it all began with the master sculptors medal for the 1905 inauguration of the youngest president in U.S. history. Although their official relationship may have been brief, the artistic collaboration between Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens gave birth to what collectors today call the Renaissance of American Coinage. And it all began with the master sculptors medal for the 1905 inauguration of the youngest president in U.S. history. An example of that classic medal in bronze was offered as one of the first lots in Stacks Bowers Galleries official auction of the American Numismatic Association Worlds Fair of Money. Roosevelt and Saint-Gaudens were already friends when the newly elected president (who had been elevated to the office in 1901 following the assassination of President William McKinley) asked the sculptor to create his officials inaugural medal. Saint-Gaudens was one of the most celebrated sculptors in the United States, known for his many public memorial and private sculptural commissions, and for various medals. Connect with Coin World: Sign up for our free eNewsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Saint-Gaudens in 1905 was not well medically. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 1900 at the age of 52. Nonetheless, he accepted the commission from Roosevelt. The result was what Stacks Bowers calls among the most prized of the Inaugural medals not only for its subject matter and rarity, but just as much for the artist who designed it, the firm that cast it and its influence on American coinage. The catalog adds, Just 150 examples of this medal were authorized to be produced by Tiffany in bronze. Today, Saint-Gaudens Roosevelt inaugural medal is recognized as one of the most historic of all American medals The peak of Olympic gold coins: Another column in the August 14 weekly issue of Coin World also profiles a rubber token that promotes a commonplace object we all use. The obverse captures Roosevelts head in profile, with the reverse showing a strong eagle predictive of Saint-Gaudens later design for the reverse of his 1907 Indian Head gold $10 eagle. The sculptor had help from an up-and-coming talent, his assistant sculptor Adolph Weinman, who would later design the 1916 Winged Liberty Head dime and Walking Liberty half dollar. The medal is renowned not only for its high artistic quality but also because this artistic collaboration led to Roosevelts orders to begin a redesign of U.S. coinage that would emulate classic Greek coinage. Saint-Gaudens began the process despite his worsening illness, and was able to create new designs for the gold eagle and $20 double eagle before his death in the summer of 1907 (before either coin went into general production for circulation). Between 1907 and 1916 (and again in 1921), all the other U.S. coins would also be given new designs by some of the nations top sculptors, in a continuation of Roosevelts plan to improve their artistry. In writing about the medal in the Aug. 1 auction, the Stacks Bowers cataloger writes, "The surfaces exhibit lovely deep brown patina with nuances of lighter chestnut blended throughout and very minor highlights on the highest points of the relief. Upon close inspection, the surfaces are finely granular as typical with trivial handling imperfections and one small area of gentle roughness beneath Roosevelt's truncation. One small area between the letters HIN of WASHINGTON and the upper left wing of the eagle shows evidence of micro-tooling, clearly done in the shop of Tiffany & Company where this piece was made. Other medals seen have a raised imperfection in this area that was removed on this piece. The medal realized $28,200 in the Aug. 1 session in the Stacks Bowers Galleries auction in Denver. Types of obituaries The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries family obituaries and life stories. A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories. The Albuquerque Journal wanted to know why so many folks from Albuquerque have transplanted themselves to Denver lately.New Mexicans are moving here despite what the story describes as "long traffic jams on major roads that put Albuquerques commuter woes to shame and a median home cost thats double Albuquerques."The economy has a lot to do with it:"Unemployment in New Mexico has ranked as one of the highest in the nation, registering 6.4 percent in June. Colorado, meanwhile, has been shattering its own state records, with a 2.3 percent rate in June. Colorado and North Dakota have the lowest in the nation."But there's more, as one of the interviewed transplants, Andrew Webb, notes:There is a sense of vibrance and positivity, Webb said. Its very exciting here right now.Read the entire report here Jordan Pascale, who covers transportation for The Virginian-Pilot, writes about RTD's light rail to DIA and uses it as a platform for discussing the transit system in Norfolk.He writes:"Im convinced, now more than ever, that if Norfolks proposed light-rail extension doesnt go to Norfolk International Airport, then weve made a huge mistake."He's good at explaining how it works:"Technically its designated commuter rail the cars look a bit more like subway cars on the outside and have a higher capacity than Norfolks light rail but still feel like light rail on the inside."And he points out its peculiarities, which is kind of entertaining:"One odd thing that I noticed: police and other personnel stationed at each crossing gate holding stop signs as the train passed. They had umbrellas set up and everything to keep them out of the heat. I thought it was just a weird Colorado law.Turns out the gates have been malfunctioning. The private consortium is footing nearly $6 million a year to staff the gates."And this:"Some things are confusing, especially to this out-of-towner. The airport line is called the University of Colorado A Line despite not serving any of the campuses. Its merely a name sponsorship deal."Read the whole story here. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser We have more newsletters Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our weekend morning emails feature the very best news and exclusive content from our team of reporters A blue shark thought to be Britains biggest record has been caught off the Cornish coast. Amateur angler John Dine hooked the 9ft monster during a fishing trip off Penzance. His three friends lent a hand as he spent an hour reeling the shark into the 30ft Bite Adventures catamaran owned by Penzance skipper Robin Chippy Chapman. The group heaved it on board where they measured its length and girth. From that, they calculated its weight at 256lb, well above the 58-year record holder of 214lbs. They then struggled to hold it aloft for the obligatory photo before returning it back into the sea safe and well. The group intend to claim the catch and release record from the Shark Angling Club of Great Britain. The catch was made on board the Penzance charter boat Bite Adventures. Mr Dine used mackerel bait on a size 10/0 hook to tempt the shark and a 400lb, 49-strand Fin-Nor rod and reel to bring it in. Skipper Robin Chapman told the Daily Mirror: I had a party down for a few days fishing for sharks, as they do every year. They are a competent group of anglers who always do well and they had it in their minds this time that they wanted a big one. We didnt have to wait long to see what we were waiting for. As soon as they hooked the shark up we knew it was big, it went off like an absolute steam train. After 40 minutes of hard battling with this giant, we finally got the first sighting. We saw the fish from the bow as it circled the boat once before going off on another surging run straight back to the oceans depths. I told John to remember what he saw because if he lost it nobody would believe him. The fish repeated this five or six times but luckily the wire and hook held fast, enabling them to haul it on board. John Richardson from the Plymouth-based Shark Trust (praised the anglers for putting the shark back and for handling it correctly out of the water. They supported the animal to ensure that its internal organs would not be damaged. Blue sharks are around all around the world. Those in UK waters are usually female, Mr Richardson said. They are thought to make an annual west-to-east migration across the Atlantic. Blue sharks can grow to 13ft and 400lbs. Larger examples tend to be found in warmer waters, where the heaviest recorded weighed in at 862lb. Blue sharks are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red Book. According to the International Shark Attack File there have been only two unprovoked shark attacks in UK waters in recorded history. Last year there were 84 unprovoked attacks by all species of sharks worldwide, but only four fatalities. Find out more about shark angling at sharktrust.org/anglers Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our weekend morning emails feature the very best news and exclusive content from our team of reporters Coastguards from Falmouth took charge of a rescue in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean of a lone sailor on a sinking yacht. UK Coastguard picked up the mans satellite distress signal on Tuesday evening and broadcast a mayday emergency call to all shipping. The Frenchman was some 500 miles south west of Lands End in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. A coastguard spokesman said: We took control to coordinate the long-range search and rescue mission after receiving a distress alert from the Belgium registered sailing yacht 429 nautical miles southwest of Lands End. UK Coastguard immediately issued a mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area asking for their assistance. We also made contact with the Belgian Coastguard to inform them of the incident. He said the Belgian authorities were able to establish contact with the yachtsmans family and were told that he had been sailing for eight days on route to the Azores. The spokesman added: Two vessels responded to mayday broadcasts with the closest being an oil tanker on route to Trinidad, who was five hours away from the distress position. The oil tanker arrived on scene just after 3am [on Wednesday] and found the yacht taking on water and sinking. The casualty, a French national, was safely taken on board. Despite his ordeal, he required no medical attention. Sadly, the yacht was not able to be recovered and is believed to have sunk. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our weekend morning emails feature the very best news and exclusive content from our team of reporters People have been claiming this week that Greggs and Subway were both to open shops in a Cornish town centre, even sharing precise locations for the new premises. If you believe rampant rumours on social media, it would appear that Greggs - the bakery chain that is in pretty much every part of the UK except for Cornwall - and American fast food giant Subway could be heading to Bodmin. According to residents, both food outlets are opening shops in the town centre. On Concerned Bodmin Businesses and Residents Facebook group, Jake Stimson said: "I was working in town yesterday I was speaking to someone and they told me someone from Iceland told them." Jordan Andrews gave a potential location for the shops, writing: "I did hear something is going in the old Bricknells." Ian Coleman added: "Subway [is] going next to Domino's." The administrator who runs the Bodmin Baboon page also waded in, posting: "Rumour is it is going in the old Bricknells shop, but that got linked to Subway too so taking it all with a pinch of salt.....or a bucket of salt if it does go there." Tracy Cole commented: "I told you weeks ago there was a Greggs coming... my hubby worked for the shopfitters." Someone else reminded people that Greggs was advertising jobs a while ago. In March, Cornwall Live reported that Greggs was advertising for team members, a supervisor/team leader and a store manager in Bodmin. However, a few days later that advert was removed and a spokesman for the chain said it had no plans to open a shop in Cornwall. Now a spokesman has confirmed that Greggs was still not coming to Bodmin - or Cornwall. "The rumours aren't true - nothing has changed since March," she said. And for now, Subway is not coming to Bodmin either. There are currently no confirmed plans to open a store in Bodmin," a spokesman said. "We are however looking to open a number of new Subway stores in Cornwall, including Liskeard and Wadebridge over the coming months. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our weekend morning emails feature the very best news and exclusive content from our team of reporters A homeless man who fire-bombed an Asian cultural centre drowned after getting drunk and taking heroin-substitute methadone, an inquest heard. Anthony Patrick Foster, who had only been released from Exeter Prison three months before his death, was so drunk that even the CCTV monitoring team at Newquay police station could track his movements as he stumbled about near the town's harbour. The 46-year-old was an alcoholic drug user with scabies who was known to police for petty crimes and sleeping rough in the harbour area of Newquay with other homeless people. An inquest into his death heard that his body was discovered in Treyarnon Bay near Padstow, nine miles away, on February 4 this year, two days after he was last spotted staggering out of the Red Lion pub. Detective Constable Ian Jolliff, from Bodmin CID, told the inquest in Truro that Mr Foster was "well known to the police for petty crimes and antisocial behaviour". He added: "I attended at the scene at Treyarnon Bay after the RNLI recovered his body from the water. I made some enquiries into his movements and our CCTV team confirmed they had tracked down his movements. "He was well known to the team who sometimes focused on him to ensure his wellfare. On the Thursday before his death he slept rough in the harbour area. Our last sighting of him showed him walking from the Red Lion pub towards the harbour. "He was unsteady on his feet which gave us the impression that he was extremely intoxicated through either alcohol or drugs. He was unable to walk in a straight line." The inquest heard how his body was recovered from the sea fully clothed which would indicate that he had not been in the water for very long. However identification came by way of fingerprinting, with Mr Foster's wallet being discovered in the sand at Treyarnon Bay a few weeks after his death. In a statement to the inquest, Mr Foster's GP said he first came in contact with him in November 2016 when after he was released from prison when he requested a heroin addiction prescription for methadone. The inquest heard that on several occasions when he would turn up to collect his methadone prescription he was found drunk and admitted to drinking two bottles of vodka a day and using methadone and diazepam. A postmortem examination confirmed that Mr Foster had a high level of methadone in his blood stream which might have made his reaction time slower as he fell in the water. Mr Foster received a two-month suspended sentence in November 2008 after he threw bottles filled with flammable liquid through a window at the Quenchwell Chapel in Carnon Downs, near Truro. The former Methodist chapel was repeatedly daubed with racist graffiti and vandalised after it came to light that it would be converted into an Asian community centre. (Image: Tony Atkin) At the time the building was being renovated by Bangladeshi restaurateur Tipu Chowdhury when Mr Foster was caught on CCTV trying to firebomb it. In November 2008 Mr Foster pleaded guilty to arson, failure to answer police bail and committing an offence while subject of a conditional discharge. His suspended sentenced was criticised by Inspector Mark Richards, of Truro police, who said at the time: "We have always considered the arson attack from the outset to be a racially or religiously aggravated matter. "Now he has been convicted of just a straightforward arson attack, but we are disappointed to see a sentence of that nature dished out considering all the circumstances. "The potential could have been tremendous considering they just threw petrol bombs through a window with no regard for who or what was inside. "The sentence also is not a huge reassurance to Cornwall's Asian community." Returning an open conclusion, Barrie van den Berg, assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said Mr Foster drowned but also had taken a very large amount of methadone. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for our Truro newsletter and you'll never miss a big story again A Cornish family is celebrating the arrival of a newborn whose entrance into the world means it now has five generations alive both on the maternal and paternal sides. Peter Whalley, MBE and his wife Susan Whalley, became great grandparents when baby Rueben was born last month. Remarkably, as Peter, 65, and Susan, 64, both have living parents - Mr Whalleys 91-year-old father Stanley and Mrs Whalleys mother Laura, 83 - it means there are now five living generations on both sides of the family. Recently the whole family gathered to be photographed and celebrate the remarkable lineage. On Susans side was son Simon, grandson Josh (Reubens father), baby Reuben and great great grandmother Laura. Peters side added great great grandfather Stanley. A delighted Susan said: We had to try to get the picture sorted very quickly as my mum isnt well but she did know what she was doing holding the baby. It was difficult getting everybody together at such short notice but were very proud of our family. Weve heard of plenty of four-generation families but not any five, at least not around here anyway. Josh, his partner Katie and Reuben live in Truro but the rest of the family live around the Redruth and Portreath areas. Susan added: The family is growing which means Christmas will be very expensive but its worth it. Were over the moon, absolutely thrilled. Susan went onto say that there was also the possibility of the family growing further in the future and she and her husband have a total of six grandchildren. Peter was appointed an MBE in 2007 for his services in Iraq. CORNWALL, Ontario Hang onto your hats, folks, because the geeks are taking over Lamoureux Park Saturday, Aug. 19 for the fourth annual CoTiCon. In conjunction with Cornwall Food Fest and Beyond 21, the event is set to take place outdoors, with a variety of vendors, artists, multiple games and some great contests. Event organizer and geek culture enthusiast, Annie DeRochie says that she was inspired to create an event that would fill a void within the community. When I started the event back in 2014, we didnt have any conventions in the area, said DeRochie. I have been going to conventions since I was very young and am still to this day very passionate about them and cosplay. DeRochie says that the event has made huge strides since its inception, paying close attention to her main audience, and their requests. I realized that the gaming and anime community was far more popular at the event than other medias, said DeRochie. All are still welcome but we now tend to cater mostly to these two to be more unique. Having grown in quality as well as size, DeRochie says she has seen some innovative costumes throughout the years. There are opportunities to merge many skills within the cosplay world. Theres basic crafting skills, faux/foam/plastic armor making, basic to complex sewing techniques, make up skills, wig and hairstyling and much more involved in the creation of just one costume sometimes, said DeRochie. Not to mention the photographers and videographers who help bring the characters to life. There are a lot of skills within this geekdom world. Weve also grown in size and quality of course, as many a successful event do as they continue to go on throughout the years. This years CoTiCon Rendezvous aims to be the biggest one yet, with special guests, costume contests, and a picnic. For more information, check out their facebook page. CORNWALL, Ontario Starting this week, Cornwall Fire Services (CFS) will be delivering Naloxone Hydrochloride via nasal spray to victims of Opioid overdoses on response calls under the medical delegation of Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU). This new approach is in response to the growing epidemic of Opioid use and abuse involving both prescription and illicit forms of the potent narcotics. The Cornwall Fire Service will provide this crucial Opioid overdose treatment before it becomes a major issue in Eastern Ontario, said Firefighter Eric Richer, CFS Medical Response Team Lead. All of our firefighters have received the proper training and providing this service will ensure that citizens get the care they need in a timely manner, supplementing the services that are already provided by Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services, added Fire Chief Pierre Voisine. Stealing the nations water Cotton production is the biggest water guzzler in Australia. A report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008 revealed that cotton production consumes some 20 percent of the water extracted from the Murray Darling system; in the Gwydir River in northern NSW the figure is 87 percent, and in southern Queenslands Border Rivers catchments its 80 percent. To steal water is a heinous crime. The substance, without which all life would perish, has for decades with the introduction of cotton growing and its influential political lobby been committing that heinous crime with impunity. This has included tampering with water meters and under-the-table allocation of water licenses. Their current front man, National Party leader Barnaby Joyce (also the water minister), is now in denial in the face of ABCs Four Corners program revealing massive water flows in the Murray-Darling River meant for the environment have been diverted to cotton farmers. Joyces electorate is smack in the middle of cotton growing in northwest NSW and southwest Queensland. On a national basis cotton production consumes 8.6 percent of our total water use, but produces less than one percent of the total value of our agricultural-industrial production. In 2007 the federal parliament passed the Commonwealth Water Act. This provided the basis for the Murray-Darling Basin Plans recommendations for extra water to be allocated to the Basin catchments for environmental purposes and hence limits to the quantity that can be diverted for irrigation. The Guide to the Plan recommends that ground and surface water diverted for irrigation should be reduced by 4,000 gigalitres per annum. According to the Guide, this is the minimum reduction necessary to save the rivers natural environment, while minimising the economic and social impact on Basin communities. This, and other recommendations to address the urgent need to conserve water for the environment, have always come under fierce attack led by the by the big irrigators organisations. The irrigators have learnt from the leaders of the big mining corporations that governments both Labor and Liberal will willingly buckle under pressure. The continuation of business as usual will ensure that the rivers increasingly dry out, resulting not only in the loss of native flora and fauna, but also in massive damage to tourism, widespread outbreaks of algae, and terrible impacts on local communities and on sectors of agriculture other than those that are primarily reliant on heavy irrigation. Our future as a food exporting nation indeed, our future food security and our economic vitality, depends on the government taking steps to protect the natural environment of the Murray-Darling Basin. The critical condition of the Murray-Darling river system is symptomatic of the crisis the entire planet is facing from changing climatic conditions, and the reduction in accessible oil reserves. This situation requires huge changes to the way we live and produce our goods and services, equivalent in historical significance to the impact of the industrial revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Our use of coal and oil will need to diminish and eventually cease, and our electricity will have to be produced from zero-emission renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Our towns and cities will have to be served by public electric rail networks, to minimise our reliance on the use of heavy trucks. Our cars will have to be powered by fully electric motors, rather than hybrid systems. Our use of the land will also need to change. We should be using the land in a way which corresponds to its natural potential, i.e. with the greatest emphasis on crops and farming methods which require the least amount of water, and which provide the greatest potential for the long-term enrichment of the soil and the natural environment. Instead, we are growing crops and engaging in farming practices which require huge amounts of water and which eventually result in the ruination of the land. Evacuate Now A vigil was organised by Refugee Rights Action Network and supported by a number of other humanitarian organisations at the Northbridge Piazza in Perth and attended by over 150 people on a wet wintry evening. The vigil which was one of 57 evacuate now demonstrations around Australia, heard from speakers with relatives still in detention and a letter was read out from a refugee still in detention on Manus Island. The vigil was held on July 19 at the Northbridge Piazza in Perth. The protesters at the vigil called for an end to the policy of mandatory indefinite detention which is a thinly disguised ploy that has bipartisan support from Liberal and Labor, to break peoples spirit seeking detention and to deter others from coming to Australia seeking asylum from political and/or religious persecution in their countries of origin. The policy has been continued by the current federal Liberal government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and overseen by his Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, under whose watch there have been a number of deaths and other abuses reported. Currently, Dutton is seeking to close the detention centre on Manus Island and move the refugees into a transit centre in a township on the island. The refugees are reluctant to move out of the detention centre as they do not feel safe so those in charge of the detention centre are cutting off the electricity, water and phone lines in an effort to move them out involuntarily. The Communist Party of Australia condemns the federal governments policy of indefinite mandatory detention and calls for the detention centres to be closed and for those kept waiting in limbo to be brought here; for all processing of refugees to be done on the Australian mainland. We also call for the end of Australias participation in US wars that create refugees, an increase in our intake of humanitarian refugees and for an increase in resources to assist refugees. Wage theft A successful Politics in the Pub discussion on wage theft was held on Thursday, July 13, in Perth, WA. Around 40 people from diverse backgrounds gathered to listen to guest speakers Holly Dawson, (hospitality worker and uni student and convenor of the CUDL), myself (CFMEU WA branch President) and George Johnston (RTBU organiser). The speakers shared their views and experiences on the business model which derives from the essence of capitalism, Wage Theft. Unions featured highly in the ensuing discussions on how everyone in society has benefited from the gains fought for by workers and their unions over 150 years of struggle. People drew on history lessons, the importance of younger people hearing the stories and a call was made for all workers to join their unions. By the end of the evening some attendees felt convinced of the benefits of being organised in the collective and the protection and representation by unions and made a commitment to sign up to their respective unions. Following on from the lively discussion, some trade unionists who attended the recent ACTU NextGen17 Conference made a suggestion that the next politics in the Pub should be in the context of the ACTU campaign Change the Rules but also Change the System. There was overwhelming support in the room for ACTU Secretary Sally McManus as a very inspirational leader and essential for the biggest existential challenge for the trade union movement today. A call was made to issue an invitation to UnionsWA leadership and other union delegates to address Politics in the Pub in the very near future in Perth. Those gathered agreed the crucial task for the survival of the trade union movement and the defence of our wages and conditions is that all workers must join their respective unions. This is now being planned for late August. Irony is dead in the US Defending Lord Byron against high societys disapproval of his marital arrangements, Baron Macauley exclaimed that we know no spectacle so ridiculous as the British public in one of its periodical fits of morality. These words spring to mind when contemplating the contrived fury in the media, the Democratic Party and US-ruling class circles about contacts between US President Donald Trumps family and political comradery, on the one side, and assorted Russian lawyers and diplomats on the other. The horror that some of the citizens of another country should try to interfere in the sacrosanct proceedings of a US election campaign! The shame that foreign offers to dish the dirt on saintly Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were not immediately reported to the US authorities by the Republican Party candidates son! The treachery that some of Trumps other associates also spoke to ... Russians! Worse still, they did so without immediately providing a record of said conversations to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this hallowed land of the free! On the stump in last years presidential campaign, Trump committed the cardinal sin of not sharing the Pentagons war psychosis about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia. Some shared geopolitical and business interests between Trump, Putin and their respective oligarchies probably lay at the bottom of Trumps reluctance to bang the war drum, rather than anything more elevated. But the victor in Novembers election has since had to be pushed, harried and shamed into line and make the required warmongering noises at the Kremlin, although Trump still appears as if he doesnt really mean it. He and his team, not least his son Donald Trump Jr, have blustered and lied about seemingly inconsequential contacts with minor Russian figures in a vain effort to blunt the attacks of a frenzied liberal media. Trump refers to the allegations and speculations as yet more examples of fake news, drawing yet more abuse and ridicule upon his head as a result. Certainly, he merits little or no sympathy from anyone who holds truth and facts in even the slightest regard. But still there is something ridiculous and even repugnant about the moral self-righteousness with which his liberal and Establishment critics now assail him. Since when has the US and its corporate, political and military elite believed in the non-interference of one country in another countrys elections? When did the US-ruling class, its CIA and its military-industrial complex begin respecting the sovereign right of a nation to choose its own political, economic and social path? When, for that matter, did the US Establishment and mass media not engage in the mass manufacture of fake news to promote US monopoly capitalist interests around the world? The litany of US crimes against democracy and national sovereignty in the 20th and early 21st centuries will be depressingly familiar to veteran Morning Star readers. Covert financial and material assistance was given to many right-wing, anti-communist and even fascist movements in Italy, France and other countries in Europe and Latin America. Democratically elected governments were brought down from Guatemala to Chile and Iran to Indonesia to be replaced by bloody dictatorships, death squads and US-trained torturers. US military interventions in Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Cuba, Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere have led directly to the deaths of millions of civilians. And all these atrocities and many more were accompanied by barrages of fake news disseminated around the world by US media empires, lying prolifically about US foreign policy and anyone who dares to defy it. Trump is an artless novice when it comes to the nefarious arts of US state power. Morning Star Iran is next Recent soundbites from Washington give cause for concern about the prospects for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, says Jane Green. On May 21 Donald Trump, during his first international trip as President, delivered from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what was billed as a speech to the Muslim world. It was significant in itself that Trump had chosen the Saudi dictatorship as his first port of call overseas. And still more significant that in a speech that pitched the fight against terrorism as a struggle between good and evil, Trump should play to the Saudi gallery and cast Iran as the regional bad guy. Trump started his tirade by saying: Starving terrorists of their territory, their funding, and the false allure of their craven ideology, will be the basis for defeating them. But no discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all three safe harbour, financial backing and the social standing needed for recruitment. It is a regime that is responsible for so much instability in the region. I am speaking of course of Iran. He went on to condemn Irans role in supporting President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, though no mention of the illegal NATO intervention in that country was made. Nor did the Saudis support for ISIS get a mention. Instead Trump played the populist card, appealing to the needs of the Iranian people, saying: The Iranian regimes longest-suffering victims are its own people. Iran has a rich history and culture, but the people of Iran have endured hardship and despair under their leaders reckless pursuit of conflict and terror. Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve. The sudden conversion of the US to a defender of the Iranian people will come as a surprise to solidarity organisations and human rights activists across the world. The Committee for the Defence of the Iranian Peoples Rights (CODIR), along with others, have been fighting a long battle to persuade western leaders to condemn the human rights record of the Islamic Republic and to bring pressure to bear on the regime to allow free and independent trade union and political activity. Trump is clearly shedding crocodile tears over the fate of the Iranian people. Even the 5+1 (China, France, Russia, UK, US plus Germany) nuclear deal negotiated before Trump came to office did not place any obligations on the Iranian government to clean up its human rights record. The US president is on record as saying that the deal is too soft on Iran, therefore, any change he initiates is unlikely to improve the lot of the ordinary people of Iran. Only three weeks after Trumps Riyadh speech US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, when questioned at the House of Representatives foreign affairs committee, stated: Well our Iranian policy is under development. Its not yet been delivered to the president, but I would tell you that we certainly recognise Irans continued destabilising presence in the region, their financing of foreign fighters, their export of militia forces in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen, their support for Hezbollah. And we are taking action to respond to Irans hegemony. Additional sanctions have been put in place against individuals and others. More alarmingly, Tillerson went on to explicitly call for regime change in Iran, indicating that the US would directly supporting such action: Our policy towards Iran is to push back on this hegemony, contain their ability to develop, obviously, nuclear weapons and to work toward support of those elements inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful transition of that government. Those elements are there, certainly, as we know. CODIR has vehemently opposed the Iranian theocratic regime for over 30 years. We have consistently opposed the imprisonment, torture and execution of political activists, women and trade unionists over that period. However, at no time have we ever suggested that the fate of Iran should be in the hands of anyone other than the Iranian people themselves. Tillersons utterances potentially target Iran to become another Syria, with the West justifying intervention by supporting democratic forces to destabilise the regime. There is no doubt that the Iranian regime is deeply unpopular among its people. President Hassan Rouhani is clinging to the hope that the 5+1 deal can be salvaged and a less onerous sanctions regime would help reboot the economy. In Rouhanis own propaganda the deal was sold as Irans continued opening to the West and necessary for the crippling economic sanctions to be lifted. While there is opposition to the regime in Iran it is doubtful that it is the kind of opposition the US is likely to support. It is not implausible to anticipate a scenario in which some manufactured Free Iran Army could emerge to become the conduit for Western funding and arms, attempting to bring down the present regime. The real opposition inside Iran would then find itself having to fight on two fronts. It may sound far-fetched but the so-called Free Syrian Army provides a template. Whatever method is finally decided upon, the main objective of US policy is to weaken Iran as a political force in the Middle East, effectively bolstering the position of Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world and ensuring that the Saudis, along with Israel, remain the eyes and ears of the US in the region. As NATO-led interventions in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq and Syria have shown, US policy has been a recipe for destabilisation, peoples misery and uncertainty in the region. Neither the theocratic dictatorship of Iran, nor the Saudi regime, is acting in the interests of their own people or those of the wider region. The US State Department has recently released a long-awaited retrospective volume of documents on the 1953 coup in Iran, which led to the overthrow of Irans prime minister, Mohammad Mosaddeq. These files confirm what Iranian democrats have known for decades that the US and British intelligence services have form when it comes to interfering in the internal affairs of Iran. The recent statements of both the US president and the secretary of state indicate that history may be in danger of repeating itself. Those fighting for peace, democracy and human rights inside Iran undoubtedly need our support. Through CODIR and other international bodies we will continue to give that support. However, like the Iranian people, we must remain vigilant against outside interference and be prepared to support the real democratic opposition in Iran, not the opposition forces of Donald Trumps choosing. Jane Green is national officer of CODIR. For more information visit www.codir.net News / National by Staff reporter THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has said it will maintain zero tolerance to wildlife poaching to protect the country's heritage despite resources constraints.Speaking at the World Ranger Day commemorations in Victoria Falls yesterday, ZimParks director for conservation Mr Arthur Musakwa paid tribute to stakeholders for collaborating in conservation efforts."Conservation efforts are being seriously affected by poaching which is mainly targeting key species such as elephants and rhinos. I therefore call for zero tolerance to poaching of wildlife and the destruction of their habitats," said Mr Musakwa.He paid tribute to police and other partners for supporting anti-poaching initiatives."One of our challenges is resource constraints but we are grateful that partners are always coming in to help. We are grateful for the support we get from our conservation partners and stakeholders in areas such as conservation, resource protection, fire management, outreach programmes, human wildlife conflict management as well as research and monitoring programmes," said Mr Musakwa.He said it is only by working together as conservationists throughout the world that protection of natural heritage can be achieved for the benefit of current and future generations.Mr Musakwa said tourism in the country is wildlife-based hence the need for its protection.World Ranger Day is commemorated on July 31 every year in recognition of rangers' efforts in protecting wildlife heritage.Mr Musakwa said the day is important on the calendar of rangers throughout the world to pay gratitude for their dedication to their job.He thanked the rangers for their resilience saying Government remains committed to continually improving their conditions of work.Mr Musakwa encouraged communities to immediately report any problem animals in their vicinity, saying ZimParks was there to protect people and would either shoot or translocate such wildlife. This year's theme is: "I will stand by the world rangers." Letter from Canada On June 7 Canadas Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, announced what he referred to as a new defence policy indicating that the Liberal government has bought into a more aggressive role for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and making the Canadian military more suited to war fighting in overseas theatres. Mr Sajjan declared Canada will increase war spending over 70 percent during the next 10 years to the tune of $32.7 billion; he also pledged to increase the number of fighter jets to 88 from 65; and to increase the number of personnel in both the regular and reserve armed forces. Still on the table is the issue of Canada officially joining the US Ballistic Missile system. Nothing has changed internationally since the election of the Trudeau government to justify such an increase in Canadas war-making effort. Last year Canada already spent $28 billion on the Department of National Defence which had made it the seventh highest military spender among NATO members and the 17th highest military spender in the world. However, the federal government spent only $1.5 billion for the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECCC). Over the past two decades, military spending has dramatically increased but funding for environmental protection and climate action has flat-lined. (Voice of Women for Peace, May 10, 2017). The stage for Mr Sajjan on June 7 was set by the Minister of International Affairs on June 6. Chrystia Freeland, who should be acting as our top Canadian diplomat, heaped praise on past US aggressions around the globe and reinforced her pro-US military statements with the Russia bogeyman card (reminiscent of Cold War days) and the North Korean card. Ms Freeland must be aware of how many military bases the US has in the world compared to the number of bases the Russians have. She must know that the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (January 2017) moved the hands on the Doomsday Clock to two and a half minutes to midnight to reflect the danger in the world since the US election. The dream, no nightmare, of fighting and winning a conventional world war or nuclear war is sheer lunacy Canada should be exerting its best diplomatic efforts to develop peaceful relations with all countries including Russia, China, Syria, and North Korea. As Murray Dobbin has written: US leadership is known by another name in scores of countries around the globe: US imperialism ... Does Freeland believe that the illegal war on Iraq is an example of US leadership? Would she, unlike Jean Chretien, have joined in? What about the slaughter in Yemen? Going back a bit further, would Freeland see the literally dozens of US interventions to overthrow democratic governments and install dictators as the epitome of US leadership? (June 9, 2017). Canada needs new, made-in-Canada policies aimed at the achievement of peace and disarmament in the world. Negotiations are going on at the United Nations to ban nuclear weapons; Canada should be part of these deliberations. In the short term Canada should withdraw from the conflict in Iraq and Syria, stop selling arms to Saudi Arabia; and make diplomacy a top priority. In the long-term Canadians must find the steps to break with the US Empire and the war-making alliances that it leads. Both NATO and NORAD are not contributing to peace and security around the world. If we must look outside of our borders for leadership we would be wiser to look to Britain than the US increasing numbers of people in the United Kingdom, especially young people there are embracing a positive, peaceful vision of their country; they also realise if their country is not bombing people in the Middle East they will not be confronted with blowback. Ed Lehman, President, Regina Peace Council, and David Gehl, Vice-President, Regina Peace Council, Canada. Peoples Voice Solidarity with Venezuela United Nations human rights high commissioner spokeswoman Liz Throssells words of caution regarding tomorrows election to Venezuelas constituent assembly appear evenly balanced, but should they be? Throssell declares that the wishes of the Venezuelan people to participate or not in this election need to be respected, but who threatens this right? Only the opposition. Her insistence that the government manage protests in line with international human rights norms and standards doesnt acknowledge that the government has banned all public meetings and demonstrations, gatherings, and other similar acts that might disturb the electoral process. This is in response to recent provocative battle cries emanating from the right-wing Democratic Unity Roundtable (Mud) opposition and also its record in recent months. Throssells request that those opposing the election do so peacefully ignores that record and opposition politicians comments in the run-up to tomorrows election. Over a hundred people have been killed during a rolling program of violent protests, blockades and targeted attacks on public buildings and suspected government supporters. Some have been shot by police, troops or motorbike colectivos, but most have been victims of the opposition campaign of destabilisation. Violence runs through the oligarchic opposition like Blackpool through a stick of rock, stretching back at least to the 1989 Caracazo when the ruling class deployed state forces to slaughter thousands of working people protesting against their impoverishment through government neoliberal policies. This experience, enriched by a failed uprising led by Hugo Chavez in 1992, helped pave the way for his election as president in 1998 and his advocacy of a revolutionary Bolivarian alternative to neoliberalism. The oligarchy has never reconciled itself to losing its grip on political power and, crucially, control of the armed forces. Barely four years into office, Chavez was briefly overthrown in a coup, accompanied by opposition-instigated street violence, but was reinstated after mass popular protests encouraged the military to isolate the coup plotters and force their surrender. Washington welcomed the coup, putting aside public pretensions of commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Many of those who planned, carried out and supported the coup against Chavez are linked today to Mud, posing as born-again democrats and peaceful campaigners. Their masquerade is backed by Washington no surprise there but also by self-styled liberal advocates of human rights and democracy in Britain such as our national broadcaster and the UK Guardian newspaper. Just as in previous international crises such as the invasion of Iraq or the bombing of Libya, they identify a problem and argue that something must be done, which, curiously, always turns out to be imperialist intervention. Latin America is no stranger to interference from its powerful northern neighbour, whether political, economic or military. The US, under so-called political outsider Donald Trump, takes a similar approach today to what his predecessors did to Cuba, Nicaragua, Chile, Grenada, the Dominican Republic and other countries in what Washington insultingly calls its backyard. It issues demands on internal matters, winds up regional catspaws to crank up criticism, imposes strong and swift economic actions and refuses to rule out military intervention. Its agents and allies in Venezuela aim to overthrow the government, so they have tried to build a situation of dual power and convince the military, with outside encouragement, to back their coup. Friends of Venezuela must speak out in support of the revolutionary process and the right of Venezuelans to elect their constituent assembly in peace and without outside interference. Morning Star Region Briefs Bhutan: The Doklam (Donglang) tri-junction is an area that lies between the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, China and India. Chinese soldiers had arrived with bulldozers and excavators, and were reported to be building a high-mountain road towards Bhutan near Indias border which apparently India had earlier objected to. China has claimed that they were constructing the road within their territory that is historically considered part of the delimitation of the boundary of Sikkim and Tibet which was agreed by Great Britain and China in 1890. Chinas foreign ministry said that Beijing would make no compromises on the border issue. This is a low point for bilateral relations since the Sino-Indian war in 1962, with difficulties recently getting India on board with the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road. Bhutan joined India in boycotting Mays Belt and Road Summit in Beijing. Philippines: In a very worrying development in Mindanao, the Philippines Congress on Saturday approved President Dutertes request to extend martial law over the whole island of Mindanao till the end of 2017. Given the track record of gross human rights violations already committed during the term of Duterte government in the war against drugs thus far, the extension of martial law will only lead to further militarisation and more human rights abuses. The Communist Party of the Philippines and a number of political organisations have condemned this new development as part of a continuing attack on workers. Protest camps have been set up by workers in Manila and will be the focus of anti-martial law demonstrations as the struggle to remove the martial law of Mindanao continues. Cambodia: At the Chung Fai Knitwear factory in Cambodia, around 208 workers are still fighting for justice one year on from the sudden closure of their factory. On July 1 2016, these workers, mostly women, were terminated without notice, without severance pay and without receiving their final salaries for the previous month. The factory in question was producing products for the famous UK brands, Marks and Spencer and Bonmarche, as well as Canadian brand Nygard. The workers are now demanding that the companies behind the sudden closure of the factors compensate them for their labour and loss of jobs. India: Activists have become outraged following a number of deaths of people working in the sewer system of New Delhi. In the last 100 days, 39 workers have died during sewer cleaning and these deaths were not rare occurrences. Activists have said that despite providing documents for 56 workers who died while cleaning sewers, they have yet to be identified by authorities, preventing their families from getting any compensation or peace of mind. Channel programs News NetApp Channel Executive Bill Lipsin Leaving The Company Joseph F. Kovar Share this Bill Lipsin, the well-respected channel executive who helped steer NetApp's channel program through difficult times and saw the company become the only major storage vendor showing significant growth today, is leaving the company. Lipsin was known to channel partners as an outgoing executive who listened to their needs and acted on them. NetApp Tuesday told CRN via email that Lipsin, who has served as NetApp's vice president of global channels since he was hired in May 2015, is leaving the company. [Related: CRN Exclusive: NetApp's Lipsin On Hyper-Converged Plans And Navigating The Cisco Relationship] No reason for Lipsin's departure was given, and NetApp declined to provide further information other than a statement that read, "Today, Rick Hegberg, Vice President of OEM and Alliances, notified the global channels team that Bill Lipsin, Vice President of Global Channels, will be leaving the company. The team will report to Rick while NetApp conducts a search for the replacement. We wish Bill all the best and thank him for his many contributions." A NetApp spokesperson told CRN that Lipsin's last day at the company is expected to be Aug. 18. Lipsin was unavailable for comment. Lipsin is a very friendly and gregarious person, and very engaging with partners, said John Woodall, vice president of engineering at Integrated Archive Systems, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based solution provider and longtime NetApp channel partner. The vice president of global channels for any large company is really a sales job, with a focus on go-to-market with channel partners, Woodall told CRN. "Like any sales activity, they will talk about products and programs," he said. "But in the end, it all comes down to relationships. Bill was a great relationship builder. He talked with partners, listened, and took feedback back to NetApp to make the channel better." When Lipsin joined NetApp, that company's channel program was in a state of turmoil, Woodall said. "Bill and [NetApp's former vice president of Americas] Scott Strubel came in and put programs in place to lift up the channel," Woodall said. "Bill was a good front man to the channel. He made NetApp relatable to channel partners." Lipsin was a strong and very capable channel executive, said Michael Gray, chief operating officer at Champion Solutions Group, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based solution provider and longtime NetApp channel partner. "He really got the channel," Gray said. "He really understood what we partners needed." Lipsin is not the first channel executive to leave NetApp this year. Strubel left the company in May and was replaced in July by Jeff McCollough. Channel programs News Unisys Combines Services, Enterprise Teams In Response To Revenue Drop Alec Shirkey Share this Unisys has merged its services and enterprise solutions teams to cut costs and quicken decision-making within the company's services business, President and CEO Peter Altabef said Tuesday evening. The move comes as the Blue Bell, Pa.-based IT firm, No. 20 on the CRN Solution Provider 500, saw its services segment revenues fall by a little more than 5 percent in the second quarter of its fiscal 2017. "You have to get ahead of that decline in terms of your cost structure," Altabef said during the company's earnings call. "We did not get ahead of that decline in the quarter. It's as simple as that. By the time we really understood that, we made changes." [Related: Unisys CEO: Our Federal Business Focus, Particularly Around Border Security, Aligns Well With The Trump Administration] Unisys added that combining the two teams will better align revenues and costs, which should in part lead to a better financial performance during the rest of the year. The company expressed confidence that year-over-year revenue and margin growth around ClearPath Forward Systems, its large-system infrastructure platform, should also contribute to a second-half services business rebound by eventually capturing a "stickier" client base. Had Unisys better-handled the cost structure of its services segment, CFO Inder Singh said a higher margin outcome would've resulted in a year-over-year increase in services gross margin. "We know what the things are and can manage through those. We expect that those things are controllable from a cost-saving standpoint," Singh said. Among its other endeavors, Unisys said it plans to launch a solution that incorporates the company's software-defined portfolio, Stealth, into the adaptive security architecture technology of partner security firm LogRhythm. "Federal agencies have shown significant interest," Altabef said. Unisys revenues fell to $666.2 million in the quarter ended June 30, down 11 percent from last year's second-quarter mark of $748.9 million. That missed Seeking Alpha's revenue projection by $8.55 million. The company saw revenues for its technology sector fall 32 percent for the quarter due to a "difficult" year-over-year comparison. That decline was fueled primarily by a single, large federal contract renewal that occurred in the second quarter of 2016, which had raised technology revenue by 31 percent. Excluding its federal government dealings, Unisys said the total contract value (TCV) for the rest of its technology business was up 7 percent year-over-year for the first half, and the company-wide TCV for new business had increased 65 percent year-over-year for the first half. "Our technology segment as a whole is tracking pretty much against expectations for the year," Altabef said. "There is always some give and take. It's certainly within an order of magnitude of what we would expect at this time of year. There's timing issues." The quarterly net loss for Unisys was $42 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, compared to a profit of $21.6 million, or $0.36 per share, in the year-ago quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, net income sunk to just $1.4 million, or $0.03 per share, a decrease of 97.6 percent from last year's $58.2 million second quarter performance. That fell short of Seeking Alpha's $0.32 earnings per share estimate. News / National by Staff reporter VILLAGERS from Maramani in the Shashi area of Beitbridge are asking authorities to reconsider building a bridge linking Zimbabwe and South Africa in their area 100km west of Beitbridge town.The villagers were convinced the bridge would help thousands of people from their area and beyond whose traditional links with people in South Africa date back centuries ago."We have relatives across the river (Limpopo) in South Africa and having to travel 100km to Beitbridge for immigration and other formalities and the same distance on the other side to visit someone just across is wrong," headman Lemohang Mahopolo said."Prior to this boundary being in place, our area was just one known as Mapungubwe stretching across the river and our ancestors walked to and from across the river without restriction," he said in an interview.Mapungubwe is an ancient city of Munhumutapa known to have been built before Great Zimbabwe located in South Africa just about 5km across the Limpopo River south of Maramani in Zimbabwe.The ancient city, recently discovered by archaeologists, was the trade capital of the empire that later moved its headquarters to Great Zimbabwe, according to the discoveries that include the chevron pattern synonymous with Great Zimbabwe.A proposal for a bridge at the point was first mooted in the late 1990s after South Africa attained independence when it was felt the freedom should bring easier movement between people living on the borderline.The establishment of the Transfrontier Park shared by Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa brightened hopes for such a bridge as it was expected to boost tourist arrivals.Tourism players from both countries pressed for the bridge when most visitors expressed displeasure about delays at Beitbridge Border Post.A source in the Immigration Department said plans for the bridge reached peak stages that saw an immigration office built at the point in Maramani."We thought things were moving and our dream was becoming a reality," headman Mahopolo said.A series of meetings were held and the bridge was viewed as one that would ease the pressure at Beitbridge, which handles thousands of people travelling between South Africa and Zimbabwe day.In 2004, the project "died a natural death" and was never discussed."Nothing is being said about it. Not anything in the recent past," the Immigration source said."It is true the government had shown interest. We had pressure after complaints from the tourism industry of both countries."Mahopolo said he hoped the government of the two countries would approve the project."We have one of the largest citrus plantations in the world at Nottingham Estates, coal deposits, an ancient rain-making shrine and various places of interest apart from a rich culture which is an attraction in its own right," he said.The bridge would also create employment and discourage border jumping and the presence of officials could curb cross-border crime.Some villagers in the area were known to survive on cross-border cattle rustling with most cattle being stolen from nearby Botswana. Channel programs News How One Solution Provider Carried Out Big Technology Transformations in Small-Town America Michael Novinson Share this Ely, Nevada might only be a four-hour drive from the bright lights of Las Vegas, but for solution provider Business Continuity Technologies, it felt like an entirely different world. The seat of White Pine County sits 190 miles from the nearest Walmart and 240 miles from the nearest moderately-sized metropolis. And the IT situation was also well outside what BCT was used to seeing. When BCT began working with the county school district a decade ago the schools were still running some old IBM AS/400 servers that dated back to the 1980s and used tape systems for data backup, according to Rory Jackson, BCT's manager of technical services. All of the schools in the county were still relying on DSL modems, Jackson said. [RELATED: Microsoft Channel Leader: Partners Must Build Up Technical Skills To Succeed In Public Cloud] And as far as network security was concerned, Jackson said the school district didn't have anything, not even a firewall. That gaping hole was only amplified by some machines having WAN public IP addresses open for anyone to access, Jackson said. "It's almost like you have to start fresh," Jackson said during a breakout session at CompTIA ChannelCon 2017. "And sometimes it almost takes more time to just fix the mess than start anew." In short order, Jackson said BCT created a centralized network operations center (NOC) for the school district, installed a wireless point-to-point system, eliminated half of the district's servers, and instituted a three-pronged approach to security, which included firewalls, anti-virus protection, and email filtering. "The best thing you can do is to give your clients bragging rights," BCT CEO Lester Keizer said Tuesday at the conference in Austin. "Once they have bragging rights about you, it will be incredible how they spread the information around." After the school district superintendent sung BCT's praises, Keizer said his company began doing business for White Pine County itself. Working with the county gave BCT's technicians and engineers the chance to touch technologies they had never dealt with before, Jackson said, from police dispatch and firehouse systems to the tools used by the county judges, assessors and treasurer's offices. "They were in a state of basically very big disrepair where things were just misconfigured everywhere," Jackson said. "While it was a challenge, it was a good challenge because everybody rose to the occasions, and everybody learned something different." Based on BCT's work in White Pine County, Keizer said the solution provider was brought on to do work in neighboring Eureka County without even having to submit a request for proposal (RFP). All told, Jackson said, BCT has ended up saving White Pine County $250,000 and Eureka County $330,000. "You're really making a difference in the lives of people in rural counties that so many times get neglected," Keizer said. When beginning an engagement with a rural entity, Jackson said solution providers should first focus on structure, security, stability and speed. From there, Jackson recommended looking into providing proactive monitoring systems and alerts, ticketing systems, managed services, and business continuity and disaster recovery services. After that, a solution provider can begin addressing the wireless and phone systems, as well as consolidating servers, Jackson said. And finally, Jackson said, the channel partner should look to move the entity to a hybrid cloud platform and assume control and responsibility for managing the vendor relationships. "It kind of takes the headache out of it for them," Jackson said. "It's been a huge, value-add for us, and all we have to do is make a couple of simple phone calls or emails." Jackson cautioned solution providers to only work on one project at a time with rural counties since balls will get dropped if multiple engagements are in motion at the same time. Partners additionally won't make any money in the first couple of months given the considerable upfront investment that's required, Jackson said, but it will eventually get to the point where those accounts will be profitable. "It's just a very rewarding experience," Keizer said. "Once you start building those relationships, it's for life." Rural communities face not only access challenges when it comes to IT, but are often also more limited in terms of the technology-related education and information they've received, according to Chris Phillips of Vergent. Public sector entities additionally have their budgets subjected to more scrutiny since they are not-for-profit organizations, said Phillips, director of business development for the Dallas-based solution provider. As a result, Phillips said channel partners need to make sure the key client stakeholders receive the necessary technical training so that they can show a return on their investment. "A lot of people just don't know because they're not with communities like CompTIA," Phillips said. Channel programs News CGI Targets Further Growth Through 'Very Active' M&A Pipeline Alec Shirkey Share this CGI, lighter and leaner after its completion of a $42.7 million restructuring program, is still seeking to expand its business through acquisitions. The $7.8 billion Montreal-based company, No. 19 on the CRN Solution Provider 500, said it has more than 780 companies in its active funnel, much of which has come from the solution provider's annual "Voice of the Client" survey. "That generates a whole new set of companies to look at, because that's one of the direct questions we ask on the survey," CGI CEO George Schindler (pictured) said on the company's earnings call on Wednesday. "Over 80 percent of that current funnel, and we'll be adding to that, is generated from clients and business leaders, not just from investment bankers. That tells you something about how fragmented the industry is, but also the interest in (CGI) and the need [for us] to continue to be a consolidator." [Related: After Restructuring, CGI Targets More Recurring Revenue] CGI has made three notable acquisitions within the past year: Boston-based Collaborative Consulting, Alabama-based software consulting firm CTS and Colorado-based ECS Team. The common theme across those deals, Schindler said, was the inability for small but talent-rich companies many focused exclusively on "niche" projects to meet demand from enterprises seeking company-wide digital transformation. The two sides typically have overlapping clients lists, as well. "We get access to outstanding talent. We share common experiences with clients. And we can go after bigger deals," Schindler said. "We're already seeing that in the pipeline and also in some of the bookings, where each of those companies is now booking larger, longer-term deals in their current clients." CGI revenues climbed to $2.26 billion in the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, up 6.4 percent from last year's third-quarter mark of $2.12 billion, making it sixth straight quarters that CGI has experienced revenue growth. CGI also saw revenue grow in the U.S. market by 12.5 percent, fueled by double-digit growth in the company's commercial and federal businesses, which experienced demand increase for bookings in the financial services, utilities and government sectors. Schindler also noted demand increase among clients for business and technology consulting, adding that some of CGI's work with new clients begins as a consulting or systems integration and consulting (SI&C) project before expanding into a larger digital transformation endeavor. "We're still (in the) early days," he said. "Most of them are six- to nine-month engagements. Those might extend a time or two either in pilot implementations prior to converting into a broader initiative across the enterprise." CGI's quarterly net income was $219.8 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, up 1 percent from $217.6 million, or $0.71 per share, in the year-ago quarter. Aiming to refine company cost structure, CGI plans to take "proactive measures" with regards to retiring stranded legacy assets and cutting SG&A expenses. While the company said this would affect its current head count, Schindler expects net head count will continue to grow. "It certainly won't go down," Schindler said. "Our billable head count will go up throughout this period. We don't know where each will happen over the next quarter. Our net head count and our billable head count will be up significantly in coming quarters." Cloud News Microsoft Channel Leader: Partners Must Build Up Technical Skills To Succeed In Public Cloud Michael Novinson Share this Microsoft's Alyssa Fitzpatrick said solution providers must acquire technical skills around building, developing and deploying Microsoft Azure to predictably move customers to the public cloud. "Make sure you have the technical skill set in-house," Fitzpatrick said during CompTIA ChannelCon 2017 in Austin. "You have to be able to articulate the art of what is possible in the cloud to your customers." Channel partners with a specialized skill set will find it much easier to have customers lead them into the cloud on their terms while at the same time helping them understand how digital transformation can accelerate their business, Fitzpatrick said. It is therefore critical that solution providers understand what their customers are looking to put in the cloud and where they are willing to dabble, she said. [Related: Serial Entrepreneur: Solution Providers Need More Than Good Ideas To Reap The Fruits Of Innovation] "We don't have to have everyone jump in the cloud all at once," Fitzpatrick, who is general manager, worldwide channel sales at Microsoft, said Tuesday. "You can do a hybrid approach." Solution providers that make the technology investment will find that Microsoft has significantly bolstered its resources available to channel partners supporting Azure, Fitzpatrick said. Specifically, she said the Redmond, Wash.-based vendor is flooding the market with technical resources that will enable partners to more easily craft differentiated solutions that sit atop Azure. "We are no longer just throwing the technology and saying 'run with it and see what you can create," Fitzpatrick said. "We want to work with you." Much of Microsoft's effort will focus on helping partners build vertically-focused solutions that address problems specific to the manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare, education or government industries, Fitzpatrick said. End users are increasingly expecting solution providers to be capable of having a conversation that's relevant to the specific business issues they face. "Our customers are incredibly demanding," Fitzpatrick said. "They don't want a generic approach." Microsoft's selected these six verticals since they're the more mature and offer the richest opportunities for modernization and cloud adoption, Fitzpatrick said. At the same time, Fitzpatrick said solution providers need to be aware that many end users are still trepidatious about moving sensitive or mission-critical workplace into the public cloud. Fitzpatrick recommended a "stair-step" approach for those customers, where clients are allowed to move apps into the cloud one at the time. Sampling a small workload in the cloud will allow end users to feel safer and more secure, Fitzpatrick said, while easing operating expenses and integration challenges. "We don't have to push our customers 100 percent to the cloud," Fitzpatrick said. A pay-as-you-go licensing model is also needed to help avoid a huge upfront commitment and not force end users into an either-or decision where workloads are delivered entirely on-premises or completely in the cloud, Fitzpatrick said. As far as channel partners as concerned, Fitzpatrick said born-in-the-cloud solution providers have it easier in some ways since they won't encounter the pain points associated with transitioning from a perpetual license to a subscription model. But while legacy costs don't encumber born-in-the-cloud partners, Fitzpatrick said they also don't have any long-standing customer relationships to fall back on. Traditional solution providers, therefore, benefit from being able to sell cloud into a base of existing customers whose needs and requirements are well-understood, Fitzpatrick said. Azure is absolutely the largest Microsoft-focused opportunity for solution providers today, Fitzpatrick said. Surveys have indicated that the portion of companies looking to move workloads into Azure has skyrocketed from just 20 percent a year ago to 90 percent today, she said. "We're here, and this is the cloud of the future," Fitzpatrick said. "Get in there with us." Microsoft's increased focus on channel enablement, particularly as it relates to engineering and sales support, will likely be well-received by partners, according to one solution provider who didn't wish to be identified. The partner also said embracing a "stair-step" approach might help some recalcitrant customers get comfortable in the cloud. However, the partner said increasing the technical training expectations around Azure might serve as a deterrent to solution providers that have yet to launch a practice. "I think they could be leaving a lot of sales on the table," the partner said. Data center News Ghilardi Is Out As Lenovo North America President Rick Whiting And Steve Burke Share this Emilio Ghilardi has stepped down as Lenovo's North America president, effective Monday, July 31, after less than 18 months in the job and has left the company. A statement from Lenovo media relations did not provide a reason for Ghilardi's sudden departure. Christian Teismann, currently senior vice president and general manager of Lenovo's worldwide Enterprise Business Segment, has assumed responsibilities for Ghilardi's duties "in the interim," the statement said. [Related: HP, Dell Make Gains As Lenovo Sinks In Ugly Q2 U.S. PC Market Battle] "He is familiar with the North America market from his longtime, successful leadership of Lenovo's Global Accounts business," the company said. No additional details behind Ghilardi's departure were disclosed. Ghilardi's exit is the latest in a string of executive departures from the company, including Gerry Smith, COO and head of the company's PC and mobile device business, who left in January. Ghilardi joined Lenovo in July 2015 as vice president and chief operating officer of Lenovo North America and was promoted to president, North America in April 2016. He joined the company from Hewlett Packard where he worked for more than three years. Lenovo, a major player in the PC market, has struggled in recent years as global PC sales have slowed. At the same time, the Beijing, China-based company has struggled to gain traction in the market for data center systems despite its $2.1 billion acquisition of IBM's x86 server business in September 2014. In the statement announcing Ghilardi's departure, Lenovo said the executive led the company to its "highest PC share in North America" and that it "is committed to growing its business here across all customer segments through innovation and a relentless focus on customer experience." Last week Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing was quoted by Chinese media, speaking at the company's annual Tech World conference in Shanghai, as making a "lighthearted comment" that he'd step down if the company failed to hit sales targets including an aggressive goal of $12 billion in annual online PC revenue within three years. A source close to Lenovo, who did not want to be identified, said Ghilardi's exit comes with Lenovo's server and PC business unprofitable and the company struggling to innovate at the same pace as competitors like Hewlett Packard Enterprise. When Lenovo bought IBM's server business, many of the top technical talent stayed with Big Blue and focused on IBM's Watson cognitive computing technology, the source said. "One of the things that went catastrophically wrong when they bought the server business from IBM is the best and brightest engineering talent never joined the company," he said. "Lenovo bought a product business with no road map and no future. They didn't get the internal intellectual property to help them navigate to the hyper-converged market. The gas tank was empty." Internet of things News Schneider Electric's Profit Engine Helps Partners Get To The Heart Of Industrial IoT Solutions Lindsey O'Donnell Share this While the Internet of Things is generating hype in the industrial world, manufacturing CEOs only have one care profitability. That's why Schneider Electric is offering its systems integrators a tool to help customers optimize every asset of a plant enabling partners to make a strong case for how IoT will not just help industrial efficiency and safety, but also profitability. "We're pushing the concept called the 'Profit Engine,' and we're pushing it through our systems integrator channel," said Peter Martin, vice president of business innovation and marketing at Schneider Electric. "If you go and talk to a CEO, his first question will be, 'How does that improve my profitability?' His efficiency can improve 10 percent, and the profitability doesn't improve a nickel. We've been focusing on that problem. We've come up with patented ways of measuring the profitability of our customers right down to the piece of equipment level." [Related: GE Digital Acquires Startup IQP To Boost Predix And Help Partners Build IoT Applications] Through the company's tool, called Smart Control, the enterprise can manage and control all its business variables under a unified strategy so management better understands what the real-time variables mean for overall profitability. For instance, operators on the manufacturing floor can see the profit contribution of their pumps, valves, and programmable logic controllers. Schneider Electric hopes that its channel partners, which include systems integrators focused on operational technology, distributors and value added resellers, will be able to leverage the Smart Control tool as part of an effective pitch for customers about why they can use IoT solutions. "For me, I'm seeing a lot of confusion around IoT and IIoT. There's a lot of people talking about it with a lot of opinions of what it is. It's not well defined but there's a lot of promise. In this case, the buzz means something," said Martin. "And from the channel's perspective, they're looking to us to tell them what it means." Jeff Murray, president of Control Point, a Scarborough, Maine-based operational technology solution provider, said that Schneider Electric had promoted discussions in the channel through the umbrella of its EcoStruxure the company's open, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform. "The CEO doesnt exactly care about the concept of industrial IoT they care about the end results," said Murray. "When the CEO says they want to make something profitable, there's a vice president or plant manager who gets that message and one way to get there is to take advantage of tools around IoT." Competition in the industrial space continues to tighten, especially as other operational technology vendors such as GE and Siemens have started to build up their strategies targeting niche areas of the manufacturing space. The company hopes to continue working with its partners to help them transform their businesses and drive sales around manufacturing operations which, according to market research firm IDC, was the IoT use case that saw the largest investment, $102.5 billion, in 2016. "Schneider Electric has been talking to partners about these sorts of solutions all the time there's always a discussion of how individual components can connect," said Murray. News / National by Stephen Jakes Heal Zimbabwe has expressed grave concern over the disruption and surveillance of war veterans' peace education initiatives in communities that have been affected by political violence by the police.The trust said this was revealed in a statement by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA) on the 26th of July 2017 authored by Wilbert Sadomba."In their statement, the war veterans lamented that the police stopped a peace awareness campaign initiative in Mashonaland East and questioned members from the ZNLWVA who were piloting the project. War veterans also said that community members who were engaged during their peace campaigns were followed up on and questioned by state security agents," said the trust."Heal Zimbabwe appreciates that war veterans are key stakeholders in national healing and reconciliation processes. War veterans, whose legacy was tainted by their participation in the country's past political conflicts, are critical stakeholders in building a peaceful Zimbabwe. Therefore, the initiative by war veterans is not only noble but it amplifies efforts by various organizations such as Heal Zimbabwe in peacebuilding, violence prevention and conflict transformation ahead of the 2018 elections and beyond."The trust said this also justifies why there is an urgent need for the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) to be fully operationalized.Heal Zimbabwe further commended the war veterans for taking a bold stance against violence."Such a stance is a positive step towards the realization of peace and tolerance ahead of the 2018 elections," said the trust. Panasonic Avionics provides in-flight connectivity and infotainment content for more than 300 airlines around the world, addressing the growing demand from passengers for Internet access while in transit. The company also offers the same services to the shipping, maritime, mining, and oil and gas industries. With travelers bringing more personal devices, from laptops, tablets, to smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices onto airplanes, Panasonic Avionics service delivery requirements have evolved, creating new demands and challenges for their IT and security infrastructure. Fortinet recently talked with Michael Dierickx, director of security engineering and information security officer, about Panasonic Avionics security priorities and the tools they use to keep customers information safe on todays connected aircraft. John Maddison: What are your cybersecurity priorities? Michael Dierickx: Our No. 1 priority is always to protect the customer, both the passengers and the airlines. Customer satisfaction is a really big deal to us, and its important that, in a connected aircraft, the communications are secure. When theres an incident, we want to be able to identify that incident and notify the customer first before anyone else does. What about security challenges? The top concern I have is related to the connected aircraft. Its now a part, essentially, of the Internet of Things. Aircraft and cars, when they were first built, were never intended to be connected to anything. Now you have passengers depending on connectivity, or they dont want to travel on that aircraft. With offering the IoT-type of user experience, the aircraft has become an extension of the corporate structure of the airline; therefore it adds a new type of attack vector. You have to have controls in place that were never needed before. Are you worried about WiFi hacking to compromise traveler data while theyre on airplanes? Weve tested our deployments for years, and if our WiFi is deployed in the manner that has been prescribed or architected initially, Im very confident that attack surface is mitigated. That said, the WiFi 802.11 standard has its flaws. Do you see your cybersecurity challenges and priorities changing in the coming years? As aircraft become more connected, and as more devices become part of the IoT, there are more challenges that come into place. Not every product thats connected to the IoT is capable of being as secure as others. Architecting security in place becomes more and more challenging. Also being a part of the cloud is a scary thing as well. You have to have the proper security stack in place. Cloud providers may be secure, but with the infrastructure they give you, you have to add on security yourself. You have connected devices connecting to the cloud, and it really changes the dynamic and the attack vector that could potentially be used to compromise any of these systems. You have to have the proper defenses in depth, but you also need notification. Defense is only going to get you so far. You really need to have visibility for anomalous traffic, identify it, and determine whether theres an incident or not. Which Fortinet Security Fabric solutions do you use? We use solutions from the Fortinet Security Fabric in several different ways. My group uses the FortiSIEM (Security Information and Event Management) product. It provides a single pane of glass, so that when there is an event, were able to be notified and take appropriate action. When we use a SIEM, were basically looking for indicators of compromise (IOCs), and with these IOCs coming from an aircraft, its not your traditional infrastructure, where its very cookie-cutter. We have different types of assets on an aircraft that do not necessarily communicate in the same manner as traditional data center equipment. We patented specific correlation rules that would indicate an IOC aboard an aircraft, and its those events we want to be notified about. Each one of our airline customers have their own view, where they can see if an incident occurred. Some of the incidents we want to know in real time, and there are other incidents you dont need to be woken up for. Weve been working with Fortinet to really fine tune these rules and displays for our customers, so that a CSO of an airline can be on a tablet, and they have that data in front of them. What does Fortinet offer than some other cybersecurity vendors may not? The real advantage is that Fortinet really works with us as a partner versus just a vendor. Thats extremely important to us because our environments are complex. Were not an easy customer. We have very stringent demands and requirements. Something I can really say with a straight face is that every time we needed something unique or special done for us, Fortinet went the extra mile to ensure our success. Having that type of partnership or relationship with a vendor is very, very important. It gives me peace of mind that theyre not just looking for next quarters quota. Theyre really looking at our success. When we give our security portal to our airline customers, their reaction is, Oh, my gosh, what is this? It doesnt look like any of the other SIEMs that are out there and is so streamlined and easy to use. Were looking for indicators of compromise on an aircraft, and I guaranteed there is no SIEM out there that has those rules by default. Its almost 100-percent customized and gives us full visibility and control over our security infrastructure. So the level of service is important to you? Service is No. 1. Its extremely critical. Thats why we went with Fortinet. Their team has been extremely supportive of our efforts. Some of Fortinets competitors just looked at our business as dollar signs. Having a partner to go on this journey with us to secure the Internet of Things on connected aircraft and provide situational awareness to our customers is a really big deal. A 9-year-old Massachusetts boy broke into his neighbors apartment, not once but three times, and made off with various goodies, including an iPhone and Amazon Echo. He might have gotten away with it except his neighbor had an audio recording of his voice thanks to Alexa. She told police she recognized her young neighbors voice, and according to The Gloucester Times, he now faces charges of breaking and entering and larceny. Under Settings in the Alexa app, you can check out History like she did. By tapping on items in History, you can review what has been said to Alexa, hear the audio recordings and even individually delete those voice recordings. You can wipe all voice recordings at once via the Amazon app under Your Account>Manage Voice Recordings, then select Delete. That would not work, however, if your Echo had been rooted and turned into a wiretap. Thats something security researcher Mark Barnes from MWR Labs was able to do. MWR Labs explained: The Amazon Echo is vulnerable to a physical attack that allows an attacker to gain a root shell on the underlying Linux operating system and install malware without leaving physical evidence of tampering. Such malware could grant an attacker persistent remote access to the device, steal customer authentication tokens, and the ability to stream live microphone audio to remote services without altering the functionality of the device. Unlikely to happen to your Echo, but be wary of buying second-hand versions The fact that physical access is required makes it unlikely it will happen to your Echo. It also works only on 2015 and 2016 editions of Amazon Echo devices, as they had a rubber base that can be popped off to reveal 18 debug pads. Neither the 2017 Echo model, nor the Amazon Dot, are vulnerable. If a knowledgeable attacker did have access to an older Echo, Barnes noted that rooting it is trivial. After rooting the Echo, the researchers wrote a script to continuously grab the raw microphone audio data. Barnes called the physical access requirement a major limitation. The how-to is out there now, so maybe that should give you pause before you purchase a second-hand Echo. Watch out for Echo devices in hotel rooms It might also be a good idea to immediately hit the mute button on the top of any Echo found inside hotel rooms just in case it has been hacked to provide attackers 24/7 eavesdropping capabilities. The devices being installed in hotel rooms is far from common, but when the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas announced plans to equip all 4,748 hotel rooms with an Echo, the hotel said, Alexa will be fully operational in all guest rooms by summer 2017. Amazon responded to the turn-Alexa-into-a-spy news by urging customers to purchase Amazon devices from Amazon or a trusted retailer and to keep their software up to date. It should be noted, however, that updated software would do nothing to prevent a hacked Echo from continuously listening in. MWR Labs concluded: News / National by Staff reportetr 3188 youth officers have been reinstated to the civil service payroll following President Robert Mugabe's directive to reverse the retrenchment, a cabinet minister has said.The Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Patrick Zhuwawo said the Chairman of the Public Service Commission wrote to him advising him of the development.He said they acknowledge that treasury is seized with a ballooning civil servant wage bill, hence as a ministry, they have come up with revenue generating initiatives at vocational training centers."The young men and women can contribute towards the development of the country if they get inputs from the Presidential Scheme and utilise land from vocational training centres," said Zhuwawo, adding that they have identified 37000 hectares of land to be utilised as demonstration units for on the spot training which will be coordinated by the youth officers instead of looking forward to taxes.Meanwhile, the minister has distanced himself from claims that the youths have failed to pay back the $10 million they got through the National Youth Fund.He added that the banks failed to do their job, hence betraying government. When it comes to cybersecurity trends, good news can be hard to come by. A recent report on cyber fraud did find a rare silver lining. Compared to the first quarter of 2016, the first quarter of 2017 registered a 34.7% drop in worldwide cyber fraud, according to the May 2017 edition of the Global Fraud Index. Still, the annual fraud survey, conducted by PYMNTS and Signifyd, found plenty of reason to remain concerned about cyber fraud. Despite the overall decline, merchants across eight industry sectors were still expected to lose $48.2 billion in 2017. And, beneath the positive trend number, some sectors still saw significant fraud spikes. From Q1-2016 to Q1-2017, for example, fraud rates shot up by 146.5% in the online department store segment within online retail. For ecommerce vendors, financial institutions, and other targeted organizations, fighting cyber fraud comes down to answering a seemingly simple question: Who is trying to connect to my systems? Given the ability of criminals to use stolen credentials, or to create synthetic identities of their own, answering this question is far from a simple exercise. The bedrock elements of most authentication systems user IDs and passwords cant hope to counter fraud attempts on their own. As with all things in the cybersecurity realm, fraud prevention demands multidimensional and comprehensive defenses. These defenses need to encompass both offline and online data sources, including a drivers license, postal addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, device type, and known fraud patterns, among others. Some of the most critical information used to verify both identity and location comes from IP Intelligence. Broadly speaking, IP Intelligence can provide organizations with two required pieces of information: the location of the user/device initiating the contact and the reputation of the IP address itself. As discussed in an earlier post, some IP Intelligence services leverage sophisticated analytics, paired with extensive online directories registries, to provide accurate geolocation information for connecting devices. Fraudsters often attempt to hide their true locations via multiple Internet hops and other techniques, but a strong IP Intelligence capability see through these tricks. Determining which IP addresses are likely safe, and which may be risky, also requires a broad and deep analysis. For its IP Reputation service, Neustar draws from the billions of online queries it sees each day to provide two types of scores for any given IP address. The Real User score indicates the likelihood that traffic is coming from a bot rather than from an actual person. The Risk score, ranging from 1 to 100, flags whether an IP address has been associated with malicious activity in the past. Just as with user IDs and passwords, IP Intelligence alone isnt a magic bullet for shooting down fraudulent online activity. But, without IP intelligence, defending against fraud becomes a much more challenging endeavor. The location and the reputation of a contacting IP address can often be the determining factors in confidently answering, Who is trying to connect to my systems? This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT He wasnt the pick of the School Governance Council or teachers. He was rejected for the job once before. Still, Byron Williams will become the new principal of Bassick High School later this month, an assignment that is arguably one of the toughest in the district. Williams, currently an assistant principal at nearby Cesar Batalla School, will earn an annual salary of $141,561 in his new role. His appointment by Schools Superintendent Aresta Johnson was confirmed on a 4-1 vote of the Board of Education last week. Board member Dennis Bradley voted no. Unless he is the (George) Steinbrenner of public education everyone hates him but he gets the job done I just dont understand the pick, Bradley said referring to the late New York Yankees owner. We are setting him up for failure. Board discussion of Williams appointment was limited with Board Vice Chairwoman Sauda Baraka suggesting the decision lies with the superintendent. Two day earlier, a personnel committee of the board interviewed candidates and recommended Williams. The superintendent has a larger plan to turn the school around, John Weldon, chair of the boards personnel committee said. Dr. Williams particular background and overall leadership style made him best suited to work with the superintendent to advance her vision for Bassick. Some parents, however, are furious with the pick, saying it went against a vote of the School Governance Council made up of parents, teachers and community members. After interviews, they voted to make Harding Assistant Principal Joseph Raiola principal of Bassick. Of five finalists, Williams came in third in one vote tally and last in another. Albert Benejan, president of the Parent Teacher Student Organization at Bassick, said he was very disappointed. (This) will be a big issue at Bassick, he told Johnson in an email. Teacher(s) will not be working with him. Did you know the students will not respect him? Benejan said Bassick needs someone who is strong, who can give orders and will command respect. The governance council has been exploring establishing a Community School model at Bassick which would set up partnerships with community resources. The hope was the new principal would buy into that concept. At the same meeting at which Williams was voted in as the new Bassick principal, the board approved three new assistant superintendents to replace existing positions in the superintendents cabinet. They include John Lischner, a middle school principal from Prince Georges County, Md., and Christiana Otuwa, a deputy superintendent from Rochester, N.Y. Both will be assistant superintendents for instructional leadership. Lischner will get $152,000 a year and Otuwa, $155,000 a year. Hallen School Principal Deborah Santacapita will become assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and professional development. Her salary will be $155,000. Bassick, a school of 961 students, has had a revolving door of principals for a decade. Federal and state reform efforts have done nothing to boost rock bottom test scores, poor attendance rates and an embarrassing drop out rate. Just 60 percent of Bassicks Class of 2015 graduated in four years. In the past school year, hopes were raised when Tomas Ramirez, a Dominican-born principal from Providence, R.I., came in with a 90-day plan that involved knocking on the door of every incoming freshman. By January, Ramirez submitted his resignation. Williams was brought to the district in 2013 by then interim superintendent Paul Vallas as the first principal of the Bridgeport Military Academy. He was a retired Marine Corps officer with experience as a principal and district administrator in Philadelphia. Academy parents and students fought to keep Williams when he failed to submit paperwork to the state to attain a Connecticut administrator certification and was threatened with termination. He briefly resigned only to get his job back. After just one school year, he was transferred to Wilbur Cross School as an assistant principal. In 2015, when Bassick was on its annual hunt for a new principal, Williams applied for the job. That time, he was the pick of that School Governance Council. Then Interim Schools Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz ended up re-posting the position rather than giving Williams the assignment. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HAMDEN For as long as there has been money, people have wished it would grow on trees. About about the closest thing to that is the apple tree, which contributes about $14 billion to the nations economy every year. But a disease called fire blight is raging in many orchards nationwide. And researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station have turned their attention to eradicating this bacterial disease, which can case huge headaches for apple farmers. The disease enters the tree through the flowers, and it quickly begins attacking the tree, said Quan Zeng, who was explaining the disease to visitors at Wednesdays 107th annual Plant Science Day. Not only does it reduce yield, but it also can kill the tree. I really cant overstate the issue. Zeng said the traditional ways of dealing with fire blight by using antibiotics no longer seem to work. So weve been looking at another bacterium, BC250, said Zhouqi Cui, another CAES scientist. By applying this to the blossoms before the bad bacteria comes along, it consumes the nutrients that the bad bacteria need to survive. The BC250 bacterium occurs naturally in healthy trees the trick was to isolate it. The bad bacteria is called Erwinia amylovora, and Zeng said that for apple farmers, it can mean hard times. Theres one grower I know in Fairfield County he had to hire four men full time to do nothing for a month but trim back the diseased branches, he said. And its not just in Connecticut its attacked orchards from New Zealand to Canada. Cui took visitors up to the research orchards on Lockwood Farm, where CAES caries out much of its field research and also the site of Plant Science Day. This year it seems more serious in Connecticut, she said. And now a lot of orchards cant use antibiotics because of concerns that consumers have. She pulled down a number of brown, withered branches from the apple trees in the test plot. Its a very critical problem, as you can see, she said. So were working on ways to economically apply BC250. More than 1,100 visitors flocked to Plant Science Day, where they learned about plant diseases, invasive weeds, mosquito-borne diseases, voracious beetles and how to entice butterflies. In one of several lectures, CAES scientist Richard Cowes tackled the thorny issue of whether a popular class of insecticides called neonicotinoids have caused bee colonies to collapse. These chemicals, he said, are based on a natural insecticide that plant produce called nicotine the stuff in cigarettes. You could use nicotine to combat insects, but the problem with that is that nicotine is more toxic to vertebrates like us than it is to insects, he said. So a group of related chemicals neonicotinoids was developed. He said that the evidence is overwhelming that colony collapse disorder is not being caused by neonicotinoids, but rather the varroa mite. The varroa mite is absolutely key to the problem, Cowes said. Not only to they feed directly on bees, but they also infect the hive with some of the 20 different viruses that attack bees. He said that there have been cases in which neonicotinoids usually when improperly applied have caused bee mortality, but the overwhelming evidence points to the mites for bee colony collapse. Still, CAES is trying to keep neonicotinoids out of plants that bees visit. Cowes, along with scientist Kimberly Stoner, is looking at to see if plants from ornamental plant nurseries are contaminated with pesticides. We found for the most part, the toxicity of the plants was low, but in one of the three nurseries we visited the toxicity was high, Stoner said. Another researcher, John Soghigian, was looking at mosquito blood-feeding behavior and how to better understand the transmission of Eastern equine encephalitis. They have been feeding on birds for millions of years and dinosaurs before that, he said. So theyre pretty well-equipped to deal with humans. jburgeson@ctpost.com When we think of poor-performing employees, we typically picture those who are new and still learning, or those who just don't have the best work ethic. However, most of us, as employers, run into situations from time to time where top employees are suddenly not performing at their best. Related: 4 Ways Managers Can Commit to Improving Employee Engagement There are countless reasons why this can happen -- why employee performance can suddenly hit a downward slope. And, here, the first question isn't so much why the problem has occurred as what we're going to do about it. Clearly, those leaders who already have solid relationships formed with their teams will have the best opportunity to quickly uncover what's wrong and nurture those problem employees back to full productivity. Communication, of course, is key, but, unfortunately, a July OfficeVibe report, The State of Employee Engagement, which looked at 1,000 organizations found that 31 percent of employees polled said they wished their manager communicated more frequently with them. This means that for nearly one-third of the workforce, leaders may be unaware of the significant issues in employees' lives causing them to suddenly stop performing well. So, when an employee's performance comes to a screeching halt, here's what that leadership can do to get him or her back on track: 1. Don't jump to conclusions. Jumping to conclusions is a natural reaction -- and one that needs to be avoided. When employee performance drops, jumping to conclusions just adds more stress for management, for the struggling employee and for his or her co-workers. Prematurely assuming that an employee has grown lazy, doesn't care anymore or is even looking for another job could affect the way leadership responds. Related: How to Build a High-Performance Team Without knowing the exact reason for this person's decline, it's challenging to empathize and help create an effective path for the employee to get back to hitting goals. So, be sure to take time to first assess the situation. When did this person's work start declining? Was he or she working more hours at the time? Was the schedule particularly busy? Were there drastic changes in the employee's work or home life? Asking this person's co-workers if they've noticed a shift in performance can be detrimental to the employee and company morale. So, it's important to go straight to the source: the struggling employee. Reassure the employee that he or she is not in trouble or at risk of a job loss. Instead, say that his or her performance isn't as high as it once was and that your concern is to make sure things are okay. 2. Encourage an open dialogue. Most employees are too embarrassed or nervous to speak with leaders about their dwindling performance. Mark Evans, the marketing director at Direct Line Group, an insurance group headquartered in Bromley, England, recently shared in a Marketing Week post his views on the importance of keeping an open dialogue with employees. Performance management should include regular conversations to help keep employees from burning out, Evans wrote. "The world is crazy these days; people are always on the edge of burning out, and it's about taking stock and looking after yourself," Evans said. "There's this notion of 'humble bragging,' about how busy we are and now people are being called out as that's not a healthy thing." On the contrary, however, having regular conversations helps employees share their stresses with management more honestly, Evans wrote. And that, in turn, stops them from holding on to issues that eventually hurt both their well-being and performance. So, encourage an open dialogue and focus on building a relationship with employees. The more frequently you meet with your team members, the more trust and openness will grow. Most importantly, be genuine in your discussions. Let employees know that struggling at some point in a career is natural and that leaders are there to help -- not judge. 3. Share your own struggles. Employees who aren't performing well -- especially those who were once top performers -- tend to feel alone. They're frequently their worst critics and end up being harder on themselves than necessary. This only decreases their ability to move back into their top-performing spot. Knowing that their superiors have been through similar situations will help them open up and trust that those leaders are there to help guide them back to success. So, share your own humbling and honest stories about personal issues. Explain situations you've been in step by step so employees can see the commonalities with their struggles. Explain what went wrong, how that felt and what was needed to rise up from the situation. To make a show of empathy and understanding about how mental health improves job performance, encourage "mental health" days. That's what Ben Congleton, CEO of Olark Live Chat, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said he did when one of his web developers emailed the team about taking a mental health day. Congleton responded with a personal thank you email to his employee. He thanked her for removing the stigma from taking mental health days and implied that it would be fine for more team members to take such days for themselves, as needed. It's this kind of personal encouragement that can help employees recuperate and begin the uphill climb to performing at their best once again. 4. Be transparent with performance management. Some leaders believe that tracking employee performance just puts more stress and pressure on their employees. And, certainly, it does make them more aware of the goals they may be missing. However, knowing exactly where they stand with their goals and with management's expectations will make performance conversations easier when these things go off track. Being transparent with both goals and expectations will also help clear the air, give employees a defined path to hitting goals and show leadership is interested in seeing them succeed. Related: Will Training Help Improve Employee Performance? When leaders notice that an employee is struggling, it's time to create a detailed plan to get this person back on track. Remember, a plan shouldn't be based solely on what they're struggling with, but why they're struggling. If their sales numbers are low because of a personal issue, offer time off so they can deal with the situation and refocus. On the other hand, if work tasks have become overwhelming, make a plan to deal with each project step by step to get any struggling employees back on their feet. Related: 4 Tips to Take Struggling Employees to the Top of Their Game 3 Reports Every Manager Should Have 3 Fixes for better Performance Reviews in 2017 Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com News / Press Release by Jacob Mafume Citizens in Harare yesterday witnessed another episode of lawlessness involving members of the uniformed forces.Soldiers were indiscriminately beating up police officers and sometimes clashing with commuters in the Central Business District of the capital Harare.Such behaviour is unacceptable and must be condemned with the contempt it deserves.In a statement of the 31st of July, the People's Democratic Party raised concern on the rise of violent crimes in the country. In the statement we made reference to a dossier which we wrote to the SADC Heads of State at the 34th Session in August of 2014 raising our concern regarding government failure to deal with the crisis.In that dossier we argued as we do now that SADC "Failure to act now will result in the unpalatable suffering of our people and a temptation by others to resort to unlawful and unconstitutional means of redress."We expected SADC to at least initiate dialogue amongst citizens on a path to a solution on the crisis, forget the recent visit by President Mbeki to Zimbabwe.As we predicted Zimbabweans have been suffering from both poverty and oppression part of it is through the presence of a police state.Spike wielding policemen are now holding citizens at ransom, in many instances lives have been lost. In July 2016 police teargas killed a child in a suburb in Bulawayo following a peaceful demonstration.In short the police have claimed the public enemy tag.Reports in Harare are that the soldiers who were beating up police officers yesterday were on a revenge mission after spike wielding police officers blew tyres of an army truck.The temptation is to celebrate the defeat of the police officers by the army with all its mighty. This is rather a sad development , a sign of how dangerous our society has become.The rule of law has disappeared; lawlessness is when soldiers deploy themselves to fight a revenge mission. If they can do that in the streets of Harare with no fear of the camera-happy citizen blessed with the smart phone and the super highway which ensures easy posting on Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp obviously there is nothing that stops the army from deploying itself to fight an unsanctioned war against one of our neighbours like Lesotho or Botswana.The temptation is also that of concluding that soldiers running around are the worst that can happen as far as people taking the law into their own hands is concerned.Let us imagine Doctors and Nurses getting angry at police officers or soldiers then administering lethal injections on every member of the uniformed force they attend to. Let us imagine prison officers locking up everyone they hate in their big trucks and throwing them into Chikurubi Maximum.The point we make is that everyone must be guided by the law, citizens must at all times abide by the law, even those who hold powerful offices are not above the law therefore must not be allowed to be the jury whenever they are aggrieved.The law provides remedies for those who are violated even for the soldiers who feel aggrieved for tyres blown by spike wielding policemen. In any case the owners of the army truck are the people of Zimbabwe who made the laws which the soldiers are now disobeying.The army clearly acted contrary to the objectives set in section 206 of the Constitution "The national security objectives of Zimbabwe must reflect the resolve of Zimbabweans to live as equals in liberty, peace and harmony, free from fear, and in prosperity."The Zanu-PF government for some weird reason has decided against establishing an independent complains mechanism against members of the uniformed forces as provided in section 210 of the constitution.The biggest threat Zimbabwe faces is the absence of a civilian authority, the ones in government are either on retreat or fighting factional battles.Noting this failure by Zanu-PF to execute their constitutional duties we in the PDP wrote in both HOPE and ARREST of the need to establish a National Transitional Authority to buy Zimbabweans some peace.Jacob MafumePDP Spokeperson This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate State health officials have fined a Norwalk residential care home $1,000 and ordered it to hire an independent consultant after uncovering safety violations there earlier this year. Carlson Place was ordered to hire a consultant within four weeks of the consent order, which was signed June 26 by state Department of Public Health officials and Carlson Place manager and owner Diane Mortali. The consultant must be familiar with public health codes, federal regulations, state building and fire codes, and others standards the facility failed to meet. More News Fire at nursing home forces residents outside According to the consent order, which is in effect for two years, the consultant will evaluate the facilitys engineering and maintenance program, assess the coordination of daily maintenance services various vendors provide, make recommendations and report back to DPH on the facilitys compliance efforts. The facility manager must meet with DPH representatives every 90 days. Carlson Place paid a $1,000 fine at the time the order was signed. In unannounced inspections between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12, DPH uncovered several violations at the facility that led to the consent order. On Jan. 1, the local fire department called a facility director, saying an alarm at the fire department indicated there was a fire at the facility. According to DPH, the director was unaware of the fire, but began evacuating residents and looking for the fire. Smoke was discovered coming from a residents room. One resident was taken to a hospital and the rest were moved to an alternate site until Jan. 4. An investigation found the fire alarm failed to sound, and directors failed to follow procedure or get an accurate head count during the evacuation. Also, during a monthly fire drill on Nov. 30, 2016, the audible portion of the fire alarm had failed, according to DPH, but no repairs were made. On Jan. 10, a resident was smoking on a porch, which is not permitted, when a maintenance staff worker forcefully pulled the cigarette out of the residents hand and shouted expletives, according to DPH. The resident was seen crying and police were notified. According to DPH, the person in charge at the facility failed to show there was a policy in place regarding physical or verbal abuse. The facility also failed to provide inspectors with various documentation, including proof that the sprinkler system pump had been tested and monitored, maintenance service records for the emergency generator and fire drill documentation. Also, according to DPH, a kitchen door and a basement corridor ceiling were severely damaged and not up to code. Everythings been resolved, Mortali said, declining to comment further. Under the consent order, Carlson Place must ensure sufficient staff is available to meet residents needs and residents are maintained, clean and comfortable. Staff members must treat residents in a respectful manner and all staff must be trained in neglect and abuse policies. The facilitys smoking policy must be enforced, the citation states. Within seven days of the orders signing, the facility was to designate someone on site to monitor the consent orders requirements. DPH can increase the consultants hours and responsibilities if deemed necessary, and the state may issue charges if the facility were to fail to comply with the order, according to DPH. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team (c-hit.org). Three Senate Democrats looked into the abyss and decided to push Connecticut into it. Thats how Kevin Rennie of the Hartford Courant summed up the votes Monday of state Senators Paul Doyle, Joan Hartley and Gayle Slossberg, who had been parading in front of colleagues and the media suggesting they might break partisan rank and vote against the deal with state employee labor unions, the deal which extends the notoriously overgenerous SEBAC omnibus benefits agreement until 2027. They had worried publically that the deal renders employee benefits, the largest and fastest growing category of state spending, untouchable by the next two governors and four legislatures - and, in effect, the voting public. Rennie might have been a tad bit unfair. According to reports from the scene, the three rebels stuck to their guns until Senate leader, Democrat Martin Looney, agreed to a meeting midday on Monday. The three marched into Looneys office with a set of demands for systemic reforms. After a long meeting, the four emerged and word leaked out that Looney had capitulated. The four proceeded to the Senate chamber and shortly thereafter debate on the labor deal began amongst the bodys 18 Democrats and 18 Republicans. Sometime into the debate, a typewritten list of twelve reforms began to circulate in the chamber, creating quite a buzz. Eventually, the list found its way into the hands of the media. The twelve-point reform package showed just how thunderously the three had pounded on Looneys desk and how hard a terrified Looney had fallen. In exchange for their yes votes on the labor deal, the three secured Looneys agreement to the whole package. Three points demanded changes to the omnibus benefits agreement after expiration of SEBAC in 2027. Yes, you read that right: the three Senators demanded action ten years from now. In another three directives, the Senators demanded that a commission, or mechanism for review, be created. Nothing solves problems faster than creating commissions. Yet another three demands mandated creation of Caps with only Delphic explanations. One was a Volatility Cap for capital gains income tax receipts -- what, if too much begins flowing in, then the Department of Revenue should stop accepting tax payments based on such gains? The second was a cap on State of Connecticut bonding. Whoops, one already exists (a limit of 1.6 times revenue and the Bonding Commission observes it), but no one had the heart to tell the three who had worked so hard inventing the wheel. But maybe the three had in mind to devise yet another cap? The third, an Expenditures Cap based upon Consensus Revenue makes sense, even though theres already a constitutional spending cap. Maybe a second is needed, but how exactly would it work in relation to the subject of debate then proceeding, i.e. the labor deal which mandates that massive expenditures be made in the form of pay and benefits for state workers, come hell or high water? Apparently, everything else should fall under various formulaic limits? But, hey, all new ideas have wrinkles and kinks which need ironing out. Of course, if all these caps can be made to work, we may be able to keep future governors and legislators from making any decisions on the budget. That would yield enormous cost savings, with elected officials having no need to travel to Hartford to make decisions, and, thus, no need to reimburse them for their humongous personal travel expenses to the capital. As Senators in the chamber read the Twelve-Point Program, they marveled that Looney had promised to do all this. A promise is a promise, right? Nine down, three to go but enough. Lets not belabor the point, nor delay reporting the following just-breaking news Word has it that the Kennedy Foundation in Boston you know, the new home of GE is already considering the selection of Senators Doyle, Hartley and Slossberg for next years Profiles in Courage Award. The draft citation reads For crafting the 12-Point Plan that saved Connecticut. Red Jahncke is president of The Townsend Group International, a business consulting firm in Connecticut. Opinion / Columnist Moses Chamboko is a pro-democracy activist and interim secretary general of Zimbabweans United for Democracy (ZUNDE). He can be contacted at chambokom@gmail.com - www.zunde.org, info@zunde.org, @zundezim Madness is when Grace Mugabe and George Charamba both pretend to be what they are not. Not long ago, George Charamba, the presidential spokesman and secretary for information, "disclosed" to the world that indeed, he was the acerbic character known in media circles as Nathaniel Manheru, a character foolishly and blindly pro-ZANU PF. But, of course, we all knew that already!On the other hand, Dzikamai Mavhaire, in one of his best straight talking moments, gave Grace Mugabe the most befitting nickname, Marujata - the worst name or label for a woman in the traditional African context - a person known for causing confusion, fighting, division, hatred, at times even killings in the village. Marujata is the epitome of an uncultured woman who can easily split families by setting brother against brother. As well, she is generally a character of loose morals.It is events of the last few days that have brought these two names to the fore. At a youth interface rally (euphemism for succession rally) in Chinhoyi last weekend, Grace Mugabe, in typical Marujata style, dressed down George Charamba in front of youths and cameras. She asked Charamba to stand up, and he did. She then gave him a lecture on how junior he was to ministers and what his role was in government. He was also reminded that he was not a politician and therefore, must keep away from politics. She all but said "You and I are opportunists who don't deserve to be where they are". How else can anybody interpret her reference to what she was before she became First Lady and also to what Charamba was, many years back, before he became Nathaniel Manheru and the presidential spokesperson?While Grace Mugabe holds a junior political position by virtue of being chairperson of the women's league, the fact remains that she does not hold any cabinet or government position. If the truth be told, George Charamba understands the workings of government way better than Grace Mugabe can ever imagine. Of course, this is not to say Charamba is a good man, he is a political moron from the old school who invariably confuses pleonasm and prolixity with intelligence.For threatening ministers and demonstrating levels of insubordination never seen before, Charamba deserved to be dressed down. However, the person who dressed him down is one who is least qualified to do so. As secretary for information, George Charamba is a senior civil servant who, in a functional democracy, would have been fired many years ago for dabbling in politics (and so would some generals for the same reason).In a typical democracy, Grace Mugabe would have been silenced by now for she is now behaving like a rabid dog rather than a first lady. She behaves as if she is the sole architect of the hierarchy in the government of Zimbabwe, the only one who knows who is senior to who, who should report to who and who should not say what. What nonsense!Sally Mugabe, our revered First Lady had African values. She knew her bounds. She was always a positive influence on Mugabe and in our society. If anything, Zimbabwe would probably not be in this mess if she was still alive. Marujata has lived up to her name! She has divided the family and set brother against brother, sister against sister. She does not give a toss about the damage she is causing as long as she and her immediate family members have unfettered access to unlimited privileges which they dangerously confuse as a right in perpetuity.Should we come to that curious point in time when it becomes a matter of survival pitting Grace Mugabe vs Emmerson Mnangagwa, only a fool would imagine that Grace will prevail. Grace is the real "chanana" not Joice Mujuru as we heard before. Beyond the presidential bedroom, Grace has no power at all, of her own. Everybody understands that. If she had any semblance of intelligence or decency, she would be spending most of her time packing her bags and planning her move to Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong, probably for good. Going underground would have been the most reasonable thing to do but it is now too late, she has blown that chance. She has stepped on too many toes and very few will ever forgive her. Whatever she is doing now is either public posturing or genuine stupidity. It is likely to be both!As for Charamba, he is a civil servant whose salary is paid by the government, just like a teacher in Nembudziya or a nurse in Chibwedziva. God knows what makes him think that he is now a super minister of some sorts. If Zimbabwe was like other normal countries, Charamba would have been relieved of his duties a long time ago. He no longer qualifies to be a civil servant. He talks as if he works at ZANU PF Head Quarters.Marujata has carelessly set the whole village on fire. Unless firefighters move in fast, everything is going to be razed to the ground. It is now a matter of the First Family on one side with the army and war veterans on the opposite. The crucial point will be when the army and the veterans finally come to their senses and decide to stand with the people, the same people who made them what they are today.It would appear that the empire is finally crumbling and the emperor is totally nak3d but none of his sons or daughters is brave enough to tell him so. We are heading for dangerous or interesting times. Either way, change is imminent, exactly what Zimbabwe needs Opinion / Columnist Anglican Diocese of Masvingo - Godfrey Tawonezvi has called for the suspension of his Manicaland colleague over wanton suspension of priests, abuse of church funds, maladministration and corruption.In a hard-hitting report, Tawonezvi who was in a commission that investigated a protracted conflict in the diocese on May 27 said Bishop Erick Ruwona can only be cleared by a forensic audit.He said the severity of allegations raised against his colleague warrants that the Diocesan Standing Committee arranges for a Forensic Audit which he said should be extended to the expenditure of the loan borrowed from AgriBank and levies collected from Mission Schools."While this is being done, it is recommended that the Bishop goes on leave. Once the Audit report is out both parties will be summoned to a meeting by the Commissioners and the report made public. A way forward will then be recommended by the Commissioners," the report says.The Anglican Church's most senior bishop said the church was dragging the resolution of the problems bedevilling the church by delaying on acting on the recommendations the commission of enquiry gave.The commission was set up by Archbishop of the Church of The Province of Central Africa, the Dean of the Province who is also Bishop of Upper Shire in Malawi, Bishop Brighton Malasa, The Provincial Secretary who is also the Bishop of Eastern Zambia, Bishop William Mchombo and the Provincial Registrar, Dr. Fannuel Sumaili.They were tasked with investigating the facts of disputes in the diocese and to submit a report and make proposals for the resolution of the disputes.The commissioners interviewed various groups who included Concerned Anglicans, representatives of St. Agnes Parish Chikanga, and representatives of the Mothers' Union, True Anglicans, standing committee, diocesan trustees, education commission and former education secretary, clergy on suspension, the registrar and the bishop.He said as commissioner he compiled and submitted his report and recommendations to Bishop Mchombo, the Provincial Secretary, on 2 June. Bishop Malasa, the Provincial Dean who chaired the inquiry also submitted his recommendations but there has never been any action on the issue.He also challenged the church to timely respond to calls by parishioners for an update on the issue."We are now in July and those who appeared before the Commissioners have not heard from the Commissioners or the Archbishop. Recently an e-mail was sent from Manicaland to the Archbishop, Commissioners and all Zimbabwean Bishops asking to be informed on the outcome of the Commission of inquiry. There was neither response given nor acknowledgement of receipt of the e-mail," Tawonezvi said.The Masvingo Bishop said he has since raised his concerns over the delays with the Provincial Secretary."I pointed out that there was an urgent need to resolve Manicaland issues. A delay in doing so would plunge the Diocese into further chaos. However there has been deafening silence from the Commissioners and the Archbishop."In view of this, I compiled this information to extricate myself from this deafening silence. I therefore would like to voice my position by presenting my recommendations. I have compiled these recommendations without prejudice or favour. I have tried to be as objective as possible for the sake of the Church of God," Tawonezvi said.He said there was need to look into alleged looting of nearly a million dollars from the church's Agribank account without the knowledge of the diocese's education secretary.He also slammed a move to have a trust to manage Anglican schools for its lack of clarity."Deed of Trust for Diocesan Schools in Manicaland should not be implemented but instead should be referred back to the Diocesan Education Commission, Standing Committee and Trustees elected at Diocesan Synod for discussion in a more transparent manner."The church owns St Davids Bonda, St Augustine's, St Faith, St Anne's Goto, St Matthias Tsonzo, St Mary's Magdalene, St James Zongoro and St Weighburg also adding to the long list of schools.Average pupil enrolment for each of these schools ranges from 600 to 800.He also recommended the suspension and further interrogation of the Diocesan Registrar."I recommend that the Registrar and any other persons of interest be interrogated further so that more information can be obtained in order to verify the allegations."The report also recommended his suspension pending the probe with the deputy registrar to take over in an acting capacity.The report said the Magada family needed to be given a chance to clear its name in light of allegations raised against them."It is my recommendation that the Magadas appear before the Commissioners and be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations. While this is being done I recommend that the Magadas be relieved of any responsibilities at St. Agnes Parish, Chikanga and at Diocesan level. Outcome of this investigation will determine the way forward."The report also challenged the church to reinstate the two priests - Gilbert Sambona and Taurai Mavhezha from a prolonged suspension. "Their continued suspension without following due process is not in tandem with the Constitution and Canons of the Church of The Province of Central Africa."They were suspended for backing the concerns that were being raised by parishioners on the administration of the church's affairs."It is my recommendation that court cases involving St. Agnes Parishioners are withdrawn by the Bishop and Registrar who instituted these court cases and that letters of withdrawal are sent to all concerned individuals."The St. Agnes Parish members who were excommunicated by the Bishop should be reinstated and letters written to that effect by the Bishop to all affected members." Jon Pearson I was walking down Gold late last summer, fairly tuned out of the familiar landscape when something in the corner of my eye tripped me up mid-step and transported me squarely back to Downtown. I stood in front of a window8-feet by 5-feetwhere hands were cast in various gestures, each tendering a trailing plant to the passerby. My eyes searched the glass for an explanationwhat was this place? It didn't feel like an advertisement or a storefront. Black block letters announced it as Pacific Exhibits. This was Jessica Chao's Offerings, one of many installations that have gone up in Albuquerque's only micro-gallery, a simple street-facing window that every month becomes more than the sum of its parts as local artists take the showroom to the streets. Started in 2014, the gallery is now an independent space curated by Ani Baker, supported by Central Features and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts and Culture District; the window itself is donated by the owners of the Pacific Building, Schroeder Sales. It's viewable 24/7 by anybody, so people who might feel uncomfortable engaging with what they think the art world is, they can kind of just walk by and check it out, Baker explained one afternoon in mid-July from across the table at Helix Coffee & Yoga in Nob Hill. People are able to go on their own time, she continued, so, in that sense, it's similar to a mural, where you can have access all the time, except here, you have a wider media format. We've had sculpture, painting, photography, things that can't really be exposed to the elements but are still worthwhile to give visibility to. And in that way, it is like a gallery, but a supremely accessible one. This month, Jon Pearson, a Des Moines transplant who moved to Albuquerque a year and a half ago, is bringing a set of paintings and drawings to the window. I've been thinking a lot about the format, Pearson said, working within that tight space in terms of depth, but also a constrained proportion, so gearing the work that way, but also thinking about the people walking past and considering what they might engage with, it's a different thing for me to wrap my head around than if it were just another show in a gallery. Pearson's pieces are rife with movement and color, the fragments merging together to create works, usually on canvas, that are singularly alive. For his show at Pacific Exhibits, which will be up for the whole of August, Pearson will re-purpose old works into a conglomeration of sorts, as well as create work specifically for the tiny gallery space. What never ceases to interest Pearson in all of his work, however, is landscapes. Since moving to New Mexico, where the sky is ever-spacious and the sunsets are amazing in a very distinct way (seriously, everyday is an amazing sunset, as Pearson underscored, which is true), the physical landscapes have taken root in his work as much as the psychological ones. Those interior landscapes that have long interested Pearson bleed into his process, as he described how he doesn't go into it with a certain image in mind. It comes up as I make it, surfacing naturally, and then I start to have thoughts about it, and slowly, I start to steer the ship. To Pearson, art-making happens as much before he gets to the canvas as it does when he applies line and color to a surface. Of the challenge of working within the specifications that Pacific Exhibits requires, Pearson mused aloud, I think it demands a whole other thoughtfulness. I like the parameters, and I particularly like when artists want to utilize that, Baker furthered. It's this really interesting challenge, like, what can I do to transform this space rather than just hanging a piece in there? The space is really an integral part of the artwork and the presentation. And the space has its demands and logistics. Baker herself can fit into the window in a pinch, but what is most challenging is hammering nails into the wall with only 10 inches of depth from the glass window. I've found that people who are making something specifically for that space, it seems to work a little better, to have those dimensions in mind, Baker posited. It feels like it could be an experiment ground, because it is site specific, because it has these specific parameters, it might provide an opportunity to do something new that isn't necessarily congruous with what we've done in the past, Pearson added to that thought. We're pro- experimentation, Baker summarized, laughing. Distilled down to its most basic, Pacific Exhibits is a site to support artists in a unique and highly visible wayand specifically, emerging artists based in Albuquerque. A boon to Pacific Exhibits has come in the shape of a collaboration with the Downtown Arts and Culture District's director, Joe Cardillo; this relationship has resulted in early-evening First Friday pop-up receptions on the sidewalk that Pacific Exhibits looks out on. The reception for Pearson's show will be held this Friday, Aug. 4, from 4:30 to 6pm, where Pearson will also be vending one-of-a-kind, handmade t-shirts. The party continues throughout the month, as Pearson's work will be on display until Aug. 31. As Baker perfectly concluded, Pacific Exhibits very tidily brings art to more people. More highly visible, publicly accessible art. It's really exciting to think that that's something that we can be involved with, perpetuating that, and growing that. Head to Pacific Exhibits anytime, day or night, by navigating to 215 Gold SW. In the meantime, get a full dose of Pearson's work on Instagram (@internal_spaces) and follow Pacific Exhibits while you're at it (@pacificexhibits) and head to their website (pacificexhibits. com) to scope previous and upcoming exhibitions, as well as find out more about the application process to show there. Great Allegheny Passage improvements coming The bids were opened Nov. 1 and Adam Eidemiller's was the lower of two bids received. The project will take two weeks starting within the next week. Supreme Court of North Dakota. James Maragos, Andrew Maragos and Vivian Zimmerman, Trustees of the George S. Maragos Residuary Trust, a/k/a The George S. Maragos Trust, Plaintiffs and Appellants v. Newfield Production Company, Defendant and Appellee No. 20160441 Decided: July 31, 2017 William E. Bergman, Minot, ND, for plaintiffs and appellants. Danielle Krause (argued) and Lawrence Bender (on brief), Bismarck, ND, for defendant and appellee. VandeWalle, Chief Justice. [1] The Maragos Trust appealed the district court's summary judgment in favor of Newfield Production Company determining Newfield was not a proper party defendant. Because Newfield failed to establish they were entitled to judgment as a matter of law, we reverse and remand. I. [2] Newfield Production Company (Newfield) operates four oil and gas wells on an area of land: Township 153 North, Range 96 West Section 3: S1/2NW1/4, Lots 3 and 4 (the property). The Trustees of the George S. Maragos Residuary Trust (the Trust) assert they are the owners of a 1/8 of 1% royalty interest in the property. [3] The Trust argues it acquired its interest in the royalties through the following process: H. H. Hester possessed a royalty interest in the property and conveyed to George S. Maragos a 1/8% royalty interest in December 1937. George S. Maragos retained his interest until his death when the administrators of his estate assigned the royalty interest to the Trust in January 1985. [4] While operating the wells, Newfield has relied upon a division order-title opinion (division order) to allocate the royalty interest for the property. Newfield argues, according to its division order, Hester's conveyance to Maragos failed because Hester had no interest in the property at the time he purportedly conveyed the interest to Maragos. Because of this alleged failed conveyance, Newfield has not paid any royalty interest to the Trust. [5] The Trust sued Newfield for an accounting and all unpaid revenue from the 1/8% royalty interest in the property. The Trust moved for summary judgment. Newfield filed a cross-motion for summary judgment, arguing it was not a proper party defendant because it did not have a competing interest in the 1/8% royalty interest. The district court granted Newfield's cross-motion for summary judgment, holding the Trust claim was really a quiet title claim, Newfield was not a proper party defendant, the proper parties are the other competing royalty interest owners, and the Trust was not entitled to attorney's fees and interest under N.D.C.C. 47-16-39.1. [6] On appeal, the Trust argues the district court erred by: (1) finding Newfield was not a proper party defendant, (2) holding the dispute of title exception under N.D.C.C. 47-16-39.1 applied, and (3) granting Newfield summary judgment. II. [7] Our standard of review for a district court's grant of summary judgment is well established: [Summary judgment] is a procedural device for the prompt resolution of a controversy on the merits without a trial if there are no genuine issues of material fact or inferences that can reasonably be drawn from undisputed facts, or if the only issues to be resolved are questions of law. A party moving for summary judgment has the burden of showing there are no genuine issues of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In determining whether summary judgment was appropriately granted, we must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion, and that party will be given the benefit of all favorable inferences which can reasonably be drawn from the record. On appeal, this Court decides whether the information available to the district court precluded the existence of a genuine issue of material fact and entitled the moving party to judgment as a matter of law. Whether the district court properly granted summary judgment is a question of law which we review de novo on the entire record. Krenz v. XTO Energy, Inc., 2017 ND 19, 17, 890 N.W.2d 222 (quoting Riverwood Commercial Park v. Standard Oil Co., 2011 ND 95, 6, 797 N.W.2d 770). Summary judgment is inappropriate if neither party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law or if reasonable differences of opinion exist as to the inferences to be drawn from the undisputed facts. Markgraf v. Welker, 2015 ND 303, 10, 873 N.W.2d 26 (quoting Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. v. Creighton, 2013 ND 73, 11, 830 N.W.2d 556). We have explained that [d]eciding an issue on summary judgment is not appropriate if the court must draw inferences or make findings on disputed facts. Creighton, 2013 ND 73, 20. The district court may not weigh the evidence, determine credibility, or attempt to discern the truth of the matter when ruling on a motion for summary judgment. Farmers Union Oil Co. of Garrison v. Smetana, 2009 ND 74, 10, 764 N.W.2d 665. [8] The district court found Newfield has no stake in the outcome of this case and neither party asserts Newfield possesses any royalty interest in the property. The district court cited Acoma Oil Corp. v. Wilson, 471 N.W.2d 476, 485 (N.D. 1991), and stated: [i]n disputes regarding an underpaid revenue owner the appropriate action for the underpaid revenue owner is to seek payment of the underpaid revenue from the reciprocal overpaid revenue owner, not from the operator of the well. Thus, the district court concluded, as a matter of law, Newfield is not the proper party against which to bring a claim of ownership of the royalty interest[.] [9] The Trust does not argue Newfield is claiming an interest; rather, it argues the district court erred in finding it could not seek relief from Newfield under Acoma. In Acoma, two underpaid parties with royalty interests in a tract of land sought payments of the underpaid royalties from the oil company. Id. at 484. The oil company argued it was not liable for the underpayment because it had paid out 100% of the proceeds and received no benefit and has not been unjustly enriched. Id. We disagreed, but differentiated between the two parties based upon whether the party had entered into a division and transfer order with the oil company. Id. at 484-86. We held that the party who executed a division order with the oil company should not be able to recover from the oil company because the oil company had detrimentally relied upon the order and it would subject them to double liability. Id. at 484-85. As to the party who had not executed a division order, we found the oil company's reliance on the title opinion could not absolve it of all liability as to the underpayments and that party could recover the underpayments from the oil company. Id. at 486. [10] The district court misapplied Acoma, by concluding [i]n disputes regarding an underpaid revenue owner the appropriate action for the underpaid revenue owner is to seek payment of the underpaid revenue from the reciprocal overpaid revenue owner, not from the operator of the well. This is true when the parties have a signed division order, but in situations where a signed division order is not present, the underpaid party can seek payments from the oil company. The Trust and Newfield do not have a signed division order. Therefore, under Acoma, if the Trust has a valid royalty interest in the property, Newfield would be an appropriate party from which to seek underpayments. [11] We also noted in Acoma, the parties had already established their royalty interests prior to seeking underpayment from the oil company. Here, we have no such agreement; the parties disagree on the Trust's ownership in the 1/8% royalty interest in the property. The district court did not determine the validity of the Trust's claim in the 1/8% royalty interest in the property; rather, it concluded that regardless of the Trust's interest, Newfield was not the proper party. However, as discussed, if the Trust has a valid interest in the property, Newfield is a proper party from which to recover the underpayment. [12] The Trust provided documentation which purports to give it the 1/8% royalty interest in the property. Newfield provided the district court its division order to establish that the Trust's alleged interest was invalid because at the time Hester conveyed the interest to Maragos, Hester did not have an interest to convey. Newfield did not provide any documentation to support the accuracy of its division order; rather, it sought to have the district court take the division order at face value. Newfield cannot rely solely on its division order, to which the Trust was not a party, to protect itself from liability without first proving its accuracy. [13] The district court failed to make a finding as to the validity of the Trust's interest and we cannot determine whether Newfield is a proper party defendant. Summary judgment was inappropriate. Therefore, we reverse and remand the matter back to the district court. As we noted in Acoma, at page 486, we express no opinion on the ultimate liability of Newfield to the Trust if the district court finds the Trust has a valid interest in the 1/8% royalty interest of the property. Nor do we determine who could be joined as a party to the litigation under the joinder rules of the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure. [14] Because we reverse the summary judgment, it is unnecessary to address the Trust's argument that the district court erred in holding the dispute of title exception under N.D.C.C. 47-16-39.1 applied; such a determination is contingent upon the district court's finding as to the accuracy of Newfield's division order. III. [15] We reverse the district court's summary judgment and remand back to the district court for further proceedings. [16] Gerald W. VandeWalle, C.J. Carol Ronning Kapsner Lisa Fair McEvers Daniel J. Crothers Jerod E. Tufte Opinion of the Court by VandeWalle, Chief Justice. One of Princess Diana's closest confidantes has revealed how the late royal still speaks to her from beyond the grave almost 20 years after her death. Simone Simmons from London, an alternative healer and trusted friend of the Princess, met her at the Hale Clinic - an alternative medicine centre - and became a member of her inner circle, often talking on the phone for up to 10 hours. And she still hears Diana's voice speaking to her, holding forth on everything from her beloved sons and their love lives to Brexit. While she adores Kate and thinks she's 'perfect', her comments to Simone indicate that she doesn't believe Meghan Markle is the ideal woman for Harry. 'It was a while ago when she did say who the right person was and Harry would know it when it happened,' Simone told Femail. 'Harry's had other girlfriends in the past. 'She thought one of them was a very good match but obviously it didn't work it. Maybe because she couldn't take the pressure in the end.' The royal has also opened up to her about politics and urged her friend to vote for Brexit to restore the UK to its former glory, because she loved the country so much. Simone also sheds new light on the Princess' life based on their intimate chats, and insists that she was never romantically involved with Dodi Fayed; her desire to settle in the suburbs with Hasnat Khan, and her enduring love for Charles. Princess Diana thinks Kate is perfect for William but doesn't believe that Meghan is Harry's ideal woman, according to her confidante who still hears her voice from beyond the grave Simone Simmons met Diana at an alternative healing centre, and the pair became so close they would speak on the phone for up to 10 hours She would also don disguises, such as long dark wigs, so she could sneak out on cinema trips with William and Harry. 'We talked about everything and anything,' Simone recalled of her friend. 'It's very strange how I can still hear her. It's very weird. I hear her voice speaking to me about world events, and being desperately in love with her grandchildren. 'She was worried about Kate losing too much weight at one point. But she's more than happy with Kate. Perfect. 'She said what she wants for Harry is that she's totally dependable, because he's extremely sensitive. The mother-of-two wanted her boys to meet 'completely dependable' women, according to her old friend 'He's had quite a few girlfriends before, but the one testing point would be whoever it was would be able to hold him up and keep him afloat. 'It was a while ago when she did say who the right person was and Harry would know it when it happened. 'She thought one of them was a very good match but obviously it didn't work it. Maybe because she couldn't take the pressure in the end.' Diana has also shared her views on politics with her friend, including her feelings on leaving the EU. 'I know a lot of people aren't going to like it but she said we've got to vote for Brexit. Diana was never in a romantic relationship with Dodi and was more of a friend and 'therapist' to him, according to her friend 'Britain was great, economically and production wise and before we joined the EU. She was interested in the referendum and suggested I vote to leave because Britain was really great before the EU. 'That's the only political thing she's ever said - because she loved the country. She loved the monarchy even though she criticised it.' While Diana was alive, Simone was privy to some of her most intimate secrets and was one of the few people who knew about her two-year relationship with surgeon Hasnat Khan. The relationship ended shortly before Diana was pictured with billionaire playboy Dodi Fayed, but her friend insists their 'fling' was not all it seemed. Simone said that the late royal had advised her to vote for Brexit from beyond the grave 'It wasn't even a fling. She was helping him to try to kick his habit,' she said. 'She was really trying to be his therapist. She didn't fancy him in the slightest. Why on earth would she have tried to make Hasnat Khan jealous if she really liked Dodi? 'From that point of view she was really naive emotionally. She was helping him because it's a very, very long story. She shouldn't have been with him, but she saw how I was when I was trying to help people with addictions. 'He was selfish to the core. When the Studio 54 guy came out, I thought "good".' According to former owner Mark Fleischman's new memoir Inside Studio 54,Dodi Fayed was a cocaine fiend who trawled illegal gay clubs at dawn looking for hedonistic highs. 'Dodi loved Quaaludes, good quality coke and hot women and he always had plenty of those,' he says in the upcoming memoir. The late Princess was still in love with Charles right up until her death, and saw it as significant that he didn't remarry Camilla His father Mohamed has since hit back at the claims as 'cheap and tawdry' and says the author knew 'nothing' of his 'kind, gentle, courteous' son. Aside from the fact that she was still in love with Hasnat, Simone insists that Dodi was not the kind of man Diana would have entertained a relationship with. And she's adamant that there was no romance, let alone a sexual relationship between the two. 'Oh god no,' she said. 'She was still in love with Hasnat Khan and she's not that sort of person. 'Diana had a type. Dodi was no brain surgeon,' she added. 'She tended to go for more intelligent men, especially as she got older. 'She was always attracted to men with intelligence who were thoughtful. She didn't especially like men with hairy backs. You know how you talk about these things with your friends. When we started talking we were both saying "eww". William has found his perfect match in Kate, and his mother always wanted her boys to settle down with someone who could be their best friend 'All she wanted to do was make the world better. He was, I suppose, a little distraction. She was trying to get him healed because he wanted to get married to this woman Kelly. That's why they went out looking at engagement rings.' Dodi reportedly became engaged to model Kelly Fisher who he then apparently dumped in favour of the Princess. 'She tried to tell people there was no relationship and nobody took the blindest bit of notice,' Simone said. 'You would have thought some people would use their common sense,' she said. 'She always kept her love affairs secret. Hasnat was secret for two years, expect for me and a few others.' While she was with the heart surgeon, Diana apparently dreamed of a very different life away from the spotlight. Is Meghan the right woman for Harry? According to her friend Simone, Diana believed a previous girlfriend was his perfect match 'When she was with Hasnat she quite often talked about the semi in suburbia, two up two down,' Simone said. 'We had to be realistic. It was nice to dream. Everyone likes to dream when they're happy and in a different world, in a dream world, she could do it. 'But she wouldn't have had a quieter life, she'd always have been doing her humanitarian work. 'Her next massive project, and she'd already had meetings with Benazir Bhutto, was to stop child slavery in Pakistan. It was a huge project, really huge. 'She wanted the government to put the children into education and make doctors, scientists, lawyers to make the country leaders in the field. Can you imagine taking on a project like that? The one that got away? One of Harry's exes was the right woman for him, according to Diana, but was it lawyer turned jewellery designer Chelsy Davy (left) or budding actress Cressida Bonas (right) 'When Diana was alive she was the bright, spiritual healing in the world. When she died, that went. And look at the state the world's been in ever since. 'You don't see celebrities going out in the middle of nowhere where it's dangerous. She used to fork out money from her own pocket for charity.' Of course, in addition to her charity work, her main focus in life was her beloved sons William and Harry. Simone recalls Diana's especially close bond with her younger son who was just 12-years-old when she died. 'Sometimes Harry would skip school so that he could have Diana all to himself so he didn't have to share her with William. Prince Harry was especially close to his mother and looked on her as his best friend, while William was more independent 'He'd sit on her lap with his head snuggled into her shoulder, sucking his thumb. 'Even at 10 or 11, he liked to be with her. His mother was his best friend at that time. 'Harry didn't have any best friends. She was. He was really cute. He wanted me to decide what colour his bedroom was going to be.' Simone said that Harry would ask her to come on the drive back to school, telling her: 'Please come, I really, really want you to see their faces when we go to the drive-in McDonald's and I ask for a big chips.' Diana was determined for the boys to know about royal life beyond palace walls, and it was possible because they wouldn't necessarily be recognised - and Diana had also found a way to avoid being spotted. 'Sometimes Harry would skip school so that he could have Diana all to himself so he didn't have to share her with William. 'Diana would be in disguise. She met me at the door and said, "You've come to see the Princess", walked up the stairs showed me into her private lounge and the boys were there roaring with laughter. 'She was wearing a long dark wig with makeup to match and a very formal skirt and jacket, very secretary. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. She changed her accent so it was slightly more clipped and cut glass.' On another occasion the pair were leaving an accupuncture clinic in Camden, North London when a man recognised Diana in the street, but she threw him off the scent by pretending to be a lookalike. 'She just looked at him and in a really strong Brummie accent, she said: "Do you really think I look like her?". It was very funny.' Simone also reveals that despite the breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage and the strife they went through, she remained in love with the Prince even after their divorce. Naive Diana would have made a better match for Charles had she been five or six years older when they married, her friend says Despite her great fame, Diana couldn't help dreaming of a life in the suburbs with her heart surgeon lover Hasnat Khan 'She always loved Charles, even before she died,' she recalled. 'She got angry with him of course, but I don't think there was ever a minute she stopped loving him. 'Before she died, he kept popping over for cups of tea or to use the toilet. Any excuse. I even said, "Oi what's going on here". 'After Hasnat had called it with her, she did wonder if her and Charles could ever get back together but it was no, Camilla will never let go. 'In 1996 she told him to make an honest woman and he didn't. For Diana it meant a lot even though he was free to do so. It was quite symbolic in many ways. I think it speaks volumes. 'He was still in love with Diana. If they would have got married maybe six years later, she would have grown up a bit and they had the same interests, they had so much in common - organic farming, alternative medicine. She'd already tackled the issue of landmines and Diana's next big project was set to be campaigning against child slavery in Pakistan 'They would have made a go of it. I don't believe there would have been any split. She wouldn't have allowed Camilla to come between them. She truly was naive. She didn't know.' Diana was eager for her boys not to make the same mistakes as she had and discussed it at length with her friend. 'Before Diana died we did have a very long talk and she said, "what do I tell my boys about love and marriage, because mine didn't work?". 'We decided that as far as love goes, the best match would be to be married to their best friend. Someone they can talk to and share everything with, offload on to. 'Someone they can lean on because of the pressure of their job. Just being princes is really hard work. So they need someone they can totally depend on.' Tuesday marked Edward Enninful's first day in office as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue - but he wasn't the only new face at Conde Nast. As he made history as the 101-year-old magazine's first male, first black and first gay editor, Enninful could not be without his beloved pet dog and best friend Ru. The Boston Terrier, named after the US drag artist RuPaul, was pictured in the famous Vogue offices in West London yesterday - where he is expected to join Enninful most working days. Edward Enninful made history today as the Vogue's's first male, first black and first gay editor and joining him at the helm was his Boston Terrier Ru And while it is only to be expected that a high profile fashion editor like Enninful should have a fair few Instagram followers - almost 600,000 to be exact - his pooch isn't far behind. Ru, who has his own account, boasts almost 11,000 followers of his own with Enninful sharing snaps of his hound's lifestyle, which is lavish enough to rival even that of the most pampered playboy. The dog can be seen boarding private jets, lounging at poolside villas and enjoying room service in five star hotels. Ennninful, pictured with Naomi Campbell, takes over from Alexandra Shulman who edited the magazine for 25 years While his owner boasts a loyal Instagram following Ru has racked up 11,000 of his own with snaps showcasing the pampered pooch's enviable lifestyle Snaps see the dog lounging at the poolside at luxurious villas as he joins his high-flying owner on trips abroad The hound even secures himself a window seat on flights away complete with a plump pillow Her Ru is joined by a fellow pure breed for a frozen yoghurt on an outing in Hollywood In one snap that is sure to be the envy of any post-adolescent boy, Ru poses next to a group of scantily clad models at a casting event. And like his owner, Ru does not settle for high street dog accessories, rather, snaps show the pooch snuggling up in dog blankets from Louis Vuitton. There is no doubt that his following will rise as his owner settles in to his new role at one of the most famous publishing houses in the world. The 45-year-old former model and stylist is known for his political activism, provocative shoots and A-list friends. And while Ru can be seen decked out in plenty of luxury dog accessories it seems there is always room for more In one snap that is sure to be the envy of any post-adolescent boy, Ru poses next to a group of scantily clad models at a casting event The pooch appears to have perfected the art of posing making a picture perfect snap in this dressing room shot Ru has no doubt sampled a playboy lifestyle, seen here enjoying room service at a luxury hotel He has lost no time in bringing in a new team, including his close friend, model Naomi Campbell, award-winning filmmaker and artist Steve McQueen and Grace Coddington from US Vogue and is also launching a new Snapchat edition 'British Vogue is a great magazine with a legacy of creativity and innovation,' he said. 'I look forward to continuing to produce an exciting beautiful magazine for its readers.' On his first official day in the job, the magazine made its debut on Snapchat's Discover platform, promising editions on the application three times a week as it seeks to reach out to new audiences. Many more changes are expected from the new boss, who cuts a sharply different figure from his predecessor, Alexandra Shulman, who edited Vogue for 25 years. She's the Australian facialist behind Lara Bingle's flawless complexion. Now skin-therapist to the stars Melanie Grant has revealed what every woman needs to do to take care of their face. Speaking to Whimn, Ms Grant shared her top tips - some of which are refreshingly simple. Lara Bingle's skin therapist Melanie Grant (pictured) has revealed what every woman needs to do to take care of their face Ms Grant (pictured with Lara Bingle) shared her top tips - some of which are refreshingly simple 'Eat well, sleep at least seven hours, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen and invest in good quality skincare,' the expert - who has clinics in her own name in Melbourne and Sydney's exclusive Double Bay - told the publication. 'I see so many women have regular hair colour appointments, manicures, blow drys, yet they dont see someone for their skin. You only have one face, take care of it.' While products come and go, Ms Grant said a simple routine was key to a good complexion. 'Eat well, sleep at least seven hours, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen and invest in good quality skincare,' the expert said She advised a gentle morning cleanse in the shower, followed by the application of an antioxidant serum with Vitamin C, eye serum and moisturiser with sunscreen in. A night time routine should involve a double cleanse, with the application of a face oil, night serum and night cream. And according to the expert, that's not all you need to do for the skin of your dreams. She advised a gentle morning cleanse in the shower, followed by the application of an antioxidant serum with Vitamin C, eye serum and moisturiser with sunscreen in Ms Grant said she enjoys breakfast smoothies made from baby spinach, blueberries, bone broth, herbal powders and plant-based protein She told the publication she enjoys breakfast smoothies made from baby spinach, blueberries, bone broth, herbal powders and plant-based protein. 'Sometimes I'll lash out with a poached egg on top of half an avocado,' she said. Last year, Ms Grant wrote about how she admired Lara Bingle's approach to skin care on The Skin Care Edit Journal. 'She has perfected my favourite style - the effortless, natural, 'un-done' look. And she shows us that it's a look that just needs equal parts effort, knowledge, and self-confidence,' Ms Grant said. A night time routine should involve a double cleanse, with the application of a face oil, night serum and night cream, she said Previously, the skin therapist has said Lara Bingle has 'perfected my favourite style - the effortless, natural, 'un-done' look' Bingle told the publication that, at the time, she was using 'CosMedix Purity Clean Cleanser, Actinica Liposomal SPF50+ {and} The Base LB Cream in Caramel,' on her face. 'And for the body I use Kiehls Creme de Corps and Aesop Geranium Leaf is my favourite body wash,' she added. When asked about her number one beauty secret, Bingle - like her facialist - said it was to 'never go to bed without washing your face' and her number one piece of advice is to wear sunscreen every day. A young woman has revealed what her life was really like as a teenage parent. Catie Dale, from Brisbane, became a first-time mother after she gave birth to her baby daughter Bella just weeks after turning 17. She was like any other teenager born into a stable home with devoted parents who gave her the best upbringing. But her life started to crumble after falling pregnant at the age of 16. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the now 24-year-old said she ended up dropping out of an all-girls catholic school after being subjected to relentless bullying. Catie Dale gave birth to her baby daughter Bella (now aged seven) after falling pregnant at 16 The then 16-year-old was subjected to relentless bullying after falling pregnant at a young age 'I was bullied horrendously,' she recalled. 'I lost all my friends, including the close ones. Their mothers didn't allow them to speak or see me again because they thought I was a bad influence. 'I was really hurt and felt so alone at the time. I never wish that sort of pain, not even on my worst enemy. I was scared and people were attacking me online or to my face. Not having my friends there when I needed them the most... it was just awful. The bullies called me a sl*t and a dirty teenage wh***.... They even wished death upon my unborn child 'I was called every name under the sun. They'd say you're a sl*t or a dirty teenage wh*** who was sleeping around. It was further from the truth. 'It was really hurtful to hear that sort of stuff. They even wished death upon my unborn child - it was really messed up.' Eventually she could no longer cope with the cruel taunts - and so she decided she wasn't going to return to school towards the end of Year 11. 'The whole pregnancy and beyond took its toll on me mentally and emotionally. At the time, I didn't know what I wanted to do,' she said. 'As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I returned to school but it got to a point where I was fearful of going back. I was tormented every single day. 'Everything was hard for me, I was having personal life stresses. I just couldn't handle it anymore so I left.' Cradling her baby Bella, Catie (pictured at 17) said she also suffered from postnatal depression She discovered her pregnancy after her older sister 'had this gut feeling' she was expecting after she unknowingly told her some of her symptoms. 'My sister called me to say "you're pregnant". She knew me better than myself. Obviously, I was 16 at the time, nothing clicked with me,' Catie said. 'She was eight years older than me so she already had children of her own. I never tracked my period but I remember it was a really weird thing for her to say. 'It was really bizarre but she had this gut instinct that I was pregnant. She told me to get a test so I could put my mind at ease. 'She was with me on the phone when I went to the chemist. And to this day, she still cannot explain the feeling she had when she knew I was pregnant.' Happy family! The mother-of-two said she has turned her life around since her teen pregnancy Reflecting back on her pregnancy, Catie explained the symptoms she endured at the time all made sense now after being nauseous over her favourite food. 'My favourite food at the time was chicken noodle,' she said as she laughed. 'I remember I was very turned off by it. It just repulsed me but I just didn't think anything of it at the time. 'The symptoms really intensified as soon as I found out. I'm not sure if it's just a placebo thing but I quickly became aware of all the symptoms. 'I was also getting morning sickness and an intense craving for Nutella.' Catie said the decision to become a mother before adulthood wasn't hard to make. 'It was never really a question whether I'd keep the baby or not,' she said. 'Before I was pregnant, I thought I never ever ever wanted to have kids. 'But when I found out, for some reason, I decided to keep her. I remember saying to myself "I'm having a baby... I'm going to do this".' The now 24-year-old doting mum said if she rewind her life, there's nothing she would change At the age of 19, Catie gave birth to her son Bentley after going through a second pregnancy - a motherhood experience she describes was a lot different to the first Telling her parents was one of the hardest things she had to do. 'I was so terrified,' she said. 'I didn't want to disappoint them but obviously I did. My dad was really disappointed when I told him but he was actually the first person to congratulate me. 'He was very supportive but my mother on the other hand was so angry, she was mortified for a couple of weeks. 'But eventually, she got really excited about having her first granddaughter. They made me feel a lot more confident in my decision.' The teenage mother said she even suffered from postnatal depression in the months following the birth. 'The bullying really played a hand in that,' she said. 'Being a teenage mother with the whole stress of it... It really got to me but I got help and I'm perfectly fine now.' By sharing her story, Catie wants other teenagers to draw hope from her raw experiences so they could get through their own pregnancy The teenage mother said she even suffered from postnatal depression in the months following the birth of her daughter (now aged seven) At the age of 19, Catie gave birth to her son Bentley after going through a second pregnancy - a motherhood experience she described as a lot different to the first. 'I still got some really nasty comments but most of them was a lot better,' she said. 'When I announced my pregnancy, there was 90 per cent support, love and excitement. I was getting congratulatory comments for the first time. 'The pregnancy was perfect. I didn't have postnatal depression and it was a completely different story to when I had Bella because it was planned this time.' And eight years on, Catie said she still hears whispers from the same bullies. 'I still hear things about me through the grapevines,' she said. 'They'd say stuff like "what's that stupid sl*t doing these days, bet she's doing nothing with her life" or "bet her kids have been taken off her". 'It doesn't bother me because I have a thicker skin now. It's sad people still live vicariously through me. Find a different topic to talk about. 'It's just weird but they can talk all they want about me. I'm pretty happy with my life and I'm doing really well for my family.' The mother with her daughter Bella - now seven years old - and her son Bentley, aged four By sharing her story, Catie wants other teens to draw hope from her raw experiences so they could get through their own pregnancy. 'I would encourage you to stay in school because you really need an education. It's hard at first but it will be so much easier in the long run,' she said. 'Leaving school was something I regretted because I could have handled it better at the time. Bella is now a seven year old schoolgirl 'I don't advocate teen pregnancy but I just wish there was more safe-sex education so kids can be smart about it all. If girls and boys are getting themselves in this position, they can get through it through education. 'Another piece of advice is to find a support system and keep them close. Don't shut people out. I did that when I had my daughter and I didn't ask for help - it made things a lot harder for me.' The mother-of-two - whose daughter Bella is now seven years old and her son Bentley, aged four - has just graduated from her nursing diploma and will be attending university next year to pursue a degree in nursing. 'I can't really hold onto any regrets now because my life ended up being so perfect in a way,' she said. 'I just finished my nursing diploma and I'm going to uni next year. My daughter goes to a private school and my son will be starting prep school next year. 'I wouldn't take anything back because it's made me who I am. I wouldn't change anything for myself or my kids because I am who I am today. 'If I can get through the sh*t storm I went through, anyone can do it. Just hold your head up and soldier on.' A mum-of-four who was bullied and shunned for her 'contagious' freckles has opened up about how she finally learned to embrace them. Charlene Cerros lived her life constantly embarrassed by taunts and questions from strangers about her freckles even asking if they were spots or if she was sick and considered bleaching her skin. But the 30-year-old, from Melbourne, made peace with her sun spots when her five-year-old son, Wyatt, spotted his first freckle and was excited to be just like his mum. Charlene Cerros (pictured) was bullied and shunned for her 'contagious' freckles and has opened up about how she finally learned to embrace them. The 30-year-old, from Melbourne, made peace with her sun spots when her five-year-old son, Wyatt, spotted his first freckle and was excited to be just like his mum Last year Charlene flew to London to star in a photoshoot focusing on embracing individuality and accepting differences after her husband, Francisco, 36, encouraged her to submit a photo of herself to the photographer. 'I remember being in primary school and a group of school boys would laugh and me and ask why I had bird poo on my face as I walked past them, it was awful,' Charlene, a dispensary technician, recalled. 'At work, one customer didn't want to come near me because of my freckles they thought I had a disease and was contagious. 'I remember being in primary school and a group of school boys would laugh and me and ask why I had bird poo on my face as I walked past them, it was awful,' Charlene said 'Children ask their parents 'Mum, why does she have so many spots on her face', and the parents would shush their kids because they were trying to be polite. 'I've never gotten an apology from anyone when I tell them it's just freckles.' Charlene has a long line of family with freckles stemming from her great grandfather's generation. She always felt insecure about them even buying skin bleach to make them lighter. 'At work, one customer didn't want to come near me because of my freckles they thought I had a disease and was contagious,' she said Charlene has a long line of family with freckles stemming from her great grandfather's generation Charlene's four children, Noah, eleven, Ariana, eight, Cole, four, and Wyatt, five, all have light freckles on their skin but have embraced these. In 2016 the mum-of-four had her confidence boosted when Wyatt spotted his first freckle but was thrilled when he looked just like his mum. 'I always wanted to be beautiful. I wanted to look like everyone else,' Charlene said. 'The first time I bought skin bleach I was 18 and my dad saw it, he didn't want me to do it. 'The first time I bought skin bleach I was 18 and my dad saw it, he didn't want me to do it,' Charlene said 'The second time was for my wedding, but my husband found out and he talked me out of it. 'I just wanted to feel pretty and I didn't think I was with my freckles. 'I'd try and cover them up with make up but because my skin is so dark it just looks muddy and turns into the wrong colour. 'I'd try and cover them up with make up but because my skin is so dark it just looks muddy and turns into the wrong colour,' the mum-of-four said She said that she is trying to teach her kids that regardless of what someone looks like, you should respect them 'My son saw his first freckle on his face and was so excited, he said 'look Mum I've got a freckle like you'. 'My husband was motioning to him with his hand as if to say 'cut it out' but I loved it, he loves his freckles because he looks like his mum. 'Some of our children are now developing freckles and I don't want them to have the same relationship with them that I had with mine. 'I'm trying to teach my kids that regardless of what someone looks like you should respect them because we're all human, and they should be confident in their own skin. 'Some of our children are now developing freckles and I don't want them to have the same relationship with them that I had with mine,' the mum said Despite her own struggle, Charlene said she wants to set a good example to her kids about self love and acceptance The mum said she is conscious of how she verbalises her insecurities, especially around her daughter. 'I want to set a good example about self-love and acceptance,' she said. 'I didn't want my voice when I complained about my freckles to become her inner voice. 'I don't want my kids to grow up going through what I had to go through because of my freckles. I want to teach my children to love themselves, and that they have beautiful skin.' 'I want to teach my children to love themselves, and that they have beautiful skin,' she said Now, Charlene uses the comments and questions strangers ask as a teaching moment to educate her children on freckles and diversity Charlene flew to London last May to be part of an artistic photoshoot which focused on models with different freckles and skin conditions. But taking part in the photoshoot affected her so much that she gradually learned to love her freckles, and now teaches her kids to be confident in their own skin. Charlene also uses the comments and questions strangers ask as a teaching moment to educate them on freckles and diversity. She is urging other women to love themselves and embrace their differences. The mother is urging other women to love themselves and embrace their differences 'Put your trust in the people who love you, rather than the people who don't know you,' Charlene said 'I want people to embrace what makes them unique and love themselves and the people that support them,' she said. 'Put your trust in the people who love you, rather than the people who don't know you. 'If they say that you are beautiful, then believe them because they love you and will tell you the truth. 'Be confident in your own skin and learn to love yourself, even if it comes gradually.' British holidaymakers are notoriously set in their ways when it comes to jetting off abroad for a break in the sun. They're not opposed to breaking a few rules to get the most out of their holiday or setting their alarms for four in the morning every day to secure a spot on their favourite sun lounger either. Confessions come in thick and fast from the guests in a new Channel 4 documentary series filmed at Holidayworld, the largest all-inclusive holiday resort on the Costa del Sol. Openly stealing towels from the restricted cleaning closet, urinating in the pool, and stealing light bulbs, to their demands for extra pillows and getting that all important kettle in the room. Brits also consume so much food at the all-you-can-eat buffet that they can put on over half a stone in just the fortnight they're away. Brexit is never far from the traveller's minds either, as the vote, which was announced last summer when the series was filmed, meant that their holiday spends were seriously reduced because of the falling exchange rate. The Secret Life of the Holiday Resort proves that Brits truly do play to stereotype with their disregard for local custom and bad behaviour. (Left) The Lloyd family play the part of the British holidaymaker to perfection as they make some startling confessions. (Right) The Wades take every opportunity to spend time together on their break in the sun and take advantage of the buffet James and Leanne are on holiday with their children - they open up about the difficulties of being step-parents to each other's daughters The 500 Spanish staff take care of the 2,000 guests that arrive every week, fielding their fussy complaints and unusual whims without hesitation. Head of housekeeping Manoli, has worked at the resort for 12 years, but she is still left surprised by the habits of the British guests. Nearly 5,000 towels and 3,000 sheets are washed at the resort every day but she reveals that figure could be higher: 'English guests re-use their towels a lot.' HOLIDAY RESORT FACTS At the Holidayworld all-inclusive resort: 2,000 people arrive every week cared for by 500 staff members. Four tonnes of bacon and five tonnes of chips consumed every week. Guests sometimes consume up to 6,000 calories in just one day and can put over half a stone in a fortnight. Guests get up at 4am to secure a sun lounger by putting a towel down. They eat and drink continuously breakfast is at 6am, snack bar until 6pm, then dinner at 7pm. Nearly 5,000 towels and 3,000 sheets washed at the resort every day. There's a two hour window for the cleaning team to tend to 1,000 rooms every day. Over three quarters of Brits take unofficial souvenirs - including slippers, robes, toiletries and lightbulbs. Advertisement She adds: 'We need lots of pillows, because English people, they cant sleep with just one. They need at least four.' And she always gets asked for a clean kettle: 'We use a microwave to heat up water, why would you use a kettle?' The rush to secure a sun lounger The Lloyds are a typically hard-working British family, away on their annual trip to reconnect and recharge their batteries. 'When the bonus comes thats the first thing we put money down on. Weve done all-inclusive a couple of times and when you work it out it is more cost effective.' explains father Wayne, who works in logistics for Ikea. And it comes as no surprise that the foursome - parents Nicky and Wayne, son Danny and daughter Ella - have remained in the exact same spot by the pool every day for the entire fortnight. Nicky confesses she sets the alarm early every morning to secure their spot and others are exactly the same. One annoyed holidaymaker explains her routine: 'I was down there at five to six, it was pitch black the stars are out and 80 per cent of the sunbeds are gone. 'I was then saying to different people, what time did you get up? I think one of them was quarter past four. It's mad.' According to cleaner Erminia, the sun loungers are filled with towels by 7am but there's never anyone there - they're all enjoying the breakfast buffet. Other holidaymakers offer their own thoughts about why they act the way they do when they go abroad, ignoring local custom to do as they please Holidayworld is the largest all-inclusive resort on the Costa del Sol which is where the series is filmed - they have a capacity of 3,000 guests looked after by 500 staff 'Eyes bigger than their tummies' On average Brits put on just over half a stone during a fortnight break thanks to the unlimited and continuous food the all-inclusive resort pust on, with guests sometimes consuming up to 6,000 calories in just one day. Holidayworld's breakfast buffet is from 6am, before a snack bar opens for the rest of the day until 6pm. There's a short break before the evening buffet opens at 7pm. And when abroad one third of holidaymakers - who spend on average 1,863 per person on their vacation - prefer to eat exclusively British food. 'Their plates are just white,' says one fellow holidaymaker referring to the mountains of beige food like chips, chicken nuggets and pizza constantly on offer. Waiter Andrey adds: 'Their eyes are bigger than their tummies.' 'Here if you are English, it gives you English options, so you dont have to eat Spanish food,' says Danny of the Lloyd family. His mother Nicky isn't keen on Spanish delicacies like paella either: 'I don't do fish.' Maria the chef cooks hundreds of dishes every day which is mostly British food. Waiter Andrey believes Brits don't know when to stop eating Brexit problems Brexit is one thing all of the holidaymakers cant ignore no matter if they voted or not because the falling exchange rate meant that their holiday spends suffered. The Wade have a debate over the hot topic, after the vote results were announced last summer, when the programme was filmed. Dave, the father of the clan is shamed by his wife Jackie for not voting because he couldnt be bothered to walk down to the polling station. He was angry that he lost out on precious Euros: I didnt expect us to be voted out. 'Well youre the mug then arent you? You got the hump but you didnt put your vote in, she laughs. The Lloyd family also have a discussion over dinner, leading father Wayne to worry about the future of their holidays. The pound wont stretch so far. I anticipate that the holidays and travel abroad will become more expensive. Well wait and see. But his wife Nicky has other ideas: Youll have to get a second job Got to have a holiday. Nights for you. Entertainment is put on by the staff every night for the guests who stay exclusively on the resort in the Costa del Sol Unofficial souvenirs and bad behaviour The Lloyd matriarch also isn't opposed to using the cleaning closet like her own private pantry. 'Ive been in the cleaning cupboard and taken some extra towels and sheets weve needed and a few more toilet rolls. 'Ive used it as my own personal cupboard. Although theres a camera so Ive probably been spotted,' she confesses. Nicky isn't the only badly-behaved guest, as over three quarters of Brits take unofficial souvenirs. Manoli reveals one person removed all the lightbulbs in his room before leaving, while others have taken the usual slippers, dressing gowns, disposables, toiletries. And Nicky's son Danny makes one confession that causes her to brand him a 'tramp'. 'I weed in the indoor pool... Well everyone's weed in the pool!' The Secret Life of the Holiday Resort airs Friday at 8pm on Channel 4 A woman desperate for trendy 'unicorn hair' has warned others to be careful dying their locks at home, after a home-bleaching kit left her in hospital for six weeks suffering from severe chemical burns and partially bald. Mum-of-one Kirsty Weston, 29, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, used high-strength 5 powder bleach, bought on the high street, to lighten her dark brown locks. She wanted to give herself the latest trendy style where hair is dyed into pastel shades, resembling the mane of a unicorn. But, instead of looking like the mythical creature, she was left seriously ill, with severe full thickness chemical burns and needed a skin graft from her right thigh to repair the damage to her head. In total, since the incident, she has had six operations and spent three weeks in St Andrews hospital, Chelmsford, Essex. Kirsty Weston, 29, from St Albans, Hertfordshire ended up in hospital for six weeks after a bleaching kit she bought to lighten her hair gave her severe chemical burns Kirsty's head after doctors changed her bandages for the first time after she had her skin graft Kirsty claimed she applied the dye according to the instructions. Then, just before she was about to wash it out after 15 minutes, she started to experience a burning sensation. Despite rushing to rinse the bleach out, she felt severe pain on her head and the next day, her face began to swell. Weeks later, medical staff shaved her head to allow her to undergo emergency surgery to try to heal the chemical burns on her scalp. Now, she has lost over half the hair on her head and has been told it will never grow back as there are no follicles in the skin that has been grafted over the wound. The mother-of-one before she dyed her hair (left) and after she suffered an allergic reaction to the bleach (right) The mother-of-one doesn't want to have further surgery at the moment because she's busy caring for her daughter Lexi Kirsty now covers her hair with scarves and wigs while she considers having a hair transplant or further surgery Kirsty, who is a single mum to Lexi, two, explained: 'I wanted unicorn hair, where you lighten it and then dye over the top with lots of different pastel colours. 'It was before it became really popular and I just wanted something a bit different. 'I never thought it would end up completely destroying my hair and changing my life like this. It's caused a lot of pain and I've completely lost my self-confidence.' Kirsty bought the box of dye, which includes sachets of powder bleach for just a few pounds. The bleach needed to be mixed peroxide, which was not included and had to be bought separately. Kirsty bought 40 volume 12 per cent peroxide, which is sold on the high street and promised to lighten her locks by up to nine shades. Kirsty, when she first went in to hospital to be treated for an allergic reaction In hospital after doctors cleaned her head to prevent infection Kirsty with her mum Helen, at a clinic where she discussed getting a hair-piece, in May 2017 Although her mum Helen, 57, is a hairdresser, Kirsty thought that applying it herself would save money and allow her to control the final result. But just 15 minutes after mixing and applying the bleach to her head, Kirsty's scalp started burning and she rushed to wash it off her head. She explained: 'Within 15 minutes, my hair was literally smoking. The pain was so excruciating that I started to feel dizzy, like I was going to faint. 'It happened quite suddenly. I could feel that it was quite warm, but it got so much worse very quickly. I immediately went to wash it all off, but I think it had already got into my scalp. Kirsty's head, a few months ago. Hair will not grow back in the areas where she's had skin grafts Kirsty, after having her skin grafted from her thigh on to her head, in early March 2017 'The next day, half my face started to balloon and I thought it was a reaction. The next morning, I went to A&E at Watford general as at that stage, I couldn't open my left eye. It was getting really painful.' Kirsty visited A&E where she was treated for an allergic reaction and prescribed antibiotics. Over the following weeks, she continued to experience pain and discomfort. But it wasn't until a return trip to A&E at Watford General Hospital on February 23 2017 that doctors realised she was suffering from severe burns, rather than an allergic reaction, as originally thought. Kirsty, a few weeks after doctors changed her bandages for the first time after she had her skin graft Kirsty's head, a month ago. She now has to decide whether or not to have further surgery to reduce the bald patches She explained: 'A plastic surgeon came to see me and when they lifted my hair, most of my scalp came away with it. 'I was a complete emotional wreck. They told me that I needed to have surgery the next day. 'They put a bandage around my head and I wasn't able to put pressure on it, so I had to sleep sitting up.' Kirsty was transferred to the Royal Free Hospital, north west London, and the next day, they shaved her hair and cleaned up the wound before she underwent the operation. Kirsty's thigh where a skin graft was taken in March 2017 After surgery, she was transferred to St Andrews Centre for plastic surgery and burns in Chelmsford, Essex, for further treatment. Admitted for three weeks, she had five further operations, including a skin graft, where doctors removed skin from her thigh to replace the skin she had lost on her head. Because the skin does not contain the same hair follicles, Kirsty had to face the fact that she would probably never be able to grow hair there again. She has been offered two treatments, but both would involve further operations and may not be successful. After suffering severe chemical burns, Kirsty had to spend six weeks in hospital Before she bleached her hair: Kirsty wanted to lighten her locks so she could dye her strands different colours Kirsty explained: 'My options are to have a skin expansion treatment. They place balloons under the skin. These are filled with saline every week, until that skin stretches enough and then the healthy skin is pulled down onto the damaged skin, to reduce the baldness. 'I'm not sure if I'm ready for that at the minute. It would require more surgery and I would have to travel back and forth to hospital every week, which is difficult when I have a little girl to look after. 'I have also been offered a hair transplant, but they aren't great for women. It will cover the scalp, but I'm never going to have long flowing locks. 'I'm not sure what I am going to do so, at the minute, I'm just concentrating on getting my skin graft healed.' Kirsty, back home, after doctors shaved and cleaned her head to prevent infection While Kirsty considers her options, charity the Katie Piper Foundation has stepped in to fund a bespoke hair piece from Bloomsbury wigs for her to wear to cover her burns. 'Where I have got hair, it is very thick and it's growing fast so they wouldn't be able to put on a full wig. They are creating a hairpiece that will clip around the existing hair,' she explained. 'It should be ready in September and I think that will completely transform my life. I will be so much more confident going out and about. 'At the minute, even if I am just nipping to the shop, I put my hood up or wear a headscarf. It's really knocked my self-confidence. 'I want to see if I can live with the hair piece. I might be able to avoid further surgery if I can get used to it and feel happy.' After suffering severe burns, Kirsty wants to warn other about the dangers of home hair dye The mother-of-one doesn't want to have further surgery at the moment because she's busy caring for her daughter Lexi Now, Kirsty is speaking out to warn others about home hair dye. She said: 'I would tell other people to just go to a professional who knows what they are doing. I was trying to save some money but bleach is dangerous stuff. 'I didn't do a patch test and I know I should have, but this was a burn rather than an allergic reaction. The skin was sensitive, the bleach was very strong and it got too warm and burned my scalp. 'I worry about this being sold to people who don't know what they are doing. The box I had was tested and it met all safety standards, but I think this strength of bleach should be restricted to professional use only.' A mother-of-two has called for a boycott of high street chain H&M for 'sexualising young girls' after claiming that the only shorts she could find for her daughter were 'inappropriate'. Delea Shand, 37, wanted practical shorts for her young daughter Aloysia, 5, but discovered that the only ones available for girls at her local store in Centre Court Shopping Centre in Wimbledon, London were excessively short and very fitted. The only long shorts she could find were in the boys' section, which were baggy and down to the knees. The musician has now vowed to boycott the chain until it changes its girls' range to make them less overtly sexual. Mother-of-two Delea with her daughter Aloysia, 5. She couldn't find any 'practical' shorts for her daughter to wear while shopping in H&M Delea said she could only find cropped shorts for age five girls (left) at H&M while shorts for the same age aimed at boys were much baggier and longer (right) Delea said: 'I just needed to go buy shorts for my five-year-old daughter so nipped into the shopping centre to have a look. 'In the end, we had to buy leggings which we cut to an appropriate length. I just couldn't buy those shorts. 'We were in H&M and the shorts pictured were literally the only pair of shorts that they had. [But] the boys' section was full of [regular shorts].' Delea complained to staff when she first saw the shorts while shopping last week, and said some of the employees agreed with her that they were too sexualised. She said: 'I said this is sexualising young girls and the employee said "I totally agree with you". Some of the others working there all said yes and agreed with me. A sample of the shorts on sale for young girls at H&M. The range features very short hotpant-style shorts, which are also quite fitted, despite being sold to children as young as five Meanwhile, H&M's boys' section for the same age range features clothes that are much baggier and longer 'There wasn't a manager there at the time but I was told they would pass on my feedback. I called their customer service line and logged an official complaint. 'I think I will shopping elsewhere because H&M's clothing is not suitable for children. Yes, it's convenient but I'll start prioritising other places.' She added: 'I spoke to other parents and originally posted this on my personal Facebook too. I got 30 replies straight away from parents who said they were either shocked or they had the same issue all the time. 'I will be boycotting H&M. There's a lot of feeling among other mums that their clothes are not appropriate.' H&M were contacted for comment but failed to respond. The musician claims there is too much gendered clothing and admits that she allows her three-year-old son Caleb to wear Frozen leggings, despite friends saying he will be 'mad' about it when he's older. Delea said: 'I think there's a real lack of gender neutral clothing for kids, even in stores that are making clothes appropriate for children. Delea and her daughter (right) with her husband Gus Paul, 37 (left) and their three-year-old son Caleb (on Gus' shoulders, left) Delea made the shocking discovery at Centre Court Shopping Centre in Wimbledon, London Online, the girls' range of shorts features a plethora of fitted and very short hotpants (left), while the boys' range features shorts that are much longer (right) Delea just wanted to buy some practical shorts for her five-year-old daughter (pictured with Delea) but only found fitted and 'sexualised' shorts at her local H&M 'They still make the mistake of making pink clothes for girls and blue for boys. There are Spiderman for boys and Frozen, or butterflies and hearts for girls. 'We need to be reflecting on this as customers and as parents and the clothing maker need to be reflecting on it as manufacturers. 'Even from a sun protection perspective, it is exposing girls to the risk of burning. And they don't seem very comfortable. 'They would never be able to climb a tree in those shorts, unlike the boys' ones. They are not going to protect them from getting scratched. 'To be honest, I don't buy a lot of clothes because we get them bought by grandparents for gifts. 'I don't know if it's just H&M. I know it's not specifically a kids' store and I wonder if it's because it's based on adult fashion. 'I have a son who's three and there's a huge difference. Mother Emma Linley, 43, was disgusted to find what she described as 'padded' bras in the children's section aimed at girls aged between seven and 14 Emma believed the bras in the children's section were far too sexual for young girls to wear 'Even if you have a boy and a girl you're not able to pass clothes along anymore because they're fitted so differently. 'He does wear her old clothes if they fit because he sees that she wears them and he is more than happy to wear her old Frozen leggings.' Earlier this month, another mum complained to Primark after finding 'sexy' items in their children's clothing department which were aimed at girls as young as seven. Emma Linley, 43, was in Primark's flagship store on Oxford Street, London, shopping for her two young daughters when she came across items labelled 'My First Bra' in the seven to 14 section that she believed were padded. Outraged by the underwear, Emma was compelled to write a letter to CEO Paul Marchant asking him to reconsider selling the products as she believes they teach girls they need to enhance their bodies. A Primark spokesperson said: 'Primark's bras for girls are designed and shaped purely for support, comfort and modesty, and adhere to the BRC's (British Retail Consortium) Childrenswear guidelines. These bras are moulded not padded.' Advertisement After their annual summer tour of England's westernmost counties, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall decamped to rather more exotic surroundings in the Greek islands this week. Prince Charles and Camilla were snapped in summery attire on board OKTO, the superyacht owned by the Greek shipping magnate Theodore Angelopoulos and his wife Gianna who, as president of the organising committee for the 2004 Olympics, is regarded as Athens' answer to Lord Coe. The photographs show a fleet of staff lining up to greet the royal couple on board the floating palace, which is currently moored in a Corfu harbour. Charles and Camilla are enjoying the hospitality of millionaire acquaintances after a tour of Devon and Cornwall during which they enjoyed tea and cake at a post office shop, toured local markets, and visited a custard factory. The Duchess of Cornwall wore a floaty white summer dress on board OKTO, the superyacht owned by Greek tycoon Theodore Angelopoulos, off the coast of Corfu Holiday mode: Prince Charles wore smart white shorts and a short-sleeved blue shirt One photograph shows the casually dressed Prince Charles leaning in to chat to Theodore, a 74-year-old steel and shipping magnate who was born in Athens and is now based in Geneva, as they zipped up to OKTO on a speedboat. After stepping on board, the couple can be seen being escorted by the glamorous Gianna, dressed in a vibrant printed skirt and a purple shirt. The Greek businesswoman, who has previously been named among the world's 50 most powerful women by Forbes magazine, is understood to have supported Prince Charles' charities in the past. Prince Charles chats to Theodore Angelopoulos as the pair zip up to the yacht by speedboat Staff lined up to greet the Prince of Wales and his wife on board the luxury yacht The 66metre OKTO has 80sq m of open deck - including space for dining and dancing - and a swimming pool with lights to change the colour of the water. It also boasts a gym on the top deck, a formal dining room, and a circular cinema room. The website boatinternational.com lists OKTO, which was built in 2014 and accommodates 11 guests plus 17 crew, at a price of 54.5million Euro - around 49million. The Greek shipping magnate's wife Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki is understood to have supported Prince Charles' charities in the past WHO ARE THE ANGELOPOULOS FAMILY? Theodore's family developed the steel industry in Greece and became shipping magnates in the process. They own the Dutch shipbuilding company oceAnco, which have also built several ships for the man himself. Theodore, who was born in Athens, moved to Switzerland to study business at the University of Zurich. As well as working for the family business, which also encompasses dry cargo, Theodore also invests in property and private equities. He also owns one of the world's leading oil tanker operators and previously owned the Old Rectory in Chelsea, which was the first house in London to sell for more than 10m. His wife, Gianna, helped organise the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. She served as Ambassador at large - a position bestowed upon her by the Greek government. Gianna, helped organise the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. She is pictured here with her husband Theodore Advertisement This week saw Prince Charles sample a local ale during a trip to a brewery in Scotland. The royal, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, donned a kilt for the visit to the John O'Groats Brewery in Caithness. Charles, 68, looked intently at the frothy pint of Swelkie Golden Ale, which is made on the premises, before taking a sip from the glass. He also visited the Captain's Galley seafood restaurant in Scrabster and viewed the Society of Artists' exhibition at Thurso High School. On Monday, Prince Charles joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to commemorate one of the bloodiest offensives of the First World War. The royals and Prime Minister Theresa May were among those who attended a ceremony marking 100 years since the Battle of Passchendaele. A law student seeking accommodation in Paris was left in shock after receiving creepy messages from a landlord offering her a free room in return for licking his feet. Erin Clark, from Edinburgh, appealed on social media for accommodation in the French capital and was told by 'Franciso' she could have a room for free if she followed his 'conditions'. He then sent images of his chastity belt and promised her she could have the key. Erin, 19, in a masterpiece of understatement, said the offer would be filed in her pile marked 'course starts in two days and I'm homeless'. She shared the bizarre exchange online and her post has attracted over 23,000 likes and 4,300 retweets. Erin Clark, 19, from Edinburgh, appealed on social media for accommodation in Paris online and was told by a landlord that she could have a free room if she licked his feet. She shared his creepy messages online and they've since gone viral Erin, who is studying at Edinburgh University, is moving as part of her course to the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Her studies in Paris start on August 22 and she has been, with an increasing sense of urgency, posting on various Parisian accommodation pages. The conversation with Francisco began promisingly, with the Frenchman asking: 'Hi, are you still looking for a room?' Delighted she may have found somewhere, Erin replied: 'I am! Are you looking or offering?' After confirming he had a bunk for the Scottish student, Erin asked for more information. The conversation with Francisco began promisingly, with the Frenchman asking: 'Hi, are you still looking for a room?' But things took a turn for the worse when he shared his bizarre 'conditions' for living there Writing back with the basic details of the flat, Francisco explained the accommodation setup in more detail. However, things began to take a creepy turn when Francisco replied: 'I'm gonna live there too. But I explain you conditions, I'm submissive and I've got a foot fetish, so it would be free in term of money, but I'm asking for two services, licking your feet sometimes. 'And then, I wear a chastity device, you might wear the key of the chastity in a bracelet, so I'm not looking for sex, I've got the device. 'Would you be interested? Are you fine with the conditions?' After reading his lecherous requests, Erin took to Twitter to share her Parisian flat hunting experiences. He then wrote a bizarre message explaining: 'I wear a chastity device, you might wear the key of the chastity in a bracelet, so I'm not looking for sex, I've got the device. 'Would you be interested? Are you fine with the conditions?' Posting online she wrote: 'Flat hunting in Paris is going really well thanks for asking!' Erin later wrote under the tweet: 'I've placed him in the "my course starts in two days and I'm homeless" pile. I've lost my flat keys 4 times since September alone Francisco son, it is not me you are wanting.' Erin said: 'I thought it was like so convenient and almost too perfect when he was offering a room. I told my mum I'd finally found somewhere and then received the foot message and had to tell her it was like a bad area and not suitable.' Commenting on the post, social media users have suggested not ruling out the 'free' room. @KimmiMcMillan wrote: 'All I'm reading is that you're being offered a free flat in paris' @Jake-laughton said: 'Fair deal that. Bet it's expensive in the capital, sea daft to turn that down. And gets a free foot tongue scrub.' @bhoybutler3376 tweeted: 'Free accommodation in Paris to let someone lick yr feet and wear a key, shouldn't be so choosy'. United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL, Defendant-Appellee, Cross-Appellant, TIM CORBETT, et al., Defendants-Appellants, Cross-Appellees. Nos. 15-3315 Decided: August 01, 2017 Before FLAUM, EASTERBROOK, and WILLIAMS, Circuit Judg-es. The caption of this case says much of what is necessary to its resolution: the City of South Bend, Indiana, is suing one of its constituent parts. As a matter ordinary business, South Bend's Police Department (part of the City rather than a distinct juridical entity) records some of the desk phones supplied to officers as official equipment at its headquarters. In 2005 Rick Bishop, then a Captain in the Risk Management Bureau, asked that his phone be added to those being recorded, and this was done. The line's phone number does not matter; we call it the Line. In February 2010 Steve Richmond took Bishop's former position and office. Richmond wanted to keep his old phone number, so the Line was switched to the office of the Captain of the Investigative Division, which was vacant at the time. In March 2010 Brian Young was promoted to that job. Young did not know that the phone in his new office was among those being recorded. It is unclear who did know in 2010; once recording began in 2005, no one appears to have given the subject further thought. In February 2011 the recording system crashed and had to be restored from a backup. While listening to some recordings to make sure that this had been done correctly, Ka-ren DaPaepe, the Police Department's Director of Communi-cations, heard Young say things that she thought inappro-priate. This was reported up the chain of command, and in December 2011 the Chief of Police (Darryl Boykins) asked DaPaepe to give him recordings of the most troubling calls. DaPaepe gave the Chief cassette tapes of calls Young had made on eight dates in 2011. Apparently knowledge of the recordings' existence and contents went beyond Boykins; other persons whose voices had been recorded on the Line became concerned. Boykins used some of the information to threaten Richmond. Federal and state officials launched in-vestigations, which ended without charges being filed. Boykins was demoted; DaPaepe was fired. And the Common Council (the City's legislature) demanded access to the tapes. When the Police Department demurred, the legislators issued a subpoena to the City's executive officials and ap-plied to state court for its enforcement. The City believes that complying with the subpoena would violate federal wiretap statutes. See 18 U.S.C. 251022. Not content with the prospect of interposing a federal defense to the subpoena, the City of South Bend filed this federal suit, seeking a declaratory judgment that disclosure of the recordings would violate 2511(1)(c). A federal defense to a claim arising under state law does not permit the suit's removal. See, e.g., Aetna Health Inc. v. Davila, 542 U.S. 200 (2004) (discussing the rule and its exceptions, such as complete preemption). The City tried to sidestep this rule, and obtain a decision on an isolated federal issue, through the declaratory-judgment process. For good measure the City sued Young, Richmond, and three other persons, con-tending that it should be declared not liable to any of them. They filed their own suit seeking damages from the City. The district court consolidated the two suits. The district court ruled that it had subject-matter jurisdiction despite the fact that the suit had been filed to present a federal defense to a state suit rather than a stand-alone federal claim. Normally the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. 2201, cannot be used to present a federal defense to state litigation. But before the Common Council moved to dismiss the action, the five individual defendants in the City's suit had become plaintiffs in their own suit, seeking damages based directly on federal statutes. This supplied jurisdiction, the district court concluded, even though the City's original complaint did not. 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5192 (N.D. Ind. Jan. 14, 2013). In effect, the district court treated the second suit, consolidated with the City's, as the jurisdic-tional footing for both suits, with the original dispute be-tween the City's legislative and executive branches along for the ride under the supplemental jurisdiction of 28 U.S.C. 1367. After a bench trial, the judge concluded that recordings through February 4, 2011, had been lawful because Captain Bishop had consented in 2005 and no one with authority over the recording system recognized that Captain Young had started using the Line in March 2010. Lawfully made recordings may be disclosed, the judge added. But once DaPaepe learned that Young was using the Line, recording became unlawfuland because the recordings were unlawful, their distribution, even in response to a state subpoena, would be unlawful. The district court rejected the Common Council's reliance on 18 U.S.C. 2510(5)(a)(ii), which permits the recording of any line being used by an investigative or law enforcement officer in the ordinary course of his du-ties. The judge based his finding of illegality principally on 2511(1)(a), which forbids the intentional interception of a call in the absence of a statutory justification. The district court treated the intent element as related to knowledge of whose voice would be heard rather than knowledge of which line would be recorded, but the judge did not explain why the statutory word intentionally refers to the identi-ties of the parties to a call. We have cross-appeals. The Common Council asks us to hold that all of the recordings may be disclosed and the individual parties that none may be. The City did not appeal but also does not defend the judgment in full. It asks us to hold, contrary to the district court, that the recordings on February 4, 2011, are unlawful. The City does not discuss the venerable rule that only a party that has filed a timely appeal may obtain a modification of the judgment. See Greenlaw v. United States, 554 U.S. 237 (2008). And none of the parties' briefs discusses the significance of the pending state litigation, the fact that one branch of the City of South Bend is suing another, or the fact that before trial the individual parties' suit had been settled and dismissed. After argument we directed the parties to file briefs on these issues. We now conclude that it is unnecessary to discuss the merits, for rea-sons that can be stated succinctly. The initial problem, as we observed at the outset, is that this suit began as a claim by the executive branch of a city's government against the legislative branch. Asked for prece-dent deeming such a suit justiciable, the parties knew of none. We likewise could not find any. The suit is like one di-vision of General Motors suing another. We held in Illinois v. Chicago, 137 F.3d 474 (7th Cir. 1998), that a state cannot sue one of its cities, because as far as the national government is concerned a state and all of its creatures is a unit. That goes for cities suing their states, too. See, e.g., Trenton v. New Jer-sey, 262 U.S. 182, 18586 (1923); Williams v. Mayor & City Council of Baltimore, 289 U.S. 36, 40 (1933). Doubtless a state can divide powers into such rigidly separated compartments that it is possible for one to sue another. See, e.g., Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, 135 S. Ct. 2652 (2015). But a city's legislative and executive branches are not distinct juridical entities; they are part of a single government. Sometimes individual members of the legislature are permitted to sue par-ticular executive officers, but they face formidable problems of standing. See Raines v. Byrd, 521 U.S. 811 (1997). A suit by one whole branch of the federal government against another is not possible; a suit by the executive branch of a city versus the legislative branch is equally improper. State courts may have authority to resolve an intramural dispute, but otherwise it must be worked out the same way Congress and the President resolve their differences: by politics. But suppose this is wrong and that Arizona State Legislature becomes the norm rather than, as the Justices described it, a special situation based on a state constitution's provision allocating powers among state entities in a way that was asserted to violate the federal Constitution. 135 S. Ct. at 266165. The fact remains that the City filed this suit in an effort to achieve, through the Declaratory Judgment Act, the removal of a single federal issue in a pending state case. Potential state-court defendants can use the declaratory-judgment process to curtail legal risk. The paradigm is the person who contends that he fears being prosecuted under state law for speech that is protected by the First Amend-ment and to avoid the risk of punishment will keep silent unless a federal court declares the state law invalid. See, e.g., Steffel v. Thompson, 415 U.S. 452 (1974). But once a state pros-ecution begins, the state court is the right place for the federal defense. That's the holding of Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37 (1971), for criminal cases, and we know from Samuels v. Mackell, 401 U.S. 66, 6973 (1971), that Younger applies to declaratory judgments as well as to injunctions. Trainor v. Her-nandez, 431 U.S. 434 (1977), adds that the same principle applies to civil litigation brought by a state to implement state policy. See also Huffman v. Pursue, Ltd., 420 U.S. 592 (1975). The Common Council sued in state court to vindicate what it depicts as a right to information needed for the exer-cise of its legislative powers. Whether or not that activates the Younger principle, it certainly makes the issuance of a declaratory judgment imprudent. Wilton v. Seven Falls Co., 515 U.S. 277, 28990 (1995), and Brillhart v. Excess Insurance Co., 316 U.S. 491 (1942), conclude that a federal judge ordinarily should decline to issue a declaratory judgment when the same parties are litigating the same issues before a state court, even when the state plaintiff is a private entity. When the state plaintiff is a governmental body, putting Trainor and Huffman together with Wilton and Brillhart leads straight to the conclusion that it is an abuse of discretion to take a federal defense out of a state judge's hands by issuing a declaratory judgment. If any court is to resolve a dispute be-tween the legislative and executive branches of a unit of state or local government, a state court is the right forum. The district judge did not suggest disagreement with these principles and instead invoked Captain Young's (and the other private litigants') request for damages under 18 U.S.C. 2520 as the basis of its authority. There are two problems. First, what we have said already shows that the existence of subject-matter jurisdiction is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for issuing a declaratory judgment. Second, by the time of trial there was no dispute about damages requiring resolution. The request for damages had been settled and the private suit dismissed. The parties to that suit executed a release in November 2013. The settlement includes a provision that public release of the recordings will be governed by the outcome of the state litigation. That left nothing more for the federal judge to do. In papers filed after the oral argument, the parties stressed that only the request for damages has been settled and that the five individual litigants still want a declaratory judgment that the City must not make the recordings public or otherwise use them. But how does that justify a decision by a federal court? Equitable reliefinjunctions and declaratory judgments alikedepends on a conclusion that legal relief such as damages is inadequate to protect injured parties. By settling their claims, the five individual litigants have shown that financial relief is adequate. To seek a declaratory judgment is to request an advisory opinion on top of the settlement. We could imagine an argument that a further release or use of the recordings, should the Common Council prevail in the state case, would cause further injury to the five individual litigants and justify additional compensation. But the settlement forecloses that possibility. It provides for pay-ment of a flat sum, even as it contemplates the possibility that the state court will permit dissemination of the recordings. The parties could have structured their settlement so that additional disclosure leads to additional remuneration, but they did not. The five individual litigants have given up any entitlement to further compensation, perhaps receiving a larger lump sum as a result. What's more, if the state court authorizes a further disclosure, this would reflect a decision that federal law permits disclosure. That conclusion would knock out any legal basis for additional compensation. In sum, the settlement removes the private interests from the case, leaving only the City's effort to move a federal defense from state to federal court. The judgment of the district court is vacated, and the case is remanded with instructions to dismiss the complaint. The state court now is free to resolve the underlying dispute on its own, without regard to the vacated federal judgment. EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judge. It is just a few short months before Princess Sofia is due to welcome her second child with husband Crown Prince Carl Philip. But far from putting her feet up the Swedish princess has been seen taking on various engagements since announcing her pregnancy in March, today included. Following a conference in Bastad earlier today, the Duchess of Varmland made sure all eyes were on her as she attended a charity party in the Swedish resort. Dressed in a floor-length pale blue gown, the princess made sure all eyes were on her as she arrived at the event on Wednesday evening. Following a conference in Bastad earlier today, the Duchess of Varmland made sure all eyes were on her as she attended a charity party in the Swedish resort Sofia, 32, swept her glossy tresses into a low chignon making way for a pair of dazzling bejeweled earrings . The princess, who normally opts for a more neutral makeup palette, opted for a dramtic smoky eye and a slick of deep brown lipstick. The mother-to-be was accompanied by Bo Nilsson and Susanne Johansen, Secretary General for 'A Sustainable Tomorrow' whom she had joined earlier for the conference. Dressed in a floor-length pale blue gown, the princess made sure all eyes were on her as she arrived at the event on Wednesday evening The mother-to-be was accompanied by Bo Nilsson and Susanne Johansen, Secretary General for 'A Sustainable Tomorrow' whom she had joined earlier for the conference The group posed for photos as they arrived at the event before making their way inside for the celebratory evening. Earlier on Wednesday Sofia showcased her flair for maternity style in a chic nautical number as she arrived in Bastad on Wednesday. Sofia, 32, showcased her protruding baby bump in a fitted navy dress paired with a matching jacket with gold buckle detailing. With her second child due in September the royal switched her signature stilettos for a lower heel for her engagement today. The mother-of-one showcased her signature glossy locks in loose flowing waves as she arrived in the Southern Swedish town. Princess Sofia of Sweden showcased her flair for maternity style as she arrived in Bastad for a conference on Wednesday Sofia, 32, showcased her protruding baby bump in a fitted navy dress paired with a matching jacket with gold buckle detailing With her second child due in September the royal switched her signature stilettos for a lower heel for her engagement today Today is expected to be the princess' final engagement before she embarks on maternity leave She framed her piercing blue eyes with a flick of smoky eyeliner and opted for a slick of nude lipstick. Sofia, performed her engagement solo, attending the Sustainable Tomorrow conference in the fashionable resort of Bastad without the company of husband Carl Phillip. She was joined by Bo Nilsson and Susanne Johansen, Secretary General for 'A Sustainable Tomorrow' for the Granslosa Moten's Sustainability and Future Seminar. This is likely to be Sofia's final official commitment before the Royal couple welcome their second child in September. Their happy news came just 11 months after the birth of the couple's first child Prince Alexander who arrived in April 2016. Sofia, and husband Carl Philip are due to welcome their second child in September She was joined by Bo Nilsson and Susanne Johansen, Secretary General for 'A Sustainable Tomorrow' for the Granslosa Moten's Sustainability and Future Seminar. He was born weighing at 7lbs 9oz. and measuring 19.3 inches long at Danderyds Hospital in Stockholm. Hours after the birth, Carl Philip held a press conference at the hospital to announce the new arrival. Former glamour model Sofia Hellqvist married the prince last June. The elegant brunette is known for her infectious gap-toothed smile and easygoing ways. They dated for five years before walking down the aisle and now live together in the upmarket Djurgarden district of Stockholm. life split between Switzerland and London and today enjoyed a trip to Boston Advertisement You may be more familiar with The Queen and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling - but Kirsty Bertarelli's wealth eclipses both of theirs combined. With a fortune of 11.5 billion, Kirsty, 46, is Britain's wealthiest woman - and she's got the superyacht to prove it. Kirtsy, who lives for months every year on her 100 million super-yacht, counts Liz Hurley as a close pal and just so happens to be married to Switzerland's richest man, Ernesto Bertarelli, was seen relaxing on her mega boat in Boston harbour on Wednesday morning. The vast 314ft-long Vava II - which costs more than 250,000 just to fill the fuel tanks - was commissioned for former Miss UK Kirsty Bertarelli by her billionaire husband Ernesto, 51. Kirsty and Ernesto Bertarelli enjoyed a morning at sea above their super yacht Vava II docked in Boston Harbour on Wednesday. Kirtsy, who lives for months every year on her 100 million super-yacht, counts Liz Hurley as a close pal and just so happens to be married to Switzerland's richest man, making her the UK's richest woman Going makeup free and wearing a beige dress with her hair loose, Kirsty and her billionaire husband waved at wellwishers as they posed on board. They could be seen enjoying a relaxing morning on top deck as they enjoying the views of Boston. The Swiss pharmaceutical tycoon - reputedly worth 6.8billion, making him the 81st richest man in the world and the fifth richest in the UK - had the boat built in secret by Plymouth boat-maker Devonport Yachts under the name Project 55. The super yacht Vava II, which was built by 200 craftsmen, was intended to replace the couple's old boat, which measured up at a mere 154ft. The vast 314ft-long Vava II - which costs more than 250,000 just to fill the fuel tanks - was commissioned for former Miss UK Going makeup free and wearing a beige dress with her hair loose, Kirsty and her billionaire husband looked delighted to be enjoying their day on the ocean It was built by 200 craftsmen and drew a crowd of onlookers as the couple sailed off for the Caribbean recently for the first trip aboard their boat The billionaire Mr Bertarelli does not lavish all his money on extravagant yachts though and does plenty of charity work The remarkable feat of engineering features a fold-down beach club and a pool which can be varied in depth to cater for guest preferences, opulent guest cabins four boats to ferry passengers to shore. The vast vessel could be made available for private charter at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds a week. The exteriors of the Vava II were designed by Hampshire-based specialists Redman Whiteley Dixon while the interiors were styled by Remi Tessier. The billionaire Mr Bertarelli does not lavish all his money on extravagant yachts though. The Bertarelli Foundation - set up by the family to help fund philanthropic projects around the world. The foundation has worked in partnership with the British government for the Marine Reserve in Chagos and the in the Indian Ocean looking into wildlife preservation projects. The remarkable feat of engineering features a fold-down beach club and a pool which can be varied in depth to cater for guest preferences The former beauty queen was in high spirits as she relaxed on the boat, which has opulent guest cabins four boats to ferry passengers to shore It's clearly all plain sailing when you're the world's richest woman as the couple relaxed aboard their mega yacht With a fortune of 9.45 billion ($14.3 billion), Kirsty Bertarelli, 43, has been named Britain's wealthiest woman for the second time by the Sunday Times Rich List 2015 So how did a songwriter from Staffordshire and former Miss UK become the lady with the most enviable lifestyle? FEMAIL tracks the glamorous life and times of Kirsty Bertarelli (and if you're prone to a touch of jealousy, look away now) Born in Stone, Staffordshire, in 1971, Kirsty Roper's family were the proud owners of one of the world's largest manufacturers of ceramics, Churchill China. Kirsty grew up riding horses, playing tennis and singing in local musicals. She was determined to be a singer-songwriter. She focused on music after leaving school, doing a bit of modelling on the side. After gaining seven O levels at a private boarding school in North Wales, Kirsty joined a modelling agency in Manchester and went on to be named Miss UK at the age of 17 and second runner-up in Miss World. But as well as being beautiful, Kirsty is also very talented. At the age of 26, she was snapped up by Warner and co-wrote Black Coffee, a No. 1 hit for British girl-band All Saints. Home was a trust-funded flat in South Kensington, London. She partied with the Sloane set - often dancing on the tables at Tramp. Then, aged 26, on holiday, she met Ernesto, whod just inherited Serono, the pharmaceuticals company founded by his grandfather. And that was that. The pair met in 1997 at a dinner party in a villa in Sardinia. It was love at first sight. You know, when you blush and it makes your heart pound there was definitely that. He was divine. He was a very beautiful, dishy man,' she told the Daily Mail. The loved-up pair honeymooned at a safari run by Massai warriors, where she fell pregnant with her daughter Chiara, who is now 13. She later had Falco, now 9, and Alceo, 7. By the year 2000, she had been named Britain's richest woman. From there, she and her husband, who sold his family's company in 2006 for a cool 9m, embarked on a jet-set lifestyle. They lived in New Zealand and then Spain for Ernesto's yachting team, Alinghi, who went on to win the America's Cup twice. Kirsty, who now splits her time between Switzerland and London, was signed by Universal in 2009, and she released her first single, Dont Say. A year later, she supported Simply Red at the 44th Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. She has gone on to make successful chart music and has performed before royalty. Despite her fame and fortune, she's determined to remain down-to-earth and thanks her humble beginnings for that. I think my Midlands roots help, she said. Its about having the right morals - to be humble, to appreciate what youve got and to help other people with our foundation. Were a close-knit family and we all eat together in the kitchen. I cook shepherds pie and lamb shanks and roasts and do the school run. We dont have a nanny. Im mummy and I put them to bed every night - each has their own special lullaby that I sing them. We do normal things. Advertisement Kirsty Roper, left, now Mrs Ernesto Bertarelli, wins Miss UK in 1988 and, right, poses ahead of her performance as she supports Mick Hucknall and Simply Red at Edinburgh Castle in 2010 in Edinburgh, Scotland Aged 26, she met Ernesto, who'd just inherited Serono, the pharmaceuticals company founded by his grandfather. And that was that. The loved-up couple are pictured here at the America's Cup Ball in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2003 Miss World contestants, (front) Austria's Alexandra Werbanschitz (left) and Miss UK Kirsty Roper, (back from left) Sweden's Cecilia Horberg, Venezuela's Emma Rabbe and Miss Iceland Linda Petursdottir As well as being beautiful, Kirsty, pictured after being crowned Miss Manchester, is also very talented and co-wrote Black Coffee, a No. 1 hit for British girl-band All Saints The couple honeymooned at a safari run by Massai warriors, where she fell pregnant with her daughter Chiara, who is now 13. She later had Falco, now 9, and Alceo, 7 Kirsty, who now splits her time between Switzerland and London, was signed by Universal in 2009, and she released her first single, Dont Say Ivanka Trump was the picture of elegance in a flirty peach frock while at the White House on Wednesday. The 35-year-old donned a sleeveless dress featuring a layered ruffle hemline to host a listening session with military spouses in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. Ivanka was joined by White House counselor Kellyanne Conway for the meeting in which the spouses discussed the problems they face with employment. All smiles: Ivanka Trump donned a flirty peach frock at the White House on Wednesday Working: The 35-year-old hosted a listening session with military spouses in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on Wednesday afternoon And on her left: The First Daughter was joined by White House counselor Kellyanne Conway The First Daughter shared this snap to Instagram on Wednesday The First Daughter's dress featured pearl beads along arm openings of the sleeveless bodice, and she wore minimal jewelry aside from delicate gold earrings and a red string bracelet on her right wrist. To beat the Washington, D.C. heat, Ivanka had her blond hair pulled back in a chignon at the name of her neck. While Ivanka looked pretty in peach, Kellyanne, 50, sported a flowy yellow top, an ankle-grazing skirt, and a dark yellow scarf around her neck. Ivanka hosted the event as part of the White House's 'American Dream' week, and she and Kellyanne were joined by Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta for the session. The First Daughter later took to Instagram to share a photo and wrote: 'Today we met with #MilitarySpouses at the White House. We learned firsthand what this Administration can do to support our non-uniformed heroes and help them thrive in our economy. The unemployment rate for military spouses is 16%, almost 4 times the national rate. Even more concerning, the 52% of military spouses in the labor force face a wage deficit of 38% compared to their civilian peers. When a service member is away, their spouse assumes greatly increased responsibilities, and their commitment and dedication is just as critical a service to our country.' Everyone at the meeting had a cardboard name plate in front of them, including the First Daughter, who is an advisor to the president. Elegant touches: Ivanka's dress featured delicate pearl detailing at the arm openings of the sleeveless dress Listening: At one point, Ivanka had her hands clasped together and her elbows on the table Passionate: Whenever Ivanka had the chance to speak, she looked incredibly energetic Focused: Ivanka and Kellyanne looked deep in thought as they listened to the military wives speak Empathy: At certain points, the First Daughter looked slightly emotional as she listed to the other women around the table At some points in the meeting Ivanka had a bright smile on her face, while others she had her hands clasped together and her elbows on the table as she focused on what was being said. The group listened intently as the military spouses explained that although they have chosen professions that they can practice wherever their partners are stationed, licensing and certification continues to be a challenge when moving to a new post. It has been a busy week for Ivanka, who proudly stood by her father's side during a White House event for small businesses on Tuesday afternoon. The East Room meeting came just hours after MSNBC's Morning Joe anchor Mika Brzezinski tweeted that the president's family members need to get out of the White House. However, Ivanka, who serves as President Donald Trump's senior advisor, was all smiles while watching her father speak, making it clear that she isn't going anywhere. Ivanka gave her dad a kiss on the cheek and a big smile as he took the stage to discuss small businesses as part of the White House's 'American Dream Week'. Ivanka also shared a snap of her father to Instagram on Wednesday night after dinner at the White House and thanked her dad. Ivanka also shared a snap of her father to Instagram on Wednesday night after dinner at the White House and thanked her dad Making a point: She also used her hands to gesture on several occasions Sharing the message: Ivanka also read from the sheet of paper in front of her, no doubt keen to ensure she didn't forget anything Working together: Ivanka and Kellyanne were seated alongside one another at the event Teamwork: Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta were also at the listening session Official title: Ivanka's name plate listed her as an advisor to the president The week is meant to highlight how Trump's economic agenda is designed to support the growth of small businesses in the U.S. While Ivanka was standing on Trump's left, Linda McMahon, administrator of the Small Business Administration, was on his right. Ivanka also spoke at the event, but instead of standing at the podium like her father, she and McMahon sat down together for a roundtable discussion. According to the White House, business owners who have been helped by the Small Business Administration's policies were present at the event. Ahead of the meeting, Ivanka took to Twitter to share her excitement over it, writing: 'Today we kick off the Small Business Administration's 65th year of service & continuous work for small businesses & entrepreneurs in the US!' Although she was beaming at the event, Ivanka looked somber while heading to work on Tuesday morning. Glowing: Ivanka was all smiles as she watched her father, President Donald Trump, speak at a White House event for small businesses on Tuesday afternoon Daddy's girl: The 35-year-old gave her father a kiss on the cheek before he spoke Paying attention: Ivanka stood with her hands clasped together as she listed to her father For the first day of August, the 35-year-old stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home in a hunter green sleeveless top tucked into a figure-hugging white pencil skirt featuring a slit in the back. The First Daughter is known to smile and wave at the photographers outside of her door, but this time she kept her eyes focused in front of her as she made her way to the SUV waiting for her. Ivanka wore her blonde hair pulled back in a messy bun, and she topped off her outfit with strappy nude heels, a matching handbag, and aviator sunglasses. While President Trump's eldest daughter was making her way to work, Brzezinski took to Twitter to suggest that Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner two of Trump's senior advisors should leave the White House. 'It's time for Donald Trump's family members to get out of the way and let professionals run the White House. Actually, it is way past time,' she wrote. Brzezinski sent the tweet just one day after the White House faced yet another staffing shake-up, with then-communications director Anthony Scaramucci being fired just hours after John Kelly, the new White House chief of staff, was sworn in. Taking the mic: Ivanka also spoke at the event, which was a part of the White House's 'American Dream Week' Getting comfortable: Instead of standing at the podium like her father, she and McMahon sat down together for a discussion Close behind: Trump was followed by his daughter as he made his way to the East Room ahead of the event Stand back: Brzezinski tweeted on Tuesday morning 'it is way past time' for President Trump's family to 'get out of the way' Bad blood: Brzezinski and her Morning Joe co-host and fiance Joe Scarborough have been feuding with President Trump since he launched a Twitter attack on them in late June Kelly assumed the position after Reince Priebus was let go Friday, and Ivanka tweeted about his swearing in on Monday. 'Looking forward to serving alongside John Kelly as we work for the American people. General Kelly is a true American hero,' she wrote. Although Brzezinski didn't name Ivanka or Jared in the tweet, the couple has been criticized for being given senior advisory roles despite their lack of political experience. Brzezinski and her Morning Joe co-host and fiance Joe Scarborough have been feuding with President Trump since he launched a Twitter attack on them in late June. In addition to calling them 'low I.Q. Crazy Mika' and 'Psycho Joe', Trump claimed Brzezinski was 'bleeding badly from a face-lift' while at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Brzezinski's tweet is just the latest in their on-going feud, but Trump has yet to respond. Unqualified? Although Brzezinski didn't name Ivanka or Jared in the tweet, the couple has been criticized for being given senior advisory roles despite their lack of political experience Steering the ship: Ivanka, Jared, and Dina Powell watched as John Kelly was sworn in as chief of staff on Monday Just one day before Brzezinski called for Trump's family to stay out of business at the White House, Ivanka stepped out of her Kalorama home in a nautical look with a big smile on her face. Ivanka had big day on Monday, which kicked off in the Oval Office where she, Jared, and Dina Powell huddled together to watch the swearing in of newly appointed chief-of-staff. It was the first time Ivanka had been seen since a Politico story revealed that she did not know about her father's plan to ban transgender military members until she read about it on Twitter. The ban reverses the Obama administration policy allowing transgender people to serve, which was implemented so well that there are currently over 15,000 transgender individuals working in the armed forces in some capacity. In the wake of that incident, Ivanka 'desperately wants to lower expectations of what she can achieve in an administration where she views herself as one person on a large team' according to White House officials. She also wants to let everyone know how popular she is as well, and on Monday morning posted a photo of some 'Thank You' cards she had received at work, writing: 'Grateful to receive these thoughtful letters. Thank you for sharing your kind words! It is an honor and a privilege to serve our great country.' Back in rainy England the Duke of Edinburgh prepares to settle into his retirement after performing his final public engagement. And when it comes to retirement plans it seems that he could take some tips from his cousin-in-law Prince Michael of Kent, who was today pictured enjoying the St. Tropez sunshine. The Queen's cousin was spotted leaving the star-studded hangout of the Club 55 restaurant on the French beach resort on Wednesday. Prince Michael of Kent joined Camilla of Bourbon-Parme (pictured), her husband Charles of Bourbon-Parme for afternoon aboard a yacht in St Tropez on Wednesday The 75-year-old royal was accompanied by Camilla of Bourbon-Parme, her husband Charles of Bourbon-Parme as they made their way down to the docks on the harbour. Camilla looked elegant in a black halterneck jumpsuit paired with a pair of stylish, if a little impractical, heeled sandals for her boat trip. Meanwhile, the Prince looked relaxed in a pair of Bermuda shorts and a sea blue polo top as he joined the couple aboard the boat. The Bourbon-Parmes were joined by their children who waited eagerly in a speedboat to be joined by their parents as well as Prince Michael. The boat dropped the fun-loving group off at a luxury yacht where they could best enjoy the afternoon sun Before boarding the speed boat the group spent time posing for photos on the dock with the glistening waters as their backdrop The Bourbon-Parmes were joined by their children who waited eagerly in a speedboat to be joined by their parents as well as Prince Michael. Before boarding the speed boat the group spent time posing for photos on the dock with the glistening waters as their backdrop. The fun-loving group could then be seen boarding a luxury yacht where they could take in the rest of the afternoon sun. Prince Michael's wife, Princess Michael of Kent, who has been dubbed 'Princess Pushy' thanks to her forthright opinions, didn't seem to be with them. Ahead of the afternoon on the water the group enjoyed a lunch at the restaurant Club 55 a favourite hang-out among celebrities Camilla looked elegant in a black halterneck jumpsuit paired with a pair of stylish, if a little impractical, heeled sandals for her boat trip It seemed that the trip over was a bit of a squeeze as passengers perched on the side of the motor boat Born July 4, 1942, Prince Michael of Kent is is a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary, and a cousin of the Queen. Under the terms of the Act of Settlement 1701, Prince Michael forfeited his place in the succession through marriage to Marie-Christine, who is known as Princess Michael of Kent, as she was a Roman Catholic. The couple have two children, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor, and a granddaughter, Frederick's daughter Maud, who turns one next month. The Prince, who manages his own consultancy business, occasionally represents the Queen in carrying out royal duties abroad and has also presented television documentaries on European royal families. Planning your dream summer escape can be an expensive task - with flights and accommodation alone often taking up the majority of the budget. But it doesn't have to be this way. New data has revealed the top value locations for Australians to travel to this year, taking into account local costs of accommodation, food and transportation. And the best value destination? Kuala Lumpur. Planning your dream summer escape can be an expensive task - with flights and accommodation alone often taking up the majority of the budget And the best value destination? Kuala Lumpur (pictured) According to Skyscanner , Kuala Lumpur is the most affordable destination for Australians in 2017, with the average cost of a five day trip estimated at just $867 According to Skyscanner, Kuala Lumpur is the most affordable destination for Australians in 2017, with the average cost of a five day trip estimated at just $867. This price includes flights and common amenities (food, accommodation and travel). The average cost of a day in Kuala Lumpur comes in at a mere $59 and average flight prices come in at just $572. The most affordable place to go in terms of the daily budget, however, is Phuket, with the average cost of a day just $46. The most affordable place to go in terms of the daily budget, however, is Phuket (pictured), with the average cost of a day just $46 On the other end of the scale, Singapore (pictured) was found to be the most expensive destination with an average of $2,209 for a five day trip Flight prices to Phuket are a little higher, however, with an average cost of $650. On the other end of the scale, Singapore was found to be the most expensive destination with an average of $2,209 for a five day trip. The average cost of a day in the country is $306 and average flight costs are $679. The prices for flights in each case were based on actual fares paid by travellers for the route and the cost for an average day in each destination was based on three meals out, two train trips, a bottle of water and a night's stay in a three star hotel. Average cost for each destination DESTINATION Kuala Lumpur Phuket Bangkok Christchurch Ho Chi Minh City Shanghai New Delhi Seoul Tokyo Singapore AVERAGE DAY COST $59 $46 $55 $149 $115 $95 $104 $117 $226 $306 AVERAGE FLIGHT FARE $572 $650 $785 $432 $734 $875 $1,011 $1,035 $961 $679 Advertisement The data also looked at the cheapest coffee in each popular location, with the cheapest coffee found in Ho Chi Minh City and averaging $2.40 per cup For those looking to take advantage of the high Australian dollar, it's important that you factor in general costs in addition to flights For those looking to take advantage of the high Australian dollar, it's important that you factor in general costs in addition to flights. For example, while flights to Christchurch may come in cheaper than most locations, the average cost of daily expenses is $149. The data also looked at the cheapest coffee in each popular location, with the cheapest coffee found in Ho Chi Minh City and averaging $2.40 per cup. 'We recommend factoring the costs of common holiday expenses when deciding which destination to visit to avoid any nasty surprises,' Emily Callahan said When to fly to save money * Book flights when business travellers are not - so Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday * Fly on Christmas Day * Use Skyscanner to see the cheapest possible route between two locations Advertisement Interestingly, the data also found that return flights to popular holiday destinations are 15 per cent cheaper than 2016, with travellers averaging a saving of $134 on their trip. 'While Aussies should take advantage of lower airfares, we recommend factoring the costs of common holiday expenses when deciding which destination to visit to avoid any nasty surprises,' Emily Callahan, Principal Growth Manager at Skyscanner Australia & New Zealand, said. 'With this research, value-conscious travellers can get the best deals possible and identify destinations to visit to upsize their dollar.' Gigi Hadid is one of the most in-demand models on the scene today. So it's no surprise that a young lady who looks just like her ended up in the same industry. Iza IJzerman, 22, a plus-size model and blogger living in Netherlands, has been causing a bit of commotion on social media for her startling resemblance to the elder of the Hadid sisters. The Dutch model is the star of the ads for inclusive swimwear brand Alpine Butterfly, and it's easy to see why she caught the eye of industry influencers. Got the look: Dutch plus-size model Iza IJzerman, 22, (left) has been gaining attention for her resemblance to Gigi Hadid Making her way: Iza is a plus-size model working for inclusive swimwear line Alpine Butterfly The blonde beauty boasts full lips, high eyebrow arches and a delicate nose that will look familiar to anyone who keeps up with modern fashion and reality TV. Gigi herself is half Dutch through her mother Yolanda Hadid, who was born in Papendrecht, Netherlands, which could possibly be a contributing factor. She and Iza are also the same age. It also helps that Iza is a big fan of several of the same Instagram poses as Gigi - with a particular affinity for sunglasses pushed halfway down her nose. The gaze: The two models share similar lips and eyes, as well as an affinity for pouting Shady: Gigi and Iza also both frequently post photos of themselves sporting sunglasses Getting the news: Iza first realized there might be truth to what commenters when telling her when an agency billed her as 'the new curvy Gigi Hadid' Iza has been gaining plenty of attention recently for her Hadid-like features, but she has been receiving comments about it for a lot longer. 'The first time someone mentioned it was on Instagram,' she explained to Refinery29. 'When I signed with MiLK, they posted a picture with the caption "The new curvy Gigi Hadid," so thats the moment I realized it might be true!' Hanging out: Iza is gaining quite a following online thanks to her Hadid-like features The big time: It's yet to be seen if she will take the fashion world by storm like Gigi has Another idea: Iza believes that she bears more of a resemblance to Gigi's sister Bella (right) However, though she can see a little bit of what people are saying when she has her hair tied back, Iza herself doesn't think there is much to all the hubub. In fact, she actually believes that her true doppelganger is different - but related - member of the current fashion elite. 'I think I look more like Bella,' she said. A mother-of-one claimed she got a nasty surprise when she opened a packet of chocolate chip cookies only to discover that one of the treats had a penny stuck onto it. Rian Lecouteur, a police officer from Worcester, said she made the discovery after buying a packet of Finest Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate Cookies from Tesco this week. She complained to Britain's largest supermarket chain on its Facebook page, where fellow shoppers shared her outrage at the shocking unwanted extra she said she had found. Mother-of-one Rian Lecouteur found a penny stuck onto her chocolate chip cookie from Tesco The penny was said to be was stuck on the underside of one of Rian's cookies from an unknown Tesco branch. Luckily, it appeared that she spotted the copper-coloured coin after only taking one bite out of the cookie. But she angrily wrote on Tesco's Facebook page about the unwanted discovery she had made to warn that it was thankful a child had not picked up the offending treat. She wrote: 'Not happy that this was in my cookie!! Imagine if this was a small child!!!' Many of Rian's fellow shoppers were also outraged by the unwanted extra on her cookie A Tesco customer care worker advised Rian to take her cookie back to the store where she bought it from Several of her fellow shoppers shared her outrage. Debbie Mayneord commented to express her shock that her child had eaten those particular cookies before, while Susan Pugh said: 'That's terrible!!' Annette Roberts added: 'Oh my god that's appalling.' Not all her fellow customers were sympathetic though. One cheeky Facebook user, Richard Andrews, poked fun at the way Rian had worded her complaint. 'A small child would not fit in a cookie,' he joked. A Tesco customer care worker responded quickly to Rian's complaint, and told her to take the offending treat back to the store so that staff members at her local supermarket could 'deal' with the issue. A Tesco spokesman told FEMAIL: 'Our in store bakery colleagues are comprehensively trained in food safety so we were surprised to hear about this. We are investigating and we'll update Ms Lecouter with our findings.' Women who have children after the age of 30 face a greater risk of their offspring developing cancer, scientists have discovered. Those who were over 35 were more likely to have infants linked to an increased risk of leukaemia diagnoses especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For those between the age of 30 and 34, a link was found for Hodgkin lymphoma. The association may be due to an increase in chromosomal mutations in older people, say the researchers. The findings are worrying given that the age at which couples are having babies has been rising in recent years. 'We knew that parental age was a risk factor for childhood cancer,' study author Julia Heck, associate professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Public Health told Cure. Children of older parents have a raised cancer risk due to chromosomal mutations (file photo) 'In most cases, older parents confer greater risk, but in some instances very young (teenage) parents may also have offspring with higher cancer rates. We wanted to explore this relationship in our population-based study.' The number of women aged over 40 having babies has now overtaken those under 20 for the first time in almost 70 years, past research shows. The fertility rate among older women has more than trebled since the early 80s. Experts put the trend down to increasing numbers of women focusing on their careers and the spiralling cost of having children. OLDER MOTHERS TEN TIMES MORE LIKELY TO NEED INTENSIVE CARE Women who leave it late to have children are at a much greater risk of severe complications, experts warn. Those who become mothers over 44 were more than twice as likely to die or suffer a serious condition than those who gave birth in their 20s, a study found. They were also more than ten times as likely to end up in intensive care than those who have a child in their early twenties. While many studies have suggested older mothers are more likely to have a stillbirth or a baby with conditions such as autism and Downs syndrome, there is less research about the risk to their own health. Lead author Dr Sarka Lisonkova, assistant professor in maternal medicine at the University of British Columbia in Canada, said: Women usually worry about their babies, and not so much about the implications for their own health. While severe adverse conditions in mothers are rare, they do increase more rapidly with age at childbirth in womens late 40s or later. It is important to counsel women about all potential risks. Advertisement Key findings A team from the University of Denmark and UCLA examined 5,856 cancer cases of Danish children who were diagnosed before the age of 16,. They looked at the age of parents and cases were classified into age groups. Dr Heck said that she was not surprised at the results. 'Older parental age was a risk factor for various childhood cancers in Danish children,' she said. 'The usual explanation is that there are increasing chromosomal aberrations with older parental ages.' Increasing new mutations that happens in sperm or egg cells are linked with older age in parents.' She pointed out we already know that older parents have a greater risk of having a child with Down's syndrome. 'Similarly, there is the greater risk of Down's syndrome in the children of older mothers; fathers are studied less often but there are reports of increases in the risk of birth defects related to single gene mutations, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders.' Older women bring a greater risk The study found a stronger correlation between maternal age and childhood cancer risk than for fathers. There was a 'slight increase' in leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma for the children of older men. But age aside, there are other steps that soon-to-be parents can take that may promote the health of their baby, Dr Heck suggested. These include limiting alcohol intake, not smoking and limiting exposure to chemicals as much as possible. A mother-of-two developed vulval cancer from her extreme skin condition - but her symptoms were dismissed for decades. Clare Baumhauer, 44, from Erith, Kent, had itchy genitals since she was a teenager - but was told it was just thrush, herpes or cystitis. After being too embarrassed to visit her doctor for years, she eventually sought medical advice when she was in her early 30s when she developed an ulcer. It was caused by a tear slightly bigger than a 50-pence coin, and led to her being diagnosed with a tumour between her vagina and bottom. But it took nearly 10 years before she was told the news last March. Doctors said it was caused by lichen sclerosis - which was mistaken for the host of conditions. Despite now being in remission, endless bouts of radiotherapy to kill the cancerous cells triggered a 'tough' early menopause. Speaking for the first time about her ordeal, Mrs Baumhauer said: 'I'd never heard of vulval cancer. Actually, I'd never heard of a vulva. Clare Baumhauer, 44, from Erith, Kent, had itchy genitals since she was a teenager - but was told it was just thrush, herpes or cystitis 'I was horrified when I was diagnosed. I immediately thought, 'it's terminal, I have cancer. I am going to die".' She said that sitting down had begun to hurt, as the sore ulcer had in fact doubled in size and had raised edges. Mrs Baumhauer said: 'I thought that I would be sent to a GUM clinic and questioned about my sexual history. 'But I was actually referred to a gynaecologist to be examined who consequently wanted to perform an urgent biopsy of my vulva. 'As a result, I had three punch biopsy in a short period of time, where I was eventually diagnosed with a skin condition called lichen sclerosis. This is what ultimately caused my vulval cancer to develop.' Triggered an early menopause She added: 'I'm delighted to be cancer-free. However, the menopause coming on so suddenly is tough. It wasn't until she developed an ulcer, caused by a tear slightly bigger than a 50-pence coin, that she was diagnosed with a tumour between her vagina and bottom (pictured with her husband Matthew, 45, daughter Chloe, 18, and son Ben, 13) 'My hair has thinned and I've had hot sweats. But, compared to cancer, I can deal with it. I'm just glad I'm alive.' Mrs Baumhauer added: 'I never missed a smear, and they all came back clear, so I thought it was just thrush. 'I had two Caesarean births with my daughter Chloe (18) and son Ben (13) and nothing was picked up then. 'I'd see adverts on television for thrush creams and cystitis medicines and they made me think that problems down there were common.' Never concerned Even when she developed a tear, initially small, in her late 30s, she was not unduly concerned. She admitted: 'I thought it was from sex.' It took Mrs Baumhauer (pictured) nearly 10 years before she was told the news last March, after a smear test even came back clear Doctors even suggested it could be herpes, but it was ruled out when they found out she had been with Matthew for 26 years. In March 2016, more than 35 years after she initially developed symptoms, she was referred to hospital by a different GP. At Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, south London, doctors carried out a biopsy under local anaesthetic. Her vulval cancer diagnosis Just 10 days after the procedure, she found out she had vulval cancer. It was marked as stage 1B, grade 3 - meaning it was small, but growing quickly. In April, at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, she had an operation called hemi-vulvectomy to remove the tumour. Despite surgeons cutting it all out, scans of her groin revealed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, so she had 25 sessions of radiotherapy. Then her lymph nodes started swelling, and she developed an infection and her groin had to be filled with padding. The radiotherapy, which triggered an early menopause, finished in March, but left her legs burnt. The rest of her body was unaffected WHAT IS VULVAL CANCER? Vulval cancer is one of the rarest forms of the disease, with around 1,000 cases diagnosed in the UK each year. The vulva includes the lips surrounding the vagina (labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris and the Bartholin's glands (two small glands each side of the vagina). Eighty per cent of those are in women aged over 60, while the pre-cancerous form of the condition - vulval intraepithelial neoplasia - tends to be diagnosed in those aged 30 to 50. Symptoms of vulval cancer include: a lasting itch pain or soreness thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva an open sore or growth on the skin burning pain when passing urine vaginal discharge or bleeding a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour a lump or swelling in the vulva While all these symptoms can also be a sign of other, more common conditions, it is vital to see your GP if any persist. The HPV vaccine is among the greatest protection available to the disease, as many forms of vulval cancer are triggered by the virus. Advertisement Rushed to hospital Mrs Baumhauer was at Butlins in Bognor, West Sussex, in December when it got really bad and she had to be rushed to hospital. She spent New Year's Eve 2016 in St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, where she was diagnosed with the skin infection cellulitis. But when she returned to Kent, she was sent back to St Thomas' Hospital for her lymph nodes to be drained. Mrs Baumhauer was given antibiotics - but scans showed there was still cancer and she needed more radiotherapy sessions. The radiotherapy, which triggered an early menopause, finished in March, but left her legs burnt. The rest of her body was unaffected. What is lichen sclerosis? Now Mrs Baumhauer realises she never had thrush, but instead had always suffered from lichen sclerosis. According to the NHS, the skin condition is more likely to affect the genitals and thought to be linked to the immune system. Left untreated, lichen sclerosis which cannot be cured but can be controlled with steroids increases the chance of vulval cancer. Mrs Baumhauer wants people to learn about the skin condition so they can be diagnosed and treated early on. She is desperate for people to avoid the ordeal she has been through, having suffered with problems in her vaginal area for decades. The Eve Appeal is highlighting during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month in September that men as well as women can play a major role in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer. Get involved, find out more about the symptoms of gynaecological cancers through #Knowyourbody and visit eveappeal.org.uk for more information. Now Mrs Baumhauer realises she never had thrush, but instead had always suffered from lichen sclerosis - which raised her risk of vulval cancer Scientists have issued a warning on passive vaping because of toxic chemicals in e-cigarette vapour. People in bars where vaping is allowed are exposed to unhealthy levels of formaldehyde, which causes cancer, and acrolein, a toxin which irritates the eyes and skin. That is the finding of a study based on as few as three people an hour using the devices in a bar. The dangers of passive smoking led to the 2007 smoking ban, with the most famous victim being television celebrity Roy Castle, a non-smoker who died of lung cancer after years playing the trumpet in smoke-filled pubs. However there is no similar law for vaping, although some pub companies including JD Wetherspoon have voluntarily banned electronic cigarettes. People in bars where vaping is allowed are exposed to unhealthy levels of formaldehyde, which causes cancer, and acrolein, a toxin which irritates the eyes and skin Last year the World Health Organisation called on Britain to consider a total ban in public spaces due to the risk from 'second-hand vapour'. Researchers led by Berkeley University in California found toxic chemicals released into bars exceeded their state's guideline safety levels. E-cigarettes aren't without their risks Their study states: 'E-cigarettes likely represent a lower risk to health than traditional combustion cigarettes, but they are not innocuous.' Following a similar study last year, co-author Dr Hugo Destaillats , from Berkeley, said: 'Regular cigarettes are super unhealthy. E-cigarettes are just unhealthy.' While e-cigarettes don't produce toxic tobacco smoke, which causes lung cancer, they generate other compounds that are potentially dangerous to human health. Formaldehyde intake from just 100 daily puffs of one of these devices is higher than the amount inhaled by a smoker on 10 conventional cigarettes a day. 'LET STAFF VAPE AT THEIR DESKS' Bosses should consider allowing workers to use e-cigarettes at their desks to cut smoking rates, according to Government plans issued last month. Health chiefs pledged to slash smoking rates from 15.5 per cent to 12 per cent in five years. They said vaping was key, helping 22,000 smokers quit a year, and employers should be reminded that e-cigarette use was not illegal in offices. This is despite scientists' concerns over the potential health risk of the devices particularly the chemicals used to flavour vapour. In a push for a 'smoke-free generation', the Tobacco Control Plan said: 'E-cigarette use is not covered by smoke-free legislation and should not routinely be included in the requirements of an organisation's smoke-free policy.' Advertisement What is the chemical used for? The chemical, used to embalm dead bodies, has been suggested to raise the risk of leukaemia and brain cancer in people who work with it regularly, like funeral directors. Formaldehyde, along with acrolein, is produced when the main ingredients of electronic cigarettes, propylene, glycol and glycerine, are heated. The person vaping is exposed but they also endanger others when exhaling the vapour into the environment. The study authors calculated levels of this vapour based on the findings of previous studies on vaping in bars. They took into account indoor air volumes and the number of hourly users, which ranged from just over three to 13. Exceeding guidelines The results show, despite e-cigarette vapour evaporating quickly, that formaldehyde in these bars hit an average level of 135 micrograms per cubic metre and acrolein reached 28 micrograms both exceeding the California guidelines. Concentrations of toxic benzene, which can cause anaemia and shrink the size of women's ovaries, came close to unsafe levels. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, also judged the risk to people who use e-cigarettes, based on 250 puffs a day, which was found to be typical usage for more than 800 heavy vapers in a previous study. This level of us exposed people to unsafe levels of formaldehyde and diacetyl - a chemical used to flavour many e-cigarettes and blamed for an incurable condition called 'popcorn lung' in which the organs become so scarred, a lung transplant can be needed. A spokesman from the UK Vaping Industry Association said research shows toxins present in smokers are almost entirely absent in people who vape, and said many toxic chemicals are not allowed under UK regulations. A statement added: The public health consensus in the UK is clear. Vaping products have been endorsed by Public Health England, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal Society of Public Health and Cancer Research UK. Dear Readers, Just to let you know that you are welcome to Comment on the entries. Please save this blog site in your Favorite Place so you can find it easily. Travels (and more) has over 21,000 hits/month and I'm grateful to the many Readers who visit this blog regularly. Thank you, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard The NHS is refusing to supply wheelchairs for tens of thousands of vulnerable patients, an investigation has found. Some health trusts are turning down as many as two thirds of adults and children referred by GPs for wheelchair services. And many of those deemed eligible for wheelchairs are having to wait more than four and a half months for them to arrive. More than 6,600 adults and children had to wait longer than the target 18 weeks in the last three months alone. The investigation by Buzzfeed News exposes the extent to which cost-cutting NHS trusts are looking for new ways to save cash. Many are already denying patients hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery unless they meet strict eligibility rules. Some health trusts are turning down as many as two thirds of adults and children referred by GPs for wheelchair services Charities say there has been a surge in patients 'crowdfunding' their wheelchairs and appealing to members of the public for donations. How many referrals were there? Previously unpublished figures from NHS England show that 55,433 adults and children were referred to wheelchair services by GPs between January and March 2017. But almost a fifth 10,391 patients -were turned down because they did not meet the strict eligibility criteria set by their Clinical Commissioning Group, the local health trust. And in Bracknell and Ascot CG, in Berkshire, 67.7 per cent of patients were refused wheelchair services. North West Surrey turned down 67.6 per cent per cent of patients and Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead rejected 66.7 per cent. At the other end of the scale however 28 out of 209 CCGs said they provided wheelchair services for all patients referred by their GPs. These figures only cover a three month period so the total numbers of patients denied wheelchairs in a year will run into the tens of thousands, Most had been referred for brand new wheelchairs although some wanted repairs or adaptations to older chairs. RATIONING HIP AND CATARACT SURGERY Patients are having to plead with the NHS for hip replacements, cataract surgery and other routine treatments that were once provided without question, an investigation has found. There has been a surge in the number of special requests made by doctors on patients behalf for procedures to be funded. In total, some 73,900 requests were made in 2016/17. Out of these, half were rejected as they were not deemed cost effective or beneficial. The total number of requests has increased by 20 per cent in the past year and by almost 50 per cent compared to four years ago. Many were for treatments that were previously routinely available on the NHS, such as hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery, and procedures to repair damaged nerves or varicose veins. Those patients whose requests are turned down must decide whether to put up with their pain or pay up to 10,000 to go private. Advertisement A basic wheelchair costs around 140 but the lighter, more comfortable chairs which are much easier to use cost around 2,000. 'Shocking' differences Celia Thomas, Liberal Democrat peer and disability spokesman said: 'The difference in wheelchair provision by CCGs across the country is shocking. 'It means that disabled people are in a postcode lottery as to whether they can get a suitable wheelchair or not. This has been a problem for far too long and it is high time the government sorted it out. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, former Paralympian and cross-bench peer, who set up the National Wheelchair Alliance to improve services said: 'The cost of not getting the right wheelchair is significant. It could keep a young person out of school or someone out of work. 'A pressure sore (from a badly-fitting wheelchair) costs tens of thousands to fix.' Essential aids Nic Bungay, of Muscular Dystrophy UK, which represents many wheelchair users said: 'Wheelchairs are not luxuries they are essential for disabled people to move safely both in and out of the house, get to work and education, and to live their lives as independently as possible. 'The right wheelchair can help someone to stay healthy and well, while the wrong wheelchair can result in unnecessary discomfort and pain. 'The NHS's longstanding failure to provide suitable wheelchairs is landing many people with five-figure bills, forcing them to either fundraise for it themselves, rely on charities like ourselves, or spend their already limited savings.' Just a handful of CCGs meet the target The NHS is meant to ensure that all patients referred by their GP receive their wheelchair or repair within 18 weeks. But the investigation found that just 4 per cent of CCGs are currently meeting this target. An NHS England spokesman said: 'Local GP-led commissioning groups are ultimately responsible for securing and funding wheelchair services for people locally. 'However, NHS England is working with the National Wheelchair Leadership Alliance to develop best-practice standards as well as introducing personal wheelchair budgets to give people more choice on the best wheelchair for them.' Russell Cruzan III, pictured, has a rare mitochondrial disorder similar to that which killed British infant Charlie Gard The parents of a four-month-old boy who has a disease similar to Charlie Gard's are fighting for experimental therapy that could help save the infant. Russell Cruzan III, who is affectionately known as Bubby, lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and has a rare mitochondrial disorder similar to that which killed the British baby on Friday. His condition, which is called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 13, triggers progressive muscle weakness and eventual brain damage, and is caused by unhealthy mitochondria replicating quickly in the body. There is no cure, and the only option is experimental treatment therapy that might slow down the progression of the disease. And on Wednesday morning, Bubby's mother Michelle told Daily Mail Online, the family found out the doctor who examined Charlie has agreed to take a meeting with them. She said she refuses to get emotional in her fight for him, and is taking each piece of news as it comes. 'We had trouble accepting the news at first, because it's been really devastating,' Michelle said. 'But since sharing the story we've gotten an outpouring of love and support, which makes us feel like treatment might possible and might be a reality. At the meeting, Dr Micho Hirano will speak to the family, and they will all decide together if experimental therapy is the best course of treatment for the infant. A mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS) refers to any group of the recessive disorder that cause a significant drop in mitochondrial DNA in the body's tissue. The general symptoms affect muscle tissue, and make it so that the body doesn't produce enough healthy mitochondria, which are the 'power house' of the cell. There are different types MDDS, depending on which chromosome it impacts, and each has slightly varied symptoms. Charlie Gard, the British baby who died on Friday, had infantile onset encephalomyopathy MDDS, which is the most quickly progressing form of the disease. It made his body unable to transfer any energy to his brain, kidneys or muscles, and progressed so quickly that he had severe and frequent seizures and could not breathe without a ventilator from infancy. Russell's type, MDDS 13, causes significantly high levels of lactic acid and ammonia to build up in his body. His condition, which is called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 13, is similar to the same one that killed British infant Charlie Gard (pictured) on Friday Russell has mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 13, causes progressive muscle weakness and eventual brain damage, and is caused by unhealthy mitochondria replicating quickly in the body At four months, his mother explained, he still can't even lift his head on his own because his muscles are so frail Normally, lactic acid levels in the body are at 2.5, and his are at 10, and normal ammonia levels are at 45, and his are around 100, his mother explained. That build-up makes him weak and causes developmental disorders. At four months, his mother explained, he still can't even lift his head on his own because his muscles are so frail. 'It's similar to what Charlie Gard had,' his mother said. 'But the difference is that his [Charlie Gard's] progressed much more quickly than Russell's.' Over time, the disorder will most likely begin to impact his brain, though there is little research to show exactly when that will happen. There is currently no treatment for the disorder, though there are some experimental therapies that are said to prolong life by slowing down the progression of the disease. The condition is passed down through DNA when two parents both carry the recessive mutated gene. Bubby is only one of 88 people in the world with the exact mutation he has. RUSSELL'S DIAGNOSIS: FROM NO-FUSS PREGNANCY TO WEEKS OF ILLNESSES AND TEST THAT EVENTUALLY REVEALED HE HAS AN INCURABLE DISEASE CHARLIE GARD'S FIGHT AGAINST A MITOCHONDRIAL SYNDROME Charlie Gard's parents fought to have him transferred to the United States for the same experimental treatment Bubby's parents are looking into. He had infantile onset encephalomyopathy MDDS, which is the most quickly progressing form of the disease. It made his body unable to transfer any energy to his brain, kidneys or muscles, and progressed so quickly that he had severe and frequent seizures and could not breathe without a ventilator from infancy. Charlie Gard's parents (pictured) fought to have him transferred to the United States for the same experimental treatment Bubby's parents are looking into Charlie's parents said they knew the chance of the procedure having any positive impact was slim, but wanted to try it anyway. But British courts and the hospital refused to allow them to transfer him to the United States. After weeks of back and forth, Dr Hirano went to London to examine Charlie and decide if nucleoside treatment would have a chance of being effective. When he saw a recent MRI scan the neurologist decided not to offer the baby the experimental therapy, and last month he was taken off of life support and died. He would have been one years old on August 4. The Gard family's fight became so well-known that it helped spread awareness of mitochondrial diseases. In Bubby's case, his parents had no idea there were any treatment options, experimental or not, until reading Charlie's story. 'We thought there was no hope, but then we were looking online and read about Charlie Gard, and saw that there actually were experimental therapies that might make a difference,' Michelle Cruzan told Daily Mail Online. Advertisement Russell's parents took him to the hospital for the first time just a few days after he was born in March when he started having problems feeding. When they took him in, he was immediately hooked up to a feeding tube while doctors did testing. 'He was diagnosed with pneumonia, then he was diagnosed with sepsis, but we weren't getting anywhere towards finding out what the real problem was,' Michelle said. 'He should have been thriving, he should have been gaining weight, we knew something was seriously wrong.' After months of genetic testing, a final kidney test in June showed that he has mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 13, a rare disease only affecting a few children in the world. When he was diagnosed, his doctors told his parents there was no treatment. 'They told us to take him home and enjoy our time with him. Other than saying they would make things as comfortable as they in the time he had left, we thought we had no options,' Michelle explained. When they got home his parents did some research of their own, and found out there are experimental treatments that might help to stall, or potentially reverse, the progression of the disease. 'After telling doctors we were looking at these experimental treatments, they said they had wondered if Bubby might benefit from them. I'm frustrated they never told us that. We felt so hopeless,' Michelle said. The infant has been home with his family for the last two months while they wait to hear if he is a viable candidate for these therapies. His parents are enjoying the time with him, but said things like mobility is hard, because he's constantly connected to a feeding tube. 'Bubby is on a 24-hour continuous drip and can't take anything by mouth. He's also got to have all of his medicines through a tube, and he takes 14 doses a day. So we've learned to be mobile, but it's not easy,' Michelle explained. Part of the process to find out if he is viable for the experimental procedures includes waiting on insurance to decide if they will cover all or even part of the treatment. In the meantime, his parents are raising money through a crowdfunding website to help with the procedures, and to pay for travel expenses associated with them. 'The worst thing in the world would be if someone offered our son a treatment and he couldn't get it because we couldn't afford it,' his mother explained. If Russell is approved for treatment with Dr Hirano, he will undergo nucleoside bypass therapy. The therapy would ideally improve his metabolic cycle to help the healthy mitochondria replicate. If effective, it could reverse the progression of his disease. His mother said it's never been used before to treat his specific disorder, only some like it, but it's the 'best shot he's got.' Doctors are cautioning against a new health trend that sees people drinking hydrogen peroxide as a way to ward off infections and whiten their teeth. So-called alternative therapies are promoting the chemical as a way to whiten teeth, naturally treat sinus inflections and remove mucus. A number of blogs, websites, and YouTube videos have cropped up online that promote the new trend. Most recommend mixing a few drops of Food Grade hydrogen peroxide, which is 35 percent concentrated, with eight ounces of water and drinking it three times a day. Doctors are cautioning against a new health trend that sees people drinking hydrogen peroxide as a way to ward off infections and whiten their teeth One health website, Grow Youthful, has even said it can be used as a natural cure for asthma, cancer, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. But this new health trend could be landing people in the emergency room. Doctors at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota have said six people have been treated so far this year for injuries from drinking highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Though a few of those people didn't mean to drink the chemical, others said they intentionally drank it believing it was making them healthier. 'There are a bunch of website and YouTube videos. There's no science behind any of it helping. There's no benefit of doing it and it really opens you up to a lot of potential harm,' Dr Ann Arens, a medical toxicologist at the Minnesota Poison Control System told the Star Tribune. 'It burns as soon as you drink it.' The colorless, odorless chemical used in these cases is often stronger than the three to five percent concentration that can be bought at a drug store. Consuming the toxin can burn holes in the esophagus and stomach, according to Dr Stephen Hendriksen, an emergency medicine doctor at HCMC. He said they can also create oxygen bubbles that will be released into the blood stream. Those can then travel up to the brain and cause seizures and stroke-like symptoms. Indian digital payments firm Paytm is understood to have a messaging service to rival WhatsApp in the pipeline. An source close to the matter revealed on Tuesday that the market-leading company, which has more than 225 million users in India, is set to launch a messaging app integrated in its popular payments service. The firm, which is backed Japan's SoftBank and China's Alibaba, wants to compete with Facebook-owned WhatsApp to launch a service allowing users to send audio, video, pictures and texts. Paytm founder Vijay Sharma is set to be looking to launch a messaging service integrated into his popular Paytm digital payment platform Paytm already has more than 225 million users in India and is said to want to integrate a messaging service into its popular online payments app 'Paytm wants to become a digital universe for Indian commerce where consumers can communicate, shop and use financial services,' said Pavel Naiya, an analyst at tech research Counterpoint. WhatsApp, which had 200 million monthly active users as of February in India - its biggest single market - has also been looking at moving into digital payment services in the country. WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, has more than 200 million monthly users and is also thought to be looking into the digital payments market Earlier this year, another Indian messaging platform, Hike, rolled out an electronic payments service in its app to cash in on the growth in digital transactions in the country post demonetisation. Electronic payments in India surged after the country banned old, high-value currency notes late last year. Firms such as Paytm have since rapidly increased their market share. Digital payments in India will jump nearly 10 times by 2020 to $500 billion, according to a 2016 report by Boston Consulting Group. The Wall Street Journal was first to report Paytm's plan to launch a messaging service. Paytm did not respond to an email seeking comment. WhatsApp was not immediately reachable for comment. A Delhi government school has decided to break the heartbreaking deadlock and grant admission to 24 kids from Chilla Khadar who knocked the door of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal last week. The action came days after Mail Today reported the plight of the parents who wrote letters to the CM seeking admission for their kids, who were denied seats in the absence of documents such as Aadhar cards and bank account details. Taking heed of the Mail Today report, the government swung into action, issuing guidelines to the school monitoring committee (SMC) members to grant provisional admission to the children in this academic session. Parents have penned letters to the CM Arvind Kejriwal (right) to get their kids into schools Omvati (right) said earlier no such documents were required but now school authorities are adamant 'We have sent an SMC member to Chilla Khadar to evaluate the ground situation. The children will be sent to a nearby school - anywhere in Mayur Vihar and Patparganj - depending on their proximity,' confirmed an official working for Atishi Marlena, the education advisor to deputy CM Manish Sisodia. 'As for dropout students who could not complete their classes, we will ensure these students are identified according to their abilities and brought to the classrooms,' the official added. 'Meanwhile, we will also assist them with the paperwork for the documents required.' Speaking to Mail Today, the SMC member confirmed that admission will be given to students possessing sufficient documents within this week. Despite having an Aadhar card, Taravati's 13 year old daughter Sushmita was turned away by government schools for four months Red Tape: Asif was staying in the village and hence his Aadhaar Card was issued in the village only. School authorities are asking for Asif's Aadhar Card issued in Delhi now 'We will admit students with requisite documents in a day or two. As for students with insufficient documents, we will assist them. Once the students have Aadhaar card, we will admit them. There is no shortcoming on the part of the Delhi government or government schools,' said Ravinder Uniyal, an SMC member and coordinator of admissions for government schools. 'Without Aadhaar card and bank account details, it is difficult to get admissions done. Adhering to protocol, we need these details to transfer money for school uniforms and books,' Uniyal explained. The students will be allowed provisional admission for 30 days ensuring age appropriate class norms under RTE Act, on the basis of an undertaking given by the parents/guardians. Just as India's economy begins to boom thanks largely to the estimated 600 million farmers that work the land, scientists have warned that climate change could make much of South Asia too hot for human survival by the end of this century. If climate change continues at its current pace, deadly heatwaves beginning in the next few decades will strike parts of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to a study based on computer simulations by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Key agricultural areas in the Indus and Ganges river basins will be particularly hard-hit, reducing crop yields and increasing hunger in some of the world's most densely populated regions, researchers said. Hot and sweaty! Over the next few decades heatwaves will hit India, Pakistan and Bangladesh (file pic) 'Climate change is not an abstract concept, it is impacting huge numbers of vulnerable people,' MIT professor Elfatih Eltahir told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. 'Business as usual runs the risk of having extremely lethal heat waves.' The areas likely to be worst affected in northern India, southern Pakistan and Bangladesh are home to 1.5 billion people, said Eltahir, the study's co-author. Currently, about 2 percent of India's population is sometimes exposed to extreme combinations of heat and humidity; by 2100 that will increase to about 70 percent if nothing is done to mitigate climate change, the study said. The areas likely to be worst affected in northern India, southern Pakistan and Bangladesh are home to 1.5 billion people Heatwaves across South Asia in the summer of 2015 killed an estimated 3,500 people and similar events will become more frequent and intense, researchers said. Projections show the Gulf region will be the world's hottest region by 2100 as a result of climate change. But with small, wealthy populations and minimal domestic food production requirements, oil-rich states in the Gulf will be better able to respond to rising heat than countries in South Asia, Eltahir said. The study does not directly address migration but researchers said it is likely that millions of people in South Asia will be forced to move due to blistering temperatures and crop failures unless steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 'life giving' Indus and Ganges river basins will be particularly hard-hit (pictured - An Indian man walks over the parched bed of a reservoir on the outskirts of Chennai) People cool themselves off in a water channel during a heat wave in Lahore, Pakistan Disaster experts from South Asian countries met in Pakistan last month to launch a toolkit to help city governments develop ways to manage the impact of heatwaves in urban areas. Ahmedabad, in western India, has already introduced a heat action plan - South Asia's first early warning system against extreme heatwaves. Authorities in the city of 5.5 million have mapped areas with vulnerable populations and set up 'cooling spaces' in temples, public buildings and malls during the summer. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna has shocked its staff by asking them to declare whether or not they are virgins. The marriage declaration form, which has gone viral on social media, is applicable to hospital employees and recently recruited doctors and nursing staff. The form also asks male employees to reveal if they have more than one wife. Apart from declaring status regarding their virginity, the women employees have also been asked to provide details about whether they are 'married to a person who has no other wife living' or 'another wife living'. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna has shocked its staff by asking them to declare whether or not they are virgins (Picture for representation only) Speaking to India Today TV, the Deputy Medical Superintendent, Dr Manish Mandal said the marriage declaration form with the controversial questions has been in practice ever since the institute was established in 1984. 'Everyone has to fill this form which is part of Central Services Rules. This form is similar to what AIIMS in Delhi uses. If the Centre or AIIMS decides to change the format of the form in future, we will also change it. This is not a new form and has been in practice since 1984 when IGIMS was established,' said Mandal. Elaborating on the need to extract personal details like one's virginity, Dr Mandal said that the questions have been asked in order to avert any kind of wrong-doing. 'In the Central Services Rules there is a provision that when a person joins the service and later on if she dies because of any eventuality, there may be a claimant or boyfriend who may come to seek job in place of the victim,' said Dr Mandal. The controversial form asks staff to select from 'bechelor' (sic) 'widower' or 'virgin' However, Dr Mandal admitted that the use of word virginity was not correct. 'Essentially, what is being asked in the form is whether a person is married or unmarried. I feel the word used should have been 'unmarried' and not 'virgin'. That would have been sober. But what is there in the rules has to be followed,' said Dr Mandal. Today Money Mail calls for a major crackdown on the car hire sharks that rip off British holidaymakers. We have been bombarded with thousands of messages and responses after our investigations revealed the dirty tricks these firms use to rip off tourists in Europe. Readers have described how they feel utterly helpless when they're flogged expensive add-ons at collection desks and powerless to recover damage charges that are unfairly deducted from their credit cards. Scandal: Car hire firms are going to every length to hide the true costs of the final bill from customers. Worse, they are paying for repairs the car hire firms never actually make. It's adding hundreds of pounds a year to the bills of holidaymakers who have practically no way of fighting back. Now it's time that consumer watchdogs showed their teeth and stood up to the car rental bullies. Our investigations exposed how the car hire firms are getting away with brazen rip-offs because the authorities have been prepared to wash their hands of the issue and let these giant businesses operate in a 'Wild West'. However, today we can reveal that in fact three of Britain's biggest regulators the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Trading Standards and the Financial Conduct Authority are refusing to take responsibility for the scandal even though they could do more to crack down on rip-offs abroad. The deals sold to British tourists are often bought online in the UK before they head off. For a start, that means the firms can be sued in the courts here for malpractice carried out abroad, lawyers say. The silence from these three regulators has so far been shameful. If a British bank or building society were using scare tactics to flog unnecessary insurance policies, or were caught telling customers that the policies they'd already bought were worthless, the City watchdog would launch a far-reaching probe. QUICK MONEY-SAVER: TRAVEL MONEY Heading abroad? Make sure you sidestep hefty bank fees on your holiday spending. Most credit and debit cards will charge hefty fees of around 3 per cent for foreign transactions, with extra charges for withdrawing cash abroad. There are several current accounts and credit cards which offer reduced fees or waive overseas charges altogether. Alternatively you could consider a prepaid currency card. FairFX is offering This is Money and MailOnline readers a free MasterCard prepaid card (usual cost 9.95). Yet the sale of car hire insurance policies, which has echoes of the PPI scandal, does not even register on the regulator's radar. Because the car hire companies are also offering their insurance contracts on UK websites to UK citizens, the City watchdog should be able to crack down on firms that engage in these dodgy sales practices. Money Mail understands the FCA is using a government exemption to claim it cannot regulate unless an insurance policy has been sold by a UK-based firm. Some rental companies are also engaged in anti-competitive practices by refusing to accept policies offered by rivals which cover the extra charges customers would have to pay in the event of an accident. In the worst cases, they have even lied about what these policies cover. City regulators should also take an interest because many customers are being forced to use their UK credit cards to purchase their car hire and insurance policies. Lawyers say the Government could also take action to make a single body responsible for the entire industry. Money Mail believes Britain's regulators have a duty to look after customers who buy goods and services here even if they then use the services abroad. Crucially, our watchdogs have the power to contact their counterparts in Italy, Spain, France and the EU headquarters in Brussels and launch a joint bid to end the scandal. We know this because they have done it before. Andrew Leakey, partner at Stephensons Solicitors and expert in consumer law, says: 'Thousands of holidaymakers are having problems with car hire firms every year and there doesn't appear to be a regulator with overall responsibility for this industry. The UK Government needs to act to protect people in these situations who often feel that they have nowhere to turn.' Readers have told how family members had been stung for huge fees by car hire firms who preyed on holidaymakers. This is the oldest ruse in the book. The car hire firms know that when someone arrives from a flight they are hot, bothered, have had to queue through passport control and to get their luggage. Their children are ratty and hungry, and everyone is dreaming of sitting by the pool. So the firms bombard customers with complicated fees and charges, knowing that once they are out the door they'll be in the holiday mood and forget all about it. Then when they return the vehicle they bank on the customer being in such a rush that they'll barely pay a moment's attention to what it looks like. Finally, any charges made will be docked from their credit card weeks later. Getting in touch with the car hire firm then proves impossibly complicated. One reader told Money Mail their niece had been billed for damage to a car she could not have caused. She says: 'When I looked at the picture the firm sent, it showed it had been taken six months earlier. I wonder how many folks got conned like this.' Another, who hired a car in Ibiza, told how they were driven to a hot car park outside the airport and made to queue in the baking sun. 'When we got to the front of the queue they said the car we had booked was no longer available and we'd have to pay for a bigger, more expensive one,' the reader says. 'They blocked our card for 800 and told us we had to take out their insurance and pay a fuel surcharge. There needs to be laws to regulate these sharks.' Another reader said a car hire firm had refused to accept alternative car hire cover forcing him to make extra payments. The Competition and Markets Authority last investigated car hire practices in July 2015, leading a European-wide project intended to improve standards at the biggest five operators in the EU. However, its recommendations of 'improved transparency' about the cost of extra insurance policies and inspections and better notification when a customer is going to get charged for damages appears to have had little effect. All customers want is for the charges to be fair and spelled out clearly before they book. But car hire firms are going to every length to hide the true costs of the final bill from customers. Most of the major international firms are signed up to a code of conduct from LeaseEurope, an umbrella body representing the European federation of vehicle leasing and rental company associations. It says hire companies must ensure 'all its advertising and literature contain no misleading or inaccurate statements, that its tariffs are promoted transparently and that its terms and conditions are readily accessible, clear and unambiguous.' It's time for the regulators to spring in to action and enforce these rules, set new ones and clean up this rotten industry so that the annual holiday car hire rip-off is ended for good. A CMA spokeswoman says: 'We continue to examine the practices of car hire brokers to improve price transparency in that sector. We take consumer protection issues seriously and consider any evidence of wrong-doing.' In a significant development late last night, a spokesman for National Trading Standards told Money Mail: 'These sort of rip-offs are deliberately designed to leave consumers out of pocket. 'National Trading Standards can enforce breaches of consumer legislation, but sometimes what is needed is concerted action to look at the way in which a particular market operates and this would usually be led by the CMA. We will be talking to the CMA and the Government about this.' A spokesman for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association care hire trade body says: Customer service is the top priority for the industry. In the UK there are more than 15 million rentals a year and the BVRLA regulates its members with a mandatory code of conduct and an inspection programme run by the AA. Any customer renting with a BVRLA member has the added assurance of being able to use our free conciliation service, which has been approved by the Trading Standards Institute. Together with our European colleagues at Leaseurope, we continue to work with regulators and consumer groups across Europe to respond to any emerging customer service trends and improve standards amongst members. d.hyde@dailymail.co.uk TELL US YOUR CAR HIRE STORY Write to carhire@dailymail.co.uk or Money Mail, 2 Derry St, London, W8 5TT Hundreds of thousands of bereaved savers are in danger of missing out on a vital new tax break because banks are making it extremely difficult to claim. A Money Mail investigation found grieving savers are routinely being given the runaround when they try to transfer their spouse's Isa into their own name. Widows, widowers and bereaved civil partners were given the right to inherit Isas under rules launched two years ago. Locked up: Allowances should be passed on to loved ones but are being withheld by banks It means if your partner had, say, 25,000 in their Isa, you could put this additional amount into an Isa in your own name and pay no tax on the returns. The extra comes on top of your usual Isa allowance 20,000 for this tax year and means couples benefit from tax planning they had set in place during their marriage. However, Money Mail has received a stream of letters from elderly savers who've battled for up to five months for the tax break only to be forced to pay for a solicitor to sort out the mess. Our probe found staff in major High Street banks are so poorly trained that they had no idea the Isa inheritance rules even existed. Some gave out incorrect advice and none offered condolences. Others, including Post Office and Leeds BS the fifth largest building society don't offer accounts where you can inherit the allowance. Other banks are forcing customers, some in their 80s, to trudge into town centres for appointments, rather than letting them open accounts by phone or post. Savers have to tackle baffling forms too. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR EXTRA ALLOWANCE You must use your allowance within three years of the date of death, or 180 days of completion of the estate's administration, if that is later. Your partner must have died after 3 December 2014. There is no need to wait until you have obtained probate to claim the allowance. But you can't just transfer the account into your name. The provider has to close your late partner's account, check you are entitled to the allowance and open an account for you. The first step is to inform the provider of your partner's death. Then you must fill in an Isa additional permitted subscriptions value request form. It can ask for details, such as the sort code and account number of your partner's Isa. Once you have been given the value you complete a form to apply for the Isa - including the amount you want to put in the account. You also have to sign an eligibility declaration form. If you want to transfer the Isa to another provider you need to fill in a transfer authority and an allowance transfer declaration form. Not all providers accept these. Bungling banks are sometimes failing to transfer Isa cash or moving it into the wrong accounts entirely. HM Revenue & Customs says it has no idea how many people have opened inherited Isas officially called the 'additional permitted allowance' but says more than 150,000 are entitled to it. Claire Davis, director at Solicitors for the Elderly, says: 'Savers looking to use their inherited Isa allowance are very vulnerable. The forms are too complex and a lot of people can't cope with them. 'Banks do not seem to have their systems in order. Each branch has its own procedure and while head office might know about it, not all branch staff do.' Widow Lynda Mason has faced a torturous ordeal to transfer her late husband's Isas. Rodney, a retired civil engineer, died aged 71 in May last year after a 12-month battle with cancer. She set about moving the money in his cash Isas, with five different providers, into accounts in her own name. Lynda told each bank about his death and with some of them the service was fairly good, but dealing with others involved numerous visits to branches. After five exasperating months, she gave up and handed the job over to a probate specialist. Retired school librarian, Lynda, 68, from London, says: 'It was very distressing at a time when you are vulnerable. I had to make appointments in branches and the staff did not seem to know what was going on. 'At one point I thought, why bother? But I did not want to lose the Isa wrapper. I have savings and if rates go up, I could end up paying tax on interest from my husband's Isa money.' Nicholas Tomkins, 50, contacted Money Mail on behalf of his 82-year old father, Rodney, who, widowed after more than 50 years of marriage, had become exasperated with HSBC's inability to deal with his extra Isa allowance. His wife, Margaret, passed away in March. Nicholas says: 'My father is very fed up. Despite numerous branch visits, phone messages and correspondence and providing all the paperwork and forms requested by the bank, we are still waiting.' Rodney received a letter dated May 8 saying there was not enough money in his current account to fund his Isa. This was because HSBC had not moved the cash from his late wife's Isa. Since Money Mail intervened last week, HSBC has contacted Mr Tomkins and paid him 200 as a gesture of goodwill. An HSBC spokesman says: 'Our procedures are aligned with HMRC regulations. We are sorry for any confusion and have apologised to Mr Tomkins.' When Money Mail visited branches of the large Isa providers, NatWest suggested taking out an ordinary Isa and offered a printout listing a deal that had been withdrawn several weeks earlier. Had our reporter applied without the right forms, she would have lost out on the extra allowance. A NatWest spokesman says its bereavement team should have made us aware of this. HSBC at first said it did not offer the deals, but the cashier checked her computer and then said they were only available to Premier current account customers. It was later confirmed this was incorrect, as all the bank's customers are eligible. A HSBC spokesman says: 'It is disappointing to hear of your experience. We will address any training issues.' At Santander, an assistant printed out the forms but gave no instructions. A spokesman says: 'As a result of your experience we are reviewing our processes and taking immediate steps to provide additional information to our branch colleagues. We would like to thank you for bringing this to our attention.' FACING PROBLEMS? If you are struggling to get the tax break because of bungling banks, please contact: sy.morris@dailymail.co.uk Nationwide, Barclays, Lloyds and Halifax said we had to make an appointment in branch. A Nationwide spokesman says: 'The account-opening process is subtly different to other accounts. 'We offer appointments to provide the correct information due to the complexities of the product.' A Lloyds Banking Group spokesman says: 'We continue to work hard to ensure we provide the best possible support for any customers experiencing bereavement. 'They can complete a request to transfer the inherited Isa allowance at a branch with a specially trained bereavement advisor. We are planning further training for our colleagues on Inherited Isas.' It was supposed to be his last summer of freedom, an adventure albeit a dangerous one with only the noblest of intentions. Austin Tice headed to Syria as a freelance journalist in May 2012, hoping to tell the stories of a people torn apart by war before returning to Georgetown Law School for his third and final year. He celebrated his 31st birthday in Syria on August 11, 2012 after reporting for outlets such as the Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers. Three days after he turned 31, however, the former Marine vanished and a disturbing video surfaced a few weeks later showing Tice blindfolded and held by armed, unidentified fighters. That was five years ago, and there has been no word from Tice or his captors since. Back in his hometown of Houston, his parents have not stopped waiting for their oldest son to walk in the door. Marc and Debra Tice are preparing to celebrate Austins 36th birthday on August 11, enjoying cake and ice cream surrounded by family, just as they would if Austin were there. As the fifth anniversary of his abduction approaches, there is no doubt in their minds that Austin is alive. But there is also no arguing that, on the day Austin was kidnapped, their all-American, ordinary life was turned upside down. Nearly five years ago, Austin Tice disappeared in Syria. His parents Debra and Marc will celebrate their son's 36th birthday on August 11 as though he were with them Austin poses with his mother, Debra, who believes he is still alive in Syria and will safely return to his parents and six siblings in Texas Austin, who turns 36 on August 11, is a Marine veteran and graduate of Georgetown's School of Foreign Service who was studying law at the time of his abduction I cant over-emphasize to you the absolute mundane life that I enjoyed so thoroughly the mom in the mom jeans and the t-shirt, you know, just being at home, says Austins mother, Debra. Austin is the oldest of her seven children. I had two amazing connections; I knew the manager at our grocery store and I could get him to get the type of bread I wanted. Were talking about connections and power here, she jokes. And then, when the kids got older, I had a really great relationship with their high school principal and it was the same thing; I could just call him up any time. So that was it for me. Those were the big deals of my life. And so now having our congressmans cell phone number and believe me, if we call him, he answers us, even if he has to answer to say, Do I need to step out, or can I call you back? But he answers his phone. And to go to DC with the expectation that were going to go into the White House, its just amazing to us. Its extremely surreal. Shes speaking just a few days after returning from Lebanon, where she and her husband, Marc, held a press conference pleading for the safe return of their son. Because Austin is an American being held captive in Syria, we especially call on the United States and the Syrian governments to locate Austin, protect him, and secure his safe return, they said. In this effort, we have made numerous trips to Washington DC and Debra has spent extended time in Damascus. They also begged Austins captors to reach out and give us the opportunity to meaningfully engage with them toward Austins safe return. In this image from a video posted to YouTube in the weeks after his disappearance, Austin Tice is shown blindfolded. His family confirmed his identity at the time. Austin's parents have begged his captors to reach out and give us the opportunity to meaningfully engage with them toward Austins safe return' Mr and Mrs Tice are 'very bold about spreading the message regarding Austins captivity and telling people that their son is being held in Syria, she says hoping to make that serendipitous connection and hopefully find that person that can help open that door' Austin was in touch with his parents every day from Syria until he was kidnapped Debra, 56, is careful about what she can say regarding efforts to free her son, though a New York Times story last month reported that the CIA set up a backchannel in the early days of the Trump administration in an effort to free Austin an effort scuppered by the subsequent use of nerve gas by the Syrian government against civilians that led to the US Presidents approval of missile strikes against a Syrian base. Its really difficult to share, you know, because we always have to be very responsible about keeping confidences, making sure that we dont do anything that would jeopardize Austins safety in any way, and also not doing anything that would push our efforts back, says Debra. She adds: You know, theres a lot that we dont know and I think part of that is just so that we dont have to be responsible for knowing. And then there are our own efforts, which is maintaining the website, maintaining the Facebook page. Theyre very bold about spreading the message regarding Austins captivity and telling people that their son is being held in Syria, she says hoping to make that serendipitous connection and hopefully find that person that can help open that door. Theyre also keen to let people know about the type of person their son Austin is. Hes a very charismatic guy and, you know, just a huge personality, says Debra proudly. He loved to laugh, and his laugh, it just filled the room. Hes also just very, very protective of his sisters and very protective of his friends, and it was important to him to be close to his brothers, to sort of say, hey, dont do stupid things that are going to set you on a path thats going to ruin your life that type of protective. I think that, just being the oldest of seven children, he just kind of developed the ability to sort of keep an eye on the people around him and I think thats what drove a lot of his decisions, is that he was never self-centered. He has always been other-centered, and I guess hes always had a heart for social justice and equality and, really, the idea that everyone is created equal and has inalienable rights. Debra with Austin, her oldest child, when he was a baby; she says he always had a 'huge personality' and is 'very charismatic' Austin's parents say that, from a young age, he was protective of his six siblings and encouraged them to follow the right paths in life An Eagle Scout, Austin was always interested in social issues and protecting the marginalized, his parents say Austin's interest in social justice and politics - which he explored through the Model UN as a teenager - led him to study at the Walsh School of Foreign Service in Georgetown Austin, right, with his parents and siblings; the close-knit family always celebrated birthdays together and will have cake and ice cream for his 36th birthday August 11 Austin was an exceptionally bright child; an Eagle Scout, he was home-schooled until high school and accepted early to local university though Debra wouldnt let him move out until he turned 18. Thats when he transferred to Georgetown, graduating from the Walsh School of Foreign Service. He shocked his parents when he then enlisted in the Marines, doing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan but afterwards he returned to Georgetown for law school, and Debra knew, when he began mentioning Syria during his second year, that there would be no dissuading him. He had been talking about going to Syria for a while, and then really, I think, in February 2012 he definitively made up his mind that thats what he was going to do in the summer, she says. It wasnt surprising. In the context of his whole life path and who he is, there wasnt any question of trying to change his mind, because he was very clear about why he was going and what he wanted to do and fully intended to return to law school in the fall and finish law school and become an attorney and whatever the next part of that was. There was some discussion about the fact that, usually, the usual course of events is that the year between your second and third year of law school, that summer, it sort of sets your career, so to speak - because thats when you get the internships and youre sort of courted, for lack of a better word, by various firms that have different disciplines that they specialize in but that just isnt what he wanted to do. Its what he called his last free summer, and so he forewent all of that and did this other thing. They heard from Austin every day while he was in Syria, either directly or through friends, she says. When he was in those environments, he liked to just hear about home you know, the cats went in, the cats went out, the cats came back in, spilled coffee on the counter this morning, just whatever, she says. On one occasion, she told him about a local issue in Houston, when neighborhood residents were up in arms about housing for single mothers being built by an area church. From the Syrian war-zone, Austin took the time to send a letter to the neighborhood association, saying: I write to express my disappointment in my hometowns apparent opposition to the extension of charitable aid to the most vulnerable in our community. His mother says: Thats his heart. There he was, on the other side of the world,' worrying in the midst of war about local social issues in Houston. She says he went to Syria because 'he wanted to have the story that showed the effect of an urban conflict, which is entirely different from, you know, two armies in uniform meeting on a battlefield and hashing it out, whatever that means. When youre going house to house and nobodys really sure who is against whom, theres so much collateral damage. Because of Austins frequent communication, alarm bells were quickly raised when he fell out of contact five years ago when he had planned to leave Syria. It was a noticeable silence when there wasnt contact, and it was noticeable to the other people that were working with him to his editor at the Washington Post that Austin had submitted an article, and she had suggested some edits, and she didnt hear right back from Austin, who hated to be edited, says Debra. That was definitely a red flag to her. Debra was on a trip to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota when her husband was notified that Austin was missing; shed been to the same location with Austin 17 years earlier, at the exact same time of year, so hed been looming large in her thoughts but she certainly never expected to get a call from her husband that he was missing. Marc had grabbed a school composition notebook from a supply closet underneath the stairs in their family home when he found out about the abduction, jotting down facts and information and that began a diary which the family keeps to this day for Austin when he returns. Austin, right, at graduation; he was home schooled until high school and entered college early, eventually transferring to Georgetown in Washington DC when he was 18 Austin was abducted three days after his 31st birthday and a video of him blindfolded and held by armed guards surfaced more than five weeks later; he has not been heard from since The Marine veteran wanted to highlight the stories of Syrians swept up in the civil war and had been talking about reporting from Syria for months before he entered the country in May 2012 The Tice family maintains a website with information about the abducted journalist; he has missed two of his sisters' weddings and the births of his niece and nephew Weve just kept that up; were on our fifth composition book now, in addition to all the different types of correspondence and so forth that were keeping, Debra says. We kind of thought, when we were making the first trip to DC, I asked Marc I said, Do you think we should get something a little more grown-up looking to carry into these meetings? Hes like, Nope this is what we had, and so lets just use it. Lets just be real. We boldly walked in with our little whatever-it-is, sixth grade composition book. And even when Austin was taken, they never imagined that, five years later, he still would not have returned home - or that his captors would have made no contact. 'It's just unfathomable, isn't it?' Debra says. 'You know, please tell me what you want!' Hes always in the front of all our minds, she says. Its really hard; we just miss him. Hes missed two of his sisters weddings, as well as the birth of a niece and a nephew. We miss him even when its not a big event, Debra says. Even when its just having a skype call or whatever, we miss him. Theres no doubt in my mind that hes coming home, so we have to do everything we can to make that happen sooner rather than later like, as soon as possible. The Tices worked with other families of hostages and the government to help overhaul US hostage policy, aiming for better inter-agency communication and better communication with relatives. In 2015 President Barack Obama approved Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 30, US Nationals Taken Hostage Abroad and Personnel Recovery efforts, and issued an executive order on the recovery of US hostages taken abroad which directs key organizational changes to ensure that the US Government is doing all that it can to safely recover Americans taken hostage overseas and is being responsive to the needs of their families. Debra says: We expected that we would work really hard on that and, in the meantime, Austin would come home and it would be sort of a legacy it would just be something that we were paying forward and saying, no other families should have to go through what weve gone through. To actually see that it worked, it was good to see that it was a worthwhile effort, because it really did make a difference. She laughs when she thinks about Austins reaction to hearing about his parents activism. I know that he has in his mind a picture of us and, you know, Im wonderful as far as it goes being a mom, but I wouldnt be his go-to person for, like, reforming United States government policy, she says. I think as he looks into all of the diaries and correspondence that we are keeping for him that will be his story, that will be his property when he comes back you know, I think hell be really surprised. And they have come to learn even more about their son since his abduction, Debra says. My goodness, its just amazing because Austins just like our son; thats who he is to us. Hes our son. And we never really looked at him as a broader person, I guess you could say. Its just been amazing and humbling and uplifting to encounter the circles that this one little pebble has made in the still water, she says. We just have all kinds of people reaching out to us and offering support and encouragement and asking how they can help and what can they do. Very early on, within a year of him having been taken captive, we knew with certainty from letters and emails that there was someone on every continent on earth praying for him. And the Georgetown community has just been amazingly stand-up, and Boy Scouts and his former Scout leaders and a huge outpouring of love and kindness, and his Marine Corps brothers you know, just this huge circle former people hat worked with him both when he was working as a waiter and when he was working at a law firm, reaching out and just wanting to know what we can do, how we can help. Its been really uplifting. What theyre asking now, though, is for people to send birthday cards to an email or postal address theyve set up in the run-up to Austins 36th birthday; they've listed details on the site the family has maintained since his abduction. We think its going to be important to him when he comes home to know that he absolutely was not forgotten, because from other people that have been held, you know, thats something theyre told a lot: Nobody is looking for you, nobody remembers you. I just want people to remember that Austin is our son and the brother to six brothers and sisters, and an uncle. Hes not just the face of a journalist being maligned for doing their job. Ashley Denise Attson, 23, sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison for murder An Arizona woman who put her 17-month-old daughter in a stroller, pushed her into the desert and left her to die on the nation's largest Native American reservation has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Ashley Denise Attson, 23, committed an 'intentional, cold-hearted, horrendous killing of an innocent child,' US District Judge David Campbell said Monday as he imposed the prison sentence under a plea deal. Attson had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the September 2016 killing on the Navajo Nation. Attson left her daughter in the desert for four days and nights before retrieving the body and burying it in an animal hole, the prosecutors said Tuesday in a statement. 'Over the next few days, she met friends for ice cream and posted pictures of herself on Facebook,' the statement said. Prosecutors say that Attson went out for ice cream and posted pictures on Facebook after abandoning her daughter in the desert in September 2016 The child was born with methamphetamine in her system and was in the custody of tribal social services most of her life before Attson regained custody about two months before her daughter was killed, prosecutors said. US attorney's spokesman Cosme Lopez declined to comment on the motive for the killing and said he could not provide additional information on circumstances of the child's death. Lopez also said policy prohibited release of the child's name because she was a juvenile. Court documents refer to her as 'Jane Doe.' The Navajo Nation (seen in a file photo) is a Native American territory spanning parts of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Attson committed the crime on the reservation The plea agreement said the maximum punishment that Attson could have received under her guilty plea to the murder charge was life in prison, and a former tribal prosecutor said she was troubled that Attson received a 20-year sentence. The child no doubt was afraid, in physical distress and 'needing the one person who is supposed to care for her the most, that being the mother,' said Bernadine Martin, a former chief prosecutor for the Navajo Nation. 'And 20 years is simply not enough.' Attson will spend 20 years in prison followed by supervised release for five years. The popular, upmarket Los Angeles boutique that became a hub for celebrity sightings in the early 2000s is now at the center of a legal battle with millions of dollars at stake. Fraser Ross, the founder of iconic chain Kitson, has revealed to DailyMail.com the reason behind the store's abrupt closing in 2015. 'There was a lot of misinformation out there about why Kitson closed, I think this lawsuit will finally explain what happened,' said the Scottish-born Ross, who has since opened up his new business, Kitross, at the same location. Last August, the businessman filed a lawsuit against his former CEO Chris Lee accusing him of fraud and unethical business practices, and last week he amended the complaint exposing more behind-the-scenes drama that led to the closure of 18 Kitson stores. Pop culture icon: Los Angeles boutique Kitson first opened its doors on Robertson Boulevard in 2000 and quickly became a hub for celebrity sightings - and shopping Founder Fraser Ross, pictured with Lindsay Lohan in 2005, revealed the reason behind the store's abrupt closing in 2015 Kitson opened its doors in 2000 on the trendy street of Robertson Boulevard which passes through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The store became widely known for its celebrity clientele and for selling pop culture fads such as the infamous 'Team Aniston' and 'Team Jolie' shirts - after Brad Pitt left his wife for his Mr and Mrs Smith co-star. Hollywood luminaries - and some not so luminous - were known to make appearances at the nearby restaurant The Ivy, and Kitson was ground zero. A-list celebs such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Victoria and David Beckham, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan, the Kardashians, and more, have been photographed carrying the store's famous blue bag. By 2011, Ross hired Lee, former senior vice president of Forever 21, to take over Kitson as CEO and expand the brand in the US and abroad, according to court documents. The following year, Ross was hospitalized at LA's Cedars Sinai Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks with years of rehabilitation looming, after he contracted a staph infection from a dental procedure. It was during this time, he claims, when Lee, entered dealings with Kitson's lenders, Salus Capital Partners, LLC, HGI Asset Management Holdings LLC, and later, Spencer Spirit Holdings, INC. The store became widely known for its celebrity clientele and for selling pop culture fads such as the infamous 'Team Aniston' and 'Team Jolie' t-shirts after Brad Pitt left his wife for his Mr and Mrs Smith co-star. Pictured: Paris and Nicky Hilton leaving Kitson wearing the tees Celeb sighting: Famous A-listers were known to make appearances at the store and have been photographed with the iconic blue bag. Britney Spears (right) caused a media frenzy after she showed up at the store at 2am for a shopping spree in 2007 Hollywood stars were known to make appearances at the nearby restaurant The Ivy, and Kitson was ground zero (Pictured: Jennifer Love-Hewitt shopping in 2013) It later came to light that Salus did not have a license to lend in California, nor did its parent company HGI, claims the suit. Ross's attorney claims they 'seized on plaintiff's illness as an occasion to prey upon [Ross], steal his money, and ruin his business.' He also accuses Lee of conspiring with the lenders to rob him of more than $2 million of his own personal funds to pay down the company's line of credit. And even after allegedly stealing the cash, Lee and the lenders are said to have tricked Ross into signing an agreement which waived his right to be repaid while he was under the influence of a sleeping pill, court documents state. FAMOUS MOMENTS AT KITSON After the store's opening in 2000, Kitson quickly became the place for celebrity sightings, as stars often showed up to shop, launch their clothing lines, and film reality shows in front of the throngs of paparazzi. Fraser Ross told DailyMail.com of the store's most iconic moments Victoria Beckham holding up the diet book 'Skinny Bitch' (May 22, 2007) Victoria Beckham holding a copy of Skinny Bitch 'Victoria was in the store to film her reality show 'Coming To America' so there were tons of photographers around. We had the Skinny Bitch book in the store on the main floor, but I moved a stack up to the cash register because I knew Victoria wouldn't be able to resist picking it up,' Ross tells DailyMail.com. After the photo came out sales of the book skyrocketed to the top of all the best sellers list. Britney Spears's 2 am shopping spree with Sam Lutfi weeks before her breakdown (January 17, 2007): 'I was in dead sleep when my phone rang around midnight,' Ross tells the Daily Mail, 'One of Britney's people tells me she wants to go shopping at my store.' He got his manager to open up and by the time Ross got there at 2am, Britney was arriving, with 20 paparazzi on her heels. 'She walks in speaking with a British accent,' he says, 'the whole thing was so bizarre! She ended up buying underwear and sunglasses.' Angelina Jolie causes chaos on Robertson (December 21, 2006): 'Photographers were taking pictures of Denise Richards at Kitson Kids' store when they realized Angelina Jolie was inside shopping too. It was one of those 'OMG' moments because Angelina was so in the news back then. 'Word got out and Robertson became a logjam of fans and paparazzi. We let her out the back door because there was so much chaos, but I'll never forget how cool and composed she was, and how nice she was to everyone.' Advertisement In March of 2015, Ross sold his shares in the company, but was told to stay on as a gift and book buyer, and to not disclose that he was no longer the owner to anyone, most importantly vendors. 'I wanted a press release to explain that I was no longer the owner and that the lenders controlled everything but they wouldn't do it,' Ross told DailyMail.com After lender Salus Capital collapsed in 2015 (thanks in part to a $250 million loan to now-defunct Radio Shack), Spencers Spirit Holdings was brought in as a secondary lender to help Kitson grow. Ross alleges in the suit that both lenders, Salus and Spencers committed lender liability by taking over Kitson's day-to-day operations. 'Salus and Spencer's, under the direction of its executives.....ran the company in a way that exposed conflicts of interest: they made business decisions on behalf of the company that privileged their interests as lenders over the best interests of the company,' court papers state. Too famous: Angelia Jolie was forced to exit through the back door after the store was swarmed by paparazzi and fans during one of her shopping trips The Kardashians and the Jenner sisters were also known to shop at the famous boutique Stephanie Pratt was spotted leaving Kitson in November 2011, the store closed its doors in 2015 but for reasons that were unclear to the public Ross alleges they engaged in a 'pump and dump' fraudulent scheme in which they 'pumped' up the inventory by massive amounts leading vendors to believe they will be paid. Instead, they effectively 'dumped' it by closing its doors, refused to pay vendors, and profited off the merchandise in liquidation. 'It's like they committed the crime, but left my fingerprints at the scene. Even though I was no longer the owner of Kitson, a majority of the vendors were upset with me over the money they were owed on invoices,' Ross said in his exclusive interview. When Ross opened his new store Kitross on June 1, 2016, he had trouble getting vendors to sell to him, and many have refused to do business with him to this day based on their experiences with Kitson in its final days. According to the suit, the witness list submitted by defendant Chris Lee includes Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who may be running as a Democratic candidate for president in 2020. Also of note in the lawsuit is Richard Grenell, frequent Fox News foreign affairs contributor and a supporter of President Trump who is currently on the short list to become U.S. ambassador to Germany. Grenell (a partner with Capitol Media Partners, and a former spokesman for the United Nations under George W Bush) acted as publicist for Kitson for three months in early 2015. Fraser Ross (pictured with Shannon Elizabeth, right) accuses the store's lenders of committing a 'pump and dump' scheme and stealing his money Despite legal troubles, there's no shortage of celebrities at his new Kitross store, which he opened in April 2016. David Beckham, Reese Witherspoon, have been spotted shopping there Kitson still owes him $30,000. Ross had reached out to Grenell when his new store Kitross stirred up controversy with a 'Make America and Robertson Great Again' right after the election in November 2016, and had him making headlines on the late local news. 'I was ready to put up a window saying, 'Make Robertson Stronger Together' if Hillary had won, but that's not how it turned out,' Ross said. To show ongoing damages to his livelihood and reputation, Ross included part of an email he received from Grenell after he contacted him in November where he writes: 'You aren't paying meI did work for your company and am still owed $30K.' Despite legal troubles, there's no shortage of celebrities at his new Kitross store, David Beckham, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Adam Sandler, Kelly Rowland and even Carrie Fisher (before her death last December) have shopped there. On July 17, Janet Jackson came to Kitross Kids with her 7-month old baby son Eissa and bought him a set of tiny drums. 'The rise and fall of Kitson could be a Hollywood movie, it has everything, celebrities, politicians, power players, greed, and a lot of behind the scenes drama,' says Ross. A man has been killed and two deputies left in serious condition after a shootout at a Rastafarian weed farm in California. Police were called to reports of a worker at the farm acting 'erratically', pulling up plants and carrying a gun around 8.40am on Tuesday. When the officers arrived the suspect fled into a nearby home before opening fire on two cops who went inside. A worker at a Californian Rastafarian cannabis farm has been shot dead and two deputies wounded after police were called to reports of a disturbance on Tuesday morning Yuba County Sheriff Steven Durfor said the suspect was seen acting erratically, was pulling up plants and carrying a gun before deputies arrived A third officer who was standing guard by the back door managed to drag his colleagues to safety before SWAT teams were called. Tear gas was fired into the property before police stormed in and found the suspect dead in an upstairs room. Yuba County Sheriff Steve Durfor said it is too early to tell whether the man was fatally shot by officers or if he killed himself. The sheriff said the deputies were airlifted to a hospital and both were in serious condition, but each was expected to recover after undergoing surgery. Heidi Lepp, leader of the Sugarleaf Rastafarian Church, said she received a call from church members who live on the marijuana farm on Tuesday morning. They told her that a newly-arrived worker, known only as 'Sawyer', had become erratic, was ripping up plants and holding a gun. Heidi Lepp (left), leader of the Sugarleaf Rastafarian Church, said the worker called Sawyer had only just arrived at the farm. She is seen at her recent wedding to husband Eddy The suspect ran into a nearby house before opening fire on two deputies who entered, leaving them in a serious but stable condition, the sheriff said (scene pictured) SWAT teams were called and stormed the house before finding the suspect dead upstairs, though it is unclear if he was killed by police or turned his gun on himself Lepp said she called the sheriff's office and told the men on the farm to leave immediately. She said 'Sawyer' showed up at the farm about a month ago. The property is owned by a branch of Lepp's church, she said. The farm is between 20 and 40 acres, Lepp said, and does not have a permit to grow medical marijuana in Yuba County. The church considers marijuana a sacrament. The shooting occurred a day after two police officers were shot and wounded in the central California city of Los Banos during a struggle with a man who broke into his estranged wife's apartment. Police fatally shot that shooter. This is the hilarious moment a burglar attempted to break into a warehouse through a window - only to realise that he was still outside of the building. The man was caught on CCTV forcing open a window of the warehouse in an unnamed Malaysian town and then climbing through the opening. But he didn't seem to realise that the wall was simply a perimeter in front of the actual warehouse. A man was caught on CCTV forcing open a window of the warehouse and then climbing through the opening There was no side wall so he could have simply walked around it. The puzzled-looking man was dubbed the 'world's dumbest burglar' after footage of him stepping back onto the street empty-handed was posted online. The hilarious clip was shared online by the warehouse owner. It shows the man sneaking up to the window and using both hands to force it open before crawling through the gap. He didn't seem to realise that the wall was simply a perimeter in front of the actual warehouse, and when he got through he was still outside the building Once inside, he realises he is in a completely empty yard - with the real warehouse still in front of him. After watching the video on social media one bemused viewer asked: 'Why didn't he climb back out through the window?' Another wondered: 'Maybe it was a dress rehearsal for the real thing?' Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has extended an olive branch to the North Korean regime saying 'we are not your enemy' and raising the prospect of dialogue. But he said this could only come on the condition that Kim Jong-un's regime gives up its ambition to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the US mainland. Tillerson told reporters at the State Department that 'we do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel.' Scroll down for video Rex Tillerson (pictured on Tuesday) said the US isn't seeking regime change in the hermit state and is open to dialogue - on the condition that Kim gives up his nuclear weapons program The Secretary of State said the Trump administration still favors a diplomatic solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula, calling the other options 'not particularly attractive'. The pair are pictured together at meeting with the Chinese in April He added: 'We are not your enemy ... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. 'And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them.' Tillerson's statement came after Pyongyang successfully tested its second ICBM last week, which flew 2,300 miles into space - more than six times the height of the International Space Station's orbit - before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. The regime deliberately fired the Hwasong-14 missile at a steep trajectory to limit its range, but fired like a conventional missile, experts believe it would be capable of ranging most of the United States. However, it is not clear whether Kim possesses a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on the missile. Questions have also been raised over whether the dictator has the technology to bring a warhead back to Earth in one piece after video footage emerged showing the latest missile's re-entry vehicle crashing back down in flames. His comments came after North Korea successfully tested its second Hwasong-14 ICBM last week, which experts believe could range most of the United States While Kim's regime can now range the mainland United States, it is still not clear that he has a nuclear weapon small enough to fit on the missile, or the technology to bring it back to Earth Tillerson said any dialogue with Kim would be on the condition that 'there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less the (U.S.) homeland.' Tillerson repeated calls for North Korea's neighbor and ally China, which has urged a resumption of talks with Pyongyang, to use its influence to create the conditions for 'productive dialogue.' He said other options were 'not particularly attractive.' The Secretary of State stressed that China has an important role to play in any talks process, accounting for roughly 90 per cent of North Korea's on-the-books trade. While Xi Jinping's government could do more to pressure the North, he said, 'we certainly don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea.' That statement seems to be at odds with multiple tweets put out by President Trump in recent days which were particularly scathing of Chinese attempts to bring North Korea to heel, accusing the communist government of 'doing nothing'. President Trump's administration has said all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones. Tillerson also said 'we don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea' - despite repeated tweets from President Trump in recent days which accused them of 'doing nothing' However, given the potential for massive casualties from North Korean retaliation in allied South Korea and Japan and among U.S. troops there, it has stressed the need for a diplomatic solution. Earlier on Tuesday Republican senator Lindsey Graham said Trump had told him he was willing to go to war with North Korea 'if they continued to try to hit America with an ICBM.' 'He's told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically,' he said on NBC's 'Today Show.' 'There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's program and North Korea itself,' Graham said. 'I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top.' Asked about Graham's remarks, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders reiterated that the administration was 'keeping all options on the table.' Last month national security adviser General H.R. McMaster told CNN that he had been preparing a list of North Korean options for Trump, though it is unclear what that list contains or if the President has seen it yet. Any strike against Kim's regime would almost certainly be met with retaliatory action, at least against South Korea and Japan, risking the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians and tens of thousands of US troops stationed in the region. North Korea is also capable of striking the US military base in Guam, though it is unclear if its weapons would be effective over this distance. While all war games scenarios show the US winning a conflict with North Korea, CNN reports, any conflict would come at a huge cost to both nations and their allies. The board chairman and co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corp Jeff Brotman, 74, (pictured) died in his sleep at his home in Medina, Washington, early Tuesday morning The board chairman and co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corp died early Tuesday morning. Jeff Brotman, 74, passed away in his sleep at his home in Medina, Washington, his brother Michel Brotman told The Seattle Times. His cause of death is still unknown, but Michel said: 'We assume his heart just stopped working.' The warehouse club company announced Brotman's death Tuesday in a brief statement. 'The thoughts of Costco's board, management and employees are with Jeff's wife and family,' the company said. No other details were provided. Brotman, an attorney and businessman, opened Costco's first warehouse with Jim Sinegal in 1983 in Seattle. Based in Issaquah, Washington, the company now operates 736 warehouses around the world, including 511 in the United States and Puerto Rico. Costco is one of the world's largest retailers and is the largest membership-only warehouse club. Sinegal told the Times that the death of his business partner and friend came as 'a complete shock for everyone'. 'Over 35 years, he became not just a business partner but a confidante, a great friend. Im not exaggerating for a second when I say I loved the guy,' Sinegal said. Monday night Brotman attended a dinner for about 2,000 Costco warehouse managers who were gathered from around the world at the Washington State Convention Center, according to Sinegal. Brotman, (right) an attorney and business man, opened Costco's first warehouse with Jim Sinegal (left) in 1983 in Seattle. The co-founders are pictured in January 2004 at a stockholders meeting Based in Issaquah, Washington, the company now operates 736 warehouses around the world, including 511 in the United States and Puerto Rico. Costco is one of the world's largest retailers and is the largest membership-only warehouse club Brotman had served as the chairman of the board since 1994 and Costco has not said who would succeed him in the position. Brotman grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and attended the University of Washington. He graduated in 1964 with a degree in political science and in 1967 with a law degree. In 1976, he married Susan Thrailkill, a former Nordstrom executive. In 1976, Brotman married Susan Thrailkill, (right) a former Nordstrom executive. He is survived by his wife, their son Justin Brotman, their daughter Amanda Brotman-Schetritt and two grandchildren Brotman grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and attended the University of Washington. He graduated in 1964 with a degree in political science and in 1967 with a law degree. He is pictured in 2003 He and his wife were well-known for their philanthropy. They supported many institutions including University of Washington Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital through Friends of Costco Guild, the Seattle Art Museum and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. The couple was also politically active as donors within the Democratic Party. They even hosted fundraisers for Hillary Clinton last year and Barack Obama in 2012 in their home. Brotman was also an early investor in Starbucks. The coffee chain's executive chairman, Howard Schultz, said in a statement: 'I will miss Jeff immensely. He was a dear friend, mentor and a brother. '[He] has been a shining light in the community contributing so much to Seattle and the nation. We have lost a titan of our community.' Brotman is survived by his wife Susan, their son Justin Brotman, their daughter Amanda Brotman-Schetritt and two grandchildren. A police chief has sparked a row by selling one of Britain's most valuable car number plates. West Mercia Police hope to raise up to 250,000 by auctioning the registration number AB 1. Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion will put the money towards front line policing and it could pay for 12 new constables for a year. But retired officers have launched a campaign to stop the sale saying the force is selling off its 'crown jewels'. West Mercia police is hoping to raise quarter of a million pounds with the 'AB 1' plate. Pictured: The advert for the number plate More than 700 people have signed a petition urging the force to keep the historic plate, first issued in 1908 and used on the official cars of the Worcestershire Chief Constable. Experts say its value is increased because there is documentation to show it's only ever had one owner. Mr Campion said: 'A considered decision has been made to market AB 1. The sale proceeds will be reinvested towards frontline policing in West Mercia. Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion (pictured) will put the money towards front line policing and it could pay for 12 new constables for a year 'My priority is to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected and that West Mercia is a safe place. The public expect that I effectively use the assets at my disposal to do this.' The registration number, unused for six years, is up for auction with a guide price of 175,000 but is expected to go for a lot more. Mr Campion added: 'The prospect of a Chief Constable or any public servant using a private number plate belongs in a time gone by, both for security reasons and public expectation. 'I acknowledge there is history associated with this registration number, however it is right that we utilise the assets we have to support policing in our area.' Ironically, the initials of current chief constable Anthony Bangham coincide with the number plate. Former officers were outraged by the sale and have urged the Police and Crime Commissioner to have a rethink. Retired Worcester policeman Paul Yarrington said: 'It's like selling the crown jewels really. It's a bit of police history. 'Thousands of officers, if you asked them what AB 1 was, they could say it's the chief's car. I was disgusted when I saw it for sale. 'There's at least 19 cars I know it's been on. There's no sense of history now. I get the feeling the force is alienating itself against the public.' Auctioneer Brightwells had initially offered the plate for sale but it was later withdrawn on orders from the force. A spokesman for the auctioneer confirmed that it was no longer handling the sale. Vehicle registration was introduced in 1903 and AB 1 was first plate issued in Worcestershire in 1908. Two jumbo jets which were built for a Russian airline could become part of the Air Force One fleet, it was confirmed today. The Air Force, which has been looking for ways to lower the cost of new planes for Air Force One, is in talks with Boeing about buying two 747s that were ordered but never delivered to a now-defunct Russian airline. President Donald Trump has previously complained about the high cost of new Air Force One planes, even threatening at one point to cancel the order. Russian connection: President Trump, seen speaking to employees at Boeing South Carolina, has complained about the high cost of new Air Force One planes, and the Air Force is now working on a deal with Boeing about buying two 747s previously meant for a Russian airline The Air Force and Boeing confirmed Tuesday that they are working on a deal involving Boeing 747s but declined to disclose further details. Two people close to the matter said that the discussions are centered on planes that were ordered by a Russian carrier. They spoke anonymously because the deal is not final and has not been publicly announced. The current list price for the Boeing 747-8 is $386.8 million, according to Boeing's website. It was not clear whether that price would apply to planes that are already built and sitting in Boeing's inventory. Also, buyers including airlines often get discounts for commercial planes. Additional modifications would greatly increase the final price tag. Frequent flyer: President Trump steps off Air Force One after arriving at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York, last week The Air Force is eyeing two Boeing 747-8 aircraft that were ordered by Russian carrier Transaero but never delivered because the airline filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015, according to the people familiar with the matter. The planes were flown in February from Seattle, near the Boeing assembly plant, to a facility in Victorville, California, according to tracking service FlightAware. Aircraft makers like Boeing and Airbus routinely try to resell planes that are ordered but never delivered. 'The Air Force is working through the final stages of coordination to purchase two commercial 747-8 aircraft, and we expect to award a contract soon,' Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said. Current state: Members of the White House press corps board Air Force One before the arrival of President Donald Trump at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland in April Boeing issued a similar statement, adding that it is working to get 'the best deal for the Air Force and the best price for the taxpayer.' Discussions around the planes were previously reported by Defense One, which covers defense and national-security news. Chicago-based Boeing Co.'s stock fell in December when then-President-elect Trump complained on Twitter about the cost of new Air Force One planes. 'Costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!' he tweeted. A month later, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg met with Trump and declared they had made 'great progress' in discussions about holding down the program's cost. That led to talks between the company and the Pentagon that are still continuing. The Pentagon awarded Boeing a contract for preliminary engineering and design work. If they conclude a purchase contract, that would be followed by another contract covering modifications to turn commercial airliners into Air Force One, which is a flying fortress with sophisticated communications equipment. The new planes would go into service around 2024. A large percentage of yeah nine school students will need extra help in up to three subjects to be eligible to sit their Higher School Certificate (HSC) in three years' time. Data from the 2017 NAPLAN testing reveals that as much as 70 per cent of this years' cohort will be required to undergo further testing in reading, writing or numeracy. Under new rules, students that do not achieve at least a NAPLAN band 8 will need to sit an online exam in 2018 in order to qualify for the HSC. Scroll down to watch video Almost 70 per cent of year 9 students will sit further testing in reading, writing or numeracy NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian told The Sydney Morning Herald, 'The results also show the NSW government's introduction of minimum standards have yielded outstanding results with students showing great improvements in literacy and numeracy. The mixed bag of results for Australia's school children, released on Wednesday, show little improvement from a year ago but the longer-term trend offers some hope. 23 per cent of NSW students, which was 'more than expected' have already qualified to take their HSC in 2020. The initial NAPLAN literacy and numeracy results from May's tests show over the past decade there has been gradual growth in the number of students performing at the top end, especially in year three reading results. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority says the same trend is evident in other areas, although it is not always enough to lift national averages. 'What the 10-year data indicates is that change is happening...and this is to be welcomed,' chief executive Robert Randall said on Wednesday. 'If this improvement can be replicated across more domains, years and states, then a lift in average results nationally will be seen.' There has been some growth in the number of students performing well over the past decade In South Australia, schools will receive a $67.5 million funding increase following the poor results. The extra funding will be used to employ more teachers to help improve literacy and numeracy, SA Education Minister Susan Close said in a statement on Wednesday. The minister also noted that the NAPLAN results will be analysed and used to direct extra funding to primary schools. Extra funding will be given to primary schools in South Australia to lift NAPLAN test scores 'Getting literacy and numeracy right in the early years is the foundation for students to go on to succeed in the rest of their education,' Ms Close said. SA ranked below the national average in the reading and writing component of the nationwide test. Conversely, NSW has achieved some of the best results it has seen since 2008. Victorian students' writing skills have gotten worse while NSW students have gotten better Victoria is claiming victory after some preliminary results showed improvement in reading, spelling and numeracy for some grades. But other figures aren't as encouraging - the state is going backwards in writing, while NSW has gotten better. 'The number of kids doing better in numeracy and reading is increasing, and we'll keep investing to ensure results continue to improve,' Education Minister James Merlino said on Wednesday. NAPLAN results in both reading and numeracy have improved across the board since 2008 Mr Randall strongly cautioned there was no room for complacency. The results point to gains across the board in reading and numeracy since 2008, but results for writing have dropped since 2011. Similarly, in the past year students are doing better in reading and numeracy but writing results fell. 'Lasting improvements in student achievement take a number of years to flow through school systems and require consolidating gains over time,' he said. Students that do not achieve at least a NAPLAN band 8 will need to sit an online exam in 2018 Education Minister Simon Birmingham was likewise cheered by the long-term trends but said Australia needed to aim for more consistent results. 'The results show that while we have excellent schools and teachers in Australia, we need to focus on what will give our students the opportunities they need to reach their potential,' he said. 'That means looking at what can be learned from our high-achieving schools and what they do that can apply in other schools.' Education Minister Simon Birmingham said Australia needs to aim for more consistent results The government has commissioned businessman David Gonski to lead a review looking at just that and to report back in early next year. Opposition education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek laid blame with Senator Birmingham's predecessor Christopher Pyne for scrapping Labor's conditions to make schools use extra funding to drive improved achievement. Labor's targets included getting Australia into the top five countries in the world for reading, maths and science, lifting teaching quality, and giving school principals more power. Flights have been grounded in Melbourne with thick fog blanketing the city on Wednesday morning. Melbourne airport made the announcement via Twitter. 'Fog at Melbourne Airport this morning may cause delays. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for details,' the airport said. Scroll down for video Flights have been grounded in Melbourne with thick fog blanketing the city on Wednesday morning Commuters are being urged to slow down, turn their headlights on and keep a safe distance from other vehicles Melbourne woke to thick fog blanketing the city on Wednesday morning Light winds and clear skies overnight caused the fog on Wednesday morning The Bureau of Meteorology also issued a warning for the Melbourne area due to dangerous driving conditions. Commuters are being urged to slow down, turn their headlights on and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. 'Reduced visibility in fog will make road conditions dangerous during this morning in all suburbs,' the bureau said. Light winds and clear skies overnight caused the fog on Wednesday morning, Dean Stewart, a forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology told The Herald Sun. 'It's quite extensive across the Melbourne metro area,' he said. Once the fog clear Melbourne is expected to reach a top of 15C. Once the fog clear Melbourne is expected to reach a top of 15C The prankster who allegedly duped Anthony Scaramucci sent the former White House communications director emails from his bedroom. The prankster who goes by the pseudonym Sinon Reborn shared screenshots of what he said was a genuine conversation with Scaramucci with CNN's Jake Tapper on Monday. He also posted some of the images on Twitter. The notorious Manchester-based hoaxer has also duped Labour MP Dianne Abbott and Bank of England chief Mark Carney - who he tricked into discussing former Bank governor Eddie George's drinking habits. He says he duped officials from his home in the north of England while lying in bed watching Netflix. He also claims to have posed as Jared Kushner, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., to fool other officials. Scroll down for video In this email exchange, prankster Sinon Reborn poses as Reince Priebus to contact Anthony Scaramucci on July 30, a day after Priebus's resignation (left). Scaramucci replied (right), telling Priebus he will 'thrive' and saying 'I know what you did'. He was fired two days later Priebus and The Mooch, as he is known, had a frosty relationship to say the least. When Scaramucci took the role of communications director, he kicked their feud into the limelight with a profanity-laced interview in which he called the then Chief of Staff a 'f***ing paranoid schizophrenic' and 'c**c blocker'. Neither now works for the president Sinon Reborn is a 39-year-old web designer from Manchester who claims to 'keep it on the humorous side of things,' telling CNN: 'I'm not trying to get the keys to the vault or anything like that.' Anthony Scaramucci allegedly told the prankster posing as Reince Priebus 'I know what you did' and compared the former chief of staff's White House departure to Shakespeare's tragedy Othello. While the emails in themselves were bizarre enough, it was Scaramucci's reference to Shakespeare that set the internet alight as people tried to tease out the metaphor. 'I KNOW WHAT YOU DID' THE MOOCH'S EXCHANGE WITH FAKE REINCE Prankster to Scaramucci: 'I had promised myself I would leave my hands mud free, but after reading your tweet today which stated how 'soon we will learn who in the media has class, and who hasn't, has pushed me to this. 'That tweet was breathtakingly hypocritical, even for you. At no stage have you acted in a way that's even remotely classy yet you believe that's the standard by which everyone should behave towards you? 'General Kelly will do a fine job. I'll even admit he will do a better job than me. But the way in which that transition has come about has been diabolical. And hurtful. I don't expect a reply.' Scaramucci to prankster: 'You know what you did. We all do. Even today. But rest assured we were prepared. A Man would apologize.' Prankster to Scaramucci: 'I can't believe you are questioning my ethics! The so called 'Mooch', who can't even manage his first week in the White House without leaving upset in his wake. I have nothing to apologize for.' Scaramucci to Prankster: 'Read Shakespeare. Particularly Othello. You are right there. 'My family is fine by the way and will thrive. I know what you did. No more replies from me.' Advertisement The tragedy deals with themes of power, ambition, infidelity and jealousy as it follows lowly army officer Iago's attempts to manipulate his way to the top, leading to death for his superiors and ruination for himself. According to the screenshots, the emails took place on Saturday, a day after Priebus's resignation and two days before Scaramucci was fired just over a week after joining the White House as its new communications director. Posing as Priebus, the prankster trashed Scaramucci as 'hypocritical' and accused him of having no class. 'I had promised myself I would leave my hands mud free, but after reading your tweet today which stated how 'soon we will learn who in the media has class, and who hasn't, has pushed me to this,' he wrote. 'That tweet was breathtakingly hypocritical, even for you. At no stage have you acted in a way that's even remotely classy yet you believe that's the standard by which everyone should behave towards you?' Speaking of Priebus's successor, General John Kelly, he went on: 'General Kelly will do a fine job. I'll even admit he will do a better job than me. 'But the way in which that transition has come about has been diabolical. And hurtful. I don't expect a reply.' Scaramucci, seemingly responding from his White House email account, wrote: 'You know what you did. We all do. Even today. But rest assured we were prepared. A Man would apologize.' The prankster carried on, responding: 'I can't believe you are questioning my ethics! The so called 'Mooch', who can't even manage his first week in the White House without leaving upset in his wake. I have nothing to apologize for.' To this, Scaramucci is said to have replied: 'Read Shakespeare. Particularly Othello. You are right there. 'My family is fine by the way and will thrive. I know what you did. No more replies from me.' The warning prompted confusion among the public once the exchange was published. Many questioned which character Scaramucci was comparing Priebus to - the villainous Iago whose scheming breaks up a marriage and leads to the death of three innocent people - or Othello, a jealous outsider who kills himself then his own wife after falling for Iago's lies. The fact Scaramucci - whose wife filed for divorce earlier this month while eight months pregnant - added that his family is 'fine' suggests he was scrutinizing Priebus's personal life. Over the weekend, one of the Mooch's friends was shouted down after accusing Priebus of having an affair on Twitter. Priebus and his wife Sally have been married since 1999. It was not the only time the Mooch seemed to fall for the prankster's con. On July 13, the prankster posed as Donald Trump Jr. and contacted Eric Trump about hunting rifles. Eric became suspicious after exchanging a few messages and said he had contacted police Posing as Russian ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. on Friday, the jokster asked Scaramucci in reference to Priebus and Senior White House Strategist Steve Bannon: 'Who's head should roll first?' Scaramucci allegedly responded: 'Both of them'. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the White House was investigating the emails on Monday. 'We take all cyber related issues very seriously and are looking into these incidents further,' she said. There were other apparent victims, but none have yet confirmed the email threads posted online by Sinon Reborn as genuine. In another exchange, posing as Eric Trump, the prankster told Jon Huntsman, the Russian ambassador: 'Maybe we could have Dad sat on a horse, top off, giving the full Putin! 'He's in better shape than his suit suggests.' In another, the prankster posed as Donald Trump Jr. and contacted his brother, Eric, asking to go hunting. On July 13, they sent Eric Trump an email under the subject line 'just ordered one of these'. The email included a link to a hunting rifle. In the email's body, the prankster wrote: 'Primarily for hunting. Hunting witch-hunters, ha!' Eric was dubious from the beginning and responded: 'Did you send this?' Maintaining character, the prankster replied from the email address donaldtrumpjr.trump@gmail.com: 'yes, why?' The prankster dubbed the brothers 'dumb and dumber' in another email in which he posed as Russian ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. The prankster Sinon Reborn also posed as Russian ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. to call Eric and Donald Trump Jr. 'dumb and dumber The prankster goes by the Twitter handle Sinon Reborn. They share screenshots of the exchanges online The prankster also posed as Jared Kushner to email other officials. Under his guise, he invited them to a party 'DONALD TRUMP JR.' TO ERIC The prankster, posing as Donald Trump Jr., sent a link to a hunting rifle to Eric under the subject line 'just ordered one of these' on July 13. They had the following exchange: 'Don. Jr.' to Eric: 'Primarily for hunting. Hunting witch-hunters, ha!' Eric 'Did you send this? 'Donald Jr.' 'Yes why?' Eric 'Sorry it was so vague and I just don't open links for obvious reasons. This came at a perfect time as we have the meeting tonight. I am fighting hard to stop this nonsense.' 'Donald Jr.' 'What's the plan? And it's a beast - you will love it. Try not to worry - things will turn around' Eric: 'I have sent this to law enforcement who will handle from here.' Advertisement 'JARED KUSHNER' TO TOM BOSSERT On July 27, the prankster emailed Homeland Security adviser Tom Bossert pretending to be Jared Kushner to invite him to a party planned in August. The subject Suspect Spam in capitals. 'Jared Kushner' to Tom Bossert: 'Tom, we are arranging a bit of a soiree towards the end of August. 'It would be great if you could make it, I promise food of at least comparible quality to that which we ate in Iraq! 'Should be a great evening' Bossert to 'Kushner': 'Thanks, Jared. With a promise like that, I can't refuse.' Bossert, who was chosen before Trump's inauguration, offered his personal email address which has been redacted from the following line. 'Also, if you ever need it, here's my personal email address. - Tom' Advertisement Eric replied: 'Sorry it was so vague and I just don't open links for obvious reasons. This came at a perfect time as we have the meeting tonight. I am fighting hard to stop this nonsense.' The prankster responded again but this time they blew their cover. 'What's the plan? And it's a beast - you will love it. Try not to worry - things will turn around,' they wrote. 'Eric Trump' to Jon Huntsman Jr: Dad'll do the full Putin! In another exchange, the prankster posed as Eric Trump to send a message to Russian ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. After being thanked by Huntsman for a note of support he'd given him, the prankster joked: 'Maybe we could have Dad sat on a horse, top off, giving the full Putin! 'He's in better shape than his suit suggests.' Advertisement Eric, now suspicious, replied: 'I have sent this to law enforcement who will handle from here.' Other email exchanges included one in which the prankster claimed to be Jared Kushner. They emailed Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert to invite him to a party. 'Tom, we are arranging a bit of a soiree towards the end of August. It would be great if you could make it, I promise food of at least comparible (sic) quality to that which we ate in Iraq. Should be a great evening.' Bossert replied: 'Thanks, Jared. With a promise like that, I can't refuse.' He then added his personal email address with the message: 'If you ever need it.' Sinon Reborn did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's questions late on Monday night. It is not yet clear if they have been contacted by any law enforcement agency. Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert (L) and Russian Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. (R) also appeared to fall for the prank Othello: Shakespeare's tale of jealousy, infidelity and betrayal From 'c**k blocking' to 'paranoiac', Anthony Scaramucci managed to produce dozens of attention-grabbing quotes despite serving for just 10 days as Trump's communication chief. But his best was perhaps saved until last after it was revealed he emailed a man he thought was Reince Priebus saying: 'Read Shakespeare. Particularly Othello... I know what you did.' That comment sent the internet into overdrive last night as people tried to unpick the metaphor and figure out which real-life personality matched with which Shakespearean character. The tragedy tells the story of lowly army officer Iago and his attempts to manipulate his way to the top, leading to death for his superiors and ruination for himself. The tale is ripe with metaphors for Washington, dealing with themes of power, jealousy, backstabbing and reputation. But there are other references that speak more directly to Scaramucci's relationship with Priebus - namely infidelity and marital breakdown. Last week it emerged that Deidre Ball, Scaramucci's estranged wife, had served divorce papers on him days after he accepted his position in the Trump administration - though she denied the two were related. Scaramucci's reference to Othello caused a stir online as people tried to work out which real life personality matched with which fictional character Meanwhile Arthur Schwartz, a man who was quoted in the past as Scaramucci's PR representative, attacked Priebus in a cryptic tweet which mentioned a mistress. He wrote: 'Hey @Reince45. Oops; Reince - you're unemployed now. Keep pushing this crap & I'll start dropping oppo on you. Mistress much?' Schwartz subsequently retracted the affair accusation without providing any evidence to back it up, before distancing himself from Scaramucci, saying he is only a friend and not his publicist. Othello starts with the titular character celebrating his secret marriage to Desdemona, the wife of senator Brabantio, before the union is revealed to him by the jealous Iago and Rodrigo, a failed suitor of Desdemona's. Furious, Brabantio disowns his daughter and sends Othello to Cyprus to repel a Turkish invasion, with Desdemona, Iago, his wife Emilia, and lieutenant Cassio - who has just been promoted over Iago - going with him. In Cyprus, Iago begins to poison his master's mind into thinking that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers. He engineers a drunken brawl for which Cassio is blamed and dismissed from his post. Iago then uses a handkerchief to convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful, after which the general orders Iago to kill Cassio while he smothers his wife. Emilia reveals her husband's deception, causing a grief-stricken Othello to kill himself and Iago to murder his own wife in a twist of poetic justice. He is then arrested and left to the justice of the Venetian state. Twitter users were confused by the Othello reference and pleaded with Scaramucci to share his thoughts behind it after reading his exchange with the prankster Advertisement Bank of England chief Mark Carney caught out joking about his predecessor knocking back martinis - while Labour MP Diane Abbott is fooled by prankster pretending to be Jeremy Corbyn adviser in email hoax Bank of England chief Mark Carney was caught out in May this year joking about his knocking back martinis after being duped by the email hoaxer. He became the latest top banker to be hoodwinked by the joker, who has posted the exchanges online. Mr Carney was tricked into discussing the late former Bank governor Eddie George's drinking habits with the hoaxer in a series of emails. Bank of England chief Mark Carney, pictured with a new 5 note last September, was caught out joking about his knocking back martinis after being duped by the email hoaxer And he accepted an invite to go to a summer party - as long as it did not clash with work. The trickster used the fake email account anthonyhabgood@hotmail.com to hoodwink Mr Carney. The governor responded three times to a message referring to reports that picture of Jane Austen on the new 10 note looked 'like someone who's had a 'bracing martini'. MP Diane Abbott was fooled by the prankster pretending to be a top party adviser Mr Carney emailed back saying: 'I will drink the martini and order another two. Apparently that was Eddie George's daily intake ... before lunch.' But he abruptly ended the exchange when the hoaxer said there would be 'dashing bar ladies' and told Mr Carney he kept the 'crystal glasses' low down so their 'enchanting dexterity' could be admired. And in June, Labour MP Diane Abbott came under fire yet again after being fooled by the prankster pretending to be a top party adviser in an email hoax. The shadow home secretary replied to a chain of emails that she thought were from party spin doctor Seumas Milne following her withdrawal from BBC Woman's Hour this morning after being 'taken ill'. In the emails the politician reveals private details about her health and says she is hesitant to tell 'untruths' about it in the press. The hoaxer tells Abbott he had spoken to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the pair think she should 'add some colour' to the illness which prevented her from taking part in the radio debate with Amber Rudd. A Kentucky murder conviction has been thrown out after it was revealed the prosecutor was having an affair with the lead detective on the case. Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney Linda Tally Smith, who remains married to District Judge Jeff Smith, admits she was having an affair with Boone County Sheriff's investigator Bruce McVay in 2014. McVay was the lead investigator and Smith the prosecutor in the 2014 trial of David Wayne Dooley, who was later convicted of the 2012 murder of Michelle Mockbee and sentenced to life in prison. But his conviction was overturned in May after a Boone Circuit Court Judge ruled that surveillance footage of another man attempting to enter the Thermo Fisher Electric building - where Mockbee was found beaten to death ten hours later - was withheld from the defense and trial. Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney Linda Tally Smith (left) admits she was having an affair with Boone County Sheriff's investigator Bruce McVay (right) in 2014 While Smith insists she was not aware of the video, and claims her relationship with McVay did not begin until after the trial, a letter, obtained by the Northern Kentucky Tribune, reveals she had divided loyalties. 'Even if I was aware that you had lied here or there on cases, I wouldn't have wavered in that loyalty to you and "having your back,"' she wrote in the letter to McVay, which she says she never delivered. Meanwhile, McVay says he did tell Smith about the letter during the trial. McVay was the lead investigator and Smith the prosecutor in the 2014 trial of David Wayne Dooley (pictured) who was later convicted of the 2012 murder of Michelle Mockbee and sentenced to life in prison The former couple contradicted each other at the post-conviction hearing to rule whether Dooley should have a new trial. An 18-page letter, written by Smith and left on a drive in the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, appeared to back up her account. The letter was found by office employees and reported to the authorities. It addresses to McVay, although Smith says she never sent it. She wrote that she was angry McVay had kept the video from her as it 'left me in a position that I could have gotten my ass handed to me during the trial.' 'And I get to live with the worry that someone on the defense side will find it at some point, and that we'll all wind up in trouble over it. And the entire case will be tainted because of it.' Smith remain married to District Judge Jeff Smith (pictured together) She goes onto say that she feels like she can no longer trust the cop, 'since I now know that you are willing to lie ABOUT CASES and you feel comfortable lying TO ME.' Smith also questions his integrity on the job and accuses him of multiple violations, such as conducting illegal searches to determine whether he should get a warrant after the fact, 'schmoozing' women to get information from them and turning off audio and video, and 'threatening someone to get them to talk.' Later she mentions he is a bad influence on young, impressionable cops, while she also mentions a conversation she had with one of McVay's superiors who allegedly 'believed that you were a "high functioning alcoholic."' The letter is problematic, as if Smith did know that McVay kept the video from the court, as well as the many allegations of misconduct, and failed to report McVay, she is in breach of her position's responsibility. The former couple contradicted each other at the post-conviction hearing to rule whether Dooley should have a new trial (pictured) Smith insists she was not aware of the video, and claims her relationship with McVay did not begin until after the trial, a letter she wrote reveals she had divided loyalties Meanwhile, if all the allegations are false, she has defamed McVay and the Boone County Sheriff's Department - which could affect multiple cases he has worked in. Smith has so far refused to resign as Commonwealth Attorney for Boone and Gallatin. A special prosecutor has been appointed to look into her actions. An internal investigation in October, 2016 into McVay's conduct stated it did not yield 'any information to suggest (McVay) violated policy & procedure.' An NHS director sacked for speaking out against gay adoption claimed yesterday that he was 'ousted from public service' for being a Christian. Richard Page, 71, has brought a religious discrimination case against the NHS Trust Development Authority after losing his job for comments he made as a magistrate. Yesterday he told an employment tribunal that he believes 'sex outside of marriage is sinful'. He said he was not anti-gay, but added: 'It is a sin to have sex outside of marriage, which necessarily includes all homosexual practices.' Richard Page, 71, has brought a religious discrimination case against the NHS Trust Development Authority after losing his job for comments he made as a magistrate Mr Page was suspended as a director of the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust after he said it was better for a child to be brought up by both a man and a woman. He made the comments in his role as a magistrate when considering an application by a same-sex couple to adopt a child. He rejected a claim in a social worker's report that homosexual couples made better adoptive parents than straight couples. Last year he appeared on numerous television programmes in an attempt to defend his position. Mr Page was suspended after he said it was better for a child to be brought up by both a man and a woman On ITV's This Morning, where he said he was opposed to gay marriage, presenter Piers Morgan accused him of being a homophobe, a claim Mr Page denied. Later he was sacked from the magistracy for serious misconduct by then-justice secretary Michael Gove and Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, who said his comments suggested he was 'biased and prejudiced against single sex adopters'. A few days later the NHS Trust Development Authority suspended him from his role at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust. He claims that he has been barred from public duty for being a good Christian and is suing the NHS for discrimination, harassment and victimisation for his Christian beliefs under the Equality Act 2010. Mr Page, who served as a magistrate for 15 years, submitted in a witness statement to the Croydon Employment Tribunal in South London that the reason for his rejection of the gay couple's application was that he did not find the social worker's argument 'persuasive'. He also noted that the couple were attempting to adopt in England to sidestep legislation in their own country something he described as 'adoption shopping'. In his statement to the tribunal, Mr Page said: 'My career as a magistrate, and my career as an NHS director, were both devoted to public service. 'I exercised all my duties properly, according to the law and my conscience, and not according to any ideology. 'The Bible states that a God-honouring relationship is for one man and one woman to be united in the life-long union of marriage. God encourages procreation in the context of this relationship. 'I am not homophobic. It is not a sin to be a homosexual. It is a sin to have sex outside of marriage, which necessarily includes all homosexual practices. 'I strongly believe that it is best for any child to be raised in a traditional family with a mother and a father. 'The child needs the complementary roles offered by both parents, male and female, psychological as well as physical. Consequently, I take a sceptical view of same-sex adoptions, or adoptions by a single person.' During cross-examination, Mr Page told the tribunal panel: 'What I am saying is it is normal for a man and woman to have a child. My job as a magistrate was to do what was best for the child.' When asked whether this meant he was excluding gay parents, he answered: 'Yes.' The hearing continues. Tycoons, foreign royalty and oligarchs are leaving properties empty in the borough where the Grenfell Tower fire left scores homeless. Owners of the 1,652 unoccupied homes in Kensington and Chelsea include former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who bought a seven-bedroom grade II-listed house for 16million in 2015. Other properties in the West London borough are owned by a Ukrainian billionaire fighting extradition to the US, a former BBC and ITV executive and a luxury property developer. Former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg (left) is among those who have empty properties in the same London borough as Grenfell Tower. One of the vacant properties is Brompton Road Tube station which has been empty since it was bought for 53million by Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash (right) in 2014 Some were purchased by offshore companies, including Dukes Lodge London Ltd, part of the empire of billionaire property developer Christian Candy (left). Former BBC executive Peter Fincham (right) said he was transferring a 6million property he owns to a new owner Other vacant homes are held by Smech Properties Ltd, which is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (pictured with Prince Andrew at Ascot) Included in the list is the former Brompton Road Tube station, which was once used as a top secret command centre for Winston Churchill. But it has been left vacant since it was bought for 53million by Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash in 2014. The names of the high-profile owners of the empty properties were revealed when the council sent a list to recipients including The Guardian newspaper, apparently accidentally. The document includes council tax details for the vacant homes and their 1,197 owners. It comes after Jeremy Corbyn and senior Labour MPs called for homes in Kensington and Chelsea left empty by overseas investors to be requisitioned for victims of the fire. Only a dozen families who lived in Grenfell Tower have been re-accommodated. Many are still left in temporary housing. One of the properties the former Brompton Road Tube station, owned by Dmytro Firtash The 85million luxury apartment block Duke's Lodge Mansion is currently empty The day after the disaster Mr Corbyn said: The south part of Kensington is incredibly wealthy, its the wealthiest part of the whole country. The ward where this fire took place is, I think, the poorest ward in the whole country and properties must be found, requisitioned if necessary, to make sure those residents do get rehoused locally. Only a dozen families who lived in Grenfell Tower have been re-accommodated Some of the luxury properties revealed to be empty are only a few hundred yards from where at least 80 people died in the Grenfell Tower inferno in June. Peter Fincham, former director of ITV and controller of BBC1, owns an empty 6million vacant property. He said it was in the process of being transferred to a new owner. Some were purchased by offshore companies, including Dukes Lodge London Ltd, part of billionaire property developer Christian Candys empire. The firm owns 26 homes in a 85million 1930s mansion block. CPC London, a subsidiary of Mr Candys property business, said Dukes Lodge was undergoing major refurbishment and was currently unsafe and uninhabitable for use. Other vacant homes are held by Smech Properties Ltd, which is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai. Over a third of the homes in the borough 603 in total are listed as being unoccupied for more than two years. In addition, 1,010 are classified as unoccupied and substantially unfurnished, with a further 39 left empty for less than a year while building work takes place. Jeremy Corbyn and senior Labour MPs called for homes in Kensington and Chelsea left empty by overseas investors to be requisitioned for victims of the Grenfell fire Guy Shrubsole, of the campaign group Who Owns England, told The Guardian: This disclosure shines a light on the need for wholesale reform of Britains broken housing market, including increased transparency on ownership. There is a clear public interest in better understanding the issue of empty homes in Londons over-heated property market, why they are being bought and left empty, and where the money is coming from. In Nottingdale, the ward of Grenfell Tower, there are 64 homes listed as vacant. The borough council has made 169 offers of accommodation to Grenfell survivors and 46 were accepted. Only 12 households have so far been rehoused. Mr Bloomberg did not respond to a request for comment. A New Hampshire man suspected of killing his 87-year-old multi-millionaire grandfather and then his mother to get his hands on her inheritance could end up with $7 million, according to court documents. John Chakalos' three surviving daughters have filed a court order seeking to prevent their nephew, Nathan Carman, 23, from getting any of his $29 million fortune after his mother perished in a boating accident in September. They claim that he shot dead Chakalos at his Windsor, Connecticut home in 2013 and then killed his mother after their boat sank off Rhode Island. To date, no one has been charged in either of their deaths and both cases remain open. Nathan Carman, 23, stands to inherit more than $7million of his murdered real estate grandfather's estate. His aunts have filed a lawsuit to stop him from collecting, claiming that he is a suspect in his grandfather's death, as well as his own mother's disappearance Real estate developer John Chakalos, 87 (right), was fatally shot in 2013. His will stipulated that his four daughters should split his estate, which is now said to be worth $29million An accounting of millionaire octogenarian John Chakalos' finances, filed in New Hampshire probate court this week by attorneys for the executor of his estate, indicates a balance of nearly $29million, reports The Hartford Courant. According to the real estate developer's will, Chakalos' four daughters were to split and inherit his estate. But, following the disappearance and presumed death of Chakalos' 54-year-old daughter, Linda Carman, Nathan now stands to inherit the more than $7million that was earmarked for Linda. In July, Linda's three sisters sued in New Hampshire's Cheshire County where Chakalos owned another home asking a judge to block Nathan from collecting money from his grandfather's estate when the probate case finally closes. The sister have accused Nathan of killing his grandfather and possibly his mother in a bid to collect the inheritance. Chakalos' three surviving daughters believe that Nathan killed his grandfather in 2013, to collect the inheritance money. He has denied any involvement and has not been charged Linda Carman (pictured with her son, Nathan) disappeared and is presumed dead, following the sinking of the boat she and Nathan were fishing on. Nathan is Linda's sole heir. His aunts believe that he sabotaged the boat in a bid to collect his mother's portion of the inheritance Linda went missing during a fishing trip with Nathan, after their boat sank near Rhode Island on September 18, 2016. A Chinese freighter rescued Nathan, who had been floating on a life raft for eight day, 115 miles away from where he claimed the boat sank, after Nathan fired a flare to get the ship's attention, according to the Boston Globe at the time. The freighter was the only ship Nathan claimed to have seen the the entire time he was adrift. Nathan is Linda's sole heir. He has denied any involvement in his grandfather's death and has said he didn't sabotage the boat used for the mother-son fishing trip. The attorney for Chakalos' three living daughters has said that if his clients win their lawsuit preventing Nathan from collecting on the inheritance, any money that Nathan would've received would go to the sisters instead. The sisters would then use that money 'exclusively' to pay for any expenses related to the investigation into the death of their father and sister's disappearance. Any left over money would be donated to charity. Nathan (pictured with his grandmother in 2013) has denied any involvement in either his grandfather's death or his mother's disappearance Chakalos was shot three times in his home, just weeks after his wife died of cancer. According to previous reports, the lawsuit filed against Nathan states that prior to Chakalos' death, Nathan purchased a semi-automatic rifle that matched the caliber of the weapon used to kill Chakalos. Nathan is accused of having concealed from authorities the fact that he purchased the gun and claiming that the rifle has gone missing. The lawsuit also revealed that Nathan claimed to have repaired holes in the boat he and his mother took out fishing in 2016, and that the boat was seaworthy. In court, insurance companies claimed that the repairs were 'incomplete, improper, and faulty.' The newly filed probate court accounting shows that Chakalos' estate is now worth less than the nearly $40million it was originally valued at when Linda disappeared. Federal and state taxes, attorney's fees, burial costs and a loan payment appear to have been among costs responsible for the substantial decrease in the estate's overall wealth. Katie Couric stopped by National Geographic ahead of her new six-hour series with the network on Tuesday after leaving Yahoo last week. The TV titan gave the first clue about the forthcoming project when she stopped by the National Geographic Museum in Washington DC on Tuesday. Excited about the venture, Couric, 60, shared a photograph from inside the building and told fans excitedly: 'Stay tuned!' She appears in the image with Courteney Monroe, the CEO of Global Networks. Katie Couric shared this photograph from the National Geographic Museum in Washington DC on Tuesday as she announced her new six-hour series with the network. She is pictured with Courteney Monroe, the CEO of Global Networks 'Went down to D.C. today to meet with the awesome folks at @NatGeo and Courteney Monroe, the kickass CEO of @NatGeo Global Networks, to talk about our upcoming six hour series! 'I'm so excited to work with their team again...stay tuned!!!!' she wrote, adding the hashtags 'quality people' and 'quality content'. National Geographic staff were just as excited about the project. Chief Marketing Officer Jill Cress replied to the Instagram post, gushing: 'Loved having you here! Your energy is intoxicating! Is going to be an amazing show!' Couric teamed up with the network earlier this year for Gender Revolution, a documentary she produced and appeared in. No details of the new series have yet been released. The news come days after Couric's departure from Yahoo where earned a $10million salary as Global News Anchor. Couric departed Yahoo last week after spending three years as its Global News Anchor A spokesman for Oath, Yahoo's parent media company, told Recode last week: 'Over the last four years, Katie has created a vast portfolio of work that has been equal parts inspiring, thought-provoking and fun to watch. 'We're proud of everything she has accomplished and look forward to exploring ways to work together in the future.' Her exit from the company followed the sale of Yahoo to Verizon for $5billion. Couric joined Yahoo in early 2014 after spending two years on ABC as a global correspondent. Shortly before joining Yahoo, her self-titled day time talk show was axed after two series. She previously spent 16 years at the helm of the Today show on NBC and later worked at CBS. Buildings and structures at Jodrell Bank that played a pioneering role in the early days of radio astronomy have been given heritage protection. They include the 38-metre (124.6ft) Mark II radio telescope, the smaller of two large steerable dishes on the Cheshire observatory site, which now has Grade I listed status. It joins its big brother, the 76.2 metre (250 ft) Lovell telescope - originally known as the 'Mark I' - which was awarded the highest listing grade in 1988. The new listings were announced on the 60th anniversary of the Lovell telescope's 'first light', when the dish collected its first radio signals from the universe. Jodrell Bank Observatory dates from the start of radio astronomy soon after the Second World War. Buildings and structures at Jodrell Bank (pictured) have been given heritage protection It was pivotal to developing the new science, which involves capturing light at invisible radio wavelengths to 'see' celestial objects that would otherwise be hidden. The site was bought by the University of Manchester in 1939 and first used for radio astronomy in 1945 by Sir Bernard Lovell and his team. A ramshackle collection of ex-army radar equipment was subsequently replaced with permanent buildings, aerials and sophisticated telescopes. When construction of the Mark I telescope was completed in 1957 it was the largest steerable dish telescope in the world. The Mark II telescope was built in 1962-64 to the specifications of a design developed jointly by Sir Bernard and structural engineer Charles Husband. Having two telescopes that could work together tracking the same object in space improved the accuracy of observations. Crispin Edwards, listing adviser at Historic England, said: 'Jodrell Bank is a remarkable place where globally important discoveries were made that transformed radio astronomy and our understanding of the universe. 'We are celebrating the history of the site and its impact on the world by increasing its recognition on the National Heritage List for England.' The site was bought by the University of Manchester in 1939 and first used for radio astronomy in 1945 by Sir Bernard Lovell (pictured) and his team Four buildings and part of a converted ex-army radar antenna known as the Searchlight Aerial have all been listed Grade II. They include the Park Royal building, the Electrical Workshop, the Link Hut and the Control Building. All that remains of the Searchlight Aerial, which was used to track meteors, is the army searchlight mount to which it was attached. Professor Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, said: 'Jodrell Bank has welcomed millions of visitors, drawn by its landmark scientific structures. 'Science is a hugely important part of our cultural heritage and we are very pleased to see that recognised and protected with these new designations.' A police operation is underway at a east Melbourne home where a man was threatened with a gun overnight. Specialist unit officers swarmed a home on Boronia Road, in the suburb of Boronia, around 9.30am on Wednesday, police said. Police said it follows an assault on Tuesday night which involved a man being threatened with a firearm. Three men have been arrested in Boronia over an alleged carjacking, 7 News reported. Boronia Road is closed westbound between Scoresby Rd and Dorset Rd and commuters have been urged to take a different route. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will announce a Department of Justice campaign to root out and punish leakers of sensitive government information on Friday. The president has been pushing Sessions to plug the leaks for months. Republican senators on the Homeland Security committee said in a June report that the rate of information flowing to the press was 'alarming.' They urged DOJ to launch an investigation. Fox News is reporting that Sessions will address the leaks at a news conference on Friday. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will announce a Department of Justice campaign to root out and punish leakers of sensitive government information on Friday Anthony Scaramucci, the ousted Trump aide who made profane comments about his colleagues to the New Yorker, told CNN last week that he was working with Sessions to craft an inter-agency plan to 'uproot some of these leakers.' That was after a Washington Post report said Justice was launching an investigation into the leaking of intelligence to the press. Trump has berated Sessions in recent days for his handling of criminal leaks, among other things. 'I want the attorney general to be much tougher,' Trump said in an interview. 'I want the leaks from intelligence agencies, which are leaking like rarely have they ever leaked before, at a very important level. These are intelligence agencies we cannot have that happen.' Scaramucci had vowed to clamp down on leaks coming from within the West Wing before he was fired yesterday. He said last week, on Wednesday, that he convened a group of 40 people at the White House and told them to cut it out. 'Im not naive. I know that we're never going to end all the leaking. I didn't suggest that but I want to put a culture in place where people trust each other,' Scaramucci said on CNN's New Day program. Anyone who can't get with the program will be dismissed, Scaramucci said. 'We serve one person and his agenda, and that's the President of the United States. You are not serving the president's agenda if you're nefariously leaking on people. Youre not being loyal to him,' Scaramucci says he told White House communications staff. 'Nefarious leaking is disloyal to the president, is disloyal to the institution of presidency and its bad for America,' he added. Scaramucci acknowledged that the leaks are coming from other areas of the White House that are beyond his reach, and he delivered the same message to his colleagues in senior positions serving the president on air that he gave to his soon-to-be-staff in their closed-door meeting. 'I would tell my colleagues to stop doing that. It doesnt help the president. It's embarrassing to the institution of the presidency and it makes you look very small when you're leaking on your colleagues. That's not good team sports,' he said on CNN. It was hardly a new theme; Trump said in a February press conference that he'd talked to the Department of Justice about 'criminal' leaking and said administration will be 'looking into that very seriously.' The president vowed then that trouble-makers won't get away with the misdeeds. 'The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!' he said in a tweet. The president suggested from the White House's East Room that internal investigations were underway to ferret out the people who are passing out damaging information to the press, although nothing has officially come of the threat. Getting what he wanted: Trump had demanded a crackdown on leakers and has hammered away at the theme Sessions will announce Friday that probes are beginning, Fox News said. The campaign comes on the heels of the White House's announcement that he's not being replaced as attorney general - or being moved to the Department of Homeland Security. 'There are no conversations about any cabinet members moving in any capacity, and the president has 100 percent confidence in all members of his cabinet,' White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. Trump and Sessions appeared to be on better footing on Monday morning at a cabinet meeting, where Sessions sat across from the president. The attorney general smiled as Trump delivered opening remarks to reporters. It was the first time they'd seen each other since Trump began a humiliating public campaign against his cabinet secretary. If Jeff Sessions is fired, there will be holy hell to pay Senator Lindsey Graham The president hosted his entire Cabinet at the White House on Monday morning. Trump and Sessions had been speaking about one another but not to one another throughout an unusual disagreement over the law enforcement official's decision to recuse himself months ago from the Justice Department's investigations involving the 2016 election. Instead of firing his attorney general, Trump has repeatedly berated him on Twitter. Trump was said to be considering a shakeup that would keep Sessions in the cabinet but in a lower-profile position than the one he's currently in. Huckabee Sanders shot the notion down in her briefing on Monday, saying that Trump had no interest in moving, or firing, him. Republican lawmakers informed Trump last week that any move to oust Sessions would be met with blowback on Capitol Hill. Sessions was right to recuse himself from investigations into the last election, including any Russia probes, given his involvement in Trump's campaign, they've said. 'If Jeff Sessions is fired, there will be holy hell to pay,' Sen. Lindsey Graham forewarned. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate's Judiciary Committee, explicitly told Trump that his committee would not schedule hearings on a new attorney general this year if he cans Sessions - so he may as well forget about it. 'Everybody in D.C. Shld b warned that the agenda for the judiciary Comm is set for rest of 2017. Judges first subcabinet 2nd / AG no way,' Grassley tweeted. Not happening: How Chuck Grassley moved against Jeff Sessions being replaced at the head of the Justice Department Trump's meeting today also put him in the room with Rex Tillerson, his secretary of state, who he'll have lunch with later today as well, and James Mattis, his defense head. They are seen on the left and right of Trump Trump had reportedly been considering a change in his cabinet line-up that would see Sessions move over to the Department of Homeland Security so that he could nominate a new attorney general. The president has named his DHS chief, John Kelly, to chief of staff. He started yesterday. Sessions was known in the Senate as an immigration hardliner, which would have made him an ideal choice to lead Trump's DHS. Trump sent Sessions to El Salvador last Friday to deliver a speech near the immigrant gang MS-13's headquarters while Kelly accompanied him to an area that's been terrorized by MS-13 in New York. If Trump were to nominate Sessions to Homeland Security chief, the cabinet official would have to go through another set of confirmation hearings in the Senate. Trump's attorney general appointee would also be grilled and then voted on by senators. The idea seemed to die over the weekend. Graham dismissed the idea of playing musical chairs with the cabinet Saturday on Twitter. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine who's become a thorn in Trump's side on health care, said Sunday, 'Its up to Jeff Sessions and the president. But if hes being moved because of his correct decision to recuse himself I think thats a mistake.' Sessions had resigned from safe his Alabama Senate seat to serve in Trump's administration. He was one of Trump's earliest endorsers on Capitol Hill. Sessions was also a member of the president's inner circle in the transition. Trump said last week that he didn't put much stock in Sessions' endorsement last week. The Alabama senator had nothing to lose in helping him, the president said. Witnesses who were called to help Lynette Daley as she lay dying are expected to give evidence at the NSW trial of two men charged over her death and rape. Ms Daley was swimming naked in the ocean after a night of 'wild sex' when she had a seizure and stopped breathing, a man accused of her manslaughter told NSW police. Adrian Attwater, 42, said he dragged her from the water with co-accused Paul Maris, 47, before starting CPR and calling triple-zero. The crown alleges Ms Daley, 33, bled to death from injuries sustained in a sex act with the men during a camping trip to Ten Mile Beach in January 2011. Witnesses who were called to help Lynette Daley (pictured) as she lay dying are expected to give evidence at the NSW trial of two men charged over her death and rape Adrian Attwater (left) and Paul Maris (right) are accused of the manslaughter and sexual assault of Ms Daley Attwater has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and aggravated sexual assault. Maris has pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault and hindering the discovery of evidence. The pair sought help as the sun rose. Maris drove up the beach until he found a fisherman, prosecutor Philip Strickland SC told the NSW Supreme Court at Coffs Harbour on Tuesday. He said Attwater made a 'last-minute, desperate, panicked call to triple-zero' but it took about 50 minutes for paramedics to arrive at the remote beach. Those first responders are expected to give evidence at the trial on Wednesday. Ms Daley was swimming naked in the ocean after a night of 'wild sex' when she had a seizure and stopped breathing, a man accused of her manslaughter told NSW police Attwater (right) has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and aggravated sexual assault. Maris (left) has pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault and hindering the discovery of evidence. Mr Strickland said Attwater told an ambulance officer the trio had 'a wild sex session'. 'I noticed the blood and the smell was terrible so we were going into the ocean to wash,' Attwater allegedly said. The jury is due to visit the beach on Friday to give them a 'sense of its isolation and seclusion,' Mr Strickland said. The trial continues. Hamilton County Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson will hear from community members across the County this month.Dr. Johnson says he prides himself in serving as a listening leader. Developing a strong partnership with our community stakeholders is vital to the success of our students. We as educators only get students for about 17 percent of their time. That means we need to work closely with their parents and other community members to truly offer the best educational experience possible for our students, Dr.Johnson said.This is why Dr. Johnson is kicking off his Community Listening Tour. The first town hall-style event will take place tomorrow at The Teachers Place, 1161 W. 40th St. in Chattanooga, at 6:30 p.m.Dr. Johnson plans to share his vision for the future of Hamilton County Schools and hear from parents and community members about their hopes and expectations.Here is the full list of locations and dates:Thursday 8/3 The Teachers Place 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 6)Monday 8/7 Orchard Knob Elementary School 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 4)Thursday 8/10 Red Bank Baptist Church 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 2)Monday 8/14 East Ridge Community Center 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 8)Tuesday 8/15 Bayside Baptist Church 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 9)Monday 8/21 Clear Creek Church of Christ 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 3)Thursday 8/24 Apison Baptist Church 7 p.m. (Dist. 7)Monday 8/28 Brainerd High School 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 5)Tuesday 8/29 Soddy Daisy High School 6:30 p.m. (Dist. 1) A store owner has captured on video the adorable moment a toddler rode her pony into a dairy to buy herself some milk and lollies. Led by her mother, three-year-old Paris Smith rode her noble steed Flicker into the Tirohanga Beach Store on Friday. The pint-sized girl from Opotiki, New Zealand, was reviving an old tradition where the store's previous owner let customers rides bikes and horses into the store to do their shopping. Scroll down to watch the video Opotiki local Paris Smith rode her pony Flicker into a New Zealand store to buy some lollies 'Only in Opotiki, eh?' laughed Ray Williams from behind the counter when Paris rode into the store barefoot but wearing a camouflage shirt that matched her mother's cap. The horse, clad in a pink blanket, allowed himself to be led around the Tirohanga Beach Store, which has been serving locals since 1970. Paris' mother led the pair to the back of the store to collect a packet a lollies, and then to the fridge to get a bottle of milk for her daughter. Ray Williams is highly amused as three-year-old Paris rode her horse up to the counter to pay 'Stay on your feet mate, and don't you kick me,' Mr Williams told the horse. 'Mr Ed, eat your heart out.' The tot then waved goodbye to Mr Williams as he told her she was 'too cool' and bade the horse farewell. The video has been shared on Facebook more than 52,000 times, and Paris has become something of a local legend. Paris Smith and her horse Flicker have become local legends after riding into their local store 'The funny thing is [I] wasn't at the store when Paris rode in, it was my husband Ray that let them in, and he knew nothing about the previous owners policy,' store owner Ema Williams told 1 News Now. 'It was quite funny when he told me about it, as I was the only one that knew about the tradition.' When asked if they would continue to let people ride into the store on their equine friends she said: 'Definitely!' Australians see Islamic State as the biggest threat to the nation, with one-third of people concerned about refugee hordes, global research shows. Terrorist atrocities concerned 59 per cent of Australian respondents who took part in a Pew Research study, taken before last Saturday's terror plot raids across Sydney. Refugee arrivals are also a major concern, with 33 per cent of those surveyed seeing it as a major risk to Australia. Australians are concerned about IS terror with 59 per cent of respondents in a Pew Research survey nominating it as an issue (Melbourne teenager Jake Bilardi pictured with IS militants) One third of Australians are worried about refugee arrivals (Christmas Island vessel pictured) Australians are almost as worried about IS terrorism as people in Israel, where 63 per cent of respondents were scared of Islamist extremists killing civilians. Terrorism is an even more significant concern in the United States, Britain, France and Germany, the Washington DC-based think tank's research found. Refugee arrivals are another major international worry, with Canadians even more concerned than Australians, after their Prime Minister Justin Trudeau settled 25,000 displaced Syrians. However, Australians were actually more concerned about the economy, with 42 per cent of respondents nominating it as an issue despite the last recession occurring 26 years ago. Climate change was also a major concern, with 58 per cent nominating it as a problem. The Pew Research survey of 42,000 people in 38 countries was taken between February and May, well before raids in late July across Sydney that saw two Lebanese father-and-son duos arrested and accused of plotting to bomb a passenger plane. Australians see IS terror as the No.1 threat, as do people in the U.S., Britain and France Tougher powers to seize terrorists cars and homes and block their access to bank accounts are announced today. The measures form part of a new law which will create the UKs post-Brexit sanctions regime. Britain currently negotiates and imposes non-United Nations international sanctions through European Union laws. But a Sanctions Bill will be put before Parliament to ensure it has the legal powers to place restrictions on foreign countries after the UKs withdrawal from the EU in 2019. The new bill will include additional powers to ensure ministers can freeze terrorists assets more easily. Pictured: Islamic State fighters in Raqqa, Syria It will include additional powers to ensure ministers can freeze terrorists assets more easily. Under existing rules, the government must have a reasonable belief that someone is involved in terrorism and that freezing their assets is necessary to protect the public. Under the new plans the bar would be lowered, so ministers would only need to have reasonable grounds to suspect a person or group is involved in terrorism and that sanctions are an appropriate action. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay said: These new powers will help us keep the British public safer from terrorist attacks by keeping money out of the hands of those wishing to cause us harm. At the moment, the UK implements more than 30 sanctions regimes, including against countries like Russia, North Korea and Iran as well as terror groups such as Islamic State and al Qaida. Pictured: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrating after launching an intercontinental ballistic missile Our counter terrorist financing proposals will make it easier for law enforcement and Government to impose sanctions on those that present a threat to our national or international security. The Sanctions Bill is one of eight Brexit-related pieces of legislation to be put before MPs over the next two years. At the moment, the UK implements more than 30 sanctions regimes, including against countries like Russia, North Korea and Iran as well as terror groups such as Islamic State and al Qaida. Europe minister Sir Alan Duncan (pictured) said the new bill will ensure that the UK can impose international sanctions on its own As well as bringing back sanctions powers from Brussels, the Bill will give individuals the opportunity to challenge sanctions and create exemptions, for example if ministers want to deliver humanitarian aid. Europe minister Sir Alan Duncan said: The new Sanctions Bill will ensure that when the UK leaves the European Union, we retain the ability to impose, update and lift sanctions regimes, both to comply with our international obligations and in pursuit of our foreign policy and national security objectives. This will enable us to impose sanctions as appropriate either alone or with partners in the EU and around the world, to take targeted action against countries, organisations and individuals who contravene international law, commit or finance terrorism or threaten international peace and security. Thousands of tradesmen are dodging paying tax by putting Bunnings' ABN on their invoices instead of their own. The widespread scam is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue because the Australian Tax Office can't track the money. Fraud was so rife in some areas than 40 per cent of ABNs quoted in the Northern Territory belonged to the hardware chain. Thousands of tradesmen are dodging paying tax by putting Bunnings' ABN on their invoices instead of their own Michael Andrew, head of Treasury's black economy taskforce, told The Australian the scheme was undermining the ABN system so much it was 'not working'. Tradies copied Bunnings' ABN when they shopped there and put it on invoices with their own company name. 'The result of which (is) you cant trace then where the money really went,' Mr Andrew said. Bunnings did not respond to requests for comment, and it wasn't clear if it was overtaxed as a result of the scam or by how much. Mr Andrew believed the ABN system was in crisis with 3.5 million never lodging a tax statement or return and it being far too easy to apply for one. The widespread scam is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue because the Australian Tax Office can't track the money 'We issued 180,000 ABNs last year to people on tourist visas who are not allowed to have an ABN. Were seeing secretaries and receptionists out there with ABNs at the moment,' he said. Mr Andrew's taskforce was formed in December to study the cash economy, worth $21 billion a year in under-the-table payments that largely go untaxed. The former KPMG global chairman said ABN system problems were partially caused by Australia's changing economy, with which regulation hadn't kept up. 'Theres this huge shift from employment to contracting where we are actually seeing people now basically incorporate entities and operate as an independent contractor,' he said. He said this allowed many companies ton avoid superannuation guarantee, payroll tax and get lower tax rates. CBB is back. Somewhat later than planned after a trouncing in the ratings for the last series, Celebrity Big Brother 2017 is finally live for launch - now that Love Island has left the live-sex-on-TV franchise vacant for a while. As with every other series, last night a legion of CBB devotees took to the upstairs telly, or the little telly in the kitchen, largely to avoid the moans of their other half who 'can't understand why you still watch that utter cr*p'. That half will be sat in the lounge for the duration with the big TV watching BBC1's drama In The Dark which ironically is exactly how I feel looking at the confirmed list of housemates staggering into the house on hooker heels last night. Girls Aloud's Sarah Harding, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Brandi Glanville and Gogglebox's Sandi Thom led the arrivals for the new 20th season of Celebrity Big Brother Eastenders' Shaun Williamson, most famously known for his role as Barry on Eastenders, was the first to enter and couldn't contain his excitement as he kicked off the star-studded arrivals in a bid to win the 50,000 prize money for the charity of his choice Most are unrecognisable. When I saw the list I actually refreshed my browser because I thought I must have got the wrong CBB - the one from 2010. I mean who the hell remembers Fat Barry from EastEnders - a man so white he is purple? The Channel 5 bumpf says his real name is Shaun Williamson. I predict he will endure a full breakdown in the house and will be found, trousers unbuttoned, face down in a pool of his own vomit surrounded by dodgy cans labelled 'rum and cola' by the CBB intern before the week is out. My gossip queens tell me the booking of Sarah Harding has not gone down so well in the Danny Dyer marital home. Things are still a little tense after it turns out he had been showing Sarah his best asset in secret. Allegedly, Dyer has been kicked out by his missus, is living in a bedsit from hell eating microwaved curry for one in his pants. Now he has something to watch at night to keep him company. Cheryl-Fernando-Torres-Versini-Cole-Tweedy is also keen to distance herself from the Harding fall-out and has unfollowed her on social media. Because she's not worth it - I guess? I loved my time on CBB. And my one piece of advice for this year's bunch is to find the fun You would think people had better things to do? I kind of recognise one of them as the annoying woman off of Gogglebox, except she has scrubbed up a bit and is missing her chubster-sidekick Sandra, which is a bit like getting Ant but not Dec (now also true, as it happens). I imagine Fat Sandra wants to poke her in the left eyeball with one of her unwieldy items of jewellery for quitting their lucrative double act on Gogglebox. Fat Sandra has been dumped in favour of Sandi's shameless self-promotion. I worry for her. I am not sure I would want to meet an angry Fat Sandra in a dark alley, though admittedly the alley would need to be quite wide. Sandi may be safer locked away inside CBB for a time. I predict that time may we'll be short. There are a few faces who promise to deliver and will be good value for money, Brandi Glanville for starters. Brandi clearly didn't like the face she was born with, so has changed it significantly since birth. To be fair, it is a qualifier if you hope to appear on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Plus she managed to get the cost of a designer vagina built into her divorce settlement from her husband when he had an affair with LeAnn Rimes. Most of us struggle to get our tight-fisted husbands to turn up the central heating thermostat in winter - so kudos to her getting a new foof on the house. My gossip queens tell me the booking of Sarah Harding has not gone down so well in the Danny Dyer marital home Jordan Davies, 25 - who admitted he has slept with 1,500 women in his life Chad admitted he would rate himself as a '200 out of 10' and revealed he had a 'body sculpted by the Gods' Likewise Jemma Lucy, whose nuanced interpretation of femininity leads me to believe she has been booked for her utterly massive norks-of-porn. I hope she gets them out early and often, enjoys sharing them with the house and intimidating others less sure of their sexuality. If I was her, I would flop them out on the house psychic, Derek Acorah one on each shoulder, and ask him to do a tarot card reading on my mammaries. Intimidation is key to success. I'm also supporting Chad Johnson. Like you, I haven't a clue who he is - and nor do I care. But I don't doubt Chad Johnson can confirm Chad is the hottest person he knows. And that's good enough for me. We can expect him to find any manner of excuses to walk about in just a low slung towel, dripping shower water from his well toned chest, whilst pretending not to know everyone is drooling. See Callum Best for details. Every house needs one. And the older girls will be happy for it. Paul Danan has a likeable face but he was even sacked from playing in Jack and the Beanstalk at panto for swearing at the kids Trisha Paytas may be new news to us in Blighty, but she has a huge following online where she overshares everything apart from her dinner. I have a freedom of information request in with the Guinness Book of Records to confirm whether she is the current holder of 'Face with Most Filler', but they are yet to confirm. Give her a week with no sleep, fluorescent-tube lighting and no washing machine, and she'll be looking as rough as Fat Barry from EastEnders in a tutu. Most inmates are pin-less grenades and the only uncertainty is when they will go off. Paul Danan (another unrecognisable no-mark with a chequered history of drugs and run-ins with Plod) has a likeable face but he was even sacked from playing in Jack and the Beanstalk at panto for swearing at the kids. Which is right up there with storming into an old people's home and telling them they are ugly. The CBB talent booker surely deserves a rise. Trisha Paytas may be new news to us in Blighty, but she has a huge following on-line where she overshares everything apart from her dinner Ex On The Beach's Jemma Lucy, 28, who admitted she was 'a bisexual looking for love' The dodgy looking remainder who've presumably most recently been on night-shifts at Tesco or Lidl, either used to date someone famous, once appeared in something on telly or hope to be famous whilst dating on the telly. Honestly, I'm more upset by those who aren't here or have dropped out. The Human Ken Doll was supposed to be on. But no longer. And I wanted to see what happened to his face in the new CBB sauna. And the bloke who sings the annoying ads for Go Compare is nowhere to be seen. Idiots! The talent booker has missed a trick here. And the commercial tie-up would have been lucrative for this failing show. Work the problem people... Kudos to Rylan and Emma Willis for hanging in there for a final year, though I suspect their contracts prevented them from running for the hills as they might have wished. Scheduled with no reality competition, filled with disasters waiting to happen, and fuelled by alcohol and naked ambition and just pure nakedness no doubt - this series will undoubtedly be as darkly fabulous as all the rest. As my American friends would say 'it's a big fat nothing burger'. But this lot are all well practised at asking 'would you like fries with that'. I loved my time on CBB. And my one piece of advice for this year's bunch is to find the fun. I wish the team, the talent and the dedicated mental health consultant backstage every success. The UK will be told to pay a hugely contentious bill of more than 500million for two EU regulators to leave London after Brexit, documents have shown. The extraordinary cost of relocating the medicine and banking agencies emerged yesterday as it was also revealed that the vast majority of staff do not want to leave. Brussels has insisted that British taxpayers should foot the bill to close down the sprawling headquarters in one of Londons most expensive areas. The UK will be asked to pay up to 400million to cover rent at the sprawling Canary Wharf base of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) because of an administrative gaffe However leaked documents have revealed that the vast majority of the estimated 526million British bill could go towards renting an empty skyscraper for the next 20 years. The UK will be asked to pay up to 400million to cover rent at the sprawling Canary Wharf base of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) because of an administrative gaffe. Officials from the body, which regulates medicines, failed to insert a break clause when taking over the nine-storey portion of a skyscraper meaning it must be rented until the lease ends in 2039. The huge cost of relocating both the EMA and the European Banking Authority (EBA) will raise questions about the aggressive EU approach after British ministers said they wanted them to stay. Revelations about the huge costs of the relocation came as 23 EU cities launched slick campaign bids to be chosen as the their new home of the bodies, which employ 1,000 people. While senior EU officials have insisted that the regulators must relocate as a consequence of Brexit, yesterday it emerged that huge numbers of staff are considering staying in the UK. The European Banking Authority (EBA) will also be moved, raising questions about the aggressive EU approach after British ministers said they wanted them to stay The considerable discontent amongst staff was revealed by officials from the EMA during a closed-door meeting with MEPs in July. An official present at the meeting said the medicines regulator outlined how a survey revealed that 75 per cent of its 890 members of staff did not want to move to a new location. The discontent will spark calls for British authorities to lure huge numbers of its EU-employed experts to work for its replacement regulator following Brexit. Around 60 per cent of staff who work for the body, which approves drugs for use across the EU, are from the UK while more than half also have children. In documents seen by the Mail that were presented to the European Parliaments budget committee, the regulator said Brexit is the biggest challenge for [the] EMA since its establishment. While the body can technically sublet the building or transfer the rent during before the 2039 lease is up, insiders have said demand similar commercial properties in London is currently low. UKIP MEP Ray Finch slammed the EMA's 'financial incompetence' The contracts also stipulates that the buildings owner can also veto any agreement and imposes numerous stringent conditions about involving third parties. Previous estimations had suggested the huge rental bill would be as much as 100million cheaoer. Costs that could be met by the UK also include an estimated 37.6million to relocate EMA staff and move to the new site, with a further 82.5million spent preparing the new headquarters. UKIP MEP Ray Finch said: What spectacular financial incompetence on display here by this EU agency. Just imagine the stupidity of signing a 25-year lease without an escape clause - it beggars belief. The costs associated with leaving the EBA, likely to form part of the controversial Brexit divorce bill, are much lower because officials secured a break clause when they took the lease on its premises. Documents outlining the possible charges, show that the UK could be asked to pay at least 5.2million if the EBA is moved before Brexit day in 2019. This contractual stipulations means the 12-year lease on the property can be terminated in 2020, vastly reducing the size of the bill. But British taxpayers could also be billed to pay relocation fees for the bodys estimated 190 staff and their families. Announcing Frankfurts bid to host the financial regulator yesterday Germanys finance minister appeared to goad the UK yesterday by calling all British-based financial institutions to move. In an indirect barb at the UK, Wolfgang Schauble urged banks to relocate to the German financial hub seen as the frontrunner to land the EBA - for its positive and stable economic conditions. He said: A decision in favour of Frankfurt would ensure the continued success of the EBAs work. In an indirect barb at the UK, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble urged banks to relocate to the German financial hub This would be true not just for the EBA but for all financial institutions based in the United Kingdom, which would all be welcome to make Germany their home. European cities are desperate to be chosen as the home of the agencies because they also generate millions in local revenue, such as hotel fees for visiting officials. Despite establishing a complicated voting procedure to choose the new hosts, EU insiders fear the decision could break into a diplomatic row with accusations of favouritism already being aired. EU leaders will discuss the relocations in October before a vote, likened to the Eurovision song contest, is held in November. Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lille are favourites to be chosen as the new EMA base after officials consider criteria such as work opportunities for employee spouses and schools for their children. A man forced his three young stepchildren to run alongside a car for kilometres, held by their arms and hair, as part of gruelling 'boot camps', a Brisbane court has heard. The 58-year-old man, who cannot be identified, is also accused of locking his neighbour's incontinent daughter in a room with dogs for hours at a time. When the girl soiled herself, he would allegedly rub her face in the faeces. He also allegedly fed the girl curry powder and pepper in an extreme bid to discipline her. The man has pleaded not guilty to four charges of torture, related to events which allegedly occurred between July 1 to December 25, 2013, north of Brisbane, the Coffs Coast Advocate reports. A man, 58, accused of four counts of torture, allegedly locked his neighbour's 12-year-old incontinent daughter in a room and rubbed her face in her own faeces, a Brisbane court has heard (stock image) Prosecutor Victoria Trafford-Walker told the jury on Tuesday the accused man offered 'advice' to his neighbours on how to better parent their daughter, who suffers from severe constipation and incontinence. 'It was not proper - he was directing them to do certain acts against MQ (neighbour's daughter) to deal with her behaviour but ultimately this caused pain and suffering,' Ms Trafford-Walker said, according to the Coffs Coast Advocate. The man's three stepchildren, a 12-year-old boy with an intellectual disability and two girls aged five and four, were taken to Elimbah and Glass House Mountains. The trio, along with the neighbour's daughter, were allegedly forced to run for up to five kilometres next to the car up steep and winding hills at an 'excessive' pace. They were also allegedly told to 'march or run on the spot or repeatedly stand and sit' by the accused man and three other parents. Ms Trafford-Walker said the acts left the children 'traumatised'. According to the Coffs Coast Advocate, the court heard the man's partner and the young neighbour's parents would give evidence later this week and had already been dealt with. The fiance of the victim of an alleged one-punch attack says the injuries could 'ruin the rest of his life.' Perth resident Paul Mitchell was leaving the North Shore Tavern two weeks ago when he was allegedly attacked, causing him to fall to the ground and smash his head on the ground. The 28-year-old suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. His devastated partner, Kimberley Stapleton, says she is heartbroken by the possibility of having the life they were planning together being taken away. 'He just wants to have a good life, a good career. He wants to go on to have children of his own and to live his own life,' she told Seven News. Perth resident Paul Mitchell was leaving the North Shore Tavern when he was allegedly attacked, causing him to fall to the ground and smash his head on the ground The 28-year-old suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain Mr Mitchell, who works as a truck driver, is struggling to communicate with family as he remains under constant care at Royal Perth Hospital. His brother, Ben, said seeing him in this condition was 'horrible.' 'We're communicating with nods, he says the odd word and he can understand but it's very hard,' he said. Paul Mitchell will turn 29 on Friday. His devastated partner, Kimberley Stapleton, says she is heartbroken by the possibility of having the life they were planning taken away Western Australia Police say Mr Mitchell was trying to get away from a fight when the attack allegedly occurred. A 33-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm but police are still appealing for witnesses. If you have any information please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. An ex-model who accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault won't face criminal charges from a drug arrest at a San Diego jail. Chloe Goins, 27, was arrested after she was found inside a parked car at the George F. Bailey Detention Center in Otay Mesa, California on July 23. According to authorities, a deputy had originally approached her about a vehicle violation, but it is not clear what the specific violation was. San Diego prosecutors will not file charges against Bill Cosby sexual assault accuser Chloe Goins, 27, who was arrested for suspicion of attempting to smuggle heroin into a jail Goins was arrested while parked outside a San Diego jail, after police found what they suspected to be heroin inside her car after searching it Upon searching the car, the Sheriff's Department says a drug believed to be heroin was found in the vehicle. Goins was then booked on suspicion of possessing a possible controlled substance and bringing alcohol or drugs into jail. She was later freed on $25,000 bail. On Tuesday, the San Diego County District Attorney's office said the 27-year-old won't be charged with a crime. The DA's spokeswoman, Tanya Sierra claimed that the office only files charges when it believes they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In 2015, Goins accused and sued Bill Cosby of sexually assaulting her during a 2008 party Goins claimed that the assault took place during a 2008 party at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, after he handed her a drink that caused her to black out Goins is one of dozens of woman who have sued Cosby, alleging that he drugged and sexually assaulted her. In 2015, Goins claimed that Cosby had given her a drink, which she believes caused her to blackout during a 2008 party at the Los Angeles Playboy Mansion. She said she woke up to discovered she was naked and that Cosby was biting her toes. Cosby's lawyer said Cosby wasn't even in California at the time the alleged incident occurred. California prosecutors did not press charges against Cosby because they could not corroborate her version of the events. Goins dropped the lawsuit, without explanation, last February. Acting Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief Chuck Rosenberg has spoken out after Donald Trump's 'joke' about roughing up suspects. During a speech at Suffolk County Community College in New York, on Friday, the President made comments implying that he was in support of unnecessary police force. 'When you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon, you just seen them thrown in, rough. I said, "Please don't be too nice",' he said in his speech. Acting Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief Chuck Rosenberg (pictured) has spoken out after Donald Trump's 'joke' about roughing up suspects In the wake of the comments, Rosenberg wrote a staff memo on Saturday, obtained by CBS News, which refuted the 'roughing up' statement. He said he didn't believe DEA agents would mistreat defendants, but wanted to make a 'strong reaffirmation of the operating principles to which we, as law enforcement professionals, adhere.' He added, he was writing 'because we have an obligation to speak out when something is wrong. That's what law enforcement officers do. That's what you do. We fix stuff. At least, we try,' he wrote. He urged staff to keep to the agency's values of respect, integrity, and accountability. President Donald Trump drew criticism from a 'joke' he made during a speech at Suffolk County Community College on Friday (pictured) in which he seemed to suggest it was acceptable to rough up suspects when arresting them 'This is how we conduct ourselves,' he wrote. 'This is how we treat those whom we encounter in our work: victims, witnesses, subjects, and defendants. This is who we are.' Police departments across the country also hit out at Trump after the comments. Speaking at the college in Brentwood, close to where the ultra-violent street gang MS-13 has committed a string of gruesome murders, he said: 'When you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon, you just seen them thrown in, rough. I said, "Please don't be too nice". 'Like when you guys put somebody in the car and you're protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over?' the president continued, mimicking the gesture. 'Like, don't hit their head and they've just killed somebody. Don't hit their head? I said, "You can take the hand away, OK?"' The comment drew ire from several departments accusing Trump of normalizing police brutality. The Suffolk County Police Department in New York was the first to hit back at Trump's remarks Suffolk County Police Department tweeted shortly after, condemning it. 'The SCPD has strict rules & procedures relating to the handling of prisoners. Violations of those rules are treated extremely seriously,' the Friday afternoon tweet read. 'As a department, we do not and will not tolerate roughing up prisoners.' But it didn't stop in New York. Police officers in Gainesville, Florida, offered up their own rebuttal. 'The @POTUS made remarks today that endorsed and condoned police brutality. GPD rejects these remarks and continues to serve with respect,' read the department's tweet. A statement was also released by the International Association of Chiefs of Police on Friday evening, although Trump was not mentioned by name. It read in part: 'Law enforcement officers are trained to treat individuals, whether they are a complainant, suspect, or defendant, with dignity and respect. This is the bedrock principle behind the concepts of procedural justice and police legitimacy.' Jeffery Robinson, deputy legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union, said that 'by encouraging police to dole out extra pain at will, the president is urging a kind of lawlessness that already imperils the health and lives of people of color at shameful rates.' This is not the first time the president (gesturing during speech on Friday) has condoned becoming physical with others, often suggesting his supporters do so with protesters 'Innocent until proven guilty? Our president would rather not bother with that, expanding the role of the police officer to include judge, jury, and executioner,' he added. The Rev. Al Sharpton said Trump's comments were 'reprehensible' and called them 'a reckless disregard for the law' that 'set a tone that is dangerous and biased in this country.' Huckabee Sanders claimed that the president was 'making a joke at the time,' about the police violence on Friday, inciting a new round of charges against the Republican administration. At her briefing on Tuesday the topic came back up and Huckabee Sanders doubled down on her previous explanation. 'I think you guys are jumping, trying to make something out of nothing, he was simply making a comment, making a joke and it was nothing more than that,' she said. Statements from the Gainesville Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police followed Reporters asked the Trump spokeswoman about the issue several times during her briefing and she would not commit to asking the president if he regretted his remarks or thought an apology was warranted. 'I think the president supports our law enforcement and he supports the protection of the citizens of this country and he wants to empower our law enforcement to do their job. I don't think there's any more beyond that,' she said the first time. She told a journalist who followed up, 'I'll let you know if I do.' This is not the first time the commander-in-chief has condoned becoming physical with others. On the day of the Iowa caucuses in February 2016, Trump told audience members he would cover their legal fees if they engaged in violence against protesters. 'If you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you?' he said. 'Seriously, OK? Just knock the hell... I promise you I will pay for the legal fees. I promise, I promise.' And when a protester interrupted a Las Vegas rally, Trump said 'guys like that' used to be 'carried out in a stretcher,' adding: 'I'd like to punch him in the face, I tell ya.' Middle Valley Church of God announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will speak on the topic, 'We Need Humility As We Fight! ' in the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday. Pastor McClure will lead the congregation in a time of prayer and worship on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to participate in this event. Each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school classes are available for all age groupings. Presently Pastor Mitch McClure is leading an interactive Bible study on the popular movie, "War Room" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick each Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Administrative Classroom. The Bible study will examine a short clip of the movie with discussion to follow. All are invited and encouraged to participate in any or all of these services. Middle Valley Church of God is at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson. For more information contact the church office at 843-1539. A second man has been arrested at Sydney's Central Station attempting to rob a shop with a pair of scissors - just a week after an ice addict was shot dead after holding a pair to the throat of a florist. Police confirmed the man entered a shop in Henry Deane Plaza at 8.30am on Wednesday morning, closed the shop door and produced a pair of scissors. 'A staff member in the store contacted police, who attended a short time later and arrested the man with incident,' a spokesperson told The Daily Mail. This incident comes exactly seven days after Danukul Mokmool, 30, who attacked a florist armed with scissors was shot dead by police following a tense stand-off at Central station. This is the second incident in a week that involved a man with scissors at Central Station 'A man came from nowhere. He tried to grab an old man, the florist owner, and he was pulling him and yelling at him,' Nathan Yin told news.com.au at the time. 'I said, ''What the f*** do you want?'' and he said, ''I just want to die''. As of 9am on Wednesday morning, the man was being questioned and investigations are continuing. 'I think he was holding scissors and trying to grab police and the police have shot him. Three or four gun shots.' Witnesses said the man entered a florist and held scissors to the throat of an elderly man Sami Aryal, who works nearby, told ABC News four or five officers surrounded the florist amid the chaos. 'One of the policemen went inside the shop and as soon as the man was about to run, I saw the policeman shooting him,' she said. 'He was shot and he was straight to the floor.' Witnesses say a man armed with scissors entered a florist and started 'breaking everything' One bystander said the man began to cut his own face and screaming that he wanted to die. 'He tried to grab the old man and cut himself. You saw scars on his face, bleeding,' they told The Australian. A man arrested over a plot to bomb a commercial flight is relieved to back back home after he was released without charge. Abdul Merhi was one-of-four men taken into custody on Saturday after intelligence authorities became aware of the plan. Their alleged target was an Etihad Airlines plane carrying 500 passengers and crew flying from Sydney to Abu Dhabi. Abdul Merhi, 50, (pictured) arrested over a plot to bomb a commercial flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi is relieved to back back home after he was released without charge He was one-of-four men taken into custody on Saturday after intelligence authorities became aware of the plan The 50-year-old was released about 7pm on Tuesday and his solicitor, Moustafa Kheir, said he endured days of intense interrogation and questioned police actions. 'Tough few days, but he's relieved the truth is out. I will review police action,' he tweeted. 'It's a very serious allegation to have against you,' he said earlier on Wednesday. 'There's a lot of stress associated there, and not knowing, and he was shocked that he was being questioned. 'It's just unfathomable that he would be associated with anything like this.' The 50-year-old was released about 7pm on Tuesday and his solicitor said he endured days of intense interrogation and questioned police actions Mr Merhi's family was also in shock and his life had been 'turned upside down', his lawyer said Khaled Khayat, pictured in a Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs jersey, is another of the Lebanese-Australian men arrested over the alleged plot Mr Merhi's family was also in shock and his life had been 'turned upside down', Mr Kheir added. 'He just wants to go back to as normal life as possible now. A lot of information was divulged, including his identity,' he said. 'That's caused a lot of damage to him. We want to review all the information police had and what basis they had to do what they did.' The other three men, including former butcher Khaled Khayat, his relative Mahmoud Khayat, and former van driver Khaled Merhi, remained in custody under special powers which allow police to hold them for up to a week. They must be released by Sunday unless police can bring charges against them or successfully apply for further detention. Federal police spent days rifling through several homes across Sydney following the weekend raids in Surry Hills, Wiley Park, Lakemba, and Punchbowl. One theory suggested the would-be terrorists planned to use a meat grinder to get their home-made device through airport security Federal police spent days rifling through several homes across Sydney following the weekend raids in Surry Hills, Wiley Park, Lakemba, and Punchbowl Two of the accused are reportedly related to infamous jihadist Ahmed Merhi (pictured), who travelled to Syria in 2014 Mr Merhi was arrested at his parent's home in Surry Hills and was seen wearing a bandage. 'This investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be provided at an appropriate time,' a joint statement from the AFP and NSW Police said on Wednesday. The alarming plot allegedly involved an improvised device and the target was a plane, with one theory suggesting the would-be terrorists planned to use a meat grinder to get their home-made device through airport security. Deakin University terror expert Greg Barton suggested the plan may have centred around acetone peroxide - or TATP. It was the same chemical used in the Manchester Arena bombing in May and the 2015 Paris attacks, and though unstable can be powerful when placed in a pressure vessel. The target of the alleged terror plot was an Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi with up to 500 passengers and crew on board (stock image) Referred to as the 'mother of Satan' because it can kill those handling it, TATP would not give off 'tell-tale' chemicals picked up by airport swab tests 'That makes it a candidate for using in this sort of attack,' Professor Barton said. 'My speculative guess is they were probably trained in how to prepare TATP.' However, though he said the conspiracy was 'clearly the most sophisticated terror plot' Australia had ever seen, it likely would have failed because the bomb may have been stopped at security, failed to detonate or failed to bring an aircraft down. Etihad Airways confirmed it was helping Australian authorities with the investigation amid reports the arrests were made after a tip-off from foreign intelligence services. 'Etihad is complying fully with the enhanced security measures at airports in Australia and monitoring the situation closely,' it said. U.S. officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the plot was 'fairly well along'. The group had allegedly planned to put toxic gas in a meat mincer which could have exploded or poisoned passengers on a packed commercial jet The officials said communications between the alleged plotters in Sydney and members of Islamic State in Syria were intercepted by a foreign intelligence service. But they declined to identify the service and British officials refused to confirm or deny playing a role in detecting the plot. Mr Merhi was described as 'always smiling and laughing' and his previous boss told The Daily Telegraph 'you'd never think he was capable of anything to with terrorists.' Mr Merhi's father, Omar, told the publication it was 'bull**** that [his son] wanted to blow up a plane.' The 76-year-old man said his son had never been to a mosque and worked hard to provide for his child and girlfriend. NSW Police and forensic officers at the scene of a counter-terrorism raid on a property in Cleveland Street in Surry Hills Australian Federal Police and NSW Police officers are seen during the counter-terrorism raids Australian National University intelligence expert Professor John Blaxland says relying on international tip-offs shouldn't raise questions about the adequacy of Australia's intelligence services. 'What we know is that organisations like the AFP and ASIO have extensive networks of connections and liaisons arrangements with counterparts globally,' he said. 'There's a mutual benefit - a mutual back-scratching exercise. 'That network is proving more and more useful and more and more important for countering potential terrorist acts.' Investigators on Monday found a Qantas release slip relating to a Sydney to Jakarta flight near one of the raided Sydney properties but it was understood the plot did not involve Qantas or the Qantas Group. The family of a Minnesota man who hanged himself in a park are asking people to stop circulating a photo of his body after his death was incorrectly thought to be a hate crime. A Facebook post on a Black Lives Matter group included a photo of Michael Bringle's body hanging from a tree in St. Paul along with speculation that he was black and a victim of a lynching, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. Bringle, however, was white, and the Ramsey County medical examiner said there was no evidence his death was anything other than a suicide. His sister Kelly Brown-Rozowski asked for the photos to be taken down and said at a press conference that the rumors only compounded the family's tragedy. Michael Bringle (above) hanged himself from a tree in a St. Paul, Minnesota, park on Tuesday, police said. Social media users incorrectly thought his death was the result of a hate crime His sister Kelly Brown-Rozowski (left), asked for the photos to be taken down, and said at a press conference that the rumors only compounded the family's tragedy Bringle, 50, was pronounced dead at the scene after a passerby found him hanging from a tree in Indian Mounds Regional Park. Photos of his body were posted online, and social media users thought Bringle's hands were tied behind his back and questioned whether he was a victim of lynching. Black Lives Matter St. Paul also posted the photos, which were then shared thousands of times. But the Ramsey County medical examiner found Bringle died by suicide, and Brown-Rozowski said her brother had a history of mental illness. St Paul police cleared up the rumors in a Facebook post, disputing that he had his hands tied behind his back. The post read: 'Instead of mourning, his family members had to spend part of their day worrying about a photo posted on Facebook of him hanging from a tree and correcting misinformation about his death.... 'Micheal's passing is incredibly hard on those who cared about him, and their pain has been compounded by the inconsiderate and downright disgusting act of posting and sharing a picture of him hanging from a tree on Facebook.' The Ramsey County medical examiner found Bringle died by suicide, and Brown-Rozowski said her brother had a history of mental illness. She asked people to take the photos down Brown-Rozowski also said at a press conference Tuesday that her brother should be remembered as a kind and likable person who enjoyed working old cars. In a post Tuesday night, the Black Lives Matter group apologized to Bringle's family and said it retracted its earlier statements. 'As more information came out & Mr.Bringle's family came forward it became clear that this was an unfortunate incident caused by mental illness,' the group's statement read, adding we 'hope that folks see we were simply echoing the questions and concerns that community members had.' A disgruntled delivery man left a woman a threatening four-page letter after he brought her pizza and she didn't give him a tip. Lauren Ledford found the frightening letter on the doorstep of her Redondo Beach, California, home on Thursday, about a week after she had the pizza delivered through the on-demand delivery app Postmates. In the letter, the man began with 'Dear young lady' before threatening to rob her if she didn't tip him next time he delivered to her. 'So please, next time tip your delivery driver,' he wrote. 'And if it turns out that delivery driver is me again, and you do not tip yet again, I'm probably gonna rob you. 'I'm only joking, but not really. Don't risk it though. Who knows what a disgruntled deliver driver who can't afford to eat that day is capable of.' Scroll down for video Lauren Ledford (pictured) found a threatening letter from a disgruntled delivery man on her doorstep in Redondo Beach, California, on Thursday, about a week after she had a pizza delivered through the on-demand delivery app Postmates Ledford posted two pages (pictured) of the four-page letter to Facebook a day after she received it when Postmates did not respond to her initial email. In the letter, the delivery man threatened to rob her if she didn't tip him next time he delivered to her (left). He also made derogatory comments about Jews and talked about male and female body parts (right) The driver later made derogatory comments about Jews and talked about male and female body parts at the end of his letter. He also wrote: 'I'm just kinda high and so I need your tip money to stay toasty.' After she read the letter, Ledford contacted the company and the police. When she didn't hear anything from the company, she posted the letter to Facebook on Friday. In her post, she said she didn't tip because she thought that was included in the delivery charge she paid through the app. 'I originally emailed [Postmates] right when I got it that "I have a very threatening letter on my door. I need someone to call them immediately." No one reacted at all,' Ledford told KTLA. Ledford (pictured) said: 'I originally emailed [Postmates] right when I got it that "I have a very threatening letter on my door. I need someone to call them immediately." No one reacted at all' Ledford said she didn't tip the delivery man because she thought tip was included in the delivery charge she paid through the app to Postmates Once the letter gained ground on social media, Ledford finally heard back from Postmates, which has said they have suspended the driver and will cooperate with police, who are investigating Though the identity of the driver has not been released by the company, Ledford (pictured) wants to pursue charges and get a restraining order against him Not until the letter gained ground on social media did she hear anything from the company, 24 hours after she had emailed them initially. 'When people started tagging them and really lashing out at the company was when I was flooded with responses,' she said. Postmates gave a statement saying they had suspended the driver and will cooperate with law enforcement officials, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. 'Harassment of any kind is not tolerated on the Postmates platform and we are sincerely sorry for this customers experience,' the company said. 'Immediately after being notified of this incident last week we removed the independent contractor from the platform.' Though the identity of the driver has not been released by the company, Ledford wants to pursue charges and get a restraining order against him. 'It seems he is very unstable,' she said. A woman aged in her 50s has been mauled to death by two dogs at a rescue kennel in Western Australia. The incident occurred at Barko's Boarding Kennel in Southern River in the city's south-east at around 1:30 pm on Tuesday. The two breeds of dogs are a Staffordshire bull terrier and bull mastiff. They have been seized by Gosnells Council. A woman aged in her 50s has been mauled to death by two dogs at a rescue kennel in Western Australia (stock image of a Staffordshire bull terrier) St John's Ambulance crews treated the woman, who works as a dog handler, but she was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries. Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and they are preparing a report for the coroner. The ABC reported the victim's daughter found her body on Tuesday morning after she failed to turn up to work at a child care centre. The attack is believed to have taken place on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. A neighbour said he believed one of the dogs had been living with the woman for four years. The two breeds of dogs are a Staffordshire bull terrier and bull mastiff. They have been seized by Gosnells Council (stock image of a bull mastiff) Gosnells Council released a statement Wednesday afternoon confirming they had seized the two dogs which were 'preventing police from accessing the body of a deceased person.' The council confirmed the dogs were micro-chipped and registered to the property. They are waiting to hear from police before taking further action. Daily Mail Australia has contacted St John's Ambulance for comment. A billionaire known as the 'Screw King' has infuriated sightseers by anchoring his $110million megayacht right in front of the Statue of Liberty. German hardware magnate Reinhold Wurth's ostentatious vessel, the Vibrant Curiosity, stopped in New York Harbor on Monday, blocking views of the iconic statue. Though locals consider it boorish, the spot is a legal anchorage, a coast guard spokesman told the New York Post. German hardware magnate Reinhold Wurth's ostentatious vessel, the Vibrant Curiosity, dropped anchor in New York Harbor on Monday The 82-year-old Wurth, known as the Screw King, built his father's screw wholesaling business into a $14billion business Wurth, who built his father's screw wholesaling business into a $14billion business, is not the first billionaire to ruin views of the Statue of Liberty this summer. Russian oil oligarch Eugene Shvidler avoided berthing fees and enjoyed the view from the anchorage for much of June, until scoldings from the local press chased him off. His yacht was reportedly quickly replaced by that of Swiss-Italian heir Ernesto Bertarelli for much of July. Russian oil oligarch Eugene Shvidler also avoided berthing fees and enjoyed the view from his yacht Le Grande Bleu (pictured) in the same spot earlier this year Wurth's luxurious yacht is 280 feet long and has an elevator and helicopter pad. It is anchored in a spot in between the statue and the Staten Island Ferry route, which many tourists use to take in the view from the water. 'Im so annoyed that it ruined my photo,' one tourist told the Post. 'Its just your typical image of a rich person doesnt care about anyone else.' A former boxer who allegedly split open a policeman's head with a samurai sword is now charged with attempted murder. Milos Radovic allegedly hit the 55-year-old father-of-four at the scene of a domestic violence call-out in Perth about 5.30pm on July 19. By the time the senior constable and his partner arrived at the house on Parkin Street in Rockingham the suspected wife beating thug was gone. Milos Radovic, 45, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly slashing policeman's head with a samurai sword A policeman's skull was split open in two places when he was hit in the head with a samurai sword by an alleged wife-beating thug The 45-year-old then returned and allegedly slashed the officer on the head with the sword, causing multiple horrific head wounds and a fractured skull. Other officers were called to attend the scene and had to use a Taser on Radovic to restrain and arrest him. The officer was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital before being released overnight after he was given more than 12 stitches to a gaping, bloody wound to his forehead. A deeper wound to the back of his head was too serious to stitch up and was left open until surgeons were able to repair it. He is yet to return to work. Radovic, who twice fought Danny Green, was charged with intent to maim by unlawful wounding, but on Wednesday it was upgraded to attempted murder. He was also charged with two counts of being armed in a way to cause fear, criminal damage, and two counts of breaching a violence restraining order. The senior constable suffered the horrific injuries at the scene of a domestic violence incident in Perth about 5.30pm on July 19 The officer was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital before being released overnight 'This police officer is very luck to be alive. This was a vicious, unprovoked attack,' WA Police Union President George Tilbury said. 'This is so vicious and so cowardly... this officer could have lost his life.' Mr Tilbury said there were an alarming number of people in the state 'armed and who obviously have evil intent'. Radovic appeared in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on Thursday and was remanded in custody to appear in court again on Wednesday where his charges will be formally upgraded. If found guilty, he faces at least a year in jail under WA's mandatory sentencing laws for assaults on police and emergency officers, and far more for attempted murder. Bill Shine, the former Fox News executive and ally to disgraced late boss Roger Ailes, is reportedly in talks for a job in the White House communications department. The New York Times cited several anonymous sources who said Shine was in discussions for a role on Tuesday. The news came a week after Shine joined the former communications director Anthony Scaramucci at a dinner with the president and first lady. Sean Hannity was also present for the meal which fell in the middle of Scaramucci's first and only week in the role. Shine left Fox in May after being tied to the growing sexual harassment allegations engulfing his friend and colleague Roger Ailes. Former Fox News executive Bill Shine is reportedly in talks for a role in Trump's communications team. He had dinner with the president and first lady last week Ailes died on May 18 as the scandal reached fever pitch. Shine and Scaramucci worked together during the latter's brief tenure with Fox. According to the unnamed administration sources, Shine's discussions about a role happened last week before Scaramucci was fired. One person said the role would be of a behind-the-scenes nature and would focus on Shine's expertise in production. Neither Shine, 54, nor the White House has officially confirmed the reports. Hannity however insisted that his job prospects were not discussed at last week's dinner and added: 'Bill Shine is talented enough that he doesnt need my help in getting a job in the White House or any other position.' Scaramucci's firing has left a vacuum in the hemorrhaging White House communications department. Fired White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci was also present for the meal last week along with Fox's Sean Hannity Shine is seen at Trump Tower in November last year. He stepped down from his role at Fox earlier this year after being linked to the sexual assault scandal engulfing Roger Ailes Any new candidate will have to be approved by Trump's straight laced new Chief of Staff, General John Kelly. He replaced Reince Priebus last week after six months of chaotic infighting and leaking within the administration. His departure swiftly followed a foul-mouthed rant by Scaramucci to the New Yorker in which he was labeled a 'f***ing paranoid schizophrenic' and 'c**k blocker'. The Mooch's media experience was limited to his hosting gig on Wall Street Week, a financial news show he presented on Fox after acquiring it through his investment firm SkyBridge Capital. He took over from Sean Spicer, the former spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, who resigned from his role earlier this month. Spicer initially joined the administration as press secretary but took over the role of communications director from Michael Dubke. Dubke was asked to leave in May. The last of a dozen inmates who managed to escape from an Alabama prison by using peanut butter, has been caught. The inmates broke free from the Walker County Jail in Jasper on Sunday night by smearing the spread over a number on a door that lead outside to fool a new jail employee into opening it. Eleven of the escapees were recaptured by Monday but 24-year old Brady Kilpatrick had been on the run ever since. Tuesday at 7pm, Kilpatrick was recaptured at a property near his home in Martin County, Florida, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Brady Andrew Kilpatrick (right) has finally been caught (left) after he escaped from Walker County jail on Sunday night Kilpatrick was recaptured at a property near his home in Martin County, Florida The inmate, who hails from Cordova, Alabama, was in jail on charges of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia, when he fled. Walker County Sheriff James Underwood said the inmates covered the numbers identifying the outside door and persuaded the jail employee watching them on surveillance cameras to open it from his control booth. 'Changing numbers on doors with peanut butter - it may sound crazy, but these kinds of people are crazy like a fox,' Underwood said. 'He thought he was opening the cell door for this man to go in his cell, but in fact he opened up the outside door. 'Escapes happen. 'We've got some evil people down here, and they scheme all the time to con us and our employees at the jail. You've got to stay on your toes. This is one time we slipped up. I'm not going to make any excuses.' 'I said it was human error and he made a mistake,' Underwood said. '(The guard is) a young guy, he hasn't been there that long. This young man was a weak link, and they knew it.' Underwood said the escape happened about 6.20pm on Sunday and he estimated the inmates had cleared the barbed wire fence in less than 10 minutes. CAPTURED: Ethan Pearl (left) and Larry Inman (center) and Christopher Smith (right) were all captured by authorities in the early hours of Monday morning CAPTURED: Johnny Richard Hunter (left) and (right) Timothy Chaz Coope CAPTURED: Kristopher Keith Secrest (left) and (right) Christopher Cole Spain He said the only person seriously hurt in the entire escape incident was an inmate who sliced his thumb climbing over a razor-wire fence. All but one of the dozen inmates were captured within hours. A manhunt continued on Monday for the last remaining fugitive, 24-year-old Brady Andrew Kilpatrick, of Cordova, who had been jailed on charges of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The fugitives were between 18 and 30 and had been jailed on a range of different charges. Two of those who escaped were serving jail sentences for attempted murder. Residents were told by the Jasper Police Department to stay indoors and turn on all their lights while the fugitives were on the loose. The Walker County Sheriff's Office released a list of prisoners they were hunting for, as well as their mugshots late on Sunday. Eight of the prisoners were captured on Sunday night, while three others were captured in the early hours of Monday. CAPTURED: Michael McGuff (left) and Steven Blake Lamb (right) escaped at about 6.30pm CAPTURED: Steven Sanford Hartley (left), 27, was in jail for theft, while Quadrekas Latoddrick Key (right), 21, was jailed for possession of a controlled Substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude Christopher Micheal Smith, age 19, of Jasper was captured at 4.21am. He was in prison for attempted murder. Larry Inman Jr, 29, of Parrish, who is in jail for two counts of receiving stolen property, attempting to elude and failure to appear was apprehended at 1.52am. Authorities also captured Ethan Howard Pearl, 24, of Jasper at 2.06am. He was jailed for resisting arrest, obstructing government operations, possession of drug paraphernalia, promoting prison contraband and failing to appear. Steven Blake Lamb, 28, of Quinton was captured by police at 10.42pm. He was jailed for attempted murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, reckless endangerment and probation revocations. Michael Adam McGuff, 30, of Jasper was captured at 10.30pm. He was serving a prison sentence for third-degree escape and obstructing government operations. The other inmates who were recaptured include Johnny Richard Hunter, 26, Christopher Cole Spain, 18, Kristopher Keith Secrest, 20, Quadrekas Latoddrick Key, 21, Timothy Chaz Cooper, 28, and Steven Sanford Hartley, 27. The sheriff's office offered a $500 reward for information that led to the capture of the missing inmates. Walker County Jail holds about 250 prisoners, according to its website. A mother found out her son was dead when she pulled up to the site of the car accident that killed him. Mackean Robertson, 18, died at the scene of the three-car wreck in Cumming, Georgia, after another teen driver did not yield on a left turn. Robertson's mother, Nicole Bahret, was on her way home when she saw her son's car was in the accident on July 14. 'I knew when I saw his car. So I actually pulled up to the scene. That's how I found out,' she told WSB-TV. Mackean Robertson, 18, (pictured) died at the scene of a three-car wreck in Cumming, Georgia, on July 14, after another teen driver did not yield on a left turn Robertson's mother, Nicole Bahret, (pictured) was on her way home when she saw her son's car was in the accident Bahret (right) said she had spoken to her son (left) only an hour before the crash and he had asked if he could hang out with his friends that night Robertson was the only one who died in the crash. The other drivers and passengers were treated at the hospital for their injuries. Bahret said she had spoken to her son only an hour before the crash. 'He actually asked and said, "Can I hang out with some friends tonight?" And I was like, "Yeah that sounds great,"' Bahret said. 'The day he died was probably one of the happiest days of his life because everything was going his way,' she added. A week after his death, hundreds of people gathered for Robertson's funeral and his former school, Forsyth Central High School, will host a memorial for the teen on August 12. A fundraising page has also been set up to help pay for funeral costs. 'He was just full of joy. He was always smiling, always laughing,' Bahret said. 'You never think it's going to be you and everything changes. He was precious.' Robertson (pictured) graduated from Georgia Cyber Academy at the beginning of June and according to his obituary he had just started working as a general maintenance technician Robertson was the only one who died in the crash. The other drivers and passengers were treated at the hospital for their injuries. The scene of the fatal wreck is pictured A week after his death, hundreds of people gathered for Robertson's funeral and his former school, Forsyth Central High School, will host a memorial for the teen on August 12 Robertson graduated from Georgia Cyber Academy at the beginning of June and according to his obituary he had just started working as a general maintenance technician at ISS Facilities Services, Inc. 'MacKean loved God, family, friends and music,' his obituary said. 'He played the French horn and marched in the Forsyth Central "Flash of Crimson" for three years playing the mellophone. 'He was a very special force of nature, kind-hearted, loving and always willing to help anyone with a project, he had a brilliant mind and was also mechanically inclined. 'He is more loved than he ever knew and will be missed more than he ever could have imagined.' Bahret added: 'In time you deal with it better but the pain doesn't go away.' Natalie D'Allen, 17, has been charged in connection with the crash that killed Robertson, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The rising senior from Suwanee, Georgia, was charged with second-degree homicide by vehicle, failure to yield turning left and driving in violation of license restrictions. She turned herself in to police two days after the crash and has been released on bond. Maggie Taylor constructs photomontages to create a dreamlike world inhabited by everyday objects. Runs through 9/9. Opening & Artist Reception Friday July 7, 57pm On View: July 7 September 9, 2017 ABOUT THE EXHIBITION photo-eye Gallery is thrilled to announce Maggie Taylor: A tale begun in other days an exhibition of color photomontages from our newest represented artist Maggie Taylor opening Friday July 7th and continuing through September 2nd, 2017. An Opening and Artist Reception will take place on Friday, July 7th from 5 7 PM. ABOUT THE ARTWORK Maggie Taylor constructs what she terms dreamlike worlds inhabited by everyday objects. An early adopter, Maggie Taylor has been utilizing digital technology to build her evocative and elaborate photomontages for more than 20 years. These whimsical narratives often begin as pastel background drawings with additional components such as 19th Century photographs, drawings, vintage toys, seashells, feathers, and taxidermy scanned and meticulously arranged over time to complete the scene. Working instinctively, Taylor crafts a surreal alternate reality rife with curious peculiarities and rich in symbolism. "I work very spontaneously and intuitively, trying to come up with images that have a resonance and a somewhat mysterious narrative content. There is no one meaning for any of the images, rather they exist as a kind of visual riddle or open-ended poem, meant to be both playful and provocative. " Maggie Taylor ABOUT THE ARTIST Maggie Taylor is an artist who lives amid the Spanish moss and live oaks at the edge of a small swamp on the outskirts of Gainesville, Florida. Taylors photomontages have been widely exhibited and have been collected by many museums including the following: The Center for Creative Photography, Tucson; The George Eastman House, Rochester; Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans; The Art Museum, Princeton University; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland; and The Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University among others. Maggie Taylor's work is also featured in the following publications: Adobe Photoshop Master Class: Maggie Taylor's Landscape of Dreams, Peachpit Press; Solutions Beginning with A, Modernbook Editions; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Modernbook Editions; Album, Edizioni Si; and No Ordinary Days, University Press of Florida. For more information please contact Anne Kelly - anne@photoeye.com | 505-988-5152 x202 About seven million homes across the country that rely on solar farms and rooftop solar panels will lose power generation during the Great American Eclipse on Aug. 21. As a result, utilities like PG&E in California have asked their customers to turn off appliances during the eclipse to help ease the strain on the grid and avoid the need to start up inefficient back-up power plants. With media reporting that the eclipse could wipe out 9,000 Megawatts of power supply across the nationthe equivalent of about nine nuclear reactorswe went to the experts at TVA to see how the Valley would be faring. Patrick Walshe, TVA Operations & Analysis manager, explains that as the largest public utility in the United States has been readying for this event for months. We are absolutely ready because weve been preparing for this eclipse like a major storm or temperature event that could affect our ability to keep electricity flowing to our consumers. Mr. Walshe says for those in TVAs service territory, electricity shouldnt be a concern. Thats because TVA has conducted proactive maintenance, reviewed processes and procedures with employees, and closely coordinated with other utilities around TVAs service area to mitigate any negative impacts the eclipse may have on the power grid. With electricity taken care of, Mr. Walshe encourages Valley residents to take advantage of this rare and exciting opportunityits the first solar eclipse to traverse coast to coast in nearly a century. According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon completely obscures the sun, casting a shadow along the Earth. While about 70 percent of the sun will be obscured across the United States, 90 to 100 percent of the sun will be obscured in the Tennessee Valley. Nashville is the largest city in the Valley to lie wholly within the path of totality, and numerous others are within a short drive. TVA currently sources about 400 Megawatts of electricity from over 3,000 locations across the Tennessee Valley, and is adding more all the time. Not to worry, Mr. Walshe says: We dont put all of our eggs in one generating basket., so well have plenty of clean, low-cost, reliable power to meet the demand. Mr. Walshe says that TVAs balanced generating portfolio provides flexibility and value to consumers because they can easily switch between generating sources to keep lights on and costs low. From the command center in Chattanooga, TVA monitors the power grid 24/7 and will have extra staff on hand during the eclipse to ensure there are no hiccups. Its our job to keep Valley industry working during the eclipse, Mr. Walshe says. Rest assured that we are ready to generate electricity with the right fuel, at the right time, at the lowest cost possible to do just that." Andrew Denton will have to undergo multiple bypass surgery after being diagnosed with advanced heart disease. The 57-year-old television presenter's father Kit died painfully from heart failure after being diagnosed with the same condition 20 years ago, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Now, Denton, the director of Go Gentle Australia, will have to withdraw from campaigning to legalise euthanasia a cause he has devoted recent years to at a crucial moment. Scroll down for video Andrew Denton (left and right, with his family) will have to undergo multiple bypass surgery after being diagnosed with advanced heart disease The Victorian government hopes to introduce legislation to parliament that would allow terminally ill Victorians to choose when they die, in accordance with strict guidelines including that they have less than 12 months to live. His absence is 'a disaster for the campaign,' a supporter told the newspaper. Denton set up Go Gentle Australia last year specifically to gain the right for terminally ill to a doctor-assisted death in certain circumstances. The 57-year-old television legend's father Kit (above, together) died painfully from heart failure after being diagnosed with the same condition 20 years ago Since then, he's become a public face for the campaign. But his office said his work will continue under campaign manager Paul Price. 'The Go Gentle campaign continues in full force,' Mr Price said. 'In the next weeks and months, we will be marshalling the support of the more than 75 per cent of Victorians who want voluntary assisted dying to become law.' Next is urgently recalling a pair of children's shoes over fears the lining of the shoes contain a substance that could cause cancer. The UK retailer issued a notice last month asking people to return its Younger Boys Navy Brogue Shoes saying footwear contained a substance that did not meet the firm's 'technical specifications'. But concerns raised by watchdogs in Australia revealed that the lining of the shoe contains benzidine - which could cause cancer with prolonged contact with the skin. UK retailer Next is urgently recalling a pair of children's shoes over fears the lining of the shoes contain a substance that could cause cancer The shoes, distributed in Australia and the rest of the world through online sales, internally in UK stores, were available for sale between December 19 last year and June 26, 2017. The product - with an item number of 964786 (UB/489) - was urgently recalled due to concerns highlighted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. In a statement, the Commission said the defective product's lining 'contains a quantity of benzidine which could have carcinogenic properties if in prolonged contact with the skin. 'Expert authorities classify benzidine as a carcinogen and recommend that exposure be limited.' Customers are advised to stop using the shoes immediately. In a product recall notice on the Next website in June, the retailer said the shoes were being recalled due to a 'potential problem with the lining'. SUBSTANCE IS A RISK Benzidine is a manufactured chemical that was used to produce dyes for cloth, paper and leather. The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer deems the substance as a carcinogenic to humans. Occupational exposure to benzidine results in an increased risk of cancer. Watchdogs in Australia revealed that the lining of the shoe contains benzidine Benzidine has not been sold in the United States since the mid-1970s and it is no longer used in medical laboratories or in the rubber and plastics industries. It has been withdrawn from use in most industries. Advertisement It mentions a 'restricted substance,' but does not clarify what it is or mention the consequences and risks people are subjecting their children to if they did not return the item. 'Unfortunately, it's come to light that there's a potential problem with the lining of the above style which contains a quantity of restricted substance which exceeds Next's specification,' the notice said. 'As the shoes don't meet our strict, technical specifications, we've taken the decision of recalling them, and are requesting that you return them to us for a full refund. 'We're very sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience caused, but we hope you'll understand that customer safety is our highest priority.' Next urged its customers to call 0333 777 8185 to arrange a collection, or return the shoes to a local store. Earlier this year, Next issued an urgent safety warning after discovering childrens sandals contained a possible choking hazard. The High Street chain recalled pairs of the 18 stud sandals after realising small rivets attached to the straps could come loose and be swallowed by youngsters. The sandals were marketed as part of their Younger Girls range targeting those aged three months to six-years-old. A statement on the company website about the stud sandals said: Unfortunately, its come to light that theres a potential problem with the star rivets, which could become detached, presenting a choking hazard to young children. In a product recall notice on the Next website in June, the retailer said the shoes were being recalled due to a 'potential problem with the lining'. Next (pictured is its store in Bond Street, London) urged its customers to call 0333 777 8185 to arrange a collection, or return the shoes to a local store A Labor senator who describes himself as a 'non-practising' Muslim has admitted he first tried marijuana at the end of high school in Sydney's Bible belt. Sam Dastyari was in year 12 studying for his Higher School Certificate when he dabbled with 'backyard' pot in 2000. 'Did I ever do marijuana in high school? The answer's yes,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Towards my last year of school was probably the first time I had marijuana.' Scroll down for video Labor senator Sam Dastyari has admitted he first tried marijuana when he was at high school Sam Dastyari was the vice-captain at Baulkham Hills High School when he first tried some pot The future Labor powerbroker was the vice-captain at the selective Baulkham Hills High School when he first inhaled marijuana, shortly before sitting exams that would see him score a near-perfect HSC score of 99.75. 'Growing up in the fairly sheltered, Bible belt Hills community of Sydney, I don't think our experiences were that different to many other people's,' he said. 'There was always a fair bit of drinking at parties, as is the Australian way, and there was also always low-level drugs and mostly it was low-level marijuana. 'The marijuana that used to be around was always something that someone had somehow got their hands on that someone had grown in someone's backyard.' Labor senator Sam Dastyari has reflected on trying marijuana perhaps mixed with tea leaves Sam Dastyari encountered backyard marijuana growing up in Sydney's Hills District The Iranian-born senator, who was 17 when he first tried pot as a student in the Hills District of north-west Sydney, didn't think the marijuana helped him deal with the stress of year 12 exams. 'The stuff we had was such garbage that I question how much of it was actually the active ingredients of marijuana and how much of it was tea leaves cut with it,' he said. 'Let's be clear here, I wasn't some kind of high school pot head. 'They were part of growing up. It was experimenting with the party drugs.' The 34-year-old senator, who has also tried ecstasy and cocaine, wants other politicians to speak more openly about their drug experiences. Sam Dastyari, a senator for New South Wales, wants more politicians to talk about using drugs Sam Dastyari calls for drug law reform in his new book One Halal of a Story, in bookshops now 'You get a lot of politicians who talk about how they've never done drugs, never done this, never done that, they wear it as a badge of honour,' he said. 'That makes them less relatable than others.' In his new book One Halal of Story, published by Melbourne University Press, Senator Dastyari calls for more lenient sentences for youths caught with small amounts of marijuana and ecstasy pill testing at dance parties. 'What we do with marijuana is a waste of time and police resources,' he said. 'Low-level marijuana is largely decriminalised already but what we end up doing is we're spending so much energy and when you have a real problem drug like ice, that are causing havoc, especially in country communities.' The senator, from Labor's right faction who joined the party at age 16, added that indigenous youth in remote communities caught with small amounts of marijuana had less access to good lawyers compared with young people from affluent areas. 'If you're a wealthy, inner-city kid at a university you're never going to face charges, you're never going to go to jail' he said. 'All it takes is a half-decent lawyer and an apology.' Frustrated over China's inability to pressure North Korea over its nuclear program, the Trump administration is weighing plans to punish China for failing to crack down on intellectual property thefts and forcing U.S. and foreign companies to share their technology in return for access to the vast Chinese market. That's according to two people familiar with the discussion, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans have not been made public. The administration is considering invoking the rarely used Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers Washington to investigate Chinese trade practices and impose sanctions, including tariffs, within months, according to one of those people. The New York Times said Tuesday that the probe was set to go forward and could be announced in the next couple days. Frustrated over China's inability to pressure North Korea over its nuclear program, the Trump administration is weighing plans to punish China for failing to crack down on intellectual property thefts and forcing U.S. and foreign companies to share their technology in return for access to the vast Chinese market The investigation would focus on China's alleged forced technology transfer policies and practices, one of the people said, adding that the Trump administration could move to launch such a probe this week. U.S. and other Western governments and business groups accuse Beijing of unfairly nurturing Chinese competitors - in fields ranging from medical equipment to renewable energy to electric cars - by requiring foreign firms to hand over proprietary technologies in exchange for being allowed to operate in China. American companies have long complained that Chinese competitors steal their technology and use it to compete against them. Being forced to hand over technology to gain access to the Chinese market adds to the risk. China's Ministry of Commerce did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. These deliberations come as the administration has signaled a harsher stance on trade than it took in the first six months of Trump's presidency when it comes to China. The probe was set to go forward and could be announced in the next couple days, sources said President Donald Trump temporarily set aside complaints about market access and currency when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April in hopes Beijing would help pressure North Korea to end its nuclear weapons development. But tensions bubbled up last month at a U.S.-Chinese dialogue where U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin blamed China's $347 billion trade surplus with the United States last year on 'government intervention in its economy.' Trump has also grown increasingly frustrated by what he says is China's reluctance to rein in North Korea. 'I am very disappointed in China. Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade,' he tweeted recently, 'yet... they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk.' 'We will no longer allow this to continue,' he added. 'China could easily solve this problem!' The Wall Street Journal and New York Times also reported that U.S. trade officials are discussing ways to counter piracy of copyrights and patents and other intellectual property in China. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, in a commentary in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, outlined a slew of grievances against both China and the European Union that he said contributed to the global U.S. trade deficit in goods of $725.5 billion in 2016. 'Both China and Europe also bankroll their exports through grants, low-cost loans, energy subsidies, special value-added tax refunds and below-market real estate sales, among other means,' Ross wrote. A man pushes a stroller past a magazine advertisement featuring U.S. President Donald Trump at a news stand in Shanghai, China. U.S. The Wall Street Journal and New York Times stories also said U.S. officials were looking into using Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. Another possibility would be to invoke the 'International Emergency Economic Powers Act,' a law also enacted during the 1970s that gives the president wide powers to take action after declaring a national emergency, the Wall Street Journal report said. The president has long railed against Chinese trade practices. 'Predatory trade practices, product dumping, currency manipulation and intellectual property theft have taken millions of jobs and trillions in wealth from our country,' he said on the campaign trail last year, warning that if China did not stop its 'illegal activities, including its theft of American trade secrets and intellectual property, I will apply countervailing duties until China ceases and desists.' He claimed enforcing intellectual property rules alone would add millions of new American jobs each year. The administration also was considering how to resist technology-sharing demands from Beijing as part of its ambitious Made in China 2025 program, a blueprint for making China a leader in advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, robotics and other industries. Foreign companies have long complained over rampant piracy and technology theft by Chinese companies. Though he has at times sought a more conciliatory approach, Trump also has lambasted China over such problems and over the massive U.S. trade deficit. The U.S. last year ran a $347 billion trade deficit in goods with China - accounting for nearly half of the overall U.S. trade deficit in goods. Despite Trump's pledge to narrow the deficit, the gap has grown this year - to $138.1 billion from January through May from $131.2 billion in the first five months of 2016. He is now suing police, council, shopping centre and surf club for $1.5 million Man fell 3.6 metres onto concrete after 'inadequately repaired' vent gave way While arresting and searching the man, police pushed him against car park grille Police called to disturbance between a man and a woman in Queensland in 2015 A man who suffered extensive injuries after falling more than three metres onto solid concrete is suing the police, a local council, a shopping centre and a surf club over the incident. Ross Ian Anderson, 31, has launched a $1.5 million lawsuit, claiming that the injuries he sustained in July 2015 were a result of 'excessive force' by police. Mr Anderson claims that he fell head-first onto concrete in the Paradise Centre car park in Surfers Paradise after police pushed him up against an improperly secured vent, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin. Mr Anderson claims he fell head-first onto concrete in the Paradise Centre car-park in 2015 Mr Anderson was arrested after a disturbance on Hanlan Street in the Gold Coast. He was reportedly arguing so loudly with his fiancee that police were called, according to the statement of claim lodged with the Supreme Court. At the time of the accident, Mr Anderson claimed that he 'drank an occasional beer and may have smoked an occasional joint but had ceased his destructive drinking behaviour and had weaned himself completely off ice'. Mr Anderson's lawyers claim that he suffered a minor closed head injury as well as other wounds that rendered him unable to work, partly because of short term memory loss sustained during the incident. The statement alleges that he suffered cognitive deficits, post traumatic headaches; cervicothoracic injury including fractures, ligament and facet injuries, left arm problems, lower lumbar soft tissue injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychiatric injury. He blames police for failing to check the security of the car park grille and for 'using excessive force' to push him against it, according to the Fraser Coast Chronicle. Mr Anderson's lawyers claim that police used excessive force when searching him in 2015 The lawsuit blames owners of the Paradise Centre and its car park for failing to repair the grille. Adelaide Now reported that the structure was allegedly missing rivets that had been inadequately replaced with wire. Furthermore, Mr Anderson in his claim blames the occupant of the building above the car-park, Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, and the Gold Coast City Council, which owns the building. After Mr Anderson fell, the police maintained that they used 'standard practice' to search him 'Regardless of what lead up to this incident, this case is ultimately about a public safety risk and the danger that a fall posed for anyone who lent up against the metal grill,' said Mr Anderson's lawyer Kimberly Allen. She said her client was not charged over the 2015 incident, but was issued fines for 'taking liquor away from a licensed premises, consuming liquor in a public place, public nuisance and disorderly behaviour'. After Mr Anderson fell, the police maintained that they had used 'standard practice' when searching him. Mr Anderson has lodged a statement of claim relating to the incident with the Supreme Court 'During this the screen collapsed and the man has fallen three metres to the car park below,' a superintendent said at the time. 'There was no excessive force used, I have viewed CCTV footage from the incident and investigations are ongoing.' As of Tuesday, none of the accused parties had lodged a defence. This is the shocking moment a 44-year-old father was beaten by a gang of youngsters on board a Dallas train after asking them to stop smoking marijuana. Kennan Jones was attacked by the group on Sunday as they rode towards Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. He had asked them to stop smoking marijuana on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit train. The group included young men and women who punched him and threw him against the train's doors before arriving at the station. Some of them pushed off the handle poles to kick Jones from the air. This is the moment a gang of youngsters attacked a 44-year-old man on a Dallas train after he asked them to stop smoking marijuana The group pushed Kennan Jones (right in checked shorts) against the train doors to beat him Once the train had come to a stop, they spilled out on to the platform. One of the young women then hit Jones in the head with a skateboard as he lay reeling on the ground. She calmly walked away from him afterwards with the skateboard still in her hand. A fellow passenger filmed the attack and shared the footage with DFW, CBS's local station in Texas. In the video, at least one other passenger tries to intervene but it slapped away. Jones was taken to hospital after the incident but has since been released. He had visible facial injuries when he spoke to the network. Once at the train station, the group spilled out onto the platform where they continued to attack Jones One of the young women in the group hit the man in the head with a skateboard as he lay lying on the ground 'Everything just went from 0 to 100. Im just very happy to be here happy to hug my kids,' he said. The man said he tried to recoil during the attack and told the gang: 'OK, OK. Y'all win,' but they persisted. Victim Kennan Jones suffered facial injuries When the young woman hit him in the head with the skateboard, he said he blacked out. Police are investigating the incident and the footage. The man said he was angry the train driver did not do more to stop the attack. 'To me, they saw enough to be, to stop that moment and say, "Were not going nowhere until police coming," he said. DART spokesman Mark Ball apologized for the man's ordeal. 'Im so sorry it happened to him and I apologize for that. 'For him to have stood up for DART and our policies and then to be hurt by that is a tragedy.' A commercial airliner with 323 passengers and crew on board flew through the re-entry path of North Korea's latest long-range ballistic missile test, according to a new report. Air France Flight 293 from Tokyo to Paris came just minutes away from disaster during the missile test on Friday, when North Korea launched an ICBM into the Sea of Japan, a US official told ABC News. Flight data from the plane showed that the plane passed through the path of the Hwasong-14 just 10 minutes prior to the missile as it plummeted down from space. Air France said in a statement that the flight operated without incident, and the passengers and crew of the Boeing 777 would have been oblivious to the near-miss. Air France Flight 293 from Tokyo to Paris came just minutes away from disaster during the missile test on Friday, when North Korea launched an ICBM into the Sea of Japan (file photo) North Korea has recently carried out another test launch of its Hwasong-14 missile amid heightened tensions between North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-un (pictured) and the US The secretive North's leader, Kim Jong Un, supervised the midnight launch of the missile on Friday night and called it a 'stern warning' to the United States that it would not be safe from destruction if it tried to attack, the official KCNA news agency said. US President Donald Trump brushed off Kim's so-called warning in a cabinet meeting on Monday. 'We'll handle North Korea. We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything,' Trump said as he sat alongside Defense Secretary James Mattis Unlike other countries, North Korea does not issue advisories ahead of missile test launches. The flight path of Air France Flight 293 on Friday is seen. A US official said the plane came within just 10 minutes of potential collision with a North Korean missile A man walks in front of a public TV screen broadcasting news of North Korea's test-firing of its second intercontinental ballistic missile in Tokyo, Japan The US was set to test launch a Minuteman III early Wednesday morning, but announced the flight path well in advance. Friday's secret missile launch was the second test of an ICBM for North Korea, and indicated the regime's missile could reach the continental US. The Hwasong-14, named after the Korean word for Mars, reached an altitude of 2,314.6 miles and flew 620 miles before landing in the waters off the Korean peninsula's east coast, according to North Korea's state news agency. Independent experts agreed that on a flattened trajectory the missile could have reached much of the US. However, US and South Korean experts who reviewed Japanese footage of the missile's re-entry said Tuesday that North Korea will have to refine its warhead vehicle for it to survive the heat of re-entry. North Koreans in Pyongyang watch as coverage of an ICBM missile test is displayed on a screen in a public square on Saturday. The missile is believed to have narrowly missed a plane Michael Elleman, of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the 38 North Analyst think tank, said it appears that the 're-entry vehicle' that would carry a warhead back into Earth's atmosphere from space had failed during the second test. 'Most likely it broke up into pieces,' he said. 'Prior to completely breaking up, it appears to have been shedding some of the outer layers, and then it must have finally disintegrated.' The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency reportedly now believes North Korea will be able to deploy an ICBM capable of carrying a nuclear weapon as soon as next year - two years earlier than the agency's previous estimate. A young woman has told of her 'literal hell' after she got severe food poising while climbing Machu Picchu in South America. Renata Yannoulis, from Sydney, and her friends were completing a five-day trek to the ancient Incan city in the Andes Mountains, when they all became violently ill. 'It was hell. It was literal hell,' Ms Yannoulis told The Daily Telegraph. Renata Yannoulis, from Sydney, (pictured) and her friends were completing a five-day trek to the ancient Incan city in the Andes Mountains, when they all became violently ill A young woman has told of her 'literal hell' after she got severe food poising while climbing Machu Picchu in South America (pictured centre with friends) The 26-year-old, who works in advertising, said they chose one of the cheapest companies to do the trek with- a decision she regrets in hindsight. 'The porters who were preparing our food for us along the camping experience probably weren't using any hygiene standards. A couple of times I saw them cleaning our dishes in water next to the public bathrooms, and that was probably a red flag,' she said. On the mountain trail, with no way of bringing their own food, the group had no choice but to eat the food they were given by the company. That's when things took a turn for the worse. They were all quickly shot down by a severe stomach bug. Ms Yannoulis said there was no privacy on the trail, which was packed with hundreds of other tourists. They weren't able to go to the toilet because 'it was like 's***ing in front of 200 people', she said. Without travel insurance, and not enough money to pay to hire porter to take them down, the group were forced to climb to the top The 26-year-old (pictured) said they chose one of the cheapest companies to do the trek with- a decision she regrets in hindsight 'You have to clench your bowels the entire time'. Without travel insurance, and not enough money to pay to hire porters to take them down, the group were forced to climb to the top. They were there three hours to take photos, before making the climb all the way back down. New research by Southern Cross Travel Insurance has revealed over a quarter of Australians have had a bad food experience overseas. Anthony Scaramucci has spoken out for the first time since he was fired and revealed his anger at the DC gossip-fueled rumors of an affair between him and Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle - which he strongly denies. In a wide-ranging interview with the Huffington Post, Scaramucci explained the series of events that unfolded during his very short-lived career as the White House communications director. At the top of the list were the Guilfoyle rumors, the publication of his now infamous expletive-laden rant aimed at some of Trump's top aides and revelations that he missed the birth of his son. Scroll down for video Anthony Scaramucci has revealed his anger at DC rumors of an affair with his 'good friend' Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle - which both parties strongly deny - and says members of the media fueled the gossip. They are pictured together at his company's Christmas party in December 2016 Scaramucci (pictured on Tuesday) gave an interview to the HuffPost about the series of events that unfolded during his very short-lived career as the White House communications director Guilfoyle (above) was spotted returning alone to her pricey Upper West Side apartment late Tuesday evening after being forced to deny that she was having an affair with Scaramucci earlier in the day Trump confidant Roger Stone, who is friends with Guilfoyle, said that Scaramucc is 'way too short' for her. The 48-year-old California native is roughly 5'7'' and briefly did modeling work for Macy's and bridal magazines The Mooch said he knew rumors would swirl when Guilfoyle's name was mentioned after the previous speculation - and that he saw the tweets as 'an attack'. Scaramucci denies having a sexual relationship with Guilfoyle, who was spotted returning alone to her pricey Upper West Side apartment late Tuesday evening. The Fox host also confirmed - via a Fox spokesperson - that she is only friends with Scaramucci. Trump confidant Roger Stone, who is also a friend of Guilfoyle, told the Huffington Post's Vicky Ward that the pair are just 'very close friends'. He added: 'He is way too short for Kimberly.' One of the reporters tweeting about the dinner was New Yorker reporter Ryan Lizza who later published his rant about 'paranoid schizophrenic' Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon 'sucking his own c***'. Scaramucci said he called Lizza when he got home from the dinner and that conversation, which included the expletive-laden rant about Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon, made headlines the following day when it was published. He repeatedly pressured Lizza to reveal the source of his tweet about the dinner, threatening to fire his entire communications staff if he wouldn't reveal who did it. Scaramucci said he was upset when several political reporters started tweeting last week that he was having dinner with Donald and Melania Trump, Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Kimberly Guilfoyle and ex-Fox co-president Bill Shine Scaramucci said he called Lizza when he got home from the dinner and that conversation, which included the expletive-laden rant about Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon, made headlines the following day when it was published. Scaramucci turned on journalist Ryan Lizza, saying he 'made a mistake in trusting a reporter' Scaramucci at first seemed unperturbed by Lizza's report. He defended his 'colorful language' but vowed to 'refrain in this arena' 'The Lizzas and Scaramuccis have been friends for over 50 years. My dad knew his dad from construction, and we were building a personal relationship. Most of what I said was humorous and joking. 'Legally, it may have been on the record, but the spirit of it was off. And he knew that,' Scaramucci said of the phone call, which he said he felt burned by. Lizza denies being old family friends with Scaramucci. To cap off Scaramucci's tumultuous week, news broke late on Friday that his wife Deidre had filed for divorce while she was eight months pregnant. Deidre delivered a baby boy last Monday, during Scaramucci's fourth day on the job. Scaramucci was not present for the birth and was instead on Air Force One with Trump en route to the national Boy Scout Jamboree. The baby was born with health problems and was whisked to neonatal intensive care, but Scaramucci didn't return to New York to visit his newborn son for several days. To cap off Scaramucci's tumultuous week, news broke late on Friday that his wife Deidre (pictured on Monday) had filed for divorce while she was eight months pregnant This photo was taken on board Air Force One at the same time Scaramucci's wife gave birth to their second son Reports emerged that he greeted news of his expanded family by sending Deidre a text message that read: 'Congratulations, I'll pray for our child.' Scaramucci told the Huffington Post that the way the chain of events was played out was unfair and not in context. He said his wife gave birth two weeks early so he had no reason to believe that he would miss it by jumping on the plane with Trump. Scaramucci claims his estranged wife texted him after the birth saying she needed space. But Deidre's lawyer Jill Stone disputed this, saying: 'Any texts of that nature had nothing to do with the baby or seeing the baby.' The Mooch was sacked on Monday after just 10 days on the job. But TMZ reported that the short-lived stint inside the White House could still benefit Scaramucci with lucrative engagements on the public speaking circuit. As a hedge fund magnate and entrepreneur, the site reports he was already worth between $25,000 and $50,000 per speech. But having inside knowledge of the Trump administration could push that price-tag to $75,000, though it is unlikely that ever-loyal Mooch would turn on his former paymaster in order to make quick cash. Scaramucci is pictured walking behind press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders as a smiling Kellyanne Conway looms in the background before he left the White House on Monday Police have released a bizarre identikit image of a man who committed an indecent act on a woman on a Perth beach. Officers are hunting a man wearing a turban, with dark skin and a beard who ran towards a the woman while she was jogging along the beach in Swanbourne, Perth, on Saturday. The facial composite depicts a man wearing a turban, with dark skin and a beard but apparently no mouth. Police released a bizarre facial composite of a man who appears to have a beard but no mouth The man reportedly emerged from bush-land near the beach on Alfred Road wearing a red turban, green jumper and dark pants. The 23-year-old woman ran back towards the path and man disappeared into bush-land. The man is described as 40 to 50 years old, dark skinned, dark eyes, stocky build, dark beard and approximately 175 cm tall. Police hope that the person depicted in the composite image will be able to assist in the investigation. Anyone who may have information in relation to this incident are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or report the information online. Dr. Andreas Fath is attempting a world record swim and survey of the entire 652-mile Tennessee River and will be in Chattanooga on Thursday. He will be nearly 182 miles downstream from the starting point with 470 miles to swim before reaching Paducah, Ky. Dr. Fath is a world-record-holding endurance swimmer and professor of Medical and Life Sciences at Furtwangen University in Germany. A TenneSwim presentation will be held in the Tennessee Aquariums River Journey Auditorium on Thursday at 7 p.m. The purpose of the swim and survey is to raise awareness about the importance of water quality, collect data on the Tennessee River, compare the Tennessee data to Rhine River data and attempt another world record. Dr. Fath will discuss the science behind his record-breaking attempt to swim the entire length of the Tennessee River during this special presentation in the Tennessee Aquariums River Journey Auditorium. This program coincides with National Water Quality Month (August) and the Tennessee Aquariums participation in the Aquarium Conservation Partnerships In Our Hands public awareness campaign regarding single-use plastics. Among the various pollutants and pharmaceuticals collected in the river water samples hes collecting, Dr. Fath and his team will measuring the amount of micro-plastics flowing downstream each day. This isnt the first time the professor of Medical and Life Sciences at Furtwangen University in Germany has taken on a river. In 2014 he broke the world record for speed swimming the Rhine River from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea. Dubbed TenneSwim, Dr. Faths second swim for science will last through nearly the end of August. His research will ultimately be a comparative study of water quality in the Tennessee River compared to the Rhine. Data collected will increase knowledge about the quality and health of the Tennessee River, as well as raise public awareness of water quality in the Tennessee River basin. This project will be the most extensive interdisciplinary water quality survey ever conducted of North Americas most biologically diverse river. U.S. partner organizations include the University of the South, the Tennessee Aquarium, The Nature Conservancy, the University of Georgia River Basin Center, Ijams Nature Center, the River Discovery Center of Paducah, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dr. Fath will be joined by a group of Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers for the last two miles of swimming into downtown Chattanooga. The public is invited to meet Dr. Fath at the top of the Chattanooga Pier after his arrival, on Friday at 1:30 p.m. A pregnant woman and her young child have been left bloodied after being thrown into the air following a tram crash in Melbourne's CBD which left 15 people injured. The two trams collided at a stop on the corner of Bourke Street and Spencer Streets, outside the busy Southern Cross Station, shortly before 3pm on Wednesday. A witness said the force of the collision sent the pregnant lady and her child 'flying' down the tram, while an elderly woman was thrown into a pole and other commuters were left 'shaken'. Scroll down for video A collision between two trams (pictured) in Melbourne's inner city has left 15 people injured, with four taken to hospital - including a pre-school aged child - with all in a stable condition A witness said the force of the collision sent a pregnant woman and her child 'flying' through the air, while an elderly woman was thrown into a pole and other commuters were left 'shaken' The two trams crashed at a stop on the corner of Bourke Street and Spencer Streets, outside the busy Southern Cross Station, shortly before 3pm Yasmin Khushari told the Herald Sun the impact of the crash was 'really strong' and had left her 'traumatised' The 24-year-old said that because the crash occurred at the tram stop an increased number of people were standing as they prepared to step off, adding to the injuries. 'This old lady in front of me she had a cane and was getting ready - she flew and hit the pole in the tram,' she said. 'Everyone was screaming and flying everywhere... I think I got lucky because I was sitting down. 'This other lady - she was pregnant - and her head was bleeding and her mother or something shouted: "Call the ambulance! call the ambulance".' Peak hour commuters are expected to face delays, as Yarra Trams crews continue to work to clear the scene. The two trams crashed at a stop (pictured) on the corner of Bourke Street and Spencer Streets Peak hour commuters are expected to face delays, as Yarra Trams crews continue to work to clear the scene Four people were reportedly rushed to hospital, including a pre-school aged child, with all in a stable condition Ambulance Victoria are treating up to 15 commuters at the scene, but said no one was seriously injured. Four people have reportedly been rushed to hospital, including a pre-school aged child, with all in a stable condition. The young child was taken to Royal Children's Hospital, two commuters were taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital and one person to the Alfred Hospital. Racist graffiti targeting Chinese students at the University of Sydney has emerged in two campus bathrooms on Monday. The words 'KILL CHINESE' were found accompanied by a Nazi swastika scrawled across a cubicle wall at the University's International Student Lounge. The USYD Student Union shared images of the graffiti on social media platform WeChat - China's most popular messaging application, SBS Mandarin reports. Racist graffiti targeting Chinese students at the University of Sydney has emerged in two campus bathrooms on Monday (pictured) The words 'KILL CHINESE' were found accompanied by a Nazi swastika scrawled across a cubicle wall at the University's International Student Lounge Similar markings were reported to have been found inside the Business School's Abercrombie building. The president of the University of Sydney's Union Courtney Thompson moved to condemn the images on Tuesday morning, posting on Facebook and the Union's website. 'We've been made aware of racist graffiti in both International Students Lounge and Abercrombie bathrooms,' their statement read. 'The USU does not tolerate racism in any of its forms and we are working swiftly with campus security to ensure any and all remnants are removed.' 'We ask that if you spot any graffiti in any of our facilities, please notify us as soon as possible via this Facebook page so that we can work to remove it.' A University of Sydney spokesperson revealed that the markings were removed immediately, yet had not been able to identify those culpable. 'Unfortunately, at this stage, we do not know who is responsible, although the University's security people suggest that it appears to be the work of a lone individual, given the amateurish nature of the graffiti.' Their statement via email also revealed that they were using CCTV in their attempts to identify the perpetrators and their facilities and janitorial staff are 'always monitoring all lavatories and buildings on a daily basis.' The president of the University of Sydney's Union Courtney Thompson moved to condemn the images on Tuesday morning, posting on Facebook and the Union's website In a media release, the University have stressed to all students that such behaviour would not be tolerated and does not adhere to its code of conduct. 'The University of Sydney is committed to ensuring that our community is a safe, inclusive and supportive one. Every student has a right to safety at the University of Sydney,' the statement read. 'Any graffiti or posters placed around campus of a racist nature are immediately removed.' The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang has responded to the incident by posting a statement through the ministry's official website on Tuesday that the necessary action be taken by the Australian authorities when dealing with the case. 'The safety, dignity and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students in Australia must be protected with concrete efforts,' Lu said. The incident comes after racist posters aimed at Chinese students found in Melbourne University last week which said they would be deported if entering campus buildings. Defense Department investigators have found 'potential security risks' in a program that recruits foreigners into the US military in exchange for citizenship, according to a new report. A classified report from the Pentagon's inspector general found that the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program had potential monitoring and vetting problems, sources told Fox News. MAVNI was launched in 2009 and has enrolled more than 10,000 foreign-born individuals without permanent residency status into the US military. Notably, the 2012 Soldier of the Year, Sgt. Saral Shrestha, was a MAVNI recruit born in Nepal. A classified report from the Pentagon's inspector general found that the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program had potential monitoring and vetting problems In 2014, the Pentagon announced that the program would also be open to 'Dreamers' who met the requirements of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative. MAVNI was originally intended to recruit people with special skills - including medical specialists and language skills - into the military in exchange for expedited US citizenship. But sources told Fox that there had been 'drift' in the program's criteria, with MAVNI increasingly being used to recruit cooks and drivers with no specialized skills. Concerns also include holes in security vetting, and a finding that multiple recruits under the program are unaccounted for. 'The program has been replete with problems, to include foreign infiltration so much so that the Department of Defense is seeking to suspend the program due to those concerns,' Republican US Representative Steve Russell of Oklahoma said in a committee hearing last week. A Congressman has said the program's problems include 'foreign infiltration'. Pictured: US President Barack Obama listens as new citizens speak the Oath of Allegiance in 2014 The program is currently not accepting new applicants as it undergoes a security review. In September, the Department of Defense revoked the eligibility of MAVNI recruits for security clearances until the completion of their first enlistment and a positive security review - even if they had already been naturalized as US citizens. Several naturalized MAVNI soldiers filed a lawsuit in response, saying that the order discriminated against them unconstitutionally on the basis of their national origin, and could cripple their careers by denying them security clearances. It is unknown whether any of the security and infiltration concerns related to threats from ISIS or Al-Qaeda. Jenine Briggs (pictured) contracted a horrific eye infection after putting her head under holy water during a yoga retreat in bali A mother-of-two endured an agonising six-day treatment to cure an eye infection she picked up by dunking her head under holy water at a Bali temple. Jenine Briggs, from Auckland, picked up the gruesome infection while on a week-long yoga holiday, which left her nearly blind in one eye. During her excursion last month, she paid a visit to the Hindu Balinese water temple Tirta Empul, near the town of Tampaksiring and followed suit with other tourists by dipping her head in the temple's holy water. 'At the temple the water looked absolutely clear and pristine and the custom is that you dunk your head under some of the fountains coming out of the temple, which I did,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Placing her head under one of the temple's fountains seemed innocuous, yet two days later as she was due to fly home, her eye drastically deteriorated. Just 48 hours after making contact with the water, her eye had become too painful to open, and Ms Briggs was facing a lengthy flight home, which she called a 'pain endurance test' As she went to inspect her eye in the airport's bathroom, she was shocked to see pus oozing out while it was also noticeably red and inflamed. She boarded the plane in agony and during a stopover in Sydney was assessed by a nurse and was lucky to be allowed to fly her final leg. 'The flights were a pain endurance test, it was too painful and hard to open my eye, so I pretty much just sat in my seat the whole time with my eyes closed,' she said. On arriving in Auckland, she rushed to an accident and emergency clinic, where she was later admitted to Greenlane Hospital's eye clinic. 'They sent me home with antibiotics but said if my eye wasn't better in 48 hours I was to come back,' she said. 'It wasn't better so I went back 48 hours later and was admitted to hospital that day.' To treat her eye, doctors administered antibiotics every hour for five days, before she was given ointment to use (pictured: the Tirta Empul Temple) To gain a sample of the infected eye during diagnosis, a razor blade was used to scrape off the top layer of her cornea 'several times'. Brigg's specialist revealed that she had contracted a waterborne infection and patients with the same rare infection have lost their sight. Her treatment was a gruelling ordeal, where she was woken hourly for five days where she was given eye drops and antibiotics. 'I can now see why sleep deprivation is a form of torture,' she joked. 'I'm still on antibiotics now, but will finish these on Sunday, which will be 4 weeks in total of treatment.' Media commentator Mark Latham was kicked out of a swimming pool in western Sydney as he presented them with a petition opposing a curtain designed to segregate Muslim women. The former Labor leader has been an outspoken critic of the council-run Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre since May when it installed a retractable curtain around one of its three pools. This was to cater for women who wished to swim privately during two Wednesday sessions. But Mr Latham said the curtain legitimised Sharia law and presented a petition with 8,000 signatures to make his point. Mark Latham fronted up to the Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre to present his petition The former Labor leader said the curtain segregating women legitimised Muslim Sharia law 'Hello, I'm just presenting a petition about the curtain you've got here: Tear Down That Curtain,' he told a woman at the front desk in a Rebel Media video this week. She returned a few moments later to tell him he was not allowed to film there, annoying Mr Latham. 'Is there no filming in here?,' he asked. Mr Latham replied to the woman as she put up her hand to stop his crew from videoing her. Mark Latham has described the curtain designed to segregate women as a form of Sharia law The former Labor leader regarded the curtain as a device designed to hide Islamic women 'A Current Affair was here filming not long ago,' he said, referring to May when media crews were allowed into the pool. The western Sydney native asked what the pool had to hide once he was outside the front door. 'Not only have they got the curtain up, according to Sharia law, to try and hide away the Islamic women according to that religious teaching,' Mr Latham said. 'They won't let us film at all. Now this is a public facility, paid by the people.' Mark Latham's petition opposing retractable pool curtain attracted almost 8,000 signatures Cumberland Council said Mark Latham had not sought permission to film at the public pool The swim group had argued gender segregated sessions were necessary for certain women A spokeswoman for Cumberland Council told Daily Mail Australia Mr Latham had not sought permission to film at the pool as other media had done in May. 'Cumberland Council had not received a request for permission to film at the aquatic centre,' she said in a statement on Wednesday. 'Council has permitted media to film in the aquatic centre, as Mark demonstrated in his footage. However, permission had been sought by those media outlets.' She added the women-only sessions were not just for Muslims. 'Women of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to attend the womens-only swimming lessons. So far there has been a great mix of cultures attending,' she said. In May, the organiser of the swim group, Yusra Metwally, said the sessions were designed to 'accommodate people who wouldn't otherwise swim at a beach, or swim in a swimming pool because they don't feel comfortable'. Women-only lessons are held on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 11am and again from 2.30pm to 3pm. The father of a boy who joined the Mile-High club with his teacher on the flight home from a school trip today said the affair was only exposed after another pupil blackmailed them and told the headteacher. The 16-year-old's dad says his son did not want physics miss Eleanor Wilson investigated over the relationship that has left her teaching career in tatters. Speaking to MailOnline, the father, who cannot be identified, said: 'What I will say is he [the boy] didn't want any of this. 'He didn't want her to lose her job over it. The relationship was only uncovered when another pupil found out about it and blackmailed her for sex. 'He then told the school and from there it was the school who pursued the investigation, not my son. 'He didn't want her to lose her career. He's a young man who just wants to put this behind him and move on.' Eleanor Wilson, 28, has been banned from the classroom for life after having unprotected sex in a toilet with a pupil on a flight home from a school trip A boy who joined the Mile-High club with his teacher Eleanor Wilson, pictured centre on the Swazliand trip, on the flight home from a school trip told his friends about their relationship and showed them her sexts The fling with his physics teacher Miss Wilson, who was ten years his senior, during a two-week charity and conservation trip to Swaziland in Africa. He was not as previously reported - on the schools trip earlier that month to Geneva, to visit the Large Hadron Collider in CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. The pupil was in a group of 15 to 18 year-olds who travelled to the southern African kingdom in July 2015 on a World Challenge Expedition, having fundraised 2,595 over the previous 18 months. But charity was the last thing on the couples mind. The pupil told school friends he drank cheap whisky with his physics teacher Eleanor Wilson, now 28, and ended up in his room. She kissed him multiple times throughout the two-week trip, they said, and had unprotected sex in the toilet on the plane on their way home, after drinking miniature bottles of wine. The friend told MailOnline: He enjoyed telling me all about his time in Swaziland as you could go to a store and buy whisky for next to nothing. He said they had sex a lot on the trip to Africa and on the flight back. The group, from a school in Bristol, was staying with the Ndinda community at a Neighbourhood Care Point, which supported orphans of parents who had died of HIV, helping to build a kitchen for them. The expedition has given me a new start, a fresh beginning. Ive seen how a community can be so happy with so little and we were made to feel so welcome. Now I just want to get all the happiness and enjoyment out of everything I do, one pupil said afterwards. According to his friend, the boy, now 18, had split with his girlfriend before the trip and was a Casanova. He claimed, he said, that he had already slept with about 15 girls before his teacher. He said that the relationship continued after they got home despite gossip at the school. He was pleased with himself that he was sleeping with the teacher that everyone fancied, he said, but he is confident and was already quite experienced with girls. She would send him texts and he showed me the messages from her, he said. He would text her and she would reply, "Cant talk now, Im in a meeting" or "Im nervous about a presentation for assembly". She would sext him too and he showed me. I knew immediately they were genuine.' Miss Wilsons brother Jethro strongly denied that she had ever had sex with the student, adding that she had previously been hassled by male students Miss Wilson, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, was struck off this week after a tribunal hearing heard that she had been drinking miniature bottles of wine while flirting at the back of the plane home. She is then said to have entered the toilet, kissed, engaged in a sex act and had intercourse with the pupil without using any protection. Giving evidence to a professional conduct panel, the sixth-former, known as Pupil A, said both were drunk on the flight in the summer of 2015. Despite school gossip, the relationship continued as the pair texted and met for drinks. But in September that year, the headteacher heard rumours about the couple and quizzed Miss Wilson about them. After she denied improper behaviour, no further action was taken. Giving evidence to a professional conduct panel, the sixth-former, known as Pupil A, said both were drunk on the flight in the summer of 2015 But seven months later, in March 2016, the relationship came to light, when another pupil tried to blackmail Miss Wilson, threatening to reveal the tryst unless she had sex with him. The threats were reported to the school and police and a thorough investigation was conducted. Miss Wilson, who had a boyfriend at the time, was sacked in May 2016. The friend added: Rumours of the fling were flying around the school, everyone was talking about it. Miss Wilson was an exceptional teacher and she just made a mistake with a pupil. However, after the tribunal, Miss Wilsons brother Jethro strongly denied that she had ever had sex with the student, adding that she had previously been hassled by male students. Speaking to MailOnline he defended his sister, claiming she was a victim of being 'good looking'. 'I know they made it up, because she was blackmailed,' he said. 'He made the story up and made it sound good. These teachers work hard all their life and go through years of courses and all it takes is one student to bring them down. 'Theres no doubt about it - he had a crush on her. They were away on an educational school trip and she didnt want anything to do with them, so they made stories up about her. 'She'd already had enough of students giving her hassle because she was good looking. Good looking teachers get picked out by students and they get hard done by.' At the earlier hearing, the National College for Teaching and Leadership disciplinary panel found Pupil A to be a credible, reliable witness and agreed with his version of events. Miss Wilson, pictured on a wild west themed photoshoot while on holiday in Canada, is said to have entered the toilet, kissed, engaged in a sex act and had intercourse with the pupil Miss Wilson was not present but the panel heard she had previously denied the pair kissed or had sex, and claimed they simply 'hugged on occasion'. She admitted during the school's investigation that the pair had met and exchanged text messages but denied that they had drunk any alcohol, even though Pupil A had shown his teachers a receipt for ciders. But following the two-day hearing, she was found guilty of all but two of the allegations against her. Polly O'Malley, chairman of the professional conduct panel, said: 'There was evidence that the teacher's actions were deliberate and continued for a significant length of time despite her understanding that her behaviour was inappropriate. 'There was no evidence to suggest that the teacher was acting under duress.' Striking Miss Wilson off from the profession, she added: 'These behaviours include serious dishonesty and serious sexual misconduct. The panel has found that Miss Wilson engaged in sexual activity with Pupil A on one occasion, including oral sex and sexual intercourse. 'Additionally the panel has found that Miss Wilson encouraged Pupil A to hide their relationship and lied about it herself when an investigation into the allegations was undertaken by the school.' The name of the school and the name and age of Pupil A were not revealed at the hearing to protect his identity. Miss Wilson was reported to the police, however it is not known whether officers had taken any action against her. Miss Wilson, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, pictured, who had a boyfriend at the time, was sacked in May 2016 An Avon and Somerset spokesman said she voluntarily attended a police station for interview in 2016 and 'enquiries are ongoing'. A spokesman for The Royal Navy said: 'It would be inappropriate to comment.' A spokesman for the school, which is not being identified, said: 'We unreservedly condemn Ms Wilsons actions. Her conduct represents a shocking abuse of her position of trust as a teacher,' according to The Sun. The woman mauled to death by two dogs at a Perth boarding kennel has been revealed as Sue Lopicich. Ms Lopicich, an activist for the adoption of rescue animals, was discovered by her daughter on Tuesday morning after being killed by a bull mastiff. The attack was believed to have taken place on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Her daughter was searching for her after she failed to show up at the child care centre where she works. Emergency services were called to Barko's Boarding Kennel in Southern River in the city's south-east at around 1:45 pm on Tuesday. Scroll down for video The woman mauled to death by a bull mastiff at a Perth boarding kennel has been revealed as Sue Lopicich (pictured) Ms Lopicich (pictured) an activist for the adoption of rescue animals, was discovered by her daughter on Tuesday morning after being killed by a bull mastiff The bull mastiff was impounded by the Gosnells Council following the attack and will be humanely euthanised by a vet. The police initially believed a staffordshire bull terrier was also responsible for the attack, but announced on Wednesday night it had no involvement and would be returned to the family. Dogs Behind Bars Rescue group thanked Ms Lopicich for her work last month, describing her as 'unbelievable and extraordinary.' 'Without Sue offering to help, we would be unable to save so many dogs. She has been a part of many dogs' happy stories, and we wanted to thank her for all the hours of cooking, cleaning & cuddling she puts in for these unwanted pups while they search for their forever home,' the Facebook post read. Pictured: The bull mastiff that killed Sue Lopicich has been impounded by the Gosnells Council until police advise on potential further action St John's Ambulance crews treated Ms Lopicich, who works as a dog handler, but she was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries. Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and they are preparing a report for the coroner. A neighbour said he believed one of the dogs had been living with Ms Lopicich for four years. St John's Ambulance crews treated Ms Lopicich (pictured), who works as a dog handler, but she was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries A woman aged in her 50s has been mauled to death by a dog at a rescue kennel in Western Australia (stock image of a Staffordshire bull terrier) Gosnells Council released a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming it had seized two dogs which were 'preventing police from accessing the body of a deceased person.' The council confirmed the dogs were micro-chipped and registered to the property. Daily Mail Australia has contacted St John's Ambulance for comment. This is the shocking moment a 'hit and run' driver ploughed into two women then raced off as dozens of youngsters gathered on a London road after an out-of-control street party. The gathering saw police pelted with fireworks as they handled the incident, which left the two women hospitalised. Around 200 people were seen in the Dorset Road area of Lambeth, south London in the early hours of Tuesday morning. In the video, a group of people gathered around a car before it sped up and knocked the women over. Bystanders screamed with horror but the wounded women appeared to walk away without serious injuries. Police were also investigating reports of a man carrying a firearm and other men brandishing knives. A Met Police spokeswoman said: 'Police in Lambeth Borough were aware of a large party on a green between blocks of flats off Dorest Road, SW8. 'Shortly after midnight, on Tuesday 1 August police were called to reports of a male seen with a suspected firearm and males seen with knives. This is the shocking moment a 'hit and run' driver ploughed into two women then raced off as dozens of youngsters gathered on a London road after an out-of-control street party 'As officers were on route to the location there were reports of a car having collided with two pedestrians. 'On arrival police attempted to clear the area of the party to investigate both incidents but crowds became hostile to police and some people threw items, including fireworks, at officers. 'Further officers, including the Territorial Support Group, attended the location to disperse the crowds. The gathering saw police pelted with fireworks as they handled the incident, which left the two women hospitalised 'The two pedestrians - both women - were taken to hospital. Their injuries are described as not life threatening. 'The occupants of the car had fled the scene prior to police arrival. 'There were eight arrests for violent disorder, they were taken into custody at a south London police station. Enquiries continue.' A mysterious cloud appeared on George Washington Bridge in New York City early Tuesday morning, stopping commuters in their tracks. Video from the incident shows the glowing cloud enveloping cars and trucks on the bridge connecting Manhattan to New Jersey. Local authorities later explained that the strange phenomenon had been caused by fuel leak from a truck. The incident took place at around 6.20am on Tuesday morning, and soon caused traffic issues on the busy bridge. The captivating video sees the cloud suddenly emerging on the upper level of the bridge, already busy during the morning commute. Within seconds, the yellow cloud has grown to cover the entire lane, with vehicles disappearing into its mist as they drive across the bridge. Mystery: The cloud suddenly emerged in one of the lanes on the busy George Washington Bridge in New York City on Tuesday morning Phenomenon: Within seconds, the cloud is big enough to cover four lanes on the bridge, as trucks and cars drive straight through it Mystery solved: Local authorities later explained that the cloud on the bridge had been caused by large fuel leak from a truck that had suffered a tire problem The 'mystery' was later explained by local authorities as a fuel leak. The westbound side of the upper level of the bridge had to close all but one lane as a result of the incident, causing severe delays for travellers. Some 100 gallons of fuel spilled out onto the bridge after a truck suffered a problem with a tire, causing a leak, senior police public information officer Joe Pentangelo told NorthJersey.com. The spill was cleaned up and traffic returned to normal later that morning. This daredevil moped rider has been filmed speeding along a motorway in his flip-flops while hanging off the back of his scooter. The 28-year-old daredevil nicknamed 'Bomb' by his friends was filmed whizzing across the concrete road in Thailand in just a pair of shorts and the flimsy sandals. With thick rubber tied around the throttle for power, he then carefully climbs onto the seat and rides the motorbike with no hands while standing up. Friend Wanchaloem Kingphukhao, 20, recorded the death-defying footage while travelling behind him on the country road in Kalasin province, Thailand, on July 21. He said: 'Bomb has some special skills on his motorcycle. 'He lives near me and we've known each other for a long time. 'Bomb has been practicing this for many years to master the stunt. This daredevil moped rider has been filmed speeding along a motorway in his flip-flops while hanging off the back of his scooter The 28-year-old daredevil nicknamed 'Bomb' by his friends was filmed whizzing across the concrete road in Thailand in just a pair of shorts and the flimsy sandals 'It looks fun but people shouldn't try it themselves unless they are experts. 'He uses rubber to keep the accelerator down so he can keep his hands outside. 'He doesn't use a helmet but he is very experienced.' Cheryl Millsaps, vice president of Finance and Administration at the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, has been designated as a Certified Chamber Executive by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Alexandria, Virginia-based ACCE is an association of more than 7,500 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world. The CCE program focuses on core chamber management areas like management, planning and development, membership and communication, and operations, said Bill Kilbride, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. This is the highest designation in the chamber profession, and Cheryl has earned this outstanding recognition through countless hours of dedication. Ms. Millsaps is one of nine chamber professionals to earn the Certified Chamber Executive designation in 2017. The nine leaders represent chambers of commerce in six states, including Alabama, Indiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Since ACCE conferred the first CCE designation more than 40 years ago, about 500 professionals have become certified. Its the only globally-recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry. Ms. Millsaps has served in her vice president role at the Chattanooga Chamber since 2005. Prior to that position, she was director of Accounting for the Chattanooga Chamber. She has served on the boards of the Principal Leadership Academy, Co.Lab and is a founding trustee of the Thrive Regional Partnership. In addition to IOM certification, Ms. Millsaps is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources and Senior Certified Professional. Certified Chamber Executives were recognized on stage at ACCEs annual Awards Show, hosted this year in Nashville. The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce also earned the Chamber of the Year designation and other industry awards at the ceremony. Learn more about ACCEs CCE program here. A pregnant woman was shot dead in front of her six-month-child while sitting in her car in Tennessee, officials have confirmed. Police said Rebekah Thompson, who was around eight weeks pregnant, was shot in the face on the John Exum Parkway on Monday night. Thompson, who also went by the name Stacy Magee, died from her injuries at Johnson City Medical Center. Police said Rebekah Thompson, who was around eight weeks pregnant, was shot in the face on the John Exum Parkway on Monday night Her killer is still on the loose and police are asking the public for help in finding the shooter, said Lieutenant Kevin Peters. She was described as a loving, caring mother by Stacy Larsen, the executive director of The River, a day center for women the victim would visit. 'It's still just kind of a shock to think that something so violent would happen to such a sweet person,' she told WJHL. She added: 'She loved to talk about her daughter. She was a very sweet mother.' Larsen remembered the last time she saw Thompson walk through the day center's doors, saying: 'We talked about how much we missed having fresh seafood living in Mississippi and along the coast. Thompson, who also went by the name Stacy Magee, died from her injuries at Johnson City Medical Center 'I just pray she didn't see it coming. I pray she didn't know that that was happening. I can't imagine if she did the fear knowing her baby is right there.' Police do not know who killed Rebekah but they say the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. They believe the suspect left the scene in a black vehicle wearing a red and black hoodie. Three waitresses in French maid outfits yesterday became the first people arrested for promoting drinking in a fresh alcohol crackdown in Thailand. The girls - Janjira Jansaka, Nantida Poonyamanoj and Nantarika Pueakkleang - made a live social media video in which they flaunted their cleavage and promoted beers. They urged men to visit them at the Barcony Bar and Eatery in Saraburi province to buy bottles of Leo which were buy one get one free before 9pm on July 23. But officers pounced on the bar maids on Sunday evening and hauled them in tears to a police station around 70 miles north of the capital Bangkok. Scroll down for video Janjira Jansaka (pictured left) and Nantida Poonyamanoj (pictured right) in the video promoting the drinks offer at the Barcony Bar and Eatery in Saraburi province Janjira Jansaka (pictured left) and Nantarika Pueakkleang (pictured right) were arrested after police caught onto this video The mugshots of Nantida Poonyamanoj (pictured left) and Nantarika Pueakkleang (pictured right) after they were taken to the station Janjira Jansaka smirks at the camera, but the girls were led away in tears when they were arrested They were arrested and released on bail while police investigate the clip under the country's draconian Alcohol Control Act which bans promoting drinking. A statement from Sarburi police station said: 'The three women were arrested because they wore improper clothes and tried to advertise alcohol. 'They advertised that there was a promotion for customers to visit the bar and drink there before 9pm where they buy one bottle of Leo and get one free.' The girls were wearing revealing French maid outfits Janjira Jansaka admitted the offence and was charged while the other two were released. The three women all in their early 20s are believed to be the first arrested since a fresh crackdown on promoting alcohol was launched last month. The law has been loosely enforced since 2008 but the military junta is tightening its grip - making efforts to reign in the sex industry aimed at foreign tourists and now alcohol advertising. Police and the ruling military junta launched a renewed push last month after four celebrities were investigated over social media pictures of them drinking which were allegedly promoting alcohol. Hardline government chief Samarn Futrakul ordered officials to monitor social media accounts and target celebrities, 'net idols' and businesses that promoted alcohol, including by posting pictures of drinks. Pol General Weerachai Songmetta at a conference on July 20 said: 'Famous people are using social media to promote alcholol. 'They should remove their posts before action is taken against them. 'The law is being tightened due to social media being used to encourage people to drink.' Police Colonel Puttidej Bunkrapue added: 'Every command centre in every region and every province has been instructed to monitor such behaviour.' The girls were arrested for promoting alcohol in a fresh drinking crackdown in Thailand by the government Samarn Futrakul, boss of the alcohol control board, had previously threatened to prosecute members of the public who shared pictures of alcohol on social media but faced a backlash. He said: 'The law does not allow traditional advertising or anyone who encourages people indirectly to drink alcohol. 'This includes members of the public who are subject to the same laws.' The vaguely defined law introduced in 2008 bans people from advertising alcoholic drinks or from displaying the names and logos of alcoholic drinks to promote them. Offenders face up to one year in prison or a maximum fine of 500,000THB (11,400). A teenage bull rider has died after being kicked in the head, hours after posting an eerie message which appeared to predict his death. Wanderson Dias de Almeida, 19, suffered the horrific head injuries while riding the beast during a training event on Saturday. In shocking footage taken in the Rondonia state in Brazil, the raging beast is seen throwing Wanderson to the ground and spinning anti-clockwise - flicking its feet in the air. Tragic: Wanderson Dias de Almeida, 19, suffered the horrific head injuries while riding the beast during a training event on Saturday Tragically, Wanderson posted an eerily prophetic message the night before in which he said: 'Today we are here, tomorrow we leave' The right hind hoof then smashes directly into Wandersons head - knocking him to the ground in the rare accident in front of shocked friends. Wanderson - who had been wearing only a Stetson cowboy hat and padded body protector - was rushed to hospital with blood pouring from his ears but later pronounced dead. Tragically, Wanderson posted an eerily prophetic message the night before in which he said: 'Today we are here, tomorrow we leave.' The teenager had dreamed of being known around the world as a bullriding champion It continued: 'Think about that before you hurt someone. Goodnight.' Devastated friends and colleagues from the ranch in the rural town of Cerejeiras in Colorado do Oeste paid tribute to the teenager who dreamed of being known around the world as a bull riding champion. Rayssa Haker said: 'Wanderson loved riding bulls and it was his dream to be a star known all over the world. He died doing what he loved. Professional bull riders said the the death was a 'rare' accident in the controversial sport, which is hugely popular across Brazil and the United States Military Police said they had spoken to the owner of the ranch who said that safety measures were adequate 'God found it fair to get him out of this cruel world, he had done his part and brought smiles to everybody around him.' Daiane Roque Morais said: ''He had a premonition by posting that phrase' Lucas Moreira added: 'Today we will be here tomorrow we can leave. Im sorry, its sad, it looks like he had a premonition that God will comfort his family and friends.' Professional bull riders said the the death was a 'rare' accident in the controversial sport, which is hugely popular across Brazil and the United States. Friend Rayssa Haker said: 'Wanderson loved riding bulls and it was his dream to be a star known all over the world. He died doing what he loved' Military Police said they had spoken to the owner of the ranch who said that safety measures were adequate and that Wanderson had worked there doing general farm duties and caring for livestock. Officer Rodrigo Spica, who is investigating the indicent, said they will look into the death and who may be responsible. He said: 'A team of experts in bull riding visited the site on Monday to gather more information. 'We will determine whether the safety equipment that was being used was sufficient for what was required.' Advertisement These gruesome crime scene photos from 1910s New York were never supposed to see the light of day. Used by early 20th century detectives to solve grisly murder cases, the images were meant to be thrown into the Hudson but, for better or worse, they survived. The photos, which include a couple slaughtered in bed and a bloodied boy left to die in a hallway, highlight the dark underbelly of a city gripped by violent gang warfare. These are the haunting images from grisly crime scenes used to crack cases in 1910s New York. This haunting photo of a bloodied couple lying dead in bed was titled 'Double Homicide' The unsettling photographs, including this one of a homicide victim lying dead in a New York bar around 1916, were unearthed during renovations of the former NYPD headquarters in 2012 The gruesome photos, including this one of a woman lying dead in a squalid New York room, have now been collated in a new book called 'Murder in the City, New York, 1910-1920', by Wilfried Kaute The pictures, unearthed during renovations of the former NYPD headquarters in 2012, give an insight into New York in the decade before prohibition, which itself brought a fresh wave of violent crime. New York's population grew by nearly one million between 1910 and 1920. The city became as dangerous as it was overcrowded. In the early years 1900s, homicide rates in New York City were ten times higher than those of murder rates in London in the same time. Police photographers in the early 20th Century used special tripods with cameras suspended above the victim to get overhead shots. These images from one of the darkest eras in New York's history have now been collated in a new book, 'Murder in the City, New York, 1910-1920', by Wilfried Kaute. One photo entitled 'Double Homicide 708' shows a young fully-clothed couple murdered in their bed, blood oozing from their bodies. The images were used by early twentieth century detectives during their homicide investigations - and the public were never intended to see them. Pictured: The body of a murder victim is found inside a barrel in New York circa 1916 to 1920 In the early years 1900s, homicide rates in New York City were ten times higher than those of murder rates in London in the same era. A piece of paper over the body of a man in a bar says 'trust no more' Though some of New York's murders could be blamed on domestic violence and random fights fueled by alcohol - many were down to gang violence. Pictured: A man lies dead outside a cafe in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan circa 1910 Domenico Mastropaolos (pictured) was stabbed and slashed to death in a wine cellar on 294 Elizabeth Street, New York, circa 1916 to 1920 Another shows a pair of thieves - Robert Green and Jacob Jagendorf - lying dead at the bottom of an elevator shaft after a failed robbery attempt in November 1915. The bloodied body of Domenico Mastropaolos is seen leaning against a massive barrel in a wine cellar after he was stabbed to death for reasons unknown. While Antonio Pemear, whose face looks badly beaten, has been placed in his own bed in Brooklyn, following his death in December 1915. The Sullivan Act was implemented in August 1911 following a murder committed in the early afternoon near Gramercy Park, Manhattan. The slaying caused outcry and scandal around the city. The law required licenses for New Yorkers to possess firearms small enough to be concealed. Possession of such firearms without a license was a misdemeanour, and carrying them was a felony. In the early twentieth century, police photographers used special tripods with cameras suspended above the victim to get overhead shots. Pictured: A murder victim with a devastating head wound The images capture the rapidly changing city that New York was in the decade before prohibition, which itself brought a fresh wave of violent crime The bodies of Robert Green (left), an elevator operator, and Jacob Jagendorf (right), a building engineer, lie at the bottom of an elevator shaft November 24, 1915, following the pair's alleged failed robbery attempt One photo gives a gruesome close-up of a male homicide victim, who appears to have had his face slashed New York's population grew by nearly one million between 1910 and 1920 - and brought with it a period of increased violence. Pictured: A homicide victim lying in a bar or restaurant The grisly images have been collated in a new book, 'Murder in the City, New York, 1910-1920' The 1910s preceded an even more violent period in American history, known as the Prohibition Era, when the sale of alcohol was banned from 1920 to 1933. Activists seized upon the high levels of alcoholism, family violence and political corruption in the late 19th Century to end the alcoholic beverage trade in a bid to 'cure the ill society'. Organised criminal gangs not only began supplying bootleg beer and liquor to several cities, but sparked a crime wave that almost crippled the nation. A law which allows rapists in Jordan to go unpunished if they marry their victims is set to be repealed. Politicians have voted to withdraw a legal clause which caused a worldwide outcry as it shielded sex attackers from prosecution. MPs decided yesterday that Article 308, the law that protects rapists, should be scrapped. Scroll down for video Politicians have voted to withdraw a legal clause which caused a worldwide outcry as it shielded sex attackers from prosecution The country's upper house is expected to approve the move, which will then be ratified by King Abdullah II. Under the clause, believed to date back to a 1911 Ottoman legal code, rapists could avoid punishment if they married their victim within three years of the attack. Following yesterday's narrow vote, Salma Nims, the secretary general of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, said: 'This is a victory for the women's movement and human rights movement in Jordan.' The decision to repeal the loophole is set to be ratified by Jordan's King Abdullah II (centre) Several lawmakers argued that an amended law was required to protect rape victims about social stigma by giving them the option to marry their attacker. In spite of widespread opposition to the law, many in Jordan still believe that having a rape victim in the family is shameful, and can only be expunged through marriage. Jordanian MP Dima Tahboub told CNN: 'The annulment is in the greatest interest of the Jordanian people and is in harmony with the Islamic Sharia.' Activist group Human Rights Watch said there are currently eight Arab states with similar laws allowing rapists to marry their victims and avoid punishment. Similar laws have been withdrawn in Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt. These include Lebanon, where parliament has voted to abolish it, but the proposal is still making its way through the legislative process. A family was left terrified after finding Britain's most venomous spider crawling around the floor of her home. Katherine Frost spotted a false widow spider at her home in Smethwick, West Midlands, and immediately rang her partner Paul Fellows in a panic. Reliving the horrifying moment, Mr Fellows, 32, said: 'Katherine was quite concerned when she called me. She wasnt sure what kind of spider it was so she put a picture on Facebook asking someone to identify it. Katherine Frost spotted a false widow spider at her home in Smethwick, West Midlands, and immediately rang her partner Paul Fellows in a panic 'I have two young children, one of who saw it, so it was important to have it removed from the home. I used a Tupperware box to scoop it up and then released it outside, away from the home.' Mr Fellows added that the spider was the size of a 50p coin. Numerous sightings of false widows have been reported across the UK - and it seems the scary species range is spreading. The females bite is more severe than the males and typically results in intense pain radiating from the bite, along with fever. There have been no reported deaths in the UK from false widow spiders, but a number of people have needed hospital treatment after suffering severe reactions. The false widow is a medium-sized spider with a round, brown body and cream coloured markings. Its legs are a reddish-orange colour. The spiders body and legs have a glossy appearance. Females range in size from 9.5 to 14mm, while males are seven to 11mm. The false widow is a medium-sized spider with a round, brown body and cream coloured markings (right). Reliving the horrifying moment, Mr Fellows (left), 32, said: 'Katherine (also pictured left) was quite concerned when she called me' False widows are native to Madeira and the Canary islands. It is believed they first arrived in Britain via a cargo transporter in 1879. The spider is nocturnal and will normally spend the day sleeping in a crack or hole close to its web. False widows like dry, warm places where they are unlikely to be disturbed. This is often what brings them into peoples homes. The spiders are most commonly seen in the south of the country, but sightings suggest they are invading the Midlands. Deborah MacQueen, who worked for the Rochdale council, is accused of failing to safeguard young victims who were groomed by the Rochdale child sex abuse gang A social worker is accused of failing to safeguard young victims who were groomed by the Rochdale child sex abuse gang. Deborah MacQueen, who worked for the Rochdale council, is also alleged to have closed their cases prematurely. Nine Asian men from Rochdale and Oldham were convicted and jailed for a total of 70 years in 2012 for a string of offences including rape and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child. Between 2005 and 2008, the group plied victims, who were as young as 13, with drink and drugs before they were 'passed around' for sex. Of the nine men convicted over the scandal in 2012, only Shabir Ahmed, 64, who was caged for 22 years, and Mohammed Sajid, 40, who was jailed for 12 years, remain behind bars. Police believe there could have been as many as 47 victims. A subsequent investigation was carried out by the council to determine whether proper procedures had been followed. Ms MacQueen was a manager in the council's social work team, the panel heard. She admitted deciding that 'child one' was not at risk of continuing harm without considering her learning disability or her mother's ability to protect her due to her alcohol problem. She also admitted allowing the case to be closed without making sure specialist intervention was in place for the vulnerable girl. Ms MacQueen also admitted allowing the cases of three other children, known as 'child two', 'five' and 'eight', to be closed despite information that they were at risk of harm or sexual exploitation. The social worker acknowledged she failed to undertake or organise an assessment of the risk posed by another child's uncle and his son, whom the youngster was living with. She denied allegations of misconduct or incompetence relating to seven other victims. She further denies her fitness to practice is impaired by reason of misconduct. Handout photos issued by Greater Manchester Police of Shabir Ahmed (left) who was sentenced to 22 years and Adil Khan (right) who impregnated a 15-year-old girl Giving evidence at the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service in London, Sheila Sutherland, who led the investigation on behalf of Rochdale council, described the 'indefensible' decisions made in relation to 'child one'. The panel heard the child's older brother was associated with a man convicted of paedophilia, while the young victim also had a learning disability. The panel also heard 'child one', whose mother was an alcoholic, made multiple disclosures to the authorities about her sexual activity with two older Asian males - who she slept with in exchange for booze, it is claimed. Ms MacQueen is alleged to have closed the case after noting a 'dramatic change to the child's lifestyle'. Ms Sutherland said: 'I can find no basis or justification for Deborah MacQueen's decision to close this case. I consider her practice to be wholly inadequate and very dangerous.' A Health Care and Professions Council panel must decide if her actions constitute misconduct and incompetence, and whether her fitness to practice is impaired. Abdul Aziz (left) and Qari Abdul Rauf (right) were also jailed but have now been released. They are being given legal aid to fight deportation back to Pakistan Last week it emerged that members of the grooming gang are being given legal aid to fight deportation after it was found they have already received more than a 1million to unsuccessfully defend criminal charges. There was outrage as it was revealed the paedophiles are getting more taxpayers' money to battle moves to strip them of their British passports and send them back to Pakistan. The four who raped, abused and tormented young girls claim booting them out of the country will harm their families. Shabir Ahmed, 64 the ringleader of the Rochdale child sex gang Abdul Aziz, Adil Khan and Abdul Rauf all received hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal aid at their original trial. The story of the sickening abuse was turned into a TV drama, Three Girls, shown on the BBC earlier this year. A Melbourne fruit market operator paid an Afghan refugee an hourly wage as low as $3.50 an hour, cheating him out of $25,000 in only four months. Abdulrahman Taleb, the former owner of Sunshine Fruit Market, was slapped with a $16,020 fine and his company Mhoney Pty Ltd was penalised a record $644,000. Syed Jamal Udin Kazemi, who received Australian residency after being in immigration detention, was not paid at all by Mr Taleb at first, and then started receiving $10 an hour. The former owner and operator of Sunshine Fruit Market (pictured) underpaid an Afghan refugee $25,000 in four months The award wages that should have been paid were $17 an hour for weekdays, $35 an hour for weekends, and $43 an hour for public holidays. The former asylum seeker spoke little English and was not given meal breaks during shifts as long as 12 hours stacking boxes of produce. Judge Philip Burchardt called the treatment Mr Kazemi received 'egregious' and said the underpayments were huge. 'The underpayments were so significant that the total not paid to Mr Kazemi was, in relative terms, enormous for such a short time,' he said. 'I accept the submission of the [Ombudsman] that the way it worked out was that [Mr Kazemi] was paid wages of between $3.49 and $9.29 per hour.' The parent company of the former owner of Sunshine Fruit Market (pictured) was slapped with a $644,000 fine and the man who ran the shop, Abdulrahman Taleb, will have to pay a $16,020 He also described Mr Taleb as 'unimpressive' despite his standing in the city's Lebanese-Muslim community, and noted he had not apologised. Mr Taleb no longer owns or operates Sunshine Fruit Market, and his lawyer suggested he will not appeal the judge's decision. 'This was not a properly and lawfully run business. It was conducted in plain breach of a number of workplace regulations,' said Judge Burchardt. Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said half of the court cases they see were brought by visa workers. Ms James said that employers were taking advantage of vulnerable workers, and that poor English language skills stopped many from coming forward. Employers and workers can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or phone the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. It also provides an application in 18 languages for mobile users that allows workers to log their hours and pay slips. Albanian gangsters have established a 'high profile influence' within UK organised crime and are boasting about their fortunes by posing for selfies with huge wads of cash. The National Crime Agency is fully aware of the Albanian crime groups which have recently arrived in Britain. The agency said the criminals are 'expanding their network of influence' as well as 'forming direct relationships with cocaine suppliers in Latin America'. It comes as scores of Albanian criminals have uploaded photographs to brag to friends and family members on Facebook and Instagram. Albanian national Ardi Beshiri, 27, took a series of selfies on his iPhone which showed him holding huge wads of cash Bes Besiaj (pictured) was photographed trying to 'eat' a huge wad a cash and it is not known whether he has been convicted of any offences Ardi Beshiri, 27, was caught with 28 wraps of cocaine hidden in his socks in London and was jailed for six years and eight months. Detectives found a series of photographs he had taken of himself while holding huge amounts of cash on his shoulder. Another picture - discovered on his iPhone - showed the Albanian national smiling next to a giant wad of money which he had placed on his table. The NCA said: 'Albanian crime groups involved in Drug Trafficking have established a high profile influence within UK organised crime and have considerable control across the UK drug trafficking market. 'They are also expanding their influence upstream. 'Criminals from the Balkans are increasingly expanding their network of influence, forming direct relationships with cocaine suppliers in Latin America. 'The threat faced from Albanian crime groups is significant. London is their primary hub, but they are established across the UK.' Olsi Beheluli was jailed after he posted a photograph of himself surrounded by 240,000 in cash on Twitter Ferrari-driving Luan Plakici, serving 23 years for smuggling in 60 women for prostitution, is seen on a sofa holding a bundle of notes. Another Albanian, Bes Besiaj, took a selfie which showed him jokingly trying to eat a huge wad of notes, reports The Sun. It is not whether he has been convicted of any offences. Meanwhile, drug dealing model Olsi Beheluli was jailed after he posted a photograph of himself surrounded by 240,000 in cash on Twitter. He claimed he appeared on Channel 4 dating show My Little Princess and was revealed to be a member of a gang responsible for selling 'significant quantities' of class A drugs. Police said he enjoyed living the 'high life' and gambling after they seized more than 4million worth of heroin and cocaine when they raided the gang's 'stash house' in Brent, north west London. And Luan Plakici, who drove a Ferrari, is currently serving 23 years for smuggling in 60 women to the UK to be used for prostitution, the Sun reports. A photograph showed him lying on a sofa holding a wad of money. Calais has vowed to ignore demands to provide hundreds of migrants with food, water and toilets less than a year after the notorious Jungle refugee camp was destroyed. France's highest administrative court has ordered the town to install better facilities that its refusal so far to do so 'exposed them to inhuman and degrading treatment.' But the mayor of the northern port community, Natacha Bouchart, has insisted the order will be ignored. 'The decision by the Council of State is unfair to the people of Calais because it threatens them with the emergence of yet another Jungle,' she said, referring to the sprawling migrant camp from which over 6,000 people were evacuated last year. France's highest administrative court ruled the government and Calais must provide hundreds of migrants with drinking water, showers and toilets (file photo of 'The Jungle') 'In the absence of a national and European policy offering a global solution on controlling immigration, Calais will not implement the injunctions,' she declared in a statement. 'I cannot agree to set up facilities that would bring together the conditions for the creation of settlements, slums,' added the mayor, arguing that she is doing it to 'protect the Calaisian population.' Calais deputy mayor Philippe Mignonet told RT the town's authorities had tried everything to help those arriving in the area. But he added: 'A new jungle could emerge anytime if we are not careful. We refuse anyway what the court is saying. The mayor of Calais has already [provided] everything showers, toilets, [a] camp. And we see all the time its a disaster. 'We do not have to suffer because of [a] kind of lack of courage in Europe that seems to be ignoring this situation. The court order came hours before France announced it would open two shelters for asylum seekers sleeping rough around the northern French port, relenting to pressure to improve the lot of hundreds of people hiding for police. Charities have been fiercely critical of the squalid conditions facing hundreds of migrants who have returned to the port city (file photo of 'The Jungle') The centres will be located in the towns of Troisvaux and Bailleul, situated about 50 miles inland from Calais, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said. Each will have a capacity of 300, he told reporters, estimating the number of migrants currently in the northern port at between 350 and 400. The Council of State earlier that day was ruling on an appeal by the interior ministry and the city of Calais against an injunction issued by a court in Lille last month. In its decision Monday the Council of State upheld the order sought by a group of charities, saying that migrants were developing skin diseases such as scabies and festering wounds as they had no way of washing themselves or their clothes. The situation was causing 'serious psychological problems', it added, calling the state's failure to address the situation 'a serious and clearly illegal blow to a basic right'. Collomb had argued that the provision of services could have a pull effect on migrants who trek across Europe to Calais in the hope of stowing away on a truck crossing the Channel to England. On Monday, the minister said that the addition of two new shelters to the around 450 already in operation around the country would help speed up the processing of asylum claims from those migrants who wished to stay in France. 'We do not want to repeat the bad experiences of the past,' he warned, alluding to the squalid Jungle. Migrants seen around the truck stops in Marck, Calais, earlier this year He also announced an internal police investigation into claims of excessive force being used by officers against the migrants in Calais. Charities have been fiercely critical of the squalid conditions facing hundreds of migrants who have returned to the port city after government bulldozers razed the camp known as the 'Jungle'. A local court said this year that the authorities must provide access to water, prompting an appeal by the interior ministry and Calais commune. Rejecting that appeal, the Conseil d'Etat ruled that the treatment of migrants was inhuman. 'The Conseil d'Etat considers that these living conditions reveal a failure by the public authorities that has exposed these people to inhuman or degrading treatment,' the court said in a statement. 'These shortcomings are a serious and unlawful infringement on a fundamental freedom.' It said the lower court was within its rights to order the provision of toilets, drinking water and showers. France has avoided the brunt of Europe's migrant crisis, receiving a fraction of the asylum seekers handled by countries like Italy and Germany. While Macron has called for migrants to be treated with dignity, his own government has taken a tough stance, refusing to open a new migrant reception centre in Calais, saying it would act as a magnet for other migrants. Last week, Human Rights Watch pressed France to end what it described as recurrent police violence against migrants in Calais, where hundreds have returned despite the demolition of a sprawling camp. Many of the Calais migrants seek a better life in Britain. The European Union is struggling to find a coherent answer to a migration crisis that has tested cooperation between member states. Macron has instructed his government to speed up France's asylum process. The instructor clicks to the next geometry slide showing a simple shape with angles and dotted lines. It probably shouldnt be that hard. But to someone who hasnt encountered a problem like this in years, and for whom math was never a strong suit, its a heart-racing, sweaty-palm, insecurity-inducing roadblock. Yet the students scattered throughout the classroom are confident. Theyve already sat through three days of this material. Their minds are refreshed; they remember that a quadrilateral has 360 degrees. Heck, they actually remember what a quadrilateral is. The material is part of the ACT test prep program offered through the UTC Center for Professional Education. The center partners with Educational Testing Consultants to provide preparation for the ACT as well as the LSAT, GMAT and GRE. "If you look at the Chattanooga community, theres a need for these programs, says Jeff Grant, program coordinator for UTCs Center for Professional Education. Were trying to make it as successful as possible. And, if you look at other vendors, their prices are much higher than what we offer. So were trying to fulfill a need here. Serving local students and professionals Since the Center for Professional Education began the test prep program last year, an estimated 50 to 60 area high school students have come to campus to prepare for their ACTs. The courses are quick refreshers on subjects covered on the tests, but more importantly, they teach test-taking strategy. In this ACT test prep course, instructor Ryan Gallagher is quick to point out how to best approach each problem as he works through them with students. Mr. Gallagher, who also has experience teaching speech, biology, chemistry and music to high schoolers, presents another geometry problem. This time, there are no shapes, just words. He reminds the visual learners of how they can use their scrap paper to draw the shape and begin attacking the problem in a way that works best for them. With these strategies in hand, even if the test-taker isnt the most confident on a specific subject, they will be less likely to have that blinding, brain-freezing reaction to a problem. Instead, theyll know how to attack it head on. Our curriculum is designed by test-writing experts with experience writing items for the GRE, GMAT and LSAT among other state and national tests, explains ETC CEO Steven Shotts. Flexible and convenient The Center for Professional Education offers the convenience of on site preparation programs for UTC students or folks out in the Chattanooga community, as well as live-online courses to reach a wider region of test-takers who arent on campus or right next door. We call our programs live-online to emphasize the fact that, while the classes are delivered online, they are taught by a live teacher in real time, sometimes called synchronous learning. Students can still ask questions and interact with their teacher and peers, says Mr. Shotts. Through the Center for Professional Education and ETC partnership, free strategy workshops are also offered for those preparing to take the LSAT and GRE. For more information, visit their website here. The Center for Professional Education UTCs Center for Professional Development is relatively new to campus. Founded in 2016, the center provides professional and workforce development training in Chattanooga and the surrounding region. ETC ETC offers test preparation services to universities primarily through continuing education departments and divisions. The company offers more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it tailors test preparation courses to meet the specific needs of each university and community. ETC also funnels some of the proceeds from their revenue-generating test prep classes into such programs as free workshops. At $3,289, it's a glass of beer which would leave most with a financial hangover. So it's safe to say this New Zealand man had a foggy head after he shelled out the eye-watering fee in a Hong Kong watering hole. The pub goer thought the beer cost $3.30 until he he got a rude awakening looking at his credit card statement the next day, reports NZ Herald. World's most dear beer? A New Zealand man was charged $3,289 for a schooner he thought cost $3.30 The man launched a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman, but was forced to withdraw because he signed the bar's receipt. The Ombudsman found he his bank did not breach the terms of its credit contract. The man could have put away 411 $8 schooners of craft beer at that cost - and it seems that's closer to what he should have been charged. Earlier this year, a study from Deutsche Bank found Hong Kong was the world's third most expensive city for beer at an average cost of $10.40. Norway's Oslo topped the list at $13.40 and Melbourne was Australia's most expensive city at $9.10. It remains unclear why that beer had such a dear price-tag, but you'd hope it came with some top-shelf bar snacks. A terrified train passenger has relived the moment she was dragged along a platform after her hand got stuck in train door. Neelan Malik attempted to board the Great Western train at Hayes and Harlington station in west London after going shopping. But as she rushed to get on, her hand became trapped and the train began moving. Great Western driver Stephen Murdoch, 45, left the platform even though passenger Neelan Malik (above) was caught up in a closed door forcing her to run and keep up, it was alleged Ms Malik had arrived just as the train was leaving from Hayes and Harlington station in west London around 1pm on July 25, 2015 The 60-year-old eventually managed to free herself from the doors just before she reached the end of the platform and fell to the ground suffering severe bruising Speaking at Blackfriars Crown Court, Ms Malik, 60, said: 'It all happened so quickly. The doors closed but my hand got stuck in the door. 'I couldn't pull it out for a long time, it was dragging me along the platform and the train started to move. 'Everyone in the compartment was looking at me through the window. 'It was increasing speed as it was pulling me along. Then my hand came out the door and I banged on the floor on the platform. 'When I came to my senses there were people around me and the manager on the platform was there.' She eventually went to hospital and treated for bruising to her arm, back and head and underwent some physiotherapy. She said: 'It was an emotional shock. I remember it then all of a sudden I get that emotional feeling. You say to yourself you are very lucky to be alive. 'Just a matter of seconds, if my hand hadn't come out I would have been off the platform onto the electrical wires or something.' Train driver Stephen Murdoch, 45, is on trial accused of failing to carry out proper safety checks before driving off at 1pm on July 25, 2015. He is charged with endangering the safety of rail passengers, by willful omission or neglect by failing to check the length of the train was clear before leaving the station. The jury were played CCTV footage of the dramatic moment Ms Malik got her hand trapped as she ran to catch the train, and then was dragged along the platform. She told the court: 'You say to yourself you are very lucky to be alive. Murdoch denies the charge of endangering the safety of rail passengers. He is pictured outside court in February 'Just a matter of seconds, if my hand hadn't come out I would have been off the platform onto the electrical wires or something.' Prosecutor Adam Pearson, said: 'Neelan Malik was a member of the public and was intending to catch a train from Hayes and Harlington to Ealing. 'The train she was intending to catch was being driven by this defendant. 'It was a train from Oxford to London Paddington, which arrived at Hayes and Harlington at 1.08pm. 'That train was already on the platform when she arrived and she therefore hurried towards the doors. 'As she approaches, the train the doors begin to close and she put her arm out as the door closes, trapping her hand or arm in the door of the rear most carriage. 'The train remains on the platform with her hand or arm trapped in the door for somewhere in the region of nine seconds. 'After nine seconds the train started to pull away with her hand stuck in the door. 'She was pulled by the hand trapped in the door along the platform, running to keep up with the train. 'She was pulled along the train until fortunately, towards the end of the platform, her hand came free and she fell to the floor. 'It was fortunate she was not more seriously injured than she was. 'If this defendant, the driver of that train, had been performing his job properly he would have seen that lady trapped in the doors and would not have pulled away. 'In essence what he failed to do was the proper safety checks to ensure the safety of the passengers of that train about to board.' The court was told there are no guards on trains and drivers of the trains have CCTV monitors to check the length of the train to make sure the doors are shut properly. Following the incident the train company checked the door safety light in the driver's cab, which indicates when doors are all shut properly. Pictured is Hayes and Harlington station Following the incident the train company checked the door safety light in the driver's cab, which indicates when doors are all shut properly. It was found if a passenger's hand or arm was stuck in the door, the light in the driver's cab would not indicate there was an obstruction. In police interview Murdoch said he carried out all the proper checks and the safety lights did not indicate there was an obstruction in the door and it was safe for him to power up and move off. Even before moving away he said he checked the CCTV and safety light one more time and he 'was not aware of Ms Malik being stuck in the train door'. Mr Pearson said: 'If he had checked the monitors at the closing of the doors before moving off, he could not have failed to have seen Ms Malik.' Under cross examination the court heard Ms Malik had been awarded compensation from the railway company after contacting lawyers about the incident. Murdoch, of Reading, Berkshire, denies the single charge. The trial continues. Labour was today plunged into fresh turmoil over leaving the EU as its Brexit spokesman revealed plans to force Britain to stay in the single market - despite Jeremy Corbyn insisting we must quit it. Keir Starmer said he will table amendments to the looming EU Withdrawal Bill to keep Britain in the single market and customs union for a transitional phase which could last years. But the revelation puts him at loggerheads with his own leader who has insisted the party supports quitting the single market. Just a fortnight ago Mr Corbyn attempted to end months of confusion by saying single market is 'inextricably' part of the EU and therefore Britain must leave it. But Mr Starmer's intervention lays bare the deep divisions within the party over the crucial issue. And the party infighting over Brexit looks set to deepen as a group of prominent Remainer Labour MPs are also hatching a plot to force Britain to stay in the single market. Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said he will table amendments to the looming EU Withdrawal Bill to force Britain to stay in the single market and customs union for a transitional period after Brexit - which could last several years Labour MPs Chuka Umunna and Heidi Alexander are among a group plotting to try to keep Britain in the European Economic Area (EEA) even after Brexit An alliance of Labour and Tory politicians are planning to force a vote in Parliament demanding the UK to stay in the European Economic Area (EEA) for a transitional period after we quit the bloc. If they are successful it would mean that Britain would have to submit to EU rules and regulations and accept a large amount of free movement even after Brexit. The plot is an early sign of the many months of parliamentary warfare which lie ahead as Remainer and Brexit backing MPs fight over our plans for leaving the Brussels club. EX TORY LEADER CALLS FOR THE SACKING OF FOUR ANTI-BREXIT TRADE ENVOYS Iain Duncan Smith said it is 'absurd' that people who are viscerally opposed to Brexit are representing Britain's trade interests Iain Duncan Smith has demanded the sacking of four UK trade envoys who are 'viscerally opposed to Brexit' Labour MP Rushanara Ali, Labour peer Lord Faulkner, and Lib Dem peers Baroness Northover and Baroness Bonham-Carter serve as envoys to help boost British business abroad. But Theresa May is under growing pressure to fire them for talking down Britain over Brexit. Mr Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, said: 'It is quite absurd that at the moment the UK leaves the EU and starts to make new free trade deals, we should have as our trade representatives people who are viscerally opposed to Brexit. 'It is quite unacceptable and high time we appointed new people who believe that what we are doing is positive and full of new opportunity. 'We should act immediately we haven't a moment to lose.' Advertisement Mr Starmer told The Guardian he is planning to table amendments to the Bill to 'ensure it is possible to achieve transitional arrangements on the same basic terms including the single market and the customs union'. And he vowed to try to fight Mrs May's plans to leave the single market, customs union and free Britain from the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. While Labour MPs Stephen Kinnock, Heidi Alexander and Chuka Umunna are reportedly in talks with Remain-backing Tories to mount the parliamentary challenge when the House of Commons returns after the summer break. They are reportedly hoping to table an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill when it returns to the Commons for a crunch vote later this year. Mr Umunna - a onetime contender for the Labour leadership, led a rebellion against Mr Corbyn over the single market in June. Mr Corbyn was left humiliated and sacked three of his shadow ministers after nearly 50 of his MPs defied him to vote to keep Britain in the single market last month. MPs who oppose Brexit will try to table a string of amendments to the Bill to force the government to changes its Brexit plans. Number 10 has ruled out staying in the EEA and insists Britain will get its own deal with the bloc which will also allow the UK to strike free trade deals around the world and regain control over our borders and laws. But a Tory Remainer MP said the vote on the EEA could be the biggest battle over the EU Withdrawal Bill this year unless the government caves to their demands. Theresa May is highly vulnerable to a backbench rebellion after the Tory election disaster left her with a working majority of just 13 thanks to her deal with the DUP. It means that if just seven Tory MPs rebel her majority will be wiped out - meaning a tiny minority of Conservatives could hold the balance of power. Labour MP and prominent Remainer Stephen Kinnock is also part of a group of politicians who wil use the EU Withdrawal Bill to thwart Theresa May's plans for Brexit Mr Kinnock urged Remainer MPs from all political parties to unite to try to force Britain to stay in the EEA. He said: 'The EEA is a well-established and well understood arrangement that allows us to leave the EU by walking calmly over a bridge rather than leaping recklessly off a cliff edge.' A spokesman for the Brexit department said: 'We have repeatedly made clear that we will not be members of the EEA after exit. The UK is a member of the EEA by virtue of our membership of the EU. 'Therefore, when we leave the EU, we will no longer be a member of the EEA. The purpose of the repeal bill is to create a functioning statute book. It does not provide the process for the UK to leave the EEA.' Jeremy Corbyn snubbed an invite to the Passchendaele commemorations to go on holiday in Croatia, it has emerged. The Labour leader sent shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith to take his place alongside senior Royals and dignitaries at the service to mark the centenary of the First World War battle. By contrast, Theresa May broke into her holiday in Italy to attend the event in Belgium on Monday. A tweet was sent from Mr Corbyn's account saying: 'Today we commemorate the bravery of soldiers and nurses and reaffirm our commitment to peace #Passchendaele100.' The Labour leader (pictured last month) sent shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith to take his place alongside senior Royals and dignitaries at the service to mark the centenary of the First World War battle The Duchess of Cambridge laid flowers at war graves in Ypres (left) on Monday during a ceremony marking 100 years since the Battle of Passchendaele. Mrs May is pictured right speaking during the commemorations at the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery100th Anniversary of Passchendaele Mr Corbyn has previously suggested that there is nothing to commemorate about the First World War. In a video uploaded to YouTube by the Communist Party in April 2013, Mr Corbyn questioned why the country was planning to spending 'shedloads of money' remembering the conflict. 'Next year, the government is apparently proposing to spend shedloads of money commemorating the First World War,' he said. 'I'm not quite sure what there is to commemorate about the First World War, other than the mass slaughter of millions of young men and women mainly men on the Western Front and all the other places. It was a war of the declining empires.' Former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth said: 'His sense of priorities are clearly incompatible with being Prime Minister of our country. 'The heir to the throne was there. The PM was there. 'The PM broke her holiday to attend, and she is under a lot more pressure than Jeremy Corbyn. She managed to get her priorities right. 'That is what public service is like. it is about sacrifice.' Sir Gerald added: 'These commemorations remind us of the sacrifice of tens of thousands of service personnel.' Aides to Mr Corbyn confirmed he is on holiday this week, and that Ms Griffith had attended the event in Belgium on his behalf. They refused to comment on where he is holidaying, but Twitter users have spotted him in Croatia. Mrs May and members of the Royal Family joined foreign dignitaries at the service for the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele - where hundreds of thousands of allied soldier fell. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were with Prince Charles and the Prime Minister remembering those killed in the notorious First World War clash. Mrs May curtsied as she was greeted by Prince Charles upon his arrival at the commemoration The French embassy posted a message after s Theresa May and members of the Royal Family joined foreign dignitaries at a service for the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele - where hundreds of thousands of allied soldier fell The Prince of Wales spoke of the 'courage and bravery' of British soldiers killed over the course of a bloody 100 days in the summer and autumn of 1917. But German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel, who was also there, risked controversy by hailing the European 'project of peace' - saying it was 'more than the single market'. Mr Gabriel recalled that there had never before been a period in Europe of more than 70 years without war and destruction. 'Today it is more true than ever in a world full of crises and conflicts that Europe is far more than a single market,' he said. 'Europe is a project of peace. Europe is our future. Only united can we succeed in protecting our interests and defending our values.' The French embassy went further, referring explicitly to the EU and crediting the bloc with bringing peace. 'Today we commemorate #Passchendaele100. An opportunity to cherish peace, unity and solidarity brought by the EU,' the message on its Twitter feed said. Three Russian fighter jets have been intercepted close to Estonia, NATO has confirmed. Two planes were scrambled after the aircraft were detected. Russia claims its planes were carrying out a training flight over neutral waters above the Baltic Sea, and said no borders were violated. Two Russian Air Force MiG fighter jets were intercepted by NATO planes yesterday, officials confirmed (Stock picture) The Russian Defense Ministry said the planes, including an AN-26 transport plane, did not violate any borders (Stock picture) In a statement, NATO spokesman Dylan White said: 'Two Spanish F-18 jets assigned to NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission scrambled from Estonia's Amari Air Base on Tuesday morning to intercept unidentified non-NATO military aircraft near Estonian airspace.' He said Finnish planes were also called to deal with the flashpoint, and NATO has said its planes 'accidentally' entered Finnish airspace. NATO has identified the Russian aircraft as two MiG-31 fighter jets and an AN-26 transport plane. US Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday that the US was committed to defending its allies from Russian aggression Russias Defense Ministry said that the Russian planes were carrying out a training flight over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea. A statement said this was done 'in strict accordance with the rules of the use of airspace, without violating the borders of foreign states'. The Russian statement continued: 'During the mission, a NATO F-18 fighter jet approached the Russian air group and followed it for around a minute. 'After that it changed course and retracted towards the airspace of the Baltic state.' The incident came 24 hours after US Vice President Mike Pence visited Estonia and addressed escalating tensions with Russia. He said Moscow's recent actions against U.S. diplomats 'will not deter' U.S. backing of its allies on Russia's doorstep. Pence's comments to the presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, ahead of Russian war games nearby, were clearly intended to reassure following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's early lukewarm support for NATO. Pence spoke after Russian President Vladimir Putin laid out Russia's decision to expel 755 U.S. diplomatic personnel from Russia in retaliation for Congressional passage of sanctions legislation that hits Russia. 'President Trump has made it clear: America is open to a better relationship. But the President and our Congress are unified in our message to Russia a better relationship, and the lifting of sanctions, will require Russia to reverse the actions that caused sanctions to be imposed in the first place,' Pence said. 'We hope for better days, and better relations with Russia, but as I said earlier today, recent diplomatic action taken by Moscow will not deter the commitment of the United States to our security, that of our allies, and freedom-loving nations around the world. 'And be assured: The United States rejects any attempt to use force, threats, intimidation, or malign influence in the Baltic States or against any of our treaty allies and under President Donald Trump, the United States will stand firmly behind our Article Five pledge of mutual defense and the presence of the U.S Armed Forces here today proves it.' Jorge Antonio Avila-Rodas, 34, from Honduras, served 16 months for a terrifying burglary in 2010 before being deported An MS-13 gangster who was deported for burgling a house while a girl hid inside has been re-arrested after coming back across the border. Jorge Antonio Avila-Rodas, 34, from Honduras, was detained alongside four other men on Saturday in an area south of Arivaca, Arizona, border agents said. He is now facing federal criminal charges of reentering the country as a felon. Border agents revealed that Avila-Rodas has felony convictions for burglary in Oregon alongside immigration violations though did not give further details, Fox News reports. But previous news stories reveal Avila-Rodas took part in a 2010 burglary in the town of Troutdale. The case grabbed headlines because of a 911 call placed by 12-year-old Mackenzie Hughes, who was inside the property alone at the time, The Oregonian reported. After spotting the intruders sizing up her home through the front-door key hole, Mackenzie phoned police before retreating into a downstairs bedroom. From there she described the vehicle the burglars were driving, before hearing somebody inside the house. On Saturday he was arrested in Arizona along with four other men and is now facing federal criminal charges of re-entering the country as a felon (file image) 'Try not to cry,' the call-handler told a distraught Mackenzie. 'I know it's hard. Do you have a stuffed animal or something you can hold onto?' Mackenzie struggled to hold back tears, saying couldn't reach a stuffed animal without revealing her hiding spot. 'It's OK,' the dispatcher said. 'You've got me here with you.' At one point the burglar entered Mackenzie's room, but left shortly afterwards before being arrested. Avila-Rodas was convicted of acting as a lookout during the raid and served 16 months in jail before being deported. A 96-year-old former SS guard is fit to go to prison for his role in mass murder, German authorities have ruled. Oskar Groening - who convicted for his role at the Auschwitz death camp during World War Two - must serve his four year jail term handed down by a court two years ago. Because of his advanced age, authorities have been reluctant to enforce the jail sentence imposed in 2015 for his role in the murders of 300,000 Jews at the Nazi's extermination centre in occupied Poland. An application to spare former concentration camp guard Oskar Groening from prison has been rejected by German authorities But now the public prosecutor of Hanover has rejected his legal pleas for a further delay, saying: 'We rejected the request of the defence for a reprieve. We believe he should serve his jail sentence.' Media reports said that the requisite medical and nursing care that Groening will require in jail has to be finalised before he is taken to a prison to serve his term which will amount to less than two years with good behaviour. But his lawyers are to mount another legal appeal, arguing that he is unfit to spend time behind bars. Groening was known as the 'Accountant of Auschwitz' because he was responsible for sorting through the possessions of the doomed and sending cash and valuables back to his SS masters in Berlin. He was sentenced to four years in prison in July 2015 by the State Court in Luneburg for aiding the murder in at least 300,000 cases. His testimony about the wholesale slaughter of innocents in the camp, where an estimated 1.2 million people were murdered, was considered historically important in refuting the claims of Holocaust deniers who persist in the lie that the murder of six million Jews never happened. Polish authorities are looking into demanding reparations from Germany for the massive losses inflicted on Poland during World War II. Officials are preparing an analysis of whether Poland can legally make the claim, though no one has said how much money they expect. It comes after Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Poland's most powerful politician, said the 'Polish government is preparing itself for a historical counteroffensive'. 'We are talking here about huge sums, and also about the fact that Germany for many years refused to take responsibility for World War II,' said Kaczynski, leader of the ruling conservative ruling party. Polish authorities are looking into demanding reparations from Germany for the massive losses inflicted on Poland during World War II. Pictured: Two Jewish resistance fighters arrested by German troops after the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1943 Polish officials are preparing an analysis of whether Poland can legally make the claim, though no one has said how much money they expect. Pictured: The remains of the Warsaw ghetto in 1945 Germany has already paid billions of euros in compensation for Nazi crimes, primarily to Jewish survivors, over the years. 'If Jews have gotten compensation... for loss of property, why shouldn't we too make claims?' said Ryszard Czarnecki, a ruling party member and deputy head of the European Parliament. Poland's former communist government, under pressure from the Soviet Union, agreed in 1953 to not to make any further claims on Germany. In Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson Ulrike Demmer, said: Of course Germany stands by its responsibility in World War II, politically, morally and financially.' 'It has made significant reparations for general war damage, including to Poland, and is still paying significant compensation for Nazi wrongdoing,' Demmer told reporters. In 1953, Poland's government agreed not to make any further claims on Germany. Pictured: Poles celebrate the anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 against the German-Nazi occupation The massive suffering inflicted on Poland has been a topic of public discussion as Poland marked the anniversary this week of the start of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 (pictured) The massive suffering inflicted on Poland has been a topic of public discussion as Poland marked the anniversary this week of the start of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The doomed revolt against the Nazi German occupying forces resulted in the killing of 200,000 Poles and the near-total destruction of the Polish capital. Amid the observances, Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said Tuesday that Germans need to 'pay back the terrible debt they owe to the Polish people.' World War II, which began with the German invasion of Poland in 1939, left almost 6 million Polish citizens dead and inflicted huge material losses, including the destruction of cultural treasures, industry and entire cities. Kaczynski called for reparations from Germany when he was prime minister more than a decade ago, adding to tensions between Poland and Germany, important trade partners and allies in NATO and the European Union. World War II, which began with the German invasion of Poland in 1939, left almost 6 million Polish citizens dead His party, Law and Justice, has a nationalist bent and is often critical of Germany, accusing it of unfairly dominating other EU members. Demmer said as far as Germany is concerned, 'the question of German reparations for Poland was dealt with conclusively in the past, legally and politically.' But Polish Defense Minister Macierewicz says communist-era Poland was a 'Soviet puppet state' whose decision is not necessarily still valid. The US Air Force has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile just days after North Korea tested its latest rocket which could potentially hit NYC. An unarmed Minuteman III missile was fired from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base at 2.10am local time on Wednesday. The Air Force Global Strike Command said a single re-entry vehicle traveled roughly 4,200 miles across the Pacific Ocean where it struck a target in the Kwajalein Atoll. Scroll down for video Show of force: An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test from Vandenberg Air Force base in California on Wednesday The US AIr Force successfully launched a Minuteman III missile from their base at Vandenberg, in California, at 2.10am on Wednesday, a spokesman said 'These test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent,' an Air Force statement said. Military chiefs said the launch had been 'long-planned' and was not directly in response to North Korea's rapidly accelerating nuclear program. The missile, which weighs almost 80,000 pounds and has a range of 6,000 miles, is 'an element of the nation's strategic deterrent forces', reports state. The launch, which is the fourth of its kind this year, comes just days after North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test on Friday - the second in a month. The two-stage Hwasong-14 missile traveled 2,300 miles into space before coming back down off the coast of Japan's northern-most island, Hokkaido. US and South Korean experts have analysed Japanese footage capturing the rocket's re-entry vehicle shortly before it crashed into the sea. They said the video suggests it failed to survive the extreme heat and pressure after re-entering the Earth's atmosphere following its launch. Air Force chiefs said the missile, armed with a single decoy warhead, flew 4,200 miles over the Pacific Ocean before striking a target in the Kwajalein Atoll This map shows where the Vandenberg Air Force Base in located near the California coast But the apparent failure likely means the North will conduct more flight tests of the Hwasong-14 missile to ensure the warhead could survive the re-entry from space and hit its intended target, the analysts said. The Hwasong-14 ICBM, which was first tested on July 4, follows decades of effort by North Korea to obtain a nuclear deterrent against the United States. Analysis of the flight data from Hwasong-14's second test has suggested that more of the US mainland, including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City is now in range of Pyongyang's weapons. However, whether North Korea can arm the missile with a nuclear warhead and protect it throughout the flight are different questions entirely. The US launch comes after North Korea tested a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile on July 28. Pictured is the missile during the launch Kim Jong-un's rockets are capable of reaching America but would not work when they got there, according to analysts The analysis came as South Korean officials were drawing up plans for a 'surgical strike' to take out any missile and North Korean nuclear facilities if orders are given to remove the dictator. According to reports, Taurus cruise missiles fired from F-15 fighters would be used to destroy the facilities if President Moon Jae-in gives the go ahead in an emergency. The contingency measure would be initiated by the President's Special Forces, according to reports by Seoul newspaper Munwha Ilbo. According to reports the project is being overseen by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Ministry of National Defense. A man walks in front of a public TV screen broadcasting news of North Korea's test-firing of its second intercontinental ballistic missile, in Tokyo, Japan The intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 is seen during its test launch in this photo from July 4 Donald Trump and his White House have also spoken about the latest North Korean tests. On Monday, the president said: 'We'll handle North Korea. We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything.' Trump was sat with Defense Secretary James Mattis during a cabinet meeting at the time. Nikki Haley, the US envoy to the United Nations, said yesterday that there was 'no point' in holding a fruitless emergency Security Council session, warning that another weak council resolution would be 'worse than nothing' in light of the North's repeated violations. US strategic bombers on Saturday flew over the Korean peninsula in a direct response to Friday's launch, and on Sunday American forces successfully tested a missile interception system which could be installed on the Korean peninsula. On Monday, Donald Trump said: 'We'll handle North Korea. We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything' Ryan Lock, 20, from Chichester, West Sussex, died last December fighting with the People's Defence Units (YPG) in the northern city of Raqqa The mother of a 'heroic' British chef who shot himself while fighting ISIS in Syria to avoid being captured today said she panicked when she found out he was in the war-torn country and thought 'how will I get my son back?' Ryan Lock, 20, from Chichester, West Sussex, took his own life by shooting himself under the chin when he became 'surrounded' by IS fighters in the northern city of Raqqa. The young cook, who told his mother 'someone should do something' to protect people from the terror organisation in the war-torn country, was 'immobilised' after taking an AK47-type bullet to the thigh. Back in the UK, his father, who had not heard from his son in two weeks, made the devastating discovery he was dead when he found a picture of his body on an Arabic news site. Mr Lock had no previous military experience but joined the People's Defence Units (YPG) after telling his family he was going backpacking to Turkey in August last year. His mother, Catherine Lock, a nurse from Havant, Hampshire, told his inquest in Portsmouth, Hampshire, she panicked when she learned where he was and wondered how she would 'get her son back'. The hearing was told that after being surrounded by IS fighters, he turned his gun on himself to prevent himself from suffering a 'frightening and painful death'. The hearing was told that after his death, a letter was passed to Mr Lock's family written by 'AJ Woodhead' which said their son 'died a true hero' and that in any other war he would have received a medal. Authorities have not been able to identify him but believe he is a Canadian man who followed a similar path to Mr Lock. His letter said: 'Mr and Mrs Lock, I am so very sorry your son has died. I want to let you know your son died a true hero. 'I met him at a YPG academy and was with him in the action that saw him pass on. 'He lived to the truest standards of a soldier and despite being injured in the leg he continued firing bravely. The 20-year-old had no previous military experience but joined the Kurdish militia after telling his family he was going backpacking 'If he was fighting for the Army, he would be honoured as a true hero and it's only right he is.' Recording a narrative verdict, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire coroner David Horsley Mr Horsley said he would not rule it as 'suicide' because he had not planned to travel to Syria to kill himself. He said: 'This is the story of a young man who gave up a stable and comfortable life in order to go and fight for what he believes in and give his life for it. 'He was likely to have fallen to the hands of a cruel and ruthless enemy so instead he took his own life. It can only be viewed as a very brave act. 'I don't believe this can be viewed as suicide. He was a very brave man and his family have lost a very heroic young man.' The coroner added: 'He died doing something he quite clearly believed passionately in.' In the months before his death, Mr Lock had kept in touch with his family via Facebook Messenger, sending them pictures and updates on his military training. The young chef (pictured) travelled to the war-torn country to fight against ISIS But after losing contact with him last December, Mr Lock's father Jon Plater found images online of his son with an IS fighter standing over his body, and his death was later confirmed, the inquest heard. His mother was originally told by her son he would 'just be cooking' for the YPG after he boarded a 294 flight to Turkey then Iraq before travelling to Syria. She said her son was a 'quiet boy' who was 'interested in politics' and days before he left expressed anger over the war in Syria. She said: 'He liked playing military computer games, from a young age he had an interest in the military. He was a big fan of being outdoors and loved camping. 'If he was going to a place he would read up on it first and he was quite political. 'A few days before he went we were watching Channel 4 news and there was a piece about the war in Syria. 'He was saying how bad it was and how sad it all is for the women and children and said 'someone should do something about it'. 'I'm always able to tell when something is not right and I think he knew that so was more sheltered. 'We only found out a few days before that he was going away at all. 'At the time he had been working long hours and had some sort of dispute with a colleague and said to me 'mum I don't want to be in my fifties and not done anything'. 'He said 'I want to do something with my life in my want 20s I don't want to look back regretting it in my 50s'.' She added: 'He had been in Turkey for a day or so and that's when he sent me message to say 'I'm really sorry, I am actually going to Syria to fight with the YPG.' 'I said 'that's not even funny' and I panicked and thought 'how will I get my son back'?' Ryan Lock (left) died fighting ISIS in Syria last December and his father later changed his Facebook profile picture to a photograph of his son (right) His family was left 'completely grief stricken' after the YPG told them he had died with other fighters on December 21. Paying tribute to him, his caterer father Jon said his son had a 'heart of gold' and was a 'caring and loving boy who would do anything to help anyone'. Dozens of people, including members of the Kurdish community, held roses and framed pictures of Mr Lock at Heathrow Airport when his body was repatriated to the UK in February. Supporters of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) said his 'memory will forever live on in our struggle for the freedom of Syria and our hope for change in the whole world'. YPG general command member Mihyedin Xirki said Mr Lock, who used the nom de guerre Berxwedan Givara, was a 'martyr' who died 'putting up a brave fight'. Hundreds of people from Derik and Girke Lege in Syria gathered in front of Derik Hospital to collect Mr Lock's body The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Syria, saying the situation remains 'extremely volatile and dangerous'. Four Britons are believed to have died fighting IS with the Kurds in Syria. The latest was 22-year-old Luke Rutter, from Birkenhead, who died in Raqqa on July 5. In a final video message, he apologised for lying to his loved ones about going to fight. Dean Evans, 22, a dairy farmer from Reading, died in the city of Manbij in July last year and ex-Royal Marine Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, 25, from Barnsley, died in the northern village of Tel Khuzela in March 2015. A robber's conscience almost prevailed while they were was ransacking a young mother's house. But instead of backing out, the thief left Gold Coast woman Hilary Ward a crudely scrawled note of apology vowing to return her goods. Ms Ward and her daughter were sleeping upstairs when the thief pinched thousands of dollars in belongings from her Palm Beach home. The thief left a crudely scrawled note of apology vowing to return the stolen goods The note left on a pad Ms Ward was using her plan her three-year-old daughter's birthday reads: 'I am sorry I will give back.' 'They obviously meant to break into our house. Why would they bother saying that they were sorry?' Ms Ward told Daily Mail Australia. The thief made off with an iPad, an iPhone, a pair of sunglasses and a number of hard drives filled with photos and family memories. The interior designer was left 'shocked that someone would bother to leave a note apologising.' Hilary Ward was baffled the thief would leave the brazen note and called on them to return her goods Ms Ward and her daughter were sleeping upstairs when the thief pinched thousands of dollars in belongings Despite handing the note to police to take fingerprints, she doesn't hold much hope she will see will see her belongings again. Though she does have some strong words for the culprit. 'Take a good look at yourself in the mirror and think about how your actions have made our family feel,' she said. Hotels in Magaluf are drawing up a blacklist of guests who are being banned from staying in Majorca because of rowdy behaviour. The move is part of their campaign to hit back at 'anything goes' drunken tourism which has been blighting the island. Unruly guests are being thrown out of hotels and then put on the blacklist which is shared via a database, together with the reason for their expulsion. Other hotels will then not accept them. Hotels in Magaluf (pictured) are drawing up a blacklist of guests who are being banned from staying in Majorca because of rowdy behaviour Hoteliers say they are ready to tackle the problem of 'tourism excesses' head on and will no longer tolerate the situation. It is understood to be the first time hotel owners have gone this far and affects all potential troublespots in Majorca but especially Magaluf and Platja de Palma. Each list is headed 'Notice expelling unlawful clients'. It includes their names, passport details and nationality. To make sure the information is spread as quickly as possible, emails will also be sent out between hotels. Island newspapers say one of the lists reports nine guests who were ejected because of alleged damage to their rooms and for throwing a bed off the balcony. Hoteliers say they are ready to tackle the problem of 'tourism excesses' head on and will no longer tolerate the situation (file picture) They were all Dutch and were expelled even though they had paid for their rooms and still had four days to go of their holiday. Tourism chiefs say the troublemakers are not always British but of various nationalities, including Germans. Two German visitors were also added to the blacklist for also throwing furniture around and another seven, also from Germany, for vandalism. It is also alleged that five holidaymakers were ordered to leave because of some alleged sexual aggression on the beach. The new Mayor of Palma, Antoni Noguera has already pledged to ask Germany, through its consul on the island, not to send troublesome holidaymakers to the island. He said they were giving a very bad image to German tourism as the tourists who came for a normal holiday were being put in the same bag as the drunks. In one recent incident, a group of five German tourists, aged between 20 and 28, were arrested for causing around 5,000 euros worth of damage to a hotel's lift. The group got stuck in it and had to be released by service engineers who found the roof had been prized open and drinks were littered around the interior. A 'distracted' office worker who forgot to scan a 2 packet of bacon ribs was banned from the entire Canary Wharf Estate for six months. Jeannot Attard was stopped by Tesco Metro staff after failing to scan a pack of ribs from the hot deli counter while he was at the self-service machine. After blaming his mistake on distraction, the 32-year-old offered to pay for the ribs but was given the ban by private security guards from Canary Wharf Group. Canary Wharf Group security staff banned Mr Attard from the estate for six months after he failed to pay for some bacon ribs in a Tesco Metro Mr Attard told the Evening Standard he was humiliated in front of other shoppers while staff searched for a manager, who reported him to the security firm. 'If I wanted to steal I would have made a run for it or not paid for the rest of my shopping or the more expensive items. 'It was an honest mistake but they made me feel like a common criminal. I felt useless and like I had no rights. 'Initially they couldnt find a manager so I was made to wait with security while everyone watched. It was hugely embarrassing. The total ban on the estate has been lifted since the incident on Friday, but Mr Attard is still banned from the Tesco Metro. Mr Attard, who works to protect intellectual property on the internet, was originally told he couldn't even visit the restaurants where he meets blue chip clients regularly. The original ban was printed on official notepaper. It said: 'You are banned from entering the Canary Wharf Estate/Retail Complex for the duration of six months. 'You are further advised that should you enter the designated area during the period of the ban, you will be considered a trespasser and staff have been authorised to escort you from the estate. 'In addition, steps will be taken to exclude you from the Canary Wharf Estate for a longer period.' Mr Attard says he was 'hugely embarrassed' at the Tesco Metro in Canary Wharf (right) as he was treated like a 'common criminal' in front of other customers. The ribs are pictured left Before the total ban was lifted, Mr Attad called for commonsense. 'I want commonsense to prevail. I cannot say no to client meetings and I cant just say, "Im banned from Canary Wharf". According to the order I cant even visit my dentist.' A Canary Wharf Group spokeswoman confirmed the ban had been lifted and said it would work with Tesco to resolve the matter. 'On Friday our security team was notified by Tesco of an alleged theft in the Canary Wharf store. 'As part of our on-going security arrangements on the Estate, we were called in to assist. 'We support Tesco in their investigation and are working closely with them to resolve the issue.' Canary Wharf Group, which controls the 97-acre estate, told him that he would have been allowed to travel from the Tube and DLR station to his office, but would face prosecution for trespassing if he stepped outside those boundaries. Mr Attard, of south-east London, was photographed after the incident on Friday and fears it has been circulated among nearby retailers and is calling for the Tesco Metro ban to be lifted to clear his name. A Tesco spokesman said the supermarket is happy to arrange a meeting with Mr Attard. 'We reported this incident to the Canary Wharf security team in line with normal procedures. 'In light of these concerns, our Area Manager would be happy to meet with both Mr Attard and the Canary Wharf security team to discuss the matter further. The police had no involvement in the incident. Lifting her shirt to reveal bullet scars, the mother of a would-be cop killer believes she was targeted for giving evidence against her son. Leonie Stuart, 52, is the mother of notorious criminal Rodney Phillips, who is a member of the feared jailhouse gang Prisoners of War. Phillips was jailed for eight years for shooting a policeman in the head with a shotgun while on a crime spree in Melbourne's northwestern suburbs in 2015. Scroll down for video Leonie Stuart (pictured) claims she was shot at her home in Melbourne in revenge for giving evidence against her son Ms Stuart believes that the hit would have been planned behind her son's (pictured) back, and says she doesn't blame him for it The mother-of five thinks the attempt on her life was a revenge hit taken out by her son's prison gang, Seven News reported. 'I was very honest about stuff I knew, and someone might have taken it into his own hands, behind his [Phillips'] back,' she said. 'I live in fear.' Investigators are hoping to speak to anyone who say a 4WD and a motorcycle at the scene of the shooting. Rodney Phillips (pictured) was jailed for eight years for shooting a police officer in the head with a shotgun in 2015 Rodney Phillips shot at the house of the father of notorious gangland figure Carl Williams (pictured) Ms Stuart continues to stand by her son and refuses to believe he has anything to do with the attack on her. 'I can't blame him, because underneath I love him to bits,' she said. Phillips, 25, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury, reckless conduct endangering the the police officer he shot and his partner, criminal damage, arson, and firearm possession during a 2015 rampage. Police were pursuing Phillips after he and Sam Liszczak threw the Molotov cocktails at the home of George Williams. Mr Williams, the father of notorious gangland figure Carl Williams, died in 2016. Phillips was jailed for eight years and Liszczak for seven. Both must serve at least six years. The Daily Telegraph has accidentally published a story incorrectly stating that Prince Philip is dead. At 10.28am today, the website uploaded a pre-written piece which had the headline: 'HOLD HOLD HOLD Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, dies aged XX'. The article referred to the 96-year-old's funeral and said it was going to be a 'low key' service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The newspaper today said it 'sincerely apologises' for the mistake and confirmed the article was 'rectified immediately'. The Telegraph published a pre-written piece with the headline 'HOLD HOLD HOLD Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, dies aged XX ' (left). It came up on a Google search It said: 'The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort to a monarch in British history, has died at the age of XX, Buckingham Palace has announced. The article had four sub-headings titled 'Prince Philip - in pictures', 'Funeral details', 'Duke's health history' and 'Duke's action-packed life'. It also had a box of key details about Prince Philip, including his date of birth, when he was married and his full title. It comes after he announced he would retire in the autumn after completing 22,219 solo engagements since 1952. The Duke will meet Royal Marines who have taken part in an intense 1,664-mile trek on Wednesday. A search of 'Prince Philip' into Google brought up the Telegraph article which was published by accident A Telegraph spokesman told MailOnline: 'We sincerely apologise for the mistake that was made this morning, which was of course rectified immediately. 'We will be reviewing our publishing processes as a matter of urgency.' A mother-of-two who suffers from more than five chronic illnesses has claimed she was left a note on her windscreen accused of her of faking a disability for a free parking badge. Laura Press was shopping in Asda in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, with her daughters when she returned to her vehicle and found a note which read: 'Your badge number has been taken'. Mrs Press, who was left 'mortified' by the note, later spoke to an Asda manager, who checked CCTV and discovered the person who left the note was an elderly man. Laura Press was shopping in Asda in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, with her daughters when she returned to her vehicle and found a note which read: 'Your badge number has been taken' Mrs Press, pictured with her daughters Melody and Amber and her husband Oliver, has criticised the man for his note The 31-year-old has now criticised the man for leaving the note and is aiming to raise awareness for severe diseases which can't necessarily be seen. She suffers from bile acid malabsorption - which mirrors Crohn's disease - spontaneous, pressure-triggered and chronic idiopathic urticarias and random anaphylaxis and angioedema. She said: 'I wish people would think beyond the fact I don't have a wheelchair or walking stick, but they just think that you have just stolen a badge to get a better parking space. 'I only came out of hospital last Wednesday and this has made me even more angry. 'I have a lot of chronic illnesses which mean I need easy access to a toilet or to be near other people. I even have to drive into my daughter's school and no other cars are allowed near. 'I have chronic idiopathic urticaria and chronic spontaneous urticaria, which means if I am gripping the wheel or if I hold my shopping bags for too long my hands will swell up. 'I also had to have a hysterectomy because of endometriosis and to prevent a womb prolapse. 'Due to this, I have been left with nerve damage and I have to take steroids, oxycodone hydrochloride and other medications every day, along with injections. She said: 'I have chronic idiopathic urticaria and chronic spontaneous urticaria, which means if I am gripping the wheel or if I hold my shopping bags for too long my hands will swell up' 'Because of the bile acid malabsorption - in a nutshell the illness mirrors Crohn's disease - everything I eat is like a laxative. When I'm having a flare up, I can only have nutritional drinks and can't eat food.' Her illnesses have taken up most of her 20s and now early 30s, but she has a supportive family who understand how to help her. She added she 'shouldn't have to explain herself to anyone' and she even 'gets looks' when she uses a disabled toilet, forcing her to have to carry a badge round to prove her illnesses. Mrs Press said: 'Just because I'm able to be at the park with my children doesn't mean I've not got pain. I actually have chronic pain due to the nerve damage from all the operations I've had. Her illnesses have taken up most of her 20s and now early 30s, but she has a supportive family who understand how to help her 'Some days I can't even get out of the house because I'm that bad. I often have to cancel on people if I get out and luckily my friends understand.' A spokesperson from Disability Rights UK said: 'Disabled people have rights and entitlements arising from their disability or long-term health condition and not because they have a long cane, a wheelchair or some other visible sign of their condition. 'This elderly man is probably a regular shopper and I hope this person gets to talk to him at some point about her feelings, possibly with the store's help.' An Asda spokesperson said: 'At Asda we recognise that not all disabilities are visible, which is why we launched an initiative to raise awareness of invisible illnesses in 2016. 'We want all of our customers to feel comfortable shopping with us and hope that our on-going support will go some way towards helping people's understanding of this issue.' Webb posted intimate pictures of his ex-girlfriend on a swinger's site after she dumped him A jealous bodyguard who posted intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend on a swingers website after she left him has been jailed. Anthony Webb, 44, subjected Denise Bolt to months of harassment including fitting tracking devices to her new boyfriends car. He sent Whatsapp messages promising to 'hospitalise anyone sniffing around' even photographing her with new partner Timothy Morffew as they left a hotel. Webb, who claims to provide security to high-profile clients, denied stalking and possessing a firearm. But he was found guilty by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court in February and jailed for four years on Tuesday after carrying a stun gun disguised as a mobile phone. He was also given a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting mum-of-two Miss Bolt or Mr Morffew. The court heard how Webb, of Great Tey in Essex, was dumped by Miss Bolt on New Years Day 2015 but continued contact over the next five months and shared pictures of her on the Fab Swingers website. Though the couple created a Fab Swingers profile when they were together in 2011, they rarely used it and Webb used Miss Bolts details to reactivate it after they split. She only found out about it when a stranger showed her the intimate photos at the Bannatynes Health Club in Colchester, Essex where she worked. A horrified Miss Bolt recognised them as being taken give years ago while the couple were on a city break to London. Giving evidence from behind a screen, she told the court the stranger showed her the pictures while she gave him a tour of the gym. 'I turned up at work and my receptionist said, Youve got somebody who would like to look around the gym". 'I sat down and spoke to him and started to show him around. 'We got to the changing room and he was on his phone, which I thought was a bit rude, and when I asked him if everything was OK, he showed me pictures of me. 'They were sexual. 'I asked him, "How did you get these?" and he said: "Didnt you send them to me?" 'I said: "It wasnt me. I dont know who you are".' Miss Bolt, from Colchester, Essex, said she felt ashamed and was terrified of what Webb might do. A stranger approached Miss Bolt at the health club, where she was shown intimate pictures that Webb had posted on the internet after he'd fit a tracking device on her boyfriend's car The couple had lived together since 2011, during which time he had CCTV cameras inside their home and took about 120 photos of her over three days. The court heard how Webb installed the cameras to monitor her, using a burglary as an excuse. He also fitted tracker devices to her car which police found in the engine bay after they were wired to the cars battery. The court heard how both Webb's threatening Whatsapp messages left Miss Bolt and Mr Morffew living in fear. Miss Webb told the court: 'He affected me in all ways. I always looked two cars in front and two behind when I was driving to see any patterns or to see if I recognised any number plates.' Police also found a stun gun in a cupboard after Webb was charged with the stalking offences. Webb claims he did not intend to use it as it had no battery or charger. As well as being banned from contacting the couple, Webb must also not have any contact with two other women in Miss Bolt's family. A young mother has suffered facial burns after becoming a target of a suspected 'acid attack' carried out by a gang of youths. The 21-year-old had to be treated in hospital for a first degree burn close to her right eye after she had a white foam-like substance thrown in her face. The mother-of-one, who said the substance smelt like bleach, had gone to investigate a baby crying in an alleyway when the attack took place on Monday night. Police later conducted house-to-house enquires following the attack between Stephenson Way and Wright Close in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The young mother was walking on Stephenson Way in Newton Aycliffe (pictured) before she was attacked down an alleyway They described it as a 'concerning incident' after taking her to Darlington Memorial Hospital. A family member, speaking at the home of the shocked victim, said: 'They will do it again if they don't get caught and when they realise how serious it is they won't be laughing anymore.' The apparent random and motiveless assault comes after arising number of so-called acid attacks across the UK. It has been reported such incidents more than doubled since 2012 - soaring by 74 per cent in the last year alone. The victim said she heard a baby crying in the area of the alleyway at about 8.40pm and went to see if anything was wrong. She recalled: 'A group of teenagers were talking between themselves at the end of the cut. 'I saw the woman who was with the child and then she crossed Stephenson Way. 'I turned around and was on my phone, they were at the side of me and I felt something hit the side of my face and heard the teenagers run off towards the town centre. I didn't look back properly.' She said she felt a 'burning sensation' but does not know what substance was thrown at her. She said: 'It was like a white liquid and smelt like bleach. It was quite sore and as soon as I got in I washed it straight off and went upstairs to wash it out my hair.' It is understood there were about seven to eight youths present during the attack. The victim, who suffered a first degree burn, believes there were more females in the group than males. Police described it as a 'concerning incident' after taking her to Darlington Memorial Hospital (pictured) Inspector Sarah Honeyman, of Durham Constabulary, said: 'This is a concerning incident that we are currently investigating and we would appeal for anyone with information, or who witnessed anything or has heard something about this to get in touch.' In 2012 there were 183 reports of acid attacks in the UK, compared to the 504 reports last year. The majority were in London where in July five attacks took place within 90 minutes - prompting calls for the Government to tighten regulations on the sale and possession of acid and other corrosive substances. And while the majority of incidents have happened in the capital, similar incidents are cropping up elsewhere. According to Freedom of Information Act (FOI) figures, Cleveland Police dealt with 18 reports of violent attacks involving acid or other noxious substances between 2011-2016. And since the beginning of 2015, Northumbria Police has recorded 63 offences involving acid or other corrosive substances, according to FOI figures. Until this week it is understood Durham Constabulary, in the same time frame, had no reports of incidents involving toxic chemicals. A grandmother in Georgia has been charged with murder after her toddler grandson was mauled to death by her two pit bulls while she babysat him. Sandra Bowers Adams, 70, was taken into custody by Hartwell police officers after the tragic death of her 20-month-old grandson who was 'brutally mauled' by the dogs in the backyard of her home Tuesday, police said. The grandmother was babysitting the boy at the time of the tragedy. Scroll down for video Sandra Bowers Adams (left in arrest photo), 70, was taken into custody by Hartwell police officers after the tragic death of her 20-month-old grandson (right) who was 'brutally mauled' by the dogs in the backyard of her home Tuesday Adams was babysitting her grandson (above) at the time of the tragedy Police say they were outside of her home on Highland Avenue (file above) before the attack happened, and as she entered, the dogs ran out of the back door knocking her to the ground and attacked the toddler Police say they were outside of her home on Highland Avenue before the attack happened, and as she entered, the dogs ran out of the back door knocking her to the ground and attacked the toddler. Adams was eventually able to break the dogs away from the child after a struggle, according to the police report. The child was taken to Reddy Urgent Care where he was pronounced dead. Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland says the toddler suffered several bites to his head and neck. Adams was eventually able to break the dogs away from the child (file above) after a struggle, according to the police report. The child was taken to Reddy Urgent Care where he was pronounced dead. Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland says the toddler (left) suffered several bites to his head and neck from the two pit bulls. Pictured right are two dogs owned by the family, but it's unclear if they were the dogs involved in the attack He says the dogs will be observed for the next 24 to 48 hours before being euthanized. Adams has been charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children. Hartwell police have requested the help of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Adams had been cited multiple times by the Hartwell Police Department under a city ordinance maintaining disorderly animals, according to the GBI. An autopsy for the little boy is scheduled Wednesday morning. A North Carolina woman was arrested in Honduras after authorities accused her of transporting cocaine inside a camouflage safe. Amanda LaRoque, 51, of Raleigh, was arrested on Sunday after police claimed they found drug residue inside the fake Arizona iced tea can - but she says what they actually saw was plaster from inside the can. Now, Amanda and her husband Brandon are fighting the charges and launching a campaign to free her before she's wrongly convicted. Amanda LaRoque, 51 (pictured on Sunday), of Raleigh, North Carolina, was arrested in Honduras on Sunday after authorities say she tried to smuggle cocaine out of the country Amanda and her husband Brandon, who co-own The Goat Bar, say they were searching for a vacation home in Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras, and were heading back home when Amanda was arrested at the airport (Pictured, Amanda in custody) Brandon says his wife was carrying what is known as a 'can safe' (pictured), a hollowed out iced tea can in which to hide cash and valuables. He added the can safe contains concrete so it has some weight, making it feel like a real can of tea In a video posted to Facebook, Amanda said that authorities at the airport inspected the can, cut it open, and mistook particles flaking off the concrete interior for cocaine Amanda and Brandon, who co-own The Goat Bar, say they were searching for a vacation home in Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras, and were heading back home when Amanda was arrested at the airport on Sunday. Brandon says his wife was carrying what is known as a 'can safe', a hollowed out iced tea can in which to hide cash and valuables. He added the can safe contains concrete so it has some weight, making it feel like a real can of tea. In a video posted to Facebook, Amanda said that authorities at the airport inspected the can, cut it open, and mistook the particles flaking off the concrete interior for cocaine, reported WRAL. An attorney has been hired, but Amanda is expected to be held for at least 10 days until police obtain a field testing kit to inspect the particles. Results are expected to come in on Friday. Meanwhile, Amanda remains in custody in a Honduran jail. She was taken to the hospital due to heat exhaustion but says Honduran authorities at first refused to give her medical attention. Meanwhile, Amanda remains in custody (pictured, left and right) in a Honduran jail. She was taken to the hospital due to heat exhaustion but says Honduran authorities at first refused to give her medical attention Amanda (second from left) and Brandon (far right) say many American expats on the island have brought supplies as they wait for Honduran authorities to complete testing A State Department official declined to comment on the case, citing privacy considerations, but said the government is aware that a US citizen is being detained in Honduras (pictured, Amanda in a Honduran jail cell) Amanda and Brandon say many American expats on the island have brought supplies as they wait for testing to be completed and are asking to share her story in the hopes that she will be freed sooner. 'Please, if you have any pull with the media, any friends, connections. If you can post it on Facebook, if you can go on Twitter if you could help us out, I would greatly appreciate it,' Brandon said in a Facebook video. A State Department official declined to comment on the case, citing privacy considerations, but said the government is aware that a US citizen is being detained in Honduras. 'The US Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no greater responsibility than the protection of US citizens overseas,' the official told WRAL. Light Installation Artists Luftwerk Confront Climate Crisis With A 'Monumental' New Piece By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 2, 2017 7:14PM 'White Wanderer' rendering at 2 N. Riverside Plaza / Via Kickstarter Chances are that you're a fan of Luftwerk, even if that name doesn't register. The Chicago duo is responsible for some of the most visually arresting light-based public art upon which we've ever gazed in slack-jawed wonder (recall the The 606 light installation and the justly popular Luminous Field light show, at Garfield Park Conservatory). Now, Luftwerk is back with their latest grand-vision projectone that changes up the media focus and confronts the climate crisis head on. Dubbed "White Wanderer," the "monumental" installation refers to the massive ice shelf that broke off and split from an Antarctic iceberg last month. Luftwerkin partnership with environmental-steward group Natural Resources Defense Councilculled recording of the massive rupture to create a haunting new soundtrack, which doubles as a red-flag reminded of the perils of climate change. The soundtrack will be paired with visual, "scaled representation" of the iceberg split (check out the rendering above). So even though this project incorporates more of a sound component than some of their previous public-art pieces, they're not forsaking their signature graphic element. Have you ever wondered what the crack of a glacier might sound like? Visit https://t.co/Z7s2Fx2Uxn to support our latest public artwork! pic.twitter.com/xSsZgU4DMp Luftwerk (@_luftwerk) August 2, 2017 Luftwerk describes "White Wanderer" and its impetus and goals further: "In June, President Trump announced his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, weakening global efforts to combat climate change. 'White Wanderer' was developed as a public art intervention to help people experience the collossal effects of climate change in an innovative way, while bolstering support for much-needed climate conversation and action." "White Wanderer" will be on view from at 2 N. Riverside Plaza, between Sept. 7 and Oct. 1, free of charge. The soundtrack will later be featured at EXPO CHICAGO and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. You can contribute to the project's Kickstarter here. Pledge gifts include silk screens, limited-edition vinyl copies of the soundtrack and a Luftwerk studio visit. Check out the video below, which features some audio of the soundtrack. The stunning sounds of the the iceberg cracking will make you hop up in your seat a bit. White Wanderer - Luftwerk in collaboration with NRDC from Spirit of Space on Vimeo. The 'stepfather' of Baby P, who was jailed for a campaign of abuse against the little boy, has been refused parole. Steven Barker was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 10 years in 2009 for raping a two-year-old girl and given a 12-year term to run concurrently for his 'major role' in the death of baby Peter Connelly. Peter, first known as Baby P in a case that shocked the nation, died in north London in August 2007 with more than 50 injuries. Steven Barker (left) has been refused parole. He was sentenced to life imprisonment after raping a two-year-old girl and given a 12-year term to run concurrently for his 'major role' in the death of baby Peter Connelly (right) The attacks took place while Barker, Peter's mother Tracey Connelly and Barker's brother Jason Owen at the trio's home in Tottenham, north London. The 17-month-old suffered a catalogue of injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over the final eight months of his life. A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved the toddler's life if they had acted properly on the warning signs. The 17-month-old's death came at the hands of his mother, Tracey Connelly (left), her lover Barker and their lodger, Jason Owen (right) Connelly was jailed for a minimum of five years in 2009 after admitting causing or allowing her son's death. She was freed in October 2013 on a lifelong licence, but returned to jail in February last year after breaking conditions of her release. Owen was given a new identity after being freed from jail in July 2014 and set up a business as a self-employed personal trainer. A spokesman for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has not directed the release of Steven Barker at a paper hearing.' The spokesman added: 'Under current legislation Mr Barker will be eligible for a further review within two years. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice. 'The Parole Board is unable to comment on the specifics of individual cases.' A Muslim family was allegedly subjected to an 'intentional act of religious bigotry', with an advocacy group claiming a McDonald's worker hid bacon in the family's chicken sandwiches on purpose. The family, who is from New York but has not been named or spoken about the incident, visited the Point Mallard Water Park in Decatur, Alabama, on Monday when they found pieces of bacon inside of the 14 McChicken sandwiches ordered. McDonald's was quick to deny the claim after being contacted by DailyMail.com, with a representative of the local restaurant saying it was not an 'intentional act'. The representative also did not apologize for the incident, but said an investigation was underway. Earlier, a Muslim-advocacy group claimed the bacon was placed in the sandwiches on purpose as an attack on the family's religious beliefs. Scroll down for video A Muslim family has been the subject of 'an intentional act of religious and ethnic bigotry' after a McDonald's worker tried to trick them into eating bacon by hiding it inside sandwiches 'They ordered 14 sandwiches. They started noticing it tasted different to them,' Khaula Hadeed, head of the Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told Alabama.com on Tuesday. 'They eat McChicken all the time at McDonald's. They knew what they ordered - they know what's in the sandwich.' CAIR published a video on its YouTube page showing one of the family members going through all the sandwiches to find pieces of bacon. In some cases the bacon was hidden under lettuce, in a serving of mayonnaise, or pushed into the underside of the bun. The video, which appeared to have originally been shared on Snapchat, included the caption: 'Bacon in all our sandwiches...' Hadeed then told Alabama.com: 'It doesn't sound like a mistake, especially on 14 sandwiches.' The family, who has not been named, was visiting an Alabama water park near the McDonald's from New York. One member of the family shot a short video showing the hidden bacon The incident took place on Monday at this McDonald's store on Point Mallard Parkway in Decatur, Alabama She the family is 'essentially disturbed' about what they say happened, and one of the adults even threw up as a result of the incident. The CAIR-Alabama spokeswoman called on McDonald's to review footage from its store on Monday to figure out which worker or workers put the bacon in the sandwiches. Hadeed added the person or people responsible should be fired immediately. A representative of the local restaurant released a statement to DailyMail.com, saying the incident was not caused by a 'intentional act'. 'We want to assure our customers that this was not an intentional act by our employees,' the statement read. 'We value every customer and strive to ensure all orders are accurately prepared and served. We are looking into the matter to understand what happened.' A 25-year-old man who suffered a brain hemorrhage 10 months ago and proposed to his girlfriend from a hospital bed with nothing but a smile and an outstretched arm won't be getting married until he can walk down the aisle. Sam Hensman, from Adelaide, has been recovering in hospital for 10 months, but is still relearning to walk and talk. His fiancee, Tess Delony, told the Adelaide Advertiser Mr Hensman wants to be able to walk down the aisle and say his vows, and that she wants to wait for that to be possible before they wed. Ms Delony says all of her and Mr Hensman's energy was currently focused on his rehabilitation, but that she will eventually wed her beau. Tess Delony (far left) has stood by her fiance Sam Hensman's bedside during his 10-month battle in hospital, after an operation on his brain left him unable to walk or talk Mr Hensman proposed to his girlfriend last month by smiling at her with a little jewellery box in his hands 'Obviously with the engagement there will also be a wedding on the cards eventually,' she said. 'I know that Sam would really love to be able to say his vows and to walk back down the aisle, so I'd like to wait a little while to give him the opportunity.' Mr Hensman proposed to Ms Delony with an amethyst picked out specially for her, with the aid of a jeweller who came to his hospital bed with a selection of rings. 'As I came over he pulled out the little black box with this big smile on his face,' Ms Delony told nine.com.au. 'I started to get a bit teary because he couldn't say, 'Will you marry me?,' but the amethyst meant everything. He pulled me in for a hug and I said, 'Yes' - it was really special.' Mr Hensman was diagnosed at the age of 23 with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries to the brain. Ms Delony says she will wait for her partner to be able to walk and talk again before the pair tie the knot The pair started dating for a couple of months before Mr Hensman was rushed to hospital after he began experiencing dizzy spells, vomiting and shaking. The young man was previously told he would continue to suffer bleeding of the brain until he declines into a vegetable state or die. Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Nazih Assaad initially suggested they would try to slowly reduce the growth before removing it to avoid damaging the brain. But just days before the surgery, Mr Hensman suffered stroke-life symptoms after he was struck down with a major haemorrhage. The man, who was studying to become an electrician, was at his partner's home when he couldn't feel his right arm, shortly before suffering a seizure. Sam Hensman, from Adelaide, had been dating Ms Delony for a few months before he fell ill Mr Hensman was diagnosed at the age of 23 with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries to the brain Ms Delony told the Advertiser the pair were in the middle of a loving embrace when he dropped to the ground. 'We went from having this beautiful moment at my house where he'd put his arms tight around me, saying 'I love you, I really, really love you' to suddenly having him unconscious on my bedroom floor,' she said. After undergoing two rounds of life-changing surgeries, the AVM was removed. But when he woke, he couldn't move or speak. Against all odds, Mr Hensman can now walk with aid after working to regain muscle and improve his strength. And while he still can't speak, the man can communicate by using his arms to make hand signals. The man, who was studying to become an electrician, was rushed to hospital after he fell ill, and his life changed completely Despite his condition, Ms Delony said she has made a commitment to be with her fiance for the long haul as she revealed how she is now closer to his family. 'I would never wish this whole experience on anyone but it really does connect you in a way that not a lot of other people would get to experience - that's what makes it really special,' she said to Nine. His sister Prue Cartledge who set up a GoFundMe page said her brother has miraculously fought through his battle. 'Sammy is a real trooper and is working so hard to learn to do everything again,' she wrote. 'He is learning to stand, pull himself up in his chair, walk with help, communicate with hand signals and even manages to joke around. 'He is desperately trying to communicate with sound and use of his iPad and is quick to acknowledge help and support with his beaming smile.' Though Mr Hensman's condition has improved remarkably, the family have made an appeal to raise money for his medical expenses, as well as physiotherapy and speech therapy. Against all odds, the 25-year-old can now walk with aid after working to regain strength and communicate by using his arms to make hand signals And after undergoing two rounds of life-changing surgeries, Mr Hensman's AVM was removed 'While his therapists acknowledge his massive improvements, sadly the hospital are controlled by budgets and have decided his progress is not fast enough to warrant full time rehabilitation,' Ms Cartledge continued. 'Sam has fought so hard to live and is truly an inspiration to everyone that meets him. 'We believe that with help we will be able to keep him moving forward, so that he can eventually live an independent life and continue to grow as the amazing inspiration that he is.' Family and friends have rallied behind the young man, with more than $15,000 already raised to help him with his rehabilitation. To make a donation, please visit the GoFundMe page. Debra Davis, of Houston, fatally shot her husband when she found him cheating Police in Houston say a woman shot and killed her husband after she found him hanging out with his mistress outside a house. Debra Davis, 49, was reportedly driving near the 9400 block of Cathedral Drive around noon Tuesday when she spotted her spouse, Rodney Johnson sitting with the unidentified woman. A furious Davis asked them what was going on, then fired a gunshot directed at Johnson's groin area. Johnson, a father of one, was transferred to the Ben Taub Hospital, where he died from injuries. Authorities are unsure of how the suspect was initially prompted to the location or if the incident was planned. She was driving a grey Hyundai Sonata when she fled the scene before help arrived. Davis turned herself in after a short search by police and has been charged with murder, ABC 13 reported. Just two weeks ago, another Houston-area woman ran over her cheating husband with her vehicle. Scroll down for video Davis spotted her spouse sitting outside with an unidentified woman near the 9400 block of Cathedral Drive Davis shot her husband in the groin during a screaming match before she fled the scene Police are currently searching for her for further questioning on her side of the story Investigators say Clara Harris met her husband David at hotel Hilton Nasa Clear Lake, where the fiery argument began regarding his infidelity. The noisy pair walked out to the hotel's parking lot where the fight escalated. In a rage, Harris jumped inside her car and drove forward, running David over to his death. 'She said that she was just distraught over the marital problems that they were evidently having,' Nassau Bay Police Lt. Joe Cashiola said in a statement. 'Officers arrived on the scene and found the victim had been struck multiple times with the car,' he said. Investigators say Harris' teenage daughter from a former marriage was sitting in Harris' vehicle when she ran over her father in the deadly event which she claimed to be 'an accident.' The Nassau Bay police confirmed the homicide was intended. 'Since then, we have brought the wife up here for questioning (and) during the interview she has admitted her involvement.' Harris was charged with first-degree murder and taken into the Harris County Jail where she was later released on $30,000 bail. A drugstore customer shot and killed a man who was attempting to rob the Phoenix pharmacy, it has been reported. Phoenix police said the customer fired at the man after he jumped the counter, pointed the gun at employees and demanded oxycodone. Sergeant Jonathan Howard said officers found about a dozen workers and customers hiding in the Walgreens from the suspect who was still inside. 'When they [officers] arrived, they found a scene that was full of chaos,' he told the Arizona Republic. The customer shot the suspect at a Walgreens (file photo) pharmacy in Glendale, Arizona after he jumped the counter, pointed the gun at employees and demanded oxycodone A police dog pulled the suspect away from his gun after officers cleared the store, the website reported. Police tried to revive the suspect with CPR but he died at the scene. Neither he nor the man who shot him have been named. The incident took place at a Walgreens store on West Union Hills Drive at around about 6.30pm on Tuesday night. Janice Gordon-Caddy, who arrived as the incident was unfolding, said she saw workers running out of the pharmacy 'with their hands raised in the air'. 'They were crying and screaming,' she told the Arizona Republic. 'Next thing I know, the SWAT team and all the police officers and everybody are going in with their guns.' it was just a madhouse... That probably would have been much worse if there hadn't been a customer in there armed.' A 48-year-old Aldi shopper caught on camera telling a niqab-wearing Muslim that she looked 'like a bloody pillar box' is 'not a racist' and had 'had a few drinks', according to a neighbour. Kerrie Anne Turner, who lives in Feltham in west London, launched her vicious tirade when she saw a Muslim couple in her local Aldi store. She repeatedly shouted at the husband that it was 'disgusting' he 'made' his wife wear the full-body covering but he calmly replied that it was 'her choice'. As she continued to shout 'it's disgusting', he coolly told her 'you need to educate yourself', later adding 'you're a comedian'. She also told him: 'You should not allow your wife to go around like that'. Police are now investigating the incident that occurred on July 31. Furious: Ms Turner was caught on camera telling a niqab-wearing Muslim that she looked 'like a bloody pillar box' Kerrie Anne Turner, pictured with her partner Chris Jerrum, is said to be devastated the footage was posted online Miss Turner is said to be devastated her rant was posted online and now fears police action, according to a neighbour. A neighbour said she had been 'crying down the phone' after the footage from the Aldi store went viral. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said her grandchildren live next door to Misss Turner. She said: 'She's not a racist but she'd obviously had a few drinks. She's been crying down the phone. 'She doesn't want to talk about it. She's worried she's going to be arrested.' A neighbour insisted Ms Turner was 'not racist' and had 'had a few drinks' The woman, seemingly incapable of elaborating or attempting to justify her opinion, kept shouting Another neighbour said: 'She's not here. She's in Clacton-on-Sea until Thursday. She went yesterday.' In the tirade Miss Turner was also seen telling the Muslim woman's husband that his attitude was 'disgusting'. Eventually the argument was cooled by a store worker who intervened and told everyone to calm down. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told MailOnline: 'We are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a woman shouting racial abuse at an unknown victim. 'It is believed that the incident, reported to police by a third party on 2 August, happened on 31 July at a supermarket in Feltham. 'Officers from the Community Safety Unit at Hounslow borough are investigating. There have been no arrests.' In the past year the Met has seen a 13 per cent rise in Islamophobic crimes. A 34-year-old Missouri woman is accused of shaving the head of a nine-year-old boy before writing 'pervert' across his forehead. The woman had reportedly been told by her daughter that the boy had touched her inappropriately during a sleepover with the boy's sister. In retaliation, the woman is alleged to have dragged the boy into her apartment and carried out her revenge. Retaliation: The 34-year-old woman allegedly pulled the nine-year-old boy into her apartment in Eureka, Missouri, pictured, shaved his head and wrote 'pervert' across his forehead The incident took place in Eureka, a city in suburban St Louis, Missouri, home to some 11,000 people. The woman's daughter, also aged nine, had been spending the night with her friend next door, who is the boy's sister. The boy told police that he had gone into the room where the two girls were and had pulled the woman's daughter's hair. When the girl sat up in response, he claims he accidentally hit her. Other side: Lt. Dave Wilson, Eureka Police, say the boy claims he had only pulled the girl's hair an 'accidentally punched her' The 34-year-old's daughter came home the next day and claimed the boy ha touched her inappropriately. Police Lt. Dave Wilson says the woman took action when the boy came to her apartment the next day looking for his sister. Wilson says the woman pulled the boy inside, shaved his head and wrote on his forehead using a felt-tip pen. There was no immediate word Wednesday about charges. An elderly man and the United Airlines agent who was filmed pushing him to the ground two years ago are now speaking out to give their widely different sides of the story. In June, 73-year-old Ronald Tigner filed a $1million lawsuit against United Airlines and former employee Alejandro Anastasia, for the incident which happened in 2015 at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. But now Anastasia is fighting back, this week filing his own lawsuit against United and the elderly man - claiming he was not the aggressor in the situation. Both parties sat down with Houston, Texas news station KPRC to give their account of the confrontation. Scroll down for video Former United Airlines employee Alejandro Anastasia, 46 (right), was caught on video pushing Ronald Tigner, 73 (left), to the ground at Bush Intercontinental Airport in 2015 What the two can agree on is that Tigner came to Anastasia on the day of the incident when he couldn't get through security because of an illegible boarding pass. Tigner first went to another employee behind the counter, but said she didn't speak English well. 'The lady behind the counter didn't understand me, didn't really speak very good English,' Tigner told KPRC. So he found Anastasia and asked for help, but says he got a cold response. 'He was smiling and smirking and I told him, "I really don't appreciate you smirking," and all of a sudden he said I'm going to kick your bleeping, bleep,' Tigner said. 'And I passed him and all of the sudden he just goes like that (shows pushing motion) and the next thing I remember, I remember sort of stumbling back and I remember hurting.' In June, Tigner filed a $1million lawsuit against United and Anastasia for the incident. Above, surveillance video that shows the confrontation (Tigner in white, Anastasia in blue) Anastasia filed a counter-suit this week, claiming Tigner was the real aggressor in the incident. Above, Anastasia pushing Tigner to the ground Anastasia says that Tigner got in his face and started yelling racial slurs. Tigner has refuted the claims The video then shows Anastasia walking away, while not a single United employee tries to help the elderly man. 'They just don't care, they don't care about the passengers,' he said. The video shows another passenger, who happened to be a nurse, eventually aiding Tigner, who was taken to the hospital and treated for a closed-head injury. To this day, he says he still has concussion-like symptoms. But Anastasia claims in his new lawsuit that it was actually Tigner that was spouting verbal abuse at him and not the other way around. 'He says, "You need to hire people who speak English back there,"' Anastasia recalled to KPRC. In the lawsuit, Anastasia says Tigner proceeded to get 'within inches' of his face 'where he began shouting profanities and racial slurs'. Anastasia says that the shoving incident was in self-defense, because Tigner stepped on his toe and he feared the man was going to head butt him. Tigner, right, demonstrates how he says Anastasia pushed him back in 2015, after going to the United agent for help with an illegible boarding pass Anastasia said he didn't mean to shove the old man to the floor, he just wanted him out of his private space 'When I turn around, he (Tigner) steps on my toe and he gets in my face, you know, like an inch from my face and tells me "wipe that f****** smirk off your face." 'Now, he's smaller than me and I'm bigger and supposedly, you know, he's an elderly man and I just back away, you know, backed away,' Anastasia said, thrusting his arms out in front of him to show how he tried to block Tigner's advances. 'That's when I think he lost his balance and that's when he fell,' Anastasia says. Anastasia says he didn't help the man when he was on the floor because he was afraid he might fight back. Tigner has refuted Anastastia's claims. His lawyer, William Hoke, said that the 'investigating officer, the eyewitnesses to the incident and the surveillance video footage itself will show that [Anastasia's] claims are false.' In Anastasia's lawsuit, he's asking for more than $1million in damages from Tigner and United, which later fired him over the incident. After the incident, Anastasia was charged withg crime of injury to an elderly individual, but that case was dismissed after he agreed to write a letter of apology, take an anger management class and pay restitution Since being fired from United, Anastasia says he's struggled to find a job that pays him as much. In his cross-suit, he's accused United of not properly training employees with how to deal with unruly passengers, like Tigner. 'United has no policies, procedures or guidelines in place at the time of this incident for how its employees were to act or respond in a situation where a customer is abusive and assaultive towards its employees,' the lawsuit reads. When Tigner filed his lawsuit in June, the airline released a statement saying they are 'taking a thorough look into what happened here and reaching out to our customer to profusely apologize for what occurred and to make this right'. Now they are refusing to comment, in the wake of Anastasia's counter suit. 'As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to discuss beyond what we've previously shared,' the airline said. President Donald Trump's disapproval rating is at a peak following the collapse of the GOP's effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. Trump has a 53 percent disapproval rating in a Morning Consult poll released today. That's the highest it's been since a similar poll in mid-May. His overall approval rating is at 42 percent. The president's decision to bar transgender persons from serving in the military is also unpopular, although a large majority of Americans, 72 percent, support his quest for an FBI investigation into the leaking. President Donald Trump's disapproval rating is at a peak following the collapse of the GOP's effort to repeal and replace Obamacare Trump has insisted his White House is not in 'chaos,' but voters disagree. A slim 10 percent said it was running very well. Another 23 percent said his administration was doing somewhat well. Almost as many, 22 percent, said it was operating somewhat chaotically. A plurality, 38 percent, said it came off as very chaotic, though. Republicans were inclined to say Trump's government is doing just fine, 62 percent. Still, even a third of Republicans, 34 percent, said it was performing chaotically. Most voters also said they think Trump is at the center of the problem. Nearly seven in 10 - 68 percent- believe the president is not listening to advisers. Just 19 percent believes he's listening, mostly. A related question asked about Trump's staff and whether it was serving him well. To that, 44 percent of Republicans said they are and 32 percent said the opposite. The last two weeks of Trump's tenure have been bookended with high-profile hires and fires in the West Wing that coincided with the arrival and departure of Anthony Scaramucci. Scaramucci was on staff in the West Wing for a grand total of 11 days before he resigned to give the president yet another opportunity for a 'clean slate.' The former financier left the administration on Monday, retired Gen. John Kelly's first day as chief of staff. Trump replaced his previous chief, Reince Priebus, with Kelly on Friday. He's in the market for a new communications director now that Scaramucci and Sean Spicer, who'd been doing the job, are moving on. Spicer had resigned as press secretary in protest of Scaramucci's hiring. He's sticking around the administration while the dust settles, but it's not clear for how long. Scaramucci's West Wing demise came about after he used incendiary language during a rant to a reporter. His ire was aimed primarily at Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon. Trump has a 53 percent disapproval rating in a Morning Consult poll released today. That's the highest it's been since a similar poll in mid-May The Trump aide's potty mouth didn't sit well with voters. A majority, 52 percent, of voters who knew about his comments said they were inappropriate, while 18 percent thought they was nothing wrong with he said. Scaramucci ended up getting canned before the poll's release - but voters weren't convinced he needed to go. While 39 percent thought he should be fired or resign, 26 percent said he should stay on and 36 percent were unsure about his position. Far more definitive was their response to questions about government leaking and transgender military service. Many voters, 68 percent, believe that transgender persons should be allowed to continue their service, in spite of a directive from Trump last week on Twitter barring their employment. Another 55 percent said that new transgender recruits should be allowed to join the forces. When it comes to government leaks, 72 percent were behind Trump's push for a Department of Justice investigation into the disclosures of classified information. Just 18 of voters were against such probes. The 51-year-old man being questioned over the murder of Charlene Downes was first quizzed by police in the year she went missing, it was revealed today. Charlene left her home in Blackpool aged 14 in November 2003 and the teenager's disappearance prompted the force's longest and most expensive investigation. Detectives moved yesterday to arrest Nigel Lloyd, a former cafe owner from Blackpool, and today it emerged that he was first questioned 14 years ago. Nigel Lloyd (left), 51, of Blackpool, Lancashire, is being questioned on suspicion of the murder of teenager Charlene Downes (right) No trace of Charlene has ever been found, but claims have been made that her body was chopped up and went 'into kebabs' at a takeaway in the seaside resort. Last month her parents, Karen and Robert, vowed to sue police after learning crucial CCTV footage of her last movements was in archives for 12 years. But this week the force finally announced a major breakthrough in the case after they arrested Mr Lloyd on suspicion of her murder. The murder investigation has been dogged by problems ever since it launched. A 2007 murder trial collapsed because of police errors and the IPCC watchdog ruled the force's blunders meant the killer may never be found. Last year a cold case team revisited the investigation and discovered CCTV footage of Charlene walking with her sister Rebecca on the day she vanished. It was finally released on the 13th anniversary of her disappearance in November and again for a fresh appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch Live Roadshow. A few weeks ago, her mother said if it had been shown closer to the time she vanished it could have led to vital evidence from witnesses. She said: 'It is unbelievable that they have had that footage all those years and never used it. It is an absolute disgrace and an insult to the memory of my dead daughter. 'Maybe If the CCTV was shown at the time I could have got justice years ago and put Charlene to rest but now my pain continues. I am absolutely disgusted. 'Every day is still a living hell. And instead of helping me the police add to it as they never tell me anything and seem determined to keep me in the dark.' Mrs Downes said she is taking civil action against Lancashire Constabulary and is seeking damages and a public apology over their handling of the investigation. Police released CCTV of Charlene (circled) walking in the town for a BBC Crimewatch appeal On November 1, 2003 at around 3.35pm Charlene was seen on CCTV crossing the road in the town centre. At 7.15pm, her mother gave Charlene a kiss after bumping into her and her daughter said she was going to the arcade but would not be late. She met her friend and they walked towards the Carousel bar on North Pier. Karen Downes (pictured) vowed to sue police after learning CCTV of her daughter's last movements was sat in archives for 12 years At 9.03pm Charlene is allegedly spotted on CCTV outside a Blackpool bar with a woman wearing a black coat. On November 2, Charlene's family reported her as missing when she failed to come home. But it was not until 2006 that police advised Charlene's family that she was murdered and that the case was no longer a missing person enquiry. In 2007, Funny Boyz kebab worker Ilyad Albattikhi was acquitted of Charlene's murder and his co-defendant Mohammed Reveshi was acquitted of helping dispose of her body. But a planned retrial in 2008 was dropped due to lack of evidence and the forensic blunders. The two men were paid almost 250,000 each in compensation. Covert recordings in which someone was apparently heard to say Charlene's body had 'gone into kebabs' were later found to be flawed due to their handling. The quality of the covert recordings was criticised during the trial by defence barristers as 'poor' with confidence 'low' in the accuracy of the transcriptions. Funny Boyz kebab shop (pictured) worker Ilyad Albattikhi was acquitted of Charlene's murder An Independent Police Complaints Commission review found the investigating team were guilty of a strategic and tactical failure in the management of the material. Two officers later faced disciplinary proceedings over the case, but they sued the force claiming they were scapegoated for their bosses' failings. In 2011, officers investigating Charlene's appearance discovered that at least 60 schoolgirls were groomed for sex at takeaways in Blackpool. Like the infamous Rochdale child abuse scandal, it is feared they were groomed in exchange for food, alcohol and cigarettes. They believe Charlene could have been involved. In 2014, a Crimewatch appeal was issued and police revealed a 100,000 reward for information. On June 27 last year, police investigating Charlene's murder arrested two men on suspicion of historical sex offences - although unconnected with Charlene. Officers from Lancashire Constabulary have taken more than 4,800 witness statements and followed 10,500 lines of inquiry but the case remains unsolved. NAACP Issues Unprecedented Travel Advisory For The State Of Missouri By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 2, 2017 3:22PM Getty Images / Photo: Joe Raedle The NAACP recently took the unprecedented step of issuing a travel advisory for the state of Missouri. The advisory urges travelers of color, women and LGBT people to "travel with extreme caution" in the state. The warning comes in the wake of the Missouri's approval of a law that makes it harder to legally prove discriminationa law that the organization earlier this year said would "foster a new era of Jim Crow." Under the "Jim Crow bill," as critics have dubbed it, plaintiffs who accuse housing or employment discrimination will be required to prove that factors of race, religion, sexual orientation and gender are "motivating" factors, rather than "contributing" factors. The change is set to take effect later this month. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens argues that the "motivating standard" application is in line with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The bill also strips state-employee protections from its whistleblower laws, limits damages for employment-discrimination lawsuits and makes it so that plaintiffs can only businessesrather than individuals alsocited in discrimination claims. In addition to the controversial law, the advisory also cites a state's attorney general's report that found black drivers are 75 percent more likely than white drivers to be pulled over by police in the state last year. Other factors mentioned include the racist incidents at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) that prompted large-scale protests; a legislator who reportedly spoke of a "distinction between homosexuality and just being a human being" on the House floor in May; and more generally, a "long history" of "violent and dehumanizing" discriminatory behavior. The Missouri chapter of the NAACP took up the travel advisory in June, and the national organization voted in July to adopt it as well, Rod Chapel, president of the state chapter, told the AP. "They're legalizing discrimination in the state of Missouri," Chapel Jr. told CBS News. NAACP Springfield president Cheryl Clay told USA Today that the advisory is not a boycott of Missouri but rather a warning that's also intended to push back against the law. Mark Latham has slammed controversial Muslim activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied for generating 'anti-white racism'. The former federal Labor leader highlighted a Twitter conversation between Ms Abdel-Magied and Sydney-based activist Osman Faruqi in which he claimed the pair 'celebrated anti-white racism'. Scroll down for video 'Look, they wanted people to go back to where they came from and didn't understand it included them too,' Ms Abdel-Magied wrote on Twitter about white people 'The white people are getting f***ed Yas, it's happening,' Mr Faruqi wrote for his almost 14,000 followers. 'Look, they wanted people to go back to where they came from and didn't understand it included them too,' Ms Abdel-Magied wrote in reply. Mr Latham, who has been outspoken about his dislike of Ms Abdel-Magied and her opinions, said the conversation was 'totally unacceptable'. 'These people are fermenting hatred of white people,' he said. Mr Latham, who has been outspoken about his dislike of Ms Abdel-Magied and her opinions, said the conversation was 'totally unacceptable' 'The white people are getting f***ed Yas, it's happening,' Mr Faruqi wrote for his almost 14 thousand followers 'Look, they wanted people to go back to where they came from and didn't understand it included them too,' Ms Abdel-Magied wrote in reply 'Those fermenting the idea of an Islamic master race in Australia'. 'The rise of anti-white racism is just phenomenally unacceptable,' he said. 'Abdel-Magied's now in London thankfully.' Ms Abdel-Magied came under fire in April when she posted an ANZAC Day tweet saying: 'Lest we forget (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine)'. Ms Abdel-Magied came under fire in April when she posted an ANZAC Day tweet saying: 'Lest we forget (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine),' the 26-year-old Sudanese-born activist said Ms Abdel-Magied moved to London this year following her Anzac Day post Mr Latham said it was time Australian leaders like Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten stepped up. 'Imbeciles, absolute imbeciles perpetrating racial hatred and the idea of a master race have to to pull their heads in and be hauled into line by our national leaders. Mr Latham invited former Labor minister Peter Baldwin on to the show on Wednesday to discuss his claim 'there was a de facto alliance that has developed between the left and militant Islam'. Mr Latham invited longstanding MP Peter Baldwin onto the show on Wednesday to discuss his claim that 'there was a defacto alliance that has developed between the left and militant Islam' '(It's) the most reactionary force in the world today the strangest and most disconcerting political development in my lifetime,' Mr Baldwin wrote '(It's) the most reactionary force in the world today the strangest and most disconcerting political development in my lifetime,' Mr Baldwin wrote. Appearing on the show, Mr Baldwin, who was a Labor MP from 1983 to 1998, stood by his claim. 'I could never have imaged the left could sink so low when I got involved back in the early 70s,' he said. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Ms Abdel-Magied or Mr Farqui are responsible for Mark Latham's claims. Yassmin Abdel-Magied has been contacted for comment. This is the bizarre moment a nonchalant commuter was squashed into a packed Tokyo subway train by three guards. Italian photographer Marco Patella, who has been living in the Japanese capital for nearly eight years, filmed the hilarious scene late last year. The video shows the businessman stepping backwards onto the packed carriage as members of staff push him into the train. He is left pressed up against the glass before the train finally leaves the station. 'It happens every single day at this station,' the Italian photographer told Stuff. He added: 'I really understand why people have to go through that pain and they almost die in order to get into the train. This is the bizarre moment a nonchalant commuter was squashed into a packed Tokyo subway train by three guards 'Sometimes you really get hurt, people just avoid the eye contact and keep pushing until they fit into the wagon.' 'I love Japan. I really do. But there are things that I will never be able to understand about this country. This is one of them.' Tokyo's subway, with 13 lines and 285 station, has a ridership of more than 8 million people every day. Henry Wyndham Wodehouse (pictured) is the son of Britain's 'most married peer' The son of Britain's 'most married peer' 4th Earl of Kimberley is locked in a bitter divorce battle over just a few thousand pounds after he gave up his aristocratic life to become a Metropolitan Police officer. As son of the six-times married Lord Wodehouse, Henry Wyndham Wodehouse, from Norfolk, was born into a landed family which had spent centuries amassing a fortune worth millions. But through a combination of high-living and his trips to the divorce courts, the earl, whose godfather was PG Wodehouse, frittered away much of the family silver before he died in 2002. He sold the family's Norfolk mansion, which had been in the family for centuries, and years later his third son, The Honourable Henry, 61, was left sharing a Hampshire semi with his wife, Ellen Wodehouse. Seven divorces in two generations have taken their toll on the family finances and the twice-bankrupt, twice-divorced son appears not to have fallen too far from the tree, as he is now embroiled in his own battle with 65-year-old Ellen. Lord Kimberley was known as the most-married man in the peerage after taking five wives in 25 years before settling until his death with his sixth, Janey Consett (pictured with Lord Kimberley left and right), who he met on a Caribbean beach Retired Met Police officer, Mr Wodehouse, says the couple had 'very modest' assets and he now does not even have the 90,000 he was ordered to hand to his ex by a divorce court last year. And Millfield School-educated Mr Wodehouse argues it was wrong that a family judge ordered that any money he does not pay should come out of a trust fund his father left for his family. The couple separated in 2011 and all seemed done after the divorce ruling last year, but the dispute is set to rumble on after appeal judge Lord Justice McFarlane granted Mr Wodehouse permission to challenge the ruling. The judge said: 'There is a heaviness to my heart, because this litigation is now going to go on for a further time when it should have been put to bed years ago. Pictured right: Diana Legh, who was married to the Earl from 1945 to 1949 Pictured left: Actress Margaret Simons, who married the Earl of Kimberley and became his fourth wife, Margaret Countess of Kimberley, in 1961. She divorced him three years later. Pictured right: Gillian Ireland-Smith dressed for the Debutant of the Year ball in 1954. She became the fifth wife of the Earl of Kimberley in 1970, Countess of Kimberley, but divorced in 1982 Pictured: Carmel Dunnett, who was married to the Earl from 1949 to 1952 Pictured: Cynthia Westendarp, to whom the Earl was married from 1953 to 1961 'This couple needs to know where they are at this stage of their divorce and at this stage of their lives.' Lord Wodehouse was known as the most-married man in the peerage after taking five wives in 25 years before settling until his death with his sixth, Janey Consett, who he met on a Caribbean beach. The family trace their line back to an ancestor knighted by King Henry I, and in 1866 the third Lord Wodehouse, the Liberal politician and diarist, was created an earl. The family seat was Queen Anne brick mansion Kimberley Hall, near Wymondham, Norfolk, which the late earl sold. He later said all he could think about was 'buying a new Aston Martin'. Despite being vice-president of the World Council on Alcoholism, he was a self-confessed alcoholic and claimed once to have tried to 'drive a car up the steps of the Grand Hotel in Brighton'. From his marriages, he had four boys - Henry, the third son, was by the earl's third wife, Cynthia Collins, who he met at Newmarket and ultimately divorced in 1961. Henry's first marriage lasted nine years to 1988 and he and Ellen were married in 1992, before separating in 2011. During their relationship, he was made bankrupt twice in 1990 and 2010. Lord Wodehouse (pictured) was known as the most-married man in the peerage after he tied the knot for the sixth time Following their divorce, rulings were made by judges, culminating in an order that Mr Wodehouse pay Ellen a 90,000 lump sum and split his police pension with her fifty-fifty. Another part of the order said that, should Mr Wodehouse fail to pay the lump sum, the money should come out of the trust fund set up under the will of his father, Lord Wodehouse. But he is now appealing, arguing that he should not have to pay as much as 90,000, as that is more than the entire liquid assets which the couple had when they split. 'In any event, the lump sum exceeds the assets available to the parties and cannot, on any view, be considered fair,' his barrister, Phillip Blatchly, told the Court of Appeal. All that was left when they divorced was a debt to Northern Rock from a previous mortgage and equity of about 27,000 in the former matrimonial home in Selborne, Hampshire, said the lawyer. The divorce judge also had no power to order that the money should come out of a family trust which was set up under the will of Lord Wodehouse on his death in 2002. Although it had been treated as though Mr Wodehouse had a right to a share of the 600,000 in the trust, he is actually guaranteed nothing from it, said the barrister. Half of the money is for the benefit of his step-mother - 'the dowager countess' - with Mr Wodehouse only 'potentially' entitled to about 20,000, and only after she has died, he said. The trust is 'wholly discretionary', meaning the trustees can, with the countess' permission, exclude Mr Wodehouse from it entirely at any time, Mr Blatchly continued. The family seat was Queen Anne brick mansion Kimberley Hall (pictured), near Wymondham, Norfolk, which the late earl sold 'He has no absolute entitlement to any capital from the trust, either on the death of the dowager countess or earlier,' he continued. 'He is one of fifteen potential beneficiaries in a trust that is entirely discretionary.' Mr Blatchly also argued that it is wrong that Mr Wodehouse's pension should be shared with the wife when it was built up before they even met. 'The court made a pension sharing order on account of her income needs but acted in complete disregard of Mr Wodehouse's income needs and the fact that, at the time of the final hearing, his pension was his only source of income,' he said. Giving permission to appeal, Lord Justice McFarlane said there was an argument that the divorce court did not have the power to make an order against the trust. 'It does seem to me to be likely that this is an order made without jurisdiction,' he said. 'I am also more than acutely aware that this will be a highly unwelcome development so far as the wife is concerned.' No date was set for the full hearing of the appeal. 'Sick acts': Everett Lee Compton, 49, has been charged with multiple counts of bestiality for allegedly having sex with a female donkey An Arkansas man has been charged with bestiality after police say he was recorded on surveillance camera repeatedly having sex with a family's pet donkey. Everett Lee Compton, 49, was arrested and taken into custody after Emert and Joyce Whitaker called 911 to report that a stranger was on their Siloam Springs property engaging in sexual activity with one of their two female donkeys. Cops found the suspect hiding in nearby bushes on July 17 after the pair noticed him in the acts on their cameras. When asked what he was doing on the Whitaker family's property in the 1600 block of Cheri Whitlock Street, Compton initially said he was just taking a late-night stroll and decided to feed the donkeys some carrots, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the station KHBS. The cop then informed the suspected trespasser that there were surveillance cameras installed on the property and that he was planning to review the footage. Scroll down for video Caught in the act: The Whitaker family's game cameras captured Compton luring a donkey with bread on their property in Siloam Springs, Arkansas Photos taken in May, June and July showed the man covering the animal's eyes with a shirt, then standing behind the donkey and pressing his pelvis against its rear Blame it on the pot: When questioned by police, Compton initially denied having sex with the animal, then admitted to the acts but blamed them on his marijuana habit That is when Compton admitted to sexual contact with the donkey and blamed the acts on his marijuana habit, which he said has been making him do 'sick things, according to the affidavit. Owner Joyce Whitaker said she was sickened and saddened because her pet donkey could not defend itself The Whitakers have recently installed game cameras on their land after repeatedly finding evidence that someone had been coming onto their property and harassing their animals at night over the past three years, reported the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. On three separate occasions, in May, June and early July, the cameras caught a man, believed to be Compton, feeding the Whitakers donkeys bread, then covering their eyes with a shirt, standing behind them and pressing his pelvis against the animals rear, according to the document. The family had turned all the photos over to police and posted No Trespassing and No Feeding signs on their property. Then at around 1.30am on July 16, when Whitakers noticed that someone once again entered the donkeys enclosure, they called police to come and arrest the suspect. Compton promised the officer to seek professional help if he did not charge him with bestiality, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. One of the Whitakers' pet donkeys was pregnant at the time of the string of the sick attacks and ended up losing its foal He was booked into the Benton County Jail on four counts of bestiality, four counts of criminal trespassing, and five counts of cruelty to animals. His bond has been set at $5,000. One of the Whitakers' pet donkeys was pregnant at the time of the incidents and ended up losing its foal, which the owners have attributed to the sexual abuse allegedly inflicted by Compton. The 49-year-old man is due back in court for his arraignment on September 11. An Arab man accused of killing his eight-months pregnant married Jewish girlfriend 'intended to kidnap her in exchange for Palestinian prisoners', it has emerged. The body of Michal Halimi was found in Holon, Israel, after Muhammad Harouf reportedly confessed to strangling her and bludgeoning her with rocks. Harouf has since told a court he had wanted to kidnap 29-year-old Halimi, from the Binyamin District of the West Bank, in the hope Palestinian prisoners would be released. An Arab man accused of killing his eight-months pregnant married Jewish girlfriend Michal Halimi (pictured) 'intended to kidnap her in exchange for Palestinian prisoners', it has emerged Married Halimi was pregnant when she went missing in May though it is not clear who the father was. Police say she had been 'staying at the home of a young Palestinian man from Nablus who she was in a relationship with.' Officers claim Facebook posts suggested they intended to become engaged and, after that he confessed to the killing after interrogation. 'According to his version, he met the deceased in the Holon area, choked her, threw stones at her head, covered her body, and left the scene in her car in order to "release Palestinian prisoners",' police said. Muhammad Harouf (pictured being escorted from court) has told a court he had wanted to kidnap 29-year-old Halimi, from the Binyamin District of the West Bank, in the hope Palestinian prisoners would be released The body of Michal Halimi was found in Holon, Israel, after Muhammad Harouf reportedly confessed to strangling her and bludgeoning her with rocks. Police are pictured at the scene The suspect has been arraigned on first-degree murder charges at Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, according to JPost. NewsJS reported that Harouf, while leaving the court, denied killing Halimi for romantic reasons and that he had intended to 'free prisoners'. He reportedly said: 'I wanted to kidnap her and swap her for the prisoners.' In recent days, the Michal's widower Aaron denied police claims that his late wife had been in a relationship with Harouf and that the family would be filing a lawsuit against the Israeli force. President Donald Trump endorsed a plan this morning that will halve legal immigration levels beginning in 2027 and dramatically cut down on the number of green cards that are doled out to low-skilled workers. The immigration system currently weighs familial ties in deciding who gets to come to the US. Two U.S Senators, Tom Cotton and David Perdue, want candidates with the most valuable skills to jump to the front of the line. They unveiled legislation at the White House today that would replace the current green card system with a competitive application process that gives English speakers and applicants with desirable skill sets an edge. Trump said in remarks that he delivered alongside the senators that the present policy 'has placed substantial pressure on American worker, taxpayers and community resources.' 'It has not been fair to our people, to our citizens, to our workers,' he asserted. President Donald Trump endorsed a plan this morning that will halve legal immigration levels beginning in 2027 and dramatically cut down on the number of green cards that are doled out to low-skilled workers Only a fifth of immigrants coming to the US currently are being admitted based on job-based factors, according to the New York Times. Migration Policy Institute data from 2014 shows that 64 percent of immigrants were immediate family members or sponsored family members of American citizens, while 15 percent we admitted because of their skill set. Another 13 percent of immigrants were admitted through the refugee and asylum programs and five percent won their entry through the State Departments diversity lottery. The lottery system is eliminated in the RAISE Act. The bill would cap lawful permanent resident status for refugees at 50,000 people a year. Trump said Wednesday that he wants to flip the current immigration system on its head to 'reduce poverty, increase wages and save taxpayers billions and billions of dollars.' Perdue and Cotton's' bill, known as the RAISE Act, would give applicants who speak English, can financially support themselves and have skills that will 'contribute to our economy' first preference in the green card process, Trump announced. The rate of legal immigration would fall overall from 1 million people per year to 500,000 if enacted. The president claimed the reforms would protect American workers and reduce the strain in the country's welfare system. 'That's a big thing. They're not going to come in and just immediately go and collect welfare. That doesn't happen under the RAISE act. They can't do that,' he stated. Cotton said that under the current system the US is essentially adding the entire population of Montana to its ranks each year. 'It is an obsolete disaster, and it's time for it to change,' he said. Perdue noted that he's the only Fortune 500 CEO in Congress. 'As business guys, Mr. President, you and I understand we need a new approach,' he told Trump, a billionaire. 'What we're introducing today is modeled on the current Canadian and Australian systems. It's pro-worker, it's pro-growth and it's been proven to work.' Perdue said that 'we can all agree the goals of our nation's immigration system should be to protect the interests of working Americans, including immigrants, and to welcome talented individuals who come here legally and want to work and make a better life for themselves. 'Our current system makes it virtually impossible for them to do that.' Cotton said Wednesday that under the current system the US is essentially adding the entire population of Montana to its ranks each year. 'It is an obsolete disaster, and it's time for it to change,' he stated Trump told Congress in his first joint address to lawmakers in February that he wants to move to a 'merit-based' system of immigration. 'Its a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially, yet in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon,' Trump said. 'Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, we will have so many more benefits,' he contended. 'It will save countless dollars, raise workers wages, and help struggling families - including immigrant families - enter the middle class.' The White House said Wednesday that more than 50 percent of immigrant households are on welfare. That compares to the 30 percent of non-immigrant households. '[It's] just a terrible system where anybody comes in,' Trump said a July 26 event. Trump wants to adopt an immigration system that is points based like Canada's or Australia's to boost business and the national GDP. Canada scores applicants based on their language proficiency, financial stability, employment prospects and educational background. Stephen Miller, a senior policy advisor to the president, has been working on legislation that put in a place a similar system, with Cotton and Perdue. He told reporters during a briefing on Wednesday afternoon the policy is based on 'common sense' and that lawmakers will have to take it up 'massive public push.' 'I think the more we have this conversation publicly and ask America who ought to get a green card in this country the more momentum there's going to be, the more support there's going to be,' Miller said, 'and our message to folks in Congress is, if you're serious about immigration reform then ask yourselves what's in the best interest of Americans and American workers and, ultimately, this has to be a part of that.' The president claimed the reforms would protect American workers and reduce the strain in the country's welfare system. 'That's a big thing. They're not going to come in and just immediately go and collect welfare Whether the legislation will even make it to the finish line is up for debate, however. 'It's a difficult one in the current Congress, and we know that,' a second Trump aide admitted to Politico. A group of nearly 1,500 economists wrote Trump today to waive him off the RAISE Act. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, an economist to George H.W. Bush and a former head of the Congressional Budget Office, said in a statement that accompanied it that 'immigration is not just a good thing. It's a necessity.' 'They don't all have to be STEM workers,' he said of immigrants coming to America to join their families. 'Markets reward skills that have value and this day and age, running a machine tool is a skilled trade. 'You should have a visa system that recognizes market shortages and allows those skills to enter the United States,' he said. The measure is likely to be opposed by Democrats on Capitol Hill who have fought Trump's other immigration actions tooth and nail, as well. The president's deportation policies have broken up families whose only crime is their illegal entry into the country, members of the opposing party have said. His Middle East travel ban that sought to exclude grandparents and cousins from coming to the US under a familial ties provision was another point of contention. The Supreme Court overruled the administration last month and said that both count as 'close family.' Trump is proposing the changes to the legal immigration system on his former Homeland Security secretary's third day as chief of staff. Retired Gen. John Kelly has been central to Trump's efforts to reduce the number of illegal immigrants entering the country 'Donald Trump and Mike Pence keep pushing their anti-immigrant agenda, and now theyre seeking to deny millions the American Dream by dramatically cutting legal immigration and limiting family reunification,' Democratic Party Chairman Tom Perez fired back after Trump's speech. The former Labor secretary to Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, went on to say his statement,'Instead of catching criminals, Trump wants to tear apart communities and punish immigrant families that are making valuable contributions to our economy.' Trump proposed the changes to the legal immigration system on his former Homeland Security secretary's third day as chief of staff. Retired Gen. John Kelly has been central to Trump's efforts to reduce the number of illegal immigrants entering the country, too. Trump claimed at a cabinet meeting on Monday that illegal border crossings were down 80 percent since he took office and installed Kelly at DHS. The Washington Post's fact-checking department says that he cherry-picked the data, though. Apprehensions from the highest point last fiscal year, November of 2016, had decreased by 76.4 percent as of April. Looking at Trump's actual tenure, though, from his first full month in office, February to the latest available data set, June, the decline in apprehensions falls to 8 to 14 percent, the Post reported. A year over year comparison from June 2016 to June 2017 shows a 52.6 percent decrease, the Post said, which is high, but not nearly has high as Trump has been claiming. It gave him 'Four Pinocchios' - a rating it reserve for only the biggest 'whoppers' on Tuesday for his misleading claims. Three lorry drivers were savagely beaten up at a Belgian motorway service station by illegal immigrants who failed to sneak aboard for a ride to the UK. The incident happened at an E17 Motorway service area near Gentbrugge, a borough of the Belgium city of Ghent, on Monday night. Three lorry drivers were savagely attacked by African immigrants who tried to stowaway on the parked lorries heading for the UK, local media reported. A lorry driver identified as Marc from the city of Antwerp said he had witnessed many terrible incidents behind the steering wheel of his lorry, but the scenes which he saw at 2.30am were unlike anything else. Three lorry drivers were savagely beaten up at a Belgian motorway service station by illegal immigrants who failed to sneak aboard for a ride to the UK (file photo of the area in Gentbrugge) Three lorry drivers were savagely attacked by African immigrants who tried to stowaway on the parked lorries heading for the UK, local media reported (file photo of migrants sneaking onto a lorry in Calais) Marc said: 'A Polish lorry driver cried the whole parking awake and shouted for help in all possible languages. 'He was chased by several illegals who tried to get into his lorry. He fled in the direction of the motorway, but they dragged him away and four of them beat him up.' According to Marc the Polish lorry driver managed somehow to get back into his lorry heavily injured, after which he immediately drove off. Marc said: 'An Italian who got out of his lorry was then assaulted by yet another group. They kicked so hard on his legs that he could not stand up any more. 'Also a French lorry driver was beaten up black and blue.' The migrant mob then kicked off every mirror of each parked lorry which had its lights on. Dutch lorry driver Remco Bruinier confirmed Marc's tale and said it was 'sad to see'. Bruinier said: 'Luckily I did not get out, because it was completely unsafe. It was useless to play the hero.' Shockingly, while Marc and Remco both called the motorway police, it was some time before they arrived as the cops were all busy dealing with a nearby traffic accident in which a man died. Three lorry drivers were savagely attacked by African immigrants who tried to stowaway on the parked lorries heading for the UK, local media reported (file photo of the area in Gentbrugge) When the local Ghent police finally arrived, the migrant mob had already fled. Bruinier called for the authorities to react before the situation gets out of hand. Bruinier said: 'The tales of Calais are also starting to appear here. But not only do lorry drivers sleep here. There were also camper vans of travelling tourists. Also those were hit. 'The politicians really need to urgently wake up, or else we have to arm ourselves.' Governor Jan Briers of the East Flanders province called for 'permanent security' at the motorway service area. Briers said: 'It must happen then by using security firms, the federal police, or even the army.' According to Briers closing down the motorway service area is not an option as the 'refugee problems will just move and that would not be in solidarity to other provinces.' An increasing share of migrants trying to reach the UK are now attempting to do so from Belgium. The migrant mob kicked off every mirror of each parked lorry which had its lights on after failing to sneak on to a lorry bound for the UK (file photo of migrants trying to sneak onto a lorry in Calais) Last week, a Sudanese migrant was crushed to death under the wheels of an Eurolines bus in Brussels while trying to hang on to the undercarriage in a bid to make it to Britain. The bus driver did not realise he had crushed the man beneath the tires of the bus. He was stopped by police 70 miles out of Brussels near the town of Middelkerke who broke the news to him. In January many African migrants set up camp at Brussels South Station, the largest in the city, in the hope of sneaking aboard the Eurostar to London. The rise in migrants coming to Brussels followed reports of a significant security flaw in the Eurostar services from Brussels to London via Lille. This involved passengers buying a ticket for the peak early-evening service between Brussels and Lille, where the Eurostar makes a stop en route to London. Unlike passengers travelling to the UK, those bound for Lille are not required to show a passport because of the EU's borderless Schengen area. This meant they could simply stay on the Eurostar and travel onwards to London instead of getting off in Lille, although railway authorities have since dealt with the issue. The alleged terror cell accused of a plot to blow up 500 passengers on a Sydney flight planned to use an unknowing 'sacrificial lamb' to carry the bomb on board. 'The person was going to be blown up without knowing they were part of a suicide mission,' a source told The Daily Telegraph. But the plan reportedly came undone when the suspected terrorists discovered the bomb was too heavy to pass as cabin luggage. The men allegedly chose an international flight as their target before they were forced into a last-minute change of plans. The alleged terror cell accused of plotting to blow up 500 passengers on a Sydney flight planned to use an unknowing 'sacrificial lamb' to carry the bomb on board. One of the men who was arrested on Saturday is pictured with a bandaged head following the police raids 'The person was going to be blown up without knowing they were part of a suicide mission,' a source said. The men (one pictured being led away by police) were arrested in dramatic raids in Sydney Australian authorities were alerted by overseas intelligence agencies when the alleged conspiracy was revived. 'It was as close to a major terror attack as we have ever come,' a senior source previously told the paper. Three men remain behind bars after police thwarted the alleged plot to detonate a gas bomb disguised as a meat mincer on an Etihad flight bound for Abu Dhabi. Khaled Khayat and two others remain in custody after dramatic raids at five properties across Sydney on Saturday. Khaled Khayat, pictured in a Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs jersey, is one of the Lebanese-Australian men who were arrested New South Wales Police officers arrive at a crime scene in Surry Hills in Sydney on Monday Three men remain behind bars after police thwarted the alleged plot to detonate a gas bomb disguised as a meat mincer (stock image) on an Etihad flight bound for Abu Dhabi A fourth man, Abdul Merhi, 50, was released without charge on Tuesday night. Etihad Airways confirmed it was helping police with their investigation as authorities continue to sift through evidence from the counter-terrorism raids. 'The Etihad Airways aviation security team is assisting the AFP with its investigation and the matter is ongoing,' the airline said in a statement. 'Etihad is complying fully with the enhanced security measures at airports in Australia and monitoring the situation closely.' Deakin University terror expert Greg Barton suggested the alleged plan may have centred around acetone peroxide - or TATP - the same chemical used in the Manchester Arena bombing in May and the 2015 Paris attacks. The target of the alleged terror plot was an Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi with up to 500 passengers and crew on board (stock image) One of the accused is pictured with a bandaged head following his arrest on Saturday night Referred to as the 'mother of Satan' because it can kill those handling it, TATP is unstable but powerful and would not give off 'tell-tale' chemicals picked up by airport swab tests, Prof Barton said. 'That makes it a candidate for using in this sort of attack.' TATP, which needs a pressure vessel to be packed in, could be placed in a grinder so it was opaque through an X-ray machine and appeared innocuous upon visual inspection. 'It might just pass (security),' Prof Barton said. That, I'm guessing, was their plan.' The group had allegedly planned to put toxic gas in a meat mincer which could have exploded or poisoned passengers on a packed commercial jet. Pictured, a policeman at the scene of one of the Sydney raids Two of the accused are reportedly related to infamous jihadist Ahmed Merhi (pictured), who travelled to Syria in 2014 Prof Barton speculated while the plot could have succeeded it more likely would have failed because the bomb would have been detected, failed to detonate or not have detonated to its full potential. '(Still) it's important to understand this clearly is the most sophisticated terror plot we've had, probably ever, in Australia,' he added. Meanwhile, officials told the ABC the Lebanese-Australian suspects are thought to have links to Islamic State in Syria. Khayat's brother is believed to be a senior ISIS figure, while two others are thought to be related to infamous jihadist Ahmed Merhi, who travelled to Syria in 2014. Justice Minister Michael Keenan told the broadcaster he would not comment on the IS links, but stressed the significance of the attack if it had taken place. Justice Minister Michael Keenan (pictured right alongside Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull) told would not comment on the IS links, but stressed the significance of the attack if it had taken place 'What is very clear is that, if these allegations were to have gone ahead, it would have been just an enormously dreadful thing to have happened to our country,' he said. 'It's clear that this has been inspired by radical Islamic ideology.' Authorities in Australia are remaining tight-lipped on Saturday's raids and refuse to confirm if they were triggered by a tip-off from an overseas intelligence agency. US officials said communications between the alleged plotters in Sydney and ISIS militants in Syria were intercepted by a foreign spy service. The officials declined to identify the service and authorities in Britain refused to confirm or deny playing a role in detecting the alleged plot. ANU intelligence expert Professor John Blaxland said relying on international tip-offs shouldn't raise questions about the adequacy of Australia's intelligence services. NSW Police and forensic officers at the scene of a counter-terrorism raid on a property in Cleveland Street in Surry Hills Australian Federal Police and NSW Police officers are seen during the counter-terrorism raids Federal and State Police officers are pictured at a crime scene in Surry Hills following the raids 'What we know is that organisations like the AFP and ASIO have extensive networks of connections and liaisons arrangements with counterparts globally,' he said. 'There's a mutual benefit - a mutual back-scratching exercise. 'That network is proving more and more useful and more and more important for countering potential terrorist acts.' Australia's national terror alert level was raised in September 2014 amid concerns over attacks by individuals inspired by organisations such as IS. A total of 12 attacks, before the latest one, have been prevented in the past few years and 70 people have been charged. Several terror attacks have taken place in Australia in recent years, including a Sydney cafe siege in 2014 which saw two hostages killed. The leader of the DUP today tore into Sinn Fein over the political deadlock in Northern Ireland - accusing the party of being uninterested in restoring devolution. Arlene Foster said the Republicans are showing 'no spirit of compromise' and refusing to try to strike a deal to bring back powersharing. And she warned that while the party remain stubborn and insist it's 'their way or no way' then the Stormont talks have little hope of succeeding. She launched the furious attack a month after talks to restore powersharing broke down after the squabbling parties clashed over a series of political issues. Meanwhile, a report by a group of Irish politicians has laid out plans to use Brexit as a means to pave the way for a united Ireland - provided the people of Northern Ireland back it. DUP leader Arlene Foster, pictured today at an air ambulance launch at the old Maze prison near Lisburn, said has torn into Sinn Fein over powersharing talks accusing the republican party of not being willing to compromise to break the deadlock The report's author, Fianna Fail Senator Mark Daly, said that 'everybody believes' that at some stage there will be a referendum on uniting Ireland and that the country must be prepared for it. Speaking at the launch if a new air ambulance service at the site of the infamous Maze prison - where Bobby Sands died on an IRA hunger strike - Mrs Foster painted a gloomy picture of the prospects of a return to powersharing. She said: 'The talks will begin again in earnest at the end of August. 'But given some of the commentary over the summer from Sinn Fein it does point to me that Sinn Fein aren't interested in devolution or an agreement with their neighbours in Northern Ireland.' She accused Sinn Fein of showing 'no spirit of compromise' and 'no willingness to build a shared future for all the people of Northern Ireland'. She added: 'It's their way or no way. We want to see devolution but it takes two to make this work and if they don't want to make it work then we will have to move on to a different situation. 'We can't keep going on and on. There's a growing frustration. 'I regretfully have come to the conclusion that Sinn Fein aren't interested in devolution.' Talks to restore Northern Ireland powersharing are due to kick off again at the end of August, but if they still fail to agree then Northern Ireland could face direct rule from Westminster for the first time in over a decade. Sinn Fein blamed Theresa May for the failure of the negotiations, saying her decision to be propped up in No10 with the DUP's support undermined her Britain's neutrality in the negotiations. Sinn Fein Northern Ireland leader Michelle O' Neill, pictured with Gerry Adams outside Stormont in March, is at loggerheads with the DUP over a string of key issues bit insists powersharing could be restored in days if the unionists cave to their demands Northern Ireland's two biggest parties have clashed over protecting the Irish language, the DUP's opposition to lifting the region's ban on gay marriage, and mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. But Sinn Fein continues to insist that the Stormont institutions could be restore. On Monday Sinn Fein negotiator Conor Murphy said: 'It is our clear view, and we have been saying this since January, and we have been as frustrated as I am sure the general public watching, that these issues could be resolved within a matter of days. 'It is very clear what the issues are - it is very clear where the gaps are. It's around rights-based issues.' The row comes as an Irish parliamentary committee tasked with looking into plans for Bexit has used it to lay out plans for the peaceful reunification of Ireland. Mr Daly, who compiled the report, told the BBC unity could only come through active consent. He said: 'This is the first report by a committee of the Dail or the Senate on how to achieve the peaceful unity of Ireland. 'Last year our former Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the EU needs to prepare for a united Ireland. 'And it's clear from the 17 recommendations by the committee that a lot of work needs to be done in advance of a referendum.' The report recommends the establishment of a New Ireland Forum 2 to set a pathway to 'achieve the peaceful reunification of Ireland'. It adds: 'Lessons from the failed referendums in Quebec and Scotland need to be learned to ensure that the Irish government fulfils its constitutional obligations of achieving its main aim of the peaceful reunification of Ireland.' Irish PM Leo Varadkar, who is openly gay, is kissed at Dublin Pride in June. He is going to a Pride event in Belfast when he visits Northern Ireland this wee, potentially setting him at odds with the DUP who are opposed to gay marriage Meanwhile, in a sign of strained relations between Northern Ireland's biggest unionist party and the Republic of Ireland, Mrs Foster also hit out at the Irish PM for saying he hopes Brexit can be thwarted. Leo Varadkar, who later this week is making his first official visit to Northern Ireland since taking over as Taoiseach, said he is 'hopeful' the UK may stay in the EU despite last year's historic referendum vote. She said: 'He may be hopeful, but that is disrespecting the will of the British people. Brexit is going to happen. We are leaving the European Union. 'I just hope the Republic of Ireland will continue to work constructively with us in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK because it is very much in their interest to have a Brexit that works for them as well as a Brexit that works for the UK.' Mr Varadkar angered unionists when he said Ireland will not help Britain design an economic border for Brexiteers. Mrs Foster said the comments were 'not helpful' and added that the Irish Government 'should reflect on whether they are being helpful to the process here in Northern Ireland or not'. Mr Varadkar is openly gay and is visiting a gay Pride event in Belfast on Saturday, while the DUP have been widely criticised for opposing gay marriage. Asked about this, Mrs Foster said: 'He is perfectly entitled to come and attend whatever he wants. I go to the Republic of Ireland and attend events down there so he is perfectly entitled to do that here.' A 49-year-old man was arrested at London Southend Airport yesterday on suspicion of preparation of acts to commit terrorism. He was stopped by Metropolitan Police counter terrorism command officers at the airport in Essex under schedule seven of the Terrorism Act 2000. The man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparation of acts to commit terrorism, under section five of the Terrorism Act 2006. He was arrested at Southend Airport on suspicion of preparation of acts to commit terrorism The man, who was arrested under Pace (the Police and Criminal Evidence Act), was taken to a South London police station, where he remains in police custody. Officers also carried out a search at an address in Essex, which is now complete. Southend Airport, which is located 40 miles east of London, operates flights to and from the likes of Spain, Holland, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Malta and France. Police Seek Help ID'ing Man Accused Of Pushing A Man Down CTA Red Line Station Stairs By Rachel Cromidas in News on Aug 2, 2017 8:30PM Police are looking for help identifying a man who allegedly pushed a man down the stairs at the CTA Red Line Sheridan Station last month. The attacker reportedly pushed a 49-year-old man down the stairs at the Sheridan stop, in the 3900 block of North Sheridan Avenue, and then kicked him in the head repeatedly after he fell. The man as a result suffered a broken pelvis and orbital socket, among other injuries. According to surveillance footage from the police, the attacker had boarded the Red Line train at the Thorndale stop and exited at Sheridan. The attack took place on July 8 at 5 in the morning. Police are looking for help from the public in identifying the man, pictured in surveillance images above, who is described as a 25 to 35 year old Filipino man, 5'03 to 5'07 tall and weighing 130 to 160 lbs, with brown, short parted hair and "olive complexion." The man was wearing a white polo shirt with a dark stripe on the collar, dark pants and gray shoes, police wrote in a police alert. The internet has been sent into a frenzy after several prescient books written more than 100-years-ago have reemerged about the adventures of a boy named Baron Trump. Ingersoll Lockwood, an American political writer and novelist, wrote two children's books titled 'Baron Trump's Marvelous Underground Journey,' and 'Little Baron Trump and His Wonderful Dog Bulgar,' as well as an ominously titled political tome, 'The Last President.' The book titles and the connections to President Donald Trump and his son Barron are just the beginning of several spooky parallels. In the children's books, the novels tell the tale of a wealthy aristocratic boy who lives in 'Castle Trump' and is guided on his journey to Russia by a man named 'Don.' The multitude of similarities to the Trump family living in present day America and the tales in the tomes have internet conspiracy theorists concluding the Trump family is capable of time travel. Scroll for video Baron Trump in the 19th century tome (left) and Barron Trump in April, 2017 'Baron Trump's Marvellous Underground Journey' printed in the late 1800s Baron visits Russia on an extraordinary adventure. Baron's guided through his adventure by 'the master of all masters,' a man named 'Don.' The Trump family motto, the one in the book that is, is: 'The pathway to glory is strewn with pitfalls and dangers.' In the storybook's illustrations of Baron Trump, he is lavishly dressed and decked in jewels, as he leaves Castle Trump and begins his journey to Russia to find an entrance to alternate dimensions 'The pathway to glory is strewn with pitfalls and dangers.' The Trump family motto written in the late 1800s by American author Ingersoll Lockwood 'Castle Trump' and 'Don' in the same sentence, written in the 1800s by American author Ingersoll Lockwood The 19th century children's novel says little Baron is bored by his life of luxury and has an active imagination and a 'very active brain' according to Newsweek. Lockwood, as mentioned before, was also a political author. Unlike his children's books, he wrote the political novel: 'The Last President.' The story opens in a New York City in turmoil. It's early November right after the election of an enormously opposed candidate. 'Castle Trump,' an illustration from the 1800s in children's book by Ingersoll Lockwood The White House, or could this be 'Castle Trump' as the 19th century tome calls Baron Trump's home The East Side of the city, which is where the Women's March began the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, is in a 'state of uproar.' The 19th century book says police officers shouted through the streets as 'Mobs of vast size are organizing under the lead of anarchists and socialists, and threaten to plunder and despoil the houses of the rich who have wronged and oppressed them for so many years.' 'The Fifth Avenue Hotel will be the first to feel the fury of the mob,' the novel continues. 'Would the troops be in time to save it?' 'The Fifth Avenue Hotel will be the first to feel the fury of the mob,' in the 1800's novel 'The Last President.' A scene from marchers approaching Trump International on 5th ave, the day President Trump was inaugurated, January 21, 2017 The Last President book cover (left) and Little Baron Trump and his Wonderful Dog Bulger book cover The Women's March concluded just two blocks short of Trump Tower International on 5th ave. The marchers didn't get in front of the tower because of police barricades. The month of the Women's March was January, a day after Trump was inaugurated, but the geography is eerily similar. It's all strangely there. Of course the internet is spinning its wheels on conspiracy theories, but the most rampant one, which considering the evidence maybe shouldn't be shrugged off so soon, is that the Trump family has a time machine. Yes, a time machine. How does one make a leap to Donald Trump and Barron Trump, possibly time traveling? We can thank the internet. Donald Trump's uncle John Trump had access to Nikola Tesla's papers. Tesla was an inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist. And, according to the conspiracy theories, he was researching time travel. Was Baron Trump going to Russia to explore a portal to another dimension an allusion to time travel? Was Tesla working on time travel, and if so did John Trump see those papers? Justin Whang, a YouTuber, explores some of the theories in his YouTube series Whang! We'll just leave the queries to the conspiracy theorists. President Donald Trump signed legislation Wednesday that slaps sanctions on Russia and limits his own ability to create waivers - but at the same time issued a furious statement calling it 'flawed'. He signed the bill, which Secretary of State Rex Tillerson publicly said he wasn't happy about, in private. Then the White House sent out statement by the president revealing the depths of his unhappiness and boasting that his billions showed he was far better at deal-making than Congress. Trump said despite some changes, 'the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate.' He called parts of it 'unconstitutional' and signaled fresh tensions with Republicans by criticizing their failure to repeal and replace Obamacare. President Donald Trump has signed legislation that slaps sanctions on Russia and limits his own ability to create waivers He attached his name to it anyway, 'in the interest of national unity,' the White House said Wednesday afternoon. 'The president favors tough measures to punish and deter the bad behavior of the rogue regimes in Iran and North Korea,' White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters, 'and he also sent a clear signal that we won't tolerate interference in our democratic process by Russia.' Trump also said in a lengthy press statement that the White House sent out alongside a formal signing statement that he was 'signing this bill for the sake of national unity.' 'Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together,' he said. 'The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice,' Trump said in the statement. Trump said the legislation 'represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. 'We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary.' In a message to Congress in response to the bill, Trump singled out provisions his lawyers considers in conflict with Supreme Court case law and asserts his own latitude to carry out the law as he sees fit. 'My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions,' the president said in one point in language certain to irk lawmakers who consider the law much more than a preference. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump wasn't happy with the bill 'My administration ... expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed bill to hinder our important work with European allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends, or our allies,' he said. The president also complained about what he said were 'clearly unconstitutional provisions' in the legislation relating to presidential powers to shape foreign policy. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway confirmed the signing on Fox News. The bill passed Congress by overwhelming margins sufficient to override a presidential veto. Trump could have allowed the bill to become law without his signature, but decided against it. The White House had lobbied to water down restrictions in the bill. It contains language meant to prevent the president from lifting them without approval from Congress provisions that got drafted amid concerns Trump would lift or limit sanctions amid his frequent praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and desire to improve ties between the two powers. Tillerson told reporters he shared misgivings with the president, as they try to improve relations with Russia. 'Neither the president nor I are very happy about that,' Tillerson said. 'We were clear that we didn't think that was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made.' SIGN OF THE TIMES: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a news conference after the G20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, July 8, 2017 Then-candidate Donald Trump holds up a signed pledge during a press availability at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York September 3, 2015 Justice Department lawyers and security officials were reviewing Russia sanctions legislation Tuesday The FBI and congressional intelligence panels are probing Trump campaign connections to Russians during the election. Trump during the campaign called repeatedly for better relations with Russia. The U.S. intelligence community concluded that the Russian government backed a campaign to interfere in the presidential election. Despite communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin capped off by two one-on-one meetings in Europe, Trump has struggled to meet his goal. Putin said last weekend that Russia would expel more than 700 U.S. diplomats from Russia in retaliation for the sanctions legislation. A report said Wednesday that Trump had talked to Putin on the phone before he put pen to paper, but Huckabee Sanders told reporters it was incorrect. In his statement about the bill, Trump highlighted a series of concerns about the legislation. 'Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies,' Trump complained. I'M WORTH BILLIONS - I CAN MAKE BETTER DEALS THAN CONGRESS Today, I signed into law the 'Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act,' which enacts new sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. I favor tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization. That is why, since taking office, I have enacted tough new sanctions on Iran and North Korea, and shored up existing sanctions on Russia. Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies. My Administration has attempted to work with Congress to make this bill better. We have made progress and improved the language to give the Treasury Department greater flexibility in granting routine licenses to American businesses, people, and companies. The improved language also reflects feedback from our European allies who have been steadfast partners on Russia sanctions regarding the energy sanctions provided for in the legislation. The new language also ensures our agencies can delay sanctions on the intelligence and defense sectors, because those sanctions could negatively affect American companies and those of our allies. Still, the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary. Further, the bill sends a clear message to Iran and North Korea that the American people will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior. America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries' malignant activities. I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress. Advertisement 'My Administration has attempted to work with Congress to make this bill better. We have made progress and improved the language to give the Treasury Department greater flexibility in granting routine licenses to American businesses, people, and companies,' he contended. 'The improved language also reflects feedback from our European allies who have been steadfast partners on Russia sanctions regarding the energy sanctions provided for in the legislation. The new language also ensures our agencies can delay sanctions on the intelligence and defense sectors, because those sanctions could negatively affect American companies and those of our allies.' Russia hawk Sen. John McCain of Arizona responded in a statement that said: 'I welcome President Trump's decision to sign legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea. 'The enactment of this legislation, which enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support in both houses of Congress, sends a strong message to friend and foe alike that the United States will hold nations accountable for aggressive and destabilizing behavior that threatens our national interests and those of our allies and partners.' McCain also called the concerns that Trump outlined in his press statement 'hardly surprising, though misplaced.' 'The Framers of our Constitution made the Congress and the President coequal branches of government. This bill has already proven the wisdom of that choice,' he wrote. 'While the American people surely hope for better relations with Russia, what this legislation truly represents is their insistence that Vladimir Putin and his regime must pay a real price for attacking our democracy, violating human rights, occupying Crimea, and destabilizing Ukraine.' Trump signed the bill behind closed doors without a ceremony of any kind. The decision reflected difficult position the sanctions legislation put him in and his misgivings about signing it. The secretive nature of it contrasted to even minor legislation Trump has out his name on. In June, he even held a ceremony for a non-binding proposal to privatize air traffic control. At that event, he invited lawmakers and handed out the signing pen. Huckabee Sanders denied that the president was 'pressured' into signing the sanctions bill on Wednesday as she faced reporters. 'No, as I've said the president supports putting pressure on these three countries in particular and so he supports the principle of it and wanted to take action in that course,' she asserted. Russian extremists are training neo Nazi terrorists from Europe to use machine guns at a paramilitary course where fanatics prepare for 'the collapse of civilization', it has been claimed. Foreigners have been flocking to take part in gruelling camps in St Petersburg set up by an ultranationalist Russian group that claims to train civilians for an impending 'global chaos'. Many get in touch after finding out about the so-called 'Partisan' training camp online, it has been claimed. Among those to have attended were Viktor Melin and Anton Thulin, Swedish men with ties to the neo-Nazi movement who were sentenced earlier this year for trying to blow up a home for asylum seekers in Gothenburg. Russian extremists are training people from Europe to use machine guns at a paramilitary course where fanatics prepare for 'the collapse of civilization', it has been claimed. A man is pictured abseiling at the camp last year Foreigners have been flocking to take part in gruelling camps in St Petersburg set up by an ultranationalist Russian group that claims to train civilians for an impending 'global chaos' Many get in touch after finding out about the so-called 'Partisan' training camp (pictured) online, it has been claimed According to the Daily Beast, they joined the Partisan course set up by the Russian Imperial Movement where they were trained to use Kalashnikov rifles, Makarov pistols and live ammunition. The prosecutor in the case, Mats Ljungqvist, told the website, that attending the camp in St. Petersburg was 'a key step in Melin and Thulin's radicalisation.' 'We also believe it may be the place where they learned to manufacture the bombs that they used in Gothenburg.' The Daily Beast spoke to Denis Gariev, an ex soldier who runs Partisan, who said 'a lot' of people come from overseas to take part in the course having read up on it online. The former history student reportedly said: 'We are open to all.' Last month Melin and Thulin were among three men with ties to the Swedish neo-Nazi movement were sentenced to up to eight and a half years in prison for bomb attacks in western Sweden over the past year. Among those to have attended were Viktor Melin and Anton Thulin, Swedish men with ties to the neo-Nazi movement who were sentenced earlier this year for trying to blow up a home for asylum seekers in Gothenburg (file picture) Melin, 23, received the longest sentence for carrying out bomb attacks on a left-wing bookstore and an asylum centre and an attempted bombing of a second asylum centre. The attacks took place in November and January. Nobody was killed but one man was seriously wounded in the asylum centre attack. A 50-year old man, Jimmy Jonasson, was sentenced to five years in prison for assisting in two of the attacks and a 20-year old man, Anton Thulin, got one year and six months for assisting in the attempted bombing. The two younger men received paramilitary training in Russia prior to the attacks, the verdict stated. Before he vowed to drain the swamp, President Trump pledged to kill some sharks, as he was almost cast to play the president of the United States in the low-budget film 'Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!' the Hollywood Reporter revealed. In January 2015, just six months before he announced his White House bid, Trump said he would play the president in the D.C.-based second sequel of the hit Syfy movie 'Sharknado,' starring Ian Ziering and Tara Reid. Negotiations stalled because of Trump's very real political ambitions, though that didn't stop his lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, from threatening to sue when another billionaire got cast as president, as Mark Cuban was eventually given the part. Scroll down for video President Trump (left) could have played President Trump a year before the election, as he was wanted for the part in 'Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!' The POTUS role eventually went to Mark Cuban (right) President Trump came close to appearing in 'Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!' which featured a shark attack on Washington, D.C. President Trump's lawyer stalled negotiations for the movie because the billionaire - seen during his announcement speech in June 2015 - was contemplating a bid for the White House Star Ian Ziering (right) tapped Trump for the presidential part, because they had appeared alongside each other on Celebrity Apprentice. Later Mark Cuban (left) took over the role for the third movie in the popular shark-storm franchise David Latt, the 51-year-old co-founder of The Aslyum, the production company responsible for the popular Sharknado franchise, told the Hollywood Reporter, 'The Donald said yes.' 'He was thrilled to be asked,' Latt added. Part of the allure of Sharknado, which has sent twisters of sharks gnawing into major American cities including Los Angeles, New York and D.C., is that the projects have attracted a number of cameos. Besides Cuban, conservative pundit Ann Coulter played his VP. Other celebrities seen in the projects include David Hasselhoff, Kelly Osbourne, Jerry Springer, Andy Dick and disgraced ex-congressman Anthony Weiner, who played the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration director in 'Sharknado 3.' Tapping Trump for a 'Sharknado' project was star Ziering's idea, as he had appeared alongside the now-president during Celebrity Apprentice's seventh season. Gerald Webb, the casting director who worked on the franchise's first three films noted, 'we got pretty far,' he told the Hollywood Reporter on their dealings with Trump. 'It was serious talks.' A contract was drawn up and sent to Cohen, who was a surrogate for Trump during the campaign and has had his name in the news because of allegations made in the unsubstantiated dirty dossier. Conservative pundit Ann Coulter (pictured) played the vice president to Mark Cuban's president in 'Sharknado 3: Oh hell no!' The movies feature twisters filled with sharks that take over major cities like Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. Then the 'Sharknado' people heard nothing back. Cohen eventually told Latt what was going on. 'Donald's thinking about making a legitimate run for the presidency, so we'll get back to you,' Latt told the publication Cohen had said. 'This might not be the best time.' When Cuban's name was announced for the part, Latt recalls hearing from Cohen again. 'Then we immediately heard from Trump's lawyer,' Latt said. 'He basically said, "How dare you? Donald wanted to do this. We're going to sue you! We're going to shut the entire show down!"' Cohen told the Hollywood Reporter that he indeed had dinner with Ziering to discuss casting Trump in the film, but did not recall threatening to sue the production for casting Cuban instead. And there wasn't bad blood between the billionaires at the time. While Cuban and Trump have said a lot of harsh words about each other since, early on the Dallas Mavericks owner praised Trump's presidential bid, calling it 'probably the best thing to happen to politics in a long, long time.' As for Webb, he took Trump's lawsuit threat personally, he told the Hollywood Reporter, but he's over it now. 'That was my moment of doing business with Donald Trump,' he said. 'And that's Sharknado.' An online retailer has opened the largest 'smart warehouse' in China manned by 60 cutting-edge robots. These Wifi-equipped, self-charging machines are responsible for moving goods in the warehouse. They send the goods to human workers, who then arrange the products to be packed and posted to customers around the world. The wifi-equipped, self-charging delivery robots work for T-mall, a part of Alibaba in China They move goods to designated areas for human workers to pick up and post Occupying 3,000 square metres (0.7 acres), the warehouse is situated in Huiyang, south China's Guangdong Province, and is owned by T-mall, a part of the Alibaba, the world's online retailer. ZHU QUE: THE CLEVER DELIVERY ROBOT Size: 90cm*70cm*30cm Communication method: Wifi Speed: Up to 1.5m/s Load: Up to 600kg Maximum running time: Eight hours Charging time: 1.5 hours Advertisement The automated delivery boys started working at the warehouse in July, and have helped the warehouse increase its output by threefold, according to Quicktron, the manufacturer of the robots. The machine has been named Zhu Que, or the Vermilion Bird, which is a spirit creature in the Chinese mythology. The robots receive instructions via Wifi signals. They would then find the goods and move them to the designated drop-off points for human workers to pick up. Each of the machines is fitted with laser detection which prevents them from bumping into each other. Once fully charges, the robot could work eight hours non-stop. The robots started working at the warehouse in July and help it increase efficiency threefold Occupying 3,000 square metres, the warehouse is China's largest 'smart warehouse' Measuring 90cm (35 inches) long, 70cm (27 inches) wide and 30cm (12 inches) tall, Zhu Que can travel up to 1.5 metres (five feet) per second and carry a load as heavy as 600kg (1,322 pounds). Quicktron said the robots have saved workers from running around the warehouse to find goods. Traditionally, a worker could sort 1,500 products during a 7.5-hour shift after taking 27,924 steps; with the help of Zhu Que, the same worker could sort 3,000 products during the same period of time and only 2,563 steps need to be taken. 'The robots need to collaborate with each other and work independently at the same time. They represent the highest level of China's warehouse robots,' said Cainiao Logistics, an Alibaba branch that manages the warehouse. You Yuquan, a logistics expert from Cai Niao, said the robots could lift and rotate the shelves, which makes it easier for human workers to reach the goods. Mr You also said that the company could store goods along all of the four sides of the shelves, which increases the available storage space. According to Quicktron, the warehouse will recruit another 40 of these delivery robots. With the help of the robots, workers now sort more products and take much fewer steps China is the world's largest e-commerce market. Its e-commerce sales are expected to pass $1.132 trillion (0.8) in 2017, according to eMarketer, which accounts for nearly half of the worldwide online retail sales. Logistics companies and online retailers have been striving to find ways to improve work efficiency. STO Express, one of China's largest delivery companies, also uses robots in their warehouses. In STO Express's warehouse in Linyi, Shandong Province, 300 robots, called Little Orange, work together to sort 20,000 parcels an hour. The self-charging robots help the company save 70 per cent of manpower in the 21,000-square-foot warehouse. Democrats stand to win big in the 2018 midterm elections, according to a new poll perhaps flipping enough seats to take over the House of Representatives. Forty-four per cent of registered voters say they would vote for a Democrat in their district if an election were held today. Just 37 per cent said they would back a Republican. Neither party's legislators are held in especially high regard, however. Just 40 per cent said they have a favorable view of congressional Democrats, compared to 49 per cent unfavorable. Republicans on Capitol Hill have an even worse image problem, with 34 per cent viewing them positively and 56 per cent disagreeing. House Speaker Paul Ryan could lose his gavel to former speaker Nancy Pelosi if Democrats take over the House next year an outcome that could be very real according to a new poll The poll numbers come from Morning Consult, which surveyed voters for Politico. The GOP holds 240 House seats compared to the Democrats' 194 meaning a Republican loss of 45 seats would return the lower chamber of Congress to Democratic control. Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that 'by historical standards, Democrats need an 8-10% lead in the generic ballot to win a majority.' 'They are approaching that level, though it still wont be easy,' he said. Sabato pointed out that 'Democrats will be outspent, and gerrymandering helps the Republicans in most places.' I'd say it's still an uphill challenge for Democrats to win House control, but the hill isnt nearly as steep as it has been in the past three elections.' The party that holds the White House has historically lost large numbers of House seats during a president's first midterm election while in office. The GOP flipped 63 seats in 2010 after two years of Barack Obama's presidency. A 52-seat loss stung Bill Clinton in 1994 and Republicans lost 26 seats under Ronald Reagan in 1982. Other massive losses plagued Lyndon Johnson and Harry Truman, whose Democratic House majorities lost 47 and 45 House seats, respectively, after their first two years in office. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned Wednesday in a USA Today op-ed that former speaker Nancy Pelosi could return to power in a wave election benefiting Democrats if the GOP doesn't pass a massive tax reform package by Thanksgiving. 'Republican lawmakers must come together over tax cuts for hardworking taxpayers before hardworking taxpayers come together against Republican lawmakers,' Gingrich wrote. It's highly unlikely that the Senate could change hands: Of the 33 seats being contested nest year, Democrats must defend a whopping 25 from Republican challengers. And 10 of those are in states that President Donald Trump won in 2016. The news isn't all bad for Republicans in the House, however. More voters trust them over Democrats to handle the economy, immigration and jobs. Democrats prevail on energy, education, health care and the environment. When pollsters asked voters to name the top-of-lind concerns that would drive their congressional vote, the economy placed first. Health care was second. Voters are split on how Congress should handle health care reform. A majority, 55 per cent, say the 'individual mandate' Obamacare's requirement that Americans either buy medical insurance or pay fines should be repealed. But the same number said lawmakers should keep Obamacare's guarantee that companies with 50 or more employees provide insurance to their workers. Fifty-one per cent said Congress should get rid of an Obamacare tax on medical devices such as hip implants and pacemakers. If those features of Obamacare were repealed, 36 per cent of voters said it would make the U.S. health care system better. But 35 per cent said it would get worse. The Morning Consult/Politico polling sample included 35 per cent self-identified Democrats and 34 per cent Republicans, with an even 37-37 split of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump voters. UFO enthusiast on trial: Stanley Tiger Romanek, 54, the subject of a documentary that detailed his alleged experiences with extra-terrestrials, is on trial on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography Opening statements were presented on Tuesday in the child pornography trial of a married father-of-two UFO enthusiast from Colorado who was the subject of a controversial documentary that detailed his alleged experiences with extraterrestrials. Stanley Tiger Romanek, 54, of Loveland, was arrested in February 2014 on felony charges of sexual exploitation of a child for allegedly distributing and being in possession of child pornography. Romanek was taken into custody after an eight-month investigation initiated by the Department of homeland Security, during which a search of his home on Ash Avenue in Loveland turned up more than 300 photos and videos depicting children in sexual situations. The lewd material was allegedly found on a laptop stored inside a closet in Romanek's home, which he shared with his wife Lisa. According to an arrest affidavit, the computer had 'Stan Romanek' engraved on it, reported The Coloradoan, which has been covering the case from the beginning. When interviewed by investigators during the search of his home in April 2013, Romankek admitted that he has seen files on his computer that could be considered child pornography but said he did not know how they ended up on his device, the document stated. Romanek has claimed to have had more than 100 encounters with alien beings, and capturing some of them on camera, including this image from 2003 Out-of-this world tales: Romanek, a married father-of-two, previously claimed that he had been abducted by aliens who left red marks on his body (left) He then floated the theory that someone had planted the incriminating images on the laptop. Romanek pleaded not guilty to the charges in March 2016. Both Stanley and Lisa Romanek have claimed they have been targeted by hackers and subjected to threats because they have secret knowledge about the existence of UFOs. Romanek was profiled in the 2013 documentary film Extraordinary: The Stan Romanek Story, which is was released on Netflix in June. Fame: Romanek was profiled in the 2013 documentary film Extraordinary: The Stan Romanek Story, which is was released on Netflix in June In the film, Romanek claims to have had more than 100 encounters with alien beings, and capturing some of them on camera. Among the claims Romanek makes in the film there are tales of alien abductions that left him with red marks on his body, and fathering multiple extra-terrestrial children. The documentary now includes a postscript that references Romaneks child pornography case. Romanek is also the author of three books on the subject of aliens, including Messages: The World's Most Documented Extraterrestrial Contact Story; Answers, and The Orion Regressions. Romanek had undergone several rounds of mental health evaluations and was found to be competent to stand trial, which got under way on Monday with jury selection. During opening statements presented on Tuesday, prosecutor Joshua Ritter reminded the jurors the case was about the 'victimization of children' and warned that the images they were going to be shown in the course of the proceedings were not pleasant. Conspiracy: Both Stanley (left) and Lisa Romanek (right) have claimed they have been targeted by hackers and subjected to threats because they have secret knowledge about the existence of UFOs. Reporter-Herald reported that Ritter said the pornographic content was discovered after a computer crimes expert from the Department of Homeland Security offered the Loveland Police Departmenta tip about images being used in a peer-to-peer network connected to an IP address at Romanek's residence. Romanek's defense attorney Elizabeth McClintock countered her opponent's arguments by telling the jury the prosecution has no concrete evidence tying the IP address at the center of the case directly to her client. Romaneks trial is expected to last eight days and wrap up on August 9. The hunt is on for men who allegedly sexually assaulted women they met over social media dating sites. Police said a local woman, 25, was allegedly sexually attacked by two to three men at a home in Manly, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, on October 22 last year. In another incident, a 23-year-old European tourist was sexually assaulted by two men at a Church Point home, according to The Daily Telegraph. The hunt is on for men who allegedly sexually assaulted women they met over social media dating sites (stock) Police said the physical descriptions of the alleged attackers from both incidents were so similar they believe they are the same men. The men were described by police as 20 to 30 years old, of South American descent with tanned skin, brown hair and strong accents. 'Northern beaches police are investigating both assaults and suspect the men are targeting females aged between 18 and 30 who are either locals or are staying here,' Inspector Craig Wonders said. They appealed for help from the public in finding what they believed were more victims. 'We believe there could be more victims and would be particularly interested in hearing from any woman who has been assaulted by this group. The urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Dee Why police station on 9971 3399 The Governor of Kentucky is lashing out at local news broadcasters after one flew a drone over his multi-million dollar mansion which critics say he purchased in a 'sweetheart' property deal. In March, Governor Matt Bevin purchased a 150-year-old restored mansion and 10 acres of land in Anchorage, Jefferson County for an estimated $1.6 million from Neil Ramsey, a friend and Bevin campaign donor, according to the Courier-Journal. Bevin decided to buy the home after determining that the 25-room, 18,428-square foot Governor's mansion in Frankfort was difficult to secure and not suitable for his large family. Bevin has a wife and nine grade-school children. Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin lashed out at the media on Tuesday after filming his private home with a drone (Pictured: Kentucky Governor's private residence) The purchase came less than a year after Ramsey was appointed by the Governor to the board of Kentucky Retirement Systems. In April, one month after buying the home and surrounding land, appraisers listed Bevin's new property at $2.9 million. That figure prompted some critics to question whether Bevin benefited from his relationship from Ramsey, with allegations of a 'sweetheart deal' emerging. Bevin denied any impropriety in the affair, saying that the land was 'grossly overvalued.' In an attempt to settle the dispute, Bevin invited all three-members of Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals to inspect the property on Tuesday. Bevin's has been embroiled in a real-estate controversy since April, with critics accusing him of favoritism (Pictured: Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin) Bevin has decided not to live at the Kentucky Governor's Mansion (pictured) - because he claims it does not cater to his family's needs Critics say that Bevin's property was acquired suspiciously from a close associate and campaign donor (Pictured:Kentucky's Governor Mansion) Huge brood: Matt Bevin had six children with his wife Glenna but sadly their eldest daughter died aged 17 in 2003. In 2012 the Bevin's adopted four children aged 2-10 from Ethiopia Media outlets expected to attend the evaluation, arguing that the presence of all three board-members at the Governor's home constituted an open-meeting. Bevin, however, disagreed and closed the evaluation to all reporters and media outlets, prompting objections from news organizations. State troopers were also brought in to block journalist from coming close to Bevin's estate, according TV station WDRB. Refusing to be deterred, WDRB then sent a drone to film over the property, prompting a swift rebuke from the Governor over social media. 'Drones again flying directly over and around my home filming my children... @wave3news @courierjournal #PeepingTom Loftus,' Bevin stated on Twitter. Bevin invited county appraisers back onto his property this week to re-evaluate the estate's worth Media outlets demanded to be present for the meeting, arguing that all members of Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals were present, constituting an open-meeting Bevin disagreed and barred anyone from attending the evaluation, even bringing state troopers to block reporters from entering the estate 'At what point does the perverse fascination by @wave3news, @courierjournal... with my home & #PeepingTom Loftus family border on stalking?' the Governor wrote two minutes later. Tom Loftus is a reporter with the Courier-Journal covering the story on Bevin's new home. About two-hours later, Bevin tweeted that Loftus 'just came to my home again with three attorneys demanding to be let in' In response to the Governor, the Courier-Journal said it 'does not own or operate drones' and that 'it is a false association to include the Courier-Journal in that tweet.' Bill Shory, news director for WAVE3, also denied the Governors accusations. 'For the record, Governor, WAVE 3 News has never flown our drone over your house. Today or at any time in the past.' WDRB news director Barry Fulmer later took responsibility for the drone, but denied that he filmed any children at the Governor's home. 'WDRB was flying a drone in accordance to the FAA rules to cover news happening at your home. There is NO video of children,' Fulmer tweeted. The Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals has yet to release their evaluation on Bevin's property. A local broadcaster, undeterred, sent a drone to film over the property in Anchorage, Kentucky Italian authorities have seized a migrant rescue boat, accusing its owner of aiding 'clandestine immigration'. The 100ft-long vessel, operated by pro-migrant group Jugend Rettet, is currently being held at a Sicilian port. The move comes after Italian lawmakers approved controversial plans to use warships to prevent migrant boats reaching Europe from Libya - a move branded a 'recipe for more suffering' by Amnesty International, which claims intercepted migrants could be at risk of torture. A prosecutor in Trapani, Sicily, ordered the boat, named The Iuventa, should be put under a preventative seizure today The Iuventa boat, belonging to German NGO Jugend Rettet is pictured docked at Lampedusa in Sicily The boat's owners said they had not received any information about being the target of an investigation A prosecutor in Trapani, Sicily, ordered the boat, named The Iuventa, should be put under a preventative seizure today. Jugend Rettet, which carries out search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, tweeted the boat's crew was interviewed. It said it had not received any information about being the target of an investigation. A police statement said: 'Enquiries begun in October 2016, and conducted with the use of sophisticated techniques and investigative technology, have produced circumstantial evidence of the motorboat Iuventa being used for activities facilitating illegal immigration.' The move came as Italian lawmakers voted to approve having Italian military vessels help Libya's coast guard stop migrant smuggling boats from leaving Libya for European shores. Italy's defense minister insisted before Wednesday's vote in Parliament that the mission won't be a naval blockade, although lawmakers from the anti-migrant Northern League, an opposition party, demanded exactly that. The boat is pictured carrying out a rescue operation in November last year. Italian authorities claim it has been involved in assisting illegal immigration Thousands of migrants make the dangerous crossing from Libya to Europe each year With several EU nations refusing to accept asylum-seekers to help ease Italy's burden, Italians' patience for the steady arrival of migrants rescued at sea appears to be wearing thin. Hundreds of thousands of people, most of them economic migrants ineligible for asylum, have been brought ashore in Italy after rescue in the last few years. The migrant crisis looms as a campaign issue in 2018 elections. In response to Parliament's decision, Amnesty International's deputy Europe director, Gauri Van Gulik, said: 'The Italian authorities have shown today that they consider it more important to keep refugees and migrants away from their shores than to protect their lives and welfare. 'Facilitating the interception and return of refugees and migrants to Libya results in their arbitrary detention in centres where they are at almost certain risk of torture, rape and even of being killed, and todays vote could make the Italian authorities complicit in these horrors.' And he continued: 'This is not the answer to the humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean it is a recipe for more suffering. Any cooperation with the Libyan authorities should prioritise monitoring and accountability for any human rights violations they have committed.' Wrigleyville's Taco Bell Will Be Replaced By A Sprawling New Development & People Are Already Very Bummed By Stephen Gossett in Food on Aug 2, 2017 5:14PM Facebook It might not draw the same outpouring of sadness as, say, the loss of Punkin Donuts, but lovers of the booze-mop fast-food staple that is Wrigleyville's Taco Bell will soon have to say goodbyealthough for some, not without a fight. The property was sold in June to developers, who plan on replacing the bro-approved shame-eatery with a sprawling retail development (as is the neighborhood cycle nowadays). But a demonstration to save the spot emerged almost as quickly as news of the impending shutter itself. The Taco Bell, which sits across Wrigley Field at 1111 W. Addison St., could be gone as soon as next summer. A source told Crain's, who first reported the story, that Taco Bell's lease runs through July of next year. And when its out with drunken Gordita combos, it'll be in with a three-story, 40,000-square-foot retail and restaurant complex, according to a proposal outlined by Crain's. Plans call for a sweeping rooftop area plus a new Addison Street-adjacent patio. The developers, West Addison Development, bought the property for $8.9 millionwhich sounds about right for Wrigleyville property these days. Via Crain's While we tweak the nose of Wrigley Bell for its bro magnetism, we must admit to having lovingly partook. In fact, this writer just a few weeks ago dishonorably shoveled forth some soft tacos after a late-night Music Box viewing. At the very least, it provided some slumming counter-programming to the whopping development that will now soon engulf it. Some folks in fact were already feeling the loss on Wednesday enough to call for a Save The Wrigleyville Taco Bell demonstration on August 26. "Come out and stand up for a wonderful establishment that has always been there for you when you've needed it the most," reads the event description. Mark your calendars now. We haven't seen this much sorrow for the loss of a Wrigelyville fast-food outpost in favor of new boutique-y development since, well, last year, just across the street with McDonald's. Maybe Taco Bell can just pick it up and drop if off in that Pilsen lot they're eyeingalthough we wouldn't recommend it. Tom Hiddleston will star in Shakespeare's Hamlet with fans desperately applying for tickets in a ballot system Thousands of Tom Hiddleston fans have rushed to apply for tickets to watch the Night Manager actor star in Shakespeare's Hamlet - because the venue only has 160 seats. The 36-year-old has signed up to perform 21 shows between September 1 and 23 at the intimate Rada Jerwood Vanbrugh theatre in London. But tickets can only be acquired through a ballot system - meaning just 3,360 are available for the hotly-anticipated show. Desperate fans took to Twitter earlier today after requesting tickets in the 'random' ballot system with some saying they would 'cry' if their application was unsuccessful. One fan, Natasha, wrote online: 'Just signed up for Hamlet tickets starring Tom Hiddleston, if I don't get them then rip.' The ballot opened on August 1 and Rada was unable to say how many people have applied, although it is believe to be 'thousands'. Prices range from 15 for those aged 25 and under and go up to 45 and 95. And in a bid to rule out the chances of people selling them via ticket touts, there will be a maximum of two per person for each of the performances. The play, one of William Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, will be performed to raise funds for the actor's former drama school, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Sir Kenneth Branagh will direct the play and Hiddleston revealed he has discussed working on it with the Northern Irish star. The Thor actor, who began his career in West End theatres, said the money raised by the performances will help keep the drama school doors 'open for everyone'. The Hamlet cast: (L-R: Nicholas Farrell, Ansu Kabia, Lolita Chakrabarti, Kathryn Wilder, Tom Hiddleston, Ayesha Antoine, Sean Foley, Caroline Martin, Irfan Shamji and Eleanor de Rohan Sir Kenneth Branagh (pictured with Dame Judi Dench) is directing the play which starts next month Tom Hiddleston, 36, starred in the popular BBC drama The Night Manager (pictured) The Thor actor said: 'Hamlet presents almost limitless possibilities for interpretation. 'I can't wait to explore them, with this great cast, at RADA. Kenneth Branagh and I have long talked about working on the play together, and now felt like the right time, at the right place. 'To be guided through it by him as a director, an expert and a friend, is our great good fortune. The performing arts exist to bring people together, not to break or keep them apart. 'I hope the funds raised by the production will help RADA continue to provide a wider field of equal opportunity to train actors, stage managers and technical theatre artists, from every background, to a standard of excellence and professionalism. We need to keep the doors open for everyone.' Fans on Twitter were quick to notice a small number of tickets were available through a ballet system. One fan said she will 'cry' if she doesn't get one Twitter user Natasha wrote that if she doesn't get to see Tom Hiddleston in Hamlet, 'then rip' Twitter user @ChristiansNotes wrote online that he had 'just found out' about the play and 'jumped out of bed' Others posted to say they had applied for tickets and added that they are desperately hoping to get some Sir Kenneth, who has directed or starred in several adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, said he is 'proud' to have Hiddleston in the cast. He said: 'The play speaks as loudly as ever to our volatile world and we are proud to have Tom Hiddleston lead an exciting group of actors, as he plays the title role for the first time.' 'This work has been in discussion and planning over a period of years. To find its expression at, with, and for RADA, is a privilege.' To help prevent the chance of resale, customers will only be able to collect their tickets 60 mins before the show begins. Customers must bring relevant documentation to collect their tickets, and photo identification will be required for those aged under-25. All funds raised will support the RADA Attenborough Campaign, which aims to raise 20million, enabling the regeneration of the Academy's Chenies Street premises. Advertisement Hundreds of applicants lined up Wednesday morning as Amazon hosted a massive jobs fair at warehouses across the country. The company invited job-seekers to 10 shipping sites, which Amazon calls 'fulfillment centers', throughout the US between 8am and noon local time to fill 50,000 new jobs. Nearly 40,000 of packing, sorting and shipping jobs at Amazon will be full-time and most will count toward Amazon's previously announced goal of adding 100,000 full-time workers by the middle of next year. Though it's common for Amazon to ramp up its shipping center staff in August to prepare for holiday shopping, Wednesday's hiring spree is a sign of the company's growth at a time traditional retailers are closing stores and cutting employees. Hundreds of applicants lined up Wednesday morning as Amazon hosted a massive jobs fair at 10 warehouses across the country (Pictured, applicants line up in Kent, Washington) Nearly 40,000 of the 50,000 packing, sorting and shipping jobs at Amazon will be full-time and most will count toward Amazon's previously announced goal of adding 100,000 full-time workers by the middle of next year (Pictured, job seekers line up to apply during 'Amazon Jobs Day' in Fall River, Massachusetts) Though it's common for Amazon to ramp up its shipping center staff in August to prepare for holiday shopping, Wednesday's hiring spree is a sign of the company's growth at a time traditional retailers are closing stores and cutting employees (Pictured, the first group of applicants begins a site tour during a job fair in Kent, Washington) Anthony Carnevale, director of Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, says this means more traditional store jobs will be lost than warehouse jobs filled. But, he says, Amazon's warehouse jobs provide 'decent and competitive' wages and could help build skills. 'Interpersonal team work, problem solving, critical thinking, all that stuff goes on in these warehouses,' Carnevale said. 'They're serious entry-level jobs for a lot of young people, even those who are still making their way through school.' The company is advertising starting wages that range from $11.50 an hour in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to $13.75 an hour in Kent, Washington, near Amazon's Seattle headquarters. In Washington State, the current minimum wage is $11.50, but by 2020 this will increase to $13.50. By comparison, the warehouse store operator Costco raised its minimum wage for entry-level workers last year from $13 to $13.50 an hour. The company is advertising starting wages that range from $11.50 an hour in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to $13.75 an hour in Kent, Washington, near Amazon's Seattle headquarters (Pictured, applicants wait on line in Kent, Washington) Many of the job candidates Wednesday were looking to supplement other income with an Amazon paycheck (Pictured, job candidates stand in line outside the Amazon 'fulfillment center' in Robbinsville, NJ) Amazon workers run past a line of applicants waiting to enter a jobs fair after greeting them with high-fives in Kent, Washington Many of the job candidates Wednesday were looking to supplement other income. Rodney Huffman, a 27-year-old personal trainer, said the $13-an-hour job in Baltimore would pay enough to help cover bills while he starts his own company. 'I'm looking to do the night shifts and then run my own company during the day,' he said. At one warehouse in Fall River, Massachusetts, the company hired 30 people on the spot in the first two hours and were looking to hire 200 in total. Employees there focus on sorting, labeling and shipping what the company calls 'non-sortable' items - big products such as shovels, kayaks, surfboards, grills, car seats - and plenty of giant diaper boxes. Other warehouses are focused on smaller products. While Amazon has attracted attention for deploying robots at some of its warehouses, experts said it could take a while before automation begins to seriously bite into its growing labor force (Pictured, job candidates watch as a robot carries packages inside the Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, NJ) Despite the massive effort, experts say more traditional store jobs will be lost than warehouse jobs filled (Pictured, Amazon workers run past a line of applicants waiting to enter a jobs fair and greet them with high-fives in Kent, Washington) Some warehouses focus on sorting, labeling and shipping 'non-sortable items' - big products such as shovel and kayaks - while others focus on smaller items (Pictured, job candidates wait in lines outside the recruitment office in Robbinsville, NJ) AMAZON JOBS FAIR LOCATIONS 1. Baltimore, Maryland 2. Chattanooga, Tennessee 3. Etna, Ohio 4. Fall River, Massachusetts 5. Hebron, Kentucky 6. Kenosha, Wisconsin 7. Kent, Washington 8. Robbinsville, New Jersey 9. Romeoville, Illinois 10. Whitestown, Indiana Advertisement While Amazon has attracted attention for deploying robots at some of its warehouses, experts said it could take a while before automation begins to seriously bite into its growing labor force. 'When it comes to dexterity, machines aren't really great at it,' said Jason Roberts, head of technology and analytics for mass recruiter Randstad Sourceright, which is not working with Amazon on its jobs fair. 'The picker-packer role is something humans do way better than machines right now.' Steve King, 47, a job candidate in Fall River, agreed: 'I don't think robots are up to snuff yet. I think they will be. Hopefully I can get in before the robots get that good and get above the robots in administration or something.' In recent years, reports have emerged about difficult working conditions at Amazon's warehouses, including deaths at two Amazon warehouses in 2014. The company also came under fire in 2011 for extreme heat at its warehouses that caused 'heat-related injuries' among workers. Amazon said at the time that it took emergency actions during heat waves and subsequently installed cooling systems in its warehouses. In recent years, reports have emerged about difficult working conditions at Amazon's warehouses, including deaths at two Amazon warehouses in 2014 (Job candidates take a tour of the Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, NJ) Lines across the country were incredibly long. In Fall River, a line snaked out of the warehouse and under an air-conditioned tent. In Kent, Washington, a vendor offered free cups of shaved ice from a truck playing steel-drum music (Pictured, job candidates stand in line outside of a processing tent outside the Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, NJ) Many felt the massive job fair was just a publicity stunt and that the company was only looking for 'young, healthy staff' (Pictured, candidates fill out applications in the recruitment office at the Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, NJ) But many of those who showed up Wednesday were excited by the prospects of health insurance and other benefits, as well as advancement opportunities. 'I like to be busy, so I know Amazon is busy and they want hard workers,' retired police officer Brian Trice said. Trice was among those who stood in line in Baltimore on a hot day, as Amazon contractors passed out bottles of water. In Fall River, a line snaked out of the warehouse and under an air-conditioned tent. In Kent, a vendor offered free cups of shaved ice from a truck playing steel-drum music. However, some left disappointed. Maureen Schell gave up after several hours at the Fall River site, describing it as a publicity stunt and a 'drive to get bodies in the door so they can cherry-pick the warehouse staff they want'. 'It looks like they're looking for young, healthy warehouse staff only,' said Schell, a 57-year-old searching for work that will put more money into her retirement. British holidaymakers are facing even greater travel chaos after security staff at Barcelona airport today voted to go on strike. Tourists heading to Spain and other European countries were already facing queues of up to four hours at border controls following the introduction of new EU regulations. Today workers for the private security company Eulen, which runs the border security at Barcelona's El Prat airport, voted for an indefinite strike beginning on August 14th or 15th. The staff have already planned a series of mini hour-long strikes beginning on Friday and continuing on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. Staff at the El Prat airport (pictured) were already working to rule and deliberately taking the maximum of ten minutes to pass each passenger through security this week. Now they have pledged to strike beginning on August 14 or 15 But they announced full-scale industrial action, supported by 93 per cent of the 360 company's workers at the airport, following a meeting toda. A source with the workers told Spanish media the strike would be '100 per cent, indefinite and 24 hours a day, seven days a week.' Eulen staff have been working to rule this week and deliberately taking the maximum allowed of ten minutes for each passenger to pass through security. That action was already causing long queues, delayed take-offs and passengers missing flights and connections. Thousands of beleaguered travellers were left standing for hours last month, including at one of the worst hit airports, Palma (pictured) This shocking picture shows stranded passengers in a queue stretching back hundreds of feet at Palma Airport on July 18 Airlines warned yesterday that around 1,000 passengers had missed flights because of the action. Airlines association Aceta said some companies were delaying 30 per cent of flights out of El Prat, Spain's second busiest airport, because they were missing up to 50 passengers at the time for take-off. The workers, who search passengers, monitor queues and operate scanners, want increased staffing levels and improved working conditions, saying they are stressed and work up to 16 hours a day. Hundreds of British holidaymakers were forced to endure lengthy waits at Palma airport, as seen here on July 29 Mediation between the workers and their bosses at Eulen, held at the Catalonia Labour Tribunal, broke down on Monday. A spokesman for the Spanish airlines association Aceta said the action was 'causing delays at security controls that are causing some companies to delay flights so they can wait for passengers stuck in queues.' El Prat is Spain's second busiest airport, with 44.1m passengers passing through last year, making it the sixth busiest in Europe. British passengers have already faced long delays at other airports in Spain and around Europe because of tough new border controls. Last month the new EU controls - coupled with a lack of staff - caused Brits to miss flights out of Palma airport in Majorca. Passengers have been warned to expect queues of 'hundreds of meters' at airports including Madrid, Palma, Lisbon, Lyons, Paris Orly and Milan. The new rules, requiring checks on passengers from non-Schengen countries including the UK and Ireland, were introduced following terror attacks in Paris and Brussels. Leslie Dennis (pictured), 64, allegedly ran over his tenant with a tractor on Monday A landlord in Maine was arrested for allegedly running over a tenant with a tractor for digging up his plants. York County Sheriff Bill King said Leslie Dennis, 64, was charged with aggravated assault on Monday. Dennis contacted the sheriff's office earlier that day, to report his tenants were digging up his plants. Deputies told the landlord to pursue a civil avenue to settle the dispute between him and the two women renting his apartment. According to WCSH, the sheriff's officer found that one of the tenants and her adult son kept digging up the plants in the backyard. Dennis then got his tractor and started driving toward them. Deputies said the son approached Dennis and struck him with a shovel, according to the station. Dennis then hit the man with the tractor and 'ran over' his mother, breaking her hip. The woman was transported to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford. Dennis told police that he already planned to evict them. He was released after posting $500 bail on Monday. The former CEO of a male escort service website was sentenced in Brooklyn on Wednesday to six months in prison after he pleaded guilty last year to promoting prostitution. Jeffrey Hurant, who ran the site Rentboy.com, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margo K. Brodie, who said she wanted to send a deterrent message even though she acknowledged the business improved conditions for some sex workers. 'The very thing that is illegal - there is no question it did a lot of good,' Brodie said of the website as she also announced a $7,500 fine. 'Almost two decades of committing a crime. That can't go unpunished.' Jeffrey Hurant, who ran the site Rentboy.com, was sentenced to six months in prison after he pleaded guilty last year to promoting prostitution 'I disagree with the law I violated. I am obliged to follow it,' he said. 'My company mitigated many of the dangers of sex work.' Prosecutors sought at least a short prison term to deter operators of other escort services from similar misconduct Hurant defended the business he said he ran openly for 20 years, saying many sex workers had told him that the website enabled them to work safely and independently after years of laboring in deplorable conditions. 'I disagree with the law I violated. I am obliged to follow it,' he said. 'My company mitigated many of the dangers of sex work.' Prosecutors sought at least a short prison term to deter operators of other escort services from similar misconduct, while his lawyers argued he deserves probation. Federal guidelines recommended 15 to 21 months, and Brodie acknowledged her turmoil over the case and ultimately sentenced him to six months. His lawyers asked for a week to decide when he would turn himself in to serve his jail time, WHTC reported. In letters to the court, lawmakers, civil rights organizations and other supporters cautioned that a tough sentence could send the wrong message to the gay community. The case is troubling 'because it harkens back to a dark chapter in our nation's history when the government used its vast resources to target and threaten LGBT adults by exposing their private consensual sexual activity,' wrote state Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat. Five New York City council members from the LGBT community also signed a letter arguing that 'a harsh sentence will serve neither society nor the rehabilitation of Mr. Hurant.' Other letters written last year by two Democratic congressmen from New York, Jerrold Nadler and Sean Patrick Maloney, to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security questioned whether the agencies had wasted time and resources on pursuing a victimless crime. Hurant had the support of two Democratic congressmen from New York who questioned whether the agencies had wasted time and resources on pursuing a victimless crime Before authorities arrested Hurant and seized the Rentboy site, it had thousands of advertisers paying up to $300 a month, 500,000 visitors a day and revenues of $10 million in five years Before authorities arrested Hurant and seized the Rentboy site, it had thousands of advertisers paying up to $300 a month, 500,000 visitors a day and revenues of $10 million in the past five years. The business hosted parties and an annual awards show for escorts called the Hookies. Prosecutors had alleged that Rentboy was the equivalent of an online brothel, and what the site called escorts was actually prostitutes. They said proof was in explicit ads featuring nude photos, listings of all manner of physical attributes and pricing options ranging from $150 an hour to $3,500 for a weekend. Homeland Security's involvement in the takedown, along with an absence of any allegations that Rentboy was a menace to society beyond simple prostitution - like engaging in human trafficking or exploiting minors - stirred anger and fear in the gay community. Activists questioned why the agency would single out Rentboy when other escort websites, gay or straight, continue to do business. David Trainer, pictured outside court in March this year, admitted assaulting four children A former children's television worker and celebrity photographer has admitted a string of historic child sexual offences. Convicted paedophile David Trainer today admitted assaulting two boys and two girls, aged between seven and 13. The 63-year-old's victims came forward after he was convicted in 2011 of assaulting several young girls during the 1980s and 1990s - one aged just six - and jailed for eight years. At the Inner London Crown Court today Trainer admitted eight counts of indecent assault and six counts of indecency with a child, between May 1980 and August 1991. Some of the assaults were carried out at Trainer's home on the Loughborough estate in Brixton, south London, when the children were allowed to stay with him, some at the homes of the victim's parents, and others at a folk music festival. Trainer worked as a puppeteer and special effects artist on 1986 musical Little Shop of Horrors and the 1984 film The NeverEnding Story. As a photographer, his documentary portrayal of London life featured in a Tate Britain exhibition in 2007 alongside William Henry Fox Talbot, Lewis Carroll, Bill Brandt and David Bailey. His famous subjects include Bob Hoskins, Jerry Hall, John Hurt, Richard Attenborough and Jim Broadbent. Many of his exhibited photographs, which sell at up to 500 a print, are portraits of children. The 63-year-old's victims came forward after he was convicted in 2011 of assaulting several young girls during the 1980s and 1990s - one aged just six - and jailed for eight years Varinder Hayre from the CPS said: 'David Trainer was a man who had worked on well-known films and children's programmes, and as a photographer, when he manipulated these children into gratifying his sexual desires. 'He abused the trust of these children and their parents to damage lives. 'These guilty pleas will spare those victims from having to attend a trial and we thank them for supporting this prosecution.' Trainer fell from grace in 2009, when the first of his many young victims - by then an adult - reported him to the NSPCC. During his 2011 trial at the Inner London Crown Court it emerged he carried out the attacks after letting his victims watch horror movies at his south London home or during visits to the swimming pool. Trainer will be sentenced at the Inner London Crown Court on 11 August. Lance Sherer (pictured)from Slatington, Pennsylvania was left heartbroken after police shot his pig Authorities in Slatington, Pennsylvania has left a man heartbroken after police officers shot and killed his beloved pot-bellied pig. Police Chief David Rachman said that police officers under his command acted in accordance with Slatington Police Department standards, and defended those officers involved in the incident. On July 21, police were called to a disturbance on the 300 block of Hill Street. They were told a pot-bellied pig was acting aggressively and had reportedly bitten a woman. As they arrived, the angry 100-pound animal shifted its attention and dashed towards the police presence on the scene. 'He was grunting and charging at the officer,' Rachman told The Morning Call newspaper. 'The officer took his gun out and shot him one time. After that, the pig was in distress, so the officer shot him again out of compassion.' Rachman said that officers made the right call, and praised their decisiveness in handling the situation. Police Chief David Rachman insist his officer did the right thing, noting that the pig was acting aggressive 'I stand by what my officers did,' the chief said. 'We had to stop the threat. This was something that had to be dealt with at the time.' Police took the pig carcass to the woods along the Lehigh River and left it there. Lance Sherer of Walnut Street said his pig's name was Oscar. Upon learning of his pet's fate, Sherer, 47, took to Facebook to express his grief. 'R.I.P Oscar you will be truly missed by many,' the eulogy begins. 'You were my best friend and loved by all. Your life was way too short shot down by police for showing the love and playfulness that you brought me and many others. I will never let you be forgotten.' The pig, named Oscar (pictured), bit a neighbor after it had wondered into her yard Police Chief Rachman said as a pet owner, he understands Sherer's sorrow. 'I have compassion for the owner,' he said. 'I know he cares greatly. I have dogs myself.' But Rachman noted that owning a pig in Slatington was against the law. Asked by The Morning Call why officers hadn't employed an alternative tactic to stop Oscar, Rachman said nothing else would have realistically worked given the situation. 'If we had an opportunity to corral this pig or get the owner and calm him down, we would have done that,' said Rachman. 'But nobody knew where this pig was from... and it was aggressive. 'This pig was 100 pounds. That might not sound like much, but consider a 100-pound dog. Thats a big dog. Thats potentially dangerous.' Before authorities arrived, Oscar had bitten Kathleen Williams after wondering into her yard. The pig failed to break Williams' skin, but left a red mark and continued to be aggressive. Detectives are quizzing a man on suspicion of murder after a 'kind and selfless' mother was stabbed to death in her home. Betty Jordan, 53, was found at her Bangor, North Wales, home on Monday at 9am. She was rushed to hospital but died later that day. Police said a local 54-year-old man was helping with inquiries. They are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious on the Maesgeirchen estate on Monday morning to come forward. Betty Jordan, 53, was found at her Bangor, North Wales, home on Monday at 9am Ms Jordan was rushed to hospital but died later that day. Police said a local 54-year-old man was helping with inquiries Police are also interested in any sightings of a black Peugeot 207 car DN09 XRG between the estate and Felinheli, near Bangor, where the suspect was arrested. In a tribute yesterday her son and daughter described Ms Jordan as 'a wonderful mother'. They said: 'Her naturally caring, kind and selfless nature was the character trait that everyone knew her for and we as her children knew how much she doted on the two of us. 'Nothing was ever too much for mam to help anyone in need and she always refused any gesture in return. She never passed judgement and treated everyone as her own. 'She was truly loved by family, friends, work colleagues and all who had the pleasure and privilege of meeting her. 'We are so very proud to be able to call her our mother, best friend and biggest role model in our lives. 'She will live on in our hearts forever and we will ensure that our memories of her will live on for as long as we live. Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious on the Maesgeirchen estate on Monday morning to come forward 'To our beloved Mam, we adore you, we treasure you and we appreciate all that you did to ensure that we had the best in life. 'You made a massively brave decision at such a young age to move over to Wales to ensure that we had the best in life and we will forever be grateful for all that you did for us. 'We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to the emergency services who attended the scene with such urgency and have treated us all with the utmost respects and courtesy in our time of need, for that no words can ever describe our gratitude for all involved. 'We would also like to thank everyone for their messages, offers to help in any way possible and for showing our family respect at this devastating time. We will be forever grateful for the community support.' President Donald Trump is considering a cabinet shuffle that would send Energy Secretary Rick Perry to the Department of Homeland Security. Perry was governor of Texas for 15 years, calling illegal immigration 'a humanitarian crisis' and blaming then-president Barack Obama for failing to prioritize the problem. In 2014 he sent 1,000 National Guard troops to help stabilize and secure the U.S.-Mexico border. But his policies as governor regarding illegal immigrants who were already in the U.S. could clash with Trump's: Perry once helped push state legislation that allowed their children to pay in-state tuition rates to attend college. Ultimately, Trump decided to attack Perry a month after launching his presidential campaign in 2015. 'Rick Perry did an absolutely horrible job of securing the border. He should be ashamed of himself,' the future president tweeted then. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, pictured July 13 in Mexico City, could be the next secretary of Health and Human Services Perry was known for being tough on illegal immigrants as Texas governor, but he did promote legislation that allowed them to attend college and pay in-state tuition rates A month after Trump launched his presidential campaign, he declared that Perry 'did an absolutely horrible job securing the border' Bloomberg Politics first reported that Perry has made the short list to run DHS. Perry is known as an affable if gaffe-prone public servant, famously crashing and burning his own 2012 presidential ambitions by forgetting during a primary debate the names of federal agencies he had pledged to dismantle if he won. One of those was the Department of Energy, which he now leads. 'The third agency of government I would do away with the Education, the uh, the Commerce and let's see,' he said during the 2011 debate. 'I can't. The third one. I can't. Sorry. Oops.' 'The Energy Department is one of those that needs to be done away with,' he told reporters an hour later. Last month Perry was embarrassed again when he carried on a 20-minute phone conversation about the Paris Climate Accord and sanctions against Russia and using pig manure as a power source with a man he thought was Ukraine's prime minister. The man on the other end of the line turned out to be a famous Russian prankster. Also under consideration for the top Homeland Security job is acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan, pictured last week talking to White House reporters about the MS-13 gang Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is also a long shot for the position, but he has already announced his 2018 candidacy for governor The Energy Department deflected questions about Perry's possible move, saying on Wednesday that 'Secretary Perry is focused on the important mission of the Department of Energy. He's honored to be mentioned, but he loves what he's doing.' Former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly became White House chief of staff this week, leaving a vacancy at the top of the agency responsible for immigration, customs, border protection, airport security, the U.S. Coast Guard and federal disaster response. Kelly's tenure in Trump's cabinet was marked by a dramatic and largely successful push to limit illegal immigration and advance the president's pet project a wall stretching across most of America's southern border. Homeland Security is the third-largest cabinet agency in the federal government, smaller than only the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Perry has already worked with Mexican officials in his role at Energy, meeting last month with his counterpart south of the border about an agreement to promote cross-border electricity trade and investment. He has also focused on homeland security threats to nuclear power poants and other energy facilities, telling the Fox Business Network four weeks ago that cyber-attacks could be a real danger. Russian comedians Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov fooled Perry into speaking with them for 20-minutes about pig manure on July 18 The threat of an attack on America's electric grid 'is real, it's ongoing and we shouldn't be surprised when you think of the world we live in today,' Perry said. Some administration officials favor Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, as Kelly's successor at DHS. McCaul was considered for the job during the presidential transition period. Another dark horse candidate could be Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who would likely have to abandon his announced 2018 run for governor if Trump were to choose him. Thomas Homan, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has also been mentioned as a possible Homeland Security secretary. Kelly Green, 32, (left with her husband Shane Green) moved from Eastbourne, East Sussex, in the UK to Tristan da Cunha (pictured), one of a remote group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, in July 2013. The whole island descends from just seven families and has a population of just 138 inhabitants. It is only accessible by boat from Cape Town, South Africa, and the journey can take anywhere from a week to 15 days - depending on the weather. After going through a tough break up, Kelly travelled to the island to visit her parents in 2010 as her dad was a diplomat posted there. Kelly said she 'fell in love' with the island and it was there that she met her now husband Shane Green, 33. Shane, a carpenter who has lived on the island for his entire life, had helped Kelly carry her luggage off the raft and they soon became besotted with each other. Kelly made the move to Tristan da Cunha permanently in July 2013 and the couple now have two children together - Savannah, eight, and Seren, who is 16-months-old. Chinese kung fu star Jackie Chan revealed on Tuesday that he recorded the voice-over narratives for six consecutive hours for the BBC's nature documentary "Earth: One Amazing Day," having immersed himself in the wonders of nature and animals. Jackie Chan poses with the creators of "Earth: One Amazing Day" at its premiere held in Beijing, Aug. 1, 2017. [Photo/China.org.cn] Chan, along with BBC producers Stephen McDonogh and Neil Nightingale, attended the China premiere of the documentary in Beijing, which is co-directed by Peter Webber, Richard Dale and Chinese director Fan Lixin. It is the sequel to the BBC's natural documentary "Earth" (2007). Writer Yan Geling, who has also penned bestsellers "Flowers of War" and "Coming Home," contributed to the Chinese narrative script, as did music producer Roc Chen, the music consultant for "Kung Fu Panda 3." Renowned director and actor Robert Redford narrated the English version. The documentary, filmed in 22 countries, beautifully captures the creatures of our planet Earth and takes the audience on an amazing voyage of life in the wild. The unique habitats and characters of 38 wild animals, including the hummingbird, narwhal, marine iguana and giant panda, are featured in the film. The film also showcases cutting-edge technologies, including 4K cameras, low-light filming as well as the use of eight rotor helicopters to record life from never before seen angles, providing for a new perspective on nature. For one scene the crew also deployed drones over 200 times to capture the endangered white-headed langur in the mountainous area of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, becoming the first foreign crew to capture this species on camera. Jackie Chan speaks at the premiere of "Earth: One Amazing Day" held in Beijing, Aug. 1, 2017. [Photo/China.org.cn] "I love animals, and I get inspired by them when I'm acting," Chan said, "I was so attracted by the documentary and even forgot to go to bathroom when I recorded the narratives for six consecutive hours! I can't wait to watch scene after scene." He appealed to parents to take their children to watch the film so that they can see for themselves how beautiful the planet is and witness animals that they may have never seen before. This is especially the case for those living in big cities, constantly using electronic devices and rarely having the opportunity to experience nature. "Give this film a chance, and you can re-discover nature," he said. The BBC and China's SMG Pictures partnered to produce "Earth: One Amazing Day," which is the first film produced under a film co-production agreement between Britain and China since 2014. "Earth: One Amazing Day" will open in China on Aug. 11, 2017. A four-year-old boy died on Tuesday after apparently shooting himself with a loaded gun police say he found in his family's Las Vegas home. The shooting was reported at around 2pm at a home in the 9500 block of Chandler Springs Avenue. The toddler was rushed to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead 45 minutes later. The county coroner identified the boy as Bradley Whitis, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Scroll down for video Four-year-old Bradley Whitis died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun The incident happened Tuesday in the 9500 block of Chandler Springs Avenue in Las Vegas (pictured) Preliminary investigation results have indicated that the shooting was accidental. News 3 LV has reported that Bradley's seven-year-old brother, his father and grandfather were at home at the time of the shooting, which was reported as an accidental discharge of a firearm. According to the Las Vegas Police Department, the young boy shot himself after his relatives walked out of the room, briefly leaving him unattended with a loaded gun, reported KTNV. Las Vegas PDs Abuse and Neglect Unit has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the childs death. As of Wednesday afternoon, the parents have not been charged in their son's death. LVMPD Officer Larry Hadfield has urged gun owners who have children to keep their weapons locked away to prevent such tragedies from happening. Initially reports said the boy was three years old. President Donald Trump is running interference for Moscow's new ambassador to the U.S. asserting his own authority to receive a new ambassador should he fall under sweeping new sanctions legislation Trump grudgingly signed Wednesday. Russia's old ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, is at the heart of multiple Russia probes, having met with senior Trump campaign officials and family members during the campaign and transition before getting summoned home. Now, Moscow has made plans to send as his replacement Anatoly Antonov, who served as Russia's deputy defense minister during Russia's invasion of Ukraine then coming personally under economic sanctions by the European Union. He could also be poised to run afoul of tough provisions in the new law Trump signed despite blasting parts of it 'unconstitutional.' Russia's Isvestia newspaper reported that the U.S. has already green-lighted Antonov's ambassadorship. 'There are outstanding issues related to a diplomatic visa. Its taking time but were almost there,' said the report, which cited a high-ranking Russian foreign ministry source, as reported in Kremlin-backed Sputnik news. Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks during the True Friend competition among dog handlers at the Krasnaya Zvezda [Red Star] dog breeding kennel as part of the 2016 Army Games, an international event organized by the Russian Defense Ministry. Moscow wants to send him to Washington as the new Russian ambassador Although he signed the bill in private, the White House released a statement, and Trump sent an accompanying signing statement to Congress disputing portions of the law where he vented about certain parts. Provisions 'would require me to deny certain individuals entry into the United States, without an exception for the Presidents responsibility to receive ambassadors under Article II, section 3 of the Constitution,' Trump wrote. Other provisions 'purport to direct my subordinates in the executive branch to undertake certain diplomatic initiatives, in contravention of the Presidents exclusive constitutional authority to determine the time, scope, and objectives of international negotiations,' he wrote. President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with then-Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak during talks with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (not inpicture) in the Oval Office at the White House He didn't name any specific individuals in the statement, but Moscow's new choice to be ambassador, Antonov, was among 19 Russian and Ukrainian individuals who fell under European Union sanction in 2015, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Antonov called NATO the 'frontline of confrontation' with Russia, which may have irked western leaders,Reuters reported at the time. Trump's constitutional authority to receive ambassadors 'Further, certain provisions, such as sections 254 and 257, purport to direct my subordinates in the executive branch to undertake certain diplomatic initiatives, in contravention of the Presidents exclusive constitutional authority to determine the time, scope, and objectives of international negotiations.' 'And other provisions, such as sections 104, 107, 222, 224, 227, 228, and 234, would require me to deny certain individuals entry into the United States, without an exception for the Presidents responsibility to receive ambassadors under Article II, section 3 of the Constitution.' 'My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions and will implement them in a manner consistent with the Presidents constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations. ' Advertisement Asked about Trump's claim, congressional aides pointed to provisions in the bill that ban visas for those under sanction. The new law doesn't explicitly mention diplomatic visas, but they could also come into play. The bill contains a section on 'mandatory imposition of sanctions with respect to significant corruption in the Russian Federation,' although it allows for a presidential determination before someone gets sanctioned. To get a waiver, the president has to inform congressional committees that it is in the vital national security interests of the United States. The laws wavier provisions apply only to the Russia sanctions not to North Korea or to Iran. The law codifies Obama executive orders linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and could bring in new individuals, absent a waiver from Trump. Antonov was among 19 Russian and Ukrainian individuals who fell under European Union sanction in 2015, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He called NATO the 'frontline of confrontation' with Russia, which may have irked western leaders, Reuters reported at the time. When Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg, they agreed to speed the appointment of ambassadors, NPR reported. Even if Trump grants a waiver, any Senator could try to block it by forcing a vote in the full Senate. 'Senators would have to vote on whether or not the guy gets into the country - that's going to be quite a spectacle,' said one Hill aide. Trump's blunt statement of his authority to receive ambassadors comes just days after Putin said Russia would expel more than 700 U.S. diplomatic officials in retaliation for the sanctions. ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 30, 2017: Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu (L), and president Vladimir Putin review a naval parade marking the Day of the Russian Navy, from Senate Square overlooking the Neva River Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump wasn't happy with the bill he signed into law 'My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions,' the president wrote in his statement in language certain to annoy lawmakers who consider the law much more than a preference. Sen. John McCain shot back in a statement: 'The concerns expressed in the Presidents signing statement are hardly surprising, though misplaced. The Framers of our Constitution made the Congress and the President coequal branches of government. This bill has already proven the wisdom of that choice.' Nina Scott (pictured), a 28-year-old woman who taught at a school for troubled youths near Philadelphia, has pleaded guilty to having an affair with a female 16-year-old student A woman who taught at a school for troubled youths has pleaded guilty to having an affair with a female student. Nina Scott, 28, from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, accepted a plea deal on Monday for institutional sexual assault on a 16-year-old student whom she referred to as her 'girlfriend'. She will serve a minimum of three months on electronic home monitoring, followed by five years of sex offender probation. The assaults took place multiple times between February and October in 2016 while the 28-year-old was a teacher at The Village School in Radnor Township, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. It was reported in February this year, after the relationship was uncovered, Scott wrote more than 30 letters to the teenage girl. In her letters, Scott referred to her bed as 'our bed', called her two-year-old daughter 'our baby girl', and spoke about 'rolling over in bed and missing [the student] because she was not there', WCAU reports. The affair, which spanned eight months, was sparked by the teenage student sending a note of her own to Scott that read: 'How would you feel if I kissed you?' Scroll down for video Scott (left, being arrested earlier this year, and right, in another mugshot) accepted a plea deal on Monday for sexually assaulting the student whom she referred to as her 'girlfriend' Over the course of the relationship, the teacher and the student had sexual encounters in Scott's car, at her home, and on school property - including in a classroom, according to reports citing the criminal complaint earlier this year. A journal written by the young student also referenced the relationship, at times referring to Scott as her 'future wife' and 'the love of my life', while also claiming the teacher was 'good in bed'. Police became aware of the illegal relationship after the student transferred to another school, and staff members found the journal and letters detailing the affair. The student was at the Mid-Atlantic Youth Services facility when the correspondences were found during a routine search, according to the Inquirer. The assaults took place multiple times between February and October in 2016 while the 28-year-old was a teacher at The Village School (pictured) in Radnor Township The Village is a residential child-care facility where young people with behavioral and emotional issues are held after being sent there by court order. The school's website says its goal is: 'to reach the most vulnerable members of our communities and deliver assistance that lasts. 'We work together with children, families and communities impacted by trauma to support healing and resilience, to encourage hope and to empower them to realize their greatest potential.' Scott had been hired in October 2015. She was fired after the allegations emerged. Philip Hammond today became the first Cabinet minister to visit Argentina in 16 years amid fresh controversy over the Falkland Islands. The Chancellor met with President Mauricio Macri for trade talks in an historic visit to the South American country. He has been urged to stand up for the people of the Falkland Islands during the visit, although he is not expected to raise the issue during the meeting. The two men smiled and shook hands as they met in Buenos Aires today to consider how they can 'deepen the UK-Argentina economic partnership'. The visit, part of a four-day trip to South America, is designed to revive trade links that never recovered after the 1982 Falklands War. No British Cabinet minister has visited Argentina since 2001, when Tony Blair made a symbolic stopover at the Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil. Chancellor Philip Hammond shakes hands with Argentine president Mauricio Macri as the pair held talks on trade in Buenos Aires today. Mr Hammond became the first Cabinet minster in 16 years to visit the country Mr Hammond also met with the Argentine foreign minister Jorge Faurie, during the historic visit. The Chancellor is visiting South America to drum up support for British trade But relations have thawed following the election of President Macri, who has adopted a less confrontational stance over the Falklands, which Argentina claims sovereignty over. A Treasury spokesman said: 'The agenda is focused firmly on building economic ties and looking ahead to the G20.' And the British embassy in Argentina tweeted a picture of Mr Hammond shaking hands with the Argentine President. It had the message: 'The Minister @PhilipHammondUK began his visit to Argentina with a meeting with @MauricioMacri to deepen economic ties.' The trip will provide a chance to drum up business for companies flying out with the Chancellor such as the London Stock Exchange. No British Cabinet minister has visited Argentina since 2001, when Tony Blair made a symbolic stopover at the Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil But it comes just months after Argentina claimed Brexit could end Europe's support for UK control of the Falklands, which it calls the Malvinas. In 2015 Mr Hammond hit out at the then Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's aggressive claim on the Falklands, saying: 'The bullying and harassment to which the islanders continue to be subjected is shameful - it's counter-productive, it's wrong and it must stop.' Tory MP Andrew Rosindell has urged Mr Hammond to resist any attempt to barter away sovereignty in exchange for trade links. Mr Rosindell, a member of the all-party Falklands group, said: 'The Chancellor is right to drum up business for Britain in Argentina. But one thing that will never be for sale are the British Falkland Islands. 'The sovereignty of the islands must not, under any circumstance, be up for discussion. They may figure on the Buenos Aires spreadsheet as an asset that it would like to bid for, but the rights and freedoms of the islanders must never be traded away.' Mr Hammond held trade talks with the Brazilian government yesterday and will meet local business leaders in the country today before heading to Argentina. This is the moment a mysterious figure was blown up in a video showcasing the pinpoint accuracy of South Korea's bunker-busting missiles. Seoul tested a Hyunmoo Missile II during combined military exercises with the United States with the weapon seen thudding into a target. But footage of the trial also shows flames and smoke coming out of a cave under the target - and engulfing a figure at the entrance of the tunnel. South Koreans commenting on the footage asked whether the military had just blown up one of its guards - but others pointed out that the figure is likely to have been a mannequin designed to show the devastating impact of the rocket. Footage captures the moment a mysterious figure was blown up as South Korea showcased the pinpoint accuracy of its bunker-busting missiles Video of the trial also shows flames and smoke coming out of a cave under the target - and engulfing a figure at the entrance of the tunnel Seoul tested a Hyunmoo Missile II during combined military exercises with the United States with the weapon seen thudding into a target A spokesman for South Korean president Moon Jae-in said that the missiles 'will be a key component in our kill chain to counter possible North Korean missile attacks'. In a recent test launch designed to resemble an operational strike, the missile penetrated the earth before erupting into flames in a bunker. Meanwhile, the US Air Force successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile just days after North Korea tested its latest rocket, which could potentially hit New York City. An unarmed Minuteman III missile was fired from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base at 2.10am local time on Wednesday. South Korea has been testing a Hyunmoo Missile II during combined military exercises with the United States A spokesman for South Korean president Moon Jae-in said that the missiles 'will be a key component in our kill chain to counter possible North Korean missile attacks' The rocket tested earlier this week went up in the air before blasting into the ground and exploding a bunker A target shows that the South Korean missile testing appears to have impressive accuracy The Air Force Global Strike Command said a single re-entry vehicle traveled roughly 4,200 miles across the Pacific Ocean where it struck a target in the Kwajalein Atoll 'These test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent,' an Air Force statement said. Military chiefs said the launch had been 'long-planned' and was not directly in response to North Korea's rapidly accelerating nuclear program. The missile, which weighs almost 80,000 pounds and has a range of 6,000 miles, is 'an element of the nation's strategic deterrent forces', reports state. Show of force: An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test from Vandenberg Air Force base in California on Wednesday The US AIr Force successfully launched a Minuteman III missile from their base at Vandenberg, in California, at 2.10am on Wednesday, a spokesman said This map shows where the Vandenberg Air Force Base in located near the California coast The launch, which is the fourth of its kind this year, comes just days after North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test on Friday - the second in a month. The two-stage Hwasong-14 missile traveled 2,300 miles into space before coming back down off the coast of Japan's northern-most island, Hokkaido. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent a message to Kim on Wednesday saying, 'We are not your enemy' just days after Pyongyang testing an intercontinental ballistic missile. 'We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel,' Tillerson said. He added: 'We are not your enemy but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them.' He urged, however, that 'a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less the (US) homeland'. The US launch comes after North Korea tested a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile on July 28. Pictured is the missile during the launch Kim Jong-un's rockets are capable of reaching America but would not work when they got there, according to analysts North Korea's push to build a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening US cities has brought the region to the brink of crisis, and Washington is using every diplomatic lever to shut the program down. But, in defiance of efforts to isolate Kim Jong-Un's pariah regime, Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho will attend a regional security forum alongside the ASEAN ministerial meeting this weekend. Tillerson and other key players, including China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will also be in the Philippine capital -- but Susan Thornton, the acting US assistant secretary of state, said the US diplomat would not take the opportunity to meet Ri. 'What we would expect to see this year at the meeting would be a general chorus of condemnation of North Korea's provocative behavior,' she said. Tillerson has no plans to meet separately with the North Koreans, she said, while at the forum itself she predicted 'pretty serious diplomatic isolation directed at the North Korean foreign minister.' South East Asian diplomatic sources told AFP that Tillerson had lobbied US allies to exclude North Korea from the ASEAN regional forum, which meets to discuss Asia-Pacific security issues alongside ASEAN talks. Thornton confirmed that Washington is seeking to further isolate Pyongyang, but admitted that there had not been time to convince its regional allies to update the guest list before the Manila talks. On Monday, Donald Trump said: 'We'll handle North Korea. We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything' US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent a message to Kim on Wednesday saying, 'We are not your enemy' just days after Pyongyang testing an intercontinental ballistic missile 'We've been going around talking to partners to talk about what more they can do to increase pressure on the regime and increase the diplomatic isolation of the regime,' she told reporters. 'We've been having a serious discussion about what it would take for a member to be suspended from this organization that is dedicated to conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. 'We'll see how that develops in the coming year. Of course it's too late for us to have that conversation, since the meeting is upon us for this year.' Thornton's remarks contrasted with those of USPresident Donald Trump, who on Saturday accused Beijing of doing 'nothing' to help on North Korea and pointed to the huge US trade deficit with China. On Monday, the president said: 'We'll handle North Korea. We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything.' Trump was sat with Defense Secretary James Mattis during a cabinet meeting at the time. Nikki Haley, the US envoy to the United Nations, said yesterday that there was 'no point' in holding a fruitless emergency Security Council session, warning that another weak council resolution would be 'worse than nothing' in light of the North's repeated violations. US strategic bombers on Saturday flew over the Korean peninsula in a direct response to Friday's launch, and on Sunday American forces successfully tested a missile interception system which could be installed on the Korean peninsula. A young mother has thanked the 'angel' Good Samaritan who rushed to her aid when she collapsed at home in Manchester. Aimerance Arinde's son, Enosh, was unable to wake up his mum when she fell unconscious after collapsing at home in Audenshaw last month. Left alone with his two baby sisters, the nine-year-old rushed out to get help from a neighbour, but found that nobody was home. Desperate to help his 27-year-old mum the quick-thinking little boy ran out into the street and flagged down stranger Michael Aldridge. Aimerance Arinde's son, Enosh, was unable to wake up his mum when she fell unconscious at home in Audenshaw last month, so stranger Michael Aldridge (pictured) came to the rescue Aldridge, 31, was on his way to the gym in Ashton when he spotted theschoolboy who shouted that his mum 'couldn't move'. British Gas worker Aldridge rushed into the house, saw Arinde on the settee and called 999. Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to the home at 4.45pm on July 3, following reports from the ambulance service of a woman in an unresponsive state. 'It was quite scary,' Aldridge said. 'The paramedic on the phone told me what todo and asked to check if she was breathing. The way she was lying her stomach was going up and down. She was not breathing very much. 'I removed cushions from behind her head. She started spluttering and started to get her breathing back again. I was there for about 10 minutes holding her hand. 'She was crying and I was reassuring her. Her little boy was sitting next to her. He was quite calm until she started to splutter. 'After 10 minutes the paramedic turned up to the house and that was when he realised there was a toddler and a baby apparently asleep in the front room as well. 'That was when I was in a bit of a panic. I had noticed there was a pram, but didn't think there were any children in it because my attention was all on the mother.' Aldridge, 31, was on his way to the gym in Ashton when he spotted theschoolboy who shouted that his mum 'couldn't move'. British Gas worker Aldridge rushed into the house, saw Arinde on the settee and called 999 Paramedics and police took over and checked over Arinde's two daughters,21-month-old Princess and six-month of Prinsley. However, the mum-of-three remained unconscious and was rushed to hospital by ambulance. Aldridge, from Ashton, added: 'The little boy was so calm throughout, he wasamazing. Because I was cradling his mum's head in my arms he was keeping me calm really. 'When the ambulance came he saw me in the crowd and rushed over to shake my hand. 'I am glad I was there - I'm a great believer in fate and I was in the right place at the right time.' Arinde, 27, says she is still awaiting tests to find out why shecollapsed. Describing Aldridge as an 'angel' she said she is convinced that he saved her life. She said: 'I don't remember it but I collapsed and my son went to get someone to help me. 'He knocked on the neighbour's door but they weren't in so he stopped a stranger in the road. The man called the ambulance, waited for them to come and he was there until the ambulance came. 'He's like an angel to me. He saved my life, he really did. I want to thank him for everything he has done for me. I am so grateful. God bless him.' An object swallowed by a father of one whose death after a struggle with police sparked violent scenes did not contain drugs, according to forensic analysis. CCTV appeared to show at least one police officer attempting to restrain Rashan Charles, 20, on the floor of a shop in east London before he died later in hospital on July 22. His death sparked violent clashes with police in Hackney on Friday as demonstrators hurled bottles and fireworks at officers. Scroll down for video Did not swallow drugs: CCTV shows Rashan Jermaine Charles, 20, (circled) putting his hand to his mouth as he entered a Hackney shop moments before a policeman tackled him CCTV footage (pictured) appears to show at least one police officer attempting to restrain Mr Charles on the floor of a shop in east London before he died later in hospital on July 22 The police watchdog has now said the object 'did not contain a controlled substance' but that findings from a pathologist are yet to come back. Last week, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the evidence it had seen so far suggested that Mr Charles was detained by a Metropolitan Police officer who had followed him on foot into a shop on Kingsland Road after an earlier attempted vehicle stop. The IPCC is investigating the death of Rashan Charles (pictured) The officer restrained Mr Charles, with the help of a member of the public, and he was handcuffed. After he was detained, attempts were made to remove an object from his mouth or throat. His condition deteriorated, and the officer called for a police medic who provided assistance prior to the arrival of paramedics, according to the IPCC. A spokesman said today: 'The IPCC's investigation into the circumstances of Rashan Charles's death following contact with police in Hackney on 22 July is ongoing and making good progress. 'Our independent investigation is thoroughly examining all aspects of police interaction with Rashan prior to his death and has already undertaken a large number of investigative actions. 'The IPCC has now received results of forensic analysis of an object that was removed from Rashan's airway by paramedics. The object did not contain a controlled substance.' A bin set alight following a march by members of Hackey Stand Up To Racism protest People held Stand Up To Racism and Black Lives Matter placards outside the police station The watchdog said IPCC staff met with Mr Charles's family on Wednesday afternoon to update them with the results of the forensic analysis. The spokesman added: 'A post mortem took place on Monday 24 July and the IPCC is awaiting the preliminary findings from the pathologist.' Weyman Bennett, co-convenor at Stand Up To Racism, said: 'We now know that the initial statements put out at the time of Rashan's death were misleading or outright lies. Justification for his death looks increasingly at the hands of those people that forcibly restrained him. 'The attempt to smear Rashan as somebody involved in drugs was an attempt to assassinate his character. We hold the police wholly responsible for these false statements that were put out, and we demand justice for Rashan.' Furious campaigners set fire to bins and blocked roads outside a London police station last week as they protested against the handling of Mr Charles. Up to 150 people chanting 'no justice, no peace' while holding Black Lives Matters placards had brought traffic to a standstill outside east London's Stoke Newington Police Station in a vigil for Mr Charles. Rashan's father Patrick Charles (pictured) spoke at the event, which doubled as both a vigil for Mr Charles and a protest against the police The vigil was organised by Stand Up To Racism, with campaigners saying they are 'enormously concerned and angered' over his death. The crowd, which was made up of people from different races and ages, listened to speeches about alleged police brutality as uniformed officers looked on. Rashan's father Patrick Charles said: 'I'm a father but my son was killed in the hands of police. Me and my family are grieving over this. 'I thank everyone for their support, it's a comfort to us to read your messages. 'We are seeking justice on this but I want everybody to be peaceful. This is not something we are going to take into our own hands.' The vigil was organised by Stand Up To Racism, with campaigners saying they are 'enormously concerned and angered' over his death A teenage passenger was taken for a medical evaluation after he opened an emergency door on an airplane when it landed in San Francisco then slid down the wing to the tarmac, an official said Wednesday. The teen was not injured during the Tuesday incident that occurred at San Francisco International Airport minutes after Copa Airlines Flight 208 arrived from Panama City, airport spokesman Doug Yakel said. The teen - a U.S. citizen - was traveling alone and appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight, Yakel said. The teen's name has not been released. A teenage passenger on a flight from Panama to San Francisco opened an emergency door after landing on Tuesday and ran off the plane (above, the plane in question) An official said Wednesday that the teen - who has not been identified - was taken for a medical evaluation, above the emergency exit that was opened The teen - a U.S. citizen - was traveling alone and appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight After jumping from the plane, he was held by an airfield construction crew until police arrived and arrested him. Witnesses said the teen seemed fidgety and anxious throughout the seven-hour flight. He was already on the ground and running by the time passengers realized the door had been opened. 'It was as if he was like flying out, like it was really fast,' passenger Sophia Gibson told San Jose television station KNTV. Copa Airlines said in a statement that emergency exits over wings are intended to be opened by passengers at lower altitudes to allow evacuations in emergencies. It's a violation of federal law to open the doors without an instruction from crew members. Above, police officers on the plane after the incident on Tuesday Copa Airlines officials were not immediately available Wednesday for further comment. Passenger Matt Crowder said people sitting near the exit row stood up and shouted when the boy jumped. 'They were yelling, "Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The door's open. Someone jumped off,"' Crowder told the television station. 'It was pretty crazy.' Passenger Isaac Rodrigues said a flight attendant used her body to block the gap where the door had been until the plane was at a gate. 'We were on the runway for about an hour,' Rodrigues said. No other flights were affected, Yakel said. An 'armed and dangerous' Oxford University employee and an American microbiology professor are on the run today after a hair stylist was found stabbed to death in a luxury Chicago apartment block. Andy Warren, 56, from Swindon, and Wyndham Lathem, 42, who teaches at Northwestern University in the US city are wanted for the murder of 26-year-old Trenton H. James Cornell-Duranleau. Police have launched a nationwide manhunt and a judge has issued first-degree murder arrest warrants for the men accused of repeatedly stabbing Mr Cornell-Duranleau in Lathem's luxury apartment on July 27. Mr Warren, a former bus driver and train buff who works in payroll at Oxford's Somerville College, is believed to be days into his first trip to America when the murder took place. Lathem is an associate professor of microbiology at Chicago's prestigious Northwestern University, where he is an expert in immunising against bubonic plague. Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said last night that they believe the men have fled Illinois, adding: 'The search for them will only intensify. They should do the right thing and turn themselves in to any police station. Its only a matter of time.' 'Armed and dangerous': Police in Chicago are looking for two murder suspects, Northwestern University professor Wyndam Lathem (left) and Oxford University employee Andrew Warren (right) Victim: Lathem and Warren are wanted on first-degree murder charges in the July 27 stabbing death of 26-year-old hair stylist Trenton H. James Cornell-Duranleau (pictured) Death in a skyscraper: Cornell-Duranleau's body was found on the 10th floor of the Grand Plaza Apartments, where Lathem resides The Grand Plaza apartment building boasts one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and features an outdoor pool Mr Cornell-Duranleau was stabbed to death inside a 10th-floor apartment in the Grand Plaza Apartments complex on North State Street in Chicago. Andrew Warren is a British national who had once worked as a bus driver and cashier - he is on his first trip to the United States Public records indicate that Lathem lives at the address where Cornell-Duranleaus body was found. An autopsy found the 26-year-old man died from multiple sharp force injuries, probably caused by a knife. His manner of death was ruled a homicide. Investigators said they were looking at various possible motives, including a 'possible domestic incident,' according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Police said Lathem and Warren are considered 'armed and dangerous' and were last seen driving a gray 2017 Hyundai sedan. Lathem's LinkedIn page indicates that he has a PhD in microbiology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lathem has been a faculty member at the university since 2007, researching how pathogenic bacteria cause disease in humans, specifically the Black Death plague. Alan Cubbage, Northwestern University Vice President for University Relations, released a statement on Wednesday saying that Lathem has been placed on administrative leave and banned from Northwesterns campuses. This is now a criminal matter under investigation by the appropriate authorities, and Northwestern University is cooperating in that investigation, Cubbages statement read. According to his Facebook page, Andrew Warren is a British national from Swindon who had once worked as a bus driver and cashier for a transportation company operating in the west of England. His profile on the University of Oxford website has been deleted overnight. Unlikely friends: Lathem (left) has been a faculty member at Nothwestern since 2007, researching how pathogenic bacteria cause disease in humans. He and Cornell-Duranleau (right) were Facebook friends Murdered: An autopsy found the 26-year-old Michigan native died from multiple sharp force injuries and his manner of death was ruled a homicide A row of treadmills is at the Grand Plaza apartments fitness center Residents at the complex can use this sprawling terrace to host barbecue gatherings Cornell-Duranleau, a native of Michigan, worked as a hair stylist and loved video games, cars and cartoons, according to his obituary shared on Facebook by his mother. Cornell-Duranleau and Lathem were friends on Facebook, although it's not clear when and how the two had first crossed paths. The Grand Plaza apartment building boasts one of the best views of the Chicago skyline, according to its website, and also features a large outdoor pool and a gym. Prices range from $822,000 for a studio to $1,280,000 for a three-bedroom apartment, according to Zillow. A Kentucky man and his friend were charged with violating a grave after they admitted to unearthing a woman's tombstone in hopes to collect jewelry. Grandson to the woman, James Howard, and his accomplice, Tea Jay Luster, performed the wicked act sometime recently, while evidence of the crime was discovered Sunday. Emily Howard has been deceased for 15 years and buried to rest at Stacy's Cemetery in Martin County. Police say Howard and Luster confessed to the crime within hours information regarding the incident was released to the their department. Scroll down for video Grandson to the woman, James Howard, and his accomplice, Tea Jay Luster, dug up Emily's grave in hopes to collect jewelry inside Emily Howard has been deceased for 15 years and buried at Stacy's Cemetery in Martin County Evidence of the dark crime was discovered Sunday Investigators say the men did not successfully break into the coffin Both men were arrested Tuesday around 1 a.m. Emily's grandson-in-law, George Jude, said in an interview with WSAZ he believed James may have been abusing drugs at the time he acted out. 'They had to be in a bad mindset,' Jude said. 'Anybody in their right mind I don't think would've been up there digging out a grave. They put in a lot of work. It's crazy.' Jude said the family was distraught after they were informed it was a relative responsible for the corrupt behavior. 'It hurt the family very much,' said Jude. 'They really weren't expecting it to be part of the family that did it.' James reportedly struggled with instability issues in the past, while his specific problems were not disclosed. 'We're just praying through this that he'll get help ... 'The family talked about it ... Drugs are just another tool the devil uses to lure people in. They'll do anything.' Emily's son, Oda Howard, told WSAZ the incident brought up a lot of unfavorable feelings for the family. 'It's hard,' he said. 'That's your family. Nobody wants to come up here for that. Nobody should have to,' Investigators confirmed the men were not able to successfully open the woman's coffin. Family members added that no valuables were left alongside Emily at the time of her burial. Staff at a local funeral home has since cared for the ravaged burial site. Emily's grandson-in-law, George Jude, said he believed the boys were on drugs at the time of the act PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) China customs said Tuesday it will work closely with other departments including border defence, coast guards and environmental protection agencies to stop foreign garbage smuggling. In the first half year, China's customs seized more than 260,000 tonnes of solid waste in 146 cases, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). More than 70 percent of cases since 2013 occurred in the Bohai Rim, the Yangtze and the Pearl River Deltas, according to GAC spokesman Zhang Guangzhi at a press conference. By the end of 2017, China will have ended imports of solid waste that cause great environmental damage and raise public concern, according to the State Council, China's cabinet. The State Council plan came after China notified the World Trade Organization last week that it will ban imports of 24 types of solid waste, including plastics, unsorted paper, textiles and vanadium slag by the end of 2017. China started to import solid waste as raw material to make up for the domestic shortage of resources in the 1980s, but some companies illegally smuggle foreign garbage into the country for profit, damaging the environment and public health. The government is stepping up the fight against pollution and environmental degradation as decades of fast growth have left the country with smog, polluted water and contaminated soil. China's medium-sized and large cities imported 47 million tonnes of solid waste in 2015, down 5.3 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP). On July 1, the MEP began a campaign against imported waste processing, with 60 teams of inspectors conducting investigations. A bankrupt construction company owner is accused of beating his wife to death and moving her body to the pool before going to an Applebee's restaurant for takeout in New Jersey, authorities say. Michelle Long, 47, was found floating in the backyard pool of the $500,000 Gloucester County home she lived in with her husband, Norman Long, on June 17. An autopsy determined that the cause of her death was not drowning, but instead blunt force trauma, deeming it a homicide. Her husband, Norman Long, was arrested Tuesday at their four-bedroom home and charged with her murder, prosecutors announced on Wednesday. Norman, who owned Long Construction Company, is also being charged with concealing evidence. The 51-year-old man allegedly disposed of paper towels containing her blood in the kitchen trash can, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. A bankrupt construction company owner is accused of beating his wife to death and moving her body to the pool before going to an Applebee's restaurant for takeout in New Jersey, authorities say. Michelle Long (above), 47, was found dead on June 17 in the couple's pool An autopsy determined that the cause of her death was not drowning, but instead blunt force trauma. The case was labeled as a homicide. Her husband, Norman Long, was arrested Tuesday at their $500,000 home (above) and charged with her murder Authorities also charged him with obstructing the administration of law for tossing the paper towels and putting her body in their pool. On the day of her murder, police say Long returned to their home after picking up takeout food from Applebee's. He then allegedly called 911 and pretended he discovered her body in the pool when he returned. When first responders arrived, he told them she had drowned, according to cops. Prosecutors say Norman, who filed for bankruptcy in April of this year, and their neighbors were performing CPR on Michelle when investigators arrived to the scene. Norman, who owned Long Construction Company with Michelle (above), is also being charged with concealing evidence. The 51-year-old man allegedly disposed of paper towels containing her blood in the kitchen trash can, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office Authorities also charged him with obstructing the administration of law for tossing the paper towels and putting her body in their pool (above) Neighbors told officials that the husband became combative while others performed CPR on Michelle. At one point, he even had to be restrained. She was pronounced dead a short time later at the scene, as a small dog was also found in the bottom of the pool dead. Authorities said after Norman was arrested, he was transported to Ann Klein Forensic Center, a psychiatric hospital in Trenton, for an evaluation after expressing suicidal thoughts. Police did not reveal a motive for the killing. The victim's daughter, who has no biological relation to Norman, spoke at a press conference Wednesday afternoon following his arrest. The victim's daughter, who has no biological relation to Norman, spoke at a press conference Wednesday afternoon following his arrest. Brittany Maguire (above with Michelle) said: 'She was definitely the best mom and she did not deserve this at all' 'She was definitely the best mom and she did not deserve this at all,' Brittany Maguire said. 'We are all broken without her.' Maguire thanked the authorities for arresting her mother's alleged killer. The couple had been married for more than 15 years, as they owned Long Construction Company together. It is described on its website as a family owned business since being established in 1989. On his bankruptcy filing, Norman listed liabilities of more than $511,000 and his debts are listed as primary consumer debt and not business-related. About 70 years after TV antennas were invented, rabbit ears are slowly making their way back into the homes of millennials, many of whom are shocked to find broadcast television is accessible for free. While much is made about 'cordcutters' and the growth of online streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, antenna sales in the US are expected to rise seven percent this year, according to the Consumer Technology Association. Dan Sisco, an MBA student in Utah, discovered the limits of online streaming when he invited his friends over to watch the Super Bowl in 2014 - only to miss out on the advertisements. He invested in a $20 antenna and told the Wall Street Journal: 'I was just kind of surprised that this is technology that exists. It's been awesome. It doesn't log out and it doesn't skip.' Dan Sisco, an MBA student in Utah, invested in a $20 antenna, telling the Wall Street Journal: 'I was just kind of surprised that this is technology that exists. It's been awesome' While cable TV includes access to significantly more channels at prices upwards of $100 a month, major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, are free with the help of an antenna, which can be plugged into the TV set. But a shocking 29 percent of Americans are unaware that local TV stations are free, according to the National Association of Broadcasters. While millennials can be forgiven for not knowing about the old-school technology, it appears a federal legislation in 2009 has confused people of all ages. The new law required broadcasters to send high-definition digital transmissions, rather than analog signals. And while old TV sets weren't be able to pick up the new digital signals without a converter, it didn't mean they were gone completely, like many assumed. A shocking 29percent of Americans are unaware that local TV stations are free, according to the National Association of Broadcasters. Now, antenna sales are expected to rise 7percent this year (file photo) Scott Wills, a wireless-industry executive who worked on the legislation, discussed the new law with his son, only to realize nearly a decade later that he was just as clueless as everyone else. 'His answer was, "Dad, you should know better than anyone that there's no broadcast TV!" Mr. Wills told the Wall Street Journal. 'He thought broadcast TV went away.' Richard Schneider, who founded an antenna manufacturing company, is well ahead of the curve. And while people question how he's still in business, he said he sold 75,000 of them in June alone. Carlos Vallalobos also sells digital antennas in San Diegom where skeptical customers question his claims that they can access free TV channels. One woman in particular was convinced he was selling an illegal device. He told the WSJ: 'She was mad. She says, "No, you can't live in America for free, what are you talking about?"' This is the shocking moment that a woman racially and physically abuses people in a North Hollywood Target store before apparently having a breakdown after being tackled by security. The video, which was shared online on August 1 by YouTuber Cody Walzel, shows the woman calling people 'sand n*****s' and throwing bottles and other items at them. But things come to a chilling head when a security guard steps in and she begins wailing, saying that people have been murdered under the store. Scroll down for video This shocking video begins with a woman hurling objects (left) and abuse at shoppers in a Target in North Hollywood. But when she's restrained things get really weird As the video opens, the woman - who is wearing socks but no shoes - can be heard shouting 'f**k you' and throwing cartons of drink at someone off-camera. 'You f**king sand n****r pieces of s**t, f**k all of you,' she shouts in front of bemused-looking shoppers. She also shouts 'My son!' for reasons unclear, before telling a laughing man: 'When you die you will live in Hell a f**king ghost!' The woman then throws an object at his head, but misses, and is tackled be a security guard just as she grabs a glass jar. He drags her to the ground and tries to cuff her - shattering the jar in the process - but she begins to wail, saying 'I don't want to be arrested' and promising to leave if he lets her go. As shoppers - some amused, some concerned - gather around, she shouts: 'Help! There are people being murdered in the flesh farm downstairs!' before being hauled away. It's not clear what triggered the angry tirade. A security guard grabs the woman as she tries to pick up glass jars during her rampage. As he struggles with her, she claims that people are being murdered in a 'flesh farm' below the mall In her description for the video, Walzel said that the woman had been screaming 'for a while' before she began recording, while the store's staff and security politely asked her to leave. She added that the woman had been verbally abusing the security guard, as well as spitting on him, while shop staff waited for '10 minutes' while police had them on hold. The guard only moved to detain the woman 'when she started grabbing heavier objects to throw at customers,' Walzel said. 'I don't think the lady was on drugs, but if she was, she was also mentally ill,' she added. 'She talked a lot about terrorists keeping prisoners in a "Flesh Cave" down in the basement prior to the video.' The LAPD has been contacted for more information on the incident. Hundreds of Albanians who lied to win asylum in Britain could escape deportation. In a landmark legal test case, a violent criminal and two other men are claiming that the Home Secretary was wrong to remove their citizenship. If the Supreme Court allows their costly appeal, it will mean up to 300 Albanians who gained entry to Britain by pretending to be Kosovan cannot be kicked out. Dinjan Hysaj, 40, obtained asylum in July 1998 by falsely claiming to be a child refugee from war-torn Kosovo. Details of the legal fight came as it was revealed that the Government allowed one Albanian, Ermal Alijaj (pictured), to stay after he lost an asylum bid using fake Kosovan ID but reapplied under his real name years later In 2011 he was jailed for five years after he glassed a man in a pub in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Agron Bakijasi, 44, was exposed in 2007 when his partner returned to Albania in an attempt to apply for legal immigration status. Luan Kaziu, 35, arrived in the UK in 1998 but his claims were exposed as a sham nine years later, when his wife applied to stay. Details of the legal fight came as it was revealed that the Government allowed one Albanian, Ermal Alijaj, to stay after he lost an asylum bid using fake Kosovan ID but reapplied under his real name years later. In the Supreme Court case, publicly-funded lawyers for the migrants say that despite duping the authorities by claiming they were Kosovans fleeing persecution, they should be allowed to remain in the UK. They argue that as the three men had already been granted indefinite leave to remain, the Home Secretary was wrong to try to remove their citizenship as being null and void from the outset when the truth about them emerged. A Home Office investigation into their cases and hundreds more similar bogus applications was started in 2007. But even since their lies were exposed, they have remained in the UK and fought an extended court battle, funded by legal aid, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds. In the meantime, the Home Office has suspended other hearings to strip citizenship from those who exploited the same ruse to claim asylum in the 1990s. In the case of Alijaj, 37, officials decided that the nine years he spent illegally in the UK bolstered his case because of the roots he put down. He originally sneaked into Britain in the back of a lorry in 2002. He claimed he was fleeing Kosovo and gave a false name. In a landmark legal test case, a violent criminal and two other men are claiming that the Home Secretary was wrong to remove their citizenship After his lies were exposed, he went on the run, biding his time before reapplying for asylum with an Albanian passport sent from home. Home Office officials are understood to have connected him to his earlier scam but immigration rules at the time tied their hands. His case is further evidence of how Albanians have been running rings around the authorities while pretending to be Kosovans. A London-based Kosovan solicitor said more than 300 letters have been sent to Kosovans on behalf of the Home Secretary. Lawyers in the Supreme Court case say the hearing is not likely to take place until the end of this year and a judgment is unlikely before next spring. The White House admitted Wednesday that claims by the president that he was 'called' by the leader of the Scouts and the Mexican president were untrue. Following days of President Donald Trump being accused of lying, the White House insisted on Wednesday that two conversations the president boasted of one with the head of the Boy Scouts of America and another with Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto actually occurred. They just took place in person, and not on the phone. Both the Boy Scouts and the Mexican government have denied Trump's claims about praise-filled phone conversations. The Scouts said no call had occurred at all - and had also gone on the record to disassociate themselves from the president's speech at their national jamboree which turned into a nakedly political rally. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said during an afternoon press briefing that the discussions 'were direct conversations, not actual phone calls.' Trump told The Wall Street Journal last week that he 'got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts' following a politically charged address to tens of thousands of teenage boys, 'saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them, and they were very thankful.' And he declared Monday as he welcomed new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, the former Homeland Security secretary, to a cabinet meeting, that 'the border was a tremendous problem and they're close to 80 per cent stoppage.' 'And even the president of Mexico called me. They said their southern border, very few people are coming because they know they're not going to get through our border, which is the ultimate compliment.' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Wednesday that phone calls the president claimed to have had with leaders of the nation of Mexico and the Boy Scouts of America didn't happen, but in-person conversations did During his remarks last month at the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, President Trump knocked President Obama and Obamacare and got the Scouts to boo his predecessor later claiming the organization's leader praised it as one of the best speeches ever Trump also claimed Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto phoned him to share statistics describing a dramatic drop in Central and South American immigrants crossing Mexico's southern border en route to the U.S. but Nieto's office said it never happened and the White House had to revise its account to reflect an in-person meeting at the July G20 summit The administration appeared to grudgingly concede on Wednesday that the president was wrong about both conversations having consisted of phone calls. 'On Mexico,' Sanders said, 'he was referencing a conversation that they had had at the G20 summit where they specifically talked about the issues that he referenced.' 'In terms of the Boy Scouts,' she continued, 'multiple members of the Boy Scout leadership, following his speech there that day, congratulated him, praised him, and offered ... quite powerful compliments following his speech.' Asked if the president had lied about receiving effusive phone calls from Pena Nieto and the Boy Scouts, Sanders chuckled. 'I wouldn't say it was a lie,' she said. 'That's pretty bold accusation. The conversations took place. They just simply didn't take place over a phone call ... he had them in person.' Pena Nieto's office said in a statement that he 'has not recently communicated with President Donald Trump by phone.' It did confirm that Pena Nieto and Trump discussed immigration at the G20 summit on July 7. Trump's spokeswoman conceded that her boss wasn't accurate in his remembrance about the Boy Scouts officials' praise, saying it happened in person after his speech but she didn't respond to a question about who exactly had lauded the president 'During the meeting the two heads of State held last July 7th in Hamburg, Germany, the topic of migration was a topic of conversation approached by both,' the statement continued. 'President Pena Nieto shared that repatriations of Mexican nationals from the United States had fallen 31 per cent between January and June 2017 in comparison to the same timeframe in 2016.' Michael Surbaugh, the chief executive of the Boy Scouts of America issued an apology Thursday about President Trump's speech - and didn't call him to praise it either, Scouts said He also said then that 47 per cent fewer people had entered Mexico as migrants from Central and South America. The Boy Scouts provided Trump with a much thinner rope to grasp. On Wednesday the Scouts said in a statement that '[w]e are unaware of any such call.' Neither of the organization's two top leaders president Randall Stephenson and chief scout executive Mike Surbaugh had placed a phone call to Trump, the organization said. And Sanders did not respond to a request on Wednesday for the names of Scout leaders who had spoken with Trump in person after his July 24 speech in West Virginia. Surbaugh had apologized last week to members of the scouting community who were offended by the political rhetoric in Trump's speech. 'I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the Jamboree,' he said. 'We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program.' On Monday last week, Trump traveled to West Virginia to speak before the Jamboree, bringing along with him several of his Eagle Scout cabinet secretaries Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke along with Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. Coming onstage and marveling at the side of crowds, Trump billed the speech as going to be not political. 'Who the hell wants to speak about politics when I'm in front of the Boy Scouts?' he asked. But then Trump got political and also over-shared. He talked about the awfulness of Obamacare and vouched for the repeal. Then he threatened to fire Price if the Senate didn't get it done. 'By the way, are you going to get the votes?' Trump asked the cabinet secretary. 'He better get them,' Trump told the crowd. 'He better get them. Otherwise, I'll say "Tom, you're fired." Trump brought up president Obama and got the audience to boo and took time to knock his former opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, too. Trump also delivered some of his trademark stump-speech lines, calling Washington a 'swamp,' upgrading it for a day to a 'sewer,' and going after the media's coverage of him. The speech didn't go over well with many who considered the nonprofit Boy Scouts a non-partisan cause. 'Is nothing safe?' said Jon Wolfsthal, a former aide to President Obama. On Twitter Wolfsthal said Trump had turned the Jamboree, a gathering that generally takes place every four years, into a 'Nazi Youth rally.' In his apology, Surbaugh noted how every sitting president since 1937 has been invited to the Jamboree, men of both political parties. 'It is in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies,' he said. 'For years people have called upon us to take a position on political issues, and we have steadfastly remained non-partisan and refused to comment on political matters.' An abandoned dog was able to survive for three months after being tied up by its owner and left without food. Nino was found abandoned in a backyard in Memphis, Tennessee, several weeks ago. His 27-year-old owner Kellen Jones had left town months earlier after running out of money to care for him. When Memphis Animal Services found the dog, he was at the 'worst point of starvation'. Nino the dog was left tied up in a backyard in Memphis, Tennessee, without food for three months before he was rescued They said he had been eating his own feces and dead animals on the ground in order to stay alive. 'Nino has zero evidence of fat on his body. Nino is a skeleton with skin on him. Nino is lucky to be alive today. 'When you talk about the worst level of starvation, thats what were talking about with Nino,' Alexis Pugh, Director of Memphis Animal Services, told WREG. The animal carers called police who later arrested Jones. He admitted abandoning the animal and appeared unaware that it was a crime. Experts described his condition as the 'most extreme point of starvation' when they found him The dog is now being cared for by Memphis Animal Services and he is eating several times a day Nino's rib cage still protrudes through his fine fur despite being the fact he is now being properly fed Owner Kellen Jones, 27, abandoned him when he ran out of money to care for him 'The owner told [the officer] hed been away three months. 'Hed made no arrangements to have the dog cared for. 'The owner of Nino was very forthcoming with these details so perhaps he was unaware of his legal obligations,' Pugh added. Jones now faces felony animal cruelty charges. Nino is now eating several times a day. Staff at Memphis Animal Services hope to find him a new home soon. An ex-marine will serve up to 44 years in prison for the road-rage murder of a university student who was driving her friends home from a New Year's Eve party. Eric Johnson, 21, was sentenced to 44 years behind bars for the death of Sara Mutschlechner, 20, on Tuesday but will be eligible for parole after serving 22 years. In the road-rage murder, Johnson fired several rounds into Mutschlechner's car after an argument where Johnson made sexual remarks towards her and her friends. One of those bullets hit Mutschlechner in the head, causing her to crash into an electrical pole. She died at a hospital hours later. The shooting happened in Denton County, Texas, around 2am on January 1, 2016. Scroll down for video Eric Johnson, 21, (left) was found guilty in the 2016 death of University of North Texas student Sara Mutschlechner, 20 (right). He was sentenced to 44 years in prison on Tuesday The ex-Marine fired into the sorority girl's car after an argument where people inside Johnson's car made sexual remarks to Mutschlechner. One of the bullets hit Mutschlechner in the head, causing her to crash into an electrical pole (pictured) Mutschlechner, a junior at the University of North Texas and philanthropy chair of her sisterhood, Zeta Tau Alpha, was driving friends home from a party when a black SUV pulled up beside them. An affidavit says men in the SUV, which Johnson was riding in, made sexual remarks toward Mutschlechner and a woman riding with her. Denton police say people from both cars had attended the same New Year's Eve party. As the people in both cars got into an argument, they began to drive through the intersection and Johnson fired several rounds at Mutschlechner's sedan, striking her in the head. An affidavit says men in the SUV made sexual remarks toward Mutschlechner and a woman riding with her. Denton police say people from both cars had attended the same New Year's Eve party Her car then crashed into an electrical pole and responding officers said they found her lying on the ground. Johnson was convicted of the young woman's death on Monday, reported the Dallas Morning News. His defense attorney claimed that Johnson never intended to kill anyone with the shots, but he meant to fire above the vehicle to scare the people in Mutschlechner's car off. The lawyer also said Johnson was high on Xanax at the time of the incident. Mutschlechner, a junior at the University of North Texas and philanthropy chair of her sisterhood, Zeta Tau Alpha, was driving friends home from a party at 2am on New Year's Day She was taken to hospital to be placed on life support, and was pronounced dead hours later on January 1, 2016. Johnson was arrested five days later at a Marine Corps facility in Yuma, Arizona, and then discharged by the Marines. An affidavit says Johnson was associated with an address in Fort Worth. In the trial, took the stand and said no verdict would be able to bring back her daughter, reported the Denton Record-Chronicle. She said while crying: 'There's no elixir for our pain. I just know that when I leave this world, my Lord will guide me to her.' Johnson was arrested five days after the shooting at a Marine Corps facility in Yuma, Arizona, and then discharged by the Marines Children as young as eight years old are using ice, smoking weed and getting drunk - prompting the government to overhaul its youth rehabilitation system. NSW Health will inject $6.49 million into the alcohol and drug treatment services currently available for youth aged 10 to 19 in a bid to slash addiction rates. Health Minister Brad Hazzard told the Daily Telegraph that early intervention was crucial to stopping youth from developing lifelong addictions. 'Alcohol and cannabis don't stop on the border of Sydney - it's in every country town and the kids, the families don't get support far too often so this is about also looking to see if we can get those really terrible gaps filled,' he told the publication. NSW Health is injecting millions into rehabilitation services for youths aged 10 to 19 (stock) Under the new scheme, NSW Health will work with non-government organisations to improve rehab services already in place for youth. One of those organisations, Ted Noffs Foundation, has worked with the government to help build plans for new services like detox and residential rehabilitation. The foundation offers a three-month drug rehab program for teenagers in Sydney and Canberra, primarily treating young people addicted to ice. 'There are plenty of young ones using drugs,' chief operation officer Mark Ferry told the Daily Telegraph. Mr Ferry said he had dealt with children who first experimented with illicit drugs at the age of eight. 'Fifteen years ago it was heroin, now we rarely see that. Ice is the major one. There's been a big increase in the past four to five years.' A Chick-fil-A in Florida has been trashed after angry customers got into a fight with staff over their order. A witness filmed the ordeal inside the Chick-fil-A at River City Marketplace in Jacksonville on Tuesday night and posted footage of it on Facebook. The argument broke out when a teenage boy started arguing with staff for 20 minutes about getting a refund on his order. A Chick-fil-A in Jacksonville, Florida was completely trashed on Tuesday night after angry customers (woman in plaid shirt) got into a fight with staff over their order Two young women then tried to enter the restaurant despite the doors being locked by the manager. The customer who filmed the ruckus said the women tried to bust the glass and eventually broke the handle off the door. The women were eventually able to enter the restaurant through another door before they too started to argue with employees behind the counter. Footage shows one of the women yelling and throwing something across the counter. The floor was also covered with straws and condiment packets that had been thrown on the floor by the women. Two young women were filmed arguing with staff behind the counter after bursting their way into the restaurant The floor was covered with straws and condiment packets that had been thrown on the floor by the women before they left the store 'There were kids at Chick-fil-A while this was going on and anyone should be embarrassed to act the way these two females did,' the customer who filmed the incident said. 'There were kids crying they were so scared. I hope you are satisfied with what you did, because I'm sure these kids will be scarred for life. You handled this situation the sorriest way a person could handle it. 'You are rude, you are a narcissist, and you shouldn't be proud of what you did. The only thing you accomplished was making a scene. Other than that you accomplished nothing.' The Chick-fil-A staff say they are cooperating with police as they investigate the incident. A new batch of emails from longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin show efforts to use old connections to get jobs or score face time with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The emails are the latest batch that conservative group Judicial Watch got from a freedom of information lawsuit. In one email, Clinton library Puerto Rican executive Miguel Lasell seeks a meeting with Clinton, and makes a separate online pitch for a favored candidate to be ambassador to the Domican Republic. 'I will be in DC from the 7th to the 9th and would like if possible to say hello to hillary Please let me know.It would be just a short visit and not to ask anything from her.Just hello,' he writes. New government emails released by Judicial Watch show efforts to get favors from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 'It's unclear if there was follow through, and if he became an ambassador because the name was redacted,' Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton told Fox News. Another email from 2009 released by the State Department reveals Kelly Craighead of the Democracy Alliance and friend of Hillary Capricia Marshall, a former HillPAC director, putting in a good word for a person they describe as a 'loyal supporter.' Craighead followed up to try to get the booster a job. 'It would mean a lot to me if you could help or advise on a personnel situation for a dear friend,' she wrote. Abedin, who worked for Clinton in the Senate and State Department and went on to join her presidential campaign, seemed to buy it. 'We love [redacted]' she wrote. 'Looking into this asap.' Huma Abedin (R) looks on as Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stands backstage before a campaign rally at North Carolina State University on November 8, 2016 in Raleigh North Carolina The emails also show the reemergence of Hillary Clinton brother Tony Rodham, who intervenes to try to get someone help with his green card. In the 2010 email, assistant Monica Hanley wrote Abedin: 'Hi Huma Tony Rodham called again looking for an update with his greencard issue. Let me know if this is something I should follow up on.' Old friends joking around, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and with senior staffer Huma Abedin, at a rally in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 23, 2015 Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton leaves the Kirkland House at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA where she spoke to students on Mar. 3, 2017 A March 2010 email from Hanley appears to show an effort to get out of the task. 'Do you want me to tell Mr. Rodham that the State Departmtn doesn't handle Green Card matters or do you want me to tell him something else?' she inquired. An attached letter to Rodham mentions the person's arrest in Moscow and a denial of extradition to the republican of Georgia, mentioning a complaint against Mikheil Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia. The emails offered a flashback to 2016, when daily email revelations about Clinton were a staple. In recent weeks, it has been Russia's contacts with the Donald Trump campaign that have been in the spotlight. 'Hillary Clinton is not in government anymore or a candidate for office,' former campaign spokesman Brian Fallon told Fox . 'So none of this is going to succeed in distracting the public from the active FBI investigation into President Trump.' According to The Philippine Star newspaper, the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment released a report on July 30, saying the Chinese mainland would employ domestic helpers from the Philippines to work in five major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen, paying high salaries. However, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines said they had received no information about the plan. The Philippines Embassy in China also stated that the plan was still under negotiation. Cao Heping, an economics professor at Peking University, said China has a sufficient labor force, and so there would be no need to import such workers from other countries. The Philippines has long been an exporter of domestic help. Such workers are known as the worlds most professional housekeepers as they are highly educated and proficient in English. Hong Kong, Singapore and America are their favorite destinations. Despite Professor Caos opinion, Miao Lu, secretary general of the Center for China and Globalization, said there was strong market demand for Philippines domestic helpers in China as they can meet the expectations of Chinese working parents that their children can learn English from early childhood. The inflow of Philippine domestic helpers, he noted, can invigorate Chinas domestic service market by intensifying competition and creating a demonstration effect. However, he also warned that a prudent approach should be adopted. Although it is illegal for ordinary Chinese households to employ Philippine domestic helpers at present, some intermediaries still provide assistance to hire them. Almost all the Philippine helpers working in China now hold two-month visitor visas instead of proper employment passes, which means they become illegal immigrants if they stay beyond the two-month limit. A teenager from China was so keen to find out whether or not his father loves him he faked his own kidnapping. The 18-year-old, surnamed Zhu, filmed himself being bound, gagged and beaten up by two accomplices before sending the footage to his father, according to media. The university student is also said to have demanded his father pay a ransom of 100,000 yuan (11,238) to stop the 'kidnappers' from selling his organs. Zhu, from China, staged his own kidnapping because he wanted to know if his father loves him Zhu (pictured, left), 18, and his two accomplices have been detained by the police The incident took place in the evening of July 13 in Taizhou, eastern China's Jiangsu Province, reported Huanqiu.com, an affiliation to People's Daily. The report, which cited Kan Kan News, said Zhu was from another Chinese city, Yan'an, and was working in Taizhou during the summer holiday. Zhu's father said he received a message from Zhu on that day, which claimed the boy had been kidnapped. The message demand the father send 100,000 yuan within an hour, otherwise 'the consequences would be serious'. A video was also sent to Zhu's father, showing Zhu's eyes being covered, his mouth gagged and his hands tied. The video also showed the 'kidnappers' pouring cold water on the teenager and beating him up in the bush. Zhu's father immediately contacted the police before driving from Yan'an to Taizhou. When police arrived at the hotel room under Zhu's name, they said it was in a mess The police found out Zhu had checked into a hotel in Taizhou six days prior to the supposed abduction and had not checked out. The hotel room was said to be 'in a mess' when the police arrived. While the officers were planning their next step, Zhu surprisingly showed up and appeared well. The report said that the police soon realised the kidnapping had been planned by the teenager himself. Zhu's sister broke down in tears when she went to the police station to pick up Zhu Police said Zhu had masterminded the kidnapping because he had always felt that his father didn't care about him, so he wanted to test if he was really loved. Due to the drama, Zhu's mother has borrowed money from her relatives to pay the ransom and Zhu's grandmother became hospitalised because she had been too shocked. Police said Zhu had realised his mistake and promised to apologise to his family. Zhu and his two accomplices have been detained by the police on suspicion of blackmailing and extortion. DNA analysis has revealed that two ancient civilisations in Greece were related and shared common ancestors that travelled from modern day Turkey. Scientists believe that the Minoans and Mycenaens were descended from early Neolithic farmers who migrated from Anatolia to Greece and Crete. Modern Greeks, in turn, are largely descendants of the Mycenaeans, the study found. The finding could end more than a century of speculation about the origins of the two cultures, which many believed had separate roots. Many believed the Minoans (striped) and Mycenaen (red) cultures had separate roots. But DNA analysis shows they shared 'first farmer' roots from travellers from Anaolia, in modern day Turkey ANCIENT GREEK CIVILISATIONS The Minoan civilisation flourished on Crete beginning in the third millennium BC. It was astonishingly advanced artistically and technologically. The Minoans were also the first literate people of Europe. The Mycenaean civilisation developed in mainland Greece in the second millennium AD. It shared many cultural features with the Minoans. They used the Linear B script, an early form of Greek. Advertisement An international team of researchers undertook the first genome-wide DNA sequence data on the Bronze Age inhabitants of mainland Greece, Crete, and southwestern Anatolia. Experts from the University of Washington, the Harvard Medical School and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, together with archaeologists and other collaborators in Greece and Turkey, gathered data from the region. The researchers analysed tooth DNA from the remains of 19 ancient individuals who could be definitively identified as Minoans of Crete, Mycenaeans of mainland Greece, and people who lived in southwestern Anatolia. They compared the Minoan and Mycenaean genomes to each other and to more than 330 other ancient genomes and over 2,600 genomes of present-day humans from around the world. The results showed that Minoans and Mycenaeans were genetically highly similar, but not identical. The early Neolithic farmers they descended from likely migrated thousands of years prior to the Bronze Age from Anatolia. While both Minoans and Mycenaeans had both 'first farmer' and 'eastern' genetic origins, Mycenaeans traced an additional minor component of their ancestry to ancient inhabitants of Eastern Europe and northern Eurasia. An analysis of ancient DNA has revealed that two ancient civilisations in Greece, the Minoans and Mycenaens, were genetically descended from early Neolithic farmers from Turkey. This image shows a woman dancing in a Minoans fresco fragment that dates from 1600 to 1450 BC STUDY CONCLUSIONS While the new study does not resolve all the outstanding questions, it provides key answers. Importantly, the findings disprove the widely held theory that the Mycenaeans were a foreign population in the Aegean and were not related to the Minoans. The results also dispel the theory that modern Greeks did not descend from the Mycenaeans and later ancient Greek populations. It shows that there was genetic continuity in the Aegean from the time of the first farmers to present-day Greece, but not in isolation. The peoples of the Greek mainland also bred with ancient North Eurasians and peoples of the Eastern European steppe, both before and after the time of the Minoans and Mycenaeans. This may provide the missing link between Greek speakers and their linguistic relatives elsewhere in Europe and Asia. The study underscores the power of analysis of ancient DNA to solve vexing historical problems and sets the stage for many future studies that promise to untangle the threads of history, archaeology, and language, its authors say. Advertisement This type of Ancient North Eurasian ancestry is one of the three ancestral populations of present-day Europeans and is also found in modern Greeks. George Stamatoyannopoulos, professor of genome sciences and of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the study's senior author, said: 'For over 100 years, many hotly contested theories have circulated concerning the origin of the inhabitants of Bronze Age, Classical, and modern Greece. 'This including the so-called 'Coming of the Greeks' in the late second millennium and the 'Black Athena' hypothesis of the Afroasiatic origins of Classical Greek civilisation. 'The notorious theory of the 19th century German historian Fallmerayer popularised the belief that the descendants of the ancient Greeks had vanished in early Medieval times. The discovery of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations on the island of Crete and on mainland Greece in the late 1800s gave birth to modern archaeology and opened a direct window into the European Bronze Age. This period of history had previously been glimpsed only though Homer's epics, the Iliad and Odyssey. The origins of the Minoan and Mycenaean peoples, however, have puzzled archaeologists for over 100 years. It was widely believed that they derived from different ancestral populations. Their common ancestors, farmers, migrated from Anatolia to Greece and Crete thousands of years prior to the Bronze Age. This image shows the Bull-Leaping Fresco from the Great Palace at Knossos, Crete, from the late Minoan civilisation The Mycenaean civilisation developed in mainland Greece in the second millennium AD. It shared many cultural features with the Minoans. They used the Linear B script, an early form of Greek (pictured) The cultural innovations of the Minoans, including the first European writing system, vast palace complexes, and vibrant art, seeming to spring up in isolation on Crete, have led to speculation that they moved to the area from a more advanced society in another location. While the new study does not resolve all the outstanding questions, it provides key answers. Importantly, the findings disprove the widely held theory that the Mycenaeans were a foreign population in the Aegean and were not related to the Minoans. The results also dispel the theory that modern Greeks did not descend from the Mycenaeans and later ancient Greek populations. It shows that there was genetic continuity in the Aegean from the time of the first farmers to present-day Greece, but not in isolation. The peoples of the Greek mainland also bred with ancient North Eurasians and peoples of the Eastern European steppe, both before and after the time of the Minoans and Mycenaeans. This may provide the missing link between Greek speakers and their linguistic relatives elsewhere in Europe and Asia. This image shows a clay tablet, dated to 1450 to 1375 BC, inscribed with Linear B script of the Mycenaen civilization, 1600 to 1100 BC Because Linear A (pictured) and the hieroglyphic scripts used on Crete by the Minoans were never deciphered, the origins of the language they represent are not clear but it is thought to be distinct from early Greek The study underscores the power of analysis of ancient DNA to solve vexing historical problems and sets the stage for many future studies that promise to untangle the threads of history, archaeology, and language, its authors say. Study lead author Doctor Iosif Lazaridis, of Harvard Medical School, said: 'It is remarkable how persistent the ancestry of the first European farmers is in Greece and other parts of southern Europe, but this does not mean that the populations there were completely isolated. 'There were at least two additional migrations in the Aegean before the time of the Minoans and Mycenaeans and some additional admixture later. 'The Greeks have always been a 'work in progress' in which layers of migration through the ages added to, but did not erase the genetic heritage of the Bronze Age populations.' He added: 'Minoans, Mycenaeans, and modern Greeks also had some ancestry related to the ancient people of the Caucasus, Armenia, and Iran. 'This finding suggests that some migration occurred in the Aegean and southwestern Anatolia from further east after the time of the earliest farmers.' The full findings of the study were published in the journal Nature. A Wisconsin technology firm has held a 'chip party' to install microchips in the hands of its employees. The chips, no larger than a small grain of rice, allow workers at Three Square Market, also known as 32M, to open doors, log onto computers and buy breakroom snacks. The firm said 41 of its 85 employees agreed to be microchipped during a chip party at company headquarters in River Falls on Tuesday. Officials said the data in the microchip is encrypted and does not use GPS, so it cannot be used to track employees or obtain private information. Scroll down for video A Wisconsin technology firm has held a 'chip party' to install microchips in the hands of its employees. Pictured is Tony Danna (left), vice president of international development at Three Square Market in River Falls, receiving a microchip in his left hand at company headquarters HOW DO THEY WORK? Each chip has been implanted between the thumb and forefinger underneath the skin. Users of the chip will scan their items at a break room market kiosk and hit pay with a credit card. Chip users will then hold their hands up, similar to how consumers pay for products using their smartphones, and it'll pay for the product. Officials said the data in the microchip is encrypted and does not use GPS, so it cannot be used to track employees or obtain private information. Advertisement Three Square Market, which designs software for break room markets, has now become the first US firm to offer microchip implants to its employees. Melissa Timmins, vice president of sales at 32M, said she was initially apprehensive but decided to give the chip a chance. 'I planned for the worst and it wasn't bad at all,' said Ms Timmins, who received a microchip in her left hand on Monday. 'Just a little prick.' But marketing executive Katie Langer declined the offer, citing health concerns related to putting a foreign object into her hand. She noted the chip received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004. 'But that's still not very long term in my book, so I'd just like to know more about the long-term health effects,' Ms Langer said, adding that she is not ruling out a future implant of the $300 (227) microchip paid for by Three Square Market. Each chip has been implanted between the thumb and forefinger underneath the skin. Users of the chip will scan their items at a break room market kiosk and hit pay with a credit card. The chips (pictured top right next to a dime) allow workers at Three Square Market, also known as 32M, to open doors, log onto computers and buy breakroom snacks The firm said 41 of its 85 employees agreed to be voluntarily microchipped during a chip party at company headquarters in River Falls on Tuesday. Pictured is employee Tony Danna (left) having his microchip implanted Chip users will then hold their hands up, similar to how consumers pay for products using their smartphones, and it'll pay for the product. The company hopes the microchips eventually can be used on everything from air travel to public transit and storing medical information. Professor Jeremy Hajek of the Illinois Institute of Technology said microchipping started years ago with veterinarians, who implanted the device in dogs and cats that might get lost. 'And so there's a little bit of a... demeaning factor that this is what they do to little animals,' Professor Hajek said. But Dr Noelle Chesley, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, said she thinks implanting microchips into employees - and all people - is the wave of the future. Each chip has been implanted between the thumb and forefinger underneath the skin. Users of the chip will scan their items at a break room market kiosk and hit pay with a credit card Three Square Market designs software for break room markets (pictured), It's now become the first in the US to offer microchip implants to employees. The chips will allow workers to make purchases in their break room market, open doors, login to computers, etc Many of those at the edge of developing those technologies 'believe we are going to be combining technology in our bodies,' Dr Chesley said. Three Square Market caused a media frenzy when it first announced its employee chipping programme last month. At the time, the company said it was expecting over 50 staff members to be voluntarily chipped with the technology. Three Square Market's CEO, Todd Westby, said: 'Eventually, this technology will become standardised allowing you to use this as your passport, public transit, all purchasing opportunities, etc.' Mr Westby said the data is both encrypted and secure and for those wondering, 'there's no GPS tracking at all'. Advertisement Cracks are spreading where an iceberg the size of Delaware that broke free from the Larsen C ice shelf last month. Scientists have released satellite footage of the moment the Antarctic Peninsula lost 10 per cent of its area earlier this month. Since that time, experts have been following the fate of the huge iceberg as a rift has grown between the mainland and the mass of frozen water. They have found that cracks are still growing on the ice shelf, and if they continue to grow, its possible that the ice shelf could collapse. If all of Larsen C collapses, the ice it holds back might add another 4 inches (10 cm) to sea levels over the years. Scroll down for video Dr Anna Hogg, from the University of Leeds and Dr Hilmar Gudmundsson, from the British Antarctic Survey, have continued to track the iceberg, known as A68, since the July 12 breakaway. This Sentinel-1 data shows network of cracks grow on the Larsen-C Ice-Shelf, before and after the colossal iceberg broke free WAS CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSIBLE FOR A68 Reporting this week in the Nature journal Climate Change, Dr Anna Hogg and Dr Hilmar Gudmundsson examine the events leading up to this dramatic natural phenomenon. They also discuss how calving of huge icebergs affects the stability of Antarctic ice shelves. Their article argues that a calving event is not necessarily due to changes in environmental conditions. Instead, it may simply reflect the natural growth and decay cycle of an ice shelf. Advertisement Dr Anna Hogg, from the University of Leeds and Dr Hilmar Gudmundsson, from the British Antarctic Survey, have continued to track the iceberg, known as A68, since the July 12 breakaway. Using the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite, they have found that, since the calving event, the berg has started to drift away from the Larsen-C. Open ocean is now clearly visible in the approximately five kilometre gap between the berg and the ice-shelf. A cluster of over 11 'smaller' icebergs have also now formed, the largest of which is over eight miles (13km) long. These 'bergy bits', as the experts are describing them, have broken off both the giant iceberg and the remaining ice-shelf. Dr Hogg, an ESA research fellow in the centre for polar observation and modelling at Leeds, said: 'The satellite images reveal a lot of continuing action on Larsen-C Ice Shelf. 'We can see that the remaining cracks continue to grow towards a feature called Bawden Ice Rise, which provides important structural support for the remaining ice shelf. 'If an ice shelf loses contact with the ice rise, either through sustained thinning or a large iceberg calving event, it can prompt a significant acceleration in ice speed, and possibly further destabilisation. 'It looks like the Larsen-C story might not be over yet.' An iceberg four times the size of London that broke free from the Larsen C ice shelf has been captured in unprecedented detail. This image shows the view of the A68 iceberg from a European Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite image acquired on July 30 Scientists have released satellite footage of aftermath of the Antarctic Peninsula losing 10 per cent of its area earlier this month. This Sentinel-1 image shows the colossal iceberg (shown in blue) after it had broken free and the 'bergy bits' described by the experts began to break off The iceberg, dubbed 'A68', is one of the 10 largest icebergs ever recorded. A graphic shows how the iceberg compares in size Reporting this week in the Nature journal Climate Change, Dr Hogg and Dr Gudmundsson examine the events leading up to this dramatic natural phenomenon. They also discuss how calving of huge icebergs affects the stability of Antarctic ice shelves. Their article argues that a calving event is not necessarily due to changes in environmental conditions. Instead, it may simply reflect the natural growth and decay cycle of an ice shelf. Dr Gudmundsson added: 'Although floating ice shelves have only a modest impact on of sea-level rise, ice from Antarctica's interior can discharge into the ocean when they collapse. 'Consequently we will see increase in the ice-sheet contribution to global sea-level rise. 'With this large calving event, and the availability of satellite technology, we have a fantastic opportunity to watch this natural experiment unfolding before our eyes. We can expect to learn a lot about how ice shelves break up and how the loss of a section of an ice shelf affects the flow of the remaining parts.' Ice-shelf retreat on the Antarctic Peninsula, has been observed throughout the satellite era, around 50 years. Using the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite, they have found that, since the calving event, the berg has started to drift away from the Larsen-C. This image, taken from a video created by the researchers, shows the ice front as it appeared when the crack (bottom right) began to appear in 2014 Ice-shelf retreat on the Antarctic Peninsula, has been observed throughout the satellite era, around 50 years. Satellite data was used in this image to track the spread of smaller cracks (green and red) that appeared before the main calving event Large sections of the Larsen Ice Shelf A and B, and the Wilkins1 ice-shelf collapsed in a matter of days in 1995, 2002, and 2008, respectively. Geological evidence suggests that ice-shelf decay of this magnitude is not unprecedented, however, prior to 2002 the Larsen-B ice shelf remained intact for the last 11,000 years. While Antarctic ice shelves are in direct contact with both the atmosphere and the surrounding oceans, and thus subject to changes in environmental conditions, they also go through repeated internally-driven cycles of growth and collapse. Nasa images released last week also show the break up of A68 in progress. The incredible 'night sight' shots were taken as Antarctica remains shrouded in darkness during the Southern Hemisphere winter. NASA used the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on Landsat 8 captured a new snap of the 2,240-square-mile iceberg that split off from the Antarctic Peninsula's Larsen C ice shelf on July 10 to 12. The satellite imagery is a composite of Landsat 8 as it passed on July 14 and July 21 and shows that the main berg, A-68, has already lost several smaller pieces. The Landsat 8 shots show that the main berg, A-68, has already lost several smaller pieces, and reveals a group of three small, not yet released icebergs at the north end of the embayment. The satellite imagery is a composite of Landsat 8 as it passed on July 14 and July 21 and shows that the main berg This composite image was created from the Landsat 8 images as it passed on July 14 and July 21 The latest imagery also details a group of three small, not yet released icebergs at the north end of the embayment. The A-68 iceberg is being carried by currents northward out of its embayment on the Larsen C ice shelf. Previous Deimos-1 satellite images show clear water between the iceberg, dubbed A-68, and the Larsen C ice shelf. There are also signs that the northeastern end of the iceberg - one of the largest ever recorded - is breaking up with a large new crack appearing. The gap is now increasing between the iceberg and the shelf it came from, sparking concerns it could pose a hazard to maritime traffic. If the glaciers held in check by the iceberg spill into the Antarctic Ocean, it could lift the global water mark by about 10 centimetres (4 inches). The image also suggest a massive segment of 'fast ice', which is just a few metres thick, that was attached to the iceberg has broken free. Fast ice is the name given to ice that covers seawater but is attached to land. Research suggests the iceberg should now drift up the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula away from the Weddell Sea and towards the Atlantic, wrote the BBC. 'It will most likely follow a northeasterly course, heading roughly for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands,' said Thomas Rackow from the Alfred Wegener Institute. 'It will be very interesting to see whether the iceberg will move as expected, as a kind of 'reality-check' for the current models and our physical understanding', he said. It's difficult to get pictures of the Antarctic at this time of year as it has long winters and lots of cloud cover. Throughout the Antarctic winter, scientists monitored the progress of the rift in the ice shelf using the European Space Agency satellites. Pictured is the rift days after the iceberg broke free The image suggests that a massive segment of 'fast ice' (boxed out in the middle of the image), which is just a few metres thick, that was attached to the iceberg has broken free. A68 is also now breaking up into several smaller icebergs in the north and east WHAT IS ITS IMPACT? Icebergs calve from Antarctica all the time, but because this one is particularly large its path across the ocean needs to be monitored as it could pose a hazard to maritime traffic. The massive ice cube will float in water and by itself will not add to sea levels when it melts. But the real danger is from inland glaciers. Ice shelves float on the sea, extending from the coast, and are fed by slow-flowing glaciers from the land. They act as giant brakes, preventing glaciers from flowing directly into the ocean. If the glaciers held in check by Larsen C now split into the Antarctic Ocean, it could lift the global water mark by about 10 centimetres (four inches), researchers have said. Advertisement Spacecrafts who have captured images of the vast iceberg have done so using infrared sensors. The iceberg has an area of 2,239 sq miles (5,800 sq km), making roughly the size of Delaware or four times the size of London. It is predicted to be one of the 10 largest icebergs ever recorded. In a statement on 12 July, Swansea University said: 'The calving occurred sometime between Monday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 12, when a 5,800-square kilometre (2,200-square mile) section of Larsen C (ice shelf) finally broke away.' Throughout the Antarctic winter, research teams, led by the University of Swansea and including researchers from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), monitored the progress of a 170 km long ice rift in the ice shelf using the European Space Agency (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellites. Icebergs calve from Antarctica all the time, but because this one is particularly large its path across the ocean needs to be monitored as it could pose a hazard to maritime traffic. The massive ice cube will float in water and by itself will not add to sea levels when it melts. But the real danger is from inland glaciers. According to BAS remote sensing analyst Andrew Fleming, the satellite images have been critical for research planning. He says: 'This story has just got even more interesting. 'Our glaciologists will now be watching closely to see whether the remaining Larsen C Ice Shelf becomes less stable than before the iceberg broke free, and our biologists will be keen to understand how new habitats formed by the loss of the ice are colonised.' A thermal image from Nasa's Aqua satellite shows that water, which is shown by the strong white lines, is coming between the iceberg and the shelf. It also suggests a large section of fast ice has detached from the berg British caterpillars are being infected by a 'zombie' virus that makes them climb trees before exploding in a shower of goo. The 'baculovirus' changes the caterpillars' instincts to hide away from sunlight and forces them crawl to the tops of plants. Their bodies are then liquefied, causing them to burst and spread the infectious virus to other insects. Scroll down for video British oak eggar caterpillars (pictured) are being infected by a 'zombie' virus that makes them climb trees before exploding in a shower of goo HOW THE VIRUS KILLS While the virus has been spotted in the UK before, it is extremely rare. Populations of baculovirus normally flourish in small areas before quickly dying out. Scientists in the US only recently discovered that the virus controls the grub by altering its response to light. Uninfected caterpillars climb up and down their host plants, regardless of light conditions, but they never climb high enough to reach the top of the plants. Researchers at Penn State University, Pennsylvania, found in 2014 that infected larvae in the presence of light started climbing three days after being infected. They then climbed almost 3.5 centimetres (1.4 inches) over the next 14 hours. The researchers found the virus makes the caterpillars move toward light, which in turn triggers them to climb up their host plant and die on top. Advertisement The popped remains of several 'oak eggar' moth caterpillars - a common variety in the UK and Europe - have been spotted across the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire. Dr Chris Miller, mosslands manager for the Wildlife Trust in Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, said: 'It's like a zombie horror film. 'I was carrying out a large heath butterfly survey on Winmarleigh Moss and noticed a caterpillar hanging from the end of a branch of a small bush. 'Later on I saw another one hanging from a tall blade of grass - both were dead but otherwise intact. 'While checking some other branches I noticed small scraps of caterpillar skin on a couple of branches suggesting the two I had seen were not the only ones to be affected.' The caterpillar of the oak eggar moth eats heather and bilberry so is normally hidden in the undergrowth. It is unusual to see caterpillars high up as they can be easily picked off by predators. Birds will often eat the zombified corpses as they hang from the tops of plants and spread the virus via their faeces. 'It's pretty gruesome when you think about it,' Dr Miller said. While the virus has been spotted in the UK before, it is extremely rare. The 'baculovirus' changes caterpillars' instincts to hide away from sunlight and forces them crawl to the tops of plants. Their bodies are then liquefied (pictured), causing them to burst and spread the infectious virus to other insects 'I've never seen it in eight years working with the Wildlife Trust, and my colleague hasn't in 25 years, so it's an unusual thing to witness,' Dr Miller told MailOnline. Populations of baculovirus normally flourish in small areas before quickly dying out. A Wildlife Trust spokesperson said: 'We would ask everyone who sees caterpillars or snails for that matter high up on leaves to report it to us. 'They usually hide away from sunlight to protect themselves from predators. 'People should remain vigilant and look out for them.' Scientists in the US only recently discovered that the virus controls the grub by altering its response to light. Uninfected caterpillars climb up and down their host plants, regardless of light conditions, but never climb high enough to reach the top. The popped remains of several 'oak eggar' moth (pictured) caterpillars - a common variety in the UK and Europe - have been spotted across the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire Mature larvae often crawl down to the best of the planet as a safe spot before becoming immobile pupae. But researchers at Penn State University, Pennsylvania, found in 2014 that infected larvae in the presence of light started climbing three days after being infected. They then climbed almost 3.5 centimetres (1.4 inches) over the next 14 hours. The researchers found the virus makes the caterpillars move toward light, which in turn triggers them to climb up their host plant and die on top. Study coauthor Dr Jim Slavicek said at the time: 'Who knew that a virus could change the behaviour of its host? Maybe this is why we go to work when we have a cold.' A stone bracelet believed to have been made by a Paleolithic man could revolutionise our understanding of early human development. Scientific analysis suggests that the enchanting find is a 65,000 to 70,000 years old. Experts already believe it is the oldest piece of jewellery of its kind in the world, crafted by an extinct branch of early humans known as Denisovans. The species is a closely related but separate hominid species to Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. If confirmed, it would push back the date of its creation by around 30,000 years and show that technology used in its creation was available much earlier than thought. Scroll down for video An enchanting stone bracelet (pictured) made by a Paleolithic man could could revolutionise our understanding of early human development, suggesting that technology used in its creation was available much earlier than thought DENISOVAN BRACELET The bracelet was found in 2008 in the Denisova Cave (pictured), in Siberia, named after Denis, a Russian hermit who lived there in the 18th century. It was located in a layer that contained Denisovan, homo altaiensis, rather than Homo sapien or Neanderthal remains, although all these groupings shared the cave at various times and interbred. It was originally reported as 40,000 years old and made for an ancient woman by a Paleolithic craftsman. But the manufacturing technology used in the bracelet is seen as being more typical of a later period, for example the Neolithic era, which began around 12,000 years ago. Russian researchers have suggested the jewellery item comes from a time long before early man was believed to have the skills or know-how to make such objects. Advertisement Scientists from the universities of Oxford and Wollongong in Australia are due to meet this month with Russian colleagues. The academics will analyse and interpret data from tests on the age of the soil layer in which the bracelet and other artefacts, including a pre-historic needle, were found. At an exhibition in France this year the green-hued chlorite bracelet, unearthed in a Siberian cave, was listed as 50,000 years old. It was earlier reported as originating from 40,000 years ago and made for an ancient woman by a Paleolithic craftsman. But Russian researchers have suggested the jewellery item comes from a time long before early man was believed to have the skills or know-how to make such objects. Maksim Kozlikin, a researcher from the institute of archaeology and ethnography, in Novosibirsk, said: 'Preliminary results have been received to date stratum 11 where the bracelet was found to 65,000 to 70,000 years. 'So it all goes towards changing the dating of the finds to more ancient.' Institute director Professor Mikhail Shunkov acknowledged that at 50,000 year old, the bracelet was already 'a world-level phenomenon' because its existence challenged the known 'level of technologies'. For example, the bracelet has a hole made by drilling and rasping devices. Experts already contend it is the oldest piece of jewellery of its kind in the world, crafted by an extinct branch of early humans known as Denisovans. This image shows a reconstruction of how the bracelet would have looked at the time The manufacturing technology used in the bracelet is seen as being more typical of a later period, for example the Neolithic era, which began around 12,000 years ago. This image shows a hole that was drilled in the bracelet with a high-rotation drill Made of chlorite (pictured) imported from more than 150 miles away, the exceptionally rare bracelet would have belonged to a high-ranking member of the society 'Our colleagues from Australia and Oxford are coming here in August, we will be discussing the dating then,' he said, adding that some data was 'ambiguous' and required clarification. 'Until then, I will refrain from saying anything.' A consensus on the age will be announced after the experts had discussed the dating, and a major scientific journal report was expected, The Siberian Times reported. The bracelet was found in 2008 in a layer that contained Denisovan, homo altaiensis, rather than Homo sapien or Neanderthal remains, although all these groupings shared the cave at various times and interbred. 'The bracelet is stunning in bright sunlight it reflects the sun rays, at night by the fire it casts a deep shade of green,' said Professor Anatoly Derevyanko, the institute's former director. 'It is unlikely it was used as an everyday jewellery piece. At an exhibition in France this year the green-hued chlorite bracelet (pictured), unearthed in a Siberian cave, was listed as 50,000 years old. It was earlier reported as originating from 40,000 years ago and made for an ancient woman by a Paleolithic craftsman Two fragments of the bracelet of a width of 2.7cm and a thickness of 0.9 cm were found. The estimated diameter of the find was 7cm. Near one of the cracks was a drilled hole (pictured) with a diameter of about 0.8 cm 'I believe this beautiful and very fragile bracelet was worn only for some exceptional moments,' he said. The manufacturing technology used in the bracelet is seen as being more typical of a later period, for example the Neolithic era, which began around 12,000 years ago. Dr Derevyanko said: 'Two fragments of the bracelet of a width of 2.7cm and a thickness of 0.9 cm were found. 'The estimated diameter of the find was 7cm. 'Near one of the cracks was a drilled hole with a diameter of about 0.8 cm. 'Studying them, scientists found out that the speed of rotation of the drill was rather high, fluctuations minimal, and that was there was applied drilling with an implement, technology that is common for more recent times. 'The ancient master was skilled in techniques previously considered not characteristic for the Palaeolithic era, such as drilling with an implement, boring tool type rasp, grinding and polishing with a leather and skins of varying degrees of tanning. 'Next to the hole on the outer surface of the bracelet can be seen clearly a limited polished zone of intensive contact with some soft organic material,' said Dr Derevyanko. The needle was one of humankinds first tools. It is distinctive of the Upper Paleolithic period, which began 40,000 years ago. The three inch (7.6cm) needle (pictured) is crafted from ancient bird bone The needles were used for fashioning fishing nets and carrying bags, and sewing together hides for warmth. It is believed to be around 50,000 years old, but the new dating claims could push this back 'Scientists have suggested that it was a leather strap with some charm, and this charm was rather heavy. The location of the polished section made it possible to identify the 'top' and 'bottom' of the bracelet and to establish that it was worn on the right hand.' Among the remains of 66 different types of mammal found in the cave were those of extinct woolly mammoths. In 2000 a tooth from a young adult was found in the cave and in 2008, archaeologists discovered the finger bone of a juvenile Denisovan hominin, dubbed 'X woman'. Further examination of the site found other artefacts dating as far back as 125,000 years. Dr Shunkov has suggested that the bracelet indicates the Denisovans were more advanced than Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. The Denisova Cave (pictured), in Siberia, is named after Denis, a Russian hermit who lived there in the 18th century. It is the only location where the remains of Denisovans have been discovered and has been repeatedly used by them, Neanderthals and Homo sapiens The findings came from an annual summer excavation of Denisova Cave, which has been studied for more than three decades. Scientists hope that ongoing excavations at the site (pictured) will hopefully lead to new discoveries Inside the cave, which dates back to at least 288,000 years old, where the bracelet was discovered (pictured) were also ancient human remains 'These finds were made using technological methods, boring stone, drilling with an implement, grinding, that are traditionally considered typical for a later time, and nowhere in the world they were used so early, in the paleolithic era. 'At first, we connected the finds with a progressive form of modern human, and now it turned out that this was fundamentally wrong. 'Obviously it was Denisovans, who left these things.' The Russian scientists say they examined the idea that the bracelet could have been buried underground in the cave by a later generation, perhaps in Neolithic times. But they say the soil around the bracelet was 'uncontaminated by human interference from a later period'. The soil around the bracelet was also dated using oxygen isotopic analysis. Redating of the bracelet would also mean a needle now held to be 50,000 years old is also even more ancient. The needle is also seen as the work of Denisovans. Each year, millions of people around the world are affected by diseases caused by mutations that occur in the very early stages of development. But many of those diseases could soon cease to exist, thanks to a gene editing technique that uses the controversial CRISPR-Cas9 system. In a world first, scientists have used the technique to correct a mutation for a heart condition in embryos, so that the defect would not be passed on to future generations. The findings could pave the way for improved IVF outcomes, as well as eventual cures for some of the thousands of diseases caused by mutations in single genes. Scroll down for video In a world first, scientists have used the technique to correct a mutation for a heart condition, so that the defect would not be passed on to future generations. Pictured top is a previous technique, which saw some cells still with the mutation. Pictured bottom is the new technique, in which all cells are repaired HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease of your heart muscle, where the muscle wall of your heart becomes thickened. It is one of more than 10,000 inheritable diseases caused by an error in a single gene. This genetic disease manifests only in adulthood and affects an estimated 1 in 500 people. It can lead to heart failure and sudden death of apparently healthy people. Advertisement The work is a collaboration between the Salk Institute, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Korea's Institute for Basic Science. Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, an author of the study, said: 'Thanks to advances in stem cell technologies and gene editing, we are finally starting to address disease-causing mutations that impact potentially millions of people. 'Gene editing is still in its infancy so even though this preliminary effort was found to be safe and effective, it is crucial that we continue to proceed with the utmost caution, paying the highest attention to ethical considerations.' In the study, the researchers were able to correct a mutation that causes an inherited heart disease, called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is an inherited disease of your heart muscle, where the muscle wall of your heart becomes thickened. This sequence of images shows the development of embryos after the sperm and CRISPR-Cas9 was injected into a healthy egg. Pictured left are the eggs shortly after the injection, pictured centre are the embryos two days later, and pictured right are the embryos five days later Q&A: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CRISPR-CAS9 Q: What is Crispr-Cas9? A: An incredibly powerful gene-editing tool that is transforming the way DNA is manipulated and modified. First demonstrated in 2013, it is based on a system bacteria use to defend themselves against invading viruses. Q: How does Crispr-Cas9 work? A: In its most basic form, the gene editing 'tool kit' consists of a small piece of RNA - a genetic molecule closely related to DNA - and an enzyme protein called Cas9. The RNA component is programmed to latch onto a specific DNA sequence. Then Cas9 slices through the strands of DNA, like a pair of molecular scissors. Q: What can Crispr-Cas9 do? A: By cutting away precisely targeted elements of DNA, active genes can be switched off. Defective parts of a gene can also be removed, allowing the fault to be repaired. Q: How are defective genes fixed? A: Here, nature comes into play. Once a piece of DNA has been snipped out in a cell, natural repair systems kick in to try to repair the damage. More advanced gene editing systems include additional 'template' DNA the cell can use to mend the break, making it possible to re-write the genetic code. This was what the scientists conducting the new research planned to do. In the event, the embryos went their own way. Instead of adopting the researchers' template, their cells exploited the fact that only one copy of the gene - carried by sperm - was defective. They based their repairs on the other, functioning, copy of the gene inherited from the women who donated their eggs for the research. Q: Does this mean gene editing of embryos could eliminate inherited diseases? A: A lot more research has to be done before the technique is shown to be safe and effective enough to be used in the clinic. Also, altering nuclear DNA in a developing embryo is currently illegal. A change in the law would be needed before such treatments can be considered, and this would involve addressing some profound ethical questions. If in future gene editing of embryos is given the green light, it could potentially prevent thousands of diseases being passed onto future generations. Advertisement It is caused by a mutation in the MYBPC3 gene, and those affected have a 50 per cent chance of passing the disease on to their own children. Using a skin biopsy from a man with HCM, the researchers generated stem cells to use in their study. The researchers used a technique based on CRISPR-Cas9 a genetic tool that can 'cut and paste' small sections of DNA, deleting or repairing flawed genes to correct the HCM mutation in the cells. CRISPR-Cas9 works as a pair of genetic scissors designed to cut the DNA near the position of the mutation. The cut is then spontaneously repaired by the cell with different mechanisms: one repairs the DNA without leaving any trace, while the other introduces some unwanted insertions or deletions of a few base pairs near the cutting site. While previous studies have injected CRISPR-Cas9 after IVF, they faced problems due to 'mosaicism' in which embryos have some repaired cells, and others that carry the mutation. During testing, none of the embryos were allowed to develop beyond five days after conception. But had they produced offspring, those with the repair would no longer be at risk of developing HCM, or passing the defective gene onto their own children (stock image) To overcome this issue, the researchers injected the CRISPR-Cas9 and the sperm into the egg at the same time. Using this technique, they found that the mosaicism did not occur. During testing, CRISPR-Cas9 cut the DNA at the correct position in all tested embryos. Forty-two out of the 58 embryos tested did not carry the HCM mutation. In other words, this technique increased the probability of inheriting the healthy gene from 50 per cent to 72.4 per cent. UK COULD BE THE FIRST COUNTRY TO APPROVE THE TECHNIQUE The highly controversial technique is still at an early experimental stage. There is no question of any attempt being made to create babies with the genetic modification, which would be illegal both in the US and the UK. But a leading member of the team has hinted that first steps towards bringing the treatment to patients could take place in the UK under the direction of the fertility regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Dr Shoukhrat Mitalipov, from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, said in a telephone briefing with journalists: 'Maybe .. (the) HFEA might take a lead on this, but I'm quite sure before these clinical trials can go on they have to go through, I believe, Parliament to change a law. 'So there is still a long road ahead, particularly if you want to do it in a regulatory way.' US regulatory barriers to such research are so high they could be insurmountable. In the US, taxpayer funds cannot pay for research that destroys human embryos. And Congress has banned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from even considering the possibility of human clinical trials involving embryos with edited inherited genes. More liberal Britain has already blazed a trail by becoming the first country officially to sanction mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), seen by some as opening the door to 'designer babies'. Advertisement In the study, the researchers were able to correct a mutation implicated with an inherited heart disease, called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which can lead to heart failure and sudden death of apparently healthy people The researchers also found that human embryos have an alternative DNA repair system, where the Cas9-induced cuts in the DNA coming from the sperm are repaired using the healthy egg's DNA as a template. This explained why the remaining 27.6 per cent embryos still had the HCM mutations. Additionally, the researchers found that there were no off-target changes made during the testing. CRISPR-Cas9 works as a pair of genetic scissors designed to cut the DNA near the position of the mutation (stock image) THE BACKLASH AGAINST CRISPR Some people are voicing their opposition to the gene-editing technology. Dr David King, director of Human Genetics Alert, said: 'If irresponsible scientists are not stopped, the world may soon be presented with a fait accompli of the first GM baby. 'We call on governments and international organisations to wake up and pass an immediate global ban on creating cloned or GM babies, before it is too late. 'There is absolutely no medical need to use this technology to avoid the birth of children with genetic diseases, since genetic selection techniques can prevent their birth, where that is appropriate. 'So scientists racing to develop this technology must be driven by something else: irresponsible technological enthusiasm, the desire for fame, or the financial gain of being the first to market designer babies.' Advertisement Dr Jun Wu, one of the paper's first authors, said: 'Our technology successfully repairs the disease-causing gene mutation by taking advantage of a DNA repair response unique to early embryos.' During testing, none of the embryos were allowed to develop beyond five days after conception. But had they produced offspring, those with the repair would no longer be at risk of developing HCM, or passing the defective gene onto their own children. Dr Shoukhrat Mitalipov, who also worked on the study, said: 'Every generation on would carry this repair because we've removed the disease-causing gene variant from that family's lineage. 'By using this technique, it's possible to reduce the burden of this heritable disease on the family and eventually the human population.' While the results are extremely promising, the researchers warn that they are very preliminary, and that further studies will be needed to make sure there are no unwanted side effects. Professor Belmonte said: 'Our results demonstrate the great potential of embryonic gene editing, but we must continue to realistically assess the risks as well as the benefits.' Dr Daniel Dorsa, senior vice president for research at OHSU added: 'The ethical considerations of moving this technology to clinical trials are complex and deserve significant public engagement before we can answer the broader question of whether it's in humanity's interest to alter human genes for future generations.' But not everyone is happy about the study, and claim that it is the first step in the development of designer babies. Dr David King, director of Human Genetics Alert, said: 'If irresponsible scientists are not stopped, the world may soon be presented with a fait accompli of the first GM baby. 'We call on governments and international organisations to wake up and pass an immediate global ban on creating cloned or GM babies, before it is too late. 'There is absolutely no medical need to use this technology to avoid the birth of children with genetic diseases, since genetic selection techniques can prevent their birth, where that is appropriate. 'So scientists racing to develop this technology must be driven by something else: irresponsible technological enthusiasm, the desire for fame, or the financial gain of being the first to market designer babies. 'James Clapper, US director of national intelligence was right to call the creation of GM babies a 'weapon of mass social destruction.'' They usually move only a few metres, but trapdoor spiders once made an incredible journey of more than 6,000 miles from South Africa to Australia, new research has found. The eight-legged creatures made the miraculous journey two million years ago by travelling on floating debris. Once they reached Australia, the trapdoor spiders colonised Kangaroo Island off the country's southern coast, where they can still be found today. Scroll down for video Trapdoor spiders (pictured) first reached Australia two million years ago by travelling thousands of miles from South Africa on floating debris, new research has found HOW DID THE SPIDERS REACH AUSTRALIA? The trapdoor spider reached Australia via long-distance ocean travel across the Indian Ocean from Africa to Australia. This 6,175 miles (9,940 km) journey first happened between two and 16 million years ago. The researchers suggest that a spider colony could have travelled across the oceans on a land 'raft' - a large chunk of land and vegetation washed out to sea. The spiders are well suited for this because they live underground in secure burrows with well-fitting lids which would provide shelter during the journey. The species also have a low metabolic rate and would be able to survive the journey with limited food sources. Advertisement The research, from scientists at the University of Adelaide, rules out an older theory that the arachnids, also known as M. rainbowi, were left on Kangaroo Island after the separation of Gondwana. Gondwana was an ancient supercontinent that broke up into the landmasses that we now recognise as South America, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, India, Australia and Antarctica. Study coauthor Sophie Harrison said: 'Conventional wisdom had suggested the spiders became split from their South African relations with the separation of Africa from Gondwana around 95 million years ago. 'But our research showed that the divergence of M. rainbowi from African Moggridgea trapdoor spiders occurred sometime between two and 16 million years ago, well after the Africa-Gondwana separation. 'Likewise, the timing of divergence rules out the other alternative theory for the spiders arrival in Australia - that of being transported with humans, who arrived in Australia much later.' The remaining and most logical theory is that the spiders reached Australia via long-distance ocean travel across the Indian Ocean from Africa to Australia. The researchers suggest that a spider colony could have travelled across the oceans on a land 'raft' - a large chunk of land and vegetation washed out to sea. Ms Harrison told MailOnline: 'The spiders are actually quite well suited for dispersal in this manner, as they live underground in secure burrows with well-fitting lids which would provide shelter during the journey. The spiders are well suited for this because they live underground in secure burrows with well-fitting lids which would provide shelter during the journey, study coauthor Sophie Harrison (pictured) said 'They also have a low metabolic rate and would be able to survive the journey with limited food sources.' Study co-author Professor Andrew Austin added: 'At first thought, this does seem incredible. 'But there are precedents of such ocean travel. Moggridgea are also found on the Comoros volcanic islands, 340km from mainland Africa, however this is a relatively short distance compared with the 10,000kms from South Africa to Kangaroo Island.' To establish the connections between the Kangaroo Island and South African trapdoors the researchers generated DNA sequences from six spider genes. The Australian trapdoor spider, which usually moves no further than a couple of metres from where it was hatched, is today only found on Kangaroo Island off the country's southern coast They used these as markers to compare the genetic makeup of Kangaroo Island and South African species, which showed they belong to the same genus. 'Molecular clock' dating technology showed the inter-specific divergence time of two to 16 million years ago, with separate populations on Kangaroo Island diverging between one and six million years ago. The mother trapdoor spider lays her eggs in a burrow and, when the conditions are right, the eggs hatch. The spiders move a couple of yards, set up their own burrows, and stay there for the rest of their lives, lunging out of their trapdoors at night to catch passing prey. It could be the worst kept secret in the technology world. The final specs of Samsung's stylus-equipped Galaxy Note8 have been revealed online, just days after what is believed to be Samsung's official pictures of the handset surfaced. According to VentureBeat's Evan Blass, the handset will be a 'near doppelganger' of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ introduced earlier this year. Scroll down for video Leaked photos claiming to show the final design of the highly-anticipated Galaxy Note 8 have surfaced online (pictured) NOTE 8 SPECS 6.3inch SuperAMOLED display 162.5mm x 74.6mm and 8.5mm thick Samsung Exynos 8895 system-on-chip processor US handsets will have Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 Two main rear cameras, both featuring 12-megapixel sensors Available in Midnight Black and Maple Gold, followed by Orchid Grey and Deep Sea Blue Advertisement The handset will be officially unveiled on August 23 in New York City. According to Blass, who credits 'a person briefed on the devices final configuration' it will boast a 6.3inch SuperAMOLED display with squared off corners. The handset will measure 162.5mm x 74.6mm, with an 8.5mm thickness, and be powered by Samsungs own Exynos 8895 system-on-chip globally, although Us customers will instead get Qualcomms Snapdragon 835, although it is believed the two systems will have comparable performance. It will also have two main rear cameras, both featuring 12-megapixel sensors, and an eight-megapixel sensor on the front. It will also feature wireless charging capabilities, and ship in Midnight Black and Maple Gold, followed by Orchid Grey and Deep Sea Blue. As VentureBeat previously reported, it will cost nearly 1,000 in Europe when it starts to ship in September. Previously leaked images reveal that Samsung's answer to the iPhone 8 will be more rectangular than the Galaxy S8 and will be sold in black and gold. The leak comes just weeks before the device is due to be officially unveiled by Samsung at a launch in New York, according to rumours. Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 will keep the edge-to-edge display found on the Galaxy S8, according to the leaked images. A side by side comparison of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy Note 8. Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 will keep the edge-to-edge display found on the Galaxy S8, according to the leaked images The images suggest the screen of the device will be 6.3-inches (16cm) across but will appear to be the same size as the S8 thanks to a lack of bezels. Leaked photos have also revealed that the Note 8 could be the first Samsung device to incorporate a dual-lens camera. And like previous Note devices, the latest model will come with an S Pen stylus, the images suggest. The images were posted on Twitter by Evan Blass, a well known mobile reporter and leaker based in Philadelphia. The images were posted on Twitter by Evan Blass, a well known mobile reporter and leaker based in Philadelphia In response to accusations that he had leaked the images on behalf of Samsung, Blass posted: 'Samsung doesn't send out controlled, full-frontal flagship leaks 3 weeks pre-launch. Next time ask.' The anonymous source also said the Galaxy Note 8 phone will sport a curved screen that is marginally larger than the 6.2-inch version of the Galaxy S8 smartphone and feature two rear cameras. Samsung had first dropped hints about a follow-up to its exploding Galaxy Note Series in April. The company was forced to launch a $19 billion recall in October last year after it was discovered that the devices were prone to overheating and bursting into flames. Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the biggest blunders in smartphone history, the South Korean firm believes it's Note 8 has the ability to stand up to Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone 8. The bigger a Twitter following, the more likely an account is to behave like a bot and be 'lower quality' researchers have found. Researchers from the University of Cambridge used Twitter data to determine whether bots can be accurately detected, how bots behave and how they impact Twitter activity - they found the 'celebrity' accounts with more than 10 million followers exhibit much of the same behavior as bot accounts. Like bots, these accounts rely on retweeting and posting links to external sites, while accounts with fewer followers behave the most like humans and are significantly better at conversation. Scroll down for video Like bots, accounts with more followers rely on retweeting and posting links to external sites, while accounts with fewer followers behave the most like humans and are significantly better at conversation HOW TWITTER'S BIGGEST ACCOUNTS ACT LIKE BOTS The researchers discovered bots retweet and post links to external sites more often than non-bot accounts. They also see less engagement on their tweets. Bots tweet more often, yet they spend less time 'liking' others' tweets. The study revealed the behavior of users with 10 million followers or more was more in line with bots than humans. These accounts tweet at roughly the same pace as bots with similar follower numbers and, like bots, tweet more in general. They rely on retweeting and posting links to external sites more than human accounts. Their tweets are also of lower quality and see less engagement. Advertisement 'A Twitter user can be a human and still be a spammer, and an account can be operated by a bot and still be benign,' said Zafar Gilani, a PhD student at Cambridge's Computer Laboratory, who led the research. 'We're interested in seeing how effectively we can detect automated accounts and what effects they have.' The team started by first identifying bots in order to learn about their behavior and compare it to humans. They note that not all bots are malicious - reputable news organizations are technically considered bots because of the methods they use to push out large amounts of content. First they looked to the online tool BotOrNot (since renamed BotOMeter), which checks the activity of a Twitter account and gives it a score based on how likely the account is to be a bot. After determining the tool had low accuracy, they employed four students to manually analyze 3,535 accounts. Using a tool that automatically presented Twitter profiles, each student classified every account, and each was collectively reviewed before a final decision was reached - the students showed high level of agreement on their categorization and discovered that 2,010 of the accounts were human and 1,525 of the accounts were bots. In total, it's estimated that anywhere between 40 and 60 percent of all accounts on the platform are bots. The team the divided accounts into categories based on total number of followers and found that celebrity-level accounts tweet at roughly the same pace as bots with similar follower numbers and, like bots, tweet more in general Next, created a bot detection algorithm that achieved roughly 86 percecent using an algorithm known as Random Forests, which uses 21 different features for detection and was trained by the original dataset annotated by the human annotators. The team the divided accounts into categories based on total number of followers and found that celebrity-level accounts tweet at roughly the same pace as bots with similar follower numbers and, like bots, tweet more in general. They also discovered that accounts with more than 10 million followers tend to retweet at similar rates as bots. 'We think this is probably because bots aren't that good at creating original Twitter content, so they rely a lot more on retweets and redirecting followers to external websites,' said Gilani. 'While bots are getting more sophisticated all the time, they're still pretty bad at one-on-one Twitter conversations, for instance most of the time, a conversation with a bot will be mostly gibberish.' The non-bot accounts and those celebrity ones with fewer followers proved to have better quality and more engaging tweets - tweets by human accounts receive on average 19 times more likes and 10 times more retweets than tweets by bot accounts The non-bot accounts and those celebrity ones with fewer followers proved to have better quality and more engaging tweets - tweets by human accounts receive on average 19 times more likes and 10 times more retweets than tweets by bot accounts. These users also 'like' others' tweets more often than bots. 'Many people tend to think that bots are nefarious or evil, but that's not true,' said Gilani. 'They can be anything, just like a person - Some of them aren't exactly legal or moral, but many of them are completely harmless. ' 'What I'm doing next is modelling the social cost of these bots how are they changing the nature and quality of conversations online?' 'What is clear though, is that bots are here to stay.' New details about the iPhone 8 have been revealed every day so far this week, thanks to engineers who discovered clues about the new Apple handset in leaked code for the firm's upcoming HomePod speaker - and now another likely feature has just been reported. The iPhone 8 camera may introduce support for a new 'SmartCam' scene selection feature that would be used to intelligently capture the best photos when shooting specific scenes like fireworks and sunsets, according to one engineer. Guilherme Rambo, who found code suggesting the new photography feature in the leaked HomePod software, also discovered code that references authenticating Apple Pay with facial recognition. Scroll down for video The iPhone 8 camera may introduce support for a new 'SmartCam' scene selection feature that would be used to intelligently capture the best photos when shooting specific scenes like fireworks and sunsets, according to one engineer The code for the SmartCam suggests an array of scenes including Fireworks, Baby, Bright Stage, Document, Foliage. It's assumed the camera would detect objects in the scene to automatically apply the best setting - Apple already uses this type of image recognition to automatically sort photos in Memories and locate photos in Search. Additionally, it's expected future iPhones will have a 'neural engine' dedicated to such machine learning tasks. The findings confirm the long-rumored removal of the home button, which is expected to be replaced with a virtual button The latest code discovered today points to an additional use for the facial recognition technology - Apple Pay. It's now believed facial recognition rather than Touch ID will be used to authenticate payments WHAT DOES THE CODE REVEAL? Because the HomePod speaker will have to work with Apple's new phone, it contains references to some of the upcoming features in its code. These include: - Removal of the home button - A 'tap to wake' feature - Facial expression detection, which may be used for Apple Pay - An edgeless display - An infrared camera - A 'SmartCam' Advertisement Findings made public earlier this week - also by Rambo, who's been tweeting about discoveries along with Ireland-based developer Steve Troughton-Smith - confirmed the rumored removal of the home button, which is expected to be replaced with a virtual button. He also suggested the new device will likely feature facial expression detection after uncovering a potential 'attention detection' feature in the code. He tweeted: 'There's also a lot of new references to facial expression detection,' along with the section of the code he was referring to. Facial references include 'mouthsmile', 'mouthfrown' and 'mouthpucker', which are likely to be linked to the rumoured facial recognition feature. The latest code discovered today points to an additional use for the facial recognition technology - Apple Pay. It's now believed facial recognition rather than Touch ID will be used to authenticate payments. The specific code references 'passbook.payment.contactlessinterface' with 'pearl.field-detect' and 'pearl.pre-arm,' which is believed to the rumored Face ID. Mr Troughton-Smith discovered a 'tap to wake' feature, that would allow users to double-tap their screen to wake their device IPHONE 8 RUMOURS Several rumors have been circulating about the iPhone 8, and suggest the next device may have: - Dual-lens 3D camera - Augmented reality capabilities - Curved glass casing - Wireless charging - 5 inch (12.7 centimeter) and 5.8 inch (14.7 centimeter) model, will have a wraparound OLED screen - Aluminium back will be replaced with two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle - Facial recognition - 128GB will cost $999 - 256GB will cost $1,099 Advertisement Also earlier this week, Troughton-Smith discovered a 'tap to wake' feature, that would allow users to double-tap their screen to wake their device. He tweeted: 'It looks like the new iPhones might support 'tap to wake', much like Windows Phones/Lumias.' While the developers did not find evidence of an ultrasound Touch ID, Troughton-Smith said that a sensor under the screen was still a possibility. He tweeted: 'I mentioned ultrasound, yes, but I searched for much, much more. 'There is no evidence whatsoever of any new kind of Touch ID.' Yesterday, Troughton-Smith tweeted a pictured of the code, and said: 'I can confirm reports that HomePod's firmware reveals the existence of upcoming iPhone's infra-red face unlock in BiometricKit and elsewhere.' Apple revealed its HomePod speaker - which rivals Google Home and the Amazon Echo - earlier this year. Because the speaker will have to work with Apple's new phone, it's code references to some of the upcoming features in its code. Mr Rambo tweeted: 'There's also a lot of new references to facial expression detection,' along with the section of the code he was referring to Earlier findings in the code also suggest an infrared camera could be included to allow users to unlock their phone using their face a feature that was introduced by rival Samsung in its Galaxy S8 device. And the fact that the infra-red technology is part of a 'BiometricKit' suggests that it could also be used to measure other parts of your body, such as your heart rate. Mr Troughton-Smith also revealed that the iPhone 8 could have an edgeless display, having been tipped off about another section of the code by Rambo. The details from the HomePod code were revealed on Twitter by Steve Troughton-Smith, a developer based in County Limerick, Ireland He tweeted an image of the outline of the new iPhone, saying: 'But wait, there's more: images of the new iPhone form-factor are also present. A lot of people at Apple are going to have a nasty Monday.' The findings come just days after a report suggested that the iPhone 8 will ship in late October, and will not be available in white. Previous rumors suggested the Touch ID scanner would be built behind the screen but Japanese website Macotakara says this looks unlikely. Mr Troughton-Smith also revealed that the iPhone 8 could have an edgeless display, having been tipped off about another section of the code by a developer called Guilherme Rambo The site also claims that based on information from a Taiwanese supplier, the power button lacks parts for a fingerprint sensor. Previously it was believed the handset would be released with the 'iPhone 7s' and 'iPhone 7s Plus' in September. 'The front frame is black only and white has been confirmed not possible so the possibility is high that colour variation is few', the website said. Apple revealed its HomePod speaker, which rivals Amazon's Echo and Google's Home, earlier this year. Because the speaker will have to work with Apple's new phone, it contains references to some of the upcoming features in its code Previous rumors have also suggested there would not be much color choice. A photo of what such a device could look like was revealed by a respected Apple leaker, who says that a source inside the company tipped him off. Benjamin Geskin from Latvia, tweeted the rumors, saying: '2017 OLED iPhone - four colors. New one - mirror like.' A photo of what such a device could look like has been revealed by a respected Apple leaker, who says that a source inside the company tipped him off. The latest leak suggests the phone will not be released in white Benjamin Geskin tweeted a pictured of an older iPhone with a reflective case, to give an idea of what the mirror finish could look like According to Geskin, the iPhone will be available in four colors, with the other three expected to be white, black and rose gold. Geskin tweeted a pictured of an older iPhone with a reflective case, to give an idea of what the mirror finish could look like. Previous rumors have suggested that the iPhone 8 could come in six colors, with red, gold and grey options. The Ikea catalogue is one of the world's most widely distributed books, up there with the Bible and Harry Potter. But its content varies hugely according to which countries the editions are aimed at, thanks to the heavy use of Photoshop. The Swedish furniture giant has this year, for example, removed female models from family scenes in an Israeli version of its catalogue, and has done so in the past for Saudi Arabia, too. Kitchens in the US (left) tend to be larger than in China, so the amount of floor space was reduced in the 2017 Chinese catalogue (right) to better reflect a typical home there Subtle differences can be seen here, such as the type of fridge, taps and the amount of floor space, all tweaked to appeal to buyers in different countries According to Quartz, Ikea released 203 million copies of its 324-page catalogue at the end of July, with 72 different region-specific editions - a painstaking process which takes 18 months to complete. First, ethnographers are hired to visit real homes and research the nature of domestic life in countries all over the world. Having shot all the furniture, Photoshop is used to tweak various layouts according to the target audience. Around 35 per cent of items, such as ovens, stove tops and kitchen appliances, are entirely computer-generated. The company released a specialised edition for Orthodox Jews in Israel (pictured) It features Haredi men and boys, but no women, and has them studying religious texts in the photos - a move not approved of by some critics Martin Enthed, an Ikea marketing executive wrote for the CGSociety: 'A kitchen in the US will look very different to a kitchen in Japan, for example, or in Germany. 'So you need lots of different layouts in order to localize the kitchen area in brochures.' In this year's US catalogue, for example, the kitchen is manipulated to look much larger than the one in the Chinese equivalent but both use the same model in the same pose. And in February this year the company release a specialised edition for Orthodox Jews in Israel, which features Haredi men and boys, but no women, and has them studying religious texts in the photos. In Ikea's 2011 catalogue, the woman pictured in the UK version (left) was removed from the Saudi Arabian issue (right), and the marketing text was changed In 2012, the American catalogue (left) depicts a wholesome scene of a family sharing a bathroom, but the woman was airbrushed out for the Saudi edition (right) The same Saudi Arabian issue (bottom) did away with models altogether in some sections The Swedish edition proudly presented four of its designers (top) but in the Saudi version, the female designer is deleted while her three male colleagues remain In this scene, the little girl was removed from the Saudi edition (bottom), as well as a woman seen reading in the left corner of the shot. Ikea later apologised for excluding women from the Saudi version of its catalogue But Sam Sokol, an Orthodox reporter for IBA News, said: '[The catalogue] is part of the growing trend of purging the images of women from ultra-Orthodox publications and is presented by its proponents as being consistent with religious tradition. 'Actually, it's misogynistic market segmentation.' A spokesperson for Ikea in Israel told MailOnline in response: 'The Ikea catalogue distributed in Israel looks the same as the Ikea catalogue in all other markets around the world, containing images of women, men and children. 'In February, the local Israeli organization distributed a brochure, customized specifically for the Haredi community in an attempt to reach this minority community in Israel with commercial messages. 'Accordingly, this brochure has been customized in several ways and as such, it also does not show any images of women or girls. 'We realize that people are upset about this and that the publication does not live up to what Ikea stands for and we apologize for this. We will make sure that future publications will reflect what Ikea stands for and at the same time show respect for the Haredi community.' Previous editions have also had all their female models removed to better appeal to male-dominated cultures, as came to light in Saudi Arabia in 2011 and 2012. Ikea later apologised in this instance, stating on its website: 'We regret the current situation. We should have reacted and realized that excluding women from the Saudi Arabian version of the catalogue is in conflict with the Ikea Group values.' Advertisement These breath-taking photos document the new life of a young couple who are touring North America in their converted van. Jess Bonde, a 29-year-old self-trained photographer from Tasmania, Australia, gave up his career working with superyachts two years ago to escape the 'really big drinking culture' so he could return to nature with his girlfriend Lova. They've spent the past 12 months on a ski season in Canada before travelling along the coast and down to the Grand Canyon - and Jess' photographs are envy-inducing to say the least. These breath-taking photos document the new life of a young couple who are travelling around North America in their converted van. Pictured here is Jess is Canada's Banff National Park 'I was working in the superyacht industry,' Mr Bonde said. 'And within that industry there is a really big drinking culture. 'I wanted to pick up a new hobby that would keep me out of the bars and get me back into nature, so I decided I would buy a camera. 'I hate being bad at things so I spent hours YouTubing everything from how to use my camera, composition, lighting, and how to post process.' The results include stunning images of the couple tending to a bonfire outside their van under the stars, exploring the deep valleys of Utah's Zion national park and relaxing in a hammock in Yosemite national park. Jess Bonde (pictured), a 29-year-old self-trained photographer from Tasmania, Australia, gave up his career working with superyachts two years ago to escape the 'really big drinking culture'. He is pictured here at Horeshoe Bend in Arizona He chose to leave his old life behind so he could return to nature with his girlfriend Lova, pictured here in California The couple (pictured) spent the past 12 months on a ski season in Canada before travelling along the coast and down to the Grand Canyon Jess' photos, showing (left) Lova at the Zion National Park in Utah and (right) at Sunwapta Falls in Jasper, Canada, are envy-inducing to say the least We have the ability to do whatever we want, when we want, wherever we want 'I grew up in Tasmania, a beautiful island state of Australia that has so much raw and rugged terrain,' he explains. 'This is where my passion for the outdoors began, but photography brought me back to it.' So far the couple have been all over the world, from visiting the cliffs of Moher in Ireland to seeing the Northern Lights in Norway. And Mr Bonde says he feels his photography really captures the sense of freedom the couple feel in their day to day lives. 'I was working in the superyacht industry,' Mr Bonde said. 'And within that industry there is a really big drinking culture' He goes on: 'I wanted to pick up a new hobby that would keep me out of the bars and get me back into nature, so I decided I would buy a camera'. Pictured here is Lova overlooking another glorious view Jess remarks: 'I hate being bad at things so I spent hours YouTubing everything from how to use my camera, composition, lighting, and how to post process' - with impressive results, seen here at Zion National Park The intrepid traveller, pictured here swaying in a hammock that overlooks the Yosemite National Park in California, has no regrets about his choice 'For me, what you see in our photographs is the essence of freedom,' he says. 'We have the ability to do whatever we want, when we want, wherever we want. 'We have no schedule, we just want to enjoy each and every moment we can in nature, together, and I think that is what my photography is all about, that freedom. 'It keeps me pushing outside and getting me to exciting places, and I get to share those places with the world and hopefully inspire people to get outside and enjoy nature as much as I do. He concludes: 'It is my goal to inspire people to get outside and find something in nature that they really enjoy and can connect with. I am a big believer that if there are more people going outside and connecting to nature, we are going to have more people helping protect our beautiful planet. 'So I guess the message is simply get outside and enjoy something nature has to offer.' So far the couple have been all over the world, from visiting the cliffs of Moher in Ireland to seeing the Northern Lights in Norway. Pictured here is the staggering Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah Jess, pictured in the Canadian Rockies, says: 'We have no schedule, we just want to enjoy each and every moment we can in nature, together, and I think that is what my photography is all about, that freedom' He states: 'It is my goal to inspire people to get outside and find something in nature that they really enjoy and can connect with' Neighbours actress Jodi Gordon (nee Anasta) split from her ex-husband in 2015, sharing three-year-old daughter Aleeia. And despite the former NRL star Braith Anasta making plans to start a family with new girlfriend Rachael Lee, he claims Jodi has been very supportive. Braith told The Daily Telegraph on Monday: 'Everything's really smooth, we've had no troubles.' 'We've had no troubles': Former NRL star Braith Anasta and girlfriend Rachael Lee claim Jodi Anasta was 'first to congratulate' them on expecting their first child together in an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Monday Two weeks ago, Braith and personal trainer Rachael announced they were expecting their first child together. They both already have children from previous relationships, with Rachael joining Braith and Aleeia with her seven-year-old son Addison. The FOX League commentator, who retired from rugby league in 2014, told the publication their ex partners have had positive reactions to the news. 'Rachael's ex-husband and my ex-wife Jodi have been fine. They were the first to congratulate us, they know the dynamic we've got with the kids, they're excited as well, we've had no problems whatsoever,' he said. Braith continued: 'We both have one of our own and now we've got a blended family, the four of us live together and we're going to be adding another one to the clan so we're really pumped.' ''Rachael's ex-husband and my ex-wife Jodi have been fine': Braith claimed Jodi was also 'excited' by the pair's news 'We're going to be adding another one to the clan so we're really pumped': Braith and Rachael already have children from previous relationships, with Rachael joining Braith and Aleeia, three, with her seven-year-old son Addison The retired rugby league star shared a photo of an ultrasound scan two weeks ago and wrote in the caption: 'Thank you for the best gift in life.' He continued: 'I can't wait for the next chapter of our lives together with our amazing family! I love you so much @rachaelleex.' Braith added the hashtags, 'Over the moon' and 'Couldn't be happier'. It is understood the baby is due in January. 'I can't wait for the next chapter of our lives together': Former NRL player Braith Anasta (left) and his girlfriend, personal trainer Rachael Lee (right), are expecting their first child together Announcement: On Friday, the retired rugby league player shared an Instagram photo of an ultrasound scan and wrote in the caption: 'Thank you for the best gift in life' Braith and Rachael began dating last year. In April 2016, a source told Daily Mail Australia the couple were in the 'early stages' of a romance. The insider confirmed the pair 'had been seeing each other', but claimed the relationship was still 'very new'. Finding happiness: Braith and Rachael began dating last year. In April 2016, a source told Daily Mail Australia the couple were in the 'early stages' of a romance Braith and Rachael went public in early January this year, after spending the Christmas holidays together. 'Rachael and I are extremely happy together but we will be keeping this private,' he said at the time. 'You learn from your past relationships. Happiness is all I want. I've learnt over the years it is good to keep some things private so we are doing that.' 'Rachael and I are extremely happy together but we will be keeping this private': Braith and Rachael went public in early January this year, after spending the Christmas holidays together Just weeks later, a friend revealed Braith and Rachael were moving in together, telling News Corp: 'They are such a cute couple.' They added: 'It might seem soon for them to be moving in with one another, but they have actually been seeing each other for quite a while. They just tried to keep it on the down low. 'Rachael's son Addison and Braith and Jodi's daughter Aleeia get along really well, so it really is a match made in heaven.' 'Rachael's son Addison and Braith and Jodi's daughter Aleeia get along really well, so it really is a match made in heaven': After going public, a friend said the couple were moving in together Braith was previously married to Neighbours actress Jodi Anasta (nee Gordon) for three years. The former couple confirmed their separation in December 2015. 'We are going to continue to support each other and remain best of friends. We only want the best for each other and more importantly our amazing daughter Aleeia,' they said in a statement at the time. Jodi is believed to be single following her split with Double Bay real estate agent Warren Ginsberg earlier this year. Split! Braith was previously married to Neighbours actress Jodi Anasta (nee Gordon) for three years. They announced their separation in December 2015 She told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that husband Oliver Curtis' time behind bars for conspiracy to commit insider trading, had taken a huge toll on their relationship. Roxy Jacenko admitted that at one stage she 'didn't think there was any hope' following her partner's release from prison. But from snaps shared to Instagram just hours later, the 37-year-old looked a picture of content as she celebrated Oliver's thirty-second birthday, with their children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three. Sweet gesture! Roxy Jacenko, 37, celebrated husband Oliver Curtis' 32nd birthday, with a decadent cake on Tuesday, after admitting she previously thought her marriage was over Taking to Instagram, a sweet family snap was captioned 'Happy Birthday'. The photo saw a glamorous Roxy in a black two-piece embracing Oliver, who cut a smart casual figure in a white button-up shirt, indigo jeans and loafers. The couple's daughter Pixie, five, looked adorable in a blue, red and white dress, as she beamed for the snap. Roxy ensured a glamorous affair at their North Bondi home, with a decadent cake, a fruit and cheese platter and champagne. Precious: A later image saw the couple's son Hunter, three, waving his hands playfully for the camera Now that's a spread! Another photo shared to Instagram saw an abundance of fine foods by The Blonde Butler Sydney A later image saw the couple's son Hunter, three, waving his hands playfully for the camera. Looking to be wearing pyjamas, the youngster sported a blue long-sleeved top, plaid pants and colourful socks. Embracing her youngest child, Roxy captioned the image with a love heart emoji. Working up an appetite! There were an array of appetisers available for guests, including her Sweaty Betty staff, to munch on Pulling out all the stops: Roxy ensured a lavish affair for her family with a gourmet cake creation by Spoon and Fork Sydney Just hours earlier, the PR maven candidly divulged she initially 'didn't think there was any hope' for their marriage once Oliver was a free man again. 'The reality is I didn't know whether we'd stay together, that's the truth. I really didn't think we would,' Roxy explained to Daily Mail Australia at the Birkenhead Point high-end precinct launch, adding: 'I didn't think there was any hope.' However, the blonde publicist said that the experience had a positive effect on Oliver. The Sweaty Betty founder said her husband was even more appreciative of their family and the sacrifices they made for him, such as embarking on 10-hour round trips to visit him at Cooma Correctional Centre. All in black: Roxy's guests including Francesca Packer (centre) and her Sweaty Betty employees looked chic in black ensembles Antics: Roxy was captured popping open a bottle of champagne while on the balcony of her luxury abode They're impressed! An image shared to Roxy's Instagram Story saw her loved ones gazing fondly at the decadent cake 'He's probably more grounded now. He is from a very privileged upbringing so being in that environment, you sort of take stock of what you've got and how lucky you are and you don't take anything for granted,' Roxy said. Roxy also revealed her husband's return has been overwhelmingly positive for the couple's children, Pixie and Hunter. The working mother said while Oliver's absence had been challenging for the youngsters, the kids have been ecstatic since he's been back. 'It's been amazing for the children, it's like the children have transformed into different little people,' she said. 'It's very nice for them.' Candid comments: Just hours earlier, the PR maven candidly divulged to Daily Mail Australia, that she initially 'didn't think there was any hope' for their marriage once Oliver was a free man again Truth: 'The reality is I didn't know whether we'd stay together, that's the truth. I really didn't think we would,' Roxy explained to Daily Mail Australia at the Birkenhead Point high-end precinct launch Despite past troubles, Roxy and Oliver's relationship has taken a positive turn of late, with Oliver staging a romantic second proposal in a lavish Four Seasons hotel room in Sydney last month. The couple are believed to have reunited after a period of estrangement while Oliver served a 12-month jail sentence for insider trading. In April, pictures were published showing Roxy passionately kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal. At the time, Oliver was in prison. In June, Oliver was released from Cooma Correctional Centre in southern NSW after serving a 12-month jail sentence for insider trading. His pride and joy: Roxy also revealed her husband's return has been overwhelmingly positive for the couple's children, Pixie and Hunter She is no stranger to flaunting her impeccable bikini body at every given opportunity. And Kimberley Garner looked sensational as she put on a very cheeky display in a racy swimsuit for a series of sultry shots in Mykonos on Tuesday. The former Made in Chelsea star, 27, wowed as she flaunted her peachy posterior in the skimpy thong cut one piece, which showed off her pert derriere to perfection. Scroll down for video Peachy: Kimberley Garner, 27, looked sensational as she put on a very cheeky display in a racy swimsuit for a series of sultry shots in Mykonos on Tuesday Cheeky: Kimberley Garner stripped down to her thong swimsuit for a series of sultry shots in Greece Striking a sultry pose in the stunning navy and white backless costume, the swimsuit designer coyly looked over her shoulder as she showcased her rounded derriere and tanned limbs. The garment's elegant crossed strap back drew the eye to her slender waist as she played with her hair. Another sizzling snap saw Kimberley reveal her tanned limbs and pert bust as she knelt on all-fours and fixed the camera with a smouldering stare. Her caramel locks were worn in tousled beachy waves which she playfully swept over to the side as she posed. Bottoms up: Kimberley couldn't resist sharing another pic of her bootylicious behind Leggy display: Showing off her lithe frame from all angles, a second snap saw the blonde beauty in front of a stunning infinity pool while showing off her incredibly toned pins. Going for the full on bombshell look in her idyllic surroundings, the star's sparkling peepers were enhanced with smoky eyeshadow and statement brows while a hint of berry lipstick was visible on her pouting lips. Showing off her lithe frame from all angles, another snap saw the blonde beauty in front of a stunning infinity pool while showing off her incredibly toned pins. Kimberley also drew attention to her lean arms as she casually swept her hair up into a ponytail. Flaunting her endless legs in another snap, she slipped into a pair of tiny tasselled hotpants which arching one toned pin and leaning back against a wall. Windswept: Flaunting her endless legs in another snap, she slipped into a pair of tiny tasselled hotpants which arching one toned pin and leaning back against a wall She teamed the thigh-grazing shorts with an ivory bralette top which showed off her pert cleavage and envy inducing abs. For comfort she slipped on studded sandals. Kimberley shot to fame in 2012 in Series 3 of MIC where she caught the gaze of many male cast members including Spencer Matthews, 27, and Richard Dinan. After one date with Spencer, the pair decided not to take the chemistry any further. Kimberley has now turned her attention to the world of swimwear design. Daring; Kimberley shot to fame in 2012 in Series 3 of MIC where she caught the gaze of many male cast members including Spencer Matthews, 27, and Richard Dinan The starlet proudly ensures all the pieces in her self-titled swimwear range are made in England and the Italian fabric is hand-cut in London - in a luxury touch to help her designs stand out in the market. Speaking to MailOnline, she said: 'I designed this year's swimwear collection all around the Island, with tropical-inspired hand drawn prints. 'I wanted it to capture that balmy, relaxed feeling of being on holiday. 'It's really cool being a young designer and I love the creative process, from design to seeing the final product.' The actress twice won the Logie for most popular female talent thanks to her role as vet Vicky Dean Bowen in A Country Practice in the 80s. And Penny Cook's most recent acting gig on ABC's medical drama Pulse has her wanting more TV roles in the future. The Australian star, now 60, told The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday: 'I was given some of the best lines I've ever had in my career on Pulse.' 'I was given some of the best lines I've ever had in my career': Actress Penny Cook, 60, praises new role on ABC medical drama Pulse after claiming 'there's not a bucket load of jobs for old ladies on TV' in an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday Penny plays nurse unit manager Carol Little in the ABC medical drama, but Penny claims her character is more often heard and not seen. 'I was given some of the best lines I've ever had in my career on Pulse (but) it is pretty much my elbows and hand and the back of my head (viewers see) a lot of the time,' she said. 'It (being on Pulse) was good for my confidence. I hadn't done drama for a couple of years. I'd done a few plays but not a lot of telly,' Penny told the publication. 'It (being on Pulse) was good for my confidence': Penny plays nurse unit manager Carol Little in the ABC medical drama, but Penny claims her character is more often heard and not seen While Penny finished up on A Country Practice more than 30 years ago, she had continued acting in TV series and in theater productions since. Most notably, she appeared in Neighbours as Prue Brown from 2007 to 2010. 'There's not a bucket load of jobs for old ladies on television... It would be lovely to see more people my age (on the screen) but I doubt that is ever going to happen,' she said. 'It would be lovely to see more people my age (on the screen)': Penny was doubtful that the industry would begin to cast more actresses in their 60s on TV Remember this face? The actress twice won the Logie for most popular female talent thanks to her role as vet Vicky Dean Bowen in A Country Practice in the 80s In the mid-1990s Penny was a presenter on The Great Outdoors. She also appeared in All Saints. Penny acts alongside young stars Claire van der Boom, Andrea Demetriades and Liam McIntyre in the ABC series. Pulse airs on ABC Thursdays from 8.30pm She's known for her long dark tresses, but this week Tammin Sursok debuted her edgy new look. The 33-year-old Australian actress thrilled her fans when she shared to Instagram, pictures of her new pink hair. The Pretty Little Liars star gave her locks a chop and added blonde highlights to break up the pink. Scroll down for video Pink hair, don't care! Tammin Sursok stuns as she ditches her long dark tresses (R) for an edgy new look (L) Making changes: Tammin - who rose to fame on Australian soap Home and Away - has changed her hair for her new role Fans immediately commented on how 'amazing' her new hairstyle was. 'Oh my God you look gorgeous,' one fan wrote underneath a video she posted. 'Love the punk hair,' another added. Tammin - who rose to fame on Australian soap Home and Away - has changed her hair for her new role. It's a hit with fans: 'Love the punk hair,' one follower remarked on her Instagram Makeover: In one image shared from the set, Tammin shows off her slim figure in a black Tiger T-shirt, denim cut offs and fishnet stockings The actress and her husband Sean McEwen are writers and producers on their new flick, and are currently shooting. When she first revealed her new look, Tammin said she was excited for her fans to meet her character. In one image shared from the set, Tammin shows off her slim figure in a black Tiger T-shirt, denim cut offs and fishnet stockings. She matches her hair with plum lipstick and winged eyeliner and the South African-born stunner also wears a fake tattoo on her wrist. Working together: Tammin and her husband, Sean McEwen, are writers and producers on their new film, and are currently shooting (pictured with their daughter Phoenix) Hot mumma: In June, Tammin showcased her incredible figure in a bikini and revealed her secret body struggles Tammin is based in the US with her husband Sean, and their daughter, Phoenix Emmanuel, three. In June, Tammin showcased her incredible figure in a bikini and revealed her secret body struggles. She said she hasn't felt truly confident about her post-baby body, until now. Referencing a personal trainer in her post, she wrote online: 'I haven't felt truly confident in a bikini since I gave birth to my 10 pound daughter almost 4 years ago. Thank you @markrhinosmith for kicking my butt. It hasn't been easy but results happen when you sacrifice short term goals.' Roxy Jacenko has celebrated one year since undergoing breast cancer surgery. The 37-year-old marked the anniversary of her recovery by taking to Instagram on Wednesday to share a throwback hospital snap. 'One year ago today and still here nagging everyone!' she captioned the photo, in which the PR maven is seen making a peace sign while in a hospital bed. Pleased! Roxy Jacenko has celebrated one year since undergoing breast cancer surgery. The 37-year-old marked the anniversary of her recovery by taking to Instagram on Wednesday to share a throwback hospital snap The businesswoman also thanked her doctor, adding, 'Dood job Prof. Mann' and added a love heart emoji. Roxy underwent surgery for breast cancer in a Sydney hospital in August last year, and documented her journey in a 60 Minutes television special. She was supported by her mother Doreen, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a mastectomy a decade ago. Roxy spoke candidly about her diagnosis, and revealed she did not expect to battle cancer in her 30s. 'I kept thinking, at 40 is when you start worrying about breast cancer and so on - even if it's in your family,' she confessed. Hard time: Roxy underwent surgery for breast cancer in a Sydney hospital in August last year, and documented her journey in a 60 Minutes television special Challenging: Roxy spoke candidly about her diagnosis, and revealed she did not expect to battle cancer in her 30s The Sweaty Betty PR boss also confessed that her son, Hunter, 2, had received messages from trolls who thought Roxy was 'faking' her illness. 'Someone wrote on Hunter's Instagram, "How's your mummy's fake cancer?"' she said. Roxy went on: 'It makes me angry, I mean the reality is you'd have to be sick in the head to think that someone would actually manipulate a timeline on cancer. People die from cancer.' Celebration! On Tuesday, Roxy popped the champagne for another reason, as she celebrated Oliver's thirty-second birthday The Ministry of Talent founder revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer - just three weeks after her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed for insider trading in July last year. On Tuesday, Roxy popped the champagne for another reason, as she celebrated Oliver's thirty-second birthday, with their children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three. They were briefly engaged after meeting on Ex On The Beach, before going through an ugly public split. And despite it being a year and a half since their split, Jordan Davies couldn't resist having a dig at ex-fiancee Megan McKenna as he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on Tuesday. The reality star put on a dapper display in a three-piece suit, but let down his appearance somewhat as he bragged about bedding 1,500 women. Scroll down for video Hitting out: Despite it being over a year since their split, Jordan Davies couldn't resist having a dig at ex-fiancee Megan McKenna as he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on Tuesday Dressed in a suave navy suit, the confident chap ensured his entrance was one to to remember, as he hit out at the TOWIE star, ranting: 'She f***** me off to come on here. I'm definitely going to last a lot longer than she did. I am a lads' lad. If there's a single girl I'm going straight for her. And as presenter Emma Willis chipped in with: 'Fourth, she came fourth!', he quickly added: 'Well I'm gonna win it! I'm gonna win it, aren't I!. And bragging that he had slept with 1,500 women, the Ibiza Weekender admitted he couldn't wait to scout out the talent. 'She f***** me off to come on here. I'm definitely going to last a lot longer than she did.' the confident chap ensured his entrance was one to to remember, as he hit out at the TOWIE star 'Get me in that house right now! I want to party!,' he told Emma, who tried her best to tame the rampant lad. Jordan, who soared to fame on Magaluf Weekender met Megan during their first stint on Ex On The Beach in 2015, where they fell in love on the show shortly before returning last year when he popped the question. But in April, Megan spoke to MailOnline about their split, revealing she blocked the Welsh hunk on all forms of social media. Single ready to mingle: The reality star put on a dapper display in a three-piece suit, but let down his appearance somewhat as he bragged about bedding 1,500 women 'I actually blocked Jordan on everything when we broke up because he wasn't a very good boy,' she said. During Megan and Pete's second stint on Ex On The Beach, Jordan popped the question to his girlfriend - leaving her in shock. While the reality starlet initially appeared happy with the idea of a wedding, Megan later insists she was mortified at the proposal and the fact Jordan lied about the cost of the ring. Excited: Bragging that he had slept with 1,500 women, the Ibiza Weekender admitted he couldn't wait to scout out the talent 'I am a lads' lad. If there's a single girl I'm going straight for her,' he boasted She claimed: 'I was angry (he proposed) on camera, I wish he didn't do it, I think it's embarrassing. He embarrassed me. 'He lied to me about the ring price for a start... He makes me out to be bad all the time but he needs to realise he's a liar.' But Jordan had his own version of affairs, blasting his ex in March last year. Happier times: Jordan, who soared to fame on Magaluf Weekender met Megan during their first stint on Ex On The Beach in 2015, where they fell in love on the show shortly before returning last year when he popped the question Speaking about their split, he claimed their engagement came to an end when the Essex girl decided to enter the CBB house - where she was seen cosying up to Geordie Shore star, Scotty T. Jordan blasted her behaviour, saying: 'Its clearly very obvious she split up with me to go on Big Brother. She put her career before our relationship, and she chose her career before me. 'I later found out that whilst she was with me she was going for CBB interviews behind my back.' 'It obviously hurt me with Megan, as she split up with me three weeks prior to this and I was witnessing her getting in to bed with another guy on national TV.' Clearly hurt by her amorous antics with their fellow Ex On The Beach star, Jordan slammed his former fiancee, saying: 'When youve been with someone you dont do that to them. Megan has since moved on with TOWIE co-star and on-off boyfriend Pete Wicks, who she has had a tumultuous on-screen relationship with. Actresses say half as many words on-screen and occupy half the number of film roles, a new study has found. Researchers analysed one thousand movie scripts and looked at the content and tone of characters language, their interactions across gender, race and age and the number of dialogue scenes both male and female characters were involved in. Of the scripts and 53,000 dialogue scenes reviewed, they discovered that female characters are much less likely take a central role in comparison to their male counterparts. While women had just over 15,000 dialogue scenes in the films, men had more than 37,000. Pictured: Actress Jennifer Lawrence, who wrote an open letter asking why her male co-stars earned more than her in the 2013 movie American Hustle. Equally as shocking, women portrayed just over 2,000 characters whereas men had more than double at almost 4,900. Speaking about female representation on screen earlier this year, veteran actress Glenda Jackson said: I have found it all extraordinary all my professional life that creative writers dont find women interesting. They are almost invariably there as an adjunct to male driver of dramatic engine. The academic study also found male dialogue contained more words related to achievement, death and more swear words than the dialogue scripted for women. The researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering in Los Angeles found that if female characters were removed from most movie genres, the plot and the relationships to other characters did not need to be altered significantly. The exception was when women were in horror movies when they were most likely to be portrayed as victims and so to leave female characters out would cause disruption. Speaking about female representation on screen earlier this year, veteran actress Glenda Jackson (pictured) said: I have found it all extraordinary all my professional life that creative writers dont find women interesting' The research emerges following a row in Hollywood over the gender pay gap. Actresses including Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman and Helen Mirren have spoken out against the pay discrimination in the industry. Hollywoods gender pay gap was highlighted in 2015, when hacked documents from film studio Sony Pictures revealed major pay disparities between top actors. They showed that Miss Lawrence was paid less than her male co-stars Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper in the 2013 black comedy American Hustle. Miss Lawrence later penned an open letter asking why her male co-stars earned more and said she was mad at herself after learning about the pay gap because she had failed as a negotiator. The American researchers also looked at the production teams across films including writers, directors and casting agents in the study, which is published in the journal Proceedings of the Association for Computational Linguistics. They found there were seven times more male writers than female writers, almost 12 times more male directors than writers and a little over three times more male producers than female producers. While casting directors were the only exception to this trend, as there were twice as many female casting directors as male, the casting directors genders seemingly had no impact on characters genders. Overall female characters regardless of race, tended to be about five years younger than their male counterparts. The biggest difference, researchers discovered, came from the writers room, where women writers meant female character representation on screen was on average 50 per cent higher. Doctoral student Anil Ramakrishna, one of the authors of the study from USC Viterbi School of Engineering in Los Angeles, said: Writers consciously or subconsciously agree to established norms about gender that are built into their word choices. In 2015, Helen Mirren (pictured) said that the sexism in Hollywood was f***ing outrageous In an ideal world, gender is in an auxiliary fact, it has nothing to do with the way actors are presented and what they say. In 2015, Helen Mirren said that the sexism in Hollywood was f***ing outrageous. The 72-year-old was asked about actress Maggie Gyllenhaals revelation that she was told she was too old to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. She was just 37. When asked about Miss Gyllenhaals comments, Miss Mirren said, Yes, Im sure thats true. Its f***ing outrageous. Its ridiculous. Honestly, its so annoying. We all watched James Bond as he got more and more geriatric, and his girlfriends got younger and younger. Its so annoying. A study published in 2014 found that pay for female movie stars increases until they reach 34, then rapidly decreases, as does the number of roles for women of a certain age. For men, the peak earning year is 51, and there is no noticeable decline in wages after that. Since his abrupt firing Anthony Scaramucci has been the subject of memes across the internet. And on Tuesday The Morning Show's Larry Emdur got in on the action, sharing a photo making fun of his own TV flop. Taking to Instagram Larry posted a photo of himself and Anthony, writing: 'Celebrity Dog School lasted longer on TV than Scaramucci lasted!' 'Celebrity Dog School lasted longer on TV than Scaramucci lasted!' Larry Emdur pokes fun of his TV flop while ripping into Anthony Scaramucci's short stint as communications director On Monday White House communications director Anthony was fired by US President Donald Trump after a gaffe-filled 10 days in the job. Taking to social media on Tuesday, Larry made fun of the former financier's short-lived stint in the top position. The Channel Seven personality shared a photo of Anthony and a promotional shot of himself from TV flop Celebrity Dog School. Out: On Monday White House communications director Anthony was fired by US President Donald Trump after a gaffe-filled 10 days in the job The short-lived show, hosted by Larry, aired on Network 10 for just 13 days and was put on indefinite hiatus after three episodes due to poor ratings. In the picture's caption Larry made fun of the TV flop, joking it was the first time he was able to say something good about the show. 'It's OFFICIAL !! Celebrity Dog School lasted longer on TV than Scaramucci lasted in The Whitehouse [sic],' Larry wrote on Instagram. 'I've never ever ever been able to say that about Celebrity Dog School': Larry clearly relished the chance to say something good about the TV flop Made fun of his TV flop: The Channel Seven personality joked that Celebrity Dog school had lasted three days longer than Anthony Scaramucci 'And I've never ever ever been able to say that about Celebrity Dog School and ummmm anything.' The Morning Show host also added the humourous hashtags 'winning', 'soproud' and 'itsagreatday'. Despite Celebrity Dog School flopping the TV failure hasn't had any impact on Larry's stellar career. Since 2007 Larry has been host of The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies. The 1980s are back and it's time to dig those dancing shoes out of the closet. Eighties era superstars The Human League have announced a tour of Australia set to kick off in December. The British band will be supported by Australian new wave act Pseudo Echo, who were also popular in the decade fashion forgot. They're back: Eighties era superstars The Human League have announced a tour of Australia set to kick off in December (pictured in 2017) The Human League are set to play Sydney's State Theatre on December 15 and Melbourne's Palais Theatre Melbourne December 13. They will also head to Queensland, with a gig at The Star Theatre, Gold Coast on December 16. The Sound of the Crowd hitmakers then head west for a concert at Perth Arena on December 9. Adelaide will also be graced by their keyboards, with a show at Thebarton Theatre on December 11. Flashback: The Human League are set to play Sydney's State Theatre on December 15 and Melbourne's Palais Theatre Melbourne December 13 (pictured in 1987) The synth-pop group had a slew of hits in the 1980s including the number one smash Don't You Want Me. Other hits include (Keep Feeling) Fascination, Mirror Man, Human, and Open Your Heart. Likewise, in the 1980s, Pseudo Echo had a slew of Australian top 20 hitsincluding Listening, A Beat for You, Don't Go and Funky Town. Also playing: The British band will be supported by Australian new wave act Pseudo Echo, who were also popular in the decade fashion forgot (pictured in the 1980s) Home grown: Pseudo Echo had a slew of Australian top 20 hitsincluding Listening, A Beat for You, Don't Go and Funky Town (pictured in 2015) Human League Philip Oakey, 61, told The Daily Record that he doesn't mind that his music isn't 'fashionable' anymore. 'The rule is if you are very fashionable then you have to become unfashionable at some point. There's no doubt about that,' he said. He added: 'If Kurt Cobain was still around people would be laughing in his face.' Channel Ten's Shark Tank is known to feature a variety of novel and unusual pitches. And this week's episode was no different thanks to entrepreneur Ben Burton's presentation about a dog adoption app inspired by Tinder. Ben pitched the app, named Zeepee, with the hopes of nabbing a $50,000 investment for a 10 per cent stake in his business. Who needs a boyfriend anyway? Shark Tank hopeful Ben Burton pitches 'Tinder for dogs' app to help pet lovers adopt rescue animals 'With 250,000 animals being put down every single year, we realised there was a whole demographic of people unreached the people who do 95 per cent of their browsing on a mobile phone,' the Coffs Harbour native told to the investors. Explaining that the app made finding a pet 'less like buying a table or a car off a classified website and more like meeting your new best friend,' he demonstrated how it works. 'The rescuers upload the animals, the user then downloads the app for free and is presented with the nearest relevant animal, closest to furthest away.' 'They can swipe left to see the next one, swipe right to save it to favourites,' he said. Big bucks: Ben pitched the app, named Zeepee,with the hopes of nabbing a $50,000 investment for a 10 per cent stake in his business While the investors seemed impressed throughout the presentation, Ben left empty-handed as he failed to secure a single offer. 'For me, it's over-complicated,' Boost Juice owner Janine Allis remarked. RedBalloon founder Naomi Simson concurred: 'Ben, I think this is a marketing play rather than necessarily an app. I'm not quite sure how you're going to monetise it.' So close! While the investors seemed impressed throughout the presentation, Ben left empty-handed as he failed to secure a single offer Meanwhile, Dr. Glen Richards, a veterinary surgeon and keen dog lover was more positive in his feedback. 'I'd like to help your journey because you are definitely an inspiring young guy. Your sales are so good. Your mind is damn sharp.' 'At the end of the day, I'm just wishing you were playing in another industry,' he said before declaring that he wasn't interested in investing. They're expecting their first child together. And Snezana Markoski shared an amorous photo of her and Sam Wood to her Instagram on Tuesday, with the lovebirds engaged in a passionate kiss. The 36-year-old fawned over her handsome fiance as she visited him at his 28 By Sam Wood offices in Melbourne. Scroll down for video Embrace: Snezana Markoski shared an amorous photo of her and Sam Wood to her Instagram on Tuesday, with the lovebirds engaged in a passionate kiss 'Just another day at the @28BySamWood office,' she captioned the romantic snap. The twosome appeared to both have their eyes closed as they locked lips, with Sam tenderly holding Snez's face during the embrace. Fans of the reality show couple, who found love on The Bachelor, immediately took to the image's comments section to commend their relationship. 'You guys are the perfect couple, I love how you love each other,' offered one supporter 'You guys are the perfect couple, I love how you love each other,' offered one supporter. 'I think you're distracting the Boss!' joked another follower. 'You guys just are so adorable together... I might have to join the great 28 because your energy is so positive,' gushed one admirer of the duo. 'You guys just are so adorable together... I might have to join the great 28 because your energy is so positive,' gushed one admirer of the duo The pair took to Instagram one day earlier to celebrate Snez reaching 28 weeks in her pregnancy. She posed in a matching crop top and legging ensemble, baring her growing bump as her beau held her around the waist. Across her stomach she wrote '28' which was an apt choice, given the name of her fiance's workout plan: '28 by Sam Wood'. The film currently has a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after premiering to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Now, the trailer to Call Me By Your Name was released by Sony Pictures on Tuesday ahead of it's limited release on November 24. Armie Hammer, 30, plays a 24-year-old American scholar visiting Italy in the film, where he meets a 17-year-old American-Italian boy who is visiting his family's villa. Love story: Timothee Chalamet plays a 17-year-old boy Elio, who falls in love with Armie Hammer's character Oliver during an Italian vacation Timothee Chalamet plays the young boy Elio, who falls in love with Armie's character Oliver. Oliver interns for Elio's father when they meet, and they fall in love on their Italian vacation. Elio watches on as Oliver makes out with a woman while dancing early on in the trailer. Acclaim: The movie currently holds a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews Amore: Elio admires Oliver as he sunbathes during this swimsuit scene at an Italian villa The two then share some alone time where Oliver implies that Elio is a know-it-all. When Elio says he doesn't know about important things, implying love, it piques Oliver's interest, creating an awkward moment for the pair. Later, they are seen laying together as Oliver tells Elio: 'Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine.' Curiosity: Elio piques Oliver's interest after getting close to him as they stand by a lake Romance: Oliver tells Elio in an intimate scene 'Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine,' The movie made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January of this year, where it received rave reviews. It will play the Toronto Film Festival next month before it's release in America on November 24. On kissing his co-star, Armie told Variety that the first kiss felt 'organic and special.' It's back to the drawing board for Star Wars: Episode IX. On Tuesday, it was announced British screenwriter Jack Thorne would be taking over the script for the newest installment of the cult franchise, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Up until now, the script was being written by the film's director, Colin Trevorrow and his writing partner, Derek Connolly. Stepping in: On Tuesday, it was announced British screenwriter Jack Thorne would be taking over the script for Star Wars: Episode IX But sources told the publication the script 'needs a fresh set of eyes'. While it's uncertain how much of the script will be rewritten by the 38-year-old, the acclaimed writer will be taking over moving forward. Thorne's most recent credits include the script for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, which was released as a book in 2016 and performed onstage in London's West End. Star Wars: Episode IX is set to enter production in January. Rework: While it's uncertain how much of the script will be rewritten by the 38-year-old, the acclaimed writer will be taking over moving forward More to come... Star Wars: The Last Jedi is set to hit cinemas on December 15. Seen here is a scene from last year's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, starring Diego Luna and Felicity Jones It's been slated for a May 24, 2019 release date. Before then, Star Wars fans can look forward to the eighth installment in the franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is set to hit cinemas on December 15. The film was written and directed by Rian Johnson, and features an all-star cast, including Tom Hardy, Andy Serkis, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Adam Driver, Laura Dern and Domhnall Gleeson. Iconic: The Last Jedi also stars the late Carrie Fisher, who played the eponymous Princess Leia, in what is her last role, seen here alongside Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford It also stars the late Carrie Fisher, who played the eponymous Princess Leia, in what is her last role. 'This movie, it sends her off in an amazing, amazing way,' actor John Boyega, 25, who plays Finn in the franchise, told ABC News. 'And she is still kept alive in this franchise. That's the beauty of it: She lives forever in a sense.' Carrie's real-life daughter, Billie Lourd, 25, also features in the film, playing Lieutenant Connix. They share two children and have been married for three years. And Asher Keddie, 42, and her husband Vincent Fantauzzo, 40, proved sparks are still very much flying between them when they put on a loved up display at Sydney Airport recently The high profile pair were spotted cuddling up to each other inside the terminal. Scroll down for video review So smitten! Asher Keddie gets cuddles from her husband Vincent Fantauzzo as they put on a loved-up display at Sydney airport Love birds: Asher, 42, and Vincent Fantauzzo, 40, proved sparks are still flying between them after three years of marriage Cosy: The high profile pair stayed close to each other and were spotted cuddling Asher, who was in Sydney to promote the new season of popular Channel Ten show Offspring, may have been returning to her home in Melbourne. Although appearing tired from the whirlwind publicity tour, the Offspring actress still looked radiant. Mostly make-up free, the blonde star had her shoulder-length hair loose. Wearing a low cut, scoop neck black T-shirt teamed with black pants, Asher kept warm with an ankle-length, lightweight cream-coloured trench. She accessorised with white trainers, a black shoulder bag and a buckled belt. Travel chic: Wearing a low cut, scoop neck black T-shirt teamed with black pants, Asher kept warm with an ankle-length, lightweight cream-coloured trench Cute: Vincent continued to cuddle his partner as they made their way through the airport Love story: Asher began dating the acclaimed Archibald-winning painter 2012 after splitting from her husband of five years Jay Bowen. The pair married in Fiji in April 2014 Vincent opted for a black jeans, a white T-shirt and a denim jacket, although he was later seen to swap the latter for a woollen jumper. Waiting for their flight, the loved up pair walked through the airport with their arms around each other before cuddling up to each other on seats. At one point Vincent was seen yawning while Asher covered her face with her hand. Tired traveller: At one point Vincent yawned while Asher covered her face with her hand Family: Asher shares a two-year-old son Valentino [Vallie] with Fantauzzo and is also stepmum to seven-year-old Luca. The actress recently revealed that a growing her family is on the cards 'The unit is beautiful and feels complete in a way, but I don't want to shut that door quite yet' Asher said about the prospect of having more children Asher began dating the acclaimed Archibald-winning painter 2012 after splitting from her husband of five years Jay Bowen. The pair married in Fiji in April 2014. She shares a two-year-old son Valentino [Vallie] with Fantauzzo and is also stepmum to seven-year-old Luca. However, the actress recently revealed that a growing her family is still on the cards. Smart pair: Vincent opted for a black jeans, a white T-shirt and a denim jacket, although he was later seen to swap the latter for a woollen jumper Speaking to Marie Claire, she said: 'We are definitely "never say never" people.' 'But I feel at the moment - and it might change tomorrow - I'm so grateful for the two children we have.' 'The unit is beautiful and feels complete in a way, but I don't want to shut that door quite yet.' She's The Biggest Loser contestant whose transformation was so stunning, she returned as host years later. And on Wednesday, Fiona Falkiner, 32, flaunted her beautiful, curvaceous frame in a tiny pink bikini. The blonde beauty was seen reclining in what appeared to be her own private outdoor pool at The Kayana Seminyak resort, Bali. Sun-kissed! On Wednesday, The Biggest Loser host Fiona Falkiner reclined in an outdoor pool at The Kayana Seminyak resort, Bali, flaunting her curvaceous frame in a tiny pink bikini In a truly stunning image, sun streamed onto Fiona's face, who tilted her head back to soak-up the rays. She lifted one of her toned arms to push back her hair, while her slender torso remained partially covered by water. In the background, an outdoor table setting lead to a patch of fresh grass, providing the TV star ample room to relax. Captioned 'Bali Bliss,' the picture is the latest in a series of enviable snaps she's been sharing this week. Soak it up! In a truly stunning image, sun streamed onto her face, who tilted her head back to soak-up the rays Bikini babe! Captioned 'Bali Bliss,' the picture is the latest in a series of enviable snaps the 32-year-old has been sharing from her vacation this week On Monday, The Biggest Loser host shared another picture on her Instagram story, this time in a black string bikini. Putting on a busty display, Fiona snapped the picture in a bathroom mirror. She appeared to be makeup free and had her blonde locks slicked back off her face. Holiday mode! Earlier, the reality star shared a selfie by her hotel pool, covering her face with a cap and dark sunglasses and enjoying an obligatory Bintang beer The reality star also shared a selfie by her hotel pool, covering her face with a cap and dark sunglasses. Clearly in holiday mode, she enjoyed an obligatory Bintang beer. As a passionate advocate for healthy body and lifestyle transformations, Fiona has often preached messages of body positivity and accepting one's imperfections. Having lost 30kg after her stint on The Biggest Loser's first season in 2006, Fiona got down to a size 12 before realising it wasn't a 'maintainable' size for her. Speaking out: As a passionate advocate for healthy body and lifestyle transformations, Fiona has often preached messages of body positivity and accepting one's imperfections She tied the knot with star AFL player Lance 'Buddy' Franklin in November 2016. And Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) has shared her thoughts on their first year of marriage in an interview with Stellar, which went on-sale Sunday, July 30. The 25-year-old looked resplendent as she modelled off-the-runway designs from Christian Dior in an accompanying shoot by photographer Edward Mulvihill. Scroll down for video Stunning: Jesinta Campbell looked resplendent as she modelled off-the-runway designs from Christian Dior in an accompanying shoot by photographer Edward Mulvihill The David Jones ambassador described life with her strapping husband, who plays for the Sydney Swans, as 'fun'. 'It feels really good. We are like a team,' she expressed of their relationship. The fashion model stunned in a variety of pieces from Christian Dior, a designer label she explained was a 'prestigious brand'. 'Everyone says the first year of marriage is the toughest, but if this is the toughest, sweet! This is fun,' she enthused 'They dont just dress anyone. They are the top of the fashion chain. So to be able to wear their clothes for this is pretty special,' she offered. The fashion house is the subject of a landmark exhibition at The National Gallery Of Victoria, which runs from August 27 till November 7. Jesinta has joined her husband Buddy at Dior, who is the face of the luxury brand's Sauvage Very Cool Spray fragrance. 'They dont just dress anyone. They are the top of the fashion chain. So to be able to wear their clothes for this is pretty special,' she offered She joked how he has teased her for 'jumping on the bandwagon' with him. Her Stellar shoot marked the line's union with David Jones, which will be celebrated with pop-up stores inside the retailer's Sydney and Melbourne CBD locations. Ready-to-wear items from Dior's Autumn/Winter 2017 collection can be purchased from the major city boutiques. Flash The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kathmandu, Nepal, celebrated the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on July 31. [Photo by Melsam Ojha/China.org.cn] The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Kathmandu, Nepal, celebrated the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on July 31. The Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, Nepali Minister for Defence Bhimsen Das Pradhan, commander-in-chief of Nepal Army Rajendra Chetri and the Senior Army Colonel at the Chinese Embassy Liu Xiaoguang, former ministers, army officials and friendship associations representatives attended the event. Speaking at the function, Senior Colonel Liu Xiaoguang said, "the Chinese people are peace loving people and will never seek hegemony but will remain standby for world peace." He also spoke about the PLA's contributions to the United Nation's peacekeeping efforts. He added, "For the first time in history, China has sent helicopters to the UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur. We also successfully completed the mission in Liberia." The senior colonel gave tribute to the brave PLA soldiers who gave their life for the peacekeeping missions. The Commander in Chief of the Nepal Army Rajendra Chetri gave a congratulatory speech for the anniversary, and said, "Nepal has always been supporting the 'One China' policy and we do not tolerate our land being used against any friendly countries." He also commended the ongoing cooperation between the PLA and the Nepal Army, "China's goodwill, outstanding assistance and true enabling role in disaster response to the 2015 earthquake and post earthquake crisis have been highly appreciated by the Nepalese people and the Nepal Army." He further offered thanks to the PLA for playing a pivotal role in the modernization of the Nepal Army since 1988 in offering trainings and military equipment. He said the partnership between the two militaries will expand in the future due to the PLA's great professionalism and wide expertise. "Such qualities provide us lots of opportunities for future cooperation in nation building and disaster risk management." It was recently reported that she'd stolen the heart of pop Lothario Harry Styles, who is said to have quickly become 'besotted' with her. And, years before reportedly catching the eye of one of pop's most eligible bachelors, Camille Rowe, 27, was captivating audiences with decidedly raunchy scenes in the 2010 French drama Notre jour viendra (Our Day Will Come). In the newly resurfaced scenes, the stunning model and actress strips completely nude as she romps in a threesome with Vincent Cassel and Josephine de La Baume. Scroll down for video Raunchy: Camille Rowe, left, is seen engaging in a threesome with Vincent Cassel and Josephine de La Baume in the 2010 French film Notre jour viendra (Our Day Will Come) Getting into character as Patrick, Vincent is seen seductively placing his fingers into Camille's mouth, after kissing the beauty as she holds a half-smoked cigarette. Credited in the film as 'the English girl #1' - alongside Josephine's 'the English girl #2' - Camille gives it her all as the trio take their amorous display to a large bed. The film, which opened to tepid reviews, stars Olivier Barthelemy as Remy, a redhead teen outcast living in France, who travels with troubled psychiatrist Patrick (Vincent) to Ireland, where they assume redheads receive better treatment. Baring all: The 27-year-old model and actress bares all as she strips off the for raunchy scene Writihing around: The trio are shown writhing around together on a grand bed in the film Lip service: Getting into character as Patrick, Vincent places his finger into Camille's mouth A girl has no name: Camille is credited in the French film simply as 'the English girl #1' Dunkirk star Harry, 23, and Victoria's Secret beauty Camille sparked speculation of a romantic pairing while attending a gig together in New York City recently. A source revealed to The Sun: Harry and Camille are in the early stages of dating. He's very protective of his relationship, so isn't going to want to make a big show of things... he seems besotted.' The source additionally told the publication that the pair appeared 'well suited'. MailOnline has contacted representatives for both Harry Style and Camille Rowe for comment. By the numbers: Josephine's character is no less anonymous, being named 'the English girl #2 Plot: In the film, Olivier Barthelemy plays Remy, a redhead teen outcast living in France Redheads have more fun in Ireland? The teen travels with troubled psychiatrist Patrick (Vincent) to Ireland, where they assume redheads receive better treatment It looks like Harry's close friend Nick Grimshaw may have fuelled the hot new romance after he hooked him up to a heart monitor and showed him a sizzling snap of Camille a few weeks prior during an interview on his BBC radio show. Speaking of the blonde bombshell - who was discovered in Paris at 18, Harry enthused: 'I dont know her. Im sure shes a wonderful person.' Camille, who now resides in Los Angeles, has previously modelled for brands including Adidas Original, Louis Vuitton, Dior and French label Zadig and Voltaire. She went on to make her Victoria's Secret debut in 2016 and a few months prior was named as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for April. Mixed reviews: The film received lukewarm reviews when it was released back in 2010 Multi-talented: As well as starring, Vincent Cassel also served as a producer on the film One director: The film, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, was directed by Romain Gavras It's not the first time Harry has found himself linked to a catwalk star, as he has had previous with four of Camille's fellow Victoria's Secret models, having dated Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner, Sara Sampaio and Nadine Leopold. The former X Factor star was first linked to Kendall back in 2013 - the same year he was said to have enjoyed a fleeting romance with her close pal Cara. Their relationship has been on and off over the years, with the duo appearing to rekindle things briefly on a Caribbean cruise in 2016. Harry reportedly dated Sara in 2015, and they were photographed outside a New York City hotel. New lady in his life: Despite his hectic schedule, it seems like Harry Styles, 23, has still had time to find love, as he is reportedly 'besotted' with Victoria's Secret angel Camille Rowe, 27 'They are well suited': The genetically gifted duo sparked speculation they are now dating while attending a gig together in New York recently A source revealed to The Sun: Harry and Camille are in the early stages of dating. He's very protective of his relationship, so isn't going to want to make a big show of things... he seems besotted' Photogenic: Camille, who now resides in Los Angeles, has previously modelled for brands including Adidas Original, Louis Vuitton, Dior and French label Zadig and Voltaire Big moment! She went on to make her Victoria's Secret debut in 2016 and a few months prior was named as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for April The same year, he was linked to stunning Nadine Leopold, who attended his 21st birthday party in Los Angeles. Earlier this year, Harry was linked to food blogger Tess Ward - but they called time on their romance just weeks after their relationship came to light. The relationship failed to take off due to their hectic schedules and the fact that Tess still reportedly had lingering feelings for her ex-boyfriend. Harry was also romantically linked to TV presenter Caroline Flack and American songstress Taylor Swift. Lucky man! Harry also reportedly enjoyed a fleeting romance with Kendall's close pal Cara Delevingne in the same year Wow: The hunk was also linked to stunning Nadine Leopold in 2015, who attended his 21st birthday party Previous flame: The former X Factor star was first linked to Kendall way back in 2013 and their relationship has been on and off over the years Short-lived: Earlier this year Harry was linked to food blogger Tess Ward - but they called time on their romance just weeks after their relationship came to light Exes: Harry has also reportedly dated TV presenter Caroline Flack and American songstress Taylor Swift She's been at the centre of a plethora of attention-grabbing headlines, following the shock split of Mel B and Stephen Belafonte earlier this year. But Lorraine Gilles, who had previously served as a nanny for the former couple, appeared to put all of her woes behind her as she enjoyed a leisurely day out on the sun-kissed shores of Malibu, California, on Sunday. The 26-year-old beauty looked sensational as she frolicked by the Pacific Ocean in a skimpy mismatched bikini, which included orange high-cut bottoms and a textured cream top, in which she flashed some underboob. Scroll down for video California dreaming: Mel B's former nanny Lorraine Gilles was spotted soaking up the sunshine in Malibu, California, on Sunday Shielding her eyes with a pair of light-rimmed tinted sunglasses, Lorraine opted to forgo any further accessories, letting her eye-catching ensemble do all the talking. She also went makeup-free for her day out in the excursion, styling her glossy platinum blonde tresses simply with a centre parting. Jumping in and out of the sea as large waves swept the shores, she was seen chatting with pals as she retreated to a sun lounger and scrolled through her phone. Sizzling: The blonde beauty displayed her jaw=dropping curves in a skimpy mismatched bikini Cream of the crops: Her barely-there ensemble included orange high-cut bottoms and a textured cream top, in which she flashed some underboob Dip it low: The 26-year-old enjoyed a cooling dip in the Pacific Ocean during her fun-filled day Shielding the eyes: She teamed her bikini with a pair of light-rimmed tinted sunglasses Tresses: Her platinum blonde tresses were styled with a simple centre-parting for her day out Her old boss, former Spice Girl Mel B, recently filed five separate legal motions against her, in a bid to strike out the case from court. In court documents obtained by MailOnline, the embattled hitmaker, 42, authorised her legal team to shut down her former employee's libel lawsuit against her, spending thousands of pounds to counter her case in the process. The America's Got Talent judge was hit with the suit after she claimed that Lorraine was one of the main reasons her marriage to film producer Stephen Belafonte broke down in her March divorce paperwork. Permanent ink: She flashed a text tattoo on her upper leg as she took a break from swimming Keeping close ties: The German's textured bikini top boasted a lace-up feature at the back At ease: Lorraine appeared to be at ease, following a fresh round of headlines surrounding her Legal motions: This week, her former boss Mel B filed five separate legal motions against her, in a bid to strike out her libel case from court Blamed: The America's Got Talent judge was hit with the suit after she claimed that Lorraine was one of the main reasons her marriage to film producer Stephen Belafonte broke down To counter the case, Mel B's representation, the Buchalter law firm, submitted 403 pages of legal dockets in a frantic bid to urge Judge Dalila Lyons of Los Angeles Superior Court to rule the suit 'null and void under California law.' The official court records reveal that the Leeds native's lawyers filed five 'Motion to Strike Plaintiff's Entire Action' in an attempt to have the LA judge to rule in her favour without hearing her former employee's case. The fevered display reveals Mel's attempts to counter a potential award of damages to Lorraine and mounting legal fees should the Judge proceed with a case, Mel could be hit with 3million payout plus her former staff member's legal fees. Hitting back: Following the claims, made in divorce papers filed in March, Lorraine hit back with a libel suit Frolicking in the sea: Lorraine looked sensational as she frolicked in the waves of the Pacific Tanned and deliver: She sported a golden tan as she enjoyed her leisurely day on the beach Relaxed: She looked to be in her element as she lazed the day away in the abundant sunshine The document comes after it was previously reported that Mel B 'spent thousands of pounds' on legal fees in a bid to gag her former nanny, according to the Mirror. The situation occurred after she alleged that the pretty blonde from Germany had an affair with Stephen and terminated a pregnancy after their secret trysts. The nanny heavily denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Mel for libel. An LA legal source told the paper: 'Mel has spent thousands of pounds on lawyers to try and shut down the nanny. She knows a full-blown trial could cost her vast amounts in legal fees alone. If she loses it would be unthinkable for her financial status. Working on her fitness: Lorraine showed off her physical fitness as she ran along the shoreline Shade: She removed her shades as she took a break and shielded herself from the sunshine Chilling out: She later retreated to a sunbed, where she was seen scrolling through her phone And there's more: After resting, she was back on her feet as she headed back to the waves Simply booty-ful: Lorraine flashed a hint of her shapely derrirere as she waded into the water 'Mel has told the judge her accusations about Lorraine were no smear campaign as she did not act in reckless disregard'. MailOnline had contacted a representative for Mel B for comment at the time. Meanwhile the star is thought to want to return to Britain full-time once the legal drama has been put to bed to spend time with her family in Leeds. The Wannabe songstress filed for divorce from Belafonte, the father of her youngest child, in March after 10 years of marriage. Mel B's legal motions Mel filed three separate declarations in support of 'Motion to Strike Plaintiff's Entire Action' against former nanny Lorraine Giles' One notice in support of 'Motion to Strike Plaintiff's Entire Action' And one request of judicial notice in support of the hitmaker's 'Motion to Strike Plaintiff's Entire Action' Advertisement She successfully obtained a restraining order against him after alleging abuse. The spousal support hearing is slated for the end of this month. It is reported that the furore around the divorce has cost Belafonte half a million dollars in contracts. He is said to be seeking $200,000 for his divorce lawyers. The music star is said to be battling debts having spent the 38million fortune she accumulated during her time in the Spice Girls. While he was granted access to Madison, Stephen lost his battle to regain contact with Mel's daughter Angel, who was born three months before the pair's wedding in 2007. Following the hearing in late April, Mel's lawyer Larry Bakman immediately opposed giving Belafonte visitation rights, as he branded him a 'convicted domestic violence offender' with an 'extensive criminal history'. Striking out: Former Spice Girl Mel B has filed five separate legal motions against her former nanny, Lorraine Gilles, in a bid to strike out the case from court Claims: The America's Got Talent judge was hit with the suit after she claimed that 26-year-old Lorraine was one of the main reasons her marriage to film producer Stephen Belafonte broke down in her March divorce paperwork Legal: In court documents obtained by MailOnline, the embattled hitmaker, 42, authorised her legal team to shut down her former employee's libel lawsuit against her, spending thousands of pounds to counter her case in the process 'Null and void': To counter the case, Mel B's representation, the Buchalter law firm, submitted 403 pages of legal dockets in a frantic bid to urge Judge Dalila Lyons of Los Angeles Superior Court to rule the suit 'null and void under California law' Pushing back: The document comes after it was previously reported that Mel B 'spent thousands of pounds' on legal fees in a bid to gag her former nanny, according to the Mirror He went on to claim that Stephen had been 'involved in adult pornography' and the 'importation of women from other countries' to work in the industry as well as 'possible money laundering'. Melfiled for divorce on March 20 and said in court papers that she was the victim of 'multiple physical beatings' at the hands of her husband. She also claimed he threatened to 'destroy' her career by releasing sex tapes of her. Lawyers for Stephen have branded the allegations 'outrageous and unfounded', and 'nothing more than a smear campaign' Rumours: Mel B alleged that the pretty blonde from Germany had an affair with Stephen and terminated a pregnancy after their secret trysts Debt: The Wannabe songstress is said to be battling debts having spent the 38million fortune she accumulated during her time in the Spice Girls Hometown girl: Deciding she wants to be nearer to her family in Leeds, particularly after her father's death this year, it is understood Mel wants clean start away from LA She's been languishing in the sun on a family getaway in Portugal with her daughters, Ava, nine and Hero, six. And Myleene Klass has been taking some time to show off her incredible beach body and her array of swimwear on her Instagram page - the latest one a striking red one-piece. The 39-year-old presenter and classical musician leaned back in the swimming pool in a figure-hugging swimsuit, which showed off her bust with a teasing front zip. Scroll down for video 'Zip it!' Myleene Klass slips into a figure-hugging red swimsuit which shows off her bust with a teasing front zip as she languishes in the pool on holiday in Portugual Captioning the image 'zip it', the TV star flaunted a hint of her sun-bronzed chest as she stood half-in/half-out of the aquamarine waters, her chestnut mane swept back tightly. The star showcased a few sexy droplets of water after her dip and glistened in the sunlight, shielding her eyes with large shades and wearing some delicate gold chains around her neck. She sported a light lick of red across her pout, matching the shade of her swimsuit, but otherwise sported a natural glow from her deep tan. 'Suits You': Myleene Klass, 39, looked absolutely smoking hot in a monochrome one-piece which flaunted her ample assets as she continued her sun-drenched getaway in Portugal Myleene oozed sex appeal in a snap from the day before which saw her give the camera a flirty glance in another daring swimsuit. The swimwear plunged perilously down the middle - showing off her incredible front - before a thick gold belt drew emphasis to her tiny waist. The white and black number complemented her golden glow as she raised one arm seductively and boasted red lipstick on her pout. In another image, the former Hear'Say star showed off her natural features and sensational cleavage by placing the camera above her slightly. 'Resting beacy face': In another image, the former Hear'Say star showed off her natural features and sensational cleavage by placing the camera above her slightly Beach babe: Myleene's figure was on fine form in another snap, which saw her clad in a skimpy pink patterned bikini which showed off her impossibly toned stomach The beauty captioned the snap: 'Resting Beach face.' Her figure was on fine form in another snap, which saw her clad in a skimpy pink patterned bikini which showed off her impossibly toned stomach. Myleene looked like the ultimate beach babe in the tiny two-piece which served to accentuate her impossibly toned figure. The fitness enthusiast showcased her ample assets in the plunging bikini top which tamed her cleavage in place with gold buckle halterneck detailing. The star recently revealed to Closer magazine that she hasn't had a day off in a whole decade, thanks to her busy roster as a radio presenter, fashion designer and mother-of-two. Family time: Myleene is enjoying the sun-drenched getaway in Portugal with her daughters, Ava, nine and Hero, six This is despite the swimwear designer regularly posting snaps of her and her family on luxurious holidays. She also maintains that she never turns her phone off, saying in the same interview 'My daughters were dressing-room babies. I went into labour with my first child while on TV with Adrian Chiles. 'With the second, I was on my way to a Mothercare shoot and went round the roundabout three times while it sank in that I was in labour.' Myleene raises her daughters as a single mum following her brutal split from bodyguard husband Graham Quinn in 2012. Graham walked out on her 34th birthday in April 2012 putting an end to their love, with their divorce finalised in 2013. Overworked: The star recently revealed to Closer magazine that she hasn't had a day off in a whole decade, thanks to her busy roster as a radio presenter, fashion designer and mother-of-two Loved-up: Previously, Myleene couldn't contain her delight over her handsome beau Simon Motson as she described him as 'hot' However, she has left Quinn in the past and has been dating hunky fashion PR Simon Motson since 2015. Previously, Myleene couldn't contain her delight over her handsome beau as she described him as 'hot'. She told the Daily Mirror at the time: 'He is so hot. It's lovely. I'm enjoying myself.' Myleene has been working at Smooth Radio since 2014 and presents a Saturday show between 10am-2pm. She embarked on a career in presenting in 2005, after finding fame as a member of Hear'Say and as a solo artist. She came second in the 2006 series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and won a legion of male fans when she showered in a bikini. She's embarking on her fifth headline tour, the Joanne World Tour, which runs until December. And Lady Gaga kicked off her arena shows in style when she took to the stage at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday night. The Born This Way hitmaker modelled an array of glamorous bodysuits, ranging from a risque sheer number to a more modest black leotard and a red latex one-piece. Centre stage: Lady Gaga kicked off her arena shows in style when she took to the stage at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday night Red hot: The Born This Way hitmaker modelled an array of glamorous bodysuits, including a red latex one-piece Lady Gaga delivered a show-stopping performance, powering through her biggest hits as well as newer material from her 2016 album. The star, is Stefani Germanotta, dared to bare in a completely sheer ensemble with leather detailing barely containing her modesty. She flashed her underwear in the revealing number as she stood centre stage, belting out her tunes. Vocal powerhouse: Lady Gaga delivered a show-stopping performance Chart-topper: She was powering through her biggest hits as well as newer material from her 2016 album Scarlet siren: Gaga, 31, later changed into a red latex number with sheer panels Making a statement: Her look was paired with fishnets and red cowboy boots These boots were made for walking: Gaga's funky footwear was embellished with laces Gaga, 31, later changed into a red later number with sheer panels, teamed with fishnets and red cowboy boots. The star also slipped into a black fringed ensemble paired with knee-high leather boots. Some of her more eccentric costumes included a wide-brimmed hat and a retro bodice with tasselled detailing, as well as a pearl encrusted playsuit. Tatted up: The star's body art was visible beneath her fishnet tights Lobster chic: The singer debuted her number in a dramatic padded coat It's all in the details: Gaga also sported an 80s inspired playsuit with pearl detailing Arena tour: She's embarking on her fifth headline tour, the Joanne World Tour Stamina: The world tour runs until mid-December, kicking off with the US and Canada leg Fringed fancy: The Born This Way hitmaker sported a fringed leather jacket Gaga has recently found romance with 59-year-old CAA agent, Christian Carino. She was first linked to Carino around the time of her epic Super Bowl outing in Houston in February. That was followed shortly thereafter by another joint outing in Venice Beach, California where they attended a beach-based Tommy Hilfiger fashion show with his teenage daughter, Bella. Bodysuit: Gaga highlighted her toned figure in a clingy one-piece Helping hand: At one point, the singer was lifted into the air by her backing dancers And earlier this month, the adorable couple were snapped with Gaga's parents, Joe and Cynthia Germanotta, and sister Natali while shopping at the Malibu Country Mart in Malibu. It's a fast romance for the Bad Romance beauty, who split from fiance Taylor Kinney last year. Insiders told Life & Stylehttp://www.lifeandstylemag.com/ recently that Gaga and Carino 'have been talking about a 2017 wedding, even as soon as this summer.' Loved-up: Gaga has recently found romance with 59-year-old CAA agent, Christian Carino Smitten: She was first linked to Carino around the time of her epic Super Bowl outing in Houston in February Dates: That was followed shortly thereafter by another joint outing in Venice Beach, California where they attended a beach-based Tommy Hilfiger fashion show Incredible setting: Gaga's stage setting was phenomenal, with her backing dancers clad in matching white suits Making a statement: She held up the Pride Flag in a political statement of equality. She had previously taken to Twitter to show her support for transgender people serving in the military following the ban from Donald Trump Eye-catching: One of Gaga's outfits consisted of a jacket dress adorned with text, with fringing trailing from the hem to the floor Hats off! She displayed her funky fedora, which was decorated with a large feather Emotional: Gaga was seen to get incredibly emotional as she sang to the crowds Advertisement He's enjoyed phenomenal success in his role as Ethan Hunt in the first five instalments of the blockbuster Mission: Impossible film franchise. And on Monday afternoon, Tom Cruise was back in action, as he shot heart-stopping scenes for the sixth movie in the series, with the green rolling hills of the rural Oxfordshire countryside serving as a picturesque backdrop. Opting to forgo handing over the high-octane scenes to stuntmen, daredevil Tom, 55, is seen strapping himself into a parachute and taking on a death-defying dive from the sky in photos exclusively obtained by MailOnline. Scroll down for video Dive: Tom Cruise was seen learning to parachute jump while shooting scenes for Mission: Impossible 6 in the Oxfordshire countryside in rural England on Monday The star - often noted for performing his own stunts in blockbuster movies - looks cool, calm and collected as he descends onto a green field from great heights. After making his ascension in a light aircraft, the father-of-three - wearing an all-black padded jumpsuit and matching helmet - appears to be in his element as he gently glides his way back down to earth. However, he didn't take on the gravity-defying job alone, as a group of stuntmen are seen with him in the air, at one point joining forces with him to form a perfect diamond formation. Dressed in all black: The 55-year-old Hollywood actor donned an all-black padded jumpsuit for his gravity-defying day out Trucking through the hills of England: Tom and a sizeable crew drove up to the remote field in a white Toyota pickup truck Things are floating along nicely: After making their ascent, Tom and his group formed a perfect formation in the sunny skies Just chilling: Tom looked cool, calm and collected as he descended onto a green field from breathtakingly great heights Coming back down to earth: The large parachute ensured that the father-of-three made a gentle descent back down to earth Ever the action hero: The Mission: Impossible star has often been noted for performing his own stunts in blockbuster movies Prepared: Tom has been spotted in England preparing for the highly-anticipated reprisal of his role over the past several days Melting hearts: His rise to superstardom was solidified back in 1986, when he melted hearts as reckless fighter pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the critically-acclaimed box office hit Top Gun Over the last several days, Tom has been spotted making preparations for his anticipated sequel at various remote locations all over the English countryside. Earlier this week, Tom - whose ex-wives include Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes - was seen dashing across a field with a friend before he piloted a helicopter in training for the movie. Tom raced across a stretch of grass last Monday wearing a white T-shirt, jeans and a pair of fashionable aviator sunglasses. Getting ready for lift-off: Before their big jump, Tom and his crew made their way onto a light aircraft to begin their ascent Back: Tom is also set to return to the big screen as fighter pilot Maverick, more than 30 years after he appeared in the original Cash: Earlier in the week, the screen star was seen dashing across a field before he piloted a helicopter in training for the role Perfect conditions: Despite the summer's unreliable weather, Tom picked the perfect conditions for his gravity-defying leap UK: A number of actor Tom's moves have been made - at least partially - on British shores, as well as in mainland Europe Shooting schedule: Filming has been taken place in the UK and a number of other locations for much of the summer season Safety first: During Tom's preparation sessions for the movie, an ambulance has been spotted close to the action at all times He held a black jumper in his right hand and ran in a pair of black trainers as a colleague followed behind him. The action movie star wore his hair closely cropped and looked in a hurry to get to the helicopter. Tom's companion ran behind and wore a lanyard around his neck. The pair stopped and embraced for a moment by the side of the field and Tom stopped to pull on a black jumper. They then strolled through the grass, passing a fire engine and emergency staff, who stood and chatted by their vehicle. Tom's friend had also layered up in a puffy jacket as they made their way towards the helicopter. It looked like the crew were ready for anything to happen as Tom also passed an ambulance en route to the flying machine. Set of wheels: A gargantuan trailer sat on the sprawling grassy patch of land as Tom and his small group prepared for action Focused and ready to leap: Tom appeared to be focused as he got ready to soar into the blue skies for the heart-stopping leap Safe and secure: Barriers were set up around the perimeter of the action as the crew secured the area ahead of the jump Friendly: The Hollywood actor displayed his friendly side as he chatted and laughed with the crew members on the set Rippling: One member of the crew flashed her athletic physique as she walked through the field with her jumpsuit unzipped Lend us your ear: New York native Tom listened intently as one of the crewmembers chatted with him about the planned leap Rolling green hills of England: Rolling green hills and trees surrounded them during their adventurous day of stunt practisting When the actor reached the helicopter he shook hands with the men who would be helping him fly the vehicle. While one man held the doors open for him, Tom chatted to the group and motioned with his hands. Tom later stepped into the helicopter, taking the powerful machine for a spin. The actor sat in the right-hand seat of the vehicle, next to the man in the blue shirt. The black helicopter rose into the air and moved away from the field as the actor practised his flying skills. Tom is facing a busy schedule, having confirmed the Top Gun sequel in May, when he was promoting The Mummy. Filming is believed to be taking place later this year and it is slated for release in 2019. Confirmed: The Hollywood superstar confirmed the Top Gun sequel in May, when he was promoting his new film The Mummy Straggler: After the crew made their jump, Tom was seen with the main trio, while another made his descent to join the squad On his way down: The floating trio looked up for the other squad member as he slowly but surely made his way down to them Almost! The stuntman soon within a reachable distance to the trio, as he drew increasingly closer to them. Tom is circled Taking things in his stride: Tom appeared to be a natural, barely flinching as he effortlessly took on the heart-stopping task In good company: The latest Mission: Impossible movie will star Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Angela Bassett, Simon Pegg, Michelle Monaghan, Alec Baldwin, Henry Cavill and Sian Brooke, among others Coming to a screen near you: Highly-anticipated Mission: Impossible 6 is scheduled to be released on July 27, 2018 Action hero Tom is the only actor who has been confirmed for the movie sequel and production staff are remaining tight-lipped about the plot of the new film. The new film has even got the seal of approval from Val Kilmer, who played Tom 'Iceman' Kazanski in the military movie. In a Reddit AMA, the actor wrote: 'They are being understandably quiet about the script, but I am sure it's going to hit every note it's supposed to after all these years!' Val's character in the original film was Maverick's rival, but the pair eventually learned to work together. Approval: Tom's Top Gun sequel got the seal of approval from Val Kilmer, who played Tom 'Iceman' Kazanski in the first film Working together: Val's character in the original film was Maverick's rival, but the pair eventually learned to work together Floating back down to earth: The Los Angeles-based star eventually came back down to earth following his long descent A job well done: Tom was spotted exchanging high fives with members of the team as they got their feet back on the ground Getting things together: After landing, members of the group were seen hauling and collecting all of the elaborate safety gear She has claimed that she was the world's first supermodel, and has been married four times over. And Janice Dickinson proved that she's as fabulous as ever at 62 as she displayed her trim figure in a black crop top and Lycra shorts while on board a yacht in the South of France with her new husband, Dr Robert 'Rocky' Gerner, 70. Janice and the doctor have been spotted looking in the throes of love as they continue their three-week-long honeymoon hopping from Cannes, Frejus, St Tropez and Monaco on their luxury 53ft yacht. Newlywed: Janice Dickinson proved that she's as fabulous as ever at 62 as she displayed her trim figure in a black crop top and Lycra shorts while on board a yacht in the South of France with her new husband, Dr Robert 'Rocky' Gerner, 70 Making the most of her expertise in throwing poses, Janice got into full modelling mode as she pranced around on the boat. The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant paraded her trim figure in her skimpy outfit, and demonstrated her impressive yoga skills by stretching her legs high into the air. She piled her brunette tresses into a high bun on her head, and sported glamorous make up for her day out to sea. Life of luxury: Janice and the doctor have been spotted looking in the throes of love as they continue their three-week-long honeymoon hopping from Cannes, Frejus, St Tropez and Monaco on their luxury 53ft yacht Strike a pose: Making the most of her expertise in throwing poses, Janice got into full modelling mode as she pranced around on the boat Put them high! The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant paraded her trim figure in her skimpy outfit, and demonstrated her impressive yoga skills by stretching her legs high into the air Glamorous: She piled her brunette tresses into a high bun on her head, and sported glamorous make up for her day out to sea Janice flaunted her toned physique as she demonstrated the lotus position along with other yoga favourites. She got into the spirit of the shoot by pulling jovial faces, smiling and pouting as she worked the yacht. Janice recently opened up to DailyMail.com about their trip, admitting that she's 'never felt better', adding that her and Rocky have had the 'best time'. Yogi: Janice flaunted her toned physique as she demonstrated the lotus position along with other yoga favourites Model behaviour: She got into the spirit of the shoot by pulling jovial faces, smiling and pouting as she worked the yacht Happy: Janice recently opened up to DailyMail.com about their trip, admitting that she's 'never felt better', adding that her and Rocky have had the 'best time' De luxe: The couple sailed to St Tropez for three days before having a week off the boat at Aix-en-Provence to end their three week honeymoon The couple sailed to St Tropez for three days before having a week off the boat at Aix-en-Provence to end their three week honeymoon. Janice said: 'It's been the trip of a lifetime, we've had the most amazing time and seen some beautiful places, but most importantly I've got to spend some quality time with my husband. We've been blown away by the beauty of this whole region.' The former America's Next Top Model judge and Rocky jetted off to Europe a couple of weeks ago. Trip of a lifetime: Janice said: 'We've had the most amazing time and seen some beautiful places, but most importantly I've got to spend some quality time with my husband. We've been blown away by the beauty of this whole region' Loving life: The former America's Next Top Model judge and Rocky jetted off to Europe a couple of weeks ago Exploring: They arrived in Barcelona, Spain where they soaked up the sights before driving up to the south of France to hop on their yacht They arrived in Barcelona, Spain where they soaked up the sights before driving up to the south of France to hop on their yacht. They are currently sailing to Cannes, Frejus and St Tropez before heading to Monaco on a trip of a lifetime. Janice, who married Rocky in December last year, said their honeymoon was delayed while she recovered from breast cancer and her husband recovered from a collapsed lung after a fall from the roof of their home. Tough times: Janice, who married Rocky in December last year, said their honeymoon was delayed while she recovered from breast cancer and her husband recovered from a collapsed lung after a fall from the roof of their home Great experience: In an exclusive interview along the way Janice told DailyMail.com that the vacation has been 'wonderful' In an exclusive interview along the way Janice told DailyMail.com that the vacation has been 'wonderful'. 'We're having the time of our lives, it's been wonderful, we arrived in Barcelona on Monday and have been taking in the sights, it's a beautiful city. 'We're driving down to the south of France where we're taking a yacht and stopping at Cannes, Frejus and St Tropez and on to Monaco.' Janice said she's enjoying some 'quality, alone time' with new husband Rocky. She said: 'Last year was tough for us, I beat breast cancer and Rocky suffered a collapsed lung after falling off the roof so we only just managed to make it down the aisle, but we did and we had the most amazing wedding day.' City hopping: 'We're having the time of our lives, it's been wonderful, we arrived in Barcelona on Monday and have been taking in the sights, it's a beautiful city' Bronzed: Janice worked on her tan while aboard the yacht She indefinitely suspended her world tour in May, after a deadly bombing at her Manchester Arena concert. And despite speculation that Ariana Grande would cancel her first ever Australian tour, the American pop star has confirmed she will head Down Under in September. 'She is 100 per cent coming,' a Live Nation Touring rep told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday. Headed Down Under! Despite previous speculation that Ariana Grander would cancel her first ever Australian tour, the American pop star has confirmed she will head Down Under in September A source added that additional security measures will be enforced: 'Organisers are definitely heightening security for the Aussie shows.' 'They won't be taking any chances.' Ariana previously performed in Australia in 2014 as part of a promotional tour. Tight security measures: A source added that additional security measures will be enforced: 'Organisers are definitely heightening security for the Aussie shows' Last month, Ariana became the first honorary citizen of Manchester after she held a One Love benefit concert that was televised in June - weeks after the terrorist attack. 'I don't know what to say. Words don't suffice,' she wrote on Instagram. 'I'm moved and honoured. My heart is very much still there. I love you. Thank you.' Broken: On May 23, Ariana's Manchester show of the Dangerous Woman tour was targeted by an ISIS bomber following the concert Deadly bombing: Twenty two people were killed and 119 people were injured, among most of those were young girls On May 23, Ariana's Manchester show of the Dangerous Woman tour was targeted by an ISIS bomber following the concert. Twenty two people were killed and 119 people were injured, among most of those were young girls. Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi, a British-born extremist of Libyan descent, killed 22 people at the concert. It was in Manchester that Abedi became radicalised in 2015 and on the night of the terrorist attack, he detonated a bomb device as concert-goers began leaving Ariana's concert in Manchester Arena. Honoured: Last month, Ariana became the first honorary citizen of Manchester after she held a One Love benefit concert that was televised in June - weeks after the terrorist attack She was recently seen sunning herself on the shores of Ibiza as she and her boyfriend James Haskell enjoyed a break on the Balearic island. But on Wednesday, it was back to business for Chloe Madeley, 30, as she and her beau, 32, were spotted heading out for a workout together in north-west London. However, they got more than they bargained for on their return to their car, as they learned they'd been issued with a parking ticket. Scroll down for video Stepping out: Chloe Madeley and her boyfriend James Haskell were spotted out and about together in Belsize Park, north-west London, on Wednesday Chloe, daughter of veteran TV presenting duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, looked ready for her fitness excursion, stepping out in a grey crop top with black tracksuit bottoms and a pair of white espadrilles . With a colourful bag slung over her shoulder, she wore her long blonde tresses to one side as she strolled through the upscale neighbourhood's leafy streets. Rugby ace James displayed his rippling muscles in a tight grey Under Armour top, teamed with navy shorts and a pair of green espadrilles. Looking fit: Chloe looked ready for her fitness excursion, stepping out in a grey crop top with black tracksuit bottoms and a pair of white espadrilles Ab fab: The crop top allowed the personal trainer to show off her enviable washboard abs Smartphone: She was engrossed in her iPhone as she strolled through the leafy London streets Fine: As the pair turned the corner, they were initially unaware of a parking ticket on their SUV Working on their fitness: Qualified fitness instructor Chloe and rugby ace James have long been known for their commitment to working out Grabbed: Chloe quickly grabbed the ticket from their windshield when she finally spotted it Also carrying a large bag, he chatted away with his blonde personal trainer belle as they prepared to enjoy their leisurely excursion together. The lovebirds have enjoyed three blissful years of dating after meeting in 2014. Chloe and James looked like they were having the time of their life on holiday in an Instagram post last month. Sharing the picture, she wrote: 'Thanks so much @MeIbiza for treating us like family and making sure that we left a little fatter, a little browner and a lot happier.' Rippling muscles: James displayed his rippling muscles in a tight grey Under Armour top, teamed with navy shorts and a pair of green espadrilles Chatting away: The lovebirds chatted away as they made their way through the streets Tresses: Chloe's platinum tresses were braided on one side and left flowing freely on the other Summer friendly: James displayed his lower leg tattoos in his choice of summer-friendly gear parents: Chloe is the daughter of TV presenting duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan Makeup-free: Chloe opted to go makeup-free for her leisurely excursion with her boyfriend Praising her lover, she added: 'Thanks James for being the best person to travel the world with. So much fun. I love you pigeon f*** x' Chloe shared a raunchy video of her lover grappling with her peachy derriere in skimpy scarlet bikini bottoms earlier on in the day. The television presenter discussed her sportsman boyfriend's full-on schedule can be 'too much' even though she is a fit person in a recent interview. Speaking about her beau's fitness plan, she told Men's Health: 'He does too much. It's non-stop. A day with him and I get so tired my eyes start to itch. And I'm quite a fit person! It's crazy.' Beverages: She toted a pair of warm beverages as she made her way into their luxury SUV Her own best advert: Chloe courted attention in a teeny turquoise two-piece with purple trim as she relaxed poolside during the couple's getaway to Ibiza last month Madly in love: The fitness guru enjoyed a well-earned summer holiday with her sporty beau Fitness fanatics! The couple had even been working out at the gym during their break Sizzling: Chloe sent temperatures soaring when she shared a saucy video of her lover grappling with her peachy derriere in skimpy scarlet bikini bottoms Jeremy Renner broke both his arms while filming a comedy movie called Tag. And on Wednesday the 46-year-old actor told Good Morning America how it happened. The Mission: Impossible vet was doing a stunt on 'a stack of chairs, like 20 feet high, and the stack of chairs didn't fall and I fell, and I was supposed to land on my feet, landed on my arms. And so I busted both my arms, and then did it again.' Also with the star was his Wind River co-star Elizabeth Olsen who showed off her knockout legs in a black floral mini dress. Scroll down for video Work hazards:Jeremy Renner broke both his arms while filming his movie Tag. And on Wednesday the 46-year-old actor told GMA how it happened. The Mission: Impossible vet said he'd been doing a stunt on 'a stack of chairs, like 20 feet high, and the stack of chairs didn't fall and I fell' Beaming: Also with the star was his Wind River co-star Elizabeth Olsen who looked lovely in a black floral mini dress Jeremy had buttoned on a powder blue shirt beneath a grey striped V-neck sweater that was form-fitted to emphasize his toned torso, and he'd worn black trousers. Meanwhile, pink, green and white flowery patterns were speckled across the black field of Elizabeth's dress, which featured a neat scarlet collar that'd got silver stripes. The younger sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen was seen out in New York in the same outfit - including red-soled black shoes - plus a black pair of sunglasses. 'I busted both my arms': Renner is seen here with the cast on his arm Friendly colleagues: While on Good Morning America, Jeremy had vaunted Elizabeth - who in addition to being his three-time co-star is 'also my neighbor' - as 'super, super tough' It's work: Wind River is set during the winter on the titular Native American reservation in Wyoming, and the stars held forth about braving the snowy weather on the shoot While on Good Morning America, Jeremy had vaunted Elizabeth - who in addition to being his three-time co-star is 'also my neighbor' - as 'super, super tough.' He's said she's 'Tougher than me, for sure. Mental toughness, emotional toughness' - and she's called herself 'kinda tough', and yet 'a very fear-based hypochondriac.' The Sherman Oaks-born 28-year-old Ingrid Goes West star's held, though, that 'once I have, like, an understanding of a situation, I feel okay. I feel like I can handle it.' Wind River is set during the winter on the titular Native American reservation in Wyoming, and the stars held forth about braving the snowy weather on the shoot. Learning: To a laugh from host Michael Strahan and the crowd, Jeremy said Elizabeth 'wanted a seatbelt on the snowmobile; I'm like: "No, there's no seatbelt on this thing!"' The look: Jeremy had buttoned on a powder blue shirt beneath a grey striped V-neck sweater that was form-fitted to emphasize his toned torso, and he'd worn black trousers Pops of color: Meanwhile, pink, green and white flowery patterns were speckled across the black field of Elizabeth's dress, which featured a neat scarlet collar that'd got silver stripes To a laugh from host Michael Strahan and the crowd, Jeremy said Elizabeth 'wanted a seatbelt on the snowmobile; I'm like: "No, there's no seatbelt on this thing!"' Written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who got an Oscar nod this year for the script of Hell Or High Water, Wind River world premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival, played Cannes in May and will be out in theaters this Friday. Elizabeth had played Scarlet Witch to Jeremy's Hawkeye in both Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War, and will both be in Avengers: Infinity War, of which Elizabeth's revealed that 'I haven't read a script, so I have no idea what's happening, so I can't, like, I can't spill the beans.' It's the reality series that sees 24 Australian castaways compete on a tropical island for a half a million dollar cash prize. But after season four premiered on Sunday, not all viewers of Australian Survivor have liked what they've seen. The Melanoma Institute of Australia published a scathing review of the show on Monday, clearly angered at the 'blatantly sunburnt contestants'. 'Melanoma is not a game!' Health organisation slams Survivor Australia after 'blatantly sunburnt contestants' compete for cash prize in Samoa The two tribes often strip down during their day-to-day happenings and during outdoor activities and challenges. Melanoma Institute Australia CEO Carole Renouf noted that many of the contestants from day one appeared to have suffered sunburn after exposing their arms, backs, legs and shoulders to the harsh rays. Pointing the blame at producers, she continued: 'Surely TV executives have a responsibility to safeguard contestants from harm during the filming of what ultimately is a game. They wouldn't ask contestants to perform death defying stunts without full safety equipment and harnesses. So what about the very real and potentially deadly health risk that comes from sunburn?' 'Surely TV executives have a responsibility to safeguard contestants from harm during the filming': Melanoma Institute Australia CEO Carole Renouf noted that many of the contestants from day one appeared to have suffered sunburn after exposing their arms, backs, legs and shoulders to the harsh rays Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Channel Ten for comment 'Sunburn has no place on a reality TV game show': The scathing post pointed out their frustration at the reality series Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Channel Ten for comment. Pointing out the severity of their cause, they reiterated that one Australian dies from melanoma every five hours. 'Melanoma is not a game, and its greatest risk factor - sunburn - has no place on a reality TV game show. It makes me frustrated. It makes me angry. But mostly it makes me sad,' she said. Melanoma Institute Australia is a non-profit organisation that pioneers advances in melanoma research and treatment. Family history of melanoma: Contestant Mark H (Pictured) lost his brother Herman to melanoma in 2014 and has told TV Week he would donate $100,000 to Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) in memory of his beloved brother if he won the grand prize Surprisingly, contestant Mark H lost his brother Herman to melanoma in 2014. If Mark wins Australian Survivor, he told TV Week he plans to donate $100,000 of the prize money to Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) in memory of his beloved brother. The contestants will spend up to 55 days in Samoa, with temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees during this time of year. While it's unclear whether the reality stars are given sunscreen, voted out contestant Kate Tembly told The Project on Wednesday that it was 'pretty gross out there!', saying some participants: 'Don't clean your teeth, don't shower.' Australian Survivor airs on Channel Ten from 7.30pm Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays She recently called for more same-sex love scenes in Hollywood films, telling USA Today 'It's not something we see enough of in cinema.' And Charlize Theron, 41, revealed that filming her lesbian love scene with Atomic Blonde co-star Sofia Boutella required good choreography and that their mutual dance backgrounds came in handy. 'All that stuff is technical then it somehow looks magical. That's the secret of making movies,' she told News Corp on Thursday. Scroll down for video Steamy love scene: Charlize Theron, 41, revealed on Thursday that filming her lesbian love scene with Atomic Blonde co-star Sofia Boutella required good choreography and that their mutual dance backgrounds came in handy 'Sofia is so beautiful incredibly stunning. I couldn't even imagine doing that with anybody else but her because we treated it like dancers. She continued: 'It was really about movement and choreography and, because we are both dancers, there was something that just happened with us that was very in synch.' The South African-born beauty plays spy Lorraine Broughton in the newly released David Leitch-directed film. Lots of fun: 'Sofia is so beautiful incredibly stunning. I couldn't even imagine doing that with anybody else but her because we treated it like dancer. It was really about movement and choreography and, because we are both dancers, there was something that just happened with us that was very in synch,' she said Actress Sofia plays undercover French agent Delphine Lasalle in the action packed thriller. Academy award-winner Charlize previously told USA Today that same-sex relationships are still rare in Hollywood films. 'It's not something we see enough of in cinema, these kinds of relationships or exploration,' said Theron. Hot and heavy: Actress Sofia (L) plays undercover French agent Delphine Lasalle in the action packed thriller Sending a message? Academy award-winner Charlize previously told USA Today that same-sex relationships are still rare in Hollywood films 'It's very real. And we're so scared of it. And it's beautiful in the film. It's very sexy. She added: 'The two of us talked a lot about how it's about time that women can own their sexuality the same way males get to in movies.' A star is born: The actress began acting in the nineties and rose to international stardom in the 2003 film Monster, for which she won an Academy award The actress began acting in the nineties and rose to international stardom in the 2003 film Monster, for which she won an Academy award. She has since gone on to star in various blockbusters and is actively involved in philanthropic work with the United Nations, PETA and more. He's known for gushing about his famous girlfriend Bindi Irwin on social media. And Tuesday was no different for Chandler Powell, who took to Instagram to celebrate National Girlfriend Day with a touching post. 'Happy #NationalGirlfriendDay,' he wrote. 'Couldn't imagine going on these incredible adventures with anyone else.' Perfect match: Chandler Powell took to Instagram to gush over his girlfriend Bindi Irwin on National Girlfriend Day The 20-year-old added: 'Thank you for making every moment so precious.' This is far from the first time he's expressed his love for Bindi online. Taking to Instagram last month, the 20-year-old gushed over his love of three years. 'Happy Birthday for tomorrow to the kindest, strongest, most beautiful soul I have ever met,' the doting American beau wrote. 'Every day I aspire to be more like you': Chandler shared a heartfelt tribute to her on her 19th birthday 'We have been together for years now and loving you will always be the greatest blessing. 'Every day I aspire to be more like you in the way you work tirelessly for what you believe in and the people you love most, all while carrying the most gorgeous smile.' Not short of compliments, Chandler added: 'After all the adventures we have experienced together, I can only imagine what the years to come will hold. All loved up: Bindi had posted a heartfelt tribute to her man using a similar picture of them on the beach at sunset hours earlier 'You make me smile bigger than I ever knew was possible and give me the most amazing memories that I will carry with me forever. I love you.' He finished the romantic post: 'Happy birthday sweetheart,' and a heart emoji. Bindi had posted a heartfelt tribute to her man using a similar picture of them on the beach at sunset hours earlier. She's known for her statement for shaggy chic looks, smudged eyeliner and funky ensembles while presenting BBC stalwart Strictly Come Dancing. Yet, Claudia Winkleman, 45, opted to turn in her usual glamorous appearances as she opted to go make-up free while going out and about in London on Wednesday. The much-loved host - who recently hit the headlines for her BBC pay packet - swapped her usual quirky sartorial ensembles for a pair of casual capri-cut leggings. Scroll down for video Stepping out: Claudia Winkleman, 45, opted to turn in her usual glamorous appearances as she opted to go make-up free while going out and about in London on Wednesday She teamed her pin-flaunting pants with a large mint-coloured silk shirt that covered her slender hips and thighs while she navigated the steps in her Gucci Princetown leather slippers. Claudia teamed her laid back attire with a loose-fitting wool black overcoat to combat the unusual chilly temperature in the city, carrying her Louis Vuitton purse in her manicured mitt. Working her brunette tresses into an out of character ponytail, the broadcaster went fresh-faced for the afternoon, with only the remnants of her trademark eyeliner under her eyes. Chilled: Claudia teamed her laid back attire with a loose-fitting wool black overcoat to combat the unusual chilly temperature in the city, carrying her Louis Vuitton purse in her manicured mitt Claudia's outing comes two weeks after the BBC has revealed its top talent pay - with DJ Chris Evans topping the list with more than 2 million, dwarfing top-earning woman Claudia's pay packet. The BBC darling was eighth in the list of highest earners, after Jeremy Vine, Humphrys, news reader Huw Edwards, broadcaster Steve Wright and presenter Matt Baker. The top 10 includes just two women, Strictly Come Dancing and Radio 2 host Winkleman (450,000-499,999) and The One Show presenter Alex Jones (400,000-449,999). Smokey eyes: The stunner is know for her sultry looks Meanwhile, Radio 2 Breakfast DJ and former Top Gear host Evans took home between 2.2 million and 2,249,999 in the 12 months to April 2017. A year ago, the star admitted that he was overpaid: 'It's not exactly breaking news that people who do what I do for a living get paid too much money. 'We've got a job that people would kill for... most of us work part time. Just pay us less, that's what I would do, its not rocket science.' Back with a bang: Viewers of the former BBC stalwart can now rejoice as the station has finally announced it's successor Britains Best Cook which will have the nation's favourite Mary Berry at the helm alongside Claudia Winkleman Cooking up a storm: The eight-part series - which will be aired on BBC One - will test the real-life expertise of the country's greatest home cooks and 'celebrate the food people make for their loved ones every single day' (Pictured host Claudia Winkleman) Elsewhere, Claudia was announced as the presenter for the Great British Bake Off as it's successor Britains Best Cook which will have the nation's favourite Mary Berry, 82, at the helm. The eight-part series - which will be aired on BBC One - will test the real-life expertise of the country's greatest home cooks and 'celebrate the food people make for their loved ones every single day'. The new show - which is produced by Keo films - will see ten contestants demonstrate their honed skills under pressure, while trying to bring their personality and flare to their sumptuous dishes that define British home cooking. Thyme to turnip: The new show - which is produced by Keo films - will see ten contestants demonstrate their honed skills under pressure, while trying to bring their personality and flare to their sumptuous dishes that define British home cooking Back! Returning to her first love, Mary Berry - who has more than 75 cookery books to her name - will be the thrilling series' lead judge, following on from her duties on GBBO, with Claudia by her side Taking inspiration from GBBO's challenges, the series' tasks will feature new tips and techniques which will test the cooks and prove their creativity, resourcefulness and technical ability to become Britains Best Cook. Returning to her first love, Mary Berry - who has more than 75 cookery books to her name - will be the thrilling series' lead judge, following on from her duties on GBBO, while the search for her second-in-command is still underway. Putting her dazzling personality to the cooking project, Strictly's Claudia Winkleman will be fronting the series - a decision Mary is firmly behind. Raisin the roof: The announcement comes as commentators were waiting with bated-breath for what the BBC would produce to fill popular GBBO's spot after it was confirmed in September 2016 that it had been poached by Channel 4 Speaking about the upcoming series, Mary gushed: 'I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on. 'This series is going to encourage proper home cooking which I have always championed and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake.' While Claudia added: 'I am over the moon to be part of this show. Am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming. Apologies in advance.' Dancing With The Stars pro Gleb Savchenko and his wife, Elena Samodanova, are hearing the pitter-patter of tiny dancing feet. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Zlata, on Tuesday, confirmed Us Weekly. Gleb, 33, and Elena revealed that she was born in Sydney, Australia, at 10:26 p.m. and weighed in at 7.9 pounds. Second daughter: Dancing With the Stars pro Gleb Savchenko and his wife, Elena Samodanova, have welcomed the pitter-patter of tiny dancing feet The couple are already parents to Olivia, 6. 'Mother and baby are doing great and sister Olivia couldnt be happier!' his rep told Us in a statement. 'Elena and baby are doing great!' Savchenko, told the publication. 'Olivia is very excited to meet her younger sister,' he added. The dancing pro took a break from his hectic schedule to be with his family. 'Gleb was released from the Dancing with the Stars tour so he could join his family for this monumental occasion,' the rep explained. Happy family: The couple are already parents to Olivia, 6 The dancer, who partnered Erika Jayne earlier this year and was eliminated in week five, explained on his Instagram that he would not be finishing the DWTS tour as he was going to Sydney to welcome his baby daughter. 'I've had the best time on the Dancing With The Stars tour but I won't be doing shows any more this tour because I'm going to be joining Elena in Sydney where our new baby girl will be born...I hope you all understand and I'll see you real soon,' he apologised on Tuesday. Elena, who is also a professional dancer, announced that the couple were expecting a second daughter in March, taking to Twitter. 'I'm so excited to share our BiG news: "We're expected a baby girl, a second little girl,"' the Dancing With the Stars Russia judge tweeted, 'my Family @Gleb_Savchenko #oliviasavchenko.' Russian-born Gleb also appeared on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, finishing fifth with Anita Rani. Coronation Streets divisive grooming storyline is poised for a dramatic conclusion as Bethany Platt faces ex-boyfriend Nathan Curtis in court. The troubled 16-year old, played by 21-year old actress Lucy Fallon, breaks down after confronting the vile paedophile in forthcoming scenes from the long-running ITV soap. Sporting a patterned blouse and smart blue dress trousers, a distressed Bethany is seen hurrying away from the Manchester courthouse, where Nathan is in the dock alongside disgraced police officer Neil Clifton who raped the teenager at a recent party. Scroll down for video Emotional: Coronation Streets divisive grooming storyline is poised for a dramatic conclusion as Bethany Platt faces ex-boyfriend Nathan Curtis in court Nathan, played by Christopher Harper, is finally facing justice for his systematic abuse of Bethany after her potential new love interest Craig Tinker secretly recorded him confessing to his sexually motivated crimes. The evil tanning boss was seen in a two-piece suit as he sat on the court steps and smoked a cigarette while flanked by police officers. In further scenes Bethany appeared to have a heart to heart with close friend Mel, played by Sonia Ibrahim, as they sat outside court in her blue Ford. Ordeal: Sporting a patterned blouse and smart blue dress trousers, a distressed Bethany is seen hurrying away from the Manchester courthouse Vile: Nathan (L) is in the dock alongside disgraced police officer Neil Clifton (R) Difficult: The troubled 16-year old, played by actress Lucy Fallon, breaks down after confronting the vile paedophile in forthcoming scenes from the long-running ITV soap Speaking to The Sun's Fabulous magazine, Lucy revealed she was brought to tears when she filmed the horrific rape scene with police officer Neil. 'There have been scenes where I have genuinely cried because they've been so hard to do,' she said. 'Obviously the rape scene with Neil was the hardest and the one with all of the men in the flat because imagining that actually happening to someone is just horrible.' Smoke break: The evil tanning boss was seen in a two-piece suit as he sat on the court steps and smoked a cigarette while flanked by police officers Confide in me: In further scenes Bethany appeared to have a heart to heart with close friend Mel, played by Sonia Ibrahim, as they sat outside court in her blue Ford In recent months, viewers have watched on in horror as Bethany experiences the shocking abuse at the hands of her older boyfriend. Ofcom have been flooded with complaints by fans of the show who have insisted they are showing too much. But the actress explained that while there has been a huge uproar from viewers, the story has also been met with a positive response. Actor Matt Lanter and wife Angela Stacy are expecting their first child. The Timeless star and his beauty blogger wife announced the happy news Wednesday, gleefully revealing how much they're 'looking forward to experiencing all of the firsts' with People. 'First steps, first words, first everything,' gushed the Ohio-born actor, 'We keep picturing the quiet moments (after the loud ones, of course) and morning snuggles with our baby!' Baby makes three! Actor Matt Lanter and wife Angela Stacy (above in Marchannounced they're expecting their first child in an interview with People Wednesday Matt and wife Angela told the magazine 'We are both overjoyed to be blessed with this new addition to our family.' The duo also got candid about the ups and downs of the first-time mom's initial three months. 'The first trimester was a little bumpy,' Angela revealed, 'I was pretty much textbook for all first trimester symptoms.' The blogger - who boasts 173k Youtube subscribers - said she 'beyond thankful' though, explaining '...After battling endometriosis for many years, we are just so beyond thankful to have the chance to become parents.' A post shared by Matt Lanter (@mattlanter) on Aug 2, 2017 at 7:26am PDT Her rock! The duo (above in February Instagram) talked about the struggles they faced in the first trimester, with Angela revealing it 'was a little bumpy' but that Matt 'has gone above and beyond' in taking care of her Through it all, Matt has been a rock solid partner. 'Matt has gone above and beyond any expectation I could have had,' said the creator of Hello Gorgeous, 'From taking care of me when Im feeling sick, to never missing a doctors appointment.' 'Its been a roller coaster ride so far!' added the NBC star. Timeless partner! Matt (above in May) has been a rock solid partner to his wife who said 'From taking care of me when Im feeling sick, to never missing a doctors appointment' he's been by her side Couple-cast: The darling duo also announced they'll be podcasting the rest of their adventures in pregnancy in a series called Hello Bump The darling duo also announced they'll be podcasting the rest of their adventures in pregnancy in a series called Hello Bump. Matt, who voiced Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, wed Angela in a spectacular Star Wars themed ceremony back in 2013. The couple in Los Angeles with their beloved Maltipoo pup Ahsoka. She turned 33 on Sunday. And Gina Rodriguez celebrated with a sexy string bikini selfie which showcased her impressive physique. The Jane The Virgin actress looked stunning as she flaunted her figure, during a romantic break with her boyfriend, Joe LoCicero. Birthday girl: Gina Rodriguez celebrated with a sexy string bikini selfie which showcased her impressive physique The actress captioned her photo: 'Woke up 33 with james dean staring at me and a faux fur blanket keeping me warm. #FeelingMyOats' She gave the camera a sultry glance, through her tousled brunette tresses. The star was fresh-faced and make-up free as she let her natural beauty shine through. A colourful portrait of the late actor James Dean hangs on the wall behind her, while she's holding a luxurious faux fur blanket against her bare skin. Adoring: Pictured alongside Joe, she is seen barefoot and gazing into his eyes Gina celebrated her actual birthday with her boyfriend of one year, who she met in the gym months after he'd acted in an episode of her CW show. Pictured alongside Joe, she is seen barefoot and gazing into his eyes. She captioned: 'A couple that is barefoot together stays together. I want all my birthdays with you. #birthdayBuddies #LeoBabies.' Busy actress: She stars in the titular role in Jane the Virgin She recalled meeting the hunk to Bust magazine recently, explaining: 'He came in through the door and I was like, "Good God!" and I fell into his eyeballs. 'On the fourth day [that we saw each other at the gym], he asked me out, and I have been dating him ever since. Now I know what it means to date your best friend.' The actress regularly shares cute Instagram pictures of the couple, including one of the duo embracing in what appears to be a vineyard which the star captioned 'Always'. Gina is the youngest of three sisters and was raised Catholic to Puerto Rican parents in Chicago. This new bikini post comes after Gina admitted she used to feel guilty after masturbating thanks to the strict culture she was raised in. The Chicago-born beauty reveals: 'In all honesty, I used to feel guilty for masturbating. Oh my god, this extreme guilt! And that lasted way too long. Or maybe I masturbated too much.' She adds: 'It's OK to look back in retrospect and be like, it wasnt good that I felt bad about touching myself. 'And it isn't bad that I want to share my love with my boyfriend. I'm 32 years old, I'm an adult, I can do that!'Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook Many are still mourning the loss of actress Carrie Fisher. But John Boyega, who plays Finn, insists Star Wars: The Last Jedi does the actress and her beloved character, Princess Leia, justice after the star's untimely and shocking death in December. Her mother Debbie Reynolds died the next day. In an interview with ABC News, Boyega, 25, tells Peter Travers that she's still very much 'kept alive in this franchise.' Fans will be happy: John Boyega, who plays Finn in the films, insists Star Wars: The Last Jedi does the actress and her beloved character, Princess Leia, justice after the star's untimely and shocking death An honor: 'This movie, it sends her off in an amazing, amazing way,' he continued in the interview with ABC's Peter Travers 'This movie, it sends her off in an amazing, amazing way,' he continued. He confirms that she will be heavily featured in the next installment and although he didn't give anything away, he said fans should be happy with the late actress' appearance 'That's the beauty of it: She lives forever in a sense,' he said. But that doesn't give much peace to the actor who worked with Carrie quite a bit while filming the latest chapter. No spoilers: He confirms that she will be heavily featured in the next installment and although he didn't give anything away, he said fans should be happy with the late actress' appearance Boyega stars as Finn and the pair worked together in quite a few scene in the upcoming chapter He revealed he was in Nigeria with his family when he found out about her death. 'It was a strange, strange feeling. I felt like everyone in the cast went silent for a bit after that,' he added. Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the upcoming film set to be released on December 15, is the last film to feature the actress. Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the upcoming film set to be released on December 15, is the last film to feature the actress She was actually expected to have a much larger role in 2019s Episode IX before her death as The Force Awakens focused mostly on Harrison Ford's character and The Last Jedi on Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker She was actually expected to have a much larger role in 2019s Episode IX before her death. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy revealed Carrie wanted more screen time. The producer said Fisher was 'having a blast' filming her scenes for Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, and was keen to get started on the final chapter. 'The minute she finished, she grabbed me and said, 'I'd better be at the forefront of IX!',' Kennedy recalled. Saying goodbye: At this year's 40th anniversary Star Wars Celebration, Hamill gushed over Fisher's performance in what will be her final film 'Because Harrison was front and center on VII, and Mark is front and center on VIII. She thought IX would be her movie. And it would have been.' General Leia Organa is only seen in a handful of scenes in The Force Awakens, while her onscreen brother Luke Skywalker - played by Mark Hamill - only features in the film's very last shot. Fisher will feature heavily in The Last Jedi, but the middle installment of the final trilogy is expected to center on the Hamill's self-exiled war hero. Nice send off: Fisher will feature heavily in The Last Jedi, but the middle installment of the final trilogy is expected to center on the Hamill's self-exiled war hero Carrie died of cardiac arrest on December 27, 2016, at age 60, four days after a medical emergency during a transatlantic flight from London to Los Angeles. She had, at that stage, finished filming all her scenes for The Last Jedi. After Fisher died, Kennedy confirmed Princess Leia would not feature at all in Episode IX. The role would not be recast, nor would the studio consider using CGI, as they had to allow Fisher play a younger version of the character in 2016's Rogue One. Highly anticipated: The next film is set to hit theaters in December 2017 At this year's 40th anniversary Star Wars Celebration, both Kennedy and Hamill gushed over Fisher's performance in what will be her final film. 'Wait until you see her in The Last Jedi, ' Hamill said. 'You're going to love her.' 'Carrie is remarkable in the movie,' Kennedy added. 'You guys are going to find it an amazing tribute to her talent.' Her so-called boyfriend publicly declared that their relationship was 'open' on Sunday night's Love Island reunion show. And Chyna Ellis seemed to be taking advantage of those terms on Wednesday, when she stepped out with co-star Theo Campbell, a subtle dig at Jonny Mitchell with whom Theo shared an at-times volatile relationship. Draping herself all over the hunk, Chyna seemed to be getting her own back on slimy Jonny, who appeared to have very publicly called things off in front of the whole nation, during the ITV2 special at the weekend. Scroll down for video Moving on: Chyna Ellis as pictured cuddling Love Island co-star Theo Campbell on Wednesday night, as they stepped out together for the premiere of Knights of the Damned held at the Prince Charles Cinema Leicester Square The pair coupled up for the High Fliers film premiere of Knights Of The Damned held at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, doing their photocall together, too. Chyna dressed to impress in a plunging black mini, which matched her counterpart in his slick, skinny suit. Theo still had a holiday vibe about him, wearing shoes without socks, while Chyna showed off her deep glow from the Mallorcan villa stay. Who, me? Chyna played coy about the blatant stab to her ex-beau Jonny Mitchell Look away now! Theo and Chyna appeared to be on something of a first date Chyna got dumped from the villa four weeks ago when now-winner Kem went back to his girlfriend Amber. She struck up a romance with Jonny outside the programme, being whisked away on a romantic weekend in Budapest during a two-week whirlwind romance. It all ended this weekend, in front of viewers' eyes, when Jonny joked about keeping things 'open' with Chyna. Coming to blows: Jonny and Theo have had a tumultuous relationship, thanks to shared love interest Tyla Carr He ended up leaving the party with former flame Tyla Carr and a scorned Chyna branded the love rat a 'pr***' on social media. Theo once played a part in the romance between Chyna and Jonny, when he posted a picture of their first kiss and ribbed his friend about 'waiting for [on-screen love interest] Tyla,' who was still in the villa at the time. Theo often took delight in calling out Tyla and Jonny for their 'fake' acts of emotion during his stint in the villa. Forgetting something? This picture of Jonny kissing Chyna was posted by Theo, who ribbed the player for not 'waiting' for his on-screen love interest Tyla Taunting: Theo - who often took delight in calling out Tyla and Jonny for their 'fake' acts of emotion during his stint in the villa - added this mocking caption Jonny and Theo finally came to blows in an explosive war of words one night, when Theo set his sights on Tyla for an in-house date. Chyna and Theo's public outing will therefore knowingly come as a stab in the back to the notorious player. Following the greatest success of any series, it's believed that there will be a Winter Love Island to follow. Chloe Crowhurst fueled speculation on Tuesday night when she told fans that she hoped to present coverage of the spin-off on This Morning. He was ever-dapper as Mad Men's Don Draper. And Jon Hamm continued to be handsome-as-ever, spotted on the set of Tag with costar Isla Fisher in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday. The Missouri-born gent cut a sharp figure in a navy suit and matching tie while his castmate highlighted her firey red tresses in a green wrap. Mad style! Jon Hamm looked dapper-as-ever while donning a navy blue suit and matching tie on the set of Tag in Atlanta, Georgia Wednesday The 6foot2 heart-throb definitely turned heads while donning a finely cut navy suit which perfectly complimented his dreamy blue eyes. Jon, 46, briefly ditched his jacket while filming a scene with Ms. Fisher. Though the Baby Driver actor looked slick, Isla was absolutely stunning in a green and gold frock that perfectly paired with her auburn locks and fair complexion. Green with envy! While the Mad Men star was handsome in his finely cut suit, his costar Isla Fisher stunned in a green wrap dress with golden flowers While the Arrested Development actress's dress looked picture perfect, she opted for cozy white slippers on her feet. Tag's cast is jam-packed with comedy all-stars. In addition to Jon and Isla, Parks And Rec's Rashida Jones, Jeremy Renner, Ed Helms, Hannibal Buress and more are also gracing the comedy adventure. Flip flop! Though the Arrested Development actress's dress was picture perfect, she opted for cozy white slippers on her feet during the shoot Jon's latest film Baby Driver has been a smash hit, with critics calling the stylish Edgar Wright flick 'one of the most entertaining thrill rides of this year.' And Jon's love life seems to be going great too. The University Of Texas alum is rumored to be dating comedienne Jenny Slate since the duo were seen catching a movie together in Hollywood around late June. Tag is due out June 28 2018. Orthodox Jewish men pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on July 31, 2017 Thousands of Jews attended prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to observe the start of the Tisha B'av fasting day on Monday night, days after violence shook the city. Prayer leaders read aloud from the Book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah's biblical account of the destruction of the First Jewish Temple by invading Babylonians in 586 BC. The Western Wall is a remnant of the Second Jewish Temple, built on the site of the first and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The wall is at the foot of the Haram al-Sharif compound housing the Al-Aqsa mosque and the golden-topped Dome of the Rock in the heart of the Old City, the third holiest site in Islam. It is the most sacred site for Jews, who refer to the site as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of their two former temples. Tisha B'av commemorates the destruction of both temples, as well several other disasters in Jewish history. The event comes after relative calm returned to Jerusalem following days of Palestinian protests over al-Aqsa. Palestinians refused to enter the site for nearly two weeks over new security measures Israel imposed after three Israeli Arabs shot dead two policemen nearby on July 14. That triggered protests which left six Palestinians dead. A Palestinian broke into a home in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank and stabbed four Israelis, killing three. The crisis was ended when the authorities removed the newly installed measures, including metal detectors. The site has frequently been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under a decades-old agreement, only Muslims are allowed to pray inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, although anyone can visit, including Jews. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in a statement that extra units were being deployed throughout the 24-hour period. While many of the thousands of worshippers at the Western Wall on Monday evening were religious, recognisable by the men's skullcaps and women's long dresses, secular Jews also attended the ceremonies. "I'm not really religious but it's important for me to come here for this commemoration, this day of mourning," said 25-year-old Leora Kaufman. "Tisha B'av is also a reminder of the need to stay united." Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, shown celebrating Sunday's results, has been called a "dictator" by the United States The United States hit Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with direct sanctions on Monday over a disputed and deadly weekend vote that, while consolidating his power, has largely isolated him at home and abroad as the "dictator" of a failing petro-state. The US measures were unusual in that they targeted a sitting head of state, but their reach was mostly symbolic, freezing any US assets Maduro might have and banning people under US jurisdiction from dealing with him. "Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. Mexico, Colombia, Peru and other nations joined the US in saying they did not recognize the results of Sunday's election, which appointed a new "Constituent Assembly" superseding Venezuela's legislative body, the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Maduro's own attorney general, Luisa Ortega -- who broke with him months ago over his policies -- also said she would not acknowledge the body, calling it part of the president's "dictatorial ambition" to do away with political and civil rights. The European Union expressed "preoccupation for the fate of democracy in Venezuela" and said it, too, doubted it could accept the results. However, Russia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivia stood by Maduro, who shrugged off mass protests and a previous round of US sanctions on some of his officials to see through the election. The National Electoral Council claimed more than 40 percent of Venezuela's 20 million voters had cast ballots Sunday. "It is the biggest vote the revolution has ever scored in its 18-year history," Maduro said, dressed in the red associated with the socialist revolution started by his late mentor, Hugo Chavez. But the leader of the opposition congress, Julio Borges, said Venezuela has found itself "more divided and isolated in the world." - More protests - According to the opposition, voter turnout was closer to 12 percent, a figure more aligned with the lack of lines that were seen at many polling stations. Surveys by polling firm Datanalisis showed more than 70 percent of Venezuelans were opposed the new assembly. A wounded anti-government activist is assisted by Venezuelan medics during clashes that erupted during Sunday's vote, leaving 10 people dead Further protests were called for Monday and beyond, stoking fears that the death toll in four months of protests against Maduro could rise beyond the more than 120 already recorded. "I feel awful, frustrated with this fraud," said one Caracas resident, Giancarlo Fernandez, 35. Demonstrators were ignoring a ban on protests put in place by Maduro that threatened up to 10 years in prison for violators. Ten people died in violence surrounding Sunday's election, which saw security forces firing tear gas and, in some cases, live ammunition to put down protests. Among those killed were two teens and a Venezuelan soldier. Uncontested by the opposition, and voted for by state employees fearful for their jobs, the Constituent Assembly was made up solely of members of Maduro's ruling Socialist Party. Tasked with writing a new constitution, it has far-reaching powers -- including the right to dissolve the National Assembly and change laws. It is due to be installed on Wednesday. Its members include Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores. - More sanctions? - The European Union condemned the "excessive and disproportionate use of force" by Venezuelan police and troops on Sunday. A spokeswoman for the European Commission said: "A Constituent Assembly, elected under doubtful and often violent circumstances, cannot be part of the solution." Venezuela Russia, however, threw its weight behind Maduro and the election, backing the government turnout figure. The foreign ministry in Moscow said in a statement it hopes countries "who apparently want to increase economic pressure on Caracas will display restraint and abandon their destructive plans." Bolivia echoed that, urging the world "to respect the democratic process that took place in Venezuela." Yet analysts were in agreement that Maduro's move had swept away any vestige of democracy in Venezuela. "Maduro's blatant power grab removes any ambiguity about whether Venezuela is a democracy," said Michael Shifter, head of the Inter-American Dialogue research center. Eduardo Rios Ludena, a Venezuela specialist at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, said Maduro had "sacrificed democracy" by exaggerating the number of voters. "In the short term, the Constituent Assembly gives a bit of breathing space to the government," he conceded, but added that grave economic consequences would follow. Venezuela's 30 million citizens are suffering through shortages of basic goods. Sanctions against the all-important oil sector would worsen their situation, but could also destabilize the government, which is frenziedly printing money and running out of foreign currency reserves. Unlike American carmakers, Toyota reported a jump in US sales in July, lead by its popular RAV4 SUV American consumers' appetite for cars eased significantly in July, as the industry continued to slow from last year's record pace, according to sales figures released Tuesday. Many car makers posted double digit declines -- including General Motors and the US arm of Fiat Chrysler -- leading to an industry-wide decline of seven percent compared to the same period last year and a four-percent decline from June. Toyota was the lone exception among the biggest players in the North American market, posting a jump in sales attributed to its popular RAV4 compact SUV. Demand for SUVs and light trucks remained a bright spot and helped buoy the industry's selling prices, but incentives to lure in customers also increased, mostly for slower-selling compact models and sedans. Analysts expected sales to pick up for the remainder of the year, as consumers pay more attention to incentives and companies offer deals to move older models off the lots to make room for 2018 inventory. The July sales pace amounted to an annual rate of 16.73 million units, seasonally adjusted, down from 17.81 million at this time last year. "Sales tend to come down and cool off in June and July," Kelly Blue Book (KBB) analyst Alec Gutierrez told reporters in a conference call. "We're going to see greater volume in August and September," he said, while cautioning that the industry was unlikely to match record sales in 2016, when it sold 17.55 million automobiles in the US. The overall numbers were mostly in line with expectations, after June's industry-wide decline of three percent -- from the month prior and in the year-over-year comparison. But analysts said some car makers did not meet expectations. "Cars as a group are not selling well, especially at Ford," said Brian Moody of Autotrader. "Cars are dragging everything down." Companies with stronger SUV and truck offerings were in a position to better take advantage of the shift in consumer demand, analysts said. - GM needs 'tough love' - SUVs and trucks accounted for a staggering 80 percent of GM's sales in July, but total sales plunged more than 15 percent as many models are posting 'bleak' sales numbers At General Motors, SUVs and trucks accounted for a staggering 80 percent of sales. Still, that was not enough to lift the largest American automaker, which reported a steep 15.4 percent sales decline in July compared to the same period last year. "GM needs to consider applying tough love metrics to some car lines. The numbers are just bleak," KBB analyst Rebecca Lindland said. Sales in the US division of Fiat Chrysler plunged 10 percent, and Ford dropped 7.5 percent -- although its F-series pickups were up nearly six percent. Japanese car giant Toyota saw sales increase 3.6 percent with RAV4 sales topping 40,000 units for the first time. Other Japanese carmakers were not able to match that success, although their sales were down far less than their American counterparts. Nissan reported a 3.2 percent decline, while sales of its SUVs and light trucks rose five percent -- with sales of some models more than tripling. Honda was down 1.2 percent, but in an unusual twist it sold more cars than trucks and SUVs. Honda said its core sedan lineup of Civics and Accords -- among the most popular sedans offered in the US -- saw a sales gain of 2.8 percent. Trucks decreased 1.7 percent, which the company attributed to limited inventory. "There is still a need for midsized sedans or compact sedans," KBB's Gutierrez said, but with that portion of the market shrinking, "only the cream of the crop really kind of rise to the top." European carmakers fared poorly. BMW was down 13.7 percent with its passenger cars and compact MINI brand dragging down sales. Volkswagen, which last month posted a 15-percent gain, dropped 2.8 percent. Thanks to larger, more expensive SUVs and trucks, the average transaction price industry-wide rose 1.7 percent to $34,721, according to KBB. Incentives also rose, by five percent, but mostly for smaller cars and sedans. The rising prices for vehicles Americans want most meant loans with longer financing terms also were increasing, Gutierrez said. "From an affordability standpoint, the average new car buyer is having to stretch a little bit further than in years past," he said. But with consumer confidence up, unemployment down and fuel prices affordable across the country, "the fundamentals in the industry are still very strong," he said. Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) and Malaysian foreign minister Dato Sri Anifah Aman were among those attending the special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Turkey on Tuesday hosted a meeting of the main grouping of the world's Muslim nations to discuss the crisis that erupted last month when Israel imposed security measures at a key holy site in Jerusalem. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu chaired the extraordinary meeting in Istanbul of his counterparts from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that Ankara had called in its current capacity as chairman of the body. Turkey has full diplomatic relations with Israel after resolving last year a crisis in ties but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains vehemently critical of the Jewish state's policy towards the Palestinians. The meeting brought together foreign ministers and top officials from key Muslim nations, including Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif whose rival nations are locked in a bitter feud. Israel angered the Islamic world by installing metal detectors and security cameras at the Haram al-Sharif holy site in Jerusalem, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following a July 14 attack in which gunmen killed two policemen. The move sparked Muslim protests and deadly unrest, and last week the Israeli government removed the detectors and cameras. The site includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam. "This was a small victory in the long battle for freedom," Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki told the meeting. But he accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to change the longstanding agreement whereby only Muslims are allowed to pray inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, although anyone can visit, including Jews. "Netanyahu will try again to impose his status quo and we should prepare for the next round which could come very soon and be very nasty," he added. Cavusoglu said it was time Muslim countries started to help the Palestinians "not just with words but with actions". "We must act to protect the Al-Aqsa mosque and Palestine," he said. He reaffirmed a call made by Erdogan on all Muslims to visit Jerusalem. Last year Turkey and Israel ended a rift triggered by Israel's deadly storming in 2010 of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead. The two sides have since embarked on a close energy cooperation venture to pipe Israeli gas to Turkey. But Erdogan, who regards himself a champion of the Palestinian cause, is still often critical of Israeli policy. His comments on the crisis have been among his toughest on Israel since the reconciliation deal. A bus is adorned with an image of incumbent Rwandan President Paul Kagame, expected to win a third election term in Friday's poll Rwandans go the polls Friday in a presidential election in which strongman Paul Kagame is widely expected to cruise to a third term in office. The 59-year-old leader faces two little-known candidates who were given only three weeks to campaign against the incumbent, who has kept a tight hold on power since his rebel army ended the 1994 genocide. Observers say Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana face an unwinnable battle. Even Kagame has said the result is a foregone conclusion. While the nation has been colourfully covered with the red, white and blue of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and posters of Kagame, there has been barely a trace of the opposition. "They told us we cannot put our banners or flags where the RPF's things are, but unfortunately the RPF put theirs almost everywhere," Habineza told AFP during a recent rally in the south of the country. East African country rankings He was standing in front of a small stage, surrounded by about 100 people, including many children drawn by the booming music. "I came out of curiosity, but he has no chance. Kagame has delivered everything he promised, there is no one but him," said Sabin Nkundukozera, 66. Farmer Sylvain Mutaimukunda, 38, was similarly dismissive. "It is the first time I have heard of this man, I couldn't even tell you his name," he said of Habineza. In contrast, thousands flock to Kagame's rallies, where the president has repeated that "the election is over". His confidence comes after 98 percent of Rwandans approved a constitutional amendment in a 2015 referendum that granted him the right to run for a third term in office. Observers condemned the reform, which could potentially see Kagame retain office twice more if re-elected this time and allow him to stay president until 2034. - 'A coronation' - Kagame, a lanky former guerilla fighter, was just 36 when his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800,000 people -- mainly minority Tutsis -- and seized Kigali. He served first as vice-president and defence minister, although he was widely considered the de facto leader of the country and was appointed as president by lawmakers in 2000. He was first elected to the post in 2003 and again in 2010 with more than 90 percent of votes. This file photo taken on December 17, 2016 shows Frank Habineza, leader of the Democratic Green Party, a Rwandan opposition group, who is contesting the country's presidential election He is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, bringing order, stability, infrastructure and annual economic growth of about seven percent. However rights groups accuse him of ruling through fear, relying on a systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media. Critics have been assassinated, jailed or forced into exile, and some observers believe the only reason Habineza and Mpayimana have been allowed to run is that they pose no threat. "There is no election in Rwanda, there is a coronation declaring Kagame the king," said outspoken local journalist Robert Mugabe. "The real opposition, the people with the real voices, cannot be around," he said. However political analyst Christopher Kayumba said Kagame remains popular, with Rwandans seeing him as a guarantor of stability after his military victory brought an end to the genocide. "There is no way you can compare the stature of President Kagame, the resources of the RPF, with the Green Party. The opposition will be beaten hands down. There is no question about that." There are 6.9 million registered voters across the tiny east African nation, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Polling stations open at 0500 GMT and close at 1300 GMT. Australian police raided five homes over an alleged plot to blow up a plane One of four men held in Australia over an alleged plot to blow up a plane has been released without charge, police said Wednesday, with his lawyer calling it "a tough few days". The 50-year-old, named by his lawyer as Adbul Merhi, was arrested after five homes were raided on Saturday, which sparked a tightening of security at major domestic and international airports. Authorities have said a plane was the target and an improvised explosive device was involved, without giving further details. Local media have alleged the men planned to use poisonous gas or a crude bomb disguised as a meat mincer. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the plans as "advanced". "One of those men -- who is 50 years old -- was released from police custody last night (Tuesday) without being charged with a criminal offence," police said in a statement. "This investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be provided at an appropriate time." Merhi's lawyer Moustafa Kheir said he would review how police acted towards his client. "My client Abdul Merhi has been released without charge," he wrote on Twitter. "Tough few days, but he's relieved the truth is out. I will review police action." The three other men remain in custody and have yet to be charged, after a magistrate late Sunday gave police an additional seven days to detain them. Etihad Airways said Tuesday it was helping Australian police with their investigation, amid a report from Sydney's Daily Telegraph that one of the airline's flights to Abu Dhabi was the target. Local reports have also said the men might have links to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, with Justice Minister Michael Keenan only saying "it's clear that this has been inspired by radical Islamic ideology". Australia's national terror alert level was raised in September 2014 amid concerns over attacks by individuals inspired by organisations such as IS. A total of 12 attacks, before the latest one, have been prevented in the past few years and 70 people have been charged. Several terror attacks have taken place in Australia in recent years, including a Sydney cafe siege in 2014 which saw two hostages killed. Paul Kagame (C) became Rwanda's president in 2000, winning re-election in 2003 and 2010 Here are key dates since President Paul Kagame's ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) took control of Rwanda in 1994. - 1994: Genocide and takeover in Kigali - On July 4, 1994, the armed wing of the RPF -- which launched a civil war four years earlier from Uganda where its founding Tutsi members were exiled -- captures Kigali. The seizure of the capital halts 100 days of genocide in which extremist Hutus killed 800,000 people, primarily minority Tutsis. A million Hutus, including those held responsible for the worst massacres, flee across the western border to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Pasteur Bizimungu, a Hutu allied with the RPF, is named president, and RPF leader Paul Kagame becomes the vice-president and defence minister. On November 8, the UN creates the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to prosecute those responsible for the genocide. Based in Tanzania, the ICTR operates for 20 years and convicts several dozen suspects, while related trials also take place in countries including Belgium and France. - 1996: First foray into Zaire/DRC - In September 1996, Rwandan troops enter Zaire, citing a security threat from Hutu extremists in refugee camps. Thousands of refugees are forcibly repatriated. The Rwandan military backs a rebellion led by Laurent-Desire Kabila, which ousts Zaire's leader Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997. Kagame admits Rwanda planned and executed the insurgency. In July 1998, Kabila orders Rwandan troops out of the DRC. Rwanda switches sides on the grounds that Kabila was not as set on pursuing Hutu genocidaires in his country as had been hoped. Kigali supports a new rebellion against Kabila which broke out on August 2. This leads to a major conflict that lasts five years, with several nations backing either side. It left at least three million dead, according to a consensus casualty toll in what became known as "Africa's World War". - 2000: Kagame becomes president - Bizimungu resigns in March after months of internal power struggles in the RPF. Kagame -- long considered the most powerful man in the country -- is elected president on April 17. Kagame wins re-election in 2003 and 2010, each time with more than 90 percent of the vote. - 2006: Diplomatic relations with France break down - On November 24, 2006, Kigali breaks off diplomatic ties with Paris after a French judge charges that Kagame and nine others were involved in an attack that killed Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana and triggered the 1994 genocide. Relations are restored in 2009 but remain troubled and subject to developments in the French investigation. Ahead of the genocide's 20th anniversary, Kagame accuses Paris of playing a "direct role" in Habyarimana's assassination, and of taking part in "his execution." On November 29, 2016, Kigali launches an inquiry into the role of 20 French officials in the genocide. - 2010: Opposition crackdown - After returning from exile in January 2010, opposition leader Victoire Ingabire is arrested in October after publicly asking that the perpetrators of crimes against Hutus also be punished. Two years later she is sentenced to eight years in prison for terrorism and belittling the genocide. Ingabire appeals against the conviction but loses, and in December 2013 her sentence is extended to 15 years. Meanwhile, former Rwandan army chief turned opponent Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa is wounded on June 19, 2010 in Johannesburg, in an attack he blames on Kagame. On June 24, journalist Jean Leonard Rugambage is shot dead in Kigali after he accuses Kagame's regime of trying to kill Nyamwasa. Patrick Karegeya, a former Kagame ally and ex-spy chief, is strangled to death in Johannesburg on January 1, 2014. Kagame tells a prayer breakfast in Kigali 11 days later that "treason brings consequences." - 2015: Constitutional reform - On December 18, 2015, a referendum on constitutional reforms allowing Kagame to seek a third term in office passes with 98.4 percent voting in favour. The change means Kagame could run in later elections and may be able to stay in power until 2034. Moletele leader Hezekiel Nkosi says farming was a struggle just after the community won their legal battle It was a hard-fought victory for South Africa's black community seeking to reclaim land, and for the Moletele ethnic group it has become a surprising model of wider racial cooperation. After a 10-year legal battle, the Moletele have taken back the land from which they were evicted by members of the white minority nearly a century ago. The area, a picturesque range at the foot of mountains near Hoedspruit in the country's northeast, is dotted with trees heavy with fruit. "To us, we see it as our dignity has been restored," said Hezekiel Nkosi, the chairman of the Moletele Communal Property Association which pressed the claim. "We are making sure that our people work on the farm and make it successful." Nearly a quarter of a century after the end of apartheid, the sensitive issue of redistributing land to South Africa's black majority looms large over the country's politics. The leader of the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party, the firebrand Julius Malema who has been convicted of hate speech, has called on his followers to forcibly seize land. Even President Jacob Zuma has called for land "expropriation without compensation" as part of a push for "radical transformation" of the economy which remains largely in the hands of the white minority. Since Nelson Mandela swept to the presidency on a wave of optimism in 1994, ownership of farmland has barely altered -- with just three percent changing hands since then, according to the Department of Rural Development. Often, land transfers end in failure with new owners walking away from their investments after struggling to turn a profit. The Moletele community itself came close to disaster after 1,615 families took over the area of 70,000 hectares (173,000 acres) that was found to be theirs in 2007. "Those who were denied the opportunity to participate in the economy must now be enabled to be the key role players," said then land minister Lulama Xingwana. But because of a lack of cash, training and limited market access, the hopes of the Moletele quickly turned to despair. "Farming was very difficult because we have to pay for inputs such as fertilisers or electricity. All costs -- but we didn't have money," recalls Nkosi. "So we advertised for people who could assist in running the farm." - Racial partnership - Matuma Farms chief executive Pieter Scholtz is alarmed by talk of forced land redistribution in South Africa And in a striking breakthrough for race relations in the country, their call was answered by white farmers. The Moletele agreed to pay a percentage of the land's revenues over 20 years to the established local farmer in return for expertise. Following the deal, the former landowners became the workers while the one-time labourers became the bosses. And against the odds, the arrangement was a success. "When we took over the farm, there was really nothing going on there, it was totally neglected," said farmer Duo Landman. "What we did is we took our practices from our own farms and just implemented them. Now it's definitely profitable." The Moleteles' venture has since benefitted from their partners' know-how, their processing facilities and their extensive distribution networks. Their lemons and mangoes are sold at home and abroad and helped the black-led enterprise to report its first profits. "Here we have an example of successful land reform," said Pieter Scholtz, chief executive of the operation, Matuma Farms. "Seventy percent of the land belongs to the people of the Moletele community," he added. "It's really about having good relationships with the community and creating jobs, giving back through business schemes and training." - 'An emotive issue' - Lemons and mangoes from the Moletele farm are now sold at home and abroad Scholtz is delighted with the partnership underpinning the success of the business, but is alarmed at Zuma's talk of forcibly redistributing land. "It's always a concern if your president stands up in the parliament and says things like that, although we believe in the constitution and the quality of our courts," he said. Peter Setou, head of the Vumelana foundation that helped the Moletele with their land claim, cautioned against forcible land transfers, warning this could have similar results to Zimbabwe's disastrous farm seizures. "Land reform is an emotive issue and the level of frustration among the communities is because the process is exceedingly slow," he said. "South Africans will always find creative ways for resolving their issues." Nkosi also warned against political posturing, saying: "If you grab land and you don't have access to the market and you don't have the technical know-how, then it would be a fruitless exercise." In his new role as a manager, he is now plotting his next moves to increase growth -- an expansion into livestock. "The dream is we want to be the best producers of beef in South Africa," he said. Many holidaymakers load their cars up with belongings for the summer break It's the largest annual human migration in Europe: millions of people from France, Belgium and Italy cross Spain every summer to spend their holidays with family in north Africa. This year, close to three million are expected to make the trip there and back through 16 ports in Spain, Morocco and Algeria in an exodus that presents a huge logistical challenge. In 2016, Spain's civil protection agency registered 2.8 million passengers crossing the country, and it expects even more to make the trip this year. As a result, some 13,000 police officers have been mobilised on the Spanish side, along with translators and Red Cross volunteers. Said Arrhamani, who lives in France's northeastern Ardennes region, knows the route off by heart, having done it since he was a kid when his family would spend their summer holidays in Rabat in Morocco. It's now his turn to drive his four young children more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) down to the port of Algeciras in Spain's south, through which more than half of those crossing the country transit. Travellers seek shade from the hot summer sun as they wait for ferries in Algeciras "Thirty years ago, this was pretty unhealthy," says the 36-year-old in the port where a hectic atmosphere reigns, with cars, trucks and buses filling all available parking spaces, waiting to board ferries. "We could wait two days before boarding, and there were traffic jams that reached the outskirts of Algeciras. "Now there are agents who speak to us in French and guide us until the end." As drivers approach southern Spain, road signs also appear in Arabic giving directions to the ports. - Longer but cheaper - At the Algeciras port, most cars -- some modest, others expensive -- are filled with clothes, food, nappies and blankets. While some holidaymakers eat and chat, others sleep inside their car or lie down on carpets in the shade, and still more smoke hookah pipes. Children play football nearby. After a long drive through Spain some people are left needing to push the last few metres onto the ferry "We left Nice (in southeastern France) yesterday at nine at night, and we arrived this afternoon," says Karima Bel Hafout, travelling to Rabat via Tangier with her husband and two children. "It's close to 2,000 kilometres, but we save 2,700 euros ($3,200) compared to taking the plane." Others have taken the bus, and arrive even more tired. "I've done my back in trying to sleep," says Hamid Hafid, with a mix of resignation and humour, having come from Agen in southern France. "It's hard and long," adds his friend Said Khadrouf, drinking from his water bottle. - High security - After spending time back home, they will all go back north again in August and the first half of September under the watchful eye of Spanish security agents. Manuel Alcazar, chief of the port police protection unit, monitors queues of vehicles embarking for Tangier To avoid illegal immigration and fearing extremist attacks, agents from 16 other European countries have been mobilised to work with officers in Spain. Last year, they checked 1.6 million passengers, Spanish police said. Manuel Alcazar, the port's chief of protection, says all this activity takes its toll on the port, one of the biggest in Europe. Sitting in front of a high-definition screen in his office, where he examines the footage of close to 700 security cameras, he explains that on peak days, authorities give priority to passengers. This, however, means that the loading of trucks carrying merchandise goes slower. And this is an important part of the activity of a port which deals with merchandise from Spanish textiles group Inditex, spare parts for car-maker Renault, which has a factory in Tangier, agricultural products and seafood. But for shipping companies, the annual exodus is good for business, particularly for those who operate in the Strait of Gibraltar -- they make 40 percent of their annual turnover between mid-June and mid-September. Some pass the time waiting for the ferry with a nap in the shade The mass migration wave also creates temporary jobs in Algeciras, a city of 120,000, where 28,000 direct and indirect posts depend on the port. Among these are more than 200 young people wearing fluorescent yellow shirts who help direct the traffic and count the vehicles with the help of smartphones. Isabel Corrales, about to start her last year of studying administration and finance at university, is one such temporary worker. She's been doing this every summer for five years, and the money earned -- close to 1,000 euros -- helps her finance her studies. "This money is very welcome," she says with a large smile. Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway is a $3.2 billion (2.8 billion euro) railway linking Nairobi with the port city of Mombasa The timing was perfect. Two months before Kenya's August 8 vote, President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated the nation's biggest infrastructure project: a railway connecting the capital Nairobi and the port of Mombasa. With pomp and ceremony Kenyatta touted the railway as proof of his campaign promises on the economy, yet at the same time the price of maize flour, a Kenyan staple, was rising fast, stoking anger, especially among the poorest. Rising food prices constitute a crisis on the eve of a high-stakes election in which Kenyatta, and his economic record, go head to head with longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga. "On the one hand, there's the symbol of Kenya which continues developing -- even though it means an increased debt -- and remains the most dynamic economy in East Africa," said Francis Mwangi, an analyst at Standard Investment Bank. "On the other hand, there's the Kenya which hardly benefits from the effects of economic growth." Kenyatta has put the economy at the heart of his campaign. Thanks largely to increasing household consumption and public investment Kenya has seen growth of more than five percent a year since his election in 2013. But analysts say there is more -- and less -- to Kenya's economy than meets the eye. The country's debt is rising, corruption is endemic and economic growth has not benefited the country's poor, they say. - Not your average African economy - As in many other African countries, agriculture is the dominant activity, but Kenya's economy is atypical in other ways. It has relatively few natural resources, but the country's stability, economic dynamism and well-developed service industry stand out. Kenyatta has presided over a slew of infrastructure projects, including airports, roads, bridges, the start of a new port in the town of Lamu and wind and geothermal energy plants to boost electricity production. Ethiopia's larger, cheaper workforce means it recently overtook Kenya as the region's biggest economy, but analysts say the world's largest tea exporter remains East Africa's most dynamic market thanks to its skilled workers, fast internet and entrepreneurial mindset. Terror warnings and attacks, including the 2013 jihadist assault on Nairobi's Westgate mall, scared off tourists for a while, but the country's International Monetary Fund representative Armando Morales said the country has since bounced back. "Despite that, the GDP grew quite well, and conditions for business have improved," he said. East African country rankings But not all of Kenya's progress can be credited to Kenyatta. His term in office coincided with low oil prices and his economic policies broadly match those of his predecessor who kickstarted some of the more eye-catching infrastructure projects Kenyatta takes credit for. Devolution has given counties more money and power, which has led to improvements in health infrastructure and the construction of wells and dams, said Winnie Mitulah, a development specialist at the University of Nairobi. But government spending on new public works has caused Kenya's debt to balloon, increasing during Kenyatta's term to over 50 percent of GDP, much of it owed to Chinese lenders who negotiated advantageous terms. "I think Kenya had to make those investments," said Aly-Khan Satchu, a Kenyan analyst. "But now, they need to reap the benefits of those investments, but they also need to space the next investments carefully." - Widespread corruption - Observers say it's difficult to talk about Kenyatta's economic record without including his poor performance in battling corruption. Graft is widespread in Kenya, and while Satchu said it is difficult to tell just how deep it runs, he believes it represents a major drain on the economy. "Look where Kenya is now, and imagine where it could be without all that money disappearing through corruption," he said. Perhaps the biggest criticism levelled at Kenyatta is that despite the growth, Kenya's poor haven't seen much improvement in their daily lives, Mwangi said. That's in part because Kenya lacks a strong manufacturing base able to provide mass employment. A drought since late 2016 has reduced agricultural production, hitting the poorest hardest. Compounding the problem, producers speculated and the government was slow to respond. As a result, a two kilogramme bag of the staple maize flour -- known as 'unga' and used to make the hugely popular 'ugali' -- rose to as much as 180 shillings ($1.70; 1.80 euros), up by almost 50 percent in a year. With elections less than a week away, several opinion polls have identified food prices as the top issue among Kenyans. "In Kenya, we have a saying: 'you can't eat GDP'", said Satchu. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs over 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) from the far western Chinese city of Kashgar through the world's highest mountain pass and across the border. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs over 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) from the far western Chinese city of Kashgar through the world's highest mountain pass and across the border. For China, the two-lane thoroughfare symbolises a blossoming partnership, nourished with tens of billions of dollars of infrastructure investment. But for many Pakistani businessmen living and working on the Chinese side of the border, the road is a one way street. "China says our friendship is as high as the Himalayas and as deep as the sea, but it has no heart," said Pakistani businessman Murad Shah, as he tended his shop in Tashkurgan, 120 kilometres from the mountain pass where trucks line up to cross between China's vast Xinjiang region and Pakistan. China's land route to the Arabian Sea "There is no benefit for Pakistan. It's all about expanding China's growth," Shah said, as he straightened a display of precious stones. The remote town of around 9,000 is at the geographic heart of Beijing's plans to build a major trade artery -- the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- connecting Kashgar to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar. The project is a crown jewel of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, a massive global infrastructure programme to revive the ancient Silk Road and connect Chinese companies to new markets around the world. In 2013, Beijing and Islamabad signed agreements worth $46 billion to build transport and energy infrastructure along the corridor, and China has upgraded the treacherous mountain road better known as the Karakoram Highway. While both countries say the project is mutually beneficial, data shows a different story. The sun's rays shine through clouds over the Karakorum mountain range next to the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway near Tashkurgan in western Xinjiang province. Pakistan's exports to China fell by almost eight percent in the second half of 2016, while imports jumped by almost 29 percent. In May, Pakistan accused China of flooding its market with cut rate steel and threatened to respond with high tariffs. "There are all of these hopes and dreams about Pakistan exports," said Jonathan Hillman, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "But if you're connecting with China, what are you going to be exporting?" - 'This is not allowed' - One answer is Nigerian "male enhancement" supplements: expired medications which Pakistani merchants in the oasis city of Hotan recently peddled to bearded Muslims walking home from Friday prayers. The remote town of Tashkurgan of around 9,000 is at the geographic heart of Beijing's plans to build a major trade artery -- the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- connecting Kashgar to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar. The products were typical of the kinds of small consumer goods brought by Pakistani traders into Xinjiang: medicine, toiletries, semi-precious stones, rugs and handicrafts. Pakistani businessmen in Xinjiang see few benefits from CPEC, complaining of intrusive security and capricious customs arrangements. "If you bring anything from China, no problem," said Muhammad, a trader in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar, who declined to give his full name. But he said tariffs on imported Pakistani goods are "not declared. Today it's five percent, tomorrow maybe 20. Sometimes, they just say this is not allowed". Pakistan's exports to China fell by almost eight percent in the second half of 2016, while imports jumped by almost 29 percent. Three years ago, Shah was charged between eight and 15 yuan per kilo to bring lapis lazuli, a blue stone. The duty has since soared to 50 yuan per kilo, he said. Customs officials told AFP the "elements influencing prices were too many" for them to offer a "definite and detailed list" of costs. While large-scale importers can absorb the tariffs, independent Pakistani traders have benefited little from CPEC, said Hasan Karrar, political economy professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Alessandro Rippa, an expert on Chinese infrastructure projects at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, said the highway "is not very relevant to overall trade" because "the sea route is just cheaper and faster". The project is better understood as a tool for China to promote its geopolitical interests and help struggling state-owned companies export excess production, he said. - 'Maybe it will be good' - Traders also face overbearing security in China. Over the last year, Beijing has flooded Xinjiang, which has a large Muslim population, with tens of thousands of security personnel and imposed draconian rules to eliminate "extremism". The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is a crown jewel of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, a massive global infrastructure programme to revive the ancient Silk Road and connect Chinese companies to new markets around the world. Businessmen complain they are not allowed to worship at local mosques, while shops can be closed for up to a year for importing merchandise with Arabic script. In June, on the 300 kilometre trip between Kashgar and Tashkurgan, drivers were stopped at six police checkpoints, while their passengers had to walk through metal detectors and show identification cards. Signs warn that officials can check mobile phones for "illegal" religious content. Police officers interrupted an interview in Tashkurgan to demand a shopkeeper hand over his smartphone and computer for inspection, an event he said occurs several times a week. Shah said that when he first arrived in the town, the intrusive security made him nervous: "But now I'm used to it. I almost feel like I'm one of the police." In 2013, Beijing and Islamabad signed agreements worth $46 billion to build transport and energy infrastructure along the corridor, and China has upgraded the treacherous mountain road better known as the Karakoram Highway. As he spoke, an alarm sounded. He grabbed a crude spear, body armour and a black helmet off his counter and rushed into the street, where police had assembled over a dozen people for impromptu counter-terrorism drills. The exercises are held up to four times a day. Stores are closed for several days if they do not participate. Back in Kashgar, Muhammad hopes that CPEC will make life better, but he believes the oppressive security will remain an obstacle. He plans to give it another three years. But, he said, he cannot wait forever: "Many people have already gone back." President Donald Trump's administration reportedly plans to invoke a little used clause in US trade law that allows America to probe whether China's intellectual-property policies constitute unfair trade practices The United States is planning to take trade measures against China to force it to crack down on theft of intellectual property, the Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday. President Donald Trump's administration plans to invoke a little used clause in US trade law that allows America to probe whether China's intellectual-property policies constitute unfair trade practices, the paper said, quoting people familiar with the matter. The administration wants Beijing to impose stiffer penalties on theft of intellectual property and ease obligations that US firms hoping to enter the Chinese market share advanced technology, the Journal said. It said it is not known how long the administration will study the issue before making a decision. The paper said officials at one point had hinted an announcement could come this week. Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping seemed to get off to a good start when they met in Florida in April and agreed on a 100 day action plan. This led to exports of US beef to China for the first time since 2003. But in mid-July a day of trade talks led to nothing. Trump on Saturday expressed frustration with China's behavior in the North Korea missile crisis, accusing it of not doing enough and seeming to raise the idea of reprisal against Beijing. A billboard by US artist Mitch O'Connell depicting President Donald Trump displayed in Mexico City is in allusion and tribute to John Carpenter's 1988 cult movie "They Live" His skin is blue, his face contorted and his eyes bulge from his head, but the hair is unmistakable: that alien in the giant billboard over one of Mexico City's busiest roads is Donald Trump. In case the US president's distinctive blond swirl didn't tip you off, the artist has put an American flag in the background and framed the whole thing with Trump's campaign slogan: "Make America great again." Ironically, this extraterrestrial Trump has landed in Mexico because he could not find a home in the United States. American artist Mitch O'Connell created the work in 2015 for a horror film festival in Chicago headlined by the 1988 cult classic "They Live." But what began as a publicity poster turned into a zeitgeisty political statement, he told AFP. "I was drawing a poster of the 'They Live' alien and the TV was on my drawing table. There was Trump, campaigning or doing something on television. And that hair is so distinctive. I'm looking at my drawing and at his hair and I said, 'That hair would look fantastic on this alien,'" he said in a phone interview from Chicago. "They Live," a satirical sci-fi movie starring late pro wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, is the story of a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that enables him to see that Earth's ruling class is in fact made up of aliens who manipulate people via the mass media to spend money and accept the status quo. O'Connell said his 21st-century take on the film resonated at a moment when reality TV star and real-estate billionaire Trump was starting his improbable rise to the presidency. "Reality kind of just turned into this drawing. It was not meant to be political, but it just kind of evolved," he said. "People had huge reactions to Trump and they loved the movie, those two things together: America getting stranger by the week with Trump running and Trump as president." - Illegal alien - O'Connell, 56, initially tried to get the work displayed on a billboard in the United States, but said he was rejected in several cities -- despite raising $3,000 online to fund the project. "Major billboard companies, I think they were actually worried about getting people protesting. There was an actual real possibility that Trump would tweet about them or bash the company," he said. A Mexico City gallery then stepped in to get the work displayed in Mexico, the target of much vitriol from Trump. Trump kicked off his campaign in June 2015 with a tirade against Mexican immigrants, whom he referred to as drug dealers, criminals and rapists. Anti-Mexican rhetoric was central to his campaign, with Trump vowing to deport Mexican immigrants en masse, make Mexico pay for a wall on the border and tear up the US trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. "Trump's first (campaign) speech was calling everybody from Mexico rapists and thieves and how he was going to build this majestic wall to keep them out," O'Connell said. "Mexico being the only place where I can get this billboard erected, it was a wonderful ironic twist ending to the story." In Mexico City, the billboard has met with bemused approval. "To me, artistic expression related to Trump is a really good thing, in the sense that it has an impact on society, because this is kind of how we all feel, right?" said Carla Baeza, an employee at a telecommunications company in the capital. "I think the artist wanted to capture the essence of how Trump treats Mexicans. He doesn't respect us much," said computer programmer Julio Acuna. An American sailor has gone missing on the South China Sea, after disappearing during a joint operation with Japan. The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense-Force were carrying out a drill in the disputed waters when the sailor disappeared on Tuesday. The sailor's name is being withheld while the search is ongoing and the exact location of the search has not been not disclosed. Missing in action: The sailor from USS Stethem was reported missing while the ship was conducting routine operations in the South China Sea 'US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense-Force ships and aircraft are searching for a sailor from USS Stethem reported missing while the ship was conducting routine operations in the South China Sea' early Tuesday, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement. 'Multiple searches were conducted inside the ship but were unable to locate the sailor,' it said. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, the country's navy, confirmed two of its vessels as well as helicopters have been taking part in the search. The two nations have called off their routine joint operation to focus on the search, a Japanese navy spokesman said. Previous incident: A crash with a cargo ship off the coast of Japan (pictured) cost the lives of seven US Navy sailors in June this year The incident comes weeks after seven American sailors were killed when their Navy destroyer collided with a Philippine-flagged cargo ship in a busy shipping channel off Japan's coast. Aged 19 to 37, the seamen were found by divers in flooded sleeping berths a day after the collision tore a huge gash in the side of the USS Fitzgerald. Japanese and US naval forces have been holding drills in the contested South China Sea in the face of Beijing's increasing assertiveness over its maritime claims in the region. China is also involved in a simmering territorial row with Tokyo over disputed islands in the East China Sea. Somchai waves to supporters as he arrives at the Supreme Court Thailand's highest court on Wednesday acquitted two ex-prime ministers and two former top police officers over their role in a 2008 crackdown on anti-government protesters that killed two people. Former premier Somchai Wongsawat and his then-deputy Chavalit Yongchaiyudh faced negligence charges over a police operation to remove protesters who had laid siege to parliament. The deadly incident was one of many violent flare-ups over the past decade between their political camp, a populist movement led by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and a conservative Bangkok-based establishment. Police fought pitched battles with demonstrators, some of whom possessed homemade bombs, and fired multiple rounds of tear gas. Two died and hundreds were wounded. After the military seized power in 2014, authorities put the four men on trial. But in its ruling on Wednesday nine judges dismissed the case, arguing that authorities had a responsibility to clear the protesters because they had not remained peaceful and that none of the defendants bore direct responsibility for the deaths. "The protesters surrounded parliament and threatened to storm the building, therefore it was not a peaceful rally. The authorities had to use force in order to clear the way," the court said in its published summary. "The court has dismissed the case," it added. Somchai and Chavalit both hail from the political faction loyal to Thaksin Shinawatra, the self-exiled billionaire tycoon at the heart of Thailand's festering political divide. Somchai, Thaksin's brother-in-law, was prime minister at the time of the crackdown while Chavalit had served as premier in the 1990s. - Decade of instability - Thaksin was ousted by the army in 2006, setting off a decade of instability marked by frequent bouts of political violence, short-lived governments and another army putsch in 2014. Parties run by or allied to Thaksin's clan have won every election since 2001, largely through the support of rural and poor voters from the populous north who adore them. But they are loathed by much of Bangkok's royalist elite and their military allies who have used street protests, the courts and coups to crush their opponents. During the 2008 protests it was the anti-Shinawatra faction -- dubbed the "Yellow Shirts" -- who were laying siege to parliament. Later that year the Yellow Shirts famously occupied Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to try to topple the government, an action that led to the stranding of tens of thousands of holidaymakers in the kingdom. A small group of Yellow Shirt supporters shouted "Murderers!" as the four left court after their acquittal. Tee Sae Tiew, a 73-year-old who lost his leg after he was struck by a tear gas round in 2008, said he had hoped "to see wrongdoers punished for what they did". Outside the court Somchai waved to his own supporters. "I am glad we received justice from this fight," he told reporters. Two years after the 2008 protests the tables had turned. The Yellow Shirt faction was in power and it was the Shinawatras' "Red Shirt" allies who were now blockading swathes of Bangkok -- resulting in an army crackdown that killed more than 90. No one has been prosecuted for those deaths. Some of the senior officers behind that 2010 crackdown later led the 2014 coup that brought the current junta to power. China and Japan both claim islands in the East China Sea controlled by Japan, which knows them as Senkaku, and regularly send ships to nearby waters to assert their claims China on Wednesday defended its oil and gas activity in the East China Sea as occurring in areas "indisputably" under its jurisdiction, after Japanese protests stirred a longstanding dispute over the region. The two countries both claim islands in the East China Sea controlled by Japan, which knows them as Senkaku, and regularly send ships to nearby waters to assert their claims amid repeated diplomatic clashes. Talks between Tokyo and Beijing begun in June 2008 to cooperate over oil and gas resources in the area broke down two years later amid rising tensions, and have not resumed. On Tuesday, Japan's top government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga told reporters it was "extremely regrettable that China is unilaterally continuing its development activity" by stopping mobile drilling ships near the median line separating the two countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZ). He added that Japan lodged a protest late last month after noticing the activity but did not specify what exactly the Chinese ships were doing. "China's oil and gas activities in the East China Sea are all located in maritime areas indisputably under Chinese jurisdiction," China's foreign ministry told AFP in a statement, adding: "The so-called issue of 'unilateral exploitation' does not exist." The gas field under the joint development agreement lies in an area where both countries' EEZs overlap. Japan says the median line between the two nations should mark the limits of their respective EEZs. But China insists the border should be drawn closer to Japan, taking into account the continental shelf and other features of the ocean. China's foreign ministry said it rejected the idea of a median line between Japan and China, calling it "Japan's unilateral proposition." Chinese drilling ships were last spotted near that line in October 2016, Kyodo News and the Sankei Shimbun daily reported. So far, China has built 16 drilling platforms on its side near the median line, the Asahi Shimbun reported. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump offered reassurances the US would come to Japan's defence if China were to seize the uninhabited Senkaku islets, which it calls Diaoyu. In a joint statement with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in February, the pair said they "oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan's administration of these islands". A homeless man emerges from his tent in Martin Place A homeless tent city has sprung up outside Australia's central bank in the heart of Sydney, sparking a war of words over who should deal with it. More than 50 people are camping in the city's Martin Place, home to high-end office buildings and glitzy stores. While some have accepted offers of help and accommodation elsewhere, others have arrived to take their place. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore blamed the swelling numbers on "decades of gutless inaction" on homelessness from successive New South Wales state governments. The city council, she said, had no power to remove them, and called on the state government to provide more affordable housing. "It's not illegal for people to be homeless -- for some people it's an inevitable consequence of the housing affordability crisis in Sydney," Moore said in a statement this week. "We have the power to move structures and make places safe. But we don't have the power to move people on. The police have the power to do that. We're not calling on the police to do that. But that's the reality." NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian insisted it was up to the City of Sydney to find a solution, saying government officials had been to the site dozens of times but many people refused to leave. "It concerns me that people who are sleeping in tents in Martin Place are refusing to get help, refusing to receive help, and I frankly think it's unacceptable," she said. "Our staff have been down there 41 times... and I call on Clover Moore to get rid of that tent city. It should not be there." More than 400 people regularly sleep rough in central Sydney. While homelessness is a complex problem, experts have warned growing numbers of people are failing to benefit from the nation's stellar economy. An unprecedented economic expansion -- fuelled by a massive mining investment boom -- has boosted house prices and lined the pockets of many citizens. Commuters pass by tents set up in Martin Place But it has also led to the country's biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, being ranked second and 10th on a list of the world's least affordable housing, putting further pressure on those already struggling. -- This story accompanies photos by Peter Parks -- This handout photo taken and received on August 2, 2017, shows Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (L) signing his oath of office before Governor-General Bob Dadae (R) in Port Moresby Peter O'Neill was sworn in Wednesday for another five-year term as Papua New Guinea's prime minister following a volatile and drawn-out election marred by violence and allegations of vote-buying. A coalition led by O'Neill's People's National Congress secured 60 seats in the 111-seat parliament, local reports said, with five still to be counted. No single party has ever won a majority and alliances are common in PNG politics. "Now that we have formed government, we wont be discouraging the views that are different to ours," O'Neill told parliament Wednesday. "We will be a government that listens more, talks less and works harder at every opportunity." Two weeks of polling across the vast and remote country ended on July 8, but not without controversy. Many voters complained their names had been left off the electoral roll. Students torched ballot papers in the country's second largest city of Lae, protesting that not enough had been issued at their university. Polling was delayed for several days in the capital Port Moresby after officials went on strike over unpaid allowances. One of O'Neill's main opponents, Don Polye's Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party, reportedly accused leaders of one constituency of "deliberately and openly rigging the election". O'Neill, who won the last election in 2012, hailed this year's vote as "calm and peaceful" although monitors from the Commonwealth Observer Group called for a review of electoral processes, particularly given the number of vote-buying allegations. The new government will face challenges including an economy hurt by slumping commodity prices, widespread allegations of corruption and communal violence among a vast tribal population. The PNG leader has vowed to improve the quality of education, health care and infrastructure as well as reviewing the electoral process. Kashmiri villagers carry the body of suspected rebel Arif Lelhari during his funeral in the village of Lelhar of Pulwama on August 1 Thousands of Indian police and troops enforced a lockdown Wednesday in parts of Kashmir, fearing violent reprisals a day after a top militant commander and two civilians were killed in clashes in the disputed Himalayan territory. Residents in the old quarters of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir, were ordered to stay indoors and obey the curfew as government forces patrolled streets lined with steel barriers and razor wire. "I was not allowed by soldiers to leave home for work. They are right outside my door," Gulzar Ahmed, a mechanic, told AFP by phone from his house in downtown Srinagar. Schools and colleges were ordered shut for a second day to try to avert student protests against Indian rule, which frequently erupt into stone-throwing and clashes with troops. Shops and banks also remained shut after three top Kashmiri separatist leaders called for a strike following the death of Abu Dujana, a senior rebel fighter from the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). His death, heralded by Indian forces as "a major achievement", sparked protests and clashes with government forces across the Kashmir Valley during which a young man was killed and scores injured. A second protester died in hospital Wednesday. His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners who pelted Indian soldiers with stones and chanted slogans calling for independence, witnesses said. Dujana's death has dealt one of the biggest blows to Kashmiri separatists since a charismatic young commander, Burhan Wani, was shot dead in July last year. Wani's killing sparked months of widespread protests against Indian rule and left nearly 100 civilians dead and thousands injured. Since then protesters -- sometimes entire villages -- have increasingly taken to the streets, hurling stones at soldiers to help militants evade capture or death. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in full. Militant groups, including LeT, have for decades fought roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the territory, demanding independence or merger with Pakistan. Tens of thousands, mostly civilians, have died in the fighting. Afghan troops and police, beset by soaring casualties, have struggled to beat back the resurgent Taliban, while facing the growing menace of the Islamic State group A Taliban suicide bomber Wednesday rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces in Afghanistan's restive southern province of Kandahar, causing casualties, officials said. "At around noon a car bomb targeted a convoy of foreign forces in the Daman area of Kandahar," provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told AFP. NATO confirmed in a statement that a convoy was attacked and did "cause casualties" but did not immediately give further details. At least one witness reported seeing three bodies pulled from one of vehicles. Mohammad Azim, a shopkeeper, told AFP: "I saw a foreign forces vehicle on fire after the attack. A while later helicopters landed in the area, they took three bodies out of the vehicle and flew away. There were three armoured vehicles in the convoy." The Taliban, who have a heavy presence in poppy-growing Kandahar province and have launched repeated attacks there, quickly claimed the attack in a text message sent to AFP. The assault is the latest blow to NATO forces, who ended their more than a decade-long combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014. Since then Afghan troops and police, beset by soaring casualties, have struggled to beat back the resurgent Taliban, while facing the growing menace of the Islamic State group. The Taliban have been ramping up their campaign against beleaguered government forces, underscoring rising insecurity in the war-torn country during the summer fighting season, when the warmer weather tends to spur an increase in militant attacks. Early last month a US soldier was killed and two others wounded in an attack in Kandahar's neighbouring Helmand province while conducting operations against the Taliban. Private First Class Hansen Kirkpatrick, 19, of Wasilla, Alaska died following the "indirect fire" assault, which means he was hit by a mortar or some other incoming round. The attacks come as United States President Donald Trump weighs sending more American troops to Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US invasion to topple the Taliban regime. US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is believed to be close to presenting a new US military strategy for Afghanistan to Trump. Tuesday's attack came a day after suicide bombers throwing grenades killed more than 30 Shiite worshippers at a mosque in Afghanistan's main western city of Herat. No one claimed responsibility for the assault but IS has regularly attacked Shiites over the past year as it tries to make inroads in Afghanistan following set backs in the Middle East, leaving Afghan forces and it's international allies facing a twin Taliban and IS insurgency. Fidelis Arie Sudewarto was found guilty of growing marijuana without permission by the Sanggau district court in West Kalimantan, even though it acknowledged that he did it to help his wife An Indonesian man who grew marijuana to ease the pain of his seriously-ill wife was sentenced to eight months in prison on Wednesday, despite an outcry from right groups and activists. Fidelis Arie Sudewarto was found guilty of growing marijuana without permission by the Sanggau district court in West Kalimantan, even though it acknowledged that he did it to help his wife, who suffers from syringomyelia, a rare disorder which causes a cyst to form within spinal cord. The case attracted nation-wide attention in Indonesia, where some world's toughest anti-drugs laws are imposed, including capital punishment for traffickers. "We are very disappointed with the verdict because the judges admitted themselves in their consideration that our client is not involved in drug trafficking, he's not a dealer, he's not even a user," Sudewarto's lawyer Marcelina Lin told AFP Wednesday. Lin said multiple drug tests proved that the 34-year-old civil servant did not consume any drugs. The court also ordered Sudewarto to pay a fine of 1 billion rupiah ($75,000) or serve one additional month in jail. Prosecutors previously only sought five months in prison for him. The lawyer said Sudewarto began to grow marijuana after reading some articles on the internet that claimed the plants could ease his wife's pain. He knew that he would be breaking the law. After consuming the marijuana, his wife Yeni Riawati began to feel better and and the gaping wound on her spine began to heal, Lin said. Despite Sudewarto's explanation, the local narcotics agency arrested him in February. Riawati died a month after her husband's arrest. The widowed father of two, including a toddler, tearfully told his lawyers he was thoroughly disappointed by the court's verdict. "Our client said no matter what the verdict is, it would not bring his wife back to life," Lin said. Activists and human rights groups condemned the case against Sudewarto. "The law itself is flawed, what he (Sudewarto) did indeed violated the law, but he did that to save a human life," human rights lawyer Ricky Gunawan told AFP. Indonesia has executed several foreign and Indonesian narcotics convicts by firing squad in the past few years. This photo taken on July 31, 2017 shows a keeper retrieving a panda cub from its mother Cao Cao in Wolong in China's southwestern Sichuan province China has welcomed the world's first giant panda cub born to a mixed pair of captive and wild parents, the official Xinhua news agency said. Palm-sized and pink, covered in a downy layer of white fuzz from its tiny claws to its long tail, the cub was born early Monday morning in southwestern Sichuan province to 15-year-old Cao Cao, who had mated with a wild male panda in March. The cub's birth is the result of researchers' efforts to boost the health and genetic diversity of captive pandas by getting them to mate with their forest-dwelling counterparts, Xinhua cited Zhang Zhizhong of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) as saying. With only 471 captive pandas worldwide as of the end of last year, the species is at risk of inbreeding, Xinhua said. Cao Cao, who has lived in captivity since she was two, was released back into the wild for a two-month stint in March wearing positioning and recording devices around her neck. Palm-sized and pink, covered in a downy layer of white fuzz from its tiny claws to its long tail, the cub was born early Monday morning in southwestern Sichuan province to 15-year-old Cao Cao, who had mated with a wild male panda in March The recording device showed that after going into heat on March 11, she mated with a wild male panda for a minute and 30 seconds on March 23. Her baby weighed in at a hefty 216 grams -- exceeding the typical newborn panda weight of around 150 grams thanks to Cao Cao's good appetite during pregnancy. Giant pandas are notoriously clumsy at mating, with males said to be bad at determining when a female is in the right frame of mind and often befuddled at knowing what to do next. In the event the animals do feel compatible, sex is frequently over too quickly to impregnate the female, who is only receptive to the proposition for two or three days a year between February and May. Fewer than 2,000 giant pandas are estimated to remain in the wild, in three provinces in south-central China. A Chinese man paid $10,000 for a single shot of whisky made in 1878 by Macallan Have you heard the one about the guy who walked into a bar and ordered a $10,000 shot of whisky? A young Chinese man paid 9,999 Swiss francs ($10,000, 8,733 euros) last week at a Swiss hotel for a glass of whisky made in 1878 by the revered Scotch maker Macallan, the 20Minuten website said. The report was confirmed by an employee of the luxury Waldhaus Hotel in St. Moritz, northeast Switzerland. The hotel's Devil's Place Whisky Bar has been honoured for its 2,500 bottle collection, including by the Guinness Book of World Records. But proprietor Sandro Bernasconi told 20Minuten he never expected to open this particular treasure. After entering the bar with a group of people, the client expressed particular interest in the Macallans -- the hotel has 47 options, ranging from seven Swiss francs to ten grand. "I told the customer that the most expensive Macallan was not for sale", Bernasconi was quoted as saying by the website. The client persisted, so Bernasconi called his father, who had run the hotel for 20 years and never had a client order the 1878. The elder Bernasconi told his son to go for it, even if the customer was not going to pay in advance. "I was nervous," Bernasconi was quoted as saying, explaining that he was concerned the ancient cork would disintegrate. But everything went down smoothly, including the two-centilitre (0.66-fluid-ounce) measure, Bernasconi said. Now that the bottle is open, the hotel hopes to sell the remaining shots and may consider dropping the price, 20Minuten said. Before it was uncorked, the bottle had been valued at 50,000 Swiss francs, a relatively modest price compared to recent record sets by whisky bottles at auction. The identity of the young -- but presumably well-heeled -- connoisseur was not immediately available. A special collector's blend of Macallan's sold at auction in Hong Kong for nearly $630,000 in 2014. Newly appointed Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong Michael Yeung speaks to the media at a press conference in Hong Kong The new head of the Hong Kong Catholic Church on Wednesday said it was willing to act as a "bridge" between Chinese authorities and the Vatican. There are an estimated 12 million Catholics in China, but the Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951, two years after the founding of the communist People's Republic. Hong Kong's outgoing church leader, Cardinal John Tong, was widely seen to have sought better relations with China particularly in connection with the decades-long dispute over who in the Communist country has the authority to appoint bishops. But moves towards a rapprochement have led to unease among some Catholics who fear that a deal with Beijing may compromise the church. Bishop Michael Yeung replaced Tong Wednesday. "We are willing to be a bridge, and I always think that building bridges is much more important than building fences," Yeung told reporters when asked if he would follow in Tong's footsteps in his approach to China. "If there is any way we can help to maintain a dialogue, we will be willing to do so," the 71-year-old said. Beijing is suspicious of religion and the country's "official" Catholic church is run by the government-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association -- but there is also an "underground" church which swears allegiance only to the pope. State-sanctioned bishops in China are chosen by the association, while the Vatican insists on its right to appoint all the Catholic church's bishops. In a pastoral letter in August last year, Tong said central authorities were willing to reach an "understanding" over the appointment of bishops in the country and to seek a mutually acceptable plan. However, tensions still surround the issue and China's approach to the church. The Vatican in June expressed "grave concern" for one of its bishops in China, saying he was being held in an unknown location after being "forcibly removed" from his diocese in Wenzhou in southeastern China. Despite his willingness to facilitate dialogue with China, Yeung said he also supported democratic reform for semi-autonomous Hong Kong, as did Tong and his predecessor Cardinal Joseph Zen, who became a prominent pro-democracy advocate. A proposed package to introduce a public vote for city leader was voted down in parliament in 2015 after massive street rallies because Beijing said it would vet candidates. Since then the political reform debate has stalled. "I hope that the gates can be re-opened," Yeung said. But Yeung has also courted controversy after comparing homosexuality to drug abuse. He attempted to clarify his views Wednesday. "Maybe your son was a drug addict, but you love him still. Maybe you don't accept this kind of behaviour but you still love him," he told reporters. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has launched an unprecedented crackdown on crime that is popular with many Filipinos but has drawn international criticism. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday defended a police raid that killed a mayor whom he had linked to narcotics trafficking along with 14 others. Duterte has repeatedly defended police prosecuting his deadly war on drugs while singling out officials as "narco-politicians". Three mayors have been shot dead after he accused them of involvement in the drug trade. Rights groups and some lawmakers have called for an investigation into the killing of Reynaldo Parojinog, mayor of the southern city of Ozamiz on Mindanao island, and the 14 others in a raid on his home Sunday. Duterte rejected criticism of the raid, including why it was conducted at night. "The police can go there any time convenient for them to arrest (him). And I will stand by the police," Duterte said in a speech. "I will answer for it. I will say I ordered it. Why go after the police? Who would be stupid enough to carry a (drug) business in daylight?" Duterte, 72, has launched an unprecedented crackdown on crime that is popular with many Filipinos but has drawn international criticism. Since he took office just over a year ago, police have reported killing nearly 3,200 people in the drug war. More than 2,000 other people have been killed in drug-related crimes, according to police data. Rights groups say Duterte may be overseeing a crime against humanity. Duterte named Parojinog last year as being among mayors, policemen and judges who were involved in drug trafficking. In Sunday's raid, police said a firefight occurred after the Parojinogs shot at them -- a claim denied by the family's camp. None of the officers were hurt, apart from one who sustained a minor injury. Several lawmakers and Human Rights Watch questioned the circumstances surrounding the raid, with top Duterte critic Senator Leila De Lima calling it a "massacre". On Wednesday Duterte said he had met mayors in the presidential palace to warn them to stop drug trafficking. Duterte hinted at the Parojinogs' reputation of allegedly leading a gang responsible for bank robberies. "They were running the city as if it was a feudal state of the family," he said. Duterte also lashed out at critics, including his predecessor Benigno Aquino who had questioned the effectiveness of his drug war. "Go ahead and enter the drug trade, PNoy, and I will cut off your head," Duterte said, using Aquino's nickname. Tofa and Tahura, ten-month-old twins who were born conjoined at the spine and rectum, were separated by a team of two dozen doctors Tuesday in Dhaka Ten-month-old Bangladeshi siamese twins were recovering in hospital Wednesday after what surgeons hailed as the country's "groundbreaking" first successful separation operation on conjoined siblings. Sisters Tofa and Tahura, who were born conjoined at the spine and rectum, underwent a gruelling nine hours in surgery under the care of two dozen doctors. "It is the first time we have successfully separated critically conjoined twins in Bangladesh," paediatric surgeon Abdul Hanif of Dhaka Medical College Hospital told AFP. "It's a groundbreaking operation in our medical history," Hanif said, adding that it had been "extremely complex". Almost all Bangladeshi conjoined twins fail to survive their infant years, the surgeon said. Last year, twin boys, who were joined at the torso and had been abandoned by their parents at the same hospital, died due to severe infections and complications. Tofa and Tahura will need at least two further operations to restructure their internal organs, Hanif added. The surgery had been "100 percent successful" but the twins would remain in intensive care for at least a week to ensure no infections developed, said surgery coordinator Shahnoor Islam. Born to poor farmers, the sisters -- who do not use a surname -- were brought to Dhaka a month ago from northern Gaibandha district, 260 kilometres (160 miles) from the capital. Their mother, Shahida Begum, told AFP how happy she was as the doctors had let her breast-feed the girls following the surgery. "I held my daughters to feed them. They were responding very spontaneously," the mother of three said. "My five-year-old son is very excited knowing he might now be able to play with his sisters. He cried to go inside the intensive care unit to see them but the doctors won't allow him," she said, adding that there are still fears of infections. - More twins waiting - The surgeons said the next few days would be critical for the twins as the surgical wounds need to heal and the babies need more procedures to be able to live independently. Their parents almost gave up hope of separating the twins after local doctors told them there were no experts in Bangladesh who could do it and surgery in other countries would cost too much. "We went to local clinics but nobody could provide any solution. We went to the district civil surgeon who advised us to go to Dhaka. He paid for the trip and even rented an ambulance for us," Begum said. The hospital paid the cost of the operation. Begum has vowed to send her daughters to Islamic seminaries if they grew up healthy. "I didn't go to school as I got married early. But I want them to learn Islam and be very good human beings," she said. Another pair of Bangladeshi twins joined at the skull are awaiting their turn in Dhaka. Doctors are trying to establish whether the one-year-old girls -- born otherwise healthy in northwest Bangladesh -- share the same brain Doctors are consulting experts from across the globe as they prepare for the next operation. They are trying to establish whether the one-year-old girls -- who are otherwise healthy -- share the same brain, something that would vastly complicate the surgery. Conjoined twins are rare. About half are stillborn, and the survival rate is between five and 25 per cent. In November 2015, conjoined twin girls born with two heads and two hearts and a single body attracted crowds of thousands, but they died when they were just a week old. The death of US student Otto Warmbier (R) -- shown in a photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 1, 2016 -- in part sparked the US travel ban The United States issued a ban on Wednesday prohibiting its citizens traveling to North Korea, a move triggered by the death of a US student imprisoned by Pyongyang during a tourist visit. The ban, which comes into effect September 1, was introduced after officials said the "serious risk" of arrest by Pyongyang officials during tourist travel presented an "imminent danger to the physical safety" of its citizens. "All United States passports are declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel," read the restriction in the US government's Federal Register, using the acronym for North Korea's official name. Strict warnings against travel to the North were already in place before the ban was first announced last month following the death of American student Otto Warmbier. Warmbier, 22, a student at the University of Virginia, died in June after being held by Pyongyang for more than a year on charges of stealing a propaganda poster from a North Korean hotel. He had been sentenced to 15 years' hard labour in the North, but was sent home in a mysterious coma in June and died soon afterwards. US President Donald Trump slammed Warmbier's detention and eventual death as "a total disgrace," pledging to "prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency". The new ban will remain in effect for one year, unless it is revoked sooner by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Exemptions will be allowed in specific cases for humanitarian travel and journalists. - 'We don't care' - Tour companies said the ban would significantly reduce the numbers of Western tourists to the impoverished country. "Currently US citizens make up about 20 percent of the Western tourist market, so it will reduce the industry by at least that much -- plus the collateral damage of others who may not want to go as a result of this," said Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, the market leader in Western tourism to North Korea. Some 5,000 Western tourists visit the North each year, with standard one-week trips costing about $2,000. The vast majority of tourists visiting North Korea are Chinese. Han Chol-Su, a senior North Korea development official, earlier denied that the loss of business would hurt his country's economy. "If the US government says Americans cannot come to this country, we don't care a bit," he told AFP in Pyongyang last month. North Korean state media "relentlessly presents Americans in the most negative manner; rapacious, war-mongering, and utterly filled with hatred of the Korean people," Cockerell said. Describing American visitors as "one of the best soft-power assets of the United States", he added that the ban would eliminate a counterweight to that propaganda. In Pyongyang, visiting US tourist Carolyn Dunlap described the move as "definitely not unexpected" in light of Warmbier's death and other detentions. "Honestly the current travel advice is not much different from a ban, the only difference is people can still physically go," she told AFP last week. She planned her trip before speculation of the move mounted, but its timing means she will be one of the last US tourists to the country for at least one year. "It's kind of cool, kind of weird," said the 21-year-old. Warmbier's death added to already high tensions in the region over North Korea's weapons ambitions. In recent weeks Pyongyang has launched two successful tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts say could reach US territory. A picture taken on July 1, 2017 shows an ammonia tank in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa Around 800 people will be laid off in the court-ordered closure of a major Israeli ammonia storage facility previously threatened by Hezbollah, the owners announced Wednesday. The head of US-owned Haifa Chemicals, Jules Trump, told Israeli army radio the company was dismissing 800 workers in two plants that processed the ammonia. "We have lost hundreds of millions of shekels (tens of millions of dollars) in recent months because, contrary to the promises of the government, there is no alternative solution on the horizon," he said. The Israeli Supreme Court last week confirmed a ruling ordering the closure of the 12,000 tonne facility located in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, giving the company until September 18 to empty it completely. The ruling brought to an end a years-long legal battle over the site. Residents and environmentalists had been warning of the risks of an accident or explosion at the container in the densely populated Mediterranean port city. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in 2016 that a missile strike on the tank would have the effect of a "nuclear bomb," increasing calls for its closure. Nasrallah, whose group targeted the Haifa area in a 2006 war with Israel, echoed warnings from experts and activists cited in Israeli media that "tens of thousands of people" would be killed in case the container was struck. Ammonia, used in fertilisers, is poisonous to humans. Haifa Chemicals sells some of the ammonia that the group imports to chemical plants, weapons companies and wastewater treatment plants. Former security policeman Joao Rodrigues has already undergone three days of questioning at an inquest into the suspected murder of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol in police custody in 1971 A South African policeman present at the suspicious death of an anti-apartheid campaigner in 1971 should be charged with murder, a court heard Wednesday as the official version of events came under harsh scrutiny. Joao Rodrigues, a former member of the feared security police, was allegedly the last officer to have been with Ahmed Timol before Timol plunged to his death from the 10th-floor of Johannesburg police headquarters. Rodrigues has faced three days of intensive questioning at the High Court inquest in Pretoria into Timol's death and has at times given contradictory accounts of the incident of 46 years ago. "We will be submitting to this court that the court recommend... that you be charged with perjury (and) the murder of Ahmed Timol," the Timol family's lawyer Howard Varney said. Rodrigues, 78, has strenuously denied harming Timol or any involvement in his death, telling both the new inquest and an inquest in 1972 that Timol died by jumping out the window. "I do not concur with counsel's submission," Rodrigues said after Varney accused him of murder and other crimes. Timol's family has campaigned for decades for a new probe to overturn the original court verdict that he had committed suicide. They had initially said they did not want prosecutions against those involved but simply wanted to learn the truth. "Rodrigues is standing by what he said in 1972. By not being truthful he's asking to be prosecuted. He's not making things easy for himself," Timol's younger brother Mohammad told AFP. Timol's death has become symbolic of police conduct under the apartheid system, as well as the failure to bring justice to its victims since the fall of white-minority rule in 1994. - Judge questions evidence - "He remains arrogant, sticks to his particular version, and (we have) absolutely no doubt he must face the full force of the law," said Timol's nephew Imtiaz Cajee following Rodrigues' evidence. Both the lawyers for Timol's family and the state have raised multiple doubts over Rodrigues' account of how the 29-year-old communist recruit fell to his death. "I have heard evidence from witnesses... which says to me that your story is not probable," Judge Billy Mothle told Rodrigues on Wednesday. Rodrigues said that Timol was not mistreated and had jumped out of the window after becoming fearful. "I only saw him from the side... but he did not have any injuries," added Rodrigues. But Varney said that Timol had suffered serious injuries before his plunge -- a claim supported by two independent pathologist reports submitted to the court. "He could barely walk let alone get up and storm to the window and dive out," said Varney. Rodrigues had also claimed that Timol's dash for the window "happened in a split second" and caught him off guard when he was left alone with the detainee. "It would not be possible to run, open the window and dive," said Varney, quoting the report of an aeronautical expert. "I'm saying this is what I saw," said Rodrigues. "That's what happened." Rodrigues had also said that he had attempted to intercept Timol as he made for the window. "Isn't it extraordinary that you couldn't catch him?" said Varney. "If there was a so-called chase... you would have caught him. "This entire story of a suicide is a fabrication and it's always difficult to maintain consistency in a fabrication." The case has re-opened apartheid-era wounds from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which provided a public arena to air the crimes committed under white rule and concluded its work in 1998. "It was unimportant -- it was not imperative for the police to take up the platform," said Rodrigues when asked why he had not given evidence to the commission. The inquest continues. The migrants had paid traffickers to send them on the Mediterranean crossing A group of rappers who say they had to flee Libya for their art were on their way to Italy Wednesday after being rescued by a charity boat. The self-described musicians were among a group of 17 mostly Libyan men picked up by the Aquarius, a vessel operated by French NGO SOS Mediterranee and international humanitarian organisation Doctors without Borders (MSF), from a fishing boat in distress in waters off the Libyan coast. "I'm (a) rapper, I do rap music, so I got to get out of Libya," one of the men, Youssef, told AFP. "I have to get out of Libya for freedom of speech, you know about that. Libya is a dangerous zone right now for arts..." Youssef, from the country's second city Benghazi, said he had paid a trafficker he met in a coffee shop in the capital Tripoli to get on the boat. "So I was talking and someone after I finished talking got me to the side and said 'If you are looking for a trip I can get you one, but it will be expensive'. "I asked him how much expensive and he said 'like 1,500 (dollars)'. I said I can pay 1,000, you know, stuff like this. So he got my number and he said I will see and come back to you. The next day he called me and said: 'All right someone will come and pick the money up'." MSF volunteer Seraina Eldada said the rescued men had been severely dehydrated and exhausted when the Aquarius reached their stricken boat. "They were very weak, some of them barely conscious," she said. "But they are all getting stronger now and starting to recover, drinking water. "Right now we are just trying to figure out what their stories are." The rescued men were to be taken to an Italian port although first the Aquarius was taking part in another rescue operation, this time for a fishing boat reported to have some 300 people on board. More than 95,000 migrants have been rescued in the Mediterranean and taken to Italy since the start of the year, just over a third of them on privately-funded NGO boats More than 95,000 migrants have been rescued in the Mediterranean and taken to Italy since the start of the year, just over a third of them on privately-funded NGO boats. The organisations say they are saving lives but their operations have been criticised for allegedly encouraging migrants to risk a journey that has claimed at least 2,385 lives so far in 2017. Afghan protesters demonstrate against the Islamic State group following a deadly mosque attack in Herat on August 2, 2017 Thousands of Shiite protesters chanted slogans against the Islamic State group Wednesday as they carried the coffins of victims of a mosque attack that killed 33 people in the western Afghan city of Herat. Up to 5,000 angry mourners, including relatives of the dead, congregated near the site of Tuesday's suicide bomb attack as IS claimed responsiblity for the latest atrocity targeting the minority community. "Death to Daesh (IS)!" and "Down with fundamentalism", the demonstrators chanted, as the coffins were brought one by one and placed in a refrigerated lorry near the Jawadya mosque. The mourners, who then marched to the cemetery to bury their dead, also demanded that the government bring the perpetrators to justice and pledged to "take revenge" if it did not. Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for the governor of Herat province, said the death toll from the attack, in which two suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the packed mosque, had risen to 33. Another 66 were wounded. It came a day after IS claimed a deadly assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul as it extends its footprint in the war-torn country. Underscoring the nation's insecurity, a Taliban suicide bomber on Wednesday rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces in the restive southern province of Kandahar, killing two US soldiers. Shiites, a minority of around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted by IS jihadists over the last year. They accuse police and troops of failing to protect them. "I lost all my loved ones, they even killed children as young as seven. This wasn't an attack on Shiites, this was an attack on all Afghans, all Muslims," Farhad Dost, whose cousin died in the assault, told AFP. Members of the Shiite community said police had fled their checkpost, around 100 metres from the mosque, after the two attackers struck at around 8:00 pm (1530 GMT) on Tuesday. - 'Died in my hands' - A survivor of the mosque attack receives treatment in hospital Angry locals then clashed with the police and set the checkpost on fire, according to witnesses who reported that officers opened fire, injuring some demonstrators. The governor's spokesman said the police chief of the district had been suspended for "negligence" and a delegation from Kabul had been sent to investigate the attack. In a statement Wednesday, IS's propaganda outlet Amaq claimed the group had killed "around 50 Shiites" and wounded 80 more in the attack, which also left young children dead. Witnesses described scenes of terror and chaos, with emergency wards overwhelmed and survivors rushing victims to hospital in their own vehicles and even on foot. "There weren't enough ambulances... I tried to take a small child to hospital but he died in my hands," Ali, who only gave one name, told AFP. Farhad Afshar rushed to the mosque, where worshippers had gathered for prayers, after hearing the explosion. "When I arrived the mosque was full of flesh and blood. I saw a mother crying and searching for her two children. She found one them wounded inside the mosque, the other was found dead in an ambulance," he told AFP. Quoting survivors, he said the attackers first opened fire on the worshippers, then threw grenades before finally blowing themselves up inside the mosque. IS has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks killing dozens of Shiites in Kabul over the past year, including twin explosions in July 2016 that ripped through crowds of Shiite Hazaras, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. burs-pdh/aph US Vice President Mike Pence speaks to the press in Podgorica, Montenegro, on August 2, 2017 US Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday lambasted Russia for trying to "destabilise" the Western Balkans as he declared the region's future was "in the West". At a summit in NATO's newest member, Montenegro, Pence called on leaders to be "resolute and uncompromising in the face of aggression from an unpredictable country that casts a shadow from the east". "As you well know, Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force. And here, in the Western Balkans, Russia has worked to destabilise the region, undermine your democracies, and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe," he said. Pence is on the last leg of an Eastern European tour aimed at reassuring allies worried by Russia's behaviour, particularly the 2014 annexation of Crimea and its backing of a bloody separatist rebellion in Ukraine. At Wednesday's Adriatic Charter Summit, Pence accused "Moscow-backed agents" of trying to attack Montenegro's parliament and assassinate the then prime minister, Milo Djukanovic, during an election in October last year. The White House said back in April that it had seen "credible reports of Russian support for an attempted election-day attack" in the ex-Yugoslav republic, but Pence's comments stepped up US accusations over the affair. The suspected power grab, he charged, aimed "to dissuade the Montenegrin people from entering our NATO alliance". Montenegro joined the military bloc in early June, to the anger of Russia, which considers the country of 620,000 people within its historic sphere of influence. A group of Serbian nationals were arrested on the eve of the October election over the alleged coup plot and 14 suspects are to be tried in the Montenegrin capital, including two Russians in absentia. Montenegro officials and Djukanovic himself have previously said that the coup plotters aimed to assassinate him. Russia denies any involvement in the murky affair, and no weapons intended for use in the attack have ever been presented. - Tougher sanctions - US Vice President Mike Pence called on leaders to be 'resolute and uncompromising' in the face of aggression from Russia Some in Moscow and Washington had hoped relations between the former Cold War foes might improve under US President Donald Trump, who has had warm words for Russian President Vladimir Putin. But Pence's tough stance on his tour this week were further evidence that the great power rivals remain divided over various issues. His visit came as Trump on Wednesday signed into law a package of sanctions against Russia. The US Senate last week approved the package of tough additional sanctions over Russia's alleged meddling in last year's US election, as well as its annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine. "The United States will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions, and we call on our European allies and friends to do the same," Pence said. His tour began in Baltic nation Estonia, where he insisted that a retaliatory move taken by the Kremlin, to cut the US diplomatic mission in Russia, would not lessen Washington's commitment to its allies. On Tuesday in Georgia, Pence slammed Russia's "occupation" of part of the Caucasus nation's territory since a brief 2008 war. - NATO door open - In Montenegro, where he arrived late Tuesday, he hailed the Adriatic nation's "courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure". "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," Pence told reporters. Wednesday's summit also brought together leaders from Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Slovenia to discuss advancing their Euro-Atlantic aspirations and reforms. Pence said NATO's door would always be open "for those European countries that share our values, contribute to the common defence, and strive to achieve security, prosperity, and freedom for their people". A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. The US president, who often called for better ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations. The number of migrant arrivals in Italy in July was down dramatically on the same month last year Italy on Wednesday dispatched a navy patrol boat to Libya and seized an NGO rescue ship in dramatic steps aimed at ending the migrant crisis that has engulfed Europe in recent years. The twin moves came as new figures revealed a surprise drop in July in the number of mainly African asylum seekers and economic migrants arriving at the country's southern ports, suggesting efforts to close the Libya-Italy route into Europe could finally be bearing fruit. The Italian parliament gave the go-ahead for a naval mission in support of the Libyan coastguard's fight against the people traffickers behind the surge in migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. As part of the mission, approved by the Libyan authorities, the navy patrol boat Comandante Borsini entered the North African state's territorial waters on Wednesday afternoon, en route for the capital Tripoli, the navy said. On board was a small advance team charged with coordinating planned joint actions with the Libyan coastguard. Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said Italy was providing technical support, not seeking to impose a "hostile" naval blockade designed to prevent the departure of migrant boats. Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said last week that the naval mission was being organised following a request from Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of conflict-torn Libya's UN-backed unity government. - Human rights warning - Migrants from Libya sleep on deck of the Aquarius rescue ship run by NGO SOS Mediterranee and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) after their rescue in the Mediterranean Sea, on August 2, 2017 The number of migrant arrivals in Italy in July was down dramatically on the same month last year, suggesting efforts to train up and better equip the North African country's coastguard could already be having an impact. The Interior Ministry said 11,193 new arrivals had been registered in July, compared with 23,552 in July 2016. Arrivals for the first seven months of this year were 95,214, up 0.78 percent on the same period last year. The new naval mission is expected to involve a logistics ship and maintenance support for the Libyans, as well as the Comandante Borsini. Rome had initially hoped to send six ships into Libyan waters but had to downsize the mission after objections from the fledgling administration in Tripoli. Some 600,000 mostly African migrants have arrived in Italy from Libya since the start of 2014, putting the country's reception facilities under strain and the centre-left government under pressure with elections looming next year. Officials believe that sending boats being back to Libyan ports will have a powerful deterrent effect on would-be migrants considering paying traffickers for passage to Europe. But that approach has been criticised by international rights groups who say people returned to troubled Libya face detention in squalid camps and abuse at the hands of traffickers. "After years of saving lives at sea, Italy is preparing to help Libyan forces who are known to detain people in conditions that expose them to a real risk of torture, sexual violence, and forced labour," said Human Rights Watch's Judith Sunderland. - 'Science fiction' - As parliament voted, Italian police on the island of Lampedusa "preventatively" impounded the Iuventa, a boat operated by German NGO Jugend Rettet, on the orders of a prosecutor based in Trapani, Sicily. Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said "people on the Iuventa are believed to have taken on board, on at least two separate occasions, migrants escorted by Libyan traffickers whose lives were not in danger". He said the probe, which began in 2016, had uncovered other elements "which lead us to believe that the practice is frequent", but the idea there was a "coordinated plan" between the Iuventus and traffickers was "pure science fiction". Cartosio said he thought those involved had been driven purely by "humanitarian motives. There is nothing to suggest the aim is financial gain". Investigators have yet to single out suspects, saying that at the moment the probe is into "persons unknown". The move to impound the Iuventa came as Italy began enforcing a controversial code of conduct for charity boats rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. Jugend Rettet was among six of nine NGOs operating search-and-rescue activities in waters off Libya to reject the new rules, but Cartosio said there was no link between the investigation and the refusal to sign the code. Italian authorities say the rules are necessary to ensure the boats are not effectively encouraging migrants to embark on the perilous crossing. The NGOs have particularly objected to a requirement to allow an Italian police official to travel on each boat and a ban on moving rescued migrants from one aid vessel to another while still at sea, which they say could result in avoidable deaths. Twenty-year-old Victor Mlotshwa, pictured in 2016, gave evidence at the trial of Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jacksond A black South African labourer forced into a coffin allegedly by two white farmers said Wednesday that he pleaded for his life as they threatened to pour petrol over him. Victor Mlotshwa gave evidence at the trial of Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson, who face kidnap, assault and attempted murder charges over the incident. A 20-second video clip appears to show the accused forcing Mlotshwa, 27, into the wooden coffin and trying to push down the lid last year in the eastern province of Mpumalanga. The men were arrested after the footage, which was apparently shot on a mobile phone by one of the assailants, spread rapidly on the internet. "One of them said they should pour petrol into the coffin," Mlotshwa told the court, according to the News24 website. "I was so scared, shivering and crying. I was under the impression that they wanted to kill me. "I was pleading with them. It was only my one hand which was outside the coffin." The video triggered outrage in South Africa where racism and racially motivated violence remain major social problems. Activists from political parties, including the ruling African National Congress and the main opposition Democratic Alliance, have rallied outside court and packed its public benches during the trial. Local media said Mlotshwa broke down in tears during his evidence and residents hurled abuse at the accused before the court was adjourned. The two farmers told the court on Monday that they caught Mlotshwa with stolen goods on private property and wanted to scare him. Mlotshwa said he was going to the town of Middelburg to buy provisions for his mother when he was attacked. "I tried to run away," he said. "Without saying anything to me, the men got out of the vehicles and just pumped me with their fists." South Africa is beset by deep-rooted racial inequality 23 years after the end of white-minority rule. Cases of racism have erupted regularly on social media in recent years. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson won't meet his North Korean counterpart at an upcoming regional forum in Manila, US officials say US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will not meet his North Korean counterpart at a regional forum in Manila and will instead push to deepen Pyongyang's diplomatic isolation, a senior US official said Wednesday. North Korea's push to build a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening US cities has brought the region to the brink of crisis, and Washington is using every diplomatic lever to shut the program down. But, in defiance of efforts to isolate Kim Jong-Un's pariah regime, Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho will attend a regional security forum alongside the ASEAN ministerial meeting this weekend. Tillerson and other key players, including China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will also be in the Philippine capital -- but Susan Thornton, the acting US assistant secretary of state, said the US diplomat would not take the opportunity to meet Ri. "What we would expect to see this year at the meeting would be a general chorus of condemnation of North Korea's provocative behavior," she said. Tillerson has no plans to meet separately with the North Koreans, she said, while at the forum itself she predicted "pretty serious diplomatic isolation directed at the North Korean foreign minister." South East Asian diplomatic sources told AFP that Tillerson had lobbied US allies to exclude North Korea from the ASEAN regional forum, which meets to discuss Asia-Pacific security issues alongside ASEAN talks. Thornton confirmed that Washington is seeking to further isolate Pyongyang, but admitted that there had not been time to convince its regional allies to update the guest list before the Manila talks. "We've been going around talking to partners to talk about what more they can do to increase pressure on the regime and increase the diplomatic isolation of the regime," she told reporters. "We've been having a serious discussion about what it would take for a member to be suspended from this organization that is dedicated to conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. "We'll see how that develops in the coming year. Of course it's too late for us to have that conversation, since the meeting is upon us for this year. A picture taken on August 2, 2017 during a tour guided by the Lebanese Hezbollah movement shows the Lebanese town of Arsal from across the border with Syria in a mountainous area around the town of Flita Around 7,000 people including Syrian militants and refugees began quitting the restive border area between Lebanon and Syria on Wednesday under a ceasefire deal, Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said. The deal, announced last week, ended six days of fighting in the mountainous Jurud Arsal region between the powerful Shiite Hezbollah movement and fighters from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch. Jurud Arsal had been used for years as a hideout by Syrian militants but was also home to an unknown number of refugees seeking shelter from Syria's six-year war. On Wednesday, Hezbollah's "War Media" outlet and Al-Manar television station reported the evacuation had begun. "The buses carrying Al-Nusra Front fighters and their families crossed the first two points held by the resistance (Hezbollah)... in Jurud Arsal," the "War Media" outlet said. Al-Nusra Front is the name of the Syrian faction that was previously an Al-Qaeda affiliate. "The convoy carrying the Al-Nusra Front militants and their families is headed by Lebanon's General Security and the Red Cross," the outlet added. Lebanese television stations showed footage from the desolate border area of buses winding their way along dirt roads, waved along by Hezbollah fighters. The buses are expected to head to the Syrian town of Flita, and then on to the northern province of Aleppo before heading to the opposition-held province of Idlib in the northwest of the country. A total of 7,777 people including armed men and civilians are leaving under the agreement. Al-Nusra Front was Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria until mid-2016 when it broke off ties, before going on to found a new jihadist-led alliance called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which now controls large swathes of Idlib. Hezbollah launched the offensive on the Syrian militants on July 21 and had cornered rival fighters in a small pocket of territory when it announced the truce. As part of the agreement, three Hezbollah fighters were also released by HTS on Wednesday in exchange for three detainees from Lebanon's Roumieh prison. Hezbollah's War Media and HTS-affiliated social media channel Ibaa reported the exchange, but did not say whether the Roumieh detainees were Syrian or Lebanese. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that the released Hezbollah fighters had arrived in the Lebanese town of Al-Labweh and received a "festive welcome" including "fireworks, celebratory gunfire, and throwing rice". The first phase of the deal took place on Monday, when Hezbollah and HTS exchanged the bodies of nine Syrian fighters for the remains of five Hezbollah militants. Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees live in the town of Arsal, adjacent to the border region, and an unknown number are also thought to have taken shelter in the surrounding mountains. More than one million Syrians are registered with the United Nations as refugees in Lebanon, a country of just four million people. The UN refugee agency UNHCR said in a statement on Wednesday it was not involved in the deal or the return of fighters and their families. It added that refugee returns should "be individual decisions, based on objective information about the conditions in the place of intended return, and made free from undue pressure". (FILES) A group of foreign Christian visitors pray as they walk along Israel's controversial separation barrier, which divides the West Bank from Jerusalem, on July 7, 2017 in the biblical West Bank town of Bethlehem The Israeli defence ministry said Wednesday it has completed a further 42-kilometre (26-mile) stretch of its contentious West Bank security barrier. "The defence ministry this morning installed the final concrete walls, completing a 42-kilometre wall between Tarkumia and Meitar," it said in a statement, referring to the Palestinian village of Tarkumia, northwest of Hebron, and an Israeli crossing adjacent to Meitar settlement, further south. It did not say how much of the planned 712-kilometre network of towering concrete walls, barbed-wire fences, trenches and closed military roads was now complete. A ministry spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for the information. Based on UN figures published before Wednesday's Israeli announcement, about 214 kilometres remains to be built. The Jewish state says the barrier, which it began building after a wave of Palestinian attacks in 2002, is crucial for its security, while Palestinians see it as a land grab of territory they want for a future state. Most of it runs inside the occupied West Bank. In a non-binding decision, the International Court of Justice ruled in 2004 that construction of the barrier was illegal and, like the UN General Assembly, demanded it be dismantled. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last March ordered that a gap in the barrier in the Tarkumia area be closed as a priority after a spike of Palestinian attacks inside Israel. Qatar Airways said a planned investment in US carrier American Airlines announced in June no longer meets its objectives Qatar Airways announced Wednesday it has dropped plans to buy a 10-percent stake in American Airlines, as Doha remains embroiled in a diplomatic row with its neighbours. A review of the planned move "demonstrated that the investment no longer meets our objectives," the company said in a statement, without elaborating. The Qatari airline's surprise plan to buy at least $808 million in American Airlines shares was disclosed by the US carrier in a securities filing June 23. The Qatari carrier said it would "continue to investigate alternative investment opportunities in the United States of America and elsewhere that do meet our objectives." The announcement comes as Qatar remains embroiled in the worst regional crisis in years. On June 5, Saudi Arabia and its allies including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of backing extremist groups and being too close to Riyadh's arch-rival Iran. Qatar, a key US ally, denies the allegations and accuses the Saudi-led bloc of imposing a "siege" on the tiny emirate. On July 13, American Airlines announced its decision to no longer share flights with Qatar Airways as part of its push against government subsidies of Middle East carriers. American Airlines -- along with fellow US carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines -- has called for the White House to crack down on an alleged $50 billion in state subsidies to carriers in the Middle East. The Texas-based US airline said the Qatari decision left American's immediate plans unchanged. "We respect Qatar Airways' decision not to proceed with its proposed investment in American Airlines," the company said in a statement. "This in no way changes the course for American." Afghan troops and police, beset by soaring casualties, have struggled to beat back the resurgent Taliban, while facing the growing menace of the Islamic State group Two US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan's restive southern province of Kandahar Wednesday when a Taliban suicide bomber rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces. "Two US service members were killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when their convoy came under attack," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. "US Forces Afghanistan will provide additional information as it becomes available," he added. The assault is the latest blow to NATO forces, who ended their more than a decade-long combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014. Since then Afghan troops and police, beset by soaring casualties, have struggled to beat back the resurgent Taliban, while facing the growing menace of the Islamic State group. Afghan officials said the attack, which was quickly claimed by the Taliban in a text message to AFP, happened around noon (0730 GMT) in the Daman area of Kandahar. NATO confirmed in a statement that a convoy was attacked and did "cause casualties" but did not immediately give further details. At least one witness reported seeing three bodies pulled from one of the vehicles. Mohammad Azim, a shopkeeper, told AFP: "I saw a foreign forces vehicle on fire after the attack. A while later helicopters landed in the area, they took three bodies out of the vehicle and flew away. There were three armoured vehicles in the convoy." The Taliban have a heavy presence in poppy-growing Kandahar province and have launched repeated attacks there. They have been ramping up their campaign against beleaguered government forces, underscoring rising insecurity in the war-torn country during the summer fighting season, when the warmer weather tends to spur an increase in militant attacks. - US troop increase? - Early last month a US soldier was killed and two others wounded in an attack in Kandahar's neighbouring Helmand province while conducting operations against the Taliban. Private First Class Hansen Kirkpatrick, 19, of Wasilla, Alaska died following the "indirect fire" assault, which means he was hit by a mortar or some other incoming round. The attacks come as United States President Donald Trump weighs sending more American troops to Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US invasion to topple the Taliban regime. US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is believed to be close to presenting a new US military strategy for Afghanistan to Trump. Tuesday's attack came a day after suicide bombers throwing grenades killed more than 30 Shiite worshippers at a mosque in Afghanistan's main western city of Herat. No one claimed responsibility for the assault but IS has regularly attacked Shiites over the past year as it tries to make inroads in Afghanistan following setbacks in the Middle East, leaving Afghan forces and its international allies facing a twin Taliban and IS insurgency. burs-pdh/aph Legendary editor Judith Jones, credited with rescuing Anne Frank's diary from a publishing house rejection pile, has died at the age of 93 Judith Jones, the legendary editor who rescued Anne Frank's diary from a US publisher's rejection pile, died on Wednesday. She was 93. Jones, a luminary of the publishing world, who also introduced the world to American culinary writer Julia Child, was close to literary giants such as John Updike, Anne Tyler, William Maxwell, John Hersey, Peter Taylor and Sharon Olds. She passed away at her home in Vermont, the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group said in a statement. She worked for Knopf for more than 50 years, joining the company in 1957 and officially retiring only in 2011. "Judith was a legend in book publishing," said Sonny Mehta, chairman and editor-in-chief, paying tribute to the once young assistant who rescued Frank's "Diary of a Young Girl" from a rejection pile in Paris. The diary, which the young Jewish girl had written while hiding from the Nazis between June 1942 and August 1944, is one of the most famous testimonies of life in World War II and one of the most famous diaries of all time. Frank, who was born in Germany and lived with her family in the Netherlands, died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp aged 15, just months before the war ended. Her diary was first published in the Netherlands in 1947, followed by French and German editions in 1950 before appearing in Britain and the United States in 1952. The first US edition of "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" ran a modest 5,000 copies and contained a preface from former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Doubleday reputedly spent little on publicity, but sales quickly took off. A subsequent US play "Diary of Anne Frank" was a Broadway hit and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1956. A 1959 Hollywood movie won three Oscars. The diary has been a fixure on school curricula since the 1960s. Worldwide, the diary has sold more than 30 million copies in 67 languages. Jones was also instrumental in persuading Alfred Knopf to publish in 1961 "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" -- a tome that introduced generations of American home cooks to French food and to now legendary chef Julia Child. "It is no exaggeration to say that she profoundly influenced not only the way America reads and but also the way we cook," Mehta said Wednesday. Jones won five Pulitzer Prizes, five National Book Awards and three National Book Critics Circle Awards, and her cookbook authors won dozens and dozens of prizes, said Knopf Doubleday. Learn how artists can create a thriving business around their passion while improving the city at Keshet Center for the Art with Keshet Ideas and Innovation Community, City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division and the Bernalillo County Public Art Program. This Thursday, Aug. 3 , locals learn about public art programs and collections, how public artists work, how to get involved in the field, what qualifies as public art, where the funding comes from, the difference between an RFQ and an RFP, and what public art selection committees look for when reviewing proposalsall for free . From 11am to 12:30pm , the Arts Business Workshop: Public Art brings together advocates for arts education, opportunities for involvement in the arts and folks whose mission is to find sustainable funding for arts and culture initiatives. (Rini Grammer) Learn about public art programs and collections, how public artists work, how to get involved in the field, what qualifies as public art, where the funding comes from and much more. KIIC hosts a Learn about Public Art Workshop On Thursday, August 3rd, 11:00am 12:30pm; Keshet Ideas and Innovation Community (KIIC) will host the City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division and the Bernalillo County Public Art Program for a discussion about public art in the Albuquerque area and beyond, at Keshet Center for the Arts, 4121 Cutler Ave NE, ABQ. This KIIC Arts Business Workshop is offered FREE to all. Register at https://www.artful.ly/store/events/12663 or http://keshetarts.org/ideas-and-innovation/ This workshop will consist of a joint presentation from the two organizations about public art in general, their public art programs and collections, how public artists work, how to get involved in the field of public art, what qualifies as public art, where the funding for public art comes from, the difference between an RFQ and an RFP (and how to respond to each), and what public art selection committees look for when reviewing proposals. A question and answer period will follow the workshop, where attendees are encouraged to ask specific questions about the public art process. Workshop presenters include: Sherri Brueggemann, City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division Manager Sherri holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. She was a founding member of the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network and served on the PAN Council from 2000-2002. She is also a former printmaker, special events coordinator, winery owner, and Arts Management professor, and is the Founding Director of the Intergalactic Cultural Relations Institute. Sherri has served as a board member for numerous arts, cultural, and civic non-profit organizations in the Southwest, including the New Mexico Route 66 Association and the Albuquerque Arts Alliance. Nan Masland, Bernalillo County Public Art Program Coordinator Nan Masland holds a Masters in Landscape Architecture and a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. She is an artist, art educator, and has work in the City of Albuquerque Public Art Collection. Nan serves on the board of directors for ALMA (Apprenticeships for Leaders in Mosaic Arts) and is member of the Creative Action Team for the Any Given Child Initiative through the Kennedy Center. Rachel Harris-Huffman, City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division Outreach and Education Coordinator Rachel holds a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and has undertaken additional studies in Arts Management at the University of New Mexico. In the past she worked with Harwood Art Center and UNMs Arts Management Program, and served on the board of OFFCenter Community Arts Project. Rachel is an artist, and has work in the City of Albuquerque Public Art Collection. About The City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division The CABQ Public Art Urban Enhancement Division was establish in 1978 by the Art in Municipal Places Ordinance which sets aside 1% of City construction funds derived from the general obligation bond program and certain revenue bonds for the purchase or commission of works of art. The CABQ Public Art Collection currently contains over 850 works of art. Additional aspects of the Albuquerque Public Art Program include the Albuquerque Cultural Plan, an adopted city plan that advocates for arts education, for opportunities for involvement in the arts, and for sustainable funding for arts and culture initiatives; the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, a public trust that supports a broad variety of arts, cultural projects and services, through a community application process; and a Collection Conservation Program that assures high quality care and maintenance of the works of art. About The Bernalillo County Public Art Program Bernalillo County's Public Art Program was established in 1992 with the adoption of the countys Art in Public Places Ordinance, enacted in 1992 (revised 1997). The program is funded by one percent of the county's general obligation bonds passed during the general election every two years. The intent of the "Art in Bernalillo County Places" ordinance is to promote and encourage public awareness of the arts and cultural properties and to integrate art into Bernalillo County facilities and structures. The program currently has more than 350 works of art. About Keshet - Established in 1996, Keshets mission is to inspire and unite community by fostering unlimited possibilities through dance, mentorship and a creative space for the arts. In 2012, Keshet launched the Keshet Ideas and Innovation Community (KIIC) to support New Mexico arts entrepreneurs through multiple tracks of programming. In August 2013, Keshet formally opened the Keshet Center for the Arts, located at 4121 Cutler Ave NE, home to Keshet Dance education and outreach programming and KIIC. Prescription painkillers and heroin contributed to an estimated 60,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2016 US prosecutors will target doctors and pharmacists in an effort to fight a growing epidemic of prescription painkiller and heroin abuse, the nation's top law enforcement official said Wednesday. The Department of Justice will mine health care data to identify doctors and pharmacists who are illegally overprescribing and distributing opioids, and 12 prosecutors will fan out around the country to charge offenders, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced. The focus on health professionals is part of an effort to curb the abuse of drugs such as Oxycontin and Vicodin, which officials say are highly addictive, and can lead to heroin abuse. Prescription painkillers and heroin contributed to an estimated 60,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2016, a 19 percent surge over the previous year, according to preliminary estimates. "This will be the highest drug death toll, and the fastest increase in a drug death toll, in the history of this republic. This is not a trend we can sustain," Sessions said in an address at a police academy in Midwestern state of Ohio. An estimated two to three million people are hooked on prescription painkillers or heroin, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Ohio is one of the hardest hit by overdose deaths, and one of several states suing pharmaceutical companies that manufacture opioids, claiming they falsely marketed the drugs as safe and downplayed their addictive qualities. Sessions pointed to a number of recent examples of doctors being charged for illegally providing opioids, including a federal health care fraud case announced in July in which more than 50 doctors were implicated in a $1.3 billion scheme. "If you are a doctor illegally prescribing opioids for profit or a pharmacist letting these pills walk out the door onto the streets based on prescriptions you know are obtained under false pretenses, we're coming after you," Sessions said. States and local municipalities have been sounding alarms over the growing and highly lethal opioid epidemic in which addicts can resort to highly potent drugs such as the synthetic opioid fentanyl -- which is some 50 times more potent than morphine and can kill on contact with skin. The problem in Ohio is so severe that at one point this year a county coroner asked for a refrigerated storage trailer to accommodate all the bodies. Speaking on behalf of a White House commission studying opioid abuse, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Monday urged President Trump to declare a national emergency. "We have a 9/11-scale loss every three weeks," mostly from opioid overdose deaths, Christie told CNN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara are shown in Jerusalem on June 6, 2017 Israeli police grilled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife for two hours on Wednesday on suspicion that she diverted public money for private housekeeping expenses, local media said. The interrogation came as a new threat loomed over the premier in his own long-running battle with corruption suspicions, as his former chief of staff reportedly considered an offer to turn state's evidence. Israeli public radio said Sara Netanyahu was interrogated at National Fraud Squad headquarters near Tel Aviv over allegations she used public money for personal housekeeping expenses at the couple's official and private residences. As during previous rounds of questioning of both the premier and his wife, police issued no statement on Sara Netanyahu's questioning. But it was her husband's tribulations that grabbed the front pages of all of Israel's major dailies -- including the pro-Netanyahu freesheet Israel Hayom on Wednesday. They reported that justice officials were nearing a deal with his former chief of staff, Ari Harow, in which he would give evidence against his former boss in exchange for immunity from prosecution for his own acts. Harow has been under investigation for more than two years on suspicion of bribery, breach of trust, conflict of interest and fraud, Israel's top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported. Left-leaning daily Haaretz said Harow has been giving investigators information on two of the ongoing investigations into Netanyahu. One is based on suspicions that the premier unlawfully received gifts from wealthy supporters, including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Also being probed is a suspicion that Netanyahu sought a secret deal with the publisher of Yediot Aharonot. The proposed deal, which is not believed to have been finalised, would have seen Netanyahu receive positive coverage in return for him helping scale down the operations of Israel Hayom, Yediot's main competitor. The investigations have stirred Israeli politics and led to speculation over whether Netanyahu will eventually be forced to step down. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told news site Ynet on Wednesday that Netanyahu is not legally obliged to quit if indicted. "At the moment there is no charge against him and there is no recommendation to charge him," she said. "The ones to take that decision are the attorney general and the state prosecutor," she added. "For now, let the prime minister get on with his job." US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has warned Congress repeatedly that it must raise the federal limit on borrowing by the end of September or the government will run out of money Washington once again is facing the precipice that is the federal debt limit that Congress must raise to prevent the government from defaulting on its financial obligations for the first time in history. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has warned Congress repeatedly that the government will run out of money on September 29, without an increase in borrowing authority. Treasury will need to resume borrowing to cover the government's expenses, including payments to elderly retirees, federal workers and welfare recipients, as well as bondholders worldwide. Without an increase in the debt ceiling, the government will default, likely touching off massive turmoil in financial markets. The United States already hit its current $19.8 trillion borrowing limit in March, and since then the Treasury has used a series of "extraordinary measures" like holding off on some investments to keep the government below the limit. Because the federal government traditionally runs a budget deficit, it has no choice but to borrow to pay interest on its existing debts as well as fund payrolls, retirement benefits, social spending and other expenses already approved by Congress. Even though the White House and both chambers of Congress are in Republican hands, getting a green light to increase the debt ceiling is far from a done deal. Some conservatives have built careers crusading against budget deficits and insist that spending cuts be tied to any increase in borrowing. - Will debt hawks play nice? - But Mnuchin, like Treasury secretaries before him, favors a "clean" increase, which would raise the debt limit without conditions. With the start of the Senate's August recess less than two weeks away, Mnuchin on Tuesday huddled with Senate leadership. But a path forward does not appear to have emerged from the talks. Republican Senator Michael Rounds told AFP that while reducing spending was critical, it should be done through the normal budget process and by not dueling over federal borrowing authority. "We have a lot of work to do on the budget, we recognize that. But the debt ceiling, we simply have to do an extension," he said. However, his fellow Republican in the Senate, Ted Cruz, was on the other side of the argument. "Historically the debt ceiling has proven the most effective tool for reining in government spending and addressing the deficit and debt, and I think we should continue to use all the tools that are available," Cruz told AFP. The timing is even more delicate now because Congress also has to produce a budget for the 2018 fiscal year, which starts October 1, and avert a shutdown of the federal government while delivering on the Trump administration's pledge to slash taxes. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday that the Trump administration wanted to see the debt limit raised "as soon as possible." "Over the past two decades, members of Congress and presidents from both parties have raised the debt ceiling 15 times and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure the full faith and credit of the United States government," she said. While the Treasury puts the debt ceiling deadline on September 29, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says the drop dead date will fall in mid-October. But the difference will matter little if the impasse is not resolved soon. Mnuchin is refusing to consider prioritizing some payments over others. - Default by another name - The US government has already hit its mandated debt limit of $19.8 trillion, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has urged Congress to increase it without requiring spending cuts Mnuchin has said he is not considering that option, which would force the government to decide whether to pay bondholders over social security beneficiaries or people who receive federal food assistance, known as food stamps. Jack Lew, who served as Treasury secretary in the Obama administration, once said prioritizing payments would be "default by another name." Shai Akabas of the Bipartisan Policy Center told AFP that prioritizing does not resolve the uncertainty. "Even if they do that, people who are buying our debt are going to be concerned," Akabas said. "If you're not paying those people, what makes me so sure you're going to pay me?" And that uncertainty already is driving up borrowing costs for the public, Mnuchin said. He is hoping to avoid the kind of brinkmanship the Obama administration faced twice in recent years. In 2011, the debt impasse sent shudders through financial markets for the first time in recent history as Standard & Poor's downgraded the rating on US sovereign debt to AA+ from the coveted AAA rating. Two years later, a deadlock between the Democratic-controlled White House and a Republican majority in Congress caused a government shutdown that lasted two weeks. US Defense Secretary James Mattis, left, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, second left, are weighing whether to have Congress replace existing authorization for the use of military force against extremists President Donald Trump's administration may be open to Congress approving a new authorization for use of military force that supersedes the 16-year-old permission for Mideast operations, US lawmakers said Wednesday. But Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis also insisted in a closed-door hearing that the administration believes it needs no new legal authority to conduct its military operations in the region. "The administration is not seeking" a new AUMF, but "they wouldn't be opposed to one that was written in the appropriate way" and did not leave a gap after the original authorization was repealed, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker told reporters after the hearing. The pair said "they'd be very open" to replacing existing authorization with new language, he added. The legislation -- and its passage by Congress and approval by the president -- could still be months away. If approved, it would be the first significant update to the authorization passed as a response to the 9/11 attacks of 2001. Corker said he was "confident" that the administration would work with Congress on the issue. Several US lawmakers from both parties have warned that using the 2001 authorization to engage in new conflicts is a blank check for war. It has been used to justify the Iraq War, and operations against the Islamic State extremist group. - 'Unbridgeable' differences - Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who has been working with Republican Jeff Flake on a new, tailored AUMF, said Mattis conceded that while no new authorization was legally required, it could be good policy. Kaine, citing Mattis's testimony, said that "if you do an authorization now, you express a congressional resolve, which is really the American public's resolve, and send a message to our allies, you send a message to our adversaries, you send a message of support to our troops." The Kaine-Flake AUMF would expand the authority to combat not just the Taliban, but the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. It would also delineate the authority's geographic area and duration. The Trump administration, like Barack Obama's administration before it, argues that US forces are legally prosecuting the fight against ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Syria and Iraq under the previous AUMF. Senate Democrat Chris Murphy said differences between the administration's position and several lawmakers were "unbridgeable." But he expressed optimism that Tillerson and Mattis "clearly were willing to work on an AUMF." In June, a House committee approved an amendment in a broader defense spending bill that would end the 2001 AUMF within eight months. Republican leadership stripped the measure out of the final bill before passage. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has been in talks with her Chinese counterpart on a proposed sanctions resolution since North Korea launched a first intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4 The United States is pressuring China to decide in the coming days on whether to back tougher UN sanctions on North Korea after weeks of negotiations on a response to Pyongyang's missile launches, diplomats said. US Ambassador Nikki Haley has been in talks with her Chinese counterpart on a proposed sanctions resolution since North Korea launched a first intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4. But China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, has yet to agree to the new measures even after Pyongyang's second ICBM test on Friday again raised questions on how the UN Security Council will respond. "In the coming days, we'll understand whether there'll be a resolution," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters on Wednesday. Japan's Ambassador Koro Bessho expressed hope that sanctions will be agreed this week. "I hope we can get it done in days," he told reporters on Tuesday. Haley on Sunday declared that the "time for talk was over" and that "China must decide" whether it will agree to the new raft of sanctions, aimed at ramping up the pressure on North Korea to change its behaviour. The US ambassador warned that a weak resolution would be "worse than nothing" because it would send a message to Kim Jong-Un that global powers are unwilling to unite to challenge him. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the weekend, on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting of the Southeast Asian ASEAN group in Manila. If the United States and China agree on a draft resolution, the Security Council could meet quickly to vote on the sanctions. - Not giving up yet - A US official told reporters in Washington that there were "indications" that China was ready to take steps to address the situation in North Korea. "We would like to see more action faster and more obvious and quick results. But I think we're not giving up yet," said Susan Thornton, acting assistant secretary of state for Asian affairs. Moscow's UN envoy said any new sanctions should not worsen North Korea's humanitarian crisis. "The question is: What is the aim of the sanctions?" Nebenzia said. "If we see that they are suffocating the people, that will be the question. If they will help to eliminate the nuclear program of North Korea, that's another thing." Russia has maintained that stronger sanctions alone will not resolve the crisis over North Korea's military programs and has backed China's call for talks between the United States and Pyongyang. Haley has suggested that cutting of North Korea's oil supplies, banning North Korean guest workers or imposing new air and maritime restrictions could be among the new UN sanctions. President Donald Trump has demanded that China rein in its nuclear ambitions -- angrily tweeting over the weekend that he would no longer allow China to "do nothing" on North Korea. China hit back, saying that primary responsiblity for resolving the crisis rests with North Korea and the United States. In all, six sets of UN sanctions have been imposed on North Korea since it first tested an atomic device in 2006, but two resolutions adopted last year significantly toughened the sanctions regime. WASHINGTON (AP) - Leading Senate Republicans said Monday it was time to move from health care to other issues, saying they saw no fresh pathway to the votes needed to reverse last week's collapse of their effort to repeal and rewrite the Obama health care law. "For now, until we have a path forward that gets us 50 votes in the Senate, we've got other things to do and we're going to start turning to those," No. 3 Senate GOP leader John Thune told reporters. "It's time to move onto something else, come back to health care when we've had more time to get beyond the moment we're in," said Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, another member of the GOP leadership. "See if we can't put some wins on the board" on bills revamping the tax system and building public works projects, he said. FILE - In this Tuesday, July 25, 2017, photo, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine is surrounded by reporters as she arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, before a test vote on the Republican health care bill. Collins, who was one of three Republican senators voting against the GOP health bill on Friday, July 28, said she's troubled by Trump's suggestions that the insurance payments are a "bailout." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The lawmakers spoke after last week's stunning crash of the GOP's drive to tear down President Barack Obama's 2010 health care law and replace it with their vision of more limited federal programs. While the leaders stopped short of saying they were surrendering on an issue that's guided the party for seven years, their remarks underscored that Republicans have hit a wall when it comes to resolving internal battles over what their stance should be. No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Cornyn of Texas signaled pique at White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, who pushed senators in weekend TV appearances to keep voting on health care until they succeed. Mulvaney has "got a big job, he ought to do that job and let us do our jobs," Cornyn said. He also said of the former House member, "I don't think he's got much experience in the Senate, as I recall." Despite Mulvaney's prodding and weekend tweets by President Donald Trump insisting senators revisit the issue, even the White House's focus turned Monday to a new horizon: revamping the tax code. White House legislative director Marc Short set an October goal for House passage of a tax overhaul that the Senate could approve the following month. Plans envision Trump barnstorming the country to rally support for the tax drive, buttressed by conservative activists and business groups heaping pressure on Congress to act. On health care last week, Republican defections led to the Senate decisively rejecting one proposal to simply erase much of Obama's statute. A second amendment was defeated that would have scrapped it and substituted relaxed coverage rules for insurers, less generous tax subsidies for consumers and Medicaid cuts. Finally, a bare-bones plan by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., rolling back a few pieces of Obama's law failed in a nail-biting 51-49 roll call. Three GOP senators joined all Democrats in rejecting McConnell's proposal, capped by a final thumbs down by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Republican, Democratic and even bipartisan plans for reshaping parts of the Obama health care law are proliferating in Congress. They have iffy prospects at best. Republicans can push something through the Senate with 50 votes because Vice President Mike Pence can cast a tie-breaking vote. But GOP prospects for reaching 50 seemed to worsen after McCain returned to Arizona for brain cancer treatments. His absence for the next two weeks, before the Senate begins it recess, probably denies leaders their best chance of turning that vote around. Rather than resuming its health care debate, the Senate began considering a judicial nomination Monday. In the House, 43 Democratic and Republican moderates proposed a plan that includes continuing federal payments that help insurers contain expenses for lower-earning customers. It would also limit Obama's requirement that employers offer coverage to workers to companies with at least 500 workers, not just 50. But movements by House centrists seldom bear fruit in the House, where the rules give the majority party ironclad control, and Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., offered little encouragement. "While the speaker appreciates members coming together to promote ideas, he remains focused on repealing and replacing Obamacare," said Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong. Trump has threatened anew in recent days to cut off the payments to insurers, which total $7 billion this year and are helping trim out-of-pocket costs for 7 million people. Those payments to insurers have some bipartisan support because many experts say failing to continue them - or even the threat of doing so - is prompting insurers to raise prices and abandon some markets. Obama's statute requires that insurers reduce those costs for low-earning customers. Kristine Grow, spokeswoman for the insurance industry group America's Health Insurance Plans, said Monday that halting the federal payments would boost premiums for people buying individual policies by 20 percent. "I'm hopeful the administration, president will keep making them," Thune said. "And if he doesn't, then I guess we'll have to figure out from a congressional standpoint what we do." Hoping to find some way forward, health secretary Tom Price met with governors and Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy. Among those attending was Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who's been trying to defend his state's expansion of Medicaid, the health insurance program for poor people, against proposed GOP cuts. Cassidy and Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., have proposed converting the $110 billion they estimate Obama's law spends yearly for health insurance into broad grants to states. ___ Associated Press writer Bob Christie in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report. FILE - In this Thursday, July 20, 2017, file photo, Budget Director Mick Mulvaney gestures as he speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington. The White House is stepping up demands that the Senate resume efforts to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's health care law. Asked if no other legislative business should be taken up until the Senate acts again on health care, Mulvaney on Sunday, July 30, responded "yes" and suggested the Senate continue working through August if necessary. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) CINCINNATI (AP) - Police say an employee was found dead in a walk-in cooler at a restaurant in a Cincinnati neighborhood. Police say they responded to Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant on Monday morning after a fellow employee found the man's body. Authorities say the cause of death wasn't immediately determined. Police say the man had worked at the restaurant and pub in the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood Sunday night and appeared to have been in the cooler overnight. They say the employee was in his 20s and did not appear to have been locked in the cooler. Police say their investigation is continuing. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Republican efforts to repeal and replace the nation's health care law (all times EDT): 6:45 p.m. The No. 2 Senate Republican is taking umbrage after the White House budget director called on senators to keep voting on health care and not turn to other topics until they succeed. FILE - In this Thursday, July 20, 2017, file photo, Budget Director Mick Mulvaney gestures as he speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington. The White House is stepping up demands that the Senate resume efforts to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's health care law. Asked if no other legislative business should be taken up until the Senate acts again on health care, Mulvaney on Sunday, July 30, responded "yes" and suggested the Senate continue working through August if necessary. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) Sen. John Cornyn of Texas says Mick Mulvaney has "got a big job, he ought to do that job and let us do our jobs." Cornyn also remarks of Mulvaney, a former House member, "I don't think he's got much experience in the Senate, as I recall." Mulvaney appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday. He said the Senate should not move on to other issues after Obamacare repeal legislation failed on the floor last week, and instead keep trying. But Senate Republicans say they don't have the votes and it's time to move on. ___ 6:15 p.m. A top Senate Republican says getting rid of filibusters like President Donald Trump wants is "not a realistic suggestion" because there aren't enough votes to do that. South Dakota Sen. John Thune is the No. 3 Senate GOP leader. He says in a Senate that Republicans control 52-48, every Democrat and at least half of Republicans would vote against getting rid of filibusters. He says he understands Trump's frustration but the rule protects the rights of the minority party. Senate filibusters are procedural delays aimed at killing bills. They take 60 votes to end. Trump has tweeted repeatedly recently that Republicans should eliminate the rule so the GOP could pass bills with 51 votes. His complaints came after Republicans failed to win enough votes to advance health care legislation. ___ 4 p.m. Republican, Democratic and even bipartisan plans for reshaping parts of the Obama health care law are proliferating in Congress. But they have iffy prospects at best. And there are no signs GOP leaders have chosen a fresh pathway after last week's collapse of their struggle to repeal and rewrite President Barack Obama's statute. President Donald Trump spent the weekend insisting that the Senate vote anew on upending that law. But they couldn't get 50 votes to do that last week. And it's unclear how they would this week. Three Republicans opposed the last-ditch GOP bill the Senate rejected Friday. And one of them isn't even around this week to be persuaded to change his mind. GOP Sen. John McCain went home to Arizona for cancer treatments. ___ 3 a.m. The White House is insisting that the Senate resume efforts to repeal and replace the nation's health care law. It is signaling that President Donald Trump stands ready to end required payments to insurers this week to let "Obamacare implode" and force congressional action. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway says the president is not accepting that it is "time to move on" after last week's defeat. She tells "Fox News Sunday" that Trump will make a decision soon on whether to end the insurance payments. Trump has also called on the Senate not to hold any votes until the repeal effort gets another vote. His budget director, Mick Mulvaney, tells CNN's "State of the Union" he agrees. The Senate faces a backlog of executive and judicial nominations. FILE - In this Tuesday, July 25, 2017, photo, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine is surrounded by reporters as she arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, before a test vote on the Republican health care bill. Collins, who was one of three Republican senators voting against the GOP health bill on Friday, July 28, said she's troubled by Trump's suggestions that the insurance payments are a "bailout." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) NEW YORK (AP) - Stevie Wonder, Green Day, The Killers, The Lumineers and The Chainsmokers will perform at this year's Global Citizen Festival, an annual free event held in New York's Central Park. Special guests Pharrell Williams, Big Sean, Andra Day and Alessia Cara will also perform at the Sept. 23 event. MSNBC and Comcast NBCUniversal will air a live simulcast of the full concert on MSNBC and MSNBC.com. There also will be some crossover with the iHeartRadio Music Festival taking place the same weekend, including Big Sean, who will perform on both stages in one night. FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2015, file photo, musician Stevie Wonder performs during a free pop-up concert in Philadelphia. Stevie Wonder, Green Day, The Killers, The Lumineers and The Chainsmokers will perform at the Sept. 23, 2017, Global Citizen Festival, an annual free event held in New York's Central Park. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) Fans can earn their free tickets for admission by joining the movement at globalcitizenfestival.com. FILE - In this March 16, 2017 file photo, The Chainsmokers' Alex Pall, left, and Drew Taggart perform in Austin, Texas. Stevie Wonder, Green Day, The Killers, The Lumineers and The Chainsmokers will perform at the Sept. 23, Global Citizen Festival, an annual free event held in New York's Central Park. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP, File) CORDOVA, Tenn. (AP) - Two sheriff's deputies in Tennessee will not face charges after shooting a knife-carrying man who later died. News outlets report that Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich says that two Shelby County Sheriff's deputies will not be charged in the July 2016 shooting of 46-year-old Edmond Otis Studdard, who died of complications from the gunshot wounds in September. The redacted Tennessee Bureau of Investigation file on the shooting was posted online Monday. The deputies' identities have not been released. Authorities said Studdard crashed a pickup truck, cut his wrists, threatened deputies with a knife and yelled "shoot me" before deputies shot him, citing fear for their lives. Weinrich said the efforts of a specially trained Crisis Intervention Team deputy couldn't alleviate the threat he posed, leaving deputies with no alternative. MOSCOW (AP) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence pledged support Tuesday for the former Soviet republic of Georgia, his second stop on a European trip backing nations that feel threatened by Russian aggression. Russia and Georgia fought a brief war in 2008, which lead to two breakaway Georgian regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, declaring independence. Russia has since been supporting the regions both financially and militarily. The U.S. "strongly condemns Russia's occupation on Georgian soil," Pence said Tuesday at a joint news conference with the Georgian prime minister in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. "We will reject any claim at any time by any nation that undermines this enduring principle." U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili attend a welcome ceremony at the airport outside Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, July 31, 2017. Pence will meet Georgian President and observes NATO-Georgian military exercises.(AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, pool) The visit comes a day after Pence met with the presidents of three NATO countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - in the Estonian capital of Tallinn and pledged that "an attack on one of us is an attack on us all." Georgia and the three Baltic nations were all occupied for nearly five decades by Soviet troops before regaining their independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Later on Tuesday Pence will inspect troops taking part in joint U.S.-Georgian military exercises. Pence's European trip comes several days after the U.S. Senate voted last week to approve the new financial sanctions against Moscow. The legislation bars U.S. President Donald Trump from easing or waiving the penalties on Russia unless Congress agrees. Pence told reporters on Tuesday that Trump would sign a bill on a new package of U.S. sanctions against Russia, adding the package was "improved significantly." The bill underwent revisions to address concerns voiced by American oil and natural gas companies that sanctions specific to Russia's energy sector could backfire on them to Moscow's benefit. U.S. lawmakers said they also made adjustments so the sanctions on Russia's energy sector didn't undercut the ability of U.S. allies in Europe to get access to oil and gas resources outside of Russia. Russia on Friday ordered the U.S. Embassy and three U.S. consulates in Russia to drastically cut its personnel there. President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that means 755 staffers have to go. Russia also ordered to shut down the U.S. Embassy's recreational compound on the outskirts of Moscow. The Russian leader warned that he has more tricks up his sleeve to hurt the U.S., but he voiced hope that he wouldn't need to use them. Pence indicated the U.S. was willing to improve ties with Russia but for that to happen "Russia has to change its behavior," he said, referring to Russia's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and for Syrian President Bashar Assad. Russia is planning Zapad 2017 military exercises with 13,000 troops near the Baltic states' borders in September, a move that may further strain relations. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili attend an official dinner in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, July 31, 2017. Pence will meet the President and Prime Minister of pro-Western Georgia and observes NATO-Georgian military exercises. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, pool) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, shake hands after their news conference in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/Pool Photo via AP) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence gestures while speaking at a news conference in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/Pool Photo via AP) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, center, attends a meeting with Georgia opposition leaders in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Chief of Staff to the Vice President Nick Ayers is in the center right, and United States Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly, center left. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/Pool Photo via AP) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during his meeting with Georgian opposition leaders in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, Pool) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, second left, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, second right, U.S. Vice President's wife Karen Pence, left, and Prime Minister's wife Maka Tsinadze, right, pose for a photo prior to an official dinner inTbilisi, Georgia, Monday, July 31, 2017. Pence will meet the President and Prime Minister of pro-Western Georgia and observes NATO-Georgian military exercises. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, Pool) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili attend a welcome ceremony at the airport outside Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, July 31, 2017. Pence will meet the President and Prime Minister of pro-Western Georgia and observes NATO-Georgian military exercises. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, pool) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence toasts with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili during an official dinner in Tbilisi, Georgia, Monday, July 31, 2017. Pence will meet the President and Prime Minister of pro-Western Georgia and observes NATO-Georgian military exercises. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov, pool) WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - A planeload of passengers who landed in Rhode Island on a flight from Scotland were stuck on the jet for more than an hour because there were no customs officials to greet them. The Norwegian Air passengers were not allowed off the plane at T.F. Green Airport on Monday night until staff from U.S. Customs and Border Protection could get there. Airline spokesman Anders Lindstrom says there was "a misunderstanding in terms of staffing" for the four-time-per-week flight. The Rhode Island Airport Corp., which operates T.F. Green, called it "a temporary operational miscommunication with Customs and Border Protection." The flight arrived at 7: 35 p.m. The airport corporation said passengers were eventually allowed to get off at 8:46 p.m. Lindstrom said the airline had full sympathy for the passengers. PARIS (AP) - French firefighters on Tuesday battled two wildfires in southern France, one near an urban area on the Mediterranean coast and another one in woodland around the small southern town of Cabris, near the perfume-making region of Grasse. The city of Istres, west of Marseille, said in a statement that a neighborhood has been evacuated as a precaution after a fire started near homes. About 200 firefighters, three Canadair and one Dash planes and one helicopter were fighting the blaze. Officials said the fire in Istres was brought under control later Tuesday. There have been no reported injuries. Meanwhile, Florian Vautrin of the Alpes-Maritimes regional authority said that the fire near the town of Cabris was "more spectacular than serious," with giant plumes of smokes visible for miles. Vautrin said the fire was not near any homes. In a tweet, the Alpes-Maritimes authorities said that some 260 firefighters, four Canadair planes and three helicopters are tackling the blaze. Last week, dangerous wildfires broke out in southeastern France and Corsica, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people and consuming several thousand hectares of vegetation. BEDFORD, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania woman has pleaded guilty to shooting her father to death while he was sleeping. The Bedford County District Attorney says 50-year-old Christy Zelanko pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree murder. Police tell WJAC-TV that Zelanko shot her 68-year-old father, James Zelanko, in the chest five times while he slept in his Broadtop Township home in June 2015. Investigators say Christy Zelanko had spoken with her mother about her father's physical and mental abuse toward her mother earlier that day. Zelanko faces up to 40 years in prison for the killing. Online court records show a sentencing date wasn't immediately scheduled. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on a school funding measure in Illinois (all times local): 11:50 a.m. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is blasting Gov. Bruce Rauner's rewrite of a school funding proposal that strips money from the city's schools. In a statement, Emanuel says the Republican governor has ignored "the needs of Illinois' school children" and that the plan only advances Rauner's "own personal brand of cynical politics." Rauner used his amendatory veto powers to strip money, including pension help, from Chicago Public Schools. He calls his changes more equitable and fair for schools statewide. It returns to the Legislature, where a three-fifths majority is needed in each chamber to overrule Rauner. An overhaul of the 20-year-old way Illinois doles out funding to public schools is needed because the budget legislators approved last month calls for a new funding formula. There's wide agreement the current calculation is unfair, but Republicans and Democrats disagree over how to change it. ___ 10:45 a.m. Gov. Bruce Rauner says the way public schools get money in Illinois will be more "fair and equitable" with his changes to a school funding bill. The Republican on Tuesday removed help for Chicago Public Schools' pensions along with money the district formerly received in the form of a block grant, and other changes. The bill now returns to the Legislature, where three-fifths of lawmakers in both chambers must either approve or override Rauner's changes. Both options will be difficult. If neither chamber can muster the votes, the legislation dies. Ahead Rauner's Capitol news conference, Democrats backing the measure called for Rauner to sign it, instead of rewriting it. State Sen. Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat, says a veto of the bill sets the state "back decades." Both parties agree the 20-year-old formula Illinois uses to fund schools is unfair, but they disagree over how to change it. ___ 10:25 a.m. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has used his veto power to strip millions of dollars for Chicago Public Schools from a school funding overhaul in a move that could mean no districts get state money before classes begin. The Republican on Tuesday removed help for Chicago Public Schools' pensions along with money the district formerly received in the form of a block grant, along with other changes. Democratic Senate President John Cullerton had urged Rauner to "do the right thing" and sign the legislation. The bill now returns to the Legislature, where three-fifths of lawmakers in both chambers must either approve or override Rauner's changes. Both options will be difficult. If neither chamber can muster the votes, the legislation dies. Many districts are concerned about how long schools can stay open without state money. ___ 12:50 a.m. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is expected to use his veto power to remove some money for Chicago Public Schools from a school funding bill - a move that could jeopardize funding for Illinois' roughly 850 districts. Democrats on Monday sent to Rauner a school funding overhaul they passed in May but held on to over concerns the governor would veto the plan. Rauner has called the money for Chicago a "bailout" and promised to strip it. He accused Democrats of holding students hostage and threatening the ability of schools to open in a few weeks. If Rauner makes changes and legislators can't muster enough votes to approve or override them, the legislation dies. Many districts are concerned schools won't be able to remain open into fall without state money. CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A man convicted of killing his wife hours after she filed for divorce has lost his appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. James Robarge was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Kelly Robarge, who disappeared from her Charlestown, New Hampshire, home on June 27, 2013. Her badly decomposed body, with her hands and head detached, was found 10 days later in Unity, about 10 miles from her home. In his appeal, Robarge argued that cellphone records shouldn't have been admitted as evidence of the couple's location the day of the murder. He also objected to jurors being shown a photo of a "LOVE Kills Slowly" tattoo on his torso and being told he had threatened to kill his wife because her hair was too short. The Supreme Court said Tuesday that even if the trial court made those mistakes, they were harmless, given the overwhelming evidence against Robarge. As the court noted, Kelly Robarge's blood was found on his clothing and in his car, and metal fragments from his car's oil pan were found along the trail leading to the body. Robarge had fresh scratches on his torso, his knuckles were red, and he tried to flee from police during questioning. According to court records, the couple started dating when they were 12 and married in the early 1990s when they were about 22 years old. In 2012, Kelly Robarge told a health care provider the marriage was abusive. They separated in 2013, and he moved to Vermont." On June 26, 2013, she left him a note saying she planned to file for divorce. She did so the next day, and texted a friend that Robarge was waiting for her when she got home. A neighbor heard them arguing, but by the time one of the couple's adult daughters arrived that afternoon, Kelly Robarge was gone. Robarge was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A suicide bomber stormed into the largest Shiite Muslim mosque in Afghanistan's Herat province Tuesday night opening fire on worshippers before blowing himself up, killing at least 20 and wounding dozens more, said the provincial governor's spokesman Jalani Farhad. However Mehdi Hadid, a lawmaker from Herat, who went to the site soon after the explosion told The Associated Press that the scene was one of horrific carnage. He estimated at least 100 dead and wounded were scattered throughout the mosque. The attack took place in the middle of evening prayers when the mosque was packed with about 300 worshippers. At Herat Main Hospital, Dr. Mohammed Rafique Shehrzai, confirmed 20 bodies were brought to the hospital in Herat city, the capital of western Herat province Tuesday night, soon after the blast shattered the late evening. Hadid said he saw several pieces of a body that was being identified as the assailant. Although it's not clear if there was a second attacker, witnesses in the area reported hearing a second explosion about 10 minutes after the initial bomber detonated his explosives. Located just 50 meters (150 feet) away was an Afghan National Police station, but Hadid said the police were too frightened to take action and stood outside the mosque while the attack happened. Residents were furious the police did not prevent the second explosion, although it is still not clear what caused it. Dozens of local residents, who are mostly Shiites, attacked the police station pelting it with stones and setting it on fire, said Farhad. Shiites are a minority in Afghanistan and have been threatened by the affiliate of the Islamic State group that operates in the country's east. Herat borders Iran whose capital Tehran was attacked by the so-called Islamic State in June. Herat has previously been the scene of several smaller attacks on Shiites. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on Herat's Jawadia Mosque. However, after its attack on Monday on the Iraq Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul IS warned Shiites in Afghanistan that they are targets. Hadid said he rushed to the mosque after hearing about the explosion. He was told the attacker first fired on the private guards outside the mosque before entering. When inside, he fired on the praying worshippers until his rifle jammed then he blew himself up. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The Latest on the abandonment of a nuclear energy project in South Carolina (all times local): 1:20 p.m. Customers who have helped foot a multibillion-dollar bill for two new nuclear reactors won't see a dime in refunds even though the project has been abandoned. FILE - This April 9, 2012 file photo shows construction well underway for two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, S.C. South Carolina's state-owned public utility has voted to stop construction on two billion-dollar nuclear reactors. The reactors were set to be among the first new nuclear reactors built in the U.S. in decades, but the vote by Santee Cooper's board on Monday, July 31, 2017 likely ends their future. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins) South Carolina Electric & Gas customers have been paying for the nuclear reactors since 2009. SCE&G and state-owned Santee Cooper decided Monday to scuttle their project at V.C. Summer Nuclear Station north of Columbia after years of delays and cost overruns. Executives with SCE&G's parent company, SCANA, told state regulators Tuesday they will seek permission to recover the outstanding $5 billion in costs over 60 years. The project employs about 6,000 people. That includes 650 SCE&G workers. Public Service Commission Chairman Swain Whitfield says the utilities' decision will "shatter lives, hopes and dreams." ___ 3:30 a.m. South Carolina regulators will question plans to end construction of two nuclear reactors that customers have already paid billions to build. The state Public Service Commission will hear Tuesday from executives with SCANA, the parent company of South Carolina Electric & Gas. Both SCE&G and state-owned Santee Cooper decided Monday to scuttle the project at V.C. Summer Nuclear Station north of Columbia. SCE&G owns 55 percent of the project. The private utility must win state approval of its abandonment plans. SCANA CEO Kevin Marsh has told investors that customers' rates won't rise for at least several years. The project has been shrouded in doubt since primary contractor Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. According to the utility's analysis, costs to finish the project would top $20 billion. MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) - The man who evaded police for days after he allegedly killed a Minnesota financial adviser inside her suburban St. Paul office made his first court appearance Tuesday, hours after he was arrested in a northern Twin Cities suburb. Lucifer Nguyen, 44, of New Hope, was arrested late Monday night. At a court appearance Tuesday in Hastings, his bail was set at $1.5 million without conditions, or $1 million with conditions. Nguyen is charged with murder in connection with the death of Beverly Cory, 48. He also faces charges of aggravated robbery, burglary and kidnapping. This file photo provided by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office in Hastings, Minn., shows Lucifer Nguyen, an armed robbery suspect who is suspected of killing a financial adviser inside a Minnesota business Saturday, July 29, 2017. The sheriff's office says 44-year-old Nguyen was taken into custody late Monday night. (Dakota County Sheriff's Office via AP, File) Authorities have said there is no known connection between Nguyen and Cory, who lived in Maplewood. A message left with the public defender who appeared in court with Nguyen was not immediately returned. Prosecutors said Nguyen went into a house in the suburb of Mendota Heights on Saturday, brandished a gun at a woman and demanded cash. After crashing the car he was driving, he then ran into a senior living center and forced an employee into a laundry room at gunpoint. While officers were evacuating the center's residents, they got a report of what appeared to be blood seeping from underneath an office door in a nearby building, prosecutors said. Officers found Cory dead inside. An autopsy showed she died of a single gunshot to the head. Police then discovered that Cory's car was missing. It was found Sunday at the Washington County Fairgrounds, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) away. BOSTON (AP) - General Electric's new CEO has taken the helm. John Flannery officially started his new job Tuesday, succeeding Jeffrey Immelt, who served in the role for 16 years. The 61-year-old Immelt will stay on as chairman until the end of the year when the 55-year-old Flannery, who had been president of GE's health care unit, will also assume that role. In a letter to employees, Flannery said investors are concerned the company is underperforming and demand improvement on "cash flow, margins and cutting costs." Immelt, in a separate missive, praised Flannery and advised employees to keep dreaming big. Flannery takes over a conglomerate trying to reinvent itself and restore its sagging stock price. The company, which traces its roots to 1878 and inventor Thomas Edison, recently moved from Connecticut to Boston. LOS ANGELES (AP) - A man opened fire outside of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles Tuesday morning before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life, police said. The man, a Chinese national, fired "multiple rounds" at the consulate building in the Koreatown neighborhood, said Officer Mike Lopez, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman. The man, whose name was not immediately released, then fatally shot himself in his car outside of the building, Lopez said. Investigators said no one else was injured in the shooting. Police could not immediately provide any additional information about the shooting or the man's possible motive. Lopez said homicide detectives were conducting an investigation. A call to the consulate rang unanswered Tuesday afternoon. In 2011, a man was arrested after police said he fired nine shots at a security guard outside the same consulate, but only hit the building. Police said at the time that the man was protesting China's human rights record. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Federal officials on Tuesday were investigating the killing of a protected gray whale by Native hunters in Alaska after the massive animal strayed into a river in an area where indigenous residents rely on subsistence fishing and hunting as part of their ancient culture and traditions. The hunters peppered the 37-foot whale with gunfire and harpoons last week until it died and sank to the bottom of the Kuskokwim River near the Yup'ik Eskimo village of Napaskiak. The carcass was later retrieved and cut up, with 20,000 pounds of meat and blubber distributed among several villages. In this Saturday, July 29, 2017, photo provided by Kyuk Public Media, a gray whale killed in the Kuskokwim River is butchered and the meat and blubber distributed in Napaskiak, Alaska. Local residents in boats chased the massive animal, peppering it with gunfire and harpoons before it died and sunk to the bottom of the river, where it was later retrieved and cut up for distribution among Alaska Native villages. Federal officials are investigating what they say appears to be the unauthorized harvest of a gray whale. (Katie Basile/ KYUK Public Media via AP) Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it appears to have been an unauthorized harvest of a gray whale - a species that is off-limits to hunting in Alaska, even by Natives. "We understand that these Alaska Natives are living a subsistence lifestyle and they also depend on the ocean for their resources," said Sue Fisher of the Animal Welfare Institute. She added, however, that "they are not allowed to take gray whales." In a similar case, villagers in Toksook Bay killed a humpback whale last year, prompting an investigation by NOAA that did not result in prosecution. In the current case, many residents believe the river brought subsistence food and it would violate Yup'ik culture not to accept it. "It's right there in front of us," honorary Napaskiak chief Chris Larson told Anchorage TV station KTVA. "It's like a gift from someone to the community." The whale meat is especially appreciated in the region this year. Much of the subsistence salmon was ruined by heavy rains that prevented the fish from drying properly for preservation of the meat, Napaskiak tribal administrator Sharon Williams said. Subsistence hunting of smaller beluga whales is allowed in the region. And 11 Native villages farther north are authorized by the International Whaling Commission to hunt bowhead whales. But Eastern Pacific gray whales, also called California gray whales, are protected by federal rules. The animals are a familiar sight in Alaska waters, but villagers say they've never seen them go up the Kuskokwim River. The whales feed in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas in summer and migrate down the West Coast each winter to breed, mostly in the bays of Baja California. They were taken off the endangered species list in 1994 and only a small number are allowed by the International Whaling Commission to be harvested by Russian hunters. Bill Howell, fire chief in the nearby community of Bethel, declined to comment to The Associated Press. But Howell, who helped cut up the whale, told the Anchorage television station that it's important for Alaska Natives to harvest marine mammals because it's a big part of their culture. "Whales of this nature are very rare but I think it's something they are entitled to because of their tradition," said Howell, who owns a meat-cutting business. Whale meat is not traditional in the area, and some locals told Bethel radio station KYUK that they would search the internet or ask relatives who live farther north how to prepare it. Williams said she watched the meat being butchered over the weekend, and she tried whale meat herself, saying it was good raw and boiled. Before the butchering began, Larson thanked the whale for giving itself to the people, Williams said. As the meat was being cut, people from area villages stopped by to pick some up to take home. ___ Follow Rachel D'Oro at https://twitter.com/rdoro COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Funeral services have been held for a teenager killed when a spinning and swinging amusement park ride broke apart at the Ohio State Fair. Family and friends gathered in Grove City on Tuesday for the services for 18-year-old Tyler Jarell. Police officers and U.S. Marines were there to honor Jarell, who had recently enlisted in the Marines. The young man also had been a member of the Columbus Police Explorers program, which shows teenagers what it's like to be a police officer. Jarrell's funeral procession passed by a McDonald's restaurant where he worked. The funeral was at Grove City United Methodist Church in the city about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Columbus. An investigation into what caused the ride to break apart last week is continuing. LOS ANGELES (AP) - The chief executive of a California check-cashing business was charged Tuesday in federal court with smuggling rifle parts and other military equipment to rebels in his native Syria. Rasheed Al Jijakli, 56, pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana to charges of smuggling and violating U.S. laws that prohibit exports to Syria, prosecutors said. Bond was set at $250,000. The CEO of Palmyra Corp. conspired with three others to export dozens of rifle scopes, including night-vision scopes, laser-sighting devices and other tactical equipment to Syria, according to the indictment. The three alleged co-conspirators, who are not named or charged in the indictment, include two Syrian natives, who like Jijakli are U.S. citizens, and a Kuwaiti-born citizen of Canada who is the president of the corporation that does business in Orange County as Orange Check Cashing. Jijakli and others bought the goods in the U.S., flew with them to Turkey and then delivered them to rebel fighters in Syria between January 2012 and March 2013, the indictment said. Various groups of rebels have been fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Until recently, the CIA covertly backed some rebels. In July 2012, Jijakli told one of his co-conspirators that he had arrived in Syria and gave the material to rebel fighters, the indictment said. Prosecutors would not say what group he supported. Jijakli told the accomplice that the optical devices were more expensive in Syria, and it was cheaper to smuggle them from the U.S., the indictment said. He also described how to smuggle the items to Turkey without being caught. After returning to the U.S., Jijakli told a co-conspirator that he didn't have "too much fun" because he was unable to "join ... some action," the indictment said. Jijakli's attorney did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment. If convicted of all three charges, Jijakli could face up to 50 years in prison. A trial date was set for Sept. 26. OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) - The family of two people fatally shot outside the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas, has settled a lawsuit with Walmart over one of the guns used in the shooting. The Kansas City Star reports the settlement's terms between Walmart and the family of William Corporon and his grandson, Reat Underwood, are confidential. The two were killed in April 2014 by F. Glenn Miller Jr., who was trying to kill Jews. He also killed Terri LaManno at a nearby care center. None of the victims was Jewish. The lawsuit contends at least one Walmart employee was present when another man bought the shotgun used to kill Corporon and Underwood at a Walmart in Republic, Missouri. Miller could not buy a gun because he was a felon. A similar lawsuit filed by LaManno's family is pending. ___ Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The Latest on a power outage to two Outer Banks islands (all times local): 9:15 p.m. Officials say they now hope to restore power fully to North Carolina's Outer Banks by Monday. Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative said Tuesday that crews have finished putting up poles and are starting the process of connecting the current underground line to the new overhead poles. The utility said in a news release that the process must be done carefully and tested fully. Officials said in a news release that they hope to have all power restored on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands sometime between Saturday and Monday. A crew from PCL Construction building a new bridge over the Oregon Inlet cut an underground power cable Thursday. Generators can only produce so much power, leaving officials to order tourists to stay away during the busy summer season. ___ 11:40 a.m. Lawsuits are pending against a construction company blamed for a power outage on North Carolina's Outer Banks, forcing visitors off the beaches and leaving tourist-dependent businesses without income. At least three lawsuits filed this week seek compensation from PCL Construction. Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday he believes the company responsible should pay for damages once all the facts are known. Lawsuits filed in state and federal courts say the company building the long-needed replacement bridge over Oregon Inlet was negligent and should pay for the financial losses suffered by businesses at the peak of vacation season. About 50,000 tourists were forced to leave Ocracoke and Hatteras islands after last Thursday's outage and repairs are continuing. The company didn't respond to messages seeking its response to the lawsuits. BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - Brazil's lower chamber of Congress is set to vote Wednesday on whether to suspend President Michel Temer and allow the country's top court to put him on trial for bribery. The key decision comes amid a rocky year for Temer's administration and the result could have deep implications for Latin America's largest nation in the year ahead. Here's a look at how Brazil got here and what to expect: ___ Brazil's President Michel Temer looks on during a ceremony at the Planalto Presidential Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. President Temer faces a congressional vote on his future Wednesday, a showdown coming in a month dreaded by leaders of Latin America's largest nation. August has seen Brazilian presidents impeached, resign and even kill themselves. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) BRIBERY CHARGE Temer was charged with bribery by Attorney General Rodrigo Janot in June for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to pocket much of about $12 million in illicit payments from meat-packing company JBS in exchange for government help on a business deal. Rodrigo Rocha Loures, a former Temer aide, was caught on camera being arrested leaving a Sao Paulo pizzeria with about $150,000 in cash that was allegedly bribe money. Temer denies the allegation and says there is no proof he received any money. It's the first time a sitting president has been charged with corruption in Brazil. Temer is one of many politicians ensnared in a colossal three-year probe into kickbacks that has led to the jailing of many of the country's elite. ___ WHY A CONGRESSIONAL VOTE? Federal lawmakers can only be investigated, charged or tried with the approval of the Supreme Federal Tribunal, the country's highest court. While the court did accept the charge against Temer, there is an added step because the case involves a sitting president - the vote in the Chamber of Deputies. In Brazil's constitution, the Chamber of Deputies is designated as the voice of the people and for something as serious as trying a sitting president, average Brazilians are supposed to be able to weigh in via their representatives. ___ SUSPEND OR SUPPORT? For Temer to be suspended, two-thirds of the 513 members of the Chamber of Deputies, or 342, would have to vote against him. If that threshold should be reached, Temer would be suspended for up to 180 days while the Supreme Federal Tribunal put him on trial. A conviction would carry two to 12 years in prison. In the interim, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Rodrigo Maia, a Temer ally, would be president. If the threshold is not reached, the charge against Temer would be suspended and he would continue with the rest of his term, which ends Dec. 31, 2018. However, prosecutors could decide to try him on the charge once he left office. ___ BETS GOING IN Maia and other allies of Temer say the president will win the vote by an ample margin, by some counts as many as 50 more "nays" than necessary for him to survive. While Temer is deeply unpopular among average Brazilians - a poll last week put his approval rating at 5 percent - he is known for his ability to wheel and deal behind the scenes with other legislators. The 76-year-old president has not been taking any chances: His administration has been frantically promising hundreds of millions of dollars in pork for the districts of many lawmakers in exchange for their support. ___ TWO WILD CARDS Despite Temer's confidence that he can stay in power, he is facing two large risks. First, he is so unpopular that many deputies could decide that being associated with him would put their own political futures at risk. All 513 seats are up for election next year, and Brazilians are already furious at politicians and the seemingly endless stream of corruption scandals. The voting will be televised nationwide by Globo, one of Latin America's largest conglomerates that reaches the vast majority of Brazilian households. Second, the attorney general is expected to come forward in the next few weeks with a second charge against Temer, alleging obstruction of justice. In March, Temer was recorded by a former JBS executive of apparently endorsing the continuation of hush money to former Speaker Eduardo Cunha, serving a 15-year sentence for corruption. Temer denies wrongdoing. A second charge would spark a second vote, forcing deputies to once more weigh whether to continue being associated with the troubled leader. ___ Peter Prengaman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/peterprengaman MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Southeast Asia's top diplomats will seek talks "as soon as possible" on a proposed nonaggression pact with China aimed at preventing clashes in the South China Sea and will likely hold back on criticism of China's aggressive acts in the disputed waters in a weekend summit. An initial draft of a joint communique to be issued by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers, seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday, says they will ask senior diplomats to immediately initiate talks on the so-called Code of Conduct in the disputed sea after their governments agreed on a framework of the accord with China in May. The ASEAN ministers will ask their senior diplomats "to begin earnest discussions on a substantive and effective code of conduct on the basis of the framework as soon as possible," according to the draft communique. A tourist poses for souvenir photos with the logo of the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its regional partners, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. An initial draft of a joint communique to be issued by the ASEAN foreign ministers, which was seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday, says they would ask senior diplomats to immediately initiate talks on the so-called code of conduct in the disputed sea after their governments agreed on a framework of the accord with China in May. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) The long-seething disputes in the South China Sea, alarm over North Korea's missile tests and the rise of Islamic radicalism in the region amid a deadly siege by Islamic State group-linked militants in the southern Philippines are expected to grab the spotlight in the meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers and their Asian and Western counterparts in Manila starting Saturday. Robespierre Bolivar, spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs, described the initial progress after years of efforts by Southeast Asian countries to negotiate a code of conduct with China "as a very big step." Critics have said the framework serves only as a brief outline of previously agreed principles and fails to mention concerns over China's newly built islands or an arbitration ruling last year that invalidated Beijing's historic basis for its claims to virtually all of the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling, based on a 1982 maritime treaty. A final copy of the framework seen by the AP also did not mention whether the Code of Conduct should be legally binding, which most ASEAN states demand but China opposes, or the extent of disputed areas to be covered by such a code. The code will not serve as a tool to settle territorial disputes, according to the framework. During the talks, some ASEAN states proposed language "that did not enjoy consensus," including a proposal by Vietnam for a "dispute-settlement mechanism" in case disputes arise in the future over interpretation of the code, according to an ASEAN report attached to the framework. The draft communique, still to be expanded with inputs from other ASEAN members, also doesn't mention concern about China's artificial islands, where a missile defense system has reportedly been installed. Those concerns have appeared in previous ASEAN joint statements. A carefully crafted line on the dangers lurking in the dispute appears in the draft statement. "We reaffirmed the importance of enhancing mutual trust and confidence, exercising self-restraint ... and avoiding unilateral actions in disputed features that may further complicate the situation," it said. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is ASEAN chairman this year, moved swiftly after taking office last year to revive his country's once-frosty ties with China while taking an antagonistic attitude toward its U.S. ally. Duterte set aside the Philippines' arbitration victory over China but promised to take it up with Chinese leaders before the end of his six-year term. His move has eased tensions but has been criticized as squandering an opportunity to promote the rule of law in a disputed sea that governments fear may spark Asia's next major armed conflict. Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who has studied the disputes extensively, said China may benefit more from a code of conduct if it waits to fully develop its artificial islands and fortify them as military outposts before signing the code with ASEAN. Then, the code "will provide a cover to China's completed reclamation and militarization," he said. The ASEAN ministers will also express their grave concern over North Korea's missile tests, including at Monday's ASEAN Regional Forum, a security-focused gathering also attended by their U.S., Russian, Chinese, South and North Korean and Japanese counterparts. Duterte briefly lashed out at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a speech Wednesday, saying he has a kind-looking face but is really a "son of a bitch" and disturbed. "He's a maniac. If he commits a mistake, then the Far East will become an arid land," Duterte said. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the 113th Founding Anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in metropolitan Manila, Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017. The tough-talking Duterte briefly lashed out at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a speech before local revenue collectors Wednesday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during his speech at the 113th Founding Anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Manila, Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017. The tough-talking Duterte briefly lashed out at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a speech before local revenue collectors Wednesday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Flags flutter outside the Philippine International Convention Center, the venue for the Aug. 2-8 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers' Meeting and its regional partners, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. An initial draft of a joint communique to be issued by the ASEAN foreign ministers, which was seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday, says they would ask senior diplomats to immediately initiate talks on the so-called code of conduct in the disputed sea after their governments agreed on a framework of the accord with China in May. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has offered reassurance to North Korea that "we are not your enemy," though he wants help from China to push for conditions that can lead to talks with the North. He said Tuesday the United States does "not seek a regime change. We do not seek a collapse of the regime. We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula." But Tillerson said the U.S. does not think productive talks would result if North Korea came with the intention of maintaining their nuclear weapons. And he continued to push for Chinese help to keep pressure on North Korea because of their special economic relationship. He said the North Korean problem is not China's fault, but China must help create conditions for productive talks. WASHINGTON (AP) - The top American diplomat put the onus on Russia to take steps to repair flagging relations with the United States, even as he conceded that congressional sanctions would pose a new obstacle. Holding out hope for warmer ties, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he'd meet with his Russian counterpart within days. In a wide-ranging assessment of his first six months in office, Tillerson on Tuesday also: - Revealed the U.S. is looking at options to entice Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave power peacefully. FILE - In this July 21, 2017 file photo, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks at the State Department in Washington. Tillerson says neither he nor President Donald Trump is "very happy" about new sanctions on Russia that Congress has voted to put in place. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) - Insisted the U.S. doesn't blame China for North Korea's nuclear behavior despite the American pressure on Beijing. He said the U.S. is open to talks with Pyongyang. - Argued that Iran's military must leave Syria for the U.S. to cooperate with Russia on ending the Syrian civil war. - Named retired Gen. Anthony Zinni as special representative to try to resolve the Persian Gulf diplomatic crisis over Qatar. But on Russia, Tillerson strained hardest to point to progress. He was unable to show that the U.S. has fulfilled President Donald Trump's objective of a new, more cooperative relationship between the former Cold War foes, noting only modest efforts in Syria as a sign the nations share some common goals. While he said frustrated Americans want the U.S. to get along with the nuclear-armed power, he did not address the deep suspicions at home about the president's intentions. U.S. intelligence agencies have formally accused Moscow of meddling in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump. "The situation is bad, but believe me - it can get worse," Tillerson said, recounting his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met in March. "And it just did." Putin this week ordered the U.S. to dramatically cut its diplomatic presence in Russia, solidifying the conclusion that a Trump-driven detente with Moscow hasn't come to pass. Though ostensibly in retaliation for a similar U.S. move last year under President Barack Obama, the Russian action came just after Congress voted to slap Russia with more economic sanctions, and to include new requirements making it far harder for Trump to ease the penalties. "Neither the president nor I are very happy about that," Tillerson said of the sanctions bill. The diplomat had urged lawmakers not to proceed. "We were clear that we didn't think that was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made." Trump plans to sign the bill nevertheless, another potent reminder of the political baggage that has beset his efforts to mend ties to Russia. If Trump were to veto the bill, Congress would almost surely override his veto. At a time when the FBI and congressional committees are investigating possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia, a veto override would make it look like lawmakers were rejecting a Trump effort to protect Moscow from U.S. punishment. Though the White House said the bill was still being reviewed, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump will sign it. Vice President Mike Pence, traveling Tuesday in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, sought to reframe the sanctions as a "further sign of our commitment" to counter Russian aggression in the region. "The president and our Congress are unified in our message to Russia: a better relationship, the lifting of sanctions will require Russia to reverse the actions that caused the sanctions to be imposed in the first place," Pence said. "And not before." The U.S. hasn't said how many of its diplomats will have to leave Russia to comply with Putin's order that the U.S. cut its diplomatic personnel to 455. Tillerson suggested the action was expected, given the domestic pressure on the Russian leader to retaliate for steps Obama took to punish Russia after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Moscow meddled in the election. "Any leader of any country has their whole population watching them as well," Tillerson said. "He felt he had to do something. Does it make our life more difficult? Of course." In a rare question-and-answer session, Tillerson recalled Trump's meeting with Sergey Lavrov, Putin's top diplomat, three months ago. Tillerson said the president told the Russian foreign minister: "We need some good news." Though there have been few such positive developments, Tillerson highlighted Syria, where the U.S. and Russia brokered a cease-fire in the country's southwest that appears to be holding, as proof there are opportunities for effective collaboration. The next substantive conversation about how to move forward will likely be over the weekend. Tillerson said he plans to meet Lavrov on the sidelines of a regional summit in Manila, Philippines. ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP The closure of the Cobban Bridge between Cornell and Jim Falls was announced Wednesday afternoon by the Chippewa County Highway Department. A department press release said: "The County Highway TT Bridge over the Chippewa River, known as the Cobban Bridge, will be closed effective immediately due to safety concerns with the bridges fracture critical steel components. "Annual bridge safety inspections were performed on July 19 and 20, 2017. At that time, slight changes to the bridge condition were documented. These changes were reviewed by bridge engineers from the Federal Highway Administration and Wisconsin Department of Transportation, with the recommendation being that the County consider closing the bridge." The Chippewa County Board is scheduled to take up what to do about the bridge at its Tuesday, Aug. 8 meeting. PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has praised tiny Montenegro for standing up to Russian pressure when it joined NATO earlier this year. Pence is the highest-ranking American official to visit the small Adriatic state in 100 years. Russia considers Montenegro its traditional Slavic ally. Pence said during a formal dinner with Montenegro President Filip Vujanovic on Tuesday evening that "your courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world and I commend you for that." U.S. Vice President Mike Pence attends a welcome ceremony at Golubovci airport, near Podgorica, Montenegro, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Pence will attend the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) Pence said "I bring greetings from President Donald Trump. He sent me here as a tangible sign of our commitment to Montenegro as the newest member of NATO." Russia is accused of masterminding an attempted coup in Montenegro in October to prevent it from joining NATO. VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on the test launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from the California coast. (all times local): 2:30 am The U.S. Air Force has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in a test on the California coast. The unarmed Minuteman 3 missile was launched Wednesday morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base. It was the fourth such test this year. The most recent was in May. The Air Force says the test was to check the readiness, effectiveness and accuracy of the weapons system. Minuteman missiles are regularly tested with launches from Vandenberg that send unarmed re-entry vehicles to a target area in the middle of the Pacific. However, the latest launches come amid tensions with North Korea as that nation develops its own ICBMs. ___ 1 a.m. The U.S. Air Force was preparing to test an unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile with a launch from California, the fourth such test this year. The 30th Space Wing says the missile was to be launched between 12:01 a.m. and 6:01 a.m. Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. An Air Force statement said the test would show the effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy of the weapon system. Minuteman missiles are regularly tested with launches from Vandenberg that send unarmed re-entry vehicles 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers) across the Pacific to a target area at Kwajalein Atoll. However, the latest U.S. launches come amid tensions with North Korea as that nation develops its own ICBMs. LONDON (AP) - Three British men who dubbed themselves the "Three Musketeers" were convicted Wednesday of plotting a bomb attack on troops or police inspired by Islamic extremism. Jurors at London's Central Criminal Court found 29-year-old Naweed Ali, 25-year-old Khobaib Hussain and Mohibur Rahman, 33, guilty of preparing terrorist acts, after a trial that was partly held in secret for national security reasons. A fourth defendant, Tahir Aziz, was convicted of the same charge. Prosecutors say the 38-year-old was brought into the plot in its later stages. A composite of four undated images issued Wednesday Aug.2, 2017, by Britain's West-Midlands Police, showing left to right: Tahir Aziz, Naweed Ali, Mohibur Rahman and Khobaib Hussain who have been found guilty of preparing terrorist acts, following a partly-secret trial at the Old Bailey in London Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017. As the men, who dubbed themselves the "Three Musketeers", planned an attack, they were under surveillance by Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5. The four men are expected to be sentenced on Thursday. (West Midlands Police via AP) Ali, Hussain and Rahman met while serving prison terms for terrorism offenses, prosecutors said. They later set up a group on a messaging app called the "Three Musketeers." As they planned an attack, the men were under surveillance by Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5, which created a fake courier company in the central England city of Birmingham and hired Hussein and Ali. In August 2016, undercover officers searched Ali's car, and discovered weapons including an imitation handgun, a partially constructed pipe bomb and a meat cleaver with the word "kaffir" - infidel in Arabic - scratched onto the blade. Prosecutors said the men intended to attack police or military targets. Defense lawyers criticized the decision to hear from two witnesses in secret as they discussed claims by the defendants that MI5 had tried to recruit them. Rajiv Menon, attorney for Ali and Rahman, said the decision had a "crippling effect on our ability to prepare for trial." The months-long trial also came close to collapse when a juror sought to find out whether a police officer in the case was single - a breach of strict jury rules. The judge dismissed one juror, but allowed the trial to continue. The defendants, from central England, denied the charges and accused police of planting evidence. As they were led from the dock after conviction, one shouted: "I hope you're happy with your lies! Lying scumbags." The four men will be sentenced Thursday. PRAGUE (AP) - The Czech Republic's foreign minister says he is disappointed that a Turkish court sentenced two Czech nationals to stiff prison terms for belonging to a Kurdish militant group. Turkey accuses Miroslav Farkas and Marketa Vselichova of belonging to YPG, a Kurdish group that has been battling Islamic State militants with the aid of U.S. airstrikes. Turkey considers YPG a terrorist group. The two were arrested Nov. 13 in Sirnak province while trying to cross Turkey's border to Iraq. They were sentenced to six years and three months on Wednesday. FILE - In this July 21, 2015 file photo, Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek answers questions to media during a news conference in Prague, Czech Republic, The Czech Republic's Foreign Minister says he is "very disappointed" with a Turkish court ruling that sentenced two Czech nationals to stiff prison terms. Lubomir Zaoralek says Miroslav Farkas and Marketa Vselichova were given six years and three months on Monday after Turkish authorities accused them of belonging to YPG, a Kurdish group that has been battling the Islamic State militants with the aid of U.S. airstrikes but which Turkey considers a terrorist group. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek,file) Czech officials rejected they had anything to do with terrorism. Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek says his ministry will do all it can to ensure their appeal will be dealt with properly. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - An appeals court has revived part of a lawsuit in which a man alleged that police violated his civil rights by using excessive force when they arrested him during often-violent protests over the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, three years ago. A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday partly reversed a judge's dismissal of a $40 million lawsuit brought by 10 people who alleged that police used excessive force and made improper arrests amid the unrest in Ferguson in the days after a white officer killed 18-year-old Michael Brown during an altercation in a street. The panel restored the lawsuit on behalf of one plaintiff, Dwayne Matthews Jr. It names St. Louis County, the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson and individual police officers as defendants. U.S. District Judge Henry Autry dismissed the lawsuit last year, concluding that the protesters ignored repeated warnings to disperse and that the officers named as defendants were legally immune from the lawsuit. Autry also found that the plaintiffs failed to present credible evidence proving that the questioned police tactics involved malice or bad faith and that many of the plaintiffs' allegations were not supported by video evidence or other testimony. The 8th Circuit revived only the claims of Matthews, who said police beat him, held his head underwater for several seconds in a roadside culvert, slammed his face onto pavement, and pepper sprayed him after he repeatedly was shot by bean bags and rubber bullets as he walked through the protest zone on his way to his mother's home. The confrontation happened after Matthews disobeyed warnings by officers in a police line to stop approaching them, the 8th Circuit wrote. The officers denied that they mistreated Matthews, who was examined at a hospital and released. "While the officers and Matthews vehemently disagree about whether Matthews was resisting and the extent and reasonableness of the force applied, these fact disputes cannot be resolved on summary judgment" but instead should be decided by a jury, the appeals court wrote in its ruling. Gregory Lattimer, an attorney for the plaintiffs, disagreed with the court's decision to only revive Matthews' claims, saying by email that "we all disagree with the circuit court's decision and this fight for human rights and dignity is far from over." The defendants' attorneys didn't immediately reply to requests for comment. The officer who killed Brown wasn't charged and later resigned. For Taylor Sheridan, the West is still alive with frontier tragedies and genre thrills, even if hopelessness has moved in and blanketed the land. "Wind River" makes it a kind of trilogy for Sheridan, the writer behind the West Texas neo-Western "Hell or High Water" and the Mexican border drug crime drama "Sicario." In "Wind River," he shifts to a Wyoming Native American reservation and behind the camera, but the atmosphere is still rich and familiar: big open spaces with misery all around. Whereas the Oscar-nominated "Hell or High Water" had a bright, comic punch, "Wind River" is more in the heavily somber register of "Sicario." When one father who has lost a daughter consoles another, he advises him to confront the heartache head-on: "Take the pain." It's something of a mission statement for Sheridan, whose neo-Westerns are filled with deeply burdened men making painful sacrifices. This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Jeremy Renner, left, and Gil Birmingham in a scene from "Wind River." (Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company via AP) Sheridan's latest (his second time directing following the little-seen 2011 horror film "Vile") is set around the Wind River Reservation in a wintery Wyoming where, as one character says, "snow and silence are the only things that haven't been taken." The reservation, shrouded in violence, drugs and poverty, is an ominous place where American flags wave upside down. It's there that Corey Lambert (Jeremy Renner) discovers a freshly frozen body five miles into the mountains. He is a Fish & Wildlife agent who spends most of his time defending livestock by shooting predators with a rifle. Mountain lions nabbing cattle is what brought him, by snow mobile, to the remote crime site. The body, an 18-year-old Native American girl named Natalie (Kelsey Asbille) is barefoot, despite the snow and the cold, and she's been raped. Her lungs, Lambert guesses, eventually froze and burst as she fled from miles away. The investigation, though, is for the FBI. The agency is so thin in rural Wyoming that it dispatches an agent from Las Vegas: Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) who lacks even a good enough winter coat. But Banner quickly shows her strengths and intelligently conscripts Lambert, an experienced tracker, to aid her. "This isn't the land of backup," she's told. "This is the land of you're on your own." The dead girl is revealed to be the daughter of a close friend of Lambert's (Gil Birmingham). Birmingham, whose too-brief performance is one of noble weariness, is one of many Native Americans who populate the cast and lend "Wind River" both excellent acting and ethnic authenticity - even if its leads, and thus the story's point-of-view, are white. When the police visit the family's home, they find a broken household. An opened door reveals the guilt-ridden mother bloodily slashing at her wrists. The door, bizarrely, is simply closed. Though Sheridan's control of the tale is, up until now, fairly total - particularly for an inexperienced filmmaker - the sense that he is overplaying his hand (and wallowing a little too enthusiastically in a sea of grief) begins to set in. He keeps opening doors and closing them too abruptly. The detective work continues, at first angling toward nearby drug-dealing tribesmen. But Lambert's past (he is the father, now divorced, who also lost a teen daughter) is where the film gradually centers its emotions, and Renner, up for the challenge, gives one of his finer performances. But instead of plumbing deeper into the lives of those on the reservation, the gripping, solidly built "Wind River" begins to go wayward in its tracks. The over-the-top showdown finale comes largely out of the blue after clues lead Banner to a nearby oil digging crew. "Wind River" turns into a revenge tale where we only meet those worthy of vengeance just as their time is up. And, as in "Sicario," women characters like Banner are welcomed into Sheridan's film, but are steadily edged out. Still, no one will confuse "Wind River" for anything slipshod. Its densely colorful dialogue and powerful sense of place make Sheridan a singular talent, with, hopefully, more directing in front him. Those are qualities to which the late Sam Shepard - a less artfully composed chronicler of men in shadows of western myths - may well have tipped his hat. He certainly would have been a welcome presence in Sheridan country. "Wind River," a Weinstein Co. release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for "strong violence, a rape, disturbing images and lanuage." Running time: 111 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four. ___ Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Elizabeth Olsen, left, and Graham Greene in a scene from "Wind River." (Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company via AP) This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Elizabeth Olsen, left, and Jeremy Renner in a scene from "Wind River." (Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company via AP) PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday that the future of Europe's Balkan nations is in the West, reaffirming Washington's commitment to the region as Russia works to assert its historical influence there. Pence spoke in Montenegro, his third and final stop in a European trip that saw him voicing support for nations pressured by Russia and highlighting U.S. allegiance to its allies overseas. He is the highest-ranking American official to visit the small Adriatic state in 100 years. "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," Pence said in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital. U.S Vice President Mike Pence, left, joined by Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic during a joint press conference in Villa Gorica in Podgorica, Montenegro on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Pence is attending the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) The Western Balkans refers to countries in the former Yugoslavia that aspire to or have already joined Western institutions, including the European Union and NATO. It also includes Albania. Montenegro joined NATO in June, a move that angered Moscow. Russia had considered the country of 620,000 people, with an army of some 2,000 soldiers, its traditional Slavic ally. Pence, who attended a summit of Balkan leaders Wednesday, praised Montenegro for standing up to Russian pressure. Its accession to NATO, Pence said, is "a sign of the strength of this country 10 years after independence." "I bring greetings from President Donald Trump, who sent me here as a visible sign of the alliance that we now enjoy through NATO," the vice president said. Russia is accused of masterminding an attempted coup in Montenegro in October to prevent it from joining NATO. Moscow has denied the allegations. In his address to the Balkan leaders, on Wednesday, Pence called Russia an "unpredictable country" that wants to destabilize the region. "As you well know, Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force and here in the Western Balkans, Russia has worked to destabilize the region, undermining your democracies and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe," he said. "The Western Balkans have the right to decide your own future, and that is your right alone," Pence said. The Balkan states that are pro-West had feared Trump - who once called NATO an obsolete organization - would leave them to the Russian sphere of influence. Pence's trip appeared intended to alleviate those fears amid the investigations in Washington into Russia's efforts to interfere in last year' presidential election. "NATO is made up of large countries and small countries, but the U.S. has no small allies and we cherish our new alliance with Montenegro through NATO," Pence said. During a formal dinner with Montenegro President Filip Vujanovic on Tuesday evening, Pence said Montenegro's "courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world and I commend you for that." Serbia is Russia's only remaining ally in the Balkans, although Belgrade formally says it wants to join the European Union. Serbia has been beefing up military ties with Moscow, while also maintaining a partnership relationship with NATO. Earlier in his tour, Pence pledged support for the former Soviet republic of Georgia and met with the presidents of three NATO countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - in Estonia, where he said that "an attack on one of us is an attack on us all." Georgia and the three Baltic nations were all occupied for nearly five decades by Soviet troops before regaining their independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. ___ AP Writers Jovana Gec and Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, addresses the media during a press conference in Villa Gorica in Podgorica, Montenegro on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Pence is attending the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, joined by Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic arrive for a joint press conference in Villa Gorica in Podgorica, Montenegro on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Pence is attending the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence arrives for a joint press conference in Villa Gorica in Podgorica, Montenegro, on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Pence is attending the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, shakes hands with Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic during a joint press conference in Villa Gorica in Podgorica, Montenegro on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Pence is attending the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence attends a welcome ceremony at Golubovci airport, near Podgorica, Montenegro, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Pence will attend the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence attends a welcome ceremony at Golubovci airport, near Podgorica, Montenegro, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Pence will attend the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, second right, and Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, right, attend a welcome ceremony at Golubovci airport, near Podgorica, Montenegro, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Pence will attend the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and his wife Karen Pence wave as they arrive at Golubovci airport, near Podgorica, Montenegro, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Pence will attend the Adriatic Charter Summit in NATO's newest member - Montenegro, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) CAIRO (AP) - Egypt's foreign minister is travelling to Sudan amid tensions between the neighboring countries, which hope to boost cooperation despite recent disputes over borderlands and trade. Sameh Shoukry arrives in Khartoum Wednesday to meet his Sudanese counterpart, Ibrahim Ghandour as part of a joint "political consultations committee" on Thursday. The group met twice earlier - in April in Khartoum and in Cairo in June - and aims to "develop bilateral cooperation in all fields." The meeting, announced by the foreign ministries of both states, comes as Khartoum has been renewing its claim to the Egyptian-held border territory known as the Halayeb Triangle, a dispute that dates back to British colonial times. Sudan has also banned Egyptian agricultural and animal imports, citing health concerns, a move that Cairo wants repealed. PERU, Ind. (AP) - Police in central Indiana say an officer was able to rescue a man from a bridge who was livestreaming his decision about whether to jump. Peru Police Chief Mike Meeks tells the Kokomo Tribune a family member approached an officer Monday evening to report seeing a Facebook video of her brother sitting on the bridge contemplating jumping into the Wabash River. Meeks says officers blocked traffic to the bridge and started speaking with the man. Meeks said people watching the livestream implored him to get off the bridge while others encouraged him to jump. The police chief says an officer pulled him to safety while the man's attention was on his phone and Facebook feed. The man was taken to a hospital for an evaluation. ___ Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is conceding that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto did not call up President Donald Trump to praise his immigration policies, as Trump had claimed. Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the topic did come up, but in a conversation between the two leaders at a recent summit in Germany. Sanders tells reporters at the White House Wednesday that Trump was "referencing a conversation that they had had at the G-20 summit " when he claimed Monday that Pena Nieto had called him to offer compliments on a reduction in border crossings. President Donald Trump listens in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, during an event to unveil legislation that would place new limits on legal immigration. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Mexico's Foreign Relations Department said in a statement that Pena Nieto remarked to Trump that deportations of Mexicans from the United States had fallen 31 percent between January and June, as compared to 2016. Chippewa Falls history buffs can expect a bluegrass-themed Lake Wissota show at this years Pure Water Days. Local folk group The Swampers will perform an original production called Wissota in the Making at the Heyde Center for the Arts on August 10 and 11, where historical photos of Lake Wissotas early-1900s construction are set to folk songs. Original song Building in the Age of Steam brings the steam locomotives and shovels to life; To See What They Could See looks at Lake Wissota through the eyes of local politicians and dignitaries. One of the groups performers explains the origin of the term swampers. We represent the old-time lumberjacks and the spirit of the Chippewa Valleys lumber industry, said Jerry Way, a retired Chippewa Falls music teacher and area writer and composer. The swampers were the lowest classification of lumberjack the bottom rung of the ladder. They cleared roads and made paths through the Wisconsin swamps. Were a lowly group, Way said. Lowly or not, audiences can expect exciting original tunes at this years Swampers performance. The script and songs were written by Way himself. The group has created an original show for the last sixteen years of Pure Water Days. Way said this years theme of Lake Wissota was unexpected, even though the Chippewa Valley is celebrating the lakes 100th anniversary this year. He originally meant to focus on other local anniversaries in this years show, but once he saw the Chippewa County Historical Societys roughly 300 archived photos of Lake Wissotas construction, he knew he had to tell the lakes story. There was so much (material) there that we couldnt gloss over it. We had to specialize the show, he said. The show will introduce new fans to the Swampers unique sound: a Northwoods-inspired mashup of traditional bluegrass and northern Wisconsin instrumentation. The group calls it swampgrass. The Swampers musical lumberjack aggregation features Amanda Tanzer, Kathy Danielson, Judy Brist, Tim Danielson, Rob Kuchta and Jerry Way, playing a variety of folk instruments and singing a blend of three-and-a-half-part harmony. NEW YORK (AP) - As small businesses keep hiring, many owners discover that being a do-it-yourself human resources manager is the wrong job for them. Becky Robinson handled hiring, payroll and other HR needs when she started her marketing company, Weaving Influence, five years ago. But during periods when she focused on HR, the company's revenue took a dip. She realized she needed to keep her focus and turn those tasks over to a director of operations and an HR consultant. "The only way for us to grow is for me to delegate and not get bogged down in the details of HR," says Robinson, whose four-employee company is based in Lambertville, Michigan. In a July 27, 2017, photo, Becky Robinson poses for a picture in her marketing company office in Lambertville, Mich. As small businesses keep hiring, many owners discover that being a do-it-yourself human resources manager is the wrong job for them. Robinson handled payroll, hiring and other HR needs when she started her marketing company, Weaving Influence, five years ago. But during periods when she focused on HR, the company's revenue took a dip. She realized she needed to keep her focus and turn those tasks over to a director of operations and an HR consultant. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Payroll provider ADP said Wednesday that small businesses added 50,000 jobs last month may mean that owners are taking on more human resources tasks while they're also trying to get new business and develop products and services. A recent study released by ADP shows that HR at 70 percent of small businesses is handled as a side job by the owner or a staffer with other primary responsibilities. In many companies, the people doing it don't have any HR training, says Brian Michaud, a senior vice president at ADP. Human resources tasks, which can include complying with government labor laws and regulations, handling disciplinary problems and administering employee benefits, are no different from chores like keeping the books that many owners could hand off but don't. Sometimes it's because they want to keep costs down, so if they have just a handful of employees they don't want to hire an in-house HR manager or contract with a company that supplies HR services. Many entrepreneurs also find it hard to delegate. "They hate to let anything get out of their control," says Gene Marks, owner of The Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Owners are particularly unwilling to share information about their companies with anyone else, he says. Robinson had handled recruiting for her company, and hired from referrals by people she knew. But as her business grew and she needed experienced staffers with specific skills, she realized she needed help from someone more knowledgeable about recruiting and with more contacts to find job candidates. So her HR consultant now finds prospective hires and does initial screenings and interviews. At staffing company Omega Talent, "we cobbled together our HR duties among three or four people on staff," says owner Craig Sherman. "It wasn't cohesive or effective, that's for sure," says Sherman, who has a staff of 12 as well as 45 employees whom the company places at client businesses. Omega Talent, which is based in Clinton Township, Michigan, ran into occasional problems with the patched-together approach. Sometimes mistakes were made or Sherman and his staff were caught by surprise after employment laws or regulations changed. Earlier this year, Sherman turned the tasks over to a company that provides HR services. "We are extremely happy with our decision," he says. Nathan Miller handles his HR needs himself, but he also keeps an eye on how much that's taking him away from developing his business, Rentec Direct, which sells real estate property management software. He's found that mediating occasional disagreements among his 10 full-time employees can be a distraction. "I should probably be setting up a new partnership or vetting a new tool instead," says Miller, whose company is based in Grants Pass, Oregon. Miller says he'll consider hiring some help for HR if those tasks take up more than four hours of his time a month. He's also aware that the expansion plans he has - he hopes to double his staff within a few years - will likely force him to relinquish HR responsibilities. Many owners realize they need help when faced with the multiplicity of employment laws and regulations at the federal, state and local level. Employers must comply with laws related to pay, working hours and conditions, benefits, disability, discrimination and harassment. In a growing number of states and municipalities, workers must be allowed to accrue paid sick leave. If they're government contractors, there are additional requirements, such as a higher minimum wage than the general federal minimum of $7.25 an hour. Laws and regulations that frequently change raises the possibility that some companies might inadvertently be in violation of them. That's why Guilford Cantave hired an HR provider. "I was looking to do everything right from the first opportunity," says Cantave, president of FermiTron, an electrical engineering and manufacturing firm based in Orlando, Florida. "It wasn't something that I wanted to experiment with or have half the truth about." Many owners are forced to get HR help when something goes wrong, Marks says, such as an owner missing a deadline for paying payroll taxes or filing required documents with the government. "You start realizing how much you're in over your head," he says. A bad hire convinced Amy Baxter to outsource part of her hiring process. Baxter, owner of VibraCool, the maker of a medical device aimed at reducing pain, did her own recruiting and hired someone who said she could create marketing materials. She couldn't. "If I had known more about the world of HR before, it would have saved a lot of time and drama," says Baxter, whose company is based in Atlanta. She's still handling other HR tasks herself. But Baxter also realizes that anything she can outsource, she should. "I should spend my time making connections and developing products," she says. _____ Follow Joyce Rosenberg at www.twitter.com/JoyceMRosenberg. Her work can be found here: https://apnews.com/search/joyce%20rosenberg In a July 27, 2017, photo, Becky Robinson works at her marketing company office in Lambertville, Mich. As small businesses keep hiring, many owners discover that being a do-it-yourself human resources manager is the wrong job for them. Robinson handled payroll, hiring and other HR needs when she started her marketing company, Weaving Influence, five years ago. But during periods when she focused on HR, the company's revenue took a dip. She realized she needed to keep her focus and turn those tasks over to a director of operations and an HR consultant. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) LONDON (AP) - U.K. emergency officials said 63 youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17 together with 10 adults were evacuated from the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland after being stranded by poor weather. The UK Coast Guard said the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service began receiving reports of a large number of people caught out in inclement weather at about noon on Wednesday. "Most of those are being walked down the mountain to safety, but up to 20 people may require stretcher evacuation, as they are suffering from exposure," the Coast Guard said. FILE - This is a Sept. 9, 2007 file photo of the Mourne Mountains in Co Down, Northern Ireland, where a group of army cadets got into difficulties while training in poor weather Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017. (Paul Faith/PA, File Via AP) The Ministry of Defense later issued a statement saying the group included military cadets. Coast guard said in a social media post that all members of the group have been accounted for. Search and rescue helicopters are on the scene. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A Kenyan official says three people have been killed when suspected al-Shabab extremists opened fire on a passenger bus in the coastal county of Lamu days before national elections are held. Coast regional police boss Larry Kieng said Wednesday the bus was traveling from Mombasa to Kipini and was attacked in the afternoon. Kieng says the fighters shot from the bushes and fled once police escorting the bus engaged them. Al-Shabab in recent weeks has stepped up deadly attacks in Kenya's border counties of Lamu and Mandera. The extremist group based in neighboring Somalia has threatened to disrupt Kenya's elections on Tuesday. Al-Shabab has carried out more than 100 attacks inside Kenya, calling it retribution for Kenya deploying troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight the extremists. PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Kosovo police say they are investigating threats made in graffiti against senior government and religious officials over plans to build a new mosque in the capital, Pristina. A police statement Wednesday said the graffiti scrawled on the Pristina University campus spelled out the names of President Hashim Thaci, Pristina's mayor and the head of the Islamic Community with the words "death to." The words "There will be no Turkish mosque in Dardani" also appeared on the campus. Dardani is a section of Pristina. Kosovo's Islamic Community called on students "not to fall prey to individuals that call for violence, spread defamation and contribute to hatred and intolerance." Kosovo has a predominantly Muslim population, but a strong nationalist current that regards religion with suspicion runs through the country. WASHINGTON (AP) - The top American and North Korean diplomats may cross paths during a regional summit next week in the Philippines, but have no plans to meet, the United States said Wednesday as it sought to further isolate the North over its nuclear weapons program. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho are both attending a Southeast Asia summit that is expected to focus heavily on regional concerns about the North. Susan Thornton, the top Asia hand in the State Department, said Tillerson had no plans to sit down with Ri. "I don't expect to see that happen," Thornton told reporters ahead of Tillerson's trip. "What we would expect to see this year at the meeting would be a general chorus of condemnation of North Korea's provocative behavior, and a pretty serious diplomatic isolation directed at the North Korean foreign minister." In this image taken with a slow shutter speed and provided by Vandenberg Air Force Base, an unarmed Minuteman 3 missile launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2107. The U.S. Air Force has successfully launched the unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile, the fourth such test this year. (Senior Airman Ian Dudley/Vandenberg Air Force Base via AP) Tillerson's reluctance to sit down with his North Korean counterpart comes despite his growing push for Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table with the U.S. Tillerson said this week that such talks would have to be predicated on the North giving up its nuclear weapons aspirations and that the conditions for such talks haven't yet been met by North Korea's government. In the meantime, the U.S. sought to up the economic pressure on North Korea by urging countries that do business with it to stop, or at least to seriously curtail trade. And the U.S. and allied militaries have been conducting a series of exercises and tests to demonstrate their ability to counter Pyongyang's weapons capabilities. Across the Pacific Ocean from North Korea, in California, the U.S. Air Force said a test Wednesday of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was successful. It was the fourth test this year and involved a Minuteman 3 missile, regularly launched across the Pacific by the U.S. in a display of its effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy. In another sign of U.S. concern about the North, the Trump administration issued an updated traveling warning Wednesday urging Americans currently there to leave before a new travel ban takes effect on Sept. 1. The Trump administration announced that ban last month over concerns about detention of Americans who travel to the North. The ban, which includes potential exceptions for journalists and humanitarian workers, expires one year later unless extended by Tillerson. The State Department said exceptions will only be granted under "very limited circumstances" and that it doesn't yet know when it will release information about how to apply. Tillerson likely will meet while in Asia with China's foreign minister, Thornton said, just as the U.S. presses Beijing to isolate North Korea by reducing its economic and other ties. After traveling to Manila for the summit, Tillerson will head to Thailand and to Malaysia for brief stops in which North Korea concerns are likely to be a prime focus as well. ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP LONDON (AP) - Ken Wilkinson, one of the last survivors of "The Few" - the band of pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain - has died. He was 99. The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust said Wilkinson died Monday. The group said he was "a true gentleman who we shall miss dearly." Born in 1918, Wilkinson flew a Spitfire fighter plane during the 1940 air battle between Britain and its allies and Nazi Germany. FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 file photo, Ken Wilkinson an RAF veteran poses in London. Wilkinson, one of the last surviving Spitfire pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain, has died. He was 99. The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust says Wilkinson died Monday, July 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File) Between July and October, German bombers pounded Britain's ports, airfields and cities in a bid to destroy its defenses in preparation for either an invasion or a surrender. France had already fallen to Adolf Hitler, and the British army had been evacuated in disarray from Dunkirk. Royal Air Force crews, many in their teens or 20s, inflicted heavy losses on the Germans and prevented invasion, but at a high price. Of almost 3,000 British and Allied airmen who flew in the battle, more than 544 were killed. Another 800 died before the end of the war in 1945. Prime Minister Winston Churchill later said of the battle: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." Wilkinson told The Associated Press in 2010 that the possibility of defeat never crossed his mind. "We were cocky. Stupidly cocky, if you like," he said. "We just didn't envisage defeat. Some people may have been killed and so forth, but basically we knew we were going to win." Air Chief Marshal Stephen Hillier, head of the Royal Air Force, said Wilkinson and his comrades "represented an extraordinary generation to whom we owe a great debt that should never be forgotten." After the war Wilkinson became a chartered surveyor and was active in the Battle of Britain veterans' group. He made headlines in 2015 for light-heartedly telling off helicopter pilot Prince William for flying "choppers" instead of "proper airplanes." Wilkinson is survived by his daughter Penny and a grandson. LISBON, Portugal (AP) - A light plane made an emergency landing on a packed beach near Lisbon on Wednesday afternoon, killing a 56-year-old man and an 8-year-old girl who were sunbathing, authorities said. Hundreds of sunbathers were on the popular beach at Caparica, 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Lisbon, and witnesses said some sunbathers ran into the sea to avoid the plane. The National Maritime Authority said the man and girl died on the beach. Officials said they were not aware of any injured. The small aircraft, reportedly a Cessna, carrying two people appeared to be in difficulty and wobbled as it skimmed low over the sunbathers, scattering them and spreading panic on the beach, witnesses said. The plane appeared to have a partly broken left wing, which hung lower than the right wing, Portuguese television pictures showed. Officials said the accident occurred at 4:50 p.m. (1550 GMT). The dead girl was with her parents, who were unhurt, witnesses told local television channels. The plane passed over the dead man's legs as he sunbathed on a towel, they said. No others were reportedly hurt. The bodies lay covered on the sand as police cordoned off the area. The two occupants of the plane were unhurt and were being questioned by police. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A Republican running for South Carolina governor says she's "not backtracking" in her support for lawmakers' efforts to remove the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse grounds but said she is proud of the Confederacy. Hours after speaking to a grassroots GOP gathering in the conservative Upstate, Catherine Templeton told The Associated Press on Tuesday night that she's "proud of the Confederacy." But Templeton said she still stands by a 2015 document expressing support for a decision by then-Gov. Nikki Haley and state lawmakers to remove the flag after the massacre of nine black worshippers at Charleston's Emanuel AME Church. "I supported Gov. Haley and our Legislature because a bad man took our symbol and turned it into hate," Templeton said, referring to convicted church shooter Dylann Roof, who embraced the flag and is a self-avowed white supremacist. "But I am South Carolina born and raised, and I am proud of our history. We are standing on the shoulders of giants, and I don't apologize for that." At a town hall meeting, sponsored by the Pickens County Republican Party, Templeton fielded several questions from the audience about the flag removal and the ongoing debate surrounding Confederate monuments. In the weeks that followed the church shootings, Haley called for the flag's removal from a prominent position on the Statehouse grounds, and lawmakers voted to do so after heated debate. "I think what we did was we reacted, and I think that's what happens in government a lot," Templeton told the audience. "I am proud to be from South Carolina. I am proud of the Confederacy. But I'm not going to second-guess what the people in the Statehouse did when I wasn't there." Templeton, through her consulting firm, signed on along with dozens of business leaders to a document applauding Haley and state lawmakers for taking action. After the town hall, she told AP she stood behind that support, but wouldn't support the removal of Confederate monuments, including one honoring Confederate soldiers that stands near where the battle flag formerly flew. "It was a reaction. I think that our governor managed a tragedy in the best way any of us knew how, and she needed support on the day the flag came down," she said. Templeton, a former director of the state's labor and public health departments, entered the governor's race earlier this year as a primary challenger to Gov. Henry McMaster and has raised a lot of money. McMaster was elevated to the state's top slot earlier this year upon Haley's confirmation as U.N. ambassador. He is seeking a full term in 2018. When asked by a reporter from The Post and Courier of Charleston about Templeton's remarks, he said: "I am very happy to be a South Carolinian, and I think that particular issue has been discussed and resolved, and I think everybody I know who lives in South Carolina is very happy to be a South Carolinian." ___ Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP . Read more of her work at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/meg-kinnard/ . HYNDMAN, Pa. (AP) - The Latest on train derailment in Pennsylvania (all times local): 7:20 p.m. A railroad company says it's unclear how long residents of a small Pennsylvania town will be evacuated following a freight train derailment, or how long the cleanup will take. Emergency officials and CSX personnel gather near the site of a freight train derailment, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Hyndman, Pa. A freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed early Wednesday, setting train cars and a garage on fire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate nearby residents. (Steve Bittner/The Cumberland Times-News via AP) CSX says hazardous materials specialists assessed the damage from a safe distance Wednesday afternoon and confirmed that several rail cars are still on fire in Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh. No injuries have been reported. The fire department has evacuated everyone within about a mile of the derailment site. CSX says it will continue monitoring the derailment throughout the night, along with first responders. The company says at least 32 rail cars derailed, some of which contain hazardous materials. CSX has opened a second community outreach center to help answer questions and provide resources for affected residents. ___ 5:10 p.m. Federal investigators have arrived at the scene of a freight train derailment in Pennsylvania but can't assess the situation because train cars are still burning. The National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Terry Williams says investigators arrived in Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh, late Wednesday afternoon. He says since the fires are still burning and an evacuation order remains in place, investigators haven't been able to look at the scene yet. At least 32 cars on a CSX freight train derailed at Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh. There are no reported injuries. At least one car containing liquefied petroleum gas and one containing molten sulfur have leaked and are on fire. All residents of Hyndman had been ordered to evacuate, but Gov. Tom Wolf says a handful of people have refused to leave. ___ 3:45 p.m. Gov. Tom Wolf says a handful of people have refused to evacuate from near the scene of a freight train derailment in western Pennsylvania, but emergency responders know where they're located. The Democratic governor said in a phone interview Wednesday from an evacuation center several miles from the scene that "there's a lot of uncertainty and everybody's hoping for the best." At least 32 cars on a CSX freight train derailed at Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh. There are no reported injuries. Wolf says the potential for a propane explosion has diminished, but it's still possible. ___ 2 p.m. All residents of a small Pennsylvania town are being evacuated hours after a freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed, setting some cars ablaze. Bedford County 911 coordinator Harry Corley says officials have ordered everyone within a 1-mile radius of the derailment to leave. He says that encompasses the entire town of Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh. At least 32 cars on a CSX freight train derailed early Wednesday. CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle says at least one car containing liquefied petroleum gas and one containing molten sulfur have leaked and are on fire. There are no reports of injuries. Gov. Tom Wolf says health officials are conducting air and ground studies to determine possible health effects. A number of roads are closed and some flight restrictions are in place. ___ 11:50 a.m. Officials say some train cars that derailed in Pennsylvania were carrying hazardous materials and the cars still are burning hours after the derailment. CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle says at least 32 cars on the CSX freight train derailed about 5 a.m. Wednesday in Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh. He says at least one car containing liquefied petroleum gas and one containing molten sulfur have leaked and are on fire. There are no reports of injuries. Firefighters evacuated everyone within a half-mile of the site. A state emergency management spokeswoman says hundreds of people had to leave their homes. Doolittle says the train was traveling from Chicago to Selkirk, New York, and had five locomotives and 178 rail cars. There's no word on what caused the derailment. ___ 8:10 a.m. Part of a freight train has derailed in Pennsylvania setting three train cars afire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate nearby homes. No injuries were reported. Bedford County 911 coordinator Harry Corley says six cars on the CSX freight train derailed about 5 a.m. in Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh. A nearby residential garage caught fire and residents in a 1-mile radius (1.61-kilometers) were urged to leave their homes. Corley says some of the train cars were filled with flammable liquid asphalt, but it wasn't immediately clear whether the derailed or burning cars were carrying the asphalt or something else. CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle says the company is working with first responders to protect public safety and CSX personnel. No word on what caused the derailment. Emergency officials and CSX personnel gather near the site of a freight train derailment, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Hyndman, Pa. A freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed early Wednesday, setting train cars and a garage on fire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate nearby residents. (Steve Bittner/The Cumberland Times-News via AP) A fire burns at the site of a freight train derailment, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Hyndman, Pa. A freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed early Wednesday, setting train cars and a garage on fire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate nearby residents. (Steve Bittner/The Cumberland Times-News via AP) A fire burns at the site of a freight train derailment, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Hyndman, Pa. A freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed early Wednesday, setting train cars and a garage on fire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate nearby residents. (Steve Bittner/The Cumberland Times-News via AP) Emergency officials and CSX personnel gather near the site of a freight train derailment, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Hyndman, Pa. A freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed early Wednesday, setting train cars and a garage on fire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate hundreds of nearby residents. (Steve Bittner/Cumberland Times-News via AP) A fire burns at the site of a freight train derailment, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, in Hyndman, Pa. A freight train carrying hazardous materials partly derailed early Wednesday, setting train cars and a garage on fire and prompting emergency officials to evacuate nearby residents. (Steve Bittner/The Cumberland Times-News via AP) COLUMBUS, Ohio What? Are you kidding me? Ohio Gov. John Kasichs disbelief at what the Senate labored mightily on before birthing an ugly toad in the form of a health care reform bill sums up what our collective reaction should be. To read the bills particulars and the assessment by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is to be stunned at mans inhumanity to man. The bill is not only, in Donald Trumps now-famous word, mean, but it is wholly inexplicable. It makes no sense whatsoever as economic or national policy. It would take health insurance away from 22 million people. It would give billions of dollars in tax cuts to the richest of the rich. It would put impossible burdens on already financially stressed state governments. It would make Americans, who already are near the bottom among the 16 wealthiest nations in healthiness, even sicker. There is a reason why Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., pulled the Better Care Reconciliation Act from consideration before the July 4 holiday. Many Republicans are appalled at how bad a piece of legislation it is despite seven years of promising they would repeal and replace Obamacare. Folks, its up to you to decide. During the holiday recess, your senators will be at home. It is to be hoped they will not only be trolling for campaign dollars but will be accessible to you, the voters, to say whether you think they should pass this bill when they return to work. Find out what is in this bill and let your senators know what you think about higher deductibles, less coverage for mental health care and maternity benefits, and more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires financed by cuts in Medicaid. And dont be fooled by promises that this bill will give states more flexibility (it wont), lower your health care costs (it wont), or make everyone more responsible for his or her own health (it wont). Yes, the bill ultimately would save tax dollars by phasing out coverage for insurance benefits now required by law. But it would come at the expense of millions of Americans financial stability. A family earning $55,000 a year could find itself paying $20,000 a year in insurance costs. That, of course, would mean it would go without insurance. Because Congress refused to pass the fixes to Obamacare that were imperative and because the Trump administration is refusing to fund important aspects of it, we are facing serious problems in escalating health care costs and increasing confusion and national anger. If the Senate passes this dreadful bill, we will all be sorry. Who thinks so? Governors. The American Hospital Association. AARP, the lobbying group for seniors that says the bill is an age tax. The American College of Physicians. The American Association of Medical Colleges. The American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Heart Association. (The Senate draft health care bill is literally heartless.) The American Lung Association. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The American Medical Association. A spokesman for AMA said, There are not really many parts of this that we like. If we go down the list of things does it improve coverage? No. Does it improve affordability? No. Does it stabilize the safety net? Medicaid? No. The bill would cut $772 billion from Medicaid over the next decade, at great harm to children and patients in nursing homes. What kind of society treats its most vulnerable that way? One of the most telling statements came from McConnell, who warned Republicans that if they didnt all get on board and pass this contemptible health care bill, theyd have to compromise with the Democrats. Horrors! Tell Congress what you think, but only if you really know what you think. Dont support this bill just because you like Trump or hate government or have no intention of ever buying health insurance. If Americans do their homework and learn whats in this bill, it will be defeated. Congress will have to come up with a plan that is fair and affordable and that works as hard as Americans do for their money. This Fourth of July, do your civic duty. Complain! BEIRUT (AP) - The Latest on the Syrian conflict (all times local): 9:15 p.m. Syrian opposition activists and Kurdish officials say several journalists have been lightly wounded in the northern city of Raqqa when the Islamic State group detonated a car bomb near a house they use. This Monday, July 31, 2017 photo released by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, shows ambulances of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent gathering in the Syrian border village of Fleeta. The government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media released videos and photos of buses and ambulances near the Lebanese border town of Arsal and the Syrian village of Fleeta preparing for the evacuations. The second round of an exchange between Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group and Syria's al-Qaida affiliate that would lead to thousands of refugees resettled in Syria. (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP) The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Kurdish official Nawaf Khalil said the blast occurred Wednesday. Journalist Yazir Othman of the Arab 24 network said several journalists including some with his network suffered bruises because of the blast. It was not immediately clear if IS hit the building with the aim of targeting journalists. The extremist group has killed journalists and media activists it was holding in the past. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been on the offensive to capture the city of Raqqa since June 6. The Kurdish-led group now controls half of the city. ___ 6 p.m. Russia says its embassy in Syria has come under mortar shelling but not one has been hurt. The Russian Foreign Ministry says two mortar rounds landed Wednesday inside its embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus, and two others exploded just outside its fence. It said the shelling inflicted only "insignificant material damage." It said that Moscow "resolutely condemns terror attacks against the Russian embassy." The embassy has repeatedly come under such attacks, but there have been no casualties. Russia has run an air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad since 2015. ___ 3 p.m. The exchange between Syria's al-Qaida branch and Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group has resumed in what will lead to the return of thousands of Syrian refugees to their country. Some 9,000 Syrian refugees and gunmen were waiting to leave Lebanon's Arsal region and head to a jihadi-held part of Syria, according to an agreement between Lebanon, Syria, Hezbollah, and Syria's al-Qaida affiliate known as Levant Liberation Committee, or HTS. Three Hezbollah fighters were released on Wednesday morning by an al-Qaida affiliate in Syria, in return for the release of three al-Qaida fighters who were held in Lebanon. Scores of buses carrying Syrian refugees were expected to move later in the day toward Syria's rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib. The al-Qaida faction will release five more Hezbollah fighters held in Syria. This frame grab from video released on Monday, July 31,2017 and provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, shows buses gathering near the Lebanese border town of Arsal. The government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media released videos and photos of buses and ambulances near the Lebanese border town of Arsal and the Syrian village of Fleeta preparing for the evacuations. The second round of an exchange between Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group and Syria's al-Qaida affiliate that would lead to thousands of refugees resettled in Syria. (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Russia's new U.N. ambassador says sanctions won't solve the problem of North Korea's expanding nuclear and ballistic missile programs - only dialogue primarily between the United States and North Korea will. Vassily Nebenzia told U.N. reporters on Wednesday that "this is a difficult thing and no easy solution, but in our view the only way to effectively break the deadlock - it's a very dangerous one we agree." The United States and China said a week ago they were making progress on a resolution that would impose new sanctions on North Korea. The U.S. gave China, North Korea's neighbor and ally, a proposed resolution several weeks ago. But Nebenzia indicated the discussions may not produce a result. "In the coming days we'll understand whether there'll be a resolution," he said. WASHINGTON (AP) - Aides to President Donald Trump were in deep talks about how to defuse tensions between Qatar and other Arab nations when the door to the secure room at the White House burst open. The urgent message: Trump had just tweeted about Qatar. One adviser read the tweet aloud and with that, the policymakers in midconference call had no other choice but to rework their plans to reflect the president's tweeted assertion that Qatar, host to some 11,000 U.S. troops, was funding terrorism. President Donald Trump listens in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Where carefully crafted policies ideally precede public messaging, advisers now often scramble to reshape policy to catch up with the president's tweets and public declarations. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) It was an accusation against a close U.S. ally that had never been voiced so publicly and with such indelicacy. The incident, relayed to The Associated Press by two people on the interagency call, offers a glimpse into the erratic business of crafting policy in the age of Donald Trump. Where carefully crafted policies ideally precede public messaging, advisers now often scramble to reshape policy to catch up with the president's tweets and public declarations. On subjects from Qatar to Russia and, most recently, the president's surprise call for a ban on transgender people in the military, the president's tendency to tweet his mind is blindsiding advisers and, in some cases, complicating or even upending administration policy. "When presidential advisers are caught flat-footed by a policy announcement, the story tends to be about how the decision was made, not the decision itself," said Bradley Blakeman, an adviser to former President George W. Bush. "It is a process and communications challenge." Policymakers worry that Trump's tweets produce an inconsistent message. They're hoping Trump's selection this week of retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, known for his military discipline, to be White House chief of staff may help to streamline policymaking and convince the president that his tweets can create chaos when they're at odds with administration policy. Trump's tweet about transgender policy last week made public a decision that military advisers had not agreed to. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, responded with an internal memo to military service chiefs stating that, for now, "there will be no modifications" to current policy. The president's tweet prompted some GOP lawmakers, including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to speak out. "I think generally speaking, it's accepted you consult the Secretary of Defense before you make a decision that has to do with defending the nation," McCain said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signaled this week that Trump's sometimes incendiary tweets are just "part of the environment in which we work." "We'll adapt to it," Tillerson said. "There's a lot of unexpected things that happen to us in the world of diplomacy and we know how to adapt to that, we know how work with it. I don't view it as an obstacle, hindrance or as assistance. Whatever the president chooses to express, he expresses, and then that's information to everybody - us included." Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, said that a public pronouncement that undermines existing policy "corrodes morale at the bureaus and agencies because they're hearing their leader say things that they know aren't true or can't be implemented." "It creates a culture of mistrust within your administration," he said. "That started happening with Nixon but that only happened in his last year when things started corroding all around him." While the president has generally been more cautious about declarations related to Russia, in July he proudly tweeted after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about working with Moscow on "forming an impenetrable Cyber Security unit so that election hacking, & many other negative things, will be guarded." The idea was widely and swiftly criticized, and the backtracking quickly commenced. First, Trump's advisers defended the idea, then they cautioned that the cyber unit was just an idea floating around. Shortly thereafter, the president tweeted: "The fact that President Putin and I discussed a Cyber Security unit doesn't mean I think it can happen. It can't-but a ceasefire can, & did!" Trump has also made public pronouncements on Twitter about Afghanistan and Syria, but the U.S. policy toward those countries remain in flux as the administration attempts to find solutions to those conflicts while learning from the mistakes of past administrations. And while disputes like the standoff over Qatar may be eased with a bit of skillful diplomacy, offhand tweets can risk major international incidents and raise legal issues in some cases. For example, as conservative pressure builds for Trump to do away with the Obama-era Iran nuclear agreement, policymakers worry that the president might tweet something offensive about the fragile accord, jeopardizing any progress that has been made. Trump's tweets on health care policy seem to have caught the eye of judges on the federal court of appeals in Washington, who this week issued a procedural ruling counter to administration interests in a case involving billions of dollars in "Obamacare" subsidies. In allowing a group of state attorneys general to intervene in the case, the appeals courts said states' doubts that the administration could adequately defend their interests in court were fanned by "accumulating public statements by high-level officials ... about a potential change in position." "He's really a terrible client, President Trump is," University of Michigan law professor Nicholas Bagley said. "The states point to his public statements and say, 'Are you kidding me? We know the president is poised to throw us under the bus and we know because he said so.'" Bill Galston, a former Clinton administration official now at The Brookings Institution, said there is a standard process in policymaking that most administrations strive to follow. He cautioned: "If the president is not prepared to accept an orderly policy process with all of the restraints on individual conduct and behavior, then the new chief of staff will not have the power to implement policy." ___ Associated Press writers Josh Lederman and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed to this report. OREGON HOUSE, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on the shootout near a Northern California pot farm (all times local): 4 p.m. Authorities say a felon with a history of violent crime is responsible for shooting two Northern California sheriff's deputies at a marijuana farm. Officers search for a suspect after a shooting in Dobbins, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Two California sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded after they responded to reports of an armed and agitated man pulling up plants in the garden of a rural Rastafarian church, authorities said. The shooter remained at large, and the Yuba County deputies were in serious condition and undergoing surgery at Sutter Roseville Medical Center after the shooting in the rural community of Oregon House about 55 miles north of Sacramento. (AP Photo/Sophia Bollag) The Yuba County sheriff's office said Wednesday that 33-year-old Mark Anthony Sanchez of Gilroy was the shooter. He was found dead after fleeing into a home after the shootout. Sanchez served time in state prison for violent felonies, including carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon, as well as burglary and possession of stolen property. He had two warrants for his arrest. Sanchez was working at the pot farm. Leaders of the Rastafarian church affiliated with the farm called the sheriff's department when fellow workers reported Sanchez ripping up plants and wielding a weapon. They say Sanchez arrived at the farm about a month ago. Both deputies are recovering. Officials haven't identified them. ___ 11:45 a.m. Authorities say two Northern California sheriff's deputies are in fair condition after a shootout near a marijuana farm belonging to a Rastafarian church. The Yuba County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday that the deputies are hospitalized after being wounded Tuesday while responding to a call at the pot farm in a rural community. They chased the suspect into a house and a shootout began. The department says a SWAT team later found the suspect dead inside the home. Yuba County Sheriff Steve Dufor says the initial investigation indicates the suspect died after being hit by shots fired by the deputies. Officials haven't identified the suspect. ___ 12:19 a.m. A Northern California sheriff's deputy ran alone into a house twice to pull two wounded colleagues to safety. The chase began Tuesday at a Rastafarian church's marijuana farm and ended with a shootout and the suspect dead. The wounded deputies are expected to survive. Yuba County Sheriff Steve Durfor says the third deputy did not see the suspect or hear any gunfire after putting in an officers-down call and entering the house. A SWAT team later found the suspect dead. Durfor says it's likely the man died from the deputies' gunfire, but it's possible his wounds were self-inflicted. The man was a new worker at the farm and was ripping up plants and wielding a gun, which prompted the head of the church to call authorities. Yuba County Sheriff Steven Durfor speaks to the media after a shooting in Marysville, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Two California sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded Tuesday after they responded to reports of an armed and agitated man pulling up plants in the garden of a rural Rastafarian church, authorities said. (AP Photo/Sophia Bollag) Officers search for a suspect after a shooting in Dobbins, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Two California sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded Tuesday after they responded to reports of an armed and agitated man pulling up plants in the garden of a rural Rastafarian church, authorities said. The shooter remained at large, and the Yuba County deputies were in serious condition and undergoing surgery at Sutter Roseville Medical Center after the shooting in the rural community of Oregon House about 55 miles north of Sacramento. (AP Photo/Sophia Bollag) ST. LOUIS (AP) - A prosecutor at the second day of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley's murder trial is questioning Stockley's actions, and those of his colleagues, on the day of the killing. Stockley, who is white, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011. Smith, a black drug suspect, was shot inside his rented Buick after a chase. Stockley's attorneys say Smith had a gun and was shot by Stockley in self-defense. Prosecutors contend the gun was planted. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that during testimony from three officers, assistant circuit attorney Robert Steele questioned why Stockley was allowed to return to Smith's car after the shooting, and why none of the multiple officers on the scene gave aid to the gravely wounded suspect. ___ Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge who is married to a new member of Robert Mueller's investigative team has stepped aside from lawsuits involving President Donald Trump and his business empire, court records show. Greg Andres, a New York lawyer and former Justice Department prosecutor who specialized in foreign bribery and fraud, has joined the team of lawyers investigating potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, a spokesman for the group said Wednesday. Andres is married to Ronnie Abrams, a federal judge in Manhattan who had been presiding over lawsuits that accused Trump of violating the Constitution's emoluments clause by letting his businesses accept money from foreign governments. One of the cases was brought by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a legal nonprofit group that advocates for good government, and another was filed by New York attorney William Weinstein. Court entries from last month show that both cases have been reassigned to another judge, George Daniels. No reason was given and a call to Abrams' chambers was referred to a spokesman for the court, who confirmed that Abrams had recused herself from the CREW matter under a section of the U.S. code that deals with judicial procedure. The development comes as Trump's legal team is looking into potential conflicts surrounding Mueller's team, including the backgrounds of members and political contributions by some of the attorneys to Democrats including Hillary Clinton. Politico first reported the recusal. Mueller was appointed as special counsel in May following the firing of James Comey as FBI director. Mueller, himself a former FBI director, has assembled a team of prosecutors and lawyers with experience in financial fraud, national security and organized crime to investigate contacts between Moscow and the Trump campaign. ___ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP BEIRUT (AP) - A car bomb detonated by the Islamic State group lightly wounded several journalists in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa on Wednesday and totally charred one of their vehicles, activists and media officials said. Local and international journalists have been going to Raqqa to cover the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces offensive to capture the city that began on June 6. The Kurdish-led group now controls half of the city. The extremists have been using suicide car bomb attacks on the Kurdish-led force in an attempt to slow down the force's ongoing offensive under the cover of airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Kurdish official Nawaf Khalil said the blast occurred in the eastern neighborhood of Mishleb outside a house used as a press center. The neighborhood was captured by the SDF weeks earlier. Journalist Yazir Othman of the Arab 24 network said several journalists including some with his network suffered bruises because of the blast. "We were in a safe neighborhood and a car came from underground, we don't know where it came from," Othman told The Associated Press in a voice message. Khalil, the Kurdish official, said also among those lightly injured were staffers with the Kurdistan 24, or K24, TV station. It was not immediately clear if IS hit the building with the aim of targeting journalists. The extremist group has brutally killed journalists and media activists in their custody in the past. In 2015, the group beheaded Japanese journalist Kenji Goto. A year earlier they killed American journalist James Foley and American-Israeli journalist Steven Sotloff. The group released a video last year showing the killing of five Syrian media activists, including one whose video camera they rigged with explosives and detonated while it was tied around his neck. Another was electrocuted, the third had his laptop detonated close to him, and two others were beheaded. OREGON HOUSE, Calif. (AP) - A sheriff's deputy ran into a house in Northern California to pull two wounded colleagues to safety after a shootout with a suspect near a marijuana farm belonging to a Rastafarian church. The two deputies were expected to survive after their fellow officer, a 22-year veteran, went alone into a house where the gunman had fled, Yuba County Sheriff Steve Durfor said. The wounded deputies were in fair condition at a hospital, the sheriff's department said Wednesday on Twitter. The deputy did not see the suspect or hear gunfire while rescuing the pair Tuesday. SWAT team members later found the suspect dead, likely from shots fired by the deputies, Durfor said, though it's possible they were self-inflicted. Officers search for a suspect after a shooting in Dobbins, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Two California sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded Tuesday after they responded to reports of an armed and agitated man pulling up plants in the garden of a rural Rastafarian church, authorities said. The shooter remained at large, and the Yuba County deputies were in serious condition and undergoing surgery at Sutter Roseville Medical Center after the shooting in the rural community of Oregon House about 55 miles north of Sacramento. (AP Photo/Sophia Bollag) The suspect had been working for about a month at the farm owned by Sugarleaf Rastafarian Church, which believes that marijuana is sacred and grows it about 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) north of Sacramento. The church's leader, Heidi Lepp, said she received a call from members who worked on the farm saying the man, who she knew only as "Sawyer," was ripping up plants and wielding a gun. She told the workers to leave and called authorities. When the deputies arrived, the suspect fled about 100 yards (91.4 meters) up a hill toward homes on the property. A woman gave the deputies permission to enter her home, and the man opened fire when they entered. The deputies shot back. The third deputy, who had taken a position at the back door, then ran inside to get his colleagues. Authorities have not identified the suspect or any of the officers. The sheriff said the wounded deputies, one of whom has been with the department for 14 years and the other for 10, were airlifted to a hospital and arrived "conscious, talkative and stable." They underwent surgery. Lepp said a branch of her church owns the property. It does not have a permit to grow medical marijuana in Yuba County. Her attorney, Joseph Tully, said the church has a good relationship with law enforcement. "They had no problem calling the authorities, because they were having a problem there," Tully told the Sacramento Bee newspaper. "They have a very open-door relationship." ___ Associated Press writer Paul Elias contributed to this story. Officers search for a suspect after a shooting in Dobbins, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Two California sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded Tuesday after they responded to reports of an armed and agitated man pulling up plants in the garden of a rural Rastafarian church, authorities said. The shooter remained at large, and the Yuba County deputies were in serious condition and undergoing surgery at Sutter Roseville Medical Center after the shooting in the rural community of Oregon House about 55 miles north of Sacramento. (AP Photo/Sophia Bollag) Heidi and Charles Edward Lepp sit in their Sacramento, Calif., home Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, discussing a shooting at the cannabis farm affiliated with their Rastafarian church in Dobbins, Calif., earlier in the day. Heidi Lepp received a call Tuesday morning that a worker at the Northern California farm was pulling up plants and was armed, prompting her to call the Yuba County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Kathleen Ronayne) Officers search for a suspect after a shooting in Dobbins, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Two California sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded after they responded to reports of an armed and agitated man pulling up plants in the garden of a rural Rastafarian church, authorities said. The shooter remained at large, and the Yuba County deputies were in serious condition and undergoing surgery at Sutter Roseville Medical Center after the shooting in the rural community of Oregon House about 55 miles north of Sacramento. (AP Photo/Sophia Bollag) A body was found Wednesday near the Black Bridge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The body is believed to be missing Texas doctor Sarah Beadle (above) The husband of a woman who died in the Grand Canyon this week says it appears she suffered from heat exhaustion. Park officials found a body late Wednesday near Black Bridge that they believe is Dr. Sarah Beadle. The bridge is just a half-mile form the Bright Angel Campground, where Beadle had a reservation to spend Tuesday night with her daughter and nephew. The 38-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas was reported missing when she didn't show up for the reservation. Her daughter Laura and nephew Evan, ages 10 and 11 respectively, were found safe and sound. The three had set off Tuesday morning from Grand Canyon Village, indenting to hike the South Kaibab Trail down to the campground at the bottom of the canyon. Dr. Beadle's husband Scott, says he was told that their daughter started feeling dizzy from heat exhaustion on the way down, after they ran out of water. Beadle pictured above with her daughter Laura (right) and another boy (who may or may not be her nephew Evan) on an earlier stop on the trip, to Yellowstone National Park The Texas doctor and her two kids, ages 10 and 11, were scheduled to spend the night at the Blue Angel Campground (above) at the bottom of the canyon but never showed up. Her children were later found safe Beadle was hiking down from Grand Canyon Village via the South Kaibab Trail (above) His wife left the kids in a safe location on the trail to go get help, but appears to have gotten lost. 'Somewhere along the trail, she made a wrong turn and got lost,' Scott said. 'The park rangers suspect she died of heat exhaustion. Another hiker found [the children], gave them some water and escorted them to the camp. Search and rescue was notified and I was contacted first thing [Wednesday] morning.' The two children were found safe and found and reunited with a relative who was looking after two of Beadle's other sons, two-year-old Andrew and three-year-old James. The couple has two older sons, 12-year-old Clint and seven-year-old Patrick, who were in Seattle at the time. Scott Beadle does not appear to have been on the vacation with his wife. Temperatures on Tuesday hit a high of 86 degrees in the Grand Canyon. Beadle leaves behind five children. From left: 10-year-old Laura holds two-year-old Andrew, 12-year-old Clint, Beadle holds three-year-old James and seven-year-old Patrick Beadle pictured above with her husband Scott on an Alaskan cruise Beadle pictured with her daughter and one of her younger sons on her national parks trip The National Park Service warns hikers that water is not offered along the South Kaibab Trail. 'Everyone needs to carry water! A common mistake is not carrying water or not carrying enough water,' park officials write in a flyer about the trail. 'When hiking in a group, each person should be carrying water. Remember to eat as well as drink while hiking, you use a lot of energy hiking the canyon.' The trail is 6.8 miles long and it takes most people four to five hours to get to the campground at the bottom. When she first went missing, authorities said that Beadle was an experienced hiker and had previously hiked the Grand Canyon in 2002. Beadle was on a trip to visit multiple national parks. 'Sarah loved traveling with her family and sharing so many wonderful experiences with all of us. I thank you all for your continued prayers and support,' her husband wrote on Facebook. Her brother Charles Lawrence Springer of Louisiana said that group had visited Yellowstone earlier on the trip. Beadle worked at Baylor Emergency Medical Center in Keller, Texas. MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican authorities are requiring that tour operators use new, safer cages for great white shark viewing in the wake of accidents. The National Commission for Protected Areas says the new cages will have better security measures, including emergency exits and better bars, as well as steel or aluminum mesh. The measures are apparently aimed at preventing sharks from getting into the cages, as one did late last year. The diver was unharmed. The commission said the changes were implemented "due to accidents reported" in the area around Isla Guadalupe, off the Baja California peninsula. The commission said about 274 great white sharks had been sighted off the island so far this year. A former inmate at Wisconsins youth prison says a guard there helped her hurt herself after she became suicidal while being kept in solitary confinement. The girl is one of two female Iowa teenagers who filed federal lawsuits this week against state prison officials, alleging they were kept in solitary confinement for months at the states youth prison, even after both tried to commit suicide in their cells. In one case, one of the girls put her head under a low metal cot to harm herself while she was in a cell used to put inmates in solitary confinement. She alleges youth prison guard Kyle Hoff then walked on top of the cot while she did this in order to tighten it around her neck. Hoff did not return a phone call seeking comment on the allegations. The same girl also was not given medical attention and was instead sent back to her cell alone after prison guards found her unresponsive with a nightgown around her neck in November 2015 during a 17-day stay in isolation, the lawsuit alleges. The teenage girls were sent to the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls juvenile correctional facility in 2015, in part, because the state of Iowa had closed a similar facility over allegations of abuse and keeping inmates in isolation too long, according to the two lawsuits filed in federal court on Tuesday. The former inmates lawsuits, which demand jury trials to review the allegations of cruel and unusual punishment, are the fourth and fifth filed in federal court this year alleging staff at the states juvenile correctional facility are putting teen inmates in solitary confinement too often and using force that causes lasting or permanent damage. And a federal judge overseeing one of the pending lawsuits filed earlier this year has already ordered the state Department of Corrections to drastically reduce the practice of solitary confinement, noting the facilitys practices are not common among juvenile correctional facilities nationwide. Department of Corrections officials last month said they would not appeal the judges order and have begun revising their use of isolation, restraints and pepper spray. Tristan Cook, DOC spokesman, said the department is reviewing the lawsuits. Jack Bjornstad, an Iowa lawyer representing the girls, said he could not comment on what kind of outcome the plaintiffs are seeking. Girls were 16 According to the lawsuits, the girls were inmates in the youth prison starting in March and July of 2015, respectively, and stayed until February and August of 2016. They were 16 years old at the time. During their sentences, the two girls estimate they were kept in solitary confinement for a total of four and five months and were let out of their cells for about two hours a day. One female inmate said she was only out of solitary confinement for a total of three days during a three-month span. The other estimates she spent up to 74 days by herself over a seven-month time period. The girls mental health deteriorated during their isolation, according to the lawsuit, and both became suicidal. The second girl suing prison officials says she tried hanging and cutting herself during her time in isolation, and received more time in solitary confinement as punishment. The lawsuits come amid a two-year investigation now headed by federal authorities reviewing allegations of inmate abuse by staff, among other potential crimes. Until federal Judge James Petersons July order, Wisconsin was one of just a handful of states that has allowed its youngest prison inmates to be punished by placing them in solitary confinement for more than 10 days. And the state is in the minority nationally in not prohibiting punitive solitary confinement, according to a 2016 survey conducted by the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest, a law firm that offers pro bono work to low-income and needy communities. Petersons order requires DOC not to place teen inmates in isolation for longer than seven days. Also on Wednesday, Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill that would require guards at the states youth prison to be required to report signs of child abuse. The prison guards now join doctors, child care workers and teachers on the states list of occupations that are required by law to report suspected child abuse. Walker said Wednesday he has confidence that DOC Secretary Jon Litscher will carry out the necessary changes to make the facility safe. The bill was authored by Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, and Rep. Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc, and is the first successful piece of legislation drafted in response to the scores of allegations related to youth prison staff still under review by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Federal lawsuits against Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics and others related to a doctor accused of molesting dozens of athletes are moving into a mediation phase that could lead to a settlement. The Lansing State Journal reports the 90-day mediation period was agreed to Wednesday by 18 attorneys attending a hearing in Grand Rapids. Nine represent the more than 115 women and girls who allege Dr. Larry Nassar sexually assaulted them. An attorney representing the school says it agreed to mediation to expedite the case. Nassar, a former Michigan State and USA Gymnastics doctor, faces nearly two dozen charges in Michigan. He has pleaded not guilty. He will be sentenced Nov. 27 in federal court after pleading guilty last month to three child pornography charges in an unrelated case. ___ Information from: Lansing State Journal, http://www.lansingstatejournal.com MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Felony riot charges have been dropped against a cousin of Philando Castile who participated in protests after Castile was fatally shot by a suburban Minneapolis police officer. The Carver County Attorney's Office says there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges against Louis Hunter. Castile was shot by St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez during a July 2016 traffic stop. Hunter later participated in a protest that shut down Interstate 94 during. Some participants threw objects at police, causing injuries. Prosecutors say video shows Hunter was agitated and swearing at officers, but no video shows him throwing objects. Hunter denied throwing anything. The protest happened in Ramsey County. But Carver County considered charges because of Hunter's relationship to Castile and because Ramsey County was prosecuting Yanez. Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ July 27 The Toronto Star on American envy of Canada: Somewhere in the Canadian psyche is a residual puritanism, a cast of mind H.L. Mencken defined as the haunting fear that somebody somewhere might be happy and doing well. Even 150 years after Confederation, it remains a national pastime to scan the landscape for tall poppies, ensuring none of us get above ourselves. We admire success. But too much flamboyance in the achieving of it, any straying from a sort of Sidney Crosby "aw-shucks-another-trophy" in response, elicits a chorus of school-marmish clucking. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau learned again recently. Thanks to motley rock'n'rollers Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, the epitome of pop-culture status over the last 45 years has been getting one's picture on "the cover of the Rolling Stone." In the latest issue, Trudeau made it. Hugely. His image mavens couldn't have written it up better themselves. The American magazine asked on its cover, "Why can't he be our president?" A headline declared him "The North Star." The photo array made him appear God's gift to fitness, virility and, of course, hair. The story ended, nodding to the ongoing tempest in the White House, by saying Trudeau's Canada looked like a "beautiful place to ride out an American storm." Naturally, this being Canada, harrumphing duly ensued, along with mutterings at home that Trudeau get back to work and stop being so darn photogenic and popular with international media. Conservative MP Lisa Raitt went so far as to say the magazine fluff might jeopardize free-trade talks between the two countries by upsetting the volatile President Donald Trump and Trudeau shouldn't have risked it. Nonsense. That's the attitude of the enabler, saying the sane world should contort itself so as not to provoke those who would abuse their power. How quickly we take the favours of fortune and elections for granted. Until recently it was the United States that had the cool, progressive president, while Canada was led by a chap of surpassing gloom and resolute unhipness. In the last two years, that's reversed, utterly. Canada is led by a feminist in flashy socks. America is presided over by an erratic tweet freak. As the good Dr. Hook sang, "it's all designed to blow our minds . . ." Raitt and her dour ilk would do well to fret less and enjoy the fleeting moment of American envy of Canada. It won't last. The PM has a famous lineage to live up to, huge expectations and promises to meet. Reckonings will come. Meanwhile, let's hope he buys five copies for his mother. Online: https://www.thestar.com/ ___ Aug. 1 The Richmond Times-Dispatch on a new FDA cigarette regulation: Where there's smoke, there's not always fire, and the FDA seems to understand that could make all the difference, at least when it comes to people's health. It's dangerous to assume too much when a federal agency announces its long-term plans, but there appears to be a good deal of common sense in the Food and Drug Administration's recent announcements regarding cigarettes, nicotine, and vaping, which the FDA refers to as electronic nicotine delivery systems. Bureaucracies will be bureaucracies. Still, we find it encouraging to see the FDA clearly state that nicotine, the addictive drug in tobacco, "is delivered through products that represent a continuum of risk and is most harmful when delivered through smoke particles in combustible cigarettes." In other words, there are a number of ways to get your nicotine hit these days, but lighting up clearly causes the most damage to your health. As a result, the FDA is giving some breathing room to e-cigarettes and other devices that take the smoke out of smoking. The agency recognizes that vaping is not a risk-free activity - what is? - but is resisting the curious efforts of some anti-smoking crusaders to kill the vaping business. Cold turkey, anyone? It seems wise to allow people a chance to get their nicotine without sucking down hot gases from burning leaves. Concerns about vaping as a gateway to nicotine addiction among young people are legitimate and the FDA intends to address them seriously. Plans to consider limits on the amount of nicotine in old-fashioned "combustible" cigarettes may be worth exploring but we suspect they're a step too far - and could open a pack of unintended consequences. Smokers tend to regulate their own nicotine consumption, by inhaling deeper or by smoking more cigarettes. Studies are decidedly mixed on the benefits, if any, of so-called light cigarettes. Altria, the Richmond-based tobacco giant, gave a prudently low-key response to the FDA announcement: "We supported FDA regulation because, among other things, it created a framework for communication about reduced harm products. ... The process outlined by the commissioner (Friday) will allow all stakeholders the opportunity to participate in a science and evidence based regulatory framework which is 'transparent, predictable, and sustainable.' " Hard to argue with that. Helping the public battle nicotine addiction is a worthy objective. But encouraging innovation about safer ways to satisfy the urge seems more promising than prohibitions on the amounts of nicotine allowed in traditional coffin nails. For now, the FDA appears to be steering a sensible course on cigarette regulation. Online: http://www.richmond.com/ ___ Aug. 2 The New York Times on whose message to believe on Russia: Far from the chaos and cacophony of Washington's unending debate over Russia policy, Vice President Mike Pence has been delivering a remarkably consistent message on a trip to Eastern Europe this week - praising old alliances and reaffirming America's commitment to defend democratic nations against those countries that would undermine them. Too bad these sentiments aren't as eagerly embraced and celebrated by the man he works for back in the White House. On Tuesday, Mr. Pence commended Georgia for its democratic development since the collapse of the Soviet Union, pointedly noted that Russian tanks are still deployed in South Ossetia nine years after Moscow invaded the region, and promised: "We are with you. We stand with you." A day earlier in Tallinn, he told the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, all NATO members, that the United States "stands firmly behind" the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense pledge and "rejects any attempt to use force, threats, intimidation or malign influence in the Baltic States or against any of our treaty allies." Mr. Pence left no doubt why he regarded a united NATO as "more necessary today than at any point since the collapse of communism" a quarter century ago. "No threat looms larger in the Baltic States than the specter of aggression from your unpredictable neighbor to the east," he said, blaming Russia for continuing to "redraw international borders by force, undermine the democracies of sovereign nations and divide the free nations of Europe one against another." The vice president's blunt analysis of the problem and robust alliance commitments reflect fairly traditional American thinking on Russia. In the face of increased Russian aggression, and worsening tensions between Moscow and Washington, his trip, as well as earlier visits to Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe by the secretaries of defense and state, is an important signal to allies and partners living in Russia's shadow. Like Mr. Pence, most administration security officials view Russia as a leading adversary. Adding to their concerns are Russian plans to send as many as 100,000 troops to the eastern edge of NATO territory at the end of the summer, one of the biggest moves yet in the military buildup launched by President Vladimir Putin. Mr. Pence repeatedly told his listeners that he was speaking for President Trump as well as for himself. But saying that doesn't make it so. Mr. Trump continues to undermine such reassurances by word and deed, the result being an incoherent policy that is bound to be read as weakness or uncertainty by Mr. Putin, as well as allies, and will not serve American interests. In Poland recently, Mr. Trump reaffirmed adherence to the mutual defense obligations enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO agreement. But can he be trusted on that score given that the words came only grudgingly, under pressure, after months of anti-NATO diatribes? Mr. Pence told the Georgians that the United States stands by a 2008 NATO statement that their country would one day be a NATO member. But here, too, there are doubts about the strength of Washington's commitment and whether Mr. Trump would risk further undermining his relations with Mr. Putin by following through on the promise. Suspicions about Mr. Trump's views on Russia began with his admiring comments about Mr. Putin and only grew when American intelligence agencies found that Moscow had hacked the 2016 campaign. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has not so far responded to Mr. Putin's sweeping order on Friday that the United States shrink its embassy and consulate staff by 755 people, to 455, as well as Moscow's announcement that it was seizing two American diplomatic properties. The tweeter in chief's failure to criticize Mr. Putin on this matter has raised obvious questions, as has his delay in signing legislation passed by Congress last week imposing tough but necessary economic sanctions on Russia for meddling in the election; the impending sanctions precipitated Mr. Putin's expulsions. Mr. Trump came to office wanting to improve relations with Russia, a reasonable goal with such an important country. And even though Mr. Putin's interference in the election and other destabilizing behavior, including the annexation of Crimea, have narrowed the room for cooperation, it is in the interest of both sides to try. But to have any real hope of managing this complex and delicate relationship, Mr. Trump will have to put together a firm, consistent and credible approach that can persuade Mr. Putin, the allies and Americans that he knows what he is doing and that his team is on the same page. Online: https://www.nytimes.com/ ___ July 31 Los Angeles Times on the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline through the Appalachian Mountains: The proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline would carve a 150-foot-wide swath through the Appalachian Mountains, including a several-mile stretch tracking and then crossing the Appalachian Trail - the revered 2,168-mile hiking route that extends from Georgia to Maine. The threat to the bucolic nature of that trail (even though it already crosses roadways about every four miles) has drawn a national spotlight to the project, one of a half-dozen pending or approved natural gas pipelines running from Appalachian shale fields to outlets along the East Coast and in the Midwest. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which recently issued a final environmental impact statement for the Mountain Valley project, needs to ensure that the pipeline, if it goes forward, will be minimally invasive to such beautiful terrain, and have as little impact on the Appalachian Trail as possible. But the bigger question is when and whether such pipelines are necessary, and whether FERC, which must approve all interstate gas pipelines, is up to the task of deciding. Critics argue that the commission is too cozy with the pipeline industry and too quick with the approval stamp (which is especially galling for landowners who then lose property to pipelines through eminent domain). They say it does not adequately weigh public input and fails to take a broad view of the state of the natural gas supply, as well as its impact on the environment. In a controversial statement filed as he left FERC earlier this year, former commissioner Norman C. Bay (an Obama appointee) argued that while FERC has been approving pipelines to ship gas from the Marcellus and Utica shale fields in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, it "has never conducted a comprehensive study of the environmental consequences of increased production from that region" in determining the environmental impacts of the pipelines themselves. Such a narrow focus fails, for instance, to account for the amount of methane incidentally released into the atmosphere, which has an exponentially higher short-term impact on global warming than carbon dioxide. What's more, just because a pipeline's builders can show they have buyers for the gas does not mean the pipeline is necessary; nor does the short-term demand justify infrastructure investment with half-century shelf life. FERC officials say they listen to all sides, and note that the commission lacks the authority to regulate how gas is produced or captured - just how it reaches its market. To be sure, natural gas is a better alternative to higher-polluting coal in generating electricity or heating homes (which it long ago supplanted), but gas is still a fossil fuel and the world should be focused on weaning itself as much and as fast as it can to limit the worst effects of global warming. There are several reform proposals floating around to make FERC more effective. One, introduced by two Virginia Democrats in the Senate and by a West Virginia Republican in the House, would tackle several issues, including requiring more public hearings in more locations along a planned pipeline route. Another proposal is to change the framework for how FERC measures need, requiring it to consider the aggregate impact of pipelines, rather than just taking each application as it comes. FERC needs a review of what its mission is and whether that mission is being achieved. It seems foolish to weigh the merits of pipeline proposals individually, and without accounting for the entire environmental impact of moving gas to market. In an era of global warming, it's also foolish to expand infrastructure that will serve to hasten climate change, rather than combat it. Given the "drill, sell, burn" mindset in the White House and Congress, meaningful reform will be hard to achieve - the prevailing philosophy favors less government involvement and the undoing of even efficient regulatory regimens. Still, the effort needs to be made for the sake of the environment's sake, for consumers who could well wind up shouldering the costs of overdeveloped and unnecessary infrastructure, and for investors who would be on the hook if that expensive infrastructure becomes obsolete as the world moves away from burning fossil fuels. Online: http://www.latimes.com/ ___ July 31 Chicago Tribune on North Korea recently launching a missile that's apparently capable of hitting the U.S. mainland: North Korea recently launched a missile that appears to be capable of hitting targets in the U.S. mainland, including Chicago. Pyongyang says that Washington should regard the launch as a "grave warning." No argument there. This sobering development comes years earlier than many experts had predicted. The upshot: The U.S. policy of "strategic patience" - waiting for North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un to come to his senses and the bargaining table - is officially over. President Donald Trump needs a far more muscular policy than his predecessor's, pronto. What will that be? So far, there's been talk of shooting down North Korean test missiles as a warning. But that could provoke Pyongyang to rain massive conventional retaliation on Seoul. Bad sequence. There's been smarter talk of amping up the U.S. cyber campaign to send the North Korean missile program into a tailspin, much as the U.S. did against Iran's nascent nuclear program. But we hope that effort is already happening. And the U.S. also is moving to impose economic sanctions against Chinese banks and businesses for trading with North Korea. Let's hope there is much more of that to come. What hasn't worked yet: haranguing China, Pyongyang's major trading partner and ally, to do more to rein in the outlaw Kim regime. As President Trump rightly tweeted about China, "they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk." Cut to America's recent display of military prowess: Two supersonic B-1 bombers streaked over the Korean peninsula as part of a joint exercise with Japan and South Korea. U.S. forces also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD), which detected, tracked and intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile launched from Alaska. All this posturing is directed not only at Kim Jong Un, but also the leaders of China and their "What, us worry?" attitude. The last thing China wants is U.S. supersonic bombers roaring close to its borders. The last thing China wants is a potent demonstration of how the U.S. can knock down missiles before they reach the American mainland. The last thing China wants is Japan and South Korea seriously mulling whether they should go nuclear to defend themselves. Both countries are believed to be capable of jump-starting a nuclear program on short notice. At the moment, however, both countries rely on U.S. nuclear deterrence for their security. The big question: Can North Korea be deterred, just as the Soviet Union and China were? In other words, do the North Koreans believe that the U.S. will retaliate, possibly with nukes, if North Korea attacks Japan or Seoul? The greater the doubt, the greater the risk that North Korea will make a first strike. All of this is unsettling and happening in China's neighborhood. And as any businessman will tell you, rising tensions and threats of war aren't good for business. China has a choice. It can help defuse the situation by choking off its energy trade with North Korea. It can make Kim Jong Un and his elites go without their favorite cognac and fancy cars. China can yank hard on the North's economic lifeline and help inform average North Korean citizens that they could live far better lives without the Kim regime and its brand of leader-take-all communism. Just look south. Beijing, the choice is yours. Every North Korean missile launch brings confrontation closer. Online: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ ___ Aug. 1 The Washington Post on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin repeatedly calling upon Congress to pass an increase in the statutory debt limit: THERE SEEM to be two kinds of Republicans: those who think that the full faith and credit of the United States can be the subject of political experimentation, and sensible ones. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin fits in the latter category. He has repeatedly called upon Congress, controlled by the GOP, to pass an increase in the statutory debt limit, with no policy strings attached, so that the United States government may continue borrowing past the current, already expired ceiling of $20 trillion - and pay all of its obligations on time. The stability of the financial system, domestic and international, depends on preserving the "risk-free" status of U.S. debt, earned over centuries. A failure to raise the debt limit would imperil this status, causing a "serious problem," as Mr. Mnuchin has put it with considerable understatement. Lawmakers have so far declined to follow his advice, however, thus violating Mr. Mnuchin's recommendation, made six weeks ago, to take care of business before the August recess, which for the House began July 29. Mr. Mnuchin can continue to pay the federal government's obligations by means of "extraordinary measures" through about mid-October, but he says the drop-dead date for legislative action is Sept. 29 - giving Congress just 12 working days after it returns from August recess. Mr. Mnuchin is getting no help from Mick Mulvaney, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, who hails from the wing of the GOP that believes in playing political games with this issue. On Sunday, Mr. Mulvaney answered "yes" when CNN's Jake Tapper asked if the White House policy was to insist Congress not vote on any other legislation, including the debt ceiling, before trying once again to repeal Obamacare. This appeared to reopen a rift with Mr. Mnuchin that first appeared in the spring, when Mr. Mulvaney spoke of making a debt-limit extension contingent on spending cuts - only to be publicly contradicted by Mr. Mnuchin, apparently with President Trump's authorization. Now, who knows? Certainly Mr. Mnuchin's delicate talks with Republican and Democratic senators on a possible debt-limit deal haven't gone anywhere, and probably won't as long as neither side in the Senate knows exactly where the White House stands. "The Trump administration believes it's important to raise the debt ceiling as soon as possible," said Sarah Huckabee Sanders at her daily news briefing Tuesday - fine as far as it goes, but not quite an endorsement of unconditional debt-limit extension, which is Mr. Mnuchin's position and the only responsible one. Mr. Trump's chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, got his new job with instructions to impose order on the chaos that reigns at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We can't think of a better place to start than by bringing everyone in the administration into line, starting with the man at the top, behind Mr. Mnuchin's position on the debt ceiling. The hour is getting late, and the stakes are immense. Online: https://www.washingtonpost.com/ FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Attorney Gloria Allred blasted Florida prosecutors saying they violated the privacy of her client, who accused Michael Irvin of sexual assault. Allred told a Fort Lauderdale press conference Wednesday the statement issued by Broward County prosecutors last week when they decided not to charge Irvin was "irresponsible." She's angry the statement included details of Erica Berg's prescription and illicit drug use. The Associated Press does not usually name alleged victims of sexual assault but Allred said the 27-year-old was going public to "protect future victims." Berg accused Irvin of assaulting her last March at a Fort Lauderdale hotel. Prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to charge Irvin. Prosecution spokesman Ron Ishoy said the office has to explain fully its decisions not to charge or be accused of not having valid reasons. Trump blasts Russia sanctions bill _ but still signs it WASHINGTON (AP) - Dealt a striking congressional rebuke, Donald Trump grudgingly signed what he called a "seriously flawed" package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, bowing for the moment to resistance from both parties to his push for warmer ties with Moscow. Trump signed the most significant piece of legislation of his presidency with no public event. And he coupled it with a written statement, resentful in tone, that accused Congress of overstepping its constitutional bounds, impeding his ability to negotiate with foreign countries and lacking any ability to strike deals. "Congress could not even negotiate a health care bill after seven years of talking," he said scornfully of lawmakers' recent failure to repeal "Obamacare" as he and other Republicans have promised for years. "As president, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress." Still, he said, "despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity." It was powerful evidence of the roadblock Congress has erected to Trump's efforts to reset relations with Russia at a time when federal investigators are probing Moscow's interference in the U.S. presidential election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign. ___ Vote tampering claims jolt Venezuela on eve of new assembly CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Revelations on Wednesday that turnout figures were apparently manipulated in a crucial vote for an all-powerful constituent assembly in Venezuela cast an even longer shadow over the controversial body hours before it was to convene. The official count of voters in Sunday's election was off by at least 1 million, according to the head of the voting technology firm Smartmatic - a finding certain to sow further discord over a body that has been granted vast authority to rewrite Venezuela's constitution and override every branch of government. Results recorded by Smartmatic's systems and those reported by Venezuela's National Electoral Council show "without any doubt" that the official turnout figure of more than 8 million voters was tampered with, company CEO Antonio Mugica told reports in London. The international software company has provided voting technology in Venezuela since 2004. He did not, however, specify whether his company's figures showed 1 million fewer, or 1 million more, voters participated in the election. "Even in moments of deep political conflict and division we have been satisfied with the voting process and the count has been completely accurate," Mugica said. "It is, therefore, with the deepest regret that we have to report that the turnout figures on Sunday, 30 July, for the constituent assembly in Venezuela were tampered with." ___ Brazil embattled president survives vote on bribery charge BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - Brazil's embattled president survived a key congressional vote that could have suspended him over a bribery charge, mustering enough support Wednesday night to stay in office and avoid being tried by the country's highest court. President Michel Temer needed the support of just one-third of the 513 members of the lower Chamber of Deputies, or 171 members. Hours after the voting began, he had received the votes of more than that number of legislators. In the end, 263 deputies voted for the president and 227 voted against him. The remaining were abstentions and absences. While Temer was clearly victorious, he won't likely have much time to celebrate. Attorney General Rodrigo Janot, who leveled the bribery charge against Temer, is expected to charge him with obstruction of justice by the end of the month. That would provoke a second vote, forcing his allies to once again decide whether to risk their own political futures by sticking with the deeply unpopular leader. All 513 seats in the chamber are up for election next year. The bribery allegation, which stunned even Brazilians inured to graft cases, was the latest in a bevy of scandals that has rocked the administration and created deep uncertainty and angst in Latin America's largest nation. The vote in the Chamber of Deputies began after a day of hearings and vote cajoling by both sides behind the scene. Opposition lawmakers tried unsuccessfully to delay the vote, an acknowledgement that they likely wouldn't get enough support to suspend Temer despite his dismal support nationwide. The latest national poll said just 5 percent of Brazilians approval of Temer. Over the last several weeks, Temer has been frantically dolling out millions of dollars in pork to legislators to shore up support. ___ Pentagon: 2 US service members killed in Afghanistan blast KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A suicide bombing attack on a NATO convoy in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday left two American service members dead, a Pentagon spokesman said, despite repeated refusals by the U.S. military in Afghanistan to say whether there were any deaths in the assault claimed by the Taliban. Navy Capt. Jeff Davis confirmed the casualties in the attack near Kandahar city. The Pentagon's decision to release the figures seemed to contradict orders issued two months ago by Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, barring information about U.S. combat deaths until days after the incident. There was no information on the number of troops wounded. U.S. military officials in Afghanistan refused to give any information about casualties, even after the Pentagon released the casualty figures. Nicholson's orders stifling information from the U.S. military in Afghanistan was met with opposition from within the Pentagon, where officials reportedly tried to resolve the impasse. However, the decision by the Pentagon to release Wednesday's casualty figures would seem to indicate that the issue has gone unresolved two months into the order. ___ Trump backs GOP plan to push legal immigration changes WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump embraced legislation Wednesday that would dramatically reduce legal immigration and shift the nation toward a system that prioritizes merit and skills over family ties. Trump joined with Republican Sens. David Perdue of Georgia and Tom Cotton of Arkansas to promote the bill, which has so far gained little traction in the Senate. "This legislation demonstrates our compassion for struggling American families who deserve an immigration system that puts their needs first and puts America first," Trump said during an event in the White House's Roosevelt Room. It was the latest example of the president championing an issue that animated the core voters of his 2016 campaign, following decisions to pull out of the Paris climate treaty and ban transgender people from the military. Perdue and Cotton's legislation would replace the current process for obtaining legal permanent residency, or green cards, creating a skills-based point system for employment visas. The bill would also eliminate the preference for U.S. residents' extended and adult family members, while maintaining priority for their spouses and minor children. ___ Temperate Northwest gets blasted with furnace-like heat PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Forecasts for triple-digit heat have caused a minor panic across the Pacific Northwest, a region famous for cool weather where many people do not have air conditioning to help them endure the rare furnace-like blast. In normally temperate Oregon and Washington, families generally get by on warm days by simply drawing shades and running fans. But a searing high-pressure system is expected to make Portland and Seattle hotter than Phoenix, at least for a couple of days. Many concerned communities have opened cooling centers and warned residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity and keep their dogs out of parked vehicles. The National Weather Service slightly dialed back its forecast for Portland to match or break its record high of 107 degrees (41.7 Celsius). Meteorologist David Bishop said the city is now looking at 104 (40 degrees Celsius) or 105 degrees (40.5 Celsius) on Wednesday and Thursday. "With little to no cloud cover at night, the higher temperatures kind of hang around a little bit," Bishop said. That creates a cycle in which "the next day is going to be a little bit warmer because we're already starting off warmer than the previous day." ___ First embryo gene-repair holds promise for inherited disease WASHINGTON (AP) - Altering human heredity? In a first, researchers safely repaired a disease-causing gene in human embryos, targeting a heart defect best known for killing young athletes - a big step toward one day preventing a list of inherited diseases. In a surprising discovery, a research team led by Oregon Health and & Science University reported Wednesday that embryos can help fix themselves if scientists jump-start the process early enough. It's laboratory research only, nowhere near ready to be tried in a pregnancy. But it suggests that scientists might alter DNA in a way that protects not just one baby from a disease that runs in the family, but his or her offspring as well. And that raises ethical questions. "I for one believe, and this paper supports the view, that ultimately gene editing of human embryos can be made safe. Then the question truly becomes, if we can do it, should we do it?" said Dr. George Daley, a stem cell scientist and dean of Harvard Medical School. He wasn't involved in the new research and praised it as "quite remarkable." "This is definitely a leap forward," agreed developmental geneticist Robin Lovell-Badge of Britain's Francis Crick Institute. ___ Unwanted record: Biggest ever dead zone in Gulf of Mexico NEW ORLEANS (AP) - There's an unwanted record in the Gulf of Mexico: This year's "dead zone ," a largely human-caused phenomenon where there's too little oxygen to support marine life, is the biggest ever measured. The low-oxygen, or hypoxic , zone covers 8,776 square miles (22,720 square kilometers) - about the size of New Jersey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday. The area is more than 3 percent larger than the 2002 dead zone, the previous record. "We predicted it would be large, and it is large," said scientist Nancy Rabalais, who has been measuring the dead zone since 1985. She said the area was actually larger, but the July mapping cruise had to stop before reaching the western edge. "The structure of the water column was changing, so I'm not sure how much larger it would have been," said Rabalais, of Louisiana State University and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium . ___ Justice denies broad move against college affirmative action WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department said Wednesday it had no broad plans to investigate whether college and university admission programs discriminate against students based on race, seeking to defray worries that a job posting signaled an effort to reverse course on affirmative action. News reports of the posting inflamed advocacy groups that believed it would lead to legal action against universities for not admitting white students over minorities with similar qualifications. But a day after The New York Times reported the department was seeking current attorneys interested in "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions," the Justice Department said the job ad was related to just one complaint. "The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved," spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said. The groups sued Harvard University, saying that school and other Ivy League institutions are using racial quotas to admit students other than high-scoring Asians. Isgur Flores said the Justice Department had received no broader guidance related to university admissions in general and "is committed to protecting all Americans from all forms of illegal race-based discrimination." The memo caused much hand-wringing Wednesday, with questions reaching the White House, where spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she doesn't know whether President Donald Trump believes that white college applicants are victims of discrimination. ___ Northwestern professor, Oxford employee sought in slaying CHICAGO (AP) - Police are searching for a Northwestern University professor and a University of Oxford employee suspected in the stabbing death of a Chicago man and have alerted law enforcement agencies around the country that the pair should be considered armed and dangerous. Anthony Guglielmi, a Chicago police spokesman, said Wednesday that a Cook County judge issued first-degree murder warrants for Wyndham Lathem, 42, and Andrew Warren, 56, in the killing of Trenton Cornell-Duranleau. Cornell-Duranleau, 26, was stabbed to death last week in a 10th floor apartment believed to be Latham's in the River North neighborhood. Police have not released a possible motive or said how they linked the suspects to the killing, but Guglielmi said security camera footage shows them leaving the building that night. Guglielmi said Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau knew each other, but he didn't know any details about the relationship. He said investigators determined that Warren, who lives in England, came to the U.S. recently for the first time, but he didn't know if Warren knew the victim. Officers went to the apartment last Thursday night after the person working at the building's front desk called to report that he'd received an anonymous call about a crime having been committed in that unit. Cornell-Duranleau, who lived in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood on the city's lower West Side, was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner's office said he died of multiple sharp force injuries. Six protesters were arrested for trying to block an equipment convoy for a solar telescope being built on a Hawaii mountain held sacred by some Native Hawaiians. Police hauled away two women and four men early Wednesday, according to state, county and federal agencies. They were among more than 100 demonstrators who gathered starting Tuesday evening in an attempt to stop trucks from reaching the summit of Maui's tallest peak, the dormant volcano Haleakala. One arrested man, identified by his friends as David Kai Prais, was taken by ambulance to an emergency room, where he was evaluated and released back to police custody, Maui police said in a statement. Resistance: This Wednesday photo shows people blocking the intersection of Kula Highway and Old Haleakala Highway in Maui, Hawaii, during a protest against a solar telescope being built on a peak considered sacred by Native Hawaiians Linked: Protesters connected themselves with PVC piping to form a human chain across the road to try to block an equipment convoy for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope Breathtaking view: The telescope is being built on the summit of Maui's tallest peak, the dormant volcano Haleakala The man's fellow demonstrators told Hawaii News Now he suffered a concussion after being kneed by one of the 60 officers at the scene. The half-dozen people who were arrested at the site were later released after receiving summonses for charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway, and failing to obey an officer. Despite the protests, a four-meter mirror system for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope was delivered safely after the convoy managed to get past the blockade at 5am, telescope officials said in a statement. 'The project made concerted efforts to identify and mitigate cultural and environmental impacts associated with the construction of what will be the world's most powerful solar telescope,' the statement said. 'Like those who protest our facility, we too respect and value our planet, broader universe and our shared origins.' Construction is on-schedule to be completed by 2020, telescope officials said. The construction progress of the $340million solar telescope is unlike another embattled telescope planned for a different Hawaii mountain. Construction of the $1.4billion Thirty Meter Telescope on Hawaii Island's Mauna Kea is stalled amid protests and a state Supreme Court ruling invalidating its building permit. Opponents of both say the telescopes will desecrate land deemed sacred by the natives. Some protesters accused police officers of brutality after one man ended up in the hospital Despite the protests, a four-meter mirror system for the solar telescope was delivered safely In this June 24, 2016, file photo, workers use a lift to scale the exterior the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at the summit of Haleakala Honolulu couple Mahealani Ahia and Kahala Johnson said they flew to Maui to protect Haleakala from the solar telescope. They said they were among the protesters who laid down on a road with their arms connected by PVC pipes. 'Police officers gently lifted the prone protesters to the highway's shoulder to give the big rigs enough turning radius,' said a joint statement by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Maui police and Haleakala National Park. Ahia and Johnson said police used too much force on David Prais, the man who was taken to an emergency room. He was 'taken down' by at least five officers, Johnson said. The man fell to his face onto the asphalt, he said. 'He was literally knocked out,' said protester Kaukaohu Wahilani. 'They were using force against non-violent protectors,' said protester Iwiulaokalani Keohokapu. Police didn't immediately respond to allegations of excessive force. Some protesters threw themselves in front of trailer tires, police later said in a statement: 'After repeated warnings and requests by police to desist, officers had to forcibly remove the protesters from in front of the truckers and the trailer tires.' Ahia and Johnson said they oppose the telescope in honor of their ancestors and their deceased 2-year-old daughter, Hina. 'As a lineal descendant from Maui, I have a kuleana (responsibility) to protect Haleakala and our sacred sites,' Ahia said. 'We don't really consider this a defeat. ... 'We'll live to see the time when there are no more telescopes on our sacred sites.' Hawaii Governor David Ige addressed Tuesday night's protest in a statement, saying: 'It's unfortunate that there were arrests made. But we continue to look for providing a safe access for those projects that are appropriately permitted.' Former Thailand prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra denied she is corrupt before a court appearance where she will defend her management of a rice subsidy the military government says she mishandled. Her bank accounts were frozen after an administrative ruling held her responsible for about 760,000 in losses from the subsidy. The Bangkok trial on a charge of criminal negligence is nearing an end, with Ms Yingluck delivering her closing statement on Tuesday, and could put her in prison for 10 years if she is convicted. I will express to the court my confidence that I was not complicit in corruption and I confirm my innocence, Ms Yingluck said before heading into the court. The ex-PM is expected to defend her management of a rice subsidy she is alleged to have mishandled. (Sakchai Lalit/AP) Hundreds of her supporters outside the court shouted: Prime minister, fight fight! They believe she is being persecuted by opponents of her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was forced out in a 2006 coup. The telecommunications mogul was ousted after being accused of corruption and insulting the monarchy, triggering sometimes-violent battles for power between his supporters and opponents. Yingluck Shinawatra He has been in self-imposed exile since 2008 to escape a prison sentence for corruption. His supporters say the political establishment opposes him because his electoral popularity threatens their entrenched privileges. On Facebook recently, Ms Yingluck said she would prove her innocence to the best of her ability because I know that I have done nothing wrong. She has also been banned from political office for five years after the national assembly appointed by the military government impeached her. Jeremy Corbyn is under pressure to personally condemn Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro amid violence in the South American state that has seen the families of British embassy staff withdrawn. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has accused Mr Maduro of behaving like the dictator of an evil regime as he appeared to crack down on his enemies after a widely disputed vote. In the wake of the poll that gave his ruling socialist party nearly unlimited powers security agents seized two opposition leaders from their homes at night. Anti-government demonstrators during clashes with Bolivarian National Guards in Caracas, Venezuela As fears over civil unrest and instability in the country grew on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said it had withdrawn the families of its embassy staff and instructed Britons that they should consider leaving too. Labour MP Angela Smith, who according to The Times has joined a new all party parliamentary group on Venezuela, told the Press Association: I think Corbyn needs to condemn the actions of the Venezuelan regime, which are a very serious threat to democracy in that country. Graham Jones, another Labour MP and chairman of the group, told The Times: I believe everybody in the Labour Party should condemn the Venezuelan regime because the first duty of any state is to look after its citizens. Venezuela has failed. A pedestrian walks past a message formed with Venezuelan currency that reads: "The Constituent Assembly is a fraud" (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable and Tory MP Mark Pritchard also called for Mr Corbyn to break his silence on the Venezuelan regime he has previously supported under socialist Hugo Chavez and his successor Mr Maduro. A spokeswoman for the Labour leader said the partys position was made clear in a statement on Monday from shadow foreign minister Liz McInnes. Ms McInnes urged the government of Venezuela to recognise its responsibilities to protect human rights, free speech and the rule of law and said Mr Maduro must respond personally to the legitimate concerns of the international community about the increasingly authoritarian nature of his rule and the growing hardship facing his people. The spokeswoman for Mr Corbyn said: The Labour Partys statement on Monday made clear our position on the importance of the respect for the rule of law and human rights. Were watching the situation and developments in Venezuela closely. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shows his ballot after casting a vote for a constitutional assembly (Miraflores Press Office/AP) Mr Maduro called the vote for a constitutional assembly to overhaul Venezuelas political system in May after a month of protests against his government, which has overseen the countrys descent into a devastating crisis during its four years in power. Plunging oil prices and widespread corruption have left the formerly prosperous nation struggling with widespread shortages of food and medicine. The South American countrys National Electoral Council has said more than eight million people voted to grant Mr Maduros government the powers with the assembly, but the turnout is disputed by political opponents. On Tuesday the Foreign Office said: As of the 1 August, all dependants of British Embassy staff have been withdrawn. You should consider leaving the country by normal commercial means. Theres a risk of significant disruption to transport links in and out of the country. If the political situation worsens, the British embassy may be limited in the assistance that it can provide. Mauricio Pochettino claims Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata turned down the chance of a move to Tottenham because he feared being back-up to Harry Kane. Morata joined the Premier League champions this summer from Real Madrid for 58million, two years after Pochettino tried to tempt the player to Spurs. However, the Spain international apparently rejected the move because of the presence of Kane at White Hart Lane. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino claimed Alvaro Morata didn't want to be a back-up to Harry Kane when he tried to sign him two years ago Pochettino, quoted by several newspapers, said: Morata talked about myself, in the media he said Mauricio called me. That was two years ago or more. He said to me: Why do you want me if you have Harry Kane? You know, if you go to try to sign a striker, they will say: eh gaffer, you want me for what? To be on the bench? I cant compete with Harry Kane or Hugo Lloris or different players. Its so difficult to convince good players to come and then be on the bench. Then the problems start. Kane has been the Premier Leagues leading goalscorer for the last two seasons and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte last week said if there was one striker he could sign it would be the 24-year-old England international, who he described as a complete player. Alastair Cook has described Moeen Ali as Englands unsung hero. Moeen has been a star performer for England as they take a 2-1 series lead into the final Investec Test against South Africa at Old Trafford on Friday. Their two wins came after decisive bowling performances from the off-spinner as he claimed a 10-wicket haul at Lords and then took a hat-trick to secure victory at the Oval on Monday. Here's @MoeenAli's amazing hat-trick to seal victory in the third Test at the Oval! #ENGvSS pic.twitter.com/Xyi3Dwr4h8 England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2017 Moeen, who also scored 87 at Lords, is the leading wicket taker in the series and Cook knows how important to the team he is. It has been an amazing series for Mo, he is a legend, the former captain told BBC Radio Fours Today programme. He is kind of the glue in our team, he is the unsung hero in one sense. He came into the side a few years ago when I was captain as a guy who could balance the side and bowl a little bit of off-spin and now he is the leading wicket taker in the series. His runs in the first game at Lords, he got 80-odd, he has batted from one to eight. He is Mr Versatile so his attitude to his game is great. He is certainly a unsung hero. His off-spin is actually very good, hes not Graeme Swann but his record is improving all the time. Cook is enjoying life back in the ranks after calling time on his captaincy in January following the series defeat to India before Christmas. Alastair Cook said it was a strange feeling not being captain at the Oval Englands record run scorer was at the helm for 59 Tests over four years but enjoyed the simplicity of just being told he was in the squad against South Africa, rather than being involved in the selection process. It was a little bit strange going to Lords, he added. The moment it hit me was when the first squad was announced, you get a phone call from the selectors saying whether youre in or youre out. I then looked at whod theyd picked and just forgot about it. Then about an hour later I was thinking, Imagine how much work has gone into it and how much thought, and not sleepless nights but, Shall we go for him or shall we go for them?. It has been good, its been a good start for (captain) Joe (Root) and hopefully we can back up a good performance with another good performance. The stepfather of Baby P, who was jailed for a campaign of abuse against the little boy, has been refused parole. Steven Barker was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 10 years for raping a two-year-old girl and given a 12-year term to run concurrently for his major role in the death of baby Peter Connelly. A spokesman for the Parole Board said: We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has not directed the release of Steven Barker at a paper hearing. Steven Barker was given a life sentence with a minimum of 10 years for the rape of Peter Connelly and a 12 year term to run concurrently for his part in the baby's death (PA Picture desk) Peter, first known as Baby P in a case that shocked the nation, died in north London in August 2007 with more than 50 injuries. The 17-month-olds death came at the hands of his mother, Tracey Connelly, her lover Barker and their lodger, Jason Owen. He had suffered a catalogue of injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police and health professionals over the final eight months of his life. A series of reviews identified missed opportunities when officials could have saved the toddlers life if they had acted properly on the warning signs. The spokesman added: Under current legislation Mr Barker will be eligible for a further review within two years. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice. The Parole Board is unable to comment on the specifics of individual cases. Sinn Fein has no interest in working to break Stormonts political deadlock, Arlene Foster has said. After months of impasse and a series of missed deadlines to re-establish a devolved executive the DUP leader has accused the republican party of being unwilling to compromise or build a shared future for all communities in Northern Ireland. She said talks aimed at restoring powersharing will restart at the end of August but added that she has reached the conclusion that Sinn Fein are not interested in devolution. Let no one under any circumstances in any way underestimate Sinn Feins preparedness to be part of talks, to make talks work. Our record is there for all to see, he said. Speaking from Sinn Fein headquarters in West Belfast Mr Adams added: I am going on holidays. I would cancel our holidays now. We would put a negotiating team in now to deal with these outstanding issues. They are all about rights. They threaten no one. We would do better if we committed ourselves to making this work as opposed to these casual dismissals. Committee Report on Irish Unity shows urgency of planning for reunification - @NiallSF https://t.co/MBuLhgLA3E pic.twitter.com/KFH5Xq109c Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) August 2, 2017 He also said a big question for unionists is whether unionism and its leaders are ready to embrace a new dispensation in which everyones rights are respected and promoted and defended or whether they want to cling to the remnants of the old unionist way of doing things. Earlier, Mrs Foster accused Sinn Fein of being unwilling to compromise or build a shared future for all communities in Northern Ireland. She said talks aimed at restoring powersharing will restart at the end of August, but added that she has reached the conclusion that Sinn Fein are not interested in devolution. DUP leader Arlene Foster believes Sinn Fein are not interested in devolution The Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein remain at loggerheads over a range of issues. Sticking points include the shape of legislation to protect Irish language speakers, the DUPs opposition to lifting the regions ban on same-sex marriage, and mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Talks between the parties were postponed for the summer after they failed to reach agreement. (PA Graphic) The talks will begin again in earnest at the end of August. But given some of the commentary over the summer from Sinn Fein it does point to me that Sinn Fein arent interested in devolution or an agreement with their neighbours in Northern Ireland, Mrs Foster told reporters following an event at the Maze site outside Lisburn on Wednesday morning. She accused Sinn Fein of showing no spirit of compromise and no willingness to build a shared future for all the people of Northern Ireland. Its their way or no way. We want to see devolution but it takes two to make this work and if they dont want to make it work then we will have to move on to a different situation, said Mrs Foster. She added: We cant keep going on and on. Theres a growing frustration. I regretfully have come to the conclusion that Sinn Fein arent interested in devolution. The bitter political rift between Stormonts two largest parties has left the region without a first and deputy first minister since January and a functioning executive since March. A man who stole a camera from a 69-year-old trainspotter and broke his jaw has been sentenced to seven years in prison. British Transport Police (BTP) said Terrence Hamston, 45, repeatedly punched, kicked and kneed the pensioner in the head in a completely unprovoked attack, before pulling the camera from his hands and running away. The attack happened on the overbridge at St Johns Railway Station in south east London on May 16. Hamston has been sentenced to seven years in prison The pensioner, who had been taking photographs of trains and the railway track, suffered a broken jaw which he had to have titanium pins put in along with wiring on his teeth. His 2,000 camera was stolen. A passer-by came to his aid. Hamston was jailed on Tuesday at Londons Blackfriars Crown Court for seven years for robbery and 32 months for grievous bodily harm. The sentences are to run concurrently. The BTP said the pensioners blood was found on Hamstons trousers and shoe. Hamstons fingerprints were also found on the stolen camera which was later tracked down. X-ray images of the trainspotter's jaw After sentencing, Detective Inspector Simon Collins described Hamston as a dangerous and violent man, adding that he was pleased that he is now behind bars. Investigating officer Detective Constable Neil Lane said: The victim sustained serious injuries including a broken jaw with multiple fractures and the incident had a profound effect on him and his family. I hope that todays sentence will give them some sense of justice and enable them to start moving on from this ordeal. Reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka is battling to be fit for this years tournament after announcing his withdrawal from the forthcoming events in Montreal and Cincinnati. Wawrinka struggled with a knee problem during the grass-court season and lost in the first round of Wimbledon to Russias Daniil Medvedev. The world number four said he would not return to the court until he was fully fit, and he will miss the next two Masters events on the ATP Tour calendar. Wawrinka is struggling with a knee problem The top players are due to return to action for the first time since Wimbledon at the Rogers Cup in Canada next week, which is immediately followed by the Western & Southern Open. Wishing 2012 semifinalist Stan Wawrinka a speedy recovery. We'll certainly miss you (and your end-of-match ) this year at #CincyTennis! pic.twitter.com/KWLEeO4o0H Western & Southern Open (@CincyTennis) August 2, 2017 In a statement released through his management company, Wawrinka said: After much backwards and forwards and consultations with my doctors and my team, unfortunately I have decided to skip Canada and Cincinnati to be on the safe side, even though Ive been battling hard to make these events. Hugely disappointing for my fans and myself that I have to make this decision, but I need to be 100 per cent confident before I resume competition till the injury that plagued me in Wimbledon has been resolved. My team and I are doing everything possible to make this a speedy recovery. Wawrinkas absence from the two tournaments means that, if he is fit to defend his title in New York, he will almost certainly go into the years final grand slam having not played a match for nearly two months. Novak Djokovic is also missing having called an early end to his season to rest his troublesome elbow while world number one Andy Murray has been named as the top seed in Montreal but is still deciding whether to play after the hip problems that hampered him at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champion Roger Federer will definitely be in the field and, along with Rafael Nadal, is looking to close in on Murray in top spot. A project aimed at developing offshore wind power has been given a 1.5 million funding boost from ministers. The Scottish Government has confirmed it is investing in the Carbon Trusts Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) programme which brings together developers in a bid to make offshore wind a more affordable source of power. Last year ministers provided the same amount of funding towards the project The Scottish Government is investing in the Offshore Wind Accelerator programme Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the latest cash award during a visit to Burntisland Fabrications (BiFab) yard in Methil, Fife, where work is being done in conjunction with the OWA. The Scottish Government invests further 1.5 mil into OWA to drive cost reduction in offshore wind @scotgoveconomy https://t.co/XWCQJXFhn7 pic.twitter.com/lVt1kBZRJX The Carbon Trust (@thecarbontrust) August 2, 2017 Mr Wheelhouse said: The Scottish Governments decision to invest a further 1.5 million into the OWA is a ringing endorsement of the great potential of this programme to help Scotland to utilise the full potential of offshore wind, and to ensure that we make it as affordable as possible. The Carbon Trust have done a fantastic job so far in reducing the costs of offshore wind, as well as encouraging collaboration across the public and private sectors to improve the industry as a whole. The potential benefits of offshore wind energy in Scotland are enormous, which is why the Scottish Government is committed to its development. By continuing to invest in it, not only are we stimulating economic change for the better, but were also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland and helping to fight the impacts of climate change. Carbon Trust director Jan Matthiesen said the funding from the Scottish Government, together with the investment from nine developers, shows there is real confidence in the ability of the OWA to continue to deliver further cost reductions. Scottish Government invests a further 1.5m in the Carbon Trusts Offshore Wind Accelerator initiative https://t.co/8THRkV525P pic.twitter.com/f574YPb2Xt reNEWS (@reNEWS_) August 2, 2017 He added: This signals continuing support and investment into a programme that has helped to reduce the costs of offshore wind and helped to pave the way towards a subsidy free energy source. Lindsay Roberts, senior policy manager at industry body Scottish Renewables, said: Scotland has huge amounts to gain from offshore wind and its an incredibly exciting time for the industry. Our first major offshore wind farm - the Beatrice project in the Moray Firth - is being constructed right now, alongside Statoils world leading floating wind development Hywind, and Vattenfalls highly innovative European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. A number of other exciting schemes are getting ready to progress along our east coast. These funds will allow the Carbon Trust to explore the opportunities which offshore wind can offer and help make sure that Scotland reaps the maximum benefits from the sectors growth. Former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by US President Donald Trump, has signed a book deal. Mr Comey is writing a book about leadership and decision-making that will draw upon his career in government, Flatiron Books told the Associated Press. He will write about experiences that made him the best-known and most controversial FBI head in recent times, from his handling of the bureaus probe into Hillary Clintons private email server to allegations of ties between Russia and Mr Trumps presidential campaign. James Comey's book is scheduled for release next Spring Mr Trump fired Mr Comey in May and soon after told NBC News that he was angered by the FBIs investigation into this Russia thing with Trump and Russia, which he called a fake story. Mr Comey has since given evidence before Congress that Mr Trump asked him to end an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and kept memos about his meetings with the president. According to Flatiron, Mr Comey will cite examples from some of the highest-stakes situations in the past two decades of American government and share yet-unheard anecdotes from his long and distinguished career. The book is currently untitled and scheduled for next spring. Throughout his career, James Comey has had to face one difficult decision after another as he has served the leaders of our country, Flatiron publisher and president Bob Miller said in a statement. James Comey is writing a book with 'yet-unheard anecdotes' https://t.co/LveKLZa2bO TIME (@TIME) August 2, 2017 His book promises to take us inside those extraordinary moments in our history, showing us how these leaders have behaved under pressure. By doing so, Director Comey will give us unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in leadership itself. Financial terms were not disclosed, but several publishers bid for the book and three officials with knowledge of the negotiations said the auction topped two million dollars (1.5 million). Mr Comey was appointed as FBI director by President Barack Obama in 2013. On Tuesday the Senate confirmed his successor, Christopher Wray, a former high-ranking official in President George W Bushs Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud. Hundreds of performers from across the globe have come together as rehearsals for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo step up. The cast of more than 1,200 united for a full run-through of the 68th annual show before it opens to audiences later this week. The dress rehearsal at Edinburghs Redford Barracks was watched by the Princess Royal, patron of the Tattoo, who met with members of the international cast. Brigadier David Allfrey, chief executive and producer of the Tattoo, said the royal visit was a massive privilege and promised audiences would have their hearts in their mouth during this years show. The Princess Royal attended the rehearsal (Jane Barlow/PA) He said: Weve had a fantastic set of rehearsals this week, 1,200 cast members coming together on Sunday night for their first briefing, rehearsing Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and we now move to the Castle for the final set of rehearsals before we go public on Thursday night. Im really looking forward to it, its amazing music, an amazing performance and frankly inspiring from so many of our performers, both military and civilian. They are all extraordinary experts. They are all masters of their own craft, but actually, when they come together from a production point of view, its pure recreation because they all feed off each other, they have great energy. Theres an awful lot of young people so you can feel the buzz just coming out of the cast. Cast members at the rehearsal for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Jane Barlow/PA) The line-up includes more than 250 pipers and drummers, five UK military bands and the events first Japanese act, as well as major contingents from France, India and the United States. This year, the show on Edinburgh Castles esplanade will pay tribute to the UKs maritime heritage and the Royal Navy. The Tattoo will also celebrate Scotlands Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology by hosting more than 3,000 clansfolk from 57 clans across the 25 performances. The 2017 theme Splash of Tartan is designed to reach out to the Scottish diaspora and everyone with a love of Scotland. BEIRUT, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Three recently captured fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah group were released by Syrian Nusra Front militants early on Wednesday in exchange for three individuals held by Lebanon, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, head of Lebanon's General Security, told Reuters. Ibrahim told Reuters Lebanese authorities had received the three Hezbollah fighters and had handed over three individuals requested by the Nusra Front. The exchange took place just before 1 am Beirut time (2200 GMT). (Reporting by Laila Bassam; Writing by Lisa Barrington; Editing by James Dalgleish) BEIJING, Aug 2 (Reuters) - China will offer its new African ally Gambia support in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other areas, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his visiting Gambian counterpart, after the nation ditched ties with self-ruled Taiwan. Gambia ended formal relations with Taiwan, claimed by China as a wayward province with no right to diplomatic ties, last year. Gambia's new government, which took over from former long-time leader Yahya Jammeh this year, has pledged to continue relations with Beijing. Wang told Ousainou Darboe at a meeting in Beijing that China was ready "to enhance cooperation with Gambia in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other fields", China's Foreign Ministry said late on Tuesday, without giving details. Chinese and French companies are bidding to help Gambia build up its Atlantic port of Banjul to be what industry sources say could be a rival to neighbouring Senegal's Dakar. It would be one of the first major structural changes in Gambia following the end of Jammeh's more than 20-year rule in January. Wang said the resumption of diplomatic ties had not only brought bilateral relations back to the right track but also opened up broad prospects for cooperation, the foreign ministry said. Gambia would stick to the one-China policy, which asserts that Taiwan is part of China, and was looking forward to pragmatic cooperation with China in various fields, the ministry cited Darboe as saying. Taiwan made informal contacts with the new government in an attempt to secure a change of policy, senior Gambian government officials have told Reuters. For years, China and Taiwan have tried to poach each other's allies, often dangling generous aid packages in front of leaders of developing nations. China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan following the election of Tsai Ing-wen, from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, as president last year. China says it will never countenance an independent Taiwan. Sao Tome and Principe followed Gambia and switched recognition to Beijing in December. In Africa, only Burkina Faso and Swaziland now recognise Taiwan. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Paul Tait) LA PAZ, Aug 2 (Reuters) - High atop the Andes, indigenous Bolivians burned offerings and asked for blessings for their vehicles from Pachamama, the goddess of the earth and fertility, on Tuesday, the Day of Mother Earth. In a tradition that extends from Peru to Chile and north to Argentina, believers celebrate Pachamama in August to thank her for the bounty of the agricultural season. Pachamama is the highest divinity of the Aymara and Quechua peoples, who regard her as the protector goddess of all material things. Offerings can include sheep fetuses, desiccated llamas, medicinal plants and even the sacrifice of live animals. At the same time, these prayers are used to invoke wishes from Pachamama. "Maybe I'll ask for a little more prosperity, a little more affection, a little more health for my family," said Ismael Huarachi, who took part in the ceremony. These rituals have been celebrated in Bolivia for centuries in indigenous communities, but have been adapted for urban living in more recent times. In La Paz, believers sprinkled beer over buses and blew smoke over car engines to ask for the vehicles to be blessed. (Reporting by Reuters Television, Writing by Karishma Singh; Editing by Michael Perry) The votes from Republican Sens. Susan Collins, John McCain and Lisa Murkowski to stop their partys repeal-Obamacare juggernaut were demonstrations of genuine courage. The appearance of this virtue in a dark time is not necessarily miraculous, but I couldnt help noticing the striking intervention in this debate by 7,150 American nuns who called the Senate GOPs core proposal the most harmful legislation for American families in our lifetimes. In a letter organized by the Catholic social justice lobby NETWORK, the nuns cited Pope Francis health is not a consumer good, but a universal right, so access to health services cannot be a privilege and noted matter-of-factly: To cut Medicaid and take health care from millions of people is not a pro-life stance. Their plea was a reminder, particularly to more secular liberals, that religious witness in politics is not confined to the political right, that Christianity has long had a lot to say about economic and social inequities, and that pushing prophets inspired by faith out of the public square would be harmful to progressives as well as conservatives. In speaking out as they did, the socially minded nuns who do the work of justice and mercy every day in hospitals, clinics, homeless shelters and schools made clear that depriving millions of Americans of health coverage truly is a moral outrage. But while the most conservative among the faithful might not appreciate it, the sisters also did a service to believers of all stripes by demolishing stereotypes about what it means to be religious. This is important because religion and the political standing of believers are badly harmed by the reality that so many Americans associate faith exclusively with the conservative movement. Large numbers of young people are abandoning organized religion (and particularly Christianity) altogether. A key reason: They see it as deeply hostile to causes they embrace, notably the rights of gays and lesbians. Harvard Universitys Robert Putnam and Notre Dames David Campbell, the authors of American Grace, their definitive 2010 study of data on American religious attitudes, concluded that young Americans have been alienated from organized religion by its increasingly conservative politics. A PRRI survey in 2014 found that among millennials who no longer identify with their childhood religion, nearly a third said that negative teachings about, or treatment of, gay and lesbian people were either somewhat or very important to their disaffiliation. Its true that some, particularly but not exclusively on the left, criticize religion and those devoted to it on principle. They believe, devoutly you might say, that faith in God is irrational and destructive. They see religion as promoting passivity, conformity and, in extreme cases, violence. The popularity of the late Christopher Hitchens book god is not great Hitchens did not capitalize God on purpose speaks to the strength of this view among a sizable group of Americans. But studies by PRRI and the Pew Research Center suggest that at least some who have moved away from formal religious affiliation do not see belief itself as a bad thing and remain spiritually engaged. They are turned off by the worldly, not the otherworldly, aspects of religion. Alexis de Tocqueville, that shrewd 19th-century student of American life, noted in Democracy in America that religion was stronger and faced less hostility in the United States than in Europe precisely because faith on our shores was far less associated with propping up political power and ideological interests. Unbelievers in Europe attack Christians more as political than religious enemies, Tocqueville wrote. They hate the faith as the opinion of a party much more than as a mistaken belief, and they reject the clergy less because they are representatives of God than because they are the friends of authority. Religious apologists for President Trump should take note. A critic could fairly observe that the argument I offer here is naturally congenial to me as a liberal. Nonetheless, my conservative brethren who worry about religions decline should consider that a rampant secularism may be less to blame than a narrowing of the scope of faith-based public engagement. Pope Francis insistence that the church be associated more with justice and mercy than with cultural warfare can thus be seen as precisely the right antidote for what ails organized religion. The sisters are right that claims to compassion and love are hollow when they are severed from societys obligations to the most vulnerable. They also make clear that faith is something more than a cog in the status quos political machine. KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Malaysian authorities seized trafficked ivory tusks and pangolin scales worth nearly $1 million over the weekend, airport customs officials said on Wednesday, the latest in a series of seizures in Asia of products made from endangered animals. Malaysia has been singled out by conservationists as a major transit point for the illegal trafficking of endangered species, as well as products made from them. Last month, Hong Kong seized more than 7,200 kilogrammes (kg) of ivory tusks shipped from Malaysia, the largest single seizure in 30 years. Officials on Sunday afternoon found 23 ivory tusks, weighing about 76 kg, in a cargo warehouse at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the Customs Department's assistant director-general of enforcement, Mohammad Pudzi Man, told reporters. The tusks, valued at 275,000 ringgit ($64,162), had been shipped on an Etihad Airways flight from Lagos, Nigeria, via Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Later on Sunday, six sacks containing 300.9 kg of pangolin scales worth 3.9 million ringgit ($909,939), were found in the same cargo warehouse. The scales were shipped from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Ethiopian Airlines. Both shipments were sent to fake addresses and their recipients could not be traced, Mohammad Pudzi said. It was not clear if Malaysia was the final destination for the shipments, he said. Multiple wildlife seizures have been made at KLIA this year, and investigators said airport personnel could be involved in the illegal trade. "We don't have proof but I believe that they (trafficking syndicates) exploit our systems and procedures in these smuggling activities," Mohammad Pudzi said, adding that steps were being taken to strengthen screening and enforcement. KLIA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday's discoveries or the alleged potential involvement of airport staff. Scales from pangolins, the world's most poached animal, are prized in some Asian countries for their use in traditional medicines. All eight pangolin species worldwide are threatened with extinction. In May, Malaysia seized over 700 kg of pangolin scales in the largest haul seen in the country. Wildlife experts say scales from the mammal could fetch up to 1,500 ringgit ($346) a kg on the local black market. Globally, up to 30,000 elephants are killed illegally every year to feed demand for expensive ivory products in countries such as China and Hong Kong, according to WildAid, a wildlife nongovernmental organization. China, the world's largest importer and end-user of ivory tusks, plans to close all its ivory carving factories and retail stores by the end of the year. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Tom Hogue) By Maria Tsvetkova BELORECHENSK, Russia, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Ten Russian servicemen have been killed fighting in Syria so far this year, according to statements from the Defence Ministry. But based on accounts from families and friends of the dead and local officials, Reuters estimates the actual death toll among Russian soldiers and private contractors was at least 40. That tally over seven months exceeds the 36 Russian armed personnel and contractors estimated by Reuters to have been killed in Syria over the previous 15 months, indicating a significant rise in the rate of battlefield losses as the country's involvement deepens. Most of the deaths reported by Reuters have been confirmed by more than one person, including those who knew the deceased or local officials. In nine cases, Reuters corroborated a death reported in local or social media with another source. The data may be on the conservative side, as commanders encourage the families of those killed to keep quiet, relatives and friends of several fallen soldiers, both servicemen and contractors, said on condition of anonymity. The true level of casualties in the Syrian conflict is a sensitive subject in a country where positive coverage of the conflict features prominently in the media and ahead of a presidential election next year that incumbent Vladimir Putin is expected to win. The scale of Russian military casualties in peace time has been a state secret since Putin issued a decree three months before Russia launched its operation in Syria. While Russia does not give total casualties, it does disclose some deaths. Discrepancies in data may be explained partly by the fact that Russia does not openly acknowledge that private contractors fight alongside the army; their presence in Syria would appear to flout a legal ban on civilians fighting abroad as mercenaries. Asked about Reuters' latest findings, the Defence Ministry and Kremlin did not respond. The government has previously denied understating casualty figures in Syria, where Moscow entered the conflict nearly two years ago in support of President Bashar al-Assad, one of its closest Middle East allies. Months after soldiers die, Russia quietly acknowledges some losses, including private military contractors. Their families get state posthumous medals and local authorities sometimes name schools, which fallen soldiers attended as children, after them. Of the 40 killed, Reuters has evidence that 21 were private contractors and 17 soldiers. The status of the remaining two people is unclear. MISSION CREEP? Little is known about the nature of operations in Syria involving Russian nationals. Russia initially focused on providing air support to Syrian forces, but the rate of casualties points to more ground intervention. The last time Russia lost airmen in Syria was in August, 2016, and it suffered its first serious casualties on the ground this year in January, when six private military contractors died in one day. Reuters has previously reported gaps between its casualty estimates and official figures, although the difference widened markedly this year. Russian authorities disclosed that 23 servicemen were killed in Syria over 15 months in 2015-2016, whereas Reuters calculated the death toll at 36, a figure that included private contractors. IN IT FOR THE MONEY? One private contractor whose death in Syria was not officially acknowledged was 40-year-old Alexander Promogaibo, from the southern Russian town of Belorechensk. He died in Syria on April 25, his childhood friend Artur Marobyan told Reuters. Promogaibo had earlier fought in the Chechen war with an elite Russian paratroops unit, according to Marobyan, who was his classmate at school. He said his dead friend had struggled to get by while working as a guard in his hometown and needed money to build a house to live with his wife and small daughter. Last year he decided to join private military contractors working closely with the Russian Defence ministry in Syria and was promised a monthly wage of 360,000 roubles ($6,000), about nine times higher than the average Russian salary. According to multiple sources, Russian private military contractors are secretly deployed in Syria under command of a man nicknamed Wagner. Private military companies officially don't exist in Russia. Reuters was unable to get in touch with commanders of Russian private contractors in Syria through people who know them. "I told him it was dangerous and he wouldn't be paid the money for doing nothing, but couldn't convince him," Marobyan said, recalling one of his last conversations with Promogaibo. According to Marobyan, he got the job offer at a military facility belonging to Russia's military intelligence agency (GRU) near the village of Molkino. The agency is a part of the defence ministry and does not have its own spokesperson. The Kremlin did not reply to requests for comment. Promogaibo went there for physical fitness tests and failed twice. He was accepted only after showing up for the third time having losing 55 kg after seven months of training. "He left (Russia) in February," said Marobyan, who only learnt that his friend had been killed in Syria when his body was delivered to his hometown in early May. One more person who knew Promogaibo said he died in Syria. Reuters was unable to find out where in Syria Promogaibo was killed. Igor Strelkov, former leader of pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine who stayed in touch with Russian volunteers who switched to battlefields in Syria, said in late May that military contractors from Russia recently fought near the Syrian town of Homs alongside Iranian-backed Hezbollah. GRAVESTONES COVERED UP Fifty-one-year-old Russian Gennady Perfilyev, a lieutenant colonel, was deployed in Syria as a military adviser. He was killed in shelling during a reconnaissance trip on April 8, his former classmates at Chelyabinsk Higher Tank Command School said. "Several grammes of metal hit his heart," Pavel Bykov, one of his classmates, told Reuters. One more classmate confirmed to Reuters Perfilyev was killed in Syria on a reconnaissance trip. His name has not appeared in the Defence Ministry's official notices of military deaths in Syria. He was buried at a new heavily guarded military cemetery outside Moscow where visitors have to show their passports and are asked at the entrance whose grave they want to visit. On Perfilyev's gravestone, his name and the date of his death are covered by his portrait. Several other servicemen killed in Syria and buried nearby also have photos obscuring their names and the dates of their death, which if visible would make it easier to trace how and where they died. Names on other graves, of non-Syrian casualties, were visible. Asked if this was a special secrecy measure, a cemetery official, Andrei Sosnovsky, said the names were covered up temporarily until proper monuments could be built. ($1 = 59.8930 roubles) (Additional reporting by Natalya Shurmina in Yekaterinburg, Russia; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Mike Collett-White) By Saad Sayeed ISLAMABAD, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Pakistan's new prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, began his first full day in office on Wednesday by meeting his ousted former boss Nawaz Sharif, a signal the ex-premier would continue to wield influence after the Supreme Court disqualified him. Pakistani television broadcast images of Abbasi's motorcade arriving in the northern resort town of Muree, where Sharif is staying with his family after the Supreme Court last week disqualified him over failure to disclose a source of income. Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party holds a solid parliamentary majority and moved quickly to project an air of continuity after the change of prime minister. A new cabinet was due to be sworn in, with media reporting that Abbasi would retain most of the former prime minister's loyalists. Abbasi said in televised remarks he and Sharif "held consultations" about the new cabinet "and God willing in the next day or two the cabinet will be sworn in". Abbasi served as petroleum minister in Sharif's previous cabinet, which stepped down after he was removed. Sharif's brother Shahbaz, tipped to become prime minister in a few months when he becomes eligible, was also present at the meeting, footage released by Abbasi's office showed. Abbasi said Sharif urged work to continue on the $57 billion China Pakistani Economic Corridor investments as well as other development projects. The investments involve building infrastructure in Pakistan as part of China's Belt and Road initiative. "He said that these projects should be completed at a higher speed than before so that we can show the world that a prime minister in a country can change, but policies remain," Abbasi said of Sharif. A quick transition may ease fears that the nuclear-armed nation will be plunged into another bout of turmoil, which could erode economic and security gains since the last poll in 2013. Sharif's allies have dismissed Friday's ruling as a targeted campaign to unseat the popularly elected prime minister. The PML-N party on Tuesday used its majority in the National Assembly to install Abbasi who is expected to serve until Shahbaz can take over. Shahbaz, now chief minister of the eastern province of Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistan's 190 million people, will have to resign and fight a parliamentary by-election before he can become prime minister. (Reporting by Saad Sayeed and Asif Shahzad; Editing by Michael Perry and Alison Williams) PHNOM PENH, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Bangladesh signed an agreement with Cambodia on Wednesday to purchase 1 million tonnes of rice within the next five years, officials said. Bangladesh will purchase 200,000 tonnes of white rice and 50,000 parboiled rice this year, Cambodia's Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak told reporters, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladeshi Food Minister Kamrul Islam in Phnom Penh. "We will be able to export to Bangladesh by around October after signing this deal," he added. Bangladesh, the world's fourth-biggest rice producer, has now become a major importer of the grain this year after flash floods in April hit their domestic output. As a result, the country is facing dwindling stockpiles and high local rates. "Due to the floods we have a problem this year. We came here to implement an MoU with Cambodia," said Kamrul Islam. Cambodia said this is their biggest rice export deal, and also plans to renew an MoU with Indonesia as well. "We want to push for a 1-million-tonne deal with Indonesia," said Commerce Ministry spokeswoman Soeng Sophary. Cambodia exported 288,562 tonnes of rice in the first six months this year, an increase of 7.6 percent compared with the same period last year. Though the country was drought-hit, it managed to export 542,144 tonnes of rice last year. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) By John Davison BEIRUT, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Buses carrying Syrian militants and refugees left a Lebanese border area bound for a rebel-held part of Syria on Wednesday, under a deal made after Shi'ite Hezbollah routed Sunni Islamist Nusra Front insurgents in their last foothold at the frontier. Some 7,000 Syrians including 1,000 militants, their families and refugees are to leave the Lebanese town of Arsal and the surrounding border area and head for Syria's northwestern Idlib province under the deal, Hezbollah-run media outlets said. The transfer echoes deals struck within Syria in which Damascus has shuttled rebels and civilians to Idlib and other opposition areas. Such evacuations have helped President Bashar al-Assad recapture several rebel bastions over the past year, and are criticised by the opposition as amounting to the forced transfer of populations seen as sympathetic to the opposition. The ceasefire took effect last week, just days after Lebanese Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Nusra Front and other Sunni Muslim militants from their last foothold along the Syria-Lebanon border. The operation has highlighted the major role of Hezbollah in fighting militants along the frontier during Syria's six-year war, part of the much bigger role it has played across Syria in support of Assad. Hezbollah's Al Manar television said that 113 buses had begun leaving Arsal town, headed for Fleita on the Syrian side. At least 26 buses earlier left refugee camps in the nearby Jroud Arsal area and crossed to Wadi Hmeid further northeast in the direction of the Syrian frontier, it said, before their onward journey to Idlib. Aid agencies with limited access to Arsal were not able to say where many of the Syrian refugees living in the area had originally come from. Two former residents of Arsal said most refugees originally fled to Arsal when the Syrian army backed by Hezbollah took control of their towns across the border during heavy fighting over three years ago. They said they were going to Idlib with many refugees feeling no longer safe to stay in Arsal camps after Hezbollah extended greater influence in the area while a return to government run-areas would also mean they risk being drafted into the army Abu Yahya al Qalamouni who was in touch with several refugees said "many wanted to go to a camp where Hezbollah was not in control and not for love of Idlib". The U.N. refugee body said in a statement it was not party to the agreement and stressed that "return of refugees should be made free from undue pressure." "The UNHCR is not in a position to ascertain to what extent refugees, who are civilians by definition, are returning in this movement," it said. The deal included the release of eight Hezbollah fighters by the Nusra Front in exchange for individuals held by Lebanon. Three of the Hezbollah fighters were released overnight. The remaining five are expected to be released once the first convoy reaches its destination in Syria. Last week, Hezbollah captured most of the mountainous zone of Jroud Arsal from the militants. It also has a strong presence on the Syrian side of the border where its fighters alongside pro-government militias maintain security in a string of Syrian towns and villages in the areas known as Western Qalamoun. The Nusra Front was al Qaeda's Syria branch until it severed ties and rebranded last year. It now spearheads the Tahrir al-Sham Islamist alliance in the Syrian civil war. HEZBOLLAH ROLE The Lebanese army, which receives considerable U.S. and British military support, did not take an active part in the operation, setting up defensive positions around Arsal. The next phase is expected to focus on a nearby enclave currently in the hands of Islamic State jihadists. Local media say the Lebanese army will likely wage that phase of the operation. Hezbollah's role in Syria's conflict has been criticised by its Lebanese political opponents, including Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who is a Sunni. Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has lost hundreds of fighters in Syria, says its fight is an existential one to stop extremists spreading to Lebanon. Its Lebanese critics say it has fuelled militant attacks in Lebanon. The Arsal region witnessed one of the most serious spillovers of the Syrian civil war into Lebanon when Nusra Front and Islamic State militants briefly overran the town of Arsal in 2014, abducting dozens of Lebanese soldiers and policemen. Islamic State is still holding nine Lebanese soldiers captured at that time. Their fate is unknown. (Additional reporting by Tom Perry and Suleiman al Khalidi in Amman Editing by Mark Heinrich and Robin Pomeroy) CAPE TOWN, Aug 2 (Reuters) - South Africa could impose a new plan to lower mobile call termination rates when the current three-year regulations end on September 30, the telecom regulator's acting chairman said on Wednesday. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in 2014 implemented a three-year "glide path", the timetable for bringing down rates gradually, for telecoms companies, including Vodacom and MTN. "As to whether we will determine a new glide path or will then regulate certain aspects of the voice market, it's a decision that we will make and that will be in effect from October 1," Rubben Mohlaloga, an ICASA councillor and acting chairman told reporters in parliament. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by James Macharia) By Maja Zuvela PODGORICA, Aug 2 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused Russia on Wednesday of working to "destabilise" the Western Balkans and divide the region from the West where he said its future lies. Pence spoke in Montenegro, which joined NATO this year in defiance of Russia, on the final leg of a tour designed to reassure Eastern Europe of Washington's commitment to its security despite doubts sowed by President Donald Trump's lukewarm support for the Western military alliance. Montenegro, a former Yugoslav republic with a population of 680,000 and an army of 2,000, became NATO's 29th member in June, eight months after Podgorica accused Russian spies of orchestrating an attempted coup to derail the accession. Moscow dismissed the accusations as anti-Russian hysteria and warned of retaliation against Montenegro's "hostile course". "As you all know, Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force and, here in the Western Balkans, Russia has worked to destabilise the region, undermine democracies and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe," Pence told a summit attended by leaders of NATO members Montenegro, Croatia, Albania and Slovenia, as well as Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Kosovo. "I can assure you the United States of America rejects any attempt to use force, threats or intimidation in this region or beyond," he said. Speaking earlier in the day, Pence underscored Washington's commitment to Euro-Atlantic ties, a commitment many in Europe questioned after Trump lambasted NATO as "obsolete" and argued in favour of better relations with Russia. "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," he told reporters, "and we look forward to reaffirming the commitment of the United States to build the relationships that will strengthen the ties between the European community, the Western Balkans and the United States of America." The West says Russia is increasingly engaged in the former Yugoslavia, particularly among fellow Orthodox Christians in Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Bosnia. Serbia, as the largest of the states to emerge from the ashes of socialist federal Yugoslavia in the 1990s, has become a focus of Russian attention as Belgrade pursues an increasingly difficult balancing act between European Union membership aspirations and a popular affinity for Russia. Russia strongly opposed NATO accession for Montenegro, whose deep-water Adriatic ports can support naval operations in the Mediterranean. Pence, addressing a dinner on Tuesday evening, said Montenegro's determination to press ahead with NATO accession in the face of Russian pressure "inspires the world." He arrived in the Balkans from ex-Soviet Georgia, which fought a brief war with Russia in 2008 over the breakaway enclave of South Ossetia. He also visited Estonia, telling leaders of the Baltic states they could count on U.S. support if they faced aggression from Russia. In the wake of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, its intervention in eastern Ukraine and the conflict in Georgia, Eastern Europe is watching nervously the prospect of large-scale military exercises next month on Russia's Western borders, which NATO officials believe could involve more than 100,000 troops. (Additional reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic in Belgrade; Writing by Matt Robinson; Editing by Richard Balmforth) By Lisa Lambert WASHINGTON, Aug 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said on Wednesday it had ordered JPMorgan Chase & Co to pay $4.6 million for allegedly failing to make sure it reported accurate information for checking account screening reports. Similar to credit reports, the screenings provided by companies such as Certegy Check Services, ChexSystems and Early Warning Services help institutions decide if a person can open an account. Chase did not have proper procedures to ensure information it gave the companies was true, according to the CFPB. That could have led customers with clean histories to be turned down for bank accounts, or those with negative pasts, such as suspected fraud, to be allowed to open ones. The CFPB said the bank did not admit or deny the agency's findings. "Since identifying the issue three years ago, weve significantly improved our procedures for sharing information with agencies," said bank spokeswoman Anne Pace. When the bank's merger was completed in 2005 it created procedures for reporting account information the CFPB described as insufficient. Its revised guidance in 2014 still did not provide workers with detailed steps for furnishing accurate information on millions of consumer accounts. The CFPB, a relatively new agency scorned by many banks and Republican political leaders, also said thousands of consumers between July 2010 and December 2014 disputed information Chase provided to the services, but never heard the results of investigations into their disputes. Meanwhile, between October 2014 and February 2015 Chase denied checking accounts to 17,500 people due to adverse information it received in a screening report but did not identify who had provided that information, according to the CFPB. The consent order said the bank later sent out corrected notices that included identification. As part of the consent order signed by CFPB Director Richard Cordray, the bank agreed to create reasonable procedures for checking accuracy, to tell customers results of dispute investigations, and to give people denied accounts contact details of the company that provided their screening report. (Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Additional Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Andrew Hay and Lisa Shumaker) By Susan Taylor TORONTO, Aug 2 (Reuters) - A trade union said on Wednesday that it will press Indonesia's government to reinstate thousands of striking workers at Freeport-McMoRan Inc's Grasberg mine when union officials visit the Southeast Asian country next week. IndustriALL Global Union said in an emailed statement that it would formally announce plans on Thursday for its mission to support striking workers at Grasberg, the world's second-largest copper mine, and a smelter jointly owned and operated by Freeport and Mitsubishi Materials. Arizona-based Freeport, the world's biggest publicly-traded copper miner, has repeatedly said it has acted on labor issues in accordance with Indonesian law and its labor contract. Following export restrictions related to a permit dispute, Freeport furloughed some 3,000 workers in Indonesia earlier this year, which prompted a strike and high levels of absenteeism. Freeport later deemed that approximately 3,000 full-time and 1,000 contract employees who were absent had "voluntarily resigned." An estimated 5,000 workers at Grasberg have extended their strike for a fourth month, to the end of August. The union said it would meet with senior management from Freeport's Indonesian unit and heads of the affected Indonesian unions in Jakarta on Aug. 10. Union representatives would also meet with officials from Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Manpower during the Aug. 8-11 visit. IndustriALL said it wants the government to declare Freeport's furlough illegal, while recognizing that workers went on a legal and legitimate strike and did not "voluntarily resign." The union has previously said 309 workers at PT Smelting were also deemed to have "voluntarily resigned" after taking part in a strike. (Reporting by Susan Taylor; editing by Grant McCool) Some of the messages were recovered from Arjun Aloysius' Apple Account and presented before the Attorney General's Department today. The following are some of the messages presented. Neil De Silva Dear Hon Min Ravi coming from the site BOC Subani is going to inform the court. Is there a way for us to stop her from going to court? Ruwan Gallage Employees has stopped from work Rs.3 million Arjun Aloysius to Steve Samuel Remind me to ask Hon MP RK to get a copy of the Monetary Board Paper 28/Nov/2016 Steve Samuel Good Morning Chairman Hope you had a good meeting with RK. Remind the 1 PM haircut. (December 1, 2015) Ruwan Gallage The expected funds have not been realized. A deleted message to Steve Samuel from Arjun Aloysius Please remind me to speak with RK on on PPP set up and meeting with PM tom with US Treasury. (January 14, 2017) Social media is a strong weapon these days. Allow us to start our gossip column. We can give a massive support to PM and Hon Ravi K. I am going to cover the cost for two months. 3 to 5 million. Lets do this boss. A calendar reminder Meeting boss/RK on proposed auction for the week. Neil de Silva Dear Hon Min Ravi coming from the site. Subani is going to inform the court. Is there a way for us to stop her from going to court? Dear Arjun there is Kapila Prasnna in Swarnawahini. He was with previous regime from 2007-2015. He has robbed producing money from Swarnawahini. This guy has been the secretary to S.M. Chandrasena from 2015. He only has GCE O/Ls. What is he doing under you? It is not good for you and PTL and Ravi K. These guys are very dangerous. They may send information. (June 1, 2017) Judicial Watch: Justice Department Blacks Out Talking Points on Lynch-Clinton Tarmac Meeting Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172 WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch today announced that the Justice Department refuses to disclose the talking points developed by the Obama Justice Department to help it respond to press inquiries about the controversial June 27, 2016, tarmac meeting between Loretta Lynch and Bill Clinton at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Justice Department heavily redacted the documents under Exemption b (5), which allows agencies to withhold draft or deliberative process material. The blacked-out material centers around talking points drafted and used by Justice to respond to press inquiries about the Lynch-Clinton meeting. The agency produced 417 pages of documents in response to Judicial Watch's FOIA lawsuit (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:17-cv-00421) seeking: All records and/or transcripts of a meeting held between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton in June 2016. All records of communication sent to or from officials in the Office of the Attorney General regarding the meeting held between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton in June 2016. All records of communication sent to or from officials in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General regarding the meeting held between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton in June 2016. All references to the meeting held between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton contained in day planners, calendars and schedules in the Office of the Attorney General. One email exchange shows that Former Assistant Attorney General Peter Kadzik was brought in to assist with public relations issues on June 28, 2016, the day after the tarmac meeting. (Kadzik is a longtime friend of John Podesta and a Hillary Clinton donor, who was criticized as being conflicted when he was assigned as the Justice Department attorney to oversee the probe of Hillary Clinton's and her aide Huma Abedin's emails found on Anthony Wiener's computer.) Director of the Justice Department Public Affairs Office Melanie Newman sent an email to Richard P. Quinn, former National Security Assistant Special Agent, and Michael P. Kortan, who is currently the assistant director for Public Affairs for the FBI, advising them she wanted to "flag a story" about "a casual, unscheduled meeting between former president Bill Clinton and the AG." And she provides the AG's talking points. Lynch met privately with former President Bill Clinton on board a parked plane in Phoenix. The meeting occurred during the then-ongoing investigation of Mrs. Clinton's email server, and only a few days before she was interviewed by the FBI. Lynch later admitted that the meeting with Bill Clinton "cast a cloud" over the Justice Department/FBI investigation. A week after the tarmac meeting, FBI Director James Comey called Hillary Clinton's actions "extremely careless" but did not recommend charges and Attorney General Lynch ended the criminal investigation. MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-justice-department-blacks-talking-points-lynch-clinton-tarmac-meeting/ Share Tweet Perpetual Treasuries Ltd owner, Arjun Aloysius Apple account, of which the password he doesnt remember, had been accessed within 48 hours prior to yesterdays proceedings through his wifes mobile phone, which has a Singaporean mobile number, Additional Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda revealed at the PCoI proceedings yesterday. The revelation was made in response to an application moved by Presidents Counsel Anuja Premaratne who appeared on behalf of Mr. Aloysius. PC Premaratne was of the view that his client had bought the apple phone in September 2016 from Singapore, where he had created an apple account for the purpose of obtaining necessary applications only. He said thereafter Mr. Aloysius had not used the password. Responding to ASG Yasantha Kodagodas earlier submission, Mr. Premaratne moved that in order to update the new version of the IOS, there was no need of the password. Subsequently, there was a heated argument between the counsel over the necessity of the password in using an apple phone. ASG Kodagoda replied that when an apple account was used frequently then it is a live account and, thereby, there was no need of the password always to update, if not the updates or downloading applications cannot be done without the password. The ASG was of the view that the position put forward by Aloysius counsel was irrelevant and the Commission should not be spending time on inquiring into them. The ASG also said that Mr. Aloysius had apparently lied to the Commission over his password and once it is proven, it will be communicated to the Court of Appeal on the allegation of Contempt. PCoI Commissioner, Justice Prasanna Jayawardena told Aloysius Counsel that if Mr. Aloysius had forgotten the password, then the investigators have to retrieve it. However, if the investigation finds that he had lied, then appropriate measures will be taken under the law, he said. ASG Kodagoda and ASG Dappula de Livera sought a directive from the Commission in order to prohibit Arjun Aloysius or anyone on behalf of him accessing the apple account, because there could be an attempt to erase information in the account. However, before delivering an order, the Commission said it should be given within the law and asked the ASGs on what grounds it should be given. ASG Livera explained that the Commission has already made a direction on Aloysius to provide his password and that directive should be secured at all costs and therefore another directive can be made effective in relation with the first order. ASG Kodagoda also said that the directive can be made within the frame of the powers that are inherently possessed by the Commission. Considering the submissions the Commission said it will decide on delivering such order later.(Shehan Chamika Silva) The Commercial High Court delivered a judgment in one of the most fiercely contested legal battles for a Lion trademark on the 7th July 2017, where the plaintiff, Ceylon Brewery Limiteds claim for the exclusive use of Lion/Lion head and the word Lion within the territory of Sri Lanka was dismissed. The action was instituted by Ceylon Brewery Limited against Heineken Asia Pacific (Pvt) Ltd and Asia Pacific Brewery Limited in June 2007, which in respect of the lion mark used for Barons Beer. Ceylon Brewery claimed that this was an infringement Ceylon Brewerys trademark. The cross claim sought by Heineken Asia Pacific (Pvt) Ltd & Asia Pacific Brewery Limited to remove certain lion trademarks owned by Ceylon Brewery from the trademark register was also refused. Ceylon Brewery instituted legal proceedings in June 2007 nearly 10 years ago on the basis that Ceylon Brewery had an exclusive right to use the pictorial representation of a Lion/Lion head and also the word Lion within the territory of Sri Lanka. Though Ceylon Brewery managed to obtain an ex-parte enjoining order against Heineken Asia Pacific and Asia Pacific Brewery, the Commercial High Court thereafter refused the interim injunction. This order was appealed by Ceylon Brewery but was refused by the Supreme Court. Ceylon Brewerys position in the plaint was that Ceylon Brewery was the owner of several registered trademarks and had over a period of time been using the trademarks depicting through the device of a Lion head or the word Lion in respect of beer in Sri Lanka. On that basis the plaintiff claimed an exclusive right of the use of a Lion/Lion head and also the word Lion against any other. On this basis the plaintiffs position was that Heineken Asia Pacific and Asia Pacific Brewery had calculatedly sought to use a lion, which so nearly resembles the plaintiffs Lion Largermark which had a device of a lion, specifically to deceive the general public. The defendants, Heineken Asia Pacificand Asia Pacific Brewery inter alia in their answer took up the position that the Lion registered mark in Sri Lanka was only registered for beer and that they cannot claim an exclusive right to the device of a lion. The defendants also took up the position that Ceylon Brewery had abandoned some of its trademarks including a standing lion device mark and therefore the defendants are entitled to get those marks removed from the trademark register. Furthermore, the defendants through their amended answer also took up the position that the products of the defendants Baron Lager and Baron Strong beer had get-ups (packaging) which were significantly different from the plaintiffs beer label and therefore there is no possibility in misleading the public or causing confusion. Furthermore, the defendants also took up the position that the word Lion is not used in the Barons beer products. After a period of nearly 10 years of litigation, the learned Judge who presided in the Commercial High Court, presently presiding in the Court of Appeal, Gamini Amarasekara through a comprehensive and considerate judgment considering the several legal issues framed, the several witnesses and their evidences led, proceeded to dismiss the plaint with costs and refused also to grant the cross claim sought by the defendants in respect of removing certain lion trademarks of the Ceylon Brewery. The plaintiff was represented in court by Presidents Counsel K. Kanag-Isvaran and Avindra Rodrigo, attorney at law on the instructions of FJ & G de Saram and the defendants were represented by Dr. Harsha Cabral PC who apperared with Buddhike Illangatillake and Shivaan Kanag-Isvaran, attorneys at law on the instructions of Julius & Creasy. Hon. Harin Fernando - Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Hon. Isura Devapriya - Chief Minister of the Western Province, graces launch of Municipal Assessment Payment System (MAPS) at the Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Municipal Council premises Mobitel proudly launched Municipal Assessment Payment System (MAPS), an eTax payment system on 28th July 2017 at the Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Municipal Council premises. The occasion was graced by Hon. Harin Fernando -Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure and Hon. Isura Devapriya Chief Minister of the Western Province. The revolutionary MAPS service allows all registered property owners under the preview of the Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Municipal Council to pay their council tax via their Mobitel connection, doing away with the need to visit the Council premises. Mobitel has kept the payment mechanism extremely simple so that anyone and everyone can use this facility with ease. Each owner will receive an eTax number for their property which must be quoted during payment via their mobile phones. In step 1, owners need to check how much to be paid by sending their eTax number to 3366. In step 2, owners can make payments via their Mobitel connection by typing eTax number PAY amount to be paid. On successful completion, they will receive payment confirmation via SMS. A 10% service charge will apply for mobile payments, however, the maximum service fee is limited to Rs. 150/-. Owners will receive eTax number via a sticker which will be distributed to respective properties within the area. Or property owners can visit Dehiwala - Mount Lavinia Municipal Council and they will receive a sticker of their eTax number and be given instructions on how to pay. Only registered owners will receive an eTax sticker and may be requested to authenticate their ID. This service is expected to offer convenience to owners and streamline the municipal tax payment system by making it paperless.The implementation of this facility will begin in certain areas and will be made available to all those under of the purview of the Dehiwala Mount Lavinia Municipal Council very soon. Senaka Jayasinghe - receiving the award from Dr. Frank Mentrup - Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe in the presence of Arshad Rab - CEO of the European Organisation for Sustainable Development DFCC Bank was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement at the Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards organised by the Global Sustainable Finance Network which was recently held at the Karlsruhe City Hall, Germany. The Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Award honours financial institutions and organisations that have made significant contributions to the field of sustainable finance and the award winners were financial institutions that have successfully embedded economic, social and environmental sustainability into their business, and have made outstanding contributions in the field of sustainable finance. The Karlsruhe Award also seeks to promote the growth of sustainable financial instruments and markets worldwide particularly in the fields of green finance and investments, financial inclusion and social finance, green equity and venture capital and holistic integration of sustainability in financial services institutions. Sri Lankas DFCC Bank received the Certificate of Merit in recognition of their success in incorporating sustainability in its corporate strategy as well as its business processes. Senaka Jayasinghe Manager of DFCC Banks Sustainability Unit received the award from Dr. Frank Mentrup, Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe. Arshad Rab CEO of the European Organisation for Sustainable Development, was also present at the awards ceremony. Senaka was also invited to make a presentation on Sustainability at DFCC Bank at the Sustainability Conference held in Karlsruhe, organised by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development. This is the 5thconsecutive year that DFCC Bank has been recognised at this prestigious sustainable finance event. Among the previous awards was the Most Outstanding Sustainable Project Finance Award in 2013, for the Banks invaluable contribution towards developing the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka and successfully operating the administrative unit for two credit lines from the World Bank towards development of renewable energy in Sri Lanka. DFCC Bank has also won Certificates of Merit under the Outstanding Sustainable Project Financing category for financing Sri Lankas first grid-connected solar power project and for financing a 4MW Bio-mass project. Economic, social and environment development is deeply embedded in our values and informs how we conduct business, develop products and services, stated Arjun Fernando, CEO, DFCC Bank. This award recognises DFCC Banks deep commitment to creating sustainable value for the communities in which we operate, as well as our support for creating and nurturing sustainable finance practices in Sri Lanka. DFCC Bank PLC is a part of the joint initiative by the Sri Lanka Banks Association (SLBA) to promote best practices in sustainable finance in Sri Lanka.With a rapidly expanding network of 138 branches and service points in Sri Lanka, the Bank is committed to creating financial inclusivity across the country, to enable all Sri Lankans to access financial services customised to their needs and aspirations. Not for the first time the Police Department has taken upon itself the mantle of protecting Buddhism and detained an Indian girl touring Sri Lanka allegedly for wearing a t- shirt with a supposed image of Lord Buddha. Dont brand me as being cynical, but isnt this the very Department that has won the dubious title of being the most corrupt of all state institutions? Yet, I presume, a bad reputation doesnt prevent one from doing the occasional pious deed, eh? Cynicism aside, were the cops who insisted that the girl be detained, statement recorded and apology obtained, aware of what law the girl was supposed to have broken? Krishantha Weliamuna, the renowned legal practitioner and civil rights activist, affirmed on media that there was no provision in criminal law banning blasphemy. I also had a cursory glance, at the Penal Code to double check ,but nothing of the sort!(Not that even if there was, merely having an image of a person who resembles a sixth century BC sage, on your t-shirt would constitute the penal element associated with the offence) The priority afforded to Buddhism by the Constitution seems to be a right that is always claimed as an adverse right viz. a viz. other minority religions, but hardly followed in the abstract. We do have provisions in the Penal Code criminalizing Offences relating to Religion in Chapter XV enumerated in Articles 290 to 292 such as insulting a religion, wounding religious feelings of any class, outraging religious feelings of others etc. But blasphemy Saudi Arabian style is a definite no-no vide criminal law of Sri Lanka. A tweeter on social media, apparently unaware of the absence of any legal provision, quizzed as to how the police were going to prove that it was Lord Buddha himself and nobody else, as no living person has seen him and no photographs taken. The same applies to Jesus Christ, Nabi Mohamed, Mahaveer, Confucius and all other religious leaders. Dr. Dayan Jayatilake is spot on that we are neither a theocracy nor a secular state. May I venture that we dont have the salutary ingredients of either in our mode of governance and life in general? The priority afforded to Buddhism by the Constitution seems to be a right that is always claimed as an adverse right viz. a viz. other minority religions, but hardly followed in the abstract. Anybody hardly seems to be a beneficiary of the sublime and exalted teachings of the Buddha. Yet this lukewarmth to Buddhist principles undergoes an instant and dramatic transfiguration the moment another and in their mind, competing religion appears on the scene. A defensive mechanism is triggered and thus the umpteen number of protectors of Buddhism on the loose. Religion turns rogue, the moment its stringed with state or political power; be it the medieval Catholic church, the modern day Islamic Caliphate or Buddhist nationalism vying for supremacy in Sri Lanka. The religious hierarchy becomes an alternative yet surefire means of wielding political power and controlling wealth. Is it surprising that wherever institutionalized religions contending for supremacy, it is always stringed with competition for resources for education, employment, land, property etc. ? In countries with no or less fierce competition for resources, religion hardly seem to be contentious. People seem to be more interested in the esoteric as opposed to the exoteric aspect of religion. Belonging to one or the other religion doent determine your share of national resources. But here, it surely does and those who have privileges, at least nominally, hold on to what it ensues for dear life. Returning to the present topic, the tweeter is dead right! A person who wears a t-shirt with the figure of a bearded man in robes with his arms outstretched or on a cross could hardly be accused let alone convicted of blasphemy against Jesus Christ. Mind you, is it not almost obvious that all male Jews of Jesuss time would have looked like that? So with the Buddha. The sages or the sanyasis in his era in Bharatha wouldnt have looked any different from the popularly acknowledged image of Buddha. As superficial and highly rhetoric as it may sound, has any one seen Buddha or Jesus, for that matter? Even if the law existed how does one prove the image belongs to Buddha or Jesus.? A tweeter on social media, apparently unaware of the absence of any legal provision, quizzed as to how the police were going to prove that it was Lord Buddha himself and nobody else, as no living person has seen him and no photographs taken. At a time of intense debate as to whether the proposed new constitution should promote secularism or retain the privileges given to the religion of the majority, incidents of this nature are stark reminders of the retrogressive impact preferential treatment to one religion, ideology, or belief could spawn. Does the most sublime and tolerant teachings of the Buddha, need the crutches of constitutional provisions for its protection? Is that not an insult that it needs protection from the law book for its eternal and exalted teaching on impermanence to survive. Oh my bad! Nothing is permanent and survives forever, according to the very Buddhism some are trying to protect, isnt it? How ironic that the gist of Buddhism says that nothing is permanent and all things are transient. Political ideologies, power structures, religious thought as well as their impact on governance too are transient and impermanent. To insist that Buddhism be placed above other religions and special privileges be ensured by virtue of the fact that it is the majority religion reflects a thought process retrogressive in nature and a clear insult to the liberating, unrestrictive and tolerant teachings of Lord Buddha. It also is a dead giveaway of the superficial manner in which most have grasped the deep and profound teachings of Buddhism. Luckily the girl or her folks didnt create a furore over the incident sparing us a diplomatic embarrassment. Yet the conduct of the Police bereft of any valid criminal provisions smack more of a Mutaween style religious police rather than a secular law enforcement agency. This incident is reminiscent of the case of a British female tourist who was rounded up at the Air Port by police on the tip off of a trishaw driver, another breed that of recent has taken the mantle of Protector of Buddhism. What these vigilantes are oblivious of is that our constitution safeguards freedom of expression as well as of conscience. Having a religious thought of ones liking as well as expressing oneself through words, rituals, arts, signs etc. is constitutional. When a Michael Jackson fan wears a t- shirt featuring the mega star, we know that is in adoration of the figure and not to defame him. It is incomprehensible how a person who denounces Lord Buddha would give publicity to the Great sage by wearing his image , if one come to the final conclusion that the image is of Siddhartha Gauthama himself and no body else, on their person. When a Michael Jackson fan wears a t- shirt featuring the mega star, we know that is in adoration of the figure and not to defame him. Although we have criminal provisions for defaming or insulting a religion as well as acting in a manner that provokes others on such lines, we do have the good fortune of having no blasphemy laws criminalizing anything to do with religious symbols. It is without knowing the liberal nature of our statutory criminal provisions that the police undertake these crusades Mutaween style! On second thoughts , since the new IGP has introduced meditation to Police Officers , who knows ,if they have not attained new faculties , that enable them to see beyond all others including penal provisions which are invisible to us lesser mortals? Former Navy Spokesman D.K.P. Dassanayake, who was arrested and remanded in connection with the abduction and disappearance of 11 youths, was re-remanded till August 10 by the Colombo Fort Magistrates Court today. The Commodore was arrested on charges of aiding and abetting in the enforced disappearance of the youths between 2008 and 2009. Video by Buddhi IWMI invents simple tech device to control water related risks and disasters Nature gave us a few powerful lessons in the guise of droughts, landslides and floods which drove hundreds of people living in some parts of the country to enormous suffering in recent past. While the rest of the world is using the latest technology to minimize harm from natural disasters, we are still lagging behind. If there were ways to decrease the damage caused by natural disasters, many precious lives and property could have been saved. Yann Chemin, an International Water Management Institute (IWMI) scientist has invented a simple device - a weather station to monitor the accurate rainfall data, in real time. The data can be used to manage the water in tanks and reservoirs avoiding flood hazard and controlling water related disasters. The device uses open source technology and can be operated even by the farmers themselves, and not only the rainfall but also the parameters such as temperature, wind speed, wind direction and atmospheric pressure too can be measured. And it could be assembled with the locally available parts and accessories and would cost between Rs. 45,000 to Rs.75,000. Paddy cultivators in the flood affected areas could save their crops by taking timely precautions to harvest before the rains. bove all, the device could be very useful to the reservoir monitors, who could use this data, which is sent to their mobile phones as text messages about the inflow of water to the tanks, and simultaneously the volume of water that needed to be released to the canals. Thus, the flooding could be controlled and the farmers could save their yield. In Sri Lanka, the weather data is measured by the Meteorological Department in World Meteorological Organization (WMO) certified technology. The Met. Department issues the rainfall data on daily and sometimes hourly basis, and it is calculated on mm scale. During an interview with the Daily Mirror, Soumya Balasubramanya, a researcher - Environmental Economics - International Water Management Institute (IWMI) spoke extensively about the water related disasters, monitoring of tanks/reservoirs and the role the weather station plays to caution about floods etc. The excerpts: Q What is the purpose of inventing this equipment and how could the data be used to minimize damage caused by floods? Monitoring accurate measurements of water level helps avoid flooding. Especially in tanks and reservoirs in Anuradhapura, the daily-basis information is not sufficient, to manage the water and reduce the harm during the rainy season. All the rain water in the upstream, pour down into tanks and reservoirs. The tank monitors dont know the volume of water that comes into the tanks. If they know the accurate rainfall at the upstream, they can calculate the volume in the downstream. APura town gets flooded every year due to this heavy rainfall. If the tank monitors have had access to the real time data, the hourly intensity of rainfall, he could open the sluice gates to send the water flowing through the canals and would create enough space to receive the inflow. That is the purpose of this weather station. Not only Sri Lanka, many other countries use this technology to warn against flooding. Earlier the Pakistani Met. Dept had been using this to caution the people about floods in the Indus Valley Q What is the importance of collecting real time data? Tank monitors do not need daily data, but hourly rainfall figures, especially during the rainy season in Anuradhapura. They have no other means of getting that information as the Met. Dept. issues only the daily rainfall data. So we created this device to measure the daily intensity of rainfall in real time. We have programmed the weather stations with SMS facility, so it sends a message to the tank monitors mobile phones in the event of more than 10 mm rain per hour, as requested by the Irrigation Department. The Nachchaduwa tank is situated in a regular flooding area, and the IWMI and the Irrigation Dept. are piloting and testing the technology in Nachchaduwa tank, installing five weather stations there, through a UK and World Bank-funded project. During heavy rains, there is nobody at the Met. Dept. to gauge the rainfall. Even if it rains, an officer has to go all the way to the Dept. just to report about the measures. Q How user-friendly is this device? Anyone can download the manual, buy local parts and assemble stations and develop it. Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) and several other institutions are doing similar projects. We trained the LRWHF team, and they have used this device and modified it. The University of Moratuwa worked with us, they developed our technology and they have commercialized it. Even the SANASA (a local bank that works closely with people) built these devices and installed in their branches to gather information on drought and flooding. Not only Sri Lanka, many other countries use this technology to warn against flooding. Earlier the Pakistani Met. Dept had been using this to caution the people about floods in the Indus Valley. People could reduce the damage caused by floods if they observe and comply with the data provided by weather stations. Farmers in other countries are widely using this device. All the necessary accessories could be bought from the local market. Q What kind of assistance does the IWMI get from the govt institutions? The govt is working closely with us. We had discussions with the COSTI (Coordinating Secretariat for Science Technology and Innovation). Weather patterns are changing so dramatically in Sri Lanka, COSTI is very keen on collecting these weather data, and these devices could be used to gather all that data to observe the accurate changes in weather pattern. The University of Moratuwa, the best technical university in Sri Lanka has the capacity to develop this. We work with so many other teams here to create capacity and develop this technology. We have support from the Irrigation Dept, COSTI, University of Moratuwa, LRWHF who are very enthusiastic about these projects. Moratuwa University is linking all the stations to one network in a three-year project. We are working closely with them so they can improvise themselves. Anyone who has the basic knowledge of computers could develop this technology. We are targeting policy makers, rather than those who are working directly with people. Helps reservoir monitors to manage water levels accordingly Many countries use this to monitor weather conditions Accessories freely available in local markets Q Whose brainchild was this weather station? Yaan Chemin, a scientist working in IWMI created this device, shown to the University of Moratuwa who are now developing and enhancing it further. We are very happy over it. Many people have picked it up and developed. The weather stations are assembled with locally available parts using local labour. This project was a result following a request made by the Irrigation Dept, which started it in early 2015. The Dept wanted hourly rainfall data to manage the tanks and handle the sudden release of water from the tanks. The Dept has been using a station in Batticaloa to monitor the water level in the reservoir to open/close the sluice gates. A number of other countries in the world are also using this technology. Togo, as an example, uses it to measure the water levels in sewers and clean them before the rains come. Tanzania also uses this technology to measure the water levels in reservoirs and improve dams. Q What is IWMI? The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, scientific organization focusing on the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries. It is headquartered in Colombo with regional offices across Asia and Africa. IWMI works in partnership with the govt, civil society and the private sector to develop scalable agriculture water management solution that have a real impact on poverty reduction, food security, eco-system and health. IWMI is a member of CGIAR System Organization, a global research partnership for a food secure future and leads the CGIAR research programme on water, land and eco-systems. The Hayleys groups knitted fabric maker, Hayleys Fabric PLC, turned a net loss of Rs.25.2 million or 12 cents a share for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (1Q17) from a net profit of Rs.32.6 million recorded during the corresponding period last year as the floods hampered the operations. The sales were virtually flat around Rs.2.0 billion for the quarter but the gross profit fell by 19 percent to Rs.214.4 million from a year as the costs edged up when the top line stood flat. The Hayleys Fabric production facility was forced to shut down in the last week of May due to the flooding of Kalu Ganga, the company said in a statement. Meanwhile, the production was also disturbed as most of the employees houses were under water for several days and this resulted in heavy absenteeism and a loss in production volumes by almost half during the first week in June, the statement added. In April, Hayleys Fabric generally makes a loss due to the factory closure for 10 days for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays and annual preventative maintenance. But in May and June the company also saw a cumulative loss of 150 tonnes of sales turning the entire quarter into a loss. April-June is the second quarter in a row where Hayleys Fabric made a loss as the company made a loss of little under Rs.2.0 million during the January-March quarter, the companys fourth and final quarter, caused by higher overheads and finance costs. During the 12 months to June, Hayleys Fabric borrowed close to Rs.700 million through long-term arrangements. The company confided that it could return to profits during its second quarter as the order book remains full. Hayleys Fabric offers end-to-end solutions from design, development, printing, brushing and sueding of pure and blended polyester and cotton fabrics and delivers 2.5 million metres of fabric each month to apparel manufacturers from the factory located in Narthupana Estate, Neboda in the Western Province. The company, formerly known Hayleys MGT Knitting Mills PLC, was rebranded in July 2015 as Hayleys Fabric PLC to align the brand with the business together with brand value of its parent, Hayleys. The company launched its own branded fabric Inno in February 2014, moving up in the value chain through innovation. The company yesterday said Inno enabled them to attract higher value products. As of June 30, 2017, Hayleys PLC held a 58.96 percent stake in the company, followed by a 5.42 stake by Ceylon Investment PLC and 4.52 percent by Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust PLC. The state-controlled private sector pension fund, the Employees Provident Fund, held a 2.67 percent stake in the company being the fourth largest shareholder. Generation Next Communications Pte Ltd., ( GENXT), Singapore a leading mobile & IT distributor within Asia has appointed Rajeev Gooneratne as their new Chief Executive Officer to head the operations of Generation Next Communications Sri Lanka. Rajeev has extensive experience across different industrieswith over 25 years experience in Sales and Marketing Management, alongside experience in Pharmaceuticals and Telecommunication. With over a decade of experience in the Telecommunication industry handling leading mobile handset brands, Rajeevs last tenure was at Softlogic Communications. He joined Softlogic as the National Sales Manager and was subsequently promoted to General Manager Sales and thereafter as Director Sales. Rajeev is a product of Presidents College Kotte and holds an MBA from the Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK. Rajeev Gooneratne, the Chief Executive Officer Generation Next Communications Sri Lanka in his comments Generation Next has been appointed as the National Distributor for Sri Lanka for some of the worlds renowned leading mobile brands, our hope is to partner with more IT & IOT brands in the near future andopen doors to the Sri Lankan consumer to purchase genuine and top brands through our operations. He further added Generation Next foresees growth opportunities given its global presence, the diversified businesses of the Bhimsaria Group and the experience which comes with the affiliation to many global brands. We hope to open these varied segments to our consumers, with our next step being the introduction to renowned baby care products Generation Next Communications (GENXT) is the consumer electronic distribution arm of Bhimsaria group with its head office in Singapore. Bhimsaria Group commenced its journey in the early 1970 in Kathmandu, Nepal and has since built its footprint all across the world. The Group Headquarters is based in Hong-Kong with eleven other offices across Asia. The group has varied interest from marketing to banking (Global IME Bank), cement (Shivam Cement), hydro power (Sanima), baby care products and social development. GENXT has earned its reputation and trust as leaders in the mobile phone trade and retail industries, delivering a wide range of original mobile phone products and accessories which are genuine and are the latest range of products. Dell, Apple, HTC, Netgear, CCTV & Surveillance are partners on board with GENXT. Also available for consumers are home grown products of tablets and electronic devices under the GENXT brand. The total Bhimsaria group turnover for 2016 was USD 1.13 Billion. When movies, the only art which everyone felt free to enjoy and have opinions about, lose their connection with song and dance, drama, and the novel, when they become cinema, which people fear to criticise just as they fear to say what they think of a new piece of music or a new poem or painting, they will become another object of academic study and appreciation, and will soon be an object of excitement only to practitioners of the art. (Pauline Kael) There is a young man whom I know, pretty much like the young man from last weeks piece, who is into Sinhala movies. I met him quite by accident, I didnt know of his existence until he began besieging me with one query after another, and about two months after we made our first acquaintance, its safe to say that I have not come across a person that age who is so enthusiastic about our cinema. Now I dont know much about him, except his name (which I wont divulge) and his home town (which doesnt matter). He has his views and opinions on the movies and all guesses are that they dont coincide with mine. For the record, they dont. Whod have thought that a film like Ho Gana Pokuna was possible five years ago? Who indeed? The young, of course! Where we agree with each other, however, is the point that for our movies to evolve, the dichotomy between what is arty and what is commercial must be done away with. None of our directors, and none of our films, could be considered as perfect. The same could be said of directors and films from elsewhere from other industries. Even those which (and who) top those greatest ever lists and there hasnt been a lack of them here or there, then or now arent really flawless. What is good and bad and pedestrian, as I implied earlier, depends on the values a critic or an audience ascribes to them. The problem isnt that what is good for me may not be good for you. Rather, the problem is that when it comes to our film industry, the critics more often than not define good and bad and draw an artificial barrier between the two. Such a barrier thrives in the long term on that equally deplorable barrier between High Art and Low Art. On that basis, some movies are praised while others are neglected. Nidhanaya was Art, for instance, while Kawuda Raja was not. Lester James Peries is the epitome of good cinema, while K. A. W. Perera is at best a storyteller, a magician. In another country, being a magician might have been enough for an aspiring director, but in Sri Lanka, the evolution of our cinema has been from the French to East Europeans. Any director who treads beyond these two is hailed as a magician, a middle-of-the-road cineaste. But a serious film maker he/she is not. Palagetiyo is spontaneous. There is a freshness in it that moves, that affirms, that saddens I am not saying Kawuda Raja is a great work of art. Its not art, but its not Low Art either. And I am not saying that K. A. W. Perera was a great director. But just the other day I was watching Janaka Saha Manju (for the third or fourth time, I cant remember) and I was wondering why, when our hero meets his lover for the first time, Manju was clutching a doll for no comprehensible reason. Then it hit me: the fact that I was entranced by their conversation and everything which followed, despite the absurdity of it all, meant that Perera had done something which none of those who venerate High Art could or can do. Keep me intrigued. When the movies become cinema, i.e. something to be intellectualised, critics dont know what to praise and what to dislike, or for that matter the criterion one uses to do that. When we are made to appreciate a movie by the fact of its being serious, arty, controversial, you-name-it, we dont really react to it. I am not entirely sure whether we need to appreciate a work of art, come to think of it. If appreciation is all it took for a movie to prosper, whether at the box-office or with the critics, and if appreciation can be falsified or faked, then what can one hope for in our industry? I suppose this could explain to a considerable extent at least, why our critics are persistent in categorising a film maker like H. D. Premaratne as an exponent of the Mada Mawatha. What they forget, and what those who dote on them forget, is that in the cinema, as with pretty much every other art form, there is no Mada Mawatha. The road never bifurcates on its own. It is bifurcated. This differentiation between High Art and Low Art, therefore is denied validity when considering the criterion our critics use in defining the worth of a Premaratne. For they know art, and what they churn out is preferable to the purveyors of art cinema, but they also know what sells, visually and verbally. They dont apologise for that, because they know they dont have to. The fundamental base of our movies was their affirmation of a narrative that parsed. That is what differentiates the early work of Vasantha Obeyesekera, which culminated with Palagetiyo, and his later work, which met its worst nadir with Maruthaya. The latter is, to be sure, thematically an extension of the former. Obeyesekera goes for the same basic plot line: the idealistic rich schooled in bitter reality and poverty. But Palagetiyo is spontaneous. There is a freshness in it that moves, that affirms, that saddens. The final sequence, when Sarath and Kusum spend the last of their savings so that Kusum can relive her former life of comfort and ease back in his village, for one day, is insanely poignant. Maruthaya, in contrast, is discernibly manufactured, with characters defined as types rather than as human beings. And yet, if the writers of profiling Sri Lankan cinema are anything to go by, it supposedly showed an uncanny ability to recapture on screen the density of social specification. Whats forgotten here is that what one gains in density, one can often lose in substance. French discovered the movies, and the Americans improved on it and gave it that pulpy, commercial flavour which continues even today Its easy to see why critics conveniently forget all these points, important as they are. They dont just forego on rationality in criticism, they seem to despise it. How else can you explain the many reactions that a movie like Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka got, which owing to the political prejudices of its reviewers was made out to be a simplistic battle between the bad Sinhalese and the good Tamils? The chauvinists werent any better: they considered it as an equally simplistic attack on their history, their heritage. What then is one left to hope for, when all film criticism has to offer here are platitudes based on political and/or personal biases? Isnt this exactly what compels that aforementioned dichotomy between High Art and Low Art? Thats why so many of our critics are predictable in their tastes. They know, through some strange clairvoyant power, what sells and what is marketable in the media or elsewhere. They dont feel or understand art cinema, but the moment they betray that they dont, theyll be put down. They choose to ignore the many technical and logistical mistakes in a movie for that reason, which is why, when they went to town with every adjective from the dictionary to praise Let Her Cry, they chose not to dwell on those manifestly crude incongruities in its plot line. (Who can forget, as I tried to but could not, the sound of the pages of the script being turned over by Rithika Kodithuwakku during her phone conversation with Swarna Mallawarachchi)? When the movies become cinema, i.e. something to be intellectualised, critics dont know what to praise and what to dislike, or for that matter the criterion one uses to do that I think theres a fundamental problem in our industry. The young are there, making the waves and experimenting in exciting ways, and they dont seem to be deteriorating. But the old are being too cynical. Whod have thought, for instance, that the same person who directed Arumosam Wehi (which went unnoticed and was probably the liveliest childrens movie made here at the time) would win his stakes through Adaraneeya Kathawak? Whod have thought that a film like Ho Gana Pokuna was possible five years ago? Who indeed? The young, of course! When the French discovered the movies, and the Americans improved on it and gave it that pulpy, commercial flavour which continues even today, the critics werent worried about art. The earliest critics, like James Agee, who preceded the greatest critic of them all, Pauline Kael, reacted to films. They didnt need to appreciate them. Somewhere in the seventies, however, we chose to appreciate, to be so worked up about our preconceived notions of Good Art and Bad Art that we didnt have room for any other criterion. Sri Lanka took three decades to catch up with this. And so I conclude: our film critics, unlike that young man I met the other day, are 30 years behind. The world has moved on. So have the movies. We have not. Sad. The writer can be reached on: udkadev1@gmail.com Explore the opportunities at local universities. The Santa Fe Higher Education Center (SFHEC) will host an Open House from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2 at the campus, 1950 Siringo Road. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Join in welcoming the newest SFHEC partner Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) and meet with faculty and academic advisers from NNMC and other partners, including New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), University of New Mexico (UNM) and Santa Fe Community College. The SFHEC brings all partner universities under one roof to offer complete programs via in-class and online courses. The Santa Fe Small Business Development Center, which is also located at the SFHEC, will welcome visitors as well. Advisers from the institutions will be available to answer questions. Representatives of SFCC will talk about how to get started at the community college, then transfer to one of the universities at the Center. Completing a higher education degree in this way typically saves students $10,000 or more in tuition. SFCC President Randy Grissom said, Our partnership with NNMC offers an excellent educational pathway for SFCC graduates who would like to pursue a bachelors degree while staying in Santa Fe. We know that earnings increase significantly as a workers degree of education rises. A healthy economic climate requires educated workers at all levels. For information call 505-428-1725, email hec@sfcc.edu or visit hec.sfcc.edu. Knights of Columbus to Save Christian Town Decimated by ISIS in Iraq $2 million will help reconstruct and resettle Karamdes on the Nineveh Plain Contact: Andrew Walther, 203-824-5412, andrew.walther@kofc.org; Joseph Cullen, 203-800-4923, joseph.cullen@kofc.org; both with Knights of Columbus ST. LOUIS, Aug. 2, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a move that will give many Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq hope for the future, the Knights of Columbus will raise and donate $2 million to save Karamdes (Karemlash), a predominantly Christian town on the Nineveh Plain which was liberated from ISIS late last year. Photo: A priest examines the ruins, including a decapitated statue of Mary, in the Catholic church in Karamdes, Iraq, following the town's liberation from ISIS The Knights' action will move hundreds of families from minority religious communities in Iraq especially Christians back to the homes from which they were evicted by ISIS in summer, 2014. The Knights' action matches a similar donation by the government of Hungary, which recently donated $2 million to save another predominately Christian town, Teleskov. About 1,000 families have now moved back to that town, providing a proof of concept that shows that such actions can actually work in restoring pre-ISIS populations to their home and towns. Like the government of Hungary, the Knights will partner in this resettlement and rebuilding effort with the Archdiocese of Erbil, which is currently housing the largest population of Christian refugees in Iraq, including many of the residents of Karamdes. "The terrorists desecrated churches and graves and looted and destroyed homes," said Knights CEO Carl Anderson during his annual report at the Knights of Columbus 135th annual convention. "Now we will ensure that hundreds of Christian families driven from their homes can return to these two locations and help to ensure a pluralistic future for Iraq." The Knights are urging K of C councils, parishes or other Church groups, and individuals who want to help to donate $2,000 the approximate cost of resettling one family. Just a thousand such donations would be necessary to reach the $2 million goal. The rebuilding work will begin this week and money will begin flowing to the project immediately. Urging the Knights to get behind this historic new initiative, Anderson paraphrased the words invoked by Winston Churchill in 1940: "Put your confidence in us We shall not fail or falter, we shall not weaken or tire. We will give you the tools and together we will finish the job." In the same speech, Anderson also announced that the K of C would partner with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on a "Week of Awareness" for persecuted Christians beginning Nov. 26. Since 2014, the Knights' Christian Refugee Relief Fund has donated more than $13 million for humanitarian assistance primarily in Iraq, Syria and the surrounding region. The Knights' documentation of ISIS' atrocities and advocacy on behalf of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East were decisive in U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's 2016 genocide declaration for Christians and other religious minorities in the region. This designation was reaffirmed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last week. One hundred percent of the money raised will be used for this project. Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations can be made at www.christiansatrisk.org or by calling 1-800-694-5713. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Share Tweet The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today referred a letter to Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sugathadasa requesting for information on the staff of medical officers attached to the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge told a news conference that they had earlier referred a letter to Mr. Sugathadasa requesting for a copy of the agreement signed on acquiring the NFTH to the government under the RTI and added that there was no response with regard to it. Even the Supreme Court has allowed the GMOA to intervene into this issue. Despite such a condition, the ministry has not provided us with a copy of the agreement. We are forced to take legal actions against this incident in future, he said. He said that it was a question whether the doctors and nurses who had earlier worked at the NFTH, would now be considered as government officers or not. He also said that it was a question whether these staff members had been offered with appointment letters, if they had taken to the government cadre. It is necessary to consider about the qualifications of these staff member and their standards to work as government officers, he said. Meanwhile, he said that the National Protest Day (NPD) organised by the SAITM Virodi Jana Pawra in protest of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) was successfully held today across the country. He said that all the unions attached to the healthcare services, political parties, university students, parents and several other trade unions attached to the government and private sector had participated in these protests. He said that they had carried out the main protest march against the SAITM from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) premises to the Health Ministry today. (Kalathma Jayawardhane) Video by Buddhi Balmond designed Rs.500mn Jetwing Surf in Pottuvil Second Hotel J brand Rs.350mn hotel in Unawatuna To manage second hotel in Jaffna under North Gate by Jetwing Concept image of Jetwing Surf in Pottuvil By Chandeepa Wettasinghe Jetwing, one of Sri Lankas three largest hospitality and tourism firms, is adding three new hotels to its portfolio later this year with Rs.850 million in investments, with the properties located at extreme ends of the island from the capital Colombo. (There) will be another in Jaffna, named North Gate by Jetwing. We will have 44 rooms and its located just outside the Jaffna railway station, Jetwing Hotels Ltd Marketing Manager Prasanna Welangoda told Mirror Business. The firm will have the management contract for the five-star standard North Gate hotel, which will open this November. Jetwing is currently the only major hotel brand to have an operation in Jaffna with the 55-room Jetwing Jaffna, which was opened last year. Although hotels in the Northern peninsular are mostly serving locals and Sri Lankans residing in foreign countries, who visit friends and relatives in the island, the continued interest of a major hospitality brand in the Northern Province could help with the required spatial distribution to ease the increasingly unsustainable levels of tourists visiting major tourism hotspots in the island. According to Welangoda, a Jetwing-owned property in Pottuvil with 20 beach cabanas, close to the popular surfing sport Arugam Bay, is also being constructed at a cost of Rs.500 million, named Jetwing Surf. The property, being designed by John Balmond, with five-star standards, is set to open its doors this October. Although the popular belief is that surfers opt for budget accommodation, Welangoda said that the property will be catering to high-end surfers. I agree that the perception is that surfers go for budget options, but what if we give people another option? There are surfers from countries like Australia, who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who go all around the world to places like Hawaii to surf and have the capacity to spend on luxury. So its all about perception, he said. The property will also be family-friendly, according to him, and is hoping to be constructed as a carbon neutral hotel. He said that the concept is similar to Jetwings popular Vil Uyana hotel and will be using a lot of the regional construction material and skills to construct the hotel. The third property in Unawatuna, coming under Jetwings select service accommodation brand Hotel J, is being constructed at an investment of Rs.350 million. The 36-room property will include six dorm rooms as well. Currently there is only one hotel in the Hotel J brand, situated in Negombo. The Hotel J concept is similar to a hostel. They are in a central location and we encourage our guests to go around and explore the localities. Theres free fast Wi-Fi, cable TV and the showers and the beds are the same as those used in our high-end properties because if youre out the whole day exploring, you need a good nights rest. Theyre also clean, secure and affordable, Welangoda said. He said that the property will have a three-star standard and will open this October. Jetwing, which focuses mainly on mid to small-scale hotels, resorts and villas, has had an exceptionally busy year of expansion in 2017. It recently opened Jetwing Lake in Dambulla and earlier this year opened Jetwing Colombo Seven and Oatlands by Jetwing in Nuwara Eliya. Tourist arrivals growth to Sri Lanka however has been slowing down considerably over the past several years and the government is hoping to kick off a massive global promotional campaign soon to redress this. A Sri Lankan passenger who arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from Saudi Arabia, was found dead at the airport this morning. Airport officials suspect that the 49-year-old Abdul Wahid, a resident at Teldeniya in Kandy might have died due to sudden cardiac arrest. It was reported that the victim who was residing at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia arrived in the country early this morning to take his wife to Jeddah. The Katunayaje Police is investigating. (T.K.G. Kapila) By Anthony Faiola, Heather Long (c) 2017, The Washington Post Aug 01, 2017 - CARACAS, Venezuela - The Trump administration on Monday imposed sanctions on President Nicolas Maduro, after an election that critics called a tipping point toward dictatorship. But even with international pressure building and Venezuelas economy collapsing, beleaguered opposition activists here were facing a stark new challenge. How could they confront a socialist machine that now controls all branches of government? Citing Maduros outrageous seizure of absolute power, the U.S. government froze any American assets he may have and banned Americans from doing business with him. The move came after Maduro heralded the Sunday vote creating a new super-congress made up entirely of government backers. The newly cast legislators included his wife and son. The body will have sweeping powers to rewrite the constitution and redraw Venezuelas governing system. Maduro is not just a bad leader, said President Trumps national security adviser, H.R. McMaster. He is now a dictator. Despite the tough talk from the White House, the sanctions fell short of the crippling pressure many observers were expecting. Maduro swiftly dismissed the measures, saying on television that they were imposed because he didnt obey the North American empire. He added: Impose all the sanctions that you want, but Im a free president. Potentially more-sweeping measures - including the targeting of Venezuelas all-important oil industry - are still on the table. But the opposition here is running out of time to turn the tide, and is now facing new and significant threats. The election was boycotted by the opposition, and many Venezuelans mocked the governments contention that more than 40 percent of voters took part. Under Maduros mentor, the late leftist leader Hugo Chavez, many Venezuelans thought national election results were generally credible, although candidates complained that he used state resources to gain an edge. But opposition activists called Sundays vote a turning point, claiming that only about 12 percent of Venezuelans turned out, in what they called a historic rejection of Maduro and his plans. Luisa Ortega Diaz, Venezuelas attorney general, who broke with the government in March, on Monday declared the vote fraudulent. She suggested that Maduro and his inner circle, including a vice president accused by the U.S. government of narco-trafficking, would now seek to use the new assembly to monopolize money and power. How will we control the public budget now? How will we know how much and in what things money is being invested? How amazing for them! she said. This is not the project Hugo Chavez wanted for the country, she continued. Far from it. Maduro has said he proposed the assembly to bring peace to the streets after four months of often-violent demonstrations protesting the dire state of the economy and growing authoritarianism. Opponents said he skewed the system for choosing candidates to ensure control of the new body. On Thursday, those chosen for the new Constituent Assembly are set to replace the democratically elected members of the nations legislature, which is dominated by the opposition. Some opposition lawmakers defiantly went to the National Assembly building on Monday, vowing to keep carrying out their duties. It foreshadowed a potentially dramatic standoff. (c) 2017, The Washington Post Of all the irresponsible things that President Donald Trump has said - and there have been far too many - perhaps nothing threatens to do greater damage than his remarks encouraging police to use excessive force. That was demonstrated by the swift public condemnations of his comments from police officials, who understand better than anyone that public safety is not well served if police are seen to be above the law and distrusted. Please dont be too nice was Trumps admonition, to a gathering of law enforcement officials, about arresting and transporting suspects. When you guys, he said Friday at an event on Long Island, put somebody in the car and youre protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over? Like, dont hit their head, and theyve just killed somebody - dont hit their head. I said, you can take the hand away, OK? As alarming as his comments were, even more jarring was the spectacle of officers in uniform cheering and applauding. Do they need a reminder of 25-year-old Freddie Gray and how he died from a spinal injury after transport in a Baltimore police van in 2015? It was heartening, though, to see police officials from across the country distance themselves from - with many firmly denouncing - the presidents comments giving a seeming wink and nod to police brutality. New Yorks Suffolk County Police Department, which had officers present at the Friday event, said it has strict rules and procedures that dont tolerate the roughing up of prisoners. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said unreasonable or unnecessary use of force erodes trust at a time when we need support from our local communities the most. Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger was, as he bluntly writes on this page, appalled to hear such comments from the president of the United States. Unfortunately and to its discredit, the national union representing police rank and file attempted to give Trump a pass for his unacceptable remarks. Off the cuff comments . . . are sometimes taken all too literally by the media and professional police critics, said a statement from National Fraternal Order of Police President Chuck Canterbury. His cavalier attitude disserves his unions members, most of whom conscientiously follow the law while performing their difficult and dangerous duty. Given that the Justice Department under Attorney General Jeff Sessions has signaled its lack of interest in bringing needed reform to troubled police departments, in the name of law and order, it is hard not to be concerned by the presidents comments. And even if Trump really didnt mean what he said - the all-too-convenient excuse used by his apologists - we agree with former D.C. and Philadelphia police chief Charles Ramsey (hardly a professional police critic) that words matter. Trumps paean to gratuitous use of force sends the wrong message to police and to the communities they serve. The detection of hauls of drugs, from time, has raised many an eyebrow in the society. Recently there was the discovery of a haul of cocaine in a sugar container bound for Lanka Sathosa, a state owned retail chain. The sugar import had originated from Brazil. Once the legal process that entails such detections concludes, its questionable whether the discovered hauls of drugs, be it Cocaine, Opium or Heroin, is destroyed properly without any of it reaching traffickers through the backdoor? President Maithripala Sirisena was anxious to know about this at Tuesdays Cabinet meeting. He asked about the final outcome regarding such hauls of drugs recovered from time to time. According to sources close to the Cabinet, the President was curious to know about this as there is public perception that such drugs finally reach undesirable hands in society, someway or another. After making his remarks regarding the matter, the President inquired about the kind of mechanism used currently to destroy Heroin or Cocaine once detected and dispensed following a court case. He made his inquiries from Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake. Ratnayake said the Police, on every occasion, destroyed such hauls after the court process concluded. However, it was found that there was lacuna monitoring in this case. He immediately instructed Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and Science and Technology Minister Susil Premajayantha to work out a piece of legislation outlining modalities for the destruction of hauls of drugs after discovery. The Cabinet has taken up this matter because the international media has projected Sri Lanka as a transit hub of a drug trafficking mafia. It got credence after the detection of 150 kilos of Cocaine in a sugar container imported for Lanka Sathosa recently. Its an import of sugar made through the governments tender procedure. Therefore, a series of questions have been raised as to how Cocaine was concealed inside the container to be smuggled into the country? Even some government MPs have sought a proper investigation into the matter Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, who commented on the drug peddling at the Cabinet meeting, said that there was public perception that such discovered drugs were released to be peddled locally by some unscrupulous elements. As a result, he said it was vital to work out a legal mechanism stipulating criteria for destroying them. Otherwise, people believe that they reach local drug cartels, he said. The President was also under the impression that such drugs- Opium, Cocaine and Heroin- were released to racketeers through the backdoor. Minister Rajapakshe told Daily Mirror that he would call for a workshop with the relevant officials and the law enforcement authorities to work out a system to destroy such items. There is a system now in place. But, its not adequate enough to deal with the current complications, he said. One week for Cabinet Ministers to study Hambantota Port Deal Apart from this aspect, the Cabinet took up for discussion the agreement signed with China Merchants Ports Holding Company to lease out a stake of the Hambantota Port for development. Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe presented it and asked his colleagues to study it in deep. They were given one whole week for the purpose. He said it was still open for amendments. The government views the whole transaction as a lucrative investment. Its expected to get US 1.4 billion for the stake leased out to the Chinese company. So, the government is planning to replenish its foreign reserves, otherwise on a downward spiral. JO consults legal experts on Port Deal However, the Joint Opposition, led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is opposed to the agreement. His brother former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa vowed to scrap the agreement if his side assumed power in the future. Already, the Joint Opposition has assigned a committee of legal luminaries headed by former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva to study the provisions of the agreement in reference to the international law. The Joint Opposition is planning to get the agreement annulled through a judicial process. Ravis fate depends on his response to allegations against him Revelations made before the Presidential Commission Investigation Bond against Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake has created an uproar even within the United National Party (UNP) which he represents as its strongman. It was revealed that Arjun Aloysius, who ran Perpetual Treasuries which is a Primary Dealer in bond transactions, paid the Penthouse rent for Minister Karunanayake. The revelation made a moral affront to the unity government which gained power on the platform to weed out corruption and irregularities in all their manifestations. Against the backdrop, its learned that a team of UNP MPs made representations to party leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and asked him to initiate action against Karunanayake. However, the Prime Minister is reported to have asked these MPs to wait till Karunanayake responds to the allegations against him. The Minister was to appear before the Commission yesterday. Whether he will face the axe or not, will depend on how convincingly he responds to the allegations during cross examination. These UNP MPs believe that Karunanayake should resign from his post. President attempts to discourage SLFPers from leaving Govt Amidst plans by some MPs of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to quit the government next month, President Maithripala Sirisena has started laying stress on the fact that a new government cant be formed without his blessing. Also, he said a new government couldnt be formed until after the parliamentary election in 2020. However, the SLFP section has given serious thought to part ways with the government after September. Most of these MPs, holding posts in the government as Cabinet, State and Deputy Ministers, have communicated their intention to their constituents. The President and his close confidantes like Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Duminda Dissanayake, Gamini Vijith Wijeyamuni Zoysa and S. B. Dissanayake, want to continue with the concept of national unity government further. It sounds like the UNP is also for it. The Presidents remarks might have been intended to discourage any defection from the government. Some SLFPers determined to leave However, the SLFPers, wanting to leave, say that they are under incessant pressure from their constituents to break ranks with the government. The exact number, planning to leave, is not yet known. Be that as it may, some among them will leave for sure. They wont join the Joint Opposition straightway. Instead, they will sit in the opposition as a different group. Finally, they will join hands with the Joint Opposition. Meanwhile, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the main opposition, fears whether any such defection will derail the constitution making process. Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan has stressed this point in public. A defection can deny the two-thirds support for the government in Parliament. In such an eventuality, any constitutional amendment is impossible and as such the TNAs fear is reasonable. In August this year, Sadaharitha Plantations will celebrate 15 years of enhancing Sri Lankas forest cover by encouraging over 26,000 investors to grow trees as a long and mid-term lucrative investment. Due to the prevailing market conditions on other investment products, many investors are actively reducing their exposure to equities and seeking alternative assets to boost returns without dramatically altering their overall risk profile. At this point, commercial forestry answers all concerns, delivering assets backed by high returns while being environmental friendly. Agarwood has been in the trade for many decades. The scent of agarwood is unique, complex and pleasing. As a result, agarwood oil has gained great cultural and religious significance with ancient civilizations being mentioned, including one of the worlds oldest written texts the Sanskrit Vedas from India. At present it is known to be one of the most expensive resinous woods in the world with a constant growing demand in larger markets such as Middle East, China, the USA and Europe for chips, oil, carvings and incense products. Agarwood oil is used as a base raw material by the makers of the worlds most expensive high-end perfumes cherished by rich and famous celebrities. The value of a litre of agarwood oil depending on the quality and colour, varies from US $ 10,000 to 35,000, which in Sri Lanka is worth Rs.5,250,000 at todays forex rates. Chips are priced around US $ 50 to 15,000 per kilo. Singapore is the bustling trading hub for agarwood raw materials in Asia and they churn out products worth of SGD 1.5 million annually. Another reason for agarwood (Aquiloaria) to be expensive is the threat of becoming endangered. The most important resin-producing species of Aquilaria are A. Agollocha and A. Malaccensis, which are also protected worldwide under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Apart from making the world fragrant, agarwood is an aphrodisiac, both in oil form and as incense. These are generally for external use but the oil is also sold in Vietnamese pharmacies for internal use with the same goal. Chinese medicine uses powdered Aquilaria as a treatment for cirrhosis of the liver and for other medicines. It has also been used as a treatment for lung and stomach tumours. Sadaharitha Plantations Chairman Sathish Navaratne explained, Agarwood is an essential part of the culture in many Middle Eastern countries where it is a common practice to showcase wealth and status by using expensive perfumes and incense for spiritual and religious ceremonies. Even jewellery made out from agarwood is believed to bring wealth and good luck. The agarwood industry in the world is worth billions of US dollars. This is why the investors can confidently enter into a very lucrative mid-term investment of growing commercial forests concentrating on agarwood. Sadaharitha holds the exclusive patent for the commercial production of agarwood. Only Sadaharitha has the expertise, capability and technology to use the CA-kit that makes the agarwood forestry viable and lucrative in Sri Lanka. The people who pretended to be fast asleep during the JRJ-Premadasa tyranny, who were half-asleep during the CBK years and were wide awake during the Rajapaksa tenure, have return to feigned-sleep all over again. We must unlearn the constellations to see the stars Jack Gilbert Jack Gilbert (1925-2012), celebrated poet from the USA, in a poem titled Tear it down was essentially calling for self-criticism, for the recognition and subsequent erasure of bias, and perhaps even reflection on the error (lets say) of being fixated with political projects or preferred outcomes. There were many who voted for Maithripala Sirisena in January 2015 not because they believed a word about the Yahapalana promise but they thought that defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa was necessary to stop things from deteriorating. On the other hand, there were many who actually believed in the Yahapalana pledge, never mind that you cannot get (as the Sinhala phrase goes) feathers from a tortoise. Among them was the columnist Nalaka Gunawardena. Nalaka recently quoted a fruit seller who runs a small retail shop near his house in Kotte, Jayasena. Jayasena Mudalali had told him a few days before the 2015 General Election that there were no honest politicians and that he would prefer if it were possible to vote for a robot. Nalaka, at the time, had entertained utopian hopes about yahapalanaya, he confesses, and therefore had not agreed with Jayasena. Nalaka yearns for robots today. The biggest problem with those who jumped on the Yahapalana bandwagon is the term. It was a challenge and a good one. It was an aspiration, a standard to be maintained and it was going to be tough. Many who cheered Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe back in 2015 probably knew it would be tough, but what they didnt know was that yahapalanaya was a feather and the yahapalanists were tortoises. The problem is that yahapalanaya is an end as well as a process. Once you embroider the term on to your political flag you cannot play End justifies the means, but you have to be alert to the journey, the decisions, each step of the way; and you have to point out deviation. Heres an example. There were those who demanded that whether one liked the idea or not R. Sampanthan should be made the Leader of the Opposition. The hesitation of course was ideological (at best) and racist (at worst), the latter being the more common source of objection. The argument was about accepted parliamentary practice and the business of numbers. And yet, the very same lofty principles were duly forgotten when the Parliamentary arithmetic changed and it became obvious that the Joint Opposition had more oppositional legitimacy and clout than Sampanthan and the TNA. Those who raised shrill cries of horror at corruption, nepotism, abuse of State resources and such during the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa are conspicuously silent today. They are not calling for the blood (or at least a hauling to the FCID) of those accused of swindling the Central Bank (accusation, let us not forget, was crime enough for the name-shame game that the Yahapalana (sic) media played when it came to those associated with the previous regime). The Ministry of Home Affairs has written to public servants in all districts, asking them to arrange all kinds of religious ceremonies to commemorate 40 years of the advent of a particular political ideology and the 40th anniversary of a politicians first electoral success. Thats a call for the abuse of public resources, a demand that government servants pander to the interests of a political party and of course a leg-up to the (further) politicisation of the public service. The (obvious) at-odds with Yahapalana rhetoric has surprisingly been missed by Yahapalana apologists. We should not be surprised since Yahapalana nepotism first surfaced just days after Maithripala Sirisena became President and no one among the prominent anti-nepotism brigade uttered one word of consternation. The watchers of the watchdogs were and are silent on the abuse of State media. They are not exactly howling in protest when the Government unleashes violence on demonstrations. They didnt say a word about the attempted white-vanning of a student leader. And then theres the issue of postponing elections. If the country can move along (stagger if you wish) without local government bodies but just government-appointed minders why hold elections at all, one could argue. The same logic could be extended to include Provincial Councils as well. But not holding issues is at odds with yahapalanaya, and again that at -odds has not been noticed by the Yahapalana cheering squad. When one reads the columns of the Yahapalana apologists one gets the feeling that at least some of the columnists are embarrassed about whats happening. They dont exactly say it as they should where a thundering slap is warranted (going by the ease and weight of swing they demonstrated against the previous regime), they mutter tut tut. Take all thats happened over the past 2.5 years and imagine that it was the Rajapaksas in power. Now ask yourselves how the Yahapalana cheer-leaders would have responded. Its a throw-back to the eighties, isnt it? It is as though the people who pretended to be fast asleep during the JRJ-Premadasa tyranny, who were half-asleep during the CBK years and were wide awake during the Rajapaksa tenure, have returned to feigned-sleep all over again. So, what was all the high-minded talk during the Rajapaksa years about, one has to ask. Were they really worried about corruption? Did nepotism keep them awake at night? Did they feel stifled by the lack of democracy? Were they upset about violence then but not now because those targeted by Yahapalanists are dispensable? Is it just another api venuven api thing? The fault, as they say, is not in the stars but, as they dont say, its in the constellations. There are constellation-preferences clearly. It could just be a configuration of stars that make up an ape kattiya (Our Guys). It could be a constellation called Constitutional Reform Closer To Our Hearts. Whatever it is, it is not about things that ought to matter more than ideological and political preferences, such as truth, honesty, decency, consistency, equality before the law, accountability, transparency and such. Let us not for one moment imagine that the same principle cannot be applied to those who support the Joint Opposition, see Mahinda Rajapaksa (or Gothabaya) as a saviour. They look up and they dont see stars either; they see configurations that spell Joint Opposition, Mahinda or Gota. If they see corruption, nepotism and other ills today, the chances are that they were blind to these before January 2015. Jayasena Mudalali has a point, all things considered. But if we are a long way off from robot-governments and if we recognise that humans designing robots are never value-neutral, then we have to go beyond the more persistent constellations, i.e. those that describe the dominant political formations in the country which include not just the UNP and SLFP but also the JVP, TNA and SLMC (and their off-shoots). The stars that are back-grounded by such constellations are in fact the very stars that are used to create the constellations only to be sidelined post-creation: the people. Jack Gilbert says The village is not better than Pittsburgh, only Pittsburg is more than Pittsburg. We dont have to look to the constellations; we dont have to look across the seas and over the mountains. The fault is right here. Among us. Within us. So, too the solution. Malinda Seneviratne is a freelance writer. Email: malindasenevi@gmail.com. Blog: malindawords.blogspot.com. Twitter: malindasene (c) 2017, The Washington Post The United States and Russia have descended to a new low point in relations, with waves of sanctions and escalating retaliation. Twenty-five years after the Cold War ended, relations are back in a deep freeze. What happened? The current tension did not come about because the United States suddenly wanted its old adversary back. What happened is a response to bad choices taken by President Vladimir Putin of Russia. These choices were made deliberately in Moscow, perhaps for Putins own reasons of domestic politics and foreign policy. They are the main reason for the tension that now exists. Putin chose to seize Crimea from Ukraine, annex it and then instigate an armed insurrection in southeastern Ukraine in 2014, violating all post-World War II norms of national sovereignty. The war in the Donbasregion was a tactic by Putin to inject further instability into Ukraine after Ukraines president, Putin ally Viktor Yanukovych, fled his palace in the face of mass protest. Putin was aggrieved at Ukraines decision to sign a pact with the European Union, but Ukraine is not a vassal of Russia, and Putins claims to a sphere of influence are untenable. The sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe were a response to Putins ill-considered impulse to use violence as a tool of intimidation and coercion. Another poor and deliberate choice was to interfere with the U.S. election campaign. Putin cannot escape responsibility for Russian attempts to damage the candidacy of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and, perhaps, tilt the election to Donald Trump. We know that Putin seethed over Clintons outspoken support for the principle of free speech during the 2011-2013 protests against him, but he is altogether wrong to think the United States engineered the unrest. Putin and his aides cynically deny they attempted to interfere in the U.S. election, but surely they know exactly what occurred and how. The sanctions imposed by President Barack Obama last December and recently tightened by Congress did not appear out of thin air. They are a logical response to Putins attempt to meddle in American democracy. Have these choices had positive consequences for Russia or global stability? Putin behaves as though he believes Russia is walking tall. Perhaps in his zero-sum world, he takes satisfaction in the chaos rippling through U.S. politics, but his tactics have backfired badly in both Ukraine and the United States. And Putins choices have been costly for Russia, its economy and its people. We have long believed that U.S.-Russian engagement is essential to avert miscalculation, and it remains important for both Washington and Moscow to keep talking. But Putin should not expect the West to suddenly forgive or forget his bad choices. He would be wiser to deal with the underlying source of tension than to sit around plotting new ways to escalate it. The young talkative Betel leaf Diyawanna member from Polonnaruwa recently threw a tantrum over some injustice done to him by the JO and announced that he was withdrawing himself from all political activities of the group. He charged that the JO had organized several party meetings in the Polonnaruwa district without his knowledge and pointed the finger of accusation at the former strongmans political strategist- brother, the livewire behind the Pohottuwa political party- the political front of the JO group. But the informed ones say that the real reason for the young JO activist to rail against the JO was the action taken by the Pohottuwa strategist to appoint several organizers for the Polonnaruwa district without informing or consulting him. Several JO stalwarts had blamed the political sibling of the former strongman for the injustice done to the young Diyawanna member. Meanwhile, a JO heavyweight from the Kandy area, highly critical of the arbitrary action taken by the political sibling had proposed to his colleagues in the group that they should lose no time in entrusting all powers relating to running the group and the groups front party to the former strongman himself in order to put the ambitious sibling in his proper place, they say. Sri Lankas trade deficit in May widened to US$ 885.6 million 2017 from US$ 809.7 million a year ago as for the third consecutive month, exports growth was overshadowed by a higher import bill. Export earnings grew 7.8 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US$ 841.2 million, boosted by agricultural exports, which grew 32 percent YoY to US$ 222.7 million. Tea exports were the main reason for this growth, increasing 45.9 percent YoY to US$ 131.6 million due to higher global prices and volume growth. Industrial exports grew just 1.1 percent YoY to US$ 614.5 million as apparel exports fell 5.2 percent YoY to US$ 337.7 million due to lower demand from all major markets. Rubber products and petroleum products, of which each exported approximately US$ 10 million more worth of products compared to a year ago, supported industrial exports in the face of the poor apparel export performance. Imports for May increased 8.6 percent YoY to US$ 1.73 billion, driven by an increase in consumer goods imports, which increased 17.5 percent YoY to US$ 385.6 million. Weather affected short-supply of rice in the domestic market, and high importation of sugar, of which global prices have been on the rise, along with increased spending on telecommunication devices were the main causes of growth in consumer goods imports. Intermediate goods imports increased 1.6 percent YoY to US$ 864.7 million, as import declines across most key products were absorbed by the increase in expenditure on fossil fuels, up 15.3 percent YoY to US$ 215.7 million, due to increases in crude prices, and higher reliance on thermal power. Investment goods imports increased 4.5 percent YoY to US$ 427.3 million due to importation of aircraft parts and other road transport equipment. For the first 5 months of 2017, exports increased 4.3 percent YoY to US$ 4.41 billion, while imports increased 12.6 percent YoY to US$ 8.61 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of US$ 4.2 billion, which deteriorated from US$ 3.42 billion YoY. Worker remittances down for third consecutive month Worker remittances, which had given crucial support to Sri Lankas current account in the balance of payment in the past, continued the third month of decline in May, falling 3.7 percent YoY to US$ 575.4 million. Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions prevailing in the Middle East was the reason cited by the Central Bank for this decline. Worker remittance inflows for the first 5 months of 2017 fell 5.8 percent YoY to US$ 2.8 billion. Earnings from tourism meanwhile was estimated to have grown 4.8 percent YoY to US$ 1.52 billion during the first 5 months of 2017, with the contributions in May falling 2.5 percent YoY to US$ 209.1 million. By Karen Deyoung (c) 2017, The Washington Post Aug 01, 2017 - President Donald Trump said nothing Monday in response to Russias planned expulsion of hundreds of American diplomats, announced over the weekend by President Vladimir Putin. Right now were reviewing our options, and when we have something to say on it well let you know, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday after Trumps silence continued through several public appearances. Asked when Trump would sign the bill passed last week by Congress, levying new sanctions on Russia, that precipitated the Kremlins move, Sanders said that well let you know when thats going to happen. Whatever Trump decides to do in response, the fast-moving series of events appeared to leave the administration with no substantive Russia policy and without a clear idea of what direction to take. It was left to Vice President Mike Pence, on a visit to NATO member Estonia, to note obliquely that we hope for . . . better relations with Russia, but that recent diplomatic action by Moscow will not deter U.S. defence of its Baltic allies against Russian aggression. Putin said in a Moscow television interview late Sunday that he expected U.S.-Russia relations to worsen and that Russia may come up with other forms of sanctions retaliation. Just as Trump did not mention Russia on Monday, Putins spokesman indicated that Trump was irrelevant to the Kremlins decision to retaliate before the new sanctions bill took effect. Passed with massive majorities in the House and Senate, it will de facto become a law even if the U.S. president does not sign it, spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. So there was no need to wait, he said. Things are pretty obvious. While Russia remained interested in improvements -promised by Trump during his campaign- relations for now were far from this ideal, Peskov said. Putin waited a half year to respond to a decision by President Barack Obama, in the waning days of his administration, to sanction Russia with diplomatic expulsions and property seizures in retaliation for cyber-intrusions in the U.S. electoral campaign. Trump has repeatedly expressed doubts about Moscows culpability, and the Russians were clearly expecting a change in policy. Russia had demanded the return of two diplomatic compounds in this country, labeled intelligence outposts by Obama, and applied for visas to send replacements for the 35 diplomats the previous administration kicked out. But not only was no progress made on either issue, Trumps inability to stop the new sanctions legislation apparently led Putin to recalculate. The Russian government, I think, has largely written off Trump as a person who can deliver, said Andrew Weiss, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a Russia policy official during the Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush administrations. But by the same token, they think theres no benefit in truly antagonizing him, and so theyll jolly him along for the indefinite future, Weiss said. Having travelled the plantations extensively, during the 1950s as a schoolboy, with some of his kinsmen, who were already in the tea industry, Jayantissa Ratwatte was a frequent visitor to the islands hill country tea plantations and so the transition from books to tea was quite an organic one. Continuing a tradition that started with the late Kenneth Ratwatte, a well-respected pioneer in the countrys nascent plantation sector, and today extends to his son, Kenneth Ratwatte, who is also in the tea trade, Jayantissa commenced his preeminent career in 1961 as a trainee at Whittalls Estates & Agencies Ltd; over the next four decades, Jayantissa has stood at the forefront of the plantation industry and together with many other industry leaders, served a vital role steering and shaping it through turbulent periods of nationalization in 1974 and subsequent privatization in 1992. Even at the time that I was starting out in 1961, I well remember people claiming that the exit of British planters would spell doom for the industry and I would get a barrage of questions about whether I was sure that this was the industry that I wanted for myself, but I was always confident right from the beginning and that was due to the fact that I could see the latent potential in a yet underutilized national resource. Uncertainty around nationalization In my early days in the industry, a good number of the British planters were already anxious with political trends in the country and many had moved to Kenya and other tea-growing nations. There was a new generation of Sri Lankan planters who were joining the industry. Im pleased to say that despite the naysayers, we were able to not only maintain but also improve on agricultural, manufacturing and productivity standards. This was due in no small part to a much deeper understanding of local conditions which Sri Lankans had as compared with British planters and also as a result of their ability to more freely interact with plantation sector workers. He noted that where British planters were not very conversant in the vernacular and were generally averse to interacting directly with estate employees, the Sri Lankan planters were able to step and take a more open approach to dealing with employees and the wider estate community. The British left an industry that was organised in an extremely hierarchical manner, so it had to be a gradual process of easing out of that culture and into one in which we could start to win the confidence of our employees. That being said, it was no easy task to attempt to manage thousands of people, so naturally, we had to maintain certain standards and protocols. This was a period of learning where the boundaries were at times tested and the workers may have felt that they we were less rigid than the British and they would try to take advantage of that. Overall we were able to manage these issues while also trying to drive meaningful improvements to the quality of life in estate communities, Ratwatte explained. From the start of the 1970s, the debate around the nationalization of the holdings of privately-owned companies had commenced in Sri Lanka, ramping up with the passing of the Land Reform Act in 1972, which prohibited individual ownership of land in excess of 50 acres. In the years leading up to nationalization, Ratwatte rose through the ranks quickly reaching the position of Superintendent of Hellbodde Estate in the Pusselawa/Ramboda District, where he worked for almost a decade before being appointed to Board 2 of the Janatha Estates Development Board (JEDB). By 1987, Ratwatte was serving as Chairman of Board 1 of the JEDB, overseeing tea, rubber and coconut plantations across Hatton, Dickoya and Avissawella. There were several initiatives at the outset of nationalization like the MTIP and TRAD projects that provided substantial investments into capital development including replanting, factory development, diversification, housing, water, sanitation and transport and these resulted in considerable improvements all round. As time progressed, politics infiltrated the sector and crucial positions were filled by political appointees and this set an extremely negative precedent. The working culture shifted drastically from one of productivity to a notably lethargic performance. By the mid-1980s the industry turned out to be a drain on the Treasury which, had to spend Rs.400 million per month simply to sustain it. In anticipation of privatization in 1992, Ratwatte was hired by John Keells Holdings Ltd in 1991, with the expectation that he would lead the formation of its plantation company. After the Management Company was set up and our first crop of senior executives appointed all of whom were renowned planters in their own right our first challenge was to set about changing the mindset of the employees and resultant stagnation that had permeated the entire industry, Ratwatte explained. In the first decade post privatization, most regional plantation companies (RPCs) performed reasonably well as both markets and climatic conditions remained fair, despite regular wage increases and consequential gratuity top up, payment of lease rentals and other expenses. Since then the industry has been beset with extremes in weather, volatile markets, high costs, low productivity an aging tea stock, unreasonable wage increases. Vision for future This is an industry that is tailor-made for resourceful investors who have the right influence in world markets. It is unquestionable that it must be sustained and that it does have the potential to be a viable business. Today, I believe the industry and the government are at a crossroads beyond which significant investments will need to be made to ensure the long-term survival and prosperity of Sri Lankan tea. In particular, Ratwatte criticized the lack of engagement from the Tea Research Institute, noting that moving forward, steps had to be taken to reinvigorate the organisation so that it could start making vital contributions in replanting, including the development of high-yielding clones such as those which had been established in countries like Kenya and introduction of new technology in tea processing. Harvesting techniques must be updated. Gone are the days where we can continue to have a 100 percent handpicked tea. That is simply too expensive and we must look to examples of mechanized harvesting. Similarly, he stated that the factory processes would also have to be updated while the estate workers would also have to be further incentivized to remain and work in the plantations, ideally by providing options to supplement their income including dairy and vegetable farming and even tourism. Finally I believe that our industry itself will require significant restructuring. At present we have far too many layers between production and retail. This process must be simplified and this is only possible through partnerships with major tea players like Liptons and Unilever, May Tea, Starbucks, Finlays UK and similarly large multinational brands. They have to be allowed to enter the Sri Lankan tea industry ideally in association with those local companies that have been successful with RPCs and other leaders in the trade. They need to be incentivized and given latitude to restructure and make what changes they deem fit to make the industry more profitable and sustainable. At that point, our production will be linked to guaranteed markets. Suffice to say such investors will require guarantees from the state for security of their investments. That is the only way that I can see in which we can achieve the levels of investment necessary to turn this industry around, he asserted. Ratwatte also expressed support for a change in the model of production at the estate level, either through the formation of legally-binding co-operative partnerships of workers who are provided a right of ownership specifically over the crop, where land is retained with the state and RPCs through their manufacturing facilities. Alternatively, he stated that a feasible revenue-sharing model that did not enable any further dilution of the ownership of plantation land could also hold the potential to drastically improve the outlook of Sri Lankas tea sector. Vital need for informed decision-making Particularly over the recent past it has greatly saddened me to see the kinds of uniformed, misleading and oftentimes illogical criticisms that are being levelled at the industry, particularly at the growers level. What is required is a unified vision for how we must proceed. The changes Im talking about and the investments required can only be achieved through bold and drastic restructuring that is firmly focused on sustainability and long-term profitability, Ratwatte concluded. A number of political heavyweights have already teamed up with the new political alignment that has come up from the East to topple the Tree and the one ruling its roost. The co-founders of the new entity needing funds to build up the party had initially approached friendly businessmen but the response from them had been poor. So they had quietly met the heads of diplomatic missions from several mid-east countries based in the city to seek financial assistance from them. The mid-east envoys after promising to consider their request had on the sly spilled the beans to the Tree party leader and the latter had convinced the envoys of the need to protect the unity of the community and a new party alignment would mean a serious split in the community. When the co-founders of the new political entity called on the mid-east envoys recently expecting a positive response from them had a surprise coming to them when they offered them an unsolicited advice: Dont get divided. Fight for your rights as a united force! The leading lights of the new political alignment are now looking for other sources that could help them much needed- funds, they say. With Sri Lanka Ports Authority agreeing to sell a 70 per cent stake in the Hambantota port to China Merchants Ports Holdings last week, Sri Lanka finally concluded its $1.12 billion (over Rs 717 crore) agreement with the state-run Chinese firm to operate the port in the southeast of the country. The government gave its consent almost six months after the framework agreement was signed as the deal got bogged down in local protests. Now the stage is set for China Merchants Ports Holdings to run the workings of the newly constructed port over a 99-year lease. Priority For China the Hambantota port has been a strategic priority given its Maritime Silk Road ambitions and Beijing has been quite active in trying to salvage this deal. Sri Lanka is located on the critical sea route for oil shipments travelling from West Asia, making energy security an important reason for China to invest. It has been suggested by the Chinese firm that "with these maritime infrastructure investments, and other diverse investments such as the proposed international maritime centre, Sri Lanka will be well positioned to play a strategic role in the one-belt-one-road initiative of China." For Colombo, however, the project has turned into a nightmare since its opening in 2010. Sri Lankan ports minister Mahinda Samarasinghe had made it clear that the country "cannot afford to continue to pay" back the loans without better returns at the port. The Sirisena government has blamed the debt on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose government was keen on Beijing getting this project. The Export-Import Bank of China had provided a large chunk of more than $361 million (over Rs 230 crore) of its construction financing. With the signing of the final pact, the Sri Lankan government is confident that it would be able to repay the loans with $1.12 billion (over Rs 717 crore) even as the Chinese firm is expected to invest an additional $600 million (Rs 384 crore) to make Hambantota port operational. There have been local protests for months now against what is viewed as a plan to take over private land for the industrial zone in which China will have a major stake as well as anger at the Chinese control of the port. Reservations have also been expressed by the opposition parties, with some demanding that the agreement must not be signed till it is debated in the parliament. After the Sirisena government came to power in 2015, it was quite vocal in its desire to reduce Sri Lanka's reliance on China, but financial pressures became too hard to ignore. With the island nation's total debt standing at $64 billion (Rs 41,000 crore), almost 95 per cent of all government revenue goes towards debt repayment. China presented itself as an easier lender of last resort. Security India, along with other countries like the US and Japan, had also raised the issue of security with Sri Lanka. Colombo has assured Delhi that there are no security issues over the port, which it says will only be used for commercial purposes. According to the Sri Lankan government, "No naval ship, including Chinese vessels, can call over at the Hambantota Port without our (Colombo's) permission." The revised deal with China provides for the formation of two companies to split the operations of the port in which China will run the company that will be in charge of business while Sri Lanka will have a major stake in the firm dealing with security. This is an attempt to allay Indian concerns. Sri Lanka has been sensitive to Indian security concerns vis-a-vis China's presence in the Indian Ocean in recent years. The Sirisena government and the Modi government have engaged each other substantively. Whereas in 2014 China docked its submarines at Hambantota, much to India's annoyance, Colombo refused to allow China to dock a submarine at Colombo port earlier this year in May. Interests Sri Lanka's case is a textbook example of the Chinese modus operandi in pursuing its strategic interests. Other countries are also facing similar dilemmas. Cambodia's external multilateral public debt, for example, now stands at $1.6 billion (over Rs 1,000 crore), while its bilateral public debt with China is $3.9 billion (Rs 2,500 crore). And 80 per cent of this is owned by China. China has emerged as Cambodia's largest military and economic partner, having disbursed about $3 billion (Rs 1,900 crore) in concessional loans and grants to Cambodia since 1992. Questions are also being raised in Malaysia about Chinese investments and their future. Using its own brand of "debt trap diplomacy", China is now forcing smaller states to abide by its dictates. This will have pernicious consequences for these states and is likely to bounce back on China. But for India, China's growing presence around its periphery will continue to pose challenges if New Delhi does not get its own act together. Blaming Beijing is the easier option. Getting ready to challenge China's profile by enhancing its own regional role as an economic and security actor is the need of the hour for India. At a time when China is strangling India in the north with its attempts to change facts on the ground, it is imperative for India to strategically think of using the maritime sphere to break Beijing's growing dominance in its periphery. All eyes in China these past few days have been on the sprawling army base of Zhurihe, in northern Inner Mongolia. On July 30, President Xi Jinping presided over the largest military parade in years, to celebrate the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) 90th anniversary on August 1. For Xi, the parade was also an opportunity to showcase his reforms of the military. Since last year, he introduced sweeping changes to make the PLA more nimble and introducing joint commands. In keeping with that ethos, the Zhurihe parade eschewed all the usual trappings of grand parades in China. Instead of the usual limousine, Xi appeared in a PLA jeep. All the 12,000 assembled troops were from elite combat brigades. The parade "was the nearest thing to a real battle that Xi could have to check the army's battle readiness", former PLA Major General Xu Guangyu put it to the South China Morning Post. "You can't create a war to test their abilities on the battleground," he said. "But you need to look at how pilots are flying their jets, how soldiers are controlling their tanks." In his speech, Xi called on the PLA to stand up to all "enemies who offend" China and to be ready to fight "invading enemies", a common reference in PLA speeches to China's past invasions, notably at the hands of the Japanese. Then there was the hardware. Around half of what was on display was shown for the first time in a parade. Top of the list was the J-20 fighter, China's stealth fifth generation fighter that was inducted in March and seen as Beijing's answer to the US F-22. The J-20 has been tested recently even on the Tibetan plateau, where it was spotted in China's highest-altitude airport in Sichuan province. The DF-31 intercontinental missile, capable of an 11,000km and reaching the US, was also shown, as was the Y-20 transport plane, crucial for China's logistics in transporting men and tanks to border regions. In the days leading up to the anniversary, some of the PLA's outspoken serving and former officers came out with strong statements aimed at India over the Doklam standoff. First, the PLA spokesper son told India to "not harbour any illusions" in a press conference ahead of the anniversary. Then, PLA Navy Senior Captain Zhang Ye, who is a research fellow of the PLA Naval Research Institute, wrote in a commentary that India was opening itself to "third party" interventions in Jammu & Kashmir, a comment made before by media but for the first time by a PLA officer. "A third party of the Sino-Bhutan border dispute, does the Indian military have the right to trespass across the Sino-Indian established border to stop China's road construction?" he wrote. "If yes, it would be very dangerous, for under India's logic, if Pakistan requests, a third country's army can enter the area disputed by India and Pakistan, including India-controlled Kashmir," he said, using the term China uses to refer to Jammu & Kashmir. The PLA, incidentally, has already begun joint patrols with Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir near the Xinjiang border. This domain was recently registered at Namecheap.com. Please check back later! A Grottoes man who authorities said abducted a teenage girl and lunged at Charlottesville police with a knife before stabbing himself in the chest will spend the next six and a half years behind bars. In Charlottesville Circuit Court on Tuesday, Kenneth Wayne George, 47, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but six and a half years suspended. In February, George entered an Alford plea in which a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges the prosecution likely has enough evidence to draw a conviction to charges of abduction by force and assault of a law enforcement officer. On Aug. 1, 2016, George went to the Augusta County home of a woman he had a relationship with, according to Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Areshini Pather, and convinced the womans 17-year-old daughter identified as H.G. to leave with him. Telling her people with guns were coming to hurt them, George took the victims car keys and drove them to the Days Inn at 1600 N. Emmet Street. At the hotel, Pather said George locked the room, smoked marijuana and drank alcohol. When H.G. became restless and wanted to leave, George pinned her to the floor and tried to tie her hands with a scarf. To get him to stop, Pather said, H.G. gave him her debit card so that he could buy more alcohol. As soon as he left, H.G. called 911 and told police where she was. As Charlottesville police started canvassing the area around the hotel, two detectives checked behind some trash cans to discover George holding a knife and acting aggressively, Pather said. When police commanded him to drop his weapon, George threw a trashcan and hit one of the detectives. Then George began advancing on the police officers and reportedly shouted, Shoot me, while brandishing the knife. Police used a Taser in an attempt to subdue George, but before officers could get to him, he stabbed himself in the chest. Emphasizing the danger in which George placed the young victim, Pather said Georges sentence should reflect the seriousness of his crimes. Since H.G.s abduction, Pather said, the girls mother has noticed her daughter does not want to stay in their home anymore. This is an event that has changed this juveniles life and it didnt have to happen, Pather said. An attorney for George told the court his clients behavior was completely out of character and was the worst moment of his life. Reading from a three page letter he prepared, George apologized for his past behavior and said his intention was to help H.G. Also apologizing to the Charlottesville police officers he threatened with a knife, George said he wanted to move forward as a law abiding citizen. I will try to make amends wherever possible, George said. I never meant to scare or harm anyone. I truly have a deep remorse for my actions. Jail is a punishment for me, but it doesnt help make me a more responsible person, he said. Disagreeing that it was one bad decision, Judge Richard Moore said it was a chain of events that George could have stopped at any time. Touching on Georges brandishing a knife at police officers, Moore said the sentence would be largely about punishment and deterrence. Police officers know every day they might not come home, Moore said. I think its incumbent on citizens not to add to that. Along with the six and a half years behind bars, George is required to maintain 30 years of good behavior and is not to have any contact with his victim or the victims mother. Eden Lai Latent Image Collective, an international congress of nearly a dozen photographers that has its roots here in Albuquerque, lays out their beliefs like this: We believe in the power of photography. We believe in curiosity. We believe in collaboration. We believe in real world connections and the sharing of ideas. We believe in wanderlust. We believe in being citizens of the world. These ideals have been elucidated beautifully in the exhibitions the group has previously hosted in our city, and will be elaborated on in, a group exhibition that will run throughout the month of August at Downtown Contemporary Gallery. In photography the latent image is one that has yet to be developed on the film strip, the image is registered with light, it just hasn't been called forth yet. It is this process of development that inspired the start of Latent Image Collective, who were all brought together by local photographer Nick Tauro Jr. Largely connected by social media sharing, the group established a relationship without ever having materialized to one another in-person, another reason why the latent image holds resonance for these artists who have connected despite geography. Both Tauro and another member of the group, Fabio Miguel Roque, from Sintra, Portugal, took the time to unpack the workings of the collective and contents of their most recent show. Jeff Rhode Alibi: How did Latent Image Collective get its start? Tauro: I had the original idea to start the photo collective in 2014. I was personally feeling uninspired in my own work and was feeling disconnected and isolated. Photography can be a very solitary pursuit ... I was looking for a way to forge deeper connections with other photographers, especially those who I had been following and communicating with via social media. I realized that many of these folks that I followed had a shared aesthetic sensibility. I also saw the value of Albuquerque and New Mexico as a destination for photographers (We have amazing light here, and our arts and cultural history is unique.), so I thought maybe someday I could invite artists to come and collaborate here. I first reached out to my good friend Karen Sue Mazur, who is also a photographer based here in Albuquerque. I knew she had the desire to continue her own personal photography, and I knew she would be great on-the-ground support as we worked together to launch the group. What is the power in so many artists working together across borders? Tauro: I think the power lies in the fact that we have enough common ground in our shared love of photography, and that we have an opportunity to share aspects of our home cities and countries with each other. We all seem to benefit from an expanded world view, and the sense that even though we are far away from each other geographically, we share so much creatively. Roque: I love all kinds of collaborative projects, I think it's always a winning situation. On the several projects that I was involved in in the past, I always find good reasons to have a collaborative approach with other artists, because the sharing of points of view and experiences can be a great addition for my work but also for [the work of] others. I'm learning very much, and I believe some other artists are also learning something from me, and I think this is an amazing thing. The possibility to do this, without filters, without the need of a middle man, only by the pleasure of sharing art [is powerful]. With Latent Image Collective, we have a platform for artists all around the globe, and this is an amazing chance for each one of us learn more about other realities in the art and photography world, because everyone of us has a personal background and individual path, but at the same time, this permanent collaboration is always with the same people, and it helps me grow in many aspects. Nick Tauro Jr. What is the idea with Ongoing Conversation? Tauro: The Ongoing Conversation project actually started because we were looking for a new group project. Our member in Spain, JM Ramirez-Suassi, suggested that we follow the exquisite corpse approach, which is basically a visual game of telephone. One member would submit a photo and then we would pull a name at random and then that photographer would then have to supply an image that related to the previous one. It was easy for everyone to participate, because we were updating the thread one photo per week, so ultimately it was just a four or five photograph per year commitment for each of us. The exhibit at Downtown Contemporary Gallery is 44 of the first images from the thread, but the project is still ongoing on our website, where it is now up to nearly 60 images. The plan is that we will continue this project for the rest of 2017. What interests you as an artist? How does it fit with this project? Roque: I can say that my personal view of photography works in between documentary photography and personal photography, or the mix of both. In recent years, most of my body of work is closely related to my [experience of] the way I face life in general and many of the problems that I had to face. This allows me a constant discovery of myself and a better understanding of that person that I am as an individual. Topics like dreams, my hometown, my divorce and my ancestors are some of the things I focus my efforts on. The way all of this can be related with the Latent Image Collective is very simple, we have a totally open politic, each one of us has total freedom around his or her personal work. Sometimes we work around a concrete subject or theme, but our limitations end there, so this is very good for each of us personal improvement. Karen Sue Mazur What are your highest aspirations for this collaboration? Tauro: Even though we have a great, diverse group of men and women in the [collective], Id love to continue to increase the diversity, especially geographically. I would be thrilled if we continue to stay as a working unit for many years, and that all members gain more attention for their own work due to exposure via the collective. Roque: I think most of us already know very much about each other [and] our [unique] ways of working, so I only can wait for more good things in the future. In my personal point of view, I know it is not easy because, all of us, or at least the majority, have other jobs, and we have our families and duties, but I hope we can continue to grow, to make more exhibitions, more projects together, bring new members to our cause, make some publications of our own. But all of this only can be achieved with a lot of work, slowly and step by step. Bengaluru: Auto major Honda Motor aims to pip Hero from the top spot in the 2-wheeler segment in India by 2020, an official said here on Wednesday. Speaking at the inauguration of Hondas fourth assembly line at its Narsapura facility in Karnataka, Hondas chief regional operations officer, Asia & Oceania, Shinji Aoyama said, Hondas 2-wheeler business spans more than 120 countries worldwide and India is leading the demand. In FY17, India alone contributed 28 per cent to Hondas global 2-wheeler sales and became the top contributor to Hondas two-wheeler business. The growing Indian market is top priority for Honda. To better meet the dynamic market demand and to prepare for the future opportunities, Honda has inaugurated the fourth assembly line in the Karnataka plant. With this, the Narsapura plant will now produce 24 lac two-wheelers annually, said Mr Aoyama. AirAsia on Wednesday announced the launch of direct flights between Tiruchirapalli and Bangkok. Chennai: AirAsia on Wednesday announced the launch of direct flights between Tiruchirapalli and Bangkok at starting fares of Rs 3,399 for a one-way journey. The new route to be effective from September 29, 2018 along with the Jaipur-Bangkok route, would be operated four times a week, a press release said. Booking of tickets commenced from July 31 and would go on till August 13, 2017 for travel between September 29, 2017 and August 28, 2018. The flights would be operated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. "AirAsia plans to continually penetrate the Indian market in the latter half of 2017 as it is a major market with great growth potential, especially as Bangkok and Thai cities have proven popular destinations for Indians", Thai AirAsia, Commercial Director, Santisuk Klongchaiya said. The direct Tiruchirapalli-Bangkok flight offers a multitude of trade, investment and travel opportunities as Tiruchirapalli is not only home for many interesting tourist attractions, but also an exotic destination that is rich in tradition, culture and history, he said. Currently, AirAsia offers direct flights to Thailand from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi. Air India has been facing financial troubles for over a decade. New Delhi: Successive governments have "shortchanged" Air India by treating it like their private properties, TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi said today as he urged the Centre to review the decision to divest stake in the airline. "By just looking at the debt and ignoring the revival signs would be to take a narrow view of the situation," the former railway minister said. As part of efforts to revive the national carrier, the Cabinet has given in-principle approval for divestment and the final contours are being worked out by a group of ministers. "If Air India today is in this financial situation it was not because of Air India but successive governments have short-changed Air India and treated it like their private properties and at times private airlines, be international or domestic came under category of favoured airlines," Trivedi told PTI. Against this backdrop, Trivedi said it is evident that there is potential for further growth of Air India if the turnaround plan continues along with other rationalisation measures. The airline, which is staying afloat on a little over Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime, reported an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in 2015-16 -- the first time it turned operationally profitable in a decade. Urging the government to reconsider the decision on Air India disinvestment, Trivedi said it should work on restructuring debt and push the turnaround plan. "As the government operates BSNL and MTNL in communications and Doordarshan and All India Radio in broadcasting, it should have a national carrier as well," he added. He has also served as a member of the parliamentary consultative committee of the civil aviation ministry. The government may mandate the quoting of Aadhaar for registration of property deals. Mumbai: The government has made Aadhaar its weapon to crack down on benami land deals by planning to mandate the mention of the 12-digit unique identity code during the registration of real estate properties. According to a report in Indian Express, the authentication of Aadhaar will be a pre-requisite for documents such as agreement of sale and power of attorney and even for electronic registration of properties that will soon be implemented. The government will amend Sections 32 and 32A of the Registration Act, 1908 to enforce this Aadhaar-based authentication. The draft of the amendments will have to be approved by the Union Cabinet followed by the Parliament. Every person presenting a document at the property registration office for registration, shall, whether executing or claiming under the same, undergo Aadhaar authentication, a source told Indian Express. The Department of Land Resources has already asked state governments to notify rules mandating consent-based Aadhaar authentication while registering the property documents. New Delhi: Giving a relief to exporters of garments and made-ups, the government today said as a transitional arrangement for the period July-September 2017, the exporter may claim remission of state levies at the rates prior to introduction of GST. Under the remission of state levies (RoSL), garments and made-ups exporters are entitled to get refunds of levies paid at the state level from the Centre. The exporters were demanding the retention of RoSL under the duty drawback scheme. The scheme was announced by the government last year as part of a Rs 6,000-crore package for the sector. "In order to support exporters of garments and made-ups, the government has announced as a transitional arrangement that for the period July 1 to September 30, 2017, the exporter may claim RoSL at the rates prior to introduction of GST," the Textiles Ministry said in a statement. Garment exporters had urged the government to continue the RoSL in the current form under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). UltraTech Cement, which had a cement production capacity of around 63 million tonnes, had added another 21.2 million tonnes capacity with the acquisition of Jaypees cement plants. Visakhapatnam: After the acquisition of Jaypee Cement plants in June this year, UltraTech Cement, Indias leading cement manufacturer, on Wednesday formally launched its brand in Visakhapatnam to strengthen its footprint in new markets of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. This comes close on the heels of the company launching its brand in Vijayawada recently. This move is essentially for geographic market expansion, enabling UltraTechs entry into the high growth markets of India where it needed greater reinforcement, said Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of UltraTech, in a video message. Balaji cement plant, which was under Jaypee, would now cater to the demands in coastal Andhra Pradesh. UltraTech Cement, which had a cement production capacity of around 63 million tonnes, had added another 21.2 million tonnes capacity with the acquisition of Jaypees cement plants. After the commissioning of its new plant, UltraTech would emerge as the fourth largest cement player globally (excluding the Chinese players) with a total capacity of 93 million tonnes per annum and the largest player in India by an even larger margin. Speaking on the occasion, UltraTech Cement MD K.K. Maheshwari said, The strategic launch at Visakhapatnam strengthens our foothold in the southern region. With the benefit of Jaypee Cements reputable stronghold in the southern market, UltraTech Cement is geared up to propel its initiatives across the region and help build beautiful in Visakhapatnam. The strengthened processes and upgraded technologies will aid UltraTech Cement to attain remarkable growth in market share in Visakhapatnam and neighbouring towns of coastal Andhra, he added. Mumbai: It's no news that Ajay Devgn does almost all of his stunts himself, but in Milan Luthria's 'Baadshaho' there was one stunt that he found extremely challenging and complex. Designed by German action director Ramazan Bulut, the stunt required him to slide under an armoured truck. Though all safety precautions were in place, the stunts were quite challenging. There was a gap between the bottom of the truck was just enough for him to fit in while on the other side of him were rapidly rotating tyres. Right next to his face were the jagged rotating edges of the differential of the truck, an engine element prominent in armoured trucks of the 70's. The sequence required him to simultaneously drag his feet on the ground, pull himself towards the front of the truck, and look up towards the camera which could have him injure his head. Though Milan was insistent he tilts his head up only as much as was completely safe, he was not prepared for the extent Ajay would go to. He gave a terrific shot with superb presence of mind, which is the most essential thing in action. But because of the narrow gaps and the rotating wheels and blades, Ajay was having a claustrophobic attack. He was getting very uncomfortable and also beginning to get disoriented. The moment Milan sensed this, he realised the shot was canned and he yelled at the top of his lungs for an immediate cut and to bring the truck to a halt. All was well. But when the harness crew went under the truck to help him out, a part of his leather jacket got stuck on a part of the undercarriage. This made the claustrophobia worse, and its probably the only time Ajay yelled to the crew to hurry up. He was out after a few agonising minutes, and there was sense the relief in the crew. He brushed it off, but when Milan looked around, he could see some of the crew members extremely emotional. Ajay has a knack of connecting with the crew like very few actors can, and one could see the power of that connection that day. Mumbai: Sushant Singh Rajput wouldve expected a better response from his last release Raabta, but he would be content with the numerous films in his kitty like Drive, Kedarnath, RAW and Chanda Mama Door Ke. The actor is currently prepping for Chanda Mama Door Ke, a space adventure drama, and from sharing pictures of the thick script of the film, to reading up on the science of space, to trying his hand at a flight simulator, he has done it all. Sushant had visited the NASA Space and Rocket Centre few days back and had even shared a picture of him dressed in a shirt bearing his name on it. Not just that, another picture of his trip to NASA has made its way to social media where we see the actor wearing the gear of an astronaut and experiencing the feeling of being in space. Sushant is definitely not leaving any stone unturned for the film which is gearing up for release in 2018. Kangana Ranaut and Hansal Mehta are working with each other for the first time. Mumbai: Director Hansal Mehta on Tuesday said it angered him to see his "valued friend, actor, collaborator" Kangana Ranaut's name being dragged into every gossip. Mehta was reacting to a tabloid report that claimed the actress was unhappy with the way the first trailer of their film 'Simran' and decided to take over the editing. "All this speculation is false, malicious and totally fabricated. I collaborate closely with my team and my actors are an integral part of that collaboration. It angers me that every time some malicious gossip has to be spread, people meaninglessly drag Kangana into their stupid machinations. She is a valued friend, actor and collaborator. Period," Mehta said in a statement. The report also claimed that Mehta believed director Vishal Bhardwaj should have listened to Kangana's advice during the editing of 'Rangoon'. Mehta, however, said it was malicious to bring Bhardwaj's name into the gossip as he shared a close friendship with the director. "I'm even more hurt that some malicious person chooses to drag my relationship with Vishal Bhardwaj into this malice. Vishal is one of my dearest friends and if I am making films today it is because of him. I would never say anything that could remotely even hurt or upset somebody I love so dearly and to whom I am so grateful," he added. Film's producer, Bhushan Kumar, said the report that Kangana was calling the shots during the editing was "completely false". "We all work as a team and her feedback on every promo and plan is crucial. At the end, the film is a director's vision and the film campaign will stay close to that only." 'Simran' was earlier in the news when its writer Apurva Asrani accused Kangana and Mehta of depriving him of proper writing credit. Al Capone, Americas most notorious gangster who died 70 years ago, is one of the sources of inspiration for Arjun Rampal to play Arun Gawli in the biopic, Daddy, made by Ashim Ahluwalia. Now, as the release of Daddy approaches, Arjun wants to involve Capones family, get them to watch his film and meet the real-life Gawli. In fact, the enterprising producer-actor has been stealthily making trips to the US to work out the Capone connection, which will soon materialise. Director Aushim Ahluwalia who earlier made the dark biopic Miss Lovely on the horror specialists the Ramsay Brothers, has clearly been inspired by Capone in Daddy. Arjun says, Capone was the Big Daddy of crime in America. But he was also a philanthropist and a socially-concerned individual. Ive played Gawli as an honest simple dedicated individual with a dark side to his personality. I see many similarities between Gawli and Capone. It remains to be seen how the Capone clan reacts to the Gawali biopic and to Arjuns performance. New Delhi: Putting rumours to rest, lead actor Dhanush has finally revealed the release date of his highly anticipated upcoming movie 'Velaiilla Pattadhari 2' or 'VIP 2.' The Tamil-Telugu comedy-drama ' Velaiilla Pattadhari 2', popularly referred to as 'VIP 2', is all set to hit the theatres on August 11. To announce the date of release, the 'Shamitabh' star took to his Twitter handle saying, "#vip2 release date #raghuvarancoming". The attraction of Soundarya Rajinikanth's film is not only to see Dhanush recreating the magic of 'VIP' but also Bollywood actress Kajol's role of a stylish entrepreneur. Earlier during the day, the 'Raanjhanaa' star took to his Twitter handle to say that his upcoming film 'VIP 2' is slated to be released sometime in the month of August. The tweet stated, "Requesting fans nd media not 2 speculate d release date of #vip2.Will announce myself today at 7.Thank u 4 your understanding nd patience." The 'Dilwale' star, is making her comeback to Tamil industry after 19 years to work with Dhanush in VIP 2. This film is Kajol's second Tamil outing after her Kollywood debut in 'Minasara Kanavu' in 1997 with Arvind Swamy and Prabhu Deva. Dhanush himself penned the story and dialogues of ' VIP 2' down. Rajini was last seen in Ranjith's 'Kabali'. Mumbai: Tamil superstar Rajinikanth today objected to the strike by an employees' federation of Tamil film industry over a wage dispute and called for talks to end the strike, which entered its second day today. In a related development, Film Employees' Federation of South India (FEFSI), which had given the strike call following differences with a producers' body, pressed for unconditional talks to solve the impasse. In a statement, Rajinikanth, currently shooting for his multi-lingual 'Kaala', said, "Strike is one among the words I don't like. A solution can be found for any issue without giving space to personal egos and keeping in mind the general good," he said. The veteran star urged FEFSI and Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) to hold talks and soon arrive at an "amicable solution." "This is my humble request as a senior artiste," he added. Meanwhile, FEFSI president, director RK Selvamani, asked TFPC to come for "unconditional talks." Selvamani told reporters that issues could be solved through talks even as the fate of about 10,000 workers, including 1400 of them employed in the Kaala unit, was at stake. "Please hold unconditional talks. About 10,000 persons are affected and even you (producers) are facing losses," he said. Selvamani said FEFSI had apprised Rajinikanth of the situation and the actor had suggested holding talks to find a solution for ending the strike. FEFSI planned to meet veteran actor Kamal Haasan also, Selvamani added. FEFSI went on strike yesterday after TFPC refused to budge from its decision to hire workers of their choice and not source those owing allegiance to the former. Recently, the shooting of a Tamil film was disrupted when FEFSI members reportedly sought a hike in their wages, prompting TFPC to declare that producers were free to hire employees of their choice to carry on with their work. It had also said wages should be paid according to scales fixed by the producers' council. Irked by this, FEFSI had announced that only those registered with it should be employed by the producers. TFPC chief and actor Vishal had informed FEFSI that the producers' council was not against the employees but made it clear that business will go on as usual. Hyderabad: Following the Tollywood drug scandal, alert Excise and Enforcement officials on Wednesday checked Ramanaidu Studio regarding a parcel that came for actor Rana Daggubati from Dubai. Based on information from courier services, circle inspector of Excise department Ms. Kana-kadurga held checks in Ramanaidu studio. Producer and Ranas father Daggubati Suresh Babu told media that the officials verified the parcel. It was equipment bought from Dubai for getting relief from back pain while sitting in chairs and cars, he said. As the Enforcement department found during investigation of seven drug cases that drug peddlers were getting drugs from the Netherlands and other European countries through couriers, it issued notices to a few courier services and directed them to increase surveillance. New Delhi: World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises breast milk as the best nutritional food source for infants, which should be available to babies deprived of their mother's milk. WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding should commence within one hour of the child's birth, it should be administered during the first six months of the child's life and should ideally continue till the age of two to ensure the healthy growth and development of the child apart from reducing the rate of child mortality. India faces its own set of unique health challenges, one of them being the high vulnerability associated with pre-term babies who are significantly underweight. According to WHO, undernutrition is associated with 45 percent of child deaths. Fortis La Femme along with Breast Milk Foundation supports World Breastfeeding Week through its pioneering initiative, 'Amaraa' the first Pasteurized Human Milk Bank in Delhi/NCR, launched in 2016 in collaboration with the Breast Milk Foundation. The objective of Amaraa is to provide all premature and critically-ill babies with human breast milk. Through this initiative an opportunity is provided to all qualified donors across Delhi/NCR to donate their milk. Fortis La Femme helps us understand the importance of breastfeeding and its sustained benefits 1 Why is breastfeeding important? Breast milk contains antibodies that help the baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers the baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Additionally, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and bouts of diarrhoea. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age. 2 How long does one have to breastfeed for it to be beneficial? The longer one nurses (giving little or no formula), the more profound and long-lasting the benefits. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least the rest of the first year, or longer if desired by mother and baby. 3 Why is breastfeeding better than formula feeding? Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a baby's chances of getting any infections. 4 What are the nutrients found in breast Milk? Mature milk contains Water, Fat, Carbohydrates, Protein, Vitamins and Minerals, Amino acids, Enzymes and White cells. Over the course of a feeding, breast milk changes from foremilk, high in water and lactose, to hind milk - high in fat and calories. Dr Raghuram Mallaiah, director, Neonatology, Fortis La Femme said, "There are a number of instances in which mothers who have delivered preterm babies are unable to breast feed their babies due to prematurity and stress of having a preterm baby. In these cases pasteurized donor milk is recommended as an essential alternative. It is an established fact that donor milk in these circumstances can be life saving and hugely protective from infections for these very preterm and low birth weight babies. The milk bank which provides pasteurised breast milk is the only hope for these vulnerable babies in our society. Amaara is one of its kind in the sense that it is a public human milk bank, supplying milk to all premature babies being born in any hospital across Delhi/NCR." Globally, Human Milk banking is a common practice, but in India there are only 20 such human milk banks that exist as per the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Key reasons for this are lack of awareness among the public, taboos associated with the consumption of milk from a donor mother along with the promotion and easy access to formula milk. Added Anika Parashar, COO- Fortis La Femme, "On the occasion of Breast Feeding Week, we at Fortis La Femme are proud and delighted to contribute to society through Amaara- Delhi/NCR's First Human Milk Bank. We endeavour to enrich and save lives of the most medically fragile new-borns against life-threatening illnesses through this initiative. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all feeding moms who have donated their precious breastmilk to the bank. We will soon be taking Amaara to other cities starting from Bangalore which launches at the end of this month itself." A case was registered in the matter on July 5 and the prime accused, who was named by the victim, was arrested on July 6. (File photo/Representational) Kolkata: A 62-year-old woman has lost her fight for life, about a month after she was allegedly raped by five people, who inserted an iron rod and a broken bottle in her private parts, and the prime accused has been arrested, the police said on Tuesday. The alleged incident of gangrape had taken place on July 4 when the woman was alone at her residence at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of the state, they said. She died in a state-run hospital in Kolkata on Monday, the police said. "The miscreants had inserted an iron rod and a broken bottle into her private parts to kill her after the gangrape. They had thrown her outside her house into the bushes assuming her to be dead," said a senior police officer quoting the woman's statement to the police. Doctors had conducted several surgeries but the elderly woman succumbed to her injuries, hospital sources said. "Her injuries were grave. Her private parts were brutally damaged by the broken bottle stuck inside. Doctors had a tough time in conducting operations. She suffered too much pain and finally succumbed late on Monday night," a senior doctor of the hospital said. The woman used to run a roadside food stall near Sandeshkhali police station, her elder son, who lives elsewhere, said, adding she had returned home at around 10 pm. Her younger son, who lives in the same house, had gone to his in-law's place and the woman was sitting in the balcony past midnight when the accused along with four others caught hold of her from the back, the police officer said. They then tied and raped her before the heinous torture, he said, adding the woman's body was handed over to her family members on Tuesday evening. A case was registered in the matter on July 5 and the prime accused, who was named by the victim, was arrested on July 6 and sent to judicial custody, the police said. West Bengal Additional Director General of Police (law and order) Anuj Sharma said, "Police are looking into the case very seriously. Strict action will be taken against those who are guilty." State Women Commission Chairperson Leena Ganguly said the panel would file a suo motu case if the victim's family lodge a complaint of police negligence in conducting probe into the incident. We will have to look into the role of the police. If laxity is observed on part of the police in nabbing the culprits, we will take up a suo motu case in this regard. We are yet to get any complaint from the family members," Ganguly said. BENGALURU: In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old army man killed his two daughters and later committed suicide by hanging at his residence in Challakere in Hennur police station limits on Monday night. The army man, Harish Kumar, is said to have taken the extreme step over a domestic and financial row. Harish has left behind a death note in which he has held no one responsible for his death, the police said. According to police, Harish was on leave and had come to Bengaluru last month after his father died. He often fought with his wife over family issues. However, it is not yet clear on why Harish poisoned his daughters Rajitha (6) and Krutika (4). Harish had joined the army in 2016 and was posted in Assam. Though Harish did not hold anyone responsible for his death in the note, the reason for killing his daughters is yet to be ascertained. His family members are not in a condition to speak. We will question them soon, the police added. Harish was supposed to report to the duty on August 5. Police said on Monday night Harish went to his room along with his daughters and closed the door. Thinking Harish wanted to spend time with his daughters, his wife slept in a different room. The next morning when Harishs wife knocked the bedrooms door, she did not get any response. She grew suspicious and with the help of others broke open the door. Harish and his daughters were found dead and she informed the police. Hennur police have registered a case. Kin of the six farmers were provided financial assistance by the government under different schemes. (Photo: PTI/Representational) Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government on Tuesday informed the state legislative assembly that 111 farmers have committed suicide in the past one-and-half year in the state. In a written reply to a question of Congress MLA Mohan Markam, Chhattisgarh Revenue Minister Premprakash Pandey said, "111 farmers have committed suicide across Chhattisgarh between 2016 and June 30, 2017." The reply further said, family disputes, excess liquor consumption, frustrated over ailments and unknown reasons were the reasons behind the suicide. As per the minister's reply, 51 farmers have committed suicide in Balodabazar district during the period followed by Kabeerdham (22), Durg (13), Bemetara (9) and Rajnandgaon (6). Two farmers have ended their lives each in Raipur and Kanker districts and three at Mahasamund while one each at Dhamtari, Balod and Raigarh during this period, it added. Of them, kin of the six farmers were provided financial assistance by the government under different schemes, it said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that there have to be 'overarching' guidelines to protect an individual's private information in public domain. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgement over the issue of whether right to privacy is fundamental right or not. On July 26, the Centre told the apex court that there is a fundamental right to privacy, but is a 'wholly qualified right'. The Centre made this submission before the nine-judge Constitution bench that is hearing the Aadhaar Card privacy matter. Attorney General, KK Venugopal told the apex court that "privacy, as a fundamental right, could have been mentioned in Article 21, but has been omitted. Right to life transcends right to privacy". In special circumstances, government can interfere in a matter that comes under a wholly qualified right. An absolute right cannot be reduced or amended. Earlier on July 20, all the petitioners had completed their argument in the apex court. The petitioners contested that the twelve-digit biometric unique identification card raises privacy threat. On June 10, the top court had ruled that from July 1 onward, every person eligible to obtain Aadhar card must quote their Aadhaar number or their Aadhaar Enrolment ID number for filing of Income Tax Returns as well as for applications for Permanent Account Number (PAN). The Income Tax Department has stepped up its efforts to encourage people to link their PAN with Aadhar. Meanwhile, a shutdown called by separatist leaders has brought life to a standstill elsewhere in the Valley. (Photo: Twitter) Srinagar: The security forces in riot gear on Wednesday enforced a lockdown in parts of Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar as tensions run high in the aftermath of the killing of Abu Dujana, a top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Dujana alias Hafiz, a Pakistani national, was gunned down by the security forces during a fierce encounter in southern Pulwama district on Tuesday, triggering widespread protests in parts of the Valley. Another militant was also killed in the encounter. Two people were killed and scores others were injured in the security forces firing during the clashes in Pulwama. While the security forces are enforcing curfew-like restrictions in seven police station areas of Srinagar, a shutdown called by an alliance of key separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik has brought life to a standstill elsewhere in the Valley. Pulwama and neighbouring districts of Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag are very tense but no fresh incident of violence has taken place in the area, the officials said. On Tuesday, a civilian driver Firdous Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Pulwamas Begumpora, Kakapora village, was killed when hit by a bullet in the chest during intense protests in the area, the witnesses and hospital sources had said. A statement issued by the police later, however, said that the civilian was injured near the encounter site in the crossfire and later died in hospital. Scores of others including several police and CRPF personnel were injured in the clashes. One of them identified as Akeel Ahmed Bhat, who had received a bullet in the abdomen, succumbed in a Srinagar hospital on Wednesday morning, the officials said. Dujana figured at number one in the list of most dangerous terrorists released by the Army in June this year. The officials termed his killing as a huge achievement of the J&K Police and the security forces combating a three-decade old militancy in the State and a good riddance to a nuisance in the area. He carried a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 million on his head. The other militant killed with him was Arif Nabi Dar alias Rehan alias Arif Lalhari, a local Kashmiri. Dujana had escaped several such operations in the past. During one of these, his close associate Abu Okasha who was allegedly involved in the August 5, 2015 ambush on a BSF convoy near the garrison town of Udhampur was among those killed in Pulwamas Padgam Pora-Wandakpora village in March this year. On June 1, the Army had released a list of top 12 militants active mainly in Jammu and Kashmir's southern districts, falling in two categories of A and A++ and belonging to the Hizb-ul-Mujahedin (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). Abu Dujana, alias Hafiz (LeT Divisional Commander, South Kashmir), was listed under the A++ category and the Army had also said that he is based out of Pakistan and has been active since December 14, 2014. It had also said that getting these militants dead or alive is the top priority of the Army. As Dujanas killing sparked off protests in the Valley and at some places including Srinagar students also took to the streets and subsequently clashed with the police and the CRPF, the authorities ordered closure for all educational institutions. While these institutions remain shut, the Kashmir University has announced postponement of all examinations which were scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday. Also the mobile internet services have been snapped and the rail services are suspended as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions. TTV Dhinakaran denied the charges and requested the court to permit him to cross examine the prosecution witnesses. (Photo: PTI) Chennai: A week after the Madras High Court vacated an interim stay on proceedings against AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act (FERA), a court in Chennai on Tuesday framed charges against him. On July 24, the high court had set aside the charges framed against Dhinakaran by the economic offences court in Chennai on April 19. The high court had then directed the trial court to re-do the process after granting adequate time to the accused to submit his objections and complete the trial within three months. When the case came up for hearing on Tuesday before the additional chief metropolitan magistrate (Economic Offences), S Malarmathy, she framed the charges afresh and provided opportunity to the accused to make his submissions. Dhinakaran denied the charges and requested the court to permit him to cross examine the prosecution witnesses. After recording the submissions, the judge posted the case to August 3 for further hearing. The case of the prosecution is that Dhinakaran acquired $ 1,04,93,313 without obtaining prior permission of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and deposited it in the current account of Dipper Investments Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and having account with Barclays Bank, Sutton, United Kingdom. Charging him with violating FERA, the ED imposed a penalty of Rs 28 crore. In a reprieve to Dinakaran last month, Madras high court Judge M S Ramesh had set aside the forex law violation charge framed against him by the trial court. The high court had set it aside based on Dinakarans plea that the trial court on April 19 last had framed charges against him in the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act case without giving him any opportunity to defend himself. The Income Tax officials said they seized Rs 5 crore cash from the Delhi residence of Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar. (File photo) New Delhi: The Congress Party on Wednesday slammed the BJP government at the Centre over the Income Tax raids at multiple properties related to Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near Bengaluru. Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, in a tweet, that the BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat. After using the state machinery and every other agency, these I-T raids show their utter desperation & frustration, he added. BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 2, 2017 After using the state machinery and every other agency,these I-T raids show their utter desperation & frustration Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 2, 2017 The Congress hit out at the government in Parliament too, with the Rajya Sabha witnessing protests by the Opposition against the "witch-hunt by the government". Congress leader Anand Sharma said it is now becoming a trend to blatantly misuse powers of the state. "The minister and his brother, an elected representative coordinating in stay of Gujarat MLAs that is why it is a targeted timing," he added. Attacking the BJP, Another leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Conduct raids on residences of those people from your party (BJP) who are offering Rs 15 crore." The Rajya Sabha was also rocked by opposition protests over an Election Commission notification that provides the MLAs the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in the voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat on August 8. Angry members of the Congress and other Opposition parties forced adjournments of the proceedings as they questioned the NOTA provision for these elections. Meanwhile, in Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley clarified that the Income Tax raids had nothing to do with Gujarat polls. This raid should not be linked with any Gujarat poll, this is on a purely economic offence, Jaitley said in Lok Sabha. The Income Tax officials said they seized Rs 5 crore cash from the Delhi residence of Shivakumar, who has been taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the IT team. Officials privy to the early morning raids said I-T sleuths reached the Eagleton resort near here to question the minister, who was staying at the resort for the night. Shivakumar, was in charge of the 44 MLAs lodged there, to keep the flock together for preventing the BJP from allegedly "poaching" on them, was at the resort when the search took place, IT officials said. As the raids on the resort triggered angry reactions from the Congress, the IT department said the resort is not being raided. They said only the minister's room in the resort was "searched" and not of the MLAs from Gujarat. "The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team," the department said in a statement. I-T officials said a total of 39 premises of the minister and his family are being raised by a team of about 120 Income Tax Department officials with the aid of central paramilitary forces. The raids are taking place in Delhi and Karnataka. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Bengaluru: The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Karnataka and Delhi related to Karnataka Energy Minister DK Shivakumar, who is hosting 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near Bengaluru, in connection with a tax evasion probe case. Officials privy to the early morning raids said a team of I-T sleuths has also reached the Eagleton resort near Bengaluru to question the minister, who was staying at the resort for the night. "The resort is not being raided," the officials said. A total of 39 premises of the minister and his family are being raided by a team of about 120 Income Tax Department officials with the aid of central paramilitary forces, they said. Earlier, reports suggested that the Income Tax department conducted raids at the resort too. The department is also investigating charges of alleged role of money power and huge transfer of illegal funds for these polls. Shivakumar, is hosting his party's MLAs from Gujarat who have been brought to the Bengaluru resort till the day of the Rajya Sabha elections on August 8. The Congress legislators were taken to the resort after six of their colleagues quit the party. Six of the 57 Congress MLAs in Gujarat, from where senior party leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for the Rajya Sabha, resigned from the party in the last few days with three joining the BJP on Friday last ahead of the Rajya Sabha poll. The party has apprehensions over Patel's election prospects, if more MLAs defect. On May 17, the I-T department conducted raids at Vijayabaskar's residence in Pudukkottai. (Photo: File) Pudukottai: State Health Minister C Vijayabaskar's 100-acre land and a stone quarry have been frozen by the sub-registrar in Pudukottai district on Wednesday, following the order of the Income Tax (I-T) department. The assets in Thiruvengaivasal (native village in Pudukottai district) belong to the minister and his family members. Interestingly, sub-registrar Pudukottai, Sasikala was transferred to Virudunagar district after freezing the property Vijayabaskar and his family. On May 17, the I-T department conducted raids at Vijayabaskar's residence in Pudukkottai. On May 3rd, the I-T department had issued summons to Vijayabaskar's wife. Earlier in May, several income tax officials raided Vijayabaskar's Greenways Road residence and other locations in Pudukkottai and Trichy. The I-T officials also raided several premises belonging to the minister and his relatives in Chennai and other districts owing to allegations of involvement in cash distribution to voters in RK Nagar constituency where a by-election was held on April 12. In his defense, Vijayabaskar said the I-T Department was harassing him despite his full cooperation. During the same time, I-T conducted raids at 23 different locations across the state. As per preliminary reports, raids were conducted as they were not paying their income tax regularly. 'There were still over 40 Indian soldiers and one bulldozer in the area, stopping the Chinese road construction party', the Chinese statement said. (Photo: File) New Delhi: India on Wednesday reiterated that peace and tranquility along Indo-China border is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations between the New Delhi and Beijing. In response to a question on Chinese MFA's document released on Wednesday on the Doklam issue, India's Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "India's position on this issue and related facts have been articulated in our Press Statement of June 30, 2017. India considers that peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China." Earlier, China emphatically rejected India's interference in its ongoing boundary dispute with Bhutan in the Doklam area and again urged New Delhi to withdraw unconditionally and end the nearly two-month long stand-off. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. China alleged that India's intrusion into its territory under the pretext of defending Bhutan's territorial claims, has not only violated Beijing's territorial sovereignty, but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. Emphasizing that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbours, the foreign ministry said in its statement that Beijing has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence. It added that the border area between China and Bhutan has always enjoyed peace and tranquility due to the joint efforts of both sides. Asserting that it will continue to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue between the two countries through negotiations and consultations in the absence of external interference, China said the Dong Lang (Doklam) area has all along been under its continuous and effective jurisdiction. "There is no dispute in this regard. Since the 1980s, China and Bhutan, as two independent sovereign states, have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue," the foreign ministry said, adding that so far both sides have had 24 rounds of talks and reached a broad consensus. Although the boundary is yet to be formally delimited, Beijing said both sides have conducted joint surveys in their border area and have arrived at a basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their respective boundaries. Referring to the China-India boundary issue in the Sikkim Sector as delimited by the 1890 Convention inked with Britain at the height of its colonial rule over India, the Chinese foreign ministry said that both Beijing and New Delhi have been in discussion on making the boundary in the Sikkim Sector an "early harvest" in the settlement of the entire bilateral boundary question during meetings between Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question. "This is mainly in view of the following considerations. The boundary in the Sikkim Sector has long been delimited by the 1890 Convention, which was signed between then China and Great Britain. China and India ought to sign a new boundary convention in their own names to replace the 1890 Convention. This, however, in no way alters the nature of the boundary in the Sikkim Sector as having already been delimited," it said. Beijing again accused New Delhi of attempting to change the status quo of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector repeatedly and said it poses a grave security threat to China. China also reiterated that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The Chinese side urged India to keep in mind the larger interest of bilateral relations and the well-being of the people on either side of the border. It said that India must and should abide by the 1890 Convention and the delimited China-India Boundary established therein, respect China's territorial sovereignty, observe the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespass so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries. Beijing added that this would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community. Indian and Chinese troops continue to be locked in a standoff in Doklam and both sides have moved additional troops, ammunition and military equipment to the area. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has beefed up its defence in a region south of the Kunlun Mountains under the pretext of conducting a military exercise near Tibet. Hardware has been moved simultaneously by road and rail by China's western theatre command, which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet,and handles, among others, border issues with India, media reports have said. This show of strength is being projected by Beijing as a warning to India by China to back off from its objection to China constructing a road at the Doklam tri-junction. Earlier, India's External Affairs Ministry of India (MEA) reiterated that differences between India and China should not and would not be allowed to become disputes, and added that communication between the two governments have never ceased, nor have been broken. The stand-off emerged after Chinese troops were stopped by the Indian Army from construction roads in the Doklam border. India claims Sikkim border as part of its territory, while China has said that the area falls on their side as per the 1890 treaty signed between British and China. Consequently, China suspended the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and conceded that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage was due to the border scuffle. It also alleged that the Indian troops had crossed the Sikkim sector of the Indo-China border. Beijing has accused New Delhi of violating a convention signed in 1890 between Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet. 'The brutal act of torturing the dalits by subjecting them to electric shocks is a heinous matter,' Telangana BJP president K Laxman said. (Photo: PTI/File) Karimnagar: Telangana BJP president K Laxman on Tuesday demanded a probe by a sitting judge into the alleged "custodial torture" of eight "dalits" arrested last month for torching a truck in Rajanna Sircilla district. "We have reported the matter to the National Human Rights Commission and to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes," he told reporters. Laxman claimed the victims of torture belonged to Scheduled Caste community. "The brutal act of torturing the dalits by subjecting them to electric shocks is a heinous matter. We strongly condemn this incident," the BJP leader said after visiting the Karimnagar District Prison where the men are lodged. On Monday, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had visited the prison and demanded a judicial inquiry to find out veracity of allegations that they were illegally confined in the police station and subjected to third degree methods. She said the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament. The eight were arrested on July 2 for allegedly torching a sand-laden truck, which was involved in a road accident, causing the death of a person. They also allegedly attacked policemen in connection with the incident at a village in Rajanna Sircilla district. Some political parties and outfits had alleged the accused, residents of Nerella, were "tortured" while in police custody and subjected to "third degree methods". Hyderabad: A team of municipal commissioners from Andhra Pradesh who studied Telangana governments Annapurna scheme in Hyderabad that provides meals for Rs 5, are now planning to commence the service in their state. A team of municipal officials from Guntur, Palasa, Kurnool, Ongole and few other municipal bodies of Andhra Pradesh met GHMC commissioner B Janardhan Reddy to learn more on the good services being extended through the Annapurna centres in Hyderabad. Every year GHMC spends about Rs 37 crore towards the subsidy offered for the Rs 5 meals, which are provided in association with Hare Krishna Movement. Every day, over 37,000 people, including students, marketing executives and daily workers have lunch at the 150 Annapurna centres in the city. The Telangana government is planning to introduce the service in Warangal in a short while, informed Dr. B. Janardhan Reddy, commissioner of GHMC. Dr J Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Health secretary in his counter affidavit too clarified to the court that the state government has provided all the required details until July 12 this year, which had been asked by the Centre to expedite the decision process, said Justice Sasidharan. MADURAI: By the New Year 2018, the people of Tamil Nadu will know where an AIIM- like Central Medical institute will be located in the State. The Union Health and Family Welfare ministry has constituted a sub-committee on August 1 this year to assist the expert committee to finalize the place based on challenge method within next two months, said R Murugappan, Central government standing counsel who appeared for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, informed the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday. He further said that the committee might also visit five locations including Perundurai in Erode district, Thoppur at Madurai, Pudukkottai town, Sengipatti in Thanjavur district and Chengalpattu in Kancheepuram district, as recommended by the state government to award marks for each sites after assessing the facilities available at each site. The sub-committee would award high marks for the place, which is best among the 5 locations, he added. Justices K K Sasidharan and G R Swaminathan, who heard the public interest litigations filed separately by R K Baskar and K K Ramesh from Madurai seeking to direct the Centre to expedite the process to establish AIIMS-like institute in Tamil Nadu, observed that already three-and-half years have lapsed after the expert committee inspected the five places for three days between February 22 and February 25, 2015. Dr J Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Health secretary in his counter affidavit too clarified to the court that the state government has provided all the required details until July 12 this year, which had been asked by the Centre to expedite the decision process, said Justice Sasidharan.When the judges asked to announce the location by November, as the issue was pertaining to public health in the State, the Central government standing counsel requested to grant some more time to make the final decision on the location. Disposing off both petitions the judges directed the Centre to announce the location selected for setting up the institute on or before December 31, as New Year gift to the people of Tamil Nadu. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday called the Congress party the Number one villain of Telangana State. He said that the Congress had filed a total of 196 cases since the formation of the state, with the malicious intention of obstructing Telanganas development. Mr Rao addressed a press conference at Pragathi Bhavan, where he compared the Congress to a devil that had engulfed Telangana. He said that Pandit Nehru, during his tenure as PM, had merged Telangana with Andhra, against the wishes of the people of Telangana and the recommendations of the Fasal Ali Commission. UPA created Telangana for political mileage, says KCR He said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had scrapped the Mulki Rules which would protect the jobs of the people of Telangana, and ordered firing on hundreds of students who were fighting for Telangana to be recognised independently. Mr Rao also accused the UPA government of delaying the formation of Telangana, thus causing hundreds of people to commit suicide. The UPA did not create Telangana state out of love for people of Telangana. It did so out of compulsion, and in order to gain political mileage ahead of the 2014 elections, the Congress approved the formation of Telangana at the last minute. Out of anger and frustration, it is now obstructing development by protesting every scheme and programme undertaken by the government, Mr Rao said. He said that members of the Congress waited for the government to issue orders, and within hours of the release of a GO, they would file a PIL or a case in the High Court or the Supreme Court, he added. They are not leaving even tribunals like NGT to stop development projects in Hyderabad or construction of Bhadradri, Yadadri thermal power stations. They don't want us to give people drinking water, water for irrigation, electricity, flyovers, and roads. Is this a national party? They are obstructing all development programmes to serve their selfish political interests. They fear that they will vanish from Telangana if these programmes are successfully implemented, he said. The Chief Minister announced that he would soon take up a state-wide tour in which he would visit irrigation projects and districts and expose the Congress misdeeds. New Delhi: The issue of Income-Tax raids against Karnataka energy minister D.K. Shivakumar rocked both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday with the Opposition Congress shouting itself hoarse alleging political vendetta, as finance minister Arun Jaitley asked them not to link the searches with the forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. The ruckus forced three adjournments of Rajya Sabha while the Congress staged a walkout in Lok Sabha, halfway through Zero Hour. Mr Jaitley rejected charges of political motives behind the raids while answering Opposition queries in both the Houses. He said no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs have been staying. Mr Jaitley said that the raids were linked to an individual, an indirect reference to Mr Shivakumar, who had gone and parked himself at the resort and was picked up from there for questioning. Reacting to the Congress allegation that the government was misusing investigating agencies, Mr Jaitley said, Whether it is a use or abuse, it depends on the recovery. In Lok Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue but Mr Jaitley said the matter should not be linked to the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. It has postponed the last date for admissions and affiliations to Aug. 10, while the Telangana Private Junior Colleges Association is demanding affiliations for the remaining colleges. (Representational image) Hyderabad: Among 1,600 private junior colleges that had applied for affiliations, only 1,205 junior colleges have got affiliations till date for the current academic year 2017-18. The Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) is yet to decide on 395 colleges, as they failed to produce necessary certificates online. According to the TSBIE, private junior colleges, which have not fulfilled basic norms related to fire safety, sanitation, infrastructure and have not submitted relevant documents, failed to get affiliation. It has postponed the last date for admissions and affiliations to Aug. 10, while the Telangana Private Junior Colleges Association is demanding affiliations for the remaining colleges. The board has advised students and the parents to take admissions only in the affiliated colleges in the state. Board secretary A. Ashok said after a few incidents in previous years, the board has become stricter while giving affiliations. Hyderabad: Pray that our MLAs and MLCs keep in good health because you, the taxpayer, will be footing their medical bills in toto from now on, as the TS government has decided to remove the Rs 2 lakh ceiling on reimbursement of medical expenses of sitting and former MLAs, MLCs. On the directions of the state government the General Administration Department (GAD) has sent the file to the finance department for its approval. At present, sitting and former MLAs and MLCs get up to Rs 1 lakh for medical expenses. If the medical bills exceed Rs 2 lakh, the Chief Ministers approval is necessary to release the funds. MLAs, MLCs, current and former, can avail of treatment in any private hospital and do not have to go to a government run hospital. The bills are submitted to the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, which is supposed to scrutinise the bills and make the payment along with the salary or pension. This perquisite was not thought adequate, so some MLAs told the government that Rs2 lakh is not enough in present day circumstances, and the ceiling should be removed. The state has thus obligingly directed the GAD to put up the file for removing the ceiling. It is open to debate whether the representatives of the people should get any medical expenses reimbursed at all, since the people they represent are not similarly privileged. But re-moving the ceiling for such reimbursement al-together is bound to lead to a misuse of public money, say bureaucrats. If the Rs2 lakh is not sufficient, the government can raise the ceiling somewhat, they say. Since politicians routinely get treated at private hospitals - since the ones their government funds are woefully inadequate - it's a great opportunity for private hospitals to mint money. At present, the strength of the Telangana Legislative Assembly is 119, and the Legislative Council, 40. There are about 500 former MLAs and MLCs in Telangana state. Bure-aucrats say they have no record of how much money is spent by government for reimbursing the medical expenses of these politicians. Hyderabad: The Telugu film industry seems to be rattled by the ongoing investigation into the drugs scandal in the city in which some Tollywood personalities are allegedly involved, and has asked the Chief Minister to intervene. In a letter to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao they have requested him to ensure that the investigation of film personalities is handled in a smooth way. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Movie Artists Association, Telugu Film Producers Federation and Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce jointly said in the letter sent on Wednesday that it was an eclipse to the industry while it was celebrating happy moments after reaching Rs 2,000 crore of mark. The letter reminded the Chief Minister that during disasters, the industry carried the bowl and collected money for the benefit of victims. We are seeking sympathy from media and we appreciate the government for bringing the drug racket to light. It went on to say that The industry has thousands of employees and workers, and impacts crores of people. We request you to handle the matter in cases of film personalities in a smooth way. The industry requires its people to be physically fit and disciplined and the industry will itself take action again anyone found to be taking drugs, the letter said. There is no proof available that persons without discipline and drug addicts have grown in the industry. If we find such persons, we shall take disciplinary action against them, apart from supporting the police and agencies in investigation, the letter said Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who is neglecting our suggestions and residing in the River Krishnas floodplains, should at least consider the words of his yoga guru, Jaggi Vasudevan, who is supporting our cause of saving rivers, said Rajendra Singh, known as the Waterman of India for his water conservation efforts. He, like other environmentalists, is strongly opposed to the construction of the capital city of Amaravati in the flood planes of the Krishna river. They have started a river conservation tour from Hamsala Deevi to Bijapur, demanding freedom for rivers, whose natural flows are constantly being constricted, with disastrous consequences. Mr Singh flagged off the tour at Durga Ghat near Prakasam Barrage on Wednesday morning. He said that they are starting from here because the state government has decided to construct a concrete jungle here by destroying the beautiful river to build the capital city. He said that Chandrababu Naidu and his government are not listening to the suggestions of environmentalists, and Amaravati will witness huge flooding in future. We have started this tour for the freedom of rivers in the country on the eve of the 70th Independence Day. We are conducting 115 rallies of similar kind. Nature lovers from various fields will join hands in this tour which ends at Bijapur on August 15, said Mr Singh, a Magsaysay Award winner. Professor Vikram Sony, former director of Delhi Jalamandali, said that river beds and banks should only be used for cultivation and they are not suitable for bearing concrete structures. This is a very precious river bed and it is not man-made. No one can replace this heritage structure. If we disturb the natural flow of the river Krishna and occupy its river bed, we will cause disaster. Many incidents in recent times in Chennai, Mumbai and other cities have taught us a lesson, said Mr Sony. Former MP Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao, who is supporting the movement, said that the government has destroyed the livelihood of lakhs of farmers and has misled the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with reports from Tata Consultancy Services. He urged the government to respond fast and protect the Krishna river. Theres no need for us to stay here(Bengaluru) for even a minute if they say they won't threaten. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Bengaluru: The Congress Party on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of buying and threatening their MLAs in Gujarat for Rs 15 crore and paraded its 44 MLAs who are camping in Bengaluru. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, senior Congress MLA from Gujarat Shaktisinh Gohil said, "Ask these MLAs the way they are threatened, they chose to stand by party even when offered Rs 15 crore." He said BJP is doing horse-trading and we are trying to protect the democracy. "BJP is hitting below the belt; we are fighting to protect democracy. We have required numbers. There is no need for us to stay here (Bengaluru) for even a minute if they (BJP) say, they won't threaten," Gohil said. Hitting back at the BJP, the Congress leader further said, "When there was flood in Banaskantha, my MLAs were there with people but no BJP minister, leader or chief minister was there." Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had accused the Congress of being insensitive and irresponsible, and said that they have sent their 40 MLAs to stay in a 5-star hotel in Bengaluru, while Gujarat is facing floods. Gohil, however, defended the party's decision to keep the Gujarat MLAs in Bengaluru and said, Theres no need for us to stay here (Bengaluru) for even a minute if they say they won't threaten. Gohil further said that they have also managed to establish contact with seven Congress MLAs, who were reportedly inaccessible. "Seven MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly) are in our contact, their conscience is awakening. We have requested them not to come in people's tricky ways, stick to the party," Gohil said. Earlier, the Congress had said that BJP is using "money, muscle and state power" to engineer defections, after at least six of its MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly) had resigned from the party to join the BJP. The party on July 28 flew 44 of its MLAs to Bengaluru to stop more of them from switching over to the BJP. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The strategy is widely called incremental poisoning, the kind employed by suicide cults. The magic of this inch by inch murder is that the victims are fully aware of the lethal infusion. But since the poison is injected in minor negligible doses they never really feel it drilling through their body until one day, like an apocalypse without warning, it freezes their blood and stops their heart. It is the same process at work as the Centre slowly, almost stealthily, withdraws LPG subsidy. Even a politically sensitive state like Kerala has now been conditioned to accept a subsidy-free arrangement, a top Finance Department official said. (Over 4.27 lakh Malayali households, responding to Prime Minister Modis call, had voluntarily given up their subsidy claim.) The decision to rid the country of LPG subsidy was not a bolt from the blue. The idea was ingrained before Narendra Modi had taken over. In 2013, when budgetary subsidies to oil marketing companies swelled to Rs 85,000 crore, the Manmohan Singh government had imposed caps on the number of subsidised LPG cylinders that can be sold to a household, and had also dismantled the administered pricing mechanism for petrol. The results, it has to be said, were seductive for Modis finance minister Arun Jaitley. The subsidies on petroleum products declined to around Rs 60,000 crore in 2014-15, and to around Rs 28,000 crore in December 2015. The diktat to oil marketing companies (OMCs) to raise the rates of subsidised domestic LPG by Rs 2 a cylinder per month from July 1, 2016, was the product of such tantalising results. And barely a year later, in May this year, the NDA government asked the OMCs to raise the price of a cylinder by Rs 4, and by March next year it wants to end the subsidy once and for all. In a span of four years, without anyone really feeling the heat, the price of subsidised LPG rose from Rs 410 to Rs 477 in the state. Now, the subsidised price is just Rs 92 away from the market price of Rs 570. By this year itself, by increasing the price by Rs four a month, the gap will be bridged, said Mr Babu Joseph of All Kerala LPG Distributors Federation. This looks like smart economics. After all, the argument has always been that large price differentials were leading to diversion of domestic LPG for commercial use. It also encourages distributors to supply cylinders with less than 14.2 kg of gas. Thus a poor consumer pays effectively more for gas, said Kirit S Parikh, former Planning Commission member. But noted economist Dr Vinoj Abraham, associate professor at Centre for Development Studies, is repelled. What is more important, he asked. To show that you have plugged your deficit or that you have provided the basic essentials for your people, he said. Dr Abraham said that India was a poor country with at least 20 per cent of its population living below the poverty line. His dislike for the policy is manifested as questions. What is the rationale for such a decision? Have we come to the conclusion that our households have reached a stage where they can sustain with their incomes alone?, he said. Dr Arun Abrahams socialist argument is met by a capitalist one. Higher price of LPG will incentivise people to use it more effectively, Mr Parikh said. He said that there were many ways in which gas use can be reduced; a lower flame, a wide bottomed vessel, covering the pot and lighting it after the pot is in place. Mr Babu Joseph of the LPG Federation, however, has other concerns. It looks like a ruse to throw open the field for big private players like Reliance, he said. Now because there is a subsidy element people purchase LPG mostly from public oil marketing companies like IOC, BPCL and HPCL. When the subsidy comes to an end, there is nothing to prevent people from placing orders with private players, Mr Joseph said. They are waiting in the wings, ready with their state-of-the-art propylene cylinders that are easier to handle, he added. Yet, demand for LPG unlikely to decline The demand for LPG connections in the state, which is growing at an average of 11 percent yearly, is unlikely to see any weakening due to the decision of the Union government to phase out the subsidy. According to a spokesperson of the IOC, which has nearly 52 percent of the domestic LPG connection in the state, the demand for LPG connections is moving up due to factors such as convenience, upward economic and social mobility and availability. Although the Direct Transfer of Benefit (DBT) scheme has weeded out a large number of fake connections in the state, the total number of connections estimated at 87.5 lakh appears exaggerated. It is true that the DBT scheme has eliminated a large number of fake connections engaged in pocketing the subsidy benefits, says experts in the sector. According to the IOC spokesperson, the oil marketing company has 44.5 lakh domestic LPG connections while BPCL is credited with 27.7 lakh connections. The other major oil marketing firm HPCL has 15.7 domestic LPG connections. The total number of persons who have surrendered the subsidy benefits in the state during the past two years totalled around 4.27 lakh. Out of this, 2.31 lakh connections belong to IOC. Although industry experts feel that the decision of the government to scrap the subsidy for LPG is unlikely to make any major dent on demand, political parties say the decision would have a cascading impact on the family budget. The Aam Aadmi Party activists took out a march to the Central Post office in Kochi on Tuesday protesting against the decision. Terming the withdrawal of the subsidy as yet another instance of the manifestation of the policy of crony capitalism followed by the Union government, AAP leaders called for the rollback of the decision. They also expressed dismay at the silence by the mainstream parties in this connection. The subsidy amount of less than Rs 100 per cylinder may not be much for people belonging to the upper income brackets. But for those at the lower end of the economy, it would have a negative impact, said a woman in Kochi. The economically poor sections of the people will be hurt by the decision if the government moves ahead with the policy of subsidy scrapping without taking into account the economic conditions, she added. Patna: Former Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav on Wednesday questioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Zero tolerance policy on corruption and asked him whether he would seek a probe into the Panama case He said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had dumped the grand secular alliance because his conscience didnt allow him to remain with people who faced corruption charges but we fail to understand now that why he hasnt raised his voice or demanded a probe against those whose names surfaced in Panama case. According to him, several political leaders named in Panama case are somehow associated with the NDA and no action against anyone has been taken so far. Referring to a recent survey report, Tejaswi Yadav said that more than 75 percent ministers in the new NDA regime are tainted and facing criminal charges including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. More than 75 percent ministers in the newly formed cabinet are tainted including Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, what happened to his zero tolerance policy on corruption, how the state will develop with so many ministers facing criminal charges, Tejaswi Yadav said. Tejaswi Yadav has been criticizing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ever since he left the grand secular alliance and formed a government with the NDA. On Wednesday he reiterated that Nitish Kumar used cases against him as an excuse to form an alliance with the BJP. He also announced a massive agitation in Bihar against the new NDA regime and said the Opposition unity will be expanded further to fight against the communal forces. Talking to reporters on the issue former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav confirmed that Lalu Yadav and other secular leaders have been in constant touch with Sharad Yadav and he is likely to announce his decision soon. Our party president Lalu Yadav and other leaders are in touch with him. Sharad Yadav is a senior leader and he is also upset over Nitish Kumars attitude. Those who were with Nitish Kumar during Samata Party days have left him one by one due to his attitude, Tejaswi Yadav said. Senior JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav has been showing signs of aggressiveness against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars decision to form a government in Bihar with NDA. Sources said that veteran leader Sharad Yadav may float a political party to remain with the grand secular alliance. This is not the first time, earlier also Nitish Kumar had tried to weaken Mandal movement by joining hands with the BJP and once again when opposition parties were trying to form an alliance against the communal forces he left us, Tejaswi Yadav said. Bengaluru: Congress leader and state energy minister D.K. Shivakumar, who took on the onerous task of keeping 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat, away from the BJP's clutches, paid a huge price for his loyalty, when a team of IT officials, backed by armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) forces, early Wednesday raided his room at the plush Eagleton resort on the outskirts of the city where he had been openly staying since July 28. Giving him just under an hour to get dressed, he was bundled into a car and driven straight to his home in the city, where officials from the Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation), Karnataka & Goa, carried in cash counting machines, while teams of IT officials fanned across the city. DGIT officials told this newspaper that they seized Rs two crore from the minister's home in Bengaluru. This was denied by the Congress party as was the claim that he had been shredding documents when the IT officials walked into his Eagleton resort hotel suite. Setting off a political storm, the DGIT raided 60 other separate locations across the city, including the home of minister's brother, D.K.Suresh, MP, and his family home in Kanakpura where his mother was interrogated, as well as the offices of two major real estate and transport firms which allegedly have links with the minister. Also raided was Apartment No. 5 Safdarjung Road in the capital New Delhi which reportedly belongs to the state energy minister. DGIT claimed they seized Rs eight crore in cash. Officials said the minister's father-in-law's home in Mysuru was also raided. Mr Shivakumar had rushed back from Singapore to ensure that the Congress lawmakers from Gujarat, flown in on July 28 from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru, did not cross sides after six Congress MLAs joined the BJP, ahead of the Aug. 8 RS elections where senior Congress adviser Ahmed Patel was seeking re-election. The searches are the continuation of an investigation, which has been in progress for a considerable period of time. There is no conspiracy behind the raids. They were decided well in advance. To infer that the raids have been timed with certain MLAs, who have been brought to theCity from another state, is inaccurate. We have questioned the Minister, who was staying at the resort near Bengaluru, where some MLAs from another state are put up. The raids have nothing to do with the other MLAs. Only the minister's room was searched," said sources in the Directorate. Officials close to the minister have told this newspaper that Mr Shivakumar has allowed IT officials to open all the cupboards and lockers in his home but was refusing to answer questions saying his lawyers would do the talking. It was unclear whether he was under arrest, with officials indicating that he could be placed under arrest by late Wednesday night. The Income Tax department sleuths who are busy with the search operations on the residence and offices of the state Energy Minister are said to have unearthed documents pertaining to the alleged benami properties worth crores from the minister's residence in Sadashivanagar. The sleuths from Enforcement Directorate (ED) are expected to join in the search operation following the recovery of the property documents. According to a source, the IT officials may refer the case to ED on Thursday. Though the exact amount of the benami properties is not yet known, the source said that it runs into several crores. According to the source, the minister had stashed the property documents in lockers and there were many lockers at his residence which the officials are yet to open. Minister D.K. Shivakumar waves to his fans during IT raids at his house in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, on Wednesday. (Photo: DC) BENGALURU: Hours after Income Tax officials raided several places belonging to energy minister, D. K. Shivakumar, and his associates including his astrologer, Dwarakanath, Chief Minister, Siddarmaiah, and several senior leaders of Congress lashed out at Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and BJP president, Amit Shah, for unleashing political vendetta on the minister. Mr Siddaramaiah told the media that use of Income Tax Department as a weapon of political vendetta was not only a blatant misuse of power, but was against principles of democracy and "co-operative federalism". "IT raids aimed at my cabinet colleague D. K. Shivakumar is clearly a political conspiracy. The use of Central Para-Military Forces in an IT search is condemnable," he added. According to the Chief Minister, investigation must always follow due procedure to unearth the truth. "Violating rules exposes political motivations behind raids. The Congress run Government in Karnataka will neither budge to such political blackmail nor stoop to vindictive politics," he added. Endorsing the views of the Chief Minister, KPCC working president, Dinesh Gundu Rao, alleged that the IT raids on Mr Shivakumar were prefect case in point wherein institutions like - IT, Enforcement Directorate and CBI - have become frontal organisation of BJP to silence leaders of Opposition parties. "This is an assault by the BJP on federalism and democracy. It is unfortunate that these institutions are being used as political weapons," he added. He charged that repeated raids on many of ministers and offices were to intimidate people and legislators of Gujarat. "Mr Modi and Mr Shah are trying to destabilise the government here," he charged while condemning the assistance of CRPF personnel during the raid. "This is unheard of and an assault on the federal structure of the country as law and order is a state subject," he remarked. The AICC spokesperson quipped that this was the price the country was paying for these leaders. "The BJP does not want an opposition and anyone going against them including the media are being targeted. It is has become a dictatorial rule. The Congress is united and we will fight it out. We will not be cowed down by BJPs cheap tactics," Mr Rao contended. Meanwhile, KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar, condemned the raid and termed it as political conspiracy hatched at the behest of Mr Modi and Mr Shah. CHENNAI: After a meeting with AIADMK (Amma) general secretary V.K. Sasikala, her nephew and party deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran asserted that no one had the authority to stop him from visiting the party headquarters. Dhinakaran's aggressive tone after his meeting with Sasikala at Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru on Wednesday indicated that he had obtained the green signal from his aunt for his showdown with Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. This is his first meeting with Sasikala after allegations of facilities and concessions to her in prison surfaced. I will certainly visit the party headquarters. I will give the timing of my visit later, he said. It is not known if Dhinakaran would visit the party headquarters after a tour around the state to mobilise cadre support or force an immediate confrontation on August 5. He declined to answer questions about Finance Minister D. Jayakumar's assertion that the party was not worried about Dhinakaran. There is no need to answer Jayakumar , he said and added that few people are afraid that supporting him would bring problems. Dhinakaran said he would tour around the state to strength the party for the Parliament elections. He also said party work had been neglected for the last three months and he start discharging his duty as deputy general secretary. When asked about the support of MLAs to him, Dhinakaran casually said all the 122 MLAs supported him and added that he had no connection with the state government. He said he would undertake a statewide tour and hold public meetings in district headquarters where he would speak about the functioning of the government and the chief minister. He also denied any special privileges to Sasikala in prison and said he would file a defamatory case against former Karnataka DIG, prisons, D Roopa for levelling baseless charges. The AIADMK would support BJP nominee Venkaiah Naidu in the vice president elections, he said. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday said that there was almost no chance of the Centre increasing Assembly seats in the Telugu states as was promised under the AP Reorganisation Act. He said that the Prime Minister had met with him recently and told him that this change would require a constitutional amendment, the approval of which was a complicated process that could not be completed before the 2019 elections. He was confident that the PM would approve the allotment of 12 percent quota to Muslims, as was recently passed by the state legislature. He said that the PM was in favour of extending reservation on the basis of social, financial and educational need, and added that since the reservation for Muslims was being given on these grounds, no trouble was to be foreseen during approval of the TS Quota Act Mr Rao accused Congress leader Jairam Ramesh of complicating the increase of Assembly seats. Due to Jairam Rameshs ignorance, the increase of Assembly seats has become complicated. Mr Rao said. He has drafted the Bill in such a manner that it requires a constitutional amendment, Mr Rao added. He added that he had told the Prime Minister that Telangana was already politically strong and that it had nothing to gain or lose from the number of Assembly seats being increased. Patna: Former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday questioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Zero tolerance policy on corruption and asked him whether he would seek a probe into the Panama case He said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had dumped the grand secular alliance because his conscience didnt allow him to remain with people who faced corruption charges but we fail to understand now that why he hasnt raised his voice or demanded a probe against those whose names surfaced in Panama case. According to him, several political leaders named in Panama case are somehow associated with the NDA and no action against anyone has been taken so far. He said that inquiry must be ordered against Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singhs son and Amitabh Bachchan to find out about their involvement in the case. Their names along with one of Adani brothers had surfaced during the initial probe. Referring to a recent survey report, Tejashwi Yadav said that the more than 75 percent ministers in the new NDA regime are tainted and facing criminal charges including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. More than 75 percent ministers in the newly formed cabinet are tainted including Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, what happened to his zero tolerance policy on corruption, how the state will develop with so many ministers facing criminal charges. Tejashwi Yadav said. Tejashwi Yadav has been criticizing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ever since he left the grand secular alliance and formed a government with the NDA. On Wednesday he reiterated that Nitish Kumar used cases against him as an excuse to form an alliance with the BJP. He also announced a massive agitation in Bihar against the new NDA regime and said the opposition unity will be expanded further to fight against the communal forces. Talking to reporters on the issue former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav confirmed that Lalu Yadav and other secular leaders have been in constant touch with Sharad Yadav and he is likely to announce his decision soon. Our party president Lalu Yadav and other leaders are in touch with him. Sharad Yadav is a senior leader and he is also upset over Nitish Kumars attitude. Those who were with Nitish Kumar during Samata Party days have left him one by one due to his attitude, Tejashwi Yadav said. The planetary protection officers role is one of just two such full-time positions in the world. Washington: NASA is looking for someone who can defend Earth from aliens. Well, sort of. The planetary protection officer will have the job of ensuring that humans in space do not contaminate planets and moons and also ensure that alien matter does not infect our planet. NASA will pay between $1,24,406 and $1,87,000 per year plus benefits for the job, the Independent reported. According to a job description, Planetary protection is concerned with the avoidance of organic-constituent and biological contamination in human and robotic space exploration. NASA maintains policies for planetary protection, applicable to all space flight missions that may intentionally or unintentionally carry Earth organisms and organic constituents to the planets or other solar system bodies, and any mission employing spacecraft, which are intended to return to Earth and its biosphere with samples from extraterrestrial targets of exploration. The hiring process wont be easy as the space agency requires an advanced degree in science or math and an experience in planning and executing space programmes, as well as skills in diplomacy. Candidates must also have at least one years experience as a top-level civilian government employee. Sadly, only US citizens and US nationals can apply for the job. The planetary protection role reportedly came about as a result of the Outer Space Treaty, an international agreement ratified by the US in 1967. The treaty stipulates that all space missions should have a less than 1-in-10,000 chance of contaminating an alien world. There is only one other full-time role like it in the world at the European Space Agency, Catharine Conley, NASAs only planetary protection officer since 2014, told Business Insider. The post is for an initial period of three years but may be extended for an additional two, CNBC reported. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The Minister of State for Home Affairs added that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has created a dedicated digital payment division for protection of online payment. A total of 50 incidents of cyber attacks affecting 19 financial organisations have been reported from 2016 till June, 2017, the government has said. Union minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir was responding to a question on whether there were reports of any cyber attacks on banking and other cashless network utilisation in the current digital era. The government had on November 8, 2016 announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. As per the information by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 50 incidents affecting 19 financial organisations have been reported during the period of November, 2016 to June, 2017, Ahir said. He said the Reserve Bank of India issues guidelines on cyber security for banks. The Minister of State for Home Affairs added that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has created a dedicated digital payment division for protection of online payment. To date, cyber security mock drills involving 148 organisations from different sectors, including the finance sector, have been conducted to assess the cyber security preparedness of these organisations, he said. CERT-In has issued 21 advisories for security safeguards covering Point of Sale, Micro ATMs, electronic wallets, online banking, smart phones, unified payment interface, unstructured supplementary service data, RuPay, SIM cards, wireless access points/routers, mobile banking, cloud, Aadhar Enabled Payment Systems etc, Ahir said. A separate research and development fund for cyber security worth Rs 1,000 crore has been created, to be spent over a period of five years for upgrading technological capacity, he said. In addition, the government has approved a central sector project namely Cyber Crime Prevention for Women and Children(CCPWC) with a total estimated cost of Rs 195.83 crore to provide infrastructure and capacity building to address cyber crimes, the minister said. The government is also encouraging financial institutions, industry and other critical sectors to earmark higher budgets in line with the international practices towards development and implementation of appropriate technologies, as well as bringing forth best practices for protecting their information and communication technologies, he added. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he is very "bullish" and "optimistic" about India, a market where the company is bringing all of its "energies" to expand footprint. "We are investing in India...we've already launched an app accelerator center. That's on top of working with the channel and looking at expanding our go-to-market in general," Cook said during the company's third quarter earnings call yesterday. In response to a question on the company's thoughts about India, Cook said Apple has begun to produce the iPhone SE in India during the quarter and "we're really happy with how that's going". "And so we're bringing all of our energies to bear there...And so I'm very, very bullish and very, very optimistic about India," he said. Cook said he sees a lot of similarities between where the Indian market is now and where China was several years ago. Apple had in May said that it began initial production of a "small number" of iPhone SE in Bengaluru and would start shipping to domestic customers. The Karnataka government had in February announced Apple's proposal to commence initial manufacturing operations in Bengaluru. The phones will be manufactured by Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM for Apple. The 'App Accelerator' in Bengaluru is an initiative that would provide support to Indian developers and enable them transforms the design and performance of their apps on its mobile operating system iOS. Cook was among a select group of CEOs who had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in Washington during the Indian leaders visit to the US capital for his first bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2017 third quarter ended July 1, 2017. The company posted quarterly revenue of USD 45.4 billion as compared to USD 42.4 billion in the year-ago quarter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The two sides have been discussing a list of "prerequisites" that Apple submitted in October, including duty exemption on raw materials for manufacturing components. Apple has asked the Indian government to extend tax breaks to its suppliers if India seeks to become a manufacturing hub for iPhones and its components. Government officials say meeting this request would require a new policy that applies fairly to other device makers, too. The US tech giant has been in talks with Indian officials since May of last year, when CEO Tim Cook and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to set up a production base in the country that goes beyond just assembling the devices, as happens today. The two sides have been discussing a list of "prerequisites" that Apple submitted in October, including duty exemption on raw materials for manufacturing components and capital equipment for 15 years for it to make iPhones from scratch in India. The company has told the government it would be bringing in a host of these ancillary units when it sets up operations to cater to India, one of the world's fastest growing smartphone markets, a top government official said. "They want the same treatment to be given to the component manufacturers; the tax concessions, they want everything. But then some kind of policy will have to be evolved," the official said. Apple declined to comment. The demand could further delay Apple's plans to penetrate the Indian market, the world's third largest for smartphones behind the United States and China, but where it has only a 2 percent share. The company is looking to India after sales in the Greater China region, once a major growth driver, slid 14 percent year-on-year to $10.7 billion in the three months ended April 1. In May, Apple, working with Taiwanese contract manufacturer Winstron, began assembling the iPhone SE in Bengaluru. The plan that Modi and Cook ordered the two sides to work on, however, envisages manufacturing a full range of iPhones for the domestic market, as well as for export. Ecosystem for Handsets For India, which would only be the second iPhone production centre after China, such an investment would be a big win for Modi's Make-in-India campaign. It would also spawn a vast network of suppliers, in the way that India's auto ancillary sector took off to feed Maruti Suzuki India's production line over three decades ago. Another official, who has led efforts to secure foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, said Apple's proposal to build its phones in India was being examined favourably by the government. "My view is that India needs to support Apple to create an ecosystem, which was done for Maruti. This helped to build the automobile and auto component industry in India," the official said, seeking anonymity in line with government policy. "Initial support will pay rich dividends in the long run and facilitate innovation, design and manufacturing of electronics components in India," the official added. Apple competitors such as South Korea's Samsung Electronics and China's Oppo could also benefit from a broader policy review as they, too, currently have predominantly assembly operations in India. Another government official familiar with the matter said it would be difficult for India to agree to Apple's request for a customs holiday for just its own operations in India. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Apple is embedding AR-ready technology into its iPhones later this year, potentially setting the stage for a rush of new apps that blur the line between reality and digital representation in new and imaginative ways. Apple's iPhone may be ready for its next big act - as a springboard into "augmented reality," a technology that projects life-like images into real-world settings viewed through a screen. If you've heard about AR at all, it's most likely because you've encountered "Pokemon Go," in which players wander around neighborhoods trying to capture monsters only they can see on their phones. AR is also making its way into education and some industrial applications, such as product assembly and warehouse inventory management. Now Apple is hoping to transform the technology from a geeky sideshow into a mass-market phenomenon. It's embedding AR-ready technology into its iPhones later this year, potentially setting the stage for a rush of new apps that blur the line between reality and digital representation in new and imaginative ways. "This is one of those huge things that we'll look back at and marvel on the start of it," Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts during a Tuesday conference call. Many analysts agree. "This is the most important platform that Apple has created since the app store in 2008," said Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research. There's just one catch: No one can yet point to a killer app for AR, at least beyond the year-old (and fading) fad of "Pokemon Go." Instead, analysts argue more generally that AR creates enormous potential for new games, home-remodeling apps that let you visualize new furnishings and decor in an existing room, education, health care and more. For the moment, though, we're basically stuck with demos created by developers, including a "Star Wars"-like droid rolling past a dog that doesn't realize it's there; a digital replica of Houston on a table ; and a virtual tour of Vincent Van Gogh's bedroom . At Apple, the introduction of AR gets underway in September with the release of iOS 11, the next version of the operating system that powers hundreds of millions of iPhones and iPads around the world Tucked away in that release is an AR toolkit intended to help software developers create new AR apps. Those apps, however, won't work on just any Apple device - only the iPhone 6S and later models, including the hotly anticipated next-generation iPhone that Apple will release this fall. The 2017 iPad and iPad Pro will run AR apps as well. Apple isn't the only company betting big on AR. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg talked up the technology at a company presentation in April, calling it a "really important technology that changes how we use our phones." Apple rivals such as Google and Microsoft are also starting to deploy AR systems . Apple has been looking for something to lessen its dependence on the iPhone since the 2011 death of its co-founder CEO Steve Jobs, the driving force behind the company's innovation factory. Cook thought he had come up with a revolutionary product when Apple began selling its smartwatch in 2015, but the Apple Watch remains a niche product. For now, the iPhone remains Apple's dominant product, accounting for 55 percent of Apple's $45.4 billion in revenue during the three months ended in June. The total revenue represented a 7 percent increase from the same time last year. Apple earned $8.7 billion, up 12 percent from last year. Tim Merel, managing director of technology consulting firm Digi-Capital, believes Apple's entry into AR will catalyze the field. His firm expects AR to mushroom into an $83 billion market by 2021, up from $1.2 billion last year. That estimate assumes that Apple and its rivals will expand beyond AR software to high-tech glasses and other devices, such as Microsoft's HoloLens headset. For now, though, nothing appears better suited for interacting with AR than the smartphone. Google already makes AR software called Tango that debuted on one Lenovo smartphone last year and will be part of another high-end device from Asus this month. But it will be years before Tango phones are as widely used as iPhones, or for that matter, iPads. Most of those devices are expected to become AR-ready when the free iOS 11 update hits next month. Nearly 90 percent of Apple devices powered by iOS typically install the new software version when it comes out. Assuming that pattern holds true this fall, that will bring AR to about 300 million Apple devices that are already in people's hands. If the new software wins over more AR fans as Apple hopes, analysts figure that Apple will begin building AR-specific devices, too. One obvious possibility might be some kind of AR glasses tethered to the iPhone, which would allow people to observe digital reality without having to look "through" a phone. Once technology allows, a standalone headset could render the iPhone unnecessary, at least for many applications. Such a device could ultimately supplant the iPhone, although that isn't likely to happen for five to 10 years, even by the most optimistic estimates. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Washington: The US Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Christopher Wray as the new director of the FBI on Tuesday, three months after President Donald Trump fired his predecessor James Comey. The high-flying criminal lawyer was an uncontroversial choice for the post, winning widespread bipartisan backing after telling lawmakers he would rather resign than bow to political interference. Senators voted 92-5 to confirm him. He assumes charge at a difficult time for the FBI. Comey's sacking had led to accusations Trump was attempting to impede an investigation into links between his aides and Russia during last year's presidential election, which led to the appointment of independent prosecutor Robert Mueller as a special counsel. Wray's first challenge will likely be to reassure the bureau's more than 30,000 employees of his commitment to their independence, after insisting to lawmakers he would be his own man. "You can't do a job like this without being prepared to either quit or be fired at a moment's notice you're asked to do something or confronted with something that is either illegal, unconstitutional or even morally repugnant," he told the Senate Judiciary Committee last month. "You have to be able to stand firm to your principles." Born into a family of New York lawyers, Wray, 50, graduated from Yale Law School and was a Justice Department prosecutor for years. In 2003, he rose up to assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division, where he mostly oversaw fraud investigations, including the huge case of Enron, the Texas energy firm that imploded with billions of dollars of losses tied to corruption. In 2005, he resigned to join private practice as a partner at King & Spalding law firm in Washington and Atlanta. Wray has represented major companies in litigation but also, most recently, worked for Trump ally Chris Christie in the so-called "Bridgegate" political scandal in New Jersey. FBI chiefs have alternately bolstered and made life miserable for presidents over decades. In the 1990s, Bill Clinton's eight years in office were plagued by investigations led by Louis Freeh, whom he personally chose to run the agency. Vaduvelu, who has been charged with committing armed robbery, faces a maximum of 10 years in jail and at least 12 strokes of caning if found guilty, reported Channel News Asia. (Photo: Representational/File) Singapore: An Indian-origin man in Singapore has allegedly robbed a petrol station employee at knife point, the first such incident in a decade, police said on Wednesday. Visvanathan Vaduvelu, 48, fled with 1,193 Singapore dollars (USD 877) in cash from the Shell petrol station situated at 219 Upper Bukit Timah Road on Monday, police said. He threatened an employee with a kitchen knife and ordered her to place money from the cash register in a plastic bag, they said. Police said that the incident, which took place in broad daylight, was the first such case in 10 years. Vaduvelu, who has been charged with committing armed robbery, faces a maximum of 10 years in jail and at least 12 strokes of caning if found guilty, reported Channel News Asia. Police were alerted at around 12.50 pm Singapore time after the suspect fled the petrol station on a scooter. He was tailed by a customer of the petrol station for a short distance, before the customer also informed the police. Even though the suspect was wearing a motorcycle helmet during the robbery, the robbed Shell employee -- a 22-year-old woman -- remembered the colour of his clothes. Vaduvelu was arrested on the same day of the robbery at about 4.50 PM along Jurong East Street 21. About 500 dollar in cash, some bank receipts and a scooter were seized by the police. These, along with his outfit - a black T-shirt, a pair of long black pants, a beige jacket, a motorcycle helmet and a pair of sunglasses - were also collected as evidence. However, the weapon -- a kitchen knife -- was not recovered as the suspect dropped it as he was fleeing the crime scene, the police said. He was remanded without bail, and his next hearing will be held next week. This was the first of two armed robberies in Singapore in as many days. On Tuesday morning, another armed robbery took place at a Western Union branch in Ubi estate, according to the Channel. The suspect, who took more than 2,000 dollar from Western Union employee at knife point, fled on foot. He was still at large, according to media reports. London: An anti-immigrant group is being mocked after its members mistook a photograph of six empty bus seats posted on its Facebook page for a group of women wearing burqas, media reports said. Members of Norwegian Fedrelandet viktigst, or Fatherland first, posted comments like tragic, terrifying and disgusting beneath the photograph, according to Norway news website Nettavisen. Some members even wondered whether they might be carrying bombs or weapons beneath their clothes. This looks really scary, wrote one. Should be banned. You cant tell whos underneath. Could be terrorists. Islam is and always will be a curse, Get them out of our country frightening times we are living in, read some of the comments. The photograph was posted for a joke last week by Johan Slattavik, beneath a question asking the group: What do we think of this? He told Nettavisen he was interested to see how peoples perceptions of an image are influenced by how others around them react. I ended up having a good laugh. The photo has gone viral in Norway after others shared screenshots of the nationalist groups outraged reactions. Norway recently became the latest European country to propose restrictions on wearing of burqas and niqabs in public places. Kabul: A suicide bomber stormed into the largest Shiite Muslim mosque in Afghanistan's Herat province Tuesday night opening fire on worshippers before blowing himself up, killing at least 20 and wounding dozens more, said the provincial governor's spokesman Jalani Farhad. However Mehdi Hadid, a lawmaker from Herat, who went to the site soon after the explosion told The Associated Press that the scene was one of horrific carnage. He estimated at least 100 dead and wounded were scattered throughout the mosque. The attack took place in the middle of evening prayers when the mosque was packed with about 300 worshippers. At Herat Main Hospital, Dr. Mohammed Rafique Shehrzai, confirmed 20 bodies were brought to the hospital in Herat city, the capital of western Herat province Tuesday night, soon after the blast shattered the late evening. Hadid said he saw several pieces of a body that was being identified as the assailant. Although it's not clear if there was a second attacker, witnesses in the area reported hearing a second explosion about 10 minutes after the initial bomber detonated his explosives. Located just 50 meters (150 feet) away was an Afghan National Police station, but Hadid said the police were too frightened to take action and stood outside the mosque while the attack happened. Residents were furious the police did not prevent the second explosion, although it is still not clear what caused it. Dozens of local residents, who are mostly Shiites, attacked the police station pelting it with stones and setting it on fire, said Farhad. Shiites are a minority in Afghanistan and have been threatened by the affiliate of the Islamic State group that operates in the country's east. Herat borders Iran whose capital Tehran was attacked by the so-called Islamic State in June. Herat has previously been the scene of several smaller attacks on Shiites. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on Herat's Jawadia Mosque. However, after its attack on Monday on the Iraq Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul IS warned Shiites in Afghanistan that they are targets. Hadid said he rushed to the mosque after hearing about the explosion. He was told the attacker first fired on the private guards outside the mosque before entering. When inside, he fired on the praying worshippers until his rifle jammed then he blew himself up. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to al-Qaeda and the ISIS. (Photo: AP) Beijing: China on Wednesday said it will take "a decision in due course" about the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist when it comes up for a review. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the Chinese foreign ministry said about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. Early this year, China had put a six-month technical hold on the application which is expected to come up for review shortly. "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. This year the US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six-month technical hold. Islamabad: An estranged woman lawmaker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Tuesday accused party chief Imran Khan of harassing women leaders in the party. Ayesha Gulalai, who hails from South Waziristan tribal region, in a press conference alleged that "honour" of women affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not safe. Announcing to quit the party, she said, "My integrity matters to me the most" and "I cannot compromise when it comes to my honour and dignity." She also accused Khan of sending "obscene text messages" to women leaders of the party. She refused to share the messages but said that "they were so mean that nobody can tolerate them." Taking a jibe at Khan, she said he suffered from "psychological problems" and "gets jealous of, people who are better than him." She also leveled charges of corruption against PTI government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and its Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who she alleged was acting like "mafia boss". Gulalai was elected to the National Assembly on a reserved seat for women from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), and has been a staunch and vocal supporter of the PTI and Khan. She resigned from both her party membership and NA seat. She rejected reports that she was joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) of Nawaz Sharif but praised Sharif for respecting women. "No matter what the charges against him but Nawaz Sharif knows how to respect women," she said. Rejecting the allegations, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said that Gulalai had "sold her soul to PMLN for money". "It is old tactic of PMLN that they buy people and she (Gulalai) has sold her. She has been used and would be forgotten in 24 hours, he said. Indian officials said about 300 soldiers from either side are facing each other about 150 metres (yards) apart on the plateau. (FIle Photo) Beijing: China accused India on Wednesday of concocting excuses over the illegal entry of the South Asian nations military into Chinese territory on their disputed border, adding that China had shown great restraint. The stand-off on a plateau next to the mountainous Indian state of Sikkim, which borders China, has ratcheted up tension between the neighbours, who share a 3,500-km (2,175-mile) frontier, large parts of which are disputed. Early in June, according to the Chinese interpretation of events, Indian guards crossed into Chinas Donglang (Doklam) region and obstructed work on a road on the plateau. The two sides troops then confronted each other close to a valley controlled by China that separates India from its close ally, Bhutan, and gives China access to the so-called Chickens Neck, a thin strip of land connecting India and its remote northeastern regions. India has said it warned China the road construction would have serious security implications. In a statement, Chinas foreign ministry said the Indian military was still in Chinese territory, and that China had acted with a great deal of restraint, demanding that India withdraw its forces. But the Indian side not only has not taken any actual steps to correct its mistake, it has concocted all sorts of reasons that dont have a leg to stand on, to make up excuses for the Indian militarys illegal crossing of the border. The ministry reiterated that the border had been agreed in 1890 by the governments of China and Britain, which was the colonial ruler until 1947, and later with the Indian government. Indias actions are not only a serious encroachment of Chinese territory, but a challenge to regional peace and stability and normal international order, it added. Indian officials said about 300 soldiers from either side are facing each other about 150 metres (yards) apart on the plateau. They have told Reuters that both sides diplomats have quietly engaged to try to ensure the stand-off does not escalate, and that Indias ambassador to Beijing is leading the effort to find a way for both sides to back down from confrontation without losing face. The ongoing Doklam standoff between India and China has to be seen in the larger context. (File Photo) Beijing: China on Tuesday said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect China's territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Chinese embassy in New Delhi also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," the fact sheet said. It further said, "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory." New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. Sikkim standoff The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops' crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China's territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China values the growth of good- neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. Islamabad: A petition was filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday to disqualify Opposition leader Imran Khan after a woman lawmaker from his party accused him of harassing her and other women leaders. Raja Basharat Mehmood, a lawyer, filed an application before the ECP, calling for the disqualification of Mr Khan. According to the application, Mr Khan should be disqualified from the National Assembly membership and by-election should be held in NA-56. On Tuesday, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Ayesha Gulalai Wazir, who quit the party, accused Mr Khan of having an immoral character. She alleged that the PTI chief would forward inappropriate and explicit text messages to party women. She claimed that she received the first such message in 2013. She claimed many other female members also received those messages. She said Mr Khan keeps a Blackberry and asks female members of the party to also carry a Blackberry so that messages could not be traced. On Wednesday, the partys women wing termed the allegations as an attempt at cheap publicity. They asked Ms Wazir to seek forgiveness over the baseless allegations or else jirga (a tribal council) would be sent to her home. Imran Khan respects all women and as far as text messages are concerned, he does not own a blackberry. These accusations have hurt sentiments of PTI workers, she added. Ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi demanded that Mr Khan should be immediately disqualified. Dujana, a self-styled Divisional Commander of the LeT who also goes by the name Hafiz, was killed in the encounter in Pulwama district in South Kashmir from where he had managed to escape the security personnel in May this year after stone-pelting locals encountered the forces. Reports suggested that he was located by the forces through technical surveillance and inputs that he may reach the spot to meet his wife. Dujana, who is in his late 20s, was wanted for his role in the Udhampur attack in which two BSF personnel were killed. Mohd Naved, a Pakistani youth who was captured by forces, allegedly had taken the name of Dujana as the mastermind. Officials said Dujana was also known as an expert in launching grenade attacks. He also said to be the brain behind the bank robberies in the valley and used it for funding terror activities. He had replaced Abu Qasim, who was killed last year, as the main face of LeT in the Valley. One who carried a reward of Rs 30 lakh on his head, he was five times lucky as he managed to give a slip to the security forces in Kashmir since he infiltrated into Kashmir in 2010. Dujana, who hails from Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and joined LeT at the age of 17, had made his first appearance, that too in a dramatic way, in a funeral of a local Lashkar terrorist in 2014 in Pulwama. He had also later attended the funeral of Wani in Tral. Officials said he has been behind the brain behind several terror strikes in the Valley. One of his close associates Abu Ismail, who may succeed him, had orchestrated the Amarnath terror strike, they said. During the operations, the forces had to face stone-pelting crowd in the area, indicating that the locals still harbour anger against the forces. Kashmir has been witnessing stone-pelting incidents during anti-terror operations following which the forces have warned them that they would be forced use extreme measures to deal with them. The encounter killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba's top operative Abu Dujana, one of the most wanted terrorists in India, comes as relief for the security establishment at a time the forces are fighting to end Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.This, security officials said, is one more success story in the anti-terror operations after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani last July. The forces had intensified anti-terror operations in the Valley after the terror strike on Amarnath pilgrims. Notwithstanding the successes in eliminating dreaded terrorists like Abu Dujana and Abu Ismail, security agencies are not letting their guards down in Jammu and Kashmir as militant activities are on a steep rise in the northern state. Till July, as many 117 terrorists were killed by the Army, para-military and Jammu and Kashmir police, which is unprecedented in recent years. There were 193 infiltration attempts in the border more than double the number of such attempts (94) in the corresponding period last year. However, last year 72 terrorists managed to sneak in while up to July 2017, only 48 terrorists crossed over suggesting improved vigil by the border guarding troops. But the success came with a price. Till the end of July as many as 35 Army men were killed in the gunbattle with the militants. The number was only 14 last year. Kashmir was on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen leader Burhan Wani more than a year ago with a change in the militancy pattern. There was no let up in militant activities in the Ramzan month and terrorists attacked Amarnath pilgrims both were unheard of in the past. A young Kashmiri officer, Lt Ummar Fayaz, who went home on leave was gunned down by the terrorists in Shopian. To tackle the volatile situation, Army brought back its cordon and search operation to find out the terrorists. Jammu and Kashmir and central armed police forces too worked in close coordination to keep the pressure. But the movement of terrorists and infiltrators from across the border continued in an accelerated mode, which is evident from a sharp rise in the number of cease fire violation. Close to 275 ceasefire violations were recorded till July 31 as against only 30 in the corresponding period last year, sources said. The last three months May, June and July witnessed 73, 76 and 68 ceasefire violation indicating how an increased number of infiltrators are trying to cross the Line of Control and international border taking advantage of the cover fire. We don't anticipate any decline in the terrorists' activities, said an officer. There are British films, and then there are BBC films. That familiar, three-letter, reverse display font logo at the beginning of a movie is enough to ensure viewers theyll be watching some high-quality, historical costume drama. But with their newest film, the BBC throws some bodice-ripping and very bad behavior in with the usual Victorian era drawing room drama. Though it may offend polite habitues of Downton Abbey, this down-and-dirty anti-romance adds a welcome hint of modern-day moral ambiguity to the BBCs brand. Lady Macbeth is not basedas you might rightly assumeon the works of famed Brit William Shakespeare, but on Nikolai Leskovs 1865 novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District. In 19th century rural England we meet our semi-titular character Katherine (fresh face Florence Pugh, fiercely staking out her future acting career). Young and pretty (but sans means), shes being married off to middle-aged coal mining magnate Alexander (Paul Hilton). The couples wedding night is as passionless and uncomfortable as ... well, a traditional British marriage sounds. Alexander proves to be a frigid and rather cruel husband, leaving innocent, unworldly Katherine to ponder just what shes gotten herself into. Beyond the bedchamber the rest of Victorian era English manor life is made to look equally awesome. On a daily basis Katherine is strapped into a corset and hoop skirt, only to sit on a divan all day with nothing to do. And as a dutiful wife shes stuck obeying her nasty husbands every command with such regularity that her life becomes an unending game of Simon Says. One day, however, hubby is called off to tend to a business crisis, leaving Katherine to her own devices at the couples isolated manor house. Katherine takes the opportunity to escape the confines of the stark household and take the air, as it were. One day, while exploring the grounds, she spots a group of groomsmen perpetrating a humiliating prank on one of the maidservants. Katherine steps in and upbraids the menbut something in the situation stirs her blood. Causing her pulse to race in particular is the smoldering stare of rough stable boy Sebastian (musician- turned- actor Cosmo Jarvis). Its not long at all before Katherine and Sebastian are making the beast with two backs (to borrow something else from Mr. Shakespeare). With her estranged husband seemingly uninterested in returning home, Katherine starts living quite as she pleases, taking Sebastian into her bedchamber on a regular basis and glaring the other servants (Naomi Ackies semi-sympathetic maid in particular) into complicit silence. Eventually, however, Katherines elderly father-in-law (Christopher Fairbank) shows up. Gloomy and disagreeable as her husband may be, his father is even worse. Sussing out Katherines dirty little secret, he beats Sebastian within an inch of his life and demands Katherine start acting in a more wifely manner. But you cant keep a girl down on the farm once shes seen Paris, so to speak. Having had quite enough of 19th century gender rules in general and the sexist Victorian family she married into in particular, Katherine decides toas the films title presagesgo all Lady Macbeth on their asses. Tossing caution and inheritance laws to the wind, Katherine starts defying convention, manipulating the people around her, making demands and (eventually) quite a bit worse. Pugh performs a delicate and mesmerizing balancing act here. Her characters frustrations are more than justified, butlike a certain Scottish ladythe ends arent exactly justifying her means. As various impediments to her unfettered happiness start to show up on the doorstep (in some cases, literally), Katherine redoubles her efforts to emancipate herself. Over time, however, her desires grow increasingly selfish and have some serious negative repercussions on the people around hermost notably Sebastian, who starts to crack under the increasingly dark demands of his mistress. At a mere 89 minutes, Lady Macbeth is short and anything but sweet. Austere in its look and claustrophobic in its setting, the film lacks the grandiose romantic tragedy of films like Dangerous Liaisons, The Red Violin or Atonement (to name a random few). But it packs a quick punch nonetheless. First-time filmmaker (longtime theater and opera director) William Oldroyd knows his timing, striking while the iron is hot and getting the hell out of there. The (heavily) adapted script by Alice Birch (also a first-timer) does an effective, efficient job of examining the limited possibilities open to women in the mid-19th century. The film also touches, rather quietly, on issues of racial identity in Englandsomething rarely talked about in this period. Both Katherines lover and her maid are non-white, and though the film never overtly mentions that fact, their overall status in society is neatly encapsulated in the films ruthless ending. Far too stark to call Gothic, way too bleak to call romantic, Lady Macbeth is a violent heartbreaker for those who prefer broken hearts to happy endings. CASA holding baby contest COLUMBUS -- CASA Connection will host the Im a Little Cutie baby contest for children ages 0-18 months during the Columbus Days celebration starting at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 19 in Frankfort Square. Pre-registration is required. Registration forms can be picked up during regular business hours at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Shelley Stempek State Farm Insurance Office, Corner Stop or CASA Connection office located at 1465 27th Ave. You may also email casacon@megavision.com or call 402-563-4944 and leave your email address and a registration form can be emailed to you. More details about the event are on the registration form or you can call the CASA office at 402-563-4944. Workshop on genealogy set DAVID CITY -- A genealogy workshop will be held 2-4 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Butler County Senior Center, 529 D St., in David City for those interested in tracing their ancestors back to the Revolutionary War. David City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be available to assist in researching their database. For more information, call 402-639-8068 or email ajsave03@gmail.com. School supplies drive planned COLUMBUS -- A school supplies drive for Center for Survivors will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 12 at Hy-Vee. Shoppers can pick up a flyer with a list of needed items from a Boy Scout stationed at one of the entrances and drop off the purchased supplies on their way out. Center for Survivors served 271 children in 2016. Grant helps pet owners COLUMBUS -- The Platte Valley Humane Society was recently awarded a grant from the Petco Foundation that will allow continued efforts to get animals spayed or neutered. A portion of this grant will be used to help people spay and neuter their pets. Only a portion of the surgery cost will be provided, allowing a larger number of people and pets to be served. To apply for assistance, you must fill out an application that can be picked up at Paws and Claws. The application will be reviewed by a committee to determine if the applicant qualifies. For more information, contact Paws and Claws at 402-562-5683. Rehearsals for community band COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Community Band will begin rehearsals for its Columbus Days performance. Rehearsals will be held 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 10 and 14 at the Immanuel Family Life Center, 15th Street and 23rd Avenue. The Columbus Days concert will be 7 p.m. Aug. 17 in Frankfort Square. Director Doug Phillips has chosen some traditional favorites and added some new songs. All players are welcome. Bring your instrument and a music stand. For more information, email tuneman93@yahoo.com or call 402-615-2142. An estranged woman lawmaker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf today accused party chief Imran Khan of harassing women leaders in the party. Ayesha Gulalai, who hails from South Waziristan tribal region, in a press conference alleged that "honour" of women affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not safe. Announcing to quit the party, she said, "My integrity matters to me the most" and "I cannot compromise when it comes to my honour and dignity." She also accused Khan of sending "obscene text messages" to women leaders of the party. She refused to share the messages but said that "they were so mean that nobody can tolerate them." Taking a jibe at Khan, she said he suffered from "psychological problems" and "gets jealous of, people who are better than him." She also leveled charges of corruption against PTI government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and its Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who she alleged was acting like "mafia boss". Gulalai was elected to the National Assembly on a reserved seat for women from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), and has been a staunch and vocal supporter of the PTI and Khan. She resigned from both her party membership and NA seat. She rejected reports that she was joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) of Nawaz Sharif but praised Sharif for respecting women. "No matter what the charges against him but Nawaz Sharif knows how to respect women," she said. Rejecting the allegations, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said that Gulalai had "sold her soul to PMLN for money". "It is old tactic of PMLN that they buy people and she (Gulalai) has sold her. She has been used and would be forgotten in 24 hours, he said. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he is very "bullish" and "optimistic" about India, a market where the company is bringing all of its "energies" to expand footprint. "We are investing in India...we've already launched an app accelerator center. That's on top of working with the channel and looking at expanding our go-to-market in general," Cook said during the company's third quarter earnings call yesterday. In response to a question on the company's thoughts about India, Cook said Apple has begun to produce the iPhone SE in India during the quarter and "we're really happy with how that's going". "And so we're bringing all of our energies to bear there...And so I'm very, very bullish and very, very optimistic about India," he said. Cook said he sees a lot of similarities between where the Indian market is now and where China was several years ago. Apple had in May said that it began initial production of a "small number" of iPhone SE in Bengaluru and would start shipping to domestic customers. The Karnataka government had in February announced Apple Inc's proposal to commence initial manufacturing operations in Bengaluru. The phones will be manufactured by Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM for Apple. The 'App Accelerator' in Bengaluru is an initiative that would provide support to Indian developers and enable them transform the design and performance of their apps on its mobile operating system iOS. Cook was among a select group of CEOs who had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in Washington during the Indian leaders visit to the US capital for his first bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2017 third quarter ended July 1, 2017. The company posted quarterly revenue of USD 45.4 billion as compared to USD 42.4 billion in the year-ago quarter. Senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav appears to be engaged in a war of attrition with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the former is now planning an anti-communalism conference where top Opposition leaders will be invited. Yadav, who has expressed his displeasure over Kumar's decision to form a government with BJP in Bihar after snapping ties with Congress and RJD, is thinking of organising the conference ahead of the August 19 National Executive of JD(U) in Patna. He is planning to invite leaders like Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury among others for the conference that would highlight the country's "syncretic culture", JD(U) sources said. The conference is not meant to be an anti-Nitish or anti-JD(U) exercise but highlight his opposition to the move, they said. Through such a platform, Yadav is planning to send a signal to Kumar by giving Opposition parties a chance to corner him on secularism plank. The Yadav camp plans to organise it just before the National Executive, probably on August 17, so that the message goes to Kumar. Interestingly on Monday, JD(U) MPs present in Rajya Sabha had voted in favour of Opposition amendments on a Constitution Amendment Bill to give Backward Commission constitutional status that left the government red-faced. Asked about Yadav's proposed plans, a senior leader told DH that the presence of top Opposition leaders in such a convention could be read as an endorsement of the respect he commands among leaders and it would enhance his standing within his party. Yadav, the founder President of JD(U), had expressed his public disapproval about Kumar's decision on Monday, days after the Chief Minister made a surprise announcement last Wednesday to go with BJP. His close aides have said that Yadav would attend the August 19 meeting and put his views. While Kumar has told BJP leadership not to further placate Yadav, sources said the disgruntled leader is trying to get endorsement for his stand from the state units. Efforts are on to get letters against Kumar's decision from as many as 20 state units. Though Kerala unit has already made it clear that is not with Kumar on this issue while units like Maharashtra are also thinking on the same line, sources said the units outside Bihar does not carry much weight. The leaders of Opposition parties from Congress to the CPI(M) have been keeping in touch with Yadav following Kumar's decision. Leaders like Sonia, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Yechury, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI's D Raja and Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav have already spoken to him. RJD chief Lalu Prasad has also spoken to him. Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Wednesday accused the Modi government of carrying out a witch-hunt as Income Tax officials carried out raids on the premises of Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumar. Shivakumar has been tasked the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of 44 Gujarat legislators of the Congress who have been tucked away at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru to prevent defections to the BJP. BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat, Patel said on Twitter. Patel is the political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi. After using the state machinery and every other agency, these I-T raids show their utter desperation & frustration, said Patel, whose re-election to the Rajya Sabha appeared to be in jeopardy as six Congress legislators crossed over to the BJP amid reports that much more were planning to quit the party. Congress also questioned the timing of the raid rejecting the Income Tax Departments clarification that the Gujarat MLAs were not the subject of investigation. Timing of search is questionable, especially when it's on the minister and his brother who have been coordinating the safety and stay of Gujarat MLAs, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said. Patel is seeking a fifth term as Rajya Sabha member and the Congress believes that the BJP is trying to embarrass the senior leader by pulling out all stops to ensure his defeat in what otherwise would have been an easy election. An electoral loss could affect the morale of Congress workers ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections expected to be held in November-December. The Congress has been out of power in Gujarat since 1995. Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar in view of a separatist strike against the killing of a civilian, caught in the crossfire between security forces and militants in Pulwama, police said. Both factions of the Hurriyat Conference, led by Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik have asked people to observe a shutdown against the killing of Firdous Ahmad yesterday. He was killed near the encounter site, where two LeT militants, including the outfits commander Abu Dujana, were gunned down. Curbs were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order following the incident, a police official said. Restrictions have been imposed in seven police station areas of Srinagar -- Khanyar, MR Gunj, Safakadal, Rainawari, Kralkhud, Nowhatta and Maisuma. The strike affected normal life across Kashmir with most shops, fuel stations and other business establishments remaining closed. Public transport was off the roads at most places though private cars and auto-rickshaws were plying, the official said. The government has ordered closure of all educational institutions in the valley today to avoid escalation of street protests. Mobile internet services have also been suspended across the valley. While there were no restrictions anywhere else in the valley, security forces have been deployed in strength at sensitive places to maintain law and order. "The deployment on the ground in south Kashmir has also been strengthened to avoid any untoward incident," the official said. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI) on Wednesday commissioned its 4th assembly line at Narasapura near Bengaluru. With this, the plant in Karnataka has become the largest production facility for HMSI in the world. The fourth assembly line has a capacity to produce 6 lakh unit per year, taking the total production capacity to 24 lakh units. The combined production from four plants in the country will touch 64 lakh units per year, the company said. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Honda Motor Co Asia and Oceania Regional Operations Chief Officer Shinji Aoyama said the region contributes 60% to Honda's two-wheeler sales. Honda's two-wheeler business spans more than 120 countries worldwide and India is leading the demand. In FY17, India alone contributed 28% to Honda's global two wheeler sales and became number one contributor to its two-wheeler business, said Aoyama. HMSI and its allied suppliers will invest over Rs 5,400 crore at its Narasapura plant, including Rs 2,800 crore investment by Honda's 26 suppliers. The new assembly line will provide 7000 direct employment and another 15,000 indirectly. Jammu and Kashmir police is approaching Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to take back the body of most wanted Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant Abu Dujana, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama on Tuesday. Sources said Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muneer Khan has sent a letter to police headquarters with the submission that the state government should take up the matter of handing over the body of Dujana with Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs, who in turn could take it up with Pakistani High Commission. Khan confirmed that they are approaching the MHA/MeA to ask the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi to take back the body of Dujana so that his parents and other family members could see him before burial. However, sources denied the reports in some news channels that Pakistan refused to claim the body of Dujana. "The J&K police's submission to the government of India regarding handing over of Dujana's body is yet pending in the police headquarters. How come Pakistan can refuse to claim the body when no such request has been made so far," they said. The IGP Khan said if Pakistan refuses to take the body, he (Dujana) will be given proper burial here. Asked whether Dujana would be laid to rest in Uri area of Baramulla district as has been the practice of police with non-local militants over the past few years, Khan evaded a direct answer, saying: He will be given proper burial in case his country denies he was their national. This is for the first time that state police has decided to approach Pakistani authorities to take back the body of a militant since the eruption of militancy in 1990 during which hundreds of Pakistani and other foreign militants were killed in encounters with security forces in the state. In the past, bodies of foreign militants were handed over to local Auqaf committees for burial in the Valley. However, after the killing of top Lashkar commander Abu Qasim in October 2015 in Kulgam district, thousands of people turned up at his funeral as police handed over his body to locals for burial. Taking a cue from the large participation of people in Qasims funeral, police decided not to hand over bodies of foreign militants to locals. Since 2015, the body of not a single foreign militant was handed over to locals. Instead, they are being buried silently at Boniyar, Uri near Line of Control, a source in police said. 27-year-old Dujana from Pakistan, who was killed in an encounter with security forces on Tuesday in Pulwama, was one of the longest living foreign militants who had escaped in at least half a dozen encounters in recent years. Neid earns honor at KU LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Elizabeth Neid of Columbus is one of more than 5,250 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas to earn honor roll distinction for the spring semester. The Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of former UP chief secretary Neera Yadav in a land allotment scam from 1993-95 in Noida but reduced her jail term from three to two years. A bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and R Banumathi also upheld the conviction of former IAS officer Rajiv Kumar in the case and modified his jail term from three to two years. The CBI had alleged that Yadav, a 1971 batch IAS officer, was chief executive officer of Noida in 1995 when she violated norms in allotting a prime plot of land to an industrialist. It was alleged that she entered into a criminal conspiracy with 1983-batch IAS officer, Rajiv Kumar, then deputy chief executive officer, Noida, to change land use of a plot which was earmarked for a guesthouse and also increased its area in violation of norms. The probe agency had said that Yadav, during her tenure as Noida CEO, misused her official position as a public servant and got herself allotted a plot in violation of norms. "The allotment was done despite the fact that the application submitted by her was incomplete in many respects and was submitted after the closing date of the scheme," CBI had said. It was also alleged that she got two plots allotted in the names of her two daughters, knowing full well that rules in Noida permitted only one plot of land to one family. The Maharashtra Government has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for providing information about the two key absconding accused in the murder of communist leader Govind Pansare, a senior police official said today. Pansare and his wife were shot by unidentified persons in Kolhapur during their morning walk on February 16, 2015. While his wife survived, the veteran CPI leader died in a Mumbai hospital four days later. "The state government has sanctioned a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any person who will give specific information and whereabouts of Sanatan Sanstha activists Vinay Pawar and Sarang Akolkar, who are the key accused in Pansare's murder case," Inspector General of Police, Kolhapur Range, Vishwas Nangre Patil told PTI. In September 2015, the police had arrested Sameer Gaikwad, an alleged member of the right wing group Sanatan Sanstha, for his alleged involvement in Pansare's killing. The attack on Pansare seemed to be similar to the one in which noted rationalist Narendra Dabholkar was killed in Pune in 2013, an official said. The state government had formed a special investigation team (SIT) of the CID to probe Pansare's murder. The Maharashtra government and Pansare's daughter and daughter-in-law had earlier filed applications in the Bombay High Court challenging a lower court's order granting bail to Gaikwad. Pawar and Akolkar are the key accused in Pansare's murder, an official said. The SIT had earlier arrested Sanatan Sanstha activist Sameer Gaikwad in connection with Pansare's murder, he said. Pawar and Akolkar are also wanted in connection with the murder of Dabholkar. Akolkar, who hails from Pune, is an electronics engineer. He has been on the run ever since his name cropped up during the probe of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Goa blast case. The NIA had secured an Interpol red corner notice against him in 2012 but the security agencies are yet to track him down. Pawar, a resident of Miraj in Sangli district of western Maharashtra, also has been untraceable for the last seven years. The petitions filed by the family members of Pansare and Dabholkar are pending before the Bombay High Court, which has been periodically calling for progress reports on the investigations from the state CID, which is probing the Pansare case, and the CBI, which is investigating the murder of Dabholkar. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet's approval to a proposal making registration of all marriages, including the Nikaah, mandatory has been largely welcomed by Muslim organisations in the state. However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said there should be no provision that unregistered marriages are equivalent to no marriage. President of the All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Shaista Amber said the government's decision was a step in the right direction. "The marriage registration certificate will remain as a proof of marriage, and it will also help family members of bride and groom as well as their children," Amber said. Welcoming the decision, AIMWPLB general secretary Rabia Sandal said it will go a long way in ensuring social security for women. "This is certainly a good move by the Uttar Pradesh government and we welcome it," she said. All India Shia Personal Law Board also welcomed the decision to make mandatory registration of all marriages, including the Nikaah, taking place in the state. "It is certainly a good move, and we welcome it wholeheartedly. We believe that this decision will definitely boost the social security of women as many of them after marriage were forced to suffer and face social stigma because of their husbands deserting them," said Yasoob Abbas, spokesperson for the All India Shia Personal Law Board said. However, AIPMLB member Zafaryab Jilani said, "See, we have no problem in making registration of marriages mandatory. But, at the same time, there should be no provision which says no registration mean no marriage." The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet yesterday gave its approval to a proposal making registration of all marriages taking place in the state mandatory. "After the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Guidelines-2017, all marriages taking place within the state or where either of the parties is a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh, will have to be registered," a state government release had said. UP cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, "People from all religions were consulted. People from a particular community said that in Nikaah, there is no photo. The government said that if you have no objection in putting your photo on the Aadhaar card or voter I-card, then why not this." In a normal Nikaahnama, there is no provision to put a photograph of the bride and groom, Rabia Sandal said. Stating that the Mahadeyi water dispute issue could not be resolved with the neighbouring states on the party lines, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today accused Karnataka of planting an "ecological bomb" by building dams upstream. Speaking in the state legislative assembly on the water dispute issue involving Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, Parrikar also said that the state government has come up with certain strategies to tackle the water dispute. Karnataka and Maharashtra have planned dams upstream Mahadeyi river, which meets Arabian Sea near Panaji. The Goa government has raised objections over the diversion, claiming that such an act would hamper the ecology of the coastal state. Karnataka plans to construct at least seven dams and three hydroelectric projects by diverting the water to river Malprabha. "There are certain issues that cannot be dealt with the governments based on the party lines. All members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) will have to come together, where there is interest of the state," Parrikar said during a discussion on the issue during the Zero Hour. He said he could try to speak to his Maharashtra counterpart and convince him on the issue. "But it is a dispute, so you cannot handle it on the party lines," the chief minister said. The chief minister said he himself would not like to tackle the issue on the party lines as it is concerning the interests of Goa. Parrikar said as far as Karnataka was concerned, the state was going to face the elections, hence there would be lot of one-upmanship in the state in the run up to the polls. He also accused Karnataka of "not telling the whole truth". "We brought this issue before the Water Dispute Tribunal, where we proved that Karnataka is not telling the entire truth," he said. Parrikar said that 78 per cent basin of the entire Mahadeyi river lies in Goa. "And out of all the river basins in Goa, 47 per cent belongs to Mahadeyi," he said. He stated that constructing dams upstream will increase the salinity in the rivers of the state and also ecologically affect the areas up to the Western Ghats. "This is an ecological bomb that Karnataka is planting in the form of dams," the chief minister told the House. He claimed that the Goa government has designed certain strategies to tackle the water dispute, Parrikar refused to reveal them in public. "When it comes to water, Karnataka has problems with several states as the state is not interested in understanding how best the water can be used," Parrikar alleged. The early morning shoot out at the Banjara hills residence of Ex-Minister Moola Mukesh Gouds son Vikram Goud on last Friday has turned out to be a staged attack with the help of supari gang. Vikram who survived the attack and is recovering at the Apollo hospitals will be arrested after discharge. Police so far took five others into custody from different places in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and are looking for two others. According to Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Mahender Reddy here on Wednesday, Vikram Goud who was in financial doldrums planned the whole episode to gain sympathy from people of his constituency and save himself from financiers who gave him hefty loans that ran into crores of rupees. Vikram offered Rs 50 lakh to the accused to shoot him and procured the pistol from Indore which was kept at his home till 28 July the day of the planned attack. He even loaded the pistol for the attackers, the Commissioner said. As planned the accused shot at Vikram Goud twice all the while his wife Shefali was on the first floor of their posh home. He asked her to get ready to go to a nearby Dargah to offer food to poor people before he came down to the drawing room where the gang was waiting to execute the deal. After completing the assignment they threw the pistol in Hakimpet Lake which was traced by the police on Wednesday morning. Police said they were suspicious about Vikrams whereabouts the intervening night and started digging deep after the security guard confessed that he was ordered by Vikram Goud not to lock the main gate. Police said that Vikram spent a major part of the night giving finishing touches to his plan at a guest house in Jubilee hills with the Supari gang. He even asked the gang to empty a round into air to scare his wife or watchmen if they come rushing hearing the gunshots. Amid shutdown and restrictions, a tense situation prevailed in Kashmir on Wednesday, a day after Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Abu Dujana was killed in an encounter with security forces. Dujana alias Hafiz, a Pakistani national, was killed by the security forces along with an associate in a fierce encounter in southern Pulwama district on Tuesday, triggering widespread protests in parts of the Valley. One civilian was killed in subsequent clashes with security forces while several others were injured in Pulwama. However, another injured civilian breathed his last at SKIMS hospital in Srinagar on Wednesday morning taking the toll to two. Separatists had called for a Valley-wide strike on Wednesday against the killing of civilians, while authorities imposed restrictions in volatile areas of Srinagar and other districts to thwart protests. Officials said no incident of fresh violence was reported on Wednesday. However, they said, Pulwama and neighbouring districts of Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag remained on edge as funeral prayers in absentia for Dujana were organised at several places in south Kashmir. The situation remained under control during the day as police and security forces were deployed in the Valley to maintain law and order, a police official said. The authorities also suspended mobile Internet services in the valley as a precautionary measure while the intra-Kashmir train services remained suspended due to apprehension fresh violence. After protests erupted in several colleges on Tuesday, authorities had ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the Valley on Wednesday. Kashmir University and Islamic University of Science and Technology announced the postponement of all exams scheduled for the day. 27-year-old Dujana, who figured at number one in the list of most dangerous terrorists released by the Army in June this year, had taken over operational command of LeT in late 2015 following the killing of Abu Qasim. Dujana, who had infiltrated into Kashmir in 2010, had been named by police as the mastermind in several militant attacks across the state and in the last two years, he escaped from the cordon and search operations at least half a dozen times. He carried a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 million on his head and had six months back married a girl from Pulwama. It was his attempt to meet his wife that alerted security agencies about his presence in the area and proved his downfall. Former union minister Santosh Mohan Dev today passed away at his hometown Silchar in Assam following kidney and other ailments.He was 83. "He passed away at 6.06 am," Dev's daughter and Congress MP Sushmita Dev told PTI from Silchar. His death was condoled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. His last rites will be performed tomorrow with state honours.The Congress veteran was the minister for heavy industries and public enterprises in the UPA-I government. The seven-time Congress MP is survived by his wife and four daughters, including Sushmita. Dev was first elected to Parliament in 1980. Of the seven terms as Lok Sabha MP, he represented Silchar five times and Tripura twice. Dev was the union minister of state for communications during 1986-1988 and the minister of state for home from 1988- 1989. He was also the union minister of state for steel (independent charge) in the P V Narasimha Rao government in 1991. The prime minister condoled the death of Dev and described him as a veteran politician who worked extensively for the welfare of the people. "Saddened by the passing away of Shri Santosh Mohan Dev. He was veteran political leader who worked extensively for welfare of people. "My thoughts are with the family and supporters of Shri Santosh Mohan Dev in this hour of grief," he added. Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Sonowal too condoled his death. "I am saddened at the demise of Santosh Mohan Dev, a towering and sagacious personality, who made immense contribution to the welfare of all sections of the people of the country and especially in the northeast," the Governor said in a statement here. His death is an irreparable loss and his absence will be felt deeply not only in the political spectrum but in other spheres also, Purohit said in his condolence message. Sonowal in his message said that Dev had projected Assam at the national political stage in a very strong way. "His death is an irreparable loss to the country as the former union minister worked relentlessly for the welfare of the people of the country during his life time," he said. The chief minister directed that Dev's last rites would be performed with state honours and declared August 3 a holiday for the three districts of Barak Valley as a mark of respect to the veteran leader. Indian Army has not reduced its troop strength at Doklam area near India-Bhutan-China tri-junction where troops from India and China are locked in a face-off for six weeks. Contrary to what Beijing claimed in a new 15-page statement, defence ministry sources said Indian troop strength remained same with nearly 350-400 soldiers taking guard against the People's Liberation Army soldiers in the Himalayan heights. In its statement China claimed at one point of time, there were as many 400 Indian troops, over 180 meters into the Chinese territory, but by the end of July there were over 40 Indian soldiers and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory. The Indian military establishment, however, categorically denied any reduction in troop strength. A logistic chain has now also been put in place to support the soldiers located at an altitude of more than 14,000 ft. The face-off area falls inside Bhutan. China claimed on June 18, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area. It further claimed Indian troops advanced 180 metres inside Chinese territory. While the Ministry of External Affairs didn't react to the Chinese statement on Wednesday, the foreign office last week clarified that Indian troops went inside Bhutan to stop the Chinese road-building party in coordination with Bhutan government only after an attempt by Bhutan troops to dissuade the PLA troops did not bear fruits. The stand off stemmed from two different perceptions on the location of the tri-junction. India and Bhutan perceive the Indi-Bhutan-China tri-junction at a point near Batang la. This perception is based on the watershed principle on which the boundary between India and China has been orchestrated. But China perceives the tri-junction to lie further south at Gyemochen in accordance with an 1890 agreement between Great Britain and China. In between, lies an area of 89 sq km, which is currently the bone of contention. Sources said Beijing's plan to extend a Class-5 operational road up to Gyamochen or Jampheri ridge in Bhutan on which Gyamochen lies triggered the face-off. Access to Jampheri ridge would bring China very close to Jaldhaka near the Bhutan border from where it can wield its influence on the narrowest portion of the Siliguri corridor that connects the North East to the mainland India. Around 2003, PLA laid a Class 5 operational track a dirt track capable of jeep movement - connecting Asan, 20 km away, to a point short of Torsa Nala in Doklam. The track ends in a wider area to allow vehicles to turn and go back to Asan, which is connected by a black-top road to Yatung, the biggest town in Chumbi valley. Now PLA wanted to cross the Torsa Nala and extend the road to Gyamochen, sources said. Jampheri Ridge is a natural boundary between China and Bhutan, which India needs to protect at all costs because of its strategic significance. China today said it will take "a decision in due course" on its hold on the US-led proposal to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist which is expected to come for a review later this month. Early this year the US along with the UK and France approached the UN's sanctions committee for the ban on Azhar. However, it was stopped by Beijing which again put a six-month technical hold on it. The US proposal came after India's efforts last year to get Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN were scuttled by China. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the Foreign Ministry told PTI here about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to Al- Qaeda and Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second-year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. An uproar has forced the Daman and Diu administration to withdraw a controversial order asking women employees to tie rakhis to their male colleagues on Rakshabandhan. The circular issued by Deputy Secretary (Personnel) Gurpreet Singh of the Union Territory said it has been decided by the administration to celebrate Rakshabandhan on August 7. In this connection, all offices and departments shall remain open and celebrate the festival collectively at a suitable time wherein all the lady staff shall tie rakhi to their colleagues, read the circular, issued on Tuesday. However, it triggered a backlash, with employees and public criticising it. The administration then decided to withdraw the circular. COLUMBUS A 25-year-old Columbus man may be heading to trial in district court on weapons and drug charges just three months after being paroled from prison for a 2014 sexual assault conviction in Platte County. Derrik Zollars faces decades behind bars on the charges after a police search of a storage unit he rented turned up two loaded rifles. Platte County Court Judge Frank Skorupa continued Zollars' bond at $500,000, 10 percent allowed for release, during a Monday hearing. No trial date has been set. Zollars has remained in custody at the county jail since his early June arrest. The weapons charges are both Class 1D felonies, each punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of three years behind bars. The meth possession charge is a Class IV felony with a maximum penalty of two years in prison and 12 months of post-release supervision. A Columbus Police investigation got underway two months ago with a report from Zollars parole officer that the city man had been kicked out of his residence and was in possession of firearms. According to court documents, the parole officer reported to police that Zollars rented a unit at Central Nebraska Storage. Police found an AK-47 assault rifle and Ruger bolt-action 30-06 rifle inside the storage unit during the May 31 search, Investigator Jaymee Levander wrote in her probable cause arrest statement. Both weapons were loaded with a round in the chamber," Levander wrote. On June 1, police received a report that Zollars electronic monitor was pinging at Wendys Restaurant. Levander had contact with Zollars in the restaurant parking lot and arrested the city man for the weapons possession charges and later on the drug charge after a search of the suspect. Zollars is a registered sex offender in connection with a May 2014 sexual assault conviction, which also prohibited him from possessing deadly weapons. He was released from prison March 27 and had been living with family members in Columbus. India and Israel will soon form a joint group of officials to explore areas of cooperation between the two countries in water resources management, Union minister Uma Bharti said here today. Bharti made the statement when Israel's Ambassador to India Daniel Cameron called on her earlier in the day, according to an official statement. During the meeting, Cameron told Bharti that a pilot project of waste water management can be taken up along the Ganga river in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, the statement added. Bharti suggested that the use of treated water, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and mutual cooperation in the field of research-development and training of personnel could be some other areas which can be explored by the two countries. The minister also described Israel as a "pioneer" in the field of water management and said that India can learn a lot from it, the statement said. India and Israel had signed an MoU in November 2016 to strengthen cooperation at national, regional and international levels in the field of water resources management and development by collaborating and sharing experience and expertise. Congress also accused the Modi government of dispatching CRPF officers to intimidate and coerce its MLAs from Gujarat who have been tucked away at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru to prevent defections to the BJP. Its leaders approached the Election Commission seeking safety and security of its MLAs. BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said on Twitter. Patel is the political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi. After using the state machinery and every other agency, these I-T raids show their utter desperation & frustration, said Patel, whose re-election to the Rajya Sabha appeared to be in jeopardy as six Congress legislators crossed over to the BJP amid reports that much more were planning to quit the party. In a memorandum to the Election Commission, Congress leaders voiced apprehensions that the Gujarat Police or Central probe agencies might file false cases and arrest the MLAs to prevent them from voting in the August 8 elections to the Rajya Sabha. ...we implore the Election Commission to immediately issue appropriate directions to ensure that the safety and security of MLAs is not jeopardised and their liberties are protected to enable them to effectively cast their votes on 08.08.2017, Congress leaders Kapil Sibal, Rajiv Shukla, Manish Tewari and Randeep Surjewala said in a memorandum to the Election Commission. We will challenge the anti-Constitutional actions before the Election Commission and the Supreme Court not once, or twice but again and again, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, said. Congress also questioned the timing of the raid rejecting the Income Tax Departments clarification that the Gujarat MLAs were not the subject of investigation. The time of the raids is deliberate. They want to defeat the Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha election at any cost, Kharge said. Patel is seeking a fifth term as Rajya Sabha member and the Congress believes that the BJP is trying to embarrass the senior leader by pulling out all stops to ensure his defeat in what otherwise would have been an easy election. An electoral loss could affect the morale of Congress workers ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections expected to be held in November-December. The Congress has been out of power in Gujarat since 1995. As Income Tax Department officials carried out raids on Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumar's premises, Congress on Wednesday claimed that the BJP had declared a war against it which would be fought in every constitutional forum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Centre was committed to the development of eastern states and bring them at par with western region of the country. The prime minister, who met MPs of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal at his residence here, said the BJP government has initiated many development works in the eastern states. This was Modi's first meeting with parliamentarians from Bihar after the new JD(U)-BJP alliance government was formed in the state, an official statement said. The Bihar MPs expressed confidence that the pace of development works will pick up with the BJP-backed government in the state. They also thanked the prime minister for speeding up the implementation of various long-pending schemes in the state, the statement said. In comparison to western states, eastern states have been neglected and their development has not been balanced. Therefore, in last three years, our government has started various development works, Modi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The Centre is committed to develop eastern states at par with the western region. The MPs from eastern region should take a lead in this process," he said. Talking to the parliamentarians, Modi also emphasised on the need for a "human touch" while connecting with people. He also discussed about simultaneous elections of Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, stating that frequent polls in the country led to huge wastage of time and money, the statement said. Hence, there is a need to create an environment for a public dialogue on the issue of simultaneous elections in the country, the prime minister said. It was Modi's seventh meeting with BJP MPs at his residence during the ongoing monsoon session of parliament. The meetings are being coordinated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar. RSS leader Indresh Kumar today termed cow meat as poison and claimed that its urine can treat diseases like cancer and dung can be used for making bunkers. He described cow as "mother of humanity" and said it offers many benefits by producing milk and dung and these have several uses. "90 per cent of the world's population depends on cow milk and that is why it is called mother of humanity. Cow keeps poisonous things to itself and gives milk and gobar (cow dung)," he claimed. "Dung can also be used for making bunkers. It is also used as cement by common man for making houses. Its urine has medicinal properties which treat diseases like cancer," Kumar claimed. He claimed that cow meat was poison and killing of cows was not allowed in any religion. "If somebody says he will eat poison (cow meat) then we can pray for him that better sense prevails," he said. Asked whether he was suggesting that cow meat should not be eaten, he said, "Tobacco is also called poison and this warning is written on packets. We are not forcing anybody. We are just telling the truth. Therefore, telling the truth is not prohibiting anybody." Asked about export of beef from the country, Kumar said it has dropped significantly. "As far as beef export is concerned, you (media) can take government figures which says beef export has reduced," the RSS leader said. The RSS leader was here to attend an event organised by the Forum for Awareness of National Security here. Mohd Faiz Khan, National Convener of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, was also present on this occasion. He had started 'Gau Seva Sadbhavana padayatra' from Leh to Kanyakumari in June to generate awareness about cow protection, cow rearing, medicinal qualities of milk, ghee etc. India and Pakistan will hold another round of talks here next month to discuss differences in the implementation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank said today. Ahead of the next round of talks, the global lender also issued a fact sheet giving its stated position on the IWT under which India is allowed to construct hydroelectric facilities on the shared Indo-Pak rivers. As per the IWT provisions, India does not require any approval or clearance from third party for constructing projects such as Kishenganga on the Western Rivers. The World Bank's statement came after India and Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the IWT on Monday, with the global lender maintaining that it was held in a spirit of "goodwill and cooperation". "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the talks. However, it did not provide any other details. In the fact sheet issued yesterday, the global lender said Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir. Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank's role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. The international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes for appointing neutral expert and establishing of a court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The talks between the two nations over the treaty come amid tensions between them after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based terror groups. Eleven Naxals, five of them carrying cash reward on their heads, today surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, citing disappointment with the "hollow" Maoist ideology, police said. The cadres, including three women, turned themselves in before Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena at the district headquarters, around 400 km from here, they said. They also surrendered two guns, the police said. Two of the surrendered ultras, Kunjam Hadma and Madvi Hidma, were carrying reward of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads, Meena said. The duo was attached with the military wing of the Maoists and active in the south Bastar region, the SP told PTI. Similarly, Tati Sanki, a "deputy commander" rank cadre, was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head, the police officer said. Two others -- Dirdo Deva, a member of Dornapal LOS (local operation squad), and Kadti Hidme, chief of the Kisan Adivasi Mazdoor Sangathan (KAMS), a front organisation of Maoists - were carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on their heads, Meena said. The rest of the ultras were active as lower-rung cadres, the SP said. Meena said in their statement, the Naxals said they were disappointed with the "hollow" ideology of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and violence carried out by the outfit. Hence, they decided to surrender and join the national mainstream. Moreover, they were impressed with the provisions of the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy for rebels, the police officer added. He said Rs 10,000 in cash was given to each of the surrendered rebels as encouragement money, the SP said. With the strike fatigue gradually setting in and normal life remaining paralysed in the Darjeeling hills, incidents of loot and arson are on the rise. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) spearheaded indefinite shut down entered its 49th day on Wednesday. Pro-Gorkhaland supporters set ablaze a van carrying foodstuff near Darjeeling Railway Station around midnight on Tuesday, while masked criminals looted a vehicle near Ghoom carrying items for the last rites of a person in the hills. Identified as GPL Local residents said the masked criminals had first identified themselves as Gorkhaland Personnel (GLP), a vigilante group of the GJM, and then looted the vehicle near Ghoom. The driver of the vehicle charged that police officers at Jorebungalow Police Station refused to register his complaint. A panchayat office in Bijanbari was ransacked on Wednesday, reportedly by GJM agitators. Furnitures were damaged, but the mob could not set the building on fire, the police said. No GPL A senior GJM leader refused to accept that the GLP was involved in Tuesdays incident at Ghoom. No GLP was involved in any incident of attack or loot. Some miscreants are taking this opportunity to loot people in the name of the movement. We suspect they might receive support from anti-Gorkhaland outfits. We are keeping a close watch, the GJM functionary said. He, however, remained silent on the ransacking of the panchayat office in Bijanbari and setting the vehicle carrying foodstuff on fire near Darjeeling station. Normal life remained crippled in the hills due to the indefinite strike. Barring medicine shops, all other business establishments, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges remained closed. DH News Service The Income Tax sleuths on Wednesday raided Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumars two houses situated in posh Safdarjung Enclave of the city, besides searching residence of one of his personal assistants. They are said to have seized huge cash. Over two dozen I-T officials first raided the residence of Anjaneya, a clerk at Karnataka Bhavan, at Sector 6, R K Puram in wee hours. After scanning his residence for more than two hours, the taxmen took him to Shivakumars houses at Safdarjung Enclave in South Delhi. The officials, who came in the private vehicles accompanied by armed CRPF personnel, were at the ministers residence till evening. The officials were also seen carrying over half-a-dozen currency counting machines inside the houses of the minister and the clerk. A source claimed that about Rs 7.5 crore cash was seized from Delhi. The two flats in upmarket Block 4 and 5 of Safdarjung Enclave, however, did not bear Shivakumar's name. In front of one apartment, the name Suresh Sharma' name was inscribed while the other was without name plate. When large media contingent rushed to the spot after I-T sleuths swung into action, surprised neighbours were seen inquiring about the action in their surrounding. The tax officials also took Nagaraj, a driver of Karnataka Bhavan, along with them and grilled him about the movements of Shivakumar. Since Nagaraj was driving Shivakumar's car on Tuesday when he was in the national capital to attended a Niti Ayog meeting on power department issues, the I-T officials sought to know from him the places the minister had visited here. Anjaneya, a native of Bengaluru, would assist Shivakumar during his Delhi trips. The Karnataka Bhavan employees were shell shocked when they saw armed policemen and a group in civil dress entered their residential complex early in the morning. When some of the employees confronted them about their intention, I-T officials reportedly warned them to keep off or they would face action. The I-T officials straight away entered the house of Anjaneya and started searching his house. The police blocked the main gate and prevented other residents from going out for some time. The residents, comprising mostly clerks, cooks, drivers and peons working in the Karnataka Bhavan, where flabbergasted when they came to know that taxmen were searching one of their colleague's residence. Some of the employees known for flaunting their contacts with top politicians are now worried whether they will also come under the I-T scanner if their bosses face any probe, said an employee at Karnataka Bhavan. The Income Tax Department issued a press release minutes after the Congress criticised the I-T raids on Energy Minister D K Shivakumar in Parliament. The Karnataka Investigation Wing of the Income Tax department is conducting searches in the case of a Karnataka Minister. The search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act is an evidence gathering exercise which is being carried in compliance with all statutory requirements. The search is the continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time, the release said. The timing of the search was decided well in advance. The events involving certain MLAs of another state being brought to Karnataka were unforeseen and unpredictable events. The minister being searched was staying at a resort near Bangalore where some MLAs from another state are put up. Hence the ministers room alone is being searched, the release added. The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team. It is again reiterated that the Income Tax search is only on one Karnataka Minister, the release stated. COLUMBUS University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeff Gold spoke to Columbus Noon Rotary Club members Tuesday as part of a listening tour in Columbus and Norfolk. In Columbus, a medical hub for the area, Gold made sure to discuss how UNMC builds programs that encourage students to serve in rural communities after they graduate. Gold said the increased focus on retaining college graduates is not unique to Columbus or Nebraska. All the rural communities in America and all the rural communities in Nebraska struggle with keeping the best and the brightest, he said. Ninety percent of UNMCs medical students are from Nebraska and, on average, 48 percent stay in the state after graduation. In Legislative District 22, which includes Platte County, most of Stanton County and northwest Colfax County, 230 health professionals are UNMC graduates. Gold credits the university's recruitment of Nebraska students for the high retention rate. That's probably one of the highest predictors of the likelihood that they'll stay, he said. In higher education, theres a 50/50 rule that predicts 50 percent of a graduating class will take their first job within 50 miles of the school. Gold said UNMC developed its rural satellite campuses in Norfolk, Kearney and Scottsbluff to increase the odds that medical professionals will settle in these underserved areas. When I attend the commencement ceremonies in Scottsbluff or Kearney, the vast majority have jobs lined up within a rock's throw, he said. UNMC also encourages students in Omaha to complete some of their training in rural settings, including many in Columbus. But there are still some formidable challenges. Last years graduating class had only a 28 percent retention rate, which Gold attributed to a large number of students specializing in psychiatry. Although there is a high demand for behavioral health specialists in Nebraska, there is only one residency program in the state a collaboration between Creighton University and UNMC. All of the residency positions are in Omaha. For those who dont get into that residency program, the only option is to leave the state. Of the students that ended up leaving the state for mental health studies, I think the overwhelming majority probably would have stayed in the state if they'd had the opportunity, Gold said. The issue isnt limited to medical students. UNOs College of Education is partnering with Columbus-area organizations to address the citys early childhood education shortage. UNO early childhood education Professor Debora Wisneski the university has developed programs to help build the workforce needed to provide more child care options. As the Columbus area works on expanding their early childhood centers, child care as well as preschools connected with the public schools, we hope teachers and directors leading those programs are qualified in their professional development, said Wisneski. Because we know the quality of education and care is related to the quality of the teacher." One program allows certified elementary school teachers to receive an early childhood endorsement while continuing to work full time with face-to-face lessons once a month. Wisneski said the university has also been working with Central Community College-Columbus on transfer programs between the two schools. We are working on the recruitment and that all those pathways are available, she said. Many people come from different backgrounds to the field and the certifications, so we want those open to anyone who might be interested. Gold also toured the new Columbus High School during his visit. Water Resources Minister M B Patil on Wednesday said he had reliable information that he will be the next target of Income Tax raids. Patils apprehension came just hours after the I-T department conducted raids on the residences of Energy Minister D K Shivakumar. I have credible information from multiple sources that I too will be raided. It can happen any time... this week.. this month.... or before the elections. It is a conspiracy hatched by the BJP to tarnish my image and weaken the Congress in the state, Patil told reporters in Bengaluru. The minister said he cannot reveal his sources as they will land in trouble. He indicated that one of his sources could be from the BJP camp. Patil heads the Vijayapura-based BLDE Group, which runs a chain of educational institutions across the state. The minister said he had nothing to hide but was against the misuse of the I-T department by the BJP for political gains. I will welcome the I-T sleuths with a bouquet if they come to my doorstep, Patil said but did not specify the grounds on which the proposed raids were being planned on him. It could be because I am a prominent Lingayat leader in the Congress, he said. On his name figuring in the diary reportedly belonging to Congress MLC K Govindaraj containing details of payoffs by state leaders to the high command, Patil said, If my initials are there in the diary, let them take it to the logical end. The I-T department should act quickly and should not make it an election issue. The shortfall in the inflow of water in the four reservoirs of the Cauvery basin stands at 52.94% and the present storage levels were not sufficient to meet the irrigation requirement for the kharif season, Water Resources Minister M B Patil said on Wednesday. Patil told reporters in Bengaluru that deficient rainfall had resulted in poor inflow into the four reservoirs Harangi, Hemavathi, KRS and Kabini. He said the total inflow received during the water year from June 1 stood at 57.83 tmcft as against the long-term 43-year average inflow of 122.88 tmcft a shortfall of 52.94%. The total live storage in the four reservoirs as on date stood at 43.3 tmcft as against 52 tmcft on the same date last year. The water levels last year was considered a historic low in the last 40 years, he said. He said Karnataka has released 7 tmcft water to Tamil Nadu since June 1 as against 34 tmcft as stipulated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award. As of now, 2017-18 appears to be a distress year. The releases as stipulated by the CWDT award is not possible. Patil said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will convene a meeting with various stakeholders, including farmers, soon to decide on the next step of action following the distress situation in the Cauvery basin. Cauvery Hithrakshana Samithi president G Madegowda, on Wednesday, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately stop releasing water from the KRS dam to Tamil Nadu. He said this while addressing the protesters during an indefinite stir by Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene and other farmer bodies near Sir M Visvesvaraya statue here, demanding the release of water to the canals. The chief minister has failed to safeguard the interests of the farmers of Cauvery basin, Madegowda said and warned that the government will have to face serious consequences if it continues to release water to Tamil Nadu at the expense of the local farmers. With Madegowda joining the agitation, the movement has gathered more steam, MLA K S Puttannaiah said. He added that the the authorities concerned should release water to canals to fill the lakes and ponds. Nationalised banks should waive farm loans and advance fresh loans, he demanded. Semi-nude agitation Meanwhile, members of a farmers federation staged a protest on the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway wearing chaddis (knicker). They formed a human chain on the highway, disrupting vehicular traffic for a while. Women, with brooms in their hands, took out a protest march to the Deputy Commissioners office. In Nanjangud taluk, the police prevented a group of farmers from laying siege to the distribution canals originating from the Kabini reservoir. The farmers were demanding the release of Kabini water to Hullahalli and Ramapura canals. The police detained the agitating farmers and released them after a while. A 32-year-old Army man committed suicide on Tuesday after poisoning his two daughters reportedly over marital discord. The incident took place at Harishs house in Hennur, the police said. Harish, who had joined the Army last year, was posted in Assam. He was in the city to attend the last rites of his father, who died in July. Harish had a misunderstanding with his wife Sangeetha and had frequent quarrels with her. He administered poison to his two daughters, identified as Rajitha (6) and Kiritika (4). Later, he committed suicide by hanging himself. He has not blamed anyone in his suicide note, said the police. Filmmakers will soon have easy access to the best of Kannada literature, ready to be adapted for the silver screen. The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy is launching Jenugudu, a collection of stories and novels in Kannada, for producers and directors to convert into films. We want to promote the local flavour of Karnataka and the essence of our states culture through movies. Kannada movies should have an identity of their own, said chairman of the academy Rajendra Singh Babu. A committee of writers, academicians and journalists have shortlisted 100 stories and novels in various genres such as romance, thrillers and historical dramas. Later this month, the project will be officially launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The names of the books and stories will be announced at the function. Interested filmmakers and producers canapproach the academy and we will give them synopses. We will facilitate talks with the writer. Very often writers get cheated and do not get fair payment. The academy will ensure that their interests are protected and will help them with legal agreements, Babu said. The committee consists of members such as writer and former chairman of Karnataka Nataka Academy Dr K Marulasiddappa, chairman of Kannada Development Authority Prof S G Siddaramaiah and literary critic and writer M S Asha Devi. There was a misconception that there are no good stories in Kannada to be made into movies. Films from other languages are often remade in Kannada. Each member of the committee has suggested books and short stories which they have read. The primary criterion is that it should be a good story from a literary perspective. We also looked for progressive content, Marulasiddappa said. Stories and novels by award-winning writers such as U R Ananthamurthy, Kum Veerabhadrappa and Devanur Mahadeva are part of the collection. The project is ongoing and more stories will be added to the collection. Kannada film director Sumana Kittur said, Sometimes, it is difficult for a filmmaker to adapt literature to films because they dont know whom to approach for rights. Kannada literature is a vast ocean with several good works and this project will give directors easy access to it. An Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palikes (BBMP) Forest Cell has been eased out of her post reportedly because she spoke up against the irregularities in the department and refused permission for felling trees for Indira Canteens and Namma Metro. Rathnaprabha T A, ACF (North), was relieved on July 29 on the basis of orders from the Urban Development Department and BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad. She has not been given any posting and has asked to go back to her parent department (Forest, Environment and Ecology). DH has copies of the orders. Rathnaprabha told this newspaper: I informed my higher-ups about all the problems on three occasions. On Friday (July 28) when I went to office, I was told to go away as N Shanthakumar has been given my post. But my transfer and new posting have not yet been officially communicated to me. a In a notification on July 22, 2017, K Ekesh Babu, under-secretary, Urban Development Department (BBMP), said Rathnaprabha had been relieved as she was not doing the job assigned to her. The BBMP commissioner suggested that Rathnaprabha was asked to go back to the forest department because she was not doing the assigned job. A G Appu Rao, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP Forest Cell, said: The higher-ups were not happy with her for being vocal about the shortage of funds and staff in the BBMP, he told DH. She openly said she faced a threat from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). She is a good officer and if she had a problem, she should have come to me instead of going to the media. I would have put the matter on the right track. According to Rao, the civic bodys forest cell is giving the necessary permission to fell trees for Namma Metro and Indira Canteens but conceded that no afforestation activity had been undertaken. He also admitted that the forest cell was short-staffed and that no meetings were being held with the staff to ascertain their problems at the grassroots level. We communicate by phone whenever required. We dont have the time to waste on meetings, he said. DH had earlier reported Rathnaprabhas assertion that she and her colleagues were being pressured to give permission against the rules to fell trees for Metro and Indira Canteens. At the time, she also expressed fears of transfer. In June, she and other range forest officers were not allowed to enter office purportedly because they did not support the tree-felling drive. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has blocked information about where Indira canteens are coming up. However, DH has found at least 20 locations 14 for canteens and six for kitchens likely to enrage citizens. The BBMP is now building 59 canteens and kitchens across the city. We have decided to complete 125 canteens by August 15 and the rest by October 2, said BBMP special commissioner Manoj Rajan. The BBMP has not released a list of sites. They have only provided a list of wards where canteens are planned. We have not compiled the 125 locations yet. Once that is done, we will share it, said a Palike engineer associated with the project. Earlier this week, when a controversy erupted over the demolition of the compound wall of the 300-year-old Rameshwara temple in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru Development Minister K J George said no parks, playgrounds and religious places would be disturbed for the canteens. Other places However, open public spaces are being sacrificed for the State governments flagship project. A list provided by a source reveals that the playground behind Udupi Upahar in BTM Layout, the BBMP park at Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, the Mini Bal Bhavan premises in Jeevan Bima Nagar, the BBMP Shishu Vihara in Halasuru, Bannappa Park in Sampangiramanagar, the playground at Kanakanapalya in Jayanagar, and the Rameshwara temple premises are among the more contentious sites the BBMP has identified for the project. The selection of sites has irked residents welfare associations fighting to protect disappearing lung spaces in the city. They said they might approach the courts if the government refused to pay heed to their concerns. D S Rajshekar, president of Citizens Action Forum, slammed the BBMP for using the city's lung spaces for Indira canteens. We are not against the project. Our objection is against the manner in which it is being executed. There is a lack of transparency," he said. The group says the government did not consult citizens to decide on the sites. Power-drunk people in the government are violating every rule. Even the BJP is not playing the role of a proactive opposition, Rajshekar said. He said his group had already apprised BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad about its objections. If the government does not stop, we will have no other option but to knock on the doors of the courts, said Rajshekar. N S Mukunda of Citizens Action Forum flayed the BBMP for building canteens inside parks and playgrounds even after minister George said no construction would be permitted on lung spaces. Opposition take BJP leader Padmanabha Reddy, leader of the Opposition in the BBMP Council, said the canteens violate the Karnataka Parks, Playground and Open Spaces (Protection) Act. I was the first to write to the commissioner against the construction of canteens in parks, playgrounds, and on lake buffer zones and stormwater drains. The irony is that George and mayor G Padmavathi have not yet consulted corporators to identify sites, Reddy said. BJP leader N R Ramesh wondered why the government was out to destroy lung spaces when enough space was available. There is no dearth of land in the city. Many BBMP properties have been grabbed by powerful people. This project could have been an opportunity to get them back," he said. In newly added BBMP areas, the district authorities have recovered 4,410 acres, and this land could have been used for the canteens, he said. LINCOLN Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson on Tuesday outlined his opposition to DACA protections for immigrant youths in more detail in the wake of a letter from 20 state senators urging him to change his position. "I pledged to take an oath to uphold the Constitution," Peterson wrote in a statement reaffirming his support for a request that the Trump administration reverse its decision to allow so-called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) youths to retain legal presence in the United States. "The letter did not call for immediate removal of any DACA-affected persons," Peterson noted. Rather, it challenged the DACA executive action taken by former President Barack Obama on the grounds that Congress has "the exclusive authority to establish uniform rules regarding immigration policy," the attorney general wrote. Last month, Peterson joined nine other state attorneys general in requesting a phase-out of the current DACA program. More than 3,000 young immigrants who were brought to this country as infants or children by parents or other adults when they entered the United States illegally live in Nebraska under DACA protection. The 20 state senators who signed a letter to Peterson 10 days ago said the DACA youths are going to school, working hard and are needed in skilled fields in the workforce in Nebraska, the place they call home. "The topic of immigration, particularly the DACA program, evokes strong feelings on both sides of the issue," Peterson stated. "Persons of goodwill may disagree on the direction of immigration policy," he said. But the Constitution directs that "determining policy direction lies with the legislative branch and not the president acting via executive order," he said. President Donald Trump has at times been inconsistent in expressing his views about DACA, but most recently sided with continued protection for the youths while expressing sympathy for the position they are in because of no fault of their own. Responding to Peterson's latest statement, a coalition of more than a dozen Nebraska organizations described DACA as "lawful, constitutional and consistent with decades of actions taken by presidents of both parties." "Until Congress takes the next critical step and allows (these) young Nebraskans to earn eventual citizenship, programs like DACA are essential for Nebraska to continue to benefit from the contributions of our immigrant youth and keep our families united," the organizations stated. Included in the list were Nebraska Appleseed and ACLU of Nebraska. Nebraska's Legislature has consistently supported DACA youths, overriding a series of gubernatorial vetoes to do so. Legislative action has granted them resident tuition rates at Nebraska colleges and universities, and the right to acquire Nebraska driver's licenses and earn professional and commercial licenses to work in the state. Bipartisan bills have been introduced in both the Senate and the House to provide a pathway for DACA youths to obtain legal residence in the United States and ultimately work toward citizenship. Asked for his position on the legislation, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said Congress needs to deal with immigration policy in a more comprehensive way, dealing with border security, law enforcement, humanitarian considerations and foreign policy issues. "There is significant policy action in each of these areas, which creates the conditions for the rightful discussion about how young people can remain within the law," the 1st District congressman said in a written statement. "A proper immigration policy depends upon both order and justice," he said. Both Sens. Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse declined comment in response to an earlier request for their views on the Senate bill. Facing criticism from parents over the decision to house students in the Adult Transition Program (ATP) in two portable classrooms on the new Earl Warren Middle School campus, the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) invited parents to tour the facility and participate in a special meeting July 28 on the campus. In response to feedback received, the district informed ATP parents on Aug. 1 that the entire program will be moved to La Costa Canyon High School (LCC) for the coming school year. For over two hours on July 28, SDUHSD Superintendent Eric Dill listened and responded to a group of frustrated parents. Some parents wanted an apology from the district and others did not, instead wanting answers to their questions and an assurance from the district that their children were a priority and that their concerns were truly being heard. I know that some promises were made for involvement on the planning of that classroom and we didnt deliver on that promise and I think thats led to a lot of the concerns, Dill said at the meeting. There were promises of more involvement and we didnt do that and Im sorry for that. In his Aug. 1 letter to parents, Dill apologized again for the disappointment and frustration many of you have shared with us. My hope is that this message will provide more certainty for our families as we work collaboratively to establish a trusting and productive relationship and to support our students success, Dill wrote. One alternative presented on July 28 had been to split the program between the Earl Warren portables and one room at LCC. At parents urging, the district identified three classrooms at La Costa Canyon for the ATP program to use; three general purpose classrooms, connected by a workroom, and next to two accessible restrooms. Dill said there are some trade-offs with the LCC location, as it is in Carlsbad so it is not as centrally located as Earl Warren in Solana Beach, and there is little public transportation and fewer community amenities. We believe this satisfies three of the frequent requests we heard on Friday move the program away from a middle school, place the program in permanent classrooms, and keep the students together, Dill said. According to Dill, long-term plans for ATP, a stand-alone, specialized, four-year program for special education students ages 18-22, will include the construction of a permanent home, possibly at the Sunset High School campus in Encinitas or bringing the program to a community college such as Mira Costa. At the July 28 meeting, parent Lucile Lynch thanked Dill for the opportunity for parents to share their concerns. Many parents voiced frustration that it seemed like the district was just now learning about their many concerns when they felt like they have been vocal for a long time. Over the last few years, parents of students with disabilities have spoken out several times resulting in the formation of a special education parent forum in the summer of 2016. The forum met several times over the last year but member Lynch said that despite some parent input, their message was not properly communicated to the district. Parents also say they were misled about the ATP facilities a floor plan for the facility was shared in fall 2016 and parents asked if they could provide input and were assured they would be able to at a later date, Lynch said. A time to provide input never came, not until May when parents first toured the portables, which many believed to be separate and unequal facilities in juxtaposition with the new middle school campus. I think you have to flat-out admit that the mentality of our district for the last 10 years has been that ATP is just an afterthought, said parent Mary Beyer. Weve just been put to the side and never given the same consideration as other students, whether its classrooms or curriculum. Thats how I see it. If the district doesnt change its mentality it will all be the same. Our kids are important and our kids matter. Our parent group cares about our kids and the future that they have. Absolutely, thats not my mentality to treat any of our programs as an afterthought, Dill responded. Parents also wanted accountability for what they felt was a breakdown in planning and suggested someone should be fired for not doing their job. Dill shouldered the responsibility for former special education director Chuck Adams, who is now an assistant principal in the district. There is currently no director of special education and Meredith Wadley, the new director of school and student services, is now leading the program. Im sick to my stomach with some of the stuff that has happened to you, Wadley, near tears, told the parents. I just want to move forward and just want to make this right for the kids. One parent pointed out, however, that the parents concerns are far bigger than just the portables. In June parents of special education students handed over a 41-page petition to the district outlining the many ways they hope the district can reform a broken special education program, calling out inadequate curriculum and too low expectations in addition to the lack of equal treatment in facilities planning, not being included in Prop AA funding or planning. Wadley said that the district needs to develop a strategic plan for special education overall she said it is a lofty goal but her goal is to get it done. Like Wadley and Dill, the two SDUHSD board members present, Amy Herman and Mo Muir, also stated their commitment to concentrating on the ATP program and finding solutions. In her comments, Lynch advocated for a special education oversight committee to ensure public noticing, public input and board reporting. Muir pushed for establishing the standing special education committee to be put on a future board agenda and a special meeting was called on Aug. 2 for the board to consider the formation of the task force. According to Dills message to ATP parents, the purpose of the task force will be to engage in a long-term strategic planning process for special education services. The meetings of the group will include formal agendas and be publicly noticed with a planned sequence of topics to work through over the course of the school year. The task force work would result in recommendations in the spring for implementation beginning in the 2018-19 school year. Some of the topics to be discussed would include alignment of curriculum with California standards, post-secondary transition, parent outreach and engagement, career pathways and electives, community partnerships and engagement, professional development for certificated and classified staff, developing independence, equity and inclusion, and facilities issues. The task force will review and make recommendations regarding facilities for our specialized programs to ensure a cohesive long-term facilities plan for these programs, Dill wrote. As part of this, the task force will evaluate and recommend options for permanent placement of the ATP classrooms. What would have been San Diegos largest-ever cannabis festival has gone up in smoke after its organizer says the Del Mar Fairgrounds quietly shunned his efforts to rewrite the contract and hold the festival without marijuana on site. Lawrence Bame, CEO of The Goodlife Festival, had wanted to hold the festival as planned on Sept. 23, despite the 22nd District Agricultural Association (DAA) board canceling his contract two months ago out of fears of the DAAs legal and professional liability in the face of federal law that continues to hold marijuana in a criminal light. At a packed hearing on May 30, the DAAs board of directors demanded that Bame stipulate that cannabis not be allowed into the festival. When he hesitated to make those assurances, the DAA canceled the contract and asked him to draft a new one that expressly discourages cannabis on site. Roughly a month later, Bame said he received a phone call from a fairgrounds employee telling him the deal was off. He said he does not have that in writing. We were willing to agree to anything and they said, Dont come back, he said. Nobody wants to put anything in writing, especially the board, especially for a smoking policy. I just got a phone call saying You cant go back to the board this year. Tim Fennell, CEO of the fairgrounds, did not directly address the allegation in a statement sent to this newspaper. Lawrence Bame is welcome to bring this issue before the Board later this year, he wrote. The 22nd DAA is waiting for the Department of Food and Agriculture to provide rules and regulations in order to proceed with these type of events. Department of Food and Agriculture officials, reached last week, declined to discuss those rules and regulations, as they remain in progress. The Goodlife Festival was looking to draw upwards of 5,000 people with a blend of live music and cannabis education. Cannabis would not have been sold or distributed, but attendees with medical marijuana cards would have been allowed to bring their own cannabis to smoke in designated areas, as allowed by state law. Cannabis advocates were hailing the festival as a watershed moment for San Diegos cannabis scene, which has lagged far behind the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas, where state-owned fairgrounds regularly hold massive cannabis festivals that span several days and draw more than 100,000 people. But uproar ensued after this newspaper broke the story on May 2. Anti-cannabis activists rallied to the cause, and councilmembers from Solana Beach and Del Mar called on the fairgrounds to cancel the festival. Members of the DAA board griped that the festival had been booked without their knowledge, despite the fact that Bame had been lobbying the board about a cannabis festival since 2010. Bame said he finds it hypocritical that the fairgrounds continues to book events that the DAA board openly acknowledges draw thousands of pot smokers, yet went out of its way to crack down on his event, which is miniscule by comparison. If you go to the racetracks concert this weekend, thousands and thousands of people will be smoking. But you cant smoke at my event because its called a cannabis event? Very schizophrenic, Bame said. Or go to KAABOO: tens of thousands of people will be doing things against the rules. Theyre expecting 50,000 each on Saturday and Sunday. I was hoping for maybe five, six thousand. Thats the nonsense about the whole thing that frankly I dont know how to deal with. So Im doing nothing. Weve spent a lot of money and a lot of time to be rejected. I dont want to do that again. If you judge someone by their enemies, Tom Schatz is Robin Hood of the swamp, joined by his merry band of government analysts. Targeting piggish U.S. senators, representatives and the hometown troughs into which they dump your tax dollars, Schatz is the president of Citizens Against Government Waste, which can easily be judged by some of its most vocal critics. The late Ted Stevens, a corrupt Republican senator whose personal gain from the public trust earned him the enmity of honest brokers in his own party, is proudly quoted in the organization's latest Pig Book growling, "All they are is a bunch of psychopaths." Legendary glutton and the late "King of Pork," Democratic Senator Robert Byrd, whose name humbly adorns countless West Virginia government buildings, parks, rest stops and likely more than a few outhouses, complained, "Those peckerwoods don't know what they're doing. They don't. They're not being realistic." It's unknown if this is the only time the word, "peckerwood" was proudly broadcast on National Public Radio. The reason the little pink pamphlet is so important is because it outlines not only "earmarked" spending that senators and representatives send to their home states with little or no oversight -- and certainly no open competition for testing the validity of such spending -- but also the effects this has on everyday life. For example, Citizens Against Government Waste's Pig Book explains that the Airport and Airways Trust Fund (AATF) wastes millions of dollars financing infrastructure at airports in such a way that it actually prevents competition among airlines at airports. The AATF allows only limited spending on maintenance and improvements, limiting the number of gates airports can build.This forces airports to ration gate access through long-term contracts, creating an impossible financial barrier for potential competitors. Meanwhile in Europe, many countries have freed their airports, resulting in more competition and lower airfares. Want to know who earmarked millions of tax dollars for theaters, museums, opera houses and mansions that charge the public over $70,000 for weddings and events? It's in there. The good news is that many earmarks have been reduced in the 2017 budget. The bad news is that congress critters will tell you that they enacted a moratorium on earmarks in 2011, even though Citizens Against Government Waste found billions in such earmarks ever since 2011. Six million dollars may not seem like much in terms of federal spending, which is pathetic in itself. Consider hundreds of $6 million throw-away projects and now you see the problem. One such problem is Hawaii's "East-West Center." Even the State Department doesn't think the U.S. needs a center in Hawaii to promote better relations with Pacific and Asian nations. Apparently, someone's family member needs a job, because it was built in 1960 anyway and continues to suck away your tax dollars every year. Schatz and his team point out that the North-South Center in Miami is very similar, designed to somehow build better relations between the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada through cooperative study, training and research. The 2009 Congressional Research Service Report came right out and said it hasn't funded the North-South Center since 2001 and should continue not funding it. "It should be funded by the private sector." That's pretty much the description of the East-West Center, too. However, Democrat Brian Schatz, who represents Hawaii, sure does a fine job of larding up the center, continuing the pork tradition of spewing over $138 million into the center since 1997. If your taxes are going up with no improvement in services, you need to pay attention to Citizens Against Government Waste and vote accordingly. They give you an excellent resource, naming Republicans and Democrats who need to be loudly excoriated for pimping the system, then replacing it at the next election. As for the Robin Hood analogy, consider this description made years ago by an former economics professor of mine at the University of Missouri: "Robin Hood stole from the government, not rich people. All those rich folks from whom Robin stole were friends of the Nottingham Sheriff; cronies. They did the bidding of the government and so the government did theirs. They were not independent, wealthy individuals. They were a part of the Sheriff's fascist government." We have more newsletters Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get our ultimate guide to things to do with DevonLive's FREE What's On newsletter Clarity Holistic Hair & Beauty in St Budeaux, Plymouth is committed to using only the purest ingredients. Salon owner and senior stylist Clarity Northcott, 44, told the Plymouth Herald: "All our hair products are cruelty free, organic and contain only the purest ingredients. "Nothing is tested on animals." Clarity added she only uses products from organic company Oway. She explained that all of the ingredients used in their products are grown on an organic farm in Italy and anything that they cannot grow have been sourced from fair-trade and organic suppliers. She said: "They don't even use machinery on the farm because they don't want to pollute the soil." Clarity said that she found the company after a lot of careful research and is the only hairdresser in Plymouth to use their products. She said: "There has been a massive change in people's outlook in recent years. "People are more conscious and responsible than they have ever been and they care about the products that they use. "My customers are willing to travel for our salon experience." Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for our Torbay newsletter and you'll never miss a big story again A Torbay-based language school welcomed the Abu Dhabi Deputy Education Minister this week. LAL Torbay hosted Mohammed Al Daheri as he visited a group of students from the United Arab Emirates who are studying English in Paignton. 33 students from the UAE are spending six weeks studying English with LAL, visiting local Universities, volunteering at Paignton Regatta and experiencing life with British host families. Michelle Ramos Bailey, executive manager for LAL in the UK, said that he was proud that LAL Torbay was chosen to host students from the UAE. (Image: Andy Styles) He said: We are delighted to be teaching English to our students from the UAE and it is an honour to welcome the Deputy Education Minister to our school. We are one of only two schools that he will be visiting in the UK, and we are pleased to be able to show him what a great place Paignton is to study English. LALs students from the UAE study English and experience wider British culture. They have all been welcomed into local host families, and the school has arranged visits to Exeter and Plymouth Universities so they can see more of academic life in the UK. The students from the Middle East also wanted to give something back to the area, so they will be volunteering at Paignton Regatta later this month. (Image: Andy Styles) Torbay has a long tradition of giving a warm welcome to visitors from all over the world, and Michelle Ramos Bailey is particularly pleased that the English Riviera has proved extremely welcoming to students from the Middle East. He continued: The students from the UAE have been given a real insight into British life by our host families, who have made them feel at home in a very different environment. The students are really enjoying this part of the country and the friendliness of Torbay. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the best and latest crime stories with our Court Insider newsletter A county-level pool player who racially abused a bar manager after losing a match has been ordered to pay 2,650. Simon Gibson, 31, was ordered to pay 150 for the offence and 2,500 towards prosecution costs after he elected to contest his case at Plymouth Crown Court. Judge Paul Darlow described Gibson's behaviour on the night of the pool match as "boorish, petulant and self-important". But he said he could not be sure that he was guilty of a tirade of racist abuse. Vasille Georgiou, then bar manager of the Devon Tors Inn in Yelverton, had earlier told the court that Gibson had called him a "n*******" and a "P***". Judge Paul Darlow said that he could only be certain that Gibson used the phrase "black b******". Gibson, of Myrtle Terrace, Drakewalls near Gunnislake, pleaded guilty before the jury to threatening behaviour causing fear of violence on June 22, 2015. He admitted making threats to attack Mr Georgiou. But he went on trial over a day and a half after he denied the alternative of racially-aggravated threatening behaviour that he had used racist language during the incident. A jury found him guilty after an hour and a quarter by a unanimous verdict. The court heard that the Devon Tors was that night hosting a pool tournament including a team from the Duke of York in Tavistock. Manager Mr Georgiou was behind the bar and Gibson was on the visiting team. The court heard that the two men clashed after Gibson, who said he played for Devon, complained about losing a match. Mr Georgiou escorted Gibson from the premises only for the defendant to come back in. Ed Bailey, for Gibson, said the offence was more than two years ago and the defendant had otherwise stayed out of trouble for seven years. He added that Gibson had become a father in March. Mr Bailey said he had returned from working as a barman in Bulgaria and had a similar job lined up in Plymouth. Judge Darlow fined Gibson 150, which was the same fine imposed on Mr Georgiou after he admitted hitting Gibson with a pool cue. Mr Georgiou, of a Greek-Cypriot background, had earlier admitted assaulting Gibson by beating after he was racially abused. We have more newsletters Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Politics, environment, farming and more in your new free Western Morning News newsletter - direct to your inbox every day New laws are about to come into effect which could change the way you live your life, with regulations being introduced on everything from electric cars to domestic abuse. Rules will be brought in over the next two years changing the way smart metres, data protection, the NHS and space exploration operate. There will be changes to National Insurance, mortgages and the armed forces as well as new rules on holidays and mortgages. The laws were highlighted in the Queen's speech earlier this month here is a list of the legislation which could affect you, the Liverpool Echo reports. Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill This bill will set up a network of charging points for cars and ensures insurance is available for self-driving cars. This means hundreds of charging points will have to be installed at motorway service stations and petrol stations across the country. The law is part of the government's aim to have almost all vehicles zero-emission by 2050. Space Industry Bill This bill hopes to makes it easier for businesses to launch spacecraft including satellites and trips into space for tourists. Regulations will be eased to make start-ups easier and it is hoped it will boost the UK's share of the global space economy from about 6.5% now, to 10% by 2030. It also includes measures to regulate unauthorised access and interference with spacecraft, spaceports and associated infrastructure, particularly in aviation security. High Speed 2 Phase 2A Bill This allows the extension of high speed rail from Birmingham to Crewe. After the bill was passed by parliament in February this year, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "It's been a long and arduous process, particularly for those who served on the committees in both Houses, and I'd just like to express my thanks to them for the work they've done." Phase one of the 55.7 billion scheme 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 and phase 2b, from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, will begin operation in 2033. Interestingly, the bill also includes the powers to compulsory acquire the land needed for the railway. Smart Meter Bill This continues the progress of putting smart gas and electricity meters in homes. Its aim is to put the power back in then the hands of the customer by helping them understand their bills using the new smart meters. The deadline for energy companies to offer every home a new meter is 2020. Travel Protection Bill This bill gives more protection to travellers who book a holiday on the internet. So customers will have more protection when organising their holidays without an agency. Draft Tenants' Fee Bill This bill bans landlords and estate agents from forcing tenants to pay letting fees in private rented accomodation. Also fixes the maximum security deposit that can be demanded at one month's rent. This applies to England only. Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill This important change will create a domestic violence and abuse commissioner. It will also seek to create a legal definition of domestic abuse to help protect the victims. It will also allow courts to hand down a tougher sentence if a child is affected by domestic abuse. This bill only applies to England and Wales. Civil Liability Bill Cracks down on fraudulent whiplash claims and is expected to reduce motor insurance premiums by about 35 per year. It aims to ensure a more fair and transparent system of compensation so that damages can be paid to generally injured claimaints. This bill only applies to England and Wales. Courts Bill The Courts bill will end the direct cross examination of domestic violence victims by their alleged perpetrators in the family courts. It will also allow more alleged victims to give evidence in court without having to come face-to-face with their alleged assailant. It is hoped the bill will enable time to be freed up for more serious cases by allowing those who are charged with less serious crimes to plead guilty, accept conviction and pay fixed penalties online. This applies to England and Wales and in part to Northern Ireland and Scotland. Financial Guidance and Claims Bill Combines three financial advice bodies into one, ensuring people are able to seek the help they need to manage their finances. It will include a new power that will allow the Financial Conduct Authority to cap the fees that claims management companies charge consumers. Good Mortgage Bill Makes it easier to take out a mortgage on objects such as a car, so you can use a vehicle to secure a loan. It looks to increase protection for borrowers who get into financial difficulties by introducing a new requirement for a lender to obtain a court order before seizing goods where a borrower has made significant repayments. Armed Forces Bill Enables limited flexible working in the armed forces to give them a better work-life balance. Data Protection Bill This will allow people the right to demand that data held about them is deleted, including social media platforms. Draft Patient Safety Bill Creates a health service safety investigation body, with powers to conduct independent and impartial investigations into patient safety risks in the NHS. It is hoped that this will enable the NHS to learn from mistakes much more quickly and ensure that serious incidents are investigated quickly without added expense of lawyers. This bill only applies to England and Wales. National Insurance Contributions Bill Enacts changes to National Insurance announced in previous budgets. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the pick of the week's best stories and fascinating features direct to your inbox every Saturday and Sunday morning in our exclusive Weekender newsletter Several elderly and disabled residents of a block of flats in Exmouth have been unable to leave their three-storey residencies unaided after the lift, and now the stairlift were removed from the building. Morgan Court, which is home to several elderly tenants with limited mobility, originally removed the lift in March and promised a new one in six weeks it was four months until a new lift was installed. Even after waiting all this time, the problems continued; residents said the new state-of-the-art elevator worked for four days, before being labelled out of order. Previously, a stairlift was installed whilst the lift was out of use until it was removed without warning this week. The building is owned by East Devon District Council, who have released a comment saying that they will be looking to pursue further action against contractor Schindlers. One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous but has lived in Exmouth for 48 years, has had to rely on her daughter to get out of the building. It has been a nightmare, she said. I cant go out on my own anymore. My daughter wont let me go down on my own in case I fall. She always walks down with me to make sure I get down alright. And then we come back up on the chair lift when it works. This feeling of isolation and dependency upon loved ones was echoed by another resident, 84-year-old Mary Snell. She said: Ive been going out once a week, thats all I can go out. Fortunately I have my daughter who will get me anything I need. Mary is required to take 32 pills a day under her prescription, but the absence of a functional lift in Morgan Court has made her frequent visits to hospital a challenge and left her feeling restricted. She added: Its an awful worry. If anything happens like last Friday I cant go to the doctor With Grenfell tower still fresh in the mind, residents are particularly worried about the potential fatal consequences if a fire were to break out. Mary added the fact the stairlift was their only escape route on the third floor was very dangerous. East Devon District Council said that the developing situation was completely unsatisfactory, and that their top priority was tenant safety. An East Devon District Council spokesperson said: We have been in constant contact with our contractor Schindler at all levels to ensure that they immediately rectify the fault with the new lift, which had only just been installed. We anticipate that the lift will be fully operational later today (Wednesday August 2) as an engineer from Schindler is replacing a faulty part. In the meantime, a team of our officers are continuing to work on site at Morgan Court, as we have been doing so over the last few days, to support residents through this immensely inconvenient situation with any access requirements, temporary housing, support issues and to keep them fully briefed on the situation. We will continue to monitor the lift closely over the next few days, in case any further problems arise. It would be an understatement to say that we are deeply disappointed in the service provided by Schindler. By leaving the flats without a lift and by removing the stairlifts, they have let us down badly by potentially putting our tenants, some of whom are extremely frail and vulnerable, at risk. For our tenants to be without a lift or even a stairlift, is simply not acceptable, and we are looking into taking further action against Schindler for their unsatisfactory installation and poor project management. In the meantime, we apologise to our customers for the inconvenience and distress that the lack of a lift at Morgan Court may have caused them. Our priority is keeping tenants safe and we are working hard to ensure that this situation is not allowed to happen again. Schindler UK have been contacted and we are awaiting a response. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for our Exeter newsletter and you'll never miss a big story again A company which provides moth larvae for use in scientific testing reducing the need for tests on mice and rats has won a 100,000 grant. BioSystems Technologies Ltd, set up last year by two University of Exeter scientists, won the funding from government body Innovate UK. The money will be used for a study into genetic tools to allow the creation of transgenic larvae (larvae which include DNA from other organisms in this case a fluorescent protein derived from jellyfish). The BioSystems larvae come from the wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and are sold under the brand name TruLarv. Were delighted to win this grant because the research will pave the way for our larvae to replace even more mammals used in scientific experiments, said Dr Olivia Champion, who co-founded BioSystems Technologies Ltd with University of Exeter colleague Professor Richard Titball. There are significant ethical, financial and legal reasons why businesses need to seek alternatives to testing on mammals. Our moth larvae are a cost-effective and ethical alternative to mammals for modelling microbial infection, for antimicrobial drug screening, to understand host responses to infection and for assessing toxicity. Although there is increasing evidence that data from wax moth larvae reflects that gathered from mammal testing, there is a lack of genome information and currently no genetic tools for the species. This limits adoption of the larvae for testing, which is why BioSystems is working in partnership with the University of Exeter to resolve these issues. Dr Champion said she hoped this could lead to further growth for BioSystems, which already employs four people and will recruit a fifth worker thanks to the new grant. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the pick of the week's best stories and fascinating features direct to your inbox every Saturday and Sunday morning in our exclusive Weekender newsletter A blue shark thought to be Britains biggest on record has been caught off Cornwall. Amateur angler John Dine hooked the 9ft monster during a fishing trip from Penzance. His three friends lent a hand as he spent an hour reeling the shark into the 30ft Bite Adventures catamaran owned by Penzance skipper Robin Chippy Chapman. The group heaved it on board where they measured its length and girth. From that, they calculated its weight at 256lb, well above the 58-year record holder of 214lbs. They then lifted it up for the obligatory photo before returning it back into the sea safe and well. The group, from Essex, intend to claim the catch and release record from the Shark Angling Club of Great Britain. Mr Dine used mackerel bait on a size 10/0 hook to tempt the shark and a 400lb, 49-strand Fin-Nor rod and reel. Skipper Robin Chapman told the Daily Mirror: I had a party down for a few days fishing for sharks, as they do every year. They had it in their minds this time that they wanted a big one. We didnt have to wait long. As soon as they hooked the shark up we knew it was big, it went off like a steam train. After 40 minutes of hard battling, we saw the fish from the bow as it circled the boat once before going off on another surging run. I told John to remember what he saw because if he lost it nobody would believe him. The fish repeated this five or six times but luckily the wire and hook held fast. John Richardson from the Plymouth-based Shark Trust (sharktrust.org/anglers) praised the anglers for putting the shark back and for handling it correctly out of the water. In the photo they are supporting the animal to ensure its internal organs are not damaged, he said. Blue sharks are found all around the world. Those in UK waters are usually female, Mr Richardson said. They are thought to make an annual west-to-east migration across the Atlantic. Blue sharks can grow to 13ft and 400lbs. Larger examples tend to be found in warmer waters, where the heaviest recorded weighed in at 862lb. Blue sharks are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red Book. According to the International Shark Attack File there have been only two unprovoked shark attacks in UK waters in recorded history. Last year there were 84 unprovoked attacks by all species worldwide, but only four fatal. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for our Exeter newsletter and you'll never miss a big story again Exeter BID has named Ann Hunter as the new BID Manager. Ann is relocating to the area from London and brings with her nine years of experience working with BIDs in the capital. Ann will take up the role on September 28 and her appointment follows the resignation of Craig Bulley who led the BID through its first two years. Wayne Pearce, Chair of the Exeter BID Board of Directors said: The position of Exeter BID Manager requires a particular skill set and we were looking for someone with extensive knowledge of the retail industry; the ability to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and build new business relationships. Ann has a wealth of relevant experience and expertise and her impressive CV includes her most recent position of Chief Executive of Make it Ealing and West Ealing Business Improvement District in London. We were very pleased to receive Anns acceptance of the role and look forward to welcoming her to the team. On her new role, Ann said: Im delighted to be leading the Exeter BID team and relocating to Devon. Exeter is a fantastic city with a huge amount to offer businesses, employees, residents and visitors. The BID has already brought a number of important and impactful projects, events and initiatives to support business and encourage visitors to the city. I intend to build on this strong foundation to drive further benefits for our levy payers. Exeter is a thriving city and I look forward to helping the BID to champion it. A new Exeter venue is to open its doors this weekend with a 90s themed club night. The Fore Street bar is opening in what used to be The Crossbar with a night dubbed Cool Britannia - The 90's Experience. The venue is the new home of The Arcade Exeter, which has moved from smaller premises in South Street. The retro gaming feel venue will be opening up it's doors this weekend and kicks of with a massive 90's style club event on Saturday night. As well as the best music from the 90s, clubbers will be able to take a turn on old-school arcade games. Mike james said: "The 90's are a decade that will go down in history as the times when British music reclaimed its spot at the top of the chain in dominating world music, "Unlike other events which seem to concentrate on the commercial side of chart music from that era, Cool Britannia celebrates the whole decade in every genre out there concentrating on the big tunes and anthems of each genre, be it the birth of modern dance music in the early years from such sub genres as House, Rave & D'n'B which exploded into the mainstream in the early part of the 90's to those iconic bands that really set the tone from Britpop to Grunge or the soulful and chilled sounds of R'n'B or TripHop that took over the world in the later years. "Of course this will be expertly mixed with the biggest tunes from the charts that people might not remember until they hit their ears but will then be singing along at the tops of their voices. "Although the this event is a celebration of 90's British music it was a decade of amazing acts in all styles from around the world and they will all be blasted out as we aim to keep the dance floor jumping." Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for our Exeter newsletter and you'll never miss a big story again A blow to Exeter pool users confirmed today as, in a 'worst case scenario', Exeter's fire damaged Riverside swimming pool will not reopen for more than a year. The task of assessing damage to the 50ft glass and metal roof caused by the fire at the Exe Bridges leisure centre in St Thomas on February 21 is said to be "complex and time consuming." Pool users are struggling to find swimming slots in council pool's, with the aging Pyramids one of the only other alternatives. A report following a full structural assessment of the roof is expected to be completed by the end of August. It will determine the extent and likely timescale of the works required to repair the structure. The operator cannot reopen the pool and health suite until it is "safe and appropriate" to do so, and the current worse-case scenario given to the council for completion of all works is the end of September 2018. Extensive work has been going on behind the scenes since a major fire broke out at the leisure centre. The non-fire damaged parts of the facility were quickly reopened by the operator following a thorough clean up. But the pools and health suite have remained closed. Cllr Phil Bialyk, Lead Councillor for Sport and Health and Well Being, said a report is drawn up for Scrutiny in September. He said: "It is frustrating for everyone - but we have got to do this the right way. It doesn't look like much damage was done from the outside, but we need to have a proper assessment of the roof. "The worst scenario would be that part or all of the roof will need replacing and that would be a major job I'm afraid - it sits right over the pool itself. "We can't allow people back in there we wouldn't be allowed to let people back in there - until we know it is completely safe." Ward member Cllr Hannah Packham said: "Lots of people are asking about the Riverside and this is clearly a much-loved facility. A lot of people are frustrated at the closure of the pool, and I know everyone is working hard to get it reopened as soon as possible." The fire has raised concerns over the integrity of the main roof structure in the pool and health suite area, due to the effects of prolonged heat on the metal structure. The intense heat from the fire affected the steel roof and destroyed protective coatings. Given the nature of all the roof structure and the effect of heat on metal, the council say it is necessary to carry out integrity testing of the heat affected areas. A report on the outcome of the structural inspection and sample cleaning will determine the extent and likely timescale of the remedial works required to repair the roof structure over the fire area. It may have implications on the wider roof structure depending on the severity of damage. The structural assessment is expected to be completed by the end of August. The outcome will determine how long it will take for repairs on the structure to be completed. The completion of this work is being sped up by "all means available." The fire prompted a massive Devon & Somerset Fire Service operation, with 120 firefighters, 17 fire engines and aerial appliances battling the "aggressive" smoke and flames throughout the night. During the fight to save the building large holes were punched into the roof. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation because of the incident, with one person taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for treatment. Riverside was opened by Diana, the Princess of Wales in 1986, built for 8 million by Sainsburys as part of their Exe Bridges superstore. Part of the site had been occupied by P Pike & Co Ltd, Austin dealers. During the war, their workshops were used to repair Spitfires. Riverside's curved glass and metal front, designed by Exeter architects, Marshman, Warren and Taylor, is said to be the second largest of its type in Europe. The idea was borrowed from the Stuttgart Gallery designed by James Stirling. The original 35m pool had plastic palms and a wave machine, but was later refurbished into a more conventional six lane, 25m swimming arena, and a 13m learner pool. Have you been affected by the closure? Share your thoughts: alex.richards@expressandecho.co.uk Get the pick of the week's best stories and fascinating features direct to your inbox every Saturday and Sunday morning in our exclusive Weekender newsletter Brexit and environmental protections must go hand-in-hand. The new Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has now set out his vision of a Green Brexit. Last week, I pressed the Government on how this would work in practice. The British countryside is among the most beautiful in the world - and we are fortunate enough to live and breathe it here in Devon. I am delighted the Government has re-stated its commitment to safeguarding our vibrant natural environment post-Brexit. Its something I have pressed Minsters on specifically in Parliament. Post-Brexit, we can now tailor policy to the needs of our precious habitats and wildlife, instead of following a one size fits all approach for 28 EU different countries. This is an opportunity we mustnt miss. For instance, we must look to reform our agri-environmental schemes. These are payments to farmers to protect and enhance our environment. We need to ensure such schemes are simple and provide proper incentives to farmers. Take trees as an example. Trees are a carbon sink, a way to manage flood risk and a habitat for precious species. Landowners and farmers should be encouraged to plant more. So, if we are going to achieve a Green Brexit, we need to cut bureaucracy and create incentives to protect our environment. The everyday environmental benefits farmers secure for us should be recognised, not taken for granted. We also need to be hard-headed about how we use environmental payments and subsidies. Anyone who drives up and down the M5 will not be surprised to learn that we now have enough solar to power 2 million homes. But we should avoid using fertile and productive agricultural land for renewable energy generation. English farmland is some of the best in the world and should be geared towards growing quality food and crops. Solar panels, for instance, are best placed on the 250,000 hectares of south-facing commercial rooftops, where they will not compromise the success of our farming industry. I therefore welcome the fact that landowners are now being discouraged from constructing solar farms on the best and most versatile agricultural land. The Government will soon be publishing its plan for the environment in the next 25 years. We should take heart at what we have already achieved so far. Since 2010, the UKs greenhouse gas emissions are down 18% and our carbon emissions down 19%. Weve introduced a 5 pence charge on plastic bags, decreasing their use by 83% in just two years. That means 9 billion fewer carrier bags distributed since the charge was introduced. Over a quarter of our electricity came from renewable sources last year, keeping the UK ahead of target on our renewable energy directives. Weve also started phasing out coal-fired power stations, ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change and will soon be introducing laws to ban the sale and manufacture of microbeads, thanks to some excellent work by my neighbouring Conservative colleague, Rebecca Pow MP. We should be proud of our record so far but now is the time to redouble our efforts and press the Government to continue its good environmental work. The Governments ambition to leave the environment in a better state than it was found is a noble one. But there is more work to be done. I want our water to be cleaner and healthier, our seas plastic-free, an even lower carbon economy and urgent work on air quality. As we leave the EU and create our own domestic environmental regulations, I will press the Government to commit to the highest possible standards. But if a Green Brexit is going to be a successful Brexit - food, farming and the environment must not become competing interests. JioPhone is Reliance Jio's plan to disrupt the feature phone market and it will be available for pre-order starting August 24. The 4G feature phone will be available for purchase in September. Reliance Jio has started a dedicated web page to tap into the consumer interest for its upcoming JioPhone device. The company has started a new 'Keep me posted' section for the JioPhone, where interested customers can register by submitting their name, email address and phone number. The details will be used to share details about the device including its availability and pre-order details. During its July 21 AGM, Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani announced that JioPhone will will start beta testing the JioPhone starting August 15 and customers can pre-book the device starting August 24. The 4G feature phone is said to be available in September for purchase to those who have pre-booked it. "JioPhone will be made by the third party and marketed by Reliance Retail. Jio is only bundling its services with the phone. Customers who register their interest will get an update about JioPhone booking, availability and the like," a source familiar with the development told news agency PTI. JioPhone is Reliance Jio's plan to disrupt the feature phone market. Jio says that there are over 50 crore feature phone users in India and JioPhone aims to convert all of them into 4G feature phone users by offering free 4G data and VoLTE voice calls. JioPhone will be available at a one-time deposit of Rs 1,500 refundable after three years. JioPhone buyers will get unlimited 4G data with a fair usage policy of 500MB per day and unlimited voice calls at Rs 153 per month. The Rs 153 recharge option is only available to JioPhone users. JioPhone customers also have an option of recharging with Rs 23 for a two-day plan or Rs 53 for a weekly plan. JioPhone customers can also watch live TV by connecting their feature phone to any TV with the supplied cable and opting for Dhan Dhana Dhan pack of Rs 309. The handset is said to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 205 chipset. Ambani claims that JioPhone will turn feature phones obsolete, but it has been criticised by other telecom operators for violation of Net Neutrality. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Central Area tour set for Aug. 26 Photo by Dylan Glosecki [enlarge] This 23rd Avenue and East Union Street intersection in the Central Area is seeing increased development, including the planned Africatown MidTown Center. The Urbanist and AIA Seattle's Urban Design Forum will hold a walking tour Aug. 26 in Seattle's Central Area, a historically African-American community that is experiencing rapid growth and gentrification. The tour will be guided by Donald King, principal architect of Seattle-based Mimar Studio. He is well-versed on the displacement and movement of groups across the urban landscape, and has worked with the city to plan development in the 23rd and Union-Jackson Residential Urban Village as part of zoning changes tied to Mandatory Housing Affordability. The tour is from 10 a.m. to noon. It will include a comparative analysis of Vulcan Real Estate's proposed 23rd & Jackson project and the upcoming Africatown MidTown Center project. The Urbanist is requesting a donation of $10 or more to support its educational mission. Register at http://tiny.cc/r23pmy/. Meet outside the north entry of Washington Middle School, near the Pan-African crosswalk on South Jackson Street. Subscriber content preview RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Lawsuits are pending against a construction company blamed for a power outage on North Carolina's Outer Banks, forcing visitors off the beaches and leaving tourist-dependent businesses without income. At least three lawsuits filed this week seek compensation from PCL Construction. Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday he believes the company responsible should pay for damages once all the facts are known. . . . Dateline: New York Sheriffs deputies in western New York pulled over what they described as a suspicious vehiclea car with no doors, no windows, no windshield, no license plate and, to top it all off, an ax embedded in the roof. According to the Wyoming County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded on the afternoon of Monday, July 24, to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Youngers Road. They located the car at a nearby intersection. Sgt. Colin Reagan told The Daily News the driver, 21-year-old Jared Price, performed poorly in a field sobriety test and was found to be impaired by multiple different drug categories. Price was arraigned in Gainesville Town Court on multiple charges and committed to Wyoming County Jail. Police posted a photograph of Prices unregistered, ax-impaled car on Facebook, commenting that, a picture says a thousand words! Dateline: Texas A Houston woman who purchased a $300 vacuum from Target said she brought the box home only to discover it contained rocks, dirty towels and a can of bean-free Wolf Brand Chili. Annie Banerjee said she bought the Dyson vacuum from the Target at Houstons The Galleria shopping center. When she returned it to the store an hour later, however, a store manager refused to refund her purchase and even called the police on her. Banerjee, an immigration lawyer originally from India, said she may have been the victim of racial profiling, as the store manager described her to police as Hispanic. The Target corporation later issued a statement to KTRK-TV saying that they regret Ms. Banerjees experience and will be refunding Ms. Banerjees money and providing her a new Dyson vacuum at Targets expense. Target called the incident a learning opportunity for our team. No word on whether Banerjee got to keep the chili. Dateline: Connecticut Two men were arrested in Hartford after trying to buy cocaine from a police officer in the parking lot of a police station. Hartford Police Department Deputy Chief Brian J. Foley posted to Twitter a portion of an Unusual Occurrence Report detailing an incident that happened on Sunday, July 23, at a police station onappropriately enoughHigh Street. According to the report an officer was walking to his personal vehicle after finishing his shift around 2am when he was approached by two men who said they wanted to buy coke. The men asked the officer, but indicated they needed to visit an ATM in order to get some cash. The officer kindly pointed out that there was an ATM inside the front lobby of the Police Department, the report states. The suspects then went into the Police Department to retrieve $60 to pay the officer for cocaine. As soon as they were inside, the off-duty officer notified the Teleserve officer who assisted in arresting both suspects and tagged the $60 as evidence without incident. Dateline: Colorado A drug dealer was sentenced to 16 years in prison earlier this month for shooting two people after they complained that the $10,000 worth of marijuana he sold them was just a bag of broccoli. Sababu Colbert-Evans, 26, received the sentence after being convicted in May of attempted first-degree murder and several lesser charges. His partner in crime, Tercell Davis, already pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and will be sentenced on Aug. 7. On March 14 of last year, Davis gave a bag of recently purchased broccoli to prospective buyers in exchange for $10,000. The buyers left, thinking they had scored a large amount of marijuana. It wasnt until they got home that they realized they had been duped. Using fake names they called Davis again and arranged for a second purchase. Around 7:30pm, on March 17, the buyers showed up to the parking lot of the Town Center at Aurora to meet the drug dealer, who brought Colbert-Evansand another bag of broccoli. The two parties got into a fight. Davis and Colbert-Evans ended up pulling out guns and shooting at the buyers 11 times. One of them was hit in the torso, but recovered. This may be the first time that broccoli has been bad for someones health, 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler said after Colbert-Evans sentencing. Indus Water Treaty no bar on building hydro projects: World Bank The 1960 Indus Water Treaty does not bar India from constructing hydroelectric power projects on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions, the World Bank says in its fact sheet on the treaty. The World Bank's comments come as officials from India Pakistan concluded secretary-level talks over the IWT on Monday. Pakistan is opposed to India's construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power projects in Jammu and Kashmir. While the IWT designates the two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use, World Bank noted that the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants should not contravene the treaty. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet. The World Bank, however, welcomed bilateral talks between India and Pakistan over their difference on issue of India developing two power projects on River Indus and its tributary. On Monday India's Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena revived the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mirza Asif Beg. After the first round on talks on technical issued ended, the two sides have decided to reconvene talks on their Indus Water treaty in September in Washington. World Bank, which is a signatory to the treaty, said the talks were held in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation and that the two sides have agreed to meet again in September in Washington. ''The secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues on the Indus Waters Treaty took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC,'' the World Bank stated in news brief. ''The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC,'' the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Bilateral talks on the Indus Water Treaty were last held in March 2015 when the countries take up issues like India's Kishanganga and Ratle power projects. Engagements between the two countries were halted by terror strikes by Pakistan-based militants and frequent border skirmishes. On Monday India's Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena revived the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mirza Asif Beg.The two-day talks of Indus water commissioners of the two countries marked the first formal engagement between the two countries since relationship between them nosedived in September last year after an attack on an Indian military base in Kashmir. India under the 1960 IWT is bound to hold such meetings with Pakistan. But the current meeting of the Indus water commissioners is significant as it comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year threatened to revoke the water accord with Pakistan. Commenting on the talks, Pakistan's minister for water and power Khawaja Asif welcomed the Indian decision to send its commission to Pakistan but said, ''We will defend our rights with full zeal and vigour''. ''It is a happy augury that of late India has come back to the negotiating table at the commission level to re-launch the process of peaceful talks. I am happy to announce that the process of bilateral talks has been started on the IWT following efforts by Pakistan,'' the minister said. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. India, on the other hand, had sought the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were ''technical'' ones. Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes - for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The negotiations were the initiative of former World Bank President Eugene Black. Seen as one of the most successful international treaties, it has survived frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for more than half a century. Former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often." The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission, which has a commissioner from each country. The Treaty also sets forth distinct procedures to handle issues which may arise: ''questions'' are handled by the Commission; ''differences'' are to be resolved by a Neutral Expert; and ''disputes'' are to be referred to a seven-member arbitral tribunal called the ''Court of Arbitration.'' The World Bank's role in relation to ''differences'' and ''disputes'' is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties. An increased number of motorists are expected to take to the roads this bank holiday weekend, and road safety awareness officers are encouraging those travelling on the N2 to stop off at McCaugheys Service Station at Broomfield in County Monaghan to take part in a special Road Safety Awareness event. This awareness event is being jointly organised by the Donegal Road Safety Working Group, McCaugheys Service Station, Monaghan County Council and is also supported by Monaghan Gardai, the Road Safety Authority and the Monaghan Fire and Rescue Service. This event has been organised to coincide with the Bank Holiday weekend. Road Safety Officer with Donegal County Council, Brian ODonnell, is delighted to be supporting this event and says that the aim of the bank holiday weekend event is to encourage road users to take personal responsibility for how they use the roads. He says that the N2 is well travelled by people from Donegal, it is the main access route to Dublin from many parts of the county. Brian ODonnell describes driver fatigue as the silent killer on our roads. He said: "Thousands of people will be taking to the roads over the holiday weekend and for many, there are long journeys ahead. Driver fatigue can creep up on you slowly and it is impossible to fight it while you are driving, yet the risks can be tragic." He appealed to people to recognise the signs of driver fatigue and to speak up if you are concerned that your driver is tired. The RSA advice to drivers who feel tired while driving is to Stop, Sip and Sleep. Stop the car in a safe place, Sip a caffeine drink, and Sleep for 15 to 20 minutes. This should enable you to continue driving for another hour or so. So, if you are on the N2 this Friday, stop and take a break from driving and check out the Road Safety Awareness event at McCaugheys Service Station from midday to 7pm. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A Donegal boy has been found to have a very rare gene mutation that researchers hope will provide a key to treatment of cancer, dementia and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and intellectual disabilities. Eight-year-old Francis Grant, son of Gina and Eddie Grant of Letterkenny, is among about 20 children from around the world travelling to Washington, DC, this week for a three-day conference that will allow leading geneticists and researchers to continue their studies of the recently discovered mutation. The gene, PPP2R5D, is involved with cellular growth and development throughout the body, especially brain and neurodevelopment. When you read and get into it you do get excited about what could possibly happen and the outcomes that could come out of this, Gina Grant said. Jordans Guardian Angels, the California-based foundation established by Joe and Cynthia Lang, is leading the large-scale research project to learn all the impacts of the mutation and to seek treatment or solutions to reverse the effect. This wouldn't have come about without Joseph and Cynthia Lang, Gina said. Jordans Guardian Angels is also bringing the children and their families to Washington for the conference. The gene mutations were only identified about four years ago. Francis is one of 28 children known in the world to have been diagnosed with mutations in PPP2R5D, who are living with a significant brain disorder, intellectual disability, autism and other physical symptoms. A newly discovered mutation in the gene has been linked to intellectual disabilities, autism, Alzheimers Disease and cancer. This work will take time. The scientists initial estimate is that it will take six to 10 years to complete their studies and an additional three to five years to identify a compound that could be tested in human clinical trials. It is exciting to think about what theyre going to find out and whats going to develop, Gina said. And it's all going to start from this. A new diagnosis Francis himself was only diagnosed to have the gene mutation last December. The news was life-changing for Gina, Eddie and their family. Before that discovery, Gina and Eddie had been told their son had genetic mitochondrial disease; Francis had been diagnosed with the condition a few months short of his third birthday. Mitochondrial disease affects the mitochondria of the cell, which create cellular energy and are needed to sustain life and support growth. There is no cure for the progressive disease, which can cause debilitating physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities. Gina will be familiar to many people around Donegal and farther through her role as a spokesperson for Our Childrens Voice, a group of Donegal parents advocating for medical services for children with life-limiting conditions and complex medical needs. She is the chairperson of the Donegal Education and Training Board. About three years ago, Gina learned about the Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study, a UK study to advance clinical genetic practice for children with developmental disorders that was accepting up to 200 applicants from Ireland. Gina asked through Francis geneticist if her son could get into the study, and DNA was taken from Francis, Gina and Eddie in Ireland for the research. Francis was found to have a mutation identified as E198K on gene PPP2R5D. The gene is linked to motor skills and the brains connections to motor pathways. In laymans terms, mutation 198 causes that gene to send messages that may not be understood by the body. What this discovery also showed was that the breakdown in Francis mitochondria was not genetic in origin. It was a complete and total shock, to be truthful, but it was a relief, Gina said. Gina and Eddie have six children and two grandchildren, and this discovery meant they no longer had to worry about their own children passing on the gene for mitochondrial disease. Francis Grant When Francis was diagnosed with the gene mutation last December, there were only about eight children in the world known to have been diagnosed with the same mutation thats how new these discoveries are. The gene mutation causes severe brain disorder and damage, but doctors believed in Francis case the gene mutation was the cause of his condition, and mitochondrial disease was a secondary factor. They said that given Francis level of disability, he wont be able to handle life as strongly as everyone else, Gina said. At the same time, she said, They dont know if his life is limited or not, but they dont think so. So were back just wondering, taking every day at a time thats why this research is very important, she said. They had joined a private Facebook group, PPP2R5D families, and this new research was born from this online group, with Joseph Lang in the lead. The conference begins on August 3rd, and will be attended by doctors, neurologists, specialists in genetic autism and other researchers. There will be ask the experts panels, one-on-one sessions for families and doctors, and a number of other discussions, as well as extensive assessments of the children and collection of bloods for complex testing. The research is being led by experts from Columbia University Medical School in New York City, with leading geneticists and researchers from around the United States and abroad. I am nervous and excited at the same time, Gina said. But Im definitely nervous. Gina also said she does not believe Francis will remain the only child in Ireland diagnosed with this particular gene mutation for long, now that the discovery has been made. There will be children coming with symptoms who will be tested for this, and hopefully it will stop any damage before it gets to this stage. Thats going to be a huge benefit, she said. The young people coming to Washington for the conference and their contributions to the research will form the basis of this ground-breaking study. Everything that comes after this will all be through Francis and his new friends now, Gina said. These children and their families live with conditions that would be considered orphan diseases, diseases the pharmaceutical industry has not taken up because there is little financial incentive for the private sector to take on the work required. Gina said the work would not have come about without the Langs. The Jordans Guardian Angels foundation is named for their daughter, Jordan, who has the same gene mutation that Francis has. Whatever comes of this, its Jordan and her family who have initiated this, Gina said. Without them, she said, The rest of us would still be talking online. With poll watchers observing, Dothan voters went to the polls Tuesday and strongly indicated they feel generally positive about the direction of city government, with two exceptions. Only half of the incumbent commissioners faced opposition and two of the incumbents who were challenged received a high percentage of the vote. District 4 Commissioner John Ferguson easily defeated challenger Critt Snellgrove, while District 1 Commissioner Kevin Dorsey appears to have won his race against three challengers without a runoff. Meanwhile District 2 voters also sent a strong message, ousting sitting commissioner Amos Newsome. Janasky Fleming received 45 percent of the vote. He will face Jemmie Watford (25 percent) in a runoff Sept. 12. Newsome, whose 2013 campaign resulted in the conviction of four of his workers for absentee ballot fraud, received only 85 of the 852 votes cast. The Dothan City School Board, however, will have two new members. Amy Bonds defeated Stephanie Butler in District 5, while Brett Strickland defeated incumbent Jimmy Addison in District 4. Strickland said he credited his victory to a vigorous door-to-door campaign. I think it comes down to people being ready for a change and a lot of hard work, he said. Bonds said Tuesday night that she had stayed off her phone and social media all day to avoid feeling nervous about the race. After hearing the results, she said she felt elated. Im really super proud of my campaign team, she said. I could have never done this all by myself. Bonds said she was eager to begin the work of selecting a new superintendent for the city schools. District 1 incumbent Brenda Guilford beat back a challenge from Don Hogans to retain her seat. Guilford said she felt vindicated by the results. It makes the statement that the people of District 1 know what they want and like what Im doing, she said. Im going to keep working for them. Several staff members from the Alabama Secretary of States office were in Dothan as poll observers Tuesday. Brent Beal, attorney with the Secretary of State office, said voting appeared to go smoothly at the polls and through the absentee ballot process. The voting at the polls and the absentees did not appear to be much out of line, at least from a preliminary look, Beal said. Nothing really stood out. What you are looking for is that you would hope the votes at the polls would be proportionate to the absentee votes. By and large, that appears to be the case. Hopefully, the information of us coming down here to watch helped the process. On Aug. 21, as millions of Americans prepare to watch a total solar eclipse from the ground - wearing their safety spectacles, natch - a small team of scientists will hop aboard a Gulfstream V jet in Tennessee. Time will be short. The plane, a research aircraft owned by the National Science Foundation, will race to intercept the path of the moon's shadow and follow it as long as it can. The astrophysicists, once they're above southern Kentucky, should have a four-minute window to record the ghost of the missing sun. They won't have another shot for years. The next solar eclipse to pass over the United States occurs in 2024. "The thing that makes me nervous is we only have those four minutes," said Jenna Samra, an applied physics graduate student at Harvard University. "All this work for years and then we'd have to wait for the next eclipse." Samra and her colleagues are stalking the sun's corona, the wisps of plasma that billow around the star. On a typical day, the bright light of the photosphere (the visible part of the sun's surface) obscures the dimmer, though mysteriously hotter, corona. But days with total solar eclipses are far from typical. "The moon is a perfect occulter for the sun," Samra said. The moon will blot out all of the sun's photosphere and little else, leaving room to view the corona at the solar edge. "Eclipses are really ideal times to do this science." The astrophysicists will image the corona using a device called a spectrometer. "We're looking to identify emission lines in the corona in the near infrared region," said Edward E. DeLuca, a solar physicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Massachusetts and Samra's adviser. Emission lines form when electrons in the plasma smash into charged atoms. The collision might knock another electron free, like a tooth from a sucker-punched jaw. Using the light emitted from this knock, the researchers can identify the atomic element involved. During a solar eclipse in 1868, French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered the element helium when he detected a yellow emission line. DeLuca said lines in the infrared spectrum are able to reveal heavier elements: silicon, sulfur, iron and magnesium. From there, the experts will check whether it's possible to use these lines to probe the sun's magnetic field. The corona can be a turbulent place, belching solar flares and coronal mass ejections into space. The corona gets its energy for violence from a magnetic field, which Samra likened to a twisted rubber band. Except that, once released, the snap comes with huge explosions of plasma. These plasma explosions drive space weather. But they "can't be fully explained or predicted yet," Samra said. The most intense space squalls have been felt on Earth. During the Carrington Event of 1859, a giant curl of plasma caused telegraph lines to go haywire, sputtering out messages in gibberish. Others caught on fire. If such an event were to happen today, a sudden coronal mass ejection could disrupt electric grids and cause trillions of dollars in damage. "It's important to understand the magnetic field, if we want to understand how the corona really works," Samra said. "It's intimately linked to everything that goes on." Yet taking pictures of the corona in the infrared spectrum won't be easy. The Gulfstream jet's true advantage is altitude, not speed. The plane cannot fly fast enough to keep up with the eclipse, which, as Samra put it, will be "screaming across the country." The problem is water, which interferes with infrared light. "We need to be above the atmosphere," she said. "Water vapor in the atmosphere absorbs infrared radiation." As the plane flies over Kentucky, the sun will be about 65 degrees above the horizon. At that angle, even a neck craned out one of the Gulfstream's windows would be of little help to see the eclipse. What would help is the porthole in the top of the plane. But none of the scientists aboard will have time nor space to lie down, look up and take in the astronomical event. Instead, they'll be tending to the spectrometer. The device must be chilled with liquid nitrogen. This, in turn, means the whole thing must be sealed inside a vacuum chamber to avoid clogging ice. What's more, the porthole is in the top right of the plane; the spectrometer had to be set up on the left hand side. A mirror will reflect the sun into the spectrometer. Complicating matters further, the scientists might be in for a bumpy ride. Planes usually fly paths that take into account the wind. The Gulfstream's heading is dictated by the solar eclipse. To minimize bad angles and jostles, Samra had to design a tracking system to point the mirror on the eclipse for the four-minute totality. "This is pretty high-pressure," Samra said. If all goes well, the spectrometer will capture an infrared image per second. As for DeLuca, he said that high-pressure experiments come with the astrophysical territory. He's been part of projects that required launching a rocket into space only to gather five minutes of data. "We put ourselves in these positions over and over again. It is stressful. But I have faith in the system," DeLuca said, "and practice." An $87,000 infrastructure grant will allow a Hartford business to create 18 more jobs. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that Air Performance Inc., will be aided by an $87,000 Community Development Block Grant. The grant will allow the City of Hartford to extend water and sewer service to a new 37,500 square foot facility just south of Air Performances existing plant. The expansion will allow Air Performance to double production capacity. The company specializes in fabricating louvers, sunshades and aluminum parts used in the construction industry. It is a great day when an Alabama company expands operations and creates new career opportunities for hard-working Alabamians, Ivey said in a written release. I am pleased to play a role in this project to bring these new jobs to residents in Hartford and Geneva County. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hartford will contribute $20,000 toward the projects completion. Economic development is a top priority for Gov. Ivey, and this expansion means new 18 jobs in the Wiregrass, former Enterprise mayor and current Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Kenneth Boswell said. Under the governors leadership, ADECA is pleased to work with state and local partners to provide the infrastructure that is critical to Air Performances expansion. Irish Water and Louth County Council have stated that they contacted a number of Local Authorities and private companies in order to source the correct fittings required to repair the burst water main that impacted the water supply to customers in Louth and East and South East Meath last week. In a statement, Irish Water explained that the essential parts were not available anywhere in the country. "The required parts were not available anywhere in the country as all Local Authorities (including Dublin City Council) had standard fittings which were the same size as the standard fittings Louth County Council had used in the first three attempts made to repair the warped water main. "The bespoke engineered parts had to be manufactured to precise measurements to repair the warped and damaged water main. The parts took two days to manufacture as the 50 year old water main had become warped underground. "The water main was successfully repaired on Wednesday, 26 July. Irish Water and Louth County Council contacted a number of companies to manufacture the bespoke parts and they were made by the company that could make them in the quickest time frame. "Irish Water, Louth County Council and Meath County Council worked in collaboration with a number of Local Authorities, Northern Irish Water, The Defence Forces and private companies to source as many tankers as needed to supply temporary water supplies to the impacted communities. "We are grateful for the support that was provided by all in providing tankers, drivers and people to man temporary water stations. Dublin City Council was once such Local Authority that provided us with the support of tankers and drivers over the outage and provided a number of water tankers including: two 2000 litres mobile tankers Four 1,200 litre two wheeled trailer type tankers Two Water tankers (fixed tanker built onto truck) 6,000 litre Seven 1,000 litre, One 2,500 litre, three 950 litre and two 5,000 litre tanks The real estate market is over ripe for disruption, especially in Sydney, according to the brains behind MiSale, a Queensland-based startup that recently expanded into New South Wales and Victoria. Launched in Queensland earlier this year, MiSale is a freemium real estate platform enables people who wish to sell their homes to remove real estate agents from the selling/ buying process (if they wish), list their properties online, and connect directly with prospective home buyers. Prior to expanding beyond its home state, the startup had facilitated close to $12M in sales, saving users $293,000 in real estate commissions. According to co-founders Grant Shankster and Ewen Malcolm, the lightbulb moment came when the latter of the two overheard the real estate agent selling his childhood home, misinforming an interested buyer about the properties capabilities. Displeased with the agents service, Malcolm gave the buyer a tour of the property himself. Shankster and Malcolm spoke to Dynamic Business about their startup as well as the state of the real estate market in Australia. DB: What is the elevator pitch for the MiSale platform? Malcolm: MiSale introduces the power of the C2C model to the real estate game by providing a quick, easy and hassle-free gateway to list, negotiate, inspect, purchase and sell property. There is no agency interference and no hefty commissions involved, it is the future of buying and selling your home. If sellers do require assistance, they can sign up for an agent assistance package, with no lock-in contracts or commissions. DB: Did launching in Queensland have any advantages? Shankster: Queensland provided the perfect testing ground for the idea of MiSale. With more relaxed laws around owner sellers, it allowed us to build the platform and introduce the concept to market. After a number of successful self-sellers across Queensland, we knew that homeowners were ready to take the destiny of their homes into their own hands. They just needed to dismiss the industry jargon and years of misinformation from real-estate agents. DB: Where is the local property market ripe for disruption? Malcolm: Everywhere but especially Sydney. The average real estate commission nationally floats between 2-3% of a homes sale price, which is whole lot of money to be handing over to someone and it begs the question, did they actually earn it? Sydneys average house value is $1.1million, with an agent $23-33k commission a third of the average Australian income and for what? Over 80% of people look for their new homes online, allowing direct access to a potential buyer, meaning sellers are potentially handing over $30,000 for an agent to publish a listing online. Instead, MiSale facilitates that connection and cuts out the middle man. The market is over-ripe for disruption and were an agile company that will evolve with the demands of the market. Our aim is to keep making the connection between buyer and seller stronger, from live-streaming open homes to auctions and rentals. DB: What key factor has contributed to MiSales success so far? Shankster: The simplicity and seamlessness of the experience we offer. Our platform allows sellers to list their home for sale in just six steps. This no-hassle approach allows people to take control of their biggest financial asset its empowering and honest in that respect. Our freemium, DIY service has had people waking up to the fact that they are more than capable of selling their own home. Weve had large brand names like Airbnb and Uber pave the way for MiSale here, so theres not as much fear surrounding the DIY model. Kack was a graduate of Big Springs High School class of 1966. She was a former concession stand employee at Williams Grove Park and later retired as a mail clerk from Merck Medco. Kack was continuously involved with Youth for Understanding, often accepting international students into her home. She loved watching bowling, quiz shows, old westerns and racing at Williams Grove Speedway. She also enjoyed doing word searches and cooking, yet her family was her greatest joy in life; especially when she cheered for her daughters when they played softball. Kack fought a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis for over forty years, however, she always lived by the motto a smile is everything. She was a great inspiration to many people and touched many lives with her uplifting spirit. Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 50 and one half years Tyrone Gitt; two daughters, Angie Reynolds and husband Chuck of Mechanicsburg and Tina Fox and husband Jeff of Lewisberry; brother, Ron Deihl and wife Judy of Carlisle; three sisters, Joyce Chestnut and husband Don of Carlisle, Margaret Darhower of Carlisle and Joan Splain and husband Lewis of Newville; sister-in-law, Sue Deihl of Ohio; six grandchildren, Samantha and fiance Devin, Matt and wife Becky, Sage, Logan, Wade and Cody as well as her beloved friend Nancy. She was preceded in death by her brother, Vance Deihl and sister Jane Grimes. Memorial services will be held 3:00 PM Monday, August 7, 2017 at Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg with visitation held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2040 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to the First Church of God, 35 East Locust Street, Shiremanstown, PA 17011. www.MalpezziFuneralHome.com From hot dogs at the police station to tours of the Special Response Team vehicle at the Stuart Community Center, Carlisles National Night Out Tuesday gave residents the opportunity to mingle with representatives from emergency services as well as their neighbors. National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to bring community members and the police together to make neighborhoods more safe. Municipalities across the Midstate held events Tuesday. The event in Carlisle started with a cookout at the police station at 240 Lincoln St., which Chief Taro Landis said was a way to invite people into the police department. Were trying to bring the community together. Were trying to show the cops are normal, too, Landis said. Officers wore their new training uniforms as they served up hot dogs, chips and drinks to visitors. The black polo shirts with khakis give a professional look while not being as formal as the uniform, helping to make the officers more approachable, Landis said. Tiffany Shellenberg, who lives in the neighborhood, said the event helps to raise awareness for everyone in the community, teaching them that police officers are not bad people. They just want to better the lives of everyone around, especially the children, she said. The festivities continued at the Stuart Community Center Tuesday with displays from a variety of emergency first-responders, including Carlisle Fire Department, Carlisle Special Fire Police and the Cumberland County Office of Parole and Probation. The Cumberland County Sheriffs Office offered child identifications, and the Cumberland County Special Response Team displayed some of its gear as children climbed through its heavy-duty vehicle. Cumberland County Forensics Services allowed visitors to walk through their vehicles and explained what they do. Cumberland Goodwill EMS did CPR demonstrations, and also offered information on opioid addiction. National Night Out is also an important venue for nonprofits like Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties, YWCA Carlisle, Employment Skills Center, United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Were supporting our friends, the police, said Barrie Ann George, director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. That relationship will grow this fall as the Bigs in Blue program starts in the Carlisle Area School District. The program will match police officers with students in middle school. What a great way to show kids that police are your friends, George said. Big Brothers/Big Sisters serves 200 children in the Carlisle area, and there are more to be served, she said. Walmart, which sponsored the bouncy houses, also gave bags of school supplies to children who attended. I think its a great event, said Mayor Tim Scott. He added that moving the event from Carlisle Community Pool to the community center was a good idea in that it put the activity into the neighborhood where it not only allowed neighbors to get out to see each other, but also gave plenty of opportunity to interact with the police. The whole point is to improve police-community relations, he said. A Mechanicsburg man was sentenced Tuesday in federal court on charges of receiving child pornography. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Allen Hoffman, 68, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge William Caldwell also ordered Hoffman to be immediately remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. U.S. Attorney Bruce Brandler said in a news release that Hoffman received child pornography images from an international company. Federal law enforcement officers searched Hoffman's home in August 2016 and located more than 600 images that he received between December 2010 and February 2011, according to the news release. The case was brought to the court as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. State Police at Chambersburg say they are continuing with an invasion of privacy investigation at a gynecology practice after photographs were discovered. Police Wednesday reported that the investigation is related to the arrest of then doctor Sohael Raschid, who was a physician at Phoenix Wellness in Chambersburg, Franklin County. Raschid in 2015 was charged with sexual assault after police said he assaulted four women, including a 14-year-old, after spiking their drinks between April 2014 and March 2015. Raschid was an obstetrician and gynecologist, and CEO of Phoenix Wellness. Raschid is in SCI Camp Hill as he awaits trial. He has received a number of continuances, with the latest being granted on June 26 for a trial scheduled for Sept. 11. Police said, in addition to the assaults, Raschid also took a picture of a woman during a gynecological visit on Aug. 16, 2015. Additional photographs were also discovered during the investigation, police said. Police ask anyone who was a patient to contact Trooper Pattillo at 717-264-5161 and reference incident number H03-2374164. HARRISBURG Pennsylvania House leaders have been eerily quiet since the Senate passed a budget revenue bill last week, but rank-and-file members of the so-called Taxpayer Caucus, which is dominated by Midstaters, spoke up and spoke out for the first time Tuesday afternoon. They held a hearing on the upper chambers budget bill at the Fairview Township Fire Department in York County. Its a mostly conservative county, it was mostly conservative testimony, and it was mostly critical of the plan that would slap an extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drillers and a gross receipts tax on natural gas customers, as well as hike taxes on electricity and telephone bills. One hundred and eighty dollars for a family of four; thats what the tax increase comes to on a per-family level, said Nate Benefield of the conservative Commonwealth Foundation. He was one of 11 scheduled to testify. This affects almost every family in Pennsylvania except for a few Amish families, Benefield said. But participants werent all hand-picked, and they werent all advocates or experts. Barry and Judy Fenicle, taxpaying residents of Etters, struck a chord with the lawmakers. How did so many Republican senators become liberal tax-and-spenders? Barry Fenicle asked as several representatives nodded in agreement. I cant figure it out. Also puzzling to the Fenicles was this years budget process whereby all parties agreed to a spend number before figuring out how to pay for it. In the Fairview fire house, it was preaching to the choir. The Taxpayer Caucus is all Republican, all conservative and all belt-tighteners. My constituents always look at me and say, if youre gonna tax, at the end of the day, Im probably gonna have to figure out how to cut in my budget, so why cant you at the state figure out how to cut in yours?, said Rep. Kate Klunk, R-York. Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Lebanon, said he will be a no vote on the Senate package as is. We need to put this state on the same type of budget as people across the state have had to do, Ryan said. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, defended the plan his chamber passed last week but didnt enthusiastically embrace it. He called it a hard but necessary vote to honestly and fairly balance the books that have been out of whack for years. Corman barely (26-24) pushed it across the finish line in the Senate. But if the Tuesday afternoon meeting in York County is any indication, it will be a tougher sell in the House. Us rank-and-file members are no longer going to sit back unheard. I can assure you of that, said Rep. Dan Moul, R-Adams. Applause exploded across the room. The House is on a six-hour call, meaning they could be summoned to Harrisburg at any time to address the revenue package. They are not scheduled back, however, until Sept. 11. REGION CHAMPS The SGA Warriors won a shoot out and a region championship over the Georgia Christian Generals 62-37 last Friday in Damascus. The Warriors finish the regular season 5-5. The Generals... Nick Lee brings home another win "Local celebrity" Nick Lee took first place once again at the Strikers Classic Masters Bowling Invitational in Albany. The competition is a division of the Special Olympics in Georgia. When... Blakely native leads on school safety The Cherokee County School Districts police chief has been named to a state committee focused on school safety. Chief Buster Cushing, who has led the CCSD Police Department since 2019... One arrested in drug bust On the evening of Monday Oct. 31, 2022, investigators and officers with the Blakely Police Report executed a search warrant at 343 Liberty Street in Blakely as part of an... A new technology that Google uses to track billions of credit card transactions is unsafe, overly intrusive, and possibly in violation of federal law, according to a complaint the Electronic Privacy Information Center filed Monday with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. EPIC urged the FTC to investigate Google over its Store Sales Management program, criticizing it as unfair and deceptive to consumers, and lacking an easy way to opt out. Google uses its SSM program to track whether consumers have converted online advertisements displayed on Google search pages into in-store purchases, according to the complaint. It collects credit card data on billions of transactions and matches them to determine the effectiveness of online ads in influencing consumers to purchase the promoted goods and services. Google has refused to release specific data on the algorithm the SSM technology uses, but it apparently is based on CryptDB, which is described in a 2011 MIT research paper funded by Google and Citigroup, according to the complaint. Data Capture Google in 2014 launched Store Visit Management, a technology that allows advertisers to track the number of people who click on a Google AdWords ad and then visit their stores, the EPIC complaint notes. More than 5 billion store visits have been tracked by AdWords to date, with major retailers like Home Depot, Sephora and Nissan having used the tool. Google earlier this year expanded the program to YouTube customers who buy YouTube TrueView ads, according to the complaint. Google has denied the alleged customer privacy violations and said the complaint includes several inaccuracies. All data is encrypted and aggregated, and Google does not share any identifiable credit card data, the company maintained. It uses only the data that customers have consented to have associated with Web and app activity in their Google account, which users can opt out of at any time. The FTC has received the EPIC complaint, spokesperson Juliana Gruenwald confirmed. However, the agency does not comment on investigations, even to confirm that an investigation is taking place, she added. Google has found itself in the FTCs crosshairs in the past. In 2012, it paid a then-record US$22.5 million to settle charges that it made misrepresentations to users of Apples Safari browser about whether they would be tracked with cookies or have targeted ads pointed at them. Tracking Spend Googles ability to track ad spending and effectiveness is critical to its core business, which includes selling online ads on its search pages and measuring whether those impressions lead users to actual transactions. How much Google gets paid to place ads depends on how effectively Google places the ads, said Paul Teich, principal analyst at Tirias Research. An old measure is click-throughs, but they are hard to verify, easy to game, and may not directly correlate to purchases of goods and services promoted by the ads we click through, he told the E-Commerce Times. Googles dominance over consumer ad spending recently has been a major topic of conversation. The company this spring launched Google Attribution, a product that uses machine learning to measure the success of online marketing campaigns across different devices and channels. Facebook last month confirmed plans to create a paywall for publishers, due to growing concerns that their articles and ads were drifting over to Google and Facebook, the two dominant platforms for online advertising. Publishers that once were able to capture substantial online advertising revenues and data have found themselves losing out to the search and social media leaders. EPIC in essence is trying to give users more control over their own data, particularly in terms of how that information is shared, said Nikki Baird, managing partner at RSR Research. The reality is that one too many services have been built on the premise that you get stuff for free in exchange for the provider collecting and monetizing your data, she told the E-Commerce Times. On the other hand, while Google could be more forthcoming about how the program works, the system appears to have enough privacy protections that neither Google nor its financial data source would be able to access specific information about individual user purchases, observed Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist at the Center for Democracy & Technology. Theyre using some pretty fancy cryptography, he told the E-Commerce Times, to essentially mask and unlink individual data and get aggregate counts that dont implicate individual purchases. Onvia on Tuesday launched On Demand Reports: Winning Proposals, a new service for companies selling to the public sector. The service provides access to detailed materials associated with a given solicitation, including all submitted proposals, the awarded bid, the final contract, and the agencys scoring criteria. Onvia helps clients succeed in pursuing government contracts, said Ben Vaught, director of Onvia for Government. We equip them with data and tools that cover the processes of searching and screening leads, then qualifying and pursuing opportunities, including integration to their systems and workflows, he told CRM Buyer. We also prepare them to plan ahead for future contracts and gain full visibility of market trends, agency profiles, buyer contacts, competitors and channel activity. The service is beyond whats readily available on the Web or without contacting a government agency directly, Vaught said. Clients using Onvias full range of products and services have generated millions of dollars in new revenue and have achieved growth of 30 percent, 70 percent, and up to five to 10 times acceleration in sales to the public sector, he noted. The Winning Proposals service comes at two levels, priced at US$800 and $1,200 per RFP (request for proposal). Service Highlights Onvias Winning Proposals service performs the following actions: Identifies agency contacts and best practices to ensure the highest potential for success; Identifies relevant agency policies, initiates RFPs under the agencys defined procedures; Initiates FOIA requests to the targeted agency; Follows up by phone and email in order to obtain the proposal materials and related documents; Determines and properly describes materials needed to fulfill the request; Drafts and submits appeals for redactions or denials; conducts follow-up requests via email and phone; and Collects and delivers materials related to the specific solicitation. The process begins when a client contacts Onvia for a quote, Vaught said. The time frame depends on the individual government agency. Companies can get this information on their own under the Freedom of Information Act, but the FOIA process can take five to 10 hours of work and average $400 per hour in legal fees. When Onvia initiates the FOIA request, it maintains clients anonymity, preventing any negative association among agency buyers. Potential Client Gains The Winning Proposals service makes it easier for companies to gain the following advantages: Learn how competitors positioned themselves in the bidding process; Learn what the grading scale of the agency they are approaching was for the bidding process; Remain anonymous throughout the process, thus avoiding blowback; and Revamp their strategy for the next round. Onvia requests final documents after a contract award has been announced, Vaught said. The process of participation in government bids and RFPs is laden with complexity, said Cindy Zhou, principal analyst at Constellation Research. Many of the larger contractors have departments that can process winning bid information and dive into the scoring methodology, but for most small to mid-size companies, the process is a mystery to be unraveled, she told CMR Buyer. This offering by Onvia will help SMBs compete and save them costs, resources, and time, Zhou said. Who Will Benefit Onvia covers business to government (B2G) commerce activity in more than 250 market segments rolled up into 12 main industry verticals, Vaught said. These include technology and telecom, architecture and engineering, construction, professional business services, transportation, education and healthcare. Users are in sales, marketing, business development, and IT/business intelligence, Vaught said. They range from deal desk teams to executives and senior directors. The B2G market spends about $2 trillion each year on contracts, he noted. Of that amount, $1.5 trillion comes from state, local and education government agencies, often referred to as SLED. Another $500 billion comes from federal government agencies. The opportunity is tremendous, but the markets fragmented and complex, Vaught observed. The most successful companies take a proactive approach to planning ahead, screening leads, pursuing opportunities, and fast-tracking processes. India, Somali sign agreement on transfer of sentenced persons Published: August 2, 2017 India and Somalia have signed an agreement for transfer of sentenced prisoners in each others country. The agreement was signed in New Delhi during the ongoing visit of the Somalias Foreign Minister to India. During the visit, both countries discussed entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the issue of piracy and maritime security. They also discussed regional issues pertaining to developments in the Gulf region and Indias neighbourhood. The agreement opens a new front for collaboration in anti-piracy operation in Eastern Africa as the incidents of piracy originating from Somalia have affected Indian interests in the Indian Ocean region near the Horn of Africa. Background Somalia is situated near the Horn of Africa with the Gulf of Aden to its north. It is among the partner countries of Indias Pan African e-Network project. India-Somalia bilateral trade stood at $391.05 million in 2014-15, a more than 51% increase over the figure of $257.27 million in 2013-14. Diplomatic contacts between India and Somalia have been infrequent, however, Somalia had participated in the 2015 India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi. Somalia plays important role in containing Chinas presence in Indian Ocean region. China opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti. Somalia shares border with Djibouti on the west. India also offers Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training scholarships and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships to Somalia. In recent years, India also has extended development assistance which included mini buses to the war-battered country. Month: Current Affairs - August, 2017 Topics: India-Africa India-Somali maritime security Piracy Latest E-Books (Photo: Kim Cain)Crowd at a Christian Unity rally in Jakarata, Indonesia on May 18, 2013. The Global Christian Forum's next world-wide gathering in 2018 is to be held in the Colombian capital, Bogota, the organization that is one of the most ecumenical, including all the major churches, has announced. The GCF will hold its global gathering from April 23 to 28 in Bogota and the theme of the four-day conference will be, "Let mutual love continue," a quote from the Bible's book of Hebrews (13:1). It is only the third global gathering of the Global Christian Forum, one of the world's most diverse global Christian 'spaces', in which at least six streams of world Christianity meet. "The GCF is a 'forum,' a place for leaders from across the spectrum of Christianity globally to meet for inspiration and insight on matters of common interest as they face the future together," said the secretary of the GCF, Rev. Larry Miller. Participation in the Forum is shaped by a series of balances of a 50:50 ratio between leaders of 'older' churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) and 'younger' churches (Evangelical, Pentecostal, Independent), the GCF said. It is the first GCF global gathering on the South American continent and the first in a Spanish-speaking nation. Previous global gatherings were in Africa (Kenya, 2007) and Asia (Indonesia, 2011). The GCF will issue invitations to the gathering in the next two months, it said. Miller, said the Third Global Gathering offers a unique platform for exchange between church leaders at a significant time in world Christianity. "We will hear also of what has occurred in participating churches and in the Forum since our last global gathering, especially developments of significance for all churches." He noted, "The gathering will be 'relational, testimonial, and missional' in nature and outcome, and will involve careful conversation, listening, and prayer as we put directly into practice with one another the theme of the gathering, 'let mutual love continue'." GCF said four global Christian bodies are key 'pillars' of the Global Christian Forum: the Pentecostal World Fellowship; the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Vatican); the World Council of Churches, and the World Evangelical Alliance. Their leaders will all be present, together with leaderships from many other world churches and international Christian organizations. The GCF is currently seeking a replacement for Miller who is retiring in June after serving as secretary since June 2011. (Photo: Kim Cain)Participants from world-wide Christian organizations and churches who met in Strasbourg, France on September 9, 2014 to discuss ways for church groupings to tackle Christian persecution together at a meeting convened by the Global Christian Forum. The Global Christian Forum's, one of the most inclusive ecumenical body's, says it is to conduct a global consultation under the theme Discrimination, Persecution, Martyrdom: Following Christ Together. In a May 12 statement the forum said the gathering will take place in Tirana, Albania from November 2 to 4. The consultation aims to bring together leaders of churches currently under duress with leaders of churches, global Christian organisations and groups committed to accompany them. The consultation is an initiative of the GCF, together with numbers of churches and Christian organisations that reflects much of the breadth of the forum itself. This includes the Catholic Church (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity), Pentecostal World Fellowship, World Council of Churches, and the World Evangelical Alliance. "Tirana, the capital of Albania, has been chosen as the location for the consultation as that nation experienced an extended period of religious repression under the former Communist regime," said the GCF in its statement. "In that time, all religious groups, including Christian and Islamic communities, saw religious liberty curtailed, their leaders arrested and sometimes martyred, and property destroyed and confiscated. PERSECUTION AND VIOLENCE At least half of the 'Discrimination, Persecution, Martyrdom' consultation participants are likely to come from churches currently experiencing situations of persecution and violence. Regionally Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East will be represented, as will the global North. Following the GCF's own experience there will also be an equal balance between participants from what is often called the traditional/ecumenical churches and those from evangelical/Pentecostal backgrounds. The consultation process will ensure time is given to sharing of experiences and perceptions of persecution, both in groups and plenaries said GCF. There will also be time for cross-fertilisation of ideas as well as hearing informed wider perspectives through presentations. This will be further supported by theological reflection and worship during the participants time together. Towards the close of the gathering themes and insights will be drawn together and commitments to next steps made. "In taking time to listen and hear from those experiencing persecution as well as to share information, it is hoped that a better understanding of the complexity of issues within the arena of Christian persecution will be gained," said GCF. It said the meeting does not aim to devise a "global plan" to deal with the issues of discrimination, persecution and violence. "However, it is the organisers' prayer that communities and individuals currently facing situations of discrimination, persecution violence will feel the support of the wider body of Christ," said the GCF. Through the Tirana encounter leaders of churches and church organisations will be better informed and able to articulate their responses together and within their own constituencies. Research is underway on a glossary of the language of persecution, since the way words are used has an impact on how people understand and respond to the issues. Similarly, data is being collected in order to map the scope of discrimination, persecution and martyrdom, globally at this time said the GCF. As a gathering of those involved in and concerned about the many aspects of Christian persecution, the consultation will allow churches and Christian organisations to be informed as they shape their lives and priorities in their constituencies and traditions. (Photo: Jehovah's Witness website)International Jehovah's Witness Convention at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens, the site of the 2004 Olympic Games, on June 27, 2014. A woman who recently gave birth by Caesarean section has died in a hospital in east London after refusing to receive blood transfusion because she was a Jehovah's Witness. Adeline Keh, 40, became critically sick after giving birth to her son Mawsi at the Homerton Hospital, the London Evening Standard reported November 10. She was transferred to the Papworth Heart and Lung Hospital in Cambridge where she died a month after. Homerton chiefs have launched an independent review of the case, which was one of four new mothers' deaths at the hospital in nine months. Husband Kwaku Keh expressed his grief to the London Evening Standard: "My wife and I were best friends...we never came home as a family." He explained that they had been trying to have a baby for years but all efforts were futile. The delivery of their son brought joy to the couple but now, there is no chance that they will be complete. Adeline gave birth on September 18 last year but had to stay in the hospital because of an infection. She developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and was transferred to Papworth. She told doctors in Papworth of her refusal to receive blood transfusion and lawyers made sure that her wishes be obeyed. She died two days later of ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome), sepsis, an infection in the Caesarean wound, and following her refusal to receive a transfusion. Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to accept blood transfusions because they believe that blood represents life. This belief has led to many controversies due to many fatal cases. The Houston Chronicle reported that not all stories of blood transfusion refusals are tragic. "Patients receiving bloodless management are doing as well or in some cases better than those with blood transfusions," says Dr. Linda Resar of the Johns Hopkins Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery in Baltimore. Jehovah's Witness, in an official statement said: "Surgeons regularly perform such complex procedures as heart operations, orthopedic surgery, and organ transplants without the use of blood transfusions." "No one can say for certain that a patient will die because of refusing blood or will live because of accepting it." In 2013 across England and Wales there were 47 deaths of women in pregnancy, during childbirth or in the six weeks after birth. (Screenshot of Fyodor Chistyakov publicizing his 2017 U.S. tour.) Punk rocking is not often associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses, but Russian punk rocker Fyodor Chistyakov has recently said he will not to return to his homeland from the United States. Chistyakov cited Russia's new ban on the Jehovah's Witnesses, Radio Free Europe reported on its website. He says the religious group has had an excellent influence on him from some troubled days when he was younger. Russia's Supreme Court ordered the disbanding of the Jehovah's Witnesses on Russian territory on July 17 and the ban came into effect after the court rejected an appeal by the religious group against a ruling in April which declared it to be extremist. A member of the Jehovah's Witnesses since the mid-1990s, Chistyakov told the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta in a telephone interview from New York published on July 31 that he "has no other choice" than to stay in the United States. "I cannot openly follow my religion [in Russia] now. And that is a trauma itself even when I am not in jail, although incarcerations are taking place already," he was quoted as saying. Chistyakov is known as Dyadya Fyodor (Uncle Fyodor) and has led the groups Nol (Zero) and the Fyodor Chistyakov Band, and has been on tour in the United States for several months. Freedom of religion is formally guaranteed in Russia but legislation sets out Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism as the country's four traditional religions, and smaller denominations frequently face discrimination. In recent years, there have been a growing number of reports of worshippers at Jehovah's Witnesses congregations being targeted for harassment, Radio Free Europe reported. A 2009 documentary called Beware: Jehovah's Witnesses branded Chistyakov "a brainwashed sectarian." The group Nol was popular in the Soviet Union, and then in its former republics, in the late 1980s and the 1990s. BORN IN LENINGRAD Chistyakov was born in 1967 in what was then Leningrad and is now St. Petersburg. In 1992, while staying at the summer cottage of the well-known rock party-goer Irina Linnik, Chistyakov attacked and wounded her with a knife, the Russian website IC reports. Subsequently when he was interrogated Chistyakov said he committed the action because she was a witch. He spent about a year in prison and then was sent for compulsory treatment in psychiatric clinic, where spent one more year. In 1995, Chistyakov joined the Jehovah Witnesses, which he says rescued him and in 1997, he started his solo career. Russia's move to ban the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses using anti-extremism legislation in a lawsuit are "extremely worrying" three United Nations human rights experts who condemned the suit, had said in April. "This lawsuit is a threat not only to Jehovah's Witnesses, but to individual freedom in general in the Russian Federation," the experts said on April 4. "The use of counter-extremism legislation in this way to confine freedom of opinion, including religious belief, expression and association to that which is state-approved is unlawful and dangerous, and signals a dark future for all religious freedom in Russia," they stressed. Thomas J. Reese, a Jesuit priest, who is chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, also criticized the Russian action. "The Russian government's latest actions appear designed to eliminate the legal existence of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia," he said in a statement. "If the Supreme Court rules in April that this group is 'extremist' it would mark the first time that Russia legally has banned a centrally-administered religious organization and would effectively criminalize all Jehovah's Witnesses' activity nationwide. Latest News ICMAI CMA December 2022 exam form submission date extended The candidates who have not applied yet will have the opportunity to fill the application form for the ICMAI NAAC accreditation will now be in binary terms, check details here Individual programmes offered by a college or an individual department of any university will also have the President Murmu launches AICTE Engineering books in Odia language The Odia language translated books are available at called e-KUMBH portal : AQI 300 , Where school reform is concerned, its easy to imagine that the divide between well-resourced independent schools and their often more economically challenged public counterparts would be impossible to bridge. True, the many benefits inherent to private educationselective enrollment, smaller classes, greater resources, greater autonomymay make it seem as though considering independent schools opportunities for transformation alongside those of their public counterparts is the proverbial comparison of apples and oranges. Yet a number of the ways in which many (admittedly privileged) independent schools achieve their impressive learning outcomessuch as high standardized-test scores, strong graduation rates, and distinguished college admissionsare actually well within reach of public schools. Indeed, there are six things independent schools routinely do that are less often attempted in public education, but well worth exploring. 1. Public-private partnerships: In recent years, private schools have sought out public school partnerships, the best of which grew not from altruism but from a genuine interest in broadening their staffs perspectives. Public schools must not be shy about making the overture to private schools and presenting their own questions. Many of private schools successful management decisions and structures are driven by priorities, culture, and habit and can be replicated in any school. For instance, for several years during my tenure as the head of an independent school in New York City, a partnership with a neighboring public middle school not only helped teachers from both schools collaborate on an innovative science curriculum, but also inspired them to frame curricular challenges and resources differently. 2. Sabbaticals: An established sabbatical-leave program offers teachers extended professional development. Private schools frequently find ways to support a regular competition for semester or full-year leaves. Public schools could pool funds to make similar opportunities available, even if on a limited basis. In addition, visiting programs (like those at universities) could allow professors and educators on sabbatical from other institutionsprivate schools, institutions of higher education, even industries with interests in K12 preparationto spend time in public schools. The resulting relationships would allow an exchange of ideas among those who prepare teachers, the teachers themselves, those who will hire the next generation of the workforce, and young people. 3. A focus on content and shared culture: Many of private schools successful management decisions and structures are driven by priorities, culture, and habit and can be replicated in any school." Freed from state teacher-certification regulations and the constraints of salary scales, many independent schools hire teachers with terminal degrees in the subjects they teach. They often dont require education degrees except where legislation demands it, which for private schools is usually only in early-childhood programs. As a result, novice teachers are content experts, while experienced teachers impart lessons on school culture, classroom management, and effective interaction with parents and administration. As state teacher-prep regulations evolve, public school talent managers should put more pressure on colleges and universities to require deep content knowledge for admission to any teacher-prep program. 4. Flexible scheduling: Again, private schools often allow their own experienced teacher-leaders to transmit to novices their schools unique values, rather than rely on graduate schools notions of best practices. To do this, public schools must give teachers time to work together: Time for collaboration on curricula and lesson plans is always at a premium, but scheduling significant time for a seasoned teacher to observe, mentor, and even co-teach with a newer recruit can be hard, even for private schools. Still, schools investing in this flexibility can reap vast rewards in teacher retention and curricular coordination, both correlated with improved student outcomes. 5. Building community through activities: When school communities fully leverage the strengths of their adult staff members, students reap the benefits. Taking their cue from boarding schools, private day schools frequently offer an array of co-curricular activities for studentssports, arts, and extended learning, such as robotics or studio timeled by classroom teachers who are compensated for this extra time. Public schools would struggle to schedule such programming entirely after school and on weekends, when teachers reasonably need time for their own lives. Public schools might challenge themselves to carve out an activity period within the school day to allow for this kind of learning, which deeply connects students to trusted adults who teach holistically, supporting them as both young people and content learners. 6. Teacher-centered professional development: Private schools often pay for teachers to attend workshops and purchase materials of their choice. Innovation is grassroots, and these teachers spread their discoveries in a each one teach one model. Well-intentioned school leaders may think to provide egalitarian, communitywide professional development for the staff. However, the most effective and best-disseminated professional development is that which individual teachers call for. In my experience, public schools would be better served reallocating PD funds creatively, even as small microgrants, to allow innovation to take root. For example, rather than send an entire teaching staff to a pro forma workshop, schools might allow teachers to compete for that same pool of funds by writing competitive proposals to attend conferences or develop service-learning projects, after which they could share what they learn with their colleagues. In the end, there are fewer essential differences between public and private schools than one might expect. They are all ultimately teaching and learning communities. The best public school administrators already know how to create small pockets of flexibility for key initiatives like these, which are everyday practice at private schools. It is time for our districts and school boards to take note and help create more such opportunities. When I was in middle and high school, I remember being so excited to start a new school year. But I also recall feeling anxious, nervous, and sometimes even downright terrified to head back to school. Transitions to new schools were especially frightening. Would I be able to find my classes? Would the teacher be mean to me if I was late? Would I know anyone? And, oh my God, the cafeteria! What if none of my friends had the same lunch as me?! High school, in particular, petrified me. It didnt help that my older sister and her friends would look at me and shake their heads, saying, Youre never going to make it. Now, Im a high school teacher. Suspecting that students today might feel the same first-day-of-school anxiety as I once did, I set out to talk to freshmen and upperclassmen as they arrived for the first day of school. Below are some of the major concerns students shared with me last year, along with some tips on how teachers can help alleviate those fears: 1. Im afraid Ill get lost. This was the No. 1 fear students articulated to me. My school is fairly small, but I know some school campuses encompass several buildings. To help students acclimate to a new environment, advisory and homeroom teachers can take students on tours around the building. Student-mentors from the senior class can also pitch in to help freshmen get acquainted with their new school. Dont forget how much reassuring words can help, whether theyre from teachers or fellow students. I usually tell incoming freshmen, Look, no one knows where they are going on the first few days. Just ask someone to point you in the right direction. Youll have it down in no time at all. 2. Im scared my teachers will be hard/mean/tough. The second biggest concern, especially from freshmen, can easily be allayed. I encourage my students to visit their teachers before or after school to say hello, to establish relationships, and to ask clarifying questions about the course and assignments. During class, teachers should let students know when they are available after or before school. Even so, some students may be too shy or tentative to visit on their own, and teachers may need to reach out to them first. Sometimes Ill ask students to stop by after school because I have a quick question for them. Phrasing it that way is much less intimidating than saying, See me after school. 3. Im scared I wont be able to use the technology. Its critical to provide students with a friendly environment where they feel safe enough to take risks and ask questions about unfamiliar technology. I teach in a low-income, urban school, and many of my students do not have access to technology at home. I can sympathize with students who have never used Google Drive before, because not so long ago I was in their shoes. Throughout the school year, groups of students at my school meet with an assigned teacher for academic and social support during advisory time . Recently, when my school transitioned from a 1:1 iPad program to a 1:1 Chromebook program, we held a three-hour advisory period to help students learn to use their new Chromebooks. Students helped one another during this time, with more advanced Chromebook users assisting the novices. It was exciting to see my students embracing the role of teacher, learning from each other, and sharing tips and strategies, so they could all master the use of their Chromebooks. 4. Im afraid I wont make friends. The social aspects of school can be frightening. I learned about the Buddy Bench from a nightly newscast and immediately thought the idea was ingenious: Students who are looking for a friend (whether on the playground, in the cafeteria, or in another location) can sit on the buddy bench, and students who are not sitting on the bench can ask that student to join them and make a new friend. This idea originated in Germany, and a Pennsylvania elementary school student is credited with bringing it to the United States. In the upper grades, advisories can help. Since advisory classes or groups usually stay together for four years, students really get to know one another. Icebreakers like gatherings"an activity that was introduced in my school last year, in which students answer a common question and then share their thoughts with the groupenable students to feel safer and more comfortable. Joining sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities can also help students build relationships. These provide opportunities for students to make friends who share their interests and to make great memories. Teachers and social workers can keep their eyes out for students who might benefit from clubs and activities, and then encourage those students to join. For example, I often recruit students from my classes to join the culture club I sponsor; after a few activities together, it is heartwarming to see new friendships grow and flourish. 5. Im terrified of my Advanced Placement or honors class. Students who challenge themselves with a rigorous curriculum frequently worry about keeping up. I often emphasize to my students that time-management and strong organizational skills are half the battlestaying on top of work, not waiting until the last minute, and keeping a calendar are extremely important for success. I also encourage students to meet with their teachers for extra help. Honors and AP teachers, like all teachers, want to see students succeed, and they are willing to stay late, provide extra practice, and answer questions. The student just needs to show up! On my first day of high school back in 1972, I didnt disappoint my sister and her friends: I fell down a flight of stairs in my brand-new platform shoes and landed in front of the boys locker room. But after a few weeks, I connected with my teachers, joined some clubs, and carried around an assignment book that helped me stay on top of my work. Similarly, if educators at a school all work together to recognize and assuage students back-to-school jitters, we can ensure that school is a fun and safe place that offers students endless opportunities. So, heres to starting a fun and exciting new school year! Just remember to leave the platform shoes at home. Search All categories Advertising General Aerospace General Agriculture General Airlines General America - Post 9/11 General Apparel General Apple Products General Architectural General Architecture Architecture Art & Entertainments Books Celebrities Country Music Dance Magazines Movies Museums Music Music Downloads News & Talk Shows Performing Arts Photography Television Web Sites Arts/Culture General Auction General Automotive Aftermarket Classic Autos Consumer Publications General Motorcycle & Bike Racing Recreational Vehicle Repair & Service Trade Publications Blogging & Social Media Blogging & Social Media Business Advertising / Marketing Books Consumer Research Direct Marketing e-Commerce Entrepreneurs Finance Franchise Human Resources Insurance Investment Management Markets Network Marketing Online Marketing / SEO Payday Loans Public Relations Publications Real Estate Retail Stocks Supermarkets Women in Business Careers/HR General Chemical General Coaching / Mentoring Coaching / Mentoring Computers Apple Products Databases Games & Entertainment General Hosting Instruction Linux / GNU "Open Source" Macintosh Microsoft Windows PC Operating Systems Programming Security Software Tablet PCs Utilities Construction General Consumer Gifts and Collectibles Hobbies Web sites / Internet Design Graphic Design Industrial Web E-Cigarette General eCommerce General Economy General Education College / University General Home Schooling K-12 Post Graduate Technical Electronics General Email Marketing General EmailWire Press Releases Press Release Tips Employment/Careers General Engineering General Entertainment General Environment General Events / Trade Shows General Finance General Food General Franchise General Fraud / Identity Theft General Gaming General Government General Judicial Law Enforcement Legislative Local National Public Services Security State Transportation Healthcare General Home and Family Banking / Personal Finance Bereavement / Loss Home Furnishings / Interiors Landscaping & Gardening Marriage / Relationships Money Parenting Payday Loans Pets Taxes Wedding / Bridal Home Schooling General Hotels/Resorts General Household General Industry Aerospace / Defense Agriculture Apparel / Textiles Broadcast Construction / Building Electrical Food Funeral Healthcare Leisure / Hospitality Logistics / Shipping Manufacturing / Production Mining / Metals Oil / Energy Paper / Forest Products Plumbing, Heating & AC Print Media Printing Publishing Radio Restaurants Tobacco Toy Insurance General Internet/Online General Legal General Leisure General Lifestyle Beauty Dating / Singles Diet / Weight Loss Fashion Food / Beverage Health & Fitness Hotel / Resorts Pastimes Restaurants Retirement Travel & Tourism Machinery General Maritime General Medical Addiction Allergies Alternative Medicine Asthma Cancer Cardiology Chiropractic Dental Dermatology Diabetes Emergency Family Medicine General General Geriatrics Hospitals Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine Managed Care / HMO Medical Products Mental Health Neurology Nursing Nutrition OB / GYN Pediatrics Pharmaceuticals Physical Therapy Plastic Surgery Psychology Radiology / Imaging Research Sports Medicine Surgery Vision Military General Mining/Metals General Miscellaneous General Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Non-profit General Occupational Safety Occupational Safety Oil/Energy General Opinion / Editorial Opinion / Editorial Paper Products General Paper/Forest General Pharmaceuticals General Podcasting Announce Tools and Services Politics Politics Print Media General Public Utilities Public Utilities Publishing General Radio General Real Estate General Religion Christian General Islam Jewish Other Restaurants General Retail General RSS & Content Syndication RSS & Content Syndication Science and Research Science and Research Self-Help / Personal Growth Self-Help / Personal Growth Shipbuilding General Society African American Interests Asian Interests Childrens Issues Disabled Issues / Disabilities Gay / Lesbian Hispanic Mens Interests Native American Senior Citizens Social Services Teen Issues/Interests Womens Interest Software General Sports Baseball Basketball Bicycling Boating / Maritime Bowling Boxing Fishing Football Golf Hockey Hunting Martial Arts Outdoors Rugby Soccer Tennis Water Winter/Snow Sports/Fitness General Stocks General Supermarkets General Technology Biotechnology Computer Electronics Enterprise Software Games Graphics/Printing/CAD Hardware / Peripherals Industrial Information Internet Multimedia Networking Public Sector/Government Robotics Semiconductor Software Telecommunications Webmasters Telecom General Wireless Television General Tobacco General Trade General Transportation General Travel General Utilities General Volunteer Volunteer Weather Weather JEFFERSON CITY State Sen. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, last week welcomed the Missouri National Guard Associations announcement of his selection for the Charles Dick Medal of Merit from the National Guard Association of the United States. I am humbly honored to receive this award, said Sen. Wallingford. Both the United States and Missouri associations have done tremendous jobs advocating for the men and women in the Guard, and I am grateful for their appreciation and commitment. Established in 1988, the Charles Dick Medal of Merit is awarded to members of Congress and state legislatures and governors who have provided exceptionally strong support to, and left a lasting effect on the future of the National Guard. Joining fellow recipients United States Representatives Tulsi Gabbard, Andy Barr, Walter Jones and Kentucky State Representative Tim Moore, Sen. Wallingford was recognized for his efforts in the Missouri Legislature, such as introducing legislation to provide tax deductions for Missouri residents who are members of the National Guard. A veteran who served in the United States Air Force and engaged in combat missions in North and South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and six deployments during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the senator will formally receive the award Dec. 9, 2017, at the Annual National Guard Birthday Ball, which will celebrate the 381st anniversary of the National Guards founding. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Newscity Motion Filed Against City's Sick Leave Ballot An emergency motion to block the city from using what was referred to as an illegal ballot was filed last week by advocates for a mandatory sick leave law. The motion was made in response to the City Council's decision during a July 10 meeting to print the full text of the Healthy Workforce Ordinance (HWO) on the official ballot. To fit the full text on the ballot, it will have to be printed in approximately 7-point print size, which proponents of the law say is illegal due to a stipulation in the federal voting systems guidelines of the state's Election Code requiring election ballots to be printed at a minimum of 8.5-point font or larger. The emergency motion was filed in Second Judicial District Court to instruct the City Clerk to place a legible summary on the ballot and provide a large-text copy of the full ordinance in each voting booth. Community groups are alleging that city councilors and government are attempting to defeat the law by purposefully obscuring the text. The Healthy Workforce Ordinance is a citizen initiative that would require all businesses physically in Albuquerque to provide paid sick time off for full-time, part-time and temporary workers. The City Council also voted to include an advisory question on the ballot that appears to advocate against the HWO. The emergency motion also requested that this question be removed. The initiative goes to vote October 3. Some High Schools Still Struggling with PARCC According to data released last week, despite a slight rise in overall test scores, many of New Mexico's high school students still performed poorly on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test. A report released by the Public Education Department highlighted the positive strides made by the state's high schools. The results showed that since last year, proficiency in English language arts increased 0.9 percentage points, and proficiency in math dropped 0.2 percentage points. But an analysis of the data performed by the Associated Press found that a majority of high school students in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe combined didn't score proficient or better in math and reading. PARCC is a controversial exam that was designed to find if students from grades 3 to 11 meet Common Core standards. Altogether, in 2017 New Mexico scored 28.6 percent proficiency in English language arts and 19.7 percent in math. An early morning motor vehicle accident on Tuesday took the life of one area man and left another recovering from injuries. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, Adam M. Dallas, 26, of French Village was killed after the car he was driving, a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, overturned on Route D and Hazel Run Road. The report states that Dallas had initially traveled off the right side of the road. He then over-corrected causing his vehicle to travel off the left side of the road. The vehicle overturned and he was ejected. Dallas was pronounced dead at Parkland Health Center-Bonne Terre at 9:27 a.m. as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. Traveling in the car with Dallas was Elissa R. Byington, 18, of Festus. She received moderate injuries as a result of the accident and was transported by St. Francois County Ambulance to Parkland Health Center-Bonne Terre. Both Byington and Dallas were, according to the report, wearing safety belts at the time of the accident. 14 July 2019 14 July 2019 When Elizabeth Hoff was appointed as WHO Representative in Syria in 2012, she didnt expect that she would spend the next several years leading the emergency health response in what has been described as the worlds largest and most complex humanitarian emergency. After seven years of working in the war-ravaged country, the next chapter of her career will take her to Libya, where she has been nominated WHO Representative. I leave Syria with a heavy heart, she says. This has been the richest and most rewarding position... Tyres punctured on vehicle in Douglas Police are appealing for information after the tyres were punctured on a vehicle parked in Douglas. The blue Toyota Avensis GS was parked on Tynwald Road between 6.30pm on Sunday and 6.30 the following morning. Three of the tyres have been punctured by an unknown item. Anyone who saw anything suspicious during this time is asked to contact Police Headquarters on 631212. A Festus man was arrested and charged after police say the man assaulted a deputy during a routine traffic stop on U.S. 67 in St. Francois County. Charles Leonard Jr., 42, is being charged with a class B felony of assault in the second degree. According to a probable cause statement, on July 28, Central Dispatch broadcast over the police radio that there was a possibly intoxicated, careless and imprudent driver driving southbound on U.S. 67 in a white Dodge Neon. A St. Francois County deputy saw the car that matched the description behind four other vehicles in the southbound lanes. The deputy also saw the driver later identified as Leonard Jr. change lanes in an erratic manner multiple times without using his blinker and driving too closely to the other vehicles. Leonard Jr. also honked his horn multiple times while behind the other vehicles, so the deputy turned on his siren and lights to pull Leonard Jr. over. He pulled him over on U.S. 67 just north of the Bonne Terre exit and walked up to Leonard Jr.s car. Leonard Jr. gave the deputy an Illinois State ID and an insurance card. The deputy noticed his pupils were pinpoints and believed Leonard Jr. to be under the influence of narcotics. The deputy returned to his patrol car and contacted Central Dispatch to check for warrants and driving record on Leonard Jr. and to request another deputy to respond due to Leonard Jr.s erratic behavior. The deputy returned to Leonard Jr.s car and asked for consent to search the vehicle, to which he agreed, stating, theres nothing in the car, go ahead. The deputy had Leonard Jr. get out of the car and asked him to place his hands on the trunk of the car so he could do a pat down search for officer safety. Leonard Jr. asked the deputy why and the officer explained that he needed to pat him down to ensure that he did not have any weapons for the deputys safety. Leonard Jr. told the officer no. The deputy again told Leonard Jr. to place his hands on the trunk of the car and Leonard Jr. asked the deputy if he was going to shoot him. The deputy told Leonard Jr. he was not and again told him to place his hands on the car. Leonard Jr. then placed his left hand inside his pants pocket and stated just shoot me. In an attempt to prevent Leonard Jr. from removing a weapon from his pocket, the deputy used a soft hands technique and put Leonard Jr.s right hand behind his back. Leonard Jr. then attempted to pull away from the deputy, causing them both to loose footing and fall into the ditch. While the deputy struggled with him in the ditch, Leonard Jr. struck the left side of the deputys head with his elbow. The deputy saw Leonard Jr. still had his left hand under his body and the deputy told him to quit resisting multiple times, but he refused. The deputy also told him to place his hand behind his back multiple times and he refused. In an attempt to gain control of the situation the deputy used body strikes against Leonard Jr. with no effect. The deputy found his radio in the grass and told Central Dispatch that Leonard Jr. was fighting him. When the other officers arrived, Leonard Jr.s left hand was finally pulled behind his back. In the process, the deputy saw him drop a glass pipe in the grass. Leonard Jr. was placed in handcuffs and the pipe was retrieved, which had residue in it. Leonard Jr. was taken to the county jail and another officer told the deputy he had blood coming from his ear. The deputy was taken to Parkland Hospital due to the injuries he sustained during the struggle. Leonard Jr. was being held in the St. Francois County Jail on a $50,000 bond and upon his release is to have GPS monitoring. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the latest on all the biggest court and crime news in Essex direct from our expert court reporter Yesterday marked the end of a five week trial which saw a man jailed for life for the murder of his step-grandfather. Brian Hurry, 78, was brutally battered to death in the bathroom of his Great Baddow flat by Michael McDonald on June 18 last year. McDonald, 25, viciously and repeatedly smashed the metal bar of a dumbbell into Mr Hurry's skull, before fleeing the pensioner's flat in Bramwoods Road with his mother, 42-year-old Terri Hurry in tow. McDonald, formerly of Tennyson Road, Melbourne, denied his step-grandfather's murder, but admitted to manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. Throughout the trial the father-of-one maintained that he lost control and killed Mr Hurry because he had seen the pensioner and his mother engaged in a compromising position. But it took the jury of twelve little more than three hours to come to a unanimous guilty verdict last Friday (July 28.) The jury were also convinced of the part Terri Hurry played in her father-in-law's death, finding her guilty of perverting the course of justice as she stood alongside her son in the dock. At an earlier stage of proceedings, the mother of McDonald's daughter, Anna Blackwell, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, after she provided her fiance with a false alibi. At Chelmsford Crown Court this morning (August 1), Judge Charles Gratwicke QC passed sentence on the three defendants for their crimes. The sentencing remarks in full "Michael McDonald, you were convicted by the jury of the brutal murder of Brian Hurry on June 18 last year. "Whilst you, Terri Hurry, were convicted by the jury of perverting the course of justice, in disposing of clothing at the time of the killing. "You, Anna Blackwell, pleaded guilty on December 7 of last year for the offence of perverting the course of justice, namely, that you provided a false alibi for your partner Michael McDonald. "In the early hours of the morning of June 18 last year, you Michael McDonald, and you Terri Hurry, were in Brian Hurry's flat." He said: "Whether it was because you found your mother in a compromising position with Brian Hurry or for some other reason, something this court cannot be absolutely certain. "But what is certain, is that you took that metal bar in the bathroom and set upon Brian Hurry, hitting him about the head with such ferocity and strength, that you smashed his skull in, driving it towards the brain by an inch. "It was not a single blow, as the evidence made clear. "You battered the life out of him. This was a merciless, sustained attack on a defenceless 78-year-old man who stood no chance as you viciously attacked him." The judge said: "And for what? He had never hurt you. You even said you loved him. "He never hurt you, on the contrary, this man, who others have described as likable and generous, had shown you nothing but affection and generosity. "He had welcomed you into his family and you paid his kindness and affection by beating the life out of him. "As a result of your actions, Brian Hurry lost his life." He said: "The victim impact statement makes clear his sons have been left devastated by the loss of their father and I have no doubt that the consequences of your actions will live with them for a long time. "You know, because I know you have been told, that the only sentence this court can pass is one of life imprisonment. "You have been before the courts in the past, but let me make it clear, I do not take into account any other previous convictions. "The offence is aggravated by the brutal way in which you killed Brian Hurry. "He clearly, on the evidence, was not killed by the first blow. He was vulnerable because of his age and murdered in his own home." McDonald must serve a minimum of 17 years Taking into account McDonald's various mental health disorders and the lack of premeditation, Judge Gratwicke sentenced him to a life in prison, ordering that he must serve at least 17 years before he can be considered eligible for parole. Turning to Terri Hurry, he continued: "I make it clear that I put out of my mind what the court has heard about your behaviour concerning events leading up to the death of Brian Hurry. "You were present at the murder scene. "You clearly, given the size of the flat, must have rapidly become aware of what was happening and you fled the scene with your co-defendant son. "Thereafter, you became involved in the disposal of the clothes worn by you and your son, with the clear intention of removing incriminating evidence which you believed would link you and him to the scene. "Your conduct, in so doing, was to pervert the course of justice - a very serious matter and a sentence of imprisonment there must be." Hurry was then sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. Turning to Blackwell, Judge Gratwicke continued: "And you, Anna Blackwell, gave a statement, you provided that statement and in it you lied in order to protect your partner. "The offence you have pleaded guilty to clearly crosses the custody threshold." But Judge Gratwicke did not immediately jail Blackwell, instead, he ordered that her sentence of 18 months in prison be suspended for two years, as "an act of mercy" for the sake of her sick daughter, Lily Rose. Blackwell was also ordered to pay 500 in costs, complete 20 days of rehabilitative activity, and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Germany is pushing the European Commission to halt talks with Ankara over revamping the customs union, saying that it would send a wrong signal to continue the negotiations. The German government wants the EU executive to suspend preparatory work to modernize the EU-Turkey Customs Union, which entered into force in 1995 but encompasses only certain categories of goods. In addition to providing for a common external tariff for these categories, the union also foresees that Ankara will align to the EU law in several essential market areas with focus on industrial standards. However, bilateral trade between the two countries has soared in recent years and the agreement needs to be updated. At the end of 2016, the EU Commission asked the European Council to kick start new negotiations with the aim to update the customs union. However, Germany says that in light of the most recent political developments in Turkey, the talks should be frozen and other measures should be implemented, such as financial pressure on Ankara should be intensified. Berlin moreover says that Turkeys pre-accession aid (IPA) should be targeted even more towards supporting democracy and the rule of law and, may the need arise, the European Commission should also suspend all pre-accession aid to Ankara. Germany is said to expect the Commission to shift funding away from Turkey in a way that is meaningful compared to the overall funding Turkey receives under the IPA schemes. Turkeys main exports to the EU and imports from the EU are mostly industrial, namely 95% of all its imports and exports. Since 1996, Turkeys gross domestic product has gone up 4 times, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. What about people who have already logged thei EOI but haven't received an invitation yet? Do you think that they can be affected by new process? I am wondering if I can be invited before new process is implemented. I've applied EOI for 261312 (Developer Programmer) 65 (189) points and 70 (19). EOI date of effect: 16-06-2017. What do you think? In many ways I was in a similar scenario earlier this year when we moved over from the UK. I didnt pursue an expat package but moved within my company on a local open ended contract (global tech company) in the same role on the same pay point but on the UAE salary scale etc etc so I can pretty much compare apples to apples in my world. Comparing my UK package pre tax to UAE there was around about an 85% uplift (including minimum bonuses in each location) this doesn't take into account that any stock I get allocated is also now tax free. That 85% base uplift gives me a 'take home' uplift of about 125% (after I've paid my rent). That said there are some things i got as benefits in the UK that I dont get here but make minimal difference. So although the 100k jump may seem a lot I dont think it is. Personally I wouldnt have moved here for the same as I earned in the UK even though it is tax free. If you already earn 200k in the UK, then you take 200k here including allowances by the time you remove housing (and education ? ) that starts to eat into your tax saving unless you get housing in the UK ? tod-daniels I was merely raising some questions about how it would stand up under close examination. Why isn't the Elite Visa mentioned anywhere in the Immigration Laws? Stop being an Elite Visa member you lose your visa. You don't have to do 90 Day check ins in the major tourist regions. The staff does them. tod-daniels, you just seem to look down your nose at anyone who questions a method that sidesteps all the recognized immigration laws. It is true that Thailand makes it very easy for laws to be circumvented. It's built in to the fabric of the society. It would be very easy for the Elite Visa company to make it's own visa stamp like you showed in you post. It would also be very easy for the Elite Visa company to handle everything in their own offices without any of it every seeing a real immigration officer. The tea money could be substantial. I'm not being negative. I'm just asking some legitimate questions. Questions, by the way, that you failed to answer. As far as my speculation, sure. I've looked at the available information and came to a possible conclusion. I may be wrong, but, it's similar to seeing a cat squished on a busy street and speculating that it was hit by a vehicle. Probably a safe conclusion even though you didn't see it happen. My point is this: I'm not saying the Elite Visa membership program doesn't work. Many things work in Thailand because the wheels of the bureaucracy are heavily greased - land sales, licenses, building permits, visas. The Elite Visa membership program seems to operate outside of the immigration laws. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The first major battle between South Texans and the one of the regions pioneering shale drillers will go to court in early 2018, with ranchers and mineral owners accusing Chesapeake Energy and its partners of underpaying tens of millions of dollars in royalties. The legal battle reaches back to the early days of the oil boom, when companies raced to acquire drilling rights on the western edge of the Eagle Ford Shale, a 400-mile oil field that swoops across South Texas. The drilling frenzy has slowed, since oil peaked above $100 per barrel, crashed to $26 and since has recovered to the high $40s, but the royalty fights have grown in volume and complexity. Since the first handful of lawsuits were filed last year, about 130 plaintiffs have joined in to sue Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake and the Chinese National Offshore Oil Corp., which invested more than $1 billion in Chesapeakes Eagle Ford acreage in 2010 as a drilling partner. This week, San Antonio-based Frost Bank became the first institutional plaintiff to join the fight. Frost is suing on behalf of some of the mineral trusts it manages in Dimmit, La Salle and Webb counties, and attorneys say the Frost trusts will add another 20 plaintiffs to the case. The first trial originally was set for November in Dimmit County and includes nine families who hold around 20,000 acres of mineral rights, but it was bumped to Feb. 5 Monday afternoon by state District Judge Cathleen Stryker, whos managing the pretrial details from San Antonio. Opposing attorneys have been wrangling all year over scheduling, depositions and how to group plaintiffs together in an effort to streamline trials. The unhappy mineral owners in Dimmit, La Salle and McMullen counties signed leases with Chesapeake starting about 2009, the early days of the Eagle Ford boom when shale pioneer Aubrey McClendon was running the company. At the time, companies were racing to get a foothold into the new oil and gas field, where horizontal drilling was being combined with hydraulic fracturing, a process of using massive amounts of water, sand and chemicals pumped at high pressure to crack open tight rocks. Chesapeake was one of the first companies in the Eagle Ford and at one time had more acreage than anyone else leasing 785,000 acres in the region at the peak, company investor presentations stated. There are several allegations in the Chesapeake Eagle Ford lawsuits. Some of the key ones are that Chesapeake underpaid by basing the royalties on improper volumes and prices for oil, gas and natural gas liquids and that the company charged post-production costs for things such as moving products to market, which was not allowed under the terms of the lease. So-called post-production costs often are a point of contention between mineral owners and energy producers, though the details of what can and cant be charged to royalty owners are listed in mineral leases that can vary widely across the region. Some people signed a Producers 88 a decades-old lease form that gives oil and gas companies wide latitude. South Texas mineral leases, however, are notorious for their complexity, and considered the toughest of all U.S. shale fields. Its common for Eagle Ford leases to stipulate all sorts of things: forbidding a company from deducting post-production costs; demanding continuous drilling of new wells every 90 days to hold a lease; regulations on the speed limit trucks can travel on vast ranches; or forbidding oil and gas activity during prime hours for hunting during deer season. One of the more complex and potentially lucrative aspects of the South Texas lawsuits is drainage, the idea that a well drilled on another property but within a certain number of feet of your lease line is considered to be draining your oil too, requiring a royalty to be paid, or a well to be drilled on your property to capture the oil instead. There are 54 draining wells in the first group of Dimmit County cases that will go to trial. Chesapeakes attorneys say drainage claims have mushroomed over the last several months, requiring delaying the trial from November to February (a motion which Stryker granted). We can only whack the moles as they pop up, attorney Christopher Silio said. Sileo also asked Stryker to split the first of the Dimmit County plaintiffs into even smaller trial groups (which Stryker denied). The lawyer argued that unique geologic issues, different lease forms, unrelated mineral owners and tracts of land scattered around Dimmit County make it difficult to lump the cases together. The amount of information that is going to have to be imparted to a jury is beyond human comprehension as these cases are now postured, Sileo said. There are practical hurdles that Stryker must manage, though. Chief among them is that rural South Texas courts would be overwhelmed by dozens of similar-but-separate mineral lawsuits. McMullen County has a full-time population estimated at just 820, which will make finding a jury pool that doesnt know something about Chesapeake or a mineral owner especially tough. (They will have to, though. The McMullen County mineral owners also put mandatory venue provisions in their leases that demand a trial on home turf). George Parker Young, an attorney for the group of South Texas mineral owners, told Stryker at the hearing Monday that if the groups get whittled down so much that only one or two mineral owners at a time goes to trial, judges in South Texas will not be happy. 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. I suspect youll hear from them, Young said. I suspect, Stryker replied. Well hear about it too, Young said. Chesapeake has sold some South Texas acreage and let other mineral leases expire in the region, but it remains one of the largest companies operating in South Texas. McClendon eventually was ousted as CEO and died in a single-car collision in Oklahoma the day after he was indicted on an unrelated issue involving Chesapeake in that state. Chesapeake now holds about 270,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford and had seven drilling rigs at work there recently. Most of its acreage is in La Salle, Dimmit and McMullen counties, though it also holds acreage in Frio, Webb, Zavala, Maverick and Atascosa counties, its investor presentations state. While mineral owners often assume their royalty payments are correct, Texas courts have made clear they have the burden of discovering any problems and taking legal action. The Texas Supreme Court doesnt like stale claims people have four years to make a contract complaint or that opportunity is gone for good. Chesapeake has faced royalty lawsuits in other states, too. In 2015, Chesapeake settled a lawsuit involving gas royalties in Oklahoma. It paid $119 million to royalty owners there. Royalty owners in Pennsylvania, where the Marcellus Shale is located, also have sued Chesapeake. The Texas Supreme Court last year ruled in Chesapeake vs. Hyder, a Barnett Shale case, that Chesapeake could not deduct post-production costs from a lease that had language that shifted those costs to the company. The Hyder family won nearly $1 million. Talk about an employees F-bombs blowing up in his face. Youve likely heard of Anthony Scaramuccis profanity-laced phone call with a New Yorker reporter, where the then-communications director for the White House scorched the line with a fiery tirade against then-Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Trump Chief Strategist Steve Bannon and Scaramuccis own communications staff. Scaramucci was ousted Monday after less than two weeks on the job, no thanks to a bleep-worthy meltdown President Donald Trump felt was inappropriate for a person in that position, according to White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. This from a commander in chief whos faced his own criticism for using what he called locker room talk in a lewd conversation about women captured on a hot mic in 2005. Youd think profanity was the new norm on the job, what with it already so prevalent in the daily discourse both aloud and on social media, not to mention its pervasiveness in movies and television. Or maybe its these kids today with their cussing across cubicles. A recent survey of 1,542 workers by work software management company Wrike found two-thirds of millennials swear in the workplace, while an equally profane 54 percent of workers ages 30 and older (basically your Generation Xers and Baby Boomers) report swearing at work. Which all brings up a few choice words about swearing while on the job. Well, basically three words that experts and moms immemorial would tell you before washing out your mouth with soap: Dont do it. Even though we have a contentious political climate, and we have our leaders using foul language, it still does not give you free rein, said national etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, who owns the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio. I just think that its always better to refrain from cursing. And the reality is, it can affect your career. Seldom if ever does it benefit you. Gottsman said youre always more professional if you can contain your emotions. Cussing under your breath when you slam your thumb in a drawer is one thing. But going after someone with a diatribe of profanity? Thats never OK, Gottsman said, on or off the clock. It is not acceptable behavior to be uncivil, Gottsman said. Even with a more relaxed workforce, incivility among peers or to your boss or to your client is still not acceptable. Words matter. Those are the very words on the back of the business card of Jerry Acuff, leadership expert and founder and CEO of Delta Point, a life sciences consulting company thats worked with 15 of the top 100 companies in the world. Acuff joked his mom and dad are in the hall of fame for cursing and hes not far behind them. But that doesnt include swearing at work, a problem Acuff said likely happens more now because of leadership that either uses such coarse language in front of employees or doesnt stress enough to staff not to do so. So the big thing is what happens in these kinds of situations is (Scaramucci) feels empowered to be himself, his sort of naked, transparent self, Acuff said. Because thats how Trump appears to be most of the time. The seed of the leader is the seed of the group. Acuff said he isnt against profanity, just profanity in improper places. But even if you feel comfortable enough with a colleague to pepper your talk with salty language, Acuff warned that you dont know most people as well as you think, so you must be careful. What you say as an employee reflects on you and your employer. Most people I would say who want to be successful want to exude class, Acuff said. You dont sound classy when you talk trashy. That goes for your more high-pressure vocations where cuss words may fly like bullets. Take Scaramuccis previous gig as a Wall Street financier. That setting is so stressful its very namesake is associated with swearing, what with the film The Wolf of Wall Street setting a record for the most uses of the F-word with 506. Michael Taylor is a business columnist for the Express-News and Houston Chronicle and a former Goldman Sachs bond salesman. He said Scaramuccis rant wasnt just inappropriate, it also was a wannabe image of a more dated take on Wall Street, such as 1987s Wall Street with Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko. Taylor said profanity is likely widespread in the highly competitive world of finance or any kind of stressful work environment where one needs to establish aggression, a thick skin and an inside group for using a certain kind of language. However... I think of profanity as a backstage voice you would not use in the front of the stage, such as with clients or your managers or even your subordinates, Taylor said. And just because financiers may sound like soldiers cussing a streak in a modern war film, that doesnt mean the military gives profanity a pass. For instance, according to Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, indecent language communicated to another is punishable. I can tell you from my Air Force days that they do not condone the use of profanity in the workplace, said San Antonio attorney Joseph Esparza, a former Air Force Judge Advocate General. Esparza visited numerous bases during his days in the military and said such talk was never the norm or constant. Nevertheless, he did once defend someone who was court martialed for indecent language and later acquitted. A court martial for indecent language is very rare in the military, Esparza said, but punishment can include a verbal counseling, a letter of reprimand or a nonjudicial punishment that could result in a reduction in rank and forfeiture of pay. As for enduring foul language in your more white-collar trenches, the aforementioned Wrike survey found only 22 percent of millennials said they were bothered by others cussing at work, while nearly twice as many (40 percent) Gen X and Baby Boomer workers said the same. Indeed, the top sentiment of the older generations surveyed found such language too casual and unprofessional, while the top sentiment among millennials surveyed was such language doesnt make a difference. Yet Gottsman stressed young adults may be casual but are far from disrespectful. I work with millennials on a regular basis, Gottsman said. And they are smart, and they are sharp, and they know how to behave professionally. Beyond biting your tongue before you cuss, Gottsman said it helps to know what youre talking about so youre comfortable enough with your topic to express yourself without profanity. Such smarts can temper any profane outbursts. Its one thing to feel a strong emotional attachment to a discussion, Gottsman said. But such passion should always look and especially sound professional. And if you do slip up, Acuff said you should apologize immediately. After all, it only takes one foul word to, well, foul up a career. Lets face it, Gottsman said, when you lose control, you lose your power. rguzman@express-news.net Twitter: @reneguz Reports that the Justice Department is poised to investigate and potentially litigate race-based affirmative action at colleges and universities shocked many higher education observers - including Edward Blum, who leads two national organizations stringently opposed to the practice. Blum, who backed the Sugar Land student Abigail Fisher in her Supreme Court case against the University of Texas at Austin last summer, now "welcomes" support from students, advocacy groups and, yes, the federal agency. "If the decision (is) made to help Students for Fair Admissions in (its) cases," he said, "we would be greatly delighted." The news reports, which a federal official challenged Wednesday, kicked up again the dust that had settled beneath last summer's Fisher v. UT-Austin ruling which found the university's affirmative action policies constitutional. The agency's civil rights division, The New York Times reported this week, is recruiting lawyers for the directive, which it said relates to race-based discrimination against white applicants in college and university admissions. HoustonChronicle.com: Supreme Court upholds University of Texas' use of race in admissions A sweeping directive as described by the Times could bring new legislation against public and private colleges and universities that consider an applicant's race when they consider which lucky students to accept, legal experts said Wednesday. Attorneys described possible ways that such a directive could play out and said, if the reports are confirmed, that elite universities that consider race in admissions should begin collecting data on their admissions policies, anticipating potential challenges. 'Intentional discrimination' Sarah Isgur Flores, the Department of Justice's spokeswoman, said late Wednesday that the job posting described by The Times sought volunteers to investigate an administrative complaint that the Obama administration left unresolved. The Times, quoting an obtained document, said the department sought lawyers to work on "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions." "This Department of Justice has not received or issued any directive, memorandum, initiative or policy related to university admissions in general," Flores said in a statement, calling the Times' story inaccurate. The Times' obtained document implied that the federal government could investigate campuses that consider applicants' race and then challenge the legality of specific policies in the courts, said Susan Sturm, a Columbia Law School professor specializing in higher education and institutional and social change. Considering race in admissions to recruit a diverse student body, Sturm said, is "justified constitutionally." Still, she said, "the risk is that colleges and universities will cave into a policy that threatens to shut down lawful efforts (toward) diversity." If a broader investigation were to proceed, it would be sure to be divisive in Texas, home to the nation's most recent large-scale affirmative action fight. Abigail Fisher, the white Sugar Land student backed by Blum who sued UT-Austin after she was denied admission in 2008, argued that the university's decision to admit non-white students with worse grades than hers violated the 14th Amendment. UT-Austin won that decision 4-3 last summer. Mishell Kneeland, an assistant attorney general working for UT-Austin on the Fisher v. Texas case in 2008, said she would expect the Supreme Court's new composition to side 5-4 in favor of affirmative action being constitutional, should litigation rise to that stage. Justice Elena Kagan, who recused herself in the Fisher case, would likely support affirmative action policies, and Justice Neil Gorsuch would likely oppose them, she said. Still, she said, that's no assurance for universities who may be targets of future investigations. "I can assume right now all of the admissions people at these schools are looking at (their policies) and trying to figure out if they could possibly be a target," she said. Reports of this new directive come shortly after Blum's group Students for Fair Admissions filed a new lawsuit in Travis County District Court against UT-Austin, alleging that its use of race in admissions violates the Texas Constitution. UT-Austin slammed the new suit as a "retread" of prior litigation, a characterization Blum rejects. 'Wait a few years' UT-Austin president Gregory Fenves said earlier this week that the university still "believes in and will defend" its admissions processes, responding to the new lawsuit. He said a diverse campus is "essential" to prepare students to work in a global business environment. UT-Austin spokesman J.B. Bird said in an email Wednesday that the university will "closely review any DOJ policies as they are released." Attorneys said Wednesday that they believe UT-Austin is likely protected from future litigation, given the recent Fisher ruling. "If you go after a university that's passed muster," Kneeland said, "I would wait a few years." Common practice Colleges that weigh race in admissions often say that it's just one of many things they consider when making the decision on whether to admit an applicant. Sturm said race-based affirmative action policies generally are in practice at elite schools with low acceptance rates. Rice University spokesman B.J. Almond declined to comment on Wednesday, but the university does consider race in its admissions processes. The University of Houston does not, spokesman Mike Rosen said in an email. UH's decisions ride on applicants' test scores and class rank. HoustonChronicle.com: UT students urge suspension of conservative group after "affirmative action bake sale" Neither does Texas A&M University, spokeswoman Amy Smith said, adding that the school has bolstered outreach to diverse prospective students to urge them to apply. Aggies set up regional advisers from El Paso to Dallas to the Rio Grande Valley to meet with prospective students and answer any questions. "If this is a place that is of interest," she said, "we certainly want to make sure we welcome people of all backgrounds." Michael Olivas, a law professor at the University of Houston who specializes in higher education law, said many campuses are "desperate for students" and aren't weighing race as they consider who to accept. For months after the Fisher ruling, conversation about affirmative action at UT-Austin died down. But in the fall semester, a campus protest brought forward students' intense emotions on the topic. Conservative prospects UT-Austin's chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas held an "affirmative action bake sale" on the campus' West Mall, charging different prices for goods depending on the race and gender of each customer. Hundreds of protesters came to the scene, where groups of students yelled viscerally at one another. After the Fisher ruling, Gregory Vincent, UT-Austin's former vice president for diversity and community engagement, recalled feeling that affirmative action was well litigated, from the 2003 case Grutter v. Bollinger to the present. HoustonChronicle.com: UT-Austin timeline on affirmative action shows history in US, Texas And admissions professionals at private and public universities had "faithfully" followed the mandate from that 2003 case, to use race as just one factor among many and to narrowly tailor their policies. Still, Vincent, who is now the president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York, recalled saying after the ruling, "elections have consequences." "The one thing I did mention was if the composition of the court changed dramatically," he said, "the door could be opened again." Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to sue universities that use affirmative action in admissions, a move that could have major implications for Texas colleges and universities and alarmed Texas education advocates. The Trump administration is planning to focus on investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions, according to a document obtained by the New York Times. While the document does not explicitly state the department would crack down on affirmative action, the phrasing has been widely interpreted as a threat to policies that enable universities to increase the presence of minority students on campus. Potential litigation by the Justice Department would impact public universities, as well as private universities that receive federal funding. The news was criticized by San Antonio higher education officials and others who said the development comes at a time when Latinos, African Americans and other minorities need educational access that benefits the overall educational experience on Texas college campuses. The potential shift in policy comes as the University of Texas at Austin continues to grapple with legal challenges to its affirmative action policy. For years, the flagship university defended its use of race in admissions for some students against challenges from Abigail Fisher, a student who claimed she was rejected by the school because she is white. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the universitys favor. In late June, another lawsuit was filed challenging the program, which takes into account race as one of several factors in considering the applications of students who were not automatically admitted under the schools Top 10 Percent rule. The United States Supreme Court reviewed this same admissions process through eight years of litigation in the case of Fisher v. the University of Texas at Austin, said President Gregory L. Fenves in a July 31 statement, after the most recent lawsuit was filed. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the universitys admissions policy, affirming the universitys use of race and ethnicity as one factor in our holistic admissions process. The university believes in and will defend our admissions process, which has not changed since the ruling, the statement said. In a statement, representatives for Trinity University said the Justice Departments project would not impact the universitys admissions practices, which do not rely on racial quota or point systems. Trinity University treats each applicant as an individual in the admissions process. Diversity is about much more than just race, the statement said. It is also about socio-economics, geography, and other attributes of life experience and background. It is of vital interest to Trinity to bring together students from many backgrounds and points of view, which better prepares students to live in a pluralistic world. Former St. Marys University president Charles Cotrell criticized the proposal to run the new effort out of the Justice Departments front office, where the Trump administration has placed political appointees, as reported by the Times. Reportedly, the policy would not be handled by the Justice Departments educational opportunities section, where career civil servants work. That division has been tasked with handling case work involving higher education. That tells you its a political effort speaking to some parts of Trumps base, said Cotrell, now a professor of political science at St. Marys. The move, he said, comes at a time when the number of Latino and African American students is growing. Affirmative action programs can provide lawful means of access for minority students, he said, students that can bolster universities claims of diversity. You have large numbers of people who need the access effective (affirmative action) programs give you, Cotrell said. Its a time when the minority population is in the greatest need for lawful and effective access to education that can change their lives. Thats just demographics. This is exactly the time they need effective admissions standards that bring about diverse universities. Its definitely the case in Texas. Olga Garza Kauffman, a San Antonio health specialist with Urban Strategies, a national nonprofit with offices on the citys East Side, credited affirmative action policies for her professional success and that of her siblings. Kauffman, a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of farm workers, attended UT-Austin for three years before transferring to St. Marys University. Her siblings followed in her footsteps, with two of her sisters earning masters degrees in education. Her brother started his own business after earning a business degree. The remainder of her seven siblings attended community colleges. (We) owe our successes in life to the brave political leaders of the time who saw fit to give children growing up in poverty and discrimination the opportunity to both succeed and contribute to our country, she said. District 4 Councilman Rey Saldana, who represents the citys South Side, said affirmative action admission policies helped him as a student at Stanford University, though hes unsure if he was a direct beneficiary of affirmative action. People start from different starting lines, Saldana said. You have to admit the reality on the ground. He said bringing his first-generation college experience and his fathers immigrant struggle to Stanford benefitted the university experience for other students. He also learned from students whose backgrounds were far different than his, he said. Saldana criticized the Trump administrations plan to put admissions policy in the hands of political appointees at the Justice Department. Its nakedly political to reach a political end, the councilman said. lcaruba@express-news.net Staff writers Elaine Ayala and Silvia Foster-Frau contributed to this report. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Gloria Torres was at a Southwest Side hair salon with her family Tuesday when she heard screeching tires and saw a Ford F-150 pickup spinning 360 degrees on Southwest Military Drive. The truck crashed into her mothers parked Jeep and another car in the salon parking lot, throwing the pickup driver from behind the steering wheel into the passenger seat. But the man didnt react the way Torres expected. He climbed back into the drivers seat. He looked at us. I saw his face. It didnt look like he was all there, said Torres, 23. The driver then put his pickup in reverse, crashing into another vehicle before taking off along Southwest Military Drive, creating chaos. Police said the man perhaps intentionally caused multiple crashes that ultimately involved possibly more than 10 vehicles and spanned half a mile. He stopped only when his pickup slammed into a familys trailer house near Bynum Avenue and Southwest Military Drive. The man, whose name wasnt released, was found to be suffering from a mental crisis, police Sgt. Douglas Greene said. Police learned the man had injured himself at his home before driving erratically for a half mile and causing the crashes shortly after 3 p.m. He was being held under an emergency detention at San Antonio Military Medical Center late Tuesday. In all, 12 people, including seven children, were taken to several hospitals, Greene said. Another adult and two children also were in serious condition. Two of the victims were thrown from a Chevrolet Suburban, Greene said. Witnesses told police it looked like the man was purposely striking other cars, Greene said. He added that after crashing into the trailer house, the driver was pinned inside his truck and was combative. Torres, who was with her children, mother and a cousin at Lupitas Salon De Belleza, was frightened. I was shaking really bad, she said. Ive never seen anything like that. Lisa Aldaco, one of the residents of the trailer house, was trying to help her 2-year-old grandson fall asleep when she heard a loud boom. I ended up on the floor, said Aldaco, 46, making an explosive motion with her hands. Her husband, Steven Aldaco, 48, was near tears. To begin with, we didnt have much and what we did have that was worth anything is destroyed, he said. The impact of the crash caused a TV to fall and hit the couples 6-year-old grandson. That child was checked by paramedics, but was not taken to the hospital. The family members said they didnt have a place to sleep and were trying to figure out what to do. Two crash victims, Noreen Torres, 23, and 1-year-old Gabriella Garcia, who were in a Toyota Yaris, were taken to University Hospital in stable condition, police said. None of the other crash victims names had been released by police. Investigators used a helicopter to capture aerial photos of the wreckage. Portions of Southwest Military Drive remained closed for several hours. pohare@express-news.net Staff Writers Fares Sabawi and Jacob Beltran contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Amazons Alexa didnt mince words in telling Darrius Jones, who asked whether he could afford $100 on dinner, that he already was $18.14 over his monthly restaurant budget. Alexa didnt argue over how the money was spent. She didnt judge. She simply relayed the information in her cool, monotone, not-quite-human voice thats become a family fixture in more than 10 million homes across the U.S. The assistant vice president of USAA Labs was demoing the financial services giants latest pet project last week. Using a fake account, he showed off a new USAA pilot program launched Wednesday that gives customers account access via voice command using Amazons Alexa. The San Antonio company is currently looking for customers to try it out by signing up online. Its designed to help with budgeting by making it easier to check account balances and analyze spending patterns, the company said in a news release announcing the program. Talking about your finances can be painful at times, Jones said in an interview last week. And so when you think of the emotion around having a conversation about your personal finances, we believe this is the first step of many to allow people to have that conversation continuously with us as an organization. Customers that have an Alexa device like the Amazon Echo or the recently-debuted Echo Show can enable the USAA feature through the devices app, which then can be linked to their bank account. That allows Alexa to answer questions as basic as How much money do I have? or more complex, like How much did I spend on restaurants in Austin last month? Users also can add a six-digit voice PIN for additional security, the company said. The pilot runs for 90 days and USAA Labs is capping the number of people who can participate at 400 for now, said Darrius Jones, assistant vice president of USAA Labs. The company, which provides insurance, banking and other financial services to members of the military and their families, has more than 12 million customers. Alexa also can offer feedback on spending habits, he said. The goal isnt to have a computer tell members what to do with their money, USAA emphasized, but to educate customers about their finances so they can put their money to good use. The company hasnt yet enabled transaction capabilities, Jones said, so friends cant walk into a house and tell her to send them cash. We dont believe theres enough security controls in place to do that, he said. But once there are, and theres a lot of indications well get there either through our own development or through partnership with Amazon, once those security controls are in place, thatll probably be a good place to start thinking about additional experimentation. USAAs new function leverages artificial intelligence technology from the Ann Arbor-based company Clinc to make the experience with Alexa sound more conversational. The technology is supposed to help Alexa better understand and infer what a customer is trying to say without needing to give a specific command, Jones said. Jones said the company has to sometimes give customers things that people arent asking for and dont yet know they need. No one asked for Alexa to be conversational, but we realized that in not being conversational people werent adopting (Alexa), and so we had to find the answer so customers would use it more, he said. Clincs artificial intelligence conversation management technology enables Alexa to remember context, follow-up questions, and complex human language, the company said in announcing the new feature. This technology will also learn as members interact with it and infer information not explicitly specified by users throughout a conversation, according to the announcement. In the demonstration, Alexa was able to answer, for example, How much money do I have? by giving a total dollar amount across the users accounts, inferring that the person wanted an overarching number and not one specific to checking, or savings. And then Alexa was able to answer follow up questions such as: How much is in my checking? and How about my savings? Clinc Co-Founder and CEO Jason Mars says his companys technology goes far beyond Alexas standard capabilities. That standard Alexa skill is kind of like, you have to say things with rules, if you say something that it doesnt understand it says, please ask me for a list of commands, Mars, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, said in a phone interview. You like to use free natural language, messy language, slang, correct yourself mid-sentence, etc. etc. to interact with AI, Mars said. And so we have a technology that makes a giant leap forward in achieving that. When asked how the feature is better than something like the personal finance service Mint, Mars gave the example of wanting to find out how much you spent on restaurants while you were in Greece last week. You can do that in Mint, he said. But it will take you significantly longer and more work than just asking, hey how much did I spend on restaurants in Greece last week? And then, oh you spent $400 in Greece last week. Clinc launched last year and is working with about 10 financial institutions right now, Mars said. USAA is the first to roll out the companys technology to its customers, Mars said. USAA started working with Alexa in 2016 while participating in the PYMNTS.com Alexa Challenge. They won the Easiest to Explain to Mom designation, according to the announcement, for a prototype that allowed users to add to their savings using Alexa. I was actually pretty proud of that because I have a mother who is very critical of our work, Jones said. And her claim to fame is, Darrius, I just want to walk into your house and use a remote, and the TV actually turn on. SEhlinger@express-news.net Twitter: @samehlinger No worries, said the patient cashier as I struggled to find the correct change in a grocery store in Edinburgh, Scotland, a few weeks ago. I heard that phrase a lot, and a week earlier would have thought it was a phrase that hailed from down under. During the first week of July, more than 350 delegates and guests from 22 countries gathered for the 21st International Farm Management Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland. Weather July in Edinburgh was cool compared to Ohio (60ish most of the time) and for the two weeks we were there, relatively dry. Dry is a relative condition in Scotland, with rainfall varying from more than 9 feet (yes, feet) per year in the Highlands, to 3 feet or so in the Lowlands. With that much rain, there is frequent cloud cover, especially in the Highlands. A cooler, shorter growing season is made more challenging by the extreme northern location. During my stay, it was quite light out until 11 p.m., with an early sunrise. Cool, wet weather and lots of midsummer sun grow grass! Following the Congress, 40 of us headed out for a week-long study tour. Our host, Dr. Ian Edwards retired professor from SRUC, Scotlands Rural College, their version of teaching, research and Extension (consulting) was spectacular. He knew Scotlands history, agriculture industry, and current events. Highlights Some of the highlights: History we do not have a true sense of age and history here in the USA. Our country is only 241 years old. Scotland is full of buildings that are older than that. They were well built, are well maintained, updated and used. We construct too many disposable buildings here. Land use farmland is farmland. Land use planning and restrictions mean that you can drive through the country and see field after field with not one house built on the frontage. No billboards either. There is new development and construction, but it is thoughtfully planned and considered in the context of long-term objectives. A land court helps decide issues when needed. Open access You can walk about anywhere you want in Scotland, except for peoples yards. At the farm level that means that people are free to walk through your fields as they hike across the country. The Hill and Mountain Research Centre in Crainlarich developed a small campground, demonstrating an alternative enterprise that now nets the farm more than $78,000 per year renting out small wigwams with a central bathroom and laundry facility. Conservation and alternative sources of energy are big and have been encouraged by schemes, government programs, to develop on-farm generation of electricity. We saw water powered generators in the Highlands, and windmills (typically singles for farm use, wind farms are controversial there, as they are here). Solar panels can be seen in the lowlands. Wood chips from the extensive forest industry are used to generate electricity as well as heat on some farms. The first bunker silos we saw were for haylage that was used solely to feed methane digesters generating electricity to sell to the grid. A smaller scale unit was under construction on one of the dairy farms we visited. Forestry During the world wars, Canadian lumberjacks were brought to Scotland to harvest wood needed for war. In the end, less than 2 percent of the countrys land was forested. Schemes to reforest acres increased wooded acres to more than 17 percent of the land base. Landowners shared that they now develop 20-, 40- and 400-year plans for their land and forestry enterprises. Sheep They are everywhere. More than six million of them! Farms in the highlands may have multiple breeds of sheep bred to be successful in the highlands (black face, primarily single-lamb ewes) and at lower elevations (usually white face breeds with the ability to have and rear multiple lambs. Cattle lots of them, but they cant compete with the number of sheep. Breeds included typical crosses you would see here, Galloways (a little flighty!) and the occasional Highlander. Crops lots of small grains (with many going into Scotch whiskey production), and very little corn. The few acres of corn that we did see were for silage production in southern Scotland and had to be started under plastic. Many acres of grasses and clovers for hay and pasture and some impressive vegetable and fruit production. Brexit has injected tremendous uncertainty into the agriculture sector. Many of the schemes (farm programs) currently in place are heavily subsidized through the EU and are unlikely to continue as Brexit unfolds. Speakers at the conference and host farmers shared the belief that changes will come, but it will take years for Great Britain to completely extract itself from the EU it took better than 12 years to put it all in place. Discussing the implications of Brexit on individual farm businesses reinforced that no matter how far apart we may be geographically, we are more the same than we are different. As farmers prepare for the (many) unknown changes Brexit will bring, their common strategy: be profitable. Take advantage of schemes and subsidies to move the farm forward, but do not rely on them or count on them in the future. No worries. I often find that people value certain attributes about food but they are not willing to pay for it, but the other thing I got out of WAFADS was that people are starting to understand that needs to change. Only subscribers with PAID Print or E-Edition subscriptions enter here to gain access. If you are not a Current Paid subscriber do not go through this portal. Please return to the subscription page to purchase one of our offers. Thank you! Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Blog Hinangai While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity. Eminem has produced a comedy movie called 'Bodied' about rap battles. Eminem The legendary lyricist - who starred in the hit 2002 blockbuster as the struggling rapper B-Rabbit in '8 Mile' - has returned to Hollywood and used his music expertise to make the film, which has been directed by Joseph Kahn. The battle rap satire revolves around a university student, who gets embroiled in a tense race relations on campus when he writes a controversial thesis on the rap battle scene. Kahn - who is best known for directing music videos - co-wrote 'Bodied' with Toronto battle rapper Alex "Kid Twist" Larsen. Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg has also received a producing credit on the project, which will premier at the Toronto International film festival in September, and a tweet from the festival's official account revealed that the film stars The Breakfast Club's Anthony Michael Hall, Calum Worthy and 'Avatar' actress Debra Wilson. Meanwhile, Eminem - whose last record was 2013's 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2' - is thought to be making a new record after director Allen Hughes revealed Dr. Dre, a longtime collaborator of the '8 Mile' star, is working on a track for the 'Lose Yourself' hitmaker's "latest album". He said: "Dre still records. People don't know this: Dre records every day. "Literally, he's in there recording songs every day. He's like Picasso in that way. He's always painting. Right now he's producing, in the 11th hour, a track for Eminem's latest album. So Dre's still real active in music, you know?" Eminem released his debut solo album 'Infinite' in 1996, but he really hit the headlines in 1999 when he dropped 'The Slim Shady LP', which spawned Grammy Award-winning hit 'My Name Is'. 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2' was his eighth studio album. Matthew McConaughey is "excited" about the new season of 'True Detective'. Matthew McConaughey The Oscar-winning actor starred as a homicide cop opposite Woody Harrelson in the show's first season in 2014, and he thinks casting Mahershala Ali in the upcoming third series of the crime anthology programme was a brilliant move. He said: "Yeah, I heard the good news. That was a great idea to cast Mahershala. "That's good for 'True Detective', and it's good for Mahershala. Nic [Pizzolatto's] writing is gonna be something that Mahershala will be very grounded in and bring to life. I'm excited to see what happens." Meanwhile, the 'Dark Tower' actor - who reportedly turned down roles in 'Doctor Strange' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' - admitted he is keen to star in a superhero movie, but would only take it on if it was the "right character and the right story". He told Vanity Fair: "I'd love to be in a Marvel and DC superhero movie. The right story just hasn't come along. "I enjoy superhero movies, but it's about finding the right character and the right story. In the meantime, the 47-year-old actor relished his role as the Man in Black, an evil sorcerer with telepathic powers who can manipulate the elements, in 'Dark Tower'. He said: "Playing the bad guy, the evil incarnate, was a whole lot of fun. "What I loved the most about this character is that your imagination can go wild. There's so many different ways to do it and be entertained with how you dispose evil.. "I liked the 'Dark Tower' script. It allowed me to approach the character and create something original and as my own. "To play a character who is like the devil that has fun, and has the power to just sit there and ask people the right questions that exposes their own hypocrisy, and they self-implode--that's exciting and original." by Charlotte Hough for www.femalefirst.co.uk Princess Anne has visited a carers centre as part of her work as Patron of Carers Trust. Princess Anne at Halton Carer's Centre via Instagram (c) The 66-year-old royal paid a visit to Halton Carers Centre in Cheshire earlier this week in order to get a first-hand look at the work they do to support carers in the Runcorn and Widnes area. In a series of professional photographs published to the Royal Family's Instagram account, the Princess Royal can be seen shaking hands with members of the carer community, as well as unveiling a commemorative Carers Trust plaque at the site. The caption of the images - which were posted on Tuesday (01.08.17) - read: "Last week, The Princess Royal visited Halton Carers Centre in Cheshire to see first-hand how the centre supports carers in the Runcorn and Widnes area. "The Princess met many unpaid carers including a group of young carers who are supported by the centre and Carers Trust staff. "3 in 5 people in the UK will become a carer at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that there are around 7 million unpaid carers in the UK with 2.1 million providing over 20 hours caring each week - 700,000 are under 18. "Halton Carers Centre offers a wide range of respite therapies and activities for carers and is a place where they can go for advice, support and friendship." Whilst on her trip, Princess Anne also spoke to a number of carers, including 69-year-old Linda Mannion, who cares for her husband and said the royal was "lovely". She said: "The Princess was lovely. She asked about my caring role and I was able to tell her about the support from the carers centre where the staff always give us time." Anne was also treated to performance from 'Les Miserables' by the Ella Performance Group, which is an inclusive group for young people and adults with learning disabilities. Head to some of the Lake Districts most picturesque destinations for the perfect mini moon with Super Break Weddings on Female First From coast to country, the UK has won the hearts of British honeymooners, with research* by short break specialist Super Break revealing that newlyweds in 2017 are seeking experiences on home soil rather than exotic long-haul destinations. And where better to head to than the Lake District, a haven of beauty, countryside and romance? With National Countryside Week upon us too, theres no better time to feel inspired and discover the beauty of this picturesque part of the country with your loved one during a mini moon! Sharing ten reasons why its the ideal location for a mini moon in 2017, Super Break is sure to have you head over heels with the Lake District in no time. Recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, the Lake District is the first National Park in the UK to be awarded the honour. With a wealth of waterfalls, walks and woods to explore, you can enjoy plenty of alone time without the hustle and bustle of other honeymoon destinations. With Lake Windermere on your doorstep, why not hire a boat and explore the many islands and private bays that run the 15km circumference of the lake? For couples that would like to indulge in gastronomy during their honeymoon, the Lake District has a wealth of food havens including LEnclume, Simon Rogans famous Cartmel restaurant and Michelin-starred Sharrow Bay. Pippa Middleton and James Matthews wedding is one of the most talked about events this year, and which romantic destination did James choose to pop the question? Look no further than the Lake District. With a range of hotels offering outdoor hot tubs with a view of the lake, you can relax with a glass of champagne in hand and celebrate the start of married life. With lots of spa hotels and packages for newlyweds, whether its a couples massage or facial - youll have plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind together. Countless breath-taking backdrops and awe-inspiring views give the Lake District a lot of wow factor. One of the most photogenic locations in the UK, be reminded of it every time you look back at pictures from your first holiday as husband and wife. With so many beautiful destinations within the Lake District, you can make the most of your time in the region with Super Breaks Explore the Lake District by Rail break, which gives you the chance to see everything from its quaint market towns to majestic lakes. The range of activities available in the Lake District is so vast, whether you love culture or prefer something that will get the blood pumping, attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter and sights like Helvellyn mean the Lake District has everything newlyweds need for an amazing escape. For the perfect minimoon, Super Break has a range of breaks to choose from www.superbreak.com 0800 042 0288 For more ideas on mini moon breaks in the Lake District visit the Super Break Website. It was supposedly Mark Twain who said "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." (We say "supposedly," because it's not at all certain that Twain said this; the actual ownership of this frequently quoted bon mot remains unclear.) But regardless of who actually said it, no one has ever challenged the truthfulness of the statement. It's especially true now that we have weather apps on our smartphones and check them every 15 minutes or so to see if the forecasts surrounding the mid-valley's heat wave have changed at all. The highest high (or, in winter, the lowest low) wins. So bear with us as we roll through an assortment of weather-related items: The number to beat this week is 108, by general agreement: That's the hottest temperature ever recorded at the Hyslop Weather Station, the spot between Albany and Corvallis that serves as the mid-valley's official weather station. That glorious day occurred on Aug. 10, 1981. Since temperatures at Hyslop tend to be a little cooler than in more urban areas around the area, it seems certain that the 108 reading translated into considerable misery throughout the mid-valley. (A report of a high temperature of 109 in 1905 is disputed, so 108 remains the mark to beat.) If you're curious (and we know that you are), the second-hottest day in the mid-valley came on July 20, 1946, when the mercury hit 107. July 13, 1935 recorded a high temperature of 106. The temperature has reached 105 on six separate occasions, ranging from July 12, 1906 to July 30, 2009. Regardless of whether the mid-valley sets any heat records this week, these still are conditions that require not only that you take care but that you check in on others friends and neighbors who may be particularly vulnerable to the heat. You know what to do on these very hot days: Stay hydrated (even if you don't feel thirsty), slow down, stay indoors if possible, wear light-colored lightweight clothing. But someone just next door might be suffering. It won't hurt to knock on the door to make sure they're OK. If you or someone you know needs to get out of a residence that isn't air-conditioned, a variety of options are available. For example, the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library plans to show animated movies on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. The library is air-conditioned. One of the movies is "Frozen," which seems oddly appropriate. A little bit of research will yield many other options for escaping the heat. We are impressed by the variety of creative ways in which mid-valley agencies and businesses are coping with the heat wave. Oregon State University, for example, is suggesting to its employees that they might want to consider working at home; some of OSU's buildings are not air-conditioned. The city of Albany intends to keep many of its employees inside for the next three days. The Benton County Fair, which starts today, has put together a variety of beat-the-heat options on short notice. And Republic Services will be starting its routes early this week; what that means for you is that you should be sure to get your garbage out the night before the scheduled pickup. This next point would seem to be an unnecessary reminder, but it's worth repeating: Don't leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles, not even for a few minutes. The National Weather Service says a car left in 80 degree weather yielded an inside temperature of 95 degrees and rising in just two minutes. Finally, keep this in mind: Just six months from now, we'll likely all be bellyaching about a stretch of cold and wet weather. And just like now, we won't be doing anything about it. (mm) Classic Fashion Apparel Industry Ltd. Co., a Jordanian readymade garments company, is considering establishing a project in Egypt to produce garments with a capital of $56 million, according to Egyptian minister of industry and trade Tarek Kabil. The plan is to start production by the end of 2018, says a report in an Egyptian newspaper. Kabil announced this after recently meeting a delegation from Jordan, headed by Classic Fashion CMD KS Sanal Kumar. During the meeting, Kumar briefed the minister about his companys activities in Jordan and the UAE and plans for the Egyptian market in textile, weaving, and agriculture. Classic Fashion Apparel Industry Ltd. Co., a Jordanian readymade garments company, is considering establishing a project in Egypt to produce garments with a capital of $56 million, according to Egyptian minister of industry and trade Tarek Kabil. The plan is to start production by the end of 2018, says a report in an Egyptian newspaper. # According to Kabil, the industry of textile and weaving, that employs about one-third of the Egyptian workforce, is one of the four sectors that have received the highest priority in developing industry and foreign trade at present. His ministry provides industrial land for all sorts of projects at competitive prices, he said, indicating a possibility of establishing Classic Fashions new project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Classic Fashion is targeting the Egyptian market due to the economic reforms implemented by the government there and is reviewing different industrial zones to determine a conducive location for the project in preparation for starting the work early next year, says Kumar. (DS) Digital RMG Factory Mapping in Bangladesh (DRFM-B), a major initiative to map all apparel factory and disclose location and data on garment factories, has been launched in the country. It is the first ever of its kind to attempt to digitally map the entire garment sector in Bangladesh and marks a transformative industry shift towards more transparency. The digital mapping project will be implemented by BRAC Universitys Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), coordinated by BRAC USA, with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) as strategic partner, along with lead funding from C&A Foundation. DRFM-B will be guided by a multi-stakeholder Project Advisory Committee, including representatives of workers, NGOs, employers, and industry associations. The locally owned and managed project will collect credible, comprehensive and accurate data on factories across Bangladesh and disclose it in a publicly available, online map. The map will provide a detailed industry-wide database of factories, including names, locations, numbers of workers, product type, export country, certifications, brand customers, etc. Verification will be crowdsourced from the public to ensure that information remains up-to-date and accurate. Digital RMG Factory Mapping in Bangladesh (DRFM-B), a major initiative to map all apparel factory and disclose location and data on garment factories, has been launched in the country. It is the first ever of its kind to attempt to digitally map the entire garment sector in Bangladesh and marks a transformative industry shift towards more transparency.# This project will send a strong signal to all stakeholders that transformative change is happening within the ready-made garment sector. Through its mapping and relationship building, DRFM-B will fuel Bangladeshs garment industry advancements, inspire shared responsibility, responsible sourcing, collective action, and builds upon pre-existing improvement efforts through informed decision-making, said Parveen S Huda, project manager DRFM-B. Huda also said that the expected outcome of this mapping project will be an interactive web-based map consisting different type of information about factories. This will help establish transparency and awareness, and ultimately lead to long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Bangladeshi RMG sector. The chair of the programme, Professor Dr Rahim B Talukdar, adviser, CED, BRAC University said, the contribution of the RMG sector over the last 40 years has been phenomenal. However, the learning curve of the industry has not been very smooth. In spite of the success of the industry, some unfortunate incidences like Rana Plaza and Tazreen have brought the whole sector into questions of transparency and accountability. DRFM-B project is an attempt to address these issues. The aim of this project is to collect real-time industry data by conducting nationwide census and to exhibit the data in an interactive publicly accessible online platform like the Google map. The whole topic of the project is transparency. Unfortunately, many other countries are not thinking the way Bangladesh is thinking. So this project itself is unique not only to Bangladesh but also to globally. This is something that we all can be proud as Bangladesh is again taking a lead here when it comes to global sourcing. This project demonstrates the commitment and collaboration we have to this country, said special guest Shantanu Singh, unit leader, general manager, C&A Sourcing Bangladesh. For more than 30 years, the apparel industry has dominated the Bangladeshi economy, making it the worlds second largest garment-producing country. DRFM-B is driven by the fundamental belief that transparency and traceability lead to long-term industry advancements and improved working conditions. By funding this project, we aim to increase industry accountability to transform fashion into a force for good, stated Naureen Chowdhury, C&A Foundation programme manager supply chain innovation & transformation. The public map will go live in mid-2018 with the Dhaka cluster. The final version of the map showcasing all 20 Bangladeshi garment-producing districts is expected to be completed by mid-2021, said CED in a press release. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Nebraska researcher Yiqi Yang is using the by-products of sorghum as a colourant for textiles. The Charles Bessey Professor of biological systems engineering and of texiles, merchandising and fashion design is using wool to start his research, but hopes that in the future sorghum can be used on other textiles and throughout many industries.Sorghum is a cereal grain used for food in some countries, but in the United States it is commonly used as livestock feed and turned into ethanol. Sorghum is also a major source for making liquor. The grain tends to be drought resistant, making it a popular crop to grow in dry climates. Nebraska researcher Yiqi Yang is using the by-products of sorghum as a colourant for textiles. The Charles Bessey Professor of biological systems engineering and of texiles, merchandising and fashion design is using wool to start his research, but hopes that in the future sorghum can be used on other textiles and throughout many industries.# After using the sorghum starch for industrial applications, the co-products and by-products that remain are called distillers grain. Distillers grain from corn digests easier than sorghum, so Yangs research looks to add a better value application for the sorghum industry for Nebraska. Yang and a group of PhD students are currently working to see if the higher cross-linked proteins can have industrial applications, such as food-packaging materials or fibres for textilesA unique part of the research involves the sorghum husks. The husks contain a dark natural colour that can be used as a colourant. Some have tried to use it as a food additive, however Yang tries to use it for more large-scale approaches.If one could use it as a colourant for textiles, were talking about a huge demand, Yang said. This research is helping more than just the textile industry. By finding additional uses for co-products and by-products were adding value for farmers.The team started out by dyeing wool because it can carry positive charges, which creates a better dye sorption since natural colourants generally carry negative charges and because the value addition is high. Yang believes that silks and nylons also have the potential to dye well.While the hope is to eventually use the natural colourant from the sorghum husks to dye all types of textiles, cotton has been put on the backburner. Yang explains that there isnt enough of a value increase to cotton to encourage consumers to purchase a naturally dyed textile, because cotton is already a cheap material, and because natural cellulosics do not carry positive charges.You add more value to these highly valuable materials than cotton, says Yang. If you work on the more valuable materials, the value addition is higher. Later, if the technology matures and the cost decreases, then of course we can work with other materials.Once available, this natural colourant could reach a large market of consumers and brands. Yang says that there is a place for this natural co-product everywhere that you use colourants including plastics, food additives, packaging materials, cosmetics and even hair dyes. The project started with textiles and they have found some unique properties that make the product even more useful in other industries. For example, because the co-products of sorghum are fluorescent with an ultraviolet light, it could be used as a tracing material for biomedical applications, such as tracking the movement of particles in the body.Yang and his team are collaborating with researchers from Jiangnan University in China on this project. (SV) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has appreciated President Donald Trumps executive order directing the federal government to investigate violations and abuses of US trade agreements. It has filed public comments in response to a June 29 notice issued by the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR). The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has appreciated President Donald Trump's executive order directing the federal government to investigate violations and abuses of US trade agreements. It has filed public comments in response to a June 29 notice issued by the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).# NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers. A thorough investigation of trade agreement abuses and violations is long overdue and we appreciate the President Trumps desire to finally review this important matter, said NCTO president and CEO Auggie Tantillo in a press statement. The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has appreciated President Donald Trump's executive order directing the federal government to investigate violations and abuses of US trade agreements. It has filed public comments in response to a June 29 notice issued by the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).# The executive order 13796 was signed by President Trump on April 29 last. Documents associated with this matter are archived under Docket USTR-2017-0010. The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has appreciated President Donald Trump's executive order directing the federal government to investigate violations and abuses of US trade agreements. It has filed public comments in response to a June 29 notice issued by the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).# If America is to fix the systemic problems that plague the international trading structure and stop trade cheats from driving American production offshore, policymakers need a better understanding of the illegal or unfair trade tactics that are being used to hurt US industry, including textiles, Tantillo said. The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has appreciated President Donald Trump's executive order directing the federal government to investigate violations and abuses of US trade agreements. It has filed public comments in response to a June 29 notice issued by the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).# US employment in the textile supply chain was 565,000 in 2016. The value of shipments for US textiles and apparel was $74.4 billion last year, a nearly 11 per cent increase since 2009, according to NCTO. The value of US exports of fibre, textiles and apparel was $26.3 billion in 2016. (DS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India HON PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE OPENING OF THE ADI NATUICAKE FESTIVAL Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. Vuanirewa ClanMasi ni Vanua o Lau,Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.I am delighted to be here this morning to deliver the Opening Address at the Adi Natuicake Festival.I deeply admire that the Tikina of Lau have all come together, united in their effort to invest in the future of their communities. Youve raised funds to make investments that will reap returns for your communities and help you lay down the foundation of prosperity for years to come.I am here this morning to tell you that your vision for progress is shared by my Government, and we are here to support in every way we can that future you aspire to realise.My fellow Fijians,We are a nation spread across over 100 populated islands. Some of us are separated from one another by great physical distances. But the bonds that hold us together, as one nation and one people, are not diminished by any distance that keeps us apart no matter how great. Because the common citizenship and national identity that we share, as Fijians, are what unite us and keep us all committed to building a better Fiji for every Fijian.That has been the vision that has driven my Governments work over the past decade, as weve brought services, infrastructure and opportunity to Fijians from every walk of life and from every corner of our country. And that is the vision that will carry us into the future.Because as your Prime Minister, I do not represent only a handful of communities or provinces, nor any single part of Fiji. I represent every Fijian. I serve every man, woman and child that calls our islands home. And whether they live in our cities, our rural areas or our maritime regions, I believe every one of our people deserves to play a full and equal role in our development as a nation.That belief applies to every community and every village, including every village in Lau. And that isnt just rhetoric. We have ten years of real progress we can point to that shows my Governments full and unrelenting commitment to improve the lives of Fijians all across our country, including in the Lau group.Its true, your geography presents serious challenges to development. But that is not your burden to bear. It is the duty of my Government to make special efforts to meet those challenges, and we are doing just that. By being innovative and thinking creatively we are extending the prosperity we are achieving for Fiji directly to your communities.Our goal has been to bring developments and services to our outer islands that are on par with what Fijians residing on Viti Levu have available, because I believe that location in Fiji should never be a barrier to success. With that as our mantra, weve invested in schools, roads and infrastructure including access to water and electricity in maritime regions also, and weve invested in the social welfare of our citizens to bring comfort and security to those in society who are most vulnerable.Recently, weve announced that we will be extending the reach of Government services to the Lau group by establishing a births, deaths and marriages registry in Lakeba. Once that has been set-up, your communities will no longer have to travel great distances to simply register a birth, death or marriage. Instead, your entire region will have direct access to those services.Weve also introduced a number of tax packages to encourage investment in maritime services and thereby bringing Lau closer into the fold of our economic progress. These will give incentives to operators to maintain and expand the routes your communities rely on to sell goods, see loved ones and generally access the rest of our islands.In this years budget, weve also reduced the duty on the importation of spare parts for maritime vessels to zero to make it easier to maintain vessels operating throughout Fiji.Some of the islands in the Lau Group were some of the worst affected when severe Tropical Cyclone Winston arrived at our shores last year. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, our focus was on providing instant relief to your communities. Since then weve undertaken a massive rehabilitation programme in Lau to reclaim what was lost to the cyclone and rebuild your communities to a better and more resilient standard.Next week, I will launch our AM radio services through our national broadcaster, FBC, to expand our AM radio network to cover 100 per cent of Fiji. That means Radio Fiji One, Radio Fiji Two and Gold stations will be transmitted at all hours of the day on AM frequencies to the Lau Group bringing regular programmes, information on Government services and initiatives, and critical emergency information in times of crises. The big benefit is that AM radio infrastructure is far more resilient to severe weather than the FM systems. So if God, forbid another severe weather system strikes in the Lau Group, we will have a better chance of relaying disaster-related information that can ready your communities and, ultimately, save lives.By December of this year, you will have access to free-to-air digital television. Through digital television, you will not only have access to 5 free-to-air channels but also educational programmes through the Ministry of Education, Agriculture and other relevant community services. Watching these channels will be at no cost to you. Our critical work to protect and empower women in Fiji also extends to your islands, because my Government does not believe in a Fiji where only half the population is given the chance to do well. And I know that we can never realise our nations full potential if we do not bring real opportunity into the lives of Fijian women.As it stands, Fijian society does not do nearly enough to protect our women and girls or give them an equal shot at bettering their lives and that is not acceptable. My Government is actively combatting those backwards mentalities in our society that are holding our women back, and weve poured resources into programmes that bring our women to the forefront of our national development.In the Lau Group weve increased this years budget allocation for womens resource centres, expos and income generating projects by $100,000 to continue the good work we are carrying out in your islands to uplift women in society. And just yesterday, as part of my Governments effort to limit the use of plastic bags, I had the privilege of celebrating the work of women in Ba who produced 5,000 reusable shopping bags to sell instead of using plastic. And that programme will soon be rolled out to the rest of Fiji giving our dedicated women entrepreneurs more work and protecting Fiji from the serious harm that plastic bags cause our environment.We have, as you know, provided logging and saw milling facilities in Lakeba and other maritime areas to harvest the pine forest for the use of all members of those communities. We have also, as you know through our tourism efforts, attracting more visitors to areas such as Lau which will benefit all Lauans through new economic activity. It will also enhance your business opportunities.In the years ahead, we will continue to be relentless in our work to bring real opportunity to the Lau Group services, education, infrastructure and jobs so that you can better your lives and better the lives of those around you.Progress is being made. It wont all happen overnight, but it is happening and it is happening for all Lauans, not just for a select few. And as we look to the future, my Government will continue to be there for your communities, not only to bring opportunity, but also to protect the intangible things you deeply value: your cultural heritage, your traditional knowledge and the unique aspects of your society that make it such a special place to call home. Book of the Month Why do Hindus feed their ancestors? Why is burning the dead preferred to the building of tombs? Are Swarga and Naraka not the Hind [] CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision Ltd. (NYSE: CISN), a leading global provider of software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals, will release its full quarterly financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 on Wednesday, August 9th shortly after the market close. In conjunction with the earnings release, investors will have the opportunity to listen to Cision senior management review its second quarter fiscal year 2017 results via conference call on Wednesday, August 9th at 5:00 pm EDT. To hear the live event, visit the Cision investor website at http://investors.cision.com, or by dialing 1-877-870-4263 (participant dial in toll free) or 1-412-317-0790 (participant dial in International). For those accessing the call via Cision's investor website, we suggest logging in at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the live event. For those dialing in, participants should ask to be joined into the Cision Ltd. earnings call. A replay of the earnings webcast will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event on August 9th. To access the webcast recording, visit http://investors.cision.com or you can dial 1-877-344-7529 (US), 1-412-317-0088 (international), or 1-855-669-9658 (Canada). The replay access code for the earnings call is 10111202. The replay will be available through August 16, 2017. About Cision Cision Ltd. is a leading global provider of software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals. Cision's software allows users to identify key influencers, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact. Cision has over 3,000 employees with offices in 15 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. For more information about its award-winning products and services, including the Cision Communications Cloud', visit www.cision.comand follow Cision on Twitter @Cision. Investor Contact: Jack Pearlstein Chief Financial Officer Jack.Pearlstein@Cision.com Media Contact: Nick Bell Vice President, Marketing Communications and Content nick.bell@cision.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541109/Cision_Logo.jpg (2) Reflects the number of positions in issuers in which the Company has previously publicly disclosed an investment, which occurs after the Company has completed its accumulation. Cash, cash equivalents, direct or indirect currency or other hedges and income/expense items are excluded. Multiple financial instruments (for example, common stock and derivatives on common stock) associated with one (1) issuer count as one (1) position. A position that is included in the number of positions will be removed from the table only if the investment becomes 0.0% of the portfolio. (3) For the purpose of determining the equity and debt exposures, investments are valued as follows: (a) equity or debt is valued at market value, (b) options referencing equity or debt are valued at market value, (c) long call options and short put options (or vice-versa, short call options and long put options) held on the same underlying issuer and with the same strike and same expiry are grouped together and treated as synthetic equity positions, and are valued at the market value of the equivalent long equity position (or vice-versa, the equivalent short equity position), and (d) swaps or forwards referencing equity or debt are valued at the market value of the notional equity or debt underlying the swaps or forwards. Whether a position is deemed to be long or short is determined by whether an investment has positive or negative exposure to price increases or decreases. For example, long puts are deemed to be short exposure. (4) Includes all issuer equity, debt, and derivatives related to issuer equity and debt, and associated currency hedges. Cash, cash equivalents, direct or indirect currency or other hedges and income/expense items are excluded. The market values of associated currency hedges are included as part of the associated investment. In the event that there is a change in market cap category with respect to any non-publicly disclosed position, this information is not updated until such position is publicly disclosed. (5) Portfolio composition is reflective of the publicly disclosed portfolio positions as of the date of this report. A position in an issuer is only assigned to a sector once it has been publicly disclosed. (6) "Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. AUM" equals the assets under management of Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Any performance fees crystallized as of the end of the year will be reflected in the following period's AUM. (7) "Total Strategy AUM" equals the aggregate assets under management of Pershing Square, L.P., Pershing Square International, Ltd., Pershing Square II, L.P. and Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Redemptions effective as of the end of any period (including redemptions attributable to crystallized performance fees/allocations, if any) will be reflected in the following period's AUM. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 2017 / 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 rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. [Click here to join this class action] 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. SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) today announces that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's ordinary shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"): Date of purchase: 1 August 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 25,470 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 1,072 pence 14.16 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 1,066 pence 14.08 USD Average price paid per Share: 1,068.35 pence 14.11 USD PSH intends to cancel these Shares. The net asset value per Share related to this Share buyback is USD 18.31 GBP 13.87 which was calculated as of 31 July 2017. After giving effect to the above Share buyback, PSH has 238,624,975 outstanding Shares. The prices per share in USD were calculated by Jefferies. The number of PSH Management Shares and the 1 special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) has not been affected. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170801006847/en/ Contacts: Media Maitland James Devas, +44 20 7379 5151 Media-pershingsquareholdings@maitland.co.uk NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Axiom Holdings, Inc. ("Axiom" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: AIOM) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 17-cv-04756, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Axiom Securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you are a shareholder who purchased Axiom securities between October 14, 2016 and June 19 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until August 21, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here to join this class action] Axiom Holdings, Inc. is an independent power producer and real estate developer that develops, builds, owns, and operates power generation plants and hotels. Axiom continues to leverage its global partnerships with real estate owners and hydropower developers and expand its asset portfolio through acquisition and development of identified pipeline. On October 10, 2016, Axiom Holdings, Inc. entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the "Agreement") with CJC Holdings, Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries, "CJC"), a Hong Kong corporation, and the two shareholders of CJC, Hu Dengyang and Yang Chuan (collectively, the "CJC Shareholders"). CJC, through its subsidiaries, operates and constructs hydropower electric generation stations located in China with two in operation, a third under construction, and a fourth in the planning stage and slated for operation in 2019. In addition, CJC, through its subsidiaries, operates two hotels in China. Pursuant to the Agreement, Axiom was to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of CJC from the CJC Shareholders in exchange for the issuance to the CJC Shareholders of 200,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. 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) Axion lacked control over the merger process sufficient to ensure that the Agreement with CJC would be completed; (ii) accordingly, the Agreement with 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 disclosing that the Company had identified discrepancies related to prior news announcements in response to a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following day, Axiom issued a second 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 the CJC Shareholders in connection with the merger. On this news, Axiom's share price fell $0.44, or 37.93%, over two trading days, to close at $0.72 on June 20, 2017. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the Dean of the Class Action Bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/30/17 -- Maricann Group Inc. (CSE: MARI)(CSE: MARI.CN)(CNSX: MARI)(OTCQB: MRRCF)(FRANKFURT: 75M) ("Maricann" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with the Alliance of Beverage Licensees ("ABLE BC"), the advocacy organization representing British Columbia's private liquor industry which outlines a proposed relationship between ABLE BC and Maricann for, among other things, the supply of Maricann product to ABLE BC members. "We are pleased to partner with Maricann as a supplier of adult-use recreational cannabis for our retail members," said Jeff Guignard, Executive Director of ABLE BC. "We believe British Columbians will be extremely discerning cannabis consumers, so we are excited to work with a producer who has the capacity and commitment to deliver a consistent supply of high quality cannabis products." Under the terms of the LOI ABLE BC will agree to provide Maricann with distribution channels for its recreational stable of products, including JuJu Royal's curated quality strains. This will ensure ABLE's more than 1,000 members consisting of private liquor stores, neighborhood pubs, bars/nightclubs and hotel liquor licensees have access to Maricann's stable of established premium cannabis products. Ben Ward, Maricann's CEO commented: "We're thrilled to work with ABLE and its approximately 1,000 members to ensure a reliable consistent supply of Maricann's quality differentiated products to their customers, ensuring a wide range of choice, with customers selecting the products they prefer." The parties will now work towards the negotiation and execution of the definitive agreements to document the relationship proposed in the LOI. The LOI does not set forth any specific amounts to be supplied or purchased. Furthermore the timeline for the development of the formal agreement referred to below will depend, in part, on the timing of the implementation of regulations relating to the sale of recreational marijuana. About Maricann: Maricann, which has federal licenses in Canada to cultivate, extract, formulate and distribute cannabis, is rapidly expanding its Canadian production, based in Norfolk County, Ontario, adding 22,245 kg of annual production of dry flower to come online in Q2 2018, with additional production planned. Maricann is focused on expanding capacity in a truly differentiated product offering, in support of its previously announced joint pharmacy initiative and future global export opportunities. For more information about Maricann, please visit our website at www.maricann.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. Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this document contain forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "desires", "will", "should", "projects", "estimates", "contemplates", "anticipates", "intends", or any negative such as "does not believe" or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. No assurance can be given that potential future results or circumstances described in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. By their nature, these forward-looking statements, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed herein, that could cause actual results to significantly differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the view of the Company with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions, which it considers reasonable. The forward looking statements in this release include statements regarding the proposed relationship with ABLE BC and the planned increase in annual production. Management cautions readers that the assumptions relative to the future events, several of which are beyond Management's control, could prove to be incorrect, given that they are subject to certain risk and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the inability to negotiate and execute a definitive agreement with ABLE BC, fluctuations in operating results; the impact of general economic, industry and market conditions; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow; failure to obtain required financing; increased levels of outstanding debt and obligations under a capital lease; expectations regarding market demand for particular products and the dependence on new product development; the impact of market change; and the impact of price and product competition. Management disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Contacts: Maricann Group Inc. Benjamin Ward CEO 289-288-6284 ir@maricann.ca Corporate Headquarters (Canada) Maricann Group Inc. 845 Harrington Court, Unit 3 Burlington, Ontario L7N 3P3 Canada 289-288-6274 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 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 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Tahoe Resources Inc. ('Tahoe' or the 'Company') (NYSE: TAHO) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 17-cv-05155, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Tahoe securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you are a shareholder who purchased Tahoe securities between April 3, 2013 and July 5, 2017 both dates inclusive, you have until September 5, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. [Click here to join this class action] Tahoe, together with its subsidiaries, explores, develops, and operates mines in the Americas. The Company primarily produces copper, gold, silver, lead/zinc, and natural gas and petroleum, as well as precious metals assets. On April 3, 2013, Tahoe announced that Guatemala's Ministry of Energy and Mines ('MEM') had granted the Company an exploitation license for the Escobal mine, a large silver mine located in the department of Santa Rosa in Southern Guatemala. 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) Guatemala's MEM had granted the Escobal mining license to Tahoe's Minera San Rafael subsidiary without prior consultation with Guatemala's Xinca indigenous people; (ii) the foregoing constituted a violation of Guatemalan law and provided a basis for suspension of the Escobal license; (iii) consequently, the Company's revenues associated with the Escobal mining license were unlikely to be sustainable; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Tahoe's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On July 6, 2017, Tahoe disclosed that the Supreme Court of Guatemala had issued a provisional decision suspending the Escobal mining license of Minera San Rafael, a Tahoe subsidiary, in connection with a legal action brought by the human rights organization Centro de Accion Legal Ambiental y Social de Guatemala ('CALAS') against Guatemala's MEM. CALAS alleges that MEM violated the Xinca indigenous people's right of consultation prior to granting the Escobal mining license. On this news, Tahoe's common share price fell $2.74, or 33.01%, to close at $5.56 on July 6, 2017. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 2017 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Halliburton Company ('Halliburton' or the 'Company') (NYSE: HAL). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980. The investigation concerns whether Halliburton 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 October 21, 2011, Halliburton disclosed an internal investigation into possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ('FCPA') by Halliburton personnel in Angola. On this news, Halliburton's share price fell $0.97, or 2.1%, to close at $33.50 on October 21, 2011. On July 27, 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Halliburton would pay $29.2 million in fines and penalties to settle allegations of FCPA violations in connection with the Company's Angolan operations. On this news, Halliburton's share price has fallen as much as $0.54, or 1.22%, during intraday trading on July 27, 2017. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. Martin Luther King Jr. No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Nelson Mandela We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist James Baldwin There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence. Newton Lee The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. Albert Einstein Real estate services firm selects a cloud-based fund and property accounting solution Deloitte Luxembourg has selected Yardi Voyager 7S, a cloud-based real estate fund, accounting and property management solution, for its Real Estate Fund Administration business in Europe. The solution will offer Deloitte's clients a scalable, integrated and end-to-end accounting, reporting and consolidation solution, and is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of Deloitte's high profile and sophisticated client base. Neal Gemassmer, vice president, international for Yardi, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Deloitte Luxembourg on board as one of our latest clients in an increasingly demanding sector, delivering such a positive impact in the market they serve." About Deloitte Luxembourg With over 1900 employees, Deloitte is one of Luxembourg's largest, strongest and oldest professional services firms. Our talented teams serve clients in various industries and we take great pride in our ability to provide quality services in audit, accountancy, tax, financial advisory consulting. About Yardi Yardi develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. Established in 1984, Yardi is based in Santa Barbara, Calif., and serves clients worldwide from offices in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. For more information, visit: yardi.com/eu. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170801005100/en/ Contacts: Yardi Martin Gedny Marketing Manager (Europe Middle East) +44 (0) 1908 308400 martin.gedny@yardi.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Power Metals Corp. ("Power Metals Corp." or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PWM)(FRANKFURT: OAA1) is pleased to announce it has entered into a Binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI") with MGX Minerals Inc. ("XMG"), dated July 27th, 2017 to acquire certain interests held by the Company in exchange for common shares in the capital of XMG (the "Proposed Transaction"). The Proposed Transaction terms are as follows: -- XMG will acquire all of the Company's current U.S. Petrolithium Brine assets (listed below). -- XMG will take a 20 percent working interest in all of the Company's current hard rock assets (listed below) and any future assets that the Company acquires for the following 36 months. -- XMG will have the right to purchase an additional 15 percent working interest of the Company's hard rock assets for a period of 36 months for a total of C$10,000,000. -- XMG will receive a call option to purchase up to 10,000,000 common shares of PWM at a price of C$0.65 per share for a period of 36 months. -- XMG will pay to PWM 3,000,000 common shares of XMG. These shares will be restricted and subject to a 1/3 release every 5 months from the signing of the definitive agreement. The Transaction terms are subject to amendment based on tax and legal advice, and that the Parties agree to work together in good faith to negotiate and settle the final terms of the Transaction to be incorporated into the Definitive Agreements. The LOI provides for an exclusive dealing period (the "Exclusivity Period") commencing on acceptance of the LOI and ending on the date of closing of the Definitive Agreements, unless otherwise extended by the Parties. During the Exclusivity Period: (i) the Parties will continue their due diligence investigations in respect of each other, as applicable, and their respective businesses, operations, assets, financial condition and affairs; (ii) the Parties will proceed with the negotiation and settlement of the terms of the binding Definitive Agreements in respect of the Transaction; and, (iii) the Parties will cooperate in making application and providing all necessary information to the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and the Canadian Securities Exchange in order to obtain pre-clearance of the Transaction and all matters related thereto. Johnathan More, Chairman of Power Metals states, "We are pleased to have signed this deal with MGX Minerals, unquestionably the leader in the petrolithium space. Aligning ourselves to participate in the evolution of the new energy industry, our shareholders will be best served with our asset package being shepherded by MGX. At the technical forefront of the lithium industry, MGX's drive and domain expertise have the potential to drive value for related participants. This partnership allows PWM to focus on its marquee Case Lake hard rock pegmatite asset with drilling commencing in the coming days followed by metallurgy work by MGX using its new technology applied to our lithium hard rock prospect. Additionally, our shareholders will continue to benefit and see potential upside in these petrolithium assets being run by MGX through the large share position PWM will own in their company." PWM U.S. Petrolithium Properties: Paradox Basin, Utah PWM has an executed joint venture with American Potash Corp., ("AMP") to explore and develop lithium brines totaling 13,520 acres of prime ground. AMP's US Federal lithium claims and Utah state lithium leases cover known brine-hosting clastic stratigraphy in the Paradox Formation. Coyote Project - Lisbon Valley, Utah The Project includes 150 placer mineral claims covering an area of 3,000 acres and inclusive of lithium brine mineral rights, on trend and adjoining to the north, the Lisbon Valley oil and gas field, where historic lithium brine content has been reported as high as 730 parts per million lithium (Superior Oil 88-21P). The Lisbon Valley oil and gas field is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Moab, Utah in the salt anticline belt on the southwest edge of the Paradox Basin in San Juan county. The oilfield was first discovered by Pure Oil Company in 1960. The Lisbon field produces oil and gas from the southwest flank of a faulted anticlinal trap in the Devonian sandstones and Mississippian limestones (Segal et al., 1986). PWM Hard Rock Properties: Case Lake Case Lake spodumene pegmatite swarm is located 80 km east of Cochrane, northeastern Ontario. Case pegmatite swarm consists of five dykes exposed on surface: North, Main, South, East and Northeast Dyke. North, Main and Northeast Dykes contain spodumene. North Dyke has greater than 100 m strike length, Main Dyke has greater than 350 m strike length and the Northeast Dyke has greater than 75 m strike length. Power Metals summer 2017 exploration program on the Case Lake Property will consist of approx. 6000 m of drilling of approximately 30 drill holes. The drilling will target the North and Main Dykes to define the pegmatite and lithium mineralization and to extend the dykes to the east and west along strike and down dip. There is 100 m of surface exposed strike length for the Main Dyke that has not yet been drill tested. The Company will also test the possibility that the Main Dyke is actually two parallel pegmatite dykes not just one dyke. Since the pegmatite dykes within the Case Lake pegmatite swarm are parallel to each other, there is potential to find additional buried dykes at depth. Paterson Lake The Paterson Lake Property is located 75 km north of Kenora, northwestern Ontario in Paterson Lake. The Property is composed of 7 mining claims, 68 claim units totaling 1088 ha and is approximately 7 km by 2.5 km in size. The project is proximal to Avalon's Big Whopper pegmatite which is located about 3 km west of the western claim block. The mineralization has a strike length of 600m to a maximum vertical depth of 250m. Gullwing - Tot Lake The Gullwing - Tot Lake Property is located 30 km northeast of Dryden, northwestern Ontario in Webb and Drope townships. The Property is composed of 10 mining claims, 103 claim units totaling 1648 ha and is approximately 10 km by 1.5 km in size. The Gullwing - Tot Lake pegmatites are located 13 km northeast of International Lithium Corp's Mavis Lake - Fairservice pegmatites. International Lithium's partner Pioneer Resource Limited completed 12 drill holes totaling 1,305 m on March 2, 2017 on the Mavis Lake Property with drill highlights of 1.47 % Li2O over 17.9 m and 1.70 % Li2O over 26.3 m (International Lithium, press release dated April 11, 2017). Larder River Larder River is hosted by the same South Mountain Batholith as Brazil Lake (Larder is in the center of this batholith and Brazil Lake is at the south end). Larder River has, at surface, extrusion of light coloured granite rock just like Brazil Lake. These granites host pegmatite dikes at Brazil Lake which contain high grade Lithium, Tantalum and Rubidium. A core drilling program of 28 holes in 2011 at Brazil Lake encountered extensive Li2Omineralization. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to completion of satisfactory due diligence, the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). Qualified Person Julie Selway, Ph.D., P.Geo. supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. Dr. Selway is a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Dr. Selway is supervising the exploration program at Case Lake and has previously worked on the Paterson Lake and Gullwing-Tot Lake pegmatites. Dr. Selway completed a Ph.D. on granitic pegmatites in 1999 and worked for about 3 years as a pegmatite geoscientist for the Ontario Geological Survey. Dr. Selway also has twenty-three scientific journal articles on pegmatites. National Instrument 43-101 reports have not been prepared on these properties with the exception of the Case Lake property filed July 18, 2017. About Power Metals Corp. Power Metals Corp. is a diversified Canadian mining company with a mandate to explore, develop and acquire high quality mining projects for minerals contributing to power. We are committed to building an arsenal of projects in both lithium other and clean power fuels. We see an unprecedented opportunity to supply the staggering growth of the lithium battery industry. Learn more at www.powermetalscorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Johnathan More Johnathan More, Chairman None of the TSX Venture Exchange, the CSE nor their Regulation Service Providers (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains projections and forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of Power Metals such as that the transaction described in the LOI will be completed. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and Power Metals' plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including other factors beyond Power Metals' control. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, Power Metals assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change. Contacts: Power Metals Corp. Johnathan More Chairman 646-661-0409 info@powermetalscorp.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Cabinet office is slated to release the Japan consumer confidence index for July at 1:00 am ET Wednesday. The index is seen at 43.5, compared to 43.3 in June. Ahead of the data, the yen fell against its major rivals. As of 12:55 am ET, the yen was trading at 131.08 against the euro, 146.38 against the pound, 114.72 against the Swiss franc and 110.84 against the U.S. dollar. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs releases consumer confidence for July in the pre-European session on Wednesday at 1:45 am ET. The index is seen at -3 in July versus -8 in June. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the Swiss franc rose against the yen, it fell against the euro. Against the U.S. dollar and the pound, the Swiss franc held steady. As of 1:40 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.1426 against the euro, 1.2758 against the pound, 0.9659 against the U.S. dollar and 114.68 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The New Zealand dollar weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Wednesday. The NZ dollar fell to more than a 2-month low of 1.5933 against the euro and more than a 2-week low of 81.89 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.5799 and 82.42, respectively. Against the U.S. and the Australian dollars, the kiwi dropped to a 1-week low of 0.7416 and nearly a 2-week low of 1.0728 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7468 and 1.0669, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.60 against the euro, 80.00 against the yen, 0.72 against the greenback and 1.08 against the aussie. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/11/17 -- China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (TSX: CGG)(HKSE: 2099) (the "Company" or "China Gold International Resources") reports on the Company's financial and operational results for the three months ("Q2", or "second quarter 2017") and six months ("first half" or "six months 2017") ended June 30, 2017. This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements, Notes to the Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis. Selected Production and Financial Highlights: Q2 2017 Compared to Q2 2016 -- Revenue increased by 40% to US$97.9 million from US$69.9 million for the same period in 2016. -- Mine operating earnings increased by 114% to US$25 million from US$11.7 million for the same period in 2016. -- Net profit after income taxes increased to US$20.6 million from a net loss of US$7.4 million for the same period in 2016. -- Gold production from the CSH Mine decreased by 6% to 45,798 ounces from 48,867 ounces for the same period in 2016. The decrease in gold production is mainly due to the lower recovery rates during the current period. -- The total production cost of gold for the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased compared with the same period in 2016, due to higher depletion and depreciation costs. The cash production cost of gold for the three months ended June 30, 2017 decreased by approximately 5% from US$695 per ounce for the three months ended June 30, 2016 to US$659 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 due to lower waste removal costs. CSH Mine Three months ended June 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total production cost(1) (US$ per ounce) 1,075 1,042 Cash production cost(1)(US$ per ounce) 659 695 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Non-IFRS measure. -- During the three months ended June 30, 2017, both cash production cost and total production cost of copper per pound decreased, mainly because of the higher ore grade mined during the period. Jiama Mine Three months ended June 30, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total production cost(1) (US$) of copper per pound after by-products credits(2) 1.08 1.36 Cash production cost(3) (US$) of copper per pound after by-products credits(2) 0.73 0.94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Production costs include expenditures incurred at the mine sites for the activities related to production including mining, processing, mine site G&A and royalties etc. (2) By-products credit refers to the sales of gold and silver during the corresponding period. (3) Non-IFRS measure. -- Copper production from the Jiama Mine increased by 38% to 6,918 tonnes (approximately 15.25 million pounds) from 5,014 tonnes (approximately 11.05 million pounds) for the same period in 2016. Selected Production and Financial Highlights: First Half 2017 Compared to First Half 2016 -- Revenue increased by 33% to US$180 million from US$135.5 million for the same period in 2016. -- Mine operating earnings increased by 128% to US$44.1 million from US$19.3 million for the same period in 2016. -- Net profit after income taxes increased to US$27.0 million from a net loss of US$10.9 million for the same period in 2016. -- Gold production from the CSH Mine decreased by 6% to 80,338 ounces from 85,570 ounces for the same period in 2016. -- Copper production from the Jiama Mine increased by 59% to 14,500 tonnes (approximately 31.97 million pounds) from 9,120 tonnes (approximately 20.11 million pounds) for the same period in 2016. Mr. Bing Liu, the CEO and Executive Director of the Company, stated, "I am pleased to report that China Gold International saw a strong second quarter with increased revenue and reduced production costs. The Series I of Jiama Mine's Phase II expansion will achieve full capacity in the second half of the year which will increase copper production significantly. As the CSH Mine enters into what is traditionally its peak production quarter, we are optimistic that we can utilize the prime operating conditions to increase gold production. In addition, the Company continues to pursue growth opportunities and optimize its capital structure through strategic initiatives intended to build shareholder value." Analysts, investors, media and general public are encouraged to visit the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited's website at www.hkex.com.hk or SEDAR at www.sedar.com to view the complete set of the financial statements and MD&A or contact the Company with any questions. About China Gold International Resources China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and operates both profitable and growing mines, the CSH Gold Mine in Inner Mongolia, and the Jiama Copper-Polymetallic Mine in Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The Company's objective is to continue to build shareholder value by growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and aggressively acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKSE: 2099). For further information on China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd., please refer to its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or www.chinagoldintl.com. Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although China Gold International Resources believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date. Contacts: China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. 604-609-0598 info@chinagoldintl.com www.chinagoldintl.com BOLTON, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/14/17 -- Titanium Transportation Group Inc. ("Titanium" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: TTR) is pleased to announce the Company has been included in the 29th annual PROFIT 500 ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies by Canadian Business. This is the ninth consecutive year the Company has been included and in this year's list, Titanium is ranked 197th with five-year revenue growth of 331%. Ranking Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies by five-year revenue growth, the PROFIT 500 profiles the country's most successful growth companies. A joint venture between Canada's premier business and current affairs media brands, the PROFIT 500 is published in the October issue of Maclean's magazine and online at CanadianBusiness.com. "It is never easy to earn a spot on the PROFIT 500, but this year's applicant pool was the most competitive yet," says Deborah Aarts, PROFIT 500 program manager. "This year's winners demonstrate the resilience, innovation and sheer management smarts it takes to build a thriving business today. Canada-and the world-needs more entrepreneurial success stories like these." About Titanium Titanium is a leading asset-based transportation and logistics company servicing Canada and the United States, with approximately 400 power units, 1,300 trailers and 500 employees and independent owner operators. Titanium provides truckload, dedicated, and cross-border trucking services, freight logistics, and warehousing and distribution to over 1,000 customers. Titanium is a recognized consolidator of asset-based transportation companies in Ontario, having completed eight asset-based trucking acquisitions since 2011. Titanium has also been ranked by PROFIT magazine as one of Canada's Fastest Growing Companies for nine consecutive years. About the PROFIT 500 For 29 years, the PROFIT 500 has been Canada's most respectable and influential ranking of entrepreneurial achievement. Developed by PROFIT and now published in Maclean's magazine and at CanadianBusiness.com, the PROFIT 500 ranks Canadian companies on five-year revenue growth. For more information on the ranking visit PROFIT500.com or CanadianBusiness.com. About Canadian Business Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is the longest-serving and most-trusted business publication in the country. It is the country's premier media brand for executives and senior business leaders. It fuels the success of Canada's business elite with a focus on the things that matter most: leadership, innovation, business strategy and management tactics. Learn more at CanadianBusiness.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding Titanium's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information may relate to Titanium's future outlook and anticipated events, and may include statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, budgets, litigation, projected costs, capital expenditures, financial results, taxes and plans and objectives of or involving Titanium. Particularly, statements regarding future acquisitions, the availability of credit, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities for Titanium or the industry in which it operates are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", "occur", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "seek", "aim", "estimate", "target", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "continue", "likely", "schedule", or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. For greater certainty and notwithstanding the foregoing, annualized run rate total revenue and EBITDA are not presented herein as forward-looking statements. These annualized figures are based solely on historical data and are included to allow readers to understand the current size of the Company, and should not in any circumstance be construed as projections or forecasts of the Company's future performance. Information contained in forward-looking statements is based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on currently available information, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking statements made in this press release are dated, and relate only to events or information, as of the date of this press release. Except as specifically required by law, Titanium undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither the 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 release. Contacts: Titanium Transportation Group Inc. Kasia Malz, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer (905) 266-3036 investors@ttgi.com www.ttgi.com LUND, Sweden, Oct. 04, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: NVP, OTCQX: NEVPF),the mitochondrial medicine company, today announced the appointment of Daniel Schale as Director of Communications. Daniel will report to CFO Catharina Johansson. Daniel Schale will be responsible for the company's communications, media relations and public affairs. Daniel has ten years of experience in PR and communications, in recent years with special focus on pharmaceuticals, biotech and life science. Daniel holds an M.Sc. in Economics from Lund University. "The recruitment of Daniel to NeuroVive is very important to us and the development of our company. Communication is key for us, both towards investors and other stakeholders, such as patients, healthcare professionals, governmental and regulatory bodies, scientists and the public. We will continue to prioritize communication regarding our projects and our business model, but we also want to increase the focus on the purpose of our research and development, as well as the diseases we aim to provide novel treatment opportunities for", commented Catharina Johansson, CFO, NeuroVive. Daniel joins NeuroVive from a role as senior corporate communications and public affairs advisor with the Swedish PR-firm Aspekta. Having been responsible for clients in the pharmaceutical and life science industries, Daniel has worked with lobbying, advocacy and disease awareness, as well as market access communications. "NeuroVive is an exciting company with several interesting projects. It is very stimulating to start to work with further strengthening, broadening and clarifing the company's communication towards investors and other stakeholders. With my background in public affairs and lobbying, I hope to contribute towards NeuroVive taking on a bigger role in the public debate, for instance on issues related to orphan drugs and therapeutic areas of importance to the company", said Daniel Schale, Director of Communications, NeuroVive. 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). For further information, please contact: Daniel Schale +46 (0)46-275 62 21 ir@neurovive.com. NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ) Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund Tel: 046-275 62 20, Fax: 046-888 83 48 info@neurovive.se , www.neurovive.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/neurovive-pharmaceutical/r/neurovive-appoints-daniel-schale-as-director-of-communications,c2359666 The following files are available for download: TDC will conduct a conference call for institutional investors and analysts on August 10, 2017 at 14.30 CET to present the Q2 2017 results. Pernille Erenbjerg, Chief Executive Officer, and Stig Pastwa, Chief Financial Officer, will comment on the results and answer questions during the conference call. The investor and analyst conference will be held in English and will also be available as a webcast at https://tdcgroup.com/en/investor-relations Investors and financial analysts can register for the telephone conference on the following link: http://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/r.htm?e=1470395&s=1&k=A57724E18E3C06BAF8 63C69CBEC84C76 Registration for this event will enable us to provide you with faster and more efficient service. When you have completed registration, you will receive a confirmation online and per e-mail. Your confirmation will include the details for the conference call such as dial-in number, an event passcode and PIN that will ensure your secure access on the day of the event. The conference call will refer to a slide deck that will be available on the link: https://tdcgroup.com/en/investor-relations from August 10, 2017 at approx. 9.00 CET. Participants wishing to derive full benefit from the conference call should obtain these slides in due time before the conference call begins. Please note that there might be a time lag between the webcast and the conference call if you are simultaneously watching and calling in to the conference. TDC A/S Teglholmsgade 1 0900 Copenhagen C DK-Denmark tdc.com 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. MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwired - August 02, 2017) - Gigya today announced that KuppingerCole, a global research firm specializing in security and data protection, has recognized Gigya as the Overall Leader in Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) for the second year in a row, in a new Leadership Compass report on CIAM Platforms. A full copy of the report is available now at www.gigya.com/compass. KuppingerCole joins two other analyst firms that have recently given Gigya the highest scores in customer identity management: Gartner gave Gigya the top product score for the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) use case in their report "Critical Capabilities for Identity and Access Management as a Service, Worldwide." 1 A full copy of the report is available now at www.gigya.com/gartner. A full copy of the report is available now at www.gigya.com/gartner. Forrester Research gave Gigya the top scores in Current Offering and Strategy in their report, "The Forrester Wave': Customer Identity and Access Management, Q2 2017." A full copy of the report is available now at www.gigya.com/wave. Other vendors covered in three reports include ForgeRock, Janrain, LoginRadius, Microsoft, Okta, Ping Identity and Salesforce. KuppingerCole's 2017 report, "Leadership Compass - CIAM Platforms," rates 15 vendors in four categories: Overall Leadership, Product Leadership, Market Leadership, and Innovation Leadership. Not only is Gigya out front in the Overall Leader category, the company is also the only vendor to be named a Leader in all four categories -- the same as in the 2016 edition of the CIAM Leadership Compass. "Gigya is well-established amongst the leading products in the CIAM market," says the report, written by KuppingerCole analyst John Tolbert. "Their focus on consumer experience and integrated marketing tools provide a powerful platform for not only managing user identities but also for creating usable intelligence on market trends. This makes the product a clear pick for shortlists when looking for CIAM solutions." In explaining the growth of CIAM as a category, the report states: "Many businesses and public-sector organizations are finding that they must provide better digital experiences for and gather more information about the consumers who are using their services. Enterprises want to collect, store, and analyze data on consumers in order to create additional sales opportunities and increase brand loyalty." KuppingerCole, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, is an international and independent analyst organization that offers neutral advice, expertise, thought leadership and practical relevance in information security, identity and access management, risk management and compliance, and governance, as well as digital transformation. "Even in the short time span between our 2016 and 2017 Leadership Compass reports, we are seeing considerable progress among CIAM vendors in offering solutions that meet the expanding needs of brands for improved customer experience, compliance with widely varying data privacy laws around the world, and keeping personal information secure," said Martin Kuppinger, Founder and Principal Analyst of KuppingerCole. "Gigya's customer identity platform continues to lead the CIAM category in addressing these needs, as well as providing the tools for extracting deep insights into customer behavior and preferences." Patrick Salyer, chief executive officer of Gigya, said: "It is indeed an honor to be recognized by KuppingerCole for the second year in a row as the leader in CIAM. KuppingerCole continues to build bridges between digital teams and security and risk teams on the imperative to manage their customers' identity data responsibly while delivering engaging and personalized experiences." About Gigya Gigya's Customer Identity Management platform is helping companies build trusted digital relationships with over 1.3 billion consumers. With Gigya's technology, businesses increase registrations and identify customers across devices, consolidate data into rich customer profiles and provide better services, products and experiences by integrating data into marketing and service applications. For global businesses operating in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, Gigya optimizes compliance and customer trust, with discrete regional data centers and customer self-service options for managing profile, preference, opt-in and consent settings. More than 700 of the world's leading businesses rely on Gigya to build identity-driven relationships and to provide scalable, secure and compliant customer identity and access management. 1 Gartner "Critical Capabilities for Identity and Access Management as a Service, Worldwide," by Neil Wynne and Gregg Kreizman, 29 September 2016. Media Contact: Mike Langberg Gigya +1 650 353 7249 mike.langberg@gigya.com An exciting new brand - Never Say Die Bourbon goes into production today. The brand is inspired by Kentucky's own Never Say Die, the first American racehorse since 1881 to win the English Derby in 1954. Never Say Die Bourbon is the brainchild of Kentucky native Pat Madden, whose family owned the famous Hamburg Place farm where the horse was born. Along with Pat Madden, fellow founders of the new brand include Pat Heist and Shane Baker of the premium craft distillery, Wilderness Trail; Brian Luftman of American Farm Investors; and UK based strategists, David Wild, Fran O'Leary and Martha Dalton. To mark the start of production, a barrel filling ceremony is today (2nd August 2017) being held in Danville, Kentucky, where Never Say Die Bourbon's founders and investors will each sign their own barrel. The brand has already attracted significant investment from a range of investors who are inspired by the story of Never Say Die. With the world-leading bourbon distilling expertise of Pat and Shane, the new bourbon is made with Kentucky's limestone rich water responsible for the blue grass which helped to make Never Say Die a winner. Following the trail blazed by the horse, Never Say Die Bourbon will travel across the Atlantic to be finished in England. This unique process, will create a unique taste. This thoroughbred bourbon will be enjoyed both sides of the Atlantic and across the world. Commenting on the launch, Pat Madden, said: "Back in 1951, a chestnut colt with a white blaze and three white socks was born with breathing difficulties. No one thought he'd make it through the night. But the horse was revived with a shot of bourbon and he was named Never Say Die. Against all odds, Never Say Die went on to cross the Atlantic and - ridden by Lester Piggott triumphed in front of the Queen and Sir Winston Churchill at the Epsom Derby of 1954. Inspired by the spirit of Never Say Die a relentless courage, a drive for adventure, a thirst for life we're delighted to be going into production with our new bourbon brand today." View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005512/en/ Contacts: Never Say Die Bourbon Fran O'Leary E: info@neversaydiebourbon.com T: +44 7980582254 www.neversaydiebourbon.com Verifi's Expansion Reaches a Broad Scope of Issuing Banks of All Sizes in the Banking Market LONDON, 2017-08-02 10:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verifi, Inc., a leading provider of payment and risk management solutions for card-not-present (CNP) merchants, today announced that they have partnered with Missouri-based Nodaway Valley Bank to combat fraud and mitigate chargebacks for its base of customers. Nodaway Valley Bank will look to Verifi to implement their end-to-end payment protection and management solutions. Verifi's suite of services enables issuing banks to work directly with merchants to access critical dispute data and settle the matter before a dispute becomes an expensive chargeback. "Chargebacks continue to be a huge challenge to our entire industry," said Matthew Katz, CEO of Verifi. "Our partnership with Nodaway Valley Bank expands our network coverage in the mid-size bankcard market, consistent with our strategy to provide the broadest support and protection to merchants and issuers of all sizes. We are pleased to be working with such an historic institution to provide greater value to their merchant and consumer customers." Based in Missouri, Nodaway Valley Bank has provided their regional clientele with the latest banking services for almost 150 years. "We chose Verifi based on their leadership within the industry, and their ability to expertly address our chargeback challenges," said Jim Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Nodaway Valley Bank. "Verifi's proven solutions enable us to reduce operating costs, streamline our review process, and enhance both merchant and cardholder satisfaction." Recognised as the Best Chargeback Management Program for the last five consecutive years by the Card Not Present Expo, Verifi's Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network (CDRN) prevents hundreds of thousands of chargeback cases every month, providing real protection from costly fees, fines or penalties, and cardholder dissatisfaction which affect merchants and issuers alike. With year-over-year growth since the program's launch in 2007, Verifi's unique and patented CDRN "closed loop" process directly integrates with issuers, providing unmatched service, quality and accuracy for merchants in collaboration with issuers to resolve disputed payments and dramatically minimise chargebacks and cardholder dissatisfaction. By providing merchants with visibility into fraud and non-fraud customer disputes in near real-time, the CDRN process provides the highest level of true chargeback protection, while avoiding false positives that result in lost sales, increased manual review time, and decreased profits. CDRN covers approximately 50% of the US market and boasts a 90% resolution rate. About Nodaway Valley Bank Nodaway Valley Bank has been committed to providing northwest Missouri superior financial service since 1868. As the original hometown bank, we value our customers and strive to create lasting relationships built on fairness and respect. Our goal is to always keep our customers' best interest in mind by focusing on fairness, mutual respect, and exemplary customer service. For more information, visit www.nvb.com. About Verifi (UK) Verifi is an award-winning provider of end-to-end payment protection and management solutions, founded in 2005 to help merchants effectively manage the payments challenges they face every day. Verifi's Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network supports merchants by preventing hundreds of thousands of fraud and non-fraud chargebacks each month. Verifi's full suite of services helps merchants combat fraud, prevent and resolve costly chargebacks, as well as facilitate sharing of transaction details. Our best-in-breed solutions and white glove support are trusted by a wide range of industries, from emerging companies to large enterprises. With our EMEA headquarters in London, England, we process more than 27 billion transactions annually and currently serve more than 25,000 accounts globally. For more information, visit: uk.verifi.com. Contact: Kevin Mercuri kevin@propheta.com 212-901-6914 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Sticky Content, a creative content agency, is launching a new bespoke branded content feed and inviting publishers to opt in and leverage native monetisation. Sticky Content is part of the PA Group, the parent company of the Press Association (PA), the national news agency for the UK and Ireland. The content on Sticky Content's native feed will be powered by leading native advertising technology platform Nativo and created on behalf of Sticky Content's blue-chip collection of brand clients. "In an era of increasing fragmentation, reaching a guaranteed high-value audience with engaging content is becoming harder to achieve. That's why this new native network offers such value to our brand clients," said Emily Shelley, Managing Director at Sticky Content. "Meanwhile publishers, many of whom have a long and trusted relationship with our sister company PA, can be secure that our bespoke content will add to their users' experience and bring additional revenue opportunities. We look forward to working with Nativo to power this network." Native advertising continues to show strong adoption among advertisers in the UK, posting growth as high as nearly 30% in 2016. Sticky Content's new offering will allow brands to take advantage of Nativo's high-quality, high-impact native ad format called True Native as well as native video. "We've worked with Sticky Content for a few years now and are excited about the opportunity Nativo offers to distribute content across a native network. We look forward to hearing more about this partnership," said Gemma Sykes, Senior Marketing Manager at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, a Sticky Content client. Nativo's flagship True Native offering consists of an in-feed native ad unit, combined with a branded content landing page. This combination sees significantly lower bounce rates and boasts an average of 90 seconds spent on articles. Additionally, Nativo advertisers have seen up to a 13x lift in brand awareness, a 6.4x lift in purchase consideration, and a 5.4x lift in purchase intent. "Native is becoming an increasingly strategic part of UK advertisers' digital programs," said Lindsey Clarke, Managing Director at Nativo. "We're excited to advance this growing reality for both advertisers and publishers. By making Nativo's native platform available to publishers already working with the PA Group, they now have a new monetisation channel leveraging content that consistently demonstrates valuable consumer engagement." To learn more, contact sales@nativo.com. About Nativo Nativo is the leading advertising technology platform for brand advertisers and publishers to scale, automate, and measure native ads. For brands, Nativo is the ultimate content advertising platform that combines automation and insights with high quality reach to scale and optimize engagement with brand content. For media companies, Nativo provides a complete native technology stack that makes it easy to sell, deploy, and optimize native ads across their media properties expanding their revenue potential while delivering a better, non-interruptive experience for their audiences. More than 600 brands and 400 publishers leverage Nativo's platform to power their next-generation digital advertising. Learn more at www.nativo.com. About Sticky Content We're a full-service creative and social agency using insight and imagination to make content that sticks to users wherever they go. We're all about winning not just attention, but long-lasting affection. We work for a range of consumer brands, financial services providers and retailers, including Coca-Cola, HSBC and DixonsCarphone. We've been trainers and practitioners in digital copywriting, brand voice and content strategy since our founding in 1997. Today, we're part of the PA Group and enjoy close, collaborative relationships with partner agencies across media, production, distribution and measurement. Find out more at www.stickycontent.com Media Contact Nikki Reyes WIT Strategy for Nativo 408-499-0033 nreyes@witstrategy.com 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 HAMBURG, Germany, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Indivumed is pleased to announce a collaboration with MedStar Health to individualize anti-cancer medical therapies through state-of-the-art biospecimen collection, preservation and analysis. Indivumed, a Germany-based oncology research company has developed a unique global standard for tissue and clinical data collection, establishing the leading cancer database which provides a unique basis for developing precision medicine in cancer. MedStar cares for thousands of cancer patients and survivors through the MedStar Health Cancer Network. In collaboration with the MedStar Health Research Institute, MedStar is increasing biospecimen collection started nearly a decade ago at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Over the term of the agreement, the cancer biobank will encompass MedStar's most active cancer programs throughout the system to partner with Indivumed's global annotated cancer biobank of human tumor tissue samples used to develop anti-tumor drugs and personalized medicine for cancer. This international partnership will allow MedStar researchers to access highest quality biospecimens and associated clinical data contributed by consenting patients. In addition, MedStar cancer researchers will have access to samples contributed by more than 30,000 patients within Indivumed's global cancer database operating within Europe, Asia and the United States. "Attaining individualized cancer diagnosis and treatment for every patient based on reliable clinical data and molecularly intact biospecimens is our goal," said Hartmut Juhl, M.D., founder and CEO of Indivumed, and a cancer researcher. "Our tool for achieving this goal is the establishment of a unique global cancer database using molecular information from tissues collected under stringent protocols. MedStar Health brings a special blend of clinical care, research and patient outreach within the largest hospital network in the Mid-Atlantic Region.Our long-standing partnership with Georgetown's Lombardi Cancer Center has made possible our expanded commitment to partner throughout the MedStar System. By building a biobank together, we can make a dramatic difference in phenotype-based precision medicine worldwide," Juhl went on to say. "By participating in the Indivumed global network, we'll have access to a critical mass of biological samples and clinical data for use in unique research for our community," said Neil Weissman, MD, President of the MedStar Health Research Institute. "Indivumed is a world leader in tissue collection and preservation and will expand our ability to conduct metabolic, as well as gene-based, cancer research." MedStar's Cancer Network has recently been granteda three-year accreditation with Commendationfrom the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). In addition, the Georgetown University Lombardi Cancer Center holds the distinction of being a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only cancer center in the Washington area with such distinction. Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of Georgetown Lombardi and Director of MedStar's integrated cancer network stated firmly that, "the MedStar Cancer Network and Georgetown Lombardi are committed to delivering the highest standards of care and providing access to the most current cutting-edge research for our patients suffering from this horrendous disease." Weiner continued, "the Indivumed cancer biobank has been and will continue to be a critical asset to our physicians and researchers in their quest to defeat cancer." Under an initial multi-year agreement, MedStar will collect lung, breast, colorectal, pancreatic and other cancer tissues at its most active cancer programs throughout the system for research and storage according to Indivumed's unique biobanking standard. Tissue collection at Georgetown Lombardi will continue pursuant to Georgetown University's existing agreement with Indivumed. About Indivumed GmbH INDIVUMED an ISO certified global oncology research company based in Hamburg, Germany, has established the world's leading Cancer Database and biobank, retaining unique patterns of biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, and proteins as they existed in the human body. This Cancer Database makes possible multi-omics capabilities that will allow for characterization of samples and data such as whole genome gene expression analysis, expression analysis of cancer relevant proteins, expression analysis of cancer relevant phosphoproteins and bioinformatic solutions for integrating molecular, biological and clinical information. Indivumed's products and services allow for in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanisms of a patient's cancer, addressing important demands in translational research and molecular diagnostics to support implementation of personalized healthcare. For more information, please visit http://www.indivumed.com About MedStar Health MedStar Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to caring for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. MedStar's 30,000 associates, 6,000 affiliated physicians, 10 hospitals, ambulatory care and urgent care centers, and the MedStar Health Research Institute are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar trains more than 1,100 medical residents annually. MedStar Health's patient-first philosophy combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service. For more information, visithttp://www.MedStarHealth.org. Contact: Hartmut Juhl, MD Founder and Chief Executive Officer Indivumed GmbH Tel.: +49-40-413383-0 press@indivumed.com Eurosilicone Breast Implants Demonstrate Exceptional Safety Rates Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery treatment in the world. As the number of augmentations continue to rise, safety has never been more important. With a strong commitment to setting the 'Gold Standard' in care, quality and safety for patients and surgeons alike, GC Aesthetics, a global leader in the medical aesthetics space, is conducting a 10 year long-term clinical study into the safety of the implants expertly produced by one of their brands, Eurosilicone. This is the eight-year interim results update of this ten-year prospective clinical study which reviewed the safety and performance of Eurosilicone's breast implants at 17 private and university hospitals in France. In total, 526 women were involved in the study, in a total of 995 implants. This study was recently published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Eurosilicone's results demonstrated a very high safety rate. With a rupture rate of less than 2% and a reoperation rate of 3.6%, the findings were shown to be lower than the nine-year study reported by other breast implant manufacturers. Ayse Kocak, CEO of GC Aesthetics comments, "As a global leader in the breast implant space, GC Aesthetics is committed to defining and upholding the 'Gold Standard' when it comes to safety, care and quality. I believe this study is the largest prospective study of breast implants in Europe. We thrive on delivering the best possible products, and the results of the eight-year study further demonstrate our very high safety rate which should give our surgeons and their patients further peace of mind. "Whilst we are delighted to see these results, we will continue to use these findings to help further enhance our services and products to ensure we offer the very best to both surgeons and patients." www.gcaesthetics.com About GC Aesthetics GC Aesthetics is a leading medical aesthetics company committed to becoming the trusted brand and partner for women who want to look healthy, youthful, vibrant and beautiful. Through the two leading brands Nagor and Eurosilicone, GC Aesthetics has 30 years of experience in breast implants. In 2017, GC Aesthetics became the global leader in breast implants in key markets. With this impressive accolade under the brand's belt, GC Aesthetics continues to set the 'Gold Standard' when it comes to innovation, quality, safety and care within the sector. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005544/en/ Contacts: For GC Aesthetics: Natalie Willey, 020 3745 6960 natalie.willey@edencancan.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 5:00 am ET Wednesday, Eurostat is scheduled to release euro area producer prices for June. Producer prices are forecast to rise 2.4 percent annually, following a 3.3 percent rise in May. Ahead of the data, the euro rose against its major rivals. The euro was worth 1.1861 against the greenback, 131.33 against the yen, 1.1445 against the franc and 0.8961 against the pound as of 4:55 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. The current patent joins 3 previously approved patents of the company NESS ZIONA, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2017 / Nano Dimension Ltd., a leader in the field of 3D printed electronics (NASDAQ, TASE: NNDM), announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nano Dimension Technologies Ltd., has received patent approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the company's innovative system for print-head maintenance. The patent protects the unique print-head cleaning system used during the air suction process, which involves no direct contact on the print head. The patented technology prevents erosion of the print nozzles and enables longer lifespan of the print head. "We're very serious about protecting our groundbreaking intellectual property," said Nano Dimension CEO and Co-Founder Amit Dror. "Receiving our fourth patent for Nano Dimension's innovative technologies for 3D printed electronics and electrified additive manufacturing goes a long way to reinforcing that goal." About Nano Dimension Ltd. Nano Dimension (TASE: NNDM, NASDAQ: NNDM) is a leading additive manufacturing technology company. Nano Dimension is disrupting, reshaping and defining the future of how electronics are made. With its unique 3D printing technologies, Nano Dimension is targeting the growing demand for electronic devices that require increasingly sophisticated features and rely on printed circuit boards (PCBs). Demand for circuitry, including PCBs - which are the heart of every electronic device - covers a diverse range of industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices, defense, aerospace, automotive, IoT and telecom. These sectors can all benefit greatly from Nano Dimension's 3D printed electronics solutions for rapid prototyping and short-run manufacturing. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Nano Dimension is using forward-looking statements in this press release when it discusses protecting its intellectual property. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Nano Dimension's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or achievements of Nano Dimension could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Nano Dimension's annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 7, 2017, and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Nano Dimension undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. NANO DIMENSION INVESTOR RELATIONS Miri Segal-Scharia, CEO, MS-IR LLC | 917-607-8654 | msegal@ms-ir.com NANO DIMENSION PR CONTACT Galit Beck, Public Relations Manager | 972-542539495 | galit@nano-di.com SOURCE: Nano Dimension Ltd. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/09/17 -- Tangelo Games Corp. ("Tangelo" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: GEL), provides the following update on the Company's mobile development progress. Tangelo President, Vicenc Marti, commented: "Our near-term product goals have been, #1, to transition our game portfolio to Unity in order to ensure our games are accessible by the widest possible audience, and #2, to develop new content for our mobile audience. We know that mobile demand for our existing titles is strong: 10% of the users of our Mundijuegos web portal, for which there is no mobile app, download a special mobile browser in order to play Mundijuegos on their phones. We believe this unprompted demand is a strong endorsement of the potential for a Mundijuegos mobile offering with product content tailored specifically for a mobile experience. With regards to our Unity conversion, we are nearing completion of our Unity version of Bingo Rider, one of Tangelo Spain's most popular titles, representing 35% of Tangelo Spain's revenue. By the end of August, we will have converted the four top performing slot machines to Unity. By the end of 2017, we expect to release a new Mundijuegos Mobile App with the most popular web titles. Collectively, more than 75% of Tangelo Spain's revenue will be migrated to Unity by the end of 2017. Additionally, our Israeli-based team is developing two entirely new mobile- first slot applications, with a goal to publish the games by the end of 2017. These will be new games with new formats and will be tailored specifically for English speaking markets. These are games with new innovative narrative and social features that we believe will be well received by the market. We expect a beta version to be completed by the end of September 2017." About Tangelo Games Tangelo Games Corp., the parent company of Tangelo Israel and Tangelo Spain, formerly known as Imperus Technologies Corp., is a developer of social and mobile gaming for PC, Mac, iOS and Android platforms. Tangelo Israel and Tangelo Spain design, develop and distribute their top ranked social casino-themed games within online social networks (such as Facebook) and mobile platforms (such as Android and iPhone). All of the Tangelo Israel and Tangelo Spain games are free to play and generate revenue primarily through the in-game sale of virtual coins. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. When used in this press release, such forward-looking information may use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other similar terminology. Forward- looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the transition of games to the Unity platform and the development and release of new games and titles. Forward- looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future events and the operating performance of the Company, and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, regulatory requirements, general economic, market or business conditions and future developments in the sectors of the economy in which the business of Tangelo operates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Please see the Company's public disclosure documents available on www.sedar.com, for a more detailed description of the risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future results or otherwise, except as required by law. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Contacts: Tangelo Games Corp. Spyros Karellas Pinnacle Capital Markets Ltd. Investor Relations 416-433-5696 spyros@pinnaclecapitalmarkets.ca MESQUITE, NV / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2017 / Cannabis Sativa. Inc. (OTCQB: CBDS) announced today that the Company has acquired a controlling interest in PrestoCorp (a.k.a. PrestoDoctor), an online telemedicine platform providing access to knowledgeable physicians for a safe and confidential way to get a medical marijuana recommendation using secure video conferencing technology (https://prestodoctor.com). Appointments through PrestoDoctor's website are generally completed in 10-15 minutes, and can be scheduled and completed in the same day. This convenience eliminates the need for patients to travel to an in-person appointment or wait in line at a clinic. More than 40,000 users have registered to consult with PrestoDoctor's 15+ licensed physicians across the United States. PrestoDoctor currently offers services in California and Nevada, and is actively targeting expansion into multiple additional states in the coming months. President David Tobias says: "We are pleased to bring PrestoDoctor on board as a subsidiary of Cannabis Sativa. Combining our resources should be a great benefit to both companies. We are eager to assist PrestoDoctor in the roll out of their medical marijuana programs in several new states this year, and hope to see the continued growth of PrestoDoctor for years to come. We believe telemedicine is the future." PrestoDoctor was founded by an experienced Silicon Valley based team, with Kyle Powers previously at Google, IBM, PayPal, and ClearSlide, and Robert Tankson previously with Google, ClearSlide, and McCullough & Associates. PrestoDoctor CEO Kyle Powers says: "We are proud to announce our partnership with Cannabis Sativa. The experienced team at Cannabis Sativa will serve a vital role in the continued success of PrestoDoctor as we expand operations into multiple new markets. We believe that the strong portfolio of brands and companies operated by Cannabis Sativa reflects the vast potential of this rapidly growing industry, and we look forward to our joint success." On August 1, 2017, CBDS filed Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the terms of the acquisition. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1360442/000144586617001115/cbds_8k.htm About PrestoDoctor: PrestoDoctor launched in California in the summer of 2015, and quickly expanded services to Nevada in the summer of 2016. PrestoDoctor has facilitated tens of thousands of appointments and maintains the highest customer satisfaction rating for any telemedicine service online. PrestoDoctor has over 4,000 5-star reviews, is the first medical marijuana company to be accepted into the American Telemedicine Association, and is HIPAA and HITECH compliant. PrestoDoctor plans to expand its services to multiple additional states in Q3 2017. About Cannabis Sativa, Inc.: Cannabis Sativa, Inc. ("CBDS") is engaged in the licensing of cannabis related intellectual property, marketing and branding for cannabis based products and services, operation of cannabis related technology services, and ancillary business activities. CBDS licenses the "hi" and "White Rabbit" brands, holds a U.S. patent on the Ecuadorian Sativa strain of Cannabis, owns patent pending and trade secret formulas and processes, offers the hi benefits discount pharmacy card, and operates www.ibudtender.com information platform. In addition, CBDS seeks strategic partners for acquisition of operating companies, intellectual property and other assets which fit within the CBDS corporate vision. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Although the forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. Underlying assumptions include without limitation, the ongoing enactment of legislation favorable to the production of and the commercialization of cannabis products and the Company's success in capitalizing on that legislation. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Contact Information: Investor Relations Mesquite, NV 89027 702-345-4074 http://www.cannabissativainc.com SOURCE: Cannabis Sativa Inc. 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. RICHLAND, WA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2017 / Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation ("AMI") (OTC PINK: ADMD), a late stage radiation oncology focused medical device company, held their annual meeting Tuesday, August 1, 2017. All items in Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation's Proxy Statement were approved by Shareholders. The Company would like to welcome Robert G. Wolfangel as a new independent Board member. In addition, Dr. Michael K. Korenko, AMI's President, and CEO, was named to the Board of Directors and Dr. Carlton Cadwell was re-elected Chairman of the Board. Mr. James Katzaroff, AMI's former President, and CEO, agreed as part of his separation from the company to step down and not seek re-election to the Board of Directors. Thomas J. Clement did not stand for re-election this year. The company would like to thank both Tom and Jim for their past service. Following the shareholder meeting, the Company hosted a Shareholder Update Webcast and Q&A. The archived webcast link is available to be viewed at: https://www.redchip.com/events/15/advanced-medical-isotope-corp-shareholder-update-webcast/admd About Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation The strategic market sector of Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation (ADMD) is isotope applications. Currently, the company is engaged in the development of RadioGel, an Yttrium-90 based brachytherapy device, for the treatment of tumors. Brachytherapy uses radiation to destroy cancerous tumors by placing a radioactive isotope inside the treatment area. The company is engaging the FDA for permission to use RadioGel for the treatment of advanced basal and squamous skin cancers. The IsoPet Solutions division is focused on demonstrating the safety and therapeutic effectiveness for different animal cancers in four different university veterinary hospitals. After this demonstration phase the plan is to sell RadioGelTM to the private animal clinics. The Company currently is outsourcing material aspects of manufacturing of its product in the United States and intends to enter into licensing arrangements outside of the United States for the manufacturing and distribution of RadioGel in other countries. For more information, please visit our websites: www.isotopeworld.com and www.isopetsolutions.com. About RadioGel AMI is developing a brachytherapy and topical cancer treatment product called RadioGel. RadioGel is a hydrogel liquid containing tiny Yttrium-90 phosphate particles which may be injected into a tumor. This hydrogel liquid is maintained at a temperature below body temperature but begins to gel, harden, once it is injected into the body and as the temperature increases up to body temperature, thereby locking the particles in place. The particles emit a very high concentrated and contained beta irradiation to kill the tumor. The beta radiation has a short penetration distance so there is minimal collateral damage outside of the injected area. RadioGel also has a short half-life - after 10 days only about 5% of the radiation remains; as opposed to other available options that would 50% after 10 days. This is an outpatient treatment much safer to the personnel treating the patient than competing brands and the patient can go home immediately after with no risk to any family members. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimates," "projects," "intends," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. CONTACT: Company Contact: Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation Dr. Michael K. Korenko, CEO Info@IsotopeWorld.com MKorenko@IsotopeWorld.com 509-736-4000 SOURCE: Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation NEW DELHI, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Education technology platform Leverage Edu has raised an undisclosed amount of funding in its seed round from a clutch of reputed global executives, Internet entrepreneurs among others. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541551/Leverageedu_Logo.jpg ) The round was led by serial entrepreneur Kashyap Deorah who also authored - The Golden Tap - the inside story of hyper-funded Indian startups, and VRL Logistics MD Anand Sankeshwar. Former Babajob CFO Sadashiva NT, Former American Express CFO Arjun Mehta, husband-wife duo UCLA Professor Bhagwan Choudhary and 2Meditate Founder Swati Desai, NYU Stern Director Anindya Ghose, Deepak Jain, Founder of Flexiloans and Satish Koul, VP, Union National Bank Abu Dhabi also participated in this round among others. The company will be using the funds to strengthen their product and technology platform in areas like artificial intelligence among others. Leverage Edu is also looking to hire new talent as it looks to expand operations. Started by ISB Alumnus Akshay Chaturvedi and seasoned education professional Rajiv Ganjoo, the New Delhi-based startup uses machine learning to help students match with over 2500+ colleges and 100+ experts, helps them build rich profiles that includes writing research papers/filing patents, and apply with the counsel of experts that best match their background and profile. Akshay is an alumni of Draper after which he had stints in one of India's leading marketplace, Snapdeal and blue collar job provider, Babajob. Rajiv has worked across multiple senior level roles in the education industry including stints at CL Educate and Veritas Prep. The 9-member strong company is growing at a significant rate month-on-month as it has managed to on board strong partners in the space with a special focus on tier-2 and 3 cities. Leverage Edu is picking students as early as grade 8 for their career assessment and mentorship programs, with an eye to play across the entire student journey thereafter. "We believe a full-stack approach is necessary to build solutions that scale, specially in a market as big and as global as ours. We let machine intelligence and a curated marketplace of experts tell students what's right for them, rather than opting for inexperienced traditional options, many times family members. Our SaaS platform helps the aspiring student work on her applications get on-demand mentoring, access to education loans and forex, living and much more. We are passionate about helping folks build awesome careers, and live through that entire journey with them," said Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Leverage Edu. "A large number of young Indians aspire for higher education and a large number of colleges worldwide are looking for these students. Matching them at scale is an unsolved problem. Akshay is the right entrepreneur to connect the two worlds," said Kashyap Deorah. Anand Sankeshwar, who runs India's largest logistics firm VRL Logistics, said,"There has been a lot of activity in the EdTech space, and I have been tracking Leverage Edu for quite some time. Their focus on creating a global business out of India, excellent metrics, and their unique approach to solving education in India is a winner. Most of all, Akshay and Rajiv are terrific people to partner with. Their passion on an everyday basis, focused execution and their vision for bringing large scale change in higher education programmes are things that will help them build a great company here." As part of its enterprise business, which configures a growing chunk of the startup's revenue, it partners with top international and Indian institutes across an interesting array of services unique to the Indian landscape, including helping them build a better ranking. "Careers are life-altering decisions, and also the most expensive ones. People spend more time and energy on higher education/careers than e-commerce. What we are focused upon is touching the lives of millions of students, and helping them build better careers. We will be on-boarding more enterprise customers and more partners in the next few months, and also build our presence in the Gulf region," added Rajiv Ganjoo, Co-founder and President, Leverage Edu. Media Contact: Akshay Chaturvedi Co-founder/CEO +91-9711732858 akshay@leverageedu.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Relevium Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RLV)(FRANKFURT: 6BX) (the "Company" or "Relevium") a publicly traded corporation strategically focused on the acquisition of e-retail brands, products and technologies in the health and wellness market is pleased to provide guidance on its strategy and focus for the balance of calendar year 2017. Highlights -- Successful first 50 days of operations -- Since closing BioGanix acquisition: revenues of approx. C$ 700,000 (approx. 53% increase over previous period last year) -- Guidance on expansion of BioGanix -- Guidance for M&A -- Guidance for technology builds Successful first 50 days of operations On June 6, 2017, Relevium acquired the assets and business of BioGanix, the Company's first acquisition of e-retail assets. Management and the previous owner of BioGanix have been working diligently to ensure a smooth transition of the business. Jointly, careful detailed transitioning of the online operations has been ongoing in order to avoid any possible disruptions to the daily business operations. The Company is happy to announce that the initial transition of the current business has been successful, and Relevium has recorded revenues of approximately CAD$700,000 since closing, representing a 52% increase over the previous period last year (47% increase taking into account the effect of FX fluctuations). In the month of August, management will be working closely with the previous ownership to optimize operations and making additions to the current product offering. Aurelio Useche, CEO, stated: "We are extremely pleased with the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the previous ownership, the staff and our internal team during this initial phase of work." Mr. Useche continued: "We look forward to this continued partnership as we move into the optimization phase of the transition." Guidance on Expansion of BioGanix As part of the overall acquisition strategy, Relevium will spend considerable time in optimizing and developing the acquired e-retail business and brands starting with BioGanix. The Company's model includes: -- Optimization of its marketing and product positioning strategies -- Overview of its current product line and launching of new products -- Creation and launch new brands and product segments -- Obtaining licenses or direct sourcing of exclusive products -- Joint Ventures for market expansions Management is in discussions with potential partners in the above areas, including Hempco. As previously announced on May 10, 2017, the Company is currently working with Hempco to launch a vegan nutrition and vegan nutraceutical line to be launched in fall 2017 pending marketing studies and analysis. Pierre Bertrand, Director and Member of the Strategy Committee, stated: "The board, in conjunction with the CEO, have established a clear plan for creating value through the newly acquired business of BioGanix." Pierre Bertrand further stated: "We strongly believe that success in acquisitions is measured through acceleration of the inline business, based on excellence in execution of the underlying businesses acquired. As such, Relevium is committed to the success of the BioGanix business." Guidance on Future Acquisitions and Current Pipeline In alignment with its overall business strategy, Relevium continues to build its pipeline of potential M&A targets. Although the list of targets is dynamic, the Company's current pipeline represents a potential list of eight targets of interest totalling over $80M in Revenues and $24M in EBIT (all figures in Canadian Dollars). Depending on several factors such as market conditions and ability to finance, the Company intends to execute on at least one other transaction by the end of 2017. Guidance on Technology Development Relevium Technologies is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, a leading center for innovation in Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In addition to optimizing operations, marketing spend and brand equity, Management believes that an investment in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence will be of strategic importance in creating value for the Company and its shareholders. Relevium has already entered into discussions with leading Montreal-based companies in this sector in order to evaluate and set the direction for the development of proprietary technologies. The envisioned technology builds will allow for data driven decision making for operations, product launches, brand building and marketing as well as any other facet of the business that may come to light during the process. The envisioned technology builds will benefit from continuous learning as datasets grow and the technology evolves. The Company recognizes that certain key tools required to be a leader in the e-commerce industry are not commercially available. As such the Company will build artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions so as to ensure that it is at the bleeding edge of the industry and that portfolio brands outperform the market peer group. Aurelio Useche, CEO of Relevium Technologies stated: "Success in e-commerce was traditionally linked to marketing spend and operations optimization. We believe that the current and future success of e-retail will not only depend on these two pillars, but also in understanding market trends and consumer behaviour data, an area of critical investment by Relevium." About Relevium Technologies Relevium is a TSXV listed company focused on growth through the acquisition of businesses, products and/or technologies with a focus on e-commerce in the growing health and wellness sector. Relevium Technologies Inc. also holds patented intellectual property for the use of static magnetic fields for application on wearable devices. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements and forward-looking information and are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. On Behalf of the Board of Directors RELEVIUM TECHNOLOGIES INC. Aurelio Useche, President and CEO Contacts: Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Steve Hosein (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989 shosein@renmarkfinancial.com www.renmarkfinancial.com Relevium Technologies Inc. investors@releviumtechnologies.com www.releviumtechnologies.com https://www.facebook.com/releviumcorp/ https://twitter.com/releviumcorp https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/10345441/ New Zealand wine producer, Crown Range Cellar have won trophies at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) awards in London the Bendigo Trophy and the Central Otago Trophy. The International Wine Challenge, now in its 34th year, is considered to be the world's finest and most meticulously judged wine competition. Every wine is assessed blind. Throughout the rigorous judging process, each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10 different judges. The wine that has swept the world off their feet is Crown Range Cellar's 'China Girl', Bendigo, Pinot Noir, 2015. The exquisite Pinot Noir was awarded a gold medal by the IWC at the beginning of 2017, followed by a master medal by UK publication 'The Drinks Business'. The two trophies attained this year join the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Pinot Noir trophy won by Crown Range Cellar's top Pinot Noir in 2015. The fledgling wine company has now achieved three international trophies in the last 2 years, an enviable achievement. This year, Crown Range Cellar director, Jing Song, has been officially appointed as Ambassador to the London IWSC for the greater China region. In November 2017, the IWSC is set to launch the 'Crown Range Cellar Jing Song Trophy', encouraging young wine businesses and winemakers (particularly woman) in Asia to participate in the competition. This competition attracts producers from 90 countries to compete, has over 50,000 entries, 400 global industry experts and 8 months of judging. The director and savvy entrepreneur of Crown Range Cellar, Jing Song says "I am absolutely thrilled by the extreme honour and achievement of our team. I am proud to be the first New Zealand Wine company in history to have its own trophy naming rights at one of London's oldest and most prestigious wine awards". Crown Range Cellar are not just conquering New Zealand and London but export globally and are just about to steal the hearts of wine lovers in New York. Crown Range Cellar are launching their 2014 Stolen Heart Merlot Malbec, 2013 Syrah and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot into New York with a creative video campaign featuring the much-loved NZ bachelor love story of Art Green and Matilda Rice shot in New York City. The project is styled by popular New York designer, Nicole Miller. ends Download photos https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v9vtucke3zqrjmd/AABW6zoHAnvQyntLwHRQ93y_a?dl=0 View video here https://www.dropbox.com/s/w7ecvoy3tan3kq5/Stolen Heart Short Cut %281%29.mpg?dl=0 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005499/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: The Social Experience Natalie Williams, +64 21 457 676 natalie@thesocialexperience.co.nz thesocialexperience.co.nz or www.iwsc.net and www.crownrangecellar.com https://www.facebook.com/CrownRange Pexip software earns Microsoft certification Pexip announced its Infinity Fusion product was certified by Microsoft as a video interoperability solution for Skype for Business Server today. Pexip Infinity Fusion allows Skype for Business meetings and calls to be joined by non-Skype users using video teleconferencing. Pexip collaborated with Microsoft in the certification of the latest version of Infinity Fusion, which features a gateway mode allowing VTCs to participate directly in Skype conferences. Importantly, Fusion retains the native end-user experience, eliminating the need for expensive trainings and lowering the cost of implementation and management. The software is designed for any size organization, and specifically with large companies and enterprises in mind, and is able to scale and accommodate any number of users in any number of locations. Pexip Infinity Fusion is certified for on-premises Skype for Business Server 2015 deployments. "Pexip is being used by some of the world's largest companies to provide cross-technology video interoperability. The certification and partnership reinforces the strength and capabilities of our industry-leading technology," says Asmund O. Fodstad, Pexip CEO. "Pexip is a valued Microsoft partner. We are pleased to see Pexip certify its Infinity Fusion interoperability solution for Skype for Business and extend the Skype communications experience for organizations to achieve more," said Andrew Bybee, Principal GPM, Skype for Business, Microsoft. Nick Seagrave, CTO at Modality Systems Microsoft 2016 Communications Partner of the Year is equally excited: "We have worked with Pexip on numerous projects, and Infinity Fusion continues to impress. It is an extremely flexible interoperability solution to both deploy and align with customer requirements. We have found it to be performing very well, and look forward to being able to feature it as certified for Skype for Business." Modality Systems have also been part of the Technology Adoption Program prior to certification. Pexip Infinity Fusion addresses very specific needs for many Microsoft customers. Key to the certified solution is interoperability that allows non-Skype users to communicate via video with Skype for Business users. Beyond the core Skype for Business interoperability that the certification tests, Fusion has a variety of deployment options, which allow it to scale to a large range of users and locations. It can be deployed to run completely on-premises, in a cloud such as Microsoft Azure, or in a combination of the two. In addition, its existence is completely transparent to the end user resulting in potentially large savings on training, implementation, and management costs. Pexip Infinity Fusion is certified for use with Skype for Business Server starting from version 15.1, which is available now worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pexip.com About Pexip Founded in 2012 and privately held, Pexip enables enterprises and organizations to provide video-based communications and collaboration tools to all employees. The company's Infinity scalable software meeting platform enables seamless collaboration across traditionally incompatible video and audio technologies such as traditional videoconferencing, Microsoft Skype for Business, and WebRTC. It also provides industry-leading user scalability for large organizations, and can be deployed in an organization's data center, or in a private or public cloud such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services. It can also be deployed in any hybrid combination. Pexip software is used by several Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. Customers include Vodafone, The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Western Union, Statoil, Arup, and others leading in their fields. The technology powers a large number of the world's Videoconferencing as a Service (VCaaS) providers. The company was named Global Video Conferencing Technology Innovation Award winner by renowned analysts Frost Sullivan in 2016. Pexip is represented on all five continents, and has offices in Oslo, London, Sydney, and New York. Learn more at www.pexip.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005633/en/ Contacts: Pexip Asmund O. Fodstad, +47 954 23 070 CEO aasmund@pexip.com or Anders Lkke, +47 480 81 614 Head of Marketing anders.lokke@pexip.com This Full-Blown Homeowners Package-Policy is Sure to Come as Great News for Topangans in High-Risk Brush Areas Looking for a California Fair Plan Alternative with Significantly Better Coverage Options SANTA MONICA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2017 / The founders of Bromberg Insurance Services, a top-rated insurance agency located in Santa Monica, California, are pleased to announce that they are now offering a full Topanga homeowners insurance policy for residents of the high-risk brush area. To learn more about the new Topanga Canyon Homeowners Insurance policy that is now available from Bromberg Insurance Services, please visit http://topratedinsurance.com/topanga. As a company spokesperson noted, prior to the launch of the Topanga Home Insurance plan, the only home insurance Topanga Canyon residents could typically qualify for was through the California Fair Plan. This was because most mainstream insurance carriers would not write policies for high risk areas like Topanga. Now, thanks to their new and exclusive policy, Bromberg Insurance Services is offering homeowners insurance Topanga Canyon residents can rely on-all for a fair price. "Not just any Topanga Insurance Agent can write this policy," the spokesperson noted, adding that the new policy for Topanga residents is not another expensive and watered-down Difference in Condition (DIC) policy or a "Wraparound" to fill in the gaps where the Fair Plan falls short. "We are offering the Topanga Community a full-blown homeowners package policy, which eliminates the need for any supplemental insurance policies, and the pain-in-the-neck that comes along with keeping track of them." As a major bonus, Topangans who sign up for the new policy through Bromberg Insurance Services will, in many instances, pay less for the all-inclusive coverage than what they are currently paying for the coverage provided by their CFP and DIC. In addition, homes will not be disqualified for brush exposure. For Topanga Canyon residents who have not shopped for a new homeowner's policy in some time, it is definitely worth their while to call Bromberg Insurance Services at (310) 826-0093 and inquire about the new Topanga policy today. About Bromberg Insurance Services: Bromberg Insurance Services is a top-rated insurance agency committed to providing the very best in service, products and value. Rock solid advice combined with the highest levels of service and integrity allow them to develop a more personal relationship with each of their clients. Los Angeles area residents, as well as business owners, have benefited from the financial and insurance expertise of Bromberg Insurance Services for over 50 years. For more information, please visit http://topratedinsurance.com/. Bromberg Insurance Services, Inc. 1201 Montana Ave., Suite 204 Santa Monica, CA 90403 Contact: Corey Bromberg CoreyBromberg@Allstate.com 310-826-0093 SOURCE: Bromberg Insurance Services, Inc. WEST CHESTER, OH -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE: AKS) ("AK Holding") announced today that its subsidiary, AK Steel Corporation ("AK Steel"), has commenced a registered offering (the "Offering") of $280,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2025 (the "New Notes"). The New Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by AK Holding, AK Steel's direct parent, and by AK Tube LLC, AK Steel Properties, Inc. and Mountain State Carbon, LLC (together with AK Holding, AK Tube LLC and AK Steel Properties, Inc., the "Guarantors"), three wholly-owned subsidiaries of AK Steel. The New Notes will be unsecured senior obligations of AK Steel and the Guarantors. AK Steel intends to use the net proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand and/or borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to finance AK Steel's cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer"), also announced today, for any and all of AK Steel's outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "Old Notes"). The Offering will be made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The joint book-running managers for the Offering are Wells Fargo Securities, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays, BMO Capital Markets, Citigroup, Credit Suisse and KeyBanc Capital Markets. Simultaneously with the Offering, AK Steel has commenced the Tender Offer pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, dated August 2, 2017, and a related Letter of Transmittal. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal, AK Steel is offering to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding Old Notes. Holders of Old Notes who validly tender their Old Notes on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, August 8, 2017 (the "Expiration Time"), will be eligible to receive the aggregate purchase price equal to $1,046.70 per $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes tendered. Tendered Old Notes may be validly withdrawn on or prior to the Expiration Time (the "Withdrawal Deadline"). Following the Withdrawal Deadline, holders who have tendered their Old Notes may not withdraw such Old Notes unless AK Steel is required to extend withdrawal rights under applicable laws. AK Steel's obligation to accept for purchase and to pay for the Old Notes in the Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including the receipt of proceeds from the offering of the New Notes. In addition to the applicable consideration, all holders of Old Notes accepted for purchase will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on those Old Notes from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the date such Old Notes are repurchased (the "Settlement Date"). The Settlement Date is expected to be August 9, 2017. If any Old Notes remain outstanding following the completion of the Tender Offer, AK Steel intends to promptly redeem such Old Notes in accordance with the terms of the Old Notes and the applicable indenture. None of AK Steel, AK Steel's Board of Directors, the dealer manager, the depositary and the information agent makes any recommendation in connection with the Tender Offer. Holders must make their own decisions as to whether to tender their Old Notes, and, if so, the principal amount of Old Notes to tender. AK Steel has retained Wells Fargo Securities to serve as the sole dealer manager for the Tender Offer. AK Steel has also retained Global Bondholder Services Corporation to serve as the information agent and depositary. For additional information regarding the terms of the Tender Offer, please contact Wells Fargo Securities at (704) 410-4760 or toll free (866) 309-6316. Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender of Old Notes may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (212) 430-3774 or toll free (866) 470-4500, by mail at 65 Broadway, Suite 404, New York, New York 10006, Attention: Corporation Actions, or by visiting www.gbsc-usa.com/AKSteel/. AK Holding, along with certain of its subsidiaries, has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC relating to the Offering. Before you invest, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in that registration statement and other documents AK Holding and AK Steel have filed with the SEC for more complete information about AK Holding, AK Steel and the Offering. You may review electronic copies of these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, AK Holding, AK Steel, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the Offering will arrange to send you the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus if you request it by contacting Wells Fargo Securities at Attention: Client Support, 608 2nd Avenue, South Minneapolis, MN 55402, telephone: (800) 645-3751 Opt 5, or email: wfscustomerservice@wellsfargo.com; Deutsche Bank Securities at Attention: Prospectus Group, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005-2836, email: prospectus.cpdg@db.com, telephone (800) 503-4611; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC at Attn: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, facsimile: 212-902-9316, or email prospectusny@ny.email.gs.com; BofA Merrill Lynch at Attention: Prospectus Department, One Bryant Park, New York, NY, 10036 (1-800-294-1322 or dg.prospectus_distribution@bofasecurities.com); Barclays (toll free) at 1-888-603-5847 or barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com; BMO Capital Markets Corp. at 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, Attn: High Yield Syndicate, telephone: (212) 702-1882; Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by calling (800) 831-9146; Credit Suisse at Attention: Prospectus Department, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010, telephone: 1-800-221-1037, or email: newyork.prospectus@credit-suisse.com or KeyBanc Capital Markets at 127 Public Square, 4th Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, Attn: Prospectus Delivery Department, or by calling 800-859-1783. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements the company made or incorporated by reference in this release, or made in other documents furnished to or filed with the Securities Exchange Commission, as well as in press releases or in oral presentations made by company employees, reflect management's estimates and beliefs and are intended to be "forward-looking statements" identified in the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "plans," "estimates" and other similar references to future periods typically identify forward-looking statements. The company cautions readers that forward-looking statements reflect the company's current beliefs and judgments, but are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes. They are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently affected by economic, competitive, regulatory, and operational risks, uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond the company's control, and upon assumptions about future business decisions and conditions that may change. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, resulting in the possibility that actual events or performance will differ materially from such predictions as a result of certain risk factors, including that our acquisition of Precision Partners may not be consummated, or may not be consummated in a timely manner; that we will not integrate Precision Partners successfully following the consummation of the acquisition; and that potential growth opportunities, accretion to earnings and cash flow and other anticipated benefits and opportunities from the acquisition, such as providing enhanced customer solutions and accelerated research and innovation, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected. In addition, factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition and any benefits from the acquisition, if consummated, to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include reduced selling prices, shipments and profits associated with a highly competitive and cyclical industry; domestic and global steel overcapacity; changes in the cost of raw materials and energy; the company's significant amount of debt and other obligations; severe financial hardship or bankruptcy of one or more of the company's major customers or key suppliers; our significant proportion of sales to the automotive market; reduced demand in key product markets due to competition from aluminum or other alternatives to steel; excess inventory of raw materials; supply chain disruptions or poor quality of raw materials; production disruption or reduced production levels; the company's healthcare and pension obligations; not reaching new labor agreements on a timely basis; major litigation, arbitrations, environmental issues and other contingencies; regulatory compliance and changes; climate change and greenhouse gas emission limitations; conditions in the financial, credit, capital and banking markets; our use of derivative contracts to hedge commodity pricing volatility; potential permanent idling of facilities; inability to fully realize benefits of margin enhancement initiatives; information technology security threats and cybercrime; as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed in more detail in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as updated in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. As such, the company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only to the company's plans, assumptions and expectations as of the date hereof. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. About AK Steel AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products and carbon and stainless tubular products, primarily for automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, electrical power generation and distribution markets. Headquartered in West Chester, Ohio (Greater Cincinnati), the company employs approximately 8,500 men and women at eight steel plants, two coke plants and two tube manufacturing operations across six states (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia) and one tube plant in Mexico. Contacts: Media Lisa H. Jester Corporate Manager, Communications and Public Relations (513) 425-2510 Investors Douglas O. Mitterholzer General Manager, Investor Relations (513) 425-5215 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Peter Miles, President and CEO of Sanatana Resources Inc. ("Sanatana" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: STA) is pleased to welcome Tim Barry to the Company's board of directors. Mr. Barry is the President and CEO of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Between September 2010 to March 2011, Mr. Barry served as Vice President of Exploration for Metalline Mining (now renamed to Silver Bull Resources), before stepping into the role of President and CEO in April 2011. Previously, he held the position of Chief Geologist for Dome Ventures Corporation, a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange working on their projects in Africa. Mr. Barry has over 15 years of exploration and management experience and has worked as a Consulting Geologist and manager on projects in Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia and West and Central Africa. Mr. Barry is a Chartered Professional Geologist (CPAusIMM) and holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Mr. Miles commented: "We are delighted that Mr. Barry has accepted our offer to join the board of Sanatana Resources. Tim brings both extensive exploration and financial experience to the board of directors of the Company and we look forward to his input as we explore the Jackfish property and look for additional opportunities in the future." About the Company Sanatana Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company that has optioned the Jackfish gold property in northwestern Ontario. With an experienced management team and board of directors, the Company has the ability required to identify, develop and fund economic mineral properties. Sanatana is based in Vancouver and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: STA). SANATANA RESOURCES INC. Peter Miles, President and Chief Executive Officer Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond Sanatana's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Sanatana Resources Inc. Mr. Peter Miles President and Chief Executive Officer (604) 408-6680 investor@sanatanaresources.com www.sanatanaresources.com Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2017) - White Metal Resources Corp. (TSXV: WHM) ("White Metal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Ardiden Limited. ("Ardiden"). The LOI will allow Ardiden to acquire a 100% interest in all of White Metal's Pickle Lake projects and will assume the obligations of all existing underlying option agreements on these properties (collectively the "Project"). Ardiden can acquire a 100% interest in the Project claims for aggregate payments of $140,000 and 5,592,949 Ardiden shares as follows (all funds are in Canadian dollars): Ardiden shall pay White Metal a non-refundable deposit of $70,000 and 1,592,949 Ardiden shares within 5 business days of executing the LOI; Ardiden will have the exclusive right to complete due diligence on the project for 12 months (to allow access to site in the 2017 field season). After 6 months Ardiden is required to make an additional payment of $20,000 and 1,000,000 Ardiden shares to retain the exclusive due diligence right for the remaining six months; Upon completion of due diligence, Ardiden may elect to exercise the option to acquire the Project; and Should Ardiden elect to acquire the Project, Ardiden shall pay the Company a further $50,000 and 3,000,000 in Ardiden shares. White Metal will maintain the right to purchase the existing 1% NSR held by Murchison Minerals Ltd. ("Murchison") on the Murchison joint venture claims on the Dorothy-Dobie and Kasagiminnis properties of which 0.5% can be purchased for $1,000,000 and the second 0.5% that may be purchased for $1,500,000 and a the right of first refusal ("ROFR") on the NSR. The original vendor of the Kasagiminnis property will retain a 2% NSR of which 1% can be purchased by Ardiden Ltd for $1,000,000 along with a ROFR on the remaining 1%. With respect to the newly acquired claims located within the Dorothy-Dobie claim group, the "Kukkee Option" (see press release dated July 4, 2016), the vendor retains a 2% NSR of which 1% can be purchased by Ardiden for $1,000,000 with Ardiden retaining a ROFR on the remaining 1% NSR from the original vendor. In addition, White Metal will hold a 1% NSR on this same Kukkee Option claim group. White Metal will retain a 2% NSR on the 100%-owned West Pickle and South Limb Properties of which 1% can be purchased by Ardiden for $1,000,000. Ardiden will have a ROFR on the remaining 1% NSR. The Company remains focused on its 100%-owned Shebandowan property where it has since completed a second phase of its exploration program which included mechanical trenching of three favourable areas outlined by soil geochemistry. The Company has submitted 88 samples to Activation labs in Ancaster Ontario and are currently awaiting results. In addition, the Company would like to thank the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and Ontario Prospector's Association for a $90,321 grant that was recently received by the Company under the Junior Exploration Assistance Program related to work carried out at the Pickle Lake projects in the fall of 2016. About White Metal Resources Corp: White Metal Resources Corp is a junior exploration company exploring in Ontario, Canada and currently has 35,591,073 common shares issued and outstanding. On behalf of the Board of Directors of White Metal Resources Corp. "Michael Stares" Michael Stares, President and CEO NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. 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 forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projection For further information contact: Michael Stares 684 Squier St. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A8 Phone: (807) 628-7836 Fax: (807) 475-7200 DAVENPORT, IA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Providing effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is of primary concern to Dr. Tyson Cobb, an orthopaedic hand surgeon in the Quad Cities. To better assist patients suffering from this common condition, he helped to develop a procedure called ultrasound-guided micro-invasive carpal tunnel release, which utilizes the innovative Sonex SX-One MicroKnife. He says the advanced technique and instrument can reduce downtime, minimize pain, and improve results. Dr. Cobb explains that this new method of carpal tunnel release can be performed in-office or in a surgical center and requires only local anesthetic, making the technique more accessible to patients who cannot receive traditional anesthesia. "For patients who fail medical clearance, it allows us to do a simple office-based procedure, similar to what you might have in a dental office." Part of what makes this procedure so unique, Dr. Cobb reveals, is the use of ultrasound technology to guide the process and identify essential anatomic structures. Once the area of concern is identified, he can insert the SX-One MicroKnife through a tiny incision and reduce pressure on the median nerve -- the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Cobb says the SX-One MicroKnife has several built-in safety features, including a blade that extends and retracts, as well as inflatable bumpers. Both elements are designed to minimize risk of harm to surrounding tissues in the treatment area. The diminutive size of the device also means the incision can be as small as four or five millimeters, or about the size of the top of a pencil eraser. Dr. Cobb adds that sutures typically will not be needed to close the incision; an adhesive bandage is sufficient. As the first surgeon in the state of Iowa to perform the treatment, Dr. Cobb hopes to bring relief to many individuals suffering from CTS who have been unable to find a suitable solution. Dr. Cobb reports: "All Sonex procedures have been successful, and all of my patients have been very happy with the outcome. We are very excited to be able to offer this new treatment option and we enjoy seeing patients benefit from a much shorter recovery." About Tyson Cobb, MD Dr. Tyson Cobb is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and the Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Center at Orthopaedic Specialists, PC. He has completed additional training, including earning a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand and accomplishing a Fellowship in Hand and Microvascular surgery. Dr. Cobb holds patents on several minimally invasive surgical devices, and he has traveled internationally to lecture at prestigious conferences and to train surgeons in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques. He is available for interview upon request. For more information about Dr. Cobb and his practice, please visit osquadcities.com and facebook.com/osquadcities. To view the original source of this press release, click here: https://www.osquadcities.com/practice-news/quad-cities-hand-surgeon-helps-develop-micro-invasive-carpal-tunnel-treatment/ Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3159864 Contact: Orthopaedic Specialists, PC Davenport Office: 3385 Dexter Ct. Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 344-9292 Clinton Office: 2635 US 30 Clinton, IA 52732 (563) 243-4170 Rosemont Media (858) 200-0044 www.rosemontmedia.com HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- 12 Retech Corporation ("12 Retech" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: RETC), an innovative retail technology company, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire 100% of 12 Japan Limited, the Japanese incorporated company developing and marketing 12 Retech technologies for the Japan market. As a result of the Agreement, 12 Japan shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Angelo Ponzetta, CEO of 12 Retech, commented, "Acquiring and combining with the strengths of 12 Japan will created a larger and more versatile 12 Retech with a stronger corporate structure, deeper management team, and greater marketing capabilities across Asia. We look forward to continuing our work together to expand installations and operations with several potential new retail partners around the world." Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding equity of 12 Japan in exchange for Five Million (5,000,000) restricted shares of RETC Common Stock; and, (ii) Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) shares of RETC Series A Preferred Stock. The Agreement contains customary representations and warranties. Additionally, the Agreement required that concurrently with closing, the Company facilitate the cancellation of Five Million (5,000,000) of RETC Common Stock currently beneficially owned by the Company's officers and directors; and the cancellation of Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) of RETC Series A Preferred Stock currently beneficially owned by the Company's officers and directors. Collectively, such shares shall be cancelled and returned to the Company's treasury. Following the above-mentioned issuance and subsequent cancellation of identical corresponding numbers of common and preferred shares, the total issued and outstanding common and Preferred Series A shares issued and outstanding remain unchanged. About 12 Retech Corporation Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 12 Hong Kong Limited, 12 Retech is the developer of the patented "12" next-gen retail shopping technology which seamlessly combines cutting edge digital tech and social networking with a real-life, for fun and unique shopping experience. Established in 2010, 12 fully integrates in-store, online, and mobile shopping experiences with its patented smart 12Mirrors, 12Mobile app, and 12Kiosks, while an interactive advertising screen provides special offers from shops, restaurants, and service providers. 12 simultaneously meets the needs of shop owners and customers, making in-store shopping fun and entertaining. 12 Retech currently has operations in Hong Kong. Safe Harbor Declaration Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations, but are subject to many risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's ability to develop, market and sell products based on its technology; the expected benefits and efficacy of the Company's products and technology; the availability of substantial additional funding for the Company to continue its operations and to conduct research and development, and future product commercialization; and the Company's business, research, product development, regulatory approval, marketing and distribution plans and strategies. Contact 12 Retech Corporation Investor Relations investors@12retech.com ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- True Nature Holding, Inc. (OTCQB: TNTY) (the "Company") today provides an update on its previously announced actions on business development and staffing: Price Choice Pharmacy Acquisition: On January 19, 2017 the Company entered into a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire the two (2) retail operations of Price Choice Pharmacy in Miami, Florida. On July 27, 2017, however, the Company was informed by the seller that it received an alternative proposal from a third party that included higher compensation and fewer terms. Accordingly, the Company has discontinued its efforts with Price Choice. "Over the past few months, we have learned a great deal about the retail 'embedded' marketplace and we've gained encouraging insight into the Hispanic markets. We believe there is a clear, open opportunity to provide smaller grocery chains with a pharmacy operation that will help them become more competitive with larger chains that offer full services, including pharmacy services," said Dr. Jordan Balencic, Chairman of the Board of Directors. He continued, "The key executives of Price Choice remain close to the Company, including Mr. Leo Smith, who is a member of our non-executive Advisory Board. We expect them to continue to assist us as we press forward." The Company intends to move forward with its plans to enter the retail pharmacy space via "mini-stores" located within smaller, second tier grocery sites, and believes those sites focused on the Hispanic market represent excellent, underserved market opportunities. To determine the best strategy, It is analyzing data from industry experts including the Top 50 Smaller Grocers (link: Top 50 Small Chains & Independents: http://www.supermarketnews.com/rankings-research/top-50-small-chains-independents) and those focused on the Hispanic markets (link: A Guide to Mexican Grocery Stores in the United States: http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Guide-Mexican-Grocery-Stores.) Company Staffing Updates: With regard to staffing, the Company has developed a short list of new, qualified CFO and CEO candidates, and expects to make staffing announcements during Q3. Compounding Pharmacy Acquisition Updates: With regard to compounding pharmacy acquisitions, the Company currently has two (2) existing operations under consideration, one focusing on sterile and specialty products, and the other directed toward the non-sterile markets. Both will have the capacity to create a strong presence in both the veterinary and human markets. The Company intends to address both insurance reimbursement clientele and growing numbers of "cash only" clients. "With regard to the turmoil in the insurance markets, we believe cash pricing and direct-to-consumer transactions will grow, and we intend to make our offerings competitive, locally in retail sites, regionally with compounded offerings, and with an online and mail-order presence," stated Dr. Balencic. The Company reports that it continues to review new acquisition candidates, and has a full pipeline which can provide both geographical expansion, and expanded product delivery options. "The phone rings regularly, and our choices continue to improve, with better terms and higher quality teams. We have learned a great deal over the past year, and believe our plan is smart, efficient and provides a strong path for success," explained Dr. Balencic. The Mission of True Nature Holding, Inc. To unlock the potential of the compounding pharmacy industry to improve human and animal health, serve unmet patient needs, elevate the dignity of skilled pharmacists, and build shareholder value through the delivery of quality, cost effective, and innovative healthcare products and pharmaceuticals to the world. Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act As contemplated by the provisions of the Safe Harbor section of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to future, anticipated, or projected plans, performances, and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations. All such forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates or predictions of future results or events and there can be no assurance that actual results or events will not materially differ from expectations. Further information on potential factors that could affect True Nature Holding, Inc. is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Investor Presentation: An investor presentation can be viewed at the following link: https://truenaturepharma.com/investor-presentation/ To learn more about the Company, visit: https://truenaturepharma.com/ The True Nature Holding Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TrueNatureHolding/ The True Nature Holding LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-nature-holding The True Nature Holding Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/PharmaTrue Investor Contact: Jordan Balencic contact@truenaturepharma.com 844-383-TNTY (8689) MIAMI, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Novus Acquisition and Development, Corp. (OTC PINK: NDEV), the nation's first healthcare insurance carrier/aggregator in the medical cannabis sector, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with PotBotics, a Silicon Valley data aggregation and technology provider to the medical cannabis market. Novus MedPlan's agreement with PotBotics will utilize its unique medical marijuana App, that incorporates a recommendation engine for cannabinoid levels and custom strains to help current and future Novus MedPlan members make more informed decisions. The agreement allows a Cost Per Acquisition (CPA), also known as Pay Per Acquisition (PPA), an online digital marketing pricing model whereby Novus pays PotBotics for patient acquisition(s). This innovative App is designed to guide patients on the journey of selecting the right cannabis for their specific health needs. The App logs the variable efficacy of the patient relief, progress tracking and attains useful insights on the patient's medication regimen. How the App works is through a compiled database of comprehensive cannabinoid profiles suited to treating 37 patient ailments and its algorithm uses the largest peer-reviewed science research to recommend strains in the local area that have the best chance of relieving a patient's symptoms. It then guides the patients to nearby participating dispensary locations that stock the recommended types of cannabis or locate a nearby doctor to obtain state approved medical marijuana card. Novus chose PotBotics for the following value added characteristics: 1) Identify and educate patient on cannabis med options. 2) HIPAA Compliant. 3) The App's brand identity, as covered in The New York Times, CNBC, Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Newsweek Publication, Inc. Magazine and Fortune Magazine. 4) Ease and automation of the patient user experience based on scientific recommendations. 5) Assist in understanding strain names down to the ideal cannabinoid percentage. 6) A prudent approach relating to patient's tolerance towards cannabis and medical condition. 7) Access PotBotics data to assist in actuarial assessment for more diversified benefit packages. 8) Direct patients to Novus MedPlan provider network. Novus Chief Executive Officer, Frank Labrozzi, stated, "PotBotics' App will allow Novus to continue its expansion in our digital advertising assets and utilize the App as a natural lead magnet that targets active consumer behavioral patterns relating to cannabis med choices." PotBotics, Chief Executive Officer, David Goldstein, commented, "Novus MedPlan's unique business model to the cannabis industry makes it the right fit to further monetize our App and with their aggressive advertising approach allows both entities gain valued exposure." Download the App now, it's free: Apple App Store: http://apple.co/2vqD19u Google Play: http://bit.ly/2vl5xsr Desktop Version: http://potbot.io/ About PotBotics PotBotics, with offices in Palo Alto, CA and New York, NY, the App's mission is to bring clarity for medical cannabis patients. PotBotics is the leading data aggregation and technology company focused on the global medical cannabis market. As the first company to collect data from cultivation to patient consumption, PotBotics is creating the largest centralized hub for medical cannabis insights and correlations. PotBotics uses its artificial intelligence, data mining, and technology assets in order to create best-in-class technology products and services for cannabis professionals and consumers. The Company's core management team is comprised of leaders and innovators across the fields of biotech, robotics, artificial intelligence and the cannabis market -- with strength and experience in technology development, product commercialization and early stage corporate development. For more information, please visit: http://www.potbotics.com About Novus Novus Acquisition & Development Corp. (OTC PINK: NDEV), through its subsidiary WCIG Insurance, provides health insurance and related insurance solutions within the wellness and medical marijuana industries in states where legal programs exist. Novus has positioned itself to gain market share within many lines of insurance business within and outside of the MMJ sector. Novus will work as outside developers and will not cultivate, handle, transport grow, extract, dispense, put up for sale, put on the market, vend, deliver, supply, circulate, or trade cannabis or any substances that violate the United States law or the Controlled Substances Act, nor does it intend to do so in the future and will continue to follow state and federal laws. The statements made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on these press releases or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Once a push notification is competed the transaction is solely between the state-licensed dispensary and the registered patient. The information provided in this press release is general in nature and does not apply to any specific U.S. state except where noted. Health insurance regulations differ in each state and all plans proposed or implemented can be changed or modified according to compliance issues by Novus' management. The state laws are in conflict with the federal Controlled Substances Act. The current administration has effectively stated that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state designated laws, allowing the use and distribution of medical marijuana. However, there is no guarantee that the current administration, nor any future administration, will not change this policy and decide to enforce the federal laws strongly. Any such change in the federal government's enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial changes to Novus Medical Group. While we do not intend to harvest, distribute or sell cannabis or cannabis related products, we may be harmed by a change in enforcement by federal or state governments. For more information, check out: http://www.getnovusnow.com For latest NDEV Financial Filing: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/NDEV/filings Learn How Insurance Companies Are Evaluated: http://bit.ly/2ddIYva Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflects management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, includes codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. Novus Medical Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information Corporate: Chairman and CEO Frank Labrozzi frank@ndev.biz 855-228-7355 Investors: Hayden IR hart@haydenir.com 917-658-7878 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/18 -- Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX: ERD) ("Erdene" or "Company") is pleased to report the highest-grade gold intersection encountered to date at its 100%-owned Bayan Khundii Gold Project ("Bayan Khundii") in southwest Mongolia. "We are excited by this intersection, not only because of the ultra high-grade nature but by the continuity that continues to be demonstrated within multiple, high-grade gold domains within a broad lower-grade halo throughout this 1.4 kilometre long system," said Peter Akerley, Erdene's President and CEO. "The continuity of these high-grade gold bearing veins, that extend from surface and up to 150 metres vertically, provides an excellent base for advancing the project. These results clearly demonstrate the continued exploration upside potential of this relatively new gold discovery. They also support further detailed exploration targeting gold bearing structures not only within the Bayan Khundii deposit area but also within the larger district which we are confident will lead to additional discoveries." HIGHLIGHTS(see attached plan maps, cross-sections and drill core photograph for reference) -- Drilling in the North Midfield Zone returns highest gold result to date, 2,200 g/t gold (70.7 oz/t) and 948 g/t silver (30.5 oz/t) over 1 metre (BKD-231). -- Drilling in the North Midfield Zone, 65 metres north of BKD-231, returns 22 metres of 8.3 g/t gold, within 36.5 metres of 5.6 g/t gold (BKD-232). -- Drilling within the Midfield Zone returns 25 metres of 5.8 g/t gold within a 127.5 metre interval of 1.8 g/t gold (BKD-230). -- Structural interpretation by Dr. Armelle Kloppenburg provides greater understanding of controls on gold mineralization at Bayan Khundii and improves targeting of ultra high-grade zones and district-scale targets. -- Additional results pending for Altan Arrow and Altan Nar gold projects. SUMMARY The exploration program reported on herein was developed by the Erdene technical team in conjunction with an independent expert's review to identify high priority structural targets within the Bayan Khundii project area. This included: testing the recently discovered North Midfield Zone with more detailed, closer-spaced drilling and testing structural concepts and extensions at depth; testing the Midfield area for the presence of shallower zones of mineralization; testing the continuity of broad mineralized zones in the central portion of the North Midfield target area; and testing the southeast extension of the Striker Zone. Six holes (BKD-229 to BKD-234), totalling 1,192 metres, were completed at Bayan Khundii in November and are included in this update. Three holes were completed in the Midfield Zone (BKD-229, 230, and 233), two holes were completed in the North Midfield Zone (BKD-231 and 232), and one hole was completed along the southeast end of the Striker Zone (BKD-234). Table 1 below includes drill result highlights of these six holes, followed by a description of results. Table 1. Bayan Khundii drill highlights -------------------------------------------------------- Drill Hole From (m)To (m)Interval (m) (1)Gold (g/t) -------------------------------------------------------- BKD-229 3 8 5 2.39 -------------------------------------------------------- and 22 30 8 0.61 -------------------------------------------------------- and 56 156.7 100.7 0.74 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 100 147 47 1.31 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 113 114 1 14.4 -------------------------------------------------------- and 133 147 14 2.41 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 144 145 1 18.9 -------------------------------------------------------- BKD-230 31 158.5 127.5 1.80 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 73 98 25 5.84 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 95 98 3 36.8 -------------------------------------------------------- BKD-231 118 193 75 0.35 -------------------------------------------------------- and 193 207 14 158.3 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 193 194 1 2,200 -------------------------------------------------------- and 207 230 23 0.34 -------------------------------------------------------- BKD-232 90.5 127 36.5 5.62 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 102 124 22 8.29 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 102 112 10 11.7 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 102 103 1 15.5 -------------------------------------------------------- and 106 107 1 13.4 -------------------------------------------------------- and 110 112 2 31.1 -------------------------------------------------------- and 120 124 4 10.8 -------------------------------------------------------- and 138.4 146 7.6 1.75 -------------------------------------------------------- BKD-233 26 33 7 1.43 -------------------------------------------------------- and 38 45 7 0.43 -------------------------------------------------------- and 65 66 1 2.01 -------------------------------------------------------- and 72 78 6 4.12 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 72 73 1 22.5 -------------------------------------------------------- and 94 104 10 0.49 -------------------------------------------------------- and 113 132 19 0.72 -------------------------------------------------------- BKD-234 3 7 4 1.54 -------------------------------------------------------- and 40 55 15 1.03 -------------------------------------------------------- and 76 104 28 0.84 -------------------------------------------------------- incl 79 93 14 1.19 -------------------------------------------------------- (1) Reported intervals are not true width. At this time, there is insufficient data with respect to the shape of the mineralized system to calculate true orientations in space. They represent drill intersection widths from holes drilled at a dip of -45 to -85 degrees and oriented to the north-northeast. The Bayan Khundii mineralization is interpreted to be moderately dipping (approximately 40 to 50 degrees to the southwest). Two plan maps, two cross-sections, and a photograph of the high-grade intersection from hole BKD-231 have been attached for reference: (MarketWired to insert link) - Bayan Khundii Plan Map #1(MarketWired to insert link) - Bayan Khundii Plan Map #2(MarketWired to insert link) - Bayan Khundii Cross-Section #1(MarketWired to insert link) - Bayan Khundii Cross-Section #2(MarketWired to insert link) - Photograph of high-grade intersection in BKD-231 DISCUSSION OF DRILL RESULTS NORTH OF MIDFIELD ZONE Two holes (BKD-231 and BKD-232) were completed in the North Midfield Zone to test the down-dip extension of the high-grade gold intervals in this area. Hole BKD-231 intersected one metre of 2,200 g/t gold and 948 g/t silver within a 14 metre interval of 158 g/t gold at 193 metres depth (140 metres vertical depth). The mineralization was hosted by multi-phase quartz-adularia-specularite veins and hematite breccia, with abundant fine-grained visible gold (see attached photo of drill core). The 14 metre interval is enveloped by a 112 metre wide interval of gold mineralization starting at 118 metres depth, ranging from 0.1 to 2.8 g/t gold. This high-grade intersection confirms strong continuity down-dip from earlier holes, including BKD-110, 30 metres north, which intersected 1 metre of 115 g/t gold and 1 metre of 108 g/t gold, and BKD-111, 30 metres northwest, which intersected 1 metre of 44 g/t gold and 1 metre of 33 g/t gold. The discovery of this high-grade vein represents an important new target area that will require additional, closer-spaced drilling in 2018. Hole BKD-232 was completed approximately 65 metres north of BKD-231 and 100 metres north of the Midfield Zone, within an area that previously had 80-metre hole spacing and relatively lower grade results. This hole returned 22 metres of 8.3 g/t gold, and included multiple zones grading over 10 g/t gold (see Table 1 above). The top of the mineralized interval was intersected at 90.5 metres depth (74 metres vertical depth). MIDFIELD ZONE Three holes were completed along the south and southeast end of the Midfield Zone (BKD-229, 230 and 233). Hole BKD-230, completed near the center of Midfield, intersected a continuously mineralized 127 metre interval starting at 31 metres depth (24 metres vertical) that averaged 1.8 g/t gold, and included a 25 metre wide interval that averaged 5.8 g/t gold. Two additional holes (BKD-229 and BKD-233) successfully intersected high-grade gold mineralization, and in the case of BKD-233, although lower grade, expanded the southeast boundary of the Midfield Zone which remains open to the east (see attached plan map for drill hole locations) while BKD-229 intersected gold mineralization at the shallowest levels to date. STRUCTURAL INTERPRETATION In Q4-2017, Dr. Armelle Kloppenburg conducted a comprehensive structural study of the Company's gold projects in southwest Mongolia and the broader metals district. The results of that study provide new insights into the Bayan Khundii gold project. Gold mineralizing events are believed to be late Devonian - early Caboniferous and are interpreted to exploit dilational structures in a belt-parallel extensional zone. At Bayan Khundii, northeast-trending extensional faults have intersected a northwest-trending basement structure that is proposed to be a conduit for gold-bearing fluids. In this area a relay ramp structure developed and promoted further local faulting, fracturing and dilation to focus fluid flow, and veining for mineralization. In relation to the specific high-grade domains at Bayan Khundii it is thought that the most prospective areas of these structures would typically be in proximity to the intersection of the major, deep-seated faults, and locally in the hanging wall, and at the ends of the bounding structures (fault tips or extensional stepovers). These areas were the focus of limited drilling during the Q4-2017 program but will be the focus of future drilling and of regional exploration along trend exploring for similar structural environments. District-scale targets for gold mineralization are in areas where the dilation, steepening or intersection with other major structures or more competent units occurs. 2018 TECHNICAL PROGRAM During Q1-2018 the Company's technical team will assess results of the 2017 drill and exploration programs to determine what additional drilling may be required prior to an independent resource evaluation. Timing of the eventual resource studies for both Bayan Khundii and the Company's neighboring Altan Nar gold-polymetallic project will be influenced by that determination, however, it is anticipated that the studies will be completed in 2018. REGIONAL DISTRICT EXPLORATION In addition to drilling at Bayan Khundii, the Company completed significant exploration work during Q4-2017 within the larger, gold district, including the evaluation of targets within the 11.4 km long Bayan Khundii license. A particular focus was placed on the Altan Arrow (3.5 km north of Bayan Khundii) and Khundii North (3.2 km northeast of Bayan Khundii) target areas, and also on the Ulaan (immediately west of Bayan Khundii) and Altan Nar (16 km northwest of Bayan Khundii) license areas. The northeast-trending faults outlined above are part of a larger network of regional northeast transverse faults that are present throughout the Khundii prospect area. The thoroughgoing structure at Bayan Khundii can be traced 4.6 km northeast to the untested Khundii North prospect where areas of quartz stockwork, chalcedonic quartz with hematite breccia clasts have returned rock sample results up to 22.7 g/t gold. At Altan Arrow, detailed soil and rock chip sampling has returned highly anomalous gold assays, with up to 27 g/t in rock chips in an area south of the main northeast-trending Altan Arrow structure. The Altan Arrow gold prospect area is also located at the intersection of proposed major deep-seated structures. A three-hole, 450 metre drill program was also completed at Altan Arrow as part of the Q4-2017 drill program. Drilling included two holes designed to test coincident soil geochemical and geophysical targets, and one hole was oriented to test a potential down-dip extension of high-grade gold mineralization encountered in the 2016 reconnaissance drilling program at Altan Arrow. The Company also completed a three-hole, 450 metre drill program at the Altan Nar deposit as part of the Q4-2017 drill program. Holes were oriented to test lateral and down-dip extensions of gold-polymetallic mineralization within both the Discovery Zone and Maggie Zone. Additional analytical results for Altan Nar and Altan Arrow are expected to be released by February 2018. BACKGROUND ON BAYAN KHUNDII GOLD PROJECT In Q2-2015, Erdene conducted an initial exploration program on the southern portion of the Company's 100%-owned Khundii exploration license in southwest Mongolia, including an initial rock-chip sampling program which revealed multiple very high-grade surface quartz veins that returned up to 4,380 g/t gold. Since that time, drilling has revealed the presence of very high gold grades, with up to 2,200 g/t gold over 1-metre intervals, within broad mineralized zones, with up to 131 metres of 3.9 g/t gold, including 80 metres of 6.0 g/t gold. Since the first drill hole in Q4-2015, the Company has completed 234 diamond drill holes, totaling 38,072 metres. In addition to drilling, the Company has completed a comprehensive exploration program at Bayan Khundii that has included: geological mapping; soil geochemical surveys; additional surface rock chip sampling; a ground magnetic survey; gradient array and dipole-dipole induced polarization surveys. In addition to this work, a series of detailed follow-up studies have also been completed, predominantly on drill core and surface outcrop, including: petrographic and mineralogical analyses; a fluid inclusion study; SEM gold composition analysis; Short-Wave Infra-Red Analysis (SWIR); structural analysis; and overall petrogenetic analysis. Detailed studies indicate the mineralized zones can be characterized as low-sulphidation epithermal, quartz-illite-adularia type mineralization. In Q1-2016 and Q3-2017, the Company completed metallurgical test work on Bayan Khundii master composites that indicated gravity concentration and cyanidation of the gravity tails yield very good overall gold recoveries, with 91% to 99% gold recovery on a range of gold grades from 0.7 g/t to 25.9 g/t gold. The Bayan Khundii license has a 2% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR Royalty") in favour of Sandstorm Gold Ltd. with a buy-back option to reduce the NSR Royalty to 1%. QUALIFIED PERSON AND SAMPLE PROTOCOL Michael MacDonald, P.Geo. (Nova Scotia), Vice President Exploration for Erdene, is the Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. All samples have been assayed at SGS Laboratory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In addition to internal checks by SGS Laboratory, the Company incorporates a QA/QC sample protocol utilizing prepared standards and blanks. Erdene's sampling protocol for drill core consisted of collection of samples over 1 metre or 2 metre intervals (depending on the lithology and style of mineralization) over the entire length of the drill hole, excluding minor post-mineral lithologies and un-mineralized granitoids. Sample intervals were based on meterage, not geological controls or mineralization. All drill core was cut in half with a diamond saw, with half of the core placed in sample bags and the remaining half securely retained in core boxes at Erdene's Bayan Khundii exploration camp. All samples were organized into batches of 30 samples including a commercially prepared standard, blank, and either a field duplicate, consisting of two 1/4 core intervals, or a laboratory duplicate. Sample batches were periodically shipped directly to SGS in Ulaanbaatar via Erdene's logistical contractor, Monrud Co. Ltd. ABOUT ERDENE Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of base and precious metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in five exploration licenses and a mining license in southwest Mongolia. In addition to the Bayan Khundii project, other deposits and prospects within these licenses include: Altan Nar - an extensive, high-grade, near-surface, gold-polymetallic project located 16 kilometres northwest of Bayan Khundii that the Company is actively advancing; Altan Arrow - an early-stage gold-silver project 3.5 kilometres north of Bayan Khundii; Ulaan - a recently acquired copper-gold porphyry prospect adjacent to Bayan Khundii; Khuvyn Khar - an early-stage, copper-silver porphyry project with multiple drill targets and significant copper intersections; Nomin Tal - a narrow, high-grade copper-gold discovery; and Zuun Mod - a large molybdenum-copper porphyry deposit. In addition to the above properties, the Company has an Alliance with Teck Resources Limited on regional copper-gold exploration in the prospective Trans Altai region of southwest Mongolia. For further information on the Company, please visit www.erdene.com. Erdene has 145,963,086 issued and outstanding common shares and a fully diluted position of 156,592,160 common shares. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by many factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. ERDENE CONTACT INFORMATION Peter C. Akerley, President and CEOorKen W. MacDonald, Vice President and CFO Phone: (902) 423-6419 E-mail: info@erdene.com Website: www.erdene.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ErdeneRes No Regulatory Authority Has Approved or Disapproved The Contents of This Release Contacts: Erdene Resource Development Corp. Peter C. Akerley, President and CEO Ken W. MacDonald, Vice President and CFO (902) 423-6419 info@erdene.com / www.erdene.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErdeneRes VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Taku Gold Corp. (CSE: TAK)(CSE: TAK.CN)(CNSX: TAK) ("Taku" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property option agreement (the "Agreement") with Golden Predator Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GPY)(OTCQX: NTGSF) ("Golden Predator") pursuant to which the Company has the option to acquire Golden Predator's 100% interest in the Sonora Gulch Property ("Sonora" or the "Property") located in the southern part of Yukon's White Gold District. View map: http://bit.ly/2vkrLdZ Under the terms of the Agreement, Taku has issued 4,500,000 common shares to Golden Predator; and to exercise the option, Taku will be required to issue additional common shares to Golden Predator as follows: -- On the date that is 12 months from the closing date, 3,500,000 common shares of Taku, or that number of Taku common shares equal in value to $1,400,000 determined at a price per share equal to the volume weighted average price of Taku common shares ("VWAP") for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately prior to such anniversary date if the VWAP is greater than $0.40; and -- On the date that is 24 months from the closing date, 3,000,000 common shares of Taku, or that number of Taku common shares equal in value to $1,200,000 determined at a price per share equal to the VWAP for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately prior to such anniversary date if the VWAP is greater than $0.40. The securities issued to Golden Predator pursuant to the Agreement will be subject to a statutory four month hold period from the date of issue. Taku will earn its 100% interest in Sonora upon completion of the share payments outlined above. Golden Predator will retain a 1.0% net smelter return royalty on production from the Property. The Property includes 259 mineral claims (5,414 hectares) located approximately 110 kilometres northwest of the town of Carmacks along the winter access portion of the Casino Trail which extends from Carmacks to the Casino project located northwest of Sonora. The Property is located at the nexus of the White Gold District, which includes the Coffee and Golden Saddle gold deposits, and the Dawson Range Mineral Belt, which includes Capstone's producing Minto copper mine, the Casino, Cariboo Rose and Carmacks copper deposits, and the Freegold, Klaza and Mount Nansen advanced gold projects. Prior to Golden Predator acquiring Sonora, extensive exploration was completed on the Property by Northern Tiger Resources Inc. from 2003 to 2011 including soil geochemical, geophysical, mapping and prospecting surveys, and 13,397 metres of drilling in 67 holes1. This work identified numerous gold-bearing areas including the Amadeus, Night Music and Gold Vein Porphyry zones where gold mineralization was intersected by the diamond drilling. In 2011, a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report was filed on SEDAR by Northern Tiger recommending a 16,400 metre drill program on both structurally controlled gold-silver mineralization and bulk tonnage porphyry gold targets2. No work has been completed on the Property since 2011. Zachery Dingsdale, President and CEO of Taku states, "We are delighted to obtain the high quality Sonora Gulch Gold project. It has a substantial data base with numerous highly prospective gold targets that merit aggressive drilling. Moreover, Sonora is located at the intersection of the White Gold District and Dawson Range Mineral Belt, both of which are amid an exploration boom. Sonora is a great complement to Taku's already large land package in the White Gold District." Mark Fekete, P.Geo is the designated "qualified person" as defined in Section 1.2 in and for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 that reviewed and approved the technical content of this release. 1. http://data.geology.gov.yk.ca/Occurrence/14359 2. Page. R.H. (2011) Technical Report on the Sonora Gulch Project, Yukon Territory. Prepared by Watts, Griffis and McQuat. About Taku Gold Corp. Taku Gold Corp. is a mineral resource company focused on the exploration and development of precious metal properties in Canada with an emphasis on the White Gold district of Yukon. Work is currently underway on the Rosebute/Lucky Joe and Sulphur properties. Follow Taku Gold On: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/takugold Twitter: http://twitter.com/takugoldcorp YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TakuGold Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/takugold Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this release that are forward-looking are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified above and in the corporation's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators and the Canadian Securities Exchange. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The corporation does not intend to update this information and disclaims any legal liability to the contrary. Shares Issued: 35,046,515 Contacts: Taku Gold Corp. Zak Dingsdale CEO and President 1-905-269-0797 zak@takugold.com www.takugold.com NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 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") (OTC PINK: 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=1, or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone 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. CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 30 Broad Street - 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 363-7500 Toll Free: (877) 363-5972 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PARIS, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Delphine Manceau has been appointed as the Dean of NEOMA Business School and will take up her position on October 1st , 2017. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541608/NEOMA_Business_School_Logo.jpg ) Delphine Manceau has held various management positions in the sector of Higher Education, first as the Executive Director of the Programme Grande Ecole and graduate programmes at ESCP Europe (2005-2008), then as the Corporate Unit Director for Executive Education and corporate partnerships (2011-2016), and as the Dean of EBS European Business School, Paris (2016-2017). Delphine Manceau holds a PhD in Business Education (HEC Paris) and is entitled to supervise research (HDR), and was a senior fellow at Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania). She is a professor of marketing and innovation. NEOMA Business School's President, Yves Benard declared:"I am delighted to welcome Delphine Manceau because she has all the key assets, as well as a solid experience to manage the development projects of our School." Delphine Manceau stated:"I am very pleased to join NEOMA Business School, a school with numerous centres of excellence and a very ambitious strategic project." About NEOMA Business School NEOMA Business School's ambition is to be ranked among the best management schools in Europe and be recognised as the preferred partner for companies. The school's strategy is based on training talents to be transformational leaders in order to support the development of corporate organisations. NEOMA Business School is determined to become the key school for training agile and innovative leaders, able to assume risk in order to challenge the status quo. To achieve this goal NEOMA Business School focuses on changing management approaches and redefine the concept of leadership. The school, with three campuses in Reims, Rouen and Paris, offers a wide range of programmes from Bachelor to Executive Education. Its faculty, which is organised around seven multidisciplinary and cross-functional academic departments, count more than 150 permanent professors. The school has more than 55,000 graduates, located across 120 countries worldwide. More information: http://www.neoma-bs.com NEOMA Business School Press Contact Julien Hervieux / +33-(0)2-32-82-17-20 / julien.hervieux@neoma-bs.fr Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2017) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that an overseas stock manipulator has agreed to pay nearly $800,000 and be permanently barred from involvement in penny stocks after hiding his significant stake in a small oil & gas company while secretly funding a fraudulent promotional campaign that artificially boosted the company's stock price before he dumped his shares. SEC enforcement investigators uncovered the fraud by peeling back layer upon layer of shell companies and nominee owners to reveal that Joe Yiu Cheung controlled United American Petroleum Corp. (UAPC). According to the SEC's order, Cheung utilized an elaborate network of overseas bank and brokerage accounts mostly in bank secrecy jurisdictions to conceal his UAPC ownership. In addition, he did not file required reports that would have publicly disclosed his burgeoning ownership of UAPC stock. Cheung paid for the issuance of promotional materials to 2.2 million U.S. residents, inducing investors with rosy falsehoods about UAPC's operations and prospects. The SEC's order finds that while UAPC's stock price was rising as more investors bought in, Cheung secretly ordered his foreign brokers to dump his shares. He did not file required reports that would have revealed his sizeable sales to investors, including those purchasing the stock. "Investors are often attracted to microcap companies and we are committed to protecting them from overseas manipulators and cross-border schemes. In this case, we worked with numerous foreign authorities to get the evidence we needed to expose Cheung as the man behind false promotional materials and hidden stock transactions," said Andrew M. Calamari, Director of the SEC's New York Regional Office. The SEC's order finds that Cheung, who lives in Canada and Hong Kong and also goes by Dylon de lu Zhang, violated Sections 17(a)(1) and (3) of the Securities Act of 1933, Sections 10(b), 13(d), and 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rules 10b-5(a) and (c), 13d-1, 13d-2, 16a-2, and 16a-3. Without admitting or denying the findings in the SEC's order, Cheung has agreed to cease and desist from further violations and must pay $542,498.33 in disgorgement plus $94,131.66 in interest and a $150,000 penalty. He agreed to a penny stock bar and a 10-year officer-and-director bar. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Tracy Sivitz of the Microcap Fraud Task Force and Douglas Smith, David Stoelting, and Sandeep Satwalekar. The case was supervised by Lara Shalov Mehraban. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority, Guernsey Financial Services Commission, British Columbia Securities Commission, Quebec Autorite des Marches Financier, Ontario Securities Commission, Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission, and Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. SmartStream, the Financial Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM) specialist, today announced that the Derivatives Execution Clearing (DEC) business of BNP Paribas CIB has implemented its TLM Fees Expense Management (FEMS) solution for two key objectives: To control and reconcile payable brokerage fees Invoice issuance to execute commissions for DEC clients FEMS will consolidate all fees which will be reconciled against invoices received. The solution will automate the invoice control process by managing the increase in volume growth and targeting essentially (1) the detection and resolution of disputes and (2) an acceleration of processing and payment turnaround time. Also, the solution will fully support the execution and commission billing process from DEC to its clients. Pierre Duret, Head of Clearing within BNP Paribas CIB Derivatives Execution Clearing business states: "Operational efficiency is a permanent and primary stake in all our activities. The implementation of SmartStream's solution for fees and expense management is not only giving us strong capacity to industrialise a sensitive process, but also significant enhancement to quality controls for the benefit of our clients." Edouard Chantrier, responsible for TLM Fees Expense Management at SmartStream comments: "Our goal is to equip BNP Paribas CIB Derivatives Execution Clearing business with the most efficient and complete solution in order to meet the ambitious goals of the bank. Our teams worked in a collaborative and constructive manner for the whole project - in order to reach a high level of functional sophistication, making the solution very powerful." TLM Fees and Expense Management enables firms to strategically manage their variable expenses. It does so by using an end-to-end automated process, capable of substantiating variable expenses accurately across high volumes of transactional information and apportioning fees exactly. About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas' integrated business model is based on cooperation among the Group's businesses and diversification of risks. This model provides the Group with the necessary stability to adapt to change and to offer clients innovative solutions. The Group serves nearly 32 million individual customers and 850 000 professionals, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporate clients in its retail-banking networks. In addition, BNP Paribas Personal Finance has more than 27 million active customers. With global reach, coordinated business lines and proven expertise, the Group provides a full range of innovative solutions adapted to client needs. These include payments, cash management, traditional and specialised financing, savings, protection insurance, wealth and asset management as well as real-estate services. In the area of corporate and institutional banking, the Group offers clients bespoke solutions to the capital markets, securities services, financing, treasury and financial advisory. With a presence in 74 countries, BNP Paribas helps clients to grow international. About SmartStream Technologies SmartStream Technologies is a recognised leader in financial transaction management software that enables firms to overcome critical transaction processing issues through increased automation. SmartStream's industry-leading automated match rates create more proactive, exceptions-based processes that lower the cost per transaction while enabling firms to reduce operational risk, strengthen compliance and controls, and improve customer service. As a result, more than 1,500 clients, including 75 of the world's top 100 banks, 8 of the top 10 asset managers, and 8 of the top 10 custodians rely on SmartStream. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171017005127/en/ Contacts: Dina Communications Shamira Alidina, +44 (0) 7801 590718 Media Relations Director shamira@dinacomms.com or SmartStream Technologies Nathan Gee, +44 (0) 20 7898 0630 Senior Marketing Manager nathan.gee@smartstream-stp.com Legal Pot in the U.S.The fight over legal pot in the U.S. is one that is being held on multiple fronts. From states legalizing marijuana both for recreational and medicinal use to a push for nationwide legislation, the political weed games being played are going to have a huge impact on the future of marijuana stocks and the marijuana stock market. But today, that future has never looked brighter.Which is why today, when a U.S. senator proposed a bill that would legalize the drug nationally while also incentivizing the states to legalize as well, that's big move forward for the marijuana industry.You see, the thing about the marijuana market is that it's currently shut. 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 -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Red Pine Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RPX) ("Red Pine" or the "Company") has agreed to purchase a series of NSRs that exist on the property (Figure 1). The Company will issue to the Vendor $25,000 and 100,000 common shares in the Capital of the Company. These NSRs will now be extinguished. Quentin Yarie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Red Pine stated, "Part of the Company's plan has been to clean up the existing land holdings around the Wawa Gold Corridor. We have been acquiring mineral rights in what we feel are strategic areas to consolidate our land package. The removal of these NSRs is part of that plan." The following claims have been cleared of NSRs: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patented Mining Claim ID Royalty Obligations Extinguished ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DJ7 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DJ8 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- R738 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- R738 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM138 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM139 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM140 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM141 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM176 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM177 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM178 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM182 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM183 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM191 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM194 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM195 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM201 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM212 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM218 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM219 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM220 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM221 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM223 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM224 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM241 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM242 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM243 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM244 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM245 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM246 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM247 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM248 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM250 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM252 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM257 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM258 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM259 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM261 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM262 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM222 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SSM249 5% NSR on all ores, metals and minerals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To view Figure 1 please click the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/RPXFigure1.pdf Wawa Gold Project The Wawa Gold property package consists of over 5,500 hectares and hosts several former mines with a combined historic production of 120,000 oz gold(1). To date, the largest gold deposit on the property is the Surluga Deposit, which hosts a NI 43-101 Inferred Resource of 1,088,000 oz gold at an average grade of 1.71 g/t using a 0.5 g/t cut-off contained within 19.82 million tonnes(2). Exploration work by Red Pine during the past 16 months has involved the ongoing sampling of 42,000 metres of historic core that was never sampled by previous operators of the project (initiated in February 2016) and aggressive drilling campaigns. In March 2017, the Company completed a 6,000 metres of drilling and immediately initiated a new 10,000 metres drilling program. This was quickly expanded to 20,000 metres as a second drill was added to the campaign. The aggregate 20,000 metres drill program is designed to potentially expand the size of the existing inferred gold resource and connect other zones of gold mineralization (the Wawa Gold Corridor) recently discovered through drilling and other exploration techniques on the large Wawa Gold Project property. The Company is well positioned to fund its share of the Wawa Gold exploration program. As such, the sampling and drill programs are expected to continue throughout 2017. Highlights -- 100% owned land position between JVA -- 2 km southeast of the Municipality of Wawa, Ontario, close to roads, power and other infrastructure -- 8 past producing mines on property with historical production of 120,000 oz gold at 9.04 g/t average grade(1) greater than 1M oz Inferred Gold Resource at 1.71 g/t (0.5 g/t cut-off)(2) -- Near surface mineralization -- Open in all directions -- Exploration continuing to expand the existing resource Considerable Growth Potential -- Potential for multi-million ounces resource -- Newly discovered high-grade gold zones in many areas on property -- Gold mineralization extends 5 km in length Preliminary Metallurgical Study Underway -- Optimization of gold and silver recoveries On-site Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures Drill core samples were transported in security-sealed bags for analyses to SGS in Lakefield, Ontario. Individual samples are labeled, placed in plastic sample bags and sealed. Groups of samples are then placed into durable rice bags and then shipped. The remaining coarse reject portions of the samples remain in storage if further work or verification is needed. Red Pine has implemented a quality-control program to comply with best practices in the sampling and analysis of drill core. As part of its QA/QC program, Red Pine inserts external gold standards (low to high grade) and blanks every 20 samples in addition to random standards, blanks, and duplicates. Qualified Person Quentin Yarie, P Geo. is the qualified person responsible for preparing, supervising and approving the scientific and technical content of this news release. About Red Pine Exploration Inc. Red Pine Exploration Inc. is a gold and base-metals exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "RPX". Red Pine has a 60% interest in the Wawa Gold Project with Citabar LLP. holding the remaining 40% interest. Red Pine is the Operating Manager of the Project and is focused on expanding the existing gold resource on the property. For more information about the Company visit www.redpineexp.com. (1)Mineral Resource Statement, Surluga-Jubilee Gold Deposit, Wawa Gold Project, Ontario, SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (effective May 26, 2015)). The report is available on www.SEDAR.com under Red Pine's profile. (2)NI 43-101 inferred resource of 1,088,000 ounces of gold at a 1.71 grams per tonne (g/t) using a 0.40 g/t gold cut-off grade for pit-constrained and 2.50 g/t gold cut-off grade for underground-constrained resources, contained in 19.82 million tonnes open along strike and at depth. The Cut-off grades are based on a gold price of US$1,250 per once and a gold recovery of 95 percent (Mineral Resource Statement, Surluga-Jubilee Gold Deposit, Wawa Gold Project, Ontario, SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (effective May 26, 2015)). Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Contacts: Red Pine Exploration Inc. Quentin Yarie President & CEO (416) 364-7024 qyarie@redpineexp.com Red Pine Exploration Inc. Mia Boiridy Investor Relations (416) 364-7024 mboiridy@redpineexp.com www.redpineexp.com Results from 238-patient randomized controlled clinical trial published in Endoscopy Diagnostic yield more than doubled with Cellvizio while number of necessary biopsies reduced by half and no change in procedure time Regulatory News: Mauna Kea Technologies (Paris:MKEA) (OTCQX:MKEAY) inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) platform, today announced the peer-reviewed publication of a clinical study1 demonstrating improved early stomach cancer detection with Cellvizio2 in Endoscopy, the official journal of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and affiliated societies. The new data builds on a recently published meta-analysis3 of Cellvizio in stomach cancer and further establishes the superiority of biopsies guides by a combination of endoscopic imaging with Flexible spectral Imaging Colour Enhancement (FICE) and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) with Cellvizio, compared to standard FICE without pCLE for in vivo detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous gastric lesions. According to JAMA Oncology4, the annual incident rate of stomach cancer exceeds 1.3 million cases worldwide, making it the 3rd most common malignancy globally by incidence and mortality (after cancers of the lung and the breast). An estimated 1 in 27 men and 1 in 68 women will develop stomach cancer before the age of 79 years. Led by principal investigator Pr. Yan-Qing Li, Chief physician and Vice President of Qilu hospital of Shandong University, this key study enrolled 238 patients who were randomized in two groups (FICE-guided pCLE with targeted biopsies (using a Gastroflex UHD Confocal Miniprobe) or FICE with standard biopsies) at four clinical institutions in China. The diagnostic yield of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN), and early gastric cancer (EGC) was compared between the two groups as a main outcome. Secondary outcomes include the number of necessary biopsies to achieve diagnosis and time taken for the procedure. The key results from the study are as follows: Doubled diagnostic yield: On a per-biopsy analysis, FICE-guided pCLE with targeted biopsies more than doubled the diagnostic yield of GIM/GIN/EGC vs. FICE with standard biopsies, from 31.5% to 75.1% (p< 0.001). Reduced number of necessary biopsies by half: FICE-guided pCLE with targeted biopsies led to a 48.5% decrease in the number of biopsies per patient vs. FICE with standard biopsies (p<0.001). No change in procedure-time: Procedure time was not significantly different between the 2 groups (17 minutes in the pCLE group vs. 16 minutes in the control group). Confirmed clinical performance of Cellvizio: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of pCLE were 87.5%, 98%, 87.5% and 98% for GIN and 95%, 94.6%, 90.5% and 97.5% for GIM. Inter-observer agreement and intra-observer agreement were excellent with kappa-values of 0.83 and 0.89, respectively. The authors concluded, "Real-time pCLE and targeted biopsies after FICE improved the diagnostic yield for the detection of GIM, GIN, and EGC, and only required about half the number of biopsies versus FICE with standard biopsies. This may allow for a better regimen for endoscopic surveillance and subsequent treatment of patients with premalignant and malignant gastric abnormalities. All pCLE procedures were performed safely and successfully in participating patients." Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Kea Technologies, said, "This paper is a key milestone for demonstrating the role for Cellvizio in the early detection of gastric cancer. We are grateful to Pr. Yan-Qing Li, Pr. Xiu-Li Zuo and their team for their leadership in completing this important clinical study." About Mauna Kea Technologies Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company focused on eliminating uncertainties related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases thanks to real time in vivo microscopic visualization. The Company's flagship product, Cellvizio, has received clearance to sell a wide range of applications in more than 40 countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, China, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. For more information on Mauna Kea Technologies, visit www.maunakeatech.com Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Mauna Kea Technologies and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Mauna Kea Technologies considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forward-looking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Mauna Kea Technologies registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)) on Mau 31, 2017 under number D.17-0574 and available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Mauna Kea Technologies that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for, Mauna Kea Technologies shares in any country. 1 ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02515721) 2 Xiu-Li Zuo et al. Probe-based endomicroscopy for in vivo detection of gastric intestinal metaplasia and neoplasia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Endoscopy. Published online 2017 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-115382 3 Press-release Mauna Kea Technologies March 2nd, 2017 4 Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-years for 32 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2015: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study JAMA Oncol. 2017 Apr 1;3 (4):524-548. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005896/en/ Contacts: Mauna Kea Technologies United States Zack Kubow Lee Roth The Ruth Group 646-536-7020 7012 zkubow@theruthgroup.com lroth@theruthgroup.com or U.S. Media Kirsten Thomas, 508-280-6592 The Ruth Group kthomas@theruthgroup.com or France and Europe NewCap Investor Relations Florent Alba, +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 maunakea@newcap.eu TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: BMK) ("MacDonald Mines", the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD$500,000(the "Offering"). The Company intends to close the Offering on Wednesday August 2, 2017 subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Offering will consist of the issuance of 5,000,000 Class A common Shares (the "Shares") at a subscription price of CAD $0.10 per share. The Company is pleased to announce that CMP 2016 Resource Limited Partnership ("CMP"), an investment fund managed by Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Inc., an affiliate of Dundee Corporation, will subscribe for all 5,000,000 Shares to be issued in the Offering. Following the closing of the Offering, CMP will hold approximately 7.26% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Company on an undiluted basis Wawa-Holdsworth Project Highlights -- Neighbouring Richmont's Island Gold Mine, Argonaut's Magino Gold Project and Goldcorp's Borden project -- Numerous gold showings with diversified mineralization styles occurring in a 500 metres-wide deformation corridor -- Year-long road access and easy access to rail, road, electrical power, labour force and suppliers Overview of the Wawa-Holdsworth Project Historic work by previous operators defined three gold targets on the Wawa-Holdsworth Project: -- Greenstone-hosted quartz-carbonate vein deposit (Soocana Vein System and Reed-Booth Showing); -- BIF-hosted gold deposits (gold-bearing pyrite zones in an Algoma-type iron formation); -- Gold-bearing Oxide Sands developed from the weathering of the auriferous Pyrite Zones. MacDonald Mines is focusing its near-term exploration program on the Oxide Sands. These appear to extend for more than 2 kilometres on the property as corroborated by MacDonald's recent airborne magnetics results (see June 1, 2017 News Release) and reach a depth of at least 8 metres. Recent preliminary sampling of the Oxide Sands by MacDonald Mines returned an average grade of 5.45 g/t gold (see May 16, 2017 News Release). Preliminary metallurgical testing conducted by previous operators on composite samples recovered, without crushing, between 69% and 98.7 % gold. Earlier this year, MacDonald Mines initiated and reported an in depth metallurgical test of the Oxide Sands to achieve the highest possible gold and silver recovery. The soft and relatively unconsolidated Oxide Sands material can be extracted like an aggregate. The Company is working to better define the Oxide Sands as continues to prepare for potential exploitation of the material. Qualified Person Quentin Yarie, P Geo. is the qualified person responsible for preparing, supervising and approving the scientific and technical content of this news release. About MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is a mineral exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario focused on gold exploration in Canada. The Company has built a portfolio of safe-jurisdiction, infrastructure-rich projects that demonstrate the greatest market potential for return. The Company is aggressively advancing its highly prospective Wawa-Holdsworth Project. The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "BMK". To learn more about MacDonald Mines, please visit www.macdonaldmines.com Cautionary Statement: 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. MacDonald Mines does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: Quentin Yarie President & CEO (416) 364-4986 qyarie@macdonaldmines.com Mia Boiridy Investor Relations (416) 364-4986 mboiridy@macdonaldmines.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2017) - Data Deposit Box Inc. ("Data Deposit Box") (CSE: DDB) (OTC Pink: DDBXF) (FSE: 2DD), a global provider of cloud backup and recovery technology, announces that effective August 1, 2017 Marco Guidi has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of Data Deposit Box, and Siva Cherla has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer and as a director of Data Deposit Box. Mr. Cherla has over 20 years of diverse experience working with private and public companies. He has served as Senior Vice President and CFO of Brainhunter Systems Ltd., a Professional Technology Staffing and ATS/CRM software developer and vendor, and as Vice President/Controller, Financial & Management Reporting with Merrill Lynch Canada Inc, in addition to serving as a Senior Manager for such companies as the Dell Computer Corporation and Canon Canada Inc. Mr. Cherla holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Ottawa, majoring in Finance, and a Masters of Commerce with a major in Accounting from the University of Agra. Management and the board of directors would like to thank Mr. Guidi for his contributions to Data Deposit Box. About Data Deposit Box Data Deposit Box, a pioneer of cloud backup and recovery technology, has set a new industry standard by providing the SMB market with the same level of security and protection that is available to large enterprises. Data Deposit Box patented backup technology, known for its Exabyte scalability, advanced data reduction capabilities and ease-of-use, has won prestigious industry awards and has been featured in many key industry publications. Data Deposit Box technologies and solutions are currently used daily by SMB customers for online backup and recovery, archiving, disaster readiness, secure file sharing, and remote access. For More Information Contact: Troy Cheeseman President & COO Data Deposit Box Inc. Telephone: 647-725-0307 Email: tcheeseman@datadepositbox.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- IGM Financial Inc. (IGM) (TSX: IGM) today reported preliminary total investment fund net new money in July of $410.4 million as shown in Table 1. Total assets under management were $147.1 billion at July 31, 2017, compared with $148.2 billion at June 30, 2017 and $139.0 billion at July 31, 2016. Investment fund assets under management were $141.7 billion at July 31, 2017, compared with $142.9 billion at June 30, 2017 and $132.4 billion at July 31, 2016. Assets under management are shown in Table 2. Table 1 - Net New Money Month ended July 31, 2017 Investors IGM ($ millions) (unaudited) Group Mackenzie Counsel Financial(1) -------------------------------------------------- Mutual Funds Gross Sales $706.3 $659.9 $47.2 $1,411.3 Net New Money $124.3 $184.2 ($2.2) $306.1 ETFs Net New Money $124.9 $124.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Net New Money $124.3 $288.5(2) ($2.2) $410.4 (1) Excludes $2.1 million and $0.2 million respectively in Gross Sales and Net New Money of Mackenzie mutual funds by Investors Group mutual funds. (2) Excludes $20.6 million in net new money of exchange traded funds ("ETF") by Mackenzie mutual funds. (i) Mutual Fund Net New Money is defined as Gross Sales less Gross Redemptions and is consistent with the terminology used by The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC). Total Net New Money includes ETF net creations. Table 2 - Assets under Management July June July % Change % Change ($ billions) (unaudited) 2017 2017 2016 Last Month YOY ------------------------------------------------- Total Assets under Management(3) $147.11 $148.20 $139.01 (0.7) 5.8 Investment Funds(4 ) Assets under Management $141.66 $142.85 $132.38 (0.8) 7.0 Investors Group Mutual Funds $83.63 $84.30 $78.24 (0.8) 6.9 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $0.57 $0.57 $0.47 - 21.3 ------------------------------------------------- Total IG $84.20 $84.87 $78.71 (0.8) 7.0 Mackenzie Mutual Funds $53.03 $53.62 $49.66 (1.1) 6.8 ETFs $0.74 $0.62 $0.04 19.4 N/M ------------------------------------------------- Investment Funds(5) $53.47 $53.96 $49.70 (0.9) 7.6 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $14.58 $14.59 $13.89 (0.1) 5.0 ------------------------------------------------- Total Mackenzie $68.05 $68.55 $63.59 (0.7) 7.0 ------------------------------------------------- Counsel Mutual Funds $4.66 $4.69 $4.44 (0.6) 5.0 (3) Excludes assets managed by Mackenzie on behalf of Investors Group and Investment Planning Counsel. These assets had a value of $9.7 billion at July 31, 2017 ($9.8 billion at June 30, 2017 and $7.7 billion at July 31, 2016). (4) Excludes assets in accounts invested in Mackenzie Financial Corporation mutual funds held by Investors Group. These assets had a value of $103.9 million at July 31, 2017 ($105.0 million at June 30, 2017). (5) Mackenzie investment funds total assets under management exclude Mackenzie mutual fund investment in ETF's of $300.6 million as at July 31, 2017 and $281.6 million as at June 30, 2017. Preliminary average investment fund assets under management and average total assets under management for the quarter to date are set out in Table 3. Table 3 - Average Assets under Management(6) ($ billions) (unaudited) Quarter to Date --------------- Total Average Assets under Management(7) $147.58 Investment Funds Average Assets under Management(8) $142.18 Investors Group Mutual Funds $83.93 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $0.57 --------------- Total Investors Group $84.50 --------------- Mackenzie Mutual Funds $53.28 ETFs $0.67 --------------- Investment Funds(9) $53.68 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $14.59 --------------- Total Mackenzie $68.27 --------------- Counsel Mutual Funds $4.68 (6) Based on daily average investment fund assets and month-end average institutional, sub-advisory and other assets. (7) Excludes average assets of $9.8 billion managed by Mackenzie on behalf of Investors Group and Investment Planning Counsel. (8) Excludes average assets of $106.7 million in accounts invested in Mackenzie Financial Corporation mutual funds held by Investors Group. (9) Mackenzie investment funds total assets under management exclude Mackenzie mutual fund investment in ETFs of $271.3 million as at July 31, 2017. IGM Financial Inc. is one of Canada's premier personal financial services companies, and one of the country's largest managers and distributors of mutual funds and other managed asset products, with over $147 billion in total assets under management. Its activities are carried out principally through Investors Group, Mackenzie Investments and Investment Planning Counsel. A MEMBER OF THE POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION GROUP OF COMPANIES. Contacts: Media Relations: Allan Hiebert 204-956-8535 mediarel@investorsgroup.com Investor Relations: Paul Hancock 204-956-8103 investor.relations@igmfinancial.com CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Suncor today extended condolences to the family of Rick George, former president and chief executive officer of the company, who passed away in Calgary on August 1, as a result of complications from AML. "Rick's impact on the oil sands industry, the Canadian business community, and the broader community has been immeasurable," said Steve Williams, Suncor's president and chief executive officer. "His contributions have been significant and far-reaching. We were saddened to hear the news of his passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this difficult time. Rick was very much admired and loved by his Suncor family." A self-described "oil sands guy," Rick George helped transform Suncor over his 21 years at the helm from an oil sands pioneer to the country's largest integrated energy company. Joining Suncor in 1991 as chief executive officer, he guided the company in adopting game-changing technologies to improve environmental performance, profitability and competitiveness. Rick George encouraged the company to adopt a seven point climate action plan in the 1990s, well before many companies had begun to address the environmental impacts of their operations. In 2009, he oversaw the successful merger of Suncor with Petro-Canada, creating Canada's leading energy company with operations located coast to coast. Active in the community, Rick championed the creation of the Suncor Energy Foundation in 1998. Rick's accomplishments and contributions were recognized through a series of awards, including Outstanding CEO of the Year, Canadian Energy Person of the Year, and being inducted into the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2007 in recognition of his commitment to the natural resources sector, Aboriginal communities and sustainable development. Rick's vision, wisdom, and courageous leadership at Suncor and in the Canadian business community will be deeply missed. We express our gratitude to Rick's wife Julie, sons Matthew, Zachary and daughter Emily for generously sharing him with us. Contacts: Media inquiries: 403-296-4000 media@suncor.com VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX: CMH) ("the Company" or "Carmanah") will release its second quarter 2017 financial results on Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 after market close. Carmanah has scheduled a conference call for analysts at 6:00 am PST (9:00 am ET) on Thursday, August 10th, 2017. To access, dial 1.866.229.4144 (Canada toll free) or +1.888.424.8151 (US toll free) approximately five to ten minutes prior to start time. When prompted for the participant PIN code, enter 9503 536#. For a current list of local and international telephone numbers, click the link below: https://www.conferenceplus.com/AlternateNumbers/alternatenumbers.aspx?100813&t=A&o=UkXXSgNLlGavbn A recording of the conference call will also be available on Carmanah's corporate website within three business days of the call. For more information, visit www.carmanah.com or telephone 1.877.722.8877 (toll free in US and Canada). About Carmanah Technologies Corporation Carmanah designs, develops and distributes a portfolio of products focused on energy optimized LED solutions for infrastructure. Since 1996, we have earned a global reputation for delivering durable, dependable, efficient and cost-effective solutions for industrial applications that perform in some of the world's harshest environments. We manage our business within three reportable segments: Signals, Illumination and Power. The Signals segment includes serves the Airfield Ground Lighting, Aviation Obstruction, Offshore Wind, Marine and Traffic markets. The Illumination segment provides solar powered LED outdoor lights for municipal and commercial customers. The Power segment serves the Off-Grid vertical. This release may contain forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "estimates," "could," "will" or variations of such words and phrases. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: revenues, and revenue growth, for the first quarter and year ended December 31, 2016; order backlogs; gross margins; and estimates of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Carmanah or Sabik to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: our ability to become a worldwide leader in the marine aids to navigation industry, the potential growth of the offshore wind safety market or our ability to participate in any growth, and other general uncertainties that may impact actual outcomes. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions, and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. Carmanah disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events, or developments except as required by law. For additional information on these risks and uncertainties, see Carmanah's most recently filed Annual Information Form (AIF) and Annual MD&A, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.carmanah.com. The risk factors identified in Carmanah's AIF and MD&A are not intended to represent a complete list of factors that could affect Carmanah. Contacts: Carmanah Technologies Corporation Evan Brown Chief Financial Officer/Corporate Secretary (250) 380-0052 investors@carmanah.com www.carmanah.com LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2017 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. ("Chipotle" or the "Company") (NYSE: CMG) for possible violations of federal securities laws between February 5, 2016 and July 19, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period, should contact the firm prior to the September 18, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline . 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. CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Energy free trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been good for the people of Canada, the United States (U.S.) and Mexico, keeping energy on the continent more affordable and reliable for citizens and the economy, according to a joint paper released by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Mexican Association of Hydrocarbon Companies (AMEXHI). The creation of NAFTA has been and continues to be mutually beneficial to all three trading partners -- Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. The integrated and interdependent North American market that NAFTA created maintains energy self-sufficiency and improves industry competitiveness in North America and worldwide. Under the NAFTA renegotiation, there are opportunities to update the agreement but any changes that disrupt energy trade across North American borders or revert to high tariffs and trade barriers could put long term investments, national prosperity and jobs at risk as they depend on these deep trade relationships. As such, the joint paper recommends support for market-oriented policies and opportunities for commercial growth and job creation under NAFTA. The CAPP, API and AMEXHI joint paper can be found here. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers quotes: Tim McMillan, president and CEO -- "The creation of NAFTA has been and continues to be mutually beneficial to the economy and people of all three trading partners -- Canada, the U.S. and Mexico." -- "Since NAFTA's inception in 1994 our three economies have become interconnected and integrated. Supporting a free trade zone is more compelling today than ever before." -- "NAFTA provides the continent with energy self-sufficiency and security and has the potential to create new opportunities in the future to enhance our trade relationships with the U.S. and Mexico." -- "As America is Canada's largest trading partner, policy changes in the U.S. -- on trade, energy and the environment -- will greatly affect Canada's oil and natural gas sector." The American Petroleum Institute quote: Jack Gerard, president and CEO -- "The natural gas and oil industry across North America is united in our support for NAFTA and the significant consumer, economic and security benefits it generates." -- "As the energy flows between our countries continue to grow, it's important to highlight the critical role NAFTA has played in facilitating cross-border trade and investment in energy." -- "The positions we put forward today reinforce our commitment to the energy trade alliance under NAFTA, which supports jobs and manufacturing in energy, helps to make energy more affordable, and enhances our energy security." Mexican Association of Hydrocarbon Companies (AMEXHI) quotes: Alberto de la Fuente, president -- "After Mexico's Energy Reform, NAFTA itself enabled much of the investment attraction, infrastructure development and a more intensive commercial exchange." -- "The synergy between NAFTA and the Energy Reform in Mexico is essential to attract investments, develop integrated value chains and increase North America's economic competitiveness." Supporting information -- The upstream petroleum industry remains the largest private investor in Canada and among the largest source of export revenue. -- The U.S. is the largest export market for Canadian oil and the only market for Canadian natural gas. -- America is Canada's No. 1 energy customer -- about 99 per cent of our oil and natural gas exports go to the United States every day. -- CAPP forecasts Western Canadian oil supply will grow to 5.4 million barrels per day by 2030, an increase of 1.5 million b/d from today. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. CAPP's member companies produce about 80 per cent of Canada's natural gas and crude oil. CAPP's associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP's members and associate members are an important part of a national industry with revenues from crude oil and natural gas production of about $120 billion a year. CAPP's mission, on behalf of the Canadian upstream crude oil and natural gas industry, is to advocate for and enable economic competitiveness and safe, environmentally and socially responsible performance. Contacts: Chelsie Klassen Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (P): (403) 267 1151 (E): chelsie.klassen@capp.ca KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / August 2, 2017 / CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CORR) will host a conference call to discuss the results of the second quarter 2017, to be held Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Live Event Information To participate, connect approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the event. Date, Time: August 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM ET Toll Free: 877-407-8035 International: 201-689-8035 Replay Information The replay will be available beginning approximately 2 hours after the completion of the live event, ending at midnight Eastern on September 3, 2017. Toll Free: 877-481-4010 International: 919-882-2331 Replay ID#: 17944 About CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CORR, CORRPrA), is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns essential energy assets, such as pipelines, storage terminals, and transmission and distribution assets. We receive long-term contracted revenue from operators of our assets, primarily under triple-net participating leases. For more information, please visit corenergy.reit. SOURCE: Investor Network WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Cirrus Logic Inc. (CRUS) announced a profit for its first quarter that gained ground from last year. The company said its bottom line rose to $54.61 million, or $0.81 per share. This was higher than $28.90 million, or $0.44 per share, in last year's first quarter. Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.66 per share, according figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company said revenue for the quarter rose 23.6% to $320.74 million. This was up from $259.43 million last year. Cirrus Logic Inc. earnings at a glance: -Earnings (Q1): $54.61 Mln. vs. $28.90 Mln. last year. -Earnings Growth (Y-o-Y): 89.0% -EPS (Q1): $0.81 vs. $0.44 last year. -EPS Growth (Y-o-Y): 84.1% -Analysts Estimate: $0.66 -Revenue (Q1): $320.74 Mln vs. $259.43 Mln last year. -Revenue Change (Y-o-Y): 23.6% -Guidance : Next quarter revenue guidance: $390 - $430 Mln 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. Regulatory News: International Flavors Fragrances Inc. (NYSE: IFF) (Euronext Paris: IFF), a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world, authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share of the Company's common stock, an increase of $0.05, or 8%, from the current quarterly dividend of $0.64 per share. The quarterly dividend will be payable on October 6, 2017 to shareholders of record as of September 25, 2017. "I am pleased with IFF's continued commitment to balance reinvestment opportunities in the business with return of capital to shareholders," said IFF Chairman and CEO Andreas Fibig. "The increased dividend is well aligned with our disciplined approach to capital allocation returning 50% to 60% of adjusted net income as we strategically invest to drive long-term sustainable growth while returning value to our shareholders. This increase underscores our confidence in our continued financial strength and the long-term outlook of our business." Meet IFF International Flavors Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) (Euronext Paris: IFF) is a leading innovator of sensorial experiences that move the world. At the heart of our company, we are fueled by a sense of discovery, constantly asking "what if?". That passion for exploration drives us to co-create unique products that consumers taste, smell, or feel in fine fragrances and beauty, detergents and household goods, as well as beloved foods and beverages. Our 7,400 team members globally take advantage of leading consumer insights, research and development, creative expertise, and customer intimacy to develop differentiated offerings for consumer products. Learn more at www.iff.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802006353/en/ Contacts: International Flavors Fragrances Inc. Michael DeVeau, 212-708-7164 VP, Corporate Strategy, Investor Relations Communications Michael.DeVeau@iff.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- All financial references are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Norbord Inc. ("Norbord") (TSX: OSB)(NYSE: OSB) today announced a bought deal secondary offering (the "Offering") with a syndicate of underwriters led by RBC Capital Markets, BMO Capital Markets, BofA Merrill Lynch, Scotiabank, TD Securities Inc. and CIBC Capital Markets through which a fund managed by Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (TSX: BAM.A)(NYSE: BAM)(EURONEXT: BAMA) has agreed to sell 3,550,000 common shares of Norbord (the "Common Shares") at an offering price of $42.35 per Common Share (the "Offering Price"). The underwriters have been granted an over-allotment option, exercisable in whole or in part for a period of 30 days following closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 532,500 Common Shares at the Offering Price, under the same terms. Brookfield Asset Management Inc., its affiliates and funds managed by it ("Brookfield") currently own approximately 53% of the outstanding Common Shares of Norbord. Upon the completion of the Offering, but before giving effect to the over-allotment option, Brookfield will own, directly and indirectly, 41,857,240 Common Shares, representing approximately 48.6% of Norbord. The Offering is expected to close on or about August 9, 2017. Norbord will not receive any proceeds from the Offering. The Common Shares are being offered under Norbord's existing base shelf prospectus filed in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Common Shares are being offered pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Norbord has filed a preliminary prospectus supplement in Canada and the United States relating to the Offering. Before investing, potential purchasers should read these documents and other public filings by Norbord for more complete information about Norbord and the Offering. Copies of these documents may be obtained for free on EDGAR at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Alternatively, copies can be obtained from: (i) in Canada, RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Attention: Simon Yeung, Distribution Centre, RBC Wellington Sq., 8th Floor, 180 Wellington St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5J 0C2, telephone: (416) 842-5349, email: Distribution.RBCDS@rbccm.com; BMO Capital Markets, Brampton Distribution Centre C/O The Data Group of Companies, 9195 Torbram Road, Brampton, Ontario L6S 6H2, telephone: (905) 791-3151 ext: 4312, email: torbramwarehouse@datagroup.ca; and Merrill Lynch Canada Inc., Attention: Lisa Loughery, 181 Bay Street, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M5J 2V8, telephone: (416) 369-7558, email: lisa.loughery@baml.com, and (ii) in the United States, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate, 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10281-8098, telephone: (877) 822-4089, email: equityprospectus@rbccm.com; BMO Capital Markets Corp., Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 3 Times Square, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (Attn: Equity Syndicate), telephone: (800) 414-3627, email: bmoprospectus@bmo.com; and BofA Merrill Lynch, Attention: Prospectus Department, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte NC 28255-0001, email: dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Common Shares described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these Common Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Common Shares being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the base shelf prospectus or the preliminary prospectus supplement. Norbord Profile Norbord Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels and the world's largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB). In addition to OSB, Norbord manufactures particleboard, medium density fibreboard and related value-added products. Norbord has assets of approximately US$1.8 billion and employs approximately 2,600 people at 17 plant locations in the United States, Canada and Europe. Norbord is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OSB". This news release contains forward-looking statements, as defined by applicable securities legislation, including statements with respect to the offering and the timing of closing described in this news release. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "set up," "on track," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "target," "outlook," "schedule," "represent," "continue," "intend," "should," "would," "could," "will," "can," "might," "may," and other expressions which are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to historical matters. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Norbord to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Although Norbord believes it has a reasonable basis for making these forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include: assumptions in connection with the economic and financial conditions in the US, Europe, Canada and globally; risks inherent to product concentration and cyclicality; effects of competition and product pricing pressures; risks inherent to customer dependence; effects of variations in the price and availability of manufacturing inputs, including continued access to fibre resources at competitive prices; availability of rail services and port facilities; various events that could disrupt operations, including natural or catastrophic events and ongoing relations with employees; impact of changes to, or non-compliance with, environmental regulations; impact of any product liability claims in excess of insurance coverage; risks inherent to a capital intensive industry; impact of future outcomes of tax exposures; potential future changes in tax laws; effects of currency exposures and exchange rate fluctuations; future operating costs, availability of financing, impact of future cross-border trade rulings or agreements; ability to implement new or upgraded information technology infrastructure; impact of information technology service disruptions or failures; and other risks and factors described from time to time in filings with Canadian and United States securities regulatory authorities. Except as required by applicable law, Norbord does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, Norbord, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to publicly update or revise the above list of factors affecting this information. See the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information" statement in the February 2, 2017 Annual Information Form and the cautionary statement contained in the "Forward-Looking Statements" section of the 2016 Management's Discussion and Analysis dated February 2, 2017 and Q2 2017 Management's Discussion and Analysis dated July 27, 2017. Contacts: Heather Colpitts Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs (416) 365-0705 info@norbord.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - CF Industries Holdings Inc. (CF) released earnings for second quarter that retreated from last year. The company said its profit totaled $23 million, or $0.10 per share. This was down from $77 million, or $0.33 per share, in last year's second quarter. Analysts had expected the company to earn -$0.03 per share, according figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company said revenue for the quarter fell 0.9% to $1.12 billion. This was down from $1.13 billion last year. CF Industries Holdings Inc. earnings at a glance: -Earnings (Q2): $23 Mln. vs. $77 Mln. last year. -Earnings Decline (Y-o-Y): -70.1% -EPS (Q2): $0.10 vs. $0.33 last year. -EPS Decline (Y-o-Y): -69.7% -Analysts Estimate: -$0.03 -Revenue (Q2): $1.12 Bln vs. $1.13 Bln last year. -Revenue Change (Y-o-Y): -0.9% Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2017) - Seahawk Ventures Inc. (CSE: SHV) ("Seahawk") announces that it has completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in the German Shepherd and Mystery properties (the "Properties") pursuant to the property purchase agreement with RSD Capital Corp. and Michel A. Lavoie (the "Vendors") described in its June 12, 2017 news release. The Properties comprise a total of 66 mineral claims covering approximately 3,900 hectares in the Urban-Barry Greenstone Belt region within the Abitibi sub-province, Quebec, Canada. Seahawk paid $50,000 in cash and has issued 1,000,000 shares of Seahawk to the Vendors at a price of $0.30 per share. The shares issued to the Vendors are subject to a hold period which expires on December 3, 2017. The Vendors have retained a 2% net smelter return royalty on the properties. Seahawk may elect to purchase one-half of the royalty interest from the Vendors for a payment of $500,000, leaving the Vendors with the remaining 1%. Seahawk further announces that it has entered into an agreement with the Vendors for the acquisition of the Fecteau property, consisting of 48 mineral claims covering approximately 2,700 hectares, also located in the Urban-Barry Greenstone Belt region within the Abitibi sub-province, Quebec, Canada. Seahawk will pay $60,000 in cash and issue 400,000 common shares of Seahawk to the Vendors at a price of 0.30 per share. The closing of this acquisition will take place on August 4, 2017. The shares issued to the Vendors will be subject to a hold period which expires on December 5, 2017. The Vendors have retained a 2% net smelter return royalty on the properties. Seahawk may elect to purchase one-half of the royalty interest from the Vendors for a payment of $1,000,000, leaving the Vendors with the remaining 1%. On closing of the acquisition of the Fecteau property, the Company will issued 150,000 common shares at a price of $0.30 in payment of a finder's fee in connection with the acquisition of the Properties and the Fecteau property. These shares will be subject to a hold period which expires on December 5, 2017. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Giovanni Gasbarro President and CEO For further information, please contact: Giovanni Gasbarro (604) 939-1848 seahawkventuresinc@gmail.com; www.seahawkventuresinc.com Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This presentation contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (forward-looking statements). These statements can be identified by expressions of belief, expectation or intention, as well as those statements that are not historical fact. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which the company believes are reasonable as of the current date. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements and as a result undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 08/02/17 -- Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: EEP) Q2 HIGHLIGHTS Second quarter net income was $92.6 million and cash provided by operating activities for the six month period was $43.7 million Second quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) and distributable cash flow (DCF) were $396.6 million and $182.5 million respectively On June 1, 2017, the Bakken Pipeline system was placed into service and started generating cash flow On June 28, 2017, the Partnership closed the sale of EEP's interest in the Midcoast Gas Gathering and Processing business to Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., marking the conclusion of the actions taken as part of the strategic review previously announced on April 28, 2017 Construction has begun to replace the U.S. portion of the Line 3 pipeline (U.S. L3R Program) in Wisconsin. The U.S. L3R Program is expected to come into service in the second half of 2019 Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: EEP) (EEP or the Partnership) today reported second quarter 2017 adjusted EBITDA and DCF of $396.6 million and $182.5 million, respectively. Second quarter results were in-line with the Partnership's expectations and guidance provided on April 28, 2017. Transportation volumes on the Lakehead system were up year over year, although tolls were reduced on April 1 to reflect the updated revenue requirement for 2017. Given the regulated cost of service nature of the Lakehead system, these factors do not materially impact adjusted EBITDA or DCF for the quarter. Demand for transportation on the North Dakota system remains strong although EBITDA for this business was down relative to last year as expected due to surcharges that rolled off in the first quarter of 2017. Other factors contributing to the year over year variance include: the sale of the Ozark pipeline system; lower contributions from rail facilities; continued weakness in the natural gas business that was divested on June 28, 2017; and the successfully completed Line 5 hydrostatic testing that was undertaken earlier in the year than originally anticipated, increasing operating and administrative costs by $10 million. "With the restructuring actions and transition to a pure play liquids pipeline business now complete, we're pleased to be moving forward with a stronger balance sheet, healthier distribution coverage, limited external capital needs and a lower risk business overall," said Mark Maki, President for the Partnership. "With the gas business removed, we're excited about the return to EEP's core business of liquids pipelines. The "utility like" value proposition offered by the Partnership is expected to provide our investors with stable and predictable results from some of North America's most strategic liquids pipeline infrastructure." In June, hydro testing was successfully completed on both the east and the west segments of the Line 5 crossing at the Straits of Mackinac. This testing was part of the Company's ongoing maintenance and modernization regimen for the Lakehead system. The lines were tested to 1200 pounds per square inch (psi), which is the same test pressure used when the pipes were installed and well above the normal operating pressure of 150 psi. This test, coupled with our on-going maintenance and inspection programs, validates the system can operate safely and reliably well into the future. On June 1, 2017, the Bakken Pipeline System was placed into service and started generating cash flow. Collectively, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., (EECI) and EEP hold an effective 27.6 percent ownership in the Bakken Pipeline System with EEP owning 25 percent and EECI owning 75 percent, respectively. Under the terms of the joint funding arrangement with EECI, EEP has a five-year option to acquire an additional 20 percent interest in EECI's Bakken Pipeline System investment at net book value. Demand for the North Dakota legacy system into Clearbrook remains strong, averaging over 215 kbpd for the quarter. "The situation in North Dakota is playing out as we anticipated," said Mr. Maki. "Our North Dakota legacy system into Clearbook remains full given its strong strategic position as the lowest cost system in the basin. In addition, second quarter volumes into Cromer on the Bakken expansion pipeline exceeded contracted capacity." Construction has begun on the U.S. L3R Program in Wisconsin and will begin this summer on certain sections of Line 3 in Canada (Canadian L3R Program) owned by Enbridge Income Partners LP (Enbridge). This project will enhance the reliability of EEP's Lakehead system and is a key execution priority for the Partnership. All required permitting is in place to proceed with construction of the U.S. L3R Program in Wisconsin and for the Canadian L3R Program scheduled for 2017. Permitting is also in place for construction in North Dakota. The remaining jurisdiction in which the regulatory process is still under way is in Minnesota where the Minnesota Department of Commerce is expected to release a Final Environmental Impact Statement in the third quarter of 2017. Based on the expected regulatory process and timeline, Management's anticipated in-service date for the project is the second half of 2019. Given the updated execution plan, the finalized cost estimate for the U.S. L3R Program is now US$2.9 billion. The revised cost is approximately 12 percent above the original estimate at the time of project sanctioning in 2014, and primarily reflects delays in the regulatory process, scope changes and route modifications as well as other changes that resulted from the extensive consultation process. The return that EEP will earn on the U.S. L3R Program will not be negatively impacted by the higher capital costs. The return on and of U.S. L3R Program capital will be recovered through the surcharge based on EEP's existing Facilities Surcharge Mechanism. "We're pleased that the regulatory process has progressed to a point where Enbridge and the Partnership have the confidence to advance the construction of Line 3 in Wisconsin and in Canada," commented Mr. Maki. "This is an important project that will enhance the reliability of our Lakehead system for our customers in the U.S. and Canada." Second Quarter 2017 Performance Overview The Partnership's key financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016, were as follows: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (unaudited; in millions, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Net income(1) $ 92.6 $ 83.7 $ 158.1 $ 163.7 Net income per unit (basic and diluted) 0.21 0.08 0.36 0.15 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Adjusted EBITDA(2) 396.6 489.3 810.7 955.5 Adjusted net income(1) 65.3 135.6 133.8 249.4 Adjusted net income per unit (basic and diluted) $ 0.14 $ 0.22 $ 0.30 $ 0.39 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (1) Net income and adjusted net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership interests in Enbridge Partners. (2) Includes non-controlling interest. Adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, as reported above, eliminate the effect of: (a) non-cash, mark-to-market net gains and losses; and (b) other adjustments. Refer to the Non-GAAP Reconciliations section below for additional details. Net income for the second quarter of 2017 increased $8.9 million over the same period from the prior year as a result of decreased losses from discontinued operations due to changes in non-cash mark-to-market derivative transactions and reduced operating and administrative costs. Net income from continuing operations decreased $8.3 million over the same period from the prior year as a result of lower earnings, predominately due to lower tolls on the North Dakota system. This decrease was partially offset by higher volumes on the Lakehead system primarily as a result of non-recurrence of the wildfires in northeastern Alberta in the second quarter of 2016, and the sale of unnecessary pipe related to the Sandpiper Project in the current period. Adjusted net income of $65.3 million for the second quarter of 2017 was $70.3 million lower than the same period from the prior year. The decrease is attributable to discontinued operations, which decreased $27.6 million due to lower commodity prices, decreased processing and storage margins, reduced natural gas throughput and reduced NGL production volumes. The decrease was partially offset by reduced operating and administrative costs due to cost savings in the 2017 period as a result of workforce reductions, lower property taxes and other cost reduction efforts. Continuing operations decreased due to the drivers previously discussed. COMPARATIVE EARNINGS STATEMENT Three months ended Six months ended June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (unaudited; in millions, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Operating revenues $ 596.5 $ 621.3 $1,201.2 $1,251.0 Operating expenses: Environmental costs, net of recoveries 3.5 0.1 13.8 17.0 Operating and administrative 158.3 134.1 311.4 276.4 Power 66.4 59.7 140.9 132.5 Depreciation and amortization 108.3 104.9 217.1 206.3 Gain on sale of assets (51.5) - (62.1) - ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Operating income 311.5 322.5 580.1 618.8 Interest expense, net (102.8) (93.3) (201.7) (197.8) Allowance for equity used during construction 10.7 13.3 21.0 25.6 Other income 11.4 0.2 11.4 0.4 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 230.8 242.7 410.8 447.0 Income tax benefit (expense) 1.6 (2.0) 0.5 (3.6) ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Income from continuing operations 232.4 240.7 411.3 443.4 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (35.4) (63.0) (56.8) (93.3) ------------------- ------------------- Net income 197.0 177.7 354.5 350.1 Less: Net income attributable to: Noncontrolling interest 90.6 70.3 158.9 139.1 Series 1 preferred unit distributions 6.5 22.5 29.0 45.0 Accretion of discount on Series 1 preferred units 7.3 1.2 8.5 2.3 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership interests in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. $ 92.6 $ 83.7 $ 158.1 $ 163.7 =================== =================== Net income (loss) allocable to common units and i-units Income from continuing operations $ 104.9 $ 73.7 $ 172.1 $ 118.8 Loss from discontinued operations (24.2) (46.0) (38.0) (67.0) ------------------- ------------------- Net income allocable to common units and i-units $ 80.7 $ 27.7 $ 134.1 $ 51.8 =================== =================== Net income (loss) per common unit and i-unit (basic and diluted) Income from continuing operations $ 0.27 $ 0.21 $ 0.46 $ 0.33 Loss from discontinued operations (0.06) (0.13) (0.10) (0.18) ------------------- ------------------- Net income per common unit and i- unit $ 0.21 $ 0.08 $ 0.36 $ 0.15 =================== =================== Weighted average common units and i- units (basic and diluted) 400.1 347.1 376.7 345.9 ------------------------------------ =================== =================== Comparison of Quarterly Results Following are explanations for significant changes in the Partnership's financial results, comparing the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 with the same period of 2016. The comparison refers to operating income and adjusted operating income. Adjusted operating income excludes the effect of certain non-cash and other items that the Partnership believes are not indicative of its core operating results (see Non-GAAP Reconciliations section below). Three months ended Six months ended Operating Income (Loss) June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Liquids $ 316.3 $ 324.5 $ 587.5 $ 625.9 Other (4.8) (2.0) (7.4) (7.1) ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Operating income $ 311.5 $ 322.5 $ 580.1 $ 618.8 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Three months ended Six months ended Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Liquids $ 268.3 $ 330.8 $ 545.7 $ 641.3 Other (4.8) (2.0) (7.4) (7.1) ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Adjusted operating income $ 263.5 $ 328.8 $ 538.3 $ 634.2 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Liquids Second quarter operating results for the Liquids segment decreased $8.2 million to $316.3 million over the comparable period in 2016. Lower operating results were due to several factors such as lower average rates and reduced short-haul transportation volumes destined for the Berthold rail loading facility on the North Dakota system. North Dakota rates decreased due to the expiration of the Phase 5 and Phase 6 expansion surcharges, resulting in a $7.3 million decrease in operating revenue period over period. Operating results were further reduced due to the Ozark Pipeline System sale during the first quarter of 2017. Offsetting the decrease in operating results was increased operating revenue on the Lakehead system primarily as a result of non-recurrence of the wildfires in northeastern Alberta in the second quarter of 2016, and a gain on the sale of pipe from the Sandpiper project of $51.5 million. Operating and administrative costs were higher period over period due to Line 5 hydrostatic testing costs of $9.8 million and higher property taxes of $4.0 million. Second quarter adjusted operating income for the Liquids segment decreased $62.5 million to $268.3 million over the comparable period in 2016 due to the same operating factors described above, which exclude the impact of gains on the sale of assets and the impact of non-cash, mark-to market gains and losses. Three months ended Six months ended Liquids Systems Volumes June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (thousand barrels per day) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Lakehead 2,604 2,440 2,675 2,588 Mid-Continent 145 216 145 192 North Dakota 334 381 345 392 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Total 3,083 3,037 3,165 3,172 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Discontinued Operations Three months ended Six months ended Discontinued Operations June 30, June 30, -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Net loss from discontinued operations $ (35.4) $ (63.0) $ (56.8) $ (93.3) Adjusted net loss from discontinued operations $ (42.1) $ (20.1) $ (66.5) $ (28.8) -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Second quarter losses from discontinued operations decreased $27.6 million over the comparable period in 2016. The decrease was primarily the result of a favorable increase in non-cash mark-to market gains in the current period of $55.8 million when compared to the same period in 2016, lower operating and administrative expenses due to cost savings as a result of workforce reductions, lower property taxes and other cost reduction efforts. Also contributing to the decrease in loss from discontinued operations was the absence of an asset impairment charge of $10.6 million on certain trucking assets in 2016. 2017 results were unfavorably impacted by lower commodity prices, net of hedges, and lower processing and storage margins. Second quarter adjusted loss from discontinued operations increased $22.0 million over the comparable period in 2016. The increase was predominantly attributable to a reduction in the value that the Partnership receives for its natural gas liquids due to lower hedged prices and lower natural gas and NGL system volumes. Three months ended Six months ended Natural Gas Throughput June 30, June 30, -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- (MMBtu per day) 2017 2016 2017 2016 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- East Texas 908,000 931,000 877,000 939,000 Anadarko 516,000 637,000 514,000 645,000 North Texas 172,000 203,000 174,000 210,000 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Total 1,596,000 1,771,000 1,565,000 1,794,000 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Three months ended Three months ended NGL Production March 31, March 31, -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- (Barrels per day) 2017 2016 2017 2016 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Total System Production 63,887 71,747 63,389 72,666 Conference Call Details The Partnership will host a joint conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7 a.m. Mountain Time) on August 3, 2017, with Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB) (NYSE: ENB), Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (TSX: ENF), and Spectra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: SEP) to provide an enterprise wide business update and review 2017 second quarter financial results. Analysts, members of the media and other interested parties can access the call toll free at (877) 930-8043 or outside North America at (253) 336-7522 using the access code of 51403910#. The call will be audio webcast live at http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/7gd26ak2. A webcast replay and podcast will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the event and a transcript will be posted to the website within approximately 24 hours. An audio replay will be available for seven days after the call toll free at (855) 859-2056 or outside North America at (404) 537-3406 using the replay passcode 51403910#. Non-GAAP Reconciliations Reconciliations of forward looking non-GAAP financial measures to comparable GAAP measures are not available due to the challenges with estimating some of the items, particularly with estimating non-cash unrealized derivative fair value losses and gains, which are subject to market variability, and therefore a reconciliation is not available without unreasonable effort. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Operating Income Adjusted net income for the Partnership and adjusted operating income for the principal business segments are provided to illustrate trends in income excluding non-cash unrealized derivative fair value losses and gains and other items that Management believes are not indicative of the Partnership's core operating results. The derivative non-cash losses and gains result from marking to market certain financial derivatives used by the Partnership for hedging purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance as prescribed under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Non-GAAP measures no longer include make-up rights and option premium amortization adjustments. These changes were made on a prospective basis beginning with the second quarter of 2016 and are not material for historical periods presented. Three months ended Six months ended Adjusted Net Income June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- (unaudited; in millions, except per unit amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership $ 92.6 $ 83.7 $ 158.1 $ 163.7 interests in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. Noncash derivative fair value (gains) losses: -Liquids (1.0) 5.1 (2.7) 6.8 -Natural Gas - included in Discontinued Operations (7.5) 34.8 (12.0) 55.5 -Other 1.7 1.5 1.9 3.4 Accretion of discount on Series 1 preferred units 7.3 1.2 8.5 2.3 Make-up rights adjustment - - - 1.0 Line 2 hydrotest expenses, net of recoveries - 0.2 - (8.3) Line 6A and 6B incident expenses, net of recoveries - 1.0 - 16.0 Option premium amortization - - - 0.9 Sandpiper Project wind down costs 1.4 - 3.9 - Gain on sale of assets (32.3) - (32.3) - Severance costs 2.3 - 7.6 - Asset impairment - 8.1 - 8.1 Integration 0.8 - 0.8 - ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Adjusted net income 65.3 135.6 133.8 249.4 Less: Allocations to general partner 11.4 57.0 22.8 113.6 ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Adjusted net income allocable to common units and i-units $ 53.9 $ 78.6 $ 111.0 $ 135.8 Weighted average common units and i- units outstanding 400.1 347.1 376.7 345.9 ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Adjusted net income per common unit and i-unit (basic and diluted) $ 0.14 $ 0.22 $ 0.30 $ 0.39 ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- Three months ended Six months ended Liquids June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------- Operating income $ 316.3 $ 324.5 $ 587.5 $ 625.9 Noncash derivative fair value (gains) losses (1.0) 5.1 (2.7) 6.8 Make-up rights adjustment - - - 0.9 Line 2 hydrotest expenses, net of recoveries - 0.2 - (8.3) Line 6A and 6B incident expenses, net of recoveries - 1.0 - 16.0 Gain on sale of assets (51.5) - (51.5) - Sandpiper Project wind down costs 2.3 - 6.3 - Severance costs 1.6 - 5.5 - Integration 0.6 - 0.6 - ------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------- Adjusted operating income $ 268.3 $ 330.8 $ 545.7 $ 641.3 ------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------- Three months ended Six months ended Discontinued Operations June 30, June 30, ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Net loss from discontinued operations $ (35.4) $ (63.0) $ (56.8) $ (93.3) Noncash derivative fair value (gains) losses (7.5) 34.8 (12.0) 55.5 Option premium amortization (1) - - - 0.9 Severance costs 0.6 - 2.1 - Integration 0.2 - 0.2 - Asset impairment - 8.1 - 8.1 ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- Adjusted net loss from discontinued operations $ (42.1) $ (20.1) $ (66.5) $ (28.8) ------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------- (1) Adjusted operating income no longer includes option premium amortization adjustments due to recent SEC interpretations. These changes will be made on a prospective basis and are not material for historical periods presented. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow Adjusted EBITDA (adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is used as a supplemental financial measurement to manage the performance of the entity. Distributable cash flow is used as a supplemental financial measurement to assess liquidity and the ability to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs and make cash distributions to unitholders. The following reconciliations of net income to adjusted EBITDA and net cash provided by operating activities to distributable cash flow are provided because adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are not financial measures recognized under generally accepted accounting principles. Three months ended Six months ended Adjusted EBITDA June 30, June 30, --------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 --------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership interests in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. $ 92.6 $ 83.7 $ 158.1 $ 163.7 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 90.6 70.3 158.9 139.1 Series 1 preferred unit distributions 6.5 22.5 29.0 45.0 Accretion of discount on Series 1 preferred units 7.3 1.2 8.5 2.3 Interest expense, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization - discontinued operations 47.1 48.7 92.7 97.6 Interest expense, net 102.8 93.3 201.7 197.8 Income tax expense (benefit) (1.6) 2.0 (0.5) 3.6 Depreciation and amortization 108.3 104.9 217.1 206.3 Noncash derivative fair value (gains) losses (11.0) 50.9 (18.6) 79.7 Make-up rights adjustment - - - 0.9 Line 2 hydrotest expense, net of recoveries - 0.2 - (8.3) Line 6A and 6B incident expenses, net of recoveries - 1.0 - 16.0 Option premium amortization - - - 1.2 Gain on sale of assets (51.5) - (51.5) - Sandpiper project wind down costs 2.3 - 6.3 - Severance costs 2.4 - 8.2 - Integration 0.8 - 0.8 - Asset impairment - 10.6 - 10.6 --------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Adjusted EBITDA $ 396.6 $ 489.3 $ 810.7 $ 955.5 --------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Three months ended Six months ended Distributable Cash Flow June 30, June 30, -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- (unaudited; in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Total net cash provided by operating activities $ (190.0) $ 280.2 $ 43.7 $ 546.5 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of cash acquired 493.9 104.9 546.8 194.0 Allowance for equity used during construction(1) - 13.3 - 25.6 Option premium amortization - - - 1.2 Line 2 hydrotest expense, net of recoveries - 0.2 - (8.3) Distributions in excess of equity earnings (0.7) 1.2 0.1 2.7 Maintenance capital expenditures (6.8) (11.6) (15.8) (19.7) Non-controlling interests (94.1) (118.5) (190.9) (226.3) Gain on sale of assets - - 10.6 - Distribution support agreement(2) - (1.0) - (1.4) Other (19.8) (6.0) (14.3) (7.1) -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Distributable cash flow $ 182.5 $ 262.7 $ 380.2 $ 507.2 -------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- (1) Distributable cash flow excludes allowance for equity used during construction beginning Q1 2017. (2) Distribution agreement in place with MEP to support 1.0x coverage of the then declared distribution with a term through 2017, and no requirement for MEP to reimburse EEP for adjusted distributions. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking statements, which are statements that frequently use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "consider," "continue," "could," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "explore," "forecast," "intend," "may," "opportunity," "plan," "position," "projection," "should," "strategy," "target," "will" and similar words. Although the Partnership believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on currently available information, such statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are not guarantees of performance. Future actions, conditions or events and future results of operations may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Partnership in this release speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Partnership undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond the Partnership's ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include: (1) the effectiveness of the various actions the Partnership has announced resulting from its strategic review process; (2) changes in the demand for the supply of, forecast data for, and price trends related to crude oil, liquid petroleum, including the rate of development of the Alberta Oil Sands; (3) the Partnership's ability to successfully complete and finance expansion projects; (4) the effects of competition, in particular, by other pipeline systems; (5) shut-downs or cutbacks at the Partnership's facilities or refineries, petrochemical plants, utilities or other businesses for which the Partnership transports products or to whom it sell products; (6) hazards and operating risks that may not be covered fully by insurance, including those related to Line 6B and any additional fines and penalties and injunctive relief assessed in connection with the crude oil release on that line; (7) changes in or challenges to the Partnership's tariff rates; (8) changes in laws or regulations to which the Partnership is subject, including compliance with environmental and operational safety regulations that may increase costs of system integrity testing and maintenance; and (9) permitting at federal, state and local level or renewals of rights of way. Any statements regarding sponsor expectations or intentions are based on information communicated to the Partnership by Enbridge Inc., but there can be no assurance that these expectations or intentions will not change in the future. Except to the extent required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Reference should also be made to the Partnership's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K for additional factors that may affect results. These filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and at the Partnership's website. About Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. owns and operates a diversified portfolio of crude oil transportation systems in the United States. Its principal crude oil system is the largest pipeline transporter of growing oil production from western Canada and the North Dakota Bakken formation. The system's deliveries to refining centers and connected carriers in the United States account for approximately 23 percent of total U.S. oil imports. Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. is traded on the New York stock exchange under the symbol EEP; information about the company is available on its website at www.enbridgepartners.com. About Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. manages the business and affairs of the Partnership, and its sole asset is an approximate 19.2 percent limited partner interest in the Partnership. Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge Inc. of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (NYSE: ENB) (TSX: ENB) is the General Partner of the Partnership and holds an approximate 35 percent interest in the Partnership. Enbridge Management is the delegate of the General Partner of the Partnership. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. Media Michael Barnes Toll Free: (877) 496-8142 Email: michael.barnes@enbridge.com Investment Community Adam McKnight Toll Free: (403) 266-7922 Email: adam.mcknight@enbridge.com Branch Messenger, Inc., a Minneapolis, MN-based employee self-service platform, closed a more than $10m funding round. The funding includes a recently closed $6.8m Series A funding round led by March Capital Partners with participation from CrossCut, Techstars Ventures, Matchstick Ventures, and other investors. The company intends to use the funds to build its team to drive enterprise partnerships and to expand the base of shift workers worldwide. Led by Atif Siddiqi, founder and CEO, Branch Messenger provides an employee self-service platform that offers access to frontline workers at scale while also enabling hourly shift workers to manage their work lives in real-time. The app, available for iOS and Android users, is currently being tested at more than 100 Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) stores, distribution centers, and call centers across the country. Branch is free for employees and available as a mobile first application for iOS and Android users. Created at technology incubator Idealab, Branch is a Target + Techstars portfolio company headquartered in Minneapolis with an office in Los Angeles. FinSMEs 02/08/2017 Colorescience, a Carlsbad, Calif.-based dermatologist-recommended skin health cosmetics company, completed a $15M Series C financing. The round was led by 1315 Capital, a Philadelphia-based healthcare investment firm that specializes in providing expansion and growth capital to specialty pharmaceutical, medical technology, and healthcare services companies, with participation from Healthcare Ventures, Greenspring Global Partners, and Montreux Equity Partners. With the investment, Adele Oliva, Founding Partner at 1315 Capital, has joined Coloresciences Board of Directors. The company will use the funds to expand operations. Led by CEO Mary Fisher, Colorescience has created a portfolio of clinically-tested products that blur the lines between skincare and cosmetics while protecting skin against UV exposure and environmental aggressors. Coloresciences collection of products include Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector and Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF 50. FinSMEs 02/08/2017 Dianrong, a Shanghai, China-based online lending marketplace, raised US$220m in Series D funding. The round was led by GIC Private Limited, Singapores sovereign wealth fund, with participation from CMIG Leasing, Simone Investment Managers, and other institutional and individual investors. Founded in 2012 by Soul Htite, CEO, and Kevin Guo, Co-CEO, Dianrong operates an online lending marketplace in China, which originates US$500m in monthly assets for 4 million retail lenders. Dianrong provides individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises with a financial platform with specific offerings which include loan originations, investment products and marketplace lending solutions. The company, which has 28 offices across China and employs approximately 3,500 professionals, including 600 full-time fintech engineers, recently announced the acquisition of the asset-generation operations of Quark Finance, which tripled its local footprint across China. Earlier this year, Dianrong also launched Chained Finance, a blockchain platform for supply-chain finance developed in partnership with FnConn, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group. In 2015, the company completed its Series C round funding of US$207m from Standard Chartered Private Equity, China Fintech Fund, Tiger Global Management, and Bohai Leasing. FinSMEs 02/08/2017 Gangsu Gangtai Holding (Group) Co. Ltd., a Chinese group listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, has acquired an 85% stake in Buccellati Holding Italia, an Italian high-end jewelry brand. The transaction is based on an equity value of 230m for 100% of the company. The transaction aims at reinforcing Buccellatis international presence with an investment plan of 200m, which will fund the opening of 88 new monobrand stores and significant production and marketing investments to sustain a strong growth in the existing markets, namely Italy, Europe and North America, and also to develop in the new markets, such as China, Asia, the Middle East and East Europe while maintaining the brands historical excellence and tradition. Founded in Milan in 1919, Buccellati is one of the most prestigious Italian high-end jewelry brand renowned all over the world for its craftsmanship, design and originality. The company, which was previously held by Clessidra and the Buccellati family, has a wide international presence particularly in Europe (especially in Italy, France and the UK) and in the United States, through both directly operated stores and distributors. To ensure the continuity of the brands traditions, the core family members will keep their roles as managers within the company. Andrea Buccellati will maintain his position as Creative Director and Honorary Chairman while CEO Gianluca Brozzetti has been confirmed still at the helm of the company. FinSMEs 02/08/2017 Impact Shares, a Dallas, Texas-based nonprofit exchange-traded fund (ETF) platform, secured a $300K grant. The Rockefeller Foundation provided the funding. The organization will use the funds to partner with other nonprofits to launch focused social issue investment products. Led by ETF industry veteran Ethan Powell, Impact Shares is an ETF issuer and Investment Manager that is creating a first of a kind platform for clients seeking maximum social impact with market returns. It will be launching the first of its innovative ETFs in late 2017. FinSMEs 02/08/2017 PRESS RELEASE Impact Shares Secures Funding from Rockefeller Foundation Philanthropic Organization Backs First Nonprofit ETF Platforms ESG Mission August 01, 2017 DALLAS(BUSINESS WIRE)Impact Shares, the first and only nonprofit exchange-traded fund (ETF) platform, has secured a $300,000 grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to partner with other leading nonprofits to launch focused social issue investment products. The funding from one of the nations foremost philanthropies highlights the tremendous potential of Impact Shares in engaging retail investors in the impact investment movement. Impact Shares will be launching the first of its innovative ETFs in late 2017. Led by ETF industry veteran Ethan Powell, Impact Shares will partner with other nonprofits working toward social missions and direct all of the funds advisory profits of the individual ETFs back to the partner nonprofit organizations. The rise of impact investing, coupled with the growth opportunity within ETFs, creates an opportunity for organizations and charitable groups to bridge capital to their cause while generating more awareness for and additional revenue to support their mission, explains Powell. As weve shared our intentions with some of these groups, weve been pleased with the interest and response. We are already engaged with several leading nonprofits in the areas of minority rights, affordable housing, the arts and conservation. As a nonprofit, Impact Shares is uniquely positioned to allow these groups access to the ETF market while augmenting their own operating budgets and creating a lifetime of engagement with their stakeholders. There remains a gap in ETF offerings that allow investors the opportunity to earn a market rate of return, while simultaneously creating what we call social alpha; that is, the knowledge that they are contributing in a significant way toward the issues they are passionate about, asserts Powell. The Rockefeller Foundation saw an opportunity for socially-conscious organizations to generate awareness and engagement while simultaneously introducing new revenue streams to be used in advancing social good, says Adam Connaker, program associate at The Rockefeller Foundation. Impact Shares is the first nonprofit entity to sponsor exchange-traded productsa framework that fits the Foundations vision of how capital markets can help the social initiatives we support. ABOUT IMPACT SHARES Impact Shares is an ETF issuer and Investment Manager that is creating a first of a kind platform for clients seeking maximum social impact with market returns. Impact Shares goal is to build a capital markets bridge between Leading Non-Profits, Investors and Corporate America to direct capital and social engagement on societal priorities. ABOUT ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION The Rockefeller Foundations missionunchanged since 1913is to promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world. Today, we pursue this mission through dual goals: advancing inclusive economies that expand opportunities for more broadly shared prosperity, and building resilience by helping people, communities and institutions prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from acute shocks and chronic stresses. To achieve these goals, we work at the intersection of four focus areasadvance health, revalue ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and transform citiesto address the root causes of emerging challenges and create systemic change. Together with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation strives to catalyze and scale transformative innovations, create unlikely partnerships that span sectors, and take risks others cannot. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), a global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services, has launched an accelerator program for technology and technology-enabled startups in the postseed to Series A funding rounds. The Multicultural Innovation Lab targets companies with a multicultural or woman founder, cofounder or CTO who have the potential to develop innovations that could disrupt sectors. The Lab will make investments in these early stage high growth companies and will support the founders growth and development through its ecosystem of internal and external partners. The companies will work from Morgan Stanleys global headquarters in Times Square, New York, and receive valueadd content, along with the fundamental and technical support necessary to accelerate growth. The fourmonth program will begin in July and run through the fall, culminating in an entrepreneurs symposium in mid-November that will expose companies to potential investors through showcase format presentations. The Multicultural Innovation Lab has enlisted William Crowder, formerly head of Comcast Ventures, as its Entrepreneur-In-Residence. Crowder will work closely with both the entrepreneurs and the Multicultural Client Strategy team throughout the duration of the lab as a company insider to help address challenges that will increase and enhance performance and progress. Additionally, with input from other accelerator partners such as Newark Venture Partners and Techstars, entrepreneurs will have access to subject matter experts, practitioners and investors all committed to their success. The companies that have been selected for the fall 2017 cohort are below: AptDeco, which connects buyers and sellers of quality preowned furniture via its peer-to-peer online platform, offering a complete end to end service including coordinated pick up and delivery. GitLinks, which protects the integrity of open source in application development by using automated software to monitor and oversee security, updates and legal compliance for enterprises. Kairos, which leverages artificial intelligence to provide integrated facial recognition that enables companies to transform brand experiences, increase discoverability and secure their businesses. Landit, which provides a two-pronged approach to increase success and engagement of women in the workplace, delivering personalized, application based advice at the individual and enterprise level. Trigger Finance, which allows the DIY Investor to set If-Then statements that can turn any financial or world event into an action on their portfolio using their proprietary rules-based investing platform. FinSMEs 02/08/2017 New Delhi: Apple Inc has asked the Indian government to extend tax breaks to its suppliers if India seeks to become a manufacturing hub for iPhones and its components. Government officials say meeting this request would require a new policy that applies fairly to other device makers, too. The US tech giant has been in talks with Indian officials since May of last year, when CEO Tim Cook and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to set up a production base in the country that goes beyond just assembling the devices, as happens today. The two sides have been discussing a list of "prerequisites" that Apple submitted in October, including duty exemption on raw materials for manufacturing components and capital equipment for 15 years for it to make iPhones from scratch in India. The company has told the government it would be bringing in a host of these ancillary units when it sets up operations to cater to India, one of the world's fastest growing smartphone markets, a top government official said. "They want the same treatment to be given to the component manufacturers; the tax concessions, they want everything. But then some kind of policy will have to be evolved," the official said. Apple declined to comment. The demand could further delay Apple's plans to penetrate the Indian market, the world's third largest for smartphones behind the United States and China, but where it has only a 2 percent share. The company is looking to India after sales in the Greater China region, once a major growth driver, slid 14 percent year-on-year to $10.7 billion in the three months ended April 1. In May, Apple, working with Taiwanese contract manufacturer Winstron, began assembling the iPhone SE in Bengaluru. The plan that Modi and Cook ordered the two sides to work on, however, envisages manufacturing a full range of iPhones for the domestic market, as well as for export. Ecosystem for handsets For India, which would only be the second iPhone production centre after China, such an investment would be a big win for Modi's Make-in-India campaign. It would also spawn a vast network of suppliers, in the way that India's auto ancillary sector took off to feed Maruti Suzuki India's production line over three decades ago. Another official, who has led efforts to secure foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, said Apple's proposal to build its phones in India was being examined favourably by the government. "My view is that India needs to support Apple to create an ecosystem, which was done for Maruti. This helped to build the automobile and auto component industry in India," the official said, seeking anonymity in line with government policy. "Initial support will pay rich dividends in the long run and facilitate innovation, design and manufacturing of electronics components in India," the official added. Apple competitors such as South Korea's Samsung Electronics and China's Oppo could also benefit from a broader policy review as they, too, currently have predominantly assembly operations in India. Another government official familiar with the matter said it would be difficult for India to agree to Apple's request for a customs holiday for just its own operations in India. Customs duties have already been slashed in order to make India a hub for handset assembly lines, the official said. That move has encouraged phone makers to set up such facilities in India, and so the duty structure cannot be changed for one company, the official said. Is Arvind Panagariyas exit from the post of vice-chairman of NITI Aayog or the National Institution for Transforming India, as non-controversial as it is being made out to be? That he was faced with having to choose between Columbia University and the Government of India and he chose the former? Much as Panagariya and the government may want everyone to believe this, this line is not going to sell and one doesnt have to be a Modi-government hater or a perennial conspiracy theorist to be skeptical. Some news reports have hinted at problems within the NITI Aayog and others between the Aayog and the government. Why should the reasons for Panagariyas exit matter at all? Because those reasons will determine who his successor will be and the direction that the Aayog takes. There is no denying that the NITI Aayog replacing that anachronism called the Planning Commission and Panagariya being chosen as its first head had raised hopes. Initially the role of the Aayog was not clear and there was expectation that this role would evolve under Panagariya who ticked all the right boxes of an economic reformer. But two and a half years after it was set up, this clarity had just not emerged. In many ways it appeared to be like the old Planning Commission minus its resource allocating powers. It was pushing a few good ideas but was hardly coming across as a vibrant hub of new thinking, as it should have been. Sometimes it appeared to be doing what the programme implementation department should have been tracking the progress of various projects and schemes. The 15-year vision document that was supposed to be under preparation sounded very much like what the perspective planning division of the erstwhile Planning Commission did and the three-year action agenda that was unveiled a few months back read very much like the earlier Five-Year Plans. Let us not be misled by the reformist suggestions in those they were not very new and earlier Plan documents were also full of such recommendations, which the government always ignored. This January 2016 article in Business Standard sums up all that has been wrong with the Aayog. So it is quite possible that Panagariyas exit has to do with making the Aayog a more happening place. Or it could do with the Aayog falling foul of the swadeshi lobby within the Sangh Parivar. It was well-known that the Swadesh Jagran Manch was not happy with the push for genetically modified (GM) crops and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh was unhappy with the push for labour law reforms. In January, the SJM had openly criticised the working of the Aayog. Panagariya, incidentally, had not attended that meeting, which could have been taken as a snub. If Panagariyas exit has to do with making the Aayog a more happening place, then theres some hope. Prime Minister Narendra Modi could end up choosing some other economist of eminence and with the right reformist credentials. There are many out there (within the Aayog and outside) who will make the Aayog more vibrant than it currently is. But along with this, the Prime Minister also needs to bring in clarity on the role of the Aayog and the interface between it and other ministries/departments as well as state governments. The Aayog needs to interact far more than it is currently doing with them as well as stakeholders/ideological groups (of all persuasions) in various sectors. If Panagariyas exit has anything at all to do with the swadeshi lobby being unhappy, then someone of that ideological persuasion will be brought in. And then it will be goodbye to more reforms. The country can forget about even trials of genetically modified (GM) crops or even allowing farmers choice. It can forget about privatisation or even agricultural reforms. But this need not be just about change in the NITI Aayog alone; it could be part of other changes in the coming days. An economist in the know says this is just a small part of a jigsaw. Will the big picture that emerges when the jigsaw is completed be one of a more reform-oriented policy environment or one that will put the economy back behind protectionist walls? That is the crucial question. New Delhi: The GST Council, at its next meeting later this week, will finalise a mechanism to operationalise anti-profiteering clause which seeks to protect consumers interest, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The all-powerful GST Council comprising state finance minister will meet on 5 August to take stock of implementation of Goods and Service Tax (GST) which was rolled from 1 July. The anti-profiteering law simply states that the businesses have to pass on the benefits arising out of lower taxes to the consumer. As per Clause 171 of GST Act, it is mandatory to pass on the benefit due to reduction in rate of tax or from input tax credit to the consumer by way of commensurate reduction in prices. Referring to concerns raised by members with regard to impact of GST on prices, Jaitley said it would be mandatory for manufacturers to pass on the benefits of reduction in taxes to consumers. He hoped that the decision of price cut by automobile sector on account of benefit of input tax credit would be followed by others manufacturers. "What if input tax benefit is not transfered to consumers?...we are meeting a few days from now...In a short while, we are going to finalise the entire mechanism as far as anti-profiteering is concerned. "All you need is to make a few examples and then everybody will fall in line. If there is benefit of the input credit then cost correspondingly must decline," he said while replying to a discussion on Supplementary Demands for Grants which was later passed by the Lok Sabha. The industry was resistant to this clause, he said, adding, it has been put in the GST law for initial few years to save the interest of consumers. After taking into account input tax credit, weighted average tax is less than what it was on June 30, Jaitley said. It will also help in increasing the tax base and enhancing resources for the government for states as well as central government. As many as 72 lakh businesses have migrated to GSTN while 13 lakh new users have also registered against 80 lakh dealers prior to GST, the finance minister said. Citing other benefits, he said, removal of octroi has resulted in saving of both fuel and time for truckers. GST impact is not only on indirect taxes but on direct taxes as well, he said. With the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) being put place, tax evasion cannot take place, he said. On some of the concerns of Telangana, he said, the GST Council will consider those. "That's an issue that Telangana government has raised. The Council will consider it. It is an important issue," he said. Among various issues, the Telangana government had raised issue of taxation on beedis and granite. (Editors note: A month after the launch of the biggest indirect tax reform undertaken in the country, Firstpost takes a look at how businesses are faring under the new regime. There have been confusion and concerns, much of which are not yet addressed. This is the first of a four-part series taking stock of the GSTs impact.) The Goods and Services Tax (GST) law came into force one month ago amid lot of opposition and confusion from all quarters. Initially opposition to GST was political with Opposition parties led by the grand old party, the Congress blocking GST in the Rajya Sabha, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) doesnt have a majority. This is nothing new in India, where political parties play such games. It was also about giving the BJP a taste of its medicine because the party had blocked GST when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance was in power. Now the opposition to the tax regime has started flowing from the trader lobby that is worried and confused with various provisions of GST and its compliance and implementation. After one month of implementation of GST, we now take a stock of how GST is impacting and shaping the country and the way we do business. We also take stock of all the pros and cons of GST, as we see GST being implemented and the teething troubles that arise in the process. The haste with which GST is implemented despite lack of preparedness of the government is a cause for concern. The law was passed without clarity on forms, rules, procedures, and worst without the technology backbone and interface being ready. Many tax payers have faced problems in migration and registration on Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) platform due to technical glitches on the website. However, this is not the first time that traders and businesses have come out on the streets protesting against a path-breaking policy reform. Remember former prime minister Late PV Narasimha Rao ushering India out of the License Raj and pushing for liberalization, and protests by Bombay Club against this move? The GST is BJPs liberalization moment. There is no doubt that this GST law is half-baked and ill-prepared. Worse, the government has miserably failed in communicating with stakeholders who are responsible for the success of GST. These are tax officials, business community and chartered accountants, tax counsels and lawyers. Various sources have told this writer that the government has failed in communicating and taking constructive suggestions for improvement from trade bodies and professional bodies. This is one of the major reasons for the angst against the reform and the government. However, now that the law has been enforced, there is a need for a middle path. Businesses have been vocal about this. In case of indirect taxes, businesses are nothing more than collection agents of the government. They collect taxes from their customers and deposit that in the treasury. Defaming them with a series of messages floated by the ruling party supporters on social media and messaging apps is an ill-advised tactic to force compliance. The government needs to understand the basic concerns of the business community and engage in a dialogue to address and resolve these concerns. This alternative is better than the governments current strategy of employing dual approach of using Prime Minister Narendra Modis charisma and the propaganda machinery to push the law and force acceptance. Trade bodies and the business community are also aggrieved because the government could have engaged the tax department in orienting them on the law and its compliance. A direct communication by the government would have assuaged their concerns and confusions. However, the government itself was ill-prepared on GST. Until a couple of days before the launch, even tax officials related to excise, service tax, and VAT were not fully informed and trained. On the day of the rollout, VAT officials in some states were still undergoing training. That was when the government set up a helpline in call centres to help tax officials responsible for implementation and enforcement of GST. This should have been done in advance. Certain provisions in the GST law are draconian. This author was on a panel discussion on GST organised by IBN-Lokmat, and a co-panelist voiced the same concern about return of inspector raj and discretionary powers with tax officials that can result in harassment of businessmen especially small companies. This concern has aggravated because in the past such discretionary powers have resulted in enforcement officials extorting bribes. Traders are concerned about how to manage their costs and conduct business without fear and harassment. Traders concerned about these problems, have resorted to another extreme of opposing GST entirely. This kind of knee-jerk reaction is unwarranted and ill-advised. This is also happening due to politicisation of trade bodies and involvement of political parties in those associations. In turn, those trade bodies end up furthering the agenda and cause of a political party, instead of solving the issue. The ball is now in the governments court. It needs to proactively engage in dialogue with trade bodies and work on simplification of compliance and instilling confidence in the minds of the stakeholders. It should sincerely listen to concerns of and suggestions from the business community and work on addressing those concerns by accepting valid suggestions. In order to reform an existing system with a massive overhaul, active engagement and direct communication with the business community is necessary. Only then can it ensure success of its initiative. The business community needs to realise that GST is the best thing to happen to the country. The reform aspires to bring all unorganised and informal businesses within the tax net. This will result in higher tax collection. The byproduct of this initiative of bringing all the unorganised and informal businesses within the tax net is that their revenues would be accounted and captured in the national income calculation. This would translate in gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the medium to long-term. The business community needs to actively support this initiative and objectives of the government. Let us not forget that this is the moment equivalent to liberalisation initiated by the PV Narsimha Rao government in 1991, which eventually led to exponential economic growth, increased business opportunities and eased up processes to do business. To ensure the success of GST, businesses need to work on constructive solution-based criticism and the government needs to engage with an open mind with the business community and address their concerns. Part-II to be published tomorrow: Textile sector concerns Read Part III here, Part IV here (The writer is a Chartered Accountant by qualification and a finance and media professional. You can follow him on Twitter on @sumeetnmehta) New Delhi: Budget passenger carrier SpiceJet on Tuesday said that it has received a robust response for its flights being operated under the Udan regional air connectivity scheme. According to airline Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh, 90 % overall capacity utilisation has been witnessed on the airline's flights being operated under the scheme. He was speaking on the sidelines of an event here by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to launch skill development initiative for aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs). The budget passenger carrier is expected to launch its third flight under the Udan scheme on the Hyderabad-Puducherry-Hyderabad route from 16 August. SpiceJet had been awarded six proposals and 11 routes under the first phase of the Udan scheme. It had commenced flight operations on Mumbai-Porbandar-Mumbai and Mumbai-Kandla-Mumbai routes from 10 July. New Delhi: Snapdeal's earliest investor Kenneth Glass has come out in support of CEO Kunal Bahl over the decision to call off merger talks with larger rival Flipkart. Glass, a former Microsoft executive, has written an email to Bahl extending his support for 'Snapdeal 2.0'. "Ten years ago, I believed in Kunal and Rohit's vision to create a successful company in India and was excited to be their very first investor," he wrote in an email, a copy of which was seen by PTI. He further said: "Today, I'm equally excited about the announcement introducing Snapdeal 2.0 and believe the future for Snapdeal is very bright and I'm thrilled to continue to be on this journey with them." When contacted, Bahl, in an emailed response, said it is great to see the continued support from shareholders like Kenneth, who has been an integral part of Snapdeal's journey. "Our team really appreciates the continued commitment of our shareholders to Snapdeal," he added. There have been reports that Snapdeal's decision to walk away from the Flipkart deal and instead pursue an independent path has not gone down well with a section of shareholders. According to a report by ET Now, Vani Kola -- co-founder of Kalaari Capital (an investor in Snapdeal that has Board representation) -- had criticised the move. "I am extremely disappointed and shocked with the founders and their disregard for investors and the employees' interest," she was quoted as saying. After Snapdeal's announcement, its largest shareholder SoftBank, which was driving the discussions, had said it respected the decision to pursue an independent strategy. While Japanese conglomerate SoftBank holds close to 35 percent stake in Snapdeal, the beleaguered e-commerce firm has a number of minority stakeholders. These include high-profile names like Ratan Tata and PremjiInvest (investment arm of Azim Premji). Other investors include Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Foxconn, Temasek and BlackRock. Scarlett Wilson, a British model who featured in the 'Manohari' song from Baahubali: The Beginning, was shooting for an upcoming Bollywood project Hansa Ek Sanyog, where she will be seen in an item song. In an incident that took place on the sets of the film, actor Umakant Rai allegedly made lewd gestures at her and touched her hair, after which she slapped him and stormed off. Crew members confirmed this news, adding that Umakant Rai was thrown off the set. Suresh Sharma, the producer of Hansa Ek Sanyog told a news channel that he is going to file a complaint with the Film Federation of India, and that he expects an apology from Rai, failing which his acting license will be cancelled. It is not yet known if a police complaint has been registered against Rai. A video of the incident, which shows both Wilson and Rai's reactions, has gone viral. Recently, Swara Bhaskar revealed that she was groped on the sets of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo; it is evident that women's safety on the sets of films, whether in Bollywood or regional cinema, is compromised. Scarlett Wilson will be seen next in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Gold, directed by Reema Kagti. Previously, she performed an item song in political-drama Shanghai, and was a participant in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 2015 and Dare to Dance. She has starred in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. With Bigg Boss 11 scheduled to make its television premiere soon, it is impossible for the popular reality show hosted by Bollywood actor Salman Khan not to be in the news. This time it is being reported that the common contestants that find themselves to be a part of the show will not be paid the default participation fee that all the contenders of the show are given by default. The commoners vs. celebrities concept was introduced in Bigg Boss last year (in the show's 10th season), and in a surprising turn it saw an everyday man Manveer Gurjar take home the coveted trophy. This season sees the channel retain the concept with lots of twists and turns to be expected. However, according to a Bollywood Life report, these common participants might not be getting paid for their television stint. Alternatively, if the common man is to earn money through the show, they will be expected to perform certain tasks, (and perform them well), to help in their remuneration. Another way to earn some moolah for the common man will be to garner a high number of TRP's for the show with their antics. All these activities will result in special monetary bonuses for the common contestants. The reasons stated for this change in contract is that commoners are allegedly super happy and grateful just to be a part of the show as an everyday fixture on millions of television screens, and they are more than thankful to be a part of the silver screen in any paid or unpaid, according to an India.com report. Salman Khan has reportedly taken a break from his hectic Tiger Zinda Hai schedule (back to back after his jam-packed Tubelight schedule) and started shooting for Bigg Boss 11. Mumbai: Legendary actor Dilip Kumar was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here on Wednesday evening after he suffered dehydration, hospital sources said. "He was admitted with dehydration. He is stable," Ravishankar, CEO of the facility at Bandra West, told IANS. The 94-year-old actor, who has been weak and ailing due to age-related problems in recent years, was accompanied by his wife Saira Banu. He had been running a fever for two days, a family friend, Udaya Tara Nayar, told IANS. While news of Kumar's hospitalisation sent shock waves through the industry, hospital sources told the Indian Express that the actor's condition was stable. "Various tests are being conducted at the moment. To situation should be clearer by Thursday ," a spokesperson at Lilavati told the Indian Express. Kochi: On 1 July, Malayalam actor Aju Varghese approached the Kerala High Court for quashing a case registered against him for disclosing on social media the name of the actress who was abducted and allegedly molested. Along with his petition, Varghese also filed a signed affidavit of the actress in the court which stated that she had no objection to his plea. The police, acting on a complaint filed by Girish Babu of Kalamassery, had on 13 July taken the statement of Varghese, who was booked for disclosing the name of the actress on social media by using his mobile phone. They had also seized the phone. A case was registered against him under IPC section 228 A (disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences). The actor had earlier expressed regret over revealing the identity of the actress. On 17 February, the popular actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours. Six persons, including main accused 'Pulsar' Suni, have been arrested in connection with the incident, while Malayalam actor Dileep has been nabbed in connection with the case of plotting the abduction and alleged sexual assault. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu's upcoming thriller SPYder has been one of the most anticipated films of the actor in recent times. Ever since the teaser of the film was released it got millions of Babu's fans hooked into the film and related developments. Directed by AR Murugadoss, SPYder is touted to be a reboot of the director's 2012 Tamil film, Thuppakki starring Vijay. While it was earlier reported that the satellite rights of the film was sold to Zee network for Rs 15 crore, now it is being said that the rights of the film in the US has been settled at Rs 15.5 crore, reports telugu360.com. The report further suggests that the deal was finalised between the makers and Atmus and AZ India, one of the leading distributors in the US. They are reported to sign a formal deal within the next two days. Since Babu has a great overseas market, the filmmakers didn't lose any opportunity to mint as much as they can in the pre-release businesses. The out-of-India Tamil rights have been sold for Rs 8 crore, adds the telugu360.com report. So far, it has already garnered around Rs 23.5 crore which has set a record, just second to Baahubali. SPYder will see Babu in the role of an intelligence agent called Shiva and it is rumoured that the film will deal with the issue of terrorism. It also stars Rakul Preet Singh and SJ Surya. It is produced by NV Prasad's NVR Cinema and is slated to release this Dusshera on 27 September. Local veteran groups received the gift of increased mobility when Barrick Gold Corp,s Goldstrike operation process division donated 80 wheelchairs, concluding a month-long team building event. Barrick employees built the wheelchairs at Elko City Park as part of a month-long team-building exercise throughout July, said Scott Arendt, general supervisor of process training for Goldstrike operations. It is part of a team-building game where they are competing for points, Arendt said, explaining that chair assembly took about 20 minutes. The event also included water-balloon games and food challenges. Although the activity allowed the employees to compete for points and build relationships, the real reward came when they presented the wheelchairs to veterans from the VFW Post 2350, Veterans Training Resource Center and Horizon Hospice at the Red Lion Inn and Casino on July 27. Its really good for the employees, said Arendt, who explained that donors are able to meet the recipients and understand what the donation means to them. Employees Rory Wilcox and Gerrit Bowden worked together to assemble a wheelchair and Wilcox said he liked the opportunity to help veterans. Were doing something constructive, Bowden said. Barrick has hosted previous team events such building bicycles for children at the Boys & Girls Club of Elko and donating food to Committee Against Domestic Violence Harbor House. Veteran Daniel Lt. Dan Holman of North Las Vegas transported the wheelchairs after the July event. The 20-year U.S. Army veteran represented groups including the VFW and American Legion. He said he is currently the only legless motorcycle rider in Nevada. Holman also founded wheelcharriers, which seeks to have wheelchairs donated to Harley-Davidson dealerships so that someone could more easlily get around the store. By one wheelchair helping one, it helps a lot, Holman said. Paul Valentine, team-building facilitator for SmartHunts agreed, adding that a wheelchair can change the life of a veterans, especially if homeless or unemployed. This is the start of them getting to the VA to be able to go to job interviews because they are more mobile, then they have a house and then they get some money, Valentine said. It all started with someone giving them a wheelchair. They will never forget the day they got a wheelchair. Valentine explained that although the event was fun for the employees, it helped to have a greater purpose. Its the best type of team-building event, Valentine said. Its a charitable team-building. Mumbai: A court on Wednesday convicted 15 Somali pirates who had hijacked a fishing boat and taken 22 Thai and Myanmarese nationals hostage in 2011. "Judge JC Jagdale convicted them for the attempt to murder and kidnapping and sentenced them to seven years in prison," said special public prosecutor Ranjeet Sangle. The Mumbai sessions court also imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 each on them. It directed the government to deport the convicts to Somalia after they serve their prison terms. The judge, however, acquitted them of charges of 'kidnapping for ransom' (where the maximum punishment is death) and offences under the Arms Act. According to the prosecution, the accused hijacked the boat 'Prantalaya 14', took its crew hostage, and used it as mother vessel to launch piracy attacks. The Indian Coast Guard received a distress call about piracy attempt from a merchant vessel south of Lakshadweep Islands in January 2011. The Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft spotted two small pirate skiffs which were approaching the merchant vessel. On seeing the aircraft, the pirates retreated. Following which, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard launched a chase, and intercepted Prantalaya 14 on 28 January, 2011. The pirates, who had 25 AK-47 assault rifles and two rocket launchers, opened fire on the Navy boat, and when the fire was returned, their mother vessel caught fire. Of the 25 pirates on Prantalaya 14, 10 died in a fire. A case was registered against the remaining pirates at the Yellow Gate police station in Mumbai. Prosecutor Sangle said he examined 15 witnesses during the trial. However, the rescued Thai and Myanmarese nationals did not depose, which, according to him, led to prosecution's failure to establish the charge of kidnapping for ransom. The Navy and Coast Guard had nabbed a total of 120 pirates between January and March 2011. The pirates who were convicted today belonged to the first batch of those arrested. Judgements in remaining cases are awaited. All 119 pirates (one died during the trial) pleaded guilty before the court in Mumbai. Sangle said the judgement is "a reflection of the commitment of India towards performing its obligation under the UN convention on law of the sea" and it sends a stern message to criminals on high seas. Refusing to accept Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist, outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Wednesday said that Salahuddin is waging a "struggle for the right to self-determination" of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "Whatever he is doing, which is also seen in Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, is a struggle for the right to self-determination," Basit told ANI in an interview. Salahuddin was pronounced a global terrorist by the US on 26 June this year, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US president Donald Trump in Washington. Salahuddin, who operates out of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), has accepted his organisation's role in several terrorist attacks in India, wrote NDTV.com. In the interview, Basit reiterated his countrys position on Hurriyat, saying that they are representatives of the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also dismissed National Investigation Agency's recent arrests of Hurriyat leaders in relation with terror funding cases by saying that these are old allegations and "nothing will come out of it". Talking about Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Basit said that Saeed was put under house arrest but was released due to lack of evidence. "We are trying to gather more evidence against him and if we find there is enough evidence available to try him, we will do that," he told ANI. Earlier, talking about the India-Pakistan derailed dialogue process, Basit had said in a separate interview to the The Indian Express that the national security advisors of the two countries have been in touch with each other and hinted that they had also met recently. The envoy remained non-committal about giving visa to Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and said that since Jadhav has been found involved in not only "espionage but also in subversion", his case is sensitive. He also claimed that Jadhav has given Pakistan a lot of information on his activities because of which "hundreds of people" and sleeper cells have been busted in the country, according to The Indian Express report. On the SAARC summit, which was supposed to take place in Pakistan this year, Basit said would now take place next year. "We are in touch with the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, if not this year, then perhaps next year. We are in August already and these summits need preparation. My personal feeling is that it will be held next year," Basit said. Abu Dujana's neutralisation has followed the predictable script in Kashmir. The Hurriyat has called for a complete shutdown, the state government has blocked mobile internet services and refused permission for a funeral procession with Dujana's body. However, though the script remains the same, this time there is an important deviation. From January till 31 July, Indian security forces have neutralised 116 terrorists in the Valley, up from 92 in the same period last year. The figure includes former Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Dujana and his accomplice. The government is also going hot after Hurriyat, arresting separatist leaders in cases linked with hawala channels, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-sponsored terror network and corruption. There is a sense that the Indian state means business, and it believes that peace will only be achieved through the restoration of law and order in the Valley. We shall explore the plausibility of this approach, but a short context of the Kashmiri unrest is in order. For too long, the "will of Kashmiri people" has been invoked as an excuse to subdue normalcy in the Valley. The Valley's residents did not descend from Mars. Their will cannot be all that different from the will of other citizens. They just want to get on with their lives. Unfortunately for the ordinary, faceless, everyday Kashmiris, "getting on with their lives" is a luxury they have long been denied. It is easy to put the blame entirely on Pakistan and they are culpable but a measure of responsibility for the instability should also be placed at India's door. The Narendra Modi government, in its bid to clean up the Valley of terrorists and choke their funders, is up against a Frankenstein fed by Pakistan but created in an Indian lab. And as always, the motive was political. The compulsion to create political assets in Kashmir led to twisted policies, muddying the vale's still waters and inviting Pakistan to start fishing. Former RAW chief AS Dulat, for instance, has revealed in his book how the Hurriyat has been funded by the Centre. In his column for The Times of India, IVLP fellow and Srinagar bureau chief of State Times, Ahmed Ali Fayyaz writes about the way Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was given a long rope by Delhi to peddle the brand of soft separatism that has poisoned India's relationship with its only Muslim majority state. Mufti's "brief tenure as Union home minister witnessed a fringe insurgency explode with the release of JKLF militants in exchange for his kidnapped daughter Rubaiya in 1989, followed by Kashmiri Pandits mass migration in 1990. His outcry over the Ghulam Nabi Azad government's allotment of land to a Hindu shrine board divided people irretrievably on regional and communal lines in 2008, when secessionism had ebbed and the Valley was blooming with tranquility." The competitive anti-Indian rhetoric in the Valley that we see today traces itself to this inflection point in Kashmir's history which Pakistan has since been happy to exploit. Rawalpindi khakis have bred, nurtured, trained and armed generations of "freedom fighters" driven by the revanchist notion of lost inheritance. But if these imported terrorists are increasingly being accepted as "freedom fighters" within the Valley, it is because the mainstream political parties operating in Kashmir have created the fertile ground for such an acceptance. It is also the reason why Pakistan's intelligence-jihadi network of late has been able through its agents, terrorists and Hurriyat lackeys to transfer some of the insurgency to local youth. This is the reason why a Burhan Wani or Abu Dujana's death sparks unrest in a Kashmir which showed not even a fraction of this outrage over the killings of much bigger separatist leaders. As the NIA cracks down on the Hurriyat's source of illegal funding, the biggest protest against Centre's move has come from NDA's own ally, the PDP. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has called the arrest of seven Hurriyat leaders an "administrative decision". "NIA arrests do not solve any problems.... We have seen so many allegations being made against separatists leaders over the years but nothing has happened. It's good they're being held accountable but this doesn't help solve the real issues," she said. A report in Times of India said that an officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was threatened with arrest when he tried to prevent the NIA from taking Hurriyat leaders into custody. This isn't an isolated approach. Mehbooba had earlier called for "unconditional dialogue" against Hurriyat leaders despite the discredited Pakistani lackeys holding the Valley to ransom for an extended period and making the lives of citizens miserable. The National Conference is trying to distance itself from Hurriyat, but its leader Omar Abdullah had advocated last year that Mehbooba should release all Hurriyat leaders in detention. Meanwhile, the NIA has unearthed an elaborate scam through Line of Control (LoC) trade where Pakistani goods are sold at triple the market price and resultant funds are channeled into terror networks. Interestingly, Mehbooba has refused to comply with NIA's request to shut down the scam-ridden LoC trade network and has instead declared that more such trade routes will be opened, as reported by The Hindu. An NIA dossier, accessed by News18, reveals "that Pakistans ISI and LeT have been in touch with most of the separatist leaders in the state. It says that the top leaders of Hurriyat acquired funds sent through hawala channels and under the guise of cross-LoC trade to finance protests over the last one year." The report also says that Hurriyat leaders hire stone-pelters at a sum of around Rs 500-Rs2,000 on a daily/weekly basis and park the surplus illegal cash in properties. Little wonder that choking of these channels of funding has seen a dramatic drop in stone-pelting incidents this summer. CRPF chief Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar said this week that while 1,590 incidents of pelting were officially recorded last year. The number has fallen to 424. The Centre clearly has a problem. While it believes that a tough measure against terrorism and busting Pakistan's patronage of the Hurriyat will eventually lead to restoration of law and order in Kashmir leading to peace, its actions are being simultaneously undermined by own ally in the state. The Modi government is right in diagnosing that the first step towards reestablishing the state's writ in Kashmir is to dispel the atmosphere of fear and intimidation that terrorists and separatist leaders have spread in the Valley. Fear keeps voters away, leading to Hurriyat claiming victory for the "secessionist movement". To break this vicious cycle, the Centre needs to show equal resolve in fighting terrorists and respecting ordinary Kashmiris. However, strains in the PDP-BJP alliance are damaging the prospects of normalcy. Unless that is addressed, peace will remain elusive. Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police approached the Pakistan high commission in Delhi and asked them to claim the body of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) divisional commander Abu Dujana, killed by the security forces on Tuesday. Munir Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir told reporters on Tuesday that Pakistan high commission has been approached to claim the body of Dujana, who belonged to Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan administered part of Jammu and Kashmir. This is for the first time the authorities have approached Pakistan high commission asking them to claim the body of any Pakistani national killed in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir. "If they don't claim his body, we will give him a proper burial," the IGP said, adding the authorities wished Dujana's parents should see their son before burial and for that reason, Pakistan high commission had been approached. Police refused to hand over Dujana's body to the civilians for burial. The senior police officer said "there was no reason to hand over the body of somebody to locals who did not belong to the Kashmir Valley". Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners attended the burial of the other LeT militant Arif Lalihaari killed on Tuesday with Abu Dujana in Hakripora village. Arif was buried in his native Lalihaar village of Pulwama district on Tuesday evening. With the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) divisional commander Abu Dujana in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir terror infrastructure will further dwindle as over 100 militants, from different outfits, have already been neutralised in the state till July this year. LeT will find a replacement soon, possibly Abu Ismail the 'mastermind' of the attack on Amarnath pilgrims. The Pakistani outfit may consider attacking a high-profile target to vitiate the atmosphere on ground to avenge Dujana's killing and to boost the morale of its operatives in the Valley. That may have security implications in Kashmir which has witnessed a violent unrest after the killing of Hizbul Mujhaideen commander Buran Wani in July 2016. Yet, some other important political and security developments have taken place in last one month which may impact the overall situation in the state. First of all, the 10 July attack on Amarnath pilgrims, which proved to be a turning point in the state as people from different sections of society civil, political and armed forces condemned the dastardly attack on the innocent devotees. While denouncing the incident, Union home minister Rajnath Singh defended "Kashmiriyat (syncretic culture of Kashmir)" and tweeted that not "all Kashmiris are terrorists". Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti unequivocally censured the killings and suggested that the attack was aimed at "disturbing communal harmony" in the state. Even the separatist Hurriyat Conference leaders disapproved of the violent act against the pilgrims. Reasons aside, the incident united leaders from across the divergent political spectrum, who considered it an attack on Kashmir's syncretic and pluralistic society. The tragedy improved coordination between the alliance partners Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and People's Democratic Party (PDP). Post the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, Mufti proactively engaged with the Centre and the state BJP leaders to avoid any communal flare up in the state, whereas New Delhi refuted all speculations of Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir. As the incident took place in Mufti's political constituency (Anantnag), the PDP found a narrow window of opportunity to rebuild its lost support base in south Kashmir. Various confidence-building measures (CBMs) such as renewed inter-regional dialogue, socio-cultural events, and regular interactions with the student community, among others have started to take place which may provide a chance to the coalition government for a political outreach in the state. Second of all, al Qaeda's propaganda channel the Global Islamic Media Front announced on 24 July that Zakir Musa, a former Hizbul Mujahideen commander, will head the outfit's new cell 'Ansar Ghawzat-ul-Hind' in Kashmir. The announcement came after Musa released a series of audio messages conflating the "Kashmiri struggle" with the "Islamic cause" that has nothing to do with "nationalism". Furthermore, he threatened to behead separatist leaders, especially those "who describe Kashmir as a mere political issue" and not a religious war for an Islamic state. His statements highlighted an apparent shift (or cracks) within the local militant outfits, which was confirmed after the al Qaeda's latest announcement. LeT alleged that India was trying to label the local militancy as "terrorism" by implying the entry of al Qaeda and Islamic State into Kashmir. Similarly, Pakistan based United Jihad Council (UJC) chief, Syed Salahuddin released a video in which he discredited the internationalisation of the "Kashmiri freedom struggle" and indirectly labelled Dujana as an Indian agent. More recently, Hizbul commander Riyaz Naikoo was spotted at a militant's funeral, where he addressed the crowd and cautioned the locals that the Kashmiri separatist movement has nothing to do with global terrorist groups. All these highlight desperation among various militant groups that are worried of Musa sabotaging their "legitimate" violent struggle against the Indian State. There is a silver lining for the Indian forces which may exploit the apparent divide and consolidate their presence across the Valley. Third of all, the recent disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif may spur a slight change in Pakistan's Kashmir policy.There is a growing concern in New Delhi over the military's renewed role amid the ongoing political uncertainty in Pakistan. Understandably, the military will ensure that Sharif's successor complies with its strategic objectives when dealing with India on the Kashmir issue. As Pakistan is going through a period of political instability, Kashmir may see an uptick in cross-border terror activities and increasing incidents of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). In absence of any visible diplomatic engagement, the current situation in Pakistan will only slightly impact the overall relations between both countries. However, India may consider the current developments in Pakistan as an opportunity to increase its political engagement in Kashmir. As the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government is occupied with the ongoing political transition, it may not be able to focus on its propaganda of internationalising the Kashmir issue. Apart from releasing official government statements on the situation in the Valley, the civilian dispensation, with a new interim leader, may not make extra efforts to propagandise its Kashmir-centric agenda. Therefore, with growing political uncertainty and the PML-N government's lack thereof to pursue the agenda, the local separatists may feel demoralised in accentuating Pakistani propaganda in the Valley. Eventually, the PDP-BJP coalition government and the Centre may fill that void by holding dialogue with local groups and improve inter-regional relations in J&K. Lastly, the ongoing National Investigative Agency (NIA) crackdown on the Kashmiri separatist leaders funding trail has reportedly impacted violent protests across the Valley. The agency has raided over 30 places during its investigation across Kashmir, and other cities, allegedly recovering letterheads of terror groups, electronic devices, jewellery and cash. It is likely the government agencies will continue to tighten the noose around the separatists despite their calls for protests or 'bandhs' to take the case of the terror funding in Kashmir to a logical conclusion. Taking these developments into account, the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre should see the current political flux in the neighbourhood as an opportunity to back the Indian security forces' recent successes with active political engagement in the state. Abu Dujana was the second most famous militant commander in the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind group a breakaway faction of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba whose formation was recently announced by Al-Qaeda. His killing leaves Zakir Musa as the only prominent face of the group. The death of Dujana and his associate Arif Lilhari is the first big blow to the Musa-led group, which has more than a dozen militants directly or indirectly under its command, and which draws its recruits from Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Dujana, 27, headed the operational wing of the LeT for more than five years before he switched sides and joined Musas group. Most of the reports mistakenly identified Dujana as an LeT operative, which is not true. In fact he had left the organisation long ago, over the issue of money and the relocation of his wife to Pakistan, a top army commander in south Kashmir told Firstpost on Tuesday evening. Last week, Global Islamic Media Front, an online propaganda platform of Al Qaeda, announced Musa, a former Hizbul Mujahideen militant, as commander of its group for Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement gave Musa's outfit which is attempting to attract cadres from the other groups in five districts of south Kashmir a much-needed boost. The Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind group has been unable to carry out any attack and is limited to an online presence. Jammu and Kashmir director general of police SP Vaid told Firstpost recently that Musas group comprised less than two dozen militants and operatives. If his analysis is accurate, it shows that Musa has utterly failed to recruit from other terror outfits. The flow of weapons from Pakistan have also slowed to a trickle. On Tuesday morning, Dujana and Lilhari, both known operatives of the Musa group, were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. The forces launched an operation around 4:30 am after receiving information that militants were hiding in the neighbourhood. On Tuesday, a civilian identified as Firdous Ahmad Khan was hit by a stray bullet, while 40 others were wounded when security forces clashed with civilians near the encounter site. Another civilian, identified as Akeel Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Gabarpora Hawl, took a bullet in his abdomen and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning. The protests that rocked south Kashmir on Tuesday showed the popularity of Dujana, a terrorist from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Few militants enjoyed such notoriety as Dujana, reportedly known as Kashmir's "slippery commander." According to reports, Dujana was an expert on hoodwinking armed forces and gave them the slip on at least six occasions, including on 19 July. Dujana was replaced by Pakistani national Abu Ismail in the LeT weeks ago. Ismail has emerged as the mastermind of the attack on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, which resulted in seven deaths. But behind this militant on militant battle in south Kashmir lies another reality: That of a growing rift between the groups loyal to Hizbul and the new Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind group. This rift plays an important role in our counter-insurgency operations. If nothing else, they will soon be informing us about each other's locations," the army commander says. The Hurriyat Conference and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin recently warned defeatist elements, who want to launch Islamic State-like organisations in Jammu and Kashmir." Some of our people, playing into the hands of our enemy, are trying to disrupt unity between people and the leadership and are trying to harm (our movement). We want to make it clear to them that they will not gain anything, Salahuddin said in a video massage after the Ghazwat-ul-Hind issued a statement naming Musa as its leader. In the past five years, Dujana carried out several attacks which left more than 17 security personnel dead, including two army officers of the Parachute Regiments Special Forces Battalion, and injured 48. He replaced LeT commander and Udhampur attack mastermind Abu Qasim, who was killed by security forces in October 2015. After Burhan Wani and Sabzar Bhat, Dujana is the third top militant leader killed in Kashmir since 2016. Interestingly, intelligence agencies aren't sure if Dujana was even his real name. Dujana's death leaves Musa who has been criticised by both Hurriyat and militant leadership across the Line of Control (LoC), but is well known among the south Kashmiri youth as a lone wolf figure. A militant from Kulgam district who was killed in an encounter recently, spoke to Musa before his death and told him that all the "brothers" from his group would soon be joining Musa for "the battle for Caliphate." If Dujana's death symbolises something, it is that it is only a matter of time before security forces eliminate Musa, who shot to popularity after snubbing Hurriyat and indulging in a war of words with militant leadership across the LoC. The countdown has already begun. Editor's note: In earlier copies, we have identified Abu Dujana as the chief of LeT in Kashmir. However, as clarified by the security establishment during the time of his death Dujana was part of the Zakir Musa headed Al Qaeda in Jammu and Kashmir. Washington: Pakistan and India have concluded the much-delayed water talks in the US, raising hopes that they will avoid further tensions over an issue with far-reaching consequences, a media report said on Wednesday. The Secretary of Water and Power, Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, led the Pakistani delegation, including technical experts, at the two-day talks which ended on Tuesday at the World Bank headquarters, the Dawn newspaper said. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Amarjit Singh, headed the Indian delegation. The Indian team also included representatives from the External Affairs Ministry. The meeting was part of the World Bank's efforts to resolve a dispute over Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectricity projects that India is building in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan opposes the two projects, saying the plans violate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that distributes waters of the river Indus and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. The two countries last held talks over the projects in March in Pakistan. The projects will allow India to use water of three Indus tributaries to irrigate 912,000 acres of land, up from 800,000 acres, and to produce 18,600 MW of electricity. Pakistan says the projects would lessen its share granted in the treaty. Editor's note: In a three-part ground report, we seek to cover different aspects of the impact of the annual floods in Assam from its children to the exchequer. Part 3 focusses on the tough future that children in flood-hit areas face particularly those residing on the sandbars. Guwahati: While every parent's dream is to see their children get a good education and a great career, residents of Assam's flood-prone areas don't harbour such illusions. A conversation with Lokman Ali and his family, residents of Gomaphulbari village in Barpeta district currently living in a relief camp at Kakdhowa reserve forest made it apparent how they don't have a choice. "My children do not go to school. They used to study in Tarabari LK High School but two years ago, the flood washed away the school. Now, they help me in jute cultivation. It's not possible for me to get them admitted again in a faraway school," Ali told Firstpost. "Its better if they become good farmers." His children, too, are not keen on going back to school. Muslim inhabitants of these regions are often branded as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and run the risk of facing harassment. Ali's son Saukat, though only 13, is aware of the situation and understands its implications. "The camp has become home to us. Our father says if we go to other villages and start living there, people will brand us as Bangladeshi and the government will anyway evict us. We feel safe here. The whole day we work in our jute fields. Now that the fields are watery, we are waiting for the flood to recede. Then we will start doing banana cultivation," the young boy said. In Dhubri district's Pub Kanori village, which is a sandbar surrounded by rivers on both the sides, six-year-old Sumanur Ali was busy digging out his half-buried schoolbag in his house on Saturday. The persistence of his tender hands paid off and he was happy to retrieve his prized possession. "Now that the water is gone, I hope to find my water bottle somewhere here too," he told this correspondent. When the floodwater began to enter houses on the sandbar mid-June, Sumanur and his friends had no time to catch hold of their school material as their families rushed to safety. If the flood didn't carry away their books, they must be buried in the mud like Sumanur's bag was. Even when there's no flood, going to school is a draining task for these children. Ten-year-old Sukur Hussain described how. He said that first, they have to take a boat from their village and travel one kilometre on it. The boat takes them to the railway bridge footpath, from where they have to walk about a kilometre to catch a bus in Golakganj town. From there, it takes a 10-minute ride in the bus to reach Rahmatganj LP School. Pub Kanori village had got a venture school schools local people establish with the government's permission two years ago, but it too was washed away in the flood. Then the students were shifted to South Tokrerchora Part 4 area of Golakganj, which tripled the distance for children in Pub Kanori and adjoining villages of Rakhal Path, North Tokrerchora and Lakhimari. The new location of the school put it out of children's reach in monsoon, since one has to cross a swelling river to get there. According to media reports, schools in Golakganj and other flood-hit areas have remained closed since June and 14 schools have been washed away in the Dhubri district alone. Low literacy rate With 40 percent of the state's area flood-prone and deluge being an annual affair, the socioeconomic cost of the natural disaster is huge and children and their future is one of the long-term casualties. The last time socioeconomic indicators of these sandbars, called chars in Assam, were collated about a decade and a half ago. Socio-Economic Survey Report, 2003-04, by Directorate of Char Areas Development, had revealed that literacy rate in the river islands was in the range of 13-19 percent. Compared with 1992-93, the literacy rate of three districts was found to have reduced. Among these districts was Dhubri, whose literacy rate went from 19.06 percent 25 years ago to 14.6 percent in 2003-04. Extreme poverty in these regions with 70 percent families falling below the poverty line and a lack of development hasn't helped the cause of children. A journal published in December 2014 noted: "The problem with the poor families is that if their girls get an education beyond class X it becomes difficult for the peasants to get a husband having an equal educational qualification. Because of their poverty, many boys drop school in order to help their parents in cultivation." As per the Assam Human Development Report, 2014, 35.83 percent students of char areas and 30.42 percent students of flood-affected areas drop out of school to support their family. According to the Assam State Lower Primary Association, the education of about 2.7 lakh students of lower primary schools has taken a hit owing to this year's flood. Jiban Chandra Borah, president of Assam State Primary Teachers' Association, said while 2,000-odd schools on river islands are inundated, the ones on higher planes have been turned into relief camps. He said the association has been recommending ways to the education minister to avoid loss of academic session but in vain. Amid this grim reality, NGOs are doing their bit to keep children's education on track. Jhai Foundation, active in the western part of Assam, has proactively been teaching children in the Barpeta district. By engaging a Guwahati-based school principal, they even teach English to these children through Skype. When it rains, the classes are held on a boat. Uttaran, another NGO working in Lakhipur char area of Barpeta district, has been goading parents to send their children to the nearest school. However, going there requires crossing the Brahmaputra, which takes an hour. General secretary of the NGO, Ashraful Hussain, said the school's location has made it hard to convince parents. He said they had written to the administration five weeks ago to take up a survey of the area and build a school, but nothing has come out of it so far. Childhood vs basic challenges Education is far from the only casualty of floods in Assam. The aftermath of deluge brings the threat of malnutrition, diarrhoea, water-borne diseases like cholera and dysentery, psychological stress and human trafficking. Drinking water and sanitation remain a challenge even if one is living in a relief camp. Meena Bora, a mother of a three-month-old baby and a four-year-old girl, has been staying in a relief camp in Naoboisa revenue circle, in eastern Assam's Lakhimpur district, for three weeks now. She told Firstpost how there are only three makeshift toilets in the camp accommodating more than 380 people. That she has little children with her makes living there even tougher. "Life here is difficult. I could not bring clothes for the baby girl. I have seen her shivering. I fear she has a fever. No doctor has visited us so far. Thanks to an NGO, they gave me a tin of milk for the baby. My health is also deteriorating," she said. Read the first and second parts Assam floods aftermath: Relief camps turn hunting ground for human traffickers as populace chases false ray of hope Assam floods aftermath: Crores of rupees wasted in state's ineffective fight against annual deluge The author is a Guwahati based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. She tweets @syedaambia Kolkata: A delegation of West Bengal BJP unit on Wednesday met State Election Commissioner (SEC) and sought deployment of central police forces to ensure free and fair elections in the seven municipalities of the state which are scheduled to be held on 13 August. "We had met state election commissioner AK Singh and had sought deployment of Central forces for the upcoming municipal elections to the seven municipalities scheduled to be held on 13 August. The TMC had let loose a reign of terror and in this situation, free and fair elections are not possible under state police," vice-president BJP state unit Jay Prakash Majumdar said. The BJP had alleged that due to intimidation by TMC, two minority candidates of BJP in Panskura municipality were forced to withdraw their nomination. Elections for seven civic municipalities: Durgapur Municipal Corporation in West Burdwan, Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri, Buniadpur in South Dinajpur, Coopers Camp Notified Area in Nadia, Nalhati Municipality in Birbhum and Panskura and Haldia municipalities in East Midnapore will be held on 13 August. The results will be declared on August 17. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced suspension of acting jail superintendent Tanaji Gharboodve and jail superintendent Chandramani Indulkar in connection with convict Manjula Shetye's alleged murder at the Byculla Jail in Mumbai. It also informed the Legislative Council that a probe had been ordered into the role of Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) Swati Sathe. Shetye died in Byculla Jail on 24 June after she was allegedly beaten up inhumanly by the staff. There was a heated debate on the incident in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, with the opposition Congress, NCP and even the ruling ally Shiv Sena alleging that attempts were being made to shield someone in the government. They demanded a judicial probe of Shetye's "murder". While replying to the debate, Minister of State for Home (Urban) Ranjit Patil announced suspension of Gharboodve, and jail superintendent Indulkar. He further announced that an Inspector General-level officer will probe the allegation that DIG Swati Sathe sent Whatsapp messages seeking financial and legal support for the six jail staffers arrested in the case. "The probe against Sathe will deal with whether she should be made a co-accused," the minister said. This probe will be conducted within a week, he added. Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde (NCP) said that before the visit of opposition leaders to Byculla Jail after the incident, the authorities admitted Mariam Sheikh, an inmate and the complainant in the case, to hospital, so that she could not give them a first-hand account of events. "Attempts are being made to shield someone involved in the case. Shetye knew what was going on inside the jail and since she was about to be released soon, she was killed fearing that she might spill the beans," Munde alleged. DIG Sathe should be made a co-accused, he demanded. The women inmates who spoke to the opposition's delegation termed the conditions inside as "worse than hell", he said. New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the scrapping of the no-detention policy in schools till Class VIII. It also gave its nod to the Human Resource Development Ministry's plan of creating 20 world-class institutions in the country. An enabling provision will be made in the Right of Children for Free and Compulsory Education Amendment Bill which will allow states to detain students in class 5 and class 8 if they fail in the year-end exam. However, students will have to be given a second chance to improve via an examination before they are detained. The bill will now be placed in Parliament for approval. Under the present provision of RTE Act, students are promoted automatically to higher classes till Class VIII. This is one of the key components of the RTE Act which came into force on 1 April, 2010. The Union cabinet, which had deferred its decision in June, about creation of 20 world-class institutions in the country, also approved it on Wednesday. The University Grants Commission (UGC) had in February passed a new set of regulations to set up 10 world-class institutions in the public sector and as many in the private sector. Of the 20 universities, first proposed in this year's budget, the 10 state-supported institutions are expected to receive public funding of up to Rs 500 crore each. An Expenditure Finance Committee note seeking Rs 5,000 crore for these institutions was moved. The institutes can be existing or greenfield (the latter for private institutions). HRD's separate rules UGC (Declaration of Government Educational Institutions as World Class Institutions) Guidelines allow these institutes to fix their own fees for foreign students and decide salaries for foreign faculty, as well as the freedom to choose admission procedures. Existing universities don't have such freedom and are guided by the detailed UGC rules. Amid the India-China standoff in Sikkim over Doka La, heightened Chinese activity has been reported across the border in Himachal Pradesh districts near the area where the neighbouring country is constructing roads, Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday. Residents of Kinnaur as well as Lahaul and Spiti have reported Chinese helicopter movements and increased road-building and construction activities across the border area. Though we have been seeing construction activities for the past year, there has been a marked acceleration in the past four months, Hindustan Times quoted a government official as saying. Kinnaur shares a 140km border with China, while Lahaul and Spiti district share 80km. Meanwhile, reiterating its demand that India must withdraw its troops from the border along Sikkim, China on Wednesday said it had informed India in advance about its road building activity in Doka La on the border. In a document, China on Wednesday dismissed India's claims that China was attempting to change the status quo of the border, and called Indian troops attempts to transgress into Chinese territory was had "gravely undermined peace and tranquility of the China-India border area." It also dismissed India's contention that the road building at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan had serious security implications for New Delhi. China also maintained that India had no right to interfere in the boundary talks and that it was working on a solution with Bhutan. However, the Chinese media on Tuesday said that India was making up an "imaginary threat" in a report in the state-run Global Times by Long Xingchun, a research fellow at The Charhar Institute and director of the Centre for Indian Studies at China West Normal University. "India probably just needs an enemy, even an imagined one. With multiple nationalities, religions and languages, plus intense internal conflicts and a strong centrifugal force pushing against national unity, India needs an external enemy as distraction," the report said. The article also claimed that China would naturally fill Pakistan's place as the "arch-enemy" would no longer suffice as India grows into a big power. With inputs from IANS Beijing: The Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) sponsored by India and Japan is welcome as long as it does not try to trip China's Belt and Road initiative, a Chinese newspaper said on Wednesday. Announced by Narendra Modi in May, the AAGC, essentially a maritime corridor, was seen by some as a counterbalance to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, the state-run Global Times said in a report. "The new venture, jointly led by India and Japan two countries that have so far opted not to join the Belt and Road initiative sets out a vision for the better integration of South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia with Africa and Oceania," it said. The Times said the India-Japan vision indicates an overlap between the AAGC and OBOR project "and invites controversy" over the actual intentions behind the growth corridor. "It goes without saying that India and Japan could feel free to embark on a new connectivity initiative and no one is begging them to join the OBOR initiative. "As long as the AAGC aims to embrace inclusive growth and promote joint prosperity, the corridor should be encouraged. "But if India and Japan design the corridor to deliberately counterbalance China's OBOR, they should think twice before rushing to it because the route of the AAGC has an extensive geographic overlap with the route of the OBOR initiative," the report said. "That's particularly the case, considering that China has already made huge commitments to developing Africa while the India-Japan partnership is only just taking shape. "If the AAGC aims to squeeze out China's OBOR initiative instead of serving as a compliment, it actually divides what's supposed to be a united force to forge ahead with inclusive growth in dozens of countries and regions along the route of the OBOR initiative. "India, for its part, should be particularly level-headed and guard against any over-assertive plans that may go awry." Kolkata: The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Tuesday said it was discussing the modalities of implementation of the process of an assessment of students and all info will be shared with the schools well before implementation of the proposed assessment. CISCE chief executive and secretary Gerry Arathoon on Tuesday said in a signed statement, "it has been clearly stated in my letter to all Heads of Schools on July 4... that the Council is currently discussing the modalities of implementation of the process of assessment, which is the future initiative of the Council based on the curriculum. "All information and material will be shared with the schools well before the implementation of the proposed assessment" (for students in class 5 and 8), Arathoon said. Arathoon told PTI when contacted, "The assessment will be held as and when the modalities are finalised but I would request you to go through my entire statement." "This assessment is not a Board examination and promotion to the next class is not dependent on the outcome," he reiterated. Talking about the curriculum, he said as "The conduct of examinations at the Class X and Class XII level is the primary activity of the Council, besides framing of the Regulations and Syllabuses for these levels, to facilitate a steady progression of learning from the lower level to the examination classes, it was necessary to frame a curriculum at the lower level as well." The CISCE said all affiliated schools are required to implement the curriculum from Pre-school to Class VIII from the academic year 2018-2019. "As it is common knowledge that a vast majority of our schools do not have any in-house curriculum to follow in their primary and upper primary classes and are largely guided only by the textbooks recommended in various classes at the elementary stage," the CISCE put in place a curriculum that provides a basic minimum standard that will cater not only to the schools that do not have a curriculum but to all schools affiliated to the Council, he said. "However, it may be complemented by additional content methodologies currently being practiced by some schools," he said. The statement followed a special meeting with the heads of affiliated schools, West Bengal, called by the Council in Kolkata on 31 July. The meeting had been convened in view of different media reports on the issue of assessment of children. With regard to textbooks at the ICSE and ISC level, Arathoon said "the Council will not prescribe any textbooks for Preschool to Class VIII. The schools are free to select/use appropriate teaching, learning materials and aids of their choice." With the introduction of the curriculum, the Council has also initiated the process of training of subject teachers as Master Trainers, he said. New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted one more day to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to interrogate Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah in connection with a decade-old case of money laundering for alleged terror financing. While passing the order, Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit did not agree with the agency's plea seeking seven more days' custody of Shah on the ground that it needed to unearth the larger conspiracy. The ED's plea was opposed by Shah's counsel MS Khan. The sixty-four-year-old separatist leader, who was arrested on 25 July, was produced in the court after expiry of his seven-day ED custody. The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in connection with the August 2005 case in which the Delhi Police's Special Cell had arrested Mohammed Aslam Wani (35), an alleged hawala dealer. According to the prosecution, Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah. The ED had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Shah and Wani. Wani was arrested with a large cache of ammunition and Rs 63 lakh, allegedly received through 'hawala' channels from West Asia on 26 August 2005, it had said. New Delhi: A Delhi court is likely to frame charges against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia on 8 August in a criminal defamation complaint. Kejriwal's lawyer said Metropolitan Magistrate Pranjal Aneja on Wednesday asked the two AAP leaders and Yogendra Yadav to appear before him on 8 August. The court was hearing the criminal defamation complaint filed against the two AAP leaders, who sought quashing of the plea, and Yadav by advocate Surender Kumar Sharma, who was denied ticket by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). "Order on notice under CrPC pronounced and matter listed for the issuance of notice," the court said in its order and listed the case for framing of charges on 8 August for the alleged offence of defamation. Yadav was a member of the National Executive of the AAP until 2015, when he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities. Later, he floated his own party Swaraj India, which is going to contest municipal corporations election in Delhi. Sharma, in his complaint, had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Kejriwal was pleased with his social services. He filled up the application form to contest the polls after being told by Sisodia and Yadav that AAP's Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him the ticket. However, it was later denied to him. On 14 October, 2013 the complainant claimed, articles in leading newspapers carried "defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons" which have lowered his reputation in the Bar and the society. Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders had submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party. On the basis of the complaint, the trial court had earlier sought their presence before it in the matter. It, however, had granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav, after they had appeared before it in pursuance to summonses against them. The summonses were issued on the complaint under sections 499, 500 (defamation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC, with the trial court saying there was prima facie material to summon the accused. While issuing summonses against AAP leaders, the trial court had said, "The press release published in newspapers, as well as testimonies of witnesses, reflect that defamatory remarks were published in the newspaper which affected the reputation of the complainant in the society and lowered his reputation in the eyes of other members of the society." The Delhi High Court had earlier refused to stay the trial court proceedings in the case. The judiciary isn't quite helping the cause of women's rights in India. On 31 July, the Delhi High Court, while upholding the acquittal of a government employee in a rape case, remarked that "women use law as weapon for vengeance and personal vendetta and tend to convert consensual physical relations as an incident of rape". The 29-year-old petitioner, whose plea was rejected by Justice Pratibha Rani, had recently filed a domestic violence case against her husband and was seeking prosecution in a case lodged before marrying him in 2015, where she had charged him with raping her. In the 2015 case, the petitioner had accused the man she was living with of raping her on the false promise of marriage and had filed an FIR under Sections 328 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code. However, during the case proceedings, the woman confessed that the rape case was filed because of "some misunderstanding". Thereafter, a case was filed by her for quashing the FIR, which stated that their physical relationship was consensual and that a marriage had taken place between her and the accused. For the lack of incriminating evidence and depositions of her being raped by the accused, the trial court acquitted the accused. The petitioner, then, appealed to the high court when the trial court had acquitted him in March 2016. In the high court, the petitioner stated that her statement before the trial court was made because she was pressurised by the accused to do so. Justice Rani, however, dismissed this appeal stating that: "The petitioner, in this case, is a matured lady who was aged about 27 years at the time of registration of FIR. She was having friendly relations with the respondent No 2 since the year 2013 and as per the FIR she had given consent to have physical intimacy on the promise of respondent No 2 to marry her," "In the leave petition the factum of marriage on 29 November, 2015, between the parties is admitted. Thus, the petitioner cannot claim that she was misled to make a statement before the Court on 21 March, 2016, which led to the acquittal of the accused." Justice Rani also stated that women tend "to convert consensual acts as incidents of rape, defeating the very purpose of the provision. This requires a clear demarcation between rape and consensual sex, especially in the case where complaint is that consent had been given on promise of marriage". This case is a clear example of the judiciary's relationship with women's rights, and its focus on gender-based violence. In addition to this, a larger problem is that it would be assumed that since a female judge was presiding over this case, there would be a debate on the complicated issues involved: the concept of 'exacted consent' (where a woman is coaxed and coerced into sexual intercourse with a promise of marriage) by the accused, the dangers of manipulation of the petitioners statement by the accused's persuasion and the problematic lens of looking at certain rape cases as "false". However, Justice Rani is a product of structural patriarchy and no amount of women on the benches of the judiciary would solve this problem internalised misogyny while adjudicating rape cases. The issue with rape jurisprudence within the IPC is that unlike other criminal cases, a trial of rape does not mandate an eye witness or any circumstantial evidence. The victim's body is often considered to be the focal point of the case. Therefore, when she herself retracts her statement or like in the present case, changes her statement due to "some misunderstanding", the trial court, because of the lack of factual evidence, is bound to acquit the accused and dismiss the case. Several times, this retraction of statement is because the victim has been coerced by her family members or the accused himself, often known to the victim, to save their "honour". These are the cases that come to be touted as "false rape cases" in the judiciary. In such "false rape cases", a deeper debate is needed to understand the nuances of consent, sexual freedom and the effect of patriarchy on how rape victims may view themselves after the incident(s). However, instead of dealing with such intricate issues that generally situate themselves in every rape case, Justice Rani went on to shame and victim-blame the petitioner, and in effect, rape survivors in general. As a woman on the bench that could change the course of rape jurisprudence in the country, she chose the easier path and dismissed the appeal and depleted further the access to justice of the petitioner. Moreover, what this judgment also did was that it gave a clear message to women in the country, subtly stating that the judiciary is not the repository of rights when it comes to violations against women; that they could not approach formal systems of justice for remedies. This present case, coupled with the recent Supreme Court guidelines for cases registered under section 498A, is a reminder that there is perhaps no relief for women who are battling the law. The benches of the Judiciary will continue to dismiss the plea of raped, battered and harassed women all the time because, according to them, the objective of the law is not to protect but to use it as a weapon for personal vendetta. Mumbai/Ahmedabad: The special CBI court in Mumbai on Tuesday discharged former Gujarat ATS chief D G Vanzara, and Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Dinesh MN in the alleged fake encounter case of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati, holding there was no prima facie evidence to link them to the killings. It called the evidence put forth by prosecution witnesses "hearsay" in nature, while acquitting the two in the high-profile case in which the now BJP president Amit Shah was acquitted in 2014. "There is no prima-facie evidence against Vanzara to connect him to the abduction and killing of Sorabuddin, his wife Kausar Bi and Tulsi Prajapati, let alone to show him as one of the main conspirators," the court said. "The CBI mostly relied on the statements of witnesses which are hearsay in nature. Even the statements of the co-accused do not in any way directly implicate the applicant (Vanzara)," said judge Sunilkumar J Sharma. The court said the prosecution did not say anything about his presence at the crime spots, and a mere conversation between Vanzara on one side and Gujarat IPS officer Vipul Agarwal and inspector Ashish Pandya on the other was not sufficient to establish the former IPS officer's role in the killing of Prajapati, it said. "There is absolutely no iota of material as when, where and who killed Kausar Bi. There is also no material collected from the spot like sand, ash etc to say that her body was burnt," the court said, referring to the CBI's claim that her body was burnt after killing. "It is seen from the entire record...that there is no sufficient evidence to indicate that there was a meeting of minds between accused (Vanzara) and the other accused to abduct and kill (Sheikh, Kausar Bi and Prajapati)," the court held. In the absence of evidence of their involvement in any manner in the abduction followed by the killing, I am of the view that role attributed against the accused as reflected does definitely come within the sphere of discharge of their official duty, the court said. Dinesh MN was granted bail in May 2014. He was promoted by the Rajasthan government to the post of Deputy Inspector General and then Inspector General with effect from 9 May the same year. He had served seven years in jail in connection with the alleged fake encounter killings. The court has so far has discharged Amit Shah, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria, businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief PC Pande and Additional Director General of Police Geeta Johri in the case. Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama, NK Amin, Yashpal Chudasama and Ajay Patel (both office-bearers at Ahmedabad District Co-Operative Bank), Gujarat IPS officer Rajkumar Pandiyan and Andhra Pradesh-cadre IPS officer N Balasubramanyam have also been discharged. While discharging Shah on 30 December, 2014, the court had held that the entire record, considered in totality, did not make out any case against the BJP leader, and there was substance in the defence's contention that Shah was made an accused for political reasons. According to the CBI, Sohrabuddin Sheikh, a gangster with alleged links to Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, and his wife Kausar Bi, were abducted by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad from Hyderabad when the couple was on their way to Sangli in Maharashtra. Sheikh was killed in an alleged fake encounter near Gandhinagar in November 2005, after which his wife disappeared. According to the CBI, she too was killed. Prajapati, Sheikh's aide and an eyewitness to the alleged encounter, was later killed by police at Chapri village in Gujarat's Banaskantha district in December 2006, the Central agency claimed. According to the CBI's charge sheet, Sohrabuddin had demanded Rs 24 crore from Vimal Patni, a marble trader, as "protection money", and was therefore eliminated in a fake encounter. Vanzara was arrested on 24 April, 2007 by the Gujarat CID in Sohrabuddin encounter case, which was later handed over to the CBI. He was heading the Gujarat ATS when the alleged fake encounters took place. The Sohrabuddin case was transferred to Mumbai in September 2012 after the CBI said a fair trial was not possible in Gujarat. In 2013, the Supreme Court clubbed Sheikh and Prajapati encounter cases. Reacting to the court's order, Vanzara told PTI, "I have been saying since the beginning that all these encounters were genuine....it is now established that I was framed in false cases. This judgement vindicated my stand about encounters. "Though justice is delayed, it is not denied," said Vanzara, who spent nearly eight years behind bars before being released on bail in 2015. "I am sure I would get similar justice in Ishrat (Ishrat Jehan encounter) case," he said. China on Wednesday released a long statement accusing India of trespassing into Chinese territory while reiterating its demand that New Delhi must withdraw its troops immediately from the area. The Chinese foreign ministry in the statement also said that it had informed India in advance about its road-building activity in Doka La on the border. In a document, Beijing has dismissed India's claims that China was attempting to change the status quo of the border region by building a road. It said that nearly "400 Indian soldiers had crossed over to Chinese territory" and that Indian troops "transgressing" into Chinese territory was "indeed a real attempt to change the status quo of the boundary, and it has gravely undermined peace and tranquility of the India-China border area". The comments came in a document titled "The Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops Crossing of the India-China Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory". The document also highlighted statements made by Indian representatives including former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru at several occasions about India-China boundary in Sikkim and a convention between Britain and China. Here's a full text of the document: The Facts and Chinas Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops Crossing of the India-China Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory I 1. The Dong Lang area (Doklam) is located in Yadong county of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It borders Indias Sikkim state on the west and the Kingdom of Bhutan on the south. In 1890, China and the UK signed the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet which delimited the boundary between the Tibet region of China and Sikkim. According to the Convention, the Dong Lang area, which is located on the Chinese side of the boundary, is indisputably Chinese territory. For long, Chinas border troops have been patrolling the area and Chinese herdsmen grazing livestock there. At present, the boundary between the Dong Lang area and Sikkim is a part of the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector. 2. On 16 June 2017, the Chinese side was building a road in the Dong Lang area. On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area. In addition to the two bulldozers, the trespassing Indian border troops, reaching as many as over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory. As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory. 3. After the outbreak of the incident, Chinese border troops took contingency response measures on the spot. On 19 June, the Chinese side made prompt and serious representations with the Indian side through diplomatic channels to strongly protest and condemn the illegal trespass by the Indian side and demand the immediate withdrawal of the trespassing Indian border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense and the Chinese Embassy in India made serious representations with India for multiple times in Beijing and New Delhi, strongly urging India to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty and immediately pull back its trespassing border troops. The spokespersons of the Chinese foreign and defense ministries spoke in public on various occasions, laid out the facts and truth, stated Chinas position and released a map and on-the-scene photos showing Indian troops trespass (see Appendix I). II 4. The India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector has already been delimited by the 1890 Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet (hereinafter referred to as the 1890 Convention, see Appendix II). Article I of this Convention stipulates that The boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other Rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nipal territory. (Mount Gipmochi is currently known as Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen.) The Convention gives a clear and precise description of the alignment of the boundary in this sector. The actual boundary on the ground follows the watershed and its alignment is easily identifiable. 5. After the founding of the Peoples Republic of China and the independence of India, the governments of both countries inherited the 1890 Convention and the delimited India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector as established by the Convention. This is evidenced by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus letters to Chinese Premier Chou En-lai, diplomatic notes from the Indian Embassy in China to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and documents provided by the Indian side in the Special Representatives Talks on India-China Boundary Question (see Appendix III). Each of the two sides has for long exercised jurisdiction over its side of the boundary delimited by the 1890 Convention without any dispute over the specific alignment of the boundary. Once a boundary is established by a convention, it is under particular protection of international law and shall not be violated. 6. Since 18 June, the Indian border troops have illegally crossed the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector and entered the Chinese territory. This is an undeniable fact. The incident occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident, as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, contravenes the 1890 Convention and the UN Charter, and tramples grossly on the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. III 7. Since the incident broke out, India has invented various excuses to justify its illegal action, but its arguments have no factual or legal grounds at all and are simply untenable. 8. The India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector has already been delimited, and the Dong Lang area is Chinese territory. Chinas road building on its own territory is aimed at improving local transportation, which is completely lawful and legitimate. China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of Chinas goodwill. The Indian border troops have flagrantly crossed the mutually-recognized boundary to intrude into the Chinese territory and violated Chinas territorial sovereignty. This is indeed a real attempt to change the status quo of the boundary, and it has gravely undermined peace and tranquility of the India-China border area. 9. India has cited serious security implications of Chinas road building as a justification for its illegal crossing of the boundary. According to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 adopted on 14 December 1974, no consideration of whatsoever nature, whether political, economic, military or otherwise, may serve as a justification for the invasion or attack by the armed forces of a State of the territory of another State. To cross a delimited boundary and enter the territory of a neighboring country on the grounds of so-called security concerns, for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. No such attempt will be tolerated by any sovereign State, still less should it be the normal way of conduct between China and India as two neighboring States. 10. Over the years, Indian troops have constructed a large number of infrastructure facilities including roads at the Duo Ka La pass and its nearby areas on the Indian side of the boundary, and even built fortifications and other military installations on the boundary. China, on the contrary, has only had very little infrastructure built on its side of the boundary in the same sector. In recent years, Indian border troops have also obstructed the normal patrols along the boundary by Chinese border troops, and attempted to build military installations across the boundary. In response, Chinese border troops lodged repeated protests and took lawful actions to dismantle the facilities installed by the Indian military on the Chinese side of the boundary. The fact of the matter is it is India that has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector, which poses a grave security threat to China. 11. The 1890 Convention has made it abundantly clear that the India-China boundary in the Sikkim Sector commences at Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen on the Bhutan frontier. Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen is the eastern starting point of the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector and it is also the boundary tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan. The Indian border troops trespass occurred at a place on the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector, which is more than 2,000 meters away from Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen. Matters concerning the boundar tri-junction have nothing to do with this incident. India should respect the 1890 Convention and the eastern starting point of the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector as established by the Convention. It has no right to unilaterally alter the delimited boundary and its eastern starting point, still less should it violate Chinas territorial sovereignty on the basis of its untenable arguments. 12. The stability and inviolability of boundaries is a fundamental principle enshrined in international law. The India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector as delimited by the 1890 Convention has been continuously valid and repeatedly reaffirmed by both the Chinese and Indian sides. Either side shall strictly abide by the boundary which shall not be violated. The Chinese and Indian sides have been in discussion on making the boundary in the Sikkim sector an early harvest in the settlement of the entire boundary question during the meetings between the Special Representatives on the India-China Boundary Question. This is mainly in view of the following considerations. The boundary in the Sikkim sector has long been delimited by the 1890 Convention, which was signed between then China and Great Britain. China and India ought to sign a new boundary convention in their own names to replace the 1890 Convention. This, however, in no way alters the nature of the boundary in the Sikkim sector as having already been delimited. 13. The Dong Lang area has all along been part of China and under Chinas continuous and effective jurisdiction. There is no dispute in this regard. Since the 1980s, China and Bhutan, as two independent sovereign States, have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue. The two sides have, so far, had 24 rounds of talks and reached broad consensus. Although the boundary is yet to be formally delimited, the two sides have conducted joint surveys in their border area and have basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their boundary. The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf. Indias intrusion into the Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan has not only violated Chinas territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutans sovereignty and independence. China and Bhutan are friendly neighbors. China has all along respected Bhutans sovereignty and independence. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, the border area between China and Bhutan has always enjoyed peace and tranquility. China will continue to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue between the two countries through negotiations and consultations in the absence of external interference. IV 14. Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and great restraint and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. But no country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident. 15. China and India are the worlds largest developing countries. The Chinese government always values the growth of good-neighborly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border area between the two countries. The Chinese side urges the Indian government to keep in mind the larger interest of bilateral relations and the well-being of the two peoples, abide by the 1890 Convention and the delimited India-China boundary established therein, respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, observe the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespass so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries. This would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community. Appendix I Appendix II CONVENTION BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND CHINA RELATING TO SIKKIM AND TIBET WHEREAS Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India, and His Majesty the Emperor of China, are sincerely desirous to maintain and perpetuate the relations of friendship and good understanding which now exist between their respective Empires; and whereas recent occurrences have tended towards a disturbance of the said relations, and it is desirable to clearly define and permanently settle certain matters connected with the boundary between Sikkim and Tibet, Her Britannic Majesty and His Majesty the Emperor of China have resolved to conclude a Convention on this subject, and have, for this purpose, named Plenipotentiaries, that is to say: Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, his Excellency the Most Honourable Henry Charles Keith Petty Fitzmaurice, G.M.S.I., G.C.M.G., G.M.I.E., Marquess of Lansdowne, Viceroy and Governor-General of India; And His Majesty the Emperor of China, his Excellency Sheng Tai, Imperial Associate Resident in Tibet, Military Deputy Lieutenant-Governor; Who, having met and communicated to each other their full powers, and finding these to be in proper form, have agreed upon the following Convention in eight Articles: ARTICLE I: The boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other Rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nepal territory. The boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other Rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nepal territory. ARTICLE II: It is admitted that the British Government, whose Protectorate over the Sikkim State is hereby recognized, has direct and exclusive control over the internal administration and foreign relations of that State, and except through and with the permission of the British Government, neither the Ruler of the State nor any of its officers shall have official relations of any kind, formal or informal, with any other country. It is admitted that the British Government, whose Protectorate over the Sikkim State is hereby recognized, has direct and exclusive control over the internal administration and foreign relations of that State, and except through and with the permission of the British Government, neither the Ruler of the State nor any of its officers shall have official relations of any kind, formal or informal, with any other country. ARTICLE III: The Government of Great Britain and Ireland and the Government of China engage reciprocally to respect the boundary as defined in Article I, and to prevent acts of aggression from their respective sides of the frontier. The Government of Great Britain and Ireland and the Government of China engage reciprocally to respect the boundary as defined in Article I, and to prevent acts of aggression from their respective sides of the frontier. ARTICLE IV: The question of providing increased facilities for trade across the Sikkim-Tibet frontier will hereafter be discussed with a view to a mutually satisfactory arrangement by the High Contracting Powers. The question of providing increased facilities for trade across the Sikkim-Tibet frontier will hereafter be discussed with a view to a mutually satisfactory arrangement by the High Contracting Powers. ARTICLE V: The question of pasturage on the Sikkim side of the frontier is reserved for further examination and future adjustment. The question of pasturage on the Sikkim side of the frontier is reserved for further examination and future adjustment. ARTICLE VI: The High Contracting Powers reserve for discussion and arrangement the method in which official communications between the British authorities in India and the authorities in Tibet shall be conducted. The High Contracting Powers reserve for discussion and arrangement the method in which official communications between the British authorities in India and the authorities in Tibet shall be conducted. ARTICLE VII: Two joint Commissioners shall, within six months from the ratification of this Convention, be appointed, one by the Britis Government in India, the other by the Chinese Resident in Tibet. The said Commissioners shall meet and discuss the questions which, by the last three preceding Articles, have been reserved. Two joint Commissioners shall, within six months from the ratification of this Convention, be appointed, one by the Britis Government in India, the other by the Chinese Resident in Tibet. The said Commissioners shall meet and discuss the questions which, by the last three preceding Articles, have been reserved. ARTICLE VIII: The present Convention shall be ratified, and the ratifications shall be exchanged in London as soon as possible after the date of the signature thereof. In witness whereof the respective negotiators have signed the same, and affixed thereunto the seals of their arms. Done in quadruplicate at Calcutta, this 17th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1890, corresponding with the Chinese date, the 27th day of the 2nd moon of the 16th year of Kuang Hsu. Appendix III A. Letter from Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Chinese Premier Chou En-lai dated 22 March 1959: The boundary of Sikkim, a protectorate of India, with the Tibet Region of China was defined in the Anglo-Chinese Convention 1890 and jointly demarcated on the ground in 1895. B. Letter from Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Chinese Premier Chou En-lai dated 26 September 1959: This Convention of 1890 also defined the boundary between Sikkim and Tibet; and the boundary was later, in 1895, demarcated. There is thus no dispute regarding the boundary of Sikkim with the Tibet region. C. Note of the Indian Embassy in China to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 12 February 1960: The Chinese Government are aware of the special treaty relations which the Government of India have with Bhutan and Sikkim. In view of this the Government of India welcome the explanations given in the Chinese note relating to the boundaries between Sikkim and Bhutan on the one hand and Tibet on the other. The note states that the boundary between Sikkim and the Tibet region of China has long been formally delimited, and that there is neither any discrepancy on the maps nor any dispute in practice. The Government of India would like to add that this boundary has also been demarcated on the ground. D. Non-paper provided by the Indian side during the Meeting of the Working Teams of the Special Representatives on India-China Boundary Question on 10 May 2006: (e) Both sides agree on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector. Jaipur: Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday accused the BJP of "trampling" democracy and alleged that the Income Tax action on properties linked to Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar was an attempt to portray that his party was indulged in horse trading. The IT department conducted searches at the resort of Shivakumar, who has been hosting 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort near Bengaluru since Saturday, allegedly to prevent the BJP from "poaching" on them ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. "I condemn the timing of the IT raid at the Kartanaka minister's resort in Bengaluru. It is an attempt to portray that Congress is indulging in horse trading. The Congress has never done that, but the BJP is known for horse trading. The BJP in Rajasthan is an example which doesn't trust its MLAs," the Congress national general secretary told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah are hell bent on "murdering" democracy, he alleged. The Election Commission released notification for the Rajya Sabha elections, but they were postponed and then NOTA was permitted and the raids show the "utter frustration" that the BJP is ready to use every kind of manipulation to win the polls, Gehlot claimed. "It has never happened in the history. It is an attempt to defect Congress legislators. What happened in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat is known to everyone," Gehlot, who is also the Gujarat unit in-charge of the Congress, said. He claimed that using government machinery Congress legislators were being "pressured" due to which they were shifted to Karnataka. "The legislators were shifted to Karnataka after all arrangements and relief measures were taken in flood-affected areas in Gujarat. Relief measures were not hit with the shifting," Gehlot said, in response to a question. On being asked about Gujarat's senior leader Shankar Singh Vaghela quitting Congress, Gehlot said Vaghela had informed that he was quitting and will no longer be a part of the party. Gehlot also accused the BJP government in Rajasthan of adopting a "vindictive" agenda towards its opponents. He claimed that it was the previous Congress government under his leadership which had initiated several development projects in the city, which were now being inaugurated by the current dispensation. Gehlot also expressed his concern over the flood situation in parts of Rajasthan. "Loans of debt-ridden farmers should be waived and they should be compensated for losses. The prime minister should see all states with the same perspective," he said, demanding the Centre issued a 'White Paper' on the promises made in its 'Sankalp Patra'. He informed the media that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be visiting flood-affected Jalore and Sanchore on 4 August. Gandhi will be also be visiting Banasgantha in Gujarat, Gehlot added. It would sound like a bad joke if the consequences werent so deadly serious: You dial 911 and get a busy signal. Telephone lines that serve Elko Dispatch Center have failed for prolonged periods at least 10 times over the past 18 months, the latest being nearly four hours last Friday. Imagine facing a crisis such as a heart attack or serious injury but being unable to reach the only number you know to call for help. Frontier Communications officials have been unable to explain the outages, which arent limited to 911 but frequently affect business and residential lines throughout the region. A company representative indicated Frontier was not planning to upgrade the landline phone systems infrastructure. Neither are many other phone companies across the United States, including the venerable AT&T. A recent Chicago Tribune article described how the company was seeking regulatory approval to disconnect landlines in Springfield, Ill., and switch customers to wireless or internet-based connections. Were investing in a technology that consumers have said they dont want anymore and wasting precious hundreds of millions of dollars that could be going to the new technologies that would do a better job of serving customers, AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza told the newspaper. Frontier is considered a rural telephone company but joined the big leagues in 2010 with the purchase of Verizons landline businesses in 14 states. In July, the company completed a 15-1 reverse stock split, prompting Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus to ask, What happens if Frontier cant afford to keep its creaky phone network up and running? The article also quotes AT&T as saying the number of California homes with landlines has decreased 85 percent since 1999. With so many customers cutting the cord we wont be surprised to see landline service decline even more. Before long, the cliche, Can you hear me now? will apply more to traditional phones than to wireless service. Elkos issues with phone service outages recently came to the attention of the Elko County Enhanced 911 Board. The group is preparing to upgrade our 911 service to give emergency responders automatic access to a callers address. Businesses and individuals have donated more than $200,000 to get the system off the ground, but it will only work when the phones do. This board is really concerned about the reliability of our 911 service, and it ties hand in hand with what were trying to do to enhance it, said Police Chief Ben Reed. We could have all the greatest technology at some point, but if we dont have our landlines hooked up reliably, then were dead in the water. Reed told the Free Press that a workaround might solve the problem at Elko Dispatch in the near future. We hope so. No one should have to wait for emergency responders simply because the phone company isnt maintaining its equipment. In the meantime, missed calls could have dire consequences. Everyone should post this phone number on their landline phone to be ready as backup: 777-6877. It will connect you with dispatch when 911 service is unavailable. Washington: The talks between Indian and Pakistani officials over the Indus Waters Treaty took place in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, the World Bank has said, asserting that the two parties have agreed to reconvene in September in Washington for continued discussions over the issue. "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The World Bank said that the secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues over the IWT took place this week in a spirit of "goodwill and cooperation". However, it did not provide any other details. Earlier, in a letter dated 25 July, the World Bank had assured Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its "continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward." The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. Washington: India and Pakistan will hold another round of talks next month on water issues, said the World Bank, which also issued a fact sheet giving its stated position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) under which India is allowed to construct hydroelectric facilities on the shared India-Pak rivers. The World Bank's statement came after India and Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the 1960 IWT this week, with the global lender maintaining that it was held in a spirit of "goodwill and cooperation". "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the talks. However, it did not provide any other details. In the fact sheet issued on Tuesday, the global lender said Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir. Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank's role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. The international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes for appointing neutral expert and establishing of a court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The talks between the two nations over the treaty come amid tensions between them after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based terror groups. Washington: Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions, the World Bank has said. Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India, it said in a fact sheet issued on Tuesday at the conclusion of secretary-level talks between the two countries over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in Annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet as it noted that the secretary-level discussions between Indian and Pakistan on the technical issues of the IWT took place this week "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation". The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC, it said in a separate statement. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank's role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. New Delhi: Former JNUSU vice-president Shehla Rashid's mobile phone was snatched by unidentified persons in Khan Market in New Delhi, the police said on Tuesday. The incident took place on 30 July when Rashid had gone to the market. The mobile case also contained her ATM card. She alleged that the incident happened in front of a police post and the police could do nothing. "My phone was snatched from my hand at the intersection of four CCTV cameras in front of a police post, outside Bahrisons, Khan Market, by two guys on a bike without helmets." "And the police can't do anything. So much for surveillance, policing and interception," she wrote on Facebook. Jamshedpur: A journalist of a Hindi daily was attacked by two persons in Seraikela-Kharsawan district while returning home from office in the early hours on Tuesday. Priya Ranjan, a journalist of Hindi daily Prabhat Khabar, was returning home at around 12.30 am on Tuesday on his motorcycle when two persons stopped him near main Adityapur-Kandra road and asked him for a lift but Ranjan refused. One of them then attacked Ranjan with a stone. A profusely bleeding Ranjan tried to escape but gathered courage when three of his acquainted persons came across and gave a chase to nab the accused persons. Ranjan said he along with others managed to nab one of the accused while the other escaped. Ranjan was rushed to a nearby Nursing Home, where he had four stitches on the head. Adityapur police station Officer-in-charge, Vijay Kumar Singh along with a force reached the spot and arrested the accused. Later, a delegation of journalists met the Superintendent of Police of Seraikela-Kharswan, Chandan Kumar Sinha and demanded for stringent action against the culprits and security to the journalists fraternity particularly Ranjan and his family. In order to prevent escalation of the situation that erupted after the assassination of All Bodo Minorities Students Union president Lafiqul Islam Ahmed into communal riots akin to 2012 and 2014, the BJP-led state government must bring the perpetrators to book at the earliest. Islams murder on Tuesday is the first incident of a minority leader of importance being killed in Assam after the BJP-led government took charge of the state one and half year back. Though no incident of communal violence has been reported till now after the assassination, yet tension prevails in various parts of Assam. Nothing is known about the motive or the persons behind the killing till now. The murder is seen as one incident that can put the state government under serious pressure for four particular reasons. Firstly, Islam who was seen voicing the causes of the minority population dwelling in the conflict ridden Bodoland Territorial Council area in Assam was a young and powerful leader among the Bengali-speaking Muslims. His assassination may be seen as an attempt to suppress the voice of the religious minorities, which would cause further insecurity among the Muslims in the BTC area. Islam's popularity can be gauged from the presence of thousands of people in the graveyard in his native village Salakati in Kokrajhar where his burial was held on Wednesday. Secondly, the religious minorities in the Bodoland area, who are mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, have a history of rift with the Bodos. Two gruesome riots took place in the region between the two communities in the year 2012 and 2014 leaving more than hundred dead and more than five lakh homeless. One of the main reasons behind the rift, as often stated by various political and non-political groups is the encroachment of tribal belts and blocks by alleged Bangladeshis. On the other hand, the Bengali-speaking Muslims claim that they migrated to the state far before Independence. Thirdly, in the earlier incidents of riot, the involvement of a Bodo Peoples Front leader came to light. The party is a partner in the BJP-led alliance government as it was with the Congress when the last two riots happened. Pradeep Brahma, MLA of the BPF was arrested for instigating riots in 2012. A few ABMSU leaders were also arrested on the same ground. After the killing of Islam, the fear is that it might revive old wounds. Fourthly, since any flare up of this situation could be seen as a discredit to the ruling dispensation, there may be attempts behind the scene to instigate violence. Tarun Gogoi, former chief minister of Assam and Congress leader termed it a political murder although nothing is publicly known about the motive behind this violent act. "The Assam government completely failed to assess the threat perception to the young man who was involved with many social activities. They provided him with one personal security officer which was grossly inadequate. This killing is purely political in nature," he said to media persons in Guwahati. No wonder that despite the Assam governments desperate attempt to nab the culprits, the effort has hardly struck any chord with the Muslims with many minority organisations organised protests across the state on Wednesday. http://www.firstpost.com/india/assams-kokrajhar-district-in-uneasy-calm-as-killing-of-muslim-leader-revive-memories-of-2012-riots-3882541.html" target="_blank">Firstpost reported that Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed state director general of police Mukesh Sahay to immediately visit the communally sensitive area and ensure that law and order is maintained. For nearly eight hours after the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon around a single-storey house in which Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Abu Dujana was trapped on Tuesday, they didnt fire a single shot. They wanted Dujana and his associate Arif Lelhari to surrender, but the duo did not. Armed forces personnel called the militants asking them to lay down the arms an announcement was also made from a nearby mosque but that didnt convince the longest surviving Pakistani militant to give up his weapons. He wanted to die as a martyr. Dujana had come to the house of Khurshid Ahmad Bhat at around 10:30 pm on Monday. Bhat is a former army man who had given up arms and was allegedly innvolved in a mine blast case in Srinagar. But so specific was the intelligence input about his presence in the house that it was cordoned in nearly 15 minutes. A local army camp, which lies only few kilometers away from the encounter site, had sent in troops who were assisted by police and paramiltary force personnel to take part in the operation which has been described as a "major success by the government". Bhat said that Dujana had been visiting his family often and he was accompanied with a resident of a nearby Gundura area of Pulwama, Mohammad Yusuf Lone. Lone's body was recovered from a nearby stream riddled with bullets on 18 May. His family members, however, alleged that he was killed by Dujana. But local residents, who requested anonymity, said that he may have been killed for being an informant to the police. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range, Muneer Khan, said that Yusuf Lone associated with Dujana and was "killed by his own men." Dujana had visited Bhat at least thrice and had even given forces a slip in the same area (as the encounter on Tuesday) earlier on the eve of Ramazan. Monday evening's visit was Dujana's last. Security forces had evacuated locals who lived around the area in the early hours of Tuesday, but they moved Bhat's family only by 7:30 on Tuesday morning. Bhat said that officials called on the phone of one of the militants asking them to surrender. "We tried asking them to surrender. They had a pistol, an AK-47 rifle and a bag which probably had ammunitions," he said. Bhat's younger brother, Mohammad Hussain Bhat, who works as a landscaper in floriculture department of government, said that Dujana told them he wanted to die as a "martyr." By the time armed forces cordoned the area and were asking Dujana to surrender, they had evacuated the area. By the time locals started flocking to the encounter site, a huge deployment of security personnel were already on a standby. From nearby homes, they took vantage positions and all entry points to the village of Hakripora were sealed. Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a relative of Bhats, said that after he heard of the cordon, he was allowed to enter Hakripora from a nearby area of Talengam in Pulwama but only after 12.30 pm Dujana and his associate were already dead by then. Bashir Ahmad Mir, who lived in the neighbourhood of the house where Dujana was trapped, said that they were moved out of the house at around 3 am. "We saw lights go out, but heard gunshots even as we were taken to another location," he said. "There was a huge deployment of Army and police personnel and they were making repeated announcements from the mosque asking Dujana to surrrender," he said. However, when the call for surrender didnt work, a firefight ensued between militants and the forces till the house was blasted off. "They possibly carried a mine blast or a mortar shelling and then burnt the house," said local residents. The house remained in rubble, its walls damaged and ceilings broken as people, who wanted to take Dujana's body for funeral. Abu Dujana was laid to rest at Baramulla. Srinagar: A youth injured in clashes with the security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, succumbed in a hospital on Wednesday, police said. Akeel Ahmad Bhat injured in Tuesday's clashes succumbed in Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura on Wednesday. Bhat belonging to Haal village had sustained a bullet injury when protesters clashed with the security forces after LeT divisional commander Abu Dujana and his associate, Arif, were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Hakripora village on Tuesday. Bhat was admitted in the super-specialty ward of SKIMS hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday. Another youth had also died on Tuesday after being hit by a bullet during protests in Kakapora town of the same district. New Delhi: Lashkar-e-Taiba Kashmir chief Abu Dujana often visited his wife and a rumoured girlfriend in Pulwama district in the past two months, little knowing that death was waiting. Security forces hunted him down, working on inputs of these visits, intelligence officials said on Tuesday. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had been receiving specific inputs in the past couple of months that Dujana has been visiting a particular village quite frequently, an official said. Upon investigation, it was found that the Pakistani terrorist was visiting the house of a man named Khurshid, whose daughter was married to Dujana, the official said on the condition of anonymity. Soon, the security agencies intensified vigil in the areas and found that 28-year-old Dujana, who was from Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, was also involved with another girl. In the last three months, Dujana was very active on the Pulwama-Pompore highway and his visits to the two families have increased, another official said. Acting on an input that Dujana would visit Khurshid's home in the Pulwama district on Monday, a joint operation was carried out by the army, CRPF and police in the early hours, leading to his killing. Officials said Dujana had managed to give security forces the slip at least five times in the recent months. Bhopal: Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar's indefinite fast seeking proper rehabilitation of the families which would be displaced following closing of the gates of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada entered seventh day on Wednesday. Patkar was firm that she would not end her fast till the demand of proper rehabilitation of the affected families was met, said Himshi Singh, one of the activists working for the displaced people. Patkar has launched her agitation at Chidhalda village in Dhar district. "Her health is OK," Singh added. An official of the Madhya Pradesh Narmada Valley Development Authority said the state government was reaching out to 7,010 affected families, "requesting" them to evacuate their houses in the dam's catchment area in the state before it is submerged. "Though the Supreme Court in February allowed the Madhya Pradesh government to use force to evict people from the catchment area after the 31 July deadline, it (use of force) will be the last option," he said. He said the state government had made all the arrangements at the temporary shelter homes built for the people who are still staying put in the catchment area of the dam. Other displaced people were given land against loss of land or monetary compensation as per the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) policy, he added. A few project-affected people on Wednesday staged a protest at Kalmal village in Dhar, burning an effigy of Madhya Pradesh Narmada Valley Development Minister Lal Singh Arya. According to the NBA, 40,000 families in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani, Alirajpur, Khargone and Dhar districts face displacement following the Union government's nod for closing of the Sardar Sarovar Dam's gates in neighbouring Gujarat. The closing of gates will increase the water level in the dam's catchment area. New Delhi: There are 75 missing Indian defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, who are believed to be in Pakistan's custody, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. However, presence of these missing Indians has not been acknowledged so far by Pakistan, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said in a written reply. He also said that as of 27 July, there are 417 fishermen in Pakistan's custody and 15 fishermen in Sri Lanka's custody, who are believed to be Indian nationals. "In case of Pakistan, consular access is awaited and information about the states that they belong to is not available. In case of Sri Lanka, the 15 fishermen are believed to be from Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry," Singh said. Replying to another question on the issue, he said, the government regularly takes up with Sri Lanka and Pakistan the matter of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats. Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Wednesday informed Karnataka that it was ready to provide security to People's Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Madani, jailed in connection with Bengaluru blast case, during his visit to the state. Madani (51), an under-trial lodged in Bengaluru prison in connection with the 2008 serial blasts case, has been permitted by the NIA Court to visit his parents in Kerala. The Supreme Court permitted him to attend the wedding of his son on 9 August at Thalassery in Kannur district. While granting permission to Madani to visit Kerala to attend his son's wedding, the apex court had on 31 July asked him to bear the expenses incurred on his escort provided by the Karnataka police. PDP leader's visit ran into trouble after Karnataka police sought Rs 14.79 lakh towards security expenses during his visit to Kerala. State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a letter to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah, informed Kerala's readiness to provide security to Madani and asked to reduce the amount sought for security expenses to a reasonable and affordable amount. "My apprehension is that seeking such a huge amount is a covert move to prevent Madani from visiting the state," Vijayan said in the letter. Madani had visited Kerala on three previous occasions between 2013-16. During the first two visits, no amount was insisted and in the third visit, Rs 50,000 was required to be paid. "The amount now demanded was exorbitant and it is equal to denying justice to Madani," Vijayan said in his letter. PDP state leaders had brought the issue to the notice of the chief minister. Opposition leader in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala also asked the chief minister to pave the way for the visit of Madani by ensuring security to him. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has appointed an expert group headed by former Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna to draft a data protection law, Livemint has reported. This comes in the backdrop of the apex court hearing arguments in a batch of cases which will determine whether there is a fundamental right to privacy. The decision to constitute the group was communicated by the UIDAI to the Supreme Court as part of its arguments on Tuesday. Data protection is one of the facets of the right to privacy as a data protection law will protect your personal information, which is collected, processed and stored by "automated" means or intended to be part of a filing system. This becomes extremely relevant in the current Indian context as the Aadhaar debate is centred around the collection of citizens' personal information. A data protection law will thus necessarily regulate the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) which is responsible for maintaining Aadhaar data. The memo, which communicated the constitution of the committee, said that it will study various issues relating to data protection in India and make specific suggestions for the Central government to consider. It will also formulate principles to be considered for data protection in India and suggest a draft Data Protection Bill. The memo also puts the onus on MeitY to collect the necessary information and present it to the expert group within eight weeks of the date of the memo. Based on the information presented, the group will start its deliberations. However, there is no time frame in which the group must submit its report. The only instruction in this regard is that the group will try to submit its report "as expeditiously as possible". While informing the Supreme Court of the decision to form the committee, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the government expects to frame a Data Protection Bill which will be along the lines of the "technology-neutral" draft Privacy Bill submitted by an earlier expert committee led by former Delhi High Court chief justice AP Shah, reports The Hindu. That bill was presented to the Planning Commission in 2012 but no steps were taken on its recommendations. Out of the committee members, Arghya Sengupta has earlier made his views clear on the right to privacy when he wrote, " when a blunt instrument such as a blanket right to privacy is used to petition the court in order to stop the government's Aadhaar programme, which is the context in which this controversy arose, SC is well entitled to pause and require the instrument to be sharpened." Another member, Aruna Sundarajan, has laid down what data privacy laws need to look at. She said, "First, what should be the security framework for any kind of digital payments? Two, the standards and liabilities of the service provider. Third, data privacy and confidentiality. Fourth, storage and access of data. And if someone fails to comply, what penalty should apply, especially where details of millions of citizens (are involved)." Ajay Bhushan Pandey, defending Aadhaar, wrote in The Indian Express: "The critics tend to forget that Aadhaar empowers the people, not the state. India's effort to provide unique identification to its people and digitise its citizen databases, public or private, is mistaken as an exercise towards invasion of privacy Often, the current debate reminds us of Europes Luddite movement in the 19th century when mechanisation was opposed due to fears of job loss." The right to privacy cases before the Supreme Court have come from various petitioners, some of whom are worried about the State storing and sharing their biometric information. While the government has claimed that its user data is safe and secure, the committee will design a broader framework which will cover all other kinds of data and ensure that the deliberations on the issue start as soon as possible. The Livemint report also said that once the privacy question is settled by the nine-judge Constitution bench, the remaining issues related to Aadhaar will be heard by a smaller bench. Chandigarh: RSS leader Indresh Kumar on Wednesday lashed out at Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti for her flag remarks and sought the repeal of Article 370 as an experiment to see whether people unfurl the tricolour or burn it. On 28 July, Mufti at a function in New Delhi had warned that any tinkering with the special status granted to the state would have serious ramifications and there would be no one to hold the tricolour. "Chief Minister Mehbooba has said if any tinkering is done with Article 370, then there will be nobody to give shoulder to the tricolor," he said while addressing the media. "I want to ask Mehbooba, Farooq Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, or Geelani that lets remove Article 370 on an experimental basis to see whether people unfurl the flag or burn it. I want to request them to carry out this experiment then the whole world will come to know the truth," he said. Mufti had spoken on issues like Article 35-A, which gives special status for Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, and said efforts should be made that no one tinkers with it. "Who is doing it? Why are they doing it? (challenging the Article 35-A). Let me tell you that my party and other parties who carry the national flag there (in Jammu and Kashmir) despite all risks...I have no doubt in saying that there will be no one to hold it if it is tinkered," she had said. The RSS leader was here to attend an event organised by the Forum for Awareness of National Security here. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Centre to consider afresh the issue of granting permission to several private medical colleges, which have been barred from admitting students for academic years 2017-18 and 2018-19. It asked the government to re-evaluate the recommendations of the Medical Council of India, the hearing committee, the director general of health services (DGHS) and the oversight committee and grant a hearing to such medical colleges. A bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, said the process of hearing and final reasoned decision should be "completed peremptorily within ten days from today" and directed the parties to "unfailingly cooperate" to meet the time frame. "In the above persuasive premise, the central government is hereby ordered to consider afresh the materials on record pertaining to the issue of confirmation or otherwise of the letter of permission granted to the petitioner colleges/institutions." "We make it clear that in undertaking this exercise, the central government would re-evaluate the recommendations/views of the MCI, the hearing committee, the DGHS and the oversight committee, as available on records," the bench, also comprising justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar, said and listed the matter for 24 August. The court's verdict came on the plea of some colleges which challenged the government's 31 May order debarring them from admitting students in the two academic years 2017-18 and 2018-19, due to several deficiencies. By its 31 May order, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare cancelled the conditional permission which was granted for establishment of the medical colleges for the academic year 2016-17 on the basis of approval of the Supreme Court-appointed oversight committee. It had directed the colleges not to admit MBBS students in the two subsequent academic years. The oversight committee had on 14 May, after analysing the report of the assessors of the MCI, recommended confirmation of conditional permission to these colleges. The colleges have contended that having regard to the status of the oversight committee and the role assigned to it by the apex court, its recommendations/views by no means could have been disregarded. They have submitted that the government had disregarded the views expressed by the oversight committee and went by the recommendation of the MCI which was "grossly unfair and unreasonable". The bench said that the oversight committee had been constituted by the court and empowered to oversee all statutory functions under the Indian Medical Council Act. It said, "All policy decisions of the MCI would require the oversight committee's approval, its recommendations, to state the least, on the issue of establishment of a medical college, as in this case, couold by no means be disregarded or left out of consideration." "Noticeably, this court did also empower the oversight committee to issue appropriate remedial directions. In our view, in the overall perspective, the materials on record bearing on the claim of the petitioner institutions/colleges for confirmation of the conditional letters of permission granted to them require a fresh consideration to obviate the possibility of any injustice in the process," the court said. Chennai: Tamil Nadu continued to press the Centre seeking an exemption from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), with its health minister C Vijayabaskar meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday over the issue, second time in about three weeks. "Vijayabaskar, who has been camping in Delhi, met the prime minister along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai once again and requested for a NEET-exemption," a state government release here said. This is the second time the state health minister met Modi on the NEET issue in the past three weeks. He was the part of a ministerial delegation that called on Modi on 20 July, pressing for the presidential assent to two bills adopted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in February. The bills aimed at paving way for continuation of the undergraduate medical admissions on the basis of Class XII marks, exempting Tamil Nadu from the ambit of NEET for admission to MBBS/BDS courses. Earlier this week, Vijayabaskar had called on Union home minister Rajnath Singh, health minister JP Nadda and MoS in the PMO Jitendra Singh. Chief Minister K Palaniswamy had also met Modi over the issue recently. Opposition parties, including the DMK, have protested against the AIADMK government on the issue, with the DMK holding a human chain protest here last week to press for president's assent to the two bills. Karimnagar: Telangana BJP president K Laxman on Tuesday demanded a probe by a sitting judge into the alleged "custodial torture" of eight "Dalits" arrested last month for torching a truck in Rajanna Sircilla district. "We have reported the matter to the National Human Rights Commission and to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes," he told reporters. Laxman claimed the victims of torture belonged to Scheduled Caste community. "The brutal act of torturing the Dalits by subjecting them to electric shocks is a heinous matter. We strongly condemn this incident," the BJP leader said after visiting the Karimnagar District Prison where the men are lodged. On Monday, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had visited the Prison and demanded a judicial inquiry to find out veracity of allegations that they were illegally confined in the police station and subjected to third degree methods. She said the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament. The eight were arrested on 2 July for allegedly torching a sand-laden truck, which was involved in a road accident, causing the death of a person. They also allegedly attacked policemen in connection with the incident at a village in Rajanna Sircilla district. Some political parties and outfits had alleged the accused, residents of Nerella, were "tortured" while in police custody and subjected to "third degree methods". Ghaziabad: Three Congress workers were arrested and over 400 people were booked for allegedly resorting to violence while demanding opening of the Haj House in Ghaziabad for pilgrims. SP (City) Aakash Tomar said an FIR has been lodged by officiating SHO Jitender Singh against 14 named and 400 unknown people under relevant sections of the IPC and the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Those arrested have been identified as Naseem Khan, Pooja Chaddha and Samir Ali. A search has been launched to nab all remaining culprits, Tomar said. Congress workers and members of the Muslim community on Monday held a protest, demanding that the Haj House in Ghaziabad be opened for the pilgrims. They had blocked the GT Road near the Hindon river bridge. According to the police, the protesters hurled stones at their vehicles, when asked to vacate the place, resulting in injuries to a few constables. The mob also allegedly misbehaved with a woman constable, they added. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Haj Samiti wrote to the District Magistrate that the Jal Nigam had constructed the Haj House and the building is yet to be handed over to the Haj Samiti. The then UP chief minister, Akhilesh Yadav, had inaugurated the facility in September last year. The multi-storey building, meant to serve as a transit-cum-facilitation centre for the Haj pilgrims, is caught up in litigation at the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday recommended a CBI probe into the results declared by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission since 2012. "A letter recommending a CBI probe into all results declared by the UPPSC from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2017 was sent to the central government today," state home secretary Mani Prasad Misra said. The Yogi Adityanath Cabinet had last week decided to go for a CBI probe into the "appointments made by the UPPSC" during the Samajwadi Party rule. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had on 19 July said in the state Assembly: "What have you done to UPPSC?...Its credibility is in question. We will get all the appointments made in the UPPCS since 2012 probed by the CBI." "There has not been a single appointment made since 2012 over which no accusing finger has been raised," the chief minister had said, noting that there were at least 1.5 lakh posts lying vacant in the police department. Islamabad: Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is a wealthy businessman and a long-time Nawaz Sharif loyalist whose journey to premiership has been full of fortuitous turns of fate. Abbasi, 58, hails from the famous hill resort of Murree in Rawalpindi district of Punjab province and was minister for petroleum in the ousted premier Sharif's government. A die-hard supporter of Sharif, he was elected prime minister by Pakistan's National Assembly and put up a strong defence of the ousted leader, saying that he may have been disqualified by the Supreme Court but remains the "people's premier". Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) nominated Abbasi as the interim prime minister until Sharif's brother and Punjab province chief minister Shehbaz Sharif is elected as a National Assembly member. He was the part of Sharif's team which was tasked to address the energy crisis in the country. He is a true loyalist of Sharif and stood with him when his government was toppled in 1999 by former Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf. Abbasi, who was imprisoned after the coup, spent two years in jail. But unlike many other colleagues of Sharif, Abbasi remained steadfast and did not switch sides. It was one of the reasons that Sharif chose him as the interim leader. Abbasi, an electrical engineer with a master's degree from George Washington University, joined politics rather abruptly after his father Khaqan Abbasi was killed on 10 April, 1988 when his car was hit by a missile after Ojhri Camp arms depot disaster in Rawalpindi. His father was the minister for production in the cabinet of then Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo. Abbasi has been elected at least six times (1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2008 and 2013) as a member of the parliament and was defeated just once in 2002 when he lost to Pakistan People's Party candidate Ghulam Murtaza Satti. After winning elections in 1990 for the second time, he was made the parliamentary secretary for defence. After the 1993 general elections, he served as the chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence. Abbasi was elected for the fourth time in 1997 and served as the Chairman of Pakistan International Airlines from 1997 to 1999 during Nawaz Sharif's second term. He briefly held the positions of Minister for Commerce and Ministry of Defence Production in former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's government in 2008 after the election but later resigned as his PML-N party parted ways with the PPP. Earlier, after completing his education, he worked in the US and Saudi Arabia. Considered as one of the wealthiest parliamentarians in Pakistan, he set up his Air Blue airlines in Pakistan in 2003 and served as its chairman till 2007. The airlines is still operating successfully. Abbasi's entry into politics was accidental. He was destined to become a businessman to look after the family's business interests. It was only after his father's death in April 1988 that he entered politics. New Delhi: The once formidable general secretary Digvijaya Singh's role in the Congress got further diminished on Tuesday, with the party divesting him of the charge of Telangana. Digvijaya , who was earlier the general secretary incharge of Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is left today with only the charge of Andhra Pradesh. Congress president Sonia Gandhi removed the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and appointed RC Khuntia in his place. Satish Jarkiholi has been appointed the AICC secretary in the new team for Telangana. "Digvijaya Singh has been relieved of the responsibilities as the general secretary incharge of Telangana," a statement from AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said. He was divested of the charge of general secretary incharge of Goa and Karnataka by the party chief on 29 April, and replaced by A Chella Kumar and KC Venugopal respectively. This followed Congress' failure to form its government in Goa despite having emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly election this February. The party had clinched 17 seats in the 40-member legislature, four more than the BJP, which managed to cobble together a majority with local parties to form its government under Manohar Parrikar. Digvijaya , considered close to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, had come under severe criticism for being slow in initiating talks with smaller parties to sew up a coalition and stake claim to form a Congress-led government. Digvijaya has been one of the most vocal Congressmen to advocate Rahul Gandhi's elevation as party president. New Delhi: A red-faced BJP will seek written explanations from its Members of Parliament (MPs), including union ministers, whose absence from the Rajya Sabha despite a whip resulted in Opposition amendments getting passed, after party chief Amit Shah pulled them up on Tuesday, taking a "serious view" of the matter. Shah made his displeasure amply clear at the BJP parliamentary party meeting where he said he does not want to "name and shame" them but warned against a repeat of such an embarrassing lapse. A senior BJP leader said nearly 17 party MP, including ministers, were missing from the House when a united opposition determinedly pushed for certain changes in the constitution amendment bill to set up a National Commission for Backward Classes with constitutional status. The government suffered embarassment when the amendments were passed by 74 to 52 votes. The BJP's strength in the house is 56, while the ruling bloc enjoys the support of 88 members, including 10 JD(U) MPs. "When the party issues a whip, members must be present in the House. The party president has taken a serious view of the absence of members. He said it should not have happened and must not be repeated," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters. Shah said the OBC bill was an important legislation for the Modi government and lamented that it was stalled due to lack of numbers. He asked MPs that they had been sent to Parliament to "deliver and perform", and their absence despite a whip was simply unacceptable. Among the ministers not present in the House were Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan. However, a party source insisted that some of the absentee members might have valid reasons for their absence. "Everybody will be asked to explain. It is only after we receive their response that we will make an assesment," the source said. The party leadership is especially perturbed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been repeatedly stressing, including at a similar meeting last week, on the need for the presence of MPs in Parliament during sessions. Shah also told the MPs that several votes cast during the presidential poll turned out to be invalid and asked them to ensure that they cast their votes properly during the vice-presidential election on 5 August. Modi did not attend the meeting as he was in Assam to review the flood crisis. Chennai: The DMK on Tuesday filed a petition in the Madras High Court to restrain the state government from "preventing or interrupting" the visit of its working president MK Stalin anywhere in the state for inspecting water bodies where desilting work has been undertaken by party workers. Justice M Duraiswamy, before whom the plea filed by DMK legal wing secretary R Girirajan came up, adjourned till 4 August to enable the government to file its counter-affidavit. According to the petitioner, people were agitating in various parts of the state demanding regular supply of water. Due to the prevailing dry weather, it was imperative to desilt water bodies ahead of the monsoon so that they could hold water for the rest of the year. The petition said since the state government has not undertaken desilting of water bodies, Stalin, also the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, requested party cadres to help desilt water bodies like ponds and tanks. Heeding his appeal, in many places across the state, ponds and lakes have been desilted by DMK cadres, it said. Stalin was touring the state to inspect the desilted ponds and tanks, and to appreciate the efforts of party cadres. With the campaign receiving "enormous" support from the people, the state government was adopting various methods to thwart the campaign, the petition alleged. Stalin was detained by police on 27 July while he was on way to inspect the Kacharayanpalayam tank near Konganapuram. Later, an order passed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Salem, denying permission for holding a human chain protest demanding withdrawal of NEET was produced and used as justification for detaining him and preventing his visit, it alleged. The human chain, which was to be formed at a different place and time, was in no way connected to his visit to Konganapuram, a suburban area in Salem district, the petition said. The ruling party in collusion with the district administration and police acted to prevent Stalins visit to the desilted tank, it alleged. Any attempt to prevent Stalin's visit would be violative of the provisions of the Constitution, the petition added. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah condemned the Income Tax department's raids at power minister DK Shivakumar's residences in Karnataka and Delhi. In a series of tweets, he supported the minister and accused the Centre of "political vendetta". Siddaramaiah said the raids were a "political conspiracy" planned against Shivakumar and condemned the use of para-military forces in I-T searches. IT raids aimed at my Cabinet colleague @withDKS clearly a pol conspiracy. Use of Central Para-Military Forces in an IT search is condemnable CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 2, 2017 Investigation must always follow due procedure to unearth the truth. Violating rules exposes political motivations behind raids. CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 2, 2017 The chief minister further added that using the Income Tax department as a weapon amounted to blatant misuse of power and was against democratic principles. Using IT Dept as a weapon of pol vendetta is not only a blatant misuse of power,but also against principles of democracy & 'coop federalism' CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 2, 2017 He also said the Karnataka government will not give in to political blackmail. The Congress Government in Karnataka will neither budge to such political blackmail nor stoop to vindictive politics. CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) August 2, 2017 The Income Tax Department on Wednesday raided 39 premises owned by Shivakumar and his family. Several Congress and BJP leaders lashed out at each other over the issue. While the Congress alleged the Centre was indulging in vendetta politics, BJP refuted their claims and said the raids were a "purely professional activity". The Congress had earlier accused BJP of using CBI and ED to target MLAs from their party and claimed Wednesday's raids were yet another tactic being used to foster instability in the state. Shivakumar is hosting MLAs from Gujarat who have been brought to a resort in Bengaluru until Rajya Sabha elections take place on 8 August. The Congress legislators were taken to the resort after six of their colleagues quit the party. Senior party leader Amhed Patel is contesting the polls from Gujarat. Six out of 57 MLAs from Gujarat resigned from the party in recent days, with three joining the BJP on Friday. The party fears Patel's election would come under a cloud if there are any further defections. Jammu: The BJP on Tuesday called on all political parties to extend support to the government in its fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and separatists in Kashmir. BJP state spokesperson Virender Gupta asked Opposition parties to stop criticising the government and allow it and security forces to do their job "so that permanent peace and tranquillity is brought in the Valley". "We call on all political parties to extend their whole-hearted support to the government in its fight against separatists and Pakistan-sponsored terrorists who have caused enormous damage in the Valley," he said. "The Modi government is determined to fight a decisive battle against separatists and the attempts to destabilise India," he said. Gupta said the NIA and security forces have started a "crusade" to eliminate terrorists, check money laundering and expose those involved in hawala money transactions to finance stone pelters and terrorist groups in the Valley. The BJP leader said the situation in the Valley has imporved to some extent due to the "pro-active" policy of the government against terrorism and anti-national forces. The Rajya Sabha faced a stormy session on Wednesday with it being adjourned five times after Opposition members created a ruckus inside the Upper House over I-T raids in MLAs' houses in Bengaluru. The proceedings in the Lok Sabha, on the contrary, were relatively peaceful as MPs debated GST in Jammu and Kashmir and banking regulation amendment bill. Since the beginning of the session, there was ruckus in the Rajya sabha over the Karnataka raids leading to multiple adjournments. Congress member Pramod Tiwari raised a point of order and objected to the Centre sending paramilitary forces to Bengaluru along with Income Tax officials. Congress MPs trooped to the podium and shouted slogans against the Narendra Modi government saying, "Loktantra ki hatya band karo (Stop killing democracy)." Arun Jaitley clarified that DK Shivakumar, a Congress MLA who was the target of the I-T raids on Wednesday, has been under the I-T scanner for a while and the resort was not the target. Responding to Jaitley's claim that no raids were conducted at the resort, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the minister and his brother were coordinating the stay of Gujarat MLAs that is why it is a targeted timing. He said that the Opposition will not buy the argument that this is a mere coincidence. Gujarat Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohil later rebutted the finance minister's statement in the House, claiming that the rooms of the MLAs were also searched. No business conducted in Rajya Sabha The Upper House was adjourned five times on Wednesday. The first adjournment took place at 11:30 am for 10 minutes when Congress members created an uproar over the I-T raids in Karnataka. The protests continued even when the session began following which the House was again adjourned for 10 minutes at 12.08 pm. Opposition members weren't allowing Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien to speak and trooped the Well before the House was adjourned for 15 mins amid chaos at 2.16pm. When the House reconvened, Congress members Pramod Tiwari and Anand Sharma again raised the issue of paramilitary forces accompanying I-T officials. "Central forces cannot be sent to a state for any purpose. It is a clear violation of the Constitution. We are a federal country. They sent paramilitary forces without informing the state government. This cannot be accepted," Sharma said. The government did not deny the Opposition's allegations and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the "fight against corruption will not stop no matter how much they shout". The House reconvened at 2.25 pm, but soon afterwards the Opposition members walked into the Well. Slogans like "Modi teri Gundagardi nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi" and "Loktantra ki hatya, band karo band karo!" were raised in the Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha was adjourned for another 15 minutes before being adjourned for the day at 2:48pm without transacting any listed business on Wednesday. Congress support amendment to abortion laws Meanwhile, the Question Hour progressed smoothly in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. One of the interesting topics that came up were laws related to medical abortion. Congress members espoused amendment of the current laws criminalising medical abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, citing the case of a 10-year-old rape victim who could not get the foetus aborted owing to the law. Congress leader Ambika Soni said that the laws should be made to aid human beings and the humans should not be forced to fit the law. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha, again brought up the issue of Karnataka raids and said that Congress MLAs were being threatened and harassed by I-T officials. "I warn everyone that if this kind of vendetta goes on in this country. Then no other party will be present in this democracy. Do not terrorise or threaten people, otherwise, the government will not function," said Kharge. Killing of BJP, RSS workers in Kerala Another raging issue that was brought up, was the killings of BJP and RSS workers in Kerala. From God's own country, Kerala has transformed into the God's "forsaken" country, a BJP MP said in the Lok Sabha, coming down hard on the LDF government in the state for "failing" to contain the killing of RSS and BJP workers. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi alleged that the political opponents were being killed in "Talibani style" in the state and even workers of Congress, CPI and Muslim League have been targeted. Another BJP MP Prahlad Joshi said that 17 BJP and RSS workers were killed in Kerala in the last 17 months and demanded a probe into the deaths by either the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA). GST in Jammu and Kashmir Once the topic of legislation to extend the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Jammu and Kashmir was raised, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that the party does not support the bill as it's important that the relationship of the Centre is maintained with the state. During the debate, BJP's Anurag Thakur said the people of J&K have to decide whether they will be on consumer's side or the separatists' side and in a lighter vein he mentioned the phrase 'contempt of pappu' leaving the House in splits for a few seconds. Arun Jaitley finally explained why it's important to incorporate Jammu and Kashmir in the same taxation system saying, "If we would not have integrated Jammu and Kashmir in GST, they would have missed out on input credit, making everything much more expensive. The revenue of Jammu and Kashmir would also have been low." Finally, Lok Sabha voted and passed the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir), Bill, 2017 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir), Bill, 2017 after a brief discussion in which members by and large welcomed the measures. The two bills replaced an order promulgated by the president. The finance minister also refuted the Congress allegations that GST infringes upon the special status of the state. "A national party like Congress should not have gotten into it. This was an argument given by the separatists," he said. The discussion soon moved to Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2017 where Trinamool Congress' Saugata Roy echoed Veerappa Moily's words, saying, "The whole banking system is on the verge of collapse and this ordinance is a single straw. How can we trust the RBI as it has not even been able to count the money that was collected during the demonetisation?" The Opposition castigated the government over the rising non-performing assets (NPAs), especially in Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks, and accused it of failing to tackle the problem. The House was adjourned for the day with plans to continue further discussion on the issue on Thursday. With inputs from agencies Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with senior officials of all the departments and gave instructions to speed up the development process. This was the first meeting of the chief minister with the principal secretaries of all the departments since he became chief minister of the JD(U)-NDA coalition ministry in the state. Earlier in the day Kumar held a meeting with his ministerial colleagues, including Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi to emphasise on the speeding up of the developmental process and expressed happiness that Bihar was clocking double digit growth rate, an official statement said. Bihar registered 14.8 growth rate in 2016-17 at current price and 10.32 per cent at constant price during the outgoing financial year, he observed. The chief minister instructed officials to keep an eye on utilisation of resources in their department and maintain transparency and ordered them to take action against those not working properly. He also stressed on disposal of revenue related matters, which he said, would establish peace in the society. Kumar said regular review would be conducted to monitor implementation of students credit card scheme under which student gets Rs 4 lakh interest-free loan to pursue higher studies, the statement added. Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and Development Commissioner Shishir Sinha were present with senior officials of all the departments during the high level meeting, officials said. New Delhi: Congress members on Wednesday disrupted the proceedings in Parliament protesting the IT raids against a Karnataka Minister, as finance minister Arun Jaitley told them not to link the searches with Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Jaitley, who spoke on the issue in both Houses of Parliament, also said no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs have been staying. However, the Minister, who had "gone and parked himself" at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning, he said as Congress members vociferously raised the issue in both the Houses. They forced three adjournments of the Rajya Sabha and staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha. As the Congress members charged the government with using investigating agencies like CBI, ED and IT, Jaitley said "whether it is a use or abuse, it depends of recovery". Maintaining that the searches were being conducted at 39 other places and "not at this resort", Jaitley said the searches "should not be linked to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat." As the Upper House met for the day, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue, saying an attempt was being made to "derail and hijack" the elections to the Council of States and the raids were "targeted". "Since morning they (ED and IT) have started the raids," Sharma said and questioned the timing and place of the raids. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held without fear in a free and fair manner. "But in this election (in Gujarat) all these three things are not happening," he said and alleged that Congress MLAs were being "kidnapped". "This is against democracy," he said. Azad also asked why the raids on the minister was "taking place today and not a month later or before." Responding to them, Jaitley said the properties of a "particular" minister of the Karnataka government was searched. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place, no MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He has gone and parked himself in that resort. So the authorities, because they had to confront him with the recovery, they had gone to get him to his residence so that he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the finance minister said, adding that the minister has been taken to his residence from the resort. Jaitley also said the resort was not an area where the Karnataka minister can get "immunity from the law". Dissatisfied with Jaitley's remarks, Congress members trooped into the well of Rajya Sabha and started shouting slogans. The House was adjourned for 10 minutes. Later the House took up Zero Hour mentions. However, Congress members again started raising slogans during the Question Hour. Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for the second time for 10 minutes and later till 2 pm. In the Lok Sabha, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but Jaitley said the matter should not linked to the polls in Gujarat for Rajya Sabha seats. Terming the raids as "a political vendetta and witch-hunting", Kharge accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy." "I appeal to the government, not to terrorise and threaten the MLAs. You will also have to face this tomorrow..... If there is any offence, then action should be taken, even if it involves me. You are resorting to this to defeat one person (Ahmed Patel) in the Rajya Sabha polls," Kharge said. Patel is the Congress candidate for the polls in Gujarat. Terming Kharge's allegations as "baseless", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the raids were part of action against black money and corruption. Kumar, who also belongs to Karnataka, said the state government had decided to slap a penalty of Rs 942 crore on the resort. At the same time, the Gujarat MLAs are lodged there, he said. "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ahmed Patel should explain this. They should come out clean on this matter," Kumar said. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were present in the House earlier. Jaitley, in his reaction to Kharge's charge, said "Don't link it with (the) Gujarat) MLAs, link it with economic offence." He said "I have taken details from the income tax department and verified (them) myself. No resort where the Gujarat MLAs are lodged have been searched. Yes, searches have taken places at 39 locations involving a Karnataka minister." "He himself went to the resort. As per the procedure, the person against whom the raid was conducted has to be confronted to take his statement. The officials only visited the resort where the minister was tearing off the papers. We have also collected these papers and done a 'panchanama'," Jaitley said. Kharge later led a walkout of the Congress members from the Lok Sabha. To get the latest updates on Parliament proceedings, click here. Patna: A close confidante of Sharad Yadav hinted that the JD(U) veteran could form a new party to remain with Bihar's 'mahagathbandhan'. However, KC Tyagi, JD(U) principal general secretary and another close confidant of Yadav, termed any such proposed move as "rumour". Differences have surfaced between Yadav and party president Nitish Kumar over his decision to join hands with the BJP after dumping the coalition with the RJD and the Congress. Vijay Verma, a senior JD(U) leader and a trusted aide of Yadav, said, "Sharadji is in touch with old friends and is pondering over the political situation. Forming a new party is one of the options to which a serious thought is being given." Yadav had emphatically said that he would continue to be part of the coalition of secular parties and had met Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad and CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, he told PTI over phone from Madhepura. Verma said that the veteran socialist leader has ruled out joining the NDA government at the Centre as a minister. Asked who are the others to whom Yadav has spoken, he refused to take names, but said "his (Yadav's) social network is widespread". JD(U) MPs Ali Anwar and M P Veerendra Kumar, who opposed the decision to go with the BJP, have met Yadav over the issue. Yadav, who is presently a JD(U) member from Rajya Sabha, had kept silent over Kumar's decision to dump the alliance over the graft case against Lalu Prasad's son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Prasad Yadav. He had later publicly expressed unhappiness over joining hands with the BJP. "People's mandate was not for it (joining hands with the BJP)," Yadav had said outside Parliament on 31 July and termed the disintegration of the alliance as "unpleasant" and "unfortunate". Bihar JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok dismissed media reports of Yadav being angry with the party. "According to Hindu calender after current Sawan season comes Bhado and then Sharad. There is no anguish anywhere," he said. Tyagi, told PTI over phone, "Yadav had expressed surprise (over the decision to join hands with the BJP) but never said I protest against this." "I have seen Sharadji closely for the last 40 years and know that he had parted ways with Lalu Prasad on the issue of corruption... How can he go with Lalu?" he asked. Kumar had said on Monday, "It is not necessary that everybody should always agree on everything. One can have divergent views. The decision to break the grand alliance was taken by Bihar JD(U) at its executive meeting which I had to abide by. The JD(U) is registered with the Election Commission as a regional party in Bihar and hence going against the decision of the state party was not possible for me," he had said, adding that the JD(U) national executive meeting on 19 August would deliberate on the issue in detail. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who has launched a blistering attack against Nitish after the disintegration of the alliance, in a bid to utilise the situation had appealed to Yadav to "come out from there (JD-U) and join hands with secular parties to protect the country from communal forces". He had, however, clarified that Yadav has not been requested to join the RJD but be part of a country-wide movement against communal forces. Prasad has also invited Yadav for a RJD rally at Patna on 27 August. Patna: Questioning Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's principles, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday said he was known for "betraying" pro-Mandal and pro-secular forces since 1990s and had done it again in the state by allying with the NDA. "Nitish Kumar left the pro-Mandal camp in the early 1990s and joined the 'Kamandal' led by LK Advani. Nitish Kumar joined hands with the communal forces that demolished the Babri Mosque, a symbol of the country's secularism and harmony, in the early '90s. He has repeated that when all Opposition parties are uniting against Kamandal," Tejashwi Yadav said at a press conference. A day after his father and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad called the chief minister as "paltu ram of politics", Tejashwi called him 'kursi premi' (lover of power) who is "hardly concerned about Bihar's development". "Nitish Kumar only loves power and the chief minister's chair he has betrayed it time and again," the former deputy chief minister said. Tejashwi said, "Where is Nitish Kumar's morality and principles when 75 percent of his ministers, apart from him, are tainted. Nitish Kumar should clarify in public whether he is an accused in a murder case." Tejashwi asked how could a person accused under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code be sworn in as the chief minister, and pointed out that five cases were pending against Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The RJD leader said Nitish Kumar had repeatedly claimed that he will not compromise on corruption, wondering what is his stand on the Vayapam scam in Madhya Pradesh as well as Panama Papers leaks. "The people of Bihar and the country are keen to know why Nitish Kumar betrayed the mandate of the 2015 Bihar assembly elections." Tejashwi also claimed that Nitish Kumar was uncomfortable with his then young deputy chief minister (Tejashwi) who was "committed to development and zero tolerance against corruption". The RJD leader said the live broadcast from the Bihar Assembly during the trust vote was not allowed since Nitish Kumar was afraid of his (Tejashwi) speech in which he raised several genuine questions. Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday termed the Income Tax Department's searches at locations and properties linked to Karnataka energy minister DK Shivakumar "vendetta politics" by the BJP to undermine the opposition parties. "This is nothing new. We have seen such things before also. Whenever the BJP faces any sort of opposition, they will use the CBI, ED, Income Tax against opposition parties. This is the BJP's true colour," TMC's secretary general and West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters. "They (BJP) don't believe in democracy but in vendetta politics. This is an effort by the BJP to establish 'Modi raj' in the country, which is turning into 'goonda raj'," he said. The Income Tax Department conducted searches at 64 locations and properties linked to Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near Bengaluru, in connection with a case of alleged tax evasion. I-T officials said about Rs 10 crore cash has been recovered during the raids at various properties linked to the minister, who was taken to his house in Bengaluru from the resort by the taxman early today. Chatterjee said, "Why did the I-T department conduct the raid now? If he has done anything wrong then what was it doing for all these days? As soon as he arranged for the stay of the Gujarat MLAs raids were conducted by the I-T. From this only it is proved how the CBI, ED and I-T are being used politically." Bengaluru: A day after announcing his return to active party work, sidelined AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran on Wednesday met his aunt and party chief VK Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara central prison. Emerging out of the jail premises, Dinakaran said he enquired about Sasikala's health and discussed about party affairs with her. Sasikala is serving four-year jail term in a disproportionate wealth case. Dinakaran told reporters that he would work towards strengthening the party by touring across the state. He had on Tuesday announced that he would resume party work from 4 August after a two-month hiatus and embark on a state-wide tour to facilitate efforts for the merger of rival factions. His comments assume significance as a camp led by Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswamy had earlier kept him and Sasikala from the affairs of the party and government. Though Dinakaran had then said that he would keep away from the party work, he later questioned the authority of the ministers to sideline him. However, he said Sasikala had asked him to give two months time for the merger of the factions which would end on 4 August. The ruling camp had on Tuesday sought to brush aside Dinakaran's announcement on returning to party work, saying Palaniswami continued to guide both the party and the government. New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party will support Opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi in the vice-presidential poll, national convener Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday. AAP's support to Gandhi came hours after he met Kejriwal for support at his residence in Delhi. "AAP will support Gopal Krishna Gandhi (sic) for VP", the Delhi chief minister tweeted. Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, is also the elder brother of AAP member Rajmohan Gandhi, who had contested on the party ticket in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The AAP has four MPs in the Lok Sabha, of which two have rebelled against the party. The poll to elect India's next vice-president is scheduled for 5 August. Gandhi, a former bureaucrat and ambassador, was selected as the joint candidate by 18 opposition parties. However, the JD-U broke opposition ranks when it extended support to NDA's Ram Nath Kovind for president, but has said it will support Gandhi in the vice presidential election. Gandhi will take on NDA candidate and former senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu in the poll. Naidu's victory appears to be certain with numbers favouring him. The AAP had also supported Meira Kumar, the opposition candidate for the presidential poll against Kovind. Afghanistan: The Islamic State group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack against a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan on Tuesday that left dozens dead. "Around 50 Shiites killed and 80 wounded in an attack by Islamic State fighters on Tuesday on a mosque in western Afghanistan's Herat," the group's propaganda outlet Amaq said. Afghan authorities said earlier that 30 worshippers, including young children were killed and 64 wounded when suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the Jawadya mosque in the western city near the Iranian border late Tuesday. Herat police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said the assault happened around 8 pm when "a terrorist attack was carried out on a (Shiite) mosque in the third security district of Herat city". "Based on our initial information two terrorists were involved, one of them wearing a suicide vest who detonated himself while the second one was armed with a rifle. They are both dead," he added. A reporter for AFP said he had seen a number of bodies brought out of the mosque, leading to fears of a heavy death toll. He reported seeing a body torn to pieces at the entrance, possibly that of the attacker, while others were lying in pools of blood inside, some still crying and moving. Photos posted on social media showed large crowds had gathered at the hospital. The attack comes a day after an assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul, which was claimed by the Islamic State, killed two people. Islamic State has been expanding its footprint in eastern Afghanistan and has recently claimed responsibility for several devastating attacks in the capital. But experts have previously questioned whether there are direct links between the group's local affiliate Islamic State Khorasan Province and the central Islamic State command. On Monday a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the embassy, allowing at least three other militants to breach the compound, unleashing an hours-long gun battle that killed two people. Herat: A suicide bomber and a gunman killed at least 29 people and wounded 63 at a packed Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's main western city of Herat on Tuesday, the latest attack to highlight the country's deteriorating security situation. The assault on the Jawadya mosque in Herat, which is close to Afghanistan's border with Iran, came a day after the Islamic State group claimed a deadly attack on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul. The attack was the latest in a series of assaults on Afghanistan's minority Shiite population. "The death toll has risen to 29 killed and 63 wounded. Some wounded are in a critical condition so the toll may go up," hospital spokesman Rafeeq Shirzai told AFP. Herat police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said the assault happened around 8.00 pm (1530 GMT) when "a terrorist attack was carried out on a (Shiite) mosque in the third security district of Herat city". "Based on our initial information two terrorists were involved, one of them wearing a suicide vest who detonated himself while the second one was armed with a rifle. They are both dead," he added. A reporter for AFP said he had seen a number of bodies brought out of the mosque, leading to fears of a heavy death toll. He reported seeing a body torn to pieces at the entrance, possibly that of the attacker, while others were lying in pools of blood inside, some still crying and moving. Photos posted on social media showed large crowds had gathered at the hospital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but IS has been targeting Shiite minority crowds and mosques in Afghanistan for around a year. The Taliban specifically denied that it was involved. Anti-Islam act The attack comes a day after an assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul, which was claimed by the Islamic State (IS), killed two people. IS has been expanding its footprint in eastern Afghanistan and has recently claimed responsibility for several devastating attacks in the capital. But experts have previously questioned whether there are direct links between the group's local affiliate Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) and the central IS command. On Monday a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the embassy, allowing at least three other militants to breach the compound, unleashing an hours-long gun battle that killed two people. A security source, who declined to be named, said IS could prove to be more dangerous than the Taliban in Afghanistan. Unlike the Taliban which has friends and foes among the international community, IS considers everyone their enemy and will keep attacking soft targets, he said. Shiites, of which there are around three million in Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted in recent years. In June, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a crowded Shiite mosque in Kabul which killed four people. November 2016 saw a massive suicide blast kill at least 27 people and wound 64 at a Shiite mosque, again in the Afghan capital. In July 2016 IS jihadists claimed responsibility for twin explosions that ripped through crowds of Shiite Hazaras in Kabul, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. Afghanistan's national unity government said it strongly condemned the Herat attack, describing it in a statement as an "anti-Islam act". It also called "on the Muslim people of Afghanistan, as well as on the religious scholars, to stand united against the barbaric actions of the terrorists". President Ashraf Ghani added that "terrorists cannot create sectarian divisions among our people". Beijing: China on Wednesday said it will take "a decision in due course" about the pending application in the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) terror group leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist when it comes for a review. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the Foreign Ministry told PTI about the pending application proposed by the United States, the United Kingdom and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. Early this year, China had put a six-month technical hold on the application which is expected to come up for review shortly. "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second-year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months of technical hold, which ended on 31 December last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. This year, the US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six-month technical hold. After firing former FBI director James Comey for allegedly leading a criminal investigation into Russia's involvement in the 2016 United States presidential election, President Donald Trump nominated high-flying criminal lawyer Christopher Wray for the vacant position. Unlike some of his other recent appointments, like Anthony Scaramucci or Sarah Sanders, who toe his line of thought, Wray has publically disagreed with Trump's beliefs. Wray has claimed that he would resign rather than bow to political interference. Similar to what Comey believed in, Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the one right way to do this job is with strict independence. "You can't do a job like this without being prepared to either quit or be fired at a moment's notice when you're asked to do something or confronted with something that is either illegal, unconstitutional or even morally repugnant," he said. The US Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Wray as the new director of the FBI on Tuesday. The top Democrat on the panel, California senator Dianne Feinstein, said Wray "has the strength and fortitude to stand up and do what it is right when tested." Having been nominated by Trump, who was being investigated by Comey, Wray's biggest challenge will be to convince government officials especially the FBI employees that he will be an independent leader and not someone who will bow to Trump. Dara Lind of Vox explained that the FBI agents value their independence, which they feel is under attack from the White House and they have reason not to trust that the Trump administration (and Trump family) is doing everything it can to help with the investigation. They might consider Wray as an outsider. Wray is a former Justice Department official, who ran the criminal division of the Department of Justice under George W Bush, from 2003 to 2005. This means that he has worked closely with the FBI but does not have any experience working within it. Wray has also assisted in Justice Department investigations related to the 9/11 attacks and the War on Terror. However, never having served in electoral politics makes him more in line with previous FBI heads. A former US attorney in northern Virginia, Neil MacBride, called Wray a "great pick" for the FBI job and said he brings "deep law enforcement and prosecutorial background, great judgment [and] even temperament," according to The Politico. The Hindu quoted legal experts as saying that Wray might have to step aside from some investigations because he is likely to face a conflict of interest at the agency due to his defence work for many big companies. Born into a family of New York lawyers, Wray, 50, graduated from Yale Law School. In 2005, he resigned from the Justice Department to join private practice as a partner at King & Spalding law firm in Washington and Atlanta. The Chris Christie connection Wray has represented major companies in litigation but also, most recently, worked for Trump ally Chris Christie in the so-called "Bridgegate" political scandal in New Jersey. Wray's track to this important post can be traced back to his ties with Christie, who is a Trump ally and one of his key supporters during last year's campaign. According to the Daily News, Wray has donated about $35,000 to Republican candidates since 2008, including Tom Price, Trump's health and human services secretary, and Senator David Perdue, the cousin of Sonny Perdue, Trump's agriculture secretary. At his current law firm, Wray works with Bobby Burchfield, Trump's "independent ethics adviser" for private business. The disagreements with Trump Despite these business ties, Wray has disagreed with Trump on a number of things. The Vox report states that Wray believes Russia acted in an adversarial manner towards the United States when it tried to influence the election. My son Donald did a good job last night. He was open, transparent and innocent. This is the greatest Witch Hunt in political history. Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2017 Wray said that if a foreign government wants to interfere in an election, it would be smart for a senior campaign staffer like Donald Trump Jr to let the FBI know before taking a meeting. He also believes that he and the president should never meet face to face unless there is an important national security matter to discuss. Wray has also rejected the president's view that the Russia probe was a "witch hunt" based on "fake news". "I do not consider director Mueller to be on a witch hunt," Wray assured the Senate panel. The Russia investigation is now being led by Robert Mueller, a former FBI director. With inputs from agencies Washington: The Trump administration is considering using a little-used provision of US trade law to compel China to crack down on its unfair trade practices, American media reports have said. The move, which could come in the next several days, signals a shift by the administration away from its emphasis on greater cooperation between Washington and Beijing, in part because administration officials have become frustrated by China's reluctance to confront North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, The New York Times said. "The administration is considering invoking a little-used provision of US trade law to investigate whether China's intellectual-property policies constitute unfair trade practices," The Wall Street Journal reported. Under the Trade Act of 1974 the US president is allowed to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions to protect American industries from unfair trade practices of foreign countries or discriminatory actions that have an impact on its commerce. Using such a provision, the daily said, would pave the way for the US to impose sanctions on Chinese exporters or to further restrict the transfer of advanced technology to Chinese firms or to US-China joint ventures. According to the daily, American business frustration with Chinese trade and market-access practices has mounted in recent years, with US business groups urging the government to take a tougher trade line with China. Many organisations have complained that the Trump administration hasn't pushed hard enough in areas like intellectual property, as it has focused more on Chinese manufacturing and Chinas USD 347 billion trade surplus with the US last year, reported The Wall Street Journal. Earlier in the day, a top Democratic Senator urged Trump to block China deals over North Korea. Washington: The US Air Force is about to buy two mothballed Boeing 747s that were abandoned by a bankrupt Russian airline and convert these into the next Air Force One, a source said. The sale could save the Air Force millions of dollars, and comes after then president-elect Donald Trump said in December that the Air Force One replacement project costs were "ridiculous." Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source close to the deal yesterday told AFP that Boeing is set to sell a pair of 747-8 jetliners to the Air Force. Air Force One is actually two planes -- one for the president and a spare. The planes had initially been ordered in 2013 by Russian airline Transaero but the firm went bust in 2015. "We're still working toward a deal to provide two 747-8s to the Air Force," Boeing told AFP. "This deal is focused on providing a great value for the Air Force and the best price for the taxpayer." A final deal could be announced in the coming weeks. According to the Defence One news website, which first reported the deal, Transaero had initially ordered four Boeing jets before it went bankrupt. Boeing had flight-tested two of the jets and they are now housed at the Southern California Logistics Airport, Defence One said. The huge Mojave Desert facility is hot and dry, so airplanes there do not suffer corrosion. Converting a pair of 747-8 jumbo jets to state-of-the-art luxury command centres by 2022 has been estimated to cost USD 3.2 billion, but overruns and delays could push the price tag higher. Boeing sells 747-8s at about USD 390 million apiece, but defensive technologies, fancy interiors and other enhancements would massively add to the overall cost. It remains to be seen if the Air Force will struggle with the optics of using formerly Russia-destined planes to become the flagship carrier of US presidents and an emblem of US power projection. The battle cry for the US Election 2020 campaign has just been sounded via US Presidents masterstroke Wednesday afternoon when he blessed the Reforming American Immigration For Strong Employment (RAISE) Act which aims to cut immigration by half from the current level of more than 1 million green cards granted per year and evaluate visa applications based on merit, with a preference for people with higher education or job skills. Not yet law Dont be misled by the name of this Trumpian push - RAISE Act is not yet an Act, it is still a Bill and hundreds of such Bills get introduced in the US Congress every year. What is important is that Trump has singled out not just the Bill but also handpicked its authors and timed it to deflect any whining about his nothing burger on the promised Obamacare repeal. Link: How a Bill becomes law "This legislation demonstrates our compassion for struggling American families who deserve an immigration system that puts their needs first and puts America first, Trump said, speaking straight to his most loyal voters. Read the full text of the RAISE Act (Bill) here This move however will not affect other skilled worker visa programs such as H1-B and H2-B visas, the latter being the mainstay for staffing at Trumps private clubs in Florida, including his favourite Mar-a-Lago resort. As Trumps rival party flounders, Trump is doubling down on sealing the the emotional investment of folks who voted him to power. Trump's new favorite - Tom Cotton Notice that beaky, young man standing beside Trump? Take a good hard look at him. Youre going to be hearing a lot more about this rising star of the uncompromising right. Thats Tom Cotton, 39, son of a cattle farmer, Harvard law grad and former McKinsey consultant whos also served in Iraq and Afghanistan. On Wednesday, Cotton shared the stage with Trump for the single most cruicial issue that turned the 2016 elections - immigration. Its easier to recall how divergent Trump and Hillary Clintons views were but thats not the point here. First time politician Trump made mincemeat of 16 other Republican challengers over nine gruelling months of campaigning with his single minded devotion to beating back "low grade" immigration. Trump has solid reasons for elevating Tom Cotton this summer even as his most ambitious legislative agenda - to repeal Obamas signature healthcare law was killed off last week. Cotton is equally if not more voluble than Trump against low-skilled migration and its effects on working class families and their wages - which has nothing to do with business class travellers who are unscathed by immigration. For all those who rant against Trumps Twitter obsession, Cotton is now the go-to man for the long form version of American populism. Cotton has made it mainstream. The Associated Press reports how the president is mischaracterizing many of the immigrants coming to the United States as low-skilled and dependent on government aid. and quotes Pew Research figures: The Pew Research Center said in 2015 that 41 percent of immigrants who had arrived in the past five years held a college degree, much higher than the 30 percent of non-immigrants in the United States. A stunning 18 percent held an advanced degree, also much higher than the U.S. average. That is precisely the point we are making here - not facts, not data but the emotional core that Trump has tapped into, the reconstitution of white identity at a time when the immigration wave that began in the 1960s threatens to upend the country's demography. This is how the White House summarises the RAISE Act: The RAISE Act replaces the current permanent employment-visa framework with a skills-based system that rewards applicants based on their individual merits. The system rewards education, English-language ability, high-paying job offers, past achievements, and entrepreneurial initiative. This system is similar to the merit-based immigration systems used by Canada and Australia. The RAISE Act reduces overall immigration numbers to limit low-skilled and unskilled labor entering the United States. The RAISE Act prioritizes immediate family members of United States residents, including spouses and minor children, but ends preferences for extended family members and adult children. United States citizens needing to take care of elderly parents can receive renewable, temporary visas for them. The RAISE Act eliminates the outdated Diversity Visa lottery system, which serves questionable economic and humanitarian interests. The RAISE Act limits permanent resident status for refugees to 50,000 a year, in line with the 13-year average. Links: Trump backs RAISE Act Statement by Trump, Cotton, Perdue Trump is not grudging Cotton any praise, calling the latest move the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century. I want to thank Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue for their tremendous work in putting together this historic and very vital proposal. As a candidate, I campaigned on creating a merit-based immigration system that protects U.S. workers and taxpayers -- and that is why we are here today. Merit-based, Trump gushed. Thats what the RAISE Act is all about - while it is about immigration and will run into several thousand pages of background material but at its core, it tugs at how Trumps voters feel and not about what Trump is able to achieve, not how senators haggle in US Congress and certainly not about bills that don't pass. The RAISE Act hits the sweet spot for Stephen Bannon, Trumps dishevelled chief strategist and most likely the man who picked on Cotton. His paper Breitbart sums up the political messaging Trump wants Americas farmers to hear - If the RAISE act becomes law, Democrats and their business allies would lose the huge annual inflow of immigrants whom they expect will soon bring them national political dominance. That loss will pressure Democrats to compete for votes from working-class Americans by offering to slash the very unpopular inflow of visa-workers. Scaramucci? Comey? Russia? Trump's voters couldn't care less about any of these rabbit holes. If they hate him (Trump) for this, then they hate me. Im the same way, is the leitmotif were hearing from hordes of people surveyed on their Trump vote six months on. A Norwegian anti-immigration group has been widely mocked on social media after one of their members mistook a photograph of empty bus seats for six Muslim women wearing burqas, according to media reports. The image was shared to private Facebook group Fedrelandet viktigst or "Fatherland First" in Norwegian which has over 13,000 members, according to Independent. It sparked a furious debate among its members after it appeared to show the seats occupied by women wearing burqas, the report said. "What do people think about this?" the image was captioned. Instantly, the post drew sharp comments, including some asking for a ban on burqas. "It looks really scary, should be banned," one user commented, according to SF Gate. "You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons." The optical illusion-turned-xenophobia-test went viral when Facebook user Sindre Beyer posted screenshots from the group on his public page. Here, users mocked the anti-immigration group, describing the scene as scary, frightening and tragic. 'A little practical joke' Independent reported that Johan Slattavik, the user who initially posted the photographs to Fedrelandet viktigst, said it was just "a little practical joke" to see how people would react, and was actually a photograph of bus seats. He said, I laid out the photo to see what happens, he said, adding that he was shocked so many people fell for it, The Washington Post reported. I ended up having a good laugh, Slattavik said. The mockery of the group has resulted in some angry reactions, Slattavik said, but he did not take them seriously, according to The Washington Post. I have thought about the differences between legitimate criticism of immigration to Europe and blind racism and xenophobia. I wanted to look into these differences: Something I think I have achieved by setting up this practical joke and watching the reactions. The burqa debate In June, Norway proposed a ban on burqas in kindergartens, schools and universities, thus becoming the latest European nation to propose restrictions on wearing burqas and niqabs. Burqas have become a flashpoint for debates in Europe over integration, extremism and freedom of religion in recent years, with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria and the German state of Bavaria all imposing restrictions on wearing them in public places. Partial or regional prohibitions are now in place in Italy, Spain, Denmark and Switzerland. The German, Austrian and Dutch Parliaments have voted in support of a partial ban on burqas but no laws have been enforced. Islamabad: An estranged woman lawmaker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf accused party chief Imran Khan of harassing women leaders in the party. Ayesha Gulalai, who hails from South Waziristan tribal region, in a press conference alleged that "honour" of women affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not safe. Announcing to quit the party, she said, "My integrity matters to me the most" and "I cannot compromise when it comes to my honour and dignity." She also accused Khan of sending "obscene text messages" to women leaders of the party. She refused to share the messages but said that "they were so mean that nobody can tolerate them." Taking a jibe at Khan, she said he suffered from "psychological problems" and "gets jealous of, people who are better than him." She also leveled charges of corruption against PTI government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and its Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who she alleged was acting like "mafia boss". Gulalai was elected to the National Assembly on a reserved seat for women from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and has been a staunch and vocal supporter of the PTI and Khan. She resigned from both her party membership and NA seat. She rejected reports that she was joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) of Nawaz Sharif but praised Sharif for respecting women. " No matter what the charges against him but Nawaz Sharif knows how to respect women," she said. Rejecting the allegations, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said that Gulalai had "sold her soul to PMLN for money". " It is old tactic of PMLN that they buy people and she (Gulalai) has sold her. She has been used and would be forgotten in 24 hours, he said. Islamabad: Pakistan's anti-corruption watchdog closed a probe in December against Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for his alleged role in awarding a Rs 220 billion contract for the import and distribution of liquefied natural gas in 2013, a media report said on Wednesday. Addressing parliament soon after his election as Prime Minister, Abbasi on Wednesday rejected any wrongdoing in the LNG project. "I am available here and anywhere for discussion on this issue," he said. Abbasi, the former minister for petroleum and natural resources, was a principal suspect in the inquiry conducted by the National Accountability Bureau (Karachi) for 17 months. The NAB closed the case in its regional board meeting held on 19 December 2016 on merit, the Dawn quoted a bureau spokesman as saying. The inquiry was stopped despite the fact that it had been proved that the contract had been awarded in a 'non-transparent manner'. A document available with the paper showed that in the meeting the Karachi NAB director general said, "After exhaustive discussion it has been decided that it is an ongoing project and any intervention by NAB at this juncture will jeopardise the efforts of provision of LNG from the project of public/national importance. It is, therefore, decided [to close the] inquiry [at] our end." However, the document said that in the same meeting it was unveiled that "during the inquiry proceeding it has been established that management of Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), in non-transparent manner, selected M/s Engro as a successful bidder for LNG terminal at port Karachi". The NAB inquiry found that the SSGCL signed the 15-year contract with a subsidiary company of Engro for re-gasification of LNG at fixed daily processing charges. The government authorised the Pakistan State Oil to procure LNG on behalf of the SSGCL. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has decided to file a petition in the Supreme Court against Abbasi. Islamabad: Pakistan's new prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday met Nawaz Sharif to "consult" him before finalising his Cabinet, the state media reported. The two met at Sharif's private residence in the hill resort of Murree near Islamabad where Sharif has been staying since he vacated the official residence two days ago after the Supreme Court disqualified him over the Panama Papers scandal. Shehbaz Sharif, who will take over from Abbasi after he is elected to the National Assembly, was also present during the meeting, the Pakistan TV reported. Abbasi, a die-hard Nawaz Sharif loyalist, was on Tuesday elected as the interim prime minister by the National Assembly. He was later sworn in by President Mamnoon Hussain. Abbasi has said that Sharif may have been disqualified by the Supreme Court but remains the "people's premier". He has praised Sharif's leadership and criticised Opposition parties for accusing him of corruption. "Justice demands that 1,000 guilty are set free than one innocent is convicted," Abbasi said. "It is my firm belief that Nawaz Sharif will return to the seat of premiership," he said. Manila: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is a "maniac" who could destroy Asia by triggering a nuclear war, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday, ahead of a regional summit to be attended by the regime's foreign minister. Using characteristically crude language, Duterte teed off against Kim ahead of a regional security meeting in Manila where the hermit state's ballistic missile tests will be a hot agenda item. "He is playing with dangerous toys and this crazy man, do not be fooled by his face, that chubby face that looks nice," Duterte, 72, said of Kim in a nationally televised speech. "That son-of-a-wh**e maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war, because (if) a limited confrontation blows up here, I tell you the fallout, the soil, the resources. I don't know what will happen to us. We won't be able to plant anything productive." Under Kim's leadership, Pyongyang has accelerated its nuclear ambitions, in defiance of international condemnation and multiple sets of United Nations sanctions. North Korea last week conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile test, which led Kim to boast he could strike any target in the United States. US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will also be in Manila for the security forum, which is hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ministers will express "grave concern" over North Korea's nuclear missile test, according to a draft copy of the chairman's statement obtained by AFP and scheduled to be released on Tuesday next week at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Duterte, who won presidential elections last year, has come under fire from foreign leaders over his war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups that he may be overseeing a crime against humanity. He typically flavours his speeches with crude language and jokes deemed by many to be offensive, including about rape. Duterte last year called then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war. Washington: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he will meet with his Russian opposite number foreign minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse. Some in Moscow and Washington had hoped relations between the former Cold War foes might improve under US president Donald Trump, who has had warm words for President Vladimir Putin. But the great power rivals remain divided over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, US sanctions against Kremlin allies and Moscow's support for Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime. Tillerson has never tried to sugarcoat the problems, and admitted in March after a visit to the Kremlin that ties were at a "historic low" with little sign of improvement. But now Trump is poised to sign into law a bill to further tighten sanctions and Putin has ordered the US diplomatic mission in Russia to cut hundreds of staff. "And the question, I think, of the events of the last week or so, is it getting worse or can we maintain some level of stability in that relationship?" Tillerson asked Tuesday. Tillerson said the US Congress decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties "more difficult," but that "all the indications are" that Trump will sign it. In the meantime, Tillerson plans to meet Lavrov in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN ministerial meeting. A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. The US president, who often called for warmer ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations. Venezuela: The European Union is discussing a "whole range of actions" against Venezuela over its political crisis but is likely to stop short of sanctions, officials and sources said Wednesday. Spain and the head of the European Parliament have both pressed for sanctions following a controversial election that critics say is a bid by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to stay in power, and the arrest of two opposition leaders. The United States earlier this week hit Maduro with sanctions, and diplomats from the 28 EU nations were meeting with EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the bloc's course of action. "Consultations with member states are ongoing to ensure an appropriate and coordinated response by the EU. Obviously the whole range of actions are discussed," said Catherine Ray, Mogherini's spokeswoman, when asked if sanctions were on the table. "But our priority is the urgent relief of the Venezuelan people and de-escalation of the tensions. We promote a political solution to the crisis and we are ready to further support ongoing regional mediation efforts," Ray told a daily briefing. There was opposition from some EU states to any kind of sanctions, which would scupper them as sanctions must be approved unanimously, diplomatic sources said. 'World sanctions regime' The 28 EU countries are now working on a common declaration that is expected to be published later Wednesday. "The declaration is supposed to mention 'other measures'. But no talk so far on sanctions," a European source told AFP on condition of anonymity. The EU has previously warned that it has "grave doubts" about recognising an election for a constituent assembly that would hand Maduro more powers, and condemned the arrest of high-profile opposition figures Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma. Spanish foreign minister Alfonso Dastis said on Tuesday that he had contacted Mogherini to "kickstart a process to adopt additional restrictive measures" such as travel bans to target those responsible for the crisis in Venezuela. Madrid was against taking wider economic "sanctions that could affect people" in Venezuela. European Parliament chief Antonio Tajani has also pushed the bloc to go further, writing on Tuesday to European Council head Donald Tusk and European Commission boss Jean-Claude Juncker to ask them to consider sanctions against Maduro and his circle. British junior foreign minister Alan Duncan appeared to play down the likelihood of EU sanctions. Duncan said there "may come a point where we will become part of a world sanctions regime, for instance if the United Nations were to impose one then we would." Caracas: The 27-year-old son of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has been confirmed as one of the 545 members of a new, all-powerful Assembly whose creation has sparked protests and international condemnation. Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, also known as "Nicolasito" or "little Nicolas," will join his stepmother, Maduro's wife Cilia Flores, 60, on the Constituent Assembly that was elected on Sunday to rewrite Venezuela's constitution. His seat on the new body, confirmed by the electoral authority Tuesday, will be his first foray into a higher-profile public role at age 27. The economist by training already has served as head of the national film institute and in the vice president's office as a head of presidential delegations. Previously, he headed an anti-corruption office in the president's office. Maduro insisted on seeing the Assembly elected, despite objections from the opposition that it would undermine democracy by superseding the opposition-dominated congress. The vote was marred by deadly protests, adding to a death toll of 125 in the past four months in demonstrations against Maduro and against the Assembly. The Opposition also said turnout was far lower than the eight million voters the electoral authority claimed. Maduro's son, who played the flute in Venezuela's system of youth orchestras, is a committed follower of the socialist revolution incarnated by the president and his late predecessor Hugo Chavez, according to his Twitter profile. Two thirds of the new Assembly were drawn geographically, from municipalities, and the rest were elected from societal and industry sectors. The Opposition did not field any candidates and boycotted the election, meaning the Constituent Assembly is made up of followers and allies of Maduro's Socialist Party. Caracas: Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro moved quickly to swear in a new assembly with extraordinary powers as he faced charges that turnout figures for the body's election were "manipulated." The firm that supplies Venezuela's voting technology, Smartmatic, on Wednesday said official figures in Sunday's election were "tampered with" in such a way that the turnout appeared greater than it was. The election of the new super-assembly, with candidates selected from the ruling party, drew international condemnation as a power grab by the unpopular Maduro, whose leftist government is beset by violent street protests and an economy on the brink of collapse. Those fears were underscored on Wednesday when two prominent opposition leaders were hustled off to jail in the middle of the night by armed members of the Venezuelan intelligence services. Maduro planned to swear in the 545 members of the so-called Constituent Assembly, including his own wife and son, today at a concert arena in Caracas, his press office said They will then take their seats on Thursday in the formal chamber of the National Assembly, which is now controlled by the opposition but whose powers will be superseded by the new body. The opposition has called a major rally for Thursday as well. Venezuelan officials claim that more than 40 percent of the country's 20 million voters cast ballots on Sunday, which were boycotted by the opposition. In London, Smartmatic chief executive Antonio Mugica told reporters, "Based on the robustness of our system, we know, without any doubt, that the turnout of the recent election for a National Constituent Assembly was manipulated." "We estimate the difference between the actual participation and the one announced by authorities is at least one million votes," he said. The British company, which has worked in Venezuela since 2004, deplored the fact that opposition parties did not provide election auditors or send representatives to the tabulation center when the results report was issued. It noted that political parties usually received printed copies of election returns of all polling stations, to allow them to compare these printed records against the results published later by the electoral commission. "This protocol has been followed in all Venezuelan elections since 2004, except for the elections last Sunday, because the opposition didn't participate," Mugica said. The opposition says turnout was closer to 12 percent on a par with the population of state employees, who were under major pressure to vote. According to polling firm Datanalisis, more than 70 percent of Venezuelans oppose the new assembly. On Tuesday, Luis Emilio Rondon, the only opposition representative on the National Electoral Council's five-member board, charged there were irregularities in Sunday's elections. "I consider to be reasonable the doubts the people may have about the results offered by the CNE," he said, referring to the election authority by its Spanish acronym. The National Assembly on Tuesday agreed not to recognize "the fraudulent and illegitimate" Constituent Assembly, which will have the power to dissolve it. More than 125 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters since 1 April in an uptick of resistance to the Maduro government. Wednesday's seizure of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, who were already under house arrest, marked another ominous turn in the conflict. In a statement, the Supreme Court said Lopez and Ledezma violated the terms of their house arrest by making political statements and had "a plan to flee" a charge their lawyers vehemently denied. In a video he pre-recorded in case he was sent back to jail, Lopez urged his supporters to keep fighting Maduro's government. "We must not give up the fight. We must never surrender. We must not tire of demanding a better Venezuela," he said. The men are two of Venezuela's most high-profile opposition leaders. Both had called for a boycott of Sunday's vote. The United States, which has already slapped sanctions on Maduro and top officials, was scathing in its reaction to the detentions. President Donald Trump sternly warned Maduro's "dictatorship" that he holds him personally responsible for the health and safety of the two men. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres urged Maduro's administration to "lower tensions" and "find avenues for political dialogue," an appeal echoed by European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini's spokeswoman. Spain said it would push for EU sanctions. Maduro has dismissed the US sanctions and criticism, retorting that he will not heed "imperial orders." Lopez, 46, was transferred to house arrest in July after serving three years and five months in prison as part of a 14 -year term. He had been convicted of instigating violence during protests against Maduro in 2014 that left 43 people dead. Ledezma, 62, was arrested in February 2015 on charges of conspiracy and racketeering and was placed under house arrest three months later for health reasons. Chinese president Xi Jinping issued a tough line on national sovereignty on Tuesday amid multiple territorial disputes with his country's neighbours, saying China will never permit the loss of "any piece" of its land to outsiders. Xi's declaration came during a nearly one-hour speech in Beijing marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, which has formed a key pillar of support for the ruling Communist Party since 1927 and is the world's largest standing military, with 2.3 million members, according to AP. "The Chinese people treasure peace and we absolutely do not engage in invasion and expansion. However, we have the confidence to conquer all forms of invasion," Xi told government leaders and current and retired PLA members gathered at the hulking Great Hall of the People, the seat of the legislature that sits beside Tiananmen Square. "We absolutely will not permit any person, any organisation, any political party at any time, in any form to separate any piece of Chinese territory from China," Xi said to applause. "No one should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests." Xi made no reference to any specific conflicts or disputes during his address, which focused largely on the PLA's growth from a scrappy guerrilla force fighting Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists and Japanese invaders into one of the world's most powerful, if largely untested, militaries. However, China is currently engaged in a weeks-long border standoff with Indian forces near the countries' disputed border high in the Himalayas, with Chinese spokesmen demanding that Indian troops withdraw to avoid a clash potentially worse than the brief but bloody war the two fought in the region in 1962. China has also long been embroiled in a contest with Japan over East China Sea islands, as well as with five other governments over competing claims to territory in the strategically vital South China Sea. Beijing also threatens to use force to conquer Taiwan if peaceful enticements prove insufficient. China considers the self-governing democratic island Chinese territory. In his speech, Xi also emphasised that the military's highest loyalty is to the ruling Communist Party, underscoring the PLA's key role as regime preserver through crises such as the bloody suppression of 1989 pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen Square. Top Chinese leaders have consistently rejected calls to make the PLA loyal to the government and people instead. "The people's army will resolutely safeguard the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and our country's socialist system, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and resolutely safeguard regional and world peace," Xi said. While China formerly followed a strategy of "hide your strength", it has begun to indulge in more frequent, pointed demonstrations of its power. The speech followed a parade Sunday at a training ground on the edge of the Gobi Desert during which Xi donned fatigues and declared that the military has the "confidence and capability" to ensure China's sovereignty, security and national interests. Xi, who commands the PLA as chairman of the Central Military Commission, has frequently spoken of his "China Dream" to restore China to a leadership position in international affairs with a modern, far-reaching military force to match. The parade at the Zhurihe base in Inner Mongolia featured troops and advanced weaponry, and was another forceful indication of Xi's iron grip over the PLA and every other political power base within the party ahead of a pivotal congress this autumn that will award him a second five-year term as leader. That followed similarly high-profile military reviews in Beijing in 2015 and Hong Kong in June. Last week, Xi bestowed newly created "1 Aug" honors on servicemen in a further elevation of the armed forces' stature. In Hong Kong in June, Xi helmed the largest military parade there in decades to mark the 20th anniversary of the former British colony's handover to China. The country in December also sailed its first aircraft carrier near Taiwan, where the ruling political party has angered Beijing by refusing to acknowledge that both sides are part of "one China", AFP says. The ship was on its way to the South China Sea, where Beijing has pursued claims on territory despite partial counter-claims from nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam by building military facilities and conducting naval exercises. Xi and his predecessors engineered a radical upgrading of the PLA's capabilities through years of double-digit percentage increases in the defence budget, making China the world's second-largest military spender after the United States, although growth has slowed alongside a cooling of the overall economy. That has also spurred a global role for the PLA, which was formerly overwhelmingly preoccupied with securing China's territorial integrity. Alongside its blue-water navy, China is building its first overseas military base in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, and Chinese ships held drills last month with Russia's navy in the Baltic Sea, more than 10,000 kilometers from their home ports. With inputs from agencies It looks like Paytm is gearing up to foray into the instant messaging market. The mobile payment service is planning to build messaging functionality into its app, according to a latest report from the Wall Street Journal. One of the people familiar with the matter said that the feature could be rolled out as soon as two weeks. The messaging service in Paytm will allow users to send audio, video, pictures and texts, a person familiar to the matter told the publication. Paytm is said to be working on the messaging service since three months. The move comes from Paytm to garner more users towards its platform and increase user engagement. Backed by Japans SoftBank, Paytm currently have more than 225 million users. The company recently received a whopping $1.4 billion in funding from SoftBank to bolster its efforts in India. Meanwhile, popular messaging service WhatsApp has over 200 million monthly active users as of February in India. The Facebook owned messaging service recently crossed 1 billion daily active user milestone. WhatsApp is also gearing up to launch a UPI-based mobile payment service in India for its platform. Earlier in June, homegrown messaging app Hike Messenger tied up with Yes Bank for UPI and wallet service. Similarly, Truecaller partnered with ICICI bank to implement UPI-based payments. Samsung launched Samsung Pay mobile payments service in India in May. Digital payments in India will jump nearly 10 times by 2020 to $500 billion, according to a 2016 report by Boston Consulting Group. Source After posting press shots of the upcoming flagship Galaxy Note8 smartphones, @evleaks has posted the detailed specifications of the phone that reveals 12-megapixel dual rear cameras, one with wide-angle lens (f/1.7) and other one with telephoto lens (f/2.4) offering 2x optical zoom. It also reveals 6GB RAM and 3300mAh battery. It should have IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance and Iris scanner on the front, similar to the S8 series, even though these are not mentioned in the leak. [HTML1] Samsung Galaxy Note8 rumored specifications 6.3-inch Quad HD+ (2960 1440 pixels) Super AMOLED Infinity display with 522ppi, 18.5:9 aspect ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540 GPU / Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 9 Series 8895 processor with Mali-G71 MP20 GPU 6GB LPDDR4 RAM with 64GB storage (UFS 2.1), expandable memory with microSD Android 7.1 (Nougat) Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano / microSD) 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera with LED Flash, f/1.7 aperture, wide-angle lens, secondary 12MP camera with telephoto lens, f2.4 aperture, 2x optical zoom 8MP auto focus front-facing camera with f/1.7 aperture, wide-angle lens Water and dust resistant (IP68) Fingerprint Sensor, Iris scanner Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.6x 8.5mm 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4/5GHz), VHT80 MU-MIMO, Bluetooth v 5.0 (LE up to 2Mbps), GPS with GLONASS, USB 3.1, NFC, MST 3300mAh battery with fast charging both on wired and wireless (WPC and PMA) The Samsung Galaxy Note8 is expected to come in Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Grey and Deep Sea Blue colors and will be announced at the Galaxy Unpacked event on August 23. It is rumored to go on sale globally for about 999 Euros (US$ 1118 / 72120 approx.) in early September. Source A Palestinian-Syrian software pioneer has been executed in prison after being arrested five years ago by Syrian authorities in Damascus, his widow and colleagues said Wednesday, in what Amnesty International said was a "grim reminder of Syrian prison horrors." Noura Ghazi Safadi wrote on Facebook late Tuesday that she has received confirmation that security services executed Bassel Khartabil in October 2015 after torturing him in prison. Khartabil, who also went by the name Bassel Safadi, was a champion and leading contributor to Arabic Creative Commons, a framework for coding and legal rights that promotes the open distribution of software and ideas, according to his Lebanese friend Dana Trometer. He ran a software development workspace in Damascus, which was known to the Syrian authorities. Trometer says his trial was held in secret, and the cause for his arrest was never given. Khartabil was taken from the street in Damascus in March 2012 amid a wave of military arrests, Creative Commons said in a statement Wednesday confirming news of his execution. He was jailed for several years, during which time he was allowed to infrequently communicate with family members. Then, in October 2015, he was abruptly transferred to an undisclosed location and all communications with the outside world ceased, it said. Oussama Jarrousse, a Berlin-based colleague of Khartabil, said he was not only a highly skilled software developer but he was also knowledgeable in the policy side of the internet, and was well integrated with the international "Open Internet" community, like Wikipedia, Mozilla, Creative Commons, and had a good reputation among his international peers. "It takes years of hard work and effort to build such trust and relationships," he said. "We are deeply saddened and outraged at this awful news. Bassel Khartabil will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, who peacefully fought for freedom to the very end," said Anna Neistat, Amnesty International's senior director of research. In a statement, she said "his death is a grim reminder of the horrors that take place in Syrian prisons every day." "The tens of thousands of people currently locked away inside Syrian government detention facilities face torture, ill-treatment and extra-judicial executions. These cruel acts undoubtedly amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity," she said. The London-based watchdog said in a report earlier this year that Syrian authorities have killed at least 13,000 people since the start of the 2011 uprising in mass hangings at a prison north of Damascus known to detainees as "the slaughterhouse." The February report covered the period from 2011 to 2015, when Amnesty said 20-50 people were hanged each week at Saydnaya Prison in killings authorized by senior Syrian officials, including deputies of President Bashar Assad, and carried out by military police. The Syrian government rejected the Amnesty report and denied its findings. ___ Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb contributed to this report. Founded in 1993, Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) created the fast casual restaurant category. While the company has had tremendous growth serving customers great-tasting burritos made specifically to order, it's stumbled lately with food safety concerns due to E. Coli and norovirus, and even had a rodent incident in a store. I'll look back at the history of Chipotle starting from its first restaurant, its partnership with McDonald's, its IPO and growth phase, and how it's handled its latest issues. This history gives investors some perspective on this once Wall Street darling that is now is dealing with the biggest challenge in its history, fixing its reputation. 1993: Steve Ells and his "starter" restaurant Steve Ells, art history major, and a classically trained chef couldn't open the fine-dining restaurant he wanted to because he lacked the necessary funds. So he borrowed $85,000 from his father and opened his first restaurant in Denver that was influenced by his visit to a Mexican taqueria. Ells was impressed by the efficiency of the restaurant and the speed at which the line moved. He estimated the restaurant's financials on a napkin and decided this restaurant could be the "cash cow" he needed to fund the restaurant he really wanted to open. Ells made a menu influenced by his work at Stars, a high-end restaurant in San Francisco, known for its use of local, high quality, artisanal ingredients. The money from his father wasn't much, so to decorate he used light fixtures bought from a local hardware store, left the piping exposed and the floor as bare concrete. Plywood and stainless steel decor throughout was out of necessity to save money, but it also appealed to Ells' focus on food and matched his desire for the restaurant to emphasize the basics. Ells opened Chipotle after a night of marinating meats and making puree from chipotle. Even with no menu board, he and two prep cooks sold a few hundred dollars worth of burritos. The second day, sales doubled. Continued success encouraged Ells to open another restaurant. The second location had been a House of Pies that had a linear display line which made for an efficient way to serve customers. This layout became a key component of fast throughput (the rate at which customers are served), a critical success factor in the growth of Chipotle restaurants. These elements from the first few restaurants live on to what Chipotle is today: An inviting environment with a focus on high-quality food and a price tag to match, but with the efficiency and limited service of a fast-food establishment. The combination of these elements is now known as "fast casual." Ells borrowed $1.5 million from his father to open even more restaurants. Having tapped out Dad's wallet, his father encouraged Ells to seek outside investors. Getting rejected by the first 13 investment banking and venture capital firms, Ells became frustrated that he was spending too much time trying to raise money and not enough time running his restaurants. Ells was referred to McDonald's by a friend of his and this started the next chapter of the Chipotle story. 1998-2006: Chipotle's McPartner Ells was invited to make burritos and tacos for the McDonald's board of directors, which they loved. McDonald's spent some time doing due diligence and negotiating with Ells, and eventually, McDonald's made an initial investment in Chipotle. McDonald's growth had been stalling and the company was trying to convince Wall Street that it was still a growth company. The company's purchase of Chipotle was the first of diversification efforts that eventually included Boston Market, Donatos, Pret A Manger, and Fazoli's. McDonald's helped Chipotle in the areas of distribution systems, real-estate expertise, construction knowledge, and organization structures. Many times McDonald's would offer suggestions such as drive-throughs, breakfast, and adding "fresh" to its name. Ells was stubborn and politely rejected these suggestions keeping the Chipotle brand intact and clearly separate from McDonald's. Eventually, the relationship ended. Over the seven years McDonald's owned Chipotle, the company invested over $360 million, which enabled Ells to grow from 14 Chipotle restaurants in the Denver area to 489 stores in 21 states. Chipotle went public in January 2006, starting the next phase of Chipotle's growth with Steve Ells at the helm as CEO. 2006-2015: Growing fast and food with integrity The fast casual concept that Ells created was highly replicable, very profitable, customers loved the food and would wait in lines out the door to get a great tasting burrito. Despite slowing growth during the 2008-2009 recession, the company performed extraordinarily until 2015. Chipotle quadrupled the number of stores, increased revenue per store from $1.3 million to $2.5 million and the stock price climbed from a closing price of $44 in its IPO to over $754 in August 2015. The company even exploited the efficient operational model and expanded into an Asian food concept called Shophouse, and a pizza concept called Pizzeria Locale. CMG data by YCharts During this period, Chipotle was obsessed with throughput. An example of that obsession was the fact that Ells worked with engineers over four years to make the perfect tortilla warmer. When it was finally finished Ells said, In Q2-2015, throughput was starting to stall, so Monty Moran, then co-CEO, held a national throughput competition to see which stores could serve the most customers in an hour. Chipotle eventually was able to serve 350 customers in one hour in its most efficient stores. Chipotle's mission of "food with integrity" grew in importance during this time. Management described the initiative in its S-1 filing to go public this way: Since then, the company's efforts have expanded to include local sourcing, organic produce, naturally raised meats, and removal of GMOs, preservatives, and artificial colors. Today the company details every single one of its ingredients on its website from where they are sourced to how they are raised. While it seemed that Chipotle could do no wrong, all this success came to a screeching halt at the end of 2015 and early 2016 when the restaurant experienced two E. coli outbreaks and a norovirus event. 2015-2016: E. coli and norovirus In October 2015, Chipotle experienced the first of two E. coli outbreaks that infected 60 people and hospitalized 22. A norovirus event in December of that year affected 141 Boston College students. Many customers stopped coming to the restaurants and, as a result, costs went up due to lower throughput and high-cost food safety initiatives. Average restaurant sales decreased over the next five quarters dropping to an annual run rate of $1.87 million in Q4 2016, a number which hadn't been seen since 2010. Store level costs increased from a healthy 73% of revenue to an anemic 87%. Chipotle recorded its first ever loss in Q1-2016. My colleague Dan Klein wrote a comprehensive article covering everything Chipotle implemented as a result of the outbreaks. While much had been done, in December 2016, CEO Steve Ells publicly shared his frustration with the progress of the company's recovery and dissatisfaction "with the quality of experience in some of our restaurants." He indicated over half his restaurants would earn a grade of a "C" or worse. Several days later, Ells announced that co-CEO Monty Moran, and his friend since high school, would resign and give up his board seat. 2017: Now what? With Moran out of the picture, Ells quickly dismantled many of the initiatives that Moran put in place and implemented a new simpler bonus program for store managers that focuses on only five metrics within their control. Ells didn't stop there. He is introducing new menu items including a dessert and queso, bringing in technology improvements, and he has hired a Chief Restaurant Officer, all with the goal of getting customers back in the door and improving operations. While the management actions and the Q1 earnings report were encouraging, it would likely take several years for Chipotle to get back to peak sales volume of 2015, but that was before recent events. Another norovirus incident and mice captured on video in a store in Texas has dropped the stock even further and may point to a larger problem at the company. Ells has defied the odds to build this company from a single restaurant to over 2,300 today and knows that having a one-star reputation doesn't bring customers in the door. Given the challenges he's overcome in the past, it's clear that he won't rest until Chipotle customers are lining up outside the door to eat at his restaurants again. 10 stocks we like better than Chipotle Mexican GrillWhen 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.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Chipotle Mexican Grill wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of July 6, 2017 Brian Withers owns shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The family of two people fatally shot outside the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas, has settled a lawsuit with Walmart over one of the guns used in the shooting. The Kansas City Star reports the settlement's terms between Walmart and the family of William Corporon and his grandson, Reat Underwood, are confidential. The two were killed in April 2014 by F. Glenn Miller Jr., who was trying to kill Jews. He also killed Terri LaManno at a nearby care center. None of the victims was Jewish. The lawsuit contends at least one Walmart employee was present when another man bought the shotgun used to kill Corporon and Underwood at a Walmart in Republic, Missouri. Miller could not buy a gun because he was a felon. A similar lawsuit filed by LaManno's family is pending. ___ Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com The Latest on a power outage to two Outer Banks islands (all times local): 9:15 p.m. Officials say they now hope to restore power fully to North Carolina's Outer Banks by Monday. Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative said Tuesday that crews have finished putting up poles and are starting the process of connecting the current underground line to the new overhead poles. The utility said in a news release that the process must be done carefully and tested fully. Officials said in a news release that they hope to have all power restored on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands sometime between Saturday and Monday. A crew from PCL Construction building a new bridge over the Oregon Inlet cut an underground power cable Thursday. Generators can only produce so much power, leaving officials to order tourists to stay away during the busy summer season. ___ 11:40 a.m. Lawsuits are pending against a construction company blamed for a power outage on North Carolina's Outer Banks, forcing visitors off the beaches and leaving tourist-dependent businesses without income. At least three lawsuits filed this week seek compensation from PCL Construction. Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday he believes the company responsible should pay for damages once all the facts are known. Lawsuits filed in state and federal courts say the company building the long-needed replacement bridge over Oregon Inlet was negligent and should pay for the financial losses suffered by businesses at the peak of vacation season. About 50,000 tourists were forced to leave Ocracoke and Hatteras islands after last Thursday's outage and repairs are continuing. The company didn't respond to messages seeking its response to the lawsuits. American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) on Wednesday said Qatar Airways announcement that it would drop a bid to invest in its commercial air rival "in no way changes the course" for the U.S. carrier. We respect Qatar Airways decision not to proceed with its proposed investment in American Airlines. This in no way changes the course for American," a company spokesman said in a statement. "Our 120,000 team members remain energized and focused on taking care of those who entrust us with their travel needs. We couldnt be more excited to keep our focus on that mission. Qatar expressed interest last June in purchasing a minority stake in American Airlines worth as much as 10% of the company. In announcing its reversal, Qatar Airways said it would look for other investment opportunities in the United States. "Further review of the proposed financial investment, taking into account the latest public disclosure of American Airlines, has demonstrated that the investment no longer meets our objectives," Qatar Airways said. American Airlines executives had balked at Qatars proposed investment amid an ongoing dispute between the two entities. The U.S. airline argues that Qatar Airways and two other Gulf-based carriers use illegal government subsidies to gain an unfair advantage over competitors. Parker told employees in June that company officials werent particularly excited about Qatars proposed investment and vowed that any outside investment would not affect its commitment to doing what is right for our team members, our customers and all of our shareholders. In a recent conference call, American Airlines Executive Vice President Stephen Johnson said the company would resume its efforts to push Congress to address its claim after its August recess. Gov. Charlie Baker made a last-ditch effort Wednesday to put a weekend sales tax holiday on the summer calendar, but legislative leaders quickly appeared to throw cold water on the idea. Baker, a Republican, filed a bill that would suspend the state's 6.25 percent sales tax Aug. 19-20. "The sales tax holiday gives consumers a much-needed break and supports business across the Commonwealth for our hardworking retailers," the governor said. "We look forward to working with the Legislature to make this important weekend possible, so the Commonwealth can shop local and make purchases tax free." Massachusetts held sales tax holidays in all but one year from 2004 to 2015. But a slump in state revenues prompted lawmakers to forego the holiday last year, and one has not been scheduled this year despite strong support from retailers who say the tax-free weekend provides a welcome boost to generally soft summer sales. Baker previously expressed support for reviving the sales tax holiday, but until Wednesday had not filed his own legislation or actively pushed the Democratic-controlled Legislature to consider similar bills filed earlier by Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate. In separate statements, neither House Speaker Robert DeLeo nor Senate President Stan Rosenberg explicitly ruled out acting on the governor's bill, but both referenced the state's tenuous finances. "Each year our hope is to hold a sales tax holiday to give our hardworking citizens and local businesses a boost, which is why the House votes consistently in favor of the sales tax holiday whenever revenues allow," the speaker said. "This year, (the state) experienced unpredicted revenue shortfalls and accordingly, the Legislature had to make significant budget cuts to programs and services." The governor's proposal would be given a public hearing, Rosenberg said, but added, "The Commonwealth's fiscal situation has not really changed." The House and Senate are in August recess with no formal sessions scheduled until after Labor Day. Bills can be passed during informal sessions, but under legislative rules, the objections of even a single lawmaker could stop a bill from advancing during such an informal meeting. The state Department of Revenue has estimated the tax-free weekend costs the state $26 million in sales tax revenue it would otherwise take in, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts has questioned those assumptions and pointed to the other economic benefits of bringing shoppers to local stores and malls on a summer weekend. Baker filed his legislation one day after the retailers group, stung by the steady migration of consumers to online shopping, announced it would launch a ballot campaign to lower the sales tax to 5 percent or 4.5 percent and establish a permanent sales tax holiday. Who are you going to trust when it comes to what's best for the flying public? Members of Congress or the hero of the Miracle on the Hudson, retired Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger? Proponents of privatizing air traffic control, a top priority of President Donald Trump, face fierce resistance from some Republicans, many Democrats and various advocacy groups who have a forceful voice: Sullenberger, the pilot who managed to land an airliner in the Hudson River without the loss of a single life after the plane lost thrust in both engines. Privatization plus another proposal that would make it easier for co-pilots to get academic credit for certification have drawn congressional opposition and stalled efforts to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, a must-do for Congress by Sept. 30. Sullenberger said he considers the legislative proposals an attempt to boost the bottom lines of the airlines at the expense of the public. He's speaking out, knowing that the actions he and his crew took that January day in 2009 have given them a bully pulpit with the American public. "They trust us," said Sullenberger, most recently portrayed on film by actor Tom Hanks. "They know we're experts at what we're talking about." Republicans opposed to privatization recognize they have a flying ace to make their case. "No man was better when it came to safety standards. And then he demonstrated it that day, that he knew what he was talking about," said Rep. Steve Russell, R-Okla. "I think we need to take pause, and take a step back, and listen." The push for privatization of air traffic control operations has some powerful backers, but supporters still have more convincing to do to secure a vote in the House. GOP leaders have delayed a vote until after the August recess. The bill's backers argue that Washington budget dysfunction and the FAA's ineffective contract management have hindered the agency's efforts to keep pace with technology. Major projects consistently exceed cost estimates and fall behind schedule, including a critical move to satellite-based navigation and digital communications, which will reduce airport delays. They want an entity that operates more like a business. "We cannot let a broken government structure and old-fashion Washington bureaucracy drag down a proud American tradition," said Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the bill's primary sponsor. The new, non-profit would be run by a 13-member board of directors representing the numerous stakeholders invested in the nation's skies. Meanwhile, the FAA would continue to serve as a safety regulator. Many foreign countries have gone the privatization route, including Canada, Germany and Britain. Sullenberger stresses that the nation is experiencing a golden age in flight safety with no fatal commercial airline crashes in more than eight years. "The FAA is not broken," said Sullenberger, who added, "What this proposal does is take an extreme solution to a non-problem." Sullenberger argues that privatization would allow a corporate monopoly heavily influenced by the major airlines to manage the nation's skies. It would make key investment decisions that could put profits over safety and reduce access for the general aviation community, which includes company jets, recreational pilots and agriculture sprayers. "It gives the keys of the kingdom to the four largest airlines," Sullenberger said. "I can guarantee you the four largest airlines don't always have the interests of the traveling public in mind." Exhibit A, he said, is the shrinking seat sizes that airlines are incorporating in their planes. Still, unions representing commercial airline pilots and air traffic control workers have endorsed privatization. Patricia Gilbert, executive vice president at the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said the lack of stable and predictable funding from Congress has contributed to antiquated air towers and equipment, and a shortage of air traffic control workers. "All of those things need a focus," Gilbert said. "And we're not seeing that." Backers also say the board is too diversified for any one aspect of the aviation community to dominate it. A Senate bill reauthorizing aviation programs ignores the privatization issue. Democratic lawmakers called it a non-starter, and some Republican lawmakers from rural states are also wary. But the bill seeks changes in the training requirements for co-pilots. Supporters see it as a way to ease a pilot shortage faced by smaller, regional airlines. But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has threatened to block the entire FAA bill if the provision is included. After the nation's last fatal commercial airline crash in February 2009, Congress required that any pilot operating as a first officer, or co-pilot, with an air carrier would need a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience. The prior threshold had been what Sullenberger calls an "insanely low" minimum of 250 hours." The bill would expand the type of training that could be credited toward the 1,500 hours. Sullenberger said he feared that people watching videos in hotel ballrooms would be able to count that experience. He contends that the worst-run regional airlines are having the biggest trouble recruiting pilots. He said the nation shouldn't lower its standards to address their concerns. "If we were having a problem attracting primary-care physicians, would we suggest the solution was to reduce medical school a year or two?" Sullenberger asked. ___ On Twitter, reach Kevin Freking at https://twitter.com/APkfreking Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, as surging U.S. fuel demand and strong refinery runs offset data from the Energy Department that showed crude inventories did not fall as much as expected last week. Crude inventories in the United States fell by 1.5 million barrels in the week to July 28, the Energy Information Administration said, about half the decline analysts had expected. However, the report also showed estimated weekly gasoline demand at a record high 9.842 million barrels. Brent crude futures ended the session up 1.1 percent, or 58 cents, at $52.36 a barrel after hitting a session low of $51.18. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.9 percent to settle at $49.59 a barrel, after falling to a low of $48.55 earlier in the session. Strong refinery runs continued to boost demand for crude. Refinery crude runs rose by 123,000 barrels per day last week, EIA data showed. "I would expect the bulls to re-assert control over the market after the initial knee-jerk lower," David Thompson, executive vice president at Powerhouse, an energy-specialized commodities broker in Washington. "Despite the week-to-week move lower in distillate demand, comparing the rolling four-week average of this year to last, distillate demand is running a whopping 14.5 percent over the same period last year." HollyFrontier Corp said it plans to run its five refineries at or slightly above their combined capacity of 457,000 barrels per day (bpd) in third quarter. Petromatrix strategist Olivier Jakob said Wednesday's price rise had more to do with technical trading than fundamentals. "We are trading around the 200-day moving average and I think that is where a lot of the action of the last two days has been," Jakob said. Brent futures fell below their 200-day moving average on Monday, but by Wednesday managed to vault above this trendline, last around $51.84 a barrel. Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday, and have come under pressure in recent sessions on news top oil producing countries may be boosting output. OPEC oil output rose in July to a 2017 high, a Reuters survey found, led by a further recovery in supply from Libya, one of the countries exempt from a production-cutting deal. Iran's oil exports also increased. Russia's oil output stood at 10.95 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, unchanged for a third month and in line with its pledge to curb production, government data showed on Wednesday. Energy consultancy Douglas Westwood predicted that the oil market glut will return next year and last until 2021. "Oversupply will actually return in 2018. This is due to the start-up of fields sanctioned prior to the downturn," said Steve Robertson, head of research for global oilfield services at Douglas Westwood. (By Devika Krishna Kumar; Additional reporting by Amanda Cooper in London, Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Bernadette Baum, David Gregorio and Frances Kerry) Jaguar fur on a 47-year-old coat has prompted a federal case in which prosecutors accuse an Alabama clothing consignment shop of violating the Endangered Species Act. The shop, which does business as Hertha's Second Edition, ran afoul of the federal act by selling a fur coat to someone in Biloxi, Mississippi, prosecutors said in a criminal complaint filed this week in the Southern District of Alabama. The coat was made partly from the hide of a jaguar, authorities said. A widower had brought the coat into the consignment shop after his wife had died, said lawyer T. Jefferson Deen III, who represents the business. Because the coat is so old, it was legal to have as long as it was kept in Alabama, Deen said. But the buyer ended up being a government agent, who had put in an offer for the coat that was higher than others were asking and enticed the store to sell it across the state line a violation of federal law, the defense lawyer said. Hertha's Second Edition is described on its website as an upscale resale shop, with locations in Mobile and nearby Fairhope, Alabama. The case is unusual, but not unprecedented in the vintage clothing business. Last March in San Francisco, prosecutors charged the owner of a vintage clothing store with trying to sell coats and other items made of endangered species, including jaguar and snow leopard. Cicely Ann Hansen, 68, was charged with nine misdemeanor counts of illegal possession for sale of an endangered species. Hansen owns Decades of Fashion, a popular vintage clothing store in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Hansen denied the allegations during a court appearance, and told reporters she had believed it was legal to sell fur clothes made before the Endangered Species Act took effect in the early 1970s. The Alabama complaint provides no further details on the jaguar or the clothing at issue, but says the coat was sold sometime between Jan. 13 and Feb. 6. An initial court appearance has been scheduled for Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Mobile. The charge is a felony and is punishable by up to one year in prison. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy U.S. President Donald Trump is close to a decision on how to respond to what he considers China's unfair trade practices, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday. Trump is considering encouraging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to initiate an investigation of Chinese trade practices under the 1974 Trade Act's section 301, the official said. An announcement could come as early as this week, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the president to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions to protect U.S. industries from "unfair trade practices" of foreign countries, such as trade agreement violations, or "discriminatory" actions that burden U.S. commerce. The United States has a long list of grievances about China on trade, including accusations of steel dumping and theft of U.S. intellectual property. China has said that trade between China and the United States benefits both sides and that Beijing is willing to work with Washington to improve their trade relationship. Trump has long been a critic of Chinese trade practices but his interest in penalizing Beijing has risen because of his concern at what he perceives to be Chinese inaction on reining in increasingly belligerent North Korea. The United States has pressed China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to help rein in its nuclear and missile programs. Beijing has repeatedly said its influence on North Korea is limited and that it is doing all it can. A senior Chinese official said on Monday there was no link between North Korea's nuclear program and China-U.S. trade. Susan Thornton, acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia, told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that new U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing North Korean's weapons programs, including measures aimed at Chinese financial institutions, could be expected "fairly soon." Section 301 was used extensively in the 1980s to combat Japanese imports of motorcycles, steel and other products - an era during which Lighthizer served as deputy U.S. trade representative. The statute has been little used since the World Trade Organization was launched in 1995. The WTO provides a forum for resolving trade disputes, but Lighthizer and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have complained that it is extremely slow, often taking years to reach a conclusion, and that the Geneva-based organization has an inherent anti-U.S. bias. Both China's Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Michigan's governor Rick Snyder in Beijing on Tuesday, where he said the common interests of China and the United States were bigger than any disputes. "China welcomes U.S. states, including Michigan, to ... enhance bilateral trade and investment, ... and consolidate and expand cooperative consensus to create better development opportunities and jobs for both countries' peoples," Li told Snyder, according to a Chinese government statement. "The Trump administration believes in free and fair trade and will use every available tool to counter the protectionism of those who pledge allegiance to free trade while violating its core principles," Ross said in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on Tuesday. He tried to refute arguments that the Trump administration was taking a protectionist stance, saying that both China and Europe were more protectionist because they subsidized export industries and had "formidable tariff and non-tariff trade barriers against imports." "China is not a market economy. The Chinese government creates national champions and takes other actions that significantly distort markets," Ross wrote. "Responding to such actions with trade remedies is not protectionist." (Additional reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Andrew Hay, Peter Cooney & Shri Navaratnam) Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled a plan to level the playing field for American workers by creating new trade deals that put domestic workers first as part of their A Better Deal agenda, employing language reminiscent of President Donald Trumps campaign rallies. When put on a level playing field, American workers are the most competitive in the world. However, Americas trade policies are not working for many working families and small businesses, Wednesdays release read. From challenging unfair trade practices by foreign countries, like China to renegotiating NAFTA to ensure greater market access for U.S. exports, especially agricultural to instituting Buy America requirements for all taxpayer-funded projects and cracking down on currency manipulation, the Democrats have honed in on many of the issues average Americans appeared to show concern about in the 2016 election cycle where trade is concerned. While the Trump administration has committed to renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, ordered investigations into unfair trade practices and currency manipulation, Senate Democrats claimed Wednesday the Trump White House has been all talk, no action. "The problem is President Trump has talked a good game and done virtually nothing on trade but study it," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said during a press conference on Wednesday. "So we need action and if President Trump wants to work with us to get these things done, good, because we need a better deal for American workers, period." Last week, the Democrats unveiled their A Better Deal economic agenda, which advocates for higher wages, better jobs, lower every day expenses and retraining the workforce to equip employees with the tools they need to succeed in a changing labor market. *This article has been updated with comments from Diane Blacks campaign team Republicans will be spending big bucks in Tennessee for the GOP governor primary this election cycle as Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn), House Budget Committee Chair, enters the race. Black was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2010, and has been a consistent supporter of President Donald Trump both during and after his election. Black most recently became the first female to chair the House Budget Committee. In Blacks announcement advertisement released today, she highlights her commitment to pro-life legislation, wasteful spending cuts, border security and her leadership as Chairman of the House Budget Committee. This governors race is expected to be the most expensive in Tennessee history after 2010. The previous record holder was Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Haslam. Haslam spent $16.7 million during his GOP Primary and spent $3.49 million out of his own pocket. The democratic challenger in this race was Mike McWherter whose campaign spent $3.4 million dollars, according to the Times Free Press. Black is considered to be amongst the wealthiest members of Congress with a personal net worth of $150 million, as reported by The Tennesseean, despite having just $14,000 in cash on hand for her campaign. She enters the race alongside other millionaires, such as Randy Boyd, founder of Radio Systems Corporation and Bill Lee, former CEO of Lee Company. Boyd, according to The Chattanoogan, reportedly raised $2.3 million in campaign donations and has contributed another $2 million himself. Lee, according to the Daily News Journal, has reportedly raised $1.375 million and matched that donation giving him total of $2.5 million in the bank for the governors race so far. Along with Blacks deep pockets, she is also counting on her toughness to win votes. Throughout the ad, Black asserts that she does not back down from a fight even when it involves members of her own party. I wasnt afraid to stand up to the weak-kneed people in my own party, when I had to, Black states in the ad. Black is most likely referring to her time as a Tennessee State Senator when she led the fight against a state income tax, which many Republicans in the Tennessee State Legislature were in favor of at the time. Black ultimately won that battle and the legislation did not pass. Blacks campaign team tells FOX Business that she will still carry out her duties in the House of Representatives. "She is committed to helping President Trump and completing the work on the conservative House Budget that she passed in her committee with unanimous support," said Blacks campaign advisor Lance Frizzell. Black was raised in Maryland public housing and raised three kids as a single mom, working the night shift as a nurse, before meeting her husband Dr. David Black. Black, to this day, keeps up her nursing license. If elected, she will become the first female governor of the state of Tennessee, but will first have to beat out Tennessee State House Speaker, Beth Harwell and Tennessee State Senator Mae Beavers, who are also running. Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean is the only Democrat to have officially announced at this time. Nuclear Showdown author Gordon Chang on Wednesday said the Trump administration should put more sanctions on Chinese banks, in order to convince them to keep North Korea under control. Once the president unplugs a big Chinese bank thats all he needs to do because then Xi Jinping, the Chinese ruler, realizes hes actually got to come to the party on trade, North Korea, South China Sea, you name it. Because putting Chinese banks into the tank, thats the end of the Chinese economy, he told FOX Business Neil Cavuto. Chang explained how China would have no problem keeping North Korea under control, if it so desired. More than 90 percent of North Koreas two-way trade is with China, 92 percent last year. China supplies more than 90 percent of North Koreas crude oil, much of it on concessionary terms. But the most important thing China supplies to the North Korean regime is confidence, confidence that they are safe from the international community. If China were to signal that they were withdrawing support, you would see the people around Kim Jong-un start to scatter, he said. President Donald Trump touted Foxconns $10 billion deal to build its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Wisconsin during a press conference on Wednesday, once again hinting the investment could end up being worth triple that amount. Foxconn is going to spend $10 billion in Wisconsin and other places. And I think the $10 billion is going to end up being $30 billion. They make the iPhones for Apple and others and it is a truly incredible company, Trump said. On Tuesday, Trump said Foxconns founder Terry Gou told him last week that the companys investment would be closer to $30 billion, in a private, off the record statement. However, the Taiwanese electronics giant has refused to say whether that claim is true. Foxconn reiterated in a statement Wednesday that the Wisconsin plant "will be the first of a series of facilities we will be building in several states." It did not address Trump's statement about the total investment amount or Trump's claims that Gou told it to him in confidence. "We have not yet announced our investment plans for other sites," Foxconn said in the statement. "We will provide an update as soon as we have finalized those plans." Gou previously said that Foxconn was considering locating in seven states before Trump announced last week that a massive liquid crystal display monitors plant would be going to Wisconsin. Other states that Foxconn said it was looking at were Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. Foxconn is the world's largest contract maker of electronics, with factories across mainland China. It's best known for making iPhones and other Apple devices but its long list of customers includes Sony Corp., Dell Inc. and BlackBerry Ltd. The new plant in Wisconsin, which is scheduled to open in 2020 with 3,000 employees, will construct liquid crystal display monitors used in televisions and computers. It would bring Foxconn closer to its biggest market and be the first LCD monitor factory located outside of Asia. The Wisconsin Legislature is considering a $3 billion incentive package that must be passed by the end of September as part of the deal with Foxconn. A public hearing on the proposal was scheduled for Thursday, just six days after a draft of the plan was released and eight days after news of the state's deal with Foxconn broke. Republicans who control the Legislature are split on how quickly to pass the bill, with state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald saying there are too many unanswered questions about the tax breaks that must be addressed before a vote. Some Democrats and others have questioned whether the incentives are too much, while also raising concerns about the proposed waiving of state environmental permit requirements and other regulations to speed up construction. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Democratic and Republican U.S. governors on Wednesday urged the Trump administration, as well as Congress, to continue funding payments to health insurance companies that make Obamacare plans affordable, calling it critical to stabilizing the insurance marketplace. In a statement, governors joined insurers pressuring Republican President Donald Trump to stand down from threats to cut off about $8 billion in subsidies that help keep down costs for low-income Americans under the Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature domestic initiative also referred to as Obamacare. "The Administration has the opportunity to stabilize the health insurance market across our nation and ensure that our residents can continue to access affordable health care coverage," said the statement by the Health and Human Services Committee of the National Governors Association. "A first critical step ... is to fully fund CSRs (cost-sharing reduction payments) for the remainder of calendar year 2017 through 2018," the statement said, adding this was needed in the short-term as Congress and the administration address long-term reform efforts. The committee is led by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, a Republican. Earlier this year, the governors sent a letter calling on Congress to fully fund the cost-sharing payments. Insurers are in the process of finalizing 2018 premium rates for the individual Obamacare market, with many saying their decision hinges on government guarantees for the cost-sharing subsidies. Anthem Inc, one of the largest sellers of these plans in 2017, has pared back offerings or mostly exited five states including California and may exit more. Others, like Medicaid specialist Centene Corp, have filled in the gaps as Anthem and other insurers have left behind bare counties. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney told CNN on Wednesday the administration was still considering whether to end the cost-sharing subsidies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called on Trump to make the cost-sharing payments in the near term, while the Senate's health committee works on an insurance market stabilization package. "President Trump continues to treat this critical program as if it's some kind of political hostage," after Republicans failed last week to pass their own repeal or replacement of Obamacare, Schumer said. An appeals court has allowed a group of Democratic state attorneys general to defend the subsidy payments in a case filed by the Republican-led House of Representatives, potentially making it more difficult for the administration to settle the case. (Reporting by Susan Cornwell, Caroline Humer and Susan Heavey; Editing by Tom Brown) Summer Phoenix has filed for divorce from husband Casey Affleck, according to E! News. The couple announced they were separating after 10 years of marriage in March 2016. A rep for Affleck told E! at the time the split was amicable. It appears the pair were not able to work things out and Phoenix cited "irreconcilable differences" in her divorce filing. Affleck and Phoenix married in 2006 after becoming engaged in 2003. They share two sons together, Indiana and Atticus. Affleck has recently faced intense public scrutiny around a past civil sexual harassment lawsuit. He made headlines after reports of two women filing lawsuits against him for sexual assault on the set of the 2009 film "I'm Still Here." Both suits were settled out of court. Affleck only addressed the allegations in March 2017 in a statement to the Boston Globe. "I believe that any kind of mistreatment of anyone for any reason is unacceptable and abhorrent, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace and anywhere else," Affleck said. "There's really nothing I can do about it other than live my life the way I know I live it and to speak to what my own values are and how I try to live by them all the time." The Associated Press contributed to this report. MTV canceled Mondays premiere party for its new show Siesta Key after one of its stars received death threats, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Alex Kompothecras, of Sarasota, Fla., and his father Dr. Gary Kompothecras received death threats before the party, according to the newspaper. Gary Kompothecras told the paper Monday's party was shut down as a result. A Facebook page labeled Boycott Siesta Key MTV was formed after social media users discovered that the younger Kompothecras was reportedly friends with one or more of the men involved in a viral video that showed a shark being violently dragged through the water behind a boat. The shark was ripped into pieces and the men were accused of abusing an animal. Florida Gov. Rick Scott called the video incredibly disturbing and said it showed brutality and disrespect to the animals." There were also reports of a protest at the premiere party that was slated to be held at CineBistro in Sarasota. Tune in to @MTV tonight at 10/9c to watch my cute sis & her friends on the premier of @SiestaKey! I'm so excited for you Kels #SiestaKey pic.twitter.com/QCaayNQV64 Cait Seidel (@caitseidel) July 31, 2017 "Over the past few days, the connection between the production and the Siesta Key show and the horrific videos and photos of animal abuse have come to light," the Facebook event page said. FLORIDA GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT CALLS SHARK-DRAGGING VIDEO INCREDIBLY DISTURBING The names of the men were not immediately released by investigators. The show follows eight young people and the adventures the group goes through in Siesta Key. Northwestern ship skipper Sig Hansen learned if his heart would go on during Tuesday night's episode of "Deadliest Catch." On last week's show, doctors in St. Paul Island, Alaska, recommended that Hansen take a Medevac plane to Anchorage for more comprehensive tests on his ticker. The drama had unfolded for Hansen after he had felt chest pains during a stressful storm at sea. As fans of the Discovery Channel show know, Hansen nearly died after suffering a heart attack last year and couldn't take any chances. In St. Paul Island, Hansen's EKG test "came back inconclusive," his brother Edgar told the cameras. "They thought it might be the onset of another heart attack." At the hospital in Anchorage, Sig got six hours of medical tests as his wife June worried. The doctor said the stress test didn't look normal -- but there was good news. "The heart looks like it's doing well," the physician said. Hansen phoned his brother and said with relief, "I think it was a false alarm." But Hansen's health problem means the Northwestern had to be docked; the Hansens had lost time and money. Edgar thought he might have to take the wheel and leave without his captain brother. But Hansen rushed back on a flight to St. Paul and elaborated more to Edgar, saying, "There was no sign of a heart attack happening." And Hansen got the usual advice: "Start taking care of yourself [and] it won't happen again." Also on the episode, Sean Dwyer got angry when Wild Bill Wichrowski's son Zack Larson, whom he had hired to help him fish cod, bullied an older crew man. Veteran fisherman Craig Leake had a rotator cuff injury which meant he didn't do the hard work the younger guys did on the deck of the Brenna A. "Craig can't really do this job anymore. It's a young man's game out there," Larson sneered. And another crew man said of Leake, "F--- that old guy." Larson even suggested to Leake that he should take a pay cut because he couldn't keep up with the others! After Leake made an old school lasso to rope a pot, but failed to pull it up, Larson told the cameras he put a burden on the team: "He can't do the physical things." Leake was mocked on the deck by Larson and the other young men. Dwyer overheard Larson's bullying comments and felt they disrespected him as a captain, too. The young skipper gathered everyone on deck and told them to stop. He warned them not to "belittle a guy to get him to leave. That's not how things roll around here.it you don't see the big picture, that's an insult to me. "Know your role, shut your hole," Dwyer said. Larson's own father, Wichrowski, used to criticize his son at sea. And on the Tuesday episode, viewers also saw Wichrowski calling an older crew member an idiot on his boat -- the Sumer Bay. Larson snarled at a producer to get lost -- but later, had a heart to heart with his boss Dwyer and admitted he'd been out of line. "Don't become your fatherthe man you can't stand," Dwyer said. Larson told Dwyer he was sorry for behaving badly. He recalled his dad Wichrowski was often tough on his crew and sighed, "Here I'm doing it to someone else." Zack apologized to Leake and the two shook hands. The hit soap opera Dynasty will return after almost 30 years off the air and it will take things even further than its 1980s predecessor. The new "Dynasty," which will air on the CW, aims to "kick it up a notch," according Elizabeth Gillies, who plays Fallon Carrington, daughter of wealthy industrialist Blake Carrington, on the show. Gillies spoke to press on Wednesday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour to promote the show. She was accompanied by producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, known for their work on shows likeThe O.C. and Gossip Girl. Schwartz and Savage said they coordinated with original Dynasty producers Esther and Richard Shapiro while working on the reboot. They talked a lot about family and the idea of whatever villainous things the characters in the show do that they never stop loving each other," Savage told reporters. He explained the Shapiros pressed that the characters sense of family was "the central thing that held the show together for all those years Savage said the show will also address modern issues such as politics, culture and climate change. He explained, There's so much going on and we think the show can really be a part of the conversation. Gillies told TV critics that her character is "as feisty as ever" and that she loves Fallon's strength. "Fallon doesn't want to be a rock star. She wants to be CEO, Gillies said, emphasizing Savages point that the show will have a modern spin. The reboot, like the original, follows the Carringtons and the Colbys two wealthy American families as they fight over fortune and control of their children. The show mainly focuses on Fallon and her soon-to-be stepmother, Cristal, played by Nathalie Kelley. Kelleys character was originally portrayed by Linda Evers. For the reboot, producers changed the original spelling of Krystle to Cristal. This is the thing that is very true to the original, she said of the character. Cristal loves [her fiance] Blake; she is not in it for the money. Fallon may see her as a gold digger but she really isnt. Gillies played a strong woman on FX's "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll." But on that show, her character was rough around the edges, while Fallon is refined. Emma Samms and Pamela Sue Martin played Fallon while the series ran on ABC. I didnt want to imitate either of the actresses who played Fallon [in the past] I wanted to bring my own thing to her, she insisted. Schwartz said the competition between Fallon and Cristal is complex. "They're not just vying for Blake's love as the father or the husband but they want to run this business. Dynasty premieres October 11th on the CW. The original show ran on ABC from 1981-1989. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Before Donald Trump became the President of the United States, he was allegedly in serious talks to play one in the famed Syfy TV movie series, Sharknado. David Latt, the co-founder of The Asylum the company that churns out the iconic films, told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that in January 2015, Trump was slated to star as the president of Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! Latt divulged to THR, The Donald said yes. He was thrilled to be asked." However, things changed according to Latt who claimed Trumps personal counsel, Michael D. Cohen, reached out to say Trump was considering to run for POTUS. Latt said of the exchange with Cohen, "Donald's thinking about making a legitimate run for the presidency, so we'll get back to you. This might not be the best time." While Trump was their first choice, they had to cast the role and went with Mark Cuban. Latt contends Cohen was not pleased. Then we immediately heard from Trump's lawyer. He basically said, 'How dare you? Donald wanted to do this. We're going to sue you! We're going to shut the entire show down!' But Cohen disagrees with the account telling THR that he had a dinner with the films star Ian Ziering but did not recall that interaction. Fox News reached out to President Trump and David Latt but did not receive comment. A pair of Chick-fil-A customers in Florida were unsatisfied with their local restaurants service so they decided to trash the place on their way out. The incident took place on Monday night at a Chick-fil-A in the River City neighborhood of Jacksonville, Fla., according to Allison Music, a witness who shared footage of the ordeal on Facebook. In her post, Music explained that she was waiting for an order at Chick-fil-A when she saw a teenage boy arguing about his order with the staff for a good 15 or 20 mins. She also said the manager had locked up the store in response. 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT CHICK-FIL-A Soon afterward, a pair of women began beating on the locked door of the restaurant, and even broke one of the door handles before entering through another set of doors, Music claimed. The two women then proceed to start yelling and arguing with the workers, who were already on the phone with police. Music didnt say specifically what the two women were angry about, but in the posts accompanying footage, they can be heard trying to obtain a refund on behalf of their brother, saying he was served cold nuggets. (WARNING: Some of the following footage contains explicit language.) A worker presumably the manager later tells the women that their brother had already received a complete refund in cash. Things apparently escalated from there, as a second video shows one of the women knocking straws, napkins and condiments on the floor as an onlooker calls her a heifer. Once the woman is out of frame, she also appears to throw something across the restaurant. This is very disrespectful on so many levels and any parent should be ashamed to raise children to act this way, wrote Music in response to the incident. CHICK-FIL-A DEBUTING 'FAMILY STYLE MEALS' IN SELECT CITIES The Facebook user also said there were children inside the restaurant who were crying because they were so scared. Music concluded her post with a message to the two disrespectful women. You handled this situation the sorriest way a person could handle it, said Music. You are rude, you are a narcissist, and you shouldn't be proud of what you did. The only thing you accomplished was making a scene. Other than that you accomplished nothing. A Muslim organization is calling for the firing of McDonalds employees in Decatur, Ala., after a Muslim family claimed to have found pieces of bacon hidden in their McChicken sandwiches. "The bacon was either on top of the chicken or hidden underneath within the sandwich so (the consumer) couldnt tell if it was there or not, said Khuala Hadeed, the head of the Alabamas Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in a statement to the Decatur Daily. Hadeed is also calling the incident an intentional act of religious and ethnic bigotry, as Islam forbids its followers from eating pork, reports AL.com. MCDONALD'S BRINGS BACK OBSCURE SAUCE IN RESPONSE TO A CARTOON According to Hadeed, the family was visiting from New York when they stopped by McDonalds for a bite to eat. They ordered 14 sandwiches for the group, but soon took notice of a smoky taste they didnt recognize. Upon inspecting the sandwiches, they found small pieces of bacon inside each sandwich. "It doesn't sound like a mistake, especially on 14 sandwiches," said Hadeed. Hadeeds group, the CAIR, also posted footage of the familys find to YouTube. A representative of the Decatur McDonalds has since denied any wrongdoing by his employees, though he has yet to address if he believes the family is falsifying their story, or if the bacon was merely a mistake. We want to assure our customers that this was not an intentional act by our employees, said the representative in a statement obtained by Fox News. We value every customer and strive to ensure all orders are accurately prepared and served. "We are looking into the matter to understand what happened." FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Hadeed, however, doesn't but that the bacon wasn't intentionally placed on the sandwiches. [The family eats] McChicken all the time at McDonald's, she told AL.com. They knew what they ordered they know what's in the sandwich. A representative for McDonalds was not immediately available for comment. There's problems for a popular cheesesteak shop. Jim's Steaks in Northeast Philadelphia is closed tonight. It shut down due to health violations and the problems don't end there. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon explains how we helped one employee. Lunchtime on a Tuesday and Kelly Allen is at home in Germantown watching TV with his 3-year-old son instead of grilling up cheesesteaks. "Beginning of the month, bills are due," said Allen to FOX 29's Bruce Gordon. "I don't have no job. That's what I work for. I work to feed my family and pay my bills." Kelly is a cook at Jim's Steaks for more than 20 years a fixture at Cottman and Bustleton in Northeast Philly. But last Wednesday, just ahead of his night shift he was called and told to stay home. "One of the other managers told me they shut the store down," said Allen. "The health department." City inspectors had found numerous food safety and sanitation violations at the restaurant. The report says "the establishment has agreed to discontinue food operations and voluntarily close," until cleared to resume business by the city. The surprise shutdown caught lunchtime customers by surprise. John Klein drove here from Langhorne for a sandwich. "So now I'm going to do option two. Which I don't really have a plan 2," said Klein, "So I've got to drive back to Langhorne." Allen told Gordon was owed 37.5 hours of pay-- about 400 bucks-- when the restaurant closed. He spent the past several days texting his boss, the owner-- Carl Proetto-- begging for his money, with no response. "I like the company," said Allen. "I like Mr. Carl. I just want to get paid. Just need to get paid." Gordon tracked down Proetto by phone. The longtime restaurant owner told him the shop at Bustleton and Cottman-- one of three he runs-- had become too much to handle. " I just can't go on," he told Gordon, and revealed he will not try to reopen at Cottman and Bustleton. Then Gordon made arrangements for Allen to get his overdue paycheck and Proetto made the payment late Tuesday afternoon. "Thanks to you," said Allen to Gordon. "If I wouldn't have called you, don't think I would have gotten paid." This article originally appeared on Fox29. Believe it or not, until 1993 there was no treatment available for multiple sclerosis (MS), with doctors turning to steroids to manage patients symptoms. But over the past several years, there's been an influx of new disease-modifying agents for MS, which affects more than two million people worldwide. "When MS therapeutics were new, there was a tendency to start with lower potency medications and escalate to a higher potency agent only if the patient with MS continued to worsen, Dr. Ellen Lathi, director of the Elliot Lewish Center in Wellesley, Mass., told Fox News. Now most MS specialists believe that it is best to start more potent medication earlier in the disease in many patients to avoid future disability. We know that once disability occurs, we can do little about it; it is best to treat as aggressively as needed to avoid this disability. Jud Ehrbar, of Manhattan, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS nearly 20 years ago. At the time, the now-47-year-old was a drummer in a band, and had started teaching math in public school. He eventually sacrificed both as his symptoms worsened over the years. MICHIGAN BABY FACING LIFE-THREATENING DISEASE SIMILAR TO CHARLIE GARD'S DIAGNOSIS "Eating was a huge problem, cutting food, tying shoes, putting on clothes, just anything that requires the littlest bit of dexterity in your fingers, Ehrbar told Fox News. I just couldn't do it anymore." The father of two says his illness has been unpredictable, making it difficult to plan activities with his kids. "It's hard to think about my kids getting older and what Ill be doing with them and looking forward to different milestones when I don't know how Im going to be doing at that point, even a year from now," he said. Ehrbar has tried many treatments including injections once per week, infusions once per month and recently pills, which he takes twice daily. They're meant to keep him in remission, but he said he still has symptoms and now relies on a scooter to get around. Mike Logan, a 48-year-old broadcaster and teacher in Boston, has a story similar to Ehrbars. He was diagnosed in 1993 and struggles with mobility and balance, and also has bladder and bowel issues. He said his doctors believe he has the progressive form of MS, but he didnt need to take medications until 2015. My condition had started to worsen over the last two years, and I was looking for anything that might slow the progression of the disease, Logan said. He enrolled in a clinical trial for a now-FDA-approved drug called Ocrevus by Genentech, Inc. The drug is administered in a three-hour infusion just twice per year. TEEN BATTLING BONE CANCER SWORN IN AS POLICE DETECTIVE The drug works by attaching to a unique population of lymphocytes, and then depleting them from the body, Dr. Brian Apatoff, a neurologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York, told Fox News. In doing so, it keeps the cells out of circulation so that it doesnt activate immune responses in the nervous system. Ocrevus is the first treatment approved for both forms of MS. In Logans portion of the trial, 488 patients were studied. It found patients were 24 percent less likely to have worsening symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. This is significant because before this, there was no medication that had showed any benefit for people with primary progressive MS, Lathi said. The most common adverse reactions in the PPMS trial -- incidence 10 percent -- were upper respiratory tract infections, infusion reactions, skin infections, and lower respiratory tract infections. Logan said he didnt have any side effects but also hasnt seen any improvements. I still struggle walking on a daily basis and have started using a cane to help me get around, he said. I'm encouraged by the fact that Ocrevus may be able to slow down any further progression and maybe I will see some improvements in the near future. Once the drug gained FDA approval in March 2017, Ehrbar also got the treatment with hopes of reducing frequency and severity of relapses. "It's given me some hope that I just never had before, Ehrbar said. Like I said, it was always about trying to prevent something from happening, having a better chance of maybe stopping something, whereas with this treatment, I feel like it's probably going to stop things from getting worse completely." Apatoff said the results so far have been encouraging. We were able to show that with this very infrequent administration, patients were able to achieve a level of remission that we didn't see with the other active comparator in this study, he said. Risks of the treatment include infection and development of certain types of cancer including breast cancer. It is not recommended for patients who have active hepatitis. In choosing a medication for each patient, either at the time of diagnosis or at a later time in the disease, we must constantly balance the risk (safety) and benefit (efficacy) of each medication as it relates to the risk MS poses to an individual patient, Lathi said. There was a time, not so long ago, when candidate Donald Trump vowed, if elected, to have his attorney general appoint a special counsel to reopen the Hillary Clinton investigation and, if warranted, bring criminal charges against her. It never happened, of course. And the president has only himself to blame. President-elect Trump had a change of heart after winning the election, signaling that his new administration would let bygones be bygones, explaining that Clinton had suffered enough. It appeared to be an act of graciousness, the law be damned. Trump should have been reminded of the proverb that no good deed will be left unpunished. Belatedly, the president has experienced another change of heart. Under siege by a special counsel who seems to have gone rogue, Trump is reversing himself and wants the Clinton investigation reexamined. Remember the campaign chants? If prosecuted and convicted, lock her up. There is something fundamentally unfair when a special counsel is appointed to investigate the winner of a presidential contest, but not the loser. Perhaps the president is guilty of a shameless subterfuge. Or, more likely, he genuinely feels he is innocent of any wrongdoing, yet Clinton is not. Its that fairness thing. But the law cares not a whit about Trumps desires and motives. It is not fickle, as politicians are prone to be. If you commit a crime, you should be brought to the dock. Period. Try telling that immutable fact to the media. They will howl in perfect harmony. The media believes Clinton is entitled to a get out of jail free card. Politics, as it intersects the law, is nothing more than a game like Monopoly. Dont you see? Clinton failed in her bid to become president, so she is somehow exempt from abiding by the law. Apparently, that is how the Washington Post envisions it. In a recent story, the newspaper justified it this way: Trumps suggestion that his top law enforcement official investigate a former political rival is astounding, and even his allies have said in the past that such a move would be unheard of in the United States. By this reasoning, I could rob a bank, run for president but be excused from investigation and/or prosecution upon losing. Really? Since when do you receive a get out of jail free card simply because you are a defeated political rival? Could all manner of crimes be committed by a candidate without fear of legal consequences because of a paucity of votes on election day? Where is that statute written? I cant seem to locate it. It should be neither astounding nor unheard of for people to be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their exalted position. Theodore Roosevelt popularized the long-held principle in democracy that no one is above the law. Yet, there now appears to be an exception to the rule of law as it applies to Clinton. Lets call it the Clinton Exclusion. Fortunately, the House Judiciary Committee does not believe such immunity can be found anywhere on the books. It recently voted to reexamine evidence that Clinton may have broken the law, perhaps with the help of then-FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General, Loretta Lynch. At the same time, twenty members of the Committee sent a letter to the Department of Justice asking for the appointment of a second special counsel. They identify more than a dozen instances of suspected illegality based on fairly compelling evidence. There is much to investigate. Did Comey usurp the authority of the Attorney General in terminating the Clinton email investigation? How could downloading more than a hundred classified documents onto Clintons private and unsecured email server not constitute crimes under the Espionage Act? Why were five people given immunity while others invoked the Fifth Amendment, yet no grand jury was empaneled? The Committee is also interested in the extent to which Clinton Foundation donors seemed to have gained special access to the Secretary of State. Did she use her government office to enrich herself, her husband and their foundation? It is a crime to use a public office to confer a benefit to a foreign government in exchange for money. Clintons role in approving the Uranium One transaction and the timing of Russian donations appear to be of special concern. Lynchs role, in particular, should be scrutinized by a special counsel. The Committee cites her private meeting with former President Bill Clinton and actions she allegedly took to mislead the public: Mr. Comeys testimony has provided new evidence that Ms. Lynch may have used her position of authority to undermine the Clinton investigation. The call for a new special counsel is not limited to investigating Clinton, Comey and Lynch. It would also be empowered to determine who may have illegally unmasked the names of U.S. citizens, including those in the Trump campaign, incidentally collected by various intelligence agencies. The Committee identifies former National Security Adviser Susan Rice and ex-United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power as potential suspects. It is a crime to lie in an unmasking request or to use a government office for a political purpose or to leak an unmasked individual. Finally, the Committee urges a special counsel to determine why the FBI relied on the infamous anti-Trump dossier engineered by Fusion GPS, reportedly at the behest of a Clinton supporter. Was Russia involved, as evidence suggests? Did the FBI, under Comey, agree to pay a substantial sum of money to someone connected to the dossier? There is something fundamentally unfair when a special counsel is appointed to investigate the winner of a presidential contest, but not the loser. The imbalance is especially acute when the motives of the current special counsel, Robert Mueller, are inherently suspect. Muellers close relationship to the key witness, James Comey, creates a disqualifying conflict of interest forbidden by the special counsel law (28 CFR 600.7 and 45.2). Yet Mueller has made no move to recuse himself from the case. And neither has his boss, Acting Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who finds himself presiding over the investigation as both prosecutor and witness since as he authored the memo advising President Trump to fire Comey. Losers in presidential elections are no more privileged under the law than are winners. Richard Nixon won re-election in 1972, but became an unindicted co-conspirator in the cover-up of the Watergate burglary. He would surely have been indicted upon leaving office had he not been the beneficiary of a pardon. That was Nixons get out of jail free card. Where is Clintons? Editor's note: The following column first appeared in The Washington Times. Lots of talk about language this week. Anthony Scaramucci, the ousted pick for White House communications director, was removed, apparently, for a variety of reasons, the most public being a vulgarity-laced conversation with a reporter. When the writer from The New Yorker first made public the colorful comments that Mr. Scaramucci thought were off the record, it was fascinating to watch pretty much everyone from the establishment rush to their fainting couch. This from the same sort of know-it-alls that were bragging about lying to the American people about ObamaCare, with Jonathan Gruber speaking publicly about the stupidity of the American voter. Or Ben Rhodes, an aide to former President Barack Obama, crowing to The New York Times about how easy it was to use reporters to help spread lies to the American people about the Iran deal. When the writer from The New Yorker first made public the colorful comments that Mr. Scaramucci thought were off the record, it was fascinating to watch pretty much everyone from the establishment rush to their fainting couch. Just this week in The Washingtonian, former House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor admitted all the Republican promises of repealing Obamacare were a fraud to win elections. Cantor was at the forefront of the charge to repeal former President Obamas signature policy, making the hot button issue a central part of the GOP rhetoric. Supporters were promised that if and when Republicans ruled the Senate and House, they would get the job done, Bizpac Review reported. But Cantor, who was defeated in his 2014 primary by unknown economics professor Dave Brat, seemed to admit the GOP battle-cry was just a charade. We sort of all got what was going on, that there was this disconnect in terms of communication, because no one wanted to take the time out in the general public to even think about Wait a minute that cant happen, he said. If youve got that anger working for you, youre gonna let it be, Mr. Cantor added. Masterminding a charade, promising to end something you believe will never happen, but you do it anyway because, heck, that anger is working for you, is damaging, vile and obscene. But at least they werent vulgar while lying to everyone to get elected and destroying our health care system. At a speech last week, former House Speaker John Boehner also became a victim of the compulsion to confess. During his remarks in Las Vegas, he said he used to sneak into the White House to see Mr. Obama to avoid scrutiny from the right-wing press, according to CNS News and a report in The Washington Post. He also proffered: Whats making everything even worse today is because we have so much news, people get to choose where they get their news, Mr. Boehner said, according to The Post. It used to be we had three big TV networks, five big newspapers, and five big radio stations and whatever they said was the news. Everybody else followed what they do. Sen. John McCain, having returned to the Senate after brain surgery to vote on the effort to repeal the debacle of Obamacare, also lashed out at the open discussions Americans are now able to have courtesy of new media and talk radio. During a speech calling for bipartisanship and coming together to get things done, Mr. McCain knows who keeps the esteemed Senate all bogged down: Its those pesky people who have debates and conversations about the issues on radio and television. He then couldnt help himself and confessed his loathing for those who dare to declare the emperor naked. From the C-SPAN transcript: MCCAIN: Stop listening to the bombastic loudmouths on the radio and television and the internet. To hell with them. (APPLAUSE) MCCAIN: They dont want anything done for the public good. Our incapacity is their livelihood. Really? Its pundits who allowed the Islamic State terror group to thrive? Talking heads created a $20 trillion debt, bankrupted Social Security, destroyed the health care infrastructure, sent Iran, the worlds largest sponsor of terrorism, $33.6 billion dollars, looked away while North Korea developed nuclear weapons, targeted political opponents with the IRS, and sent thousands of guns to Mexican drug lords contributing to the murders of hundreds of innocent Mexicans? Then ironically, as though to punish everyone for not showing enough respect for him and the Senate, Mr. McCain voted no on a bill that would at least allow the beginning of the dismantling the scourge of Obamacare. Many saw his vote as an act of revenge against Mr. Trump but also as a bitter response meant to punish the voters who rejected him in the past and dared to elect the outspoken New Yorker. And then theres Arizonas other Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, up for re-election in 2018. He, too, had choice words for the American electorate when he appeared on CBS Face the Nation. Mr. Flake, ironically shilling for his new book titled Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Return to Principle, fretted that the Republican Party has lost its way, and given in to nativism, protectionism, and even xenophobia. Sure, totally sounds like hes rejecting destructive politics. But make no mistake here: When Mr. Flake refers to the Republican Party, hes referring to the Republican base, ergo, voters who put Donald Trump in the White House. The silver lining of this debacle? Were finally getting honesty and transparency from politicians, but only after we fired or forced them out. The good news is the 2018 election is right around the corner, and its clear theres more housecleaning to do. At the same time President Trump was signing punishing sanctions against Russia for meddling in last years elections, Vladimir Putin was sending his frenemy in Washington a message: dont mess with us. Among the many provocations by Russia since Trump took office, the launching of military exercises later this summer near its borders with the Baltic states may be the one that catches the Pentagons attention most urgently. More than 100,000 of Putins finest fighting forces will be engaged in an operation known as Zapad Russian for West in the farthest reaches of Russias borders with Belarus and Latvia, and uncomfortably close to NATO positions just across the Baltic Sea. Harry J. Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, says Putin isnt being coy. What hes trying to do is show that the Russian military is back, says Kazianis. For years, hes been rebuilding Russias capability to wage war. Now he wants to show off what he has. Putin is telling the West -- especially Trump -- we are a great military power again. Aside from big guns and fancy uniforms with lots of brocade, Russia, under Putins direction, has spent billions in the past decade to retool a military that had been allowed to decay after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Kremlin has invested heavily in so-called command and control the ability for various units to talk together and work in concerted fashion. The Zapad exercises will also allow Putin to unveil his pet project: a brand-new tank known as the Armada, which may be the most sophisticated land-based weapon on earth. Its a completely new design, unlike anything in the West, says Kazianis. It has much more advanced, long-distance guns, and an improved communications system. Put all that together, and Putin is telling the West -- but especially Trump -- we are a great military power again. Its a message sure to resonate and rankle the president who promises to make America great again. Says Kazianis: Its an ego thing for Putin. He cant very well go to the Russian people and say the economy is doing well. The economy stinks. NATOs worst fear is that Russia will leave a sizeable portion of its troops camped along the border with Belarus and Latvia. That would only escalate the sense of alarm that Poland and Lithuania have expressed in recent months. In years past, when Russia sent large troop deployments toward the Baltic states, military commanders from the Kremlin and NATO would exchange detailed information about troop movements, to prevent misinterpretation and possible over-reaction. This year, there has been no communication between NATO and Russia about the maneuvers. I think NATO should be concerned, says Kazianis. If we learned anything from the Ukraine invasion in 2014, its that the Russians have the ability to mobilize very quickly and move fast. Most ominously, that invasion and the annexation of Crimea in eastern Ukraine began with a series of military maneuvers at the border between the two countries. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has lost his credibility as the lead of the investigation into the unsubstantiated allegations of illegal collusion with Russia by Donald Trump. Mr. Mueller should resign immediately. The authors of the federal law governing the special counsel placed safeguards in the code that explicitly prohibit anyone serving in that capacity with a conflict of interest. Even the appearance of a conflict is sufficient for qualifying as a violation, as the rule has been interpreted. And the appearance of a "conflict of interest" is incontrovertible. As it has been extensively reported in the media, Bob Mueller has enjoyed a long, close relationship with former FBI Director James Comey since at least 2003. They met while Mueller was the head of the FBI and Comey was Acting Attorney General John Ashcroft, Bushs Attorney General, had been hospitalized. Both Mueller and Comey were opposed to the controversial surveillance program by the NSA, and they capitalized on their shared opinion to talk former President George W. Bush out of renewing it. This investigation has become a dizzying quagmire of ruptured trust. In 2007, Comey gave testimony in which he described the episode in rosy terms of affection for Mueller: Hes one of the finest people Ive ever met. According to a report about the episode: Mueller was the one person in government in whom [Comey] could confide in and trust. Those who worked under them have attested Mueller and Comey possessed a close friendship they have been described as having been joined at the hip and being brothers in arms. Now, recently, Mr. Comey has testified under oath before a Congressional Committee that he deliberately caused information to be leaked for the purpose of causing a special counsel to be appointed. It worked. And we should not allow the leftist media to conceal the fact that the person appointed as that Special Counsel was the "one person in government in whom [Comey] could confide in and trust. Now, Mueller (who would be instantly be disqualified to even serve on the jury if this were a court case), has been tasked with judging the credibility of Comey versus the credibility of Donald Trump, the man who fired him publicly. Could Mueller be tempted to strike back against the president for firing his friend Comey in a high-profile fashion? Such suspicions are not unfounded. The investigation became suspect when reports revealed at least four members of Muellers team on the Russia probe donated to support Hillary Clinton for president. These obviously deliberate partisan hirings do not convey impartiality. The Code of Federal Regulations is clear on how to proceed: An employee who possesses a personal relationship with any person substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution shall disqualify himself note that the word is not may or should. It is mandatory. It is crystal clear that Mueller is in violation of the law by remaining in his role. By being in violation of the law, he has undermined the very thing that provides him his authority as special counsel. How does he credibly execute the law when he ignores it himself? Let us give the man the benefit of the doubt. Mr. Mueller may have pure intentions; but, even good, honest people can have their vision clouded when their friends reputation is on the line. This investigation has become a dizzying quagmire of ruptured trust. Surveying the evidence, any reasonable person would admit Mueller clearly appears to be a partisan arbiter of justice. That appearance of a conflict not only undermines Muellers credibility; it legally requires him to resign. Washington, D.C. residents, you dont have to holster your Second Amendment rights anymore. Unfortunately, residents of many other states like California dont have the same ability that D.C. residents now do to protect themselves. In a stirring victory for those who live in the nationals capital, a panel of the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals recently threw out a D.C. ordinance that denied concealed-carry permits to anyone who could not show a special need for self-defense, what is referred to as a good reason requirement. The problem is that other courts of appeal have upheld such restrictive laws and the U.S. Supreme Court has turned down appeals of those decisions, refusing to take up the issue of the Second Amendments application to carrying a weapon outside of the home. This happened most recently at the very end of the Supreme Courts 2017 term in June when it refused to take up Peruta v. California, an appeal of a decision of the Ninth Circuit upholding Californias good reason requirement. In a scathing dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas (joined by Neil Gorsuch) castigated the other justices for treating the Second Amendment as a disfavored right. He said it was long-past time for the Court to decide this issue and that he found it extremely improbable that the Framers understood the Second Amendment to protect little more than carrying a gun from the bedroom to the kitchen. In the opinion over the District of Columbias concealed carry law written by Judge Thomas Griffith of the D.C. Circuit, Griffith pointed out that the U.S. Supreme Courts first in-depth examination of the Second Amendment occurred in 2008 in District of Columbia v. Heller, where the Court threw out D.C.s complete ban on handguns as unconstitutional. That decision is younger than the first iPhone. The Supreme Court did not outline how the Second Amendment applies to the carrying of a weapon in public, but as Griffith says, Heller reveals the Second Amendment erects some absolute barriers than no gun law may breach. After Heller, D.C. implemented a complete ban on concealed carry. That was struck down in 2014 in Palmer v. District of Columbia. D.C. responded by restricting concealed-carry permits only to those who could show a good reason to fear injury. That required showing a special need for self-protection distinguishable from the general community as supported by evidence of specific threats or previous attacks. Living in a high-crime neighborhood wasnt a good enough reason for a concealed-carry permit under D.C.s regulation. In essence, you had to prove you had a good reason to exercise your constitutional right, a bizarre situation unique in American constitutional jurisprudence. D.C. argued, absurdly enough, that its ordinance did not violate any constitutional right because the Second Amendment doesnt apply outside of the home. Judge Griffith dismissed this claim, saying that the fact that the need for self-defense is most pressing in the home doesnt mean that self-defense at home is the only right at the [Second] Amendments core. Obviously, the need for self-defense might arise beyond as well as within the home. Further, the Second Amendments text protects the right to bear as well as keep arms. Thus, it is natural that the core of the Second Amendment includes a law-abiding citizens right to carry common firearms for self-defense beyond the home. Even under Heller, governments can apply regulations on the possession and carrying of firearms that are longstanding, such as bans on possession by felons or bans on carrying near sensitive sites such as government buildings. But preventing carrying in public is not a longstanding tradition or rule. This opinion goes into detail discussing the long American and English history applicable to weapons and self-defense, going back as far as the Statute of Northampton of 1328 -- whose text, as the court says, will remind Anglophiles of studying Canterbury Tales in the original. But the state of the law in Chaucers England or for that matter Shakespeares or Cromwells is not decisive here. What is decisive is that the Supreme Court established in Heller that by the time of the Founding, the preexisting right enshrined by the Amendment had ripened to include carrying more broadly than the District contends based on its reading of the 14th-century statute. According to Griffith, the individual right to carry common firearms beyond the home for self-defense even in densely populated areas, even for those lacking special self-defense needs falls within the core of the Second Amendments protections. Unfortunately, other federal courts of appeals have upheld similar good reason laws for concealed carry permits. But as Judge Griffith points out, those courts dispensed with the historic digging that would have exposed that their toleration of regulations restricting the carrying of a weapon is faulty. The constitutional analysis that should be applied to all government gun regulations is that they must allow gun access at least for each typical member of the American public. Because D.C.s restrictive good reason concealed-carry law bars most people from exercising their Second Amendment right at all, it is unconstitutional. At a minimum, the Second Amendment must protect carrying given the risks and needs typical of law-abiding citizens. The court drew together all the pieces of its analysis in this way: At the Second Amendments core lies the right of responsible citizens to carry firearms for personal self-defense beyond the home, subject to longstanding restrictions. These traditional limits include, for instance, licensing requirements, but not bans on carrying in urban areas like D.C. or bans on carrying absent a special need for self-defense. In fact, the Amendments core at a minimum shields the typically situated citizens ability to carry common arms generally. The Districts good-reason law is necessarily a total ban on exercises of that constitutional right for most D.C. residents. Thats enough to sink this law under Heller I. One of the judges on the D.C. panel, Karen LeCraft Henderson, dissented, arguing that the core right in the Second Amendment is only to possess a firearm in ones home and she saw no problem with D.C.s good-reason requirement. That dissent, along with the contrary decisions of other appeals courts, shows why the Supreme Court needs to follow Justice Thomass admonition and finally settle this issue. As Thomas scolds in his dissent in Peruta: For those of us who work in marble halls, guarded constantly by a vigilant and dedicated police force, the guarantees of the Second Amendment might seem antiquated and superfluous. But the Framers made a clear choice: They reserved to all Americans the right to bear arms for self-defense. I do not think we should stand by idly while a State denies its citizens that right, particularly when their very lives may depend on it. For the past two years, the Young Americans for Freedom chapter at Southern Methodist University displayed nearly 3,000 American flags on a prominent university lawn to remember those killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. But Old Glory wont be posted on the Dallas Hall Lawn this year even though the display had been well-received by the student body. Click here for a free subscription to Todds newsletter: a must-read for Conservatives! The university objected to the location of the display, citing a revised policy aimed at protecting students from harmful or triggering messages. While the University respects the rights of students to free speech, the University respects the right of members of the community to avoid messages that are triggering, harmful, or harassing, the policy reads. I reached out to Southern Methodist University to find out who could possibly take offense at a memorial honoring American citizens killed by Muslim terrorists. I had my suspicions, but I wanted to hear it from the universitys leadership. Click here to read the full column at ToddStarnes.com Over the weekend, Venezuela succumbed to dictatorship. Its going to take a concerted international effort to reverse this ugly development. On July 30, Socialist strongman Nicolas Maduro held a fraudulent and highly unpopular election. As a result, all 545 seats of a new Constituent Assembly are being filled with candidates hand-picked by Maduros National Socialist Party (PSUV). The Constituent Assembly is empowered to rewrite Venezuelas constitution, expel members of the opposition from the current National Assembly, and consolidate all power in the executive branch. On the day of the election, Maduros security forces killed 16 innocent demonstrators and bystanders. Videos showed National Guardsmen pouring live fire into unarmed crowds and lobbing teargas into hospitals and apartment buildings. In 121 days of antigovernment protests, government forces have killed 130 innocents and detained 3,500 demonstrators. More than 430 protestors remain incarcerated. Never has the Venezuelan government been so dangerously defiant of the peoples will. This is unprecedented in Venezuelan history. Maduros jails hold a record number of political prisoners. Never has the Venezuelan government been so dangerously defiant of the peoples will. Or of international opinion: to date, 40 countries refuse to accept the sham vote. Eleven countries of the Western Hemisphere including the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru as well as the European Parliament. Multilateral organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and Mercosur (Southern Common Market) have condemned the results as well. (Though Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has spoken strongly against the sham elections, the U.N. has maintained its traditional weak-kneed, silent approach.) The Trump administration tried to warn Maduro off this anti-democratic course. Prior to the election, Washington froze the U.S. assets of some of his closest political cronies13 current and former Venezuelan government officialsand barred them from traveling to the U.S. Still, Maduro persisted, and U.S. Treasury sanctions have been extended to him as a result. The point is that Maduros political coup stands on shaky ground. Only 19.5 million Venezuelans are registered to vote. Maduros approval rating stand at 15 percent. Laughably, he claims to have received 8.1 million votes. Exit polling, however, indicates that only a paltry 2.5 million ballots were actually submitted. Chalk up the extra 5.6 million votes to fraud. Of course, Maduro had help in strangling democracy in Venezuela; most of it came from Havana. Cuban officials have insinuated themselves more and more into Venezuelas government for years. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro aptly describes Cubas presence in Venezuela as that of an occupational army. Cuba and the rest of Venezuelas support group of regional despotsthe leaders of Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Nicaraguaall stand behind Maduros illegitimate power grab. Maduro reportedly allows only Cuban body guards to protect him. Cubas long, sad history of political arrests is replicating itself in Venezuela. While under house arrest for failing health, opposition leaders and former Caracas mayors Antonio Ledezma and Leopoldo Lopez were snatched from their homes in the middle of the night by Venezuelan intelligence services. Both previously spent time in Venezuelas prisons. Ledezma was released in 2015 after two months. Lopez was not so lucky; he spent a grueling three years in a military prison where he was physically and emotionally tortured before his brief release earlier this year. To this day, their families receive death threats and are routinely victimized by government vigilante mobs. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet the wives of these two brave men. Their familys strength in the face of brutality is heroic. The international community must demand their unconditional release. President Trump has recognized that Maduro crossed an irreversible line. His administrations pivot away from Obamas failed strategic patience strategy with Maduro has been the proper course of action. But now, the U.S. must ratchet up the pressure on Maduro more than everand we cannot do this alone. It will take a coordinated effort of many nations. The good news is: the number of other nations on the side of the Venezuelan people is growing. A recent decision by Colombia, Mexico and Panama to levy parallel sanctions against the 13 Venezuelan government officials the U.S. targeted is an exceptionally positive development and a testament to President Trumps leadership on this issue. But there needs to be more. There must also be a diplomatic cost to the Latin America nations not fulfilling their obligations to Venezuelas democracy as outlined the InterAmerican Democratic Charter. America cannot be forced to go at this alone. After fighting Republicans tooth-and-nail for years on their plans to repeal and replace ObamaCare, Democrats have in a matter of days started touting a slew of proposals aimed at improving the ailing health care system. The Democrats scramble to tackle the problem comes after Senate Republicans endured a high-profile failure on their so-called skinny repeal replacement bill last week, leaving unclear whether Republicans can ever get the votes to go it alone on health care. Given the difficulty in locking down GOP support, some Republicans have welcomed the prospect of bipartisan talks. At the same time, some Democratic ideas -- such as those that swell the deficit -- may find little support on the Republican side. But the proposals could reflect a party, like the GOP, concerned about public backlash if ObamaCare's problems escalate into the 2018 midterm election year -- amid President Trump's warnings of a looming collapse. Insurers already are seeking big premium hikes for next year, upping the pressure on Congress to make changes. INSURERS SEEKING BIG OBAMACARE PREMIUM HIKES Voters will take this out on both parties next year, warned Jason Pye, vice president of legislative affairs at the conservative FreedomWorks. Zero Democrats voted for the latest plan that failed in the Senate, a factor that fuels skepticism on the Republican side about calls, like that from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, for "serious bipartisan conversations." But former chief of staff to former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., David Krone told Fox News that Democrats are likely looking for a new table, so to speak. The table that existed was a partisan, Republican effort, Krone said. The loss last week by [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell showed Democrats that now is the time to find a new tabletheir own tableand start talking with some moderate Republicans. One House Democratic Leadership aide told Fox News that Democrats have had intentions to revamp weaknesses in ObamaCare for some time, but faced political pressure from the Obama White House. "Democrats have always had a vision for how to fundamentally improve health care in this country whereas Republicans have spent seven years fixated on one thing: repealing it," House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., told Fox News. This week, multiple factions of the House Democratic Caucus met behind closed doors to discuss potential proposals. Some would aim to codify cost-sharing reduction payments, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and strengthen consumer protections to ensure premium increases are stabilized, according to the aide. Another Democratic proposal reportedly would allow people ages 50-64 to buy into Medicare. Staffers from both the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus told Fox News they plan to introduce ideas as well. The CPC will focus on additional options for public health care access to address counties losing insurers; and the CBC will roll out a mini omnibus bill for health care, pulling together legislation from all 49 members of their caucus and focusing on expanding community health centers. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group has formed in the House calling themselves The Problem Solvers, also eyeing potential health care fixes. I dont think anyone should get too excited or too critical, Krone said. Just let them go talk and see what comes out of itboth parties need to have an honest discussion. Also this week, leaders of the Senate Health, Education, Pension & Labor Committee announced plans to begin public hearings for debate on health care starting Sept. 4, something Sen. John McCain (who helped kill the 'skinny repeal') suggested last week. Despite the bipartisanship calls, one thing is clear: Democrats will never agree to conservatives' call for an outright repeal. Republicans have to approach working with Democrats very cautiously because theyve made it very clear what they plan to pursue will be difficult for Republicans to deal with, Pye said. He said up to this point, "Democrats haven't offered solutions" while "Republicans have the power but cant agree on a plan." As for the prospect of a feared voter backlash, Pelosi said on Fox News Sunday over the weekend that 2018 was so unimportant and Democrats need to focus on debate on a better deal. Krone said Democrats motives are sincere. But he added that anybody who says politics is not part of their calculation is lyingpolitics is always in the back of your mind. Nevertheless, some Senate Republicans have welcomed Democrats to the process. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said they needed to stick with health care and end it. The end is going to be sitting down with our colleagues from the other side of the aisle and getting something passed, Flake said on Fox News' Americas Newsroom. This all comes as Trump has repeatedly warned Republicans, and Democrats, that the health care system could collapse if they dont pass a bill. I hope Republicans will take their responsibility to govern seriously and work with us on bipartisan solutions, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told Fox News. They control all levers of government and are ultimately responsible for any changes that people see to the health care system. Newly obtained emails from Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin reveal friends of the Clinton Foundation and political allies seeking personal favors from the Clinton State Department, Judicial Watch said Wednesday. The batch of documents shows well-connected players, including a Clinton library donor, inquiring about meetings and job openings -- and Clinton aides carefully tending to those requests. The emails were among 1,606 pages the conservative watchdog group got from the State Department as part of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. Pay to play, classified information mishandling, influence peddling, cover upsthese new emails show why the criminal investigation into Hillary Clintons conduct must be resumed, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement. FBI TURNS OVER 7,000 DOCUMENTS FROM WEINER LAPTOP IN CLINTON-TIED CASE In the latest email release, Fitton flagged numerous instances of donors and allies contacting the State Department for help. Its hard to tell where the Clinton State Department ended and the Clinton Foundation began, Fitton told Fox News. It was almost like a seamless operationnowhere on these emails does anyone say Mrs. Clinton is not involved in the foundation. Stop coming to us for favors. One email exchange showed the grandson of Warren Buffett, Howard Buffett Jr., seeking a meeting for his father with Clinton to discuss food security. The Buffett family donated to the Clintons and the Clinton Foundation. Emails show Bill Clinton aide Ben Schwerin wrote to Abedin requesting a meeting with Clinton and Howard Buffett Sr. Abedin responded: we will take care of this. Fitton cited one email exchange on April 12, 2009, where a major donor was supposedly pushing for an ambassador position. Miguel Lausell, a Puerto Rican executive who reportedly donated $1 million to the Clinton Presidential Library and was a member of the Clinton Global initiative, requested Abedin push for the appointment of someone to become U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Its unclear if there was follow through, and if he became an ambassador because the name was redacted, Fitton told Fox News. Another email exchange starting in April 2009 involved Abedin; Kelly Craighead, who at the time was managing director of liberal fundraising organization, Democracy Alliance; and Capricia Marshall, a former executive of HillPAC and Friends of Hillary. Craighead asked that they reach out to an extremely loyal supporter interested in a senior position at the department. Marshall responded saying the person was on everyones list/grid. A year later, Craighead contacted Abedin again asking for assistance in getting someone a job at State. JUDICIAL WATCH OBTAINS NEW CLASSIFIED CLINTON EMAILS It would mean a lot to me if you could help or advise on a personnel situation for a dear friend, the email said. Abedin replied, We love [Redacted]. Looking into this asap. Other emails revealed requests from Clintons brother, Tony Rodham, on several different issues. One involved help on a green card renewal, and another sought help for someone involved in a criminal case in the Republic of Georgia. CLINTON CONFIDANT BLUMENTHAL BACK UNDER MICROSCOPE AMID TRUMP SCRUTINY But former Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon told Fox News these emails will not distract from the ongoing investigation into Russian meddling and potential collusion with the Trump campaign in the 2016 presidential election. Hillary Clinton is not in government anymore or a candidate for office, Fallon told Fox News. So none of this is going to succeed in distracting the public from the active FBI investigation into President Trump. The Judicial Watch lawsuit seeks all emails of official State Department business received or sent by Abedin from January 2009 through early 2013 using a non- state.gov email address. The new documents include 91 Clinton email exchanges not previously turned over to the State Department, bringing the known total of emails not part of the original Clinton document dump to 530, Judicial Watch said. The State Department was ordered in November to turn over 500 pages of Clinton-related documents a month to Judicial Watch. The State Department, now led by Trump appointee Rex Tillerson, told Fox News it does not comment on ongoing litigation. Judicial Watch published all 91 emails and over 1,000 new documents to its website. Fox News contributor Laura Ingraham lashed out at establishment Republicans Tuesday night, telling Fox News' "Hannity" that "a lot of them don't want Donald Trump to succeed." "A lot of them don't like his policies," said Ingraham, who singled out Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake as being part of "a significant Chamber of Commerce wing of the Republican Party." Flake made headlines Tuesday with the release of his book, titled "Conscience of a Conservative," in which he described the GOP as being in "denial" about the consequences of electing Trump president. 'CHAOS IS NOT A GOOD PRINCIPLE': FLAKE SAYS GOP 'IN DENIAL ABOUT TRUMP "Republicans play the safe gentlemanly game of politics," Ingraham told host Sean Hannity. "They agree with the Democrats on a lot of these key issues, and they dont agree with Donald Trump on a lot of key issues, so theyre not willing to fight for him." The Lifezette editor-in-chief theorized that Trump's critics have yet to get over his surprise victory in last year's election. "He crushed them and they never got over it," Ingraham said. "The day after the election, they began plotting what they hoped would be his demise." National security adviser H.R. McMaster has removed another aide from the National Security Council at the White House, a sign that McMasters hand may have been strengthened by other White House shakeups. On Wednesday, a White House official confirmed that McMaster had ousted Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council who had been viewed as a Trump loyalist. General McMaster appreciates the good work accomplished in the NSC's Intelligence directorate under Ezra Cohen's leadership, the official said. He has determined that, at this time, a different set of experiences is best-suited to carrying that work forward. General McMaster is confident that Ezra will make many further significant contributions to national security in another position in the administration. Cohen-Watnick, 31, who was brought into the NSC by former national security adviser Mike Flynn, was at the center of the controversy over House committee chairman Rep. Devin Nuness visit to the White House in March to look at intelligence reports about incidental surveillance of Trump officials during the presidential campaign. His dismissal follows other recent changes at the NSC. It was revealed on Wednesday in news reports that Rich Higgins, who served as director for strategic planning at the NSC, was fired July 21. Higgins had been an ally of senior White House adviser Steve Bannon. And last week, Derek Harvey, a top Middle East adviser who served as special assistant to the president and senior director for the Middle East on the National Security Council, was also relieved of his duties. TOP MIDDLE EAST ADVISER FIRED FROM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL General McMaster greatly appreciates Derek Harveys service to his country as a career Army officer, where he served his country bravely in the field and played a crucial role in the successful surge in Iraq, and also for his service on Capitol Hill and in the Trump administration, NSC spokesman Michael Anton said in a statement. The administration is working with Colonel Harvey to identify positions in which his background and expertise can be best utilized. The changes at the NSC come as the White House has seen a number of other high-profile staff changes: chief of staff Reince Priebus resigned last week and was replaced by John Kelly; press secretary Sean Spicer resigned and was replaced by Sarah Sanders; and newly tapped communications director Anthony Scaramucci was forced out after just 10 days on the job. Fox News John Roberts contributed to this report. A new report released by a D.C. think tank closely aligned with top Democrats claims there was clear collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government during the 2016 presidential election, calling it the biggest political scandal in American history. The Center for American Progress (CAP), the left-leaning group formerly run by Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign chairman John Podesta, released the report from its Moscow Project on Wednesday. The almost 40-page document, titled Russiagate: The Depth of Collusion, was authored by former State Department official and now-CAP senior fellow Max Bergmann, who catalogued what he described as the depth and breadth of connections between Trump associates and Kremlin-connected figures. Bergmanns report links out to multiple news reports and quotes from the Trump administration. He acknowledged there wasnt new information in the report, describing it as a comprehensive look at reports and public testimony. When you put them [reports] together in a comprehensive way, it becomes quite obvious and clear that there was collusion, Bergmann said, citing reports of meetings and contacts that occurred with former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, and Carter Page. Throughout the report, Bergmann claims that there were two campaigns to elect Donald Trump: the Trump campaign and the Russian campaign, citing Trump associates' communications with Russian officials. The White House, though, has adamantly denied that any of the known meetings and contacts involving associates and Russian officials represent collusion. Rather, the Trump White House has tried to turn the table on Democrats, highlighting Clinton connections to Moscow including a high-dollar speech Bill Clinton delivered in Russia. Theyve also zeroed in on a reported meeting between a DNC consultant and Ukrainian officials last year where campaign issues reportedly were discussed. Podesta, too, allegedly has Russia ties of his own. In 2011, a company, Joule Unlimited, reportedly announced Podestas appointment to its board. Months later, a Kremlin-backed investment firm reportedly pumped $35 million into Joule. Last month, in an interview with Fox Business Networks Maria Bartiromo, Podesta was asked why he failed to disclose his role in the company prior to working as a counselor for then-President Barack Obama. Maria, thats not true. I fully disclosed and was compliant, Podesta told Bartiromo. But according to his financial disclosure forms, Podesta reportedly only listed two of the three entities that made up Joule Unlimited, and did not disclose his presence on the board. In his report, Bergmann repeatedly refered to the controversial June 9, 2016 Trump Tower meeting involving Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya and her associates, Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort. The meeting was billed to Trump Jr. as one to discuss Russian adoption and also supposedly damaging information on Hillary Clinton. The report did not refer to last weeks Senate testimony where a witness, Bill Browder, suggested the same company behind an infamous anti-Trump dossier also was involved in a Russian government-linked smear campaign against him over his sanctions efforts. When asked about that testimony, Bergmann acknowledged Browders testimony was amazing but said the report doesnt even talk about the dossier, it was too long. The city of Seattle spent more to defend a lawsuit against its gun tax than it gathered in revenue from the tax, a gun-rights group claimed on Friday. King County Superior Court Judge Lori K. Smith ruled in favor of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) on Friday in a Public Records Act suit over Seattle's refusal to disclose the exact amount of revenue collected through their "gun violence tax." The gun-rights group filed suit after the city refused to fulfill a public record request from Dave Workman, editor of SAF-owned TheGunMag.com. The group said the real revenue numbers revealed in court documents appear to fall short of the city's projections. "We are delighted with the outcome of this case," Alan Gottlieb, SAF founder and publisher of TheGunMag.com, said. "It was silly for Seattle to withhold this information, but we're pretty certain why the city did it. The council was told that this tax could generate between $300,000 and a half-million dollars, but now it appears the city has collected just over $100,000, which is an embarrassing shortfall." The tax, which works out to $25 per firearm and 2 or 5 cents per round of ammunition, has thus far generated no more than $108,013.04, according to court documents. During the discovery portion of the suit, Seattle's lawyers revealed that a single gun seller accounted for more than 80 percent of the gun-tax revenue. Michael Coombs, co-owner of Outdoor Emporium, said in a separate court filing that he is that gun seller and his tax payments revealed the city's highest possible revenue. Click for more from The Washington Free Beacon. The Trump administration is arguing it already has sufficient authority to use military force in the Middle East without a new authorization from Congress, according to a letter obtained by Fox News. The United States has sufficient legal authority to prosecute the campaign against al-Qaida and associated forces, including against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a State Department official wrote in a letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker on Wednesday. The letter cites the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, which was passed by Congress after the September 11th attacks, saying it authorizes the use of military force against these groups. It said the Trump administration is not seeking revisions to this authorization or asking for an additional authorization. State Department official Charles Faulkner wrote the letter to Corker in response to questions about the legal basis of the administrations military actions in Syria in May and June. Some senators have pushed for a new authorization, saying the 2001 AUMF far beyond its original purpose. Fox is told that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis will discuss the administration's position with senators at a closed door briefing Wednesday afternoon. Fox News Chad Pergram contributed to this report. President Trump joined two Republican senators on Wednesday to champion legislation overhauling legal immigration in America, calling for a merit-based system that would significantly cut admissions over the next decade. Speaking at the White House, the president called it the most significant reform to our immigration system in a half century. As a candidate, I campaigned on creating a merit-based immigration system that protects U.S. workers and taxpayers, and that is why we are here today, Trump said. He was joined by Georgia Sen. David Perdue and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, the Republicans who first introduced the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy, or the RAISE Act, in February. They have said the legislation aims to reduce the number of green cards issued in half from 1 million to 500,000 a year. Trump, Perdue and Cotton argued on Tuesday that low-skilled and unskilled immigration into the United States has depressed wages. According to a fact sheet released to reporters, the new system would favor immigrants who are educated, speak English and have high-paying job offers. It would also reduce low-skilled and unskilled labor immigration. Trump said new immigrants must be able to financially support themselves and their families. The RAISE Act prevents new migrants and new immigrants from collecting welfare and protects U.S. workers from being displaced, the president said. And thats a very big thing, theyre not going to come in and just immediately go and collect welfare. The bill would prioritize immediate family members of United States residents, including spouses and young children. But it would end prioritization for extended family members and adult children of residents. The legislation also eliminates the Diversity Visa lottery system and limits permanent resident status for refugees to 50,000 a year. Trump lamented how the country has record numbers of green cards to low-wage immigrants. The White House said most of the 1 million immigrants who are accepted into the United States for legal permanent residency every year are low or unskilled workers. Among the hardest hit by this, the president said, are minority workers, who he said are competing for jobs against brand new arrivals. It has not been fair to our people, to our citizens, to our workers, he said. The administration also said 50 percent of immigrant households receive welfare benefits, as opposed to 30 percent of native households in the country. Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a hallmark of his administration and has tried to slash federal grants for cities that refuse to comply with federal efforts to detain and deport those living in the country illegally. His involvement will put him at the center of efforts to make changes to the legal immigration system. Trump's appearance was aimed at bringing attention to the bill, which has been largely ignored in the Senate, with no other lawmaker signing on as a co-sponsor. GOP leaders have showed no inclination to vote on immigration this year. Some immigrant advocates have criticized the proposal, saying that slashing legal immigration would hurt industries like agriculture and harm the economy. "Our system is broken, but the response should be to modernize it, not take a sledgehammer to it," said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of New American Economy, a group of business leaders, mayors and others backed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg that advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Trump administration is signaling it intends to take a harsher stance on trade issues than it has during its first six months. The U.S. is considering using rarely invoked U.S. trade laws to fend off Chinas demands that foreign companies share their technology in return for access to the countrys vast market. The move is prompted by discontent among U.S. businesses, which have grown frustrated with Chinas trade and market access practices, the Wall Street Journal reported. Those practices have helped position China to become a global leader in emerging technologies, such as microchips and electric cars, the New York Times reported. The U.S. policy shift also may reflect White House frustration that it hasnt received the help it hoped for from China in addressing North Koreas nuclear ambitions. But a senior Chinese official said Monday there was no link between North Koreas nuclear program and China-U.S. trade, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, trade ministers from China and other nations -- including Brazil, Russia and India -- concluded a conference in Shanghai on Wednesday, agreeing to promote international cooperation and oppose "trade and investment protectionism," Reuters reported. A source familiar with the U.S. discussions said the Trump administration planned to employ Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows Washington to investigate Chinas trade practices and, within months, raise tariffs on imports from China, or impose other sanctions. Section 301 was used frequently in the 1980s to combat Japanese imports of steel, motorcycles and other items, but less frequently after the World Trade Organization was founded in 1995, Reuters reported. The new investigation would focus on Chinas alleged forced technology transfer policies and practices, the source said, adding that the Trump administration could launch the probe as soon as this week. One question not yet answered is whether the Trump administration would work with the WTO or seek to impose penalties on China without relying on the international body, the Wall Street Journal reported. On Monday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, assailing China and the European Union for formidable nontariff trade barriers and asserting the U.S. would use every available tool to combat those barriers. This story includes reporting from the Associated Press. A Chinese farmer has discovered the remains of a dinosaur that could have passed for the ostrich-like cassowary in its day, sporting the flightless bird's head crest and long thunder thighs, indicating it could run quickly, just like its modern-day lookalike, a new study finds. The newfound dinosaur's 6-inch-tall (15 centimeters) head crest is uncannily similar to the cassowary's headpiece, known as a casque, the researchers said. In fact, the crests have such similar shapes, the cassowary's may provide clues about how the dinosaur used its crest more than 66 million years ago, they said. The findings suggest that the dinosaur, which would have towered at 5.5 feet (1.6 meters), may have had a similar lifestyle to the modern cassowary bird (Casuarius unappendiculatus), which is native to Australia and New Guinea, the study's lead researcher, Junchang Lu, a professor at the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, told Live Science in an email. [Photos: Fossilized Dino Embryo Is New Oviraptorosaur Species] Researchers found the oviraptorid a type of giant, bird-like dinosaur in Ganzhou, a city in southern China, in 2013. The specimen was in remarkable shape: The paleontologists found an almost complete skeleton, including the skull and lower jaw, which helped them estimate that the creature was likely a young adult, or at least 8 years of age, when it died. The long-necked and crested dinosaur lived from about 100 million to 66 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period, and likely used its clawed hands to hunt lizards and other small dinosaurs, Lu added. The research team named the unique beast Corythoraptor jacobsi. Its genus name refers to the raptor's cassowary-like crest, and the species name honors Louis Jacobs, a vertebrate paleontologist at Southern Methodist University who mentored three of the study's researchers. The researchers think the crest likely served the dinosaur in different ways, they said, including in display, communication and perhaps even as an indication of the dinosaur's fitness during the mating season. The investigation sheds light on this extraordinary new species, said Darla Zelenitsky, an assistant professor of paleontology at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, who was not involved with the study. "It is nice to see that detailed comparisons with a modern species was done in this study in order to help understand the role or function of such a crest in an extinct species," Zelenitsky told Live Science in an email. Moreover, the C. jacobsi finding gives more evidence that this region of China was flush with different oviraptorid species during the age of dinosaurs, as this is the seventh oviraptorosaurian dinosaur to be named from Ganzhou. "The oviraptorid specimens that have been recovered from this region of China in recent years are beautifully preserved," Zelenitsky said. C. jacobsi isn't the only oviraptorid with a head crest: Others in the oviraptorosaur group are known to sport this type of head crest, she said. In addition, some non-avian dinosaurs, including the duck-billed dinosaurs, had crests atop their heads, but "the duckbill's crest differs in form and structure from the more cassowary-like crest of Corythoraptor and other oviraptorosaurs," Zelenitsky said. The specimen is now housed at the Jinzhou Paleontological Museum in China's Liaoning province. The study was published online today (July 27) in the journal Scientific Reports. Original article on Live Science . A pair of objects drifting in interstellar space may look like a rogue "double planet," but it's actually two failed stars, a new study finds. The duo is the most lightweight binary system ever discovered and may be the closest approximation of a free-floating "double planet" that astronomers have found so far. The object, named 2MASS J111932541137466, is located about 95 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Hydra. A 2016 study suggested it was a free-floating planet-like body a "rogue" object without a parent star. This previous research estimated that the mass of this object, also known as 2M1119, was four to eight times that of Jupiter. This suggested it was a brown dwarf, also known as a failed star. [Brown Dwarfs: Strange Failed Stars of the Universe Explained (Infographic)] Brown dwarfs, like regular stars, begin as clouds of gas and dust that collapse under their own gravity. However, brown dwarfs lack the mass to squeeze atoms enough to trigger nuclear fusion. Instead, they are not quite planets and not quite stars. Now, with the aid of the Keck II telescope in Hawaii, scientists have found that 2M1119 is actually two brown dwarfs, of equal brightness, orbiting each other. "The fact that it was a binary, not another boring single system, was completely new," study co-author Trent Dupuy, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin, told Space.com. "Maybe it means that planetary-mass objects can form like stars and also, very rarely, form like binary stars." To learn more about this binary, the researchers analyzed a collection of a few dozen 10-million-year-old stars located about 23 light-years from the pair. Known as the TW Hydrae Association, this is the youngest group of stars near Earth's solar system. It measures about 260 light-years across and, as a whole, is about 130 to 195 light-years from Earth, Dupuy said. Based on the position and motion of 2M1119, the scientists found that there was an 82 percent chance that it was a member of the TW Hydrae Association. This suggested that 2M1119, too, was about 10 million years old. This knowledge, in combination with the spectrum of light detected from 2M1119, helped the researchers calculate other properties of the brown dwarfs. The scientists estimated that the brown dwarfs in this pair are separated by about 334 million miles (538 million kilometers), or slightly less than four times the distance between Earth and the sun. The mass of each brown dwarf is about 3.7 times that of Jupiter, which makes the pair the lowest-mass binary system discovered to date outside Earth's solar system. "No one has ever found a binary brown dwarf that has components that are this low in mass," said study lead author William Best, an astronomer at the University of Hawaii at Honolulu. "We weren't sure a binary like this could even exist." Whether these newfound bodies should be called planets or brown dwarfs is a tricky question, Best said. "The components of 2M1119 fit the International Astronomical Union definition for planet less than 13 Jupiter masses and similar single objects have recently been called 'lonely planets' or 'rogue planets,'" Best told Space.com. "But we also commonly think of planets as things that are orbiting stars. In that sense, 'rogue planets' are not planets at all because they are not orbiting stars they are floating out in space by themselves, and almost certainly formed like stars do. So, objects like this challenge our definitions of planet and brown dwarf. "Bottom line 2M1119 does not obviously fit into either of the planet and brown dwarf boxes," Best added. "I think the most accurate description for 2M1119 is 'planetary-mass binary brown dwarf.' I realize that's an unpoetic mouthful 'lonely double planet' is certainly prettier. Hopefully, we'll develop a better definition in the future." Brown dwarfs are thought to form the way stars do, Best said. "One open question in astronomy is, 'What is the smallest-mass brown dwarf that can form, and what is the lowest-mass binary that can form that is, how low can star formation go?'" Best said. "This discovery sets a new record for binaries. Anyone working on the theory of how stars and brown dwarfs form needs to be able to explain how this binary formed. And there may be even lower-mass ones out there." The scientists detailed their findings online June 23 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook and Google+ . Original article on Space.com . The Orion Nebula is one of the most heavily studied astronomical targets in the night sky, but that doesn't mean it has stopped surprising astronomers. In fact, new work suggests that its many young stars formed in three distinct waves, over just a few million years. As the active star-forming region that's nearest to Earth, located around 1,350 light-years away in the constellation of Orion, the nebula is known to contain a bevy of young stars that occupy the Orion Nebula cluster. Now, astronomers using the OmegaCAM instrument on the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), located at the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Paranal Observatory in Chile, have revealed previously unknown detail in this population of stars. By precisely measuring the brightness and color of all the stars in the cluster, the researchers determined the ages and masses of the stars. The study, accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, describes a surprise discovery that there are in fact three different populations of young stars. [The Splendor of the Orion Nebula (Photos)] This means that star-formation processes driven by the Orion Nebula happened over three distinct phases, rather than at the same time as was previously thought, the researchers said. And it all likely happened in just a few million years. This finding could transform our understanding of the age distribution of other star clusters, the study's researchers said in a statement, and it adds new detail to the story of star-formation processes. "Looking at the data for the first time was one of those 'Wow!' moments that happen only once or twice in an astronomer's lifetime," Giacomo Beccari, an ESO astronomer and the lead author of the study, said in a statement. "The incredible quality of the OmegaCAM images revealed without any doubt that we were seeing three distinct populations of stars in the central parts of Orion." The researchers also investigated another possible explanation for the variety of star colors and brightnesses, however: If some of the stars have closely orbiting stellar partners that are unresolved in the OmegaCAM observations, they may appear redder and brighter, masking their true age. Through analysis of other observations of the stars' spin and spectra, however, the researchers deduced that the brightness and color data is likely not being skewed by hidden stellar companions. If they did have binary partners, that would imply the stars had very unusual properties, according to the statement. "Although we cannot yet formally disprove the possibility that these stars are binaries, it seems much more natural to accept that what we see are three generations of stars that formed in succession, within less than 3 million years," added Beccari. "This is an important result," said Monika Petr-Gotzens, study co-author and ESO astronomer. "What we are witnessing is that the stars of a cluster at the beginning of their lives didn't form altogether simultaneously. This may mean that our understanding of how stars form in clusters needs to be modified." The upshot: The famous star-forming region created stars in bursts, and the period of star birth happened much faster than scientists previously thought, the researchers said. Follow Ian O'Neill @astroengine . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ . Originally published on Space.com . A stunning hoard of ancient silver, believed to have been used as bribes by Romans, was found with a metal detector by a teenager in Scotland. The silver fragments were found in Dairsie, in the Scottish region of Fife, by David Hall in 2014. Hall was just 14 years old at the time of the find. In October, the trove will go on show for the first time at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Over 200 silver fragments were unearthed on the day of Halls find and another 200 fragments were subsequently found at the Dairsie site. RARE ROMAN COIN DISCOVERED ON REMOTE SCOTTISH ISLAND The silver fragments, which date from the late 3rd century A.D., are known as hacksilver because they were hacked from larger objects and converted into a form of raw silver bullion. The discovery is particularly noteworthy given Dairsies location beyond the Northern frontier of the ancient Roman Empire. When the hoard was buried in the later third century AD, Scotland was outside the Roman world, explained Dr. Fraser Hunter, principal curator of Iron Age and Roman collections at the National Museum of Scotland, in a blog post. But the Romans still maintained an interest in the area. A century earlier theyd been sending silver coins into Scotland as a form of bribery. Hunter notes that sending silver coins across the empires border was a form of frontier diplomacy as the Romans attempted to maintain peace with the tribes on the edge of their world. The policy, however, was thought to have ended in the early third century A.D. TROVE OF ANCIENT ROMAN LETTERS UNEARTHED NEAR HADRIANS WALL This Fife find rewrites the story, Hunter explained. It shows there were continuing attempts to keep the northern tribes sweet. The silver may have been targeted at the Picts, warlike tribal groups that were emerging in Eastern Scotland at the time. Its rewriting our view of Roman frontier politics, Hunter added. Piecing together the Dairsie find is no easy task for archaeologists. The field where the fragments were found had been ploughed, further adding to the complexity of the discovery. Our curatorial jigsaw puzzle is to put it back into the form before it was ploughed, but after it had been cut up by the Romans, a spokesman for the National Museum of Scotland, told Fox News. That is what is being done right now. ROMAN COINS DISCOVERED IN RUINS OF JAPANESE CASTLE Experts have already worked out that the fragments came from a dish, a bowl, a beautifully decorated beaker and a rolled-up silver cylinder. The beaker was buried intact, but the rest had been cut up into pieces and folded or rolled into packages, wrote Hunter. The find will go on display as part of the museums Scotlands Early Silver exhibition, which runs from Oct. 13, 2017 to Feb. 25, 2018. Hall has received an undisclosed fee for his find. A host of fascinating Roman artifacts have been unearthed in the U.K. recently, including the discovery of a rare Roman coin on a remote island in the Scottish Orkney archipelago. In June, researchers found 25 wooden ink documents at the Roman fort of Vindolanda just south of Hadrians Wall in Northern England, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the Roman Empire. This story has been updated with information on the fee paid to Hall. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers Google parent Alphabet Inc. is pitching an idea to store power from renewable energy in tanks of molten salt and cold liquid, an example of the tech giant trying to marry its far-reaching ambitions with business demand. Alphabets research lab, dubbed X, said Monday that it has developed plans to store electricity generated from solar panels or wind turbines as thermal energy in hot salt and cold liquids, such as antifreeze. The lab is seeking partners in the energy industry, including power-plant developers and utilities, to build a prototype to plug into the electrical grid. Whether the project, called Malta, ever comes to market depends as much on a sound business model as it does on science. Academics said the technology is likely years away from market, if it ever makes it. An X spokeswoman said it could reach the market in the foreseeable future. Malta is the latest example of Alphabet seeking to use new technologies to enter new industries, sometimes in surprising ways. X first developed self-driving cars almost a decade ago, and is also building delivery drones and high-altitude balloons that beam internet connections to the ground below. X encourages its engineers to try audacious projects and, as a result, far more fail than succeed. This story originally appeared in The Wall Street Journal. Cruise ship giant, Carnival Corporation, has announced that three of its cruise liners P&O, Princess, and Cunard are going to start conducting same-sex marriages onboard. This huge voyage forward comes on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in Bermuda, where the ship liners are registered. P&O will be the first British cruise line to host a same-sex wedding at sea, with a ceremony scheduled for January 2018 aboard its Azura ship in the Caribbean. Cunard will follow, starting to offer its same-sex wedding services in November of the same year. TEEN JUMPS OUT OF PLANE'S EMERGENCY DOOR AT SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT This news is as exciting for customers as it is for those in charge of the cruise liners, as senior vice president of Cunard cruises, Simon Palethorpe, said in a statement to The Telegraph. This is very welcome news for us and I am delighted that we have become one of the first British cruise lines to take a booking for a same-sex wedding. We look forward to welcoming this couple and many other couples too. Wedding-at-sea packages are already offered aboard Carnival Corporation ships, and have been a popular way to celebrate nuptials for the past handful of years. And just like the previous packages, the ceremonies will be conducted on board by the ships captain. The marriage licenses will be issued to the couple by the Bermuda government. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Princess, too, intends to offer same-sex wedding packages across its 13 ships registered in Bermuda, though it has not confirmed a date. The liner also hinted that it is planning to offer specialized packages for same-sex couples in a statement obtained by Cruise Critic. We are currently working on developing a range of services and amenities to meet the needs of same-sex couple ceremonies and will release full information on these shortly." A 17-year-old boy jumped out of an airplane after it landed at San Francisco International Airport Tuesday. Airport spokesman Doug Yakel said that the teen was on Copa Airlines Flight 208, which arrived from Panama City at 2:30 p.m. As the plane was sitting on the taxiway, waiting to progress to the gate, the teen opened the emergency exit and jumped out. Yakel said the teen was collared by members of a construction crew and was later taken into police custody. The spokesman said that airport operations were not impacted as a result of the incident and no injuries were reported. It was not immediately clear why the teen opened the door, nor was it clear whether he would be charged with any offense. Click for more from KTVU.com. The final prisoner who escaped from an Alabama county jail is now back in custody, according to police. Walker County Sheriff James Underwood confirmed to Fox News that 24-year-old Brady Andrew Kilpatrick was captured by police in Tequesta, Florida, along with two other people. The Martin County Sheriff's Office, working with other law enforcement agencies, captured Kilpatrick "just after 7pm" Tuesday, according to the department's Facebook page. Martin County wrote that "a team of law enforcement was surrounding the community where" Kilpatrick, who was jailed on drug charges, was hiding. The others found hiding with Kilpatrick, 24-year-old Hayden Mayberry, of Jasper, Ala., and 18-year-old Jensen Davis Lefan, of Cordova, Ala., face charges of aiding and abetting an escapee, according to Underwood. In Alabama, the sheriff said they'll be charged with facilitating escape and hindering the apprehension of an escapee. All three will be extradited back to Walker County in Alabama. PEANUT BUTTER JAIL OUTBREAK: HOW A DOZEN ALABAMA INMATES USED FOOD TO BUST OUT OF JAIL Underwood said the twelve prisoners escaped from the county jail Sunday evening by using peanut butter to change the numbers above a door, thus tricking a new employee into opening another door that led outside. The prisoners then used their orange jail uniforms and blankets to climb over a fence topped with razor wire. Underwood said the county jail will work to renumber the doors "in a way that peanut butter won't have any affect on them," noting that using the peanut butter to escape was "very smart thinking on their part." Authorities were previously able to recapture the other 11 inmates and return them to the jail. The other recaptured inmates include Christopher Smith, 19, Larry Inman Jr., 29, Ethan Howard Pearl, 24, Steven Blake Lamb, 28, Michael Adam McGuff, 30, Johnny Richard Hunter, 26, Christopher Cole Spain, 18, Kristopher Keith Secrest, 20, Quadrekas Latoddrick Key, 21, Timothy Chaz Cooper, 28, and Steven Sanford Hartley, 27. Fox News' Willie James Inman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A woman has been blinded after a stranger poured bleach on her face in San Francisco Sunday evening, according to law enforcement officials. The 57-year-old woman was sitting on a sidewalk in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood around 7:30 p.m. when a man in his 20s approached her and told her to move from the sidewalk, according to SFGate. She was sitting down when a man approached her and told her to get up and go away, and then he walked away, a police spokesman said. He returned back to her with a cup in his hand she believed it was bleach and poured it on her, causing her to lose vision. WOMAN POURED BLEACH ON BOYFRIEND'S DOG DURING ARGUMENT, POLICE SAY The woman was rushed to a hospital after the attack. Police did not elaborate on her loss of vision. As of Tuesday afternoon, the victim was expected to survive, police spokeswoman Officer Grace Gatpandan said. Two deputies were wounded in California on Tuesday after a man opened fire on them, officials said. The incident followed a disturbance in which a verbal argument ensued over the destroying of marijuana plants, Yuba County Sheriff Steve Durfor said in a Tuesday night press conference. The deputies confronted the man as he pulled up the plants on a farm that supplies pot to a Rastafarian church, authorities said. When the deputies arrived, a gunbattle broke out, Yuba County sheriff's spokeswoman Leslie Carbagh said. The man proceeded to barricade himself inside a home in the remote community of Oregon House, about 55 miles north of Sacramento. It wasnt immediately clear if the gunman died from the police gunfire or from self-inflicted shots. CALIFORNIA COPS SHOT: SUSPECTED GUNMAN DEAD, INVESTIGATORS SAY Both injured deputies, a 14-year veteran and 10-year veteran, are expected to survive. They went up there and they did their job and they took care of business, Durfor said. These guys know what theyre doing. Neither the deputies nor the shooter were immediately identified. The shooting occurred a day after two police officers were shot nearly 200 miles south in the central California city of Los Banos during a struggle with a man who broke into his estranged wife's apartment. Police shot and killed that gunman. Fox News Matt Richardson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is set to give a speech in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday on the impact of the nations growing opioid epidemic. Sessions is scheduled to address law enforcement officials and families affected by the crisis in a state that sees about eight deaths per day from accidental overdoses. More than 52,000 Americans died in 2015 from drug overdoses -- including 3,050 in Ohio. In May, Sessions instructed federal prosecutors to pursue the most serious charges possible against most drug suspects, as a possible deterrent. Wednesdays scheduled speech comes just as President Trump received a report Monday from the administrations drug commission, urging him to declare a national emergency to deal with the crisis, the BBC reported. Doing so would allow the federal government to modify Medicaid and Medicare rules to make it easier for patients to seek treatment, FiveThirtyEight.com reported. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, appointed by Trump to head the team, has dedicated his final year in office to fighting the issue. The recommendations made in Mondays report coincide with a recent survey from the National Institute on Drug and Abuse estimating that 92 million Americans used opioid drugs in 2015. That is roughly 1-in-3 Americans. Researchers estimate that approximately 38 percent of adults in the U.S. were prescribed opioids in 2015. Meanwhile, more than two-dozen state, city and county governments are suing the makers of prescription painkillers, claiming the industry misled physicians and the public about the risks of addition. A coalition of states is also considering a Big Tobacco-style lawsuit to help pay for the opioid epidemic, Fox News has reported. Were very much at war here, New Jersey state Attorney General Christopher Porrino said recently. His state saw 1,600 opioid-related deaths in 2015, Fox News reported. This story includes reporting from the Associated Press. An appellate court has allowed a group of Democratic state attorneys general to defend and uphold subsidy payments to insurance companies under ObamaCare -- a critical part of funding that President Trump has threatened to slash. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a motion filed by a coalition of the 16 attorneys general led by California's Xavier Becerra and New York's Eric Schneiderman, Reuters reported. This coalition of attorneys general stands ready to defend these vital subsidies and the quality, affordable health care they ensure for millions of families across the country, Schneiderman said in a statement Tuesday. Trump has been frustrated that he, along with Republicans in Congress, have been unable to keep campaign promises to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare), which has led him to threaten to stop making cost-sharing subsidy, or CSR, payments. The president is working with his staff and his Cabinet to consider the issues raised by the CSR payments, a White House statement said, according to Reuters. Trumps threat to stop billions of dollars in government payments to insurers and force the collapse of ObamaCare could put the government in a legal bind. Law experts say hed be handing insurers a solid court case, while undermining his own leverage to compel Democrats to negotiate -- especially if premiums jump by 20 percent, as expected after such a move. Trump thinks hes holding all the cards. But Democrats know whats in his hand, and hes got a pair of twos, Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan law professor, told the Associated Press. [Democrats] arent about to agree to dismantle the Affordable Care Act just because Trump makes a reckless bet. President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in March 2010. It is considered the signature legislation of Obamas presidency, although both parties have acknowledged the law is flawed. For months, Trump has been threatening to stop payments that reimburse insurers for providing required financial assistance to low-income consumers, reducing their copays and deductibles. Administration officials say the decision could come any day. The CSR helps Americans with low incomes by providing subsidies to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, the Washington Times reported. Without the payments, insurers have threatened to raise their premiums by 20 percent in 2018 because it is required of them to pay those costs, whether the government pays them in whole or not. The States have shown a substantial risk that an injunction requiring termination of the payments at issue here would lead directly and imminently to an increase in insurance prices, which in turn will increase the number of uninsured individuals for whom the States will have to provide health care, the three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in its decision. The panel offered further explanation on its reasoning, saying it was based in part on the fact that the Justice Department hadnt made public whether it sided with the states position. The States have raised sufficient doubt concerning the adequacy of the Departments representation of their interests, the panel wrote. Indeed, the Department nowhere argues in its intervention papers that it will adequately protect the States interests or even continue to prosecute the appeal. It also cited accumulating public statements by high-level officials both about a potential change in position in terms of the appeal. The Associated Press contributed to this story. A 23-year-old DREAMer in Washington state is accused of brutally raping a 19-year-old woman in her apartment complex's gym and leaving her with severe facial injuries -- including a broken jaw and dangling ear. The woman ended up stumbling home with missing teeth, a bloody head and wearing only a black tank top, according to court documents obtained by Fox News. She was working out in the gym in Burien, a Seattle suburb, before the June 25 assault and did not know her attacker, police said. Salvador Diaz-Garcia, an illegal immigrant who was a recipient of Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is now facing second-degree assault and rape charges in the vicious attack. He also faces child molestation charges for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old the same day the rape occurred. His DACA status has been revoked and he now may face possible deportation, officials said. According to police, the woman was on the treadmill of the gym at 9:15 p.m. when Diaz-Garcia stood behind her and kept asking her questions. She asked him to move. Diaz-Garcia then violently attacked her, police said, leaving her with a broken jaw, a broken nose and her ear partially ripped off. PORTLAND'S SANCTUARY POLICIES TO BLAME FOR HORRIFIC RAPES, SAYS GOP LEADER The victim told police that a month before, her attacker had groped her and then ran away. Diaz-Garcia lived in the same apartment complex as the victim, but the two had never met. He was arrested four days after the attack when witnesses and surveillance footage allegedly captured him watching girls at the complex's pool just before the attack. Investigators say they found what they believe is the victims blood on his pants. A rape kit found DNA on her. The state is extremely concerned for the defendants brazen, bold, and violent behavior towards young women, prosecutors said in court documents. Diaz-Garcia was granted DREAMer status in 2013 and renewed it twice since then, most recently this past January. Immigration officials said his DACA status was revoked on Tuesday. PORTLAND MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 65-YEAR-OLD HAD BEEN DEPORTED 20 TIMES Burien passed a sanctuary law in January, but now there's a backlash. Residents have gathered enough signatures to force a vote on if the city should continue to shield undocumented immigrants. Residents are likely to vote on the issue in November, which could be the first referendum of its kind in the U.S. "You want to lean toward having this welcoming 'we want everybody here to be happy and feel safe,' said Debi Wagner, a Burien councilwoman. How can we guarantee that if we don't know anything about people living in our midst?" Diaz-Garcia is being held on $350,000 bail in Kings County Jail. A bald eagle swimming in the Atlantic Ocean nearly drowned last week -- until two lobstermen spotted the struggling bird off the Maine coast and swooped in to help it. John Chipman Jr. told the Bangor Daily News he and his sternman Kevin Meaney were on a boat off Schoodic Island when they spotted the amazing sight -- a bald eagle doing the "butterfly stroke" through the water. "I knew it wasnt going to make it," Chipman told the news site. "It wasnt really a long way from land, but for him to swim that far? It would have been a long way for him to go." ELDERLY WOMAN KILLS COPPERHEAD SNAKES WITH SHOTGUN, SHOVEL AND RAKE HANDLE Chipman and Meaney observed the bird swimming and stopping repeatedly as it made its way to land. "He kept stopping, and he tried to jump up on a lobster buoy. He couldnt balance himself and he kept falling back off," Chipman recalled. "I immediately went over when we saw him, and tried to steer him toward land, but I could see he was getting tired." Chipman said they decided to jump in and help the bird after a while. The two lobstermen created a "little life raft" to pull the bald eagle to safety. "I kind of reached down, patted the top of his head, and told him it would be all right," Meaney said. FLORIDA MAN FINDS BLACK BEAR SLEEPING AT HIS DOORSTEP The bald eagle perched on the stern of the boat for nearly an hour as it dried off and warmed up enough to fly. Brian Allen, a biologist, told Bangor Daily News the lobstermen likely saved the bird's life. "That cold ocean water can be very hard on them, and likely then hypothermia [could have set in], Allen said. [The lobstermen] probably saved the eagles life if he couldnt have found a nearby shore to climb out on eventually." Allen added the eagle most likely ended up in the water after trying to scoop up a fish for a meal. Standing in a room full of law enforcement officials, in a town plagued by and feeling dejected about recent gang violence, President Trump last week railed against the transnational MS-13 gang. Brentwood, N.Y., has experienced firsthand the devastation MS-13 can leave in its wake. The gang is responsible for at least 17 murders in the past 18 months in Suffolk County, Long Island including the brutal killings of two teenage girls in September 2016 and the vicious slayings of four young men in April. At a speech last week at Suffolk County Community College right in MS-13s backyard Trump pledged to push Congress for thousands more federal immigration agents, called members of the violent street gang animals and heaped praise on police officers. In his speech, Trump urged law enforcement officials to be tough on suspected gang members. And in the earlier days of his presidency, Trump created by executive order a task force charged with finding ways to eliminate transnational gangs and criminal organizations. Nationwide, the problem of MS-13 also called Mara Salvatrucha has bedeviled local law enforcement agencies. Here's a look at how local elected officials, who face the daily challenge of keeping their communities safe from MS-13, want to combat the gang. Partnership with federal authorities The former county executive of Suffolk County, Steve Levy, said he began to see an uptick of gang violence in his half of Long Island in 2009 about five years into his tenure. To combat it, Levy put together a task force comprised of Suffolk County police officers and federal officers. LONG ISLAND BARS FREQUENTED BY MS-13 GANG MEMBERS ARE TARGETED IN WEEKEND RAIDS Theres a great deal of synergy between local police and the feds, Levy told Fox News. The locals bring the block-by-block, member-by-member information that can be shared with the feds. The feds bring the resources and the strict penalties that the locals otherwise wouldnt have at their disposal. The impact of MS-13 in the area substantially diminished as a result, he said. Levy added he couldnt see a single community in the nation where a local, federal partnership would not work. John McCarthy, Maryland's state's attorney for Montgomery County, praised the partnership between his county and the U.S. Attorney of Marylands office when tackling MS-13. And he particularly lauded former U.S. Attorney of Maryland Rod Rosenstein, who is now the country's deputy attorney general. Rosenstein spearheaded multiple joint state and federal investigations into MS-13, which resulted in the prosecution of dozens of the gangs leaders in 2009, McCarthy said. We cut the head off of the gang by basically getting very lengthy jail sentences for 42 members of the leadership of MS-13, McCarthy said. Share information among jurisdictions McCarthy said its essential for police to share intelligence on MS-13 with other jurisdictions and states. No community standing alone can solve the issue by themselves, he told Fox News. The gangs are too large, theyre too transient and they do, in fact, move from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. WHAT IS MS-13, THE VIOLENT GANG TRUMP VOWED TO TARGET? In January 2017, a 15-year-old girl from Gaithersburg, Md., in Montgomery County was brutally stabbed to death by MS-13 gang members. A 17-year-old MS-13 member gave the orders as the murder was filmed, reportedly with the intention of sending it back to El Salvador. The girl, Damaris Reyes Rivas, was killed in a Virginia park, and her body was found buried under railroad ties. Target at-risk young people MS-13 notoriously recruits young people in middle and high school, predominantly in immigrant communities, who are at a higher risk of violent retribution if they leave the gang. McCarthy said in his county, the average age of recruitment is 13 or 14 years old. And by 16, McCarthy, said, some gang members are already giving orders for murder. For that reason, McCarthy wants to see more community outreach efforts, particularly in immigrant areas, that target high school-age youths. We need to get to these kids before gang members get to these kids, he said. Establish a gang registry Levy suggested local governments consider establishing a gang registry, which would include known gang members who have been convicted of a crime. It would be analogous to what the feds already do to members of the Mafia. If you are convicted of organized crime activities, you are prohibited from consorting with other members, Levy said, adding that anyone added to the registry would be prohibited from associating with other known gang members. MS-13S MOST WANTED: THE VIOLENT GANGSTERS THE FEDS WANT BEHIND BARS California established a statewide database, called CalGang, more than 10 years ago that targets gang members and notes their descriptions, tattoos, criminal associates and activities, according to its website. The Portland Police Bureau also keeps track of alleged gang members by flagging the individuals in their database. However, people do not have to be arrested or convicted of a crime to make it onto the gang list, Oregon Live reported last year. Work with immigrant community Testifying before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in May, Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger stressed the importance of working with the immigrant community in order to weed out MS-13 members. Without the cooperation of immigrants who have not committed crimes, we would never be able to find and arrest MS-13 criminals, Manger said. The moment those victims and witnesses begin to fear that their local police will deport them, cooperation with their police then ceases. We would receive no information or intelligence about MS-13 from immigrants, even innocent members of our community who are their victims. He added that MS-13 proves local police cannot engage routine civil immigration enforcement without jeopardizing their work to eradicate the gang. Monitor social media In his testimony, Manger also said that social media has become a means for gang members to target rivals, recruit, secretly communicate and thwart law enforcement efforts to gather intelligence and build cases against them. McCarthy suggested police use researchers who can monitor social media to gather intelligence about gang members and their goings on. He said the little sons of b-----s tend to brag on social media about what theyve done. MS-13: THE GANG THAT SCARES OTHER GANGS The time to wait for the body to fall on the street and then investigate has passed. We need to be proactive, McCarthy said. Enforce stricter immigration laws When Levy left office in 2011, he said his successor disabled the polices partnership with federal authorities, and Suffolk County officials worked to turn the area into a so-called sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. The double whammy was the fact that at the same time, you had President Obama rolling out the red carpet for over 100,000 unaccompanied minors from Central and South America, he said, adding that thousands of these young people flocked to Long Island. Many of us warned that this was a recipe for disaster to have 15- or 16-year-old young men without parents to be resettled in this area. MS-13 became their family, Levy said. They gave them protection and material things. The result is 17 dead young people in these [...] Long Island communities, and it was all avoidable. The laws are all there. All thats needed is a will to enforce them, he continued. And the new federal administration has the will to do it. Levy also advocated for ending sanctuary city policies which limit how much local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration authorities and enforcing laws that would end federal funding to cities with these policies, such as Kates Law. A funeral service was held Tuesday for a man who was killed last week on an amusement park ride at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Friends and family honored 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell at the Grove City United Methodist Church, about 10 miles south of Columbus. Police officers and U.S. Marines also attended the service for Jarrell, who had recently enlisted in the Marines. "The Marines are greatly saddened by this tragedy," Marine Corps Public Affairs Chief Sgt. Caitlin Brink said in a statement to WCPO in Cincinnati. "We are truly proud to have known him as one of the brave few willing to step up and serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jarrell had been scheduled to report to Parris Island, South Carolina, for basic training next summer, WCPO reported. Tuesday's funeral procession passed by a McDonalds restaurant where Jarrell worked. Also on Tuesday, members of the Ohio state Senate and House agricultural committees met at the state fairgrounds, according to their fair tradition. They began the meeting with a prayer for Jarrell and the seven people who were injured, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. The state has made public the contract it holds with New Jersey-based Amusements of America, which owns and operates the fair's rides, United Press International reported. The contract shows that the company was required to pay for an independent ride inspector and have insurance of at least $10 million to cover any ride-related deaths or injuries. An Ohio coroner declared blunt force trauma as the cause of Jarrell's death, citing injuries to his head, torso and lower extremities. His family was planning to file a wrongful death lawsuit, WCPO reported. The seven people who were injured included Jarrell's girlfriend, Keziah Lewis, a student at the University of Cincinnati. Ohio Gov. John Kasich had ordered the fairs rides shut down last Wednesday night following the tragic accident, pending new safety inspections, with some rides reopening Friday, the Columbus Dispatch reported. Other rides resumed operating Sunday, WCPO reported. Earlier Wednesday, the opening day of the Ohio State Fair, the Fire Ball, a swinging and spinning ride, broke apart and sent people hurtling into the air, killing Jarrell and injuring seven others. Officials said the ride had been inspected at a couple of different stages and was ultimately cleared for use on the day of the accident. John Vivona, owner of the company that provided the rides to the fair, said he believes the accident was due to a mechanical failure and not a problem with the rides operators or inspections. An investigation is continuing. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Georgia mother found out her son died in a car crash after she pulled up to the scene of the wreck unaware of what had unfolded. Nicole Bahret of Cumming said she was on her way home in mid-July when she saw her sons car had been involved in an accident. I knew when I saw his car, Bahret told WSB-TV. So, I actually pulled up to the scene. Thats how I found out. GEORGIA WOMAN CELEBRATES 104TH BIRTHDAY Mackean Robertson, 18, was the only one killed in the wreck. The other drivers and passengers were transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries. When deputies arrived, they determined a white 2010 Mercedes SUV, being driven by a 17 year-old Natalie DAllen from Suwanee... collided with a white 2005 Honda Accord driven by an 18-year-old male from Cumming, the Forsyth County Sheriffs office said in a press release on July 17. The Honda slid sideways into the path of a westbound green Nissan Pathfinder," the statement said. "The driver of the 2005 Honda Accord, Mackean Robertson of Cumming, Georgia was pronounced deceased at the scene. A fundraising page for Robertson's family to help cover funeral costs has raised more than $15,000 as of Wednesday. Bahret said she had a conversation with her son just an hour prior to the crash. He actually asked and said, Can I hang out with some friends tonight? And I was like, Yeah, that sounds great, Bahret said. Hundreds of people attended Robertsons funeral. The day he died was probably one of the happiest days of his life because everything was going his way, Bahret said. You never think its going to be you and everything changes, she said. He was precious." GEORGIA FIRE THAT KILLED MOM, SON CAUSED BY TOSSED CIGARETTE, OFFICIALS SAY Bahret said friends and family have been helping her cope. In time you deal with it better, but the pain doesnt go away, Bahret said. Forsyth Central High School, which Robertson attended, has scheduled a memorial for the teenager on Aug. 12. D'Allen turned herself in to law enforcement on July 23 and posted bond, the sheriff's office told Fox News. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that police said Robertson caused the crash. In fact, the sheriff's department tells Fox News that D'Allen caused the crash. An elderly, homeless man will most likely be spending the rest of his days behind bars after he was sentenced for bank robbery. And he couldn't be happier. The U.S. District Court in Reno, NV sentenced Tommy Ray McAdoo, 77, to 15 years in prison for the Fall 2016 holdup where the steak knife-wielding bandit made off with more than $2,000 from a bank. It is an outcome that McAdoo preferred. He admitted he committed the crime so he could go back to a prison cell in the first place, seeking time behind bars as a refuge to homelessness. In large part, Mr. McAdoo simply wanted to get out of the cold and return to prison, his lawyer said. His federal public defenders were pushing for a lighter sentence -- about five years -- and pleading for leniency in the case. The judge, however, determined McAdoo to still be a threat to public safety. He has shown a willingness to commit a violent crime in order to obtain a benefit, including government housing, said U.S. District Court Judge, Robert C. Jones. McAdoo has lived a life of crime his entire adult life. His most recent release from prison was in 2008, and his rap sheet of past offenses includes numerous robbery convictions and committing assault with the intent to murder and intent to commit rape. The Associated Press contributed to this report. An intercontinental ballistic missile flew 4,000 miles from an Air Force base in California into the Pacific early Wednesday morning in a test of the United States' substantial arsenal. The unarmed Minuteman-III ICBM test was previously scheduled and "not a response to recent North Korean action," a statement from the Air Force said. Wednesday's test was "long planned," the Air Force told Fox News on Tuesday. This is the fourth U.S. ICBM test this year, and comes less than a week after North Korea's record-setting ICBM launch on Friday, which officials say could have reached most of the U.S. if fired on a regular trajectory. The Air Force ICBM test follows on the heels of B-1 bomber flights from Guam to South Korea during the weekend. The U.S. also said it conducted a successful test of a missile defense system located in Alaska. The 30th Space Wing said Wednesday's launch occurred at 2:10 a.m. out of Vandenberg Air Force Base, which is about 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Previous Minuteman ICBM launches this year were conducted in February, April and May. That month, the Air Force also conducted a test of a missile interceptor launched from Vandenberg. The interceptor destroyed a mock warhead over the Pacific. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Its been a year since 30-year-old Karina Vetrano went jogging near her New York City home -- and was brutally beaten, sexually assaulted and murdered. Karina Vetranos father, Phil, later found his daughters body as he and police scoured the Howard Beach, Queens, neighborhood. And on the eve of the first anniversary of his daughters death, Phil Vetrano told Fox News that every day is the same. It doesnt mean much, it doesnt change anything at all that [its been one year since] she was killed, because the moment she was killed, our lives changed, and it never varied from that point, Vetrano said of the Aug. 2, 2016, murder. "We're not doing good, we're not doing well at all." Other than the fact that we lost our daughter, and our lives have ended, no, nothing else has changed, he added. But a lot has transpired in the past year, including a new police policy in New York, thanks in part to the Vetranos activism. Exactly six months after Karinas tragic death, 20-year-old Chanel Lewis of Brooklyn was arrested and eventually charged with first-degree murder and sexual abuse. Lewis pleaded not guilty to the charges in April, but police released statements he allegedly gave while in custody. NEW YORK OKS FAMILIAL DNA SEARCHES FOR SUSPECTS AMID DEBATE She didnt do anything. I was just mad at the time. I beat her to let my emotions out. I never really meant to hurt her. It just happened, Lewis allegedly told police, as well as describing in detail the altercation and injuries she sustained. "All I can say is that shes around us. Everything has been driven by Karina." As Lewis evaded police for months following Karinas murder, prosecutors pushed to use familial DNA testing which allows police to search for suspects by identifying relatives with DNA to find the killer. Phil Vetrano, then, became an avid defender of the practice. Now, New York is set to become the latest state to allow police to use familial DNA testing when investigating certain cases, including murder and rape. This testing can be used as fingerprints are used, as tips are used over the telephone, Vetrano said. Thats all it is another tool to help the police. Friends and family also raised more than $60,000 at a June event for a scholarship at Karinas alma mater, Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens. Vetrano has also assembled a memorial in the park where Karina ran a place he visits daily. MAN INDICTED IN RAPE AND MURDER OF JOGGER KARINA VETRANO Vetranos love for his daughter is evident in all that hes done for her and her memory since her death a year ago. But the retired New York firefighter credits it all to his Karina. Karina was magical, and this became much more apparent after she died. What she created, what she accomplished, Vetrano said. All I can say is that shes around us. Everything has been driven by Karina, Vetrano said. For her to immediately become front page news worldwide, she is known all over the world, and its a year, a whole year, since she has passed, and she is still front page news. FOCUS ON NYC JOGGERS MURDER HELPS COPS SOLVE 1995 COLD CASE Other parents who have lost children have reached out to the Vetranos, he said, and they have become close friends with some. Theyve been a tremendous comfort just to see how you go on living after something like this, to see them still functioning [] because when it happens to you, you dont think you can ever get up in the morning again, Vetrano said. Although familial DNA testing wasnt ultimately used to find Karinas accused murderer, Vetrano plans to continue to push for familial DNA testing to be used by law enforcement officials nationwide. This would solve a lot of crimes. Once this goes into effect in New York in probably a week, I guarantee you there are going to be cases that come out of the darkness, and theres going to be leads on old cases, and were going to find killers and rapists, Vetrano said. In New York, the testing recently became approved for use, but its not yet a piece of legislation. Still, Vetrano hopes one day it will become a permanent law, and until then, hes going to refer to it as such: Karinas Law. A Maine landlord on Monday used a tractor to run over a tenant he planned to evict, after that person and another tenant dug up plants in the landlord's yard, police said. York County Sheriff Bill King said Leslie Dennis, 64, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. SOME TEXAS SURVIVORS HELD IN SAME LOCKUP AS DRIVER Dennis had contacted the sheriff's office earlier that day, saying his tenants were digging up his plants, and deputies told him that it was a civil issue, The Journal Tribune reported. Later that night, Dennis got on his tractor to threaten two of the tenants and ran over a female tenant, breaking her hip, police said. Dennis was released after posting $500 bail on Monday. A second body has been found in the rubble of a collapsed school building in Minneapolis after an explosion killed a school employee and injured several others, fire officials said Wednesday night. The explosion at the Minnehaha Upper School at approximately 10:20 a.m. caused two floors of the Christian private school to collapse over a sub-basement, Fire Chief John Fruetel said. Family members and co-workers identified one victim as Ruth Berg, whose body was recovered from the rubble Wednesday afternoon. Fruetel said the second body was recovered around 8 p.m. Wednesday. The vicitm was later identified as John F. Carlson, 82, a janitor at the school, the StarTribune reported. Seven other adults were hospitalized, including three with critical injuries. Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner confirmed that three people had initially been unaccounted for, but one of those people had been located unharmed. "This is a day of extreme heartbreak in Minneapolis," the city's mayor, Betsy Hodges, told a news conference Wednesday afternoon. "This school is beloved." Aerial video footage of the school's campus showed part of a building crumbled, windows in other areas blown out and shattered, and bricks and other debris scattered about. Tyner said three people were rescued from the roof of the building shortly after the explosion. Sara Jacobson, a Minnehaha Academy staff member, told FOX9 the explosion was "very loud" and the ceiling tiles were falling and the windows were imploding. Tramon Vanleer, who helps coach a summer program, was in the gym with five students at the time. "It sounded like a freight door shutting. It sounded like a large door shutting, and at the same time the lights went out and there was some debris that fell from the ceiling, so we just got out as fast as possible," Vanleer told the Associated Press. "It didn't sound that bad on the inside of the gym, but coming outside it was a lot worse." City records show Master Mechanical Inc. was issued a permit on June 7 for "gas piping and hooking up meter" at the school's address. Ryan Larsen, a company official, released a statement saying the company was monitoring the situation and referred all questions to the Minneapolis Fire Department. "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident," Larsen's statement said. Minnehaha Academy has multiple buildings on its campus. The school said the blast only affected the "upper school," and that all of the students in the building's gym at the time of the blast were OK. Gov. Mark Dayton released a statement saying his office was in contact with city officials and the state "will provide any and all resources necessary" to help first responders and ensure everyone is safe. It was not immediately clear how many people were in the building at the time of the explosion. Classes were not in session, but some children were on campus to participate in summer camps. Click here for more from FOX9. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Rhode Island man who was naked when he went onto a stranger's property and beat him to death was found to be not guilty by reason of insanity on Wednesday. Christian Lepore, 36, "could not appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct or confirm his conduct to the requirements of the law" when he killed John O'Neil in May 2016, Superior Court Judge Brian Stern said. An expert had testified that Lepore had paranoid schizophrenia. A witness testified that hours before the killing, Lepore had been babbling about aliens and a government cover-up. Lepore will be committed to a state hospital, where he will be examined to determine whether he is dangerous. "While we respect this decision, we recognize that it brings no comfort or sense of justice to the O'Neil family," said Attorney General Kilmartin said in a statement. Lepore was also found not guilty by reason of insanity for the assault of several police officers and a state police dog. O'Neil, 62, was working outside his West Greenwich home when police say Lepore attacked him. O'Neil managed to call 911, and the attack was captured on audio. Lepore had worked as an assistant cook at the University of Rhode Island, not far from O'Neil's property. The last time someone was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murder in Rhode Island was in 2016, according to the attorney general's office. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the last time someone was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murder in Rhode Island was in 2016, not 2011. A man crashed into a police cruiser Wednesday morning in North Carolina while trying to flee a wrong-way driving arrest, officials said. Rodarius D. Meaders, 20, who has previous felony arrests, refused to pull over his vehicle after cops say they spotted him driving the wrong way down an uptown Charlotte street. POLICE: MISSOURI WOMAN SHAVES BOY'S HEAD IN RETALIATION Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police circled the area and located Meaders near an apartment complex. When he attempted to flee again, he struck an officers cruiser and was taken into custody, authorities said. Meaders was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts fleeing arrest with a motor vehicle, operating a vehicle with no insurance, driving without registration, possession of marijuana and reckless driving. MAN SHOT BY POLICE AFTER NORTH CAROLINA STANDOFF Meaders' first arrest was in October 2014, and he has been arrested by CMPD ten times since then. Charges include drug possession, robbery, aggressive driving and weapon possession. According to his records, he has attempted to flee or resisted public officers in previous arrests 11 times. The police officer inside the damaged vehicle was not injured and Meaders is still being held by the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office. Click for more from Fox 46. Talk about a shotgun wedding. Shortly after saying I do, a Tennessee bride was arrested for pulling a firearm out from beneath her wedding dress and pulling the trigger on her new hubby. Police said Kate Elizabeth Prichard, 25, and her groom had started fighting only hours after their nuptials in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, according to news station WTVF. The couple was drinking outside a local motel called the Clarion Inn when they began to fight, authorities said. ARMED CUSTOMER KILLS SUSPECT DURING ARIZONA PHARMACY ROBBERY She pulled out of her wedding dress a 9 mm pistol. Pointed it at her new husbands head and pulled the trigger, Murfreesboro Police Sgt. Kyle Evans told WTVF. The gun, however, was not loaded, forcing the pistol-packing bride to load a round before reportedly firing a shot into the air. Click here for more from the New York Post. You've heard of the bridge to nowhere. For decades, this was the bridge that was going nowhere. In fact, the one-mile St. Croix crossing bridge, which opens to traffic Wednesday night, had been proposed in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. But for various reason, it never got done. Lack of funding was a big problem, said Bill Rubin from the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, a group that for years pushed for the completion of the St. Croix crossing connecting eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. But Rubin said funding was just the beginning. MAN BEHIND TRUMP'S TRILLION-DOLLAR INFRASTRUCTURE BILL SAYS IT WILL CREATE JOBS Lack of cooperation between federal agencies and even, in some cases, state and local agencies, he said. Just the inability to sometimes get along. Experts on infrastructure say it's a miracle the nearly one-mile bridge was even built at all. Bridge projects, in particular, have some of the toughest times moving from blueprint to final construction, Adie Tomer, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, recently told the Wall Street Journal. William Berndt, who served on the committee that eventually approved St. Croix Crossing, said there were so many projects that need to get done it was difficult prioritizing. We've got a lot of need throughout the county, he said. A lot of functionally obsolete bridges. TRUMP ASKS CONGRESS FOR BILL TO LAUNCH TRILLION-DOLLAR INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE A recent federal study found there are more than 130,000 bridges in the U.S. that are functionally obsolete. Still, it wasn't just the $650 million price tag that kept delaying St. Croix Crossing. The bridge was opposed by major political stalwarts, including former Vice President Walter Mondale, who called it a dangerous precedent of a unique river system. Environmental groups, like the Sierra Club, also staged protests and filed lawsuits to prevent it from being built. One major sticking point was that the St. Croix River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, was included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, a 1968 federal law that limits development on 208 rivers in the U.S. Any changes to the law require congressional approval. The St. Croix Crossing needed a miracle and it got one in the form of two female lawmakers on the opposite ends of the political spectrum. In 2012, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., joined forces with then-Rep. Michele Bachman, R-Minn. I had to get governors, senators, U.S. representatives, and majorities in the federal Congress to go along with the plans, Bachman told Fox News via email, as well as local units of government and state legislatures. Achieving that was not an easy task. Klobuchar needed unanimous consent from all 100 U.S. senators in order to get the exemption to build the bridge. She personally convinced every one of them not to oppose it. But there was one holdout: Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. Klobuchar ended up sending him a DVD of the 1957 Best Picture Bridge Over the River Kwai, a fictional tale about British and American POWS in World War II who were forced to build a bridge in Thailand to aid their Japanese captors. Coburn eventually relented and endorsed the project, and President Barack Obama signed the legislation approving the exemption. Democrats, Republicans, local, state, federal, Rubin said. At one point they decided to come together and lo and behold the project occurred. And then the bridge was built at an unlikely time, in an unlikely way. Were very excited, Rubin said. Its like a kid at Christmas. President Trump's tough stance on immigration may be having an unintended consequence -- higher housing costs. That's because builders say it's getting harder and harder for them to find workers, especially in places that rely on immigrant labor. "There's just not anybody you can hire out there," said Stan Marek, CEO of Marek Construction. Just how bad is it? According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than 56 percent of developers nationwide are reporting labor shortages. NAHB says the problems started when the recession hit and domestic construction workers dropped out of the market to find other jobs. At the same time, immigrant workers went back to their home countries. But as the economy has picked up and the construction industry has heated up, those workers have remained missing. The problem is compounded in hot real estate markets where more and more housing projects are finding fewer and fewer workers. In places like North Texas, recently, it's been a triple whammy. "Half of the workers in construction in Texas are undocumented," Marek said. "We do hear that there are a lot of undocumented workers that are leaving the state, going to other states that don't have the anti-immigrant sentiment and many of them are going back to Mexico." Ted Wilson with Residential Strategies, Inc. has run the numbers. "We've seen direct construction costs climb by over 30 percent," Wilson said, "and a lot of that is directly attributed to what builders are having to pay their subs and trades in wages." Meaning, with so few workers out there, construction companies have had to pay more to attract them, which adds to the cost of a home. HOW TRUMP'S PROPOSED STEEL TARIFF COULD HURT THE BOURBON INDUSTRY "You know, when you figure that 60 percent of the cost of a job is labor," Marek said, "that's a lot of money." Wilson said companies have had to get by with fewer workers, so in addition to paying more for a house, you'll likely have to wait longer for it to get built. "Instead of 12 guys coming out to frame your house, you get four guys," he said. HOUSE PASSES KATE'S LAW, AS PART OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRACKDOWN Wilson claims that sort of shortage can add a month or two to the time it takes to build a home. But apart from higher prices and inconvenience to consumers, Marek said the worker shortage is a drag on the economy, keeping the recovery from going full throttle. Marek said he is turning down projects for lack of workers. "I think if we were able to find the legal workers," says Marek, "we could add in our company maybe another five to 600 people. There's work out there if we could find those people." The risk of localized torrential downpours, disruptions and flash flooding will increase over part of the southeastern Unites States to end the week. Tropical moisture will flow northward from the Gulf of Mexico. The weather pattern will deliver heavier-than-average summer storms to parts of the South. Slow-moving downpours, some associated with gusty thunderstorms, have the potential to bring a few inches of rain in as many hours to some communities. While Emily left central Florida for the Atlantic Ocean early Tuesday morning, a swath of tropical downpours remained over South Florida and caused localized flooding in Miami Tuesday afternoon and evening. At the very least, disruptions to outdoor activity and travel are in store. The upcoming downpours can be heavy enough to cause runoff to collect in low-lying areas, including portions of Interstate 10, I-16, I-26, I-45, I-65, I-75 and I-95. Streets in some neighborhoods will take on water. Into Wednesday night, the downpours will congregate from Texas to Florida along the Gulf coast. A batch of locally drenching rain will also affect parts of north-central and northeastern Texas and northern and central Louisiana. During Thursday, the downpours will continue along the upper Gulf coast and begin to expand inland across portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, as well as into coastal areas of North and South Carolina. Most of the downpours will remain south of I-20 on Thursday. During Friday, storms from the Plains and Midwest will join in across the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians, so that a mosaic of downpours will cover more of the lower Mississippi Valley and interior Southeastern states. Embedded within the stormy pattern will be weak tropical swirls that can greatly enhance the rain at the local level and bring isolated gusty winds. Southeastern US near-shore waters bear watching for tropical activity There is a slight chance of near-shore tropical development in the southeastern U.S. over the next few days. "Emily was born from one of the weak features over the Gulf of Mexico on Monday," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rosio. Emily formed rapidly and only a few dozen miles offshore during the early morning hours on Monday and moved ashore during Monday midday near the entrance of Tampa Bay, Florida. The central and northeastern Gulf of Mexico as well as the coastal waters of Georgia and the Carolinas will be watched closely for a last-minute tropical depression through Friday. Small craft operators along the northern and eastern Gulf coast and the southern Atlantic coast should be prepared for changing weather conditions and monitor bulletins as they are issued. Gusty squalls and waterspouts may develop with little notice. "Working against tropical development in this area will be strong winds aloft that may get stronger over time," Rossio said. The same storm system poised to deliver thunderstorms and cooler air from the Midwest to the Northeast will help to stir up the winds aloft in the Southeast states. The Trump administration told Congress on Wednesday it has sufficient legal authority to use military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria based on the 2001 law to counter al-Qaida approved shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks. But members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis informed them during a closed-door briefing that they would be open to an updated authorization provided the measure doesn't impose tactically unwise restrictions or infringe on the president's constitutional powers as commander in chief. "They were very open to the idea of working on an authorization, not because they feel like they legally have to have it, but they think for the mission itself it would be good to have Congress engaged in that way," said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who is sponsoring legislation to install a new war authority for operations against the Islamic State group, al-Qaida and the Taliban. Kaine said Mattis told committee members that "if you do an authorization now, you express a congressional resolve, which is really the American public's resolve" that Congress and the administration are on the same page. Ahead of the briefing by Tillerson and Mattis, the State Department delivered a letter to committee chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., that said the 2001 law grants the military the authority to defend U.S. and allied forces fighting against Islamic State militants. The administration said the authority extends to the fight against al-Qaida and associated forces, including the Islamic State group. "This legal authority includes the 2001 Authorization for the Use Military Forces which authorizes the use of military force against these groups," said the letter signed by Charles Faulkner of the department's legislative affairs office. "Accordingly, the administration is not seeking revisions to the 2001 AUMF or additional authorization to use force." Republicans and Democrats have raised questions about whether the 2001 law should be revised. But finding common ground is much harder than it sounds. Congress, nearly 16 years after approving the first authorization, has failed to pass another due to disagreements over whether to impose time restrictions or allow ground troops. Corker stressed that Tillerson and Mattis don't want the 2001 war authorization repealed until a new one is in place. The letter to Congress reflected the administration's effort to affirm it's on solid legal footing as long as it is fighting Islamic State extremists in the volatile Middle East, even as the administration prepares for post-Islamic State operations in which the extremists are mostly vanquished and the focus turns to the longer term. The Obama administration also argued the law passed after Sept. 11 to fight al-Qaida applied to the current effort in Iraq and Syria because it said the U.S. could go after al-Qaida affiliates. These days, al-Qaida's offshoot in Syria is distinct from the Islamic State and in fact has been fighting the group. But both the Obama and Trump administrations have argued they're similar enough to both be fair game under the 2001 law. But that argument, which critics have said stretches the post-9/11 law too far, becomes even less credible once the Islamic State is largely eliminated and the primary U.S. focus in Syria and Iraq moves beyond Trump's goal of defeating the group. The liberation of Mosul, the group's last urban stronghold in Iraq, and the impending fall of Raqqa, the de facto capital in Syria, have been seen as powerful indicators that the group may be nearing defeat. Anticipating the defeat of IS, the administration is discussing with Congress the potential need for a post-Islamic State law to authorize U.S. activities to stabilize Syria and keep other extremist groups or Iran-backed militias from filling the vacuum of power. If the U.S. decided to issue a new authorization, for example, it could potentially facilitate temporarily sending in more troops to help restore order and normalcy on the ground, said a senior U.S. official, who wasn't authorized to discuss the deliberations publicly and requested anonymity. Tillerson, speaking to reporters this week, argued the U.S. didn't plan to pull out abruptly and completely once the Islamic State is defeated, but also had no plans to embark on the kind of nation-building in the Middle East for which President George W. Bush's administration was criticized. He said in areas liberated from the Islamic State, the U.S. has sought to move in quickly to restore "fundamental needs" that allow residents to move back to their homes: electricity, water and sewage. "That's where we stop," Tillerson said. "We get the essentials in place. We're not there to rebuild their communities. That's for them to do and that's for the international community to marshal the resources to allow them to do that." ___ Contact Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner A high school history teacher in Virginia has been charged after she turned herself in to authorities on charges of sex with a teenager, officials said. Ashley Leigh Lewis Weber, 31, was charged with two counts of having consensual intercourse with a child age 15 or older, and one count of using a communications device to propose sex, according to Richmond Times-Dispatch. Authorities reported to Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County, where Weber has worked since 2009, after receiving a call regarding a suspicious situation on June 12. TEACHER, 28, BANNED FROM CLASSROOM AFTER ALLEGEDLY HAVING SEX WITH STUDENT ON PLANE According to court testimony Wednesday, the student involved was 16, WTVR reported. Weber, who reportedly is married, was arrested Aug. 1 and was granted $5,000 bond. A spokesperson for Henrico County Schools in Virginia told WTVR the school district was aware of the charges against one of their high school teachers. Ms. Weber is not a year-round employee, and we have few details about the allegations other than what has been publicly reported," the spokesperson said. "Ms. Weber has been employed with us since August of 2009, most recently as a history teacher at Freeman High School and, before that, at Tucker High School. Weber is next scheduled to appear in Henrico juvenile court on Oct. 6. Last month, a Delaware-sized iceberg broke off the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The 2,240-square-mile ice shelf completely separated from Antarctica between July 10 and 12, causing widespread alarm around the world. While many took to social media to express concern about the separation of the Larsen C iceberg and the impacts of climate change, experts said that cracks in ice shelves are part of their natural cycle. "The driving force for the crack is all about geometry and stresses in the ice," Heidi Sevestre, a glaciologist at University of St. Andrew's in Scotland, explained to AccuWeather in February. While climate change may have played a role, it's normal for shelves to break off; what was most unusual for Larsen C was the speed at which the crack expanded. It first appeared in 2010 but really took off in speed in 2016. Although ice shelves calve regularly, it's important to keep ice shelves in place in order to keep the ice behind it from sliding into the ocean. Ice shelves work as barriers from the ice on the mountains to the ocean, Sevestre explained. Once there is no longer something preventing the ice from the mountains flowing into the ocean, ice can flow right into the waves and add to sea-level rise. For now, scientists are closely monitoring Larsen C. NASA recently released new satellite imagery of the ice shelf, which has multiple icebergs breaking off it. NASA says the main iceberg, A-68, already has several pieces breaking off it as it drifts northward. The Guardian reports European scientists have detected 11 icebergs in total. Larsen C could potentially meet a similar fate to another ice shelf, Larsen B. Lakes and ponds formed on the surface of Larsen B in its final days due to warm winds from the mountains. The water sunk through the ice, and the ice shelf nearly completely disappeared in a matter of months. Scientists said prior to Larsen C's cleaving, they noticed a similar pattern. While Larsen C's separation from Antarctica may not be directly related to climate change, it's still something to keep an eye on. As Rolling Stone pointed out, it's a sure sign at how quickly our world can change. One of President Donald Trump's top intelligence directors is the latest person to be fired in a string of shake-ups at the White House and National Security Council. Ezra Cohen-Watnick became a focal point for top national security advisers earlier this year when CIA leaders raised concerns about him with Trump's national security adviser H.R. McMaster. A White House statement Wednesday said, "General McMaster appreciates the good work accomplished in the NSC's Intelligence directorate under Ezra Cohen's leadership." It said McMaster "has determined that, at this time, a different set of experiences is best-suited to carrying that work forward." McMaster moved to replace Cohen-Watnick when the concerns were raised in March, but Cohen-Watnick appealed to Trump's top advisers, Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner, who got Trump to intervene to save his job. Cohen-Watnick was a protege of Trump's initial national security adviser, Michael Flynn, having worked for him at the Pentagon's intelligence shop. As the NSC's senior director for intelligence programs, Cohen-Watnick was one of about a dozen people in the White House with access to a full range of classified information, including details of U.S. covert programs. His position also gives him the ability to request intelligence products from agencies. In March, The New York Times identified Cohen-Watnick as one of two White House staffers who helped House intelligence committee chairman Devin Nunes view secret reports. A U.S. official confirmed to The Associated Press at the time that Cohen-Watnick had access to that kind of intelligence materials, but maintained he did not play a role in helping the congressman access the documents. They have since spread throughout their home nation and helped El Salvador become the country with the fourth highest per capita murder rate in the world, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. A large wave of Salvadorans entering the U.S. in recent decades has helped the gang spread from their roots in Los Angeles and El Salvador to many immigrant pockets of the U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the actions of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduros government on Tuesday night after opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were dragged from their homes by state security agents and sent back to prison. The United States condemns the actions of the Maduro dictatorship, the White House said in a statement. Mr. Lopez and Mr. Ledezma are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime," the statement read. "The United States holds Maduro - who publicly announced just hours earlier that he would move against his political opposition - personally responsible for the health and safety of Mr. Lopez, Mr. Ledezma, and any others seized. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. Shortly after midnight Tuesday, black-clad members of Venezuela's state security force forced Ledezma from his east Caracas home in his blue pajamas, yanking him out into the night as a woman screamed for help. "They're taking Ledezma!" the woman can be heard crying on a cell-phone video released by allies of Ledezma, a former mayor of Caracas. "It's a dictatorship!" Lopez's wife posted security-camera video of him being taken from their home and bundled into a waiting car. "They've just taken Leopoldo from the house," Tintori wrote on Twitter. "We don't know where he is or where they're taking him." The countrys Supreme Court claimed in a statement that the two men violated the terms of their house arrest by criticizing the government in messages released on social media in recent days. Its the first move against prominent enemies of Maduros government since a widely denounced vote Sunday granting the ruling party nearly unlimited powers. Lopez and Ledezma were being held at the Ramo Verde military prison south of the capital. The court, which is controlled by Maduro allies, said it had received reports from official intelligence sources that Lopez and Ledezma were planning to escape. Lopezs attorney, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, denied the claims, saying the governments decision to return his client to prison was completely arbitrary. Lopez had been released from the Ramo Verde military prison on July 8 after serving three years of a 13-year sentence for inciting violence at opposition rallies. Many human rights groups considered him a political prisoner. Ledezma was also detained in 2015 and has been under house arrest. Both leaders recently posted videos online denouncing Maduro's decision to hold a vote for a constitutional assembly with the power to overhaul Venezuela's political system. Fox News' Lesa Jansen and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Two U.S. service members were killed Wednesday when their convoy came under attack in Afghanistan's Kandahar Province. An Afghan police official in Kandahar said a suicide bomber hit the convoy of international troops on the edge of the southern city of Kandahar. NATO officials also confirmed the attack. Resolute Support can confirm that a NATO convoy was attacked this afternoon in Kandahar, a NATO statement read. The attack did cause casualties. The two deaths brings the total number of U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan this year to nine. The American forces in southern Afghanistan are part of the more than 8,400 troops currently deployed in the country. The combined U.S. and NATO troop contingent currently in Afghanistan is about 13,500. The Trump administration is deciding whether to send about 4,000 or more U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan in an attempt to stem Taliban gains. U.S. and international forces operate primarily out of Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. There are also more than 300 Marines and Army soldiers in neighboring Helmand Province. Kandahar is considered to be the spiritual home of the Taliban. News of the bombing comes just a day after two U.S. soldiers were injured when their Black Hawk helicopter made a hard landing in the Achin District. The Taliban in a statement claimed it opened fire on the helicopter, killing everyone on board. The insurgents routinely exaggerate their gains and casualties they inflict in battle. On Monday, two attackers stormed the Iraqi Embassy in central Kabul, killing numerous guards before using stick bombs to break through the embassy gates. Police officials told the Associated Press that a car bomb exploded outside the embassy, followed by an attempt by gunmen to enter the building, which is located in the center of the Afghan capital. In April, two U.S. Army Rangers were killed by ISIS fighters in Achin, just weeks after the U.S. military dropped the Mother of all Bombs, or MOAB, on an ISIS cave complex. The Associated Press contributed to this story. In a brazen broadside to America, China performed a dramatic series of missile tests this weekend -- targeting mock United States missile batteries and jets -- as the superpower flexes its muscles amid global tensions with North Korea and the threat of U.S. intervention, U.S. officials told Fox News. U.S. spy agencies detected the Chinese military launching a series of 20 missiles at mock targets designed to look like American THAAD missile batteries and advanced U.S. Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets. "You don't need to build a mock-up of an F-22 or THAAD to see if you could hit one with a missile," said a U.S. defense official who was not authorized to speak with the media. "This was a clear message by the Chinese." China has long protested the deployment of U.S. THAAD anti-ballistic missiles to South Korea, and doubled down on its condemnation after the government in Seoul said they want four more American launchers over the weekend, following North Koreas Friday test of a second KN-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, a record-setting launch that flew the farthest distance in the regime's history. Officials believe the Chinese military tested intermediate, medium and cruise missiles and say the tests were also meant to coincide with Chinas Army Day celebrations on Aug. 1, when China staged a massive military parade involving 12,000 troops in the desert along with dozens of tanks, jets and missiles. Chinese state media said it was the first time China ever celebrated Army Day with a parade, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Beijings military chief. Chinas brazen test came more than a week after a pair of Chinese J-10 fighter jets buzzed a U.S. Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane in the East China Sea. China currently has as many destroyers, crusiers and submarines as the U.S. Navy. Beijing recently put a new type of destroyer in the water which analysts say rivals advanced American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Days before the China missile tests on Saturday, U.S. military satellites also detected a failed attempt of Chinas anti-ballistic missile system -- Beijings version of the U.S. THAAD system. At the State Department on Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters the U.S. and China are at a pivot point in history. CHINESE FIGHTER JETS BUZZ U.S. NAVY SPY PLANE IN EAST CHINA SEA Tillerson acknowledged differences between the super powers over the North Korea issue and Beijings continued construction of military bases on man-made islands in the South China Sea. We will deal with those differences in a way that does not lead to open conflict, Tillerson vowed. China's U.N. envoy said this week its up to the U.S. and North Korea, not Beijing, to reduce tensions and work toward resuming talks to end Pyongyang's nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile programs. Tillerson said Tuesday at some point he would be open for talks with North Korea. One day after North Koreas record-setting intercontinental ballistic missile launch, President Trump tweeted he was very disappointed in China for doing nothing to stop North Koreas missile and nuclear weapons programs. The Latest on Venezuela's political crisis and the dispute over a rewrite of its constitution (all times local): 8:30 a.m. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has urged condemnation of the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for the arrest of two top opposition leaders. Pence said Wednesday in Montenegro that the United States will "hold Maduro personally responsible for the health and safety" of Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma. The two had been under house arrest but security force officers hustled them off to a military prison before dawn on Tuesday. Pence says that "in recent days we've seen completion of Venezuela's collapse into dictatorship." He adds "the United States calls all who cherish freedom to condemn the Maduro regime for its abuse of power and its abuse of its own people." He says, "Venezuela deserves democracy." The Latest on developments in Israel (all times local): 7:45 p.m. Israeli police say officers have found the body of a married, pregnant Israeli woman who went missing over a month ago. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Wednesday the woman was killed by her Palestinian boyfriend but her husband and boyfriend say otherwise. Rosenfeld says her body was found last week and that her death was a criminal act and not terror-related. Aaron Halimi, Michal Halimi's husband, told the Ynet newsite that relations between the couple were "perfect," which is why he "is sure 100 percent that it was nationalistically motivated, not romantic." The Palestinian appeared in court and told Israeli media he killed the woman in order to gain the release of Palestinian prisoners and denied he was in a relationship with the woman. Palestinian prisoners held by Israel for security reasons get stipends from the Palestinian government while those held for other crimes do not. ___ 1:30 p.m. Israeli police say a Palestinian teen stabbed an Israeli man at a supermarket south of Tel Aviv, leaving him severely wounded and hospitalized. They say in a statement that Wednesday's stabbing was apparently politically motivated, and that the 19-year-old Palestinian suspect is being questioned in custody. The 42-year-old victim was in critical condition and taken to an area hospital. The suspect was apprehended by civilians near the scene of the incident in the town of Yavne before police arrested him. The incident came amid tensions between Israel and the Palestinians over Israel's placement of metal detectors at a sensitive Jerusalem holy site. Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday described Montenegro's membership in NATO as a "historic achievement" for the Balkan country that traditionally was an ally of Russia in the turbulent region. He added that "we truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West. And we look forward to affirming the commitment of the United States to building relationships and strengthening ties between the European community, the Western Balkans and the United States of America." Pence is the highest-ranking American official to visit the small Adriatic state in 100 years. Russia considers Montenegro its traditional Slavic ally. Pence said earlier during a formal dinner with Montenegro President Filip Vujanovic on Tuesday evening that "your courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world and I commend you for that." Pence said "I bring greetings from President Donald Trump. He sent me here as a tangible sign of our commitment to Montenegro as the newest member of NATO." Russia is accused of masterminding an attempted coup in Montenegro in October to prevent it from joining NATO. A trio of terrorist wannabes who dubbed themselves the Three Musketeers were convicted Wednesday of plotting an attack on UK police and military that would have included a pipe bomb and meat cleaver. Jurors at London's Central Criminal Court on Wednesday found Naweed Ali, Khobaib Hussain and Mohibur Rahman guilty of preparing terrorist acts, after a trial that was partly held in secret for national security reasons. The jury is still deliberating about a fourth defendant, Tahir Aziz. The men were arrested in August 2016 after MI5 bugged Alis car and uncovered a pipe bomb and meat cleaver hidden in a shopping bag. Counter-terror police also found shotgun shells, a bullet and an imitation handgun inside of Alis car, According to the Independent. The meat cleaver was inscribed with the word "kaffir" an Arabic word that means "infidel." Police allegedly also found a samurai sword and several cellphones inside a car belonging to Aziz. The group's moniker was derived from a chat they participated in on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, which is frequently used by ISIS-inspired terrorists and other Islamists. Authorities said the men were planning a Lee Rigby-style attack on military and police personnel. Rigby was the British Army soldier who was attacked and killed by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale in 2013. The pair used knives and a meat cleaver to stab Rigby to death. Prosecutors said the Three Musketeers, who denied preparing terrorist attacks, had been inspired by ISIS. Phones and laptops belonging to the three men were found to have been used to view radical content, including articles from Al Qaedas Inspire magazine and religious songs glorifying violence. The defendants all claimed the incriminating evidence was planted by an undercover officer, who posed as the boss of a fake firm called Hero Couriers. Both Ali and Hussain had previously been jailed for terrorism offences after they tried to join an Al Qaeda training camp in Pakistan in 2012, the BBC reported. The national terror threat level in the United Kingdom remains at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, amid growing fears of home-grown extremists and foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq. The Associated Press contributed to this report. As North Korea advances its nuclear ambitions with yet another test of a long-range missile system, the once unthinkable has started to go mainstream in Japan: a discussion of the idea that Japan needs to have a nuclear deterrent of its own to survive in an increasingly unstable region. Japan's "nuclear allergy" stems from its unique, tragic history with nuclear weapons. It is the only country in the world to suffer their impact, when the United States leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 to end World War II. Since then, there have been brief public discussions of gaining nuclear weapons to stave off threats, such as in the '50s at the height of the Cold War, but such discussions were almost always relegated to extremists who longed for a return to Japan's imperial military heyday. Today, experts tell Fox News the idea that Japan can and should possess nuclear weapons on its own soil, whether they are domestically developed or provided by the U.S., is no longer the exclusive realm of Japanese extremists. "There are some Japanese security analysts who are starting to think about stationing nuclear weapons in Japan and they are mainstream. That is new in Japan," said Mark Fitzpatrick, Washington Executive Director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and author of the book Asia's Latent Nuclear Powers. "The taboo about talking about nuclear weapons in Japan has been broken," said Fitzpatrick. "Although anti-nuclear weapons sentiment is extremely strong in Japan, now people are more freely discussing the idea of a nuclear-armed Japan," said Masako Toki of the Center for Non-proliferation Studies, "Before now, even slightly saying such an idea forced politicians to resign. Now that seems no longer the case. The taboo on discussing de-nuclearization has been weakened." Anders Corr, who runs a political risk consultancy called Corr Analytics, said he has also "seen an increased number of military analysts supporting a nuclear armed Japan over the past few months." A combination of factors appears to be driving the new, albeit reluctant, discussion. They are: China's regional ambitions as a nuclear power, North Korea's testing where some missiles actually land in Japanese territorial waters, and a U.S. president who is seen as willing to test traditional alliances with a focus on domestic priorities. As a non-proliferation advocate and analyst, Fitzpatrick does not support Japan gaining the bomb, but he is worried about what could happen as the region continues to destabilize, U.S. policy continues to evolve, and the idea that Japan must have nuclear weapons to protect itself gains ground. "I think it's very dangerous talk because if it were to happen, it would exacerbate the regional arms race and enable the possibility of nuclear exchange, either intentional or accidental," Fitzpatrick told Fox News. Public opinion polls still show large majorities against Japan nuclearizing and the barriers to the bomb are still very high, but "as China's aggression increases, political opinion in Japan will increasingly support going nuclear," Corr told Fox News. Corr believes nuclear weapons would actually stabilize the region. Such weapons, Corr said, would have a deterrent effect on China, for example, from taking territory in and around the Senkaku Islands. Japanese nuclear weapons also would deter Russia, which has taken "increasingly aggressive actions in Japan's airspace in recent years," not to mention North Korea, he said. And they could neutralize the North Korean menace. "It would restore some balance in East Asian Security. It would be a form of retaliation that does not escalate, but actually de-escalates tensions in East Asia," Corr added. Non-proliferation experts disagree, and argue that a nuclear-armed Japan would create immense diplomatic problems for the United States as it continues to try to prevent proliferation by adversaries and allies alike. Plus, Japan is already defended by nuclear weapons. "They're just not Japanese nuclear weapons. They're American nuclear weapons," said James Acton, Co-Director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "This is crucial to the argument against Japan going nuclear." Japan's government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe surprised observers last year when it seemed to lean toward interpreting the country's pacifist Constitution, as permitting some kinds of nuclear weapons. However, it has made seemingly contradictory statements on the matter. Yusuke Yokobatake, the Director-General of the Japanese Cabinet Legislation Bureau, said in March 2016, "We don't think that the use of all kinds of nuclear weapons is prohibited under the Constitution . . . [but] the use of weapons, not just nuclear arms, is restricted under domestic and international laws." Abe's political party also has stated that North Korea's political threats have "entered a new stage." Without referencing nuclear weapons, Japan's prime minister said earlier this year that the country needs to explore "what kind of deterrents can be possible under the exclusively defensive policy." Thanks to its reliance on nuclear power, Japan has a large stockpile of plutonium that has long worried anti-proliferation advocates. As of the end of 2016, Japan had 9.8 metric tons of plutonium stockpiled around the country and another 37.1 metric tons stored in Britain and France. That's enough to create around 5,000 nuclear bombs. Some of the weapons-grade material was transferred to the US in March under an anti-proliferation agreement signed during the Obama Administration. After North Korea successfully tested an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead over the weekend, President Trump reassured Abe that the U.S. remains committed to using the "full range" of its capabilities in defending Japan. But Acton said that allies like Japan and South Korea are nevertheless worried about the Trump administration's dedication to so-called extended deterrence, or the protective shield of the American nuclear umbrella over allies, not just the U.S. homeland. "One gets into a problem where allies no longer trust that guarantee," Acton told Fox News. While the Trump Administration has not given any indication that Japan or South Korea should get nuclear weapons, Acton said they do have lingering concerns given the president's statements on issues like paying for protection, such as Trump's call on South Korea to pay more for the THAAD missile defense system. "That kind of event gives allies concerns about whether the U.S. is actually committed to their security," Acton said. During the presidential campaign, Trump was criticized for apparently leaning toward a nuclear-armed Japan when he said at a town hall, "you have so many countries now that have them already - China, Pakistan, Russia. Now, wouldn't you rather in a certain sense have Japan have nuclear weapons when North Korea has nuclear weapons?" Trump later distanced himself from the prospect of supporting a nuclear-armed Japan. But Corr, who believes Japan would be wise to nuclearize, points out that Trump is on to something when it comes to adversaries gaining the bomb, and allies leaning heavily on America for protection. "The democracies and U.S.-aligned countries are playing by the rules," he said, "it would be unwise to let all the autocracies and China-aligned countries obtain nuclear weapons, and deny that deterrent to our democratic allies." He argues that time has come in East Asia. "Not only Japan, but South Korea and Taiwan should obtain independent deterrent nuclear forces," said Corr. "This would right the current security imbalance in East Asia and decrease incentives for Chinese and North Korean territorial aggression." Fox News Researcher Joseph LoGalbo contributed to this report. When I came home from the hospital after the birth of my second child, my freezer held a surprise: Twenty meals in zippered storage bags that required only thawing and tossing in the slow cooker or oven. My twin sister wanted to make sure I was, at least, well-fed; my first child was not even a year and a half old, and Id had both via cesarean section. I asked if I could at least pay her for the ingredients. Shed spent time and money to make my life easier, and who has an abundance of either? But Sarah assured me that it had taken her only one afternoon to put together these freezer feasts. And it had cost less than $100. She is a seasoned meal-prepper with a bagful of tricks, from getting the best bargains to maximizing a few hours of free time. She has two children of her ownalso delivered by C-section less than two years apartand understood those early weeks marked by sleep-deprivation and the searing pain of surgery. Between takeout food, Stouffers lasagnasmy idea of a make-ahead mealand dinners provided by my sister, we ate for more than a month with minimal effort. There were barbecue pork ribs and honey lime chicken, fajitas and sweet and sour chicken. There were burgers and meatloaf, chicken broccoli alfredo and a dish called sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken. There was a giant bag of cheesy enchiladas with quinoa, which we ate on tortillas for two nights and then scooped into fresh bell peppers and topped with cheese for a third meal. And just like that, my freezer was empty again. My own attempt at meal-prepping yielded just three meals and a pantry filled with unused ingredients. The kitchen had always frustrated me; Id spent more than a decade as a bachelorette living off single-serving meals from the frozen food department and whatever restaurant was within walking distance of my apartment. Come here one weekend, my sister told me over the phone from her home in Winchester, and Ill show you how to do it. So one recent Saturday, I loaded up the two kids and made the drive. When I got there, shed already done the shopping for me. It was easy, she said. Shed just made two lists and handed one to her 6-year-old, who pushed a separate cart. She presented me with a receipt totaling $55. This included zippered storage bags in two sizes. Id go home with 18 meals. And so while the baby napped and my nieces entertained my toddler, she pulled out boxes of quinoa and bottles of barbecue sauce, seasoning packets and bags of produce. She set up tiny racks that held upright and open plastic bags, so that all you had to do once you started was dump in ingredients. There was a black Sharpie for scribbling on each bag the name of the dish and the cooking instructions. Some recipes came from a five-subject composition book that had belonged to my grandmother. Most shed culled from Pinterest. How is it that I ended up the domesticated one? Sarah asked me. I have no idea, I said, because she had been the tomboy who got toy trucks for Christmas while I played with dolls. Where, she wanted to know, had I learned how to slice an onion? That was not how it was done. Nor, she told me, peering over my shoulder, was that how you cut a pepper. It was no wonder Id once ended up in the ER trying to make spaghetti. She showed me the proper way to do both. She told me what shed learned from trial and error. What I have found is youve got to do it in stages, she said. You do all your chicken ones when chicken is on sale. You do all your beef ones when beef is on sale. You do all your pork ones when pork is on sale. Then you have a good variety. A grocery store will have everything on sale within a one-month cycle. Or you can just shop at Aldi and not worry about sales. Im not one of those crazy coupon people. I wish I was. But Im not. more tips The fewer ingredients, the better. Find recipes that call for a lot of the same ingredients. Many of our meals included peppers and onions, for example. Set out all your ingredients before you start. Make multiples of everything. We put together five packs of ribs and four each of meatloaf, fajitas and sloppy Joes. Freeze the bags flat. Then you can stack them in the freezer like books on a shelf. Three hours after we started, we were finished. The baby was starting to stir. The toddler had grown boreda scenario that regularly played out at the dinnertime hour. Only now Id no longer have the distraction of what to make. At least for the next 18 days. You know The Village at Spotsylvania Towne Centre? Thats the strange/cool shopping area behind Sears at the Spotsy Mall (as us old-timers still call it) with the nice shops and restaurants that are pretty but somewhat difficult to find. Well, a new restaurant recently opened there that gives us extra reason to make the trek. Its called Malawis Pizza, with the slogan Pizza with a Purpose. See, for every meal you get at Malawis, they donate a meal to a hungry kid inyou guessed itMalawi. (Small country, southeastern Africa. I looked it up on Bing. You can too.) So thats cool and all, but, if the food isnt good, you could just give a donation to a charity and make the same impact, right? Yes. But the food is good, in some cases very good. So you can enjoy a tasty topping of moral clarity with your meal. Their website puts it well (why rewrite it if they got it right?): Malawis Pizza is a fast-casual dining concept offering gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts served with the freshest ingredients all within minutes of ordering. I went to Malawis with one of my buddies from school, his voracious-eater teenage son, and a Cool Chick from Stafford. First, the place itself: Its big. And nice, especially for a place where you go to the counter and order. High ceilings, comfortable booths, lots of attractive wooden tables, cloth napkins, real silverware. Lets put it this way: This is food served fast, not fast food. As you might guess, the stone-oven pizzas are front and center on the menu, but this menu, like the room itself, is big. Heaps of options for pizzas, pastas, salads and more. I got a combo meal: a small Thai chicken pizzetta and a half order of sesame Thai beef (just under $14 total), while the Cool Chick from Stafford got a combo meal of half an apple and berry salad and half chicken Alfredo (again, in the $14 range). I was impressed with the pizza. It reminded me of the Thai chicken pizza that California Pizza Kitchen makes, only I liked this one a little better. Thin crispy crust, with peanuts, arugula, carrots, scallions and a delicious sauce. The pasta dish, sesame Thai beef, was unfortunately a bust. Where was the sesame? And, to quote the Wendys lady in the 1980s: Wheres the beef? It was a pretty bland dish, dominated by bland noodles and not much else. Dont get that one. Meanwhile, Cool Chick seemed to really enjoy her order. She said the salad was almost like a dessert thats good for you due to its sweetnesswhich was a compliment. But she raved most about the chicken Alfredo, which was not salted to death as so many places do. She described it as creamy and sophisticated. I was impressed. College buddy and his son got a large Buffalo chicken pizza, and a steak salad. Both were very complimentary and polished off their entire meal. The young woman who took our orders at the counter was friendly, offered suggestions and in general was helpful without being pushy. So the bottom line: This is a unique place, with good food, good cause, lots of seating, and varied menu. Its not a place to get a slice of New York or Chicago-style pizza, but there are lots of places to find that. Theres only one Malawis. In Fredericksburg, at least. The Marine Corps anthem echoed off the trees in southern Fauquier County on Tuesday as about 100 people gathered for what could have been an Independence Day celebration. Flags lined a portion of Royalls Mill Road in Sumerduck, not far from the village dragway, but another Stars and Stripes commanded the most attention. It was as deep and wide as a house, and it stretched the length of one. When the command came, the crowd shouted, Pull back this flag while the Journey song, Dont Stop Believin, filled the air. And thats when Marine Cpl. Larry Bailey got his first good look at the home that will give him back some of the independence he lost while fighting for his country. Bailey, who told the group hes not much on making speeches, thanked all those with the New York foundation that made the day possible. This is definitely a blessing for myself and my family, he said. Then, when ceremonies concluded, Bailey rolled his wheelchair to the front of the two-story, 3,000-square-foot home. Using his bionic left hand, he helped raise an American flag there for the first time. HONORING SACRIFICE Bailey and others in the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps regiment were kicking off an operation to take on the Taliban in Afghanistan in June 2011 when the unit was attacked by small arms and machine gun fire. When Bailey aggressively maneuvered onto a roof to repel the assault, according to the Semper Fi Fund, he triggered an improvised explosive device. He lost his left hand and both legs below the knees. As the Illinois resident learned to adapt, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, he said people from the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation kept piling into the room. They talked about the groups mission, to honor the sacrifice New York City firefighter Siller showed on 9/11. Siller was off work that day, but when he heard the call, he drove toward the Twin Towers. He got as far as the BrooklynBattery Tunnel, which was closed, so he packed all 65 pounds of his gear on his back and ran through the 1.7 mile tunnel. Sillers body was never found in the carnage, and relatives who formed the nonprofit set about honoring other heroes who likewise, answered the call of duty and paid such a tremendous price, said Sillers brother, Frank. Frank Siller was one of several speakers at Tuesdays well-orchestrated ceremony, which highlighted the contributions from businesses, nationwide and local, to make the smarthomes possible. Baileys home was the 50th done through the foundations Building for Americas Bravest program. Can you believe were here, Larry? Siller asked, to which Bailey smiled and nodded. When it was time to hand over the keys, Siller told Bailey he had earned themand kissed the veteran on the forehead. BETTER FOR MY FAMILY Bailey and his wife, Desiree, and 17-month-old daughter hadnt seen the completed house and its furnishings until Tuesday. The couple had chosen colors, designs and patterns for the home, which features 15 acres. As Larry Bailey wheeled his chair through one room after anotherand he preferred working the chair himself rather than being pushedabout all he could say was Wow. Jack Oehm, a retired battalion chief from the Fire Department of the City of New York, works full-time as a volunteer with the foundation. He led the tour through the new kitchen, showing Bailey how he could turn on the faucet with the wave of a hand or open an accessible cabinet and pull down a lever to retrieve glasses. Larry, do you cook? Oehm asked, demonstrating how the stove could be lowered to Baileys level and the microwave opened like a drawer for easy access. Baileys eyes really widened in the bathroom, where the two-sink counter has room for him to pull up his chair. He did a complete circle on his chair in the walk-in shower and saw that the bath has enough edge around it so he can scoot to it from his chair, then lower himself into the tub. He cant do any of these things in his Woodbridge apartment, and he said hes really looking forward to taking a bath. When ground was broken for the house in June 2016, Bailey explained that its not the big stuff that bothers him. Its the little annoyances, like not being able to reach the detergent so he can wash the dishes. Its great, Bailey said about the house, which has an elevator to take him to the second floor. Its definitely more comfortable for me and more convenient, and better for my family. NO EXAGGERATION Before the ceremony, Baileys father, Larry Bailey Sr., worked the crowd like a politician. He walked around, shaking hands with each business owner who had supplied carpet or tile, custom-made cabinets or the bed and stuffed animals for his granddaughters room. He thanked the Patriot Guard Riders and the Sons of the American Revolution, who wore heavy wool uniforms as they presented the colors. Were all walking on air, said the elder Bailey, who spent 30 years in the Navy, including service during the Vietnam War. Theres no words to describe what we feel in our hearts to all the organizations that have touched Larrys life. He and his wife, Mary, came from Illinois for the event and were all smiles during the tour. As Larry Bailey recalled the first conversations he had with representatives from the New York foundation, he remembered wondering if theyd really do all they promised. As he looked around, at a walk-in closet that Oehm said was bigger than his childrens bedrooms, Bailey became a believer. Being here today, he said he could see there was no exaggeration of what they said theyd do. A Warrenton CVS employee has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the July 26 death of his manager outside the drug store on Blackwell Road. Bernard Clark Duse Jr., 76, of Alexandria was arrested about 4:35 a.m. Wednesday in Fairfax County in the slaying of Rex Olsen, 64, of Reva. Olsen was Duses supervisor at the CVS, according to a news release from the Fauquier County Commonwealths Attorneys Office. Authorities found Olsens body on the side of the CVS near a dumpster about 10:36 p.m. July 26. In addition to first-degree murder, Duse is also charged with use of a firearm in the commission of murder. Police have not commented on a potential motive. Authorities said the arrest was the result of six days of investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The Warrenton Police Department coordinated the investigation in which the Office of the Commonwealths Attorney joined along with the Fauquier County Sheriffs Office, the Virginia State Police, the Fairfax County Police Department and the U.S. Marshalls Service, according to the release. I would like to thank all of the participants who worked diligently to get us to this point, said Warrenton Police Chief Lou Battle. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we are grateful for their dedicated service. According to his online obituary, Olsen had worked as a CVS manager for 25 years, made many friends during that time and was a favorite of his coworkers. Rex had an admired work ethic and always strove to do his best, no matter the obstacles, his obituary said. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Julia, and two sons, Hans and Colin. Hans and Colin were two of the great joys of Rexs life, his obituary said. He began an annual tradition of taking his sons camping when Hans was just 4-years-old and Colin was added to the trip as soon as he was old enough. They camped all over the U.S. and into Canada and made many wonderful memories during their adventures. Olsen was born and raised in Safford, Ariz., and had lived for 20 years in Reva. His obituary remembered him as an outdoorsman and gardener who appreciated good books, classic rock and baseball. Favorite quotes listed in obituary include, Heaven is right here, right now. Make the best of it and enjoy it every day and Be a good person, follow your conscience, and dont let a bunch of old men tell you how to run your life. The family plans to hold memorial gatherings in Reva and Arizona. Baker Post Funeral Home in Manassas is handling arrangements. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center has started two new practices with doctors formerly associated with Dr. Barbara Mercado, a popular obstetrician and gynecologist whose sudden business closing last month shocked members of her staffand the mothers-to-be they served. Meanwhile, patients who havent retrieved their records from Mercados practice, Generations of Women Ob/Gyn, will be able to get them through Mary Washington Healthcare. All the records are being transferred to Mary Washington and should be there by Friday, said Lisa Henry, marketing director for Mary Washington Healthcare. Patients can request paper copies or ask that electronic versions be sent to another provider, she said. As you can imagine, we have already received a number of calls from former patients and we will work to release their records as soon as we receive them, Henry said. Mercados practice seemed both busy and popular. She was named Favorite Gynecologist in the fredericksburg.com 2017 Readers Choice competition. Days after winners were announced in The Free LanceStar, Mercado made an announcement of her own: that she was closing the business she started in 2011 on the campus of Mary Washington Hospital and expanded to the Spotsylvania hospital four years later. In a letter on Generation of Womens Facebook page, Mercado said the practice had brought thousands of beautiful babies into the world and saved countless lives through hereditary cancer screenings. But she didnt mention that its also facing lawsuits by both hospitals alleging she owes them a total of $384,533, according to court documents. Spotsylvania Regional claims she didnt pay $296,055 in fees to cover mandatory operating expenses at her office in the Pogonia Medical Arts Building between October 2015 and February 2017. A lawsuit by MediCorp Properties Inc. seeks $88,478, the balance from a 10-year loan started in 2012. Mercado, who has worked with Fredericksburg-area patients for 18 years, denies both allegations. In the Facebook letter, she didnt explain what caused the business to fail, but said her journey has been filled with obstacles and hardships that have become increasingly difficult to overcome. Meanwhile, two of the doctors who worked with Mercadoand one who worked in another practice, Generations of Children Pediatrics, which she also ownedhave set up shop with Spotsylvania hospital. Dr. Lisa Blackwood and Dr. Dara King have joined the newly formed Total Womens Health. They are the only two doctors in the practice, said Stephanie Maynor, marketing director with Capital Division Physician Services Group. Total Womens Health opened Tuesday. Other OBGYN practices have offices on the campus. Blackwood is described as a tireless advocate for womens health in a press release from HCA Virginia Physicians. She earned her medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., where she did her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. King received her medical education from Wayne State University in Detroit and did her residency at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, also in Detroit. While there, she participated in several research fellowships. Spotsylvania Regional is looking for additional providers to join Blackwood and King. Their practice offers a full range of womens services, from exams and family planning to pregnancy care and menopause management. On Monday, the hospital opened Total Childrens Health with Dr. Verne Rochford, who formerly worked with Generations of Children Pediatrics. Its not clear when the pediatrics office closed, but its website has been suspended and its phone system isnt working. Rochford, a mother of three as well as a board-certified pediatrician uses the philosophy that education is more valuable than medication, according to a press release. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. When historians discuss Native Americans in Virginias Colonial period, they tend to focus on the powerful chief Powhatan and the tribes along the York and James rivers, where English settlers landed. When tribes along the northern side of the Rappahannock River are mentioned, its often been with the assumption that they migrated there to put a river between them and the powerful Powhatan. But a new study conducted by an anthropology team from St. Marys College of Maryland may well change the discussion. The report, Defining the Rappahannock Indigenous Cultural Landscape, argues that ecological factors drove settlements to the northern side and other points along of the river, possibly in larger numbers than previously thought. The studyconducted for the National Park Service, which manages the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trailemployed everything from oral histories to modern Geographic Information System modeling to reach some interesting insights. The study had the support of historians, archaeologists and tribal leaders in Virginia. It notes that one important discovery concerns the distribution of Native towns along the rivers shoreline, with most towns located on the rivers north bank. Instead of the old belief that those tribes went there to get away from Powhatan, the report notes it was more likely because good agricultural soils, clay suitable for pottery manufacture, and access to marshes and transportation tributaries were found in greater numbers on that side of the river. The projectbenefiting the park service, the Chesapeake Conservancy and the Rappahannock Tribe of Virginiawas tasked with defining the Indigenous Cultural Landscape in the section of the river from Port Royal/Port Conway to Urbanna. It was developed as a tool for identifying Native landscapes along the Smith Trail, both as they existed in the early 17th century and as they exist today. The study defined the region as some 552 square miles, and noted that a model based on evidence from the Rappahannock watershed reveals the extensive and sophisticated levels of ecological knowledge of the groups that Captain John Smith encountered in the river valley in 1608. It also says that research indicates that the waterways were seen more as highways than barriers, used during different times of the year to satisfy seasonal demands and opportunities. To understand a bit more about how this team from St. Marys compiled the report, I met with Julia King and Scott Strickland, who helped produce the study. They explained that the report used a collection of information and exploration to get a better idea of where tribes were located during Smiths foray up the river in 1608, and where areas important to the various tribes exist today. They noted that Anne Richardson, the chief of the Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia, and other tribal members provided invaluable help and history. King, a professor of anthropology at St. Marys, said, The view of Native Americans in the Colonial period has been sort of lopsided, with so much attention given to Powhatan and the tribes around Jamestown and Yorktown, she said. She noted that a diary Smith kept on his trip up the Rappahannock and a map of Native American settlements he encountered has been the focus. She and Strickland said that extrapolating from those diaries and from other sources found in the study, the Native American population along the Rappahannock was probably significantly larger than previously thought. Strickland, whose expertise includes experience with Geographic Information Systems, said a basic set of criteria was used to identify areas where tribes might have found things like good agricultural soil, a fresh water source, a nearby tributary for transportation, nearby marshes for access to waterfowl and other food sources, access to forests and brushy areas and more, he said. Coming at locating tribal sites from another direction, the St. Marys team consulted tribal leaders and looked at tribal history and archaeology to indicate places associated with ancestors or part of a descendent communitys past. And they toured different spots on the northern and southern shores, consulted historians and archaeologists and any other source they could find. When those sources were mapped and cross-referenced with the GIS maps, the team was struck by how closely the two lined up. The report concludes with seven recommendations: the development of an oral history program for Rappahannock tribal members, the creation of a detailed cultural history of the Rappahannock River groups, an effort to connect modern-day places to 17th- to 19th-century landscapes, development of education materials, an analysis of key parcels to prioritize land conservation goals and an expansion of the ICL study to other watersheds. Its been a fascinating process so far, and we hope to do additional work as this goes forward, said King. Joseph Michael Purdy found well-deserved peace at the age of 44. He is survived by his wife Rebecca; children Josh and Cassie; parents John and Mary; and sister Rebecca. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, August 4 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. Family and friends will be invited to share remembrances at 4 p.m. Bruce James Webster, 66, of Spotsylvania County passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at VCU Medical Center. Mr. Webster was a U. S. Army helicopter pilot veteran having served during Vietnam. He was president of International Air Safety, Ltd. He was an active member of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association since 2007 and was a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence. Survivors include his wife, Gayle Webster; son Eric Webster; daughter Courtney Webster; sister Lynn Bayer (Howard); brother Bryan Webster (Robin); sister-in-law Linda Werz (Tom); brother-in-law Tom Jordan (Elizabeth); numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved service dog, Halstead. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at noon on Saturday, Aug. 5 at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) P.O. Box 446 Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446 or to Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 27-2 "Bull Run III" P.O. Box 595, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0535 or to Micah Ministries 1013 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Online guestbook available at covenantfuneralservice.com. THAT ATTORNEY General Jeff Sessions would resurrect a controversial federal program for civil asset forfeiture isnt surprising. He has long been one of the rare advocates for the policy, a vestige of the war on drugs restricted by the Obama administration that allowed local and state law enforcement officials to use federal law to seize (and keep) property suspected of crime. But his announcement last month that the Justice Department was expanding the practice nonetheless perfectly illustrates the stubborn persistence of civil asset forfeiture. Liberals and conservatives alike despise it: Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the Charles Koch Institute have lobbied against it, achieving legitimate success at both the federal and state levels. Meanwhile, supporters of civil forfeiturealmost exclusively from the law enforcement communityare few and far between. Yet civil asset forfeiture refuses to die. It remains an embarrassing fixture of our criminal-justice systemwandering like a zombie with an affinity for pickpocketing. Why? Probably because police have become addicted to the revenue stream it provides. Conservatives often argue that its impossible to rescind welfare programs once people become accustomed to them. Perhaps that logic is better suited for law enforcement officers who dont want to give up their slush funds. Sessions suggested this pretty strongly in his directive. In public remarks, the attorney general said that law-abiding people whose property is used without their knowledge for illegal purposes should not be punished because of crimes that others have committed. But his directive explicitly allows Justice Department officials to seize such propertyprovided that they do so with particular caution. If its not about the money, what reasonable reason for seizing the property of law-abiding people could there be? Really this comes down to funding, said Darpana Sheth, director of the civil forfeiture initiative at the Institute for Justice, a libertarian nonprofit law firm. Consider New Mexico, which implemented one of the nations most comprehensive forfeiture reforms in 2015. Not only did the state ban most of its state-level civil forfeiture, but it also required police to hand over all property seized under criminal convictions to the state, to be appropriated by lawmakers. But local officials didnt think that law applied to them, so they continued with civil property seizures anyway. The city of Albuquerque seized so many cars that it created plansafter the reform law went into effectto build a complex to store them. Now, frustrated New Mexico lawmakers are working on legislation to explicitly forbid the city from taking its residents vehicles. Its hard to overstate how terribly law enforcement has abused this policy. Revenue from federal asset forfeitures increased by 1,000 percent from 2001 to 2014, amounting to $29 billion. A Reason magazine investigation showed that in cities such as Chicago, poor people have been hit the hardest. Police often ramp up the practice during tough economic times. Sessions, of course, is right that giving police the power to seize property could help them address crime. But so could giving police unlimited access to our homes and personal information, as well as the indiscriminate power to kill suspected criminals. We dont give them that power because that would be crazy. Over the years, as civil forfeiture became subject to greater scrutiny, many states attempted to curb the practice with their own reforms. But Sessions directive would take the wind out of those efforts by once again giving local police the ability to seize property under federal law. For a supposedly conservative administration, such blatant disregard for federalist principles is shocking. Robert Gebelhoff contributes to The Washington Posts Opinions section. DOMINION ENERGYS plan to build a pair of 6-megawatt wind turbines off the Virginia coast is welcome news that adds another dimension to its promise to invest in alternative energy sources. Its also real-world evidence that a Goliath of the U.S. energy industry sees a way to realize the potential of offshore energy generation other than drilling into the ocean bottom for oil and natural gas. This is just the second offshore wind project in the United States, according to a Richmond TimesDispatch report, but it will be the first owned by a publicly traded power company. Dominions customers, however, will help the company recoup the $300 million cost of the project as they pay their monthly utility bills. News of the companys wind turbine deal with Dong Energy of Denmark comes just a year after Dominion bore the wrath of Gov. Terry McAuliffe and various environmental groups for failing to take advantage of a $40 million grant offered by the federal government to help fund a pilot wind-energy program. Timing being everything, says Thomas F. Farrell II, Dominions CEO, president and chairman, the company has only now reconciled the feasibility of the projects logistics and sealed the deal with Dong. Having already installed 22 wind projects around the world with a total generating capacity of 3.9 gigawatts, Dong is able to provide the technological expertise necessary. That, Farrell says, dovetails nicely with Dominions ability to distribute electricity to its customers. One gigawatt is equal to 1,000 megawatts, and is enough to power nearly 500,000 U.S. homes. The pilot project is planned for a site 27 miles off the Virginia Beach coast. While that would be out of sight from the coast, it makes Dongs experience in working under treacherous offshore conditions a key element of the initiative. The power generated would be sent along transmission lines laid on the ocean bottom to the Virginia shore. In the meantime, Dominion has ramped up its efforts to develop solar farms in Virginia. Last May, the company announced its plan to add 3,200 megawatts of solar-powered generation in the next 15 years and 5,200 megawatts over 25 years. Solar panels depend on sunny days to generate electrical power. Keeping its power diversification options open, Dominion recently acquired a permit to build a third nuclear reactor at Spotsylvanias Lake Anna Power Station, but says the monumental cost of such a project will leave it on the shelf for the foreseeable future. If Dominion is satisfied with the progress and outcome of the pilot project, it also has access to another offshore site leased to it by the federal government. There, it would anchor multiple turbines to generate 2 gigawatts of wind energy. There are several positive takeaways from this initiative. Here are a few of them: The project puts Virginia at the forefront of wind energy generation, providing the jobs and technological insight that come with it. Advancing wind energy will help the country wean itself from fossil fuels over time. A worthy goal of Dominion is to eventually turn its practice of using alternative energy sources to complement fossil-fuel-generated power sources the other way around. The more wind energy is developed, the faster the cost of building turbines and bringing them online will moderate, just as the popularity of photovoltaic solar panels is bringing down their manufacturing costs. If we have one reservation about the use of wind turbines, it is that they are lethal to hundreds of thousands of birds each year in North America alone. Given the various forms of technology now under development and at the worlds disposal, perhaps there is a method of shielding birds or diverting them away from wind farms generally, whether on land or offshore. What we do applaud is a commitment to alternative energy sources that lessens our dependence on fossil fuels and portends a brighter future for the planet. Argument for school uniforms While many schools have not yet adopted school uniforms, I believe that they should, due to certain pros that outweigh the overall con, lack of diversity. They are economical, it develops a better learning environment and creates a level playing field among students. Parents can reduce costs when their children are limited to wearing one simple outfit every day. An Aug. 20, 2015, study of uniform cost in the United Kingdom found that uniforms cost parents $128.79 per outfit, while out-of-school outfits averaged $165.79. Uniforms also create a better learning environment. Since teenagers are highly prone to being overly concerned about what they are wearing, if they are required to wear a uniform, they reduce the amount of focus on this issue and can turn it towards their learning. A 2010 University of Houston study found that elementary school girls language test scores increased by about 3 percentile points after uniforms were implemented. Not only do uniforms create a better learning environment and reduce costs, they also reduce peer pressure and bullying. When all the kids are dressed alike, competition between clothing choices and the teasing of those who wear less expensive or fashionable clothes can be eliminated. In a 2013 survey by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, 86 percent of school leaders said uniforms make a significant, positive impact on peer pressure, and 64 percent said uniforms reduce bullying. Considering these factors, I believe in and support mandatory school uniforms and encourage school systems to switch. Lucas Umberger Student, King George Story Highlights New report shares Law and Order Index results for 135 countries Venezuelans least secure -- just 12% feel safe walking alone Singapore tops the world in security WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Venezuela's score on Gallup's Law and Order Index -- its annual global gauge of how secure people feel -- continued to follow the country's descent into chaos in 2016. The country's index score of 42 out of 100 was the lowest in the world last year. This number is likely even worse now as the country's economic and political crisis deepens, including the election on Sunday that critics, including the U.S. and a growing list of nations, are denouncing as a "sham." Across 135 countries, Law and Order Index scores in 2016 ranged from a high of 97 in Singapore to the low of 42 in Venezuela. The index is based on people's reported confidence in their local police, their feelings of personal safety, the incidence of theft in the past year and -- for the first time in 2016 -- the incidence of assault and mugging in the past year. The changes in the index scoring in 2016 make it impossible to directly compare current index scores to those released in previous years. But if the 2016 data are scored without the assault and mugging question, Singapore still scores the highest in the world (97) and Venezuela still scores the lowest in the world (29). Venezuela has been no stranger to the bottom of the list -- it was the lowest-scoring country in 2013 and 2015, and second-lowest in 2014. Singapore has been at the top since 2013. For the complete results for each country, read Gallup's 2017 Global Law and Order report. Venezuelans' Sense of Safety, Confidence in Police Hit Record Lows Venezuela's scores on all of the individual questions that make up the current index were worse last year than at any point in the past decade. Just 12% of Venezuelans in 2016 said they felt safe walking alone at night where they live, and 14% expressed confidence in their police. These are not only the worst on record for Venezuela, but the worst for any country last year -- and for the past 10 years. To put Venezuela's 12% who feel safe walking alone at night into perspective, the next-lowest figure in 2016 was more than twice as high as Venezuela: 28% in El Salvador. Among the 12 countries in which residents are least likely to say they feel safe walking alone at night, five are in Latin America. Another six are in sub-Saharan Africa -- including two of that region's more economically developed countries, South Africa (37%) and Botswana (38%). Safe Walking Alone at Night in Your Neighborhood Least likely to feel safe* Most likely to feel safe Yes, feel safe Yes, feel safe % % Mauritania 39 Singapore 97 Congo (Kinshasa) 39 Uzbekistan 92 Argentina 39 Iceland 88 Botswana 38 Norway 87 South Africa 37 Rwanda 87 Brazil 36 Slovenia 87 Afghanistan 36 Hong Kong 86 Liberia 35 Denmark 83 Dominican Republic 33 Switzerland 83 Gabon 33 Spain 83 El Salvador 28 Armenia 83 Venezuela 12 * In Syria, where residents were among the least likely worldwide to say they felt safe in 2015, security conditions prevented Gallup from conducting a survey there in 2016. Gallup World Poll, 2016 At the same time, 38% of Venezuelans said they had had property or money stolen in the past year. This is up more than 10 percentage points from the previous year and a new record high for the country. Only five countries -- all in sub-Saharan Africa -- had higher percentages than Venezuela in 2016. Shape your research with access to opinions across the globe. Gallup conducts surveys in over 160 countries and 140 languages. Learn more Venezuela is also among the 14 countries worldwide in which at least 15% of residents say they have been assaulted or mugged in the past year -- the new question included in the index in 2016. All but one of the 14 are in sub-Saharan Africa; the lone exception is Venezuela, where 22% say they have been assaulted or mugged in the past year. In a handful of these countries in sub-Saharan Africa, about one in four say they have been assaulted or mugged in the past year. Latin America and the Caribbean Score Lowest on Security Venezuela's scores continue to stand out even in Latin America and the Caribbean, where residents are the least likely among all global regions to feel secure in their communities. Latin America and the Caribbean scored a 64 on Gallup's Law and Order Index -- unchanged from its 2015 score. Residents of the U.S. and Canada, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Western Europe are the most likely to feel secure, with index scores of 84 or higher. Gallup Law and Order Index Across Global Regions 2015 2016 Difference % % pct. pts. U.S. and Canada 83 86 +3 Southeast Asia 85 85 0 East Asia 82 84 +2 Western Europe 83 84 +1 Middle East and North Africa 79 82 +3 Eastern Europe 78 80 +2 South Asia 79 78 -1 Commonwealth of Independent States 74 76 +2 Sub-Saharan Africa 69 68 -1 Latin America and the Caribbean 64 64 0 Gallup World Poll, 2016 At the regional level, the 2016 Law and Order Index scores have remained relatively stable since 2015, changing no more than three points in any of the global regions. Scores for individual countries also changed little, with a few exceptions. Implications Venezuelans' falling scores on Gallup's measures of law and order are just one example of how their country has gone from one of the richest in South America to ruin in just a few short years. In fact, most aspects of Venezuelans' lives are worse now than they were before President Nicolas Maduro took office in 2013. In 2012, the majority of Venezuelans (57%) were thriving; that number stood at just 13% in 2016. And, Venezuelans in 2016 were among the most likely in the world to report struggling to buy food their families needed -- with the 80% unable to afford food on par with populations in places such as Malawi and Central African Republic. In 2012, this percentage was just 27%. No other country Gallup surveys has seen its people's ratings of their lives fall this far this fast in the past decade. And as bad as those ratings were last year, they are likely even worse now and not likely to get better soon. The latest violence and political turmoil will probably only make Venezuela's economic and humanitarian crisis worse -- the opposite of what Maduro says Sunday's election was designed to do. Download the 2017 Global Law and Order report. There currently are 93 Fisher Houses in the United States and in Europe with plans for more. July 8, 1937 June 11, 2017 James "Jim" Carlisle Mullenix, 79, of Corvallis, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017. Jim was born July 8, 1937, in The Dallas, the only child of Kenneth Carlisle and Lillian Dunn Mullinex. Jim and his mother moved to Banks shortly after his father passed away in 1943 when Jim was six years old. He attended grade school and high school in Banks, graduating in 1955. His friends remember him as having a good sense of humor and enjoying making people laugh. He enjoyed performing in school plays. After graduation, he attended Oregon State University but interrupted his college studies to enlist in the U.S. Army for two years from 1957 to 1959. He was stationed in Germany and served as a medic. Upon his return from the military, he resumed his studies at OSU, graduating with a degree in education. He taught at Alsea High School for his entire career, noting that he decided to retire when he began to teach the grandchildren of his former students. Although Jim didn't have family of his own, he is survived by special friends from both his early and recent years. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16 at Mountain View Cemetery in Forest Grove. Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Record high temperatures are expected inland for the rest of the week, so National Weather Service forecasters in Portland have issued an excessive heat warning through 11 p.m. Friday. Temperatures are expected to climb to around 104 to 107 on Wednesday and Thursday. The heat will continue into Friday, which could be another record-setting day, forecasters said in a weather statement updated at 3:18 a.m. Wednesday. Above-normal temperatures are expected to continue through early next week. Low temperatures are expected to remain warm, dropping only into the mid-60s to lower 70s in the valleys. In the foothills and lower Cascades, overnight temperatures will remain very warm at night with lows only in the mid-70s to lower 80s. The elderly, people without access to air conditioning, and anyone engaged in prolonged outdoor activities will be be particularly vulnerable during this heat episode, forecasters said. Local power demand is expected to be at high levels. Forecasters urged people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside, forecasters said. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that people working outside scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, even for short periods of time. During hot weather, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. The Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning when a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures is expected. Hot temperatures will create a dangerous situation in which heat-related illnesses are likely. The hot and dry conditions are ideal for wildfires to start and spread, so forecasters have issued a red flag warning that remains in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday. The red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning has been banned throughout the area. Forecasters said a thermal trough has set up west of the Cascades and will drift from the Willamette Valley at night to over the Cascades during the day. This will bring very unstable low level conditions to the area through at least Thursday, increasing the likelihood of fire activity, mainly during the afternoons and evenings. In the meantime, smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia spread across northwest Oregon overnight, resulting in air quality deteriorating across portions of the area. The Weather Service said current air quality observations indicate some locations have air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups and even unhealthy for all groups in isolated pockets. Forecasters said people should consider limiting outdoor activities until air quality improves. Here are your updated local forecasts: Albany Wednesday: Widespread haze from smoke in fires in British Columbia after 11 a.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 106. North wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Wednesday night: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Thursday: Widespread haze. Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. North northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Corvallis Wednesday: Widespread haze after noon from fires in the region. Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. Light east northeast wind becoming north 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Wednesday night: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Thursday: Widespread haze. Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. North wind around 6 mph. Lebanon Wednesday: Widespread haze after 11 a.m. from fires burning in the region. Sunny and hot, with a high near 107. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Wednesday night: Widespread haze. Mostly clear, with a low around 62. North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light north northeast in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Thursday: Widespread haze. Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. ASEAN was formed in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 8th, 1967 (Source: asean.org) In the article, Deputy PM Minh recalled the formation of ASEAN in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 8th, 1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines as its founding members. ASEAN was born to create a firm foundation for common actions in order to enhance cooperation in Southeast Asia in the spirit of equality and partnership, contributing to peace and progress in the region, he wrote. After admitting Brunei in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999, ASEAN now brings together ten members. The first ASEAN Summit in 1976 demonstrated the groups greater attention and stronger political commitments to regional cooperation. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which was established in 1992 as the outcome of the first 25 years of economic cooperation of the group, has created an important foundation for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. Formed in 1994 in the spirit of promoting peace and security through dialogue and cooperation in Asia-Pacific, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) initiated dialogue and consultation mechanisms on security and political issues in the region, the Deputy PM added. He also recalled the signing of the ASEAN Charter in 2007, turning ASEAN from a merely cooperation organisation into a legal entity. Despite close geographical locations, the ASEAN member countries have different political systems, cultures, languages and development levels. However, the gaps have been narrowed and the establishment of the ASEAN Community on December 31st, 2015 opened up a new chapter in history of ASEAN, bringing ASEAN cooperation to a new height. Besides, ASEAN has stepped up collaboration with countries outside the region in an effort to take advantage of practical support and assistance from partners, while consolidating and maintaining its central role in the region, Deputy PM Minh wrote. He stressed that results of parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy have contributed to diversifying the picture of the ASEAN Community in the future. The official also pointed out a range of difficulties and challenges facing the group, caused by adverse impacts of competition between world powers as well as rapid developments of the regional and international situation. Against the backdrop, the Deputy PM underlined the need for the ASEAN member countries to make stronger political commitments, carry forward intra-bloc solidarity and connectivity, seriously implement programmes and plans, respect common principles and standards, and harmonise national with regional interests. He highlighted Vietnams 22-year membership in ASEAN, during which the country has made every effort to accelerate the admission of other Southeast Asian nations to the group, and contribute to defining development targets and orientations, and making decisions in ASEAN. The official mentioned Vietnams hallmarks in hosting the 6th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi in December 1998 and assuming the Chair of the ASEAN Standing Committee in 2000-2001 and the ASEAN Chair in 2010. Since the ASEAN Community took shape at the end of 2015, Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries have actively built the community, strictly implemented commitments and raised initiatives in many fields. Worthy of note, Vietnam is one of the two best performers in implementing priority measures set in the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. Vietnam has also made significant contributions to expanding and strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, and successfully assumed the role of coordinator for relations between ASEAN and China (2009-2012), ASEAN and the EU (2012-2015) and ASEAN and India (2015-2018). As an active member, Vietnam has played a key role in promoting solidarity and unity in ASEAN as well as its central role, especially in maintaining peace and security to serve the regions development and boosting cooperation in prioritised economic sectors. The country has taken the initiative in putting forth action plans and proposing initiatives and feasible projects regarding social welfare, education, employment and environmental protection, aiming to raise peoples living standards. Deputy PM Minh pledged that Vietnam will work harder to promote practical cooperation between ASEAN and its major partners, and uphold the roles played by ASEAN and the country itself in relations with countries and organisations worldwide. ASEAN is of strategic significance to Vietnam, he stressed, adding that with the resolve to ensure sustainable development, for the interest of present and future generations, with people as the centre, it is hoped that the ASEAN Community would develop sustainably and prosperously./. Union to overturn Open Sunday : City-Marketing: Bonn-Fest will happen either way Bonn The Verdi union does not want shops to open on the Sunday of the Bonn-fest at the end of September. The union is pushing for a decision from the administrative court in Cologne. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The surge of lawsuits by the Verdi union against the Open Sunday agreements has now also reached Bonn. The stumbling block: The Open Sunday as part of the Bonn-Fest, which is taking place from Friday, September 29, until Sunday, October 1. Verdi applied before the administrative court in Cologne asking that the court should decide ahead of a decision on the lawsuit that the shops should not be allowed to open on the Sunday of the Bonn-Fest. The decision should definitely happen before October 1, says Rita Zimmermann-Rohde, spokesperson for the administrative court in Cologne when asked by the General-Anzeiger. The application caused annoyance amongst the citys retail business owners. The preparations for the Bonn-fest are already going ahead full-speed, said Karina Krober of the City-Marketing team. We cannot comprehend the lawsuit. When we filed our application to open on a Sunday, we adhered all the conditions, she said. The city of Bonn had helped by giving advice and accompanying the decisions. No matter how the lawsuit ends, the Bonn-fest will happen either way, Kroger promised. According to city council spokesperson Monika Horig, the legal office of the city is investigating the application by Verdi and the possibility of a reply by the city of Bonn as a regulatory authority. The court has given us til August 10 as a deadline. For Stephan Wimmers, CEO of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Open Sundays connected with events are a great opportunity for the retail business to present themselves to their customers and to advertise their wares. That is our great advantage over online business. It is very important for the IHK that the new government in North Rhine-Westphalia looks into the shop opening hours and changes the law fast - as promised - to give the retail business owners more legal rights and more planning security, he said. Volker Wenner, deputy regional head of Verdi, points towards the legal decision of the Federal Constitutional Court that Open Sundays are not supposed to be a tool for economic promotion. The sunday rest is also legally bound, he said. And the city council could not argue sufficiently why the shops should be open on the Sunday of the Bonn-Fest. There were no assessments of how many visitors would come to the Bonn-Fest if the shops were not open, he explained. Wenner is convinced that the retail business are not generating more turn-over on Sundays. People cannot spend more money than they have. And yet it was the norm for years that retail business, church and unions agreed on a compromise: Three instead of the four allowed Open Sundays in the city centre. In 2013, Verdi stepped back from this agreement. The debate has got heated again now that large department stores and shopping centers pushed for Open Sundays every week. The reason behind this: The booming online retail business. Since then Verdi has overturned Open Sundays in many cities. Bonn A small museum in the Dutch town of Zutphen is resurrecting an old story about Beethoven not actually being from Bonn but from there. Could this be true? Before all involved in the preparation of the Beethoven anniversary year 2020 raise their hands in frustration and everybody in Bonn gets rid off their Beethoven CDs on Ebay: What the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant prints in black and white - namely that Ludwig Beethoven was not born in Bonn but in the small town of Zutphen in the Gelderland province - is neither confirmed information nor a new rumour. And it is not the first try to alienate Beethoven from us. Billy Wilder already joked, as Austria became an unoccupied country again through the treaty long before Germany did: The Austrians are brilliant people. They made the world believe that Hitler was a German and Beethoven an Austrian. And yet, the story from Zutphen is more than just another summer story. There is a new museum in the city, in which Beethoven might have been born as the newspaper article is titled, which an alert reader sent in to us. The curator, Jurn Buisman, rakes up an old speculation - which you can read about with many question marks on the homepage of the Geelvinck Musik Museum - and quotes: Until the 19th century, it stated in the school books that Beethoven was born in Zutphen. He added: Beethoven himself always claimed he wasnt born in 1770 but in 1772. There are indications that his parents were in Zutphen with a music society and that a Ludwig was born in the French guesthouse in the city. Ludwig apparently got the baptismal certificate of his brother of the same name who was born in Bonn and deceased. Already nine years after Beethovens death, the speculations were flying. A certain Mister van Marwijk voiced his doubts about Beethoven being born in Bonn and informed the lord mayor of Bonn, that Beethoven was born in the guesthouse De Fransche tuin in Zutphen. The Dutch Wikipedia webdsite lists this under trivia. Its all rubbish! The music scientist Christine Sieger, head of the Beethoven archives at the Beethoven house reacts rather indignantly: The story is much older, and it always resurfaces. I dont understand, why. She explains: The entry about Ludwig van Beethoven clearly states December 17, 1770 as his date of baptism. The argument, that Beethoven had an older brother and the baptism note should be connected to him, is wrong, because his biography can also be documented in detail. In the Geelvinck Musik Museum in Zutphen, in which 120 (orphaned) discarded pianos found a new home, visitors can play the piano themselves, as we read on in De Volkskrant (translated kindly by our colleague Anna Maria Beekes). On the homepage you can see Beethovens silhouette float over Zutphen. Is this a sign? There is also a small exhibition about Beethoven but not in the shape of his biography - it is a collection of record sleeves. Fancy. Birthplace or not - maybe Zutphen is worth a trip. More information at: www.geelvinck.nl (Original text: Thomas Kliemann; Translation: Mareike Graepel) Scientists probing under the seafloor off Alaska have mapped a geologic structure that they say signals potential for a major tsunami in an area that normally would be considered benign. They say the feature closely resembles one that produced the 2011 Tohoku tsunami off Japan, killing some 20,000 people and melting down three nuclear reactors. Such structures may lurk unrecognized in other areas of the world, say the scientists. The findings appear in the print edition of the journal Nature Geoscience. The discovery suggests this part of Alaska is particularly prone to tsunami generation, said seismologist Anne Becel of Columbia Universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who led the study. The possibility that such features are widespread is of global significance. In addition to Alaska, she said, waves could hit more southerly North American coasts, Hawaii and other parts of the Pacific. Tsunamis can occur as giant plates of ocean crust dive under adjoining continental crust, a process called subduction. Some plates get stuck for decades or centuries and tension builds, until they suddenly slip by each other. This produces a big earthquake, and the ocean floor may jump up or down like a released spring. That motion transfers to the overlying water, creating a surface wave. The 2011 Japan tsunami was a surprise, because it came partly on a creeping segment of seafloor, where the plates move steadily, releasing tension in frequent small quakes that should prevent a big one from building. But researchers are now recognizing it may not always work that way. Off Japan, part of the leading edge of the overriding continental plate had become somewhat detached from the main mass. When a relatively modest quake dislodged this detached wedge, it jumped, unleashing a wave that topped 130 feet in places. The telltale sign of danger, in retrospect: a fault in the seafloor that demarcated the detached sections boundary landward of the trench, the zone where the two plates initially meet. The fault had been known to exist, but no one had understood what it meant. The researchers in the new study have now mapped a similar system in the Shumagin Gap, a creeping subduction zone near the end of the Alaska Peninsula some 600 miles from Anchorage. The segment is part of a subduction arc spanning the peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Sailing on a specially equipped research vessel, the scientists used relatively new technology to penetrate deep into the seafloor with powerful sound pulses. By reading the echoes, they created CAT-scan-like maps of both the surface and what is underneath. The newly mapped fault lies between the trench and the coast, stretching perhaps 90 miles underwater more or less parallel to land. On the seafloor, it is marked by scarps about 15 feet high, indicating that the floor has dropped one side and risen on the other. The fault extends down more than 20 miles, all the way to where the two plates are moving against each other. The team also analyzed small earthquakes in the region, and found a cluster of seismicity where the newly identified fault meets the plate boundary. This, they say, confirms that the fault may be active. Earthquake patterns also suggest that frictional properties on the seaward side of the fault differ from those on the landward side. These differences may have created the fault, slowly tearing the region off the main mass; or the fault may be the remains of a past sudden movement. Either way, it signals danger, said coauthor Donna Shillington, a Lamont-Doherty seismologist. With that big fault there, that outer part of the plate could move independently and make a tsunami a lot more effective, said Shillington. You get a lot more vertical motion if the part that moves is close to the seafloor surface. A rough analogy: imagine snapping off a small piece of a dinner plate, laying the two pieces together on a table and pounding the table from below; the smaller piece will probably jump higher than if the plate were whole, because there is less holding it down. Other parts of the Aleutian subduction zone are already known to be dangerous. A 1946 quake and tsunami originating further west killed more than 160 people, most in Hawaii. In 1964, an offshore quake killed around 140 people with landslides and tsunamis, mainly in Alaska; 19 people died in Oregon and California, and waves were detected as far off as Papua New Guinea and even Antarctica. In July 2017, an offshore quake near the western tip of the Aleutians triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami warning, but luckily it produced just a six-inch local wave. As for the Shumagin Gap, in 1788, Russian colonists then living on nearby Unga Island recorded a great quake and tsunami that wiped out coastal structures and killed many native Aleut people. The researchers say it may have originated at the Shumagin Gap, but there is no way to be sure. Rob Witter, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has scoured area coastlines for evidence of such a tsunami, but so far evidence has eluded him, he said. The potential danger remains a puzzle here, he said. We know so little about the hazards of subduction zones. Every little bit of new information we can glean about how they work is valuable, including the findings in this new paper. The authors say that apart from Japan, such a fault structure has been well documented only off Russias Kuril Islands, east of the Aleutians. But, Shillington said, We dont have images from many places. If we were to look around the world, we would probably see a lot more. John Miller, a retired USGS scientist who has studied the Aleutians, said that his own work suggests other segments of the arc have other threatening features that resemble both those in the Shumagin and off Japan. The dangers of areas like these are just now being widely recognized, he said. Lamont seismologists have been studying earthquakes in the Aleutians since the 1960s, but early studies were conducted mainly on land. In the 1980s, the USGS collected the same type of data used in the new study, but seismic equipment now able to produce far more detailed images deep under the sea floor made this latest discovery possible, said Becel. She and others conducted the imaging survey aboard the Marcus G. Langseth, the United States flagship vessel for acoustic research. Owned by the U.S. National Science Foundation, it is operated by Lamont-Doherty on behalf the nations universities and other research institutions. Reference: Anne Becel, Donna J. Shillington, Matthias Delescluse, Mladen R. Nedimovic, Geoffrey A. Abers, Demian M. Saffer, Spahr C. Webb, Katie M. Keranen, Pierre-Henri Roche, Jiyao Li, Harold Kuehn. Tsunamigenic structures in a creeping section of the Alaska subduction zone. Nature Geoscience, 2017; 10 (8): 609 DOI: 10.1038/ngeo2990 Note: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by The Earth Institute at Columbia University. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Mozambiques Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario meet with the press after their talks (Photo: VNA) Rosario, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam for the first time from July 31st to August 3rd, made the appeal during his talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on August 1st. The host described the visit as an important milestone in the bilateral relations after the visit to Mozambique by former President Truong Tan Sang in March 2016. The two Government leaders expressed their satisfaction at the growing traditional friendship between Vietnam and Mozambique. Regarding political ties, they agreed to maintain delegation exchanges at all levels while coordinating and supporting each other at international forums. They discussed challenges in security, politics and economics along with regional and global issues of mutual concerns. The two sides pledged to contribute to the maintenance of peace and cooperation in the region and beyond on the basis of respecting international law and addressing any disputes via peaceful means and in line with international law. PM Phuc proposed Mozambique support Vietnam to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure and the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the 2017-2021 tenure. Pertaining to trade, investment and development cooperation, the PMs expressed their pleasure at the effective operation of Movitel, a joint venture between Vietnams military-run telecom group Viettel and Mozambiques investment company SPI, as well as Vietnams food crop development research cooperation project in Mozambique. Mozambique is expected to become a leading partner of Vietnam in southern Sahara, Africa, while Vietnam will serve as a bridge to connect Mozambique with the Southeast Asian region. Vietnam agreed to share more development experience with Mozambique in the fields of natural disaster prevention, weather forecast, climate change adaptation, education-training, expert exchanges, and security-defense. The Southeast Asian country asked Mozambique to make it easier for Vietnamese businesses to open a bonded warehouse, develop goods distribution channels, and improve the legal framework for foreign investors. After the talks, the PMs witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to protect and preserve wild flora and fauna and the initialling of an agreement on aviation transport services./. Nigerian Vlogger, Eddie Bongoz Strips Completely Nakd To Prove Love For Nigeria (Photos) kacylee at 2-08-2017 07:26 AM (5 years ago) (f) A Nigerian vlogger, Eddie Bongoz, has got everyone talking after he stripped himself totally naked to prove he truly loves his country. A Nigerian vlogger, Eddie Bongoz, has got everyone talking after he stripped himself totally naked to prove he truly loves his country. Speaking in a video that is trending online at the moment, Eddie Bongoz asked for the mandate to rule Nigeria. According to him, all Nigerians should come back and rebuild the country. Eddie Bongoz also requested for amnesty for every Nigerian except the looters. He suggested the Federal Government credit everybodys account with at least N200,000. All this he said holding an egg which he eventually broke on screen. Screenshots from the video continue below: Speaking in a video that is trending online at the moment, Eddie Bongoz asked for the mandate to rule Nigeria. According to him, all Nigerians should come back and rebuild the country.Eddie Bongoz also requested for amnesty for every Nigerian except the looters. He suggested the Federal Government credit everybodys account with at least N200,000.All this he said holding an egg which he eventually broke on screen. Screenshots from the video continue below: Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 2-08-2017 07:26 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero tegonwa at 2-08-2017 07:40 AM (5 years ago) (m) Na Frustration Dey Worry Dis Animal.See Is Im Dey Like Kworikwota.Nawaa O! Posted: at 2-08-2017 07:40 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Na Frustration Dey Worry Dis Animal.See Is Im Dey Like Kworikwota.Nawaa O! Reply Patrioti at 2-08-2017 07:58 AM (5 years ago) (m) Some rituals demands such stupidity in order to get Fame, money and Influence in society. This is common in Music and Film industries but only the wise ones know the meaning. Kofi Olumide, Pettit Paye, Christable Eke, etc did it. In Freemason, the first rule in Freemansory Order is to humiliate yourself in public before other sacrifices. We can see how the Khadishans, Shakira, Beyonce and many more are showing their nakedness up and down as if Pus*sy and Di*ck has no value. So very soon, this Eddie Bongoz will come to media to exhibit all kinds of illicit wealths wrongly acquired through bloods and sacrifices. Posted: at 2-08-2017 07:58 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Some rituals demands such stupidity in order to get Fame, money and Influence in society. This is common in Music and Film industries but only the wise ones know the meaning. Kofi Olumide, Pettit Paye, Christable Eke, etc did it. In Freemason, the first rule in Freemansory Order is to humiliate yourself in public before other sacrifices. We can see how the Khadishans, Shakira, Beyonce and many more are showing their nakedness up and down as if Pus*sy and Di*ck has no value. So very soon, this Eddie Bongoz will come to media to exhibit all kinds of illicit wealths wrongly acquired through bloods and sacrifices. Reply Starnixx at 2-08-2017 08:13 AM (5 years ago) (m) dis never see food chop for days DAT y him d frustrated Posted: at 2-08-2017 08:13 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac dis never see food chop for days DAT y him d frustrated Reply topsy78 at 2-08-2017 08:23 AM (5 years ago) (m) And what does that implies. Wetin he teach us! Posted: at 2-08-2017 08:23 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming And what does that implies. Wetin he teach us! Reply ngfineface at 2-08-2017 08:30 AM (5 years ago) (f) Cheap n dirty popularity Posted: at 2-08-2017 08:30 AM (5 years ago) | Hero Cheap n dirty popularity Reply christianity at 2-08-2017 08:30 AM (5 years ago) (m) Another yeyeroba mad man.who let the dog out??? Posted: at 2-08-2017 08:30 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Another yeyeroba mad man.who let the dog out??? Reply ruthie at 2-08-2017 08:42 AM (5 years ago) (f) MAD MAN ON THE LOOSE! Posted: at 2-08-2017 08:42 AM (5 years ago) | Hero MAD MAN ON THE LOOSE! Reply tottori51 at 2-08-2017 08:58 AM (5 years ago) (m) to prove love to Nigeria...walking around naked Posted: at 2-08-2017 08:58 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming to prove love to Nigeria...walking around naked Reply tuscanT at 2-08-2017 11:02 AM (5 years ago) (m) You guys comment are too appalling. Just read your comment back to your self, you guys are a disgrace to Nigeria. If this patrotic character was carried out by western actors or actress you guys will applauding, sharing, trending with sound comment. You guys ask your self what have you done for Nigeria than wishing Nigeria to sink. What effort have you put forward to make Nigeria a great country that to fight for self interest.forget government for a seconds and check your thought, actions, mindset and altitude to what impact it have on Nigeria. Not until individual begin to realise that is their actions that is damaging Nigeria. Anyway Nigeria will surely succeed when the evil once that wish it's death are dead before Nigeria your all need to start thinking Posted: at 2-08-2017 11:02 AM (5 years ago) | Upcoming You guys comment are too appalling. Just read your comment back to your self, you guys are a disgrace to Nigeria. If this patrotic character was carried out by western actors or actress you guys will applauding, sharing, trending with sound comment. You guys ask your self what have you done for Nigeria than wishing Nigeria to sink. What effort have you put forward to make Nigeria a great country that to fight for self interest.forget government for a seconds and check your thought, actions, mindset and altitude to what impact it have on Nigeria. Not until individual begin to realise that is their actions that is damaging Nigeria. Anyway Nigeria will surely succeed when the evil once that wish it's death are dead before Nigeria your all need to start thinking Reply pricklong at 2-08-2017 11:02 AM (5 years ago) (m) HE JUST WANT TO BE REVEVANT IN THE SOCIETY FAME Posted: at 2-08-2017 11:02 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac HE JUST WANT TO BE REVEVANT IN THE SOCIETY FAME Reply xxxtacy at 2-08-2017 01:43 PM (5 years ago) (m) Let the people that want to leave Naija go! we will stay and build a great country free of tribalistic bigots. Naija!!!! Posted: at 2-08-2017 01:43 PM (5 years ago) | Newbie Let the people that want to leave Naija go! we will stay and build a great country free of tribalistic bigots.Naija!!!! Reply kacylee at 2-08-2017 07:30 PM (5 years ago) (f) The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, Assem Hanafi Elseify has disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians are currently studying in various institutions of higher learning in Egypt, a development he attributed to the excellent relations between Nigeria and Egypt developed over time. Elseify also described the partnership between Nigeria and his country, Egypt as one that is a worthy example of how cooperation among countries should be in Africa and beyond. He said cooperation between the two countries in almost all spheres of Human endeavor has brought about positive development in both countries, also conveyed President Abdelfattah al-Sisis Sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and swift and safe return to Nigeria soon. He was speaking, at an event held to commemorate the 65th Independence Anniversary of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Abuja. We have about 10,000 Nigerian students studying in Egypt. He said, Relationship between the two countries has been cordial, many Nigerians have received training in different fields in Egypt. We have so many Nigerian students studying in universities in Egypt. We are mustering for more and there is always room for improvement. We have about 10,000 Nigerian students studying in Egypt. While speaking on other areas of partnership between the two countries, the ambassador said, There are several important Egyptian investment and partnerships, particularly The Arab Contractors in whose construction we gather today, Egypt Air which flies to three destinations in Nigeria, and the Mansour Group which has a number of projects in Kwara State. I believe that there is and has always been excellent relations between Egypt and Nigeria, covering important fields like education, medical care, training programs by The Egyptian Agency for Partnership and an ever expanding military and security cooperation, all presenting a commendable model for African and South-South cooperation, he said. While noting that there is room for enhancing the economic ties between the two countries in order to meet their sustainable development needs and aspirations, the envoy said the two countries through their cooperation have achieved various strides both bilaterally and within the various initiatives of the African Union. Elseify also commended Nigerias efforts at tackling issues of terrorism and development which he said is to a large extent responsible for insecurity in most African countries. It is though both countries face common and dire challenges of poverty eradication, job creation, social welfare and good governance. There are also the evil scourge of terrorism, and conflicts affecting many Neigbhouring states, he said. But it is with enormous sense of resolve and determination that both governments are tackling those challenges, including, an unrelenting and by no means easy pursuit for stability in our two regions, progress in combating extremist groups and more serious attention to diversifying the national economies and creating an enabling environment for doing business and stimulating growth and investment, he added. The ambassador disclosed that Egypt as part of measures to correct the Macri-economic imbalance in Egypt took some bold steps which is impacting favourably on her fiscal and monetary policies. Also speaking Chairman of the Arab Organization for industrialization, lieutenant General Abdel-Aziz Seifeldin (Rtd.), said Egypt apart from using the military in combating terrorism has also adopted other means such as deradicalization and pursuit of development to tackle poverty in the country. The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, Assem Hanafi Elseify has disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians are currently studying in various institutions of higher learning in Egypt, a development he attributed to the excellent relations between Nigeria and Egypt developed over time. Elseify also described the partnership between Nigeria and his country, Egypt as one that is a worthy example of how cooperation among countries should be in Africa and beyond. He said cooperation between the two countries in almost all spheres of Human endeavor has brought about positive development in both countries, also conveyed President Abdelfattah al-Sisis Sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and swift and safe return to Nigeria soon. He was speaking, at an event held to commemorate the 65th Independence Anniversary of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Abuja. We have about 10,000 Nigerian students studying in Egypt. He said, Relationship between the two countries has been cordial, many Nigerians have received training in different fields in Egypt. We have so many Nigerian students studying in universities in Egypt. We are mustering for more and there is always room for improvement. We have about 10,000 Nigerian students studying in Egypt. While speaking on other areas of partnership between the two countries, the ambassador said, There are several important Egyptian investment and partnerships, particularly The Arab Contractors in whose construction we gather today, Egypt Air which flies to three destinations in Nigeria, and the Mansour Group which has a number of projects in Kwara State. I believe that there is and has always been excellent relations between Egypt and Nigeria, covering important fields like education, medical care, training programs by The Egyptian Agency for Partnership and an ever expanding military and security cooperation, all presenting a commendable model for African and South-South cooperation, he said. While noting that there is room for enhancing the economic ties between the two countries in order to meet their sustainable development needs and aspirations, the envoy said the two countries through their cooperation have achieved various strides both bilaterally and within the various initiatives of the African Union. Elseify also commended Nigerias efforts at tackling issues of terrorism and development which he said is to a large extent responsible for insecurity in most African countries. It is though both countries face common and dire challenges of poverty eradication, job creation, social welfare and good governance. There are also the evil scourge of terrorism, and conflicts affecting many Neigbhouring states, he said. But it is with enormous sense of resolve and determination that both governments are tackling those challenges, including, an unrelenting and by no means easy pursuit for stability in our two regions, progress in combating extremist groups and more serious attention to diversifying the national economies and creating an enabling environment for doing business and stimulating growth and investment, he added. The ambassador disclosed that Egypt as part of measures to correct the Macri-economic imbalance in Egypt took some bold steps which is impacting favourably on her fiscal and monetary policies. Also speaking Chairman of the Arab Organization for industrialization, lieutenant General Abdel-Aziz Seifeldin (Rtd.), said Egypt apart from using the military in combating terrorism has also adopted other means such as deradicalization and pursuit of development to tackle poverty in the country. Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 2-08-2017 07:30 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Vietnamese Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (Source: VNA) Hang made the statement on August 1st in reply to reporters queries about Vietnams reaction to Chinas deeds on Phu Lam island. Vietnam has full legal foundation and historical evidence to affirm its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, she said. Chinas deeds violate international law and cannot change Vietnams sovereignty over the archipelagos, she affirmed. Vietnam objects to Chinas building and opening of the cinema and requests the country not to repeat similar actions, the spokesperson stated./. Books present to overseas Vietnamese in Czech (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn) The gift includes 12 packages of textbooks and notebooks for students from grade 1 to 5, fairy tales published by the Vietnam Education Publishing House. These books are presented to Vietnamese language centres in the Czech Republic to serve Vietnamese teaching and learning among the community. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Director of the Vietnamese Language Centre in Prague, the gift is very significant because it is the basis for standardizing Vietnamese teaching and learning abroad. Teachers will use the textbooks as teaching materials for children in the coming time. Founded more than 10 years, the centre has gained much experience in Vietnamese teaching and learning methods. In early July, the centre opened a summer class for Vietnamese children in Prague and surrounding areas. Many parents enrolled their children with the desire of maintaining and improving their childrens ability to listen, speak, read and write Vietnamese language. Le Hong Nhung, a teacher of the centre for many years, said that she and other teachers were very pleased to receive the standard textbooks of the Ministry of Education and Training for overseas Vietnamese students. However, the application of knowledge in the textbooks should be done in a flexible, creative way, suitable with the level, age and ability of the students in the Czech Republic. There are about 65,000 Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic. The Vietnamese community is favored to enjoy the benefits stipulated by the law on ethnic minority communities, such as being represented among ethnic minorities councils at the local as well as central levels, being part of discussions on ethnic minorities, being allowed to maintain their full names in their mother tongue, having the right to learn the mother tongue in schools, and having the right to uphold and promote the national cultural identity. However, the majority of the second and third generations of the Vietnamese community cant speak much of their mother tongue, so it is very necessary to teach Vietnamese language to overseas Vietnamese. Ms. Pham Thu Huong, Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic, hoped that these above textbooks would be used effectively to contribute to the preservation and development of Vietnamese language in the community, as well as to promote Vietnamese cultural identity in the country./. Network evaluation modernizes tactical network capabilities, provides crucial feedback By Devon L. Suits, Army Media Production August 1, 2017 FORT BLISS, Texas -- Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), are getting an opportunity to work with the latest enhancements to the Army's tactical network technologies during Network Integration Evaluation 17.2, which began here July 11. As part of the NIE concept, the U.S. Army Joint Modernization Command provides a "controlled setting" for program managers and developers of Army network equipment to test and evaluate their gear in a fully operational environment, said Col. Charles Roede, who serves as deputy commander of JMC. "We create the conditions that introduce the environmental factors, a thinking enemy, the stress and confusion of simulated combat," he added. As part of an NIE, Soldiers train at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range, conducting the same kinds of exercise units conduct elsewhere. Unlike at other installations, however, these Soldiers take gear and equipment that is under evaluation with them into the field to improve the Army's tactical, as well as command and control networks. At the end of the exercise, Soldiers who used that gear provide feedback about how it enhanced -- or didn't enhance -- their performance during the exercise. That feedback informs Army senior leaders about how the gear worked, and is used to improve mission command capabilities through the development of a deployable and less complex operational network. NIE also helps improve the testing baseline by incorporating information on a highly expeditionary unit's ability to operate the Army's tactical network to accomplish mission objectives. IMPROVING CONCEPTS, CAPABILITIES "What we are trying to do at NIE is to focus on the network and mission command," said Douglas L. Fletcher, who serves as the chief of staff at JMC. Fletcher said he understands that technology -- which he considers to be a piece of hardware or software -- can be the catalyst for shaping Army concepts. "Concepts are the forerunner of doctrine," he added. "[Doctrine] is how we see ourselves fighting and what capabilities we need to fight. Those capabilities turn into requirements, which eventually get into the hands of Soldiers. "The best thing you can do is get the technology into the hands of Soldiers early and often during the development of that capability. That way you don't make something ... only to find out later that it does not work the way it was intended to," he said. THE MEASURE OF SUCCESS Before NIE 17.2, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division used to be the dedicated Army experimentation unit, Roede said. Due to the needs of the Army, that unit was pulled back from its testing mission and was put back into the readiness pool to conduct real-world missions. Now, instead of having a permanently-assigned unit with which to conduct NIE, the Army rotates units in to perform the evaluations. At the conclusion of NIE, some of the equipment that has been evaluated there is integrated back into the evaluating unit and tested in other operational environments. Since being pulled back, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division continues to operate under a previous capability set and provides feedback to JMC, Roede said. In September, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division will participate in their first National Training Center rotation. "They are arguably the best-trained brigade on the Army's network," Roede said. "Can they translate that to be successful at NTC? If they can, it can prove that the network is viable and they can fight better. If that is the case, how do we get rest of the Army to that standard?" The 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division is slated to participate in next year's NIE, Roede said. "This has been a remarkable experience bringing in a rotational unit," Roede said. "It shows we can bring other brigades into NIE and give them this experience of working with the network to become a better fighting force." TACTICAL NETWORK CAPABILITIES At this most recent NIE, the Army is testing two expeditionary network systems that are part of the Warfighter Information Network - Tactical, or WIN-T, program. The program aims to provide operational units with increased early-entry communications while reducing the complexity of the network. "[The network] is critical to the commander's ability to ... command their forces and gain a situational understanding of the battlespace," said Col. Bert Shell, chief of the network integration division at JMC. "2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne has the latest increment of WIN-T, Increment 2, which provides network connectivity on the move, at the quick halt, and at the halt," said Shell. According to Shell, "WIN-T Increment 2 enhances the resilience of the network to operate in a contested and congested environment. This is a significant mobility advantage over WIN-T Increment 1b, which delivers the tactical network predominantly at the halt." COLLECTING FEEDBACK During NIE, several hundred observers are spread throughout the training environment to capture daily observations. They report their findings to the JMC integration and assessment division, which in turns helps generate and distribute their findings to different organizations responsible for the exercise. Having worked with the network since 2013, Capt. Zachary Jones, the headquarters company commander for the 1-26th Infantry Regiment, has witnessed the evolution of technology evaluated at NIE. Since 2011, there have been many improvements made to existing equipment, including improvements to the software and hardware of individual systems, Jones said. The current technology helps lessen the chance for human error created by miscommunication. "We as Soldiers need to invest in this," he said. "We're setting us up to become a better Army by having a better way to communicate." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Khaan Quest 2017 Opening Ceremony US Marine Corps News By Lance Cpl. Maximiliano Rosas | August 1, 2017 Khaan Quest 2017, a multinational peacekeeping exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), kicked off with the opening ceremony at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia on July 23, 2017. This year's Khaan Quest is scheduled to take place July 23 through August 5, 2017. The purpose of Khaan Quest is for participants to gain United Nations training and certification through the conduct of realistic peace support operations, as well as increase interoperability and build military-to-military relationships. "I am confident that the Khaan Quest 2017 annual multinational peace support operations exercise will have a substantial impact on enhancing our peacekeepers' military skills, knowledge, discipline, experience, and endurance," said President Battulga Khaltmaa of Mongolia. For more information about Khaan Quest 2017, visit the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/khaanquest. The ceremony began with opening remarks from Battulga, Lieutenant General Dulamsurengiin Davaa, MAF Chief of Staff, and Maj. Gen. Roger Noble, Deputy Commanding General-North for U.S. Army Pacific. "The relationship between the United States and Mongolia is strong and grows stronger by the day," said Noble. "We are very conscious and proud that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Mongolia is a partner and friend that punches above its weight in contribution to global peace and security. This is deeply valued and appreciated by the United States." After the opening remarks, platoons from participating countries marched past the reviewing stand and flags flown to signify patriotism and the growing relationships between participating countries. The ceremony also featured performances from the Central Military Band of the MAF and the Mongolian Military Dance and Song Ensemble. This exercise marks the 15th iteration of Khaan Quest. Approximately 250 U.S. personnel and 600 MAF personnel are expected to participate, along with approximately 300 personnel from 25 other nations. The exercise will consist of a command post exercise, a field training exercise and a field training event, all of which will focus on peacekeeping and stability operations. Individual events include riverine crossing, checkpoint control, combat casualty care, patrolling, convoy escort, improvised explosive device identification, civilian protection and more. Through these trainings, Mongolian, U.S. and multinational forces will enhance peacekeeping operations capabilities, develop common tactics, techniques, and procedures, and strengthen mutual relationships. The U.S. military and members of the MAF have a long-standing relationship and routinely participate in joint exercises. Exercises like Khaan Quest contribute to a regional peacekeeping capability in Asia, which in turn fosters important worldwide peacekeeping operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Donald Cook Departs Portsmouth, England Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170801-07 Release Date: 8/1/2017 11:33:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, England (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Portsmouth, England, after a regularly scheduled port visit Aug. 1. This was the first port visit for Donald Cook Sailors on the ship's sixth forward-deployed patrol, and the first for midshipmen who are embarked for their summer cruise. "It was a great port to visit and I feel very lucky to be able to visit another country; London was amazing," said Midshipman 1st Class Shae Timmons. "I also think this is a very special opportunity as a midshipman because we get to see and participate in a joint operation with the British." Donald Cook is participating in exercise Saxon Warrior 2017, a United States and United Kingdom co-hosted exercise that focuses on the interoperability and robust training with key allies across the full spectrum of carrier strike group warfare areas. "The crew of Donald Cook experienced a wonderful visit as we enjoyed the rich culture of the historic city of Portsmouth," said Cmdr. Timothy Moore, commanding officer of Donald Cook. "Sailors were able to fully refresh their batteries prior to participating in exercise Saxon Warrior; we will focus on the interoperability and robust, multi-warfare training with key allies." Saxon Warrior employs units from both the United States and the United Kingdom, some of which are elements from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group. Germany, Norway and Sweden are also participating, utilizing ships aircraft and personnel. The U.S. is committed to working closely with NATO and partner nations as well as the international community to strengthen proficiency in the conduct of maritime operations by providing credible and capable naval force. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Violent anti-India protests erupt in Kashmir after rebel leader killed Iran Press TV Tue Aug 1, 2017 1:29PM The killing of a top Kashmiri commander and his comrade by New Delhi forces has sparked massive protests and violent clashes across the Indian-controlled Himalayan valley. Police spokesman Manoj Pandita said on Tuesday that Abu Dujana, of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group, was gunned down with an accomplice during a pre-dawn operation in Pulwama district, which is located to the south of the region's summer capital Srinagar. Police Inspector-General Muneer Ahmed Khan confirmed that the two were killed after troops cordoned off on a tip the southern village of Hakripora during the early hours of Tuesday. The two trapped people fired at the Indian troops, triggering a gunfight that lasted at least two hours, Khan said. Dujana, who had orchestrated several attacks against Indian forces in southern Kashmir, had a cash reward of 1.5 million rupees (about $23,400) on his head. A police statement described the killing as a great achievement for India. "LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice killed in Harkipora Pulwama, huge achievement for police and SF (security forces)," the statement read. Witnesses said one of the two houses from where the militants fired was set ablaze by Indian soldiers and another was blown up using heavy explosives. The killing has prompted authorities to suspend internet and train services across the Muslim-majority region. At least one protester was killed and several injured when clashes broke out in several places across the valley following the incident. The civilian casualties were caused as hundreds of protesters tried to march on the site of the firefight, throwing stones and chanting slogans such as, "Go India, go back" and "We want freedom." Large protests against Indian rule spread to several other places across Kashmir, including the main city of Srinagar. India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in entirety and have fought three wars over the region. India accuses Pakistan of funding and training militants in the Indian-controlled Kashmir to carry out armed attacks, a charge denied by Islamabad. The Indian-ruled Kashmir has seen a sharp increase in anti-India protests since government forces shot and killed Burhan Wani, a popular Kashmiri militant commander, a year ago. New Delhi has deployed some 500,000 soldiers to the disputed region to further boost security of the borderline and enforce a crackdown on pro-independence demonstrations in its share of Kashmir, where anti-India sentiments are high. About 70,000 people have been killed in India's crackdown on the movement since 1989. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump dictated son's misleading statement on Russia meeting: Report Iran Press TV Tue Aug 1, 2017 1:18PM US President Donald Trump has reportedly dictated a misleading statement in which his son said a meeting between him and a Russian lawyer was centered on adopting Russian children. The Washington Post reported on Monday evening that Trump made the move while he was flying home from Germany where he attended the G20 summit on July 8. The statement about a meeting Trump Jr. had with the Russian lawyer during the 2016 campaign emphasized that it was "not a campaign issue at the time." The president's attorney, Jay Sekulow told The Post, "Apart from being of no consequence, the characterizations are misinformed, inaccurate, and not pertinent." Last month, Trump's eldest son insisted that his 2016 meeting with the pro-Kremlin lawyer was about adoption of Russian children. The New York Times disclosed details of the meeting that took place in July 2016 which also included Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Trump Jr. had earlier released a series of emails showing he attended the session to obtain damaging information about his father's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The information "would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father," read one of the emails. The US intelligence community has accused Russia of running a series of high-profile cyber attacks to change the outcome of the November 8 presidential election. Russian President Vladimir Putin has firmly denied the hacking allegations. Trump has repeatedly rejected such reports and has expressed support for improving relations with the US' former Cold War foe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address McMaster glosses over question comparing Erdogan to Maduro Iran Press TV Tue Aug 1, 2017 8:39AM US President Donald Trump's national security adviser, General H. R. McMaster, has awkwardly dodged a question about Washington's dual policy regarding the recent political developments in Venezuela and Turkey. On Monday, the US Treasury Department imposed new financial sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a day after the oil-rich nation cast their ballots on electing a new assembly tasked with rewriting the constitution. During a White House press briefing about the new bans, a journalist asked McMaster whether there was a difference between what happened in Venezuela and a similar attempt by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to expand his constitutional powers a short while back. "President Trump congratulated President Erdogan on that and he even later came to the US and his people beat protesters in front of his embassy," the journalist said, referring to a brutal crackdown of anti-Erdogan protesters by the Turkish president's bodyguards in Washington, DC, on May 17. McMaster claimed that what happened in Venezuela amounted to an "abrogation" of the constitution but refused to answer the question about Turkey. "One difference is you see the end of the constitution of Venezuela," he said. "And this is happening obviously at an accelerated pace in the recent months in the Maduro regime." "But this is a process that has taken really two regimes to really restrict Venezuelan democracy," he added. Ignoring the journalist's calls to address Erdogan's case, McMaster said the sanctions put Maduro in the same "exclusive club" as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and North Korea's leader Kim Jung-un. In April, Ankara held a referendum on changes in the constitution, expanding the powers of Erdogan after 51 percent of voters voted 'Yes' in what the opposition called a "fraudulent" election. The European Union (EU) had warned Turkey that it should either cancel the proposed constitution overhaul or forfeit its request to join the bloc. Trump, on the other hand, personally called his Turkish counterpart to congratulate him. With regards to Venezuela, however, Trump had said before the Sunday election that he would not recognize its outcome. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address With the Hungarian Grand Prix and subsequent two-day test taking place right before F1s mandatory factory shutdown, it came as little surprise to see teams introduce many developments to their 2017-spec chargers in Budapest. F1is Nicolas Carpentiers casts his expert eye on these evolutions in his latest technical feature. FERRARI STEERING BACK ON THE RIGHT TRACK DESPITE HANDLING ISSUES Sebastian Vettel returned to winning ways at the Hungaroring despite suffering from handling issues on his SF70H, starting from the very moment he brought the car on to the grid. Although the problem got worse as the laps ticked off, the German held on to secure a crucial victory in the title race. As mandated by the technical regulations, steering movements are transferred to the wheels by a physical mechanism, while power steering systems are allowed, but these must not be electronically controlled or powered (Art. 10.4.2). The steering rack, shown above, is hydraulically assisted through a valve system. FERRARI MAKES A DENT IN MERCEDES UPTURN The Scuderia unleashed a flurry of novelties in Budapest, including new rear wing endplates whose upper area featured six slots against four previously. These openings are here to balance the pressure differential between the two sides of the panel in a bid to curb drag. The lower endplate has gained a fifth strake. These create curved winglets that help guide the airflow to the outside, which in turn contributes towards expanding the airflow coming out of the diffuser. DROP IT ON THE SLOTTED FLOOR There were also more slots on the SF70Hs floor, in the area located just ahead of the rear wheels, which aims at fending off the tyre squirt phenomenon, i.e. turbulent air disrupting the diffuser. Maduro: Imperial US bans won't intimidate me Iran Press TV Tue Aug 1, 2017 7:40AM Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed US sanctions imposed on him after the Sunday vote on a new assembly, saying Washington's threats cannot intimidate him, and that he will not "listen to orders from the empire." Maduro made the remarks in a televised speech on Monday after the US Treasury Department targeted him with financial sanctions following the nationwide vote on the formation of the Constituent Assembly. The 545-member body will have the power to dissolve the current opposition-led legislature and make reforms in the constitution. Siding with the Venezuelan opposition, US President Donald Trump had earlier said that he would not recognize the vote. "They don't intimidate me. The threats and sanctions of the empire don't intimidate me for a moment," Maduro said. "I will not obey imperial orders. I do not obey foreign governments. I'm a free president." Maduro said the sanctions were a sign of American "imperialism" and the US administration's opposition to the will of all Venezuelans, adding that President Trump was "making the biggest mistake of his life in messing" with the South American nation. "I don't listen to orders from the empire, not now or ever ... Bring on more sanctions, Donald Trump," he shouted to a gathering of supporters. The US Treasury Department froze Maduro's US assets and called him a "dictator" for pushing ahead with the election, which drew more than eight million people to the polls, the highest voter turnout in Venezuela's history. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin further said those participating in the assembly could face "future US sanctions for their role in undermining democratic processes and institutions in Venezuela." Along with the US, the European Union also criticized Venezuela's planned formation of the new congress, saying, "A Constituent Assembly, elected under doubtful and often violent circumstances cannot be part of the solution. It has increased division and will further de-legitimize Venezuela's democratically elected institutions." The bloc also censured Venezuela for the "excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces," on the election day and called on both sides to refrain from violence. Last week, the White House imposed sanctions against 13 current and former Venezuelan officials after doing the same to the country's vice president in February. The Sunday elections took place amid a wave of clashes and violence, with protesters attacking polling stations and barricading streets around the country. The opposition, which had already boycotted the vote, rejected the election results as sham and called for further anti-government protests against the new assembly. The unrest led to the engagement of anti-government protesters and security forces in street battles as voting was underway, leaving at least 10 people dead and bringing the death toll from four months of protest rallies to more than 120. On Tuesday, Venezuelan opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were taken from their homes, where they were serving house arrest, their family members said. The two had in recent days called on opposition supporters to attend anti-government protests. Officials have not made any comments on the reports so far. Cuba stands by Venezuela Cuba, Venezuela's key ally since the late 1990s, threw its full support behind the vote on the Constituent Assembly and expressed solidarity with the government in Caracas in the face of hostile US measures. "Cuba denounces the initiation of a well-orchestrated international operation, directed in Washington ... to silence the voice of the Venezuelan people," the Cuban Foreign Ministry said in a statement published by state-run media. The official statement said the US campaign against the vote seeks to "ignore the people's will and impose surrender by means of attacks and economic sanctions." The Venezuelan people "defied violent street blockings, economic sabotage and international threats," the ministry noted. "We reiterate our unwavering solidarity with the Bolivarian and Chavez people and government and with its civic-military unity led by the constitutional president Nicolas Maduro," it added. This is while Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Canada and Peru have denounced the vote for the legislative superbody, claiming that it would destroy Venezuelan democracy and institutionalize autocracy there. Maduro has on several occasions touted the planned rewriting of the constitution as necessary for resolving the widening political crisis in the impoverished but oil-rich country, saying that the reforms would help the nation through the current economic crisis. He blames the crisis in the country on the United States, saying Washington has incited the opposition. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Air Force Buying Leftover Russian Jets for President's Ride Sputnik News 22:06 01.08.2017(updated 22:31 01.08.2017) The US Air Force is buying two 747 aircraft left out in the cold by a bankrupt Russian firm for President Donald Trump's personal ride: Air Force One. The move reduces cost for the presidential aircraft derided by Trump. "The plane is totally out of control, it's going to be over $4 billion" Trump said in December. "I think it's ridiculous," he added. The jets were ordered from Boeing by Transaero in 2013 but were never delivered. Boeing was going to make four jets for the Russian airliner, but stopped when the company ended up going under in 2015. The USAF agreed to terms to buy the Russian planes for just $390 million. The list price of the jets was $1.5 billion, according to Flight Global. The sticker price for each 747-8 runs about $386 million, meaning that if USAF awards the $390 million contract for the two jets, the White House will be paying about 50 percent of the jets' retail value. "We're working through the final stages of coordination to purchase two commercial 747-8 aircraft," a USAF spokeswoman told Defense One Tuesday, adding that the contract award would officially be announced "soon." The Chicago-headquartered aerospace and defense manufacturing giant confirmed the news. "We're still working toward a deal to provide two 747-8s to the Air Force," Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson said. The pair of aircraft are currently stored at a boneyard in the Mojave Desert, Defense One noted. Hundreds of old aircraft "sit with their engines shrinkwrapped in anticipation of one day returning to flight" in aircraft limbo at the site, the news outlet added. Approximately $1.65 billion has been carved out of the federal budget for Air Force One planes. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Solution to Doha Diplomatic Row Excluded - Qatari Defense Minister Sputnik News 21:40 01.08.2017 Qatari Minister of State for Defense Khalid bin Mohammad Attiyah said that the crisis between Qatar and some Arab states should be resolved only through dialogue. CAIRO (Sputnik) There are serious divisions between Qatar and some Arab states, but the military solution to the situation will not be considered, Qatari Minister of State for Defense Khalid bin Mohammad Attiyah said Tuesday. "There are no doubts that political disputes [between Qatar and a number of Arab countries] are deep. As the [Qatari] emir said, these disputes should be resolved only through dialogue. As regards military solution, it is excluded for many reasons," Attiyah said, as quoted by the Al Jazeera broadcaster. In early June, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and meddling in their internal affairs. Kuwait, acting as a mediator in the crisis, handed over to Doha an ultimatum containing 13 demands on behalf of the four states. The list included requests to sever Qatar's relations with Iran, close Turkey's military base in Qatar and shut down Al Jazeera, as well as to end support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a terrorist organization banned in Russia. Qatar has refuted all accusations and refused to comply with the demands. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE Reportedly Sought to Host Taliban Embassy but Eventually Lost to Qatar Sputnik News 21:20 01.08.2017 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) competed with Qatar for the support of the United States to host the embassy of the Taliban terrorist group (outlawed in many countries, including Russia,) media reported, citing emails leaked by the Global Leaks anonymous hacker group. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Senior leaders of Taliban currently reside in Doha-based Taliban office opened in 2013. The original purpose for the presence of the leaders of the Taliban in Qatar was the organization of reconciliation talks between them and Afghanistan, the United States and other countries. However, shortly after the opening, the Taliban's office was shut down by Qatari authorities. Some Taliban leaders remain in Doha, but the peace negotiations have come to a halt, and their office is no longer operable. "There is an article in the London Times that mentions US is backing setting up a Taliban embassy in Doha," UAE diplomat Mohamed Mahmoud Khaja wrote to Jeffrey Feltman, then-Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, in an email dated September 12, 2011, as quoted by the Newsweek. Khaja said then that UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had been impressed that Abu Dhabi had been the first choice of the US, adding that UAE was informed about it by the United Nations envoy to Afghanistan. In a separate email dated January 28, 2012, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef al-Otaiba addressed to other US official about similar complaints from bin Zayed, saying he had got an angry call from the minister. "They [Qataris] want to be in the middle of everything those guys. So let them, it will eventually come back to them," he wrote, as quoted by the newspaper. The publication said that three former US officials had confirmed this week that the UAE had wanted to host the Taliban embassy. Afghanistan has long been suffering from unstable political, social and security situation due to the activity of the Daesh terrorist group (banned in Russia) and the Taliban. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are currently conducting joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country. In June, the UAE, along with Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs, handing over a list of demands to Doha. Qatar refuted all accusations and refused to comply with the demands. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indian Forces Kill Lashkar Boss in Kashmir Valley Sputnik News 14:21 01.08.2017(updated 14:29 01.08.2017) Indian forces killed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief commander Abu Dujana in an encounter at Hakripora village in Pulwama district on Tuesday. The operation began at 4 am this morning after an intelligence report suggested that Dujana had come to meet his wife at their home on Monday night. New Delhi (Sputnik) Dujana led the Lashkar's terror operation in Kashmir Valley. Dujana was wanted in 40 serious attacks on security forces and carried a reward of almost 25,000 US dollars. "The quantum of fire from the terrorists' side was very heavy. LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan and his accomplice Arif were killed during the operation. One civilian casualty," IG Kashmir Munir Khan told reporters. Security forces blasted two houses in the village during the gunfight. Like into five previous incidents, villagers tried to save Abu Dujana by heavy stone-pelting at security forces but this time they failed to provide an escape route. During the protests, dozens of protesters have been injured and some may have also lost their lives. "In spite of our warnings and requests, people on behest of terrorists tend to come in between encounter, that is how they get injured/killed," Munir Khan added. Earlier in May this year, Abu Dujana and his two associates had given a slip to the security forces after they were guarded by people from nearby villages, who pelted stones at the forces. Meanwhile, a complete shutdown is being observed in Pulwama district and nearby areas. Local media reports said hundreds of school students clashed with forces in Handwara area of Kupwara district after the killing Abu Dujana. After a spurt in militancy was put down in the 1990s, life in the Indian side of Kashmir was reasonably peaceful until July 2016 when the killing of Burhan Wani, the leader of an outlawed Kashmiri separatist group, by Indian forces led to the resurgence of street protests. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kyrgyzstan to Receive Two Russian An-26 Transport Aircraft Next Week Sputnik News 10:54 01.08.2017(updated 10:55 01.08.2017) The Russian Defense Ministry will provide Kyrgyzstan with two An-26 transport aircraft on August 9, the press service of Kyrgyz Armed Forces' General Staff told Sputnik Tuesday. BISHKEK (Sputnik) Russia and Kyrgyzstan agreed on a delivery of military and technical assistance worth $1 billion during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Bishkek in 2012. Russia has already equipped Kyrgyzstan with a number of armored vehicles and artillery systems free of charge. "The ceremony for the handing over of An-26 aircraft and opening of the air technical-operational unit's building, where the repairs of the Kyrgyz aircraft at the Russian airfield in the city of Kant, will take place on August 9," the General Staff's spokesperson said. The spokesperson went on to note that a Russian delegation, headed by Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Alexander Fomin and the Kyrgyz General Staff leadership, will be participating in the ceremony. Under a bilateral agreement, Kyrgyzstan has hosted a Russian military base since October 2003. The base's objective is to provide aerial protection for Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) ground operations. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Dictated Son's Statement on Meeting With Russian Lawyer Sputnik News 09:44 01.08.2017 US President Donald Trump allegedly personally dictated a statement that was later issued by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., in which the president's son claims he had met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya to discuss adoption, US media reported. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to The Washington Post newspaper, the president dictated the statement during his flight home after attending the G20 summit in Germany. On July 8, The New York Times newspaper cited the statement when reporting that the adoption program was the main issue discussed at the meeting. On the next day, however, the newspaper reported that the president's son was initially promised potentially compromising information about then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump Jr. subsequently changed his account of the events, now claiming that during the meeting, Veselnitskaya told him that she processed information about Russian individuals supporting Clinton's campaign. Only afterward did the lawyer turn to the subject of adopting Russian children, a practice which was ceased by a 2012 Russian law. The president's son said it became clear to him that "the claims of potentially helpful information were a pretext for the meeting." Mark Corallo, a spokesman for the president's legal counsel, said that Trump was not present at his son's meeting with Veselnitskaya or aware of it. The Washington Post cited presidential aides expressing their concerns that the president's participation in drafting the first statement might be interpreted as a conscious attempt to mislead the public. Advisers to Trump and his family reportedly told the newspaper that the president saw the investigation into his campaign's alleged ties to Russia as a political problem rather than a legal trouble. The US Department of Justice is conducting an ongoing investigation into the alleged ties of Trump's presidential campaign with Russia. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, appointed in May, is overseeing the investigation as a special counsel. The president has denied having ties with Russia. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN migration chief visits Nigeria's northeast; new fund allocates $10.5 million 1 August 2017 The United Nations has scaled up its efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria, through a visit by its top migration official and the allocation of $10.5 million from a new fund. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly two million people fled their homes to escape Boko Haram violence in northeast Nigeria. More than half of the displaced are children and 133,000 infants. "We've seen the suffering of the people. We've seen their resilience. We've seen their courage. We've seen their patience," said IOM Director General William Lacy Swing during his visit to the area from 28 July to 30 July. "This crisis is competing with about eight others, including that of Syria, Yemen and South Sudan, for the world's attention," he added. IOM's emergency response is based in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno and the birthplace of Boko Haram. Mr. Swing's visited Maiduguri and other main cities that have been devastated by the whole Boko Haram conflict, and the first camp for the internally displaced in the region. Mr. Swing met with the deputy governor of Borno state and discussed IOM's increasing focus on livelihood interventions for displaced Nigerians, such as sewing, knitting and barbershop work. IOM has built tarpaulin shelters for nearly 11,000 families, about 102,000 people in Borno state. A few hundred other households were given shelter kits to expand or repair their spaces in Adamawa, the other state devastated by the conflict. Mr. Swing also met with Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja to discuss ways to prevent irregular migration. According to IOM, about 37,000 Nigerians arrived in Italy by sea last year and more than 9,000 so far this year. Most travel to find work in Europe. But more than 2,000 migrants have died on the precarious Central Mediterranean route they follow from Libya to Italy in 2017. "The idea is not to stop migrants. It's about trying to save lives by counselling them about the risks of putting their lives in the hands of a smuggler," Mr. Swing said, explaining that IOM opened a migrant information office in Agadez, Niger, last year to try to engage migrants heading north from Nigeria to Libya and the Mediterranean Sea on the dangers many face. IOM has helped more than 1,800 Nigerians return home safely from Libya this year through the organization's Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme. $10.5 million in relief aid allocated from new fund Meanwhile, the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has allocated $10.5 million to life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable, including those in the hard-to-reach and newly accessible areas. It will fund about 15 different projects, including the provision of safe drinking water, emergency shelter and health services. Some 8.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the three worst-affected Nigerian states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe; of them, 6.9 million people are targeted for humanitarian assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela: UN rights chief 'deeply concerned' by detention of opposition leaders 1 August 2017 The top United Nations human rights official today expressed deep concern about the detention of two opposition leaders by Venezuelan authorities after Sunday's elections for a Constituent Assembly convened by President Nicolas Maduro. "I am deeply concerned that opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma have again been taken into custody by Venezuelan authorities after their house arrest was revoked," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in a statement issued by his Office (OHCHR). He urged the Government to immediately release all those being held for exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression, noting that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention considers the detention of both Lopez and Ledezma to be arbitrary. President Maduro has declared victory in Sunday's elections for the new body, which could replace the current National Assembly. Mr. Zeid also expressed his regret that at least 10 people reportedly died over the weekend amid demonstrations over Sunday's polls, calling for a prompt, effective and independent probe into these deaths. He urged the authorities "not to make an already extremely volatile situation even worse" through the use of excessive force, including through violent house raids that have occurred in various parts of the country. "I appeal to all parties to refrain from the use of violence," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Military Helicopter Makes Hard Landing in Eastern Afghanistan By Ayaz Gul August 01, 2017 A U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter suffered mechanical problems that resulted in a hard landing during operations near Achin, Nangarhar early this morning, a spokesman for NATO's Resolute Support mission said. Rescue personnel safely recovered the crew. Two crew members suffered minor injuries in the landing and are receiving treatment at a coalition medical facility, the spokesman said. The aircraft is being recovered and the incident is under investigation. Earlier, a Taliban spokesman claimed the helicopter crashed shortly after "foreign occupation forces" launched a pre-dawn operation against fighters of the Islamist insurgency in the Spin Gear area of the province. He asserted the accident killed all the people on board and forced the foreigners to abandon their raid. The insurgent group has often made claims that later turned out to be baseless. The Afghan region where the U.S. military was conducting operations also hosts militants linked to the Islamic State terrorist group. Meanwhile, officials say heavy fighting erupted in Saydabad district of the central-eastern Maidan Wardak province after Taliban insurgents assaulted government outposts there. The clashes have blocked traffic on the main highway, which links the Afghan capital, Kabul, to southern Afghanistan, a provincial government spokesman, Abdur Rehman Mangal, told VOA. Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses and cargo trucks transporting essential commodities, have been stranded with many of them returning to Kabul, drivers said. Ahead of launching their attack, Taliban insurgents overnight warned transporters and passengers not to travel on the Kabul-Kandahar highway, residents and traders said. The insurgents have made territorial gains and inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan forces during this year's fighting season. A U.S. government agency reported Tuesday a total of 2,531 Afghan security forces were killed and 4,238 wounded in the first four months of 2017. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan, or SIGAR, says the figures were consistent with casualty figures from the same period last year. Afghan forces lost about 6,800 personnel in the first 10 months of 2016, SIGAR said in its report for the previous year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2 Venezuelan Opposition Leaders Seized from Homes By VOA News August 01, 2017 Two Venezuelan opposition leaders who were on house arrest have been seized from their homes by state security forces, two days after a controversial vote creating a national assembly to rewrite the constitution. The families of Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma say the men were taken during the early morning hours Tuesday by agents with the Venezuelan intelligence service Sebin. Both families posted videos on Twitter of the men as they were taken, with Ledezma still wearing pajamas. Venezuela's Supreme Court said the two leaders were sent back to jail because "official intelligence sources" discovered they were planning to flee. The court also said Lopez and Ledezma violated the terms of their house arrest by "political campaigning" and "making statements to the media." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned rising political tensions "will distance the country from a path conducive to finding a peaceful solution to the country's challenges," according to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. He said the secretary-general is urging Venezuelans, particularly those representing the government, to make all possible efforts to de-escalate tensions. Dujarric said Guterres reiterated the need for the government and opposition to begin negotiations, adding, the "only way forward is a political solution." U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Francisco Palmieri posted on Twitter that the U.S. is concerned about the detention of the men, saying it is "further evidence of the #Maduro regime's authoritarianism." The two opposition leaders had each posted videos urging their followers to boycott last Sunday's vote to establish the assembly, which opposition forces said was an effort by President Nicolas Maduro to transform Venezuela into an authoritarian state. Lopez and Ledezma, both of them former mayors, had been under house arrest for various charges. Lopez entered house arrest just weeks ago after spending three-and-a-half years in jail on charges of instigating violence during anti-Maduro street protests in 2014. Ledezma was convicted in 2015 on charges of plotting a coup against Maduro. The detentions came hours after the United States imposed sanctions on Maduro over what it called his "illegitimate" election of an assembly to rewrite the constitution. All of Maduro's assets in the U.S. are frozen and Americans are forbidden from doing any business with him. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the sanctions Monday in Washington, calling Maduro a "dictator" who ignores the will of the Venezuelan people. Maduro showed his apparent indifference to the sanctions late Monday, calling them a sign of President Donald Trump's "desperation and hate." "I will not obey imperial orders. I do not obey any foreign governments. I'm a free president," Maduro said. The sanctions against Maduro follow those imposed recently on a number of current and former senior Venezuelan officials. Mnuchin would not comment on possible future sanctions, including a ban on Venezuelan oil exports. He said the U.S. will monitor the situation, but that "our objective is not to do anything to hurt the people of Venezuela." Maduro presses ahead The Maduro government appeared determined to go through with forming the 545-member constituent assembly, even before it releases final results of the election. The government said more than 8 million people cast ballots; the opposition, which boycotted the vote, said the turnout was much lower. Reporters on the ground in Caracas said dozens of polling places were almost deserted Sunday. If 8 million people voted, that would be less than half of all registered voters. Pre-election polls showed more than 70 percent of all Venezuelans opposed the assembly. Details on what is likely to be included in a new constitution are unclear. Maduro has said it is the only way to pull Venezuela out of its severe economic and social crisis and stop the violence. The opposition contended the vote was rigged, in order to pack the assembly with Maduro supporters who could dissolve the opposition-controlled national assembly and fire officials who disagree with the government. Maduro's opponents are demanding early presidential elections. Sunday's election was the bloodiest day in four months of anti-government protests, with at least 10 people killed in clashes around the country. More than 120 have died since early April. The drop in global energy prices and political corruption together have destroyed Venezuela's once oil-rich economy. Gasoline, medicine, and such basic staples as cooking oil, flour, and sugar are scarce, and many Venezuelans cross into neighboring Colombia and Brazil to buy food. Maduro has blamed the country's woes on what he calls U.S. imperialism and its supporters inside Venezuela. He has warned against intervention by the Organization of American States, saying that would surely lead to civil war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rwanda Election Chief: Vote Not 'Foregone Conclusion' By Edward Rwema August 01, 2017 Three days before the presidential election in Rwanda, the country's electoral commission says it is not bothered by people who suggest the outcome is a fait accompli. "It is not a foregone conclusion and we are not wasting money," said the commission's executive secretary, Charles Munyaneza, in an exclusive interview with VOA's Central Africa service. "We are not bothered as a commission and I also think Rwandans are also not bothered," he said. "... We are running elections, we are spending money because we want to build a system we have started as Rwandans." At campaign stops, President Paul Kagame's supporters have been heard saying the election is over and they are simply waiting to show their approval on Election Day. Kagame is widely expected to score an easy victory in the Friday vote. Neither of his challengers Frank Habineza of the Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana has a large base of support nor has attracted large crowds during the campaign.And Kagame won at least 93 percent of the vote in the last two presidential elections. Under his rule, Rwanda has enjoyed a decline in poverty and steady economic growth based on agriculture, construction, mining and tourism, although human rights groups accuse the president of continually suppressing dissent. In Northern Province, where Kagame campaigned Tuesday, he told a gathering of more than 100,000 people that election time used to be about insecurity and killings but now they happen in an atmosphere of safety. "We used to have politics that divided people and impoverished people. We were told that is the democracy we deserved," said Kagame. He urged residents of Gicumbi District not to accept what he called "useless lessons." The commission announced Tuesday it has finished dispatching voting materials, including ballot papers, voter lists and electoral ink to districts across the country and to Rwandan embassies all over the world. More than 6.9 million Rwandans have registered to take part in the third post-genocide election. The number of new voters has increased by 1.7 million people since the last poll in 2010. Women make up the majority of registered voters at 54 percent. The European Union announced earlier this year that it would not send observers to Rwanda; however, Munyaneza said most of the EU member countries will be represented. "What they have not done is send observers from Europe," Munyaneza said. "We have accredited observers from each and every European embassy accredited in Rwanda." Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. local time on Friday. "We hope to announce at least 70 percent of the results on election night," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi delivers important speech at rally marking PLA's 90th anniversary People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:07, August 01, 2017 President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is moving rapidly toward "strong" informationized armed forces. Xi said the PLA has transformed from a "millet plus rifles" single-service force to one that has fully-fledged services and has basically completed mechanization. He said that the PLA must be bold in reform and adept in innovation while staying away from rigidity and stagnation at any time and under any circumstances. Xi reaffirmed the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s absolute leadership over the PLA. "To build a strong military, [we] must unswervingly adhere to the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces, and make sure that the people's army always follow the Party," he said. Xi called for a new generation of "capable, brave and virtuous" army "with souls" in order to build a strong military. Calling political work the "lifeline" of the PLA, Xi said troops must have ironclad faith, beliefs, disciplines and responsibilities, and retain their nature and tenet as the people's army. Xi has urged the country's armed forces to bear in mind the sacred duty of fighting for the people. The PLA is deeply rooted in the people and the strength comes from the people, said Xi. Xi called on the PLA to maintain its close relationship with the people and "go through thick and thin" with them. The PLA should also actively contribute to the economic and social development in stationed areas to benefit the people with actions, said Xi. Xi urged boosting integrated military and civilian development amid efforts to build a strong military. China must build a national strategic system and capacity of military-civilian integration, he said. The CPC has established its thoughts on building a strong military in a new phase, Xi said. The Party has put forward a series of new ideas and requirements concerning national defense and military building in the past five years since the 18th CPC National Congress, which together constitute the CPC's thoughts on building a strong army in the new phase, Xi said. The Party's military strengthening theories should be constantly enriched and developed to cope with new challenges and solve new problems under new circumstances, he said. He stressed "coordinated, balanced and inclusive development" of economic and national defense construction. China will never compromise on its sovereignty, security or development interests, Xi said. "The Chinese people love peace. We will never seek aggression or expansion, but we have the confidence to defeat all invasions. We will never allow any people, organization or political party to split any part of Chinese territory out of the country at any time, in any form," Xi said. "No one should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit that is harmful to our sovereignty, security or development interests," he said. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a grand gathering in celebration of the PLA's 90th founding anniversary. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China opens its first army support base overseas Xinhua 2017-08-01 20:53:50 DJIBOUTI, Aug.1 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony marking the entry of troops into the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) support base in Djibouti was held on Tuesday in the base's barracks. The ceremony marked the first time that China has opened a military support base overseas. It will fulfill China's international obligations regarding humanitarianism aid and escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. A Chinese national flag ceremony and a military parade were held in the barracks. The PLA support base in Djibouti was established on July 11 based on a decision by both China and Djibouti and will be conducive to China fulfilling its international committments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sen. Graham says Trump ready to go to war with North Korea Iran Press TV Tue Aug 1, 2017 5:25PM A Republican senator says US President Donald Trump would go to war to destroy North Korea rather than allow it to develop a long-range nuclear-armed missile. "There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's program and North Korea itself," Lindsey Graham told NBC's Today Show on Tuesday, describing his discussions with Trump. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un touted its recent test of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) as a call on the United States to set aside its threats of attacking the island nation. Pyongyang is under mounting international pressure over its missile and nuclear development programs. However, it says it needs to continue and develop its missile force as a deterrent to defend the nation in the face of the United States and its regional allies' hegemony. Sen. Graham said that if diplomacy, and in particular pressure from the North's neighbor China, fails to halt the program then the United States will have no choice but to take devastating military action. "They've kicked the can down the road for 20 years. There will be a war with North Korea over the missile program if they continue to try to hit America with an ICBM," he said. "He's told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically." "I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top," Graham said. Last month, the UN Security Council imposed a fresh array of sanctions on Pyongyang in response to a number of missile tests carried out this year. Russia and China have opposed calls for new sanctions and would only agree when the North obtains the required technology to develop ICBMs, Reuters reported, citing diplomatic sources. Unlike Washington, Beijing and Moscow argue that Pyongyang has yet to master the know-how. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Truth Elusive in Case of Assassinated Lawyer in Myanmar By Joe Freeman August 01, 2017 After the prominent lawyer U Ko Ni was gunned down in broad daylight as he departed Yangon's airport on January 29, authorities moved quickly, arresting four suspects and later holding a rare news conference to share details about the investigation. Senior law enforcement officials attributed the motive to "extreme patriotism," saying the suspects felt "resentful" over Ko Ni's political work, leading many to believe the lawyer's efforts to amend the 2008 military-drafted constitution had inspired the plot. Big questions loom But six months after the assassination, as the trial drags on in Yangon and the alleged mastermind remains at large, there are more questions than answers, raising concerns whether justice will be done. "The fundamental question that many are starting to ask is, 'Do the police really want to find any additional culprits?" Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, said in an email. "Right now, it appears that the investigation is deliberately spinning its wheels and the situation will get worse if something urgently is not done." The defendants in custody include the alleged shooter Kyi Lin, who is also accused of killing taxi driver Nay Win before being apprehended at the airport, and Aung Win Zaw, Zeya Phyo and Aung Win Tun. The fifth suspect, Aung Win Khaing, is still on the run. The government believes he organized the plan with his brother Aung Win Zaw and Zeya Phyo. Aung Win Tun is accused of harboring one of the suspects. Questions for the army While no one is accusing the military of direct involvement, the case raises uncomfortable questions for the institution, known as the Tatmadaw in Burmese. Ko Ni was a legal adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, which at the time of his death had been in power less than a year after winning historic elections in 2015, jolting Myanmar out of decades of military rule. But the 2008 constitution that Ko Ni was working to change ensures the military retains parliamentary power even under a civilian government by reserving 25 percent of seats for Tatmadaw-appointed MPs. Aung Win Khaing, the missing fifth suspect, was last seen in the capital, Naypyitaw, almost two weeks after the assassination. At least three of the suspects, including Aung Win Khaing, are retired army officials. The authorities have put forward the theory that disgruntled plotters may have wanted to create friction between the military and Suu Kyi's newly-elected government amid a delicate transition. "We have to think about a lot of things," Minister of Home Affairs Lt. General Kyaw Swe was quoted as saying at the briefing in late February. "Why are the suspected conspirators former army officers? Was this an attempt to cause discord between the military and the government?" Officials did not respond to requests for additional comment. Religious connection There are a few facts surrounding the case that observers say are being glossed over. Ko Ni was not only a prominent lawyer, he was a prominent member of the country's Muslim community, which has faced increased persecution in recent years in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Many people believe his faith was at least a partial motive, making him an easier target. There also remains to be heard the full narrative from the side of the defendants, which may differ from the government's version as the case proceeds. But it is the elusive Aung Win Khaing who has loomed largest over the case. "I think authorities should try to capture the fugitive," prosecuting attorney Nay La said. Authorities say they have tried, telling reporters they distributed images of him to nearby countries and issued an INTERPOL red notice. Nay La said 11 witnesses have testified since hearings began in March, and 70 more are on the list, promising a long trial. Meanwhile, the families of Ko Ni and taxi driver Nay Win, who was killed trying to pursue the suspected shooter, wait for answers. "It's good to have the truth in the case as soon as possible, then it will be good for both of us," said Su Thet Khine, 31, Nay Win's widow. "If we finish the case, we can all see the rule of law in the country." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We'll Make This Thing Run Ourselves And To Hell With The Russians': U.S. Diplomat Recalls Last Major Expulsion In Moscow Mike Eckel August 01, 2017 WASHINGTON -- Someone had to clean the toilets. Someone had to lug that fresh milk into the embassy. And it couldn't be the ambassador. Russian President Vladimir Putin's order that the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia cut 755 staff members was a return to a tactic that hasn't been seen in bilateral relations in years. Thirty-one years, to be precise. In October 1986, Soviet authorities ordered a reduction of some 200 employees of the U.S. mission. At the time, the second-in-charge was Richard Combs. Now long retired from U.S. foreign service and a life of diplomacy, Combs recalls in an interview with RFE/RL what happened in October 1986 when diplomats fluent in multiple languages or steeped in Kremlinology found themselves driving school buses or schlepping around crates of fresh milk. RFE/RL: What do you recall from that time when the order came down, from the Soviet Foreign Ministry, that there would be an expulsion? Richard Combs: In '86, what they did was withdraw all of the Soviet local employees -- I think there were about 200 total. These folks did all the heavy lifting. We employed Soviets as maids and cooks and cleaning people and chauffeurs and mechanics and plumbers and all of that stuff. So obviously we had to figure out how to fulfill all of those essential functions ourselves. And that was a big problem because it involved a lot of heavy lifting, among other things. It's astounding how much heavy stuff comes into the embassy on a daily basis, and somebody has to schlep that stuff from the train station to customs to the embassy and so forth. That was the major problem: the logistics of operating a large, important embassy, without suddenly some 200 local, Soviet employees. RFE/RL: So there were no diplomats per se who were expelled...? Combs: No. Over the years, of course, diplomats had been expelled. But in this instance the Foreign Ministry and the Soviet government decided to remove all of the locals. We had grown quite dependent on them for the operating of the embassy and the consulate in Leningrad. RFE/RL: What was the atmosphere like in Moscow in 1986? Combs: There had been some tit-for-tat expulsions that led up to this. We had actually been warned informally that if we continued to expel Soviets from the United States, we were very vulnerable because we had all these locals employed... In terms of the atmosphere, most Americans who serve in Moscow were there in a dedicated way. You know, we were on all the front lines of the Cold War and all that stuff. So esprit de corps was pretty high in the embassy. So the initial reaction was, "Goddammit, we'll make this thing run ourselves and to hell to the Russians, the Soviets." And that was fine for a while. But we had to establish rosters of work duties, such as cleaning toilets and moving crates of milk, and all that sort of thing, that included everybody in the embassy except for the ambassador and me. So that meant on any given day a fair number of embassy officers and staff put on work clothes and did menial tasks for the day. So that got tiresome after a while. That was No. 1. No. 2, it had a funny -- or not-so-funny -- impact to the social side of diplomacy. How can you have a dinner party or a reception when you've got nobody to cook, nobody to serve, and nobody to clean up except for yourself? So the nonessential part of the embassy operation suffered more than the essential...by which I mean gathering information, reporting it, the substantive side of the embassy. But the social side, which is important in diplomacy, we couldn't do very much for the reasons I mentioned. Also, there was a kind of a safety element as well. We had to keep our automobiles and school buses in repair. Somebody had to drive the school buses to get the kids to school, as well. There were some real-life implications that had to do with safety, and we had to cope with that as best we could. RFE/RL: So you would have a low-level junior member of the diplomatic staff getting behind the wheel of a minivan to drive the kids to school? Combs: We had one or two larger buses...and somebody had to drive those as well. What helped us a lot is that we had a separate bilateral agreement with the Soviets, as I dimly recall. They were building a new embassy in Washington at the time, and we were building a new embassy building in Moscow, and we had a fairly large contingent of Seabees (the U.S. Navy's specialized construction battalion) to oversee construction. And, thank God, these guys were skilled mechanics and in construction, so they pitched in and helped a lot. We also found interesting ways around this problem. For example, the embassy of the Philippines had a fairly large staff and a lot of dependents, and we immediately hired some of them to work because they were not, obviously, Soviet locals, and there was no restriction on how many people we could hire as long as they were not Soviet locals. So we found workarounds, but it had a major impact. RFE/RL: Were there any amusing recollections of diplomatic staff doing interesting or unusual tasks from the time? Combs: Skilled, well-qualified diplomats were carrying furniture and a lot of things. We brought a lot of stuff in from Helsinki, Finland, like fresh milk and fresh fruit and vegetables from the Stockmann's department store up there. Somebody had to go down to the train station, lift that stuff off of the train cars, put it on trucks, bring it to the embassy, lift it off the trucks, and put it into the refrigerators or wherever it went. And this went on day after day after day. That got awfully tiresome after a while. The amount of stuff that comes into an embassy, we found out, is quite mind-boggling. I mean, even mail and boxes and stuff. We ordered a lot of stuff from Sears routinely. We had a work detail, on a roster, every day, mainly foreign-service officers along with secretaries and the embassy doctor and everybody else. That was just a lot of physical work. Of course, someone had to clean the toilets and the urinals at the embassy building, to clean the embassy itself, that locals had done, and we had taken it for granted, obviously, for many years. It's interesting, by the way, that this was a fairly clever move on the Soviets' part, because they hire no American employees in their embassy and their consulate, so we were not in a position to retaliate. Obviously, the locals we had had to cooperate with the KGB, and we knew that, but somebody made a decision many, many years ago to put up with that problem in order to keep the American staff [numbers] down. The order to cut the U.S. diplomatic workforce came just eight months after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev made his announcement about "glasnost" and "perestroika" -- the new policies of openness and economic restructuring that lay the groundwork ultimately for the Soviet collapse. Despite the thawing rhetoric at the time, on the front lines, at the embassies and elsewhere, the Cold War still very much remained... [The withdrawal] was a tactical move on the Soviets' part, that they warned us about. And that was typical Soviet behavior. But that was contrary to what Gorbachev was doing at that time. Nobody expected they would really follow through with it. RFE/RL: There must be some funny stories from that period, when you had erudite, multiple-language-speaking people cleaning urinals or taking the trash out... Combs: We didn't see it as all that humorous at the time. Of course, we all cleaned our own apartment, and [the ambassador and his wife] had to clean Spaso House (the historic U.S. ambassadorial residence in Moscow). They had some help. What we quickly did is we hired other third-country folks living in Moscow who were willing to come and work for pay, of course, and they did not fall under the restrictions because they obviously were not Soviet citizens. So we found a fair number of workarounds. But we also put a fair number of American spouses and dependents to work. The initial reaction was, "We'll make this work, goddammit. We're Americans" -- national pride and all that. And that held up for a while, but then it got tiresome, having to clean urinals every day. The main thing is we did our best to keep it equitable, to put everyone on the work rosters. I probably should have been on there, but the ambassador thought that we should stay in our spiffy clothes in case we had to go over to the Foreign Ministry. He and I were the only exceptions. But literally everybody else, the admiral in charge of the defense office, the embassy doctor, [and] everybody were on work rosters." This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-diplomat- recalls-last-major-expulsion-russia- soviet-union-coombs/28652654.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tillerson Says Neither Trump Nor Him Happy About Anti-Russia Sanctions Sputnik News 21:59 01.08.2017(updated 22:20 01.08.2017) Tillerson said neither he nor Donald Trump were happy about the Congress' decision to approve sanctions against Russia. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said neither he nor US President Donald Trump were happy about the Congress' decision to approve sanctions against Russia, but added that this was the decision the legislature took and it would have to be accepted. "The action by the Congress to put these sanctions in place and the way they did, neither the president nor I were very happy about that. We were clear that we didn't think it was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made, they made it in a very overwhelming way. I think the president accepts that, and all indications are he will sign that bill and then we'll just work with it. We can't let it take us off track of trying to restore the relationship," Tillerson told reporters at a State Department press briefing. Tillerson also said that he would meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this weekend in Manila. "I will be meeting face-to-face with Foreign Minister Lavrov this weekend, on the margins of the meetings in Manila," Tillerson said. "He and I have already spoken." Tillerson characterized their conversation as "professional" following the US Congress' move to strengthen sanctions against Russia and Moscow's response to reduce the number of US embassy workers in Russia, adding the he thinks Lavrov is "as committed as I am to trying to find ways to bring this relationship back closer to one another." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Anti-Sabotage Defense Installed at Russian Navy Base in Syria's Tartus Sputnik News 11:37 01.08.2017 According to reports, an anti-sabotage boundary has been created along the coastline of the Russian Navy maintenance and support facility in the Syrian city of Tartus. MOSCOW (Sputnik) An anti-sabotage boundary has been created along the coastline of the Russian Navy maintenance and support facility in the Syrian city of Tartus, a military and diplomatic source told Sputnik. "Today, a full border-line of anti-sabotage defense was built at the Russian naval base in Syria's Tartus There is a civil war in the country and band-aid solutions should not be applied to either the security of the military base or the military environment," the source said. On April 26, the chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff, Col. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy said the Russian Hmeimim air base, along with the naval base in Tartus, provides a means for deterring terrorism in Syria and neighboring countries. Head of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee Vladimir Shamanov said May 18 that modernization measures had been launched at Russian naval base and their full implementation might take five to seven years. Tartus has hosted a supply point for the Soviet and then the Russian navies in the Mediterranean since the 1970s. On January 18, Russia and Syria signed an agreement on the expansion and modernization of the naval facility in Tartus. The agreement is valid for 49 years and will be prolonged automatically every 25 years unless one of the two states decides to withdraw. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-backed Syrian Kurds make gains south of Raqqah against Daesh Iran Press TV Tue Aug 1, 2017 3:57PM A so-called monitoring group says the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) battling to drive Daesh Takfiri terrorists out of Syria's northern city of Raqqah say they have made fresh territorial gains south of the city and established control over a new neighborhood there. "Overnight, the SDF advanced in the south of the city, after taking control of the Nazlet Shahada neighborhood," Director for Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdel Rahman, said on Tuesday. He added that US-backed SDF militiamen now control large parts of the adjacent Hisham Bin Abdel Malik neighborhood, after advancing in the south from both the eastern and western fronts. "Daesh effectively no longer has a presence in the southern neighborhoods of Raqqah, after SDF forces coming from the eastern front met with those advancing from the western front," Abdel Rahman pointed out. He said the fighting is now centered around the area south of the city center, and on the outskirts of Hisham Bin Abdel Malik district. "The SDF is a few hundred meters from Daesh's main headquarters in Clock Square, which is where Daesh carried out executions," Abdel Rahman said. He added that SDF fighters are also on the outskirts of the densely-populated al-Thakana neighborhood. Nuri Mahmud, a spokesman for the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) that is a major component of the SDF, also stated that US-sponsored militia forces are making progress south of Raqqah. "Daesh has been almost completely eliminated from the Nazlet Shahada and Hisham Bin Abdel Malik neighborhoods," he added. Mahmud noted that Daesh is "exploiting civilians and using mines, car bombs, drones, tunnels and bombers to prolong its presence inside Raqqah." It is estimated that a population of 300,000 civilians are trapped inside Raqqah, including 80,000 displaced from other parts of Syria. Thousands have fled in recent months, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs believes about 160,000 people remain in the city. On June 6, the SDF said it had launched an operation aimed at pushing Daesh out of Raqqah. The city of Raqqah, which lies on the northern bank of the Euphrates River, was overrun by Daesh terrorists in March 2013, and was proclaimed the center for most of the Takfiris' administrative and control tasks the following year. Turkish officials have frequently voiced strong opposition to the involvement of the Kurdish People's Protection Units in the US-led offensive to retake Raqqah. Ankara views the YPG as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, which has been fighting for an autonomous region inside Turkey since 1984. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French English COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT / REGULATED INFORMATION / INSIDE INFORMATION IRVINE, CA, and HERSTAL, BELGIUM - 07:00 CEST, August 2, 2017 - MDxHealth SA (Euronext: MDXH.BR) today announced that it will participate in the 37th Annual Canaccord Genuity Growth Conference to be held at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, US on August 9-10. Dr. Jan Groen, CEO, MDxHealth will present at 13:30 EDT on Thursday, August 10. The company's CEO will discuss business and financial developments and trends. The presentation will be available on the Company's website after the conference. About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company's tests are based on proprietary genetic, epigenetic (methylation) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of urologic cancers, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. The Company's European headquarters are in Herstal, Belgium, with laboratory operations in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and US headquarters and laboratory operations based in Irvine, California. For more information, visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on social media at: twitter.com/mdxhealth, facebook.com/mdxhealth and linkedin.com/company/mdxhealth. For more information: Jean-Marc Roelandt, Chief Financial Officer MDxHealth +32 (0) 4 364 20 70 IR@mdxhealth.com NOTE: The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, SelectMDx, AssureMDx, PredictMDx and UrNCollect are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Concise letters 250 words or fewer on topics of local interest will receive first consideration for publication. All letters are subject to editing for language and clarity. Mailing Address: Letters to the Editor, The Register & Bee, 700 Monument St., Danville, VA 24541 Letters submitted by mail must include the writer's name, signature, address and a daytime phone number. Fax: (434) 799-0595 Email: letters@registerbee.com Or submit a letter via our online form: Submit a letter Since 2009, Danville native Octavius Pinkard has been living the jet-setting life in Brussels as an international election monitor and traveling to places like Lebanon, Istanbul, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. Pinkard will return to Danville for one semester to share his experiences and teach an international relations class this fall at Danville Community College. Im excited in ways that I could not possibly express, Pinkard said in a statement released from the college. Nothing compares to being home, especially if you love your hometown as much as I do. And institutions like DCC are an integral part of our community. DCC is offering the course for the first time in 20 years, said Paul Fox, dean of arts, sciences and business. Fox said he has been trying to recruit Pinkard for years, but this was the first time his travel schedule lined up with the opportunity. He has a lot of experience in international relations and in combat zones like Syria, Fox told the Register & Bee on Wednesday. The class will explore topics such as global economic issues, conflict and migration, according to DCC. Pinkard is an international election monitor for the U.S. State Department where he works to make sure elections are held successfully and fairly. In a lot of ways, having external observers come in to monitor the election, it gives voters a certain level of confidence, Pinkard told the Register & Bee in 2016. In addition to his election monitoring work, Pinkards masters and doctorate research have taken him across the globe. Its important to understand the really complex dynamics at play within these countries, Pinkard said. That will help you develop an understanding of why people immigrate and why conflict perpetuates itself. Fox said news events in the Middle East and North Korea had made international relations an increasingly-relevant course of study. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, Fox said. Pinkard said in a news release he will also use his connections made around the world to bring in guest speakers such as members of foreign ministries and journalists stationed abroad. After growing up in Danvilles White Rock community, Pinkard earned his bachelors degree in government from Christopher Newport University and both masters in international studies from Old Dominion University. In addition to his grandfather Bennie, Pinkard said DCC professor and childhood mentor Fred Lloyd inspired him to pursue a passion for teaching. The class will be offered to students from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Monday evenings. The DCC fall semester begins Aug. 21. It will give students a perspective on global issues and might be helpful for teachers needing recertification classes, Fox said. For more information on the course or teacher re-accreditation, call the arts, sciences, and business division at (434) 797-8402 or (434) 797-8462. Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - BTU Capital Corp. (BTU or the Company) (BTU-TSX:V) is pleased to announce the appointments of Paul Wood to the role of CEO and to the Board of Directors, Mr. Dennis Logan to the role of CFO, and Mr. Don McKinnon to VP of Exploration. Paul Wood has led and executed numerous transactions across the globe in minerals exploration and in other sectors. With a background in company formation, transaction structuring and M&A, he has a reputation for successfully driving projects to completion in multiple jurisdictions including Canada, USA, Europe, China, Japan and Africa. His background, networks and skillsets will serve BTU very well as we lever the strengths of this decidedly strong team as it embarks on its exploration and initial drill program in the Republic of Ireland. He received a BA from Dalhousie University and his MBA from University of Toronto Rotman. Mr Wood states "I have been to the properties in Ireland together with our highly experienced geological team and have seen the rock first hand. This is clearly an enviable project to be working on with significant gold occurrences in at least three areas so far, including Lee, Dooros and Glenlusk. Our first task will be to return to site, conduct further geophysics work and generate drill targets, a process which we anticipate to take three months once commenced. Additionally, there is a fair bit of prospecting to conduct to fully round out the potential of the properties. Mr. Logan is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and received both his BA and his MBA from the University of Toronto and received his Chartered Accountant designation in 1996. Mr. Logan is a former Director and Chief Financing Officer for Almonty Industries Inc. (September 2011 to March 2017), a TSXV listed company. Prior to joining Almonty in 2011, Mr. Logan spent 15 years in Canadian Capital Markets Industry where he held a number of senior management positions including Managing Director, Investment Banking at Desjardins Securities Inc. from 2007 to 2011 and Director, Investment Banking at Westwind Partners Inc. and Partner at Loewen Ondaatje McCutcheon Limited and Executive Director, Investment Banking at CIBC World Markets. Mr. Logan is a Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Eurocontrol Technics Group Inc., a TSXV listed company, and former Director of Pinetree Capital Ltd., a TSX listed company. Mr. McKinnon has been involved in the mining exploration industry since a very young age. Son of Don McKinnon Sr., of Hemlo fame, Mr. McKinnon has been actively exploring mining properties in Ontario and internationally. This includes having been involved in managing all aspects of exploration from property acquisition and grass roots exploration, to seeing projects through to the development stage. Mr. McKinnon also has an extensive network of business associates throughout Canada as well as internationally. Mr. Wood commented, We have a very strong prospecting and geological team led by Mr. Don McKinnon, Jr, who we are proud to have formally join the company as VP Exploration. Mr. McKinnon's experience will be vital in further narrowing down areas of opportunity within this 160 km2 property and concentrating our next phase exploration efforts. Furthermore, we are extremely pleased to have Mr. Dennis Logan join BTU as CFO. Mr. Logan has a vast amount of experience working in the mining sector from inception through to operations and transactions. It is a privilege to have Mr. Logan join. The enthusiasm of both Mr. Logan and Mr. McKinnon for BTU speaks to the caliber of the projects and opportunities before the company." Michael England will remain on the Board and continue to serve as President of the Company. Michael England, President of BTU Capital Corp. states: These changes strengthen the leadership team as we embark on the development of our Galway Project in Ireland. Effective immediately Phil Taneda has resigned from the Board and the role of CFO. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Taneda for his contributions to the Company as well in his future endeavours. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Michael England Michael England, President, CEO, Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770 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 STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward -looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM). To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/btucapital08012017.pdfSource: BTU Capital Corp. (TSX Venture:BTU) To follow BTU Capital Corp. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below. Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 Filing Services Canada Inc. Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today announced it has reached an agreement that will allow it to lease the Velardena mill, located near San Sebastian, for an additional 24 months. San Sebastian has been a major component of Heclas success over the past year and a half, and we see this continuing into the future, said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., President and CEO. We started production with a two-year mine life, expecting exploration success to extend it further. It has, and today we see a combination of reserves, resources and exploration discoveries enabling production through 2020. All of this has been done with a minimal capital investment by using a contract miner and leasing a mill. San Sebastian has allowed Hecla to deliver production growth, cash flow and triple-digit-plus returns. The exploration budget at San Sebastian has been increased by $1.1 million for additional drilling and will bring the 2017 exploration budget at the project to $5.3 million. Goals with this funding include identifying another sulphide zone at depth, similar to the previously discovered Hugh Zone, and discovering additional oxide ore. Strong intersections from a recently discovered zone on the East Francine Vein, including 0.72 oz/ton gold and 288 oz/ton silver over 4.6 feet, are summarized in the press release Hecla Reports Second Quarter Drilling and Exploration Results issued today. ABOUT HECLA Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) is a leading low-cost U.S. silver producer with operating mines in Alaska, Idaho and Mexico, and is a growing gold producer with an operating mine in Quebec, Canada. The Company also has exploration and pre-development properties in seven world-class silver and gold mining districts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and an exploration office and investments in early-stage silver exploration projects in Canada. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements made or information provided in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Words such as may, will, should, expects, intends, projects, believes, estimates, targets, anticipates and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information include statements or information regarding estimates of silver production for 2017 on a consolidated basis and at each of the Greens Creek, Lucky Friday and San Sebastian mines, annual gold production for 2017 at Casa Berardi, and second quarter 2017 production. The material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information include that the Companys plans for development and production will proceed as expected and will not require revision as a result of risks or uncertainties, whether known, unknown or unanticipated, to which the Companys operations are subject. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, expected or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, metals price volatility, volatility of metals production and costs, litigation, regulatory and environmental risks, operating risks, project development risks, political risks, labor issues, ability to raise financing and exploration risks and results. Refer to the Company's Form 10K and 10-Q reports for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating forward-looking statements other than as may be required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802006482/en/ Contact Hecla Mining Company Mike Westerlund, 800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291) Vice President, Investor Relations hmc-info@hecla-mining.com www.hecla-mining.com After the Senate fell short in its effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the Trump administration is poised to use its regulatory powers to accomplish what lawmakers could not: shrink Medicaid.President Donald Trumps top health officials could engineer lower enrollment in the state-federal health insurance program by approving applications from several GOP-controlled states eager to control fast-rising Medicaid budgets.Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Arizona and Wisconsin are seeking the administrations permission to require adult enrollees to work, submit to drug testing and demand that some of their poorest recipients pay monthly premiums or get barred from the program.Maine plans to apply Tuesday. Other states would likely follow if the first ones get the go-ahead.Josh Archambault, senior fellow for the conservative Foundation for Government Accountability, said absent congressional action on the health bill the administration may be even more proactive in engaging with states on waivers outside of those that are already planning to do so.The hope, he added, is that fewer individuals will be on the program as states figure out ways to transition able-bodied enrollees into new jobs, or higher-paying jobs. States need to shore up the program to be able to keep meeting demands for the truly needy, such as children and the disabled, he added.To Medicaids staunchest supporters and most vocal critics alike, the waiver requests are a way to rein in the $500 billion program that has undergone unprecedented growth the past four years and now covers 75 million people.Waivers have often been granted in the past to broaden coverage and test new ways to deliver Medicaid care, such as through private managed-care organizations.But critics of the new requests, which could be approved within weeks, said they could hurt those who are most in need.The National Health Law Program is assessing the legality of work requirements and drug testing and all avenues for challenging them, including litigation, said Jane Perkins, the groups legal director.The administration has already said it favors work requirements and in March invited states to suggest new ideas.Before taking the top job at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Seema Verma was the architect of a Kentucky waiver request submitted last year.Not all states are expected to seek waivers, because Medicaid enjoys wide political support in many states, particularly in the Northeast and West.Medicaid, the nations largest health insurance program, has seen enrollment soar by 17 million since 2014, when Obamacare gave states more federal funding to expand coverage for adults. Its typically states second-largest expense after education.This year, Senate and House bills tried to cap federal funding to states for the first time. Since the program began in 1965, federal Medicaid funding to states has been open-ended.Health experts say allowing the waiver requests goes beyond the executive branchs authority to change the program without approval from Congress.The point of these waivers is not for states to remake the program whole-cloth on a large-scale basis, said Sara Rosenbaum, a health policy expert at George Washington University who chairs a Medicaid group that advises Congress.Rosenbaum noted that states received waivers for different purposes under the Obama administration.In Iowa, state officials won the authority to limit non-emergency transportation. Indiana received approval to charge premiums and lock out enrollees with incomes above the federal poverty level if they fell behind on paying premiums.Now there is concern these more extreme measures would hurt enrollees access to care, Rosenbaum said.Three states seeking waivers today are home to three key GOP players in the Senate health debate: Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Sen. John McCain (Arizona) and Vice President Mike Pence (Indiana).If states add premiums, as well as work and drug testing requirements, the result would be fewer people enrolling and staying in Medicaid, said David Machledt, senior policy analyst for the National Health Law Program.How does that serve the purpose of the Medicaid program and what are the limits of CMS waiver authority? he asked.Wisconsin, where Republican Gov. Scott Walker wants his state to become the first to require some Medicaid enrollees to undergo drug testing, is a prime waiver candidate.State officials stress the effort is not to deter drug users from the program but to help provide treatment for drug users.Wisconsin is also one of five states seeking a waiver to add a work requirement. People could meet the mandate through volunteering, job training or caring for an elderly relative.In addition, Wisconsin wants to limit enrollees Medicaid benefits to 48 consecutive months, unless the beneficiary is working.Enrollees with incomes from 50 percent to 100 percent of the federal poverty level, or between $6,030 and$12,060, would have to pay an $8 monthly premium.All of these rules would apply to about 12 percent of people currently enrolled in Medicaid adults who are not disabled and dont have dependent children.Wisconsin Medicaid Director Michael Heifetz said the main goal of the proposed changes is not to shrink the size of Medicaid but to get people into the workforce.The proposal is not designed to have folks leave the program except for positive reasons, he said.If the waiver is approved, the state anticipates annual savings of nearly $50 million and a drop in enrollment of 5,102 over five years.Wisconsin now spends $7 billion on Medicaid and has 1.2 million recipients.Asked why childless adults not parents are the focus of the waivers, Heifetz said Wisconsin wanted to test the provisions on a smaller population first and focus on adults who should be able to find work.But the Wisconsin effort has sparked broad outrage from hospitals, doctors and advocates for people with disabilities.The Wisconsin Council of Churches said the state would be punishing the poor with its waivers and undermining the vitality of communities.We are concerned the proposed changes to the program will be detrimental for the health of our most vulnerable neighbors and undermine the social fabric and vitality of our state, said Peter Bakken, public policy coordinator for the group in Sun Prairie, a suburb of Madison. Nearly every state imposes additional criminal penalties when a perpetrator assaults or kills a police officer. Should such attackers also be convicted of hate crimes?It turns out a lot of states think they should. Last year, Louisiana became the first to pass a blue lives matter law, treating targeted attacks against law enforcement officers as a hate crime. More than a dozen states have since followed suit. Any piece of legislation that tries to hold people accountable for any criminal activity thats hate-driven is good, says Jim Bueermann, president of the Police Foundation, a research organization in Washington, D.C. When you ask a certain class of people, in this case cops, to risk their lives for perfect strangers, you should step up and say, Were going to act when you are a victim of hate.Not every assault on a police officer or sheriffs deputy should be treated as a hate crime, Bueermann stresses. A cop might get punched in the nose because the perpetrator is trying to get away, or is simply too drunk to know better. Thats all in the line of duty. Its only when someone specifically targets cops -- as happened with the fatal shootings in Baton Rouge and New York that prompted these laws -- that it should be considered a hate crime, Bueermann says.Thats exactly what makes these laws problematic, argues Michael Bronski, a Harvard professor who co-authored a book about targeted violence called. Bronski opposes hate crime laws in general. Still, he believes the ones that seek to protect people based on sexual orientation or racial identity rather than profession make more sense, because such groups are commonly subjected to discrimination, which police officers are not. There have been some instances where theyve been singled out, he says, but these attacks are not pervasive against police forces across the country.Civil rights groups have made similar arguments, with the Anti-Defamation League maintaining that convictions will be difficult under blue lives matter regimes because prosecutors will have to prove intent. Others say the laws are a solution in search of a problem, since there are already enhanced penalties in place to punish anyone who physically attacks police.Such arguments have fallen on deaf ears. Few laws have passed so rapidly and with so little opposition around the country. As with other hate crime laws, the blue lives matter provisions may end up being used sparingly, but their continuing passage is all but assured. It is quickly becoming the legislative equivalent of putting out we support the police yard signs. Their job is dangerous enough already, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said of police as he signed his states law. We have zero tolerance for anyone who would target officers simply for doing their jobs. Description GIS - 02 August 2017 : The globalisation of the economy and resulting softer borders along with information technology have significantly increased our vulnerability to global and transnational crimes particularly drug trafficking which is not solely a domestic challenge. This statement was made yesterday by the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, at Line Barracks in Port Louis in the context of the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Mauritius Police Force. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mario Nobin and other high officials of the Mauritius Police Force were also present. Mr Jugnauth stated that e radicating the scourge of drug trafficking is one of the highest policy priorities of Government with respect to maintaining law and order. He expressed confidence that the war against the scourge of drug trafficking will be won while adding that Mauritius has sought the assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to elaborate a National Drug Control Master Plan which will address both the demand and supply components and at the same time focus on the preventive aspect. The Prime Minister highlighted that cooperation at the regional and international level is being intensified to combat drug trafficking at our borders. Furthermore, at the level of the Indian Ocean Commission, a coordinated approach among member states is being adopted to combat all forms of transnational organised crimes, including drug trafficking in the region, with the support of the European Union, he added. Speaking about law and order, the Prime Minister underscored that they are on the top agenda of the Government especially crimes and road accidents. The historic launching of the Metro Express Project bears out the determination of the Government to make maximum use of state-of-the-art technology to resolve problems that our population faces in their daily life. We are applying the same approach to deal with the issues of crimes and road accidents, he said. Mr Jugnauth recalled that this year provision is being made for Rs 440 million in the Budget to implement the Safe City Project. The project involves the installation of Intelligence and Traffic Surveillance cameras in major public areas, along main roads and motorways and principal traffic centres. These cameras are powerful and effective control tools to combat crimes, drug proliferation, assist in more effective traffic management and enhance road safety, he added. He also paid tribute to all police officers who in times of need, crisis, danger and difficulties have lived up to societys expectations and fully performed their duties of maintaining law and order. Law and order in our country depends on your efficient and exemplary conduct of the work assigned to you. It goes without saying that the work you do entails great risks, in order to respond to difficult and unexpected situations at any time of day or night. While walking on the path of risk, you are always required to embrace the virtues of courage, self-motivation and composure. I believe that this can never deter you in your commitment to serve the community, he said. 250th anniversary of the Mauritius Police Force The Mauritius Police Force celebrated its 250 years on 1st August 2017. Since decades, the Mauritius Police Force is in continuous service to the nation in terms of safety and security. In view of this landmark event, a series of activities were planned. The kickoff ceremony of the event was held at the Line Barracks on 13 June 2017 with the lighting of a Torch Flambeau which was followed by a march carrying the theme March for honour and pride. The calender of activities comprised: Cleaning and embellishment of Police premises; Planting of trees; Hearing test by Rogan Clinic; Walk for Honour and Pride around the island with Torch; Demonstration by NCG Vessels at Le Caudan Marina; Security Walk at Line Barracks; Mega Blood Donation; Launching of Coffee Table Book highlighting the memories of Police; Police Memorial Day; Naming Ceremony of Police Band Auditorium; Unveiling Ceremony of a monument for guardian of Peace and Security at Line Barracks; Launching of 1st Day Cover commemorating the 250th Anniversary; Reopening of Police Museum at Line Barracks; and LightLaser Sound Show depicting the history of MPF. Description GIS 02 August 2017: The new Australian High Commissioner with non-resident accreditation to Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles, Ms Jennifer Dee, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, yesterday afternoon at the Treasury Building in Port Louis. Discussions focused on the reinforcement of cooperation ties in different sectors ranging from education, the blue economy, research to renewable energy and fisheries as well as Australian support with regard to the Vision 2030 of the Mauritian Government. In a statement following the courtesy call, the Australian diplomat said that the meeting was an opportunity to talk about the wa rm and long-standing relationship between Mauritius and Australia. She recalled that the Mauritian diaspora in Australia is quite extensive with more than 30 000 persons who have settled l there, and that there exists a strong cooperation in the education sector in particular. Ms Dee said that both countries will explore new avenues to build on the existing links not only in the education sector but see how Australia can contribute to the success of Mauritius as a hub in Africa, and also continue supporting the Mauritian Governments Vision 2030. The blue economy is a particular area of importance for cooperation between our two countries and is also a natural area for cooperation whether that concerns research and renewable energy cooperation and fisheries both bilaterally and in regional organisations, she added. The Australian High Commissioner is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Director, External Budget Section. In Canberra she has held a range of positions in DFAT, namely as Director, Sri Lanka and Maldives Section; India Political and Regional Section; and Indonesia Economic and Transnational Issues Section. She has also served at Australia's missions in Jakarta and Harare. Ms Dee holds a Master of Arts (Foreign Affairs and Trade) from Monash University and a Bachelor of Business (Journalism) from the Queensland University of Technology. She is married with two children. Australia and Mauritius enjoy warm relations based on strong economic and people-to-people links, particularly in education and marine economic activity. Education institutions in Mauritius and other Indian Ocean island states have built fruitful relationships with their Australian counterparts over the last years. (TNS) -- Two recent reports are taking a look at the stats for Pennsylvanias opioid crisis on a county by county basis.The numbers are better for Centre County than for its neighbors.On Thursday, Pennsylvania released data on opioid misuse among youth. The report included information from the Pennsylvania Youth Survey and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which detailed kids attitudes toward prescription opioids and how much access young people have to them.This information is good news, said Gov. Tom Wolf. Youth and young adults appear to understand the significant danger of addiction and possible death from the misuse of opioids.According to the report, 1 percent of Pennsylvania youth said they misused opioids within a 30-day period. The average rate was 3 percent. Centre was the lowest of its neighbors and one of the lowest reported rates in the state.Surrounding counties were mixed. Mifflin and Clinton counties omitted data and Union did not participate. Blair and Huntingdon counties showed 2 percent of its kids indicating misuse in a month. Clearfield, at 3 percent, was among the highest in the state.Overall, a greater percentage of youths in the western half of Pennsylvania, which tends to have more rural counties, indicated a higher percentage of 30-day prescription opioid misuse compared to the eastern half of the state, which tends to have more urban counties, the report stated.Centre County fell in the North Central District of the state for the test, which showed a 6.3 percent lifetime misuse, second only to the South East for lowest use. Clearfield County, on the other side of the creek, falls in the Northwest District, with the highest lifetime use at 7.3 percent of kids reporting they have misused prescription opioids.The good news? More kids think opioids are dangerous.According to the study, 87.8 percent of North Central District kids are reporting a disapproving attitude toward peers misusing the drugs, and 83.3 percent both think the drugs are risky themselves and think their friends disapprove.In Centre County, 85 percent of young people reported a moderate to great perceived risk of harm. That was above both the district average and the state figure of 75 percent.Huntingdons disapproval rate was even higher, at 86 percent. Blair came in at 84 percent and Clearfield at 83 percent. Mifflin and Clinton again omitted data and Union did not participate.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta also issued a recent report looking at how much opioids are prescribed across the country down to a county level.Centre County is the one of the brightest spots in Pennsylvania according to the study, with less than 453.5 morphine milligram equivalents prescribed per capita in 2015. Most of the state falls between 453.6-957.8 mme.But just to the south in Blair and Cambria counties, the numbers spike to 957.9-5,543 mme.At a time when Pennsylvania is losing 13 people each day to the opioid crisis, everyone must get involved, Wolf said. We need parents, schools, faith-based and community initiatives to work with us in government to talk, teach and model evidence-based prevention methods to educate about and stop misuse of opioids. Prevention is the key. Getting somewhere fast could one day mean strapping yourself into a pod with a bunch of other brave souls and rocketing through a near-vacuum tube toward a final destination. What might have sounded like an insane and likely deadly plan a couple years ago is beginning to take shape in the Nevada desert.Over the past weekend, Hyperloop One engineers loaded up the 28-foot-long pod that Wired described as a bus with the beak of an eagle and flung it through a 1,600-foot tube at 192 mph. The pod uses both magnetic levitation and a 3,000-horsepower electric propulsion system to reach the near-200-mph speeds, and the removal of most of the air in the tube helped to reduce additional friction.Though the test was successful, there are still significant hurdles to overcome namely infrastructure costs and government buy-in before humans can pile in. Hundreds of government tech officials, entrepreneurs and others who might geek-out at the sound of smart cities or fiber network are gathering in Kansas City, Mo., this week for the third annual Gigabit City Summit.The event, being held Aug. 1-3, is set to attract some 300 to 350 attendees including public-sector CIOs, entrepreneurs and technology professionals in the private sector. The event will also attract attendance from those outside of the smart city infrastructure communities people who are focused on human impact; people from health care, education, and the like, said Aaron Deacon, one of the event's organizers and managing director of KC Digital Drive, a nonprofit civic organization with a mission to make Kansas City a digital leader.The conference will drive conversations around some of todays most pressing digital city concerns, stretching from data and privacy related to the Internet of Things to learning about initiatives like the KC Connector Project, which links together the many people in Kansas City who are involved in community development.The summit will also include panel discussions around such topics as navigating the complex municipal and county challenges related to deploying technology such as fiber networks, or how city leaders draw from their real-world experiences to create holistic strategic plans for digital systems and technology.Our hope is that through that conference ... other cities, entrepreneurs, the big companies will avail themselves of the opportunity to come to think big, said Chief Innovation Officer Bob Bennett in an interview withearlier this month.The event will also showcase the Kansas City Living Lab, a public-private partnership between Kansas City and Cisco Systems that seeks to develop a smart city network with Internet of Things technology along the 2.2-mile streetcar starter line in downtown and ultimately modernize the city, lower costs and improve efficiencies. The project, begun in 2014, aims to make Kansas City the largest smart city network in North America.Think Big Partners, which is the Living Lab host, is both a tech business development center and the architect behind Kansas Citys smart city master plan. The lab will be a stop on the smart city walking tour, which also will include stops at interactive kiosks, the (free) Kansas City Streetcar Line, and the River Market. From the front to the back of the 2017 grid, the respective futures of three F1 drivers could take a step forward over the August break. At the front, Valtteri Bottas' boss Toto Wolff has promised to think about a new deal for the Finn whilst sitting "on the beach". Rumours suggest a further one-year contract, giving Mercedes the freedom to sign a top star like Fernando Alonso or Sebastian Vettel, is likely. Bottas admits talks about 2018 are imminent. "For sure we need to speak about what's going to happen soon," said the Finn. "I have no idea about the future yet but the problem is that the mobile phone is not so good in the sauna," he joked. "It could take a while so don't expect anything in Spa." His boss, Wolff, added: "The summer break is a good time for conversation and for thinking. "We had good talks with Valtteri before Hungary, as I would like to fly to Asia for the last races with a decision." Meanwhile, in the midfield, Sergio Perez admits he is hoping for a new Force India deal. "I hope once I come to the next race after the summer break I can have a new contract," said the Mexican. "But you never know what will happen." And finally, there are reports German backmarker Pascal Wehrlein will struggle to keep his Sauber cockpit for next year in the wake of the Swiss team's new Ferrari deal. Wehrlein is backed by Mercedes, whose Wolff said when asked about the 22-year-old: "There are many movements on the market. "In the next two weeks, a few interesting things could happen." (GMM) Nico Hulkenberg has lashed back at Kevin Magnussen in the wake of their on and off-track stoushes in Hungary. After the race, Hulkenberg interrupted a TV interview to call the Dane "the most unsporting driver in F1", only for Magnussen to now famously retort: "Suck my b-lls, mate". In a column for German broadcaster Sport1, Renault driver Hulkenberg now hits back: "I wish people were as excited about the race as they are about our little skirmish. "We have bigger challenges in F1 than the treatment of the testicles of a wannabe Verstappen," he added. Hulkenberg said he was not surprised with Magnussen's driving or post-race behaviour in Hungary, and former F1 driver Marc Surer agrees: "Magnussen is known for driving unfairly. "I've heard a lot about him," he told the German broadcaster Sky. The "suck my b-lls" interview was actually conducted by TV3 reporter Luna Christofi, who said: "Kevin dares to be who he is now, because he has the peace to perform. "His team boss Gunther Steiner defended him, allowing Kevin to be himself. He was previously restrained as he fought for contracts and a place in formula one, but that's no longer the case," she added. (GMM) Toro Rosso could get another colour change for 2018. The speculation comes after Sean Gelael got his next F1 test with the Red Bull junior team in Hungary. Not too long ago, the Indonesian driver's father Ricardo was linked with a buyout of the now-defunct Manor team. Gelael runs the Jangonya Ayam company, which is the Indonesian branch of global fast food giant KFC. Now in the post-grand prix test in Hungary, Sean Gelael appears to have impressed Toro Rosso chief Franz Tost. "His performance was very good and he did not stop improving on every lap," he is quoted by El Confidencial. "Comparing him with Kvyat and Sainz, he was very good in braking, attacking the kerbs and in slow corners. "If he continues like this he will come to F1 with success," Tost added. El Confidencial, a Spanish newspaper, wondered: "Will Toro Rosso paint their cars like KFC?" But Roger Benoit, a veteran F1 correspondent, wrote in Blick newspaper: "Gelael is supported by Kentucky Fried Chicken millions at home, but his F1 chances are rather low." (GMM) The Vega launch vehicle (LV) with the Ukrainian engine has successfully put an Italian reconnaissance satellite OPTSAT-3000, as well as the French-Israeli satellite Vens of the European Remote Sensing Satellite Copernicus to the sun-synchronous orbit. According to a report on the website of the State Space Agency of Ukraine, the Vega rocket was launched at 04:58:33 Kyiv time from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, in what is the tenth launch under the Vega program and the second in 2017. Both remote sensing satellites were manufactured by the Israeli defense concern Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The OPTSAT-3000 (368 kg) spacecraft was ordered by the Italian Defense Ministry, Vens spacecraft weighing 264 kg was commissioned by the Israeli Space Agency (ISA) and the National Center for Space Studies of France (CNES). The Vega was designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for carrying satellites with a weight up to 1,200 kilos to a 1,200-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbit and satellites with a weight of 1,500 kilograms to a 700-kilometer polar orbit. The RD-868P cruise engine for the fourth stage of the rocket was developed by the Yuzhnoye (Pivdenne) Design Bureau and built by the Yuzhmash (Pivdenmash) Plant (both situated in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine). The Ukrainian government and the ESA signed an agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space in 2008. The ESA unites 17 European countries. The United Arab Emirates has lifted a temporary ban on imports of Ukrainian poultry products imposed in the middle of March over avian influenza outbreaks, according to a posting on the website of Ukraine's Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The information has been received from the World Trade Organization (WTO). A ban on imports of Ukrainian household and wild birds, poultry products. As reported, in the middle of March 2017 Iraq, China, Qatar, Yemen and Jordan imposed a ban on supply of poultry from all territory of Ukraine. Hong Kong, the EU, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) applied the regional principle. These countries ban shipments of poultry only from those Ukrainian regions where outbreaks of avian influenza were recorded. Qatar, Iraq and Saudi Arabia lifted the ban in June and July. Partisan gerrymandering soon could find its way into a new area of public life: District Court. If it happens, it will mark another step by our legislature to exert more control over the other supposedly co-equal branches of state government. House Bill 717 was introduced by Rep. Justin Burr (R-Stanly) in April but not acted on by the time the legislature adjourned in June. However, its likely to come up for consideration in a special session later this year. It redraws Superior and District Court districts all across the state to create political advantages for Republicans. Guilford County has 14 District Court judges, all elected at-large to four-year terms. These judges, on average, dispose of nearly 10,000 cases per year each. Matters range from traffic tickets to misdemeanor criminal offenses to child support to termination of parental rights to divorce and equitable distribution of property. The work is not political, and the elections are nonpartisan. Or they were. The legislature this year enacted a bill to attach party labels to District Court judges. That measure also was introduced by Burr, a bail bondsman by profession. The next step is to see that more Republican judges are elected, even in Democratic counties like Guilford. So the bill would split the county into two districts, 22A and 22B, each with seven judges. Viewed on a map, 22B looks like a cobra with its tail in the southwest corner of High Point, its body curving through Jamestown and its hooded head rising just above Greensboro. Voters in this urban district favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump last November, 75 percent to 22 percent. District 22A takes in the rest of the county, where voters preferred Trump, 51 percent to 45 percent. So, while all the judges elected in partisan races in 22B probably would be Democrats, several Republicans could be elected in 22A. Today, although these seats are nonpartisan, only two judges are registered Republicans and one of those was not elected but was appointed by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. By the way, the House passed another bill, again authored by Burr, that transfers this appointment power, used to fill vacancies, from the governor (now Democrat Roy Cooper) to the Republican-controlled legislature. I prefer countywide elections of District Court judges for a nonpartisan reason. If you have business in District Court, every judge you see is someone you had a chance to vote for or against. That will no longer be true if Burrs plan is enacted. Youll only get to vote for half the judges, even though all of them will sit in Guilford County courtrooms. This bill cuts your voting power in half. But its purpose is partisan. That doesnt make sense in terms of District Court business drunken driving, juvenile matters and so on. However, the House passed another bill this year that makes it important for Republicans to win more District Court seats. A few years ago, the legislature created a new process for the courts to hear constitutional challenges to laws it enacts. It said these cases would be argued before panels of three Superior Court judges appointed by the chief justice of the N.C. Supreme Court who happens to be a Republican. Legislators thought this would improve their odds of winning. It hasnt turned out that way. First, there arent enough Republican Superior Court judges to stack all these panels (although legislators are working on that problem). Second, the chief justice isnt partisan and hasnt obliged. Third, many of their bills have been undeniably unconstitutional. So the House approved a bill in April that says District Court judges can be appointed to these panels. This will deepen the pool of Republican judges from which the chief justice can choose, theoretically. Burr, along with several Guilford legislators, met with local judges last week. While their discussion was cordial, Im told, the judges werent sold on these changes which include redistricting for Superior Court, too. Burr did not respond to my phone call and email to his office seeking comment. Rep. John Faircloth, a High Point Republican who arranged Fridays meeting, defended the goal of seating more Republican judges who would better represent the views of Republican voters. The courts lean too heavily in favor of Democrats now, he said. Faircloth added that the current proposal is a long way from being finished. I think we can see where its going. The legislature wants to create partisan courts, fix elections to favor GOP candidates and employ politicized judges to serve its purposes. Can someone please rule this scheme out of order? Finally, someone in Washington is going to stand up for white people. Leave it to Jeff Sessions, who's desperately trying to regain favor with President Trump. His Justice Department is going to investigate and sue colleges and universities that discriminate against whites because of their affirmative action policies. Some may see this as nothing more than a political ploy to fire up the GOP base, and Trump. After all, the Supreme Court just last year upheld race-conscious admission policies at the University of Texas. So it's not too likely that suing UT or any other university over those same policies would be successful. Nevertheless, Sessions' plan gives hope to the downtrodden white males of America. As recently as 1990, as graphics here show, white males had the top rate of higher education participation in the country. Over the years, they slipped behind white females, then far behind. Worse, black females have pulled even, and Hispanic females have forged ahead. This is intolerable. White men are supposed to dominate every aspect of American life. How can that be when their share of college enrollments is fading? It's almost as if the only place left where white males totally dominate the field, other than the PGA tour, is the Trump administration. It's interesting, by the way, that an overwhelmingly white male administration is going to bat for white males. MAGA! But even in the Trump administration, I think there's a hint of affirmative action. Anyway, white males must be given legal protection so they can regain their proper place of privilege all through our society. Any college or university that turns down white male applicants must be brought to heel. GREENSBORO The Carolyn & Maurice LeBauer Park will mark its one-year anniversary with a week of events starting Aug. 8. The park opens that day with a Birthday Bash Happy Hour in Market Square. From 5 to 7 p.m., visitors to the downtown park at 208 N. Davie St. will be greeted with games, music and a chess blitz tournament on the Great Lawn. At 6 p.m., community leaders will slice into a giant cake sponsored by Downtown Greensboro Inc., followed by a pop-up dance class under the iconic Janet Echelman sculpture Where We Met. Line dancing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. will cap off the evening. The park also will present an interactive community arts project titled The Peoples Park. Visitors will be asked to respond to a series of prompts by drawing their responses on the sidewalk with colorful chalk. On the evening of Aug. 11, UNC-Greensboro will present Spartan Cinema at LeBauer Park with an outdoor showing of Zootopia. On Aug. 12, the LeBauer Live Music Series returns at 8 p.m. as North Carolina-based band Dark Water Rising takes the stage in this second installment of the three-concert series. Since opening, the park has held 692 free programs and welcomed more than 213,000 visitors. They have participated in free fitness classes, live music, arts and culture, as well as outdoor movies and dog yoga. Our goal is to be the front yard of downtown Greensboro, and I think we have easily accomplished that in our first year, Rob Overman, executive director of Greensboro Downtown Parks, said in a news release. Moving forward, Overman added, we want to build on the success of our inaugural year and continue to bring diverse and engaging programs to the parks for the benefit of Greensboros citizens. More than 1.5 mln people make use of 'affordable medicines' program Groysman Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said that more than 1.5 million people have used the government's program to compensate for the cost of drugs titled "Affordable medicines" (reimbursement). "Already more than 1.5 million people have taken the opportunity to get medicine for free or with a small surcharge," the premier wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday. According to him, more than 6,000 drugstores take part in the program. REIDSVILLE A man wearing a bright traffic vest robbed a credit union today. Officers responded about 2 p.m. to the State Employees Credit Union at 1601 Freeway Drive after a man demanded money from tellers, police said in a news release. No weapon was shown. The suspect was possibly driving a beige Dodge truck that was last seen on U.S. 158 West, police said. The Rockingham County Sheriffs Office helped with K-9 tracking and several pieces of evidence were recovered, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective C. Curry at 336-347-2341 or Rockingham County Crime Stoppers at 336-349-9683. North Carolina Republicans appeared to fall just short in Tuesdays General Assembly elections of gaining large enough majorities to override Gov. Roy Coopers vetoes on their own. But their seat gains eroded further the Democrats ability to block bills on abortion and other highly contested legislation. The Senate GOP increased their seats to the number needed to have a veto-proof majority. But Speaker Tim Moore said that House Republicans were one seat shy of a similar threshold. Moore said Wednesday he's confident House Republicans can get help from Democrats in an override. But that could be more difficult on abortion restrictions, which Cooper and other Democrats campaigned against. The European Commission has adopted its proposal for mandate from the European Union member states for talks with Russia on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project and is now discussing it with the member states, Peter Wagner, the head of the Support Group for Ukraine, has said. "In the case of Nord Stream 2, there are a number of legal, economic and political concerns which have to be discussed and which will require a specific legal framework. To this end, the EU seeks negotiating directives from the member states for an agreement with the Russian Federation," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. In his words, the EU over the past two decades has increasingly developed a common energy policy based on the EU internal energy market for gas and electricity and aimed to reduce the impact on our environment and climate. "The member states however keep the right to decide on their energy mix," he said. Russia's Gazprom and its partners plan to launch the Nord Stream 2 project worth almost EUR 10 billion in April 2018. A 1,200-kilometer-long gas pipeline will run across the Baltic Sea and will link Russia and Germany, bypassing Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states. Its capacity is expected to be double the one of Nord Stream 1. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019. Kyiv is categorically against this construction, calling it politically motivated, and proposing the EU create a consortium involving European companies to manage the existing more efficient transportation route through Ukraine. Some EU countries, in particular, Poland and Lithuania, also expressed their disagreement with the Nord Stream-2 project. Peter Wagner's full interview is available at interfax.com.ua/news/interview/439894.html This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH Despite assurances to the contrary, people who live near Westchester County Airport worry planned upgrades on the grounds will mean a bigger facility in the future. A public hearing late last week in White Plains, N.Y., on a proposed master plan for the airport drew more than 150 residents of Greenwich and New York who were worried about the changes to the facility. The proposal, supported by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, includes expanded parking garages, a hangar for corporate jets and increased space for the Westchester County Police, but does not call for more runways, expanded hours of operation or increased air traffic. Oversight would be a partnership between county government and a private management firm. Westchester County paid $1.4 million for the document. Construction costs were estimated at $462 million over the next 15 years. The plan in its final draft form was released in May. This master plan is something the FAA asks for, said T.J. McCormack, spokesman for Astorino. Its milestones and goalposts and hypotheticals for the future that the FAA uses as a reference for down the road. It helps the county get federal grants for the airport. ... We are not going to be LaGuardia North. There is no intention of expanding the airport. Attendees at the public hearing were visibly angry, hostile and extremely frustrated, according to Allen Williams, who along with Ingrid McMenamin, are the co-presidents of the Northwest Greenwich Association. The airport abuts the northwest section of town. Both they and Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei were in the audience, observing what Williams called a raucous atmosphere with many speaking out against the master plan. More Information A copy of the plan is online at http://airport.westchestergov.com/news-and-public-notices. See More Collapse Speakers poked valid holes in the content of the plan as it glossed over serious potential environmental impacts and was vague about quality of life impacts to neighbors and surrounding communities, Williams said. Several speakers expressed shock and surprise that they had only recently learned of the plan and privatization possibility. The airport has long been a sore spot in northwest Greenwich. Residents have complained about the noise, lights, damage to landscaping, traffic and effect on property values. A voluntary curfew limits flights to between midnight and 6:30 a.m. with capacity capped at 240 passengers per half hour. Bidding on the airport management closed Friday. Plans are to hire a company on a 40-year lease. McCormack said the county received three bids. The identities of the companies would be released later this week after a review by an outside consultant overseeing the process. Tesei issued a statement last week urging residents to read the plan. He said there were concerns for all of Greenwich, not just residents in the northwest section of town. The plan must be reviewed thoroughly to determine all of the long-term impacts, environmental, public safety, public health, quality of life including traffic upon Greenwich and its municipal neighbors, Tesei said. Tesei added, It was residents determined resolve and commitment several years ago that helped to keep to a minimum the development and expansion of the airport. Greenwich is working with our neighbors in Rye Brook as well as the Northwest Greenwich Association to ensure any revisions to the airport master plan do not infringe upon their quality of life. Williams said speakers repeatedly expressed their concerns that privatization would lead to future expansion for the airport and a loss of control from the residents. People at the meeting came to vent and be heard in their disgust and distrust over the plan, with many blaming Astorino for not communicating better, he said. McCormack said public private partnerships are nothing new at the airport. The airport has been run by a third party since 1945 when the federal government gave it to the county at the end of World War II, McCormack said. Williams said he pointed out (at the meeting) that many Connecticut residents use and enjoy the convenience of the airport, acknowledged it is an asset to the area, but that we want it to stay exactly as it is now, small with no further expansion. Williams is also a member of the Greenwich Westchester Task Force, which Tesei chairs. Homeowners and town officials from Greenwich and Rye Brook all share serious concerns about impacts and new problems the master plan and possible privatization could generate. A new lease for the public/private partnership would have to be approved by a supermajority of the Westchester Board of Legislators. State Rep. Livvy Floren, R-149, whose district includes Northwest Greenwich, said she is keeping an eye on the situation. As long as none of the proposed improvements increase air traffic, number of flights, and curfew regulations now in place, I do not think it would drastically impact residential areas around the airport, Floren said. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com When you work with hundreds of different brands like I have done over the years, you notice a common theme among all the different business owners, entrepreneurs and marketers. One of the most glaring issues I see on a daily basis is that every businessman or woman who I speak to emphasizes the importance of their company blog. Yet most of the time, their blog sucks! It doesnt generate any revenue or traffic for their business, and there is no game plan or organization behind the blog. I apologize in advance for my bluntness here. I just feel businesses can excel with their blog if they post content consistently, focus on distribution and find other websites to write content for, which most do not. Back in the good old days, before blogging was at our disposal, if you wanted a write-up on your company, youd have to contact the local paper and pray it would run a feature piece on your business. Your business can now blog and share all of the great stories taking place at your business. So why arent you? Related: How to Start a Blog and Make Money Online There are some brands that contact my agency that have hit a home run with their blog strategy. This isnt the case for the vast majority of inquires we receive, however, which is why Im bringing this issue to light. Here are three reasons why your blog sucks: Lack of frequency The issue: This one speaks for itself -- you simply arent posting enough content. How to fix it: Determine whether a daily, weekly or monthly schedule is best for your business. Frequency is just a small piece of the pie. You need to make sure the content is amazing. If you are posting daily and the content is lackluster, you are better off posting less frequently and focusing on improving the content. If you are a blogger or are managing a blog, think of yourself like a newspaper journalist. Can you churn out enough content for a daily newspaper article? If not, you are likely better suited for a weekly column in the Sunday paper. Find your sweet spot in terms of frequency and then move onto item number two, distribution! Related: 10 Smart Ways to Earn or Build Backlinks to Your Website Lack of distribution The issue: This is one of the most overlooked components of blogging. Ive worked with plenty of brands who have written great content but when Id look at Google Analytics, Id see that there were only 50 visitors to their amazing blog post. If you are going to spend the time to write a great piece of content, please do me a favor and make sure people actually read the blog. How to fix it: Facebook is the best platform, in my opinion, for promoting your blog. You can run a link click advertising campaign on Facebook so you are only charged when someone clicks on your article. This makes a big difference, as you are not going to get charged if someone likes your post or views your post, youll only be charged if someone actually clicks through to your blog. Related: 4 Golden Rules to Boost Blog-Post Engagement Real life example: We just created a blog post, Tips to Throw the Best Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, for an ecommerce company that makes ugly Christmas sweaters. We already created an advertising campaign targeting this piece of creative to 21- to 34-year-olds who have an interest in partying and certain alcohol brands and musicians. Based off of prior metrics, we expect this blog post to get over 1,000 visits and it will only cost $50, or $.05 per website visit. The beauty of this strategy is that if you have retargeting set up on your website and properly set up your Facebook advertising, people who visit your blog page will be exposed to your retargeting ads, which can turn an informative piece of content into a powerful campaign to generate sales. If you are creating at least one blog post per week, you should be driving a minimum of 250 visitors to your site per blog post to make the time investment in creating the piece worthwhile. Lack of strategy If you are unfamiliar with domain authority, it is a score (on a 100-point scale) developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engines. To make a long story short, to increase domain authority, you need quality backlinks pointing back to your site from external websites. The issue: Too often, I see businesses only focusing on internal blog content, which means they are only posting blogs to their own website. If you boost Facebook posts to drive more website traffic to your blog but arent seeing sales from this, it is time to shift your strategy. Related: How to Write the Perfect Business Blog Post How to fix it: Im not recommending giving up on internal blogs, but you should also focus on external blogs. When I say external blogs, I mean blog posts contributed to other industry related websites or local websites that are relevant to your business. When you write external content, this can help bolster your domain authority. The more credible backlinks there are that point to your site, the more it will help increase your websites credibility in the eyes of Google. When you write for other sites, the webmaster will often let you include a link back to your site in the bio so others can learn more about you and your business. Over time, these backlinks will bolster your domain authority, which in turn will help with your SEO. Once your domain authority is boosted, more people will be able to find your blogs when searching on Google since your site is viewed as authoritative. If you just build a website and launch it, it is very unlikely that someone will immediately find your blog content since there are already other sites that are more established and credible compared to yours. Related: A Quick Guide to Starting a Money-Generating Blog Real life example: For our agency, The Media Captain, our focus has been heavy on external blog content. I would actually grade our internal blog as mediocre at best. The reason why Ive put more emphasis on the external content is to generate more referral traffic and bolster our domain authority, which we have accomplished. We are in the process of rolling out a strategy now to create a weekly piece of digital marketing content for our own blog. Since this is very time consuming, we wanted to make sure before tackling this endeavor that our domain authority was at a level where people would be able to find our blog via Googles search results. Successful blogging isnt rocket science. Im confident that after reading this article, you will have that a-ha moment where you pinpoint the issue with your blog and figure out the best strategy to generate more traffic, leads and ultimately sales. Related: 3 Reasons Why Your Blog Sucks How to Start a Blog and Make Money Online 4 Ways to Stock Your Content War Chest Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com According to Dell's "End-User Security survey," almost three out of four employees polled said they were "willing to share sensitive, confidential or regulated company information." Now, that's a lot of employees. But no business owner I know wants his or her company's information leaked, so defining "confidential information" to employees, and making sure the meaning is clear, is crucial. "Confidential" means information that could harm a business if outsiders discovered it. And, today, of course, most of this information is stored and transmitted digitally. In some industries, such as health care, this confidentiality is legally defined, and new employees coming on board might have to sign an agreement promising not to disclose it. In other industries, "confidential information" is more of a gray area; it could be certain customer information at a professional services firm or production processes in manufacturing. Related: How Social Media Jeopardizes Data Security Without detailed examination, an early impression of the Dell study might suggest that disgruntled employees are willing to throw their companies under the proverbial bus at an alarming rate -- but this isn't exactly the case. Employees in the survey responded that they would share confidential info only under certain circumstances, which included authorization by management or circumstances in which they felt little risk was involved. Of course, besides intentional sharing, employees often leak confidential information by accident. Inadvertent leaks are probably the most common ones because systems aren't as secure as they are assumed to be, leaving data exposed. An employee might also fall victim to a phishing attempt. A look at IBM's 2015 Cyber Security Intelligence Index highlights the fact that 95 percent of cybersecurity incidents examined in that report stemmed from some form of employee mistake. Related: How to Protect Your Small Business Against a Data Breach With that in mind, here are three steps you can take to help keep confidential information private: 1. Get employees up to speed. More than 66 percent of data leaks logged by InfoWatch Group in 2016 were brought about internally. Relevant here is the fact that FINRA, an organization that reviews how firms comply with regulations regarding confidential information, has listed a lack of proper training as one of the top cybersecurity weaknesses in business. In fact, training is essential, especially given the fact that not all leaks are intentional. Businesses need to educate employees on what constitutes confidential information (employee information, customer information, proprietary business information, etc). This education also needs to be more than a companywide email; depending on a business's size and culture, the training could be an interactive online activity, a company webinar or a simple series of meetings covering what the team needs to know. Employees are at the heart of the issue, but it's your company's responsibility to give them access to the tools they need to keep information confidential and train them in how to use these tools most effectively. 2. Encrypt sensitive emails. Nonencrypted emails are like a door to your business's information that's been left ajar. Email encryption, however, designates which recipients have access to particular emails, preventing sensitive information from reaching unintended recipients. This level of security is critical for many businesses' emails -- even personal emails are being encrypted more often today -- but companies as a whole stand to improve their practices. According to Echoworx's recent study on the state of encryption, only 40 percent of organizations surveyed are using email encryption extensively. For the remaining organizations, that's a big hole in their business's confidential information. Once your company has educated your team on what confidential information means, this step should come naturally. Simply ensure that your employees know to encrypt any email with sensitive data. There are a variety of tools that let businesses do this, such as settings integrated as part of existing email services to third-party software that plugs into an existing email service. 3. Make security systems easy to use. Organizations such as Deloitte University Press, the University College-London and others have all noted that user experience sometimes falls to the back burner when it comes to security. That shouldn't be the case -- the easier a system is for employees to use, the more likely they'll use it the right way, keeping private information within its borders. Using security software that doesn't take the user experience into account is akin to using less secure protection, so it's vital that your organization use security measures that your employees understand. Achieving this is as simple as having a couple of conversations with key individuals. For instance, you need to discuss a system's ease of use with your vendors; if the vendor can't answer confidently, that system might not be a good fit. Another way to make sure your security system is accessible to your employees is to test out tools with your team members and gauge their responses through post-test surveys, meetings or informal chats. Did they stumble through navigating a system even after some practice? Can they find what they need easily? Overall, is your system helping keep information secure, or is it just requiring them to jump through hoops? Getting an idea of how your employees feel using a system will tell higher-ups how a system will fare in the long run. Related: The Worst Data Breaches in the U.S., Ranked State by State Part of your responsibility when it comes to security is having procedures in place for handling confidential information. Knowing what information could potentially harm your organization is key to protecting it, especially when one in three employees take corporate data with them when they leave, according to Dell's study. Often, the most effective precautions seem the most basic, but focusing on eliminating weaknesses through employee training and email encryption is a great way to close large security holes and reduce the risk of an information leak. Related: 3 Tips for Keeping Confidential Information Just That -- Confidential Don't Let a Cyberattack Stand Between Your Company and a Successful Exit A Genius Former Hacker Explains How to Keep Your Business Safe From Cyber Attacks Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com The "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act" signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, August 2, provides for the allocation of funds to maintain Ukraine's energy security, the Ukrainian embassy in the United States said. "The legislative act provides for the creation of a "Countering Russian Influence Fund" and allocates $250 million for its budget in the 2018-2019 fiscal years, and $30 million will be allocated for the implementation of initiatives to support Ukraine's energy security," the Embassy said in a statement posted on its website on Wednesday. According to the Embassy, "it is the policy of the United States to support the Government of Ukraine in restoring its sovereign and territorial integrity; to condemn and oppose all of the destabilizing efforts by the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine in violation of its obligations and international commitments; to never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Government of the Russian Federation or the separation of any portion of Ukrainian territory through the use of military force." The act is also designed to help Ukraine and United States allies and partners in Europe reduce their dependence on Russian energy resources, especially natural gas and to continue to oppose the Nord Stream 2 pipeline given its detrimental impacts on the European Unions energy security, gas market development in Central and Eastern Europe, and energy reforms in Ukraine, it said. Earlier this law was approved by the overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress (419 votes in favor, 3 against, 12 did not vote) and the U.S. Senate (98 for, 2 against). After the document was signed by the U.S. President on August 2, the law came into force. When political commentator Amanda Carpenter got stuck in an Amtrak elevator, she tweeted an SOS. Amtrak tweeted back -- seven months later. Far too many companies keep repeating Amtrak's mistakes. They are reactive, assuming all their relationships are fine until it's much too late. This approach to customer-relationship management (CRM) is sorely outdated. Modern brands must go beyond relationships and prioritize consumer experiences. That means resolving issues seamlessly and behind the scenes, before customers notice anything is wrong. Today's artificial-intelligence capabilities mean there's no reason firms can't quickly transition from CRM to CEM: customer experience management. In fact, their continued relevance depends on it. Poor customer experience costs companies money. Unfortunately, many companies' marketers remain in their bubble, detached from client satisfaction. Their approach is to wait for the phone to ring and then use the digital version of a Rolodex to address the problem. Only one-quarter of North American marketing executives currently employ customer-experience strategies to monitor satisfaction and detect problems. That negligence is costly. Last year, research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimated brands lose $300 billion annually because of poor customer experiences. Related: The Difference Between Customer Service and Customer Experience Consider my experience with my internet-service provider. After an initial complaint and six consecutive months of poor internet speed, I called to see what was being done to resolve the problem. The customer-service representative blamed me for not telling him about my issues sooner. Fed up, I canceled my contract. Even if they had tried to retain me, their efforts would have been too little, too late. A more attentive company would have detected my problems and offered solutions -- or at the very least, followed up on my initial complaint. I'm not alone in my frustration. Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults want businesses to contact them proactively. Good customer experiences bolster brands. Brands can use artificial intelligence to create positive customer experiences. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, for instance, uses AI to glean information about individual customers' itineraries. That helps them draft informed responses to questions received via services such as Twitter and WeChat. The same year KLM upped its AI capabilities, consumers ranked it the third-most customer-friendly long-haul airline. Focusing on CEM doesn't just delight customers, it also pays off. Companies that score highly on customer-experience measures such as ease and enjoyability of service interactions grew their revenue an average of 17 percent from 2010 to 2015. Firms that scored poorly on those measures experienced just 3 percent revenue growth. Related: 6 Strategies Smart Brands Use to Satisfy and Retain Their Customers AI can help anticipate customers' needs. Some companies think artificial intelligence chatbots can deliver great customer service at scale. These automated customer-service systems can send texts or messages, but they're every bit as reactive as the human customer-service agents who wait by the phone. Both engage customers only after problems arise. AI's true promise lies in its ability to anticipate consumers' issues and needs. Related: Top 10 Best Chatbot Platform Tools to Build Chatbots for Your Business Google Maps offers one example. It uses real-time data to proactively reroute drivers around traffic jams. Here's another: Apple recently patented an AI system that analyzes consumers' usage patterns and automatically adjusts devices to conserve power. An iPhone could switch itself to energy-saving mode in anticipation of heavy battery usage during the evening commute. Finally, Adobe's Virtual Analyst, a digital business assistant, monitors company data 24/7 to check for anomalies and alert companies. When a bug started erasing items from a retailer's cart, a beta version of Virtual Analyst caught the error on its own -- saving the brand from a 70 percent spike in cart removals that would've cost the company $1.7 million a day in uncaptured sales. Related: The Growth of Artificial Intelligence in Ecommerce Every business has a choice. It can let problems fester and drive customers away. Or it can retain customers and grow revenue by actively improving consumer experiences. Related: If You're Asking Customers How You Can Help, It's Too Late How Technology Can Promise You a Long, Healthy Life Panasonic Uses AI to Keep Drowsy Drivers Awake Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Inspired by a recent Supreme Court ruling, two entrepreneurs offended by the n-word filed to trademark the epithet to keep it out of the hands of racists. The court ruled in June that disparaging words can receive trademark protection. It said rejecting disparaging trademarks violates the First Amendment, clearing the way for an Asian American rock group called the Slants to trademark its name - and for the Washington Redskins' maligned moniker to stay protected as well. Steve Maynard, an Alexandria, Virginia attorney, and Curtis Bordenave of Columbus, Mississippi, filed to trademark a variation of the n-word the same day the court decision came down. Bordenave sought use of the term in "retail store services featuring clothing, books, music and general merchandise," among other uses, according to one of his trademark applications. His goal: To prevent racist groups from making money from the word. "If an individual organization tries to use it to gain finances for their organization . . . that is not something we think is right, we're going to protect our mark," he said. Bordenave, 47, said he was inspired to "censor" the n-word because of his experiences as a black man living in the South, particularly when a police officer in New Orleans used the slur during a traffic stop nearly two decades ago. "I was so humiliated, embarrassed," he said. "For him to talk to me in that way in front of my children was a real big problem." Maynard, who also filed to trademark the Nazi swastika, said he wanted to quash hate by getting the rights to it. "We hope to flood the market with T-shirts and clothing and end up opening up a discussion," said Maynard, who described himself as "having a light skin tone," but was reluctant to disclose his skin color because of threats he said he has received related to his trademark application. Gene Quinn, founder of the intellectual property blog IP Watchdog, said trademarking epithets to limit their use was a "laudable purpose," but difficult to achieve. To be maintained, trademarks must be used in interstate commerce, he said, and are awarded in different classes, such as clothing, food or video games. Anyone trying to erase these words from the marketplace would simultaneously need to put them into the marketplace. "I doubt they're going to want to use the n-word in commerce themselves," he said. "If they're going down this path, they're going to be in real trouble." A spokesman for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said the office does not comment on trademark applications. Applications for trademarks flagged under a "scandalousness provision" can still be denied, the spokesman said. Bordenave said he has filed many trademarks for phrases and logos that might prove profitable - radio frequencies, for example, and the phrase "New Orleans Tricentennial." (The city will celebrate its 300th birthday next year.) His idea: Build a brand around the n-word by including it discreetly - in T-shirt collar tags or fine print on water bottles, for example - on products emblazoned with larger, positive messages like "UNITY." He said consumers would learn that, by buying such products, they were keeping the epithet out of more visible circulation. "We can change the meaning of it, you know, in any way we choose," Bordenave said. Maynard - of Snowflake Enterprises, named for a common insult of "someone with thin skin," he said - planned to co-opt the swastika by including it on baby products. Such "social satire," he said, could change its meaning and restrict its usage among hate groups. "One of the hopes is that people look at the swastika flag in 10 years and think: Baby wipes," he said. Before the Supreme Court decision in the Slants case, there was precedent for a hateful word without trademark protection falling into the wrong hands. Heeb, which calls itself a "Jewish culture magazine," was founded in 2001. Though the satirical publication was able to secure a trademark, its founders were denied one for Heeb-branded clothing because the term was deemed "scandalous and immoral" by the trademark office, according to Heeb co-founder Joshua Neuman. Then, the story took a turn: About 10 years ago, a neo-Nazi group obtained some Heeb readers' emails and invited them to a faux "Heeb" event not associated with the magazine. But, without a trademark on the term, the magazine could not do anything about it. "We should have been allowed to use the word 'heeb' because we would have used it better," Neuman said. Simon Tam, the bassist of the Slants, said the ability to trademark words some consider hateful is important, even if racists can trademark them. Trademark applications, after all, are public information. "It's a lot better to deal with a known enemy . . . than to have someone leave anonymous notes at my door," he said. At the trademark office, the battle for ownership of the n-word is not new. More than a decade ago, comedian Damon Wayans became perhaps the most famous person to fail to trademark the slur, in his case, for a clothing line and retail store. But since the Slants decision, at least three other people besides Bordenave and Maynard have filed for phrases that include the n-word. Marlon Andrews, using a Washington, D.C. address, filed to trademark a variation of the word the day the Slants decision came down. Another man, 25-year-old Ian Scott of New York, filed to trademark a phrase containing the word last week, but said he was unaware of the decision in the Slants case. Scott, who said he graduated from Virginia State University and works in corporate retail, said the phrase was a reminder that members of minority groups still face racism when they succeed. "Racism still exists even though we came a long, long way," he said. "That's all it is. I'm not trying to offend nobody." Mike Lin, an Asian American entrepreneur from California who's called himself the "Banksy of trademarks," filed his application because he thought he would "just go for one of the most incendiary words," he said. Bordenave said he likes his chances of getting the trademark. He questioned whether anyone who is not African American could have a legitimate claim to the word. "I don't think it's affected him like it's affected me," Bordenave said of Maynard. "I don't think he's been called this word." Some of the restaurants dishes. Photo: Guan Fu During his tenure as the New York Times restaurant critic, Pete Wells has occasionally dropped by Flushing and bordering neighborhoods. He has awarded a single star to both Biang! (which later relocated to the East Village, then closed) and Dumpling Galaxy, and he gave two stars to Lake Pavilion and the Sichuanese restaurant Little Pepper out in College Point. (New Yorks Adam Platt also named those last two among the citys best places for Chinese food.) But Wells has never awarded a Flushing spot three stars; that tends to be the domain of restaurants both pricier than whats found in the neighborhood and those from bigger names, such as David Changs Ssam Bar, Major Food Groups Carbone, Mario Batalis Casa Mono, and Alex Stupaks Empellon until now. The Times critic has awarded an enthusiastic three stars to Guan Fu, which he calls a new kind of Sichuan restaurant for this city. Its a ringing endorsement, and something of a statement. Its worth pointing out, as Wells does, that the restaurant is located in the more upscale One Fulton Square development. Of the owners, China natives Li Boru and Xue Wei, Wells says they wanted to open a restaurant that would evoke the aristocratic cooking of Chinas dynastic era. His praise for that cooking is nearly universal, and he finds both excellent versions of the expected such as mapo tofu with a sauce as deeply flavored as any Ive tasted and the unexpected, including a cuttlefish salad with a blackened green chili sauce that tastes almost Mexican. Needless to say, you might want to pay Guan Fu a visit. Kenyan workers making sure youre set for your morning caffeine fix. Photo: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images People who sell high-end coffee often promote their ties to the people who actually grow it. Youd be forgiven for thinking that its mostly a marketing ploy, but it turns out your obsession with $6 coffees sourced from South Sudan co-ops and small-lot Yirgacheffe farms really is helping the people who grow those coffees. According to a new report, the third-wave focus on premium coffee grown in African regions is reviving the continents once-vibrant industry. Africas coffee exports have fallen 25 percent since the 70s. That decade, Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola, and Ivory Coast were in the worlds top ten producers. (Currently, only Ethiopia and Uganda remain on that list.) But global exports are climbing theyre up from about 95 million bags in 2003 to around 130 million today. In a Bloomberg interview today, Coffee Rwanda founder Karl Weyrauch, head of one of the U.S.s major suppliers of African coffee, says Ethiopian beans got trendy a while back (thanks largely to third-wave cult favorite Yirgacheffe), but lately more coffees from Rwanda, Kenya, and even Burundi and Congo have been popping up. Vietnam and Brazil Nos. 1 and 2 in terms of global coffee production dominate the industry mostly by selling low- to mid-grade arabica beans or robusta (the variety used for things like Folgers and other instant coffees). But Africa, the birthplace of coffee, presents exciting single-origin options for third-wave-coffee buyers, who struggle these days to keep pace with demand. Even Starbucks has a partnership that buys Congolese beans from a supplier that, in turn, supports the regions smaller farmers. Meanwhile, one of Blue Bottles top sellers is its Three Africas blend, which uses two coffee varieties from Ethiopia and one from Uganda. This is great for African farmers, but their industry still faces a question of how to triumph over increasingly bleak odds: The continents swelling population is taking over areas previously set aside for coffee. Climate change could wipe out 60 percent of their arabica beans by 2100. Producers kids are also finding profitable work elsewhere, and many regions with high coffee yields are mired in political crises, such as South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. A battle of two pierogi. In the left corner: Edwardsville, Pennsylvanias. In the right: Whiting, Indianas. Photo: Edwardsville Pierogi Festival; Whiting Pierogi Fest As a type of dumpling, you could say pierogi are sour and come apart pretty easily. Ironically, this also applies to the organizers of a Chicago-area pierogi festival whore suddenly embroiled in a legal tussle over naming rights. More or less, the group is fighting with another pierogi-centric event about who gets to call their celebration of Polands national dish a festival. The crew theyve accused of trademark infringement is in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania a small town with 4,700 residents, lots of Polish people, and a big annual shindig called the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival, now in its fourth year. Unfortunately for this group, 700 miles away in the Chicago suburbs, a much larger event honoring the iconic Polish food has been drawing crowds of 300,000 since 1995. Called just Pierogi Fest (or Pierogi Fest, to get technical about it), this one is in Whiting, Indiana, and its organizers say Edwardsville is ripping off their name. The Associated Press reports they recently sent the upstarts a letter demanding they call their event something else, or pay a licensing fee. Funny enough, Edwardsville is actually located in the most ancestrally Polish county in America, meaning that Whitings threats have gone over as well as undercooked kielbasa, as the AP puts it. The president of the Edwardsville Hometown Committee says the whole battle is ridiculous, and residents are beside themselves. To protect their local heritage, they struck back on Monday by filing a federal lawsuit of their own. No person on planet Earth is going to confuse the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival with a suburban Chicago Pierogi Fest, the groups lawyer said in a statement, before calling the Whiting group bullies. Whiting registered the Pierogi Fest trademark in 2007. Its lawyers insist the Edwardsville event is likely to cause consumer confusion, and theyve threatened not only to sue the organizers, but also any companies that sponsor it. The chairman of Whitings festival seems to see this as welcoming Edwardsville to the food-festival big leagues: Disney does it. Coca-Cola does it. Kleenex does it, he tells the AP. If you have a trademark, you have to protect it. Edwardsville residents of course beg to differ. There is no way we could possibly be in competition with them, one Polish restaurant owner in town observes. The event makes a couple thousand dollars per year. The proceeds pay for the towns annual Easter-egg hunt, and buy the teddy bears that the Edwardsville Police Department gives out to kids. Make sure to get the halvah ice cream at Umas. Photo: Nitzan Rubin As we head into intolerably hot August in New York, the only real solution to surviving the heat is to spend every weekend at the beach. The beaches and neighborhoods that make up Queenss Rockaway peninsula have developed, in recent years, a real restaurant scene, one thats best to check out in the summer, before the outdoor-only spots board up for winter. Hop on the A train this weekend to try our favorite spots. The Absolute Best 1. Umas 92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach; 718-318-9100 Umas 2013 opening was an important marker in Rockaways path to being taken seriously as a restaurant destination (more than just a summertime-concession scene). These days the Central Asian restaurant is among the trendiest places to eat on the peninsula (last time we swung by, we sat near PS1 director Klaus Biesenbach, who has a home nearby), and its serving the best food, too. Get a salad the house one has great bites of eggplant and roasted peppers showered in feta and the manti dumplings, and add a shish kabob or two. And if the housemade halva ice cream, sprinkled with more crumbled halva and black sesame seeds on top, is on the menu, consider ordering four or five of those and calling it a meal. Open year-round. 2. Samesa Riis Park Beach Bazaar, 167-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd.; no phone Chicken shawarma! Photo: Nitzan Rubin Samesa is an outpost of brothers Max and Eli Sussmans Williamsburg restaurant, and it sells the best bite youll find at Riis Park Beach Bazaar, the chicken shawarma. You know when you get food to go and cant wait to stop walking to eat it? Thats a dangerous step to take with this shawarma as you tote it back to your beach towel. The mess of moist, tender chicken, slathered in spicy green zhug and tahini-buttermilk sauce, mixed with cucumber salad, and topping a chewy pita, is so good that youll have to stop wherever you are and eat it all right then and there. Open seasonally through Labor Day. 3. Rockaway Beach Bakery 87-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach; 347-727-7680 Can a bakery open only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, be one of Rockaways best restaurants? Consider great cold brew and incomparable pecan sticky buns your breakfast; everything croissants with ham and Swiss your lunch; and pie with slightly savory and salty oat crumble your dinner, and the answer is absolutely yes, its a restaurant, and you can and should get all your meals of the day here. The place has a backyard with hammocks, too, so maybe you wont even have to go to the beach in between chef Tracy Obolskys treats. Cash only; open year-round. 4. Cuisine by Claudette 143 Beach 116th St., Rockaway Park; 718-945-5511 On the strength of its mini-cheesecakes alone, Cuisine by Claudette could make this list. But the healthy-feeling cafe has plenty of other great, mostly Mediterranean-style food, like grilled cheeses and sides that are perfect for picking up for a beach picnic: couscous and veggies, corn salsa, hummus, etc. And theres a location down at Riis Park Beach Bazaar, where you can grab cookies and $6 hummus plates. The 116th Street location is open year-round. 5. Dredsurfer 16-27 Seagirt Blvd., Far Rockaway; 646-463-3271 Head way east on the peninsula and youll find a relatively quiet beach and Dredsurfers excellent Caribbean-style food. Theres fantastic (and, thrillingly, slow-burn spicy) jerk chicken, housemade sorrel, crunchy fried plantain slices with guacamole, cheap beer, and an indoor-outdoor space right on the boardwalk. Open year-round. Honorable Mentions Bungalow Bar 377 Beach 92nd St.; Rockaway Beach Bungalow hosts live music on its patio. Photo: Nitzan Rubin This bar and restaurant with a giant patio abutting Jamaica Bay is always jammed with Rockaway locals (hang out here for a while and youll start to meet lots of Breezy Point residents) and, on the weekends starting around 3 or 4 p.m., a down-for-the-day post-beach crowd. Go a little later, though, because its a terrific place to watch the sunset. Maybe the food isnt particularly innovative, but its reliable. And after a sunburnt day, its fun to eat things like pretzel sticks with cheese sauce. Open year round. Cevicheria 97th Street Boardwalk Concessions, Seaside; 917-586-4029 You could get a spoon, but you could also just slurp the broth directly from the bowl when you finish eating. Photo: Nitzan Rubin This concession stand is sort of easy to overlook, as its wedged in between other, often more-crowded stands, and the service can be a little slow. But the service can be slow because theres a great amount of care put into the food witness the cooks tasting as they go (its more common to see staffers sipping a beer while throwing together your food, which is, dont get us wrong, also a lovely part of the Rockaway ethos). Get the ceviche mixto for $12; its a blend of shrimp, squid, and other fresh fish, and onions and sweet yams soaked in a bright-orange juicy, acidic broth that you will want to drink. Through at least Labor Day. Ed & Bevs Riis Park Beach Bazaar, 167-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd.; no phone The Sussman brothers other outpost at Riis Park is Ed & Bevs, from which they vend Detroit-style food, and its great too. We might even say the cheeseburger, whose toppings of Cheddar sauce and burger sauce combine to make one confoundingly good sandwich, has ousted Rippers as the best burger on the peninsula. Through Labor Day. Edgemere Farm 385 Beach 45th St., Edgemere; no phone Lots of Rockaway restaurants source from Edgemere Farm (Umas, Rippers, etc.). Photo: Nitzan Rubin Come for Cowboy Breakfast on weekends from 9 a.m. to noon. Its worth heading out here early enough to make it (and you can even peep chickens, watch real-time harvesting of the farms rows of produce, and pick up fruits, veggies, and sundries like granola from the farm stand out here). Youll see a lot of locals ordering off the short, simple, cooked-to-order menu; get the hash with potatoes, a poached egg, farm veggies, and a slice of great seeded bread. Breakfast is summer-only. Rippers 8601 Shore Front Pkwy., Hammels; no phone We may have said we prefer the burger at Ed & Bevs, but that doesnt mean Rippers burger ($7.50) isnt great squishy-bunned, heavily-special-sauced, crunchy-pickle-topped, perfectly-griddled, and beefy-juicy as it is. Its especially good when followed up with a super-smooth soft serve, like, recently, lavender flavor. Through at least Labor Day. Rockaway Beach Surf Club 302 Beach 87th St., Rockaway Beach; no phone Brightly painted surf lockers serve as decor. Photo: Nitzan Rubin In case youre a few years behind on your taco-vendor news: Rockaway Taco closed in 2015, and after a legal battle, onetime co-owner Andrew Field split off and opened Tacoway Beach with a similar menu in the patio of Rockaway Beach Surf Club. The tacos were always and still are popular for good reason, and wed venture to say theyre even better to eat here, among the multi-colored surfboard lockers and ample seating, than they were in the old, teensy location. Plus: You can get a drink from the indoor bar while you wait. Rockaway Beach Surf Club is open year-round; the menu changes in mid-October. Sugar Bowl 15 Bedford Ave., Breezy Point; 718-945-1409 The location and atmosphere make up most of the appeal here, but thats not to say the foods bad expect decent-poolside-restaurant quality, and youll be pleasantly surprised. The burgers are pretty good, and the great boozy frozen drinks come in four flavors. To get to the Sugar Bowl, youll need to take a cab or a long walk, as its located in Rockaways heavily Irish Breezy Point neighborhood, which is privately run as a co-op. Thus the bar is something like a summer-season community center and is filled with locals who all know each other (you will have no chance of not being IDed as an outsider), but the place is welcoming. Theres even a gender-neutral bathroom, remarkable considering Breezys homogeneity. Come early to snag a table on the patio, which sits right on the beach. Trop Pops Riis Park Beach Bazaar, 167-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd.; no phone Not a whole lot to explain here: Its frozen fruit dipped in dark chocolate ($5) vended from a tiny boardwalk cart, and its really refreshing without being guilt-inducing. Were fans of the pineapple one, but theres also kiwi, banana, mango, and papaya. Apple Pay is already available in quite a few countries and territories, but its international expansion isn't about to slow down anytime soon. In fact, the company plans to launch its mobile payments service in additional markets before the end of this year. As revealed during its earnings call for the second quarter of 2017, Apple Pay will make it to Denmark, Finland, Sweden, as well as the United Arab Emirates. For now all we know is that these rollouts will happen at some point before December 31, but more details may be coming soon. The geographical expansion isn't all that Apple's doing in order to make the payments service more popular. In iOS 11, which will be released this fall for supported iPhones and iPads, peer-to-peer payments made through Apple Pay will be built into the Messages app. This means you'll be able to easily send people money from within iMessage, and if you receive some cash you'll have the option to spend it using Apple Pay or withdraw it. Source Honor 6A is now on pre-order in the UK for 144.90, ships on August 3 A few short hours ago we found out that Huawei's Honor 6A is almost ready to escape China and head to the UK. Three will be the company's carrier partner for this device in Britain, and it will start sales on August 4, which is this Friday. In the meantime however, the Honor 6A has also showed up on vMall, Huawei's official online store for the UK (and Europe). The unlocked and SIM-free model is priced at 144.90, and it's up for pre-order already. Shipping is set to start on August 3, and if you pre-order you'll also receive a free black tripod selfie stick. The Honor 6A was unveiled in May, and it's nice to finally see it outside of China. It has a 5-inch 720p touchscreen, the Snapdragon 430 chipset, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 13 MP main camera, a 5 MP selfie shooter, and a 3,020 mAh battery. It runs Android 7.0 Nougat underneath Huawei's EMUI 5.1 skin. Via The Moto E4 Plus was announced alongside its smaller sibling, the E4, back in June. Since then, the E4 Plus has been made available in some places, the UK included, while the E4 even landed in the US (where it's been discounted already). Today we find out that the E4 Plus is on its way to the US too - not only that, but it will arrive sooner than you might think. The phone will go up for pre-order at Verizon prepaid on August 3, which is this Thursday. On the same day the unlocked model will make an appearance at Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Fry's, Newegg, as well as Motorola's online store. For the unlocked unit you will be required to pay $179.99, but Amazon will have it with ads too, and in that iteration it will be cheaper. The Moto E4 Plus will become available at all the places mentioned above on August 11. Additionally, Sprint and Ting will start selling it on that day. Then on August 14 it will be up for grabs from Republic Wireless too. The E4 Plus' main claim to fame has to be its humongous 5,000 mAh battery, which should ensure full-day operation for even the most demanding users. Otherwise, the handset is a lower-midrange offering, sporting a 5.5-inch 720p touchscreen, the Snapdragon 427 chipset paired with 2GB of RAM, 16 or 32GB of expandable storage, a 13 MP f/2.0 main camera, and a 5 MP f/2.2 selfie snapper. It runs Android 7.1 Nougat. Source Moto Z2 Force is now $720 at Motorola, already $80 cheaper although it's still on pre-order [Edited] Edit: Motorola has reached out to clarify that the pricing for the Moto Z2 Force wasn't intentionally priced at $800. Here's the statement from Motorola: "The $799 was an error when the site initially launched. The pricing for Moto Z2 Force Edition starts at $30/month and always has, and may vary depending on which carrier is selected." At the event, we do recall hearing $30/month. So don't give 'em a hard time. Original story follows: A new smartphone receiving a price cut while it's still on pre-order definitely is surprising, but that's exactly what's happened to Motorola's Moto Z2 Force. Scheduled to become available in the US on August 10, it went on pre-order at the company's online store for a hefty $800. Starting today, however, you can pre-order one for just $720. Why would this happen? Well, in lieu of an official explanation we're going to have to assume that sales of the device at the initial $800 price point were less than stellar. So the company decided to make the Z2 Force a more appealing package by handing it a 10% price reduction. If you pre-order you still get a free projector mod, by the way, so there doesn't seem to be a catch for this new price point. Coincidentally, $720 is exactly the same price as the Z2 Force's predecessor was sold for last year. Of course all of the above only applies if you buy your Z2 Force straight from Motorola. Carriers have different (read:higher) prices, and none of them have done any cutting up until this point. Maybe that's bound to happen soon, there's no way to tell just yet. Source Militants conducted 34 attacks on Ukrainian army positions on Tuesday, killing one serviceman and inflicting injuries on two others. According to the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) headquarters, militants held three grenade launcher attacks on Ukrainian army strongholds in the Butovka mine area in the Donetsk sector. The southern outskirts of Avdiyivka and army positions near Mayorsk, Verkhniotoretske, and Zaitseve were also shelled, the headquarters said on Facebook. In the Luhansk sector, militants shelled Ukrainian army positions in Novooleksandrivka, Novotoshkivske, and Stanytsia Luhanska, the report said. Militants hold OSCE SMM truck for 7.5 hours in breach of Minsk agreements, OSCE mandate On Tuesday, militants of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic held a truck with video equipment belonging to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) for more than seven hours near the village of Olenivka. "'DPR' obstructing #OSCE freedom of movement. Truck & driver with #OSCE camera equipment is detained for 7+ hrs @ Olenivka," the OSCE SMM reported on its Twitter account. Around 21:40 at the SMM press service reported their truck was let through Olenivka after being detained for 7.5 hours by militants. "Truck carrying #OSCE camera equipment crossed @ Olenivka after held for 7.5 hrs by DPR violation of Minsk & OSCE mandate," the mission tweeted. In this connection the SMM said the sides must comply with the Minsk agreements and the OSCE SMM mandate obligations, including allowing monitoring through technical means. Haiti - FLASH : PM announces support for widows of police officers killed in office Monday at an extraordinary meeting of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) organized by the Prime Minister, Jack Guy Lafontant, also president of CSPN attended by Senators Jean Renel Senatus and Ralph Fethiere, President of the Commission "Defense" measures were adopted by the Council on support for families of police officers killed in office. Concerned about the next school year, three months' wages of the agents killed in office, will be paid to their families, while waiting for a law to fix the benefits will be entitled to the families of these workers of the Fatherland. Among other things, in a structural way, a 2% tax on the payroll of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) will be granted to the Office for Occupational Injury, Sickness and Maternity Insurance (OFATMA) for a wider coverage of medical insurance for the benefit of all police officers who are victims at work. The Prime Minister recalled that his plan is already included in the Finance Bill 2017-2018. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - DR : The Dominican Army deploys its defense logistics along the border The Dominican Minister of Defense, Lieutenant-General Ruben Dario Paulino Sem, announced that the Armed Forces is deploying defense and security logistics along the border between the two countries. The army is increasing the effectiveness of its military at checkpoints and other sensitive areas nearby, in order to be able to face any situation that could affect the Dominican Republic before and after the departure of the Minustah next October. Among the devices put in place he mentioned of new surveillance cameras were installed at the most strategic control points without specifying the other technologies involved [including drones and infrared systems...] Meanwhile, Paulino Sem reported that Dominican authorities have had discussions with Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21598-haiti-politics-pnh-and-the-dominican-ministry-of-defense-discuss-border-security.html and that next week Herve Denis, the Haitian Minister of Defense will travel to the Dominican Republic to continue explaining the process of withdrawal of the mission from Haiti and the next steps. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Accident in Gonaives, 7 victims A transport truck accident occurred Tuesday morning in Gonaives, there were 7 seriously injured. The brigadiers of the Civil Protection went to the site and transported the victims to the hospital Providence. Accident in Saint-Marc 6 wounded Tuesday afternoon in Saint-Marc (Terre Noire) , not far from Pont Sonde a traffic accident caused 6 wounded including 3 women. Alerted by the Municipal Civil Protection, the Haitian Red Cross took charge and transported the victims to the Saint Nicolas hospital. Towards a French cooperation with Carrefour... The French Ambassador to Haiti Elisabeth Beton Delegue went to Carrefour to discuss with the Mayor Jude Edouard Pierre, of possibilities for this commune, to benefit from French cooperation.. In 14 days more than 4,000 Haitians back For the first two weeks of July 2017, a total of 4,143 Haitian migrants living in the Dominican Republic in an irregular migratory situation returned to Haiti. 2,170 were expelled by the Dominican authorities and 1,973 voluntarily returned. Army convocation canceled The convening session of Minister of Defense, Herve Denis, in the Chamber of Deputies, around the setting up of the army could not take place yesterday Tuesday. No explanation was provided by the interested parties. Ambassador of France in Marchand Dessalines French Ambassador to Haiti Elisabeth Beton Delegue went to Marchand-Dessalines where she met with the Deputy Mayors Dunord Sileus and Mrs Martine Cherilus, and Mr Paschaly Chery, charge of mission Savoie Solidaire. Indeed, the commune of Dessalines and the General Council of Savoie are engaged for more than 20 years in a partnership of decentralized cooperation. HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Published on 2017/08/01 | Source Namkoong Min set out to clear Lee Joo-seung's name. Advertisement On the latest episode of the SBS drama "Falsify", Han Moo-yeong (Namkoong Min) helped Yoon Seon-woo (Lee Joo-seung) who was framed for something he didn't do. Han Moo-yeong heard from a whistle blower that the lawyer who was in charge of Yoon Seon-woo's case was an expert in losing cases. Han Moo-yeong had a hunch that Yoon Seon-woo was being trumped up. Yoon Seon-woo tried to kill himself with a shaving blade in prison and was taken to the hospital. Han Moo-yeong, with the help of Yang Choo-seong (Choi Gwi-hwa), left Yoon Seon-woo his number. He called. Han Moo-yeong plotted for Yoon Seon-woo to make him a hostage and get out of the hospital. This went out in the news. Han Moo-yeong and Yoon Seon-woo fled to Aeguk Newspapers. Han Moo-yeong said, "This is a major set-up. We have to resolve this for Aeguk's future. Let's broadcast this live". He tried to persuade Yang Dong-sik (Jo Hee-bong). While Han Moo-yeong wore a mask and broadcasted live on Internet, Yoon Seon-woo set out to reveal the truth. Yoon Seon-woo said, "The lawyer told me I have to be the criminal and that I had to surrender to the police. I told the investigators that I was innocent but no one listened to me. My only hope is a retrial". Yoon Seon-woo added, "Daehan Newspapers got rid of the last piece of evidence that could prove I am innocent. He brought forward a news article by Daehan as evidence. He revealed that there was a gap in the time when the police arrived at the scene and the news article. "Daehan should explain if there was any soliciting with the accomplice. If you want to save your reporter, you have to do something. I will surrender 5 days later". A meeting of working subgroups of the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in Donbas began in Minsk, Belarus, the Foreign Ministry of Belarus reported. "A meeting of working subgroups of the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in Ukraine's east is held in Minsk," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said on Twitter on Wednesday. The Donbas settlement requires revision of the Minsk Agreements and the development of a road map within the Normandy format negotiations involving also the United States, Opposition Bloc faction leader Yuriy Boiko said on Wednesday. "A real mechanism is the development of a road map within the Normandy format, the involvement of Americans in this work, and our proposal on sending the Blue Helmets to the contact line in order to stop the shooting," the faction's press service quoted Boiko as saying. "And, finally, transition to a political settlement process within the framework of the Minsk Agreements and adjustment of these Minsk Agreements, because time has passed, and it's now necessary to change their format and change their essence," Boiko said. Ukraine should initiate this process, and the reform of the Minsk Agreements should imply the development of a new road map in compliance with the last Normandy format telephone negotiations, he said. The Normandy format of negotiations on settling the crisis in Donbas includes France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine. First Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Ivan Rusnak has met with Deputy Defense Minister of Japan for International Relations Ro Manabe in Kyiv on Wednesday. "The sides exchanged their views on the matters of defense policy, the military and political situation in the region and other issues related to defense, and agreed to continue cooperation between the defense departments and noted the importance of continuing relations between Ukraine and Japan in the defense industry," the press service of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine reported. Also the report said the Japanese delegation will also visit defense industry enterprises of Ukraine. Moby Dick and the Bible by Bill Federer, The Moral Liberal, American Minute for August 1st "There she blows!" cried the lookout, sighting Moby Dick. Captain Ahab, driven by revenge, sailed the seas to capture this great white whale who had bitten off his leg in a previous encounter. The crew of the ship Pequod included: -Quaker Chief Mate Starbuck, -Second Mate Stubb, -Captain Boomer, -tattooed Polynesian harpooner Queequeg, and -Ishmael, the teller of the tale. Ahab finally caught up with Moby Dick in the Pacific Ocean. As fate would have it, when the harpoon struck Moby Dick, the rope flew out so fast it snagged Ahab, pulling him out of the boat to his death, entangled on the side of the whale. This classic was written by Herman Melville, born AUGUST 1, 1819. The grandson of a Boston Tea Party 'Indian', Herman Melville was 12 years old when his father died. His mother raised him, inspiring his imagination with biblical stories. Whales were the main source of oil and were being hunted to the verge of extinction. This suddenly changed when "Colonel" Edwin Drake drilled "The Drake Well" on his Pennsylvania farm in 1859. Soon an industry developed which extracted oil from the earth, thus "saving the whale." In 1840, young Herman Melville joined the crew of the Acushnet on his first whaling voyage. After a year and a half at sea, the Acushnet visited the Marquesas Islands in the Southern Pacific. The Marquesas Islands are considered by some as the remotest place in the world. They were first visited by American Maritime Fur Trader Joseph Ingraham in 1791, who named them Washington Islands. In 1813, Commodore David Porter claimed the islands for the United States, but since Congress never ratified it, France began claiming the islands in 1842. At the Marquesas Islands, Herman Melville and his friend jumped ship and deserted. They climbed up high into the island mountains to avoid being arrested and carried back to the ship. They unfortunately fell among cannibals, where Melville's friend suspiciously disappeared prior to a native feast. Herman Melville barely escaped and was rescued. He wrote of the experience in his first book, Typee (1846), concluding: "These disclosures will...lead to...ultimate benefit to the cause of Christianity in the Sandwich Islands." In 1853, native Hawaiian Christian missionary Samuel Kauwealoha sailed to the Marquesas Islands and planted churches and schools. Titus Coan, the son-in-law of missionary to Hawaii Hiram Bingham, wrote in his 1882 account Life in Hawaii, (ch. 13, The Marquesas Islands...Hawaiians Send a Mission to Them): "The missionary at this station was the Rev. Samuel Kauwealoha, a native of Hilo... Pupils recited the Lord's prayer and the Ten Commandments, with some other lessons, in tones and inflections of voice which were soft and melodious." Another missionary from Hawaii to the Marquesas Islands was James Kekela. In 1864, James Kekela rescued an American seaman from death at the hands of angry cannibals in the Marquesas Islands. In gratitude, Abraham Lincoln sent James Kekela an inscribed gold watch. Robert Louis Stevenson related the story in his book, In The South Seas when he visited the Marquesas Islands in 1888-89: "During my stay at Tai-o-hae...a whole fleet of whale-boats came from Ua-pu... On board of these was Samuel Kauwealoha, one of the pastors, a fine, rugged old gentleman, of that leonine type so common in Hawaii. He...entertained me with a tale of one of his colleagues, James Kekela, a missionary in the great cannibal isle of Hiva-oa. It appears that shortly after a kidnapping visit from a Peruvian slaver, the boats of an American whaler put into a bay upon that island, were attacked, and made their escape with difficulty, leaving their mate, a Mr. Whalon, in the hands of the natives. The captive, with his arms bound behind his back, was cast into a house; and the chief announced the capture to James Kekela..." Robert Louis Stevenson continued, relating the story of Mr. Whalon's rescue from the cannibals: "In return for his act of gallant charity, James Kekela was presented by the American Government with a sum of money, and by President Lincoln personally with a gold watch. From his letter of thanks, written in his own tongue, I give the following extract. I do not envy the man who can read it without emotion. 'When I saw one of your countrymen, a citizen of your great nation, ill-treated, and about to be baked and eaten, as a pig is eaten, I ran to save him, full of pity and grief at the evil deed of these benighted people. I gave my boat for the stranger's life... It became the ransom of this countryman of yours, that he might not be eaten by the savages who knew not Jehovah..." Robert Louis Stevenson continued quoting James Kekela: "(The Gospel) was planted in Hawaii, and I brought it to plant in this land and in these dark regions, that they might receive the root of all that is good and true, which is love... ...Great is my debt to Americans, who have taught me all things pertaining to this life and to that which is to come. How shall I repay your great kindness to me? Thus David asked of Jehovah, and thus I ask of you, the President of the United States. This is my only payment-that which I have received of the Lord, love-(aloha).'" In his classic novel, Moby Dick (1851), Herman Melville opened with a reference to a Bible story: "With this sin of disobedience...Jonah flouts at God... He thinks that a ship made by men will carry him into countries where God does not reign." In 1983, The U.S. District Court stated in Crockett v. Sorenson: "Better known works which rely on allusions from the Bible include Milton's Paradise Lost...Shakespeare...and Melville's Moby Dick... ...Secular education...demands that the student have a good knowledge of the Bible." ---30--- Link: Show Endnotes Sponsored Article Five hurt in explosion at Michigan steelworks At least five employees were injured after an explosion at United States Steel Corp.'s Great Lakes Works facility in River Rouge, Michigan, on July 31. The five workers were transported to local hospitals for treatment following the incident at the facility's Hot Strip Mill, according to a statement from US Steel issued on August 1. Great Lakes Works - Image: US Steel Of the employees that were injured, two remained in hospital a day after the incident having suffered burns and lacerations. Officials said that the explosion left a 30-foot-by-60-foot section of wall missing at the Hot Strip Mill. The Hot Strip Mill was idled after the blast but other Great Lakes Works operations continue. "We do not anticipate any impact on customer shipments as we have additional Hot Strip Mill capacity at other domestic US Steel facilities, if needed," the company said in a statement. Contact Details and Archive... Generally speaking, parties can agree on which jurisdiction governs the employment contract. Such a contract may, for example, provide that the governing law of the contract is that in force in a particular state in Australia. This type of governing law clause may have force in any contractual disputes, such as where the employee makes a claim for some entitlement arising exclusively under the employment contract. Statutory law However, parties have no such flexibility when it comes to statutory law. This usually regulates matters such as minimum employment entitlements and provides regimes enabling employees to seek redress for termination of employment in particular circumstances. Such statutory law is ordinarily mandatory and cannot be contracted out of by the parties. Take, for example, an employee of an Australian company who is seconded from Australia to Singapore for a period of three months. In the event that the employer unilaterally terminates the employment part way into the assignment, the employee could potentially sue in two different jurisdictions. nature of the workforce is changing constantly and HR needs to be on their toes, according to Sarah Kruger, managing director at Accenture.Weve seen the rise of digital technology lead to a more mobile, agile workforce, as well as the workforce marketplace where talent can be outsourced with ease through online platforms, she said.Kruger will be a panellist at the upcoming HR Tech Summit in Sydney and will be talking on the topic of Predicting the future Will we still be talking about business disruption in 10 years?Overall, technology has completely disrupted traditional workforce hierarchies, and more than ever HR professionals need to be on top of emerging technologies and trends.HR departments have typically taken a one size fits all approach to technology transformation, said Kruger.Unfortunately, this leads HR technologies to be very standardised, which is not ideal for employees that work in so many different ways thanks to digital technology.Kruger added that as customer expectations have changed due to technology, so too have employee expectations.They now expect HR systems that are intuitive, connected, user-friendly and mobile, she said.The HR function needs to be able to work in an agile manner and make decisions based on data in real time to best understand and relate to the employee experience.They also need a thorough understanding of how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) will change the workforce and how their HR systems will manage for this.At the HR Tech Summit , Kruger and her fellow panellists will also discuss: What technology should we be putting in place today to prepare for tomorrow? How far ahead can we really plan in todays economy? What are the emerging technologies that will shape tomorrows workplaces? The top five disruptive trends in HR technology (and where they might lead us) How will the Internet of Things impact on HR in the future? Finnair is growing at a solid pace, and our renewed fleet and growing number of routes are once again opening new opportunities to people interested in pursuing a career as a pilot, Jari Paajanen, the head of flight operations at Finnair, says in a press release . Finnair on Tuesday announced the launch of a campaign to recruit more than a hundred new pilots to support its efforts to grow. Our excellent team offers great advancement paths all the way to captain and flight instructor, he adds. The state-owned airline said it welcomes applications from both experienced pilots and people with no previous flight experience. Successful applicants, it adds, will be able to select from a handful of training programmes and, depending on their selection, may be able to start working before the end of next year. The training programmes range from 18 to 24 months in length and have admission fees of 15,00029,000 euros. Borrowing arrangements will be available to successful applicants, according to Finnair. Experienced pilots applying for the new positions, in turn, will be asked to participate in a co-pilot course and aircraft-specific training organised by the flag carrier. The application period for the programmes began yesterday, on 1 August, and will end on 31 August, 2017. Finnair also announced the wage of the new pilots will be determined by the collective bargaining agreement in place at the beginning of employment. The computational initial wage for co-pilots stands currently at roughly 3,000 euros per month. The median wage of its pilots, however, is considerably higher: 10,952 euros per month, according to the latest annual report of Finnair. Helsingin Sanomat in mid-July reported that the state-owned airline has also relaxed the language skills requirements imposed on applicants for its cabin crew positions in an attempt to ensure a shortage of applicants does not become an obstacle to its growth. Aspiring stewards and flight attendants, the newspaper wrote, are henceforth only expected to be proficient in English instead of both English and Finnish. I wouldnt say weve removed the requirement for Finnish-language skills. We instead require that all in-flight staff speak English. Other language skills are beneficial. Finnish language is no longer an eliminating factor for people applying for a job with us, Eija Hakakari, the head of human resources at Finnair, commented to Helsingin Sanomat. Finnair, she underlined, intends to remain a major employer in Finland. The [new] language skills requirements dont mean that were about to move jobs out of Finland but that were broadening our recruitment base. Weve just hired almost one thousand new employees and all of the recruitments were made in Finland. The plan going forward is to hire up to 1,800 employees in the coming years, mainly in Finland, told Hakakari. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Martti Kainulainen Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi AN independent Henley shop that sells mens and womens skiwear and swimwear is to close. Penny Badenoch, who has been running Sno and Sun Gear in Market Place for eight years, will cease trading on Tuesday as she is retiring. Mrs Badenoch, from Benson, said she had enjoyed running the shop but rising business rates and competition from the internet were making it harder for small traders like her to thrive. She launched the business in 2000 after returning from Paris, where she had been living with her family for most of the Nineties. She has always been a keen skier and couldnt find a shop selling high-quality clothing for the sport in the area. Her shop was initially based at the Greys Green Business Centre, near Rotherfield Greys, later moving to Market Place Mews in Henley. It then expanded its offering to include beachwear and moved to the larger premises in 2009. Mrs Badenoch said: I originally thought it could be a nice hobby but it soon became much bigger than that. It has grown and grown and I usually work six days a week. I have really enjoyed serving the community of Henley and have loved the camaraderie with my customers and staff. Ive loved sharing peoples holiday stories and advising customers when they need it. I feel lucky to have built up a loyal following, including many people Ive known since the very beginning. However, its time I was spending more time on the mountain myself instead of hearing stories about it. Mrs Badenoch added: The internet has made it harder to compete. Pricing isnt a problem as Im able to match that but the internet is a global shopfront with a lot more variety. Someone might come in and try on a jacket they really like, then discover its also available in another colour that I dont have in stock. Once they know it fits, they can order it online and you cant compete with that. If all shops are used in this way, pretty soon there wont be a high street left. This is why businesses like coffee shops are doing well theyre selling a service that you cant buy online. I wouldnt consider trading on the internet myself because I value personal relationships with customers. It just wouldnt be the same without that. Business rates are also going up and up and unless councils and the Government address it, the independents will continue to struggle. Later this year, Mrs Badenoch will travel to India with her husband and she hopes to spend the first few months of next month on the slopes abroad. She said: Ive had a very happy time and many customers say theyre sad to see me go but I want to enjoy my life while Im still fit and healthy. There are things I will miss but Im very excited about the future. Other shop closures in Henley this year have included the Upstairs and Downstairs tea rooms, art gallery and photography studio Henley Studio and the Barbara Easton womens fashion shop, all in Duke Street. Meanwhile, a new beauty salon opened at the former Daltons estate agents premises in Reading Road, Henley, on Tuesday. Amour Beaute, which is run by Raymond Duong, from Windsor, offers a range of services including facials, lash treatments and nails. The unit has been empty since 2015, when Daltons closed following the death of owner Paul Dalton, who set up the business in the Eighties. Sanctions will be introduced regarding Belarusian companies, supplying products to militants deployed on temporarily uncontrolled Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukrainian Ambassador to Belarus Ihor Kyzym said. "We officially warn the Belarusian side: if Belarusian companies supply products directly to militants, then sanctions will be imposed against them. What is more, not only from Ukraine: we will try to do everything that these sanctions would be introduced by the European Union, too," the ambassador said in an interview with the Belarusian News edition, published on Wednesday. Kyzym said that if the cooperation of Belarusian companies with militants, in particular the Belarusian confectionary enterprise Kommunarka, is confirmed, such enterprises will no longer be able to supply their products to the territory of Ukraine. "Recently, the Belsat TV channel published an investigation of the deliveries, where Kommunarka said it directly works with Donetsk ... If this information is confirmed, Kommunarka will get into the black list and won't be able to supply products to the territory Ukraine," the ambassador said. At the same time, the Ukrainian diplomat said that the presence of Belarusian goods on store shelves in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine does not always mean the fact of direct supplies. "Sometimes Belarusian goods get there through intermediaries who buy Belarusian goods from Russian companies," he said. The European Commission (EC) has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ferrosilicon from Ukraine and Egypt using codes 7202 21 00, 7202 29 10 and 7202 29 90. According to the announcement of the investigation published in the official publication of the Official Journal, a complaint about dumping was filed on June 19, 2017 by Euroalliages on behalf of the producers of the relevant products in the EU, namely Ferropem, Ferroatlantica S.L., OFZ and Huta Laziska S.A., which produce more than 90% of ferrosilicon in the European Union. The investigation period is from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. At the same time, the analysis of the trend of supplies for damage to the European industry will be carried out from January 1, 2014 until the end of the investigation period. The document specifies that temporary anti-dumping measures could be introduced within nine months from the date of announcement of the anti-dumping investigation, but as a whole it must be completed within 15 months. Kevin Myers, pictured in RTEs studios speaking to Sean ORourke, admits he deserved the sack over the column. Photo: PA Embattled journalist Kevin Myers has insisted he is not anti-Semitic - but admitted he deserved to be sacked for writing his hugely controversial Sunday Times column. Mr Myers apologised profusely for the article, published two days, ago after the newspaper was forced to apologise for causing "offence to Jewish people". "It was stupid of me, the encapsulation of such a complex issue in a single sentence," he told RTE's Sean O'Rourke. "One of my flaws is to deal with major issues with throwaway lines." Mr Myers, whose columns have regularly courted controversy, also said he believed his journalistic career is "over". "I'm not sure if there's any redemption for me now, which will give a lot of people satisfaction," he said. Mr Myers said he believed "five or six" other people would have seen the column - some in Dublin and some in London - before it went to print. Misfortune "A number of people nodded on duty and let something through that shouldn't have gone through," he said, adding that he felt he was the "author of his own misfortune" and took responsibility. Under the headline "Sorry ladies, equal pay has to be earned", Myers wrote on Sunday: "I note that two of the best-paid women presenters in the BBC - Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz, with whose, no doubt, sterling work I am tragically unacquainted - are Jewish. Good for them. "Jews are not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price, which is the most useful measure there is of inveterate, lost-with-all-hands stupidity. "I wonder, who are their agents? If they're the same ones that negotiated the pay for the women on the lower scales, then maybe the latter have found their true value in the marketplace." However, he denied he is anti-Semitic, nor that he is misogynistic, while also saying that he doesn't believe in equality. In the article, he claimed that men are more ambitious, work harder, get sick less often, have more charisma and are less likely to get pregnant. He said of the column: "It's not misogynistic. I am a critic of political feminism but I'm not a misogynist." Joan Murtagh with granddaughters Vicki Woodgate (left) and Niamh Donnolly after her home was flooded again An elderly couple forced out of their home twice in 18 months by burst water mains have been promised new drains. The same pipe at the centre of the first flood shattered again in the early hours of yesterday, swamping Jimmy and Joan Murtagh's house and cutting off the water supply in Navan, Co Meath. Levels rose in the night and the damage was only discovered when the couple's granddaughter, Vicki Woodgate, got up to use the bathroom. Mr Murtagh (81) and his 71-year-old wife were also flooded days before Christmas 2015. Insurance "The same pipe burst that time and left us under three feet of water," Mrs Murtagh told the Herald from her daughter's nearby home. "The whole house had to be gutted and we were out of it for nine months. "We only got back in last September and now it's happ-ened again. "The last time this happened, Irish Water said they could not take responsibility for the damage because it was a case of wear and tear. "So we had to use our insurance to pay for the repairs. "We can't get insurance again. Somebody from Irish Water said they would cover the costs this time." Irish Water said it is working with the Murtagh family and assessors to establish the cost of repairs to the concrete asbestos pipe outside their home. The trunk main was repaired yesterday afternoon and water was being restored to between 5,000 and 10,000 homes. However, new drains and road gullies will now be installed to draw water away from the houses should a future burst occur. "While this was welcomed by Jimmy and Joan and their family living in adjacent houses, they said they would prefer that a new water mains was installed as well to lessen the chance of a future rupture," said Declan Donnelly, the elderly couple's son-in-law. "Drains will help, but the mains needs replacing because two pipe sections out of a three- mile stretch have now failed. When will the next one be?" Mr Donnelly lives next door, and the foundations for his house were flooded. Ana Wojdylo and her son Dominik outside their apartment Tenants being forced out of 17 apartments in south Dublin have pleaded for help to prevent them losing their homes. Families in the St Helen's Court complex in Dun Laogh- aire, which is owned by two global investment funds, have been told to leave, with some given only weeks to comply. Residents received letters telling them they must get out because of a planned major refurbishment. They were told the work could take from three months to a year, after which they could re-apply to return. Tenants fear rents after the refurbishment will be unaffordable, and families have no place to go in the meantime. Mother-of-two Ana Wojdylo (32) said the situation was "very unsettling". "I don't know what we will do. We're worried sick," she said. "We cannot find any other homes in this area where our children go to school. I am losing sleep with worry." Sceptical The investment funds, represented by accountancy firm PwC, became the landlords of the complex after the previous owner experienced financial difficulties. RTE reported that PwC was acting for Apollo Global Management and Deutsche Bank. Last night, a spokeswoman for PWC said: "We are not making any comment." Residents said they were sceptical about the refurbishment as the landlords could then legally seek rent increases much higher than 4pc. A one-bedroom apartment in the complex typically costs around 950 a month. "We fear we will be forced to move out of Dun Laoghaire, but it is too late to find new schools for our children at this late stage," said Ms Wojdylo. Mother-of-two Supriya Ara-vind (35) said her family were living in a one-bedroom apartment. "This is our home and we feel safe here. We want to stay. We don't know where we can go," she said. Sergio Moura (50) said: "Families have built a community here. I'm depressed. It's stressful." Resident Derek Cowley (51) said: "Families will be homeless. Do they expect people to live in caravans or on the streets?" Local TD Richard Boyd Barrett has urged Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to intervene. "If we're to prevent many of the St Helen's Court residents arriving down at Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council in a few weeks or months looking for emergency homeless accommodation, Minister Murphy must take the sort of radical and urgent action," he said. Local budgets in Ukraine will receive more than UAH 10 billion by the end of 2017 for road repairs and maintenance. Such data are contained in the Ministry of Finance's analysis of changes to the national budget for 2017. Since this year an experiment to finance road repairs and maintenance is under way, due to overfulfilment of customs payments, an artificial understatement of the planned figure of import value added tax (VAT) will lead to the fact that the local budgets will receive more than UAH 10 billion by the end of the year, the document reads. "Despite the fact that the actual overfulfilment of this figure [import VAT] in the first half of the year was UAH 17.6 billion, the amendments to the national budget adopted by the Verkhovna Rada foresee the increase by only UAH 8.5 billion against UAH 33 billion proposed by the government," it says. The Finance Ministry also notes the risks of non-fulfillment of revenues to the national budget from personal income tax, internal VAT and a number of other indicators. The law on amendments to the law of Ukraine on the national budget for 2017 was signed by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on August 1. The document was published on the same day. Russia's ignoring of ORDLO security issues not to allow achieve progress in other directions The Ukrainian side in the Trilateral Contact Group has said that it is impossible to achieve progress on the political, humanitarian, economic directions in Donbas because of the neglect of security issues by the Russian Federation and the ORDLO, spokesperson for Leonid Kuchma, Ukraine's second president and representative in the Trilateral Contact Group, Darka Olifer has said. "Ignoring of security issues by Russia and ORDLO does not allow achieve progress in other areas, particularly political, humanitarian, and economic ones," she wrote on Facebook following the TCG meeting on Wednesday. According to her, the main issue of the TCG's work on this Wednesday was compliance with the ceasefire regime from the side of ORDLO. "In the context of the agreements of the Normandy format leaders dated July 24, 2017, the Trilateral Contact Group urged the representatives of the ORDLO to ensure their commitments and stop shooting," Olifer said. In addition, Kyiv insists on denouncing the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizing documents issued by illegitimate authorities of the ORDLO; the rejection of the expropriation of Ukrainian enterprises in ORDLO, as well as the abolition of the pseudo-border and the introduction of the ruble zone. Separately, the TCG participants once again noted that the statement about the so-called Malorossiya is a provocation and completely contradict the Minsk agreements. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov and Korean Ambassador to Ukraine Lee Yang-goo have discussed issues at a meeting in Kyiv to deepen bilateral cooperation in the military-technical and space spheres. The two also discussed a possible meeting of the joint commission for military and technical cooperation, which, according to Turchynov, can significantly accelerate the implementation of joint projects, the NSDC press service said. "There is a wide range of areas where we could bring our cooperation to a fundamentally new level," the NSDC secretary said. According to him, Ukraine and Korea have much in common "they were forced to ensure the social, economic and democratic development of their countries in conditions of military confrontation." In his turn, the ambassador pointed to the interest of the Government of the Republic of Korea in deepening cooperation with Ukraine. He also said that Korea supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. "We understand you because South Korea has experienced devastating wars, external pressure and serious economic crises, but without this obstacles our country would have never been as strong and developed as it is now. Any crisis provides an opportunity for further development," the NSDC press service quoted the diplomat as saying. Lee Yang-goo expressed conviction that the bilateral cooperation can yield "extremely large-scale and positive results." The European Union's special attention in the support of reforms in Ukraine is given to the scaled-up fight against corruption, Peter Wagner, the head of the Support Group for Ukraine, has said. "For the EU, a scaled-up fight against corruption [in Ukraine] is a top priority because of its horizontal nature," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "We keep stressing this: the intensive work on the anti-corruption front must not slow down. There is still a lot to do," he said. In his words, the EU is very closely monitoring the situation. "The EU in the last few weeks made it very clear that it, for example, doesn't deem the extension of the e-declaration to NGOs appropriate and that this should be corrected. We have also never hidden the fact that we attach great importance to a nomination process for the NABU [National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine] auditor which is conducted in a transparent and open way," he said. In his words, it is a matter of urgency that Ukraine puts in place a judicial body responsible for the fight against corruption. "Guarantees must be put in place that this body will be independent in both a budgetary and a functional sense. It is necessary that this body enjoys the necessary authority and resources to fight corruption and that the selection of specialized anti-corruption judges happens in an open and transparent way," he said. According to him, the EU and other international partners stand ready to contribute to a process as transparent as possible and to ensure that the selection will be based on merit and integrity. "People want to see justice happening in court, and corruption cases being brought to an end, through transparent judicial processes," he said. "We witness a daily fight between vested interests and reformers in the country. For a reform to walk its way from the agreement on its principles via the adoption of a legal act to its implementation and interpretation by courts reaching consensus and close work between all three branches of government is necessary," he said. "I think most of the reform areas are impacted by vested interests trying to slow progress down. Vested interests, by their nature, appear throughout different branches of power. It would be difficult to single out one entity or one institution particularly prone to it," he said. Wagner said that among other areas where the EU provides support to EU is public administration. "In other reform areas, such as the public administration, there are European experts working with the Ukrainian government from the very beginning. Notably in areas covered by the Association Agreement and the DCFTA," he said. In his words, this already starts with the preparation of new legislation by the ministries, but the EU is ready to support and also help afterwards with the implementation, if needed and requested by the Ukrainian side. "In other areas we are supporting more indirectly, e.g. through the financing of certain World Bank activities for the land reform or the EBRD [European Bank for Reconstruction and Development] work of setting up business support throughout the country," he said. He mentioned coordinated cooperation with the EU and other international partners with Ukraine in energy efficiency as a positive example. "I think the most recent and quite impressive success of the EU's and other international partners' coordinated cooperation with Ukraine is energy efficiency. The Rada has now passed three laws, one on the creation of an energy efficiency fund, one on energy efficiency in buildings and one on metering of heat and energy," he said. "We are very actively involved in energy issues, and will continue supporting the Energy Efficiency Reform with a planned program of up to EUR 100 million over two years," he said. "Other areas where the EU is strongly involved include the reform of the judiciary and law enforcement services, Public Finance Management, decentralization," he added. Wagner also welcomed the Ukrainian government's proposal as for health care, pension and land reforms. "I think the proposals which are currently discussed and have been presented around the preparation of the health reform, the pension reform, the land reform all of which are being intensively discussed show that the government is very seriously working on its part," he said. Peter Wagner's full interview is available at interfax.com.ua/news/interview/439894.html WISE, Va. -- A Wise County man has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to drug and shoplifting charges, according to a news release from Wise County Commonwealths Attorney Chuck Slemp. Joshua Collins, 33, of Wise, sold a schedule II drug to an undercover officer in March 2016, according to police and was later caught concealing merchandise inside a Virginia ABC store. Collins was sentenced to eleven years in prison, with nine suspended. He will spend two years in prison and must also complete five years of probation following his release. Ukraine insists that further disengagement of forces and weapons in Donbas should be carried out only after the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (SMM OSCE) has begun round-the-clock monitoring of the situation using technical tools, Darka Olifer, press secretary for Leonid Kuchma, Ukraine's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, said. "There is the issue of ensuring SMM OSCE monitoring of the situation in Donbas round the clock, seven days a week, with the use of technical surveillance systems, after which further disengagement of forces and weapons will be ensured at the agreed-upon sites," Olifer wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday after the group's meeting in Minsk. This is Ukraine's initiative, she told Kyiv-based Interfax agency. "During the disengagement of forces and weapons, representatives from the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions must not install additional fortifications and minefields," Olifer said. Ukraine is also calling for the SMM to be given access to the Ukrainian-Russian border in Donbas, which is currently being hindered by representatives from the breakaway parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Olifer wrote on Facebook later. "Representatives from the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are blocking SMM OSCE access to a Ukrainian-Russian border site. Together with the OSCE, we are calling for this access to be unblocked and for the mission's control to be provided both over movement of weapons and troops from Russia to separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and to prevent the equipment of Ukrainian enterprises from being removed from the part of Donbas not controlled by Ukraine," Olifer said. Ukraine insists on completion of the inquiry and prosecution of the people responsible for the death of the SMM employee, a United States citizen, who was killed in a mine explosion in the occupied part of Luhansk region in April, the spokeswoman said. "The threats and violence against the monitors, which continue taking place in the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, are outrageous and unacceptable. We called for completion of the inquiry and punishment of those responsible for the death in the separate district of Luhansk region of an SMM employee who was a U.S. citizen," Olifer said. Kyiv also demands that the persons, who were holding the SMM staff for over seven hours in Olenivka a day earlier, be held to account, she said. "We categorically condemn this impermissible and outrageous fact," Olifer said. Volleyball playoffs: Hubs, Blazers sweep into state semifinals North Hagerstown and Clear Spring each won in sweeps at home Friday night, the Hubs over River Hill in Class 3A, the Blazers over Dunbar in Class 1A. An exclusive interview of Head of the Support Group for Ukraine Peter Wagner with the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency. The Support Group for Ukraine was established by decision of the President of the European Commission in April 2014. Its role is to support Ukraine in the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU (including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area), and of the Association Agenda which stems from it.The IMF and EU priorities often intersect, as it is the case with the pension and the health reform, the management and privatisation of state-owned companies, the land reform and notably the fight against corruption. These priorities can also be complementary, with the IMF usually putting the emphasis on macroeconomic issues and leading, together with the World Bank, leading on questions like land and pension reform. It is worth mentioning that progress on these reforms is also part of IMF or EU financial assistance conditionality. For the EU, a scaled-up fight against corruption is a top priority because of its horizontal nature. Less corruption means reliable state-citizen relations, better business climate and more investments into the Ukrainian economy, more savings for tax payers due, among others, to more competitive public procurement, and overall more justice and societal trust. Also, there are often additional issues which Ukraine has to work on: certain sector-specific commitments stemming from the Association Agreement or other conditions under the EU's macro-financial assistance or budget support programmes.We witness a daily fight between vested interests and reformers in the country. For a reform to walk its way from the agreement on its principles via the adoption of a legal act to its implementation and interpretation by courts reaching consensus and close work between all three branches of government is necessary. Media and civic activists definitely can help, but it is the responsibility of all three branches of government to deliver the reforms. They are here to do this work and they are accountable to all Ukrainians for it. Unfortunately, very often a fact-based policy debate in Ukraine is hijacked in populist discussions. I think most of the reform areas are impacted by vested interests trying to slow progress down. Vested interests, by their nature, appear throughout different branches of power. It would be difficult to single out one entity or one institution particularly prone to it.From our point of view, the challenges lie very much in the interaction between the different actors. The way the Association Agreement is implemented also depends on the Ukrainian Constitution and the role it assigns to different actors. Occasionally, there is a certain competition: in different institutions, different people work on laws intended for the same issue, and then they're blocking each other, intentionally or unintentionally. So we would very much encourage the government and the Verkhovna Rada to agree on a common work programme advance the Association Agreement including the DCFTA. To take the commitments and priorities already established under this agreement and to say: here are the areas and laws now most important for us, here is the timetable and then to work together on them instead of working in parallel or even in competition. This is also a priority for Commissioner Hahn who recently met Prime Minister Groysman in Ukraine. The Commissioner and the Prime Minister agreed that the Ukrainian government would now come up with a roadmap for the pending legislation. The EU rules which need to be transposed into Ukrainian laws are already listed in the annexes of the Association Agreement, but the government will now draft an operational plan and hopefully agree with the Rada on how to implement it.The Ukrainian government faces many challenges the people of Ukraine know these better than I do. There is the external aggression, the conflict in the east; and at the same time there are many domestic reforms to be implemented, the life of the country to be organized. Of course, this is not an easy combination of tasks. Personally and I'm here very regularly I don't have the impression that within the government there is less commitment to reform, or less commitment to the Association Agreement. I think the proposals which are currently discussed and have been presented around the preparation of the health reform, the pension reform, the land reform all of which are being intensively discussed show that the government is very seriously working on its part. At the same time, we have expressed our concern about some negative developments notably in the fight against corruption. I don't think that there are frustration or negative feelings on the European side. It is a fact that the ambitions are high; Ukraine has one of the most positive and open agreements the EU has ever concluded, and now we of course also expect that both sides use it in the optimum way.The European Union is very carefully looking at how work in these important reform areas is continuing. The EU in the last few weeks made it very clear that it, for example, doesn't deem the extension of the e-declaration to NGOs appropriate and that this should be corrected. We have also never hidden the fact that we attach great importance to a nomination process for the NABU auditor which is conducted in a transparent and open way. It is a matter of urgency that Ukraine puts in place a judicial body responsible for the fight against corruption. Guarantees must be put in place that this body will be independent in both a budgetary and a functional sense. It is necessary that this body enjoys the necessary authority and resources to fight corruption and that the selection of specialised anti-corruption judges happens in an open and transparent way. The EU and, I am sure, our international partners stands ready to contribute to a process as transparent as possible and to ensure that the selection will be based on merit and integrity. People want to see justice happening in court, and corruption cases being brought to an end, through transparent judicial processes. We keep stressing this: the intensive work on the anti-corruption front must not slow down. There is still a lot to do.We are very intensively discussing these issues with the Ukrainian side. Trade is very important for economic growth and both sides have to deliver on these issues and make sure that there are no new trade irritants. We also spoke about the vote in the Verkhovna Rada; the EU does not find the extension of the metals additional export duties appropriate. It is a fundamental, general issue, as is the case of the wood ban. We think there should be no measures taken that are in contradiction with the principles of the WTO and DCFTA commitments. This is why we have so strongly expressed our concern about the latest developments.The EU is one of Ukraine's many international partners in the reform process. Not every partner is active in every area. For example, the EU has so far not been very active in the wider health reforms, only indirectly, concerning some parts which stem from the [EU-Ukraine] Association Agreement. In other reform areas, such as the public administration, there are European experts working with the Ukrainian government from the very beginning. Notably in areas covered by the Association Agreement and the DCFTA, the EU and its experts are where requested by the government heavily assisting from the very beginning. This already starts with the preparation of new legislation by the ministries. It is however at the end of the day the government's decision to propose a draft law, and then the Rada's task to follow its decision-making process. But we are ready to support and also to help afterwards with the implementation, if needed and requested. In other areas we are supporting more indirectly, e.g. through the financing of certain World Bank activities for the land reform or the EBRD work of setting up business support throughout the country. I think the most recent and quite impressive success of the EU's and other international partners coordinated cooperation with Ukraine is energy efficiency. The Rada has now passed three laws, one on the creation of an energy efficiency fund, one on energy efficiency in buildings and one on metering of heat and energy. There has been a lot of progress during the last months. Some of these laws took two and a half years of government and Rada work, in cooperation with many of my colleagues at the Commission. Some of the elements have been developed together with the EBRD, others have been prepared with the help of USAID. In all of this joint work, Ukraine's ownership is key, while we are there to support where necessary and requested. We are very actively involved in energy issues, and will continue supporting the Energy Efficiency Reform with a planned programme of up to EUR 100 million over two years. The Public Administration Reform, as I mentioned, is another area where we have very actively supported Ukraine through legal advice on the preparation of a civil service law, then on the preparation of the reform strategy. Now advisors financed by the EU are involved via a number of technical assistance projects. Other areas where the EU is strongly involved include the reform of the judiciary and law enforcement services, Public Finance Management, decentralization.The DCFTA means the opening of the EU and the Ukrainian markets for each other. The EU has not many partners with whom, once the Association Agreement including the DCFTA is fully operational, we will be as open as we are with Ukraine. The recently decided quotas for agricultural produce are an important additional sign of continuing EU support. They should however not distract attention from the fact that we should now put as much energy as possible in making the DCFTA work as efficiently as possible. We have to systematically integrate the markets, as only this will in the end boost the Ukrainian economy as a whole. Once the Association Agreement is implemented, there are chapters which say explicitly that in certain areas there is full internal market treatment of Ukraine. This means that such sectors will then be regarded as if they were part of the EU internal market. And in all other areas the current existing limits on exports will disappear over time. It requires a bit of time and it requires hard work. It is necessary to first prepare and adopt the corresponding laws. That includes technical regulations for many products as well as the big package of the phytosanitary legislation in the food sector that was passed recently. That's the first part creating the regulatory environment with the necessary laws in place. The second part starts when the laws have to be implemented. If we look at food legislation, the food production hygiene controlling framework will be regularly assessed: Is there a law? And is there a Ukrainian agency that is able to monitor and enforce the proper functioning of that law? If yes, then the products can move. This is the kind of principles trade in the EU is based on.The EU over the past two decades has increasingly developed a common energy policy based on the EU internal energy market for gas and electricity and aimed to reduce the impact on our environment and climate. Member States however keep the right to decide on their energy mix. In the case of Nord Stream 2, there are a number of legal, economic and political concerns which have to be discussed and which will require a specific legal framework. To this end, the EU seeks negotiating directives from the Member States for an agreement with the Russian Federation. The Commission has adopted its proposal for such mandate, which is now discussed with Member States.As you know, this does not only concern Ukraine or the European Union institutions, but it is first of all a question involving national governments of Member States. Spain and the UK have issues relating to Gibraltar airport which have nothing to do with Ukraine. This sometimes happens in the EU: we are 28 after all and not everybody can always immediately agree on everything. But we are continuing to look for solutions and hope signing this agreement as soon as possible. In the meantime, Ukraine can already increase its connections with EU Member States and continue to adopt EU aviation legislation.I think it is speculative and much too early to discuss this. Instead, it is important to see what Ukraine has already done to make itself independent from such support and how much still can be done. We still have to see what the situation will be like in 2019. I think that if you look at where Ukraine was three years ago and where the country is now, yes, one has to recognize that there are not many countries in the world which have within such a short period of time succeeded in stabilizing and improving their situation so much. Of course much remains to be done. But I would say, at the moment, it looks rather good on the macroeconomic side. One should look at what can be achieved over the next couple of years to further stabilize the country macro-economically with, among others, the help of the ongoing IMF program. And make best use of the reforms to boost the economic development of the country. Ukraine has an enormous economic potential, inter alia due to a highly educated population, industrial tradition, technological dynamism and untapped possibilities in the agriculture sector. Increasingly using this potential would make the country much more independent from external support.The "Marshall Plan" was a specific instrument, given that name retrospectively. It consisted of support by the United States to a number of European countries following the Second World War. I understand that discussions are going on about a similar approach by some of the international partners to Ukraine. But if you look at the purpose of the "Marshall Plan" at that time to coordinate and deliver support for reforms and for the stimulation of economy and if you look at what is happening in the international cooperation with Ukraine, you will notice that a lot is already available. In addition to political support, the EU has pledged a EUR 12.8 billion package for the next few years to help advance the reform process. A big part of this has already been delivered. In this framework, the EU has about EUR 200 million in grants every year dedicated to reforms and the development of the country, including in the area of investments. EUR 600 million from the 3rd tranche of Macro-Financial Assistance is ready to be paid once the conditions linked to it have been met. Furthermore, EU Member States like Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and many other partners, have bilateral programs. When it comes to investments, we have on the European side the European Investment Bank, which is committed and present in the country. The EBRD has a large portfolio of loans to businesses and the World Bank is deeply involved in supporting modernisation of the economy and the infrastructure. It is however correct that we need to rally around Ukraine, make sure support is sustained and well-targeted and bring in the private sector to generate growth and prosperity to head off those who would like to pull Ukraine backwards. The EU will for sure use its business support programmes alongside EIB and EBRD. We are at the moment also preparing new instruments that should open flows of bank lending in local currency. Furthermore, Ukraine is eligible for the EU's External Investment Plan, which could help facilitating investments. In addition Ukraine has to continue the strongest possible investment attraction programme: its reforms. Legal security, safe investments, no corruption given the country's general strengths, these reforms will unlock enormous foreign and domestic investments.I don't think that these two are competing or exclusive of each other. The Association Agreement is already now the road map for the government in many areas, and it will still be for a while, because its ratification is just another milestone, not yet the finish line. The same goes for the IMF programme. If you look at the principles of the Association Agreement, it has many technical sectoral regulations to stimulate and coordinate the economic exchange of products and services. There is also a lot on common standards in the healthcare and social areas, for example, whereas the IMF programme is very much targeted at the macroeconomic sectors. The two have common objectives and we are always aligned on certain principles, like the fight against corruption, the need to have an independent judiciary, the need to have a certain number of international rules applied. And on certain rules, the two are completely complementary roadmaps. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. For a weekly round up of all the latest food, drink and entertainment news, as well as the best things to do in Hertfordshire sign up to our newsletter Peppa Pig will be a name only too familiar for many parents across Hertfordshire. So how about letting your little ones see the lovable pig come to life this summer with a trip to Peppa Pig World a world first and exclusive to the UK. Peppa Pig World forms part of Paultons Family Theme Park in the New Forest in Hampshire and with it being just a two hour drive from Hertfordshire, you can go just for the day or turn it into a short break. There are seven theme park rides with a Peppa Pig theme, including Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, Miss Rabbit's Helicopter Flight and George's Dinosaur Adventure Ride. Plenty of fun is also to be had at George's Spaceship indoor play zone where your little ones can enjoy slides, climbing, ball play and more no matter the weather. (Image: Paultons Family Theme Park) If you're lucky enough to experience some hot weather on your visit, don't forget your swimming costume, as you can make a splash at the Muddy Puddle's water splash park. Peppa's house, that many children will all know and love from their television screens, will also come to life in an enchanting animated scene which allows you to see inside her home. But of course, no trip to Peppa Pig World would be complete without meeting Peppa and George. They wait outside the school house on a daily basis to meet their fans. There is also a toy shop and outdoor adventure playground meaning that there is everything Peppa that you could ever need. (Image: Paultons Family Theme Park) Even if Peppa Pig isn't your thing, there is still plenty for the whole family to get involved with at Paultons. For example a trip to the Lost Kingdom, where you will find a whole host of dinosaur attractions and rides that will get the hearts of all thrill seekers racing. Tickets for adults or children who are one metre in height or over at 27.25 in advance or 31.75 on the day. (Image: Paultons Family Theme Park) Children under one metre go free. There are also tickets available for seniors aged 60 and above, as well as group tickets for families of three, four and five. For more information click here, or call 0871 3602034. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ Nitish Kumars desertion of the sinking ship suggests 2019 is done and dusted. There is no one to take up the mantle an Opposition needs so desperately. The Congress hasnt had an original idea since 1991, Mulayam Singh and son can see the writing on the wall, Mamta Banerjee has her hands full. Amma is not in the picture. About the Left the less said the better. So where do we go from here? Five more years of the Modi brigade with the RSS firmly setting the agenda for education and moral science? The prospect seems worrying. But there is one dark horse who seems to have sensed the do or die scenario and that is the BSP supremo, Mayawati. By resigning a meaningless seat in the Rajya Sabha, she is the one Opposition politician who has shown a desire to seize the initiative. Though a complete loner, this time she just may have the potential to galvanise a comatose opposition. These are tough times to be a Muslim or a Dalit. This means about 30% of the population is being targeted in one way or the other by the upper castes. Unfortunately in her time Mayawati did little to address this. The hubris she has lived in has allowed her to imagine that it was only a matter of time before UP landed back in her lap. She had obviously not reckoned with Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. So how does she go about it? The first thing would be to reach out to a hurting Dalit electorate and reassure it of her intention to fight on its behalf. This would involve pacifying the Bhim Sena and asking it to tone down its rhetoric for at least a few years. And then reaching out to the non-Jatavs actively for their lot has not really improved under the BJP nor had it under the BSP. The BJP realises the centrality of the Dalit vote to its survival hence a Dalit President. But Mayawati can easily up the ante and negate this by asking why not a Dalit Prime Minister? Sure after more than 70 years of independence the time has come for the Dalits to make demands which go beyond symbolic statues. It may seem outrageous but this has the potential of taking the steam out of the BJPs Dalit campaign. This can also provide the rest of the Opposition reason to congregate around her. The four cow belt states facing long term anti-incumbency could become vulnerable to a coordinated attack by a focused Opposition. The glue to all this would have to be Mayawatis Dalit-centred appeal. Muslims would converge to it if they sensed a chance of it defeating the BJP. This alliance was able to muster 40% of the 2014 vote. With enthused cadres, there is a chance of exceeding this come 2019.. It seems far-fetched but with potential growing disenchantment with NDA, the electorate needs reason to vote for an alternative and at this moment Mayawati seems the only one who can provide that. Pankaj Butalia is a Delhi-based filmmakerThe views expressed are personal Actor Dia Mirza, who was in Delhi to walk for designer Anju Modi at the India Couture Week 2017, has not just a lovely face but also a strong mind. And that is something Twitter trolls couldnt digest. In this era of non-stop trolling, Dia recalls how, in her early days in Bollywood, she was targeted for expressing her opinion on various issues. In recent times, Dias tweets have advocated water conservation on Holi and a noise-free Diwali. In the earlier days, when I did get trolled, it really affected and frightened me. Because when youre told that people want to throw acid on you, or they want to rape you, or kill you, or call you anti-national because of something that youve said... and they ask you to move to another country... and its all new to you, then it really alarms you, she says. The 35-year-old actor was trolled on social media when she had tweeted and urged her fans to play a dry Holi. She had written: The irony of the times we live in: farmers commit suicide due to drought and people waste water to play #Holi. Go ahead call me anti-Hindu. The trolls were quick to tag her as anti-national. Dia was also called intolerant when she had tweeted about wanting a cracker-free Diwali. Now, after so many years in Bollywood, Dia takes such crude reactions in her stride. The actor states that she has always voiced her opinion on issues that deeply matter to her. I have continued to express my opinion. I reserve my opinion for things that truly matter to me. And when you express your opinion on something that deeply matters to you, it doesnt matter how people construe it, she says. I feel that those elements on social media who are faceless and nameless, who make it their business to harass people, [dont] need to be taken seriously. Ive been in the public sphere long enough now to understand that we need to be like ducks and let this [trolling] be like water sliding off our backs. The only thing that matters is our own truth. The intent is what should matter, adds the actor. Dia will be seen next in the Sanjay Dutt biopic by Rajkumar Hirani; she plays the role of Maanyata, Dutts wife. Speaking about her film and working with Hirani he is the director of such blockbusters as Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006), 3 Idiots (2009), and PK (2014) Dia says, Rajkumar Hirani is my favourite director. (Dia worked with Hirani in Lage Raho Munnabhai, starring Sanjay Dutt as Munnabhai.) It was an absolute pleasure to be asked by him to be a part of Sanjay Dutts biopic. [Hirani] is one of those real people who tells stories in the most unique and honest way. I have known Sanju sir for many years and through the course of my interaction with him, I have interacted with Maanyata as well. It has been such an honour and joy working with Rajkumar Hirani, Ranbir (Kapoor, who plays Dutts role in biopic), Anushka (Sharma), and Vicky Kaushal. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Yesteryear superstar Dilip Kumar was rushed to Lilavati Hospital on Wednesday owing to kidney complications and dehydration. Doctors said he is stable and currently recuperating in the general ward. There is no cause of concern. The major reason of his admission was dehydration, which simultaneously impacts other organs as well, doctors at the hospital said. The 94-year-old Bollywood actor has been facing medical complications in recent years. Last year, he was hospitalised in April due to fever and nausea, and in December to treat a swelling in his right leg. Kumar has acted in over 65 films in his career spanning over six decades and is known for his iconic roles in movies like Devdas (1955), Naya Daur (1957), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Ganga Jamuna (1961), Kranti (1981), and Karma (1986). He is also honored with Padma Bhushan in 1991, Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and Indias second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 2015. The Government of Pakistan has honoured him with its highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, in 1997. Follow @htshowbiz for more A Bhopal man has filed a case against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan after he developed rashes on his face when he used a shaving cream endorsed by the actor. The man, Rajkumar Pandey, filed a case in a Bhopal consumer court alleging that Shah Rukh is misleading people with his advertisement where he says the shaving cream is Indias number one, according to a PTI Bhasha report. In his complaint, the complainant said he developed rashes on his face after using the shaving cream and had to get treatment from a government hospital. After hearing the case, magistrate Kashinath Singh has sent notices to Shah Rukh, the owner of the company that manufactures the shaving cream, a local shopkeeper and the director of Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Department. Claiming that he got the cream tested at the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Department, Pandey told Bhasha, The report says the cream is of low, bad quality. While SRK appears in ads for VI-John shaving cream, Hindustan Times could not independently verify the report. Shah Rukh Khan is currently gearing up for the release of Imtiaz Alis next, Jab Harry Met Sejal , opposite Anushka Sharma. The actors will be in Delhi to launch the latest song from the film, on Wednesday. Follow @htshowbiz for more After accusing director Anees Bazme and his friend and associate Mayur Barot for non-payment of dues, comedian Sunil Pal is now planning to take legal action against both of them. However, Anees completely denies the charges. About eight months back I was asked by Anees Bazmee and his friend Mayur Barot to perform at a family function (in Mumbai). They told me I will be paid a certain amount later. But I never got my payment. And while Anees Bazmi got busy with his film, Mubarakan, Barot kept on telling me that they were getting a cheque drawn out for me. After so much of drama when nothing happened, I even messaged Anees Bazmi saying that I am planning to file a police compliant. I was shocked when he replied that I can do whatever I want to and that it wont affect him, says Sunil, adding both of them even said that they would cast him in their films but that too never happened. Meanwhile, the comedian-actor also contacted Cine And TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) and they had asked him to come with a written complaint. But Sunil never went to the cops because he thought that filing a case would take too much time. He therefore decided to make a video with a message for Bazmee and shared it on his Facebook page. In the video he says that he is sorry that Mubarakan didnt work, and that its Gods way of showing justice to those who wrong others. I made the video and sent it to Anees Bazmee around noon on Monday but he didnt reply. So I thought I must upload it on Facebook. Some people have come to my support. Now I am planning to take legal action against both of them. I wont let them get away like this, adds Sunil of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge fame. Director Anees Bazmee denied the allegation brought against him by Sunil Pal. When we got in touch with Bazmee he said that the deal happened between Mayur and Sunil and he has nothing to do in it. I was just a mediator, who introduced them, beyond that I know nothing. Why will I do something like this for such a small amount? Sunil used to visit my Mumbai office and he was looking for work. Also I never promised to cast him in my film, says the Welcome Back (2015) director. Voicing a similar opinion, Barot points out that the reason Sunil has dragged Bazmees name is because he is a well-known person. Sir (Anees Bazmi) has nothing to do with it. Sunil was looking for work and wanted to perform at this function. There was no discussion regarding remuneration. But then after sometime he said he wants his payment and even used foul language when I refused. His false accusation is defamatory for someone like me who is just starting his journey (he is producing Remo Dsouzas film Nawabzade) in Bollywood. I just wanted to help Sunil, but it backfired, adds Barot. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Sana Khan was up for a not-so-pleasant surprise on Tuesday, when a video of her hugging actor Salman Khan went viral for all the wrong reasons. Sana walked the red carpet at a recently held TV awards show in Mumbai, and when she spotted Salman, the two exchanged a hug. What made it news was Salmans closed fists, and his shy smile. I still cant believe that a normal hug was trending, trolling, and rolling, says Sana. People just blew it out of proportion because [Salman] had a closed fist, and some dumb people even called it an awkward hug. The actor adds that its only normal for people to wear backless clothes at a red carpet event. There is always a wild side to an innocent face Look for Big zee entertainment awards Gown by @nikhitatandon Earring by @caratlane Ring by @dwarkadaschandumaljewellers Styled by @sayali_vidya A post shared by Sana Khaan (@sanakhaan21) on Jul 29, 2017 at 12:15pm PDT Did she feel that Salman was uncomfortable even for a moment? Sana replies, Who am I to make him feel uncomfortable? Its stupid to put somebody down by saying such a nasty thing and showing me in a wrong light. Its not [as if] I went to hug him and he didnt recognise me. But why that closed fist? Couldnt it be somebodys style? Maybe he hugs like that. I dont know. I think the best person [whom] to ask this would be Salman. [Also] He has been in the [film] industry for over 25 years, so dont think backless even matters to him he has seen more than that (laughs). Lets not talk like a five-year-old and make all this sound so big, says Sana. Im not a psychopath to hug somebody if the person doesnt want to talk to me. Im not someone who makes people stand and keep talking and falling on their lap. Sana has known Salman ever since she first appeared in 2012 on the reality show Bigg Boss (which was hosted by Salman) and later worked with the actor in the 2014 film Jai Ho. Lashing out at those who are calling it a forced hug, Sana retorts, Im not a psychopath to hug somebody if the person doesnt want to talk to me. Im not someone who makes people stand and keep talking and falling on their lap. I am on good terms with Salman; we share a rapport, I talk to him on and off, weve met so many times, Ive been to his house, and we have worked together on the sets also. So theres nothing to feel awkward [about]. The actor shares that she had a brief two-minute chat with Salman, and that may have got everyone curious. For a moment, Salman didnt recognise me he literally told me that. [Then] he complimented me that I look very nice. And I said, Yes, Ive dropped 7kg, and he is like, Its showing, reveals Sana. Was it the backless outfit that made the hug look awkward? Sana says, Well, could be. Maybe he didnt want my back bronzer to fall on his clothes. He has worked with all sexy and good-looking actresses, who would use bronzer from head to toe, so he knows that. And its not that he wants to feel me up or I want to feel him up. I am sorry, we have all grown up from that zone. We need to respect each others space and gestures. Follow @htshowbiz for more Bollywood actor Ali Fazal is certainly going places with his upcoming film alongside Judi Dench - Victoria and Abdul. The film is already being screened at several film festivals including Venice International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. We have now learnt that the costumes used during the shoot of the movie will be displayed at the Osborne House in the UK. The dresses from Victoria and Abdul shoot being displayed at Osborne House. Directed by Oscar nominee Stephen Frears, Victoria and Abdul is based on the friendship between Queen Victoria and her most trusted clerk, Abdul Karim. While Dench plays the titular role of Queen Victoria, Ali plays Abdul who was the Queens munshi. Adapted from author Shrabani Basus book by the same name and directed by British filmmaker Stephen Frears, the film is set to release in September this year. Multiple costumes were designed for both the lead actors keeping the stature and royalty of the era of late 1800s in mind. A dress that Judi Dench wore in the film, being arranged for the display. All the costumes will be go on display Friday onwards, for public viewing at the Osborne House, located at Isle of Wight, in the UK. Most of the scenes from Victoria and Abdul were also shot in the same house. Ali Fazals dress being prepared for the display. Also, it will be one of the first films to be shot inside the former royal residence so thats one more feather added to the cap of the films achievement. Osborne House holds significant place in the history of Britains royalty. It was built in mid 1800s for the Queen and Prince Albert. All the costumes worn by Judi and Ali will be on display at the museum site of inside the house. Ironically Queen Victoria breathed her last in the same palace, which is now open as tourist attraction. Follow @htshowbiz for more Even as he agrees that one cannot deny the existence of nepotism in Bollywood, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, who bagged the National Award for his debut film Masaan, believes the issue has been blown out of proportion. I think the issue (of nepotism) is overblown and has turned pointless now. I agree that we need acknowledge that it exists and there is a certain set of privileges that these actors enjoy. But beyond that, there isnt much to say, the filmmaker told Hindustan Times. Richa Chadha in a still from Masaan. Talking about his favourite actors, Neeraj said, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor are two actors I would like to work with. I think Piku was one of Deepikas best and among Ranbirs films, I really liked Rocket Singh. I believe the women are doing much better than the men nowadays. They are experimenting more with their roles, he added. The filmmaker was talking on the sidelines of launch of an advertisement video he created for Quaker Oats campaign Fuel For The Real Fit. The idea was their (the ad agencys) but I liked it and wanted to build upon it in a real background. We are all real heroes giving our extra efforts and we need that dignity and recognition for the efforts, he said about the five-minute video. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The UKs mindfulness mega-trend shows no sign of running out of breath, with sales of mind, body, spirit books booming, against a background of slowing sales elsewhere on the shelves. Topped by Buddhist monk Haemin Sunims The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, a guide to how to be calm in a busy world that has sold more than 43,000 copies this year, sales of titles offering spiritual assistance are up by almost 13.3% in volume in 2017, according to sales monitor Nielsen Book. This sits against a total consumer market drop of 1.6% on the same measure. Rhonda Byrnes perennial bestseller The Secret is the next-best performer, with 29,000 print sales. Other hits include Eckhart Tolles 1999 guide to spiritual enlightenment, The Power of Now, Gabrielle Bernsteins The Universe Has Your Back, Louise Hays You Can Heal Your Life and Dominique Loreaus Lart de la Simplicite: How to Live More With Less. In fourth place is the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutus The Book of Joy, with sales of more than 12,000 copies so far this year. Its premise perhaps best sums up what anxious book buyers have been looking for this year: How do we find joy in the face of lifes inevitable suffering? Bernstein, similarly, promises in The Universe Has Your Back that she will help readers feel safe and trust your life no matter what. She adds that she is looking to wake up as many people as possible to their connection to faith and joy. In that connection, we can be guided to our true purpose: to be love and spread love, she writes. Loreaus Lart de la Simplicite was a major bestseller in France before it was translated into English, and, says its publisher, will show readers how to simplify your home, empty your wardrobe, abandon compulsive purchases, eat more frugally but better, take care of your body and mind. Clement Knox, Waterstones nonfiction buyer, attributed the boom to the mindfulness mega-trend, which he said really broke down the barriers between self-help and mind, body, spirit. Mindfulness was embraced by the mainstream but many of its tenets came out of what was once called new age thinking, he said. Mindfulness has brought along a number of related trends in its wake kindness, gratitude, and mantras to name a few. It helped destigmatise [the genre] and also refocused lifestyle trends away from consumption and towards approaches to living. It is striking the extent to which the big new commercial lifestyle trends such as hygge, lykke, and lagom are focused on developing a group of mindsets and attitudes rather than simply buying a new way of life. He also pointed to the rise in popularity of meditation and yoga. Meditation in particular has the imprimatur of a number of scientific studies and is the subject of a growing body of literature. For example, there is a book out in September called The Science of Meditation by Daniel Goleman. It is being published by Penguin by no means a fringe publisher. I think this scientific validation has really helped reinforce peoples interests in taking seriously a practice that was once considered quite exotic, if not strange, said Knox. Judy Piatkus, who founded Piatkus Books, a leading player in this field, pointed to a major shift in society in the last 20 years. She believes the sales boom is being driven by a sea change in personal priorities: Millennials havent got the same values as older people. They are looking at their lives, saying: This isnt working, how can I manage my life? How can I be the best person I can be? People are looking for help to deal with the stress of the uncertain period through which were living, she said. Weve so many things to worry about, and people are looking for a way to make a difference in the world [so] theyre turning to spiritual thinking. She pointed to strong current sales of the classics, such as The Power of Now, Paulo Coelhos The Alchemist and 2006s The Secret. The big names continue to generate good sales the likes of Doreen Virtue, Eckhart Tolle, and Paulo Coelho but they have been joined by a new crop of writers, agreed Knox. These include John Parkin of Fuck It: Do What You Love fame and Kyle Gray, an up-and-coming young author published by Hay House. Grays books include Raise Your Vibration: 111 Practices to Increase Your Spiritual Connection and Angels: How to See, Hear and Feel Your Angels. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more It was October 2015 with the school year on in full swing and mid-term exams just around the corner. Syeda, our 6-year-old, however, had missed three days of school on account of high fever. After the fifth day, with her fever still hovering steady at 104-105 degrees, my husband and I rushed her to JSS hospital in Mysore. She looked frail and her hands were covered in bruises, which she scratched at incessantly till she drew blood. The doctors were concerned about the sudden weight loss and put her on a drip immediately. They increased her dose of antibiotics and suggested that we run a few blood tests in the morning. Six-year-old Syedas parents are desperately seeking funds to cover her Bone Marrow Transplant surgery. Your thoughtful donation can help her find a new lease of life. Find out more on her fund-raising page on Ketto. Two days later we were summoned back into the clinic. As we waited for the verdict, my husband and I braced ourselves. It was just a bad viral, right? Turns out, we couldnt have been further off. Syeda had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. As the doctor spelled out the situation to us, we sat back shocked and blank. The terms were alien to us, but the doctors expression wasnt. We immediately knew that our lives were about to change. Times running out. Leukaemia patients family appeals for funds for surgery Hope and despair The doctor explained that she was suffering from cancer of the blood and bone marrow, which affected the rate of production of her red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It needed to be treated urgently. The very next day my husband Syed quit his job, we gathered our belongings, and left for Bangalore in the hope that more qualified doctors and better hospitals would save our darling daughter from the most dangerous of childhood cancers. We used to be a simple, regular, and happy family. Syed worked seven days a week as a salesman at a silk saree emporium in Mysore, with a monthly income of 15,000 which paid for the schooling of the kids and other household expenses. Our savings were low and mostly in the form of gold that we acquired during our wedding, 17 years ago. After Syedas diagnosis, we mortgaged our family home in Mysore and now live in a small rented room five minutes from the hospital in Bangalore. Syeda has undergone multiple rounds of blood transfusions and three rounds of chemotherapy. The road to her recovery has been challengingfilled with hope and despair in equal measure. A sudden relapse Syeda was initially reacting positively to her treatment with an increase in RBC count and low number of leukaemia blasts. Then, in December 2016, her bone marrow report suggested a sudden relapse. Her lymphoblasts were recorded at 80% (a considerably high figure) reflecting the persistence of the disease. Dr. Sunil Bhat, the Head of Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Bone Marrow, who oversees her treatment, suggested a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) as treatment. The BMT however costs a staggering 30 lakhs an amount that my husband and I cant even dream of raising on our own. To give you some perspective, so far we have spent 6 lakhs for her treatment and chemotherapy. We have exhausted every last resource available to us: mortgaged our home, sold whatever jewellery we had, and borrowed from friends and family. Times running out. Leukaemia patients family appeals for funds for surgery Last resort Very recently, we received a call from the doctor. They have found a willing donor whose bone marrow matches Syedas. This is a rare stroke of good news. However, we now have only one month to get the finances in place. My husband and I turned to Ketto.org as our last resort to save our baby girl. We have started a page in her name in the hope that kind individuals can help us fund this BMT. Specifically, the money raised will be used to pay for the extensive surgery and related medical bills. Times running out for our Syeda, and we desperately need your help. My words alone cannot convey what we as parents of an ailing child--- go through every minute. Each day begins and ends with a prayer for a miracle one last chance that will allow us to take Syeda home, back to her family, her friends, and to her joyful school days. We appeal to you for prayers and donations. Please help us raise funds for Syedas BMT by donating on our fundraiser page at Ketto.org. Also, do share the page amongst your loved ones so that we can reach even more people with her story. -By Hajira Humerea as told to HT Brand Studio Founded in 2012, Ketto is a trusted crowdfunding platform that focuses on raising funds and awareness, chiefly on issues in the social domain. Much like an online support network, it allows individuals to know more about issues they support and actively facilitate change through donations. Theyve previously helped raise significant amounts for a variety of different causes. Presently, the organization is trying its best to make Syedas story a positive one by ensuring that she receives her transplant on time. Find out how you too can be a part of this here . (This content was created in partnership with HT Brand Studio and not the editorial team) The Trump administration is reportedly considering using rarely invoked US trade laws to compel China to crack down on theft of copyrights, patents and other intellectual property and fend off technology-sharing demands from Beijing. The Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported Wednesday that U.S. trade officials are discussing ways to counter piracy and other practices deemed harmful to American businesses. The reports, citing unnamed people familiar with the situation, come as the administration signals a harsher stance on trade than it took in the first six months of Trumps presidency. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, in a commentary in Tuesdays Wall Street Journal, outlined a slew of grievances against both China and the European Union that he said contributed to the global U.S. trade deficit in goods of $725.5 billion in 2016, $347 billion of which was with China. Both China and Europe also bankroll their exports through grants, low-cost loans, energy subsidies, special value-added tax refunds and below-market real estate sales, among other means, Ross wrote. The Wall Street Journal and New York Times stories said U.S. officials were looking into using Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which would allow Washington to launch an investigation into Chinas trade practices and, within months, raise tariffs on imports from China, or impose other sanctions. The administration also was considering how to resist technology-sharing demands from Beijing as part of its ambitious Made in China 2025 program, a blueprint for making China a leader in advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, robotics and other industries. Foreign companies have long complained over rampant piracy and technology theft by Chinese companies. Though he has at times sought a more conciliatory approach, President Donald Trump also has lambasted China over such problems and over the massive U.S. trade deficit. Bengaluru Online marketplace Flipkart Ltd may benefit from the decision by smaller rival Snapdeal to cancel its proposed sale, saving itself the distraction of owning a complicated asset that would have added little to its business at a time when the company is already straining to hold off arch-rival Amazon India. On Monday, Snapdeal (Jasper Infotech Pvt. Ltd) walked away from a potential sale to Flipkart, which had offered to buy the online marketplace for $850 million in stock. Snapdeals largest investor SoftBank Group Corp, however, is continuing talks to buy shares worth $1.5 billion in Flipkart, Mint reported on Monday. The price that Flipkart had offered for Snapdeal was considered too high by investors and analysts given that Snapdeals monthly gross sales have dropped to less than Rs350 crorelower than that of Flipkarts fashion unit Myntra. Additionally, Indias e-commerce market has cooled significantly since the start of 2016, indicating that theres hardly any room for more than two so-called horizontal retailers. Flipkart, which is already trying to absorb eBay Indias business after agreeing to buy it in April, would have struggled to find use for yet another horizontal marketplace in its fight against Amazon India (Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd). Flipkart has definitely dodged a bullet with this deal not going through. The Snapdeal integration wouldve been an unnecessary headache. The only reason why they agreed to buy Snapdeal in the first place was because of the SoftBank investment. And those investment discussions are happening anyway. So, if you can get the milk without buying the cow, why would you need to buy the cow at all, said a partner at a venture capital firm on condition of anonymity. Mint reported on 17 April that the Flipkart-Snapdeal merger was being done primarily for the benefit of Tiger Global Management, Flipkarts largest investor, and SoftBank, which is in talks to buy part of Tigers stake and invest fresh capital into Flipkart. From an operational perspective, the Snapdeal buyout made little sense for Flipkart. Snapdeals market share has slumped over the past year, and particularly since the start of 2017 when it was forced to cut hundreds of jobs and slash spending on other areas. Just 11.7% of Indian smartphone users had Snapdeals app installed at the end of June, compared with 29.8% for Flipkart and 39.6% for Amazon, according to estimates by research firm KalaGato Pte Ltd. The market-share gains Flipkart would have made from this transaction have reduced for every month that the deal has been in negotiation, said Aman Kumar, chief business officer at KalaGato. With Snapdeal out of the picture, Flipkart is free to focus on its primary challenge of keeping Amazon India at bay. Flipkart has consistently nudged ahead of rival Amazon India in monthly sales this year though theres little separating the two companies, Mint reported on 26 July. The broader e-commerce market continues to grow sluggishly. In the June quarter, shoppers bought goods worth $15.5 billion on an annualised basis, according to RedSeer Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd. That implies growth of just 5% from the March quarter, and an increase of 19% from the year-ago period, RedSeer data shows. This was despite the heavily advertised sales events that Amazon and Flipkart held in May. (Published in arrangement with livemint.com) Cisco chairman John Chambers said on Wednesday firms taking Indians to the US for cost arbitrage displacing American workers was a mistake and it is important that jobs are created in both countries to ensure sustainable growth. Chambers, who is also the chairman of the newly formed US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), said the two nations can work together to create opportunities in each nation. We have to be careful not to misstep. You cannot go in and take a whole bunch of H1-B visas and displace 500 American workers because you can do it at lower costs. That was just a mistake. I think we have to focus on investment, Chambers told reporters here. He highlighted that employment has to be created in both countries as it is not a win-lose situation. Both countries can have dramatic job creation by working together and then, you have to articulate when that occurs, he said. The US government has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers. In the past, it accused Infosys and its larger rival Tata Consultancy Services of unfairly cornering the lions share of the H-1B work visas. Over the past few quarters, Indian IT companies have ramped up their efforts of hiring more locals in the US, which accounts for over 60% of the sectors export revenues. Chambers explained that when an Indian company hires 10,000 Americans in the US or Cisco hires in India, the same needs to be articulated and that USISPF would play that role. We are not at all a lobbying organisation... we are a strategic organisation, a forum that is focussed on how both countries can be successful, he added. USISPF, which includes prominent names like Indra Nooyi (chairman and CEO, PepsiCo) and Ajay Banga (president and CEO, MasterCard), aims to promote bilateral trade. Chambers said USISPF will work on creating meaningful opportunities that have the power to change the lives of citizens. We will work closely together with businesses and government leaders to achieve the goals of driving economic growth, job creation, innovation, inclusion and entrepreneurship, he added. Chambers also lauded various steps taken by the Narendra Modi government in India like demonetisation and GST. He said these will help India in creating a sustainable economy. A 25-year-old man was battling for life on Wednesday after he was assaulted by a mob which allegedly found him in a compromising position with a woman at a government-run centre in Jharkhands Bokaro town, police said. The man, identified as Sakib Ansari, was unconscious when police rescued him from the mob comprising 50-odd men. Doctors said Ansari suffered multiple injuries on his head, neck, legs and back. Over the past few months, several people have been lynched in the BJP-ruled state over charges ranging from raping women, smuggling cow, and child-lifting. The latest incident took place at a Pragya Kendra, a government-run service centre that offer facilities such as linking Aadhaar number with other documents, issuing caste certificates, voter ID cards and PAN cards. When people turned up at the common service centre with their respective requisitions on Wednesday morning, they allegedly found Ansari half-naked with a woman at the Heena Market Pragya Kendra. He was dragged out of the office premises and beaten with sticks, belts, shoes and slippers by the mob. Ansari fell unconscious after the assault, but the mob continued thrashing him until the police intervened, sources said. The police rushed Ansari to the Bokaro General Hospital. He was yet to regain consciousness, doctors said. Bokaro deputy superintendent of police Poonam Minz said that the police have lodged an unnamed first information report against the mob, and arrested one Mantu Yadav in connection with the case. We have arrested one, and are scanning the CCTV footage to identify others who assaulted the man, she said. In April, a 25-year-old man was beaten to death in Saraikela Kharsawan for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl. On June 8, a 45-year-old man was lynched for allegedly raping a widow in Palamu and on June 27, another man was beaten to death by a mob for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in Dumka. Police deployed additional security forces across the affected area to prevent the incident from snowballing into a communal conflagration. Rumour-mongers on social media too are under our scanner, said a Bokaro police official working with the cyber cell of the district. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If you spot BJP lawmakers making a beeline outside a cinema hall, dont get baffled! Giving a filmy twist to netas daily regimen, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to hold a group show of a recently-released Bollywood film based on the Emergency (1975-77) for its party MLAs and workers. The BJPs plan, however, has left the Congress leaders fuming, who have dared it to make a film on the BJPs pre-poll promises. The ruling party will soon be putting together a special screening of filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkars directorial venture Indu Sarkar, which revolves around the Emergency imposed by the then Congress government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Cabinet minister and BJP governments official spokesperson, Madan Kaushik said, Though the date hasnt yet been finalized, a group show of Indu Sarkar will soon be held for the party MLAs and workers. The period of Emergency was one of the darkest phases of independent India. The film is based on how (the Congress) murdered the democracy in our country. So, by holding this screening, we would send out a message about the resilience of our countrys democracy which is still going strong despite that dark blot (of Emergency). The move, on the other hand, has not gone down well with the Uttarakhand Congress, which has accused the BJP of politicizing the issue with an eye on maligning the grand old partys image. Reacting to the BJPs plan, state Congress leaders, dared the current dispensation of making a film on their own pre-poll promises. Instead of wasting time on watching a Bollywood film, the BJP leaders should rather make a film on the false and unfulfilled promises they made to the people ahead of the elections, and view it in theatres along with the public, said senior Congress leader Surendra Kumar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A teacher of a private school in Haridwar district has been accused of stripping two girls in front of the class for performing poorly in a test held for English subject, an allegation refuted by the school management. According to police, a female teacher at JP International Public School in rural belt of Landaura forcefully stripped the two girls in a bid to shame them for their poor performance in the test. The incident left the girls shocked. After returning home on Tuesday noon, they informed their parents, who lodged a complaint against the teacher and the school management. Agitated by the incident, villagers gathered with the parents at the police station and staged a protest. Both the students belong to scheduled caste and therefore, police are moving very cautiously. Meanwhile, principal of JP Inter College Amita Rathore refuted the allegations of the girls and their parents, saying nothing such occurred in the school. Rathore termed the charges as baseless, saying the parents were trying to frame the English teacher and school management to malign our image. Whatever we have to say we have told the investigating police officer. How can a teacher force girl students to undress and make her roam in entire class? she asked. A complaint has been lodged against the teacher and police are investigating the matter, superintendent of police (rural), Manikant Mishra said, adding that the case has been handed over to women helpline sub-inspector Pramila Bisht. Parents and local peoples delegation, who met me, have been assured of due legal action and time-bound investigation, Mishra said. District education officer (primary schools), Brahmpal Saini said that if such an incident had taken place, then it is quite shocking and a serious matter. He has sought a report from the deputy education officer and promised punitive action against the teacher and school the management, if the charges are found true. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) the apex body for the conservation of big cats in India - has granted three-year extension to the countrys lone tiger cell at Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun. The tiger cell has a repository of more than 1,650 tigers of the total 2,226 reported in the All India Tiger Estimation, 2014. Officials said the extension is a boon for the tiger conservation programme in India. YV Jhala, senior scientist who heads the cell, said the NTCA gave its nod to the extension after a prolonged meeting with the scientists of WII in New Delhi on August 1. The extension will be a stepping stone towards cracking whip over poachers and smugglers, said Jhala, adding, We would be able to strengthen our database and check wildlife crime. The tiger cell has DNA fingerprints from tiger reserves across the nation with photographic evidence of big cats. At present, it is collecting Phase IV monitoring results from 50 tiger reserves. Simultaneously, it is also preparing for the upcoming tiger estimation, slated to start from October-November. The NTCA came up with the idea of tiger monitoring programme in 2012. The first three phases covered spatial mapping (identifying geographical location), monitoring of tiger habitats, assimilation of spatial data and estimation of tiger and prey population. The authority inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the WII last year in August. Jhala said the tiger cell has formulated management effective evaluation (MEE) framework that includes evaluation of tiger reserves, developed Monitoring System for Tigers Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (MSTrIPES), a software based monitoring system, and adopted globally recognised standard operating procedures (SOP) for All India Tiger Estimation. The cell has four researchers, each one getting an annual salary package of 60 lakh, which is borne by the NTCA. It has approval from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Flora and Fauna (CITES), granted at South Africa in October last year, for housing global tiger repository. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat will have a direct conversation with the people of Uttarakhand on the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Man Ki Baat, but with a difference. A government statement issued on Wednesday stated that Rawat will now have direct conversation with different sections of the society through video conference at tehsil and block levels. The CMs direct interaction with the people will take off on August 9 coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement. His first video conference will address high school and intermediate students at their respective subdivisions and blocks, the release stated. Interaction with the members of society is very important to ensure the participation of a common man in governance. The opinions of every member contributing in reformation of the society are very important, said Rawat. The CM, in a video conference on Wednesday, also directed district magistrates to ensure adequate arrangements for his interactions. He ordered district magistrates to be on take action mode in the wake of meteorological departments heavy rain warning for the next 48 hours. He also asked the officials to be on the vigil for road blockades in hill areas and ensure removal of debris as soon as possible. Rawat is one of the keen listeners of the PMs Man Ki Baat. He heard the last two programmes at a temple and an orphanage. He has asked his ministers to hold cleanliness drive regularly and upload the pictures via Twitter, Face book pages and other social media platforms. A 10-year-old student at GD Goenka School in Indirapuram died after falling on the floor outside his classroom on the second-floor of the building on Tuesday. The family of the Class 4 student has alleged negligence on part of school authorities. The family said the boys clothes were wet and there was a possibility of presence of water on the floor. The child, identified as Arman Sehgal, lived at Vaishali in Ghaziabad. His father is a marketing director with a private university in Sonepat. Arman was to appear for his weekly unit test at 8am but died around 7.45am outside his classroom IV D while he was proceeding to the room 5D for taking the test held every Tuesday. Armans mother, Swati (in orange kurta), and other family members grieve the loss of their son. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo) Armans father, Gulshan Sehgal, filed a complaint against the school authorities later in the evening, alleging the school was trying to hide facts. We went to the school but we were not allowed to meet the principal/administration... We were not shown the CCTV footage and the spot (where the boy fell) was also cleaned. I suspect that my son died due to negligence of school authorities... We want a judicial and CBI inquiry, read the complaint filed Sehgal. The police have filed a FIR on the basis of the complaint. Armans family alleged they were informed about the incident only after he was rushed to Shanti Gopal Hospital. We were informed late by school authorities. All his clothes were wet. I dont doubt but I am certain on this point that there was presence of water on the floor and the school was trying to hide this point. They are saying that the boys clothes were wet due to urine discharge, Armans mother, Swati, told mediapersons outside the hospital. Even the class teacher, in whose presence the incident took place, was brought before us very late and only after repeated requests, she said. According to school authorities, the incident took place around 7.50 am when the boy came to his classroom to put his bag on his seat and was moving out with his pencil box to another room for the test. He just fell over the floor while he was walking from his class to the other room. We immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital but he could not survive. The incident is unfortunate and we will fully cooperate with his parents and also with police to take up any investigation. There was no water on the floor as is being alleged, said school principal, Dr Kavita Sharma. His class teacher has given full details to his parents and also to the police about the incident. The boy was not in a hurry to rush to the exam room and was walking. He had arrived late by 10-12 minutes, approximately. The corridor where he fell down had no CCTV coverage, Sharma said. Priti Jaiswal, additional district magistrate (city), who had inspected the school on Monday, said the boy was declared brought dead at Shanti Gopal Hospital. The post-mortem will be carried out by a panel of two doctors. During the inspection, we have come across some irregularities in procedures and we are trying to find out the sequence of events that led to the childs death. The police will be checking up hospital records, she said. SC Dubey, station house officer of Indirapuram police station, said: We have seized all the disks where CCTV recordings at the school are recorded. The childs body has been sent for post-mortem, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Aam Aadmi Party candidate Ram Chandra filed his nomination on Wednesday for the Bawana assembly bypoll on August 23. The bypoll was required after AAP MLA from Bawana, Ved Parkash, quit the Delhi assembly to join the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the municipal elections this year. Parkash is now contesting on the BJP ticket. The AAP government started several development projects in the area over the past two and half years. I promise that all these projects will be completed. People know about it and I have the confidence that voters will back the AAP, Ram Chandra said. Top party leaders, including AAP (Delhi) convener Gopal Rai, minister Imran Hussain, senior leader Sanjay Singh and a party legislators such as Saurabh Bhardwaj, Ajesh Yadav, Sharad Chauhan and Bandana Kumari accompanied the party candidate while filing nomination. Ram Chandra had been associated with India Against Corruption -the anti-corruption movement from which AAP was born. Chandra, a migrant from Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), has been politically active in the area for the past several years. He had contested an election on BSP ticket in 2008 from Bawana - one of the 12 reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes in the 70-member Delhi assembly. Congress candidate Surender Kumar also filed his nomination on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken. Soon after the nomination, Maken said the Congress candidate, three time MLA from the constituency, has worked with honesty, dedication and commitment in the area. He is a staunch follower of the ideology and policies of the Congress party, and has spread the message of the party with total commitment, he said. BJP candidate Ved Prakash is likely to file his papers on August 5. The bypoll is politically critical for the AAP as it comes after back to back electoral losses for the party in Rajouri assembly bypoll and the MCD elections. The AAP has putting in rigorous efforts with the AAP (Delhi) convener and labour minister, Gopal Rai, camping in the constituency for over a month. A 25-year-old woman from Greece became the latest victim of bike-borne snatchers in high-security Lutyens Delhi on Tuesday night. The woman, who is staying in a hotel in Connaught Place area, was walking near Jantar Mantar when her Samsung Galaxy mobile phone was snatched by two men riding a motorcycle. A case of snatching has been registered at the Parliament Street police station. Brija Kishore Singh, deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi), said they have formed teams to probe the case and bring the snatchers to book. Our teams are scanning the footage of CCTV cameras installed around the crime scene for clues. Other cameras on the route taken by the Greek woman are also being examined, said the DCP. The DCP said that the woman, Anastasia Gkosiopulou, in her complaint said that on Tuesday around 10.30 pm, she stepped out of the hotel she was staying in to buy ice-cream at Jantar Mantar. The woman was near Kerala House when two men on a motorcycle came close to her and snatched her mobile phone. She screamed for help and by the time some passersby rushed to her help, the snatchers had fled on their motorcycle, said a senior police officer. Anastasia could not be reached for her comments. The matter was reported to the police by a passerby. A police team reached the spot and recorded the womans statement. She told them that the snatchers were riding without helmets. However, she could not see their faces properly or remember the bikes registration number because everything happened within a few seconds. The snatching with a foreigner barely 200 hundred meters away from the Parliament police station and the office of the district DCP has once again proved how bike-borne snatchers are getting bolder and targeting pedestrians at their will even in Delhis most secured areas. Delhi Police statistics show that 3,717 snatching cases were reported till May 31. It means that on an average 25 snatching cases were reported every day, at least one every hour. On July 10, a 26-year-old Manipuri woman was injured when she fell out of the moving auto-rickshaw while fighting off bike-borne snatchers from snatching her bag near Moolchand flyover. On December 29 last year, Sharmila Rai, 39, from Darjeeling on her way to Connaught Place was grievously wounded when she tried to fight off a snatching attempt by three men and fell out of the auto near Defence Colony flyover. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the municipal corporations to complete within two weeks the draft by-laws for Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 and place it before the court. The direction from a bench of acting chief justice Gita Mittal and justice C Hari Shankar came during the hearing of two petitions filed in public interest seeking directions to the municipal bodies and other authorities to take steps to prevent spread of dengue, chikungunya and malaria. Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment submitted a long-term action plan for solid waste management. For a poor country like India, waste has to be turned into a resource, she said. In the report, Narain said one of the major challenges concerning solid waste management was unauthorised disposal of waste in vacant plots and open areas. Currently, a fine of Rs 50 is imposed for littering, which she said was too low and needs to be revised. The report, which was prepared by experts including Almitra Patel and MC Mehta, said all the three existing landfills of Delhi Okhla, Bhalswa, Gazipur were filled beyond capacity in 2008. The dumping sites in Delhi do not have any methanisation or gasifiers to control the methane being produced naturally by the biodegradable garbage. There are no fire protection systems at these sites, thus making them a potentially flammable location, the report said. At present, mixed waste is usually collected and sent to the dump-sites or waste-to-energy plants or compost plants. An effective system of waste segregation is required at appropriate stages i.e. source of waste generation, collection, transportation, processing and disposal, the committee recommended. To enforce segregation at source, the committee of experts recommended that owner of commercial or residential area, apartment owner/societies, institutions, industries etc. shall maintain two types of dustbins, green for storing wet waste and blue for storing dry waste. It also recommended that MCDs must incentivise segregation at source by awarding and recognising the households by giving certificates, by publishing their names on websites or reduction in property tax etc. It recommended penalising households, societies and others for non-segregation. The rate of segregation in the city is not more than 2% and is restricted to a few institutions and areas such as Defence Colony and Delhi University. The committee also recommended imposition of waste generator user-fee and penalties as per the SWM Rules 2016. The municipal corporations had raised the issue land shortage for processing and disposal of solid waste. Replying to this, the bench told the MCDs to look at the expert panels plan for garbage disposal before asking for more land. The bench has posted the case for further hearing on September 19. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 16-year-old teenager died while a girl he was dating, a class 9 student at a government school, is battling for her life after they were stabbed in Sahibabad area of Ghaziabad on Tuesday afternoon. Rahul Kumar was returning along with the girl from her school when they were attacked by some unidentified persons at an isolated locality behind a government undertaking unit in Sahibabad, police said. The boy died due to excessive bleeding after he sustained a major stab wound on his chest. The girls throat was slashed but she survived. She has multiple stitches on her neck and is unable to speak, said Prashant Kumar Mishra, station house officer, Link Road police station. We are waiting for her to recover. Her statements will be crucial. The boys body was found behind a public sector undertaking office. We are probing all angles. It seems the same person stabbed both of them, Mishra said. The police are yet to recover the murder weapon. The officials said the area has a thick growth of bushes and they would search the spot again to trace the weapon. According to police, both the victims are from Bihar and are neighbours at Kadkad Model in Sahibabad. Brijesh Kumar, brother of Rahul, claimed the girl was dating someone else but had a break-up. The girl was stabbed but she to her house. My brother was cornered and stabbed to death. I suspect the attacker could be her previous boyfriend and may have come with others, he said. We do not suspect anyone from the girls family as they are our neighbours and have good relations with us, he said. The police were tight-lipped. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Raksha Bandhan is around the corner yet the busiest market of Old Delhi, Sadar Bazar, looks like a deserted market this year. The shopkeepers blame the newly introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) for this decline in business. I have been in this business (of rakhis) for the past 20 years but I have never seen such a low, says Jitender Gupta, a trader. He adds, By now, we usually [end up] selling half of our stock, lekin is baar ek-tihayi bhi nahi bika hai. All because of GST confusion. We cant issue bills as we have no clarity about HSN code (Harmonized System Nomenclature) number that should be on these rakhis. Many of us have not even got our GST numbers! The whole process has affected our sales severely. Earlier, rakhis were called Raskha Sutra or Kalava (like sacred Hindu thread Moli) and its HSN code was given accordingly. After GST, shopkeepers are clueless about the code that should be on rakhis, and are unable to find the same in HSN code searches engine. Main pura maal ek number mein lene aaya tha, lekin code ki confusion ki vajah se mujhe bill nahi mil paya. (I came to Delhi to buy rakhis in bulk quantity in cash but due to the confusion of GST code, I wasnt given a bill for it.) I have come from Jaipur, and [for me] visiting Delhi again this week wont be possible. So, for now I have bought a little stock but theres hell lot of confusion, says Manvinder Kumar, a customer. The shopkeepers in Sadar Bazar are angry and disappointed that the introduction of GST has hit their businesses. But above that, most of them are in dilemma if rakhi comes under taxable goods or not! Until last year, there used to be no tax on rakhis, and after GST theres no clarification on which tax slab it falls in, says Shayam Mittal from Shayam Rakhi Bhandar, adding, Rakhis were tax free until last year but we have no clue about this year, since GST has come into effect. Though the festivity and goods tax slab is 28 per cent, but we dont know if rakhis are under this slab. The worst is that even my chartered accountant is confused about it. Follow @htTweets for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An alleged suspect in a kidnapping case was found hanging inside the washroom of the Jahangirpuri police station in north Delhi on Wednesday, hours after he was called by the cops for interrogation. The police claimed it was an unprovoked suicide and denied use of force. An internal inquiry as well as a magisterial probe is in process, police said. The relatives of the deceased suspect foul play in the death. The dead man is 32-year-old Raj Kumar. A native of Kasganj in UP, Kumar was unmarried and worked as a security guard at a government school in Pitampura till a few months ago. During his stint at that school, he entered into a relationship with a married woman who worked as a peon. Their relationship ended a few months ago and Kumar quit the job and returned to his village, said a police officer. The woman went missing a few months ago, prompting her husband to file a police complaint and a habeas corpus petition at the Delhi High Court. The womans husband suspected five-six persons. Kumar was one of them, said the officer. A team was sent to Kumars village but when he was found unavailable, he was instructed to report to the Jahangirpuri police station. Kumar was confident he had no role in the womans disappearance. He willingly arrived in Delhi on Tuesday and visited the police station, said Kumars friend, Dharmendra, who dropped him at the police station around 3 pm. Citing the magisterial enquiry, the police refused to share either the sequence of events or the circumstances leading to his death. But Kumars relatives quoted investigators as saying he was let off around 10.30 pm. The investigating officer told me my uncle was allowed to go at 10.30 pm. The same officer tells me the suicide happened at 2 am, over three hours later, said Kumars nephew, Ankit Pachauri. Pachauri and other family members suspected that Kumar could have been physically and emotionally tortured, because of which he killed himself. A request for post-mortem by a board of doctors is being made. All mandatory actions are being taken, said Vijayanta Arya, additional DCP (north-west). She said neither was Kumar arrested nor did any evidence of his involvement in the womans disappearance emerge in Tuesdays questioning. . The sex ratio at birth in the capital has increased by four points, according to the annual report on registration of births and deaths 2016. The sex ratio has gone up to 902 females per 1,000 males in 2016, up from 898 in 2015. When it comes to checking sex-selective abortion, the situation is improving in Delhi. The health department is taking several measures such as registering ultrasound machine manufacturers as well as the clinics to curb sex selection. An informer reward scheme will also be introduced, said a Delhi government official. The infant mortality rate the number of deaths of infants under one-year old per 1,000 live births has also gone down in Delhi. The infant mortality has decreased from 23.25 deaths per thousand live births in 2015 to 21.35 in 2016, said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia while unveiling the report on Wednesday. Indias infant mortality is 37 per 1,000 live births. There has also been an increase in institutional births meaning deliveries at a hospital or health centre. 86.74 per cent of all births happened at a health centre in 2016, as compared to 84.41 per cent in 2015. When it comes to the causes of death, according to the report, septicaemia was the major killer during 2016, accounting for 8.48 per cent of all deaths that happened in hospitals or other health units. This was followed by hypertensive diseases (7.55%), shock (4.79%), tuberculosis (4.12%) and diseases of pulmonary circulation (4.05%). As for the vector-borne diseases, the report shows that 206 people died of dengue last year, whereas only 10 dengue deaths were recorded by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, the nodal agency for collection and compilation of dengue, chikungunya and malaria in Delhi. There was underreporting even in 2015, when Delhi had its worst dengue outbreak. The annual birth and death report showed that 486 people had died of dengue fever, whereas the corporation had declared only 60 deaths. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India had also slammed the corporation for underreporting. This years report also shows that 122 people died of malaria in 2016, whereas only 17 suspected deaths had been registered. Last year, another 248 people died of seasonal influenza, according to the report. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the Delhi High Courts decision to reopen a 31-year-old case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots against former MLA Mahender Yadav, who was acquitted of the charges. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra remarked: Under what procedure has it been done? On what basis this order has been passed? Rightly or wrongly this man was acquitted in 1986 and none challenged the judgment for more than 30 years. The court was hearing Yadavs appeal against the order. All of a sudden in some other matter, this order is passed. Under what process of law the high court can unsettle it? it asked. The court, however, did not stay the order. Yadavs counsel senior advocate Sultan Singh expressed apprehension that some coercive action might be taken against his client. Its a case of Section 302 (murder), he submitted. Nothing will happen. Its only a show cause notice, the bench told him, allaying his fears. Senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing the riot victims, justified the HC order. He claimed eyewitnesses were not summoned and the trial was closed in three months. The high court had cited Zahira Sheikhs case in the 2002 Gujarat riots as a precedent. But the bench was unconvinced. In that case (Zahira Sheikhs case) someone had challenged the order. Here no one challenged itJudges should not involved themselves in such cases, the court told Phoolka. A bench headed by acting chief justice of the high court, Gita Mittal, had in March 2017 sought to reopen the trial in five 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases in which all the accused were acquitted in 1986. It issued notice to five persons, including Yadav. Perhaps the matter was decided in a hurry, the HC, which took cognizance of the cases on its own, had observed. In a related development, the SC was informed that 51 more cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots were closed by a special investigation team (SIT) set up by the Narendra Modi government to reinvestigate them, taking the total number of such cases to 250. Almost 3,000 people were killed, most of them in Delhi, in the anti-Sikh riots that broke out following the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. Senior counsel Arvind Datar, who represented petitioner Gurnad Singh, told the bench that only nine cases were on. He demanded that the trial in these cases should be conducted on a day-to-day basis. The court, however, adjourned the matter to August 16 after additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta sought time to take instructions in the matter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China formally opened its first military base on the Indian Ocean littoral in the small but strategic African country of Djibouti. Outwardly there is no reason for New Delhi to be overly excited by this lone event. Beijing had announced its plans to set up a base there a few years ago and the ships carrying the first batch of base personnel left China last month. Djibouti rents portions of its territory to foreign countries as a revenue model: France, the United States and Japan have military bases there. China has described the base as a logistics facility and that it would be used to support anti-piracy and humanitarian missions in the Horn of Africa. This is not without basis. China has been an active participant in fighting Somali pirates. It has begun deploying blue-helmeted peacekeepers in places like South Sudan. Nonetheless, India has reason to be wary. Over the years, China has put forward the argument that it needs to project its military and political influence into the Indian Ocean to safeguard energy and trade supplies. It will have further interests if and when the various Belt Road Initiative projects in the Indian Ocean region come up. Beijing also seems to believe that it must be more active in holding up its friend, Pakistan. While China denies this, there is a widespread expectation that its work on expanding Gwadars facilities will eventually convert that Pakistani port into a de facto Chinese naval base. Even the Djibouti base seems to be preparing for a larger role: It already has aerial facilities probably designed for long-range drones and a number of underground structures. Indias response must be to deepen and widen its own footprint in the ocean that bears its name. Nothing can be done to stop China or any other country from building bases or investing in the Indian Ocean region. New Delhi, however, must seek to ensure that Beijing is not the only game in town. It has already begun the spadework in this direction with its outreach to African littoral states, trying to build up the Bay of Bengal area and bringing the island states in the ocean closer. Usefully it has also sought to do so in cooperation with other countries like Japan. The truth remains that the Indian Ocean is a geopolitical vacuum which will inevitably attract the attention of external players. New Delhi should remain open to a dialogue with Beijing to address the latters concerns about the Indian Ocean though Beijing has so far shown little interest in such a discussion. In itself, it is a commendable move by the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) to have set up an expert committee to deliberate on a data protection framework for India. Given that the IT Act was written almost two decades ago in 2000, and was last amended almost 10 years ago in 2008, it is high time that the laws in this fast changing sector were re-examined. As the presence of technology companies such as Facebook and Whatsapp become ubiquitous; and the government continues to push for increased collection of citizens data through Aadhaar and DNA profiling, questions of data protection and data privacy have become vitally important. As the distinction between users of ICT-enabled applications and citizens of the country become more and more conflated, it is critically important for the government to put in place a framework for the manner in which users data can be protected. Seen in light of the current case being heard in Supreme Court regarding the collection and use of Aadhaar data, this committee becomes even more relevant and important. However, the composition of the committee leaves much to be desired in terms of the number of points of view on the issue that will be represented in it. It is vital that the composition of the panel that will make recommendations to the government include independent cyber security experts along with jurists and legal experts. Given that most of the members of the panel have spoken against a right to privacy in the past, the composition of the committee is heavily skewed in the direction of the governments slated policy that data privacy cannot be a fundamental right. The implications of strong data protection legislation will have repercussions on all data collected, stored, and used in various forms be it in the private sector with companies that collect and analyse big data or the government with linking bank accounts and PAN numbers with Aadhaar, and the collection and use of DNA samples. Do you know what Chanakya Neeti is, or for that matter Vidur Neeti or sage Kamandaks treatise on military techniques and warfare management? If not, enrol at Bharat Adhyayan Kendra (BAK) of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi to learn more about ancient Indian streams of knowledge. BAK aims to promote Sanskrit as well as sanskriti (culture) and will initiate professors and students into Chanakya Neeti, Vidur Neeti and Vedic sciences and other skills and techniques. The centre will invite students of various departments in batches to spread awareness about ancient art and knowledge by holding a series of lectures and seminars. The initiative has been taken to preserve ancient Indian knowledge by giving an idea to students, professors and research scholars of polity and state management as mentioned in Vidur Neeti and Chanakya Neeti. The ancient texts are mainly in Sanskrit. Vidur Neeti and Chanakya Neeti can be utilised in the management of state administration. In the present scenario, a large number of students havent even heard about these texts, let alone studying them. Therefore, scholars at the centre started working on these texts to find out its relevance in present times, he added. The subjects to be covered in the programmes include 64 kalas (art forms), 18 vidyas (techniques or skills), Vedic studies, Vedanga (including Jyotish, Dharmashastra and Puranas), and schools of Indian philosophy. It will also focus on research on rajshastra (polity), ayurveda (ancient medical science) and arthshashtra (economics). Foreign students at various faculties of the BHU will also be invited to the seminars and lectures by scholars and professors who have indepth knowledge on these topics. Only one topic will be covered in a lecture. Five centenary research fellows and three centenary chair professors including Prof Kamlesh Dutt Tripathi, Prof Yugal Kishore Mishra and Prof Rakesh Upadhyaya have been roped in to carry out research in ancient disciplines. Foreign scholars will also be involved in research work in future. Research on 64 kalas (art forms) and 18 vidyas (techniques or streams) has already been completed. We will inform the students and professors about its importance in present times by holding a conference in the near future, said coordinator, BAK, Prof Sadashiv Dwivedi. The scholars will prepare papers on these subjects and discuss these in detail. Our students should be aware of ancient Indian knowledge widely discussed in classical texts, he added. Professors and students of political science, management, Vedic sciences, military science and management will be invited to the programmes to discuss ancient topics. We will inform them why Sanskrit and Bharatiya sanskriti are equally important and complementary to each other. One who knows Sanskrit will understand the essence of ancient texts, Prof Dwivedi said. In ancient times, sage Kamandak gave Kamandak Neeti on warfare management and techniques. Not many know about sage Kamandak today, Prof Dwivedi he said, adding regular programmes and efforts would help in generating interest among students and teachers. Students may start learning Sanskrit. Scholars at BAK are trying to study and preserve ancient Indian texts and promote Sanskrit. If the language flourishes, Indian culture will be further consolidated, he said. BAK was founded about one and a half years ago on the initiative of BHU vice-chancellor Prof Girish Chandra Tripathi to study, preserve and promote ancient knowledge. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON States will soon be able to able to conduct exams for students of class 5 and 8 and detain them if they fail, as the Union Cabinet approved a proposal on Wednesday for scrapping the no-detention policy, according to sources. However, before being detained, students will get another opportunity to clear the exam, and only if they fail in that exam will they be detained. Under the existing no-detention policy, students are promoted automatically to higher classes every year till the eighth grade. The proposal has been approved by the Union Cabinet, under which states have been empowered to take decision on detaining the students, a source said, adding that certain safeguards have been introduced, such as remedial classes and an additional chance to pass the exam. For instance, students of classes 5 and 8, who do not pass the examination in March, will be given another chance in May or June. Before sitting for the second exam, they will be asked to attend remedial classes. They will be detained if they fail in that exam, according to the proposal which was put up for the cabinets consideration. Sources said the government will introduce a bill in Parliament as the move requires amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Once the new system comes into force, the onus would be on the states to decide whether to hold examinations in classes 5 and 8. States can also hold exams for classes 6 and 7, but they will not be able to detain students at those grades. An enabling provision will be made in the RTE amendment bill that will allow states to conduct examinations in class 5 and class 8 and detain students if they fail, said a senior HRD official. A key component of the RTE Act, the no-detention policy unveiled by the UPA government came into force on April 1, 2010, with the intention of ensuring that every child aged between 6 and 14 received school education. However, for the past few years, concerns have been raised about the negative impact of the policy on the academic performance of the students. After holding consultation with states in the Central Advisory Board of Education meeting last year, it was decided to give states the right to decide whether they want to have a no-detention policy or not. The move will allow states to evolve their own policy of detention from Class 5. This requires amending the RTE Act. Many states, especially Delhi, have been vocal about the flaws in the no-detention policy that has affected the quality of education. However, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have opposed the proposed amendment to the policy. The policy is likely to come into force from 2018. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Medical Council of India to be cautious in granting permission to institutions imparting medical education saying any lapse could invite a calamity in the absence of qualified doctors with impeccable qualities. The court said that it is obligatory on part of the central government to take a reasoned decision with regard to granting permission to medical institutions to admit students. A bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, said it was essential to have institutions which were worthy of imparting medical education so that the society had qualified doctors who had impeccable qualities and also showed sensitivity. The bench, also comprising justices Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar, said that the Centre should take an informed decision with regard to IQ City Medical College before granting it permission to admit 150 students for the academic year 2017-18, in consultation with the newly constituted Oversight Committee, within two weeks. Noting the college has been running since 2013, it said the students admitted then would continue their education till 2018. As we find the order of the central government is not a reasoned one, it is obligatory on its part to ascribe reasons, it said. The court directed the Centre to afford a further opportunity of hearing to the college representatives and take a decision which should contain reasons. It listed the matter for further hearing on August 24. The bench said it would be inappropriate to restrict the power of the MCI by laying down as an absolute principle on the issue of compliance verification. The assessors while visiting a college should verify all issues with regard to deficiencies and not turn a Nelsons eye in case they perceived certain deficiencies beyond the mandate, it said. The apex court verdict came on a plea filed by the college in Burdwan in West Bengal seeking quashing of the order of the ministry of health and family welfare refusing to renew the permission for the accademic year 2017-18 to admit the fifth batch of 150 MBBS students. The MCI has found certain deficiancies during its surprise inspection of the college and its facilities and had recommended the Centre not to renew the permission to the college for the academic year 2017-18. To-be parents, take note. Its important for infants to be breastfed. World Health Organization (WHO) recognises breast milk as the best nutritional food source for infants, which should be available to babies deprived of their mothers milk. WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding should commence within one hour of the childs birth. It should be administered during the first six months of the childs life and should ideally continue till the age of two to ensure the healthy growth and development of the child apart from reducing the rate of child mortality. India faces its own set of unique health challenges, one of them being the high vulnerability associated with pre-term babies who are significantly underweight. According to WHO, undernutrition is associated with 45% of child deaths. Fortis La Femme along with Breast Milk Foundation supports World Breastfeeding Week through its pioneering initiative, Amaraa the first Pasteurized Human Milk Bank in Delhi/NCR, launched last year in collaboration with the Breast Milk Foundation. The objective of Amaraa is to provide all premature and critically-ill babies with human breast milk. Through this initiative an opportunity is provided to all qualified donors across Delhi/NCR to donate their milk. Fortis La Femme helps us understand the importance of breastfeeding and its sustained benefits. Breastfeeding lowers the babys risk of having asthma or allergies. (Shutterstock) Why is breastfeeding important? Breast milk contains antibodies that help the baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers the babys risk of having asthma or allergies. Additionally, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and bouts of diarrhoea. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age. How long does one have to breastfeed for it to be beneficial? The longer one nurses (giving little or no formula), the more profound and long-lasting the benefits. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least the rest of the first year, or longer if desired by mother and baby. Why is breastfeeding better than formula feeding? Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalisations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a babys chances of getting any infections. Breastfeeding reduces the rate of child mortality. (Shutterstock) What are the nutrients found in breast milk? Mature milk contains water, fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes and white cells. Over the course of a feeding, breast milk changes from foremilk, high in water and lactose, to hind milk - high in fat and calories. Dr Raghuram Mallaiah, director, Neonatology, Fortis La Femme said, There are a number of instances in which mothers who have delivered preterm babies are unable to breast feed their babies due to prematurity and stress of having a preterm baby. In these cases, pasteurised donor milk is recommended as an essential alternative. It is an established fact that donor milk in these circumstances can be life-saving and hugely protective from infections for these very preterm and low birth weight babies. The milk bank which provides pasteurised breast milk is the only hope for these vulnerable babies in our society. Globally, Human Milk banking is a common practice, but in India there are only 20 such human milk banks that exist as per the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Key reasons for this are lack of awareness among the public, taboos associated with the consumption of milk from a donor mother along with the promotion and easy access to formula milk. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more Parents of students of Delhi Public School Ghaziabad (DPSG), Palam Vihar, on Wednesday claimed that school was demanding a hiked fee though the fee and fund regulatory committee (FFRC) had directed it not to do so. In June, D Suresh, chairman of the FFRC, had issued an order asking the school to roll back the hiked fee and not demand an advance fee. The parents said that on Tuesday, they received a fee slip that included a Rs 9,300 penalty for not paying the revised fee for the first and second quarter. The parents alleged that teachers at the school are harassing students who have not paid the hiked fee. It is shameful to harass students for the fee, while there is a dispute about the fee and the school management, parents and the administration are trying to resolve the matter, Sanjay Sudarshan, a parent. Hundreds of parents, who have been protesting against the unregulated fee hike over the last four months, met the FFRC chairman on Wednesday morning. We presented the fee slip to him and requested him to look into the matter. He had earlier issued an order rolling back the fee, but the school has instead demanded that we pay the hiked fee and a penalty too, said Yashesh Yadav, a parent. Another parent Jasvinder Singh said, School has issued fee slips for the second quarter in contempt of the FFRC order. Students are subject to trauma. They are made to stand in front of the whole class for not paying the hiked fee. Children have refused to go to school to avoid the humiliation. D Suresh has called an emergency meeting on Thursday and has directed that the school management and parents be present to ensure that the management comply with the orders he had passed in June. I have called a meeting on Thursday and the school will have to comply with the order. They cannot raise the fee. The question of a penalty doesnt even arise. I am sure there is some misunderstanding and they (school) have to comply with the orders, he said. The school management, meanwhile, has appealed to the top officials in the education department in Chandigarh and another meeting is fixed for August 8. We have appealed to the additional secretary, education, against the order. We are waiting for the appeals outcome. As the divisional commissioner has called us on Thursday, we will attend that meeting, said Sudhir Chitnis, senior administrator, DPSG, said. DPSG had written to the divisional commissioner in May stating that the Form 6, as per rules, is filed only by a recognised school. Since DPSG is still awaiting recognition, there was no need for it to submit Form 6, the school had claimed. The school has duly filed Form 1 as per Rule 20(I) of the Haryana Education Rules and had obtained permission to start the school. Soon after, Form 2 was filed with all documents on September 16, 2016, for recognition by the department of education which, despite several reminders, is still awaited, Chitnis said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The state government, Huda and International Recreation and Amusement Limited (IRAL) asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for four weeks time for submitting details on groundwater extraction by Appu Ghar, the amusement park, located in Sector 29, Gurgaon. The tribunal had issued an order to the state government, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) and to the amusement park on Thursday while hearing a petition that alleged over extraction of groundwater by the park. Petitioner Harinder Dhingra pleaded that Appu Ghar, which is being run by IRAL, is exploiting groundwater in an area which is marked as dark zone by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) since 2008. As a result, the area is facing a water shortage, the petitioner claimed. The plea also pointed out that though the amusement park, which is spread across 42 acres, had obtained two water connections of 50mm and 25mm from the Huda, but it was withdrawing more water than permitted. The NGT had asked the state government to investigate the matter and submit a report before July 31. The plea also maintained that the amusement park is extracting groundwater illegally and as a result water table is depleting. The state government and the civic agency are jointly helping the amusement park exploit groundwater, Dhingra said. At present, groundwater extraction in the city is around 308% when it should not be more than 85%, as per the CGWB norms. Neighbouring districts such as Faridabad extracts around 75%, Palwal about 80% and Mewat about 85%. According to the CGWB, over-exploitation of groundwater has caused the water table to dip to dangerous levels and could lead to the creation of voda-zones (shallow areas) underneath the earth, thereby destabilising the area. This could spell trouble for Gurgaon, which is already in seismic zone 4, the high damage risk zone in case of an earthquake. We do have an approved water connection of 25 mm and 100 mm dia (each one) for water supply to water park, There is no bore at site, we are 100% complied for extracting ground water. We do have quality filtration plants and use fresh water only for topping up, site is of 25 acre wherein, water park is only at 8 acre of property. Wasted water is treated and re-used for landscaping and other sources, a representative of IRAL management said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 30-year-old resident of Fresco Apartment, Sector 50, Gurgaon, was stuck in an elevator for close to 30 minutes on Wednesday. The incident comes four days after 20 people, including six female employees of a multi-national company, went through a harrowing time on Saturday after being stuck in an elevator at Sector 53s South Point Mall for close to 90 minutes before police rescued them. For the victim, Alokita Verma, a housewife, Wednesday was the second claustrophobic experience within two months. Around 7 am on Wednesday, Verma boarded the lift from the ground floor to go to the 12th floor, after dropping her son at school. When the lift reached the sixth floor, it suddenly stopped working. Initially, Verma thought that the elevator might be stuck due to a power cut. Hopwever, five minutes after she realised that the problem was probably not due to an electricity failure. She then tried calling her husband, but her phone had no network. She also pressed the panic button placed inside the lift, but nothing happened. No one heard her cries for help either. I was scared and started having panic attacks. My phone wasnt working. I began having trouble breathing and worst of all started feeling claustrophobic, Verma said. Verma said she pressed the panic button rpeatedly after which a security guard contacted the main gate and a lift operator rushed and rescued her. Verma later lodged a complaint of negligence against the developer at Sector 50 police station. Fresco apartments has 16 towers, and each tower has two lifts. However, of the 32 elevators, only 27 are operational at present. Many lifts in the condominium have issues. Our lifts are maintained by an agency, but the developer owes over Rs 40 lakh to them because of which the agency is not providing proper service, said Fresco RWA president, Nilesh Tandon. Inspector Surinder Singh of Sector 50 police station confirmed that they ahd received a complaint. We have received the complaint and are investigating the matter, he said. Wednesday was the second time in four days that an elevator had got stuck in a Gurgaon high-rise or a mall. On Saturday night, police had broken the glass door of a faulty elevator and rescued 20 people who had had stuck for close to 90 minutes. Two of the trapped women reportedly fainted while waiting to be rescued. On April 7, 2009, Nishant Sharma, an employee with marketing and consulting company Sapient, was killed after getting stuck under an elevator when he was trying to go to his office on the 10th floor of Cyber Greens building in DLF Phase 3. His body was crushed after the elevator suddenly moved and trapped his leg. He was rushed to a private hospital with cardiac and respiratory seizure, where he died on April 11. Five years later, on the night of May 26, 2014, eighteen members of a family, including children, from Sushant Lok were trapped for more than an hour inside an elevator at a deluxe hotel on MG Road. The police had to break the glass of the elevator and rescue the family. The police later arrested two bouncers who did not help the victims and even dissuaded the police from breaking the elevators glass. On April 22 this year, an elevator at Central Park-2 on Sohna road fell to the lower basement with a family reportedly stuck inside. No one was injured in the incident. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Builders from across Haryana made a rush to apply for registration with the Haryana town and country planning (TCP) department under the newly notified rules of real estate regulatory authority (RERA) Act between July 29 and 31 to avoid a 10% penalty. Between July 29 and 31, the last three days to apply, the RERA executive directors office received more than 350 applications, which are yet to be examined and approved for registration. The RERA office told Hindustan Times on Wednesday that most of the applications are from Gurgaon and many of them are from reputed builders. The newly set up RERA office, which is being headed by executive director Dilbag Singh Sihag, is short of staff and working manually and the process of examining of documents of 350 applications will take couple of weeks, sources said. A Gurgaon-based builder, on condition of anonymity said, We applied for registration on July 29, a day after RERA rule notification. It was Saturday and there was complete chaos at Panchkula office of the RERA after a heavy rush of builders fearing penalty. The government is at fault for not making clear that registration could be accepted on draft rules applicable from May 1, 2017. He added that a penalty of 10 percent of total cost of project is a lot of money and builders have been put at risk for fault of the department. The July 31 deadline was for developers who obtained licences from the Haryana TCP in past decades and have not yet got occupation or completion certificates. Praveen Jain, president of the national real estate development council (Naredco), which was set up under the aegis of ministry of housing and urban affairs, said, Naredco and other real estate bodies tried their best to create awareness in this regard. The government did not inform the builders on time resulting in chaos at the eleventh hour. We have appealed to the Haryana government to extend the time of registration. We used all the events of Naredco and other real estate bodies to inform developers repeatedly about registration of draft rule from May 1, 2017, said the executive director of RERA. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON There is a need for early detection and intervention of adolescent depression as a study reveals that teen depression increases the risk of violence. The research examined the longitudinal association between depression and subsequent violence from three representative samples in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Finland. Researchers for these three cohorts used complementary measures of depression, including self-report and clinical diagnoses, and different measurements of violence including informant reports of violence and official convictions for violent crimes. The research team, led by Professor Seena Fazel, from the Forensic Psychiatry Group at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, found modest increases in risk of violence in depression. In absolute terms, for instance, in the Finnish sample, 7.1% of individuals with depression were convicted of one or more violent crimes, compared with 3.6% in the general population without depression. In relative terms, across samples and measurements, the study shows a consistent pattern of increased relative risk of later violence. In the Dutch and UK samples, an increase in depressive symptoms was associated with a significant elevated risk of later violence. In the Finnish sample, the odds of violence in individuals with a diagnosis of depression were increased two-fold, compared to those without depression. These findings highlight the need for active and early treatment of depression in adolescents and young people. The mechanisms behind this link need further investigation, and may involve increased impulsivity, hostility and poor self-regulation. We know that high rates of depression have been reported among adolescents in juvenile detention and correctional facilities (e.g.,11% in boys and 29% in girls), said Dr. Rongqin Yu, lead researcher at the Forensic Psychiatry Group at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. However, the longitudinal link between depression and violence was unclear. Our longitudinal design allowed us to take into account previous violence, enabling us to test whether adolescent depression is associated with changes in violence over time. We found a consistent pattern of increased risk of later violence across samples. Both depression and violence are prevalent in adolescents and young adults; our findings indicate the importance of early detection and treatment of depression. Professor Fazel said: This research is important for two main reasons. First, it adds to the evidence of the many potential harms of untreated depression in young people. Second, it suggests that closer liaison between criminal justice and mental health might prevent violence in high-risk individuals. The study has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP). Follow @htlifeandstyle for more In August, Superbad, the film that put Jonah Hill on the map, will celebrate its 10 year anniversary. Hill played Seth in the movie, a high school comedy about two misfits looking to get lucky before leaving for college. He played the large, loud, and crass foil to Michael Ceras character, who was a nervous, wiry geek. Recently, fresh pictures of Hill surfaced online in which hes looking much fitter than he used to. First, refresh your memory with a picture of Hill from Superbad (2007). Hill retained this physique for his roles in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) and Moneyball (2011). But he lost a lot of weight for his first action comedy, 21 Jump Street (2012), in which he starred opposite Channing Tatum. Soon after that, he regained lost weight for his roles in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and War Dogs (2016). But now, in 2017, this is what Jonah Hill looks like. The actor was spotted in New York with his friend. DAYUM. #JonahHill is looking fitter than ever while taking a stroll in NYC. (: Getty Images) A post shared by Entertainment Tonight (@entertainmenttonight) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:28am PDT Leaned up. #jonahhill wears pocket tee, trousers, and @adidasoriginals Samba sneakers out with a friend in NYC. #adidasoriginals A post shared by UpscaleHype (@upscalehype) on Jul 31, 2017 at 12:29pm PDT #JonahHill enjoyed a sunny NYC stroll over the weekend, looking incredibly fit. (: @gettyimages) A post shared by POPSUGAR Celebrity (@popsugarcelebrity) on Jul 31, 2017 at 1:11pm PDT Follow @htshowbiz for more A 30-year-old man injured in clashes between civilians and security forces died on Wednesday even as parts of Kashmir shut down in response to a Hurriyat call for protests against the killing of militant commander Abu Dujana. Police said Akeel Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Pulwama, died of bullet injuries at a government hospital in Srinagar, a day after he was hit on the chest when police fired on a mob protesting the killing of Dujana and another militant. Another person was killed in the violence following the killing of the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant. Several other civilians were injured when security forces retaliated at the stone-pelting mob with pellets and bullets. The injured included a nurse and a paramedic student, who were hit by splinters during the firing by security forces outside the Pulwama district hospital, said medical superintendent Rasheed Para. Large parts of the valley continued to remain under curfew-like restrictions following the militants killing. The separatist-called shutdown also affected life across the valley, sources said. The authorities also shut down mobile internet. Officials, meanwhile, said the Jammu and Kashmir government, in a first, will approach the Pakistan high commission to accept the body Dujana, who is believed to be from Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). We are collecting evidence and will approach the Pakistani high commission soon so that if his family wants they can claim the body, the state director general of police SP Vaid told HT. Till now, bodies of foreign militants killed in the state are handed over to local residents in Baramulla for burial in a graveyard in Gantamulla village. More than 40 non-local militants have been buried in the graveyard, officials added. He, however, did explain the reason for the decision. Earlier, the Indian government had made many requests to Islamabad to take back bodies of militants suspected to be from the Pakistan. They included Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. He was hanged in November 2012 and buried at a jail in Pune. Islamabad have always turned down Indias requests as accepting the bodies would mean admitting Pakistani militants are involved in creating unrest in India. Vaid said the militants body has been buried temporarily at the Gantamulla graveyard as amanat, a concept in Islam where a body is buried with the faith that the earth with protect it. Police said the body can be buried properly if Pakistan refuses to accept it. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a bizarre medical condition, a newborn baby in Thane was found to be pregnant with his half-formed twin brother feeding off his blood supply. The condition, called fetus in fetu, is so rare that only about 100-200 such cases have been reported from all over the world till date. The boy was born to a 19-year old woman from Mumbra on July 20 at Bilal Hospital in Thane, near Mumbai. The 7cm foetus, weighing 150 gm and complete with a brain, arms and limbs, was found behind the babys stomach. A radiologist first spotted the abnormal mass during a routine scan of the pregnant mother. In post-natal scans, we spotted another half-formed baby with a brain, arm and legs in a foetal sac in the babys abdomen, radiologist Bhavna Thorat told German news agency DPA. After the baby was born, another scan found that the twin was feeding off his nutrition and posed a life threat. Doctors referred him to the Titan hospital in Thane, where the parasitic foetus was successfully removed by a specialist team of experts. It is suspected to be a rare congenital anomaly called fetus in fetu in which a malformed foetus gets absorbed into the body of its twin. The team that performed the surgery at Titan Hospital, Thane. Photo Credit: Neena Nichlani Gynecologist Dr Neena Nichlani, who was part of the team that operated on the baby, said, It is a case of monozygotic twin pregnancy sharing single placenta, where one foetus is wrapped around the other and feeds off its hosts body. As both the twins draw nutrients from a single umbilical chord, the chances of survival are usually low in such cases. It is a very rare condition and this is for the first time I have encountered such a case in my entire medical career... Both the baby and the mother are doing well, she added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For 34 years, Patnas premier autonomous health facility, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), has made employees declare before joining whether they are virgin or not. Now, after a furore, authorities pin the blame on poor translation making its way into the institutes marital declaration form. The form, existing since the inception of the institute in 1983, makes employees declare whether they are bachelor, widower or virgin. Employees also have to state if they have more than one wife. Newly appointed health minister Mangal Pandey of the BJP was caught unawares when reporters asked him about these stipulations on Wednesday. Pandey told a news channel it was an employees zodiac sign that had to be mentioned on the form and nothing more. When HT posed the same question to the institutes medical superintendent, Dr Manish Mandal, he replied, Our rules and forms are the same as those of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. We have simply adopted it in letter and spirit. Asked about the mandatory virginity declaration, he said, In Devanagari (Hindi language), unmarried girls are referred to as kunwari kanya. The word virgin for it is a case of poor translation. The right word should have been unmarried. He added, Mention of the word virgin on the form has nothing to do with the virginity of an employee. It only seeks to know the marital status of an employee... The IGIMS follows AIIMS, which in turn follows the Central Civil Services (CCS) rules. He said employees fill the form at the time of joining so that their dues can be settled on the basis of their declaration in the event of death while in service. Reached for comment, AIIMS said it had no such columns in its recruitment forms. Despite the outcry, Bihars top hospital will be stuck with virgin on its form because it cannot make a change on its own. The IGIMS cannot change it. If anything has to be amended, it can be done only through legislation or on orders of the judiciary, said Mandal. The IGIMS was established on the pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi, to provide super specialty medical facilities in Bihar. Its board of governors, the supreme body of the institute, has 13 members, with the states health minister as its chairman. The institutes director is its member-secretary. Three IAS officers principal secretaries of health, finance and development and eight doctors are its members. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Bihar cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, denied seniority as he faced departmental proceedings for over 10 years, including the allegation that he sexually exploited a woman, has secured a double promotion after charges against him could not be proved. For Amitabh Kumar Das, 1994 batch officer, even the double promotion has come with a further delay, that is, more than three months after the charges against him were quashed by a notification, dated April 27 last.. Das, posted as SP-cum-assistant commissioner, civil defence, has now been promoted directly to the pay-scale of inspector general (IG) in the pay-band of Rs 37400-67000, with grade pay of Rs 8700, with effect from December 18, 2008. The officers travails began in 2007, when a woman brought charges of sexual exploitation against him. Das was commandant of Bihar military police-11 at that time and was posted at Jamui in south-eastern Bihar. At the behest of the state government, an inquiry was conducted against Das by the then superintendent of police (SP) of Vaishali (in north Bihar), Preeta Verma, who found the charges against Das to be false. The government then ordered departmental proceedings against Das, who had charges of indiscipline and conduct unbecoming of an officer, adding, to the original charge levelled by a woman. Again, the then departmental enquiry commissioner and 1974-batch IAS officer S P Keshav gave Das a clean chit after the girl did not appear before him for 18 months, to back up her charges against the officer. Later, in 2009, the government decided to go in for another departmental proceeding, which the officer challenged in the central administrative tribunal (CAT). The CAT, too, ruled in favour of Das and termed the governments move as misuse of procedure. Das had pleaded before the tribunal that the departmental proceedings against him had been started out of vendetta, being pursued, allegedly, by a former union minister from Bihar, after he (Das), as SP, railways, had hinted at wrong-doing in the award of railway contracts. Four years later, in 2013, the government went into appeal against the CAT order, in the Patna high court, which was rejected on October 29, 2015. The Bihar government then moved the apex court, where its SLP was rejected by the double bench of justice R K Agarwal and justice Ashok Bhusan, last year. Despite the apex court order, on September 30, 2016, there was no further movement on the matter for nearly six months after which Das moved a petition, seeking revocation of proceedings and promotion, as his batch mates have already become IG, while he remained SP. Das was earlier in the news as SP of Arwal in south-central Bihar, in 2005, when, in a report, he had recommended the slapping of POTA on Ranveer Sena, a private army of landlords, which is now defunct. Das again kicked up a storm in November 2014, when as SP, Bihar human rights commission, he wrote a letter to IG (special branch) Jitendra Singh Gangwar, informing him of the alleged cordial relations between (now union minister) Giriraj Singh and the proscribed Ranveer Sena. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A storm is brewing in the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), and its threatening to make the going tough for Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. As many as 12 presidents of state units across the country have asked party founder-president Sharad Yadav to convene a national convention for discussing Kumars unilateral decision to align with the BJP after snapping ties with the Grand Alliance in Bihar late last month. Yadav, who has termed Kumars decision as unfortunate and unpleasant, will begin touring Bihar from August 5 to get inputs from party leaders and workers in this regard. Later, on August 17, the party founder-president will address a gathering under the Saajhi Viraasat (shared cultural heritage) banner in New Delhi. Political leaders from like-minded secular parties, such as the Congress, CPI-M, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, will attend the event. Yadav, who was marginalised by Kumar over the years, has suddenly found himself representing a powerful voice of dissent within the party. However, he is playing his cards close to his chest for now. With just a few years to go for the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Bihar assembly, the anti-Nitish front in the JD-U is unlikely to take the precipitous decision of quitting the party. Rebels can do a better job at damaging Nitishs political prospects if they stay in the party and work against him, an inside source said. For now, the rebels are sharpening their knives in anticipation of the JD-Us national executive meeting called by Kumar on August 19. The Patna event is likely to witness major fireworks, the source said. The presidents of state party units including those from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal and Rajasthan have also issued a separate letter to Kumar, describing his decision to align with the saffron party as betrayal of the peoples mandate in the 2015 assembly election. Even if Nitish did find continuing the alliance with Lalu Prasads Rashtriya Janata Dal unpalatable, he could have resigned and gone for mid-term polls. This decision to join hands with the BJP smacks of treachery, a party state president told HT. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The office of the Chief Justice of India and governor are not covered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the government said Wednesday. The Act empowers a citizen to seek time bound response on governance-related query from a public authority or a government department. The office of Chief Justice of India and Governor are not recorded as public authority on the records of Central Information Commission, minister of state for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. On a day when the Congress moved the Supreme Court over the use of None of the Above (NOTA) option in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too joined the issue in opposing the provision. The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear Gujarat Congresss petition challenging Election Commissions (EC) decision to use NOTA. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the petition and asked a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra to hear the matter urgency. The court accepted the submission and listed it for Thursday. Sibal told the court there was no statutory provision with regard to Nota in the Constitution. Meanwhile, the BJP too made a similar demand and moved the Supreme Court. A delegation of the ruling party submitted a memorandum the EC, suggesting it to create a consensus among political parties before rushing with the decision. There is no secrecy for the voting in such election, therefore the purpose of Nota is not much of use in such election, it told the EC. The delegation led by Union ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Mansukh Mandaviyia and BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav also argued there was no specific direction of the Supreme Court for use of Nota option for election for Rajya Sabha and, therefore, the commission has acted beyond the direction passed by the apex court. It insisted that the SC order relates to election for the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies. In a petition to the Election Commission, the Congress said use of NOTA in RS elections was contrary to the mandate of the Constitution, the Representation of Peoples Act, the conduct of election rules and the judgment of the Supreme Court. To defend its decision to provide NOTA, the poll panel released details of RS elections since 2013 to drive home the point that the provision had been used for the past four years. Immediately thereafter, biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha were held in 16 states. Instructions regarding Nota option were applicable from then onwards. Biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha covering all states and 25 by-elections to the upper house have been held since then, the commission said. The EC also sought a factual report from the finance secretary by Friday over Congress complaint of BJP using Central forces, during the I-T raid in Bengaluru, to intimidate their MLAs before the Gujarat polls. The Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of former UP chief secretary Neera Yadav in a land allotment scam from 1993-95 in Noida but reduced her jail term from three to two years. A bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and R Banumathi also upheld the conviction of former IAS officer Rajiv Kumar in the case and modified his jail term from three to two years. The CBI had alleged that Yadav, a 1971 batch IAS officer, was chief executive officer of Noida in 1995 when she violated norms in allotting a prime plot of land to an industrialist. It was alleged that she entered into a criminal conspiracy with 1983-batch IAS officer, Rajiv Kumar, then deputy chief executive officer, Noida, to change land use of a plot which was earmarked for a guest house and also increased its area in violation of norms. The probe agency had said that Yadav, during her tenure as Noida CEO, misused her official position as a public servant and got herself allotted a plot in violation of norms. The allotment was done despite the fact that the application submitted by her was incomplete in many respects and was submitted after the closing date of the scheme, CBI had said. It was also alleged that she got two plots allotted in the names of her two daughters, in violation of the rule that permitted only one plot of land to one family in Noida. Karnataka energy minister D K Shivakumar, whose residences were raided by Income Tax department on Wednesday, has for long been one of the key strategists of the Congress in the state and the party leaderships most trusted. The fact that Congress high command chose Shivakumar to take care of the 42 Gujarat MLAs, who have been housed in a resort outside Bengaluru to deter defections to BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, is proof that he is valued by the party leadership in Delhi, close aides of the minister claimed. Neither chief minister Siddaramaiah nor state Congress president G Parameshwara were informed about the partys decision regarding the Gujarat MLAs. Shivakumar, who hails from the Vokkaliga caste, was a protege of former chief minister and ex-Union minister S M Krishna, who switched to the BJP earlier this year. His strategic acumen is held in high regard, and he was even part of the campaign in the Assam assembly elections. The leader had famously engineered the defeat of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda of JD(S) in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. Though not part of the state cabinet initially, he was made a minister after he ensured the victory of the Congress in bypolls held for two seats in 2013. With interests in mining, real estate and education sectors, Shivakumar has never been far away from controversy. In 2012, the Lokayukta filed a charge sheet against him for holding acres of land in Bengaluru which was illegally denotified during then-Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappas tenure. In February, contents of a diary purportedly belonging to a Congress MLC were leaked. It allegedly showed kickbacks sent to the partys high command. The diary allegedly has abbreviations of the names of ministers in the Karnataka government. Shivakumar had been summoned by the I-T department in connection with this case. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China on Wednesday cited a 2006 diplomatic document from talks between the Special Representatives on the border issue to back up its claim that Indian troops had trespassed into Chinese territory, triggering the standoff at Donglang in June. Beijing contended the document a non-paper provided by the Indian side during the meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary issue on May 10, 2006 indicated the two sides had agreed to the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector under an 1890 treaty signed by Great Britain and China. Both sides agree on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim Sector, the Chinese foreign ministry quoted the non-paper as saying. In a first, China also floated the idea that New Delhi and Beijing should sign a new boundary convention to replace the 1890 Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet that is said to have demarcated the Sikkim boundary. A non-paper is an informal document, usually without explicit attribution, used in diplomatic negotiations. It is rare for the contents of such a document to be officially made public by either parties involved in negotiations. The 15-page Chinese statement made no mention of the India foreign ministrys assertion in a statement issued on June 30 that the two sides had reached an agreement in 2012 that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries. India had also said that any attempt to unilaterally determine tri-junction points would violate this understanding. The statement claimed that India had reduced its troop presence at the site of standoff from 400 soldiers to 40 troops and a bulldozer. But soon after the Chinese statement was issued, Indian government sources said there had been no withdrawal of troops by India and status remained unchanged on the ground. Neither has the Indian Army pulled back any troops nor has the force observed any withdrawal by the Chinese side. The status remains the same, the sources said. The face-off began on June 16, when Indian troops opposed the building of a road by Chinese forces at Donglang or Doklam, which is under Chinas control but claimed by Bhutan. China insists that the Indian troops had trespassed into its territory. India has said the road construction alters the status quo and has serious security implications. The Chinese statement said the boundary in the Sikkim sector has long been delimited by the 1890 convention between China and Great Britain and even the signing of a new boundary convention would in no way alter the nature of the boundary in the sector. The Chinese and Indian sides have been in discussion on making the boundary in the Sikkim Sector an early harvest in the settlement of the entire boundary question during the meetings between the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question, it added. The more than 2,500-word statement was the latest in the series of steps by the Chinese side blaming India for the impasse. Beijing wants India to withdraw its troops from Donglang before the two sides can open talks. Referring to the standoff, the statement said: On 16 June 2017, the Chinese side was building a road in the Dong Lang area. On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area. In addition to the two bulldozers, the trespassing Indian border troops, reaching as many as over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory. As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory, it added. The statement categorically mentioned that India has no right to intervene in the territorial dispute between China and Bhutan indicating Bhutan was just an excuse for India to cross the border and stop Chinese soldiers from building the road. The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf, it said. Indias intrusion into the Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan has not only violated Chinas territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutans sovereignty and independence. The statement argued it was India that was changing the status quo by fortifying its positions. It contended that Indian troops had built a large number of infrastructure facilities, including roads at Duo Ka pass and nearby areas on the Indian side, and fortifications and other military installations. China, the statement said, has very little infrastructure on its side. The fact of the matter is it is India that has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China, it said. The statement reiterated Chinas contention that it would take steps to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. It added, India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident. Train movement on the Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord section was affected after around 16 empty wagons of a goods train derailed between Karmnasa-Dhanichha stations under Mughalsarai railway station of East Central Railway (ECR) in the wee hours on Wednesday. No casualty has, however, been reported in the accident, which had affected movement of 15 trains. #Bihar: 14 wagons of a goods train derailed on Kaimur-Gaya Mughalsarai railway line; train movement affected pic.twitter.com/oomguyOZ8a ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2017 Rajesh Kumar, the Chief Public Relation Officer (CPRO) of ECR said railway authorities have begun a probe into the cause of the derailment. At least 15-16 empty wagons of a goods train derailed at 3.55am on the Gaya-Mughalsarai rail section. The goods train was headed to Dhanbad coalfield, he added. We have not been able to pinpoint the reason behind the derailment, but an inquiry has been instituted. We had to stop over 10 trains at various stations for a few hours, said a senior railway official. He said that a railway team was working to remove the wagons from the track and restore operations. It will take at least four to five hours before normal traffic can resume, he added. The derailment had affected train movement on the crucial Howrah-Mughalsarai route, which connects Dhanbad, Gaya, Sasaram and Dehri-on-Sone. Several trains have been diverted via Sasaram-Ara-Mughalsarai, Gaya-Patna and Dehri-on-Sone-Chopan-Allahabad railway stations. Trains have also been diverted through the Mughalsarai-Patna-Jhajha section. The diversions could mean that passengers would have to travel six to 10 hours more than the scheduled travel time to reach their destinations. Mughalsarai divisional railway manager Kishore Kumar along with other senior officials had rushed to the spot. Accident relief trains from Mughalsarai and Gaya had also been sent to the accident site for relief and restoration operation. The CPRO said top railway officials were camping at the accident site. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a bid to put pressure on the government over their demands for loan waiver, implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations and fixing MSP for their produce, farmer unions have decided to up the ante and start statewide protests ahead of the Independence Day. The union members are now touring villages in all the districts appealing the farmers to join the protest which will start on August 9. The newly formed Rashtriya Kisan Sangh of about 20 states has decided to start Jail bharo andolan from August 9 to 15. Union leaders claim that thousands of farmers will join the protests in the state and they will court arrests in Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Hisar and Rohtak. Also Rashtriya Kisan Sangh members will hold a statewide protest in Karnal on August 3. Sources said farmers will remove their shirts to protest the governments apathy. We are touring all the districts and asking people to join the fight for the farming community, RKS member Gurnam Singh Chaduni said. He said, The farming community is facing the worst time. They are ready to do anything to protect their interests as the governments have totally failed to listen to their genuine demands. We will court arrest from August 9 to 15. We will block roads if the police do not arrest us, said another farmer leader. The farmer leaders said that agitation will continue till their two major demands, including a complete loan waiver and implementation of Swaminathan commission, fixing the MSP for all agriculture produce, are accepted. The Bhartiya Kisan Union (Mann) group has also decided to start the protest from August 9 by observing Arthik Azadi from this Independence day. Talking to Hindustan Times, union leader Ratan Mann said, This time, we will repeat August Kranti by starting the protest against farmers debt from Mahatma Gandhi Chowk in Karnal on August 9. We will oppose the leaders of the ruling party as they have failed to give any relief to farmers in the three-year rule. Now, the farmers will not repay their loans if the government does not announce a loan waiver as other BJP-ruled states have done, he said. Another farmer leader Sewa Singh Arya also held a meeting at Karnal on Tuesday and announced to start protest in the city from August 4. The government has failed to protect the interests of farmers who are suffering after the fall in prices of crops and vegetables. Time has come to awaken the government for the implementation of Swaminathan Commission, Arya said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The talks between Indian and Pakistani officials over the Indus Water Treaty took place in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, the World Bank has said, asserting that the two parties have agreed to reconvene in September in Washington for continued discussions over the issue. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC, the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The World Bank said that the secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues over the IWT took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. However, it did not provide any other details. Earlier, in a letter dated July 25, the World Bank had assured Indian ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward. The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were technical ones. Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes -- for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is in the process of creating a network of food banking partners to collect and distribute leftover food from large parties and weddings to the hungry. A notification to create a separate category of food business operators (FBOs), who will be licensed to deal only with leftover food, has been drafted to ensure the quality of food. We are looking at partnering with NGOs or organisations that collect, store and distribute surplus food to ensure they maintain certain hygiene and health standards when handling food, said Pawan Agarwal, CEO of FSSAI. Tonnes of food is wasted annually. We are looking at creating a mechanism through which food can be collected from restaurants, weddings, large-scale parties, says Pawan Agarwal, All food, whether it is paid for or distributed free, must meet the countrys food safety and hygiene standards, he said. The organisations in the business of collecting leftover food will now have to work in collaboration with FSSAI so their efforts can be scaled up. Tonnes of food is wasted annually and can be used to feed several thousands. We are looking at creating a mechanism through which food can be collected from restaurants, weddings, large-scale parties etc, said Agarwal. The initiative will set up a helpline network where organisations can call in for collection but reaching individuals who want to directly donate food will take time. We will have a central helpline number. Reaching people at the household level may not be feasible initially but it is an integral part of the long-term plan, he said. We have begun collecting names of people working in the sector. There are still a few months to go before the scheme materialises, said Agarwal. Collecting food going waste to feed the hungry is a noble thought but to transport, store and maintain the cold chain of cooked food is a huge challenge. The logistics are a nightmare, which is why we dont handle leftovers and only distribute uncooked food that can be cooked locally, said Kuldip Nar, founder of Delhi NCR Food Bank, which has been feeding the poor in 10 cities since 2011. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif had a good personal equation but that did not help India and Pakistan move beyond optics. Meetings between leaders are very important but the relationship couldnt move beyond optics. We appreciate gestures and overtures but it didnt lead to anything concrete, outgoing Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit told Hindustan Times in an interview, shortly before demitting office on Wednesday. Modi and Sharif shared a personal rapport after they first met at the Indian Prime Ministers swearing-in in 2014. Modi also made an unscheduled halt in Lahore, while on his way back from Kabul the following year, and Sharif called his counterpart minutes before he was wheeled in for an intensive heart surgery in June last year. Regretting that the two neighbours could not resume the dialogue process, Basit said that while talks were the only way forward, we should not be expecting miracles. The two sides had agreed to resume the comprehensive dialogue when external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had travelled to Islamabad for the Heart of Asia Conference in December, 2015 but the process was derailed after a terror attack at an air force base in Pathankot the next month. The dialogue process remains frozen since the audacious attack at the sensitive base, which India believes was carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, a terror outfit that draws its muscle from the Pakistani deep state. India has linked the dialogue process with progress on investigations into the terror attacks in Mumbai and Pathankot. But Basit said, We can also come up with a set of pre-conditions. India should have shown more patience and not linked the two. Asked to reflect on the state of relations between the two countries wherein Swaraj takes to social media to assert that her counterpart Sartaj Aziz does not even reply to letters she has personally addressed to him, Basit hit out, saying, You make letters public for point scoring. This is not serious diplomacy, frankly. Why try and score brownie points. We need to get serious about the relationship. These things dont inspire much confidence. Swaraj had taken to Twitter to reveal that Aziz had not bothered to reply to a letter in which she requested for a visa for the mother Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Naval officer who has been sentenced to death in Pakistan for spying. She had also raised the issue of Aziz not signing off on visas for Pakistani citizens seeking medical assistance in India. We are not obliged to reply to everything, especially when it is sub judice. On one hand, India takes the Jadhav case to the ICJ and on the other, writes to our foreign advisor. Let us wait and see. And on medical visas, do you need such letters from foreign ministers of other countries? It is unjust to have a different rule for Pakistan, Basit said. The high commissioner also revealed that he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for a farewell visit earlier this week and suggested ways in which to break the India-Pakistan impasse. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jammu and Kashmir police approached the Pakistan high commission in Delhi and asked them to claim the body of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) divisional commander Abu Dujana, killed by the security forces on Tuesday. Munir Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir told reporters on Tuesday that Pakistan high commission has been approached to claim the body of Dujana, who belonged to Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir. This is for the first time the authorities have approached Pakistan high commission asking them to claim the body of any Pakistani national killed in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir. If they dont claim his body, we will give him a proper burial, the IGP said, adding that authorities wished Dujanas parents should see their son before burial and for that reason the Commission had been approached. Police refused to hand over Dujanas body to the civilians for burial. The senior police officer said there was no reason to hand over the body of somebody to locals who did not belong to the Kashmir Valley. Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners attended the burial of the other LeT militant Arif Lalihaari killed on Tuesday with Abu Dujana in Hakripora village. Arif was buried in his native Lalihaar village of Pulwama districton Tuesday evening. Stepping up attack on the AIADMK (Amma) government over alleged corruption, actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday claimed his fans have exposed the supply of rotten eggs to daycare centres in Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu. Haasans claim comes days after state Finance Minister D Jayakumars poser to the actor, who had levelled allegations of corruption against the Tamil Nadu government, on what welfare measure he had taken for the people of the state through his fan clubs. Perambalur expose of rotten eggs given to children deserves praise. Pls consult our in house lawyers be4 exposing crime. Dont break laws (sic), the national award-winning actor tweeted. The actors fans had in July reportedly made visits to some anganwadi centres and found rotten eggs being supplied there. Meanwhile, the district administration has said an inquiry will be conducted into the matter. District Collector V Santha told PTI that strict quality control rules were in place for supply of eggs along with a replacement mechanism where it warranted. Ever since Kamal Haasan had made allegations of corruption in the government, he has been targeted by the ruling dispensation, with Chief Minister K Palaniswami himself asking the national award winning actor to take the political plunge to get proper response. Jayakumar, a senior leader in the AIADMK (Amma) camp, had on July 30 sought to know what welfare activities the actor had taken up for the people of the state during the 2004 tsunami tragedy and the devastating floods of 2015. The actor had last month asked his fans to use social media to lodge complaints about corruption. Local Administration Minister SP Velumani had sought proof of Haasans allegations and had asked if the actor was ready to furnish tax details of his films. The opposition parties, including DMK, have backed Haasan and urged the government to respond to his charges of corruption rather than targeting him. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was granted custody of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah for one more day by a Delhi court on Wednesday. Shah was presented before the court on the expiry of his seven-day custody.Sources in ED said that Director Karnal Singh is likely to interrogate Shah in person. The Leader of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) was arrested from Srinagar on July 25 in connection to a money laundering case dating back to 2005. According to official sources, Shah has so far denied his role in money laundering prompting ED to dig out details of the properties owned by him and his wife. A senior ED official said that the probe agency has already communicated with the Income tax department and sought financial records and investment details of Kashmir separatist leader. Sources also added that raids on locations and premises belonging to Shah are likely to place in order to recover incriminating documents if any. The ED case against Shah goes back to 2005 the year in which one Aslam Wani was arrested by the special cell of Delhi Police. Delhi police had claimed that Wani was arrested along with Rs 63 lakh out of which Rs 50 lakh were to be delivered to Shah. A woman in Keralas Kochi bit off the tongue of a neighbour on Monday night when he allegedly tried to molest her, police said. The woman filed a police complaint against her 30-year-old neighbour and said she bit off the tongue when he allegedly tried to force himself on her and kiss her. She also produced a 2 cm strip of the tongue at the police station. Police said the man was booked under section 447 (criminal trespass), 354 (assault with the intention to outrage modesty of a woman) and 367 (attempt to rape) of the Indian Penal Code. The man was allegedly had similar charges against him earlier and has been remanded to judicial custody for a week. This is the second high-profile sexual assault case to surface in the southern state in two months. In June, a 23-year-old law student told police she cut off the genitals of 52-year-old godman in self-defence when he made sexual advances towards her. But weeks later, she accused the police of forcing her to make statements, and said the godman never hurt her. In Kochi, the woman told police she stepped out of her house on Monday night when he allegedly jumped at her but fled after she attacked him. After her complaint, police alerted all city hospitals and found the man undergoing a surgery at a private hospital. The man had told hospital authorities that he injured his tongue in a bike accident and was arrested after the surgery was over and he was discharged. Doctors at the hospital said as he received serious injuries on the tongue, his speech will be slightly impaired. An earlier version of this story used a photo of a woman who has no connection with the case. The photo has been changed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will submit its interim report in the Kotkahi rape and murder case before the Himachal Pradesh high court on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the investigating agency deputed an IGP (inspector general of police) rank officer to accelerate the probe. Earlier, the probe was being headed by DIG rank officers. Timeline July 4: Gudiya (name changed) is missing July 6: Her body is found in a forested area July 7: Protests in Shimla and Kotkhai over rape and murder July 9: Police constitutes SIT under IG (south) July 12: Six youth detained for questioning July 13: Police claims breakthrough, arrests six July 14: Mob vandalise police station in Theogh July 15: Massive protest in Shimla July 19: Suraj dies in police custody; mob set on Kotkhai police station on fire July 22: CBI takes over investigation July 25: CBI re-examines Surajs body The investigating agency has so far questioned more than two dozen people who are directly or indirectly related to the rape and murder of the 16-year-old Class-10 student. On Tuesday, the CBI team visited Hilaila village in Shimla districts Kotkhai tehsil to gather additional information about the crime. The girls naked body was found from a forested area near this village on July 4. Ever since the investigation was handed over to the CBI from the state police, a CBI team has been camping in Shimla. Two FIRs have been registered so far. One pertains to the rape and murder of the Class-10 student while the other pertains to the custodial death of Nepalese national, Suraj, who was arrested as an accused in the case. The high court had transferred the investigation to the CBI after the special investigation team of the Himachal Pradesh Police faced widespread allegations that its probe was botched up. The HC had also asked the central agency to submit a status report on August 2 before it. There were also reports that the CBI has rounded up some youths for questioning, however the agency denied them. We have neither detained nor arrested anyone so far. The investigations are on, CBI spokesperson RK Gaur told Hindustan Times. I cannot reveal anything about the status report as of now, he added. What Surajs autopsy said He died due to multiple injuries Had marks all over his body that confirmed torture in police custody Injuries sustained on head, legs, chest and upper abdomen What victims autopsy said She died 48 hours before her body was found in Hilaila Body had started decomposing She had maggots in her eyes and other body parts Marks indicating strangulation were found on neck She died due to smothering caused by strangulation SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Photo taken on July 31, 2017 shows the world's first giant panda cub with both captive and wild parents in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The world's first giant panda cub with both captive and wild parents was born early Monday in Sichuan Province. The cub marked success in experiments to encourage captive pandas to mate with wild pandas in order to increase the genetic diversity of the captive stock. (Xinhua) The world's first giant panda cub with both captive and wild parents was born early Monday in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The cub marked success in experiments to encourage captive pandas to mate with wild pandas in order to increase the genetic diversity of the captive stock, according to Zhang Zhizhong, Communist Party of China chief of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). The 15-year-old female giant panda Cao Cao gave birth to the cub at 2:17 a.m. at the Hetaoping semi-wild training base. She started to show signs of pregnancy on July 1 and went into labour on July 30. The female cub weighed 216 grams, compared to the normal newborn wegiht of around 150 grams. Wu Daifu with the training base attributed the cub's unusually high weight to the good health and appetite of the mother during pregnancy. Wearing a positioning system and a recording device on her neck, Cao Cao, was released into the wild on March 1. She lived there for nearly two months. The recording device showed that Cao Cao went into heat on March 11 and mated with a wild male panda on March 23. The mating lasted for one minute and 30 seconds. Cao Cao was born in the wild and was rescued by the CCRCGP in 2003 at 2 years old. She has delivered six cubs in captivity, including two pairs of twins. For the most of the last seven years, she has lived at the Hetaoping training center, where she demonstrated strong adaptability to living in the wild. The CCRCGP launched an experiment in late 2016 to bring in genes from the wild population to make the captive pandas healthier. As of the end of last year, the worldwide captive giant panda population stood at 471, leading to growing concerns of inbreeding, Wu said. Zhang Hemin, deputy head of the center, said babies from captive and wild parents would enrich the gene pool of the captive stock. Street protests return to Kashmir after LeT commander Abu Dujana killed Government forces killed a top commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir on Tuesday, triggering street protests that left one person dead and prompted the authorities to shut down mobile internet and schools. Police said Abu Dujanas killing was a huge achievement for the government that has hardened its stand against militants after a recent spurt in violent street protests and attacks on security forces. Late Monday night, police were tipped off about an A++ target meeting a woman in a village in south Kashmir. Around 4am, security forces raided a house where Dujana was said to be meeting his wife. Read the story here. China steps up activities along Himachal Pradesh border in Kinnaur Heightened Chinese activities were reported across the international border in two Himachal Pradesh districts adjacent to the mountainous and arid Tibetan region where Beijing is building roads and infrastructure. The reports surfaced after the India-China standoff over Doklam across the Sikkim border in the eastern sector. Himachal shares a 260km porous border on its northeastern side with China and three battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are maintaining constant vigilance. Residents of villages in the districts of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti have reported spotting Chinese helicopters and increased road-building and construction activities across the border. Read the story here. Total boycott: RSS affiliate up in arms against Chinese goods Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has decided to lead a massive agitation against Chinese products beginning August 9 on the occasion of Kranti Diwas, which marks the Quit India movement. With its demand for a total boycott of foreign manufactured goods, the Sangh Parivars economic wing will attempt to tap into the bitter border tussle currently on between India and China over the Doklam issue. Ajay Patki, the organisations national ideologue, on Monday said the government should scrap all contracts with Chinese companies who are setting up manufacturing units in India, including one in Nagpur, to cater to the Metro railway projects. The SJM is observing 2017 as anti-China year, and claims it has so far got around one crore people to pledge that they would boycott Chinese products. Read the story here. Bodoland Muslim student leader shot dead in Kokrajhar Unidentified miscreants gunned down Lafiqul Islam Ahmed, the president of All Bodoland Minority Students Union (ABMSU) in western Assams Kokrajhar Tuesday afternoon, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left Guwahati after assessing the flood damage in the northeast. Various organisations have labelled the murder as an attempt to stir up communal violence in touchy Kokrajhar, which has had a history of bloodshed. Some police officers have said Ahmeds killing could be an attempt by tribal extremists to keep the area on boil. Read the story here. Aadhaar impact: Govt working on a law to protect personal data The government was planning a law to protect data and had set up a committee that would come out with suggestions to ensure that personal information was protected, the Supreme Court was told on Tuesday. Retired Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna-led 10-member panel had been tasked with drafting the law on data protection, additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta said in the court during a hearing on the constitutional status of the right to privacy. The committee will identify key data protection issues in India and recommend measures of addressing them, the law officer said. Privacy is central to the legal challenges facing Aadhaar, the 12-digit biometric unique identity number, which has raised data breach and privacy concerns. Read the story here. Modi govt decides to take backward classes bill to the people, accuses oppn of being anti-OBC The proposed legislation to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes is unlikely to see the light of the day anytime soon. On Monday evening, the Congress forced an amendment in the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill to provide for the inclusion of a woman and a minority members, a step that government sources term legally untenable. The government is in no mood to have a legislation with the amendment and may opt for a fresh bill, said sources. We are committed to providing constitutional status to the backward commission, BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav said. Ek samay hamara abhi aur achcha ayega rajya sabha mein (There will be better days for us in the Rajya Sabha). Read the story here. Amit Shah pulls up BJP MPs for frequently bunking Parliament sessions BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday reprimanded party MPs for their absence from Parliament, a day after the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha forced changes to a crucial bill that now faces delay. In an embarrassment for the government, the opposition parties on Monday made an amendment to a bill to give constitutional status to the national commission for backward classes, raising the number of members from three to five to include a woman and a minority candidate from the OBC category. Seventeen of the 57 BJP MPs, including seven ministers, skipped the House on Monday afternoon. The party, said sources, had sought an explanation from them. As many as 31 members of the National Democratic Alliance were missing from the House, where the ruling coalition is in a minority. Read the story here. V-P Hamid Ansari not invited for event, Oppn says Rajya Sabha insulted The Rajya Sabha secretariat wrote to the Lok Sabha secretariat on Tuesday, seeking an explanation of the impropriety of not asking its members to come to the inauguration of a new annex to the Parliament House. Neither Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the chairperson of the Upper House, nor PJ Kurien, the deputy chairperson, were invited. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the building, which will house the offices of parliamentary committees. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and union ministers Ananth Kumar, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Narendra Singh Tomar were among the attendees. In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition accused the government of undermining the Rajya Sabha and its members. Read the story here. Will soon expose Lalu Prasads family links with sand mafia: Sushil Modi Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi on Tuesday alleged that he would soon come out with documentary proof of sand mafia funding the RJD and investing in Lalu Prasads family assets. Sand mafia fund political parties...sand mafia are the main source of RJDs funding...I would soon hold a press conference to make a big expose on Lalu Prasads family links with those big guns involved in sand mining, Modi told reporters in Patna. RJDs Bihar unit spokesman and media in-charge Pragati Mehta dismissed the allegations as baseless and absurd. Read the story here. Afghanistan: At least 20 killed injured in explosion inside mosque in Herat An attack on a Shia mosque in the western Afghan city of Herat on Tuesday killed more than 20 people and wounded 30 others, officials said. Hospital authorities in Herat said all the dead and wounded were worshipping in the mosque when a suicide bomber blew himself up. A local police spokesman said there appeared to be more than one attacker, with a suicide bomber who detonated explosives and another who threw grenades at worshippers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack to hit Afghanistan, which has seen more than 1,700 civilian deaths so far this year. Read the story here. Saudi Arabia seeks to end US lawsuits over Sept 11 attacks Saudi Arabia on Tuesday asked a US judge to dismiss 25 lawsuits claiming that it helped plan the Sept 11, 2001 attacks and should pay damages to victims. In a filing in US District Court in Manhattan, Saudi Arabia said the plaintiffs cannot show that the kingdom or any affiliated charities were behind the attacks. It also said it deserved sovereign immunity. The Saudi government has long denied involvement in the attacks where airplanes hijacked by al Qaeda crashed into New Yorks World Trade Center, the Pentagon outside Washington, and a Pennsylvania field. Saudi Arabia is being sued for billions of dollars by the families of roughly 2,500 of those killed, more than 20,000 people who suffered injuries, businesses and various insurers. Read the story here. Slain Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Abu Dujana had managed to give security forces the slip more than a dozen times in the past one year, according to officials. Described as very fast by the intelligence dossier, Dujana was finally neutralised early on Tuesday. His involvement with a woman in Pulwama finally led to his killing. Anointed Lashkar commander for the south Kashmir following the killing of his predecessor Abu Qasim in 2015, Dujana which is his nom de guerre and has been given to many Lashkar operatives in the Valley in the past was involved with two women at least in Pulwama only. Of late, Dujana was not very active and another Lashkar operative Abu Ismail has taken his place. He was more involved in women, said a security official. While one was reportedly his wife another is believed to be his former girlfriend. Security forces had been keeping a watch on his wifes residence in Hakripora where he was spotted going on Monday night, which led to the launch of search and cordon operation in the area. It is not for the first time that the involvement of militants with women has led to their fall in the Valley. Security officials said Abdullah Uni, a top ranked Lashkar terrorist, was killed in 2011 following a tip-off from a woman he was seeing. Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's location was revealed by his former girlfriend too. Wanis killing last year in July led to wide-spread protests in the Valley. Of late, Dujana was not very active and another Lashkar operative Abu Ismail has taken his place. He was more involved in women, said a security official. Ismail is believed to be the mastermind of recent attack on a bus carrying Amarnath yatris. His dossier says he was involved in the two attacks on the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) in Pampore, near Srinagar last year. He was also involved in the attack on a BSF bus in Udhampur. He also had a hand in a series of bank robberies in the Valley at Chari Sharif, Arihal and Ratnipora. According the dossier, Ismail was short-tempered and it was his biggest his weakness. Dujana, who joined militancy in 2010 at the age of 20, was believed to be from Balochistan in Pakistan. Union home ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said Dujana replaced Abu Qasim as the Lashkar commander for south Kashmir after his killing in 2015. A local Lashkar militant Arif Nabi Dar was also killed in encounter along with Dujana, added Prasad. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants shot dead one person accusing him of being a police informer at a remote village in South Garo Hills district, police said on Wednesdau. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night and within 12 hours of the police busting a GNLA camp at Gareringdi village in the district and gunning down one of their cadres. They shot dead a middle aged man near Dambuk Bazaar and left a note stating that he was a police informer, district Superintendent of Police A T Sangma said. Dambuk Bazaar is close to the international border with Bangladesh. Sangma said a gunshot was heard close to midnight and police found the body early this morning. Hitting out at the Modi government over the I-T searches against his senior minister, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday alleged it was a politically motivated action to silence the voice against the BJP and vowed not to bow down to such intimidation. Siddaramaiah accused the Modi government of using the Income Tax Department for its political conspiracies. The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple properties related to senior minister DK Shivakumar, who was overseeing the stay of 44 Congress MLAs from Gujarat at a resort near in Bengaluru, in connection with a tax evasion case. I-T raids targeting energy minister DK Shivakumar is completely politically motivated and central governments role behind it is well known, Siddaramaiah said in a statement. He said, It is not right on the part of central government to use I-T department for its political conspiracies. We will not bow down to such intimidation. Union minister Prakash Javadekar however dismissed Congress allegations of a vendetta and said the IT searches were aimed at tracking tax evaders. Nothing has been done as vendetta. No Gujarat MLA has been summoned, investigated. No Gujarat MLA staying there has been raided. The raided man is the Karnataka minister, nothing to do with Gujarat, the HRD minister told reporters. Shivakumar, who hails from the powerful Vokkaliga community, has considerable influence in Bengaluru Rural and neighbouring Ramanagara districts. He is also the Congress propaganda committee chief ahead of the 2018 Assembly polls. According to norms, during such raids, I-T officials should obtain help from local police, Siddaramaiah said, adding by violating rules, CRPF staff were used. Let I-T officials conduct raids and investigation by following rules and let people know the truth. Instead, if such raids are conducted with political vengeance, people will teach lesson in the days to come, he said. I-T raid is being used as a tool to silence the voice against BJP. This is anti-democratic, he said. Shivakumar has been brought to his city residence for further inquiry by IT officials from the resort, where he was staying along with Gujarat Congress MLAs who have been camping here since Saturday last. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will lay the foundation for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train in the Gujarat city next month during the latters visit to India. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR), popularly known as the bullet train, will start ferrying passengers from 2023, railway minister Suresh Prabhu told Lok Sabha during Question Hour on Wednesday. India and Japan had signed a memorandum of cooperation for the project in late 2015. The project is part of Modis key promises made ahead of the general elections in 2014. During a visit to Japan in November 2016, Modi and Abe had taken a ride on the Shinkashen bullet train from Tokyo to Kobe. The same technology will be used on the MAHSR. The entire funding for this, or more or less 85% of this will come from the Japanese and that too on very soft terms. This is the best soft term under the ODA, Overseas Development Assistance, Japan has ever offered to anyone in the world, Prabhu said. The project is estimated to cost Rs 1 lakh crore. The train will run at a top speed of 350 km per hour, the minister told the house in response to a query on training of Indian railway engineers in Japan. 4000 Indian officials will be trained by Japan of which 137 have already been trained, he said. A training school is also being set up in Ahmedabad, the government said. The high speed rail project will ultimately be implemented in seven sectors for which studies are at various stages of completion. These include the Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Chennai, Mumbai-Chennai, Kolkata-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysore and Mumbai routes. Other than this, the government has identified more sectors for the semi-high speed train projects. Responding to concerns of members over the safety aspects of the high speed trains, Prabhu said the technology is being provided by Japan which is a pioneer in the sector. The entire corridor is elevated, fully fenced and provided with fully integrated network signalling, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Formalising their split from the US-India Business Council (USIBC), its erstwhile members have floated a new outfit, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, to promote better business ties between the two countries. What we are announcing today is an organisation redesigned for the future, John Chambers, the executive chairman of Cisco Systems Inc, who is also chairing the USISPF, told reporters in New Delhi, according to Reuters. The announcement came a day after Chambers met and briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the new body. The USIBC management team led by Mukesh Aghgi has also joined the USISPF. India is moving faster than any other country in the last three years, Chambers said. India used to be known as a very slow follower, and now it's a fast innovator. Twenty-nine members of the USIBC board, comprising CEOs of some top American companies, had voted late last month to sever ties with the US chamber of commerce, the parent body, laying bare years of simmering tensions. The chamber and the council had serious differences over some policy issues, going back several years on market access, free trade matters and intellectual property rights, according to several past and present affiliates of the council. The chamber joined a group of business bodies that called on the new Trump administration and congress in February to use all available channels to ensure fair play for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs across the United States, and to support Indian efforts that align with these goals. Several past and present USIBC officials have said they have felt uncomfortable by the chambers aggressive position on these issues, that had included asking the US trade representative to punish India with punitive trade measures. The US chamber of commerce said in response to the announcement of the new body: The USIBC and its staff continue their hard work on key issues affecting the critical relationship between our two countries. We continue to receive strong support from our member companies as we focus our efforts on strengthening commercial ties. We will have more to say in the weeks ahead. Twentytwo of the 29 ministers in the newly-appointed Nitish Kumar cabinet in Bihar face criminal cases against them. A report by election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), based on affidavits filed by candidates to the Election Commission of India (ECI), said 76% ministers face criminal cases. This is three more than the previous mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) government of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (United) and the Congress, in which 19 of the 29 ministers (69%) were tainted. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had on July 26 distanced himself with the Grand Alliance, citing allegations of corruption against deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The same evening he took the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to stay at the helm in the state. The new ministers were sworn in on July 29. Of the 22 tainted ministers in the new cabinet, nine mentioned in their affidavits facing serious criminal cases against them. Two of Kumars party ministers even face attempt to murder charges under section 307 of the IPC against them. Many other ministers face cases of dacoity, theft, fraud and atrocities against them. Interestingly, the average income of a minister in the new cabinet is Rs 2.46 crore, even as the percentage of crorepati ministers dropped marginally this time as compared to Kumars previous government. While 79% ministers 22 were crorepatis in the GA government, 21 (72%) are crorepatis in the JD(U)-led NDA government. Labour resources minister and BJP MLA from Lakhisarai, Vijay Kumar Sinha, has properties worth Rs 15.50 crore, while urban development department minister and BJP MLA from Muzaffarpur Suresh Kumar has properties worth Rs 11 crore. Water resources and planning minister and JD(U) legislator from Munger, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, has properties worth Rs 5 crore. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A woman teacher in Odishas Sambalpur district on Tuesday placed under suspension on charge of getting herself massaged by a girl student in the school. The authorities took action against the lady teacher after a video of the incident went viral in the social media. Sambalpur District Education Officer (DEO), Pramod Panda confirmed about the suspension of the lady teacher of Sikirdi Project Upper Primary School, Bharati Meher. The DEO said Meher was suspended after the video came to our notice on Tuesday. Meher, who is also in-charge headmistress of the school, admitted that a girl student had massaged her head. However, she said that the incident had taken place around two years ago when she was sitting in the office room. Because of severe headache, I went inside the office room and sat there on that day. However, a class VIII girl student came to me to call me to take class. But on seeing my condition, she asked me how I was feeling. I told her about my headache. She herself told me that she would massage my head. This is the truth, the lady teacher claimed. The girl, who massaged my head on that day, has already passed out from the school and therefore was not available for comment. The Daman and Diu administration on Wednesday withdrew a circular that asked women staff to tie rakhis on male colleagues after the order triggered a backlash from employees and was ripped apart on social media. The union territorys administration was forced to retreat within 24 hours of issuing the circular that made it compulsory for its staff to celebrate Rakshabandhan at workplace. It has been decided to celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan on August 7. In this connection, all offices/ departments shall remain open and celebrate the festival collectively at a suitable time wherein all the lady staff shall tie rakhis to their colleagues, the order, issued on August 1 by Gurpreet Singh, deputy secretary (personnel), had said. To ensure that no one skipped office, an attendance report was to be sent to the government the next evening. The two notifications one mandating the celebration of Rakshabandhan (left) and the other withdrawing the mandate (right) were issued by the Daman and Diu administration a day apart. The circular was withdrawn through a one-line order issued late in the evening by the UTs department of personnel and administrative reforms. The circular is ridiculous. There are sensitivities involved. How can the government dictate who I should tie rakhi to? We should maintain the professionalism of a workplace an official told Hindustan Times earlier in the day. She refused to be identified. The notice was issued on Daman and Diu administrator and former Gujarat home minister Praful Kodabhai Patels direction, sources said. Rakshabandhan, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, is one of several Hindu festivities and rituals that are no longer confined of private, family affairs but have become tools to push politic al ideologies. In 2014, the year BJP stormed to power at the Centre, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said the festival had national significance and should be celebrated widely to protect Hindu culture and live by the values enshrined in it. The RSS is the ideological parent of the ruling BJP. Last year, women ministers in the Modi government went to the border areas to celebrate the festival with soldiers. A year before, all cabinet ministers were asked to go to their constituencies for the festival. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 16-year-old girl was allegedly molested in her school by the principal on Tuesday in Kashmirs southern district of Kulgam prompting angry reactions from the students and the parents. Police said that the Class-9 student of Leads Convent School Kulgam was called by the principal, Irshad Ahmad (40), to his office where he allegedly molested her. We have arrested the accused after recording the statement of the girl and the witnesses. A case was registered under section 342, 354 RPC, said station house officer of Kulgam police station, Riyaz Ahmad. The girl told us that he closed the door of his office, grabbed her hand and uttered foul words, the officer said. The accused has denied that he molested the girl and told police that he rebuked her as she was trying to copy during an exam. But police said that the statements by other school girls indicate that the principal had called the girl to his office before the commencement of the examination. Her friends said that the principal asked them to tell the girl to see him in his office in the morning which she did. The girl then reached late in the examination hall and started weeping. It was only then that the matter came to light, the SHO said. The officer said that the news created chaos in the school and people were very angry. The police reached school to pacify the people and recorded the statements of the girl and the witnesses. The principal was also taken into custody. We immediately swung into action and also ensured that all the students reach their homes safe, the SHO said. This is second incident of violence against minor girls in the district in the past one week. On July 26, police arrested three men for allegedly abducting and raping two girls while the two were on way to their homes in the evening. The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a plea moved by the Gujarat Congress challenging the decision to use None of the Above (NOTA) option in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in the state. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra agreed to hear the plea after senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the matter before it and sought urgent hearing. Sibal told the apex court that there is no statutory provision with regard to NOTA in the Constitution. As per government officials, the directions to use NOTA in Rajya Sabha elections were enforced in January 2014 after the Supreme Court in 2013 made it mandatory to have NOTA option in EVMs. On Tuesday, the Congress had approached the Election Commission against the use of NOTA option in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, claiming it was violative of the Constitution and electoral laws, but the poll panel maintained that it was not a new direction and was introduced in 2014. Four candidates are in the fray for three Rajya Sabha seats to which the election will take place on August 8. Apart from BJP president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani, the ruling party has decided to field Balwantsinh Rajput against the lone Congress candidate, Ahmed Patel. In the Rajya Sabha polls, the MLAs have to show their ballot paper to an authorised party agent before putting it in ballot box. If a voter (MLA) defies the party directive and votes for someone else or uses NOTA option, he cannot be disqualified as a legislator. But the party is free to take disciplinary action including expulsion. The defiant voter can continue to be an MLA and his vote can also not be invalidated for defying party directions, the EC rules say. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had a meeting with his cabinet colleagues on Wednesday to discuss how to fine tune co-ordination within the JD (U)-BJP-LJP government, that he heads, to take maximum advantage of having the same party government in the state and at the centre. We must work closely with the central government to power growth in Bihar, Kumar told his colleagues at the meeting. The meeting was held around the same time as when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was tweeting about his discussions on a wide range of issues, particularly on development of eastern India, with MPs from Bihar and other eastern states. It was the first meeting of Kumar with his ministers. It was followed by another one he had with the secretaries of all departments. The focus was on putting together a growth road map, while reviewing the status of work done by departments. He warned, We have just three years to deliver on all targets set for inclusive growth. Reiterating the need for a bigger thrust to ongoing schemes, Kumar told the ministers to be in sync with the peoples mood and their craving for development. With the government s of the same parties now in the state as well as the Centre, the main emphasis is on aligning the development schemes to take maximum advantage, said a minister, adding, Bihar had a golden chance to make the most of the available opportunities and the CM wanted everyone to make it count. Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi said the new ministers in the Nitish cabinet were apprised of the rules of executive business and asked to work for the seven resolves, for bettering the lives oof the people. Kumar also took feedback from new ministers about their experiences, expectations and issues, if they had any, he added. Modi said, Kumar wanted all the ministers to work out a plan to take maximum advantage of the centrally-sponsored schemes through timely expenditure and proper utilization of funds. The ministers were also asked to prepare details of funds released and, expenditure so far, besides the backlog, he added. Modi, in his address, said that the difference in governance, by way of a better show than the preceding grand alliance government, must show and that would require wholehearted approach to work, as the Centre was also keen on helping Bihar. The fruits of development in every sphere must reach the people, for whom the entire exercise is meant. The ministers must identify Central schemes and prepare a detailed budget, so that they could be pursued with the Centre, he added. Parliamentary affairs minister Shravan Kumar said the chief minister gave details of the seven resolves and ongoing schemes. He will do detailed department wise review and have another meeting six months later to take stock of the pace of development, he added. Later, the CM hosted a lunch for his cabinet colleagues while interacting informally with them. He asked the ministers to inform the district chiefs of all the alliance partners while visiting districts so that the trip could work to the maximum advantage of the ruling alliance.. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Continuing his offensive against CM Nitish Kumar, following the latters decision to jettison the 20-month-old grand alliance government and form a new one with the BJP, last week, leader of the opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav , on Tuesday, accused Kumar of being an adherent to the divisive RSS ideology. Expressing regret for serving under Kumar as deputy CM for 20 months, Yadav, who lost his ministerial position because Kumar chose to resign as CM, causing the GA government to fall last week, stated he would visit Motihari soon to sit in front of Mahatma Gandhis statue to seek his forgiveness for associating with Kumar. I will seek forgiveness from the Mahatma for not realising that Kumar is an RSS man I had shared dais with him when he launched the centenary celebration of Mahatmas 1917 Champaran Satyagraha, earlier this year. But I was wrong to trust him, the RJD leader said. Tejashwi has been in the eye of a storm since the CBI, last month, lodged an FIR against him, his father, RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his mother, Rabri Devi, for their alleged involvement in the land for railways hotels lease scam from the time Lalu was railways minister (2004-09). Tejashwi has been named in the FIR as a beneficiary of the scam in which railways hotels at Puri and Ranchi were leased to private parties, allegedly in lieu of gift of prime land in Patna. The land ended up coming under the ownership of Tejashwi and Rabri Devi. CM Kumar had asked Tejashwi to clear the air on the CBI charge against him but he did not, leading to the collapse of the Mahagathbandhan government, when Nitish Kumar resigned as chief minister last month and formed a new government along with the BJP. Tejashwi has yet to clarify how he became owner of the land. Tejashwi said Kumar may have made the transition from Hey Ram to Jai Shri Ram (Gandhi to BJP) smoothly, but he would always face flak for robbing the people of their mandate, by forming government with those (BJP-led NDA), who were rejected by people in 2015 polls. Janata unko hamesha Ram Ram karegi (people would always steeer clear of him), he said. Calling Nitish arrogant and self- obsessed, Tejashwi also took potshots at Nitishs previous decisions of leaving BJP to join GA and then again going back to BJPto retain power. Nitish is living in an illusion that he would remain CM till his last breath. People will soon oust him, he said. If the BJP believes Nitishs words about the present governments longevity, it should take an affidavit from the chief minister. But I feel this government will not last for long as BJP has not forgotten the betrayral by JD(U) in 2013, he said. In June 2013, the JD (U) had walked out of the NDA, realising the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modis appointment as the head of the BJPs election campaign committee had placed him in line to become the partys PM candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha poll, Tejashwi said the JD (U)s alliance with the BJP was pre-planned and the plea that he did not clarify on graft charges was just an excuse for CM Kumar to break the grand alliance. I have been used as a pawn, he claimed. He alleged CM Kumar had worked at the BJPs behest to break the Mahagatbandhan, in face of efforts being made by RJD chief Lalu Prasad to forge opposition unity at the national level, to take on PM Modi in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll. Tejashwi targeted PM Narendra Modi for maintaining silence on the leaked Panama papers which showed several BJP bigwigs, actors and business tycoons had black money stashed abroad. Accusing Kumar of paying lip service on combating corruptio, he wondered why the CM had inducted a large number of tainted ministers. Kumar himself had a murder charge against him, he reiterated. About the new governments fresh inquiry against the sand mafia, Tejashwi said he was not one to perturbed by such acts of the government. We have done no wrong. This is sign of negative politics, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The World Bank has said that discussions between India and Pakistan over Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric power plants are ongoing and no decision has been made yet. The meetings earlier this week were held in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC, the World Bank said in a statement yesterday, a day after officials of India and Pakistan concluded their two-day meeting on the issue. In its statement, the World Bank described as erroneous reporting from some of the media outlets on the outcomes of the Indus Waters Treaty meetings. The World Bank would like to clarify that the discussions between India and Pakistan about the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric power plants are ongoing, the media statement said without giving any further clarification. Fourteen Sanskrit scholars will be honoured by the Rajasthan government for their contribution to the language. The scholars will be given the awards on Sanskrit Day which will be celebrated in the state on August 4. The awards will be given in four categories to encourage Sanskrit and to inspire youngsters to learn the language. Sanskrit and sanskriti (culture) complement each other and its only through conservation of Sanskrit that we can save the culture, said Kiran Maheshwari, state minister for higher, technical and Sanskrit education, while addressing a press conference here on Wednesday. The government is making all efforts for the development of Sanskrit education in the state. This is necessary for conserving our culture, she added. The Sanskrit Sadhna Shikhar Samman award, along with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh will be given to Swami Govind Dev Giri of Pushkar, Ajmer, this year. There will be two recipients of Sanskrit Sadhna Samman award Pandit Satyanarain Shastri of Ajmer and Kailash Chandra Mundra who will also be getting cash prizes of Rs 51,000 each. The Sanskrit Vidwatsamman award along with Rs 31,000 each will be given to six scholars this year while the Sanskrit Yuvapratibha award will be given to five from the state. The latter will get a cash prize of Rs 21,000 each. In addition, 17 outstanding students from Sanskrit schools will be awarded on the occasion. Two philanthropists who have contributed to Sanskrit education will also be felicitated. Bajrang Lal Tapadiya of Nagaur, whos Supreme Foundation Trust pays salaries to over 100 Sanskrit teachers, and Nemichand Toshniwal, who runs the Shri Sita Devi Charitable Trust, Kolkata, are the philanthropists who will be awarded. The minister also announced two initiatives of the higher education department an English mobile application that will be launched during the Festival of Education on August 5 and a web portal for tracking college students will also be launched soon. The basic version of the mobile app will be free but the premium version, which is for advanced learners, will be priced at Rs 1500. The minister said that the app will tell students the right pronunciation of English words and also help them with translations. On the other hand, the web portal will be along the lines of school education departments Shala Darshan portal and Shala Darpan portal and have the details of all students. It will help track the students through college up till the placement of the students, and help maintain the tracking chain of students after school, the minister said. After hookah lounges, paan shops in Allahabad are under police scanner for selling dried dates laced with narcotic substances. Led by circle officer, Civil Lines, Shreesh Chandra, a police team raided shops near the AG office and Balson Road in the last two days and seized half-a-dozen jars of dried dates reportedly laced with narcotic substances. The police booked six shopowners under the Excise Act and have sent dried dates to laboratory for examination. Some people who were purchasing dates were also detained. Sources claimed that dates were boiled with opium and laced with bhaang. Chandra said primary investigation revealed that flavoured dates were prepared in Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and supplied to other states through middlemen. These are sold in kilograms and supplied in small quantities to retailers. The customers purchase it for Rs 15-40 per piece according to the quality. Some shops in Civil Lines have been found selling flavoured dates but it may be available in other parts of the district and other cities as well, he added. A massive drive is being carried out in several cities, including Allahabad and Lucknow, against hookah parlours and lounges. The flavours have been sent to the laboratory for examination as the police suspect it contains drugs. The report of the food safety and drugs administration in Lucknow recently confirmed that it contained narcotics substances not good for health. The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to make registration of marriages compulsory for every resident of the state, regardless of religion or community. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath presided over a cabinet meeting to adopt the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Rules-2017, which stipulates compulsory registration of marital alliances and lays down penalties for any delay in this regard. Though the fines are not particularly hefty Rs 10 for delay up to a year and Rs 50 beyond that period it is liable to increase over time. We took all sections of society into confidence before taking a decision on the issue, health minister Siddharth Nath Singh told mediapersons later in the day. However, Singh admitted that the cabinet did not concede to demands from a few Muslim clerics who wanted their community exempt from having to furnish photographs of the bride and groom. Yes, they made such a demand because the nikahnama (the Islamic marriage contract) does not carry images. But if photographs can be submitted to procure documents such as Aadhaar cards, I dont see why the same cannot be done for marriage registration, he said. While the stamps and registration department will double as the nodal agency for marriage registration, the government will launch an online portal to ensure easy access. The Centre had already made marriage registration compulsory across the country, in keeping with a 2006 Supreme Court ruling. Uttar Pradesh was among the only two states that had failed to implement the directive, an anomaly that minister for women welfare and tourism development Rita Bahuguna Joshi had earlier vowed to rectify. We will implement the Supreme Courts order in the state. A cabinet note is being prepared, and the same will be sent for the cabinets approval, she had said. The erstwhile Samajwadi Party government had deferred taking a decision on the matter in view of strong objections from Muslims. Community leaders maintained that as the nikahnama contains all the relevant details pertaining to marriages, the state should treat it as a valid substitute for the registration certificate. The obsession with social media is turning into a frightening fixation for many. The dark side of live-streaming on social media is on a high like never before, with number of live-stream incidentsassaults, shootings, robberies, and suicides -- steadily rising on Facebook Live last year as well as this year. Incidents happening doesnt cease to shock us. Recently a strange incident surfaced on the Internet where 18-year-old teenager from California live-streamed her sisters death in a terrifying car crash on Instagram. Then there were those who were live-streaming their suicide bids, including a Mumbai student who live streamed his suicide on Facebook before jumping to death from the 19-storey room of Hotel Taj Lands End. Minutes before taking his life, the victim identified as Arjun Bharadwaj had streamed a Facebook Live video, which went viral on social media. There are numerous incidents and accidents like this that have left all shocked. Dr Rajesh C Pandey, Psychologist offers some basic reasons and suggestions for parents and elders to follow: Lack of social life in case of youngsters as also too much peer pressure and being highly competitive. If your kid is highly competitive and takes competition way to seriously, then parents should take this as a problem and consult a councellor. Less or no physical activities should be dealt with on right time. One should avoid being a phubber and should give minimum or no access to internet to kids. Better communication between children and parents will always help. Also parents should keep a watch on what their children are watching and following on social media. Talking about this disturbing trend, psychologist Dr Rajesh C Pandey says, The reason for youngsters falling prey to this trend is that live-streaming a video gives them a larger audience to show their stunt; the number of views and likes for such videos is quite high, which is absolutely alarming. Everybody wants quick fame in todays time and social media has given them that recognition and popularity in no time. Sad part is that its no more a trend, it is turning into an addiction. Psychologist--Dr Rajesh C Pandey. Ashish Ranjan a youngster says, Live-streaming of everything is definitely not good for our society. Such incidents show that we are losing sensitivity. Technology is turning us into artificial beings who worry only about views and likes of virtual world and not real human feelings and emotions. Only if we learn and also make our kids learn we should learn to use social media responsibly. For many this trend is more to get attention while for many behaving weird on social media is more for fun. In our quest to be the funniest or most outrageous, we are unknowingly becoming the culprit of heinous crimes. We need to restrain these practices else their upgraded versions will be more horrendous, adds Astha Bhardwaj, NGO professional.Live-streaming on social media started with the launch of Periscope and Vine, and has continued today into the mainstream with the Facebook Live platform instead of becoming a great communication tool today, it has left parents and authorities worried. Live-streaming platforms today are being used to narrowcast, self harm or go for criminal activity against others. Agrees media professional Shyamnandan Kumar. Rise of live-streaming of personal happenings and events on social media sometimes surprises, sometimes ignites anger while sometimes pleases too. However, this trend is still in an immature state but still causing enough damage, he says. A few out there feels every new technology has its positives and negatives, so its on each individual how to deal with it. Like every new technology in the world, live streaming has its pros and cons. It can be useful and fun for teens and adults alike. While some people use it for filming disturbing scenes, the technology cannot be blamed for their actions, adds Sejal Sharma, an engineering student. Another youngster Sana Sabah sums it up, Every single thing from wake-up selfies to food they eat goes on social media. This habit of seeking approval (in the form of likes and shares) has blurred the line between what does and what does not need to be published. Its actually an indicator that how lonely we have become. Amid all the gloom over the possibility of one software major closing down its operations here, a sigh of relief has come from another, who on Tuesday announced a mega recruitment drive for its Lucknow centre. We are here to stay, announced Sanjay Gupta, senior vice-president, HCL, even as clouds of uncertainty still hover over the fate of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Lucknow operations. While 800 jobs for youths are up for grabs immediately, in next few years the number would be in thousands, claimed Gupta while talking exclusively to Hindustan Times. The drive to recruit experienced professionals, fresh engineers and graduates will be held between August 4 and August 6. Interestingly, while the TCS move will mean the loss of home advantage for its over 2000 employees, the HCL is promoting comeback home policy for Lucknow techies working outside, and stay rooted for the fresh talent. UP is a very important centre for us and we are committed to develop Lucknow as a major IT hub. The recruitment drive has been conceptualized to reiterate our commitment to the city with a focus on local hiring and making accessible the employment opportunities for young and dynamic talent in tier-2 cities, said Gupta, who is also the programme director of the company. We believe that Lucknow has tremendous untapped potential. With job offers like these the educated youth of the region will not feel the need to migrate to bigger cities, said Gupta. Insisting that the HCL has opened its avenues for all age groups in areas like software development, infrastructure management, application development, product engineering and BPO, Gupta said, The best part of our recruitment is that there is no age bar. So even if a 53-year-old naval officer learns software development after he decides to change his profession, he can be a part of HCL, he said while making another promise, Even deserving TCS employees who do not wish to leave Lucknow are welcome. Claiming full support of the UP government, Gupta said, We have set up the largest HCL campus in North India on 100 acres land area. In less than a year, HCL, Lucknow has created approximately 1,500 jobs and of these almost 50% employees are freshers, mostly from Lucknow. They have done our training programme and are now working with HCL on global projects, he said. Director delivery and centre head Lucknow Rishi Kumar said, HCL Lucknow has a state-of-the-art Arya Bhatt Training Centre to train 500 individuals simultaneously. A second training centre with an additional capacity of training 500 people is under construction. He said HCLs foray into Lucknow is driven by the availability of quality local talent and scalable infrastructure. It will also provide local residents an opportunity to pursue career from their own town. This, in turn, is expected to ensure an enhanced quality of life for employees, said Kumar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dongfeng-26 (DF-26), a ballistic missile with medium to long range, led the armament formations of the Rocket Forces parade debut to mark the 90th anniversary of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). The missile can strike large moving targets within 4,000 kilometers, a military expert told the Global Times. Five models of China's homemade conventional and nuclear missiles, including the DF-26, the DF-21D, the short-range DF-16, and two intercontinental missiles, were shown at the parade held on July 30. The sequence of the formations was based on assessed military threats and real combat simulations, Yang Chengjun, a Chinese missile expert and quantum defense scientist, told the Global Times. DF-26 is Chinas only missile fitted with nuclear and conventional warheads, and it can preciously strike medium-to-long range targets, providing deterrence and counterattack capabilities. It is of great importance in modern warfare because it can strike large-sized static targets on land and even moving targets on water as far as 4,000 kilometers, Yang said. The DF-21D land-based anti-ship ballistic missile, described as the carrier killer, followed the DF-26. The missile can sink a carrier and is difficult to intercept. It is also of strategic importance, Yang said, adding that the improved DF-16 missile has even greater range and better precision. Two DF-31A intercontinental missiles ended the Rocket Forces parade. The improved DF-31A is more adaptive and suitable for combat in complex terrain and future wars, the expert said. This is the debut of the newly formed Rocket Force in Chinas grand military parade. In a desperate attempt to retain Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Lucknow, employees of the company have decided to meet union home minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on Saturday. Former municipal commissioner Diwakar Tripathi, who is representative of Lucknow MP, Rajnath Singh, has been briefing the home minister about the fate of 2,000 employees who are in danger of losing their jobs, if they dont shift to other centres, as TCS is going to close its operations in Lucknow. Employees say the TCS management is not open to talks with them and is in no mood to compromise on the decision of shifting all its employees from the city to other places. Read more: Dont talk to media or organise protest, TCS staff told The employees say they will meet the home minister to plead their case before him. They hope that Rajnath Singh talks to Tata Group and helps them stay back in Lucknow. The home minister is keeping a close watch on the developments in his constituency. He will make all efforts to retain all the jobs in Lucknow. TCS employees have been assured of best efforts by the home minister, said Diwakar Tripathi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is organising a first-of-its-kind quiz across schools and colleges in UP to test the knowledge of students about saffron ideologues and schemes introduced by the Centre and the UP government. However, the quiz being organised as part of the birth centenary year celebrations of BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya has kicked up a storm with the Congress asking the BJP to order a probe to find out who murdered Upadhyaya? The query has a context. The 70-page preparatory booklet released by BJP president Amit Shah titled Samanya Gyan Pratiyogita-2017 being distributed in schools and colleges has a query relating to Upadhyayas death. Do you know who was the Prime Minister of the country when Deendayal Upadhyaya died? reads a question which is followed by the answer Indira Gandhi. For the quiz, a 70-page preparatory booklet titled Samanya Gyan Pratiyogita-2017 is being distributed in schools and colleges which has a query relating to BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyayas death. Criticising the BJPs attempts to saffronise education and impressionable minds, former Congress lawmaker Akhilesh Pratap Singh said: The quiz is being organised in the name of Deendayalji whose body was found on a railway track on February 1968 at Mughalsarai station in UP. Despite a CBI inquiry, his death remains a mystery with some even claiming he was murdered. Why doesnt the BJP government at the Centre order a probe into it? Singh was hinting at the conspiracy theories about Upadhyayas death including the one flagged by former Jan Sangh leader Balraj Madhok who quit politics following differences with the faction led by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Why is BJP engaging in selective nationalism, wondered Congress leader Devendra Pratap Singh. The preparatory booklet doesnt have a mention of Congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru while all saffron ideologues from Veer Savarkar to Hegdewar find a mention. Doesnt it tantamount to distorting history? This is what the students would be made to learn to prepare for the test, he said. Undeterred by the criticism, the BJP claimed an overwhelming response to the exercise and said about 10 lakh students would take the 90-minute quiz comprising 100 questions. The quiz will be conducted by about 2 lakh BJP workers on August 26. Having run out of public support, the Congress is frustrated. Their query isnt even worth responding to. The kind of response we are getting from schools and colleges is overwhelming, UP BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said. How can the Congress say we are teaching students wrong history? All the points in the preparatory booklet are factually corrected and have been verified, Pathak said. Another question in the booklet reads: Who was the first PM to be called to court and punished? The answer to this question has been mentioned as PV Narasimaha Rao. The booklet also has information on Narendra Modi, the member of parliament from Varanasi. He is described as the most powerful and popular PM of the world. About 10,000 schools have reportedly agreed to hold the quiz and since the registration is open till August 16, party leaders are hopeful that more colleges would join in. The result of the quiz will be declared in September and top 10 students from each district will be felicitated with a medal and certificate. All those who secure above 60% marks will also be given certificates. Some college principals and managers said they were yet to receive the booklet and information about the quiz while others felt this could open doors for other governments to use the same methodology to influence young minds. What I fear more is that this could open possibilities of other governments taking recourse to similar methodologies to influence young minds, a college principal said. Principal of Aminabad Inter College Sahab Lal Mishra and the principal of Queens Anglo Inter College Manoj Kumar said they were yet to receive the booklet. Interestingly, the Yogi government in UP has also asked the district magistrates to help distribute literature on Deendayal Upadhyaya in schools, colleges and universities. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Now, state universities will not be able to increase fees arbitrarily. Instead, they will issue an ordinance proposing fee hike and send it to the state government for approval. Within 30 days, the government will accept or reject the proposed hike. But in case the government does not take any decision in this time-frame, the hike proposed by the university would become applicable on students. NO PROPOSAL ON RETIREMENT AGE OF TEACHERS The committee withheld the decision to raise retirement age of university and degree college teachers from 62 to 65 years till its next meeting that begins from August 19. It will also take a call to link teachers promotion with their performance and performance of their students. The committee formed by governor Ram Naik to suggest measures to bring improvement in functioning of universities submitted its report late on Monday night. It made a number of recommendations after reviewing the UP State Universities Act, 1973. Recently, Lucknow University students had staged a massive protest over hike in hostel fees. The agitation continued for several days. Finally, the university administration buckled under pressure and decided to roll back the proposed fee hike. The committee also recommended that the vice-chancellor of state universities in Uttar Pradesh could be given a performance-based tenure extension. While their existing term is of three years, after the recommendations of the committee, V-Cs of state varsities may get five-year tenure, just like vice-chancellors of central universities. We have not recommended a straight five-year term for all vice-chancellors of state universities. But if a V-C has performed well in the first three years of his tenure, he may be given an extension of another two years, conditionally. We are putting some checks and balances in place, a committee member said. However, the committee withheld the decision to raise retirement age of university and degree college teachers from 62 to 65 years till its next meeting that begins from August 19. The panel will also take a call to link teachers promotion with their performance and performance of their students. The committee also recommended that the existing procedure of giving affiliation to colleges by the universities be scrapped. Instead, there should be a committee comprising one SDM and one professor of the university or any principal of a degree college. Besides, the committee will have a representative of Raj Bhawan, which could either be a retired bureaucrat/retired defence personnel/someone from judiciary who is now retired. This committee will make inspection of degree college to assess if it has all requisite facilities for students. The inspection will be videographed and submitted to the university, which is required to take appropriate decision at a stipulated time following which it will be approved by the chancellor. The panel has recommended that teachers could now avail leave without pay up to a period of 10 years, which was earlier five years. In six months, the committee will also have to recommend that there be one ordinance for private universities and how to bring in qualitative improvement in their teaching. It will also take a call on functioning of self-financing degree colleges. Read more: UP State university V-Cs may get 5-year term, subject to performance Governor Ram Naik formed this committee on June 16 to recommend how to bring in reforms in UP State Universities Act, 1973. The committee was formed under the chairmanship of legal advisor to governor, SS Upadhyay. Other members of the committee were JV Vaishampayan, vice- chancellor of Chhatrapati Sahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur; Prof Balraj Chauhan, former vice-chancellor of Dr RML National Law University; Madhu Joshi, special secretary in higher education department; RK Tiwari, legal advistor in higher education directorate, Allahabad and SK Shukla, acting V-C of Urdu Arbi Persian University. Giving 175 legislators temporary accommodation in south Mumbai, until the Manora MLA hostel the ceiling of which collapsed on Monday is redeveloped, may cost the government Rs12 to Rs15 crore a year. Finding accommodation in south Mumbai is difficult owing to a lack of small flats and high rent. After a slab collapsed in a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs room at Manora hostel in Nariman Point, the state legislature issued advertisements seeking furnished two-bedroom flats in Colaba, Nariman Point, Malabar Hill, Napean Sea Road to Wadala and Dadar on a rental basis for 175 legislators. The state specified that the flats should be 450 sq ft to 550 sq ft. However, market sources said it is difficult to find flats that fit the bill. If they want flats at Marine Lines, Malabar Hill or Napean Sea Road, the rent will be Rs1.5 to Rs2 lakh a month. Flats measuring 550 sq ft cost Rs3.5 to Rs4 crore. The monthly interest amounts to at least Rs2 lakh a month. Secondly, there is a shortage of smaller flats. The government will have to go northward if it wants to accommodate legislators in one area. It must also keep in mind the high rent, legislators security and the maintenance of the flats, said a south Mumbai MLA, who did not wish to be identified. He said societies and developers hesitate to rent flats to politicians, making the states attempts even more difficult. It is difficult to find so many flats readily available in south Mumbai. They may be available in Dadar, Worli or Wadala for Rs50,000 to Rs70,000 a month, said Shrigopal Maheshwari of Maheshwari and Maheshwari firm, which deals in south Mumbais real estate. Mantralaya sources said renting flats for the next three to four years would cost the government large sums. We plan to construct a multi-story tower with 850 flats. This will cost Rs600 crore. We have asked the national buildings construction corporation to complete it in two years, but pre- construction permissions may take at least eight to 12 months as the building falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone. This means the legislators will need temporary accommodation for at least four years. We plan to have of 400-sq-ft and 600-sq-ft flats in the redeveloped Manora, which will also have eight-story parking facility, the official said. Anant Kalse, principal secretary, state legislature told HT that the Manora structure was in bad shape. We need to vacate the premises, but will have to make alternative arrangements before notices are served, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON All 67 children born to HIV-positive women from May 2015 to May 201 7 have been declared free of the deadly infection, said officials from JJ Hospital, Maharashtras largest medical facility. Responding to a right to information (RTI ) query, doctors said repeated testings revealed that the children were HIV-negative. They tested infants who were younger than 18 months, and who had been exposed to HIV-positive mothers. When the infants were six weeks old, they underwent DNA-PCR tests. They underwent a final antibody test at 18 months. Read: Two in three HIV-positive Indians abuse tobacco products: Study The transmission of HIV from a woman to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breastfeeding is called mother-to-child transmission. In the absence of any intervention, transmission rates range from 15% to 45%. This rate can be reduced to less than 5%, with effective interventions during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding. Credit goes to our doctors and the revamped treatment regime, given by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in 2014. We achieved excellent results owing to a combination of three drugs Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz (TLE), said Dr T P Lahane, dean of JJ hospital. NACO had recognised JJ Hospital as a centre of excellence, owing to its Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission HIV program. For decades, doctors would prescribe a single-dose tablet (Nevarapine) to pregnant woman.Though the tablets lowered the transmission rates, they still remained significantly higher than the international average. Drug resistance among women was another major issue, said doctors. In 2014, NACO adopted the World Health Organisations B+ program, which gave the three drugs to hospitals for free. Chetan Kothari, who had filed the RTI, said the treatment regimen needs to be strictly followed in all of Indias hospitals, to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Small counties such as Cuba have achieved this. However, WHOs 2015 report states that India has managed to get only 38% of HIV-infected pregnant woman on the three- drug treatment. Since the drugs are provided for free, there should be no difficulty in achieving 100% results, said Kothari. Cubas milestone, Indias goal Cuba became the first country to be validated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in 2015. The achievement marked a major progress in global public health. Eliminating the transmission of a virus is one of the greatest public health achievements possible, said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. This is a major victory in our long fight against HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and an important step towards having an AIDS-free generation. The Bombay high court on Wednesday asked senior traffic police officials to discuss and inform the court if transferring officers who take bribes from motorists was enough to punish them. A bench of Justice RM Savant and Justice Sadhana Jadhav was responding to the Maharashtra governments submission that the department had transferred 13 traffic police personnel to non-desk jobs after they were found guilty of having demanded bribes from motorists, or of other irregularities while discharging their duties. The bench said that the officials on the highest levels of the department must give it some thought and inform the court. It was hearing a plea filed earlier this year by traffic constable Sunil Toke, alleging rampant corruption in the traffic department. The court had subsequently converted the plea into a Public Interest Litigation. It also directed the department to submit a progress report on the steps taken to curb incidents of corruption among its staff. The traffic department submitted an affidavit stating that it was committed to maintaining transparency and honesty. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar, said in the affidavit that in the past one year over 5,000 CCTVs had been installed in a phased manner at major traffic intersections to keep a check on suspicious activities of its personnel. A cashless system of collecting fines and penalties through E-challans had been introduced on a pilot basis from October last year. The traffic police is equipped with 900 e-challan hand sets of latest technology. Introduction of e-challan has wiped out the old cash collection system. This has left less scope for the enforcement personnel to get involved in illegal activities, the affidavit reads. The affidavit further stated that a dedicated email id had been created for the public to send complaints against the traffic police. Read More Bombay high court pulls up Maharashtra government over pitiable state of tribal schools ACB report on no corruption in Mumbai traffic department an eyewash: HC SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Just hours after the ceiling slab in a room occupied by an MLA at Manora hostel in Nariman Point collapsed on Monday, the state legislature swung into action. It issued advertisements seeking furnished two-bedroom flats in South Mumbai on a rental basis for 158 legislators living in the hostel. This, while the promise made by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to provide housing to the victims of the Ghatkopar building collapse remains unfulfilled a week after the incident in which 17 people were killed. The state legislature had issued an advertisement calling for a response from developers, builders and societies interested in renting the flats for two to three years. The government wants to rent 175 flats measuring about 450-550 sqft at Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Nariman Point, Walkeshwar, Wadala or Dadar. The legislature has also decided to pull down the multi-storey hostel, which has four towers, to make way for 850 flats for legislators. Questions are being raised over the deteriorated condition of Manora hostel, just 22 years after it was built.The hostel, which was inaugurated in two phases in 1994 and 1995, has 330 flats measuring 280 to 320 sqft. According to sources, the Maharashtra Lokayukta has ordered an inquiry into the construction. Read: Ghatkopar building collapse: CM promises temporary homes in 2 days, redevelopment in 10 days Sources from the public works department (PWD) said structural changes and alterations by the legislators inside the rooms have led to a state of disrepair of the building. Its condition is so bad that legislators are not allowed to park their cars inside the premises so that they are not damaged from falling debris. The legislator administration is however apprehensive if any society or builder come forward to let the flats to the politicians. In the wake of various aspects including the number of persons visiting the houses of the legislators and the protocols they expect, the response seems to be difficult. Secondly, the availability of such a large number of flats at the price we expect is not easy. In absence of non -availability of flats, we may think of giving a certain amount ranging between Rs50,000 and Rs1 lakh, by asking legislators to make arrangements on their own, an official from the state legislator said. In a recent meeting, held at the Vidhan Bhavan last week, the government had offered to shift the legislators from the dilapidated Manora to a government building which has about 250 flats vacant, but the proposal was turned down as the building was in Chembur. The legislators expressed their inability to move in the flats saying it would be difficult for them to attend the sessions from such a long distance. Read: Mumbai building collapse: Residents homeless despite chief minister Devendra Fadnavis promises Although the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said it is demolishing unauthorised structures, lakhs of residents continue to live in illegal structures across the twin cities of Kalyan-Dombivli. Moreover, the number of illegal structures seems to be rising with each passing year, thus contradicting the claims made by the KDMC officials. Ward officers are designated officers for removal of illegal structures. Also, there is a designated deputy commissioner to supervise the demolition of illegal structures. However, the work slows down during the monsoon, said municipal commissioner P Velarasu. The number of illegal buildings in the twin cities has gone up from 3,600 in 1990 to 2.5 lakh in 2017. The RTI filed by Dombivli activist Kaustubh Gokhale revealed that of the 2.48 lakh unauthorised structures, 1.4 lakh illegal buildings will face KDMC action. The RTI revealed that the civic body is yet to categorise structures despite identifying illegal buildings. The number of unauthorised structures is much higher than what the civic body has announced officially, alleged Gokhale. He alleged that the illegal structures in the twin cites mushroomed because of the corrupt KDMC officials, who formed a nexus with the developers and allowed them to construct buildings without proper permission. Gokhale said to make matters worse, none of the corrupt officials have been brought to book. The corrupt officials sanctioned bogus documents in exchange for money and allowed the builders to construct illegal structures. There is a need to book such officials if the KDMC is serious about curbing the menace, Gokhale said. He alleged that illegal structures include some of the recently built high-rises too. Case in point Mohan Regency, a posh complex in Kalyan (West), was declared illegal by the former KDMC chief E Ravendiran last year. The civic body had plans to demolish the building that housed 2,000 residents. But the demolition work was stayed by the Bombay Hight court after the society members of the building and other residents filed a petition to save the seven-storey structure. The matter is subjudice. On July 11, 2016, Ravendiran passed an order declaring that the building was illegal as it was built using fake power of attorney in March 2000. He was acting on a complaint forwarded by the state urban development (UD) department. The KDMC found that the builders had usurped the land from the owner and constructed the complex comprising 418 flats and 14 shops by producing fake documents. Based on this, the civic body had cancelled the commencement certificate (CC) issued to the complex. The matter came to light after Shreenivas Ghanekar, an activist from Kalyan, took up the case in 2012 and complained to the Economic Offences Wing, Thane. The case was then forwarded to the UD department. According to Ghanekar, the town planning department and builders Mahesh Lalchandani [Mohan Regency Complex], Vikram Shah, Nilesh Parekh, Govardhan Patel, Nagin Patel and Rawal [Mumbai Landmark Construction] alleged forged a power of attorney and claimed seven acres belonging to Kasam Rajkotwala. In this case, the civic body failed to take any action against the corrupt civic officials. This is the situation with every illegal construction in the twin cities. The officials who cleared the documents should be booked without further delay. This will bring down the rampant construction of illegal buildings, said Ghanekar. In his petition before the court, Ghanekar highlighted various types of illegal constructions taking shape across Kalyan and Dombivli. Based on my petition, the court formed a court commission to find out the culprits responsible for this mess. Based on the report submitted by the commission, the court asked the state to take action against unauthorised structures. But the government has failed to do the needful, he said. As per Ghanekars study, 85% of unauthorised construction is carried out on government reserved plots in Kalyan and Dombivli. A senior KDMC official said, The decision on illegal structures now rests with the state . As directed by the court, we have initiated action from our end. However, several illegal buildings cant be razed owing to the courts involvement. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The decision to install a Global Positioning System (GPS) has not gone well with the taxi unions. The two biggest taxi unions of the city have opposed the plan for black and yellow cabs if it puts a financial burden on their members. Mumbai Taximens Union and Mumbai Taxi Association have opposed the plan to install GPS citing additional expenses. The government has made speed governors mandatory for taxis and is now asking to install the GPS device. Who will bear the financial burden? questioned Prem Singh, leader of Mumbai Taxi Association. Last week, Ranjit Patil, Minister of State for Home, said in the legislative assembly that conventional auto rickshaws and taxis will have to install GPS systems on the lines of app-based aggregators such as Ola and Uber, considering the safety of the passengers. He was replying to the issue raised by the leader of opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil through a calling attention motion. The government needed to ensure that black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws had devices that can help track them. The government also wanted to install GPS in taxis and autorickshaws so that they could be tracked from the control room. The unions, however, claimed that they had brought their own taxi booking app, through which most of their taxis could be tracked. There has not been a molestation in black and yellow taxis and therefore it is one of the safest transport modes for women, said AL Quadros, leader of Mumbai Taximens Union. He added that if the government wanted to install GPS in taxis, they should release funds under the Nirbhaya scheme. The unions also slammed the state government, claiming that it completely failed to maintain law and order and controlling crimes in the city. Mumbai has around 45,000 black and yellow taxis READ Panel wants more time to submit report on taxi fares to Maharashtra govt Mumbai RTOs deserted after crackdown on unauthorised agents, touts begins SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Maharashtra schools will now have to conduct competency tests to assess basic skills of students in classes 1 to 8 on August 16, 18, 22 and 23 from 11 to 1 pm. The state government has changed the exam schedule today to suit schools running in shifts. This year, the government has asked all schools to hold the exams at the same time-in morning and afternoon sessions-to prevent malpractices. It had asked schools to hold the exam on August 18 and 19 between 11am and 1pm, and, 3 pm to 6pm. But schools complained that they will be unable to conduct the tests in the morning and afternoon as most Mumbai schools work in shifts owing to space crunch. Usually, the secondary section works in the morning, followed by primary in the afternoon. We asked the education department to keep flexible timings so that schools can choose them according to their convenience, said Anil Bornare, teacher, Swami Muktananda School, Chembur, and spokesperson of the Maharashtra Schools Parishad. The tests were introduced in 2015 by Vinod Tawde, education minister, to measure the learning levels and quality of education in Maharashtras schools. But they drew flak for the way in which they were held by schools. Last year, several principals pointed out that question papers are available to students ahead of the exams, because some schools hand them out prior to the exam. Last month, the department issued a government resolution instructing education officials and teachers to ensure that they maintain the confidentiality of the papers and that all schools should conduct the exams as per the given schedule. The question papers for the tests will be sent by the MSCERT. The resolution added that from this academic year, two more subjects science and English (third language), for non-English speakers will be added to the competency tests introduced two years ago to assess pupils from classes 1 to 8 in basic skills. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Find out which routes have few riders and discontinue them, the BMC told BEST officials at a meeting with Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar this week. The BMCs suggestion comes at time when hundreds of BEST employees are threatening a strike, demanding better working conditions. Suhas Samant, BEST Committee member and the leader of the workers union, BEST Kamgar Sena, said, A decision regarding the fate of the organisation needs to be taken .This is not fair for people working for them. We will go on strike if no decision is made on August 10 (the date of the next meeting) . The BEST Workers Union, which has the maximum number of employees, however is not considering a strike for now. We have started a hunger strike, but wont go on a complete strike as it will affect commuters, said Shashank Rao, its leader. At the meeting, BEST authorities also pointed out despite repeated requests, they get no help from traffic authorities to move autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles parked near bus stops. Anil Kokil, BEST Committee Chairman, said, Bus drivers and conductors ask the traffic department to remove vehicles that block bus stops, but there has been no positive development. Meanwhile, in a bid to increase the services popularity, BEST authorities have asked Marathi actors such as Prashant Damle, Avinash Narkar, Subodh Bhave and Adesh Bhandekar to become their brand ambassadors and help them attract more commuters. A session court in Mumbai convicted 15 Somali pirates for 7 years of imprisonment in a 2011 case. The pirates had taken 22 people aboard a commercial ship from Thailand hostage. They have been found guilty of attempt to murder and kidnapping. This is one of the four cases registered in 2011 against a total of 120 Somali pirates, for holding 91 people from different countries hostage. The sessions court pronounced the verdict in the first of the four cases, where the pirates mother vessel carrying heavy arms and ammunitions was intercepted in 2011, and the pirates were caught. The coast guard and navy, in a joint operation, then rescued the 22 men being held hostage on the ship. The men were Thai nationals and the ship was called Prantalaya. They also captured the 15 Somali pirates who jumped into the sea and took them into custody. The vessel had been captured by the pirates in 2010. They had been using it as their mother vessel since then. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Taking complaints against the shoddy state of the Sion-Panvel highway into account, the state government on Tuesday decided to undertake repairs of the pothole-ridden highway. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the state assembly the amount spent on repairs will be deducted from the compensation being given to the road contractor and toll operator after the exemption of toll for light vehicles. The CM, however, did not mention any deadline for completion of work. The arterial highway, which links the Mumbai-Pune expressway to the island city, is in a mess owing to a fight between the state and the firm in charge of its maintenance. The responsibility of maintenance and repair is of the contractor. But the state public works department (PWD) will take it up. The amount will be deducted from their compensation, Fadnavis said, responding to legislators complaints about the condition of the highway. The issue was raised by Shiv Sena legislator Ashok Patil in the question hour. Read: Potholes, traffic snarls make commute on Mumbais Sion-Panvel highway a nightmare The erstwhile Congress-NCP government had awarded tenders for the Rs1,220-crore project -- which involved widening the road and making it partially signal-free -- to Sion Panvel Tollways on a build, operate, transfer basis with a concession period of 17 years and five months. The company was to collect toll and maintain the road. In 2015, the BJP-led state government scrapped toll for most categories of vehicles and agreed to pay a monthly compensation to the contractor in return. The widening project later got embroiled in litigation between Sion-Panvel Tollways and the state government. Meanwhile, public works department minister Chandrakant Patil told the legislative council the government is working on war-footing to repair the Mumbai-Goa Highway and the repairs would be complete by August 15. Patil was responding to a discussion on a calling attention motion by senior Congress leader and member of legislative council Narayan Rane. Patil also said that all potholes will be filled before Ganesh Chaturthi, which is on August 25. Rane, a MLC from Sindhudurg district said that many people go to their villages during the festival and the highway is riddled with potholes. Read: Stuck again: Snarls continue on Mumbais Sion-Panvel highway Scientists from research institutes across Mumbai will take part in a rally, March for Science on August 9 to protest against cuts in research funding. The march will start from August Kranti Maidan at 4pm and end at Girgaum Chowpatty. The March for Science movement started globally in April. MC Arunan, who heads the Collaborative Undergraduate Biology Education at Homi Bhabha Research Center, will spearhead the rally in Mumbai . There is a need to inculcate evidence-based science among young students, said Arunan. Another aim of the rally will be to urge the government to increase its budget for science and technology, which is currently 0.8% of GDP. So far, around 200 scientists across the citys research institutes have signed up for the rally, Arunan said. Abhijit Majumdar, assistant professor at IIT-Bs department of chemical engineering, said, If there is an attack on science, the community needs to come together, he said. Dr Deepak Modi, a scientist at the National Institute of Research in Reproductive Biology, Parel, said the government needs to focus on fundamental science more than applied science. Two days after the University of Mumbais deadline to complete assessments of its exams, over 2.7 lakh answer papers are still pending evaluation, according to data made public by officials on Wednesday. The state government and university chancellor Ch Vidyasagar Rao had asked the university to declare the results by July 31. Assessment had picked up last week when the university had declared non-instructional days for all courses. With teachers once again busy with regular lectures, very few of them are reporting for on-screen assessment, said an official. On Wednesday, 1,719 of more than 15,000 eligible teachers conducted online assessment. This is slowing the pace of assessment and moderation, he added. Of the 4.77 lakh students who appeared for 477 exams between March and May this year, only 47,693 students have received their results in the past two months. The remaining 4.30 lakh students are still waiting for their results. The majority of these students (2.13 lakh) are from the commerce faculty, followed by 67,822 from the technology faculty, 59,111 from the arts faculty and 42,719 and 47,356 from science and law faculties. On Wednesday, 26,169 answer booklets were evaluated and moderated. By the end of the day, the total number of results declared stood at 222 of 477. The university needs to do something extraordinary and quick to ensure that they dont miss the second deadline (August 5) to announce results. On a daily basis, we are receiving calls from anxious students about their results, said the principal of a suburban college. Following several complaints by students, the university has decided to set up a help desk on the ground floor of the Examination House in Kalina, to address their concerns. Students who need urgent confidential statement of marks for submission to universities abroad or those who want to appear for competitive tests or for job opportunities, we will extend our help to all, said a statement released by MU late on Wednesday evening. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) fixed potholes on Bandra roads last week, it is lagging behind on roadwork in Andheri (West). Residents and activists said long stretches of major roads in Andheri and Juhu are riddled with potholes. JP Road and SV Road are two perpendicular roads that serve as lifelines for motorists in Andheri (W) and they meet near the chaotic Andheri station. Residents, autorickshaw drivers and commuters constantly complain about a patch of potholes in front of the market on SV Road. Residents of Veera Desai Road said the Metro line along JP Road and encroachment by hawkers adds to the congestion. Potholes are now worsening the situation. The BMC should not use paver blocks on roads as they weaken the road, said Kishor Kulkarni of Veera Desai roads advanced locality management (ALM). Santosh Kumar, a resident of Andheri (West) and a rickshaw driver for more than 10 years, said, Many roads in Andheri are in bad shape. No repairs have been taken up and it becomes difficult to drive in certain areas. Juhu resident Tanya Fonseca also complained about the yearly problem on Juhu Lane. The road that links Veera Desai to SV Road is also bad. It affects all the traffic going towards the highway and flyover, she said. Gilbert Hill Road has the most number of potholes in Azad Nagar and this makes it difficult for residents to reach the Azad Nagar metro station. Valerie D of Caesar Road ALM said only half of the road has been fixed. The junctions on JP Road have potholes and roads here are fixed partly with paver blocks and partly with tar. There should be a consistency. Also, someone must supervise the work done by contractors. she said. Authoritiesspeak BJP legislator Ameet Satam told HT, Many roads have to be repaired but not in monsoon. Now, roads will be repaired using concrete or asphalt. Vinod Chithore, chief engineer (road repairs) said, Work on SV Road has been tendered and will start after monsoon. It is a project road and will be improved. The DN Nagar police booked seven boys for sexually assaulting a minor who lives in their locality. The 16-year-old minor is stable, said police. The boys, who live in the western suburbs, had been assaulting the minor at a deserted under-construction slum rehabilitation site over the past few days. The minor complained to his father, who asked an NGO for help. They approached a local police station, where a case was filed. On Wednesday, an FIR was registered under section 377 (unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code and section 4 (penetrative sexual assault), 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault), 8 (sexual assault), 10 (aggravated sexual assault) and 12 (sexual harassment) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. All the boys were traced within 24 hours and sent to a Dongri correction home, where an official will record their statements. The minor underwent a medical test. The Mangrove Society of India (MSI) has put two of Mumbai regions mangroves Airoli and Vikhroli wetlands among 12 unique mangrove forests in the country. Mangrove forests grow in creeks, estuaries, bays and lagoons and in inter-tidal areas area between the high tide and the low tide. Their ecosystem is believed to have evolved around 114 million years back in tropical and subtropical regions and India has 3% (4,740 sq km) of the worlds mangrove cover. The unique mangroves located along Indias 7,516-km coastline are in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The worlds largest mangrove forests in Sunderbans, West Bengal, are also featured in the list. The list was released by the MSI and the Goa state biodiversity board at the National Mangrove Conference in Dona Paula, Goa last week. Maharashtra is the only state to have a dedicated cell protecting its mangrove cover.Mangroves are under threat from developmental projects and we are failing to understand the value of safeguarding the coastline from disasters and their economic value when it comes to tourism. We do not have the concept of preservation in India, said Arvind Untawale, secretary, MSI. The idea behind selecting these 12 locations is to enhance conservation and protection of different mangrove species, the biodiversity and establish them as international tourism destinations. He added that tigers in Sunderbans, saltwater crocodiles in Odisha, and birds, fish, crabs, and the unique flora present in this ecosystem are not getting enough attention from the Centre. There is great potential for adventure, research, information, conservation and management aspects, which the tourism sector needs to focus upon, said Untawale. Mangroves in Vikhroli. (HT File) What most people are unaware of is that India is home to a maximum number of flora and fauna species in the world, said Dr K Kathiresan, former dean and director, Annamalai University and from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology. He added that of the total 4,060 species living in Indias mangroves, 969 are floral species, accounting for 24% of the biodiversity and the rest 3,091 are faunal species. Mangrove forests can sequester carbon 10 times more than tropical forests and carbon storage is four times more than tropical, temperate or boreal forests (coniferous forests), said Dr Kathiresan. Experts said the tourism potential of mangroves in India, unlike many other countries in the world, is underexplored. We have to develop such spots for people to realise its importance. Tourism spots will not only help boost revenue but even their protection, said N Vasudevan, additional principal chief conservator of forest, Maharashtra state mangrove cell. SAVING THE NATURAL COAST GUARDS While India has 3% of the worlds mangrove cover, environmentalists believe they are under threat from developmental projects. Here are the 12 unique mangrove forest locations selected for better conservation: Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat Established in 1980 and 1982, the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park (163 sq km) and Marine Sanctuary (295 sq km) are mangrove forests spread across 42 islands with rich marine and mangrove biodiversity. They are accessible from Jamnagar by boats that travel 10km to reach these areas. Vikhroli mangroves, Mumbai It is one of the largest (2000ha) private mangrove forests in the country. More than 16 mangrove species, 82 butterfly species, 208 bird species, 13 crab species, 7 prawn species, 20 fish species and mammals like jackals, wild boards, mongoose, otters and leopards can be spotted at the mangrove ecosystem. Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli, Navi Mumbai The centre, a pet project of the Maharashtra state mangrove cell, was completed and opened for public earlier this year. It is surrounded by a flamingo sanctuary that is spread over 1,690 ha, which includes 896 ha of mangroves and 794 ha of land adjacent to a water body, to safeguard more than 50,000 flamingos visiting every year. Achra, Maharashtra The mangroves near the fishing village of Achra are considered sacred. (HT FILE) Located near the fishing village of Achra, almost 30km away from Kankavli on the Mumbai-Goa highway, this is the most dense mangrove spot in the Konkan region. Here, the mangroves are considered sacred as the entire area is owned by Rameshwar temple trust. Dr Salim Ali Mangrove Sanctuary, Goa Established in 1982, a 250-hectare mangrove patch at Chodan, located very close to Panjim, is home to 16 mangrove species, more than 100 birds and large intertidal fauna. The area has boat facilities, walkways and observation towers for a closer look at the salt-tolerant plants. Kali Nadi, Karnataka With the Western Ghats in the background, the lush green mangrove cover along the Devbagh creek of the Kali Nadi estuary near Karwar, Karnataka, is considered the most sacred mangrove forests of the state. Kannur, Kerala Situated along the famous Kerala backwaters and not very far from Kochi, large portions (587 ha) of the Kannur mangrove forest were recently declared as reserved forests (highest protection status) after a significant mangrove cover was lost owing to developmental projects. However, several parts were restored by the forest department with man-made mangrove patches that cater to both marine and intertidal biodiversity. Pichavaram and Muthupet, Tamil Nadu Two mangrove spots along the Tamil Nadu coastline Pichavaran near Chidambaram and Muthupet near Pulicat Lake are fed with Vellary estuary waters and are rich in mangrove biodiversity. The forests are famous for natural genetic cross breeding of the Rhizophora mangrove species. Coringa and Krishna Wildlife Sanctuaries, Andhra Pradesh The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the mouth of the Godavari estuarine delta, has a mangrove expanse spread across 235.7 sq km. It was established in 1978 and is accessible by road and by boats from Vishakhapatnam. Established in 1999, the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Guntur is spread across 195 sq km and located at the mouth of Krishna estuary. The Mahanadi estuarine in Odisha. (HT FILE) Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Kendrapada Mangroves, Odisha The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, along the Mahanadi estuarine, is known to have the highest mangrove biodiversity in Asia and is famous for the estuarine crocodiles that are 22-feet-long. Spread across 145 sq km, the sanctuary was established in 1988. The Kendrapada mangroves have mangrove area of 133 sq km. Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve, West Bengal Spread across a massive 1,40,000 ha land along the Ganges delta, the Sunderbans are the largest mangrove forests in the world between Bangladesh and West Bengal. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The swampy mangroves are also home to chitals, crocodiles, monitor lizards and several birds. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourists around teh mangroves in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (HT FILE) Established between 1983 and 1986, two national parks Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor, south Andaman (281.5 sq km mangrove cover) and Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (256 sq km mangroves) have several islands with lush green mangrove cover and corals. Both locations are almost 30 km away from Port Blair. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A day after a class IV student of GD Goenka School in Indirapuram died after a fall at his school, the postmortem report indicated he suffered severe internal head injuries and internal bleeding, which caused his death before he could be rushed to a hospital. Arman Sehgal, son of a deputy director with a private university in Sonepat, was to appear for his weekly unit test on August 1. He was moving out of his classroom when he allegedly fell and suffered severe injuries. Within some time, he was declared brought dead at the nearby Shanti Gopal Hospital in Indirapuram. The Ghaziabad administration had roped in a panel of two doctors who conducted the postmortem. The postmortem reports indicate he died of internal bleeding after suffering internal head injuries. He had some bleeding and a small injury on his lips and nose. It seems he fell on his face on the hard surface and collapsed as a result. His parents lodged a case against the school authorities and alleged that the school authorities destroyed evidence soon after the incident, said SC Dubey, station house officer, Indirapuram. Arman Sehgals mother (in orange kurta) and other family members grieve the loss. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo) The FIR lodged at the Indirapuram police station mentions sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) against the school authorities. We scanned CCTV footage installed at the school premises, which shows the boy being rushed to the medical room and later to hospital in a car by his teachers. But the corridor where Armans class is located and where he fell outside the classroom had no CCTV coverage, SHO Dubey said. Armans mother Swati Sehgal is director and head operations (India) with an automotive component manufacturer. The family stays in Vaishali Sector 5. Arman Sehgal Swati on Tuesday had said that when she reached the hospital, she found Armans clothes wet. She suspected the floor where he fell was wet because of which she slipped. She alleged negligence and laxity by the school officials. On Tuesday evening, Armans father filed a police complaint, alleging the school management did not cooperate when he reached after getting information about the incident. ...The school management did not cooperate but they were trying that the truth should not come to fore... childs clothes were wet and there was blood on his nose and teeth... school people cleaned the blood to hide the truth... I suspect my son died due to lax attitude of the school authorities. We demand a judicial/CBI probe into the incident, Armans father had said in his FIR. When HT visited the school on Tuesday, Dr Kavita Sharma, the principal, said the boy just fell. She said the school would fully cooperate with the police and parents during investigation. He just fell over the floor while he was walking from his class to the other room for his unit test. We immediately rushed him to nearby hospital but he did not survive. The incident is unfortunate. The floor had no presence of water, as alleged, as there was no nearby water source at the incident spot, Sharma had said on Tuesday. When contacted yet again on Wednesday, the school authorities replied that the principal would revert but did not respond till Wednesday evening SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Ghaziabad police have started an investigation into the death of a class 4 student of GD Goenka School in Indirapuram on Tuesday, after the boys parents lodged a complaint. The police registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence against school officials. On Tuesday morning, Arman Sehgal fell outside his classroom and sustained head injuries, following which he died. Sehgals parents have alleged laxity and negligence on the part of the school officials and said that the boys clothes were wet, which indicated that there was water on the floor where the boy fell. We are trying to investigate if there was laxity on the part of school officials. We also sent a forensic team for examination of the spot where the child fell, said SC Dubey, station house officer, Indirapuram. The team was trying to find the traces of blood, which were allegedly wiped off by the school officials, as claimed by the boys parents in the FIR, Dubey said. The forensic team has collected some evidence and we will use it in our investigation, he said. The officer said that parents of students who studied in the school had told them that their children had also slipped on the glossy floor. The floor surface is glossy, making it slippery. Parents told us that their children also slipped several times earlier. Further, the school has set up classrooms for younger children on the upper floors. The incident involving Arman took place on the second floor, just outside his classroom. We are also scanning CCTV footage but there is no footage of this incident as the corridor had no CCTV camera, Dubey said. The incident took place around 7.45am when Arman reached his classroom and took out his pencil box before moving to another room where he was supposed to appear for a weekly unit test. He fell while he was walking from his classroom to the other room. We immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital but he did not survive. The incident is unfortunate and we will fully cooperate with his parents and the police for an investigation. The floor had no water, as alleged, as there was no water source near the incident spot, Dr Kavita Sharma, school principal, had told Hindustan Times on Tuesday. In his complaint, Gulshan Sehgal, Armans father, alleged that the school authorities had wiped the blood from the spot where his son had fallen. Armans mother, Swati Sehgal, had also alleged on Tuesday that the spot where her son fell had water. The boys class teacher has given full details to his parents and also to the police about the incident. The boy was not in a hurry or rush to reach the examination room and was walking. He was late by 10-12 minutes, approximately, Sharma had said. The corridor where he fell has no CCTV coverage, Sharma had said. Hindustan Times also approached the school officials for comment on Wednesday, but did not receive a response till late evening. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON File Photo (Xinhua) After DPRKs recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to complain that China is doing nothing to help although China can easily solve this problem. Trump believes the greatest immediate threat to the U.S. is North Korea and that China can easily solve this problem, but the real question might be why North Korea feels the need to arm itself to the teeth. In a commentary by the state-run North Korean government newspaper Minju Choson, North Korea accused the U.S. of developing an insect-size micro robot weapon to be used for a beheading operation against the regime. Although the newspapers claim cannot be independently verified, it is no secret at least some in the U.S. government desire to destroy the country, as U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham reminded the world on NBC News. There is a military option to destroy North Koreas program and North Korea itself. North Koreas recent claim is, of course, one of many, but the overarching theme remains the same: In the eyes of North Korea, at least according to its media, the U.S. is determined to pursue military action against the country. It should be no surprise then that North Korea feels insecure, and this has led to a vicious cycle. The case can be made that North Korean nuclear weapons are the only reliable deterrent to American aggression. In North Korea, they have an interesting childrens story about a peaceful community that feels threatened by a ruthless tiger. The story ends on a happy note, at least for North Korea, with the tiger running off with its tail between its legs after a brave porcupine steps up to accept the challenge. The underlying meaning is simple: The ultimate thing keeping the U.S. from ripping the country to pieces is its nuclear deterrent. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. does not seek regime change in North Korea and would like to sit down and have dialogue about the future. But obviously, such statements are not credible to North Korea and do nothing to end the vicious cycle. The solution to the dilemma is to not aggravate the explosive situation. Venting frustration over the failure of U.S. foreign policy; threatening economic coercion against China; and threatening the security of North Korea are only adding fuel to the fire. If the U.S. sincerely hopes China will help the U.S. solve its conflict with North Korea, then it should take seriously Chinas dual-track approach and suspension-for-suspension proposal, which calls on North Korea to suspend its missile and nuclear activities in exchange for a less aggressive U.S. military posture, to help break out of the security dilemma and launch meaningful talks. While China certainly has an important role to play in helping the two sides avoid a head-on collision, it is ridiculous to assume China has control over North Korea or is responsible for solving Americas security problem. Saying China can easily solve the problem is like saying peace in the Middle East is not as difficult as people have thought; and the so-called China responsibility theory is based on a poor understanding of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, as well as baseless efforts to shift responsibility for the complicated problem onto China and others. If the U.S. aim is to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, then the region would be best served through collective efforts to create a situation in which the best formula for survival is not nuclear or other forms of hard power. But one thing is for certain: China is not to blame for North Koreas missile and nuclear ambitions. As China has repeated over and over again, it is the U.S. and North Korea that hold the key to peace. Lal Babu Paswan was overwhelmed to welcome back his 11-year-old son Rohit, who had gone missing from Azadpur area of Delhi over two months ago. Paswan said, My son, Rohit, and his friend Usman had gone to school, but he did not return home that evening. There was no place left in Azadpur where I did not look for him, but I could not find him. We lost all hope, until July 25, when we got a call from KK saheb (a policeman) saying they have found my son in Gwalior. Rohit said that he had boarded a train to cross the railway track in Azadpur, but the train started moving before he could get down on the other side. He then got down at an unidentified railway station and was taken to a shelter home. The police and NGO volunteers were able to trace Rohit and reunite him with his family. Rohit is one among the 86 children who were reunited with their parents by Gautam Budh Nagar police in one month under the Central governments Operation Muskan-III. As many as 131 children were reported missing in the district, of whom police recovered 28 children in the district and 58 from other locations. The month-long operation, from July 1-31, was carried out by 22 teams of the district police, who constantly counselled children and reunited them with their parents. Memories of young children are short-lived and can fade out in a month or two. Hence, it is crucial to trace the children at the earliest, said Preeti Bala Gupta, superintendent of police (crime) and in-charge of Operation Muskan III. We shall endeavour to make it (tracing missing children) a routine practice of the police, rather than waiting for the governments campaign or directions, she said at an event organised by Noida police on Wednesday at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra in Sector 6. The 86 children were recovered from Gwalior, Kanpur, Allahabad, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Lucknow and Haryana, among other places, which are directly connected to Noida through rail or road routes. Gupta said, We started searching for children in shelter homes, bus stands and railway stations. In some cases, we were able to trace the children very quickly based on our information, but in some cases, clues were not enough. Gupta said that during the operation, she noticed that most shelter homes do not have even basic facilities to educate children and called for improving the facilities. Inspector general of police (Meerut Range) Ram Kumar, district magistrate BN Singh, SSP Love Kumar, Noida authority chief executive officer Amit Mohan Prasad and other police personnel were present at the event. In my experience as Delhis education minister, I have come to realise that despite many attempts by successive governments, they have not really been able to shape society. The Chief Ministers Office or the Prime Ministers Office does not determine the direction our society moves in, even if it wants to. What is really influencing our behaviour and attitudes is school education. The kind of education our children receive in the classroom goes a long way in what kind of human beings they become. It moulds their sensibilities and develops the extent of their ability to think for themselves. The quality of school education exercises enormous control over society. So what determines what goes on in a classroom? The teaching processes in the classroom, whether we like it or not, are determined by the nature of exams and assessments. An example of this is the chapter on the persecution of Dalits taught to Class VII children. An excerpt of Dalit literary great Om Prakash Valmikis iconic autobiography Joothan is a part of NCERTs Class VII social science textbook. Introduced with the objective of educating children about the horrors of untouchability in India, the chapter can potentially play a role in sensitising children to caste-based discrimination in society. But it fails at doing so because of how examination questions are framed on the chapter. Who is the author of the book Joothan? or Which book did Om Prakash Valmiki author? are questions that do not serve the purpose of this chapter. However, since they are routinely asked in examinations, this chapter often becomes an exercise in rote memorisation of names and characters. Classrooms, curricula, learning outcomes have all evolved over time. But the relative stagnation in examination patterns has induced inertia in the system. Teachers are not incentivised to adapt to the changing needs of society because that would not help children be successful in traditional examinations, and therefore reflect poorly on the teachers performance. Merely pushing schools to focus on learning outcomes will not help. There is a need to align examination papers with learning outcomes. At the highest levels, we must begin to scrutinise every question of every examination from the prism of learning outcomes. If assessments do not test the learning levels of children, then they have no relevance. The continued stress on rote memorisation to perform well in examinations is creating memorisation machines, but not informed citizens. Despite examinations being important milestones in childrens lives, they are perceived as frightening events. If examinations had been about assessing learning levels instead of memory, much of this fear would not exist. Indian schools push children to study under pressure and fear of failure. This is what makes us a society that can only function when there is a fear of failure. An overhaul in our examinations will build a citizenry that is more confident and responsible. Whatever we have achieved as a society is thanks to education. A few centuries ago, untouchability and slavery were defining characteristics of society. If we have come so far as to criminalise both these acts, it is the success of our classrooms. Each time we collectively condemn instances of restricting entry to temples for certain people, it is an advancement that is an achievement of our school education. At the same time, the fact that religious strife and caste-based violence continue to plague our society shows we clearly have a long way to go. Reforming education is the key to fixing many societal issues. And reforming examinations will help us provide a perfect path to achieve the goals of education reform. If we begin to go beyond posing questions on the name of the author of Joothan, we will find that a lot of caste-related prejudices and misconceptions will be eliminated among children very early in their lives. Examinations will help bridge the divide between education and the requirements of society, and we must seize this opportunity. Classrooms hold the key to our society; and assessment patterns hold the key to our classrooms. Therefore, it is time to fundamentally rethink our assessment systems in schools. Manish Sisodia is deputy chief minister and education minister, Delhi The views expressed are personal Bharti Sharma, mother of the 16-year-old boy who made headlines for getting a job offer from Google and then for it being a hoax, said on Wednesday the incident had devastated her sons life. Talking to HT, Bharti, a teacher from Kurukshetra, said Harshit got a hoax call, and not a letter, informing him about his selection for the post of graphic designer. Harshit got a phone call. We did not believe it at first. I kept telling him it could be hoax, said the mother. He shared the information with his school principal, who further released a press note, which led to media coverage. Bharti said once the news was published and mediapersons started contacting them, they too thought the job offer is genuine. We thought the principal has some confirmation, she said. Where did letter come from? However, question remains over the offer letter that the school has provided to the media, claiming that Harshit had forwarded it to a teacher. The letter has several mistakes and does not contain any salary details. Bharti maintained that Harshit did not provide it to the school. Harshit had completed Class 12 from Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 33, this year. It was on Saturday that the UT administration released a press note about Harshits achievement. The release claimed that the internet giant would pay him Rs 12 lakh per month as salary after a years training. During training, it was claimed he will get a stipend of Rs 4 lakh per month. However, on Tuesday, Google denied having offered paid training and job to Harshit. Bharti said Harshit hasnt eaten since Tuesday and is hospitalised. Doctors say he is traumatised. Those who were congratulating us are now taunting us, she said. Claiming they did not want to blame the principal or any teacher, Bharti said: Harshit only told her about the call. Family evading authorities However, Beniwal maintained that Harshit forwarded a copy of the offer letter to a teacher through WhatsApp. The principal alleged Harshits family had been evading the authorities and there phone number were also switched off. Meanwhile, Beniwal has submitted a report to the education department after it ordered a probe on Tuesday. It is learnt the principal has stated that she was on leave and got information about the boy getting a job offer through two teachers. She has also forwarded messages exchanged between the teachers and Harshits family and the offer letter. She has also appended videos of celebrations at Harshits ancestral place in Kurukshetra. The report will be made public on Thursday. I have received the report, but not seen it yet, said Rubinderjit Singh Brar, UT director, school education. The parents of 16-year-old Harshit Sharma, who was in news after he claimed he had bagged an offer from Google, told Chandigarh administration that it was a mistake and the boy hadnt got any such offer from the search engine giant. His mother called me up to say Its a mistake. The boy committed a mistake, said the school principal, Indra Beniwal, adding that the mother further said the boy is being kept under medical observation as he was refusing to take food. The parents did not tell how the mistake took place. Nor did they disclose the boys location. On Tuesday, Google had denied having offered the much-publicised Rs 4 lakh-a-month training job to Harshit Sharma, who passed out from a Sector 33 government school in Chandigarh earlier this year. The UT administration had started an inquiry into the matter and had sought a report from his school for issuing an official press release about his achievement on July 29. The release had claimed that he would be paid 12 lakh a month as salary after a years training. The school on Wednesday shared the purported offer letter given by the boy to the school authorities. It did not mention any stipend or salary details. It is my mistake that I did not verify his claims. Around 15 days ago, the boy came to school with sweets, Beniwal said, adding that she has on her own sent a person to Kurukshetra to get to the bottom of the controversy. The boys two phone numbers were switched off on Wednesday. His Facebook account said, Works at Google, living in California. Videos of celebrations that had been put up earlier have been removed now, and his residential place was also changed back to his home town, Mathana in Kurukshetra district of Haryana. It was on July 29 that the UT administrations public relations department had released a statement that Harshit Sharma, who completed Class 12 from Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 33, this year, had bagged an offer from Google. This press release had led to several media outlets reporting this news. Harshit had told HT: I kept searching for jobs online... I applied for this job in May, and was interviewed online. I have been interested in graphic designing for the past 10 years. I was selected on the basis of the posters I designed. Harshits parents are teachers. His younger brother studies in Class 10. During his time at the school, he stayed with his uncle at Dera Bassi. A ray of hope had emerged four months ago for a Pakistani woman, her sister and 10-year-old daughter who are in the central jail here on drug charges, after an NGO paid Rs 4 Lakh as fine that was mandatory for their release. But they remain behind bars, as the bureaucratic process continues to stretch. It was on April 6 last year that Batala-based non-government organisation, Sarbat Da Bhala Humanity Club, came forward to pay the fine on Fatima Bibi and her sister Mumtaj with regard to their conviction in 2006. Their main jail term got completed in November of 2015, but they have been serving an extra two years due to non-payment of the fine. Fatima, the elder one, was pregnant when she and Mumtaj were arrested from the Samjhauta Express on May 8, 2006, at the Attari railway station for carrying drugs. Fatima gave birth to Hena in jail; and she is yet to see her native land. Though the two sisters completed their jail term in November last year, the sessions court extended it by two years for their failure to pay the fine. Finally, the NGO led by Navtej Singh Gaggu gave a ray of hope to the sisters and young Hena on humanitarian grounds. They had already faced four months of extra imprisonment before the NGO paid the fine for them. We are yet to get response from the Union government, said advocate Navjot Kaur Chabba, a womens rights activist who is contesting the case for them. She explained, The file of the case was sent to the authorities concerned in the Punjab government, who sent it to the Union ministries of home affairs and external affairs for approval of release. Guggu said, Of the two years of extended imprisonment, now eight months are already gone. What is the point of our efforts to collect the fine money from social activists and then paying it? If the government wanted to delay the release, why was our fine money submitted? It should return the amount if it is not sure about their release, so that the money can be used for other social work. We have also filed a writ in the Punjab and Haryana high court against the attitude of the government as it is not acting as per the courts order in this case, he added. When contacted, Satnam Singh, deputy superintendent of the Amritsar jail, said the matter is under consideration at the Union governments level. Although the NGO has paid the fine, they have to wait for some time as the government has to tie up with the Pakistan government too, he added. Fatima belongs to Gujranwala, while her sister who is unmarried is a resident of Sikandrabad; they were on way to Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh to meet their maternal uncles when they were arrested. Fatima had argued in the court that the 400-gram smack seized from their train compartment belonged to a fellow traveller. Pertinently, a court intervened for release of the child Hena, but Fatima refused to send her back to Pakistan alone as she had grown up with her in the jail. There may also be a row over the childs citizenship as she was born here. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Within 36 hours of a two-year-old boys mysterious death at Dera Bassi, police on Tuesday arrested his father for the murder on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. What has come to the fore is a chilling account of a mans perverted mindset. The accused, who hails from Muzaffarnagar in UP, stayed and worked at a farm in Mahi Wala village near Dera Bassi. His wife, with whom he also has four daughters, is pregnant. Police said after reaching his house in a drunken state late on Sunday evening, he tried to get intimate with his wife, but she spurned his advances. Agitated, he took his two-year-old son to the fields, where he allegedly sodomised him. Later, he returned home and told his wife that their son got lost. The couple went out to look for him, and found him lying unconscious in the fields. The child was rushed to the Dera Bassi civil hospital, from where he was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh. After administering first aid, the doctors referred the baby to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research and Education (PGIMER), where he was declared brought dead. Sketchy statement made cops suspicious During interrogation, police got suspicious as the father gave a sketchy statement. He told the police that he found his son missing from the bed around 11.30pm. He said upon searching for him, he and his wife saw a man in his early 30s hitting their son on the ground. On seeing us, the man fled, the father had alleged. Dera Bassi station house officer (SHO) Gurpreet Singh Bains said the child had no external injuries, putting a question mark on the fathers claim that he was hit on the ground. Police said the postmortem report, too, confirmed the child was sodomised. On putting pressure on him, the man confessed to the crime.His wife, however, is still in shock and has not given any statement. We have found enough evidence to nail the father, on the basis of which he was booked and arrested, said the Mohali senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kuldeep Singh Chahal. The father has been booked under Sections 302 (murder) and 377 (unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Navjot Sidhus TV work row: Objection raised to English-speaking machine ads too The lawyer, HC Arora, stated that, after attaining a high Constitutional post, Sidhu should not appear in such advertisements. Tall claims made by Sidhu in the promotional advertisement cannot be achieved, advocate HC Arora said. However, the HC adjourned the hearing for October 10. Click for full report Googles Rs 1.4 crore job offer to Chandigarh boy that wasnt! Its a mistake, parents tell UT authorities The parents of 16-year-old Harshit Sharma, who was in news after he claimed he had bagged an offer from Google, told Chandigarh administration that it was a mistake and the boy hadnt got any such offer from the search engine giant. Full report here Bike taxis off Mohali roads as drivers unhappy with Uber More than 50 bike taxi riders, who saw a bright future at the time of the launch on July 25, have taken their vehicles off road. They say the firm has gone back on its commitment to follow incentive-based payment system. Read more Dealing with organised crime in Punjab: Committee wants key changes in PCOCA The much-hyped Punjab Control of Organised Crime Act (PCOCA), a law proposed to deal with the organised crime in the state, is likely to become a reality soon with the cabinet sub-committee formed by the government asking the advocate general office to amend some objectionable clauses in the draft. Read more Jail term served, fine paid too, but Pakistani sisters, child still in Amritsar jail It was on April 6 last year that Batala-based non-government organisation, Sarbat Da Bhala Humanity Club, came forward to pay the fine on Fatima Bibi and her sister Mumtaj with regard to their conviction in 2006. Their main jail term got completed in November of 2015, but they have been serving an extra two years due to non-payment of the fine. Read more For more stories, visit www.punjab.ht Follow us on Twitter and Facebook Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Tuesday hit out at the Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab for its bogus claims about breaking the drug trade chain in the state. Khaira said Congress MLA Surjit Singh Dhimans statement at a function at Sunam on availability of drugs in every street of the state and their hassle-free supply proves the stand taken by his party from time to time. The cat is now out of the bag and all the CMs claims about weeding out drugs from the state have fallen flat, he said. Khaira added that the Congress MLA was not a common man but an elected leader and must be taken seriously. The ground reality is that every drug is available in Punjab but on higher rates than previously. Even the CM himself had a few days ago said that the cost of heroin, which was 1,500 per gram earlier, has now gone up to Rs 5,000. He did not say anything about discontinuing the supply of drugs, he said. Khaira said the CM must reveal the names of drug traders who he claims have fled the state after the formation of the Congress government in the state. He said registering cases against petty drug consumers is not the solution, but there was need to tame the big players in the trade. Govt exposed, says BJP The Punjab BJP said the statement of the Congress MLA had exposed the claims of the state government on drug menace issue. State BJP secretary Vineet Joshi said Amarinders claims of ending the drug menace in Punjab had fallen flat with Dhimans statement. Joshi demanded that Amarinder ask Dhiman to name those who were involved in the sale of drugs. Remarks twisted out of context: Dhiman Punjab Congress MLA Surjit Singh Dhiman has rejected media reports on his statement on drugs, saying his remarks have been twisted. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Dhiman said while he had raised the issue of drugs at the state-level function held in Sunam (Sangrur) to mark the anniversary of Shaheed Udham Singhs martyrdom, his remarks had been interpreted out of context. Dhiman said he was concerned about the drugs menace in the state and had described it was a major problem and it would be unreasonable to expect just the government to control it. But the media chose to project them wrongly, making it appear that he was countering the state governments claims on its anti-drugs war, he added. Barely a week after the Punjab government launched its flagship Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar scheme by flagging off bike taxis in Mohali in partnership with Uber, the riders are up in arms against the app-based transportation firm for changing the payment model overnight. More than 50 bike taxi riders, who saw a bright future at the time of the launch on July 25, have taken their vehicles off road. They are protesting against the US-based company, accusing it of making it difficult for them to survive in the business. They say the firm has gone back on its commitment to follow incentive-based payment system. Fifty-two-year-old grandmother Paramjeet who became the face of the scheme, being the first female bike taxi rider too joined the protesters, claiming she would no longer operate the vehicle. I decided to ride bike taxi to supplement my family income. But what is the use of working if I am unable to earn anything despite putting in hours? she said, accusing Uber of not fulfilling its promise. New model not viable Bike rider Malkit Singh, who operates in Mohali, said Uber promised fixed payment of Rs 105 per hour, irrespective of number of rides per day. Last night we were shifted to another system, whereby we will only be paid on the basis of number of rides we attempt. This is not acceptable since we are not getting enough rides, he said. Gurmukh Singh from Kharar said despite spending 10 hours, he made just Rs 400 on Tuesday, of which 25% went to the firm as commission and nearly Rs 200 was spent on fuel. Am I fool here to work for Rs 70-80 per day, which is even below minimum wage? he questioned. Shivtar Singh from Kurali said the business is not picking up in the region after the Chandigarh administration banned their entry. The company should provide some support in initial stages, he said. Uber silent, govt says will look into matter The bike taxis were launched amid much fanfare by finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal on July 25, who had claimed that it will generate at least one lakh jobs every year. After Uber, Ola too plans to launch the service in many cities. If this is the way the Punjab government wants to generate employment, its better they dont do anything, said Lakhwinder Singh, a bike taxi rider. The government should check a schemes viability before launch. Despite repeated calls, Uber's Delhi-based communication team did not release any statement. Bhawna Garg, secretary, employment generation and training, Punjab, said she will look into the matter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police has nabbed three class 9 boys for sending an extortion text to Jharkhand labour minister Raj Paliwar demanding Rs 1 crore on Saturday. They did it for fun, and thrill, said Deoghar superintendent of police A Vijaya Laxmi. The trio was nabbed on Wednesday afternoon from Deoghar districts Kadro locality under Margomunda police station limits, about 250 km from state capital Ranchi. The 14-year-olds had allegedly abused the minister in the message sent to his official number, and threatened to kill his family members if he did not pay Rs 1 crore. Paliwar had lodged a complaint with the Deoghar police on Monday and said that the SMS could be a prank, but added that he was not willing to take risks as the message threatened to kill his family. The boys will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which will decide the necessary punishments for them, she added. The SIM card and the mobile phone used for sending the SMS was stolen last week from a Bihar-based man, police said. Last December, a 16-year-old Madhya Pradesh boy, pretending to be an ISIS operative from Pakistan, had demanded Rs 2 crore from a teacher in Jabalpur through email. Cyber experts and psychiatrists across the world have expressed concerns over the negative impact of easily accessible technology on children. This, however, is not the first time a minister has received extortion calls or messages over phone. Former chief minister Madhu Koda had received extortion calls allegedly from a Bhubaneshwar man last year demanding a sum of Rs 20 lakh. A 40-year-old man Sanjay Tiwari and his accomplice Gaurav Sharma were arrested in January this year, days after they allegedly pretended to be senior BJP leaders over phone to state revenue minister Amar Kumar Bauri, and demanded Rs 5 lakh as fund for the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab elections. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In his upcoming film Naa Peru Surya, Allu Arjun will be seen playing a military officer. The project, to be directed by Vakkantham Vamsi, goes on the floors in Hyderabad later on Wednesday. Tipped to be an action drama with a patriotic angle, the film will feature Arjun in a new avatar. He has started working out with a US-based trained to attain a certain body to play his part. Contrary to rumours, he wont sport six-pack abs for his role but will be seen in a complete physical makeover. Popular writer Vakkantham Vamsi, known for his contribution to hit films such as Kick and Temper, makes his directorial debut with the project. Apparently, Vamsi was supposed to make his directorial debut nearly two years ago when a leading star promised to work with him. Unfortunately, the project never took off and Vamsi had to wait, hoping things would magically become alright. They didnt and he was shattered as his long wait to don the directors hat didnt come true. Finally, when he pitched the story to Arjun, he immediately agreed to do the project. While most top stars have second thoughts about working with a newcomer, Arjun is teaming up with Vamsi because he believed in the script and his vision. The film will have music by Vishal-Sekhar duo and popular cinematographer-filmmaker Rajeev Ravi will crank the camera and this project marks his Telugu debut. Anu Emmanuel has been confirmed to play the leading lady. Tamil actors Sarath Kumar and Arjun will be seen playing important roles. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop With a slew of projects such as Imaikka Nodigal, Aramm and Kolayuthir Kaalam in her kitty, Nayanthara is busy juggling between film sets and she barely has time for anything else. Currently shooting for her yet-untitled Telugu film with Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nayanthara took out time to shoot an advertisement for Tata Sky and earnings from it has made her the highest paid southern female actor. Having been paid Rs 3 crore for her last Tamil outing Irumugan with Vikram, Nayanthara has now been paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for a 50-second Tata Sky advertisement and the news has sent shock waves across the industry. The ad was shot over two days and it makes sense why she must have accepted the offer. The commercial was released in four languages -- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. On the career front, she is on a signing spree. She recently signed a dark comedy titled Co Co, to be directed by debutant Nelson Dilip Kumar and bankrolled by Lyca Productions. It will be a female-oriented dark comedy on the lines of Nayans own Naanum Rowdydhaan, and it will feature her in a role sans any romantic pair. The film will have music by Anirudh Ravichander, who has big ticket flicks such as Vivegam and the yet-untitled Pawan Kalyans film in his kitty. Saranya Ponvannan and Yogi Babu have been finalised to play pivotal role while the rest of the cast and crew will be finalised in a couple of weeks time. Meanwhile, Nayanthara has signed a Telugu film with actor Balakrishna and the yet-untitled film will be directed by KS Ravi Kumar. Lyca Productions, which has so far backed big ticket films such as Kaththi, Rajinikanths 2.o and Kamal Haasans Sabash Naidu, is also betting on medium budget films such as Co Co and Sai Pallavis Karu. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Looks like Prabhas post Baahubali film, Saaho, is having problems in getting a heroine. While the news that Prabhas as hero and Neil Nitin Mukesh as the films villain has long been confirmed, the question of who will play the female lead continues. Rumours are that Haseena Parkar actor Shraddha Kapoor might be seen as the films leading lady. According to a report in IB Times, while a number of names were being considered, Shraddhas name too came up. The makers approached her for the film, but apparently Shraddha asked for a hefty fee. The makers backed off. Now, it seems, she has slashed her fee to star opposite the Baahubali sensation. For a long time, it had been speculated that Baahubali actor Anushka Shetty, who has worked on many occasions with Prabhas in the past, would play his love interest in Saaho too. However, it was later confirmed that Anushka has opted out of the film as her dates were clashing with her upcoming Tamil project. She has reportedly signed a big Tamil film even before she accepted Saaho, and she was obliged to complete the former at any cost. It is also rumoured that DJ actor Pooja Hegde has been signed as her replacement and was expected to join the sets soon. Prabhas, on the other hand, has begun shooting for the film, suggest reports. Neil Nitin Mukesh, who plays the main antagonist in the film, said in an interview that Saaho will be biggest action film of 2018. This is a larger-than-life film and, post Baahubali, the entire nation is rooting for Prabhas. And where there is a mega hero, there will always be a mega villain too. My character has many shades like every other character in the film. Its quite an exciting project, Sujeeth has a great vision. Saaho will be the biggest action film of 2018. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Afghan authorities have tightened security ahead of a mass funeral for the victims of last nights suicide attack at a Shia mosque that killed 29 people. A suicide attacker opened fire inside a mosque packed with worshippers at evening prayers, before detonating his explosives. A second explosion came 10 minutes later. No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing in western Herat province but it came a day after the Islamic State group warned it would attack Shiites. Provincial spokesman Jilani Farhad says that to reduce the chance for more attacks, a planned Shiite protest to denounce the attack will be held just before the burial on Wednesday afternoon, rather than at a separate time and location. Along with the 29 killed, 64 people were wounded, 10 of them critically. Two US troops were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday when their convoy came under attack in Kandahar province, Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. He did not immediately provide further information. A suicide bomber attacked a convoy of international troops near the airport in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Wednesday, a local security official said. The NATO mission, known as Resolute Support, can confirm that a NATO convoy was attacked in Kandahar. The attack did cause casualties, Lt Damien E Horvath, a military spokesman said. Kandahar police spokesman Zia Durrani also confirmed the attack and the area on the edge Kandahar was quickly cordoned off. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. The combined US and NATO troop contingent currently in Afghanistan is about 13,500. The Trump administration is deciding whether to send about 4,000 or more US soldiers to Afghanistan in an attempt to stem Taliban gains. For over 65 years, he has been the unwavering presence alongside Britains longest-serving monarch, the consummate consort and royal representative. On Wednesday, Prince Philip, 96, made his 22,219th and final solo public engagement, braving heavy rain to meet Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace. The royal appeared in good spirits, waving to cheering crowds and joking with the soldiers, who have completed a 1,664-mile (2,678-kilometer) trek to raise money for charity. You all should be locked up, he quipped, making the soldiers laugh. Philip announced he was stepping down from public duties in May. The royal, known for his sense of humour and gaffes, recently joked about his big retirement day, telling celebrity chef Prue Leith: Im discovering what its like to be on your last legs. Also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, he will still appear at Queen Elizabeth IIs side from time to time as the 91-year-old monarch soldiers on. Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated but he wont play an active role by attending engagements. The queen supported the decision. Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as Captain General of Royal Marines. (AFP photo) Wednesdays event marks a major landmark for the man born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in Corfu on June 10, 1921, to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece. Amid the upheaval of the military coup that overthrew his uncle, King Constantine, in 1922, the family fled. King George V, the queens grandfather, sent a Royal Navy cruiser to evacuate Philips family and he was whisked to safety in a cot made from an orange box. Later, he rarely saw his parents and went to school in Germany and Britain. Philip has had a long association with the military and had once had promising military career. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and served during World War II, winning mention in dispatches for service aboard the battleship HMS Valiant at Cape Matapan, on Greeces Peloponnesian peninsula. He rose to the level of commander. Two years after the war ended, Philip married the future queen at Westminster Abbey when she was 21 and he was 26. He renounced his Greek title and King George VI made him the Duke of Edinburgh. His career came to an abrupt end with Georges death in 1952. At the queens coronation in 1953, Philip swore to be his wifes liege man of life and limb. He settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen and they had four children Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas. Hes championed environmental and conservation issues, and has interests in science, engineering and industry. An accomplished sportsman, he played polo regularly until 1971. He earned his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 and his private pilots license in 1959. Profile of Prince Philip, husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. (AFP) All that activity has led to overall good health. But Philip has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in the last few years for abdominal surgery, bladder infections and a blocked coronary artery. Many of his health issues are related to sports. He has arthritis in his right wrist and broke a bone in his ankle from playing polo. He developed a rheumatic condition of the tendon in the hand after a taking a fall in polo. He takes the stairs rather than elevators and can still fit into the uniform he wore for his wedding. He was only seen wearing hearing aids for the first time at a palace reception in 2014 at the age of 93. The palace says his health wasnt behind the retirement decision. Philip, who enjoys a slightly wicked turn of phrase, has poked fun at himself and his advancing years. In a letter to The Oldie magazine in 2011, he said he appreciated being named Consort of the Year. There is nothing like it for morale to be reminded that the years are passing ever more quickly and that bits are beginning to drop off the ancient frame, he wrote. But it is nice to be remembered at all. Have you heard the one about the guy who walked into a bar and ordered a $10,000 shot of whisky? A young Chinese man paid 9,999 Swiss francs last week at a Swiss hotel for a glass of whisky made in 1878 by the revered Scotch maker Macallan, the 20Minuten website said. The report was confirmed by an employee of the luxury Waldhaus Hotel in St Moritz, northeast Switzerland. The hotels Devils Place Whisky Bar has been honoured for its 2,500 bottle collection, including by the Guinness Book of World Records. But proprietor Sandro Bernasconi told 20Minuten he never expected to open this particular treasure. After entering the bar with a group of people, the client expressed particular interest in the Macallans - the hotel has 47 options, ranging from seven Swiss francs to ten grand. I told the customer that the most expensive Macallan was not for sale, Bernasconi was quoted as saying by the website. The client persisted, so Bernasconi called his father, who had run the hotel for 20 years and never had a client order the 1878. The elder Bernasconi told his son to go for it, even if the customer was not going to pay in advance. I was nervous, Bernasconi was quoted as saying, explaining that he was concerned the ancient cork would disintegrate. But everything went down smoothly, including the two-centilitre measure, Bernasconi said. Now that the bottle is open, the hotel hopes to sell the remaining shots and may consider dropping the price, 20Minuten said. Before it was uncorked, the bottle had been valued at 50,000 Swiss francs, a relatively modest price compared to recent record sets by whisky bottles at auction. The identity of the young - but presumably well-heeled - connoisseur was not immediately available. A special collectors blend of Macallans sold at auction in Hong Kong for nearly $630,000 in 2014. The US does not seek a regime change in North Korea and wants to work with China to prevent the reclusive country from acquiring nuclear weapons, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said. Days after North Korea on Sunday launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile in a month, Tillerson on Tuesday said Washington was responding to an unacceptable threat to the US. The official said at a press conference here that the US was not Pyongyangs enemy. We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them. He reiterated the US does not seek a reunification of the peninsula. We do not seek regime change... We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel, Tillerson said, speaking to North Korea directly. The missile launched by North Korea travelled about 1,000 km before splashing down into the sea, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said in a statement. North Korea said the test-firing aimed to finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range. A willingness to talk if North Korea agrees to pursue denuclearisation was also Obama administration policy, though it was never successful in getting Pyongyang to the table. Tillerson is travelling to Asia this week, where he will continue his drive to increase peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk to us and others. But he made it clear that there was no possibility of talks if North Korea did not abandon its nuclear programme. He said China has a particular role to play, as it accounts for 90 per cent of trade with the Communist nation. Trump had emphasized that point as he courted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit and pressured Beijing to use its influence on Pyongyang. Trump had recently expressed disappointment that Beijing had not applied as much pressure as he would like or caused a change in North Koreas behaviour. Arguing that China sees eye-to-eye with the US about the threat posed by Pyongyangs aggressive weapons development, Tillerson said: We dont blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea. But we do believe China has a unique and special relationship, he added. We continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue. The European Unions chief executive on Wednesday said new US sanctions on Russia had taken into account the blocs concerns but that it stands ready to retaliate within days if the measures are applied to hurt its economic interests. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also told a German radio station that it was crucial to coordinate with the United States to ensure sanctions against Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis are effective. We are ready. We must defend our economic interests vis a vis the United States, and we will do that, he said, according to a transcript provided by his press team. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed what he called a seriously flawed bill imposing new sanctions on Russia, pressured by his Republican Party not to move on his own toward a warmer relationship with Moscow in light of Russian actions. The legislation is aimed at punishing Moscow for interfering in the 2016 US presidential election and for its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria, where the Kremlin has backed President Bashar Assad. The law also imposes financial sanctions against Iran and North Korea. Industry insiders think that Hong Kongs connection to the national high-speed railway network will boost its economy and promote people-to-people exchanges with the Chinese mainland. It will take about 14 minutes to travel the 26 kilometers between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Transit passengers are expected to reach Beijing in nine hours and Shanghai in eight hours after Hong Kong joins the national transport network. Frank Chan Fan, director of Hong Kongs housing and transport bureau, said the 26-kilometer rail will play an important role in pushing forward Hong Kongs medium- and long-term prosperity and consolidate its strategic position as a regional transport pivot. The opening of the rail line will also bring enormous economic and social benefits to Hong Kong such as saving travel time and cost, strengthening trade cooperation, culture and human resources, Chan added. According to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, the high-speed railway will save an estimated 39 million travel hours per year in 50 years of operation. David Fong Man-hung, Chairman of a think-tank, the Hong Kong Strategy, said high-speed railway has brought tremendous changes to the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong should catch up with the country by joining the national high-speed network. Hong Kong will take the opportunity offered by the high-speed railway to participate in the construction of the Belt and Road and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, said Terence Tai-Leung Chong, an associate professor at the Institute of Global Economics and Finance with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Currently, about 90 million visits from Hong Kong to the mainland take place each year, and the number is likely to increase by over 10 percent annually, David Fong Man-hung said. The railway will further boost Hong Kongs tourism, local industry insiders said. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs over 1,300 kilometres from the far western Chinese city of Kashgar through the worlds highest mountain pass and across the border. For China, the two-lane thoroughfare symbolises a blossoming partnership, nourished with tens of billions of dollars of infrastructure investment. But for many Pakistani businessmen living and working on the Chinese side of the border, the road is a one way street. China says our friendship is as high as the Himalayas and as deep as the sea, but it has no heart, said Pakistani businessman Murad Shah, as he tended his shop in Tashkurgan, 120 kilometres from the mountain pass where trucks line up to cross between Chinas vast Xinjiang region and Pakistan. There is no benefit for Pakistan. Its all about expanding Chinas growth, Shah said, as he straightened a display of precious stones. The remote town of around 9,000 is at the geographic heart of Beijings plans to build a major trade artery - the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) - connecting Kashgar to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar. The project is a crown jewel of Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, a massive global infrastructure programme to revive the ancient Silk Road and connect Chinese companies to new markets around the world. In 2013, Beijing and Islamabad signed agreements worth $46 billion to build transport and energy infrastructure along the corridor, and China has upgraded the treacherous mountain road better known as the Karakoram Highway. While both countries say the project is mutually beneficial, data shows a different story. Pakistans exports to China fell by almost 8% in the second half of 2016, while imports jumped by almost 29%. In May, Pakistan accused China of flooding its market with cut rate steel and threatened to respond with high tariffs. There are all of these hopes and dreams about Pakistan exports, said Jonathan Hillman, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. But if youre connecting with China, what are you going to be exporting? This is not allowed One answer is Nigerian male enhancement supplements: expired medications which Pakistani merchants in the oasis city of Hotan recently peddled to bearded Muslims walking home from Friday prayers. The products were typical of the kinds of small consumer goods brought by Pakistani traders into Xinjiang: medicine, toiletries, semi-precious stones, rugs and handicrafts. Trucks driving along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway before the Karakorum mountain range near Tashkurgan in China's western Xinjiang province. (AFP) Pakistani businessmen in Xinjiang see few benefits from CPEC, complaining of intrusive security and capricious customs arrangements. If you bring anything from China, no problem, said Muhammad, a trader in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar, who declined to give his full name. But he said tariffs on imported Pakistani goods are not declared. Today its five percent, tomorrow maybe 20. Sometimes, they just say this is not allowed. Three years ago, Shah was charged between eight and 15 yuan per kilo to bring lapis lazuli, a blue stone. The duty has since soared to 50 yuan per kilo, he said. Customs officials told AFP the elements influencing prices were too many for them to offer a definite and detailed list of costs. While large-scale importers can absorb the tariffs, independent Pakistani traders have benefited little from CPEC, said Hasan Karrar, political economy professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Alessandro Rippa, an expert on Chinese infrastructure projects at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, said the highway is not very relevant to overall trade because the sea route is just cheaper and faster. The project is better understood as a tool for China to promote its geopolitical interests and help struggling state-owned companies export excess production, he said. Maybe it will be good Traders also face overbearing security in China. Over the last year, Beijing has flooded Xinjiang, which has a large Muslim population, with tens of thousands of security personnel and imposed draconian rules to eliminate extremism. Businessmen complain they are not allowed to worship at local mosques, while shops can be closed for up to a year for importing merchandise with Arabic script. In June, on the 300 kilometre trip between Kashgar and Tashkurgan, drivers were stopped at six police checkpoints, while their passengers had to walk through metal detectors and show identification cards. Signs warn that officials can check mobile phones for illegal religious content. Police officers interrupted an interview in Tashkurgan to demand a shopkeeper hand over his smartphone and computer for inspection, an event he said occurs several times a week. Shah said that when he first arrived in the town, the intrusive security made him nervous: But now Im used to it. I almost feel like Im one of the police. As he spoke, an alarm sounded. He grabbed a crude spear, body armour and a black helmet off his counter and rushed into the street, where police had assembled over a dozen people for impromptu counter-terrorism drills. The exercises are held up to four times a day. Stores are closed for several days if they do not participate. Back in Kashgar, Muhammad hopes that CPEC will make life better, but he believes the oppressive security will remain an obstacle. He plans to give it another three years. But, he said, he cannot wait forever: Many people have already gone back. An Indian-origin man in Singapore has allegedly robbed a petrol station employee at knife point, the first such incident in a decade, police said on Wednesday. Visvanathan Vaduvelu, 48, fled with 1,193 Singapore dollars ($877) in cash from the Shell petrol station situated at 219 Upper Bukit Timah Road on Monday, police said. He threatened an employee with a kitchen knife and ordered her to place money from the cash register in a plastic bag, they said. Police said that the incident, which took place in broad daylight, was the first such case in 10 years. Vaduvelu, who has been charged with committing armed robbery, faces a maximum of 10 years in jail and at least 12 strokes of caning if found guilty, reported Channel News Asia. Police were alerted at around 12.50pm after the suspect fled the petrol station on a scooter. He was tailed by a customer of the petrol station for a short distance, before the customer also informed the police. Even though the suspect was wearing a motorcycle helmet during the robbery, the robbed Shell employee -- a 22-year-old woman -- remembered the colour of his clothes. Vaduvelu was arrested on the same day of the robbery at about 4.50 PM along Jurong East Street 21. About 500 dollar in cash, some bank receipts and a scooter were seized by the police. These, along with his outfit -- a black T-shirt, a pair of long black pants, a beige jacket, a motorcycle helmet and a pair of sunglasses -- were also collected as evidence. However, the weapon -- a kitchen knife -- was not recovered as the suspect dropped it as he was fleeing the crime scene, the police said. He was remanded without bail, and his next hearing will be held next week. This was the first of two armed robberies in Singapore in as many days. On Tuesday morning, another armed robbery took place at a Western Union branch in Ubi estate, according to the Channel. The suspect, who took more than 2,000 dollar from Western Union employee at knife point, fled on foot. He was still at large, according to media reports. The Islamic State group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack a day earlier against a Shia mosque in Afghanistan that left dozens dead. Around 50 Shiites were killed and 80 wounded in an attack by Islamic State fighters yesterday on a mosque in western Afghanistans Herat, the groups propaganda outlet Amaq said on Wednesday. Afghan authorities said earlier that 30 worshippers including young children were killed and 64 wounded when suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the Jawadya mosque in the western city near the Iranian border late on Tuesday. Provincial spokesman Jilani Farhad had said to reduce the chance for more attacks, a planned Shia protest to denounce the attack will be held just before the burial on Wednesday afternoon, rather than at a separate time and location. Pakistan on Wednesday said eliminating the scourge of terrorism requires cooperation among states as it condemned the terror attack. Shias , a minority of around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted by IS jihadists over the last year. They accuse police and troops of failing to protect them. Dr. Amanda Hess, an obstetrician-gynecologist, had slipped into her patient gown to give birth to her second child when she got news of an emergency situation in the labour room. Hess paused her delivery and decided to help. Hess, who lives in Frankfort city in Kentucky, is now a social media sensation for being a true professional and selfless person. The other woman in the delivery room was in active labour and needed urgent attention but her assigned doctor was not around, said Dr Hala Sabry, a colleague of Hess colleague, in a Facebook post. Without giving a second thought, Hess went immediately to care for the woman. So, in her own words, she [Hess] put another gown on to cover my backside, put some splash boots on over my flip flops and delivered that baby! She literally worked until the last second!! (sic), Dr Sabry wrote. It was a little bit of a surprise...As soon as I saw that, I immediately kind of turned off patient mode and immediately went into doctor mode, Dr Hess told to InsideEdition.com After finishing her duty, Hess finally delivered her own baby whom she named Ellen Joyce. With more than 11,000 reaction to Dr Sabrys Facebook post, the internet is hailing Dr Mom for her amazing work. Here are some of the reactions: A group of rappers who say they had to flee Libya for their art were on their way to Italy Wednesday after being rescued by a charity boat. The self-described musicians were among a group of 17 mostly Libyan men picked up by the Aquarius, a vessel operated by French NGO SOS Mediterranee and international humanitarian organisation Doctors without Borders (MSF), from a fishing boat in distress in waters off the Libyan coast. Im (a) rapper, I do rap music, so I got to get out of Libya, one of the men, Youssef, told AFP. I have to get out of Libya for freedom of speech, you know about that. Libya is a dangerous zone right now for arts... Youssef, from the countrys second city Benghazi, said he had paid a trafficker he met in a coffee shop in the capital Tripoli to get on the boat. So I was talking and someone after I finished talking got me to the side and said If you are looking for a trip I can get you one, but it will be expensive. I asked him how much expensive and he said like 1,500 (dollars). I said I can pay 1,000, you know, stuff like this. So he got my number and he said I will see and come back to you. The next day he called me and said: All right someone will come and pick the money up. MSF volunteer Seraina Eldada said the rescued men had been severely dehydrated and exhausted when the Aquarius reached their stricken boat. They were very weak, some of them barely conscious, she said. But they are all getting stronger now and starting to recover, drinking water. Right now we are just trying to figure out what their stories are. The rescued men were to be taken to an Italian port although first the Aquarius was taking part in another rescue operation, this time for a fishing boat reported to have some 300 people on board. More than 95,000 migrants have been rescued in the Mediterranean and taken to Italy since the start of the year, just over a third of them on privately-funded NGO boats. The organisations say they are saving lives but their operations have been criticised for allegedly encouraging migrants to risk a journey that has claimed at least 2,385 lives so far in 2017. Pakistans new prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, began his first full day in office on Wednesday by meeting his ousted former boss Nawaz Sharif, a signal the ex-premier would continue to wield influence after the Supreme Court disqualified him. Pakistani television broadcast images of Abbasis motorcade arriving in the northern resort town of Muree, where Sharif is staying with his family after the Supreme Court last week disqualified him over failure to disclose a source of income. Sharifs ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party holds a solid parliamentary majority and moved quickly to project an air of continuity after the change of prime minister. A new cabinet was due to be sworn in, with media reporting that Abbasi would retain most of the former prime ministers loyalists. Abbasi said in televised remarks he and Sharif held consultations about the new cabinet and God willing in the next day or two the cabinet will be sworn in. Abbasi served as petroleum minister in Sharifs previous cabinet, which stepped down after he was removed. Sharifs brother Shahbaz, tipped to become prime minister in a few months when he becomes eligible, was also present at the meeting, footage released by Abbasis office showed. Abbasi said Sharif urged work to continue on the $57 billion China Pakistani Economic Corridor investments as well as other development projects. The investments involve building infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative. He said that these projects should be completed at a higher speed than before so that we can show the world that a prime minister in a country can change, but policies remain, Abbasi said of Sharif. A quick transition may ease fears that the nuclear-armed nation will be plunged into another bout of turmoil, which could erode economic and security gains since the last poll in 2013. Sharifs allies have dismissed Fridays ruling as a targeted campaign to unseat the popularly elected prime minister. The PML-N party on Tuesday used its majority in the National Assembly to install Abbasi who is expected to serve until Shahbaz can take over. Shahbaz, now chief minister of the eastern province of Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistans 190 million people, will have to resign and fight a parliamentary by-election before he can become prime minister. KISS frontman Gene Simmons is udderly thrilled by a newborn calf born with strikingly similar black-and-white markings to the face paint he wears on stage. Simmons tweeted his admiration for the calf on Sunday, saying, This is real, folks!!! Calf called Genie is born on Texas ranch and looks EXACTLY like Kiss rocker Gene Simmons https://t.co/m6CcUlA7cy Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) July 31, 2017 The calf was born Friday at a ranch near Kerrville, Texas, which is about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio. This July 28, 2017, photo provided by Hill Country Visitor in Kerrville, Texas, shows a newborn calf named Genie with facial marking that resemble Gene Simmons, bass player for the rock group KISS, shortly after its birth in Kerrville. (AP) Heather Taccetta (tuh-SET-uh), who lives at the ranch with her family, said Tuesday that the calf belongs to her grandmother. It is named Genie, in honour of Simmons. Taccetta says the calf and its mother are doing fine and that Genie is a family favourite and wont be sold for slaughter. China on Wednesday said it will take a decision in due course on its hold on the US-led proposal to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist which is expected to come for a review later this month. Early this year the US along with the UK and France approached the UNs sanctions committee for the ban on Azhar. However, it was stopped by Beijing which again put a six-month technical hold on it. The US proposal came after Indias efforts last year to get Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN were scuttled by China. The Chinese side will make the decision in due course, the foreign ministry said about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN security council. We have stated Chinas position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN security council many times in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking Indias move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to Al- Qaeda and Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second-year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on Indias application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhis bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. A woman parliamentarian of Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has stirred up a major row by accusing the cricketer-turned-politician of sending her obscene text messages and harassing women leaders of the party. Ayesha Gulalai, elected to the National Assembly in 2013 from a reserved seat for women in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, also announced her decision to quit the PTI because she could not compromise on her honour and dignity. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Gulalai said the honour of women in the PTI is not safe because of 64-year-old Khan, whom she called a fake Pathan. Gulalai, who hails from the conservative South Waziristan tribal region and is the sister of leading squash player Maria Toorpakai, said Khan is a characterless person who considers himself an angel but his conduct is highly indecent. There was no response to the allegations from Khan though PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry dismissed Gulalais allegations and claimed she had sold her soul for money. The lawmaker said she had received numerous text messages from Khan, and the first one was sent from his Blackberry in October 2013. She declined to read out the messages but asked journalists to contact the telecom authority in this context. She urged the Supreme Court to take notice of the matter for the sake of the honour of women members of the PTI as there is speculation that Khan might one day become the prime minister. Gulalai said her decision to quit the PTI had nothing to do with a case regarding Khans assets that is being heard by the Supreme Court. The criterion for awarding party tickets is entirely different in the PTI, she said. She said she had the courage to come out against Khan and his clan as she is a brave Pathan and honour was more important to her. The lawmaker went on to say that Khan was more impressed by Western culture and wanted to replicate it in Pakistan. Their change is confined to social media while workers like me work on the ground, whom they call inferior workers. When I used to attend meetings, Imran Khan gave tips on how to ridicule rivals and target them, she said. Gulalai also accused the PTI government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of corruption and said chief minister Pervez Khattak was acting like a mafia boss. She rejected reports that she was joining the PML-N party of former premier Nawaz Sharif but praised him for respecting women. The many theories and ways of categorising the people of India since the early days of the East India Company are on display at the University of Cambridge, part of its India Unboxed series marking 70 years of independence and the UK-India Year of Culture. Texts by British officials and writers since the early nineteenth century describing the people of India, along with visuals, are on display, including by key figures such as Verrier Elwin, whose anthropological work won him much acclaim. The display charts the changing visual culture of anthropology in India. It begins with the growth of the East India Company and follows the history of anthropology through to independence in 1947, when anthropological theories underwent significant change. In the early nineteenth century, anthropologists tended to describe Indian castes and tribes in Romantic terms. But, as the British Empire continued to expand, anthropology was also used to support scientific racism and colonial violence, said curators James Poskett, Harry Stockwell and Koyna Tomar. Despite these troubling legacies, Indians themselves also made extensive use of anthropology. Anthropological theories provided a means to critique the colonial state and bolster a sense of national identity, they added. The exhibition includes the work of Indian anthropologist Sarat Chandra Roy, widely considered as the father of Indian anthropology, who established the journal, Man in India in the early twentieth century. People of India has been the title of at least three major book series, two of them by colonial writers (by JF Watson and JW Kaye, and by HH Risley), and one edited by K Suresh Singh, former director-general of the Anthropological Survey of India, and published from 1992. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Qatar announced on Wednesday a five-billion-euro order for seven warships from Italy in the midst of a nearly two-month diplomatic crisis with neighbouring Saudi Arabia and its allies. We have signed a contract on behalf of the Qatari navy to acquire seven warships from Italy for five billion euros ($5.9 billion), foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said at a Doha press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano. Saudi Arabia and its allies including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing Doha of backing extremist groups and being too close to Riyadhs arch-rival Iran. Qatar, a key US ally, denies the allegations and accuses the Saudi-led bloc of imposing a siege on the tiny emirate. The diplomatic crisis is the worst to hit the region in decades. Jailed Samsung Group scion Lee Jae-yong on Wednesday denied his involvement in the merger of two group units in his first court interrogation on corruption charges in connection with a scandal that removed President Park Geun-hye from office early this year. Lee was arrested on February 17 on charges of giving and pledging some 43 billion won ($38.2 million) to two foundations controlled by Parks longtime friend Choi Soon-sil in exchange for government backing on the merger of Samsung C&T Corp and Cheil Industries Inc in 2015, Yonhap news agency reported. The prosecution accuses Lee of soliciting a favour from the former President to pull off the merger to cement his control in the conglomerate. The state-funded National Pension Service (NPS), which owns a major stake in Samsung C&T, was seen as holding the casting vote. The 49-year-old Samsung Electronics Co vice-chairman made his first testimony during the 50th session of his trial that began in April. Lee denied that he was ever in a position to make management decisions, since he never belonged to the now-disbanded group control tower, the Future Strategy Office. He stressed that the decision to merge the two units was made by the office and he only followed the advice by the offices head, Choi Gee-sung, in carrying out the merger. I have no knowledge of the business that Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries were involved in. The merger was carried out by the executives of the Future Strategy Office, Lee said. He argued that his scope of work and power was strictly confined to Samsung Electronics, the crown jewel of the conglomerate. I never belonged to the Future Strategy Office, Lee said. Ive belonged to Samsung Electronics and 95% of my work was related to Samsung Electronics and its related affiliates. But he mentioned that he began to have a few more jobs as the groups representative since his father and the groups patriarch Lee Kun-hee was incapacitated after having a heart attack in 2014. The scion of South Koreas richest conglomerate also faces a string of other accusations including embezzlement, perjury and hiding assets overseas. Part of Samsungs contribution was sponsoring the equestrian training of Chung Yoo-ra, Chois 21-year-old daughter, in Germany. The prosecution is expected to deliver its sentencing request on Lee on Monday and the court will deliver its verdict later this month. Earlier in the day, co-defendant Choi Gee-sung took the stand in court, defending his boss by saying that he approved of Samsungs sponsorship for Chung at his discretion. He also denied the prosecutions claim that the sponsorship was eventually intended for Samsungs leadership transfer, saying that the vice chairman is already being recognized as the successor in and outside. Hundreds of people have fled a town in eastern Saudi Arabia where government forces are fighting Shia Muslim gunmen, activists and Saudi media reported on Tuesday. Fighting has intensified in recent days in Awamiya where authorities have been trying since May to tear down the old quarter to prevent militants using the narrow streets to evade capture. Local activists said Saudi forces have facilitated the departure of people fleeing the clashes that have killed at least seven people, including two police officers. Dozens of families have been given temporary accommodation in a nearby town. Appeals for shelter for displaced families have appeared on social media and several people responded by opening their homes, while others offered to pay for temporary housing outside Awamiya. The government of Eastern Province has received requests from residents and farmers around Awamiya to help them flee clashes between security forces and what it calls armed terrorists, al-Hayat newspaper reported. Contracts have been signed for a number of furnished apartments in the city of Dammam to shelter those interested in leaving neighbourhoods near al-Musawara, al-Hayat quoted Falah al-Khalidi, governor of Qatif province, as saying. Local activists accuse security forces of driving hundreds of residents out of Awamiya by firing randomly towards homes and cars as they confront armed men in the area, charges Saudi Arabia denies. They said several houses and shops have been burned or damaged by the fighting. Residents also say life has become unbearable due to frequent power and water cuts as temperatures soar over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), according to Mirat al-Jazeera, a news website that often reflects Shiite views. Authorities have urged displaced residents to report to the governorate headquarters to apply for temporary residence or to get compensation for houses they had abandoned, state TV reported. The area, in oil-producing Qatif province, where many of the countrys Shiite minority live, has seen unrest and occasional armed attacks on security forces since the 2011 Arab Spring protests. Residents complain of unfair treatment by the Sunni-led government, something Riyadh denies. Thousands of Shia protesters chanted slogans against the Islamic State group Wednesday as they carried the coffins of victims of a mosque attack that killed 33 people in the western Afghan city of Herat. Up to 5,000 angry mourners, including relatives of the dead, congregated near the site of Tuesdays suicide bomb attack as IS claimed responsibility for the latest atrocity targeting the minority community. Death to Daesh (IS)! and Down with fundamentalism, the demonstrators chanted, as the coffins were brought one by one and placed in a refrigerated lorry near the Jawadya mosque. The mourners, who were set to march to the cemetery to bury their dead, also demanded that the government bring the perpetrators to justice and pledged to take revenge if it did not. Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for the governor of Herat province, said the death toll from the attack, in which two suicide bombers throwing grenades stormed the packed mosque, had risen to 33. Another 66 were wounded. It came a day after IS claimed a deadly assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul as it extends its footprint in the war-torn country. Underscoring the nations insecurity, a Taliban suicide bomber Wednesday rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces in the restive southern province of Kandahar, causing an unspecified number of casualties. Shias, a minority of around three million in overwhelmingly Sunni Afghanistan, have regularly been targeted by IS jihadists over the last year. They accuse police and troops of failing to protect them. I lost all my loved ones, they even killed children as young as seven. This wasnt an attack on Shias, this was an attack on all Afghans, all Muslims, Farhad Dost, whose cousin died in the assault, told AFP. Members of the Shia community said police had fled their checkpost, around 100 metres from the mosque, after the two attackers struck at around 8:00 pm (1530 GMT) on Tuesday. Died in my hands Angry locals then clashed with the police and set the checkpost on fire, according to witnesses who reported that officers opened fire, injuring some demonstrators. The governors spokesman said the police chief of the district had been suspended for negligence and a delegation from Kabul had been sent to investigate the attack. In a statement Wednesday, ISs propaganda outlet Amaq claimed it had killed around 50 Shias and wounded 80 more in the attack, which also left young children dead. Witnesses described scenes of terror and chaos, with emergency wards overwhelmed and survivors rushing victims to hospital in their own vehicles and even on foot. There werent enough ambulances... I tried to take a small child to hospital but he died in my hands, Ali, who only gave one name, told AFP. Farhad Afshar rushed to the mosque, where worshippers had gathered for prayers, after hearing the explosion. When I arrived the mosque was full of flesh and blood. I saw a mother crying and searching for her two children. She found one them wounded inside the mosque, the other was found dead in an ambulance, he told AFP. Quoting survivors, he said the attackers first opened fire on the worshippers, then threw grenades before finally blowing themselves up inside the mosque. IS has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks killing dozens of Shias in Kabul over the past year, including twin explosions in July 2016 that ripped through crowds of Shiite Hazaras, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. The United States on Wednesday officially set September 1 as the start date for a ban prohibiting its citizens from travelling to North Korea. The department of state has determined that the serious risk to United States nationals of arrest and long-term detention represents imminent danger to the physical safety of United States nationals travelling to and within the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), read the restriction as it appeared on Wednesday in the US governments federal register. All United States passports are declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel, it added. An exemption was noted for approved humanitarian travel and for journalists in some circumstances. The ban is to remain in effect for one year, unless it is revoked sooner by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson. The travel ban was first announced last month in the wake of the death of American student Otto Warmbier who fell into a coma after being imprisoned by Pyongyang during a tourist visit. Warmbier, 22, a student at the University of Virginia, died in June after being held for more than a year on charges of stealing a propaganda poster from a North Korean hotel - and sent home in a mysterious coma that proved fatal. After his death, President Donald Trump said he was determined to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency. Warmbiers death added to already high tensions in the region over North Koreas weapons ambitions, culminating in two successful test launches by Pyongyang in recent weeks of an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts say could reach US territory. US president Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a legislation that imposes new sanctions on Russia and severely limits his ability to roll them back amidst reports his administration was also mulling trade actions against China, which could escalate tensions between the worlds two largest economies. The legislation was passed last week by both chambers of Congress with overwhelming support from both Republicans and Democrats, and Trump was expected to sign it despite his reservations, and that of his secretary of state Rex Tillerson, as it ran counter to their intention to work with Moscow, or give it a shot. While I favour tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilising behaviour by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed, Trump said in a statement. In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions. The legislation covers sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea, but the part found most objectionable by President Trump was a provision that enjoins him to notify Congress and give it 30 days of advance notice to consider and block any move by him to roll back the Russia sanctions. In another development, the Trump administration is mulling an investigation into Chinas intellectual property rights regime and related market access requirements that could potentially trigger punitive trade measures, which, in turn, is bound to escalate tensions between the worlds two largest economies. An announcement was expected this week but could be delayed because of continuing discussions about what will be the administrations first trade action against China, marking a major shift for President Donald Trump who has sought engagement in sharp contrast to his campaign rhetoric. The president indicated last week he might have reached the end of his patience with China, as regards its help in reining in North Korea, and complained in a tweet that China makes hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. The trade action being considered as first reported by Axios news-site was an investigation by the US trade representative under Section 301 of the Trade Act for alleged violation of the US intellectual property rights and for forcing foreign companies to transfer technology to their local partners and subsidiaries as a condition for entering China. Its a little known trade tool rarely used since the setting up of the World Trade Organization to resolve trade disputes that allows the administration to slap duties on imports from countries deemed by the United States to have deployed unfair trade practices. As a candidate for the White House, Trump had railed against China accusing it of using cheating the US on trade he went so far as to say it was raping the US and had vowed tough actions against it if elected, including declaring it currency manipulator. Once elected, however, he displayed a willingness to engage with Beijing and seemed to indicate he was willing to dial down his concerns on trade for cooperation on North Korea, and he had seemed content with Beijings response, conceding it had tried though without any success. Turkey on Wednesday replaced the land, air and naval commanders of the military, in a major shake-up of the armed forces just over a year after a failed coup bid. The decision from the nations top armed forces body - now dominated by ministers rather than the military - marked another step in the growing control of the government over the once all-powerful Turkish armed forces. The Supreme Military Council (YAS) decided to remove land forces commander General Salih Zeki Colak, naval chief Admiral Bulent Bostanoglu and air force commander General Abidin Unal, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said. Colak will be replaced by General Yasar Guler, currently head of the gendarmerie and former deputy chief of staff, Kalin told reporters in Ankara. Bostanoglu will be replaced by Vice Admiral Adnan Ozbal and General Hasan Kucukakyuz would replace Unal as air force commander, he said. Their new roles start on August 30, Kalin added. Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar is however to stay in his job. Kalin, the presidential spokesman, did not elaborate on the reasoning for their exit, but thanked the men for their service. The decision to replace the commanders also received the necessary go-ahead from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the spokesman said. The council usually meets only once a year but this is the third meeting since the July 15, 2016 coup bid blamed on the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. He denies the charges. The government upped the civilian component of the council following the failed coup, giving more place to government ministers than military figures. Fight against terror The decision comes with the army still fighting an insurrection by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeast of Turkey that in recent years has claimed the lives of hundreds of members of the security forces. It also waged a long campaign inside Syria to oust Kurdish militia and jihadists from the border area. The biggest threat to our fight against terror is ongoing instability, lack of authority and civil war in countries on our southern border, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told the meeting. Previously, such meetings were held at military headquarters but are now hosted by the prime minister. Under Erdogan, the political influence of the once all-powerful military responsible for overthrowing governments four times since 1960 has been weakened, especially since the coup attempt. An emergency decree last year ruled deputy prime ministers as well as justice, foreign and interior ministers could join the council. Following the attempted putsch, the government discharged 149 generals, almost half of the militarys entire contingent at the time of 358. Almost 8,000 people from the Turkish armed forces have been sacked over alleged links to the Gulen movement under the state of emergency imposed after the coup bid. Over 4,800 were from the land forces, state media reported last month. Hundreds more personnel have been suspended in a military shaken by the unprecedented purge which has affected most of the Turkish public sector including education. Fresh blood Guler, the incoming land forces commander, was abducted and held for several hours with the Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar and other military figures on the night of the attempted overthrow. Some Turkish media speculated over whether Guler would take over from Akar, including opposition daily Cumhuriyet which said there was no obstacle left in front of Guler to become chief of staff. But Akar now appears set to stay in his job until at least 2019. Injecting fresh blood into the top brass, the council promoted 61 colonels to admiral or general status while another six generals and admirals were given top rank status from August 30 onwards, Kalin said. Other decisions the council made include extending eight generals terms by a year while 168 colonels had theirs lengthened by two years, the defence ministry said in a statement on its website. The head of millions of Ahmadiyya Muslims concluded the largest Islamic convention in the UK with a call to reject all forms of extremism and terrorism. More than 30,000 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) from over 100 countries gathered at the Jalsa Salana annual event recently, which took place on a 200-acre farm in Hampshire on the southern coast of England. It is up to Muslims to stand up and reject all forms of extremism and terrorism. It is the task of Ahmadi Muslims to show the true teachings of Islam which are of peace love, mercy and compassion, said Mirza Masroor Ahmad at the conclusion of the event on Sunday. The event began on Friday with the traditional Friday Sermon and the raising of the black and white flag of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community alongside the flag of the United Kingdom. On Saturday, the Caliph conducted proceedings from the ladies marquee where 15,000 Muslim women gathered for a speech on womens rights and empowerment under Islam and an award ceremony for academic achievements. The group said that the purpose of the three-day international gathering was to promote the true, peaceful teachings of Islam and challenge misinterpretations around the worlds second-largest religion. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 in India and is led by a spiritual caliphate. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip will finally retire on Wednesday at the age of 96. The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952. He has attended countless more events with the queen, now 91, offering his support and livening proceedings with a style of humour that often makes headlines but has eased many an awkward exchange. Prince Philip will take the salute on Wednesday at the end of a charity challenge by the Royal Marines, in which members ran 1,664 miles (2,678 kilometres) over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664. He has been captain general of the corps since 1953, taking over from the queens father king George VI, who had died the year before. The event also honours his military background -- the duke was a naval officer during World War II and was marked out for a glittering career, before he gave it up on becoming the royal consort. Over the past 65 years, he has carried out 637 visits abroad on his own, given almost 5,500 speeches, and was patron, president or a member of more than 780 organisations. He has a keen interest in scientific and technological research, was an early champion of the conservation movement, and his youth scheme the Duke of Edinburghs Award has extended across the world. He may miss the activity, because hes been the busiest royal. Every year, he and (his daughter) Princess Anne vie to which of them does more, one of his biographers, Gyles Brandreth, told BBC radio. While Prince Philips life had not turned out as expected, Brandreth said the duke once told him: I tried to make the best of it... I had to try to support the queen as best I could, without getting in the way. A palace spokeswoman said his individual programme of public events had come to an end, but he may choose to attend engagements alongside the queen from time to time. - Experienced plaque-unveiler - The queen once described her husband of almost 70 years as my strength and stay. Announcing his plans to retire in May, Philip joked that he was the worlds most experienced plaque-unveiler. The princes sense of humour has got him into trouble in the past, making headlines for politically incorrect jokes. But he uses it to break the ice, and many view it as a welcome contrast to the queens more formal reserve. How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test? he once asked a driving instructor in Scotland. Gruff in public -- he hates media interviews -- he is also widely credited for keeping his family together during the turmoil of his childrens divorces and the death of Diana, princess of Wales. Prince Philip is still in good health for a man of his age, although he was hospitalised for two nights in June for an undisclosed infection. He and the queen have scaled back public duties in recent years, handing responsibilities to the younger royals, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, and his eldest son Prince William. William, the 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge, ended his two-year career as an air ambulance pilot last week to turn his full attention to royal duties, alongside his wife Kate. But while the queen supports her husbands decision to retire, experts say she considers her own vow at her 1953 coronation to serve for life as unbreakable. Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family, the palace said earlier this year. A Ukrainian pilot is being hailed as a hero after he landed an Airbus A320 damaged in a hailstorm, barely able to see the runway through the shattered windshield of the aircraft, according to reports. Captain Alexander Akopov landed the AtlasGlobal jet, carrying 121 passengers, at Istanbuls Ataturk airport on July 27 after its nose was severely damaged shortly after take-off, the Daily Mail reported. Minutes after departure, the passenger aircraft encountered inclement weather and hail the size of a chicken egg. The pilot was forced to turn the plane around and make an emergency landing at the Ataturk airport within 25 minutes of departure. He was allowed to land the aircraft despite a shutdown at the airport due to the bad weather, the Daily Mail said. He used the side windows of the plane for the landing, according to The Aviation Herald. I have been flying for 30 years. Well, did you see the plane landing? Was it OK? The passengers are alive. It is normal. This is our professional reliability, Akopov was quoted as saying by the local media. Oleg Lungul, an engineer at Ataturk Airport, shot a video of the landing in which an employee at the airport could be heard saying: It wont be able to land, it wont land. Lungul also posted photos of the damaged Airbus on Facebook along with the video. More than 1.5 lakh people reacted to the post and almost 72,000 people shared it. AtlasGlobal acknowledged the incident on its official Twitter handle after a post lauded the pilots effort. Hi, we would like to thank you for your nice comments, in the name of our experienced captain pilots working at Atlasglobal. Atlasglobal (@Atlasglobal) July 28, 2017 Akopov will soon be awarded the Ukrainian Order For Courage in Russia for his bravery, the reports said. For the first time, a joint laboratory on artificial intelligence from the Chinese mainland has climbed to the top of the leaderboard of Stanford Universitys reading comprehension task. The joint laboratory of Harbin Institute of Technology and iFLYTEK Research now sits on top of Stanford Question Answering Dataset (SQuAD) leaderboard, followed by Microsoft Research Asia in second place and IBM Research in tenth place. Other Chinese institutes are also on the board, including Eigen Technology and Zhejiang University and Tsinghua University. (Snapshot of SQuAD website) SQuAD is a new reading comprehension dataset, consisting of questions posed by crowdworkers on a set of Wikipedia articles, where the answer to every question is a segment of text, or span, from the corresponding reading passage. With over 100,000 question-answer pairs on some 500 articles, SQuAD is significantly larger than previous reading comprehension datasets, according to its website. The Chinese joint laboratory scored an accuracy rate of 77.845 on exact matching, while runner-up Microsoft got 77.688 percent correct. It is relatively easy for machines to conduct simple deduction based on massive memorization. But it is harder to comprehend and deduct in a precise way. Almost all AI research teams are working on similar things, Wang Shijin, deputy director of the champion joint laboratory, told Thepaper.cn. Since May 2015, the joint laboratory preformed machine reading comprehension tasks. Specifically, the lab aims to make the machine read at the sixth-grade level, while one of iFLYTEKs grander goals is to understand China's college entrance examination, as it hopes to make machine scores high enough for top universities. In June, a Chengdu-designed artificial intelligence program called AI-MATHS scored 100 out of 150 on the national test paper on math in just 10 minutes. A US seabed exploration firm has offered to take on the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, families of passengers and a Malaysian government minister said on Wednesday, in a bid to solve one of the worlds greatest aviation mysteries. The Boeing 777 disappeared in 2014 en route to Beijing from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur with 239 people aboard. Analysis of radar and satellite contacts suggested someone on board may have deliberately switched off the planes transponder before diverting it thousands of kilometres out over the Indian Ocean. Australia, Malaysia and China called off a A$200 million ($159.16 million), two-year search for the plane in January, amid protests from families of those onboard. Grace Nathan, a Malaysian lawyer whose mother Anne Daisy was on the plane, told Reuters the US company, Ocean Infinity, had offered to resume the search for free, and had asked for a reward only in the event that the aircraft was found. Deputy Malaysian transport minister Aziz Kaprawi confirmed in a text message to Reuters that authorities had received the offer, but said no decision had been made on whether it would be accepted. A spokesman for Ocean Infinity declined to comment. The company, on its website, said it had the worlds most advanced fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles for use in seabed mapping, survey and search. Last year, Australia and Malaysia rejected investigators recommendations to extend the hunt by 25,000 sq km (9,653 square miles) north of the original search area in the southern Indian ocean, saying the new location identified was too imprecise. But Voice370, a support group for MH370 passengers next-of-kin, said that Australian researchers had recently narrowed the likely search field to less than 25,000 sq km after extensive modelling and review. The families, which launched a campaign to privately fund their own search in March, said they had suspended their plans, hoping that governments involved would respond favourably and expeditiously to Ocean Infinitys offer. In light of the narrowed search area and free of cost willing search party, the lack of communications from governments involved is very distressing for family members whose agony festers, Voice370 said in a statement on Tuesday. Since the plane went missing, there have been competing theories over whether it was hijacked and whether it was under the control of anyone when it finally ran out of fuel. A bipartisan group of influential lawmakers from both the House and Senate has urged US President Donald Trump to crackdown on jobs outsourcing companies and reform the H-1B and L-1 visa systems. We write because for far too long the H-1B visa has been abused by some corporations as a way to displace American workers with cheap foreign labour. We urge you to use your authority as President to the greatest extent possible to stop H-1B abuses, but we believe reform also must happen legislatively because of loopholes in the law, the lawmakers said in a letter to the President. In the letter dated July 27, which was released on Tuesday, they said the legislation-- H.R.1303 and S.180, the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017 -- introduced by them close these loopholes and overhaul these visa programs to protect American workers and crack down on outsourcing companies which deprive qualified Americans of high-skill jobs. This bipartisan bill will restore the H-1B visa program to its original intent, protect American workers, and preserve the limited H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers, the letter said. Led by Congressman Bill Pascrell, the letter was signed by Senator Richard Durbin, Congressmen Dave Brat, Ro Khanna and Paul A Gosar among others . The lawmakers said their legislation provides protections for American workers and visa holders as it calls for more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers. The bill, they said, addresses gaps in the current law by requiring that the employers make a good faith effort to recruit and hire American workers before bringing in guest workers. In addition, the bill also asks for prohibiting employers from replacing American workers or giving preference to visa holders when they are filling open positions. It also proposes to modify existing H-1B wage requirements to ensure employers pay foreigners comparable wages in the area of employment. Current law allows the payment of below-market wages to H-1B workers across industries and geographic areas and even allows H-1B-dependent employers and employers who have previously wilfully violated H-1B program requirements to avoid obligations to recruit US workers and not displace them simply by paying a $60,000 annual wage. Merely raising this wage floor to another arbitrary level will not prevent future abuse, they said. Instead, the bill would end the exempt H-1B worker loophole and would peg H-1B salaries to current wage levels by requiring employers to pay the highest wage applicable to each occupation and geographic area from three categories. The three categories are -- locally-determined prevailing wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment; median wage for all workers in the occupational classification in the area of employment; and median wage for skill level two in the occupational classification found in the most recent OES survey. Noting that the current law makes it easy for outsourcing companies to circumvent the intent of the H-1B visa by bringing in guest workers to displace American workers, the lawmakers wrote the bill prohibits the outsourcing or leasing of H-1B workers to other employers and prevents an employer with more than 50 employees in the US from hiring additional H-1B workers if the employers US workforce is more than 50% of the H-1B and L-1 visa holder workers. In the letter, the lawmakers have opposed allocating visas by lottery. This does not allow the government to determine how it awards the 85,000 visas and outsourcing companies are thus able to secure tens of thousands of H-1B visas annually to offshore American jobs. Our bill creates specific categories of H-1B workers to give preference in the allocation of visas based on education, training, and economic value. Further, our bill amends the law to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with discretion to allocate H-1B visas within this framework in any manner or order the secretary deems appropriate, the lawmakers wrote. A man opened fire at the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, then took his own life in his nearby car, police said. There were no other injuries in the shooting, which took place at about 6 a.m. before the consulate was open for the day, said Officer Michael Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department. Numerous rounds impacted the Chinese consulate, Lopez said. Lopez said the man was discovered in his car dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Chinese consulate, in a short statement, said it was extremely concerned about the incident and had asked the United States to take all necessary measures to protect the security of the building and diplomats working there. China has also asked the United States to get to the bottom of what had happened, it added. Authorities did not immediately identify the gunman and had few other details about the incident. Lopez said police did not typically release information about suicides. Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the gunman was in his 60s and possibly of Asian appearance, according to consulate officials who cited police. The report also cited consulate security staff as saying the gunman fired his weapon at least 17 times, leaving bullet holes in the windows and facade of the consulate building. In 2011 a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China was arrested after police said he opened fire at the same building with a handgun. There were no injuries in that incident. US President Donald Trump has signed legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia into law, a White House official said on Wednesday. The US Congress voted last week by overwhelming margins for sanctions to punish the Russian government over interference in the 2016 presidential election, annexation of Ukraines Crimea and other perceived violations of international norms. Trump, who has made clear he wanted to improve relations with Russia, grudgingly accepted the new congressional sanctions, which also included Iran and North Korea. The bill had enough support in Congress to override a presidential veto. Trumps signing of the bill followed some conflicting signals from the administration in recent days about the sanctions. US secretary of state Rex Tillerson told reporters on Tuesday that he and Trump did not believe the new sanctions would be helpful to our efforts on diplomacy with Russia. Vice president Mike Pence said that the bill showed Trump and Congress were speaking with a unified voice. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway confirmed the signing during an interview with Fox News. Trumps desire for better relations with Moscow has been hamstrung by findings of US intelligence agencies that Russia interfered to help the Republican against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. US congressional panels and a special counsel are investigating. Moscow denies any meddling and Trump denies any collusion by his campaign. The Russian rouble weakened slightly following the initial report that Trump had signed the bill. The United States through President Donald Trump feels that China is doing nothing on North Korea and with this, China needs to decide if it is interested to finally enforce existing resolutions against North Korea. However, Beijing did not give any comments or details regarding the request of the U.S. It was reported that U.S. Vice President Mike Pence called on China to employ its influence to finally motivate North Korea to stop its nuclear testing and will eventually join the family of nations. But it looks like China's interest to enforce anything against North Korea might be limited. Pence also added that the United States did not overestimate the influence of China over North Korea but they overestimated the level to which the country will make use of its influence. It can be recalled that North Korea gets mostly its foreign capital since trading with China. Even if China can use that trade as leverage against North Korea, it won't happen since China fears a collapse in North Korea. The Atlantic reported that in the previous times, China was willing to impose some economic pain on North Korea but not the point that the country will already threaten the stability of North Korea's regime. This was also the reason why China would want to stop the imposition of international sanctions. Previous reports claimed that several sanctions were made against North Korea and these included the prohibition of the sale of military equipment and some goods which had the purpose to target the financial system of the country. The trade of commodities has been banned too and this provided an important financial lifeline to North Korea. But those sanctions were not greater in terms of their impact that' is why there is a little chance that they were able to stop the missile and nuclear programs of North Korea or even block the country's access to the international financial system. It can be recalled that the U.S. started imposing sanctions against North Korea last year by targeting the entities that would collaborate with the country and through its weapon programs and trade in goods. Since it seems like these sanctions are not really helpful in curbing North Korea's missile testing programs, the U.S. officials and the Trump administration were urged to also sanction North Korea's allies which enable the country's continued survival. For one, the U.S. can have the leverage to seize assets of North Korea. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ben Affleck was just spotted buying some SkinnyGirl margaritas with his girlfriend Lindsay Shookus in Maine just last weekend. However, this raised some eyebrows since it can be recalled that the actor reportedly completed a rehab last May due to alcohol addiction. Apart from the margaritas, Perez Hilton reported that the rumored couple also bought two bottles of rose as well as the branded beverage of the stars of the Real Housewives show. It was the staff in the store who documented the visit of Ben Affleck and his girlfriend Lindsay Shookus on social media. The reason why the clerk from the liquor store posted this on social media was not that she saw Ben Affleck and Lindsay Shookus but the fact that the father of three just underwent a rehab in May and now, buying some alcohol again. But later on her post, the staff claimed that it was not Ben who would relapse with the margaritas but Lindsay since she was also seen as the one paying. Prior to the official announcement of the divorce of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, some sources were saying that the actor underwent in a rehab due to his alcohol addiction. It was further added that it was Jennifer who was with him during the course of the rehab and that there were no hints that the former couple would soon split. Ben Affleck's alcohol addiction was even seen as one of the reasons why he separated from his wife Jennifer Garner. Not until the issue on Lindsay Shookus transpired in every report and that the rumored couple even started their affair when Jen and Ben are still very much together. Meanwhile, it was also reported that Lindsay Shookus already broke her silence regarding her relationship and affair with Ben Affleck. The actor and the producer of Saturday Night Live were already spotted in different places lately and there are no more reasons that the two would want to hide their relationship if there is. Meanwhile, reports were rife that Jennifer Garner even confronted Lindsay Shookus about her affair with Ben Affleck last 2013. But it was added that Lindsay had no plans of quitting the said affair. However, sources close to the rumored couple said that the two only started dating when they were already separated with their respective spouses. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. O ne of Britains biggest property developers has been allowed to flout rules on affordable housing in central London, claiming it cant afford to build homes for locals and first-time buyers. Despite Westminster councils policy that all new housing schemes should contain at least 35 per cent affordable homes, it has given Berkeley Homes permission to build 200 new flats at Paddington Green in W2 with only 32 designated affordable just 16 per cent of the total. The developer initially offered none at all, saying the scheme, an extension of its huge West End Gate development, would not be financially viable with cheaper homes. The planning committee gave the go-ahead only weeks after council leader Nickie Aiken issued a stern warning to the property industry that she would not tolerate Londons golden postcodes becoming ghettos for the rich. She told the London Real Estate Forum in June: I do not want to preside over a borough where the housing market is polarised between multimillion properties for oligarchs and council-run estates, with not much in between. Too many times we have buckled on viability or surrendered to the idea that brutal market economics simply denies housing opportunities for most people and that is just a harsh fact of life. Westminster council leader Nickie Aiken issued a stern warning to the property industry before the plans were waved through / JEREMY SELWYN Two-bedroom flats in the sold-out first phase of West End Gate started at 850,000 and Berkeley Homes claimed the new homes would not be financially viable if any affordable properties were included in the scheme. This was queried by Westminster and the offer was upped to 16 per cent affordable, which the councils planners accepted. HORRIFIED LOCALS The decision has horrified local residents. The Marylebone Association lodged an official objection to the project. On such a large development on-site affordable housing should be provided, particularly given the number of nearby public services employers St Marys Hospital, the police station, City of Westminster College, said spokesman William Hulbert. However John Walker, Westminsters director of planning, insisted the proposal offered other public benefits to the area, including developing a long-stalled building site which blighted the area, and would help increase the number of homes in the borough at a time when councils are under huge pressure to boost housebuilding. Berkeley Homes declined to comment. The scale of the development means London Mayor Sadiq Khan who pronounced himself outraged when the Battersea Power Station Development Company recently managed to reduce the number of affordable homes on the landmark site after pleading poverty has to give final approval to the plans. Some may view his decision as a marker of his will to take on developers over affordable housing across London. Daniel Astaire, Westminsters cabinet member for planning and public realm, said: The council is committed to delivering 1,850 new affordable homes in Westminster by 2023. The Paddington Green development delivers 32 affordable flats in line with our existing policies. These policies are currently under review as we look to boost the construction of affordable and social housing in the city. F inding a home you can afford can mean hours of internet surfing, as well as numerous trips to random areas to pound the streets and befriend the local estate agents. But the latest new tool from Rightmove Where can I live? offers to sort through 3,000 UK locations in a second. It is an easy search designed to explore areas people can afford, says Hannes Buhmann, the property search engines head of innovation. Some of the areas may be obvious, but others will be in locations they have never considered before. Easy and quick property finder The interface is definitely user friendly. For people looking to commute, they simply type in the location of their work, click a box for their preferred mode of transport, the desired maximum journey time, the number of bedrooms required and their maximum budget, and up pops a map with all the best possible search areas highlighted. Better still, the tool lets users click through findings in order of affordability. Should any location take their fancy, just one click and they can immediately view all the properties advertised on Rightmove to buy or rent in that area. Test One Where to buy a one-bedroom flat for less than 200,000 The results with this test were impressive. In seconds it found 13 areas less than an hours commute from Soho Square, in places where one-bedroom flats have an average asking price under 200,000. The cheapest was Dagenham, 11 miles from Charing Cross in the large, multicultural borough of Barking where a one-bedroom flat costs an average of 185,000. For this, you get a home on the Tube, in Zone 5 on the District line. For those with an eye to the future, Rightmove says look at Chadwell Heath, a relatively affluent suburb in the east London borough of Redbridge. Not only does it offer flats with an average asking price of 190,000, it is just a 21-minute commute to London Liverpool Street and will also get Crossrail. When the Elizabeth line fully opens in December 2019, passengers will be able to travel to central London in 30 minutes and Heathrow airport in less than an hour, without changing trains. Head to Harlow: Buyers on a budget can find one-bedroom flats for 154,000 / Alamy If your budget wont quite stretch that far and youre willing to commute that bit further, consider Harlow, a former new town west of Essex on the border of Hertfordshire. Here a one-bedroom flat has an average asking price of 154,000. For this relatively modest amount, you can zip into London Liverpool Street in a little over 30 minutes, with six trains an hour at peak times. Test Two Where to buy a three-bedroom house for less than your London flat Once you have kids, a dog, or just a lot of stuff, you need to upsize your London pad. Doing this, Rightmove shows, means stepping up from an average flat in the capital, priced 508,000, to an average terrace house, at 638,000 a whopping 130,000 more. Swap your commute from one train or Tube to another, and you can swap your flat for a house, gain extra room and potentially a huge dollop of change, too. Again, Rightmoves Where can I live? tool provides several commuter areas where you could buy a three-bedroom home under 350,000. Stevenage, 32 miles north of London in Hertfordshire, was a new town 70 years ago. With an average asking price of 280,000 it is a good place to start. With a 30-minute average commute and more than 144 trains a day to Kings Cross, youll be back in central London before you know it. Speed into Central: 144 trains run from Stevenage to King's Cross daily (Chris Guy/Flickr) / ChrisGuy/ Flickr If you prefer to be closer in, think about Dartford, 18 miles south-east of central London. Here you have the option of direct trains to Victoria, Charing Cross or Cannon Street, for an average asking price of 325,000 though with Bluewater shopping centre on your doorstep, you may find the bright lights of Oxford Street less alluring. If you want to keep the convenience of the Tube, you still have options. Again, Dagenham just 11 miles from Charing Cross, remember provides relatively good value for money, with a three-bedroom house at 320,000 on average. If your budget can stretch that bit further, look at Plaistow in Newham, where, for an average asking price of 375,000, you can have three bedrooms and a Zone 3 address. The search tool is available now at where.rightmove.co.uk simply sign up or sign in to start looking for a new home in the perfect location for you. Director Nikolaj Arcel says the series will be "totally canon" in line with the film. Much-awaited Stephen King adaptation The Dark Tower will involve a television series exploring the lead-up to the film's events. The film's director Nikolaj Arcel has been involved in the creation of the series. "I was part of writing the pilot, like the first season ideas and the pilot and the second episode. It's gonna be awesome," the filmmaker told IndieWire. Arcel said "We're going back in the past. It's very, very closely adhering to King's fourth novel Wizard and Glass and parts of The Gunslinger novel. Advertisement "That was exciting to be even more like, 'Okay, now we're going to be able to even lift lines directly, or like [write] characters exactly as they are'. Which, as a fan, was exciting in a different way." Idris Elba has agreed to repeat his role as The Gunslinger a.k.a Roland Deschain in the spin-off show. Tom Taylor is also expected to return to play Jake Chambers. Meawhile, the film is set to be released in Irish cinemas on August 18. The former Blink-182 member went on Facebook after a pair of men allegedly tried to kidnap a 15-year-old girl, who's a family friend. Delonge posted the two men's photos on Facebook, saying "these asswipes are going to jail for trying to kidapp a 15 year old girl 48 hours ago." The two allegedly failed to grab the girl, but returned to the area to stake out two other elementary schools in the area. Delonge says because everybody had posted about them, some ten thousand people in the area were on the lookout for the pair. "The fucking idiot drove back into the SAME FUCKING NEIGHBORHOOD where everyone was looking and wiring to crucify him," he wrote. Advertisement According the the post, the first man was arrested and sold out his friend. Delonge says as a father himself, "I can speak for all other Fathers, these guys are lucky they were grabbed by police and not us." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GUADALAJARA, Mexico - With his frequent refrains about Mexicans and the need for a wall to contain them, it is no surprise that President Donald Trump has made few friends in Mexico. Yet here in the capital of Jalisco state, sometimes referred to as Mexico's Silicon Valley, people are practically celebrating him. "He's helping us a lot!" Gov. Aristoteles Sandoval exclaimed. "He's put us on the world's agenda." As part of Trump's efforts to push an America-first philosophy, he has vowed to restrict the availability of special visas that are widely used by technology companies to hire talent from around the world. Trump's plans, combined with a U.S. political climate that has left many immigrants feeling less welcome, has cast a pall of uncertainty over the U.S. tech industry, which relies heavily on highly skilled workers from abroad. But while entrepreneurs and executives in the United States are fretting, other countries - including Mexico, Canada and China - are salivating over the Trump administration's rumblings. Silicon Valley's loss, they say, could be their gain. In recent months, foreign governments and tech industry leaders have sought to capitalize on the uncertainty in Silicon Valley. They are stepping up their efforts to attract engineers and entrepreneurs who might rely on the special U.S. visa program, known as H-1B, to work or to run businesses in the United States. "It's an exciting time," said Brad Duguid, the minister of economic development in Ontario, where the capital, Toronto, is one of Canada's biggest tech hubs. "And while it's unfortunate that the U.S. is looking more internally, far be it from us not to take advantage of that." In June, Canada set up a new visa program that makes it easier for companies to recruit highly skilled foreign workers. Under the program, which was in development before Trump's election victory, the Canadian government has promised to approve two-year visas in less than two weeks - blindingly fast, compared with the process in the United States. And unlike the H-1B visa in the United States, there is no limit to the number of Canadian visas available. Beyond that, Ontario is in the early stages of preparing a social media campaign for technology executives around the world to sell the province as a place for investment. Canada's moment "Canada is seizing its moment," said Navdeep Singh Bains, the country's federal minister of innovation, science and economic development. "We're open to trade and people." In Mexico, states with growing regional tech hubs, like Jalisco, have been redoubling their efforts to attract talent and investment in recent months, peddling a philosophy of openness that departs from what Sandoval called Trump's "xenophobia" and "lack of global vision." The efforts have included visits by Jalisco officials to the San Francisco Bay Area and to Europe. The officials herald Mexico's proximity to Silicon Valley, its alignment with time zones in the United States and its lower cost of living. They are also sweetening the invitation with enticements like tax incentives and promises of full government cooperation. "We want you," says a new promotional website, Come2Jalisco.com. "Innovation has no borders." China's tech leaders have also been seizing the opportunity created by Trump's immigration policies. Wang Huiyao, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization, a research group in Beijing, said Trump's "America First" doctrine was a boon for China's efforts to attract foreign tech talent and persuade Chinese engineers working abroad to return home. "China is shifting from attracting foreign capital to foreign talent," Wang said. "The U.S. is losing out." French open door President Emmanuel Macron of France has sought to throw open a slightly different door. When Trump announced that he was pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord, Macron extended an unusual offer to Americans: "To all scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, responsible citizens who were disappointed by the decision of the president of the United States, I want to say that they will find in France a second home." These messages of welcome stand in contrast to the Trump administration's tough approach to immigration. In an executive order this spring, Trump directed federal agencies to review immigration laws with an eye toward ending what he called "the theft of American prosperity." The president has taken particular aim at the H-1B visa program, under which the government admits 85,000 highly skilled foreign workers every year, most of them in the tech field. Trump says businesses use the program to avoid hiring higher-paid Americans, and his executive order instructed the agencies to ensure that visas were awarded to the most skilled, best-paid immigrant workers. Disney, Toys "R" Us, Southern California Edison and New York Life are among the companies that have laid off U.S. tech workers who first were asked to train their replacements - tech workers from low-wage countries like India brought in on temporary visas. In some cases, the jobs themselves went back home with the new workers. Canada revised its temporary visa program partly because the Royal Bank of Canada, the country's largest financial institution, shuffled jobs overseas using that technique. Trump's executive order made no immediate changes, but it has sowed concern throughout the industry. Competition for H-1B visas was already intense. The government received 199,000 applications in the first five days of its lottery this year, then stopped accepting them. Many companies fear that Trump's efforts might put highly skilled immigrant workers even further out of their reach. A change could favor the biggest U.S. tech companies, which tend to pay the highest wages. But it could hurt some of the biggest users of the H-1B program - the outsourcing companies, including several from India - that bring thousands of workers to the United States on lower wages to handle computing tasks for banks, health care companies and other firms. It could also hurt startups and smaller firms without the cash to compete on salaries. Adding to the uncertainty, the Trump administration said last month that it would delay, and perhaps eliminate, an Obama-era rule allowing thousands of foreign entrepreneurs to move to the United States every year to build startups. For decades, Jalisco was mainly a center for tech manufacturing. But as its talent pool has expanded, fed by highly regarded engineering programs at local universities, it has increasingly become a place for high-tech innovation. Andy Kieffer, a U.S. entrepreneur who runs Agave Lab, a venture capital firm in Guadalajara, said that when he was seeking investors in Silicon Valley several years ago, he was waved off. "I couldn't get anyone to look at Mexico," he recalled. "They said, 'Look, I don't know anything about Mexico. It's off my radar.' " But in the past several months, he said, interest among investors has shot up. Some people looking to catch the solar eclipse later this month will only get a glance for a couple of minutes, but a group of NASA-funded scientists plans to grab a longer look with a little help from a pair of converted bomber jets and an airfield near Johnson Space Center in Houston, according to story published Wednesday from NPR. The solar eclipse on Aug. 21 will cause the moon to block out the sun. Those who view the phenomenon across North America are expected to grab about 150 seconds of the full solar eclipse, but a group of scientists hopes to see it for as long as seven minutes. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Could the United States declare a National Historic Landmark on the moon? It seems like a farfetched idea, but anthropologist Beth O'Leary hasn't given up hope in her nearly 20-year quest to get Americans to preserve their footprint, metaphorically and literally, in space. As a National Historic Landmark, O'Leary reasons, Tranquility Base - the site where the Apollo 11 mission landed in 1969, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk the moon - could then be offered to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The challenge is how to do it legally and not upset the rest of the world. "Our laws don't really cover space, per se, so the preservation really falls in a kind of gray area," says the retired New Mexico State University professor, who helped found the field of space archaeology and heritage. O'Leary recently published "The Final Mission: Preserving NASA's Apollo Sites," a book she co-wrote with several authors, including Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, the former NASA astronaut who commanded Apollo 10. The book, her third title on space preservation, surveys the landing sites, man-made items and footprints left by Americans on the moon through the Apollo project, which landed six successful missions between 1961 and 1972, as well as the design, test and command facilities in Texas, New Mexico, California and Florida that made it possible. The authors say these items and sites should be recast as artifacts and preserved for their historical and archaeological value. O'Leary spent several days last month in Washington, D.C., making her pitch to audiences at the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Let's think about what humanity wants to save for future generations," she says. "I think that's really what we're trying to do here, is to make people aware of space heritage." 'You can't do it' But at least one fellow space advocate and preservation expert says that O'Leary's approach is all wrong: It's senseless to think we can reach so far beyond our borders to name a National Historic Landmark. "You can't do it," says Harry Butowsky, an adjunct professor at George Mason University and former historian for the National Park Service. At the park service, his job was to research and recommend sites for landmark designations - including the Apollo Mission Control Center at Houston's Johnson Space Center, which was approved in 1985. "I worked for the National Historic Landmark Studies for 16 years. I know all about it. Impossible," he said. Both Butowsky and Michelle Hanlon, a corporate attorney-turned-space lawyer, say it's the United Nations that needs to claim authority in space, then shepherd any preservation efforts. "Making it a U.S. site is just illegal, period," says Hanlon. "I think we need a committee of international people that will say, 'OK, U.S., we see that you think that landing spot is special. But let's make a balance here.'" Hanlon, who recently obtained a master's degree from McGill University's Institute of Air Space and Law, founded the nonprofit called For All Moonkind Inc., which aims to work with the U.N. to preserve all six of the Apollo human landing sites - plus whatever the U.N. deems valuable from the other countries that have left marks on the moon. "These are questions we have to debate and deal with," she says, "and right now there's no venue to do that whatsoever." Space preservation raises an interesting tangle of issues. About 100 objects - including an American flag and Aldrin's boots, which he shed to lighten the return flight - presumably remain at Tranquility Base, as well as the actual footprints of the astronauts as they pattered about for 21/2 hours shooting photos, setting up experiments, and collecting rocks and dirt. Once they loaded the Eagle lunar module and left, O'Leary says, the objects turned into artifacts, and the place became an archaeological site that can provide insight into human behavior. "They're very important aspects, because they're going to tell you about what happened there," she says. She offers some questions an archaeologist might pose: "How were the approaches of the Soviet Union different than the U.S.? How did the common requirements to survive in space override cultural differences? Was the behavior very similar?" Protected by 'remoteness' Although the site isn't immediately threatened - "the remoteness really protects it" - the race for commercial space exploration has made scientists worry that projects like Google's Lunar X contest to send a robotic rover to the moon, or promises by Elon Musk's SpaceX and others to shuttle private citizens into space, eventually could spell trouble for the sacred artifacts. To ward against this, in 2012, NASA released a 93-page document laying out guidelines for "space-faring entities" on how to preserve lunar artifacts. But O'Leary sees a National Historic Landmark designation as a way for the United States to officially protect its objects there. She's quick to acknowledge a few problems. A NASA lawyer her group once consulted warned her that the world would perceive that as a claim of sovereignty over the moon - and a 1967 U.N. treaty prohibits any country from appropriating outer space, even though the country continues to own the objects it leaves behind. The keeper of the National Register of Historic Places also told her he didn't have jurisdiction outside the U.S. Hanlon, the space attorney, agrees that a national landmark would violate the U.N. treaty and "make a lot of people very uncomfortable." She is equally dismissive of the World Heritage Site idea: "I've been informed that UNESCO wants nothing to do with the moon. And, frankly, at this stage, I don't blame them. There's so little certainty about what's going on in space right now, from a legal standpoint." Instead, her group plans to raise funds and organize an international team of lawyers that can research and draft a legal proposal to the United Nations, in the image of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, the international agreement that protects natural and cultural resources. Hanlon is presenting her ideas to the Starship Congress in Monterrey, Calif. 'No historical consciousness' Meanwhile, Butowsky, the former National Park Service historian, thinks a more urgent need for advocacy remains. He says a lack of interest in historic preservation among the U.S. government agencies tasked with space exploration is endangering the last of the remaining sites and facilities associated with the Apollo program. In the 1980s, following a Congressional law that required the National Park Service to study all the resources related to man's efforts to reach the moon, Butowsky says he spent seven years struggling to gain access and full cooperation from NASA and the U.S. Air Force. NASA resisted the historical designation of facilities that were still in use, fearing the agency would be hamstrung in modifying them to fit its needs. "NASA and the Air Force - especially the Air Force - simply have no historical consciousness," he says. "They're only interested in the future, and what they're going to do. They have no interest in their history at all." He pointed to the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California's Simi Valley, which NASA is in the process of demolishing. Butowsky says it's "the best remaining example of this large infrastructure that we had in place that took us to the moon." "It's important that we preserve these resources to tell the story of how the United States was able to mobilize itself over a period of nine years, and go from the Kennedy speech to landing a man on the moon," he says. "It's a great story." cecilia.balli@chron.com The United States was mulling dispatching two aircraft carriers to the Korean Peninsula in an apparent show of force following the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s test-launch of what it called an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday. An unidentified South Korean government source was quoted as saying the military authorities of South Korea and the U.S. had considered the mobilization of the U.S. aircraft carrier to the peninsula for the joint annual war games, codenamed Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG). The mobilization date would be moved up, before the computer-assisted simulation exercise that was scheduled to kick off on Aug. 21, according to the source. The two U.S. aircraft carriers to be mobilized would reportedly be USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike groups, which were sent to the waters near the peninsula in late May. The source was quoted as saying that reviews were underway over the dispatch of two U.S. aircraft carriers and an undefined number of U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in the third week of this month, before the joint U.S.-South Korea war game kicks off. The mulling of the dispatch followed the DPRK's test-firing last week the ICBM that flew about 1,000 km and was lofted as high as over 3,700 km. It was an advanced version of Hwasong-14 that traveled 933 km at a maximum altitude of 2,802 km at the July 4 test-launch. The source was quoted as saying the mobilization of the two U.S. supercarriers would have the meaning of issuing a strong warning against the DPRK to deter any further provocation, describing the upcoming UFG war game as a high-intensity joint drill to show force against the DPRK in waters near the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK has denounced the U.S.-South Korea war game as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion. Faced with the dilemma of what to do about an incoming freshman class with 850 students more than they could handle, last week UC Irvine rescinded roughly 500 offers of admission a mere two month before the start of classes. For a major university to revoke so many acceptances so late in the process is unprecedented. The reason? Students supposedly had not delivered their final transcripts on time, or they made unsatisfactory grades as a senior. Unless a student fails a required class, most colleges overlook transgressions such as a stray D or a form that is a few days late. Rescinding admission is rare this year UC San Diego revoked nine and UCLA withdrew seven offers. The University of Texas at Austin had none. To understand why UC Irvine took such harsh measures, one needs to understand the Dark Arts of College Admission, commonly known as enrollment management. ADMISSIONS GUYS ON GRAY MATTERS: What we get wrong about getting into college In college admissions parlance, the total number of applications received is the applicant pool. The number of students accepted sets the admission rate (the lower the better), and the number of students who accept the school's offer of admission establishes the yield (the higher the better). The problem for UC Irvine was a higher-than-expected yield. With a 36 percent accept rate, the university was in good shape, but the 7,100 freshmen enrolled for the fall was 850 too many. Of the nearly 500 students who discovered they had been cut loose, UCI had reinstated 63, as of Friday, after an appeals process. If more students than expected decide to accept a college's offer of admission, there may not be enough housing, courses or instructors to meet the demand. It's a lot like when an airline overbooks a plane. In the end, schools utilize an algorithm to determine the exact number of applicants to accept, and when those projections are inaccurate, it can be costly. With airline carriers, sometimes passengers are bumped to first class while others are given flight vouchers and other incentives to persuade customers to take a later flight. From a publicity standpoint, UC Irvine chose to handle the situation in much the same way United Airlines took in forcefully removing Dr. David Dao from a flight back in April. In the realm of enrollment management, what UC Irvine did is the nuclear option. Other schools, when faced with a higher yield than expected, have come up with ways to do right by students they once deemed worthy of admission. UT utilizes an automatic admission policy for students at the top of their graduating class. As the number of applications rises (a record 51,000 this year), the qualifying percentage has gone down over the years (currently 7 percent). According to UT Director of Communications Joey Williams, despite a record number of freshmen in 2016 (a whopping 8,811 more than 1,000 more than the previous year), none of those accepted students had their offer rescinded. In 2012, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland had 30 percent more students accept than expected, which resulted in a shortage of dorm rooms and available courses, but the school didn't start purging freshmen. To prevent a recurrence, the university began accepting fewer students outright and put more on the waitlist, which allowed them to control how many students ultimately enrolled. Sometimes overenrollment can have a happy ending. In the summer of 2010, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston accepted too many medical students, so they offered a $15,000 annual tuition credit the full cost of tuition for a few students willing to defer med school for a year. Houstonian Hannah Potvin took the deferment, and though it meant living at home with her parents for a year, it allowed her to finish medical school without crushing student loan debt. Today she is a Resident Psychiatrist at Emory University in Atlanta. GRAY MATTERS: How Ivy League lust hurts high schoolers The UC Irvine decision which has been met with outrage from current UCI students and the college counseling community underlies some important issues within college admissions. 1.) While some schools can absorb extra students with creative scheduling and housing options, many large public institutions like UC Irvine only receive funding for a specific number of students each year. If colleges go above that total, it comes out of their end, so it's easier to get rid of students who have not yet matriculated than make cuts that affect the rest of the university. 2.) Do not let "senioritis" derail your college plans. Though it is still rare for colleges to rescind admission due to a single D, when schools are faced with tough choices, a poor grade that might get overlooked at another school can provide just the solution they need to help fix their problem. It's common for students who have been accepted into college to display signs of "senioritis," so many private schools send out a "Fear of God" letter, warning students that continued poor performance down the home stretch could jeopardize their conditional offer of admission. These letters are usually a cause for alarm, not panic. 3.) Do not miss deadlines for final transcripts, housing or anything else. If sending materials yourself, be sure to purchase postage that includes delivery confirmation in case there are any discrepancies. 4.) Don't be stupid. In April, Harvard rescinded at least 10 admissions offers after some students formed a private Facebook group chat that shared memes and other images that made light of child abuse and specific ethnic and racial groups. Harvard warns students that the school might withdraw an offer "if an admitted student engages in behavior that brings into question his or her honesty, maturity or moral character." Social media is the easiest way for colleges to become aware of unsavory behavior, so be careful what you post. For those would-be UC Irvine students in limbo, over half are appealing the stringent decision. Others must contemplate enrolling in community college, taking a gap year or reaching out to other universities that might still have room at this late juncture. The UC Irvine office of admissions should take solace in knowing that next year they probably won't have to worry about too many students accepting admission. California families won't forget how UCI prioritized finance over students. Next year, students will have the opportunity to reject them. David Nathan is a high school English teacher and Nick Accrocco is a college counselor who have collaborated on a book about college admissions. Have a question about the process for them? Email admissionsguys@gmail.com. Bookmark Gray Matters. Do not let it derail your college plans. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The teenager on the witness stand Wednesday explained - with damning specificity - the way she was pushed, prodded and pressured into sex by her Cypress-Fairbanks math teacher in the fall of 2015. The young woman, in a gray sweater and black-rimmed glasses, told jurors she was 16 when Alfredo Campos kissed her in his classroom, then convinced her to go on a dinner date, then, repeatedly, to a park where he cajoled her into the backseat of his red Mazda. "He's just really pushy," she testified about the 31-year-old forcibly kissing her as she sat at her desk waiting for class to start. "He just shoved his tongue down my throat." Story continues below ... All eight women and four men on the jury had furrowed brows and pursed lips as they listened to the teen explain that she worried about upsetting the "cool teacher" on campus. "I didn't know what to do," the teen testified as her voice cracked. "I'm not good at math and I thought he'd fail me." Campos pleaded guilty Tuesday as his trial was about to start on two felony counts of sexual assault of a child under 17. He admitted they had sex at least two times in his car, then opted to let a jury decide his punishment, which could range from probation to 20 years in prison. Defense attorneys for Campos are expected to cross-examine the teen Thursday. The defense has been tight-lipped about strategy, but are expected to remind jurors that the teen stayed close to Campos after the encounters ended. They are expected to point out that the teen enrolled in another semester of classes with Campos and continued to sit next to him at lunchtime tutorials. She even messaged the teacher after they stopped their encounters. On Wednesday, the teen testified for more than two hours that she did not want a physical relationship. "I feel like he's the worst person I've ever encountered," she said. "I didn't want to get on his bad side." IMPROPER PHOTOGRAPHY: Former Katy teacher gets probation She testified that after the first time he drove her to Bear Creek Park in northwest Houston, convinced her to watch a movie on a tablet computer in the backseat, then showed her his genitals, she felt she was "in too deep." She said she couldn't stop the blur of subsequent meetings. "I was in denial," she said. "I kind of made excuses for him." The jury heard that the married teacher told the teen he was having problems with his wife and that he was suicidal. She testified that Campos was a popular laid-back teacher who joked with the students and acted like a teenager himself. He was well-known at the school, she said, for rubbing student's shoulders, sitting "too close" to the female students and messaging students on social media. PRISON: Ex-teacher gets 15 years for abuse at Heights elementary Talking about the sessions at the park, she described in graphic detail the physical and emotional pain. "He would constantly make me feel bad for his problems, which weren't my doing," she said. "Pushing me to do things I didn't want to do." Cy-Fair ISD officials started investigating the Cypress Ridge High School math teacher in November 2016, a year after the sexual acts began, because of an anonymous tip. He was arrested days later after Campos admitted to the sex and said it was consensual. The sentencing phase is expected to last less than a week. brian.rogers@chron.com twitter.com/brianjrogers Fort Bend County Historical Commission. The story of Upper Buffalo Bayou and the San Felipe Trail as they existed west of Houston in the 19th Century will be the program topic for the Tuesday, Aug. 15, full membership meeting of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission. The meeting, which is open to the public free of charge, is booked at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond, beginning at 3 p.m. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Wednesday endorsed a new bill in the Senate aimed at slashing legal immigration levels in half over a decade, a potentially profound change to policies that have been in place for more than half a century. Trump appeared with Republican Sens. Tom Cotton (Ark.) and David Perdue (Ga.) at the White House to unveil a modified version of a bill the senators first introduced in February to create a "merit-based" immigration system that would put a greater emphasis on the job skills of foreigners over their ties to family in the United States. The legislation seeks to reduce the annual distribution of green cards awarding permanent legal residence from more than 1 million to just over 500,000. Trump promised on the campaign trail to take a harder line on immigration, arguing that the growth in new arrivals had harmed job opportunities for American workers. "Among those who have been hit hardest in recent years are immigrants and minority workers competing for jobs against brand-new arrivals," said Trump, flanked by the senators in the Roosevelt Room. "It has not been fair to our people, our citizens and our workers." The bill faces dim prospects in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority and would have difficulty reaching 60 votes to fend off a filibuster. But the president's event came as the White House sought to move past a major political defeat on repealing the Affordable Care Act by pivoting to issues that resonate with Trump's core supporters. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has begun laying the groundwork to potentially bring legal challenges against universities over admissions policies that could be deemed to discriminate against white students. Trump's critics accused the administration of pursuing policies that would harm immigrants and racial minority groups. "This offensive plan . . . is nothing but a series of nativist talking points and regurgitated campaign rhetoric that completely fails to move our nation forward toward real reform," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in a statement. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, predicted that the bill would not go far in Congress and called it "red meat to Donald Trump's base." Trump had met twice previously at the White House with Cotton and Perdue to discuss the details of their legislation, which is titled the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (Raise) Act. Their proposal calls for slashes to family-based immigration programs, cutting off avenues for the siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to apply for green cards. Minor children and spouses would still be able to apply. The bill would create a point-system based on factors such as English ability, education levels and job skills to rank applicants for the 140,000 employment-based green cards distributed annually. In addition, the senators propose to cap annual refugee admissions at 50,000 and to end a visa diversity lottery that has awarded 50,000 green cards per year, mostly to applicants from African nations. Cotton said that while some might view the current immigration system as a "symbol of America's virtue and generosity," he sees it "as a symbol we're not committed to working-class Americans and we need to change that." The number of legal immigrants has grown rapidly since 1965, when lawmakers eased restrictionist laws that had been in place for four decades that largely shut down immigration from Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Trump's chief policy aide, Stephen Miller, argued that the system has grown unwieldy, flooding the country with low-skilled workers who drive down wages for Americans of all racial backgrounds, including other immigrants who are already here. Miller sparred with a reporter Wednesday at the daily White House briefing over the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. He argued that the famous poem by Emma Lazarus was "added later" and thus did not define the U.S. immigration system as offering protection to the "poor" and "huddled masses." "If you look at the history of immigration, it actually ebbed and flowed," Miller said. "There were periods of large waves followed by periods of less immigration." But the legislation was quickly denounced by congressional Democrats, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and immigrant rights groups. It is also likely to face resistance from some business leaders and moderate Republicans in states with large immigrant populations. Opponents of the bill said that immigrants help boost the economy and that studies have shown they commit crimes at lower levels than do native-born Americans. "This is just a fundamental restructuring of our immigration system which has huge implications for the future," said Kevin Appleby, the senior director of international migration policy for the Center for Migration Studies. "This is part of a broader strategy by this administration to rid the country of low-skilled immigrants they don't favor in favor of immigrants in their image." Perdue and Cotton said their proposal is modeled after "merit-based" immigration systems in Canada and Australia that also use point systems. But those countries admit more than twice the number of immigrants to their countries as the United States does now when judged as a percentage of their overall population levels. "Just because you have a PhD doesn't mean you're necessarily more valuable to the U.S. economy," said Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy. "The best indication of whether a person is employable is if someone wants to hire them." Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy analyst at the CATO Institute, wrote that the bill "would do nothing to boost skilled immigration and it will only increase the proportion of employment-based green cards by cutting other green cards. Saying otherwise is grossly deceptive marketing." Cuts to legal immigration levels, including some of the same groups targeted in the Cotton-Perdue bill, were included in a comprehensive immigration bill in 2013 that was backed by President Barack Obama and approved on a bipartisan basis in the Senate. But that bill, which died in the GOP-controlled House, would have offered a path to citizenship to an estimated 8 million immigrants living in the country illegally and cleared a green-card waiting list of 4 million foreigners. Groups that favor stricter immigration policies hailed the legislation as a step in the right direction. Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, said the Raise Act "will do more than any other action to fulfill President Trump's promises as a candidate to create an immigration system that puts the interests of American workers first." - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report. - - - Video: Trump announces new immigration policy President Trump announced the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act on Aug. 2, which aims to cut immigration by half from the current level of more than 1 million green cards granted per year. Embed code: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The fertilizer plant explosion that killed 15 people and injured more than 160 in the town of West may not have been sparked by a deliberately set fire as federal investigators claimed, according to attorneys, arson experts and a former top workplace safety official under President Barack Obama. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been largely silent on the 2013 West Fertilizer explosion since it announced last year that an arsonist was responsible for the initial blaze and offered a $50,000 reward for information. No arrests have been made, and the ATF won't discuss the case beyond repeating a version of its previous announcement. But the arson finding had far-reaching implications. It delayed victims' lawsuits against the fertilizer company, gave the defendants more legal ammunition, and prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to put a hold on new chemical plant safety rules. Industry argued that a deliberately set fire meant new regulations were moot. Legal and forensic experts immediately spotted what they say is a weakness in the ATF's May 2016 announcement, but their concerns went largely unnoticed amid the sensational news that some evildoer - maybe even from the town that was ravaged - was responsible for the fire that turned tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer into an enormous bomb. "Our position from the beginning - even before the (announcement) - we told them that what you guys are doing is not scientifically sound," said Mo Aziz, a Houston attorney who has represented dozens of West plaintiffs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration had its doubts, too. But the ATF closely guarded its investigation, notifying OSHA, which was seeking fines against the plant, only an hour before the news conference, said Jordan Barab, the former No. 2 OSHA official under Obama. "Even the White House could not get them to meet with anybody about it," Barab said. Paul Bieber, a forensic investigator who runs the Arson Research Project and has worked with attorneys to debunk outdated forensic techniques in the fire service, said he ranted on a blog about the ATF findings when they came out, to no avail. Dennis Smith, a leading expert on the technique that ATF investigators used in West, said the agency ought to recognize that forensic standards have changed and therefore change its opinion. "That's the obligation of every investigator," Smith said. 'Negative corpus' Essentially, the ATF used a process of elimination to declare it an arson. "All reasonable accidental and natural fire scenarios were hypothesized, considered, tested and eliminated as being fire causes," ATF Special Agent Nicole Strong said in an email Tuesday, in an echo of comments the ATF made a year ago. "The only hypothesis that could not be eliminated was that the fire was incendiary. This means it was intentionally set. This conclusion was confirmed by extensive testing." The agency spent three years and more than $2 million investigating, interviewing over 400 people and building life-size replicas of parts of the plant. The process of elimination - or "negative corpus," in the parlance of investigators - to determine that a fire was deliberate has been part of arson investigations for at least 40 years. But in 2011, after mounting evidence that the practice led to faulty findings and even overturned convictions, Smith convinced the National Fire Protection Association to rewrite its standard. Now, relying on two papers he authored, the NFPA standard reads that "it is improper to opine a specific fire cause that has no evidence to support it even though all other such hypothesized elements were eliminated." But consultants like Smith, and advocates like Bieber, are still fighting to get the new standard adopted by investigators from the ATF down to the local firehouse. "They can use (negative corpus), and they're getting away with it because it fits the outcome they desire," Smith said. "There's always a lag time between when something's in the new edition (of the NFPA standards) and something gets changed in the field." He compared the slow rejection of negative corpus to the reluctance of some prosecutors to accept exonerations based on DNA evidence. Bieber, who reviewed all of the roughly 40 cases nationwide in which a person was exonerated on a charge of arson, said that in nearly two thirds of them, the defense proved that investigators didn't even have sufficient evidence to rule the case an arson, let alone identify a suspect. Negative corpus factored in nearly all of those cases, he said. Investigators can be easily swayed by findings that aren't related to the fire scene, he noted. In West, early attention focused on a local paramedic who had chemicals and equipment for a small pipe bomb, but who was later ruled out as a suspect. Cases delayed After the arson finding, CF Industries Inc., one of the fertilizer manufacturers, sought information about the investigation. The ATF denied the request, and CF sued. Eventually, the agency handed over redacted information, but a panel of federal appellate judges allowed critical details to remain secret. An attorney for CF declined to comment. Aziz, one of several plaintiffs' attorneys in the West litigation, has settled 95 cases. Dozens more have been delayed because of the arson ruling. He said defense attorneys initially treated the finding as a kind of "get-out-of-jail-free" card, but the chilling effect on the litigation didn't last. That's because, regardless of the source of ignition, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, in an elaborate investigation, found problems with the way the fertilizer was processed and stored. And they issued recommendations to improve preparedness among firefighters. Had they known of the explosive potential at the plant, West's volunteer responders might have kept their distance and survived. Those lessons won't last if the EPA doesn't act, Barab said. OSHA, the EPA, CSB and other officials sat on the sidelines while the ATF took control of the scene at West immediately after the explosion. It's not unusual for that to last a couple of weeks. But the agencies were frustrated this time. "They spent a whole entire month there coming up with nothing," Barab said. The private detective at the center of a Fox News article about the death of a young Democratic aide claims that the White House and a wealthy Trump supporter urged the network to publish the article as part of a scheme to blunt speculation about the president's ties to Russia, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday. Rod Wheeler, who was hired by the family of the aide, Seth Rich, to look into his death, filed the lawsuit against Fox News and its parent company, 21st Century Fox, accusing the network of fabricating quotations from him in an article on FoxNews.com. Wheeler says the network was aware that he had not said the statements, yet it published them "with reckless disregard for their truth." The network later retracted the article, saying it did not meet its standards. In the suit, Wheeler, who is a Fox News contributor, asserts that he was a pawn in a broader plan by the White House, a Trump supporter named Ed Butowsky and Fox News to "shift the blame from Russia and help put to bed speculation that President Trump colluded with Russia in an attempt to influence the outcome of the presidential election." The lawsuit, alleging defamation and racial discrimination, was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in New York. Rich, who worked for the Democratic National Committee, was fatally shot in July 2016. The case is unsolved. The retracted article, citing law enforcement sources, said Rich had shared thousands of DNC emails with WikiLeaks - a theory that would undercut the assertions that Russia had interfered in the election on behalf of Trump. Jay Wallace, president of news at Fox News, said in a statement: "The accusation that FoxNews.com published Malia Zimmerman's story to help detract from coverage of the Russia collusion issue is completely erroneous. The retraction of this story is still being investigated internally, and we have no evidence that Rod Wheeler was misquoted by Zimmerman." In the complaint, Wheeler says that Zimmerman worked closely with Butowsky, a Trump supporter and occasional Fox News commentator who pushed a fake article to advance the president's agenda. The suit states that in April, Butowsky met with Sean Spicer, the president's first press secretary, about the investigation into the death of Rich. In a statement, Spicer said: "Ed is a longtime supporter of the president's agenda. He requested a 10-minute meeting to catch up." In an interview with NPR, Spicer said: "It had nothing to do with advancing the president's domestic agenda - and there was no agenda. They were just informing me of the story." Wheeler cites a text message and voicemail from Butowsky as evidence that Trump had reviewed the article before its publication and supported it. According to the suit, a text message from Butowsky on May 14 read: "Not to add any more pressure but the president just read the article. He wants the article out immediately. It's now all up to you. But don't feel the pressure." AUSTIN -- Rep. Sarah Davis egged on Gov. Greg Abbott to add ethics reform to his special session agenda Wednesday, stressing it's an issue he's twice made an emergency item for lawmakers in recent years. The West University Place Republican said she has five ethics bills in the works, including a ban on former lawmakers getting paid to advocate issues immediately after leaving office, increasing the power of the state's ethics watchdog agency and requiring more state officers report their conflicts of interest. She said she would also push legislation banning lawmakers from fundraising during a special session. While the House speaker and lieutenant governor said they would not accept contributions during the current special session that runs through mid-August. Abbott aggressively solicited donors prior to the special session and continues to accept contributions. The governor's spokesman has said the governor is avoiding any conflict of interest and is following the letter and spirit of the law. Rep. Lyle Larson, a Republican from San Antonio, is also pushing a bill that would ban the governor from appointing people who gave him at least $2,500 in campaign contributions for a year. The bills are up for a public hearing Thursday in the General Investigating and Ethics Committee. The governor's office accused Davis and Larson of "showboating" on issues that are not under the governor's special session call. "Instead of working to advance items on the special session agenda that could reform property taxes, fix school finance, increase teacher pay and reduce regulations, Reps. Davis and Larson are showboating over proposals that are not on the Governor's call. Their constituents deserve better," said John Wittman, the governor's spokesman. Critics argue the state hasn't gone far enough to increase transparency and guard the state against ethical lapses from current and former office holders. "During the regular session, the governor again proved himself to be all hat and no cattle when it comes to ethics reform. Since the Legislature is back in the saddle at his request, he should go ahead and bring the whole herd," said Carol Birch, legislative counsel for Public Citizen, a national nonprofit and consumer advocacy group with an office in Austin. Davis has pushed several bills that are outside the governor's special session parameters, including legislation that would reverse therapy cuts for young children with disabilities. AUSTIN -- After months of criticizing his lawmaking brethren in the Texas House, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to improve communications between the two legislative chambers. That's right. He says he wants more face-time with House Speaker Joe Straus, far from a close buddy. At a time when the 30-day special legislative session is about half over, amid continuing tension between the Senate and House that some lawmakers say is slowing progress, Patrick's remarks could signal a thawing in relations between the two legislative chambers. Or not. In remarks Tuesday in a Facebook Live interview with Michael Quinn Sullivan, president of the conservative group Empower Texans, who, like Patrick, has blasted away at Straus, the Senate's presiding officer said he yearns for someone in the House he can communicate with. He said Straus has rebuffed several requests for a sit-down. The visible animosity between the Senate and House has been evident for months, and was blamed for the failure of several key bills during the regular session that ended in May. A longstanding tradition of Wednesday morning breakfasts between the state's top leaders -- Gov. Greg Abbott, Patrick and Straus -- were dropped from the calendar midway through the regular session because the conversation was a net zero. "Like you would do in any business, you'd sit down with the three leaders and have a plan, but we have no communication with the House," Patrick said in the interview. "We have to have someone we can communicate with. "I've not had one meeting with the speaker of the House in nine months, face to face, on policy. "It's hard to predict what's going to happen or work out in a seamless way to do the people's business if no one will sit down and talk with us. So the special session is really left up to the governor and I to try to direct it. "Like you would do in any business, you'd sit down with the three leaders and have a plan, but we have no communication with the House. "My door is open. The speaker has my phone number. He knows where I am most of the time. I don't care about our differences. I don't care anything that's been said in the past. I want to sit down and find a way to complete the governor's agenda." Despite the conciliatory tone, Patrick fired back at Straus on the controversial bathroom bill, a must-pass measure for Patrick and Abbott. For Straus, it's a no-go. "Right now, if that bill fails, he alone will have killed it," Patrick told Sullivan. As for Straus, he says his "door is always open." "The Speaker is more than willing to meet with the lieutenant governor and has always expected that they would talk at the appropriate time during the special session," said Straus spokesman Jason Embry. Perhaps Patrick really does want more quality time with the speaker. Top Straus and Patrick aides talked for 10 minutes on the phone on Tuesday, not long before the Facebook Live show. One of the least surprising scoops from inside the Trump administration was revealed Tuesday night. The Justice Department under President Donald Trump, the New York Times reported, may focus the resources of the agency's civil rights division on "investigating and suing universities over affirmative action admissions policies deemed to discriminate against white applicants." Anyone with even a passing awareness of the focus of conservative media over the past eight years or so will understand that this was inevitable. Trump, an eager consumer of conservative news, has no doubt seen scores of Fox News segments focused on the effects of affirmative action, a subset of a broader focus on how Democrats - usually meaning people of color - undeservedly get things free: phones, education, housing, etc. This isn't an argument that's unique to the far-right of Trump's party. Shortly after he lost his race for the presidency, Mitt Romney lamented that his campaign's sales pitch couldn't compete with the "gifts" that President Barack Obama promised in the form of free health care and forgiveness of student loan debt. During last year's Republican primaries, Jeb Bush - perhaps the most moderate candidate in the field - argued that he could win black votes because his message was one of "hope and aspiration," not "one of division and get in line and we'll take care of you with free stuff." There's a difference between affirmative action and free college educations, obviously, but for some conservatives, they overlap in the same place: Someone, usually a nonwhite person, is getting something that isn't deserved. And, moreover, those conservatives think the beneficiaries are doing so at the expense of someone else - in this case, whites who are denied admission or whites having to pay for it with their taxes. It's worth noting, first of all, that black and Hispanic college students are more likely to have to borrow to pay for a college education and that they end up having to borrow more money to cover college costs. A study from Demos analyzing federal data found that 86 percent of black students and 87 percent of Hispanic students got loans to attend private universities, compared to 72 percent of whites. (At public universities, 81 percent of black students got loans to 61 percent of whites.) A 2016 study found that low- and middle-income black students ended up accruing $7,721 more in education debt than whites from the same income brackets. Blacks are also much less likely to go to college than are white students. Among those who complete high school, about 70 percent of whites enroll in college compared to 63 percent of blacks (as of 2015). But that's among graduates: About 88 percent of white public high school students graduate compared to 75 percent of black students. More than a third of whites over the age of 25 have a college education compared to less than a quarter of American blacks. Part of this is a function of the long-term wealth gap between white and black households: College is less affordable to those with less income or family wealth, which also helps explain the need for more student loans. There are two ways to consider these numbers in the context of college admissions. One is that the long-term gap in household wealth, in part a function of long-standing institutional racism, makes it inherently more difficult for black Americans to qualify and pay for higher education. The other is that those disparities should not come to bear on an evaluation of the worthiness of an individual college applicant. In 2015, Gallup asked Americans how they felt about affirmative action for women and for racial minorities. Across the board, there was more support for policies that bolstered women - in itself a remarkable finding. There was also majority support for programs aimed at racial minorities, but among no groups was that support lower than with white men and Republicans. Trump's campaign rhetoric targeted those Americans directly. He argued repeatedly that the worst problems in the country were ones that they linked to nonwhite people: crime and drugs, which those voters saw as the fault of illegal immigrants, and terrorism, which was seen by them as the fault of immigrants and refugees. He also argued that the economic deck was stacked against normal working-class Americans, by which he meant white workers in the Midwest who'd once worked in coal mines and factories. It's a very short step from there to blame nonwhites for those economic problems, too, in part by suggesting that they've gotten an unfair advantage in gaining access to the higher education that correlates to higher incomes over the long term. So: Of course Trump's Justice Department is going to focus on affirmative action. It's part and parcel with the rest of his rhetoric, and follows closely with what the conservative media has deemed important. Last year, Gallup did another poll on this question, asking Americans what factors should come into play when considering college applicants. About three-quarters of respondents said a student's high school grades should be a major factor; about 3 in 10 said economic circumstances should be. But what jumps out is a revealing comparison on affirmative action. Only 9 percent of respondents said that race or ethnicity should be a major factor in acceptance, with an additional 27 percent saying it should be a minor factor. But legacy admissions - giving preference to students whose parents had attended the same school - was viewed as something that should be considered with more weight than race. In other words, affirmative action for those from college-educated families - families that, as above, are more likely to be white - was viewed as more acceptable than affirmative action for black or Hispanic students. Trump himself went to the Wharton School of Finance, as did his children Donald Jr. and Ivanka. His administration therefore seems unlikely to have his attorney general focus on that injustice. Jon Shapley/Staff Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been in perpetual thrall to the most extreme elements of an increasingly extreme Republican Party since he first won election to the state Senate more than a decade ago. He's built a career out of catering to causes and crusades of a narrow (albeit voting) few instead of tending to the needs and concerns of everyday Texans. And now, unfortunately, Gov. Greg Abbott is riding tandem with Patrick, ignoring the state's real needs in this ill-conceived special legislative session and kowtowing to a vociferous minority that supports a cruel and ridiculous crusade to humiliate transgender Texans. Abbott, who, like every one of his predecessors, touts a business-friendly Texas, has his hands clapped to his ears when business interests try to tell him that Patrick's bathroom bill not only discriminates against the transgendered but also risks causing serious damage to the state's economy. A sensible governor - and lieutenant governor - would look to the recent cautionary experience of North Carolina, where extremist Republicans pushed through a bathroom bill similar to Patrick's pet legislation and immediately wreaked havoc on the state's economy. Halfway through a special session of the Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to divide Texans. While he's ignoring the state's business leadership on the bathroom bill, he's also ignoring the leadership of the state's biggest cities on a host of other issues. Our governor seems intent on creating a schism between urban and rural Texans. That's not the kind of leadership we need today in Texas. Great leaders rally people together to accomplish great things. Consider what happened when 18 mayors from across the state asked for a meeting with the governor to talk about his agenda items limiting and overriding municipal powers. The governor met last week with a number of mayors from smaller communities like Galveston and San Marcos, but he conspicuously left off the invitation list the leaders of the state's five largest cities. His office has since reportedly contacted the mayors of Dallas and Fort Worth, but Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is still waiting for a call. Consider also Abbott's divisive remarks about "the liberal agenda of Austin." He recently played to a partisan crowd by saying he smelled something different once he left Travis County, "the smell of freedom that does not exist in Austin, Texas." That's not the language we would expect from our governor, who should strive to be the leader of all Texans. Abbott cluttered the special session agenda with proposals that would usurp powers important to cities and townships across the state, like tree preservation ordinances and local permitting processes. But some of the issues the governor threw on his agenda threaten the growth of larger cities. Smaller towns, for example, would be given more leeway than big cities to raise tax revenue before holding a referendum. What's especially troubling is a proposal that would effectively end the expansion of big cities across the state. A bill passed by the Texas Senate would require voters in unincorporated areas to approve annexations through a referendum. This has been a hot-button issue in Houston for decades, especially after the annexations of Kingwood and the Clear Lake area. In case anybody in larger cities missed the message, the legislation initially targeted counties with populations over 500,000, but that requirement was later dropped to 125,000. Jerry Wood, a Houston City Hall veteran who worked on annexation issues for decades, told the Chronicle's Mike Snyder this legislation "would mean the end of annexations, effectively, for large cities." Abbott apparently doesn't care what big-city Texans think about him because they generally vote for Democrats. All he has to do to win re-election is win his Republican primary, and he seems to think kicking around city governments will play well with a conservative base of rural voters. But his partisan spite is harming cities that are the homes for most of the state's population, the headquarters of most of our state's Fortune 500 companies and the drivers of the state's economic engine. Abbott should drop his war on cities, not only in his legislative priorities but also in his needlessly divisive rhetoric. As our state grows, we need a leader who in words and deed brings Texans together. Memorial Park Regarding "Indecent Exposure an issue at Memorial Park" (Page A4, Monday) wouldn't a better headline be "Obscene waste of taxpayer money an issue at Memorial Park"? Park visitors, trail users, nearby neighbors and families have reported no problems with the out-of-sight remote activity. Houston Police Department has spent some of its very limited resources to catch a sheriff, students, pastors and others to charge them with indecent exposure - out in the woods. I would suggest that the indecent part of this story is that HPD is squandering resources better spent for catching criminals that rob and vandalize the Memorial/Westcott neighborhood. As a taxpayer, it sounds like HPD has an overfunded morals department that I hope City Council takes note of as they discuss budget cuts. Ken Council, Houston Gun legislation blocked Regarding "Kids and guns" (Page A29, Sunday), last year the NRA and the Second Amendment Foundation collaborated with suicide prevention groups to pass legislation similar to HB 3340 by state Rep. Senfronia Thompson and SB 1778 by state Sen. Sylvia Garcia in Washington state. Yet, not in Texas where the bills were supported by multiple mental health organizations. It felt exasperating to listen to the opponents of the bills testify about why it wasn't appropriate for the state of Texas to promote suicide prevention. HB 3340 didn't make it out of the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee. SB 1778 never got a hearing in the State Affairs committee, chaired by state Sen. Joan Huffman. The State Affairs committee never allowed a single sensible gun safety bill to get a hearing. The NRA was also against state Rep. Donna Howard's HB 631 and state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr.'s SB1960, bills for safe storage campaigns. The funding for the safe storage campaigns would have been through donations from license-to-carry applicants and would have no fiscal impact on Texas. Yes, our representatives should take the side of their youngest constituents and just say no to the National Rifle Association. Yet if sensible gun legislation can't even make it to the floor for a debate, they can't say no. Aimee Mobley Turney,Gun Safety Issue ChairLeague of Women Voters of Texas, Houston Disappointed in McCain Regarding "Republican blame-a-thon erupts over failure to repeal Obamacare," (Page A6, Saturday), U.S. Sen. John McCain's vote against repeal of the Republican's "skinny repeal" health care bill is more evidence he actually resides in the Washington swamp along with left-wing Democrats. Despite years of publicly voicing his opposition to Obamacare, the truth has finally surfaced. The senator was lying to us all that time. He never really meant to repeal it. It was but an empty political campaign promise to get re-elected. How unprincipled, this apostate senator. The stab in my back is but a temporary pain; the treacherous lie is an enduring torment. I haven't quite figured out if Senator McCain should be labeled a "Quisling," a Rosenberg" or a "Benedict Arnold." Mike Gonzales, Houston Just politics Regarding "City coalition slams bathroom bill" (Page A1, Tuesday), with every reasonable group in Texas calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to cease and desist with the bathroom bill, one must wonder who is for such a draconian and unnecessary piece of legislation? It doesn't appear that businesses are for it. It doesn't appear that law enforcement is for it. It doesn't appear that cities are for it. I haven't seen many, if any, educators who support the proposed legislation. So just who are these mystery people who believe that Texans are so threatened by the prospect of a dangerous confrontation in a bathroom that they are insisting on the "potty bill"? Could it be that it is just a political ruse to keep the base stirred up about some nonexistent prospect? Could it be just a plot to keep Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in office for another term or two? Is there a voice of reason left, or are we doomed to fight against these proposed legislative acts of stupidity? Bathroom bills that should be flushed, tax reform that isn't reform, efforts to take away local control by folks who tout the need for local control and other acts of cowardice are brought to us by the same folks who gerrymandered Texas into a jigsaw puzzle that doesn't look like Texas anymore. Texans deserve legislative leaders, not blind followers. Bill Turney, Houston Trans ideology Regarding "Bathroom bill heats up again in Capitol" (Page A1, July 22), sorry, but not having the state play along with a person's gender dysphoria is not discrimination. I can't even believe we have reached this point that we are fighting government and businesses over this idea that someone can self-diagnose themselves into the "wrong" body based on self reflection! Trans ideology is literally madness. If you think you're the opposite gender than what your perfectly healthy body is and want to slice off healthy body parts and dress accordingly, help yourself but leave the state and the rest of us out of it. "Trans bathroom rights" are nothing more than an attempt to force the rest of us to play along with someone's confusion, and we Texans say NO to that. Diane Sulpizio, Houston Mythical threat This trans bathroom bill is legislation looking for a problem. The evangelicals brought out the "man in a dress" boogeyman to defeat the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance here in Houston. Since then, this mythical threat has reached epic proportions as a public threat, when historically it does not exist. However their conservative base believes it is a threat and has to be addressed. So they are willing to drive off the cliff to feed this fear instead of addressing greater needs. Milo Moon,posted via Facebook Houston nonprofits rely heavily on the generosity of individuals and families to help them address some of our most challenging problems. These donors are responsible for supporting programs that feed the hungry, provide educational opportunities for children, fight deadly diseases and support faith-based communities in every corner of our region. And while we typically think of giving as something that happens through the church collection plate, at fundraising events, or in response to appeals, we often overlook an important but misunderstood vehicle that is responsible for a huge portion of giving in our community. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are used by thousands of Houston donors who are working to address urgent and long-term issues. In 2016 alone, more than $107 million in grants to 3,750 grantees (a large majority in Houston) was provided through DAFs at Greater Houston Community Foundation. At a time when nonprofits are facing increased need and new financial pressures, this money is vital to our community's well-being. DAFs provide important flexibility for donors, who can quickly set up and disburse funds and, in some cases, build funds for a future charitable use. Congress has been largely supportive of these funds - in part because of the freedom they provide. But as lawmakers begin to tackle tax reform, it is important that this freedom isn't threatened by unnecessarily changing the way these funds are administered. Some members of the U.S. House's Ways and Means Committee have been discussing plans to require DAFs to grant a minimum portion of their assets each year. On the surface, such a move appears to make sense. Private foundations like the Houston Endowment are required to pay out at least 5 percent of their assets annually. DAFs, meanwhile, do not have a required payout. As a result, it is possible for some donors to store money in these funds without granting it to nonprofits. But such a move is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist - especially among DAFs that are housed at community foundations, where the average payout is about three times that rate - about 15 percent nationally. In Houston, the payout rate is even higher - ranging between 18 percent and 20 percent annually from 2014 to 2016. Critics argue the average payout rate hides the fact that a few funds with high payouts mask a whole lot of funds with no payouts - and, as a result, people are getting a charitable deduction and then letting the money sit. However, this isn't how things work in practice. Most funds make grants regularly, and those that aren't typically set aside funds for a big gift in the future - using investment returns to make those gifts even larger. DAF sponsors are willing to do something to promote fund activity among all funds, but a forced payout will have the opposite result Congress intends because it will reduce overall giving. By setting a floor of 5 percent, for instance, donors are likely to set 5 percent as their giving benchmark - which is much lower than the 15 percent national average. Many donors choose this vehicle because they want the freedom to give without the red tape that comes through many other giving vehicles. Jay Steinfeld and Barbara Winthrop, for example, set up Donor Advised Funds at Greater Houston Community Foundation to address immediate needs with very little administration. The couple created its DAF - Grateful for a Cure: GSD Research Fund - to help find a cure for a rare illness called glycogen storage disease. Within a month of opening the fund, they were able to raise and disperse the resources for critical research that has been approved by the National Institutes of Health. Had they chosen to set up a private foundation - or search for a nonprofit to collect and administer the funds - they would have been unlikely to support this urgent research. And, they never would have been able to create this impact so quickly. Changing the rules - and installing new regulations - actually has the potential to slow giving. In turn, changes would have a negative impact on our community. Houstonians cannot afford this change. Maislin is president and CEO of the Greater Houston Community Foundation. China is ready to enhance cooperation with Gambia in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other fields, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Tuesday. Wang said the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries has not only brought bilateral relations back to the right track, but also opened up broad prospects for cooperation. China appreciates the new Gambian government's firm adherence to the one-China principle and its commitment to friendship with China, Wang told visiting Gambian Foreign Minister Ousainou Darboe during a meeting. China is willing to work with the Gambian side to enhance mutual trust, expand people-to-people exchanges as well as strengthen coordination in global and regional affairs to push bilateral relations to a higher level, said Wang. The Gambian government and people highly appreciates the ideas and initiatives proposed by Chinese leader on China-Africa cooperation, highly appreciates the support and assistance China has provided to the country, according to Darboe. Gambia will stick to the one-China policy, and is looking forward to pragmatic cooperation with China in various fields, he said. The two ministers signed an agreement on a consultation mechanism between the two ministries following their talks. Later on Tuesday, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi also held a meeting with the Gambian delegation. China and Gambia resumed diplomatic ties in March 2016 since the latter recognized that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Invited by Wang, Darboe is paying a week-long official visit to China from July 31 to August 6. It is Darboe's first China tour since the new Gambian government took office earlier this year. On Sunday, Venezuela lurched forward in its shift toward full-blown autocracy with the election of 545 ruling-party members tasked with rewriting the constitution. The need for action has never been clearer, and the U.S. will certainly heed the call. But any effort must include strategic cooperation with the many countries increasingly willing to lay pressure on the Maduro government. Beyond rewriting the nation's charter, the constituent assembly will neuter what remaining sources of dissent still exist. President Nicolas Maduro has hinted at stripping the opposition-controlled congress of parliamentary immunity, the only thing standing between it and whatever false charges the administration can dream up. Indeed, his "victory" speech included a warning to the opposition that it "already has its prison cell waiting." In response to the vote, the U.S. Department of State promised "strong, swift actions against the architects of authoritarianism," with administration officials suggesting that oil sector sanctions are now among the options on the table. Until now, the lack of coordinated hemispheric action had bedeviled a regional response. The Organization of American States (OAS) has, under the leadership of Secretary-General Luis Almagro, made numerous attempts at getting countries to sign on to resolutions condemning the government-generated crisis in Venezuela. But Caracas' oil patronage of Caribbean states has successfully blocked any such resolutions within the forum. During a panel discussion at the Atlantic Council in July, Almagro himself, recognizing the constraints placed upon the OAS, acknowledged that sanctions may be a viable tool for exerting pressure. But there's a reason why sweeping oil sector sanctions have Almagro, analysts and the Venezuelan opposition itself worried. Petrodollars aren't only propping up the regime. They're also, regrettably, the last remaining lifeline of the Venezuelan people. What little food and medicine the population can get is paid for almost entirely by the government's oil revenue. This is why any potential economic sanctions must be targeted, to maximize impact on the officials robbing the country and not on the Venezuelans who are already hungry and in despair. This requires careful, nuanced planning with the possible outcomes carefully thought through. A massive new round of targeted, individual sanctions has the potential to further isolate the corrupt government elite while minimizing the impact on everyday citizens. This approach enjoys broad support among the opposition and those familiar with internal dynamics in Venezuela. The Treasury Department has already hit a number of top government officials with sanctions and would do well to continue in this vein, but with two important considerations. The first is that Venezuelan opposition leaders - the most authoritative voice on what needs to be done - are offering advice, and we need to be sure to take it. The second is that these sanctions must be implemented in tandem with other major governments. Opposition strategist Carlos Vecchio, in a meeting with U.S. legislators last month, urged Washington to go beyond simply freezing the assets of corrupt Venezuelan officials. Publishing them in itemized form, he said, would greatly increase the repercussion of the sanctions by allowing Venezuelans - particularly those still in the government's camp - to see for themselves where their robbed oil wealth has gone. Easy to execute and with low political cost, this simple action would allow Washington to undercut the Venezuelan government narrative that the U.S. is the source of the country's economic woes. But even more impactful would be forging a united front. Shortly after Washington levied additional individual sanctions last week, Colombia and Mexico followed suit with similar sanctions on the same officials. There is little doubt that this was the result of a carefully coordinated diplomatic approach. Doubling down on building a group of countries that takes concrete steps to apply substantive pressure on Maduro is our best bet moving forward. Episodes like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's absence from a key OAS meeting in May are not to be repeated. Instead, Latin America as a whole needs to be made a priority - and quickly. Venezuela is crumbling before our eyes, with humanitarian and security implications likely to reverberate throughout the hemisphere. There is strength in numbers, but we'll only gain those numbers through concerted diplomatic effort. Marczak (@JMarczak) is the director of the Latin America Economic Growth Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. Each year after the conclusion of another Texas County Fair, I end up with the same feelings of amazement and satisfaction. During the fairs four-day run, my hair gets dusty and my clothes get dirty, and by the time Saturday evening rolls around Im pretty well tired and spent. But at the same time, Im inevitably left with memories of umpteen special moments and situations along with hundreds of cool photographs to document them. Ever since the Texas County Fair and its livestock-oriented activities came into existence in the early 1950s, one of its primary missions has been to promote local agriculture and support youth involvement in the field. For the past eight summers, watching that mission be carried out has been a real eye-opener for me. It just takes so dang many people (of the volunteer variety) following the same path and looking toward the same goal. These days, you rarely see sizable examples of such like-mindedness and accord, but here in Texas County its a recurring theme on an annual basis with regard to the fair. And, of course, that boils down to the efforts of an aptly-named organization called the Texas County Fair Board. While it might at times resemble a Chinese fire drill or an outtake from a Keystone Cops movie, what the group sets out to accomplish and ultimately pulls off is of immense proportion and magnitude. And its not like they begin in April and finish in July. For a lot of these folks, the fair takes up a significant chunk of time year round. The bottom line is, the fair is there for me and a whole lot of other people to partake in and enjoy without concerning ourselves with the zillions of behind-the-scenes aspects that all require attention. Ive said of the fair board in the past and Ill say it again: What you do doesnt go unnoticed, well done by all, and thank you. Anyway, this years fair was by no means out of the ordinary which, as I told a friend, meant it was once again extraordinary. From the sheep showing on day one (Wednesday), to the Junior Livestock Sale on day four (Saturday), I was unable to identify a single dull moment during the event. Of course, some moments topped others, like the always humorous, cute and popular sheep and goat fashion show (which this year was on Thursday evening). Im telling you, the get-ups in that show are great, and range from noticeably creative to downright silly. To recall a few of my favorites this year: A young girl was dressed like she was ready for a swim in the lake, and her goat was wearing sweet swim trunks and was outfitted with a floatie ring. A teenage girl was dressed as Thing One (from Cat in the Hat fame) and her goat was Thing Two. There were several super heroes with their furry quadruped sidekicks, including Superman, Wonderwoman and Spiderman (interestingly, Spidy was teamed with Batman the Goat). All four days, I was glad that long-time arena announcer Scott Long (who has loads of experience in the ag-education realm as a teacher and FFA adviser) was back behind the microphone. I even told him Im not sure what it would be like if some other voice was letting people know which class of beef was up next, or whose market hog just took the blue ribbon in the previous drive. Thankfully, he said he intends to keep doing it Lord willing. And speaking of showing animals in the arena, several of the judges once again hailed from Southwest Oklahoma State University (in Weatherford, Okla.). As I found out the other day, the school has a judging team that actually competes against other schools judging teams. Im told that at some of the bigger, national shows, the judges are judged by other judges on how they judge. Who knew? One observation I made about the gentlemen from SWOSU is they each spoke quite clearly and eloquently. Once they had observed animals in a given category, they would grab the arenas cordless microphone and proceed to explain what made one animal stand out, what another might be lacking and generally describe why they reached their conclusions. But what struck me was their concise, clear delivery, which made hearing and understanding much easier for us once-a-year livestock experts. Speech must be part of what judges judge judges on in judging competition. And, of course, there was the annual Junior Livestock Sale on Saturday afternoon. Right away, it was nice to see auctioneer Rick Dixon once again plying the trade hes so good at. He took turns with Darren Scheets and Darrens son, Jake, barking and pointing and getting the most out of more than 130 sales. Also nice was that proceeds from several animals sold went to the family of Dixons son, Justin, who as we know was recently the victim of a horrific accident. Prices went a bit high on some of those and the applause at the end of the bidding was a bit ramped up. No shame in that on the contrary, it was the result of real, heartfelt emotion. As I was leaving the arena Saturday evening, I was talking with one of Houstons many long-time businessmen. Theres no small community in the country that supports their youth in agriculture like happens here, he said. Think about that. If you ask me, thats pretty cool. Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com. Another fire broke out late Tuesday night at the Wright County Jail at Hartville. The blaze, the latest in a series, broke out in a cell. The first call to firefighters happened around 9:30 p.m. Dispatchers called for more help around 9:45 p.m. The last fire there was in late June. Some of those inmates were moved to the Texas County Jail in Houston. Three are charged with setting a fire there a few days later. The Licking Fire Department was called around 4 p.m. Sunday for a structure fire at 305 Walker. It rekindled at about 5:40 p.m. A Licking police officer reported the home was fully engulfed. The Raymondville Fire Department was called to assist before it spread to an adjacent house. The City of Houston and Houston Rural departments were also dispatched to the scene. The blaze was east of the Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church. Authorities said the next door house sustained damage to some siding. The American Red Cross was also called to assist. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. The World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday held a hand-over ceremony in Mogadishu to welcome the arrival of more than 2,800 tonnes of rice assistance into the drought-hit country from China. China's rice contribution will enable WFP to sustain ongoing efforts to save lives and avert famine in Somalia, according to a press release by the WFP, which added that it will be used to provide hot meals to about 96,500 vulnerable people for about three months. "The rice is one part of the generous 10 million U.S. dollar contribution that WFP received from China in April this year," WFP Somalia Deputy County Director Edith Heines said. "This contribution towards WFP's emergency drought response in Somalia was also used to buy and distribute sorghum for families in need of food assistance and to provide special therapeutic food to treat moderate malnutrition in small children," Heines said. Qin Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, said at the ceremony that China has been lending a helping hand to drought-affected Somalia. In addition to the 10 million US dollars food assistance, China has also provided emergency relief materials, including medicine, nutrition, tents and water tanks, to people in need in Somalia, demonstrating the sincere friendship between the two countries. Maryan Quasim, minister for humanitarian affairs and disaster management of Somalia, said that the government of Somalia was grateful for the generous contribution made by China, adding that this was not the first time for China to send assistance to the country when it was in a difficult time. According to statistics from the WFP, about 3.2 million people in Somalia are in need of emergency food assistance. Some 363,000 children are acutely malnourished, of whom 71,000 are severely malnourished and face a high risk of disease and death. "Chinese help us in many ways," Ali Mohamed Ali, permanent secretary of ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation, told media at the event. He said the country values China's aid. According to Qin, from 1960 to 1991, the Chinese government had built 89 projects in Somalia, including the National Stadium and the National Theater. The Chinese government has also sent at least 13 batches of medical teams with some 400 members in total to cure people suffering from illnesses in Somalia. Since the start of war in Somalia in 1991, the Chinese government has always been positively supporting the process of peace and reconstruction in Somalia and providing a lot of aids to the country, Qin added. Stoyanov says she often hears objections that its not so easy to manage people remotely and that there could be security concerns but she insists that its possible and launched her own company to prove it. Our team is on three continents and I started the company as a truly remote company with a team that has never met to prove to the world that this is possible, she says. It is possible not only if the company is an established company which has been there for years and now allows its employees to work remotely which is less risky no, we started as a truly remote company from the beginning to prove that management and management skills matter and this is what makes a difference, it is not the location. Unsurprisingly, Stoyanov says communication is vital for remote teams to operate successfully. Its about open communication and communication channels that are shared by all team members, she says. We have internal channels and everyone is monitoring the internal chats to see what the others are doing. We use project management tools to help us stay on track with the tasks that others are already working on. Everyone sees who I working on what and could help each other. The economy has told them this and their parents who got laid off in the financial crisis have told them this, says Caraher. Some of those parents are still looking for work commensurate with their experience and theyve really counselled their millennial children not to count on one company, to move around and learn different things. The shift from career ladder to career lattice, combined with millennials vastly different expectations, means most will inevitably leave within a few years, says Caraher. Its for this reason that employers would be making a major business mistake if they avoid rehiring former staff. When people leave, they go and learn other things and they become more valuable, she tells HRM. So if you have a mind-set that people could return, then recruitment just got a lot easier and your option pool got a lot bigger. Another reason employers should encourage boomeranging is because returning employees are much easier to on-board and can get up to speed faster than brand new staff. Everythings moving so much faster today that we want fast on-boarders and of course you cant rehire everybody but if you can rehire a couple of people out of 20 or even 100, you will get to efficiency much faster than if everybodys new to your organisation. The Czech Republic has today become the 14th country globally to completely ban fur farming, sparing around 20,000 foxes and minks every year who would otherwise spend their lives in cramped, barren cages and suffer painful deaths by gassing or electrocution. Humane Society International, which campaigns globally to end the cruel fur trade, has enthusiastically welcomed the ban, which will be phased in over the next 18 months. President Milos Zeman signed the fur farming bill into law after huge majorities in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate passed the measure. The law stipulates that the countrys nine fur farms must close by 31st January 2019. Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for HSI/Europe, says: The Czech Republics decision to ban cruel fur farming is an immense victory for animals, sparing tens of thousands of them every year from short miserable lives in small wire cages, ending in horrible deaths. This ban strikes yet another blow to the fur industry, and we hope to see other countries follow the Czech Republics example by joining the fast-growing list of compassionate nations refusing to allow cruel fur farming within their borders. Live in the UK? Call for a Fur-Free Britain. The ban has enjoyed wide public support from across the Czech Republic. A 2017 opinion poll showed that 83 per cent of Czechs back the law to close fur farms. Lucie Moravcova from Czech animal charity Svoboda zvirat says: We are thrilled by todays decision. We believe that this is a result of a development of values across Europe where society is becoming more conscious and considerate towards those who cannot defend themselves. Passing the law that bans fur farming represents an historical milestone in animal protection in the Czech Republic. Our society has come to an agreement that animals are sentient beings whose lives have value and that this value is more important than the frivolous wants of the fashion industry. The Czech Republic joins Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, the Netherlands, Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and five other countries in banning fur farms, with bans also being considered in Belgium and Luxembourg. Germany and Switzerland have regulations requiring such high welfare standards that they effectively make it impossible to continue farming animals for fur. Media contact: HSI UK: Harriet Barclay, HBarclay@HSI.org, +447794 354 596 pichet_w via Getty Images This week Barry Sheerman became the first sitting MP to sign up to UK's the statutory lobbying register, as the result of his role as the Chairman of Policy Connect. Many would assume that MPs are prevented from being paid lobbyists, and they would be right. Sheerman, who was paid 2,200 a month through this side job, hasn't broken any rules. Nonetheless, the idea that MPs can run organisations that undertake lobbying activity sits uncomfortably, and serious questions must be asked about what this says about the state of lobbying regulation in the UK. The UK's statutory lobbying register is meant to bring transparency to the what is an estimated 1.9 billion a year industry. Yet the register only captures a fraction of lobbying activity, as it excludes 'in-house' lobbyists - those that work for a specific company rather than a range of clients - who make up the vast majority of the industry. The register also provides very little information; only consultant lobbyists have to register, and they only have to register if they are making direct representations to ministers or permanent secretaries. Registrants are not required to divulge what they are lobbying about, or how much they are spending on lobbying. Far from creating transparency, the register does very little to meaningfully open up the industry to greater scrutiny from the public and Parliament. What the register does require is the name of those running organisations employing consultant lobbyists, which is why Sheerman has had to sign up. Advertisement Not only is the register desperately incomplete, it is also misleading. On the first anniversary of the register research conducted by Unlock Democracy and Spinwatch found Berkshire-based lobbying agencies enjoy more ministerial ear time than the Big 4 accountancy firms and magic circle law firms... put together. KPMG, PwC and Deloitte, all major government contractors, acknowledge they are at the same time commercial lobbyists, but our weak lobbying regulation has not yet compelled any to declare the names of their corporate clients. Policy Connect describes itself as a cross-party think tank with a "diverse network of independent groups, comprising All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), research commissions, membership forums and campaign coalitions". On its website, the organisation prides itself on its network of groups having hosted "over 150 events a year influencing public policy and law makers", and having "a rich history of influencing cross-party policy for over two decades". This is, by even the most basic definition, lobbying. That Sheerman is permitted to hold such a position shows a clear disconnect between the rules defining and regulating lobbying as set out by the government, and the reality of what is happening in the industry. Sheerman is not violating the MPs' Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits MPs from becoming "paid advocates". Advertisement This highlights very troubling failings with our existing lobbying register and regulations around lobbying in the UK. It takes quite a stretch of the imagination to believe that an individual can be the chairperson of a registered lobbying organisation, and be at the same time completely removed from lobbying activity undertaken by that organisation. Unlock Democracy's satirical pamphlet, 'Lobbying Through Loopholes: A How-To Guide', illustrates how tools like APPGs and organisations like think tanks are routinely used by companies to exert undue influence over the policymaking process. Anger was the overriding emotion on social media as news came through regarding the death of Rashan Charles following a car and foot chase and his apprehension in a local shop. Yet the anger wasn't just that of some within the black community. It was, and is, also evident among police officers and those who support police officers as allegations of 'racist police murderers' flew around Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets. Other views veered from little sympathy for 'drug dealers' to those whose forthright views could only be described as racist. As the term murderers was banded about, police officers across the country and especially in London could only surmise how much more difficult this incident would make their task of 'keeping the lid' on a United Kingdom riddled with tensions. The death of Rashan was linked with that of Edir Frederico Da Costa who died following a vehicle stop by police. Following the death of Edir, the IPCC, faced with a potentially violent protest at Forest Gate, revealed that the rumours of him suffering traumatic injuries at the hands of the arresting officers, were untrue. Advertisement The protest, however, still turned violent and only after a difficult few hours when police were faced with 'nose to nose' abuse and missile throwing did it emerge that arresting officers were frantically removing packages from Edir's throat as they tried to revive him. The circumstances of his arrest bore all the hallmarks of a pre-planned police operation. As with Edir, the IPCC and the Met also referred to a package being removed from Rashan's throat but there is still no information in either case as to whether drugs were actually present. Certainly, I have seen and been involved in far more violent arrests than that which we saw on CCTV. The fact that there were so many unanswered questions in respect of Rashan's death combined with the furore against police created by activists on social media meant that some form of disorder was almost inevitable. It occurred last Friday evening close to where Rashan died and whilst prolonged, only involved, at most, 200 youths. Fears that all Hackney gangs would participate and this would spread to other parts of London and perhaps the country, proved groundless to the relief of front line officers who have concerns as to whether the police could cope with rioting on the scale of that witnessed in 2011. Advertisement A further strong statement asking for restraint from Rashan's family may well have poured oil over troubled waters at least in Hackney but clearly tensions remain. The Tragedy Of Three On A Moped. In between these two deaths, a 16-year-old youth, allegedly one of three youths on a stolen moped, died when the moped crashed into a police car. The youths had allegedly been involved in earlier robberies and were allegedly in possession of two large knives. It was only with Rashan's death did many realise that the 16-year-old who died in the moped crash was also black. A 15-year-old was arrested on his release from hospital and has been bailed. Certainly, at any forthcoming trial and inquest it will be revealed whether the youths wore helmets or not. This could determine whether the officers were able to identify whether in fact, they were black. Doubtless, in the fullness of time, the IPCC will come to decisions in all three cases and papers may or may not be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. It could be that full details might only emerge at the respective trials and/or inquests which could be months or years away. Activists will of course, in the interim and in the absence of any further information from the IPCC have a field day. All police will be labelled as 'racist' and police officers in many areas of London will be abused and their safety imperilled at a time when assaults on police are escalating in both frequency and severity. Advertisement Carnage and Operation Sceptre Police officers are only too well aware of the devastating effect that deaths, such as those above, will have on families and loved ones. In all three cases, police fought desperately to keep the individuals alive. Fighting to keep individuals alive after traumatic incidents such as stabbings and shootings is now very much a part of front line policing and, in many parts of London, these unfortunate victims are disproportionately black or of mixed race, a fact which is very occasionally acknowledged by some black activists. The rising levels of violence on the streets resulted in the Met embarking on Operation Sceptre, which, however it is spun, was essentially an intelligence led stop and search operation. Whilst the Met haven't produced overall figures, it is likely that these stop and search operations would have slowed both the rate of knife and gun crime. One report speaks of 500 arrests in a week. Logic suggests that the arrests and the hundreds of knives seized will have saved lives and prevented life threatening and life changing injuries from across the communities but principally from within the black community who, as stated, suffer disproportionately from knife and gun crime. Media Distortion From the activists, however there will no praise just the usual mantra concerning 'racist police' while the media will continue to seek out and distort stories that will damage the police service. Advertisement Shortly after these incidents, the IPCC published a report on deaths involving police contact which resulted in eye catching headlines with no attempt at any analysis as to why this was the case. The Independent, just days ago, also had a field day with footage of armed police 'caught on camera' after stopping a vehicle containing black youths. Gang social media showed a greater sense of responsibility with a number of individuals pointing out that police probably believed they might be armed. The journalist responsible has thus far, not responded to an invitation to watch armed police in training. It most certainly wasn't, as stated in the Independent's headline, a traffic stop! The two youths were arrested on suspicion of drugs supply, money laundering and possession of an offensive weapon. BME Recruitment Whatever the result of the IPCC enquiry and whatever attempts police make to safeguard communities, including black youths, the activists will continue to shout 'racists' which in turn will impact on police trying to recruit officers from BME communities: And, in all honesty, I do not know any serving or retired police officer who does not want more black and other minority ethnic officers in the force. Advertisement Finally Black Lives Matter made this statement suggesting intervention when any police arrest is witnessed. The Social Mobility Commission (SMC) recently released a new report examining 20 years of government efforts to tackle social mobility in the UK. Covering four stages of life from early years and school to training and the world of work, it argues that only seven policies have scored a 'green' rating while 14 scored 'amber' and 16 'red'. This was quickly followed by a further SMC report that argues that low-cost home ownership schemes are more likely to benefit better-off buyers and those who would have become owners in any case. Both these reports strongly resonate with the current social psyche and zeitgeist. Topics such as housing, rising inequality, stagnating wages, increased tuition fees, 'generation rent' and austerity are pervasive in modern media and quickly lead to the impressions that the UK has become a fractured and broken society. This is further mimicked by the uncertain and divided political environment that currently exist; arguably not only since the recent election or the Brexit referendum, but also since the end of the Blair era and the start of the 2007/08 financial crisis. However, both reports - like many of the SMC reports - fail to truly address the issue of social mobility. The majority of text and analysis in these documents relate to the notion of social inequality rather than social mobility, and as I have previously stated; a society can be unequal and socially mobile at the same time. Advertisement To some extend this lack on focus on 'actual social mobility' is not surprising as social mobility refers to a concept of 'opportunity' conditional on social background. Even if one understood the underlying nature of the relevant statistics it would remain difficult to truly contextualise this into one's own life. Inequality, on the other hand, is relatively easy to contextualise. Can I afford my own home? Has my real pay gone up? Am I poorer than my neighbour? Do I have job opportunities? Finally, the lack of accurate and high quality data to measure 'real' social mobility remains an issue that few outside academia are willing to discuss. While there is some cross-country evidence that correlates social inequality with worsening social mobility, this evidence remains far from conclusive. The latest UK research on intergenerational social mobility remains mixed with studies finding that class and occupational mobility has either remained stable or improved in recent decades (including my own research), while income mobility may have worsened. Longer run evidence, since the Second World War, also suggest little change in mobility rates. However, what is evident from current research on 'real' social mobility is that the massive societal and political changes that have occurred in the last 50 years appear to have had little impact on mobility rates. At minimum, it does not appear scientifically possible to pin down specific national and other macro-social policies that have actually changed mobility rates in a meaningful manner. This in turn chimes perfectly with the above mentioned SMC report that government mobility and inequality policies failed to deliver meaningful change in the last 20 years. This is why the 72m Opportunity Areas Programme that was launched last year and extended this year is of such interest. It aims to attack 'social mobility' by bringing together local businesses, schools and councils in 12 social mobility 'coldspots' to create better opportunities for young people in the UK. These regions rank between 277th and 324th out of 324 regions in the country according to the Social Mobility Index and this targeted approach, at a smaller community and local authority level, which is directly influenced by local actors on the ground, may produce more significant and meaningful results. In the face of the failure of national policies it certainly seems worth a try. Advertisement Chris J Ratcliffe via Getty Images "Breast milk makes the world healthier, smarter, and more equal". So concluded a major study of breastfeeding by the world-renowned medical journal The Lancet in January of last year. This call to action should be at the centre of our thoughts during World Breastfeeding Week. Experts agree that mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed. And yet breastfeeding rates in the UK are among the lowest in the world: just 44% of mothers in England were recorded as breastfeeding at their 6-8 week health visitor review in 2014/15. Advertisement And just a third of babies receive breast milk at the age of six months. This compares with 49% in the United States and 71% in Norway. As Shadow Health Secretary, I agree with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's (RCPCH) verdict that our breastfeeding record leaves 'little to celebrate'. At the very heart of my ambition to make child health and wellbeing a national priority is my determination to drastically improve early years support for children and parents, and a national breastfeeding programme must be at the heart of this strategy. We know breast milk defends babies against infections and dental problems, and helps protect them against becoming overweight and obese in later life. Breastfeeding has even been shown to play a significant role in fostering brain development and cognitive capacity in young children. Advertisement Plus there are health benefits to mothers: studies show lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer in women who breastfeed. UNICEF's research reveals that even moderate increases in breastfeeding could save the NHS up to 40million a year through fewer General Practitioner consultations and hospital admissions. Yet there is disturbing variation across the country, with particularly low rates among disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Data from the 2010 Infant Feeding Survey showed that 46% of mothers in the most deprived areas were breastfeeding, compared with 65% in the least deprived areas. That's why I'll also implement the Royal College's recommendation that Public Health England develops a national strategy to change negative societal attitudes to breastfeeding and reduce health inequalities across the country. And I agree that the Government must do more to ensure employers support breastfeeding, for example through feeding breaks and providing sufficient facilities for breastfeeding in the workplace. Advertisement And crucially, Labour will reinstate the UK-wide Infant Feeding Survey, which the Tories scrapped in 2015, to ensure reliable, comparable data on breastfeeding is recorded and readily available. We are committed to this agenda because we know that what a child experiences in its early years has a profound effect on the rest of its life. Therefore, alongside breastfeeding, we must improve immunisation rates, tackle the woeful state of oral health and eradicate the unacceptably high rates of infant mortality. Vaccinations in early childhood protect children against serious and potentially fatal diseases. Experts agree that without a sustained high rate of population cover, diseases are at risk of returning. However, the latest data from 2015 shows that the vaccination rate in England for two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine by age five was just 88.2%. This is well below the World Health Organisation target of 95%. Immunisation rates are not improving and children in England are not being protected as well as their European counterparts. Advertisement That's why Labour will implement a public campaign to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy. We will establish an effective vaccination programme aimed at returning vaccination rates to 95%. This will also help provide protection to unimmunised infants and children through herd immunity. Our children's teeth are also in need of urgent action too. Shockingly, tooth decay is the most common reason why children aged five to nine require admission to hospital. And inequalities in tooth decay remain stark, with 5-year-olds in the most deprived areas of Lancashire almost seven times more likely to have decay than their peers in Jeremy Hunt's Surrey constituency. This is extremely serious: tooth decay can have a significant impact on a child's general health, development, school readiness, confidence, ability to sleep, eat and socialise. Yet most frustratingly tooth decay is almost entirely preventable through regular brushing, adequate exposure to fluoride and reducing sugar consumption. Therefore, Labour will ensure all children in the UK receive their first check-up as soon as their first teeth come through. This will make a substantial difference alongside timely access to dental services for preventative advice and early diagnosis of dental caries, with targeted access for vulnerable groups. Advertisement At the most extreme end too many of our infants are dying needlessly. Infant mortality rates across the United Kingdom have declined markedly over the past 40 years. The UK currently ranks 15 out of 19 Western European countries on infant mortality, and rates are more than twice as high in the lowest socio-economic groups in our society compared with the richest. We know that socioeconomic status is strongly associated with infant mortality, along with poor maternal nutrition. That's why Labour will ensure public health services are properly funded in order to maximise health during pre-conception and pregnancy, including smoking cessation programmes and promoting healthy weight in women of childbearing age. The next Labour Government will give our children the best possible start in life. That process starts right from birth and improving early years support is a critical start. To improve the health and wellbeing of every child has long been part of my Party's mission. In the historic Labour manifesto of 1945 we stated: "Labour will work specially for the care of Britain's mothers and their children- children's allowances and school medical and feeding services, better maternity and child welfare services." The next Labour government will have as its mission making child health a national priority. It's what every child deserves. Advertisement Alamy By driving communities apart, anti-Muslim hate is undermining the 'war on terror' Last week, the world's largest Muslim organisation - the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) - the second biggest intergovernmental body after the United Nations made up of 57 Muslim-majority countries - released its annual Islamophobia report at a conference in London. Our new report confirms that Islamophobia is a rising trend across the West, and concludes that Islamophobia must be seen not simply as a scourge against Muslims, but rather as a scourge against the heart of all civilised societies. At the reviewed time period of the report, the negative trend of anti-Muslim hate was assessed to have been boosted mostly by three factors, namely: the victory of Donald Trump, the immigrant issue in Europe, and the rise of far-right populism in Europe. Advertisement Far-right extremist narratives have for years portrayed Muslims in Europe as foot-soldiers in a stealth demographic war against western civilization. It is no surprise then that even as Daesh-inspired terrorist attacks on Europe have escalated, so too has the trend in anti-Muslim hate crimes, where the whole Muslim community is punished for the horrendous acts of a few. In Britain, the attack on the Finsbury Park mosque and the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox were both motivated by an ideology that rejects the viability, or even desirability of Muslims and non-Muslims coexisting peacefully in the same societies. But it is not widely recognised that such episodes are part of an escalating spectrum of sporadic attacks on Muslims across the US, Britain and Western Europe. In the US, we have had the Chapel Hill murders of three Muslim students; the Portland stabbings of two bystanders who defended a Muslim woman being harassed; the assault and murder of a Muslim teenager on her way home from a mosque near Washington. Advertisement In Canada, six Muslims were killed in a mosque shooting in Quebec by a man known for his far-right views, including support for Marine Le Pen in France and for Donald Trump. Across the West, we have seen a dramatic rise in violent arson attacks on mosques; physical assaults on Muslims, especially women wearing headscarves; harassment, threats and hate speech; and even discrimination in employment and education. Our report found, disturbingly, that there is a connection between these rising trends on different sides of the Atlantic. On the one hand, Donald Trump's presidential campaign repeatedly used rhetoric that seemed openly hostile to Islam. This was reinforced by his Muslim ban. The latest Pew Research Center survey of Muslims released a few days ago confirms that the early days of Donald Trump's presidency have been an anxious time for many Muslim Americans. Overall, Muslims in the United States perceive a lot of discrimination against their religious group, are leery of Trump and think their fellow Americans do not see Islam as part of mainstream US society. Since then, to his credit, President Trump has dialed back on such rhetoric. But there has been little condemnation from his administration of the increasingly toxic environment of anti-Muslim hostility resulting in hate crimes, murders, shootings and arson attacks. Advertisement Unmistakably, our report finds that the rightward shift of the US government has emboldened far-right political parties and movements in Europe. Many of the leaders of these groups, such as Le Pen or Geert Wilders in the Netherlands - who have openly demonised Muslims wholesale - were the first to welcome Trump's victory. But it is not just far-right parties that are voicing these sentiments. Mainstream political leaders and figures have mingled fear of immigration with the idea that "Islam" in general is a problem because it supposedly does not align with western values, forgetting that Islam has existed there for centuries and that their own laws protect freedom of religion. In Europe, this view has led to more restrictive legislation on clothing. In France, 30 towns banned the so-called 'Burkini' swim suit, despite it being barely any different in appearance to a wet-suit. The ban was later declared a serious breach of basic freedoms by France's higher administrative court, but revealed how widespread anti-Islam sentiment was becoming across the country. Since then, the European Court of Justice has ruled that employers should be allowed to ban their staff from wearing headscarves if they see fit. Muslim women who choose to wear a headscarf are thus not only finding that they are less likely to be employed, they are also more likely to be attacked in the street. These trends show that in many ways, Daesh's campaign of terror in the West is working. Daesh's goals are to use violence to create a weak, divided and fearful West, where Muslims and non-Muslims cannot live and work together in peace and mutual respect. Advertisement We must remember that the Islamic world is as much a victim of Daesh and al-Qaeda as the West. According to the Counter Terrorism Center of the US Military Academy at West Point, al-Qaeda kills over seven times more Muslims than non-Muslims. Similarly, the UN reports that Muslims are the largest victims of Daesh attacks, most of which are being carried out in different Muslim countries. Those refugees trying to reach the shores of Europe are escaping the horrors of Daesh and deserve to live in safety. Terrorism and Islamophobia are two sides of the same coin of hate; they feed off each other. The distorted views of the 'other' held by both terrorists and Islamophobes, along with their extremist ideologies and convictions, are linked in a vicious cycle that is affecting world peace and security. In recent weeks, the NSPCC reported a spike in the number of children requesting counselling sessions for race or faith-based bullying following the recent terror attacks. Around the same time, there has also been a rise in reported Islamophobic incidents. Muslim children as young as nine-years-old are said to have faced violent bullying and been accused of supporting the Islamic State. While the horrendous attack at Manchester Arena directly impacted innocent young children and parents, this is a sombre reminder that terror attacks can have a profound effect on young people wherever they are. Following each of the recent terrorist attacks, we realised that our local schools were going to need extra reassurance and be equipped to deal with the complex questions children would inevitably have. Our Prevent education officer spoke to all our local schools to offer that much needed reassurance, share advice and resources about managing difficult discussions with pupils. He also shared guidance on conducting risk assessments for school trips, and shared the latest updates from the police. Advertisement Parent coffee mornings were also scheduled to share advice with worried parents and school assemblies were organised to enable students to raise any difficult questions in an open and safe space. In my book, taking the time to reassure a worried child is never a waste of time. This isn't the work that Prevent is known for , and far from the myth that Prevent operates in the shadows, my team is always available to support parents and teachers and participate in these vital discussions. The good working ties we have established with local community organisations and faith groups means that not only are we made aware of concerns around radicalisation which community members might have, it has also enabled us to escalate any concerns or incidents within the community which might otherwise have gone unreported. Following the Finsbury Park attack a month ago, my team were able to ensure that local police were made aware of security concerns raised by our local mosques, all the while sharing guidance on venue security provided by central government. During these times of heightened tensions, we have hosted round-tables within local organisations encouraging the reporting of concerns and hate crimes, and have offered reassurance and an opportunity for open dialogue at a time when worrying hearsay and misinformation was doing little to allay community concerns. Much of these conspiracy theories were being shared on the internet, a place where poisonous and extreme ideologies are also being spread. Every teacher and parent knows how vulnerable children can be to what they watch and read online. Thinking about how we respond to this threat is daunting but vital work. Advertisement When both the extreme Far Right and Daesh supporters do their best to pit us against one another, ensuring those who are vulnerable to radicalisation are offered support is key; my team and I see the positive outcomes of this on a daily basis. Whether it involves offering online safety advice to parents, linking an isolated child to a local youth club, building up a close relationship with a mentor or counsellor, or speaking openly and frankly about sensitive and concerning issues, there are many ways in which the work of Prevent impacts on people's lives for the better. For those that doubt the necessity of protecting children from radicalisation, consider that Daesh is now producing children's cartoons to spread its hateful ideology. Daesh sees vulnerability as an opportunity, an open door. We need to shut that door by having a critical debate about the content of Daesh propaganda videos or an open discussion about anti-Muslim sentiment with a trusted mentor. These are just some of the essential components of how we can stay safe together. jgaunion via Getty Images I was 18 when I fell pregnant with my first baby. He was very much planned and I thought I knew everything there was to know about pregnancy and babies. It turns out, I really didn't. There was so much to learn and remember! One thing I was sure of though was that I wanted to breastfeed. I was nearly 10 when my mum had my sister. She breastfed her until she was past 2 and I remember thinking, even at that age, that I wanted to do that when I became a mum. Fast forward 8 years and I was still determined. My first baby was delivered by emergency caesarean. I'd been induced and I was in active labour for 11 hours. After 30 minutes of pushing, they decided he wasn't coming and wheeled me off to theatre. Recovery from childbirth isn't easy but recovering from major abdominal surgery is even harder. I remember being horrified when they told my partner to go home that night. I was a first-time mum and I needed all the help I could get because I could barely move! I think this was the beginning of the end and I hadn't even started! Advertisement He didn't sleep very well in a hospital cot. By the second night, I was beyond exhausted. A midwife came in and offered to take him from me. I asked what would happen if he needed feeding and she gently suggested that formula would be given. I was that tired, I agreed. Before I went home, I was visited by an amazing breastfeeding counsellor called Penny. She showed me different positions to feed him in so I wasn't in pain with my section wound. I never saw her again. Once home, he still didn't latch well. I couldn't get the position right on the right boob. The Perfect Prep machine, bottles and formula that we'd been told we'd need after having him were too enticing. I started combination feeding. I contacted my health visitor who put me in touch with a support worker from the La Leche League. She came out and saw me a couple of times, gave me nipple shields and went away again. They wouldn't come out once my baby was past 6 weeks so if I hadn't got the hang of it then, I wasn't going to. Feeling defeated and unsupported, I stopped giving him breast milk at nine weeks. He was fully formula fed at two months. After this experience, when I fell pregnant with our second son, I was even more determined to make this time a success. I did so much research during my pregnancy and made sure I knew the kinds of support that were around me. I found my local breastfeeding support cafe and jotted down the numbers of the clinics and the support workers. Not one box of formula was bought and the Perfect Prep stayed locked away in the garage. We did buy one box of bottles but with the intention of me expressing and my partner feeding him. Formula feeding just wasn't in the equation this time, possibly because I feel some guilt over my first son. Our second baby was 10 days early. I didn't see a breastfeeding support worker in hospital but the midwives were there if I needed them. I called on them a lot, to check his latch and to make sure he was managing to get the milk out. I left the hospital feeling confident I could do this. Advertisement For the first month, all I felt was pain. It felt like broken glass was being sucked through my nipples and I got awful stabbing pains in my boob. My midwife and health visitor both told me that was normal. I persevered, praying my nipples would toughen up and the pain would go. It didn't. I joined breastfeeding groups on Facebook, searching for an answer as to why I was still in so much pain. They suggested I made an appointment to see a doctor which I did. She examined me and said nothing was wrong and the pain would soon stop. Two days later, I was in tears with every feed. I knew this wasn't normal. I noticed a white film on his tongue before he latched on that evening and instantly knew what the problem was. Thrush. I went to the pharmacy to get over the counter medication for us both. I explained the issue to the pharmacist and she gave me some cream and I went home, hoping this was the end. But when I got home, she'd given me oral medication which was fine for my baby's oral thrush but it wouldn't penetrate my skin deep enough to get rid of the nipple thrush. I remember sitting on the sofa, crying. All I wanted to do was breastfeed my son, why was it so difficult? I gathered myself and went to my doctor's. I begged. I begged the receptionist to let me see a doctor. This was 5pm on a Friday evening. I knew that if I didn't get medication then, I wouldn't last the weekend. Luckily, they understood my pain. A doctor saw me and I got the correct medication. He even gave me two tubes so I wouldn't need to go through that again. I could have hugged him! On Monday, the High Court of England and Wales refused to give permission for the review of a decision of the Westminster Magistrates' Court not to allow the commencement of a private prosecution of former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair for (allegedly) having committed the crime of aggression. Regardless of one's support or disdain for Mr. Blair, the court ruling - a mere seven pages long - and its implications for future decisions to go to war merit some consideration. The crime of aggression, as set out in the Rome Statute which established the International Criminal Court ('ICC'), is defined as the planning, preparation, initiation or execution by a person in a position effectively to exercise control over or to direct the political or military action of a State, of an act of aggression, that is, the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State. Advertisement The High Court held that Mr. Blair could not be prosecuted for this offence in the English courts for at least two reasons, namely: in an earlier case (Regina v Jones), decided by the House of Lords in 2006, it was held that although there was a crime of aggression in customary (non-treaty-based) international law, there was no such crime in domestic English law; there is no prospect that the UK Supreme Court would overturn Jones because: just as now, when Jones was decided, the crime of aggression was not incorporated into domestic criminal law; according to the 1972 case of Regina v Knuller a new criminal offence could only be created by Act of Parliament; and when Parliament enacted the International Criminal Court Act 2001 to give domestic effect to the Rome Statute, it did not include the crime of aggression in the list of offences under the Act, thereby making a deliberate decision not to incorporate it into English law. While these reasons may seem superficially attractive, upon closer examination they appear far less so. Advertisement In October 2002, 5 months before the start of the war in Iraq, advice was sought from government legal advisers "on the practical consequences of the UK's acting without international legal authority in using force against Iraq, including possible legal consequences in domestic law, in the International Criminal Court, and in the International Court of Justice..." The advice which was subsequently provided was made public by the Iraq Inquiry chaired by Sir John Chilcot. In a document, dated 15 October 2002, then Foreign Office Legal Adviser, Sir Michael Wood (now member of the United Nations International Law Commission) set out legal advice which he had prepared with the assistance of Dame Elizabeth Wilmshurst (now Professor of International Law) in which he stated of a domestic prosecution for aggression: "...since there is such a crime in international criminal law, it is just conceivable that there could be an attempt in our domestic courts to launch a private prosecution for the crime of aggression...individuals may seek to rely on the well-established doctrine that the common law accepts international customary law." The High Court, in the decision concerning Mr. Blair, referred to the related submission that then British Attorney General, Sir Hartley Shawcross QC had made clear in his famous address to the Nuremberg Tribunal that the crime of aggression had existed in international law well before the 1940s. Advertisement Against such background, the decision in the Jones case changed the understanding of the place of the crime of aggression in English law. In that case, the defendants were charged with criminal damage to an operational military airbase. By way of defence, they argued that the UK's actions in preparing for, declaring and waging war in Iraq were unlawful acts of aggression which they were justified in attempting to prevent through their actions causing the damage. The House of Lords held that the defendants could only rely on their desire to prevent domestic crimes as a defence and that although the crime of aggression was recognised in customary international law Parliament had not enacted it into domestic law and the court "no longer" had power to create "new" criminal offences. But aggression was not a "new" criminal offence. According to highly experienced British government lawyers, it had existed in international law since well before the 1940s and had therefore been accepted by the English common law well before 2006 when Jones was decided. A number of domestic criminal offences are crimes because the court has declared them to be such. To take but one example, the offence of misconduct in public office is a common law offence. It is not defined in any statute and yet it carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. An early authoritative statement of it can be found in law reports from 1783. However, it fell into disuse from then until the early 21st century, yet its continued existence is well-recognised. The previous court decision upon which the High Court relied as preventing it from creating a "new" domestic offence of aggression (Regina v Knuller) was decided in 1972, well after aggression had been recognised as an international crime and therefore, accepted into English common law. Part of the House of Lords consideration in that case concerned a criminal offence which had been previously created by the common law and which the House said could not now be modified other than through Act of Parliament. By continuing to recognise it today, the English courts would not be creating a "new" criminal offence of aggression, just as they do not create a new offence by continuing to recognise the crime of misconduct in public office. As a result, the High Court's points about the importance of the need for certainty in the criminal law fall away. Indeed, in the particular case of Mr. Blair, he was specifically advised by government lawyers of the risk of a prosecution for the crime of aggression. As the Chilcot Report makes clear, Mr. Blair was determined to pursue the course of action he had decided upon, not because he lacked information about its implications, far from it, but because he did not wish to concern himself with the potential adverse consequences. Advertisement In relation to the UK Parliament not having made provision in the 2001 Act for a domestic crime of aggression, the reason for this is obvious. As the High Court itself noted, the 2001 Act was aimed at giving domestic effect to the Rome Statute. In 2001, the Rome Statute did not contain a prosecutable crime of aggression. It was not until 2010 when the international community adopted a resolution setting out a definition of the crime of aggression for insertion into the Rome Statute and then not until 2016 that it was ratified by the requisite number of States party to the Rome Statute to come into force prospectively. None of this affected the status of aggression as a crime in customary international law. The High Court also stated, somewhat surprisingly, that: "There is no reason, let alone a compelling reason, for departing from the decision in Jones. Indeed the fact that the invasion of Iraq was held not to be a crime in domestic law in 2006 provides a compelling reason why Jones should not be departed from." This passage ignores the point that it was the decision in Jones which was the departure from the established position as set out by Sir Hartley Shawcross in the late 1940s and by Sir Michael Wood in 2002. In so far as the second part of this passage suggests that the House of Lords found that the invasion of Iraq in fact did not amount to a crime in domestic English law (which the House of Lords in Jones expressly said it would not do), it must be borne in mind that such a finding pre-dated the Iraq Inquiry. That all of the evidence is finally in the public domain (where it always belonged) must surely be a compelling reason why Jones should be departed from and the English common law recognise aggression as a criminal offence as it had always previously done. A court could still decide, upon examination of all of the evidence, that the commencement of war in Iraq did not amount to aggression. When it introduced legislation for shared parental leave in 2015, the UK was widely praised. The move allowed partners to split the entitlement to state financial support that is available to couples until their child's first birthday. But two years later, uptake has been disappointing. Although there are no official figures, a 2016 survey of 1,000 human resource professionals found only a fifth of organisations had received requests from male staff about shared parental leave. Financial cost, concerns over negative perception in the workplace, difficulty in understanding shared parental leave, and a lack of awareness have all been identified as reasons why parents are not taking up the entitlement. Advertisement Little, though, has been said about breastfeeding. But my ongoing research surveying mothers about shared parental leave has found that most breastfeeding mothers find the idea of going back to work while their partner takes leave impracticable. Six months recommended Breastfeeding has been described as one of the most important contributors to infant health and child well-being. The World Health Organisation recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months because of the range of health benefits that it offers to both mother and child. These include a reduced likelihood of mothers developing breast or ovarian cancer, and children's enhanced psychosocial and emotional development. In the UK, the government has offered mothers in some parts of the country a 200 voucher to encourage them to breastfeed until their baby turns six months old. Barriers in the workplace have been identified as the biggest hindrance to breastfeeding mothers who choose to return to work early after childbirth. Returning to work often means mothers must constrain their breastfeeding, which can mean some giving it up altogether. Advertisement Research has shown that early return to work by breastfeeding mothers negatively affects the initiation, frequency and duration of breastfeeding. This explains the noted decline in the number of breastfeeding working mothers who returned to work early after childbirth. One US study also found that if a mother plans to return to work within three months, there is a 16-18% reduction in the probability she will start breastfeeding. This means that if mothers want to breastfeed for longer, some choose to delay their return to work. Of course, it is possible for mothers to express breast milk at work and store it in the fridge or freezer, but there may be issues of hygiene in storing the milk to guarantee that it is safe for the child's consumption. Working breastfeeding mothers will often need to go to the breastfeeding room or toilet (if there is no designated room for breastfeeding mums) to express the milk to avoid engorgement, which is when the breast becomes overfull and painful. What employers can do There are facilities and policies that employers can put in place to support women who breastfeed at work. These include on-site child care and policies that allow mothers to leave work to go to the child, or to breastfeed in the office. But employers should be doing more to encourage working mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding after returning to work to do so. One 2006 survey of 46 public sector employees in England investigated the support breastfeeding mothers experienced at work. It found that 90% of those surveyed were not aware of any support that their employer had put in place to encourage breastfeeding mothers returning to work. Another 2007 study found that the longer a mother delayed her return to work after having a baby, the more likely she was to breastfeed for at least four months. The researchers argued that government policies to encourage mothers to return to work early after childbirth would not affect breastfeeding if the government also provided employers with increased financial support and incentives to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Advertisement The importance of breastfeeding and the lack of adequate support at work for breastfeeding mothers pose a challenge to the effectiveness of the legislation on shared parental leave. There is currently no law which says that a mother has a right to breastfeed, or that employers must provide the relevant facilities at work. This means that for those couples who want to take shared parental leave, breastfeeding up to the recommended age of six months can be quite a challenge. The UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world, and the numbers could further decline if more working mothers give up breastfeeding to return to work within six months. If mothers who want to breastfeed choose not to return to work soon after giving birth, this sadly renders legislation on shared parental leave ineffective. Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Lecturer & Cohort Tutor, School of Law, Criminology & Political Science, University of Hertfordshire Watches are not rocket science. Or are they? Watches are not rocket... Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well, thats a shame, because with some watches, youll need one to understand how to tell the time. Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well,... Opponents of a proposed electric rate hike protest during a public hearing held Tuesday night at Berkshire Community College. Berkshires Stands Against Proposed Eversource Rate Hike The Department of Public Utilities received testimony from dozens of people at Tuesday's hearing at Berkshire Community College. It was the second local hearing the state has held on the proposal this year. PITTSFIELD, Mass. State Sen. Adam Hinds knows the Berkshires has problems and he sought office in order to help "right the ship." But, he says Eversource's proposed rate increase threatens the county's economic stability. "We struggle with the impact of population decline every single day. We have schools that are closing now because of the lack of student enrollment. We have towns fighting about budgets and the tax burden continues to shift to the people who are staying. The median household income is in most towns $20,000 more below the rest of the state," the Pittsfield Democrat told a panel from the Department of Public Utilities on Tuesday night during a hearing regarding Eversource's increases. "And yet, as we try to right the ship, we don't even have the basic infrastructure to get us back on our feet. We have too many towns that are experiencing a lack of high-speed internet. Our transportation does not allow for us to connect with regional economic centers. We also have difficulty for a lot of employees to travel to a high paying job. And now, we are confronted with a rate increase to electric rates that we already know have caused companies to leave Massachusetts or putting a ceiling on the expansion of companies." Eversource is seeking some $96 million more in revenue from ratepayers of both NStar and Western Mass Electric Co, the two utility companies falling underneath its umbrella. The company claims the rate hike will offset an operating deficiency and allow for some $400 million in capital investment over time. It originally filed the request in January and immediately faced outrage from the public and from elected officials. Attorney General Maura Healey has been vocally opposed to the rate increase. Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Mahoney said her office has not only come to a determination that the request should be rejected, but that rates overall should decrease. "The attorney general's office has been working hard over the past several months to investigate the company's proposal and talk to experts about the best path forward for Eversource's customers. We've concluded that Eversource's $96 million rate increase request is unfounded and not in the best interest of ratepayers," Mahoney said on Tuesday. "In June we participated in a month of evidentiary hearings during which we cross examined the company's witnesses. Two weeks ago we filed a brief urging the department to deny the company's request for a rate increase and instead decrease rates." One particular concern from those who spoke out at hearings held across the state in the spring was that the changes significantly hurt Western Massachusetts more than the eastern part of the state. The company, in response, revised its rate structure to create a more even playing field. Ed Davis, director of rates for Eversource, said that change is particularly seen in commercial and industrial customers. He said there had been some customers out east who would have seen a decrease in rates. So, a revised plan, which was filed in June, calls to split the increase Western Mass would have seen and shift more of the burden on those eastern companies. "In our original filing, some of our commercial and industrial customers in eastern Mass were getting reductions. This is because rates for these customers were set 20 to 30 years ago and the methodologies for updating costs and designing rates have changed since then," Davis said. "However, commercial and industrial customers in Western Mass were getting increases. These customers would have had these increases even as a stand-alone company with no affiliation with NStar electric. The question raised at the hearings was why can't this be better balanced between east and west? So we worked to achieve what we believe is a more balanced proposal." The largest customers in Western Massachusetts would see an original 8.7 percent rate increase drop down to 4.4 percent. The company maintains the request for $96 million and the change was an effort Eversource made "to set new rates that provide fair balance among all customer groups," Davis said. He said the operating deficit still needs to be overcome. "We developed the alternative rate design based on customer feedback received during public hearings in March and April. I'd like to point out that Eversource is not changing its overall rate request. We filed this request back in January because we are operating with a revenue deficiency. This means costs we are incurring to serve customers are greater than the revenue we are collecting through rates," Davis said. "The main reason for this deficiency is money we've already spend on capital projects such as upgrades to local electric grid, directly benefiting customers in Western Mass." Resident Girard Cote said the alteration of the plan is a "divide and conquer" strategy. He says the east versus west attitude is forcing a conversation about which side benefits more, pushing the outright rejection of the rate increase to the back burner. Cote said it has been clear where the community stands on the issue and he hopes the DPU will follow through on its mission to set rates that provide the best service at the lowest cost. "We all know which side we are on, our question for the DPU is what side are you on?" Cote said. State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli remembers the last time such a rate increase was made and he doesn't want to see it happen again. The Lenox Democrat said two mills closed almost immediately when new rates went into effect in 2007 and both cited, in part, high electricity costs. That left close to 400 people out of work. "It is still sizable and cuts into local businesses' already narrow margins," Pignatelli said. Christopher Matthews, co-owner of Onyx Specialty Papers, said companies like his pay the fourth highest rate for industrial electricity in the country. Should the rate go down in its total sense, the company would still see a 35 percent total increase in transmission and distribution charges. "The cost of electricity is one of our largest expenses in our budget," Matthews said. The proposal breaks down customers into different rate categories and Eversource provided a breakdown of the expected changes in bills. For the largest customers, the anticipated bill increase is expected at about $12,850. For low-income residents, who receive a discount, the cost rising by $3.74, or 3.5 percent. The more average user would see a $10.87 increase or 10.1 percent. Davis said there isn't much room to change the pricing when it comes to residential bills to smooth it over across the state, while Pignatelli says the Berkshires' ability to pay is significantly less than others. "The four known facts about the Berkshires are: we're smaller, we're older, we're sicker, and we're poorer," Pignatelli said. But who is not poorer, according to state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, is Eversource's senior staff members. The proposal does not eliminate a shareholder guaranteed return of 10.5 percent, she said, while in a single day the company's CEO takes home in salary as much as the annual median household income in the Berkshires. "The company, its shareholders, they are getting along just fine, just fine without putting additional burdens on we, the residents, the businesses, and the municipalities, of Berkshire County. I can tell you, we are not getting along just fine," the Pittsfield representative said. She called the salaries "outlandish" and rejected the idea that shareholders should be guaranteed 10.5 percent return from a public utility. "The overall increase is far too much for ratepayers. And Eversource, its executives, and its shareholders are protected far too much with this proposal," Farley-Bouvier said. "Eversource is asking for an additional $96 million increase, which reflects a 10.5 percent return on equity. Eversource has already proven itself to be a very profitable company as reflected by the executive's outlandish salaries and bonuses." Residents, businesses, and elected officials have consistently opposed the increase in rates. Those in the audience also rejected the company's push for a "performance-based" rate making process, which could set increases in the future without a new rate case. Farley-Bouvier called that a "scheme" that was convoluted and represents close to $47 million more in revenue over time. Mayor Linda Tyer called the increase "obscenely greedy" and lamented on how it will impact the city of Pittsfield. She said the city will be seeing a $736,119 increase in bills for streetlights and municipal buildings. That, in turn, will have to be paid by the taxpayers, so residents will "be hit up twice." She said she'd rather invest that money into education, public safety, or improving the roads. "Municipal governments should not be ignored," Tyer said. Thomas Wickham, a selectman in Lee, couldn't agree more. His town is still trying to recover from those paper mills closing. He, too, rejected the 10.5 percent return on equity saying that is "about 5 percent more than necessary." "We are struggling. We need growth," Wickham said. "I'm concerned we won't e able to recover from this one and it will just go on and on." The Rev. Patricia Loughlin told a hypothetical story of a teenager doing homework one night when the lights go off. That student then goes to school embarrassed. "They're going to go home with the fear that it could happen again, it would happen again, for no fault of their own they will suffer," she said. And that's not how people should be treating each other, she said. She said the community needs to look out for each other and focus on helping the most vulnerable out. This rate increase does not do that, she said. "Our brothers and sisters are standing with us and their children are our children," Loughlin said. And the threat of shutoffs is real. Janet Viselli told the DPU that there were some 10,000 disconnects last year. She said there are a lot of workers in the area who don't make enough to afford all of their bills. "There is just not enough money to go around. We have to choose whether we eat or not. Whether we pay the rent or not," Viselli said. "The situation is bad enough already and it will get worse if this rate hike goes through." The final decision on the rate structure is expected to be made by the end of the year. Prudential Committee members Ed Briggs, left, and Ed McGowan listen to Chairman John Notsley at Wednesday's meeting. Williamstown Prudential Committee Moves Forward on Land Acquisition WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The committee that oversees the town's fire district voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to enter into a purchase and sales agreement for a 3.7-acre Main Street parcel where officials hope to build a new fire station. Prudential Committee Chairman John Notsley told his colleagues that the negotiated price this time around is $400,000 with the estate of Kurt Lehovec for the parcel next door to the new Aubuchon Hardware (the former Agway) on Route 2. "The assessed value, with the buildings off of it, is $382,800," Notsley said. "That would equate to $6,833 in tax revenue between the fire district and the town. The previous assessed value, with the buildings, was $256,300. "What I'm looking for today is a vote to pursue a purchase and sales agreement, contingent on a two-thirds vote at a special fire district meeting in the early fall. This is step one. We need the land." The Prudential Committee has taken this step before, twice calling a special district meeting in 2013 to approve a $575,000 expenditure for the same property. Both times, the question failed to reach the two-thirds "super majority" needed for approval. "We just feel very strongly this is the ideal location, and we hate like hell to lose it," Notsley said. "We thought we'd lost it with the advent of the hotel going in there. Due to the fact it did come back on the market, we didn't hesitate." The hotel proposal in question was denied a needed special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals in the spring. Notsley said that denial prompted him to go back to the owners to negotiate a new purchase and sales agreement. Notsley said that as a resident of the Colonial Village neighborhood, he did get involved with the efforts of many of those residents to object to the hotel proposal. But he has approached several of his neighbors about the prospect of locating a new fire house on the site. "I have talked to a few of the individuals in the neighborhood who were vocal against that project," Notsley said. "I told them our plans our thoughts anyway. The response I got from a few of the principals was very favorable." Wednesday's special meeting of the Prudential Committee was attended by a few members of the community who had questions for the panel before it took its vote to move forward on the land acquisition. Dan Gendron, who was one of the voices asking the district to slow down back in 2013, emphasized that he agrees the current station is inadequate but asked again that the fire district a separate taxing entity apart from town government work with Town Hall on addressing its needs. "I think a lot can be gained by making it a point to meet with town officials, meet with the Planning Board, meet with our town planner," said Gendron, who serves on the town's Finance Committee. "There's no question in my mind that you need different infrastructure. I've always said that. I may not have liked the site or something. "More can be accomplished this time if hands really reach across the aisle. The town has lots of resources, and there may be places you can save money." The committee members said they are consulting with experts in the field of fire station construction, a Connecticut engineering firm involved with projects across Massachusetts, but also noted that the district intends to work with town officials where appropriate. "We've been doing that in the background with the town people," Prudential Committee member Ed Briggs said. "There are no secrets here. Before we go to a [district] vote, we will certainly have everybody in Town Hall on board with us. "Building a fire station is like building a church or a hospital. You need someone who has experience." Planning Board member Amy Jeschawitz and Selectwoman Anne O'Connor also attended Wednesday's Prudential Committee meeting. Jeschawitz reminded the fire officials that they will have to convince voters of the need for a new station in order to win the land vote this time around. "I'm not clear on what the needs are versus what the wants are," Jeschawitz said. "I think that would be something, going forward, you should get out there to the public. "I believe in the process of planning with community support. The more that you can get that information out there and educate the public, you'll end up with a better outcome." O'Connor, who stressed that she was not attending as a representative of the Board of Selectmen, said that panel would be "eager" to have ideas brought to it. "I don't question at all the idea of purchasing the land," O'Connor said. "It's more of a question of getting the word out." Fire District Clerk/Treasurer Corydon Thurston said the Prudential Committee is prepared to do what it has to do to explain its needs to the community. "On behalf of this group, they've learned a little from the first experience," Thurston said. "They've learned some from the town's Public Safety Study Committee. "The opportunity to grab this piece of land was paramount, and there's some urgency because there's the potential for other suitors. I can assure you, on the contingency side, prior to purchase, the first contingency is the necessary district approval." iciHaiti - Economy : DR wants to triple its exports to Haiti Miguel Vargas Maldonado, the Foreign Minister said that the Dominican Republic could triple the level of its current exports with Haiti. Vargas Maldonado said that the Dominican authorities are making great efforts to have good relations with Haiti and that we should not only see the difficulties but also the opportunities that arise because trade is progressing, declaring "I am certain that, at the level of trade, we will triple the amount of export that we currently have with Haiti, which will benefit the domestic producers and the Haitian citizens who will have in this way less expensive products." SL/ iciHaiti Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met on Wednesday with Algeria's foreign minister Abdelkader Messahel, who conveyed a message from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the necessity of boosting brotherly relations between the two countries and organisation on issues of mutual interest. During the meeting with Messahel, El-Sisi stressed the importance of continuing the ongoing organisation between Libya's neighbouring countries to restore stability and the national foundations of the North African country, according to the presidential spokesperson Alaa Youssef. Earlier on Wednesday, Egypt foreign minister Sameh Shoukry held a press conference with Messahel, where the two officials stressed that both countries both share the goal of achieving stability in Libya. Shoukry said prior to the press conference that he and Messahel agreed on bolstering coordination on mediation talks hosted by Egypt and Algeria to ensure the stability of Libya. The Egyptian foreign minister said that discussions also included the issue of combating terrorism and the importance of boosting cooperation at the intelligence level to ensure the safety of both nations. Messahel said both countries support a political solution to the Libyan crisis. Egypt and Algeria as neighboring countries are coordinating efforts to work towards this goal, he said. Shoukry said that the idea of a Libyan reconciliation conference was always on the table, adding that such a conference would only be held when Libyans reach an advanced point in the path to a political solution. Egypt has been active in mediation efforts between various Libyan factions, hosting several meetings in Cairo to bridge their differences. Messahel also said that discussions also included the importance of restructuring the Arab League system during a period where the Arab world is the site of the worlds biggest conflicts and has the greatest presence of terrorism. The Arab League should play a role in solving its own problems, and this cant be accomplished without deep and radical reform, he said. According to the Algerian minister, the pair agreed on a high committee meeting between the two countries to be held before the end of the year in Algeria. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's newly founded media union has ordered the temporary suspension of TV presenters Reham Saeed and Doaa Salah for discussing topics on screen that "violate public norms," state news agency MENA reported. Reham Saeed, who hosts Sabaya El-Kheir, a show that discusses social issues on the privately-owned Al-Nahar TV channel, was ordered suspended for three months over an episode last week where she hosted a married woman and her "lover," who discussed their extra-marital affair. The head of the media union Hamdy El-Konayissy said in a statement on Tuesday that the incident amounted to the "exploitation of deviant cases in Egyptian society, breaching professional and ethical standards." El-Konayissy said that this was not the first time Saeed has exploited such stories for media attention. Last year, Saeed was handed two prison sentences totalling one year and six months and fined EGP 25,000 for defaming a sexual assault victim on her show. She successfully appealed both sentences. The other presenter, Doaa Salah, who hosts the Dody Show on the same channel, was also ordered suspended for three months over an episode earlier this week where she discussed the issue of women's choice to become single mothers. The media union said that the discussion promotes "immoral ideas that are alien to our society and threatens the fabric of the Egyptian family." El-Konayissy said the decision to suspend Salah was partially prompted by her performance of a number "bizarre and controversial acts" on her programme. On the episode in question, Salah wore a fake pregnant belly to highlight her point. In an older episode, Salah presented the show's intro while sitting up in a bathtub in the studio. The union's statement said that Al-Nahar channel will be notified of the decision to suspend both hosts, which the channel must uphold or else be considered liable. The two presenters can still appeal the penalty within 15 days. The union said the suspensions aim to hold off "media chaos" by curbing violations and preventing them from recurring. The union has also issued a warning to two other TV presenters, Saeed Hassasin and Mohamed El-Gheity, for "professional and ethical violations." In an episode of Hassasin's show on Al-Asema TV Channel, two guests exchanged expletives with one wielding his shoe, the union said. El-Gheity, whose show airs on the Lebanese-based LTC TV Channel, accused agriculture ministry officials of corruption "without evidence," the union said. If Hassasin and El-Gheity repeat these offenses, they could face a three-month suspension, the union's head said. The media union was founded under a new media law passed earlier this year to regulate the media and outline professional standards for radio, TV and online outlets. Search Keywords: Short link: The book was the brainchild of a group of high-ranking former civil servants and diplomats known as the 'G25', which was formed to push back against intolerance Activists and authors in Muslim-majority Malaysia reacted with outrage Tuesday after authorities banned a book aimed at promoting moderate Islam, as concerns mount about growing conservatism. The book, "Breaking The Silence: Voices Of Moderation -- Islam In A Constitutional Democracy", is a collection of essays whose publication was organised by a group of prominent Muslim Malaysians pushing a more tolerant form of Islam. The ban, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that printing or possessing the book was "likely to be prejudicial to public order" and "likely to alarm public opinion". Anyone breaching the ban on the book -- which was published in neighbouring Singapore -- can be jailed for up to three years. Malaysia routinely bans books, movies and songs that may contain sensitive material regarding religion or sex, but critics say the government has been clamping down harder in recent times. The book was the brainchild of a group of high-ranking former civil servants and diplomats known as the "G25" -- for the number of its founding members -- which was formed to push back against intolerance, and some of the essays were written by its members. Chandra Muzaffar, one of the authors featured in the collection, said the ban showed the government's "authoritarian approach to Islam". "It's a collection of essays which is intended to show that extremists and bigoted thinking on matters pertaining to the practice of Islam in the country should be combated in an intellectual manner," he told AFP. Marina Mahathir, a rights activist and daughter of former long-serving premier Mahathir Mohamad, said the ban -- signed last week -- was aimed at silencing government critics. "It is about silencing anybody who has a different view," she said. Critics say the government clampdown on anything deemed un-Islamic has accelerated in recent times as Prime Minister Najib Razak's party seeks to appeal to its Muslim Malay base amid speculation elections could be called in the coming months. In July the hit song "Despacito" was banned on state TV and radio due to its racy lyrics after pressure from an Islamic political party. More than 60 percent of Malaysia's population of over 30 million are Muslim, but the country is also home to significant religious minorities. Search Keywords: Short link: Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} With Daniel Craig's return as James Bond seemingly confirmed, fresh rumours are surfacing about what to expect from the next instalment in the British film series. According to The Mirror, Bond will be journeying to Croatia for a film based on the 2001 novel Never Dream of Dying by Raymond Benson, the author being Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. A source reportedly said: Bond scriptwriters feel it could be the perfect follow-up to Spectre. They are hoping to film in Croatia next year. Other exotic locales the film is expected to traverse include Japan and the south of France, the setting of the novel's opening scene. The outlet claims that the film's working title is Shatterhand and will see 007 come up against a blind villain. Never Dream of Dying sees Bond start a relationship with Tylyn Mignonne, a film star whose husband is connected to The Union, a recurring crime organisation within the 007 novel series. The women who could play Bond Show all 21 1 /21 The women who could play Bond The women who could play Bond Olivia Colman Getty The women who could play Bond Carey Mulligan 2015 Slaven Vlasic The women who could play Bond Emily Blunt 2016 Getty Images The women who could play Bond Felicity Jones 2014 Getty Images The women who could play Bond Gemma Arterton 2014 David M. Benett The women who could play Bond Gillian Anderson Getty Images The women who could play Bond Gugu Mbatha-Raw 2014 Gabriel Olsen The women who could play Bond Hayley Atwell Getty Images The women who could play Bond Imogen Poots GC Images The women who could play Bond Kate Beckinsale 2010 Getty Images The women who could play Bond Kate Winslet 2015 Getty Images The women who could play Bond Keeley Hawes 2014 Danny Martindale The women who could play Bond Michelle Dockery WireImage The women who could play Bond Naomie Harris UK Press via Getty Images The women who could play Bond Olivia Colman 2015 Getty Images The women who could play Bond Rachel Weisz WireImage The women who could play Bond Rebecca Hall FilmMagic The women who could play Bond Rosamund Pike UK Press via Getty Images The women who could play Bond Sienna Miller WireImage The women who could play Bond Thandie Newton 2015 Jon Kopaloff The women who could play Bond Vicky McClure 2015 Getty Images Despite no official confirmation, Christoph Waltz and Dave Bautista are both expected to return as villains while Naomie Harris (Miss Moneypenny), Ben Whishaw (Q) and Rory Kinnear are all set to return. In the running to replace Sam Mendes as director following Skyfall and Spectre are Yann Demange ('71), David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) and Arrival's Denis Villenueve whose Blade Runner sequel arrives in cinemas this October. It was revealed last month that producer Barbara Broccoli was "determined" to bring back Adele to record another Bond theme following her Oscar-winning lead track for Skyfall. Bond 25 is scheduled to arrive in cinema November 2019. Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Asda is to the supermarket sector what Britain is to Europe: Struggling to find its place in the world and desperately clinging to whatever positives it can find as dark clouds rumble and spit. The accounts filed by the problem child of the Wal-Mart family have just appeared at Companies House and they make for grim reading. Profits sank by nearly a fifth to 791.7m in 2016, while same store sales fell by 5.7 per cent. Asdas were the cheapest schtick started to fail when Aldi and Lidl reached critical mass and people woke up to the fact that theyre cheaper still. The American owned grocers disappointing figures are the result. To be fair, new boss Sean Clarke has at least stopped a rot that saw sales falling by record amounts at points last year. Perhaps we should be consider him as Asdas equivalent of Chancellor Philip Hammond: trying to fend off the wolves with a bad hand of cards. Mr Clarke prescription for what ails the business he runs has been to slash the prices of some everyday items, and by quite a bit. Look see, we really are cheap! But will that do any more than moderating a future of decline? Like the one Brexit Britain is facing? Asdas first quarter saw a 2.8 per cent fall in sales against 2.9 per cent in the previous quarter. There were a few more crumbs of comfort from the latest batch of Kantar figures. Its most recent survey showed Asda in positive territory for the first time in ages. But the 0.8 per cent increase in sales it had the troubled grocer recording still made it the laggard among the traditional big four, the other members of which ticked up by just over 2 per cent apiece. So, as a positive, it was a bit like Brexiteers saying, well, we might be looking at getting shut out of the biggest free trading zone on planet earth, but look over there: New Zealand wants to do a deal so we can get tariff free lamb. The difficulty for Asda is that whether lamb is tariff free or not, more and more people continue to hop over to Aldi and Lidl to buy it, and theyre still opening new shops all over the place. There were recently rumours of it tabling a bid for B&M, the general merchandise discounter, in an attempt to try something new by diversifying the business, as Sainsburys has done with Argos and Tesco is trying to do with wholesaler Booker, assuming the Competition & Markets Authority allows it to. But B&M has just announced a bid of its own, moving into convenience food with a 152m buy up of Northern grocer Heron Group, as that sub sector of the market rapidly consolidates and competition intensifies within it. 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. As with Brexit, just as the bad news seems to be taking a pause, along comes some more. Which leaves Asda furiously cutting prices in an attempt to compete. Unlike UK plc it does at least have a strategy of sorts. But as a long term solution to the businesss problem, it looks flawed. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Consultancy firm Accenture aims to have hired 1,700 people in the UK during its 2017 financial year, the company announced on Thursday. Chancellor Philip Hammond described the investment as a vote of confidence in Britains economy. The roles are based throughout the country, primarily in London and Newcastle, and are focused on technology including around 500 positions across robotics, cyber defence, artificial intelligence (AI), data science and virtual reality. The company said it had hired recruited approximately 600 entry level employees, including school leavers, as it further broadens its intake beyond university graduates. This investment is a vote of confidence in our plan to build a stronger economy, Mr Hammond said. These jobs will be filled around the country in cutting-edge sectors where Britain leads the world, such as cyber security, robotics and virtual reality. Olly Benzecry, chairman and senior managing director for Accenture in the UK and Ireland, said: Accentures growing workforce marks our ongoing commitment to the UK as we continue to help our clients navigate through a period of unprecedented change and digital disruption. Its an incredibly exciting time to be at Accenture as we work with organisations to unlock value through innovation. 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. As new technologies rapidly impact every aspect of our lives, from progress in AI to the increasing threat of cyber crime, we are taking on people who possess the skills required to help our clients to succeed in the digital economy. The company is also bolstering its technology advisory and consulting workforce in industries including financial services, communications & media, retail, consumer goods & services, utilities and government. Accenture said it is also training 40 technology apprentices this year, and offering technology and digital-oriented work experience, and vocational education. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Deutsche Banks most likely Brexit scenario foresees shifting about 4,000 jobs to continental Europe from the UK over several years, according to those briefed on the planning. The bank will transfer most of the positions to Frankfurt and Berlin when the UK quits the European Union, the source discussing internal planning said, who asked not to be identified. Another source said that the bank will start moving jobs next year at the earliest, in order to get infrastructure and regulatory approvals in place first. No plans have been finalised and numbers could change depending on the outcome of the UKs negotiations with the EU, they said. An official for Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Chief regulatory officer Sylvie Matherat said in April that as many as 4,000 jobs could be at stake in the UK post Brexit, especially front-office staff dealing with EU clients and associated risk managers. Deutsche Bank will probably move about 300bn (268bn) of balance sheet assets out of London as it books more trades in Frankfurt following Brexit, people briefed on the matter said last month. Chief executive officer John Cryan told Bloomberg TV last week that we genuinely dont know what the impact of Brexit will be on the lenders presence in London. In many cases, they said, Germanys biggest bank would likely move jobs rather than employees. However, there are signs that the bank will not turn its back on London. According to a filing on Tuesday, Deutsche Bank signed an agreement with Land Securities Group to move its UK headquarters to a building being constructed at 21 Moorfields in the City of London financial district. The lender will lease at least 469,000 square feet (43,570 square metres) for 25 years if planning approval is secured. Matherat, speaking at a conference in Frankfurt in April, said at the time that about 2,000 jobs would be affected if all of the banks client-facing staff had to move, and an additional 2,000 could be at risk in associated functions. Bloomberg For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Uber drivers are deliberately going offline in unison so that prices surge and they can charge customers more when they log back into the app, according to new research. Ubers so-called dynamic pricing model means that it responds to supply and demand, increasing the cost of a trip at busy times such as when bars are closing or it is raining. But new research seen by The Independent found that drivers can collude to manipulate the algorithm to their own advantage in ways that Uber apparently never intended. Recommended Uber driver who waited outside bars to rape drunken women jailed One London driver wrote on an online forum : Guys, stay logged off until surge, according to academics who carried out the study. A second driver replied: Why? to which the original poster replied: Less supply high demand = surge. A third driver warned that, Uber will find out if people are manipulating the system. But the first driver was seemingly unconcerned. They already know cos it happens every week, they responded. During the study, academics from Warwick Business School and New York University interviewed Uber drivers in London and New York and analysed 1,012 posts on the Uberpeople.net site - a forum for drivers which is not affiliated with the company. The researchers said drivers using the forum colluded to ensure that the number of cars in a given area would go down, causing the price to surge, potentially to several times the normal rate. The researchers, Dr Mareike Mohlmann and Ola Henfridsson, of Warwick Business School, and Lior Zalmanson, of New York University, said the findings showed the limitations of management by algorithms rather than people. They said that drivers have the feeling of working for a system rather than a company, and that this is exacerbated by the fact that they have little, if, any, interaction with an actual Uber employee". Dr Moehlmann said: Uber uses software algorithms for oversight, governance and to control drivers, who are tracked and their performance constantly evaluated. In response, drivers have developed practices to regain control, even gaming the system. It shows that algorithmic management that Uber uses may not only be ethically questionable but may also hurt the company itself. Dr Lior Zalmanson, of NYU, said: Ubers strategy is not at all transparent . . . and this creates negative feelings towards the company. Drivers are also playing the companys Uber Pool cab-sharing service, which one forum user nicknamed uberpoop, according to the research. Instead of picking up one fare then driving to pick up another on the same route as the first, some drivers are simply ignoring the second customer or turning off the app, the academics found. The authors of the research said drivers were, under constant surveillance through their phones. 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. Drivers behaviour is ranked automatically and any anomalies [are] reported for further review, with automatic bans for not obeying orders or low grades, the academics wrote. The drivers behaviour could therefore be seen as an understandable way to break free from algorithmic management, Professor Hendrison said. An Uber spokesperson said: This behaviour is neither widespread nor permissible on the Uber app, and we have a number of technical safeguards in place to prevent it from happening. The ride-hailing app, which operates in hundreds of cities worldwide and is valued at $69bn according to Bloomberg, has been plagued by controversy about its questionable management practices. Founder and former chief executive Travis Kalanick left the company in June after a series of scandals including allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. A number of news outlets have reported this week that he is trying to mount a bid to return to the company. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The UKs small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers grew output at the fastest pace in seven years in the three months to July, according to an industry survey. However, fears that a shortage of skilled labour would restrict production in the near-term rose to their highest level since October 1989. The UK unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 per cent in the three months to May - its lowest level since 1975 - and firms fear a reduction in skilled migration as a result of Brexit will make finding staff even more difficult. Recommended UK manufacturing unexpectedly strong in July The proportion of firms who said output would be restricted by a lack of orders or sales fell to the joint-lowest level on record. The Confederation of British Industrys survey of 364 manufacturers found that total new orders had continued to rise at a strong pace during the period, with export order growth the highest since April 2011. Investment intentions were broadly unchanged compared with the previous quarter, remaining at above-average levels; the exception was planned capital expenditure on product and process innovation, which strengthened slightly. Cost pressures remained high, but eased compared with the previous quarter, with further moderation anticipated. Similarly, the price of manufactured goods leaving the factory gates continued to rise at a strong pace relative to the first quarter. Looking ahead, the price of goods for the UK market is expected to rise at a softer pace whereas those for overseas destinations are expected to continue rising strongly. 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. Alpesh Paleja, the CBIs principal economist, said: Its encouraging that activity among SME manufacturers has risen strongly over the past three months. Firms are clearly in an exporting sweet spot, able to exploit the competitiveness gains from a low exchange rate and a firm global backdrop. But the boost from a lower exchange rate will fade over time, so maintaining frictionless and tariff-free trade routes with the EU will be critical for future exporting success. This is particularly true for SMEs, as preparing for the UKs exit from the EU is significantly more difficult for smaller companies facing greater pressure on their resources. There are clearly other concerns on SMEs minds too, notably labour shortages, demonstrating the need to continue accessing talent from overseas while pursuing homegrown skills development as part of a meaningful industrial strategy. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A landmark study suggests that scientists could soon edit out genetic mutations to prevent babies being born with diseases. The technique could eventually let doctors remove inherited conditions from embryos before they go on to become a child. That, in turn, opens the possibility for inherited diseases to be wiped out entirely, according to doctors. But experts have warned that urgent work is needed to answer the ethical and legal questions surrounding the work. Though the scientists only edited out mutations that could cause diseases, it modified the nuclear DNA that sits right at the heart of the cell, which also influences personal characteristics such as intelligence, height, facial appearance and eye colour. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary The breakthrough means that the possibility of germline genome editing has moved from future fantasy to the world of possibility, and the debate about its use, outside of fears about the safety of the technology, needs to run to catch up, said Professor Peter Braude from Kings College London. Scientists warned that soon the public could demand such treatment and that the world might not be ready. Families with genetic diseases have a strong drive to find cures, said Yalda Jamshidi, reader in genomic medicine at St Georges, University of London. Whilst we are just beginning to understand the complexity of genetic disease, gene-editing will likely become acceptable when its potential benefits, both to individuals and to the broader society, exceeds its risks. The new research, published in Nature, marks the first time the powerful Crispr-Cas9 tool has been used to fix mutations. The US study destroyed the embryos after just a few days and the work remains at an experimental stage. In the study, scientists fertilised donor eggs with sperm that included a gene that causes a type of heart failure. As the eggs were fertilised, they also applied the gene-editing tool, which works like a pair of specific scissors and cuts away the defective parts of the gene. When those problematic parts are cut away, the cells can repair themselves with the healthy versions and so get rid of the mutation that causes the disease. Some 42 out of 58 embryos were fixed so that they didnt carry the mutation stopping a disease that usually has a 50 per cent chance of being passed on. If those embryos had been allowed to develop into children, then they would no longer have carried the disease. That would stop them from being vulnerable to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and would save their children, too. Recommended Gene editing technique named scientific breakthrough of the year Every generation on would carry this repair because weve removed the disease-causing gene variant from that familys lineage, said Dr Shoukhrat Mitalipov, from Oregon Health and Science University, who led the study. By using this technique, its possible to reduce the burden of this inheritable disease on the family and eventually the human population. The heart problem is just one of more than 10,000 conditions that are caused by an error in the gene. The same tool could be used to cut out those faults for all of those, and eventually could be used to target cancer mutations. The work could lead to treatments that would be given to patients, once it becomes more efficient and safe. Using such a treatment on humans is illegal in both the US and the UK but some experts expect that law will soon be changed, and that the legal and ethical frameworks need to catch up with the technology. There is some suggestion that the editing work could take place in the UK. Though using the research as treatment is illegal there as well as the US, the regulatory barriers are much higher in America and look unlikely to be changed. In the US, there are various regulations and restrictions on how embryos can be edited, including stipulations that such work cant be carried out with taxpayers money. UK regulators are more relaxed and liberal about those restrictions, leading to suggestions that it could eventually become the home of such work in the west. The UK has become the first country that allows mitochondrial replacement therapy, another treatment that opponents warn could allow for the creation of designer babies. Individual cells days after injection (PA) UK researchers can apply for a licence to edit human embryos in research, but offering it as a treatment is currently illegal, said a spokesperson for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HEFA), which would regulate any such experiments. Introducing new, controversial techniques is not just about developing the science gene editing would need to offer new options to couples at risk of having a child with a genetic disease, beyond current treatments like embryo testing. Our experience of introducing mitochondrial donation in the UK shows that high-quality public discussion about the ethics of new treatments, expert scientific advice and a robust regulatory system are crucial when considering new treatments of this kind. Doctors said that any change in the law would have to strictly keep such treatment to being used for medical reasons, and not for designer babies that have other characteristics edited out. It may be that some countries never permit germline genome editing because of moral and ethical concerns, said Professor Joyce Harper from University College London. If the law in the UK was changed to allow genome editing, it would be highly regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, as is PGD, to ensure it is only used for medical reasons. But that work has already received significant opposition. Dr David King, director of the Human Genetics Alert, which opposes all tampering with the human genome, said: If irresponsible scientists are not stopped, the world may soon be presented with a fait accompli of the first GM baby. We call on governments and international organisations to wake up and pass an immediate global ban on creating cloned or GM babies, before it is too late. Professor Robin Lovell-Badge from the Francis Crick Institute said the research only appears to work when the father is carrying the defective gene, and that it would not work for more sophisticated alterations. The possibility of producing designer babies, which is unjustified in any case, is now even further away, he said. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Nasa is hiring someone who can defend Earth from alien contamination. The full-time role of planetary protection officer will involve ensuring that humans in space do not contaminate planets and moons, as well as ensuring that alien matter does not infect Earth. The pay is a six-figure salary: as much as $187,000 (141,000) a year plus benefits. Nasa reveal plans to fly spacecraft straight into the sun The job post reads: Planetary protection is concerned with the avoidance of organic-constituent and biological contamination in human and robotic space exploration. Nasa maintains policies for planetary protection, applicable to all space flight missions that may intentionally or unintentionally carry Earth organisms and organic constituents to the planets or other solar system bodies, and any mission employing spacecraft, which are intended to return to Earth and its biosphere with samples from extraterrestrial targets of exploration. The three-year position with a chance to extend it to five years was created after the US signed the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, vowing to pursue studies of outer space ... and conduct exploration of them so as to avoid their harmful contamination and also adverse changes in the environment of the Earth resulting from the introduction of extraterrestrial matter. There is only one other full-time role like it in the world at the European Space Agency, says Catharine Conley, Nasas only planetary protection officer since 2014 (according to Business Insider). She is relocating to the agencys Office of Safety and Mission Assurance. The most incredible space images of Earth Show all 30 1 /30 The most incredible space images of Earth The most incredible space images of Earth Striking Africa Explore ESA astronaut Tim Peake's stunning photos of Earth, taken from the International Space Station during his six month mission (captions by Tom Peake) "The striking colour and texture of Africa Illizi, Algeria" The most incredible space images of Earth Favourite Reef "Every day spent living in space is a great day, but today was particularly special. I got to speak with one of my inspirational heroes Prof Stephen Hawking and his amazing daughter Lucy, who developed the Principia Space Diary to engage children with STEM subjects. As well as talking about dark matter, quantum entanglement, alien life and light beam powered nanocraft we also got to see an amazing pass over the Bahamas and this - my favourite reef smile emoticon" The most incredible space images of Earth Russia's north-east coast "Sunrise approaching Russia's frozen north-east coast" The most incredible space images of Earth Hello London "Hello London! Fancy a run? :) #LondonMarathon" The most incredible space images of Earth Bahamas "50 shades of blue: Bahamas" The most incredible space images of Earth Yinchuan "Snow on the mountains next to Yinchuan in China" The most incredible space images of Earth Rocket flames in Africa "Is it just me or do I see some rocket flames down there? These strange land features are in the Erg Iguidi desert, with its yellow stripes of sand stretching from Algeria to northern Mauritania in the Sahara" The most incredible space images of Earth Stunning colours "Sunlight reflecting the stunning colours of this Himalayan lake" The most incredible space images of Earth The real Everest "The real thing: found Everest! Last picture turned out to be third-tallest mountain Kanchengjunga" The most incredible space images of Earth Go Exomars "Go #Exomars have a great mission. Earth has more in common with Mars than you might think #AfricaArt" The most incredible space images of Earth Tenerife "Amazingly clear view of Tenerife" The most incredible space images of Earth Midday winter sun "Some midday winter sun glinting off Greenlands snow-capped peaks" The most incredible space images of Earth Sand dunes "Great texture in these huge sand dunes, Saudi Arabia" The most incredible space images of Earth Dragon Dam "The dam makes this river look like a dragons tail. Oahe Dam north of Pierre, South Dakota in the United States. (North is to the right)" The most incredible space images of Earth Smoking volcano "Spotted volcano smoking away on Russias far east coast this morning heat has melted snow around top" The most incredible space images of Earth New Zealand "New Zealand looking stunning in the sunshine. Mt Cook centre left with the Grand Plateau to the front and Mt Tasman (3,497m) to the right of the Grand Plateau. Fox Glacier in the middle then Franz Josef curving right. Tasman Lake (largest at front) is at the foot of the Tasman glacier which runs along the front of them. The Hooker Glacier flows out behind Mt Cook coming down to meet the Mueller Glacier on the left of the photo. The Murchison Glacier is at the front of the photo running parallel with the Tasman Glacier" The most incredible space images of Earth Plankton bloom "Another great pass over Patagonia and a swirling plankton bloom off the coast" The most incredible space images of Earth Alaska "We dont often get such clear views of Alaska" The most incredible space images of Earth Lights along the Nile "Lights along the Nile stretching into the distance from Cairo" The most incredible space images of Earth Kamchatka "The Pacific Ring of Fire clear to see amongst the volcanoes of Kamchatka, Russia" The most incredible space images of Earth Cumulonimbus "Im guessing there was an impressive storm going on under that cumulonimbus cloud" The most incredible space images of Earth Night Sahara "Night-time Sahara you can really see how thin the Earths atmosphere is in this picture" The most incredible space images of Earth Japan "Tokyo and Japanese coast. This image shows most of Japan with the largest mass of light corresponding to Tokyo. The white lights on the left are fishing boats" The most incredible space images of Earth Morning sun volcanoes "Morning sun striking active volcanoes in Guatemala" The most incredible space images of Earth Tapajos River "The vast waters of the Tapajos river, Amazonia" The most incredible space images of Earth Patagonia "Beautiful glacial river water flowing from this Patagonian ice field Lake Viedma, West is up" The most incredible space images of Earth Dubai Palms "Minus the #Dragon photobomb this time..." The most incredible space images of Earth Sediment in Ethiopia "Sediment spilling into this mountain lake, Ethiopia" The most incredible space images of Earth Italy "We have phases of short nights on the International Space Station sunlight is nearly always visible right now. No prizes for guessing where this is" The most incredible space images of Earth Panama Canal "From one mighty ocean to another ships passing through the Panama canal" Under the international 1967 treaty, she explained that any space mission must have less than a one in 10,000 chance of contaminating an alien world, including making sure a robot or probe that is travelling past or photographing a planet does not cause harm. Its a moderate level, Ms Conley said. Its not extremely careful, but its not extremely lax. Similarly, the new employee would work to protect Earth from potential contamination by planets like Mars, which scientists say may have once been covered in water and supported life and there may be chance of life there now. The new hire will likely be part of the upcoming Nasa expedition to Europa, a moon of Jupiter. The $2.7bn (just over 2bn) Europa Clipper mission, approved by Congress, plans to map the moons surface and analyse whether it could be habitable. The probe could crash land, however, which is a circumstance the planetary protection officer should prepare for. Candidates will be required to travel frequently but like any job, there will be a significant amount of emails, proposals and other reading. Nasa release stunning video detailing Cassini spacecraft's final journey Candidates must have at least one years experience as a top-level civilian government employee, and an advanced degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics. They must also have advanced knowledge of planetary protection. The position also requires demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and complex multilateral discussions. The new hire will also receive secret security clearance. Only US citizens and US nationals can apply. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A teenager had her throat cut before she was placed in a freezer in a suspected honour killing, an inquest has heard. Celine Dookhran, a 19-year-old Indian Muslim, was reportedly in a relationship with an Arab Muslim, who she was planning to marry a situation which is said to have angered some members of her family. Her body was found inside a 1.5m property in Kingston-upon-Thames, after police were notified by a second woman who was also a victim of the attack, West London Coroners Court, heard. The second victim escaped with stab or slash wounds after a terrifying kidnap ordeal which began when two masked men allegedly dragged her from the shower in her Wimbledon home. Both women are said to have been raped in the attack. The inquest into Ms Dookhrans death was opened and adjourned pending an ongoing police investigation, according to the Daily Mail. There was no confirmation of when the inquest would recommence. In a statement, Ms Dookhrans family paid tribute to an amazingly talented and loving daughter. 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 They said she brought happiness, joy and laughter to her family and friends. They added: We are proud of Celine for everything she had achieved and were looking forward to seeing a loving, caring and innocent young girl fulfill her potential in life and carry on making us proud. Majahid Arshid, 33, is charged with the kidnap, rape and murder of Ms Dookhran and with the kidnap, rape and attempted murder of a second woman. Vincent Tappu, 28, is charged with the kidnap of both young women. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A doctor has been charged with 118 sexual offences, according to Scotland Yard. Manish Shah, a GP from east London, is accused of multiple sex crimes, including one count of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13. The 47-year-old, of Brunel Close in Romford, is also facing 52 allegations of sexual assault and 65 counts of assault by penetration, police said. He was due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 31 August. Police did not release any further details about the nature of the allegations or the alleged victims. The NHS has set up a dedicated helpline for patients who may have questions or concerns about the case on 0800 011 4253. Russia's Defence Ministry on Wednesday denied a Reuters report about a rise in the losses suffered by Russia in its military campaign in Syria, calling it "a lie from beginning to end", Russian news agencies reported. "This is not the first time that Reuters is attempting to discredit by any means Russia's operation aiming to destroy Islamic State (IS) militants and return peace to Syria," the agencies cited Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying. The exclusive report, published by Reuters on Wednesday and based on accounts from families and friends of the dead and local officials, estimates the actual death toll among Russian soldiers and private contractors was at least 40 so far this year, higher than official figures. That tally over seven months exceeds the 36 Russian armed personnel and contractors estimated by Reuters to have been killed in Syria over the previous 15 months, indicating a significant rise in the rate of battlefield losses. Search Keywords: Short link: For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A primary school teacher who watched a live stream of a six-year-old boy being raped has been jailed for 20 months. Wayne Brookes, 43, joined 45 other paedophiles online to watch the horrific abuse, which took place in America. He accessed the online chat room in which the rape was streamed after being given a 10-digit code by another paedophile. Married Brookes, of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, also used the site to watch a recording of a six-month-old baby being abused. Bristol Crown Court heard Brookes, who had worked as a teacher for 10 years, lost his job once the offences came to light. He is the second of four men to be sentenced following an investigation into the chat room by the National Crime Agency (NCA). UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA Judge Martin Picton jailed Brookes, who admitted four charges of making indecent images of children, for 20 months. One of the pieces of footage depicted the live streaming of a rape of a little boy, the judge told a weeping Brookes. I do give you the benefit of doubt with the issue of whether you understood that you were watching a live event. The judge said Brookes had kept his interest in young children a secret from his partner, viewing the indecent material late at night. His offences would have caused alarm and distress to fellow teachers, parents and children at the school where he worked, the judge added. There is no suggestion that you accessed any indecent images at work or that you offended against any of the children that were in your care at that time, he told Brookes. The court heard Brookes was identified by officers after using a profile named Bear to access the chat room. He was found to have downloaded more than 200 indecent images of children, included dozens at the highest category. Brookes admitted his actions to officers following his arrest and his partner is standing by him, his barrister Virginia Cornwall said. He has demonstrated remorse and understanding for his criminality, Miss Cornwall added. He is a broken man. Speaking after the case, Colin Radcliffe, senior manager at the NCA, said Brookes should have been protecting and guiding children through his job. Instead he was active on an internet chat room where horrific abuse was being streamed for the participants sexual gratification, he added. There are those out there who seek to harm children and who think theyre safe if they stay in dark corners of the internet. But the officers of the NCA and its partners are dedicated and are determined to detect offenders and bring them to justice. The rapist who broadcast the attack, William Chandler Augusta from Pennsylvania, was detected by Canadian authorities and arrested in the US in February. He was jailed for up to 30 years for a range of offences. Police officers in the US identified his victim and protective measures were taken. Last month, youth worker Darren Williams, 44, was jailed for 11 years for his part in the live stream of the rape. Cardiff Crown Court heard Williams, of Blackwood, Newport, instructed the rapist to smack the victim and make him say hi. He admitted encouraging or assisting the rape of a child and six charges of encouraging or assisting the showing of indecent images of children. Philip Crabtree, 35, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, will be sentenced for 12 offences on a date to be set at Stoke Crown Court. Christian Johnson Lueking, 36, of Raynes Park, London, admitted one offence of encouraging the showing of indecent images of children. He will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 18 August. Press Association For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Members of the Three Musketeers terror cell may have met with convicted hate preacher Anjem Choudary days before they started planning a Lee Rigby-style terror attack, it can now be revealed. Text messages not seen by the jury show Mohibur Rahman, 33, and Tahir Aziz, 38, planned to travel to see the radical cleric on 8 May last year. That night at 11.46pm, Choudary sent a text message to Rahman, which read: Dear brother did you reach home yet safe and sound? The figurehead of banned group al-Muhajiroun was awaiting trial at the Old Bailey at the time for inviting support for Isis. He was convicted and later jailed for five-and-a-half years. As part of his strict bail conditions, Choudary was banned from contacting a list of known extremists, and was made subject to requirements to live at his home address in Ilford, east London, and to wear an electronic tag. Choudary has helped radicalise a string of terrorists, with high-profile supporters including Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, the murderers of soldier Lee Rigby, and suspected Isis executioner Siddhartha Dhar. His full contact with Rahman and Aziz can be reported for the first time after they were found guilty of preparing terrorist acts along with Naweed Ali, 29, and Khobaib Hussain, 25, between 25 May and 27 August last year. A meat cleaver that was found stashed in Naweed Ali's Seat Leon car, with the word kafir (Arabic for non-believer or infidel) scratched on the blade (West Midlands Police) Rahman was last in touch with Choudary just days before the start of the indictment period, on 20 May, when he told him: Just a quick msge to check u r well, if you ever need anything don't hesitate. Jurors were told about the messages when prosecutor Gareth Patterson QC opened the case on 22 Mary, describing Choudary as the controversial British figure convicted last year of encouraging support for Islamic State. There were messages involving Anjem Choudary. Rahman sent text messages to AC, a number used by Anjem Choudary, about Rahman and Aziz visiting Choudary, at that stage awaiting his trial, he said. But moments later news broke of a terrorist attack in Westminster and the trial was halted as details emerged of how Khalid Masood, 52, killed five people, including a police officer, in a car and knife attack in the heart of London. Masood was linked to Choudary in reports and Mr Justice Globe agreed his contact with the defendants should be removed from evidence to avoid prejudice in the trial. Naweed Ali, Khobaib Hussain and Mohibur Rahman who have been found guilty of plotting a Lee Rigby-style attack (West Midlands Police) The judge said: It is possible to attach some, albeit indirect, connection between last week (Westminster terror attack) and this case. On 7 May 2016 at 2.24pm, Mohibur Rahman sent a text to Choudary, which read: Akhi just wanted to check that you were still ok with us coming down tomorrow, would you please provide an address with a post code. Rahman followed up the message with another that said: Mohib. The following morning, 8 May, at 9.42am, Choudary replied: wswrwb ok inshallah old text me his number jzk. Later that night at 11.46pm, Choudary sent the message: Assalamu aleikum dear brother did you reach home yet safe and sound? Anjem Choudary: Radical preacher found guilty of inviting support for Isis Rahman replied: Wa Alaykum salaam, Alhamdulillah just got home. On 20 May, as Choudary prepared to face trial at the Old Bailey, Rahman sent a message at 10.17am that read: Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatulla, how u my brother? I pray that you and you're (sic) loved ones are in good health and Imaan. Just a quick msge to check u r well, if you ever need anything don't hesitate inshaAllah. At 1.22pm, Choudary replied: Wa aleikum assalamuwa rahmatulaahi wa barukatu, alhamalulilah alaa kulli haal all is well and the family is all in good health. Just make dua for us dear brother and pass my salam to all those up there with you please. I spoke to Omar yesterday from Derby and he mentioned you and said he will contact you, i told him i had already spoken to you and advised to get in touch with the brothers from there. Explaining the texts in legal argument not before the jury, the prosecutor said: Rahman exchanged messages with Choudary wishing him well at a time when he was waiting to be tried, on 20 May. On May 8 Rahman and Aziz are travelling to meet with Choudary at a time when he was awaiting trial. Press Association Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A man jailed for dangerous driving who left a baby brain damaged has been appointed as a director of one of Britains biggest food companies. Antonio Singh Boparan has been made one of the directors of 2 Sisters Food Group a Birmingham-based food manufacturing company which was established by his father Ranjit Singh Boparan. His father, a businessman known as the Chicken King in the West Midlands, has an estimated fortune of around 190m. Last year he bought famed turkey producer Bernard Matthews for 87.5 million. A spokesman for 2 Sisters Food Group told The Independent Mr Boparan was appointed a year ago as one of six managing directors who run various divisions of the company. Twenty-two directorships were registered at Companies House last week across all our businesses for six existing managers. Mr Boparan was one of them, he said. He has been in this current role for over a year, and it is as MD of our subsidiary UK poultry (chicken) sites. Prior to this, he held other senior roles, including MD of other subsidiaries, since 2011. He said the change had been made so Mr Boparan could sign off legal documents and spending for the company. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA Mr Boparan first made headlines when he crashed into 11-month-old Cerys Edwards while speeding in November 2006. At the age of just 19, he collided with her parents car head-on, leaving Cerys paralysed, unable to speak and needing round-the-clock care. Mr Boparan had been doing more than 70mph in a 30mph area when he crashed his Range Rover Sport, which was owned by his wealthy parents, in Streetly Lane, Sutton Coldfield. He was convicted of dangerous driving in April 2008 and jailed for 21 months but was released under curfew conditions after spending just six months in prison. He was told by the Judge he had shown an arrogant disregard for safety. Cerys died in 2015 at the age just 9 from complications triggered by an infection. This prompted her father to demand Mr Boparan face new charges but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it would need further evidence from the police for it to think about charging him with causing death by dangerous driving. Her father, Gareth Edwards, said: At the end of the day, [Mr Boparan] served six months. Cerys suffered for nine years and now she has lost her life. It's an insult. He never served a proper sentence. Perhaps it's time something happened. At the time, a spokesman for Mr Boparan said: Antonio remains deeply remorseful of his actions as a teenager nine years ago and their tragic consequences. No words can appropriately convey the extent of his sorrow and regret at hearing this terrible news today. He sends his heartfelt condolences to Cerys' family at this extremely difficult time. Mr Boparan, who could have faced up to 14 years in jail if Cerys had died straight after the crash, was imprisoned again last year for his involvement in a bar brawl which left a man blind in one eye. He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and inflicting actual bodily harm after the incident in the VIP room of the Nuovo Bar in Birmingham in April 2014. He was sent to prison for 12 months after a court heard he threw one victim to the floor and kicked him in the head. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Government must accept responsibility for rising drug deaths, campaigners have said, as it emerged more people are now being killed by both legal and illegal substances than ever before. A total of 3,744 people died of drug overdoses in 2016, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that showed opiates, cocaine, amphetamines and substances formally known as legal highs were causing increasing numbers of deaths. About 70 per cent of the deaths were a result of drug misuse, with the highest rate coming in the 40 to 49 age category, and were predominantly accidental. Experts accused the Government of ignoring its own advisers to continue to wage the failed war on drugs amid deepening deprivation in some of the UKs worst-affected areas. The Royal Society for Public Health, which carried out extensive research into drug policy last year, said the national drug death rate is now almost three times higher than the European average. While the UK Government stubbornly refuses to make meaningful moves towards a more progressive, public health-based approach to drug policy, and while local authority treatment budgets continue to be cut, it should come as no surprise that drug deaths in England and Wales are continuing to rise, said Ed Morrow, the charitys drugs policy lead. Global commission call for legalisation of drugs He said the number of opiate users dying, making up 54 per cent of the total, could not solely be put down to an ageing group of increasingly vulnerable heroin users. Deaths related to other substances, such as cocaine, are continuing to rise, Mr Morrow added. This is a problem we will only ever be truly able to tackle within a decriminalised framework, and with an adequately funded drug treatment system. A report published in December by the Governments own Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) found that deepening of socio-economic deprivation since the financial crisis of 2008, changes to drug treatment and commissioning practices, and lack of access to mainstream mental and physical health services was also driving deaths. It said policy changes since the Coalition government came into power in 2010 had affected drug users, with the highest rate of deaths coming in areas of Britain that have also experienced the greatest reductions in funding for local authority services and benefits for working age adults. Warning that treatment services were not providing the needed doses of opioid-substitution treatment, the ACMD recommended the provision of overdose antidote naloxone and medically supervised drug consumption clinics for heroin users if other schemes were ineffective. Its report said injecting facilities abroad had reduced crime and saved more money than they cost, due to the reductions in deaths and HIV infections. Martin Powell, head of campaigns at the Transform Drugs Policy Foundation, said the Government had actively gone against the advice despite warnings over rising deaths from street heroin being mixed with more potent synthetic opiates. Dealers are mixing heroin with the potentially deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is causing rocketing numbers of deaths (Getty) The Government must accept responsibility for the record number of people dying from overdoses for four years in a row, he told The Independent. Theyre a direct result of the Home Offices policy on drugs. Mr Powell also highlighted the increasing deaths linked to new psychoactive substances, which were known as legal highs until a blanket ban was imposed by the Government last May. All thats done is hand the market to criminals and what were seeing is that use among prisoners and vulnerable people like the homeless has gone up, he added. Also theyve got much stronger, the weaker variants are no longer on the market. Mr Powell, whose organisation argues for the legalisation of drugs under strict regulation in accordance with medical advice, said the Liberal Democrats and Green Party currently had by far the best policies on protecting vulnerable drug users, while neither the Tories nor Labour have taken a progressive stance. How many more poor and vulnerable people need to die before both the Tories and Labour follow the evidence, and protect our communities by legally regulating drugs to steer people towards safer products, while fully funding drug services for all who need them? he asked. Jeff Smith, vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Drug Law Reform said the statistics paint a complex picture of the dangers of newer drugs such as fentanyl, paired with the stubborn rise of the misuse of established drugs. Theresa May has been heavily criticised for her drugs policy both as Home Secretary and Prime Minister (AP) Its clear that drug use is becoming less safe as a result of both strong new drugs entering the market and the increased toxicity of established drugs, added the Labour MP for Manchester Withington. While these statistics will require in-depth analysis, Im concerned that our drug policies clearly arent working, and this Governments recent Drug Strategy doesnt have the long-term vision to halt this worrying rise. Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrats Shadow Health Secretary, said the new statistics highlighted the abject failure of the Governments drug strategy. Lives are being lost but the Conservatives seem wedded to this hard-line approach, he added. We have to accept the realities facing us and start taking action that works. Rather than locking up addicts we should be giving these individuals the help they need. Over half of all deaths involved an opiate, mainly heroin or morphine, followed by antidepressants, benzodiazepine, cocaine, paracetamol and amphetamine, while 69 per cent of the cases involved illegal drugs. The highest mortality rate was in the north east of England, where there were 77.4 drugs deaths per 1 million people an increase of 13 per cent from 2015. In a joint article for The Independent, health professors Ian Hamilton and Harry Sumnall questioned whether the rise in drugs death since a Government policy change to focus on abstinence in 2010 could be considered a coincidence. World's 10 deadliest street drugs Show all 10 1 /10 World's 10 deadliest street drugs World's 10 deadliest street drugs Whoonga Whoonga is a combination of antiretroviral drugs, used to treat HIV, and various cutting agents such as detergents and poisons. The drug is widely available in South Africa due to South Africas high rate of HIV sufferers, and is believed to be popular due to how cheap it is when compared to prescribed antiretrovirals. The drug is highly addictive and can cause major health issues such as internal bleeding, stomach ulcers and ultimately death Getty World's 10 deadliest street drugs Scopolamine Scopolamine is a derivative from the nightshade plant found in the Northern Indian region of South America (Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela). It is generally found in a refined powder form, but can also be found as a tea. The drug is more often used by criminals due its high toxicity level (one gram is believed to be able to kill up to 20 people) making it a strong poison. However, it is also believed that the drug is blown into the faces of unexpecting victims, later causing them to lose all sense of self-control and becoming incapable of forming memories during the time they are under the influence of the drug. This tactic has reportedly been used by gangs in Colombia where there have been reports of people using scopolamine as way to convince victims to rob their own homes World's 10 deadliest street drugs Heroin Founded in 1874 by C. R. Alder Wright, heroin is one of the worlds oldest drugs. Originally it was prescribed as a strong painkiller used to treat chronic pain and physical trauma. However in 1971 it was made illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Since then it has become one of the most destructive substances in the world, tearing apart communities and destroying families. The side effects of heroin include inflammation of the gums, cold sweats, a weak immune system, muscular weakness and insomnia. It can also damage blood vessels which can later cause gangrene if left untreated World's 10 deadliest street drugs Crack cocaine Crack cocaine first came about in the 1980s when cocaine became a widespread commodity within the drug trafficking world. Originally cocaine would have attracted a high price tag due to its rarity and difficulty to produce, but once it became more widespread the price dropped significantly. This resulted in drug dealers forming their cocaine into rock like shapes by using baking soda as a way of distilling the powder down into rock form. People were doing this because it allowed for them to sell cocaine at a lower quantity and to a higher number of people. The side effects of crack cocaine include liver, kidney and lung damage, as well as permanent damage to blood vessels, which can often lead to heart attacks, strokes, and ultimately death World's 10 deadliest street drugs Crystal meth Not just famous because of a certain Walter H White, but also because it is one of the most destructive drugs in the world. First developed in 1887, it became widely used during the Second World War when both sides would give it to their troops to keep them awake. It is also believed that the Japanese gave it to their Kamikaze pilots before their suicide missions. After the war crystal meth was prescribed as a diet aid and remained legal until the 1970s. Since then it has fallen into the hands of Mexican gangs and has become a worldwide phenomenon, spreading throughout Europe and Asia. The effects of crystal meth are devastating. In the short-term users will become sleep depraved and anxious, and in the long-term it will cause their flesh to sink, as well as brain damage and damage of the blood vessels World's 10 deadliest street drugs AH-7921 AH-7921 is a synthetic opioid that was previously available to legally purchase online from vendors until it became a Class A in January 2015. The drug is believed to have 80% of the potency of morphine, and became known as the legal heroin. While there has only been one death related to AH-7921 in the UK, it is believed to be highly dangerous and capable of causing respiratory arrest and gangrene World's 10 deadliest street drugs Flakka Flakka is a stimulant with a similar chemical make-up to the amphetamine-like drug found in bath salts. While the drug was originally marketed as a legal high alternative to ecstasy, the effects are significantly different. The user will feel an elevated heart rate, enhanced emotions, and, if enough is digested, strong hallucinations. The drug can cause permanent psychological damage due to it affecting the mood regulating neurons that keep the minds serotonin and dopamine in check, as well as possibly causing heart failure World's 10 deadliest street drugs Bath salts Bath salts are a synthetic crystalline drug that is prevalent in the US. While they may sound harmless, they certainly arent the sort of salts you drop into a warm bath when having a relaxing night in, they are most similar to mephedrone, and have recently been featured throughout social media due to the zombification of its. The name comes from the fact that the drug was originally sold online, and widely disguised as bath salts. The side effects include unusual psychiatric behaviour, psychosis, panic attacks and violent behaviour, as well as the possibility of a heart attack and an elevated body temperature World's 10 deadliest street drugs Purple Drank One of the more unusual drugs around at the moment, purple drank was popularised in 90s hip hop culture, with the likes of Jay Z and Big Moe all mentioning it in their songs. It is a concoction of soda water, sweets and cold medicine, and is drunk due to cold medicines high codeine content, which gives the user a woozy feeling. However it can also cause respiratory issues and heart failure World's 10 deadliest street drugs Krokodil Krokodil is Russias secret addiction. It is believed that over one million Russians are addicted to the drug. Users of krokodil are attracted to the drug due to its low price; it is sold at 20 a gram while heroin is sold for 60. However, krokodil is considered more dangerous than heroin because it is often homemade, with ingredients including painkillers, iodine, lighter fluid and industrial cleaning agents. This chemical make-up makes the drug highly dangerous and likely to cause gangrene, and eventually rotting of the flesh Whilst it has stated that it is up to local areas to determine how to respond to drug users needs, the reality is that without central Government support and funding, local authorities are unlikely to introduce potentially life-saving measures on their own, they said. So with less people using drugs but more people dying than ever, there is an urgent need for action. The Government must act quickly drug consumption rooms will save lives and that would be the right thing to do, even if it wont win votes. Figures provided by Public Health England to helpline Addiction Helper show that the number of drug and alcohol addicts going into major full-time rehab has fallen by a quarter in the last five years. Daniel Gerrard, the founder of Addiction Helper, said the figures showed the impact of the Governments poor decision to remove the protected drug and alcohol treatment budget back in 2012 and putting the burden on stretched councils. Recommended The Government needs to accept that their war on drugs has failed The Local Government Association stressed that nine in 10 councils now provide take-home naloxone to heroin users and their families to tackle overdoses but said about 100,000 drug users were not seeking help. Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGAs community wellbeing board, claimed the biggest challenger was ageing addicts prone to an accumulation of chronic physical and mental health conditions that make them more susceptible to fatal overdose. Councils are committed to ensuring drug users get the right support and treatment, and spend more on drug and alcohol treatment than in any other area of public health, she added. This year alone, local authorities are budgeting to spend more than 700m on tackling substance misuse. A Government spokesperson said: Any death related to misuse of drugs is a tragedy. While drug misuse is lower than ten years ago, we are absolutely committed to reducing it and the harm it causes. Thats why last month the Government released a comprehensive new drugs strategy, setting out a balanced approach which brings together police, health, community and global partners to tackle the illicit drug trade, protect the most vulnerable and help those with drug dependency to recover and turn their lives around. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Kevin Myers has been accused of digging himself into a hole in the attempt to prove he is not anti-Semitic. The Sunday Times columnist, who was sacked by the paper over allegations his column was anti-Semitic and misogynistic, has sparked outrage for his apology. The publication was subject to a storm of criticism over the weekend after running a column in its Irish edition in which Mr Myers suggested BBC stars Claudia Winkelman and Vanessa Feltz earned more money at the corporation because they were Jewish. Discussing the salaries of Feltz and Winkelman in the column which was headlined Sorry ladies, equal pay has to be earned, the Irish journalist said: Good for them. Jews are not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price, which is the most useful measure there is of inveterate, lost-with-all-hands stupidity. Mr Myers has now been accused of aggravating the situation with his sycophantic praise of the Jewish community which also played on age-old Jewish tropes and stereotypes. Critics have taken aim at the controversial columnist, who previously denied the holocaust, for appearing to use the so-called friend argument as evidence he is not an anti-Semite. The friend argument is that which is utilised by those who attempt to claim sympathy with a particular group or absolve themselves of accusation of prejudice by saying their friends belong to the group. In an interview with the Jewish Chronicle published on Tuesday, Mr Myers rebuffed any suggestion he was anti-Semitic by claiming he had "great admiration" for Jews, saying they were the "most admirable, talented people the world has produced". He told the publication at university in Dublin he became friendly with an Israeli-Iranian Jewish man who was "about 5 ft 4 and was by a wide margin the most successful man with women I ever saw." He also said the first two serious relationships he had with women were with Jewish girls, adding: "both of them American I should tell you." Mr Myers said after moving with his family from Ireland to Leicester he met Jewish children for the first time at the local grammar school he went to. "I didn't know Jews were living human beings. I thought they belonged to the Bible. My parents didn't discuss Jews, there wasn't any reason, he said. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA "I met Jews and they were a little bit more watchful, a little bit more intelligent than the others boys around, he added. "One of the reasons people do dislike Jews is because they are so talented. You know this? You don't speak it, you don't say it - but you know it is true." Mr Myers also claimed that as a boy he had even pretended to be Jewish. "People used to ask when I was young about the name Myers, which they said was unusual," he said. "I would say, 'That's because I'm half-Jewish.' I'm not though. I just like the notion of being Jewish." But Mr Myers was insistent his respect for Jews was neither the result of "sentimentality" nor an attempt to "impress" the Jewish press, adding: "If you deduct Jews from the history of the human race you have a vastly impoverished species - without the mathematics, without the science, without the industry, without the literature." Mr Myers also apologised for the column, admitting he had made a mistake which could be viewed as pushing the old tropes of the money-grasping Jew". The journalist, who has issued a number of apologies and said he retracts everything he said in the column, has been heavily criticised for his interview on Twitter. Elena Cresci, Channel 4 producer, argued the interview was jaw-dropping and Broadly editor, Zing Tsjeng quipped: If Kevin Myers digs this hole any deeper, it's gonna go to the centre of the Earth. I just read the Kevin Myers apology as saying 'I have a friend who is Jewish', said another critic. Another added: Providing a list of every Jewish person you've ever met has to be the epitome of I'm not anti-Semitic I have a Jewish friend. The Campaign Against anti-Semitism strenuously criticised the paper's decision to publish the article and launched their complaints with News UK who own the Sunday Times. At the time, a spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Kevin Myers will not write again for The Sunday Times Ireland. "A printed apology will appear in next week's paper." The Jewish Council of Ireland partly sought to defend Myers on Monday by saying his previous record proved he had great support for Jews and Israel. Mr Myers did not immediately respond to request for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A chicken producer that supplies Asda, Lidl and Nandos allegedly breached animal welfare laws after hidden cameras discovered that deformed and ill birds were left to die slowly and painfully. Production has since stopped at the farm near Taunton in Somerset following the investigation by vegan campaign group Animal Equality that was carried out between May and July. The investigation witnessed a worker throwing a live chick in a wheelbarrow of dead and dying birds and leaving it for an hour, before coming back to empty the wheelbarrow into another bin. The worker then took the chick out assumed to be the same one and and broke its neck. Workers allegedly kicked birds out of the way and the animal rights group found sheds were overcrowded, with four sheds housing 150,000 birds. Warning readers may find the following pictures distressing Some of the birds were deformed, and often too weak to stand or reach for water or grain. Cambria Farm supplies Faccenda, the second largest chicken company in the UK, and it employs cost-cutting methods that mean a chicken can cost just 3, The Times reported. The most controversial animal killings Show all 6 1 /6 The most controversial animal killings The most controversial animal killings Cincinnati Zoo worker shots and kills Harambe, the 17-year-old gorilla Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla was shot and killed by a Cincinnati Zoo worker after a three-year-old boy climbed into a gorilla enclosure and was grabbed and dragged by Harambe. The incident was recorded on video and received broad international coverage and commentary, including controversy over the choice to kill Harambe. A number of primatologists and conservationists wrote later that the zoo had no other choice under the circumstances, and that it highlighted the danger of zoo animals in close proximity to humans and the need for better standards of care Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden The most controversial animal killings Walt Palmer (left), from Minnesota, who killed Cecil, the Zimbabwean lion (pictured here with another lion shot in Africa) Walter James Palmer has been named by Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force as the shooter of Cecil, a 13-year-old prized lion. He is now wanted by Zimbabwe officials on poaching charges. The lion was protected and the subject of a decade long study by the Wildlife Unit of Oxford University in the UK. He was outfitted with a GPS collar and was killed in Hwange National Park. The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority and the Safari Operators Association said that two men were charged with poaching in connection to Mr Palmer The most controversial animal killings Kendall Jones hunting images Kendall Jones, a 19-year-old Texas Tech university student, has provoked worldwide fury after posting pictures of herself smiling next to animals she hunted, including a lion, rhinoceros, antelope, leopard, elephant, zebra and hippopotamus The most controversial animal killings Rebecca Francis hunting images Rebecca Francis, a huntress who has killed dozens of wild animals has been sent death wishes by furious social media users after a picture showing her lying down next to a dead giraffe was circulated. Rebecca Francis has a website and Facebook page dedicated to the animals she has killed in hunts across Africa and America. Francis, a prolific hunter who has also co-hosted the television show Eye of the Hunter, regularly posts pictures of herself posing next to dead bears, giraffes, buffaloes and zebras, among other animals. She uses a bow and arrow to kill her prey The most controversial animal killings The slaughter of Marius, an 18-month-old healthy giraffe in Copenhagen Zoo Copenhagen Zoo made the controversial decision to euthanise a healthy giraffe named Marius, which was later dissected and fed to lions as visitors watched. The slaughter sparked a furious backlash from social media users and zoo staff have received death threats by phone and email. Soon after the incident, Copenhagen Zoo faced an international outcry once again after four healthy lions were put down The most controversial animal killings Swiss Dahlholzli zoo kills healthy brown bear cub A Switzerland zoo faced heavy criticism from animal rights groups, after keepers put down a healthy brown bear cub to spare it from being bullied by its dominant male father. The 360 kg male bear Misha had already killed one of his 11-week old cubs in public and was bullying the second, staff at the zoo said, because he was jealous of the attention the cubs were receiving from their mother, Masha. Both adult brown bears had been donated to Berns Dahlholzli zoo in 2009. Campaigners condemned staff there for not separating the cubs, who are being referred to as Baby Bear Two and Baby Bear Three, and their mother from Misha after their birth in January Facebook A chicken will live for about 40 days in such conditions. Many birds die during this time. It is then loaded into a crate and driven by lorry for 140 miles to Faccendas slaughterhouse in Northamptonshire. Slowly dying birds too weak to stand (Animal Equality) Chickens were found with serious deformities (Animal Equality) A Faccenda spokesman told The Times that an external vet was sent to the farm to investigate workers kicking chickens and approved it, described by the spokesman as shepherding birds out of the way. Paul Vaughan-France, owner of the farm, told The Times: I will take the images as good feedback and will do everything I can to work on every aspect of my husbandry. I have had an independent vet on site to review my practices and he is satisfied with his findings. A Nandos spokesman said: Animal welfare is very important to us and we source 100 per cent of our chickens from suppliers that meet the UK Red Tractor standards. We were extremely concerned to hear the report that this farm was not meeting our standards and we are conducting a thorough investigation. Nandos will continue to insist all of our suppliers meet our strict animal welfare expectations, and will only ever source from farms that do. Lidl and Asda could not be immediately reached for comment by The Independent. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Emergency services were called to rescue around 40 army cadets who got into difficulty in Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains. Coastguard, ambulance and helicopter crews were sent to the Annalong Valley. On Facebook, the coastguard said as many as 70 people were "in difficulty after being caught out in inclement weather." An HM Coastguard rescue helicopter landing in Annalong, County Down (Annalong Harbour Watch/Facebook) The Northern Ireland Ambulance said 16 members of the group were suffering from hypothermia. They are all being helped off the mountains by members of the emergency services. The mountain rescue team said: "At the minute there is no one in difficulty because they are all being looked after. "At the minute it is nothing out of the ordinary." The rescue team added: "Everything is under control and within normal team procedure. "At present the members of the group are being guided by the team to nearby road access. "NIAS [Northern Ireland Ambulance Service] are in attendance to provide any medical support required." UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA The cadets, aged 12 to 17, were from Middlesbrough and were at their annual camp in Northern Ireland, carrying out adventure training and cultural visits. According to the Ministry of Defence, 43 young people and 10 leaders were in the group. A Mourne Mountain Rescue spokesman said: "Weather has caught them out. At the minute it is not a major incident." Colin McGrath, an SDLP MLA, tweeted: "Major emergency incident in the Mournes with helicopter, coastguard, medical and ambulance responding. "Please God all will be ok." Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick, were on scene. Also attending were the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and ambulance service. An MoD spokesman said: "We are exceptionally grateful for their assistance." Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Paedophiles who use child sex dolls in a managed environment may be detered from carrying out attacks in real life, according to the chair of Specialist Treatment Organization for the Prevention of Sexual Offending (StopSO) - a charity which prevents sexual offending through therapy. Juliet Grayson, a registered psychosexual therapist, said the prescription of a child sex doll would be like giving methadone to a heroin user. For someone who has an exclusive attraction to children, there is no legal way for them to satisfy their desires apart from masturbating to an image in their own head as theyre not allowed to look at pictures or even draw a drawing, she said. Recommended Surge in paedophiles arrested for importing lifelike child sex dolls I do know of a man who had children dolls he had two and was very happy to use them rather than touching a child. This wasnt great but better than nothing. StopSo has 200 therapists who are trained or are in training in the UK to work with people who feel a sexual attraction to children. Ms Grayson said 38 per cent of StopSO clients have not come to the attention of police or authorities. Studies show that 2 per cent of the UK population has strong paedophilic tendencies and that one in five men was found to be equally or more attracted to children when shown adult and child pornography. Her comments came after a former primary school governor was found guilty of importing a life-size child sex doll from China to the UK. David Turner, 72, will be sentenced in September. Surge in child sex doll seizures Barnardos chief executive Javed Khan said in a statement about the arrest: Evidence from the NCA [National Crime Agency] shows theres a clear connection between possessing these dolls and a sexual interest in children, with owners being charged with offences such as being in possession of indecent images of children. Jon Brown, head of development at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said in a statement: There is no evidence to support the idea that the use of so-called child sex dolls helps prevent potential abusers from committing contact offences against real children. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty And in fact there is a risk that those using these child sex dolls or realistic props could become desensitised and their behaviour becomes normalised to them, so that they go on to harm children themselves, as is often the case with those who view indecent images. Ms Grayson did not advocate for child sex dolls to be available to the general public and she expressed concern this could lead to people normalising the activity. In the UK it is illegal to import a child sex doll but it is not illegal to own one. She said her charity has not carried out any therapy using sex dolls but she did not object to trying out the practice in future. Wife of convicted paedophile brandishes victim a 'slut' and blames parents You can tell an alcoholic to stop drinking and that its not going to kill you to stop drinking, but that doesnt mean theyre going to do it. Its the same with heroin, or alcohol, or chocolate, insisted Ms Grayson. She added that child sex offenders were lucky if they got any help, as a sexual rehabilitation programme was only sometimes available after people had been in jail for more than one year, while most offenders were released back into society with no help. She pointed to five factors that lead to people being attracted to minors, including being born with it, suffering trauma as a child, brain injury and older men who are used to looking at normal pornography but "find their erection isnt as strong as it was and who move onto child images - she added these men may already have a predisposition towards minors. "I would love to get to a stage where society can accept that some people are sexually attracted to children and yet they remain completely law abiding, and it is safe for those people to admit to their attraction," she said. "We will be protecting our children better, when this person is able to tell their friends, 'I am sexually attracted to children, I am a non-offending paedophile, but I am managing it safely and not acting out in anyway. But for your own peace of mind, dont leave your children with me unaccompanied'." Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An airport security manager put a pipe bomb into her pocket after it was seized from a passenger's luggage, a court has heard. The "crude improvised explosive device" was found in the zip lining of the hand luggage of Nadeem Muhammad, 43, as he went through security at Manchester Airport on 30 January. Security terminal manager Deborah Jeffrey told his trial at Manchester Crown Court she was called over by an officer at the security area of terminal three after the device, made of batteries, masking tape, the tube of a marker pen and wire, was discovered inside Muhammad's small green suitcase. She said she was told the item had been swabbed and no trace of explosives had been found so she put it into the pocket of her jacket. She said: "I popped it into my pocket. Recommended Passenger caught with pipe bomb allowed to fly days later "I put the item into my pocket so it wouldn't go missing." Ms Jeffrey, who has worked at the airport for 19 years, said she later put it through an X-ray machine but could not see a detonator and did not believe it was viable. The device was later passed to counter terrorism police and, when examined by experts, found to be a "potentially viable" bomb containing nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. Ms Jeffrey said she had been "shocked" to see the object, which was spotted by security officers when Mr Muhammad's small green suitcase went through scanners at the airport. She said: "I thought 'my God, what is it?' "There are strange things people carry in their bags but I'd not seen anything like that before." She said she had asked Mr Muhammad how the object got into his case and he said he didn't know and claimed someone else may have put it there. She said: "He was just very calm and just sat, just calm and quiet." UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA Mr Muhammad, who was attempting to board a Ryanair flight to Italy, was questioned by counter terrorism police but not arrested. He returned to the airport on February 5 and flew to Italy. It was only when the device was examined by a forensics officer on February 8 that suspicions were raised and the bomb squad was called. Mr Muhammad, who was born in Pakistan but had an Italian passport, was arrested when he returned to the UK on February 12. Parts of the improvised explosive were shown to the jury on Tuesday. The court heard the device could have been detonated if action was taken to connect wires seen protruding from it. In a report which was read to the court, forensics expert Lorna Philp said the bomb would have had the potential to cause injury to people and damage to property if detonated. She said the person who detonated the bomb would have had to be very close to the device to connect the wires, putting themselves at greatest risk of injury. Mr Muhammad, of Tinline Street, Bury, denies possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or property and an alternative charge of possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances. The trial was adjourned until Wednesday morning, when the defence case is due to start. PA Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The bill Britain must pay for moving the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from London after Brexit has soared to a staggering 520m, it has emerged. The Liberal Democrats said the huge sum for relocating the agency considered a jewel in the EUs crown, because it attracts businesses and experts was among the most crazy aspects of withdrawal. One of the ludicrous ironies of Brexit is we could end up having to pay large amounts of money to lose highly skilled jobs and research capacity from the UK, said Brexit spokesman Tom Brake. It really is that crazy. Rather than 350m a week extra for the NHS as the Brexiteers promised, Brexit is making us poorer every day. The EU insisted earlier this year that Britain must foot the bill for moving the EMA, because it is a direct consequence of the decision to leave the union. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Dublin, Lille, Porto, Stockholm and Bratislava are among 19 cities eager to compete for the prize of hosting the agency. Now Brussels has put the cost of relocation at 582.5m (520m), with 60 per cent of the costs the result of a botched rental contract for the EMAs Canary Wharf offices. The agency failed to negotiate a break clause, which means EU taxpayers are locked into a rent contract for its offices until June 30, 2039. Making Britain pay up should be part of the negotiations on the withdrawal agreement, which will restart at the end of the month, the EU has said. Mr Brake added: There are around 40 EU agencies of which Britain may no longer be a part, but the government has absolutely no plan and no clue for what arrangements we will have in all these different areas post their extreme Brexit. And Chris Leslie MP, a pro-EU Labour MP and supporter of the Open Britain campaign, said: This is yet another price to be paid for the Governments aim of a hard, destructive Brexit. Not only are hundreds of good jobs being shipped out of London thanks to the decision to leave the single market, but UK taxpayers are going to be left on the hook for the relocation costs too. Meanwhile, Conservative MPs are calling on British businesses and the Government to poach the EMAs scientists and experts for the UKs own regulatory agency after Brexit. The EMA has warned that up 667 of its 890 staff did not want to leave London, potentially devastating the agencys work, the European Parliaments budget committee has been told. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, a Tory backbencher, called for the EMAs scientists and experts to be offered sweeteners to stay and prepare Britains pharmaceutical industry for Brexit. A lot of those people were involved in shaping the European legislation and I imagine our legislation will have to be very similar to the Europeans, he told The Daily Telegraph. The EMA is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of all medicines marketed in the EUs single market. It also plays host to tens of thousands of national regulators and scientists each year from across the continent, who come to London each year as part of the approval process. Egypt has plans to issue between $2 billion and $4 billion in eurobonds in the first quarter of 2018, the countrys finance minister Amr El-Garhy told state owned MENA agency. In statements to the agency, El-Garhy added that there were no more plans to issue more in the ongoing year 2017. Earlier this year, Egypt sold $7 billion in five, 10- and 30-year bonds, making a comeback to the international market for the first time since the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Egypt has been negotiating billions of dollars in aid from various lenders to help revive an economy hit by political turmoil as well as facilitate a dollar cripplage that has incapicitated imports. On Tuesday, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) said the country's foreign reserves rose to $36.04 billion at the end of July, their highest since pre 2011 levels. Search Keywords: Short link: Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Government plans to scale back electrification of a key rail route will kill off the promised Northern Powerhouse project, Labour has warned. It will be impossible to slash journey times between Northern cities the central aim of George Osbornes Powerhouse pledge if TransPennine electrification is pulled, the opposition said. The U-turn, revealed by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, would also increase carbon emissions and hike the cost of running the rail network, Labour claimed. Andy McDonald, the partys transport spokesman, said faster services across the Pennines would be unworkable unless the track was fully electrified. Hopes of cutting journeys between Manchester and Liverpool by nearly 30 minutes, and those between Leeds and Newcastle by more than 20 minutes, would then be dashed. By scrapping the electrification of the TransPennine route, the Transport Secretary is essentially pulling the plug on the proposed Crossrail for the North, the Northern Powerhouse project, Mr McDonald said. In contrast, Labour would spend 10bn on a Crossrail for the North to reverse decades of transport underinvestment that has undermined the economic potential of the region. The warning comes after Mr Grayling provoked fury across the North when he said the railway between Leeds and Manchester was unlikely to be fully electrified. Trains able to switch between electric and diesel power, called bi-mode locomotives, would instead be used on the busy route, he said. Yet, in 2015, the Government promised to electrify the entire TransPennine railway from Liverpool to Newcastle, to deliver faster journey times and more capacity. Some work is already under way. Then-Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said two years ago that the scheme was at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse. But on a visit to Manchester, last week, Mr Grayling said: We dont need to electrify all of every route. There are places that are built in Victorian times where it is very difficult to put up electric cables. The comments came days after Mr Grayling asked two other electrification schemes, including of the Midlands Mainline from Kettering to Nottingham and Sheffield. Mr McDonald said it proves the Midlands Engine and the Northern Powerhouse are just more empty slogans from this Government. The Tories are trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes by claiming that diesel bi-mode trains will deliver the same benefits as electrification, despite saying for years that failure to electrify the network costs more in the long run, causes more pollution, worsens air quality, lessens capacity and makes services slower and less reliable, he said. Mr McDonald said the running of electric vehicles can help to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 to 30 per cent, according to Network Rail figures. Furthermore, maintenance costs for electric trains are 33 per cent lower than for diesel, while electric passenger vehicles fuel savings are between 19 and 26p per vehicle mile. But Mr Grayling has insisted the use of bi-mode train would still cut journey times and improve passenger comfort. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May faces a Commons showdown next month when Labour and rebel Conservative MPs join forces to try to stop Britain crashing out of the EU single market on Brexit day. The MPs plan to force a September vote to keep the UK in the European Economic Area (EEA) for several years at least, to avert fears of severe economic damage when EU withdrawal is completed in 2019. Crucially, Labours frontbench appears to have thrown its weight behind the move, with Brexit spokesman Sir Keir Starmer describing transition on current terms as essential. Labour will work with others to ensure Brexit transition on same basic terms: including single market and custom union, Sir Keir tweeted. It is likely that a backbench amendment will be tabled to the flagship European Union (Withdrawal) Bill or Repeal Bill which reaches the Commons floor on 7 September. Labour MP Stephen Kinnock has already revealed he is in talks with Conservative MPs about temporary EEA membership, to prevent an economic slump in 2019. Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are members of the EEA and, therefore, the single market but not the customs union also accepting free movement of EU citizens. Last month, Mr Kinnock told The Daily Telegraph: I have been reaching out with a particular proposal to 15 Conservative MPs so far. A group of 15 rebel Tories could be sufficient to defeat the Conservatives in any Commons vote, given the Prime Ministers precarious working majority of just 12. Rebel Conservatives are more likely to back an amendment tabled by a Labour backbencher than one put forward by Jeremy Corbyns frontbench team. On Monday, No 10 ruled out an off-the-shelf arrangement such as EEA membership for the transitional period, insisting both single market membership and free movement will end on Brexit day. However, that contradicted Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, who has told business leaders that he supports the idea, because Britain has no time to negotiate its own transitional trading deal. Mr Hammonds stance was backed by William Hague, the former Foreign Secretary, to prevent the clear potential for Brexit to become the occasion of the greatest economic, diplomatic and constitutional muddle in the modern history of the UK. But, illustrating the deep split within Government, Brexit minister Steve Baker has tried to slap down any compromise on Ms Mays original plans. It would be a fatal show of weakness like putting blood in the water to talk about the EEA and let Brussels believe Britain is stepping back from the threat of a hard Brexit, he claimed. As it stands, the EU Withdrawal Bill will not allow the UK to stay in the EEA temporarily, even if a transition deal can be agreed through to about 2022. Sir Keirs support for an amendment to secure transition on the same terms suggests he is winning an internal Labour battle for the party to oppose a hard Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn sacked three shadow ministers who supported an amendment to the Queens Speech to retain single market membership and, last month, insisted Britain would leave the trading bloc. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A referendum on a united Ireland is inevitable following the Brexit vote, the author of a report by an Irish parliamentary committee says. The study urges both Dublin and London not to repeat the fallout from Britains EU referendum by failing to prepare for the possibility it will lead to Irish reunification. Mark Daly, the Fianna Fail Senator, who compiled the report, said: Last year, our former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, said the EU needs to prepare for a united Ireland. And it's clear from the 17 recommendations by the committee that a lot of work needs to be done in advance of a referendum. Mr Daly added: From talking to people in both communities in the North, it is clear that everybody believes that at some stage there will be a referendum. But we must learn the lesson from Brexit and the lesson from Brexit is that you don't have a referendum and then tell people what the future will look like. What you do is you lay out the future in great detail, you talk about the issues of great concern to all communities. The report entitled Brexit and the Future of Ireland: Uniting Ireland and its People in Peace and Prosperity sets out detailed options for the island of Ireland in the wake of Brexit. It calls on the Republic, in the final Brexit agreement between the EU and the UK, to demand a special status for Northern Ireland and that there should be no new passport controls. Published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, the report also emphasises the need to protect EU structural funds in Northern Ireland, after Brexit. Last year, Northern Ireland broke with England by voting against Brexit, by 56 per cent to 44 per cent. Since then, the issue of the Irish border has emerged as crucial in the exit negotiations, with Brussels insisting progress is a red line before trade talks can begin. The Irish government declared it wants special status for Northern Ireland after Brexit, rejecting Britains suggestion that better technology can police trade between North and South after 2019. Meanwhile, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, the UK Government is legally obliged to hold a referendum on Irish reunification if polls show support for one. Furthermore, ministers have acknowledged that Northern Ireland, if it backed reunification, would be able to rejoin the EU as part of a united Ireland with the Republic. Unlike Scotland, which has been told it would have to reapply for membership of the bloc if it ever backed independence, the North would automatically be part of the EU. Northern Ireland would be in a position of becoming part of an existing EU member state, rather than seeking to join the EU as a new independent state, Brexit Secretary David Davis wrote, earlier this year. It is thought to be the first report by an Irish Government, department or parliamentary committee into achieving Irish unity for more than 30 years. One opinion poll suggested that voters in the Republic overwhelmingly back reunification, putting support at 79 per cent. However, a BBC poll, in September last year, found 63 per cent of people in Northern Ireland supported staying in the UK, with only 22 per cent backing a united Ireland Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Carl Bernstein has said Donald Trump is dangerous beyond any modern presidency, responding to the dismissal of the Presidents chief of staff. Shortly after Reince Priebus was fired from the White House and replaced by former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, veteran journalist Bernstein took to Twitter to name what he saw as an even bigger problem. The problem is not the chief of staff. The problem dangerous beyond any modern presidency is the President, he wrote. Mr Bernstein, known for being one of two Washington Post reporters who brought down the Richard Nixon administration after revealing it broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the 1970s, has been a vocal opponent of the President. He has spoken against Mr Trumps alleged willingness to work with the Russians during the election campaign and his attempts to block the ensuing investigation, as well as his relentless attacks on former opponent Hillary Clinton and his alleged promotion of his business activities whilst in the White House. Mr Trump has denied colluding with Russia. Mr Bernstein has also said that the Presidents firing of former FBI director James Comey during the Russia investigation in May was a dangerous situation and Mr Trumps attacks on the press were more dangerous than Nixons. Earlier this month he told CNN: We are in the midst of a malignant presidency. That malignancy is known to the military leaders of the country, its known to the Republican leadership in Congress who recognise it, and its known to the intelligence community and the presidency of Donald Trump is not functioning. Since he gave the interview, former press secretary Sean Spicer stepped down, Mr Priebus was sacked and former communications director Anthony Scaramucci was fired after 10 days in the role. Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Show all 22 1 /22 Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump talk as they leave the Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump arrive for the group photo at the G7 Taormina summit on the island of Sicily in May 2017 Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Mr Trump was pressed on the subject at the G7 summit in Italy Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump gives a speeech at the Warsaw Uprising Monument on Krasinski Square Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May during a ceremony at the NATO headquarters before the start of a summit in Brussels, Belgium Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is seen to the right of Donald Trump at a Nato summit in Brussels REUTERS Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis meeting with US President Donald J. Trump EPA Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump arrives at Palazzo del Quirinale ahead of the meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Ufficio Stampa Presidenza della via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is seen during a joint press conference with the Palestinian leader at the presidential palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets US President Donald Trump PPO via Getty Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with US President Donald Trump prior to the President's departure GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after delivering a speech at the Israel Museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance as White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump watch on during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu GPO via Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump takes his seat before his speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Reuters Donald Trump's international Presidential trips Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump look at a display of Saudi modern art at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud take part in a signing ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips King Salman presents Donald Trump with The Collar of Abdulaziz al-Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace on 20 May AP Donald Trump's international Presidential trips US President Donald Trump is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump's international Presidential trips U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn prior to their first foreign trip Getty Images Mr Trump tweeted after Mr Scaramuccis departure: A great day at the White House! In March, two months after the President was inaugurated, Mr Bernstein declared it would be impossible for Mr Trump to regain the trust of Americans. He is someone who has lied at will all of his adult life. Lying has been a key element of his advance in business, he told CNN, where he is employed as a political commentator. He has never been known as someone who tells the truth. Theres an almost pathological, compulsive element to his lying and weve seen it since hes been President. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A woman who wheeled her 17-month-old baby into a desert and left her their to die has been jailed for 20 years. Ashley Denise Attson, 23, from Arizona, put her daughter in a pushchair before leaving her in the Navajo Nation for four days and four nights in September last year. Over the next few days she met friends for ice cream and posted pictures of herself on Facebook, the US Attorneys office for Arizona said in a statement on Tuesday. She then retrieved the babys body and buried it in an animal hole, the statement read. The child, who has not been named as she was a juvenile and is referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, was born with methamphetamine in her system and was in the custody of tribal social services for the majority of her life. Attson regained custody of her daughter around two months before her death, according to prosecutors. The mother pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. US attorney spokesman Cosme Lopez did not comment on the motive for the killing. US District Judge David Campbell said Attlee committed an intentional, cold-hearted, horrendous killing of an innocent child. According to a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, the maximum punishment that could be given to Attson was a life sentence. A former tribal prosecutor told the Associated Press she was troubled that Attson had instead received a 20-year sentence. Bernadine Martin, a former chief prosecutor for the Navajo Nation, said the child would have been afraid, in physical distress and needing the one person who is supposed to care for her the most, that being the mother. And 20 years is simply not enough. Additional reporting by Associated Press Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The family of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life after she was allegedly cyber-bullied is suing her school district. Dianne Grossman claims administrators in New Jersey were negligent and failed to prevent the abuse of her daughter Mallory, which she believes ultimately led to her daughters death. Her pleas with one of the alleged bullys parents were branded a big joke and dismissed, she said. I can confidently say I spoke to one of the parents the night before Mallory before this, Mr Grossman told NBC News. And I can tell you that the mother dismissed it, said it was just a big joke, and that I really shouldnt worry about it, . Mallorys parents are now suing the Rockaway Township School District and are also considering legal action against the parents of the students they feel are responsible. Ms Grossman said Mallory had been bullied for months. She had shown social media posts and texts that had been sent to her to school officials, she said. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. 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 In a separate interview with The Record, she added: She talked about how horrible it was to be at school. It would be dirty looks, harassment and name-calling. The cold shoulder, the exclusion, I think played an important role. Bruce Nagel, the famliys attorney, described cyber bullying as an epidemic. Her life tragically ended when her own classmates used this cellphone to drive her into this tragedy, Mr Nagel said. Cyber bullying is an epidemic thats going on in every town, in every city across the land. We must bring light to whats going on, and we must stop it. The Independent has approached the Rockaway Township School District for comment, but none had arrived at the time of publication. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An explosion and building collapse has been reported at a Minneapolis school, and rescues are currently underway. The Minneapolis Fire Department confirmed one person had died, and that one person was missing and potentially trapped beneath rubble, Officials and the school say that the explosion may have been caused by a natural gas explosion. At least five individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries, and one was quickly released after being evaluated. The explosion took place at Minnehaha Academy, a private Christian school with 832 students in total. The resulting fires were reportedly extinguished within hours. Recommended Explosion reported in Afghanistan day after huge blast in Herat The school's web site says that the campus is hosting summer programmes through August 15, including woodworking, intermediate band, advanced band, and driver's education. Officials say, however, that all students have been accounted for. The explosion and collapse reportedly occurred near or in the gymnasium. There were people reportedly inside at the time of the explosion. Neighbours of the school told local media that they were able to feel and hear the blast. "It was just a really loud boom," one resident said. "You felt it in your chest." A school official said that there were adult staff and faculty members in the gymnasium at the time of the blast. The spokesperson said that she heard the huge explosion and said it caused tiles to fall from the ceiling. Several people reportedly sustained minor injuries from the damages. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Saudi Arabia on Tuesday asked to be dropped from a September 11 lawsuit victims' families filed, saying no evidence links it to the deadly terrorist act. Lawyers for Saudi Arabia made the request in papers filed in Manhattan federal court, saying lawyers for Sept. 11 families and survivors of the 2001 attack had failed repeatedly for the last 14 years to generate sufficient evidence to subject the U.S. ally to the $100 billion lawsuit brought against numerous governmental and non-governmental defendants. Defendants Iran, the Taliban and al-Qaida already have been found in default. The lawyers said purported new evidence, like "the thousands of pages they unsuccessfully presented before," are hearsay and speculation and are "insufficient to support the findings required for jurisdiction over Saudi Arabia." They added that the plaintiffs had reached "grandiose conclusions" that far exaggerate the importance of "threadbare allegations and nonexistent evidence." In the lawsuit, hundreds of victims' relatives and injured survivors, along with insurance companies and businesses, claim that employees of the Saudi government directly and knowingly assisted the attack's airplane hijackers and plotters and fuelled al-Qaida's development into a terrorist organisation by funding charities that supported them. Fifteen of the 19 attackers were Saudis. Now-declassified documents show U.S. investigators looked into some Saudi diplomats and others with Saudi government ties who had contact with the hijackers after they arrived in the U.S. The 9/11 Commission report found "no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded" the attacks al-Qaida masterminded, but the commission also noted "the likelihood" that Saudi-government-sponsored charities did. US District Judge George Daniels already tossed Saudi Arabia out as a defendant once, but Congress passed legislation that eliminated some defences and enabled the Sept. 11 victims to reassert their claims. After Tuesday's filing, a New Vernon, New Jersey-based group representing Sept. 11 families and survivors said there's plenty of evidence against the kingdom. Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Qatar over terror links "It's been almost 16 years since 9/11, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to do everything possible to duck, dodge and distract from the overwhelming evidence that their government officials and agents aided and abetted these horrific attacks," said Terry Strada, National Chair for the 9/11 Families and Survivors United for Justice Against Terrorism. He added that Congress made clear when it passed the law last year allowing the claims to go forward against Saudi Arabia that the Sept. 11 families and survivors "deserve their day in court and all of the Saudi's high-priced lawyers, lobbyists and foreign agents in the world aren't going to stop us." Copyright: Associated Press Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps claim that the leader of The Boy Scouts of America phoned him to compliment him on this controversial recent speech to thousands of its members, has been contradicted by the organisation. The US President was criticised for his overtly political address at the organisations National Jamboree in West Virginia, which saw him criticise Hillary Clinton, rail against the fake news media and boast about his election victory. Mr Trump was subsequently criticised for breaking with decades of tradition and making his speech party political. But in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he claimed that the head of the Boy Scouts had called him to tell him it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them. "They loved it," he said, adding that he would be the "first to admit" that reaction had been mixed. Insisting that there had been "a standing ovation from the time I walked out to the time I left, and for five minutes after I had already gone", he said: And I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them, and they were very thankful." However, the Boy Scouts told TIME magazine that they were unaware of any call between their national leaders and the White House. The Chief Scout Executives message to the Scouting community speaks for itself, a spokesperson said. In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP They were referring to a letter released by Michael Surbaugh, the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, in which he apologised to anyone offended by Mr Trumps speech. "I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree," it read. "That was never our intent." Inviting the US President to speak at the jamboree is a longstanding tradition and is in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies, he wrote. He added: "For years, people have called upon us to take a position on political issues, and we have steadfastly remained nonpartisan and refused to comment on political matters. We sincerely regret that politics were inserted into the Scouting program. Two Egyptian photo-collectives -- The Black Athena Collective and Cairo Bats -- are set to take part in the 11th edition of the African Biennale of Photography (Bamako Encounters), which will be held in Bamako, Mali, between 2 December 2017 and 31 January 2018. The Bamako Encounters was founded in 1994 with the aim of showing the best of contemporary African photography through exhibitions, workshops, public projections and more. The biennial is organized jointly by Malis Ministry of Culture and the French Institute. The Black Athena Collective was founded in 2015 by Egyptian artist Heba Y. Amin and Eritrean-Canadian artist Dawit L. Petros. The collectives work focuses on art and research surrounding political discourse in the African continent, addressing subjects such as migration, territorial demarcation, and assumptions about the continent that are embedded in Western historiography. Heba Y. Amin is a multimedia artist, whose work explores the topics of politics, technology, architecture and their intersection, as well as the complexity of critical spatial practice. Amin is the author of 10 publications, the first of which was Fragmented City: Visualizing the City/Psyche Relationship of Cairo, published in 2009. Her most recent work is Towards a Spatial Imaginary: Walking Cabbages and Watermelons, published in 2016. The artist is the recipient of many grants and recidencies, and has directed several workshops, including in Cairo Urban Poises, held last year as part of the AUC_Lab series, as well as the When My Future is Silent workshop, held at Darb 1718. Her work has been exhibited internationally, notably at the Kalmar Art Museum in Sweden, La Villette in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, and the 9th Berlinale Forum Expanded Exhibition, among many others. Amins artworks will also be showcased at this years Istanbul Biennial. Co-founder of Black Athena, Dawit L. Petros is a visual artist who works with installations and photography. He investigates and challenges artistic, geographical and cultural boundaries through his extensive travels and research. His artworks focus on the relationship between African histories and European modernism, enabling a metaphorically rich articulation of the fluidity of contemporary transnational experiences, according to the artists website. Petros holds an MFA in Visual Art from Tufts University/School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; a BFA in Photography from the Concordia University, Montreal; and a BA in History from the University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon. His works were most recently exhibited at: the Kansas City Art Institutes H&R Block Artspace; the Huis Marseille Museum of Photography in Amsterdam; the Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University; the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York City; and the National Museum of African Art in Washington DC. The Cairo Bats (Khafafeesh El-Qahira), the other Egyptian participants at Bamako Enocunters, is a collective of Cairo-based female artists. The group formed in 2014 and currently includes artists Mai Al Shazly, Yvonne Buchheim, Magdalena Kallenberger, Hagar Masoud, Nadia Mounier and Omneia Naguib. The groups first exhibition was held in April 2016 at the Contemporary Image Collective, under the title Act 1: The Roof, and gathered a series of pictures taken over a period of two years on various rooftops across the city. According to the artists website, their aim is to stage photographs through playful interactions in semi-public spaces. The Cairo Bats are currently working on a new body of work titled Act 2: The Play. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump is prepared to go to war with North Korea if it continues to develop its missile program, Senator Lindsey Graham has claimed. The Republican Senator appeared on NBC to discuss North Koreas rapidly advancing weapons programme. There is a military option: to destroy North Koreas nuclear program and North Korea itself, Mr Graham said. Hes not going to allow - President Trump - the ability of this madman [Kim Jong Un] to have a missile that could hit America. The Senator added: If thousands die, theyre going to die over there. Theyre not going to die over here - and hes told me that to my face. Mr Grahams press office has confirmed that the Senator was recalling the details of a conversation with Mr Trump. Tensions between North Korea and the US have escalated in recent weeks, as the North Korean regime has tested increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICMBs). The country launched an ICBM last month reportedly capable of reaching Alaska or Hawaii. The Pentagon estimates North Korea could have a nuclear-capable ICBM as early as next year. The US test-launched its own ICBM on Wednesday. The Pentagon said the launch was not a response to North Korean actions, but an effort to show America's nuclear programme is "safe, secure, effective". Publicly, the White House has said only that they are keeping all options on the table when it comes to North Korea. But Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the UN, has said military response is a definite possibility. "One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces," Ms Haley said last month. "We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction." According to top US military officials, however, war with North Korea would be tragic on an unbelievable scale. Testifying before the Senate Armed Service Committee earlier this year, Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley claimed the levels of violence would be "immense, the likes of which the world hasnt seen since the Second World War. A South Korean projection from 2004 estimates up to 2 million casualties in the first 24 hours of such a war. 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 But a military response is not the only option. Mr Trump has been stepping up pressure on China to control its neighbor, tweeting his dissatisfaction with the Chinese government and threatening to investigate their trade practises. Ms Haley is also pushing the UN to impose sanctions, telling her colleagues that the time for talk is over. But Mr Graham, in his Today Show interview, went as far as to call warfare inevitable if the status quo continues. Im saying its inevitable unless North Korea changes, because youre making our president pick between regional stability and homeland security, he said. ...When you're president of the United States, where does your allegiance lie? To the people of the United States. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has signed a bill to impose further sanctions on Russia over interference in the 2016 US presidential election, annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and other perceived violations of international norms. The bill had been approved in the US Congress by overwhelming margins, bringing in both Republican and Democratic votes at a time in Washington politics where polarisation is the rule, and bipartisanship is a rare exception to that order. In signing the bill, Mr Trump signalled that he wasn't completely happy with the outcome - and reasserted his common claim that he is the ultimate deal maker. Recommended Trump announces new immigration policy favouring English speakers "I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected," the President said in a statement on the sanctions bill that criticised Congress for encroaching on executive authority. "As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress." Prior to the signing, it was unclear if Mr Trump would actually sign the legislation. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had previously told reporters that he and the President didn't believe the new sanctions would "be helpful to our efforts" on Russian diplomacy. The bill also limits the President's ability to ease sanctions against Moscow. The legislation is one of the first major pieces of law that has landed on Mr Trump's desk since he got into office just over six months ago. 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 Even before Mr Trump signed the legislation, the threat of the bill prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to retaliate. Mr Putin ejected 755 US diplomats from his country in response to the sanctions threat earlier this week. The bill was originally approved in the Senate 98-2, but then languished in the House of Representatives as representatives dredged through a series of procedural fights. That was put to an end when sanctions on North Korea were added to the legislation. The House then voted to approve those measures, and effectively forced the Senate to take a harder line on North Korea in doing so. The House and Senate also agreed to a deal to change the bill in light of urgings from several US industries and European allies. The European Union had expressed concern that new Russian sanctions would injure their energy security, and would damage their private industries working to establish a pipeline to feed natural gas from Russia into Germany. European Union officials vowed to act swiftly should those interests be threatened by new US sanctions enacted without consult to their positions. Congress had refused to consider removing language in the bill that would take away their ability to veto any future attempts by the President to remove sanctions placed on Russia, even as the White House lobbied for those restrictions to be pulled back. The veto language indicates that Congress can take steps to dial back eased sanctions if Mr Trump's administration too an "egregious" step to try and remove sanctions, according to Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker. Mr Corker was initially unsure if the sanctions bill was appropriate, but later was a strong supporter of the measure. "I've walked the President through the process of how congressional review works," Mr Corker told CNN. "The administration -- knowing that unless it's way out of bounds -- likely they have the flexibility to do what they need to do." Some experts have said that, although Mr Trump signed the bill with a statement of protest, the massive support for the bill in Congress left him with little hope. "Although thte President's statement is a stunning rebuke of Congress, the fact remains that both the House and Senate were nearly unanimous in voting for this toughened sanctions regime," Lawrence Ward, a partner at the international law foirm Dorsey & Whitney, said in a statement provided to The Independent. "Those near unanimous votes made it impossible for President Trump to take any action other than signing it." Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A former US Justice Department official has become the latest lawyer to join special counsel Robert Mueller's team investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, a spokesman for the team confirmed. Greg Andres started on Tuesday, becoming the 16th lawyer on the team, said Josh Stueve, a spokesman for the special counsel. Legal experts not involved in the case said his appointment suggested the Russia probe would continue for months or possibly years. Most recently a white-collar criminal defence lawyer with New York law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, Mr Andres, 50, served at the Justice Department from 2010 to 2012. He was deputy assistant attorney general in the criminal division, where he oversaw the fraud unit and managed the program that targeted illegal foreign bribery. Mr Mueller, who was appointed special counsel in May, is looking into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the election, among other matters. Congressional committees are also investigating the matter. That Mr Mueller continues to expand his team means the probe is not going to end anytime soon, said Robert Ray, who succeeded Kenneth Starr as independent counsel for the Whitewater investigation during the Clinton administration. "It's an indication that the investigation is going to extend well into 2018," said Ray. "Whether it extends beyond 2018 is an open question.". The special counsel last month asked the White House to preserve all of its communications about a June 2016 meeting that included the President's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya. Russian officials have denied meddling in the US election, and Mr Trump denies any collusion by his campaign. 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 Among the cases Mr Andres oversaw at the Justice Department was the prosecution of Texas financier Robert Allen Stanford, who was convicted in 2012 for operating an $8bn Ponzi scheme. Before that, Mr Andres was a federal prosecutor in Brooklyn for over a decade, eventually serving as chief of the criminal division in the US attorney's office there. He prosecuted several members of the Bonanno organised crime family, one of whom was accused of plotting to have Mr Andres killed. A graduate of Notre Dame and University of Chicago Law School, Mr Andres was a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin from 1989 to 1992. He is married to Ronnie Abrams, a US district judge in Manhattan nominated to the bench in 2011 by former President Barack Obama. Others on the special counsel team include Andrew Weissmann, chief of the Justice Department's fraud section; Andrew Goldstein, former head of the public corruption unit at the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan; and James Quarles, who was an assistant special prosecutor in the Watergate investigation that helped bring down President Richard Nixon. Reuters Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by Donald Trump in May, has a book deal. Mr Comey is said to be writing a book about leadership and decision making that will draw upon his career in government, including his experience handling the bureau's investigation into alleged ties between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government. Flatiron Books told the Associated Press that the 56-year-old lawyer will cite "examples from some of the highest-stakes situations in the past two decades of American government" and "share yet-unheard anecdotes from his long and distinguished career." Recommended Donald Trump admits he has no tapes of conversations with James Comey The book is currently untitled and scheduled to be published next spring. "Throughout his career, James Comey has had to face one difficult decision after another as he has served the leaders of our country," Flatiron Publisher and President Bob Miller said in a statement. "His book promises to take us inside those extraordinary moments in our history, showing us how these leaders have behaved under pressure. By doing so, Director Comey will give us unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in leadership itself." Several publishers bid for the book and three officials with knowledge of the negotiations said the auction topped $2m, according to AP. Mr Comey testified before a Senate committee in June that he thought Mr Trump fired him because of the way he was conducting the Russia investigation. He also said he believed the President directed him to drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn a claim Mr Trump has denied. The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images Mr Flynn resigned in February after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with a Russian official. In his book, Mr Comey is also expected to discuss his handling of the bureau's probe into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Mr Comey sent a letter on 28 October to congressional leaders saying the FBI would continue investigating whether classified material was contained in emails sent using the private email server of Ms Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, while she was Secretary of State. In July, he had recommended that no charges be filed against Ms Clinton or her aides, effectively closing the email probe. Ms Clinton has suggested that if Mr Comey had never sent that letter, she would have been elected president in November. Mr Comey was appointed to the position of FBI Director by President Barack Obama in 2013, after having served as Deputy Attorney General under the George W Bush administration and as a US Attorney General for the Southern District of New York. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Two retired army generals working in Donald Trumps administration reportedly made a pact that one of them should stay in the US at all times to monitor the President. Freshly appointed White House Chief of Staff General John Kelly and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, another retired general, allegedly came to the agreement in the early days of the new administration. The accord, revealed to The Associated Press by an unknown source, was formed as an initial barrage of orders emerged from the Oval Office. Recommended Trump has a history of hiring retired generals only to humiliate them The former army bosses were said to be deeply concerned about the ban on refugees and immigrants, a directive that has since undergone numerous revisions. Both former generals supplied clarifications to the order, with Gen Kelly seeking assurances that green card holders would be exempt and Gen Mattis seeking protections for Iraqis who helped the US. General Kelly, who formerly served as Homeland Security Secretary, has been openly critical of the order, saying he did not think it "appropriate" to target individuals because of their religious or ethnic background. The army veteran said he cultivated good relations with Muslim leaders while serving in Iraq to encourage stability. Iran's 'Trumpism' contest Show all 10 1 /10 Iran's 'Trumpism' contest Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images General Kelly appeared to be imposing a new order on the running of the White House on Monday by ousting communications director Anthony Scaramucci. Several Republicans have expressed hope that the veteran, who replaced the embattled Reince Priebus as Chief of Staff, could help restore order following months of internal feuding. The marines can do almost anything, Senator Lindsey Graham said. The marines have landed at the White House. They have a beachhead. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Mexico has rejected Donald Trumps claim its countrys president telephoned him to praise him for his immigration crackdown and tightening of border security. It was the second time in two days that a claim by Mr Trump that he had received a congratulatory call about a controversial issue, was disputed. Speaking earlier this week as he introduced his new Chief of Staff, John Kelly, Mr Trump praised his officials work in his post as Secretary of Homeland Security. At Homeland, what he has done has been nothing short of miraculous, Mr Trump said of Mr Kelly, a former four star general. As you know, the border was a tremendous problem and theyre close to 80 per cent stoppage. And even the president of Mexico called me - they said their southern border, very few people are coming because they know they're not going to get through our border, which is the ultimate compliment. Yet Mexico has denied that President Enrique Pena Nieto ever made such a call to Mr Trump. A statement released by the Mexican Foreign Ministry, said Mr Pena Nieto has not recently spoken to President Donald Trump over the telephone. Donald Trump says he still wants Mexico to pay for the wall at G20 summit The statement went on reference the only other time the two met and conversed on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, according to the Associated Press. During the meeting the two heads of State held last July 7th in Hamburg, Germany, the topic of migration was a topic of conversation approached by both. President Pena Nieto shared that repatriations of Mexican nationals from the United States had fallen 31 per cent between January and June 2017 in comparison to the same timeframe in 2016, the statement read. Mr Trump has had a tense relationship with the Mexican leader, both before he was elected and after. When he was still a candidate, he took up an invitation to travel to Mexico City to meet him and discuss immigration. Mr Trump claimed they discussed the issue of a border wall, but not which country would pay for it. The Mexican leader insisted he had told Mr Trump that Mexico would not pay for it. 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 In January, as controversy about the wall grew, Mr Pena Nieto cancelled a planned visit to Washington to meet with Mr Trump. This morning we have informed the White House that I will not attend the meeting scheduled for next Tuesday with the POTUS, Mr Pena Nieto tweeted at the time. This is the second time in two days that questions have been raised about a congratulatory telephone calls that Mr Trump claims to have received. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the president disputed that there had been any negative reaction to a controversial speech last week to a Boy Scouts jamboree. And I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them, and they were very thankful. So there was - there was no mix," he said. Yet the Boy Scouts organisation said such a call never took place, according to reports from Time magazine and the Toronto Star. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Capping off weeks of tumult in Washington, the White House Press briefing recently descended into a heated argument between reporters and the administration about the Statue of Liberty. Senior presidential advisor Stephen Miller stopped by the press briefing to promote an immigration bill that Donald Trump has recently thrown his weight behind. The bill would implement a merit-based policy for doling out US visas, prioritising those applicants who are financially independent and able to speak English. Mr Miller a central author of Mr Trumps travel ban on six Muslim majority countries described this latest policy as compassionate and "common-sense". Recommended Trump announces new immigration policy favouring English speakers Some reporters, however, seemed to disagree. The Statue of Liberty says, Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, said CNNs Jim Acosta, referring to the poem inscribed under the iconic American statue. It doesn't say anything about speaking English. Mr Miller countered by saying that the poem was not actually part of the original Statue of Liberty. The poem that youre referring to was added later, he told Mr Acosta. The exchange set off a fierce debate over the meaning of the Statue of Liberty, and the intentions of American immigration policy as a whole. At one point, Mr Acosta appeared to insinuate that Mr Trumps immigration policy was racist. This whole notion of, Well, they have to learn English before they get to the United States - Are we just going to bring in people from Great Britain and Australia? he asked. ...It just sounds like youre trying to engineer the racial and ethnic flow of people into this country with this policy. Mr Miller called the comments outrageous, insulting, ignorant and foolish, and accused Mr Acosta of ascribing nefarious motives to a compassionate bill. I am shocked at your statement that you think that only people from Great Britain and Australia would know English, he said. It reveals your cosmopolitan bias to a shocking degree. Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Show all 20 1 /20 Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-1 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-2 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-3 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-4 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 28: Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against a ban on Muslim immigration at San Francisco International Airport on January 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends entry of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the entries of all Syrian refugees, as well as barring entries from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days. Stephen Lam/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-5 A crowd of protesters gathers outside of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse as a judge hears a challenge against President Donald Trump's executive ban on immigration from several Muslim countries, on January 28, 2017 in Brooklyn. The judge issued an emergency stay on part of Trump's executive order, ruling that sending refugees stopped at U.S. airports back to their countries would be harmful. Yana Paskova/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-6 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-7 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-8 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-9 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-10 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-11 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-12 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-13 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-14 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-15 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-16 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-17 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-18 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-19 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-20 Passengers wait in line to check in at the American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport August 10, 2006 in the Queens borough of New York City. British authorities arrested 21 people and halted a anallegedly terrorist plot to use liquid explosives concealed in carry-on luggage to blow up airliners traveling between Britain and the U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said that the plot appeared to be directed at U.S. carriers flying out of Heathrow. such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines. Stephen Chernin/Getty The immigration bill in question has been stalled in the Senate since February, and is unlikely to make it out of the chamber much less become law. But the potent backlash revealed the strong feelings Mr Trumps stance on immigration still evokes. The President has fuelled the immigration debate since the day he announced his candidacy, famously labelling some Mexican immigrant rapists and criminals. His travel ban on six Muslim-majority countries reignited allegations of racism. Just last week, he delivered an impassioned speech on a Central American gang that many viewed as an attempt to once again tie Latino immigrants to crime. New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush, perhaps responding to allegations of racism around this most recent policy, asked Mr Miller on Wednesday for statistics to back it up. Specifically, he asked for citations proving increased immigration drove down American workers wages. After listing of the names of several researchers, Mr Miller suggested his audience use common sense in analysing the policy. Steve, Im not asking for common sense, Im asking for statistical data, Mr Thrush replied. Maybe well make a carve-out in the bill that says the New York Times can hire all the low-skilled, less-paid workers they want from other countries and see how you feel then about low-wage substitution, Mr Miller shot back. He added: Maybe its time we had compassion, Glenn, for American workers. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} But a new survey looking at different faiths acceptance of the LGBTQ community has thrown up some interesting results. It suggests that Muslims in American are more accepting of homosexuality than white evangelical Protestants. Furthermore, their rate of acceptance is moving is increasing faster than those of Protestants. The research examined attitudes on various issues (Pew Research Centre) Most Muslims continue to hold the view that immigrants strengthen the US because of their hard work and talents. And two-thirds say they would prefer to have a larger government that provides more services over a smaller government that provides fewer services, says the report by the Pew Research Centre. There has, however, been one notable change in the social and political views of US Muslims: they have become much more accepting of homosexuality over the past decade, matching a similar shift that has occurred among the public overall. Betsy DeVos refuses to say if federally funded schools will be punished for LGBTQ discrimination It added: "Indeed, the share of Muslim Americans who say homosexuality should be accepted by society has nearly doubled since 2007." 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 poll found that 52 per cent of US Muslims say homosexuality should be accepted by society. In contrast, when they were asked in 2016, only 34 percent of white evangelical Protestants felt the same. Around 52 per cent of Protestants overall said homosexuality was acceptable, along with 66 per cent of Catholics and 63 per cent of the US general public. Urooj Arshad, an LGBTQ Muslim activist who is a member of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, told the Huffington Post, which first reported on the report, that Muslims support for the LGBTQ community might hinge on both sharing the experience of being discriminated against. Since September 11, the Muslim community has been dealing with severe erosion of their civil rights which has made the community more sympathetic to violations of civil rights against other marginalised communities in the US, she said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The result of the controversial vote to give Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro almost unlimited powers was "tampered with", according to the company that provided the technology for the country's voting system. Smartmatic's chief executive Antonio Mugica said turnout in the vote for a constitutional assembly to overhaul the country's political system was overstated by "at least one million votes". Turnout is seen as crucial in determining the legitimacy of the vote as opposition groups boycotted the election, refusing to field candidates. Venezuela's National Electoral Council has said more than eight million people voted to grant Mr Maduro's government the powers with the assembly. But Mr Mugica said he "cannot endorse" the announced election result as opposition parties were not present to provide oversight to ensure Mr Maduro's government announced the correct results, due to the boycott. He told a press conference in central London: "It is... with deepest regret that we have to report that the turnout figures on Sunday July 30 for the constituent assembly in Venezuela were tampered with." He went on: "Based on the robustness of our system, we know, without any doubt, that the turnout of the recent election for a national constituent assembly was manipulated." Mr Mugica added: "An audit would allow everyone to know the exact participation. In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Show all 22 1 /22 In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A girl scavanges for food in the streets of Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A man scavenges for food next to girls in the streets of Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is resisting opposition efforts to hold a vote on removing him from office. The opposition blames him for an economic crisis that has caused food shortages Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelans line up to get the 'Fatherland's Card' at Bolivar Square in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela The mother of Venezuelan Rebecca Leon, who scavenges for food in the streets of Caracas, feeds her grandson at their house in Petare shantytown. Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelan Rebecca Leon, who scavenges for food in the streets of Caracas, with her two-year-old son at her house in Petare shantytown Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Members of a pro-government community organisation work in an expropriated bakery in Caracas. Supported by popular militiamen, Venezuelan government inspectors oversee bakeries as bread comes out of the oven, to undermine an alleged plot to induce scarcity of this staple food Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Forensic police stand next to the body of a man outside a supermarket, where he died of a heart attack after waiting in a long line to buy food, in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelan opposition activists take part in a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro at the Francisco Fajardo highway in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela National guard throws a tear gas canister during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporter shouts at a police officer during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters clash with national guards during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A boy wearing a t-shirt with the colours of the Venezuelan national flag, during a demonstration against President Nicolas Maduro's government at Foreign Affairs Ministery, in Buenos Aires, Argentina AP In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Protesters cover themselves from tear gas fired by the Venezuelan National Guard officers during a protest in Caracas AP In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters clash with national guards during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelan opposition activists take part in a protest -blocked by the National Guard- against the government of President Nicolas Maduro at the Francisco Fajardo highway in Caracas Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela A Venezuelan national guard reacts to the effect of pepper spray during a protest of opposition supporters against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters holding a Venezuelan flag protest against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government during a rally in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Opposition supporters protest against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government during a rally in Caracas Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuela's Supreme Court abandoned measures to seize power from the opposition-controlled legislature after the moves drew international condemnation and raised pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. The president of Venezuela's National Assembly Julio Borges dismissed the court's gesture and told reporters that nothing had changed and the coup continued Getty Images In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelans living in Peru and other protesters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, outside the Venezuela embassy in Lima, Peru Reuters In pictures: The crisis in Venezuela Venezuelans living in Peru and other protesters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, outside the Venezuela embassy in Lima, Peru Reuters "We estimate the difference between the actual participation and the one announced by authorities is at least one million votes. "It is important to point out that this would not have occurred if the auditors of all political parties had been present at the different stages of the election." Mr Mugica also dismissed questions about past concerns around the company's links with the Venezuelan regime, telling reporters: "We're presenting factual data and anyone that wants to check this factual data should try to do so. "We have never had links with absolutely any government around the world. "However, it is common that losing parties in different countries where we operate tend to say that we have links to the winning parties. "It's just part of working in the elections field." Smartmatic provided around 24,000 machines for Venezuelans to cast their ballot electronically, and then sent a results report to the country's National Tabulation Centre. At the centre, the authorities then ignored the company's results report and announced altered figures in its place as there were no opposition parties present to access the information and ensure the correct outcome was communicated to the public, Mr Mugica said. He said the company's system has a total turnout figure but that it would need to be verified by an audit, which Smartmatic would carry out if it were asked. Asked why Smartmatic spoke to the media before Mr Maduro's regime, he said: "I guess we probably thought that the authorities would not be sympathetic to what we had to say." PA For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Archaeologists working in the grounds of Cambodias Angkor Wat complex have unearthed a two-metre-tall statue thought to date back to the 12th century. The sandstone figure is believed to resemble a guard, which would once have towered over the entrance to an ancient hospital. While it is a popular tourist attraction today, the ancient grounds have been looted prolifically, making new discoveries rare. Engravings depicting clothing from the period are still visible on the 800-year-old statue which is largely intact, although its arms and legs are missing. Found 40cm beneath the surface, archaeologists made the significant discovery on only their second day of excavations. They were searching for artefacts on the site of an ancient hospital built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who once presided over the Khmer Empire in present day Siem Reap. The king, a devoted Buddhist who reigned from 1181 to about 1220, had a reputation for social projects. 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 Archaeologists are now searching for the Medicine Buddha, a prized statue thought to have been placed in one of four hospitals built in the area. Historian Rethy Chhem told The Cambodia Daily that none of the hospitals had been properly excavated. We would hit gold if we found the statue of the Buddha, he said. Academy Award winner Louis Gosset Jr is known for his television series role as former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat The renowned American film and television actor Louis Gosset Jr was announced the guest of the Sharm El-Sheikh Asian and African Film Festival for Arts and Tourism in its first edition, which opens 14 September. Gossett is best known in Egypt for his role as former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in the 1983 American mini series titled Sadat. The performance earned him an Emmy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award. His acting career spans five decades, appearing in over 150 works in television and cinema. The 1982 film, An Officer and a Gentleman, earned him an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He won 14 other awards, and was nominated for 22 others. Some of his best known film roles include Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the film An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), his role as Fiddler in the mini series Roots (1977), and The Punisher (1989). In television, in addition to acting, he directed a film in 1999 titled Love Songs, and an episode of The Powers of Matthew Stars series, and was the executive producer of over 10 other works. The festival is headed by renowned Egyptian actress Soheir El-Morshedy and is organised by the the Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organisation (AAPSO) headed by Helmy El-Hadidiy. According to a report in Al-Ahram Arabic, El-Hadidy noted Gossett as an early speaker against racism in American cinema. Reportedly the actor has sent a video to the festival in which he expressed his excitement to participate in the festival, wearing a shirt with the words No to Racism written on it. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A majority Muslim group in China have been banned from using its language in schools. The Uighur population in the restive western Xinjiang province, are ethnically distinct from Chinas majority Han population. Recent years have seen bloody clashes in the region, which the Chinese government blames on Islamist militants and separatists. But rights groups say the unrest is more a reaction to repressive policies, and argue that the new measures may end up pushing some Uighurs into extremism. Although the Chinese government recognises 56 different ethnic minorities including Uighurs in the country, they have tried to crack down on expressions of individuality to create a homogenous society under Communism. In late June, the Education Department in Hotan province (Hetian in Chinese) issued an a five-point directive which forbade teaching in the Uighur language in schools. Schools must insist on fully popularising the national common language and writing system according to law, and add the education of ethnic language under the bilingual education basic principle, Radio Free Asia reported. It said schools must ban the use of Uighur language in collective activities, public activities and management work of the education system and resolutely correct the flawed method of providing Uighur language training to Chinese language teachers. When children go back to school in the Autumn, it said that Mandarin must be resolutely and fully implemented for the three years of preschool, and then promoted from the first years of elementary and middle school in order to realise the full coverage of the common language and writing system education. 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 It warned that any school which plays politics and refuses to implement the edict will be accused of being two-faced and shall be severely punished. The national government in Beijing says it is attempting to introduce a bilingual system in the regions schools to facilitate the dual use of both Mandarin and Uighur, but in practice schools in the region are being forced to be monolingual. Ilshat Hassan, the president of the US-based Uighur American Association, said the regional government was breaking Chinas own laws on the respect of ethnic minorities. Under Articles 10 and 37 of the Chinese constitution, ethnic minorities have a right to preserve their own languages and traditions and students are supposed to be able where possible [to] use textbooks in their own languages and use these languages as a media of instruction. Mr Hassan said the new policy is designed to eradicate one of the most ancient Turkic languages in the world. He said: By enforcing this new policy at the preschool level, the Chinese government intends to kill the Uighur language at the cradle. It is nothing short of cultural genocide. The international community must not allow China to destroy our beautiful language and culture, which has thrived for several millennia. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Three British men have gone on trial in Singapore for allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman while visiting the country for a stag party. The men are accused of taking turns to rape the woman in a hotel room after partying at a dance music festival on 10 September last year, according to The Straits Times. Khong Tam Thanh, 22, Le Michael, 24, and Vu Thai Son, 24, face a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and a whipping if found guilty. The Singapore High Court heard how the friends met the Malaysian woman in Zouk nightclub and she agreed to go back to the hotel with one of the groups friends, another British man called Richard Ahn, at around 2.30am. The pair had consensual sex, the court heard, but some hours later Ahn allegedly allowed Khong to enter the room, where he is accused of raping the woman as she lay unconscious. Deputy Public Prosecutor G. Kannan said Vu entered the room like clockwork after Khong left and also raped the woman. 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 Le then came into the room within the minute of Vu leaving, Mr Kannan told the court. Ahn was also facing investigation by police but he left the country illegally before investigations were completed, according to local media. Rape is punishable by up to 20 years prison time in Singapore, and perpetrators can also face corporal punishment such as whipping or caning. The trial continues. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} One of Syrias leading pro-free speech and democracy activists has been confirmed as secretly executed in a regime prison almost two years ago, his widow has said. Palestinian-Syrian Bassel Khartabil Safadi, who was lauded internationally for insisting, against all odds, on a peaceful Syrian revolution, was detained by the Syrian government in 2012, a year after Arab Spring protests first broke out. He was allowed sporadic contact with his family before disappearing from records at Damascus Adra prison in October 2015. His wife Noura Ghazi Safadi - who continued to campaign for his release - said in a Facebook post late on Tuesday she had received confirmation her husband had been executed shortly after she lost contact with him. Syrian couple married for 65 years still have each other despite losing everything in countrys war Words are difficult to come by while I am about to announce, on behalf of Bassel's family and mine, the confirmation of the death sentence and execution of my husband, she wrote. He was executed just days after he was taken from Adra prison in October 2015. This is the end that suits a hero like him. This is a loss for Syria. This is loss for Palestine. This is my loss. Mr Safadi, born to a Syrian mother and Palestinian father, was 34 at the time of his death. The advocate for freedom of speech, information and access to the internet was mourned by rights activists both inside Syria and internationally after news of his death broke. We are deeply saddened and outraged at this awful news," said Anna Neitstat, Amnesty International's Senior Director of Research. Before the civil war erupted, Mr Safadi worked tirelessly to open up Syria - where censorship is rife - to internet access, bringing together engineers and democracy campaigners through his Aiki Lab project, and working on open software projects with Wikipedia and Creative Commons. After the revolution began his work became even more important, giving demonstrators and activists the tools to communicate and broadcast news through social media. Mr Safadi is "credited with opening up the internet in Syria and vastly extending online access and knowledge to the Syrian people," a 2014 European Parliament report found. Foreign Policy magazine named him one of its Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2012, and the Index on Censorship awarded him the 2013 Digital Freedom Award. Before his death he created the New Palmyra Project, which he worked on from prison. It uses open source information to digitally recreate the ancient city of Palmyra, which was seized and partly destroyed by Isis in 2015. After his disappearance, the MIT Media Lab offered him a research scientist position. In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: Children play underground in Syria In pictures: Children play underground in Syria A child plays in the ball pit at the 'Land of Childhood,' an underground playground in a besieged town in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Abdulaziz, 10, plays in the 'Land of Childhood' underground playground in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Boys look through a show window inside the tunnel that provides a safe passage for children between the two basements that form the 'Land of Childhood' in a besieged town in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Children play at the underground 'Land of Childhood' in a besieged town in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Two girls play at the 'Land of Childhood' underground playground in a besieged town in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Children on the ride on a ferris wheel at the 'Land of Childhood', an underground playground in a besieged town in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Seven-year-old Massa at the "Land of Childhood" underground playground in a besieged town in Syria Unicef In pictures: Children play underground in Syria Children wait in line to buy sweets at the 'Land of Childhood,' an underground playground in a besieged town in Syria Unicef Human rights organisations have consistently deemed Mr Safadi a prisoner of conscience, campaigning for his release as well as access to legal representation and his family. Around the world, activists and advocates seek the sharing of culture, and open knowledge the global commons of art, history, and knowledge, are stronger because of Bassels contributions, and our community is better because of his work and his friendship. His death is a terrible reminder of what many individuals and families risk in order to make a better society, a statement from Creative Commons said. More than 400,000 people have been killed in Syrias complex civil war to date, the UN says. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, 65,000 of those have disappeared in the regimes notorious prisons. The tens of thousands of people currently locked away inside Syrian government detention facilities face torture, ill-treatment and extrajudicial executions. These cruel acts undoubtedly amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity," Ms Neitstat of Amnesty continued. We urge the Russian government to use its influence on the Syrian authorities to help end this madness. It must allow for independent monitors inside detention sites across Syria and for an investigation to be conducted. Thousands of lives are on the line. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A young Briton who died fighting alongside Kurdish forces in Syria killed himself to avoid falling hostage to Islamic State militants, an inquest heard. 20-year-old Ryan Lock, from Chichester, West Sussex, died last December fighting with the Peoples Defence Units (YPG) in the northern city of Raqqa, considered to be Isis de facto capital. Former chef Mr Lock, who had no previous military experience, joined the Kurdish militia after telling his family he was going backpacking to Turkey in August last year. An inquest in Portsmouth, Hampshire, heard that after being surrounded by Isis fighters, he turned his gun on himself to avoid being captured and suffering a frightening and painful death. In the months before he died, Mr Lock had kept in touch with his family via Facebook Messenger, sending them pictures and updates on his military training. But after losing contact with him last December, Mr Locks father Jon Plater found images online of his son with an Isis fighter standing over his body, and his death was later confirmed, the inquest heard. YPG general command member Mihyedin Xirki said Mr Lock, who used the nom de guerre Berxwedan Givara, was a martyr who died putting up a brave fight. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Syria, saying the situation remains extremely volatile and dangerous. Four Britons are believed to have died fighting Isis with the Kurds in Syria. The latest was 22-year-old Luke Rutter, from Birkenhead, who died in Raqqa on July 5. In a final video message, he apologised for lying to his loved ones about going to fight. In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research Dean Evans, 22, a dairy farmer from Reading, died in the city of Manbij in July last year, and ex-Royal Marine Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, 25, from Barnsley, died in the northern village of Tel Khuzela in March 2015. Press Association For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are on the verge of seizing full control of the southern neighborhoods of Isis-held Raqqa, a Kurdish official said on Tuesday. The US-led coalition said SDF fighters advancing from the east were within 300 metres (330 yards) of meeting up with those advancing from the west. The SDF was making consistent gains every day, the coalition spokesperson said. On Monday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said there were critical shortages of medical supplies in Raqqa, where it estimated up to 50,000 civilians remained. Separately, Medecins Sans Frontieres said many sick and wounded people were trapped. US backed fighters make progress in driving Isis out of Raqqa The SDF launched its US-backed campaign to seize Raqqa in early June. The assault on Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria overlapped with the campaign to drive Isis from the Iraqi city of Mosul, where Isis was defeated last month. The Kurdish official told Reuters SDF fighters advancing from the east and the west remain separated by a few streets where fighting continued. Full control of the southern districts would sever Isis's last remaining path to the Euphrates River which is to the south of the city. There is a fierce resistance from Daesh, so we can't determine when exactly we'll take (full control), said the official, referring to Isis. Around 90 per cent of the southern neighborhoods are liberated, the official added. The spokesperson for the US-led coalition said SDF fighters had also captured around 10 square km (four sq miles) of territory from Isis north of Raqqa in the last two days. In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Show all 30 1 /30 In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian family arrives at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian woman, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, reacts as she stands with her children in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past resident fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood , after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past residents fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-regime fighter speaks with a child, as residents flee violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood. Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops AFP/Getty Images In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Smoke rises as seen from a governement-held area of Aleppo, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers targeting rebels-held areas in the eastern neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria. According to media reports, the army is now holding on 99 percent of Aleppois eastern neighborhoods EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-government forces patrol Aleppo's eastern al-Salihin neighbourhood after troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers rest following the battle at al-Sheik Saeed neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-government fighter walking past closed shops in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City. Once renowned for its bustling souks, grand citadel and historic gates, Aleppo's Old City has been rendered virtually unrecognisable by some of the worst violence of Syria's war Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The crucial battle for Aleppo entered its 'final phase' after Syrian rebels retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The retreat leaves opposition fighters confined to just a handful of neighbourhoods in southeast Aleppo, the largest of them Sukkari and Mashhad Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilans arrive at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods. Syria's government has retaken at least 85 percent of east Aleppo, which fell to rebels in 2012, since beginning its operation Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilians flee the Sukkari neighbourhood towards safer rebel-held areas in southeastern Aleppo Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since Syria's conflict began in 2011, and leave the government in control of the country's five major cities Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee Aliya inside the tent where she lives with her husband and ten children in a camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee women and children outside the entrance to their tents in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee woman outside the entrance to the tent where her family live, in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A vehicle drives past a mosque at night in Idlib, Syria. Picture taken with a long exposure Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The night sky is seen through damaged windows in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province, Syria Reuters We've seen a less coherent Isis defense in Raqqa compared to Mosul. Isis is still using car bombs, booby traps, and civilians to hide behind, but their inability to address the multiple advances from the SDF is apparent, coalition spokesman Colonel Ryan Dillon said in response to emailed questions from Reuters. In an appeal for $20 million (15m) to respond to the crisis in northeastern Syria, the World Health Organisation on Monday described the situation in Raqqa as particularly worrying. Raqqa's main hospital and many other health care facilities have closed due to airstrikes, it said. The facilities that are still functioning face critical shortages of medicines, supplies and equipment. Water and electricity are available only intermittently, it said, adding that civilians were unable to move freely due to travel and security restrictions imposed by Isis. Medecins Sans Frontieres relayed patient reports of large numbers of sick and wounded people trapped inside Raqqa with little or no access to medical care and scant chance of escaping the city. Last week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the SDF has captured half of Raqqa. The SDF is dominated by the Kurdish YPG militia, and is the main partner for the US-led coalition against Isis in Syria. Isis has lost large expanses of territory in Syria over the last year to separate campaigns waged by the SDF, the Russian-backed Syrian military, and Turkey-backed Syrian rebels. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Russian embassy in Syrian capital Damascus has been hit by mortar shells during an at tack, Moscow says. The Russian Foreign Ministry said two shells hit the building and another two landed close to its perimeter. No one is believed to have been injured in the attack. Moscow officials called the incident "a terrorist attack" and said it had been carried out from "positions of terrorist gangs". Russia has been a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has provided him with military support in the war against rebel groups. "We confirm that Russia's consistent and principled policy of uncompromising fight against terrorists in Syria will be continued," the ministry said. More follows For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced it plans to turn a huge part of its pristine Red Sea coastline into a semi-autonomous luxury beach resort. The 50 islands and 180km (110 miles) stretch of coastline - amounting to an area the size of Belgium - will be developed to home luxury hotels and other necessary infrastructure which will exist under laws on par with international standards in an effort to draw tourists to the country, the government said Tuesday. The plans are part ofVision 2030, Saudi Arabias long-term blueprint for weaning itself off its reliance on oil revenue. It involves investments to the tune of $20m (15.6m) including a shot in the arm for the kingdoms nascent tourism industry. Trump 'de-emphasises human rights' in Saudi Arabia speech: "We are not here to lecture" While 18 million people visited Saudi Arabia from abroad in 2016, almost all foreigners came on pilgrimage to Mecca, rather than to spend time and money soaking up the countrys other sights. Although the Kingdom is home to many archaeological sites, pristine beaches and excellent diving, it is not a holiday destination like Egypts Red Sea resorts or the city of Petra in Jordan. It currently does not offer tourist visas, making visiting difficult. Conservative social rules, a lack of alcohol and restrictive dress codes coupled with blazing desert heat arent the usual ingredients Western holidaymakers look for. Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel Show all 4 1 /4 Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel 20597.bin HASSAN AMMAR/AFP/Getty Images Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel 20596.bin HASSAN AMMAR/AFP/Getty Images Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel 20598.bin HASSAN AMMAR/AFP/Getty Images Saudi Arabia opens its first women-only hotel 20601.bin HASSAN AMMAR/AFP/Getty Images Forms of recreation such as theatre and cinemas are banned, and despite tentative efforts at reform, Saudi Arabia is still widely criticised for its institutionalised discrimination against women. It is not clear whether western women - or local women - will be allowed to don bikinis or other clothing which does not fit the kingdom's strict dress codes while visiting the resorts, or travel without the presence of a male guardian. The Kingdoms authorities say the new tourist zone will not necessarily be subject to the laws in place in the rest of the country, although there are no details on how the semi-autonomous area will function yet. The government is working on introducing tourist visas to make it easier for foreigners to visit. It is hoped one million people a year - a combined domestic and international total - will stay at the new Red Sea destinations by 2035. Construction at the Red Sea site will begin in autumn 2019 and be completed by the end of 2022, state news agency SPA said. The Kingdoms Public Investment Fund will provide the initial funding before international bodies are invited to invest. Up to 35,000 jobs will be created by the project, which is eventually projected to generate 15 billion riyals (3bn) a year. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Why go now? The launch of Bmis twice-daily flights from London Stansted to Derry in May makes a weekend in Northern Ireland's second-largest city an easy jaunt. Especially given the flight is barely an hour long. The once-divided city is now flourishing, with the redeveloped waterfront and Guildhall area capitalising on the riverside setting and new hotels, restaurants and museums springing up on either side. Much of the makeover was in preparation of the citys year as UK City of Culture 2013 and, capitalising on this, Derry has just launched a joint bit with Belfast for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2023. While the city is more usually known colloquially as Derry, Londonderry is also commonly used and remains the legal name. Get your bearings Diminutive Derry straddles the winding River Foyle, its historic Walled City (1) on the west bank now symbolically connected to the east by the softly S-shaped Peace Bridge (2). Built in 2011 ahead of the citys stint as UK City of Culture, its a symbolic and practical way to link historically divided communities. Theres much to see on either side, with the previously no-go area of Ebrington (3), the former British Army barracks: now a peaceful square home to cultural events and exhibitions. Dropping down below the city walls to the north, the Catholic Bogside area beckons with its famous slogan You are Now Entering Free Derry loud and proud at Free Derry Corner (4) on Rossville Street. There are compelling tours of the 12 murals that decorate the gable ends of houses given by those who lived through the events they depict and the newly opened Museum of Free Derry (5) that chronicles its history. At the start of Foyle Street, the Visit Derry Tourist Information Centre (6) (028 7126 7284; visitderry.com) is open from Monday to Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. Day one Take a hike A good way to understand Derrys complicated history, while getting your bearings, is to begin with a tour of the old city walls (1). Local guides such as Garvin Kerr of Derry City Tours (028 7127 1996; derrycitytours.com) regale tourists with lively, historical details bringing the well-maintained ramparts to life. A good starting point is the southern stretch of the wall at Bishops Gate, with access from Bishop Street Within (7), across the road from St Columbs Cathedral (8). The south-west corner is home to Roaring Meg (9), the most famous of the cannons used during the Siege of Derry. Then you come to the section called Grand Parade, which allows you to take in the small but important Bogside area just below, with its emotive gable-end murals recreating defining moments such as the Battle of the Bogside in 1969. Visitors can learn more about Derry's history on a city walls tour (iStock) Lunch on the run Well-placed in the Craft Village (10), a reconstruction of a Victorian courtyard with local ceramic and tourist shops, Harrys Derry (11) (028 7137 1635) is probably the best lunch stop in town. It opened this year with a wholesome menu brimming with local dishes such as Mulroy Bay mussels cooked in Northbound 26 ale and barley (6) and Greencastle plaice with persillade, cockles, bacon, capers and parsley root puree (12). Open Tuesday from 5.30-9pm and Wednesday until Saturday from 12.30-3pm then 5-9.30pm; closed Sunday. Window shopping Selling everything from local crafts, such as hand painted chairs and framed art, to locally produced artisan foods, Above and Beyond the Warehouse (12) (028 7137 4377; facebook.com/aboveandbeyondthewarehouse) is housed in a listed building beside the restored neogothic Guildhall (13), as famous for its magnificent stained glass windows as for the Sunday Bloody Sunday inquiry. While you browse, look out of the windows to see the historical five trading continent figureheads. Open Monday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm. Craft Village is a reconstruction of a Victorian courtyard (iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) An aperitif Early evening is a mellow time to stroll along the waterfront and across the Peace Bridge (2) to Ebrington Square (3) where the hulking British Army barracks have been transformed. Here the Walled City Brewery (14) (028 7134 3336; walledcitybrewery.com) overlooks the former parade ground, now a public square overlooking the city and river. If anywhere symbolises the citys rebirth its this multipurpose space, with a hotel and whiskey distillery due to open in 2018. Dine with the locals Bonds Hill (15) is home to Browns Restaurant (16) (028 7134 5180; brownsrestaurant.com), the first in the large culinary empire of former River Cafe alumni Ian Orr. Its a popular spot so youll need to book, but worth it; the menu includes delicately turf-smoked beef with wild mushrooms and egg yolk, and seared scallops with smoked caviar, cauliflower and baby leek. Needless to say, its all local and seasonal, with vegetarian and vegan-tasting menus also available. Six courses from 40 and three courses from 22.95. Open daily except Monday. Derry's Peace Bridge connects the east and west of the city (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Day two Out to brunch It will be worth turning brunch into lunch at Brickwork (17) (02871 372888; brickworkderry.com). Set within the Walled City (1), on the corner of Castle Street and Magazine Street, this urban-industrial restaurant has a menu that mixes fusion dishes with street food to great success. The dragon chicken wings served with blue cheese aioli, meaty barbecue back ribs and crispy kimchi chicken are all recommended. Two courses for 15. A walk in the park Head to St Columbs Park (18), a rambling expanse of greenery just above Ebrington (3), topped by the Foyle Arena (19). The grounds contain the ruins of a small church and the larger St Columbs Park House (20), an 18th century manor house with a cafe as well as conference and residential accommodation. The Guildhall is a restored neogothic building (iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Take a ride Stay in the park and head to the main house to meet Lorcan and team for a new, guided Boom Board tour on a Hawaiian long board (07775 911198; farandwild.org). First comes a lesson, before you find your way over the Peace Bridge (2) towards the marina, then back past the Guildhall (13) returning over the bridge to the Walled City Brewery (14) for a tasting. Cultural afternoon The Museum of Free Derry (5) (028 71 360 880; museumoffreederry.org) re-opened in February at Glenfada Park in the heart of the Bogside area, after a 2.4 million redevelopment project. A short downward walk from the city centre, the museums main focus is the infamous Bloody Sunday when 14 civil rights protestors were shot dead by the British Army on 30 January 1972. The stories of the civil rights era, the Battle of the Bogside and other events are chronicled through photographs, newspaper reports, film clips, interactive displays and the accounts of first-hand witnesses (many of the staff lost loved ones during The Troubles). Open daily, Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm; Saturday, 1-4pm (April to September); Sunday 1-4pm (July to September). Entry costs 4. Bogside has murals depicting the area's violent history (Getty Images) Travel essentials Getting there Bmi regional (0330 333 7998; flybmi.com) flies twice daily from London Stansted to the City of Derry Airport (21), except Saturdays when there is just one daily flight. From 44 one-way. Seven miles from the city centre, a taxi from here costs 12; the hourly bus costs 3.50 one-way. Staying there Once a gentlemans club, the Bishops Gate Hotel (22) (028 71 140 300; bishopsgatehotelderry.com) is a listed Edwardian building, which recently re-opened in the Cathedral Quarter. Leaded, stained glass windows and sweeping staircases keep things grand and traditional while the 30 modern rooms are boutique sleek. Hearty breakfasts in the all-day Wig & Gown restaurant include big bowls of porridge with banana and a generous slug of Irish whiskey. Doubles from 129, B&B. Ensconced in 32 acres of woodland and lakes, Beech Hill Country House Hotel (23) (028 7134 9279; beech-hill.com) is a gleaming cream-painted Georgian pile barely two miles from the walled city centre. Used as a US Marine base during WWII, a related exhibition and archive is now available within the hotel, and outside, 6km of woodland trails reveal the remains of the camp. Doubles from 95, B&B. Set within the city walls, the modern, unfussy Maldron Hotel (24) (028 7137 1000; maldronhotelderry.com) has pared back rooms with splashes of bright yellow and views of the River Foyle. There are two restaurants and the gym is free for guests. Doubles from 99, B&B. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} In the busiest-ever summer for holidays abroad, Britains pilots are warning that they are being pushed to the limit. The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) says demanding schedules, lax controls of pilots hours of duty and a failure to recruit adequate numbers of pilots comprise a potential threat to passenger safety. BALPAs General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said: Pilots are working incredibly hard to ensure passengers get to their destinations without delays or cancellations. Pilots want their companies to be successful and profitable and are putting in the hard work to keep up with summer demand. But no one wants pilots at the controls when they are tired. Thats why we are campaigning across the aviation industry to make sure the pilot duty time rules are properly adhered to so that pilots get the rest they need. The association says increasing numbers of pilots have gone on long-term sick leave as a result of fatigue and burnout caused by inadequate rest and unworkable patterns of duty. BALPA is believed to be particularly concerned about two categories of duty. The first are out-and-back trips to destinations in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea, such as Egypt, Turkey and Cyprus, where the time between leaving and returning to the UK airport often exceeds 10 hours. The other concern is multiple flights in complex and crowded airspace, particularly over southern England and France. Some crews may fly between a UK airport and a Mediterranean airport and back, then be expected to add a round-trip to a nearby destination. Recommended Aviation bursting at seams in busiest summer for airports and airlines Shift patterns for some budget airlines require pilots to complete five flights, with a night-stop in a foreign destination. The Civil Aviation Authority says airlines must ensure that crew members are adequately rested at the beginning of each flying duty period, and whilst flying be sufficiently free from fatigue so that they can operate to a satisfactory level of efficiency and safety in all normal and abnormal situations. A complex set of rules governs pilots flight-time limitations, which take into account factors including early starts and late finishes, time zones crossed and the cumulative effects of working long hours interspersed with minimum rest. Pilots are given discretion to extend their duties within certain parameters. The CAA says: It is recognised that on occasion a planned flight will experience unforeseen delays. Under these conditions, the aircraft commander may, within prescribed conditions, extend an FDP [flying duty period]. Some pilots have complained that airline managers, concerned about the potential of compensation claims under EU legislation, are applying undue pressure to exercise discretion to save the carrier money. With pressure on airspace heavier than ever, many flights are being delayed on the ground or flying longer-than-usual tracks to avoid congestion, which is extending flight crews hours. Tim Jeans, former managing director of Monarch, said: Airspace in the south of England is essentially full. The other day a Newcastle-Las Palmas flight was routed via Scottish and Irish airspace presumably because sectors in the south of England were full. A straightforward four-hour sector that follows a sub-optimal track can extend to five or more hours. The CAA warns it will conduct spot checks on airlines records and captains reports to determine if the planning of flight schedules and duty is compatible with the limitations provided for in the operators scheme. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Every week, Jack Sheldon from Jacks Flight Club selects a flight deal from the UK for Independent readers that you cant afford to miss. This week: the Caribbean at the end of August from 258. There are multiple fantastic fares on late-summer direct flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica with Thomson Airways you can bag a return for around 300. These fares are only available for a limited set of dates, but if you can fit them into your schedule, it's a convenient and cheap way to get to some exotic destinations without the hassle of multiple stopovers en route. Flight are available from London, Manchester, and Birmingham. How to Book The best way to book is by going direct to the Thomson website and pressing the flights tab. Then choose your departure airport and choice of destination (use the options below). When setting the departure dates, Thomson's calendar tool will tell you the dates each route is available - the best fares seem to leave at the very end of August and return in early to mid-September. For example, you can book London to St Lucia for 298 return from 31 August 31 to 14 September. Heres a full list of options: Return from London Gatwick to St Lucia: 298 Return from London Gatwick to Liberia, Costa Rica: 339 Return from London Gatwick to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: 304 Return from Manchester to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: 348 Return from Birmingham to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: 323 Return from London Gatwick to Varadero, Cuba: 299 Return from London Gatwick to Cancun, Mexico: 299 Return from Manchester to Cancun, Mexico: 318 Thomson have some great-value fares to long haul destinations (Thomson) When to fly Fly out in late August and return in early to mid-September 2017. When to book Get in there quick most of these fares should last only a few more days. Pro tips Thomson does have restrictions on luggage, with only a single carry-on bag allowed per person. I recommend either packing light these are beach holidays after all!) or splitting a checked bag with your partner or travel buddy to save on costs. Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawki Allam has denounced the terrorist attack on a Shia mosque in Herat, Afghanistan, on Tuesday which killed 30 worshippers and injured dozens. In a statement on Wednesday, the senior Sunni cleric warned the people of Afghanistan against falling into the trap of sectarian strife from these attacks, which terrorist and extremist groups commit to divert attention from the battle against them. Allam expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Afghanistan. The blast, which struck the Jawadia mosque in Herat, coincided with evening prayers. Officials believe there were here were at least two attackers - one a suicide bomber, and another who shot at worshippers with a firearm. Search Keywords: Short link: Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Im sitting in a craft beer microbrewery-slash-bar-slash-warehouse. You know the scene stainless steel bar, exposed light fittings, trendily grungy brickwork visible in painstaking patches on the otherwise white walls. Industrial chic, I believe they call it. A splash of colour comes in the form of some street art-like graffiti; the waiters all sport achingly cool facial hair and tattoos. I sip my tasting porter, made even more unbearable by the notes of coffee and black liquorice, and feel a deep sadness that has nothing to do with the unsatisfactory drink in my hand. Recommended The hideous new travel trend on social media is flashing your bum It would be alright if I was in Brooklyn or Portland although even in those seemingly more appropriate zip codes there might be questions about whether local businesses had been driven out by the ceaseless onslaught of gentrification but Im not. Im in Vietnam; and I cant help but notice how, thanks to the hipster culture that has swept relentlessly from West to East, everywhere I go feels the same these days. Step outside, and the reams of mopeds and sweltering night air give away the fact Im in Ho Chi Minh City rather than New York City. But skip around the corner, into the French-themed all-day brunch place that serves smashed avocado on toast and features a carefully curated boutique shop-cum-gallery downstairs, and Id be rudderless again, lost in a sea of characterless trendy. Globalisation used to be synonymous with big chains making everywhere feel homogenous, killing off the local flavour of a neighbourhood store by store. A McDonalds in the Vatican. A Starbucks in a Japanese ski resort. A Dominos Pizza in Milan. But now the opposite creates identikit cities. The businesses in question may be staunchly independent, yet they all look and feel the same: hip, quirky and very, very Western. Thats the main problem. These off-beat brands are often the brainchildren of loveably enthusiastic foreigners, who cant wait to introduce the joys of artisan coffee/bespoke distilled spirits/an underground speakeasy with a password (delete as appropriate) to whatever new town theyve decided to call home. The idea is fine in principle, but there never seems to be any effort to imbue the local culture into these enterprises; to create a harmonious fusion of East and West; to, heck, let the whole concept be inspired and shaped by the place where it is set. I am part of the problem, of course. Tourists like me love finding that hidden gem of a local street-art walking tour or the so hipster-it-hurts vegan cafe, and consequently these places spring up and thrive, outshining the traditional shops and restaurants with their pleasing familiarity and flattering fallacy that we have become that little bit cooler just by stepping inside. I, too, fell for their charms at first. But now, when I look down at the exquisite coffee art on the top of my latte, or the perfectly crafted cocktail in front of me served in what else? a mason jar, all I feel is empty inside. Because whats the point in travelling half-way around the world for the exact same experience youd get at home? Back at the craft beer microbrewery-slash-bar-slash-warehouse, I down my porter, feeling vaguely sickened by its hipness and the way it seems to epitomise the stifling of one culture for the glorification of another. Hipster-isation: it might seem innocuous but its taking over the world, one craft beer at a time. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A teenage boy opened an emergency door after his plane landed, slid down the wing and jumped on to the tarmac at San Francisco before shocked passengers could do anything to stop him, witnesses said. The 17-year-old, a US citizen, removed the door minutes after the Copa Airlines flight arrived from Central America, San Francisco Airport spokesman Doug Yakel said. An airport construction crew working nearby confronted the boy and held him until police arrived and arrested him. The teenager, who appeared to be in emotional distress during the flight, was not injured, Mr Yakel said. Witnesses said the boy seemed fidgety and anxious throughout the seven-hour flight from Panama City, Panama, and that by the time passengers realised the door had been opened, he was already on the ground, running. Sophia Gibson, of San Jose, California, said people sitting next to him were shocked when he jumped out of the plane and on to the wing. "It was as if he was like flying out, like it was really fast," Ms Gibson told San Jose television station KNTV. Woman arrested on South West Airlines flight for trying to open the door Copa Airlines said in a statement that over-wing emergency exits are designed to be opened by passengers after the plane reaches a lower altitude to allow for an evacuation in case of an emergency, but it is a federal law violation to open them without having been instructed to do so by the crew. Matt Crowder, of Atherton, California, said people sitting near the exit row stood up when the boy jumped out and started to shout. "They were yelling 'Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The door's open. Someone jumped off'," Mr Crowder told the television station. "It was pretty crazy." The Panama-based airline said in a brief statement that the plane then taxied to the gate, where all the other passengers disembarked Copa Airlines Flight 208 without incident. Passenger Isaac Rodrigues said a flight attendant used her body to block the gap where the door had been until the plane was at the gate. "They put one of the stewardesses to block it so no-one would fall out of there or leave," he said. "We were on the runway for about an hour." No runways or other flights were affected, airport spokesman Mr Yakel said. AP Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A 26-year-old British woman and her 23-year-old Australian boyfriend have set off to travel the world after spending 500 revamping an ex-postal van. Kate Quinn and Benny Leyland began their journey in Dover and have since passed through France and Spain twice, Morocco, Portugal and Mallorca. They are currently roaming the streets of Amsterdam. The couple have been documenting their travels via Instagram, where the bio reads "Never lost if you don't know where you're going." Their journey-of-a-lifetime began when Quinn joined Leyland on a work trip and they jokingly remarked that they could travel the world in a van, after spending five hours in one together. Inspired by deep dives into Pinterests endless travel boards, the pair set off in their red van - named Pat - which the savvy DIY duo kitted out with materials theyd bought on Ebay. "Overall, living in the van is amazing, it opens up a whole world of possibilities that aren't accessible with other forms of travel, Quinn told Lad Bible, explaining that this mobile way of travelling has enabled them to camp in off-the-beaten-track areas such as secluded beaches in Northern Spain. She explained that both her and her boyfriend have fully embraced the stripped-back simplicities of downsized living, praising the ease at which they're able to pull over at any point to take a nap or go surfing. Recommended All the annoying things Venice just banned tourists from doing "The best thing about this is the freedom, she continued. Picking somewhere on a map and driving there with no real idea what it will be like is incredibly exciting. Thats not to say things have been totally peachy along the way. When they arrived in Portugal their vans starter motor broke and their laptops were stolen. However, such hiccups haven't deterred the wanderlust duo, who plan to visit Belgium next and eventually travel round Asia once theyve saved up enough money. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} We know Donald Trump has a bit of a military fetish. He has twice boarded Americas newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, promising to splurge on new hardware for his fighting forces. The first time, in March, he played fancy dress in a Naval green bomber jacket, enraging veterans who recalled his five deferments as a young man to dodge the Vietnam draft. Its a chest-beating thing. Power and powerful people get his attention. Power, in his mind, comes in two forms. Either you have money or you have stars on your epaulettes. He promised to put America first and resist the urge to plunge the country into foreign adventures. But he dropped that MOAB bomb on Isis targets in Afghanistan and fired cruise missiles into Syria. When it comes to battle, we don't want a fair fight, he blasted upon returning to the Ford for its commissioning ceremony last month. We want just the opposite. We demand victory, and we will have total victory, believe me. No restraint there. Sounds more like boys with toys to me. No recent president has been so enamored with retired generals with the possible exception of Dwight Eisenhower (on account of having been one himself). Michael Flynn batted for him on the campaign trail and was rewarded with the job of National Security Advisor. When his number came up in February following revelations of previously undisclosed meetings with important Russians, he was replaced by H.R. McMaster. I bet even the name sounded good to Trump. Instead of a civilians, Trump picked James Mattis, ex-commander of the US Central Command, for Defence Secretary, and John Kelly, a former Marine Corps General, to lead Homeland Security. Now Kelly has been drafted in to bring an entirely errant West Wing back to heel. Kelly as Chief of Staff has struck nearly everyone as a good thing. He forced the resignation of Anthony Scaramucci as communications boss, triggering peals of bells and general hilarity across the land. He is allegedly already working on Democrats on what they dont grasp about Trumps lovability. Most importantly, we are being told, he will finally impose some discipline on Trump himself. The reasoning is simple: Trump admires generals. He is in awe of them, even. But the evidence for this isnt there. Trumps treatment of both Mattis and McMaster has been exactly the opposite. He has flouted their advice, ignored them when convenient and exposed them to humiliation. Perhaps only Rex Tillerson, the Secretary of State, has more reason to run into a dark corner and mope. Or maybe he has already. Has anyone actually seen Rex lately? President Donald Trump talks with new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (AP) McMaster keeps his irritation to himself. But consider: he was blindsided when Trump stood before Nato allies in Brussels and left out the one line he had insisted must remain, about the mutual defense provisions of the Alliance treaty. His own authority is undermined each time he has to lie to the media whenever the latest West Wing flap du jour has foreign policy implications. It was he who had to deny Trump had spilled classified intel to Russian officials in the Oval Office when he plainly had. A bad day for Mattis is one that starts with a Twitter post from his boss declaring transgender Americans can no longer serve in the military. Say what? Had this come after an exhaustive review by the Pentagon? After it had been asked for input at least? It had not. Indeed, Mattis had been pushing back against the conservative Republicans on Capitol Hill who had been venting about existing policy on transgender soldiers, the ones Trump clearly meant to mollify. The marginalising of Mattis and McMaster infuriates those Republicans who believed that for all Trumps foibles and flaws he had at least assembled an impressive national security team. Like Senator John McCain, who thought that with the two generals in place foreign policy would be shielded from all the other madness. McCain, now under treatment for brain cancer, did not care for the transgender tweet. There is no reason to force service members who are able to fight, train and deploy to leave the military regardless of their gender identity, he declared. But nothing drives them battier than the mess on Afghanistan. Theyve had their disagreements on detail, but for the most part Mattis and McMaster have been on the same page urging Trump to acknowledge that the current military posture there is untenable. If the Afghan forces, helped by roughly 8,400 US troops still there, arent actually losing ground to the Taliban they certainly aren't winning any. But each time they get one Trump ear to urge him to authorise a new troop surge, so Steve Bannon, his senior advisor, gets the other one to say the opposite. On Afghanistan, McCain has lost all patience, serving notice on Monday that come the autumn he intends taking charge and plotting the way forward. More than six months after President Trump's inauguration, there still is no strategy for success in Afghanistan, he complained. I will offer an amendment based on the advice of some our best military leaders that will provide a strategy for success in achieving America's national interests in Afghanistan. Its a shocking turn and a searing indictment of Trump and therefore his entire foreign policy team, a foreign policy team that has two retired generals at its top. Maybe Kelly has something Mattis and McMaster do not, but he will need more than few fraying stars on his shoulder to pull this administration - and this president - back from its current state of chaos. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} On Tuesday, former Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, replacing Nawaz Sharif who has been disqualified by the Supreme Court over dishonesty following a probe into the Panama Papers leaks. While Abbasis comfortable win following the National Assembly vote was expected, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is interpreting it as a resounding triumph that reaffirms the partys parliamentary clout. However, despite Abbasis claims that hes no bench warmer, the partys plan is to eventually allow Shahbaz Sharif to take over as the Prime Minister, after contesting a by-election on the seat vacated by his elder brother Nawaz. 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 This would mean the younger Sharif giving up his current position as the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistans most populous province, which could be taken up by his son (and Nawazs nephew), Hamza Shahbaz Sharif. This shakeup in the centre and Punjab, expected to materialise by the end of September, would reaffirm the Sharif familys control over the federal and Punjab governments and indeed the ruling party named after them. It also inadvertently sends out a clear message to the party MNA (National Assembly members) and MPAs (Provincial Assembly members): none of them merit even a nine-month stint as the Prime Minister, or Chief Minister, ahead of next years elections. While it underscores dynastic politics throttlehold over Pakistan, the reshuffle also accentuates the PML-Ns desperation, as the ruling party faces challenges as diverse as judicial probes, military intrusion, an opposition gaining momentum, and disgruntled senior party members threatening defection. In this regard, maintaining the Sharif brand for the ruling party is as much a nepotistic disgrace as an editorial in Pakistans leading English newspaper Dawn dubbed it as its the PML-Ns version of the doctrine of necessity aimed at preventing party disintegration on the brink of the general elections. At a time when the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) still has to maintain brand Bhutto, four decades after the party founder Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos judicial execution, just so it can cling on to its depreciating vote bank, one can imagine the impact having a non-Sharif at the helm could have on the PML-N next year. This vicious circle of dynastic politics, and the popular trend to vote for names and not ideas, is also true for the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) whose chairman Imran Khan the chief orchestrator of the probe that eventually ousted Nawaz Sharif is a demagogue who has successfully wooed a heretofore untapped vote bank towards brand Khan which is synonymous with change. Khans rhetoric, which conspicuously steers clear of holding the countrys all-powerful Army leadership accountable for their many misadventures, bears an uncanny resemblance to the surge of alt-right parties in the West in its fixation with antagonism towards a misrepresentated status quo. With farcical intraparty elections underscoring the undemocratic nature of the leading political parties in Pakistan, it is ironically the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) with its long-stated ambition of formalising Sharia law that is the sole prominent ideological party devoid of individual or familial influence. Many argue that dynastic politics, which has particularly marred South Asia, isnt as high on the priority list of issues facing Pakistan, especially considering that the Armys interventionism has never allowed democracy to flourish in the country to a point where informed voters could truly understand the significance of the electoral process. That all civilian governments are incompetent in handling the challenges facing Pakistan, and in turn fertile grounds for corruption and nepotism, is a self-fulfilling prophecy that has been paving way for the Armys stranglehold over the country over the past seven decades. This is the argument that one would expect to echo from the PML-N over the next 10 months, as it relies on the victim card against the conspiracy of external factors, to continue to self-identify as democracy itself. And the nomination of Shahbaz Sharif, whose blatant confrontation with the intelligence chief last year instigated a civil-military crisis that sent two senior PML-N leaders packing, would reaffirm the partys alignment in opposition to the military establishment. The ruling family are sending clear message across to their voters, the opposition parties and indeed the senior Army leadership: that the Sharifs arent going anywhere. But this stubbornness to cling on to the party name is as damaging to democracy in the country as the soft coup currently in play. Whether or not thats equally detrimental to Pakistans larger interests depends on what the Sharifs do with the continuity theyre seeking. Either way, this doctrine of necessity being used to squash actual democracy, counterfeits the arguments that Army leaders have historically presented to overthrow elected leaders in Pakistan. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} In Jordan, its easy for a convicted rapist to simply walk free from court; all he has to do is to subject his victim to yet another terrible ordeal. Article 308 of the Jordanian penal code means that a rapist can escape punishment if he agrees to marry his victim. Only if the marriage lasts for less than three years does he have to serve his time. Between 2010 and 2013, a total of 159 rapists walked free in this way. After a hard-fought campaign led by activists and womens groups over many years, that escape route is now thankfully closing after MPs agreed to abolish the law. It is the latest example of a wave of activism across the Middle East and North Africa that is gradually sweeping away laws which institutionalise violence against women. Along the Jordan Trail Show all 15 1 /15 Along the Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The trail is hikable alone Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail Hiking the Jordan Trail gives you views of mountains, desert, and local flora Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Hiking in Wadi Rum you'll pass through red canyons along sandy desert floor Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Little Petra isn't quite as impressive as Petra, but with fewer crowds and a quieter walking path, it's almost more charming Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Emerge from the Jordan Trail to the backside of Petra, where you'll find unrivalled views of the Monastery Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Sandstone mountains rise in the distance while hiking towards Wadi Rum Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Top of the world on the Jordan Trail Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail There's a huge variation of landscape on the trail Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The trail starts in the lush green north of the country Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail A different side of Jordan Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The thru-hike currently navigating the trail Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The thru-hike crew get busy Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail Petra's famous rock-carved buildings Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail Sandstone cliffs around Petra Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The trail's easy to follow Jordan Trail Similar legislation has been abolished in Egypt, Morocco and just last week in Tunisia, while activists in Lebanon have seen their demands for abolition endorsed by the government and are now awaiting parliamentary approval. In Beirut last year, artist Mireille Honein hung battered wedding dresses by nooses along the citys seafront promenade. Meanwhile in Jordan, activists created a powerful video that has been viewed by thousands of people on Youtube and Facebook. But while the activism challenging these laws is rooted firmly in the community, it may be surprising to some that the laws themselves are not a product of local tradition. Article 308 is a remnant of the Ottoman rule, but its origin is even more distant historically and geographically as the Ottomans had imported it from the French penal code. In countries that were under French colonial rule, such as Lebanon and Tunisia, laws like Article 308 are a direct hangover. Recommended Women hang wedding dresses from Beirut seafront in rape law protest The roots of these laws lie in the cultural impact of centuries under colonial rule, where subjugation was ultimately secured by a true gentlemens agreement. While foreign powers took control of the state, in exchange they offered local men complete control of their homes. The colonialists fed and legitimised the misogynist voices within the colonised, and so many of the barriers that women face in the region stem directly from this strategy of using patriarchy as a tool of oppression. When seen from this perspective, it is less surprising to find that law surrounding rape that gave birth to all those we find in the Middle East and North Africa was only abolished in France as recently as 1994 only five years before Egypt did away with it. But many European-imported laws do still exist throughout the region. Last year in Tunisia, a judge provoked national outcry when he ordered that a 13-year old girl should marry her 20-year old step brother after he raped her, leaving her pregnant. Protests in Turkey over child rape law This particularly shocking case exposes one of the few arguments supporters of these laws still cling to the social stigma that victims of rape must deal with in the region. In a large proportion of cases, the true victims of this law are girls and young women whose families agree to the marriages as they feel the girls will be ostracised from society if they are known to be victims. So powerful is the sense that it is the victims and not the perpetrators who are forever debased by rape, that politicians opposed to abolition claim the laws provide perhaps the only opportunity for victims of rape to lead a conventional life. There is evidence to suggest that those attitudes are changing, with local campaigns perhaps as a driving force. Research carried out by the Jordanian Civil Society Coalition for the Abolition of Article 308 found that over 70 per cent of Jordanians currently support abolition with only just over 13 per cent supporting retention. When Jordans National Council for Family Affairs surveyed attitudes in 2013, their results suggested the law enjoyed the support of over 55 per cent of Jordanians. That there has been such appreciable change in public attitudes towards these laws demonstrates that such discrimination is not inherent to the societies in which we currently find them. They are some of the last vestiges of colonialism, and will hopefully all be consigned to history too. DUP leader Arlene Foster has said the Taoiseach needs to accept that Brexit is going to happen. She also accused Leo Varadkar of being "unhelpful" by making comments about the Irish border after Britain leaves the European Union. Although relations between the democratic unionists and the Irish government remain strained, Mrs Foster said she is looking forward to meeting Mr Varadkar on Friday when he makes his first visit to Northern Ireland since taking over as Taoiseach. While in the region, Mr Varadkar will attend a gay Pride event in Belfast on Saturday morning to promote the rights of the LGBT community. Although Mrs Foster's party is strongly opposed to same-sex marriage, she said that Mr Varadkar is "perfectly entitled" to attend the event. Speaking following an event at the former Maze Prison outside Lisburn, Mrs Foster rubbished Mr Varadkar's hope that Britain will U-turn on Brexit and remain within the European Union. The Taoiseach said this week he remained "hopeful" that Brexit would not happen. However, Mrs Foster told reporters on Wednesday this was "disrespecting" the wishes of the British people. "He may be hopeful, but that is disrespecting the will of the British people," she said. "Brexit is going to happen. We are leaving the European Union. "I just hope the Republic of Ireland will continue to work constructively with us in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK because it is very much in their interest to have a Brexit that works for them as well as a Brexit that works for the UK," the former Stormont first minister said. Mr Varadkar angered unionists when he said Ireland would not help Britain design an economic border for Brexiteers. Mrs Foster said the comments were "not helpful" and added that the Irish Government "should reflect on whether they are being helpful to the process here in Northern Ireland or not". She said: "They have made various interventions recently in relation to Northern Ireland politics. It would be better if we focused on finding solutions to what is in front of us. We want to find ways forward. "We know there are huge opportunities in relation to Brexit and we also accept there are short-term challenges. To overcome all of that, we have to work together. The sort of megaphone diplomacy that has been engaged in is not helpful. We have to work together to get a European exit that works for everybody." She added that she will be raising a "number of issues" with Mr Varadkar on Friday and that she was "looking forward to the meeting". When asked about his planned attendance at the gay Pride Breakfast on Saturday, she responded: "He is perfectly entitled to come and attend whatever he wants. "I go to the Republic of Ireland and attend events down there so he is perfectly entitled to do that here." Calls have been made to transform attitudes to breastfeeding A human donor milk bank should be established in the Irish Republic, the Labour Party has said. The proposal was one of a series measures outlined in a policy document calling for a new approach to breastfeeding in Ireland. The only donor bank on the island is in Co Fermanagh. It enables mothers who are not breastfeeding to donate milk to feed sick and premature babies. Labour has also called for more funding for breast feeding support groups and an increase in educational activity. In terms of the workplace, Labour says mothers should have the right to take breaks to breastfeed or express for up to one year after the birth of their child, up from the current six months. The party said employers should also ensure they provide appropriate areas for mothers. The document was launched to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2017. Senator Kevin Humphreys said: "Having heard first hand from mothers the difficulties they encountered in getting the supports they needed when breastfeeding, over the last few months we have consulted with a range of groups to find out what can be done to better support mothers and babies." Labour Party member Loraine Mulligan said she might have given up breast feeding if it was not for the support of a trained lactation consultant. "Unless the issue is put on the political agenda and raised in public discourse existing obstacles will remain," she said. "It will take a political impetus to ensure the necessary measures and resources are put in place. "Labour is taking an important step to raise awareness and debate. "Women should be able to make an empowered choice about whether or not to breastfeed, the decision should not be determined by a lack of supports." Michael O'Leary said EU airlines are campaigning for the UK to be offered a bilateral deal which would be "almost unacceptable" to those in favour of a hard Brexit European airlines are opposed to the UK getting "any favourable deal" to secure air routes after Brexit, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has warned. The Dublin-based carrier's chief executive said EU airlines are "actively campaigning" for the UK to be offered a bilateral agreement which would be "almost unacceptable" to those in favour of a so-called hard Brexit. The single market for aviation, created in the 1990s, means there are no commercial restrictions for airlines flying within the EU. Mr O'Leary warned that flights between the UK and the EU will be grounded in summer 2019 if no deal is reached by September next year. He told a central London press conference that he has seen briefing documents put out by airlines which call for any future flights to be under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Mr O'Leary said: " There's no doubt in our minds that the German and French airlines in particular are opposed to the UK getting any favourable deal. "They are in favour and are actively campaigning for a bilateral with the UK under which the UK must accept ECJ jurisdiction, t hey accept all past and future regulation of air travel by the European a uthorities. "(This) makes it almost unacceptable to those who believe here in a hard Brexit. "They do not wish to be seen to bend the knee to the European Court of Justice or European regulations." He said the airline logos on the documents include Lufthansa, Air France and KLM. Mr O'Leary met Transport Secretary Chris Grayling on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. He said he stressed the need for an aviation agreement to be in place soon but is "more sceptical" than the Government that it will be possible. "We think there's nobody on the other side that will be that willing to facilitate giving the British a great deal by September 2018," he said. "There's huge upside for German and French airlines in disrupting British Airways flights between the UK and Europe, disrupting easyJet's flights... and causing us some grief that means we have to move planes out of the UK into continental Europe. " If I was them I'd be doing exactly the same thing. "If you can screw up your competition at reasonably little cost to yourself - they have very little capacity in the UK - then Godspeed." Mr O'Leary told reporters that, if summer 2019 flights are cancelled, Britons will be left with "the option of driving to Scotland or getting the ferry to Ireland" for their holidays. He joked that this will appeal to "all those many millions who like to go to Spain, Portugal and Greece for the cheap sunny holidays". The Ryanair boss predicted that airlines will be "screaming blue murder" if there is no aviation agreement. Ireland should begin preparing for "peaceful reunification" to address the long-term consequence of Brexit, an influential committee of parliamentarians urged. Ireland should begin preparing for "peaceful reunification" to address the long-term consequence of Brexit, an influential committee of parliamentarians urged. A "New Ireland Forum 2" to achieve a nationalist consensus on how to unite the island should be established, a report published on Wednesday in Dublin said. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK sharing a land border with an EU state - the Republic of Ireland - and its status after Brexit is a key factor in talks between London and Brussels amid claims the region would be worst-affected by a hard exit. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended decades of violence, allows a referendum on reuniting Ireland where it is believed a majority in Northern Ireland favour this. EU leaders agreed that such a vote, in the face of stiff unionist opposition, would allow Northern Ireland to rejoin the bloc automatically. The report from public representatives in the Republic said: "The road map to achieve the constitutional aspiration of the peaceful reunification of Ireland and its peoples under the Good Friday Agreement could begin in the same way as the original New Ireland Forum. "We recommend the establishment of A New Ireland Forum 2 which would be the mechanism whereby the status quo logjam and long-term consequence of Brexit for the people of this island could be addressed." The original New Ireland Forum met in the 1980s to achieve agreement amongst nationalists opposed to IRA violence on the way forward. Among those who attended were then-taoiseach Garret FitzGerald and SDLP founder John Hume. Arrangements for the Irish border after Brexit are one of the key issues under negotiation between the UK and Michel Barnier's team in Brussels. While political leaders in Dublin, Belfast and London have endorsed calls for a frictionless frontier, its future is still to be decided. Leo Varadkar recently said Ireland will not design a border for Brexiteers and his intervention has met with an angry response from Prime Minister Theresa May's DUP allies. On Wednesday, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement published its report on Irish unity drawn up by Senator Mark Daly, who represents Fianna Fail. Senator Daly was appointed to consider what Ireland should seek to have included in the final agreement on Brexit between the EU and UK, particularly in the event of the people of Northern Ireland voting for a united Ireland, and what Ireland needs to do in order to peacefully achieve its "constitutional obligation", chair Kathleen Funchion said. She added: "The committee recognises that the matters examined were complex and sensitive. "The rationale behind the report was to examine challenges and to seek to identify concerns and explore how they could be addressed." The committee also said Northern Ireland should be treated as a special case worthy of ongoing EU support after Brexit in 2019. DUP leader Arlene Foster said t he constitutional position of Northern Ireland was settled. "From an economic point of view, it is a no-brainer when you see the benefits we gain from our membership of the UK, so that is a non-runner. "It is not a matter for reports from the Dail. It is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland." Kuwait marks today, Wednesday August 2, the 27th anniversary of the Iraqi 1990 brutal invasion, that severely and harshly sought to efface the identity the country. Since the early hours of the invasion, the Kuwaiti government and people utterly rejected the flagrant aggression, and Kuwaitis, both at home and overseas stood by the side of their legitimate leadership to defend their country, freedom and sovereignty. During the invasion, the Iraqis adopted a scorched-earth policy, setting fire on 752 oil wells, digging trenches and filling them with oil as a barrier against the US-led international coalition troops. But thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness the late Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Father his Highness Emir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and His Highness Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah - who was a Foreign Minister - and with the assistance of the Kuwaiti people, Kuwait was able to gain support of the international community and to achieve liberation. As soon as the aggression took place, the world condemned it and the UN Security Council issued a host of decisive resolutions, starting with Resolution 660, which demanded an immediate withdrawal of the Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Then other ones followed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The Arab and international stances adopted similar stances, demanding immediate withdrawal of aggressors, and holding the Iraqi regime accountable for all the damages caused by the invasion. Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, being in charge of the foreign ministry portfolio, played a key role for mobilizing the Arab and international support to Kuwait's legitimacy, thanks to his long experience as Kuwait's chief diplomat since 1963. Over the long years, he had managed to establish strong ties with the UN, its affiliate organizations and member states. Sheikh Sabah's hard and sincere efforts for the nation proved fruitful, as he managed to gain the world's support for ousting the aggressors, liberating Kuwait and restoring the nation's legitimacy and sovereignty. In the years that followed the invasion, more precisely 1990 to 2001, Kuwait's foreign policy toward Iraq was based on certain constants, mainly established in line with the UN Security Council resolutions issued before and during the crisis. One of these was the council's Resolution 687 of 1991. Until 2003, the main features of this policy were: Saddam Hussein's regime could not be trusted or dealt with; the Iraqis were victims of a dictatorial regime; and Kuwait would stand by the side of the Iraqis, as Arabs and Muslims. "We distinguish between the Iraqi regime and the Iraqi people, and we are outraged that the people of our neighboring country must endure poverty and starvation," Sheikh Sabah had remarked. He stressed that Kuwait would carry on with helping the Iraqi people after the invasion, especially for the refugees in the north and south. Sheikh Sabah's famous proclamation on August 4, 1998 was in response to allegations by the Iraqi regime that Kuwait was behind the international sanctions on the government of Baghdad. "We are not a super power to force the (UN) Security Council to lift, or to keep sanctions on Iraq," Sheikh Sabah said, noting that "Iraqis residing in Kuwaiti live with dignity and respect." On November 23, 1998, during a visit by Egypt's former minister of foreign affairs Amr Moussa, His Highness Sheikh Sabah said: "Kuwait does not plan inflicting any harm on Iraq or its people, and overthrowing the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is an internal affair that Kuwait will not interfere with." Thanks to the humanitarian principles that Kuwait and the people have adhered to, the Kuwaiti relief aid have been flowing into Iraq since 1993. Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) provided assistance to the refugees at home and in Iran in April, 1995. Following the liberation war of Iraq in 2003, Kuwait hurried with relief and humanitarian aid to the refugees there, as a major donor to the country. In April 2008, Kuwait donated USD one million to the UN refugee agency to support its operations for alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people who lacked basic needs, food, water and health care. Then, in November 2010, Kuwait announced providing USD one million to the agency to offer aid to the homeless Iraqis who were forced to seek safer places. During the 65th session of the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural and Social Committee of the UN General Assembly, Kuwaiti diplomat Hassan Shaker Abulhassan, stressed the prime importance of the humanitarian side in the issue of the Iraq refugees. Providing those with protection and ensuring their safety and security is a shared responsibility of the international community, Abulhassan said then. Amid the rise of the number of displaced Iraqis and the deterioration of their conditions, Kuwait on July 11, 2014, donated USD three million to the UN refugee agency in humanitarian aid for Iraq, and in 2015 presented USD 200 million for the same purpose. In 2016, and ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Kuwait distributed 12,000 food packages through its charity organizations in Iraq's Kurdistan region. The same year, the KRCS offered 40,000 rations of food to the displaced Iraqis in the region. Also during a conference for Iraq's donors in Washington, July 2016, Kuwait pledged USD 176 million to the Iraqi people. The UN Security Council highly appreciated Kuwait's continued support to realize stability in Iraq. Most recently, after the Iraqi government announced the liberation of Iraq's city of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State (IS), July 2017, Kuwait expressed readiness to host an international conference for the reconstruction of the liberated regions, in line with the country's long-established principles of supporting "Arab brothe Search Keywords: Short link: The German bank had warned of moving the 'vast majority' of its London staff to Frankfurt in light of Brexit Deutsche Bank has signed a 25-year lease for its new City headquarters despite warning that it may move staff and the "vast majority" of its assets to Frankfurt in light of Brexit. The announcement ends months of negotiations with Landsec - formerly Land Securities - which has been working closely with the German lender on the design of the 14-storey building set to take shape at 21 Moorfields in London. Under the terms of the pre-let agreement, Deutsche has committed to taking up a minimum of 469,000 of the 564,000 sq ft building, with an option to take more space if needed. The agreement will be seen as a vote of confidence for London as a growing number of financial services firms outline Brexit contingency plans that will see select operations and UK staff shifted to the EU. Deutsche Bank's CEO John Cryan earlier this month warned UK staff that roles may be shifted to Frankfurt as it prepares for a Brexit outcome that is "worse than people can imagine". Mr Cryan delivered the message in a video posted on the company's intranet on July 11, adding that the German bank was likely to book the "vast majority" of its assets out of Frankfurt - where its headquarters are based - after the UK leaves the EU. It made Deutsche Bank one of the first European financial services firms to signal a shift of jobs back to the continent as a result of Brexit. Most relocation announcements have come from non-EU banks and insurers looking to gain access to the single market for financial services once the UK scraps its own membership. However, the pre-let agreement for Deutsche Bank's new London headquarters cements its footprint in the City beyond the UK's Brexit negotiation deadline in 2019. Planning applications for the bank's new headquarters - above Moorgate underground station - will be submitted later this year, in hopes of completing construction by November 2021. Staff are expected to be transferred to the new site during the second half of 2023. "We are delighted that Deutsche Bank chose to build on its existing relationship with us when it was selecting the site for its new London headquarters," said Landsec managing director Colette O'Shea. BP is in talks with electric vehicle makers on partnering to offer battery recharging docks at its global network of fuel service stations as it seeks to benefit from the move away from diesel and petrol cars, Chief Executive Bob Dudley told Reuters yesterday. The expected rapid growth in the use of electric vehicles in the coming decades is threatening oil companies' business model as demand for some road fuels could plateau as early as the late 2020s, according to some oil company estimates. Looking to take a slice of the growing market, London-based BP is examining different ways to get involved in the sector. "We have discussions going on with a lot of the EV [electric vehicle] manufacturers to have a tie-up with our retail network for charging," Dudley said in an interview. Rival Royal Dutch Shell has already launched a pilot scheme to install battery charging docks at a few of its service stations in Britain and the Netherlands. The number of electric vehicles on roads is forecast to grow significantly in the coming decades, particularly in cities, with BP estimating that there will be 100m by 2035, up from 1.2m in 2015. Dudley has been a vocal advocate of the oil and gas industry's need to take part in the move away from fossil fuels towards using cleaner sources of energy in order to combat global warming. But BP, along with rivals including Shell have yet to come up with a clear plan for increasing their interests in renewable energy production such as solar and wind. BP's shares rose by more than 3pc at one stage yesterday to trade around 459 pence after the company reported a 10pc rise in oil and gas production in the second quarter. (Reuters) Dan Mulhall, Ireland's ambassador to the UK, has expressed his own personal sadness that the fallout from Brexit is threatening to undo the improving relations between Ireland and the UK since the peace was agreed twenty years ago, the Guardian reports. In addition Mr Mulhall said that the idea of border checks between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland was a "non-starter" and that it was Ireland's "hope" that the UK would continue to be a part of the European customers union. The remarks come as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that he had "nobody to call" in a position of authority in the North because of the lack of an executive. Mr Varadkar is due to have talks with the DUP in Belfast this Friday. Read more: Varadkar claims he has 'nobody to call in the North' ahead of meeting Mr Mulhall said that while Irish-British relations had been ignored during the Brexit referendum, focus now needed to be placed on them due to the risk to peace and trading relations between between the two. "Its not acceptable to have a border on the island of Ireland because it would be economically disruptive and politically risky," Mr Mulhall told the Guardian. Mr Mulhall went on to say that the best solution to the post Brexit situation was for the UK to continue to be a member of the customs union and that he believed that the UK was only now starting to realise the difficulty in unravelling 44 years of policies. "I feel a degree of sadness personally that I have had to witness this during the latter part of what has been a very exciting and enjoyable posting [in London]," Mr Mulhall said. In its bid for the EMA, the Government set out three options for premises 91-94 North Wall Quay in Dublins Docklands, City Block 9 on North Wall Quay, and a location at Dublin Airport. Photo: Frank McGrath The Government is offering more than 100m in rental and relocation support in its bids for two EU agencies displaced from London as a result of Brexit. A 78m contribution is being offered towards the relocation expenses of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) if it opts for Dublin, including 15m towards the cost of fit-out/rent of the selected premises in the first year, 2019, and a further 7m a year up to 2028 for rent and maintenance. A relocation support service will be contracted, with about 10m, to help EMA staff and their families with identifying appropriate accommodation, schools and jobs for spouses/partners. The EMA employs nearly 900 staff and acts as a one-stop-shop for approving and monitoring the safety of drugs across Europe. It currently attracts 36,000 experts a year to London for meetings, and is a prized asset. The Government is to offer up to 13.5m in rental cost support to attract the European Banking Authority (EBA), which while it employs considerably less than the EMA at fewer than 200, would still be a prestigious win. The Government believes that the figure will cover 50pc of the rental costs over a 10-year period. 1m will also be offered to help EBA staff and their families towards providing professional relocation services. Frankfurt has already been tipped as a strong contender for the EBA, which writes and co-ordinates banking rules for the bloc, as the German financial hub already hosts the European Central Bank and the EU insurance agency. In its bid for the EMA, the Government set out three options for premises - 91-94 North Wall Quay in Dublin's Docklands, City Block 9 on North Wall Quay, and a location at Dublin Airport. The Government has obtained a reserve on each of the three building options. Two of the buildings will be available to the agency by the expected UK withdrawal date at the end of March 2019, while the third option at Dublin Airport allows for a completely bespoke development, which would be ready during 2020. The bid for the EBA said a shortlist of 15 office sites had been identified, all of which it said could cater to the EBA's requirements and timeline. Options include sites in both the northside and southside of Dublin. Nineteen cities are bidding to host the EMA, while eight are offering to give the EBA a home. A final decision is expected in November. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has shot down accusations by the DUP that he is engaging in "megaphone" politics over the issue of Brexit as the diplomatic row between Dublin and Belfast intensified. In a clear heightening of tensions ahead of scheduled talks on Friday, Mr Varadkar claimed that he had "nobody to call" in a position of authority in the North because of the absence of an executive. He also confirmed that he would attend a special breakfast to mark 'Gay Pride' on Saturday, saying he would not issue "an apology" for doing so. "I won't be able to attend the parade because I want to get back to Croke Park for the (Dublin) match, but I will attend the pride breakfast on Saturday morning in Belfast to express my support for equality, for the law, Catholics, protestants, non-religion, women, gay people and straight people," Mr Varadkar said. "I won't be making any apology for that to anyone really." Mr Varadkar was asked about the city's Gay Pride parade in the context that the DUP and its leader Arlene Foster have been accused of blocking same-sex marriage in the North. He previously challenged Ms Foster over the issue at a meeting in Dublin. Mr Varadkar made the remarks in Dublin's Temple Bar, where he was flanked by the only other gay member of Cabinet, Children's Minister Katherine Zappone. Speaking yesterday, Mr Varadkar cited the strong relationships he shared with the first ministers in Wales and Scotland, Carwyn Jones and Nicola Sturgeon. But he said the same cannot be said for the North. "When it comes to Belfast I have nobody to ring and so the best thing the Northern parties can do is get back around the table as soon as possible and, having done so, continue to uphold the four principles they agreed with us, one of those was that we would work together to preserve the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and people," he said. Earlier, DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson urged Mr Varadkar and Fine Gael to "step back" from what his party perceives as an increasingly robust stance on the UK's EU exit. "What won't solve the problem is megaphone diplomacy from Dublin," the senior DUP politician told BBC Radio Ulster. "I think the Taoiseach needs to recognise that going back to the politics of the 1970s and 1980s in Anglo Irish relations isn't going to help anyone." The Lagan Valley MP said any failure to reach co-operation with Dublin could result in a hard Border being developed. "We have to co-operate here. A solution has to be one that is agreed and that means Dublin has to have an input," he said. "If Dublin refuses to co-operate on this inevitably we are going to end up in a different arrangement that could result in some sort of hard Border. "Now that's not in Dublin's interests - the Irish economy would suffer greatly if we can't find an agreed way forward." But Mr Varadkar rejected the criticism levelled at him. "I have never been involved in megaphone politics. I expressed the position of the Government in relation to Brexit, that is my role as Taoiseach to express the position of the Government publicly just as people from the DUP, Sinn Fein and any party in Northern Ireland are free to give their position and give it forcibly," Mr Varadkar said. "But I look forward to being in the North on Friday and having a chance to meet the parties." An agreement has been reached with tag suppliers approved by the Department of Agriculture on on a new funding mechanism for the Irish Cattle breeding Federation (ICBF). The Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, Michael Creed announced agreement following detailed discussion on how to continue the successful operation of the ICBF following a massive funding fall off since its levy on tags became voluntary last year. Approved Tag suppliers will now make a contribution of 38c (incl Vat) to ICBF on all new tag sets sold. In an arrangement facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, all approved Tag suppliers have agreed to make a contribution to ICBF to the amount of 0.38 (including vat) on all new sets of tags sold. The new agreement will start on November 1, 2017. ICBF, since its inception, has relied on a three-way partnership approach to its funding through financial support from the Department, through service provision and importantly, though a direct financial contribution from all farmers when ordering their identity tags. The new funding mechanism means that all approved Tag suppliers will pay .38c per set of tags( incl VAT) from the new tag ordering season starting autumn 2017. The Department has at the same time committed to its continued financial support of ICBF. Minister Creed said said he is aware of the valuable contribution ICBF has made to the dairy and beef sectors. Genetic gain has delivered over 500m of extra profit to the industry overall. Improved breeding through the Economic Breeding Index has produced better milk solids and more fertile dairy herds. The Eurostars index has delivered improved carcass weights and conformation to beef herds. Farmers have been the main beneficiaries of the work being done by ICBF over the last twenty years and it is essential that this continue into the future. The Minister said is essential that farmers in the future can steer the development of our National breeding programme and that the farmer owned and controlled structure of the ICBF continues. The continued funding, will allow farmers have a strong voice in cattle breeding. I am grateful to the support of the various stakeholders in contributing to the successful conclusion of the talks my Department has had over the last few months. A father and son and two haulage companies were today fined a total of 26,500 at Craigavon Magistrates Court for the unauthorised infilling of around 39,000t of waste at a site in Portadown. Landowner Fergal McNally (63) of Derrykeeran Road, Portadown was fined 6,000 for unlawful disposal and keeping of waste at land on Derrykeeran Road in the town. Browsing, chatting, online shopping, it seems that we are spending more and more of our time online. But just what are we using the internet for, and how does Ireland's usage compare with our European Union counterparts? In 2016, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Estonia had the highest shares of internet users who used internet banking, with nine in 10 people in these countries using internet banking last year, according to the latest data from Eurostat. At the opposite end of the scale, countries in the EU which recorded the lowest use of internet banking were Bulgaria and Romania, where less than one in 10 internet users used internet banking in 2016. Greece has the third-lowest usage, with fewer than one in three internet users using internet banking last year. Ireland meanwhile came in above the EU average of 59pc, with just over six in 10 of us using internet banking in 2016. The news comes just weeks after AIB became the latest bank to introduce Apple Pay, the digital payment method that uses an iPhone as a contactless payment system. The move means that Bank Of Ireland is the only major bank not to have a mobile payment technology option for customers in Ireland. It seems that internet banking usage is spread across all age groups. Among people under the age of 24, four in ten internet users were using online banking, while just over one in two internet users between the age of 65 and 74 were engaging in internet banking across the EU in 2016. On average, 70pc of people read news online in the EU during 2016. The highest number was recorded in Lithuania and Croatia, with 93pc and 91pc of internet users reading news online in the two countries. Ireland had the lowest number of people reading news online at 49pc, followed by France where just over one in two internet users were reading the news online last year. The internet is also becoming more relevant for people booking holiday accommodation. In 2016, one in two EU citizens said that they booked their holiday accommodation or travel via the internet, which will be of concern to travel agents that continue to have a physical main street presence. In Ireland, 51pc of internet users said that they booked their holiday accommodation or travel via the internet, just above the EU average. Interestingly booking holiday accommodation or travel via the internet was more common among older internet users aged 65 to 74 years in the EU (49pc) than among younger users aged 16 to 24 years (40pc). Over the last five years, the share of internet users making phone or video calls via the internet increased by 10 percentage points, to 39pc in 2016, from 29pc in 2011. The average number of internet users using social media also increased ten percentage points in the five years to 63pc in 2016 from 53pc in 2011. Only four in ten Irish internet users were making online telephone and video calls, slightly above the EU average, while seven in ten internet users in Ireland were participating in social networks, such as Facebook, again above the EU average. In terms of watching video online, just over one in two Irish internet users watched video online in 2016, below the EU average of 62pc. Internet users in Denmark and Luxembourg were watching the most videos online, while Romania had fewest internet users watching video online, at 26pc. European shares rose yesterday, looking to recover after two straight months of losses, with corporate earnings reports spurring brisk trading ahead of a what is typically a sleepy summer period for markets. The pan-European STOXX 600 index, nursing two straight months of losses, rose 0.6pc. Blue chips closed 0.9pc higher, their best one-day gains in three weeks. Germany's DAX advanced 1.1pc while Britain's commodities-heavy FTSE 100 gained 0.7pc as oil stocks rose. The ISEQ Overall Index was up 0.64pc, or 42.25 points, to end the trading day at 6,691.64. Earnings updates dominated the action, with oil heavyweight BP rising 2.8pc and boosting the oil & gas sector after beating forecasts as new projects supported production. "BP has covered the cash component of the dividend with free cash flow for the second straight quarter and the Upstream business is performing well," analysts at Jefferies said in a note. "Valuation is not challenging, but the company's ability to de-lever the balance sheet remains a concern." The European second-quarter earnings season is nearing the halfway mark and so far 60pc of MSCI Europe firms have met or beaten analysts' expectations. Earnings per share growth in Europe was tracking at about 13pc, including a significant boost from energy firms, according to the latest data from JPMorgan. "You have seen some signs of (the) green shoots of recovery within the European economy and that, of course, is good for companies," Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said. Morgan Stanley analysts said the euro's surge this year could weigh on European corporate profits, however. Passenger traffic at low-cost airline Ryanair grew by 11pc in July to 12.6 million customers, a statement from the company said today. The airline's load factor, that is how many sets it fills on each flight, also increased 1pc to 97pc, while the airline's rolling annual traffic to July grew 13pc to 125.1m customers. Commenting on the results, Kenny Jacobs of Ryanair said that in July the airline became the first European airline to carry over 12 million customers in a single month. Read more: Brexit the only cloud as O'Leary sets sights on 200 million passengers In addition the airline celebrated carrying its one billionth customer since its first flight in 1985 as it became the first EU airline to carry over one billion passengers. To mark the occasion Ryanair is launching a 'Thanks a Billion' seat sale, with fares slashed on over one million seats across our European network for travel in November and December, a statement from the airline said. Banks would have to help their own customers compare mortgage rates with rivals and make it easier to switch under new proposals from the Central Bank. The rules would force banks to make it easier for their mortgage customers to move their loan to another lender. Banks would have to help consumers compare existing mortgage rates, provide standard switching information, and facilitate any switch within a set timeframe. Previous research has found that up to 100,000 mortgage holders could save thousands of euro by moving their mortgage to a different bank. Some 300,000 homeowners are on variable rates that are among the highest in the eurozone. A family on a 300,000 mortgage could save up to 50,000 over the life of the loan by moving from a high variable rate to a lower one. Some banks are charging up to 4.5pc on variable rates, with others offering fixed rates of 2.6pc. The difference in repayments between these two rates on a 300,000 mortgage works out at 300 a month. Under the proposals, the banks will also have to make it clear to those considering switching what impact incentives like cash-back offers will have on them. Cash-back offers were heavily criticised in a recent report by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. "It could be argued they represent a sophisticated attempt to manipulate consumer behaviour," it concluded. Now the Central Bank said there was a need for greater transparency for consumers to allow them to identify savings from switching. It is proposing the changes it agrees to be put on a statutory footing by setting them out in a mortgage switching code. Acting deputy governor Bernard Sheridan said changes have already been implemented to force banks to make clear to variable-rate customers what they are being charged, and to outline better value options the bank may have available. "These measures will require lenders to provide consumers with the necessary information at the right time to consider their options and ensure that the process facilitates consumers who want to switch their mortgage," he said of the proposed changes. He said research carried out by the Central Bank in 2015 shows that many consumers can make significant savings by switching their mortgage. A consultation process on the proposed changes has opened for three months, with a closing date of November 1. Brendan Burgess, of the Fair Mortgage Rates Campaign, was disappointed that the Central Bank is not proposing to ban cash-back deals. "Lenders are keeping mortgage rates high by competing for new customers with 2pc cash back. The Central Bank seems, at last, to be recognising this. "The Central Bank should ban cash back so that banks would have to compete on mortgage rates and not on gimmicks," Mr Burgess said. But he said the Central Bank was not proposing to do anything about what he said was confusion for consumers over cash-back deals. He also called on the Central Bank to prohibit discrimination between new and existing customers, in line with mortgage legislation that was published by Fianna Fail. Global fintech investment more than doubled in the three months to the end of June to $8.4bn, compared with the previous quarter. In Europe, Fintech investment surged by a similar amount with over 2bn invested in the quarter. Global M&A investment helped drive the fintech market rebound, with US$5.9bn in deal value for M&A for the quarter, according to the latest KPMG Pulse of Fintech report. Anna Scally, a partner at KPMG in Ireland, said fintech investment has made a comeback this quarter a sign of renewed investor intent particularly in the US and Europe. Read more: Samantha McCaughren: Noonan presses Ireland's Fintech credentials to Stripe Is your hoover snooping on you? This was the chilling possibility raised by news that a popular brand of "robot" vacuum cleaner has been discreetly mapping owners' houses, with the manufacturer formulating plans to share this potentially lucrative data with third parties. The prospect of Roomba's iRobot automatised vacuum cleaner passing on intimate details about the width of your hall or the configuration of your settee to Amazon, Apple and Google prompted an immediate firestorm - and a swift climbdown from the company (strange, as it was Roomba which floated the notion in the first instance). Roomba's chief executive said: "iRobot will never sell your data. Customers have control over sharing it. I want to make very clear that this is how data will be handled in the future." This isn't the first time consumers may have been alarmed to discover their gadgets could be tracking their behaviour. It was revealed last year by Wikileaks that the CIA had hacked a brand of Samsung smart television so that it could record the conversations of users. Expand Close Say cheese: Kellyanne Conway says microwaves could be turned into surveillance cameras / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Say cheese: Kellyanne Conway says microwaves could be turned into surveillance cameras The arrival of voice-activated personal assistants such as Amazon's Echo, meanwhile, means that more and more of us are sharing personal space with technology that, in order to properly do its job, is required to eavesdrop. In March, Amazon was required to hand over data recorded by an Echo after it emerged the device may have "witnessed" a murder. For good or ill, we are being monitored in ways we cannot begin to fathom. Even toys can be turned into surveillance tools. An outcry erupted in 2015 as it emerged Mattel's Hello Barbie could be hacked and used to keep tabs on kids. Less sensationally there was unease over Mattel potentially having access to information about your children's play habits. You expect your little girl or boy to talk to their toys - but not for the toy to record what they are saying and pass the info back to HQ. More prosaically, we will all be aware that our mobile phones are tracking our movements and unobtrusively building a picture of where we go and with whom we hang out. That's less immediately pernicious than a robot vacuum cleaner tipping Google off as to the location of your sofa - but arguably no less unnerving. "In 2017 are consumers really aware of how much technology is spying on us? The majority do not," says Jim O'Brien of TechBuzzIreland. "For example, you are probably reading this on your smartphone or tablet. Did you check the app permissions before you downloaded them?" The floodgates, he warns, have only just opened. "Smart TVs have crept into people's homes over the last few years. They have voice recognition and capture data. Fitness trackers and smart watches again capture information. With the influx of home voice-assisted speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, these are all slowly integrating into our society without many thinking about what the full potential is. When you buy your new Android device do you just skip everything to get working on it straight away?" The debate is in many ways philosophical. In the United States the attitude can be best summed up as "buyer beware". If you own a smartphone and don't bother to check what it is doing with your data, that's your lookout. This flows from Silicon Valley's aggressively-libertarian philosophy, in which tech gurus such as Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page are regarded as masters of the universe who should be free to usher in the technological rapture without pesky government interference. However, the perspective is rather different in Europe which, in contrast to the Land of the Brave, has a deeply-embedded memory of the evils a surveillance state can perpetuate. "The tech industry runs on data. Whether it's for research and development purposes or for building better ad platforms, the ability to capture and make use of the thousands of data points we create every day is crucial to innovation," says Niall Kitson, editor of TechCentral. "The tech sector cannot survive without a steady stream of information about how, why and where people use their products. "For example, the more Facebook and Google know about you the better they can target advertising at you and the more you use them, the 'better' their service gets. Netflix? They commission shows based on what their subscribers already watch." "This stems from the US notion that if you volunteer information about yourself, or fail to protect yourself from disclosing it in the first place, then that information is theirs to do with as they see fit. It's industry-led and poorly regulated. "The EU takes a differing view. Any information you give up is your property and you have the right to know how that information is used, stored, processed, who has access to it and why. "And, if you think information gathered about you is no longer relevant or useful, you can demand it be deleted. We've seen this happen with the so-called 'right to be forgotten' where you can submit a query to Google and have it de-indexed. About half of complaints are successful." The war of data harvesting is set to be ramped up next year when new EU regulations will require companies to justify what information they collect and how they use it. "If I sign up for your newsletter and you send me a direct mail from another company - that's a violation," says Kitson. "If your mailing list is hacked you have 72 hours to notify those affected, no more sitting on news of a breach for months." What's worrying is that, EU intervention notwithstanding, the goliaths of the tech sector have no intention of weaning themselves off their addiction to data. US President Donald Trump's advisor Kellyanne Conway provoked derision when she recently asserted in a television interview that microwaves were spying on people. But with "smart" technology soon to penetrate every aspect of our life, were her claims really that ludicrous? Says Kitson: "iRobot, makers of the Roomba, wants to start scanning your home and selling on your floor-plans. Imagine if that kind of information got into the hands of a burglar. Or how about if your hospital hires a company to digitise its records only to have them dumped online after a security patch wasn't applied?" A self-aware vacuum cleaner quietly making note of your lifestyle choices doesn't quite conjure up a Hunger Games-style dystopia. But it is nonetheless a pernicious scenario - one towards which society is apparently sleep marching with scarcely a shrug. Maybe we should start paying greater attention to our devices. They are certainly paying attention to us. Detective Sergeant Eve Doherty's lawyers told the jury at her trial that she was a whistleblower motivated by a wish to expose corruption and mismanagement at the highest levels of the State. Even her own barrister accepted that the vile accusations she was levelling at Liz Howlin, a solicitor working in the Directing Division of the DPP, were untrue. But he said they could still be genuinely held. The prosecution suggested a much simpler motive. They said that Doherty was motivated by irrational, jealous dislike of her boyfriend's ex-wife - to the point that she became obsessed with Ms Howlin and could no longer control her jealousy. Yesterday the detective garda was found guilty of harassing the State solicitor by sending her abusive letters and emails. The first poison pen letter sent by Doherty to Ms Howlin provides the best evidence for the detective being motivated by a personal gripe. This letter, hand-delivered to Ms Howlin's home in Blackrock, Dublin, called her a "pompous arrogant c***, a hag and a midget". Making references to her son, it commiserated with him for "having a c*** of a mother like you". But crucially Doherty referred to Ms Howlin's ex-husband, who had separated from her some years earlier, and suggested that it hadn't taken him long to decide to leave her. This was the beginning of a hateful campaign that would see Doherty going to greater and greater lengths to get at Ms Howlin. Two months later, Doherty wrote a letter to Ms Howlin's boss, the DPP Claire Loftus. This was the first time she introduced the name of Wexford TD Brendan Howlin into her campaign. She wrongly claimed the TD was the uncle of Ms Howlin. They are in fact distant cousins. Doherty went on to tell Ms Loftus that her employee was using every opportunity to destroy her good name and had used political connections to try to stop her recent appointment to the top job. Doherty warned Ms Loftus that Ms Howlin was "the most two-faced, hard-faced b****". Of course, the letter was seen by Ms Howlin and unsurprisingly caused her great distress. But things escalated. Just weeks later, a neighbour of Ms Howlin called to her door to show her a leaflet. The garish, printed leaflet had a photograph of Ms Howlin alongside her job title and her address and house number. It had wild accusations about Ms Howlin using political influence to protect a family of "drug dealers" from prosecution. Doherty even named the family - a respectable family whose son was caught with a small quantity of cannabis. With no previous convictions, the son's case was struck out. The prosecution told the jury these were not the efforts of a whistleblower to expose political cronyism. Doherty next decided she needed to reach a much bigger audience. She began setting up anonymous email accounts on Hushmail, a service that promises enhanced email security including encryption. Over the next year, she would use these email accounts to send emails to 779 recipients. These included newsrooms, universities, the Courts Service and the Financial Ombudsman. One of the first emails, sent in February 2012, made wild allegations about then-justice minister Alan Shatter. It also gave out his private address and that of the DPP. The emails repeated false and defamatory claims that Mr Howlin would ring "his sister" in the DPP so that she would "pull" files to ensure there were no prosecutions of anyone connected to Mr Howlin or the government. By September 2013, Doherty had taken to disguising herself in a wig and sunglasses to go into the city centre internet cafe to send more emails. She even sent herself abusive letters in order to make it look like somebody else was writing to her, the prosecution said. Her sentence hearing takes place in October. An Estonian man charged with conspiracy to murder a friend of the Hutch family has been further remanded in custody after a judge granted the State four weeks to complete a book of evidence. Gardai from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau supported by members of the Special Crime Task Force, Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Unit raided a premises in west Dublin on the morning of April 4. Three men were arrested as part of an investigation into the Hutch-Kinahan feud. Imre Arakas, (58) with an address at Sopruse, Tallinn, Estonia, was charged on April 6 last and then remanded in custody. He is accused of conspiring with others not before the courts to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and April 4. The offence is under Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He faced his tenth hearing on Wednesday when he appeared via video-link at Cloverhill District Court. There was an application by the State for a four week adjournment for the book of evidence to be completed. Mr Arakas told Judge Kathryn Hutton that he had difficulty understanding and wanted to be in court in person for the next hearing. He was further remanded him in custody to appear again on August 30 next. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that he is to face trial on indictment meaning his case will be transferred to a higher court once the book of evidence has been served on him. At his first hearing, on April 6, a court was told he made no reply to the charge and due to the nature of the charge a bail application could only be made in the High Court. He has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charge. Legal aid was granted following submissions that he was unemployed and unable to pay for a lawyer. The other two other men arrested in connection with this investigation have been released from Garda custody without charge. Ana Wojdylo and her son Dominik outside their apartment Tenants being forced out of 17 apartments in south Dublin have pleaded for help to prevent them losing their homes. Families in the St Helen's Court complex in Dun Laoghaire, which is owned by two global investment funds, have been told to leave, with some given only weeks to comply. Residents received letters telling them they must get out because of planned major refurbishment. They were told the work could take from three months to a year, after which they could re-apply to return. Tenants fear rents after the refurbishment will be unaffordable, and families have no place to go in the meantime. Mother-of-two Ana Wojdylo (32) said the situation was "very unsettling". "I don't know what we will do. We're worried sick," she said. "We cannot find any other homes in this area where our children go to school. I am losing sleep with worry." Sceptical The investment funds, represented by accountancy firm PwC, became the landlords of the complex after the previous owner experienced financial difficulties. RTE reported that PwC was acting for Apollo Global Management and Deutsche Bank. Last night, a spokeswoman for PWC said: "We are not making any comment." Residents said they were sceptical about the refurbishment as the landlords could then legally seek rent increases much higher than 4pc. A one-bedroom apartment in the complex typically costs around 950 a month. "We fear we will be forced to move out of Dun Laoghaire, but it is too late to find new schools for our children at this late stage," said Ms Wojdylo. Mother-of-two Supriya Aravind (35) said her family were living in a one-bedroom apartment. "This is our home and we feel safe here. We want to stay. We don't know where we can go," she said. Sergio Moura (50) said: "Families have built a community here. I'm depressed. It's stressful." Resident Derek Cowley (51) said: "Families will be homeless. Do they expect people to live in caravans or on the streets?" Local TD Richard Boyd Barrett has urged Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to intervene. "If we're to prevent many of the St Helen's Court residents arriving down at Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council in a few weeks or months looking for emergency homeless accommodation, Minister Murphy must take the sort of radical and urgent action," he said. Gardai in north Dublin are investigating two incidents sexual assault which happened less than a week apart. On July 25, a man approached another woman and grabbed her. The incident occurred in Swords. No description of the attacker was provided to gardai. Meanwhile, days later, on July 29 a young woman reported that a man unknown to her approached her and grabbed her. The incident happened in Portrane at 5.15pm. The male is described as being 5 5 - 5 7 in height, with dark blonde hair and is believed to be in his early 20s. Gardai in Swords are carrying out investigations into both incidents. The RCGP called for an end to the 'blanket' prescription of statins for older people, many of whom are at a low risk of heart disease. Stock Image: PA Statins are being needlessly prescribed to millions of people simply because of their age, the Royal College of GPs in the UK has warned. The RCGP called for an end to the "blanket" prescription of statins for older people, many of whom are at a low risk of heart disease. Current guidelines risk unnecessarily "medicalising" swathes of the population at a time when resources are stretched, the RCGP said. The warning follows a study by Harvard University that found the risk criteria set by Nice (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) makes nearly all men over 60 and all women over 75 eligible for the cholesterol-lowering drugs, simply by virtue of their age. The RCGP, along with a range of academics, is calling for improved guidelines to slash the number of prescriptions for healthy adults. While there is now a broad consensus statins are safe and effective in preventing cardiovascular disease, the benefit for someone whose cholesterol levels are sound is extremely low. If 100 people with a 10pc, 10year, cardiovascular risk - the current Nice threshold - were to take statins for a decade, then just four would be saved from the condition. To start being prescribed the drugs, a patient needs a blood test followed by a GP consultation. They must then undergo a follow-up liver function test after a few months, with annual blood tests and accompanying GP or specialist nurse consultations thereafter. "We should be focusing on those who are at higher risk rather than attempting blanket policies that, at an individual level, have a very limited benefit," said Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the RCGP. "As with any drug, taking statin medication has potential side-effects, and taking any medication long term is a substantial undertaking for patients." Before 2014, Nice recommended statins for people with a 20pc chance of developing cardiovascular disease within a decade, but then halved the threshold. Researchers found age was the dominant factor in assessing risk, meaning millions of people become eligible for the drug even when other factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol level and lifestyle, show no risk. JOURNALIST Kevin Myers has struggled to explain his thinking to a female Jewish broadcaster while apologising for writing a hugely offensive article branded anti-Semitic and misogynistic. Mr Myers has been sacked from his role as columnist in the Sunday Times newspaper after the article, since deleted from the newspaper's website, in which he linked the pay of two BBC employees, Vanessa Feltz and Claudia Winkleman, to the fact that they are Jewish, and implied the gender pay gap exists because men work harder, are more driven, have more charisma, and "seldom get pregnant". The Sunday Times is conducting a review of how last weekend's controversial column came to be published in the Irish edition of the newspaper. It is understood that senior editorial executives are in Dublin from London today to probe how the column was published, with an outcome expected by the end of this week. Mr Myers yesterday appeared on RTE radio apologising for the article, adding: "It's over for me professionally, as far as I can see. I am really, really sorry." The column has caused huge offence worldwide, however, and today the journalist appeared on BBC Radio Five, and endured a tough 20-minute interview with Emma Barnett, during which he said he was a "great admirer of Jews" and what he referred to as their culture of "exploring their talent and making the most of it". Ms Barnett asked him: "Presumably you think I have special powers as a Jewish broadcaster to get paid better than my colleagues who aren't of the same faith?" Expand Close Kevin Myers. Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kevin Myers. Photo: Tony Gavin Mr Myers replied: "I didn't know you were Jewish and I have no opinion on how much you earn. "It's not an issue whether you're Jewish or not, it doesn't enter my head." When pressed that it must have entered his head when writing the controversial column, he replied: "It's a good question, to which there's no particular answer. "I Googled the various people and I came across that these two women are Jewish, i didn't do it out of anti-Semitism. "It's out of esteem for how Jewish people behave, to maximise your potential because nobody else will do it for you. "It's a characteristic of the Jewish potential." Ms Barnett replied: "I wasn't told as a 12-year-old sitting in Jewish Sunday school in synagogue to go out and earn as much money as possible and maximise my potential." During a difficult interview for Mr Myers, he referred repeatedly to the backing of the Jewish community in Ireland, and insisted that he wasn't anti Semitic and that "a lot of Irish people sympathise with my position". Expand Close Ms Feltz questioned how the column had ever managed to appear in the paper / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ms Feltz questioned how the column had ever managed to appear in the paper "The success of Jews in so many areas of life shows their ability to make the most of their characteristic , there's no doubt there are Jews living in poverty, there has to be because they are humans," he said. "Before I came on air I tried to find the number of Jews who won Noble Prizes but unfortunately my broadband went down, but it's disproportionate. "They didn't win those because of favouritism or because the committee is Jewish, it's because they have distinguished themselves in so many walks of life, this is an admirable characteristic. Mr Myers' interview on BBC Radio Five Live comes as a founding member of the Press Council in Ireland said the journalist should have been given an opportunity to defend himself before he was "hastily dismissed" by the Sunday Times. "As a former chairman of the Labour Court I believe that Kevin Myers should have been afforded an opportunity to defend himself before being hastily dismissed by his employer," John Horgan wrote in a letter to today's Irish Times. "As a former founding member of the Press Council of Ireland (not the former Ombudsman) I believe that the current chairman should not have prejudged the case on RTE Radio News at One on Monday July 31st "I would hope now that the Sunday Times will give Kevin Myers the right to reply to his critics and that the chairman of the Press Council will recuse himself from any involvement in any complaint or appeal." Mr Myers has said he believed that "five or six" other people would have overseen the column - some in Dublin and some in London - before it went to print. "A number of people nodded on duty and let something through that shouldn't have gone through," he said, adding that he felt he was the "author of his own misfortune" and took responsibility. The Sunday Times is conducting a review of how last weekend's controversial column came to be published in the Irish edition of the newspaper. It is understood the measure was ordered by management at the newspaper's headquarters in London following uproar over the article. It is thought the outcome could be communicated to senior Irish editorial executives later this week. The newspaper's Ireland editor Frank Fitzgibbon apologised on Sunday for the "error of judgment" which led to the article being published. However, neither he nor senior management at the newspaper's London headquarters have responded to further queries about how the error occurred. Under the headline 'Sorry ladies, equal pay has to be earned', Mr Myers wrote on Sunday: "I note that two of the best-paid women presenters in the BBC - Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz, with whose, no doubt, sterling work I am tragically unacquainted - are Jewish. Good for them. "Jews are not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price, which is the most useful measure there is of inveterate, lost-with-all-hands stupidity. I wonder, who are their agents? If they're the same ones that negotiated the pay for the women on the lower scales, then maybe the latter have found their true value in the marketplace." David O'Sullivan (25) last made contact with his family on April 7 An Irish man missing from a hiking route in California "may have gone off the trail to to avoid heavy snow", according to a detective. David O'Sullivan, a 25-year-old from Cork, has been missing since April 7 according to a circular issued by the Murietta Police Department. Detective Sean Lawlor, who is originally from Belfast and now based in California, said he has been in touch with Davids father Colin and his brother Niall. "The only hint that weve got is from Niall essentially saying that David is not a professional hiker, they consider him a novice," Detective Lawlor told RTE Radio One's Morning Ireland. "So he had told them prior to leaving he was intent on avoiding deep snow and ice at all costs. "Based on the conditions at the time he may have went off the trail and skirted around it," he added. Expand Close Murrieta Police Department is leading the search for missing Irishman David O'Sullivan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murrieta Police Department is leading the search for missing Irishman David O'Sullivan He said David started the hike on the American/Mexican border on March 22nd and reached Idyllwild in California on April 5th. "They said David left Ireland on March 20th to hike the Pacific Crest trail from southern California to Canada. "He had hiking gear, a non-smart phone, and tablet. He had no international plan, so he was relying on local Wi-Fi spots to contact his family," Detective Lawlor continued. "On April 7th, Davids parents received an email from him detailing the hike thus far. Thats the last contact we received from David," he added. David was due to meet up with a friend in Santa Barbara in early May but did not show up. It was not expected that David would go more than three weeks without making contact. Detective Lawlor said there was heavy snowfall and, depending on the area, it could be quite treacherous. "Theres been no recent banking activity. We did contact Interpol Dublin and Interpol Washington and coordinated a joint effort. We were able to ping the phone. "We did learn however that the phone had been shut off and no further activity from March 22nd," he said. The police have been in contact with search and rescue teams who are also disseminating missing person fliers. Detective Lawlor encouraged anyone who may have seen David on the trail to get in touch. "Were following up on any and all leads that we have, were soliciting any information or leads from the public however insignificant it may seem," he added. The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Murietta Police Department on 001 951 6963615. According to a poster David has blue eyes, brown hair and is approximately 5'10 and wears glasses. Additional reporting by PA HM Coastguard rescue helicopter landing in Annalong, Co Down, after a group of army cadets got into difficulties while training in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland 9Image: Annalong Harbour Watch/PA Wire) All Army cadets evacuated from a mountain in Northern Ireland following bad weather are safe, a spokesman said. A group of more than 50 from the Cleveland Army Cadet Force in Middlesbrough were on a training exercise in the Mourne range in Co Down when they got into difficulties on Wednesday. The young people from an army cadet force in Cleveland England were on an annual camp based at Ballykinlar. Children as young as 12 were among those rescued. Five suffered ankle injuries after slipping on wet stones and a number were treated for the effects of exposure, the MoD said. Expand Close HM Coastguard rescue helicopter landing in Annalong, Co Down, after a group of army cadets got into difficulties while training in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland 9Image: Annalong Harbour Watch/PA Wire) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp HM Coastguard rescue helicopter landing in Annalong, Co Down, after a group of army cadets got into difficulties while training in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland 9Image: Annalong Harbour Watch/PA Wire) A spokesman for the British army added: "We can confirm that all Army cadets caught in today's inclement weather on the Mourne Mountains are safe and accounted for." The Mournes are a range south of Belfast which is extremely popular with walkers but like all mountains the conditions can be unpredictable. The group included children aged from 12-17. Emergency services were called to the scenic Annalong Valley at around midday. A Mourne Mountain Rescue spokesman said it was not a major incident but weather had caught them out. He added: "It is nothing out of the ordinary. "Everything is under control and within normal team procedure." Northern Ireland Ambulance Service paramedics provided medical support. Newcastle, Bangor and Kilkeel Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Caernarfon and Prestwick, were on scene. Also attending were the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and ambulance service. An MoD spokesman said: "We are exceptionally grateful for their assistance." The Coastguard was contacted by the PSNI and Ambulance Service just before 12pm on Wednesday requesting assistance after receiving several reports that a large number of people were in difficulty after being caught in inclement weather. Also dispatched to the scene was the Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter, Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, PSNI and NI Ambulance Service. The three helicopters are currently situated at Donard Park due to poor weather conditions and will support casualty evacuation as further information comes in. SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said they had been experiencing "woeful weather" and that there was a "substantial emergency vehicle response". He said: Such an incident will surely highlight the need for extreme caution when walking in the mountains especially on days such as today when weather conditions have been atrocious on street/town level never mind up in the mountains." Henry Reilly said conditions are "unbelievably bad for August". He said: "People are in winter coats, so if it's like that in the low land what's is like in the high land?" Additional reporting by Press Association The crash occurred at Boston on the Ballingarry North to Cloughjordan road, Co Tipperary. Stock photo The crash occurred at Boston on the Ballingarry North to Cloughjordan road, Co Tipperary. A teenager has died and a young man is fighting for life after a road crash in Co Tipperary. Gardai in Borrisokane are investigating the single vehicle incident that occurred at Boston on the Ballingarry North to Cloughjordan road on Tuesday at approximately 3.45pm. Gardai say a 16 year old boy was fatally injured when the car he was a rear seat passenger crashed into a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to University Hospital Limerick. The two other occupants, a 22 year old male and a 17 years old female, were taken to Tullamore Hospital and University Hospital Limerick. A garda spokesman said the older man is in a "serious condition". This stretch of road was closed for a time to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and has since reopened. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Nenagh Garda Station on 067 50450, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. It is the second tragedy on Tipperary roads this week after a pensioner was killed in a hit and run on Sunday. Michael Stapleton (68), from Glengoole, Thurles, Co Tipperary, was hit a short distance from his house at around 10.20pm on Sunday. It is understood that the man lived alone while his mother lived in a nursing home. Mr Stapleton had family members living close by. A man in his 40s was arrested in relation to the incident and questioned by gardai. He was subsequently released and a file will now be prepared for the DPP. Undated handout photo of a billboard put up by pro-life lobby group Both Lives Matter. Photo: Both Lives Matter/PA Wire A complaint about a billboard campaign claiming Northern Ireland's restrictive abortion laws had saved 100,000 lives has been dismissed by the regulator. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the assertion was not misleading and there was a "reasonable probability" it was largely accurate. Pro-life lobby group Both Lives Matter faced a challenge after 14 complaints said the claim could not be substantiated. An ASA statement said: "On balance, we concluded that the evidence indicated that there was a reasonable probability that around 100,000 people were alive in Northern Ireland today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so. "Because we considered that readers would understand the figure to represent an estimate, we concluded that the claim was unlikely to materially mislead readers." Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where terminations remained banned after the 1967 Abortion Act was introduced in Great Britain. Both Lives Matter said it had attempted to estimate the number of people alive in Northern Ireland today because the law had not been introduced in Northern Ireland, meaning the procedure was still illegal. They said it was not possible to calculate an exact figure but 100,000 represented a credible and conservative estimate. The calculation was based on a comparison with Scotland's abortion ratio. Dawn McAvoy, spokeswoman for Both Lives Matter, said she was delighted with the result. She added: "Our opponents said we could not substantiate the claim despite us producing a robust report. The ASA have examined our calculations and backed our figure. "Their expert concluded that it is reasonable to say that 100,000 people are alive today who would have otherwise been aborted had it been legal to do so. "This independent verification is a real endorsement of our campaign." Ms McAvoy said statistically everyone in Northern Ireland knows someone who is alive today because of "balanced" laws relating to abortion. She said: "We wanted people to realise that this had changed the lives of everyone. It also debunks the myth that law doesn't stop abortions - it clearly does." A member of the Oireachtas Water Charges Committee has said the government will spend 3.4bn on our water infrastructure in the next five years. However Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin added that this is not enough. Clearly there is a greater capacity for investment but that requires political choices. Does Government want to give tax breaks to the wealthy by implementing election commitments around the USC? Or does it want to invest more of that money in tackling both the infrastructural deficits in the distribution system and antiquated level of waste water treatment plants? he said. Speaking RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland, Deputy O Broin said the government will need to borrow money to tackle the problem. Under this plan the bulk of that funding comes through borrowing. Initially what the government was proposing was private sector borrowing. "Thankfully government is actively considering switching that to lower cost government borrowing which will save the taxpayer some amount of money, he said. Deputy O Broin, who is also the party spokesman on Housing, Planning and Local and Local Government, highlighted problems in our water delivery and treatment systems. The Irish Government is currently in front of the European Court of Justice because we have approximately 40 waste water treatment plants pumping raw sewage into our rivers and lakes and very clearly theres a need for significant increased investment, he said. He said Sinn Feins alternative budget identified last year that a further 340m was necessary on top of the 270m the government was investing in water. I talked to water service engineers in local authorities in different parts of the country and they would tell us that they are putting in applications to Irish Water for capital project upgrades and theyre getting refused. Likewise weve had the Environmental Protection Agency in front of the Oireachtas committee recently. Theyve identified 124 locations where there are issues in relation to waste water treatment, he added. The real issue is does Government have the political will to do something it has never done which is invest adequately in this vital public service, Deputy O Broin said. The same programme reported that the current spending plan for 2017-2021 will see Donegal getting six times the investment it saw between 2014-2016, while Meath and Sligo will be receiving a four-fold increase. It was also reported that Dublin alone will receive 871m. The group were eating and drinking at Main Square, Krakow before the alleged attack A group of "intoxicated" Irish men have been arrested after allegations were made that they attacked a waiter, holding a shard of glass to his throat and vandalising a Polish restaurant during a dispute over 47. The six men had been drinking alcohol and eating at the unidentified restaurant on Krakow's Main Square earlier this week when the fight broke out. A spokesman for Malopolska police said that the group were angry when their bill arrived and they refused to pay half of it. They told Independent.ie: "It has been established that the men had dinner and drunk some alcohol. "When the waiter brought the bill they refused to pay for it, claiming the price was too high. They decided to pay only a half of it, that is 200 PLN (47). "Once the waiter demanded the whole sum they became aggressive. "The men started to break windows, knock over chairs and tables and finally they severely battered the waiter. "One of them held a piece of broken glass against the waiters neck." When the police arrived they fled on foot and four of them were soon caught, the other two men were detained several hours later at their hotel. The spokesman added: "During the checks it has been established that the detained foreigners are nationals of Ireland who arrived in Poland for an excursion. "All of them were intoxicated." The men were charged with various offences and they paid the outstanding 47 from their bill, as well as an undisclosed settlement. The Prosecutors Office decided to release all six men. Their case will proceed to the courts but police have said it will most likely be "carried out without their presence." The crash occurred at Boston on the Ballingarry North to Cloughjordan road, Co Tipperary. A teenage boy who was killed in a road accident had "his whole life ahead of him", a local politician has said. The boy, who has been named locally as Adam Case (16), died in a single vehicle incident that happened on Boston on the Ballingarry North to Cloughjordan road in Co Tipperary on Tuesday at around 3.45pm. Offaly County Councillor Sean Maher said that people were shocked by the news as he extended his condolences to Adam's grieving family and friends. The Sinn Fein representative told Independent.ie: "It's tragic, I know his family. "I'm so sorry for their loss and I'd like to sympathise with them at this awful time. "It's absolutely tragic, he was just 16 and he had his whole life ahead of him. "My thoughts are with them." Read More It is understood that the car crashed into a tree. Adam, who was a rear seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene and his remains were removed to University Hospital Limerick. There was also a young man (22) in the vehicle, who is fighting for his life. A female passenger was also hospitalised for her injuries. The road was closed for a time to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and has since reopened. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Nenagh Garda Station on 067 50450, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. The 'Sunday Times' is conducting a review of how last weekend's controversial Kevin Myers column came to be published in the Irish edition of the newspaper. It is understood the measure was ordered by management at the newspaper's headquarters in London following uproar over the article. It is thought the outcome could be communicated to senior Irish editorial executives later this week. Mr Myers apologised in a radio interview yesterday for the piece widely described as "misogynistic" and "anti-Semitic". The newspaper's Ireland editor Frank Fitzgibbon apologised on Sunday for the "error of judgment" which led to the article being published. However, neither he nor senior management at the newspaper's London headquarters have responded to further queries about how the error occurred. In the article, headlined 'Sorry ladies, equal pay has to be earned', Mr Myers pointed out that two of the best-paid women presenters in the BBC, Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz, are Jewish. He said Jews were not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price. The comment caused uproar, as did Mr Myers's argument that men usually work harder, get sick less frequently and "seldom get pregnant". Dozens of complaints are now being examined by the Press Ombudsman. Meanwhile, former tanaiste Joan Burton has said newspaper editors need to ensure articles which are grossly prejudicial to women should never be published. Ms Burton welcomed Mr Myers's apology, but said steps should be taken to ensure similar pieces are not published in future. "Gross prejudice against women should have no place in modern journalism and it is an editor's responsibility to ensure the kind of prejudice we've seen this week doesn't happen again," she said. Mr Myers said it was down to his own "stupidity" and that he did not want to blame others. However, he revealed up to six people may have seen the column within the newspaper before it went to press. Mr Myers said he would guess the article was seen by five or six people in the newspaper's Dublin and London offices before it was published and no one came back to him with any queries. "Just on this particular day a number of people nodded on duty and let something through that shouldn't have got through and it did get through," he told RTE's 'Today with Sean O'Rourke' show. Mr Myers said he got a call from one of his editors on Sunday morning saying there had been "an online uproar" over his column. He said both he and the editor were "surprised" by the reaction. Mr Myers's account of events has not been disputed by the newspaper. A request for further comment was made to Mr Fitzgibbon yesterday, but no response was forthcoming. He attended the newspaper's office in Ringsend, Dublin, as normal yesterday and hosted a number of scheduled meetings. In his statement on Sunday, he said: "This newspaper abhors anti-Semitism and did not intend to cause offence to Jewish people." The 'Sunday Times' press office in London declined to say if any further action was being considered in the aftermath of the controversy. An Irish mother-of-one has shared how sending her son to school in September is costing over 500, while paying the voluntary contribution requested by the school would leave her in debt. Sarah Eustace, from South Dublin, told Independent.ie that the cost of sending her six-year-old son to first class is "very daunting." Ms Eustace's comments follow new figures released from the Barnardos School Costs Survey, which show that that 45pc of parents are forgoing other bills or cutting back on daily expenses in order to afford to send their children to school. According to the figures, most parents of primary school pupils pay between 50 and 100 for books, while parents spend on average 95 on school-specific uniforms at primary level. Expand Close Sarah Eustace. Image: Barnardos / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sarah Eustace. Image: Barnardos Meanwhile, a poll on Independent.ie found that almost half of people said they are skipping household expenses to cover back-to-school. Of those sampled 47pc of people said they are deferring paying their bills as September approaches. "The figures released by Barnardos this morning are no surprise, theyre what I expected," said Ms Eustace. "The costs for the primary school my son attends is slightly higher than the average, with book rent for the year and stationary costing 135 alone. Expand Close Click to view full size graphic / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Click to view full size graphic "Its higher than the general figure, and I cant help but wonder why. The voluntary contribution Im asked to pay is also one of the highest, at 250. Its only a new school, and I dont understand why its not getting enough funding from the government." Ms Eustace added that she "can't imagine" how parents pay for schooling when they have more than one child. "The total cost works out at over 500, and its very daunting. I cant imagine how parents pay when they have more than one child, I know I wouldnt be able to afford it." She added that being unable to pay the voluntary contribution requested by the school last year left her wondering if it would affect her son's position in the classroom. "I paid the voluntary contribution for the first year, but I couldnt afford it last year and I felt bad. I wondered if I was the only parent who didnt pay it, how the school would manage if I wasnt. I worried whether my child would be ostracised or treated differently. "If I paid it, I would be in debt. Budgeting throughout the year is an option and I can put money away, but something unexpected always comes up and its not always possible to budget." "I heard someone speaking on the radio this morning saying, Dont parents realise that having a child means having these costs? but these are costs that can be avoided. "I dont understand why we dont have free schooling, we pay for everything else." Adding further to the cost is the school's crested jumper and tracksuit, which removes the possibility of buying a generic brand, and the use of books that can't be bought second hand, said Ms Eustace. "It's not as if there's a choice of another school to send him to. Theres no other choice of school. He either goes there, or he doesnt go at all, which isnt an option. "The government could be cleverer with books to bring costs down. They keep changing, so its impossible to buy second hand, and they use workbooks that cant be used again." Ms Eustace said that she hasn't "met a parent thats not complaining about the costs." "The government prioritises other things over free education, and I dont understand why. Unless you have a salary of over 70k, youre going to be affected. "I just hope that the government takes this seriously and provides free books and education, a standard uniform and provides enough funding so voluntary contributions are a thing of the past." For more information on the Barnardos School Costs Survey and the services Barnardos provides, visit barnardos.ie. For some women falling pregnant is the most natural thing in the world but for others, fertility is a black shadow that hangs over their lives. Every pregnancy announcement and baby shower is made all the harder with each failed pregnancy test and the hollowness that comes with feeling you will never hold a baby in your arms. Despite their secret heartache, many women refuse to give up. Jean Gill and Denise Philips share their inspiring IVF journeys and explain why infertility is something no woman should be ashamed of. Denise Phillips (33) and her daughter Beth Expand Close Denise and Beth / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Denise and Beth When salon owner Denise Phillips, from Naas in Co Kildare, was told she was infertile at just 28 years of age, she never gave up hope that one day she would hold her baby in her arms "For two years, I tried for a baby and nothing happened. I went to the doctor, I was referred to the hospital and went to the Well Woman Clinic and still, nothing happened. "I was told 'You are young, you have loads of time. I was put on different drugs, diagnosed with coeliac disease and tested for a bone disorder and then, at 28, I was finally diagnosed with unexplained infertility. "My whole world fell apart, I had always dreamed of having a baby, my one dream in life was being a mother - not getting married or having my own business, just having a baby. "I was so angry with myself, my body and society that I decided I didn't want to have a baby. I didn't think I could afford IVF, so we began to look at adoption. We were at the end stage when we decided IVF could be an option. "A week after we came home from our honeymoon, I started my IVF journey. I don't think words can adequately describe how difficult the whole process was. My worst experience was every time it failed, when I had cancelled cycles, when I had a failed cycle, when I had 16 eggs and only six fertilised and only one survived. "But despite everything, I never stopped believing. I dreamt I had a girl, I dreamt what she looked like and I told myself I would hold her. I just believed one day I will eventually have my child." Two years on, Denise was given a birthday present like no other, when she discovered she was pregnant on her 30th birthday. Expand Close Denise and Beth / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Denise and Beth "On the day of my 30th, I was having a party so I waited until everyone left at 2am to take the test. It was the moment I had been dreaming of. "Beth is two-and-a-half now and she has changed our lives forever. I would love to give Beth a baby brother or sister, but it is such a gruelling process, it really takes its toll on you emotionally. "It's hard to know when to stop. When your marriage is suffering? When you are in debt? When you are pushing your family and friends away because they don't understand? "Do you say, 'We will do three cycles and pay 15,000 and then give up on your dream? "People say they can't afford it and I take issue with that. I had a husband that was out of work and I was earning a normal wage - if you want something you might not be able to get it in a year, but save: don't go on your holiday, don't drink, don't smoke, you can afford it. "For nearly two years, I didn't do anything but had fertility treatment. Instead of a car loan, I have a baby loan. Ireland and Lithuania are the only two countries in the whole of the EU who don't have funding for IVF, even though it is classified as disease by the World Health Organization. "It the loneliest time in the world because people are not educated and they ask you ridiculous questions, not out of badness but simply because they are not informed. "I remember people asking me, 'So are you pregnant yet? Is the baby in you now?' "It is so important to be mindful of other women and what they may be going through in silence." Having suffered with postnatal depression, Denise - who is also a proud stepmum to 12-year-old Ellie, her partner's daughter from a previous relationship - is also known by her social media handle 'MillionDollarBaby', now blogs about her experience to raise awareness about IVF. "IVF mammies are four times more likely to suffer with postnatal depression. After Beth was born, I felt bad if I wanted an hour to myself, I felt guilty for asking for help. I wanted her so badly, yet I was feeling lonely and sad. I isolated myself from friends because I didn't want them to see me struggle. "When Beth was six months old, I went to counselling to talk about my infertility and how it affected my confidence. I learnt to fully accept that I was infertile. I still have bad days but accepting has really helped me. "Most women struggling to conceive keep it a secret. It's a lonely road and a hard topic to discuss or understand unless you have walked it. "Please talk to someone, write a journal or express your feelings because you are not alone." You can follow Denise's journey on Instagram (@milliondollarbaby_ivf) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/myivfjourney) Jean (34) and her daughter Sadie Gill Expand Close Jean and Sadie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jean and Sadie Thirty-one, single and self-employed, having a baby was the last thing on Jean Gill's mind until she was told time was running out. "I was 14 when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. At the time, I underwent chemotherapy and I was told that it could affect my fertility. At that age, fertility wasn't something I even considered. "Over the year's, family members would say you must get it checked out and I just smiled and nodded but never did anything. "And then one day, my housemate said to me, 'Do you have your period again? Jesus, you always have it.' And then I started working out that I did always have it, I had an 18-day cycle. "I went to the Well Woman Clinic and got a blood test and I was put on the Pill, but a couple of days later they called me and told me to come off it. I was told that my egg count was very low. I had an AMH reading of 0.8 [Anti-Mullerian Hormone test - a measure of ovarian reserve], while it should have been between 8-13 for my age." Determined to start a family, the choreographer arranged to go to an open day in Sims in Clonskeagh. "I spoke to Dr Kennedy and I was told that if I wanted children, I need to start treatment as soon as possible. "I was single, self-employed and I was living with my housemate - doing the normal 31-year-old thing. "I asked how long I had to think about it and I was told six to 12 months, which was a major shock. Even though I was single and not in an ideal living situation, the urge to have a child outweighed everything else. "I knew it was now or never. When I returned to the clinic, I had an internal scan to check the lining of my womb and really to check if everything was in order. "Before I knew it, my journey had begun. The next thing was choosing the donor. In a way, it was very straight forward. I picked everything from eye to hair colour. Because I was undergoing IVF alone, they explained that a lot of people in my situation normally tend to pick what they look like themselves. "Three weeks later, I had a donor and then it all came down to my cycle. I called the clinic on the first day of my period, they took a note of it and then I started on tablets. On day three, I began injections and on day five, I added more injections. "I was inseminated on August 24, my mum's birthday, and then waited two weeks to see if I was pregnant. "I remember waking up at 5am after the two week mark and doing a pregnancy test. I could see a faint line, so I woke my mum up but she couldn't see it. I went back to bed and tried again later with the same result. "The clinic confirmed it was a positive result. It was the most surreal moment, I couldn't believe that it had worked the first time. "Sadie was born on April 22, just 18 months after I found out about my fertility and now she is 15 months old. When people found out that I was having a baby, the first thing they said was 'I didn't know you were with someone', they couldn't believe it, but you can do it by yourself. Yes, there are huge obstacles - even financially there are obstacles, especially with the rent crisis. "We live in a one-bed apartment and that is fine at the moment, because she is in a cot, but in the next year, I want my own space back but I can't afford a two-bed on my salary, especially being self-employed. "My journey may not have been straightforward, but I wouldn't change it for a second - Sadie is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She is a ball of energy and I know she gets that from me. "At times, it has been a struggle, but I have no regrets in the slightest. "The message I want to send is for women to get their eggs checked. We get these letters that say get your breasts checked, get your smear test, but why don't we get one that says get your eggs checked?" Ryanair has today unveiled the "new ergonomic slimline seats" specially designed for its Boeing 737 MAX 'gamechanger' aircraft. The first of the new seats, designed by airline interiors company Zodiac, will appear on aircraft due for delivery in the spring of 2019. You'll have to pay to reserve them, of course - thanks to its much-criticised policy of randomly assigning seats to customers who do not pay an extra fee. Ryanair currently has 110 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order, with options on 100 more (it aims to carry 200 million customers a year by 2024). Expand Close Ryanair's new 'slimline' seats / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ryanair's new 'slimline' seats The planes have been redesigned to facilitate an extra eight seats - with space maximised by removing the rear galley and moving the two rear toilets into its space. That means 197 seats per plane (up from 189) - though Ryanair says passengers will enjoy more legroom, thanks to the new seats' pitch of 31 inches. Its standard seat pitch (the distance between seats) is currently 30". Read More Last month, Ryanair announced that it had carried over one billion customers since its first flight between Waterford and London in 1985. To celebrate, it has released 1,000,000 seats in a flash sale to celebrate - offering 20pc off fares for travel in November 13 and December 15. You need to act fast, however - the sale expires at midnight on Wednesday, August 2. It is only available to book on ryanair.com. Fitting for an airline that aspires to be the 'Amazon of Travel', Ryanair also announced the addition of Alexa voice recognition software to its website. From today, Alexa voice recognition is available on Ryanair.com, allowing customers to search for flights and hotels, or check on the status of their flights, all through voice recognition technology," said Kenny Jacobs, the airline's Chief Marketing Officer. Expand Close Ryanair's new 'slimline' seats / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ryanair's new 'slimline' seats Read more: TK Whitaker was voted 'Irish Man of the 20th Century'. He wrote the policy that was followed by successive governments that laid the economic foundations of the modern Irish State. If Whitaker's advice - on November 11, 1968, and the eve of the Troubles - had been adhered to by all those who wish to see a united Ireland, we could have had a different past. We must look at Whitaker's advice anew and pay attention to it, to ensure a better future for all the people on this island. In 1968, he wrote to the then-Taoiseach a 'Note on North-South Border Policy'. In it, he foresaw the Good Friday Agreement and the long-term nature of achieving a united Ireland. He felt it required the best of ourselves and a collective understanding. "We were, therefore, left with only one choice, a policy of seeking unity in Ireland between Irishmen. Of its nature this is a long-term policy, requiring patience, understanding and forbearance, and resolute resistance to emotionalism and opportunism. It is not the less patriotic for that." This civic nationalism articulated by Whitaker is far removed from the old nationalism of the past. Civic nationalism seeks a brighter tomorrow for our country and all its citizens. Conscious of our troubled past, we must seek a new future of compassion, inclusion, engagement, justice, unity, and peace for all. Civic nationalism is inclusive, it appeals to universal values and equality. This year saw the first report to a Dail and senate committee advocating the long-term policy planning that Whitaker said was required to achieve, as described by attorney general Brady, the constitutional obligation of a united Ireland. This report, which I compiled, includes contributions by Dr Kurt Hubner, of the University of British Columbia, which showed a reunification scenario with a boost of 35.6bn over eight years to an all-island economy. President Obama's National Security Council senior policy adviser on counter-terrorism, Michael R Ortiz, has written a paper for the report on the issue of the need to act now to prevent the threat of future paramilitary violence attempting to subvert a referendum and reunification as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. Ortiz was the first US diplomat focused on countering violent extremism and was appointed by Secretary of State John Kerry. High Court Justice Richard Humphreys' book 'Countdown to Unity' is quoted from extensively in the report. Justice Humphreys' writings lay out the road map to the peaceful unity of Ireland and its people. It outlines the various options for the future of this island, the opportunities and the obstacles that are ahead to achieve the aim of a peaceful, united Ireland. Congressman Brendan Boyle, a member of the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee, submitted a specially commissioned research paper from the United States Congressional Research Office, which is included in the report. This analyses the true nature of the income and expenditure of Northern Ireland. I am one of up to 80pc, according to a recent opinion poll, of those in the Republic who wish to see Ireland and its people united in peace and prosperity. We who are in favour of unity are tasked with an enormous and great challenge: we must help create, south of the Border, a country where most of the people of the north of Ireland would vote for us to come together as one. We need to start a discussion on the issues surrounding unifying Ireland. A New Ireland Forum 2 is required, made up of experts on all the issues. We should ask our European colleagues, the Germans, what their experience was, what they would do differently if they had to do unification all over again. The challenge for the Republic is great; we need to create a society and a country where we improve the lives of all those living on this island. We must talk about, and work towards, creating a new society, not as it is today but how we want it to be in the future. We must strive to make a better country for all the people on this island. We must work towards ensuring that in terms of education, employment, health, housing, those in the Republic and those in the North would be better off voting for change than the status quo. Those who seek a land without borders, with only new horizons, face this enormous challenge. Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Lorna Muldoon and Lisa Regan at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Aoife Kenny at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Anna Hosty, Yourells, Patricia Leahy and Milliner Edel Ramberg at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Michael Mullins and Noel Cunningham at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Maire and Jennifer Fleming at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Alex Byrne, Sandra Byrne and Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan It takes a lot to stand out during Galway Race Week. Among the sea of sartorial experimentation always emerges the unofficial uniform, which changes minimally from year to year: a bright coloured ensemble, a wide brim hat, preferably with ornate floral detail and nude or gold court heels. But a post-racing event means a more relaxed dress code and usually sees some of the more adventurous looks. Enter Lorna Muldoon (nee Byrne) the newlywed wife of Connacht rugby captain John Muldoon, who turned heads in a strapless flared jumpsuit, keeping her accessories minimal with a leather tie waist belt and monchrome fascinator. Fresh fro the couple's Mexico honeymoon, Lorna joined her mother Sandra and sister Alex at the Salthill Hotel for the Prom to Paddock event raising funds for Enable Ireland. Expand Close Alex Byrne, Sandra Byrne and Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alex Byrne, Sandra Byrne and Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan The event began as a fundraising initiative in 2012 with just 65 people in attendance and last night saw its biggest numbers yet with 300 guests. Fashionistas have descended on Galway en masse this week to attend the dozens of parties around the city after taking in a day at Ballybrit Racecourse, where tomorrow's overall Best Dressed Lady winner will take home a prize worth 10,000. Expand Close Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lorna Muldoon at the Salthill Hotel for Prom to Paddock for Enable Ireland. Picture: Martina Regan People are paying for pens to be sent to US president Donald Trump in an effort to get him to sign off sanctions against Russia. The hashtag #SendTrumpAPen is gaining momentum, with people sharing receipts of their online purchases which will be dispatched directly to the White House. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. 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Manage Preference The movement is supported by The Resistance Party, a grassroots movement which says it aims to fight against the authoritarian agenda of Donald Trump and the radical right. The Senate passed the sanctions bill 98-2, two days after the House of Representatives pushed the measure through by an overwhelming margin, 419-3. Both were veto-proof numbers. The White House initially wavered on whether the president would sign the measure into law, but in a statement late on Friday, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump had reviewed the final version and, based on its responsiveness to his negotiations, approves the bill and intends to sign it. The lack of action since then has sparked the online call for action. An American nurse has received thousands of messages of encouragement after her son wrote a heartfelt Facebook post in defence of her tattoos. Jordan Miller, 21, was driven to defend his mother, Misti Johnson, after a conversation in which she revealed how strict various health employers can be when it comes to visible body art. Talking to my mom tonight (who is a registered nurse) and she was telling me about how strict some hospitals are when it Posted by Jordan Miller on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 He took to Facebook where he passionately described Mistis amazing dedication to her job. He wrote: Talking to my mom tonight (who is a registered nurse) and she was telling me about how strict some hospitals are when it comes to employees having tattoos. I must say I am kind of confused. Ive seen my mom pull a lady out of a car before it fills with smoke and she suffocates. Ive seen her do stitches on an injured person on the side of the road following a car accident. Ive seen her come home after a 12-hour shift, dead tired after dealing with an abusive patient all day, and get back up and do it again the next day. Shes come home after holding a baby in her hands and watching it take their last breath. Shes saved a drug addicts life after overdosing in the hospital bed. Tattoos dont define the person. My mom has more tattoos than I can count and it has never, ever affected her work ethic. She will wake up at the same time everyday and save a life. I am absolutely blown away by the support for tattoos on nurses that my son wrote. Almost 400 likes and shared over 200 Posted by Misti Johnson on Thursday, July 27, 2017 Jordan said the multitude of positive comments had been overwhelming in the days since he wrote about the conversation. He said: I decided to make the post because my mom and I are both covered in tattoos and people are always surprised that we have professional jobs with the tattoos we have. She came home and we were talking about how some places are strict about making nurses wear long sleeves. The responses from the post have been overwhelming. Its insane. We appreciate everyones support and we love to hear everyones stories. My mom is filled with happiness to see the support from strangers all across the world. Wow we never expected National attention from the "tattoo nurse" post. I'm beyond honored. I know some won't and don't Posted by Misti Johnson on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 Misti, 38, who lives in Carrollton, Texas, later took to the social networking site to express gratitude for the tremendous feedback, after the post was shared on Facebooks Love What Matters page and subsequently went viral gaining over 85,000 likes and 67,000 shares in four days. She said: Its so amazing that many people support a tattooed nurse. The messages of support and the hundreds friends request Ive gotten since then is so heart warming. Thank you all so much. The priest has been removed of his duties during the investigation Rizal Province A 55-year-old priest and head of a Catholic school has been stripped of his posts after he was caught driving a 13-year-old girl to a motel. Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos, former parish priest of St John The Baptist Parish and president of Cainta Catholic College, has been accused of child abuse near Marikina City in the Philippines. The priest allegedly arranged via social media to meet the girl and a pimp outside a shopping mall, where he reportedly paid around 500 Philippine Pesos (8.36) to take the girl. He faces charges for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and an investigation is underway after he was discovered as part of a police entrapment mission. The entrapment was allegedly called for by the girls mother, after the girl opened up to social workers about the abuse and who then informed her mother. The department accessed her social media accounts to find out who was selling her to men. The pimp was a friend of the girl, aged 16, as reported by Rappler. The 13-year-old victim said the motel would have been her third meeting with the priest, and she accused him of pointing a gun at her and warning her not to meet other men. The Diocese of Antipolo said in a statement: The Diocese of Antipolo makes it clear that it will not in any way condone or abet the trafficking in persons, particularly of minors, nor protect the offenders from prosecution, and subsequent trial and punishment when evidence so warrants. It added it would not give up on the priest and would pray for the victim and her family. Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said the church would not tolerate immorality, and he will collect evidence and testimonies from people with direct knowledge of the case before submitting the document to Rome. The final decision lies with the Vatican. But it does not mean he is guilty before proven innocent. He is innocent until proven guilty, Mr Cruz said, as reported by ABS-CBN News, adding that clergymen were not saints and could make mistakes. The US military is monitoring "highly unusual and unprecedented levels" of activity by North Korea's submarine force, with reports of a series of successful "ejection tests" of submarine-launched ballistic missiles described by analysts as a "critical step forward". Three ejection tests were carried out on land at Sinpo Naval Shipyard in July, US officials told CNN. A further test was carried out at the headquarters of the Maritime Research Institute of North Korea's Academy of National Defence Science earlier in the year. The report comes after North Korea's latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile has shown that Pyongyang now may be able to reach most of the continental United States. An ejection test is designed to test the cold-launch system required to propel a missile away from its launch tube on the submarine before the engine ignites, protecting the submarine. The ground-based tests also coincide with a North Korean Romeo-class submarine carrying out "unusual activities" off the east coast of the peninsula for at least one week in late July. The US and South Korea monitored the activities of the 1,800-ton diesel vessel. The submarine travelled more than 100km from the North Korean coast and into international waters, something which no submarine has been observed doing previously. Analysts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore suggested there were a number of possible explanations, although the "most likely is preparations for a test in the near future of an updated Pukguksong-1 submarine-launched ballistic missile or a potentially newer system". Pyongyang is believed to want to be able to deploy a missile-capable submarine into the Pacific Ocean as an additional threat to the United States. "Achieving a successful cold-launch ejection test, even from land-based tubes, is a critical step forward in making an operational missile", said Lance Gatling, a defence analyst. "The whole point of putting missiles into a stealthy platform like a submarine is to achieve tactical surprise, and this moves closer to that." The biggest problem for the North Koreans, however, is its "antiquated" and extremely noisy submarines, which make it relatively easy for US, South Korean and Japanese assets to monitor their activities, Mr Gatling said. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] A bailiff outside the Moscow regional court building, where three people being taken to trial for robbery and murder were shot dead after they grabbed guns in an attempt to escape. Photo: Reuters A shooting in a courthouse in a Moscow suburb yesterday afternoon left three assailants dead and two heavily injured. Two convoy officers, a man and a woman, also sustained injuries, as did an officer of the National Guard, Russia's newest law enforcement task force. The shooters were alleged members of the so-called "GTA gang" - a reference to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto - a mysterious crime group that used to terrorise drivers heading south on the M4 highway that connects Moscow and Rostov-on-Don. Between 2013 and 2014 the gang was reported to stop cars on the highway by using different methods to damage their tyres, including shooting at the wheels. Gang members would then approach drivers, pretending to offer help but instead robbing and brutally murdering them. In November 2014 the Investigative Committee reported arresting the supposed gang members. In August 2016, a trial of nine of them began in the Moscow Region Court, located in a northwestern suburb of the capital. The accused were charged with 17 counts of murder, as well as robbery, banditry, illicit firearms trafficking and document forgery. Yesterday, five of the accused were being transported to the courtroom by two convoy officers, a man and a woman, for another court hearing of the case. In the elevator, it is reported that one of them attacked one of the convoy officers, while the others seized the officers' guns. Once the elevator arrived on the third floor of the courthouse, the accused started shooting at the National Guard officers waiting for them in the hall in an attempt to flee from the courthouse. Both of the convoy officers were injured, as well as one National Guard officer. The other National Guard officers tried to disarm and stop the shooters, killing three of them and heavily injuring two in the process. Lawyer Sofia Rubasskaya, who was in the courthouse on another case, told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency that she had heard at least 20 gunshots. According to a statement that was issued by the National Guard after the shooting, none of the "civilians" present at the courthouse was hurt "thanks to the brave and professional actions of the National Guard officers". The prosecutor's office of the Moscow region opened a criminal probe into the accident. Moscow region prosecutor Alexei Zakharov promised to investigate possible violations of the convoy procedure. Perpetrators of the shooting are likely to face additional charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, stealing firearms and attempt at fleeing custody. US Vice President Mike Pence gives a speech at the Adriatic Charter Summit in Podgorica, Montenegro (Risto Bozovic/AP) US Vice President Mike Pence has said the future of Europe's Balkan nations is in the West, reaffirming Washington's commitment to the region as Russia works to assert its historical influence there. Mr Pence spoke in Montenegro, his third and final stop of a European trip that saw him voicing support for nations pressured by Russia and highlighting US allegiance to its allies overseas. He is the highest-ranking American official to visit the small Adriatic state in 100 years. "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," Mr Pence said in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital. The Western Balkans refers to countries in the former Yugoslavia that aspire to or have already joined Western institutions, including the European Union and Nato. It also includes Albania. Montenegro joined Nato in June, a move that angered Moscow. Russia had considered the country of 620,000 people, with an army of some 2,000 soldiers, its traditional Slavic ally. Mr Pence, who attended a summit of Balkan leaders on Wednesday, praised Montenegro for standing up to Russian pressure. Its accession to Nato, Mr Pence said, is "a sign of the strength of this country 10 years after independence". "I bring greetings from President Donald Trump, who sent me here as a visible sign of the alliance that we now enjoy through Nato," the vice president said. Russia is accused of masterminding an attempted coup in Montenegro in October to prevent it from joining Nato. Moscow has denied the allegations. In his address to the Balkan leaders, Mr Pence called Russia an "unpredictable country" that wants to destabilise the region. "As you well know, Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force and here in the Western Balkans, Russia has worked to destabilise the region, undermining your democracies, and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe," he said. "The Western Balkans have the right to decide your own future, and that is your right alone," Mr Pence said. The Balkan states that are pro-West had feared Mr Trump - who once called Nato an obsolete organisation - would leave them to the Russian sphere of influence. Mr Pence's trip appeared intended to alleviate those fears amid the investigations in Washington into Russia's efforts to interfere in last year's presidential election. "Nato is made up of large countries and small countries, but the US has no small allies and we cherish our new alliance with Montenegro through Nato," Mr Pence said. During a formal dinner with Montenegro President Filip Vujanovic on Tuesday evening, Mr Pence said Montenegro's "courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world and I commend you for that". Serbia is Russia's only remaining ally in the Balkans, although Belgrade formally says it wants to join the European Union. Serbia has been beefing up military ties with Moscow, while also maintaining a partnership relationship with Nato. Earlier in his tour, Mr Pence pledged support for the former Soviet republic of Georgia and met with the presidents of three Nato countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - in Estonia, where he said that "an attack on one of us is an attack on us all". Georgia and the three Baltic nations were all occupied for nearly five decades by Soviet troops before regaining their independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. AP Christopher Msando was found tortured and killed. (AP) A murdered Kenyan official crucial to the running of elections next week was tortured and then strangled, a post-mortem examination has revealed. Christopher Msando's body was identified on Monday at a city morgue. He was in charge of running biometric readers and electronic transmission equipment meant to greatly reduce incidences of electoral fraud. Government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor said on Wednesday that strangulation was the cause of death. Mr Msando also had been hit by a blunt object and had deep cuts on his right arm, indicating torture. Dr Oduor said Mr Msando's trachea had collapsed, indicating that he may have been strangled using "bare hands". Concerns are growing that Kenya's election again could turn violent. A poll this week shows President Uhuru Kenyatta and top challenger Raila Odinga just one percentage point apart. AP Opposition students march next to national guards during a march against President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, February 12, 2015. Venezuelan troops blocked students during marches against President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday as pro-government supporters also rallied on the anniversary of 2014 protests that led to 43 deaths. REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo A demonstrator is detained at a rally during a strike called to protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, July 27, 2017 . REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo FILE - In this combo of two file photos, Venezuela's opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez greets supporters outside his home in Caracas, Venezuela and Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma (AP Photos/Fernando Llano, Eraldo Peres, File) Teams of heavily armed security agents seized two of Venezuela's senior opposition leaders from their homes in the middle of the night, dragging one into the street in his pyjamas. The arrests came as President Nicolas Maduro's government defied US sanctions and international condemnation of a plan to assume nearly unlimited powers. Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma were being held at the Ramo Verde military prison south of the capital Caracas. They are accused by the government-allied Supreme Court of violating the terms of their house arrest by plotting to escape and releasing video statements criticising Mr Maduro. Both men's allies denied the charges and vowed to continue to try to push the ruling party from power. Mr Lopez's supporters released a video he taped last week saying he expected to be imprisoned again soon, and calling on Venezuelans to be firm in resisting Mr Maduro. #BREAKING: Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has been taken from his home. No word on where he has gone pic.twitter.com/CQoiXcTIuh Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) August 1, 2017 "If you are looking at this video now, it's precisely because that occurred, because they came and they illegally imprisoned me again unjustly ... a prisoner for my ideas, a prisoner for wanting a better Venezuela," the 46-year-old said. He also said that his wife, Lilian Tintori, is pregnant, touching her belly and saying he has "one more reason to fight for Venezuela". Mr Maduro appeared undeterred in his plans to seat a special assembly this week with powers to rewrite the country's constitution and override any other branch of the Venezuelan government. He has threatened to use those powers to go after his opponents and the arrests on Tuesday appeared to show he was willing to proceed with full force. The president appears to have the full support of the country's most important institutions, and the capital was unusually quiet after months of sometimes violent protests. Venezuela's powerful vice president, whom the US has accused of drug trafficking, said the newly elected constituent assembly would be convening "within hours". Tareck El Aissami said that results from Sunday's election have been reviewed and the 545 assembly members would soon take the reins of the nation's government. Venezuela's defence minister, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, affirmed his loyalty to Mr Maduro. "We ask for respect for our democracy, for the way in which we have decided to take the road that we deserve to take in peace, in democracy, with tolerance, without violence and without heading toward a coup," he said. Mr Lopez was released from the Ramo Verde prison on July 8 after serving three years of a 13-year sentence on charges of inciting violence at opposition rallies. Many human rights groups considered him a political prisoner. Mr Ledezma, 62, was also detained in 2015 and has been under house arrest. Like Mr Lopez, he also recently posted a video denouncing Sunday's vote. Shortly after midnight, black-clad members of Venezuela's state security force forced Mr Ledezma from his east Caracas home in his blue pyjamas, yanking him out into the night as a woman screamed for help. Mr Lopez's wife posted security-camera video of him being taken from their home and bundled into a waiting car. Tensions escalated in Venezuela after government-allied electoral authorities said more than eight million people voted on Sunday and the turnout was disputed by the opposition and independent analysts and condemned by many nations in the region and beyond. On Monday, the Trump administration added Mr Maduro to a growing list of high-ranking Venezuelan officials targeted by financial sanctions. US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday that the administration was "evaluating all of our policy options as to what can we do to create a change of conditions where either Maduro decides he doesn't have a future, and wants to leave of his own accord, or we can return the government processes back to their constitution". The French, British, Spanish and Mexican ambassadors to Venezuela visited the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Tuesday and met MPs as a show of support. Malaysian authorities have seized 23 pieces of elephant tusks and 664lb (301kg) of pangolin scales believed to have been smuggled from Africa in a haul worth nearly 1 million US dollars (757,000). Senior customs official Mohamad Pudzi Man said officials raided a Kuala Lumpur airport cargo warehouse on Sunday and found the ivory in two boxes marked as "food stuff". He said the ivory, worth 275,000 ringgit (48,560), was flown in on an Etihad Airways flight from Lagos, Nigeria, and transited in Abu Dhabi before arriving in Kuala Lumpur. He said that later on Sunday, officials confiscated six sacks of pangolin scales worth 3.86 million ringgit (682,600) shortly after it arrived on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Congo. The sacks were marked as "fish maw" and the airway bills used in both cases had fake final destinations, he said. Mohamad Pudzi said no-one was arrested and the case was under investigation for smuggling of prohibited goods. The seizure marked the latest in a series of contraband wildlife products that have been confiscated by Malaysian authorities in recent months, including more than a ton of pangolin scales in just two months. The wildlife trade monitoring group Traffic has expressed concern that Malaysia appears to be a transit point for the illegal trade of pangolins and ivory, with traffickers routinely moving their contraband through Malaysia. Eight species of pangolin, or scaly anteaters, live in Asia and Africa and are targeted for their scales and meat. More than a million have been poached in the past decade, threatening the creature with extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In Vietnam and some parts of China, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy, while its scales of keratin, the protein also found in fingernails and rhino horn, are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The demand is causing rampant poaching that is decimating the pangolin population. AP Amal and George Clooney their foundation is donating 3.25m to pay for schools for Syrian refugee children. Photo: AP George and Amal Clooney have said they will help 3,000 Syrian refugee children go to school this year in Lebanon, where the United Nations says 200,000 children are not receiving an education after fleeing the war in neighbouring Syria. The Clooney Foundation for Justice said it has teamed up with Google and HP Inc to help the UN children's agency Unicef and the Lebanese Ministry of Education open seven so-called "second shift" schools for Syrian refugee children. Lebanon has more than one million Syrian refugees, including nearly 500,000 children. It is educating Syrian children in public schools through a "second shift" system of additional afternoon classes exclusively for them. "We don't want to lose an entire generation because they had the bad luck of being born in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Oscar-winning actor Mr Clooney and his international human rights lawyer wife, who gave birth to twins last month. "Thousands of young Syrian refugees are at risk - the risk of never being a productive part of society," the couple said in a statement. "Formal education can help change that." A $3.25m (2.75m) donation from the Clooney Foundation for Justice, Google and HP will pay for transportation, school supplies, computers, content, curriculum and teacher training. A spokesman for the Clooneys' foundation, Max Gleischman, said the organisation had decided to support education for Syrian refugees through the public school system, instead of investing in private schools operated by Sabis, an international company which has prepared students for college and high school exams. The foundation had announced last year that it would work to enrol thousands of children in Sabis schools. A crackdown by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on pro-democracy protesters in 2011 led to civil war, and Isil militants used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq. Half of Syria's 22 million people have been uprooted and more than 400,000 killed. Schoolgirl Bivsi Rana is hugged by friends at Duesseldorf Airport (Marius Becker/dpa via AP) A German-born Nepalese girl who was taken from her school and deported from Germany two months ago has returned after authorities agreed to allow her back on a student exchange visa. Bivsi Rana, 15, was welcomed by fellow students and supporters at Duesseldorf Airport. Bivsi's parents came to Germany in 1998 and had their asylum request rejected by various courts after her father gave a false name on arrival. On May 29, the family was deported to Nepal, with the girl taken straight from her school class in Duisburg. Fellow students, their parents and other supporters protested. Last month, local authorities in western Germany said she could return on a student exchange visa, with her parents accompanying her on humanitarian grounds. German officials said it is a one-off case. AP Villagers watch Mount Sinabung during its eruption in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia (Endro Rusharyanto/AP) Mount Sinabung, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, has blasted volcanic ash as high as 4.2 kilometres (2.6 miles), one of its biggest eruptions in the past several months of high activity. Isya Nurrahmat Dana, an official at a volcano monitoring post in North Sumatra province, said at least 19 eruptions followed by lava flows were recorded by midday on Wednesday. Hot ash tumbled down the mountain's slopes as far as 4.5km (2.8 miles) east and south-east into a river. Students from a school in Kuta Rakyat were sent home because volcanic ash covering the village was considered dangerous, according to media reports. There were no reports of casualties. Thousands of people in 10 villages were directly affected by ash fall from the latest eruption, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. He warned villagers to stay out of a danger zone that extends as far as 7km (4.4 miles) from the peak. Mr Nugroho said villagers urgently need face masks and clean water. He called on people to be vigilant about the possibility of flash floods and lava flows because Wednesday's eruption created a natural dam on the upper reaches of the river. The 2,460-metre (8,070ft) high Sinabung burst back to life in 2010 after a long period of dormancy. The volcano has been erupting sporadically ever since, killing 17 people and forcing more than 30,000 to evacuate their villages. AP Donald Trump is reportedly considering Bill Shine, a former Fox News executive, for a role on his press team, a day after the humiliated Anthony Scaramucci was removed as White House communications director. Mr Shine who was forced out of Fox News following allegations that he covered up incidents of sexual harassment against anchor Bill OReilly and former chief Roger Ailes is said to have spoken with White House officials about taking a position on the communications team. Mr Shine has denied all wrongdoing regarding the allegations, as did Mr Ailes, who died in May. Whether or not Mr Shine would have such a high-profile position as Mr Scaramucci is unclear. The New York Times reported the administration was considering a behind-the-scenes role for Mr Shine. While he has no background in politics beyond cable news, Mr Shine counts Fox News host Sean Hannity as one of his allies. An informal advisor to Mr Trump and one of his most loyal on-air supporters, Mr Hannity dined with Mr Shine, the President and the first lady at the White House last week. If selected to join the communications team, Mr Shine would be walking into a controversy-ridden White House that is seen as chaotic and out-of-control by many observers. Staff has seen several changes over the last month, all of which culminated in the firing of Mr Scaramucci on Monday a move that has left Washington still reeling. Mr Scaramucci turned the White House upside down during the 10 days he worked for the US President who the former New York financier declared he reported directly to, without the interference of intermediaries such as Mr Trumps then-chief of staff, Reince Priebus. Upon resigning in July, ex-Press Secretary Sean Spicer reportedly told Mr Trump that hiring Mr Scaramucci as communications director would be a big mistake. Less than a week later, Mr Scaramucci, whose tough-talking persona was viewed to be similar to Mr Trumps, told a New Yorker reporter that Mr Priebus was a paranoid schizophrenic, a paranoiac and accused him of leaking information to journalists. On Friday, Mr Trump announced that John Kelly, his then-Secretary of Homeland Security, would replace Mr Priebus as White House Chief of Staff. Mr Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, is believed to have been selected to help bring discipline to the White House, and it appears that his first order of business was to get rid of the Mooch, as Mr Scaramucci likes to be called. Mr Trump is said to have removed Mr Scaramucci at the request of Mr Kelly, who was sworn in as White House Chief of Staff on Monday. In a statement announcing Mr Scaramucci would be leaving his role, the White House said: Mr Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. During a briefing following the firing, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also told reporters that Mr Trump certainly felt that Anthony's comments were inappropriate for a person in that position, referring to his remarks made to the New Yorker journalist. She also later added: As I think we've made clear a few times over the course of the last couple of days to several of you individually, but General Kelly has the full authority to operate within the White House, and all staff will report to him. Any new member of the communications team would be on the front lines defending Mr Trumps directives and decisions a job made more difficult by the Presidents social media use and off-the-cuff communication style. Mr Trumps press secretaries have also constantly battled questions from the media related to ongoing investigations into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government. Names that have been floated to fill the role of White House communications director include Kellyanne Conway, currently a counsellor to the President, and Laura Ingraham, a conservative radio host and commentator. During his profanity-laced discussion with the New Yorker, Mr Scaramucci suggested he was considering Mr Shine for a position. Oh, Bill Shine is coming in, Mr Scaramucci told reporter Ryan Lizza, apparently in an impersonation of Mr Priebus, adding, in colourful language, that Mr Priebus would likely try to leak that information. Donald Trump Jr places a hand on the shoulder of his father, US president Donald Trump during campaigning. The pair are embroiled in controversy over a statement drawn up in connection with a meeting with a Russian lawyer. Photo: AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump personally dictated a misleading statement in which his son Donald Trump Jr said a meeting with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 election was innocuous, it has been claimed. It later emerged that during the meeting on June 9, 2016, Mr Trump's eldest son, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, met with a Russian government lawyer who had claimed to have incriminating information about Hillary Clinton. The fact the meeting took place came to light last month and the president's advisers wanted to transparently reveal all details of the encounter, including who was there and what was discussed, the 'Washington Post' reported. But Mr Trump was said to have overridden them and decided to reveal few details. On board Air Force One, returning from the G20 summit in Hamburg, he reportedly dictated a statement which was then issued in his son's name. The statement said Donald Trump Jr and the Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya "primarily discussed a programme about the adoption of Russian children", and insisted that "was not a campaign issue at the time and there was no follow-up". Expand Close Sacked: Anthony Scaramucci. Photo: REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sacked: Anthony Scaramucci. Photo: REUTERS Last night, the White House confirmed reports that Mr Trump had a role in drawing up the statement by Donald Trump Jr. "He certainly didn't dictate [the statement]," said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, "but ... he weighed in, offered suggestion like any father would do." Mr Trump Jr subsequently released emails that showed he agreed to meet a woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as part of Moscow's official support for his father. A lawyer for Mr Trump issued a statement in response to the 'Washington Post' report, saying: "Apart from being of no consequence, the characterisations are misinformed, inaccurate, and not pertinent." However, David Sklansky, a professor of criminal law at Stanford Law School, said that if Mr Trump had helped craft a misleading public statement about the meeting, he may have bolstered a potential obstruction of justice case against himself. "To build a criminal obstruction of justice case, federal law requires prosecutors to show that a person acted with corrupt intent. A misleading public statement could be used as evidence of corrupt intent. "Lying usually isn't a crime," he said. But "it could be relevant in determining whether something else the president did, like firing [former FBI director James] Comey, was done corruptly". Meanwhile, Mr Trump may be trying for a reset in the West Wing, but he is making clear that he is not changing his Twitter habit. On Twitter yesterday, Mr Trump wrote: "Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out!" The tweet came one day after retired General John Kelly took over as Mr Trump's new chief of staff and immediately brought about the sacking of newly appointed communications director Anthony Scaramucci. Russian officials and politicians have vented their frustration with US President Donald Trump's decision to sign a bill imposing new sanctions on the country. In an emotional Facebook post, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev described the move as a humiliating defeat for Mr Trump. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned of possible new retaliatory measures. "The hope for improving our relations with the new US administration is now over," said Mr Medvedev, who served as Russian president in 2008-2012 before stepping down to allow Vladimir Putin to reclaim the job. The Kremlin had been encouraged by Mr Trump's campaign promises to improve the Russia-US ties that had grown increasingly strained under former president Barack Obama. With the White House preoccupied by congressional and FBI investigations into links between the Trump campaign and Russia, the hoped-for relationship reset has not materialised. "Trump's administration has demonstrated total impotence by surrendering its executive authority to Congress in the most humiliating way," said Mr Medvedev, who presided during a brief period of improved relations early in Mr Obama's presidency. "The American establishment has won an overwhelming victory over Trump," he added. "The president wasn't happy with the new sanctions, but he had to sign the bill. The topic of new sanctions was yet another way to put Trump in place." Mr Medvedev emphasised that the stiff new sanctions amount to the declaration of an "all-out trade war against Russia," but added that it will cope with the challenge and only get stronger. "We will continue to work calmly to develop our economy and social sphere, deal with import substitution and solve important government tasks counting primarily on ourselves," he said. "We have learned how to do it over the past few years." Without waiting for Mr Trump to sign the bill, which was passed by the US Congress with overwhelming, veto-proof numbers, Russia fired back on Friday. It ordered deep cuts in the number of personnel working at the US embassy and consulates in Russia and the closure of a US recreational retreat and warehouse facilities. It was the long-expected tit-for-tat response to Mr Obama's move to expel 35 Russian diplomats and shut down two Russian recreational retreats in the US following allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Asked whether Moscow planned additional steps in response to Mr Trump signing the bill, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov answered that "retaliatory measures already have been taken". But shortly after, the Foreign Ministry warned that "we naturally reserve the right for other countermeasures". It said the sanctions bill reflects a "short-sighted and dangerous" attempt to cast Russia as an enemy and would erode global stability. The ministry added that "no threats or attempts to pressure Russia will force it to change its course or give up its national interests". It added that "we are open for cooperation with the US in the spheres where we see it useful for ourselves and international security, including the settlement of regional conflicts," but warned that a constructive dialogue is only possible if Washington sheds the notion of "American exclusiveness". Konstantin Kosachev, who heads the foreign affairs committee in the upper house of the Russian parliament, said the bill Mr Trump signed "leaves no chance for a constructive cooperation with Russia." "Perspectives for the settlement of Iranian and North Korean problems look grim," Mr Kosachev said. "It means that real threats will exacerbate." AP CONCORD A documentary film on the life and work of notable industrialist Charles A. Cannon will premiere on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at the Gem Theatre in downtown Kannapolis. Charles A. Cannon: A Mind for Business, A Heart for People takes an in-depth look at an important piece of U.S. industrialist history and the life of the visionary whose leadership and philanthropy played out on a global stage. The son of James W. Cannon, who started Cannon Mills, Charles became a giant of the textile industry and architect of the countrys largest unincorporated town. Through family photographs, interviews with mill workers and their families, and footage recreated to bring the period to life, film viewers will be transported to the mill floor, board room and linen closets of American families during Cannons years as the largest home textile producer in the world. Meeting the man behind the industrial powerhouse that became Cannon Mills and finding out what motivated him is central to the film, according to Bill Cannon and Robin Hayes, Cannons grandsons. Our grandfathers story is rooted in a commitment to a vision of success for a small southern town. That vision, along with his business acumen, forward-thinking approach to industrialism and true concern for his employees, left an indelible mark on the world of manufacturing, branding and distribution, said Cannon. Added Hayes, He was an industrialist, paternalistic benefactor, philanthropist and visionary. His historical significance and connection to the formation of North Carolinas industrialism and business practices is still in place today. The 60-minute documentary was produced and directed by GreyHawk Films with support from The Cannon Charitable Interests. The film will premiere at 4 p.m. Oct. 15, at the Gem Theatre, located at 111 West 1st St. in downtown Kannapolis. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information about the film, visit www.charlescannonfilm.com. Typically, Ericka Edwards and her son, Vincent Ferrante, wouldnt want their night out to involve the police. But at Tuesdays National Night Out, they were more than happy to show their appreciation for law enforcement and meet their local police officers and neighbors. I just wanted to come see what its like and find out who my neighbors are, 7-year-old Vincent said. Its pretty fun. National Night Out takes place each year on the first Tuesday of August as a way for community members and police officers to mingle. The night is a community-building activity designed to heighten crime prevention, strengthen neighborhood spirit and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. What impresses me most is that this is a national program, said Council Member John Larson, who represents the South Ward on the Winston-Salem City Council. Were part of the bigger picture working together to strengthen and unify our country. Thousands of communities nationwide held block parties, cookouts, visits with police officers, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies at the 34th annual Night Out on Tuesday. In Winston-Salem, residents clustered at 30 different sites to celebrate with police officers, fire officials and neighbors. This is Americas night out against crime, sending a message to criminals that were working together, Winston-Salem Police Chief Barry Rountree told the 100 people gathered at the West Salem Civic Club. Its an opportunity for the police and the community to come together to reduce crime and ensure the safety of the city. Mayor Allen Joines and other city dignitaries also spoke at the gathering at the civic club. Each year, the mayor and the city council members compete to see how many of the citys Night Out festivities they can attend, said Council Member Dan Besse, who represents the Southwest Ward. The great thing is just the sense of community out here, police Sgt. Stan Karboski said. Theres barbecues, singing contests, block parties its a good day of fun. At the civic club, on Hutton Street, community members enjoyed hot dogs and other snacks, while the kids had their faces painted and jumped in the bouncy castle. Last years National Night Out involved more than 38.5 million people from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In an age so dependent on the internet and Instagram and Twitter, nothing beats face-to-face, said police Capt. Mike Weaver of District 2. Thats the bottom line, getting to meet the communities. Community member Ruth Cheek said she attended to show her appreciation for law enforcement. Theyre always there for us when we need them, she said. I just want to thank the police officers every chance I get, Cheek said. I dont know why anyone wants to do that job, but Im so glad they do. By Dezan Shira & Associates After facing 17 years of political set-backs and missing several deadlines, Indias biggest tax reform the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was launched on July 1, 2017. On successful completion of its one month, we provide you with a timeline of the most historic moments that culminated into the one nation, one tax system in India. RELATED: Tax Compliance Advisory Readers must note that though the term GST was first introduced in 2000 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the idea behind it restructuring of excise taxation was initially proposed in the union budget for 1986-87 by the then finance minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh. History of GST: A timeline 2000 Discussions on GST begin and the Empowered Committee for GST is set up. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee introduces the concept of GST, and sets up a committee to design a GST model. The then Finance Minister (FM) of West Bengal, Asim Dasgupta, is appointed as the head of the committee. 2003 Vijay Kelkar committee recommends tax reforms, highlights the importance of comprehensive GST. A task force chaired by Vijay Kelkar, then advisor to the finance ministry, proposes a comprehensive GST to deal with the myriad problems and complications suffered by Indias taxation system. 2004 Vijay Kelkar committee recommends that GST replace the existing indirect tax structure. February 2006 GST appears in the union budget speech for the first time; the first deadline for GST implementation is set. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram sets April 1, 2010 as the deadline for implementing GST in India and announces preparation of a road map for GST. 2008 Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers is constituted to prepare the road map for GST. The committee submits a report titled A Model and Roadmap for Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India to the government. November 2009 The GST discussion paper is published online to encourage debate on GST with various stakeholders. The next federal FM, Pranab Mukherjee, announces the basic structure of GST as designed by the Empowered Committee; retains 2010 deadline. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) opposes the basic structure of the GST. February 2010 Project on computerization of commercial taxes is launched to lay the foundation for GST rollout; the GST deadline is postponed to April 1, 2011. March 2011 The Congress party introduces 115th Constitution Amendment Bill in the lower house of parliament to implement GST. RELATED: Impact of GST on Imports and Exports in India November 2012 A meeting is held between the federal FM and state FMs to resolve matters related to GST transition. December 31, 2012 is set as the deadline to clear all GST-related issues. February 2013 In the annual budget, the Congress-led government introduces a corpus of US$1.4 billion (Rs 90 billion) to compensate states for losses to be incurred due to GST. August 2013 The Parliamentary Standing Committee suggests amendments to the GST Bill, which is approved with recommendations to change the provision of the tax structure and dispute resolution mechanism. The GST Bill is ready to be introduced in the parliament. October 2013 Narendra Modi, as then Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat state, opposes the GST Bill in the parliament. The CM voices concerns regarding revenue losses to the states. 2014 The Bill lapses as the lower house of parliament dissolves. BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government comes to power with an overwhelming mandate. Narendra Modi is elected the new Prime Minister of India. December 2014 The GST Bill is reintroduced in the lower house as the 122nd Constitution Amendment Bill, by the newly elected NDA government; the Congress party insists that the Bill should be reviewed by the Standing Committee again. May 2015 The lower house of parliament passes the GST Amendment Bill, and the Bill is moved to the upper house. August 2016 The Amendment Bill fails to receive two-third majority votes in the upper house the minimum number of votes for a bill to be passed in upper house. The Bill is forwarded for approval to a joint committee comprising of members from the upper house and lower house. Later, the GST Bill is passed in the upper house by a two-third majority. An arrangement is agreed whereupon GST will be levied by both federal and state governments on the consumption of goods and services in India. The GST gets approved as a single tax to subsume all indirect taxes, including service tax and excise tax. September 2016 The GST Bill gets Presidential assent; 16 out of 32 states and union territories ratify the GST Bill. The GST Council is formed, and meets for the first time on September 22-23. RELATED: 5 GST Myths Busted November 2016 The GST Council agrees on a four-slab GST tax structure of 5, 12, 18, and 28 percent with an additional cess on luxury and demerit goods such as tobacco and aerated drinks. GST portal goes live and a registration schedule is released for existing taxpayers. January 2017 The FM announces July 1, 2017 as the deadline for GST roll-out. February 2017 The GST Council finalizes the draft Compensation Bill to make up for the revenue loss to states in the first five years of GST roll-out. March 2017 The union cabinet approves the four key GST bills Central GST, Integrated GST, State GST and Union Territory GST. Bills are introduced in the lower house. May 2017 GST Council announces rates for over 1,200 categories of goods and services, fitting them in the tax slabs of 5, 12, 18, and 28 percent. A separate cess on luxury and demerit goods is announced to fund the compensation for states. June 2017 All states except Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) pass the SGST law. June 30 July 1 midnight, 2017 GST is rolled out nationwide, except in J&K. July 7, 2017 J&K state assembly passes state GST Bill while safeguarding states taxation rights enshrined in the J&K constitution. August 3, 2017 The lower house of parliament passes two Bills extending CGST and IGST to the state of J&K to ensure greater economic integration of the state with rest of the country. Editors Note: The article was first published on August 2, 2017 and has been updated on August 3, 2017 as per the latest developments. It was in a place of mourning that we Portlanders learned an all-star lineup of the worst White America has to offer would soon decamp in our mild-mannered city. The new knowledge promised to transform the pain into something more useful. But what? All anyone knew is that the need for remedy was strong. Roughly 1,000 of us, more brown and foreign-born than normal for this town, were expressing our collective sorrow, candles in our hands and hurt in our eyes, on the green, grand yard outside Hollywood Station on Saturday, May 27. We mostly stood a strong stones throw from where a worst-case scenario white male, Jeremy Joseph Christian, had stabbed three differently iconic American white males the day before. Christian killed a 53-year-old veteran, Ricky Best, and a crunchy Ashland scholar, Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23; he also severely wounded 21-year-old Micah David-Cole Fletcher. All of this for the crime of defending two young, nonwhite women including one who wore a hijab from Christians torrent of hate. They defended their fellow Oregonians on the car of a Tri-Met light rail train. To read more of this story at TheNation.com, click here. BCCL Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists Abu Dujana and Arif Lilhaari were the 115th and 116th terrorists to be killed in Jammu & Kashmir this year. As per official figures shared by top sources in the security establishment, 114 terrorists were eliminated in the Valley state until July 31 this year. Read more Here are more top news of the day: 1) Bigger Enemy? Depression Has Killed More CRPF Jawans Than Naxals In The Last Three Years bccl/representational image Depression, heart attacks are the prime cause for deaths of CRPF jawans than action in anti-Naxal operations in the last three years. The government said that medical reasons killed sixteen times more CRPF personnel than anti-naxal operations. Read more 2) Global Warming Caused Nearly 60,000 Farmer Suicides In India Since 1980, When Will The Govt Wake Up? AFP The issue of farmers' suicide has just been reduced to a data that is referred every now and then but no steps are taken by any government to address it comprehensively. There are a variety of reasons that make the farmers resort to such an extreme step. Read more 3) 41 Women Commandos From North East Will Be Among Those Keeping Delhi Safe This Independence Day BCCL Undergoing training by the best in the business, these 41 women commandos from Northeast may be second to none when it comes to handling a terror strike or a hostage situation. Read more 4) Aiming To Protect Womens Rights, UP Govt Approves Marriage Registration, Including For Muslims AP Health Minister and government spokesman Siddharth Nath Singh, while briefing the media about the cabinet decisions, informed that Muslims will have also have to get their second, third and fourth marriages registered under the new provisions. Read more 5) Gujarat Muslims Rush To Clean Flood-Hit Temples, Mosques, Say 'Floods Brought Us Together' BCCL/Representational Image In times of death and destruction, the lotus of communal harmony has bloomed in the muck of flood-ravaged Dhanera in Banaskantha, a district in Gujarat which has lost 64 lives and is still counting its dead. Read more Away from the maddening crowds, from the stone-throwing and the militant attacks, a quiet revolution is on in the Kashmir Valley thanks to a preacher-cum-faith healer who discovered the power of the RTI. In little over a decade, Ghulam Mohiudin Sheikh has created an army of 12,000 RTI warriors out of clueless villagers, most of them from his congregation of faithful. Also known as Peer Sahab, Sheikh lives in the foothills of the Pir Panjal in the picturesque Pannard hamlet of central Kashmirs Budgam district, some 25 km from Srinagar. Every Sunday, people throng his single-storey three-room house to learn from him the art of filing RTI applications, the questions to ask et al. The 45-year-olds students include the young and the old; men and women. They come from Budgam, Kupwara, Sopore, Baramulla and Anantnag. People come to me with all sorts of grievances. A BPL ration card, Indra Awas Yojana (IAY) or to do with Widows Welfare Fund, says Sheikh. A taveez (a chit of paper with verses of Holy Quran) cannot be a remedy for such problems. Religious preachers and faith healers in Kashmir usually steer clear of government affairs. But Sheikh was disturbed by the grievances voiced by the people who came to his Sunday meetings. I did not know how to help them, says Sheikh. Then, he discovered RTI! In 2006, Sheikh met Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, who had launched the Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement on 21 November 2005, and is its chairman. He suggested I join the RTI Movement and expose corruption and scandals in the Budgam administration, says Sheikh. I was hesitant but after a second meeting, I agreed and participated in training workshops to become an RTI activist. Since then Sheikh has been training people on how to file RTI applications. I started writing RTIs in Urdu and filed them in the Rural Development and Social Welfare departments with which people mostly have grievances, says Sheikh. Muje nusqah milgaya, aur logon ko dard ka elaaj (I got the prescription and people got the treatment for their grievances). Sheikh admits he himself used to be scared to walk into government offices and talk to officials. But RTI empowered and emboldened me, it gave me voice, he says. His first RTI application, to a Block Development Officer, seeking details on IAY beneficiaries in Budgam, was an eye-opener. The BDO was visibly nervous, full of questions. A few days after I filed the RTI, a man came with a cheque of Rs 25000! I was startled. He told me the BDO wanted me to withdraw the RTI, says Sheikh. It was then that I realised the power of RTI. Sheikh threw the man out with the cheque. Some days later he got the reply to his RTI. I was shocked. Government officials and people close to politicians were on the list of IAY beneficiaries. What happened next thrilled him. The list was cancelled and deserving beneficiaries got IAY cheques, says Sheikh with a grin. Narrating another instance of RTI power play, Sheikh says that a widow asked him for a taveez to get her widow welfare fund released. I told her I have a new taveez for her. I wrote an RTI application and asked her to file it in the Social Welfare department. The reply she got stunned both of us, he says. Unmarried girls were listed as widows! But with the exposure, this real widow got her piece of the fund within a few weeks. She spread the word in her locality about RTI and people swarmed my home. One of them, Nazir Ahmad Deenda, 37, of Mujipathri hamlet, had three children enrolled in a government school. As per his tribal category status all his children were entitled to a tribal scholarship. But my children did not get theirs. The headmaster would always fob me off with some or the other story. I went to Peer Sahab. He told me to file an RTI, says Deenda. Until then, I did not know what RTI was. Peer Sahab filled the application form seeking details of the names of scholarship beneficiaries. I filed it and two days later a school teacher came to my home and handed over several years scholarship money of all three of my children that had never been paid! Sheikh says his locality in Budgam has developed 60% since people started filing RTI applications to disclose fund allocation and works sanctioned. Transparency has increased in government offices, especially in the delivery of welfare and rural development schemes, he says. Every Sunday, I train 30 people on RTI. Ever since 2009 when the RTI Act was re-enacted in Jammu & Kashmir (the first time was in 2004) local governance and officer accountability has improved considerably in the state, says Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool. Dr Rasool says Sheikh is one among the 12 pioneers of RTI activism in the Kashmir valley. Sheikh turned it into a grassroots revolution in the Valley. RTI awareness is more in Budgam than in any other district. The credit goes to him, he points out. Sheikh was elected Sarpanch in 2011 when Panchayat polls were held after decades. J&Ks Chief Information Commissioner (RTI) Khurshid Ahmad Ganaie says that the CIC in Srinagar received nearly 30,000 RTI applications in 2016. According to our statistics, some 1000 applications were received from each district. The numbers show that people are still unaware of the RTI Act, Ganaie, a retired IAS officer, told Indiatimes. Abdul Majeed Poswal, 24, of Rangazabar, Budgam dropped in at Sheikhs home one Sunday in April for a taveez to make the Rural Development Department construct a road in his locality. Peer Sahab told him of RTI and informed him that taxpayer-money paid for all development works. Now, I will file an RTI, says Poswal, adding that he wanted to know the details of funds allotted for the road and why it was being delayed. Ganaie says the Valley needs more Ghulam Mohiudin Sheikhs to make RTI a subject of everyday conversation. A footage shared by Salman Nizami, a senior Congress leader in Kashmir is going viral for all the right reasons. The video shows men from the Sikh community risking their lives to save holy items from a mosque in Kashmir. As you can see in the video, water is gushing in great force on one side, near the religious place in Tral; making the place susceptible to the risk of losing the life. ( Also read: 11 Times When Sikh Men Made The World A Better Place) Yet men wearing turban work along with the women of the Muslim community to help save their sacred items. They can be seen evacuating books along with many other things. Local Sikh's risk their lives to save the holy books-othr items at a Mosque whn flood watr enterd tral village &flowd into homes! #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/gXUgv21Ze2 Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) July 21, 2017 This is certainly not the first time that men from the Sikh community have gone above and beyond their call of duty to help distraught people stuck in misery. Remember when a bunch of Sikh men came in as welcome respite for people sweating it out in long queues to lay their hands on new notes after the government's sudden demonetization move or when this 58-year-old Sikh man fought a burglar with his slippers - they've proved the power of secularism all along. The same day, Muslim men in south Kashmir rescued an elderly Sikh man from the flash flood. kashmirobserver The man was stranded in the middle of the stream when the water level rose due to a burst of clouds in upper reaches. The man began asking for help and Muslim boy nearby announced it on the loudspeaker. A large number of Muslim men came forward to rescue him and soon he was taken out from the spouting water. Both the communities are living with peace and harmony in an area touted to be one of the most troubled and distressed. Man accused of raping and murdering a three-year-old girl was publicly executed on Monday in Sanaa's Tahrir Square in Yemen. reuters Muhammad al-Maghrabi, 41, had his hands handcuffed behind his back as he lay on a blanket on the ground in Sanaa's Tahrir Square, after a judge read out the death sentence. The execution drew an unusually large number of onlookers, some perched up telegraph poles and many watching from rooftops, because of the young age of Rana al-Matari, the victim. afp Security was tight amid fears of a revenge attack on Maghrabi by armed tribesmen related to the victim. The police truck transporting Maghrabi to the square was escorted by five police patrol vehicles. Yahya al-Matari, the father of the girl, told reporters after the execution that he felt as if he had been reborn. "This is the first day in my life," he said. "I am relieved now." Jammu and Kashmir police approached the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and asked them to claim the body of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Abu Dujana, killed by the security forces on Tuesday. BCCL Munir Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir told reporters on Tuesday that Pakistan High Commission has been approached to claim the body of Abu Dujana, who belonged to Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. AFP/Representational Image This is for the first time that the authorities have approached Pakistan High Commission asking them to claim the body of any Pakistani terrorist killed during anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Facebook Mr Khan went on to say: "If they (Pakistan) don't claim his body, we will give him a proper burial," adding that authorities wished Dujana's parents should get to see their son before burial and for that reason, Pakistan High Commission had been approached. Police refused to hand over Dujana's body to civilians for burial. The senior police officer said "there was no reason to hand over to locals, the body of somebody who did not belong to the Kashmir Valley". AFP Meanwhile, hundreds attended the burial of the other Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Arif Lalihaari, who was killed on Tuesday with Abu Dujana in Hakripora village. Arif was buried in his native Lalihaar village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday evening. If there's anything that could give even a superhero a massive inferiority complex, just ask anyone of them to sift through over 575,000 hours of video content -- every single day. That's the task, nay, a gargantuan monster, Youtube moderators have to tame. And if superheroes can't do it, what hope do humans have? Screenshot of Youtube However, evidence suggests that artificial intelligence programs are succeeding where everyone else has failed so far -- ensuring videos uploaded on Youtube don't serve extremists' propaganda. In an interview with The Guardian, Google confirmed that since the time they started deploying machine learning systems to flag inappropriate, extremist propaganda video on Youtube, in just over a month the company's AI based efforts are showing a lot of promise. REUTERS Google and Youtube are hedging their bets on an innovative system that includes machine learning programs and human reviewers as part of a joint effort to stem the rise of extremist and controversial videos spreading across YouTube, apart from overhauling its content reporting and flagging system for viewers -- making it more ruthless than ever, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. "Over 75% of the videos weve removed for violent extremism over the past month were taken down before receiving a single human flag. That's amazing, for a young machine learning solution, which in time will only improve, as Youtube suggests. "While these tools arent perfect, and arent right for every setting, in many cases our systems have proven more accurate than humans at flagging videos that need to be removed," according to a Youtube spokesperson. As they say, the proof of the pudding lies in its tasting. And Youtube's initial pudding recipe is tasting quite yummy. Why? Because the use of machine learning and AI "has more than doubled both the number of videos" removed for violent extremism from the website. Not just that, even the rate at which these videos are taken down has gone up by more than double. With such encouraging initial results, it's no surprise that Google's planning to continue developing the machine learning technology it's testing with Youtube, and to collaborate with other technology providers to tackle and shut out online extremism. It's Earth Overshoot Day today. An incredible day for all the wrong reasons. Reuters Because today, humans living on this planet have finished consuming the Earth's ability to produce clean air, water and other natural resources for the whole of 2017. For the whole of 2017 -- this is the important bit. We're only at the second day of August, and we've consumed more resources than the Earth can renew through its natural processes -- for the whole of 2017. That's the scary part! Uh oh, it's #EarthOvershootDay This means we've used more resources than our planet can renew in the whole year! pic.twitter.com/e5TQinbe3c WWF_Australia (@WWF_Australia) August 1, 2017 "This means that in seven months, we emitted more carbon than the oceans and forests can absorb in a year, we caught more fish, felled more trees, harvested more, and consumed more water than the Earth was able to produce in the same period," read a statement from The Global Footprint Network and World Wildlife Fund, who observe the ignominious day. If the Earth was a bank, and all of us humans its customers, today we've finished removing all the money we had in the bank to fund our overindulgence. The rest of the year we'll be living on money borrowed from the bank, purely on credit. And every year, the bank's reserves are diminishing. The Earth Overshoot Day is marked by The Global Footprint Network, with partners like World Wildlife Fund, to create awareness about humanity's adverse impact on the Earth's sensitive ecosystem. The overshoot day is falling early with each passing year Since calculations began in 1986, the Earth Overshoot Day has never fallen so early in a year -- August 2 -- until now. It's calculated looking at various parameters, for e.g. how are humans consuming earth's resources and the planet's total biocapacity, which not only produces useful things for all of us (food, air, water, etc) but also the capacity to absorb waste and recycle it into favourable resources again. According to one report from The Independent, the Earth Overshoot Day fell in November in the 1980s, shifting to October from 1993 onwards, and coming as early as September by year 2000. Last year, in 2016, the day fell on 8 August. This year it's fallen early by six days. We all need to eat more veggies! (REUTERS) How can we reverse the trend? According to the Global Footprint Network if humanity cuts its food waste in half, consumed less protein-intensive foods, ate more fruit and vegetables, the impact of food-related activities on our global footprint can reduce from the existing 26% to 16%. Also, if the entire world started living like countries like Cuba and Honduras, we can be able to push the Earth Overshoot Day back towards the end of the year -- where it rightfully belongs. The 29-year-old Argentine, who was also a member of the ambitious Super League club between 2013 and 2015 (83 performances in all competitions) and has played for Panthrakikos and Platanias since his first transfer move to Greece back in the summer There was a protest staged in Abuja on Tuesday by the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) to demand the release of the remaining 113 Chibok school girls, and to condemn last weeks gruesome killings and abduction by Boko Haram terrorists of oil exploration workers and lecturers of the University of Maiduguri. The demonstration began at the Unity Fountain in the city center and terminated at the gates of the presidential villa, which was barricaded by the anti-riot police to deny the protesters entry. Addressing journalists at the gate, Oby Ezekwesili, the Co-Coordinator of BBOG, took a swipe at the government for its silence on the militants killing and abduction of the oil workers and policemen. She pointed out that it was the same way the abduction of the Chibok girls was treated with levity until her group came out to mount pressure on the government before any action was taken. She said for the government not to acknowledge their killing and abduction made the situation appear as if the oil workers had been sent on a suicide mission. Government have not been able to acknowledge the abduction of police women who [were] on their way to bury one of their colleagues, she said. How can the government deny the existence of officers who have served the country in this manner? The group also urged the government not to spare any effort in securing the release of the remaining 113 Chibok girls and demanded an accurate account of the number of police women and oil workers killed in the Boko Haram ambush. We want the government to invite the parents of the abducted officers and oil workers and give them detailed information on the rescue effort which may not be for the public consumption, he said. BBOG also demanded a structured system of reporting on the abduction in the northeast to avoid falsification of the figures of the victims, vowing not to stop its advocacy until the government fulfills its responsibility to protect the lives and property of the citizens. Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters who addressed the protesters on behalf of the Acting President, told them that negotiations are continuing with those who facilitated the release of the 82 Chibok girls, stressing that the government will ensure that the remaining ones, as well others in the capture of the terrorists, are released. He commended the effort of #BBOG for sustaining the campaign. The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) announced November 4 as the date for local government elections in all the 17 council areas of the state. The date was confirmed by the Chairman of ENSIEC, Dr Mike Ajogwu (SAN), while outlining the comprehensive election timetable during a political stakeholders meeting in Enugu. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election would be for the 17 chairmanship positions, as well as for the councillorships in each of the wards in the council areas. Ajogwu said the electoral body is, by the announcement, issuing the mandatory 90 days notice to all political parties as part of the statutory requirement, as enshrined in the Constitution. He gave the complete outline of the timetable as follows: Aug. 1: Public notice announcing the chairmanship and councillorship elections in all the local government councils in Enugu State. Sept. 4 to Sept.12: Political parties primaries geared towards the selection of candidates for elections. Parties are to prepare and submit to ENSIEC their timetable specifying times, days and venues for their primaries. Oct. 4: Lists of candidates nominated by political parties shall be forwarded to the headquarters of ENSIEC. Oct. 5 to Oct. 9: Councillorship candidates shall be screened at various local government headquarters, while chairmanship candidates shall be screened at ENSIEC headquarters. Oct. 16: Returning of lists of qualified and disqualified candidates on forms ENSIEC 3 and ENSIEC 4, for the chairmanship and councillorship elections, respectively, to the political parties. Oct. 17 to Oct. 19: Replacement of disqualified candidates by the affected political parties. Names of two party agents with photographs attached for each polling booth shall be forwarded to ENSIEC by political parties. Parties shall endorse the passport photographs. Nov. 4: Voters accreditation and voting by Open Ballot system from the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dec. 2: Chairmanship and/or councillorship run-off elections, if need be. The chairman, however, assured the stakeholders that ENSIEC would remain unbiased and neutral in the discharge of its duties. The Commission is not a political party, neither is it attached to any political party in Nigeria. Like it is named and called, it is independent and our duty as the operators of the system is to try as much as possible to be and to live in accordance with our name. That is to say, to be independent and to hold the stake as an umpire, he added. NAN reports that over 200 members of all political parties and stakeholders in the state attended the meeting. Source: ( NAN ) Reactions are already trailing the seemed mockery of Nigeria by the American CNN as regards the health of President Muhammadu Buhari. In a CNN anchored quiz showed yesterday, a query on which country has the country that the head of state has not set foot in the country for over two months was posed and the answer was indicated as Nigeria. Femi Fani-Kayode, a chieftain in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has now blamed the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government for subjecting the country to the humiliation in the international sphere. He tweeted this morning: Watched @CNN last night. The shame that these beasts brought upon our nation will be multiplied in their lives a million fold. We warned! President Buhari has been in London since May 7 for medical follow-up and his date of his return is yet uncertain. Source: Yabaleftonline The Federal Government has confirmed that it has relied so much on the refinery that Dangote has promised to complete by December 2019 to be able to put a lasting solution to the importation to fuel solution. This was confirmed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, who visited the Dangote oil refinery site at Lekki Free Trade Zone, in Lagos, said the government is ready to play its part as a responsible government to assist in making sure the project is completed before the scheduled date. The minister, who said he was overwhelmed by the dimension of the project, explained that the present government had always believed that the private sector holds the ace in industrialization efforts of the government, and noted that the belief has been reinforced by what Dangote Group is doing. It is good to say that private sector is the answer to Nigerias problems with a project as big as this. The challenge I will give you today is that of time; I see your time for completion is 2019 December, but I am sure you will understand my greed if I tell you that the refinery component of this project should come earlier than the set date. I have made very firm commitment to Nigerians that I must stop the importation of petroleum products by 2019 and I am going to keep to it. It is absolutely important that we do this early and given the feat that we have achieved in terms of speed of construction and I urge you to do all within you to achieve its completion before the due date. I am sure His Excellency President Buhari will be absolutely enthused if he were to find himself, not only crystallizing the policy position we have taken so far, but also coming here himself to come and open a facility as big as this before the end of his first term. Whatever configurations your engineers have come up with, I urge that they go back to the drawing board and get me my refined products before your said date, he said. In his response to the governments challenge, Dangote said he has accepted the challenge and would do all possible to achieve the feat. In this regard, the President of Dangote Group, stated: On the honorable ministers challenge, we are going to make it by the grace of God. I am sure the minister will support us to make sure that we meet his challenge. What the minister is trying to do is the best so far for our country, his own version is that Nigeria should not think of exporting crude; you know the problem we have in Africa is that we only export raw materials, not finished goods, so he is saying that, look, we should all do this by adding value and I pray that even at 2.5 million barrels, we should not export much, in terms of the crude. We will go back and see what to do to make this happen by fast tracking our processes since the Minister has assured of governments cooperation and support. Earlier in his welcome address, Dangote explained that his group is building the worlds largest single line refinery, Petrochemical Complex, and the worlds second largest Urea Fertiliser plant. The refinery, according to him will have the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The Petrochemical Plant will produce 780 KTPA Polypropylene, 500 KTPA of Polyethylene, while the Fertiliser project will produce 3.0 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) of Urea. In addition, we are also building the largest sub-sea pipeline infrastructure in any country in the world, with a length of 1,100 km, to handle 3 billion SCF of gas per day. We also plan to construct a 570 MW power plant in this complex. As a matter of fact, gas from our gas pipeline will augment the natural domestic gas supply and we estimate an additional 12,000MW of power generation can be added to the grid with the additional gas from our system. We will be adding value to our economy as all these projects will be creating about 4,000 direct and 145,000 indirect jobs. We will also save over $7.5 billion for Nigeria annually, through import substitution and generate an additional $5.5 billion per annum through exports of the refined petroleum products, fertilizer and petrochemicals. We envisage that these projects, which would cost over $18billion, would be completed in 2019. Source: ( PM News ) Hushpuppi, the renowned Nigerian man living outside the country, has decided to help a young man with spinal cord problem. He made the donation through Kokun Foundation. Kokun on the other hand was overwhelmed by the donation that he ended up writing an impressive post on Hushpuppi on his Instagram page. Kokun confirmed the fact that Hushpuppi spends a lot and lives life to the fullest. Regardless, he extends his act of kindness to the less privilege and try his best possible in ensuring that their situation changes. According to the philanthropist, Hushpuppis donation touched him deeply as he could not control his emotion when typing out the words he dropped on his page. To him, the Nigerian man who once lived in Malaysia is nothing compared to the social media condemnation he has gotten in recent times. Kokun described Hushpuppi as a man with pure heart. Conscious of the fact that some people may see his post in the wrong light, he was quick to defend himself by saying he did not write what he did to gain the praises of the latter. He drove his point home by saying it is normal for one to show appreciation after receiving so much from a person. See a recent post made by the recipient of the donation: The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, said one of the major challenges of the commission was failure of political parties to properly conduct primary election. Mr. Yakubu made this known at the second annual conference of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, on Internal Party Democracy: A Recipe to a Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that 80 elections were nullified by the courts after the 2015 general elections, while 37 others were also nullified with order on INEC to issue certificates of return to the petitioners. Mr. Yakubu said that the commission had studied the various judgments and discovered that most of the elections were upturned due to the failure of political parties to conduct proper primaries or follow the outcome. He said that though INEC had no power to reject any candidate presented to it by a political party, the court had been playing the role. He said that the courts had been nullifying elections at the expense of the country to conduct re-run elections that should not have been nullified if party primaries were properly conducted. Mr. Yakubu, therefore, urged political parties to ensure that their primaries were properly conducted in accordance with the provisions of the law. Some of the re-run elections are at great expense of the nation. We can save cost if parties truly conduct primaries. In addition to proper primaries, parties should also comply with the requirements of the law. I am appealing to parties to be guided by certain judgments of the Supreme Court. He said that building a strong democracy started with political parties, who were responsible for sponsoring candidates for elections. The INEC chairman also advised political parties to ensure that women and persons living with disabilities were given equal opportunities in elections. He reassured that the commission would never fail Nigerians in executing its responsibilities of conducting free, fair and credible elections, especially as the commission prepared for 2019 general elections. Whoever wins at the ballot box becomes the person so elected. We will continue to discharge these responsibilities; what it takes is that we shall continue to be courageous. We will only be courageous on the side of Nigeria. The vote you cast will continue to determine who wins until the short tenure that we have been given under the law comes to an end. There will never be in an election, memory still revisiting the past. We have taken a leap forward and INEC will never be found wanting, he assured. On registration of political parties, Mr. Yakubu said that INEC would continue to register parties that met the criteria. As at last week, 103 applications were pending, and I am sure we would have received more applications for registration. We will continue to be guided by the provisions of the law and any association that qualifies will be registered as a political party. At the same time, we will also be courageous to de-register any political party that failed as recommended by the law. Source: ( NAN ) While speaking in a recent interview with City People magazine, veteran Yoruba actress, Kudirat Odukanmi Eluyemi popularly known as Iyabo Oko, revealed that she has been seriously ill with a strange ailment which has since been diagnosed to be Stroke since June 2016. While narrating her ordeal she said; I thank God almighty for sparing my life till this moment. The devil tried his best but God showed him that He is truly Alfa and Omega. What happened was that, that very day, after I woke up from my sleep very early in the morning and I attempted to talk, I just found out that I couldnt talk any longer and I was told it was a partial stroke. I was taken to a hospital and I was treated, the doctors really tried their best. The hospital is called 68 Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. She said further that, they tried their best but I couldnt just talk for months but I still give glory to God that I can now talk properly. The funny thing is that, I was not paralyzed; my legs and hands were effective, just that I couldnt talk. I first spent 2 weeks at the hospital and when I got home, it started again and I returned to the hospital. I visited the hospital like 3 times. Kemi Afolabi and Sikiratu Sindodo even saw me because she brought her grandma to the same hospital. Kemi was weeping when she saw me, she took good care of me and she also gave me money. She also said I shouldnt drown myself in excessive thinking because many have suffered the same ailment and they are nowhere to be found today. After many trials at the hospital, I could still not talk, I was discharged and my son came back from abroad, he rushed me to UK and I spent like one month. I was at home but doctors were coming to treat me. He employed a therapist and after a month, I started talking and my son finally took me to India where everything was perfected. I spent 7months in India receiving treatment at home. I give glory to God almighty that I am now okay. I do exercises frequently, I go out and I do all things, the only difference you will notice about me now is that I am not as agile as I used to be. I have lost a lot of weight and I love it like that because I now keep fit. I was so scared during those trying periods because there were several bad news coming from the industry. You hear different stories about Nollywood stars which were adding more to the illness I was already suffering from. But thank God, Jesus conquered for me. The controversial journalist and social commentator, Madam Kemi Olunloyo has revealed where and how she intends to celebrate her anticipated birthday on August 6. The woman who is in her mid-age and set to clock 53, said she will be marking the next birthday with the orphans in Oluyole Cheshire Home, Ibadan. Although, Kemi Olunloyo is popularly acknowledged for throwing shades at public figures in Nigeria for reasons best known to her she has been passionately clamouring for donations on behalf of orphans in Ibadan for a while now. She also demanded her birthday presents be dedicated towards her new donation for orphans in Ibadan. She said this on her Instagram page yesterday in a captioned picture with some orphans across. A 29-year old lady, Mary Johnson has landed in prison after she allegedly stole a ladys hand bag containing condoms which she mistakenly thought was money at a night club. She was charged before a Lagos court and was remanded in prison custody. The incident happened at Diamond Club located at Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos. P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the victim Florence Ahokpa kept her hand bag and was engaged in discussion with an undisclosed person when the suspect reportedly went and carried her bag. After the discussion, she came back to carry her bag but discovered that her bag was missing. She raised alarm immediately, by which time the suspect was hurriedly attempting to leave the club house with the bag. The club security men on duty however apprehended her, the bag was recovered from her and handed over to the owner. It was eventually discovered that the stolen bag contained condoms which the owner probably needed that night, her Infinix android phones and other personal effects. She was handed over to the police for prosecution. When she was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates court, she pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs A,O. Layinka granted her bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. She was remanded in prison custody pending when she will perfect her bail condition. The matter was adjourned till 18th of August 2017. By Jesse St. Laurent, HPE Chief Technologist, Hyperconverged & SimpliVity A friend of mine recently needed some pretty significant repairs done on his house. Over lunch one afternoon, he relayed to me the agonizing task of choosing contractors to get the work done. How do you know youre choosing someone who is trustworthy, has expertise in the area, or is giving you the most for your money? It wasnt a job I envied. It did make me think though about how businesses go about choosing which vendor to select when it comes to transforming their infrastructure. The task can seem just as daunting where do you even start? When making the switch to a hyperconverged infrastructure, its important to approach vendor selection carefully. In the critical area of data efficiency, many vendors claim they offer deduplication the process of eliminating redundant information in the data center. But not all deduplication technology is created equally. If implemented correctly, global inline deduplication, compression, and optimization is extremely beneficial improving performance, saving capacity, and lowering costs. But if a vendor treats the deduplication process like an afterthought, you may not be getting the data efficiency your organization really needs. When choosing a vendor, think carefully about the following four points to determine if youll be getting what you need in the area of data efficiency: 1. Consider the scope of the data pool that is being deduplicated If a hyperconverged infrastructure vendor limits deduplication to the disk group, cluster, or data center level without extending over the WAN (which many do), it is eliminating the benefits associated with moving large data sets between remote sites. Most important to consider in this case is the high cost of WAN bandwidth and the expense of special-purpose WAN optimization appliances. 2. Understand the primary and backup data process When a vendor sells both hyperconverged infrastructure and backup solutions, it will sometimes include backup software as a discounted add-on. While this may sound appealing from a cost perspective, the deduplication technology is often isolated at the primary storage tier, resulting in additional overhead of repeated deduplication, rehydration, and dehydration of data as it moves in and out of different modules in the infrastructure. Plus, backup performance will not take advantage of the data efficiencies of deduplication. 3. Identify whether deduplication occurs at the beginning or end of the backup process (or both). Some vendors only offer only post-process deduplication, which is helpful in terms of storage capacity, but doesnt offer benefits when it comes to removing I/O as a performance bottleneck. 4. Recognize how the vendor addresses the impact of deduplication functions on running applications. Without some acceleration, inline deduplication will often slow down performance when turned on. Be wary of vendors who suggest turning off deduplication when applications are running, or those who only make it available in an all-flash mode. These suggestions typically mean that storage efficiencies come with performance degradation, which isnt something you should have to choose. As evidenced, many vendors cut corners when it comes to deduplication, putting organizations at major risk for lackluster data efficiency. This act by some vendors leads to the questions is top-notch data efficiency so important and why? In addition to cost savings, focusing on data efficiency improves performance while saving on storage. The average efficiency ratio is 40:1 when you include primary and backup data with more than a third of customers averaging 100:1 or more (TechValidate). That means 100 TB is reduced to just one TB stored on disk. And by eliminating redundant I/O, more than half of customers see an increase in application performance by 50% or more (TechValidate). Additionally, whenglobally deduplicating all data inline across all storage tiers (including backup), incredible things can happen. For example, you can perform a full backup or restore of a local one TB VM in 60 seconds or less. This is only made possible through a focused approached to data efficiency. Just like when looking for contractors to help repair a house, knowledge is key when making a decision as important as transforming your data center. If hyperconvergence is the next step for your business, be careful and considerate when talking with vendors about their deduplication capabilities. Always make sure to understand the impact their technology will have on your organization and ensure that they can provide data efficiency guarantees. When possible, connect with current customers to see whether the benefits were delivered in a real-world setting, especially if the customers environment is similar to your own. Finally, make sure to ask the important questions. There are several you can ask, but some to consider include the scope of deduplication and whether it extends to remote sites, if it includes both primary and backup data, and whether the technology is inline or post-process. These are the answers that will matter to you once youve actually deployed the solution, so its better to ask the questions at the outset before it's too late. HPE SimpliVity hyperconverged solutions powered by Intel combine your entire infrastructure into a simple, flexible building block so you can reduce the cost and complexity of your IT environment and deliver the technology your organization needs. For more information on how HPE SimpliVity can help transform your data center, check out the full results from the TechValidate survey sourced via direct research with verified customers and users of HPE SimpliVity Hyperconverged Infrastructure. And for more information on hyperconvergence, download the free e-book: Hyperconverged Infrastructure for Dummies Copper Nears Important Area Taurus Trading LLC - Sat Nov 12, 11:33AM CST Watch price action between 3.9615 and 4.1167. Elections, inflation and crop reports bring volatility Sidwell Strategies - Sat Nov 12, 11:28AM CST Black Sea Corridor Renewal ahead Americans Are Saving Less. Heres How to Save More. Young & The Invested - Sat Nov 12, 6:00AM CST Several recent data studies show that Americans, after saving heavily during the pandemic, are starting to pull money from those savings. We discuss how to maintain healthy savings habits. Hog Prices Closed Mixed Barchart - Fri Nov 11, 4:21PM CST Lean hog prices were mixed on Friday with 12 to 52 cent losses through the April contract. The deferred contracts closed 10 to 15 cents in the black with May UNCH. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price... HEZ22 : 84.350s (-0.62%) HEJ23 : 94.100s (-0.13%) KMZ22 : 94.900s (-0.63%) Friday Cotton Closes Triple Digits Higher Barchart - Fri Nov 11, 4:21PM CST Cotton added 116 to 182 points to the upside on Friday after a brief pause for the WASDE numbers. That kept the board under the high on Tuesday, but ended as a weekly gain of 253 points. USDAs FAS... CTZ22 : 88.20s (+2.11%) CTH23 : 86.33s (+2.09%) CTK23 : 85.56s (+1.89%) Wheats Close in Black on Friday Barchart - Fri Nov 11, 4:21PM CST Wheat futures ended with +1% gains on Friday. KC HRW closed the strongest on Friday with 1.8% to 2% gains, leaving the Dec contract 10 1/4 cents in the red. CBT SRW closed between 1% and 1.3% higher across... ZWZ22 : 813-6s (+1.28%) ZWH23 : 835-2s (+1.15%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.4644 (+1.39%) KEZ22 : 943-4s (+1.97%) KEPAWS.CM : 9.0182 (+2.07%) MWZ22 : 945-6s (+1.53%) Update 8/2/17 The fatal shooting at a Public Storage facility in June has been ruled a case of self-defense by the Hennepin County Attorneys Office. Lacount wont face any charges in the death of Luetzow, according to the source. We declined to charge Mr. Lacount because he raised a self-defense claim, which the investigation showed was valid, said Hennepin County Attorney Spokesperson Chuck Laszewski. The attorneys office declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the relationship between the two men. An argument between two men at a Minnetonka, Minn., self-storage facility escalated into a fatal shooting on Friday morning. Thomas Edward Luetzow, 58, was shot in the head and neck just after 11 a.m. at a Public Storage location at 2825 Hedberg Drive, according to a source. Officers were en route to investigate the dispute when they were notified that shots had been fired. When they arrived, they found the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, a source reported. Police later arrested James Lacount, 65, without incident in connection with the shooting. They also recovered the gun used in the crime. Lacount is being held pending charges. Though the investigation is ongoing, police arent looking for any other suspects, a source reported. Luetzow was identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiners Office. Police havent disclosed what led to the shooting. Based in Glendale, Calif., Public Storage Inc. is a self-storage real estate investment trust with interests in 2,354 self-storage facilities in 38 states. It owns approximately 155 million net rentable square feet. Operating under the Shurgard brand name, the company also has 220 facilities in seven European countries, with approximately 12 million net rentable square feet. The McLean Group, a Virginia-based investment bank, has hired self-storage developer Jeff Weber to lead its newly formed Real Estate Practice Group. The division will service the lower-middle real estate market by arranging capital or providing other financing solutions for real estate projects and enterprises, including self-storage, according to the company website. The product types well work in are vast. Theres not much limitation. If theres an appetite on the behalf of investors, then were going to try to find them that stuff to invest in. And, theres a lot of guys who want to invest in storage, Weber told the source. Interested parties include some who are very long-term minded and looking to invest in quality storage platforms that want to grow with no time limit, he said. Weber has 36 years of commercial real estate investment and development experience in the business-office, industrial, medical-office, multi- and single-family residential, retail, and self-storage sectors, according to a company press release. He was most recently a principal with Resco Self Storage LLC, a Newport Beach, Calif.-based real estate investment group. The companys history includes the development and construction of facilities for the Shurgard storage brand, which eventually was sold to real estate investment trust Public Storage Inc. Webers career has included stints with Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Services and SDC Development, as well as owned and managed projects for affiliates of J Weber Group, a company he founded in 1985. In his new role, Weber will be based out of McLeans Newport Beach office. As a former real estate developer, I implicitly understand the issues confronting my sponsor clients, from escrow deadlines to governmental entitlements to financing challenges to construction problems to market acceptance, he said in the release. I also understand, from an investors perspective, the need to properly align a given opportunity with the investment mandate, risk tolerance and overall suitability. I am honored to work at an investment bank with the reputation of The McLean Group, where I can help match these operators with the right providers of equity capital. Headquartered in McLean, Va., The McLean Group provides strategic and financial advice on mergers and acquisitions, business valuations and capital formations. ST. JOHNS, NL (August 1, 2017)- With just over a month until the start of the 16th Targa Newfoundland, event organizers are making final preparations for the tarmac rally. This months Targa NL Newsletter spotlights the winner of the first Tom Hollett Memorial Targa Bambina, which took place in early July. Additional content features the biggest international field to be entered in this years event, including competitors from Poland, Monaco, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Turks & Caicos Islands, the United States, and Canada. Theres still time to volunteer, as well! Large international field taking shape for 16th annual Targa Newfoundland The 16th annual Targa Newfoundland tarmac rally is next month, and there is a huge international contingent registered for this years event. With the recent success of the first annual Tom Hollett Memorial Targa Bambina tarmac rally, which had a large number of local competitors, and held only on the lower Burin Peninsula, focus has now shifted to the main Targa event. The Targa will run in areas of the Avalon, Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas, and cover over 1,600 kilometres in five days of actual competition. The international motorsports community is becoming excited, and the number of competitors from all over the world attending the Targa is proof of that. Competitors from Canada include those from Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta; Americans from California, Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Internationally, competitors are from the Turks & Caicos Islands of the Caribbean, with European entries from Switzerland, Monaco, Poland and the United Kingdom. Targa has never had competitors from Switzerland, Monaco, or Poland, so the overall list of countries which have taken part in Targa during its history is now 16. The increase in the international competitors for this years event is quite exciting, stated Targa President Robert Giannou. Pulling competitors from rally hungry counties such as Switzerland, Monaco, and Poland is quite a step forward for Targa Newfoundland. We have our unique motorsports adventure here that is not available in those countries, and Im glad these competitors have decided to make the trip over for it. Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 2017 competition will start in St. Johns on September 10th and concludes back in the capital on September 15th. The annual rally will cover more than 1,600 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including over 440 kilometers of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages. Andrew Warren wins first ever Tom Hollett Memorial Targa Bambina in memory of cousin Cortney Lake Written by Melissa Jenkins & Darren Sheppard Andrew Warren and George Gouzvaris of Marystown are the very first overall winners of the Tom Hollett Memorial Targa Bambina event. The tarmac rally was held over the Canada Day long weekend this past July on the lower Burin Peninsula. Competitors from as far away as Ontario and Nova Scotia competed alongside a majority of Newfoundland-based teams in this shorter, three day Targa-style rally. Warren competed in memory of his cousin Cortney Lake, whose disappearance in June was reclassified as a homicide investigation in the St. Johns region just prior to the start of the Bambina. He was informed of the reclassification the night prior to registration day in Burin. He placed decals of her photo on his 1990 Ford Mustang Cobra as a tribute to the 24-year-old. It was a difficult day and a difficult weekend for sure, he said after the big win. It definitely feels good to win, especially in her memory. Thats what meant the world to me. Warren and Gouzvaris beat second place by one second to take the overall win. When asked about their experience at the Bambina, Warren was quick to respond. Absolutely great event, I thought it was wicked, he explained. I cant wait for it to grow next year and hopefully attract even more local competitors and pull in some more communities on the Burin Peninsula. Part of their prize includes free registration to the main Targa event next month. Warren said hes going to try and compete, and Gouzvaris said hes on board as navigator if they do. At the end of the day, this wasnt about the win, Warren said. This was special for her. Private transportation from Toronto eastward available for Targa 2017 Scott Robbins (past competitor, 2nd place Classic 2015, 3rd place Open 2014, 3-time Targa plate winner, and master of everything mechanical) has transported dozens of vehicles from the mainland for the last several Targa. Scott will once again be transporting vehicles to and from the event and providing servicing for competitors for the 2017 Targa. Competitors who have used his services have been impressed with the professionalism and the care he and his crew take in bringing vehicles to and from their respective homes. Scott, and his friend Nick Kruczkowski, won the 2016 Service Crew Award for their hard work during the week of Targa. They helped numerous teams with mechanical issues, answered questions, and provided leadership when called upon in the paddock. Scott has access to an enclosed car trailer and a couple of open trailers that he will use to transport vehicles and gear for the event (images below). The price of transport will be determined based on the number of vehicles, which transport option the competitor wishes to use (enclosed or open trailer), and the size of the vehicle itself. He can pick up vehicles from Toronto eastward along the way to St. Johns. Vehicles from western Canada and the U.S. are welcome to join the convoy at any point (Toronto and east). Scott and his crew members can also service vehicles that they transport, or other vehicles that arrive without service crews. He will be bringing an assortment of tools and can work on any and all vehicles. For more information on the cost and other questions, please email Scott at srobbi@hotmail.com or call him at 905-424-3732. Volunteers needed for Targa Newfoundland 2017 Targa Newfoundland is looking for volunteers for the 2017 motorsport season. If youd like to help out with the 16th annual Targa Newfoundland next month, please contact us at the office. Depending on the volunteer position, you may have your accommodations, meals, and transportation supplied, plus receive high-quality training specific to the events. Targa also provides volunteer hours for high school students, which require a specific number of volunteer hours to graduate. If dealing with electronics is your thing, then perhaps join one of our Timing Teams. If dealing with logistics and helping people is your thing, than become one of our Competitor Relations Officers. If helping a community prepare for the event is something that interest you, join one of our Set-Up Vehicle teams. Like the idea of seeing the vehicles in action? Then sign up to be a Roving Safety Marshall. These and other positions are available for the Targa. Please email Leah Dalton, our Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@targanl.com for more information and to put your name forward to assist for this great event! Its certainly a great way to see the central and eastern portion of the island, meet new people with similar interest as yourself, and if you are into motorsports, its the closest youll get to a real rally car in this province. REGISTER TODAY: Entry Fees for 2017 Targa Newfoundland. Below are the entry fees for the 16th annual Targa Newfoundland. Add 15% HST to all fees below. Type of Division: Entry Fee Fast Tour: $4,295.00 Grand Touring: $6,795.00 Targa: $7,795.00 Quick Tour: (1-3 days) Per Day Rate: $1,000.00 For entry forms or for more information on the event, please contact Darren at registrar@targanewfoundland.com or call 1-877-332-2413 (709-722-2413). 2017 Targa License Plates for sale to the public Currently taking orders for Targa Plates $10 each (add $5 if mailing them out is required). Can be as few as one character, up to a maximum of four characters can be numbers, letters or combination. Order to manufacturer will be placed August 2nd, so really not a lot of time to decide if youd like to take advantage! We had the plate offer posted on social media the past couple of weeks, but the newsletter is more direct so hopefully anyone that really wants a plate will be able to order it. Call Darren at 1-877-332-2413 (locally 722-2413) or email registrar@targanewfoundland.com to place an order! Plates will arrive in late August or early September. CONTACTS: Robert Giannou President rgiannou@targanewfoundland.com 303 Thorburn Road, Suite 2-D St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada A1B 4R1 Cell: 709-682-7900 Tel: 877-332-2413 Fax: 709-753-7646 Darren Sheppard General Manager registrar@targanewfoundland.com 303 Thorburn Road, Suite 2-D St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada A1B 4R1 Tel: 709-722-2413 Tel: 877-332-2413 Fax: 709-753-7646 Peterborough, ON (August 1, 2017)- Theres a fresh page on the calendar, but the 50th Anniversary Season excitement continues at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval. On Saturday, August 5, Peterborough Speedway hosts the Touring Chase for the Colours Pole Qualifier, with the years only regular season appearance by the OSCAAR Outlaw Super Late Model and Modified tours. Also on the program will be the OSCAAR Midgets, Pro Midgets and the home track Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun and Jiffy Lube Mini Stock divisions. Kicking-off the 2017 Hot August Nights Series with such a high-profile event is sure to pack in the crowd. There have been five different Super Late Model feature winners in six starts so far this year. Glenn Watsons pair of Kawartha Speedway checkered flags have him leading the point standings by 25 markers over Charlie Gallant. Tyler Hawn, Gary Passer and John Cadman Jr. round-out the Super Late Model top five. Former Peterborough Speedway regular Cory Horner and Chris Milwain each have a pair of OSCAAR Modified main event wins, with Horner leading the standings by a slim two-point margin over A.J. Emms, who has yet to score an A main victory. Luke Gignac, Milwain and Gary Elliott complete the top five in Modified points. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says the Hot August Nights Series is the perfect place to showcase the OSCAAR stars. With the OSCAAR classes after guaranteed starting spots for the 25th running of the Autumn Colours Classic, fans will see a great show, Josiasse said. Our home track 4Fun and Mini Stock divisions are also on the docket and looking for a boost in the overall standings. There should be some edge of your seat excitement every time the green flag waves. For the Touring Chase for the Colours Pole Qualifier, Saturday, August 5, pit gates will open at 2:00, with the general admission grandstands unlocked at 4:00. The first qualifying heat race rolls to starting line at 6:00. The Super Late Models are slated for a 50-lap feature event, with the Modifieds running a 30 lapper. Full schedule details and the latest news can always be found by logging onto www.peterboroughspeedway.com, liking the Peterborough Speedway Facebook page or following the track on Twitter. Fans can also download the free app on their Smartphone. Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports 613.968.6410 After lagging its peers for years, the LSU Foundation has cut its internal CIO role and shifted investment management to Cambridge. Louisiana State University has outsourced the investment management of its $454 million in endowed assets to Cambridge Associates, a big win for the advisory firm that culminated this year. Cambridge now manages the entire endowment portfolio after the university began transitioning the investment management role to the firm about a year ago, according to LSU spokesperson Sara Whittaker. In July 2016, the Baton Rouge-based foundation began a partially outsourced chief investment officer partnership with Cambridge Associates, according to its 2016 investment report. The investment committee and then chief investment officer, George Moss, were to work closely with the firm and maintain high-level oversight of the endowed portfolios, LSUs foundation said in the report. For Cambridge Associates, its a major win in a ferociously competitive and expanding outsourced CIO market. The CIO position no longer exists at the LSU Foundation, ceasing with Mosss exit in December 2016, five months after Cambridge came aboard. Moss, who subsequently spent three months at the University of Wisconsin Foundation as senior director of fixed income, deferred comment to LSU. George was a one-man shop here, Whittaker said in an email. We recruited for a replacement to assume his responsibilities, in a new role of director of investments; Alex McDermott was hired several months ago and is part of our CFOs team, with a focus on non-endowed management. LSU had about $140 million of non-endowed assets, such as working capital and investment income, at the end of June, according to the spokesperson. Endowments and foundations accounted for about half of Cambridges 1,115 clients at the end of 2016, a presentation from the advisory firm shows. Cambridge provides guidance on the vast majority of its clients assets, as opposed to managing their investments. The investment management business is more lucrative and most traditional consulting firms have followed Cambridge into the outsourced-CIO industry. [II Deep Dive: Fear and Loathing in the Outsourced CIO Market] A Cambridge spokesperson did not immediately provide comment on the LSU endowment, which has yet to release its fiscal 2017 results. The university's general endowment fund underperformed its U.S. peer group in recent years, according to NACUBO-Commonfund data on endowments between $101 million and $500 million. LSU lost 4.66 percent in fiscal 2016, exceeding the average 2.4 percent loss posted by its peers. LSUs annualized 1.96 percent return in the three years through June 30, 2016 lagged by nearly 300 basis points, while its 2.79 percent gain over five years trailed the average 5.1 percent return produced by its peers. (This story was updated to provide the latest amount of LSU's endowed and non-endowed assets.) One of the U.K.s largest business groups has aired concerns over the FCAs proposal for new listing rules for foreign state-owned companies. One of the largest business groups in Britain has waded into the battle over whether the U.K.s listing rules should be eased for state-owned companies such as Saudi Aramco. The Institute of Directors, whose 30,000 business leaders include executives at FTSE 100 companies, objects to less stringent requirements to list on the London Stock Exchange because weaker standards may lead to governance problems, according to a report released by the group Wednesday and submitted last month to the Financial Conduct Authority. It was a response to the U.K. regulators July proposal to allow companies owned by foreign states to list on the exchange under a new category with criteria that are easier to meet. Royal London Asset Managements corporate governance manager, Ashley Hamilton Claxton, said the investment firm is broadly supportive of the position taken by the Institute of Directors, sharing its concerns and recommendations. Asset managers, including Hermes Investment Management, Schroders and Aviva, previously voiced their opposition to the FCAs proposal due to concern that relaxing the rules to accommodate foreign state-controlled businesses would come at shareholders expense. A new listing category for sovereign-owned companies is a dangerous precedent, allowing companies like Aramco and other state-owned firms to access Londons capital markets without having to play by its rules, Royal London Asset Managements Hamilton Claxton said in an email. Bending the listing rules to accommodate the peculiarities of one large and very lucrative listing could open the floodgates and devalue everything the London market stands for. She added that Londons position as a global leader when the U.K departs the European Union hinged on its integrity and not the desire to do deals whatever the consequences. The London Stock Exchange and the FCA declined to comment on the Institute of Directors concerns. Aramco, Saudi Arabias state-owned oil company, did not respond to a request for comment. Many investors have viewed the FCAs plan to ease rules as a ploy to win a London listing for Saudi state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco. FCA chief executive Andrew Bailey said in last months announcement of the regulators proposal that sovereign owners were different from private sector individuals or companies and listing requirements should be refined accordingly. [II Deep Dive: Inside the Fight Over Saudi Aramco] In its report, the Institute of Directors suggested that rules for companies with a sovereign-controlled shareholder be strengthened rather than weakened. The group cited guidelines issued in 2015 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for corporate governance of state-owned enterprises, which warn that sovereign-owned businesses have the potential for undue hands-on and politically-motivated ownership interference. The report says that OECD guidelines also caution that a sovereign shareholder is in a strong position to assert its interests at the expense of other shareholders or stakeholders, particularly minority shareholders. The Institute of Directors recommends that the appointment of independent directors be ratified by a binding vote of independent shareholders. There are wider implications for the FCA than just Saudi Arabias Aramco. Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstans $78 billion sovereign development fund, is another group closely watching developments in London. The fund is in the preliminary stage of assessing both the readiness of companies it owns for initial public offerings and where to do them, according to Dauren Tasmagambetov, head of privatization and asset restructuring at Samruk-Kazyna. Any developments in the listing rules will be closely studied by us together with our consultants, he said in an email. Only after this process will we settle on a location. The Institute of Directors is calling on the FCA to reconsider plans laid out in its consultation paper to waive rules for sovereign-controlled companies while at the same time acknowledging the importance of attracting leading global businesses to list in London. Good corporate governance serves to enhance business performance, protect investors and maintain the reputation of UK Plc, Stephen Martin, director general of the Institute of Directors, said in a statement on its report. We do not believe the proposals in the consultation paper seek to strengthen these objectives. A new CEO has taken the helm at Lockton Companies Australia.Paul Marsden, a founding member of Lockton Australia's executive and leadership team, has been appointed to the CEO position.In a statement, the company said Marsden has played a crucial role in reshaping Lockton's operations over the past 12 months and in establishing the 2020 Vision, which is focused on developing Locktons people, adding tangible value to its clients business, and delivering profitable financial growth.Marsden, who was most recently executive manager at Lockton, started his insurance career in 1988. Before joining the insurance brokerage in 2012, he worked at Australian Reliance Group and Aon Risk Services. A disgruntled Australian celebrity has taken to Twitter her beef with a CTP insurer over an 'ad' which she almost mistook for an actual bill.In a tweet to her 261,000 followers, comedian, actress, and YouTube star Natalie Tran said she received an offer from AAMI to switch a CTP green slip.Tran posted a photo of the offer from AAMI with the caption: Heres an ad sent to me by @AAMI FOR A CAR MY PARTNER OWNS (NOT ME) that looks EXACTLY like a bill. This is a poor and disgusting practise, News Corp Australia reported.To AAMI, she asked on Twitter: How is this legal? People must be unknowingly paying bills that are ads. Theres a due date and everything. F**k this.Tran said she was about to pay the notice which she saw as a bill. She also said the notice is an ugly way to advertise.In her post, Tran explained that she did not own the car the offer was for, and her partner doesn't currently use AAMI for his CTP insurance.Its a case of not so lucky your with AAMI, Tom Godfrey, consumer group CHOICE spokesman, told News Corp Australia.If you received one of these documents you would be forgiven for thinking the insurer was trying to drive home a rort, he said. As a rule, when your current insurer sends you a renewal notice it should be a green light to shop around for a better deal.In a statement issued to the news agency, an AAMI spokesman said the offer is sent to existing AAMI customers in the form of a regulator-approved policy notice (or green slip) to streamline the process of acquiring CTP insurance.He added that the letter's opening paragraph states that the offer is sent to AAMI comprehensive or CTP motor insurance customers to switch to their CTP insurance.The offer to switch includes a personalised CTP quote in the form of a Green Slip. It is sent when their vehicle registration is due, he said.Speaking about the notice's design, he said it has been approved by State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and is the official certificate used for all AAMI CTP green slips.This is done to make things easier for customers. If the offer was in a different design (i.e. not a valid Green Slip), the customer would have to go through the additional step of requesting a new CTP policy be created, he told News Corp Australia. We have been sending out notices like this for many years as a service to our valued customers. We are not aware of any similar customer complaints received during this time. The Australian Securities & Investments Commission ( ASIC ) has established the Consumer Credit Insurance (CCI) Working Group in a bid to improve outcomes for CCI, a type of add-on insurance that has long been problematic in Australia and overseas.The CCI Working Group, composed of representatives from the corporate watchdog, the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA), banks, and consumer advocacy groups, has been tasked to progress a range of reforms, including a deferred-sales model for CCI sold with credit cards over the phone and in branches.The reform means banks will stop selling a CCI policy until at least four days after the application for the credit card. This move ensures that consumers are not pressured into buying the insurance or from purchasing a CCI product that does not suit their needs.Consumers should be confident that when they sign up for consumer credit insurance, they know what it is and that it suits their needs, ASIC deputy chair Peter Kell said.We welcome industry's commitment to improve their sales practices and look forward to working with industry and consumer advocates on these initiatives.The CCI Working Group will also seek to improve banks' sales practices for CCI on credit cards sold online, and with other loan products in all sales channels.ASIC will monitor whether the changes are effective or if there is a need for further reforms, including through metrics that indicate the value being provided to consumers by CCI products.ABA, meanwhile, will incorporate these measures into the revised Code of Banking Practice and work to accelerate their introduction so that they commence in the first half of 2018. It is a criminal offence if directors do not apply for their director ID on time Entries for Insurance Business magazines sixth annual Top 10 Brokerages report will close on Friday. Readers interested in seeing their business named as one of the best brokerages in the Australian market are encouraged to start their online nomination today.A place on the report is a valuable industry accolade for brokerage businesses that can be used as an important marketing tool to enhance business reputation and standing with clients.The report will not just recognise the countrys biggest brokerages; Insurance Business unique methodology takes several performance metrics from the 2016/17 financial year into consideration, including number of new clients and number of policies written to ensure that all businesses are compared on a level playing field.Insurance Business urges its readers to complete this short online nomination form before close of business this Friday, August 04, to see their brokerage named on the report. A report by KPMG suggests that commercial auto insurers are currently in a chaotic middle period as more of their clients (such as mobility services and trucking companies) make the transition into utilizing autonomous vehicle technology.The auditors report warns that the current core business models for traditional auto insurance carriers may be under threat of obsolescence with auto manufacturers potentially becoming a viable alternative to cover driving risk. KPMG then says that over the next 10-15 years, insurers will enter a chaotic middle as they absorb and respond to these changes.As old business models and strategies become increasingly obsolete, carriers will need to identify new ways of doing business, the report read. This is not incremental change but rather a radical rethink of the core mission of the company.KPMG believes that mobility companies such as Uber and Lyft will be at the forefront of autonomous technology, citing a number of pilot programs being planned or underway (i.e. Uber and Volvos tie-up, Singapores self-driving car debut, Fords own autonomous ride-hailing service, GM and Lyfts collaboration). Notably, the report pointed out that ridesharing companies utilizing self-driving technology could help their passenger-customers warm up to the idea of using smart cars for their own personal use as they grow familiar with the concept via service vehicles.Trucking companies have also been identified by the report as early-adopters of autonomous technology. The relatively straightforward nature of the trucking business delivering items from one point to another presents the perfect opportunity for automation. Economic incentives, such as higher vehicle utilization once a human driver has been replaced, will also push trucking companies towards autonomy.KPMG suggests that insurers take a twofold approach to address the challenge of autonomous vehicle technology: insurers should optimize the downslope in their auto business, while at the same time diversifying into new products and services.As their automobile books shrink in size, insurance executives will need to understand the pace of their respective downslope and manage the business through the change, the auditor said. The irony is that to be successful and relevant, insurance companies will likely need to invest into this declining line of business to update core functions to reflect new risks, technologies, and data.In parallel, [insurers] will need to identify alternative products and services to close the gap in revenues lost to the declines in automobile premiums, the report continued. This diversification approach will also require significant investmentsboth for financial commitments and executive team mindshare. In the deepest, shadiest corners of the Dark Web, there are crooks and extremists plotting attacks against people, states, and organizations.Its an area of the internet little-known to everyday-citizens of the world. But tech experts are monitoring the Dark Web, and insurers might be able to reap the benefits of learning what is being discussed in the most nefarious chatrooms out there.Regarding what exists in there: theres everything that you can imagine, and everything that you cannot imagine as well, said Avi Kasztan, chief executive at Sixgill, a company that monitors the Dark Web for planned cyberattacks.You can find there everything from Syrian killers, to drug trafficking, to wars between countries, anything. [And] a lot of cybercrime is planned and performed within the Dark Web. The amount of money that changes hands within the Dark Web is huge, really huge.Sixgill, based out of Israel, with operating staff in the United States and Europe, analyzes and forecasts cyberattacks through auto-monitoring chatter in the Dark Web, and by forming profiles on some of the nets anonymous criminals.The company which includes former Israeli military cyber security experts has insurance clients in the US, Kasztan said.The information [we provide] is tailored to the customer, not just information that there is going to be an attack within the sector, he explained. And by the way, insurance companies are attractive and are a very high objective for all these guys. There is a price for everything identity thefts, health records, anything [related to customer data]. Everything has a price and that can just multiply on you. It can be huge.The difficulties in infiltrating the secret chatrooms in the Dark Web are numerous, but the company has developed software to dig deep and then extract and store the data it uncovers. From there, the company can alert its clients to potential, or impending, cyberattacks against them.We know that the hard-core cybercrime happens within the Dark Web, he said. One of the challenges you have when you go to this world of the Dark Web is to find where the things are because you dont have Google. We had to develop a technology that enabled us to find that, and then we had to develop another technology that is able to extract this data from these places.These guys, in general, are very smart. We believe that the Dark Web is a social network. However, this is a very special social network in the sense that people dont join there to make new friends. They have other objectives. A federal appeals court has ruled that an insurance companys customers can sue the company over a cyberattack in which customer information was stolen.On Tuesday, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower courts decision dismissing a class-action lawsuit brought against CareFirst, a health insurer that serves one million customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.The customers suing CareFirst attributed a 2014 data breach to the companys carelessness. It was originally ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing because they failed to show a present injury or likelihood of being injured in the future, according to a report by The Hill.However, Judge Thomas Griffith, of the appeals court, said that the district court had read the complaint too narrowly.The District Court concluded that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a sufficiently substantial risk of future harm stemming from the breach to establish standing, in part because they had not suggested, let alone determined, how the CareFirst hackers could steal their identities without access to their Social Security or credit card numbers, Griffith, a member of a three-judge panel, wrote in the panels ruling. But that conclusion rested on an incorrect premise: that the complaint did not allege the theft of Social Security or credit card numbers in the data breach. In fact, the complaint did. Nonprofit malpractice insurer, the Pennsylvania Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Association (PPLJUA) plans to sue the state if Pennsylvania pushes ahead with taking away $200 million of its assets.The PPLJUA was established in 1976 in relation to Subsection C. of the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act to provide medical professional liability insurance.Pennsylvania House Bill 118 contains language that would take $200 million from the PPLJUA under threat of abolishment. The bill was approved last Thursday by the full Senate by a vote of 37-13. It is currently being referred back to the House for final approval.In response, the PPLJUA announced on Monday that it would file a lawsuit in federal court to block the state from taking the $200 million, reasoning that the state government is looking to balance its deficit-mired budget.The JUA is not a Pennsylvania agency, is not government funded, and is not state run, PPLJUA president Susan Sersha said in an official statement. The JUA money comes from premiums paid by medical practitioners and institutions for insurance and business operations. If HB 118 becomes law, the state would seize money that it does not own, and to which it has no right.The state created the JUA as a private entity and is not on the hook for any liabilities that JUA incurs, including those resulting from medical liability actions against JUA insureds, Sersha added. Seizure of the JUAs assets could potentially limit the healthcare services available in Pennsylvania and leave injured patients with no recourse should a healthcare provider be found liable for their injuries. If HB 118 is successful, this will be the Great Pennsylvania Heist, setting a precedent that could affect other state-licensed insurance providers, as well as other institutions, such as state-related universities. On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, Delaware Governor John Carney signed into law House Substitute 1 for House Bill 80 (HS 1 for HB 80), a consumer fairness bill that targets unfair discriminatory practices by automobile and homeowners insurance companies to determine premium costs. Insurance rates should be fair, stated Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro in a press release issued by the Department of Insurance. However, as I have seen over the past several years, they are far from fair. As a bipartisan piece of legislation and a substitute to the original HB 80, HS 1 for HB 80 represents a compromise between the Department of Insurance, legislators and several industry members who elected to negotiate in good faith. For too long, insurance companies have used practices that unfairly discriminate against Delaware consumers and our States most vulnerable populations, Representative Trey Paradee, a Democrat from Dover who served as the bills prime sponsor and leading consumer advocate, stated in the release. The new law will keep changes in credit ratings because of issues, such as identity theft or loss of a spouse, from costing Delawareans more, Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry, who has been a longtime supporter of consumer protection measures, explained in the release. She also supported the restriction of age as a factor in setting rates. Insurance rates should be based primarily on the way a driver behaves behind the wheel, Senator Brian Pettyjohn, a Republican from Georgetown who served as a co-prime sponsor of the bill, said in the release. Life events such as reaching the age of 75 or divorce alone should not be factors in raising an individuals insurance rates. This new law strengthens Delawares insurance consumer protection statutes to prohibit these types of actions on the part of insurance companies. The new law provides for the following changes: Insurance companies may not use an insurance credit score that uses income, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, address, zip code, race, ethnic group, religion, marital status or nationality of the consumer as a factor. Insurance companies may not cancel or non-renew a policy based on credit information alone. Insurance companies may not take action against a consumer because that person lacks a credit card or lacks credit information. Insurance companies cannot utilize collection information using medical codes. Insurance companies cannot utilize extraordinary life circumstances such as serious illness or injury, death of a spouse or loved one, divorce, and involuntary loss of employment for three months or more. HS 1 for HB 80 continues Delawares prohibition on using credit in policy renewals, unless a review request results in lower premiums. An insurer cannot increase a renewal rate for personal automobile insurance policies based solely on an insured attaining the age of 75 or older. An insurer cannot increase rates based upon a change of marital status due to the death of a spouse. Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro stated in the press release that the new law will redress the balance between insurance companies and everyday consumers. By addressing unfair discriminatory practices, HS 1 for HB 80 adds and enhances Delawares consumer protection measures to hold companies accountable, he said. This law will push Delaware in the right direction toward a fairer and more affordable insurance marketplace. HS 1 for HB 80 was primarily sponsored by Representative Trey Paradee and Senators Margaret Rose Henry and Brian Pettyjohn. It passed the House on June 15, 2017, with 24 yes and 14 no votes. The bill passed its final floor vote in the Senate on June 27, 2017, with 20 yes and 1 no votes. Consumers and producers who have questions about the new law are encouraged to contact the Department of Insurances Consumer Services Division. Source: Delaware Department of Insurance Topics Carriers Legislation Vanguard Claims Administration Inc. (Vanguard), a Woodbury, N.J.-based insurance agency, has hired Paul J. Graf as vice president of operations. With more than 27 years of multi-line claims management experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, Graf will oversee the daily operations of both Vanguard and the Vanguard Adjusters Group Inc. In addition, he will be responsible for expanding independent adjuster operations into the Central Eastern Region, including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. His responsibilities also include increasing capacity for TPA services in both the domestic and international Lloyds marketplace, as well as launching Vanguard Recovery Services a new entity providing subrogation recovery services. Vanguard President Robert Gilliam stated in a company press release he believes Grafs management of CAT responses, both regionally and nationally, and his network of TPA and IA examiners complement the core services offered by Vanguard. Other administrative experience Graf will be able to leverage for Vanguard clients includes automobile and motor truck cargo coverages, workers compensation, auto material damage, errors and omissions, CAT claims management and professional liability coverages. Prior to joining Vanguard, Graf served as the senior vice president of a regional claims management firm that provided third party administrator, subrogation recovery, independent field adjustment and litigation management services. He also filled the role of regional claims manager for Utica National Insurance Company, where he led the regional workers compensation, auto and general liability, material damage, property and E&O and professional liability claims activities. Source: Vanguard Claims Administration Inc. Topics Claims New Jersey An organization created by state law to offer medical malpractice insurance is threatening to sue if Pennsylvania state government tries to take $200 million from it. The nonprofit Pennsylvania Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Association said Monday that the state doesnt own the money and has no right to seize it. The association sued in federal court to block the state from borrowing that amount in the recently ended fiscal year to help balance its deficit-riddled budget. Legislation passed by the Senate last week would abolish the association if it doesnt hand over $200 million by Nov. 1. The bill says the money doesnt belong to association members or people or groups covered by its policies. It says the money belongs to the state. The bill is pending in the House. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Carriers Pennsylvania Transitional arrangements after leaving the European Union in 2019 will be crucial for protecting the economy and the City of Londons global role in finance, a senior British lawmaker said on Tuesday. Nicky Morgan, the new chair of parliaments Treasury Select Committee, has asked the Bank of Englands top regulator to say if lenders are ready for a hard Brexit if there is no bridge between leaving the bloc and the start of new trading terms. The cliff edge facing businesses in April 2019 is a cause for concern, particularly in the financial services sector, Morgan said in a statement announcing her request to the BoE. Morgan, a former Cabinet minister who campaigned in last years referendum for Britain to stay in the EU, is the latest senior politician to call for transitional arrangements, which some ministers who want a clean break with Europe oppose. Faced with such divisions, banks and insurers in London who rely on EU passports to access the EU market are pushing ahead with plans to shift some operations from London to the EU ahead of Brexit, to be sure of serving customers there. HSBC, Britains biggest bank, said on Monday it will spend up to $300 million to move jobs and part of its business to Paris. BoE Deputy Governor Sam Woods wrote to several hundred firms in April to ask how they would deal with an abrupt severing of ties with Europe. Morgan wants Woods to provide her with a summary of the responses by Wednesday, saying the committee may want to scrutinize them. I have also asked Mr. Woods for his views on the desirability and design of a transitional arrangement with the EU, to provide more time to negotiate and prepare for a new UK-EU economic relationship, Morgan said. Getting these arrangements right will be crucial for ensuring that the City retains its pre-eminence as a global financial center, and to protect the economy and jobs as the UK leaves the EU, she added. A senior banking industry official told Reuters a transitional deal must not simply extend the status quo for a few more years. We want to avoid a second cliff edge. It cannot be a pause, it has to be a transition, otherwise you just delay the cliff edge, the official said. In her letter to Woods, who is also head of the BoEs Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), Morgan asks if firms have identified common trigger points for moving operations, and if a hard Brexit posed a threat to financial stability. She also asks if the PRA has the capacity to directly authorize and supervise financial firms from elsewhere in the EU who want to continue providing services in Britain after Brexit. Some of those firms may have to convert from branches into subsidiaries with their own cushion of capital a complex process. BoE Governor Mark Carney said earlier this year that a transition period would be highly advisable. The PRA, which will review the firms plans over the summer, said it would reply to Morgan by Wednesday. (Reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Catherine Evans) Topics Legislation Europe London Guy Carpenter & Co. announced that Tony Gallagher has been appointed CEO of the Asia Pacific Region, with immediate effect. In addition, Richard Jones has been promoted to chairman of the region. Most recently CEO of the Pacific Region, Gallagher will be responsible for strengthening Guy Carpenters market position across Asia Pacific and enhancing its client service capabilities. Based in Hong Kong, he will report to James Nash, president, International. As chairman, Jones will work closely with Gallagher to further develop the firms growth strategy for the Region. Based in Singapore, he will also continue in his role as head of Singapore, reporting to Nash. With more than 22 years of reinsurance market experience, spanning London, Tokyo and Sydney, Tony has been instrumental to our strong growth in the Pacific area, and particularly in Australia, since joining in 2013, commented Nash. Richard has been part of Guy Carpenters Asia Pacific team since 1987, and has been responsible for leading and growing our business activities in South East Asia for the last 16 years, he added. He brings to the role of chairman an incredible insight into all facets of the reinsurance industry in Asia Pacific. Source: Guy Carpenter Topics A.J. Gallagher XL Catlin announced it has launched its Cyber and Data Protection insurance policy in Asia Pacific. With cyber risk ranking in the top 10 in todays emerging risks, the new policy is designed to protect businesses from the increasing exposures they face from a malicious network compromise and data breach, said XL Catlin in a statement. The insurance solution covers business interruption arising from a network compromise, associated extortion demands and first party incident response costs such as notification of the compromise of the network, forensic investigations and public relations support, the company said. The policy also covers third-party liability costs that organizations face as a result of a data breach, including any regulatory investigation or contractual liability associated with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. (The PCI DSS is an information security standard created to increase controls around cardholder data to reduce credit card fraud.) Additionally, it offers broad coverage for liability associated with media exposures such as copyright infringement, trademark infringement, invasion of privacy and false advertising, in both offline and online content as well as social media, the company added. Combining the global resources of our underwriting and claims teams with the expertise of our breach response providers, our Cyber and Data Protection insurance policy offers companies the broad cyber coverage they need under one easy-to-understand policy, commented Timothy Powell, regional manager, International Financial Lines for XL Catlins Insurance business in Asia Pacific. We know there is a real need for this policy across Asia Pacific because as technology and digital connectivity evolve, companies are finding themselves exposed to new and more sophisticated cyber attacks, he said. Powell pointed to a report from Juniper Research estimated that the cost of data breaches will reach US$2.1 trillion globally by 2019, almost four times the estimated cost of breaches in 2015. No company is fully secure, no matter how superior its cyber defense mechanisms are. They must proactively embed cyber risk management in their strategies and operations to combat the unrelenting threat of cyber attacks, he said. The rapidly changing legal environment in Asia Pacific in respect of cyber security is driving the need for organizations to look at their exposures to cyber-crimes and data compromises which is increasing, said David Guest, country manager for Singapore Insurance. Many countries across Asia, including China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan have recently stepped up their approach, by introducing new laws or implementing more exacting standards for data and network protection, he explained. Robin Johnson, country manager for Australia Insurance, discussed the fact that Australia in February passed a new law, which requires the mandatory notification of a data breach, and companies need to comply with these rules 12 months. While Singapore and Hong Kong have mature cyber and data protection regulatory frameworks in place, these two countries are also considering similar provisions in the near future, said Johnson. With increasingly stringent regulations as well as the financial and reputational fall-out of a cyber incident, companies need to have a robust risk management strategy and the right insurance solution to protect themselves against cyber risks, he added. Source: XL Catlin Topics Legislation Cyber AXA XL Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a law making roadway donations legal after the attorney general said Michigans traffic code didnt allow them. Charities or civic groups can solicit donations on public streets if they follow rules set by local governments. They must carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance. Anyone collecting money must do it at an intersection where lights or stop signs are present. Attorney General Bill Schuette praised the law, saying loose change and dollars donated at stop signs or red lights help many people. The Legislature passed a bill after Schuette said road solicitations werent legal, although theyre commonly done around the state. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Michigan A Wisconsin woman who won the first round of a trademark lawsuit brought by Mars Inc. is suing the confectionary giant. Syovata Edari wants a federal judge to declare that her Madison-made chocolates, called CocoVaa, do not infringe on Mars cocoa extract supplements called CocoaVia. Mars sued Edari in April, saying her chocolates sound confusingly similar to the companys product. But a judge last month dismissed the lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds. The company filed the suit in Virginia, where it is based, but Edari does no business there. Mars could refile the lawsuit in Wisconsin, so Edari took action first. Mars released a statement calling it a clear case of our trademark being infringed upon. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Wisconsin Minnesota residents suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder can start buying medical marijuana. This week brought the latest expansion of the states medical marijuana program that launched in July 2015. Patients suffering chronic pain that couldnt be treated with other means were allowed to use the drug starting last summer, a move that added thousands of customers to the states pool. But manufacturers arent expecting the same rush of new patients to help offset their heavy financial losses in the first years of legal sales. State data shows just 105 patients with PTSD had started or completed the registration process in the month leading up to legal sales. Meanwhile, patient advocates are pushing to add even more conditions like autism, Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Cannabis Minnesota Older people are dying on the job at a higher rate than workers overall, even as the rate of workplace fatalities decreases, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal statistics. Its a trend thats particularly alarming as baby boomers reject the traditional retirement age of 65 and keep working. The U.S. government estimates that by 2024, older workers will account for 25 percent of the labor market. Getting old and the physical changes associated with it could potentially make a workplace injury into a much more serious injury or a potentially fatal injury, said Ken Scott, an epidemiologist with the Denver Public Health Department. Gerontologists say those changes include gradually worsening vision and hearing impairment, reduced response time, balance issues and chronic medical or muscle or bone problems such as arthritis. In 2015, 35 percent of fatal workplace accidents involved a worker 55 and older. In 2015, about 35 percent of the fatal workplace accidents involved a worker 55 and older or 1,681 of the 4,836 fatalities reported nationally. William White, 56, was one of them. White fell 25 feet while working at Testa Produce Inc. on Chicagos South Side. He later died of his injuries. I thought it wouldnt happen to him, his son, William White Jr., said in an interview. Accidents happen. He just made the wrong move. The AP analysis showed that overall workplace fatality rate for all workers and for those 55 and older decreased by 22 percent between 2006 and 2015. But the rate of fatal accidents among older workers during that time period was 50 percent to 65 percent higher than for all workers, depending on the year. The number of deaths among all workers dropped from 5,480 in 2005 to 4,836 in 2015. By contrast, on-the-job fatalities among older workers increased slightly, from 1,562 to 1,681, the analysis shows. During that time period, the number of older people in the workplace increased by 37 percent. That compares with a 6 percent rise in the population of workers overall. Ruth Finkelstein, co-director of Columbia Universitys Aging Center, cautions against stereotyping. She said older people have a range of physical and mental abilities and that its dangerous to lump all people in an age group together because it could lead to discrimination. Im just not positive that 55-70 year olds need so much more protection than workers 52-20, but are all those people needing protection now? Yes, absolutely. We are not paying enough attention to occupational safety in this country. How to Protect Older Workers from Injuries on the Job The AP analysis is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census for Fatal Occupational Injuries and from one-year estimates from the American Community Survey, which looks at the working population. It excludes cases where the cause of death was from a natural cause, including a heart attack, stroke among others. AP also examined the number and types of accidents in which older workers died between 2011, when the bureau changed the way it categorized accidents, to 2015: Fall-related fatalities rose 20 percent. Contact with objects and equipment increased 17 percent. Transportation accidents increased 15 percent. Fires and explosions decreased by 8 percent. We expect that there will be more older workers increasing each year and they will represent a greater share (of the fatalities) over the last couple of decades, said Scott, the Denver epidemiologist. This issue of elevated risk is something we should be paying close attention to. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found in 2013 that 44 percent of older Americans said their job required physical effort most or almost all of the time, and 36 percent said it was more difficult to complete the physical requirements of their jobs than it was when they were younger. Testa Accident William White Jr. said his father had been working in the same Chicago-based warehouse for over a decade and was a manager when he fell to his death on Sept. 24, 2015. My dad was the best at what he did. Hes the one who taught me everything I know, the 26-year-old Chicago resident said. He went up to get an item for the delivery driver and the next thing you know he made a wrong move and fell. The job is fast-pace and everybody is rushing. Thomas Stiede, principal officer for Teamsters Local 703, said White knew the safety procedures and cant understand why White didnt wear a safety harness. He was a very conscientious employee, he said, his voice cracking with emotion. Testa Inc. was fined $12,600 by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to provide safety training. The company declined to comment for this story. The same year White died, the fatal accident rate in Illinois for older workers was 4.5 per 100,000 workers, 60 percent higher than the comparable rate for all workers. In most states, the fatal accident rates for older workers were consistently higher than comparable rates for all workers. Nevada, New Jersey and Washington had the greatest percent increase in fatal accident rates for older workers between 2006 and 2015. The three states with the biggest percent decrease were Hawaii, Oregon and Vermont. Eight states saw their overall workplace fatality rate drop, even as the rate for older workers increased: Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. In two states North Dakota and Wisconsin the trend was reversed; older worker accident rates got smaller while the accident rate overall increased. Zooming in to metropolitan areas, Las Vegas ran counter to the national trend. In 2006, the fatal accident rate among older workers in the Las Vegas metropolitan area was lower than the rate among all workers. But by 2015, the rate of deaths among older workers more than doubled even as the rate among all workers declined. Transportation Incidents Transportation accidents account for a large portion of fatal workplace incidents among both older workers and workers in general. In one such incident, Ruan Qiang Hua, 58, died last Nov. 21 from injuries suffered in a forklift accident at Good View Roofing and Building Supply warehouse, according to the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration. After a bag or mortar fell from the pallet, Qiang backed up and rolled off a ramp. The forklift tipped over and Qian was crushed when he jumped off. The agency fined the San Francisco-based company $62,320 for allegedly failing to ensure that forklift operators were competent and wore seat belts. The company is appealing the penalties, according to OSHA. Records show that Hua was not properly trained or certified as a forklift operator. Video of the incident showed he was not wearing his seatbelt. Other video from the worksite showed that other forklift operators also had not used their seat belts and that the employer failed to install a curb along the sides of the ramp to prevent the lifts from running off the ramp. The company declined to comment for this story. In California, the 2015 rate of fatal accidents was 3.4 per 100,000 workers for older workers, 60 percent higher than the rate for all workers. The AP analysis showed that older workers were involved in about 1 in 4 fatal workplace accidents related to fires and explosions from 2011 to 2015. In April 2014, Earle Robinson, 60, and other employees were doing maintenance work at Bryan Texas Utilities Power Plant, about 100 miles north of Houston, when there was a loud explosion. Workers called 911 and pleaded for help. Hes in bad shape. Hes got a lot of facial burns, according to a transcript of the 911 calls. Hes got some pretty bad burns. Robinson was taken to a hospital in Houston and died days later. The company declined to comment for this story. The year Robinson died, the fatality rate among older workers in Texas was 6.1 per 100,000 workers 43 percent higher than the accident rate for all workers. The National Center for Productive Aging and Work is pushing for changes in the workplace to make it safer for older workers. We advocate to make workplaces as age friendly as possible, said co-director James Grosch. For example, increased lighting helps older workers whose eyesight has weakened with age. He said the center is emphasizing productive aging. How people can be more productive, he said. How their wisdom can be leveraged in a workplace. The year-old center is part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. EDITORS NOTE Maria Ines Zamudio is studying aging and workforce issues as part of a 10-month fellowship at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which joins NORCs independent research and AP journalism. The fellowship is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Related: Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas Commercial Lines Business Insurance When managers at Bon Secours Virginia Health System started analyzing workers compensation cases, they noticed a bad combination: Lifting heavy and sicker patients was taking a toll on older nurses. We saw an increase in back injuries and older workers were more likely to suffer from those injuries, said Jim Godwin, vice president of human resources. Not only that but we thought if we can keep workers from sustaining (back) injuries when they are younger, they can continue working longer. The company put into place a new protocol for moving patients. Nurses can now call in a patient mobility team to help. Jacquelyn James, co-director of the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College, said theres a recognition among employers such as Richmond-based Bon Secours Virginia Health System that the workforce is aging. Thats whats driving the change right now, she said. Changes are needed. These workers are staying in their jobs. The U.S. government estimates that by 2024, older workers will account for a quarter of the labor market. Older Workers at Greater Risk of Dying in Workplace Accidents The natural process of aging could lead to physical problems including gradually worsening vision and hearing impairment, reduced response time and balance and other issues, according to gerontologists. That could potentially make a workplace injury into a much more serious injury or a potentially fatal injury, said Ken Scott, an epidemiologist with the Denver Public Health Department. In 2015, about 35 percent of the fatal workplace accidents involved a worker 55 and older. So companies such as Bon Secours Richmond Health System, a faith-based nonprofit health care system that manages several hospitals, are taking steps to make their workplace safer for older workers. About one-quarter of Bon Secours 13,000 workers are 50 or older, Godwin said. There is a chronic shortage of health care professionals and thats been true for the last 30 years since Ive been working, he said. We had to get innovative with ways to keep our positions filled. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said there are a variety of accommodations that employers can make to create a safer and more conducive work environment for older employees. Among its recommendations: Flexibility on the job. NIOSH says this includes schedules, location and tasks, among other things. Creating a work environment that lets people move rather than stay sedentary all day. That can include providing sit/stand work stations or onsite physical activity. Manage noise, slip or trip and other physical hazards. Ensure that the work environment is ergonomically friendly. That could include workstations, seating, flooring and lighting. Use teams and team work to problem solve. Promote healthy lifestyles and accommodate medical self-care in the workplace and time away for health visits. Our emphasis is productive aging, said James Grosch, co-director of NIOSHs National Center for Productive Aging and Work. EDITORS NOTE _ Maria Ines Zamudio is studying aging and workforce issues as part of a 10-month fellowship at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which joins NORCs independent research and AP journalism. The fellowship is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Related: Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Talent Medical Professional Liability Larry Martin in Illinois says hes never seen anything like it in his 35 years of farming. Arkansas soybean grower Joe McLemore says he faces the loss of his life savings. Theyre among farmers across the U.S. suffering from a pesticide drifting across from neighboring fields onto their crops, leaving behind a trail of damage. Although not a new problem, its re-emerged with a vengeance this year. At least 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) have been damaged in this growing season through mid-July, according to estimates from Kevin Bradley, a professor of plant sciences at the University of Missouri. Dicamba, the offending herbicide, is produced by seed and crop-chemical giants Monsanto Co., DuPont Co. and BASF SE. Its been around for decades, but in recent years it gained a new lease of life after the companies developed new dicamba-resistant soybean and cotton seeds, allowing farmers to spray crops later in the growing process. Dicamba is fine if youre growing those genetically modified varieties, but not if youre cultivating others and the chemical wafts over from another farm. The situation is so bad that states including Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee have placed restrictions on dicamba use at various times during the summer. Martin, a third-generation farmer, says an 80-acre soybean field of his has been damaged by dicamba. McLemore, who started out on his own eight years ago, after two decades working on someone elses farm, says 800 of his 1,026 acres of soybeans have suffered damage. Stunted, Wrinkled Im not really trying to whine or anything, but its my life savings on the line every year, he said by phone. McLemore is among a group of growers that have filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Missouri against BASF, Dupont and Monsanto for compensation. Monsanto spokeswoman Christi Dixon said the suit is without merit, while BASF spokeswoman Odessa Hines said its reviewing the claim. Dupont spokeswoman Laura Svec said the company hasnt seen the lawsuit and so cant comment on it. Non-resistant crops are left stunted with wrinkled leaves after coming into contact with dicamba. Frustratingly, theres no way to gauge the impact of yield until the fall harvest, farmers and researchers say. And its not always clear where the chemical might have come from McLemore says that, in his case, he cant be sure. That leaves farmers angry but also unsure whether to blame neighbors or herbicide manufacturers, said Aaron Hager, a weed scientist at the University of Illinois. Farmers planted 20 million acres of dicamba-resistant soybeans and 5 million acres for cotton this year, executives at St. Louis-based Monsanto said in a telephone interview Monday. The company attributes the drifting problem to farmers using illegal, off-label products that are more volatile and thus more prone to drift than the latest versions of dicamba. They may also be cleaning or using their spraying equipment incorrectly, or applying dicamba when its windy, said Robb Fraley, executive vice president and chief technology officer. Monsanto, which is being acquired by Germanys Bayer AG, says employees are out in the fields talking to farmers about the problem. Fraley said farmers want better weed-control tools, such as dicamba product, and that the company will learn lessons from whats happened this season. Theres always a few challenges in launching new technology, he said. Germanys BASF referred questions on dicamba to a recording of a July 19 media briefing that cited possible explanations for drifting similar to those outlined by Monsanto. This year thousands of growers have used these products properly and successfully meeting their challenges with resistant weeds and productivity, said Svec at DuPont, which has a supply agreement with Monsanto for the herbicide. While farmers typically look to federal crop insurance for a myriad of issues, problems with dicamba arent covered, according to the Risk Management Agency. Country Financial, a farm insurer, based in Bloomington, Illinois, has seen an increase in the number of dicamba-related inquiries, said company spokeswoman Alexandrea Williams. Martin, the Illinois farmer, says hes not confident his insurance coverage will pay out. This is the craziest thing Ive ever seen, he said in a telephone interview. You know youre going to have a loss of income. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics USA Agribusiness Illinois Missouri Eddy Lozoya never failed a drug test in the three years he hauled water and sand across the West Texas oil patch, even though he used at least $200 a day in cocaine to keep his eyes open on brutally long days behind the wheel of a Kenworth T600 semi-truck. The Houston Chronicle reports Lozoya, like his fellow truckers, found ways to beat the tests and keep driving. Earning six-figure salaries, they consumed cocktails of drugs to push themselves to their physical limits on trips between scattered drilling sites that could last 36 to 48 consecutive hours. They would drive their 35-ton vehicles in tight, single-file formations, blowing air horns when the sleepiest among them began drifting off the road. We always had cocaine, he said. Lozoya, a recovering addict at 23, is among the thousands of oil field workers who have succumbed to the mix of money, boredom and drugs that often accompanies energy booms. Drillers of all sizes have poured billions of dollars into the prolific Permian Basin this year, rebuilding operations after a two-year oil bust that devastated the region. But for all the economic benefits of the industrys high-paying jobs, the oil rush again is bankrolling an expanding market for illegal drugs. Law enforcement officials say drug trafficking, drug abuse and drug-related crimes have spiked in recent years, evidence that energys boom-and-bust cycles have had enormous social consequences in West Texas. Inside a small Nazarene church in Midland, converted a decade ago into a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, the number of people seeking help is on track to more than double from last year. Some 1,200 people have come through the doors of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program in the first six months of the year, one in five of them under 18. Were losing a generation of children to drugs and alcohol, said Michele Savage, the longtime director of the program. Lozoya knows drugs of all kinds are easy to find here. After an injury left him unable to drive commercial trucks, he found another lucrative trucking route, this time transporting narcotic pain medications and other drugs from his home state of California to West Texas. Here, he said, dealers can sell cocaine, marijuana and opioids for two or three times the price in neighboring states because of the remote location and the river of money flowing from the oil patch. Theres a lot of profit to be made out here because its in such high demand, he said. People want it here, and theyll pay for it. While the U.S. opioid epidemic has captured national attention, the drug of choice in West Texas is methamphetamine, or crystal meth, a powerful stimulant oil field workers use to cope with long hours in the Texas heat, and one that is increasingly supplied through Mexican drug cartels, according to law enforcement officials. An analysis of data from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Houston oil field services company Baker Hughes found a strong correlation between the rise of drilling activity and the number of crystal meth seizures in the area surrounding the Permian Basin. Between 2009 and 2016, as oil companies dispatched more rigs into West Texas, the number of meth seizures rose sharply. The rig counts average of 103 in 2009 increased more than fivefold by 2014, the peak of the oil boom. In the same period, Texas state troopers saw meth seizures jump from 3 to 73, a 4,000 percent increase in the dozens of counties encompassing the Permian Basin. CRS Diagnostic Service, a drug-testing company in Odessa, found the number of local workers who tested positive for methamphetamine in the first half of this year was more than three times higher than in the first half of 2009, shortly before the so-called shale oil revolution got underway. Meth is booming, said Craig Smith, a senior vice president at the company. For the oil industry, increased drug abuse in West Texas has exacerbated the struggle to find workers as they rebuild labor forces after widespread layoffs during the recent downturn. Patterson-UTI Energy, a Houston drilling and hydraulic fracturing contractor, has hired 4,000 people this year to fill jobs on rigs and fracking fleets, but more job applicants have failed drug tests this year than in 2014, said Diana Dotolo, the companys vice president of human resources. The Houston firm recruits workers from around the United States, but for local companies without a nationwide reach, the problem is far worse. Dynamic Oilfield Services, an oil-equipment company based in Corpus Christi, has seen roughly half of its job applicants from West Texas fail drug tests this year, and most of its employees in the region are hired from other areas. Decades ago, biker gangs made meth from phenyl-2-pronopol, which was outlawed in the United States in the 1980s. Now, Mexican drug cartels dominate the commerce of meth, often transporting the substance in liquid form across the U.S.-Mexico border, stored in fake gasoline tanks, iced tea bottles or windshield washer fluid reservoirs, law enforcement officials said. They take it to stash houses in places like Phoenix and Dallas before it reaches high-demand markets in West Texas, said Will Glaspy, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations El Paso division. Oil field workers are big consumers of methamphetamine, Glaspy said. The Mexican cartels are the biggest sources of supply. Across the West Texas and New Mexico counties that encompass the Permian Basin, the DEA has seized 2,200 pounds of meth since October 2015, more than triple the amount confiscated in between October 2011 and September 2013. Last year, the agency seized 66 pounds of methamphetamine in the Midland area, compared with 11 pounds in 2012. When the oil price is up, theres more methamphetamine in our entire community, said Steve Thomason, executive director at the Springboard Center, an alcohol and drug treatment facility in Midland. Its not uncommon, he said, to see a young oil field worker roll up to outpatient treatment in a Corvette. In the first six months of this year, more than 1,000 people working or applying for jobs in the oil-producing business failed urine-based drug tests, double the pace of failures last year, according to Houston-based DISA Global Solutions, the largest provider of drug-testing policies to U.S. oil producers. The number of industry workers failing hair follicle tests, which are more effective in detecting long-term drug use, jumped to more than 4,600 over the past 18 months, tripling the number in the two years from 2009 to 2010; the number of people testing positive for methamphetamine jumped five times. Large oil companies and oil field contractors said they have adopted tougher drug-testing policies in recent years. Houston oil producer Apache Corp., for example, conducts random, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable-suspicion and random drug tests. If an employee or contractor fails a test, he could face termination. We are vigilant about ensuring a drug-free culture, said Castlen Kennedy, a spokeswoman at Apache. But substance abuse specialists believe drug-test failure figures grossly underestimate the number of oil field workers who abuse drugs. Traces of methamphetamine, for example, linger in a persons system for only few days, making it harder to catch meth abusers. Several recovering drug addicts said managers in the oil patch tip off crews to a random drug test several days before it takes place, some to dodge fines by regulators, others to avoid having to hire new workers. Theres a million and one ways to beat the drug tests, said Patrice Owens, director of the Greenhouse Outpatient Center, an Arlington addiction treatment facility. If people want to use drugs, theres always a way. Even if they get caught using drugs, oil field workers often find their way back to the oil patch. For the seven years Cody Watson worked as an oil field electrician, using meth and cocaine as he worked nonstop for several days at a time when storms knocked out rig powerlines, it wasnt hard to pass drug tests because managers gave him and his crew plenty of advanced warning. Once, after Watson smashed his finger with a pipe, a drilling company fired him when he came up positive in a post-accident drug test. He drove 18 hours across Texas for a job interview with another company, purging his system with water to erase any trace of drugs. He passed the pre-employment drug test. During the boom times, I could leave my job and thered be plenty of places to work, said Watson, now a 41-year-old recovering addict. A lot of these guys hop from one rig to another. Its a never-ending cycle. Not long ago, drug use on a drilling rig was out in the open, said Kevin Tyson, a 55-year-old recovering addict. He recalled fellow rig workers tying a syringe filled with meth to a machine that pulls pipe out of the earth, then running it up to the derrick hand 90 feet above the rig floor, where the man took a hit. Meth kept Tyson working and partying for years. Theyd go on benders for days and didnt think much of it. Once, he missed a pipe he was supposed to catch. It swung right past him across the rig floor. Another guy smashed a coworkers hand with a sledgehammer. Some would die in oil field accidents, car wrecks or from overdoses. Oh well, he said, just keep going. Doctors told him he weighed 70-something pounds when he arrived at a hospital in Lubbock, where he spent a month in an intensive care unit. He has the paperwork, but he still doesnt know if that is true. One doctor said if he used meth again, he would die. He thought about that for a long time. Four months after his release, he got bored, called his buddy and started shooting meth again. I knew I was going to die, said Tyson, who had worked in oil patch for 16 years before he began his recovery in November 2001, at age 39. But I just figured, lets have a good hard run. The rules have changed since Tyson began his career, as companies impose stricter testing regimens. But the tough-guy culture still drives roustabouts, mechanics, truckers and rig hands to work long hours under grueling conditions and find ways to beat the tests. And sometimes, it drives them to the breaking point. In mid-April, around 2 a.m., Robert Orosco Jr. put a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. The 34-year-old had lost everything to his relapse with Xanax, a highly addictive medication for anxiety, and cocaine. The drugs were so readily available, he could have them delivered. His wife had left him. He lost his house. He lost his job as an oil-equipment salesman. In every scenario he played out in his head, his six children were better off without him. The gun didnt fire. Orosco checked himself in to a treatment facility the next day. Today, a few months sober, Orosco is building a new company that offers drone imaging to oil companies to identify leaks and assemble 3D maps of the earths surface. The boom brings the good and the bad, Orosco said. Theres so much here. Lozoya, the former oil field trucker, in June found a job at a local department store selling womens shoes for $13 an hour, plus commission. He remembers his days as a 19-year old earning paychecks that were five times larger than the average American his age and how he blew it all to feed a habit that eventually cost $500 to $1,000 a day. He also remembers a downward spiral that cost him his job and led him to steal RVs, dirt bikes and even copper from the oil field. Several times, he nearly overdosed, and ultimately he sought help at a treatment center after his girlfriend and others persuaded him to get clean. Today, he likes getting dressed up for work, with a suit, tie and well-groomed hair. He hopes to pursue a college degree and, perhaps one day, have his own clothing brand. And, for at least the next few months, he plans to heed the advice his counselors gave him: Dont go back to the oil patch. I dont see myself being able to work 100 hours a week sober, he said. The oil field is tough. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Texas Energy Oil Gas Mexico Drugs The wife and mother of a Texas man who died after a struggle with deputies in the Dallas County jail lobby filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force by four deputies and lack of training by the Dallas County Sheriffs Office. A Dallas County grand jury declined to indict deputies involved in the August 2015 death of Joseph Hutcheson when it convened last year. The lawsuit filed by Nicole Hutcheson, the mans wife, and Ruth Boatner, his mother, alleges the deputies used excessive force in subduing the 48-year-old Arlington, Texas, man, who had entered the lobby seeking help. The lawsuit, which names the deputies, Fernando Reyes, Trenton Smith, Betty Stevens and Elvin Hayes, as well as Dallas County, also alleges the Sheriffs Office failed to train the deputies and security officers correctly in use of force. The lawsuit cites an autopsy report in which a medical examiner noted a 6-inch bruise on the back of Hutchesons neck. Joseph Hutcheson came to the Dallas County Jail scared and begging for help, family attorney Scott Palmer said in a statement. Instead, Dallas County officers needlessly assaulted him, ignored his pleas and left him to die on the floor of the jail. The deputies had said Hutcheson entered the jail lobby proclaiming that his wife was chasing him and was going to kill him. They said he was forced to the ground and handcuffed after pacing in the lobby because he posed a threat to himself and others. Palmer wrote in the lawsuit that surveillance video shows Hutcheson did not act aggressively or have any weapons. The medical examiners office ruled the death a homicide. A report from the office said he died from the combined toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine, compounded by heart problems due to high blood pressure and the stress to his body associated with a struggle with sheriffs deputies and being restrained by handcuffs. Melinda Urbina, a spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Office, said sheriffs officials had not seen the lawsuit as of late Monday, but the office does not typically comment on pending litigation. Elizabeth Saab, a spokeswoman for Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson, said the office has a legal obligation to represent the county upon the request of the Dallas County Commissioners. But we cannot comment on the specifics of the case as it is pending litigation. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Texas The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has approved the following companies to participate in the October Citizens Property Insurance Corporation take-out period. For the Oct. 17, 2017 Personal Residential Take-Out Period: Safepoint Insurance Company approved to remove up to 35,000 personal residential policies (20,000 Personal Lines Account/15,000 Coastal Account) approved to remove up to 35,000 personal residential policies (20,000 Personal Lines Account/15,000 Coastal Account) Southern Oaks Insurance Company approved to remove up to 15,000 personal residential policies (5,000 Personal Lines Account/10,000 Coastal Account) This approval brings the total number of potential personal and commercial residential policies approved for take-outs in 2017 to 139,244; the actual number of policies removed from Citizens so far in 2017 was 13,460 as of July 11. These take-outs are part of ongoing depopulation efforts to reduce the number of policies in state-created Citizens and transfer them back into the private insurance market. Policyholders who receive a take-out offer may choose to remain covered by Citizens through the opt-out process. Citizens policies generally fall into three categories: Personal Residential (PR), such as a single family home or mobile home; Commercial Residential (CR), such as condominiums or apartments owned by a company or a condominium/homeowners association; and Commercial Non-Residential (CNR), such as a traditional business. Policies in those three categories fall into one of the following Account Lines: Citizens Personal Lines Accounts (PLA) and Commercial Lines Accounts (CLA) are mostly non-coastal properties; and the Coastal Account (CA) is coastal properties. The companies approved to participate in a personal residential and/or commercial residential take-out along with the number of policies approved for removal are available on the OIR webpage. Typically, monthly approvals are posted to this webpage within a week of Citizens deadline for OIR to issue an approval. Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Topics Florida Musicians are offering a reward for information about a burglary at a popular music venue in Georgia. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Athens-Clarke County police spokesman Sgt. Jim Schultz says the 40 Watt Club in Athens was burglarized early Friday. A talent buyer for the club, Velena Vego, says more than $20,000 worth of house equipment was stolen. Vego says the electronic equipment has the clubs name engraved on it. The nearly 40-year-old club has changed locations several times, and has been described by Rolling Stone as legendary. On Friday, David Lowery of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker tweeted he would offer $5,000 for an arrest and conviction. Mike Mills of R.E.M. offered another $5,000, and Jason Isbell followed suit Saturday, bringing the pot to $15,000. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Georgia Nearly 300 residents were evacuated from a South Carolina hotel after a fire. The Morning News of Florence reports the evacuees included many permanent residents of the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Florence. Firefighters from multiple stations arrived Saturday afternoon to find flames visible from the hotels roof. Florence County Sheriffs Office deputies assisted with the evacuation. No injuries to hotel guests and firefighters were reported. The sheriffs office arson unit is investigating. The American Red Cross assisted with caring for displaced residents at the scene, and turned the Lucas Street Red Cross location into a temporary shelter. Hotel permanent resident Frieda Hunt says she evacuated without her medication, and has not been told when shell get her money back. She says she and her family are now homeless. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics South Carolina The biggest gas storage facility in the West resumed operations this week, nearly two years after a blowout led to the nations largest-known methane release and drove thousands of families from their Los Angeles homes. Southern California Gas. Co. said it began injecting gas in underground wells after it completed final steps required to resume limited operations and shortly after a state appeals courts rejected attempts to the block the restart of the Aliso Canyon facility. State regulators gave approval last week to pump a limited amount of gas into underground storage wells after an overhaul, rigorous testing and the application of stricter rules put in place since the massive leak. The site has been largely out of commission since an October 2015 well blowout spewed climate-changing methane for nearly four months, sickened residents and drove 8,000 families from their homes. Los Angeles County unsuccessfully tried to keep the facility closed until it showed it could safely withstand an earthquake. A judge ruled he didnt have authority to override an order from the California Public Utilities Commission. Appeals court judges shot down efforts to halt the restart. The state said the facility is safe and earthquake fears are overblown. SoCalGas said it has met and sometimes exceeded the states safety requirements at the storage field, and it needed to increase its inventory at the facility to avoid an energy shortage. The utility and state regulators have said Aliso Canyon is necessary to provide home heating in winter and to fuel gas-fired power plants during times of peak demand, such as during summer heat waves. However, predictions of blackouts over the past year while the facility was closed have not come to pass. That has led to calls from many residents in Porter Ranch and other San Fernando Valley suburbs, some who are still reporting health symptoms, to permanently shut it down. State Sen. Henry Stern, D-Los Angeles, said blackout saber-rattling is kind of blackmail to scare people. He and others who want to see more evidence that Aliso Canyon is necessary and safe before reopening were regrouping to plot their next steps. Its a tough day, Stern said. Theres a bit of a faith-based strategy. Weve all got to cross our fingers and hope nothing bad happens. Related: Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California The families of five Washington state high school students shot in a high school cafeteria in 2014 have settled a lawsuit against the school districts insurance company for $18 million. Attorney Lincoln Beauregard, who represented the plaintiffs, said the settlement amount was determined by the cap of the Marysville School Districts insurance policy, which was $20 million, The Seattle Times reported. The settlement stems from a lawsuit alleging that a substitute teacher had been told of the possibility of a shooting but failed to alert school officials. The plaintiffs elected not to pursue amounts that would erode the school districts general budget designated for educating and protecting students, according to documents filed Monday in Snohomish County Superior Court. The facts of this case are tragic, and the errors that led to this lawsuit, substantial, Beauregard wrote. At the same time, he wrote, the school district, the substitute teacher, Rosemary Cooper, and the insurance companies handled this matter with great dignity and respect for the aggrieved families. Four students were killed and a fifth critically injured on Oct. 24, 2014, when 15-year-old Jaylen Fryberg opened fire on them before killing himself at Marysville-Pilchuck High School north of Seattle. Gia Soriano, Zoe Gallaso and Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, all 14, and 15-year-old Andrew Fryberg were killed. A fifth student, 15-year-old Nate Hatch, was shot in the face but survived. Cooper, a substitute teacher, said that she had warned school officials of the impending mass shooting, but later it was revealed that she may actually not have told anyone. The lawsuit initially named the school district itself, but it was dropped as a defendant after the School Board agreed to indemnify Cooper as a school employee whose actions, if reasonable, would be covered by insurance. Coopers claim that she had warned the school about the shooting first surfaced in a report released by the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office. She told detectives that, on Oct. 22, she was told by a student that there was going to be a shooting, and that she reported it to the front office. Cooper retracted part of the story to detectives, though later she claimed she was pressured to do so. According to court documents, Cooper claims she told someone in the attendance office about the message and wrote a note to the teacher whose class she was covering. But detectives and civil attorneys have not turned up anyone she talked to, and the teacher said he did not receive any note, documents said. Additionally, notes in court documents from two therapists Cooper saw in July 2016 indicate Cooper was suffering from extreme guilt for never having passed along the student warning. A claim against Raymond Fryberg, the father of the shooter who purchased the gun used in the shootings, remains active, according to Beauregard. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Carriers Washington Education Warehouse workers at retail giant Argos are to stage a three-week strike in a dispute over redundancy arrangements. Members of the Unite union at sites across the UK will walk out on August 15 after a row flared over the transfer of hundreds of workers from a distribution hub in Leicestershire to a site in Northamptonshire. Unite said it wanted guarantees that terms and conditions will be safeguarded, adding it was worried about the intentions of Argos, which is now owned by Sainsbury's. National officer Matt Draper said: "We are faced with the thin end of the wedge with Sainsbury's pulling the strings behind the scenes, and the not-so-hidden agenda is serious cost-cutting to the detriment of our members. "We want a comprehensive national agreement with the employer covering redundancy and severance packages." Unite warned that the strike at sites in Essex, Somerset, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Burton-on-Trent will affect deliveries, but this was denied by the company. An Argos spokesman said: "We're disappointed with the union's actions, which are based on unreasonable demands and are wholly unnecessary. Customers can be reassured that we have full contingency plans in place to ensure there will be no disruption to deliveries." PA An earthquake has been recorded in County Donegal today. The quake, which measured 1.5 on the Richter scale, happened at around 6.45am this morning on the Fanad Peninsula. The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies said locals in the area around Milford experienced slight tremors at the time. The largest event recorded in this area was a magnitude 2.2 which occurred near Clonmany on November 21, 1994. DIAS has asked residents who felt the quake to fill out a questionaire. European airlines are opposed to the UK getting "any favourable deal" to secure air routes after Brexit, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has warned. The Dublin-based carrier's chief executive said EU airlines are "actively campaigning" for the UK to be offered a bilateral agreement which would be "almost unacceptable" to those in favour of a so-called hard Brexit. The single market for aviation, created in the 1990s, means there are no commercial restrictions for airlines flying within the EU. Mr O'Leary warned that flights between the UK and the EU will be grounded in summer 2019 if no deal is reached by September next year. He told a central London press conference that he has seen briefing documents put out by airlines which call for any future flights to be under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Mr O'Leary said: "There's no doubt in our minds that the German and French airlines in particular are opposed to the UK getting any favourable deal. "They are in favour and are actively campaigning for a bilateral with the UK under which the UK must accept ECJ jurisdiction, they accept all past and future regulation of air travel by the European authorities. "(This) makes it almost unacceptable to those who believe here in a hard Brexit. "They do not wish to be seen to bend the knee to the European Court of Justice or European regulations." He said the airline logos on the documents include Lufthansa, Air France and KLM. Mr O'Leary met Transport Secretary Chris Grayling on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. He said he stressed the need for an aviation agreement to be in place soon but is "more sceptical" than the Government that it will be possible. "We think there's nobody on the other side that will be that willing to facilitate giving the British a great deal by September 2018," he said. "There's huge upside for German and French airlines in disrupting British Airways flights between the UK and Europe, disrupting easyJet's flights... and causing us some grief that means we have to move planes out of the UK into continental Europe. "If I was them I'd be doing exactly the same thing. "If you can screw up your competition at reasonably little cost to yourself - they have very little capacity in the UK - then Godspeed." Mr O'Leary told reporters that, if summer 2019 flights are cancelled, Britons will be left with "the option of driving to Scotland or getting the ferry to Ireland" for their holidays. He joked that this will appeal to "all those many millions who like to go to Spain, Portugal and Greece for the cheap sunny holidays". The Ryanair boss predicted that airlines will be "screaming blue murder" if there is no aviation agreement. A judge has granted legal aid to an Aer Lingus worker accused of helping illegal immigrants enter the country. Frederick Cham (61), is facing trial on two charges of organising or facilitating the entry of non-Irish nationals into the State on January 9 and January 22 last. Cham, of Railway Cottages, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Kildare but originally from Hong Kong was arrested as part of an investigation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The court heard previously it would be alleged that he, along with others, helped them to bypass passport control. Last month, Mr Cham was sent forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on the two charges. He was previously refused legal aid and gardai objected to a renewed application. The prosecution told the court that Mr Cham hasnt fully disclosed his assets both here or abroad. The court heard details of two specific bank accounts in the UK and Hong Kong. The court heard also that Mr Cham allegedly owns two cars, a 1996 vintage Mini Cooper and a high spec limited edition 2007 Alfa Romeo. Lawyers for Mr Cham said that he was earning 400 a week with Aer Lingus. His salary has ceased and that his wife in China is dependant on him, they said. They said his cars were valued at a total of 7,000. Judge Karen OConnor raised concerns about the lack of detail provided by Mr Cham but said she was also aware he was facing very serious charges and a trial that could take up to two weeks. She said legal representation was therefore desirable and granted legal aid. His case will be mentioned again in October. The German government has accused Vietnamese intelligence services of involvement in what it called the kidnapping in Berlin of a former Vietnamese oil executive. Trinh Xuan Thanh, 51, disappeared in July last year after he was accused of mismanagement at a subsidiary of national oil and gas giant PetroVietnam, resulting in losses of some $150m. Vietnamese police issued an arrest warrant in September. This week, Vietnamese authorities said he turned himself in to police in his homeland on Monday. German authorities, however, believe that he was kidnapped in Berlin on July 23. They say that he had sought asylum in Germany - an application that had not yet been processed - and that Vietnamese authorities had sought his extradition. "There is no longer any serious doubt about the participation of the Vietnamese intelligence services and the embassy ... in the kidnapping of a Vietnamese citizen in Berlin," German foreign ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer told reporters. The kidnapping, he added, "is an unprecedented and flagrant violation of German and international law" and "has the potential to negatively influence relations in a massive way". Vietnam's ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday and was told that Germany demanded that Mr Thanh be returned so that the asylum and extradition proceedings could be conducted properly. Mr Schaefer said that German and Vietnamese officials had met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit on July 7-8 to discuss Hanoi's wish to have Mr Thanh extradited. Germany is declaring the intelligence attache at Vietnam's embassy persona non grata and demanding that he leave within 48 hours, Mr Schaefer said. "We reserve the right to draw further consequences if necessary at a political, economic and development policy level," he added. Mr Thanh was chairman of PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation until 2013, when he was appointed to several senior government positions, including vice chairman of Hau Giang province in the southern Mekong Delta. He was elected to the National Assembly in May 2016, but was dismissed from the communist-dominated legislature before its first session the following month. The ruling Communist Party and government have stepped up their anti-corruption drive over the past few years. AP There has been increased scrutiny on HNA worldwide- US officials are examining its proposed purchase of SkyBridge Capital, the hedge-fund firm founded by former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, who lost his job this week, while the ECB is considering a review of its stake in Deutsche Bank, sources said. Those transactions are among more than $40bn (34bn) of deals that HNA has announced since the beginning of 2016. The two HNA deals hit by the crackdown on transferring money outside China are its announced acquisition of the London-based International Currency Exchange (ICE) for about 200m (223m) and a mandatory tender offer to buy a larger stake in a Swedish hotel group, the sources said. But HNA, which last year completed a $6.5bn purchase of a stake in Hilton Hotels, may need to wait till the end of this year to close the ICE transaction due to the new capital controls, said sources. In the other deal, HNA has postponed the mandatory tender offer for acquiring all outstanding shares in Swedens Rezidor Hotel until September, according to two other sources and an announcement document from its unit HNA Sweden Hospitality Management. China started gradually tightening capital outflows in the second half of last year, slowing the hectic pace of deal making by domestic companies looking to scoop up overseas assets ranging from movie studios to football clubs. The regulators stepped up pressure in June, ordering a group of lenders to assess exposure to some of the more aggressive dealmakers, including HNA, the property-to-film conglomerate Dalian Wanda and Anbang Insurance Group. The stringent regulatory scrutiny of overseas deals, after Chinese companies spent a record $221bn on assets overseas in 2016, will not only cool new deal making but also impede the closing of some of the pending transactions. In the case of HNA, one of its units that specialises in air travel, tourism, and hospitality management, HNA Tourism, said in April 2016 that it had agreed to buy ICE, one of the worlds largest foreign exchange retailers, as part of a European investment spree aimed at expanding its business. The deal was expected to be completed in April this year, but HNA Tourism has for months been facing roadblocks in obtaining Chinese regulatory approval to move capital offshore. Reuters, Bloomberg, and Irish Examiner The price of a house in Ireland will increase 8.5% this year and 7% in 2018, S&P said. Thats the fastest rate out of 10 European markets examined by the ratings company. Although the EU has placed the North as a key issue in opening negotiations with Britain, it is not at all obvious the risks to overall trade between Ireland and the UK are being given a sufficiently voice. Polite, diplomatic language needs to be replaced with vigorous campaigning if the tough consequences of a hard Brexit are to be avoided in 2019. There are signs of deep unease developing across various sectors of the UK economy at present and this is manifesting itself in sector-specific missions to Brussels. Last month, a group representing financial companies went to Brussels looking for assurances specific to their needs. The pharmaceutical sector also made representations about the clear risks to their interests in Britain from Brexit. Energy companies, educational institutes and the car manufacturing industry are other examples of parties desperately trying to unpick the overall Brexit agenda for their own requirements. All of them have clearly been sent home with a thick ear. The EU, to its credit, is adopting a transparent but singular approach to negotiating with the UK on behalf of the entire EU block. It is doing so with a phalanx of highly experienced and informed negotiators. Against this the UK appears to have internal divisions, stretched resources and an opaque interpretation of what Brexit actually represents. This scenario creates a high risk that a chaotic result will ensue, leaving the UK with a hard exit that has an immediate impact on the country which has the highest dependence on Britain for trade Ireland. It is interesting to see the old Paddy playbook surfacing in the UK press after Mr Varadkar pointed out some obvious facts about the absence of clear thinking around Brexit consequences. Instead of focusing on the details, there was a rush to question the impudence of Eire to wade into issues that a great nation like Britain was handling. The irony in all this is Ireland probably has more empathy for Britain than the rest of the EU. We have a deep knowledge of daily life in the UK, share a profound if complex history with it and have no economic or cultural interest in causing harm. But this is senior hurling. Irelands economic prosperity is being directly challenged by a political decision in which it had zero influence. The UK population has chosen to travel down a path that harms Ireland unless it finds a solution that involves no border and no exit from the customs union as a minimum. The vitriol from the Brexiteers will damage food, aviation, and financial services companies among others based in Ireland and in so doing will diminish the wealth of the overall economy. This is why anyone who cares about Ireland needs to become more exercised about Brexit as we leave the summer of 2017 behind. Opposition parties should arguably be taking up an even more extreme stance to show the Governments views are watered down versions of the mood in the country. Representative bodies need to find ways to express their growing anger at the nonchalance being shown in parts of the UK establishment to the collateral damage from Brexit. We are presently enjoying a period of economic prosperity in Ireland but Brexit contains seeds that could deliver a poisonous harvest akin to the global financial crisis in 2008. Those with short and long memories know what effect that had. A robust battle to avoid a repeat is both needed and justified. Joe Gill is director of corporate broking with Goodbody Stockbrokers. His views are personal. Irish Brokers Association (IBA) mortgage committee chairman Michael Dowling said the Central Banks proposal that lenders inform consumers about other available mortgage options that could save them money, as well as helping consumers compare their existing mortgage to other mortgage options, was to be welcomed broadly. However, he added: Anything that helps consumers is to be welcomed, such as asking lenders to cooperate with each other. There are huge savings to be made but unfortunately the process is currently too cumbersome and the Central Bank proposals dont address that aspect. Sales declined 2% to $12.9bn (10.9bn) in the second quarter, Pfizer reported yesterday. Revenue, which missed the $13.1bn average of estimates, has now fallen for three quarters in a row. Investors are watching Pfizers next move after several quarters of lacklustre results, dragged down by its top-selling Prevnar vaccination shots and products that are facing loss of exclusivity, like the erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra and pain medicine Lyrica. Newer drugs, including breast cancer treatment Ibrance, are doing well, and Pfizer has a solid pipeline of potential blockbusters but that wont be enough to lift overall sales in the near future. An acquisitive company several years ago, Pfizer walked away from a $160bn mega-merger with Allergan last year in the face of political backlash over deals that changed a companys domicile for tax purposes. There has been pressure for Pfizer to make more deals since last years $14bn acquisition of cancer drugmaker Medivation. The lack of short-term growth prospects has been weighing on the shares, which are lagging the Standard & Poors Healthcare Sector Index this year. Following the results, analysts said the focus will be on business strategy and the timing for a potential large-scale deal. Cancer drugmaker Bristol-Myers Squibb is still the most likely target, Jeffrey Holford, an analyst at Jefferies Group said. Analysts have speculated that Bristol-Myers is ripe for a takeover after shares slumped following stumbles in its cancer programme. Pfizer has a busy pipeline across many therapies. It said as many as 15 in development have potential to be blockbusters and that half that could get regulatory approval by 2020. The timing is what may concern investors, though. Credit Suisse analyst Vamil Divan recent said that the pipeline is a ways off from creating major value. He suggested that even if Pfizer is holding off on large-scale deals, small to mid-size transactions could improve its prospects. Bloomberg The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, made the announcement as part of an 11.4m nationwide allocation to 219 projects under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme. Mountain bike trails in counties Offaly and Sligo, and two marked ways in Cork and Mayo are among those to benefit. However, one of the largest single allocations was the 1m allocation to fund an extension of the Cork Harbour Greenway which once complete will provide a link from Pairc Ui Chaoimh to Crosshaven. About 16km is already in place: 11km from the city to Passage West, including a spur to Blackrock, and 5km from Carrigaline to Crosshaven. County councillors approved plans in May for a 4.6km extension from Passage West, Glenbrook to Monkstown. Yesterdays announcement will help fund just under 2km of this extension, which will be developed by June 2018 in tandem with Irish Waters planned upgrades in the lower harbour. It is one of 12 projects in Cork, including walking or cycling routes in Glanmire, Blarney, Youghal, Whitegate, Bandon, Macroom, Mallow, Carrignavar, Carrigtwohill, and Avondhu, which received up to 10,000 each. The mayor of County Cork, Declan Hurley, said the money would boost local amenities and the tourism potential of the county. The Green Party in Cork, which made a submission to the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport calling for investments in greenways around Cork Harbour, including a cycle superhighway from Mahon to Cork city centre, welcomed the funding. Gordon Reid, the Green Party representative in Bandon-Kinsale, said: Our proposal for a greenway from Raffeen to Carrigaline links to the extension to the Cork Harbour Greenway thats just been announced. It would give us a complete traffic-free link from Cork to Crosshaven using the former railway line. At Raffeen the Greenway would pass close to the wetland habitat of the disused Raffeen Quarry a unique habitat in the south of Ireland and home to a number of endangered and protected species. The party has also called for investment in a West Cork Greenway, including a route across the Viaduct, and to connect to the Waterford Greenway through a disused railway line linking Midleton and Youghal. A route from Cork city centre to Ballincollig, through the Lee Fields, was also part of the partys proposals. The Government has made formal bids to host both the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), currently based in Londons Canary Wharf. It is understood that the Government is prepared to spend 10m to help with EMA staff and is offering to contribute almost 80m towards the agencys rent and maintenance here. But Dublin will face stiff competition from 18 rivals for the EBA and seven other cities to host the EMA according to details of the competition released by the European Commission. The two regulators employ around 1,000 people in London and success in the competition will provide a boost to the economy and political prestige of the winning bidders. In the running to host the EMA are: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Bonn, Bratislava, Brussels, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Helsinki, Lille, Milan, Porto, Sofia, Stockholm, Malta, Vienna, Warsaw, Zagreb. Cities hoping for the EBA are: Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, Prague, Luxembourg City, Vienna, Warsaw. The applications will be assessed on guarantees the agency will be operational when the UK leaves the EU, accessibility of the location, schools for the children of the staff, access to the labour market and health care for the employees families, business continuity and geographical spread. Irelands bids to host the agencies were submitted to the European Union on Monday. The Department of Health said Dublin meets all of the criteria necessary to successfully host the EMA and presents an attractive option for the staff of the agency to relocate to. Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance Michael DArcy said a relocation to Dublin would be the least disruptive move for the EBA and its staff. The cities are competing to attract the agencies highly skilled employees, their families and the business that comes with them.This includes 40,000 hotel stays for visitors each year. A final decision on the relocations is due to be made in November after a secret ballot by ministers from the 27 nations. Party leader Micheal Martin has also warned that Ireland will have to look for state aid in the wake of Brexit to keep some industries alive. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin said: Ireland needs to come up with solutions and we need to invest in our competitiveness in the regions in order to withstand the negative impacts of Brexit. He said the big worry his party now has is around the lucrative agri-food sector and called on Government to seek a low-interest loan package from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to help bolster these companies. You take Munster or you take the Cork area, the agri-food industry is powerful, you are taking about 50% beef exports to Britain and I think 28% dairy exports to Britain. So we have a problem. In an area like Munster and the South in particular, obviously the impact on dairy and beef could be very problematic. The Cork South Central TD said these much-needed medium-term loans would help make operations more efficient and would help to weather the Brexit storm. Mr Martin added that this capital could be Government backed or could come from the EIB but that initiative needs to be taken in relation to the agri-food sector. In our view there has been an absence of preparation around solutions. Even if this capital is supplied before Britain exits the EU, Mr Martin warned that Brexit will have such a detrimental impact on our economy that we will require State aid for some sectors. Europe may use the phrase solidarity, under the EU treaties this will be defined as a significant economic disturbance and therefore there will be a need to facilitate companies to adjust. Its something that Brussels is worried about. He referred back to 2014 when Russia imposed sanctions on EU produce and imports. In reaction, the European Commission introduced market support measures and financial aid to growers of perishable fruit and vegetables in countries impacted in order to keep several of their products off the market to avoid a price collapse. Mr Martin said a similar State aid scheme is inevitable for Ireland once Britain finally leaves the EU. Eve Doherty, aged 49, a detective sergeant based in Dublin, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of harassing Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013. She also denied making false statements on two dates in March 2012 claiming Ms Howlin was perverting the course of justice. At the time Ms Howlin worked with the DPP where she was involved in deciding whether or not to direct prosecutions in criminal cases. Over an 18-month period, letters and emails were sent to Ms Howlins home, her place of work and to her GP calling her a corrupt bitch, an incompetent useless hobbit, and a two-faced bitch. Ms Howlin said that she found the material very upsetting and distressing and an invasion of her privacy. The material, which included A4 posters left around her housing estate, falsely claimed Ms Howlin was a political appointee and that she would pull files to prevent the prosecution of anyone connected to her or the Government. Ms Howlin is a distant cousin of the TD Brendan Howlin. Sgt Doherty had denied being the author of any of the material, which included anonymous emails containing similar allegations. After a 15-day trial, a jury of five men and six women found the accused guilty of the first charge of harassing Ms Howlin. The jury returned a not guilty verdict on the two counts of making false statements claiming Ms Howlin was perverting the course of justice. Judge Melanie Greally thanked the jury for their time and care in assessing the evidence. The jury had been out for just over three hours. She remanded Sgt Doherty on continuing bail until October 27 for sentence. She noted the conditions of bail included not having any contact with any parties in the proceedings. She also said that there should be no postings on social media concerning any person or any matters relating to these proceedings. The court heard Ms Howlin did not know Doherty until this trial and that Doherty was then in a relationship with the victims ex-partner. I really mean this because I am not rescuing anything it is over for me professionally as far as I can see I am very, very sorry, he said. The column, with the headline Sorry, ladies equal pay has to be earned, focused on the fallout from the BBC pay controversy and the revelation that two-thirds of its stars earning more than 150,000 (168,000) are male. Mr Myers noted that two of the BBCs top earning females Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz are Jewish, adding that Jews are not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price. On Monday, Ms Feltz hit out at the comments, describing them as blatant racism. I couldnt believe such a thing had been printed, she told BBC Radio. It is absolutely gratuitous, not cleverly done, its blatant racism. When you see it like that its very horrifying. Mr Myers yesterday appeared on Today with Sean ORourke on RTE Radio 1 to apologise for the remark. I do utter an apology, not for any reason other than out of genuine contrition for the hurt I had caused them, said Mr Myers. But I did so, I uttered those words, out of respect for the religion from which they come and for the religion that I still hold in regard, in high regard, particularly the Irish members of that religion who have been so forthright in their defence of me generally. He declined to discuss the editorial process that led to the articles publication, or to say who would have read the piece before it went to print. I am the author of that article, I am the author of my own misfortunes, I am the master of my soul, and I must answer for what Ive done. I must do nothing that will bring ruin or unhappiness to other people, he said. I have many flaws. One of my flaws is to deal with major issues in throwaway lines, and I did that with regard to the two women whom I identified within the BBC hierarchy who were particularly well rewarded. Mr Myers denied that he was anti-semitic, claiming the Jewish people were the most gifted people that have ever existed on this planet. I know that I am not anti-Semitic I might have sounded anti-Semitic, he said. He also rejected suggestions he was misogynistic. Its not misogynistic, no its not misogynistic, he said of the article. I am a critic of political feminism. I am not a misogynist. It hasnt routinely been used about me but its a simple way of labelling somebody and that means you dont have to listen to what theyre saying. However, Mr Myers said he doesnt believe in equality. I do believe that men and women behave very differently and men are driven by ambition and by urges that women dont have, generally speaking, he said. Mr Myers said he learned of his sacking after everybody else had heard on the BBC News on Sunday morning, but he was not told until that afternoon. Sources have also claimed that Irish Water had been repeatedly warned by Clare County Council that the power supply at the pump station was not adequate to operate a generator there. Irish Water has not confirmed whether it received such a warning from the local authority but said: Both Irish Water and Clare County Council are aware of electrical issues at the Kilkee Pumping Station. These are being addressed as part of the ongoing upgrade works. Irish Water has said that a generator, more than 30 years old, which was in extremely poor condition, was taken off site in May to see if it could be refurbished. However, this was not possible and the procurement process to purchase a new generator commenced. An order to purchase will be issued in the next couple of days, it said. A spokesperson added: There is an historical electrical issue with the pumping station at Kilkee whereby the electricity supply to the station is restrictive, especially in times of high demand. As part of the ongoing upgrade works, Irish Water will be applying to the ESB for an increase in the supply to address this issue. A temporary generator was due on site yesterday. In the meantime, an electrical contractor has remained on site round-the-clock on standby in the event that the electrical panel trips. The contractor will provide an on-call presence over the weekend, Irish Water said. The temporary generator will remain in place until the permanent generator is installed. Once complete the pump station should be resilient to normal weather events. While the pumping station in Kilkee appears to have functioned normally since last weeks failure, the latest closure of the beach at Kilkee has been blamed on recent heavy rainfall. Clare County Council has confirmed that bathing restrictions at Kilkee have now been lifted. Staff from the Environment section of Clare County Council conducted water quality tests on Monday. Public bathing notices and red flags indicating that swimming is prohibited at Kilkee were originally put in place on July 26 due to the malfunction of a pumping station which has since been rectified by Irish Water, the authority said. The swimming prohibition was maintained on Monday due to the possibility of increased levels of bacteria in the bathing water following heavy rainfall over the weekend. On the advice of the HSE and following analysis of water samples taken on Monday, Clare Council today announced the lifting of all restrictions relating to bathing at Kilkee. Lifeguards are on duty while the Blue Flag is once again flying at the beach. Kilkee businessman Cillian Murphy expressed doubts about claims that rainfall is to blame for the most recent beach closure. I checked with the local weather station and more water fell during the previous weekend and there was no such discharge into the sea, said Mr Murphy. Something has changed. How could the system not cope with the weekends rain when the previous weekend there was three times as much rain? This is just not right at all. These are the busiest four weeks of the year for my business and I shouldnt have to be chasing Irish Water, the council, or our politicians for answers. Its peoples businesses and livelihoods were talking about here. Irish Water has also said it is available to meet members of the local Chamber of Commerce and bring them on a tour of the pump station to demonstrate the problems and highlight the upgrade works that have been completed to date. This offer came after the local chamber issued a damning statement about the issues in Kilkee. The chamber statement said: We are bitterly disappointed by the reaction of Irish Water to the unfolding situation with regards the pollution of Kilkee Beach from the wastewater pumping system. Many people who have chosen to spend their disposable income on a holiday in Kilkee this bathing ban means their holiday activities are curtailed. They have chosen the town precisely because they trust the beach is a safe and wonderful space for their children to play on. "This trust has been breached, and the consequences of this breach will be felt for a long time in reduced bookings and visitor numbers to the town. The Sinn Feins leader and his deputy have rejected claims by a number of colleagues subjected to alleged abuse, describing the issues as growing pains and aches and bumps in separate interviews with the Irish Examiner. In recent months Sinn Fein has been beset with disputed bullying allegations, including controversies surrounding former TD Sandra McLellan, five Kildare councillors, and a Westmeath councillor who last month claimed bullying is rife in Sinn Fein. The party has always rejected allegations of bullying in the party. Speaking to this newspaper in recent days, both Mr Adams and Ms McDonald denied Sinn Fein has a problem with bullying and sought to dismiss the concerns as being nothing out of the ordinary. Asked about the claims, Mr Adams said his party has a zero tolerance to bullying and that while local disputes happen, his party does not have a culture which prevents members from speaking out. We have zero tolerance for bullying. So what youre seeing here in some of these cases is local rows. The media might be more interested in it than [incidents in] other parties, but my main point is zero tolerance in the party. Yes, there are local disputes, but theyre not to do with strategy or policy. Its just part of the human condition. Some of its growing pains. Sin e. I cant respond to that in any other way, he said. Asked about the same issue during a separate interview, Ms McDonald similarly denied that a problem exists, saying you will have all the aches and pains and bumps and bullying in every organisation. To accuse somebody of bullying is a very serious allegation, to be on the receiving end of bullying is horrific, so we have very strong procedures and processes like any good workplace, like any good organisation, she said. We endeavour to ensure people are fully aware of those processes and where they feel that they have a case to raise that they raise them in that forum and that its dealt with in that forum. As it becomes more diverse and as new people come in and so on, well of course you are going to have at times issues, interpersonal issues, you can have personality clashes, you can have all of that. But bullying is different, bullying has a precise meaning and its a much more serious thing than people just not getting along or having a clash. Sinn Fein is a fairly harmonious, fairly friendly and increasing outward-looking organisation. Personally, I would not be comfortable and I would not be happy and I would not stand over an organisation in which bullying was rampant, but thats not the case in the party. Sinn Fein has been repeatedly criticised or a series of bullying allegations, with former Cork East TD Sandra McLellan alleging the abuse in 2015 which led to a full-scale internal party review. IN RECENT weeks, US President Donald Trump and his advisers have joined Saudi Arabia in accusing Iran of being the epicentre of Middle East terrorism. The US Congress, meanwhile, is readying yet another round of sanctions against Iran. But the caricature of Iran as the tip of the spear of global terrorism, in Saudi King Salmans words, is not only wrongheaded, but could lead to yet another Middle East war. In fact, that seems to be the goal of some US hotheads, despite the obvious fact Iran is on the same side as the US in opposing the Islamic State. And then theres the fact Iran, unlike most of its regional adversaries, is a functioning democracy. Ironically, the escalation of US and Saudi rhetoric came just two days after Irans May 19 election, in which moderates led by incumbent President Hassan Rouhani defeated their hardline opponents. Perhaps for Trump, the pro-Saudi, anti-Iran embrace is just another business proposition. He beamed at Saudis decision to buy $110bn (93bn) of US weapons, describing the deal as jobs, jobs, jobs, as if the only gainful employment for American workers requires them to stoke war. And who knows what private deals for Trump and his family might also be lurking in his warm embrace of Saudi belligerence? The administrations bombast toward Iran is, in a sense, par for the course. US foreign policy is littered with absurd, tragic, and hugely destructive foreign wars that served no real purpose except the pursuit of some misguided strand of official propaganda. How else to explain Americas useless and hugely costly entanglements in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and other conflicts? Americas anti-Iran animus goes back to the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. For the US public, the 444-day ordeal of the US embassy staff held hostage by radical Iranian students constituted a psychological shock that has still not abated. The hostage drama dominated the US media from start to finish, resulting in a kind of public post-traumatic stress disorder similar to the social trauma of the 9/11 attacks a generation later. For most Americans, then and now, the hostage crisis and indeed the Iranian Revolution itself was a bolt out of the blue. Few Americans realise the Iranian Revolution came a quarter-century after the CIA and MI6 conspired in 1953 to overthrow the countrys democratically elected government and install a police state under the Shah of Iran, to preserve Anglo-American control over Irans oil, which was threatened by nationalisation. Nor do most Americans realise that the hostage crisis was precipitated by the ill-considered decision to admit the deposed Shah into the US for medical treatment, which many Iranians viewed as a threat to the revolution. During the Reagan Administration, the US supported Iraq in its war of aggression against Iran, including Iraqs use of chemical weapons. When the fighting finally ended in 1988, the US followed up with financial and trade sanctions on Iran that remain to this day. Since 1953, the US has opposed Irans self-rule and economic development through covert action, support for authoritarian rule during 1953-79, military backing for its enemies, and decades-long sanctions. Another reason for anti-Iran animus is Irans support for Hezbollah and Hamas, two militant antagonists of Israel. Here, too, it is important to understand the historical context. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon in an attempt to crush militant Palestinians operating there. In the wake of that war, Iran supported the formation of the Shia-led Hezbollah to resist Israels occupation of southern Lebanon. By the time Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah had become a formidable military, political, and social force in Lebanon, and a continuing thorn in Israels side. Iran also supports Hamas, a hardline Sunni group that rejects Israels right to exist. Following decades of Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands captured in the 1967 war, and with peace negotiations stalemated, Hamas defeated Fatah (the Palestine Liberation Organisations political party) at the ballot box in the 2006 election for the Palestinian parliament. Rather than entering into a dialogue, the US and Israel decided to try to crush Hamas, including through a brutal war in Gaza in 2014, resulting in a massive Palestinian death toll, untold suffering, and billions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure in Gaza but, predictably, leading to no political progress whatsoever. Israel also views Irans nuclear programme as an existential threat. Hardline Israelis repeatedly sought to convince the US to attack Irans nuclear facilities, or allow Israel to do so. Fortunately, President Barack Obama resisted, and negotiated a treaty between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (plus Germany) that blocks Irans path to nuclear weapons for a decade or more, creating space for further confidence-building measures on both sides. Yet Trump and the Saudis seem intent on destroying the possibility of normalising relations created by this important and promising agreement. External powers are extremely foolish to allow themselves to be manipulated into taking sides in bitter national or sectarian conflicts that can be resolved only by compromise. The Israel-Palestine conflict, the competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the Sunni-Shia relationship all require mutual accommodation. Yet each side in these conflicts harbours the tragic illusion of achieving an ultimate victory without the need to compromise, if only the US (or some other major power) will fight the war on its behalf. During the past century, Britain, France, the US, and Russia have all misplayed the Middle East power game. All have squandered lives, money, and prestige. (Indeed, the Soviet Union was gravely, perhaps fatally, weakened by its war in Afghanistan.) More than ever, we need an era of diplomacy that emphasises compromise, not another round of demonisation and an arms race that could all too easily spiral into disaster. Jeffrey D Sachs is director of Columbia Universitys Center for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2017 "We are at a bit of a pivot point" in the U.S. relationship with China, Tillerson said, adding that "we recognize conditions have changed." On Monday, President Donald Trump uttered assurances during the start of his Cabinet meeting that the threat from North Korea will be taken care of. "We'll handle North Korea. We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled. We handle everything," Trump said in response to a question from a reporter. Asked later in the day whether a U.S. response might include a first strike on North Korea, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders replied, "As we said many times before, the president's not going to broadcast any decisions, but all options are on the table." The Clooney Foundation for Justice announced a new partnership Monday with Google, HP and UNICEF to provide education for more than 3,000 refugee children in Lebanon. George Clooney's foundation is planning to open seven public schools for Syrian refugee children. George and Amal Clooney said in a statement Monday that the foundation's commitment of more than $2 million toward education for Syrian refugees aims to prevent thousands of young people from becoming "a lost generation." The couple said Syrian refugee children "have been victims of geography and circumstance" for whom formal education can make all the difference. George and Amal Clooney established the Clooney Foundation for Justice last year to support equity in courtrooms, classrooms and communities around the world. Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 (10:14 am) - Score 3,132 The Post Offices telecoms division has today announced that theyve completed the acquisition of Fuel Broadband from previous owner New Call Telecom. Apparently the seamless migration progress concluded yesterday and 60,000 customers have now been moved. The first signs of trouble started to show themselves during the Spring after Fuel Broadband removed the ability for new customers to order their broadband and phone packages. Shortly after that existing subscribers began contacting ISPreview.co.uk (June 2017) to say that theyd been told the service was shutting down (here), which was later followed by a pledge to migrate their customer base to the Post Office. Both providers base their networks off a wholesale solution provided by TalkTalk, which meant that the switch was quite straightforward. However we have received reports that a few customers suffered lengthy downtime during the move and many have been unhappy at having to sign-up to a new 18 month contract, which they claim often ended up costing more than they were paying before. At the time New Call Telecom described the shock announcement as exciting news and they added that there was plenty to look forward to, which is a bit like Donald Trump (President of the USA) claiming to have had a great day at the office when exactly the opposite is true. Meredith Sharples, Director of Telecoms at Post Office, told ISPreview.co.uk: We are delighted to welcome more than 60,000 new customers to the Post Office, where they can now benefit from our great service at a highly competitive prices. The acquisition demonstrates our commitment to further growth in the telecoms business. With our unique insight and understanding of UK consumers, we have been able to build a strong and relevant telecoms offer; including high speed unlimited fibre products offering speeds of up to 76Mbps [FTTC] and voice only home phone all at great prices. Using the trusted Post Office brand as a strong foundation, we look forward to fulfilling our growth strategy and seeing our telecoms business go from strength to strength in the years to come. Customers can now access a choice of packages from the Post Office, such as their unlimited ADSL broadband (up to 17Mbps), unlimited fibre / FTTC broadband (up to 38Mbps or 76Mbps) and voice only home phone services. In addition, the provider said that their telecoms division remains a vital and growing part of their business, which is being supported by further investment into their customer service teams in Preston, Lancashire and Selkirk, Scotland to enhance the customer experience. NOTE: Prior to this migration the PO had about 460,000 telecoms customers, which we understand included around 180K broadband subscribers. One of the biggest challenges during the next few years will be providing networking capabilities to support the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition to being ubiquitous, these networks must support sensors and other endpoint devices that operate on very low power. Its a major challenge. Many companies using three distinct approaches are deeply involved. Today, low power wide area network (LPWAN) provider Sigfox said that it is opening its third office in the United States, which is in Dallas. Current offices are in San Francisco and Boston. The new office, according to the press release, will serve as the network hub. Sigfox operates in unlicensed. There is a good deal of competition to provide these networks. Light Reading reports that the cellular players who operate in licensed spectrum suddenly feel threatened: Originally dismissive of the LPWA threat, the cellular industry changed its tune when it saw the growing interest in Sigfox among companies looking for a more narrowband option than cellular could offer, say analysts. Thus, on one level, there is a cellular versus unlicensed spectrum battle. This, in turn, is leading suddenly concerned cellular players, such as Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and battling with LTE-M to battle with each other. NB-IoT, the story says, may be putting itself in the position of unexpectedly losing market share to LTE-M. LTE-M, which uses more power than NB-IoT, is gaining because the latter is not used to commercial readiness. Commentary in the story suggests that the deciding point for operators looking at cellular approaches has shifted from performance characteristics to ecosystem maturity and ease of deployment. The check marks on these two questions is in the LTE-M column. There is a third approach to creating these networks: Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN; its name is sometimes shortened to Low-Power Network, or LPN). Network World posted a story based on a conversation with Dave Kjendal, the vice president of Engineering and CTO for Senet. The Senet network, which covers one-fortieth of the United States, operates at three distinct power levels. The story also offers a graphic highlighting the three approaches. Each of the three approaches has its unique strengths and weaknesses and, consequently, its unique use cases. The competition is a good thing: Ubiquity of service is one of the biggest challenges to the successful rollout of the IoT. Having companies pushing each other both across platform lines and within each category bodes well for technical advances and lower costs. Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk. Some people claim that it would be possible to reduce North Korea to ashes in a single day given the formidable military power the U.S. has. But South Korean and U.S. military strategists say this would require at least three aircraft carrier strike groups, and their presence would alert North Korea as well as China and Russia well in advance. But is a "surgical strike" on the North's nuclear facilities or leader Kim Jong-un's residence in Pyongyang or a preemptive strike on missile launch vehicles a realistic option? The U.S. and South Korean chairmen of the joint chiefs of staff discussed a military response after North Korea's latest missile test over phone, Pentagon spokesman Greg Hicks said last Friday. Missile and nuclear facilities in the North could be targeted even without troop reinforcements. But nobody knows exactly how many missile bases the North has built, and the precise locations of nuclear arms development facilities are still unknown. It would be difficult to strike a few possible locations without full preparations for a large-scale escalation of war. More than 200,000 American soldiers and civilians in South Korea would be exposed to a North Korean counterattack. The North could strike the Seoul metropolitan area and U.S. military bases with 340 long-range artillery guns deployed in the frontline. It could also attack the whole of South Korea with about 1,000 Scud and Rodong missiles, which the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea could not handle alone. Telltale movements such as the pullout of all Americans and the deployment of three to four U.S. aircraft carrier fleets near the Korean Peninsula would immediately alert the North and its allies. Another concern is China. The North's most recent missile was launched from Chagang Province, only about 30 km from the Chinese border. "The South Korean and U.S. militaries have already worked out an operational plan not to deploy troops within 50 km of the Chinese border for fear that a conflict on the peninsula should escalate into a full-scale war involving China," a military spokesman here said. That means and attack on military facilities in the border region would be possible only if the U.S. is willing to risk a third world war. North Korea never responded to Seoul's proposals for military talks on July 21 and Red Cross talks on Aug. 1, making it increasingly clear that it wants to freeze South Korea out of any negotiations on its nuclear and missile programs. A Unification Ministry spokesman told reporters on Tuesday the North "hasn't made any response to the offers yet." "Seoul will continue to make multifaceted efforts to solve humanitarian issues" like the reunion of families separated by the Korean War "and to ease military tensions along the border area," the spokesman added. "We're not going to be overly optimistic or pessimistic about any response or lack thereof." But some ministry officials are embarrassed that they are being so completely ignored. "We didn't think that the North would meekly accept to our offers, but we hoped that they would make a counterproposal or at least some kind of gesture," one said. Since the Moon administration came into office, Pyongyang has turned down 76 approaches from South Korean civic groups to visit the North. The regime also rejected a proposal from Hyundai Group, its long-term business partner in the South, to visit Mt. Kumgang and hold a memorial service for its late chairman Chung Mong-hun. Hyundai executives went to the resort for the memorial service almost every year. The regime also dismissed President Moon Jae-in's offer to field a unified team in the upcoming Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as "ridiculous." May 8, 2001 10:47: The Mexican is definitely a romantic comedy/road movie with a difference, the difference being the lovers head their separate ways Julia Roberts to Las Vegas and Brad Pitt to Mexico. How's that for sweethearts on the run? On the run from us noticing these two Hollywood big shots have about as much chemistry as a biology set more like. Star-crossed lovers they ain't star-obsessed maybe. But let's be fair, Roberts is quite a tour de force these days and not the easiest one to pair-up with (as she demonstrated in My Best Friend's Wedding). And Pitt is still something of an enigma, more used to playing distant figures of envy than lead protagonists required to carry movies, so director Gore Verbinski was asking for trouble. But even with the two heavyweights nearly always apart, this movie has still got big bucks written all over it, and it is slick and amiable enough to amble along amusingly. The storyline, for what it's worth, concerns a legendary but cursed pistol. Jerry, endearingly played by Pitt, is in big trouble with the mob. Unless he retrieves the valuable weapon his days are numbered. As he tells an unsympathetic Sam (played with razor-sharp wit by hothead Roberts), "You're missing the grand design here. If I don't go they're gonna kill me." Naturally, he blunders with dogged persistence from one hapless escapade to another, and, despite reminders of that great Peckinpah movie, Bring Me the Head of Alfreda Garcia, Jerry's Mexican misadventures are firmly played for laughs. Meanwhile, Sam is off to Vegas hellbent on becoming a croupier. It's just that gay hit man Leroy (James Gandolfini of Sopranos fame) has the task of taking Sam hostage to ensure Jerry delivers the goods. For a cold-blooded killer, he sure likes to talk-up how true love doesn't run smoothly. Presumably Leroy's observations are there to confirm just how much Sam and Jerry are made for each other, but that's not likely to happen. Instead you get the feeling the last thing a free spirit like Sam wants is to be held back by a self-absorbed slacker like Jerry hardly intentional, but very amusing. Oh well, see The Mexican just don't expect to remember it. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Close Despite Israels 5th election in four years, it remains a beacon of democracy and freedom The Israeli elections are fast approaching. On November 1, Israelis go back to the polls for the fifth round of elections in less than four... What is a Jew? Israeli museum attempts an answer JERUSALEMI was on a short visit to Israel and spent time with a friend with whom I have been engaged in a 30-year argument. Elli... Nigeria is adamant that the sailors should be tried in court. The charges against them will be slapped once they reach the country. By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. The Winston-Salem-area housing market shifted slightly more in the favor of sellers during June, according to CoreLogic, national real-estate research company. Home prices in the five-county region were up 5.1 percent compared with a year ago, CoreLogic reported Wednesday. Prices also were up 1.1 percent from May. The Winston-Salem metropolitan statistical area is made up of Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes and Yadkin counties. CoreLogic does not disclose a median price. It no longer provides a home-sale price breakdown that excludes distressed and foreclosed houses. Home prices in the Greensboro-High Point MSA rose 4.2 percent year over year and were up 0.8 percent from May Just two of North Carolinas five largest metropolitan areas had higher year-over-year increases than did Winston-Salem. The biggest increase was again in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord MSA, where prices rose 6 percent year over year but slipped 0.1 percent from May. The Raleigh-Cary MSA had prices increase 4.9 percent year over year and by 0.2 percent from May. Prices in the Durham-Chapel Hill MSA were up 4.7 percent from a year earlier, but were down 0.7 percent from May. For North Carolina overall, home prices were up 3.9 percent year over year. Nationwide, they rose 6.7 percent, with about 90 percent of MSAs posting year-over-year pricing gains. The growth in sales is slowing down, and this is not due to lack of affordability, but rather a lack of inventory, said Frank Nothaft, the chief economist for CoreLogic. Nothaft said that as of June 30, unsold inventory as a share of all households is 1.9 percent nationwide, which he said is at its lowest second-quarter level since the 1980s. Frank Martell, the president and chief executive of CoreLogic, expressed concerns about higher home prices pricing some potential homeowners out of the market in major metropolitan areas, such as Denver, Houston, Miami and Washington. While low mortgage rates are keeping the market affordable from a monthly payment perspective, affordability will likely become a much bigger challenge in the years ahead until the industry resolves the housing supply challenge, Martell said. People who drink public water in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have nothing to fear from chemicals that have been found in elevated amounts in water systems as close as Greensboro, said Courtney Driver, the director of the City-County Utilities Division. An article in Sundays edition of the Greensboro News & Record reported that water-supply officials there are concerned about elevated amounts of an industrial chemical known as PFOS that were found during the past three years at the Mitchell Water Treatment Plant in Greensboro. PFOS, or perflourooctane sulfonate, belongs to a family of compounds that are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as waterproofing or microwave popcorn-bag lining to keep oil in. In October 2014, testing found PFOS in the relatively elevated amount of 90 parts per trillion, or ppt, at the Mitchell plant. Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established a health advisory of 70 ppt for the chemical, the News & Record reported, basing that level on the rate of water consumed by women who are breast-feeding. Winston-Salem and Forsyth County get most of their water from the Yadkin River, Driver said, adding that while the City-County Utilities Division tests for PFOS, none has been detected. We are blessed where we are at, as far as our water source with supply and quality, Driver said. We have to be careful what is going on upstream. Driver said tests have shown no concerns of any kind with the water pumped to customers in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. PFOS is related to another compound called GenX, which has been found in elevated amounts in Wilmington. In Greensboro, aside from the one test result showing a PFOS level above the health advisory level, tests have shown levels consistently below 40 ppt, the level at which water-system managers are required to report the findings to state and federal regulators. Greensboro and Pinehurst were the only two North Carolina cities flagged for elevated PFOS levels in nationwide testing from 2013 to 2015, the News & Record reported According to the newspapers report, large-scale population studies point to PFOS as a possible trigger for such health problems as high cholesterol, thyroid disease and reduced fertility. Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the most dangerous White House official of them all? The Mooch may be out of the running, but there's still a lot of competition. It's not the guy in charge of our nuclear arsenal, who may or may not have realized that was the core of his job description before accepting the post (Rick Perry). Nor is it the woman meeting with men's rights advocates (Betsy DeVos). And it's not the guy who keeps adding financial assets and meetings with Russian officials to his federal disclosure forms (Jared Kushner). It's neither of the guys rolling back climate change regulations and sidelining scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency and Interior Department (Scott Pruitt and Ryan Zinke, respectively). It's not the guy who worries that homeless shelters are too comfortable (Ben Carson). Not the guy arguing to dismantle lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights (Jeff Sessions). Not the mastermind of the Bowling Green Massacre story (Kellyanne Conway). To be sure, all these aides and bureaucrats are doing damage. They are degrading norms, enacting bad policy and putting our country and planet at grave risk. But right now the "most dangerous" title belongs -- aside from the tweeter in chief, of course -- to someone in a much less sexy job, with a much less scandalous background. It's Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget. In terms of both immensity and immediacy, the threat Mulvaney presents is far greater than any of the slow-motion train wrecks happening elsewhere in the administration. That's because he seems hell-bent on wreaking a global crisis within the next two months. Not a century from now. Not a decade from now. In two months. That's when the government will run out of money needed to pay bills Congress has already incurred, according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, if Congress does not act to raise the debt limit. What would follow? Just a constitutional, political and global financial crisis. Arguably, the U.S. government would be in violation of the 14th Amendment ("The validity of the public debt of the United States . . . shall not be questioned"). The government's ability to continue paying Social Security checks, interest on the debt and other basic obligations would likewise be at risk. Most important, this would irrevocably destroy the United States' sterling reputation as a borrower. U.S. debt is considered the safest of safe assets, and as such, Treasury securities are the benchmark of the global financial system. Causing creditors to question whether they'll receive full and timely payments would trigger panic in markets throughout the world. Technically, we already hit the debt ceiling in March. In the months since, Treasury has engaged in extraordinary accounting measures to avoid outright default. But come early fall, those measures will be exhausted. The United States will become a deadbeat. The debt ceiling is a product of the misguided belief that limiting the official borrowing capacity of the government would force legislators into frugality. In reality, it has done nothing to curb financial profligacy. Its chief effect is to periodically offer some political faction -- sometimes the minority party, sometimes the nuttier fringe of the majority party -- the power to take a very valuable hostage. Mnuchin has urged Congress to pass a debt-limit hike with no strings attached. The government would thereby dodge default with minimal drama and without spooking markets. But Mulvaney has other plans. During his six years in Congress, he voted against raising the debt limit four times. One might hope he was merely posturing, since he was able to cast such votes with the knowledge that his colleagues would ultimately pass the bills. Unfortunately, as OMB director, Mulvaney has continued to be breathtakingly irresponsible with the creditworthiness of the United States. In May, he publicly contradicted Mnuchin by arguing that a debt-ceiling increase should be coupled with divisive spending cuts, which would inevitably complicate an already politically fraught process. And on Sunday, he told CNN's Jake Tapper that Congress must not pass any legislation -- not even a debt-ceiling hike -- until the notoriously impossible Obamacare repeal is done. President Trump echoed this thinking on Twitter as well. So long as Mulvaney still has the president's ear, we're all living dangerously. Follow her on Twitter, @crampell. The Washington Post Summerville, SC (29483) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. [JURIST] A judge for the US District Court for the District of Arizona [official website] found former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio guilty [order, PDF] of criminal contempt on Monday. The court found Arpaio did not comply with a court order to stop detaining Latinos based solely on their immigration status. The matter was presented before Judge Susan Bolton, a senior federal judge with the District Court for the District of Arizona. Bolton found that Arpaio, willfully violated the order by failing to do anything to ensure his subordinates compliance and by directing them to continue to detain persons for whom no criminal charges could be filed. Counsel for Arpaio said that they believe a jury would have found in Arpaios favor and said they intend to appeal the matter. This is the second time Arpaio was found in contempt [JURIST report] for his and his officers treatment of Latinos. In July 2015 the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and county officials in Phoenix agreed to settle [JURIST report] parts of a discrimination lawsuit filed against the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office in 2012. The DOJ filed charges against the Sheriffs Office for discriminatory practices in traffic stops, work and home raids, and in county jails, as well as claims of retaliation. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in April 2015 that Arpaio engaged in practices of racial profiling when conducting traffic stops, and in June 2015 a judge for the US District Court for the District of Arizona issued [JURIST reports] a pre-trial order accepting the other courts finding of racial profiling. In October 2014 a federal judge ordered [JURIST report] Arpaio to undergo the same training as his deputies to assist in the prevention of racial profiling and unlawful detention in the Sheriffs Office as part of the ongoing case against Arpaio for racial profiling. In 2013 a federal judge ruled [JURIST report] that Arpaio and his department engaged in unconstitutional racial profiling during the execution of immigration patrols. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed [press release] legislation imposing new sanctions against Russia and limiting the presidents ability to ease existing sanctions. The legislation [HR 3364 materials] also imposes sanctions against North Korea and Iran. In a statement [press release], Trump said that while he supports tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing behavior this legislation is significantly flawed. A separate White House statement criticized the legislation for limiting the presidents authority: Still, the bill remains seriously flawedparticularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. White House press release Both the US House of Representatives and Senate [JURIST reports] voted overwhelmingly in favor of the sanctions last week. Moscow responded [JURIST report] over the weekend by ordering the US to reduce its number of diplomats in the country to 455 and evacuate two buildings used by the embassy. [JURIST] The US Department of the Treasury [official website] imposed sanctions [press release] against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday. The sanctions will freeze all of Maduros assets that are subject to US jurisdiction and will prohibit any US citizens from doing business with him. As a de facto result of being sanctioned, Maduro will also be barred from accessing US financial and commercial systems. The sanctions came one day after Venezuelas controversial election [JURIST report] for a new assembly that would have the power to rewrite the countrys constitution. Venezuela has faced significant political unrest since the opposition gained control of the National Assembly in December 2015. Last week Venezuelas opposition party made a call [JURIST report] for a 48-hour general strike in response to the scheduled election. A non-binding referendum vote [JURIST report] was held in Venezuela earlier this month in regards to the proposed new constitution which showed that 98 percent of the voters rejected the new constitution. The vote was boycotted by many government supporters. In May the US Department of the Treasury announced sanctions [JURIST report] against Venezuelan Supreme Court justices for usurping democracy. In October the National Assembly voted to open criminal impeachment proceedings against Maduro, alleging that he manipulated the constitution to remain in power. That same month the Assembly also declared [JURIST report] that there was a breakdown of constitutional order and that the government had staged a coup by blocking an attempt to remove Maduro from power. Instability peaked on March 30 when the Supreme Court of Venezuela dissolved [JURIST report] the opposition-controlled National Assembly and assumed all legislative powers. Infineon says it will supply chips to Teslas Model 3 electric car in a deal for higher volume output that appears to supplement one that it lost out on. Reuters reported that it was beaten in the contract for initial supplier by STMicroelectronics for the sought after business. Infineon, which supplies chips to control the batteries and motors in many electric vehicles, confirmed its parts would go into the Model 3, which is now ramping up for high volume production in 2018. We do not comment on the individual models, but we will also will be present in Model 3, Chief Executive Reinhard Ploss told Reuters. Reuters reported that STMicroelectronics was first to market with a new class of 1,200-volt silicon-carbide chips, which helped it win the initial deal to supply power chips for the Model 3. However, Infineon has become a second source of such chips as volumes ramp up next year, the report said. Tesla faces a big challenge to ramp-up production on the Model 3, which it hopes will secure much lower unit-costs for its electric vehicles and swing the loss-making company into profit. However, some analysts caution that it has had ramp-up difficulties with previous models and will also be under some pressure to secure high transaction prices. While deposits put down for the Model 3 are impressively large Elon Musk talks about 500,000 the net figure after cancellations may be considerably lower (and Tesla is coy about the net numbers). Dallas, Texas, 08/02/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/ Most people are familiar with Uber, the popular rideshare service that lets you summon a car with a few clicks of your smartphone. But does this innovative technology work for semi-trucks? Uber is giving it a shot. According to a CNBC report, Uber unveiled its Uber Freight app in May 2017. The report states that the new app could be a major disruption to the trucking industry, which at nearly 10 million drivers and other workers, is the fourth largest employment group in the country. What Does Uber Say about Its New Trucking App? According to an Uber blog post, its trucking app will reduce truckers stress levels and speed up payments for completed deliveries. Uber touts its new app as one that aims to empower truck drivers and small trucking companies to run and grow their business. Like the regular Uber app, Uber freight will purportedly connect businesses that need freight transported with truck drivers who are available to make the deliveries. According to Uber, truckers can locate the load they want, negotiate a price, and receive a rate confirmation in seconds. But what about safety? Is Uber equipped to ensure that the truckers who use its app are following federal rules and state regulations that govern the trucking industry? What happens if a trucker hauling an Uber Freight load is involved in an accident that injures someone or costs another driver their life? As another media report points out, trucking particularly long-haul trucking is physically demanding and time-consuming. There is a big difference between driving a passenger from their hotel to the airport and hauling thousands of pounds of freight across the country in a semi-truck. Truckers dont just drive they plan their routes, budget their trips, and perform important equipment checks on a regular schedule. Some also question whether the same problems that have plagued Ubers regular ridesharing service will spill over to its freight operations. Specifically, the company has battled lawsuits alleging that it treated independent contractors as employees without compensating them as employees. Uber drivers have also fought to form unions in an effort to obtain more workplace protection. Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Discusses Trucking Safety Texas truck accident lawyer of 1-800-Truck-Wreck Amy Witherite states: Innovation is a major driver of the economy, and its definitely important. However, advances in technology sometimes move so fast that safety rules dont have a chance to keep up. It will be interesting to see how Uber handles the many federal regulations and state laws that govern the trucking industry. If youve been injured in a semi-truck crash, or you have lost someone you love in a truck accident, compassionate and experienced legal help is available today. Contact a Texas truck accident lawyer right away to discuss your rights and options. Sources: Media Contact: Lucy Tiseo Eberstein Witherite, LLP Phone: 800-878-2597 Email: [email protected] www.1800truckwreck.com #WeKeepLifeRunning Connect with Eberstein Witherite on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter source: http://www.1800truckwreck.com/uber-freight-truck-wrecks.html Social Media Tags:Texas truck accident lawyer, Truck wrecks, Trucking Safety, Uber Freight, Uber Freight and Truck Wrecks, Uber Trucking App Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution SubmitMyPressRelease.com Like Us on Facebook It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print KEARNEY The Kearney chapter of Habitat for Humanity continued its 25th anniversary celebration this morning by dedicating the largest acquisition of land in the history of the Christian housing ministry, the Marlatt Addition at 17th Street and Avenue M in southeast Kearney. The addition is named in honor of Jerry and Edith Marlatt. Jerry, one of the four founders, has served as construction foreman for all 25 years. Edith has served two terms as president of the board of directors and established the Hospitality Committee, which sees that construction volunteers receive a noon meal. In addition to Jerry, other Kearney Habitat for Humanity founders are Joe Methe, Bill Ballou and Jim McKenzie. Todays dedication of the Marlatt Addition included the unveiling of the Marlatt Addition sign, a proclamation by Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse and speeches by Josh Erickson, interim executive director of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kearney Habitat President Ken Mumm. Kearney Habitat will complete its 79th home at the conclusion of the 2017 construction season. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form File-this file photo from 1945 shows two German soldiers make their way through the gutted city of Warsaw, the capital of Poland, in September 1945. A Polish ruling party official said Wednesday that Poland is considering demanding reparations from Germany for the massive losses inflicted on Poland during World War II. Ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski recently said Poland planned a "counter-offensive" against Germany, accusing the neighbor of avoiding responsibility for its war-era crimes. (AP Photo/Henry Griffin) In this Wednesday, July 19, 2017 photo, a diver takes photographs of amphorae from a 4th century A.D. shipwreck off the coast of Albania. On the seabed off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the worldAos least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures. Ancient amphorae that carried olive oil and wine; wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars; spectacular rock formations and marine life. (AP Photo/Elena Becatoros) FILE - In this June 22, 2016 file photo, Border Patrol agent Eduardo Olmos walks near the secondary fence separating Tijuana, Mexico, background, and San Diego in San Diego. The Trump administration said Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, that it will waive environmental reviews and other laws to replace a stretch of border wall in San Diego, moving to make good on one of the president's signature campaign pledges. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) This undated photo provided by the Merced County Sheriff's office shows Norberto Reyes. Two police officers remained hospitalized with gunshot wounds after a struggle with Reyes, who is suspected of breaking into his estranged wife's apartment, Monday, July 31, 2017, in Los Banos, Calif. (Merced County Sheriff's Office via AP) FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Kanye West speaks at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. A lawsuit filed Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, by representatives for West claims that insurers have failed to pay nearly $10 million for WestAos canceled Saint Pablo Tour last year. The suit filed by Very Good Touring against several LloydAos of London syndicates alleges breach of contract and seeks punitive damages and attorney fees beyond the $9.8 million in concert losses. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File) FILE - In this July 24, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump waves to the crowd after speaking at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree in Glen Jean, W.Va. The Boy Scouts are denying a claim by President Donald Trump that the head of the youth organization called the president to praise his politically aggressive speech to the ScoutsAo national jamboree. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) Olivia Mackay was an independent spirit who loved learning about other cultures especially all things Chinese and had a knack for creating her own video productions, according to her family. Olivia was a deep thinker, insightful, inclusive, an outsider, but a leader in her own chosen, intimate circle of friends, said Kelly Mackay, Olivias father, in a statement through family friend Jeff Moody. She could be silly, but quiet and shy to people outside of that circle. The 17-year-old student at Indian Trail High School and Academy will be buried today. A vigil will be held tonight at Kennedy Park where at least 17 Chinese lanterns will be launched in her memory. The Kenosha teenager, who would have started her senior year next month, was discovered dead July 24 in a wooded area in Mount Pleasant near the 11000 block of Louis Sorenson Road, south of Highway 20 and west of the Renaissance Business Park. She was reported missing that day after she did not report to her job at McDonalds. Police are investigating her death as a homicide. The cause of death was known, according to authorities, but was not being released due to ongoing investigation. Moody said the last time family members saw her was on July 23. Her mother saw Olivia briefly when she came home from work to change clothes before going out. She said she was going to spend the night at a friends house. There was nothing unusual about her mood, according to Moody. Family members described her as a very independent person who chose her good friends carefully. She was looking forward to an upcoming trip she had planned with friends to visit Chinatown in Chicago. Family members said their daughter taught herself to speak and write basic Chinese, which she took a step further through advanced Chinese language courses at Indian Trail in the schools communications academy. Mandarin is among the languages offered at the school. Last year, she traveled to China and was saving money to return there. According to family, she kept many personal and handwritten journals. She wanted to study abroad and write about her travels through online and video journals. She also loved Korean pop music and the Japanese animation style known as anime, and was a versatile visual artist producing and scripting her own videos on YouTube. Olivia converted her laptop and her phone to Chinese characters to help her learn the language, Mackay said. She also wanted to learn to bake and to eventually open an Asian bakery. Following graduation, she had planned to attend either Carthage College or Loyola University in Chicago. In addition to working at McDonalds she worked at Taco Bell, where co-workers thought highly of her as hard working and something of a perfectionist, according to the familys statement. Moody said the family thanked law enforcement agencies in Mount Pleasant and Kenosha in their ongoing investigation as well as the community for its support. He said they were humbled and overwhelmed at the outpouring that showed the loss of our Olivia is your loss, too and that you share our heartbreak. SOMERS A long-awaited intergovernmental development agreement for the Interstate 94 corridor with the village, Paris and Kenosha is headed for a joint public hearing later this month, according to Somers officials. The agreement finalizes plans the three municipalities crafted last year, following conflict over a plan to annex part of Paris into Somers. Kenosha officials objected to that plan, and fought it in court. Area residents will be able to weigh in on the proposed agreement, which received tentative approval from the Wisconsin Department of Administration earlier this week following a monthlong review. The public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Aug. 23 at Bradford High School, 3700 Washington Road. A quorum of the Somers Village Board, Paris Town Board and Kenosha City Council is expected to be present at the hearing, according to Somers Village Attorney Jeff Davison who briefed the board during Tuesday nights work session. Residents who cannot attend the meeting will have the opportunity to provide written comment up to 20 days after the hearing, Davison said. The three governmental bodies in attendance will not finalize the agreement that night. Each body will consider the agreement for approval during its respective meetings in October before submitting the final document to the state for approval in late October or early November. Today, all the litigation counsel received communications from the Department of Administration with minor changes to the draft master agreement, he said. Those are underway. Davison said he anticipated the changes, which have to do with technical terminology related to land transfers within the city, are expected to be done before the end of the week. It really has nothing to do with Somers or Paris, he said. He said state administrators reviewing the agreement complimented the local governments for their work. The three municipalities reached a tentative agreement in October that outlined a plan for Interstate 94 development that would extend sewer and water service to that area and create a permanent border for Paris. The agreement designates parts of Paris for annexation into Somers and Kenosha after 50 years. Property owners could make earlier requests for annexation. The agreement removes the towns $1.25 million payment to Somers and a $3 million no-interest loan to the village. A $5 million revolving loan fund for use by the village, which the town can recall at any time, would remain intact. An earlier agreement initially approved in April 2016 landed the three municipalities in court with several Paris residents challenging the deal as they believe they stood to lose value on their properties. A series of lawsuits also involved the city and Somers challenging each other on their ability to legally provide sewer and water to any of the future developing areas in question. All have since been withdrawn. Situs Judi Slot Sohoslot Online 24 Jam Resmi Matrix Slots Gacor Mudah Menang Setoran Pulsa Permainan Slot Online Live Casino Judi Slot88 Joker123. 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I also live with this particularly aggressive type of brain cancer. On the surface, you and I are very different. I am a 35-year-old dad with three sons aged 5 and under. I have a beard and listen to indie rock. I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy. My home is in the heartland, though in my childhood I lived in your beautiful state of Arizona. You are 80, a distinguished member of the U.S. Navy, a war hero, and a long-serving U.S. senator at home in the Southwest and Washington, D.C. Yet were now connected by this terrible brain cancer. Ive learned a lot about glioblastoma since I was diagnosed with it 14 months ago. Most of this knowledge I acquired on my own, reading with a science article in one hand and a dictionary in the other. Although everyones journey with this disease is different, I thought that sharing my experiences with you might answer some questions and provide a thoughtful guide as you embark on your journey. In this letter, I offer nine ways to live with glioblastoma. Anticipate the unexpected. I heard faint crackles and pops and the occasional squeak, as if I was holding my ear closely to a bowl of Rice Krispies, for months after undergoing surgery to remove the tumor from my brain. These sounds, which only I could hear, were the result of my brain expanding to fill the void left by the surgical removal of a 71-millimeter tumor. Find your community. Our disease is so uncommon, our stories so unique, that when we meet others living with brain cancer, the friendship comes fast and the learning follows. Swapping stories is a favorite practice among those of us living with brain cancer stories of MRI scans, surgeries, supplemental treatments, bad news and good news, diagnosis anniversaries, and steps toward acceptance. Unlike more manageable cancers with large survivor populations and support groups, ours is a smaller community. But I urge you to join it. Your brothers and sisters in the glioblastoma community can describe common side effects of treatment, offer tips on getting better sleep, and recommend helpful resources. Most of all, others in our community are best at offering a listening ear from someone whos been there. Embrace family. Your daughter, Meghan, uplifted our spirits when she released a statement about her boundless love for you. Our families view themselves as partners in our care, and they see it as a privilege to stand at our sides. Carefully weigh your choices. My neurosurgeon offered two strategies to remove glioblastoma from my brain: a conservative approach to maintain eloquent functions like motor coordination, balance, and sensory awareness while leaving glioblastomas invasive tumor tentacles in the brain; or an aggressive approach to remove as much of the tumor as possible at the risk of permanent cognitive impairment. My neurosurgeon recommended that I make my decision based on my quality of life today, not what I imagined could be the case in the future. I thought that made sense, and I decided to take the conservative path to maintain the function that remained after the glioblastoma had smashed parts of my brain. I worry each day that I may have made the wrong choice and should have opted for the aggressive approach. But the fact that I can walk with minimal instability and can run and play with my children on our lawn validates my decision again and again. Expect to have seizures and headaches. For most people living with brain cancer, headaches and seizures become a way of life. Most of us learn to anticipate them. If they become part of your experience, senator, I suggest that you pay close attention to your body. My focal seizures electrical instability in a single hemisphere of the brain begin with a tingling at the base of my skull that eventually proceeds to crawl down my left arm and leg, followed by dizziness and weakness. In a journal, I keep track of my schedule, what I eat and drink, changes in medication, and the appearance of seizures or headaches. That can help you and your medical team identify trends and possibly find ways to adjust medication to minimize or prevent seizures and headaches. Communicate with your medical team. No matter how experienced your doctors are, or what credentials they have, they know only the information presented to them. Dont expect your daily symptoms to be revealed by lab work. That journal I mentioned can be a treasure trove of valuable information. Prepare for the fog. Glioblastoma often causes memory loss, trouble finding words, and a kind of mental fogginess. I set a timer in 15-minute increments, especially while completing computer work. When the timer sounds I stand up if feeling up to it, take a drink of water, and walk a few steps before returning to my work. These frequent short breaks help with fatigue. Pursue your work. Although our disease has a grim prognosis, it need not stop us from our work. Since my diagnosis, I have delivered several lectures at academic conferences, in medical schools, and to the community. I joined patient advisory groups with leading brain cancer organizations, including the National Brain Tumor Society, whose Defeat GBM Research Collaborative is committed to doubling five-year survival rates over the next 10 years. In May of this year, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with elected officials from my home state of Indiana to ask them to commit to increasing the budget for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. The National Brain Tumor Society organizes this annual event called Head to the Hill. I hope you join us next year. I saw that you returned to Washington to vote on the GOP health care reform bill. I hope that is just the beginning of your plunge back into the important work that you do. Stand up for your fellow brain cancer survivors. Although many of us with brain cancer advocate for ourselves and others with the disease, you have a unique platform. The talk in Washington about replacements for the Affordable Care Act worry many of us with devastating diseases. I hope you will stand strong for protecting people with preexisting conditions, eliminating lifetime caps on benefits, and ensuring that medical coverage is accessible and affordable for all Americans. All these matter to me, a proud spouse and parent of three young children who are reeling from the their dads devastating diagnosis, loss of income, and the daily challenges of uncertainty, anxiety, and disability. I hope they matter to you, too. Senator, you and I have family to envelop us and work to sustain us. May we continue to be motivated to speak on behalf of a community whose membership requires that we endure terrible circumstances to serve as public examples that individuals with disabilities, chronic or advanced illnesses, or grim prognoses have much to contribute toward the American experience as we choose to live publicly and face our diseases head on. Adam Hayden blogs about living with brain cancer at Glioblastology. This article originally appeared in STAT News, Image credit: Shutterstock.com St Lukes General Hospital in Kilkenny has been consistently among the most overcrowded hospitals in the country during the past week, according to figures from Trolleywatch. Today, there are 33 patients waiting on trolleys and wards at the local hospital - up from 32 yesterday. This day last week, the figure was 40 people. That had dropped to 19 by the weekend, but rose steadily again this week. These sorts of figures, recorded by the INMO, are almost unheard of for this time of the year - late July and August. A number of reasons have been offered for the unseasonable spike. Most significantly, almost 30 beds have been closed in the local hospitals Surgical One ward. The HSE has said this is for maintenance works and refurbishment as part of infection control policies. A high number of presentations to the Emergency Department last week also contributed to the overcrowding problem. A statement from the Ireland East Hospital Group said that staff and management at St Lukes General Hospital put patient care at the centre of everything that they do. It says the hospital is very busy, and St Lukes apologises to anyone waiting on beds. Due to the current ongoing pressures, we continue to ask the public to please ensure that, when possible, they attend their GPs or CareDoc in the first instance, said the statement. The hospital management would like to thank the general public for their ongoing support of the hospital and current refurbishment works. Work to enable compliance with the standards for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections began in the Surgical 1 ward in July, closing 29 beds. This work is expected to be completed by September 30. To minimise the impact, 14 refurbished beds have been opened in the former gynaecological ward area. Year-on-year, the number of emergency presentations to St Lukes has increased. Similarly, the number of emergency medical admissions increased by 6.8% during 2016, however the actual inpatient bed capacity had not increased until the opening of the 14 beds above in July. A meeting is to take place in the coming days between officials from Kilkenny County Council and Gardai which will see issues relating to horses and sulkies in Kilkenny discussed. It comes in the wake of increasing public anger, and an outpouring of calls for action following incidents in which horses have been injured or killed here in recent weeks. On Monday, a young horse had to be euthanised following an incident in the city, and a sulky was seized from the scene by Gardai. Chairman of Kilkenny's Joint Policing Committee Fidelis Doherty told the Kilkenny People this morning that animal welfare, licensing, and public road use will be discussed. She has also said the topics will be on the agenda at next month's JPC meeting. Yesterday, the Mayor of Kilkenny Michael Doyle said he was absolutely disgusted by some of the stories of cruelty heard in Kilkenny. "With another horse put down this week the number is rising and Kilkenny's good reputation is being destroyed by a small minority of people," he said. "Our Gardai need to police this with an iron fist - all horses need to be micro chipped; if not fines, should be issued and the horses confiscated. This can be done immediately - there can be no more tolerance for this sort of cruelty in our city." The Mayor also said that the Minister for Transport needs to act in introducing laws for sulkies and horse-drawn vehicles,the same as any road user. "Legislation regulating these sulkies needs to be put in place immediately," he said. Meanwhile, Cllr Andrew McGuinness is calling on representatives of the Travelling Community to condemn these types of incidents and to promote responsible horse ownership. We need to be united on this issue and put an end to this cruelty, said the Fianna Fail councillor. Local TD Kathleen Funchion today launched the committee report 'Brexit and the Future of Ireland: Uniting Ireland and its People in Peace and Prosperity'. The committee, made up of Senators, TDs, and MPs, examined the significant challenge of Brexit, its impact across Ireland, and a constitutional obligation on the Irish Government to promote Irish Unity. Sinn Fein TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion, who is the Good Friday Agreement co-chair, said that partition had failed both the citizens and the economy. The imposition on Brexit, against the will of the people, is a serious challenge to our economy, our agreements, and to the rights of citizens. It once again highlights the undemocratic nature of the union and the economic madness of continued partition," she said. Partition has failed citizens and the economy. The Good Friday Agreement provides for a peaceful and democratic pathway to unity. The cross party findings and recommendations reflect the reality that it is now time for the Irish Government to act on the constitutional obligation. We must begin to plan to end partition and build a new and agreed Ireland that will be a place for all citizens to live and prosper. Subjective perception of the danger caused by the radiation of the mobile phone can be increased by more information and preventive communication. (Photo: KIT) In democratic societies, it is considered an obligation of researchers and politicians to inform the public about modern technologies and their potential risks. Researchers of KIT and the University of Wollongong, Australia, recently found that information about technologies and their risks may have undesired side effects. It may also cause worries where they do not seem appropriate, as is reported in the international Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100992 Today, technical innovations dominate our everyday life in many areas. New technologies, however, always are associated with risks and these are also seen by laymen, says Christoph Bohmert, first author of the recently published study and researcher of the Science Communication Group of KITs Institute for German Studies. It is crucial to enable adequate communication between science and society, which does not only consider scientific findings, but also concerns of the population. The study clearly showed that communication of risks may be complicated sometimes. Information on efficient precautions was found to lead to an increased risk perception by the recipients of the information. In their study, the researchers analyzed communication about a technology that has become indispensable in our life mobile communications and the electromagnetic fields on which it is based. All over the world, radiation protection authorities, such as the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, communicate the current state of research into risks of electromagnetic fields as follows: Investigations made and all findings obtained so far do not allow any conclusions to be drawn with respect to mobile communications being a risk for human health. But, the experts continue, there still are knowledge gaps as regards long-term impacts. Then, measures are recommended to reduce exposure of the individual to electromagnetic fields. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection, for instance, recommends to keep telephone conversation short, to buy a mobile phone with a low radiation value, or to use a headset to prevent the mobile phone from being in direct contact with the head. It had been known from previous studies already that information on precautions may increase worries. It had been suspected that people conclude from the recommendation of precautions that there really is a risk. This effect was not confirmed by the recent study. The scientists rather attributed the increased worries to a lack of knowledge about the propagation of electromagnetic fields. Within the framework of the study, the recommended precautions were submitted to 1717 Australians, together with one of six information brochures providing scientific background information. When test persons were given not only the recommendations, but also explained why observation of these tips strongly reduces their exposure to electromagnetic fields, worries increased. For example, scientists explained to the test persons that telephone conversations with a headset largely reduce exposure. When a mobile phone is located ten centimeters instead of just one centimeter away from the ear, the electric power absorbed by the ear is about one hundredth of the initial value. Hence, the own mobile phone usually causes an exposure that by far exceeds that of mobile communications stations that are generally referred to as cellphone towers. While the scientists wanted to explain the effectiveness of precautions, test persons mainly considered this information to be an indication of their mobile phone not the transmission towers being dangerous. As a result, they perceived increased risk potentials for telephone conversations with their mobile phones. The study reveals that messages on precautions and information are a double-edged sword in terms of subjective risk perception. Their use should be far better understood, Bohmert says. The study: Improving Precautionary Communication in the EMF Field? Effects of Making Messages Consistent and Explaining the Effectiveness of Precautions, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(10), 992; DOI:10.3390/ijerph13100992 Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. As part of a trade fair, the Karlsruhe mechanical engineering institutes and their industry partners will present current research projects. (Photo: Department of Mechanical Engineering/KIT) The Mechanical Engineering Day 2017 at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a meeting point for mechanical engineering institutes, partner companies, research organizations, and students. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at KIT is organizing a trade fair, a lecture forum and a colloquium under the slogan Engineers in industry and science that will take place on Friday, July 14, 2017 in the Audimax at Campus South, featuring a keynote lecture in German by Dr. Heiko Rokamp, Andreas STIHL AG & Co. KG on the topic Ingenieure als Innovationsmotoren mechatronische Produktentwicklung bei STIHL (engineers as innovation drivers development of mechatronics products at STIHL). The Mechanical Engineering Day will provide insight into current research projects and the daily work of KIT alumni. Representatives of the media and the interested public are cordially invited to attend. Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. Power supply, public health system, disaster control, or public administration ubiquitous computerization makes any of the infrastructures that are vital for our daily lives vulnerable to cyberattacks that can completely paralyze their operations. This warning was issued by German, French, and Swiss security experts from research, politics, economy, and the police who met at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) last week. The experts stressed that creating more security requires an effort of the society as a whole. Under the tri-national SERIOR project (www.serior.eu), the experts jointly investigate ways to protect the vital infrastructures in the Upper Rhine region against attacks from the Internet. Cyber criminals are a threat not only to organizations that are generally recognized as being crucially dependent on information technology, such as communication companies, stock exchanges, media, or railway companies, but also to infrastructures that are very basic and simple at first sight, such as drinking water supply and sewage systems, the scientists warn. On the occasion of their conference on Thursday, July 4, the researchers pointed out that ensuring the protection of these infrastructures is a key task of national and entrepreneurial risk management and a central topic of Germanys security policy. The protection of critical infrastructures is incumbent on society as a whole, a task that requires coordinated action backed by all responsible players government, economy, and the public. Although cyberattacks are hardly predictable as the most recent incidents such as the WannaCry ransomware assault showed risk management in institutions, companies, and other organizations must not be restricted to reacting to an incident, the experts demand. They criticize that countermeasures are only taken after harm has been done. However, there is an urgent need for action: The threat presented by cyber criminals will increase even more in the future, the experts for IT security participating in the event emphasize. Due to increased task sharing among cyber criminals and the fact that hacking services have gone commercial, individual hacker skills are hardly required to operate an effective cyber offensive. The Baden-Wurttemberg State Office of Criminal Investigation stated that a fully-fledged industry has developed whose turnover figures already exceed those generated in the international drug traffic. The computer systems employed for controlling critical infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex. This, however, does not result in more, but rather in less security, the experts believe. They assert that securing less complex systems is by far easier and more promising. Cost and efficiency considerations result in more and more infrastructures being controlled from a central location. This is a problem because a successful attack will have dramatic consequences for the entire infrastructure. The security experts unanimously complain about the lack of awareness on the part of the users as regards the risks incurred by insufficient cyber security. People must be wised up more efficiently, but also be made accountable. Security is not for free: It costs money and/or might interfere with peoples privacy. Besides KIT, the Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, the Universite de Haute-Alsace, the Universite de Strasbourg, and the University of Basel participate in the SERIOR project. This means that all five Eucor The European Campus members are on board. Other partners include the University of Koblenz-Landau, the Karlsruhe Criminal Investigation Department, the Baden-Wurttemberg State Office of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute, the VICCON GmbH (Ettlingen), the LOCOM Gmbh (Karlsruhe), and the Karlsruhe Transport Company (VBK). SERIOR is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE), the Swiss Confederation, and the Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft cantons. Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. SHANGHAI, Aug 2 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Finance auctioned 36 billion yuan ($5.35 billion) of one-year bonds and 36 billion yuan of 10-year bonds in the interbank market on Wednesday at average yields of 3.33 percent and 3.59 percent, respectively, traders said, both below market expectations. For one-year bonds, market forecasts had centered around 3.38 percent and ranged from 3.32 percent to 3.45 percent. The auction yield came in below Tuesday's benchmark secondary market yield of 3.4127 percent for one-year government bonds . For 10-year bonds, market forecasts had centered around 3.63 percent and ranged from 3.59 percent to 3.66 percent. Here again, the auction yield came in below Tuesday's benchmark secondary market yield of 3.6373 percent for 10-year government bonds . For stories on Chinese debt issues, click on . ($1 = 6.7261 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by the Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is close to a decision on how to respond to what he considers China's unfair trade practices, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday. Trump is considering encouraging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to initiate an investigation of Chinese trade practices under the 1974 Trade Act's section 301, the official said. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Sandra Maler) 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. 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. (Kitco News) - Despite a 7% drop in holdings of the worlds largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund last month, analysts have said there are signs of underlying strength in the marketplace, as futures prices have pushed to a nearly 2-month high. Last month, SPRD Gold Shares (NYSE: GLD) saw its gold holding decline by 60.62 tonnes to 791.80 tonnes, its lowest level since March 2016; so far this year, GLDs holdings are down 30.29 tonnes. However, last months outflows are not reflected in current prices, which have bounced significantly off Julys four-month low. December Comex gold futures settled Tuesday at $1,278.40 an ounce, relatively flat on the day. Colin Cieszynski, senior market analyst at CMC Markets said that the recent rally shows there is still strong interest in the gold market. He added that the futures market could be more important to watch than ETF demand. The futures market shows that someone is buying gold; it is just a question of who is buying, he said. Cieszynski did acknowledge that weak ETF demand could be having a modest impact on the global gold market. He explained that gold should be a lot higher than its current price as the U.S. dollar remains near its lowest level in 13 months. The U.S. dollar is down 5%, and gold is up 2% - so in fact, even though gold has been going up, it hasnt been going as fast as it should be, possibly due to the decline in ETF holdings, he said. Phil Streible, senior market analyst at RJOFutures, said that the drop in gold holdings could be the result of investors reallocating funds out of precious metals and into equity markets that have been pushing to record highs. However, he added that if prices continue to push higher, he would expect to see renewed interest in GLD and gold. Gold can continue to trend higher up to $1,300, he said. $1,300 needs to become support, not resistance point, and at that point youll see ETF inflows come back in. Amidst geopolitical tensions, Streible sees this as golds moment to shine. I think geopolitical risks will come back into play and push gold through that 1300, he said, noting the current state of U.S. relations with North Korea and Russia. I still think 1300 is the top of the mountain, 1275 is just the first hill. Cieszynski also sees further potential in gold as the market will enter its busy period ahead of the Indian wedding season and Christmas shopping season. (Corrects headline to say "ends" instead of "trading"; fixes syntax) COLOMBO, Aug 2 (Reuters) - The Sri Lankan rupee ended steady on Wednesday as greenback selling by exporters offset importer demand for the U.S. currency, dealers said. The spot rupee ended little changed at 153.45/53 per dollar, compared with Tuesday's close of 153.45/50. "Demand from state banks was there, but the rupee ended steady due to some exporter (dollar) sales," a currency dealer said, requesting anonymity. Central bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy had earlier said the rupee was still "over-valued", and that the monetary authority was buying dollars to avoid any appreciation. The banking regulator is compelled to buy dollars from the market to meet a reserves target set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a $1.5 billion, three-year loan programme. Dealers said a port deal signed during the weekend also helped boost sentiment. ($1 = 153.4000 Sri Lankan rupees) (Reporting by Ranga Sirilal; Editing by Vyas Mohan) BRUSSELS, Aug 2 (Reuters) - The European Commission is considering a "whole range of actions" in response to rising tensions in Venezuela following the arrest of two leading critics of President Nicolas Maduro, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. "Consultations with member states are ongoing to ensure an appropriate and coordinated response by the EU. Obviously the whole range of actions is (being) discussed," a spokeswoman for the European Commission told reporters, without giving further details. On Monday, the United States government slapped sanctions on Maduro, freezing his assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and barring Americans from doing business with him. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; Editing by Alissa de Carbonnel) ATHENS, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Greece sold 813 million euros ($961.5 million) of six-month T-bills on Wednesday to refinance a maturing issue, the country's debt agency PDMA said. The paper was sold at a yield of 2.50 percent, down 28 basis points from a previous sale last month. The amount raised included 187.5 million euros in non-competitive bids. The sale's bid-to-cover ratio was 1.86, up from 1.30 in the previous auction in July. In a rollover T-bill holders renew their positions instead of getting paid on the maturing paper they hold. The settlement date of the new bills is August 4. ($1 = 0.8920 euros) (Reporting by George Georgiopoulos) By Chijioke Ohuocha LAGOS, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Brewer Guinness Nigeria is shifting its focus from premium brands to the "lower end" volume market in order to boost sales and revive profits, it said in its rights issue share offer prospectus. The Nigerian subsidiary of Diageo is looking to raise 39.7 billion naira ($109 mln) to help reduce its now expensive dollar-denominated debt and to support its volume growth strategy in the face of a recession in Africa's biggest economy. Diageo, which owns 54 percent of the company, is supporting the cash call by converting into equity part of a dollar-denominated loan which it granted Guinness Nigeria at the peak of Nigeria's currency crisis. The company said shareholders can buy five new shares for every 11 held at 58 naira a share, a 17 percent discount on Wednesday's market price of 69.87 naira. "Given the economic recession in Nigeria ... the company plans to deepen its participation in the value beer segment and increase beer product offerings in the lower end of the market," Guinness Nigeria said in the share sale prospectus. Africa's second largest beer market after South Africa is dominated by multinational brewers, with Guinness saying the market was growing at 7 percent a year in 2015 when 22 million hectolitres of beer was consumed. But it said market growth has slowed over the last two years as a result of the weak economy and declining consumer income with growth now forecast to be running at 5.6 percent a year. Guinnness, which hitherto has concentrated on the premium beer and malt sector of the market, reported in April that it made a loss of 2.46 billion naira in the nine months to end-March. As a result it now wants to increase local sourcing of raw materials, boost its distribution network and has made significant investments to increase its brewing capacity. It will also explore exports to Britain and South Africa. "In order to reverse the recent losses by Guinness Nigeria ... the company has reduced prices to grow volumes and ... broadened its product portfolio to meet shifting consumer preferences," it said in the prospectus. Guinness Nigeria's share price is down nearly 20 percent this year after falling 31 percent last year. ($1 = 364.50 naira) (Editing by Greg Mahlich) Aug 2 (Reuters) - June retail sales data (percent change from a year earlier): 2017 2016 June May April March Feb Jan Dec Value 0.1 0.4^ 0.1 3.0 -5.8 -1.0 -2.9 Volume 0.4 0.6^ -0.1 2.6 -6.2 -1.4 -2.9 ^ Revised CONTEXT: -- In the three months through June, the volume of sales rose by 2.5 percent, seasonally adjusted, from the preceding three months. -- For the first half of 2017, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 0.6 percent, compared with the same period in 2016. COMMENTARY: A government spokesman indicated that retail sales continued to grow slightly in June over a year earlier, as local consumption demand stayed firm and the drag from inbound tourism receded. Looking ahead, the prevailing favourable job and income conditions should render a solid support to local consumer sentiment. Nonetheless, the near-term performance of retail sales would also depend on the pace of recovery in inbound tourism and the extent of improvement in external economic environment. The Government will monitor the situation closely. LINK: -- To view the full details of retail sales data, see the Hong Kong government website at (Reporting by Twinnie Siu in HONG KONG; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) WARSAW, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Poland's financial sector regulator KNF has extended the deadline for Raiffeisen's local unit initial public offering by almost a year to May 15, 2018, the KNF said on Tuesday night. KNF also said in a statement that it hoped that Raiffeisen will consider increasing planned free-float of Raiffeisen Bank Polska known as Raiffeisen Polbank above 15 percent and include new shares in the IPO, on top of existing ones. It also said it hoped Raiffeisen will offer the unit's shares to individual investors. (Reporting by Marcin Goclowski; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Aug 2 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Wednesday. PPI Romania's National Statistics Board to release producer price data for June at 0600 GMT. BRD RESULTS Romanian lender BRD Groupe Societe Generale said on Wednesday it recorded net profit of 750.06 million lei ($194.98 million) in the first half, almost double from the same period of 2016 due to by higher net interest income and positive cost of risk. DEFENCE NATO member Romania will spend 2 percent of its gross domestic product on defence every year for the next nine years, a military procurement plan for 2017-2026 showed on Tuesday. FX RESERVES The Romanian central bank's foreign exchange reserves, excluding 103.7 tonnes of gold, fell 572 million euros on the month to 34.64 billion euros ($40.91 billion) at the end of July, the bank said on Tuesday. UNICREDIT BONDS The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said it bought 152.5 million lei ($39.56 million) worth of bonds issued by Unicredit Romania. The investment is part of a 610 million lei issue of senior unsecured bonds by Unicredit. CEE MARKETS An unwinding of dollar long positions boosted the forint to multi-year highs against the greenback and the euro on Tuesday despite July data showing a weakening in Central European manufacturing sentiment indexes. SWINE FEVER Romania's outbreak of African swine fever among backyard pigs in the town of Satu Mare in the north of the country is suspected of having originated from Ukraine, the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) said on Tuesday. For the long-term Romanian diary, click on For emerging markets economic events, click on For an index of all diaries, click on For other related news, double click on: --------------------------------------------------------------- Romanian equities RO-E E.Europe equities .CEE Romanian money RO-M Romanian debt RO-D Eastern Europe EEU All emerging markets EMRG Hot stocks HOT Stock markets STX Market debt news DBT Forex news FRX For real-time index quotes, double click on: Bucharest BETI Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ---------------------------------------------------------------- By Elzio Barreto HONG KONG, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Chinese peer-to-peer lending platform Dianrong said on Wednesday it raised $220 million from a group of investors led by Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd , looking to step up research of new technology as it expands across China and explores ventures in other countries in the region. Other investors in the funding round included CMIG Leasing, a unit of China's biggest private investment conglomerate China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), and South Korean fund manager Simone Investment Managers, Dianrong said. The Shanghai-based firm planned to use the funds to automate some of its new branches across China, for research and development and potential acquisitions, Soul Htite, co-founder and co-chief executive of Dianrong, told Reuters. "Now we've graduated to another level, so people that know finance are also seeing us as someone that is really going to be part of the finance industry," Htite said in an interview. The company, co-founded by Htite, who was also behind U.S. online lender LendingClub Corp , already has big backers including the private equity arm of Standard Chartered and technology-focused investment firm Tiger Global Management. It raised $207 million in a previous fundraising round in 2015. After launching its platform in 2012, Dianrong has expanded into different services, including supply-chain financing using blockchain technology, as it looks to grow beyond the crowded market in China that has thousands of P2P players. The company in 2015 unveiled a joint venture with Seoul-based conglomerate Hanwha Group to offer marketplace lending and other financial technology services in South Korea. It recently launched a partnership in Hong Kong to offer a marketplace for Asian investors to buy into U.S. consumer loans, and in July Dianrong bought the asset origination business of Shanghai-based Quark Finance in a bid to increase the volume of loans it matches in its online platform. (Reporting by Elzio Barreto; Editing by Stephen Coates) BRATISLAVA, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Slovak financial markets on Wednesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Slovak Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA======================== Real-time economic data releases.................. Summary of economic data and forecasts......... Recently released economic data................ Previous stories on Slovak data.......... **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: =========================NEWS================================= CURRENT ACCOUNT: Slovakia's current account showed a deficit of 15 million euros ($17.72 million) in May, after a revised surplus of 23 million euros in April, the central bank said on Tuesday. Story: Related stories: BUDGET DEFICIT: The Slovak central government budget deficit reached 765.77 million euros ($904.76 million) at the end of July, wider than a 624.20 million euro deficit posted a year ago as European Union funds dropped, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. Story: Related stories: =========================PRESS DIGEST========================= OPINION POLL: Prime Minister Robert Fico's leftist party Smer would win an election with 27.8 percent of the vote, according to a Polis poll. However, the ruling coalition it leads would lose its parliamentary majority after a drop in support for a junior coalition member Slovak National Party and centrist Most party. Hospodarske Noviny, page 4 (Reuters has not verified the stories, nor does it vouch for their accuracy.) For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX Main currency report TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets News editor of the day: Jason Hovet on +420 224 190 476 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (Reporting by Prague Newsroom) Aug 2 - The Swiss blue-chip SMI was seen opening 0.3 percent higher at 9,080 points on Wednesday, according to premarket indications by bank Julius Baer . Here are some of the main factors that may affect Swiss stocks today: COMPANY STATEMENTS * SGS said it has acquired CTR Consulting Testing Research, an Italian company working with industrial, oil and gas, and power generation clients, for an undisclosed sum. SGS also said it has bought Maco Customs Service, a privately-held company based in the Netherlands. * Glarner Kantonalbank reported H1 net profit up 16 pct at 10.0 million Swiss francs ($10.35 million). * Pargesa reported 1H net income of 252.5 million Swiss francs ($261.22 million), compared to a loss 361.2 million francs for the first half of 2016. * Novavest said it is expanding its real estate portfolio by acquiring two properties for a total of 22.5 million Swiss francs. ECONOMY * Switzerland's consumer sentiment index improve to -3 points in the third quarter. * June retail sales due at 0715 GMT * Purchasing managers index for July due at 0730 GMT ($1 = 0.9666 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Zurich newsroom) Daily Swiss stock market report in German................ All SMI constituent stocks............................ News on major Swiss stock price moves.................. FTSE Eurotop 300 index................................ DJ STOXX index........................................ Top 10 STOXX sectors............................. Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors........................ Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors....................... Top 25 European pct gainers... , losers... Swiss mid-cap index SMI futures Swiss all-share index Market statistics Swiss market digest Sector overview All Swiss news Swiss research news All equity news INTERNET ADDRESSES: Swiss Exchange / Eurex STOXX Ltd SPEED GUIDES: )) Keywords: MARKETS SWISS STOCKS/ COPENHAGEN, Aug 2 (Reuters) - U.S. pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), CVS Health , said late Tuesday it had kept Novo Nordisk's key drugs on its 2018 list, removing some uncertainty over the U.S. market for the world's top insulin maker. * The news came after Express Scripts said Monday it would exclude no new diabetes drugs in its 2018 list. * It is crucial for Novo Nordisk to stay on the PBM lists, as these accounts for around 80 percent of U.S. drug sales. Novo relies on the U.S. market for about half of its total revenue. * Novo has seen prices get squeezed by PBMs, who administer drug benefits and negotiate rebates for employers and health plans. * Within basal insulin, Novo Nordisk's Tresiba and Levemir insulins and Eli Lilly's biosimilar glargine Basaglar remain in CVS' 2018 list. * Within GLP1, Novo Nordisk's Victoza and Eli Lilly's Trulicity remain on the list. * In obesity, Novo Nordisk's Saxenda also remains covered by CVS. * "Overall we find it positive that Novo will have uninterrupted access for its key brands in the United States going into 2018," Nordea said in a note. * "Of course, we do not know the actual discounts offered in these contracts, which is the uncertainty, but we remain confident that price pressure is not worsening in 2018 over 2017," Nordea said. * "Rather, it could actually improve slightly due to Novo's mix in 2018 versus 2017 (more GLP1, more Tresiba, less Levemir sales)," it said. * Novo Nordisk has said it will comment on price negotiations in the United States when it releases second quarter results on August 9. * Novo's shares were 0.9 percent higher at 269.40 DKK by 0802 GMT. (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen) (Adds details, context) KINSHASA, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Gabon's economy is expected to grow about 1 percent in 2017, down from 2.1 percent last year, largely due to weakness in the oil sector and a recession in the commercial and service sectors, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday. Gabon has been hard hit by a more than 50-percent drop in oil prices since 2014 as well as its struggle to diversify the economy away from oil. In a statement following a staff visit, the IMF said there were some signs the economy had begun to stabilize in the first half of 2017 due to a slight recovery in energy prices and growth in the manganese, wood and agri-business sectors. Gabon is Africa's fourth largest oil producer, with an output of around 220,000 barrels per day, dominated by international oil majors Total and Shell . It issued a $500 million, 10-year Eurobond in 2015. In June, the IMF approved a $642 million loan agreement over three years to support a medium-term recovery programme. (Reporting by Aaron Ross; Editing by Robin Pomeroy) * GIC, CMIG Leasing, S.Korea's Simone among investors in new round * Dianrong studying mkts in Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, others * No decision made on IPO yet, will depend on ease of listing (Adds use of funds, expansion plans, potential IPO) By Elzio Barreto HONG KONG, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Chinese peer-to-peer lending platform Dianrong said on Wednesday it raised $220 million from a group of investors led by Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd , looking to step up research of new technology as it expands across China and explores ventures in other countries in the region. Other investors in the funding round included CMIG Leasing, a unit of China's biggest private investment conglomerate China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), and South Korean fund manager Simone Investment Managers, Dianrong said. The Shanghai-based firm would use the funds to automate some of its new branches across China, for research and development and potential acquisitions, Soul Htite, co-chief executive of Dianrong, told Reuters. "Now we've graduated to another level, so people that know finance are also seeing us as someone that is really going to be part of the finance industry," Htite said in an interview. The company, co-founded by Htite, who was also behind U.S. online lender LendingClub Corp , already has big backers including the private equity arm of Standard Chartered and technology-focused investment firm Tiger Global Management. It raised $207 million in a previous fundraising round in 2015. After launching its platform in 2012, Dianrong expanded into different services including supply-chain financing using blockchain technology, as it looks to grow beyond the crowded market in China that has thousands of P2P players. The company in 2015 unveiled a joint venture with Seoul-based conglomerate Hanwha Group to offer marketplace lending and other financial technology services in South Korea. It recently launched a partnership in Hong Kong to offer a marketplace for Asian investors to buy into U.S. consumer loans, and in July Dianrong bought the asset origination business of Shanghai-based Quark Finance to increase the volume of loans in its platform. The acquisition added 71 branches in 47 cities that will need to be automated and upgraded with Dianrong's technology. "We're going to increase our risk management capabilities and continue to automate. We're also going to speed up some of the R&D projects," Htite said. "We also want to keep capital on the side just in case another M&A opportunity appears." Dianrong was studying the markets in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia for potential ventures, Htite said. "There are places that we definitely are going go to, we just need to make sure that we stay on our core strategy, which is China," Htite added. "We're in talks with partners in these countries already." Dianrong has not decided on an initial public offering yet, but Chinese people should be able to benefit from its growth whether it goes public overseas or lists A-shares in domestic markets. "No decision has been made on the market, but Dianrong is a company that started in Shanghai, so why should it do an IPO in the U.S.?" Htite said "That decision is not dependent on Dianrong only. That decision is dependent on, if you're talking about the Hong Kong exchange or New York exchange or A-shares, whoever makes it easier for us to list, we're going to go with that." (Reporting by Elzio Barreto; Editing by Stephen Coates) (Adds Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meeting with Michigan governor) By Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is close to a decision on how to respond to what he considers China's unfair trade practices, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday. Trump is considering encouraging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to initiate an investigation of Chinese trade practices under the 1974 Trade Act's section 301, the official said. An announcement could come as early as this week, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the president to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions to protect U.S. industries from "unfair trade practices" of foreign countries, such as trade agreement violations, or "discriminatory" actions that burden U.S. commerce. The United States has a long list of grievances about China on trade, including accusations of steel dumping and theft of U.S. intellectual property. China has said that trade between China and the United States benefits both sides and that Beijing is willing to work with Washington to improve their trade relationship. Trump has long been a critic of Chinese trade practices but his interest in penalizing Beijing has risen because of his concern at what he perceives to be Chinese inaction on reining in increasingly belligerent North Korea. The United States has pressed China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to help rein in its nuclear and missile programs. Beijing has repeatedly said its influence on North Korea is limited and that it is doing all it can. A senior Chinese official said on Monday there was no link between North Korea's nuclear program and China-U.S. trade. Susan Thornton, acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia, told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that new U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing North Korean's weapons programs, including measures aimed at Chinese financial institutions, could be expected "fairly soon." Section 301 was used extensively in the 1980s to combat Japanese imports of motorcycles, steel and other products - an era during which Lighthizer served as deputy U.S. trade representative. The statute has been little used since the World Trade Organization was launched in 1995. The WTO provides a forum for resolving trade disputes, but Lighthizer and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have complained that it is extremely slow, often taking years to reach a conclusion, and that the Geneva-based organization has an inherent anti-U.S. bias. Both China's Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Michigan's governor Rick Snyder in Beijing on Tuesday, where he said the common interests of China and the United States were bigger than any disputes. "China welcomes U.S. states, including Michigan, to ... enhance bilateral trade and investment, ... and consolidate and expand cooperative consensus to create better development opportunities and jobs for both countries' peoples," Li told Snyder, according to a Chinese government statement. "The Trump administration believes in free and fair trade and will use every available tool to counter the protectionism of those who pledge allegiance to free trade while violating its core principles," Ross said in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on Tuesday. He tried to refute arguments that the Trump administration was taking a protectionist stance, saying that both China and Europe were more protectionist because they subsidized export industries and had "formidable tariff and non-tariff trade barriers against imports." "China is not a market economy. The Chinese government creates national champions and takes other actions that significantly distort markets," Ross wrote. "Responding to such actions with trade remedies is not protectionist." (Additional reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Andrew Hay, Peter Cooney & Shri Navaratnam) Fraudulent debt collection company faces federal charges for $3 million conspiracy CHARLOTTE, NC A criminal bill of indictment was unsealed in federal court charging five individuals for their involvement in a $3 million debt collection scheme operating in Mecklenburg County that targeted victims throughout the country, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A criminal bill of information was also filed today charging a sixth defendant for her role in the conspiracy. John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney Rose in making the announcement. The indictment charges John Wayne Perry, Jr. 36; Rhonda Renee Scott, 52; Timothy Scott, Jr., 51; Paris Jontue Taylor, 37; and Rayshawn Lamont Tyler, 42, all of Charlotte, with mail and wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud offenses. Perry, Taylor and Tyler are also each charged with one count of money laundering conspiracy. The indictment was returned by the federal grand jury on July 19, 2017, and was unsealed following todays arrests of four named defendants. A warrant remains outstanding for Tylers arrest. In a related case, Miranda Bailey, 29, of Charlotte, is charged separately with one count of wire fraud and mail fraud conspiracy. A signed plea agreement was also filed today and Baileys plea hearing has been set for Wednesday, July 26, 2017. The individuals charged today used intimidation, threats, and lies, including posing as lawyers and law enforcement, to scare victims into paying often non-existent debts. Their shake-down tactics included harassing the victims friends and families until they received payment, said U.S. Attorney Rose. Debt collections schemes are on the rise. We caution the public to be vigilant when receiving calls in which the caller uses threatening language similar to that alleged in the Bill of Indictment. Do not get ripped off. If contacted by a purported debt collector who threatens you with criminal charges, hang up the phone and notify law enforcement, Rose added. It is difficult enough for many Americans to make ends meet and pay their bills on time. For criminals to prey on these hard working people is inexcusable. The FBI is working to uncover these fraudulent companies and hold those accountable for their predatory and criminal actions, said Special Agent in Charge Strong. According to allegations contained in the indictment, from at least January 2013 to November 2014, the co-conspirators operated a fraudulent debt collection company in Mecklenburg County, known at various points as RJ Financial Services and/or Nationwide Asset & Recovery (RJ Financial, collectively). RJ Financial allegedly defrauded thousands of debtors throughout the United States of approximately $3 million. Court documents allege that the co-conspirators targeted individuals and generally executed their scheme to defraud by coercing purported debtors to pay money, some of which was not even owed, by providing false and misleading information and using harassing and abusive tactics. According to the indictment, Perry and Rayshawn Tyler were leaders of the conspiracy, and owners and operators of RJ Financial. Paris Taylor was also a leader of the conspiracy and used aliases Brittany Martin or London Taylor when speaking with purported debtors. Co-defendant Timothy Scott served as the schemes Operations Manager. He also used different shake names, such as Dean McCoy and George Raffino. Co-defendant Rhonda Scott served as a team leader or supervisor and collector, and generally used aliases or the shake names Ada Brown and Katlin Pierce, when talking to purported debtors. Co-conspirator Bailey served as a collector and team leader in the conspiracy, and used the shake name Savannah Grant. According to the indictment, prior to joining RJ Financial, Timothy Scott was affiliated with another fraudulent debt collection company, known at various points as Capital Solutions Agency, and/or Berkley Hughes and Associates and/or The Vortex Group, collectively BHA. Seven co-conspirators associated with that scheme have been charged federally and are awaiting sentencing. Timothy Scott helped the leader of the BHA scheme, Cedric Clark, learn the business. Timothy Scott also ran the operation of BHA. In that role at BHA, Timothy Scott assisted in hiring, provided scripts for use by collectors, monitored collectors calls, and closed the calls, including by pretending to be an attorney to induce victims to pay their purported debts. Also, prior to joining RJ Financials, Bailey and Rhonda Scott were collectors at BHA. RJ Financial and BHA worked together and operated in much the same manner, the indictment alleges. For example, in addition to overlap in employees and scripts, RJ Financial and BHA purchased purported debt amounts together, splitting the lists and the costs. RJ Financial also paid Clark for skip-tracing services, to help locate biographical information about the purported debtors, including phone numbers, addresses, and social security numbers. The co-conspirators used this information coerce the debtors to pay their debts. The indictment further alleges that when contacting purported debtors, RJ Financial collectors were instructed to follow scripts that included false and misleading information and various scare tactics to induce victims into paying moneys. For example, among the false and fraudulent representations in the script were that: The collector was calling to investigate and possibly file 2 charges against you (the Debtor) in (Debtors local county court) and that those charges included Breach of contract or fraud and Malicious intent to defraud a financial institution. Federal law does require that I inform you that you do have the right to offer a counter offer; most defendants offer close to what they originally borrowed, plus the $300 civil penaltyassessed by the state. The indictment also alleges that in order to disguise the fraudulent nature of the business and scare purported debtors, the collectors: Frequently changed the name of the purported company they were working for when making calls so that victims would not be able to locate truthful information about the company. In some Instances the collectors falsely represented that they were law firms, that they had attorneys on staff to consult, and/or that the collectors themselves were attorneys. At times, they falsely represented to be members of law enforcement or that they were working with or affiliated with law enforcement, sometimes going as far as to play a police scanner in the background. They used aliases, commonly known as shake names, when making the calls and fraudulently identified themselves as investigators purportedly calling on behalf of a client. The indictment alleges RJ Financial also often engaged in other scare tactics to fraudulently induce purported debtors, including: Harassing family members and friends to get the purported debtor to call them and pay them. Threatening that imminent civil and/or criminal charges would be filed if the debtor did not make arrangements to pay during the call. Threatening that the victims would be served with arrest warrants, subpoenas, restraining orders, and garnishment of wages, if they did not make arrangements to pay during the call. Each of the five defendants is charged with one count of engaging in a fraudulent debt collection conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, which each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and carries a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of the criminally derived proceeds. Published August 1, 2017 Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group thrown out of Courtyard by Marriott, Gatlinburg Following alarming news published July 28th involving the loss of all incoming and outgoing emergency calls to the Emergency Operations Center operated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group scheduled a press conference to express their concerns. The original location planned for the press conference was Gatlinburg City Hall, but inclement weather forced the event to move indoors. Erik Cooper, a supporter of the Group, offered to host the Groups press conference at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel located at 315 Historic Nature Trail Airport Road in Gatlinburg. Cooper made a reservation and paid for the room using his credit card by phone, discussed the purpose of the press conference with an employee of the hotel, and made arrangements for the rooms setup and other accommodations. Cooper and guests arrived at the hotel at about 2:15 p.m. to begin setting up for the event. Cooper spoke with hotel manager Eric Treadway about the event, and Mr. Treadway helped everyone set the room up for the press conference. Minutes before the press conference was scheduled to begin, Davy Thomas, chief operating officer with Hospitality Solutions, Inc., and Treadway summoned Cooper to speak privately away from the media. In the hallway, Thomas, who refused to identify himself to Cooper, told Cooper that he represented the owners of the hotel and that the owners did not want the Survivors Group on hotel property. Thomas told Cooper on a wireless mic Cooper wore, The owners dont want your kind here. Cooper questioned Thomass discriminatory statement. My kind? he asked. Thomas replied, We dont want all that negative crap here. Cooper refused the hotels demands for the Survivors Group to leave. Then well call the police and have you all arrested, Thomas replied. Cooper returned to his guests and announced the hotels demands for all to leave. The Group refused and the press conference began, despite the hotel owners disruption. Minutes later, doors to the conference room shook violently, then opened as two Gatlinburg Police Officers entered with Thomas and Treadway. Officer Green spoke with Cooper as most of the media cameras turned from the press conference in the front of the room, to Cooper and the police officers speaking in the back of the room. Some of the content was live-streamed to local news studios and through Facebook Live online. At the hotels insistence and under the threat of arrest made by the hotel owners and management, Cooper abruptly interrupted the live press conference and announced the disruption, ending the press conference altogether. Logan Coykendall, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Solutions, Inc., later told a reporter with the Knox News-Sentinel, Once we found out what [the press conference] would be about, we didnt want to be part of the negative rhetoric. Coykendall continued, This isnt about Gatlinburg. This is about their 15 minutes of fame. It frustrates me when a few people seem to get their voice heard over so many. Later that day, hotel manager Treadway reportedly released a statement from the hotel to the media. WBIR-NBC Knoxville published the statement. This was an attempt of a few to continue to bring negativity to the Gatlinburg recovery, therefore we asked them not to conduct their press conference on our property. Several calls to other Marriott properties in east Tennessee indicated hotel management never interfere with the message or purpose of any meetings or press conferences held on their properties. The Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group issued a letter to Coykendall and Hospitality Solutions demanding a written apology. The Group also reported their concerns to J.W. Bill Marriott, Jr. and Arne M. Sorenson, president and chief executive officer for Marriott International, Inc. The Group plans to protest at other properties owned by Hospitality Solutions, Inc. The Group published a petition calling for a boycott of all properties owned or operated by Hospitality Solutions, Inc. unless and until the Group receives a written apology. The petition can be found Source: Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group GATLINBURG, TN The collective members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group, who number more than 440 strong, have demanded a written apology from Logan Coykendall, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Solutions, Inc., for the companys disruption of the Groups press conference held at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Gatlinburg on July 28th. A boycott is underway.Following alarming news published July 28th involving the loss of all incoming and outgoing emergency calls to the Emergency Operations Center operated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group scheduled a press conference to express their concerns. The original location planned for the press conference was Gatlinburg City Hall, but inclement weather forced the event to move indoors.Erik Cooper, a supporter of the Group, offered to host the Groups press conference at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel located at 315 Historic Nature Trail Airport Road in Gatlinburg. Cooper made a reservation and paid for the room using his credit card by phone, discussed the purpose of the press conference with an employee of the hotel, and made arrangements for the rooms setup and other accommodations. Cooper and guests arrived at the hotel at about 2:15 p.m. to begin setting up for the event. Cooper spoke with hotel manager Eric Treadway about the event, and Mr. Treadway helped everyone set the room up for the press conference.Minutes before the press conference was scheduled to begin, Davy Thomas, chief operating officer with Hospitality Solutions, Inc., and Treadway summoned Cooper to speak privately away from the media. In the hallway, Thomas, who refused to identify himself to Cooper, told Cooper that he represented the owners of the hotel and that the owners did not want the Survivors Group on hotel property. Thomas told Cooper on a wireless mic Cooper wore, The owners dont want your kind here. Cooper questioned Thomass discriminatory statement. My kind? he asked. Thomas replied, We dont want all that negative crap here. Cooper refused the hotels demands for the Survivors Group to leave. Then well call the police and have you all arrested, Thomas replied.Cooper returned to his guests and announced the hotels demands for all to leave. The Group refused and the press conference began, despite the hotel owners disruption. Minutes later, doors to the conference room shook violently, then opened as two Gatlinburg Police Officers entered with Thomas and Treadway. Officer Green spoke with Cooper as most of the media cameras turned from the press conference in the front of the room, to Cooper and the police officers speaking in the back of the room. Some of the content was live-streamed to local news studios and through Facebook Live online. At the hotels insistence and under the threat of arrest made by the hotel owners and management, Cooper abruptly interrupted the live press conference and announced the disruption, ending the press conference altogether.Logan Coykendall, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Solutions, Inc., later told a reporter with the Knox News-Sentinel, Once we found out what [the press conference] would be about, we didnt want to be part of the negative rhetoric. Coykendall continued, This isnt about Gatlinburg. This is about their 15 minutes of fame. It frustrates me when a few people seem to get their voice heard over so many. Later that day, hotel manager Treadway reportedly released a statement from the hotel to the media. WBIR-NBC Knoxville published the statement. This was an attempt of a few to continue to bring negativity to the Gatlinburg recovery, therefore we asked them not to conduct their press conference on our property. Several calls to other Marriott properties in east Tennessee indicated hotel management never interfere with the message or purpose of any meetings or press conferences held on their properties.The Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group issued a letter to Coykendall and Hospitality Solutions demanding a written apology. The Group also reported their concerns to J.W. Bill Marriott, Jr. and Arne M. Sorenson, president and chief executive officer for Marriott International, Inc. The Group plans to protest at other properties owned by Hospitality Solutions, Inc. The Group published a petition calling for a boycott of all properties owned or operated by Hospitality Solutions, Inc. unless and until the Group receives a written apology. The petition can be found here Source: Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group Published August 1, 2017 Drug cartels fuming at new U.S. policy screening 100% of Mexican cargo trucks WASHINGTON In a major shift from lax Obama-era regulations, the Trump administration is finally allowing customs officers to screen all cargo trucks entering the U.S. from Mexico and sources on both sides of the border tell Judicial Watch Mexican drug cartels are fuming. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using X-ray technology and other non-intrusive tools to screen 100% of cargo trucks crossing the southern border after eight years of sporadic or random screening permitted under the Obama administration. We felt like we were the welcoming committee and not like we were guarding our borders, said veteran U.S. Customs agent Patricia Cramer, who also serves as president of the Arizona chapter of the agencys employee union. The order was to facilitate traffic, not to stop any illegal drugs from entering the country, Cramer added. We want to enforce the law. Thats what we signed up for. Cramer, a canine handler stationed at the Nogales port of entry in Arizona, said illicit drugs are pouring in through the southern border, especially massive quantities of fentanyl, an opioid painkiller that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says is more potent than morphine. Approximately 471,000 trucks pass through the U.S-Mexico border monthly, according to figures published by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The busiest port of entry is in Laredo, Texas where 167,553 trucks enter the U.S. from Mexico monthly, followed by Otay Mesa in California (76,953), El Paso, Texas (58,913), Hidalgo, Texas (45,355) and Nogales with 29,439. Other busy ports include East Calexico, California (29,173), Brownsville, Texas (16,140) and Eagle Pass, Texas (12,952). Trucks bring in everything from auto parts to appliances, produce and livestock. In fact, a veteran Homeland Security official told Judicial Watch that cattle trucks passed without inspection during the Obama administration because Mexican farmers complained that the security screenings frightened their cows. Our guys were livid that we were not allowed to check cattle, the federal official said. Frontline customs agents stationed along the southern border confirm that trucks containing legitimate goods are often used by sophisticated drug cartels to move cargo north. This is hardly surprising since most illegal drugs in the United States come from Mexico, according to the DEA, and Mexican traffickers remain the greatest threat to the United States. Theyre classified as Transitional Criminal Organizations (TCOs) by the government and for years theyve smuggled in enormous quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Last year the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the nonpartisan agency that provides Congress with policy and legal analysis, published a disturbing report outlining how Mexican cartels move record quantities of drugs into the U.S. Because cartels move the drugs through the Southwest border, western states have become part of whats known as the heroin transit zone, according to the CRS. Federal law enforcement sources tell Judicial Watch Mexican cartels operate like efficient businesses that resort to other more treacherous routes when necessary, but driving through a port of entry in a cargo truck is a preferred method of moving drugs. Cartels station shifts of spotters with binoculars in Mexican hills near border checkpoints to determine the level of security screenings. They know if were on the job, the level of screening that were conducting, Cramer said. The cartels watch us all the time. Nogales is a favorite for cartel spotters because the U.S. checkpoint sits in a valley surrounded by hills on the Mexican side, where unobstructed views facilitate surveillance. They see everything, Cramer said. For years the cartel spotters saw that much of the cargo passing through the checkpoint was waved through, according to agents contacted by Judicial Watch. Published August 1, 2017 Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee gives a briefing at the Government Complex in Seoul, Wednesday, on policies to stabilize the housing market. / Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon Gov't unveils measures to stabilize housing market By Yoon Ja-young Those who own two or more houses in areas where the real estate market is overheated will be subject to higher taxes on capital gains. They will also face restrictions in obtaining mortgages. These are part of new measures the government announced Wednesday to stabilize the country's overheating housing market and stem further rises in home prices. "Instability in the housing market triggered by speculators will add to social and economic burdens. It is also making it difficult for those who need homes in which to live buy apartments," Land Minister Kim Hyun-mee said. The housing market is continuing to show signs of overheating, especially in Seoul and the metropolitan area. The government noted that those who already own houses are increasingly purchasing second and third properties. Among those who bought houses between 2013 and 2017, 43.7 percent owned one or more already. The government determined that the previous administrations' easing of taxes and deregulation helped real estate speculators, leading to soaring prices despite a stable supply of new houses. It has designated Seoul, Gwacheon and Sejong as "speculation restriction zones," which will be subject to stronger regulations in transactions and mortgages. The three cities have recently become the target of speculation. Beautys personal, has no standard: Chilean artist VietNamNet Bridge Chilean artist and performer Camila Vanessa Orellana Pereira came to Ha Noi almost a month ago to promote one of her art projects. Shes worked on such projects in about 22 countries, including Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands and Cambodia. A journalist by academic training, Pereira was interested in art from a very young age. Before she came to Ha Noi, she lived in Cambodia, where she became the very first person to teach body art at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. She spoke to Culture Vulture about her project in Ha Noi. Please tell us something about your art project in Ha Noi. I call the project 100 Naked Bodies. It is about body painting and photography. The plan is to work with 100 different nude models from Viet Nam, including expatriates in Ha Noi. Female or male, homosexual, gay or lesbians, short, tall, fat or small these things are not important. Everyone is different. I believe that beauty is something personal and that it has no standard. Human canvas: A body painting by Pereira When normal people are naked they dont have expensive accessories to protect themselves just their bodies and minds. I try to find the personal individual beauty which is in my paintings and colours. How did you get this idea? I love corporal art and I think it is more interesting to paint people with their history than boring walls or pictures. I also love to go deep into ideas that come to my mind. Many of my models carry complications in their mind when we start working together, because society makes them believe that they have to be perfect, with white skin and blue eyes. This is not real. Everyone is different and my art is an act of rebellion against these forced notions. I did a similar project in Cambodia. It was also corporal art but the meaning was different. My models were asked the question: "Who are you?" I pained them on the basis of their answer to this question. This project is different because the purpose is different. It comes form an open mind on beauty. Why Ha Noi? Ive been here few times. I think this city is very important and open to art. I love Asia and I think Viet Nam is a good country to live in. I also see the difference between people in Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. And I feel that people here have more knowledge and they can understand my art. The people around are very nice and I have more opportunities to meet with local artists. I went to some studios and the local talent is impressive. How will you find 100 people for the project? How many have you worked with? A few. My first model is a South African girl. Ive started the project and I intend to finish in December. Five months are enough to find 100 persons. Everyone from 18 years and up is welcome. If someone is interested in being my model they can contact my professional Facebook page, Camila Oopp artist. Females are easier for me. Im a really talkative person. I always speak with different people. So I explain the project and if they like the idea and the theme of my work, they will do it. I like to do everything on my own because people feel more confident working with only one person when they are naked. I will love to do an exhibition of my pictures. I have been around Ha Noi visiting the universities and I also have other ideas. I want to do a live performance so people can see the work in process. I will see if I can do it in some gallery or university. I can also sell my art works to get money to do more projects. Are you looking to co-operate with Vietnamese artists? Yes, I have spoken with the Ha Noi College of Art; the Viet Nam University of Fine Arts; the Ha Noi Academy of Theatre and Cinema and the Ha Noi Industrial College of Fine Arts. I will have classes in theatrical make up, body painting, and may be photography. I want to meet artists in Viet Nam. Im really interesting in art cities like Berlin in Germany, Bristol and Brighton in England. Ive been to different cities in the world. The most important places for me were Mexico, Germany, the Netherland and Cambodia because I had more opportunities to meet with many artists and to visit artistic places to learn more. The artist: Camila Vanessa Orellana Pereira VNS The United States does not seek a regime change in North Korea, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday, as tensions renewed over the country's nuclear and missile programs. North Korea conducted its second test of an intercontinental ballistic missile last week, fueling concerns that the communist nation may be close to delivering a nuclear weapon to the U.S. mainland. Pyongyang said the test was aimed at giving a "stern" warning to the U.S., which is bent on employing sanctions and pressure on North Korea and justifies the regime's will to develop nuclear weapons with threats of war. "We do not seek a regime change. We do not seek the collapse of the regime," Tillerson said in a surprise appearance at a State Department press briefing. "We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula. We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel." North Korea claims the regular military drills by South Korean and U.S. troops are a precursor to an invasion of the North. To deter U.S. aggression, it insists on developing its nuclear and missile programs. The 38th parallel refers to the inter-Korean border. Tillerson said one of the first threats the Donald Trump administration faced was that posed by North Korea. "That threat has materialized in the ways that we expected it would," he said. "That's why, early on, we identified it as a very urgent matter and the North Koreans have certainly proven the urgency of that to us." By Choi Ha-young For the first time in 10 years, North Korea did not take part in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), after a participating student's defection to South Korea during last year's competition. This year, North Korean students didn't appear at the contest held from July 12 to 23 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. "There could be diverse reasons. Maybe the team is underprepared or possibly affected by the student's defection last year," Voice of America quoted Pyongyang University for Science and Technology Chancellor Park Chan-mo as saying, Wednesday. In July last year, a student named Ri Jong-yol left the contest venue, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology campus, alone and sought asylum at the South Korean Consulate in Hong Kong. Following the incident, only five of six North Korean participants went back to the reclusive country. By Park Si-soo In a stunning revelation, U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told NBC's Today program, Tuesday (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump told him he was "willing to go to war with North Korea if they (North Korea) continued to try to hit America with an ICBM." Graham said: "He's told me that. I believe him... There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's program and North Korea itself. I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top." He continued: "He's not going to allow (President Trump) the ability of this madman (Kim Jong-un) to have a missile that could hit America. "If there's going to be a war to stop him, it will be over there," Graham said. "If thousands die, they're going to die over there. They're not going to die over here; and he's told me that to my face." A native English teacher reads to students in his classroom at Myongwon Elementary School in Seoul in this photo taken in April 2013. / Korea Times file By Lee Jin-a The number of native English teachers at public schools has dropped nearly 42 percent over four years and is expected to fall further in the face of government funding cuts over alleged poor results. Incheon, a port city west of Seoul, had the biggest drop of 71.8 percent, followed by Gyeonggi Province (63.1 percent), North Chungcheong Province (54.6 percent), South Chungcheong Province (47.3 percent), North Gyeongsang Province (46.8 percent) and Seoul (43.2 percent), according to education ministry figures. As of early October, 4,962 native English teachers worked at public schools, down from 8,520 in 2012, according to the data. The ministry and regional education offices will soon decide the number of native English teachers to be hired next year. "One of the main reasons for the decline was that municipal and provincial offices of education no longer have enough money to recruit foreign teachers," said Kim Jeong-keun, deputy director of the ministry dealing with the matter, pointing out that more money was needed for student welfare. Another reason, the director said, was the lower than expected efficiency of classes involving native English speakers in improving students' English ability. "We believe placing the teachers with the right talent in the right position is more efficient than merely increasing the number of foreign teachers," he said. His claim was supported by 2012 research by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education that English-speaking Korean teachers played a bigger role than native English teachers in polishing students' ability. By Kim Se-jeong After a gay soldier was convicted of having sex with another gay soldier in May, the Korean government said it's reviewing the military law banning homosexual activity. The government is working on a human rights report it will submit to the United Nations that states, "We are reviewing the law so it will make the rules clearer for gay soldiers," adding that not all gay soldiers will be punished for homosexual activity. The report will be submitted to the U.N. human rights body later this month. Yet, it defended the law's fundamental purpose: "In a given circumstance where only men stay together, the law is necessary to keep order. Punishment of gay soldiers also serves this purpose." In May, the military court sentenced an Army captain to six months in prison, and suspended him for a year, for homosexual activity. According to the Military Criminal Act, sodomy can be punished with up to two years in prison. The conviction came amid a revelation that the military orchestrated efforts to hunt down gay soldiers and humiliate them openly, which rights activists called human rights violations. Rights violations for gay soldiers in Korea have been noted by other countries, which officially recommended that in 2012 Korea improve the situation during a U.N. peer review session. The national report is in response to that recommendation. By Kim Bo-eun The average tuition at children's English academies in Seoul costs 1.03 million won ($892) a month, according to a study by a civic group. Based on data from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, World Without Worries about Shadow Education examined 237 academies which offered at least three hours of classes a day. At 1.03 million won a month, a year's worth of tuition amounts to 12.36 million won ($10,704). This is 4.7 times the amount parents spend on sending their children to private kindergartens and 1.8 times the amount of yearly tuition at a four-year university. The monthly tuition at the most expensive children's English academy in Songpa-gu, southern Seoul is 2.16 million won. By Chyung Eun-ju, Park Si-soo English has been a "fixture" of the curriculum at primary and secondary schools for many years. Students have to learn English as a mandatory subject to graduate and nobody has challenged the policy amid globalization in which English is increasingly considered another primary language. A provincial education office recently challenged the policy, arguing that studying English should be optional, at least in rural areas where more students were in multiracial families. The Daegu Office of Education suggested last week that the Ministry of Education remove English from the list of mandatory subjects -- English, Korean and math. The office said the removal, if implemented, will make it easier for students, especially from multiracial families, to learn other languages at school, which will help bolster the nation's linguistic diversity and international competitiveness. An estimated 100,000 students are growing up in multiracial families nationwide. In Daegu, there are nearly 3,000 students whose mother or father is foreign-born, accounting for 1 percent of the total. Most came from Asian neighbors such as Vietnam, China, Japan or the Philippines. By Chyung Eun-ju, Park Si-soo A man has been accused of murdering a female waxing shop owner whose safety was compromised through a YouTube clip. The tragedy happened on July 5 at the waxing shop in a secluded area of southern Seoul. The man, 30, whose surname is Bae, visited the shop and allegedly stabbed the owner to death after receiving waxing treatment. Bae, who had a credit card debt of 6 million won ($5,300), fled the scene with the victim's debit card, according to police. The man was caught the following day thanks to a tip from an acquaintance. He was jobless, police said. The alleged attacker told police he set the victim as a "target" after watching a YouTube video featuring the shop. The video, which was deleted after the incident, showed the victim working alone at the shop in a back-street alley. The YouTuber who produced the video apologized for his unintended exposure of the woman's poor safety and deleted the clip. Reverend Lim Bo-rah delivers a sermon at Sumdol Presbyterian Church in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Parkkim Hyung-joon God teaches us to love, not hate' By Lee Kyung-min Reverend Lim Bo-rah is among the few exemplary religious leaders in Korea seeking to implement the true meaning of religion: God teaches us to love, not hate each other, and certainly not to persecute or discriminate against a group of people for "who they are." The pastor at Sumdol Presbyterian Church in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has been a vocal supporter of equal rights protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Given that the Christian groups mostly those on the far-right are known for their fierce opposition to homosexuality, which they call "an ungodly abomination," Lim's minority stance is drawing admiration from those offended by such bigoted views including the younger generation and liberal civic groups. "Nowhere in the Bible are there teachings that condone spewing hatred and justifying ruthless persecution in the name of God. Yet a large number of Christians seem to be condoning or actually doing just that," Lim said. "I doubt they understand what it means to be Christian." Of course some parts of the Bible have verses that could be referenced as describing homosexuality, but reading them is open to interpretation, she added, as are many other verses in the Bible are. The most famous one is Leviticus 20:13 which says "If a man lies with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." The Common English Bible version goes, "If a man has sexual intercourse with a man as he would with a woman, the two of them have done something detestable. They must be executed; their blood is on their own heads." This is widely used as justification for discriminating against gay people. But Leviticus 11:12 also says "Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination translated "detestable" in other versions to you." Not many Christians would detest eating shellfish, or other seafood fitting that description claiming it is against the will of God, Lim said. She also maintains that obsessing over literal interpretations of the Bible could result in limited understanding and perpetuate distorted views, as frequently found among fundamentalists or extremists. "Would Jesus accept and encourage the behavior of Christians seeking to trample on the minority in his name? Whether it be women, the disabled or the LGBT community? I don't think so." She was among many religious figures who participated in the 18th Korea Queer Culture Festival (KQCF), held at Seoul Plaza last month and attended by more than 70,000 people, the most ever for the annual event. Christians and Buddhists attended the weekend parade, saying their religion teaches love and understanding. Persecution of or discrimination against any particular group is not a correct interpretation of the words of religious figures, they said. Officials of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said the event is significant as it provides an outlet for society's most suppressed voices. They raised banners saying, "The world without discrimination is the world of Buddha." However, also present were far-right Christian groups that held a protest claiming homosexuality is a disease that requires treatment. The groups said society should eliminate promiscuous and depraved sexual activities because Korea is a Confucian country known for its politeness and high moral standards. They said they would not tolerate Western countries' attempts to normalize or even glorify what they see as a sexually deviant act of a minority. People march in downtown Seoul during the Korea Queer Culture Festival, Saturday. Yonhap There is no later. We change it now' Gay parade gains traction as anti-discrimination movement By Lee Kyung-min Participants of this year's queer festival united as one, calling for equality and seeking to elevate the country's level of human rights standards by abolishing discrimination. The 18th Korea Queer Culture Festival (KQCF), held in Seoul Plaza, Saturday, had more than 100 booths, run by human rights groups, embassies, companies and university clubs that support sexual minorities referred to as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender). The event was attended by more than 70,000 people, the most ever for the annual event, according to the event organizer. The organizer will also screen queer films on Thursday for four days. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the first government agency to have participated in the annual event, said it would also attend next year's event. The human rights watchdog said it would increase efforts to tackle the spread of misinformation about false associations between homosexuality and HIV AIDS. The false claim is the primary basis for far-right Christian groups for opposing homosexuality, while data identifies "unprotected sex" as the cause of infection. Embassies of the U.S., France, Germany, Canada, Austria, Sweden and Finland voiced their support for the annual event for increasing awareness of the human rights issue. By Choi Ha-young Jeong Hye-yeon Jeong Hye-yeon, who came out as a lesbian years ago, has been elected as a deputy chief of the minor opposition Justice Party. It is the first known instance of a sexual minority politician joining the leadership of a political party in South Korea. Sexual minority groups hailed Jeong's election, expressing hopes she will help reduce prejudices and disadvantages facing them. "As a politician, my main goal is to promote diversity," the 29-year-old Jeong told The Korea Times, Friday, in her first media interview since her victory early this week. "Not only homosexuals, but heterosexuals actively took part in the sexual minorities committee of the Justice Party and we socialized together, not asking each others' sexual orientations," she said. Jeong became one of the three deputy chiefs of the party, earning 1,667 votes, equivalent to 13.74 percent of the support at the party convention. "It was such a surprising result for me because I'm not in the mainstream," she said. "I think my stance to pursue diversity and mutual respect, between party members with distinct ideologies, appealed to many party members. Even if I am a lesbian, I've always kept in touch with those opposing same-sex marriage, and persuaded them to join the committee. To make this party bigger and broader, I pledged to remove barriers between citizens and existing party members." The Justice Party, formerly led by the party's presidential candidate Sim Sang-jung, emerged in the presidential election in May to prominence. The party with six seats became a serious political player with its forward-looking welfare policy and proactive advocacy for social minorities, including homosexuals. By Kim Hyo-jin The government will launch an economic cooperation committee aimed at spearheading joint projects with Russia and China, sources said Wednesday. The move follows President Moon Jae-in's earlier order to set up a body to orchestrate comprehensive economic cooperation projects with the two countries as a way to promote regional economic development. Moon has supported those projects as part of efforts to bring North Korea out of isolation. Rep. Song Young-gil The envisioned committee, tentatively called "Northward economic cooperation committee," will be established under the presidential office. Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, Moon's former special envoy to Russia, will head the committee, with 20 members including ministerial-level officials and experts from the private sector. "Moon ordered the committee to be set up during a meeting with Song who then reported his performance as a special envoy after his trip to Russia in May," a Cheong Wa Dae official said. Song met Russian President Vladimir Putin and delivered Moon's policy vision in late May. Both countries agreed to enhance economic cooperation including projects to develop the Russian Far East region, produce gas and electricity and connect railroads, Song said earlier. When talking to Putin over the phone following his inauguration, Moon expressed strong determination to push for more economic projects with Russia, saying he hopes the pipeline for Siberian natural gas will be connected to South Korea. Song flew to the Russian Far East last Thursday along with experts from the railroad, natural gas and fishery sectors, at the invitation of the Russian government, to discuss relevant projects with Russian government officials during their 10-day visit. Song has called on President Moon to overturn his predecessor President Park Geun-hye's decision to suspend the so-called Rajin-Hassan project, which refers to transporting Russian coal to South Korea via a Russian port in Hassan and a North Korean port in Rajin. The project was suspended in 2016 in response to North Korea's increasing provocations. Pundits expect the envisioned committee will be operated mainly to foster projects with Russia. Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University, said the committee is meaningful in the long term considering time-consuming economic cooperation projects with Russia. "It should not be seen as a tool to achieve short-term benefits," he said. "The projects involving North Korea like the Rajin-Hassan project might be difficult to proceed with for the time being, given the political situation, but laying the groundwork through the committee is still worthwhile in the long term." Kim Mihn-soo, a professor of Northeast Asian Studies at Incheon National University, said taking the initiative in economic projects with China, however, could be somewhat of an "illusion" for now. "Due to North Korea's missile provocations, South Korea-China relations were fundamentally hampered. South Korea taking the driver's seat in economic cooperation projects may not be possible," he said. "It is more urgent for Seoul to closely look into Beijing's current One Belt, One Road initiative which seeks new trade and investment links stretching from Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe, and find a way to take advantage of it, rather than creating new bilateral projects." By Kim Se-jeong The Seoul Administrative Court ruled on Tuesday that an asylum seeker claiming political persecution in his country should be given the right to stay in Korea. The ruling marked the second legal victory involving asylum seekers in 10 days. On July 23, an appeals court in Seoul ruled in favor of a bisexual asylum seeker from Uganda. The Ghanaian man whose name was not disclosed claimed he was persecuted because of his political affiliation, and the court recognized the danger in the ruling. A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), once an opposition political party in Ghana, he claimed he had been kidnapped and interrogated by the rival party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for his anti-NDC campaigns. Although the NPP took power in 2016, the man claimed he doesn't want to return to Ghana because the potential for persecution still exists if he returns. The asylum seeker fled Ghana in 2008. Traveling through South Africa, Thailand and three other unidentified countries, he arrived in Korea in 2010 and filed for asylum in 2015. Despite the fact that the NPP is now the ruling party, "NPP members are still kidnapped and murdered. It's still not safe for me to go back," he was quoted as saying by the court. He argued that his family also recommended he stay away. The immigration service and the Ministry of Justice didn't accept his request, which led him to file the lawsuit. The government viewed him as an economic migrant because he hadn't filed for asylum in any of the five countries he had traveled to. The interviewees also didn't consider the political oppression against him as serious. However, the judge said, "We believe it's not groundless that he would be persecuted if he returns because of his political affiliation." The judge also countered the ministry's argument about being an economic migrant. The ruling is not the final decision for the Ghanaian man. The Ministry of Justice can appeal the case. However, the ruling allows many asylum seekers to keep up hope for acceptance. Korea has been a tough place for asylum seekers. The asylum seekers and activists said the acceptance rates are low because of the government's anti-refugee attitude. Yet, the Korean government is proud of its system. It hails itself as the first country in Asia to adopt the refugee law that was implemented in 2012. Asylum seekers receive temporary status which enables them to work and receive a small amount of allowance from the government. Asylum seekers have three interview opportunities to make their case two with the Immigration Office and one with the Ministry of Justice. Those whose cases are rejected can file a lawsuit. Last year, the Korean government, for the first time, allowed 30 Myanmar refugees from a refugee camp in Thailand to enter Korea. Another group of Myanmar refugees arrived in Korea last week. By Shim Jae-yun Controversy is brewing over the blockbuster "The Battleship Island." It portrays the misery faced by the Koreans who were forced to work in the coal mines of the "hellish" Hashima Island during World War II. The film has attracted more than 4 million viewers in only one week, and has triggered criticism from both Korea and Japan. The Japanese media has been slamming the film as containing "distorted stories." Korean fans largely expressed their dissatisfaction with the movie for having failed to reveal the "serious" war crimes committed by the Japanese military. They say the film deals too slightly with the grave war crimes by focusing on commercial purposes. While watching the movie, I also felt regret over the lack of detailed depiction of Japanese atrocities against the Korean workers. One hundred twenty-two Koreans conscripted by Japan who survived the ordeal have since died; only six are still surviving. Kim Hyeong-seok, 97, was a victim of the Japanese mobilization in 1943. He testified in an interview with a local broadcaster that Koreans had to labor under the harshest conditions 1,000 meters below sea level. "I am still traumatized by my experiences at the island. We had to work more than 12 hours a day," he said. Another victim Choi Jang-seop said he suffered from torture after failing to escape by raft. "I underwent being whipped to the extent that my skin was ripped off. They forced me to work in that wretched place. They should not distort history," said Choi who went to Japan when he was only 16. UNESCO registered Hashima Island on its World Heritage Site list in June 2005, given its significance in Japan's bids toward industrialization. UNESCO's acceptance should cherish humanity's universal values of peace and human rights. In this vein, the organization's decision went wrong from the start as Japan violated these common values in the island's mines. Japan already admitted to the forced conscription of Korean people "against their will" during a UNESCO meeting on July 5, 2005. Japan vowed to take follow-up measures by setting up, for instance, an information center to make public Japan's war crimes. But Japan has failed to abide by its pledge. Despite the lack of satisfaction as mentioned above, expectation is growing the movie will nudge Japan to publicize its atrocities to the world. The filmmakers hosted a preview for diplomats and UNESCO officials at the Metropolitan Filmexport in Paris on July 28. They also organized a similar event for 160 diplomats in Seoul on July 25. The movie has already been sold in 113 countries by the end of June. Many nations plan to open it in August. The movie prompts the need for the nation to seek its own way of survival in order not to repeat the unfortunate past. Korea is a smaller nation surrounded by four global giants: the United States, China, Japan and Russia. It desperately needs to guarantee its sustainability by initiating security issues. The Moon Jae-in administration has been pushing to take the lead in diplomatic maneuvering in dealing with the critical North Korean nuclear issue. It has proposed dialog repeatedly but to no particular avail. North Korea's intensifying move toward nuclear hardware will likely nudge Japan to step up its move toward a military buildup. This is unfortunate as Japan has yet to sincerely repent for its past misdeeds including the forced wartime conscription of the Korean people. Director Ryu Seung-wan said the film does not try to root out the past unhappy incident between the two countries. "Rather it seeks to help fix better relations in the future," Ryu said in an interview. As Ryu put it, it is time for Japan to repent its misdeeds honestly and that is the starting point for Seoul and Tokyo to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. By Doug Bandow Most foreigners see Donald Trump as unbalanced, vulgar, and dangerous. But Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes President Trump look like a statesman. Elected last May, Duterte wasted no time in denouncing President Barack Obama, the United States, and the U.S.-Philippine alliance. For a time Duterte even appeared to join Team China, proclaiming that he was in Beijing's "ideological flow." His enthusiasm for the Sino embrace appeared to fade when Beijing failed to ease its territorial claims. However, in his recent State of the Nation address President Duterte again ostentatiously flaunted his anti-Americanism. He demanded the return of three bronze church bells taken in 1901 by U.S. troops. Explained Duterte: "Those bells are reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonization and sacrificed their lives in the process." In fact, the Filipino people have good claim to the bells. But demanding them in a high profile speech after ostentatiously trashing America guarantees rejection. The relationship between America and the Philippines has been complicated from the start. Although Filipinos already were fighting for independence, Washington insisted that they accept a new colonial master at the end of the Spanish-American War. Many refused. The American military fought an increasingly dirty war against the insurgents. Some 200,000 Filipinos died. In Balangiga guerrillas infiltrated the town and assaulted a U.S. Army base. Retaliation was brutal. Ordered Brig. Gen. Jacob W. Smith: "I want no prisoners. I wish you to kill and burn, the more you kill and burn the better it will please me." Amid the slaughter the U.S. Army took the bells as war booty. While criticism of America's war-time conduct is warranted, the abuses occurred almost 120 years ago. President Duterte is most sensitive to Western scrutiny of his murderous misbehavior today. For instance, last week Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) led a hearing on Manila's drug war, which has killed more than 7000 people over the past year. He said he would protest if the Philippine president accepted President Donald Trump's invitation to visit America. U.S. forces finally left the Philippines in 1992. Eventually U.S. forces trickled back to the Philippines, helping train the Filipino armed forces and combat Islamic insurgents. Recent Philippine presidents also sought to enlist America against the People's Republic of China, which seized control of Scarborough Shoal, part of the Spratly chain claimed by the Philippines. However, after taking office last year the 71-year-old former mayor challenged the cozy relationship between the American and Philippine militaries. At the same time, Duterte made a dramatic outreach to China. Since then his ardor seems to have faded, though he still hates America. Duterte's chief problem is that he governs a nation without a serious military. Reported the Pentagon: "Although Manila recognizes the growing importance of external threats and has acquired a coast guard cutter, the country still lacks adequate air defense, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance capabilities." Some observers believe Duterte's erratic behavior is an attempt to squeeze a stronger defense commitment and/or more cash out of a frazzled Washington. However, he simply isn't capable of sustaining a false front for long. Analyst Gordon Chang blamed the U.S. for failing to spring to Manila's defense, promising to protect Philippines' territorial claims like America's own. However, Washington has a meaningful interest in its one-time colony's independence, not its control of a barren, useless piece of rock. Moreover, America's security does not depend on Manila. Washington certainly does not want to turn over the decision for war with a nuclear-armed power like China to an unimportant client state governed by an irresponsible and unpredictable leader who has disliked America for most of his life. Ultimately, to avoid war Washington must accommodate Beijing's insistence that it play a larger regional role, one commensurate with its growing wealth and military power. Manila should look elsewhere for support against China. Both Japan and India have significant potential conflicts with Beijing and benefit from constraining if not containing Chinese territorial claims and naval activity. Nearby South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam share a similar perspective. They also should take over responsibility for advancing their interests. Americans should thank President Duterte for challenging a status quo which benefits his nation far more than the U.S. Washington should back away militarily, ending its defense commitment and shifting to less formal military cooperation designed more to benefit America than Manila. In the meantime, the Philippines should focus on fixing its internal problems. Only then will it be able to stand up against China and any other threatening power. Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan. Kim Jong-un may end up with wrong deal Being conspicuous by his relative absence in the ongoing pandemonium over North Korea's quest for nuclear-tipped long-range missiles is Kim Jong-un, the young dictator who triggered it all. Trying to see the situation from his perspective for a change is important to find an elusive solution to this growing threat that pits parties involved against each other. After both the July 4 and 28 test launches of supposed intercontinental ballistic missiles, the North Korean media released photos of a jubilant Kim, a 30-something, Swiss-educated third-generation dictator of the reclusive nation. Although there is no way to confirm the chubby person with illtailored outfits was indeed Kim, the real Kim had every reason to flash a big smile on his face, looking at how he is throwing the outside world into chaos. The United States and China are playing an ever-fiercer blame game. Washington accuses China, the only benefactor to the pariah nation, of not doing its part, while Beijing claims that the North's ICBM development is a matter between Pyongyang and the U.S. On this, the young dictator may feel proud to emulate his grandfather and the nation's founder Kim Il-sung for playing China and the now defunct communist bloc leader, the Soviet Union. U.S. President Donald Trump is at a loss, his response limited to raising the rhetorical stakes. China's leader Xi Jinping is bristling over Trump's threat to impose economic penalties on Beijing, hitting a bellicose tone with a claim that China beat the U.S. during the 1950-1953 Korean War. The connotation is that it can beat the U.S. again. The war ended in a stalemate. . The young dictator may look toward Seoul and nod in approval. The "southern brothers" are engulfed with their typical bipolar battle _ the liberal President Moon Jae-in is trying to reconcile with the unresponsive North, while conservative forces are beating up on the Moon government for its misplaced, turn-the-other-cheek sentimentalism. Kim may conclude with some logic that he will be able to complete his ICBM program, get recognition as a nuclear state and bargain with the United States from a position of strength. Then, he would dream of living happily ever after the leader of a nuclear-armed nation that its sworn adversary, the U.S., can't mess with and its detested ally, China will pay respects to. But that would only end up as wishful thinking. First, the chance is that from now on, the world will take the North's asymmetric challenge more seriously and set their differences aside to stop it. If such an effort fails and Kim gets functioning ICBMs, it would be a pariah state with some nuclear weapons. The U.S. and Russia have thousands of them. If the North threatens to use one, or even uses it, it would cause his immediate annihilation. Nuclear arms are weapons of last resort. That is why nobody has used one since World War II. So it is worthwhile for Kim to consider the possibility that his nukes may hasten the end of his dynasty. By Kyung Moon Hwang Starting last October South Koreans demonstrated the power of collective action in protecting the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and fittingly the culmination of this movement came in the 30th anniversary year of Korean democratization. Many commemorations recently have celebrated the remarkable events of June 1987 in which millions filled the streets to end authoritarian rule. What is often overlooked, however, is that the process did not stop with, or was limited to, political liberalization, but included an equally extraordinary mass movement for economic democratization. Stimulated by the events of June, in early July of 1987 workers at Hyundai Engines in Ulsan established an independent union in order to demand, collectively, higher wages and better working conditions, as well as the right to organize. This spark led to an epochal firestorm of worker actions across the country that became known historically as the Great Labor Uprising of 1987. The period between July and September of 1987 witnessed the eruption of over three thousand strikes and other protests, along with countless new independent unions leading hundreds of thousands of participating workers. In reflecting the reach of the political democratization of June, employees in a wide range of sectors, from bus and cab drivers to journalists and TV producers, established "democratic" unions, associations, and other organizations to claim their economic rights and push for fairer treatment. But it was the factory workers who drove this relentless activity, particularly those who worked for large companies such as the ones in Hyundai Group. While the founders and managers of these conglomerates gained fame and credit for South Korea's economic "miracle," their workers served as the foundation of this development for decades under difficult working conditions, with few rights and almost no chances for independent collective action. The authoritarian governments had firmly clamped down on any such possibilities, instead promoting sham company unions that did the bidding of management and, ultimately, the state. Leaders in these two sectors pursued the common interest of maintaining the system of exploiting Korean workers for their low wages. The workers did not necessarily cower, however. Throughout the dictatorship era, laborers ceaselessly attempted to organize themselves, from protests in individual sweatshops to unions representing entire factories or companies. But they were almost always beaten down, often quite literally, by mass firings, threats, and the mobilization of police and thugs. The workers' battles, in other words, were part of the broader struggle for democracy. Little wonder, then, that the Great Labor Uprising of 1987 took place immediately on the heels of the June democratization, as after all it was freedom of association, in line with the declared new guarantees of speech, assembly, and due process, that allowed collective action to truly be effective. Labor leaders now felt emboldened to join together with fellow workers in the same conglomerate or region, or in the same industries nationwide, to create even bigger organizations and thereby further strengthen their group power. By mid-July workers in other Hyundai factories began their own democratic unions and went on strike to gain concessions from management for wage increases, job security, humane working conditions, and recognition of their rights to organize. Although the Hyundai unions, the ones who sparked this phenomenon, grabbed the headlines by being concentrated in a specific region in the southeast, they inspired and assisted organizing and labor actions all across the country. Employees of the Daewoo shipyard and car plant, for example, organized their own democratic unions, as did employees throughout the economy. By September, over three million workers had participated in strikes, work stoppages, demonstrations, and other actions, which doubled the number over the previous ten years. The enormous scale, ferocity, and apparent suddenness of these actions brought about a generally negative, disapproving tone in the country's media coverage. And political leaders, even those who had been at the forefront of demanding political freedoms, warned of the ominous consequences of these disruptions for the economy. But without this wave of worker activism in the face of constant physical and other suppression, the laborers who had so long sacrificed for their employers would not have made the breakthrough toward gaining fair treatment and recognition of their economic rights. In other words, without the Great Labor Uprising, the democratization of 1987 would have been incomplete, perhaps even meaningless. In the subsequent three decades, the South Korean labor movement has grown and developed in accordance with many factors, and this history can be viewed in differing ways. But undoubtedly, workers, particularly those in the major compounds of Korean industry, enjoy far greater benefits, rights, and influence than in 1987, and South Korean unions as a whole are more powerful than their counterparts in many other advanced economies. And despite the alarming increases in wealth polarization in South Korea, the gap between workers and executives in most enterprises remains relatively low, especially compared to places such as the United States. According to the OECD, the United States, with a traditionally weak labor movement that has gotten only weaker as time has passed, is the most economically unequal society among developed countries. This explains considerably America's current political turmoil, indeed emergency. And this is why, in this anniversary year of South Korea's 1987 democratization, we should commemorate the momentous significance of that summer's Great Labor Uprising as well. Kyung Moon Hwang is a professor at the Department of History, University of Southern California. He is the author of "A History of Korea-An Episodic Narrative" (Second edition, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016). Contact khwang3@gmail.com. By Kang Seung-woo Samsung Electronics' latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note 8, will go on sale Sept. 15, according to the nation's mobile carriers Wednesday. The world's largest smartphone maker is scheduled to unveil the new phone in New York on Aug. 23. "Internally, we have reached a tentative conclusion that the Galaxy Note 8 will hit shelves on Sept. 15," a wireless service provider official said. "It seems quite unlikely to change." The official said rival companies also have the same rollout plan. Usually, three mobile carriers _ KT, SK Telecom and LG Uplus _ start selling a new Samsung phone on the same day. Samsung's record also supports the Sept. 15 release, as it has shown a cycle of 17 or 23 days from the unveiling to an official release in the three previous Note phones _ the 4, 5 and 7. Earlier this year, the Galaxy S8, the latest handset in Samsung's other high-end lineup, was unveiled on March 29 and released April 21. However, it remains to be seen when preorders for the Note 8 will open, which are likely to run for 10 days to two weeks before the official launch. Market watchers expect that sales of the Galaxy Note 8 will reach a record high as it will be the first Galaxy Note phone since last year's fiasco with the Note 7. Samsung had to discontinue the device two months after its launch due to faulty batteries. The Note 8 is likely to come with a 6.3-inch display, larger than the S8's 5.8-inch screen. The S8 Plus variant has a 6.2-inch display. The phone also is expected to include the Bixby voice assistant, whose English service is now available, as well as a dual camera that enables wide- and regular-angle shots. Meanwhile, Samsung's cross-town rival LG Electronics' new flagship phone, the V30, is also likely to go on sale on Sept. 15. According to foreign media outlets, the LG V30 will make its way to the Korean market on Sept. 15 before U.S. consumers get their hands on the device on Sept. 28. LG plans to unveil the V30 on Aug. 31, before the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) trade show in Berlin, Germany. Employees of Fuji Xerox Korea hold a conference at its newly-launched communication design center in Seoul. / Courtesy of Fuji Xerox Korea By Kang Seung-woo Fuji Xerox Korea launched a Communication Design Center (CDC), Wednesday, to boost its competitiveness and better communicate with customers. The center, located at the company's headquarters in Seoul, is one of the Japanese company's organizations for customer support along with the Customer Value Innovation Center in Japan and the Integrated Customer Experience Center in Thailand. "Fuji Xerox's philosophy is aimed at increasing mutual understanding through communication," said an official of Fuji Xerox Korea. "The CDC will serve as a new platform to propose improvement measures for customers' management tasks." To do so, Fuji Xerox Korea plans to hold workshops with customers on a regular basis, where seven communication specialists, including business consultants and business analysts, will suggest optimized business processes. In addition, it intends to self-check its services to customers in order to reform business processes and seek sustainable growth. The CDC establishment came as the Japanese company seeks to go beyond its status as an office equipment supplier and expand its portfolio into providing differentiated document management solutions. According to Fuji Xerox Korea, the CDC can be changed from a small-scale seminar room to a large hall, depending on the situation. In addition, video conferencing with each branch office is available at any time, taking advantage of the world's first optical system for simultaneously transmitting 4K video, audio and LAN communications data. It will also introduce SkyDesk Media Switch to increase the effectiveness and expandability of communication. SkyDesk Media Switch is a cloud service that supports marketing activities and links paper documents to multimedia content. In addition, research and development (R&D) on value-providing applications will be carried out at its live zone, where customers can also experience digital printing machines and graphic communications that respond to their demands in real time. "The CDC is a new concept center that other companies have yet to come up with," said Jang Eun-gu, senior executive vice president at Fuji Xerox Korea. "We are set to continue studies on innovating communication to create new value contributing to business growth." By Nam Hyun-woo A drastic change is coming to Korea's food and drink franchise industry, with the first-generation brands faltering on disappointing performances or unexpected owner risks. According to the Korea Exchange (KRX) Friday, the stocks of MP Group, the parent company of pizza brand Mr. Pizza, were suspended from trading this week. The measure came after its former Chairman Jung Woo-hyun went on trial on charges of mistreatment of the franchises, malpractice and embezzlement of 9.9 billion won ($8.8 million). The amount accounts for 31.63 percent of MP Group's equity capital of 31.22 billion won. The KRX suspends the trading of a stock if the company's largest shareholder is tried for embezzling more than 1 billion won. Jung is the largest shareholder of the group. "The KRX has suspended the shares of MP Group. The measure will continue until the KRX decides whether or not to carry out an eligibility test," a KRX official said. An eligibility test is a prior step before a review for delisting. MP Group's business has been floundering in recent years. Its sales declined from 176.7 billion won in 2012 to 97.1 billion won last year. Its share price plunged from the 4,000 won to the 1,000 won level after Jung stirred a public uproar with his assault against a building security guard last year. Its price stood at 1,315 won at the moment of the suspension. Owner risks are not specific to MP Group. Hosigi Chicken Chairman Choi Ho-sig is also under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a female employee. After the disgraceful behavior made headlines, the chicken brands' sales dropped up to 40 percent, according to Rep. Kim Young-joo of Democratic Party of Korea. Collapse of old coffee brands Other franchises are also facing fast changes. Earlier this week, Cafe Mango Six CEO Kang Hoon was found dead at his home in southern Seoul after an apparent suicide due to his struggling businesses. KH Company, which runs Mango Six brand, has posted net losses of 1.3 billion won in 2015 and 1.2 billion won last year. During the period, the number of Mango Six franchises halved to around 100 and he recently filed for protection with a Seoul court. Kang earned his reputation as "Coffee King" with his success story of coffee franchises starting from the late 1990s. He was the co-founder of the Hollys Coffee chain and nurtured Cafe Bene as one of the leading homegrown coffee franchises. Entrepreneurs, who joined Kang for coffee franchises also saw their businesses shrinking. Tom N Toms, another coffee franchise set up by Hollys co-founder Kim Do-kyun, turned to deficit last year netting a 2.7 billion won loss. Experts say their businesses collapse because their business models became outdated. With the first-generation franchises' success, countless coffee franchises sprouted in the past decade, saturating the market. While many new-born brands adopting new strategies -- such as downsizing the size of cafes, differentiating their brands with distinctive characteristics -- the first-generation coffee houses opted to keep their cafes size large and luxurious. But they could not compete with foreign franchises such as like Starbucks and newly-emerging homegrown brands. According to Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency, the number of franchise brands in Korea stood at 5,273 last year, up from 4,844 a year earlier. The number of affiliated stores was 218,997 at the end of 2015. The agency did not disclose last year's tally. The average life span of a franchise was four years and eight months, meaning most of brands close within five years from their opening. Fair Trade Commission Chairman Kim Sang-jo, third from left, speaks at a meeting to eradicate "gapjil" at franchises. The meeting was hosted by the minor opposition Bareun Party at the National Assembly on Yeouido, Seoul, July 27. / Yonhap FTC chairman emerges as savior of abused franchisees By Park Jae-hyuk Operating franchise businesses in Korea has often been likened to the "vicious landlords" in the pre-modern Joseon Dynasty. The way franchises mistreat their franchisees has been regarded in the same way as "Joseon's landowners" abusing their tenant farmers. Although the landowning class disappeared after a land reform law enacted in 1949, their tyranny seems to have continued under the name of "gapjil culture" bullying the weak in modern times. Gapjil, roughly translated as "high-handed" or "heavy-handed" conduct of abusing one's prominent position and power, derives from the contract term "gap" (party A, who leads) and "eul" (party B, who is led). This is also commonly found in labor contracts between an employer and an employee here. While landlords and franchise headquarters are regarded as "gap," tenant farmers and franchisees are categorized as "eul." Similar to landless peasants who could not fight their landlords collecting of unfair rent, franchisees say they have been unable to stand against their headquarters. They fear potential losses over a tarnished image of the brand and the possibility of losing their stores. They knew that for most stores, it is impossible to survive here, if they do not hang up signs of famous brands. "We cannot reveal the headquarters' misconduct, although we know it," said a franchisee on condition of anonymity. "It is obvious that we will suffer losses as well." Franchisees are also worried that their headquarters will retaliate against the cancellation of franchise deals. Mr. Pizza, whose founder has been arrested for alleged embezzlement, actually opened new stores near the stores of previous franchisees, forcing ingredient manufacturers not to supply cheese and sauce to them. One of the former franchisees even committed suicide in March over the retaliation. Franchisees therefore have had to accept unfair terms in contracts with the headquarters. The landlords in modern era, however, have recently begun to feel a sense of crisis, after the left-leaning Moon Jae-in administration appointed Kim Sang-jo, dubbed the "chaebol sniper," as Fair Trade Commission (FTC) chairman. The chairman pledged to "wipe away the tears of the weak" in his inauguration address, declaring a war against the malpractices prevailing in the country's franchise industry. His promise has been supported by the public, following the exposure of various "gapjil" cases in the industry. Mr. Pizza founder Jung Woo-hyun apologized for the retaliatory measures against previous franchisees. Genesis BBQ, which has been accused of shifting costs for advertisements onto its franchisees, apologized to consumers and withdrew its plan to raise chicken prices. Lately, Bachelor's Vegetable Store founder Lee Young-seok has drawn criticism over his alleged assaults and insults to franchisees. Apologizing to the public, he shut down the company's website. 2017 Olympiads a victory for Vietnamese brainpower Vietnamese students participating in the Olympiad competitions this year have achieved the highest results ever, thanks to the efforts of the students and special attention from the education and training sector in improving the quality of education. Vietnamese team on the medal podium at the 58th International Mathematical Olympiad 2017, in Brazil. Significant achievements in the international arena According to the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) all six students, competing at the at the 58th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2017 in Brazil, won medals including four gold, a silver and a bronze medal. Notably, in addition to winning medals, Vietnamese students also achieved high marks, helping the math team finish third in the world, after the Republic of Korea (ROK) and China. 12th grader Hoang Huu Quoc Huy from Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted (Ba Ria-Vung Tau province) was one of the three students to win gold medals, with the highest score of 35 points, among more than 600 students of 112 delegates taking part in the 2017 event. Meanwhile, five students competing in the 48th International Physics Olympiad in Indonesia all won medals, bringing home four gold and one silver medal. This result is the highest ever, helping Vietnam rank fifth after China, the ROK, Russia and Singapore. Whilst at the 49th International Chemistry Olympiad in Thailand, which gathered 297 students from 76 different countries and territories, all four members of Vietnams team bagged medals, including three golds and one silver. The US ranked first with four gold medals, while Vietnam and China were level in second. Among the three gold winners, Dinh Quang Hieu, a 12th grader from the High School for Gifted Students under the University of Natural Sciences, Hanoi-based Vietnam National University, recorded 92.13/100 points, ranking ninth among 297 competitors, the highest achievement that Vietnam has obtained at an International Chemistry Olympiad. Following the success of the above teams, three out of four Vietnamese students attending the 2017 International Biology Olympiad in the UK have also won medals, including one gold and two silver medals. This is also the best result Vietnam has ever attained at an International Biology Olympiad. 12th grader Truong Dong Hung from Hue High School for the Gifted won the only gold medal for Vietnam. Hungs results (55% practical and 75% theoretical) were ranked 22 out of 245 candidates and were also the highest personal achievement of any Vietnamese student to attend the event so far. During the 2017 Olympiads, in addition to recording high achievements (with 18 medals in total) the exams left a big impression on the students. In 2017, there are 11 provinces and cities and two specialised high schools under Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City-based Vietnam National University that are sending students to compete at the Olympiads; of which, Binh Phuoc province sent students to join the Asian Physics Olympiad for the first time and Ba Ria-Vung Tau also had its first student to compete in the International Mathematical Olympiad. Among the 15 international Olympiad medalists in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, students from Phan Boi Chau High School in Nghe An won the most medals, including two golds and two silvers (Nguyen Canh Hoang won gold for Mathematics, Tran Huu Binh Minh won gold for Physics, Phan Tuan Linh won silver for Physics and Hoang Nghia Tuyen won silver in Chemistry). Meanwhile, all three students from the High School for Gifted Students under the University of Natural Sciences won gold medals (Ta Ba Dung, gold medal in Physics, Dinh Quang Hieu and Pham Duc Anh, gold medal in Chemistry). The Hanoi-Amsterdam High School won two gold and one silver medal by Nguyen Bang Thanh Lam, gold medal in Chemistry; Dinh Anh Dung, gold medal in Physics and Pham Nam Khanh, silver in Mathematics). There are two students that have won the international gold medal for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) (Dinh Quang Hieu, High School for Gifted Students under the University of Natural Sciences, gold medal in Chemistry and Nguyen The Quynh from Vo Nguyen Giap High School in Quang Binh, gold medal in Physics). Improving comprehensive education According to Assoc. Prof., Dr. Le Anh Vinh, head of the Vietnamese delegation attending the International Mathematical Olympiad 2017, this year the Vietnamese team was well prepared with more than 20 lecturers and senior high school teachers supporting the six students for a period of approximately two months. All six students in the team have been trying their best to study and practice, with a sense of self-study and creativity. During training, their weaknesses and strength were supplemented by the teachers to improve their knowledge and ability. In addition, during the rehearsal, they also supported each other effectively as each student demonstrated their own strength. In each exam for the math team, the biggest concern is stress, as this would prevent students from performing to their full strength. However, at this year's exam, all six students remained focused, strengthened their efforts and did their best to achieve the high results. This is the highest ever achievement to be recorded over the 43 years of Vietnam's participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Nguyen The Khoi, head of the Vietnamese delegation attending the International Physics Olympiad 2017, said that it is a good news that all five Vietnamese students won a prize. The results show the great efforts of the students, proving that they have prepared very well and are very confident in the international arena. According to Assoc. Prof., Dr. Mai Van Trinh, Head of Quality Management Department under the MOET, the achievements highlight Vietnam's intellect within the international arena. The achievements show that the MOET has performed effectively over recent years, especially since the education and training sector undertook a radical and comprehensive reform of education and training. Accordingly, on the basis of well-implemented mass education, localities have also done a good job to facilitate education in order to improve people's knowledge, train human resources and nurture talents. MOET is not surprised by the results of the Vietnamese Olympiad delegations as it is rooted in the efforts of the schools, local authorities attention and especially in the endeavours of the students and their families support. Dr. Trinh added that there are many reasons leading to the proud achievement but the first and foremost is the effort and the passion for science and creativity, in learning and training, shown by the students in the Olympiad teams. In addition, in 2017, the MOET undertook an early selection of students joining the contests, to increase the time for training of regional and international Olympiad teams, with specific training plans in each subject that gradually approach regional and international competitions standards. On the other hand, the implementation of synchronous solutions in the work of examinations and marking during the domestic qualification rounds, in order to select good students, have helped ensure objective assessment and the proper selection of eligible students participating in regional and international Olympiads. Nhan Dan TOM BEAN, Texas (KXII) -- Two tenants in a Tom Bean apartment complex say city councilor Ben Vincent requested sexual favors in exchange for rent money. Tom Bean city councilor Ben Vincent bonded out on Saturday after being arrested for intoxicated assault earlier in the week. On Tuesday, two tenants who rent from Vincent at a Tom Bean apartment who said he came to their apartment intoxicated on July 22, hours before he was pulled over by Whitewright police for drunk driving but not arrested. And they said Vincent has been intoxicated at their apartment before-- like on the night of May 9. The next thing I knew, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, and I told him Id get the rent paid," said a female tenant who rents from Vincent, who asked us to remain anonymous. She said he was shocked for what he asked next. He said something to the effect of, 'We can make a trade off,' and I just kind of freaked out when he said that because I took it to mean something not proper," the woman said. The tenant and her brother, who asked us to remain anonymous, say Vincent knocked on their door in May, asking for rent -- and the man said he told Vincent they were working on getting it paid. As soon as I say that, he just brushes right past me and walks into her bedroom and shuts the door in my face, more or less," the man said. They tell us after Vincent allegedly asked for the sexual trade off, the woman jumped out of the room. They say Vincent tried coming back inside. Every step he took he was falling down, even after that he began to proceed toward her bedroom," the man said. "Finally he took a great fall." That was the last straw -- they said a neighbor called 911 to report a huge bump on Vincent's head after falling over from intoxication. When he heard 911 was being raised, he said I gotta go home, I gotta get out," the man said. Some neighbors ended up driving him home before police showed up to his door shortly after. The Whitewright police reports show they did not end up arresting Vincent that night, and that the female tenant did not want to talk about the incident with police then. A few months later, Vincent was pulled over and admitted to drinking a bottle of wine on July 22ndand the next week was arrested for intoxicated assault. But his lawyer Bob Jarvis tells us the incident in May was all a misunderstanding. It doesnt make any sense that once they get a call and realize its a city councilman, that all the sudden it turns into this massive investigation over nothing," Jarvis said. Jarvis added that once the investigation is complete, the story will likely look much different. The tenants we spoke with said Vincent has been overall a good landlord to them during the seven months they've lived in their apartment complex off State Highway 11. "Other than that incident, he's been a great guy, wonderful landlord, and easygoing," the woman said. After seven months in development and years of passion on water issues, Bishops School senior Sayeh Kohani, 17, has created what she calls the SolarSave water purification system. On July 27, the patent for her invention cleared and she received a prototype. This November, Sayeh will travel to Ethiopia to deliver as many units as she can to villages in need of clean water. The complete system is a two-foot-by-two-foot acrylic box, which can be half filled with polluted water and topped with a buoyant fit-to-size, carbon-coated, foam and fabric appliance. The appliance uses the power of the sun to heat the water and converts the water to steam, which re-condenses in a chamber into desalinated, purified, pathogen-free water. Sayeh reports the SolarSave system produces 12 liters every 24 hours. Its time for us to prioritize water. It makes me angry and kind of disappointed that a water crisis that affects millions of people hasnt been fixed. But its a complicated problem and its going to take infrastructure, which will take decades to make. In the meantime, I hope SolarSave can help a lot of people who dont have access to clean water, she said. Cholera, typhoid, hepatitis are all diseases traced to polluted water. In parts of Africa and Asia, they dont have irrigation systems. Their water comes from rivers that contain runoff because people empty their defecation containers (into the river water) and then people drink it. When it came to developing the SolarSave system, each step was carried out with knowledge-based decision making. It all started with her participation in The Bishop Schools Model UN program (but Sayehs parents say her interest in water issues began when she was a small child, doing essays on water shortages in fifth grade). One year I was on the World Heath Committee of Model UN and the topic was water-borne diseases. Its the 21st Century, you wouldnt think water could cause so much damage, but we found that water causes 3.4 million deaths a year. Thats horrific, she said. With a pre-existing interest in science and public health, Sayeh set out to create a water purification system that is cost-effective, easy to produce and self-sustaining. First, came the generator I knew from the start the product could not have a power source because most of the affected regions dont have access to electricity. So the obvious choice for me was using the power of the sun. But the problem with solar panels is they are expensive and difficult to transport, so they wouldnt be efficient or effective, she explained. Seeking alternatives, she did research into the power of carbon and how it could doubly harvest solar power and purify water. Carbon is often used in at-home water purification systems such as Brita filters. I work at The Scripps Research Institute and they use these mesh wipes called Berkshire Cleanroom Wipe Durx 670 to clean the rooms. If you dab water on a corner, it draws it up so quickly. I thought of coating the fabric in carbon powder to heat and purify the water, she said. Because of the carbon, when the bottom of the appliance gets wet, it is black as can be, and able to absorb sunlight really efficiently and raise the temperature to around 100 degrees Celsius. The appliance sits in the polluted water and the fabric draws up the water, heats it up and generates steam. The fabric is woven in an undulating pattern through slits in the foam to keep it afloat. Its able to draw-in water without becoming completely submerged. The foam appliance would last for two years before it would need to be replaced. But given the availability of materials, Sayeh said they could be built easily and cheaply (the Berkshire Cleanroom wipes can run as low as 15-cents each). Then came, the container. Sayeh said she needed to find a sturdy, clear material (so the sun could get through) that would be inexpensive and wouldnt turn yellow. After some brief research, she decided on clear acrylic and sent out designs for a prototype. When it arrived July 27, she immediately put it to the test. In a demonstration for La Jolla Light, she showed how the lid easily comes off, the lightweight foam/fabric appliance comes out, and dirty water goes in the basin, topped with the appliance. Within minutes of being outside despite a cloudy day the lid began to steam. You could take water from any source and refill it whenever you need to. Steam is the best way to distill water; not only does it get rid of pathogens, but it desalinates as well. So if people live near an ocean or a sea body, they could use this, she said. Now, on to fundraising Next, Sayeh said she would like to raise funds because she plans to make 150 SolarSave water purification systems by Thanksgiving and take them to Africa to distribute. She said a website and donation page will go live as soon as its developed. ELKHORN Cows may be a common sight in Walworth County, but until recently, a picture of a cow with a rainbow behind it wasnt typical. Jody and Beth Rendall are hoping that their use of this colorful bovine at the countys first ever pride fair will help solidify their message of acceptance for the LGBT community. The Rendalls, who run a nonprofit known as LGBT of Walworth County, will host the pride fair at the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. A rural experience According to Jody, the idea for the rainbow cow came from her desire to play up a country theme for the event given the agrarian feel of Walworth County. However, Jody admitted that in some ways, the rural nature of the county is what makes a pride fair necessary for the area. Unlike more metropolitan areas, Jody said that Walworth County offers fewer services to the LGBT community and many members tend to be withdrawn. Theres been kind of an unwritten dont ask dont tell around here, she explained. Since the inception of LGBT of Walworth County in 2011, however, Jody said shes already seen improvements. Its getting better, she said. Pride fair And the pride fair is a reflection of this. The Rendalls said that their organizations presence at events such as the Elkhorn Christmas parade and Elkhorns Octoberfest encouraged them to begin their own event. The fair will feature plenty of food as well as booths represented by LGBT friendly organizations and LGBT resources. Organizations such as the Wisconsin branch of the ACLU, the Walworth County Veteran Services and the Family Equality Council will all be present. Jody also said that there will be a calming tent created by the Lake Geneva Wellness Clinic as well as free, 20 minute AIDS testing from the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. Opportunities People can come to the fair for many different reasons. According to Beth, some people may come for food and social aspects, while others will utilize the resources. Some may come as allies for the LGBT community. But regardless of what brings them in, the Rendalls are hoping that those who attend come away with one important lesson. We just want to be accepted, Beth said. And acceptance, Jody said, comes from getting to know the community. Get to know us, she urged. Were part of this community. We have the same concerns as everyone else ... We are part of this community, and wed like to get along with other members of the community. True to this message, Jody said she invited both of the local political parties as well as the state and federal legislatures to attend the event. I want them to have the opportunity to talk with members of the LGBT community who are their constituents, and hear their concerns, she said. Stepping stone The Rendalls said that they hope this event will serve as a stepping stone for future endeavors by their organization. They hope to make the fair an annual event and find a permanent headquarters for their travelling organization that currently sets up shop in different municipalities for each meeting. But more than anything, the Rendalls said they hope the fair provides reassurance for the younger members of the LGBT community. Jody said she herself grew up in a rural county. I know what it was like for me, and I know the nervousness and the fear and the uncertainty that I felt, she said. I want it to be better for the next generation. I want things to be better for them. ELKHORN Walworth County may face some stresses from population growth and some benefits from an increase in jobs and training if the manufacturing company known as Foxconn makes good on its promise to build a display panel plant in a neighboring county. Though the exact location is still unknown, Foxconn representatives have said they envision the plants location in either Racine or Kenosha counties, with talk currently circulating around the village of Sturtevant in Racine County. The only requirement known so far, is that the plant would need to be able to access Lake Michigans watershed. The company has stated that the new plant would bring in at least 3,000 new jobs, with the potential for as many as 13,000 new jobs. A rural county With Walworth Countys close proximity to both Racine and Kenosha counties, the area would likely see some ripple effects from the plant. According to County Administrator David Bretl, though the specific impacts are not yet clear, it is likely the plant would bring more jobs and more housing to the area. You can kind of do some of this by reverse osmosis, Bretl hypothesized. We know when the Janesville plant (General Motors) closed, it impacted people in our county. Whereas the closing of GM led to people moving out of the county and fewer job opportunities, Bretl said he imagines that the creation of a new and bigger plant in Racine or Kenosha would have the opposite effect on Walworth County. However, unlike Racine and Kenosha counties, the agrarian nature of Walworth County makes potential growth a tricky subject. Growth has always been this sort of Jekyll and Hyde issue here, Bretl said. Though many Realtors and other businesses are excited for the growth, Bretl said that many people enjoy the rural feel of the county, and do not want to see this change. According to Bretl, neither option by itself is sustainable. There needs to be a balance between the two. And although Walworth County was growing quickly a few years ago, it has seen much slower growth in recent years, Bretl added. And this could be a good thing as Foxconn prepares to change some of the landscape in neighboring counties. Were used to whatever direction it goes, Bretl said. Labor force Walworth Countys labor force will also present possible opportunities for growth and stagnation if Foxconn comes to the area. Russ Kashian, a professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, said that he does have some concerns about the limited labor force in Walworth County. We have a relatively low unemployment rate, he said. On top of that, the ratio of the number of job openings advertised to available labor force is very low. Kashian did provide a caveat to this statement, however. I do see a possibility that the firms will attempt to attract workers from other industries, he said. In addition, being on the Illinois border, we can expect some commuting and relocations to the southern counties, including Walworth. And though the labor force is limited, technical schools are hoping to seize this opportunity to bulk it up. And according to Dr. Bryan Albrecht, the president and CEO of Gateway Technical College, Gateway plans on expanding some of the courses it already offers as well as providing new courses geared toward those seeking work at the Foxconn plant. Albrecht said that Gateway already offers courses in advanced manufacturing and hopes to soon add more innovative classes in areas like material science. Although the campuses, which are in Walworth, Racine and Kenosha counties, will fill as much space as they can, Albrecht said there is the possibility of new construction if the need outgrows current facilities. More jobs The specifics of what Foxconns impact would be on Walworth County are still unknown, but Bretl, Kashian and Albrecht all agreed that more jobs would definitely be mostly positive. Regardless of political affiliation, I think most people see growth as good things, Bretl said. And we can scrutinize the particulars after that. State legislators from Walworth County were eager to get to work on legislation that will clear the way for a $10 billion manufacturing plant to be built in either Kenosha or Racine counties. State Sen. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, and state Reps. Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva, and Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, said that the impacts of the enormous plant will be felt throughout Walworth County, both in real estate values and, possibly, in population as well. This is not just a game changer. For many people this will be a life changer, said Nass. He predicted the new plant will lift people into the middle class and provide families with an opportunity to increase their options in life. Air, rail and motor traffic will increase, said Nass. Tech schools will need to expand both in size and offerings. The plant will probably draw people up from Illinois. There will be commuters, but there will also be those who will seek homes in Wisconsin to be close to work, Nass said. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, on July 26, it was announced that Foxconn Technology Group pledged to invest $10 billion to build a plant that would make liquid crystal display panels used in computer screens, televisions and the dashboards of cars. The plant is expected to create 10,000 new construction jobs over the next four years, as well as 6,000 jobs related to the construction. Once completed, the plant would employ 3,000 workers with a potential to grow to up to 13,000 workers. Another 22,000 jobs The company also estimated that the plant would spur the creation of another 22,000 jobs created by suppliers and subcontractors locating near Foxconn. The company is looking at sites near Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant. Estimates put the size of the plant at 1,000 square acres, or roughly 1.5 square miles. The Associated Press reported that Gov. Scott Walker made the call Friday for the state Legislature to return in August. Walker and Foxconn CEO Terry Gou signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday for the factory to be built, contingent on the Legislature taking action. Nass said he learned of the Foxconn deal from the Senate leadership at a caucus meeting the day before the big announcement. Before that, Nass said, the information he had was essentially the same as what was on the street. The big negotiators were Trump, the governor and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Nass said. August said that the legislative process in reviewing and approving the draft legislation creating the incentives for Foxconn will be subject to public hearings. On the face of things, it looks pretty good, August said of the Foxconn proposal. It seems almost too good to be true. State media has reported that the proposed incentives amount to $3 billion over 15 years, provided the company meets certain employment goals. Incentives in cash According to the AP, the bulk of the $3 billion tax incentive package would be paid out in cash and not in tax credits, because Wisconsin already waives all taxes on manufacturing credits. The Legislature would have to approve having the state pay the company up to $200 million a year over 15 years. August said Lake Geneva is not too far from the two proposed sites and there are potential benefits for residents looking for work. There are a lot of jobs that were looking at, he said. The average salary has been pegged at $53,000 a year plus benefits. He said the governor has said that the tax credits are oriented only for jobs that pay $30,000 or more. This will give people a reason to move into Wisconsin, August said. Theyre going to need bodies, just for the construction, he said. Once the plant is built, it will be an incentive for people to stay in Wisconsin, he added. In addition to tax incentives, the state is also offering $150 million in sales tax relief. That will have to go before the Joint Committee on Tax Exemptions, which is co-chaired by August and state Sen. Dan Feyen, R-Fond du Lac. August said the committee is tasked with writing a report on the impacts of the proposed sales tax incentive. He said hes looking forward to examining the working parts of the governors proposed legislation. It puts Wisconsin on the map in a profound way, said Loudenbeck. It means that Wisconsin is now a place to invest in. Thats exciting, she added. We are close As for her district and Walworth County, we are close enough for some residential development, said Loudenbeck. When the plant is being built, Loudenbeck said she sees where the trades would benefit. The housing market will be impacted. More importantly, Wisconsin will become a place to live, she said. Weve got to get some young families here, Loudenbeck said. Getting people here and keeping them here will be fantastic. Nass said the state Legislature will have its work cut out for it. It will have to review and approve the rules for the tax breaks, establish tax increment finance districts if necessary and to pave the way for possible additional changes to the transportation network in southeastern Wisconsin, including new highways to service the new facility. Nass said that the state Legislature will be carefully watching the development of the agreement between the state and Foxconn. We cannot put the money out there and then hope the jobs come along, he said. We have to have accountability. At the risk of sounding partisan, said Nass, the states move to pass right to work legislation, repealing the prevailing wage law and lowering corporate taxes probably had something to do with attracting Foxconn. Generally the red tape that businesses have to cut through to locate in Wisconsin has been rolled back by the Republican dominated state Legislature. Not 10 years ago Its not the Wisconsin we knew 10 years ago, he said. We will need to do more to loosen regulations. Both Loudenbeck and August said they have been contacted by Gateway Technical College, which has campuses in Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties, about the kinds and volumes of training that will be required by the new plants employees. Erik Sjowall, chairman of the Wisconsin Realtors Association, Madison, issued a press release saying the association enthusiastically supports the announcement by Foxconn that it will build a multi-billion dollar flat panel screen plant in southeast Wisconsin. The association said that the $10 billion in capital investment and creation of up to 13,000 new jobs will transform the economy in southeast Wisconsin and throughout the state. Moreover, Wisconsin companies throughout the state would benefit from the estimated $1.4 billion in purchases of materials and products to support Foxconns manufacturing activities. We are excited to welcome Foxconn and the thousands of new employees and prospective homeowners to Wisconsin, Sjowall wrote. PRESS RELEASE Anti-Russia War Hype Hitting Fever Pitch In U.S. Media Aug. 1, 2017 (EIRNS)Certain U.S. news media outlets have been hyping the alleged threat that Russia supposedly presents to Eastern Europe over the past 24-48 hours, using the joint Russia-Belarus Zapad 2017 exercise scheduled for September as their starting point. One of the think tank experts in the middle of the war hype is Philip Karber, president of the Potomac Foundation in Washington, D.C. Karber was exposed in 2016 as one of the sources of fake intelligence about the war in southeast Ukraine that was being used by then-NATO commander Gen. Philip Breedlove to hype the supposed Russia threat. Karber is cited in coverage by both the New York Times and U.S.A Today in articles that appeared, yesterday, pushing the Russian military threat. "Russia is preparing to send as many as 100,000 troops to the eastern edge of NATO territory at the end of the summer" screamed the New York Times (Russia has reported that less than 20,00 will be involved). The focus is on the First Guards Tank Army, the command that was re-established in November 2014 and is expected to participate in the upcoming Zapad exercise. "Beyond Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election in support of the Trump campaign, which has seized attention in the United States," the Times hyperventilates, "its military has in recent years deployed forces to Syria, seized Crimea and intervened in eastern Ukraine, rattled the Baltic states with snap exercises and buzzed NATO planes and ships." The Times quotes commander of the U.S. Army Europe Gen. Ben Hodges claiming that the only purpose of the First Guards Tank Army is to conduct offensive operations, while Karber is quoted saying that its presence near the Polish frontier poses a dilemma for NATO: It can defend Poland or it can defend the Baltics but it cant do both in a short time. U.S.A Today, in its coverage, reported that the U.S. military is developing plans to provide lethal weaponry to Ukraine. The planning, U.S.A Today reports, "marks a change" in U.S. thinking about the conflict since it began in 2014, when Obama and Merkel said that providing weapons to Ukraine would provoke Russia. "But the Russians are doing all this anyway," and now threaten other NATO countries in Eastern Europe, Karber lies. "Theres a realization that there has to be a response, at least by the military," he said. Karber is calling on the U.S. to provide anti-tank weapons to the Kiev regime. In all of this there is hardly any mention that NATO is 1,000 km closer to Moscow than it was during the Cold War, or that the U.S. and EU backed the violent overthrow of the Ukraine government in 2014 by gangs of neo-Nazis, or that NATO is building up its own forces all along Russias western borders. PRESS RELEASE VP Pence Pushes Line about Russian Threat in Baltics and Georgia Aug. 1, 2017 (EIRNS)U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is using his tour of the Baltic states and Georgia to push the Anglo-American war agenda for against Russia. "A strong and united NATO is more necessary today than at any point since the collapse of communism a quarter-century ago and no threat looms larger in the Baltic states than the specter of aggression from your unpredictable neighbor to the east," Pence declared at a news conference with the three Baltic Presidents in Tallinn, yesterday. "Under President Donald Trump, the United States stands firmly behind our Article 5 pledge of mutual defense. An attack on one of us is an attack on us all." Pence pledged that President Trump would soon sign the Iran-Russia sanctions bill. The three Baltic Presidents welcomed Pences remarks and called for U.S. Patriot batteries to be deployed in their countries as well as additional NATO air policing of their airspace. Pence continued propagating the Russia threat in Georgia, today. "America stands with Georgia," Pence said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. "Today, Russia continues to occupy one-fifth of Georgian territory," Pence said, referring to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. "The United States supports Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," Pence said. "And under President Donald Trump, the United States of America will object to any claim at any time by any nation that undermines this enduring principle." Pence also expressed support for Georgias eventual accession into NATO. "Further progress on the goals that the prime minister has set will bring Georgia even closer and NATO even closer to your grasp and it will strengthen the bond between our nations," he said. PRESS RELEASE Will the U.S. Save Its Nuclear Industry, as Two out of Four Plants under Construction Are Put on Hold? Aug. 1, 2017 (EIRNS)Construction has been halted on two new nuclear power plants in South Carolina, it was announced by the utility owners yesterday. Completion of the two V.C. Summer AP1000 units had been put in limbo with the March bankruptcy of Westinghouse. Although four days ago, Toshiba, which owns Westinghouse, agreed to pay the utilities $2.168 billion to settle the contract, co-owner, state-owned utility Santee Cooper determined that, since that is not enough money to complete the plants, and further price increases for customers would be required, they will suspend construction. Co-owner South Carolina Electric & Gas, which had been considering the option of completing one unit, then had no choice, but to follow suit. There are numerous reasons why the cost of the two reactors could nearly double from the original estimate made nearly a decade ago. But the most fundamental is the state of the nuclear supply industry, which has not built a plant from scratch for 30 years. (The two Tennessee Valley Authority) plants that have come online over the past two decades were nearly-completed mothballed plants.) The broad problem, said Rich Powell, from the Clear-Path Foundation, is that "Weve let our nuclear industry atrophy for 30 years, and weve lost the robust supply chains and expertise needed." It is also the case that the AP1000 reactors, ordered for the South Carolina V.C. Summer project, and the Georgia Vogtle project, are new, Generation 3+ designs, with increased safety, and other improved features, and any first-of-a-kind project will almost always be over cost and behind schedule. But the fact that nuclear power plants have to "compete" with heavily subsidized "renewables" and with fracked natural gas means that new, more advanced nuclear technology, unable to "compete," would never be able to come online, at all. Santee Cooper has directed its management to "preserve and protect the site and related components," World Nuclear News reports. "During the wind-down," said Santee Cooper President Lonnie Carter, "Santee Cooper will also continue investigating federal support and additional partners to see if we can make the project economical again." The parent company of South Carolina Electric & Gas had also "reached out to other potential partners and pursued government support" but without success, CEO Kevin Marsh told investors. Policymakers can continue to complain and fear-monger over the global high-technology business that is being grabbed up by China and Russia, which includes the export of nuclear power plants, but these countries are really filling a vacuum left by a U.S. industry, which without a new policy from Washington, cant even build a couple of plants on home ground. Happy birthday, James Baldwin ! The pioneering author known for his novels Giovanni's Room and Another Country and his essay collections Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time, was born in New York on Aug. 2, 1924. Baldwin grew up in Harlem, the son of Emma Jones and the stepson of David Baldwin, a Baptist minister who was abusive to James and his eight younger half siblings. Baldwin served as a youth minister as an adolescent and was recognized by his teachers in school for his gift for writing. One of those teachers was Countee Cullen, a poet who gained fame during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, taught Baldwin in junior high and later became a mentor to the young writer. In the early 1940s, Baldwin moved to Greenwich Village and fell in with artists and writers, including Richard Wright. At 24, sick of the racism he experienced in America, coming to terms with his homosexuality and with a literary fellowship, Baldwin moved to France. For the rest of his life, he called France home, apart from stints in the U.S., where he was frequently invited to teach. Baldwin discussed his decision to leave the U.S. in a 1984 interview with the Paris Review. "It wasnt so much a matter of choosing France it was a matter of getting out of America," he said. "I didnt know what was going to happen to me in France, but I knew what was going to happen to me in New York. James Baldwin listens to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the culmination of the march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965. (Getty Images) Did you know? Baldwin made his literary debut in 1953 with Go Tell It on the Mountain, a novel inspired by his own childhood in Harlem and his ambivalent relationship with religion. The reviews were rapturous; the New York Times called it a beautiful, furious first novel. Three years later, Baldwin published Giovanni's Room, a novel about a young American living in Paris and his relationship with an Italian man. The book shocked many, who were not used to frank depictions of homosexuality in mainstream fiction. Baldwin would go on to write several more books over the next decades, including the influential essay collection "The Fire Next Time" in 1963 and the novel "If Beale Street Could Talk" in 1974. James Baldwin speaking at UC Berkeley, April 1979 (Los Angeles Times) The last two books Baldwin published in his lifetime were the essay collections "The Evidence of Things Not Seen" and "The Price of the Ticket" in 1985. In 1987, Baldwin died of cancer in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, where he had moved in 1970. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, responding to the news that Baldwin had died, said, "He was a great advocate of personal and racial freedom. He was one of the giants." Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing James Comey, the FBI director whose firing by President Trump earlier this year set off a political firestorm, will publish a book next spring with Flatiron Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers. Comey served as FBI director from 2013 until he was fired by Trump on May 9, 2017. He learned he had been dismissed by seeing a television news report while he was in Los Angeles, speaking with local FBI agents. The following month, he testified before Congress about his dismissal, claiming that Trump had lied about the reasons he fired Comey, and discussed memos he had written about his conversations with Trump. Advertisement While many Washington, D.C., leaders go on to write books about their experiences, few have had their note-taking so carefully examined before the contracts have been signed. Flatiron announced the book deal Wednesday morning. The news comes less than three weeks after the New York Times reported that Comey was planning to write a book and that several publishers had expressed interest in a deal with the former director. Throughout his career, James Comey has had to face one difficult decision after another as he has served the leaders of our country, Flatiron said in its news release. His book promises to take us inside those extraordinary moments in our history, showing us how these leaders have behaved under pressure. By doing so, Director Comey will give us unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in leadership itself. Its not clear whether Comey will write about his brief and apparently contentious relationship with Trump, although the publisher says Comey will use examples from some of the highest-stakes situations in the past two decades of American government in the book. Prior to becoming FBI director, Comey served as a U.S. Attorney and U.S. Deputy Attorney General. In 2003, as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, he was the lead prosecutor in the governments case against Martha Stewart, who was accused of obstruction of justice and securities fraud. Stewart was convicted and served five months in prison. Comeys book, which is as yet untitled, will be published in the spring of 2018. As Tesla begins ramping up production of its crucial Model 3 sedan, the company on Wednesday reported a second-quarter net loss of $401.4 million. The loss, which comes to $2.04 a share, was better than analysts had expected but still 37% higher than what the company reported in the same quarter last year. Tesla recorded revenue of $2.79 billion in the second quarter, up 34% from a year earlier. Advertisement The company said it used up $1.16 billion of cash during the quarter, but it has $3 billion cash on hand, enough for sufficient liquidity. Efraim Levy, equity analyst at CFRA, said he believes that will carry the company through 2017, but we do think a capital raise in 2018 is likely to support production of the Model 3. He retained his sell recommendation on the stock. The report comes days after the company began selling its long-awaited Model 3, which the earnings release called a huge milestone. The future of the company hangs on the Model 3, described as a mid-market car with a price range of $35,000 to $60,000. The company delivered the first 30 to buyers July 28, all of them Tesla employees. A hundred more will be built in August, 150 in September, followed by a ramp up to 5,000 a week by the end of December, the company said. Tesla, which sold 76,000 Model S and X luxury cars in 2016, said it plans to turn out 500,000 cars by the end of 2018. But to get there, Tesla faces six to nine months of manufacturing hell and production hell, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk told workers and reporters last week. If Model 3 sales meet Teslas expectations, the federal governments $7,500 consumer credit per vehicle will run out for its customers, with unknowable effects on Model 3 sales. The company is lobbying the California Legislature to make up the difference if the federal subsidies run out. A bill to spend $3 billion on electric car subsidies is currently in a state Senate committee. Musk told reporters last week that more than 500,000 people had put down $1,000 refundable reservations on a Model 3. Musk told stock analysts Wednesday the figure he gave was just a guess. The total actually is 455,000 when cancellations are subtracted, he said. Complaints about long waits for cancellation refunds are appearing on Twitter and other online forums. A Tesla spokeswoman said, At times, refund processing slows down when additional confirmation is needed to prevent fraud via identity theft. Since last weeks Model 3 introduction, the company said, its received about 1,800 new reservations a day. Aside from the Model 3, some investors and analysts wonder whether growth in Model S sales is tapped out. For this years second quarter, which ended in June, Tesla had reported 22,046 Model S and X deliveries. Thats 53% higher than the second quarter of 2016, the company said. It also marks four consecutive quarters of flat or declining unit growth. We expect Model S and Model X deliveries to increase in the second half of 2017, as compared to the first half of the year, Tesla said. The company said second-quarter deliveries would have been higher but for severe production problems involving new technology on a new battery production line. Those problems have been resolved, the company has said. Its unclear whether those problems are related to the departure of Kurt Kelty, senior director of battery technology at Tesla. Asked whether Kelty quit or was fired, a company spokesman offered a statement: We can confirm that Kurt Kelty has left the company to explore new opportunities and we want to thank him for everything hes done for Tesla. Kurts responsibilities will be distributed among Teslas existing teams. Kelty could not be reached for comment. Kelty was in charge of battery cells for Tesla. Cells are the basic components in an electric vehicle battery pack. The lithium-ion cells look similar to AA batteries, but a bit bigger. Hundreds or thousands of them are clustered and packed together to power modern electric vehicles. Tesla has a contract with Panasonic of Japan to manufacture cells at the Gigafactory. Kelty worked in research and development at Panasonic for 15 years before he joined Tesla in 2006. Tesla is locked in to a take-or-pay contract with Panasonic, which Kelty negotiated. That means Tesla is bound to purchase set amounts of cells at the negotiated price. Some analysts say lower cell prices from other manufacturers in Asia could put Teslas battery costs above those of competitors. Cell pricing is publicly opaque, however, and absent Tesla disclosures any effect would be hard for outsiders to determine. In a conference call, Musk said newly introduced solar roofs from the companys SolarCity arm have been installed on some Tesla employee rooftops, including on his own Bel Air residence. Solar power and battery storage currently make up a small percentage of Tesla revenue, but it has high hopes for both. Tesla shares rose $6.32, or 2%, to $325.89 on Wednesday before earnings were released. They rose 8% in after-hours trading. russ.mitchell@latimes.com Twitter: @russ1mitchell UPDATES: 3:55 p.m.: This article was updated with information from Teslas earnings call. This article was originally published at 2:35 p.m. After a string a box-office disappointments, the indie film company Broad Green Pictures is laying off about 15 workers and is shutting down its production division in an effort to refocus its business strategy, which still includes distribution. The layoffs at Broad Green account for 20% of its 75 employees. The Los Angeles company was founded in 2014 by brothers Gabriel and Daniel Hammond as a label that would create and distribute theatrical films through in-house development and production, as well as through acquisitions and partnerships. For the record: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the founding of Broad Green was in 1994. It was 2014. Broad Green has specialized in indie cinema and art-house fare but has recently expanded its reach to genre films in a bid to reach bigger audiences. Advertisement The internal restructuring, which was first reported by Deadline, comes as Broad Green is reeling from several box-office flops, including last months horror release Wish Upon. Other commercial disappointments include Bad Santa 2 and Terrence Malicks abstract art films Knight of Cups and Song to Song. The company has partnered with Amazon Studios to release titles such as Nicolas Winding Refns high-brow horror movie The Neon Demon and the Australian movie The Dressmaker, starring Kate Winslet. Its biggest commercial success to date is the 2015 drama A Walk in the Woods, starring Robert Redford, which grossed $29.5 million domestically. The upheaval doesnt bode well for Matt Alvarez, who was named head of production at Broad Green last year. Alvarez was a producer on Straight Outta Compton and came to Broad Green after a stint at Relativity Media, another film company that has fallen on hard times. david.ng@latimes.com @DavidNgLAT ALSO Production of TV pilots drops to seven-year low in L.A., but region retains its share Wonder Woman gives Time Warner earnings a boost TV news via Snapchat? Here are some ways broadcast news is trying to stay afloat UPDATES: 9:15 a.m.: This article has been corrected. A veterans group has sued the U.S. Transportation Department for delaying a rule that would have required airlines to track data on lost or damaged wheelchairs and scooters in the same way that carriers report lost or damaged luggage. Starting next year, airlines operating in the U.S. were expected to begin reporting when they had lost or damaged passengers wheelchairs and scooters. But the Transportation Department has delayed implementation of the rule until 2019, prompting a lawsuit by Paralyzed Veterans of America contending that the reporting would help fliers identify which carriers are most likely to lose or damage a wheelchair. Advertisement Airlines usually require passengers to have their wheelchairs or scooters stored in a planes cargo area. During the five-year period when the wheelchair rule was under consideration, dozens of travelers wrote to the Transportation Department citing examples of lost or damaged wheelchairs. Wheelchairs replace functionality and provide independence. Having your only means of leaving the plane get lost or damaged is demoralizing, David Zurfluh, president of Paralyzed Veterans of America, said in a statement. It is a significant issue for all travelers with mobility limitations, and one Paralyzed Veterans of America will not relent on until its fixed, he said. The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in the District of Columbia, says that delaying the rule without notice or allowing additional public input violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit says the agencys only explanation for the delay was that the Trump administration had called for a freeze on new regulations and that the rule would pose a challenge for the airline industry. The veterans group is asking the court to reinstate the original starting date of Jan. 1, 2018. The Transportation Department declined to comment on the lawsuit. Shortly after Donald Trump took office, his then chief of staff, Reince Priebus, asked all federal agencies to delay the effective date of new regulations by up to 60 days for further review. An airline industry group told the Transportation Department that a delay to the rule would be in the spirit of the Priebus request. The agency responded by delaying the rule by one year to Jan. 1, 2019. hugo.martin@latimes.com To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter. ALSO Theres a new go-to website to reserve campsites and tours at California State Parks The five words you never want to say when youre paying by credit card in a foreign country National Geographic Quest sets sail for adventure and exploration in southeastern Alaska Qatar Airways says it is dropping an attempt to buy a big stake in American Airlines, an audacious bid that had received a chilly reception from American. Qatar Airways said Wednesday that the investment no longer meets its objectives. American Airlines said it respected Qatars decision to withdraw, and added that the turnabout would not make any difference in Americans plans. Advertisement Qatar said in June that it planned to buy an initial stake of up to 4.75% of Americans stock, but Fort Worth, Texas-based American said Qatars goal was a 10% stake. It was an odd move. The two airlines are on opposite sides of a nasty fight that has big U.S. carriers complaining that they are unfairly undercut on fares because, they say, Qatar and two other fast-growing Middle East airlines get illegal subsidies from their governments. Qatar Airways had said it wanted to be a passive investor and not take an active role in setting strategy at American, the worlds biggest airline. But on Wednesday, Qatar said it changed its mind after a review of the deals finances and Americans reaction. American Chief Executive Doug Parker had given a chilly public response to the overture, calling it puzzling and not particularly exciting. Parker said Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker approached him about an investment during a secret meeting at an airline-industry conference in Mexico. Parker vowed that despite the prospect of Qatar becoming a large shareholder, American would continue to fight Qatar, Emirates and Etihad Airways over the allegations of unfair government subsidies. The Middle Eastern airlines deny getting illegal subsidies. In July, American ratcheted up the tension by announcing that it was dropping seat-selling partnerships with Qatar and Etihad because of the subsidies dispute. Qatar said Wednesday that it would continue to look for opportunities to invest in airlines around the world to develop the best possible travel experience for its customers. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. fell 65 cents, or 1.3%, to $50.41 in midsession trading. New Yorks state insurance regulator is investigating last weeks revelation that Wells Fargo & Co. forced auto insurance policies on borrowers who didnt need them a matter thats also drawing attention from Democrats on Capitol Hill. The San Francisco bank acknowledged it charged 570,000 auto-loan borrowers for the unnecessary insurance. Now, the New York Department of Financial Services has subpoenaed records from Wells Fargo and its insurance provider, National General Insurance Co., over those policies. The department does not regulate Wells Fargo, but does oversee National Generals operations in the state. A department spokesman confirmed subpoenas were served late Tuesday but otherwise declined comment. Reuters reported the move early Wednesday. Advertisement Representatives for Wells Fargo and National General did not respond to requests for comment. The policies, called collateral protection insurance, are only supposed to be issued when auto-loan borrowers have not bought insurance of their own. In some cases, the bank admitted it did properly notify customers about the policies. And in about 20,000 cases, the added cost of the insurance led borrowers to default and have their cars repossessed. The bank said it would pay $80 million in refunds and restitution to harmed customers. The bank said it identified the issue itself last year and stopped the practice in September. A day before the bank announced its remediation plans, the New York Times reported on the unneeded insurance policies, citing a report prepared for the bank by a consulting firm. Already, consumer lawsuits seeking class-action status have been filed against the bank. The New York financial services department is the first government agency to publicly look into the matter, though it may not be the last. Last year, after Wells Fargo reached a $185-million settlement with federal regulators and the city and county of Los Angeles over its creation of millions of unauthorized checking, savings and credit card accounts, other government agencies announced their own investigations into the banks practices. The California Department of Insurance last year also opened an investigation into allegations that Wells Fargo had signed up customers for Prudential life insurance policies without their consent. Spokeswoman Nancy Kincaid said Tuesday the department is looking into a number of allegations against Wells Fargo, though she declined to comment on whether the auto-insurance policies were among them. As with the unauthorized accounts scandal, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are getting involved. Democratic members of the House and Senate banking committees sent letters on Tuesday to their respective committee chairmen, asking for public hearings with testimony from Wells Fargo Chief Executive Tim Sloan and Chairman Stephen Sanger. Democrats wrote that they wanted to inquire about several issues, including the insurance matter and other allegations that have surfaced in the 11 months since the bank reached its $185-million regulatory settlement. Many Committee members have sought additional information from Wells Fargo about these developments, with varying degrees of success, the letter stated. A hearing would give members the opportunity to hear directly from the banks top leadership about these developments. Committee staff did not respond to a request for comment. The requests for hearings come as Democrats also seek to derail Republican plans to ease financial regulations and defang the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Democrats have held up Wells Fargo as an example of why strict financial regulations and consumer protections should be kept in place. In particular, they have used the banks practice of pushing consumer disputes out of court and into private arbitration as an example of why a new rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and staunchly opposed by Republicans and a key Trump appointee should be allowed to stand. In a party-line vote, House Republicans voted last week to scrap the rule before it takes effect. The Senate has yet to vote on the measure. james.koren@latimes.com Follow me: @jrkoren Heres something to chew on. A Venice compound owned by Jim Offield, an heir to the Wrigley chewing gum fortune, and his wife, sexual health entrepreneur Sujo Offield, has come on the market for $12.95 million. Found in the Windward Circle neighborhood, the property comprises three parcels with a modern-style main house and a guesthouse/duplex. The main residence, designed by architect Frederick Fisher and built in 2003, has an art museum vibe with wide gallery walls, sunlit living spaces and vaulted ceilings. In the salon, hand-carved teak doors imported from Thailand conceal the home theater. Advertisement Formal living and dining rooms, a galley-style chefs kitchen, an office/den, three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms lie within the 4,740 square feet of living space. Exotic fixtures and a square stone soaking tub highlight the master suite. A central courtyard, which features newly added pavers and magnolia trees, creates additional living space outdoors. Another fenced courtyard sits off the entry. The main house and guesthouse, which has three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 694 square feet, are offered individually for $10.95 million and $2 million, respectively. Aaron Kirman and Ashley Wolf of John Aaroe Group hold both listings. Jim Offield is the great-grandson of William Wrigley Jr., who founded the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company in 1891. In 2008, the company was sold to Mars, the makers of M&Ms, in a $23-billion deal. Sujo Offield is the owner of OneTaste, a health and sexual wellness company that provides, among other things, orgasmic meditation services. neal.leitereg@latimes.com Twitter: @LATHotProperty MORE FROM HOT PROPERTY: Kevin Costner trims his asking price for ocean bluff property in Carpinteria Chargers star Antonio Gates moves his home field to Encino with $7-million purchase Ed Norton lands John Lautners Stevens House for $11.8 million half its original asking price Life at this Bird Streets address means indoor swings, two bars and jetliner views Moves by business giants Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. to stop people from using censorship-skirting apps in China have renewed questions about the extent to which U.S. companies are willing to work with authorities to operate in the vast but tightly controlled Chinese market. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook defended the companys decision to remove dozens of apps designed to circumvent censorship from the Chinese version of its app store. In an earnings call Tuesday, Cook said China tightened its rules on virtual private networks, or VPNs, in 2015 and was now making a renewed push to enforce them. Advertisement We would obviously rather not remove the apps, but like we do in other countries, we follow the law wherever we do business, he said. By helping Chinese authorities curb the use of many popular VPNs, U.S. tech companies are seen as helping the Communist Party bolster what is already the worlds most elaborate and sophisticated censorship regime, often called the Great Firewall. In addition to blocking the likes of Google and Facebook, Chinas censors shape what is published online, pull content deemed politically sensitive and, according to a recent study, even intercept images sent via chat apps. Cook argued that pulling some apps is better than entirely pulling out of the market. We strongly believe that participating in markets and bringing benefits to customers is in the best interest of the folks there and in other countries as well, he said. And so we believe in engaging with governments even when we disagree. Amazon was in the spotlight Wednesday after disclosures that its Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology, sent emails to clients advising them to delete tools used to circumvent censorship. The news was first reported by the New York Times. An employee said Sinnet sent emails Friday and again Monday warning clients that they must eliminate any content that violates Chinese laws. The instructions came from Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the employee said. On Wednesday, calls to Amazon Web Services China office went unanswered. (Amazon founder and Chief Executive Jeffrey Bezos owns the Washington Post.) When Chinas first and only winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Liu Xiaobo, died in state custody last month, news of his death was all but scrubbed from the Web in that country. On some platforms, even the candle emoji was blocked. To get around these restrictions, millions of Chinese individuals and businesses use VPNs. The countrys government knows this but has let the practice continue, to an extent in part because it is good for business and helps academic research. It is not yet clear how the latest drive to regulate VPNs will play out. In the earnings call, Apples Cook emphasized that his company had removed some apps, but not all. The fact that many VPNs remain could mean the government is focused on regulating the VPN industry, not eliminating it altogether. For a sector focused on privacy, thats still bad news. Apple claims to just follow the law, but its just a convenient excuse, said a man who goes by the pseudonym Martin Johnson. Johnson is co-founder of GreatFire.org, a website that monitors Chinas Internet filtering and maintains an app to help Internet users get past the restrictions. In fact, he said, they are actively helping the Chinese government expand its control globally. When Apple removes an app from the app store of a given country, it affects all users who have registered with an address in that country, regardless of their physical location, he added. This means that, thanks to Apple, Beijing gets a degree of control of Chinese citizens anywhere in the world. The move comes as China tightens restrictions on both Internet users and technology companies a broader strategy to consolidate President Xi Jinpings power and counter foreign influence. The recent crackdown could also be timed to coincide with the 19th party congress next month. China typically enhances security and government control during times of political sensitivity. Rauhala writes for the Washington Post. Two former Palantir Technologies engineers appear to be in charge of Palmer Luckeys new defense technology start-up Anduril Industries, according to newly reviewed regulatory filings. Luckey, a Long Beach native acclaimed for catalyzing the nascent virtual reality technology industry by founding Oculus VR, has said his new venture could do the same for the defense industry. We are spending more than ever on defense technology, yet the pace of innovation has been slowing for decades, he told the New York Times in a brief statement in early June. Advertisement Beyond that, Luckey has said little publicly about Andurils makeup or ambitions since its founding April 20. He left Facebooks Oculus division in late March for unspecified reasons. His role at Anduril is unclear. But registration documents filed with California in late June list Brian W. Schimpf as chief executive and Matthew M. Grimm as chief operating officer. The documents also point to a small office at an Irvine business park as the companys headquarters, though the Times found only a mail service firm there. LinkedIn profiles for Schimpf and Grimm show they spent at least years six together at Palantir, where they described their job as tweaking the companys data analysis software to meet client desires. Palantirs clients include law enforcement agencies and corporations that want to search through multiple sets of information with ease. The sensitive nature of the work has made Palantir one of Silicon Valleys most secretive and highly valued companies. Both Schimpf and Grimm note that they have bachelors degrees from Cornell University. They were both on a Cornell team that competed unsuccessfully in the Defense Departments annual competition to develop an autonomous vehicle that can race across rough desert terrain. That Luckey would connect with people with ties to Palantir isnt surprising. Palantir was kickstarted with funding from Peter Thiel, whose Founders Fund venture capital firm was set to invest in Luckeys new firm, according to the New York Times report. The Thiel connection is evident in Andurils name too. Thiel investment funds and companies, including Palantir, are known for borrowing from the fantasy book series Lord of the Rings. Anduril, as fans of the books know, was the sword referred to as the flame of the West, forged from the remains of the weapon that cut the ring of power from Saurons finger. The freshly cast weapon became a symbol of the one true king. Incorporation documents for Anduril dont designate a price for the 20 million authorized shares of the start-up, suggesting that if Founders Fund has already invested, it has probably been in the form of a loan that could later be converted into stock. Anduril and Thiel didnt respond to requests for comment. The companys name came to light last week when CNN and other media outlets reported that U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Texas Republican, had used data from Anduril as a foundation for proposed legislation. A bill that Hurd and other lawmakers introduced last week calls for the Department of Homeland Security to research a smart wall along the U.S.-Mexico border before erecting a traditional one. Citing Luckey, Hurd said a high-tech wall would run about 2% of the cost of standard proposals. The pair visited the Texas-Mexico border together in June, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Andurils jobs website says the company is seeking engineers with expertise in sensors, cameras, radars, robotics and flying objects. A combination of such technologies deployed along a border could allow a computer to automatically detect activity, alert law enforcement and track further movement. Luckey, 24, left Facebook under a cloud of controversy. Oculus has repeatedly reduced the price for its year-old virtual reality headset, which points to weaker-than-predicted demand. He was implicated in a trademark misuse lawsuit that left Oculus on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars after a jury verdict in February. And consumers and Oculus business partners had decried Luckeys donations to a conservative political organization during last years presidential election. Thiel has President Trumps ear. Trump made fortifying the border a key part of his presidential platform. The venture capitalists former chief of staff is a top technology advisor at the White House, and Thiel has played a role in bringing together tech executives to meet with Trump and other White House leaders. paresh.dave@latimes.com / PGP Twitter: @peard33 Times staff writers Christina Bellantoni, Alexa DAngelo and Mary McNamara contributed to this report. UPDATES: 5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information about Anduril Industries executives and offices. This article was originally published at 3:00 a.m. However unlikely to budge the Doomsday Clock a nanosecond away from the present 2 minutes-to-midnight brink-of-nuclear-war mark, an instance of international cooperation at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday night meant that Russian relations dont have to evoke only mistrust, sanctions and reprisals. On short notice, Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla canceled her eagerly awaited last appearance as associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic because of illness. Her replacement was the Russian conductor Vasily Petrenko, who was scheduled to conduct on Thursday and who graciously retained the original Tuesday program. There are some interesting career parallels between the two conductors. Last year at age 30, the Lithuanian Grazinyte-Tyla became the first female music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Eleven years earlier and just 100 miles away, Petrenko was an equally dashing 30-year-old who rose quickly from obscurity when he became the youngest-ever principal conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic. Advertisement Coincidentally, Petrenko, who is now also chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic, got himself in trouble a few years ago when he offhandedly noted to a Norwegian newspaper that a cute girl on a podium means that musicians think about other things. He quickly took back the remark, explaining about something getting lost in translation and that he was speaking about Russia. Presumably, he knows from whence he speaks, his wife having, like him, been trained as a conductor in St. Petersburg. Although there were momentary calls from feminists for Petrenko to resign in Liverpool, he proved far too popular for that. His career has otherwise been going nowhere but up. The Liverpool Philharmonic had been in the doldrums when he arrived, and he made it special again. He has become a go-to conductor for recording Russian repertory, with his Shostakovich symphony cycle with Liverpool on Naxos a deservedly special favorite. He has had fine results with the L.A. Phil since his debut with the orchestra in 2010. Still, on Tuesday Petrenko found himself facing a sizable Bowl audience that had hoped to see todays most-talked-about female conductor lead a program of audience favorites on a balmy night. Indeed, the main work, Tchaikovskys First Piano Concerto, is likely the most played concerto throughout the Bowls 95-year history. Last year, the L.A. Phil opened its Bowl season with Lang Lang playing Tchaikovskys score as though fascinatingly flashy putty in his hands (and Gustavo Dudamel giving him license to do so). This time the soloist was Beatrice Rana, a 24-year-old Italian pianist who asks for no license whatsoever. She already has a substantial recording career, and her impressive and beautiful new release of Bachs Goldberg Variations has gotten a lot of attention for its seriousness and depth. She is intently serious in the Tchaikovsky, as well, dutifully so were it not for her innate musicality. Her tone is commanding. She strives to make each phrase sound important, whether it is or not. She eschews playfulness and grandiosity. Her only showiness is in showing how the music works, its inner lines and structure. She is not a romantic and places herself at the opposite end of the expressive spectrum of such other young star pianists as Yuja Wang and Khatia Buniatishvili. Petrenko may not have seen eye-to-eye with her. With a broad stick technique and lack of shyness about showing a little flair, he can be a sweeper-up of big effects. He went in for oomph and seductive lyricism. The common middle ground between the two was compromise that maybe didnt always excite but that did show that common ground is often better than the alternative. The program was bookended by Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun as the warmup, La Mer to conclude. In neither did Petrenko seem quite comfortable damping down drama. La Mer felt less like a sea shown in its mystery than a dangerous place, with the conductor as captain of a cruise ship navigating new globally warmed icebergs. It was rough going. Instead, two little Sibelius pieces right after intermission surprisingly best revealed what all the Petrenko fuss is about. Scene With Cranes did have a quiet mystery, producing a rare hush over the Bowl, while Valse Triste had just the right melancholy lilt. Petrenko returns Thursday with his own program of Strauss, Hummel and Brahms. mark.swed@latimes.com True Detective season three, starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, is officially confirmed at HBO By Sarah Rodman Mahershala Ali accepting his Oscar for Moonlight. The actor will star in the third season of the HBO drama True Detective (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) During the HBO executive session at the summer edition of the Television Critics Assn. press tour, programming president Casey Bloys confirmed reports that Moonlight Oscar winner Mahershala Ali would star in a third season of True Detective. Although he was mum at the time on when it might happen, he did say that he had read five scripts and thought they were terrific. Thursday night, the premium pay cabler released a statement officially confirming that the series will indeed return for a third installment. While no episode count or premiere date was included in the release, an enclosed synopsis stated that the next iteration of the show tells the story of a macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks, and a mystery that deepens over decades and plays out in three separate time periods. Ali will star as Wayne Hays, a state police detective from northwest Arkansas. (Ali follows in the footsteps of season one stars, and continuing executive producers, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, and season twos Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn. No word yet on whether hell have a partner.) The show will once again be helmed by creator Nic Pizzolatto, who penned all the episodes of the upcoming series, save the fourth, which he co-wrote with David Milch (Deadwood, NYPD Blue). He will share directing duties with fellow executive producer Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin.) Im tremendously thrilled to be working with artists at the level of Mahershala and Jeremy, said Pizzolatto in a statement. I hope the material can do justice to their talents, and were all very excited to tell this story. Bloys noted that Nic has written truly remarkable scripts. With his ambitious vision and Mahershala Ali and Jeremy Saulnier aboard, we are excited to embark on the next installment of True Detective. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newly reopened Angels Flight has long been a popular L.A. shooting location By Mark Olsen Its among the more unusual landmarks in Los Angeles, a short, steep railway that gets people up and down a single hill. So it makes sense that Angels Flight has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years. Angels Flight resumed regular service Thursday after being closed since 2013 (it did operate for one day of shooting on La La Land). It remains to be seen if it starts to appear again in movies and television shows. (Not that it ever really stopped.) Speaking to The Times at last years Toronto International Film Festival, La La Land star Ryan Gosling reflected on the use of historic locations in the movie. This was an opportunity to show an L.A. thats still there.... Youve got to squint your eyes a little, but there are still places in L.A. that are still part of the golden years of Los Angeles when Hollywood was in its heyday, Gosling said. I lived around the corner for a long time from Angels Flight and Grand Central Market, although I never got to ride Angels Flight because it had been shut down, Gosling added. Those places are still there... these gems that are there, and we were able to shoot them one by one. Angels Flight reopened on Thursday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) The small piece of land next to the top of Angels Flight, known as Angels Knoll, was also prominently featured in (500) Days of Summer. The location has appeared in a wide variety of movies over the years, as early as 1916s Good Night, Nurse, 1918s Up She Goes and 1920s All Jazzed Up. It has also had high-profile cameos in Act of Violence (1949), M (1951), Kiss Me Deadly (1955), The Exiles (1961), The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies (1963) -- all the way up to to 2011s The Muppets and last years La La Land. And on television, Angels Flight has been seen on Perry Mason, Dragnet and the recent series Bosch. READ MORE: Angels Flight: How it works and what its been through in its 100-year history Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jamie Foxx announces telethon for Harvey relief By Libby Hill (Andrew Krech / News & Record via Associated Press) A new stream of celebrity support for victims of Hurricane Harvey opened Wednesday, as Jamie Foxx announced that a telethon fundraiser is in the works. In an Instagram post where the actor revealed his own donation of $25,000 to GlobalGiving, Foxx also shared preliminary plans for the upcoming benefit. From a fellow Texan, my heart goes out. My prayers go out, Foxx, from Terrell east of Dallas, said. September 12 we have a telethon that were doing. Well give you more details, so we can raise as much money as we can for everybody down there. View Instagram post Scooter Braun, talent manager and mastermind of One Love Manchester, is helming the event along with rapper and Houston native Bun B. TMZ reported that Foxx, Reese Witherspoon, Blake Shelton, Hilary Duff and Michael Strahan are all involved with the project, with commitments from the four major broadcast networks to air the special for an hour on Sept. 12. In an interview with TMZ, Bun B said that fellow Houston natives Beyonce and Jim Parsons are high on his wish list for the telethon. The outlet also reported that Bun B would only want President Trumps presence if it was via a show of unity with other former presidents. Solange also announced Wednesday that she will be holding a benefit show at Bostons Orpheum Theatre on Sept. 28. Featuring the Sun Ra Arkestra, the performance is titled Orions Rise and all proceeds will go to Hurricane Harvey relief. View Instagram post Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gwyneth Paltrows love life? Yeah, she admits shes screwed up plenty of relationships By Libby Hill Gwyneth Paltrow takes full responsibility for her romantic failings. She admitted as much in a recent interview with the podcast Girlboss Radio, during which Paltrow went deep on some of her lost loves. Oh, my god, Ive [screwed] up so many relationships, so many, Paltrow said. Im actually a pretty good friend and a good sister and a daughter and a mother, but I am at my potentially most vulnerable in the romantic slice of the pie. So its taken me a lot of work to get to the place where I have a good romantic relationship. Paltrow consciously uncoupled from ex-husband Chris Martin in 2014 after 10 years of marriage and has been romantically linked to American Horror Story creator Brad Falchuk for the past three years. On Girlboss Radio, Paltrow sent a shout-out to former beau Brad Pitt, whom she dated from 1994 through 1997, and was at one point engaged to. I [screwed] that up, Brad, Paltrow said. Paltrow also delved into her experiences as founder and CEO of her lifestyle brand Goop, sharing that once shes in the boardroom with investors, no one cares if shes a celebrity. I go into the room, and for the first 90 seconds, Im Gwyneth Paltrow, she said. And theyre like, Oh, my god, my wife loves you .... And then, about 90 seconds later, Im just getting grilled like anyone else. But she doesnt get offended; she relishes the challenge. It was such a beautiful chapter of my life when I started raising [venture capital financing], because it knocked me down so many pegs. I was like, Oh, Im, like, no one. Im nothing. This [stuff] is real. I have to know the most granular aspects of my business and be able to defend it. The celebrity just completely drains out of the room. Its irrelevant, she said. Paltrows full conversation with Sophia Amoruso can be streamed at Girlboss. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Longtime Simpsons composer Alf Clausen fired from the show after 27 years By Randall Roberts When the 29th season of The Simpsons premieres in the fall, it will, for the first time in decades, be doing so without its longtime musical contributor, Alf Clausen. Clausen, who composed the Fox animated shows incidental music, was told that the show was looking for a different kind of music moving forward, according to Variety. Clausen confirmed his firing via Twitter. Thank you for all of the support...unfortunately, the news is true... https://t.co/jBQH0b40cz Alf Clausen (@TheAlfClausen) August 31, 2017 The composers orchestral scores supported the familys foibles since the shows primitively drawn early days. And although The Simpsons theme song was penned by Danny Elfman, the sonic feel of the series has been defined by Clausens grandiose, often epic productions. Hes responsible for scoring Mr. Burns breakout See My Vest moment and crafted the tunes for the Springfield musical theater companys A Streetcar Named Desire adaptation. Ditto The Planet of the Apes musical. In short, nearly every classic music moment of The Simpsons has featured Clausens fingerprints. On Twitter, fans thanked Clausen for his work while expressing outrage at the circumstances surrounding his departure. Fired over the phone, yet, wrote one user. Clausen quickly corrected him with a one-word reply: Email ... On Thursday, producers for The Simpsons issued a statement to Variety. It stressed that Clausen will continue to contribute to the series: We tremendously value Alf Clausens contributions to The Simpsons and he will continue to have an ongoing role in the show. We remain committed to the finest in music for The Simpsons, absolutely including orchestral. The statement concluded: This is the part where we would make a joke but neither Alfs work nor the music of The Simpsons is treated as anything but seriously by us. Update, 1:16 p.m.: This story was updated with a statement from The Simpsons. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Instead of statues, Trevor Noah and Roy Wood Jr. have another idea for honoring Confederate history By Chris Barton With the country still reeling from the harrowing impact of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Wednesday nights Daily Show looked at one of the summers ongoing controversies: Confederate monuments. Occasionally setting aside the shows usual comedic tone, Trevor Noah enlisted correspondent Roy Wood Jr. to consider whether these statues honor Southern heritage, as their supporters claim, or the nations history and lingering problem with racism. After showing a montage of guests on network news shows who reminded viewers that these statues were erected during the Jim Crow era, decades after the Civil War, Wood equated slavery to another tragedy. Its like if a woman got out of an abusive relationship and then she had to keep pictures of her ex up in her house to remember the time, a straight-faced Wood explained. No, I dont need pictures to remember pain. People say, We want to remember the history of the Civil War, Noah added. Theres an easier way to remember what happened in the Civil War: Just walk around in the South. And if you see free black people, then you know what happened. Watch the segment above. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gloria Gaynor sings to Texas Harvey victims: You will survive By Christie DZurilla (Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images) Gloria Gaynor wants people affected by Harvey to know they will survive, and shes communicating that message through a new version of the song that has defined her career. Gaynor, whose I Will Survive became an anthem over the years, rewrote the 1978 disco hit to reach out to victims in Texas and posted her rendition on social media Wednesday. Hi, my neighbors in Texas, she said in a video shot while she sat at a piano she was about to play. This is Gloria Gaynor with a song that hopefully will cheer you up just a little bit. @SylvesterTurner @rashivats @SallyMacFox26 @TheRitaGarcia @kaitlinmonte @ChrisdyannUribe @MsCoCoDominguez @JMartinFOX26 TX WILL SURVIVE pic.twitter.com/FCNOnDr85o Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) August 30, 2017 Here are the tweaked lyrics, for those who dont want to hit play with the sound on. First we were afraid We were petrified Thinking Texas couldnt live With floodwaters this high We know you spent plenty of time Preparing for this hurricane Who couldve known that it would come With so much devastating rain But we will strive And youll survive With all our love and help and prayers We will stay strongly by your side We are your neighbors tried and true Well do all we can for you And youll survive You will survive, you will survive Similarly on Monday night, Coldplay unleashed a new original song written after the band was forced to cancel its Friday show in Houston with Hurricane Harvey bearing down. This is a new song, and well never play it again, frontman Chris Martin told an audience in Miami. Its a once-off. Its called Houston. Were going to sing it in Miami for everybody here, and then were going to send it over there to everyone who missed the show. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation donates $1 million to Harvey recovery By Christie DZurilla (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Leonardo DiCaprio has stepped up with a $1-million donation to aid the victims of Hurricane Harvey, now a tropical storm, which has dumped historic levels of rain on the Gulf Coast over the last several days. United Way Worldwide announced Wednesday that it has started the United Way Harvey Recovery Fund with a seven-figure donation from the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The money 100% of it, according to the charity will go to help victims of flooding with mid- and long-term recovery over the coming years. There are 23 United Ways that operate in the path of the storm, which made landfall Aug. 24. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Leonardo DiCaprio and his foundation, United Way Worldwide President and CEO Brian Gallagher said in a statement. Responding to Hurricane Harvey requires the best of all of us and thats what this gift represents. DiCaprio has been urging support of the United Way and American Red Cross this week on his Twitter account and retweeting stories talking about Harvey and climate change. Di Caprios foundation has been committed to climate-related issues and environmental projects since 1998, Terry Tamminen, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a statement. We support efforts to build climate resilient communities and protect vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems across the planet, and have supported disaster relief and victim funds in the past. We hope others will step up and support the United Way and other organizations. Earlier this week, Sandra Bullock, who has a home in Texas, gave $1 million to the American Red Cross, repeating the lump-sum generosity she showed after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. Ellen DeGeneres was also in the seven-figure donation tier. The comic and talk-show host dropped $1 million in the relief bucket on Wednesday via J.J. Watts foundation. The effort by the Houston Texans star player topped $10 million on Thursday, with Watt chronicling its progress all week via videos on social media. Update, 8:50 a.m.: This post was updated with information about DeGeneres donation to Watts fund. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A Star Is Born: Chris Tucker turns 45 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Iris Schneider / Los Angeles Times) I had a dream as a kid: I wanted to be big, big like Richard [Pryor] and Eddie [Murphy]. I imagined it. I studied it. I had a passion. Chris Tucker, 2001 FROM THE ARCHIVES: In a Big Rush Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Springsteen on Broadway was born to run, is extended through February By Libby Hill Bruce Springsteens solo shows on Broadway have been extended through February, just hours after the original run sold out. (Greg Allen / Invision/Associated Press) Good news for Bruce Springsteen fans who were locked out of purchasing tickets Wednesday morning for his upcoming run of shows on Broadway. Ticketmaster announced that Springsteen on Broadway, an intimate stage experience that launches in October and features the rock legend performing solo, will be extending for 10 additional weeks. Originally scheduled to close in November, the show was extended through February after the original block of tickets sold out in a matter of minutes Wednesday. "#SpringsteenBroadway has been EXTENDED! the ticket outlet tweeted, with a follow-up tweet explaining that fans who had previously registered to purchase tickets will not have to register again. #SpringsteenBroadway has been EXTENDED! More information coming today. There will NOT be any additional codes released for today's onsale. pic.twitter.com/xGY3rj3Yrl Ticketmaster (@Ticketmaster) August 30, 2017 #SpringsteenBroadway extended run information YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER AGAIN! NEW #VerifiedFan registration: https://t.co/2xNBBhcVES pic.twitter.com/FT3mLaTLPV Ticketmaster (@Ticketmaster) August 30, 2017 Springsteen will be performing at New York Citys Walter Kerr Theater, which houses fewer than 1,000 seats. To curtail ticket scalping, Ticketmaster relied on its Verified Fan program. The program forces fans to register to even have an opportunity to purchase tickets and are limited to two tickets per purchase. For all of Ticketmasters efforts, resale sites already are flooded with Springsteen on Broadway tickets, with some reaching $10,000 apiece. Fans interested in trying their luck for the second batch of performance dates will need to register with Ticketmaster Verified Fan by Sept. 3 (at 7 p.m. Pacific). Tickets will be available for purchase 10 a.m. Pacific on Sept. 7. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Sandra Bullock donates $1 million to Harvey relief efforts By Libby Hill Sandra Bullock donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for storm relief. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) With the Gulf Coast still battling the aftereffects of Tropical Storm Harvey, celebrities continue to come forward to help with relief efforts for the humanitarian crisis. Sandra Bullock, who has a home in Texas, donated $1 million to the American Red Cross emergency efforts, the organization confirmed to The Times on Wednesday. We are so thankful for the overwhelming and generous response from those who want to help those affected by this devastating storm, Elizabeth Penniman, vice president of communications for American Red Cross national headquarters, said in an email. Massive disasters like Hurricane Harvey create many critical and immediate needs, so we are heartened by donations like this which allow us to provide immediate shelter, food and comfort to thousands in need, Penniman continued. The entertainment community has been so supportive to the Red Cross in response to this devastating disaster, and we are so grateful. Bullock is just the latest star who has donated to recovery efforts in Texas. The Kardashian family pledged $500,000 to the Salvation Army and Red Cross on Tuesday. Kevin Hart also spearheaded a celebrity-driven fundraising campaign on Crowdrise that has brought in more than $1 million for the Red Cross. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Corinne Olympios wants DeMario Jackson to know she doesnt blame him for anything By Christie DZurilla Corinne Olympios doesnt have any hard feelings toward DeMario Jackson, the fellow Bachelor in Paradise cast member who was with her at the center of a scandal that shut down production on the reality TV series in June. I dont blame DeMario. I never pointed fingers at DeMario. I never said a bad word about DeMario, the 25-year-old told host Chris Harrison in an early-August taped interview that aired Tuesday night on ABC. She and Jackson havent spoken since production was halted after allegations of misconduct were made by a producer, leading to an investigation of what happened during a period when, Olympios now says, she was blacked out. I was almost a little bit nervous to talk to [DeMario], because he did run to the media and I didnt want to add fuel to the fire, she said. Before she had a chance to collect her thoughts, he was out there and so on the defensive, she said. He was doing his thing and I didnt want to get messed up in that. ... I cant help but feel like maybe he felt like I thought he did something to me. Jackson did not do anything bad, she insisted. Seeing him start crying in a clip from his own interview with Harrison, which had aired on the show last week, Olympios welled up a bit too. It was hard for me to go through something like that. I know exactly how he feels. The media wants to paint you a certain way that you know youre just not, she said. Olympios told Harrison the same things she had said in a Tuesday morning interview with Good Morning America about blacking out from drinking too much and mixing alcohol with medication. However, she didnt directly address her I am a victim statement that was released at the height of the scandal. On GMA, she said she meant she was a victim of the media. Regarding Bachelor in Paradise with Harrison, she simply talked about how awful it was to have so many people acting like they had been there or were suddenly experts on her life. To even get up and go get eggs at the grocery store ... my face was all over every magazine and I had to check out and everyones staring, Olympios said. Youre looking at them and its like, Im not what youre thinking right now. Then, near the end of the interview, she shared one big wish. Obviously hindsight is 20/20, she said, and I wish it could have been handled differently. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Tomi Lahren finds new home at Fox News By Libby Hill Conservative firebrand Tomi Lahren is again gainfully employed after being fired from Glenn Becks The Blaze in March. On Wednesday, Lahren announced via her Facebook page that she is joining the Fox News team as a contributor. This exciting new step will allow me to give voice to all the America-loving patriots who have had my back since day one, Lahren wrote. I will remain a solid and passionate advocate for you. Though 25-year-old Lahren has made television appearances before -- including a contentious appearance on The Daily Show With Trevor Noah -- much of her career has been in digital media. She hosted On Point With Tomi Lahren for One America News Network, and her Final Thought videos have garnered her over 4.4 million Facebook followers. In addition to her role as a contributor, Lahren will also have a signature role on a Fox News digital product in development, according to a press release issued by the network. Lahren makes her debut on Wednesdays edition of Hannity at 7 p.m. PDT. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trevor Noah is shocked shocked by the latest revelations about Trump and Moscow By Robert Lloyd Even as the Earth offers humanity another taste of its weather future and President Trump keeps Sheriff Joe Arpaio out of jail and North Korean missiles fly over Japan late-night TV hosts have disappeared from their chairs as if it were August in France. Trevor Noah is on the job, though, hosting The Daily Show. Tuesday night, he had some mirthful words about the ongoing investigation into the Trump campaigns Russian affairs. Specifically, he reflected on the revelation of a letter of intent, signed by POTUS himself, to build a Trump Tower skyscraper in Moscow and make it the tallest building in the world despite Trumps repeated claims to have no business, no interests, no nothing in Russia. How can one person lie so big? HOW? Noah asked, amazedly. Its like if your friend said he had never heard of Mumford and Sons and then one day you see the album cover and youre like, wait a minute, youre Mumford. Were those connections strictly business, or were they getting out on the votey-votey action? Thats not clear yet, he said. What was clear is that a typically dubious character was at the center of it namely Felix Sater, a Russian-born real estate developer once convicted of stabbing a man in the neck and face with the stem of a broken margarita glass. Of all the glasses to stab someone with, a margarita glass is the worst, Noah said. Youre literally putting salt into the wounds. There was also a conviction for Saters involvement in a $40-million stock fraud, Noah added, which came as no surprise to the host. You never trust someone with a cat name. If a human goes by Felix or Whiskers or Mittens, you should probably just stay away. There were emails, of course; there are always emails. Buddy, our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this, Sater wrote to Trumps personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen. This buddy boy email may not be the smoking gun for Trump, Noah concluded, but what it could end up being is the broken taillight the thing that gives law enforcement the excuse they need to look into Trumps trunk. And we all know, he said, as a picture of the golfing presidents derriere appeared over his shoulder, hes got a lot of junk in that trunk. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jury president Annette Bening addresses lack of female representation at Venice Film Festival By Nardine Saad (Claudio Onorati / Associated Press) Though there arent as many women represented at this years Venice Film Festival as she would like, jury president Annette Bening believes things are changing. The four-time Oscar nominee, whose film credits include American Beauty, The Kids Are All Right, 20th Century Women and Bugsy, addressed the lack of female directors Wednesday during the 74th annual Venice Film Festivals opening press conference. (Only one of the 21 films in competition is directed by a woman this year.) As women, we have to be sharp, shrewd and creative in what we choose to make. Sexism does exist and there is no question about it. But things are changing, the actress said at the opening press conference, according to Variety. The more we can make films that speak to everybody, the more we will be regarded as filmmakers, she added. Bening, the first woman to chair the jury in more than a decade, said she knew of both veteran and rookie filmmakers struggling to get their movies made whether they are men or women. She said the industry has a long way to go, in terms of parity but was confident that the direction were going is positive. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A Star Is Born: Lisa Ling turns 44 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) [People have said to me], When you were in the worlds largest slum [in India], you could almost smell what it was like by your expression.' Its not that Im trying to force myself on the viewer. Im just their eyes and ears. I think our work is quite pure. Lisa Ling, 1997 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Taking news personally Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement In wake of Charlottesville strife, Virginia Film Festival to host director Spike Lee as special guest By Josh Rottenberg Director Spike Lee photographed in 2015. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times) As the city of Charlottesville, Va., and the nation as a whole continues to grapple with the violent racial strife that erupted earlier this month, the Virginia Film Festival announced on Tuesday that it will host filmmaker Spike Lee as a special guest at the upcoming festival as part of a program around the legacy of slavery. Lee, who has tackled thorny issues of race throughout his career, will present his Oscar-nominated documentary 4 Little Girls about the 1963 bombing of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Ala., that claimed the lives of four African American girls, an act of white supremacist terrorism that marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. We have for many years been interested in bringing Spike Lee to the Virginia Film Festival as he remains one of the most talented, innovative, and socially conscious filmmakers in our world today, said Jody Kielbasa, director of the film festival and vice provost for the arts at the University of Virginia. We first reached out to Mr. Lee in the spring to include him in our upcoming collaboration with Montpelier, and of course, the recent events in Charlottesville have made his participation more compelling, relevant and vital. The festival program will also include a short film titled I Cant Breathe that combines footage of the 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner during his arrest by a New York City police officer with footage of the death of Radio Raheem under similar circumstances in Lees 1989 film Do the Right Thing. The program is part of a larger collaboration with Montpelier, the Virginia plantation of President James Madison, who owned more than 100 slaves, that will explore both how the legacy of slavery continues to affect the lives of African Americans and how they are depicted in film and other media. The 30th annual Virginia Film Festival will run from Nov. 9 to 12 in Charlottesville. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jerry Seinfeld recaps childhood in Netflixs first Jerry Before Seinfeld trailer By Nardine Saad The first trailer for Netflixs stand-up special Jerry Before Seinfeld has arrived, and its a madcap recap of Jerry Seinfelds humble beginnings, quirky family dynamics and bits of everyday observations. The teaser opens with Johnny Carson introducing the iconic comic in 1981 during his debut on The Tonight Show. Then it showcases the sitcom star back at the mike at the Comic Strip, the famous New York comedy club where he launched his career. Throwback photos, videos and interviews with Seinfeld are woven throughout. Hes back where he began, the title reads, doing what he loves. The original comedy special is the first of two stand-up specials Seinfeld will deliver in his massive deal with the streaming giant. (The deal also includes the entirety of his Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee catalog and 24 new episodes of the Emmy-nominated talk show, which will launch later this year.) Seinfeld and Netflix teased to the special last week with several clips posted on Instagram and a close-up look at the numerous legal pads scrawled with handwritten jokes hes kept from the 1970s. Jerry Before Seinfeld begins streaming Sept. 19. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kermit the Frog finds his new voice in Matt Vogel By Nardine Saad The new Kermit the Frog has arrived and hes following his dreams -- literally. New Muppeteer Matt Vogel made his vocal debut as the iconic frog on Monday in a Muppet Thought of the Week video posted on YouTube. Dreams are how we figure out where we want to go. Life is how we get there, he says in the brief clip. Im headed this way. The veteran voice actor has worked on Sesame Street and also operates the Muppets Floyd, Constantine and Sweetums. He is only the third puppeteer to take on Kermit the Frog full time since the character was created in 1955. He replaced former puppeteer Steve Whitmire, who began work on The Muppet Show in 1978 and inherited the role of Kermit when creator Jim Henson died in 1990. Whitmire was dismissed over concerns about his repeated unacceptable business conduct over a period of many years and he consistently failed to address the feedback, the Muppets Studio said at the time. Whitmire claimed he was fired in October 2016 and kept quiet about it until Vogel was announced as his replacement in July. It was his opinionated communication style that earned him his walking papers, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trevor Noah says Trumps pardon of Sheriff Arpaio renders courts powerless By Nardine Saad The Daily Show host Trevor Noah broke down former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaios presidential pardon on Monday, explaining how President Trumps decision undermines the judicial branch of government. The controversial Maricopa County lawman, who was convicted of criminal contempt of court for violating Latinos rights, earned himself a thuggish reputation as a sheriff, Noah said, citing his agencys use of tent cities, stun guns, jail overcrowding and numerous cases of inmate deaths and police brutality. But those were just his extracurriculars, Noah said. It turns out his full-time job is racism. The 85-year-old Arpaio was found guilty in July of defying a 2011 court order barring officers from stopping and detaining Latino motorists to check their immigration status. As much as Sheriff Arpaio presented himself as anti-illegal immigrants, it turned out really he was just anti being a decent human being, Noah said. When the president of the United States steps in and pardons someones contempt conviction, hes essentially rendering the courts powerless. Daily Show host Trevor Noah His abuses hurt inmates and taxpayers, costing the state $142 million in legal fees, settlements and compliance costs, Noah said. Other things they could have spent that money on? Schools, roads or they could have just paid Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather to just punch Arpaio in the face. But Noah made the point that Trumps decision completely undercut the judiciary. Remember how the three branches of government are supposed to be equal? Well, convicting someone of contempt is the one and only way the judicial branch can put muscle behind its decisions. So when the president of the United States steps in and pardons someones contempt conviction, hes essentially rendering the courts powerless, he said. Watch the full segment above. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Coldplay dedicate new song to Harvey victims -- and vow never to play it again By Randall Roberts (Jens Meyer / Associated Press) On Monday night in Miami, Coldplays Chris Martin drew attention to the victims of Tropical Storm Harvey by unveiling a new song called Houston -- and then vowed never to play it again. The band, which was forced to cancel its Houston show days earlier due to the storm, wrote the song as the region was enduring historic flooding. After acknowledging that he and the band all grew up loving country music, and, of course, thats kind of what we think of when we go to Texas, Martin asked the crowd to bear with them. This is a new song, and well never play it again, Martin said. Its a once-off. Its called Houston. Were going to sing it in Miami for everybody here and then were going to send it over there to everyone who missed the show. Vowing to return to Houston, Martin and band huddled and tentatively started a twangy little number. Im dreaming of when I get back to Houston, sang Martin, replete with a touch of Johnny Cash-ian twang. Describing it as that city where they send you into space, Martin crooned of Corpus Christi, Harris County, Galveston, of a harmony that hums down there in Houston, and urged the region to keep on keeping on. Merle Haggard it wasnt (and everyones a critic), but the performance drew huge applause from fans and went viral on Tuesday morning. Coldplays quick-turnaround ditty is hardly the first to document such deluges. Johnny Cashs Three Feet High and Rising occurred in real time as a family struggled to keep dry. In Charley Pattons High Water Everywhere, the country blues singer recalled the lives lost in the Great Flood of 1927, which consumed the Mississippi Delta and spawned dozens of songs: Oh, Lordy, women is groaning down / Oh, Lordy, women and children sinking down, Patton sang. I couldnt see nobody home, and was no one to be found. Below is another song about the flood of 27: Bessie Smiths Backwater Blues. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Corinne Olympios on Bachelor in Paradise scandal: I was really a victim of the media By Christie DZurilla (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images) Corinne Olympios says medication, the booze and the media were key players in Junes production-stopping Bachelor in Paradise scandal and its aftermath. Calling the situation just really unfortunate, she said Tuesday on Good Morning America that she doesnt remember anything that happened. Seeing video of what transpired on the first day of production on the looking-for-love reality show was like watching not-me, she said. Im watching someone else. On that day, Olympios and fellow cast member DeMario Jackson allegedly wound up in the pool or hot tub together in a situation that a producer thought went too far. Allegations of misconduct were made, and production shut down the next day for an investigation that ultimately determined nothing untoward had happened. The show, sans Corinne and DeMario, premiered its fourth season Aug. 14, a week later than originally planned. I did drink, too much, I definitely understand that, Olympios said. But I was also on a medication that severely blacks you out and impairs your judgment and messes with your balance, that I didnt know you were not supposed to not drink on, and so it really just caused a horrible, horrible blackout. It was like I went under like anesthesia and then just like woke up. Shes now weaning off the medication, she said, and cutting down on her drinking. But in explaining her provocative official statement that she was a victim living out her worst nightmare, Olympios revealed her specific definition of victimhood, which had little or nothing to do with consent, which was a hot topic throughout the scandal. I was really a victim of the media, Olympios said. It was just, all of a sudden people became an expert on the situation and on what happened, and it was like, Im still trying to figure out exactly what happened. It was just horrible to deal with. It got really, really bad. ..., she added. The things people say are just insane. When the remaining Paradise cast met as a whole on the first episode of the season, their sympathies seemed to lie with Jackson as they worried about the long-term effects the scandal would have on him and any future career opportunities, especially given the lingering racial issues of alleged misconduct between a white woman and a black man. However, they were quick to say they were not slut-shaming Olympios either. Jackson spoke last week on Bachelor in Paradise, sitting down with host Chris Harrison to give his take on what happened. Heres a taste of that, courtesy of GMA: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Victorias Secret Fashion Show heads to Shanghai this year By Nardine Saad Angels will fly over the Great Wall of China in November as the Victorias Secret Fashion Show heads to Shanghai for the first time. Supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge and more will strut their stuff for the annual lingerie extravaganza, Victorias Secret and CBS said in a statement on Tuesday. The iconic pre-holiday show replete with teensy underwear and massive angel wings is usually filmed in New York, but Miami, Los Angeles and London have also hosted the scantily clad runway walk. The broadcast will air on CBS on Nov. 28 and will be shown in more than 190 countries. Models Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill will also walk in this years show. Musical performers will be announced at a later date, the statement said. Ni hao, China! This year's #VSFashionShow is headed to Shanghai. Watch it Nov 28, 10/9C on @CBS. Learn more: https://t.co/AHWHWjKOCI pic.twitter.com/tgIVJs7Lsr Victoria's Secret (@VictoriasSecret) August 29, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A Star Is Born: William Friedkin turns 82 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) I love the experience of making films. I love the mud. I love the dirt. I love all the inconveniences. Thats why you do it. If you do it because youre looking to be the Great American film maker, youre liable to experience disappointment. William Friedkin, 1989 FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Exorcisms of William Friedkin Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Taylor Swifts Look What You Made Me Do video bashes another YouTube record By Randy Lewis Taylor Swifts official video for her first new music in three years, Look What You Made Me Do, has blasted through the existing YouTube record for most views tallied during its first 24 hours of release. The clip logged 43.2 million views since the video was posted Sunday evening. That far surpasses the record set in 2013 by Korean pop star Psys Gentleman, which racked up 36 million views in its first day. It also hasnt slowed interest in Swifts previously released lyric video for the same song, which set a record for lyric video viewership by drawing 19 million views in the first 24 hours. That version has now surpassed 47 million views in less than four days. Both videos have generated flurries of debate and analysis among Swifts fans and her dissenters, the former seemingly outnumbering the latter by a margin of nearly 5 to 1. Likes have surpassed the 1 million mark, while dislikes stood at 232,000 at the 24-hour mark. The song is the first single from her forthcoming album Reputation, due Nov. 10. It will be Swifts sixth studio album. Each of her last three albums sold more than 1 million copies during the first week of release. Swift is the only artist with that achievement to her credit. Update Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m.: This post has been updated with the finalized 24-hour viewer total. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch the Game of Thrones cast and crew break down some of Season 7s best scenes By Tracy Brown Game of Thrones Season 7 may have concluded Sunday, but there is still plenty left for fans to unpack before Thrones"-withdrawal sets in. Along with all the burning questions left in the wake of the season finale, HBO has left us with some behind-the-scenes videos from this seasons most epic moments. The production magic of Game of Thrones is undeniable and it extends to beyond special effects dragons. From Arya donning Walder Freys face to dole out her brand of vengeance to Daenerys walking into Dragonstone for the first time, there is plenty to explore from just the first episode alone. The video above dives deep into what it took to craft the Season 7 premiere, including how Cerseis fancy new giant map came to be. Of course, plenty of fans are probably still contemplating the latest episode and what Jon and Danys new level of intimacy means going into the final season. Can this be how the actual prince that was promised is conceived? And if you were a bit squicked out by the pairs developing relationship, youre not alone. Unlike Jon and Daenerys, Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington are definitely aware that they are both Targaryens. For us as actors its just weird, said Clarke in a video about the coupling. The reality of what they are to each other. In fact, the actors had more facial expressions and sound effects to convey their feelings about this union than words. Watch in the video below. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ed Skrein leaves Hellboy after whitewashing furor By Christie DZurilla (Jordan Strauss / Associated Press) Ed Skrein will not play Maj. Ben Daimio in a reboot of Hellboy, the English actor said Monday, noting that when he accepted the role he didnt know that in the comics the character was of mixed Asian descent. Just a week ago, Skrein had tweeted his excitement over taking on the role. Backlash in the form of whitewashing allegations ensued. It is clear that representing this character in a culturally accurate way holds significance for people, and that to neglect this responsibility would continue a worrying tendency to obscure ethnic minority stories and voices in the Arts, the 34-year-old Deadpool actor said in a statement announcing that he had changed his mind about portraying Daimio. Calling it a moral decision, he said he was sad to leave the movie but hoped his action would make a difference in making equal representation in the arts a reality. David Harbour, the Stranger Things actor slated to play Hellboy, tweeted, Hey internet. Thank you for your voices. An injustice was done and will be corrected. Many thanks to @edskrein for doing what is right. Mike Mignola, who created the Hellboy comics, also thanked Skrein on Monday and said the move was very nicely done. Hey internet. Thank you for your voices. An injustice was done and will be corrected. Many thanks to @edskrein for doing what is right. https://t.co/tUvP6YibgG David Harbour (@DavidKHarbour) August 28, 2017 In addition to Harbour, the 2018 version of the story so far stars Milla Jovovich as Nimue, Ian McShane as Professor Broom and Alice Monaghan as Sasha Lane, according to IMDb. Neil Marshall, who among other things has helmed episodes of Game of Thrones and Westworld, is set to direct. The Daimio character didnt appear in the 2004 or 2008 Guillermo del Toro films based on the Hellboy comics. Heres Skreins full explanation: pic.twitter.com/8WoSsHXDFO Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017 Updated, 2:39 p.m.: This story was updated with comments from Harbour and Mignola. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper are super-friends no more By Libby Hill Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (Rob Kim / Getty Images) What began as a tasteless joke at the expense of President Trump continues to have real-life consequences for comedian Kathy Griffin. In an extensive interview with The Cut, Griffin admitted that her 17-year friendship with Anderson Cooper, with whom she co-hosted CNNs New Years Eve gig for a decade, ended in the wake of the Trump controversy. In May, Griffin publicized a photo shoot that featured her holding a bloodied imitation severed head bearing a strong resemblance to the president. The backlash was immediate and largely bipartisan, as many saw the images as glorifying violence and furthering political division. Griffin quickly apologized for the misstep but the damage had been done, with condemnation from the White House, investigation by the Secret Service and the loss of several jobs, including her CNN gig. On May 30, Cooper tweeted his disapproval of Griffins artistic expression, calling it disgusting and completely inappropriate, and Griffin admitted at a June 2 news conference that Coopers comments hurt her. For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate. Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) May 31, 2017 In July, Cooper appeared on Bravos Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and stated that he and Griffin were still friends. Yeah, were still friends, and look I said what I said about I didnt think what she said was appropriate, but I wish her the best and I hope she bounces back, he stated. But Griffin claimed that at that point, nearly two months after the fact, she had yet to hear from Cooper privately. In reality, it wasnt until Aug. 10 that Cooper finally reached out to Griffin in a series of text messages, CNN confirmed to The Cut at which point Griffin informed him that their friendship was over. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In One Mississippi Season 2 trailer, Tig Notaro prays for the gay to stay By Christie DZurilla Tig Notaros One Mississippi is coming back for a second season, one in which her character is getting used to life back in her small Mississippi hometown. Season 1 of the Amazon Prime Video series took viewers through a fictionalized series of events that echoed Notaros own life: a potentially deadly intestinal illness, breast cancer, a double mastectomy, the unexpected death of her beloved mother and a romantic breakup. Yup, its a dark comedy. In Season 2, L.A. transplant Tig is navigating her new environs, including strategizing about how to proceed with a crush on Straight Kate and dealing with some well-meaning, pray-the-gay-away critics of her radio show. Plus, theres her stepfathers whole dishwasher drill to contend with, not to mention the story line that has to do with sexual assault. The new season of One Mississippi starts streaming Sept. 8. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch Frank Oceans lyric video for new song Provider By Randall Roberts As is his wont these days, R&B superstar Frank Ocean unveiled a new song, Provider, his own way: during the newest installment of Blonded Radio, the Apple Music/Beats 1 radio show he hosts and curates. The ballads a meditation that name-checks Aphex Twin, shoegaze, Talking Heads, Jaws, Patagonia sportswear and Stanley Kubrick, and moves through verses without much regard for structure. Immediately following the Sunday premiere, Ocean dropped the lyric video on his website. Featuring a souped-up mini-boombox retrofitted with bigger speaker cones and a Velcro-attached machete, the clip suggests an owner getting ready to hunt prey while using Provider as the lure. Ocean hasnt uploaded the clip to YouTube, but you can listen and watch on his blonded.co website. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gone With the Wind, deemed insensitive, has been pulled from a Memphis theater By Christie DZurilla Gone With the Wind will not be shown in the future by a Tennessee theater that decided it was insensitive to many in the local community. The 1939 movie, which marked the first Oscar win by a black actor, depicts a romanticized view of slavery and life on a Southern plantation before, during and after the Civil War. Gone With the Wind, which won 10 Academy Awards in 1940, including for best picture, had been shown by the Orpheum Theatre Group for years as part of an annual Summer Movie Series, according to Memphis Commercial-Appeal. At times, it was screened more than once a year, the paper said. This year, however, a different climate prevailed. The recent screening of Gone With the Wind at the Orpheum on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, generated numerous comments, Brett Batterson, president of the theater group, said Friday in a statement (via the New York Times). The Orpheum carefully reviewed all of them. As an organization whose stated mission is to entertain, educate and enlighten the communities it serves, the Orpheum cannot show a film that is insensitive to a large segment of its local population. The majority of Memphis residents are black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The screening happened, coincidentally, on the day before a rally of white nationalists that turned violent in Charlottesville, Va. a rally that has been followed by a national conversation about whether to purge monuments to Civil War generals and soldiers from public spaces. In an interview with the Commercial-Appeal, Batterson said the appropriateness of screening Gone With the Wind had been discussed every year, but the social media storm this year really brought it home. By Monday, comments on social media, including on the Facebook post announcing the screening, had shifted in large part to defense of Gone With the Wind as a product of its time that, despite its romanticized portrayal of the Old South and of slavery, was still part of movie history and worth showing on a big screen. The Orpheum did not respond Monday to The Times requests for comment. Hattie McDaniels Oscar win for supporting actress was a significant first but was also loaded with a lot of political and racial issues given that the film was the classic archetype of the Mammy, said Adilifu Nama, associate professor of African American Studies at Loyola Marymount University, speaking to The Times in 2014. McDaniels role of Mammy is fundamentally a subservient role and is part of a film that is a Southern racial fantasy, Nama said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Taylor Swift gets petty and Pink talks pretty in the must-see moments from MTVs Video Music Awards By Libby Hill Were you too busy watching [spoiler] revealed as [spoiler] on Sunday nights Game of Thrones finale to watch MTVs Video Music Awards? Fear not! Weve gathered up four must-see moments from the socially conscious affair (and one lackluster video debut from Taylor Swift) to keep you in the loop. Pinks PowerPoint presentation It was a banner night for singer Pink, who received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her body of work and used the occasion to share an anecdote about her daughter Willow. Recently, Pink stated, her daughter referred to herself as the ugliest person she knew and complained that she looked like a boy with long hair. At first, the Raise Your Glass singer was taken aback by her daughters words but soon swung into action, compiling an elaborate PowerPoint presentation about the history of androgynous rock stars, including Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Annie Lennox. Pink relayed a simple sentiment that most of us could learn a lot from: So, baby, girl, we dont change. We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl. Logic talks emotions Plenty of artists used the VMAs stage to speak passionately about issues they care about, but few did so as extensively as rapper Logic. After his performance of 1-800-273-8255" with Khalid and Alessia Cara, the title of which is the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Logic talked about mental health and equality. Beginning at 3:50 in the above video, Logic first thanked the audience for giving him a platform to discuss the important issue of mental health. He then quickly pivoted to other pressing social issues including discrimination, sexism and domestic violence. I dont give a damn if youre black, white or any color in between, Logic said. I dont care if youre Christian, youre Muslim, youre gay, youre straight, I am gonna fight for your equality because I believe that we are all born equal, but we are not treated equally and that is why we must fight. Jared Leto honors Chester Bennington Logics performance and subsequent speech were particularly moving given the past years loss of two rock musicians to suicide Linkin Parks Chester Bennington and Soundgardens Chris Cornell. Jared Leto, an Academy Award winner and frontman of Thirty Seconds to Mars, spoke about both men at Sundays ceremony. MTV asked me to come here to say a few words about Chester and the late, great, Chris Cornell, two artists I had the absolute pleasure of touring with, Leto said of the two singers who were also close friends. Chester said of Chris, Your voice was joy and pain and anger and forgiveness, love and heartache, all wrapped up into one, Leto recalled. Leto also recounted his own memories of Bennington. I think about his heart, Leto said. And I remember his voice. At once ferocious and delicate, that voice will live forever. Fifth Harmony gets shady Despite the pleas for equality and the heartfelt speeches, there was still plenty of time for pettiness at the VMAs, as evidenced by Fifth Harmonys performance. As the group took the stage to perform its latest single, Angel, a mystery fifth member appeared in the lineup before being unceremoniously yanked offstage as the song began. What appeared as an inexplicable stunt to the uninitiated was likely a shady reference to former Fifth Harmony frontwoman Camila Cabello, who exited the group in December to pursue a solo career. It wasnt so much that Cabellos departure stung her former colleagues but that she reportedly failed to inform them of her decision before announcing it to the world. Oops. Also Taylor Swift Unless you were in a coma for the whole of last week, you probably heard that Taylor Swift announced the release date for her upcoming album, Reputation, as well as releasing the first single, Look What You Made Me Do. Its fine. Sunday night, Swift debuted the video for Look What You Made Me Do. It is also fine. This has been your daily Taylor Swift update. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kevin Hart, Beyonce and Drake lead charge for Hurricane Harvey flood relief By Nardine Saad (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times) As Harvey lashed southeastern Texas over the weekend, celebrities rallied for the relief effort. Comedian Kevin Hart led the charge Sunday night, donating $25,000 and challenging his celebrity friends to donate to the Red Cross amid catastrophic flooding in the Lone Star State. I think weve participated in a lot of challenges on the Internet, some meaningful, some meaningless, but weve all done them. Ive been a person thats partaken in several of them, Hart said in an Instagram video. At this point, this is a serious matter, he continued. I think the people are in bad shape and they need help. Im going to lead the charge and step up in this way. The Jumanji star called on his co-star Dwayne Johnson, comics Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, as well as musicians Jay-Z, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake to make donations and tag someone else to do the same. At that point, Houston native Beyonce and Kelly Rowland of Destinys Child had already posted notes about their hometown on Instagram, sending thoughts and prayers to the state that launched their careers. View Instagram post View Instagram post The deluge of support continued with country star Chris Young. The Man I Want to Be singer posted an emotional YouTube video about his certainty that his Texas home was destroyed and concern for his friends and family in the state. He donated $100,000 to relief efforts to a GoFundMe campaign to benefit the Red Cross. Harvey, one of the worst natural disasters in the states history, slammed onshore Friday as a Category 4 hurricane, then weakened to a tropical storm on Saturday, dropping up to 24 inches of rain on Houston in 24 hours. The National Weather Service reported that at least five people had died as of Sunday evening, but that number was expected to increase as the floodwaters recede. More than 30,000 people across the Gulf Coast are likely to seek temporary shelter as the tropical storm continues to drench southeastern Texas and Louisiana with heavy rains and surging floodwaters, The Times reported. Toronto native Drake, who has lived in Houston for the last eight years, said that he and DJ Future the Prince are working with local relief groups to aid and assist the people of Texas in anyway we can and in the most immediate way possible. I also want to thank all the men and women of service and volunteers for their courageous efforts to help people in need, the rapper said on Instagram. I encourage everyone to do what they can to assist the people of Texas knowing whatever effort you can make to help will go a long way. View Instagram post Also, during the MTV Video Music Awards Awards on Sunday, host Katy Perry touched upon the catastrophic event. She too urged viewers to donate to the Red Cross. All of us here at the VMAs are sending love to the people of southeastern Texas and everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey right now, Perry said onstage. Were praying for your safety in the days to come and we stand with you as you rebuild because were all in this together. According to the Houston Chronicle, more than 15 inches of rain could fall on several more southeastern Texas cities. Corpus Christi, where Harvey first made landfall, saw upward of 20 inches of rain in two days. By Monday morning, up to 40 inches of rain had fallen on northeast Houston. Another 20 inches were expected Monday before Tropical Storm Harvey travels farther east. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Susan Bro, mother of slain Charlottesville protester Heather Heyer, announces anti-hate foundation at the MTV VMAs By Randall Roberts (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) During an evening filled with defiant messages against racism, homophobia and body shaming, the mother of Heather Heyer announced some concrete actions to further the cause. Susan Bro, whose daughter was killed two weeks ago during protests in Charlottesville, Va., has worked through her grief by speaking out against racism, and took a further step by creating the Heather Heyer Foundation. Describing it as a nonprofit organization that will provide scholarships to help more people to join Heathers fight against hatred, Bro requested that viewers visit the new site to help me make Heathers death count. Added Bro: Heather never marched alone. She was always joined by people from every race and every background in this country. Bro was introduced by Robert Lee IV -- a descendant of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee -- who said his ancestor has became of idol of white supremacy and hate. Lee went on to describe racism as Americas original sin. He went on to ask all of those with privilege to confront white supremacy and racism head-on. Watch his speech below. I call on all of us with privilege and power to confront racism and white supremacy head-on" - Robert Lee IV #VMAs pic.twitter.com/ko4SM9VnaU MTV (@MTV) August 28, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Pinks inspiring MTV VMA speech to individuality By Randall Roberts In receiving her Video Vanguard award at the MTV VMAs on Sunday at the Forum -- the shows equivalent of a lifetime achievement trophy -- the pop star Pink told a story about a conversation shed recently had with her young daughter. They were driving to school and her daughter said, Mama, Im the ugliest girl I know. Pink replied, Huh? And she was like, Yeah, I look like a boy with long hair. Pink said that she immediately thought, My god, youre 6. Where is this coming from? The artist and mom didnt lecture her daughter. Instead, said Pink: I went home and made a PowerPoint presentation for her, and in that presentation were androgynous rock stars and artists that live their truth; are probably made fun of every day of their lives and carry on and wave their flag; and inspire the rest of us. These are artists like Michael Jackson and David Bowie and Freddie Mercury and Annie Lennox and Prince and Janis Joplin and George Michael, Elton John, so many artists. Pink said that her daughters eyes glazed over, but Pink pressed her about why she felt that way about herself. What do you think I look like? She said, Youre beautiful. The pop singer explained that she gets critiqued, too. They say I look like a boy or Im too masculine or Im too -- I have too many opinions. My body is too strong. I said to her, Do you see me growing my hair? She said No Mama. I said, Do you see me changing my body? She said, No Mama. Do you see me changing the way I present myself to the world? No Mama. Do you see me selling out arenas all over the world. Yes Mama. OK baby girl. We dont change. We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl. And we help other people to change so that they can see more kinds of beauty. Added Pink in closing: To all the artists here, Im so inspired by you. Thank you for being your true selves and for lighting the way for us. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Jared Leto offer touching tribute to Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington at the MTV VMAs By Randall Roberts In a moving tribute to two fallen musicians, the actor and musician Jared Leto honored the lives of Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Chester Bennington of Linkin Park at the MTV VMAs on Sunday. Cornell and Bennington committed suicide in 2017, and Leto was friends with both. In 1976 in Phoenix, Ariz., a child was born. He was precocious, full of life, and determined, and grew up to become the singer of one of the greatest rock bands in the history of music, Leto said. His name was Chester Bennington, and the band is Linkin Park. Leto added that MTV asked him to say a few words about Bennington and Cornell, who he described as two artists that I had the absolute pleasure of touring with. They were close friends with one another -- Chester even singing the cover of the classic Hallelujah at Chris funeral. Recalling Benningtons words at Cornells funeral service, Leto said: Chester said of Chris, Your voice was joy and pain and anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. Just weeks later, Chester himself was gone. Chester was my friend. As he was to so many. Witnessing his life taught me important things -- especially about working relentlessly, pursuing dreams and being kind and caring while doing it. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert and more steal the MTV VMA spotlight By Gerrick Kennedy Kodak Black arriving at the MTV VMAs. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press) The line near a concession stand inside the Forum minutes before the MTV VMAs kicked off on Sunday was lengthy, but no one was waiting on food or drinks. Instead, a dozen or so folks waited patiently to get a selfie with Kodak Black, who high-fived and posed with as fans fumbled with smartphones. The VMAs are typically rife with heavyweights (Kendrick Lamar, Katy Perry, etc.) but this years ceremony looked to tap into the wide scene of rising acts that have been dominating streaming services and social media all summer. Before the telecast even began Lil Uzi Vert clinched a major win, taking the trophy for song of summer for XO Tour Llif3" and he later joined Ed Sheeran for the tune, no doubt the nights most surprising collaboration. Meanwhile, Khalids pre-show medley could have easily anchored the main show while reality star turned breakout rap sensation Cardi B was another highlight of the pre-show festivities. Her viral hit Bodak Yellow rattled throughout the Forum during nearly every commercial break. Fifth Harmony later made its debut at the VMAs with an explosive main stage performance of Down, a song that also won the award for pop video. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jack Antonoff is living his best life at the MTV VMAs By Mikael Wood Jack Antonoff performs onstage during the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show. (Joshua Blanchard / Getty Images) Has anyone at MTVs Video Music Awards had more screen time so far than Jack Antonoff? First the A-list producer and songwriter turned up on the nights pre-show ceremony for a performance with his band Bleachers. Then he introduced Lorde by noting that hed seen her eat gas-station sushi during the two years they spent together working on her album Melodrama. He also accepted the award for best collaboration for Taylor Swift and Zayns I Dont Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker), which he helped create because the singers couldnt be there. But Antonoffs best moment? Obviously the candid reaction shot in which he was shown casually eating a banana, as his girlfriend, Lena Dunham, described it on Twitter. My boyfriend just casually eating a banana at the VMAs is a good reminder of why we've been at it half a decade Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) August 28, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Taylor Swifts bold Look What You Made Me Do video, which premiered during the MTV VMAs By Randall Roberts Taylor Swifts new video for Look What You Made Me Do, which premiered during the 2017 MTV VMAs on Sunday night, features her dressed as a zombie, a diamond-drenched queen, a red-dressed seductress, a car-crash victim, a bird in a cage, a kitty-masked thief with a baseball bat, a biker chick wearing studded leather and a whip-snapping dominatrix. As she poses and pretends, Swift makes a not-so-veiled reference to her ongoing feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, getting all combative behind the microphone as a feather-light melody jumps behind her. The video premiered during a ceremony hosted by pop star and avowed Swift nemesis Katy Perry. Perry didnt introduce the clip, a hint that the two probably still arent besties. Inside the Forum, the video premiered on multiple big screen TVs rose that from the stage, and Perry was nowhere in sight. As the clip seems to be winding down, the music fades. But Swift hasnt fully made her point. In its final moments arrive a dozen-odd versions of Swift standing in front of a black private jet with the name of her new album, Reputation, scrawled on it. The many Swifts start bickering and referencing the various criticisms that have been lobbied at her over the years. Stop making that face, its so annoying, the zombie Swift says, a nod to what some believe is the exaggerated excitement the artist shows when she wins awards. A young version of Swift interrupts with an innocent Yall! but is shot down by an embittered Swift: Oh stop acting like youre so nice. Youre so fake! Standing in the center of the line is Swift seemingly dressed as she was at the 2009 VMAs, when West interrupted her victory speech to decry Beyonce's loss. Holding her VMA trophy, she says, Id like very much to be excluded from this narrative, both a nod to to the musical Hamilton and a repeat of a phrase Swift posted on social media in wake of controversy resulting from Wests song Famous. In that 2016 tune, he he boasted that I made that [profanity] famous and, therefore, that he and Swift might still have sex. The other Swifts reply in unison: Oh shut up! Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kendrick Lamar opens 2017 VMAs with fiery performances of DNA and Humble By Randall Roberts Wearing a red scarf on his head and a poofy winter coat onstage, Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar opened the 2017 MTV VMAs needing neither. Within a few minutes of launching with DNA a dancer center stage burst into flames. You could almost feel the heat simmering through the screen. I was born like this, since one like this, Lamar rapped. Immaculate conception/I transform like this, perform like this. Perform he did, moving into a second track, Humble, from his recent album Damn. Shedding the coat, he stood in front of a fiery backdrop grid that burned as dancers scaled it. As they did so, Lamar rapped, My left stroke just went viral/Right stroke put lil baby in a spiral. It was the opening shot of a VMAs in which politics and protest may end up taking center stage. Indeed, moments later presenter Paris Jackson drew a rousing applause when she denounced the racism and hatred propogated by white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heidi Klum, Jack Antonoff and others stand in support of transgender military service members at VMAs By Randall Roberts View Instagram post As the 2017 Video Music Awards were approaching, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) was out in full force at the Forum. Its president and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, walked the red carpet along with her invited guests: six transgender members of the military. The action came in the wake of President Donald Trumps direction to the Pentagon on Friday, as reported in The Times, to return to the long-standing policy and practice barring military service by transgender individuals. Praising MTV as a pioneering advocate for the LGBTQ community, Ellis said in a statement, Throughout all the tweets, memos, and speculation, brave transgender Americans are still serving their country and defending the freedoms of this nation while meeting the same rigorous standards of their peers. We are proud to stand with them. Posing in support: musicians and celebrities including Jack Antonoff (Bleachers), supermodel Heidi Klum, actor-comedian Billy Eichner and others, who stood alongside transgender service members including Jennifer Peace, Logan Ireland, Sterling James Crutcher and Akira Wyatt, as well as trans veterans Laila Ireland and Brynn Tannehil. Also joining them was LGBTQ philanthropist August Getty, who in his other life is a fashion designer responsible for Miley Cyruss red carpet dress. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print MTV VMAs return to Southern California with an overwhelmingly impressive setup By Gerrick Kennedy Cardi B performing at the pre-show for the MTV VMAs. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press) After heading to the East Coast last year, the MTV VMAs have returned to Southern California. And tonight at the Forum in Inglewood, it was clear that the network decided to go big huge really. Upon arrival to the venue it appeared that the scale of this years show was unlike anything MTV had done in recent history. A structure that looked like a space shuttle swallowed the lot in front of the venue, and stars such as Cardi B and Big Freedia could be seen pumping through the red carpet (its a deep shade of blue this year). Inside the Forum, the stage took up the entirety of the venues ground floor. The imprint of the stage was impressive, even overwhelming in size as a maze of catwalks and secondary stages traced the floor, all of which was outlined by hundreds of glowing triangles and projection screens. It made for a futuristic playground of geometric glowing shapes that show opener Kendrick Lamar put to use immediately as he emerged from the center of the venue for the explosive DNA, strutting through half of the venue before making it to the main stage. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Taylor Swift breaks YouTube record with Look What You Made Me Do video By Randy Lewis Taylor Swift set a YouTube record with the lyric video for her new single Look What You Made Me Do, tallying 19 million views in just the first 24 hours. Thats more than double the previous first-day record for a lyric video, which was set in February by the lyric video for the Chainsmokers Something Just Like This featuring Coldplay, which registered 9 million views upon its release. Its also the best 24-hour figure Swift has logged, besting the first-day result for her 2015 official video for Bad Blood, which attracted 17 million views, and has since totaled more than 1.1 billion views. As of Sunday morning, the tally for Look What You Made Me Do had surpassed 35 million. It sets the stage for the premiere tonight of Swifts official video for the new single, which will be introduced during the MTV Video Music Awards Ceremony, taking place at the Forum in Inglewood. The overall record for viewership in the first 24 hours for any music video belongs to Adele, who registered 27.7 million views in 2015 at the premiere of the official video for her song Hello. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Why William Friedkin called Tobe Hoopers Texas Chain Saw Massacre an Umami Burger of a movie By Mark Olsen Director Tobe Hooper, who died in Los Angeles on Saturday at age 74, created many movies and TV shows during his long career including stepping to helm the filming of Poltergeist when Steven Spielberg was contractually banned from directing other films during the production of ET: The Extra Terrestrial. Hoopers most admired film, of course, was 1974s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In 2014, on the occasion of the films 40th anniversary, The Exorcist director William Friedkin interviewed Hooper before an overflow audience at Los Angeles Vista theater. During the engaging conversation, Friedkin called Hooper one of the sweetest, nicest guys Ive ever known. And then added, So I often wonder where this stuff comes from. Hooper talked about purposely pitting his actors against each other to keep the on-screen tension high, how an unlikely pair of albums Elton Johns Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Lou Reeds Berlin inspired him during the writing of the screenplay, and about how damn strong women are, referring to the resilent character played by Marilyn Burns. Shes just not going to die. At one point, Friedkin provocatively asked, Do you think this is a work of art? Hooper first asked, Should I be modest? before responding with a salty confirmation, Its a ... work of art. The Times Mark Olsen was there for the interview. At the end of his article, theres this affirmation of the film from Friedkin: No 3-D, no CGI, welcome to this Umami Burger of a movie. Read on to find his reasoning. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cinefamily suspends all activities in wake of sexual misconduct allegations By Sonaiya Kelley The Cinefamily on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times) Following the resignations Tuesday of two leadership figures at Cinefamily, the Los Angeles independent film venue has announced that it is temporarily suspending all activities to allow for the investigation and necessary restructure of management and the board. Recently, claims were made alleging improper behavior by one of more members of the organization, reads a release posted on the organizations website and social media pages. The Board of Directors of The Cinefamily has no tolerance for any form of behavior that does not conform to the high standards demanded by our members and staff and that of common human decency. The letter also says that Cinefamily is bringing on an independent third party, Giles Miller at Lynx Insights & Investigations, to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. View Twitter post A spokesperson for the theater could not immediately be reached for comment. The announcement comes in the wake of two high profile exits: co-founder and executive creative director, Hadrian Belove, and vice president of its board of directors, Shadie Elnashai, resigned on Tuesday following allegations of sexual misconduct. The exits were announced in postings on Cinefamilys social media accounts. In light of recent events, Shadie Elnashai has resigned from Cinefamilys Board of Directors and Hadrian Belove has resigned as the Executive Creative Director of Cinefamily, read the statement. Addressing the anonymous allegations in a post to his personal Facebook account following his resignation, Belove described the emails contents as demonstrable lies and half-truths, and allegations without known victims. It is not clear whether screenings currently scheduled will still run, and there has been grumbling by monthly billed members as to whether or not automated charges will be suspended or cancelled. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The Texas Chain Saw Massacre director Tobe Hooper dies in Los Angeles at 74 By Associated Press Tobe Hooper, the horror-movie pioneer whose low-budget sensation The Texas Chain Saw Massacre took a buzz saw to audiences with its brutally frightful vision, has died. He was 74. The Los Angeles County coroners office says Hooper died Saturday in Sherman Oaks. It was reported as a natural death. Hooper and contemporaries like George Romero crafted some of the scariest nightmares that ever haunted moviegoers. He directed 1982s Poltergeist from a script by Steven Spielberg and was behind the 1979 miniseries Salems Lot, based on the Stephen King novel. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Is Taylor Swift trying to turn off her listeners? By Mikael Wood We can skip the rundown of Taylor Swifts feud with Kanye West, right? Less than 24 hours after the worlds biggest pop star unleashed her new single on a waiting commentariat, Im already exhausted by the idea of having to read (let alone write) yet another rehash of this deeply tiresome conflict. But you know whos not over it? Taylor Swift. In Look What You Made Me Do released online Thursday night as the lead single from a new album, Reputation, due in November the singer sounds positively fired up as she takes whack after brutal whack at the rapper who once interrupted her at an awards show. (Swift doesnt name West, to be clear, but with her reference to a tilted stage, she doesnt need to.) I dont like your perfect crime / How you laugh when you lie, she seethes over a throbbing electronic groove, You said the gun was mine / Isnt cool no, I dont like you. Later in the tune, which Swift created with Jack Antonoff, she pretends to answer a phone call from someone evidently looking for the old Taylor the sucker, you presume, who mightve let bygones be bygones. But she cant come to the phone, Swift tells the caller. Why? she adds. Oh, cause shes dead. Whats surprising about Look What You Made Me Do beyond the harsh industrial production that makes it feel like Swifts response to her enemys Yeezus is that it suggests the singer no longer cares (or is no longer able to tell) what pop fans want. Swift rose to superstardom by anticipating listeners desires; she knew just when to pivot from acoustic guitars to sleek synthesizers, from the fairy-tale romance of early hits like Love Story to the more grown-up depiction found on her last album, 2014s smash 1989. On tour behind that record, she spent a good portion of her show every night telling the members of her audience how closely shed been paying attention to them. But dredging up Taylor v. Kanye again? I mean, I cant be the only one whos sick of this topic something Swift wouldve known a few years ago without even having to think about it. OK, so she hardly lacks for company among A-listers eager to cook expired beef. Earlier this summer Katy Perry revived her ancient tussle with Swift I believe it had something to do with backup dancers? for Swish Swish. But Perrys song takes delight in its own pettiness, whereas Look What You Made Me Do just makes me think of President Trump whining endlessly about fake news. (Crediting Right Said Fred for the songs supposed debt to Im Too Sexy is funny in writing, but the inspiration adds little humor to the dour music.) Maybe Swift isnt aiming for me, though. Maybe this polarizing song is meant to galvanize her base which, sure enough, is rhapsodizing about the track on social media even at the expense of the wider world shes dominated for much of the last decade. If thats her play, its a wild one, especially coming after her powerful testimony during the recent trial regarding her alleged sexual assault at the hands of a Denver radio DJ. In court, Swift appeared driven to speak with a voice loud enough for others. Now, just days later, she seems uninterested in that job. Have we ever seen a pop star so happily give up a portion of her following? Thats an idea Im not tired of considering. Maybe Reputation will take it up. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Concerts by Coldplay, other acts canceled as Hurricane Harvey nears Texas By August Brown Coldplay performs at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 2016. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) As the potentially devastating Hurricane Harvey approaches the Texas coast, major acts including Coldplay, Lady Antebellum and Mary J. Blige have canceled or rescheduled their Houston-area concerts. Coldplay on Friday postponed a show scheduled for NRG Stadium in Houston. We really wanted to play tonight, but sitting here all together watching the news about the storm, we feel that we cant ask anyone to put their safety at risk. So, sadly, we will have to postpone, the band wrote. Live Nation Houston said ticket-holders would be updated when there was further information. We urge all fans in the area to stay safe, it said. A makeup date has not yet been scheduled. The country trio Lady Antebellum canceled its Sunday show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in the Woodlands, citing the storm. Blige postponed her Friday show at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. The venue announced that the concert had been rescheduled to Sept. 19. The Category 3 storm, which would be the first major hurricane to hit the United States since 2005, is expected to make landfall in coastal Texas on Saturday morning, bringing 100-mph winds and up to 35 inches of rain in some areas. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bachelor couple Nick Viall and Vanessa Grimaldi break off their engagement By Christie DZurilla (Leon Bennett / Getty Images) Nick Viall and Vanessa Grimaldi, who got engaged on the most recent season of The Bachelor, have with a great amount of heartbreak called the whole thing off. We gave this relationship our all and we are saddened that we did not get the fairytale ending we hoped for, they said Friday in a statement to E! News. The relationship lasted five months after the proposal aired on the Season 21 finale of The Bachelor in March. The two said in their statement that theyre parting with love and admiration for one another. The silver lining to what they called a difficult decision? This means Nick is potentially available for yet another TV stint in the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. That as-yet-imaginary gig would be his fifth ride on the looking-for-love roller coaster. In Bachelor Nation, its always good to dream. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher settle lawsuit over websites photos of their kids By Nardine Saad (Michael Nelson / EPA) Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis legal battle with British website MailOnline has been settled. The Two and a Half Men actor, the Bad Moms actress and the outlet have reached a satisfactory resolution of their legal action regarding the publication of photos of their children, their legal representatives said in a joint statement to The Times on Friday. The couple, who starred in That 70s Show together years before they began dating, took the websites publisher, Associated Newspapers, to Londons High Court in July 2015 over two articles featuring their daughter, who was 1 at the time. The U.K.'s MailOnline.com published images of Wyatt taken during a private family outing to the beach. A paparazzo used a long-lens camera to obtain the images, and the couple said they were unaware the photos were being taken. They claimed that the photos breached the Data Protection Act and were used for the unauthorized promotion of clothing on the website. [T]hey have reached a satisfactory resolution of their legal action, which includes an agreement to pixelate photographs of their daughter, Wyatt, their son, Dimitri, and any future children they should have together. Joint statement from Kutcher, Kunis and the MailOnline announcing their lawsuit settlement Per the agreement announced Friday, the outlet will pixelate photographs of Kutchers and Kunis daughter, Wyatt, their son, Dimitri, and any future children they should have together. The settlement is the latest legal blow to MailOnline and its associated newspaper, the Daily Mail. (The U.S. version of the website, DailyMail.com, is run by a separate news team.) In April, the tabloids parent company settled a libel suit with First Lady Melania Trump over an article it ran in the paper and online that suggested she may have once worked as an escort. In July 2014, George Clooney lambasted the Daily Mail in a USA Today op-ed that accused it of making up stories in the wake of an article it published about his mother-in-law. He got an apology and an acknowledgement that the story was inaccurate. That same month, Angelina Jolie reportedly threatened to take legal action after it published a video that claimed to show her under the influence of heroin in the 1990s. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Taylor Swifts Look What You Made Me Do lyrics: Let the analysis begin By Randy Lewis As if there were any doubt as to the level of interest in Taylor Swifts first new music in three years, her first single from her forthcoming album, Reputation, has been blowing up since it premiered Thursday night. The lyric video for Look What You Made Me Do had logged more than 7 million views as of 9:30 a.m. Friday. Additionally, Swift tweeted that the official video for the song will premiere Sunday during the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony. For those who want to dig in and attempt to decode what and to whom the I dont like you references might refer, here are the full lyrics to the song: Look What You Made Me Do FIRST VERSE I dont like your little games Dont like your tilted stage The role you made me play Of the fool, no, I dont like you I dont like your perfect crime How you laugh when you lie You said the gun was mine Isnt cool, no, I dont like you PRE-CHORUS But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time Ive got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined I check it once, then I check it twice, oh! CHORUS Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Ooh, look what you made me do Look What you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do SECOND VERSE I dont like your kingdom keys They once belonged to me You ask for a place to sleep Locked me out and threw a feast (what?) The world goes on, another day, another drama, drama But not for me, not for me, all I think about is karma And then the world moves on, but one things for sure Baby, I got mine, but youll all get yours PRE CHORUS REPEATS But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time Ive got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined I check it once, then I check it twice, oh! CHORUS REPEATS Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do THIRD VERSE I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams I dont trust nobody and nobody trusts me Ill be the actress starring in your bad dreams (Look what you made me do) (Look what you made me do) ANSWERING MACHINE INTERLUDE Im sorry, the old Taylor cant come to the phone right now. Why? Oh cause shes dead! CHORUS REPEATS Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Ooh, look what you made me do Look what you made me do Look what you just made me do Look what you just made me do Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Patty Jenkins isnt surprised James Cameron doesnt get Wonder Woman By Tracy Brown Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins has some words about James Camerons comments on the Amazonian warrior goddess: Of course he doesnt get it. Following the Avatar directors claims that Wonder Woman is a step backwards for women, Jenkins responded in a tweet that Camerons thoughts are unsurprising because he is not a woman. In an interview with the Guardian, Cameron threw some shade on Wonder Womans success by trying to compare Diana Prince to Sarah Connor from his Terminator franchise. "[Sarah Connor] was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit, Cameron said. Nothing like the objectified beauty icon he considers Wonder Woman to be. Jenkins points out that Camerons narrow qualifications for what makes a good female hero are restrictive and not at all progressive. If women have to always be hard, tough and troubled to be strong, and we arent free to be multidimensional or celebrate an icon of women everywhere because she is attractive and loving, then we havent come very far have we, Jenkins wrote. Jenkins also insisted that there should be room for all types of female lead characters and that women themselves should be the judge of these icons of progress. There is no right and wrong kind of powerful woman, she wrote. Read Jenkins full statement below. pic.twitter.com/8zkJXHLCJW Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) August 25, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement James Cameron thinks Wonder Womans success is misguided: Shes an objectified icon By Nardine Saad (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) James Cameron isnt here for Wonder Womans blockbuster success. In fact, the moviemaker calls the much-loved superhero flick (Wonder Woman is currently at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes) a step back from the female heroes he created in the 80s and 90s. It appears that the Titanic and Terminator 2" director, whose films often put tough women at the center of the action, doesnt think that Gal Gadots character was complicated or groundbreaking enough to merit so much acclaim -- $800 million at the worldwide box office aside. All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywoods been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided. Shes an objectified icon, and its just male Hollywood doing the same old thing! Cameron said in an interview with the Guardian. All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywoods been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided. Shes an objectified icon, and its just male Hollywood doing the same old thing! Filmmaker James Cameron on Wonder Woman The director, who was cast in the article as softened and evolved from his bone-crushing early movie-making days, believes that Wonder Woman was a step backwards. (Dont get him wrong, he did like Patty Jenkins summer blockbuster -- the first-ever feature-film incarnation of the DC Comics heroine and the highest-grossing live-action film directed by a woman -- just not enough to let it pass without throwing a little shade Diana Princes way.) Backwards in comparison with Camerons complex Sarah Connor character from the Terminator franchise. Sarah Connor was not a beauty icon. She was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit. And to me, [the benefit of characters like Sarah] is so obvious. I mean, half the audience is female! Cameron said. The three-time Oscar wi CBS S.W.A.T. reboot will take on the Trump years, #BlackLivesMatter, says Shemar Moore By Meredith Blake Stephanie Sigman and Shemar Moore (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Dont let the funky theme song or the 70s origins fool you. While technically a remake of both the original series and the subsequent 2003 film based on it CBS upcoming cop drama S.W.A.T. is very plugged into the current moment, according to its cast and creators. In the series, former Criminal Minds star Shemar Moore plays a native Angeleno who runs a tactical unit for the LAPD and finds his loyalty torn between his fellow officers and the community in which he was raised. As co-creator Aaron Rahsaan Thomas told reporters Tuesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour, the series was inspired by his experiences growing up in Kansas City, which have helped him understand both sides of the raging debate over police violence. I grew up in a neighborhood that had a very complicated view towards police officers, said Thomas, who created the series with veteran showrunner Shawn Ryan. On one hand, a 12-year-old kid who was a neighbor of mine was shot and killed by a police officer. On the other hand, another neighbor of mine was an actual police officer. Moore, best known for his long run on the CBS procedural Criminal Minds, noted the diversity of the cast and creative team and added that, while the show is primarily designed to entertain, it will also resonate politically. Were taking on the Trump years, he said. I dont care who you voted for. Its just whats happening today. Its Black Lives Matter. As much as some people dont want to hear it, its All Lives Matter. Its not just black versus blue or black versus white. Its every ethnicity. Its fear. Its racism. Its terrorism. Its subject matter of today. Ryan, who created the groundbreaking drama The Shield, about corrupt Los Angeles police officers, said he was excited about the chance to examine the often charged relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Los Angeles is such a diverse, amazing community, and seeing an officer who kind of lives in the city and sort of sees the people that are being policed as humans and as neighbors and as friends was really important to me. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Netflix getting A Little Help from Carol Burnett By Libby Hill What do you get when you pair up a living legend with a bunch of little kids? Comedy gold, if Netflix has its way. The online streaming service announced Monday that comedy icon Carol Burnett will be returning to television with A Little Help With Carol Burnett, an original unscripted series that pairs Burnett with children to tackle lifes dilemmas. Someone once asked me how old I am inside, Burnett said in a statement Monday. I thought about it and came up with, Im about 8. So its going to be a lot of fun playing with kids my age. Kids ages 4 to 8 will join Burnett as celebrities and everyday folks bring their real-life problems to the show to get advice in front of a live studio audience. Were thrilled Carol is bringing her unique sensibilities to Netflix, Bela Bajaria, the services vice president of content acquisition, said in Mondays announcement. Carol is truly a legend in the entertainment industry with unprecedented success and fandom across TV, film and the stage, and we are both honored and excited to work with her. A Little Help With Carol Burnett will be produced by Dick Clark Productions and is the companys first Netflix project. This is the second television project announced this year for Burnett, 84. In February, ABC ordered a pilot for the multi-camera comedy Household Name, starring Burnett, though the series has not been picked up in its current iteration. Debuting in 2018, A Little Help With Carol Burnett will feature 12 half-hour episodes. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ken Burns explains why his Vietnam War documentary is more relevant than ever By Libby Hill Ken Burns in Beverly Hilton on Sunday. (Richard Shotwell / Invision) History doesnt repeat itself, Ken Burns told a room of journalists gathered Sunday at the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour in Beverly Hills Were not condemned to repeat what we dont remember, Burns explained. Its that human nature never changes. Its a curious statement from the storied documentarian, particularly given his latest project, the 18-hour, 10-part documentary series The Vietnam War, directed with Lynn Novick. But just because humanity isnt trapped in a constantly repeating cycle doesnt mean that the echoes of modern strife arent plentiful throughout the upcoming PBS series. This is a story about mass demonstrations all across the country against the current administration, Burns said in response to a question about what the youth of America will find relevant in The Vietnam War. About a White House obsessed with leaks and in disarray because of those leaks, about a president railing against you, the news media, for making up news. Its about asymmetrical warfare, which even the mighty might of the United States Army cant figure out the correct strategy to take, and its about big document drops of classified material thats been hacked, that suddenly is dumped into the public sphere, destabilizing the conventional wisdom about really important topics and accusations that a political campaign reached out to a foreign power at the time of a national election to influence that election. This is the film we started in 2006, and every single one of those points are points about the Vietnam War having nothing to do with today, Burns concluded. By creating a fully-formed picture of Vietnam, Burns hopes to shed light on the rancor and alienation defining this present moment, he explained. For Novick, the thematic relevance only serves to help teachers who have long struggled in tackling the Vietnam War. Weve had great response from teachers already that the Vietnam War is difficult to teach because its controversial and unsettled history and theyre looking forward to using the film in the classroom, Novick said. Those resonances that Ken is talking about, those will be assignments for students. Were not going to have to work very hard with teachers to come up with those themes, and students are curious about whats happening now. The Vietnam War premieres Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. PDT Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Goodbye, MTV Moonman trophy. Hello, Moon Person By Emily Mae Czachor MTVs token space cadet just scored an identity revamp and gender didnt make the cut. In a recent interview with the New York Times, MTV President Chris McCarthy said the networks iconic Moonman trophy has been discontinued. From now on, the metallic figurine whose impenetrably opaque helmet has become the unofficial face of MTVs Video Music Awards will go by Moon Person instead. Because who knows whats really going on beneath that lacquered astronaut getup, anyway. Why should it be a man? McCarthy told the Times. It could be a man, it could be a woman, it could be transgender, it could be nonconformist. This new development is just the latest installment in MTVs string of efforts to do away with gender norms during its awards proceedings. The network eliminated gender-specific categories at its MTV Movie & TV Awards earlier this year, where all nominees were placed in neutral categories (i.e. best actor in a show, best actor in a movie). And the network isnt going to stop there. McCarthy also announced a new MTV reality series still in development called We Are They about a group of gender-nonconforming young adults coming of age. With Katy Perry hosting, the VMAs will broadcast from the Forum in Inglewood on Aug. 27. Heres the full list of nominees. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sam Shepard: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, actor and ... avant-garde drummer? By Randall Roberts Sam Shepard in 2014. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Sam Shepard, whose death at 73 was announced on Monday, will be remembered for his cross-discipline versatility. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, he penned classic off-Broadway plays including True West, Buried Child and Fool for Love. An Oscar-nominated actor, he starred in films including Days of Heaven, The Right Stuff, Crimes of the Heart and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. To fans of underground music, however, Shepard served a lesser-known role as the drummer for seminal New York avant-garde folk band the Holy Modal Rounders, with whom he performed on the crucial late 1960s albums Indian War Whoop and The Moray Eels Eat the Holy Modal Rounders. The band is best known for its song If You Want to Be a Bird, which plays during the classic scene in Easy Rider in which Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson roar down the highway on their motorcycles. Thats Shepard playing drums as Rounders founders Peter Stampfel and Steve Weber whoop and yowl. It was in his capacity as a percussionist, in fact, that he drew the attention of a young Patti Smith, who, in her 2010 memoir Just Kids, recounted their first early 70s meeting at seminal music club the Village Gate. Escorted to the club by Todd Rundgren, who had just issued his album Runt, Smith described the Holy Modal Rounders set as like being at an Arabian hoedown with a band of psychedelic hillbillies. I was fixed on the drummer, who seemed as if he was on the lam and had slid behind the drums while cops looked elsewhere. Smith, who at the time was freelancing for Crawdaddy magazine, introduced herself to this drummer, who said his name was Slim Shadow. The two started hanging out, wrote Smith, describing his tales as being even taller than mine. He had an infectious laugh and was rugged, smart, and intuitive. In my mind, he was the fellow with the cowboy mouth. Only later did she learn Slims real identity when a friend pulled her aside after seeing them at a restaurant together. As recounted in Just Kids, Smith wrote that her friend asked, What are you doing with Sam Shepard? Sam Shepard? I said. Oh, no, this guys name is Slim. Honey, dont you know who he is? Hes the drummer for the Holy Modal Rounders. No, corrected her friend, Hes the biggest playwright off-Broadway. He had a play at Lincoln Center. He won five Obies! Once she learned of his reputation and acclaim, Smith and Shepard continued to see each other -- despite his being married at the time -- and eventually collaborated on a play called Cowboy Mouth. Smith described telling him of nervousness at writing for the stage, which she had never done. But Shepard urged her on, Smith wrote, telling her that you cant make a mistake when you improvise. Replied Smith: What if I screw up the rhythm? You cant, Shepard explained. Its like drumming. If you miss a beat, you create another. 7:15 a.m. Updated to correct the title of Smiths memoir, Just Kids, and to identify the Holy Modal Rounders co-founders, Stampfel and Weber. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Lady Gaga subpoenaed in producer Dr. Lukes lawsuit against pop singer Kesha By Randall Roberts The ongoing offstage drama between the pop singer Kesha and her former producer Dr. Luke has entangled another platinum superstar: Lady Gaga. On Saturday, attorneys for Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, issued a statement regarding their attempt to depose Lady Gaga about relevant conversations she may have had with Kesha. The artist, who was born Kesha Sebert, is the subject of a defamation suit filed in New York by Dr. Luke stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct, which the producer vigorously denies. The statement reads: Dr. Lukes counsel served a subpoena on Lady Gaga because she has relevant information regarding, among other things, false statements about Dr. Luke made to her by Kesha. This motion has become necessary because Dr. Lukes counsel has not been able to obtain, despite repeated request [sic], a deposition date from Lady Gaga. The protracted legal battle between Dr. Luke, left, and Kesha has brought Lady Gaga into the fray. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images) Representatives for Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, said in a statement issued to The Times on Monday morning: As Lady Gagas legal team will present to the court, she has provided all of the relevant information in her possession and is at most an ancillary witness in this process. Dr. Lukes team is attempting to manipulate the truth and draw press attention to their case by exaggerating Lady Gagas role and falsely accusing her of dodging reasonable requests. Among the information Lady Gaga has provided are copies of text messages that were, according to a report on TMZ, heavily redacted. Lady Gaga has been a vocal Kesha supporter. Last year, Gaga wrote about her peers plight in an Instagram post: The very reason women dont speak up for years is the fear that no one will believe them or their abuser has threatened their life or life of their loved ones/livelihood in order to keep their victim quiet and under control. What happened to Kesha has happened to many female artists, including myself, and it will affect her for the rest of her life. The news comes at a particularly crucial moment for Keshas career. On Aug. 11, she will release her highly anticipated new album, Rainbow. The record, featuring songs such as Learn to Let Go, will arrive via Dr. Lukes imprint, Kemosabe, a situation Kesha sought to avoid in a 2014 lawsuit of her own, which she later dropped. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ride on, genius: Celebrities mourn the loss of Sam Shepard By Emily Mae Czachor Acclaimed actor and playwright Sam Shepard died July 27 at age 73. (Charles Sykes / Associated Press) Sam Shepard Oscar-nominated actor and critically acclaimed playwright, author, screenwriter and director died on July 27 after suffering complications from ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease). When news of his death broke Monday morning, Twitter erupted with posts to mourn, honor and remember one of show business beloved renaissance men. View Instagram post This story was updated with additional reactions. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Macaulay Culkin got his first tattoo with goddaughter Paris Jackson, and its a match By Emily Mae Czachor For Paris Jackson, getting inked is nothing out of the ordinary. With more than 50 tattoos already under her belt, the 19-year-old daughter of late pop king Michael Jackson collects body art like postage stamps. According to E! News, the budding actress got her latest over the weekend: an understated sketch of a red spoon, just below the crook of her left arm. A new tattoo might be old-hat for Jackson, but it wasnt for Macaulay Culkin, Jacksons 36-year-old godfather -- and first-time tattoo patron -- who emerged from West Hollywoods Tattoo Mania with a matching spoon on his own forearm. Though neither Jackson nor Culkin spoke to the meaning of the double-inking, the design is supposedly meant to represent a kind of chronic struggle. And thats not the only news that Culkin made recently. The Internet nearly lost its collective mind last week when a new photo emerged of the Home Alone actor looking healthy and happy. E! News even declared that Culkin definitely just won 2017s greatest makeover. Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Macaulay Culkin definitely just won 2017's greatest makeover (thus far, at least). https://t.co/IdKjxii5KZ pic.twitter.com/SOAuSx57oU E! News (@enews) July 27, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Alex Jones products are almost as bad as his conspiracy theories, says John Oliver By Meredith Blake Over the last year, conspiracy theorist and influential radio host Alex Jones has come under intense scrutiny for his fringe beliefs, most notably his claim that the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a hoax perpetrated by the government. On Sundays Last Week Tonight, John Oliver noted that Jones status as a Sandy Hook truther qualified him for an Easy Pass to hells version of the champagne room. But he spent most of his time on a relatively overlooked aspect of Jones conspiracy empire -- the wide range of products that he sells in order to fund it. According to Oliver, Jones spends nearly a quarter of his airtime plugging InfoWars-branded merchandise, including Wake Up America Patriot coffee to Combat One Tactical Bath Wipes and a powder called Caveman True Paleo (made from chocolate and domesticated bird corpses, Oliver joked). As the comedian pointed out, it just so happens that many of the products Jones sells, often at a significant markup, purport to address the conspiracy theories with equally wild-eyed zeal. Think: water filters to remove chemicals that supposedly turn frogs gay or vitamins to boost your immunity and ward off germs from allegedly disease-ridden refugees. Jones even has his own in-house expert, Dr. Edward Group, with dubious qualifications (and equally questionable hair) to back up his various outlandish claims. InfoWars is essentially a QVC for conspiracy, Oliver argued. So in the spirit of InfoWars, Oliver decided to introduce his own personal care product, John Oliver Moisture-Armored Tactical Assault Wipes, available via Infowipes.com. The price? A mere $1 million. Worth every penny, were sure. You can watch the complete segment here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Vintage Casablanca poster sells for $478,000 By Trevell Anderson How much would someone pay for a vintage movie poster? Well, if that film is Casablanca, one persons answer is $478,000. Thats how much a bidder coughed up Saturday for the only known surviving Italian-issue poster for the 1942 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The poster sold through Heritage Auctions of Dallas. The buyer has just set a world record and acquired what we in the poster collecting world would equate to a masterpiece, said Grey Smith, Heritages director of vintage posters. The stunning artistry put into this poster makes it stand head and shoulders above any paper produced for the film. The poster, measuring 55.5 inches by 78.25 inches, was produced in 1946. The film opened in Italy on Nov. 21 that year, almost four years after its U.S. premiere. Featuring artwork by Luigi Martinati, the poster is considered the best of the pictures numerous advertisements, Smith said. Previous Italian-issue posters for the film have sold for as much as $203,000. A U.S.-issue of the poster has fetched $191,200. The auction featured other rare posters for the film, with a half-sheet going for $65,725, and a postwar Spanish-release poster selling for $35,850. ---------- For the Record An earlier version of this article misstated the purchase price of the Casablanca poster sold Saturday as $487,000. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement There is no Plan B for public broadcasting without federal funding, PBS president says By Libby Hill Paula Kerger, chief executive of PBS (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images) PBS President and Chief Executive Paula Kerger wasnt pulling any punches Sunday at the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour in Beverly Hills. When people say, What is the Plan B for [loss of federal funding]? There is no Plan B for that, Kerger said of the potential budget crisis public broadcasting faces under the Trump administration. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been under fire for months, with President Trumps proposed budget axing the institutions $450-million budget. Though its easy to suggest that budget cuts would threaten Big Birds livelihood, the true victims of defunding would be far more human. Kerger explained that of PBS $450-million budget, one-third goes to radio. Of the television budget, most goes to community service grants that local stations use for up to 50% of their operating budgets. PBS itself will not go away. But a number of our stations will. If you are a station for whom 30 or 40 or 50% of your funding is suddenly pulled away, theres no way you can make up that money, Kerger said. You will find big parts of the country that will suddenly be without public broadcasting. The fate of public broadcasting is currently in flux, waiting for the end of Congress August recess for resolution. Currently, the House Appropriations Committee has approved the bulk of the PBS budget, while the House Budget Committee recommended doing away with funding altogether. Budget concerns aside, Kerger also addressed other unresolved PBS matters. The second seat of PBS NewsHour has been vacant since the untimely death of co-host Gwen Ifill in November 2016, leaving Judy Woodruff as the shows sole anchor. We have encouraged [executive producer] Sara Just and Judy Woodruff and the team at NewsHour to take their time and think very carefully about who that right person [to replace Ifill] is, Kerger said. Im hopeful that they will be making an announcement sometime over the next few months of a new anchor. Kerger also announced an upcoming project aimed at inspiring the country to come together in celebration of literature. The Great American Read is an eight-part series launching in spring 2018 that explores the nations 100 best-loved books, chosen by the American people and culminating in the first-ever national vote to choose Americas Best-Loved Book. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print AMC Visionaries adds Eli Roth, Roots, Gibney for new docu-series By Meredith Woerner Robert Kirkman, left, and Eli Roth at the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour in Beverly Hills. ( Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for AMC) AMC announced several additions to its upcoming Visionaries docu-series Saturday at the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour in Beverly Hills. Writer-director-actor Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Hostel) will be offering a deeper look into his signature style of genre filmmaking with Eli Roths History of Horror (working title) and Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Tariq Black Thought Trotter (founding members of The Roots) and Alex Gibney (Going Clear, History of the Eagles) will executive produce a series called Rap Yearbook (another working title). The cable network also has three other installments in development: History of Video Games, Outlaws of the Internet, and History of Martial Arts. The new Visionaries members join the previously announced programs Robert Kirkmans Secret History of Comics and James Camerons Story of Science Fiction. Kirkman and Roth were present at the AMC panel with Cameron appearing via satellite to show sneak peeks from the comics and sci-fi iterations of the series. A sizzle reel for the Secret History of Comics utilized plenty of classic panel pages and a sort of motion comic-like animation to illustrate the early days of Marvel Comics, going all the way back to the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby days. But the real treat was a collection of cameos, famous faces opining about their love of the form including Lee himself, J.K. Simmons, Kevin Smith, and Method Man, who earnestly revealed, You have to be born a comic book fan, I think. And there are plenty more talking heads to come, the AMC press release promised Patty Jenkins, Lynda Carter, Famke Janssen, Michelle Rodriguez, and Todd McFarlane. The second clip shared a look at Camerons love letter to science fiction. Today, science fiction is mainstream but it didnt used to be that way, the director explained. When I was a kid science fiction wasnt cool, but I thought it was cool. Cameron wants to focus on closing the gap between current fans knowledge of modern day sci-fi to the pioneering works of literature that inspired the blockbuster offerings of today. The Terminator and Avatar director noted that without Jules Verne and H.G. Wells there would be no Avengers, Star Wars or his own works. The series will be divided by theme -- space travel, time travel etc.-- and include appearances from Paul W. Anderson, Roland Emmerich, Paul Verhoeven, Bryan Singer, Keanu Reeves, Jonathan Nolan, David Gerrold and D.C. Fontana. When asked how their respective series would showcase diversity -- the footage screened was very male-centric -- Kirkman responded that History of Comics would have two episodes devoted to diversity. One will focus on the women who helped Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston steer the course of the hugely famous female superhero, and another highlighting people of color titled The Color of Comics. The episode explores the history of black characters, and the lack of black characters in the comic book industry, said Kirkman. which touches on the creation of Black Panther the Marvel character and does a really cool focus on this company called Milestone Comics that was founded by a group of African American comic book creators to create characters that appealed to them and represented them, because there was a huge lack of representation in comics even in the 90s. You wouldnt have horror without Mary Shelley and Frankenstein, Roth added. He cited the late George Romero as an example of how he wants to break down the themes within the horror genre. At the height of the civil rights movement [Romero] puts an African American as the lead of Night of the Living Dead and at the end of the movie hes shot by a bunch of rednecks. Not because of the color of his skin, but because they think hes a zombie. But you can read into the implications of that. What [Romero] was doing with using genre to explore racism was so ahead of its time. its just as potent today as it was 50 years ago. Its absolutely something were going to be discussing. Roths urgency to document the horror masters was apparent. It was the death of Scream moviemaker Wes Craven that inspired Roth to get involved in Visionaries. The panel then took a turn for the analytical when the creators were asked how their series would reflect the world today. The fact that dystopian science fiction has come back, especially in television and in movies, is very important, said Cameron. It means that in the age that we live in right now the challenges that face us are technological. Theyre science challenges: climate change, genetics, artificial intelligence, things like that. These are really on our horizon as major, existential threats. The best horror reflects whats going on in our times, said Roth. He used Jordan Peeles Get Out which addressed modern day racial tensions as a reference. Its no accident that movie coming out right now is making over $200 million at the box office. You can tell its really resonating with people. Bouncing off Camerons dystopia revelation, Roth then turned his lens onto the current political climate, I dont think weve ever seen a cast of characters like this in our White House thats straight out of WWF wrestling in the 80s. When [Anthony Scaramucci] is coming out with things that would make Rowdy Roddy Piper in his heyday blush. This is a farce, is this actually happening? When will we start seeing this dystopian outlook on the current political climate in the movies? Possibly before Roths series, which will air sometime in 2018, after History of Comics and the Story of Science Fiction in 2017. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement President Trump got a fan letter from a young boy this week. Stephen Colbert introduced another young fan Friday By Greg Braxton Stephen Colbert, host of CBS The Late Show. (Michael Loccisano / Getty Images) White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders took time during a White House briefing this week to read a fan letter to President Trump from a 9-year-old boy named Dylan who has the nickname of Pickle. Sanders read part of the letter to reporters: Youre my favorite President ... I dont know why people dont like you. Sanders interjected, Neither do I, Dylan. The letter continued, You seem really nice. Can we be friends? Sanders assured Pickle that she had spoken directly to Trump about him, and the president would be more than happy to be your friend. Stephen Colbert on Friday brought another young fan of Trumps onstage Friday night to read her own letter during his CBS Late Show. Dear President, my name is Norah, but everybody calls me Mustard, the little girl recited. She continued, Youre my favorite current president. Norah then presented some probing questions to Trump: I was wondering, does the attorney general enjoy your full support? And how do you plan to implement the ban on transgender people currently serving in the military? Will those on active duty be called home? Sounds like a logistical nightmare. She continued, One more thing: Are you a puppet of Vladimir Putin? I love puppets! I made one at camp! Love, Mustard. The Late Show audience cheered. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Broadways Great Comet producer apologizes for controversial Mandy Patinkin casting By Nardine Saad (Jeff Schear / Getty Images) The producer behind Broadways struggling musical Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812" has joined the apologetic refrain for the diversity uproar that followed the decision to bring in Mandy Patinkin to replace departing star Okieriete Oak Onaodowan, who is black. The production came under fire this week following its move to replace Onaodowan, who was in the original cast of Hamilton, with Tony Award winner Patinkin in a titular role. As part of our sincere efforts to keep Comet running for the benefit of its cast, creative team, crew, investors and everyone else involved, we arranged for Mandy Patinkin to play Pierre, co-producer Howard Kagan said in an official statement posted Friday on Twitter. Kagan said they had the wrong impression of how Onaodowan felt about Patinkins casting and how it would be received by members of the theater community, which we appreciate is deeply invested in the success of actors of color as are we and to whom we are grateful for bringing this to our attention. We regret our mistake deeply, and wish to express our apologies to everyone who felt hurt and betrayed by these actions, he said. The legendary Broadway star dropped out of the musical on Friday after the announcement that he would be replacing the African American star was met with disdain. Patinkin was to join the cast for a limited run from Aug. 15 through Sept. 3, but declined the part because he would never accept a role knowing it would harm another actor. I hear what members of the community have said and I agree with them. I am a huge fan of Oak and I will, therefore, not be appearing in the show, the Homeland alum tweeted. Another tweet on the shows account included an apology to Patinkin for any misunderstanding and said they understood his decision to withdraw from the show. Our deepest apologies. pic.twitter.com/Mks7XLGxbq The Great Comet (@GreatCometBway) July 28, 2017 pic.twitter.com/vSZk6K2KOV The Great Comet (@GreatCometBway) July 28, 2017 Onaodowan, who had replaced recording artist Josh Groban in the role of Pierre earlier this month, is scheduled to continue to perform through Aug. 13, after which, he stated Friday on Twitter, he will not return to the show. It is unclear if his decision to leave the production was his own or prompted by other factors. Show creator Dave Malloy, whose musical was inspired by a portion of Leo Tolstoys War and Peace, also apologized Friday on Twitter for how everything went down and missing the racial optics of their casting decision. They had previously asked actress Brittain Ashford to step aside for the casting of better-known singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson during the summer months and they didnt anticipate that Patinkins casting would be viewed differently, Malloy said. Despite 12 Tony Award nominations, Comet only received two wins -- for set and lighting -- at the June ceremony and ticket sales ebbed when Groban departed. Malloy said that sales for shows after Aug. 13, when Michaelsons run would also end, were catastrophically low. So they decided to cast Patinkin, hoping that his star power would help boost sales, because the weird show was in desperate shape and on the brink of closing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Eagles, Doobie Brothers will play Classic Northwest show Sept. 30 in Seattle By Randy Lewis The reconfigured Eagles, shown during a July 15 performance at Dodger Stadium, will continue with a Sept. 30 Classic Northwest concert with the Doobie Brothers in Seattle. (Kevin Mazur / Getty Images) The EaglesClassic music festival series will continue with at least one more stop, this time in Seattle. But unlike the inaugural Classic West bill July 15-16 at Dodger Stadium, which is having a Classic East encore this weekend in New York, the added Classic Northwest show on Sept. 30 will be just a single day and feature the Eagles and Doobie Brothers only. The Classic West and East shows teamed the Eagles, Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers on one day, with Fleetwood Mac, Journey and Earth, Wind & Fire on the second day of each. Tickets for the Classic Northwest bill go on sale Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster. At the outset of the Eagles portion of Classic West on July 15, co-founder Don Henley indicated it was still uncertain how much of a future his long-running band might have absent co-founder Glenn Frey, who died last year at 67. To make the Classic West and East shows possible, the group tapped Freys son, singer-guitarist Deacon Frey, and country music star Vince Gill to handle the lead vocals on the many Eagles songs that were originally sung by Glenn Frey. In case this is our last dance, Henley told the crowd at Dodger Stadium, where he was joined by longtime bandmates Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, we want to thank all of you in Southern California for all your support. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement In her new Hulu series, Sarah Silverman wants to love America -- seriously By Greg Braxton Executive producers Amy Zvi, left, and Adam McKay, star/executive producer Sarah Silverman and executive producer Gavin Purcell at Hulus I Love You, America panel at the TCA summer press tour. (Willy Sanjuan / Invision/Associated Press) From her stand-up act to her Comedy Central series to her Twitter account, comic-actress Sarah Silverman has a long history of courting laughs and controversy. Her outspokenness and sometimes absurd, sometimes acerbic views on everything from celebrity to culture to politics, particularly President Trump and his administration, have raised eyebrows. On her upcoming Hulu series, I Love You, America, Silverman is focused more on forming bonds than being provocative. In surveying the current political landscape and the comedy shows that skewer it, Silverman says she wants to reach out to all on the political spectrum. For me, [those shows are] great, but they really connect with more like-minded people. Theyre brilliant. Theyre funny. But Im hoping to, with this show, connect with un-like-minded people, Silverman said Thursday during a panel at the Television Critics Assn.'s summer press tour in Beverly Hills. The mission of the show is that were all the same. But whats important is that its funny. Although the exact format of the show is still being refined, Silverman did reveal some elements, including a monologue, a focus group in the studio and field pieces in which she travels around the country talking to people. For example, Silverman says she plans to go to Slidell, La., to meet a family that says they have never met a Jewish person. I cant help but have preconceived notions. They cant help but have preconceived notions, said Silverman. All I can do is just try to be open and brave and go into the situation. And same for them. Although Silverman and executive producer Adam McKay didnt make any sharp criticisms about Trump at Thursdays session, they did take exception to his attacks against so-called entertainment liberals or the Hollywood elite. What is he talking about? said Silverman. Im from ... New Hampshire. Everybody out here is from somewhere else. The goal of the show will be to seek common ground and understanding, she said: Ultimately were all the same. The thesis of the show is that everybody just wants to be loved. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jerry Seinfeld is Forbes highest-paid comedian; Amy Schumer still only woman to crack the top 10 By Nardine Saad If Jerry Seinfeld is this years king of comedy, then Amy Schumer is the queen. The Comedy Central star once again landed on Forbes list of highest-paid comedians, the financial magazine announced Thursday. She was the first woman comic to crack the top 10 last year and remains the only woman on the list this year. The Trainwreck and Snatched star made an estimated $37.5 million between June 2016 and June 2017 thanks to her Netflix show The Leather Special, her memoir The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo and endorsement deals with Bud Light and Old Navy. That ranked the raunchy comic No. 5 on the list filled with veteran comedy heavyweights. Meanwhile, the Seinfeld and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee star shot back to the top of the list this year, earning an estimated $69 million. Seinfeld was eclipsed last year by Kevin Hart, who this year dropped to the No. 6 spot with $32.5 million. Chris Rock trailed Seinfeld for the second spot on Forbes list, earning $57 million. His record-breaking $20 million-per-special contract with Netflix paved the way for several comics, including Seinfeld, to cut lucrative deals with the streaming service, which is poised to become the go-to-destination for comedy specials. In addition to touring, those deals significantly padded the incomes of several stars on Forbes list. In the third and fourth spots, funnymen Louis C.K. and Dave Chappelle, who earned $52 million and $47 million, respectively, also made expensive deals with the streaming service to make their millions. To see Forbes complete list, click here. For the record, 10:40 a.m.: A previous headline and version of this story said that Schumer was the first woman to make the top 10 list this year. Schumer was the first woman to make the top 10 last year. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print American Horror Story: Cult gets sickeningly sweet in official poster By Libby Hill We're just beneath the surface... #AHSCult pic.twitter.com/GvnMD1KieQ AmericanHorrorStory (@AHSFX) July 27, 2017 What exactly is beneath the surface in American Horror Story: Cult? Bees, apparently. The seventh season of FXs hit horror anthology series is slowly revealing itself via its official Twitter account. On Thursday, the series shared the official poster for the series, and it is super messed up. The poster features a deathly pale woman who happens to be missing the top of her head and, for that matter, her brain. Instead, the inside of her head is a honeycomb, replete with bees and, of course, honey. This is creepy for so many reasons. Here are a few: This poor woman has had the top of her skull removed, bringing to mind that particularly gruesome dinner scene featuring Anthony Hopkins and Ray Liotta in the 2001 film Hannibal. Even more horrifying is that this poor, sweet woman is definitely dressed like a clown. The white makeup, lines through the eyes and exaggerated ruby red lips suggest that AHS: Cult is drawing inspiration from traditional grotesque whiteface clown makeup. Think more Pennywise, less juggalo. (And if none of that is enough to scare you, please enjoy this clown dating site I stumbled across while researching all of this.) FXs American Horror Story: Cult premieres on Sept. 5. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Stephen Colbert had some [bleeped] thoughts on Anthony Scaramuccis NSFW rant By Yvonne Villarreal (Richard Boeth / Associated Press) Stephen Colbert took a cue from incoming White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci -- or the Mooch, as hes called -- by giving Thursdays episode of The Late Show a decidedly NSFW vibe. We got an incredible taste of unfiltered Mooch today, Colbert said during his monologue. He was, of course, referring to Scaramuccis disapproving -- and often vulgar -- comments about White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon in a New Yorker article that sent social media tongues wagging Thursday. But to even discuss the matter, Colbert had to issue a warning to CBS censors: Youre going to want to break out the extra bleeps for this one, he said before diving in. (If only we could get our ellipses to put in some overtime!) In his colorful conversation with New Yorker correspondent Ryan Lizza, which took place Wednesday night,Scaramucci was trying to get to the bottom of who leaked that he had dinner at the White House with President Trump, the first lady, Sean Hannity and the former Fox News executive Bill Shine. Scaramucci described Priebus as a ... paranoid schizophrenic who had blocked him from the White House for six months -- prompting Colbert to break out an impression of Scaramucci. Yes, the guys paranoid, OK? He thinks his own communications director is gonna stab him in the back again, Colbert said with an exaggerated Italian accent. Front stab! he added with a knifing gesture. The New Yorker article also detailed how Scaramucci accused Bannon of seeking to build [his] own brand off the strength of the president and made some other inflammatory remarks that we cant fully detail. So well let Colbert take it from here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Longtime Disney imagineer Martin Sklar dies at 83 By Richard Verrier (Jae C Hong / Associated Press) Martin Marty Sklar, the pioneering Walt Disney Co. imagineer who played an instrumental role in the design of Disney theme parks, has died, the company announced Thursday night. He was 83. During his 54 years at Disney, Sklar worked closely with Walt Disney and led the creative development of the Burbank companys theme parks, attractions and resorts around the world, including the companys ventures in the cruise business, housing development and the redesign of Times Square in New York. Everything about Marty was legendary his achievements, his spirit, his career, Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger said in a statement. He embodied the very best of Disney, from his bold originality to his joyful optimism and relentless drive for excellence. He was also a powerful connection to Walt himself. No one was more passionate about Disney than Marty and well miss his enthusiasm, his grace, and his indomitable spirit. Sklar was born in New Brunswick, N.J., and attended UCLA, where he was editor of the Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create the Disneyland News for Walt Disneys new Anaheim theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time and would become Disneys lieutenant. He wrote speeches, marketing materials and a film showcasing Walts vision for Walt Disney World and the Epcot theme park in Florida. READ MORE> Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Is a happily ever after coming to The Mindy Project? By Yvonne Villarreal The Mindy Project creator/executive producer/star Mindy Kaling with executive producers Matt Warburton, left, and Ike Barinholtz at the shows Television Critics Assn. press tour panel. (Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Is there a happily ever after written in the stars for the final season of The Mindy Project? Series creator Mindy Kaling, who also plays the titular heroine at the center of the Hulu comedy, took the stage Thursday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills to discuss the shows swan song season. And when asked if Kalings rom-com-obsessed character, Mindy Lahiri, would get her storybook ending, the 38-year-old actress suggested it wouldnt necessarily be in the way viewers expect. I think that all of us would agree that we do have happily ever after, the connotations of it, said Kaling, who was joined onstage by executive producer and showrunner, Matt Warburton, and producer and star Ike Barinholtz (sporting a neck brace from a recent stunt gone wrong). But happily ever after isnt the same as no loose ends, she said. That everything is tied up neatly in a bow is something we arent super interested in. That side of it I think were trying to avoid, Kaling added, while also leaving the audience with the sense of feeling that it was about something and that it really was a project and that she had some growth in the end. And for fans wondering whether or how Danny Castellano (played by Chris Messina) would factor into all that, the season promises to shed some light on that. For the unitiated, Messinas Danny is Mindys former fiance and the father of her child. Messina, who hasnt been a series regular since Season 4, is set to return for multiple episodes. And while the Season 5 finale ended with Mindy marrying boyfriend Ben (Bryan Greenberg), hints were thrown that the new episodes would bring some clarity to the Mindy-Danny relationship. The one thing we can promise the audience is a little bit of clarity about where they stand, Warburton said. Its so great to see him back because weve always known theyre always going to be in each others lives but its great to actually see what that means this season. Its complicated, added Kaling. Theyre both married to other people, so we went into that season with all of that, which makes things sort of fun and delicious. Other familiar faces set to return for the final season are Mark and Jay Duplass, Adam Pally and Glenn Howerton. Kaling, in discussing the decision to end the series, promised a good finale. The decision to end the show was our decision, and I think thats always very hard, Kaling said. It was like, God, should this be the end? ... I think right now the idea of doing a prequel or something like that just felt we just have such a good finale. We have such a good finale that weve known about for awhile. The final season of The Mindy Project will start its rollout on Hulu in September. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Tiffany Haddish clarifies controversial Bill Cosby remarks: Im not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf By James Reed Actress Tiffany Haddish has clarified her remarks about wanting to work with Bill Cosby. (Christina House / For The Times) A joke that Tiffany Haddish recently told The Los Angeles Times has backfired on the breakout star of the new film Girls Night. Talking to The Times Trevell Anderson, Haddish credited Bill Cosby as a comedy inspiration, seemingly unfazed by the multiple sexual-abuse allegations levied against the beleaguered, 80-year-old TV legend. I still want to work with Bill Cosby, I dont care, she told The Times earlier this month. Ill drink the juice. Ill take a nap. I dont give a damn. But seriously, I would love for him to play my grandfather in something. Her remarks raised eyebrows and ire on social media, with some fans questioning her intentions and a New York magazine story noting that the actress seems to have wandered into problematic fave territory. I've been rooting hard for Tiffany Haddish but I find nothing funny about her making light of Bill Cosby drugging women Stephanie. (@qsteph) July 26, 2017 Twitter: "We loved Tiffany Haddish in #GirlsTrip. Sweetie is doing amazing!" Tiffany Haddish: "I'd love to work with Bill Cosby." Twitter: pic.twitter.com/X23DQWb2wi hellresidentNY (@hellresidentNY) July 27, 2017 On Thursday, Haddish attempted to clarify those comments while speaking on a panel at the Television Critics Assn.'s summer press tour in Beverly Hills. What I said was a joke, she said, noting that when youre expected to be funny in promotional interviews, there are risks. Youre going to say some bad jokes. Haddish said her point had been that Im not afraid to do anything. Im not afraid of any kind of job. Im not afraid to play any kind of girl as long as it doesnt compromise my morals.... Ive been through things. Ive been victimized, she added. I dont agree with what he did or anything, but, at the end of the day, Im not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf. Thats what I was trying to say, and I was trying to do it in a humorous way. Times staff writer Sarah Rodman contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tracy Morgan thanks God, and Tiffany Haddish reflects on her success at Last O.G. panel at TCA By Sarah Rodman Tracy Morgan, left, Tiffany Haddish and Ryan Gaul of the new TBS comedy The Last O.G. at the TCA press tour in Beverly Hills on Thursday. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images) Thank God. Thats what Tracy Morgan had to say about what it means for the 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live alum to be returning to TV three years after the devastating accident that put him in a coma and resulted in the death of his friend James Jimmy Mack McNair. The stand-up comic and actor, whose new TBS comedy, The Last O.G. premieres Oct. 24, was full of gratitude and thoughts on starting over during the presentation for the show at the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour Thursday in Beverly Hills. Executive produced by Morgan, Jordan Peele and John Carcieri, The Last O.G. chronicles the adventures of Tray (Morgan). Newly sprung from prison after serving 15 years, he has to acclimate to the changed times, his gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood and his former girlfriend (Tiffany Haddish of Girls Trip) raising the children he didnt know existed with another man. This is a show about humanity, this is a show about second chances, this is a show about redemption, said Morgan, answering a question about whether it would explicitly explore African American issues. I wanted to transcend that... I wanted to deal with humanity. Haddish, naturally, fielded several questions about Girls Trip, the new comedy film that has minted her as a star. I feel like a foster kid whos been in the system for a long time and then turned 16 and somebody adopted them and said, You can go to college and you aint got to pay no school loans or nothing, she said of how shes been feeling in the wake of the films superb box office. Im happy! Ive been accepted finally after all these years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Haddish said she was looking forward to her role in The Last O.G. since its a character who has gone through a transition in her life, just as she herself has. Her fellow cast mates, including Cedric the Entertainer, good-naturedly ribbed her about becoming a diva since shes now a movie star. But Morgan noted seriously that Haddish has been nothing but a pro: She comes to work. Haddish joked: My bank account, it dont show movie star yet. Im waiting on it. They say nine months; its like a baby. Im waiting for the delivery. Morgan said it was important to surround himself with scene stealers such as Haddish and Cedric and was clearly earnest in his appreciation of his collaborators and their sensitivity to his physical needs. They make sure I sit down... they dont ask me, they [say] sit down for a little while. So Im good. Im taken care of by my people, and I love them with my heart. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print It can be TGIF every day on Hulu: The service lands popular ABC programming block in SVOD deal By Yvonne Villarreal Every day can be Friday in the 90s with help from Hulu. The streaming service announced Thursday it has signed a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for the exclusive streaming rights to programs that were part of the popular ABC programming block known as TGIF. The announcement was made during the streaming services day of panels at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills. The shows under the deal include Full House, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers, Step by Step and Hangin With Mr. Cooper. Nabbing the rights to Full House is particularly noteworthy considering Hulus rival Netflixs success with reviving the comedy, which is returning for a third season in September. With the Hulu deal, more than 800 episodes of the five sitcoms from the bygone family friendly lineup will be available beginning Friday, Sept. 29. These shows are more than just beloved hits, they were part of a cultural tradition to tune in every Friday night, said Craig Erwich, Hulus senior vice president of content in a statement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print TV Academy announces which awards will be handed out during Primetime, Creative Arts Emmys By Nardine Saad Get your Emmys ballot ready the Television Academy has announced which categories will be awarded during this years 69th Primetime Emmy Awards and the separate Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The main event will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 17 and will be hosted by The Late Show star Stephen Colbert. Prizes will be awarded to comedy and drama series, limited series, reality competition, variety talk and sketch, television movie, acting, directing, and writing during the live telecast on CBS. HBOs Westworld and NBCs Saturday Night Live lead the nominees with 22 nods apiece, a total that includes several below-the-line categories to be doled out at the two Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies the week before. Honoring artistic and technical achievements that could make or break your play-at-home ballot, the Creative Arts Emmys will be held in the same venue on two consecutive nights on Sept. 9 and 10. Theyll be put together for one show, produced by Bob Bain, that will air on FXX on Sept. 16. The first night will cover categories that include animation, choreography, cinematography, costuming, make-up, hairstyling, documentary and nonfiction awards, editing, lighting, sound-mixing, technical direction, variety special and some writing awards. The second night will lean more heavily on front-of-the camera talent, awarding the likes of guest actors and actresses and stunt work, in addition to childrens programs, commercials, main title designs and theme music, music composition and supervision, prosthetic makeup and additional sound and editing categories. For a complete list of this years nominees, click here. Heres the complete list of the awards being handed out during the Primetime Emmys telecast: COMEDY SERIES DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SERIES DRAMA SERIES LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE LIMITED SERIES REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE TELEVISION MOVIE VARIETY SKETCH SERIES VARIETY TALK SERIES WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES WRITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL WRITING FOR A VARIETY SERIES Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kesha finds redemption in new song: The past cant haunt me if I dont let it By Emily Mae Czachor For Kesha, Learn to Let Go is not just an aptly titled track off her upcoming Rainbow LP. Its become one of my mantras over the last few years, she said in a remarkably uplifting letter that the singer published Thursday to accompany a new video for the song. (This is her new M.O., it would seem.) Learn to Let Go, which Kesha co-wrote alongside her mother, Pebe Sebert, is a heartrending chronicle of redemption. Had a boogeyman under my bed/ Putting crazy thoughts inside my head, she sings, while real home-video footage of a whimsical young Kesha cuts between clips of a grown Kesha frolicking through the forest. The chorus rings like a self-empowered anthem: The past cant haunt me if I dont let it. My mom is always telling me how you have to learn to accept that you cant try to control everything, she wrote in the letter. When you realize that you are not the one in control and you stop holding onto regrets its liberating. Your past only has as much effect on your future as you want it to, Kesha continued. Its about embracing your past, but not letting it define you. Her new album, Rainbow, will be released Aug. 11. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Stephen Colbert to bring animated Trump series to Showtime By Meredith Blake Stephen Colbert has ridden anti-Trump sentiment to the top of the late-night ratings. Now hes riding it all the way to premium cable. On Thursday, Showtime announced it had ordered 10 episodes of an as-yet-untitled animated series featuring cartoon renderings of the president, his family and inner circle. The satirical half-hour series, executive produced by Colbert and The Late Shows show runner Chris Licht, will debut on Showtime this fall. According to the network, turnaround on the series will be quick in order to incorporate current events. Stephen and Chris have an uncanny genius for deconstructing the world of President Trump, and this series opens a new realm for them, Showtime President David Nevins said in a press statement. Tim Luecke, who co-created the animated version of Trump who frequently appears in Late Show bits including a recent segment from the notorious presidential suite of the Moscow Ritz-Carlton will serve as lead animator. The announcement caps off a period of good news for Colbert, who racked up six Emmy nominations this month and will be hosting the awards in September. The recently concluded Russia Week, in which the comedian traveled to Moscow and St. Petersburg, brought The Late Show its biggest margin over The Tonight Show since its premiere in 2015. While The Late Show airs on CBS, Colbert has also developed ties with his corporate cousins at Showtime. Many point to his riveting election night special Stephen Colberts Live Election Night Democracys Series Finale, which aired on the premium network, as a turning point after an uneven transition from The Colbert Report. For its part, Showtime has invested heavily in political content over the last 18 months, most notably the documentary series The Circus, from journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Matt Damon gets punched right in the face in George Clooneys Suburbicon trailer By Nardine Saad Matt Damon, Oscar Isaac and Julianne Moore star in the trailer for George Clooneys Suburbicon. In George Clooneys latest directorial effort, Suburbicon, the pleasantries of a 1950s town are undone when a home invasion exposes the communitys criminal subculture and racial tensions. And Matt Damons Gardner Lodge gets stuck in the thick of it -- defending his young son, making death threats, killing mobsters and getting popped square in his bespectacled face at the office -- as seen in the first trailer that Paramount unveiled Thursday. Did we mention this is a comedy? The dark, screwball kind from the minds of screenwriters Clooney and frequent collaborators Ethan and Joel Coen and Grant Heslov? Well, it is, in case that wasnt clear from the previous description. These animals took everything from us, a blood-splattered Gardner tells his son Nicky (Noah Jupe) at the dinner table. I have to make decisions like whats best for the family. After Gardners wife is murdered, he invites Auntie Margaret (Julianne Moore) to come live in the manicured suburban community to help with his son. Meanwhile, he gets mixed up with a loan shark that sets him on the warpath of a formidable, coffee-swilling collector named Roger (Oscar Isaac). The film is based on a script that the Coen brothers wrote years ago that Clooney found, and they agreed to have him direct it, according to Moore. Paramount acquired the U.S. rights to the film, billed as a comedy, crime and mystery, at the Berlin Film Festival last year. It will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and hits theaters on Oct. 27. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Woody Allens Wonder Wheel to complete Amazons turn to full-service distribution By Mark Olsen Woody Allen at the American Film Institutes Life Achievement Award tribute to Diane Keaton on June 8, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Christopher Polk / Getty Images for Turner) Thursday it was announced that Woody Allens latest film, Wonder Wheel, will have its world premiere as the closing-night film at this years New York Film Festival. The film stars Kate Winslet, Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple and James Belushi in a story set around Coney Island in the 1950s. But that wasnt the only Allen item of the day. Variety reported that Wonder Wheel will also be the first film fully distributed by Amazon when it opens in theaters on Dec. 1. The company has already made fast inroads to the movie business, winning Academy Awards this year for Manchester by the Sea and The Salesman, but has up to now worked with established distribution partners such as Roadside Attractions or Bleecker Street to help get those movies into theaters. Amazon released Allens 2016 film, Cafe Society, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell, in partnership with Lionsgate. The online giant also released Allens six-part Crisis in Six Scenes, in which he starred alongside Elaine May and Miley Cyrus, late last year via the Amazon Prime Video streaming service. The move by Amazon is yet another way the company is distinguishing itself in relation to streaming rival Netflix. Where Netflix has been seen as pulling back from theatrical distribution, opting for either extremely limited or no theatrical release at all of its titles to drive viewers to its own platform, this latest push by Amazon renews its commitment to traditional theatrical releases. The New York Film Festival slot for Wonder Wheel gives Amazon the three marquee spots at the showcase. Previously announced, Richard Linklaters Last Flag Flying will open the festival, and Todd Haynes Wonderstruck, which premiered at this years Cannes Film Festival, will show in the centerpiece slot. Other upcoming Amazon titles include Mike Whites Brads Status, starring Ben Stiller, and Luca Guadagninos remake of Suspiria, starring Dakota Johnson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mick Jagger releases two new, politically charged singles By August Brown (Dave Gatley / Los Angeles Times) Mick Jagger has been looking to the past on recent albums and festival dates. But a pair of urgent new singles are firmly set in the present. On Thursday, the Rolling Stones frontman released two tracks, Gotta Get A Grip and England Lost, that describe, as he put it in a statement, the anxiety, unknowability of the changing political situation in a post-Brexit U.K. The production is resolutely modern, built on programmed drums and clanging guitar noise. The London grime artist Skepta even joins him for a verse on England Lost. Ostensibly, its about seeing an England football team lose, but when I wrote the title I knew it would be about more than just that. Its about a feeling that we are in a difficult moment in our history. Its about the unknowability about where you are and the feeling of insecurity, Jagger said in a statement. Its obviously got a fair amount of humour because I dont like anything too on the nose but its also got a sense of vulnerability of where we are as a country. The Girls actress Jemima Kirke also stars in a new clip for Gotta Get A Grip. The songs are Jaggers first new solo material since 2001s Goddess In the Doorway. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Katy Perry to host 2017 MTV Video Music Awards By Libby Hill The MTV Video Music Awards are returning to California and getting a certified California Gurl to host. Katy Perry took to her Twitter feed Thursday to announce her upcoming gig hosting -- and performing -- at the VMAs in August. Ive been training with MTV in zero gravity, eating astronaut ice cream, and Im on a group text with Buzz Aldrin and Neil deGrasse Tyson, Perry said in a statement. Come August 27th, Ill be ready to be your MOONWOMAN! Brace for impact, kids. Perry will kick off the evening as the first announced performer for the ceremony. On Tuesday, Perry earned five VMA nominations for her video contributions over the last year, tying with the Weeknd, with only Kendrick Lamar earning more. Were thrilled to have global phenomenon Katy Perry as the host and a performer at the 2017 VMAs, said Bruce Gillmer, head of music and music talent for Global Entertainment Group, Viacom, in a statement from MTV. She is at the forefront of music culture and the perfect person to anchor this years show, which promises to be one of the most diverse and music-filled in VMA history. The 2017 MTV Video Music Awards will air from the Forum in Inglewood on Aug. 27. Find a full list of nominees here. Introducing your MOONWOMAN. Brace for impact! August 27th on @MTV @VMAs pic.twitter.com/WJsIYq7WiM KATY PERRY (@katyperry) July 27, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Turns out Larry David and Bernie Sanders are related! By Yvonne Villarreal Turns out Saturday Night Live was on to something when it cast Larry David to play Sen. Bernie Sanders. During his freewheeling appearance Wednesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills to promote the upcoming ninth season of HBOs Curb Your Enthusiasm, David revealed that the resemblance is rooted in reality: Sanders is a distant relative. Hes in the line ... like a third cousin, or something, he said. The genealogical discovery comes courtesy of Davids appearance in an upcoming episode of the PBS series Finding Your Roots. I was very happy about that, David said. I figured there was some connection. David played Sanders on Saturday Night Live through the 2015-16 election cycle and also appeared alongside the senator on the late-night sketch show. Its the kind of family secret that David isnt ashamed to admit. I love Bernie, yes, David said. I love Bernie. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps proposed transgender military ban turns late-night into hostile territory By Libby Hill If theres one upside to the Trump administrations early-morning Twitter proclamations, its that it gives late-night shows all day to craft their reactions. Wednesday began with President Trump announcing a ban on transgender individuals serving in the United States military and ended with late-night hosts uniformly blasting the policy decision in hilarious fashion. On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert had plenty to say about Trumps tweets, which ended with an uncharacteristic thank you. Thank you? Colbert responded, shocked, before offering his own profane two-word response to the president. Colbert went on to discuss what he saw as the greatest fallacy of the presidents reasons for banning transgender soldiers: increased medical costs. Though a 2016 study funded by the Pentagon found that military medical spending on transgender soldiers would increase anywhere from $2.4 million to $8.4 million, Colbert wanted to reframe those figures. To put that number in perspective, the military spends five times as much on Viagra, Colbert explained, And if your erection lasts for more than four hours, thats too bad, because youre stuck on a submarine for the next six months. On The Daily Show Trevor Noah had similar concerns about the presidents cost-related excuse, pointing out that taxpayers are paying $60 million for Trump to travel to his various properties throughout his presidency. Noah also pondered which of Trumps generals hed consulted with, given that the Pentagon was unaware of his proclamation, suggesting that perhaps hed spoken with The General Online. Late Night With Seth Meyers also invoked the cartoon general from the car insurance commercials, when Meyers opted to turn discussion of Trumps tweets over to four of his female writers. Today it might be trans people, but tomorrow its gay people, and then the next day its black people, and after that its women, and then its immigrants, the writers pointed out, all of those groups represented between them. On The Tonight Show Jimmy Fallon had the good sense to turn over a portion of his monologue to transgender comedian Patti Harrison, who had plenty to say about Trumps Wednesday announcement. When I saw the headline this morning, at first I just read, Donald Trump bans transgender people, and I was like, Yeah, that sounds like him, Harrison deadpanned. But then I realized it was just in the military and I was shocked, because I assumed he already did that. But it was James Corden who took a completely different take on the transgender military ban, opting for a stylish and heartfelt song and dance, expressing his love and appreciation for the LGBT community. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are on the road again in new song collaboration By August Brown Ringo Starrs new LP includes a collaboration with fellow former Beatle Paul McCartney. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images) Any time the surviving Beatles reunite on record is a historic occasion. But a new single from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr packs in even more classic-rock star power. Starrs new song Were on the Road Again is one of several collaborations with his former bandmate on his new LP, Give More Love. The song also has guest appearances from Joe Walsh, Edgar Winter and Steve Lukather. Its a slightly goofy ode to life on the road, as Starr boasts that, We play really tight; we play really loud and cheekily references his own song Photograph. The two Beatles last recorded together on Starrs 2010 album, Y Not, and performed McCartneys Queenie Eye at the 2014 Grammys. Starr announced the McCartney studio collaboration back in February, thanking the fellow Beatle in a Twitter post. Thanks for coming over man and playing Great bass. I love you man peace and love. pic.twitter.com/Z5kpyLLlkO #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) February 20, 2017 Set for release on Sept. 15, Give More Love will also feature cameos from Peter Frampton, Don Was, Richard Marx and Dave Stewart, among others. You can hear Starrs new track with Paul McCartney via Rolling Stone. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Curb Your Enthusiasm returns this fall -- and you can expect a Pirates of the Caribbean vibe? By Yvonne Villarreal Actor-creator-executive producer Larry David speaks at the Curb Your Enthusiasm panel during the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton. (Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP) Larry David revealed the real reason Curb Your Enthusiasm is at last returning after a six-year hiatus: People wouldnt stop bugging him about it. The Seinfeld co-creator took the stage Wednesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills -- joined by his Curb cohorts Susie Essman, Jeff Garlin and J.B. Smoove and executive producer Jeff Schaffer -- to discuss the shows coming ninth season. So, why bring back the show now after all these years? Im not a misser, David told reporters. I dont really miss things, people that much, but I was missing it. I thought, yeah, what the hell. And I got tired of people asking me if the show was coming back. I couldnt get asked that question anymore and I wasnt ready to say, No, never. The often madcap and sometimes hilariously perplexing 30-minute panel -- led by Davids gruff wit and deadpans -- kicked off with a teaser for the season. There was David in a shower, David talking about constipation, David enduring the displeasure of middle-seat status on a flight. The amount of uncomfortable situations [real Larry David] has been in these last six years, Schaffer said, youre going to see it all. Its like were sitting in the Ft. Knox of awkward. As for TV Larry David, Schaffer said viewers will learn very quickly what hes been up to during the years that have passed. Once the show starts to air, it will be self-evident, he said. It goes to this really strange, fun, crazy place.... And you will never expect where it ends. The trip to that ending begins Oct. 1 when the comedy returns to HBO. The 10-episode season brings back Curb favorites like Cheryl Hines, as well as frequent faces Richard Lewis, Bob Einstein, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. And what would a long-awaited return be without some guest stars? Elizabeth Banks, Ed Begley Jr., Carrie Brownstein, Bryan Cranston, Lauren Graham, Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Offerman, Nasim Pedrad and Elizabeth Perkins will get in on the fun. For those who still need something to pin their hopes on about what this season will entail, Garlin offered this absurdly brilliant comparison. It really thematically follows Pirates of the Caribbean. ... Its more like the last one than the first few. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At TCA 2017, HBO defends Confederate, announces Jon Stewart special and says Deadwood movie is inching closer By Greg Braxton Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming, addresses reporters at the Television Critics Assn.'s summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton on Wednesday. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press) HBO, which has the hottest show on television with Game of Thrones, recently came under fire with the announcement of a new series called Confederate from a team that includes Game of Thrones producers D.B. Weiss and David Benioff. The series revolves around events that lead to the Third American Civil War and examines an alternate reality in which the South seceded from the Union and thus, slavery is still legal. Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming, defended the project Wednesday during the premium networks session at the summer edition of the Television Critics Assn. gathering at the Beverly Hilton. Bloys said that, in hindsight, the announcement was mishandled because it lacked the context and the vision that he received from Benioff and Weiss in discussing the series. He admitted it was misguided to believe they could simply announce a series with such a sensitive and volatile subject matter. We could have done a better job with the press release, he said. There was no benefit of context. My hope is people will judge the actual material instead of what it could be or should be or might be, he said. Well rise or fall based on that material. He added that he felt the series, rather than being divisive, would be able to advance the racial discussion. Although the topic is controversial, he said he and the producers of the show all feel this is a risk worth taking. Bloys also stressed that the depiction of slavery would not echo Gone With the Wind and would not include whips and plantations. In other major HBO news, former Daily Show host Jon Stewart will perform a stand-up special at a date and time to be announced, and host the latest Night of Too Many Stars, an all-star benefit for autism. Also, a movie reboot of HBOs western Deadwood is closer to reality. Bloys said the shows creator, David Milch, has completed a script that will please fans of the series while also being accessible to those less familiar with the show. But, he said, reuniting the large cast, which included Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane, may prove challenging. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Two Jon Stewart comedy specials are coming to HBO By Yvonne Villarreal Jon Stewart, seen here presenting at the ESPYS, will return to HBO for his first stand-up special in two decades. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Jon Stewart will headline two stand-up specials for HBO. The news was announced Wednesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills. The former Daily Show host will get a stand-up special his first since since 1996s Jon Stewart: Unleavened aired on the network. A date and location have not been confirmed. Were excited to bring Jon to the network with this pair of specials, said HBO programming president Casey Bloys in a statement. Weve all missed his uniquely thoughtful brand of humor. Im really thrilled to be able to return to stand-up on HBO, added Stewart in a statement. Theyve always set the standard for great stand-up specials. Plus, I can finally use up the last of the Saddam Hussein jokes left over from my first special. Stewart will also host the latest Night of Too Many Stars, the all-star benefit for Next for Autism, a nonprofit organization focused on people living with autism spectrum disorder. The special will air live this fall and will take place from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The specials are part of Stewarts four-year deal with the premium cable network. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Angelina Jolie talks about difficult split from Brad Pitt By Nardine Saad A-lister Angelina Jolie is adjusting to the domestic growing pains of life as a single mom making a proper breakfast, keeping house and picking up dog poop. I never woke up and thought, I really want to live a bold life. I just cant do the other. Its the same as I cant make a casserole. I cannot sit still, she said in a sprawling new interview with Vanity Fair, in which she discussed her high-profile split from actor Brad Pitt. Ive been trying for nine months to be really good at just being a homemaker and picking up dog poop and cleaning dishes and reading bedtime stories. And Im getting better at all three. But now I need to get my boots on and go hang, take a trip, the humanitarian said of her plans to head to Africa for a mission with the preventing Sexual Violence Initiative. Angelina Jolie opens up about putting her family first, life after Brad, health issues & her most personal film yet https://t.co/nKyf4dO8ls pic.twitter.com/WkXCgWR1PV VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 26, 2017 The Oscar-winning actress explained how and when her marriage devolved, though she didnt go into great detail about the breakup for the sake of their six kids. The marriage began suffering in the summer of 2016 while she was in post-production on her fifth directorial effort, First They Killed My Father, a film about Cambodias Khmer Rouge genocide, which hits Netflix in September. Things got bad, Jolie said. I didnt want to use that word. ... Things became difficult. The director became slightly defensive at the mention of the familys globe-trotting lifestyle, which reportedly had been grating on Pitt. "[Our lifestyle] was not in any way a negative, she asserted. That was not the problem. That is and will remain one of the wonderful opportunities we are able to give our children. ... Theyre six very strong-minded, thoughtful, worldly individuals. Im very proud of them. After 12 years together and a few years of marriage, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in September 2016. While her ex was couch-surfing, she and the kids spent nine months in a rental property before settling into a six-bedroom, 10-bathroom Los Feliz manse once owned by film legend Cecil B. DeMille. Its just been the hardest time, and were just kind of coming up for air. [This house] is a big jump forward for us, and were all trying to do our best to heal our family. The divorce filing came suddenly for the health of the family on the heels of a spat Pitt had with their 15-year-old son, Maddox. They reached a divorce settlement privately in January after battling publicly for months over custody of the kids. The Oscar-winning producer had been vilified with accusations of child abuse and having an affair with his Allied costar Marion Cotillard. But he arguably won over public opinion with his introspective GQ Style interview in May in which he admitted to sobering up after boozing too much. Last year, Jolie was diagnosed with hypertension and developed Bells palsy when nerve damage caused one side of her face to droop. She took up acupuncture to treat it. Sometimes women in families put themselves last, she said, until it manifests itself in their own health. Thats just the latest in her medical history. Following a preventative double mastectomy in 2013, she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in 2015, which sent her into menopause. I cant tell if its menopause or if its just been the year Ive had, she said, quipping about her dry skin and the idea that she could still be considered a sex symbol. I actually feel more of a woman because I feel like Im being smart about my choices, and Im putting my family first, and Im in charge of my life and my health. I think thats what makes a woman complete. For the record, Aug. 4, 12:55 p.m.: A previous version of this story said that First They Killed My Father would hit Netflix this month. It debuts in September. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Caitlyn Jenner questions why Trump isnt fighting for transgender service members By James Reed (Taylor Jewell / Invision/Associated Press) There are 15,000 patriotic transgender Americans in the US military fighting for all of us. What happened to your promise to fight for them? Caitlyn Jenner, tweeting in response to President Trumps transgender military ban announced Wednesday Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Robert Pattinson confirms hes kind of engaged to singer FKA Twigs By Nardine Saad (Mike Coppola / Getty Images for People) Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson says hes kind of " engaged to singer FKA Twigs. The actor addressed the engagement rumors Tuesday in a direct response to shock jock Howard Sterns questioning on Sirius XMs The Howard Stern Show. Youre engaged, right? Stern said after calling the edgy English songstress his fiancee. Yeah, kind of, Pattinson, 31, responded uneasily. The Good Time star, whose relationships have been intensely scrutinized since he dated Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart at the height of the teen vampire frenzy, agreed that hes been a bit protective of his romances. Hes been dating the Water Me singer, real name Tahlia Barnett, since 2014 and theyve been rumored to be engaged since April 2015. Save for public appearances together, Pattinson has kept pretty mum about the relationship. Its one of the most frustrating things in the world because you want to be able to show off a relationship, he told Stern. You kind of get stuck in this position where you have to make decisions whether you want to let the kind of crazy people in. Pattinson was referring to the Twi-hards or, as he called them, a crack troupe of crazies who believe every decision he makes is part of some big conspiracy. To protect [the relationship] you kind of think, I want to create a big boundary between it. But then it makes it difficult for your actual relationship, he said. Additionally, Pattinson also discussed the racial disparagement his fiancee faces on social media for dating him. He tries to tune out the hate when he can, but he isnt always successful. I think its like professional trolls, he said of rude commenters. They get so addicted to kind of just wanting to cause hurt and pain on someone and its just one of the most difficult things to know how to confront. Its a faceless enemy. ... It might seem fake to them, but its definitely real in your life. Pattinson said responding to hate can just be feeding into it. It makes me feel less powerful if youre trying to attack and make it go away. Its like trying to attack a reflection in the water or something. You just look crazy, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print David Letterman cringes when late-night TV hosts refer to viewers as fans By Emily Mae Czachor A profoundly bearded David Letterman made a rare talk-show appearance Monday -- one of just a handful of public ventures since the end of his run on The Late Show in 2015. Only this time, Letterman arrived as a guest. In an unusual turn of events, the former late-night host played interviewee on the season premiere of stand-up comedian Norm Macdonalds podcast, Norm Macdonald Live. The longtime pals discussed a number of matters, from Lettermans first-ever hosting gig (a game show called Wordbusters) to the time he found himself face to face with Richard Nixon. The two also discussed late-night TVs changing landscape and how Letterman never felt comfortable thinking of himself as the star of his own show. I could not possibly, and still dont, consider myself a star, because I couldnt refer to myself as a star, Letterman said. Johnny Carson was a star, theres no question of that. So for me to adopt that -- Starring Dave Letterman -- that was just ridiculous. In the same way, I always cringe a little when people refer to the folks who watch their show as their fans, Letterman added. I just think thats a little too you know, you kind of just stepped over the line of basic humility there. Macdonald commented on late-nights packed roster of big-name hosts -- none of whom he finds particularly unique, except Conan OBrien, who he thinks has changed it up a little. On any plans for a late-night return to the host seat, Letterman told fans not to expect too much. Ive done it for 30 years, he said. I dont want to do it anymore. Watch the full episode above (warning: some profanity). Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Olivia de Havilland, 101, files motion to expedite her Feud lawsuit By Nardine Saad Olivia de Havilland at her Paris home in 2003. (Jean-Marc Giboux / Getty Images) Citing her advanced age, legendary actress Olivia de Havilland has filed a motion in her Feud lawsuit for a preferential trial date this fall. De Havillands attorneys filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, requesting that the jury trial be set in November or no later than 120 days of her motion being granted. The 101-year-old is hoping that a judge will fast track the trial during her Sept. 13 hearing date, which is just days before Feud is expected to be a big winner at the Primetime Emmy Awards. (The miniseries is nominated for 18 awards.) The Gone With the Wind star sued FX and Feud showrunner Ryan Murphy last month over her depiction in the miniseries about rival actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The two-time Oscar winner, who was played by actress Catherine Zeta-Jones on the show, makes legal claims about violations of her common law and statutory rights of publicity, her right to privacy and unjust enrichment. Based on her unusually advanced age, resulting particular susceptibility to disease, and recurring health issues, there is a substantial likelihood that she, as with anyone at this advanced age, may not survive for any extended period of time, the motion said. It is likely that if a trial preference motion is not granted, Olivia de Havilland will be prejudiced, because on the normal schedule, trial would not be set within the next 120 days. Her team also argued that because she is the sole plaintiff, De Havilland is crucial to the trial. Olivia de Havilland has a substantial interest in the litigation as a whole here as her personal statutory right of publicity cause of action does not survive her death. ... Further, should Olivia de Havilland die before her trial date, she will not be able to enjoy the benefits which she would receive in damages, the motion said. De Havillands June 30 lawsuit said the show damaged her professional reputation for integrity, honesty, generosity, self-sacrifice and dignity. She claimed that FX, Murphy and Fox producers never sought or obtained her permission to be depicted in the series and that Zeta-Jones portrayal of her in an episode about the 1963 Oscars cast her in a false, hurtful and damaging light. The defendants have not yet responded to de Havillands initial filing. According to Deadline, the Paris-based actress will not be attending the September hearing but may return to Hollywood if the trial is expedited to November. Olivia de Havilland 101: Everything you need to know as the movie legend celebrates her 101st birthday Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Despacitos Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee call out Venezuelan president for using song to push agenda By Nardine Saad Luis Fonsi, left, and Daddy Yankee. (Sergi Alexander / Getty Images) Despacito singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee and co-writer Erika Ender have condemned Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro for appropriating their international hit song for political gain. The chart-topping Puerto Rican recording artists and Panamanian songwriter on Monday called out Maduro, currently the subject of violent and sometimes fatal nationwide protests over his policies, for reworking their lyrics to appeal to voters during his weekly television show on Sunday. The revision promoted the leaders plans for a controversial citizens assembly to be elected on July 30 and tasked with rewriting Venezuelas 1999 constitution and bypassing the opposition-led legislature. Our call to the Constituent Assembly only seeks to unite the country ... despacito, Maduros version said. The term despacito means slowly in Spanish and in the original version of the song refers to the singers wooing techniques. Maduros supporters swayed to the remix dressed in matching T-shirts and baseball caps that brandished campaign slogans. the Associated Press said. The president was seen clapping along to the remix while the audience danced, according to the BBC. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS, Ender wrote in Spanish on Instagram, citing a news story about Maduros use of the song. I cannot see so much pain in people I love so much. Warrior people, people with iron will. Good people, who are fighting for freedom of rights and expression. ... I love Venezuela, a land that has given me true brothers and sisters. Brothers who suffer because of the situation that exists. Ender also lamented seeing the song she co-wrote be used without permission to advertise campaigns linked to a regime that has sowed so much discontent and suffering. View Instagram post On repeated occasions, I have said how much I enjoy the versions of Despacito that have been released on a global level. However there has to be a limit, Fonsi also wrote in Spanish on Instagram. I have never been consulted, nor have I authorized the use of or the change of lyrics of Despacito for political means, much less in the middle of the deplorable situation in a country I love so much, Venezuela. He added that his music is for everyone who wants to listen to it and enjoy it, not to use as propaganda that tries to manipulate the will of the people who are crying out loud for their liberty and a better future. View Instagram post Daddy Yankee took a much more blunt approach in his post, sharing an image of a news article about Maduro with a large red X superimposed on it. What can you expect of a person who has stolen lives from young dreamers and people who are looking for a better future for their children? the reggaeton rapper wrote in Spanish. That you illegally appropriated Despacito does not compare to the crimes you commit and have committed in Venezuela. Your dictatorial regime is a mockery not only for my Venezuelan brothers, but for the whole world. With that nefarious marketing plan, you will only continue to highlight your fascist ideology, which has killed hundreds of heroes and injured more than 2,000. View Instagram post Millions of Venezuelans joined a general strike last week amid economic turmoil and a shortage of food and medicine in the country. Government opponents dealt a symbolic blow on Sunday to Maduro, casting votes in an unofficial referendum that rejected his plan for the constitutional overhaul. The government denounced the opposition balloting as illegal and seditious, according to The Times, but turnout appeared high at thousands of makeshift voting places set up throughout the country and abroad. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Netflix invests in Matt Groenings Disenchantment By Libby Hill Matt Groening is ready to take another crack at this television thing. The creator of The Simpsons, which debuts its 29th season on Fox this fall, has a new show courtesy of Netflix. The streaming service provider announced Tuesday that it had ordered 20 episodes of Disenchantment, an adult animated comedy series set in a deteriorating fantasy kingdom. The show centers around a hard-living young princess named Bean, voiced by Abbi Jacobson (Broad City), her elf companion, Elfo (Nat Faxon), and personal demon Luci (Eric Andre). Ultimately, Disenchantment will be about life and death, love and sex, and how to keep laughing in a world full of suffering and idiots, despite what the elders and wizards and other jerks tell you, Groening said in a statement Tuesday. Matt Groenings brilliant work has resonated with generations around the world and we couldnt be happier to work with him on Disenchantment, Cindy Holland, vice president of original content for Netflix, said in a statement. The series will bear his trademark animation style and biting wit, and we think its a perfect fit for our many Netflix animation fans. The series joins Netflixs Bojack Horseman in aiming for an audience unafraid of exploring the less-savory aspects of adulthood. Disenchantment will premiere on Netflix 10 episodes at a time, beginning in 2018. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Broad City stars talk about the decision to bleep President Trumps name on the show By Yvonne Villarreal Abbi Jacobson, left, and Ilana Glazer of the series Broad City speak at the Television Critics Assn. press tour at the Beverly Hilton on Tuesday. (Chris Pizzello / Invision/Associated Press) Broad City creators and stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson consider the bleeping out of President Trumps name from the comedys upcoming fourth season a different kind of joke. The two appeared onstage Tuesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills to discuss the new season and how they reworked the show in the wake of Trumps election. We just got to a point where in real life were talking about the current administration, were talking about Trump and it sounds so gross every day saying it so many In Brave New Jersey, writer-director Jody Lambert and co-writer Michael Dowling imagine the goings-on of fictional Lullaby, N.J., on the night of Orson Welles infamous 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast. The small dramas of the townsfolk are thrown into stark relief when what sounds like a radio news report announces that martians will soon be landing on Earth. Marriages are torn apart, engagements are questioned, and fervor of all kinds (religious, romantic, military) takes ahold; only two young kids remain skeptical. Lambert has assembled a fantastic cast, including Tony Hale, Heather Burns, Anna Camp and Dan Bakkedahl as the residents of Lullaby, but the whole affair looks and feels like a budget costume drama theres not much to inspire period-specific authenticity. Advertisement And while Brave New Jersey explores the ways in which this apocalyptic news inspires everyone to take a close look at themselves and their life choices in the face of impending doom, it feels unfocused. Why not deep-dive on the connection that develops under the starry sky between Hales Clark and Burns Lorraine? The engagement that plucky Peg (Camp) calls off when she sees how her fiance Chardy (Matt Oberg) responds to crisis? Or explore the cultish religious madness that ferments after Reverend Rogers (Bakkedahl) is hit with a flying saucer in his church? Instead, the story is spread too thin, or perhaps there just wasnt that much substance to begin with. ------------ Brave New Jersey Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 26 minutes Playing: Starting Friday at Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica It was not a dolphin, that much I knew. The fin skimmed the surface of the water like a razor blade, unlike the lolling rise and fall of a dolphins fin. It was not a figment of my imagination, either. I know that because my 14-year-old daughter saw the same thing I did as we waited, with our body boards, for the next good wave to roll in. We were in waist-deep, blue-green surf at Padaro Beach, the sweet little stretch of paradise you can see from Highway 101 at Santa Claus Lane. It was late morning on Sunday, a gray, cool day, with surprisingly warm water. Advertisement Spooked, but exhilarated Thats a shark, I said, stating the obvious to my daughter as we both walked backwards toward the sand, eyes fixed on the fin about 40 or 50 feet away. Lets get out. I was a little spooked, sure, but it was also exhilarating. I grew up swimming at California beaches and have always been mesmerized by the beauty, wonder and mystery of the coast, but Id never had such an experience. Three kids were in the water just up the beach, where the shark was headed, so I yelled for them to get out. Then several adults gathered at the waters edge to talk about what has been, in Southern California, another fin-filled summer. Last year, when I toured the entire California coast while covering the agency whose duty is to protect it, the Santa Cruz-area beach I enjoyed as a kid was closed because of shark sightings. And then the main beach in Carpinteria was closed for the same reason just a day after I swam there with my wife and daughter. So should we have retired the boogie boards on Sunday, even though based on the fin size, the shark we saw was probably young and no more than 6 feet long? A day earlier, Id bumped into Chris Keet on the same beach. He runs the Surf Happens camp where I first learned to surf, and I asked how it was going. He said business was good, but he and his instructors had spotted sharks nearly every day. They usually came in at low tide to feed on stingrays, he said, and the sharks were mostly between 6 and 8 feet, with at least one closer to 10 feet or so. Keet said his crew goes out on paddle boards to make sure the area is safe, and he uses a whistle to call students out of the water when sharks are in the vicinity. To the south is a harbor seal rookery that has been known to draw bigger great whites looking for a nice meal, so Keet takes extra precaution if he sees a seal in the water. Respect and caution The sharks hes spotted have been nonaggressive, dont seem interested in people, and have not attacked. Keet said he explains all this to parents, some of whom get nervous, but most of whom are comfortable enough to turn their kids over to him. If you proceed with caution and respect, I think most people are going to be fine, said Keet. That sounded reasonable to me. Im not brave enough to paddle straight out, 300 yards from shore, but I grew up swimming on the California coast, and its not something I want to give up. Besides, the growing shark population signals a healthy ecosystem, and thats something to celebrate rather than fear. So my daughter and I, along with other people on the beach, went back into the water Sunday, stayed just waist-deep, and kept our eyes open. Was I an irresponsible dad for doing that in the middle of a summer in which TV news coverage of great whites has been more prevalent than car chases? I called Chris Lowe, the marine biologist who heads up research at Cal State Long Beachs Shark Lab, and told him about my experience in Carpinteria. Youve just described the new reality, he said. Lowe said some have argued that we dont have more sharks, we simply have more people with paddle boards, drones and access to social media. But we actually do have more sharks, he said. Thats because of 1994 restrictions on the fishing of great whites, and because environmental protections of waterways have replenished both the shark population and the animals sharks feed on, namely seals and sea lions, stingray, guitarfish, halibut and other animals. Nurseries for juvenile sharks By the way, its not sharks Lowe fears, but the sharp teeth of the nations current crop of big tuna, who are inclined to shred environmental protection and snip funding for critical scientific research. Lowe has been tagging, monitoring and studying sharks for years, and his work was featured on a recent Discovery Channel Shark Week episode called Sharks in the City: Los Angeles. He said several locations Ventura to Carpinteria, Santa Monica Bay, Huntington Beach and between Dana Point and San Onofre have become nurseries for juvenile sharks. Two or three years ago, video surveillance of the stretch between the Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach piers showed the routine presence of up to 14 great white sharks about 5 or 6 feet long, said Lowe. They feel safe close to the shore, where food is plentiful and theres no threat of larger sharks coming after them, and the warm water of the last few years seems to suit them. When theyre older and bigger, they head toward the Channel Islands and feed on the exploding population of seals. So were pretty safe, Lowe said, but we are literally swimming with sharks lots of them as part of the new norm, and you have to respect them and their environment. Lowe doesnt put much stock in the theory that sharks feed at dawn and dusk or that those times are riskier for swimmers. I told him I had a small cut on my wrist when we saw the shark on Sunday and wondered whether a trace of blood would have raised the risk for me. Lowe said he has dumped gallons of blood into the water and seen no evidence that it makes sharks hungrier or more inclined to follow the scent. Popular beaches can be safer than quiet ones, Lowe said, because crowds of people are loud and their presence scares away the food sharks are fishing for. Lots of sightings, few attacks Internationally, he said, although the number of people in the water is greater than ever, shark attacks on humans are up only slightly, and fatalities are down a bit because of better emergency response and treatment. Still, naturally, everyones attention is riveted on occasion, such as when that woman was severely injured by a shark attack off Camp Pendleton this spring. Two weeks ago, sharks attacked a kayaker and paddle boarder off Santa Barbara, although no one was injured. But Lowe puts all this in perspective. For all the shark sightings and beach closures the last two years, attacks on humans have been rare. Lowe said he wouldnt frolic in the surf off the Channel Islands, but he wouldnt discourage anyone from enjoying the coast as long as they assess the risks and use their heads. The chance of being run over by a car in the parking lot, he said, far exceeds the risk of being bitten by a shark. Theres plenty of summer left, so get your flip-flops and your boards, head to the beach, and keep your eyes open. Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez ALSO Round 2: Monsoonal moisture to bring more wild weather and thunderstorms to Southern California High-water year makes Pacific Crest Trail a more treacherous hike Chinas Gobi Desert feeds Yosemite National Parks forest, study says A man opened fire Tuesday morning outside the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles before he turned his gun on himself, police said. Authorities found the man dead in his car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Los Angeles Police officer Sal Ramirez said. He was not identified. No one else was injured in the shooting. Its unclear how many rounds the man fired or whether he was aiming at an individual or the building. Advertisement This post will be updated as more information becomes available. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek ALSO Orange County business owner accused of exporting weapons to Syrian rebels in violation of U.S. sanctions Video shows teen drinking lethal dose of liquid meth during border questioning South Pasadena man pleads guilty to murdering his 5-year-old son after trip to Disneyland Early on a Friday evening in the spring of 2012, Angelica Arreola, 7, left her after-school program at Ritter Elementary School in Watts after receiving an award for improvement in math and reading, according to court documents. She was walking with her parents and younger sister in a marked school crosswalk when a Cadillac Escalade sped through the intersection, killing her father and leaving her paralyzed. The driver fled the scene, and has not been identified or apprehended, according to county documents. Angelica, whom court documents identify as Anjelica, died from her injuries in December 2016. Advertisement The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to authorize a $2.6-million payout from the Department of Public Works to settle a civil suit by the girls mother, Erika, and younger sister, Adriana, over wrongful death, negligence and emotional distress charges. The Los Angeles Unified School District approved a separate settlement of $600,000 last year. L.A. County paid nearly $60 million in settlements and an additional $72 million in other litigation expenses in fiscal year 2015-16, the latest year for which figures were immediately available. County employees had long known that the school crosswalk, at the intersection of North Santa Ana Boulevard and Watts Avenue, was dangerous, the lawsuit alleged, yet school officials recommended it as a path on a suggested pedestrian route to school map. Drivers turning off South Alameda Street, a road designed for high-speed traffic, were often unaware of the school or their need to slow down, according to the complaint. The street lacked stop signs and speed bumps, and drivers view of the school and crosswalk signs were obstructed by trees and foliage and, during evenings, the setting sun. Concerns had been raised at school board and other community meetings for years before the accident, an amended complaint states. The Department of Public Works had conducted a traffic study and concluded that the county needed to install all-way stop control, install 25-mph speed limit signs and upgrade school warning signs at the intersection, according to emails submitted as part of the lawsuit. The repairs and upgrades were supposed to be completed by the end of January 2012, according to the suit, but were never done. Defendants County and LAUSD simply forgot about, and neglected, the repairs and upgrades to protect against the dangerous crosswalk they had created, the amended complaint states. The repairs, the suit said, were completed after Angelica and her father were struck. County officials declined to comment, but in a July 20 letter and case summary sent to the Board of Supervisors, attorneys for the county recommended settlement due to the inherent risks and uncertainties involved in a trial, and the potential liability and potential exposure to an adverse verdict. Mark Geragos, the familys attorney, said news of the settlement brought mixed emotions for the pairs survivors. It brings closure, he said, but nothing will bring back the father or Angie. nina.agrawal@latimes.com Twitter: @AgrawalNina An East Los Angeles College student has been charged with luring a teenage girl from the schools Monterey Park campus and sexually assaulting her at his Los Angeles home, and police believe the man may have attacked at least one other woman, investigators said Wednesday. Joao Affonso, 27, was arrested July 21 and charged with unlawful sex with a minor and felony oral copulation with a minor, Capt. Ruby Flores, of the Los Angeles Police Departments Hollenbeck Division, said at a news conference. The reported victim was a 16-year-old high school student who was trying to earn college credits at the campus. Affonso befriended her and she eventually went to his residence in Boyle Heights, where the assaults took place earlier this year, Flores said. Advertisement Affonso pleaded not guilty to the sex abuse charges, court records show. He was released on $200,000 bail late last month and is due back in court next week, according to records. The alleged assaults took place in late June and early July in the 2200 block of East Alcazar Street in Boyle Heights, according to an LAPD spokeswoman. Det. Cynthia Peraza, the lead investigator on the case, said Affonso was suspected of assaulting at least one other woman, and urged her and any other potential victims to speak out. Affonso began grooming his victim by offering to help her study for a math class and chatting her up in empty classrooms on the colleges campus, Peraza said. He befriended her and started wooing her by asking her to study, go to get coffee, hang out with her and become friends. Ultimately, it progressed, Flores said. Affonso allegedly assaulted the victim on two occasions, according to Peraza, and convinced her to smoke marijuana before one of the attacks. Affonso has been enrolled at the college since the fall semester of 2016, said Los Angeles Community College District spokesman Yusef Robb. The safety and security of our students is always our paramount concern. Although this was an off-campus incident, the district stands ready to do everything it can to assist in this investigation, Robb said in a statement. Flores says she is aware that some victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are reluctant to contact police in Boyle Heights for fear those interactions could put them at risk for deportation a concern that has been echoed by many law enforcement officials in due to the Trump administrations calls for increased immigration enforcement. The captain urges any teenagers who have been approached by Affonso to contact the LAPDs Hollenbeck Division immediately. We want them to know that they can come forward without fear of deportation or any questions about their status, she said. Sonia Ramirez, director of sexual assault training and outreach at the nearby East L.A. Womens Center, says sexual assault suspects typically exhibit a pattern of behavior when approaching younger girls and likely have more than one victim. When it happens once, it happens several times, she said. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. UPDATES: 9:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from a Los Angeles Community College District spokesman. This article was originally published at 7:55 p.m. The Los Angeles City Council agreed Wednesday to spend $450,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by one of four women who accused two police officers of sexual assault a scandal that ultimately led to criminal charges for the officers and a mounting financial fallout in civil court. In a 13-0 vote, the council approved the payment to the woman, identified in federal court documents only as Jane Doe No. 2. She was one of four women who sued the city over the alleged acts of Luis Valenzuela and James Nichols, veteran LAPD officers who are now facing up to life in prison on charges they raped and assaulted four woman between late 2008 and 2011. Advertisement Valenzuela and Nichols, both 45, have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are awaiting trial. The officers, who have been relieved of duty, have remained behind bars since they were arrested by detectives from their own department in February 2016. The officers had previously taken the victims to jail or used them as informants, prosecutors said. Most of the assaults, they added, took place while the officers were on duty. The Times first reported the allegations against the officers in 2013 when LAPD detectives obtained a search warrant to seize the officers computers and phones. In her lawsuit, Jane Doe No. 2 accused the officers of driving her to a secluded parking lot in Hollywood in December 2008. There, she said, in the back of an LAPD car, Nichols exposed himself, grabbed her hand and forced her to perform a sexual act on him, according to her lawsuit. He then allegedly grabbed her head and tried to force her to perform oral sex. Valenzuela was in the front seat encouraging the assault, the lawsuit alleged. After it ended, the woman wrote in court papers, the officers threatened her and told her to keep quiet. The woman said she felt especially vulnerable to the officers threats because she worked as a confidential informant for the LAPD. The allegations in the lawsuit mirror testimony the woman gave at a preliminary hearing last year, in which she and two other women allegedly attacked by the officers described frightening run-ins with the men. At the two-day hearing, the women described the officers assaulting them, sometimes in the back of their unmarked police car after driving to secluded locations. One woman wept as she testified about her attack and what happened when it was over. He tried to kiss me after that and say it wasnt that bad, she said. A fourth victims account was presented by a detective at the hearing. After the hearing, lawyers for the officers contended that the women knew each other and that their accounts were uncorroborated. All four women filed civil lawsuits against the city. The City Council previously agreed to pay one woman $575,000, and another $750,000. Wednesdays vote signals the end of the third case and a total bill, so far, of nearly $1.8 million to settle the cases. The final lawsuit is still making its way through civil court. Im looking forward to taking it to trial, said attorney Dan Miller, who represents three of the women, including Jane Doe No. 2. What occurred here is horrific, he said of the officers alleged actions. The City Council also agreed Wednesday to pay nearly $1 million to settle another LAPD-related case. Officer Ronald Gray sued the city last year, accusing the LAPD of retaliating against him for challenging and reporting what he considered a misuse of equipment purchased with federal grant money for a counterterrorism unit. In a 13-0 vote, the council opted to pay up to $950,000 to settle Grays case. kate.mather@latimes.com Twitter: @katemather ALSO LAPD officer accused of sexually abusing teen cadet took girl to Six Flags on day of assaults, sources say 2 Yuba sheriffs deputies recovering after gun battle with man at Rastafarian pot farm Caltech professor resigns after investigation finds he harassed female grad students UPDATES: 3 p.m. This story was updated with remarks from the attorney representing Jane Doe No. 2 and information about another LAPD-related settlement approved by the City Council. This story was originally published at 12:40 p.m. The Los Angeles police officer accused of having sex with a 15-year-old member of the departments cadet program took the victim to Six Flags Magic Mountain on the day of the alleged sexual assaults, according to three sources with knowledge of the case. Robert Cain who was charged with multiple sex offenses in connection with the ongoing LAPD cadet scandal last month took the 15-year-old girl to the Valencia theme park on June 14, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case. In the days after the trip, Cain became anxious about his connection to a girl, whom he did not identify, according to his mother, Maria Cain. The 31-year-old officer did not describe his relationship with the girl but expressed worry about the situation just days before he was handcuffed by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, she said. Advertisement Oh Mom, there is a problem with a girl, Cain said, according to this mother. I have a bad feeling about it. Maria Cain said her son had taken a girl to Magic Mountain that weekend but flatly denied that he had sexually abused a teenager or was aware cadets were stealing equipment. The department, she said, is using her son as a scapegoat in the larger cadet scandal. The trip to Magic Mountain took place the same day that the LAPD learned several of its cruisers had been stolen by teenage members of the cadet program, sparking an investigation that found cadets had allegedly been pilfering LAPD equipment, including tasers, radios and a bulletproof vest. The investigation into the thefts revealed the sex abuse allegations against Cain, Beck has said. Cain picked the 15-year-old cadet up from her South Los Angeles home on the day of the trip, and her family knew she was going to the theme park with him, according to two of the sources. He was charged July 20 with two counts each of oral copulation of a person under the age of 16, lewd acts upon a child and unlawful sexual intercourse, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. He is accused of sexually assaulting the girl in three separate incidents at three different locations on June 14. Cains attorney, Bill Seki, did not respond to a request seeking comment. Cain has yet to enter a plea in response to the sex abuse allegations. Seki had previously told The Times his client was being made to take the fall for larger problems within the cadet program. They wanted a scapegoat, and Robert has become that scapegoat, Seki said. Josh Rubenstein, an LAPD spokesman, said he could not comment on the specifics of the allegations against Cain, citing a series of ongoing investigations into the matter. The department has yet to present charges to the district attorneys office related to the theft of equipment by cadets, he said. Asked about Cains mothers claim that her son is being used as a scapegoat, Rubenstein pointed to the wide-ranging internal reviews launched by Beck when news of the cadet scandal first came to light. No other officers have been accused of wrongdoing, he said. But he cautioned that probes launched by internal affairs, the elite Robbery-Homicide Division and the Major Crimes Division remain active. The scandal, which has sparked both an internal review of the departments signature youth program and calls for an audit of all of the LAPDs youth programs, erupted on June 14, when three cadets were caught joy-riding in stolen cruisers. The teens led officers on two separate chases through South L.A. that ended in crashes. Since then, seven cadets, including the girl police say was sexually abused, have been arrested in connection with the theft of LAPD property. All but one were juveniles, police have said. Beck suspended the cadet program at the 77th Street and Pacific divisions, where the cadets accused in the thefts were assigned, and expelled all seven from the program. Recently, the California Highway Patrol confirmed two of the cadets were also members of the CHPs Explorer program, according to Lt. Saul Gomez, a spokesman for the CHPs Southern Division. An internal review concluded that no other CHP explorers were involved in the LAPDs cadet scandal and that no equipment had been stolen from the CHP, Gomez said. Cain remains jailed at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, where he is awaiting trial on 10 felony weapons charges, including possession of assault weapons. Los Angeles police officers searched Cains home in connection with the sex abuse charges last month and seized more than 100 weapons, five of which are the subject of prosecution. Cain pleaded not guilty to the weapons offenses last month. His attorney has said prosecutors will likely try to resolve the weapons charges before trying him for the sex abuse allegations in Los Angeles County. He is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino County on the weapons charges Aug. 15, according to court records. An arraignment on the sex abuse charges in Los Angeles has yet to be scheduled. Robert Cain, 31, is charged with four sex crimes in Los Angeles (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times ) Maria Cain said her son was not involved with the equipment thefts and would never hurt a child. He has a longtime girlfriend, she said, and was close with his father, a veteran LAPD officer who died of cancer in recent years. Cain, a 10-year-veteran of the department, managed the equipment room at the 77th Street Division. He previously worked in the Van Nuys Division. He had also applied to work as a youth services officer, though his application was denied, Beck said. Beck has said the allegations largely focused on actions at the 77th Street Division and has suggested Cain was aware of, and may have even helped facilitate, the cadet thefts. His mother denied those claims. He only worked three days a week, what about the other ones? she asked. Cain attended college two days a week, she said. He graduated June 17 from Cal State San Bernardino, earning a bachelors degree in management, according to the university. Cain also served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, according to military personnel records. He was deployed to Iraq from September 2007 to April 2008, records show. His close relationship with his father, a Vietnam War veteran, sparked his interest in firearms, his mother said. He was concerned that possession of some of those weapons might cause problems, she said. Seki, his attorney, had previously told The Times that Cain had been trying to modify the weapons to comply with Californias strict gun laws. Maria Cain considers the LAPD part of her family and has published a book of poetry that deals, in part, with her adoration for the agency. But after the charges were filed against her son, she said she felt betrayed by the department. I raised him right, she said. He is about law and order. Staff writer Marisa Gerber contributed to this report. richard.winton@latimes.com james.queally@latimes.com Follow @LACrimes & @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. ALSO Los Angeles City Council agrees to pay $450,000 to settle LAPD sexual assault case U.S. test-launches ICBM off California to show ability to defend against attacks Teen jumps out of plane emergency door at San Francisco International East L.A. College student lured teen from campus and sexually assaulted her, police say An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base early Wednesday to test the weapons reliability to defend against attacks on the United States and its allies, the Air Force said. The Minuteman III missile was fired at 2:10 a.m. from the base northwest of Santa Barbara, according to the Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile, equipped with a single test reentry vehicle, traveled 4,200 miles to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The strike command said the test was not a response to recent North Korean actions. Rather the launch demonstrates that the United States nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and can protect against strikes, the command said. Advertisement The test comes after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Friday the second in less than a month. The two-stage missile crashed off the coast of Japans northernmost island, Hokkaido. Independent defense analysts say such a missile may be capable of reaching California and other parts of the West Coast. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. government would agree to a dialogue with North Korea if it relinquishes its nuclear program. We are trying to convey to the North Koreans: We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond, he said. Wednesdays launch was conducted by Vandenbergs 30th Space Wing team, the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the Air Force said. The 90th Missile Wing is one of three bases overseeing the countrys intercontinental ballistic missile forces. The test is the fourth ICBM launched from the base this year. These test launches require the highest degree of technical competence and commitment at every level and provide critical data necessary to validate the reliability, accuracy and performance of the ICBM force, Col. Dave Kelley, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander, said in a statement. In February, a test missile was launched from the base. That missile was also equipped with a nonexplosive payload and traveled to the Marshall Islands. Another test was conducted by the Air Force Global Strike Commands team on April 26. Air Force officials said that launch was an operational test to show the countrys nuclear deterrent capability. Days later, a third test missile launched from the base. The unarmed Minuteman III missile was launched just after midnight on May 3 from the base to test the weapons reliability and ensure an effective nuclear deterrent, according to the Air Force. On May 30, the Missile Defense Agency conducted a flight test exercise of a ground-based interceptor that was also launched from the air base. The interceptor successfully targeted and destroyed an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Marshall Islands. veronica.rocha@latimes.com Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA ALSO A woman fights to save her rhinos armed only with her grandmothers shotgun Round 2: Monsoonal moisture to bring more wild weather and thunderstorms to Southern California Orange County business owner accused of exporting weapons to Syrian rebels in violation of U.S. sanctions Two Yuba County deputies who were shot multiple times at a Rastafarian churchs marijuana farm in Northern California on Tuesday, are expected to survive, authorities said. The deputies, whose identities were not released, underwent surgery for their injuries and were listed in fair condition Wednesday, according to the Yuba County Sheriffs Department. The suspected gunman, who has not been identified, was found dead on the remote property in Oregon House, a small community northeast of Sacramento, following the shooting. Advertisement Trouble on the small pot farm in the 9000 block of Marysville Road erupted just after 8:30 a.m., Heidi Lepp, a reverend at Sugarleaf Rastafarian Church, told KRCA-TV. The man was a new worker and had been acting erratically, she said. He was armed with a handgun and pulling out marijuana plants from the ground, Lepp told the news station. He was acting irritable and clearly was very disturbed, she told the station. Sheriff Steven Durfor said the deputies were called to the farm. After they arrived, the man ran off and hid in a mobile home on the property. The deputies 10-year and 14-year veterans with the Sheriffs Department entered the residence, but they didnt immediately see the man, he said. After they cleared the residence, Durfor said, the man emerged and shot multiple rounds at the deputies who returned fire, he said. One deputy was struck twice in the lower pelvic area and thigh. The other deputy was hit in the arm. A third deputy, who had arrived earlier and was near the back of the residence, heard the gun battle and notified dispatchers. The 22-year veteran entered the residence not once, but twice to extract the two injured deputies from the residence and move them to a safe zone away from that residence, the sheriff said. The deputy was not injured. Meanwhile, law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies, including SWAT team members, surrounded the area and evacuated nearby homes. They made multiple commands to the residence without any response from the suspect, Durfor said. Members of the SWAT team fired tear gas into the home and deployed a robot to get a closer look inside. By 2 p.m., SWAT members entered the home and found the suspect dead from gunshot wounds. He was likely killed during the gun battle with deputies, he said. Durfor said he was thankful the deputies injuries werent more serious. They went up there and they did their job and took care of business, he said. The Sheriffs Department is investigating the shooting and the suspects ties to the property, Durfor said. The rural foothill property is between 20 and 40 acres, Lepp told KRCA-TV. Church members, according to Lepp, use marijuana as a sacrament. veronica.rocha@latimes.com Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA ALSO 2 U.S. service members killed in Kandahar blast LAPD officer accused of sexually abusing teen cadet took girl to Six Flags on day of assaults, sources say Caltech professor resigns after investigation finds he harassed female grad students UC Irvine, under fire for rescinding nearly 500 admission offers, announced Wednesday that it would readmit all students who maintained good senior-year grades but whose acceptances were revoked because of alleged paperwork problems, such as missing deadlines to submit transcripts. Appeals from students whose acceptances were withdrawn because of poor senior grades will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The stories of our students whose college dreams were crushed by our decision to withdraw admissions to hundreds of students are heartbreaking. And unacceptable, Chancellor Howard Gillman said in a message to the campus community. We are a university recognized for advancing the American Dream, not impeding it. This situation is rocking us to our core because it is fundamentally misaligned with our values. Advertisement Offering his sincerest apology, Gillman said he had directed the campus internal auditor to review the admissions process to try to understand how officials underestimated the enrollment this year, why students who inquired about the rescissions were poorly treated and how to avoid the recurrence of such problems. Students visit the Office of Admissions in Aldrich Hall at UC Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) UC Irvines rescissions created an uproar when many students asserted the campus had unfairly withdrawn their acceptances just two months before the start of fall term for minor reasons or no reasons in order to ease an overenrollment crunch. About 850 more freshmen than expected had accepted UCIs admission offer for this fall. In an interview this week, Thomas A. Parham, vice-chancellor of student affairs, also repeated apologies for distress caused and acknowledged that campus officials were stricter about enforcing admission requirements this year. But he reiterated his contention that no acceptances were withdrawn from students who met all enrollment conditions which include receiving a high school degree, submitting transcripts and test scores by deadlines and maintaining a weighted 3.0 senior-year grade point average with no Ds or Fs in UC-approved courses. The rumors on social media is that Irvine had these 800 extra students and theyre willy nilly snatching admissions back because they cant accommodate them, he said. It isnt true. We spend time trying to get kids access, not deny access. Parham said campus officials were hard at work reviewing appeals expeditiously. As of Tuesday, 112 of the 214 appeals from among 290 students whose offers were withdrawn for transcript-related problems had been granted. The success rate was lower for those 209 students whose offers were rescinded due to poor senior grades; in that category, eight of 132 appeals had been granted. Gillman said students ousted for paperwork problems who ended up with poor senior grades would not be readmitted automatically. But he said his staff would establish an expedited process to allow students to make the case for extenuating circumstances, and to help them identify other possible pathways into the university. Ashley Gonzalez was sent a letter of admission to UC Irvine. Just weeks before the fall term begins, however, the university has rescinded the offer. On Wednesday the university readmited her. (Video by Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Ashley Gonzalez, a graduate of John Marshall High School in Los Angeles whose rescission was featured in a Los Angeles Times story last week, is one of the lucky students whose appeal worked. Her admission offer was withdrawn because campus officials said a community college transcript had not arrived by the July deadline. But Gonzalez said it had been sent in the same envelope as her high school transcript, which was received on time. She received word Tuesday that she once again was accepted. The rescission fiasco came after another attempt to reduce the overenrollment fell flat. The campus launched the Anteater Leadership Academy, billing it as a selective program for California freshman to receive such benefits as a 50% discount on tuition, leadership courses, smaller classes and exclusive social events. But students who joined would have to cancel their enrollment as regular freshmen, take a more limited menu of classes in the adult education division and give up access to campus housing and financial aid details not mentioned in the initial email sent out in May. Many students considered it a scam, said Rishi Shah, a graduate of Cerritos High School who initially signed up but withdrew after reading warnings on Facebook about it. UCI should have been a lot more transparent about the cons as well as the pros. UCI officials had hoped to divert as many as 500 students into the new academy, which gets its name from the school mascot, deferring their status as regular students for a year to ease the overenrollment crunch. But with the negative buzz, only 100 have signed up. Parham said he believed the campus was sufficiently upfront in disclosing details of the program. Sarah Eichhorn, a faculty member in the physical sciences department, criticized the leadership academy for promoting social injustice. By denying access to financial aid, she said, the program gives wealthier students preferential treatment in the form of leadership opportunities and smaller classes. Parham said he disagreed with that characterization of the program. The aim, he said, is to help middle-income students whose families make too much to qualify for most financial aid but too little to easily afford the full cost of attendance an estimated $33,000 annually. Mariano Segovia, a graduate of Gahr High School in Cerritos, represents just that kind of student. His mother, a nurse, earns about $130,000 annually too much to qualify for any financial aid but a loan, he said. He was drawn to the programs offer of a 50% tuition discount. Tuition is pretty expensive and I was willing to do anything to make things cheaper for my family, he said of his decision to sign up for the program. People walk the UC Irvine campus framed by the school mascot. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) teresa.watanabe@latimes.com Twitter: @teresawatanabe ALSO UC on track to enroll 2,500 more Californians this fall, but admission offers decline from last years near-historic gains UC Irvines rare distinction: Its an elite research university thats a haven for Latinos These small, little-known colleges may be more affordable than you think UPDATES: 4:55 p.m.: This story was updated throughout to highlight the universitys decision to readmit a large number of students and to include the chancellors apology. This article was originally published at 2:25 p.m. When Ronald Reagan was elected president, Harold Williams knew his days in the nations capital were near an end. Hed had a four-year run as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission under President Carter, but with a Republican administration moving in, it was time to look for a new job. For the record: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Robert K. Kennedy was assassinated in the lobby of the Ambassador Hotel. He was in the hotels kitchen when he was shot. Williams was considering opening a law office in Washington, D.C., when a friend called from Los Angeles. Would he be interested in coming back to L.A. and taking a lead role in overseeing the fortunes of an eccentric billionaire with an eye toward building a museum? Advertisement Williams had been a tax attorney at Hunt Foods, a confidant of philanthropist Norton Simon and a business school dean at UCLA, but what he knew about art was limited. When I was growing up in Los Angeles, all we had were Pinkie and Blue Boy at the Huntington Library, he said in a 2016 interview with UCLAs School of the Arts and Architecture. That was about it. Still, there was something oddly intriguing about the offer and Williams took the job, becoming the founding president of the J. Paul Getty Trust and overseeing construction of the Getty Center, the Brentwood campus that is part of the respected J. Paul Getty Museum. Williams administered the trust and oversaw the hilltop art institute for 17 years, a period of remarkable growth as the trust nearly tripled in size, the Getty became one of the nations most visited museums and the white-splashed campus became an L.A. landmark. Aerial view of the Getty in 1997. (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times) Up until his death Sunday at his home in Santa Ynez, Williams continued to show up for meetings and attend events at the Getty. He was 89. The Getty today its global reach and its Southern California presence is a legacy of Harold M. Williams, said Maria Hummer-Tuttle, chairwoman of the Getty Trusts board of directors. When Williams took the job to oversee the Getty Trust, the oil tycoons money was still tied up in probate. But when the trust finally received its endowment of $1.2 billion, Williams and Nancy Englander, Gettys director of program planning and Williams future wife, scoured L.A. for a home for the Getty. They ruled out the existing Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, determining that expansion would destroy the museums charm. They considered the Ambassador Hotel, which had been in decline since the 1968 assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in the hotel kitchen. But the price tag was too high. And they eyed Veterans Administration property in Westwood they thought Reagan might elect to sell. The two settled on a Brentwood hillside they thought would provide the necessary space and a convenient location for residents in the city and those in the Valley. Some civic leaders and a Los Angeles Times art critic were dismissive of the location, saying the museum should have been in the city core. But Williams cringed at the thought of a museum being squeezed into a city block. I didnt want to build a museum for art aficionadas, Williams said in the UCLA interview. I wanted to build a museum that had a chance of attracting people who are not natural museum-goers. Born in Philadelphia on Jan. 5, 1928, Williams came west with his family when he was a child so that his older brother could take advantage of a scholarship offer from USC. His father had gone bankrupt during the Depression and the family did not have the money to pay tuition at the University of Pennsylvania, his brothers first choice. They lived near the USC campus and Williams attended Roosevelt High School and then UCLA. He earned a law degree at Harvard. Williams said he began to see the magnetic powers of art when he worked for Simon, a rabid art collector who at any one time would have dozens of paintings in his office that he was considering purchasing. Simon, who became one of the worlds leading art collectors, frequently asked Williams to critique the artwork. When Simon was intrigued with a painting located elsewhere in the country, Williams was assigned the task of looking over potential acquisitions during business trips. The amazing thing about my life is that so many of the things I have gone on to do have come out of left field, Williams said. After retiring, Williams served on the UC Board of Regents and later as a board member of the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project, a school reform effort. Before being asked by Carter to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, Williams had been dean of UCLAs Anderson School of Management. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; a son, Ralph; a daughter, Susan Zajdman; a stepson, Derek Magyar; and four grandchildren, Drew, Jenna, Elana and Josh. steve.marble@latimes.com twitter.com/stephenmarble Judith Jones, a consummate literary editor who helped revolutionize American cuisine by publishing Julia Child and other groundbreaking cookbook authors, worked for decades with John Updike and Anne Tyler and helped introduce English-language readers to The Diary of Anne Frank, has died at age 93. Jones, who spent more than 50 years at Alfred A. Knopf before retiring in 2011, died early Wednesday at her summer home in Walden, Vt. Her stepdaughter, Bronwyn Dunne, said she died of complications from Alzheimers disease. Few better embodied and lived out the ideal of a life in New York publishing than the slender, refined Jones, whom Tyler once praised, both as a person and as an editor, as very delicate and graceful, almost weightless. Jones worked at one of the leading publishing houses with some of the worlds most beloved authors. She thrived even as Knopf evolved from a family-run business to part of the international conglomerate Bertelsmann AG. Advertisement Moviegoers would learn about her in Julie & Julia, the 2009 film starring Meryl Streep as Child and featuring Erin Dilly as Jones. In the early 60s, she signed up the then-unknown Child and Mastering the Art of French Cooking, a landmark release that caught on again decades later thanks to Julie & Julia. Tyler, however, thought the movie stupid because of a scene in which Jones backs out of a dinner at an authors home because its raining. Judith Jones would go through a blizzard, Tyler told the Associated Press in 2012. Shes the most indomitable person. Jones was herself an author and gourmet. She collaborated on several cookbooks with her husband, Evan Jones, contributed to numerous food magazines and wrote the memoir The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food, published in 2007. In 2006, she received the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting prize for Jones, who published Beard and was a close friend. The daughter of an attorney, Jones was born Judith Bailey in 1924 and grew up in Manhattan. She majored in English at Bennington College, worked as an editorial assistant at Doubleday while still in school, and in her early 20s was a reader for Doubleday in Paris. Among her early achievements was finding a masterpiece amid the rejects: The Diary of Anne Frank. One day my boss said, Oh, will you get rid of these books and write some letters. He went off to have some lunch with some French publishers, she explained in a 2001 interview with The Associated Press. I curled up with one or two books. I was just curious. I think it was the face on the cover. I looked at that face and I started reading that book and I didnt stop all afternoon. I was in tears when my boss came back. I said, This book is going to New York and has got to be published. And he said: What? That book by that kid?! Jones joined Knopf in 1957 as a reader of French translations. The company, run by founders Alfred and Blanche Knopf, was eccentric, old-fashioned, where women were warned against attending meetings because strong language might be used. She soon became an editor; her early clients including John Hersey, Elizabeth Bowen and a promising young author named John Updike. His first book with Knopf was Rabbit, Run. Alfred got on the telephone with John and said, Youd better come right away. He said to me, I dont think you should attend the meeting; the language may be a little raw. Of course, I had seen the language, Jones said. We did an expurgated edition and every subsequent printing put a little bit back and now its all there. Jones was among the first to realize that World War II soldiers returning from Europe might be ready for more sophisticated cuisine. Jones herself was admittedly spoiled by the food in Paris. In the 1950s, she found the bread in New York so tasteless she baked her own at home. Jones most famous discovery was Child, a middle-aged American chef in the early 60s who, like Jones, had returned to the states after living for years in Paris. She and co-authors Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle were seeking a publisher for a cookbook (later titled by Jones Mastering the Art of French Cooking) that had been rejected by Houghton Mifflin. As recounted in her memoir, Jones was soon convinced that this was the book I been looking for and thought Childs recipe for boeuf bourguignon worthy of the best dishes in Paris. I myself learned to cook from Mastering, she later wrote. I wanted my food to have the French touch, to taste soignee, not just indifferently cooked. But there was no book that really taught me how, that is, not until Mastering came along. Jones became the countrys gateway to international and national cuisine. Jones edited Marcella Hazans The Classic Italian Cookbook, which did the same for Italian food as Childs book did for French. Other chefs Jones worked with included pioneers in California cuisine (Alice Waters), Middle Eastern food (Claudia Roden) and cooking from the American South (Edna Lewis). Jones husband died in 1996. They had two children and two stepchildren. In recent years, she kept a blog, judithjonescooks.com, and wrote the book The Pleasures of Cooking for One. Italie writes for the Associated Press. Opponents of abortion have had reason for optimism this year. With Republicans in control of the U.S. Capitol and a president who embraces their cause, access to the procedure has appeared in greater jeopardy than it has in years. Abortion foes were dealt a setback last week when Senate Republicans failed to approve a bill to roll back President Obama s Affordable Care Act. All the versions up for a vote would have cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year, a long-sought goal. Mallory Quigley, spokeswoman for the antiabortion Susan B. Anthony List, said the votes would be a major disappointment to the pro-life grass roots who knocked on doors, made phone calls and rallied to get like-minded lawmakers elected. But she added, I think what is important to note is that the pro-life elements were not the cause of failure for the bill. This was an area of unity for Republicans, she said. So I do think that there are going to be more wins in the future. Abortion foes arent waiting on the federal government to act, however. Conservative state lawmakers have passed a rash of restrictive laws in battlegrounds such as Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri and Texas. Proponents of reproductive rights are fighting back and have persuaded federal courts to block some measures that could place an undue burden on a womans ability to obtain a legal abortion. Heres a recap of whats been happening in the abortion war at the White House, in Congress and around the country: At the White House President Trump once described himself as very pro-choice, despite hating abortion. But his actions since taking office have revived hope among antiabortion activists for changes that seemed impossible under the Obama administration. President Trump shows off a signed executive order reinstating a ban on funding for international organizations that provide abortion services or related counseling. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) (Evan Vucci / AP) Foreign aid ban tied to abortion One of Trumps first official acts was to reinstate and expand a ban on funding for international organizations that provide abortions or related counseling. Trumps version of the policy, first introduced under the Reagan administration, applies not only to the roughly $600 million that the U.S. provides annually for family planning services but to almost all global health assistance about $8.8 billion worth. Conservative champions appointed to key posts Abortion foes have seen champions of their cause ascend to top positions in the Trump administration, including Vice President Mike Pence, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway. Trump has also promised to appoint U.S. Supreme Court justices who would overturn the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion across the country. The selection of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch did not give conservative justices the majority they would need to do that, but any future vacancies could change the composition of the court. Trumps federal court nominations have also included people who are widely viewed as receptive to further restrictions on abortion. In Congress Curtailing funding for Planned Parenthood has been a priority for conservative lawmakers because the group is the largest single provider of abortions in the U.S. and a powerful advocate for reproductive rights. Supporters of Planned Parenthood demonstrate against healthcare legislation proposed by Senate Republicans. (Saul Loeb / AFP-Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images) Steps to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood In April, Trump signed a law reversing a regulation finalized in the last days of the Obama administration that prevented states from withholding federal Title X grants for family planning services from groups that also provide abortions. The Republican plans to replace Obamacare would also have prevented Planned Parenthood from receiving reimbursements from Medicaid for one year, even though it is already illegal to use federal money for abortion services. The two programs account for the majority of the funds that Planned Parenthood receives from government sources. Such cuts could force the closure of healthcare centers that provide contraception, cancer screenings and other services to uninsured patients, the group says. At state legislatures Conservative state lawmakers have been trying to roll back access to abortion since the Roe decision, but momentum has picked up since Republicans took control of many state legislatures in 2010. Hundreds of restrictive state measures have been passed, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which advocates for reproductive rights, including abortion. Opponents of abortion cheer during a rally in Jefferson City, Mo., on June 14. (David Carson / Associated Press) (David Carson / AP) Restrictions on abortion services Iowa and Kentucky adopted laws this year that bar most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. At least 16 other states have such laws, even though federal courts have ruled that they violate the Roe decision guaranteeing women the right to terminate a pregnancy before a fetus is able to survive outside the womb. Tennessee enacted a measure requiring that two doctors confirm that a fetus is not viable before an abortion can be provided at 20 weeks or later, except in a medical emergency. Laws adopted in Arkansas and Texas include bans on a commonly used second-trimester procedure known as dilation and evacuation. Similar measures are already in effect in Mississippi and West Virginia. Courts have blocked Arkansas and at least four other states from enforcing them. Other measures approved this year include ones mandating that women receive an ultrasound before undergoing an abortion (Iowa, Kentucky and Wyoming), imposing restrictions on the disposition of fetal remains (Arkansas and Texas), and introducing additional requirements for minors seeking the procedure (Indiana, Louisiana and West Virginia). State efforts to defund Planned Parenthood Republican lawmakers in Iowa decided to set up a wholly state-run family planning program forgoing about $3 million in annual funding from Medicaid so they can exclude organizations with ties to abortion providers. As a result, Planned Parenthood says it had to close four of its 12 health centers in the state. Texas and Missouri have taken similar steps. In Arizona, GOP lawmakers included a provision in the state budget that could divert about $2 million in federal Title X grants from Planned Parenthood. The move could jeopardize five health centers, according to the group. Kentucky and South Carolina also took steps to deny funds for family planning services to organizations that provide abortions. Activists dressed as characters from The Handmaids Tale chant in the Texas Capitol Rotunda as they protest a bill requiring healthcare facilities to bury or cremate remains from abortions, miscarriages and stillbirths. (Eric Gay / Associated Press) (Eric Gay / AP) Supporters of reproductive rights fight back Planned Parenthood and other defenders of reproductive rights have been making their case to lawmakers and staging protests around the country. In some states, Democrats stepped in to protect or expand access to abortion. A bill headed to the desk of Gov. Kate Brown in Oregon, for example, would in most cases require private insurance companies to cover abortions at no cost to patients. New York also adopted regulations requiring plans to cover abortion services. The Democratic governors of Montana, Minnesota and Virginia vetoed bills that would have increased restrictions on abortions or prevented government dollars from going to groups that perform the procedure. In other states, courts intervened. A federal judge in Arkansas blocked the state from enforcing four new abortion restrictions, including a law on the disposition of fetal remains that opponents say would effectively require a partners consent before a woman could get an abortion. A federal judge in Missouri struck down requirements that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and that their clinics meet hospital-like standards for outpatient surgery. Both states are appealing, and lawmakers in Missouri held a special session this summer to impose new regulations on abortion providers. ALSO Trump is pushing for a 'merit-based' immigration system that slashes the number of legal immigrants After healthcare failures, senior GOP senators serve notice: 'It's time to move on' As Trump mulls cutting off Obamacare aid, Senate begins bipartisan approach On Monday, one of the nations most famous lawmen, former Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio, became a criminal. The 85-year-old was found guilty of criminal contempt of court for ignoring a federal judges order forbidding his department from targeting Latinos. Heres a look at Arpaios long and controversial career in law enforcement. June 14, 1932: Joseph M. Arpaio, the son of Italian immigrants, is born; his mother dies during childbirth. (They came through Ellis Island legally, Arpaio later told New Yorker magazine.) He grows up in Springfield, Mass., where his father runs a grocery store. 1950: Arpaio enlists in the Army after he turns 18 but doesnt see combat in the Korean War. He serves in the Medical Detachment Division, where report writing skills and interviewing techniques were critical, he later wrote. Advertisement 1954: Arpaio becomes a police officer in Washington, D.C., where he serves three years as a beat cop. He then serves a short stint in the sheriffs department in Clark County, Nev., where he claims to have stopped Elvis Presley for a traffic citation. 1957: Arpaio joins the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics, the precursor to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The bureau was in need of Italian Americans willing to work undercover and arrest fellow Italians, Arpaio later wrote on a campaign website, adding, I was up to the task. Arpaio worked around the world in locales including Turkey, Lebanon, South America and Mexico. 1982: After a career spanning more than two decades, Arpaio retires from the DEA as the agencys top official in Arizona. He and his wife, Ava, open a travel agency in Phoenix. 1992: Arpaio runs for Maricopa County sheriff and defeats incumbent Tom Agnos, whose department was under fire for extracting false confessions in the massacre of six Buddhist monks, two young initiates and an elderly nun in 1991. Arpaio promises to serve only one term. 1994: Arpaio starts winning the national limelight for his brash techniques. He mobilizes a 2,200-member volunteer posse, which includes lawyers, doctors, politicians, corporate executives and retirees, to patrol for prostitutes and mall crime. He bans coffee and movies in the county jail and erects a tent city for inmates surrounded by concertina-wire fence. Ive got a method to my madness of publicity: I want to send a message to the bad guys, Arpaio tells the Los Angeles Times in a front-page story. I want them to know that it is so bad in my jail that they wont want to commit crimes here. Sheriff Joe Arpaio with reporters in 1993. (Jeff Robbins / Associated Press) 1995: Arpaio forces inmates to wear pink underpants and reintroduces chain gangs. The U.S. Justice Department starts investigating jail conditions under Arpaios watch. 1996: Polls show Arpaio, who is running for the first of his many reelections, is the most popular politician in the state. He starts winning the attention of national Republicans, including presidential candidate Bob Dole, who visits the tent city and praises it. This idea may spread in other sections of the country, Dole says. I talked to one of the inmates who said, I dont want to come back here. Ive learned my lesson. Two months later, hundreds of inmates riot in protest of conditions at the camp. 1997: The Justice Department sues Maricopa County, alleging the use of excessive force and mistreatment at the jail, but the suit is dropped. 1999: Maricopa County settles a wrongful-death lawsuit by paying $8.25 million to the family of an inmate who died after a struggle with guards in 1996. 2000: Arpaio launches a jail cam website showing livestreams of inmates from inside the jail. The site receives 3 million visitors and crashes on the first day. 2001: Following complaints, Arpaio turns off one of the jail cameras that showed female inmates using the toilet, which had been picked up by porn websites. 2002: Despite favorable polls, Arpaio decides not to run for governor of Arizona, saying, I just want to go out into the sunset as a law enforcement officer. 2004: A court rules that Arpaios jail cameras violate the rights of pre-trial detainees, who have not been convicted of crimes. 2006: With help from his posse of citizens, Arpaio uses a state human-trafficking law to start going after smugglers bringing immigrants into Arizona illegally and also to arrest the immigrants. Let them go to California, Arpaio said. 2007: A Mexican citizen visiting the U.S. legally sues Arpaio after he is detained. The litigation would eventually become a class-action lawsuit, one of several legal actions to be taken against Arpaio in the coming years. 2008: Following a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union, a federal judge rules that conditions in Arpaios jail are unconstitutional. 2010: The Justice Department sues Arpaio, saying his department was refusing to cooperate with an investigation of whether it discriminated against Latinos while trying to catch illegal immigrants. Reports note that some of Arpaios deputies and volunteers stop people for minor infractions and then ask them for their citizenship status. Federal officials say Arpaio was the first local law enforcement official in 30 years to refuse to provide documents in a federal civil rights inquiry. Arpaio turns over the information after a settlement a year later. 2011: A federal judge orders Arpaio and his deputies not to racially profile Latinos. 2012: The Justice Department sues Arpaio again, alleging a pattern of illegal discrimination against Latinos. Arpaio wins reelection by only a few percentage points. Also, Arpaio announces that volunteer investigators working for him have concluded that President Obamas birth certificate is not legitimate. 2013: In response to a class-action lawsuit filed by the ACLU, a federal judge rules that Arpaios deputies illegally profiled Latinos. 2015: The Justice Department and Arpaio partially settle some of the claims in the 2012 lawsuit. 2016: Arpaio endorses Donald Trump for president, and Trump responds that he has great respect for the sheriff. A federal judge finds Arpaio and some of his top deputies in civil contempt of court on suspicion of continuing to target Latinos, and federal prosecutors charge Arpaio with criminal contempt of court. Arpaio loses his bid for reelection after six terms in office to former Phoenix Police Sgt. Paul Penzone. 2017: In a criminal bench trial, Arpaio is found guilty of defying a federal judges order to stop racially profiling Latinos. He plans to appeal, saying he was wrongfully denied a trial by jury, which he believes would have found him innocent. He faces up to six months in jail. His sentencing is later this year. matt.pearce@latimes.com @mattdpearce Despite a last-minute push, the Pentagon has failed to fully meet a deadline set by Congress to review and mostly reverse efforts to recover enlistment bonuses for up to 17,500 California National Guard soldiers and veterans, including some who were wounded in battle. Pentagon officials refused Tuesday to provide a breakdown of how many California Guard soldiers had their debts waived and how many are still facing repayment demands for bonuses that ranged from $15,000 to $80,000. Officials have told lawmakers that they have resolved thousands of California Guard cases since Congress set the deadline last December in an effort to deal with a scandal first revealed by The Times last year. Advertisement But military officials have scrambled to finish paperwork for hundreds of remaining California Guard soldiers and veterans in recent days, in some cases sending checks out just before Mondays deadline. Retired Master Sgt. Bill McLain, who now lives in Las Vegas, said he received a bank transfer of $4,500 on Monday to reimburse him for his payments on the $30,000 that the California Guard insisted he owed. He said he had fought the debt for five years. Its disheartening that when they owe you money theyre in no rush, but its a different story when you owe them money, said McLain, who was wounded during one of his four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Completion of the review was slowed by the need to conduct a case-by-case review and in some cases to finish lengthy appeals by soldiers still facing demands for repayment of some or all of their bonuses, officials said. The Department is near completing its review of enlistment bonuses, said Laura Ochoa, a Pentagon spokeswoman. This diligent review in coordination with Congress ensures we provide the appropriate solutions to our service members and respects our obligation to the taxpayer. But Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), a member of the House Armed Services Committee who spearheaded the push to let most Guard members keep their bonuses, criticized the Pentagons failure to meet the deadline. Our intention was for it to be 100% resolved by now, Denham said in an interview, noting that Pentagon officials had told him they were 98% done. Its disappointing to see this has gone all the way to the deadline and beyond. Denham said he is skeptical that the Pentagon had abandoned heavy-handed tactics to recover money, and that it had waived debts of all those eligible. They need to prove to me that this is no longer an issue for anyone they contacted and harassed, Denham said. In particular, he added, he wanted assurances that the Pentagon had helped soldiers contact credit agencies to correct any adverse impact on credit scores from the recoupment efforts. The reimbursement is obviously very, very important, but its equally important to make sure their credit is fixed, Denham said. Retired Master Sgt. Bill McLain was reimbursed more than $4,000 for his payments on the $30,000 that the California Guard insisted he owed. The Times reported in October that 9,700 California Guard soldiers had been ordered to repay large enlistment bonuses and slapped with interest charges, wage garnishments and tax liens if they could not or would not after audits revealed widespread errors by the California Guard at the height of the wars last decade. Though some bonuses were awarded improperly, The Times found that many of the affected soldiers had served honorably and had fulfilled their enlistment contracts, often in war zones. They were ordered to repay the money years later, after many had left the military. Some had been given bonuses to which they were not entitled. Pentagon officials have said the vast majority had no idea they were ineligible for the money. But many also were deemed ineligible because of paperwork errors or other mistakes by the military. The public outcry led the Pentagon to halt the recoupment effort and prompted Congress to pass legislation in December that gave the Defense Department until the end of July to conduct a case-by-case review of the California Guard bonuses paid from 2004 to 2015. Pentagon officials said that their review would look at 17,500 service members, the total number of California Guard members who received enlistment bonuses or student loan repayments. The Pentagon is supposed to report the results of its review to the House and Senate armed services committees. Pentagon officials and California Guard officials said they would not share its contents until lawmakers are briefed. Were not quite there yet, said Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan, a California National Guard public affairs officer. Some California Guard members who had their debts waived said they had given up hope of getting help from the Pentagon. Christopher Van Meter, a 42-year-old former Army captain and Iraq veteran from Manteca, Calif., refinanced his home mortgage three years ago to repay $25,000 in reenlistment bonuses and $21,000 in student loan repayments that the Pentagon says he should not have received. Christopher Van Meter, former California Army Reserve captain and Iraq veteran, was ordered by the government to return $42,000 for bonuses and student loans. (Peter DaSilva / For The Times) In July, Van Meter said in an interview, he received the entire $46,000 back from the Pentagon. He credited Denhams office for helping him get the money. There are signs that Pentagon officials are bending over backward to put the scandal behind them. Susan Haley, a Los Angeles native and former California Guard master sergeant who deployed to Afghanistan in 2008, sent the Pentagon $650 a month a quarter of her familys income to pay down $20,500 in bonuses. In November, the Pentagon said she could stop the payments while the case was under review. On Monday, she got a letter from the Army Board for Correction of Military Records, which has been handling the reviews, saying her debt had been lifted. The applicant knew or reasonably should have known that she was ineligible to receive all of the incentive pay received, the letter said. But, it added, the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant full waiver of recoupment, ruling that Haley should be reimbursed for the money she had repaid. She has not received the money yet, she said. Other soldiers have not been so lucky. John Bischler, a California Guard sergeant first class from Riverside, received a letter from the National Guard Bureau, the Pentagon agency that oversees the California Guard, informing him that he still owed $6,000 in student loan repayments he got in 2007 while deployed in Iraq. He appealed the ruling. Its not true, Bischler said of the Armys contention that he should have known he was not eligible. How do you prove what you didnt know? david.cloud@latimes.com Twitter: @davidcloudLAT President Trump is pushing forward with his promise of a harder line on legal immigration, endorsing a proposal to slash the number of immigrants admitted to the United States while favoring those with certain education levels and skills. Trump announced his support for such an overhaul of immigration law during an event Monday at the White House with conservative Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia. The changes proposed in their bill, called the RAISE Act, would be the biggest change in 50 years to the immigration system, Trump said, and reflect the Trump administrations compassion for struggling American families that deserve an immigrant system that puts their needs first. Advertisement The bill faces dim prospects in Congress, where nearly all Democrats and a sizable number of Republicans oppose its key provisions. But it reflects a central promise of Trumps campaign and the renewed emphasis the White House has made in recent weeks to appeal to the presidents core supporters. White House staff have been working closely with Cotton and Perdue for weeks on the legislation, which would restrict how the U.S. admits immigrants and to move to what Trump has described as a merit-based system similar to that used in Australia and Canada. The proposal ends chain migration, Trump said, referring to the preference for uniting family members in the current immigration system. It would implement a points-based system for awarding lawful permanent residency, or green cards. Foreign applicants would receive a higher score if they speak English, can financially support themselves and have skills that can contribute to our economy, Trump said. The proposal has been praised by groups that advocate reduced immigration, including NumbersUSA and the Federation of Immigration Reform. Immigration advocacy groups are opposed, as are many economists who say the nation, with an aging population and low fertility rate, should be encouraging an influx of younger workers to spur economic growth. The current U.S. immigration system favors uniting family members with relatives already in the country. It was built on the premise that any person, regardless of how much education or money they have, can come to the United States and create a productive life for themselves. Any changes along the lines of the proposed bill would require support from moderate Republican senators such as Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and many Senate Democrats oppose making partial changes to immigration law without creating a pathway to legal status for immigrants who arrived in the country illegally and put down roots. Trump repeatedly has said he doesnt want to reduce the total number of immigrants admitted each year, yet the proposal by Cotton and Perdue would cut legal immigration by more than half. At the same time, Trump during his campaign called for returning the level of foreign-born Americans to their historic norm. The level is currently higher than at most periods in U.S. history. Immigration experts said at the time that Trumps goal could only be achieved by sharply reducing legal immigration levels. Trump has also been reluctant to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, started by President Obama, which provides work authorizations to immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Trump called the program unconstitutional during the presidential campaign, but also has expressed sympathy toward people who are in this country illegally through no fault of their own and were raised here. At a rally in Ohio last week, Trump praised Cotton and Perdue and said he was working with the senators to replace todays low-scale system, just a terrible system where anybody comes in. We want a merit-based system, one that protects our workers, our taxpayers, and one that protects our economy. We want it merit-based, Trump said. If admissions officials at UC Irvine had to write the sort of college application essays that high school seniors dread each year, this might make the perfect prompt: Tell us about the time you sucker punched hundreds of incoming students by canceling their college education over what appears to be a trivial issue. How did your thinking go wrong, and what did you learn? Such an essay is probably not forthcoming. But at the very least, the university owes students and the public a much better explanation of this fiasco. UC Irvine, like most colleges and universities, rescinds the acceptances of a small number of incoming students each year. It might be a case of a student with senioritis letting his grades plunge; it might be a problem with a required fee deposit. Advertisement But this year was strikingly different: 499 students were told in mid-July not to bother reporting to school in the fall. Thats a full 7% of the incoming class. And most of them lost their place not by becoming academic sloths, but by failing to get their final transcripts to UCI by the required date. (Many of them insist that the university got it wrong, and some have letters from their high schools to prove it. More than 60 of the canceled acceptances have been overturned on appeal so far.) Some students said UCI never even made it clear why their acceptance was withdrawn. By comparison, UCLA, which has a bigger undergraduate population, rescinded only seven offers this year. So, did UCI admit a loser cohort that couldnt get its act together? Hardly. Though university officials werent forthcoming about this at the start, it all began as an admissions yield problem. Each year, colleges have to estimate how many accepted students will actually attend the yield. Its an annual nightmare for college officials, and this year, 850 more students signed up for UCI than it had expected. As a result, a university spokesman confirmed, UCI took a harder line on students who presented an opportunity for the school to cancel their admissions, even though it was too late for them to accept a slot at another school. Some students said UCI never even made it clear why their acceptance was withdrawn. When they called to ask questions or to protest that they had in fact met the requirements, they werent able to get through to a live person willing and able to help. Students who dont keep their grades up cant complain when they lose their slot. And sure, students have to get their papers in on time. But failure to meet the deadline for a single document out of the reams of paper demanded during the admissions process calls for a little proportionality on the part of the university. High school administrators, not students, are generally responsible for sending out final transcripts. And its outlandish to dash a students dreams over a piece of paper that might be a little bit late. A simple reminder to students would have done the job; instead, the university attempted to manage a problem of its own creation by having students pay the price. This ugly episode was especially surprising because UCI prides itself on the many low-income students who attend and succeed there, especially those who are the first in their families to go to college. These students often attend high schools where counselors are overwhelmed by the large number of students they oversee, and their parents often arent in a position to guide them. The rigmarole of filing an appeal presents another obstacle for them. By Wednesday afternoon, the chorus of complaints about the rescissions led Chancellor Howard Gillman to issue a second apology and reverse course. Effective immediately, all students who received provisional acceptances into UCI will be fully admitted, except those whose transcripts clearly indicate that they did not meet our academic standards, Gillman wrote. The university will also expedite appeals for students whose admissions were not restored. Meanwhile, its internal auditor is going to investigate why the university underestimated acceptances so badly and suggest ways to improve the admissions process. Still, the administration it hasnt said who conceived of this less-than-bright idea and how far up the UCI chain it went for approval. As a public institution, the university owes a full explanation. If theres a hero to this story, its the executive cabinet of the Associated Students of UC Irvine, which quickly plugged into the behind-the-scenes story that no one was admitting at the time that this was about a too-large cohort of students, not hundreds of irresponsible high-school seniors and rallied to their aid. If nothing else, its reassuring to know that UCI will be graduating some sharp, involved and caring people. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook UPDATES: 4:10 p.m. The editorial was updated to include UCIs announcement that it will grant admission to far more of the 499 applicants it had recently rejected. Many Trump supporters were over the moon at Anthony Scaramuccis colorful phone call to the New Yorker, in which the newly named (now-deposed) White House communications director claimed that unlike other members of the administration, he was not trying to fellate himself. On The_Donald reddit thread, for example, they opined that Scaramuccis dirty mouth was an indication that he tells it like it is, that he was unafraid. When he was ousted on Monday, some lamented that the next communications capo would be more smooth, less real. And if you were to trust the science headlines from earlier this year, you might think that fans of The Mooch were on to something: An article published in January argued that people who swear tend to be honest. Advertisement When you dig into the details, however, it becomes clear that swearing does not reliably signal honesty. Even the best evidence is not particularly convincing. Profanity may leave a good impression in certain ways, but our impressions are not reality. People in that January study were asked to estimate how often they swear and also how often they do a variety of things generally agreed to be desirable, such as keeping their promises. Those who reported swearing more also reported more undesirable traits. In an acrobatic piece of reasoning, the researchers interpreted this as showing that swearers are more likely to come clean about their bad habits. But you could equally well conclude that people who swear simply have lots of undesirable personality traits. Another study measured lying directly. Scientists told volunteers to pick heads or tails on a coin, and explained that if the coin came up on that side twice, they would receive an additional $7. The volunteers were then instructed to flip the coin twice in complete privacy. When they came out of seclusion, they reported their coin-flip results, collected their winnings if any and answered questions including one about how often they swore. The researchers found that people who reported never swearing claimed a prize about a quarter of the time, which is what youd expect if they were being honest about their choice for the two coin flips. But those who reported sometimes swearing claimed a prize far more often, more than 40% of the time. Such a high rate suggests they must have been lying to earn the extra cash. One cant conclude from this experiment that swearing is always a sign of a dishonest character, but at the very least, the relationship between swearing and honesty appears murky. Scaramuccis swearing doesnt necessarily mean that hes more honest. Nevertheless, people in the population at large just like those Trump-supporting redditors tend to perceive profanity as revealing honesty. In a 2005 study, researchers gave female Dutch undergrads written testimony from a burglary suspect denying his involvement in the crime. Half read a version that included profanity; the other half read a version with the profanity removed. And then they rated how credible they found the suspects denial. Those who read the swearing testimony found it significantly more credible. Profanity causes other positive effects. Researchers at Northern Illinois University presented 88 introductory psychology students with a video in which a man argues that tuition should be lowered at another university. But there were two different versions of the video, one in which he used profanity, another in which he did not. The participants who saw him swear not only agreed more with his position they were more persuaded by the argument but they also rated him as more passionate and enthusiastic. So heres the rub. Profanity may leave a good impression in certain ways, but our impressions are not reality. The potty-mouthed among us, like Scaramucci, may or may not be speaking honestly and may or may not be passionate, regardless how much their word choices make them seem that way. If the next White House communications director has a similarly colorful vocabulary, lets rely on other more reliable indicators to determine how truthful he or she is. Benjamin Bergen is a professor of cognitive science and director of the Language and Cognition Laboratory at UC, San Diego. His most recent book is What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook On Sunday, Vladimir Putin announced that the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia would have to shed 755 members. Most of those, admittedly, will be local support staff; of roughly 1,200 people employed by the U.S. government in Russia, 333 are U.S. citizens and 867 are foreign nationals, most likely Russians. So this isnt quite the mass expulsion of U.S. diplomats that was portrayed in initial news reports. Its merely a mass layoff of Russian workers who will now suffer because of the whims of their president. But its still a substantial slap at the United States far more serious than President Obamas expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the Kremlin meddling in the U.S. election. Putins action is a sign that he has given up hope that the Trump administration will lift sanctions on Russians and otherwise conciliate the Kremlin, as Michael Flynn, who would later be named and then deposed as national security advisor, apparently hinted to the Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak before the inauguration. U.S.-Russia relations, far from improving as Trump had promised, are in the depths of an icy freeze that is reviving talk of a new Cold War. So far, Trump hasnt conceded that dismal reality. His silence suggests he remains wedded to the fantasy that Putin is an admirable leader and a potential American ally in Syria and beyond, and his long-standing affection for the Russian dictator seems to have only grown stronger after the two men spent hours bonding with one another in Hamburg. Advertisement The only anti-Russian measures [Trump] has taken are those that have been forced on him by Congress. Just imagine if Rosie ODonnell, Crooked Hillary, the failing New York Times or one of the presidents other supposed enemies had insulted him, however slightly. He would surely have gone ballistic on Twitter by now. But there is not a word about Russia or Putin in Trumps Twitter feed, nor in his public comments, save for his ritualistic (and increasingly unconvincing) denials of any collusion between his campaign and Russia in the election. The only official U.S. response to Putins act was a perfunctory State Department statement saying the expulsion was regrettable and uncalled for. Vice President Mike Pence is talking tough on Russia while in Estonia, but Trump continues his streak of never speaking ill of Putin, a streak all the more remarkable given how many other people Trump routinely disparages. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, a recipient of the Order of Friendship from Putin, also has been thunderously silent about this unwarranted affront to the department he leads. Trump, to be sure, has agreed to sign a bill imposing further sanctions on Russia but only because he had no choice it passed both houses by veto-proof margins. The legislation removes presidential discretion to lift sanctions, an extraordinary repudiation that indicates how worried lawmakers of both parties are about this presidents fondness for Russias dictator. Trump dragged his feet as much as possible and tried to water down the legislation, but contrary to White House claims, he did not manage to substantially alter the bill. Putin went ahead with his retaliation once the Senate and the House rejected administration entreaties to go easy on Russia. Now the question is whether the administration will do anything at all to respond to Putins enforced downsizing of the U.S. mission in Russia. If Trump were so inclined, there is much he could do, from slowing down the issuance of visas to Russians who want to visit the U.S., to freezing the bank accounts of Putin and his oligarch friends (it would be poetic justice to freeze 755 accounts), to adopting a Pentagon proposal to ship anti-tank missiles and other potent weaponry to the Ukrainian armed forces resisting Russian aggression. Will Trump do any of this? Doubtful. The only anti-Russian measures he has taken are those that have been forced on him by Congress. The administration isnt hesitating to impose personal sanctions on the dictator of Venezuela, just the dictator of Russia. Trumps fondness for Putin is the big mystery of global politics. Perhaps Trump simply admires the Russian strongman, or perhaps the Steele Dossier, compiled by a former British intelligence officer, is accurate and Putin has something on Trump. Whatever the case, Trumps unwillingness to get tough with Russia saps his credibility, strengthens suspicions of collusion with the Kremlin, worries our Eastern European allies and undermines Americas standing in the world. That is a high price to pay for trying to remain in the good graces of an anti-American dictator. Max Boot is a contributing writer to Opinion and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook MORE FROM OPINION I watched my childhood home go from idyllic to drug-ravaged. Trumps opioid commission isnt going to fix it Does carrying a gun make you safer? No. In fact, right-to-carry laws increase violent crime Are the foul-mouthed among us, like the deposed Mooch, more honest? Pundits should have fixed terms, left-wing author Naomi Klein recently told the BBC. Awarded jobs for life, most professional commentators whether opining in newspaper columns like this one or blathering on television suffer no consequence for making predictions that turn out spectacularly wrong. Kleins (partly tongue-in-cheek) solution? Hold our pundits to account by making them reapply for their sinecures every four years, banishing those whose prognostications prove most wide of the mark. The socialist Kleins embrace of market forces, however selective, is welcome. Might I offer the unfolding horror in Venezuela as the first litmus test of her proposal? On Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in a referendum designed to rewrite the countrys constitution and confer on him dictatorial powers. The sham vote, boycotted by the opposition, was but the latest stage in the Bolivarian Revolution launched by Maduros predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. First elected in 1998 on a wave of popular goodwill, Chavezs legacy is one of utter devastation. Advertisement Thanks to Chavismos vast social welfare schemes (initially buoyed by high oil prices), cronyism and corruption, a country that once boasted massive budget surpluses is today the worlds most indebted. Contraction in per capita GDP is so severe that Venezuelas economic catastrophe dwarfs any in the history of the U.S., Western Europe or the rest of Latin America according to Ricardo Hausmann, former chief economist of the Inter-American Development Bank. Transparency International lists Venezuela as the only country in the Americas among the worlds 10 most corrupt. Left-wing economic populists are enjoying a resurgence in mainstream credibility by railing against free trade and neoliberals. This is a scandal. Socialist economic policies price controls, factory nationalizations, government takeovers of food distribution and the like have real human costs. Eighty percent of Venezuelan bakeries dont have flour. Eleven percent of children under 5 are malnourished, infant mortality has increased by 30% and maternal mortality is up 66%. The Maduro regime has met protests against its misrule with violence. More than 100 people have died in anti-government demonstrations and thousands have been arrested. Loyal police officers are rewarded with rolls of toilet paper. The list of Western leftists who once sang the Venezuelan governments praises is long, and Naomi Klein figures near the top. In 2004, she signed a petition headlined, We would vote for Hugo Chavez. Three years later, she lauded Venezuela as a place where citizens had renewed their faith in the power of democracy to improve their lives. In her 2007 book, The Shock Doctrine, she portrayed capitalism as a sort of global conspiracy that instigates financial crises and exploits poor countries in the wake of natural disasters. But Klein declared that Venezuela had been rendered immune to the shocks administered by free market fundamentalists thanks to Chavezs 21st Century Socialism, which had created a zone of relative economic calm and predictability. Chavezs untimely death from cancer in 2013 saw an outpouring of grief from the global left. The caudillo demonstrated that it is possible to resist the neo-liberal dogma that holds sway over much of humanity, wrote British journalist Owen Jones. I mourn a great hero to the majority of his people, said Oliver Stone, who would go on to replace Chavez with Vladimir Putin as the object of his twisted affection. On the Venezuelan regimes international propaganda channel, Telesur, American host Abby Martin who used to ply her duplicitous trade at Russia Today takes credulous viewers on Potemkin tours of supermarkets fully stocked with goods. It would be inaccurate to label the thoroughly unconvincing Martin, who combines the journalistic ethics of Walter Duranty with the charm of Ulrike Meinhof, a useful idiot. Shes just an idiot. Most of Chavismos earlier adherents have maintained a conspicuous silence in the face of the Venezuelan calamity. Those who do speak up, rather than apologize for getting things so wrong, blame collapsing oil prices for the countrys fate. Yet the decline in the value of petroleum has not led to rioting on the streets of Oslo. The tragedy of Venezuela is the predictable result of what happens when a strongman wages, in Chavezs own words, economic war on the bourgeoisie owners, cracks down on media, prints money with reckless abandon and implements all manner of harebrained socialist schemes. In the age of Trump, Brexit and a wider backlash against globalization, left-wing economic populists are enjoying a resurgence in mainstream credibility by railing against free trade and neoliberals. This is a scandal. For in the form of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the world has a petri dish in which to judge the sort of policies endorsed by Jones, Klein, British Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, homegrown socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders and countless other deluded utopians. There, the ghastly failures of their ideas are playing out for everyone to see; a real-time rebuke, as if another were needed, to socialism. That these people are considered authorities on anything other than purchasing Birkenstocks, much less running a country, is absurd. So yes, lets put term limits on pundits. And lets start with anyone who praised the Venezuelan model. James Kirchick is filling in for Doyle McManus. He is a visiting fellow with the Brookings Institution and author of The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues and the Coming Dark Age. Follow him on Twitter @jkirchick. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook MORE FROM OPINION White people should be more afraid of other whites than they are of people of color How Grover Cleveland ruined American cruises Who benefits from discriminatory college admissions policies? White males President Trump on Wednesday finally signed the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, better known in Washington as the veto-proof Russia sanctions legislation. Actually, the bill imposes economic sanctions not only on Russia for aggression in Ukraine, arms shipments to Syria and meddling in last years U.S. election but also on North Korea and Iran (for its ballistic missile tests and support for terrorism). But, even as he approved the legislation, Trump insisted on issuing a signing statement registering constitutional objections to parts of it. (I know, you didnt realize Trump was a constitutional scholar.) Advertisement For example, he asserted that two sections of the bill purport to displace the presidents exclusive constitutional authority to recognize foreign governments, including their territorial bounds, in conflict with the Supreme Courts recent decision in Zivotofsky vs. Kerry. The sections the president objects to state that the United States doesnt recognize the acquisition of various territories by force or the Russian annexation of Crimea. Trump says he doesnt disagree with those statements as policy, but he notes, absolutely correctly, that the Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution gives the president, not Congress, the power to recognize foreign governments. If the president thinks a piece of legislation encroaches on his constitutional authority, why not go down fighting? That was the holding in the 2015 case of Zivotofsky vs. Kerry. Zivotofsky was Menachem Zivotofsky, an American boy born in Jerusalem in 2002, whose parents wanted the State Department to list his place of birth on his passport as Israel. The State Department refused, despite a law passed by Congress ordering it to do so at the request of a citizen born in those circumstances. The justices ruled for the State Department, holding that the Constitutions text and structure grant the president the power to recognize foreign nations and governments. And no president has yet recognized Jerusalem as part of Israel; the longstanding U.S. position is that the status of the city must be settled through negotiations. The recognition issue wasnt Trumps only constitutional problem with the sanctions bill; he also found fault with a review process the law creates in case the president attempts to waive sanctions. I nevertheless expect, Trump said, to honor the bills extended waiting periods to ensure that the Congress will have a full opportunity to avail itself of the bills review procedures. You might wonder why, if Trump had constitutional qualms about this legislation, he didnt veto it. Even if Congress overrode the veto (as it certainly would have done), he would have struck a blow for principle. Thats what President Richard Nixon did in 1973 when he vetoed the War Powers Resolution, a measure inspired by the Vietnam War that gave Congress more authority over the use of military force. Nixon said at the time that the bill imposed unconstitutional and dangerous restrictions on presidential authority. But subsequent presidents have grown accustomed to signing legislation and then issuing signing statements that seemed to suggest that they might not be bound by parts of it. For example, when President George W. Bush signed the 2005 Detainee Treatment Act designed to outlaw torture of suspected terrorists, he issued a statement saying that the executive branch would construe the law in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the president to supervise the unitary executive branch and as commander in chief and consistent with the constitutional limitations on the judicial power, which will assist in achieving the shared objective of the Congress and the president . . . of protecting the American people from further terrorist attacks. Bush was widely criticized for his signing statements, which seemed to allow the president to have it both ways and undermine the finality of a presidential signature. In 2006 the president of the American Bar Assn., Michael S. Greco, warned: We will be close to a constitutional crisis if this issue, the presidents use of signing statements, is left unchecked. But the practice continued into the administration of President Obama. For example, Obama repeatedly signed defense authorization bills that contained restrictions on closing the detention facility at Guantanamo or transferring inmates there to the U.S. But Obama insisted in signing statements that those provisions trespassed on his constitutional authority. In 2013, the Los Angeles Times editorial board criticized Obama for not having the courage of his convictions and vetoing those bills. The same complaint can be made about Trumps signing of the sanctions bill. If the president thinks a piece of legislation encroaches on his constitutional authority, why not go down fighting? Nixon did but maybe thats not the president Trump wants to be compared to just at the moment. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: To anyone who still believes women are ill-suited to positions of leadership because they tend toward more emotionality than men, I would point to Exhibit A: the temper tantrums of President Trump and his hot-headed advisers vs. the calm and reason of the female senators who voted down the ill-thought-out GOP healthcare proposals in spite of pressure and threats from bullying males. (Re Overshadowed, two women made difference, July 29) We need many more women in positions of power. Nancy da Silveira, Claremont Advertisement :: To the editor: I suggest that we put all 21 female senators in a room together, and within a very short period of time they will come up with a workable and fair healthcare bill that will be passed on a bipartisan basis. I have long said that we need more women in Congress in order to break the untenable cycle of inaction. Busy working moms dont have time to mess around. They will get the job done. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have shown us the way. Dianne Gorsey, Sherman Oaks :: To the editor: Finally, a media outlet that acknowledges that GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine denied the sham of a healthcare bill that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky tried to surreptitiously force-feed to Americans. And while we must applaud Sen. John McCain of Arizonas efforts to cast his vote, the votes cast by these two women were the decider. However, it is also interesting to note that, although validating the importance of the votes by the two women senators, McCain is lauded for his vote on the front page of The Times, whereas Sens. Murkowski and Collins were relegated to page A9. Talk about overshadowed. Rodney K. Boswell, Thousand Oaks :: To the editor: Your headline says that in the latest healthcare vote, Murkowski and Collins have been overshadowed. Overshadowed by whom? The Times buried this article in the middle of Section A, while placing McCain on the first page. Who showed more courage? The women did. So acknowledge them: put them on the front page. Eileen Flaxman, Claremont :: To the editor: When voting on the skinny repeal of the ACA late last week, the tide went out from the floor of the United States Senate. The receding water showed two GOP female senators had the balls and voted no. One GOP male senator kept his balls and voted with the symbolic thumbs down. The rest of the GOP male senators were exposed as not having balls and voted yes. By the way, this short observation is far less offensive that Anthony Scaramuccis rant against Reince Priebus. Rogelio Pena, Montebello Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook On the last night of 2010, I was at a party in Caracas, Venezuela. Standing on the balcony of a house set high on a hillside, I watched fireworks burst randomly over the metropolis that spread across the valley below. A new year often brings hope of fresh beginnings, but, in that city that year, there were feelings of dread. The political upheaval brought about by Venezuelas revolutionary populist president, Hugo Chavez, was slipping into economic calamity, political corruption and a wave of street crime. And, as is usual with revolutions gone stale, democratic ideals were being sacrificed so that the regime could cling to power. One of the other guests at the party, a wry, fatalistic gentleman who had voted for Chavez, told me he now very much regretted his vote. Advertisement I was hoping wed get Swedish socialism, he said. Instead, were getting Cuban socialism. 1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) Id like to know how that man and others that I met during my visit are faring now because the difficult situation of 2010 and 2011 has grown exponentially worse in 2017. The current president, Nicolas Maduro, has none of the charisma or cleverness of the now-deceased Chavez, but his impulse to authoritarianism is even deeper. Once a prosperous, relatively stable nation, Venezuela is now broke, thanks to terrible governance and the precipitous drop in oil prices, the countrys primary export commodity. Food and the basic goods necessary for a civilized life are in short supply. Crime is worse than ever. And, rather than taking responsibility for any of this, Maduro simply blames his enemies and uses the crisis as an excuse to censor the media, subvert civil liberties and seize more power. Under Chavez, elections were still relatively fair. That is no longer the case. In a rigged referendum last weekend, Maduro engineered the election of a compliant constituent assembly that is expected to rewrite the countrys constitution and eliminate the opposition-dominated National Assembly. Monday, in a White House briefing detailing new U.S. sanctions that are being imposed on Maduros regime, national security advisor H.R. McMaster said, Maduro is not just a bad leader. He is now a dictator. Street protests that have been raging for months all across Venezuela have become much more violent as Maduro has tightened the screws on what is left of the nations democratic system. Government troops now gun down opposition protesters every day. Tuesday, several leaders of anti-Maduro political parties were arrested. This deepening tragedy offers lessons for Americans of all political stripes. For those on the left who cheered the rise of Chavez and turned a blind eye to his dictatorial inclinations and complicity in corruption, one might ask, when will you ever learn? Just as American leftists were dupes for Stalin in the 1930s and 40s, too many dreamy progressives all these years later still allow themselves to become apologists for self-proclaimed saviors of the people who spout egalitarian rhetoric but end up as despots. For those on the right, Venezuela is not just an example of the failings of socialist revolutions, it is an illustration of what can happen when a crowd-pleasing populist politician attacks the free press, demonizes opponents, proclaims a militant nationalism and creates an alternative version of reality based on self-serving lies. The urge to make heroes out of bombastic demagogues is an affliction that affects people on the right as much as those on the left. And for American political leaders, as well as the wielders of financial and corporate power, it should be noted that Venezuelas problems began with a failure to address the countrys extreme wealth gap. Until the current troubles reached a crisis point, Caracas was a vibrant, modern city, home to a large, healthy middle class and a very fortunate upper crust of wealthy families. But on the hills surrounding the city a vast barrio of desperately poor people seethed with resentment. Those resentments produced Chavez and, now, Maduro. The Venezuelan political and economic elite failed to address the inequities and disconnections in their country and now every Venezuelan is being brought low. Growing social disaffection in the United States already helped elect Donald Trump to the presidency and the rips in the seams of our democracy run in every direction. If they are not repaired, Trumps follies may be only the start of the unraveling. Let Venezuelas agony be a reminder: It can happen anywhere. David.Horsey@latimes.com Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter May you die in pain: California GOP congressman gets an earful at town hall Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) kicks off his Monday morning town hall in Chico. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) May you die in pain. That was the nastiest moment of Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfas early morning town hall in the Northern California town of Chico on Monday. The wish was uttered by an older man who criticized LaMalfa for voting for the House GOP plan to replace the Affordable Care Act. He was also holding a pink sign that read Lackey for the Rich! ALSO: LaMalfa says the Russia investigation is a bunch of crap The open hostility and intransigence inside the Chico Elks Lodge came as the political divide in the country has grown more inflamed, with Trumps election unleashing a wave of both liberal activism and conservative empowerment. As a result, Washingtons deeply partisan fights over issues such as health care, immigration and environmental protections have followed members of Congress home, turning once sedate town halls into in-your-face venting sessions that in left-leaning California have Republican House members on the defensive. LaMalfa stood his ground on stage as person after person ripped into him for his votes and positions on healthcare and climate change, as well as for his unyielding support for President Trump. A few speakers asked LaMalfa to resign, including one dressed up as the Wicked Witch of the West Coast. Heather Calun dressed up as the Wicked Witch of the West Coast in protest. She wants LaMalfa to resign over his vote to repeal Obamacare. pic.twitter.com/rBZXAnjd2l Phil Willon (@philwillon) August 7, 2017 Most comments and questions during the hour-long town hall were fairly cordial, although they were laced with plenty of boos and catcalls. Norma Wilcox, a retired nurse who lives in Chico, also questioned LaMalfas healthcare vote. Wilcox told LaMalfa the House plan would take away healthcare for millions of Americans while providing tax breaks to the rich. I am open to new ideas, LaMalfa told her, describing the House GOP bill as a placeholder that everyone expected to be improved during negotiations with the Senate. (The Senates healthcare efforts now appear dead.) But the Richvale congressman, who represents Californias massive 1st Congressional District in the northeast corner of the state, said he will support only a new healthcare program that provides affordable coverage to middle-class Americans. LaMalfa said Obamacare is quickly become unaffordable and unsustainable, with premium costs rising and the number of insurance companies offering coverage declining. People across the board are being hurt by this, LaMalfa said. When shouts and boos rained down on him, he chastised the crowd saying, I have the mic folks. Yep, boo away. Ann Sisney of Chico told LaMalfa that her son, William, died of an opioid overdose two years ago. She held up a picture of the 19-year-old, asked the congressman to take it, and told him more people will die if GOP leadership in Congress gets its way on healthcare. These are life-and-death decisions that you are making, Sisney told him. LaMalfa assured her that Congress was working to find funds to address the nationwide opioid epidemic. The Republican congressman also raised the ire of the crowd when he was asked about climate change and the degraded air quality in this stretch of Northern California. I dont buy the idea that man-made activity is responsible, LaMalfa said bluntly. The crowd of several hundred did include some LaMalfa supporters, though most stayed silent. Ron Jones, 67, of Paradise said hes been to a few of LaMalfas town halls and all have been dominated by his critics. Most of the time people want to ... complain, said Jones, a self-described conservative, after the event ended. The people who support him are quietly in the background. LaMalfa does indeed have a lot of support in the district that also overwhelmingly voted for Trump over Hillary Clinton in last years presidential election. LaMalfa won his last election by almost 15%, and though he has attracted a few Democratic challengers, the district is not considered a battleground for 2018. Unlike many California Republican members of Congress, LaMalfa hasnt shied away from holding town halls, though its rarely a pleasant experience for him. He held one in Nevada City in March and another in April in Oroville. No other California Republicans are scheduled to hold town halls during their August recess. Near the end of Mondays town hall, a woman criticized LaMalfa for inviting only Christian pastors to provide invocations at his town halls and other events, and urged him to include religious leaders of all faiths. If you want to have your own town hall, you can invite whoever you like, LaMalfa told her. How many false statements did Trump make in his interview with the Wall Street Journal? We count at least five (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) The Wall Street Journal didnt release the full transcript of the interview its reporters and editors had last week with President Trump, but when Politico obtained a copy and published it, the interview quickly drew attention for several false statements Trump made. The one that immediately gained notoriety was Trumps claim that after his speech at the Boy Scout Jamboree last week, I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them. On Wednesday, the Boy Scouts of America released a statement saying we are unaware of any such call. The Scouts specifically said that neither the organizations president, AT&T chairman Randall Stephenson, nor its chief executive, Mike Surbaugh, had made such a call. In fact, Surbaugh last week issued an unprecedented apology for a presidential speech Scouts have heard from presidents back to Franklin D. Roosevelt saying he was sorry that some members of the scouting community had been offended by Trumps partisanship, language and tone. In the daily White House press briefing, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that other Boy Scout leaders, whom she did not name, had complimented Trump after his speech. That wasnt the only call to come into question recently. A few days after the Journal interview, Trump said that Mexicos president, Enrique Pena Nieto, had paid him the ultimate compliment by calling and telling him that their southern border, very few people are coming because they know theyre not going to get through our border. The Mexican government press office issued a statement Wednesday denying that. Pena Nieto has not had recent telephone communication with President Donald Trump, the statement said. Sanders said that Pena Nieto did compliment Trump, but in a personal conversation, not a telephone call. I wouldnt say it was a lie, she said of Trumps statements. Other false statements involved broader factual matters. Were the highest-taxed nation in the world, Trump said a statement that he has repeatedly made and which has repeatedly been debunked. Whether measured by the top tax rate or the overall percentage of national income which is taxed, the U.S. has lower taxes than most of its chief economic competitors. Trump may have been thinking about the U.S. corporate tax rate, which is higher than most developed countries, although not the highest. Yet few companies actually pay that top rate given various tax deductions, credits and exemptions. Trump also said I honestly believe for six months, I have done more than just about any other president when you look at all of the bills that were passed, 42, 43. Thats untrue. Many of Trumps predecessors had signed more legislation, and nearly all recent ones had signed more significant measures by this point in their tenures. Jimmy Carter had signed 70 bills into law by this point, Bill Clinton 50. Franklin D. Roosevelt had 76 in just his first 100 days. About one-third of the bills Trump has signed have been ceremonial measures, such as renaming courthouses. Referring to his top economic advisor, Gary Cohn, Trump said Gary wrote a check for $200 million when he entered the government. He had to pay $200 million in tax. Trump has said that before, including in a speech in June. Its false. Cohn owned about $220 million in Goldman Sachs stock when he resigned as the banks president to become the head of Trumps National Economic Council. He sold the stock to minimize conflicts of interest, as most appointees do. But he certainly didnt have to pay $200 million in tax on that sale. In fact, its likely Cohn hasnt paid any tax so far. He may never have to. Federal law allows appointees to government positions to defer any tax they owe on assets that they sell to avoid conflicts. The law requires that they put the proceeds of the sale into neutral investments such as Treasury securities. If his securities go up in value, Cohn might have to pay tax on that gain. The top tax rate on capital gains is 20%. Trump also repeated a false claim about his defeated rival from the election, Hillary Clinton. Real crimes are what Hillary did with 33,000 emails, where she deleted them and bleached them after getting a subpoena. Trump made that claim more than once during the campaign, and more recently on Twitter. He is correct that Clinton deleted 33,000 emails from the private server she used for her messages while she was secretary of State. She says that all of those deleted emails were personal and that she had no obligation to keep them. No one has come up with evidence to the contrary. The evidence from the FBIs investigation of the emails shows that in December 2014, after she turned over about 30,000 work-related emails to the State Department, Clintons aides told the company that managed the server to delete the rest of the emails. The emails were subpoenaed about three months later, on March 4. The company didnt actually do the deletion until later in March, but theres been no evidence that Clinton knew about the delay at the time or that the company knew the messages were under subpoena. In any case, the FBI declined to recommend prosecution, contrary to Trumps assertion that Clinton committed real crimes. A poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac University asked Americans if they believe Trump is honest. By 62% to 34%, a majority said no. 12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Among the bars, sushi joints and spas lined up on 17th street in Costa Mesa sits a creativity-filled new neighbor thanks to Newport Beach resident Lisa Albert. Albert, an art teacher in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, opened her studio, the Clay House, this past month. The quaint, one-story building has bisqueware, pottery that has already been fired, that visitors can come in to paint. During the grand opening on Sept. 13, she hosted around 100 guests who came in to paint their own tiles. This is a place where people can just spend time together, paint, have conversation and share things, Albert said. I wanted a place for the community that felt relaxed and comfortable. Thats how the word house came into the name. For more than two decades, the Australian native has taught at nine of Newport-Mesas school sites, including Rea, Pomona, Woodland and Mariners elementary schools. Albert currently teaches art at Newport Heights Elementary School in Newport Beach. In addition to teaching in Newport-Mesa, she even holds after-school and weekend classes for students ages 5 to 12. Principals of Newport Harbor and Costa Mesa high schools have sent both their children to these classes for a couple of years now, Albert said. Our daughter has learned so much from her, said Sarah Boulton, wife of Newport Harbor principal Sean Boulton. When we went to the Clay House grand opening, she showed me how to use my brush and how to shade. Our whole family room is decorated with art that shes done in Lisas class. Decades ago, after she graduated from the New South Wales University in Sydney, Australia, the artist took some time to visit the many corners of the world. She made her way through Egypt, Italy, France, Israel, Scotland and London. While using a pay phone in London, an American man waiting in line for the phone asked for Alberts help on how to operate it. A few years later, she would marry that man and move to the United States. She has lived in Newport Beach for 26 years. Before her cozy, cottage-like shop became the Clay House, the space was used for dog-grooming services. She began leasing the space in July, after the canine groomers left. Im pretty sure the walls were brown when I first walked in, she said. It just looked sad because there were all these walls and no light coming in. Albert worked with a handyman to knock down some inside walls, making the space in the back of the studio one big room for several tables and a counter directly across from the front door. She even had the buildings giant front window cleaned up, allowing that light she highly desired to shine to all corners of the studio. The Clay House has plates, vases, mugs, treasure boxes, tiles, picture frames, platters and even pumpkins for the fall season that guests can paint. There are definitely families who want to send their kids to art classes, but maybe they cant do the weekly commitment, Albert said. Thats where the Clay House comes in. Its a shame that art cant always be taught at every school, but there can still be a place for it. The artist envisions a lot of date nights, baby showers, girls night outings and birthday parties in the Clay Houses future. We have a lot of bars on 17th street, but what about places where you can bring your family? she said. Even during the grand opening, most people coming in were father-daughter pairs. Albert also plans to host studio workshops one to three times a month. Upcoming events include painting for Halloween and Thanksgiving-themed plates. The Clay House is open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. The studio is at 436 17th Street in Costa Mesa. The top bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States has removed J. Jon Bruno, the embattled bishop of the Los Angeles diocese, from any jurisdiction over the St. James the Great church in Newport Beach, which Bruno has tried twice to sell. The Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, issued the restriction Tuesday, transferring pastoral and property oversight from Bruno to Bishop John Taylor, who has been named Brunos successor upon Brunos planned retirement at the end of the year. The restriction comes about a week and a half after an ecclesiastical disciplinary panel issued a tentative ruling July 21 recommending that Bruno be suspended for three years and that St. James which was closed as Bruno tried to sell it to would-be townhouse developer Legacy Partners in 2015 be reopened to its congregation. The board found Bruno guilty of misconduct related to the sale attempt, which fell through after Legacys investment partner dropped out. Currys decision also comes on top of a partial restriction he placed on Brunos ministry on June 28, barring him from completing another planned sale of the St. James property this one to Newport Beach-based developer Burnham-Ward Properties that was about to close escrow. That sale is in a holding pattern, a diocese spokesman said Tuesday. A representative of Burnham-Ward did not immediately return a call seeking comment. In between Currys restrictions, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled July 11 that Bruno had legal control over the St. James property, nullifying a claim by the lands donor, the Griffith Co., that deed restrictions meant it could only be used as a church. Brunos secular attorney, Brian Bauer, did not immediately return calls Tuesday seeking comment about Currys latest decision. In a statement, Curry wrote: My review of the [disciplinary panels] order and the factual findings that undergird it, as well as my independent understanding of the deeply impaired relationships among the respective parties, have led me to have additional concerns about Bishop Brunos exercising any aspect of his ... authority over the St. James congregation ... or St. James real and personal property, during the pendency of this matter in the [disciplinary] process. Anticipating an appeal of the boards ruling which could stay the proposed suspension or other orders Curry said any exercise of more general authority by Bishop Bruno over the St. James congregation may threaten the good order and welfare of the Church. Curry said he sought to create space for Taylor and the church governing committee to find reconciliation with the St. James community. In a statement, Taylor said, We pledge to do all we can to use this opportunity to achieve a just outcome for the sake of our entire diocesan community. Save St. James the Great, a group that formed after the churchs closure, said in a statement that it is grateful for Currys direction. We recognize the need for healing through honest reflection, humility and dialogue by all parties, guided by the Holy Spirit, the statement said. We stand ready to discuss a path forward with Bishop John Taylor, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles, and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ in the diocese, aimed at restoring us to our house of worship and the diocese to a peaceful, loving and united community in Gods service. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD Two homes in Corona del Mar associated with Orange Countys influential Irvine family have sold for a combined $55 million. The homes on about 3 acres at 401 and 415 Avocado Ave. were owned by heirs of James Irvine, whose Irvine Ranch once encompassed some 100,000 acres in the county. The Irvine family founded the Irvine Co. real estate development firm. One of the homes, known as the Big Blue House for its Bermuda blue paint job and white roof, was built in the 1930s. The Big Blue House has four bedrooms, about 3,500 square feet and wide views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. The other home, built in 1987, is about 7,000 square feet and has six bedrooms. The listing agent was Rob Giem of luxury real estate firm Compass, which has a Newport Beach office. The buyer, a private partnership, was represented by Kim Walker of Surterre Properties in Newport Beach. A pool house at 2137 Bayside Drive, down the bluff from the Big Blue House, that was once part of the Irvine familys holdings was not involved in the sale, according to the Orange County Register. That property, dubbed the Big Blue Pool House, was sold in 2012 for $12 million. Last year, Giem sold Twin Points, a 2.3-acre property in Laguna Beach known for its landscaped headlands that stretch out to the Pacific. That transaction was for $45 million, an Orange County record for highest price for a single home. That record would fall if a 12.5-acre Newport Coast property on the market for $55 million sells for that price. The home at 1 Pelican Hill Road North has eight bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. Newport man acquires aviation company Newport Beach resident and aviation entrepreneur Mike Manclark has acquired Western Avionics and rebranded the company Leading Edge Avionics. Western Avionics, founded in 1970, has provided everything from autopilot, navigation, GPS installation and troubleshooting to in-house bench repair of avionics equipment, according to a news release. Leading Edge Avionics is based at John Wayne Airport. Manclark founded Leading Edge Aviation Services, based in Costa Mesa, before leaving the company in 2013. Ive been incredibly passionate about the aviation industry for over 30 years and Im excited to bring that same passion to Leading Edge Avionics as we embark on an exciting new trajectory for the company, Manclark said in a statement. Marni Market makes U.S. debut at South Coast Plaza Marni, an Italian luxury brand for clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry, is offering its first Marni Market in the United States through Aug. 16 in Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. The temporary market displays a wide range of products, including hand-woven PVC furniture pieces and toys, striped cotton totes, colorful espadrilles, fresh flowers and home accessories. A portion of the proceeds will support the Festival of Children Foundation, a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit. Other Marni Markets have been held in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beijing, according to South Coast Plaza. An Episcopal Church hearing panel Wednesday reaffirmed its recommendation of a three-year suspension for the bishop who locked worshippers out of St. James the Great church in Newport Beach in a failed sale attempt two years ago. The panels final ruling against J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, was essentially unchanged from its tentative decision July 21, in which it also recommended reopening the church and halting Brunos renewed efforts to sell the property. Wednesdays judgment came a day after the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the highest-ranking bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, transferred pastoral and property oversight from Bruno to Bishop John Taylor, who has been named Brunos successor upon Brunos planned retirement at the end of the year. The panels decision is the result of a three-day hearing in March in which Bruno answered to allegations of misconduct related to his 2015 attempt to sell St. James to would-be townhouse developer Legacy Partners. The transaction fell through after Legacys investment partner dropped out, but the church remained closed. Bruno testified during the hearing that Legacys $15-million offer would provide money for the Episcopal ministry and that he acted on information he had at the time, which he said showed that St. James was struggling financially. The panel found Bruno guilty of all allegations brought against him by the congregation: that he attempted to sell consecrated property without consent of diocesan leadership, made several misrepresentations along the way and acted in a manner unbecoming of a clergyman. Bruno more recently tried to sell St. James to Newport Beach-based developer Burnham-Ward Properties, drawing a separate round of admonitions and restrictions from top church officials. That sale was set to close in July and is currently in a holding pattern, a diocese spokesman said Tuesday. A representative of Burnham-Ward did not return a call seeking comment. Amid the series of Episcopal Church restrictions, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled July 11 that Bruno had legal control over the St. James property, nullifying a claim by the lands donor, the Griffith Co., that deed restrictions meant it could only be used as a church. Brunos secular attorney, Brian Bauer, did not return calls seeking comment about the latest developments. Bruno has an opportunity to appeal the hearing panels decision to the Court of Review for Bishops, composed of nine bishops. He has 40 days to file an appeal, according to St. James parishioner Walter Stahr, one of the complainants in the Bruno case. In a statement Wednesday, Taylor said: Bishop Brunos 40 years of ordained ministry and 15 years as sixth bishop of Los Angeles are not summed up by this order or the events that precipitated it. He is a courageous, visionary leader. ... I look forward to continuing to learn from him and consult with him about the life of the diocesan community he has served and loves so well. Regarding the St. James property, Taylor said he and the Episcopal Church will do everything we can to promote a just solution that takes into account the interests of all in our community (including the faithful members of the Newport Beach church) and gives us the opportunity to move forward together. A statement from Save St. James the Great, a group that formed after the churchs closure, said, We believe the reconciliation process begins now, and we look forward to a time in the near future, we hope and believe when we are back in our holy church and the Diocese of Los Angeles is once again a strong, united and joyful community in Christ. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD UPDATES: 3:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments. This article was originally published at 2:20 p.m. After 49 years of specializing in vaginal-breech births and delivering more than 20,000 babies in Glendale throughout his career as an obstetrician, Dr. Ronald Wu is ready for a new chapter in his life. Wu, 75, retired and closed his private practice at Glendale Adventist Medical Center on June 30. Its been 31 days now, and Im still transitioning, Wu said during a phone interview Monday. Im still here to see them pick up their medical records, and they understand its time for me to move on. Wu earned a reputation for successfully helping patients with difficult pregnancies and for his dedication to patients, sometimes canceling family vacations to help an expectant mother who might face a difficult delivery. He became known for being one of the few healthcare providers in Los Angeles County who performed vaginal-breech deliveries. Vaginal breech involves bringing the baby out buttocks or feet first instead of head first. Born in China, Wu remembers learning his second-grade teacher died of a postpartum hemorrhage. Having fond memories of all of his educators, Wu said he was encouraged to pursue a career in the medical field after learning of the tragic incident. He earned his bachelors degree from Union College in Nebraska and his medical degree from Loma Linda University. He earned a fellowship at USCs Keck School of Medicine, where he underwent postdoctoral training in perinatal biology. Wu served as an intern at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in 1968 before permanently joining its staff in 1972. During his internship, Wu said he saw a woman going through childbirth, and it was then that he made the decision to become an obstetrician and gynecologist. These events come to mind when I think back on when I decided to be a doctor, he said. I love delivering babies and seeing the joy and the love and happiness of seeing a new family is so fulfilling. He describes himself as an old-school doctor who understands women want choices when giving birth such as the option to forgo a cesarean section for a vaginal-breech delivery. Patients have traveled from as far away as China and India specifically seeking his services, he said. Burbank resident Dominique OBrien was Wus patient for 19 years. Wu delivered all seven of her children. Ive been blessed with his wisdom and kindness, OBrien said. His dedication to his patients is incomprehensible even outside of the office. OBrien said Wu delivered her youngest child, Cassidy, even when facing complications that would have led many other doctors to perform a cesarean section. The baby was coming brow presentation, she said, referring to a situation where the babys neck and head are extended. She was stuck behind my pelvic bone, but hes definitely an old school doctor and he was able to deliver her vaginally. Reflecting back on his years of work, Wu said he credits his staff for helping him. I have come to grips on what is important in my life now. I may have worked until Im 100 if I didnt have my family, but now its time to think about them, Wu said. priscella.vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella Last week, officials with the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge installed a device they hope they never have to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), used in cases of cardiac arrest to assist CPR and help hearts find lost rhythms. The cabinet containing the unit is located next to the centers office counter, high up on a wall where curious, young hands cannot likely reach. A blinking green light shows the battery is functioning, and an alarm sounds whenever the cabinet door is opened. Aside from its inherent medical benefits, the life-saving device has helped kick-start a new initiative at the center to not only have employees formally trained on AED use, CPR and first aid, but to renew a facility-wide emergency response plan, according to Maureen Bond, the centers executive director. Bond said hundreds of locals, ranging in age from 16 months old to 101, come to the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge each week to dance, play, exercise and make art. Having another way of keeping them safe in the event of an emergency benefits them and the center. I believe the community has an expectation were safe, we know what were doing and were prepared, Bond said. I would hate for something to happen, and we didnt have this in place. The AED unit costs about $1,500, so Bond reached out to the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation for a possible grant to pay for the device, figuring the community hospital would likely be where anyone injured at the center would be admitted. Deborah Weirick, who does community outreach through the foundation, found Bonds request to be in line with the hospitals wider goal of increasing resident access to healthcare and so passed it along to hospital officials. Keith Hobbs, the hospitals chief executive, was in full support of a grant to fund the units purchase. We want to be a resource for the community, especially in ways that [help] to ensure the health and well-being of our population, he said in a statement. Providing the funds to the La Canada Community Center for an AED will allow staff, should the need ever arise, to provide the first line of emergency response which can often make a significant difference in the ultimate outcome of a patient. A former first-aid instructor whos had to perform CPR twice, Bond used the devices arrival as an opportunity to train all center employees to efficiently respond in a crisis. Now, all regular staff members are certified in CPR and in use of the AED, and officials are hoping to reach out to more program instructors and volunteers. Summer intern and La Canada High School rising senior Kelly Steele used her time at the center, provided through the La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerces internship program, to help create a comprehensive emergency response plan. And last week the center held a successful fire drill, and has more evacuation scenarios planned for the future, according to Bond. Were about enriching lives and having a good time, but we also want to make sure we can save lives, if we get in that position, she said. Now, I feel comfortable we have something we can to do help besides just calling 911. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine This week a new ship joined the cold rush to Alaska: Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Quest set sail for the first time on an eight-day cruise through the Inside Passage. The Quest is one of an increasing number of ships exploring the 49th state. Most accommodate more than 1,000 passengers, but some travelers say smaller ships such as the Quest, which holds only 100 passengers, give them access to areas of Alaska that are off-limits for large cruise ships. The new ships itinerary this week includes visits to the Alaskan cities of Juneau, Petersburg and Sitka plus Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and several southeastern Alaska islands, bays and fjords. (Prices from $5,890 per person, double occupancy.) Advertisement It is to continue to sail Alaskan waters until early September and then sail a series of voyages between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, with stops in the San Juan Islands and Victoria, Canada. The Quest has plenty of competition on the Alaska route. Thirty-three ships will make 488 port calls this year in Alaska, according to Cruise Lines International Assn., an industry trade organization. The trend is to larger ships with more passenger capacity. Earlier this year, in fact, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its new ship, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss, will sail to Alaska from Seattle in 2018. It will rank among the 10 largest cruise ships in the world and will be much larger than most ships sailing in Alaska. Large ships offer passengers more amenities and onboard recreation such as shopping, stage shows, casinos and multiple restaurants. But smaller ships, while charging higher fares, may allow passengers to see more remote areas and wildlife. They also often include excursions in their pricing, something rarely done with larger ships. Among the best known small-ship companies sailing in southeastern Alaska waters are: UnCruise Adventures, which offers seven-to 21-day voyages; Alaskan Dream Cruises, which is Alaska Native-owned and sails seven- to 10-day trips; Lindblad Expeditions, which has two other vessels, in addition to Quest. travel@latimes.com Twitter: @latimestravel ALSO Art cruise stops to see masterpieces by Gaudi, Dali, Picasso and others. And a master forger will share secrets onboard too The five words you never want to say when youre paying by credit card in a foreign country Catch a singles cruise on a windjammer to the Caribbean and other destinations New thrill rides for Independence of the Seas include a trampoline park Ancient ruins, opulent palaces and ornate temples are on the itinerary of a 14-day Thailand highlights tour that visits Bangkok and the northern highlands of the Southeast Asia nation. The trip, organized by Wendy Wu Tours, includes airfare in addition to accommodations and meals. Travelers see Bangkoks glittering Grand Palace, cross the infamous River Kwai, explore historic Ayutthaya and cruise the Mekong River where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Advertisement The tour includes a visit to a tea plantation, an opportunity to meet with hill tribes in Mae Salong, and a visit to the Buddhist White Temple in Chiang Mai. A Thai cooking class is also on the itinerary. Dates: Nov. 10, Feb. 16, and Nov. 9, 2018 Price: From $3,760 per person; no single supplement for solo travelers. Included are international flights and taxes, transportation while on tour, accommodations and all meals, guide services, entrance fees and visa fees for U.S. and Canadian passport holders. Info: Wendy Wu Tours, (877) 993-6399 ALSO Too many places to see and too little time? Asian cruises open the world Tired of waiting in long lines on the ship? How to skip them and enjoy the cruise Cunard rockets its way to top of 2017 Travel + Leisure readers cruise ship awards From the left in the above photo is Gasoline Billy Kleer, 84; the Rev. Herschel Heisler, 80; Frederica Heisler, in her 70s; Bessie Moffat, 88; Louise Morrison, 77, Mary Thompson, 70, the town youngster; and her husband Tommy Thompson, 82, playing accordion. This photo accompanied a Charles Hillinger story in the Feb. 12, 1969, Los Angeles Times: RHYOLITE, Nev.Led by an 82-year-old accordion player, the entire population of this crumbling townall seven of themstrolled down their dusty street of memories. Advertisement Looming behind them, above the ruins of Rhyolite, were the purple Bullfrog Hills, scarred with the diggings of 10,000 men who made the town a roaring camp at the turn of the century. This place gave up the ghost long ago. Were hangin on like a bunch of sentimental old fools, declared Gasoline Billy Kleer, who turned out with his friends to welcome a rare visitor to this lonely, windswept town. Kleer, 84, came by his name when he arrived at the gold camp driving one of the first automobiles in Nevada. Were seven old ghosts haunting a haunted old place, admitted Mrs. Frederica Heisler, who admits to being in her mid 70s. The towns youngster, retired snake charmer Mary Thompson, 70, marched along singing Under Nevada Skies to the accompaniment of her husband, Tommy, 82, who was playing one of his 12 accordions. The other residents of the ghost town are Louise Morrison, 77, a Piute Indian; the Rev. Herschel Herchel Heisler 80, and Bessie Moffat, 88, Rhyolites senior citizen. Rhyolites days of glory dawned with a gold strike in 1905. Citizens of the era predicted that the town would be the Great Metropolis of the Southwest or the Chicago of the West as buildings of concrete, brick and stone went up instead of familiar mining town shanties. But Rhyolite, named after a granite-like rock found in the area, didnt last a century. It was dead in six years. Honey, it was the richest, least worked of all the mining camps of the Old West, said Mrs. Heisler. It had 42 streets, 400 electric light poles, a $50,000 water works, an opera house, 10 hotels, three banks, five churches and 48 saloons. And it had one of the finest railroad depots on earth. The Dearborn Street Station of the West served by the Las Vegas & Tonopah Railroad. Mrs. Heisler and her husband, a retired Methodist minister, have a great affection for the depot now standing stark and strange without tracks on a bluff overlooking a vast expanse of Death Valley. It is their home. Feb. 1969: The Rev. Herchel Heisler and his wife, Frederica,Heisler, live in the former Rhyolite, Nev., railroad station. (Frank Q. Brown / Los Angeles Times) Time has passed bythe town and the bunch of us here, said Tommy Thompson. But we dont mind. Thompson traveled from one mining camp to the next in the old days playing his accordion. He and his wife live in another town landmark, the old Rhyolite Bottle House. Saloon keeper Tom Kelly collected 30,000 bottles from behind the towns 48 bars and built the worlds original bottle house, said Thompson who has created a miniature Rhyolite in glass in his backyard. Among yellowed newspaper clippings in the Bottle House are many describing Marys heyday as a snake charmer. Feb. 1969: Mary and Tommy Thompson live in a bottle house, right, in Rhyolite, Nev. They stand in model of Rhyolite made by Tommy from glass. (Frank Q. Brown / Los Angeles Times) Louise Morrison, a widow, has lived in the town continuously longer than any of the otherssince the early 20s. Gasoline Billy is the town bachelor. I was just a kidfresh from a farm in Algon, Iowa, looking for my fortune in these hills, he said. I had a two-cylinder Buick. When Rhyolite died, I moved on with the rest of the minersbut came back here to retire years ago. Kleer owns five acres of Rhyolite with Louise Morrison. I dont know how long I can hang onto it, he said. Its the taxestoo damn high lately. Last year my taxes were $14! Mrs. Moffat has lived in Rhyolite since 1933. Her late husband, the town author, James R. Moffat, died last year at age 82. Moffat was one of the original miners. He wrote a booklet titled Memoirs of an Old-Timer, which Bessie sells for $1 in her rock shop. Sometimes when people drive to Rhyolite on the dirt road that branches off the Beatty-to-Death Valley highway, they think the town is deserted. They cant find a sign of the seven old timers. Thats because we hide out from time to time, explains Gasoline Billy. We were hounded with people comin in here to our old ghost town. In a follow-up article in 1991, Hillinger reported that Rhyolite has only one year-round resident. Hillinger reported that Louise Morrison had passed away in 1976, but had no information on the other six residents. Below, are three additional images of Rhyolite from the Los Angeles Times archives. Feb. 4, 1986: Seven fiberglass ghosts decorate the landscape at the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nev. The sculptures first appeared on halloween 1984. (Howard Lipin / Los Angeles Times) Feb. 1937: A Chevrolet touring sedan in front of the former railroad station in the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nev., later to be occupied by the Rev. Herchel Heisler and his wife, Frederica. (Lynn J. Rogers / Los Angeles Times) Feb. 1937: Ruins of the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nev. This panoramic image was made from two separate photographs. (Lynn J. Rogers / Los Angeles Times) See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here Lynne MacTavish lives in a small wooden house on her South African game reserve with a fierce pet emu, a juvenile ostrich, a flock of geese, two Jack Russell terriers and her grandmas double-barreled shotgun to protect her rhinos. She keeps an ugly statue at her gate: a tokoloshe, or evil spirit in the local traditional belief, installed by a witch doctor to ward off superstitious rhino poachers. Every night MacTavish gets up after midnight, grabs her shotgun, clambers into her SUV and patrols for poachers. Advertisement She still gets flashbacks of the scene she found one windy October morning in 2014 and still cries telling the story. Poachers had killed two rhinos, including a pregnant cow she had known since the day it was born. Two more died as an indirect result of the attack and a calf, days from being born, was lost. MacTavish, as tough as the spiky bush on her animal reserve in South Africas northwest, struggles to cover the cost of security guards. One local poacher has threatened to kill her. South Africa is home to 80% of the worlds 25,000 rhinos. Hamstrung by corruption and security lapses, it loses three rhinos a day to poaching, 85% of them in state reserves. Private owners such as MacTavish have become important to the species survival, nurturing more than 6,500 rhinos on an estimated 330 private game reserves, spanning 5 million acres, that provide a relative degree of safety. But security is costly so much so that many reserves are closing their doors. To help generate revenue, private reserve operators have successfully sued to resume South Africas limited trade in rhino horns, which had been banned since 2009. The government is finalizing new regulations that will allow foreigners to export up to two horns apiece for personal use. The measure has rocked the wildlife preservation world. Most wildlife advocates say opening the door even to farmed rhino horn sales could threaten an international effort to wipe out the trade across the globe. About 2,200 horns a year flow into the illegal trade, mostly poached, and opponents of the new trade rules argue that criminals will find ways to funnel poached horns into the new legal market. Reopening a domestic trade in rhino horn in South Africa would make it even harder for already overstretched law enforcement agents to tackle rhino crimes, World Wildlife Fund policy manager Colman OCriodain said in a statement. There is no domestic demand for rhino horn in South Africa, so it is inconceivable that anyone would buy it, unless they intend to sell it abroad illegally, or they are speculating that international trade will be legalized. South Africas Private Rhino Owners Assn. argues that a limited legal trade using trimmed horn, without killing the animals is the only safe way to meet demand in China and elsewhere in Asia. Selling horn, which regrows like fingernails, can help cover the huge cost of security and avert extinction, the owners contend. The population is so finely balanced that if either side happens to be wrong, rhinos could die out within a decade. When you are looking at an animal youve known its whole life and you see what theyve done to it, its cruelty beyond words. Lynne MacTavish, South African private rhino owner who lost two rhinos to poachers South Africas poaching crisis is so severe that many private rhino owners trim their animals horns to deter poachers. But the cost of securing the horn in safe vaults is steep. This rhino belongs to the worlds biggest private rhino owner, John Hume. (Robyn Dixon / Los Angeles Times) In the attack on MacTavishs reserve in 2014, poachers crept in at night and shot a female rhino she had named Cheeky Cow. The animal ran for several miles, leading the poachers away from her calf, but the killers backed her and three other females up against a fence line and shot her again, also hitting another young pregnant female, Winnie. They slashed Cheeky Cows spinal cord with a machete so she couldnt move and while she was alive they smashed into her face with an ax to get her horns. Winnie was also alive when they hacked off her horns. When she found Winnies body, MacTavish sat in the dirt and wept for half an hour. When you are looking at an animal youve known its whole life and you see what theyve done to it, its cruelty beyond words, MacTavish said. She knew then she had to dehorn her other rhinos because you cannot bear the thought of any other rhino going through that horrific cruelty. She called the police to the scene, but they didnt investigate the rhino carcasses, footprints or crime scene. They were drinking beer, she said, and the police captain asked her to light a barbecue fire so as not to waste good meat. MacTavish eventually called in vets to de-horn all her rhinos; her 32-year-old bull, Patrol, died during the procedure. She strongly supports the decision to lift the eight-year ban on legal rhino horn trading in South Africa. The ban has been disastrous, she said, because it meant the only way to get horn was to poach it. The price skyrocketed. It created a huge temptation for employees of farms like hers to work with poachers, she added. By just giving information to a syndicate, they can earn more money than they would in a year. The money is so high and the risk is so low because of our courts and policing. It just spells extinction. :: At a much larger luxury private game reserve near Kruger National Park, the sign on the door of the security operations center reads: War Room. Inside, black blinds cover one wall. Security chief Endrie Steyn, an ex-soldier with an air of reflexive suspicion, rolls up the blinds, revealing a board covered with spiderweb maps that include sightings of known poachers, suspects, contacts, photographs, addresses, meetings and car movements. The reserve cut its annual poaching cases from 14 to two by installing high-tech equipment: thermal cameras capable of spotting poachers at night, CCTV cameras, sensors, fence alarms, a biometric system to check visitors fingerprints and a reliable communications network. As two young rhino bulls munch contently by a creek on the reserve, hardened Angolan war veterans, with sunglasses and automatic weapons, cruise in jeeps. The technology was the brainchild of lodge owner Bruce Watson, who requested that The Times not identify the reserve for security reasons. Steyn has assembled a team of former police officers in the community as his eyes and ears, gathering intelligence by listening to conversations at taverns where would-be poachers gather. Three years ago, we were running from carcass to carcass, adds reserve game warden David Powrie. We lost a lot of rhinos. It was crisis management. Now we find out whats happening outside, before it happens. Sixty percent of poaching incidents in South Africa occur in Kruger National Park, home to about 9,000 rhinos. Rangers, police, soldiers, state wildlife officers and former officials are frequently caught poaching. With funding from the Dutch and British lotteries, the park has installed radar surveillance capable of detecting poachers at night. American billionaire Warren Buffett donated two helicopters. But poaching syndicates are increasingly aggressive, with 2,882 known incursions into the park last year, a 30% increase from 2015. Yet fewer than 50 cases were prosecuted. Of those arrested, only 15% were convicted. :: This white rhino cow and its two calves belong to South African John Hume, who owns 1,500 of them. Rhino cows usually chase away an older calf when the next one is born, but this mother has accepted both. (Robyn Dixon / Los Angeles Times) John Hume, the worlds biggest private rhino owner, sits in his SUV with two Jack Russell terriers on his lap, gazing at a rhino cow and her two calves. He owns about 1,500 white rhinos on a tranquil ranch on the wide flat plains of North West province. Poachers have killed 52 of his rhinos, but he has bred more than 1,000 calves in what he calls his private crusade to save rhinos from extinction. He says his ambition is to breed 200 a year, and last year he reached 180. It began as a retirement hobby 25 years ago for the former vacation resort developer, but now its a $4.8-million-a-year operation, with more than half of that devoted to security. Hume was one of two private reserve owners who filed the lawsuit that successfully overturned the ban on private horn trading in South Africa. He has detractors among wildlife organizations, who see him as an opportunist who now stands to get rich selling horn. But Humes supporters say his breeding operation has done as much as anyone else to save rhinos from extinction. The horns of the rhinos on Humes preserve are trimmed every two years to deter poachers. After darting a rhino cow, vet Michelle Otto is the first to approach the 2-ton animal to blindfold it, before the animals horns are trimmed off, a painless process than takes about 10 minutes. Otto has darted rhinos about 7,000 times, more than any other South African vet. (Robyn Dixon / Los Angeles Times) Humes ranch has a military-style security center nicknamed Afghanistan and a chopper that flies nightly. Only two rhinos have been poached in the last 18 months; neither of them had been de-horned because they were due to be sold to a safari park. Hume suspects that two of his employees, who knew the location of the two rhinos and the security routine, led the poachers to the two animals. (They failed lie detector tests about the attack and fled.) The Achilles heel in my project is people. Thats what we need: Less people and more high-tech solutions, Hume said. He said he hopes that selling his horn will allow him to buy a $3-million radar system to detect nighttime incursions. Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund fear that South Africas domestic rhino horn trade will be a backdoor to international trade because the process of issuing government permits is corrupt. That, along with lax policing in Asia, could result in a flood of horns on the commercial market. Hume plans to auction off rhino horn in South Africa in August and predicts Chinese residents in South Africa will be the main buyers. Although black market prices for poached horn in Asia are reported to be $14,000 to $30,000 a pound, Hume expects to get a fraction of that: $2,700 to $4,500 a pound. I dont believe we will ever be able to have no security, therefore I believe its essential to the survival of this project that we sell the horn, he said. Without selling the rhino horn, no breeding project will succeed. Small private owners such as MacTavish cannot afford drones, helicopters, radars or sensors. According to the rhino owners association, at least 70 rhino owners gave up and sold their rhinos between 2009 and 2015. As a result, 500,000 acres of rhino range has been lost. MacTavish clings on, dedicating every spare cent to supporting her rhinos. She brought her children up in a converted ostrich shed before building her spartan little house. She helps make a living by hosting university study groups. By a dam on her property, she has erected a shrine to the rhinos she lost to poachers. At one side lies Cheeky Cows skull, with its horrific injury. Despite her security detail, she lives in dread of another poaching incident. You basically put your life on the line for these animals. But in April, it seemed worthwhile. A new calf was born in the middle of spectacular lightning and thunder. She called him Storm. robyn.dixon@latimes.com Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT ALSO Another victim of Venezuelas unrest: Caracas once-renowned zoo A million miles away behind her own front door: A Saudi womans secret apartment This abandoned chimp was chained to a tree for two years. The risky escape to get her to safety in Africa Two U.S. service members were killed Wednesday in southern Afghanistan when their convoy was attacked near Kandahar, the Pentagon said, bringing the total of U.S. troops killed in the country to nine this year as many as were killed in all of 2016. The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying a suicide bomber detonated a pickup truck packed with explosives near a NATO convoy, killing 15 soldiers in all. There was no confirmation of that claim. The deadly incident follows a surge of attacks by the Taliban. The militants have hit district headquarters, government officials and Afghan National Security Forces in recent weeks. Advertisement The latest U.S. combat deaths also come as the Trump administration weighs whether to increase or cut back involvement in Afghanistan after 16 years of war. The Pentagon has 8,400 troops deployed in Afghanistan to train and advise Afghan forces; most rarely participate in direct combat. The combined force with other NATO countries is about 13,500. Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, wants 3,000 to 5,000 more troops to help train Afghan military and police forces as they battle Taliban insurgents, Islamic State militants and other militias, U.S. officials say. That proposal has ran into headwinds from some advisers in the administration who question the goal of sending additional forces into a war that has dragged on so long without producing a clear result. The attack came as Afghan authorities tightened security before a mass funeral for the victims of another suicide attack that killed 32 people and wounded dozens more at a mosque in western Herat province Islamic State claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing. It said in a statement that two men fired automatic rifles at worshippers in the Shiite mosque before they detonated their bombs. ALSO Lebanons Hezbollah group insists: Were not the menace Trump says we are A tense peace reigns at Jerusalem holy site claimed by Muslims and Jews Detroit judge blocks deportation of more than 1,400 Iraqi nationals Trump administration intensifies demands for Iran to release U.S. prisoners Relations between Israel and Jordan, neighboring states that signed a peace treaty in 1994, have hit rock bottom after twin decisions by the Israeli government that have been widely seen as an affront to Jordans King Abdullah II. The first was Israels order, since rescinded, to install metal detectors at the Noble Sanctuary, the Muslim name for the disputed plateau in Jerusalems Old City that holds the Al Aqsa Mosque and gold Dome of the Rock. Although Israel backed down, the decision was seen as a slap to Jordan, which is the legal custodian of the site. The other involved Israels response to a deadly incident in the Jordanian capital, Amman, in which an Israeli Embassy guard killed two Jordanians, a 17-year-old delivery boy and an orthopedic surgeon. Advertisement Relatives of 17-year-old Mohammed Jawawdeh, who was killed when he attacked a security guard at the Israeli Embassy compound in the Jordanian capital, Amman, cry during his funeral on July 25, 2017, in Amman. (Khalil Mazraawi / AFP/Getty Images) The result has been a diplomatic and social-media chill between the two countries and their leaders that has little precedence in the years since the peace treaty was signed. The whole thing is very dangerous, said Salameh Nematt, a Jordanian writer and political analyst, in an interview from the United States, where he was traveling. Referring to the Amman shooting and its aftermath, he said: The incident itself, which is provocative, isnt dangerous for the king, but it comes as so many factors are exerting enormous pressure on Jordan: the economy, the refugee crisis, a lack of progress on internal problems. Something like this can be the straw that breaks the camels back. Late Tuesday, addressing an emergency session of the executive committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Jordans foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, admonished Israel that the crisis is over, but many more and far more dangerous crises will erupt as a result of continued Israeli violations. The Israeli government has not commented officially on the Jordanian complaints. Israel and Jordan had been discreetly cooperating to resolve the upheaval at the holy site, known as the Temple Mount to Jews, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed home the embassy guard who was involved in the deadly altercation in Amman. On July 25, Netanyahu tweeted in both Arabic and English an image of himself embracing the guard, Ziv Moyal, and praising him for having acted well and calmly. You acted well, calmly. We had an obligation to get you out. This was not even a question. Only a question of time, I'm pleased it was short pic.twitter.com/J7QjKYosWN PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 25, 2017 The incident involved a dispute over a delayed delivery of furniture at the Israeli Embassy compound. Israeli and Jordanian officials said that the Jordanian teenager, Mohammed Jawawdeh, attacked Moyal with a screwdriver, and Moyal responded with shots that killed Jawawdeh and the surgeon and left another man critically injured. After keeping silent for 48 hours, a furious King Abdullah, normally one of the Middle Easts least demonstrative leaders, fired off an extraordinary sequence of tweets, in English. King Abdullah II: Israeli PM should honour his responsibilities & ensure justice, instead of using the crime for political showmanship #JO RHC (@RHCJO) July 27, 2017 King Abdullah II: Israeli PMs conduct is rejected & provocative. It angers us all, threatens regional security & fuels extremism #Jordan RHC (@RHCJO) July 27, 2017 King Abdullah II: #Jordan honours its international legal obligations and respects international law and diplomatic norms RHC (@RHCJO) July 27, 2017 King Abdullah II: #Jordan's respect for international law guarantees our rights and rights of our citizens RHC (@RHCJO) July 27, 2017 It wasnt until 7 p.m. on Friday, when Netanyahus religious, right-wing base had presumably switched off all electronic devices in honor of the Sabbath, that the Israeli Foreign Ministry acknowledged, only in Hebrew and only via WhatsApp, that Israel had launched a full investigation into Moyals actions. Israeli analysts attributed the chaos to political pandering on Netanyahus part as he confronts an array of criminal investigations and challenges from within his own Cabinet. Adding to the stress, on Wednesday, his wife, Sara Netanyahu, was questioned by police as a criminal suspect in an investigation into the misappropriation of public finds. Barak Ravid, diplomatic correspondent for the left-leaning newspaper Haaretz, wrote that Netanyahus spin machine is working overtime, and could destroy Israels ties with Jordan. Its astounding to see how much damage was caused just for short-term political spin for Israeli public opinion. In the eyes of many Israelis, there was something uncomfortably familiar in what was perceived as Netanyahus disrespect toward Abdullah. Its Obama all over again, fumed a former senior Israeli diplomat, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation. The diplomat was referring to Netanyahus chilly relations with former President Obama, including a 2015 address to a joint session of Congress that he delivered without coordination with the White House. In it, he argued against the nuclear deal with Iran, Obamas signature foreign policy objective. This is the result of a longtime, ongoing, obstinate policy that doesnt even bother for the sake of appearances to be considerate to any partner, friend or foe. It is simply a continuous state of non-communication, the former diplomat said. Oded Eran, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies and a former Israeli ambassador to Jordan, said that ad hoc solutions will not repair the damage. In an interview, he called on Israel to seize the political and operational initiative before international and regional entities do, and propose an international summit on measures that can prevent radical entities from violating freedom of worship and freedom of access to the Temple Mount, a site holy to both Judaism and Islam. Before any summit could be planned, Israel and Jordan narrowly avoided yet another collision. As relations between the two countries deteriorated, two flamboyant parliamentarians one from Israel, one from Jordan fought via their Twitter feeds. Eventually, Jordanian Yehiya Saoud challenged the Israeli, Oren Hazan, a member of Netanyahus Likud Party, to a duel in the Judean desert at 10 a.m. Wednesday. A 2015 photo shows Oren Hazan, a Likud Party parliament member, being escorted out of the parliament hall by ushers. (Emil Salman / Associated Press) Hazan, a former pimp who gained an extra measure of fame when he crashed Donald Trumps arrival ceremony in Tel Aviv last May to snag a selfie with the president, accepted. Gleeful online anticipation followed Hazans progress toward the Allenby Bridge border post until someone in Netanyahus office got wind of the scheme and sharply ordered Hazan back home. Saoud arrived unimpeded, crossed the border into Israel, and promptly began questioning journalists who had gathered to witness the fight. If you say youre a journalist from historic Palestine, lets talk. If you say from Israel, no, he said. Like every other step in the unhappy pas de deux, this too was tweeted live. ALSO Lebanons Hezbollah group insists: Were not the menace Trump says we are Jordan releases video to tamp down support for Green Berets killer Syrian comedy troupes brand of satire fails to amuse Assad government Tarnopolsky is a special correspondent. #football Injured star Son Heung-min named to S. Korean World Cup squad The injured South Korean football star Son Heung-min was named to the country's World Cup squad Saturday, as the football-crazed nation waits with bated breath to see if the belove... Aug 2, 2017, 2:07pm ET Former Ferrari exec heads Aston Martin electrification efforts Drawing from decades of engineering experience at Maserati, Ford and other automotive firms, Joerg Ross will be in charge of powertrain development at Aston Martin. Aston Martin has hired former Ferrari and Maserati powertrain head Joerg Ross to lead its engine, transmission and electrification efforts. Ross will reportedly report to another former Ferrari manager, Maximilian Szwaj, who joined Aston Martin late last year as head of research and development. "I'm delighted to be joining Aston Martin at what is an exciting time for the brand," Ross said in a statement posted by Motor Authority. "The company is at a significant point in its history, with the recent announcement of its first all-electric car, the RapidE." The automaker recently shifted its EV strategy after China's LeEco -- a troubled company affiliated with Faraday Future -- backed out of a development partnership agreement. The British marque has vowed to move forward on the RapidE EV without outside help, requiring more development capital and in-house engineering. The company is hoping to bring the limited-edition RapidE to market by 2019, with a starting price around $255,000. Aug 2, 2017, 2:53pm ET German automakers to tweak emissions software in 5M vehicles BMW, Daimler, Opel and Volkswagen collaborated with German authorities to address emissions concerns, apparently hoping to delay or prevent outright bans on diesel vehicles. German automakers have agreed to revise emissions software in around five million diesel vehicles sold in the country. BMW, Daimler, Opel and Volkswagen collaborated with German authorities to address emissions concerns, apparently hoping to delay or prevent outright bans on diesel powertrains. German auto lobby group VDA has argued that more than a half million jobs and a significant portion of industrial value in the country can be tied to combustion technology. The industry faces increasing pressure to reduce nitrogen oxides, however, after the VW scandal exposed many other cases of high emissions levels when vehicles are driven in real-world conditions instead of lab tests. The VDA said the industry could achieve a 25-30 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide levels via software updates, according to CNBC. The software approach avoids comparatively expensive hardware refits to achieve the same goals. The German transport authority has not yet given the plan a final approval. It is also unclear if the industry will face resistance from owners, as the VW repair program resulted in many complaints that the new software reduced low-rpm torque to reduce emissions output. Installing new software in current diesel vehicles will likely cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Plans to tear down Allentown's Crocodile Rock landmark music venue to make way for a mixed-use development are moving forward. On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Allentown Planning Commission will consider City Center Investment Corp.'s application to raze the building at 520 Hamilton St. Developer J.B. Reilly is president of City Center, which has led the redevelopment of Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone. Plans call for replacing the former concert hall with a 13,500-square-foot, six-story building with retail and office space on the first floor and 69 residential units on the top five floors, according to a planning commission agenda. On June 19, the city zoning board approved City Center investment Corp.'s application to demolish the building, a city spokesman said. The Morning Call reported at the time reported the tear down could happen as soon as August with construction beginning in November. The building is expected to be occupied by September 2018. The building's design is meant to pay homage to the former Hotel Allen, which was once at Seventh and Hamilton streets, the Call reports. At one time, Croc Rock could pack the house for big names like Snoop Dogg and hosted up-and-coming artists like Taylor Swift before they made it big. But it never recovered from losing its liquor license back in 2013, amid citations for disturbances at the venue including fights and assaults as reasons for yanking its license. Owner Joe Clark continued to operate a dry venue and fought the liquor license loss in court, but ultimately lost. The last concert was held there in 2015, although last year Clark announced he planned to renovate the venue. City Center does not yet own the property according to property records. The Call has reported that there is an undisclosed agreement of sale in place. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. They didn't flinch as water bottles were chucked at their heads. They ignored the whooping crowd, pounding drum and pool noddles in their faces, staying in formation and pushing back the crowd of volunteers. Asa, George, Pharaoh and Grey kept their cool, heeding the commands of their human partners as they made their way around their new pasture. Preparing Bethlehem's four biggest and most beautiful police officers for the 10 days of Musikfest is a collaborative affair, made possible with the help of volunteers. The horses run through elaborate sensory training twice in the weeks leading up to the festival in addition to the regular training they undergo. The small crowd gathered Tuesday night couldn't really compare to the thousands of people the horses will encounter at Muskifest, but they tried to make up for it with enthusiasm and praise for the horses. "It takes a special kind of horse to do this," Bethlehem Mounted Unit Officer Jon Buskirk, who is partnered with Pharaoh, said. The horses are some of the hardest working officers during the festival covering lots of ground. Each equine and its partner will work seven of the festival's 10 days, typically covering shifts from 7 p.m. until midnight, with a break each hour, Buskirk said. "It's a lot for them," Buskirk said. This is how Bethlehem Police's Mounted Unit trains for Musikfest. Thanks for showing reporter Sara K. Satullo your stuff, Bethlehem Mounted Police! Posted by lehighvalleylive.com on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 During Musikfest, Asa, George, Pharaoh and Grey will be assisted by Pennsylvania State Police and Lancaster Police Department equine officers and their human police partners. The beauty and grace of the horses attracts adult and children alike, making them the ultimate goodwill ambassadors for the department. Officers don't mind if you pet the horses or snap a pic, just ask first, and don't try to give them any treats. The horses might be in the middle of some work. "It's a great ice breaker between the public and police officer," Buskirk said. And, of course, don't hit or punch the police horses. That's a great way to get arrested. The simple presence of Asa, Grey, George and Pharaoh in a crowded area of Musikfest, like the notorious Main Street s-curve, helps to head off about half off the problems that might otherwise arise. The majority of problems can be solved by asking people to move along and the horses accomplish that quickly, Buskirk said. "Our primary responsibility is just being seen, enforcing any laws broken in our presence (and helping other officers as needed)," Buskirk said. The horses also play a major role in the nightly push to clear Main Street as the festival shuts down. Bethlehem Police Mounted Unit volunteers, who have been vetted and trained to care for the horses, played the role of festival goers during Tuesday night's sensory training. They waved flags, walked a dog, pushed a stroller, banged on a drum and shook milk jugs filled with noisy items. In addition to dealing with a raucous crowd, the horses practiced staying calm as fireworks went off around them. Officers even drove a police SUV into the pasture with its siren blaring and lights flashing, forcing the horses to gallop at and around the vehicle. They remained unfazed and full of energy at the end of the exercise. The horses get short daily training sessions and at least twice a month they have crowd and sensory training. But nothing can truly substitute for the experience of policing at Musikfest. Each horse is partnered with one police officer, who rides them the majority of the time. Buskirk had riding experience, but the department will train interested officers, who have never ridden. "There's a bond between us and the horse definitely," Buskirk said. It takes a horse of a special temperament to do the job, he said. Police tend to use draft horses -- all of Bethlehem's equines besides Pharaoh are -- but that's really not the most important attribute. "We don't care about their color, sex, size," he explained. The best police horses are the curious ones, a trait that's ironically a liability in the wild, Buskirk said. Asa, George, Grey and Pharaoh certainly have that covered. "Look at these three goofballs," Buskirk laughed as three of them craned their necks out of their stalls, watching the action in the stables. The mounted unit was relaunched in 2009 after a 68-year hiatus. It is financially supported by the Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police, which funded the new $500,000 police stable. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Bergen County, N.J., man faces a drug possession charge for allegedly lighting up a marijuana cigarette on the Fourth of July inside Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, police said Tuesday. Peter M. Kraljevich, of Ramsey, was observed smoking the joint in the high-limit slots room at the Sands in Bethlehem, said Pennsylvania State Police stationed at the casino. "Further investigation revealed that the suspect had another marijuana cigarette in his possession," Trooper Johnny Rodriguez Jr. said in a news release. It occurred about 1:30 p.m. on July 4, police said. Kraljevich faces a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana, according to police. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The past few weeks have been nerve-wracking for some brides, as they have scrambled to find their Alfred Angelo dresses after the bridal chain suddenly closed its doors. Now, the company has worse news: if a customer hasn't received their dress by now, they are out of luck. "It has now become apparent that the logistical and financial strain of fulfilling each and every open order makes continuing that course of action no longer possible. Thus, to the extent any order has not been fully delivered to a customer, it shall have to remain unfilled," the company said in a statement on its website. Customers who are owed money need to file a proof of claim; a link can be found on the Alfred Angelo website. Alfred Angelo suddenly closed all of its stores at the end of business on July 13. Surprised customers were met with locked doors and sometimes no information on how to get their dresses. The company officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 17. Filings show the business was $78 million in debt. Attorney Patricia A. Redmond, who is handling the bankruptcy, said via email on July 19 that the Whitehall Township store was "very close" to getting all the dresses in the MacArthur Road store to customers. Dress-less customers across the country took to social media to express their frustration with the news. How can you do this to innocent brides who trusted you,gave you their money?!You knew all along & still took $$ You owe me $$ Just wrong Tawnya Walton/Snyder (@PRtawny) August 1, 2017 Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. On-your-mark, get-set, GO!! Babies raced neck and neck - or rather, diaper and diaper - Tuesday during the Baby Crawling Contest at the Warren County Farmers' Fair. Babies were vying for the bragging rights as the fastest crawler. Crawlers were divided into two categories: 10 months and under, and 11 months and older. The rules were simple: Babies start at the edge of the rug, and the first baby to crawl completely off it wins. Any baby standing up gets disqualified. The winner of each age group raced against each other to be named the overall winner. Parents were encouraged to use anything they could to entice their baby to crawl to past the finish line. The top crawler, Ethan Rush, 1, of Franklin, was the overall winner. He received a trophy. The top five winners in each age group took home a ribbon. Saed Hindash may be reached at shindash@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SaedHindash. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook. If the image of a sardine can enters your mind when boarding a passenger jet these days ... well, obviously you're not flying first class. Commercial travelers who opt for economy seats are being squeezed in the name of greater margins -- profit margins, that is, not clearance for the legs, hips, shoulders and butts. American Airlines announced earlier this year that it's going to place seat rows closer together on its Boeing 737 aircraft to increase capacity. That means even less leg room. United Airlines is looking at a similar proposal. Finally, someone in authority is talking back. Last week a panel of federal appeals judges said enough is enough, and ordered the Federal Aviation Administration -- which has remained on the sidelines in this debate -- to investigate. U.S. Appeals Court Judge Judge Patricia Millett criticized a previous FAA study that found shrinking seats and legroom were not an issue, calling evidence used to reach that conclusion "vacuous" and "vaporous." The court was reacting to a petition filed by Flyers Rights, a consumer group. The judges agreed that packing passengers closer together would effect their ability to evacuate a plane in an emergency. Airlines are feeling the heat from customers, after a United Airlines worker was filmed dragging a passenger off a flight. Since then other travelers have spoken up about the declining quality of service and accommodations. Airline comfort is affected by another trend. Americans are getting bigger, and some don't fit in airline seats designed for earlier generations. In its petition, the consumer group cited statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What do you think? Should the feds get involved and set a minimum standard for airline seat width and legroom? Have you experienced discomfort or pain because of limited space on a flight? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to join the conversation in the comments section. While not usually much of a political battleground, Warren County appears to be a popular spot for congressmen this week. These three are planning separate stops in the county between Wednesday and Saturday, including a town hall-style event. Rep. Josh Gottheimer: The Democrat whose district includes Warren's northern half will be paying a visit to the Warren County Farmers' Fair around midday Wednesday, where he will talk with residents, check out exhibits and attend a tractor pull, according to his office. This follows a meet-and-greet event 10 a.m. at River Star Diner in Hackettstown. He's held similar events -- dubbed "Cup of Joe With Josh" -- at diners around the district, including at least one other in Warren County in May. Rep. Leonard Lance: Residents can pose questions to the Republican representing southern Warren when he holds a town hall meeting 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the John LaPorta Theater at Warren County Technical School in Franklin Township. According to the announcement, the congressman will take questions and "discuss his leadership role in imposing sanctions against Russia, his involvement in a bipartisan health care solution, the federal budget, tax reform and foreign affairs." Office staff will also be present to help residents having difficulty with federal agencies. Sen. Cory Booker: The Democrat is tentatively scheduled to stop by Phillipsburg on Saturday. Details of the visit are still being finalized but it is part of a recently launched tour of all New Jersey's 21 counties, according to his office. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Warren County is about as red as a "Make America Great Again" cap. In fact, you can win one of two of these caps in the Warren County Republican Committee tent at this week's Warren County Farmers' Fair. They're doing a free raffle, to be drawn at 6 p.m. Saturday. Even though he lost New Jersey, President Donald Trump won Warren County with 29,858 votes, or about 60 percent of the total, to 17,281 for Hillary Clinton, or about 34 percent. Take out the third-party candidates and write-ins and Trump took 63.3 percent of the vote for the top two candidates, just shy of the 65.8 percent margin Trump won in neighboring Sussex County that was tops in the state. Warren County Republicans outnumber Democrats by a margin of 28,070 registrants to 16,966, according to the latest figures from the Warren County Board of Elections. So, a little more than six months into his administration, where do folks at the 80th annual fair stand on Trump's job in office? "I think he's doing great," Betty Schultheis, a former mayor in her hometown of Allamuchy Township, said Tuesday. She was manning the GOP tent, taking tickets to win the "MAGA" caps and backing candidates like Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in this year's gubernatorial race. Two "Make America Great Again" Donald Trump caps are available in a raffle during the Warren County Farmers' Fair, at the county GOP tent, July 29-Aug. 5, 2017. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com) "I am extremely pleased, and I watch very carefully all the signings of bills and resolutions and everything on a daily basis," Schultheis continued. "And if the world got to see all of those signings they would realize what a magnificent job he's doing and the work that's getting done." She likes Trump's first-blush reactions on things, often shared via Twitter. And she's not too concerned about the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in last year's election and whether the Trump campaign was involved in any way. "I think if people let them distract them, but I think if you go back in history everybody's had contact with people from other countries during the campaign," said Schultheis, who spent 19 years as an elected official. "And that's not irregular. That's always happened, or at least in recent time it's happened." Sandy Ekis, a Trump supporter from Phillipsburg, called the Russian probe "ridiculous. It's asinine, I think." She said she's disappointed -- "that's putting it mildly" -- that the Senate fell short on fulfilling the president's campaign pledge to repeal and replace the 2010 Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, and that she appreciates the perception of the president from supporters like Sean Hannity. "It should be much more positive," Ekis said of views of Trump. "He's out for on the positive side, and I favor all his theories that he's approaching. I just wish we had more positive results from the media." Lingering in a livestock exhibit under roof, away from a pop-up thunderstorm, Frelinghuysen Township resident Roger Topping said Tuesday he's OK with health care stalling. He takes a more Libertarian view of government than Trump, is how he put it. "I think gridlock is OK because it seems to me the country has been kind of like going in the wrong direction, so at least if there's gridlock it's not getting any worse," said Topping, 63. "The president was not my choice, but neither was the major competitor for the president," he also said. "But I think most of the problems that the president's having is because he's not a politician. And the career politicians are pretty much trying to sabotage him left and right. Of course, he could probably tone himself down a little bit, and it wouldn't hurt." Donna Fetchko, joined at the fair by husband John and their 9-year-old grandson, Ronin "Bubba" Harris, said the country needs to address health care. She saw a steep increase in her plan purchased through an ACA exchange and believes the country needs either single-payer or the elimination of a mandate for those who choose to go without health insurance. "But what he's doing isn't working either," Fetchko said of Trump. "So they need to work together and fix something because neither one is working." While it's something that has to happen, the Russian probe isn't the only distraction in the White House, she said. "Especially with Trump firing and hiring all the time, that's a distraction," said Fetchko, who lives in Whitehall Township. "He just needs to stop. He needs to stop his tweeting. He's not very presidential. So, I mean, I didn't vote for him, but I wished him well and hoped he would do good for the country, but it doesn't appear like that's going to happen. "I'm not one of these people that went out there and absolutely hated him. You wish your president the best, but at this point it looks hopeless and I can't wait another three years for another election." In the Warren County Democratic Committee tent, touting Phil Murphy-for-governor among other candidates, volunteer Fred Cook said the president needs to begin working across the aisle on issues like health care, tax reform and infrastructure. "I actually wish he would do well because we all would suffer if he doesn't, but so far like with health care the Republicans have no plan," said Cook, from Blairstown Township. "His most serious problem is he doesn't know what he's doing. He has no experience in government, no experience in the military. He wasn't even a big CEO, he ran a family real estate business." Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Creative Ireland is all about you. Its about how, whether you are young or old, you can benefit from getting more involved in arts, culture and creativity. Its an ambitious five-year Government strategy that aims to boost wellbeing in schools, homes and communities nationwide. You might remember the huge success of the commemorative programme last year, when thousands of cultural events were held nationwide to remember 1916. We knew that something special was happening through the commemorations; it awoke a great appetite for people to engage with their unique culture at a local and national level. We wanted to build a legacy from that tremendous cultural awakening, and that legacy is Creative Ireland. One of the key aims of Creative Ireland is to ensure that every child in the country will have access to lessons and tuition in art, drama, music or coding over the next five years. Research shows that children who engage in the arts and cultural activity are happier, suffer less anxiety and do better at school. Put simply, engaging in the arts is good for our kids, and I think that is an incredibly powerful message. This element of Creative Ireland has the potential to have a positive impact on generations to come. Well be announcing more details on how we will achieve that after the schools come back in September, but in the meantime we are encouraging everyone to get out and about this summer to discover what is on offer culturally in your own town, village or county. There is so much going on including Kildare Medieval Festival. Creative teams have been appointed in every county nationwide, to help drive culture and creativity nationwide. Through Creative Ireland we dont just want to improve access to arts and culture; we want to see more people getting involved. So why not consider checking out your local drama group or dropping into your local theatre? Our heritage is also an essential part of our culture and Heritage Week, which takes place in August, is a great way of getting involved and learning more about the heritage of your locality. Youll be hearing more and more about Creative Ireland in the coming weeks and months. For example, later in the year well be announcing plans on how we will grow our film and TV industry here, something which can be of benefit to some of our most remote and beautiful locations. By increasing participation in cultural activities and supporting our creative industries, we can boost our wellbeing and drive further economic growth. I hope youll join us on this creative journey. By Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Ireland's youngest priest began his new position as a curate in Portlaoise Parish yesterday (August 1). Fr David Vard was ordained in his hometown of Newbridge by Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin last month. SEE ALSO: Newbridge man to be ordained priest to diocese of Kildare and Leighlin The ordination was a joyous occasion as Fr Vard was surrounded by his family and friends. SEE ALSO: Newbridge priest to say first mass tonight Fr David Vard said his first mass at 10am on Tuesday morning in St. Peter and Paul's church in Portlaoise alongside Fr John Byrne. After his ordination, the 25-year-old said the thing he was most nervous about was learning to say mass. "Learning to say mass is definitely one of the things I have to get better at. You don't really do it in seminary a lot. It is very different, we go to mass every day during our training and we work hard to go to mass every day during summer but it is very different doing it. It is like driving a car, you think you would be able to drive a car until you are actually in the drivers seat," he said. Fr Paddy Byrne wished Fr David the best of luck on Twitter. Trouble Brewing, from Kill, has won two awards at Great Taste, considered to be the worlds most coveted and prestigious food awards. Out of over 12,300 products to be judged, Trouble Brewing was awarded a two-star Great Taste award, which means judges dubbed it outstanding, for its Kill Lager, and a one-star Great Taste award, for being simply delicious, for its Graffiti Pale Ale. Judged by over 500 food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, producers, food writers and journalists, Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. As well as a badge of honour, the black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to a wonderful tasting product, which has been discovered through hours and hours of blind-tasting by hundreds of judges. This was the first year that Trouble Brewing entered the Great Taste Awards and we were delighted to win awards for two of our beers on our debut, said Paul OConnor, co-Owner of Trouble Brewing. Especially since a Great Taste award is one of the largest and most trusted awards a food or drink producer can receive. Kill Lager was one of only six Irish beers to receive the coveted two star award, and the only lager to do so, while Graffiti Pale Ale was one of only seven Irish beers to win a one star award. The judges particularly impressed with the flavour that was packed into a 3.6% a.b.v. beer. We were feeling confident about how well both beers would do, as both had won awards for us previously, Kill Lager had won medals in the Dublin Beer Cup and the Killarney Beoir Awards, while Graffiti Pale Ale won a Blas Na hEireann medal previously, Paul explained . Wed forgotten to look out for the results, as were generally very busy with the brewery near capacity at the moment, so when we got the call about the result, it came as a pleasant surprise. Trouble Brewing was founded in 2010, and was originally based in Allenwood. Read more: COLUMN: Kildare's real green beer and St Patrick's Day Residents living in the areas around Weston Airport will be making submissions to raise concerns over possible changes at the airport or aerodrome. At a meeting in St Marys GAA club on Tuesday night, attended by over 60 people, there were calls for strong submissions to be made to a consultation on Weston by South Dublin County Council (SDCC). The public has until August 24 to put in submissions. There is worry that Westons owners want to expand the airport substantially, possibly catering for commercial passenger and cargo flights and turning it into a regional airport. Westons previous owner, Jim Mansfield, battled both South Dublin and Kildare County Councils in the past over runway lengths because the airport is located across both counties. In 2010 planning application, Bord Pleanala, in the course of turning down an application, for changes to runways said that neither the application nor an accompanying Environmental Impact Statement identified the types or volumes of air traffic envisaged or any changes would would comes from the proposed changes. Kildare County Councillors and officials may not be agreed on a submission to SDCC. Cllr Brendan Young asked Kildare County Council to include a request in a submission to SDCC that European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, in particular European regulation 139/2014, not be included in SDCC. He said that if SDCC include EASA regulations, there could be be pressure to extend Weston by planning permission. During the discussions at the KCC meeting on how any submissions would be made, Mayor Martin Miley said he was sure officials would make a submission. But Director of Services, Peter Minnock told members: Our (KCC executive) submission might be different to yours. Mayor Martin Miley then said the official KCC submission would be based on what is contained in the County Development Plan. Residents believe that 139/2014 applies only to major commercial airports. Kildare North TD, Catherine Murphy, told the GAA meeting that there is concern over developments being introduced under the guise of safety. SDCC has said it intends to review the land use planning framework governing the future development and operation of Weston Aerodrome with reference to changing European safety requirements, economic development opportunities for the County and the impact on neighbouring residential communities. The Council said this review shall be carried out in the context of facilitating the development of ancillary uses at the aerodrome within its existing setting and consolidate aviation operations. Public consultation began July 13 and will run until August 24 2017 at 4.00 pm inclusive. Well provide the pizza, if you come and make some calls followed of course by a trip to the pub! The phone bank makes a real difference, giving you the chance to encourage uncertain voters to make their voices heard, and provide real time feedback for the teams campaigning on the ground. Its also really important after the General Election that we continue to be successful in our local government by-election campaigns. Our next Give It A Go Phoning evening is Thursday 3 August, between 6-8pm when we are focusing on gaining two seats from the Conservatives. Well provide a briefing on the areas we phone through to, so youll have all the answers to whatever the voters ask of you. If youve never given it a go before I only made my first calls back in January and now I run the evenings which just shows that anyone can get the hang of it! And well be on hand at all times to show you how the system we use to record calls works, and answer any questions that you might have. Were based at 23 New Mount Street, Manchester, M4 4DE a five minute walk from Shudehill. P.S. If you have any questions, contact ALDCs Campaigns and Communications Officer Jenny Lamb at the Association of Liberal Democrat Campaigners and Councillors, on 0161 212 1012 or via [email protected]. * ALDC is the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners Its political correctness gorn mad! is probably a phrase you would associate more with a gruff, Daily Mail reading, UKIP supporter, than you would with a Guardian reading, quinoa eating, Lib Dem. Political correctness is the stick that progressives get beaten with time and time again by people like Nigel Farage, who like to claim that the left care more about censoring discussion than about common sense politics. I also get annoyed by people who obsess over what you can and cant say at the expense of what is actually true, but my argument is that, increasingly in British politics, the right are worse in this regard than the left. Theresa Mays central argument in the 2017 General Election was that a vote for her was a vote for Britain and that those who opposed her were talking Britain down. Supporting the Conservatives and their hard Brexit agenda was almost pitched as a patriotic duty, rather than a matter of political persuasion and opinion. Elsewhere during the campaign season, Jeremy Corbyn remarked that Britains aggressive foreign policy in the Middle East has made terrorist attacks at home more likely, and boy did the Conservatives play the outrage card. A red faced Michael Fallon almost exploded in fury at how hideously offensive Corbyns remarks apparently were. Well, I dont really care if you are offended Michael, because Mr Corbyn was right, and to admit the impact that our foreign policy has on our domestic safety does not in any way condone terrorism. Alex Nowrasteh wrote an excellent piece in the Washington Post last year about the way right wing political correctness, or patriotic correctness as he called it, was taking hold in America. And the hypocrisy in the USA is very clear to see, when you have Donald Trump the most sensitive human being on earth, and the most eager to stifle free speech and demonise dissenting voices constantly complaining that America has become too politically correct and sensitive. The hypocrisy is more subtle in this country, but it still exists, and its on the rise. Try arguing against the actions of Israel without one day being branded anti-Semitic. Try arguing against the actions of the British Army, or declining to support the Poppy Appeal in November, without someone calling you a Britain-hating bigot. These are all perfectly legitimate positions to hold that are stifled by the sensitivity police the political correctness brigade. So we mustnt accept the narrative that progressives are the only ones guilty of this behaviour. We mustnt allow the right wing media and politicians to pretend they are above it all. And next time a Conservative gasps at your offensive opinion, remember to tell them that their outrage is just political correctness gone mad. * Jon is a political consultant for the public affairs agency Field Consulting, based in London. He joined the Lib Dems after Brexit and wants a Peoples Vote. HORSE owners from Limericks regeneration estates made a visit to the Clondalkin equine centre as plans are mounted for a similar scheme in the city. Eight people including local councillor Cian Prendiville and Anna Gallagher, who are bidding to set up a horse project travelled to the capital to see the newly opened centre in action. It comes with pressure growing for a similar, regulated portion of land to allow responsible horse grazing in Limerick. Its illegal to allow a horse to graze in the city without a licence but horse owners across the city flout this rule on a regular basis. This has led to the setting up of the Horse Education Limerick Project Southside to lobby for such an area. Ms Gallagher said the youngsters who travelled were inspired by what they saw in south Dublin. It is fantastic for the young people, but also for the horses who are now safe and secure inside, rather than left wandering the streets. This is precisely what we need in Limerick, she said, We learnt it is possible to have this in Limerick. Clondalkin is a guiding light for us. She said a stumbling block at the moment is land and called on landowners to donate land to help prove to the Department of Agriculture Helps is worth investing in. Cllr Prendiville added: If the council is onboard, and we can find a site, there is funding available to build the actual facilities from the department, and a club in place to manage it. A YOUNG man who escaped from Limerick Courthouse three months ago has been apprehended in the UK where he was also on the run from the authorities. Gardai had been seeking to locate Jonathan McCarthy since he fled from Limerick District Court on April 28 moments after gardai had expressed concerns he represented a flight risk. The defendant, who was refused bail moments before he fled, is accused of committing multiple offences in Limerick including theft, burglary and hijacking a vehicle. He is also accused of escaping from lawful custody while being detained at Henry Street garda station on December 2, last. While gardai suspected McCarthy travelled to UK in the days after he fled, news that he has been apprehended and is in custody in the UK only emerged in recent days. The Limerick Leader has learned the 26-year-old, who is originally from the Thomondgate area, was arrested in Wales in early June for a shoplifting offence and for driving without insurance. It was subsequently established that he had been unlawfully at large for almost four years after he failed to return to Hollesley Bay open prison in Suffolk on July 19, 2013. According to media reports in the UK, McCarthy had been serving a 42-month jail term for four burglaries and criminal damage when he was given five days temporary home leave. However, he failed to return to Hollesley Bay and while on the run he became a father and worked as a tree surgeon for a time before returning to Limerick. According to the East Anglican Times, McCarthy a father of two has been sentenced to four months imprisonment for not returning to Hollesley Bay. He also received a 30 day sentence in relation to the shoplifting offence and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. Garda sources have confirmed they are aware that McCarthy has been apprehended in the UK It is expected he will be returned to Limerick later this year once he completes his sentences in the UK. LIMERICK City and County Council has recently engaged in a major campaign to tackle dog litter on the streets. After visiting Newcastle West to highlight the issue last Wednesday, the council will this week visit Askeaton, Limerick city and Kilmallock, as part of its Any Bag Any Bin campaign. A council spokesperson said that the message is simple when it comes to dog litter: Always clean up after your dog; remind your relations; neighbours and friends to do the same; take multiple bags on walks, just in case; use any bag any public bin, your own bin or flush the poo down the loo. The initiative includes a joint campaign with Live 95fm; radio advertisements; handing out of dog litter bags by park rangers and environment inspectors; and talking lamp posts that remind people to clean up after their furry friends. Welcoming the initiative, the councils environment awareness officer, Sinead McDonnell said: Minister Denis Naughten summed it up when he said that if your dog fouled in your own home, youd clean it up immediately. The same should apply to our streets. Yet the amount of people who do not take this level of care is disappointing. We see it in on streets, parks, river bank walks, etc, and its unacceptable. Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pet can face an on-the-spot fine of 150 or up to a maximum fine of 3,000 in court for each offence. The council is teaming up with Limericks Live 95FM's Street Boy, who first took to the streets, starting in Newcastlewest last Wednesday, July 26, to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. Joe Nash, Live 95fm CEO, said: Dog foul is a real scourge and theres no excuse for it. We are really pleased to play our part in this campaign and raise awareness about it, its irresponsible not to clean up after pets. Pet owner Nigel Dugdale added: If you own a dog and your dog does its business on our streets, then it is your responsibility to pick it up and bin it. Leaving dog dirt on our streets is a danger in terms of public health aside from being irresponsible. Sinn Fein councillor Lisa Marie Sheehy recently said that dog poo has become a growing problem. MEMBERS of one of Irelands longest established independent artist studios are facing the prospect of having no home for their creative talents on their 20th anniversary. Contact Studios say it will be forced to close its doors this Friday after an HSE deadline to vacate premises at its St Josephs Hospital complex passes. This will mean 14 visual arts spaces more than a third of whats on offer in the city will go. Local councillor Jerry ODea says it's beyond belief this is happening - and has called on the health service to give the artists more time to find new space. For 20 years, Contact Studios has provided workspace for over 100 artists, graduates of the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD), mid-career and mature artists. The studio opened in 1997 in the grounds of St Josephs on the basis the artists would support some of the many clients of the hospital. But the HSE told the artists 18 months ago they would have to vacate the site due to there being no formal service level agreement in place. While the health service has declined to comment, Contact Studios say there is no plan in place for the unit they are being asked to move out of. One of the longest-serving members, Carl Doran, a graduate of LSAD, said: I have put a lot of time and effort into this space. People need a place to work in. Its as simple as that. You can throw as much money at culture as you want, but if artists do not have a place to stay or work in, youre culturally defunct. Talks have taken place between the HSE and the council to avert the artists moving out. The local authority is prepared to examine the opening of a municipal arts facility, but this will take time. And Mr Doran said: If were kicked out, we will be in a Humpty Dumpty situation, in that it will be very hard to put us back together again. If we do get a premises, we might be subject to rates unless you have charitable status. I understand there 's a years waiting list to get this. Tourism providers in Limerick and along the Wild Atlantic Way have received a boost with the commencement by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) of a twice weekly service between Shannon and Stockholm. The service is the first ever between Shannon and Swedens busiest Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and the first between Shannon and Sweden in over 12 years. The service will operate during August and September, concluding on October 7. Speaking following the arrival of the first flight from Stockholm, Mary Considine, deputy CEO of the Shannon Group said: This is the fourth new destination added to our schedule this year, adding to two new transatlantic and a Frankfurt service. The common denominator for all these is the Wild Atlantic Way, which has become one of the biggest success stories in tourism globally this decade. Andrew Murphy, managing director of Shannon Airport has also welcomed the new service. Its a two way-street as Stockholm is a magical city to visit and Sweden itself offers so much for tourists. No doubt therell be plenty from this region who will take advantage of that. Ultimately, Tourism Ireland have played a big role in this. They are very active in Sweden and thats a major support to us, he said. ILLICIT drugs worth almost 6,000 were seized at the home of a young man the day after he was caught passing drugs to a prisoner in the custody area of Limerick courthouse. Robert Allen, aged 22, of Glenbrook, Singland has pleaded guilty to several charges relating to offences which happened in July 2014. During a sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Court, Detective Garda Declan OHalloran said he was in the body of Limerick District Court on July 3, 2014 when he observed the defendant behind the glass security screen passing something to another prisoner. Prisoner officers intervened and a package containing cannabis worth 17.42 was seized. Judge Tom ODonnell was told the defendant, who was released after a bench warrant was sorted out was stopped and searched at Glentworth Street the following day. Eleven deals of heroin, worth 168.65, were found on his person while a large quantity of the drug was found during a follow up search of his home. Detective Garda OHalloran said 960 Xanax tablets worth 1,920, were also found along with a small quantity of cannabis. The witness agreed with John OSullivan BL who said text messages which implicated Allen in the sale and supply of drugs were found on his phone. Brian McInerney BL said his client was very vulnerable and naive and that he engages in polysubstance abuse. In relation to the incident at Limerick District Court, he said Allen had not gone to court on the day with the intention of passing the drugs but had done so out of the goodness of his heart after he met a childhood friend. It was an offence of astonishing stupidity, he said adding that he had been told to mind the drugs found at his home by a sinister individual as he was up to his eyes in debt. Mr McInerney submitted the offences were at the lower end of the scale and that his clients admissions were very significant. Judge Tom ODonnell adjourned the matter to October 26, next to facilitate the preparation of a Probation Report. May 2, 2021, 3 PM The 1977 10-centime stamp shows the Zurich festival of Sechselauten, which takes its name from the bell that is rung at 6 p.m. on the Monday following the vernal equinox to mark the transition from winter to summer. The stamp shows the Boogg, a snowman The pyre and galloping horses from the Zurich festival of Sechselauten are shown on this maximum card. The twin spires of the Fraumunster can be seen in the background. This maximum card shows a contemporary version of the Sternsingen celebration with the star apparently created from an umbrella. Sternsingen, or Star singing, is represented on the 1977 5-centime Folk Customs stamp. The custom is celebrated in the village of Berguun in the Abula valley. The stamp shows a group of children, one of whom is holding an illuminated star (the Stern) de By Richard T. Hall Switzerland has a rich tradition of local, regional, and national folk festivals. Lets look at some of these that have been illustrated on Swiss stamps. We will begin with the Folk Customs definitive stamp set issued in 1977, with additional denominations in 1982 and 1984. The stamps were designed by Solange Moser (1922-2001) and engraved by Pierre Schopfer [(1943- ); 5 centimes, 10c, 20c, 25c, 35c, 45c, 50c, 60c, and 80c denominations] and Heinrich Heusser [(1905-79); 30c, 40c, 70c, and 90c stamps]. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter It is interesting to note that Heusser did not live to see the 30c stamp appear; he died three years before it was issued in 1982. The postal service must have had additional designs in the bank to cover anticipated postal rate changes. The names of these various folk festivals are often in the local dialect, making them difficult for a non-Swiss to translate, let alone pronounce. Carol singing takes place in Catholic areas of the canton of Graubunden in southeast Switzerland around the time of the Epiphany. The 5c stamp of the set (Scott 632), issued in 1977, illustrates a version of this activity, Sternsingen or Star singing, which is celebrated in the village of Berguun in the Abula valley. The stamp shows a group of children, one of whom is holding an illuminated star (the Stern) decorated with Christian symbols that can be rotated by a crank. A maximum card shows a contemporary version of the celebration, with the star apparently created from an umbrella. The 10c denomination (Scott 633) shows the Zurich festival of Sechselauten, which takes its name from the bell that is rung at 6 p.m. on the Monday following the vernal equinox to mark the transition from winter to summer. On that day, the various guilds of Zurich don their historic costumes and parade through the city to a large public square, where a Boogg has been erected atop a large pile of wood. The Boogg is a snowman, complete with a hat and broom, made of wood and whose belly has been filled with explosives. The pyre is lit, and the guild members gallop around the pyre until the belly explodes to the cheers of the onlookers. The sooner the belly explodes, the sooner winter will end, the tradition says. The maximum card shows the pyre and the galloping horses. The twin spires of the Fraumunster can be seen in the background. The 20c stamp (Scott 634) shows an Appenzell tradition, Silversterklause, which dates ... Want to see and read about the various other Swiss festivals on these stamps? Richard T. Hall provides a detailed look at the widespread festivals that are deeply entrenched in Swiss culture. The content can be found in the Aug. 21 issue of Linn's Stamp News monthly magazine. If you would like to read more, subscribing to either the print or digital edition of Linn's is easy and fast. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. As an inland Bay Area heat wave peaked Wednesday, forecasters warned that thunderstorms are expected to move into some parts of the region Thursday night. A slight chance of thunder is expected Thursday evening in parts of the South Bay and possibly in San Francisco, said Will Pi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The storms would come after a two-day stretch of excessive heat, when temperatures in inland cities like Concord and Livermore reached triple digits on Tuesday and neared triple digits on Wednesday, Pi added. It just gets progressively warmer as you go inland, Pi said. Concord topped out at 98 degrees Wednesday and Livermore at 99. The North Bay valleys also felt the heat Wednesday. Calistoga hit 101 degrees and Cloverdale 102. The hottest time of day varies from day to day, but in a pattern like this the hottest time of day is between 3 to 5 p.m., said Duane Dykema, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Temperatures in San Francisco and parts of the East Bay closer to the bay were 74 Wednesday and expected to stay relatively the same through Friday before cooling down for the weekend, said Dykema. In Hayward, temperatures crept into the high 80s Wednesday and in Fremont they hit the low 90s. The South Bay also was in the low 90s. Cities farther south were hotter; Gilroy reached the mid-90s and Morgan Hill 102. In eastern Contra Costa County, Antioch hit 100 and Brentwood 104, but both are expected to dip back to the mid-90s for the rest of the week. That cooldown is expected to sweep into the Bay Area starting on Thursday, though Pi warned it will be slight. Temperatures throughout the Bay Area will be just a few degrees cooler than on Wednesday, which Pi said will be the hottest day of the week. Forecasters warned that residents should not leave pets or children in cars during the heat wave. They suggested checking on the elderly, sick and those without air conditioning. Limiting strenuous outdoor activities and staying hydrated are also recommended, especially for those with respiratory conditions, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A fire Wednesday around Grizzly Peak in the dry East Bay hills revived unpleasant memories of past infernos for longtime residents, before firefighters started to get the blaze under control. Dubbed the Grizzly Fire, the blaze that broke out in the Oakland hills, an area prone to fires that spread quickly in part because of tangles of brown grass and thickets of gnarled trees, extended to 20 acres and was about 20 percent contained by early Wednesday evening, authorities said. They were cautiously optimistic about making progress overnight, with a cooling mist in the forecast and dropping temperatures helping out. In the afternoon, locals armed with cameras and radio scanners went to a lookout on Grizzly Peak Boulevard to watch the blaze. Some, like Bob Campbell, a mortgage broker who works in Walnut Creek, survived the 1991 firestorm, which killed 25 people and destroyed more than 3,000 homes. Ive got a teenager who doesnt drive and who doesnt run fast, he said of his daughter, not taking his eyes off the smoke. More than 150 firefighters responded, including two fire investigators. Some UC Berkeley buildings were evacuated as a precaution, and the university said it had planned a campus-wide power outage because of concerns over blown transformers. Two summer camps with about 100 children were also evacuated. The fire started about 1 p.m. off Fish Ranch Road and Grizzly Peak and by 4 p.m. had grown to 10 acres, officials said. By dusk, there were no structures threatened. One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was in stable condition at a hospital, officials said. Though the fire did not match the intensity, or size, of the devastating Oct. 20, 1991 fire in the same locale, many residents said it brought back bad memories. The blaze Wednesday required at least four air tankers and four helicopters.. The fire was burning on both the east and west sides of the hills, spewing smoke throughout Contra Costa County and at least as far south as the Oakland airport. A number of agencies including firefighters from Berkeley, Alameda County, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded to the blaze, said Deputy Chief Melinda Drayton of the Oakland Fire Department. Drayton said that the blaze spread rapidly in part because of the dry vegetation in the difficult-to-reach area. Brandon Scheck, 30, whose familys Orinda home was almost destroyed in the 1991 fire, listened closely to the progress of firefighters Wednesday on a police radio scanner and commended them. You hear fire in the Oakland hills and your ears perk up a bit, he said, especially on a hot day like this with a bit of wind. Michael Bodley and Kimberly Veklerov are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com, kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley, @kveklerov Violence is on the rise in Mexico, and that means its neighbors like Laredo have an increased risk of being caught in the crossfire. With more than 2,200 murders in June, Mexico just experienced its deadliest month in at least the last 20 years, The Associated Press reported using government data. Houston pipeline startup Permico Energia hopes to build a $2 billion natural gas liquids pipeline across Texas from the booming Permian Basin to refining and port access near Corpus Christi. The pipeline project includes building a fractionator near Corpus Christi to separate the NGLs into individual products - ethane, propane and butane - as well as products pipelines to carry the ethane and more to Houston-area markets like Mont Belvieu. The products typically are exported sold to the petrochemical sector and heating markets. READ ALSO: Energy Transfer sells $1.6 billion stake in Rover Pipeline For a privately owned startup without projects under its belt and a massive price tag, full financing could still be quite a ways off. However, Permico co-founder and CEO Jeff Beicker said the company has funding commitments from unnamed South Korean investment banks and pension fund institutions. The company said it has about $800 million committed by Korean pension funds, but Permico isn't naming the funds. He indicated Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Bank Corp. is the lead bank providing loans. "We have enjoyed a positive reception from both sides of the pipe and are currently negotiating long term producer and industrial partner contracts," Beicker added. READ ALSO: Pipeline study underestimated forest fragmentation, report says Permico isn't proving further financial details at this time. The company's name is Spanish for "Permian." The proposed 510-mile pipeline system also would connect to South Texas' Eagle Ford Shale as it makes its way to Corpus Christi. The fractionator would be built to process 300,000 barrels a day. Despite the lack of details on the financing plans, Permico said construction is tentatively slated to start by the end of June 2018 and go into service in 2020. READ ALSO: Houston's Layne Christensen finishes water pipeline Permico is attempting to add to the bevy of proposed pipeline projects moving from west to east Texas to capitalize off of the Permian's ongoing oil boom. The oil fields also have associated natural gas liquids that are produced from most of the wells. Houston pipeline giant Kinder Morgan already is planning to build a massive natural gas network from Permian to Corpus Christi. Likewise, Houston's Enterprise Products Partners is constructing a huge NGL pipeline from the Permian to Houston. Beicker is a longtime energy veteran of companies like Marlin Midstream and Royal Dutch Shell. One of his co-founders, John Porter, was the global head of energy infrastructure for the CBRE commercial real estate firm. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A list of low-income Texans, who are eligible for customer protections on their electricity bill, could be in jeopardy thanks to a bill signed into law this year. Retail electric providers were required to compensate the Public Utility Commission for maintaining the list, as well as guarantee certain protections for those on it, like waiving a 5 percent late fee for electricity bills, delaying security deposit payments and offering deferred payments for high summer bills. READ ALSO: New laws hitting Texas in 2017 But Senate Bill 1976 made that requirement voluntary, and consumer advocates worry that the list will be discontinued and that retail electric companies will back away from helping low-income ratepayers. The deadline to sign up for the list and pledge compensation was July 31 -- 33 companies asked for the list and agreed to compensate the PUC, records show. The PUC estimates there are between 50 and 60 retail electric providers in Texas. Here's a list of the retail electric companies that have agreed to pay for and receive the list. Commissioner Brandy Marquez said she still expects companies to help low-income customers, and during an open meeting last week she suggested that the PUC might require certain disclosures from companies that have no plans for assistance. READ ALSO: Utility bills could give Houston-area homeowners quite a jolt "I am looking for the retail electric providers who don't enlist in the program," she said. Marquez suggested, for instance, indicating on Powertochoose.org, the state-run electricity plan site, which companies offer no benefits for low-income customers. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who championed benefits for low-income Texans when he was a legislator, warned the commissioners in a letter than the bill will not help the poor. Nearly a quarter of the 2.3 million Houstonians live in poverty, Turner said. READ ALSO: How to shop for energy in Texas The loss of the list wouldn't be the only blow to poor Texans struggling to pay their electricity bills. In September, the Texas' System Benefit Fund, which helped poor Texans pay for electricity, will be phased out. "But Senate Bill 1976 was meant to help such vulnerable Texans, despite the loss of that assistance," said R.A. Dyer, a policy analyst for the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power, a non-profit consumer advocacy group. "Like Mayor Turner, we're now concerned that SB 1976 could be implemented in such a way as to have the opposite effect." Jensen Walker, Paramount Pictures In a time when climate change seems an issue more vital than ever - especially as the Trump administration moves to dismantle programs meant to slow global warming and withdraws from global environmental partnerships - it is odd to find oneself in the position of saying this: The new documentary about Al Gore's continued climate crusade lacks urgency. It's not the fault of the former vice president, who continues - with fervor - his campaign to school people about global warming, but a weakness of the film, "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power." A follow-up to Davis Guggenheim's Oscar-winning 2006 documentary, the sequel by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk covers much of the same ground of the first film, but with a tone that feels, at times, midway between a sense of resignation and despair. Those emotions might not be entirely foreign to Gore himself, who speaks, in the film, of his frustration and his struggle to remain hopeful in the face of political inertia (or outright backpedaling). The omens did not bode well for "Kidnap," a New Orleans-set action movie in which Halle Berry plays a single mother who stops at nothing to rescue her abducted 6-year-old son. Originally scheduled for a 2015 release and pushed back multiple times, the low-budget film has finally made its way into theaters - but in the doldrums of late summer (a traditional dumping ground for inferior product). Yet despite limited resources, a well-worn concept and a generic title, director Luis Prieto ("Pusher") has managed to make a surprisingly effective thriller, leveraging the performance of his Oscar-winning star to convert an apparent junker into a lean, mean suspense machine. The minimalist plot is set into motion when Carla (Berry) takes her son (Sage Correa) to a crowded playground, taking her eyes off him for one moment to handle a phone call about the impending custody battle with her ex-husband, the boy's father. It takes only that moment for a stranger to whisk the boy away in a green 1980s-vintage Ford Mustang GT - a rather odd car choice for would-be kidnappers, especially one without license plates. And yet somehow, this distinctive vehicle escapes the notice of the Louisiana highway patrol, as does the mayhem of the subsequent chase. Carla decides to pursue her child's abductor, creating havoc with her red minivan. This, in a nutshell, is the whole movie, which suggests, for the most part, a maternal-vigilante answer to Steven Spielberg's 1971 cult classic "Duel," an intensely gripping, made-for-television thriller that pitted motorist Dennis Weaver against a mysteriously aggressive truck driver. "Kidnap," however, is no "Duel." Straining credulity, it nevertheless works remarkably well, with its minor shifts in tactics and scenery - from boring highway to sinister swampland - providing more than enough nail-biting action. Cinematographer Flavio Martinez Labiano revels in the chase, as if he has been tasked with making a small-scale "Mad Max" movie. In a way, that's kind of what this is. The characters are mostly sketchily drawn, with bad guys who are little more than caricatures of rustic bumpkins. But Barry, who also co-produced the movie, carries "Kidnap" with a mix of determination and distress. At a fleet and efficient 81 minutes - several minutes shorter than its original running time - "Kidnap" is an action movie with barely a wasted frame. By the final act, however, some of those missing minutes seem to have been critical, leaving a few jarring leaps in continuity. Despite such flaws, "Kidnap" is a solid and economical piece of filmmaking. It just goes to show: A big budget isn't necessary to make a big impression. --- Two and one-half stars. Rated R. Contains violence, a child in jeopardy and vehicular mayhem. 81 minutes. Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time. End advance fri aug 4 Looks like James Comey found another outlet for his diligent note-taking habit. The former FBI director just signed a deal with publisher Flatiron Books for his first book, a not-yet-titled exploration of "what good, ethical leadership looks like and how it drives sound decisions," a news release says. "Using examples from some of the highest-stakes situations in the past two decades of American government, Comey will share yet-unheard anecdotes from his long and distinguished career," Flatiron, a division of Macmillan, said in the release. News of the deal was first reported by the Associated Press, which said that several publishers bid for the book. The wire service cited three unnamed officials "with knowledge of the negotiations" as saying the bidding war topped $2 million. The book is due in spring. Comey has become something of a household name - thanks to his handling of the investigation into Democrat Hillary Clinton's emails during the presidential campaign season, and the unceremonious way President Donald Trump fired him in May. (Comey found out from TV news while he was addressing bureau employees in Los Angeles. He reportedly thought it was a prank.) Late-night comics had a field day with the news. And his June testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee was like Washington's Super Bowl. The firing set off a firestorm, sparking accusations that Trump was trying to impede the bureau's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and setting off a chain of events that resulted in the appointment of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. President Barack Obama chose Comey in 2013 to lead the FBI; he had previously served in the Justice Department, in both the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. "Throughout his career, James Comey has had to face one difficult decision after another as he has served the leaders of our country," Bob Miller, president of Flatiron Books, said in a statement. "His book promises to take us inside those extraordinary moments in our history, showing us how these leaders have behaved under pressure. By doing so, Director Comey will give us unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in leadership itself." Comey is represented by literary agents at Javelin, which has handled best-selling books from political figures such as senators Mike Lee, R-Utah; Ted Cruz, R-Texas; and Ben Sasse, R-Neb. Former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile, Pamela Anderson and Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, all clients of the agency, have forthcoming books. "We are delighted and humbled by the response Mr. Comey's book received from major publishers, which demonstrates why this will be the most anticipated book of the spring season," the agency said in a statement. "This is going to be a bracing look inside the corridors of power with keen insights about ethical leadership and key lessons about how to create a culture of truth in any organization." Astros fans may have first become aware of Daniella Rodriguez when she threw out the first pitch before an Astros game last August, and the pitch didn't go exactly as planned. But now, social media savvy Astros fans know all about Rodriguez, who was born and raised in Laredo, from boyfriend Carlos Correa's Instagram account. Disney/1964 Mary Poppins flies back to the Castro Theatre for multiple screenings Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 3-6, which means fans can sing along to the immortal Sherman Brothers tunes A Spoonful of Sugar, Feed the Birds, Chim-Chim-Cher-ee, and more with fellow Poppins fans. The 1964 musical masterpiece was the pinnacle of Walt Disneys brand of sentimental sweetness. Disney too often let gratuitous sentiment get in the way of his technical innovation, his biggest skill. Not so with Poppins. The mix of live action and animation still amazes today, and the emotions are perfectly handled. The players are uncommonly great: Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns and Ed Wynn act in career peaks. Kidnap, in which a working-class single mom chases down her little boys abductors, is the latest B-movie vehicle for Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry. Its a serviceable thriller: nothing more, nothing less. In many ways, the setup is more preposterous than all the mayhem that follows the child snatching. Berry plays Karla, an impossibly beautiful and wonderful mother who works as a waitress at a tacky diner. She seems buoyant as ever as she drives her impossibly cute kid Frankie (Sage Correa) to a fair. Then comes the phone call. Karlas ex has decided he wants full custody of Frankie, and a distracted Karla loses sight of her boy, who of course likes to hide from her. The redneck kidnappers, who would raise eyebrows at even an NRA convention, need only a millisecond to abduct Frankie in front of hundreds of people, and there are no witnesses. Fortunately for Karla, the knucklehead kidnappers are frightfully slow in their getaway, and she spots them in the parking lot. Inconveniently or conveniently, if you are the screenwriter Karla drops her phone as she begins her pursuit, eliminating the possibility of 911 calls. Despite the pileup of implausibility at the beginning, the film rallies by quickly cutting to the chase, and within minutes, Karla finds herself in a frantic race on the freeways of Louisiana. The entire police force of the state seems to be at Mardi Gras, but otherwise, the frenetic set pieces are reasonably realistic, and its refreshing to see true stunt work rather than an overreliance on computer-generated imagery. The kidnappers, who clearly missed Berrys 2013 thriller The Call, are not the sharpest tools in the shed, and we know from the get-go that they will be no match for Karla when she gets her hands on them. This contributes to an aura of predictability that hangs over the proceedings, though there are a few clever turns during some of the chase sequences. Director Luis Prieto is wise to keep the camera fixated on Berry, who delivers a sturdy performance in which she is under extreme duress for almost the entire film. This is pulpy material, but Berry gives it her all. The only time she falters is when she talks to herself in the car, becoming an on-the-nose narrator more than a character. Its too bad that Hollywood has still not figured out how to use this actress better. Like Taken, which this movie most closely resembles, Kidnap derives much of its power from our natural instincts to protect children at all costs, and many in the audience are likely to respond to it on that level. This is a film that keeps it simple: Dont cross a mother, or shell hunt you down. David Lewis is a San Francisco freelance writer. Kidnap Thriller. Starring Halle Berry, Sage Correa, Chris McGinn. Directed by Luis Prieto. (R. 94 minutes.) The Opera Plaza Cinema, a cozy four-screen movie theater known for its independent and documentary programming, appears headed for closure. Opera Plaza LP, owner of the commercial property at the 13-story condo tower in the Civic Center, has filed a request with the city to convert the ground-floor space from a movie theater to 6,000 square feet of retail sales and service. Opera Plaza Cinema is no longer economically viable and has not been for a long period of time, said Nathan Nishiguchi of Urban Pacific Properties, managing agent for Opera Plaza. The operator (Landmark Theatres) and the landlord have arrived at the decision that closing the theater is the most appropriate next step. The application, filed in late July with the planning department, will require city approval to alter the conditional use permit. This entails public hearings and a possible vote by the Board of Supervisors. But Ted Mundorff, president of Landmark, a Los Angeles chain that runs the cinema, wrote in an email that he had met with the landlord this week and was under the impression that negotiations were ongoing. The landlord is exploring all options for the space including us remaining a tenant, he said. Nothing has been decided at this time. Landmark does not comment on its lease arrangements, but in an email statement, property manager Nishiguchi said the cinema has been on a month-to-month lease for eight years. In lieu of traditional rent, profits are shared, he said, but there is not enough to make it worthwhile. The screening rooms, which range from 35 seats to 140 seats, have not been refurbished since the 1980s. The plan was first reported July 28 in the online real estate tip sheet socketsite.com. It has not, as yet, stirred up a fuss. Supervisor London Breed, who represents the Civic Center, was not aware of it: Our office has not heard from anyone regarding this issue, she said. The theater is part of a pioneering mixed-use project completed in 1982 that was conveniently located near the foot of the Franklin Street off-ramp for the Central Freeway, now gone. The complex covers a square block between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street, Golden Gate Avenue and Turk Street, a short walk from the War Memorial Opera House it is named for. The movie theater was built by Allen Michaan of Renaissance Rialto Inc. and opened in November, 1984. The idea was that the theater would draw in foot traffic to the Opera Plaza retail and restaurant cluster. But there were obstacles, starting with the theaters location at the back of a dark courtyard, where it cannot be seen from the street in any direction. The address is listed as 601 Van Ness Ave., but the only indicator there is a hand-painted sign, hidden behind a tree, that does not list what movies are showing. The next obstacle is a circular fountain, which has always been a barrier to entry, according to Deidra OMerde, who has operated Rose Bowl florist in Opera Plaza since 1982. Nobody gets past the fountain, says OMerde, and anybody who did still had to circumvent a bank of elevators serving the 450 condos in the tower. This has been a problem for restaurants too hence the failure of Monsoon and Modesto Lanzones, which has become office space. OMerde suspects this will eventually be the fate of Opera Plaza Cinema, because no retail seems to succeed at the back of the complex. There were exciting restaurants and exciting shops, but nobody could find them, she said. For a while, the hidden location was an asset. When Landmark took over the cinema in 1991, its ads stated in the screening rooms as code for indie and foreign movies the cognoscenti would be willing to search out. Or if a picture got legs in a larger house, it would land there on an open-ended run. When a film finished doing well at the Bridge or the Clay, we would move it over to the Opera Plaza, said Gary Meyer, a co-founder of Landmark and now a consultant to film festivals and art-house cinemas. People knew that if they missed it on the first run, this is where they could find it. Landmark has since had ownership changes and now operates the Opera Plaza as a first-run house. But it still favors minor pictures. The current listings are Maurice, Lost in Paris, Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge, and Unforgiven. If Opera Plaza closes, Landmark Theatres, which was once a major force for art-house and foreign cinema, will be reduced to just the Embarcadero Center Cinema and the Clay in San Francisco. Chronicle staff writer Leah Garchik contributed to this report. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Houston-area high school teacher pleaded guilty Tuesday to having sex with a student in his car in 2015. Cypress-Fairbanks math teacher Alfredo Campos was charged in November with two felony counts of sexual assault of a child under 17, after admitting that they had sex "probably twice" in his car, according to court records. MULTIPLE COUNTS: Former substitute teacher accused After a jury was selected Tuesday morning, Campos, 31, shocked the courtroom by pleading guilty before state District Judge Susan Brown to both charges. The jury will be tasked with deciding the punishment, which could range from probation to 20 years in prison. Story continues below ... The surprise move means Campos will likely throw himself on the mercy of the jury and admit his mistakes. Court records of the investigation show that he told police he had fallen in love with the 16-year-old and that any sex they had "would have been consensual." The teen told police the two had sex, including oral sex, which she did not want. But, records show, she was scared to stop because Campos talked about being suicidal and because she was afraid he'd fail her in class. IMPROPER PHOTOS: Ex-Katy teacher gets probation She said Campos allegedly asked her if she could get away to spend a weekend with him in the fall 2015. Cy-Fair ISD officials started investigating the Cypress Ridge High School math teacher in November 2016 after an anonymous tip. The girl had saved screenshots of messages between the two, which police were able to see during the investigation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Hide and seek, keep and repeat are the simple rules to follow as residents of Humble, Atascocita and Kingwood embark on a search for painted rocks hidden across the communities. A Facebook group called "Humble TX Rock Hunt" launched on July 5, in a team effort by Norma Hawkins and her daughter Monica Hindmarsh. "I didn't even realize there was a big rock movement going on until after I have been painting rocks for about six months," Hawkins said. In less than a month, the Facebook page went from 700 followers within the first week of launching to more than 2,000 followers, with continuous growth each week. Users post a photo with the rock they found, its location and some may hint where to find the rock they chose to hide for the next person to find. The rules are simple, paint rocks, hide them, leave clues or hints for others to find them. If a person finds a rock and chooses to keep it, then they are required to replace the rock. "The great thing about the rock hunt is that it is not just for children," Hindmarsh said. "Schools, day cares, summer camps, churches - it is really amazing to see how this has grown in just a few weeks." Hindmarsh said when her mom first came to visit her from Virginia at the start of July, she mentioned the idea of painting and hiding rocks around the neighborhood. Later, Hindmarsh thought to start a Facebook page as a means to connect the community together and a platform for members to share the story behind the rock they found. "We started hosting painting parties at my house," Hindmarsh said. "We'd have neighborhood kids over to paint, and then we had several adult-only painting parties. It was a lot of fun and a great way to spend time with friends." The paintings range in creativity from the Texas flag, to a mermaid sitting on a bed of rocks (looking like a vision from the Disney movie "The Little Mermaid"), to rocks with little eyes attached that look like little critters. Hawkins joked painting rocks became a great weight loss method because her hands kept busy painting rather than reaching for sustenance. Hindmarsh has her own personal photography page, which she said has been stuck on 400 followers and didn't gain nearly the same amount of attention the rock hunt page received. She's had users post photos of rocks they were taking with them on their trips across the globe from China to Canada, all with the hopes of growing the movement and continuing to share the unique rock art members create. "Part of the fun and joy of the group is seeing what others have created and also seeing the people that find the rocks," Hindmarsh said. "It is great to hear where the rock is found because often it is found in another location that it was hidden." Bayou Land Conservancy Bayou Land Conservancy, a local land trust focused on conserving land and protecting Houston's primary water source, Lake Houston, announced that Matthew Berg, PhD has been appointed to the board of directors effective July 18. Berg is the CEO of Simfero Consultants, specializing in program management, government relations and stakeholder engagement. Berg has a doctor of philosophy from Texas A&M University in ecosystem science and management/hydrology. His previous professional experience includes roles as a director of hydrological sciences for Artesian Insights and Science and policy director for SWC, both in Houston. He has also worked with the Texas Agri-Life Extension Service as a water resources program specialist and as a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Needs Leadership Development Program Fellow at Texas A&M University. A pair of female students at Texas State Technical College students want to get the word out about women and welding. April Abitago-Thompson and Sara Rivera are currently the only two women enrolled in welding technology at TSTC in Fort Bend County. "When I saw the campus being built while driving down the expressway I told my husband, 'I'm going to enroll there,'" said Thompson. "I had no fear, I knew welding was what I wanted to do." Thompson, 33, now sees graduation around the corner. She will be receiving her certificate in Welding Technology in August during TSTC's first Fort Bend County commencement ceremony to be held the Rosenberg Civic Center. "I can't wait to graduate and get my career started," she said. Pending a passing grade on her Certified Welding Inspector test, Thompson already has a job with a Bay City company as a welding inspector. Before TSTC, the mother of four worked as a welder's helper for nuclear plants and the oil industry. "I didn't want to be a helper for the rest of my life," said Thompson. "TSTC is helping me change that. I've had the best experience and I've learned so much. TSTC has given me a career to be proud of." Thompson's classmate, Rivera will also be earning her certificate in August, but will return to TSTC in the fall to pursue her associate degree. The Rosharon native said it was her brother, who works for the oil industry, who introduced her to the possibility of a career in welding. "What I immediately loved about welding was building something from nothing," she said. "And now I see how I can take my career anywhere. Welding really can take you a long way." Rivera added that her goal is to work in fabrication, her favorite part of the program. "TSTC is really setting my foundation," said Rivera. "I appreciate every critique and piece of advice from my instructors, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. I honestly feel prepared to work in the field." She hopes that by telling her story, other women will be encouraged to enter this or other male-dominated fields, and so she offers the following advice: "Work hard, do your best, be the best at what you do, don't give up and show those men what you are made of." TSTC's Welding Technology gives students like Thompson and Rivera the opportunity to learn how to work all of the equipment that is used in industry, while gaining real-world experience with hands-on training. The program offers certificate and associate degree tracks in areas such as combination welding and advanced pipe welding. Upon successful completion of the program students can expect to find careers in welding, in addition to, soldering and brazing, or as pipefitters and steamfitters, cutters and machine setters and operators. Welding Technology Instructor Brooke Williams said Thompson and Rivera are driven to succeed in this field. "Since I have known her, April knows where she wants to go with her career and has never lost sight of that," said Williams. "She is always quick to help other students and isn't afraid to seek advice on how to achieve her dreams." "As for Sara, she is a focused and hardworking student," she added. "No matter how hard something is she never lets that stop her or bring her down." Welding Technology is offered at eight other TSTC campuses: Breckenridge, Brownwood, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. For more information or to register for Fall 2017 visit tstc.edu. It's hard to keep track of all the issues creating tension between President Donald Trump and increasingly weary Republicans in Congress. One of them was a policy battle over new Russia sanctions, and it's a battle that Congress just won. Over his own objections, Trump just signed into law sanctions against North Korea, Iran and Russia. It's the clearest sign yet that Republicans in Congress don't trust their own president to get tough on Russia and other geopolitical antagonists. "This is why this bill exists . . . they don't trust the administration to do this right," Olga Oliker, director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told The Fix last week. Trump didn't want to sign this - he let it sit on his desk for a week - but Congress gave him no choice. Republican leaders took up the bill despite the president's objections. They passed it with the help of Democrats and a veto-proof majority. They made sure the legislation was written in a way that prevents Trump from rolling some of these sanctions back on his own. "Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies," Trump wrote in his signing statement for the bill. Here's an aide for House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., cheering just how broad this new law is: The bipartisan sanctions bill President Trump just signed is one of the most expansive in history. Targets Iran, North Korea, and Russia. - Michael Shapiro (@mis2127) August 2, 2017 The Russia sanctions are retaliation for Russia's alleged meddling in the U.S. presidential election. These will be in addition to sanctions President Barack Obama issued on his way out the door, kicking Russian "diplomats" out of Washington and seizing Russia-owned compounds in the United States. If Congress thinks Russia needs more punishment, it's pretty obvious why they aren't confident Trump will do it. The White House has said it's not opposed to sanctions, but it's been wishy-washy on what those would be. Trump has refused to acknowledge the overwhelming conclusion of U.S. intelligence officials that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia to try to influence the U.S. election to hurt Hillary Clinton and help Trump win. He appears to be considering firing his attorney general after complaining about the Justice Department investigation into Russia's actions and any possible help from the Trump campaign. He's considered giving the diplomatic compounds back to Russia. And, most recently, he's been conspicuously silent on Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing that he's closing 755 U.S. diplomatic positions in the country - the biggest forced diplomatic exodus in a century. Trump's silence on a major slight to the U.S. is especially loud, said The Washington Post's Aaron Blake, given Trump's tendency to counter punch anyone who pricks him, even foreign nations. Trump, in other words, is not doing much to assuage his own party's concerns that he's willing to get tough on Russia. And this sanctions law is a remarkable demonstration of unity from a Congress that has shown exactly none of it lately. Tying Trump's hands on Russia is one of the only things Congress can agree on right now. "There's a lot of stuff they'd rather be doing," Oliker said, "and that they're much better equipped to deal with. But in the face of an administration that seems to be having a very difficult time articulating its foreign policy, members of Congress have felt they have little choice but to take foreign policy into their own hands." From a diplomatic perspective, there are legitimate reasons Trump wouldn't want to sign this sanctions bill. No president wants their hands to be tied on how to deal with a foreign country, since diplomacy is rarely so black and white. "I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected," Trump said in a signing statement expressing his objections. "As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress." Both Congress and the president can levy sanctions against officials, but when Congress issues sanctions, they tend to stay in place for a while. A majority of lawmakers in both chambers have to agree to them, then they are signed by the president. The same process has to happen to reverse them. Congress did this to President Barack Obama in 2012, when Republican leaders forced him to impose sanctions against Russia with the Magnitsky Act. Congress is saying the same thing to Trump today, only with an extra layer of political intrigue. Republicans are the ones primarily responsible for sticking it to Trump on Russia because they don't trust him to do it himself. Republican senator Jeff Flake's new book, "Conscience of a Conservative," bashes President Donald Trump for just about everything, but some of the harshest criticism in the book's 160 scathing pages is reserved for Trump's economic "plan." In Flake's eyes, Trumponomics is huge mistake. It shows the GOP has "abandoned its core principles" of free trade and free enterprise. "Seemingly overnight, we became willing to roll back the ideas on the global economy that have given America the highest standard of living in history," Flake wrote. The senator calls Trump a "crony capitalist" who is "incoherent" and "doing irreparable damage." He even compares Trump to a liberal, saying all the president does is offer "easy answers and free stuff without worrying about the details." Here's a rundown of Flake's attacks on Trumponomics: On trade: Flake accuses Trump of peddling an "impossible dream" that a bunch of coal and manufacturing jobs are coming back if America simply blocks Mexican cars and Chinese goods at the border. "Rather than leaning in to the economy of the future, [Trump's] nativist vision would have us clambering to reclaim an economy of the past- an economy, by the way, that even if it were possible to somehow reconstitute would make no sense in the twenty-first century," wrote Flake. On manufacturing: Flake says Trump is merely playing up people's worst fears; he's not offering them solutions that will actually work. The senator points out that the United States is producing "twice as much as we did in the 1980s with 30 percent fewer workers." Automation and robots have caused most of the job losses, not China or Mexico. He says a better solution is to retrain workers. On NAFTA: If Trump goes through with his plan to "rip up" the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Flake believes the effects will be "seismic." America won't create the jobs and industries of tomorrow. Even worse, China (among other countries) will step up to do trade deals if the United States won't. Flake traveled to Mexico shortly after the 2016 election. He says he met with many top Mexican officials who were already talking to China about doing deals. "A trade policy made up primarily of nostalgia and tough talk would be devastating for the United States, doing irreparable damage to our wealth and standard of living," Flake wrote. He notes that Mexico has free trade agreements with more than twice the number of countries the United States does. On Trump's "crony capitalism": Flake is especially upset at the president's attempt to "meddle in the economy" by telling chief executives where to build new plants and whom to hire. Trump relishes the news conferences where he stands side-by-side with CEOs and announces new jobs are coming, like the recent Foxconn deal to create at least 3,000 jobs in Wisconsin. The president believes he's using his dealmaking skills to help everyday Americans. Flake doesn't see it that way. "The new president would not merely demonstrate a preference for specific sectors of the economy, he would meddle in the economy by advocating for - or conversely, by intimidating - specific companies," wrote Flake. "To conservatives, this is the essence of crony capitalism." The takeaway: The GOP is deeply divided. The rifts have been on display all summer, especially during the health-care fight. Flake's book only adds to the tug-of-war between traditional Republicans who want to cut taxes and expand free trade, and Trump Republicans, who want to restrict trade and resurrect coal and manufacturing jobs. The GOP's internal strife is part of the reason Trump still hasn't managed to get a major bill through Congress, unlike the past four presidents, who all had major victories by mid-August. Trump is highly unlikely to listen to Flake. Prominent GOP voices like Mitt Romney and Meg Whitman made very similar arguments during the 2016 campaign. They said Trump didn't have the temperament to be president and his economic ideas were a mess, but Trump believes he's already won the battle against traditional conservatives. Last week, Trump told The Wall Street Journal that a key reason that he's the one "sitting behind this beautiful desk" in the Oval Office is because he understands how badly America has messed up on trade. On the same day the Flake's book came out, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross penned an op-ed accusing China and Europe of ripping off America on trade. It was also telling that Eric Trump, one of the president's sons, liked a tweet Tuesday from conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham, who says she can't wait to campaign against Flake. The problem for Trump is he has to win over more Republicans in Congress or his agenda won't go anywhere. WASHINGTON - Justice Department officials are planning a new project to investigate and sue universities over affirmative action admissions policies they determine discriminate against white applicants, according to a U.S. government official. The project will be based out of the department's civil rights division, which is now looking for lawyers interested in working on "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions," according to a person familiar with an internal announcement in the civil rights division. Officials said that the project will not be run out of the civil rights division's Educational Opportunities Section where career Justice attorneys oversee cases on universities, but instead in the front office of the division. The project was first reported Tuesday night by the New York Times. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores would not confirm the project and would only say "we don't comment on personnel issues," referring to the internal job position announcement. A spokeswoman for the Education Department did not immediately respond late Tuesday night to inquiries about whether the agency would play a role in the effort to challenge affirmative action on college campuses. But at least one key official has expressed skepticism of race-conscious admissions: Candice Jackson, acting head of the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights, has written that such policies dismiss "the very real prices paid by individual people who end up injured by affirmative action." Two people familiar with the internal discussions at the Justice Department's civil rights division said that the move came after career staffers who specialize in education issues refused to work on the project out of concerns it was contrary to the office's long-running approach to civil rights in education opportunities. As a result, political leadership within the department decided to run the effort themselves, these people said. "Yet again, the Sessions Justice Department, led by the political leadership and marginalizing the career employees, is changing course on a key civil rights issue," Vanita Gupta, former head of the Justice Department's civil rights division under President Obama, said in a statement to The Washington Post. Gupta, who is now president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, called the new project "an affront to our values as a country and the very mission of the civil rights division." "Long-standing Supreme Court precedent has upheld the constitutionality and compelling state interest of these policies, and generations of Americans have benefited from richer, more inclusive institutions of higher education," Gupta said. Anurima Bhargava, a former Obama administration official, called the move a "scare tactic" meant to unnerve colleges and universities. "The goal here is to drum up a bunch of fear and intimidate schools who are trying to provide a pipeline to leadership for all Americans," said Bhargava, who served as chief of the educational opportunities section of the civil rights division at the Justice Department. The Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that schools have a compelling interest in creating a diverse student body and may use race as one of multiple factors in admissions decisions. The court endorsed that view as recently as June 2016, ruling 4 to 3 that a race-conscious admissions policy at the University of Texas was constitutional. But critics of affirmative action believe that the high court's rulings have left an opening to challenge race-conscious policies, and cases are currently pending against Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Both cases allege that race-conscious admissions policies result in discrimination against Asian American applicants. - - - The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett contributed to this report. AUSTIN The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department graduated the 61st Texas game warden and state park police officer cadet class Aug. 1 at the Texas State Capitol. The class included 34 game wardens and seven state park police officers. Three of the new game wardens have been assigned to the immediate area -- Josh J. Gordon, Hale/Floyd; Preston J. Kleman, Lamb/Bailey/Cochran; and Ryan D. Stevens, Swisher/Briscoe counties Following their seven-month preparation at the TPWD Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton County, the newly-commissioned state peace officers were recognized during a special ceremony that included a keynote speaker, oath of office and commissioning by senior-level department staff and TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. Every one of you game wardens and park police officers, youve got a mighty fine office, and with that mighty fine office comes great privileges and awesome responsibilities, Smith told the class. So as you move forward to your charge let me be unambiguous as to what our expectations are of all of you we the state of Texas, we the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, we the members of the communities where you will live, work, serve and raise your families, always expect you to be pillars of strength and leadership, resolute character and virtue, fair beyond reproach, and unfailing in times of disaster and duress. The graduates will begin their new careers stationed in counties and state parks throughout the state. The duties of a Texas game warden include the enforcement of all state laws, but primarily hunting, fishing and water safety regulations. As fully commissioned state peace officers, they respond to emergencies, assist other law enforcement agencies and work to educate the public about conservation issues. State park police, also commissioned state peace officers, provide law enforcement services to the visitors and users of state parks and help enforce laws within their local jurisdictions. All graduates met the state-mandated requirements for peace officer certification, including criminal and constitutional law, firearms, self-defense, use of force, defensive driving, arrest, search and seizure, ethics and first aid. The new wardens and park police are joining the 506 game wardens and 152 park police officers currently in the field and will help enforce TPWD regulations and carry the departments high standards to every corner of the state. These are the new game wardens and park police and the counties or parks in which they will be stationed: Texas Game Wardens Justin A. Amundson Harris County Gustavo Armas, Jr. Travis County Hani (Raj) Ataya Orange County Calvin Atkinson Zapata County Coty G. Castro San Jacinto County Austin B. Cryer Shelby County Javier De Leon, Jr. Brooks County Dustin Delgado Dawson/Borden County Dillon T. Eizember Calhoun County Clinton Gayler Travis County Josh J. Gordon Hale/Floyd County Richard L. Hays Brewster County Kyle P. Hendley Nueces County Joseph C. Hendrix Ward/Loving/Winkler County Matthew W. Hill Sabine County Kirk M. Hornsby Comanche County Preston J. Kleman Lamb/Bailey/Cochran County William M. Kornelis Val Verde County Jared C. Lewis Zapata County Charles D. Mauppin Jr. Newton County Jacob H. McMahen Calhoun County Michael E. Patrick Zapata County Wade H. Pierce Pecos County Forrest Price Terrell County Derek A. Rennspies Milam County Luke A. Richard San Augustine County Blake M. Satterfield Kinney County Joseph D. Sellers Red River County David W. Spangler Cass County Ryan D. Stevens Swisher/Briscoe County Andrew P. Steward Harris County Jimmy R. West Cass County Preston L. Whisenhunt Hood County Douglas W. White Aransas County State Park Police Officers John C. Barlow Lake Whitney State Park Jason Bigham Huntsville State Park Kailie C. Branson Garner State Park Jade M. Carter San Angelo State Park Stephen M. Dishong Franklin Mountains State Park Ethan R. Turner Garner State Park Jake E. Voigt Palo Duro Canyon State Park Between Russian meddling in last year's election, Donald Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey and the president's public drubbing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the House Judiciary Committee has a lot it could be looking into. But its Republican chairman, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, has a different priority: investigating Hillary Clinton. Goodlatte has called for new scrutiny of decisions made by President Barack Obama's Justice Department in its probe of Clinton's use of a private email server, as well as alleged Clinton ties to foreign governments and the leaking of classified information. That's put House Democrats in the odd position of praising another Republican -- Goodlatte's Senate counterpart, Chuck Grassley of Iowa. The Senate Judiciary chairman has threatened to subpoena Trump's son to testify about possible collusion with Russia during the presidential campaign and demanded records about Russian interactions with Trump family members and campaign officials. "We've got to give Grassley and the Senate credit," Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, a House Judiciary Committee Democrat, said at a hearing last week. "They are not over there denying the reality of what is going on." Republicans in Congress have struggled to calibrate their approaches to the Russia investigation and the current administration's actions, with many of them torn between protecting a Republican administration from partisan attacks and conducting defensive oversight in case significant wrongdoing emerges. The House Judiciary panel has remained unusually standoffish. When Democrats on the panel tried last week to force through a resolution demanding more information on Sessions's role in Comey's firing, Goodlatte and Republicans on the panel turned it into a request demanding new probes into Clinton. Goodlatte has "done zero - absolutely zero -- as chairman to look into these things," Jerrold Nadler of New York, a Democrat on the House Judiciary panel, said in an interview. "Certainly, Senator Grassley doesn't agree with that thinking." Goodlatte, who didn't respond to a request for an interview, has said there are plenty of other investigations underway, including by the House and Senate Intelligence panels, as well as a continuing FBI probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. "Until Mr. Mueller's investigation is complete, it is redundant for the House of Representatives to engage in fact-gathering on many of the same issues he is investigating," Goodlatte said at a hearing last week. Given all the probes, he said there's no reason for his panel to use "taxpayer dollars to investigate the Trump campaign's connections -- or lack thereof -- to the Russian government." John Conyers of Michigan, the top Democrat on the committee, does credit Goodlatte for trying to schedule a briefing with Mueller, where the pair are expected get an update on his probe. But unless Goodlatte and his committee gets more involved in doing its own work, Conyers warns "lasting damage" could be inflicted on the Justice Department on Goodlatte's watch. Nadler added that it is the responsibility of the Judiciary Committee to oversee or even protect the independence of the Justice Department and FBI, and that's what's at stake now, he says. Both the Senate Judiciary and Intelligence committees are looking into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. The Senate Judiciary panel is also looking into Trump's dismissal of Comey, who had been leading the investigation into Russia's meddling any possible connections to the Trump camp. But concern from lawmakers from both parties has continued to rise in recent weeks, fueled by Trump's repeated public criticisms of Sessions for recusing himself from the Justice Department's Russia probe. Lawmakers from both parties have said they stood by Sessions and that the president's comments were inappropriate. Yet rather than turn to those issues, Goodlatte and the Republican members of his panel sent a letter to Sessions demanding he appoint a second special counsel to investigate "troubling, unanswered questions" related to Trump's Democratic opponent in the election, as well as several officials appointed by Obama. "Many congressional entities have been engaged in oversight of Russian influence on the election, but a comprehensive investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign and its aftermath must, similarly, be free of even the suggestion of political interference," they wrote. Goodlatte, 64, is a conservative Republican representing some of the reddest parts of Virginia. He has a lifetime grade of "A" from the National Rifle Association and branded as unconstitutional the Obama administration's plan to defer deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. His panel is also the one that would have jurisdiction over any impeachment proceeding, a step that several Democrats have called for. For that to happen, the Republican-dominated House would have to authorize the Judiciary Committee to investigate, and then Goodlatte's panel would vote on whether there's enough evidence for impeachment. While Goodlatte has been willing over the years to collaborate with Democrats on some issues, Russia isn't one of them. "This president is a threat to this nation, to its constitution, to its democracy -- and we are doing nothing to respond," said Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, a House Judiciary Committee Democrat, at a hearing last week. "Except, let's go back and look at Hillary Clinton's emails?" Grassley, who for months has defended the Trump administration, recently has taken a harder line. Last week, Grassley's committee held a hearing that touched on whether the Kremlin might have been behind a June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer. Grassley also joined with his panel's top Democrat, Dianne Feinstein of California, in using the threat of subpoenas to force former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and Trump Jr. to provide documents and sit down for interviews. When Trump recently began publicly criticizing Sessions, a former senator from Alabama, over his recusal from the Russia investigation, Grassley said his panel wouldn't consider confirming a replacement this year. Goodlatte has been silent on Trump's criticisms of Sessions, which has left Democrats in the unusual position of defending the former senator from Alabama. "Whatever we think about the political views of Attorney General Sessions, this conduct is not right. It is not normal. And it deserves the immediate attention of this committee," Conyers said during last week's hearing. Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee say they back Goodlatte's position. "The Democrats make sure that just about all we talk about in Judiciary is Russia -- even though they don't even know how to find Russia on the map," said Representative Trent Franks of Arizona in an interview. "They just want to use it as a political bludgeon against Trump." Andy Biggs of Arizona, another Republican on the panel, says there are plenty of Russia investigations already underway. Like Goodlatte, he sees a need to investigate Obama administration officials, saying there are unresolved questions about Clinton's emails and other topics. "Those need to be answered," he said at last week's hearing. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland has a different view: "If all this is simply meant to somehow distract and divert from the ongoing special counsel investigation and somehow to create the idea of symmetry and parity, that strikes me as antithetical to the purposes of this committee." WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a bill that imposes new sanctions on Russia, but he immediately expressed doubts about its constitutionality and criticized Congress for giving itself greater powers to prevent him from rolling back penalties aimed at Moscow. Trump's reluctant signing of the legislation came nearly a week after it was approved by overwhelming, bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate that assured any veto could be overridden. Trump's statement, however, raised questions about whether he will enforce all its provisions. He called the bill - which imposes new penalties on Russia, Iran and North Korea - "seriously flawed," primarily because it restricts his ability to negotiate sanctions concerning Moscow without congressional approval. "By limiting the Executive's flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together," Trump said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice." While Trump said he would honor this section of the law despite his qualms, he argued other parts of the bill are "clearly unconstitutional" and held out the possibility he would ignore provisions concerning the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the denial of visas to foreign nationals targeted by the bill. "My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions and will implement them in a manner consistent with the President's constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations," he said. Trump said his problems with the legislation did not mean he opposed its underlying principles. "I favor tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang," he said. "I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization." But lawmakers' solidarity in tying Trump's hands on Russian sanctions reflects a deepening concern about the White House's posture toward Moscow, which critics have characterized as naive. The new Russia sanctions expand on measures taken by the Obama administration to punish the Kremlin for its alleged efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. But Trump has continued to cast doubt that Russia alone was responsible and he has called the investigations in Congress and by the special counsel into the issue a "witch hunt." The administration's lobbying of lawmakers in public and private to pull back the bill's requirement that Congress review any attempt by the president to amend sanctions against Moscow ultimately fell on deaf ears. The measure imposes a 30-day review period to give Congress a chance to vote down any of the president's proposed changes to these policies before they can be implemented. Despite Trump's objections, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., praised the bill becoming law. "Today, the United States sent a powerful message to our adversaries that they will be held accountable for their actions," Ryan said. "These sanctions directly target the destructive and destabilizing activities of Iran, Russia, and North Korea." Trump said he signed the legislation despite his reservations for the sake of "national unity," but in a pointed jab at lawmakers in his own party, he questioned Congress's ability to negotiate sanctions based on its inability to approve the Republicans' health-care legislation. "The bill remains seriously flawed - particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate," Trump said. "Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking." Trump's decision to detail his concerns in a signing statement, asserting which parts of the law he would choose to enforce, follows in a tradition that has grown more common among modern presidents. President George W. Bush frequently used signing statements to assert that he could selectively enforce or ignore parts of bills passed by Congress, including to rebuff congressional restrictions on interrogation techniques. The practice of issuing signing statements continued under Obama. Constitutional law experts said with the sanctions bill, Congress rightfully asserted its own powers to serve as a check on the executive branch, even on matters of national security. Michael Glennon from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy said that Trump's statement was a "gross misreading" of the case law he cited to bolster his claim that the congressional review provision had unconstitutionally robbed him of the power to negotiate. "That's obviously a misguided interpretation of his constitutional authority," Glennon said. "Congress has very broad authority over foreign commerce - it's explicitly given the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. It could have, if it desired, imposed those sanctions without giving the president any waiver authority whatsoever." Senators who voted for the bill said they were perplexed by the president's assertion it was unconstitutional."I don't know what he's talking about," said Sen Tim Kaine, D-Va. "I don't think that's going to stand up." Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., shrugged off Trump's criticism. "It doesn't matter to me what the signing statement says," he said. "I know there's been some resistance at the White House on congressional review, but I think it's a good and important piece of legislation. I had that conversation with the president directly, and I am glad he signed it and that it has become law." Russia this week reacted to Congress's passage of the sanctions bill - as well as the earlier Obama-imposed measures - by announcing that it would order the U.S. Embassy there to reduce its staff by 755 people and seize U.S. diplomatic properties. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday criticized Trump for signing the bill. "The Trump administration has shown its total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way," he tweeted. For now, Trump's desire to improve relations with Russia has hit a major speed bump at the same time Americans are expressing growing support for an adversarial approach toward Moscow, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The poll found 53 percent support actively working to limit Russia's power compared with 43 percent who favor friendly cooperation and engagement, a sharp reversal from last year when 58 percent favored cooperative efforts. Over 4 in 10 said Russian influence in U.S. elections represents a "critical threat" to the country. The poll found mixed support for imposing additional sanctions, with 38 percent saying they should be increased and 41 percent saying they should be kept about the same. Far fewer, 17 percent, said the United States should decrease or eliminate sanctions on Russia, according to the survey of a random sample of 2,020 adults conducted June 27-July 19. Trump praised some recent changes made to the legislation that he said would help U.S. companies, such as by giving the Treasury Department more flexibility when handing out licenses. But he made clear that he feels Congress should leave negotiating with foreign powers to him. "I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars," Trump said in his statement. "That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress." --- The Washington Post's Scott Clement contributed to this report. --- VIDEO: President Trump signed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia on Tuesday. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post) --http://wapo.st/2hoB8UO -- A 51-year-old Vidor woman will face up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to robbing two banks in Texas and Louisiana. Eva Renee Powell admitted to robbing the Capital One Bank in Orange on May 20, 2016 and was caught fleeing a similar scene in Lake Charles in March 18, 2017. Investigators in Orange were able to connect her to the Orange bank robbery, according to a statement released by the United States Department of Justice. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It was 51 years ago Tuesday that ex-Marine Charles Whitman walked to the top of the University of Texas' 307-foot clock tower and shot at students and Austin residents for more than 90 minutes. Using an array of firearms he killed 15 people and wounded 32 during his Aug. 1, 1966, killing spree. A trained Marine sniper, he shot most of his victims near the heart. PREVIOUS: Survivors of 1966 shooting at UT remember dead Whitman killed his mother and wife in the hours before he began shooting from his perch in the observation deck of the 27-story clock tower, just before noon. He wanted to spare them the shame of living with his deeds to come. During his terrorizing episode he shot a pregnant woman, Claire Wilson, killing her unborn child with a gunshot to the head while still in the womb. Wilson survived but would not be able to have any more children. The child was the 16th Whitman victim, yet sometimes the baby is not listed in the final tally of the dead. In the minutes after Whitman began shooting, some UT students on campus grabbed deer rifles from cars and dorms and attempted to stop him. RELATED: Decades later, debate remains over who killed UT shooter Charles Whitman Whitman was so terrifyingly accurate with his high-powered rifle that he shot people as far as 500 yards away. Texas Monthly published a strong 40th anniversary oral history piece on the shootings in 2006. Author Gary Lavergne's 1987 book "A Sniper in the Tower" tackled the subject in a way few had done before that point. NPR spoke with Lavergne last year about mental health laws and gun violence, recounting how Whitman told a school psychiatrist he had a dark fantasy involving shooting people from that tower. The official didn't think anything of the remark. Whitman, Lavergne noted, seemed to be a normal person with flaws like anxiety and depression, but he was manipulative. A 17th death would be attributed to Whitman when in November 2001 David Gunby died of injuries he suffered when he was wounded 35 years earlier. He had been shot in the lower back, destroying his kidney, leading to a kidney transplant and a life of dialysis treatments. RELATED: Officer who shot UT sniper in 1966 dies at 72 Whitman also wounded 32 people in the spree, many who have gone on to tell their stories to the world. As the mayhem continued on the UT campus, Austin police officers Houston McCoy and Ramiro Martinez made their move on the shooter, confronting him after climbing into the sniper's lair. McCoy fired twice with his 12-gauge shotgun, hitting Whitman in the face. Officer Ramiro Martinez also fired on Whitman, emptying his service revolver into him. An autopsy performed on Whitman found that he had been suffering from a brain tumor. He had been complaining of headaches and mental health issues for some time, and relayed as much in his suicide note. The autopsy report stated that he had a glioblastoma, a variety of brain tumor, which was pressing the part of the brain that controlled emotional patterns. It was reportedly the size of a walnut. The Austin American Statesman created a powerful and insightful multimedia package diving into the story of Whitman, his victims and the aftermath of the shooting spree that can be seen here. LONGHORN PRIDE: Legends, secrets and myths of University of Texas at Austin One of the rifles used to carry out one of the worst killing sprees in Texas history is now on display at the Crime Museum in the U.S. capitol. The Remington 700 rifle used by Whitman was obtained from a private collector,the museum said. The buyer preferred that it not sit in a closet collecting dust and wanted it to be an educational piece. While Whitman perpetrated the first recognized mass shooting at an education institution in U.S. history, the police that day learned a powerful lesson. The efforts of law enforcement to finally take him down in a hail of gunfire on the observation deck ultimately led to the creation of SWAT teams across the country. Click through the slideshow above to see images from that fateful day in Austin... A 44-year-old man from Beaumont allegedly set his girlfriend on fire and threatened to kill her if she contacted police. According to a June 24 police report obtained by The Examiner, the victim told authorities Aaron Charles Hill set her on fire using rubbing alcohol because he thought "she was evil" and because he said she "had a snake on her." Company logos of China Unicom are displayed at a news conference during the company's announcement of its annual results in Hong Kong, March 16, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] China United Network Communications Group Co, the country's second-largest mobile carrier by subscribers, has set up two operating centers to deepen cooperation with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd. The move signals that Alibaba and Tencent are almost certain to become shareholders of China Unicom, as the State-owned telecom carrier accelerates its push for mixed-ownership reform, analysts said. According to a document obtained by China Daily, the two centers, established in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, are designed to expand cooperation, respectively, with Tencent and Alibaba. Supervised by China Unicom's headquarters, the two centers are engaged in product design, event planning and research and development, and other activities which will support the telecom carrier's nationwide cooperation with the two tech heavyweights, the document said. The Alibaba-oriented center has started with 50 employees, and the Tencent-centered one starts with 34. The staff lists will be adjusted as needed, the document said. A screen capture of recruitment information shows that the Tencent center is recruiting employees including product managers, designers and engineers. China Unicom confirmed to China Daily on Tuesday that the two operating centers have been established, but it declined to offer more information. Peter Liu, research director at consultancy Gartner Inc, said the move signals that China Unicom is scrambling to deepen business cooperation with Alibaba and Tencent, though details on possible capital injection are yet to be finalized. "It is unlikely for China Unicom to raise money from all big internet players in China, because all getting a foothold in a boat is equal to no one really on board," Liu said. China Unicom said in a filing in late July that its mixed-ownership reform plan was approved by the country's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission. But the company said it was still negotiating with potential backers, despite media reports that Alibaba and Tencent would team up with other big Chinese technology firms to jointly invest about $12 billion into its Shanghai-listed unit. Xiang Ligang, chief executive of telecom industry website Cctime, said investing in China Unicom will give internet companies key access to its core network resources, such as servers and bandwidth. "Tencent and Alibaba are almost certain to be part of the reform, for their cooperation is generating impressive results," Xiang said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Houston Police Department officials acknowledge scant progress in their efforts to curb illegal sexual acts in a troubled spot of Memorial Park. A remote corner of the bike path, just beyond the tree line, remains a place where men are regularly caught masturbating and are arrested for indecent exposure, police said. "It's become such a well-known, common place that people know exist. Unfortunately it's one of those places where we're going to have to reinforce enforcement all the time," said Jodi Silva, a spokeswoman for Houston Police Department. Those involved in the criminal exposure are men, police said, typically professionally dressed, clean-cut and showing up at the edge of the bike path during lunch time. "A guy will be just walking, or sitting in his car, and another guy will follow him and they disappear into the woods. That's when our officer will follow and look for guys just standing around looking at leaves," Vice Sgt. Tony Gracia said. "It's regular Joe Citizen on his lunch break and going to the area and masturbating." A Class B misdemeanor Gracia, who has served as a Houston police officer for 26 years, said most men who go there communicate with each other online and will warn each other to stay away from the area if arrests have been on the rise. Then, after some time passes, they'll start showing up again. The offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. That doesn't seem to discourage offenders. Moreover, park visitors and people living nearby aren't asking enforcement officials to devote more time to combating public masturbation. Silva said other priorities, such as responding to burglaries and vehicle robberies, matter more to them. At least six people have been arrested for indecent exposure in the last six months, Silva said. The last high-profile case goes back to 2013, when seven men were arrested in one day. One was a Harris County sheriff's deputy, Christopher Toomey, who had been a deputy for four years when he was nabbed. Police had operated stings on Picnic Loop for years before that, Gracia said. One reason he suspects men continue to use a forested spot just feet from cyclists and family picnics despite monthly arrests is "the thrill of getting caught." Apprehensions go smoothly He said students, a pastor and even an FBI agent have been among those charged in recent years. When they are caught, he said, the apprehension goes smoothly, they don't resist, and the first thing they say is, "I'm married." Marcus Cabrera, a Spring Branch resident, was asked about the park's illegal sex as he headed out for an afternoon hike Wednesday. He was surprised to hear that public masturbators meet just yards from where he stood. "I want to keep my eyes open and report anything I see right away," he said. "I'm really glad to know that now. I don't think it's going to be safe; you never know." But Gracia says in his experience the men involved have not threatened or attempted to lure anyone not participating in the sexual encounter. Of course, he said, anything is possible. So he simply advises people to be aware of their surroundings in Memorial Park. Dave Moffat, of Montrose, was cooling off from a bike ride around the loop at a picnic table shaded by a sprawling tree at the trailhead. He said if he had kids he would be more concerned, but he still feels safe in the park. "But you never know what's going on around you," he said. "I was just sitting here enjoying music." San Antonio firefighter Brad Phipps was released from the hospital Tuesday, more than 2 months after being injured in a fire, and will continue his recovery process in his home, San Antonio Fire Department said in a press release. Phipps was injured in a fire May 18 at the Ingram Square Shopping Center. Firefighter Scott Deem was killed in the blaze and fellow firefighter Robert Vasquez was also injured but has since been released from the hospital. A proposal to permanently paint a rainbow crosswalk on Main Avenue in recognition of San Antonios commitment to the LGBT community was passed unanimously Wednesday afternoon by the Governance Committee. District 1 Councilman Roberto C. Trevino, who filed the request in June, left the meeting in high spirits saying there was a lot of enthusiasm for the project in both the community surrounding the crosswalk and the committee itself. Tejano music fans across Texas may have been shocked to find Selena Quintanilla's brother on the Nueces County Sheriff's Office most wanted list, but it isn't the first time authorities have sought A.B. Quintanilla for failure to pay child support. Court records from Fort Bend County show an arrest warrant was issued for the former member of Los Kumbia Kings in July 2015 after he was found in contempt of court for not paying child support. Its time to wake up Washington. The horror of the recent deaths of 10 undocumented immigrants in San Antonio the fear, the desperation, the pain is something most people dont even want to think about. But for decades, as people flee dire circumstances to seek the American dream of better lives for themselves and especially their children, they find their paths blocked by an antiquated U.S. immigration system. The risks they take to get here often end in tragedies such as the one that unfolded in that Walmart parking lot. An estimated 100 people were willing to pack themselves into the back of an 18-wheeler with no air conditioning in the middle of a scorching Texas summer in search of that American dream. It is a tragedy repeated far too often. In 2003, 19 immigrants died in Victoria in a trailer abandoned by its driver. Thirty years ago, 18 immigrants suffered unspeakable deaths in Sierra Blanca after they were locked into a railroad boxcar by smugglers. But these are high-profile deaths that make the news. We rarely hear about the countless abandoned in sweltering deserts by smugglers to fend for themselves without food or water, or those who drown crossing the Rio Grande. Where is the outrage, Washington? Politicians did nothing in the wake of Sandy Hook and will do nothing on immigration reform unless we demand real action. People will continue to die unless our countrys leaders decide that enough is enough, seriously address the issue, and develop a sensible and humanitarian process for people to legally enter the country. Comprehensive immigration reform has eluded Americas political leaders since at least the Reagan administration. Under the current system, the two primary routes to legally enter the country are through employment or, more commonly, family reunification. The system offers a path to enter for some in high-skill jobs, but it does little for those who work in construction or food service jobs. And if someone doesnt already have a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, there is practically no line. Even for someone with a close relative, the process can be overwhelming. A legal permanent resident who wants to petition for an unmarried adult child must provide proof of income levels that are often impossible. And even if they do qualify, the wait for a visa can take decades. For people from Mexico, for example, the wait is literally more than 20 years. Family reunification visas are capped each year, and there are far more qualified applicants than allotted visas. Changes must be made. While there are different opinions about how to fix our immigration system, the first step should be to clear the backlogs and make the process of coming here less arduous. In 2006, President George W. Bush outlined a rational plan that advocated increasing border security through increased funding for manpower and technology, the creation of a temporary worker program, holding employers who hire undocumented workers accountable, and the creation of a path to legalization for many of those already living here. The plan was not perfect, but it was a good start. But as has happened so many times, Congress failed to act. Thats because these steps take political will and courage. Lack of access to the American dream for many has led to criminal smuggling enterprises that endanger human lives for the sake of a few dollars. These smugglers treat people not as human beings but as cargo. Until real immigration reform happens, no troops at the border or wall of whatever size will prevent those desperate for a better life from taking the kinds of risks that ended in the deaths of 10 people. Such measures havent worked in the past, and they never will. Will we stand still or act? Gerardo Menchaca is an immigration attorney in San Antonio. A Texas dentist was indicted Monday for a 2016 incident which left a 4-year-old girl with permanent brain damage. Dentist accused of overdosing child and waiting to notify emergency responders According to FOX News, Dr. Bethanial Jefferson is accused of intentionally and knowingly by omission causing serious bodily harm to a child by failing to seek and provide adequate medical attention. Courissa Clark says she brought her daughter, Nevaeh Hill, to Jefferson's office in Houston to have a tooth pulled. Upon receiving anesthesia, Nevaeh suffered a seizure and severe brain damage. Navaeh is now confined to a wheel chair and will be brain damaged for the rest of her life. Court documents say that Jefferson administered too many sedatives in combination with other drugs, causing Nevaeh to fall into respiratory distress. The distress reduced oxygen levels to her brain, resulting in brain damage. After the incident, Jefferson allegedly placed Nevaeh in a recovery room where she remained for several hours without adequate medical care before Jefferson finally contacted 911. Dentist facing criminal and civil litigation Jefferson has since been suspended from practice by the Texas Board of Dental Examiners, and Clark has filed a civil case against Jefferson on behalf of her daughter. On Tuesday, a judge issued a warrant for Jefferson's arrest. Jefferson turned herself in to Montgomery County Jail but has been released on $50,000 bond. Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of medical malpractice litigation. We have extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. We represent clients/victims all over the country. If your child was injured due to medical malpractice, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. A New York resident is dead after contracting salmonella from eating a contaminated papaya. Federal health officials have confirmed 46 additional infections across 12 states. Federal regulators determine source of papaya salmonella outbreak According to FOX News, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have traced the salmonella outbreak to Caribena brand yellow Maradol papayas. The papayas were grown in Mexico then distributed by Grande Produce of San Juan, Texas. Health officials determined there was an outbreak after a cluster similar cases were reported between May 17 and June 28. Reports concerned individuals between the age of 1 and 97. Consumers and restaurants are urged to dispose of the papayas, adding that if there is any doubt whether a papaya is a yellow Maradol papaya, it is best to err on the side of caution and through it out. States where illnesses have been recorded include: Iowa Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Minnesota New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Texas Utah Virginia Maryland A similar outbreak occurred in 2011 when 97 people across 23 states were sickened after eating salmonella-contaminated papayas. Salmonella symptoms and statistics According to the CDC, Salmonella causes in one million food borne illnesses every year, resulting in 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths. Common symptoms include: Diarrhea Fever Abdominal cramps Symptoms appear 12 to 72 hours after infection and usually persist for four to seven days. Infections and illness tend to be more serious in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Contact an experienced product liability attorney Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division has extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. We represent a multitude of people who are battling against manufacturers of defective drugs and/or products. Your choice does matter. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries because of recalled foods or supplements, call Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We represent clients/victims all over the country. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. July was another busy month for Auckland Council, with significant announcements made on housing and transport. On July 11 I joined the Finance Minister, Steven Joyce to announce a new $300 million infrastructure investment for Auckland. Provided through the governments Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), the investment will bring forward construction of 10,500 new homes in Whenuapai and Redhills. Under the HIF millions will also be invested in transport infrastructure, including an extension to Fred Taylor Drive and Northside Drive, an update and realignment of Trig Road and a new bridge crossing to the West Harbour ferry terminal. These upgrades will deliver benefits for commuters in the north-west of our city while driving whole-of-network improvements by reducing congestion, creating more transport choice and improving travel times. July also saw the announcement of Crown Infrastructure Partners, a new infrastructure investment vehicle that will enable the construction of thousands of new homes in Auckland. Earlier this year we took to Government the concept of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to fund infrastructure in a way that recognises constraints on further Council borrowing. Under this vehicle we have lodged proposals with Government that would enable us to bring forward construction of around 23,300 new homes in South and North Auckland, much earlier than would otherwise be possible. The initial investment of $387 million in transport and water infrastructure in Drury South and West, Paerata and Pukekohe will enable the construction of 17,800 dwellings much earlier than would otherwise be the case. A further major development will be around Wainui in North Auckland with $200 million in infrastructure funding required for an additional 5500 dwellings. The new investment vehicle will provide capital from Government and the private sector which will not be debt on Councils books. It will be funded through development contributions and infrastructure charges within the new housing developments. Combined, the HIF and Crown Infrastructure Partners will deliver close to a billion dollars in new infrastructure spending for Auckland. The new investment speaks to the strong and constructive relationship between Council and Government and is a great start in tackling our citys housing and transport challenges. But it is only a start. More investment is needed to bring forward the important projects our city needs to keep pace with growth, and I will continue to engage with Government to ensure Auckland can build the infrastructure it needs to grow up and out. Auckland Council will update rating values this year, and we often get asked, given the positive market movement since the last rating valuation, will my rates increase? Well, the answer is complicated, but to put it simply it depends! Councils apportion rates based on rating values (RVs). These are assessed every three years using a mass appraisal approach, largely computer calculated and considering a number of factors such as property type, location, land size, zoning, dwelling floor area, consented work and recent sales data. Based on the 2013 Census, there are over 470,000 dwellings in Auckland, plus thousands of commercial properties, so assessing RVs is no easy task. The process has improved with access to a lot more data but it is not an accurate assessment of current market value, nor should the information be used for insurance purposes. The process calculates a Capital Value (CV) being an estimate of the selling price, used as the Rateable Value (RV); a Land Value (LV), the most likely bare land selling value; and Improvements Value (IV) being the difference between the RV and LV. Due to the number of properties, this process cannot individually assess every property, accurately taking into consideration things such as views, amenities, condition, fixtures and features which contribute to the appeal, and therefore the market value, of a property. It also relies on having accurate property data, which is not always the case, especially when it comes to dwelling sizes. Traditionally, purchasers have used the RV as a benchmark when assessing market value, which is clearly flawed and becomes even more meaningless as the market moves over time. There has been considerable market movement since the last rating valuations were done; REINZ records the median sales value for all of Auckland as being $610,000 in July 2014 compared with $845,000 in June 2017 (a 39 percent increase), so how may this effect rates? Firstly the Council set their budget based on their planned spending for the new financial year. After all fixed charges per rateable property are calculated (Uniform Annual General Charge, Waste Management Fee and Transport Levy) and deducted from their total budget, the remainder is generally apportioned over all rateable properties (based on type residential, rural or commercial) with weighting applied depending on the proportion of rates paid by each property type. The share of this remainder is apportioned using the RV. Therefore, many factors influence the change in a rates bill the amount that Council has increased its budget, the change in number of rateable properties (affecting the total value of fixed charges), the way Council applies the weighting factor between property type and finally, compared to the last RV assessment, how much a property has changed in relation to others in Auckland. For example, if your RV has increased since July 2014, but not as much as the rest of Auckland, it could be possible, depending on all the other factors, for your rates to remain the same or decrease as the greater share of the increase is absorbed by other properties. Those whose zoning has changed to higher density under the new Unitary Plan may see significant increases in their land values in relation to other properties, so the opposite may apply there, with rates increasing by a greater than average amount. Rates for this year have already been assessed based on the July 2014 RVs, and new RVs will be available in November for assessing next years rates. It is still important to look at the new RVs and see if they fairly represent the value of your property. Houseowners can object to the assessed RV within a set timeframe, requiring the valuers completing the RV to take a closer look at the assessed value for features not considered using the mass appraisal process. Any review of an RV will obviously adjust the amount of rates paid. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Arts & Culture, Seasonal & Current Events, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: August 01 2017 Fort Salonga resident to play at the Dennis Cannataro Summer Library Concert Series. Smithtown, NY - August 1, 2017 - Through the Grace Music School in Fort Salonga, Through the Grace Music School in Fort Salonga, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recruited Isabella Benrubi to play the National Anthem on the violin prior to Southbound singing their country hits at the Smithtown Library s summer concert series. Isabella, who takes lessons at the school, has been playing the violin since kindergarten and will be performing on tour in Alaska in August with one of her music instructors. Legislator Trotta dedicated this concert to Roseanne Kleppsattel who recently passed away and had sung the National Anthem for the last three years at these concerts. Legislator Robert Trotta represents the 13th Legislative District, which includes Smithtown , Fort Salonga, Kings Park , San Remo, Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor, and St. James, as well as most of East Northport and parts of Northport and Commack Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: August 02 2017 Bill Introduced by Congressman Chris Collins Would Block New York's Gun Safety Laws Regulating Rifles and Shotguns, Including Assault Weapons. Long Island, NY - August 2, 2017 - New Yorkers Against Gun Violence announced today its condemnation of H.R. 3576, a federal bill introduced by Congressman Chris Collins (R-NY 27) that would preempt state and local gun safety laws regulating rifles and shotguns, including background check requirements on the transfer of these guns. The bill would pose a danger to New Yorkers by overriding the common sense gun laws enacted by state and local governments. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has also condemned this federal proposal and expressed strong support for New York State's gun safety laws. "Representative Collins' dangerous proposal is a drastic, politically-driven attempt to override state and local laws that reasonably regulate the sale and transfer of shotguns and rifles, including assault weapons and high capacity magazines," said Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. "This extreme federal legislation would even gut applicable background check requirements and allow felons, domestic abusers, and others who are a danger to themselves or others to easily access such guns. New York has the third lowest gun death rate in the nation and our common sense gun laws have prevented gun deaths and injuries across our state. We condemn this unconscionable, gun lobby-backed bill that undermines states' rights and threatens the lives and well-being of families and communities in New York and across the country," she added. "It is interesting that Congressman Collins holds himself out as having conservative values and yet he is pushing a bill that would challenge the rights of states and localities to set policy regarding gun sales," said Gary Pudup, NYAGV's Western New York Coordinator. "This extreme federal bill is both vague and overly broad and could easily be challenged as unconstitutional. As a gun owner and retired police officer myself, I also find it incomprehensible that any reasonable, law-abiding gun owner would be in favor of eliminating background checks on the sale of rifles and shotguns," he added. Nature & Weather, Local News, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness By Long Island News & PR Published: August 02 2017 Safe Drinking Water, Groundwater Investigation Are Top Priorities. Yaphank, NY - August 2, 2017 - In response to the presence of a newly designated hazardous substance in groundwater in the vicinity of a county-owned facility in In response to the presence of a newly designated hazardous substance in groundwater in the vicinity of a county-owned facility in Yaphank that is used to provide training for volunteer firefighters, Suffolk County s multi-pronged approach has entered a new phase. The county has executed an agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) through which the county has agreed to fully investigate and remediate contamination related to the previous use of firefighting foam at the site. According to Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken, the agreement, which sets forth a process and timetable for the investigation, also requires the development of a formal Citizen Participation Plan to be submitted to the NYSDEC by mid-August. There has been continuous activity in the response effort since July, 2016 when the health department anticipated the potential for groundwater contamination and proactively investigated the site, the commissioner noted. The Firematics site, which has been used as a training facility for the volunteer fire service since 1959, is located at 676 Maple Street in Yaphank. A type of firefighting foam known as aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was used at Firematics Site for training purposes until May 2016, when perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which can be found in the foam, were classified as hazardous substances by New York State on April 26, 2016. In April 2017, the county announced that NYSDEC had designated the Firematics site to be included in the State Superfund Program. In early July, Suffolk County voluntarily executed an Order on Consent with the NYSDEC to set out a clear process and timetable to address the contamination of the site. Under the Order on Consent, the county will develop a Remedial Investigation (RI) and a Feasibility Study (FS) workplan to be approved by the NYSDEC. Upon approval of the workplan by NYSDEC, the county will implement the RI/FS workplan to continue the Remedial Investigation. This work is expected to occur in the fall 2017. The results of the RI will be used to determine appropriate actions to take in order to remediate the environmental impacts. Such remediation is expected to occur in 2018. As part of the continued investigation of groundwater contamination in the area, other potential sources of PFOS and PFOA will also be investigated. The execution of an Order on Consent typically marks the beginning of the investigation and response to environmental impacts. What makes this situation unusual in a very positive way is that instead of waiting for the execution of the agreement, Suffolk County has been moving aggressively for over a year, explained Commissioner Tomarken. We have been working quickly to make sure that residents in potentially affected areas have access to safe drinking water, while at the same time moving forward with a comprehensive groundwater investigation to determine the extent of contamination. The county is committed to taking whatever actions are necessary to address the environmental impacts that have resulted from the historical use of foam agents for firefighting training. In addition to firefighting foam, perfluorinated compounds such as PFOS and PFOA have been used in a number of industrial and commercial products, such as coatings that repel water, oil, stains and grease. They have been used in textiles, food packaging and non-stick cookware; though many major manufacturers in the United States have agreed to voluntarily reduce the content of PFCs in their products. As a result of this widespread use the general public can be exposed to PFOS and PFOA from many sources other than drinking water. Food can be a significant source of exposure to PFOS and PFOA, and carpets treated with PFC-containing products would also be a potential source of exposure for small children. As soon as the state designated PFOS and PFOA as hazardous substances, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) staff moved quickly to identify properties with private wells that could be impacted by groundwater contamination from the Firematics site. In July 2016, SCDHS staff reached out to potentially affected residents to advise homeowners and to obtain water samples from their wells for testing. Several private wells were found to have levels of PFOS and PFOA that exceeded an EPA Health Advisory Level (HAL), which was issued in May, 2016. Out of an abundance of caution, bottled water was provided to all residents in the private well survey area free of charge. In October 2016, the Suffolk County Legislature authorized the county to enter into an agreement with the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) to connect all residences in the immediate area to public water. By early January of 2017, 16 homes had been connected to public water at no cost to the property owners. A groundwater monitoring investigation was also initiated in October by SCDHS. To date, 25 monitoring profile wells have been installed to characterize the area and extent of groundwater contamination. PFCs exceeding EPA HALs were detected in several monitoring wells. This work proceeds as more information is obtained. In February 2017, the county expanded sampling of private wells to areas further south and east of the Fire Training Center based on initial private well and groundwater monitoring results. Bottled water was also made available to these residents free of charge. As of July 27, approximately 6,000 gallons of water had been delivered to residents in the Yaphank survey area who were not yet connected to public water. As a result of this sampling, in June 2017, SCDHS contracted with the SCWA to connect an additional 32 properties in this expanded area to public water. That process has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. In total, the Suffolk County Legislature has authorized the expenditure of $1.23 million to connect properties identified in the private well survey area to public water. As of July 31, an additional 16 parcels have been connected in the Yaphank area. Residents with homes served by public water do not need to have their water sampled, as the public water supply is routinely tested. PFC levels in the public water supply in the area have not been detected at levels of concern. Most recently, SCDHS has developed a plan to conduct additional groundwater studies which will be initiated this summer, to help delineate the extent of PFC contamination. SCDHS has also contracted with a consultant to further accelerate the remedial investigation process, which will include a formal citizen participation component. Part of the effort will focus on characterizing other potential PFC sources in the area, including the Brookhaven Landfill and Long Island Compost sites. For the past several months, SCDHS has also led an interagency work group, including NYSDEC and NYSDOH, in developing a preliminary workplan to assess potential impacts of PFCs on surface waters of the Carmans River and associated aquatic biota. The goal is to undertake this evaluation at the earliest practicable time so that the data can be used to evaluate potential exposures to humans from the consumption of fish and shellfish. More information about PFOS and PFOA and the investigation at the Firematics site can be found on the Suffolk County website: http://suffolkcountyny.gov/health/pfcwaterinfo . This website contains general information about PFOS and PFOA, a Frequently Asked Question document and a link to information specific to the Firematics site, including a map of the private well sampling area. This page will be updated periodically as new information becomes available. The website is part of an extensive community outreach effort by SCDHS, which has included visits and counseling to residents on private wells, press releases, and mailings to all residents in the vicinity. For more information about the environmental investigation at the Firematics Site, contact NYSDEC at 518-402-9658. Residents who have questions about testing their private well should call SCDHS at 631-852-5810. For general health questions about PFOS or PFOA, contact the New York State Department of Health at 518-402-7860. The Islamic State claimed credit for a suicide attack at a Shiite mosque in the western city of Herat last night that killed 29 people and wounded more than 60. The attack is the latest by the group that intentionally targeted Afghan civilians. The jihadist group, in a brief statement released on its official Amaq News Agency, said that an immersing attack by two Islamic State fighters were responsible for the assault, according tot the SITE Intelligence Group. The fighters were identified as Umayr Assim and Tayyib al-Khorasani. In a separate statement, The Islamic State said that the two fighters executed upon the filthy Rawafidh [Shiites], harming and afflicting them, and killing among them, by the grace of Allah, nearly 50 polytheists and wounding more than 80 others. Afghan officials were unclear if one or two fighters were involved in the operation. Reports indicate that a suicide bomber detonated inside the Jawadia Mosque, and then minutes later another fighter toss grenades inside as recovery operations were underway. The Islamic State said that its fighters attacked the mosque with small arms and grenades, and then detonated their suicide vests. Qari Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi, an official Taliban spokesman, denied that his group was involved in the mosque bombing. The Taliban is sensitive to the issue of civilian casualties and distances itself from attacks where large numbers of civilians are killed. The Islamic States Khorasan province has unabashedly targeted Afghan civilians, particularly Shiites, in mass-casualty suicide attacks in mosques and other locations. The group does not view Shiites as proper Muslims, and targets them as viciously as it does Western forces. [See FDDs Long War Journal reports, Islamic State suicide bomber kills dozens at Kabul mosque and Islamic State continues to target Shiite civilians in Kabul.] Last nights bombing was the second high profile attack by the Islamic State in two days. The group also launched a suicide assault on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul; the exact number of casualties has not been disclosed. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. A Taliban suicide bomber attacked a NATO military convoy as it was traveling in Kandahar City in southern Afghanistan. Resolute Support, NATOs mission in Afghanistan, confirmed that there were casualties but did not provide the number of soldiers who were wounded or possibly killed in the attack. The Taliban, in a statement released on its official propaganda website, Voice of Jihad, said that Asadullah Kandahari, a member of its martyrdom seeking squad, attacked the convoy after noon local Afghan time as it traveled in Police District 5 of Kandahar City. The Taliban claimed that two tanks, which likely are armored HUMVEES, were destroyed in the blast and 15 invaders were killed. Resolute Support released a statement confirming that the attack did cause casualties and said it would release more details at a later time. Resolute Support can confirm that a NATO convoy was attacked this afternoon in #Kandahar . pic.twitter.com/gwRfMGBjLq Resolute Support (@ResoluteSupport) August 2, 2017 Eyewitnesses told Dawn that at least one armored vehicle was ablaze after the bombing, and several soldiers were seen being evacuated from the scene of the attack. A Pentagon spokesman later said that two US soldiers were killed but did not provide a number of wounded, Reuters reported. Todays assault in Kandahar City is similar one ones carried out by the group in the capital of Kabul and elsewhere. The Taliban identifies convoys as they travel through congested cities and strikes them with a vehicle laden with explosives. The last such attack, on July 24 in Kabul, killed dozens of employees from the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. In a similar attack, in Kabul in Feb. 2015, targeted the convoy of NATOs senior diplomat. The Taliban claims it has thousands of fighters trained to execute suicide bombings. The group has even trained the son of Mullah Haibatullah, the emir of the Afghan Taliban, to carry out an attack. Hafiz Abdul Rahman, Haibatullahs son, killed himself in a complex suicide attack which targeted Afghan forces in the southern province of Helmand in mid-July. The Taliban has provided some clues about the organization of its so-called martyrdom units that has conducted operations such as todays attack in Kandahar. It has identified two key leaders of its Suicide Groups. Mullah Taj Mir Jawad has been described as the head of a martyrdom-seekers battalion, while Qari Abdul Raouf Zakir, is the commander of the Talibans suicide groups. Qari Zakir, who was designated as a terrorist by the State Department in Nov. 2012, has long commanded the Haqqani Networks suicide operations. Additionally, the Taliban has promoted its training camps for suicide bombers. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Community-based Primary Healthcare: the key to unlocking health for all 2 August 2017 Community-based primary healthcare has potential for delivering health services to hard-to-reach and under-served communities, and for achieving the Global Goals on health, says a new report published by Malaria Consortium Despite advances in global health over the past few decades, many of the poorest people living in rural communities still lack access to critical health services. According to the World Health Organization, 5.9 million children die from illnesses that are easily preventable and treatable, and over 300,000 women die from maternal complications every year. Community-based primary healthcare (CBPHC) is being increasingly recognised, by donors and governments alike, for the great potential it has for extending vital health services to the hardest-to-reach communities. The report, Community-based Primary Healthcare: the key to unlocking health for all, calls for the scaling up of the CBPHC approach in order to deliver health services at the community level, tackle the growing global health worker shortage and support the achievement of universal health coverage. Ultimately, this is the sure way of sustainably ensuring that the people are in charge of their healthcare and destiny, says Right Honourable Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of Uganda, upon receiving the report. CBPHC involves the use of community health workers (CHWs), who are volunteers selected from their local communities. CHWs are trained to provide basic prevention, diagnosis and treatment for the most common childhood illnesses, including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, acute malnutrition and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). They educate communities about disease prevention, hygiene and good health, and can play an important role in other health interventions, such as supporting mass drug administrations and mosquito net distributions. As evidence of the effectiveness of CBPHC grows, technological innovations have driven increased interest in CBPHC. The use of mobile technology (mHealth) is gaining attention for its ability to help CHWs provide good quality health services. In Mozambique, for example, Malaria Consortium has designed and is now scaling-up a digital health platform that uses a smartphone application to support CHW decision-making and to collect community-level health data that will aid government in their delivery of health programmes. By utilising CHWs that are embedded in the heart of communities, CBPHC programmes create an important link with the formal health system. This also makes CBPHC an essential vehicle for achieving first, the Global Goal on health, and secondly, contributing to the wider Global Goals. One example of this is in Uganda, where Malaria Consortium has established village health clubs through a project that aims to improve access to health services for childhood diseases and maternal and newborn care. Village health clubs provide a forum for all community members to discuss the health problems facing their community, and then find solutions that are locally appropriate. Thus, through the village health clubs, communities have begun to own their own healthcare. Using health as a gateway, communities have been taught the power of collective action, and have become empowered to solve other problems, such as improving the infrastructure in their village, caring for the elderly and disabled, improving water sources, providing transport for the vulnerable and improving livelihoods. In order for CBPHC programmes to be successfully implemented, thus contributing to achieving universal health coverage and the Global Goals, the report recommends that: National governments to invest in scaling up CBPHC programmes, and coordinate the various actors delivering CBPHC to ensure synergy rather than fragmentation to invest in scaling up CBPHC programmes, and coordinate the various actors delivering CBPHC to ensure synergy rather than fragmentation Donors to provide funding for the development of CBPHC programmes that will demonstrate their viability, and then support a phased transition to national funding and ownership to provide funding for the development of CBPHC programmes that will demonstrate their viability, and then support a phased transition to national funding and ownership Development partners and academia to conduct research to establish how to scale up CBPHC successfully and ensure integration with the formal health system. Sustainable models of CBPHC that will work in different contexts need to be developed. This report is an important reminder that quality healthcare is a right, and should be accessible and affordable to all, says Dr James Tibenderana, Malaria Consortiums Global Technical Director. Much has been achieved in recent years, however, more is needed to make universal health coverage more than a distant hope for many countries. In addition to strengthened facility-based care, this can be realised through adequately funded and successfully implemented CBPHC programmes. The reports recommendations will be discussed at a high level roundtable event in October 2017, hosted by Dr Daniel Poulter MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health. A summary of the discussions will be available after the event. Keywords: Maternal, neonatal and child health | Community delivery | Advocacy and policy Related content Berbatov: Do not underestimate Fulham Article The ex-Red says United will have 'a problem' if they take another of his former clubs lightly on Sunday. Markets Are Virtually Risk-Free For the last year, I have been looking for what we classify as a wave (3) to strike the 2500SPX region. And, now, we are getting quite close. Meanwhile, this rally has brought out two camps of market expectations at this juncture, both of which I believe are wearing blinders. We read about those who believe the markets basically have no limit to their upside, and are "virtually risk-free," and we read those who have "known" that the market will imminently crash during this entire 40% rally since February 2016. Do you know who Goldilocks is? Yes, the quote in the title of my article was actually posted by an "analyst" this past Friday. And it seems more and more are taking this view of the market. Why not? The market can't seem to pullback, so they must be right. Right? I wrote this not too long ago, but allow me to refresh your memory: As George Santayana wisely said, 'Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' And, it seems that Ms. Yellen is forgetting her history. One of the key factors in signaling a major market top is the expectation by the masses that one cannot happen. And, anyone that knows their history knows this to be true. For those that know their stock market history, you would know that those 'in the know' were absolutely certain about the impossibility of a market crash right before the market crashed and lead us into the Great Depression. Let me show you a few examples: 'We will not have any more crashes in our time.' This was said John Maynard Keynes in 1927, two years before the stock market crash which lead to the Great Depression. 'Stock prices have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau. I do not feel there will be soon if ever a 50 or 60 point break from present levels, such as they have predicted. I expect to see the stock market a good deal higher within a few months.' This was said on Oct. 17, 1929, a few weeks before the Great Crash, by Dr. Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics at Yale University. Dr. Fisher was one of the leading U.S. economists of his time. 'I cannot help but raise a dissenting voice to statements that we are living in a fool's paradise, and that prosperity in this country must necessarily diminish and recede in the near future.' -- E. H. H. Simmons, President, New York Stock Exchange, Jan. 12, 1928 'There will be no interruption of our permanent prosperity.' -- Myron E. Forbes, President, Pierce Arrow Motor Car Co., Jan. 12, 1928 And, these are just a few of the popular quotes of their day. And, by the way, has anyone heard of the Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company? You have not? Well, that is because they went bankrupt during the Great Depression. But, I digress. In 10 years from now, we will likely be adding Janet Yellen to the list of those who lacked the foresight to see what history should have taught them. Yesterday, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that the banking system is 'very much stronger' due to Fed supervision and higher capital levels. But, she then followed that up with what I believe will be her history-making statement. Yellen also predicted that because of the measures the Fed has taken, another financial crisis is unlikely 'in our lifetime.' I am sorry to tell you this Ms. Yellen, but history's lesson will be learned the hard way by those who have failed to already learn from the past, as Mr. Santayana has warned. This time is not different. So, this past week, I read how "markets are virtually risk-free." Does that sound like reasonable advice? As in the case of the analyst quoted above, along with many of those quoted in the text of this article, when many begin to believe that the market simply cannot provide us with any sustained downside pricing, that is usually the point in time when the market proves otherwise. And, I believe we are on the cusp of the market beginning to prove that in the next few weeks. Now, clearly, we have to temper my shorter term bearish expectations with all the perma-bears who continually have been calling for a market crash. So, this tells me I should be looking for a market top, but not a long-term market top. I guess we can call it our Goldilocks scenario. In fact, this has been my expectation as to what will occur once we hit our target for wave (3) for well over a year now. While some are looking for the market to head much, much higher, and others are still looking for a crash, I am looking for the market to be topping out within the next few weeks, but this will not lead to a major top to the U.S. equity markets. Rather, this will only lead to a multi-month consolidation, which can take us back down towards the 2300SPX region. In fact, this is what we have been calling for since we bottomed back in February 2016, and the market has been playing out in an almost textbook fashion ever since. My minimum downside expectation for this next pullback is the 2360SPX region, whereas my maximum downside expectation is in the 2285SPX region. Moreover, I would also expect that this correction will take a number of months, and can even take us into the Thanksgiving holiday until it completes, which would mean that it could take the shape of a triangle if it were to take that long. But, as I have noted many times, the impending top I expect will only provide us a top to wave (3), with a wave (4) pullback to follow. That will set us up for wave (5), which can strike the 2611SPX region next, with the outside chance of seeing extensions even beyond that, as high as the 2800SPX region. We will have a much better idea of our target region when waves 1 and 2 of wave (5) have completed much later this year, or even in early 2018, depending upon how long wave (4) takes. See charts illustrating the wave counts on the S&P 500. No holdings. Avi Gilburt is a widely followed Elliott Wave technical analyst and author of ElliottWaveTrader.net (www.elliottwavetrader.net), a live Trading Room featuring his intraday market analysis (including emini S&P 500, metals, oil, USD & VXX), interactive member-analyst forum, and detailed library of Elliott Wave education. 2017 Copyright Avi Gilburt - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. A Reversal Coming To U.S. Major Stock Indexes? Technically speaking, this week could be very important for the major U.S. equity markets. There is an appearance of a TOPPING PATTERN forming. I am now awaiting confirmation by the actions of the equity markets, this week. Expect downward pressure beginning this month of August of 2017. The Only Chart You Need To See! There is currently limited upside potential in the SPX relative to potential downside for the months of August, September and the early part of October 2017. There are signs for the short, intermediate and longer-term trends returning for the best six months of trading officially inaugurated in November of 2017! This is the timing framework when The Next Runaway Leg Up In The Stock Market Will Resume. In last weeks market action as the profit taking rotation out of the high-tech sector rotated into the Dow Industrials, it reflected a more defensive approach while being invested in Blue Chips during which time it achieved a new high. Sector rotation increased especially noticeable in the transports and technology sectors that were leading the markets higher. If they continue lower, more sectors will join the decline. I am expecting a coming pop in the VIX on Aug 4, Aug 23, Sept 11 or 12 and finally Sept 28 or 29. 2017. There was a flight to safety in the Yen as well as a strengthening of the price of Gold, Silver, Bitcoin and WTI Crude Oil. An Unusual Anomaly: Over the past couple of weeks, there was this unusual Anomaly which occurred, as you can see in the chart below. It now makes me more cautious about our long understanding of risk inter-connectivity. How can the equity, gold, silver, crude oil and bitcoin markets ALL go HIGHER together? Tune in every morning for my video analysis and market forecasts at TheGoldAndOilGuy.com to now where the main asset classes are headed tomorrow, this week, and next month. In short, the major equities trend remains to the upside but its likely to take shape in a slow grinding process with downward pressure starting in August fora couple months. Be sure to follow my daily pre-market video forecasts and ETF trades at www.TheGoldAndOilGuy.com Chris Vermeulen www.TheGoldAndOilGuy.com Daily Market Forecast Video & ETFs www.ActiveTradingPartners.com Stock & 3x ETFs Chris Vermeulen is Founder of the popular trading site TheGoldAndOilGuy.com. There he shares his highly successful, low-risk trading method. For 7 years Chris has been a leader in teaching others to skillfully trade in gold, oil, and silver in both bull and bear markets. Subscribers to his service depend on Chris' uniquely consistent investment opportunities that carry exceptionally low risk and high return. Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Chris Vermeulen Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Trump, the CIA and the Yokeldom The western world is mired in a mile-deep political crisis and nary a soul seems to notice, or rather: everyone just sees their own little preferred echochamber tidbits of it. Which is not a good thing, because that crisis is bound to trigger other bigger crises that are much more damaging. And Im sorry to say it, but Donald Trump is not your main problem. Not even close. The main problem is the collapse of western political systems. While that is what brought Trump to power in the first place, he didnt cause the collapse. The collapse is also what gave you Brexit, and Trump didnt cause that either. Moreover, in the next step, on the far end of all this, Trump may well be the only thing standing between you and CIA warfare. I know, who wants to hear that, right?! Whos ready for that next step? But its not that crazy. Trump was the one who stopped the CIA from arming Syrian rebels, which are just a bunch of extremists gathered by that same CIA in its attempts to unseat Assad, and who Trump saw laughingly beheading a child. And who was it that had previously, and enthusiastically, decided to support these crazies? The US Republican and Democratic parties, in unison, while Obama was president and Hillary slash Joe Biden was Secretary of State. Remember the Chelsea Manning footage of videogame-like drone killings? What did Obama do about that? Still, thats not where the core of the demise of our political systems lies. Though it does gave us a flavor of their priorities. The core can be found in economic issues. In both president Bush II and president Obama bailing out banks while letting peoples incomes and wealth tank, and not sueing any banker for anything at all. Obviously, the same scenario played out in Britain as well. And in many other nations. Now look at the parties themselves. Trump is not a Republican, but he took over the party with hardly any opposition. The only people the GOP could come up with to run against Trump were a full dozen full-blown yokels. And today, they still have no credible leadership. The healthcare vote last week, if we look at it separate from its merits, showed us that the same yokeldom is still in charge. Embarrassing doesnt cover the feeling. The Democrats are in the same conundrum. They have no credible candidates either. Its Hillary or nothing. Which adds up to nothing. And then theres a whole slew of suspicious operatives, Rice, Wasserman-Schultz et al, who make the picture even worse, and may soon find themselves on the wrong end of an investigation. Whos going to vote for that bunch? Yes, theres Bernie Sanders, but he will never be allowed near the top as long as these other folk are there (and sorry, but hes too old too). And theres the core of the problem: both parties have been run by the same clique for ages, and you can only be part of it if you vote and agree with them (the made men model). Which in turn is why they dont get the votes. And why Trump could become president. Who pledged to limit their terms and shut the revolving doors but still hasnt. That, too, is reflected one on one in Britain. If Theresa May is the best you can come up with as a leader, you have a queen-size problem. And Labours Jeremy Corbyn has a long way to go anywhere at all yet, especially since he refuses to change his anti-EU stance and all the media are against what the people voted for. Though as far as I can see, the problem with Brexit is not so much the issue itself, but the utter incompetence with which its being handled. Which is staggering. You feel like asking for these peoples IDs to check their age. The only thing I ever see discussed is how much Brexit is going to cost. As if voting for Brexit was always about money only. But the EU is about a lot more. Steve Keen presented it the other day in a much different way. He said that -paraphrased- the UK was the country perhaps hardest hit of all by neoliberalism, and thats why people voted Brexit. And that Brexit could be its way out of the whole neoliberal austerity nightmare, if used well. Lets talk about that instead. But the Tories are not going to interpret Brexit that way. They will instead use it for more austerity, and more neoliberal policies. What they do at the moment is they try and push through as many of those policies as they can, and to cement them in laws and deals with the EU, who will love that. That way when May is voted out of office, Corbyn or whoever will be faced with a whole parade of things (s)he can no longer change or adapt. Fait accompli. What everyone who is sick of these people, and of the policies, should do, is what Emmanuel Macron did in France: start a new party. Because France suffers from the same disease: the old guard doesnt represent anyone but themselves anymore. Not that Macron is necessarily such a great alternative, but he has pointed the way to go, the way out of the staleness and the stalemate. When you look at the US, all these senators and congresspeople talk more to lobbyists than they talk to anyone else. Theyre all so beholden to financial backers and campaign funding, they have nothing left for their voters. They get votes, the ones they do still get, through tens of millions worth of slick TV ads in which they promise things they will never deliver. They paint shiny pictures and regurgitate lofty narratives. But theyve been found out. Enter Trump stage left. This happens all over the place. Japan PM Shinzo Abe is the latest trophy to be added, and to join Holland, Italy, France, the US etc., in the list of traditional parties and politicians being voted, if not out, then certainly down, way down. You cant run a country in the midst of a crisis like that. The old guard has a solution for that too: they deny the crisis, and their respective housing bubbles, and claim their countries are in a recovery. Which, wouldnt you know, they claim to have, themselves, cleverly engineered for their people. All thats needed in both the UK and US are credible alternatives, and for the ruling classes to be cut down to size. But all we see are voices that derive their identity from pointing out whats wrong with the others, be it Trump or Hillary, May or Corbyn. And in the case of Trump, anyone hes ever talked to. But now that even the WaPo has declared the Russian collusion story bogus, albeit without identifying its own role in developing that story, maybe its time for more pressing matters. Maybe brighter people on all sides of all spectrums can now build their identities on actual policies. And then discuss them, in all due respect, with others who do the same from their point of view. Because make no mistake about it, with countries essentially ungovernable, as many are, as the US and UK are these days, risks of things like wars emerging out of nowhere increase exponentially. If Trump must spend half his time talking about one story after another about someone maybe having met someone who may or may not be not 100% on the up and up, he doesnt have enough time left to talk to Putin or Xi. And really, thats what the American president, any American president, should be doing right now. That alone would be a full-time day-job. Because alphabet soup ingredients like the CIA have created potential mayhem in so many locations around the globe, any one of them might blow anytime now. Venezuela, North Korea, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, its a list that is impossible to complete. How about Bolivia, where Evo Morales once again has called for independence from the IMF and World Bank. The two-party, two pronged, two forked-tongued US political class, and its CIA handlers, dont like that sort of thing. Not one bit. Sure, you can argue that perhaps its Trump whos most likely to start a war, but the evidence so far doesnt point to that. The evidence points to all sorts of Shakespearean antics in the Oval Office, I told you!, plenty of Scaramouches, but not that one, not trigger-happiness. Thats all the other guys and gals, lest you forget. The evidence points to a two-party war machine, which hopes to be able to do its thing while you wallow in your self-righteous attitudes about Trump and Priebus and Scaramucci and Don Jr. You want war? Denounce Trump. You dont? Think again. The risk of all this is that Da Donald will see no other way to stay in the White House than to start a war, somewhere, anywhere. Even the New York Times will declare him the greatest president since the last one who went to battle. The risk embedded within that risk is that neither he nor anyone else will have any idea where it may lead. The risk is that the CIA, perhaps more than ever, will decide US -foreign- policy. And believe you me, thats not what we should want. None of us. By Raul Ilargi Meijer Website: http://theautomaticearth.com (provides unique analysis of economics, finance, politics and social dynamics in the context of Complexity Theory) 2017 Copyright Raul I Meijer - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. Raul Ilargi Meijer Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Why Slumping Auto Sales May Not Say What You Think They Say July auto sales (released today and charted below) remained weak and should trigger a few recession forecasts. In fact, over the past few months weve read about half a dozen commentaries linking the recent plunge in auto sales to an imminent recession. And we understand the reasoning, but weve yet to buy into it. We agree that car sellers face a degree of demand saturation while potential buyers suffer from credit saturation, or at least thats what the data seem to show. We also agree that the saturation twins tend to be late-cycle indicators. But wed like to add another possible explanation for slowing auto sales, one that yields a different conclusion about recession risks. Our view is this: Maybe the sales slump isnt so much an independent force thats driving the business cycle but merely a substitution for other types of spending. Think, for example, health care. Classifying health care as a big ticket item in the consumers basket (seems reasonable), it surely falls in the big three, alongside homes and autos. Theres only so much room in the average middle-class budget for those three items. Changes in outlays for one of the items can easily squeeze the other two. And we think we can demonstrate the sumo battle between health care and auto sales with two charts. The first chart shows three separate instances of soaring health spending. (Note that the 2016 data for this spending category wont be available until midway through the Bureau of Economic Analysis Annual Update; its due on August 11. Therefore, we estimated 2016 and projected 2017 using the narrower health care spending category, which grew over the past six quarters at a pace only exceeded in 2015. Our 2016 estimate could be too low, thanks to the insurance premium shock, but we wont find out until next Friday, and well add an addendum to this post at that time.) The chart shows that the most recent jump in health spending growth, beginning in 2014, was even bigger than earlier episodes. Of course, 2014 was also the first year of Obamacare. In our view, it stands to reason that Obamacares cost effects should eventually prey on other types of spending. Also, the most vulnerable types are those that require large commitments that are difficult to shed, such as lease payments on new cars. While that may sound speculative, history seems to support our theory. Our second chart (below) shows that the recent decline in auto sales, if it continues, would be the third consecutive instance of health and autos occupying opposite ends of the same seesaw. And how do our charts relate to recession risks? Well, the math suggests that any hurt felt by those in the auto industry is mitigatedat least on a whole economy basisby good times being had by those working in health care, pharmaceuticals, and insurance. In fact, if were right about that substitution, it may even be a net positive for GDP. Consider that each dollar of auto spending scatters among producers of autos and auto components all over the world, whereas a dollar of medical spending tends to be felt more strongly in the United States. So, if you havent yet traded your old RAV4 for a new 4Runner because youre shell-shocked by medical premium increases, you may have recycled more of your income back into the domestic economy than you otherwise would have. And the additional income youre applying to medical costs shows up in GDP, per the charts above. Unfortunately, it also eats into other types of spending. But that fact alone shouldnt cause you to change your business cycle forecast from expansion to recession. When it comes to recessions, you might put more weight on indicators such as lending standards, which, if they deteriorate, would tip the scales against many industries at once. (Stay tunedthe Feds lending standards survey for the second quarter should be released by next week at the latest.) And because we cant close this article without some snark To be clear, were offering only a short-term business-cycle view, not an endorsement of our current health system. Were not applauding large increases in premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. In fact, wed be more likely to join the bleacher bums raining boos on the health spending booms unfortunate side effects. Make sure to include those side effects in the unintended consequences column of your Obamacare scorecard. Better yet, considering that the insurance and doc lobbies crafted much of the legislation (see, for example, this book), the growing consumption share accruing to insurers and medical providers probably wasnt unintentional. It might be more accurate to switch it to the intended consequences column. Either way, its one of a number of challenges that demand our attention as the nation continues to debate the curiously named Affordable Care Act. F.F. Wiley http://ffwiley.com F.F. Wiley is a professional name for an experienced asset manager whose work has been included in the CFA program and featured in academic journals and other industry publications. He has advised and managed money for large institutions, sovereigns, wealthy individuals and financial advisors. 2017 Copyright F.F. Wiley - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Precious Metals Break Out Now Or In A Few Weeks? This past week, the GDX has finally taken out its resistance at 22.65, and provided us with some semblance of an impulsive structure off the recent lows. However, the micro structure it is not the cleanest of structures, similar to silver. Yet, as long as the metals do not break below their July lows, we are again set up to see a massive break out. While I still cannot tell you if the metals will take advantage of that set up, as they failed to do so the last time we had a break out set up, if they do not take advantage of this set up within the next few weeks, we could see a major failure to launch take hold, and drop us lower than the bulls would care for. So, it seems its time for the metals to step up. While we were appropriately looking for a bottoming in the complex in early July, the rally we have seen in GDX and silver have been quite lackluster from an Elliott Wave perspective. I still have no standard impulsive structure adhering to Fibonacci Pinball in either of those charts. However, what could reconcile those charts is if the market has developed as a series of 1s and 2s off the lows, suggesting that a major breakout could be imminent. It will take a strong move through the 122 region in GLD to begin to believe in the series of 1s and 2s off the recent lows. As far as silver is concerned, should we see a strong move through the 17.25 region, that would open the door for being in a major rally mode. As far as GDX is concerned, that resistance would be the 24 region. Effectively, all 3 charts would have to prove this to me by taking out their respective resistances, with strong buying volume, to convince me the melt-up phase is now finally upon us. However, the GLD has produced a very nice 5 wave structure off those lows, which would suggest another week or two of pullback/consolidation can be seen in a wave (2), at least based upon that chart. Additionally, many are looking at the GLD chart I have attached, and taking strong note of that red line, which is drawn off the all-time market highs in 2011. As you can see, we have tested it many times, and have failed each time to follow through above it. At this point in time, I can allow for one more wave (2) pullback, but that is just about it. The market is going to have to take out that resistance with high buying volume within the next few weeks. Should we see that, then we will likely be in a melt-up phase towards our blue box target overhead on the GLD chart. The set-up is clearly in place for this to FINALLY happen, despite all the frustration we have experienced with this sideways consolidation in the metals complex for most of 2017. The question now is if the market will capitalize on the opportunity before it. Another factor I have been watching is that the Gold Miners Bullish Percentage Index (BPGDM) is still sitting quite low in the 25 region. Market tops are often not seen until this index exceeds the 60 region, which suggests that there is still plenty of room on the upside before this indicator even begins to flash warning. At the end of the day, what all this tells me is that I need to remain bullish, as I reiterated at the lows in July, despite many wanting to throw in the towel. Ultimately, as long as the lows we struck in early July are not breached, the market is set up again in melt-up mode. See charts illustrating the wave counts on the GDX, GLD, and Silver Futures (YI). Avi Gilburt is a widely followed Elliott Wave technical analyst and author of ElliottWaveTrader.net (www.elliottwavetrader.net), a live Trading Room featuring his intraday market analysis (including emini S&P 500, metals, oil, USD & VXX), interactive member-analyst forum, and detailed library of Elliott Wave education. 2017 Copyright Avi Gilburt - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. MARTINSVILLEWhen he retired from the Martinsville Police Department, Lt. Mark Gilbert wanted to do something to help kids in the area. Part of that stemmed from his experiences as an officer. In my 26 and a half years as a Martinsville police officer, I saw more kids than youd know sleeping on the floor, on the couch, without bedding, Gilbert said. Witnessing the impact of poverty on children in his own community and hearing stories of kids going without basic necessities prompted Gilbert to start Cops, Kids and Clothes, a ministry of Crosspoint Church in Ridgeway. I wanted to help kids in Martinsville City Public Schools, Gilbert said. The band boosters president at Martinsville High School created a Facebook page to share needs of students that he, guidance counselors and teachers encountered. The community had and has maintained an overwhelming response rate since the organizations inception. I really havent had to ask for money, other than Charity League and thats what they do, Gilbert said. I put the needs out there that I get requests for. When Gilbert brings light to a need of a child in the community, strangers quickly take action. Whats unique is that when a teacher calls with a need, its taken care of within 24 to 48 hours, Gilbert said. When somebody needs something, they need it pretty fast. Given the speedy turnaround of community members making a need a reality, Gilbert said their generosity is likely due to the visible impact of the ministry. Im very transparent with what were doing, Gilbert said. You see what the needs are and where the moneys going. Oftentimes, Gilbert posts a couple of lines about the anonymous childs specific needs. Whether its a new pair of shoes, a couple of shirts or a few cans of food, the communitys made aware. For four years, not a single cry for help has been ignored. People get really excited to help someone here locally, Gilbert said. Seeing the success of the ministry and the desire of community members to help kids in desperate situations, Gilbert branched out even further. Last school year, he pitched the idea of a needs closet to MCPS Superintendent Dr. Zeb Talley and MHS Principal Ajamu Aji Dixon. Having a needs closet is something Ive wanted to do for a while, Gilbert said. While Gilbert said the idea went over smoothly, finding space in the high school proved difficult. Then, a room used for storage near the library in the basement arose in conversation. Gilbert jumped at the opportunity. My wife, Barbara, Kristen Harris, Jennica Norman and Jeremy Scott helped me clean out all the junk and put up some clothes racks, Gilbert said. A list of needs The group of storage room renovators created a list of items that kids might need from preschool through high school with the help of educators and guidance counselors from various grade levels. The five volunteers went shopping and spent an estimated $3,000 on school supplies, backpacks, clothes, shoes, food, hygiene products and bedding. The room even has a couple of air mattresses up for grabs. Its for the most needy of students, Gilbert said. Gilbert hopes the closet will serve kids dealing with poverty and also children who lose everything during the school year to unforeseen circumstances. House fires we always seem to have one each year, Gilbert said. The closet will have all the basic needs. To access goods from the needs closet, students will first talk to their guidance counselor or teacher or vice versa. Sometimes the guidance counselors or teachers notice the need more so than the students coming to ask for them, Gilbert said. Accompanied by a teacher or guidance counselor, students who express a need may go shopping in the closet and leave with their necessities without paying a dime. Theres no limit to what kids can have or how often they may visit. Theyll get whatever they need, as often as they need it, Gilbert said. Its not like they can only go in once. If they need something every month or every week, theyre welcome to it. Theres an estimated $400 worth of food in the needs closet, all with a shelf life of one year or longer. We have a lot of kids who are coming to school without access to food on the weekend, Gilbert said. Gilbert envisions kids selecting items from the closets pantry to take home and prepare on days that schools not in session. They can take enough food to tide them over for the weekend, Gilbert said. While the ministry accepts food donations, there are other items Gilbert anticipates students will also migrate toward that community members could help stock. You wouldnt believe the number of kids who wear the same clothes every day or dont have shoes, Gilbert said. Hygiene items, like shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary items are also on the closets wish list. Gilbert anticipates that the ministry has enough funding for the needs closet to make it through the 2017-18 school year without any issues, but donations are always welcome. A lot of people in our area want to help, but dont know how to do it, Gilbert said. Cops, Kids and Clothes is kind of that avenue. Those interested in donating to Cops, Kids and Clothes may do so directly through Crosspoint Church, located at 3951 Greensboro Rd. in Ridgeway, or by calling the church at (276) 340-4210. For those wanting to donate to a specific need, such as a child requesting shoes, clothes or school supplies, they may follow the ministrys Facebook page for regular updates at www.facebook.com/ckcmartinsville MARTINSVILLE City residents got together Tuesday night to take a bite out of crime, so to speak. It was not in the same way that McGruff the Crime Dog, an animated television character known for speaking those words in public service announcements for crime prevention efforts, might bite. Rather, people ate and enjoyed activities together during National Night Out gatherings across Martinsville. They also got to know area law enforcement officers. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an event held yearly in cities and towns nationwide in which residents come together to show support for efforts to curb crime, violence and illegal drugs. Tuesday nights activities were held at First Baptist Church of East Martinsville, off East Church Street; Chatham Heights Baptist Church and Agape Bible Christian Fellowship on Market Street. McGruff visited First Baptist and was to make an appearance at least at one other church, according to Martinsville City Councilwoman Sharon Brooks Hodge, who attended the events. At Chatham Heights Baptist, the serving line included hot dogs with all the trimmings, baked beans, coleslaw, potato chips and deviled eggs, as well as watermelon, cantaloupe and other sweet treats. A similar spread was at Agape, where a long line of people waiting to be served extended from just outside the church for much of the way down Market Street next to Martinsville Middle School. Children got their exercise for the day by jumping around in inflatable bounce houses. But the main point of National Night Out is for people to get to know their neighbors and police. City officials encouraged Martinsville residents to participate in crime prevention programs such as Neighborhood Watch, in which people routinely monitor their neighborhoods for suspicious activities. There are about 40 Neighborhood Watch groups citywide, according to police Officer Coretha Gravely. The more you know your neighbors and notice your surroundings, the more you notice when things are out of place, said Martinsville Mayor Gene Teague. And, the better that people know police officers who serve them, the more likely they are to contact police when they see things that dont seem quite right, Teague said. Representatives of the Martinsville Police Department and the citys sheriffs and commonwealths attorneys offices were at Tuesday nights events. Martinsville Police Chief Eddie Cassady said National Night Out is one of our most important events of the year. It lets citizens know how much we appreciate them helping us take a stance against crime, Cassady said, and its an opportunity for us to have one-on-one talks with citizens. Police can get to know area residents personally and find out if they can help the residents in any way, he said. A lot of times, the face of the police is only that of an officer driving by in a patrol car, said Isaac Van Patten, national security advisor for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Roanoke, who visited the festivities at Chatham Heights Baptist. National Night Out enables officers to get out of their vehicles to get to know the people for whom they patrol, he said. This is the first year that Chatham Heights Baptist participated in National Night Out, at least in recent years. Church member Kenny May said the congregation wanted to help bring people in the surrounding area together. May said he was enjoying getting to know the churchs neighbors as well as getting to know other church members better. At least 200 people were at Agapes festivities. The crowds at the other churches were smaller. Mark Thomas, a custodian at the middle school, said he attends National Night Out at Agape each year. Its a good thing to have (in the community), I know that, said Thomas. It brings people out to get to know each other. Van Patten said Martinsvilles National Night Out events always are one of the premier, most productive events in Southwest Virginia. The police department always has its finger on whats going on in the community, and that leads to extremely effective crime-fighting, he said. Collinsville District Supervisor Joe Bryant doesnt want the whole cake; he just wants his fair portion. Bryant made that comment at Tuesdays Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting as part of a discussion on road construction money. At the meeting, Horsepasture District Supervisor Debra Buchanan asked Lisa Hughes, our local Virginia Department of Transportation resident engineer, if she could provide a document outlining how much the state VDOT construction allocation for Henry County has diminished over the past 20 years or so. We all know that allocation has diminished; Buchanan just wants to know how bad the news is. Bryant added to Buchanans question, saying that he feels Henry County often gets the short end of the stick compared to other areas in Virginia when it comes to road construction funding. It seems like the road projects were trying to get done in the county are still years away, he said. I dont know how to overcome that for a small area. I feel like weve been abandoned in this area, from what Ive seen in the big areas like the Hampton Roads area, Norfolk area, Fairfax County, or Manassas, where you see construction going on everywhere up there. But you come down here and you dont see any construction. Bryants observations are absolutely correct. Northern and coastal Virginia see far, far more road construction than Henry County. Those areas seem to be perpetually under construction. It is frustrating, too, to see that even the local road construction projects that have been scored and approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board remain years away. Several pedestrians have been hit on Virginia Avenue, which likely played a role in the CTB approving a safety project for the road. That project will not begin construction however until Nov. 2019, nearly two and a half years from now. Its entirely possible that another tragedy might occur on that road, one that could have been prevented if the safety project had been pushed through faster. In order for that to happen, we need more road funding. This isnt something quickly fixed. You cant just go to the state and demand more road money. Well, you can, but dont expect a positive result. It is no coincidence that the areas that receive the most road funding also have the most people, and therefore the most traffic. The more heavily these roads are used, the more maintenance they require, and the more the population increases, the more new roads must be built to better maneuver the traffic through these congested areas. According to the most recent census data, Henry County has a population of about 52,000 people. While thats a decent number, compare it to the population in northern Virginia and the coast. The combined population of northern Virginia thats Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, along with the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park is 2,367,605 people. Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Newport News have a combined population of 881,523 people. Unfortunately, we must consider the possibility that Henry County is indeed getting its fair portion of the cake; the portion is just considerably smaller than whats needed to address our transportation problems. And therein comes the second part of the question. Smaller cities and counties still have needs. In fact, we would argue that rural areas have more of an immediate need than big cities, since we receive fewer dollars. Were asked to keep roads and bridges functional and just be careful on roads like Virginia Avenue, until enough state money can be collected to fix the issue. But it seems to us that if we received more state dollars, then we could address problems quicker and solve some of these concerns, rather than crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. Instead of ranking division funding by population, wed like to propose a different idea. Wed like for VDOT to rank them based on immediate need. Yes, we understand that with a bigger population comes more overall needs, so larger areas get more transportation dollars. But if Martinsville and Henry County have more projects that get red-flagged for safety concerns, then it seems only fair to address those before a repaving project in Norfolk. We're not saying there's a larger number of projects here, but with fewer dollars, some work has to get delayed and that leads to bigger problems. With extra funding, this area could be proactive, rather than reactive. And yes, there is a way right now for this area to receive more money. That is, we need to increase in population, to recruit more people to move here. But in turn, that doesn't happen without the infrastructure to support new companies and we can't afford that infrastructure without state transportation dollars. If we really want to see things improve in struggling areas like this, we need to address problems immediately, rather than having to wait until they grow too large to ignore. Now seems like a good time to start. The Bulletin Editorial Board consists of Brian Carlton, Ben Williams and Trisha Long Best of Mass Breweries judging kicked off Tuesday as MassLive's beer judges headed out for a road trip to the top breweries in Western Mass., as voted by readers. You can check out scenes from the first day of our breweries tours in the gallery above. In the meantime, here's a breakdown of each of the breweries we visited -- and all the beers we drank -- on Day 1: Stop No. 1: Lefty's Brewing Company, Greenfield Lefty's Brewery up in Greenfield is only open on Fridays and Saturdays. But fear not, they're working on expanding their tap room to allow for more visitors. Keep an eye out for an expansion in September. Oktoberfest - This was the first beer we had on the day, and it was a good tone-setter, a nice balanced beer with pleasantly mellow tones from the malt. Mystery Box IPA - An IPA, yes, but not a super hoppy one. The Mystery Box hits the palate with a nice balanced whirl of fragrant tones from the hops while still being more malt-forward than most IPAs. Wedding Daze Imperial Stout - It doesn't taste like a big, heavy stout (as its 11.3 percent ABV suggests). Instead, it's a clean rush of chocolatey, roasty flavors that have a crystalline sweetness without all of the heavy booziness that normally comes with imperial stouts. Barrel Aged Scotch Ale - The mellow tones of the scotch ale are complemented by the bourbon tones that really open up the flavors on this deep, rolling layers of sweetness. Stop No. 2: Element Brewing Company, Millers Falls Element is one of the few breweries in Massachusetts that's open seven days a week, and is worth the trip. The science motif extends from their beer names to a principle that drives experimentation in their beers -- and a fun layout in their taproom. Extra Special Oak - An ESB (extra special bitter) is normally a pretty boring beer. This is anything but. It's got spry bite with delightful vanilla tones that come from the oak aging. Plasma Sake IPA - The only gluten-free beer we tried on the whole trip. It's brewed with brown rice, millet and buckwheat (no barley). It's hop-forward with a bit of zest as well. Dark Element - It's a black ale with an ABV around 9 percent, but doesn't taste like it. Instead, it's a clean, balanced rush of dark flavors harvested from the malt. Quantum IPA - Element's take on IPAs is ever-evolving. We were lucky enough to try their Quantum. The hop elements are present in the aroma, but blend into a more muted, balanced overall beer than your usual hob-bomb. Stop No. 3: Berkshire Brewing Company, South Deerfield BBC is the old guard on the Western Mass. beer circuit, and they still hold up. Their Steel Rail Pale Ale is a regular sight on tap lists, and their new Inhopnito IPA is evidence that they've still got their fastball when it comes to keeping up with the new competition. Oktoberfest - A refreshing beer on what was a surprisingly hot day. It draws deep, mellow sweet expressions from the malts and finishes clean. It's a shame that it usually doesn't come out until almost Labor Day. Steel Rail Pale Ale - Steel Rail is the "gateway" beer for a lot of folks getting into the craft beer scene in Western Mass. -- and with good reason. It has a lot of the familiar elements that a lot of folks enjoy in lagers, but with a deeper flush of flavor and with more body. Lost Sailor IPA - This beer came out back in 1995, way before most IPAs that popped up during the current IPA craze, and represents a mellow, malty interpretation on the style. Inhopnito IPA - The newest addition to BBC's lineup, Inhopnito immediately pops out as one of their best beers to date. It has the refreshing, bright citrus tones that are flooding the beer market, but stays balanced in the overall execution. Stop No. 4: Fort Hill Brewery, Easthampton Fort Hill's taproom is currently under renovation, so you won't be able to visit them until the fall. Fortunately, you can find their beers in a lot of Western Mass. beer shops -- and at one of the best price points in the market. Hera Pils - There aren't a whole lot of great pilsners out there on the market, but this is one of them. It's a simple beer that nails the light, grainy, refreshing flavors that are emblematic of the style. Wilbur Rauchbier - This style of beer isn't for everyone. It has a strong smokey flavor that will trick your brain into thinking that there's some smokey bacon coming. Instead, it's a light, pale beer that can be addicting if you dig the smokey aspect. Fresh Pick IPA - Lush and hoppy, but not aggressively so. It's a full, bright flavor that envelops the palate with a rush of flavor that fuels just what IPA seekers are looking for. Jigsaw Jazz Double IPA - It's bigger, high-ABV double IPA but is brewed with the express purpose of being dry and bright rather than syrupy and boozy. This is a great beer for those looking for a deeper hop dive that stays vibrant without getting dragged down by the alcohol and hops. Stop No. 5: Vanished Valley Brewing Company, Ludlow Vanished Valley is the newest contender of the group. They've only been open since March, and are only available on-site at their Wednesday can sales. Even so, their beers are top-tier offerings that have sparked a frenzied following, especially for their IPAs. Pomona IPA - A flavorful, citrusy rendition of a New England IPA. Pomona is the first beer that Vanished Valley sent to market, and holds up as a hazy, soft beer with a lush citrus-y flavor. Cease & Desist Double IPA - Our last beer of the day. Normally, finishing on a Double IPA is a good way to knock yourself out for the rest of the evening. However, the Cease & Desist was a pleasant closer. It has the lush, soft drinkability of a New England IPA with the heavier hop rush that comes with a double IPA. --- Stay tuned for Day 2 of Best of Mass Breweries judging and the unveiling of the full results Thursday at noon. You can follow along with our visits on MassLive's Facebook page. WESTFIELD -- Heka Health, a medical marijuana provider with plans for dispensaries here, in West Springfield and in Pittsfield, plans to start growing cannabis in September or October and make it available to patients in February 2018. The company plans to grow the marijuana in Westfield in a 40,000-square-foot indoor facility being built inside a renovated warehouse at 98 Sgt. T.M. Dion Way, near the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, said Heka Health CEO Mark A. Dupuis. The months-long delay between the start of growing and the availability of the product is meant to give Heka a chance to grow the marijuana, process it and make some of it into foods like chocolates preferred by some medical marijuana patients. "The law requires you to be vertically integrated," Dupuis said. "That means you have to grow, process and make what you sell." A dispensary can acquire product from another grower only when it cannot meet patient needs, according to state law. And even then, 70 percent of the marijuana sold must be grown by the dispensary and just 30 percent may come from another dispenser-grower. The Heka Health locations in Pittsfield, on Dalton Avenue, and in West Springfield, on Interstate Drive, will only be dispensaries, where patients can buy their marijuana or marijuana-bearing products, he said. One of the steps toward getting a final license is to have a state-approved lab test the products to a make sure they contain advertised concentrations of active marijuana chemicals like THC, Dupuis said. He plans to hire as many as 140 people at Heka Health for both the dispensaries, grow operation and processing. Heka Health plans a $10 million investment in growing and processing facilities and in the three dispensaries, one that should yield the three host communities $500,000 to $1.5 million a year each in host community and infrastructure improvement fees, Dupuis said. "This is real money," Dupuis said. "This is all good for the community." Dupuis is also the landlord of 98 Sgt. T.M. Dion Way and leader of a group of businessmen who have been trying to get the marijuana operation off the ground since 2015. The planned opening is more than a year after Heka Health's planned opening date, which was pushed back by the regulatory process. But Dupuis isn't blaming the state, saying regulators with the Department of Public Health are being thorough. "They are really concerned that this is done professionally and and right," he said. Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan said he's toured the construction site on Sgt. T.M. Dion Way and he's impressed. "And I'm excited for the revenues we will get as a city," Sullivan said. Back in 2015 when the process started, the state was only talking with entities looking to provide marijuana to the ill for treatment of pain, nausea and other complaints. Massachusetts' first medical marijuana dispensary opened in Salem in 2015. New England Treatment Access, the region's first and as of now only medical marijuana facility, opened later that same year in Northampton. Voters in Massachusetts voted in November to legalize recreational marijuana and regulate it like alcohol. Gov. Charlie Baker last week signed a compromise recreational marijuana bill. Whether Heka Health would leap into that business from medical marijuana depends on the detail of the law and the regulatory structure that grows from it, Dupuis said. "We would be happy to be able to provide recreational cannabis," he said. Both Sullivan and West Springfield Mayor William C. Reichelt said prior to the bill's signing that they would need to see what comes off Baker's desk and what the state's recreational marijuana rules are before they support or oppose Heka Health's expansion into recreational marijuana. Sullivan said he, as a private citizen, voted no in the November referendum. But he balances his skepticism with a desire to see a local business grow and do well. Heka Health's deal with each of the three cities calls for the cities to each get 3 percent of the gross sales of medical marijuana as a local impact fee. Westfield gets an additional 1 percent of the gross, for a total of 4 percent, with the additional 1 percent going toward infrastructure improvements. The first use for the money will be to repave the badly rutted Sgt. T.M. Dion Way and then, once that project is done, to fund other road work, Sullivan said. Below is a list provided by the state Department of Public Health of all the medical marijuana dispensaries and growing operations in the state. Ones that are open are listed first. Following that is an alphabetized list of those still in the application and development stage, along with a notation as to where they are in the process. Massachusetts Registered Medical Marijuana Dispensary Current Status by Jim Kinney on Scribd CHATHAM -- The decomposed body of a man found in a lifeboat display at Coast Guard Station Chatham on Sunday has been identified as a 24-year-old Chatham man who has been missing for about nine months, the Cape Cod Times reported. Matthew Amsler was last seen walking on Lighthouse Beach in October. His body was found inside a water-tight compartment on board the static display of the 44-foot lifeboat CG44301 shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday. CG44301 was the first 44-foot lifeboat built for the Coast Guard and was returned to its first duty station at Chatham in 2009 after 46 years of active service. It was established as a static display on the lawn in front of the station and was open for visitors to view the cockpit. But none of the water-tight compartments were open to the public. The area where Amsler's remains were found was a special cabin designed to carry mariners after they had been rescued. The compartment was water and air tight. Authorities suggest that if Amsler had climbed inside the compartment he could have died from lack of oxygen, the Times reported. In a statement, the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office said investigators found no evidence of foul play in Amsler's death. The Massachusetts State Police, Chatham Police Department and Coast Guard Investigative Services are conducting a joint investigation. SPRINGFIELD -- Police and firefighters responded to a city summer camp Wednesday morning for a swimming pool accident involving a 5-year-old boy. The incident was reported at Camp STAR Angelina on Trafton Road, according to the Springfield Fire Department. First responders "worked to revive an unresponsive" 5-year-old boy, said fire department spokesman Dennis Leger, aide to Commissioner Joseph Conant. Further information about the boy's condition was not immediately available. Emergency officials were heard on radio communications coordinating a shutdown of side streets to clear a route from the camp to Baystate Medical Center. An ambulance with a police escort of roughly a dozen vehicles was seen along East Columbus Avenue shortly after 11:30 a.m. The city celebrated the opening of the Forest Park camp in 2015. The $1.8 million improvement project included an in-ground, handicap accessible swimming pool. The camp provides recreational programs for campers ages 3 to 22, most with special needs. According to the camp's website, "campers will complete a swim test on the first day of camp with the Camp STAR Angelina lifeguards." The passage continues: "If your camper needs adaptive equipment or assisted swimming devices (personal floatation device, swimmies, life-jacket) please bring to camp at the orientation day or the 1st day your camper attends." The camp's pool features a "zero-entry" design, meaning it includes a gradually sloped entry point intended to mimic a natural beach. Such a design is a requirement under 2010 revisions to Americans with Disabilities Act standards for newly constructed or altered swimming pools. The pool at Camp STAR Angelina in Springfield, Aug. 2, 2017. SFD_HQ & SPD _HQ on scene at. Camp Star 300 Trafton Rd for a pool accident involving a 5 Yr one boy pic.twitter.com/dYlcFTqjtR SPRINGFIELD FIRE (@SFD_HQ) August 2, 2017 This is a developing story that will be updated after further reporting. SOMERS -- State police arrested a 20-year-old Qualify Avenue man Tuesday and charged him with the gunpoint robbery of a Chinese restaurant on Main Street last November. The armed robbery occurred on Nov. 20 at China City Restaurant. State police reported the suspect displayed a small black handgun and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. State police detectives developed Zachary Smith, of 64 Qualify Ave. as a suspect and received a warrant for his arrest, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. Smith was charged with robbery, 1st degree with a handgun and larceny 6th degree. He was held on $50,000 cash bail and transported to Rockville Superior Court. Welcome to the Next Frontier in Customer Engagement Livingston, MT, August 1, 2017 Montana technology company PFL is proud to announce the speaker lineup for its second annual Big Sky: Big Ideas Customer Engagement Summit. Salesforce VP of Strategic Research Peter Coffee https://www.salesforce.com/blog/authors/peter-coffee will spearhead the events discussion, alongside PFL CEO and Founder Andrew Field. Additional speakers include Marketo GVP of Strategy Tawheed Kader http://www.tkkader.com/ , ThriftBooks VP of Sales and Marketing Nicole Cox https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemcox/ and Montanas own Devin B. Holmes https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbholmes/ , Founder of Big Sky Code Academy http://www.bigskycodeacademy.org/ . To be held in Bozeman, Montana, on October 5, the event will bring local and national thought leaders together to discuss and reimagine customer engagement, the future of business and the power of technology to build a better world. "We live in this crazy digital, mobile, social world, and have infinite channels. You cant blast your way through it," says PFL CEO and Founder Andrew Field. "We know mass-market is dead, or dying, and as marketers we need to find innovative ways to create customer engagement. PFL helps marketers deliver authentic and personalized customer experiences that drive engagement, and we look forward to connecting with other disruptors who recognize the power of this change." Attendees will have the opportunity to explore beautiful southwestern Montana and Yellowstone National Park, located less than an hour from PFLs headquarters in Livingston, Montana and just an hour and a half from Bozeman. Founded in 1996, PFL has been at the forefront of the booming Montana technology scene for more than two decades. The countrys first online printer, PFL is today a pioneer of Tactile Marketing Automation https://pfl.com/Tactile-Marketing-Automation.html . "We decided the Livingston/Bozeman area was the perfect place to bring together the best minds in business and technology to create a brighter future for ourselves, our customers and our broader community," says PFL Chief Evangelist Marne Reed. A private PFL Executive Forum https://www.pfl.com/Big-Sky-Big-Ideas-Executive-Forum.html , held in part at the PFL headquarters, will begin Thursday, October 4 and run for two days throughout the Customer Engagement Summit. PFL customers and prospects will collaborate to share best practices, tactics and a path towards the future of customer engagement. For inquiries contact Lauren Caselli [email protected] Big Sky Big Ideas Customer Engagement Summit October 5, 2017 Bozeman and Livingston, MT http://www.bigskybigideas.com Event Agenda: http://www.bigskybigideas.com/agenda The Commons at Baxter & Love: http://www.thecommonsbozeman.com About PFL PFL is a Montana born and raised marketing technology company, headquartered just north of Yellowstone National Park. We provide sales enablement and marketing automation solutions, as well as printing, mailing and fulfillment services. Our solutions energize sales velocity, crush ROI goals and make marketing fun again. Get noticed. Drive Results. http://www.pfl.com PFL Technology Products PFL Tactile Marketing Automation: http://pfl.com/Tactile-Marketing-Automation.html PFL Personal Marketing Center: http://pfl.com/Personal-Marketing-Center.html PFL SwagIQ: http://pfl.com/SwagIQ-Intelligent-Gifting.html School leaders Governor Steve Bullock today announced that public K-12 schools can now apply for funding to boost access to high-speed broadband, giving schools the ability to develop 21st century classrooms and providing students with more digital learning tools. Schools can now apply for funding made possible through House Bill 390, creating a state match to leverage broadband funds available through the FCCs E-rate program. This fund will enable schools to upgrade their broadband to facilitate digital learning in the classroom. HB 390 provides K-12 schools with $2 million in funding over the next two years to upgrade their broadband infrastructure. When leveraged with FCC E-rate program funds and local funding HB 390 could trigger up to $20 million in much-needed broadband investment for schools. With Governor Bullocks support and assistance from the nonprofit EducationSuperHighway, Montana has helped school districts statewide make significant upgrades in the past few years. In 2016, 15,762 students in Montana were connected to high-speed broadband and 118 school districts upgraded their broadband. For more information, and to apply for the matching funds visit: http://comdev.mt.gov/Programs/Broadband Interested K-12 public schools leaders can email staff directly at [email protected] or call 406-841-2770 regarding any questions about the Broadband for Montana Schools Program. Full Story: https://t.e2ma.net/message/pq37z/1vvibo When Bre-Yanna Cameron was in middle school, singing and acting meant one thing to her: escape. Performing was the only time she felt liberated no bullies, no fights, no peer pressure, no doubts. A dedicated drama teacher saw in Ms. Camerons clear, soulful voice a lifeline out of the inner city and encouraged her to apply to New World School of the Arts, a small, rigorous magnet high school in Miami that draws a diverse group of talented actors, musicians, dancers and visual artists. Auditions (or portfolios) are the only way into the school grades and attendance are irrelevant. At his school, which is 47 percent African-American, 50 percent of ninth graders arrive at below grade level, he said. By the end of senior year, 97 to 100 percent graduate on time and are college bound. This years 90 graduates were offered a total of $14 million in scholarships, and many are headed to top-tier colleges, including Juilliard, University of Chicago, Vassar, Middlebury and the Royal Academy of Music in London. By LIZETTE ALVAREZ Full Story: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/education/edlife/public-schools-new-world-school-arts-miami.html *** Why all parents should care about arts education "Art has a broadening effect because it presents a perspective on reality that challenges preconceived ideas and makes kids look at something from outside their comfort zone." By Jill Coody Smits Full Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2017/07/28/why-all-parents-should-care-about-arts-education/?utm_term=.20e602da68b6 First Call Resolution (FCR) http://www.gofcr.com/contact-center-locations/ began operating in the Strain Building in downtown Great Falls on June 5. Great Falls is the first center that FCR has opened outside of its home base of Oregon. The company provides an enhanced level of customer service for a variety of innovative companies in the health, tech, and financial industries. By Josh Meny Full Story: http://www.ktvh.com/2017/08/customer-service-call-center-celebrates-fun-workplace-and-customer-service *** Start Your Career with FCR From call center jobs, to email and chat response, business process outsourcing to information technology, FCR is the place to be! Whether you are just getting started in your career or looking to continue to enhance your skills and expand your horizons, FCR has a wide variety of career opportunities for you. Find out why we have been selected as a Top Workplace in Oregon year-after-year. At FCR our colleagues, culture, and communities separate us from all of the rest. Apply Today: http://www.gofcr.com/call-center-jobs/ WERE HIRING! Headframe Spirits is a growing company operating four distinct business units. We run a distillery where we produce beverage alcohol products, including Orphan Girl Bourbon Cream Liqueur, Anselmo Gin, High Ore Vodka, Destroying Angel Whiskey and Neversweat Bourbon Whiskey. These products are distributed throughout the U.S. and are available online for purchase. We operate a tasting room, which is our retail presence in Butte. We manufacture continuous flow distillation equipment into the beverage alcohol market and operate a packaging facility, which co-packages other brands. This presents a diverse range of employment opportunities and resumes and completed job applications are always welcome. Headframe Spirits seeks to employ outgoing, driven, talented individuals who will help us continue to build excellence into everything we do. If you believe you or someone you know is a great fit for Headframe Spirits, please email your resume and references to [email protected]framespirits.com. Sales & Marketing Manager> http://headframespirits.us10.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cebf47a04c20ae96f274152b5&id=a67973ea16&e=7e3cb52a45 Graphic Designer > http://headframespirits.us10.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cebf47a04c20ae96f274152b5&id=834d5f04b9&e=7e3cb52a45 Manufacturing Sales Engineer > http://headframespirits.us10.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cebf47a04c20ae96f274152b5&id=c8c12d5ff2&e=7e3cb52a45 Although it is landlocked, Los Llanos, Guatemala has become something of an island. Located just 19 miles south of the countrys capital, the village is virtually impossible to access due to deteriorating roads and a mammoth, 50-foot-deep ravine. The ravine has isolated Los Llanos from commerce, travel, and trade, said Northwestern Engineering senior Jacob Morgan. As president of Northwesterns chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-NU), Morgan hopes to help reconnect Los Llanos with the rest of the world. With guidance from David Corr, the Charles Deering McCormick University Distinguished Clinical Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EWB students are working with the villages community to build a vehicular bridge across the ravine. Collaborating with community Founded in 2001, EWB-USA is a national organization that pairs groups of students and professional engineers with communities in the developing world. A small group of engineering students founded Northwesterns chapter in 2013. It has since grown to 30 members, 25 of which are engineers. EWBs goal is to work with communities to pinpoint their needs and implement engineering solutions that improve lives. We do a lot of research to identify underlying needs, Morgan said. We meet with community members in churches and in their homes and work with them on solutions. We want to make community members feel happy and empowered when we leave. Morgan said others past mistakes have enforced this strategy. He cites another organization that, after noticing that an African towns women walked two miles to fetch water, built a water pump in the towns center. When the organizations members returned a year later, they discovered that the pump had gone unused. What they didnt know was that women used the long walks to gather water as a way to talk and build community, Morgan said. That was important time for them, and it had gone completely unnoticed. EWB-NU is applying their signature community-minded approach to its bridge project in Guatemala. A team of students will make its first visit in December to assess the ravine and find the optimal location for the bridge to best serve the community. Try, try again EWB-NUs first and still ongoing project remains in Kenya. The group has made five trips to Kimuka, a small Maasai village just outside Nairobi, to work on a clean water project. Prior to EWBs involvement, villagers drank and used water from small ponds, in which animals also bathed. During their first assessment trip, students tested the water and discovered E. coli and coliform contamination. Up to 60 percent of the village children require monthly doctor visits due to ingesting these deadly forms of bacteria. And not only is the water dangerously contaminated, its remote. Families often travel from one to three kilometers per day just to reach these small ponds, which are formed by surface run-off and rain water. Three years ago, the Northwestern team implemented a water pump but quickly found it only introduced new complications. The pump wasnt powerful enough to extract water from a three-kilometer deep well. When the team solved this problem by implementing a booster pump, the cost of water quintupled, making it unaffordable for the community to use on a regular basis. The pump used too much energy, Morgan said. Not only could that cause the pipe to burst, but its very wasteful. As engineers, we want to create a solution that will be cost-effective and sustainable for many years to come. The team met with the community water committee, Kenya Power, and individuals to better understand the problem. Then they put their engineering skills to work. They ran new calculations to find the exact pressure that the pipe could handle, the amount of electricity it could draw, how quickly it could fill the tank, and how best to reduce costs. When the team returns over spring break in March, it will continue to work to find an optimal solution. Im proud of what our team has done, Morgan said. We will expand the system as we go one step at a time. Closer to home Although it might take several more years until the bridge is completed in Guatemala or until the water pump is fully perfected in Kenya, EWB-NU is actively working to fulfill other goals closer to home. Group members participate in a mentorship program with Chicago Public Schools, making weekly visits to Frank W. Reilly Elementary School to discuss science and international aid. This year, EWB-NU helped students design cities for the Chicago Future City Competition, and two teams won three special awards for best education enhancement, excellence in mobility technology, and for water resources. Morgan said EWB-NU is also working to attract more diverse members to its team. Now, it comprises mostly engineering students with two Medill students who work on marketing and outreach. Morgan eventually would like to see 25 percent of student membership from outside of engineering. To help spread the word about EWB, it holds quarterly film screenings and organizes profit shares with local restaurants. Morgan believes all the hard work on campus and beyond is worth it. Its amazing to see the connection between our work and improving lives, Morgan said. The work we do matters, and the communities hold us to our promises. Its a lot of pressure to have that kind of responsibility, but its satisfying to design lasting solutions. Some new data from the N.C. Rural Center shows that employment growth remains a struggle in many counties in North Carolina, including McDowell. Based in Raleigh, the N.C. Rural Center is a private non-profit organization funded by both public and private sources. The centers mission is to to develop, promote and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. It serves North Carolinas 80 rural counties, with a special focus on individuals with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources, according to the centers Website. In a recent report, the N.C. Rural Center looked at the employment growth for all 100 counties in the state during a one-year period, from May 2016 to May 2017. The counties are sorted into three categories: rural, suburban and urban. The report shows which counties experienced employment growth during that one-year period and which ones experienced a decline. McDowell is one of the counties that experienced a decline. McDowell is ranked 10th from the bottom, which was Alleghany. In May 2016, McDowell had 20,157 people employed. A year later in May 2017, the county had 19,849 as employed. This is a loss of 308 people, according to the report. Some of the surrounding counties experienced a job loss too during that one-year period but not as dramatic. Mitchell ranked right above McDowell in the report. During that period, Mitchell went from 5,819 people employed in May 2016 to 5,731 people employed in May 2017, a loss of 88. Rutherford went from 23,073 in May 2016 to 22,909 in May 2017, a loss of 164. Yancey went from 7,067 in May 2016 to 7,040 in May 2017, a loss of just 27, according to the data from the Rural Center. Other counties surrounding McDowell experienced job growth during that time. Avery went from 7,195 in May 2016 to 7,252 in May 2017, a gain of 57 employed people. Burke gained 371 employed people during that one-year span. Burke went from 38,028 in May 2016 to 38,399 in May 2017. Most encouraging is the solid recovery in the Western Piedmont counties. Burke, Caldwell, Alexander, and Wilkes all showed good employment growth, with Wilkes County being just two-tenths a point below the state average, according to the Rural Centers report. Buncombe grew its number of employed people by 1,475. Buncombe, which is classified as a suburban county, went from 128,704 in May 2016 to 130,179 in May 2017. The source for this data was the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. McDowell has reported a low unemployment rate lately. For example, the county reported a 3.9 percent jobless rate for April, which was below the state average. But this data from the Rural Center indicates the overall number of people who are working here has declined. And unlike the jobless figures that are announced monthly by the state Department of Commerces Labor and Economic Analysis Division, this data has been seasonally adjusted at East Carolina Universitys Bureau of Business Research, said Jason Gray, senior fellow of research and policy with the Rural Center. It can change based on the size of your labor force and the number of people who are officially documented as receiving unemployment insurance and are looking for work, he said to The McDowell News of the monthly jobless figures. I like to focus on whats changed in the number of people who are employed. Gray previously stated in an online newsletter this data shows that overall employment growth in rural counties continues to lag behind those in suburban and rural counties in North Carolina. The nearly even division between rural counties that experienced growth and decline accounts for the anemic 0.4 percent rural growth rate, he stated online. While conditions are improving, the data suggests a continued uneven economic growth for our rural counties. Despite this, I am encouraged by what I see. The narrative to pay attention to is within the rural counties - counties formerly in decline are now experiencing employment growth, and that growth is geographically diverse. Challenges remain for half our rural counties, but we can now ask the healthy question about what are the lessons we can learn from growing rural counties. Gray said to The McDowell News that hes not sure where the decline in the number of people employed has occurred within McDowell County. Theres a lot of people employed in McDowell County and you have a diverse economy, he said. Some of the biggest employers in McDowell include Baxter Healthcare, the school system, WestRock, IAC, McDowell Hospital, the N.C. Department of Correction and others. I dont know if that decline is from the public sector or the private sector, he said. Its important because we focus on employment. Weve actually been growing manufacturing jobs in the state. Weve actually been growing manufacturing jobs in the state and they are more diverse. Morgan County Veterans Day Parade slated Nov. 11 Audio Article The Morgan County Veterans Day Parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 11. The parade will form at the Commons, in McConnelsville, at 9:30 a.m. and set out at 10 a.m. The American Legion Post 24 will render honors at the monuments at the Commons, Riecker Building, the Square, at... A concert with two purposes Audio Article Wednesday, Nov. 30, a concert with dual purposes is being held at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville, Ohio. Its a thank-you to healthcare workers, who can attend for free, and its a benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. In September 2021, Rick Shriver contracted COVID-19. He collapsed... BOE reminder of early voting hours and polling location change Audio Article Remaining early voting hours at the Morgan County Board of Elections are as follows: from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 2 through Friday, Nov. 4; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.... Lions Club announces annual Wreaths Across America Audio Article On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Chesterhill Lions Club will be joining with National Wreaths Across America in the laying of wreaths at each of the seven cemeteries located in Marion Township. The mission is to honor the local veterans who have served our nation so their families can rest assured... Governor DeWine awards $6.7 million for domestic violence survivor programs Audio Article Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that he is awarding $6.7 million to support the work of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) to offer mobile and health advocacy services and temporary residential services for domestic violence survivors across the state. The announcement comes during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.... CDC committee vote wont change Ohio school vaccine requirement Audio Article Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA has released the following statement: The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine to be added to the formulary or schedule of vaccines for children does not mandate this vaccine for school children. Ohio law determines... Error 404 Not Found You may have mis-typed the URL. Or the page has been removed. Actually, there is nothing to see here... Click on the links below to do something, Thanks! Take Me our of here Researchers at Okayama University describe in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the effect of clodronate on the regulation of adenosine triphosphate release and its potential as a drug for the treatment of chronic pain. The compound has few side effects and may also be effective for treating other medical conditions including diabetes. Typical drugs for treating chronic pain - a condition estimated to affect 20 - 25% of the world's population - often cause serious side effects such as stomach problems, kidney failure or addiction. Now, a team of researchers led by Yuri Kato and Takaaki Miyaji from Okayama University has identified a compound, clodronate, that inhibits the mechanism triggering chronic pain while having few side effects. Clodronate may therefore be used for future chronic pain drug development. Moreover, the researchers reckon it may also be effective for the treatment of other diseases such as diabetes and neurological disorders. Acute pain is the result of sensory nerves responding to a (potentially) harmful stimulus, a biological process called nociception. However, inflammation or nerve injuries can trigger pathological nociception - a long-lasting sensation of pain due to the stimulated production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules that bind to so-called purinergic receptors causing pain responses. The ATP molecules participating in the purinergic signalling processes are carried by vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) protein. Since it is known that suppression of VNUT function leads to an improvement of neuropathological conditions in mice, Moriyama and Miyaji and colleagues looked for a VNUT inhibitor with few side effects. The researchers tested clodronate, a molecule belonging to the class of bisphosphonates, compounds used for treating osteoporosis. Clodronate does not contain nitrogen, a characteristic known to decrease therapeutic effect for osteoporosis and the number of side effects. Experiments on proteoliposomes showed that clodronate is a potent inhibitor of VNUT, whereas injections of clodronate in wild-type mice showed that it attenuated chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The scientists confirmed that clodronate has few side effects, and noted that its therapeutic effectiveness is stronger than that of other widespread drugs for neuropathic pain. Clodronate's potent inhibition of VNUT also makes it a highly relevant candidate drug for the treatment of diabetic symptoms. Given that clodronate is currently clinically approved in many countries for the treatment of osteoporosis, the drug has great potential. Accordingly, Kato and Miyaji and colleagues conclude their report by noting that "further studies regarding the wide range of applications of clodronate are currently in progress in our laboratories." Background Chronic pain In medicine, pain lasting a long time - typically, 3 months or more - is called chronic, as opposed to acute pain. Chronic pain can be neuropathic, when the nervous system is damaged, or nociceptive, when inflammation causes nociceptors (pain sensors) to be triggered permanently. Current drugs for the treatment of chronic pain, notably opioids like morphine, have various side effects, including stomach or kidney dysfunction, drug addiction, drowsiness and vomiting. Yuri Kato and Takaaki Miyaji and colleagues have now identified a potential non-opioid drug, clodronate, that suppresses chronic pain by inhibiting the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a mechanism involved in chronic pain. Purinergic signalling In living organisms, purinergic signalling is a way of passing on signals outside cells. It involves purines, particular types of aromatic molecules containing nitrogen, and so-called purinergic receptors in cells. The purinergic signalling mechanism associated with chronic pain involves the purine adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule playing an important role in biological energy transfer processes; ATP is carried by vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) protein. The present study shows that clodronate inhibits VNUT, which in turn attenuates neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Since clodronate has few side effects and since it has already been clinically approved in many countries, it is a promising drug for the treatment of chronic pain. Article: Identification of a vesicular ATP release inhibitor for the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, Yuri Kato, Miki Hiasa, Reiko Ichikawa, Nao Hasuzawa, Atsushi Kadowaki, Ken Iwatsuki, Kazuhiro Shima, Yasuo Endo, Yoshiro Kitahara, Tsuyoshi Inoue, Masatoshi Nomura, Hiroshi Omote, Yoshinori Moriyama & Takaaki Miyaji, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1704847114, published online 18 July 2017. Advertisement Tue Kjlhede, et al. Can resistance training impact MRI outcomes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis Journal (2017). DOI:10.1177/1352458517722645 Resistance training has a number of positive effects on the brain of multiple sclerosis patients. The effects of resistance training are enormous and goes beyond what can normally be achieved through disease specific medication.Ulrik Dalgas, Associate Professor from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University said that for more than six years, the team of researchers had an idea that physical training has effects on more than just the symptoms. This study is the first to indicate that physical activity can protect the nervous system against the disease.Over the past 15 years, it was believed that physical activity does not harm people with multiple sclerosis, but instead had positive effects. These effects improved their ability to walk, reduced levels of fatigue, improved muscle strength and aerobic capacity.Earlier, these activities were considered to be deteriorating in patients with multiple sclerosis. But the fact that resistance training has protective effects on the brain in multiple sclerosis patients is a new and important knowledge, reveals Ulrik Dalgas.In this study, about 35 people with multiple sclerosis were observed by a team of researchers for a period of about six months. These participants were divided into two groups, where half of them were engaged in resistance training twice a week, while the other half were not involved in any systematic training, and continued to live their lives normally.Before and after the six-month period, the participants had their brains scanned for MRI. The research team found that the tendency for the brain to shrink was much lesser in those patients who were under resistance training, when compared to those who didn't.Ulrik Dalgas said: "Among persons with multiple sclerosis, the brain shrinks markedly faster than normal. Drugs can counter this development, but we saw a tendency that training further minimizes brain shrinkage in patients already receiving medication. In addition, we saw that several smaller brain areas actually started to grow in response to training." .The research team is still unable to explain why and how physical training has a positive impact on the brain in multiple sclerosis patients and there is a need for much bigger and more in-depth study to help clarify this.Further research can also provide improved treatment options. However, the aim is not to replace medication with physical training, says Ulrik Dalgas.Ulrik Dalgas said: "Phasing out drugs in favour of training is not realistic. On the other hand, the study indicates that systematic physical training can be a far more important supplement during treatment than has so far been assumed. This aspect needs to be thoroughly explored."The research team is not yet clear, if all multiple sclerosis patients benefit from this type of physical exercise, as the research has not yet been adequately tested in patients who were affected severely.Therefore, it is necessary for patients with multiple sclerosis to first seek professional advice, rather than putting themselves through rigorous physical training regimes, says Ulrik Dalgas.Multiple sclerosis affects more than a million people worldwide, which is a life-long debilitating auto-immune disease that affects the nerves. Eighty percent of multiple sclerosis patients live with the disease for more than 35 years. In India, there are 40,000 - 50,000 people estimated to be affected by the disease. It frequently attacks young people usually in the age group of 20-40 years, and is more common among females than males. The cause of the illness is unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors play a role. It can cause financial, physical and emotional drain on the family of the patient for many years. It is not a killer disease and the patient has more or less a normal life span but gradually as the condition worsens, the patient is totally disabled and requires managed care.Source: Medindia If you've ever wanted to work for NASA, here's your chance. NASA is looking for a Planetary Protection Officer, and as the name suggests, the job basically entails protecting the planet, especially from any potential alien contamination. If that wasn't cool enough, this job pays well, like really well. Whoever fills this position can expect a six figure salary, anywhere from $124,406 to $187,000 per year. The job has been listed on US Government's official employment site, and people can send in their applications up till August 14. According to their website, they're looking for someone who will be 'concerned with the avoidance of organic-constituent and biological contamination in human and robotic space exploration.' Initially, the job will be for three years, with the potential for another two. It also requires frequent travel across the country and drug testing and a financial disclosure agreement. But since it's NASA, it's not that easy to bag the position. A lot of skills and qualifications are required, obviously, and here are the one's listed on the site : 1. Advanced knowledge of Planetary Protection, its requirements and mission categories. This includes demonstrated technical expertise to independently form technically sound judgments and evaluations in considerably complex situations. 2. Demonstrated experience planning, executing, or overseeing elements of space programs of national significance. These elements include but are not limited to developing requirements, performing technical assessments, and preparing recommendations to leadership. 3. Demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and complex multilateral discussions. This includes building coalitions amongst organizations to achieve common goals. If you have a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics, or a combination of education and experience, go on and apply! It appears the offer has got some people excited: I found my future job: planetary protection officer. #hellonasa nicolette (@nicolette_quinn) August 1, 2017 @NASA I hope the person you hire for Planetary Protection Officer is given the Captain rank and has the last name of Planet. JGS (@JustJGS) August 1, 2017 Applying to be a planetary protection officer to protect us against life forces beyond us pootie moonrise (@pvstyprincess) August 1, 2017 And, the biggest selling point is you'll probably be the first one to know about aliens, and if that isn't an incentive, then nothing is. Vote No Aug. 8 on the school bond proposal and sinking fund. I have served on the board of education for over 10 years, and I am currently serving on the board. Ubly Community Schools is asking the district residents for an $8.4 million bond 1.7 mills to be paid in 20 years and a sinking fund of $490,000 per year for 10 years two mills. Ubly Community Schools currently is paying on a 2008 and 2014 bond, and they are expected to be paid off by 2024. The school is also levying a millage on residence of 18 mills until 2024 on all property except principal residence and other property exempted by law that generates about $519,000 for operating purposes. When this millage expires, Ubly Community Schools will have to go back to the voters and ask for a renewal. The proposed bond and sinking fund were not thoroughly thought out and planned. There was only one bid acquired. Generally, for this type of large scale project funded by taxpayers, one would seek at least three bids. Also, a study was not conducted to estimate the future maintenance and utility expenses that will be added to the current budget. Also, Ubly has newly-hired administrators in the superintendent, business administrator, and high school principal positions. They have not been in place for a year to have acquired the feel for the district's needs. The current superintendent is steering our district in a different direction that will burden taxpayers for years to come. In the past, the administration and board set aside funds to ensure the upkeep of our current assets. There is about $850,000 set aside in uncommitted funds for routine maintenance and projects for the school buildings which include the renovation of the 1966 gym, elementary classrooms, roofing upgrades, student parking lot repaving and transportation needs. Ubly Community Schools has lost about 160 students in the last eight years, resulting in $1.12 million in lost revenue. With the declining enrollment factor, I feel adding on to the school would not be in the best interest for our district at this time. I understand there are many projects included in the bond and sinking fund that look appealing, but these projects will not affect the academic abilities of our students. Ubly Community Schools has graduated students who went on to become doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, accountants, engineers, etc., proving that the space has not affected the education of our students. Please join me in voting no on Aug. 8 to send a message to the district that they need to prioritize and be focused on the maintenance and preservation of our existing assets for decades to come. Mike Rutkowski Ubly Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the best and latest crime stories with our Court Insider newsletter An intruder who forced a terrified 73-year-old woman to flee her home and take refuge with a neighbour has been jailed for more than three years. Steven Miller was already inside the home of the victim when she returned home from an afternoon shopping trip and found him half in and half out of her dining room window. She was terrified as he climbed back into the house and walked towards her in the hallway and she retreated out of her front door. Miller was on bail after being caught red handed in a student's flat where he tried to bluff his way out by pretending to read the meter. He also helped another intruder who broke into two other flats by exchanging 1,500 in currency stolen from foreign students and academics. Miller, 26, of Sidwell Street, Exeter, admitted two burglaries and two offences of handling and was jailed for three years and two months by Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC at Exeter Crown Court. He told him: "You burgled the home of a woman in her 70s who came home to find you in her house. What you did, understandably, had a very substantial effect on her. "It is a very serious matter and you stole a number of items belonging to her late mother. Happily, they were recovered because you were caught very shortly afterwards." Mr Greg Richardson, prosecuting, said the 73-year-old woman came back to her home in Northernhay Street, Exeter, at around 7 pm from a short trip to the shops and found Miller half in and half out of a window. He said: "She challenged him and asked what he was doing. She told him to get out but he climbed in and said 'don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you'. "She told him to wait while she went for help and she backed into the hallway. He said there was someone else upstairs. He shouted up to them they had to go but the woman was very fearful. "She left and knocked in a neighbour's door and they called the police." Mr Richardson said a security man at a nearby gym saw Miller climbing over a wall. He challenged him and he fled, leaving a bag which contained the victim's stolen purse and a watch which had been taken from her late mother's old bedroom. He also left his jacket and there were documents in his bag which identified him. Police recognised him as he walked down the street and he was arrested. The other offences involved burgling a student flat in Exeter where he was caught red handed and tried to bluff his way out by claiming to be a meter reader. The student knew he was lying because there was no meter in his flat and Miller claimed to be from SWEB, which no longer exists. He was found with five fob keys which he had used to get into the building in Southernhay and the flat. The handling charges related to him exchanging 1,520 in Japanese Yen, Malay Ringit, Thai Baht, and Singapore dollars stolen from foreign academics who were staying at Exeter University's Darwin House in Southernhay. Mr Michael White, defending, said Miller had not threatened the pensioner and had only stayed in her home so he could get his accomplice out of the house. He said he was homeless at the time and sleeping in a nearby basement and was bullied into stealing to pay off past drug debts. He is now keen to rid himself of drugs and was suitable to a treatment order in the community. Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go. Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune... A government watchdog agency called on the Pentagon on Tuesday to declassify a report alleging the sex abuse of children by Afghan security forces. The classified section on sex abuse is part of the quarterly report to Congress and the Defense Department by the office of John Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR). SIGAR said the classified section deals with violations of the so-called "Leahy law," a provision of the Foreign Assistance Act barring U.S. aid to human rights abusers. The classified section "concerned allegations of sexual abuse of children by members of the Afghan security forces, and discusses the extent to which the U.S. holds Afghan security forces accountable. SIGAR has requested that DOD declassify the report so that it can be released to the public," the SIGAR statement said. The sexual abuse of children by the Afghan army and police has occasionally led to disciplinary action against U.S. troops who tried to stop it. In one incident that became the subject of congressional debate in 2015, the Army moved to discharge Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Charles Martland, who admitted to roughing up an Afghan police commander who allegedly sexually abused a young boy. The discharge was delayed following a phone call on Martland's behalf from Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, to then-Army Secretary John McHugh. The Army later issued a statement saying, "Out of respect for Chairman Thornberry's continued strong support for our military, and his personal appeal, Secretary McHugh has agreed to postpone Sgt. First Class Martland's discharge from the Army for 60 days to allow him to file an appeal with the Army Board for the Correction of Military Records." The New York Times reported that in 2011 Martland and Special Forces Capt. Dan Quinn roughed up an Afghan commander who had allegedly sexually abused a boy. Quinn left the Army, and Martland had said he was being forced to retire for intervening. Quinn later told CNN that in confronting the Afghan commander, "I picked him up, threw him to the ground multiple times and Charles did the same thing. We basically had to make sure that he fully understood that if he ever went near that boy or his mother again, there was going to be hell to pay." The Army later reversed its decision to discharge Martland. The State Department, in its annual human rights reports, has consistently said that sexual abuse of children is pervasive in Afghanistan. In its 2014 report, the State Department said many child sexual abusers are not arrested, and "there were reports security officials and those connected to the ANP [Afghan National Police] raped children with impunity." In 2012 in southwestern Helmand province, three Marines were killed by a so-called "tea boy" who served an allegedly corrupt Afghan police commander, Sarwar Jan. The young man gunned down Lance Cpl. Gregory Buckley Jr., 21, of Oceanside, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. Scott E. Dickinson, 29, of San Diego; and Cpl. Richard A. Rivera Jr., of Ventura, Calif., at Forward Base Delhi. The latest SIGAR report came as the White House and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis are preparing a new strategy for Afghanistan that could involve sending more troops to bolster the 8,400 U.S. troops currently serving in America's longest war. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. A recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina who was hospitalized after a fall last week was witnessed intentionally jumping from a building, a source with knowledge of the incident told Military.com. Officials have released little information about the recruit and the circumstances of the incident, declining to disclose even where he was taken for medical care. But a source confirmed to Military.com this week that the recruit had jumped from the receiving building, a brick structure that is a first stop for recruits arriving at the depot. The recruit had made his way to the roof, a process that requires finding a way to a small ladder access point from the top floor of the building. "It's not a matter of just climbing a stairwell and opening a door," the source said. "It's not readily available to just access the roof." The incident took place in the late afternoon of July 26. Several witnesses actually saw the recruit jump and appear to land on his head. Multiple sources have told Military.com he was airlifted out following the jump, likely to a trauma center in Savannah, Georgia. A depot spokesman, Capt. Adam Flores, said the recruit remains in stable condition. The recruit had arrived at the depot July 25, just one day before the incident, officials said. The new information indicates that this recruit is the third since 2016 to jump from a building at Parris Island in what appear to be suicide attempts. Last October, Kristian Gashaj, a 19-year-old recruit from Michigan, was hospitalized after reportedly jumping from the second floor of a building at Parris Island, just four days after arriving at the base for training. And in March 2016, 20-year-old Raheel Siddiqui, also from Michigan, reportedly jumped to his death from the third floor of a barracks building after beginning training with Parris Island's 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. Flores said no criminal investigation has been ordered into the most recent incident, but said the command is investigating the circumstances of the recruit's injury. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Updated at 6 p.m. Eastern Two U.S. service members were killed Wednesday in a suicide car bomb attack on a NATO convoy near Kandahar in southwestern Afghanistan, Pentagon officials said. Several other troops were wounded in the attack, but the number of wounded and their nationalities were not immediately disclosed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack near the airfield on the outskirts of Kandahar, the group's spiritual birthplace. Related content: An early statement from NATO said only, "Resolute Support can confirm that a NATO convoy was attacked this afternoon in Kandahar. The attack did cause casualties." Local reports said a suicide bomber drove a vehicle rigged with explosives into the convoy that was part of the NATO Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan as it headed to the airfield, a major hub of operations for international troops in the region. In a separate incident Wednesday, a U.S. service member was killed in a non-combat-related incident in Kuwait, according to a statement from Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, the mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. "Further information will be released by the relevant national authorities 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified," it stated. Pressure for a New Afghan Strategy The attack on the convoy brought to 11 the number of U.S. service members who have died in Afghanistan this year. In 2016, a total of 14 U.S. troops were killed. Since the nation's longest war began in 2001, at least 2,400 U.S. service members have been killed in and around Afghanistan, according to the website icasualties.org. The suicide attack, the overall deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, and the wave of attacks by the Taliban and the ISIS offshoot called Islamic State-Khorasan Province, are expected to lend urgency to White House and Pentagon deliberations on a new strategy for the region, which could involve sending in additional troops. The Taliban's summer offensive has hit district headquarters, government officials, minority groups and the Afghan National Defense Security Forces with increasing frequency. The convoy attack came as Afghan authorities in western Herat province bordering Iran tightened security ahead of a mass funeral for the victims there of an attack on a mosque the previous evening that killed at least 32 and was claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province, or IS-K. Another 66 worshippers were injured in the assault by a suicide bomber who sprayed bullets at security guards before detonating his explosives, local authorities said. On Monday, IS-K claimed responsibility for an attack on the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul and, on Wednesday, the Taliban claimed responsibility for ambushing and killing Jaghatu District Gov. Manzur Hussain and a passenger in his car. On Tuesday, two U.S. soldiers were injured when their Black Hawk helicopter made a hard landing in the IS-K stronghold in the Achin District of eastern Nangarhar province. Dire Situation Also on Tuesday, the office of the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) issued its quarterly report to Congress detailing the dire situation faced by the allies and the central government of President Ashraf Ghani. From January 1, 2017, through May 8, 2017, there were 2,531 ANDSF service members killed in action and an additional 4,238 wounded in action, the report said. In addition, the poppy trade that supports the Taliban is flourishing. "The estimated value of opiates produced in Afghanistan increased to $3.02 billion in 2016 from $1.56 billion in 2015," the report said. At the same time, the costs to the U.S. and its coalition allies continue to rise. According to SIGAR's analysis, the U.S. has obligated an estimated $714 billion for all spending -- including war fighting and reconstruction -- in Afghanistan over more than 15 years. In the spring, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis used trips to Europe to round up support from NATO allies to increase spending on Afghanistan and possibly add to their own troop contingents there. In June, President Donald Trump authorized Mattis to set the Force Management Level, or troop level, in Afghanistan after granting him similar authority in Iraq and Syria. Mattis had pledged to deliver a new strategy for Afghanistan by mid-July that would rely on increased air power and would also address the long-standing request of Army Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and the NATO Resolute Support Mission, for an additional 3,000 to 5,000 troops. However, the Mattis plan has been held up as the White House reviews the entire Afghanistan mission amid reports that top advisers to Trump have been recommending a scaled-down U.S. operation. An Unsalvageable Mission? Long-time analysts of the Afghanistan situation have become increasingly doubtful that the mission can be salvaged. "There is a case for a deliberate U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan," analyst Anthony Cordesman said in a commentary for the Center for Strategic and International Studies. His comments echoed the refrain of U.S. advisers in Afghanistan since the start of the war in 2001: "The Afghan government remains divided and weak, its security forces will take years of expensive U.S. and allied support to become fully effective, and they may still lose even with such support." He said that the Trump administration "should consult with Congress, seek a clear legislative mandate for staying if it decides this is the proper course, and openly and transparently explain its decisions to the American people. But it cannot simply sit and wait, take token action, and issue more empty words without losing the war." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Spill Response and Absorbent Products for Oil, Gas and Hazardous Waste on Land and in Water We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. ANN ARBOR, MI - Lourdes Salazar Bautista, a longtime Ann Arbor resident and mother of three teenagers, had many supporters in the community as she fought to avoid deportation. Among them were several local elected officials, including the entire City Council, county commissioners and state representatives who reached out to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Detroit in hopes of keeping her from being sent to Mexico. After the 49-year-old mother was deported on Tuesday, Aug. 1, Mayor Christopher Taylor, who recently joined hundreds in marching in support of keeping Salazar Bautista and her children together in Ann Arbor, called the outcome heartbreaking and infuriating. "We should be better than this," Taylor said in a statement shared on social media. "This senseless deportation has devastated a strong family and diminished a community. Come back when you can, Lourdes; you'll always belong here in Ann Arbor." Salazar Bautista lived in the United States for 20 years and has no criminal record. She came here legally on a visa in 1997 and then overstayed, deciding to make a life here where she has family. She said coming here was a dream come true, and the life she was able to build here and give to her children would not have been possible in Mexico. An immigration judge actually ordered her deportation in 1998, but she maintains she never knew about it until ICE showed up at her house in 2010. That's when ICE deported her husband and allowed her to stay and continue raising her children in Ann Arbor. Her efforts over the years to get approval to stay here as a legal permanent resident have been unsuccessful and now she is officially deported and banned from entering the country for 10 years. Her three children flew to Mexico with her on Tuesday. All three are U.S. citizens by virtue of having been born here. The two youngest children, ages 13 and 15, are staying with their family in Mexico for now, but could eventually come back and either live with their uncle or their older sister. The oldest daughter, 19-year-old Pamela, intends to come back later this week and continue living in the area while going to college. She's determined to find a way to keep the family's home in Ann Arbor and continue paying the mortgage, though that's not going to be easy. The family has racked up thousands in legal bills related to Salazar Bautista's deportation. The Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights has set up an online fundraising page to help raise money for the family. So far, more than $5,700 has been donated, with a goal of $25,000. Khaalid Walls, a spokesman for the ICE field office in Detroit, said though ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of threats to national security and public safety, "no class or category of alien in the United States is exempt from arrest or removal." "The dedicated men and women of ICE will continue to do our sworn duty to enforce our immigration laws and protect the safety and security of Americans," he said. Local elected officials last week decried what they called an "abuse of power" by ICE in southeast Michigan. ANN ARBOR, MI -- An 18-year-old man's sentencing hearings in robbery and resisting arrest cases were postponed Tuesday, Aug. 1 when he pleaded guilty in an unrelated sexual assault case. Danya Bosley pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct when he appeared in the Washtenaw County Trial Court. He admitted to Judge Carol Kuhnke that he received oral sex from a 13-year-old girl in August 2016. Nine months later, Bosley found himself on the business end of an Ann Arbor police officer's Taser after a chase across the University of Michigan's Diag. At the time, Bosley was wanted for an unarmed robbery. In June, Bosley pleaded guilty to three counts of resisting, assaulting or obstructing police in one case and to an added count of larceny from a person for stealing a wallet and credit card in the area of North University Avenue and Thayer Street on Feb. 27. Police have said Bosley and two other Ann Arbor area teens assaulted and robbed an acquaintance behind the Bell Tower Hotel. Investigators identified the teens and put a warrant out for Bosley's arrest. Officers then spotted Bosley near South State Street and North University Avenue March 16 and gave chase. Bosley fled across the Diag toward the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, where officers used a Taser to take him into custody. Bosley was charged in the sexual assault case while in custody. The incident took place on Arrowhead Trail in Ann Arbor Aug. 4, 2016. Bosley told Judge Kuhnke that the girl said she was 17, but was 13. He was scheduled to be sentenced in the fleeing and larceny cases, as well as a violation of probation case, on Tuesday. All three hearings were postponed until Aug. 16, when Bosley will be sentenced in all four cases. The other teens, 18-year-old Charles Bassett-Kennedy of Pittsfield Township and 17-year-old Kevin Kennedy of Ann Arbor, also face two counts of unarmed robbery and one count of assault and have pending court cases. Kuhnke agreed to sentence Bosley under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act and to release Bosley from jail when he is sentenced as part of the agreement in his previous cases. It's unclear if that will apply to the criminal sexual conduct case. He is currently being held on $10,000 cash bond. This story has been updated to reflect a response from the Justice Department related to the origins of the initial complaint ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan will continue to monitor the administration of President Donald Trump's plans to redirect resources toward investigating and suing universities over affirmative action admissions policies deemed to discriminate against white applicants. According to the New York Times story published Tuesday, Aug. 1, an internal document announcing the plan to the administration's civil rights division does not explicitly identify whom the Justice Department considers at risk of discrimination, but uses phrasing like "intentional race-based discrimination," indicating it could be targeting programs designed to bring more minority students to university campuses. A day after The New York Times reported the department was seeking current attorneys interested in "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions," the Justice Department said the job ad was related to just one complaint, according to the Associated Press. The Justice Department said Wednesday it had no broad plans to investigate whether college and university admission programs discriminate against students based on race, seeking to defray worries that a job posting signaled an effort to reverse course on affirmative action, The AP notes. "The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved," spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said. The groups sued Harvard University, saying that school and other Ivy League institutions are using racial quotas to admit students other than high-scoring Asians. Isgur Flores said the Justice Department had received no broader guidance related to university admissions in general and "is committed to protecting all Americans from all forms of illegal race-based discrimination." UM Spokesperson Kim Broekhuizen said the university will continue to monitor the Trump administration's plans moving forward. "As always, the university follows all applicable state and federal laws," she said. Affirmative action has been a contentious issue for UM since it was at the center of a pair of lawsuits dating back to 1996, in which students sued the university for allotting preference based on an applicant's race. The Justice Department's announcement comes at a time when UM continues to push for a more diverse student body and university community, announcing the commitment of $85 million in new resources for university-wide diversity, equity and inclusion plan in October 2016. Broekhuizen referred to UM's website, which provides an overview of how the university complied with Proposal 2. The site indicates that UM continues to do everything in its power, within the law, to build a community that is broadly diverse, including with respect to racial and ethnic diversity. Proposal 2, which was passed by Michigan voters in 2006, amended the Michigan Constitution to ban public institutions from discriminating against or giving preferential treatment to groups or individuals based on their race, gender, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public education, public employment, or public contracting. On the FAQ site, UM stated it obeys the law set by Proposal 2, noting its admissions and financial aid processes do not discriminate against, nor grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. However, it is still is allowed by law to seek diversity on its campus. "(Proposal 2) does not in any way mean that diversity is no longer a permissible, indeed compelling, interest," the site states. "The University of Michigan is firmly committed to the goal of creating a diverse educational environment. We continue to work to build a community that is comprised of faculty, staff, and students who come to U-M with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives." The current initiatives in UM's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan fall into three overarching strategies: creating an inclusive and equitable campus; recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse university community; and supporting innovation and inclusive scholarship and teaching. "The future of our great university will be determined by how well we embrace the values of diversity, equity and inclusion," UM President Mark Schlissel said in October. "To live up to our full potential as a university, everyone must have the opportunity to contribute and to benefit, and our community can be complete only when all members feel welcome." A number of these initiatives already are in place, including the approved building of a new $10 million multicultural center at the heart of campus and funding for the new Wolverine Pathways program, which is aimed to help increase the critical mass of under-represented students as it creates a pipeline to the university for students from the Ypsilanti and Southfield communities. The program will expand to Detroit this fall. The university also recently launched the HAIL Scholars initiative. HAIL (High Achieving Involved Leader) is a two-year pilot effort that is testing a new approach to reaching - and enrolling - high-achieving, low-income students from across the state. Despite an April 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Michigan's controversial ban on affirmative action in public college admissions, Schlissel applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling upholding the University of Texas' race-conscious admissions policy last June, issuing a statement in favor of diversity in higher education. The justices voted in favor of the Texas program by a 4-3 vote, an outcome that was dramatically altered by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, who opposed affirmative action. The university considers race among many factors in admitting the last quarter of incoming freshmen classes. Texas fills most of the freshman class by guaranteeing admission to students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their Texas high school class, according to The Associated Press. "Decades of research have conclusively demonstrated the benefits of diversity in higher education," Schlissel said in a statement last June. "Today's ruling is a victory for all who value a robust exchange of perspectives and support our ability to prepare students to succeed in an increasingly multicultural society." UM had been at the center of the affirmative action debate since 1996, the year two applicants denied admission - one to the law school and the other to the undergraduate program - sued the university for allotting preference based on an applicant's race. In 2003, the Supreme Court upheld affirmative action, although restricting its use, in two decisions that UM considered a victory. In 2006, 58 percent of voters approved the ban of affirmative action with Proposal 2, and since then UM has been legally prohibited from considering race in admissions or financial aid packages. Following the passing of Proposal 2, UM underwent an eight-year legal battle, debating the ban in court: A lower court in Detroit upheld it; a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court struck it down; the full slate of judges in the Sixth Circuit, in an 8-7 opinion, backed the panel's decision in November 2012; and, finally, in April 2014 the Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's decision and upheld the ban. During a visit to UM in April, former UM President Lee Bollinger, who was the named defendant in both Supreme Court lawsuits, stood by the university's commitment to upholding its admissions policies. "I believe still, deeply, that the university has done the right thing," said Bollinger, who is now the president of Columbia University after serving as president at UM from 1996 to 2002. "I believe the institution should be as proud of that achievement as anything that I can think of in the century." YPSILANTI, MI -- Police Chief Tony DeGiusti took to the city's Facebook page Wednesday to discuss police conduct in the wake of controversial comments made by President Donald Trump in late July. "We hold the guiding principle that (Ypsilanti is) a welcoming and inclusive community and in that vein we are dedicated to protecting all that live, work, play and go to school here," DeGiusti wrote on Wednesday, Aug. 2. "We cannot control the speech or actions of others, but we can concentrate on providing the best possible police services to those in need." The Ypsilanti Police Department's Chief Tony DeGiusti has released a statement regarding recent national conversations... Posted by City of Ypsilanti, MI on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 The post was in response to comments Trump made during a Friday, July 28 speech at Suffolk County Community College in New York. During the speech, Trump praised officers for their conduct and bravery in light of the nature of their jobs. But when speaking of possibly funding an additional 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to help root out the MS-13 drug cartel, Trump told officers they were being too nice on the job. "When you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon you just see them thrown in rough. I said, please don't be too nice," Trump said. "Like when you guys put somebody in the car and you're protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over? Like, don't hit their head and they've just killed somebody -- don't hit their head. "I said, you can take the hand away, okay?" Trump's comments were greeted with laughter and applause in response. Many police departments around the country, however, didn't find it funny. They took to Twitter and other social media platforms to denounce the remarks, including departments in New York, Texas, New Orleans and Florida. DeGiusti said in his statement that the actions of the Ypsilanti Police Department are not affected by outside beliefs of those not on the force. "I want to reassure our citizens that the Ypsilanti Police Department is not influenced by these comments or others made on the national stage," he wrote. "We have a culture within the department that promotes service to the community and a mantra that we will treat everyone with dignity and respect. That is who we are and how we conduct ourselves." To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Aug. 2 (CNA) University of Taipei (UT) President Tai Hsia-ling () said Tuesday she was committed to helping the school become one of the top 500 colleges in the world, and she indicated that a memorandum of understanding signed that day with an Indian college was a step in that direction. To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Aug. 2 (CNA) Facing a severe talent outflow and intense international competition for talent, the Ministry of Education has come up with a plan to keep talented scholars in Taiwan by raising their salaries, which could be increased by as much as a whopping NT$5 million (US$165,000) per year. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Domestic carrier IndiGo, operated by InterGlobe Aviation, is offering special fares starting Rs 1,111 including taxes for the next five days to mark its 11th anniversary this month. The offer is valid for bookings between August 2 and August 6 for travel between August 21 to March 24, next year. "To celebrate its eleven successful years in the domestic skies, IndiGo is going all out to thank its customers who have made this journey possible. Indias favourite airline is offering passengers a five-day special sale starting at Rs 1,111 effective August 02, 2017 till August 06, 2017 across 45 domestic and international destinations, Indigo said in a statement. The offer is valid only on select non-stop flights from specific locations including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangkok, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, and others. Under the scheme, Srinagar-Delhi fares are priced Rs 1,611, Delhi-Udaipur at Rs 1,411, Delhi-Mumbai at Rs 1,911, Mumbai-Muscat at Rs 5,711 and Mumbai-Doha at Rs 7,011. The sale is on a first-come, first-serve basis and subject to availability. Tickets can be booked across all channels of Indigo including website, mobile application and others. The offer is applicable on bookings made 15 days prior to travel. Additional 11 percent SuperCash is applicable if paid via MobiKwik. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Scrip Code : 521038This is to inform you that a Meeting of Board Directors of the Company is proposed to be held on 11.8.2017 to consider , inter alia, the Un-audited Financial results of the company for the quarter ended 30.6.2017.Thanking you,Yours faithfully,for Tamilnadu Jai Bharath Mills Ltd.,Compliance OfficerSource : BSE Read More By Satish Gupta of astrostocktips.in Todays planetary position: Moon will be transiting in Scorpio. Jupiter in Virgo, Lord Rahu & Mercury in Leo. Lord Saturn in Sagittarius. Sun & Mars in Cancer. Venus in Taurus. Ketu in Aquarius. Pluto in Sagittarius. Neptune in Aquarius & Uranus in Pisces. Rahu kal time: - 12.00 13.30 Following sectors will be receiving astrological support: Tyre: Apollo Tyres, Ceat, MRF, Balkrishna Industries, etc. Timing is most crucial element in investing or trading. This timing can be known through financial astrology. Astrology is only science which can predict future correctly & guide us about sectors which have to outperform. Every year with commencement of new Samvat (Hindu New Year), astrologically, based on planetary position, certain new sectors start getting strong astrological support & start outperforming, while some others sectors which were performing earlier start underperforming. Some sectors/stocks remain laggards. Stocks of astrological supported sectors outperform resulting in exorbitant gains irrespective of market behaviour, either bull market or bear market. Predicting bullish sectors of next Samvat 2074 Every year we release sectors of new Samvat in the month of March/April when new Samvat starts. But this year, we shall prepone release of next Samvat sectors, which are going to get strong astrological support & stocks from those sector outperform markets. Purpose of releasing sectors of next Samvat earlier is that investors & traders should get maximum advantage of down trend of markets by good timing. We firmly believe that these special astrological positions present very unique opportunities to investors and traders both. This opportunity, if utilised properly, can safeguard your existing portfolio and simultaneously optimise your future investments and trading also. Successful investing and trading is all about good timing only. Needless to mention our innumerable past predictions, where most stocks from the SECTORS of SAMVAT gave exorbitant returns & certain stocks appreciated by over 500 percent. During current Samavat 2073 among other sectors dyes/chemical/sugar sector received strong astrological support & outperformed and gave exorbitant return. Many stocks from dyes/ chemical sector appreciated by over 500 percent. Sectors which get very strong astrological support are not normally affected by downfall in the market. : The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts 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. Meta layoffs | Why Zuckerberg's Metaverse bet has proven to be a bit too costly Yogesh Mehta of Motilal Oswal told CNBC-TV18, "Stock specific, we are recommending only for intraday purpose. One is Bharat Forge, current price is Rs 1,171. It has given a breakout above 10 and 20-day moving average and we can look at Rs 1,158 as a stop loss for a target price of Rs 1,195." "Other one is UltraTech Cement. Current price is Rs 4,095. It is showing strength since last two days on a higher bottom. Keeping a stop loss of Rs 4,070. We can keep a target of Rs 4,150," he said. "Third one is Indiabulls Housing Finance . Yesterday there was a good move and today it has corrected a bit. So, keeping a stop loss of Rs 1,195 for intraday, target could be Rs 1,235." live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More State-owned gas utility GAIL India Limited today said it has begun construction work on its long- delayed Kerala stretch of the Kochi-Koottanad-Mangaluru- Bengaluru gas pipeline project. The project, which had been stalled due to land acquisition problems, will cost Rs 3,263 crore. "Despite the initial hurdle, the Kerala stretch of the project will gain impetus with commencement of 100 per cent construction work," the company said in a statement. The pipeline, which forms part of the National Gas Grid, will be completed by December 2018. GAIL said contracts for pipeline laying works for the 111-km stretch falling in Malappuram, Kannur and Kasargod districts have been awarded. "As a part of Phase-II of the project, the pipeline section from Kochi-Koottanad (in Kerala) to Mangaluru (in Karnataka) section of 438 km is being executed. With today's award of contracts, the entire stretch of 438 km Kochi KoottanadMangaluru pipeline will be in the construction phase," it said. The KochiKoottanadMangaluru pipeline will give a major economic boost to Kerala by way of supplying environment-friendly industrial development. In Phase-I of the project, around 41-km pipeline had already been commissioned during 2013 to transport natural gas from Kochi Liquified Natural Gas Terminal. Currently, around 2.6 million standard cubic meters per day of gas is being supplied to various consumers in and around Kochi city, the statement added. business Price increase to aid revenues by Rs 12 crore per month, says Pincon Spirit Pincon Spirit increases prices on country liquor by Rs 10 per unit in West Bengal. In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Arup Thakur, CFO of the company spoke about the price hike and latest happenings in the company. Representative Image: General Motors Halol plant Moneycontrol Research The first month since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) ended on a good note for automobile companies. The sector had been struggling with several headwinds in the past starting from demonetisation followed by the transition to BS-IV emission norms and finally the implementation of GST. But if July numbers are any indication, the road ahead looks smoother. Most auto companies have reported a strong set of sales numbers for the month ending July compared to the same month in 2016. On expected lines, stocks have reacted positively. Prima facie, GST-led de-stocking looks over now and the situation is returning to normalcy. We attribute stocking by wholesalers ahead of the festive season as another reason for the strong growth in the month. Commercial Vehicles: Overall demand picks up In the commercial vehicle space, M&M posted a healthy growth on the back of robust overall CV growth in the domestic market. Ashok Leyland surprised us with its numbers indicating the strong acceptance of its new iEGR technology. Tata Motors also registered growth on the back of new launches in fastest-growing segments of 49 tonne and 37 tonne, along with a pick-up in overall demand. Additionally, the SCV (small CV) cargo and pickup segments continued the growth momentum owing to a good response to the Ace XL, Mega XL, Zip XL, and the Tata Yodha. Bajaj Auto, on the other hand, continued to post de-growth. Cars: Leader continues to post strong numbers Maruti continued to post healthy set of numbers and domestic volume growth was led by growth in the Utility Vehicles segment. M&M also posted good numbers and the management indicated that these are on the back of good monsoon, successful implementation of GST and the upcoming festival season. Tata Motors witnessed growth in the UV segment thanks to strong demand for the Tata HEXA. Two-wheeler segment: Hero and Eicher maintain their edge In the two-wheeler space, Hero, a formidable player in 100/110cc bikes, and Eicher, a leader in 150cc plus bikes, posted strong growth in sales volume. For Eicher, bikes under 350cc witnessed a growth of 27.1 percent. However, sales of bikes above 350cc witnessed a significant fall of 31.8 percent, confirming our hypothesis of the subtle change in customers preference towards the 150cc-350cc segment. TVS also posted growth in the two-wheeler segment that was partially hit by de-growth in mopeds. Three-wheelers: Lacklustre demand In three-wheelers, the only player that posted a growth is Atul Auto. while other players in the space registered a decline in sales. This was primarily led by continuous decline in the segment in the domestic market. However, the end of Raj Permit in Maharashtra, new 10,000 permits in Delhi, mandatory conversion from two-stroke engines to four-stroke and ban of diesel engine in Bangalore should boost overall three-wheeler volume in domestic market going forward. Tractors: Monsoon gains Both the listed players, Escorts and M&M, posted healthy growth in tractor sales, primarily driven by good monsoon followed by better Kharif sowing. Exports: Headwinds continue Except for TVS and Escorts, other players witnessed either muted or lower export sales, indicating the headwinds that foreign markets continue to face, perhaps aggravated by the strength of the Indian currency. Air-conditioner manufacturer Voltas on Wednesday reported a 17.7 percent rise in June quarter net profit at Rs 188 crore against Rs 159.7 crore posted during the same quarter last year. The companys consolidated revenue grew 6 percent at Rs 1,968 crore against Rs 1,855 crore year on year. On the operating level, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) gained 6.4 percent at Rs 212.3 crore against Rs 199.5 crore year on year, while the operating margin was reported at 10.9 percent against 10.8 percent in the corresponding quarter last year. The numbers beat Street estimates of Rs 165 crore net profit, while the EBITDA was seen at Rs 196 crore. The stock gained over 13 percent in the past one month, while its three-day gain stood at 4.3 percent. At 14:07 hrs Voltas was quoting at Rs 532.35, down Rs 0.35, or 0.07 percent on the BSE. It touched a 52-week high of Rs 538.35. Giving a relief to exporters of garments and made-ups, the government today said as a transitional arrangement for the period July-September 2017, the exporter may claim remission of state levies at the rates prior to introduction of GST. Under the remission of state levies (RoSL), garments and made-ups exporters are entitled to get refunds of levies paid at the state level from the Centre. The exporters were demanding the retention of RoSL under the duty drawback scheme. The scheme was announced by the government last year as part of a Rs 6,000-crore package for the sector. "In order to support exporters of garments and made-ups, the government has announced as a transitional arrangement that for the period July 1 to September 30, 2017, the exporter may claim RoSL at the rates prior to introduction of GST," the Textiles Ministry said in a statement. Garment exporters had urged the government to continue the RoSL in the current form under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More General insurance companies have the scope to raise Rs 23,500 crore of Tier II capital to support industry solvency requirements. A report by ICRA said that while select private sector players maintain adequate solvency levels, many of them also raised Tier II bonds. According to ICRA, the public sector general insurers solvency levels continue their downward trend amid high underwriting losses and part reluctance to churn equity book. Karthik Srinivasan, Senior VP- Group Head, Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA said that an estimated Rs 2,100 crore Tier II capital has been raised since regulations put in place. Insurance regulator IRDAI has permitted insurers to invest in instruments including tier II bonds, but has cautioned that they should not invest in lower-rated papers. In March, UCO Bank announced that its board has approved raising Rs 1,000 crore through issuance of tier II bonds to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). For the general insurance sector, ICRA said that for a 20 percent CAGR growth over next five years, the capital requirement is estimated at around Rs 37,000 crore, assuming similar portfolio mix with private sector requirement around Rs 9,000 crore. National Insurance, for instance, had seen its solvency drop to below 1.5 which is the minimum regulatory requirement. However, they brought it up to 1.9 by the end of FY17. Listing of companies may help focus on profitable growth and consequently enhance their ability to raise capital in future, ICRA added. On the life insurance front, it said that domestic life insurance companies remain well capitalised with significantly higher solvency levels for most of the players. However, it added that companies with weaker financial profiles would require fresh capital to improve their solvency indicators. Among them, a few companies are exploring raising Tier II capital. ICRA said that the share of business from direct channels increased for both PSUs and select private players. It said that agents continue to be a significant source, especially for the public sector. While bancassurance is yet to pick up significantly, ICRA explained that the new guidelines on distributing products of multiple insurance companies may provide volumes over medium term. The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) examining the financial stress in the telecom sector is expected to submit its report in 20 days, union minister Manoj Sinha said today. Acknowledging that the telecom sector is going through financial stress, he said action would be taken on the basis of the report. During the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the communications minister said the IMG's report is expected in 20 days. He said the group was constituted to examine the systemic issues affecting viability and repayment capacity in telecom sector and furnish recommendations for resolutions of stressed assets at the earliest. The group would also look into the policy reforms and strategic interventions for the telecom sector. Amid intense competition, margins in the telecom sector have been squeezed and there are also fears of defaults on loans taken from banks. The group, in June, had held extensive dialogue with all telecom players as well as large banks to discuss the industry's financial difficulties and suggest measures to ease the situation. In May, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had asked banks to review immediately their exposure to the telecom sector, which has a debt of Rs 4.6 lakh crore, and make higher provisions to firewall their business against any future stress. To a query on whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has urged the government to favourably consider its recommendation related to reduction in levies and relaxation of payment period for auctioned spectrum to telecom players, Sinha replied in the affirmative. As per the TRAI, these recommendations would help in minimising the financial stress of the telecom companies and enable them to offer quality services to consumers at affordable prices, he noted. To another query, Sinha said the TRAI, last month, has proposed that the Department of Telecommunications may take up with the finance ministry "the issue of reduction in GST rate from 18 per cent to flat 5 per cent by declaring telecom sector as core infrastructure industry and economy enabler in India". The Goods and Services Tax (GST) came into effect on July 1. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions, the World Bank has said. Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India, it said in a fact sheet issued yesterday at the conclusion of secretary-level talks between the two countries over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in Annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet as it noted that the secretary-level discussions between Indian and Pakistan on the technical issues of the IWT took place this week "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation". The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC, it said in a separate statement. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank's role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. At a time when state-owned general insurance companies are slated to get listed on the stock exchanges, public sector insurers lost market share to private sector players in the first quarter of FY18 according to data from the insurance companies. From 53.32 percent in the first quarter of FY17, the share dropped to 50.67 percent in the first quarter in this fiscal for the public sector, while that of private sector rose to 49.33 percent in the first quarter of FY18 from 46.68 percent a year ago. However, in terms of market share of an individual player, public sector player New India Assurance held the highest share of 17.04 percent. Among the private sector players, ICICI Lombard held the highest market share of 9.98 percent. Coincidentally, both these entities are planning to list on the stock exchanges and the latter has already filed its draft prospectus with the markets regulator. Even in terms of premium growth, private sector companies saw a 28.8 percent increase while public sector non-life insurers grew at 15.8 percent. State-owned general insurers collected premiums of Rs 16,864.79 crore for the first quarter while private sector players collected Rs 16,420.61 crore for the first quarter of this fiscal. Among the business segments, motor (third party and own damage) and health were the largest in terms of premium generation. In January, the Cabinet gave its approval to the four public sector general insurers as well the state-owned reinsurer General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re). It is expected that all of them will be listed within the next two years. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More EIH Limited, which runs the Oberoi chain of hotels, today said that the implementation of GST would increase taxation for customers. "Earlier, the tax rates were around 19 to 20 per cent. After GST, the rates have increased to 28 per cent", executive vice chairman of EIH Limited S S Mukherjee told reporters after the company's AGM here. Mukherjee said that this extra expense would work negatively, adding that how much impact it would have on the business has to seen. On the New Delhi property now closed for renovation, executive chairman of EIH P R S Oberoi said that it would be reopened in January 2018. The total renovation cost would be Rs 500 crore, Oberoi said, adding that the number of rooms would be lesser as compared to earlier. Though EIH had suffered revenue loss due to closure, the renovation has to carried out to protect future loss. Oberoi said a number of managed property would be commissioned during the current fiscal. Two property in Chandigarh and the UAE had been already commissioned. IPO The initial share sale offer of Security and Intelligence Services (India) Limited (SIS) was oversubscribed 7 times on the last day of bidding today. The IPO to raise up to Rs 780 crore received bids for 3,72,20,814 shares against the total issue size of 53,16,187 shares, according to data available with the NSE till 1930 hours. The category reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) was oversubscribed 5.64 times, non institutional investors 1.65 times and retail investors 18.58 times. The company has set Rs 805-815 per share as the price band for the initial public offer (IPO). The IPO comprises fresh issue of equity shares of up to Rs 362.25 crore and an offer for sale of up to 5,120,619 equity shares to be diluted by investors and promoters. The company provides security solutions and business support services to a wide range of customers across India and Australia. Axis Capital Limited, ICICI Securities Limited, IIFL Holdings Limited and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are the global coordinators and book running lead managers to the offer. The Union Cabinet is set to raise the red flag on the USD 1.3-billion take over of Gland Pharma by China's Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group, reported CNBC-TV18, citing sources. CNBC-TV18, quoting government sources, said on Wednesday that the Cabinet has rejected the Gland Pharma-Fosun deal on the basis of the transfer of unique technology from the Indian pharma company to foreign competitors. No official confirmation has come from the government on the same. The Cabinet took up the issue last month and did not find merit in transferring technology from Indian pharma to a foreign company. The proposed takeover would have been the biggest-ever Chinese acquisition in India, as well as the second-largest outbound Chinese pharma deal. The mega deal has been approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and has been awaiting the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Private equity firm Advent, which was earlier in the race to buy Gland Pharma before losing out to Fosun, has revived its interest to buy the company, sources with direct knowledge of the matter told CNBC-TV18. Advent declined to comment on the query sent by CNBC-TV18. Private equity and strategic players are also likely to join hands to acquire Gland Pharma if the Fosun deal falls apart. DG Shah, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, said that he was not surprised that the deal did not go through. As the technology was going out of India, which would have created a competitor for Indian pharma industry in the world, says Shah. Bloomberg was first to report the Fosun acquisition of Gland Pharma on the verge of rejection by Indias Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. The Indian Cabinet decision could also be due to the fallout of the ongoing border stand-off between India and China at Doklam. Fosun, backed by Chinese billionaire Guo Guangchang, is under the scanner of the Chinese government over its foreign mergers and acquisitions. China is trying to clamp down on irrational outbound M&As to protect its economy. In July last year, the Hong Kong-listed Fosun had agreed to acquire approximately 86 percent in the injectable drugmaker, including 36 percent held by PE firm KKR. The Vetter family, which controls Germany-based Vetter Pharma, is also an investor in privately-held Gland Pharma and was to sell its stake in the proposed deal. Hyderabad-based Gland Pharma develops and manufactures generic injectables, primarily for the US market. Established in 1978 by late PVN Raju, the company sells its products in India and other semi-regulated markets. The company is currently headed by his son Ravi Penemetsa. Gland pioneered Heparin technology in India in 1960 and set up the countrys first state-of-the-art Pre-Filled Syringe (PFS) facility for Low-molecular-weight heparin in 1998. Gland is still one of the largest producers of clot busting medication in the world. Glands manufacturing facilities have approvals from regulatory agencies from US, Australia, Germany and the UK, in addition to the World Health Organization. Many investors have embraced direct plans of mutual funds. To maximsze investment returns, investors create a login on the mutual fund website. Each mutual fund asks for a different login. Each mutual fund issues a separate statement. Most platforms available for buying and selling mutual funds, offer portfolio view of all those schemes bought on that platform itself. If you have bought mutual funds across platforms or distributors, then it makes tracking your investment difficult. Either you have to create a portfolio for effective tracking or have to wait for your consolidated mutual fund investment statement given to by NSDL CAS. Investors get a consolidated statement by NSDL CAS once in a month if they transact in the previous month. But what if you want a consolidated statement now? Here is how to pull a consolidated statement across mutual funds. Registrar and transfer agents (RTA) can help you generate a consolidated statement of all your mutual fund investments. Click here or here. Fill up the form carefully. If you want summary portfolio opt for summary option. If you want all transactions in your portfolio opt for detailed option. Mention your email and PAN. Set password of your choice. The password should be alpha numeric. Confirm the password. Please note that the same password will open the consolidated statement that you receive. You will get the statement as a pdf document in some time on your registered email id. The statement will capture all your investments tagged by your email. A point to note is that the folios that are tagged by your email will be captured this statement. If an email id captures multiple folios in a family, then all of them will be captured. In that case, it pays to mention PAN. If you mention PAN and email ID both, then the statement will consists of all those folios where the folios email id and first holders PAN match. Bigger advantage of this facility is that it consolidates all your mutual fund investments held in both demat and physical format. It also gives you the listing of all mutual funds investments done by you across distributors and captures direct plans too. Pull out your mutual fund investment statement whenever you want and track your investments efficiently. Prannoy Roy live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Delhi High Court directed the Income Tax (IT) department not to take any coercive step against media house New Delhi Television (NDTV) in connection with a Rs 428- crore demand raised by the authority. A bench of justices S Muralidhar and Pratibha M Singh said it was "satisfied" that there was a prima facie case in favour of New Delhi Television (NDTV). The court also issued a notice to the IT department and sought its reply on the television channel's plea challenging the demand order of July 26 and a show cause notice for the same day. The notice was issued for failure to pay the amount in time. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for NDTV, contended that the July 26 order was "without jurisdiction" and based on "piecemeal assessment". Pulling up the tax authority for issuing the demand order and the notice, the bench noted that the time given for deposit of the amount was 'immediately now' which appeared to be an "over enthusiastic step" and "on the face of it illegal". "How can you pass penalty order when no time has been given for payment of the amount which was determined on July 26," the court asked the I-T department. In its defence, the department contended that only a show cause notice was issued and it was in respect of two unpaid demands for 2007-08 and the one under challenge of 2009-10. Senior advocate Sanjay Jain, representing the department, also argued that the plea was not maintainable and the media house could go in appeal against the order to the commissioner concerned of the Income Tax department. He, however, said that the penalty notice with regard to the demand for assessment year 2009-10 would not be given effect to. He also urged the bench to direct partial deposit of the amount demanded. The court, while noting the statement made on behalf of the department, did not order partial deposit of the amount. The bench, instead, allowed the department to raise the issue on the next date of hearing on August 21. According to NDTV's plea, the July 26 demand order was issued after the July 14 decision of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) by which it had upheld the assessing officer's decision to add around Rs 642 crore, as unexplained money, to the channel's income for the assessment year (AY) 2009-10. But, the ITAT had remanded back three other issues pertaining to the same AY, NDTV has said, contending that there could not be a demand order for each "truncated" issue. The media house has also said that the "unexplained money" of around Rs 642 crore was, in fact, an investment made by NBC Universal Inc through its subsidiary Universal Studio International BV. The petition, subsequent to the ITAT order of July 14, said the IT department had arrived at a figure of Rs 577 crore as the income of the media house for the AY 2009-10 by taking into account losses of Rs 64 crore claimed by the channel as well as the unexplained money. Based on the figure of Rs 577 crore income, the department had calculated that a tax of Rs 428 crore was payable, the plea has said The window for real estate developers to register their projects with the real estate regulatory authority in their respective states has closed. July 31, 2017, was the date set by the central government for registrations for builders and real estate agents. This was also the date for the state governments to frame regulations and rules as per the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). RERA has been touted as an important Act meant to bring in transparency in a sector that has been blamed as a major source of black money. However, many state governments do not seem to be too happy with the provisions. Some states have not yet set up the regulator where builders could register themselves. Out of the 35 states in India, only 23 states and union territories have notified RERA rules under the RERA Act. Six states have drafted the rules but not yet notified them. Apart from Assam, the north eastern states are having constitutional issues in setting the guidelines as land in these states belongs to the community or the autonomous councils. To be fair to the states, every state has taken action towards setting up the regulator but have not been efficient enough to meet the deadline. However, where the blame clearly falls on the state governments is in setting the guidelines for the real estate sector which should have ideally been transparent and fair for the consumer, take in view the issues faced by the builder and keep the government at an arm's length. The central government had, after all, given states the freedom to set their own rules. Here the state governments seem to have skewed the rule books in favour of the builder rather than the consumer. RERA covers both future projects and on-going projects. While state governments have done their job in making most of the rules as per the central government guidelines for future projects, it is in the ongoing projects that the state government has taken sides. The rules laid down by the central government clearly say that for ongoing projects the developer cannot sell units in a project unless they are registered with the regulatory authorities. But most states have not followed the guidelines in law and spirit. The central governments RERA rules clearly say that projects that have not received completion certificate on the date of the notification of the Act will be considered as ongoing. States governments have excluded where even partial completion or occupation certificates have been obtained by the developer. More blatant, as pointed out by a Moneycontrol article, is the fact that some states have allowed projects to be exempted even if they have only filed an application with the authorities for issue of completion or occupation certificate. One state has even ruled that laying of slabs in a housing project is enough for the real estate project to be out of the purview of the Act. Now that the deadline is behind us, where does it leave the home buyers and investors? Home buyers, especially those stuck with on-going projects are mostly left to their fate unless their state government has followed the central governments guidelines. However, the potential buyers generally will have nothing to fear if they are buying a house from a RERA-compliant builder. As for investors, FY18 is expected to be a slow year for real estate companies as they would be clearing their inventory and new launches will be kept on hold till the pressure has receded. But the inventories and issues plaguing the sector are already known and discounted by the market. RERA brings in the transparency and visibility that the market likes. Little wonder then that real estate stocks have already rallied 36 percent over the last one year as compared to 16 percent for the broad index, despite demonetisation and a slowdown in the sector. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of Hindustan Copper ended at Rs 65.05, down 7.93 percent on Wednesday on the back of OFS by government of India which has started from today. The government has decided sell 3,70,08,720 equity shares (4 percent) of the company through a two days offer-for-sale (OFS) which has began today, with an option to sell similar number of shares incase it gets oversubscribe. The floor price for the said OFS is set at Rs 64.75. The government currently holds 82.88 percent (76,68,19,811) stake in the company and the stake sale with green shoe option would help the government meet the minimum public shareholding norm of market regulator SEBI. Today non-retail investors can put their bids in OFS, while retail investors can put their bids on August 3. With this OFS the government is likely to raise about Rs 240 crore, while if they decided to issue additional up to 3.70 crore shares, the share sale can together fetch up to Rs 480 crore. Last year the government had sold around 7 percent stake in the company at a floor price of Rs 62 per share. Posted by Rakesh Patil The Centre today said that the number of tourists arriving in the country on medical visa has more than doubled in the last two years and India's medical visa policy has been appreciated by foreign governments. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said there were no restrictions on medical visa to foreign patients, instead the number of such visas being issued has increased over the years. "The government's policy for medical visa has been appreciated by the applicants for medical visa and foreign governments. The number of medical visas issued to foreign patients has been constantly increasing," Sharma said. The number of arrivals in the country on medical visa was 66,254 in 2014, which grew to 1,22,121 in 2015 and 1,77,972 in in 2016. Last week, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said that restrictions for medical visa only existed on those from Pakistan where a recommendation letter from Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs is required for obtaining a visa. Singh had added that in 2017, 1,05,163 medical visas had been issued. BENGALURU, INDIA - JULY 29: Police frisking cars going inside the Golf Village Eagleton resort as Congress MLAs from Gujarat are staying here at Bidadi on July 29, 2017 in Bengaluru, India. They are here allegedly after the party MLAs started defecting to BJP. Congress party accused the BJP of poaching their legislators. The Congress has flown down its MLAs to Bengaluru in an attempt to stop BJP from 'luring them'. (Photo by Arijit Sen/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) The Income Tax department early Tuesday conducted raids at the residence of Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar and Eagleton Gold Resort in Bengaluru. Reports suggest that taxmans raids are underway at nearly 39 locations across Karnataka with Congress cash-handlers under probe. The raids come ahead of Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls and 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs are holed up at the Eagleton Gold Resort. The MLAs, reportedly, have been congregated at the resort to prevent defection. BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) August 2, 2017 Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Ahmed Patel took objection to the I-T departments raids. After using the state machinery and every other agency,these I-T raids show their utter desperation & frustration Close August 2, 2017 In contrast to Congress'allegations of "witch hunt", a statement by the DGIT (investigations) said a decision on the searches was made well in advance and has nothing to do with the Gujarat MLAs staying at the resort. "The minister being searched was staying at a resort near Bangalore where some MLAs from another state are put up. Hence the ministers room alone is being searched. The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team," the statement said. Karnataka Congress heavyweight Shivakumar has been asked by the partys central command to look after the MLAs from Gujarat. He flew from Singapore to handle the situation when the MLAs were moved to the resort. I have been asked to help out and I am doing all that is necessary for the sake of the party. We have not made any plans for these MLAs to tour. But we will ensure that they will be safe and our party candidate wins the Rajya Sabha seat, Shivakumar had told The Economic Times The talks between Indian and Pakistani officials over the Indus Water Treaty took place in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, the World Bank has said asserting that the two parties have agreed to reconvene in September here for continued discussions over the issue. "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The World Bank said that the secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues over the IWT took place this week in a spirit of "goodwill and cooperation". However, it did not provide any other details. Earlier, in a letter dated July 25, the World Bank had assured Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its "continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward." The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes -- for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. IIT Vacancies across Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) has reached a 4-year high. Nearly 121 seats out of the total 10,962 seats are yet to be filled despite seven rounds of admission, according to a report in the Times of India. Last year, vacant seats stood at 121 and the number was 50 and 3 in 2015 and 2014 respectively. IIT-BHU, Varanasi had highest number of vacant seats at 32, followed by IIT-Dhanbad (23 seats), IIT-Jammu (13) and IIT-Khargpur with 9 vacant seats. IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Jodhpur and IIT-Hyderabad are the only ones with no vacant seat. Considering the rising number of vacant seats over the years, the Human resource Development (HRD) ministry has asked IITs to look at probable solutions including scrapping of unpopular courses. Keeping this in mind, the IIT Joint Admission Board is expected to meet soon to decide on scrapping some courses, reports TOI. The vacant seats are majorly due to some unpopular courses. IIT-Varanasi, with highest number of vacant seats, saw courses like pharmaceutical engineering and technology and ceramic engineering lacking interest. A report in the Hindustan Times, quoting senior IIT official, said that students prefer to opt for popular course like computer science in an National Institute of Technology (NIT), than settling for a common course in IIT. While IITs is done with its admission process including counselling, NITs are still holding special admission sessions till Sunday to fill up vacant seats. Another reason for vacant seats is the 50 percent state quota, another official source told HT. Arvind Panagariya The Vice Chairman of the government think-tank, NITI Aayog, Arvind Panagariya has resigned from his position. Panagariya, a Columbia University professor, said he is putting in his papers to get back to academia. The economist told the media that he had intimated his wish to rejoin academia to Prime Minister Narendra Modi around two months back. He was appointed to the role at Niti Aayog by PM Modi in 2015. Niti Aayog was one of the first major changes brought by the Modi government, replacing the Nehruvian eras Planning Commission. The think-tank and the government have hardly ever had differences publically, over policies. But recently, there was criticism coming its way by the RSS-affiliate think-tank Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) Niti Aayog drew one of the significant critiques from SJM over the push for genetically-modified crops. SJM, regardless of the ruling party at the Centre, has always been opposed to GMO crops. In January this year, SJM held a review meeting on Niti Aayogs performance. Among all the invited Aayog members, only Bibek Debroy turned up for the meeting. As per a News 18 report, SJM leader Ashwani Mahajan picked at Aayogs recommendation for the Indian drug industry in the review meeting and said, On one hand, you talk about reducing prices of drugs, and on the other, the Aayog says take away drug price fixing powers vested in the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority. The meeting concluded Aayogs role to be anti-poor at large and incongruent with the aims of the political leadership of BJP. The same was echoed in a consequent letter sent to the PM from SJM. According to SJM, Niti Aayogs policy recommendation was in stark opposition to the partys target to make medicines more affordable for the lower strata of the population. Aayogs suggestion, under the leadership of Panagariya, to make farm earnings taxable also drew criticism for the same reasons. SJMs co-convener Ashwini Mahajan recently told the Business Standard that instead of defining a poverty line or creating a policy framework to promote Make in India, Aayogs economists were lobbying for corporates. Krishna Gopal, RSS-leader and member of SJM, also criticised Niti Aayogs actions and said its approach to policymaking needed a relook. Instead of pushing for complete reformation and introduction of innovative economic policies, Panagariyas think-tank was more engaged in doing damage control such as rallying for privatisation of the national carrier Air India. On the other hand, Panagariya has vehemently defended the most critique moves of the government such as imposition of Goods and Services Tax and demonetisation. After predicting that growth in Q4 of 2017-18 will touch 8%, Mr Panagariya has wisely resigned before proved wrong. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) August 1, 2017 The opposition has also voiced criticism for Panagariyas performance on many occasions the latest coming from the former finance minister P Chidambaram. His tweet following Panagariyas decision to resign both poked fun and expressed discontent with his role as an economic policymaker. But on paper, Panagariya left because Columbia University would not extend his leave anymore and he holds that job dear as well as the chance to go back to his family in the US. Questions have been raised by prominent voices in the media as to why Panagariya did not consider the non-extension of leave when he joined to head the economic policy think tank two-and-a-half years ago. A political row was triggered on Wednesday after the Income Tax department conducted raids at 39 locations including the residences of Karnataka Energy Minister and Congress leader DK Shivakumar. According to IT officials, around Rs 10.5 crore in cash was recovered from various properties of Shivakumar including the Eagleton resort in Bengaluru where Gujarat Congress legislators are staying ahead of Rajya Sabha elections. According to CNN-News18, officials have confirmed that the raids will carry on for the next 2-3 days. What happened? Shivakumar was responsible for hosting 44 Gujarat MLA's at Eagleton Hotel in Bengaluru for the Rajya Sabha polls scheduled to be held on August 8. Shivakumar's residence, offices and relatives' houses in Delhi and Bengaluru were part of the raids which began at 7 am on Wednesday. A team of 120 tax sleuths carried the raids in the presence of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar being taken from Eagleton Golf resort in Bengaluru after Income Tax raids. pic.twitter.com/1LeCEiltgI ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2017 Income tax officials also reached Eagleton Hotel, where the minister was staying along with the other MLAs, to question him and search his room. The IT officials claimed that only Shivakumar's room was raided while the other 44 MLAs were exempted from the search. Clashes in the Rajya Sabha: Who said what? The raids on the minister sparked a political battle, with the Congress terming it as "political vendetta" of the BJP-ruled Centre while Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the raids were completely professional in nature. The two parties clashed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday leading to multiple adjournments in the House. Uproar in Rajya Sabha by Congress over IT raids in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/OBcgKiissB ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2017 Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge said the raids during the election are "not good". Another Congress MP, Anand Sharma said that it is becoming a trend to "misuse powers of the government". Congress leaders protested the timing of the raids as they have taken place just before the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat and questioned the presence of central paramilitary forces in the raid. Arun Jaitley defended his party in the Parliament, maintaining that the raids were carried out only on one minister who was on the radar for tax evasion while all the other 44 MLAs were untouched. Jaitley also told the Rajya Sabha that Shivakumar was seen tearing papers and documents when IT officials reached his residence. He declared that the torn documents were recovered. Congress calls it a "political conspiracy" Congress party spokesman, Shaktisinh Gohil alleged that the raids were lodged by the Central government to "threaten" the Gujarat MLAs prior to the RS poll. He told the PTI that he has a video clipping which could prove that the rooms of the other MLAs were also searched in the Eagleton Hotel. He further appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the BJP is using the income tax department for its "political conspiracies". He said that the raids were "politically motivated" and the Congress will not "bow down to such intimidation." Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged that the BJP attempted to bribe legislators in Gujarat, failing which they ordered the probe. Attempt was made to bribe legislators in Gujarat; when everything failed, a frustrated BJP Govt now resorting to IT raids on Cong: Surjewala pic.twitter.com/oJ84UuuVK2 ANI (@ANI_news) August 2, 2017 Senior Congress leader, Ahmed Patel who is contesting the Gujarat RS polls for his fifth term also lashed out at the BJP, accusing them of being "on an unprecedented witch hunt just to win one Rajya Sabha seat." With PTI inputs Samsung's new Samsung Pay mobile wallet system is demonstrated at its Australian launch in Sydney, June 15, 2016. REUTERS/Matt Siegel - RTX2HHMJ In a bid to make digital payments more accessible and easier, Samsungs own contactless payment service will now be made available for SBI debit card users. Samsung and SBI made this announcement at an event in Mumbai where SBI claimed to have 130 million customers using their debit cards, as per multiple media reports. Samsung Pay is a platform that allows the users to make payments by waving the Samsung mobile phone near a cash register instead of swiping a card. Higher variants of the SBI debit cards will now support Samsung Pay and the company has announced an inaugural cash back offer of Rs 500. The cards will now be compatible with all Samsung devices that feature Samsung Pay, including the midsegment smartphone Galaxy J7 Pro, that was launched in June this year. How does Samsung Pay work? By using Samsung Pay app, one can make payments by waving the mobile device in front of the cash register, and it eliminates the need for carrying the card while shopping. Samsung Pay supports both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) that allows a user to send a magnetic signal from the smartphone to the payment terminals card reader. The app was hailed as "killer app" by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant at its launch event. Samsung Pay mobile payments platform and its scaled-down app version Samsung Pay Mini was launched in India earlier this year in March. Apart from SBI and several other banks it also works with payments platform UPI and Paytm. As per a statement by Rajnish Kumar, managing director at SBI, 130 million cardholders from the bank are directly eligible to make payments through Samsung Pay. Samsung had also announced that it was looking to partner with other smartphone brands to integrate the payment service into their device and is reportedly in talks with several original equipment manufacturers. The South-Korean electronics giant claims to hold a very high potential in transforming the digital payments market in India as most of the traditional PoS machines in India are not NFC enabled. As part of the introductory offer, they are rolling out Rs 100 cashback on a minimum purchase of Rs 500 using Samsung Pay. A maximum cashback of Rs 500 can be availed till August 31, after which it does not stand valid. An Indian scientist points to a patch of genetically modified (GM) rapeseed crop under trial in New Delhi February 13, 2015. REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee/File Photo - RTX2NW03 Over 350 Indian scientists gave up jobs in reputed foreign institutions between 2014 and 2016 to return to work for domestic establishments, the government today informed the Lok Sabha. Of 373 scientists who have returned to India under different programmes, 125 have been absorbed in different institutions. The information was shared in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha by Y S Chowdary, Minister of State in the Science and Technology Ministry. Under the Ramanujan Fellowship scheme, 123 scientists returned to India between 2014 and 2016, of whom 52 have been absorbed. The fellowship is meant for "brilliant scientists and engineers" from all over the world to take up scientific research positions in India. Under the Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship, 109 scientists have returned home and 55 have been absorbed while under the Inspire Programme, 141 scientists have chosen to come back home with 18 being absorbed. The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology, seeks Indian scientists to work in the field of biotechnology. The Inspire fellowship scheme is applicable to basic and applied sciences as well as medicine and agriculture. Apart from this, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has also launched the VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty scheme in June this year. This scheme is exclusively for overseas scientists and academicians with emphasis on Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origion (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Under this scheme, scientists can work for a specific period of time in Indian public-funded academic and research institutions. DST secretary Ashutosh Sharma said these schemes are aimed to address the "brain drain" and attract Indian talent back to their homeland. Moneycontrol News More than 5000 bookings were received by American automobile manufacturer Jeep within three days of opening up the bookings of its new model Compass, as per a News18 report. Interestingly, most of the bookings took place before the price of the Compass was announced. As per a statement by Kevin Flynn, president and managing director of Jeep India, its SUV Compass has drawn 38,000 enquiries and 5,000 plus bookings just a few days within its 31 July launch. Compass SUV happens to be Jeeps least expensive offering in the country, thanks to a facility at the Fiats Ranjangaon where the SUVs will be made (Image Source: FCA Website) It is the price of Compass, by American car manufacturer Jeep, that is grabbing eyeballs. In India, the price of Jeep Compass has been slated between Rs 14.95 lakhs (entry-level, Sport, petrol) to Rs 20.65 lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi for the range-topping diesel), which is quite reasonable for an SUV of that build quality. Also, with this sort of pricing, it is expected that the Jeep will attract a large number of buyers who are on the lookout for a compact SUV below Rs 20 lakh and are looking to shift brands in the segment. Presently, Jeep has 50 dealers across 47 countries and plans to increase this to 60 dealers by the end of this year. Creta, Tata Hexa or Mahindra XUV500? Which car gives newly-launched Jeep Compass the toughest fight The Jeep Compass offers two engine options a 1.4 L Multiair Petrol unit and a 2.0 L Multijet II Diesel unit, both of which are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. There is also an additional seven-speed DDCT (Dry Dual Clutch Transmission). Jeep has also announced that the Compass will be getting MOPAR after sales service, which happens to be the international service wing of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Mopar will take care of the after sales service and the customer care division along with genuine accessories and spare parts for cars sold under the various FCA brands. The Mopar package will include the Mopar Assure for insurance solutions, Mopar Care for 24 X 7 customer assistance and Mopar Express Lane Service that will be provided along with complimentary RSA coverage for three years to new customers. Flynn announced that in the first phase 48 Mopar workshops will be opened across the country. Maintenance plans, accessories, merchandise and a three-year (1,000,000 km) warranty will also be offered as part of the standard package on the Compass. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the test of a new-type anti-aircraft guided weapon system organised by the Academy of National Defence Science. Photo: Reuters The Trump administration is weighing "all options" to prevent North Korea from developing a nuclear weapon, the White House has said. "We're weighing all options, keeping all options on the table. As we've said many times before, we're not going to broadcast what we're going to do until that happens," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters during her daily news conference yesterday. She said the US President Donald Trump has been very outspoken about the need to stop North Korea. "We've been very focused on stopping the nuclear program, stopping the missiles, stopping the aggression. That still continues to be the focus, and we're keeping all options on the table in order to do that," Sanders said. The Trump administration is continuing to work with its allies on the issue. "The goals are to stop the nuclear program, stop the missiles, stop the aggression. With North Korea, we're going to continue looking at the best options and ways to accomplish that," she said. Sanders was responding to questions on a comment by Senator Lindsay Graham in which he said that there is a military option to destroy North Korea's program as well as the country itself. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the US president to block the sale of a company founded by ousted White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, along with most other major Chinese investments in the US. "Even after North Korea's recent missile tests, China has maintained economic relations with the country and continues to be its largest trading partner. If North Korea's aggression is met with zero repercussions from its most important economically, it will have no incentive to reverse course on this dangerous activity," Schumer said. In fact, China has even sought to weaken and water down the international sanctions regime to counter the threat posed by North Korea through the UN Security Council, he alleged. As a result, Schumer urged Trump to exercise his authority over CFIUS to block mergers and acquisitions in the US by Chinese companies until China works to bridle its neighbour's aggression. This economic pressure on China, Schumer said, would send a clear message to China that it is expected from it to step up and deter the North Korean threat. "I urge you to apply additional pressure on China to play a constructive role in reining in North Korea. Given recent developments, it is my assessment that China will not deter North Korea unless the United States exacts greater economic pressure on China," Schumer said in a letter to Trump. The US must send a clear message to China's government, he asserted in the letter that was released to the press. "To that end, if China continues to passively address North Korea, I urge you to use your authority over the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to suspend the approval of all mergers and acquisitions in the US by Chinese entities," Schumer said. Schumer alleged that the North Korean regime, is increasingly dependent on China's goods and investments, especially its energy and manufacturing imports. Reports indicate that over 90 percent of North Koreas foreign trade is with China and 95 percent of its foreign direct investment comes from China. Even with North Korea's continued provocative actions, China's trade with North Korea rose 34 per cent over this past year, including a marked increase in iron ore trade. Additionally, numerous reports indicate that China has unevenly enforced UN sanctions on North Korea and actively watered down sanctions in the most recent UNSC Resolutions, he alleged. "Despite North Korea's recent missile tests - a clear UNSC violations - it remains unclear whether China will support additional sanctions against North Korea or intends to veto efforts led by the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan," Schumer said. "The robust China-North Korea economic and trade relationship makes it clear that China could exercise considerable leverage over the North Korean regime to alter course, but that far from trying to do so China's leaders would prefer to contain the problem not solve it," said the Senator from New York. US President Donald Trump has condemned his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro for the re-arrest of two opposition leaders and called for an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in the crisis-stricken country. Venezuela's two leading opposition figures -- Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma -- had been detained by the police from their homes late last night. "The United States condemns the actions of the Maduro dictatorship. Mr Lopez and Mr Ledezma are political prisoners being held illegally by the regime," Trump said in a late night statement yesterday. after it was reported that Trump has held Maduro personally responsible for the health and safety of all political prisoners. "The United States holds Maduro - who publicly announced just hours earlier that he would move against his political opposition - personally responsible for the health and safety of Mr Lopez, Mr Ledezma, and any others seized," Trump said. "We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners," said the US President. Earlier in a statement, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the US is deeply concerned over the Venezuelan government's decision to return the two opposition leaders to prison. "We call for their immediate release. Their arrest comes two days after the Maduro regime's illegitimate election for a constitutional assembly, which provoked even more violence in that country on the streets, with more than 10 people killed in that alone," she said. Nauert said that Vice-President Mike Pence had a "recent conversation" with Mr Lopez on the phone. "The United States stands with the Venezuelan people, and we call for the full and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, free and fair elections, restoration of the national assembly, and respect for human rights in Venezuela," she quoted Pence as saying. "Our thoughts and prayers reside with all of those who have suffered during Venezuela's political crisis. The United States urges the re-establishment of democracy in Venezuela and the restoration of the prosperity that the Venezuelans have fought so hard to achieve. We are committed to supporting the Venezuelan people through this long struggle," Nauert said. The Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, in a separate statement condemned the new imprisonment of the two leaders. "This latest action taken without the minimum guarantees of any legal framework is completely harmful to the human rights of both leaders and their families," he said. Earlier, the Trump administration had announced sanctions against Maduro, in retaliation for the latter's threat against his opposition leaders and the Sunday's elections which have been denounced by the international community as "illegitimate". The fee hike is set to be implemented from October 2, 2020 A bipartisan group of influential lawmakers has urged US President Donald Trump to stop the abuse of H-1B and L-1 visas by outsourcing firms to replace American workers with cheap foreign labour. In a letter dated July 27, which was released yesterday, the group said a legislation introduced by them close these loopholes and overhaul these visa programmes to protect American workers and crack down on outsourcing companies which deprive qualified Americans of high-skill jobs. "We write because, for far too long, the H-1B visa has been abused by some corporations as a way to displace American workers with cheap foreign labour. We urge you to use your authority as president to the greatest extent possible to stop H-1B abuses, but we believe reform also must happen legislatively because of loopholes in the law," the lawmakers said in the letter to the president. "This bipartisan bill will restore the H-1B visa programme to its original intent, protect American workers, and preserve the limited H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers," the letter said. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. H-1B visa is the most sought after by Indian IT professionals. L-1 visas are available to employees of an international company with offices in both the US and abroad. The visa allows foreign workers to relocate to the corporation's US office after having worked abroad for the company for at least one continuous year within the previous three prior to admission in the US. The Trump administration is currently reviewing the H-1B visa policy as it thinks that the visa is being misused by companies to replace American workers. Led by Congressman Bill Pascrell, the letter was signed by Senator Richard Durbin, Congressmen Dave Brat, Ro Khanna and Paul A Gosar among others. The lawmakers said their legislation provides protections for American workers and visa holders as it calls for more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers. The bill, they said, addresses gaps in the current law by requiring that the employers make a good faith effort to recruit and hire American workers before bringing in guest workers. In addition, the bill also asks for prohibiting employers from replacing American workers or giving preference to visa holders when they are filling open positions. It also proposes to modify existing H-1B wage requirements to ensure employers pay foreigners comparable wages in the area of employment. Current law allows the payment of below-market wages to H-1B workers across industries and geographic areas and even allows H-1B-dependent employers and employers who have previously wilfully violated H-1B programme requirements to avoid obligations to recruit US workers and not displace them simply by paying a USD 60,000 annual wage. "Merely raising this wage floor to another arbitrary level will not prevent future abuse," they said. Instead, the bill would end the "exempt" H-1B worker loophole and would peg H-1B salaries to current wage levels by requiring employers to pay the highest wage applicable to each occupation and geographic area from three categories. The three categories are -- locally-determined prevailing wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment; median wage for all workers in the occupational classification in the area of employment; and median wage for skill level two in the occupational classification found in the most recent OES survey. Noting that the current law makes it easy for outsourcing companies to circumvent the intent of the H-1B visa by bringing in guest workers to displace American workers, the lawmakers wrote the bill prohibits the outsourcing or leasing of H-1B workers to other employers and prevents an employer with more than 50 employees in the US from hiring additional H-1B workers if the employer's US workforce is more than 50 per cent of the H-1B and L-1 visa holder workers. In the letter, the lawmakers have opposed allocating visas by lottery. This does not allow the government to determine how it awards the 85,000 visas and outsourcing companies are thus able to secure tens of thousands of H-1B visas annually to offshore American jobs. "Our bill creates specific categories of H-1B workers to give preference in the allocation of visas based on education, training, and economic value. Further, our bill amends the law to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with discretion to allocate H-1B visas within this framework in any manner or order the secretary deems appropriate," the lawmakers added. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. Send items for Worship News to religion@thereporteronline.com. Address questions to Nancy March, editor, at nmarch@thereporteronline.com. Deadline is noon Thursday to appear in the Saturday Worship News and Notes. Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church has one more Sidewalk Ukrainian... Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity A Morganton man faces felony drug charges and a DWI after police found him parked in a lot he thought was in Virginia Beach. Officer D.T. Smith with the Morganton Department of Public Safety arrived at the Morganton Wesleyan Church on Bethel Street just after 10 p.m. in response to a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, according to a police report. As Smith and officer Holland approached the Volkswagen Passat, they noticed a man passed out in the drivers seat of the running vehicle, the report said. Officer Smith noticed that the man, Kevin Corjo Smith, 39, also was sweating an abnormal amount, the report said. Officer Smith used his flashlight to knock on the window multiple times before he woke up. Kevin Smith appeared confused after he awoke and attempted to open the door after officers asked him to open his window. Officer Smith shut the door and continued instructing him multiple times to open the window before he was able, the report said. Kevin Smith began slurring his words, and when officers asked if he knew where he was, he responded, Virginia Beach. When asked why he would be in Virginia Beach, he said he had family living there, the report said. After being questioned about where he lived, Kevin Smith told officers he lived in multiple places, the report said. He also told officers he did not have any weapons in the car and consented to a vehicle search. Kevin Smith said he did not know why he was in the parking lot, which he again said was in Virginia Beach. He also told officers he had not consumed any drugs or alcohol, the report said. Officers found a syringe in the car that Kevin Smith said he was unaware of, the report said. When asked if he had any medical conditions that might require the syringe, he told officers he had asthma and that his girlfriend had diabetes. Officers then handcuffed Kevin Smith to be detained throughout the investigation. Officers Linares found a digital scale, plastic baggies and a loaded gun with two magazines and 21 rounds of ammunition inside the vehicle, the report said. Officer Smith then attempted to search Kevin Smith, who began cursing. Kevin Smith suggested officers were going to plant evidence on him and threatened to sue them, the report said. Officer Smith told him he was under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia. Officer Smith then told officer Vue that he planned to charge him with DWI. Vue then went to speak with Kevin Smith, who already was asleep in the back of the patrol car. Kevin Smith was transported to a local hospital and consented to having his blood drawn after previously saying he wanted his lawyer present, the report said. While at the hospital, Kevin Smith said he was worried about losing his job and about how mad his girlfriend would be. He also said he did not want to be seen by his wife, who he said works at the hospital. Officer Smith transported Kevin Smith to the Caldwell County Magistrates Office because the Burke Count office was closed. Kevin Smith fell asleep again during the transport, the release said. Kevin Smith appeared before a magistrate and was charged with DWI and possession of drug paraphernalia, and he was issued a custody release, the report said. Officer Smith then transported him to a local jail, where Kevin Smith fell asleep standing up while having his fingerprints taken. When Officer Smith returned to police headquarters to enter the evidence, he noticed three baggies inside a hidden compartment of the bag holding the scale. The bags contained a substance that appeared to crystal meth, and the substance was packaged in a way that looked like it was going to be sold, the report said. A total of 2.4 grams of crystal meth was found, and two Xanax pills also were discovered, the report said. Kevin Smith also was charged with a felony count of possession with intent to sell of deliver a controlled substance. Police say an armed man took merchandise from a Speedway store on University Parkway early Wednesday morning after he was unable to take cash from the stores safe. No one was injured in the incident, which police said occurred at 5434 University Parkway around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. Employees at the store told police the man came into the store with his gun drawn, put the weapon to the clerks head and demanded money. The robber was last seen on foot, heading north on University Parkway. He is described as a black man with a thin build, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. The man was last seen wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans with a white shirt around his face. The Winston-Salem Police Department asks that anyone with information about the crime contact CrimeStoppers at 336-727-2800. Jonathan Miller: Welcome to the Morningstar Manager Check-up where we start with the Woodford Equity Income fund. Neil Woodford is one of the UKs most pre-eminent fund managers who started his boutique just over three years ago. His approach is best described as high-conviction, long-term, and contrarian in nature, combining his macro views with bottom-up stock selection. Its unconstrained against its benchmark and managed with a total-return mind-set. The objective being to grow capital and income, with a keen eye on capital preservation. There is a greater tilt further down the market cap scale than what weve see from Woodford in the past, but its here that he believes he can deliver the highest returns in the context of a low-growth environment. In our view we also commend the firm's regular communication, competitive fees and transparency, and the fund retains its Morningstar Analyst Rating of Silver. Next, its on to the continent, through the Threadneedle European Select fund, which David Dudding has managed since 2008. His investment philosophy has stayed the same throughout, targeting firms with pricing power and high barriers to entry. This results in a concentrated portfolio of sturdy-growth companies such as LOreal and Unilever. Theres large latitude to deviate from the index and when his quality growth style is out of favour, such as last year the fund will underperform. But given the preference for established franchise companies with low levels of debt, we believe that over the long term it bodes well for an attractive risk adjusted profile, with lower volatility than peers. Weve therefore maintained the Morningstar Analyst Rating of Bronze. Finally, we have the JPM US Equity Income fund. A version of this has existed for American investors since 2004, with the UK domiciled mirror launched nearly ten years ago. Clare Harts been at the helm since inception and is backed by a large research team. The approach aims to deliver a combination of capital growth and income by investing in firms with consistent earnings, high returns on invested capital, durable franchises, and strong management. Peers in the category tend to have a more pronounced value tilt, but what we generally see for this fund is stronger earnings growth and higher return on equity. So it will likely lag in sharp rallies but theres less downside volatility than peers. We believe investors are well served here and weve reaffirmed the Morningstar Analyst Rating of Silver. The first meeting of two 13,000 TEU ships in the Port of Charleston occurred on July 15, when the OOCL Berlin and the Erving met in the shipping channel near Sullivan's Island. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. SAN ANGELO In a dusty warehouse that looks like a set from the movie Footloose, Brian May pulled wool out of a bail and held it up for an audience that included several members of Congress. She would use this in her haute couture line, not DKNY, the suiting line, said May -- president of Angelo State University -- referencing fashion designer Donna Karan as he stretched the wool apart. This high-end wool also used frequently by the likes of Hugo Boss and Escada was cleaned at this processing plant on the outskirts of San Angelo. Mays presentation was part of a series from farmers and educators who spent the early part of this week making the case to eight congressmen from as far as Minnesota and Florida for the farm bill, a massive piece of legislation that Congress usually passes every five years. U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, a Midland Republican and chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, spearheaded this symposium in his sprawling West Texas 11th District. The congressmen, Capitol Hill staffers and reporters spent two days touring a cotton field, listening to agriculture trade association leaders and hearing out the economic worries of hundreds of Texas farmers. Were going to listen, Conaway said at the outset of the tour. Their concerns were plenty: ticks, foot-and-mouth disease, lethal fungi, trade regulation, drought, conservation, crop insurance, the cost of cotton seeds and then the cost of cotton at market. But most of all, they fear going bust. To keep up with competition and technology, farmers buy pieces of equipment that individually are worth several times more than many Texans mortgages only to see an act of nature destroy their crops. One after another, farmers attested to being fifth-, sixth-, seventh-, even eighth-generation tenants of the family land, a proud tradition they now dread is no longer economically viable for their sons and daughters. The first farm bill dates back to 1933 and the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl crisis that plagued the Midwest. Over the years, the legislation expanded to its modern form: a mix of food assistance for the poor and subsidies to farmers. The resulting coalition behind the bill tends to be conservative rural congressmen such as Conaway and U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington of Lubbock, who also attended the summit, and moderates and urban liberals aiming to secure funding to feed the poor. Neither objective could easily pass through Congress without being tied to the other. The vast majority of the farm bill funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Conaway makes this angle key to his case to the public. He argues that the support to the farm industry creates the most abundant, safest and affordable emphasis on affordable food and fiber supply of any developed nation in the world. He further argues that the American public unwittingly gets a deal every time they pay for food. Its important to anyone who eats, he said. But the bill also pays for assistance to farmers: crop insurance, conservation programs and aid amid disasters including wildfires, drought and widespread crop damage caused by feral hogs. Those were the primary concerns of the farmers and ranchers in San Angelo this week. The farm bill is supposed to pass every five years, but the last round proved particularly difficult. The Senate and House ended up passing the last farm bill in 2014, two years later than expected, and authorized nearly $1 trillion in spending, according to the Congressional Budget Office. In order to write a strong farm bill, I need to know whats important, said U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, who was on the tour. But the next farm bill already has opponents, even though it has yet to be written. State Sen. Konni Burton, R-Fort Worth, chimed in on Tuesday, acknowledging that her opposition to the farm bill faces both Democrats and Republicans. In 2014, the bill passed Congress through a coalition of Democrats and Republicans. The states two senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz voted against it, as did a dozen or so U.S. House Republicans and Democrats from Texas. Fiscal hawks such as the Club for Growth and Heritage Foundation regularly campaign against it. The farm bill is an unholy marriage between farm subsidies and food stamps, said Andy Roth of the Club for Growth in an email. If we had an honest debate about each issue separately, support for each would fail. So why should taxpayers pay for two programs that can only pass Congress through the ridiculous sausage-making that Americans hate about Washington? Conaway had no patience for those interest groups. Every single one of those guys that are against it live in that 20 percent bracket that dont care what the cost of food is, he said. [They] couldnt give a rats rear end, and so thats the ones who hate it. And as conservative as West Texas is, the fiscally conservative tea party scares the daylights out of these farmers when it comes to the farm bill. Furthermore, President Donald Trumps proposed budget drafted by a former tea party member of Congress who now runs his budget office slashed farm bill spending by billions. Conaway said he is not worrying yet. Ive gotten a couple of anecdotes that the president wants crop insurance left alone. The budget that he put out I dont think necessarily reflected his thoughts, Conaway told reporters. And as he had the opportunity to talk to members of Congress and the Senate about what were doing and what were trying to get done, hes talked about that may not have been the best approach of what he wants to get done. As Conaway hosted the congressional delegation across West Texas, their visit did not go unnoticed. I bet theres never been eight congressmen in San Angelo, before, ever, Richard Thorpe III, the president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said on Tuesday. And to get those people, those congressmen, here to listen to everybody ... is a show of his tremendous leadership, and were so lucky to have Congressman Conaway, the chair now at the Ag Committee. Conaway, a certified public accountant, is a former chairman of the House Ethics Committee and is also running the chambers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. And yet, he is staking his legacy in Congress on this issue and this bill. Certainly, the chairman of Agriculture has his fingerprints all over this farm bill, Marshall, the Kansas Republican, said of Conaway. Conaway likely has got one shot at it: Republican chairmen are term-limited, and he will wind down his tenure as chairman of the Agriculture Committee in a few years. When his time is up, his portrait will hang in the House Agriculture Committee hearing room. Conaway said that failing at this bill would add a measure of illegitimacy to that honor. I will not have earned it unless I get a farm bill passed. Folks back in Texas made sure he knew they felt the same way. We appreciate the chairman for what hes doing ... but we also expect him to deliver, said Joe Reed, the president of the Corn Producers Association of Texas. He said last night he going to have to make some people mad, Reed added. I hope its not us. --- Texastribune.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DENTON, Texas (AP) An ex-Marine has received a 44-year prison term after his conviction for murder in the New Year's Day 2016 shooting of a 20-year-old University of North Texas student. The Denton County jury deliberated about four hours Tuesday in Denton before deciding on Eric Johnson's sentence. Johnson had faced up to life in prison for the slaying of Sara Mutschlechner (MUCH'-lehk-nur) of Martindale after people in two vehicles argued following a party. Denton police say people from both vehicles had attended the same New Year's Eve party. An affidavit says the shooting happened when men in an SUV made sexual remarks toward Mutschlechner and a female riding with her in another vehicle. Johnson's attorneys had argued the fatal gunshot was meant as a warning but hit Mustschlechner by mistake. The Butler Did It par Read more [...] 'The big truck is still on ... When there are debates about the world's top performing education systems, the names that usually get mentioned are the Asian powerhouses such as Singapore and South Korea or the Nordic know-alls, such as Finland or Norway.But with much less recognition, Canada has climbed into the top tier of international rankings.In the most recent round of international Pisa tests, Canada was one of a handful of countries to appear in the top 10 for maths, science and reading. The tests, run by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), are a major study of educational performance and show Canada's teenagers as among the best educated in the world.They are far ahead of geographical neighbours such as the US and European countries with strong cultural ties like the UK and France.At university level, Canada has the world's highest proportion of working-age adults who have been through higher education - 55% compared with an average in OECD countries of 35%. GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. What is coolsculpting? How to get desired results? If you are confused about the treatment, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is ordering a dozen federal prosecutors to address opioid addiction in select U.S. cities. Federal prosecutor unit on opioid fraud Lawyers will root out pill mills, illegal prescriptions Middle District of Florida will get a prosecutor The prosecutors will focus on health care fraud by rooting out pill mills and tracking down doctors and other health care providers who illegally prescribe or distribute narcotics such as fentanyl and other powerful painkillers. "If you are a doctor illegally prescribing opioids for profit, or a pharmacist letting these pills walk out the door, onto the streets based on prescriptions you know are obtained under false pretenses, we're coming after you," Sessions said in an announcement in Ohio Wednesday. "We will reverse these devastating trends with every lawful tool we have." The opioid fraud and abuse protection unit will have a prosecutor tied to the Middle District of Florida, which stretches from Jacksonville down through the Orlando area and Tampa and into southwest Florida, in Fort Myers -- a total of 35 counties. The program is part of a larger crackdown against drugs by the U.S. Justice Dept. In May, Sessions told prosecutors to bring the toughest charges against most suspects, reversing Obama-era sentencing guidelines for nonviolent drug offenses. He has also called for a repeal of protections granted by Congress to states where marijuana is legal for medicinal or recreational purposes. "In recent years, some of the government officials in our country I think have mistakenly sent mixed messages about the harmfulness of drugs," Sessions said. "So let me say: We cannot capitulate intellectually or morally unto this kind of rampant drug abuse. We must create a culture that's hostile to drug abuse." Critics warn Sessions' call to revamp the war on drugs will swell the prison population with nonviolent offenders and reverse years of policy that have proven to work. But Sessions says addiction treatment is not enough to fight the opioid epidemic, and there needs to be a return to tougher tactics. Prescription opioids are a major factor in the current overdose epidemic. More than 52,000 Americans died of overall drug overdoses in 2015, with over 30,000 because of opioids (prescription opioids and heroin). Experts believe the numbers have continued to rise. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. The White House is condemning the arrests of two top leaders in Venezuela who oppose the current socialist regime. Opposition leaders taken away in middle of the night White House calls opposition leaders political prisoners Opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma had been under house arrest, but security officers came in the middle of the night on Monday and forcefully hauled them off to a military prison. Videos show Venezuelan opposition leaders being taken from their homes by the government's intelligence service https://t.co/U3cmvTQwNy pic.twitter.com/FzbUmJ87mE CNN International (@cnni) August 1, 2017 Lopez's wife posted what appeared to be video of him being taken from their home after midnight. Theyve just taken Leopoldo from the house, Lilian Tintori wrote on Twitter, who is pregnant. We dont know where he is or where theyre taking him. In a statement, the White House calls them political prisoners and says they are "being held illegally by the regime" led by socialist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. But many other nations and international organizations were silent or limited themselves to expressions of concern. Videos show the two being taken from their homes in the middle of the night by government officials. Lopez and Ledezma were accused by the government-allied Supreme Court of violating the terms of their house arrest by plotting to escape and releasing video statements criticizing Maduro. This comes after the activists publicly opposed a controversial election that critics say would let Maduro illegitimately consolidate power. Maduros government says it is close to convening a special assembly endowed with powers to rewrite the constitution, override other branches of government and punish opposition leaders. The U.S. is calling for Venezuela's government to immediately free all political prisoners. The Associated Press contributed to this story. A Missouri City police officer who shot and killed a family dog while responding to a July noise complaint has been cleared of wrongdoing. The Missouri City Police Department announced Friday that an internal review found the officer did not violate the department's procedures. MYSTERY: HFD fire fighter's dog shot in front yard in the Heights Following protests from the family, the MCPD released 42 minutes of footage from the officer's body camera from July 17, the night the shooting occurred. In the video footage, which is mostly obscured by darkness, the officer is heard entering the gated yard of a house blasting music. Almost immediately, the officer asks the homeowners, "Can you get your dog, can you get your dog?" Then two barks and a gunshot. For the next several minutes, a woman can be heard screaming and crying. "You shot the dog!" the distraught voice screams. Lizzethe Pedregon, the dog's owner, took to Facebook with her grief and anger about the death of Chapo, an American Bully breed which is a mix of pit bull, bull dog and terrier. In a Facebook post that has been shared more than 41,600 times, Pedregon said that the police officer was wrong to enter the family property without knocking first and demanded answers from the Missouri City PD. "I'm so hurt, my heart hurts," Pedregon wrote. "Chapo was not just our dog, he was family!" In the video, the officer can be heard describing what happened to a fellow officer and, later, to his supervisor. Pedregon did not respond to a request for an interview. "I see this big pit bull coming through the crowd so at first he sniffed and then he just started growling and coming at me," the officer said. "He's huge! I just, 'pow!' right in the head." The officer admitted to not knocking at the front door before entering the backyard. "I just opened the gate, walked right in here," he said. "I was going to ask to speak to the homeowner ... I regret it, but he was coming at me. I didn't have any choice, man. He was coming at me big time." Following the incident and outcry from the Pedregon family, the Missouri City Police Department conducted an internal review and released a statement Friday that the department found do wrongdoing on the part of the officer. However, the statement said that the police department will now require police-canine training for all sworn police personnel. "The Missouri City Police Department remains committed to delivering superior customer service to all members of our diverse community," the statement read. A 29-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly exposing her daughters, ages 2 and 4, to methamphetamine. Child Protective services alerted Augustine County Sheriff's Office deputies about an child endangerment investigation involving Chelsea Shae Lout, the girls' mother. According to an affidavit obtained by East Texas News, CPS officials found that Lout, her children and her children's father tested positive for meth. CHILD ENDANGERMENT: Parents, grandparent arrested after meth found in 9-month-old child's system The results came via hair follicle samples with the Texas Alcohol and Drug Testing Service in Houston. The children's father has not yet been arrested. They have been placed with their maternal grandmother. Lout is booked in the San Augustine County Jail on a felony endangering a child charge. Eye examinations are recommended to identify potential vision problems in their infancy stages. Many eye experts advise that the average person should have an eye exam every one to three years, depending on his or her age. The American Optometric Association says children should have their first eye exam at six months of age. Subsequent exams can take place at age 3, and then when the child is beginning school. If an eye doctor determines a person has a particular condition that requires monitoring, more frequent eye exams will be advised. Children require less frequent eye exams, but as a person gets older, he or she should schedule eye exams every year. Consult with an eye doctor if you have questions on when to schedule an eye examination or if you are experiencing vision problems. Seguin-based agricultural equipment maker Alamo Groups second-quarter profit rose 16.6 percent, which was in line with expecations on Wall Street, the company said Wednesday. The company which manufactures and distributes agricultural and infrastructure equipment worldwide earned $12.3 million, or $1.05 a share, during the three months ended June 30 compared with $10.6 million, or 92 cents a share, in the same period last year. Wall Street analysts estimated the company would earn $12.2 million, or $1.05 a share, in the second quarter. CEO Ron Robinson said market conditions are still soft, but the company is encouraged that there are some signs of improvement. The Alamo Groups profit margins and earnings should grow if revenue picks up, though probably not at the pace we have experienced in the first half of 2017, he said in a press release announcing the results. The company generated $213.3 million in revenue for the second quarter, up less than 1 percent from last years $211.5 million. The agricultural divisions sales rose by $2.4 million to $54.2 million, up 4.6 percent. Robinson attributed the growth in the agricultural division to strong margin performance and modest and spotty improvements in parts of the agricultural market. Year-over-year sales in the companys industrial division were nearly flat, with $117.3 million in sales in the second quarter compared with $117.1 million in 2016. Sales fell 1.8 percent in the companys European division to $41.7 million, less than $1 million less than the $42.5 million in sales Alamo Group made in Europe during the second quarter of 2016. The decline in European sales were blamed on the declining value of the British pound and Euro post-Brexit, which took place in June 2016. Robinson noted that European sales were up 5 percent in local currency. The company, founded in 1969, makes and sells equipment used to maintain agricultural land and infrastructure in the Americas, Europe and Australia. rdruzin@express-news.net @druz_journo HAMDEN >> A 23-year-old Hamden man was shot near First Street early Wednesday afternoon, according to town police. The man was walking southbound on Warren Street when the passenger of a white-colored convertible with New York license plates fired three shots at him, police said in a news release. The gunman fled the scene and the victim left in another vehicle. He arrived shortly at Yale New Hospital with a wound to his lower leg, police said. When police arrived in the area in response to reports of shots fired, they found a First Street residence and an unoccupied car on nearby Warren Street had been struck by gunfire. One female neighbor said she heard a thumping noise. She described the shooting as ridiculous now that they were happening during the day as well as the night. She said she is afraid for her granddaughter. Another female resident, who also didnt provide her name, said gunfire seems to be happening more often and she does not want guns going off any time of day because a lot of children are in the neighborhood. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective William Onofrio of the Hamden Police Department Detective Division at 203-230-4040. A 17-year-old boy opened an emergency exit door of a Boeing 737, stepped out onto the wing and jumped to the runway after the plane landed at San Francisco International Airport Tuesday afternoon, officials said. It was not immediately clear why the boy on a flight that originated in Panama City pushed open the weighted emergency exit door of the Copa Airlines flight, officials said. The boy had been seated in an emergency exit row on Flight 208, according to the airline. He opened the door and slid down the wing to the tarmac just minutes after landing around 2:30 p.m., while the plane was still taxiing on the runway. ALSO: Change coming for neighborhoods plagued by noisy SFO flight paths A flight crew member closed the exit door and the plane was able to pull into its gate, where passengers filed out without further incident, the airline said. After jumping off the aircraft, the teenager was first apprehended by a construction crew on the airfield then detained by San Francisco police, Doug Yakel, a spokesman for SFO, said in a statement. The boy was later transferred to the custody of federal investigators. ALSO READ: Adorable 2-year-old tries to fist-bump everyone on Southwest flight The boys name was not immediately released, and it was not clear whether he was placed under arrest or what charges he might face as a result. He is a U.S. citizen, Yakel said, adding that the boy was traveling alone. The surprise event did not cause delays or cancellations of flights on other airlines, officials said. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: MBodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate What started as a disaster in the kitchen just might earn one San Antonio woman a $1 million prize. Ellen Sarem is a finalist in the Lay's "Do Us a Flavor" contest, a nationwide search for new flavors to join the potato chip giant's already robust lineup. For a shot at the grand prize, contestants submitted flavor ideas that were then transformed into potato chip form by Lays' team of recipe developers. Saram's suggestion of Crispy Taco is joined by two other finalists in Lindsay Hoffman of Palm City, Fla., with Kettle Cooked Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese chips and Gregory Pope of Charlotte, N.C., who pitched Wavy Fried Green Tomato. While hard-shelled tacos -- sometimes she buys the shells, sometimes she makes her own -- are now a household staple, that wasn't always the case under Sarem's roof. Now Playing: What started as a disaster in the kitchen just might earn Ellen Sarem a $1 million prize. Video: Courtesy Lay's "I chose crispy taco because it's my now fiance's favorite food," Sarem said. "It's something that I cooked for him on our first. I was so nervous and didn't have a lot of the ingredients. Didn't have cheese. Didn't have salsa. I got it completely wrong." Fortunately, Sarem's culinary anxiety quickly passed. She and Casey Dohogne plan to get married in March. As for the chips, Sarem's astonished at how well the flavor of her family's favorite meal -- she and Dohogne have an 11-month-old son, J.J. -- was recreated. "It's really cool the way that Lays did it," she said. "They have all the flavors, a cumin spice blend from the meat, fresh cheese, crispy lettuce and tomato. The crazy thing is you can taste all that in the chip." Customers can find Crispy Taco and the other two finalist flavors on shelves now through Oct. 8. Fans can vote for their favorite once per day at Lays.com, on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #SweepstakesEntry along with #VoteEverythingBagel, #VoteFriedGreenTomato or #VoteCrispyTaco or through Snapchat by swiping up on their favorite flavor and following the prompted instructions. pstephen@express-news.net Twitter: @pjbites Instagram: @pjstephen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT The City Council will vote after all on a detailed contract allowing a Manhattan-based developer to purchase, renovate and reopen two downtown theaters and an adjacent hotel. As previously reported, Mayor Joe Ganims administration which has an aggressive timeline for approving Exact Capitals $400 million plan for the historic Main Street buildings and nearby construction of two 18-story and one 10-story residential towers had not intended to bring the final deal to the citys legislative body. City Hall thought it enough that the council review and approve a seven-page memorandum of understanding authorizing Ganim to negotiate a contract with Exact for the simple and straightforward project. That did not sit well with some council members or with past officials like former Mayor John Fabrizi and Nancy Hadley, the citys one-time economic development director. You want the (land disposition agreement, or LDA) to go to the council strictly for checks, balances, accountability and transparency, Fabrizi had said. As Hadley put it, memorandum of understanding are an outline of what the agreement is, but the devils in the details. An agreement to review City Council President Thomas McCarthy agreed in an interview last week that the council should weigh in on the LDA. Ganims office late Tuesday night announced a change in position after close consultation with McCarthy. We hope that sending the LDA to the council for approval will give you all the opportunity to fully vet the project and more fully understand the details of this great development that will take place downtown, mayoral adviser Tom Gaudett wrote in an email. McCarthy thanked the mayors office for understanding the importance of a thorough vetting of such a significant deal. Gaudetts email also revealed that, while the full council has yet to vote on the memorandum of understanding, the full land disposition agreement is almost ready. Economic development staff have been working diligently on the LDA over the past few weeks, and they are prepared to send that LDA to the council for its consideration and approval, Gaudett wrote. There are two big reasons City Hall is moving so quickly. Ganim, a Democrat who was first mayor in the 1990s, had pledged to save the shuttered Majestic and Poli Palace theaters and Savoy Hotel during his successful 2015 comeback campaign. And the mayor has also shown an eagerness to tout the project as he explores a run for governor in 2018 amid a crowded field. A sense of urgency Though city economic development staff have explained why the deal with Exact is far less complicated than other LDAs requiring council approval and thus did not need that legislative bodys review, Ganim has built Exacts vision up as the most exciting urban development project anywhere in this state. When the mayor first announced in mid-June that Exacts proposal had been selected by his staff over submissions from two other competitors, he had urged a swift, 30-day approval in order for the developer to break ground in a year. Those 30 days have come and gone. Still, the administration is pushing to get the deal done quickly. After the councils Contracts Committee reviewed the memorandum of understanding last month, there was initial confusion over the next step. Some thought a public hearing was scheduled for Aug. 7, to take place before that evenings regular council meeting, but city officials this week said the plan was for the council to set a future hearing on the memorandum at the Aug. 7 meeting. Gaudett, in his email, suggested a revised timeline: Pass the MOU; refer the LDA to the contracts committee for review at a to-be-announced special meeting; and schedule a public hearing for Sept. 5 before the full council. In a related story, the Bridgeport Planning and Zoning Commission was scheduled this week to consider the sale of the theaters, hotel and several mostly vacant, city-owned parcels. The buildings and land have been appraised at $5.9 million. However, the zoning meeting was canceled because not enough members could attend. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Fashion, lights, music and glamour might not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about cancer patients. But for a few hours Saturday night, that was the atmosphere for 11 cancer patients. With the help of locally owned boutiques and retail stores, Laredo Cancer Society, a non-profit organization that serves cancer patients in Webb County, hosted a Fashion Night at the Embassy Suites. The purpose of the event was twofold: to raise money for the organization and to boost cancer patients' self-esteem by walking down the runway to a blinding shower of lights. Click through the gallery above to see the best looks from LCS Fashion night. Nancy Santos, founder and president of the society, said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up to their first fashion show. "Before I could even arrive, I was getting call after call and then I get a message, 'Nancy there are no more chairs available, we are packed,' and we had set up for 100," she said. "So, they had to bring chairs while people were waiting in line. "I was even more excited when I heard that I was going into a packed house of people supporting the group." READ MORE: Boxers take the ring for Fight Fest 15 in Laredo Santos said the event gathered over $1,700 and the proceeds will go to fund an activity with the kids from the Golden Heart Project, another local organization that helps create awareness for childhood cancer. Karla Lopez, a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2012 and one of the models, said she enjoyed the experience even though at the beginning she wasn't sure if she could participate. "It was a last-minute thing. I just started radiation again. But it felt good. Margaret Hogan did my makeup and I don't usually dress up like this, so it was really nice," she said. Lopez got involved with the Laredo Cancer Society through one of their programs, Cancer Friends, a support group that gets together every month to help patients deal with their illness. Lopez said that putting makeup on and dressing up helps patients feel normal. "People think that because we have cancer, we are going to treatment, we can't get dress up," she said. "They picture us in a wheelchair without makeup in a bed. That's not living. If someone try to put themselves in our shoes, they would see and they would try their best to get up from bed and just be normal." Likewise, Itzamara Vega, mother of Rhianna, a 5-year-old who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was only four months, said that fashion events and photo sessions like the ones organized by Janee Nunez-Villarreal, founder of the Golden Heart Project, help children with their self-esteem. "I mean kids sometimes they ask, 'why do they have scars?' or 'why they can't walk right?' or 'hear right.' And seeing people support them around having a fashion night it brings out the best in them. Makes me smile," she said. Similarly, Norma Canales, mother of Lorin Canales, a 7-year-old diagnosed with leukemia when she was 3, said the groups help people who have gone through the same circumstance by uniting them through different activities outside their medical routines. "Something different, out of the zone that they been accustomed that is being under medical care for their condition," she said. "It brings other kids that have battled or are still battering some kind of cancer together. As you can see it brings a lot of joy and smiles today." RELATED: Drone footage shows the creepiness of an abandoned West Texas water park But it wasn't only cancer patients and survivors who got a positive experience out of the fashion night. :ocal business owners were happy to participate and give back to the community. Connie Saenz, co-owner of twelve:twenty, said she has been helping Laredo Cancer Society since they organized the Breast Cancer Ball in October and felt that it was a good way to give back. "I am a big believer that you should contribute and donate locally and what better way than to help patients and people that are struggling with cancer," she said. "I think as a local business is a perfect way not only to get your name out there but also do something positive for your community which is always a good thing." Eric Cazeres, owner of Ilumin8, a company that provides sound and lighting effects, said he also first got involved planning the cancer ball, and since then they provide lighting to all their events. "The more people that get involved, the more these organizations can do. And the better the community can flourish and help people in need," he said. "We are glad that we could help out today and it's fun lighting things up". Among the participating boutiques were twelve:twenty, Casa Raul Downtown, Harley Davidson, Dollz Boutique, Truly Tween, Catrina's Boutique and Forever After. Border Patrol Post 120, Elumen8 Light Shows and Sounds, Margaret Hogan Studio, BA Promos and Marketing, Francisco Sauceda, Ethos Marketing, Amco Insurance, La Posada Hotel, Paola Villarreal, La Sposa, and Sandra Paredes sponsored the event. AUBURN Cass County soybean farmers will have a chance to learn about the latest market trends and research initiatives at an educational workshop next week. Officials with University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Soybean Checkoff are teaming up for the 19th annual Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days workshops. The events will take place across the state Aug. 8-11. The free sessions will begin with day-of-event registration at 9 a.m. and will end at approximately 2:30 p.m. The workshop for southeast Nebraska farmers will take place Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Jim Gerdes farm southwest of Auburn. Cass County farmers can take Highway 75 south through Auburn and travel seven miles until they reach County Road 722. They can go one mile west on County Road 722 and one-quarter mile south on 638 Avenue until they reach A Road. There is a three-quarter-mile trip west until they reach the Gerdes farm at 721 A Road. The field site is on the south side of the road. The three other sites are the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, the Tad Melia farm near Ord and the Tim Gregerson farm near Tekamah. The North Platte event will take place Aug. 8, the Ord event will be held Aug. 9 and the Tekamah event will take place Aug. 11. Organizers have placed maps and directions for the field sites at North Platte, Ord, Auburn and Tekamah at http://ardc.unl.edu/soydays. Each of the four sites will feature agronomists, agriculture industry consultants and educators from Nebraska Extension and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The experts will cover a wide range of topics about soybeans during their presentations. Three people will provide information about early-season crop stress effects on production, insects and seedling diseases. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist Justin McMechan, UN-L Plant Pathology Research Technologist Nick Arneson and Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Loren Giesler are all scheduled to make presentations. Nebraska Extension Cropping Systems Agronomist Roger Elmore and Nebraska Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Rodrigo Werle will cover the topics of maturity group and traits, cover crops and weed management. UN-L Emeritus Cropping Systems Specialist Bob Klein and Nebraska Weed Management Extension Educator Chris Proctor will focus on the effects of new herbicides on soybeans. Nebraska Extension Ag Economics Educator Jessica Groskopf and Nebraska Extension Public Policy Specialist Brad Lubben will explore the marketing and policy outlook for soybeans. Seven people will help local farmers with the impact of tillage on seeding rates, evapotranspiration and soil factors affecting soybean yield. The group includes Nebraska Extension Educators Chuck Burr and Troy Ingram, Nebraska Extension Soils Educator Brian Krienke, Nebraska Extension Cropping Systems Educator Steve Melvin, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Educator Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension Agriculture Water Management Specialist Daran Rudnick and UN-L Soil Scientist for Crop Nutrition Charles Shapiro. The experts will provide farmers with research trends, demonstration plots and question-and-answer sessions. Participants can also bring unknown crop problems to the field sites for identification and possible solutions. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3 St. Johns Episcopal Church has long had a large group of parishioners of Jamaican descent because of the strength of the church in their home country, according to Olive Grant, head of the churchs Womens Guild. To mark the 55th anniversary of Jamaicas independence from Great Britain, the church will hold a service of praise and thanksgiving at 10:15 a.m. Aug. 6 at the church, 628 Main St. TRUMBULL - Working smoke detectors are being credited with helping a Trumbull family escape from a fire that broke out in their basement early Wednesday morning. Shortly before 3 a.m., the Nichols Fire Department received a call for smoke in a house on Green Ridge Road in Trumbull. The Stratford and Trumbull police departments advise residents to err on the side of caution and lock their vehicles after a string of recent break-ins and thefts. Stratford police said there were several break-ins and attempted break-ins of motor vehicles over the past few weeks, specifically in the Lordship section of town. Pauline Street, Ash Street and Prospect Drive are the three streets that Stratford police said have been targeted recently. The incidents with motor vehicles in Stratford have most occurred in the predawn hours between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., police said. Stratford police encourage residents to report any suspicious people or activities by calling the departments non-emergency number at 203-385-4100. A reminder to all residents to lock their vehicles and do not leave valuables in (your) cars while they are parked and unattended, Stratford police Capt. Frank Eannotti said in a prepared statement. And its not just Stratford residents who are warned to lock their vehicles. Trumbull police said there are two vehicle thefts under investigation that were taken from residential driveways in the overnight hours. In both incidents, Trumbull police said the residents had left their keys inside their vehicles and they were stolen early Wednesday morning. Police said one of the vehicles was unlocked. The two vehicles were stolen from Columbine Drive and White Tail Lane, Trumbull police said. Beyond these thefts, Trumbull police said there are several open investigations into thefts from motor vehicles that occurred in the overnight hours of Tuesday into Wednesday. Police said these thefts from vehicles occurred in multiple neighborhoods throughout Trumbull. Numerous residents reported that property had been stolen from inside their cars, all of which had been left unlocked while parked in their driveways, Trumbull police Lt. Keith Golding said in a prepared statement. Trumbull police ask anyone with information about these incidents to contact the department at 203-261-3665. The department also has a confidential tip line on its website at trumbull-ct.gov/police. The Trumbull police would once again like to take this opportunity to remind all residents to always lock your vehicles and remove all valuables from view, Golding said. But the Fairfield Police Department said this uptick in thefts from cars and stolen vehicles has affected their town as well. Fairfield police said the department is taking a proactive approach to address this type of criminal activity. The department reminds residents to lock their cars and take the keys with them, even if the vehicle is parked in the driveway. The current trends show that all of these crimes occurred to vehicles that were unlocked and parked in the driveways of residential neighborhoods, Fairfield police said in a statement. These crimes are preventable. Fairfield police ask anyone with knowledge of suspicious activity to call 203-254-4800 or annoymously text a tip to CRIMES (274637). San Jacinto College students are divided over a law that allows concealed handgun license holders to now carry their weapons on community college campuses. Effective since Aug. 1, Senate Bill 11 gives licensed individuals at public community colleges throughout the state the ability to carry concealed firearms in certain buildings and areas. Licensed holders must be at least 21 years old, meet the federal qualifications to own a gun and receive training from an instructor certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The state law comes one year after SB11 designated university campuses as a gun-friendly environment. At the community college level, this puts the national guns-on-campus debate outside of ethics or philosophy classrooms and makes it part of daily campus life. Leonardo Gomez, 19, said he doesn't need to carry a gun and admits the change makes him anxious in light of national and state incidents involving campus violence. But he also referred to what he's read about rapes on campuses throughout the country. "I see both sides, and to me it's more something that could be a good thing for women who want some self-protection," he said. For campus law enforcement, the implementation of SB11 poses some challenges. SB11 gives schools the right to declare some campus buildings and areas gun-free zones such as, for instance, buildings in which potentially combustible chemicals are housed, such as science labs. SB11, San Jacinto College Police Chief Bruce Caldwell said, "is going to require us to think on a different level and really start to dig in and find out what's on campus and where it's located, because we have to establish those exclusive zones. "We're going to have to take a hard look at the laboratories and see what types of things are in some of those locations that if a firearm went off near there, would it cause catastrophic harm?" "The people on campus that are LTC (licensed to carry a handgun) will have to have a better sense of geography of the campus to avoid particular zones," he said. Educating all students on what the law allows and does not allow will be an ongoing process. For example, accidental exposure of a weapon is not a violation, according to Caldwell. San Jac's policy says that for a LTC student, a gun must be carried on them within arm's reach in a holster that completely covers the trigger mechanism. As for whether the gun mechanism be in locked on safety mode, not all guns have a safety mechanism; so the law leaves it open to the carrier, Caldwell said. Proponents see the law as a victory for Second Amendment rights, while others, like the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, see the potential to heighten tension on campus. R.G. Robertson, 58, is taking courses at the school. "I don't think it's a good idea," she said. "At community college, the students are very young, right out of high school and I don't think they can handle that kind of responsibility. They can be quick to anger (at that age), and the maturity level is not there." At least half the students at San Jac are under age 21, which would eliminate them from carrying guns on campus. According to the college, the school has no way of knowing how many students at the three San Jac campuses are licensed to carry guns. While he sees some initial apprehensions, Caldwell believes if carried out according to the law, most students won't feel the change. "I would venture to bet that almost any student here has been somewhere in public where someone was carrying a weapon and they never knew it; so that fear never existed," he said. "Technically, the way the law is written, if someone is following the law you would never know they had a weapon. I think people will be expecting to see a lot of students with guns on campus, and when they don't see it, I think they will figure out that it won't be any different than any other day they come to school." Caldwell said that incidents involving fatal shootings on campuses - such as when a freshman was killed Oct. 9, 2015 in a dormitory at Texas Southern University or when a gunman shot a woman May 3 at North Lake College near Dallas - are anomalies unrelated to the issue of campus-carry. "Those people were not licensed holders; they were people that came on campus and just started shooting people," he said. "You can't lump them in the same category." Nursing student Daniel Zamora, 22, has no problem with the new law and doesn't believe it will affect his daily San Jac routine. "I understand why some might have a problem with it, but I really don't think it's a big deal," he said. One change that might be noticeable to students is an increased police presence inside school buildings. "We will have our officers inside patrolling a little more and so they spend more of their time with the faculty, staff and students," Caldwell said. San Jacinto Chancellor Brenda Hellyer said the law has sparked differing opinions among staff members, too. "Even knowing that opinions differ, San Jacinto College is obligated to comply with the law," Hellyer said. In a June 2017 meeting, the college's board adopted a policy in compliance with the law. "I encourage our students and staff, as well as the community to review the policy as well as the law so they are informed," she said. Shawnae Shepherd, 26, said SB11 will make her feel more secure, and she doesn't believe it will make an impact on most students in the long run. "I come from up north (West Virginia) and you hear about more shootings in other places that don't have these concealed-carry laws; so I actually feel safer," she said. "If someone is crazy, they're going to come and do something whether there is a law saying they can carry a weapon or not." But to Angelica Quintero, whose 18-year old son will be starting San Jac in the fall, SB11 is just another thing to fret over as a parent. "I don't like it at all," she said. "You worry about your children all the time, and this is just another thing to worry about." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 The Padgett Group Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Kha Hoa / Associated Press/SUB Show More Show Less 3 of 3 River Oaks Bookstore, 3270 Westheimer Road, Houston, will host Vietnam War veteran, Houston doctor and author Samuel Axelrad, M.D., from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Axelrad is a Houston author, retired urologist and Vietnam War veteran who recently published a memoir titled "Peaceful Bones." Axelrad's memoir illustrates his time in Vietnam as an army surgeon during the Vietnam war where he finds himself helping not only American soldiers but hundreds of Vietnamese citizens both wounded and ill. "Peaceful Bones" is about one special patient named Hung Nguyen aka "Charlie" who becomes an unlikely friend on the battlefield. Axelrad saves Charlie's life, forging a bond that crosses cultural and enemy lines. Their reunion, 46 years after losing touch in 1967, was a moving and inspiring moment that made history around the world. Axelrad's son, Chris, and Rabbi Ranon Teller co-authored the memoir. July 18 At 4:35 a.m., an unknown person broke out the front glass window of Sherwin Williams Paint store, 5233 Bellaire Blvd., and entered the store. The unknown suspect was in the store under three minutes and nothing was taken. At 6:31 p.m., Officers Lysack and Liccketto were dispatched to 5002 Bellaire Blvd. in reference to a suspicious person. Officers Lysack and Liccketto arrived on scene and located the suspect. The suspect was found to have a criminal trespass warrant out of Harris County. The suspect was placed into custody and while being searched, a glass pipe containing crack cocaine was located in his pocket. The suspect was transported to the Bellaire Jail for the warrant and possession of a controlled substance. At 6:48 p.m., Bellaire officers were dispatched to 5811 Bissonnet St. for a complaint of theft of service. Upon arrival, Officer Delgado met with the reportee who stated he witnessed the suspect order food/beverages and attempted to leave location without paying. The suspect was placed in custody for theft of service and transported to the Bellaire Police Department for booking and processing. July 19 At 8:55 a.m., Officer H. Lopez was dispatched to the 4900 block of Welford in reference to a burglary of a vehicle. The victim stated a unknown person broke out the rear passenger window sometime between 12:30 and 8:45 a.m. July 19. Several items were stolen. At 1:38 p.m., Officer Lysack was dispatched to 6750 West Loop South in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle. On July 19, between noon and 1:15 p.m., an unknown suspect broke the front passenger window on the victim's vehicle at the location. The suspect stole the victim's firearm and fled in an unknown direction. At 6:19 p.m., Officer Delgado conducted a traffic stop in the 5400 block of Bellaire Boulevard on a 2008 Dodge Avenger for no motor vehicle registration. Officer Delgado made contact with the driver who presented his name and date of birth and failed to provide proof of financial responsibility. Officer Delgado conducted a computer inquiry on the name and date of birth and did not receive a return. Through inventorying of the vehicle, a wallet containing a social security card was found with the driver's name. Through investigation the SS# was shown belonging to another individual. The driver was placed in custody for tampering with a government document and transported to the Bellaire Police Department Jail for booking and processing. At 11:21 a.m., Officer Schwausch was dispatched to the 5400 block of Maple Street in regard to a burglary of a habitation. Further investigation found that forced entry was used to enter the residence sometime between 4:45 p.m. July 18 and 9 a.m. July 19. Appliances were removed from the house. At 11:58 a.m., Officer Trujillo was dispatched to the 4545 Bissonnet St. in reference to an assault in progress. Upon the officers' arrival, both parties involved were separated. After further investigation it was determined that both parties were equally involved in the altercation. Per the Harris County District Attorney no charges were filed. July 20 At 10:28 a.m., Officer Schwausch was patrolling the 5100 block of Bellaire Blvd. and saw a vehicle with an expired registration. Officer Schwausch stopped the vehicle and made contact with the operator of the vehicle who was found to have a set of knuckles in his possession. The driver was subsequently charged and arrested for possession of an illegal weapon. At 10:57 a.m., Officer D.Rocha conducted a traffic stop on a gray-colored four door vehicle in the 6700 block of South Rice. The driver was subsequently found to be operating a motor vehicle while her Texas Driver's License currently suspended. The driver was arrested and taken to the Bellaire Jail where she was booked for the charge of DWLI. At 3:35 p.m., Officer O'Sullivan was dispatched to 5350 Bellaire Blvd. in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, officers met with reportee who stated that while she was checking her mail, someone had broken the window on her vehicle and stole her purse. At 11:14 p.m., Officer Barrientos was dispatched to 6406 Avenue Blvd. in regards to multiple burglaries of motor vehicles. On Jul 20 between 8:30 and 10:14 p.m., an unknown suspect(s) broke the rear passenger side window and took the victims purse. Ofc. Barrientos met with one of the victims of the burglary. At 11 p.m., officers were notified of numerous burglaries to motor vehicles at Feld Park. The victims were playing softball and the vehicles were parked in the parking lot east of the softball fields. The victim stated she had her front passenger window broken out and her sunglasses and wallet stolen. The victim stated there was nothing in the wallet. At 6:25 p.m., Officer O'Sullivan was dispatched to the Randall's, at 5130 Bellaire Blvd., in reference to a shoplifting in-progress. The investigation concluded with the suspects being arrested and transported to the Bellaire Police Department for theft and possession of dangerous drugs. At 11:05 p.m., Officer Ortega was dispatched to multiple burglaries to motor vehicles at Feld Park. Upon arrival, Officer Ortega made contact with the victim who stated between 8:45-10:45 p.m., an unknown suspect(s) broke out the front driver's side window of her vehicle and her wallet was taken. At 11:05 p.m., Officer Ortega was dispatched to multiple burglaries to motor vehicles at Feld Park. Upon arrival, Officer Ortega made contact with the victim who stated between 9:05-10:45 p.m., an unknown suspect(s) broke out the front passenger side window of her vehicle, but no items were taken. At 2:10 p.m., Detective G. Macedo made contact with a City of Bellaire Building Official in reference to a builder who presented a forged government record to his office. July 21 At 1:15 p.m., city of Bellaire Police Officers were dispatched to El Ahorro Supermarket, 5859 Bissonnet St., in reference to a shoplifting which had just occurred. The reportee stated a black male had taken several items and exited the store without paying for them. The black male then left the scene. At 5:12 p.m., Officer Younger was dispatched to the Bellaire Police Department in regards to an identity theft report in the 4600 block of Pin Oak Lane. Officer Younger made contact with the victim who advised an unknown suspect attempted to open several credit card accounts with his information and filed taxes with his information. At 4:01 p.m., Officer Liccketto conducted a traffic stop in the 6700 block of South Rice on a black Nissan Pathfinder for a defective brake light. During the investigation, the driver was found to have no driver's license and was arrested. While fingerprinting, the suspect was found to have a different name and date of birth and was charged with failure to identify. July 22 At 12:18 a.m., Officer C. Barber initiated a traffic stop on a Silver Pontiac four-door sedan in the 5300 block of Bellaire Boulevard. During the course of the traffic investigation, the passenger and claimed owner of the car, was asked for her identification. Stating she had none, she wrote her name and date of birth on a provided sheet of paper. She wrote down a date of birth that differed from her actual date of birth. The female also had outstanding warrants out of the Houston Police Department. The woman was arrested for Fail to Identify - Fugitive from justice, a Class A misdemeanor. July 23 At 12:45 a.m., Officer Bellard was working an approved extra job at a banquet hall located at 5200 Bissonnet Boulevard when he was notified of a fight in progress. Officer Bellard broke up the altercation and attempted to clear everybody out when the suspect refused to leave. While attempting to place the suspect in custody, the suspect physically resisted. The suspect was placed into custody for criminal trespass and resisting arrest. At 12:29 p.m., Corporal K. Kramer was dispatched in reference to a shoplifting that occurred at 5130 Bellaire Blvd, Randall's Grocery Store. Cpl. Kramer made contact with employees who identified the suspect and the items recovered that he had stolen. Upon arrest the suspect was found to have a prior theft conviction. The suspect was charged with Class B misdemeanor theft. At 8:01 a.m., Officer Guerra was dispatched to the 5300 block of Patrick Henry Street in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle. Between 2:45 and 7:45 a.m. July 23, an unknown suspect(s) made entry into the victim's secured car by breaking the rear passenger side window. The victim advised Officer Guerra the unknown suspect(s) stole multiple items from inside and the trunk of his vehicle. At 11:35 a.m., Officer Andrade was dispatched to the 6300 block of North First Street in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle. Officer Andrade made contact with the victim who stated on July 23, between 3:30 and 11:30 a.m., unknown suspect(s) forced entry into her vehicle and stole her purse and wallet. At 3:14 p.m., Officer D. Clawson observed the defendant traveling south in the 7000 block of S. Rice Avenue at a high rate of speed. Officer Clawson attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the defendant's vehicle. During the attempted traffic investigation, the defendant evaded arrest/detention utilizing a motor vehicle. The defendant crashed his vehicle during the pursuit and was taken into custody. The defendant was subsequently arrested and charged with felony evading in a motor vehicle and transported to the juvenile justice center. At 12:08 p.m., Officer Schwausch was patrolling the 4600 block of Oakdale drive when he was flagged down by a resident living at the 4500 block of Oakdale. The resident advised of a burglary of a motor vehicle that occurred recently. Further investigation found the vehicle burglarized belonged to the resident of 45xx Oakdale Dr. A window was broken and items were removed from the vehicle. Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner recently unveiled plans for an ambitious road project on the city's north side. Wagner told City Council that he has reached out to Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman to discuss proposed plans for a 50-50 partnership to provide $12 million in funding for the design and reconstruction of four-lane Richey Street from Texas 225 to Southmore Avenue. Richey Road work set "This is a project is that is definitely needed and will really improve mobility and the appearance of the road in that area," Pasadena Public Works Director Robin Green said. "I think it's a great idea." If approved by council, the project would begin next March and perhaps be completed within a year, Green said. "The plan is to widen Richey to five lanes in places to add a left turn lane at major intersections based on available right-of-way," he said. "New storms sewers, sidewalks, additional street lights and replacement of some traffic signals is also proposed as part of the improvements along with repaving the road." By and large, the council voiced support for the project, in which the city would split costs with the county. But City Councilman Cody Ray Wheeler questioned if Harris County officials were committed to the project since a similar partnership for improvements to Pasadena Boulevard in 2014 had appeared to stall. In addition, Wheeler said the council in years past had approved money for design and engineering contracts put forward by the former mayor, Johnny Isbell, for several other projects that were never executed. "From Pasadena Boulevard to rodeo arenas to fairgrounds to hotels, (we approved contracts) exceeding $11 million for design and those projects never came to fruition," he said. "They were never done." Wheeler said he supported the project but favored paying for the design work in phases until an agreement with county officials was in place. City Councilman Don Harrison questioned if the city had enough money in reserves to fund the project and pointed out $3 million was already allocated to complete renovations for a new municipal court under construction at the old city hall facility. He also said that additional money was earmarked for legal fees related to the city's appeal of a ruling in a federal voting rights trial. That ruling requires the city to drop at-large council positions and revert to a previous arrangement in which all seats are for individual districts. "What I'm concerned about is where these funds are coming from," Harrison said. Right-of-way delay According to Green, the Pasadena Boulevard project had been delayed in part because of issues related to obtaining right of way during the design phase. Works remained optimistic that county officials were still committed to the project. Calls to Harris County Engineer John Blount were not returned as of presstime. If funding is approved, construction would begin at Texas 225 and gradually move south to Southmore. The $12 million would cover estimated cost for design and construction. "The city would manage the project, which would give us a big advantage in terms of accommodating businesses and residents who might be affected by construction blocking access to parking lots or entrances," Green said. "We are very sensitive to the needs of the community and plan to work with these businesses and residents to ensure a smooth transition as the project is completed." Final approval The council voted 8-1, with Don Harrison opposed, on July 25 to grant preliminary approval to a $1.49 million contract with Brooks & Sparks Inc. for design services for the project. The council is expected to consider final approval at its Aug. 8 meeting. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help in identifying a suspect in a growing theft/fraud case. According to the sheriff's office, on Friday, June 23, "Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to the YMCA located at 22807 Westheimer Parkway in the Katy area. The victim's engagement ring and wallet were stolen from a locker at the YMCA." The unidentified suspect then reportedly used the victim's credit card to complete several transactions throughout the greater Houston area. Video surveillance of the suspect was obtained from the Valero gas station, located at 13155 Katy Freeway. "We have good video, so we are hoping someone out there recognizes the suspect," said Sheriff Troy E. Nehls. "If you know this guy and want to make some bucks the honest way, call Crime Stoppers." On the same day, the suspect stole another wallet from a locker at the 24-hour Fitness, located at 5270 West Grand Parkway South in the Richmond area. The suspect used the victim's credit card to make purchases at Wal-Mart and Best Buy, located in the Bella Terra shopping center, which is in the Richmond area. The suspect is described as a black male, bald, early to mid-30s, medium build, and was seen wearing dark sunglasses, a white T-shirt, and gray jeans. Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. Call (281) 342-TIPS (8477) Submit online at www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com. Information, which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn you up to $5,000 cash reward. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Visit our Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortbendcountycrimestoppers for details on a new easy way to submit tips via the P3 Global Intel App. A 17-year-old passenger swung open an emergency exit Tuesday and jumped from an airplane onto the runway at San Francisco International Airport. An airport official said Copa Airlines flight 208 from Panama City landed about 2:30 p.m. and the teen, who has not been publicly identified, jumped as the plane was waiting to taxi to the gate. The passenger, a U.S. citizen, was not injured and was taken into police custody. It's unclear why he jumped from the plane. A police spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. Witnesses said it was a typical landing until the emergency door opened and the plane filled with sunlight. "The whole door goes off. I start to hear some screams," Maria Nauca, from Peru, told Fox affiliate KTVU. "As soon as we landed, it popped open," Anielka Ruiz, another passenger, told the news station. "We saw the light coming though because all the windows were closed - so the light came in and we're like, 'What happened?'" Passenger Matt Crowder, from Atherton, Calif., told NBC affiliate KNTV that the teen "jumped out onto the wing and then slipped off" onto the runway. He said no one was able to stop the boy. "They were yelling, 'Tell the flight attendants. Relay the message back. The door's open. Someone jumped off,' " Crowder added. "It was pretty crazy." Copa Airlines said in a statement a crew member closed the emergency door and the plane continued on to the gate, where the passengers exited without incident, according to CBS San Francisco. Midwest Farmers Cooperative Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jeremy Wilhelm has been chosen to serve as the cooperatives Chief Executive Officer starting Sept. 5. Wilhelm will succeed Dale Piper, who announced his retirement starting Aug. 31. Wilhelm brings extensive experience in agriculture and finance to the cooperative. He was previously CEO and Executive Vice President of Operations at Western Milling LLC headquartered in Goshen, Calif., where he oversaw multiple rail receiving locations. Wilhelms career highlights also include selection into the First National Bank of Omaha Management Trainee program in 1997, and serving as Vice President Commercial Lending for Farm Credit Services of America. Wilhelms agriculture and financial experience, customer and employee focus and vision for the future were key characteristics the Board of Directors were seeking in our new CEO, said Neil Stedman, board chairman. We are excited to begin working with Jeremy to write the next successful chapter in the history of our cooperative. Midwest Farmers Cooperative has a very promising future. Wilhelm was raised on the family farm near Unadilla. He graduated from Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management from Doane College in Crete. He and his wife, Irene, have three daughters. The account of the episode has the makings of a vacation horror story. Bonita Fetterman, a grandmother visiting South Carolina's popular Myrtle Beach with her family last week, was standing on the balcony of their hotel when she cut her leg on a chair, her granddaughter told local NBC-affiliate WMBF. The injury wasn't serious, so she didn't seek medical attention, and later went down to the beach. On Saturday, the family went home to Lumberton, North Carolina. The grandmother noticed blisters on her leg. By that night, her leg had turned purple, with her blood pressure dropping. Her family took her to Southeastern Hospital. "If she stayed there, she had like a 10 percent chance of surviving, and they were to amputate her leg," said the granddaughter, who did not wish to be identified. Fetterman would soon be airlifted to the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill. The story starting capturing national attention after Fetterman's daughter, Marsha Barnes Beal, posted photos to Facebook on Sunday, July 30. "She was airlifted to Chapel Hill earlier today. She's now in ICU, heavily sedated, and on a breathing machine," the post said. One picture showed a leg below the knee, the bright red skin peeling and blistered down to the ankle. A video captures the moment Fetterman is put on a helicopter to be transported. "Please remember my Mama, Bonita Fetterman in prayer," the Facebook post says. "She's now in ICU, heavily sedated, and on a breathing machine. However, she is stable!" Beal then pointed out what she said was the cause of Fetterman's affliction. "She came in contact with a life threating[sic] flesh eating bacteria after putting her feet in the water at Myrtle Beach!" As of Tuesday evening, the post had more than 84,000 shares. Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly called a flesh-eating infection, kills the body's soft tissue and can be "deadly in a very short amount of time," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 700 to 1,100 cases have occurred each year in the United States since 2010, though there are likely more cases that go unreported. Ways to prevent infection include avoiding natural bodies of water if you have an open wound, the agency says. Fetterman's granddaughter told WMBF that a doctor had told her it was flesh-eating bacteria. Jamie Williams, a spokesman for UNC Medical Center, confirmed that Fetterman is patient at the hospital and said the family requested that information not be released. Beal did not immediately respond to a request for comment through Facebook. In a statement posted Monday, the city of Myrtle Beach said it was aware of the Facebook post but had no reports of issues at the beach, whose water is tested twice a week during swimming season, according to spokesman Mark Kruea. He said the city has reached out to the family on Facebook but has not received a response. "This person has a serious medical condition - we aren't saying there's no serious medical condition - we just don't know the what the why or the where attached to it at this point and we need more information." Some commenters on the city's statement on Facebook were skeptical. "Pleease, I feel bad for this lady, but something is wrong here, compromised immune system. Just not adding up. I was in that water daily for the past few weeks." The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but spokesman Robert Yanity told myrtlebeachonline.com that the agency is aware of the news reports of a potential case of necrotizing fasciitis, adding that, "It's important to note that this type of condition is not necessarily associated with exposure to natural waters like oceans, lakes or rivers or poor water quality." Kruea, the Myrtle Beach spokesman, said there hasn't been a large number of phone calls from concerned visitors and that if the city knew the location of the alleged point of infection, it could order extra testing of the water. "We don't think the water is a factor, but in the absence of additional information I'm not sure what to do at this point." WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court issued a ruling Tuesday that could help preserve a key subsidy that helps health insurers and millions of Americans under the Affordable Care Act. The ruling could make it more difficult for the White House to carry out recent threats by President Donald Trump to cut off the payments, giving legal standing to a new set of the payments' defenders. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that a coalition of 16 state attorneys general, all of whom want to preserve the subsidies, may intervene in the appeal of a lawsuit over the fate of cost-sharing subsidies - payments the government makes to insurers on behalf of about 7 million low-income Americans who receive breaks on their health plans' deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. Led by the Democratic attorneys general of New York and California, the motion that the court granted is the most recent twist in the gnarled legal and political history of the subsidies. In practical terms, the ruling could make it more difficult for the Trump administration and House Republicans to abandon the payments without a court fight. In the days since Senate Republicans failed to pass legislation that would have overturned much of the ACA, the future of the cost-sharing payment has emerged as a major issue, with insurers saying that they would markedly raise their prices for next year in the ACA's marketplaces - or stop selling such health plans altogether - unless the subsidies continue. Republicans have long protested the payments, and in late 2014 the GOP-led House filed a federal lawsuit against the Obama administration, contending that the subsidies were unconstitutional because Congress had not made a specific appropriation for them. Last year a federal district court ruled in the House's favor, and the Obama administration appealed the case to the D.C. Circuit. Since Trump took office, it has been unclear whether the new administration would simply drop the appeal, leaving the lower court ruling intact and thus have no basis for paying the subsidies unless Congress acted to provide the money. Twice, the administration and the House have told the court they want to defer the question while they tried to reach a legislative solution. The next court date is later this month. In the meantime, the coalition of attorneys general in favor of the payments became worried that neither party to the lawsuit was willing to defend them. In a ruling that reached the attorneys general Tuesday evening, a three-judge panel of the appeals court agreed. In granting the motion, the judges wrote in a three-page ruling that the Department of Health and Human Services "nowhere argues in its intervention papers that it will adequately protect the States' interests or even continue to prosecute the appeal." The judges also reasoned that states could be harmed if the cost-sharing payments were cut off because increased insurance prices could translate into more uninsured residents for whom state needed to provide health care, including at public hospitals. The ruling also alluded to the president's recent threats to end the payment, saying that the request to join the case by the attorneys general was timely in light of "accumulating public statements by high-level officials." New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Tuesday night that "this coalition of attorneys general stands ready to defend these vital subsidies and the quality, affordable health care they insure for millions of families across the country." President Donald Trump has seized on a specific strategy to undercut political support for the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, tweeting: "If a new HealthCare Bill is not approved quickly, BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies and BAILOUTS for Members of Congress will end very soon! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2017" "BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies" certainly sounds like the sort of thing that most Americans would oppose, and, by suggesting that Obamacare necessarily means giving handouts to insurers, Trump and his team clearly hope to shift the tide of popular opinion back in their direction. As is often the case with Twitter-length political rhetoric, though, the issue is more complicated than that. What Trump is referring to is what are called "cost-sharing reduction payments." As explained by the Kaiser Family Foundation's Larry Levitt: "The ACA requires insurers to offer plans with reduced patient cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles and copays) to marketplace enrollees with incomes 100-250% of the poverty level. . . . To compensate for the added cost to insurers of the reduced cost-sharing, the federal governments makes payments directly to insurance companies. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the cost of these payments at $7 billion in fiscal year 2017, rising to $10 billion in 2018 and $16 billion by 2027." In other words, the government makes insurers offer lower-cost policies for which it then reimburses the insurers. This isn't a bailout in the sense that insurers overstepped their bounds and need government support to survive. It's a reimbursement that has been part of the ACA from the outset. Such policies are relatively common with people who've enrolled for insurance coverage in an Obamacare marketplace. In March 2016, 57.3 percent of enrollees had a plan that qualified for cost-sharing. In most states, more than half of enrollees did, with Southern states having an even higher percentage than other places. So what happens if Trump decides to end these payments? In a tweet on Wednesday, Levitt noted that insurers would necessarily have to raise premiums to cover the costs of the policies. The amount of that increase would vary by state, too, but Levitt figures that it would be those same Southern states that ended up seeing premiums increase the most. On the surface, this looks like another example of how political action taken against Obamacare would disproportionately affect Trump's base. But the foot that's being shot isn't Trump's electoral one, it's the government's budgetary one. After all, the point of the Affordable Care Act is that care be affordable. The government would increase tax credits for those with cost-sharing reduction policies to offset the increase in premium prices. And according to Levitt's calculations, that would end up costing the government about $2.3 billion more than if they had paid the insurers at the outset. What's more, Levitt thinks that estimate is probably low. As Trump himself once said, "Nobody knew health care could be so complicated." Even when it seems as straightforward as ending "bailouts" to insurance companies. He built his career on the systematic oppression of blacks and Native Americans, becoming one of the country's most influential white supremacists. For more than three decades, from 1912 until 1946, Walter Ashby Plecker used his position as head of Virginia's Bureau of Vital Statistics to champion policies designed to protect what he considered a master white race. He was the father of the state's Racial Integrity Act of 1924, which designated every person in the state as either white or "colored" and criminalized interracial marriage. Plecker insisted that any person with a single drop of "Negro" blood couldn't be classified as white, and he refused to even acknowledge that Native Americans existed in the commonwealth, effectively erasing their legal identities. Then, on Aug. 2, 1947 - one year after his retirement - Plecker stepped into a road in the Confederacy's former capital and was hit by a car. Blacks and Indians had good reason to celebrate. "Dr. Plecker, 86, Rabid Racist, Killed by Auto," read the headline of his obituary in the Richmond Afro-American. "Dr. Plecker spent most of the years of his life in a vain effort to convince the nation and the world of the 'dire effects' of intermarriage between person of the colored and white races," the story read. "He was still at it when the auto snuffed out his life Saturday." A separate column in the black newspaper described Plecker's death this way: "We mention his passing here not to mourn him, but to applaud the fact that race haters of this type are disappearing from the scene." In an extensive profile of Plecker that was published in 2004, the Virginian-Pilot noted that it was long rumored he'd been killed by a bus. "I know it's kind of cruel to say this, but I hope the last thing he saw was an Indian driving that bus," said the daughter of Lacy Branham Hearl, a Native American whose family had been torn apart by Plecker's legislation. (The story noted it was a car, driven by a motorist whose race remains unknown, that actually killed him.) "I thought Plecker was a devil," Hearl added. "Still do." His efforts were so destructive that Indian tribes, unable to clearly trace their heritages, struggled for decades to receive federal recognition. In a 2015 Washington Post story about the issue, Steve Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy tribe, smiled when he talked about Plecker's death and said: "That was good for us." "He told us we had no right to exist as people," said Powhatan Red Cloud-Owen, a Vietnam veteran who belongs to the 850-member Chickahominy tribe. "He tried to destroy a people like Hitler did. It was a genocide inside of this great country of ours." Plecker, a physician known among his colleagues for never smiling, might not have argued with that assessment. He admired aspects of the Nazis' approach. From the Pilot story: "In 1935, Plecker wrote to Walter Gross, the director of Germany's Bureau of Human Betterment and Eugenics. He outlined Virginia's racial purity laws and asked to be put on a mailing list for bulletins from Gross' department. Plecker complimented the Third Reich for sterilizing 600 children in Algeria who were born to German women and black men. 'I hope this work is complete and not one has been missed,' he wrote. 'I sometimes regret that we have not the authority to put some measures in practice in Virginia.' " In fact, Virginia had its own sterilization law, the Eugenical Sterilization Act, that was enacted the same year as the Racial Integrity Act. It allowed the state to sterilize 7,000 people "afflicted with hereditary forms of insanity that are recurrent, idiocy, imbecility, feeble-mindedness or epilepsy." In 2015, the Virginia General Assembly agreed to pay those who were forcibly sterilized $25,000 as compensation. Officials knew of only 11 victims who were still alive. As deplorable as Plecker sounds in 2017, he was admired by many seven decades ago. Three days after his death, the Daily Press in Newport News published a fawning remembrance. Virginians who had never met him "owe him a debt," the story said, insisting that the statistics bureau had collected data "of inestimable medical and general value." "This work was carried on quietly and unobtrusively," the story continued, commending Plecker for avoiding the "limelight." Plecker, it concluded without irony, "was content to do his duty and let the results speak for themselves." --- Part of a continuing series about facets of the past that remain relevant. A traffic safety organization is warning that two recent studies suggest that legalizing recreational marijuana could lead to an increase in crashes, including deadly ones. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that studies by the Highway Loss Data Institute and researchers at the University of Texas at Austin point to an increase in crash risk in states that legalized the recreational use of pot. The Highway Loss Data Institute - which, like the IIHS, is a nonprofit organization backed by insurance companies - reported in June that insurance companies received higher-than-expected collision claims in Colorado, Washington and Oregon after those states allowed people to buy marijuana for recreational purposes. The frequency of claims rose about 3 percent, compared with surrounding western states that continued to have laws on the books prohibiting recreational use of marijuana, the institute found. Meanwhile, the University of Texas study also found an increase in fatal crashes in two states that fully legalized pot. Yet the authors of the UT study - which was published in the online edition of the American Journal of Public Health in June - also said that the increase was too small to be statistically significant. The IIHS, in its upcoming Status Report newsletter, takes a slightly different view of the Texas study than the Texas researchers did. The IIHS argues that the Texas study may have been structured in such a way as to have underestimated the effect of recreational marijuana use. For example, UT researchers focused on a period that coincided with voters' legalization of recreational marijuana in one of the targeted states - but before weed became widely available for purchase. The IIHS said it makes sense that a larger effect might have been seen when looking at crash rates after retail sales began. The upshot, according to the IIHS, is that the early evidence suggests that making it easier for people to get high is also likely to make it easier for people to wreck their vehicles. But the question is far from settled, and probably the aspect all the studies agree on is the need for more research. In December, for example, Columbia University researchers reported a reduction in traffic fatalities in states that enacted medical marijuana laws, possibly because fewer people were driving drunk. The analysis of the two studies is included in the IIHS Status Report due for release Thursday. The Parkinsons Education and Outreach Group will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug.15, in the lower level classroom at Nebraska Medicine in Bellevue. There is no charge to attend. Patients, family and caregivers are welcome. The razor-thin nature of Donald Trump's victory in 2016 - a 78,000-vote margin in three states - has had the side effect of making Trump-voter-watching a parlor game of choice among political pundits. Will his core supporters stick with him through four years in the White House and into 2020? Or, more importantly, will they stick with him enough that Republicans on Capitol Hill continue to fear what his base might do to them in next year's primaries? Will members of his own party continue to stand by him, no matter what unexpected revelation or embarrassing tweet emerges from the West Wing? So far the answer has generally been yes. Trump is historically unpopular, but has continued to be well-received with those base voters. Staunch conservatives like Trump, and they vote more in the primaries, and that has kept Trump's party in line. But while that's true, there's been another question that we've been paying attention to. Trump's base may support him pretty consistently - but do they support him as strongly? Maybe you like to have an oatmeal cookie as a treat, but you really like a chocolate malted. Trump had a lot of malted-level supporters coming out of the gates. A new poll from Quinnipiac University, though, suggests that a lot of his supporters now fall into the "oatmeal cookie" camp - if not fully flipping to "raw broccoli." Quinnipiac finds that 33 percent of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, compared to 61 percent who disapprove. More than twice as many people say they strongly disapprove of Trump as say they strongly approve. Those are low numbers - lower than the RealClearPolitics average of approval polling. We'd expect that; Quinnipiac's numbers have been worse for Trump than other polls pretty consistently. Looking at the long-term trend just within Quinnipiac's polls, though, we can see a shift: More strong disapproval over time and less strong approval. Where that shift is particularly important is, again, among the Republicans that make up Trump's base. Prior to this poll, the lowest level of strong support Trump saw from members of his own party was 62 percent in late March. In the new poll, it's dropped to 53 percent. At the same time, the percentage of Republicans who somewhat approve of him has increased, a sign that support for Trump isn't completely evaporating, but just softening. For some Republicans, anyway. The percentage of members of his own party who say they strongly disapprove of him has climbed from 3 percent in January to 10 percent now. Among independents, that figure has also climbed substantially. Over the course of the campaign, the demographic group that held strongest for Trump was white Americans without college degrees. For the first time in this new poll, that group views Trump more negatively than positively, with fully half of non-college educated whites viewing his job performance with disapproval. Why? Views of how he's handling issues have dipped slightly, though not uniformly. It's clear that one reason Trump's viewed more negatively by members of his party is because of how he behaves in office. Since January, the percentage of Republicans saying that Trump is level-headed has fallen by 14 points. The percentage saying that he shares their values has fallen 10. And, most notably, the percentage of Republicans - members of his own party! - who say he's a good leader has fallen 22 points. What's particularly remarkable about those numbers is that these are negative shifts that can be laid directly at Trump's feet. It's no one else's fault that he's increasingly viewed as dishonest or a bad leader among members of his party. It's his own. And that makes it less useful for members of Congress to stand with him. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., took a lot of heat this week for opposing Trump's behavior while voting for policies Trump supports. If Trump-the-president is increasingly tainted in the eyes of his party, then Flake is squarely in line with much of the rest of the Republican Party. --- Emily Guskin contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD Caryn Bogatch has experienced every pet owners worst nightmare, a threat many dont realize even exists here. Bogatch wasnt doing anything out of the ordinary Tuesday night when she brought her 15-pound dachshund-Yorkshire terrier mix, Dewey, outside with her to grab something from the car. It was just before 10 p.m. on Greenfield Road in Glenbrook, and Bogatch had no reason to suspect a coyote was prowling less than a mile from downtown. Dewey heard the coyote in the distance and took off after it, followed a few seconds later by the sounds of an attack. Bogatch and her husband, Ross, found Dewey on Wednesday morning a block over on Elmbrook Drive. We tried to look for him that night but it was dark and we couldnt find him, Bogatch said. We knew he was killed because it didnt sound like he made it out of that fight. Before losing Dewey, Bogatch thought coyote attacks were only an issue in wooded areas like North Stamford. She rarely expects to see a deer, much less a coyote, in Glenbrook. It caught us totally off guard, she said. We didnt think it could happen here. But coyote attacks can and will happen across the city, Stamford Animal Control Supervisor Tilford Cobb said. We see them all over, he said. We get reports from the northernmost end to the southernmost end of town. Coyotes, first reported in Connecticut in the 1950s, are found now across the state and Northeast, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. They pose a threat to cats and dogs under 25 pounds, but rarely bother people. Coyotes have little fear of humans, Cobb said. The worst thing to do is feed a coyote or approach it. If a coyote is spotted lurking, Cobb advises making loud noises to scare it off. They have no natural predators, so we have to take on that role and make sure were instilling fear in the them, he said. Most critical is keeping an eye on pets outdoors or leaving them inside. Cobb has heard of only one other instance of a coyote killing a dog in Stamford this year. In 2016, an Eden Road resident lost her poodle in a coyote attack. Also last year, the family of a 12-year-old North Stamford girl said she was stalked by coyotes on her way home from the bus stop. Since Deweys attack, Bogatch has warned her neighbors with dogs about the danger of coyotes. Her 14-year-old pet, whom she had rescued, didnt stand a chance against an animal two or three times his size, she said. I cant believe it happened right in front of my house its crazy, she said. I just want people to know theres an aggressive coyote preying on peoples little dogs. eskalka@stamfordadvocate.com Edwardsville native Sarah Smith announced last week that she is seeking to become a full circuit judge. It would be a step up for the associate judge, who learned of the vacancy recently after Barb Crowder informed the Supreme Court that she will not be seeking another term as Third Judicial Circuit Judge. Smiths announcement came at a rally at the Wildey Theatre. In 2015 she was chosen over 49 applicants to become an associate judge and has since presided over child support accountability court, the domestic violence accountability court, and handled dozens of divorce and family cases. In May she returned to Edwardsville after three weeks in Charlottsville, Va., where she was certified as a military judge by the Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army. She began her military career shortly after her graduation from Edwardsville High School, in 1994. She enlisted in the Army and started off as a light-vehicle/power generator mechanic. She went on to obtain an undergraduate degree and a law degree. Later, she became a military attorney, gaining experience as a prosecutor and as a defense counsel. She was mobilized in 2005 in support of Hurricane Katrina. And there were stints in Kosovo and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. At the Wildey, Smith was joined by her husband, Major Michael B. Raschen. They have three young children: Elias, Ezekiel and Ezra. Smith recalled that it was her father, who spent his career as a lineman, who instilled her work ethic and discouraged her from feeling entitled. Smith will run as a Democrat and, if elected, would be sworn in on Dec. 3, 2018, for a six-year term. If she seeks retention, she will not have to run as a Democrat or Republican. Crowder attended the Wildey rally as well. She has chaired the courts Family Violence Prevention Council since 1999, the same year she was appointed an associate judge. Seven years later, she was elected Circuit Judge and in 2012 she won retention. Crowder says she has decided against running again because by next year she will have been a lawyer for 37 years and a judge for two decades. Its time now to spend more time with her children and grandchildren, she said.The youngest grandchild is 18 months and the oldest starts kindergarten in the fall. Ive tried to do the job to the best of my ability, she said recently from her chambers on the third floor of the Madison County Courthouse. Ive always tried to be fair. Ive tried to do my job to the best of my ability, and Ive tried to help the community with all the programs weve started. After her retirement, Crowder says she will continue to stay active in the Illinois Judges Association and other organizations. Im happy with what Ive done, and I still love coming to work, she said. Its just that Im ready to tackle new things. Since the beginning of the new Congress, senators have been meeting to determine the best way to repeal Obamacare. Nebraskans know this law is unsustainable. For too many families, health care has become unaffordable. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, premiums in Nebraska increased 153 percent from 2013-2017. CoOportunity collapsed, leaving 80,000 Nebraskans to face tough decisions about their insurance coverage. Just like our neighbors in Iowa, our state has only one insurer offering individual plans. In the past few weeks, a number of health care proposals were brought forward in the Senate. Im on record voting to repeal Obamacare and replace it with policies that move us in the right direction. Im frustrated the Senate was unable to approve any proposal. Americans need relief, and I believe the Senate should stay in session through the month of August to find a way to address this very important issue. While health care remains at the top of the discussion, I am also focused on another important issue that affects our state: infrastructure. In May, the president announced his intention to implement a national infrastructure plan. I agree that we need to enact long-term reforms on how infrastructure projects are regulated, funded, delivered, and maintained. Recently, I was at the White House for a meeting to discuss new legislative plans for infrastructure and to highlight my ideas to help American transportation and infrastructure projects move forward. Since my days serving in the Nebraska Unicameral, infrastructure has always been a priority for me, and it is an area I continue to focus on as chair of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee. Our conversation at the White House consisted of an array of topics, from surface transportation to regulatory reform. Id like to share a few highlights and explain where I believe there's common ground, both between the White House and Congress and across the aisle on Capitol Hill. We can invest in our nations transportation system without the need for reckless stimulus-style spending. The last major infrastructure bill required states to spend 50 percent of the funds they received within six months. This did not provide sufficient time to develop major projects fully and create something that would last. Any infrastructure funding package should utilize current programs while giving states flexibility. Congress should encourage targeted, strategic, and long-term investments that strengthen safety, facilitate commerce, and enhance the reliability of our transportation system. We must have programs that will work in both urban and rural areas. Congress should consider new ideas and different approaches that will utilize technology. For example, expediting the permitting process and reviewing lending eligibility could stretch taxpayer dollars to deliver better results. We also touched on broadband and how Nebraska has led the way in expanding telecommunications to rural areas. Nebraskas Public Service Commission has a well-established mechanism for allocating federal and state telecommunications and broadband funding. I believe the Nebraska model could be built upon and promoted nationally. The federal government and the states can work together to develop existing plans to build and expand our infrastructure. Congress should, to the fullest extent possible, rely on states to allocate funding with federal oversight and accountability measures. Local authorities know what should be fixed first and how to spend funding more efficiently than bureaucrats in Washington. Congress should give states the tools to do the job right and then let them do it. Through smarter policies on issues like health care, infrastructure, and broadband, Congress has opportunities to make the lives of Americans better. As your senator, I will continue to work hard for Nebraskans. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week. Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin purchased a 150-year-old restored mansion and 10 acres of land in March, after deciding the 25-room, 18,428-square foot governor's mansion in Frankfort was difficult to secure and not appropriate for a family of 11: himself, his wife Glenna and their nine school-age children. The family paid $1.6 million for the home 45 miles away in Anchorage from a company owned by Neil Ramsey, a friend and Bevin campaign donor, the Courier-Journal reported. Last year, the governor appointed Ramsey to the board of Kentucky Retirement Systems. A month after the sale, the Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator valued the property and its 19 surrounding acres at $2.97 million, prompting some to wonder if the governor got a "sweetheart deal," according to the Courier-Journal. Bevin disagreed with that assessment on the grounds that he'd purchased only 10 of the 19 acres and the property was "grossly overvalued," according to certified appraiser John May. So Bevin appealed the assessment. To settle the appeal, the three-member Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals inspected the entire property on Tuesday to determine its value. Given that the mansion would serve as the de facto governor's mansion, some argued that the assessment constituted an open meeting. "Jeremy Rogers, attorney for the news organization, said the inspection by members of the Jefferson County Board of Assessment Adjustment should have been treated as an open, public meeting because all three board members were apparently present and conducting public business," according to the Courier-Journal. The governor, though, disagreed and barred all reporters from attending. State troopers were on hand to block the news media from attending, WDRB reported. So WDRB sent a drone to the property. The Republican governor was not pleased. So displeased, in fact, he turned to Twitter to lash out at two news organizations, one that doesn't even have drones. "Drones again flying directly over and around my home filming my children. . .@wave3news @courierjournal #PeepingTom Loftus," he tweeted just before noon CDT. Two minutes later, he tweeted, "At what point does the perverse fascination by @wave3news, @courierjournal & #PeepingTom Loftus with my home & family border on stalking?" Tom Loftus is a Kentucky state government reporter with the Courier-Journal, one who has most doggedly covered the saga surrounding the new house. For example, he recently wrote an article questioning whether Bevin's media ban of his home inspection broke the state's open-meetings law. That wasn't the governor's only complaint of the day. About two hours later, he tweeted that Loftus, whom he referred to as "#PeepingTom" in a Trump-like flourish, "just came to my home again with three attorneys demanding to be let in. . ." "We have 9 children ages 7-18 and yet @TomLoftus_CJ aka #PeepingTom just came to my home again with three attorneys demanding to be let in. . . - Governor Matt Bevin (@GovMattBevin) August 1, 2017" Both news organizations quickly responded to the governor's claims. "The Courier-Journal does not own or operate drones," said Courier-Journal Executive Editor Joel Christopher. "It is a false association to include the Courier-Journal in that tweet." Later in an editorial calling the tweets "laughably ridiculous" and referring to the governor as "positively Trumpian," the Courier-Journal stated, "Only one attorney accompanied reporter Tom Loftus, there to point out that the inspection was a public meeting subject to the Kentucky Open Meetings Act." Bill Shory, news director for WAVE3, also refuted the governor's claims, tweeting, "For the record, Governor, WAVE 3 News has never flown our drone over your house. Today or at any time in the past." Bevin didn't need to look far to find the culprit, however. WDRB news director Barry Fulmer quickly announced his station was responsible for the drone. At least some of the footage it captured aired on the station later that evening. No children can be seen. ".@GovMattBevin WDRB was flying a drone in accordance to the FAA rules to cover news happening at your home. There is NO video of children. - Barry Fulmer (@BarryFulmerWDRB) August 1, 2017 " To recap: the governor barred reporters from his home, became angry that a news station legally filmed his home from a drone, then blamed two news organizations that were not involved. Upon getting his facts straight, Bevin tweeted yet again - this time posting a link to Fulmer's contact information while continuing to claim the drone filmed his children. "The drone that was just flying over my home & filming my children was personally flown by @WDRBNews Director - Governor Matt Bevin (@GovMattBevin) August 1, 2017" When reached for comment by Ars Technica, Fulmer referred the media organization to his tweet. Kentucky and drones have a bit of a contentious relationship. In 2016, Kentucky resident William Merideth spotted a camera-equipped drone flying over his property. Displeased, he grabbed a Benelli M1 Super 90 shotgun and blasted it out of the sky. According to Merideth, no one seemed to mind. "The only people I've heard anything negative from are liberals that don't want us having guns and people who own drones," the self-described "drone slayer" told The Washington Post. He was wrong. John Boggs, the drone's owner who claimed he was attempting to photograph the scenery, certainly minded. He filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Louisville claiming that Merideth didn't have the right to shoot down his drone, because, as he argued, the airspace belongs to the government. That lawsuit, though, was eventually dismissed. KABUL - Two American service members were killed Wednesday when a suicide bomber in a pickup truck attacked a NATO convoy that was returning to base from a mission in the southern city of Kandahar, U.S. military officials said. The identities of the service members were not immediately released. A spokesman for the Taliban insurgents claimed that the group carried out the assault and that 15 foreign soldiers were killed. He also asserted that two armored vehicles were destroyed. He named the driver of the truck as Asadullah Kandahari and called him a "hero." A spokesman for the U.S. military assistance mission in Kabul confirmed that the convoy was attacked Wednesday morning near its base at the Kandahar airport. The spokesman said there were casualties but did not provide further details. The Pentagon said Wednesday that two Americans died in the attack. It did not immediately provide any further information. Witnesses reported seeing two military helicopters land near the site of the bombing and take away wounded soldiers. A local mechanic whose workshop was near the site told the Associated Press that the force of the blast knocked him unconscious. When he revived, he said he saw a military vehicle on fire and stepped out of his shop but was driven back by a burst of gunfire. Kandahar Airfield has long been a hub for U.S. and NATO forces in southern Afghanistan. American troops currently advise the Afghan army's 205th Corps at a small installation separate from the larger air base, while Special Operations troops operate from a facility near the city of Kandahar. Nine U.S. troops have died from hostile fire in Afghanistan since the start of the year, six of whom were killed supporting operations against the Islamic State's Afghan offshoot in the eastern part of the country. More than 2,000 U.S. troops have died in Afghanistan since Afghan forces and U.S. airstrikes drove the Taliban from power in 2001. The Taliban has increased its attacks in recent weeks as a part of its annual spring and summer offensives. In Washington, the Trump administration is weighing whether to send about 4,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, where the NATO troop total is now about 13,500. Most attacks are aimed at Afghan defense forces. Last week, 40 Afghan soldiers died in a single insurgent attack in Kandahar. A quarterly report released Tuesday by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said the conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan government remains a stalemate. It said that from Jan. 1 to May 8, the Afghan security forces had suffered more than 6,000 casualties. Afghan civilians have also been caught in the crossfire. According to a recent U.N. report, civilian deaths in Afghanistan are at their highest levels since the U.N. mission to Afghanistan began tracking them in 2009. Just around 7 p.m. Tuesday evening, the calm weather started shifting slightly at John C. Fremont Park. Blue skies darkened and wind started picking up speed, resulting in a bouncy house being removed from the scenery of the evenings National Night Out celebration. Fortunately, though, this was really the only slight hiccup that occurred during the duration of the event, which lasted from 6-8 p.m. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, information off of the National Night Out webpage says. The event, website information says, enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Millions of people participate in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August, information off of the National Night Out webpage says. Celebrations are held in numerous ways, including: neighborhood block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more. On Tuesday evening, more than 100 people funneled through John C. Fremont Park and nearby areas taking part in numerous fun activities, while enjoying some tasty food and drinks. Diane Brown, a member of Fremont Kiwanis Club, has organized the event the past few years. Kiwanis has taken this on as one of our local activities that we like to promote in the Fremont community, Brown said. .. This is all about bringing first responders fire department, police, EMTs, sheriffs department and so forth together with the community to show camaraderie and to build relationships with kids and families. Approximately 20 businesses and organizations attended Tuesdays event, with most providing some sort of activity or event in their designated area. Kiwanis Club has hosted the event the past three years, and Brown said every year a few new things get added to make the night even more exciting and enjoyable. Some activities and events that took place for National Night Out included: people viewing the Fremont Fire Departments new Aerial, having access to the Mobile Diabetes Clinic, spending time with Katie the Comfort Dog, demonstrations from Rosenbach Warriors, games and activities from several financial institutions, an obstacle course provided by the Fremont Family YMCA and a photo booth provided by Habitat for Humanity. The Dodge County Sheriffs Office was also present with its rolleover vehicle, and Fremont Parks and Recreations hosted a dodgeball event. Lt. Kurt Bottorff of the Fremont Police Department said the evening serves as a great way to create positive interactions amongst law enforcement and people, especially children. Its a huge community policing tool because everybodys guard is down, everybody is very approachable, Bottorff said. It provides these positive interactions instead of the us vs. them where it is a negative. Bottorff said it was nice for the police and sheriffs office to spend time with other people like EMTs and first responders who also play such a vital role in the Fremont community. A lot of people dont understand how everything comes together, how this whole puzzle really comes together, he said. So its great to see our fellow partners come together so everybody can see all of the services that are available. This allows people to put faces with different agencies which is a great thing. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On Tuesday, the same day campus carry was officially implemented at Texas community colleges, a geography instructor at San Antonio College came to class dressed to express exactly what he thought about the new law. "I was just saying I don't feel safe," Charles K. Smith told mySA.com. Smith came to class on Tuesday dressed head to waist in protective combat gear - a bulletproof vest and helmet. Campus Carry was signed into law in 2015 and officially implemented into Texas community colleges on August 1. The state law allows individuals with a license to carry to carry a concealed handgun on college premises. The law went into effect at 4-year institutions in 2016. "It definitely makes me feel uneasy that there are more firearms on campus than there really should be," Smith said. "(Dressing this way) was just a statement on how I felt." READ ALSO: Community colleges enact state's campus carry law Smith has been with the school for 10 years and said he's encountered the occasional fist fight, argument and threat over grades. But never a gun. "I realize students were carrying guns on campus illegally, but now it's legal to do so. It increases the chances of something happening," Smith said. "Used to, when they got mad at me, they had to go home to get the gun and had time to cool off, now they will have it with them." Smith said he's also concerned for when an argument breaks out again and a person is armed. "My assumption is that you will have more people carrying guns, that well lead to problems. It always has," Smith said. "There is nothing on this planet worth a human life." One of Smith's students posted a photo of him in class Tuesday morning. The Facebook post showing Smith behind his desk and suited up for defense has generated an flurry of controversy. One Facebook user agreed with Smith, stating: "Can't blame him. If I were still teaching at STC I'd probably consider this, especially around grading time." Others, took to describing the educator as "dumb," an "old fool" and a "f------ liberal." "I'm not one bit surprised on the horrible things people have said. You have guns. The Second Amendment. It has to do with a community college. There's so many messages that haven't made it on the thread," James "Hot Mustard" Velten, who posted the photo, told mySA.com. RELATED: Cocks Not Glocks group releases 'bulletproof' UT shirts in response to campus carry Velten is both a student of Smith's and an employee for SAC as a radio host for KYSM. He said Smith is a good professor, passionate about his work and smart. "Around people like that, you tend to listen a bit more," Velten said, adding no real objections from students occurred in Smith's class on Tuesday. The instructor wants it to be known that his statement had nothing to do with the school itself, explaining, "they are following the law." Smith said he ran his plans for Tuesday by police and administration beforehand. "Some of them were okay and some of them weren't, but it's freedom of speech," Smith said. jthorpe@express-news.net @jerilynnthorpe The North Side day care destroyed by a fire on Tuesday was cited last year for a "high risk" violation after it was found to be more than 7 months overdue for an inspection but was in compliance at the time of the blaze. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Bright Kids Daycare & Learning Center II in the 3900 block of Thousand Oaks was cited for the violation during an inspection on Nov. 3, 2016. The inspector found a posted fire inspection with a date of March 24, 2015. According to the "Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers" handbook from the TxDFPS, all day care centers in Texas are required to have a fire inspection "at least once every 12 months," unless the center is located in a public school. RELATED: Children safe after fire engulfs S.A. day care center Under those regulations, Bright Kids was out of inspection by more than seven months. Managers at the Bright Kids Daycare Center's sister campus on Clearspring Drive were not immediately available for comment. Online records show the day care center corrected the violation sometime before Nov. 29, 2016, indicating the day care center was up to date with their fire inspections at the time of Tuesday's blaze. The San Antonio Fire Department has yet to release details on how the fire at the day care center began, though they have confirmed the fire is not suspicious in nature. According to Joe Arrington, a spokesman for the department, there were about 40 to 50 people inside the building at 10:30 a.m. when the fire started. All children and staff escaped without injury. RELATED: 3 dead, 3 critically injured after rollover crash in South Bexar County Multiple women with children or grandchildren who attend Bright Kids had good things to say about the day care center on Tuesday as they watched firefighters battle the blaze and waited to be reunited with their children. "They work with you and they work with the kids," said Lisa Dodd, a 33-year-old FedEx employee. "This is a loss for everybody right now, actually." Besides the high risk fire violation, Bright Kids has been hit with 17 other violations in the last two years. However, they have been evaluated for a total of 1,779 standards over the same period. Nine of the violations were categorized as "high risk," including the fire inspection violation. Additionally, Bright Kids has been cited for spanking children, administering medication to the wrong child, and placing children at risk by not "notifying licencing in a timely manner" of an unspecified situation. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns Japan beef tariff shows need for trade pacts Japan announced Friday that frozen beef imports from the United States were subject to an emergency 50 percent tariff because they had exceeded quotas set by the island nation. Few, if any states, could claim being more adversely affected by that announcement than Nebraska. Beef is obviously a major contributor to Nebraskas exports, chief of which are agricultural goods and manufactured products. Its often said that Nebraskas agricultural bounty feeds the world, but its farmers and ranchers need market access to carry out that mission. Accordingly, Nebraska needs trade agreements with Japan and other major buyers of products from this states industries in place to reduce barriers to reach lucrative foreign markets. While many other factors including beef from Australia, American exporters largest competitor in Japan, and European Union nations are in play, the result will likely be a decrease in sales of Nebraska beef to its largest overseas customer. Meanwhile, those other nations will benefit because they have a trade agreement in place with Japan that includes lower tariffs for participating countries imports. Because of the rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership by President Donald Trump a move that hurt the agricultural Midwest at a time when it could least afford such a move American goods are at a competitive disadvantage in the most densely populated region on the planet. The numbers and impact of playing from behind on trade are significant, as illustrated by the new tariffs. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday the Japanese market for beef products yielded $316 million in 2016 alone, making up about 5 percent of the states $7.2 billion beef industry, as reported by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. The United States Department of Agricultures Foreign Agricultural Service reports that $1.5 billion worth of American beef products were exported to Japan last year, meaning Nebraska beef composed roughly 21 percent of that market. As a result, Japanese buyers are expected to purchase more fresh beef than frozen to avoid the emergency tariffs until fresh beef imports reaches a level, forecast to be possibly later this year, that triggers the same 50 percent tariffs. Its said that a rising tide lifts all boats, and in few places is that more true than Nebraska. In 2016, Nebraska imported about $3.6 billion worth of goods and exported nearly $6.4 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau a nearly $2.8 billion trade surplus just last year. Trade is the economic lifeblood for Nebraska, and overseas markets are an increasingly critical part of the future for so many of the states industries. Pacts that allow for market access continue to be vital for Nebraska. Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post via Getty Images/For The Washington Post This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When angler "Ima Lion" supposedly told a questionable website they caught a 74-pound shark in a landlocked West Central Texas lake, the readers of the resulting story didn't catch on to the person's name being "I'm lying." As the fabricated, prank story claiming a huge shark was captured in freshwater roughly 70 miles Southeast of Abilene circulated on social media, phones at the Lake Brownwood State Park and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began to ring, said Aubry Buzek, spokeswoman for the department. "When people see something spectacular about a shark or a huge bass, they start calling us asking if it's true," she said. RELATED: Video: Man drags 6-foot bull shark back into Gulf at Bob Hall Pier on Padre Island The "story," was posted on breakingnews247.net, a website with a homepage that reads: "Prank your friends now!" Any person with an internet connection could log on, concoct a story and circle it around their social media profiles. That's exactly what happened with the "Fresh water shark caught in Lake Brownwood" tale. In the prank piece, the writer said TPWD issued three warnings for people to stay away from the lake. Buzek said the department works to constantly update its park map, which details any real warnings or advisories. The department and the state park had to issue statements on Facebook saying the story was not real. RELATED: New shark born at San Antonio Zoo without male fertilization "This isn't the first time we've dealt with something like this," Buzek said. In May or June, the department received calls from people claiming a freshwater shark had made its way into Lake Lewisville in North Texas. Although sharks can travel inland into smaller bodies of water in the state, it is not likely. Sharks in Texas are usually spotted along the coast, Buzek said, although someone said they saw one below Lake Livingston Dam, which is roughly 140 miles North of Galveston. Buzek advises always double-checking outrageous stories. "If you see something that seems crazy in a news story, we keep our park map up to date," she said. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 AUSTIN Gov. Greg Abbotts spokesman slapped down lawmakers who pressed the governor on ethics reform Wednesday, accusing them of showboating and saying a San Antonio representative fabricated comments about pay for play in gubernatorial appointments. The dustup came after Rep. Sarah Davis, a Republican from West University Place who heads the House General Investigating and Ethics Committee, asked Abbott to add several ethics measures to the special session agenda, which he controls. They include a bill to keep elected officials from being able to accept campaign contributions during a special session, and one to halt the revolving door of statewide elected officials being allowed to earn money for advocating for issues as soon as they leave office. Davis pointed out that Abbott has emphasized the importance of ethics reform. Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, meanwhile, is again pushing a bill to prohibit a governor from appointing donors who have given more than $2,500 in the previous year. It also would bar appointees from giving more than $2,500 annually while serving. Larson said he is considering a substitute measure to raise that to $5,000, after some House members expressed the opinion that the $2,500 threshold is too low. Larson also said the substitute would put the bills effective date at 2022 to potentially keep it from applying to Abbott. Instead of working to advance items on the special session agenda that could reform property taxes, fix school finance, increase teacher pay and reduce regulations, Reps. Davis and Larson are showboating over proposals that are not on the governors call. Their constituents deserve better, said Abbott spokesman John Wittman. Wittman added, however, Once the House and Senate pass all 20 items on the governors agenda, hell be happy to consider adding other items to the call. Davis noted that it appears unlikely that the Legislature will pass the entire agenda. The people of Texas deserve a response from Governor Abbott about these ethics reform proposals. Pay for play cannot be justified by any conservative governor, Larson said. Larsons proposal died in the Senate in the regular session. Larson blamed Abbotts unhappiness with the measure for the governors decision to veto his unrelated bills, but he is pushing it nonetheless. Larson said that people have to pay large sums of money for plum seats on university boards of regents and the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Ive had folks in my district that have pursued those, and it was told to them that they would have to participate in the campaign side of it before they were selected for positions, he said. Larson said that a spot on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents was put at between $200,000 and $300,000, and that one on the University of Texas University System Board of Regents at between $300,000 and $400,000 on average. He said he was told this by someone from his district who decided not to apply after getting that information, saying it came from people in the lobby who are familiar with the appointments process. Being an Aggie, I dont understand that. It should be the other way around. You should probably pay more for an Aggie seat than a Longhorn seat, Larson quipped. Governors including Abbott long have named large donors to key spots. The San Antonio Express-News last year reported that about one-fourth of Abbotts appointments were donors, having given him more than $8.6 million combined since 2000. According to records from the governors office, Abbott has appointed 21 people from House District 122 Larsons district to positions on boards. Among them is Larson, who was named to the Southwestern States Water Commission. But none of them gave Abbott more than $5,000, according to the records. One, Elaine Mendoza, was named to the Texas A&M board; she gave Abbott $3,100 between 2014 and 2017. Three people who applied but werent appointed have given Abbott more than $5,000. Mr. Larsons fabricated comments are an embarrassment for someone who claims to be a champion of ethics reform. His comments are a disservice to his constituents, and even more so to the appointees from his district who selflessly serve the state of Texas, said Wittman. Larson responded by text, Appreciate the Governor considering and appointing folks from my district that have contributed less than $5000. Simply requesting that he does the same for all the boards and commission he appoints for the balance of Texas. Larson added, Theres no fabrication involved. Everyone thats living in the real world understands that its actually happening, and it has happened for decades in state government. pfikac@express-news.net Twitter: @pfikac Juniors, seniors and graduate students at Trinity University can now move into a luxury apartment complex located across the street from campus, officials announced Tuesday. City Vista apartments, 655 E. Hildebrand Ave., was purchased by the university in January as part of its master plan, "Trinity Tomorrow," which helps give older students more boarding options. University officials posted a photo on the dean of students' Facebook page saying: "Big day today at City Vista (apartments). Finally!!" This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Why did the chicken cross the road? That was the question on a Denton police officer's mind when he "detained" a rooster earlier this week, according to the Denton Police Department Facebook page. Department officials posted a photo of Officer T.J. Maloney holding a rooster Monday afternoon. According to the post, Maloney stopped the rooster to ask why it was meandering across the street. RELATED: 'Belligerent' Waco woman calls 911: 'I'm not going anywhere until I get my chicken nuggets' "With a sly look and a very wry attitude, the fowl mouthed rooster said, 'I guess you expect me to answer: To get to the other side,'" reads a department comment on the post. "'Well, it's much deeper than that.'" Officer Shane Kizer, a public information officer for the department, confirmed to mySA.com that Maloney assisted a homeowner in the area after the rooster got loose Monday. The officer took a photo with the animal and Kizer thought it would make a good Facebook post. Denton residents quickly got in on the joke in the comments section with their own fair share of chicken quips. "Not a whole lot to it," Kizer said, but added that the rooster still refused to speak with police. "He still won't tell us why he was trying to get to the other side." kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 John Davenport, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Robert Puente, president and CEO of the San Antonio Water System, will get a 5 percent pay raise next year and a bonus that will bring his total compensation to $567,480.11. The San Antonio Water Systems board of trustees approved the pay increase, effective Jan. 1, 2018, and a bonus of $99,285.71. The raise will bring Puentes salary up to $468,194.40 from $445,894.43 currently. Amazons Alexa didnt mince words in telling Darrius Jones, who asked whether he could afford $100 on dinner, that he was already $18.14 over his monthly restaurant budget. Alexa didnt argue over how the money was spent. She didnt judge. She simply relayed the information in her cool, monotone, not-quite-human voice thats become a family fixture in more than 10 million homes across the U.S. The assistant vice president of USAA Labs was demoing the financial services giants latest pet project last week. Using a fake account, he showed off a new USAA pilot program launched Wednesday that gives customers account access via voice command using Amazons Alexa. The San Antonio company is currently looking for customers to try it out by signing up online. Its designed to help with budgeting by making it easier to check account balances and analyze spending patterns, the company said in a press release announcing the program. Talking about your finances can be painful at times, Jones said in an interview last week. And so when you think of the emotion around having a conversation about your personal finances, we believe this is the first step of many to allow people to have that conversation continuously with us as an organization. Customers that have an Alexa device like the Amazon Echo or the recently-debuted Echo Show can enable the USAA feature through the devices app, which can then be linked to their bank account. That allows Alexa to answer questions as basic as How much money do I have? or more complex, like How much did I spend on restaurants in Austin last month? Users can also add a six-digit voice PIN for additional security, the company said. The pilot runs for 90 days and USAA Labs is capping the number of people who can participate at 400 for now, said Darrius Jones, assistant vice president of USAA Labs. The company, which provides insurance, banking and other financial services to members of the military and their families, has more than 12 million customers. Alexa can also offer feedback on spending habits, he said. The goal isnt to have a computer tell members what to do with their money, USAA emphasized, but to educate customers about their finances so they can put their money to good use. The company hasnt yet enabled transaction capabilities, Jones said, so friends cant walk into a house and tell her to send them cash. We dont believe theres enough security controls in place to do that, he said. But once there are, and theres a lot of indications well get there either through our own development or through partnership with Amazon, once those security controls are in place, thatll probably be a good place to start thinking about additional experimentation. USAAs new function leverages artificial intelligence technology from the Ann Arbor-based company Clinc to make the experience with Alexa sound more conversational. The technology is supposed to help Alexa better understand and infer what a customer is trying to say without needing to give a specific command, Jones said. Jones said the company has to sometimes give customers things that people arent asking for and dont yet know they need. No one asked for Alexa to be conversational, but we realized that in not being conversational people werent adopting (Alexa), and so we had to find the answer so customers would use it more, he said. Clincs artificial intelligence conversation management technology enables Alexa to remember context, follow-up questions, and complex human language, the company said in announcing the new feature. This technology will also learn as members interact with it and infer information not explicitly specified by users throughout a conversation, according to the announcement. In the demonstration, Alexa was able to answer, for example, How much money do I have? by giving a total dollar amount across the users accounts, inferring that the person wanted an overarching number and not one specific to checking, or savings. And then Alexa was able to answer follow up questions such as: How much is in my checking? and How about my savings? Clinc Co-Founder and CEO Jason Mars says his companys technology goes far beyond Alexas standard capabilities. That standard Alexa skill is kind of like, you have to say things with rules, if you say something that it doesnt understand it says, please ask me for a list of commands, Mars, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, said in a phone interview. You like to use free natural language, messy language, slang, correct yourself mid-sentence, etc. etc. to interact with AI, Mars said. And so we have a technology that makes a giant leap forward in achieving that. When asked how the feature is better than something like the personal finance service Mint, Mars gave the example of wanting to find out how much you spent on restaurants while you were in Greece last week. You can do that in Mint, he said. But it will take you significantly longer and more work than just asking, hey how much did I spend on restaurants in Greece last week? And then, oh you spent $400 in Greece last week. Clinc launched last year and is working with about 10 financial institutions right now, Mars said. USAA is the first to roll out the companys technology to its customers, Mars said. USAA started working with Alexa in 2016 while participating in the PYMNTS.com Alexa Challenge. They won the Easiest to Explain to Mom designation, according to the announcement, for a prototype that allowed users to add to their savings using Alexa. I was actually pretty proud of that because I have a mother who is very critical of our work, Jones said. And her claim to fame is, Darrius, I just want to walk into your house and use a remote, and the TV actually turn on. SEhlinger@express-news.net Twitter: @samehlinger Arson investigators are looking into the cause of a fire at a Northeast Side abandoned home that was scheduled to be demolished by the city. The fire was first reported around 3:40 a.m. on Tuesday at a home in the 12300 block of Constitution Street. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, and no one was injured in the fire. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Shi Tzu dog that was stolen from San Antonio's Animal Care Services last week by a woman police dubbed the "brazen blonde bandit" was found safe and will be going to a new home soon. Lisa Norwood, public relations and outreach manager for ACS, said the woman who stole the dog dumped it near Pleasanton Road and West Formosa Boulevard sometime Wednesday morning. RELATED: 'Brazen blonde bandit' stole Shi Tzu from San Antonio shelter, city officials say Police officers recovered the dog and notified ACS about the discovery. "This is something the community helped do," Norwood said. "There were so many shares, and so many people seeing the articles and the stories about what happened. There were lots of eyes and ears on the lookout for this dog. Maybe things got a little to hot [for the suspect] and the dog was dumped." The dog, which is 6-years-old, was uninjured, though he was a little shaken up. ACS tried to find the dog's original owner, but they were unsuccessful. RELATED: Sheriff: Detention officer collected drug debts for inmate, had money deposited to commissary fund A San Antonio resident had agreed to adopt the dog before it was stolen on July 24, but the dog had to be sterilized before being handed over to the potential adopter. It was during that period that the dog was stolen. Now that the dog has been recovered and the original owner still can't be reached, the dog will go to the resident who filed to adopt him before he was taken. Police are still looking for the woman who appears to have stolen the dog last week. She could face criminal charges in connection with the case. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate President Donald Trump recently visited Long Island, New York, to give a speech on law-and-order as well as highlight the MS-13, a street gang known for its brutal violence. In his speech, Trump promised to restore peace and "destroy the vile, criminal cartel MS-13." In the past year, Long Island has seen a string of MS-13 killings that have made national headlines and gained the attention of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Trump also urged police to not be "too nice" to "thugs" being arrested, language that was rebuked by several police departments across the country who stressed use of force only when reasonable and necessary. DETAILS: Trump targets MS-13, 'worst of the worst' says Houston top cop Acevedo Story continues below... Like the Long Island community he spoke to, Texas is no stranger to the violence the infamous gang can bring. Harris County contains the highest reported membership of MS-13 in the Lone Star State, according to the most recent gang threat assessment by the Texas Department of Public Safety. "While the increase in the presence of the MS-13 grows, it appears that Texas is continually used as a transitional zone, as gang members are traveling onward to the U.S. East Coast," detailed Texas safety officials. "The increase in violent activity in Texas along with the constant influx of illegal members crossing into the state exemplifies the gang's Tier 1 threat level." CHARGED: MS-13 gang member accused of killing high school student, rival gang member One recent example is the arrest of 20-year-old Douglas Alexander Herrera-Hernandez, an alleged Houston member of MS-13 that is suspected in two area murders. Herrera-Hernandez, also known as "Terror," was apprehended in Alexandria, Virginia, more than 1,400 miles from Houston. Click through above to see other violent MS-13 crimes committed in 2017 as well a ranking of Texas' most dangerous gangs. Looking for sunny places to live with lots to do? The weather seems to play a crucial role in choice of destination: almost seven out of ten (67%) say the climate in their new home was a factor to consider before moving abroad. People are just as likely to think about the weather as they do about the costs of living and general living standards when contemplating their new home (67% and 70%, respectively). Based on the insights of more than 14,000 expats from over 191 countries in the annual Expat Insider survey, InterNations, the worlds largest network for people who live and work abroad, compiled a so-far unpublished ranking of the most promising destinations for sun lovers. A better climate is one of the things Finnish expats moving abroad were looking forward to the most, as nearly seven out of ten (66%) considered it a potential benefit before to relocating 20 percentage points more than the global average (46%). Other nationalities feeling this way are the Irish (64%), the British (63%), and Russians (62%), whose countries of origin can all be found among the worst countries to move to for the weather. Luckily, there are plenty of options for those who are fed up with the rain, such as Malta, Costa Rica, Spain, Portugal, and Ecuador. Not only did expats consider the weather a potential benefit of moving there, the ranking also suggests that a great climate may have a positive impact on the quality of life: these countries are all among the top 20 destinations for this. However, a sunny climate is not everything: Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Brazil are great for relaxing in the sun, but rank among the ten worst countries for working abroad. The Top 10 Most Promising Destinations For Sun Lovers 1. Malta With 92 percent of expats considering the climate as a potential benefit, Malta leads the list of countries to move to for better weather. Under the Maltese sun, it is very easy for expats to settle down: in fact, nine out of ten expats in Malta state that it is easy to settle down there, while the global average is only 59 percent. This is surely helped along by the fact that almost seven out of ten expats in Malta (69%) find it easy to make local friends, compared to a global average of only 45 percent. Fantastic weather, ease of making friends and contacts, beautiful scenery, summarizes a British expat living in Malta. 2. Costa Rica Costa Rica shows that sunny weather and personal happiness might be related: not only do nearly nine out of ten expats (89%) say they considered the climate in Costa Rica as a potential benefit, a similar percentage (92%) also state they are happy with their life in general. Two in five even say that they are very happy, compared to a global average of a mere 19 percent, positioning Costa Rica 1st out of 67 countries in regards to personal happiness. This positive rating might also be connected to most expats in Costa Rica being on cloud nine: with only four percent facing a long-distance relationship, nine out of ten expats who are in a relationship are satisfied with this aspect of their life. More than half (56%) are even completely satisfied, compared to a global average of only 39 percent. 3. Cyprus The climate in Cyprus, which was considered a potential benefit by 86 percent of expats before moving, seems to have a strong influence on daily life: The sky is always blue and nothing is ever urgent, a Belgian expat says about living and working on the island. This attitude strongly reflects on the working hours, as Cyprus offers one of the shortest full-time workweeks in the world with only 41.5 hours per week. Besides that, expats do not find many positive things to say about working in Cyprus. Especially the job security (56th out of 67 countries) and the career prospects (65th) pull it down: nearly half of expats in Cyprus (46%) are unsatisfied with their career prospects and nearly two out of five (36%) are unsatisfied with their job security, compared to only 24 and 22 percent globally. 4. Morocco Morocco slides into fourth position with 84 percent of respondents considering climate and weather a potential benefit. Being perceived somewhat mediocre in many areas of life abroad, the North African country does well in terms of personal finance with 84 percent of expats saying that their disposable household income is enough or even more than enough for daily life. Close two out of ten expats in Morocco (19%) even say that it is a lot more than enough nearly doubling the global average of just 10 percent. This is particularly interesting, as more than two out of five expats working in Morocco (42%) say they would get a higher income for the same job back home, compared to a global average of only 27 percent saying the same. The low costs of living seem to make up for this though: seven out of ten rate them positively, while only about half of expats (49%) say the same on a global level. 5. Spain Sunny Spain is the go-to destination for expats looking for fun in the sun. While more than four out of five expats (84%) considered the climate a potential benefit before they make the move, they love the leisure options once arrived in their new home. Nearly nine out of ten expats (88%) rate the available leisure activities positively, compared to 72 percent globally, and not one respondent thinks they are very bad. Incredible work life balance with fantastic climate, which means you can really enjoy the outdoors after work, states a British expat in Spain, you can do sports, meet friends for open air drinks and dinner and the children have a maximum of time to play outdoors. 6. Portugal While more than four out of five expats in Portugal (83%) considered the climate to be a potential benefit, 26 percent expected the economy and labor market to be a disadvantage, compared to only 11 percent globally and they turned out to be right. In terms of yearly household income, more than seven out of ten expats in Portugal (72%) have less than 50,000 USD at their disposal. I never earn enough to save anything, which makes me worried about my future, says a British expat. One of the reasons might be that nearly half of the expats working in Portugal (48%) make less than a comparable career in their home country would offer. More than three out of ten (32%) even say that their income is a lot lower than back home, compared to only 11 percent saying that globally. 7. Greece Greece shows that nice weather is not the only thing that counts when moving abroad: even though 81 percent of expats considered the climate a potential benefit, the island is not very popular among expats in general. The country in the Balkans does especially poor in terms of working abroad and personal finance: only a quarter of respondents are generally satisfied with their financial situation, in contrast to 64 percent globally. What is more, 45 percent worry about their job security, which is more than twice the global average (22%). Greece also is not a great choice for families: only 15 percent of expat parents in Greece find the education options numerous and easy to get, and not one respondent agrees completely with this statement. 8. Uganda Besides the weather, the attitude towards expats and families is also warm in Uganda: while 77 percent of expats considered the climate a potential benefit before moving, nearly nine out of ten expats in Uganda (89%) rate the friendliness towards foreign residents positively. In addition to that, every expat with dependent children in Uganda says that the attitude towards families and children is good, with nearly seven out of ten (68%) even rating it very good, compared to only 39 percent globally. A South African expat in Uganda, for example, especially likes the quality time I can spend with my children and the quality of life I can give them here. Interestingly, even though 70 percent rate the quality of education positively, Uganda is the country where parents are most likely to homeschool their children with 23 percent, compared to a global level of only 4 percent. 9. Ecuador Whereas the sunny climate still is considered to be a potential benefit by eight out of ten expats, Ecuador has to face some clouds: being voted the best destination by expats two years running 2014 and 2015, the shiny champion lost its crown in 2016. Especially in regard to working there, Ecuador lost 23 places, occupying a very mediocre 30th rank. Overall, only half of expats in Ecuador are satisfied with their level of job security. Still, more than four out of five (81%) are satisfied with their financial situation: even though 41 percent of working respondents state that their income is lower than what they would get back home, 91 percent have enough or even more than enough to cover daily life. This might be related to the low cost of living, which is rated positively by 77 percent, and the affordability of housing, which more than four out of five expats in Ecuador (85%) regard as good. 10. Brazil Although 80 percent of expats in Brazil considered the climate a potential benefit before moving, it is just not enough to compensate the poor work conditions. Compared to 2014 results, Brazil dropped from 33rd place to 65th out of 67 countries in terms of working abroad. Doing especially poor for job security (66th), more than four out of five respondents in Brazil (85%) regard the state of the economy negatively, reflecting reports on rising unemployment and falling real wages in 2015 and 2016. In addition to that, Brazil also is rated the worst country for families which mostly results from the poor quality and high costs of education: not even three out of ten expat parents (28%) are satisfied with the quality of education, compared to a global average of 64 percent, and only 14 percent think that education is affordable. Countries to Avoid If You Are Looking for the Sun Besides Kazakhstan and Russia, the bottom ten destinations for sunseekers are all located in Europe: it comes to no surprise that the United Kingdom and Ireland are leading the list of countries to avoid on the search for the sun by a large margin (13 percentage points), with six out of ten expats now living there having considered the weather as a potential disadvantage before moving. When asked about negative aspects, a Brazilian expat living in the UK names the horrible weather almost all year. It is always cloudy, rainy and windy. However, there are also 8 percent of expats in the UK and 11 percent in Ireland who considered the weather a potential benefit, showing how much can depend on the perspective. The cooler weather is great, says an Australian expat who had lived in Abu Dhabi for eight years before moving to the UK. Many Americans look back on the heroic political fights of the past for suffrage, Social Security, civil rights, Medicare and wonder why todays politics never produce inspiring victories. Well, we just witnessed one. If one of the Senate or House health care bills had become law, millions of people would have lost their coverage. Ultimately, many would have been denied medical care. Birth defects, cancer, diabetes and other conditions would have gone untreated. And it came depressingly close to happening. But it didnt because of a lot of hard work from a lot of people. Today, I want to give them their due. They are the people who have helped save decent medical care for their fellow citizens. The fight isnt over, but lets remember them. The citizens Jessi Bohon isnt a political activist. She is a teacher in central Tennessee who grew up poor in rural Virginia. But President Donald Trumps victory led her to join a grass-roots group called Indivisible, which encouraged people to attend town hall meetings on health care. On Feb. 9, Bohon went to one in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There, she asked her House representative, Diane Black, to fix Obamacares problems instead of taking away insurance. As a Christian, my whole philosophy in life is pull up the unfortunate, Bohon told Black. We are effectively punishing our sickest people. The remarks went viral. Bohon was one of thousands of citizens who took time to attend meetings, visit congressional offices and call those offices, often repeatedly. It was a reminder of how democracy can work. The organizers Jessi Bohon was able to join Indivisible because of a group of millennials who reacted to Trumps election not with despair or blame games but by trying to make a difference. At an Austin bar during Thanksgiving week, three friends got together to talk about stopping Trumps agenda. The friends Sara Clough, along with Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, a married couple who had both worked in Congress envisioned a Google document with tips for citizen action. It led to the formation of Indivisible, with chapters around the country trying to replicate the Tea Partys success, albeit to different ends. The experts Ive never seen a major political fight inspire such an expert consensus, across the ideological spectrum. Groups representing doctors, nurses, hospitals and patients of virtually every disease criticized these bills. So did both liberal and conservative policy experts. Congressional Budget Office analysts refused to be bullied and provided dispassionate, and devastating, analyses. The bills had virtually no independent defenders. The unintimidated At least nine Republican senators expressed grave doubts about the bills. But only two voted no consistently: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. They were clearly affected by the outpouring of public opinion. Murkowski has cited a constituent who said she would not be alive without Obamacare. Collins, marching in a Fourth of July parade in a remote part of Maine, heard shouts of Stay strong, Susan! What set Collins and Murkowski apart was a willingness to buck intense pressure from Republican leaders. The institutionalists Chief Justice John Roberts is a movement conservative. Yet he cast the vote that saved Obamacare in 2012 partly because he understood that a partisan shredding of the safety net could undermine his institution the Supreme Court. John McCain is also deeply conservative. Yet, like Roberts, he realized that taking health coverage from millions, in a hasty, secretive process, could damage his favorite institution the Senate. When his colleagues didnt heed his warning to abandon that approach, McCain flipped his vote. The Democrats Simply, many Americans would soon lack health insurance were it not for the unity of elected Democrats. Not a single one wavered in recent months. The unity was a fitting echo of 2010, when Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid kept their party together to pass the most important social policy in decades. Today, it remains the law of the land. David Leonhardt writes a column for the New York Times. I certainly welcome the confirmation of the nominee for FBI director, Christopher Wray. Hopefully, the FBI investigation will include meddling by illegal immigrants or deceased folks who vote once or more in our elections. James A. Eberwine But of course A witch hunt? Well, when you have witches ... William Stavisky Mexican tragedy Re: Deaths in a trailer, front page, July 24: This tragedy brings to light the plight of the Mexican people at the hands of their government, that they must risk their lives to flee their own country. You think, with the almost half billion a year we send in foreign aid along with the natural resources of silver and oil, the money made from illegal drugs and the money sent over by illegal immigrants here that the country would be beyond rich. Why dont they provide the basic human services and social programs to care for their people? When will the Mexican people wake up and realize their government does not care for them. Their presidents live the life of rich autocrats while their people must sneak across the border to get a decent education, and a not so decent job, to survive. The shame is that we are their source of compassion, a country that they dont belong to, while their government waits for the next check from big brother next door. William Charest, Shertz Reverse racism? Re: Impact of bias, Your Turn, July 25: The letter writer bemoans the poor service at a restaurant due to what he believes is anti-immigrant bias under the current presidential administration, You know, maybe if that restaurant had hung up a sign that said Help Wanted, we pay $10 dollars an hour instead of $2.25, and we guarantee good tips, he would have been served. Im tired of the liberal narrative of people like the letter writer, who insinuates that Americans are lazy and wont take these jobs illegal immigrants take. The truth is, illegal immigrants keep wages down for these jobs, thus making it impossible to live on those wages. So Americans live with their parents looking for a job or jobs that can support them. As for Maria Antonietta Berriozabal, she rails against gentrification in Beacon Hill/Alta Vista while the neighborhood has crime, homelessness and poverty and houses falling in on themselves. Where few care enough to mow a yard or paint a board. Id welcome this gentrification if it meant this area looked less like a slum. Shes no hero. Saying an area is too gentrified is like saying an area is too urban. We all know what you mean. And lastly, as an Anglo, I release the letter writer from the onus of being white, he seems so burdened by. Youre free! And, oh, he wondered what would happen if the minorities suddenly became the majority, and they constantly asked white people for their papers. Well, I was born here and carry a passport. Ill be happy to show you my papers. Not a problem. Id be happy to. Shannon Deason Degrading the office Recently, I watched Donald Trump address more than 30,000 at the annual Boy Scout Jamboree and it made me sick to my stomach. Trump began by saying Who the hell wants to talk about politics in front of the Boy Scouts, then went on to attack the press, called the Affordable Care Act horrible, gratuitously insulted President Obama, attacked Hillary Clinton and encouraged the Scouts to boo her. He went on to brag extensively about how he won the election, and urged the kids to vote for him! This sort of demagoguery is bad enough when directed at adults, but to try to brainwash kids while lying, bragging, and gratuitously insulting others is so far beyond the pale. It is almost unbelievable this could be happening in our country. But that is what happens when a man without honor or decency holds the office of president. Beverly Ann Hebert GOP woes What happened to the Republican Party? Have they all become lily-livered, weak, afraid to do their job? As a 90-year-old lifelong Republican, Im ashamed. Frank Schneider The real collusion Re: Political cartoon, Mike Shelton, July 23: issue The political cartoon labeled Collusion indicates somebody understands who is colluding to find and expose the truth about the administrations ties to Russia. Thank goodness. Such collusion is guaranteed in the First Amendment of the Constitution, a brilliant document which I understand to still be the law of the land. To the mainstream media: The truth is out there. Go, team, Go! Linda Gomez Richter Critical issues Re: Deaths in a trailer; Dozens of migrants are found suffering from heat, front page, July 24: Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is quoted as saying. We need a secure border and legal immigration reform in the story about the immigrants tragically found dead in a trailer. I couldnt agree more. I would urge the lieutenant governor to focus his energies on helping the federal government work on this critical issue along with other items of real importance to Texas (e.g., school financing) rather than concentrating on his ridiculous obsession with the nonissue of transgender bathrooms. Al Ely Re: A nightmare unfolds in Somalia, Michael Gerson, Other Views, July 23: When I say my daily prayers, I always pray for the children in Third World countries who are born just to die of starvation. The picture of the child in Somalia and the column by Michael Gerson go to show that these children need my continued prayers. Mary Lou Giammalvo Bathroom questions As a woman, would you advise me to enter a bathroom shared by a person with male parts? How would I know whether he was a transgender person or a sex pervert just waiting for a young girl to be his next victim? Does he wear a sign saying transgender? Do public schools with mixed-gender dressing rooms sound like a great idea, for guys and girls to have a place where they can satisfy a curiosity about the other gender? Are teenage hormones not still raging in this era? Do we have to stop supporting businesses that force us to have mixed bathroom visits? Laura Hughes Editorial blabber Re: A tragedy showing the need to act, Editorial, Aug. 3: You say, The United States and others should do more to help all these countries. I ask you just exactly what should we do, and whom are the others you refer to? And exactly what is the right kind of foreign aid you refer to? And exactly what is the comprehensive immigration reform you say we need? This kind of vague condescending editorial sounds like blabber out of a politicians mouth. Thomas Harrison The real fraud President Donald Trump recently established a voter fraud commission to make a case for his ego, claiming he would have won the popular vote were it not for the millions of illegal votes cast for Hillary Clinton. This is a waste of taxpayer money. The commission held its first meeting recently, and the president was pleased that many states had complied with the request to provide personal voter information. However, he was displeased with the remaining states that have not complied. He went so far as to say, What are they afraid of? Mr. President, the majority of American voters and I have the same question: What are you afraid of? The people have a right to know what you are hiding since you refuse to release your tax returns. I urge the special counsel, Robert Mueller, to press this issue. Jerry Bezaire Whine at Jamboree Every time the man who allegedly colluded with Russia to ascend to the highest office in the land opens his mouth, its the same old whine from new bottles. As an ex-Boy Scout, I cannot imagine having the president attend my Jamboree to cry on my shoulder. It would have been too much weight on me at that age. The buffoon even bragged that he drew the large crowd. It was the Jamboree for the Boy Scouts of America, for Christs sake. They were already there. He was the one who was out of place. I also loved his implied message that if one hits pay dirt, one can afford a yacht with an abundance of womens body parts to grab ahold of. I never read that in my Boy Scout manual. His supporters are either treasonous anarchists who want the country to fail, or they are so dimwitted they would lose a third-grade quiz to a peanut. Maybe both. Their party, the GOP, has proved it can act. It can act like the three monkeys representing, Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Deaf, blind and mute. Joe M. Velasquez Minority mystery I keep wondering why minorities continue to support the Republican Party. Maybe they have not lived long enough to understand that without the Democratic Party ideology, these gullible people would not be enjoying all the fine programs the Democrats enacted into law, allowing minorities to enjoy the American dream. I lived during the Great Depression, a tough time that was tougher for minorities because of discrimination in public places. I hope that in the future these gullible fence straddlers read a little history before they vote. If they did, I know the majority would vote for Democrats. They will understand that Democrats enacted the changes benefiting all Americans. In my book, the only Republican helping minorities was Abraham Lincoln. No other president helped until Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat. And then came Harry Truman, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. So I ask the gullibles, if you do not believe me, go to your history books. Look it up. And get hip. Frank R. Almaraz No sympathy here Two guys I dont know enter my house without my authorization, aiming to help themselves to the contents of my medicine cabinet, wardrobe, library, fridge and pantry, and some stuff from my garage. But before they can execute their plan, theyre accidentally electrocuted. Faulty wiring, maybe. And Im supposed to feel sorry for them? Francoise Wilson, Kerrville WILTON As the dog days of summer set in, the Wilton Police Department is asking town residents to help prevent a tragedy and avoid leaving children and pets in vehicles during the hot summer months. The department is teaming up with state Rep. Gail Lavielle for the new initiative, entitled Heat Kills, If You Love Em, Dont Leave Em. The goal of the program is to raise awareness among residents as to the dangers of leaving loved ones unattended in hot vehicles. Even when it feels cool outside, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Leaving a window open is not enoughtemperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open, reads the Center of Disease Controls website. Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death. To combat these incidences, Lavielle and the department created signs to remind residents to be play it safe when it comes to hot cars and children or pets. The signs, which are placed in strategic locations throughout town including Caraluzzis, the Gateway Shopping Plaza, Starbucks, Stop and Shop and the Village Marker, include the phone number for Wilton police so that anyone who observes a child or pet trapped in a hot car can call the police. Lavielle, who sought the departments support for the initiative, pointed to past incidents in Ridgefield and Westport as the main driver behind the program. Not everyone is mindful of how dangerous it is to leave children or dogs in a car during hot, or even warm weather, and this is an excellent way to raise awareness of the risks and to remind people who might forget, Lavielle said. Last month, a New Mexico woman was charged with animal cruelty after police found a dog locked inside a 113-degree car in the Westport-Weston YMCA parking lot. In July 2014, 15-month-old Benjamin Seitz of Ridgefield died as a result of hyperthermia after he was left inside of a car by his father. The childrens safety advocacy group KidsandCars.org documents cases involving children left behind in cars in extreme temperatures. According to their data, 810 children have died from heatstroke deaths since 1994, including 39 last year. Furthermore, Injury Prevention Center Associate Director Kevin Borrup said 17 children nationwide this year alone have died in hot cars. Wiltons hot-car-related injury and death prevention initiative was mirrored at the federal level as Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Al Franken, of Minnesota, introduced a bill in Congress to address heatstroke fatalities, which would require cars to include sensor devices alerting motorists about a child left inside a vehicle. The bill, called the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in the Rear Seat Act (HOT CARS Act). The bill would require vehicles to come equipped with technology alerting drivers of children left in back seats after a car is turned off. The bill would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require that cars come equipped with such technology, according to a release from Blumenthals office. Esteban L. Hernandez contributed to this story ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2570; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE ZIMBABWEAN authorities have arrested Munyaradzi Shoko, the leader of the Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association (Cozwa), a known critic of President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa and charged him with criminal nuisance for allegedly posting some offensive statements on Facebook against the ZANU PF party leader. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers arrested Shoko on Tuesday 21 August 2018 and detained him at Harare Central Police Station, where they charged him with criminal nuisance as defined in section 46 as read with paragraph 2 (v) of the third schedule of the Criminal Law (Codification Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. ZRP officers claimed that Shoko, who is represented by Moses Nkomo of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights posted some statements on Facebook between March and May 2018 criticising Mnangagwa and which read; At one time he beat up his own biological mother, he was later suspected for killing his own family head-boy. He was pinpointed for being the brains behind Ndebele 1980s scum. His name is generally associated with evil and devilish deeds. Today he is pleading for ur vote. WHAT A SHAME!!!!!!!!. ZRP officers said Shokos statements were likely to create a nuisance and were likely to interfere with the ordinary comfort, peace or quietness of the public. ZRP officers also charged Shoko with public violence as defined in section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 for allegedly participating in protests staged in Harare early this month over delays in announcing the results of the harmonised elections held last month. ZRP officers alleged that Shoko engaged in acts of violence in Harares Central Business District on Wednesday 01 August 2018 together with some MDC Alliance party supporters during a demonstration held in the capital city to protest against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commissions management of the harmonised elections held on Monday 30 July 2018, which reportedly resulted in the destruction of property and left six people dead after they were shot by some members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Shoko was also charged with assault as defined in section 89 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 for allegedly assaulting Energy Mutodi, a ZANU PF member on 25 August 2017 at Holiday Inn Hotel in Harare. Meanwhile, ZRP officers on Tuesday 21 August 2018 arrested and charged Musa Chibaya, a resident in Gweru in Midlands province and charged him with malicious damage to property as defined in section 140 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. ZRP officers claimed that Chibaya destroyed a windscreen of a vehicle after clashes broke out between ZRP officers, municipal police and some informal traders. Chibaya, who is represented by Jabulani Mhlanga of ZLHR is expected to appear in court on Thursday 23 August 2018. ZLHR Breaking News via Email Independent candidates who are running for local government in the upcoming 2018 harmonised elections have formed a coalition which they are calling, the Peoples Own Voice (POVO). The candidates will be running for City of Harare and include: Evan Mawarire Ward 17, Mount Pleasant Henry Munangatire Ward 8, Highlands Marshal Shonhai Ward 25, Highfields Duduzile Nyirongo Ward 7, Avondale Tinashe Prosper Kufahakutizwi Ward 30, Glen View Nyasha Grace Magumise Ward 16, Malborough Sam Mike Mutongerwa Ward 9, Greendale Esther Vongai Zimudzi Ward 22, Hatfield Trust Luckmore Mugari Ward 45, Kuwadzana Tafadzwa Mbawa Ward 5, Belvedere Sarudzai Muringisi Ward 41, Marlborough The coalition will be officially launched on Thursday 29 March 2018, at the Harare Gardens between 4-6pm. Writing on Facebook, Marshall Shonhai said, We are The Peoples Own Voice, we speak and stand for the ordinary Citizens like ourselves! Im excited and at the same time anxious about doing this but as the days unfold and we get towards the elections we will unveil an exciting and energetic campaign. We intend to field all 46 Wards in Harare! Why? Because we have a plan for Harare. Why Harare alone? We must start somewhere and we will not be ambitious and run for every city and rural council yet, we dont have the capacity. Why Council? Because we want to be relevant and practical, this is not about politics but about the people! Online Breaking News via Email The year 2017 saw major changes in the Southern African country of Zimbabwe including change in Government, Increase in economic challenges, illumination of entertainment space, rising of social media activists who have Southern African recognition among other changes. Tenth Estate (Africa), a United Kingdom Business Magazine compiled a list of the 2017 most Influential Top 40 under 40 Zimbabweans who were directly and indirectly influential to the change that happened in 2017. The list ranges from church, arts, media, showbiz and politics. Herewith we unveil Zimbabwes Top 40 under 40 2017 Influential List. 1. Dr. Walter Magaya- Businessman and Clergyman 2. Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa- Media Personality 3. Hon. Nelson Chamisa- Politician 4. Promise Mkwananzi- Leader of Tajamuka 5. Jah Prayzah- Musician 6. Matthew Mutavayi- JCI Global Vice President 7. Njabulo Moyo- Author, speaker, Coach 8. Beverly Angel- Businesswoman and Church Leader 9. Acie Lumumba- Political Activist 10. Mgcini Moyo- Station Manager (Breeze FM) 11. Knowledge Musona- Warriors Player 12. Napoleon Nyanhi- Station Manager (Capitalk 100.4 FM) 13. Mothusi Bashimane Ndlovu- Musician 14. Happymore Chidziva- Politician 15. Grace Chirenje Development Practitioner 16. Fortune Mlalazi- Mandela Washington Fellowship Co-ordinator 17. Edd Branson- Businessman and Clergyman 18. Gilmore T. Moyo -Fashion Guru, Media Personality and Host 19. Rodrick Fayayo- Development Practitioner 20. Maureen Kademaunga- Political Activist 21. Discent Bajila- Politician 22. Takunda Chingonzoh- Founder of Tech Village 23. Patson Dzamara- Activist 24. Nkosana Mazibisa- Businessman 25. Fadzai Mahere- Lawyer and Activist 26. Wicknell chivhayo- Businessman 27. Nyasha Mtamangira- Media Personality 28. Genius Kadungure- Businessman 29. Mqondisi Moyo Mthwakazi President and secessionist 30. Charles Ibrahim- Clergyman 31. Mbo Mahocs- Media Personality and Socialite 32. Jeremiah Mutongi Bamu- Lawyer 33. Sibusiso Ndlovu- Gender Activist 34. Khama Billiat- Warriors Player 35. Ammara Brown- Musician 36. Michael Ndiweni- Social Activist 37 Jabulani Hadebe- 413 Squadron Commander 38 Richard Mahomva- Team Leader: Leaders for Africa Network 39. Babongile Sikhonjwa- Media Personality 40. Leyo Nyoni- Zimbabwe Youth Council Leader Breaking News via Email A 17-year-old Ruwa juvenile died on the spot after he was hit by a train while walking along the Harare-Mutare railway line putting on earphones. Through their Twitter handle, police said they are investigating a fatal incident in which a juvenile was hit by a train. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a fatal incident in which a 17-year-old juvenile was hit by a train while walking along Harare-Mutare railway line, putting on earphones, at the 253 km peg, Ruwa on October 29 2022 at around 07: 55 hours, wrote the police. Police also warned members of the public against wearing earphones while walking on the roads or crossing railway lines. Herald Breaking News via Email RIGHTS doctors were forced to abandon wounded victims of an army crackdown on civilians in the middle of treatment to run for dear life as armed soldiers stormed a private Harare medical facility to assault and drag patients accused of taking part in recent anti-government protests. This is contained in a National Transitional Justice Working Group (NTJWG) report with shocking details of state brutality on those accused of taking part in the January skirmishes that rocked parts of the country following a government hike on fuel prices. Human rights doctors who have been treating the wounded are now in hiding as the state is hunting them down for treating victims of military and police brutality which has resulted in several deaths and injuries to civilians, says the report. Victims are not safe when receiving medical care. On 21 January 2019, the soldiers stormed a private medical facility where 28 victims of military brutality were receiving treatment and further assaulted and arrested them. NTJWG further said that leaders of civil society organisations were being hunted down and attacked in their homes while family members were being held as ransom to force the activists to surrender. The situation warrants immediate intervention by the international community to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, said the group. At least 12 civilians died through injuries related to shootings by security forces in January, according to NGOs, while dozens more were left hospitalised for bullet wounds. Rape incidents linked to the military have also been alleged as the country sinks back into its bitter past once presided over by former President Robert Mugabe. Government has defended the deployment of the military to block what it claims was an overthrow attempt on the Zanu PF led administration by forces allegedly hiding behind genuine citizen demonstrations but has condemned army abuses. The Zimbabwean government has come under international condemnation for the recent brutalities. NewZimbabwe Breaking News via Email Action Against Hunger | ACF-International works to save lives by combating hunger and diseases that threaten the lives of vulnerable communities, through nutrition, food security, water and sanitation, health and advocacy.Damasak, BornoThe Logistics assistant will be based in Damasak and will support the Logistics Officer. He/she will manage the delivery process of items ordered from suppliers.The Logistics Assistant will manage and supervise the security guards and daily workers at the base.He/she will be in charge of stock and premises management according to Action Against Hunger best pratices.The Logistics Assistant will be in charge of archiving and scanning all purchase documents at the base.The Successful Candidate will have:A minimum of Bachelors degree in Business Management, Logistics, Procurement, Supply Chain or any other equivalent course.A minimum of 1 year working experience in logistics or procurement.Proven knowledge and experience of logistics core competenciesStrong computer skills including all Microsoft office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Experience in the International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) and Humanitarian context.Strong communication skills (verbal and written).Fluency in English, Hausa and Kanuri.Sound knowledge of Action Against Hunger Logistics procedures and kitlogTo be an inhabitant of Mobbar LGA or nearby LGAsHigh level of flexibility and self-motivation.Commitment to Action Against Hunger mission, values and policy.The Human Resources and Administrative Officer will be based in Damaturu, Yobe state and work under the supervision of the Human Resources Manager. The Base HR&Admin Officer will provide overall support to the HR department which includes but not limited to; overseeing the recruitment process at the base and various aspects of the training and development of staff, administer HR-related documentation such as contracts of employment, ensuring the relevant HR database is up to date, accurate and complies with legislation. He/she will also ensure the proper management of the international staff guesthouse and all visitors.The successful candidate will;Have a minimum of bachelors degree in HR and Administrative related field with relevant experience. Masters degree will be an added advantage.Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.Be approachable, diplomatic, able to work effectively in diverse, cross-cultural teams in a complex, multi-site work environment.Be computer literate including all Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Possess excellent attention to detail, highly organized, rigorous, self-motivated, strong sense of responsibility, ability to work independently.Be able to maintain high level of confidentiality.Have previous experience working for INGOs an asset, particularly health related INGOs.Be fluent in one or more national/regional language.The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Deputy Project Manager will report to the Project Manager (M & E) and based in Maiduguri with frequent travel to the field.He/she will play a key role in supporting the Project Manager in the accountability and quality control of Action Against Hunger WASH, Nutrition, and Food Security projects in North-east Nigeria. The specific objectives to be achieved includes but are not limited to; leading the implementation of M&E systems for Action Against Hunger programs to ensure donor compliance in accordance with the mission's M&E standards, ensuring proper and timely implementation of the mission's monitoring and evaluation tools, activities and reporting as well as utilization and learning from M&E systems at the project and mission level.The Successful Candidate Will;Have a bachelors or masters degree (preferred) in humanitarian affairs, international development, public health, epidemiology, economics, or other social / developmental sciences.Have at least 2 years of proven experience in the Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability of humanitarian or development programs and activitiesBe professional, motivated, flexible, culturally sensitive have the ability to work independently.Have excellent communication, writing and analytical skills including ability to transcribe evaluated results into learning strategies.Have excellent knowledge on statistics and other software (MS Excel, SPSS, SPHINX, STATA, EPI Info, ENA for SMART, GIS, etc.)Be proficient in Microsoft Office Skills (Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Word) and Management Information Systems including GIS.Have experience in designing and leading internal and external evaluation as well as building the capacity of the team.Have demonstrated knowledge of M&E concepts and international humanitarian quality standards including project management.Have previous experience with nutrition, WASH, food security, cash based intervention and livelihoods programming including mobile data collection processes and platforms.The deadline for this position is Friday, August 11, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.The Complaint Response Mechanism Assistant will be based in Maiduguri, Borno state and report to the Complaint Response Mechanism Officer. The CRM Assistant will be responsible for the establishment and management of the feedback mechanism for all Action Against Hunger humanitarian project. He/she will be responsible for reporting and management of the hotline system. The CRM Assistant's responsibilities include but are not limited to;Building staff awareness and commitment to a complaints mechanism, ensuring the compliance of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Action Against Hunger core policies. Regular maintenance of complaints and feedback database/information system, and share information on a regular basis. Addressing the queries of callers using setup hotline while respecting ethical and professional behavior in accordance with the Action Against Hunger standard operating procedures and HAP guidelines. Ensure complaints are closed within the appropriate time frame and also ensure CRM report is submitted to the CRM officer on monthly basis and important complaints on toll free line reported immediately. Submit internal and accurate reports to the concerned programs/projects weekly, or daily according to the urgency of the call. Include monthly recommendations, if needed, to projects/programs and program managers as received and refer internal cases with the support of the CRM Officer.The successful candidate will;Have a bachelor's degree in management, social research, development studies or a related field with at least with 1 year relevant experience in developing and maintaining accountability and learning activities.Have excellent knowledge of accountability especially feedback mechanisms concepts and international humanitarian quality standards.Be fluent in English and local languages especially Hausa and Kanuri (both written and spoken skills).Have strong understanding of HAP, Do No Harm and other relevant global standards.Have experience of carrying out design and implementation of accountability and complaints reporting mechanisms in Nigeria.Have experience of developing and/or managing complaints reporting mechanisms for cash transfer programme.Be ethical, focused on treating complainants/ community fairly and culturally sensitive.Have excellent computer skills especially developing databases.Have excellent verbal and written communication skills in local languages (Hausa and Kanuri)Have sound analytical and conceptual skills.Have excellent communication skills and experience in report writing.Have previous experience in handling feedback mechanism and also working with an NGO preferably.Have proven interest and commitment to humanitarian and development principles and demonstrable understanding of conflict/post conflict development contexts.The deadline for this position is Tuesday, 8 August 2017 at 5:00 p.m.The Finance Archivist will be based in Maiduguri, Borno State and to the Base Finance Officer. He/she will support the Finance Officer in ensuring quality control of invoices, improving the quality of the documents, file and archive the documents. The Finance Archivist will also send monthly accountancy file to the Capital Office. Certain aspects of the duties include but are not limited to; confirming all received invoice and ensure its coherence with the base account. record all errors and confirm the budget line for each contract. Send monthly financial report the the Capital for documentation. Confirm all invoices are present for each transaction as well as the accounting codes, project codes and budget codes are in line with the budgets.The successful candidate will;Have a minimum of National Diploma in Accounting, Management, Finance, or related field with minimum of 1 year experience in a finance and administration-related role.Possess exceptional organization and planning skills, ability to manage and follow work plans.Have strong interpersonal, communication skills and ability to negotiate, influence, give effective feedback.Be an effective team player and have the ability to manage stress effectively, juggle competing priorities, balance various programmatic, logistic and team needs.Have experience with donor funded programs preferablyThe Monitoring and Evaluation Officer be based in Maiduguri, Borno State and report to the Monitoring and Evaluation Deputy Project Manager. The M & E Officer will be primarily be responsible for data gathering, collation and reporting activities to ensure the quality and accountability of the programs implemented by Action Against Hunger in Northern Nigeria. Under the direction of the M&E Deputy Project Manager and in collaboration with the Project Manager, the M&E Officer will develop and implement clear and practical M&E plans for the program by ensuring program indicators, monitoring formats, databases, data analysis, and reporting are maintained and harmonized. He/she will also track progress of key indicators and provide timely report to his/her manager. The task and responsibilities include but are not limited to;Supporting the M&E team in the pilot data collection and integration of findings by providing feedback to the M & E Deputy Project Manager. Review and develop M & E systems for new projects, lead on the implementation of qualitative and participatory tools, including focus group discussions. Working closely with the team and other project team to ensure timely and quality data entry, analysis and interpretation.Under take regular field visits and monitor the design and execution of surveys with other assessments. Representation of Action Against Hunger activities relating to monitoring, evaluation, accountability and reporting when required.The successful candidate will;Have a minimum of Bachelors degree in Economics, international development, statistics, public health, demography or related subject, with previous experience working in humanitarian projects with minimum of 2 years of proven experience in monitoring, evaluation and accountability of humanitarian or development programs.Have experience in data collection, collation, analysis, and report writing.Have strong experience in community development programming, preferably in nutrition, food security, livelihoods or WASHBe professional, motivated, flexible and culturally sensitive.Have strong organizational and analytical skills, and ability to work under pressure.Have excellent team, budget, project management and representation competenciesHave excellent computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets, Sphere standard, SPSS, SPHINX, or other statistical packagesBe willing and able to be based and travel regularly within remote areas, where services are limitedBe fluent in English and Hausa (both written and spoken skills).Have experience in statistical analysis with participatory fieldwork methodologies.The deadline for this position is Tuesday, August 8 2017 at 5:00 p.m.Click on Job Title below:LOGISTICS ASSISTANTBASE HR AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERMONITORING AND EVALUATION DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGERCOMPLAINT RESPONSE MECHANISM ASSISTANTFINANCE ARCHIVISTMONITORING AND EVALUATION OFFICER7 August, 2017 By Michael Olenick, a research fellow at INSEAD. Originally published at his website On September 13, 1970, Milton Friedman published one of the most arguably economically destructive articles in history, The Social Responsibility Of Business Is to Increase Its Profits, in the New York Times. The article is available, in PDF form, for subscribers from the New York Times website. Friedman advanced the idea that managers are agents of shareholders and that the only purpose of for-profit businesses is to increase stock price. Managers have been debating Friedmans Shareholder Value Theory for ages but nobody seems to have found the most obvious flaw from the seminal article. Miltons sermon was directed at GM management who listened, decimating their brand, market share, and share price. Specifically, Friedman raved against the notion that corporations have social responsibilities that, in this specific case, meant they should build safer, more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars. One can surmise this notion eventually extended, during a time when planned obsolesce was part of a business model, to quality. In 1970, Friedman insisted businesspeople not concern themselves with issues beyond increasing shareholder value. Businessmen who talk this way are unwitting puppets of the intellectual forces that have been undermining the basis of a free society these past decades, wrote the Nobel laureate. Implicit is the message to GM: keep doing what youve been doing: build clunky, crappy cars because that strategy was profitable in the past. The Times, They Werent A Changin at GM. In hindsight Milton Friedman was, by any measure, wrong. No serious student of business, economics, law, history, or engineering could argue that Friedmans business analysis was correct. GM, along with other US automakers, listened to Friedman, ignored the reformers (Friedmans word), and went on to build a series of truly terrible cars. Automobiles that broke, blew up, hurt people, handled terribly, and guzzled gas. These cars were uglier than a Blobfish and polluted like a 19th century coal-fired factory, as Wired Magazineeloquently summarized the era. Besides building awful automobiles those social responsibilities that Friedman raved against were important to many baby boomers who, in 1970, were trending to be the largest consumer group. That is, to appease faceless shareholders, Milton Friedman advised that GM and other businesses ignore demands from future customers. The result was predictable. As my mentor Prof. Robert Ayres recalls, he bought a Honda. Im younger but remember when my father replaced the family jalopy with a new Corolla. Subarus became cool. Japanese cars were fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, relatively safe, and incredibly reliable. They were built by companies that took exceptional care of their workers who, in turn, cared exceptionally about their businesses and the products they build. Japanese executives must have been aware of Friedmans theory and actively rejected the advice; they took, and continue to take, those social responsibilities seriously. Did Toyota and Honda ignore shareholder value? With booming sales and sterling reputations I imagine their shareholders were pleased. How about those GM shareholders that Friedman praised for voting against exploring social responsibilities? People who purchased GM stock in 1965 the ones Friedman praised for voting down social policy considerations did see their stock increase in value in 1993. Im not sure how that constitutes shareholder value. Milton Friedmans Exhibit A on shareholder value the notion that GE must reject a call for social responsibility and ignore buyer demands resulted in one of the worst business disasters in history, the gutting of General Motors. Others have pointed out that the rest of Friedmans theory is bunk. First are the business executives: those who run actual businesses, something Milton Friedman never did. As detailed in this article from Forbes, Jack Welch called it the dumbest idea in the world. Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, referred to followers as a cult. Alibaba CEO Jack Ma reminds that customers are number one; employees are number two and shareholders are number three. Marc Benioff, founder and CEO of Salesforce, added it is wrong .. the business of business isnt just about creating profits for shareholders. Great business executives care about social issues. Apple CEO Tim Cook famously told an analyst, when questioned about Apples use of renewable energy, I dont consider the bloody ROI, adding that Apple does a lot of things for reasons besides profit motive. We want to leave the world a better place than we found it. Googles founding motto was Dont be evil. They eventually dropped that because it set the bar too low. Facebook actively works on connectivity for poor countries. Well managed businesses are menschkeit, taking care of their customers, employees, and communities while earning a lot of money for shareholders. Lesser businesses, or those driven by short-term activist shareholders, are parasitic, milking their customers, employees, and the organization itself dry until there is little left for shareholders or anybody else. Legal experts explain that Friedmans theory, that managers are agents with a responsibility to increase stock returns, is outright wrong. Lynn Stout, distinguished professor of corporate and business law at Cornell Law School, argues Friedman bungled the law; managers are legally not agents of shareholders. She wrote a book on the subject, The Shareholder Value Myth. Prof. Stout writes the idea of a single shareholder value is intellectually incoherent. No wonder the shift to shareholder value thinking doesnt seem to be turning out well especially for shareholders. Shareholder Value Theory remains alive and well. Michael Jensen and William Meckling published a 1976 article, Theory of the Firm, that repeated the myth managers are agents of shareholders. Despite that by 1976 GMs struggles were apparent, and that one would think the question of agency is for lawyers rather than economists, their paper became and remains one of the most widely cited in academic literature. Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. DES MOINES There appears to be strong interest in creating a medical cannabis business under Iowas newly expanded law. The number of card-carrying, would-be medical cannabis users remains minimal, however. Dozens of individuals and businesses have inquired with the state Department of Public Health about establishing a medical cannabis business in Iowa, a key employee with the department said. Earlier this year Iowas medical cannabis law was expanded to allow for the creation of no more than two businesses to grow marijuana and produce medical cannabidiol and no more than five businesses to sell the product. Previously, Iowans could obtain medical cannabidiol to treat epileptic seizures, but the law did not allow for the production and sale of the medicine here. With that barrier eliminated, roughly 50 individuals and businesses have reached out to the state Department of Public Health to inquire about the process for starting a medical cannabis business, said Randy Mayer, coordinator of the departments medical cannabidiol office. The department plans to put out a request for proposals for manufacturers this fall, likely in October, Mayer said, with the goal of having up to two producers licensed by December. Then, the department will put out a request for proposals for dispensaries in January, with the goal of having up to five sellers licensed by April, Mayer said. The businesses must be licensed and ready to operate by Dec. 1, 2018. We have had some interest, Mayer said. A lot of people seem fairly knowledgeable about this process. Process in the works Although about 50 people have expressed interest in establishing a medical cannabis business in Iowa, the states nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency predicts a small number will ultimately submit applications. The states application fees are $7,500 for manufacturers and $5,000 for dispensaries. The agency estimates there will be a handful of applications for the two manufacturing licenses and about 10 applications for the five dispensary licenses. Mayer said many of the interested parties have had specific questions about establishing a medical cannabis business, but he cannot answer most until a medical cannabidiol board is established. That board will be responsible for implementation of the newly expanded program; its members are to be appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Mayer said he is hopeful the board is established in time to meet in October and discuss rules for program implementation. He said he also assumes there will be plenty of public feedback when the process is made open for public comment. A lot of the answers were expecting to come from the medical cannabidiol board, Mayer said. They will have to address the form (of the product) and quantity, what types of products are going to be manufactured for which conditions. The program expansion also freed the department to license up to two out-of-state medical cannabis sellers. But Mayer said the department is not pursuing that, for now, until it gets assurances from the state Attorney Generals Office. The departments concern is that federal law prohibits the transport of medical cannabis across state lines. We have requested some guidance from the Attorney Generals Office about that, which we have not received yet, Mayer said. At this point, were going with the two manufacturers and five dispensaries until we receive guidance that we should or should not pursue that avenue (of licensing out-of-state dispensaries). Few cards issued The early interest in creating a medical cannabis business in Iowa appears strong despite the fact program participation remains minimal. As of Tuesday, there were just 114 active registration cards in the program, according to the state Department of Transportation, which issues the cards. In an effort to boost the number of ailing Iowans who could be helped by the medical cannabis program, the state also expanded the law to include the coverage of more ailments, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, Crohns disease, Parkinsons disease and any terminal illness. But since the program was expanded in mid-May, only 48 new cards have been issued, according to state figures. And that number does not necessarily represent only individuals who are new to the program; it could include some who were in the previous, more limited program as well, state officials said. State Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, who has been an outspoken proponent of establishing and expanding a state medical cannabis program, said he is concerned that even with the recent expansion, there will not be enough patients to make any new manufacturers or dispensaries profitable. Bolkcom said he is dismayed the state did not increase the legal potency of the cannabidiol it remained at 3 percent which limits the medicinal impact the product may have on some of the covered ailments. I remain pessimistic about what we passed, Bolkcom said about the expansion that was approved under all-Republican control of the Iowa Legislature and governors office. I think were setting this thing up for failure. Bolkcom said he hopes state lawmakers will expand the program again during the 2018 legislative session to allow for the production and sale of a more potent product that could help more patients, thus creating more buyers for medical cannabis businesses. Ive run into a lot of Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs who would like to have a shot at creating jobs and economic development around medical cannabis. The competition for these licenses, I think, is going to be fierce, going to be intense, Bolkcom said. Without (changes to expand the program further), the multi-million-dollar investment these folks are going to make, theyre never going to get their money back. THE GOVERNMENT has announced details of a new initiative to get young people more involved in the arts and culture. The exciting programme, Creative Ireland, will encourage children to engage in cultural activity. It will run across the entire country, including Tipperary, and here Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys, TD, explains what's involved - Creative Ireland is all about you. Its about how, whether you are young or old, you can benefit from getting more involved in arts, culture and creativity. Its an ambitious five-year Government strategy that aims to boost wellbeing in schools, homes and communities nationwide. You might remember the huge success of the commemorative programme last year, when thousands of cultural events were held nationwide to remember 1916. We knew that something special was happening through the commemorations; it awoke a great appetite for people to engage with their unique culture at a local and national level. We wanted to build a legacy from that tremendous cultural awakening, and that legacy is Creative Ireland. One of the key aims of Creative Ireland is to ensure that every child in the country will have access to lessons and tuition in art, drama, music or coding over the next five years. Research shows that children who engage in the arts and cultural activity are happier, suffer less anxiety and do better at school. Put simply, engaging in the arts is good for our kids, and I think that is an incredibly powerful message. This element of Creative Ireland has the potential to have a positive impact on generations to come. Well be announcing more details on how we will achieve that after the schools come back in September, but in the meantime we are encouraging everyone to get out and about this summer to discover what is on offer culturally in your own town, village or county. There is so much going on including Cashel Arts Festival. Creative Teams have been appointed in every county nationwide, to help drive culture and creativity nationwide. Through Creative Ireland we dont just want to improve access to arts and culture; we want to see more people getting involved. So why not consider checking out your local drama group or dropping into your local theatre? Our heritage is also an essential part of our culture and Heritage Week, which takes place in August, is a great way of getting involved and learning more about the heritage of your locality. Youll be hearing more and more about Creative Ireland in the coming weeks and months. For example, later in the year well be announcing plans on how we will grow our film and TV industry here, something which can be of benefit to some of our most remote and beautiful locations. By increasing participation in cultural activities and supporting our creative industries, we can boost our wellbeing and drive further economic growth. I hope youll join us on this creative journey. Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, TD Cashel could be a gateway to the tourist potential of angling on the River Suir at Golden according to one of Ireland's MEPs. Local councillor Cllr Martin Browne of Sinn Fein welcomed Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada to the county to talk with representatives of the angling community recently. Following her visit, MEP Ni Riada said that the potential of the River Suir to support the development of angling tourism has yet to be fully realised. She made the comments following a visit to Golden this week. Liadh Ni Riada said: Golden is a beautiful village in an area of outstanding scenery. Its location close to Cashel and its proximity to the main Dublin Cork motorway mean that it is accessible for domestic and foreign tourists alike. As a member of the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries I have taken a keen interest in the potential for the further development of angling as both a sport and a lure for tourism. Rural Ireland is crying out for investment and for job opportunities. The development of sustainable tourism, based on our greatest natural assets, would be a fantastic boon for rural communities, not least here in Co. Tipperary. I will continue to work alongside Cllr. Martin Browne and with all stakeholders to work towards a sustainable, clean and vibrant tourism offering for anglers that benefits the community and rural economy. Cllr Martin Browne adds: In one of the most historic and one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland, we have a significant opportunity in terms of a unique angling experience. The potential of tourism has never been doubted, and I compliment the members of Cashel/ Golden Anglers Association on their work. We received a short tour from Owen Jackman who is Secretary of the Association and were impressed with the commitment of the Association to maintaining the environment. The potential for employment in any environmentally friendly tourism industry should not be overlooked. Ms Trina Rea from Cahir is one of five Irish academics to receive the highly prestigious and world renounced Fulbright TechImpact Award. As a Fulbright-TechImpact Scholar to New York University's journalism depart-ment, Trina will be based in the States until she has carried out her research which will evaluate the news habits of the first generation of digital natives and how those habits impact on digital news organisations editorial choices, packaging and delivery of news. The Fulbright Commission's rigorous application process ensures that the successful candidates are those who have conveyed how their work can have a positive impact on society. Trina Rea is a Course Director and Lecturer in the BSc in TV & Media Production (Hons.) at the Institute of Technology Carlow. She previously worked in RTE on the Late Late Show and also in CNN in Washington DC on The Presidential Documentaries, and continues to work part-time as an Independent TV and Radio Producer. She is also a bestselling non-fiction author and is the daughter of the late Joe Rea, who himself, received a similar scholarship in the late 60s. The Fulbright Awards programme encourages cultural exchange as well as educational collaboration. In addition to completing research projects, awardees are tasked with being cultural ambassadors during their time in the US. Fulbright programme founder Senator J. William Fulbright said of the initiative, "Of all the joint ventures in which we might engage, the most productive, in my view, is educational exchange. I have always had great difficulty in trying to find the words that would persuasively explain that educational exchange is not merely one of those nice but marginal activities in which we engage in international affairs, but rather, from the standpoint of future world peace and order, probably the most important and potentially rewarding of our foreign-policy activities. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charles Flanagan TD commented: As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to the Irish Fulbright Awardees for 2017/18. The Fulbright Commission plays an important role in providing reciprocal opportunities for Irish and US scholars and academics to study, work and experience life in each others countries. This year the Fulbright Awards celebrates 60 years of educational and cultural exchange between Ireland and the US. Since 1957, the programme has provided Irish and European citizens with the opportunity to study, research, or lecture in America, and has supported US citizens to do the same in Ireland. The initiative is now established in over 160 countries globally, providing a fantastic international network for Fulbright awardees and alumni Reece Smyth, Charge daffaires, US Embassy said: I warmly congratulate the 2017-2018 cohort of awardees. The Fulbright Awards are highly-competitive, globally recognised, and associated with excellence and prestige so this is a real accomplishment. We are proud to have such bright minds embarking on educational and cultural exchanges to the US, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their studies and research when they return to Ireland in 2018. (Natural News) The number one fuel that creates cancer cells and causes them to spread throughout the human body is food that contains chemicals. Processed sugar, insecticides, herbicides, nitrates in meat, hormones in meat and dairy, artificial sweeteners and genetically modified anything just begins the laundry list of American foods that are manufactured, dosed and processed with carcinogenic, cell-mutating chemicals that cause the uncontrolled multiplication of deadly cells in the human body. Consuming these non-natural concoctions is literally a recipe for disaster, and the very organizations that claim theyre searching for the cure are recommending we eat more chemicals, even while we are battling cancer. If thats not the most insidious scheme on planet earth, then we all better wake up fast and smell the toxic coffee thats brewing right under our noses. Recipes for disaster as recommended by the American Cancer-Causing Society the infamous ACS Did you know that nearly 30 percent of all ACS money goes directly into the deep pockets of the CEOs, their administrators and their managers? Yes, causing cancer is big business, so the American Cancer Society (ACS) has set up over 3,000 offices across our pesticide-laden country, where cryptic scam organizations sponsor their Relay For Life and the Great American Smoke-out. Are you donating your hard earned money to the filthy rich CEO of ACS, John Seffrin, who snagged a cool $2.2 million salary from the charity back in 2010? Plus, back in 1995, the Arizona chapter of ACS was exposed for using 95 percent of its donations for paying salaries and overhead costs. The ACS goes out of its way to attack reports about toxins in foods that lead to human cell mutation and suffocation. Its time we all ask ourselves, are we supporting the war against cancer or the war FOR cancer? Instead of simply promoting cancer-causing foods, the ACS promotes them for Americans to consume DURING their cancer treatment The following recipes are summarized directly from the ACS main website, where the title reads, Recipes to try during cancer treatment. If youre having trouble swallowing, the ACS suggests that you should suck down some conventional liquid dairy products that contain pathogens, pus, blood, feces, artificial hormones and genetically modified organisms. Heres the first recipe for health disaster for a high-protein shake that increases risk of cancer. Take 3/4 cup of non-organic whole or low-fat milk (either choice is toxic) and mix it with one cup of sherbert (that contains pesticide-laden, diabetes- and cancer-causing HFCShigh fructose corn syrup). Then add some vanilla extract. Mix it all in your blender and voila you just helped your cancer cells mutate, multiply uncontrollably, and spread throughout your body. Thanks ACS! But wait, theres more. Want a tangy protein smoothie that causes cancer while youre trying to fight off cancer? Its simple. Heres all you have to do, according to the confounded ACS recipe: Go to just about any typical grocery store or Walmart in America and buy some cheap, heavily-processed, toxic dairy products. Youre going to need ? cup of conventional, hormone-laden cottage cheese or plain yogurt, cup of high fructose corn syrup-loaded vanilla ice cream, cup of prepared fruit-flavored gelatin (remember gelatin comes from diseased animals reduced hides, muscles and connective tissues), and a cup low-fat milk. Notice that nowhere does the ACS recommend organic products that are chemical free. Heres an inside look at the cancer-causing ingredients and pathogens found in conventional dairy products. Now, here comes the ACS classic instant breakfast milk shake, loaded with cancer-causing sugars. Its a protein- and calorie-packed favorite seriously folks, you cant make this stuff up. Again, we remind you that the ACS is recommending that you drink this while fighting cancer with chemical-based cancer treatments. The milk shake ingredients includes a cup of low-fat milk or fortified milk, and an entire cup of vanilla ice cream, and on top of that inflammation- and mucus-enhancing nightmare, the ACS suggests that you add some chocolate or strawberry syrup. The syrup, since they dont recommend organic, will be loaded with HFCS and sugar feeds cancer period! And lastly, lets take a close look at the ACS recommended recipe for chicken and white bean soup. Start off with one rotisserie chicken breast section or 3 cups chopped white chicken meat (both of which will contain antibiotics and hormones). Then add one tablespoon of canola oil (thats genetically modified and contains pesticide residuals), add 6 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth (many of these mixtures contain monosodium glutamate MSG). Dont forget to saute some conventional, pesticide-laden vegetables and chuck it all in a crock pot. Finally, season with irradiated, iodized salt and pepper. Per TruthWiki entry: Critics right and left have questioned ACSs apparent conflicts of interest since they have so many ties to chemical industries and those industry donations that come streaming in on a consistent basis. This is not in the publics interest that this business takes place and is labeled non-profit and declares a hundred-year-war on something that just keeps getting worse and more common cancer. One in three Americans get cancer in their life and about fifty percent of those survive. To top it off, ACS continues to support mammograms, which have been called into question time and time again for their safety and efficacy, with cases and research warning us, dating back into the 1970s. False readings are also a common nightmare for the patients of this chronic care industry that rakes in billions every year and that being the war on cancer thats waged on the wrong front. The true war on cancer is won by consuming organic food, non-fluoridated water and pursuing natural remedies that work holistically to heal, prevent disease and cell disorder, and keep chemicals and known carcinogens out of the body. Sources for this article include: TruthWiki.org CharityWatch.org Cancer.org NaturalNews.com CafoTheBook.org CDC.news NaturalPedia.com (Natural News) The results of an encouraging trial released by the Veterans Affairs Research Communications demonstrate the potential use of mind-body exercises such as yoga in alleviating chronic back pain symptoms experienced among military veterans. This could be the relief that millions of our vets who find their daily lives interrupted by the condition are seeking. The National Pain Report has concluded that veterans were 40 percent more likely to experience severe pain than nonveterans. Authors of the study say that veterans who completed a 12-week yoga program had better scores on the disability questionnaire, reduced feelings of pain, and a decline in opioid-use. Researcher Dr. Erik J. Groessel led a team from the VA San Diego Healthcare System to determine if alternative pain treatments could be used by military veterans. In particular, he wanted to calculate the efficacy of yoga in reducing pain and reliance on opioids and other prescriptive medicine. To this end, he recruited 150 military veterans with chronic low back pain. Participants were randomly grouped into two: the first attended a 12-week yoga program, while the others were invited to attend a yoga intervention only after six months. The yoga group attended two 60-minute instructor-led sessions per week. These veterans were encouraged to practice yoga at home in between sessions. The intervention used hatha yoga, which is considered to be one of the gentler and more relaxing forms of the exercise. Hatha yoga is typically recommended for those who want to improve their flexibility without injuring themselves. The movement sequences are simultaneously taught alongside regulated breathing and mindfulness meditation. Groessel measured the participants feelings of pain along with opioid-use at the beginning of the trial, then at six weeks, 12 weeks, and after six months. The results of the analysis showed that both groups had reduced disability scores after 12 weeks. However, the yoga group displayed continued improvement even after six months, with scores still lowering; whereas the delayed-treatment group reported increased feelings of pain. Data also indicated that the yoga group felt a dramatic reduction of pain at all three time periods compared to the other group which had negligible changes. Another exciting discovery is that the yoga group decreased opioid-use by 20 percent after 12 weeks. This was further reduced at the six-month mark. This is of singular importance as there is evidence that suggests that many veterans are being over-prescribed pain medication, often leading to the soldier experiencing negative side-effects. (Related: War veterans prone to drug addiction often prescribed risky painkillers.) Researchers of the study suggest that, based on their results, VA facilities should develop or expand yoga programs to help veterans who suffer from chronic back pain. Helping a vulnerable group Our military members have done so much for us. These heroes have sacrificed a lot to ensure that we are safe and free. Yet, many of them come back and live uncomfortably due to injury or untreated trauma. Pain, in all its forms, has now become a constant companion to those who willingly volunteered to serve us. A 2016 analysis on pain prevalence among U.S. veterans revealed that veterans were 32.8 percent more likely to suffer from back pain compared to nonveterans. Moreover, around sixty-six percent of veterans reported experiencing pain within three months compared to only 56.4 percent of nonveterans. Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) said of the findings, this new knowledge can help inform effective health care strategies for veterans of all ages. More research is needed to generate additional evidence-based options for veterans managing pain. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com NationalPainReport.com Head up to the heights of summer reading picked by our regular reviewers as labs and lecture halls empty. Driverless: Intelligent Cars and the Road Ahead Hod Lipson & Melba Kurman MIT Press: 2016. 9780262035224 | ISBN: 978-0-2620-3522-4 Credit: Illustrations by Kerry Hyndman Cars are integral to daily life for many. Unfortunately, they are also integral to death for the 1.25 million people a year who, the World Health Organization notes, die from road injuries. Soon, however, tedious commutes and needless deaths could be a thing of the past, according to mechanical engineer Hod Lipson and technology writer Melba Kurman. Lipson and Kurman are enthusiasts of the autonomous car, and their book follows the past, present and future of efforts to free automobiles from their human masters. From General Motors' Futurama exhibit at the 1939 New York World's Fair featuring an automated highway to current programmes at Uber and Google, the narrative interweaves a fascinating history of artificial intelligence with musings about what society will look like when driverless fleets arrive. Mostly, the authors argue, life will be better, because intelligent machines will ultimately be better drivers than humans. Yet there is the law of unintended consequences: driverless cars will eliminate jobs for lorry and taxi drivers, and even affect morbid merchants such as personal-injury lawyers, who rely on accidents for income. Whether better jobs will emerge to fill this void is unknown. Sharon Weinberger is the author of The Imagineers of War and an executive editor at Foreign Policy. Early Humans Nick Ashton William Collins: 2017. 9780008150334 | ISBN: 978-0-0081-5033-4 Over the past million years, successive waves of species have colonized a remote peninsula on the northwest fringes of Europe, known to us as the British Isles. In this insightful study, British Museum curator Nick Ashton marshals the archaeological evidence for these events, which unfolded against a backdrop of extreme climatic fluctuation inhospitable ice ages interspersed with balmy interglacial periods. The ice reshaped the landscape, changed the course of major rivers and led to the local extinction or retreat of plants and animals, including humans. Against this turbulent backdrop, human occupation of Britain was intermittent and at times ephemeral. Nevertheless, up to three species of ancient human, as well as Homo sapiens, left traces. With the earliest of their fossils consisting of two teeth and a piece of long bone from half a million years ago, much of the evidence is indirect: stone tools, butchered animals and cannibalized human bone. Most remarkable is a cluster of footprints made about 900,000 years ago. Discovered on a Norfolk beach in 2013, they were recorded by Ashton and his team before being obliterated by storms. Further discoveries are anticipated as archaeological investigations move beyond the present-day shoreline to submerged ancient landscapes. Louise Humphrey is a researcher in human origins at the Natural History Museum in London. Blood of Extraction: Canadian Imperialism in Latin America Todd Gordon & Jeffery R. Webber Fernwood: 2016. 9781552668306 | ISBN: 978-1-5526-6830-6 Despite its honed reputation as an ethical global actor, Canada has a dirty secret. It is the corporate home to two-thirds of the world's mining companies, part of a rapacious industry with an abominable environmental and human-rights record. Mining consumes vast quantities of water, contaminating watersheds and land with acids and heavy metals. Yet Canadian foreign policy champions the extractive industry, notably in Latin America, as this piercing indictment shows. Indigenous communities and environmental activists across the region have resisted even routing some projects but face extreme brutality. Since 2009 alone, dozens of activists protesting against Canadian mining have been killed by police, paramilitary forces and private security firms, part of an ongoing slaughter (see go.nature.com/2vtbjf7). The authors mined thousands of Access to Information pages, exposing how Canada has effectively abetted this nexus of violence and official collusion. This eye-opening volume should pressure Canada to clean up its lax securities laws and imperialistic foreign policy and push us all to rethink the unspeakable price of mineral extraction. Anne-Emanuelle Birn is professor of critical development studies and global health at the University of Toronto in Canada. The Great Convergence: Information Technology and the New Globalization Richard Baldwin Belknap: 2016. 9780674660489 | ISBN: 978-0-6746-6048-9 The iron-hulled ocean-going steamships and submarine telegraph cables of the late nineteenth century set off the first wave of economic globalization. Intercontinental transport of commodities and people became extraordinarily cheap. In the late twentieth century, container ships made transport of items perishable and non-perishable essentially free, setting off the second wave. In this deft treatise, economist Richard Baldwin argues that we are seeing a third wave. The Internet and intercontinental airliners allow transfer of engineering expertise for efficient manufacturing production. Thus, goods can now be produced in any location with secure property rights, a literate labour force and a cadre of technicians. The first two waves of globalization were boons for all. The third, Baldwin argues, is working mainly to the advantage of intellectual-property owners in developed countries, and of emerging markets able to access productive global value chains. Developed-world communities and factory workers once had an edge in technical expertise to support high-productivity manufacturing, but have now lost it. Brad DeLong is an economic historian at the University of California, Berkeley. The Long Space Age Alexander MacDonald Yale University Press: 2017. 9780300219326 | ISBN: 978-0-3002-1932-6 There are fascinating parallels between large-scale government-funded space exploration, which has become so common since NASA was founded in 1958, and the deep history of private-sector efforts before that. Economic historian Alexander MacDonald explores that nexus in The Long Space Age. As he shows, nineteenth-century astronomy found success through private benefactors, as did rocketry development before the Second World War. Early space-exploration efforts were expansive: 42 US observatories received substantial funding (96% of it from private donors) over the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. MacDonald accentuates the research of Robert Goddard, who developed the first working liquid-fuel rockets in the 1920s and was funded by the Smithsonian Institution, the Guggenheim Foundation and others. The author's neoliberal perspective insists that overturning the emphasis on private-sector activities in the post-Sputnik era enabled great accomplishments culminating in Apollo 11 and the lunar landing. It also, he contends, created an expectation about a certain type of large-scale space programme that has failed to make much progress since the early 1970s. MacDonald argues that today's space entrepreneurs, such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, look set to guide the United States back to its glory days in space. Roger D. Launius is principal of Launius Historical Services. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Carl Sagan Random House: 1995. 9780345409461 | ISBN: 978-0-3454-0946-1 From 2011 to 2015, Donald Trump used Twitter to dismiss the threat of human-caused climate change as a hoax thought up by the Chinese government in his words, to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive. As president, he has appointed individuals with similar views to the highest echelons of government. Carl Sagan prophesied this in 1995. In his study on the scientific method and sceptical thinking, The Demon-Haunted World, the astrophysicist imagined with foreboding a future United States in which no one representing the public interest can even grasp the issues. In tandem with that, he saw the emergence of a generation at risk of becoming unable to differentiate between what feels good and what's true, exposed to media soundbites, predigested science and even pseudoscience. He feared a descent into superstition and ignorance. Sagan died a year after the book was published, but his words still offer wisdom and clarity at a time when science and reason are under threat. Now is the time to read, or reread, this prescient classic. Michael Mann is distinguished professor of atmospheric science at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center. The Undoing Project: A Friendship that Changed Our Minds Michael Lewis W. W. Norton: 2016. 9780393254594 | ISBN: 978-0-3932-5459-4 Credit: Illustrations by Kerry Hyndman Some 40 years ago, Israeli psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky realized that the strongest element in decision-making is not logic or experience, but the stories people tell themselves. Their collaboration became one of the most intense and productive in science. Kahneman and Tversky were an odd couple, as Michael Lewis paints them: the former moody, disorganized and insecure, the latter talkative, tidy and confident. This biography is fascinating as an explication of how behavioural economics arose, and as a fund of human stories. There are the personal tales of the duo both were grandsons of rabbis, were atheists and served in the Israeli military and accounts of their complex, ultimately fraught partnership. Lewis tells how Kahneman and Tversky studied two kinds of story: those that people build to guide their judgements, and the mental scenarios through which they undo painful realities (hence the title). The Undoing Project masterfully meshes the gradual breakdown of a powerful relationship and the emergence of a field. Tversky said that interesting things happened to people who could weave them into interesting stories. Lewis must be fascinating. Robert P. Crease is a philosopher at Stony Brook University, New York, and co-editor-in-chief of Physics in Perspective. Why We Get Sick: the New Science of Darwinian Medicine Randolph M. Nesse & George C. Williams Times Books: 1995. 9780812922240 | ISBN: 978-0-8129-2224-0 Few books can claim to have introduced an entirely new discipline. Why We Get Sick, by evolutionary biologists Randolph Nesse and George Williams, is one. It presented evolutionary medicine as a framework for understanding disease and the human body's apparent frailties and design challenges (such as a narrow birth canal) that put us at risk. Nesse and Williams argued that the mechanisms that we typically think of as causes of ill health genetic variants that increase our risk of coronary heart disease, say need to be complemented by functional evolutionary explanations. This perspective encourages us to think about why apparently deleterious forms of genes have persisted. Do they offer some other advantage (similar to the protection against malaria conferred by the genetic variants that cause sickle-cell disease)? Or have they persisted simply because the diseases they cause occur relatively late in life and were subject to little selection when lifespans were shorter? This is a book that reminded me that geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky's statement nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution applies equally to medicine. While other members of his computer-science PhD programme were working on projects, Kory Mathewson took a Google break. Earlier this year, he attended a presentation on job opportunities at the company and spotted a mathematical puzzle on one of the slides. Solving that puzzle led him to a series of coding challenges that helped him to win the ultimate prize: a 12-week internship at the global technology giant that ended in June. The placement offered Mathewson a different flavour of computer science, which he was already studying for his PhD at the University of Alberta in Canada. At Google, he was developing ways for computers to generate sounds through synthesizers based on neural networks, part of a project exploring the expression of art and music through machine learning. When Mathewson left in June, he walked straight into a second internship at Apple and he is confident that his placements at the two tech leaders will now propel him into a research career in artificial intelligence. Having non-traditional training helps set you apart, he says. You have to round yourself out. Taking a break from study to work as an intern can put graduate students on the path to success. Credit: Walter Bieri/EPA/REX/Shutterstock Taking time out for an internship can give a PhD student a fresh perspective on their research and their careers. These positions, which typically offer a few weeks or months with a company or other organization, provide a first-hand view into a professional field (see 'Know before you go'). Many of these placements in science and technology-related fields are paid. There are downsides, of course: stopping or pausing PhD work can be tricky, and there's often a risk of getting sidetracked or falling behind. But for students who find the right opportunity and secure the support of their institution and supervisor, an internship can be a winning detour. Nobody tracks the total number of science-based internships available to PhD students, but it's clear that the model has spread to all fields and all parts of the world. It's also clear that competition for such positions is often intense. A spokesperson for Google in Mountain View, California, says that the company receives thousands of applications for internships every year. But even at lower-profile organizations, hopefuls will probably have to play to the strengths that will make them valuable assets to such employers. boxed-textRachael Treharne, an ecology PhD student at the University of Sheffield, UK, promoted her scientific experience when she sought and won a three-month internship as a climate-change policy analyst. At her interview, she emphasized her research in the field, which had included sampling and experiments in the Norwegian Arctic and the boreal forest of Canada. Having a grounding in the natural sciences was a really big advantage, she says. I could see during the interview that that angle was working, so I pushed it quite a lot. Her stint at BirdLife International, a non-profit conservation consortium based in Cambridge, UK, turned out to be a dream job, if only for the short term. I wanted to find out what it was like working at a non-governmental organization, and I loved it, she says. It's very different from the specific knowledge that you get from a PhD. Treharne says that in a perfect world, she would get back to policy work after she graduates. Such permanent positions are relatively scarce and highly competitive, but she feels that she now has an advantage over competing applicants. Not only does she have real-world experience, she has a roster of people to call for advice, answers and, most importantly, references. I'd be much more worried about what I was going to do if I didn't have the contacts that I have now, she says. Margot Paez didn't have deep reserves of scientific experience when she applied for an internship at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. She was a former ethnomusicology major who had just taken her first physics class as an undergraduate at a two-year college. She showed such promise in that class that her professor encouraged her to apply to the Consortium for Undergraduate Research Experience, a US National Science Foundation programme that awards paid internships to promising undergraduate students from community colleges in and around Los Angeles, California. That professor's hunch paid off, and Paez ended up contributing to the data analysis for SHERLOC, a new spectrometer for the 2020 Mars rover. She also developed a web-based repository for samples to be collected by SHERLOC. Kory Mathewson learns the ropes as a Google intern. Credit: Keyfer Mathewson Paez thinks that her music background and computer-programming skills helped her to land the position. They wanted someone who is interesting and well-rounded, she says. You'd think the kid who went to California Institute of Technology right out of high school would be the one they want at JPL, but in my lab that's not the case. Paez continued her JPL internship part-time even after she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she is working on her PhD in robotic physics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. These days, she visits the JPL lab while staying at her parents' house during brief breaks from studying. My goal is to reintegrate with the lab at JPL once I'm done with my PhD, she says. Spending summers and winter breaks in California may slightly slow her PhD work, but Paez says the time away is worth it. My advice is to try everything, and don't worry if it takes longer than you think, she says. However, balancing the demands of an internship while pursuing a PhD can be a challenge. Treharne felt extra pressure to catch up on her doctoral work when she returned. I had a couple of months of blind panic, she says. She now feels that she's been able to make up for the lost time, thanks partly to skills that she picked up at the internship, including the ability to multitask. I've worked much more efficiently since I came back, she says. Some of the largest science companies in the world are tapping into the intern market. In 2016, the German-based chemical company BASF hired roughly 300 interns in its research and development department; most of them are based at the company's headquarters in Ludwigshafen. The majority of interns at BASF are pursuing PhDs in Germany, but the company also hires interns from other parts of Europe as well as from the United States, says Barbara Jessel, a research chemist and member of the firm's recruitment team. We look for committed people with different experiences and perspectives, Jessel says. The interns take part in real projects and are full members of the team. They gain an insight into how the company works and get the chance to build up a personal network. Internship opportunities also exist beyond North America and Europe. The technology company Intel, for example, hires PhD interns at branches in Cairo, Beijing, Jakarta and Hong Kong, among other places. CRCC Asia a company founded by graduate students from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, UK connects interns (including PhD students in technology and science) with more than 600 companies in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The Australian government recently allocated Aus$28 million (US$21.3 million) to the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) to expand its own internship programme. Clients range from small start-ups to large banks, mining operations and telecommunications companies. The goal is to make PhD students ready for work, says Glen Sheldon, the national programme manager. We want them to see the opportunities that they have. I'd be much more worried about what I was going to do if I didn't have the contacts that I have now. The internships, which last an average of five months, should help to create new options for the country's glut of doctoral students, Sheldon says. Australia pumps out a huge number of PhDs, and that number has been increasing dramatically over the past few years, he says. About 125,000 students in Australia earned graduate degrees in 2015, more than double the tally from 2001, according to Universities Australia, an association that represents the nation's institutions. Not all of them are going to end up teaching at a university. We have to find a way to put them into the broader economy, Sheldon adds. The intern programme also addresses a lack of collaboration between academia and industry, Sheldon says. We do research really well, he says. But when you look at transferring knowledge, we're stone-cold last. Inserting PhD students into companies can only help to encourage collaboration, he says. Internships in some fields have a reputation for being a source of cheap or even free labour for employers. According to the non-profit group Brussels Interns NGO, often known as B!ingo, more than half of all student internships in Europe are unpaid, and some PhD students do end up taking unpaid positions, especially in conservation and ecology (see Nature 522, 131; 2015). But many PhD interns in the sciences are compensated for their time and efforts. The AMSI interns, for example, receive a stipend of Aus$3,000 a month. Treharne says that she continued to receive her usual stipend through the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) while she interned at BirdLife International. That was crucial, she says. Otherwise I couldn't have done it. The site glassdoor.com, which collects salary data for many companies, suggests that Google interns generally earn in the range of US$6,000$7,000 a month. Students also need the blessing and support of their home institutions before they can take time off for an internship. Treharne says that both the University of Sheffield and NERC made it easy for her to put her PhD work on hold. Mathewson says that he had to take the initiative. It took a little bit of perseverance and self-motivation to find a position and connect with a company, he says. But once he was offered an internship, his supervisor and the university were accommodating, he says. Mathewson says that, as is the case for many students, the lessons from his internship will help to power him through his PhD and beyond.People at Google are productive and know how to use their code and pipelines in a way that I hadn't seen before, he says. I'm learning incredible practices. Credit: Boston Childrens Hospital Harvard University epidemiologist John Brownstein was always interested in health, but rather than heading to medical school, he decided to wed his interests in ecology, statistics, geography and computer science to predict disease dynamics. Brownstein, who is also chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital in Massachusetts, has partnered with Google and Uber to harness new data sources. You opted out of medical school. Why? I spent a semester in east Africa while I was an undergraduate student at McGill University in Montreal, and I saw how closely the environment is tied to health. It reinforced my interest in working out how to bring multiple fields together to understand the health of populations. I got my PhD in epidemiology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, researching the impact of climate change and landscape transformation on Lyme disease, West Nile virus and other infectious diseases. I also spent time at NASA and realized that there was a huge opportunity to explore satellite imagery and other data sets in epidemiology. Where did those ventures lead? Recognizing that I was interested in population health and disease surveillance, I got excited by large data sets, such as electronic medical records, that could model infectious-disease dynamics. When I came to Harvard and Boston Children's Hospital, I began modelling adverse drug events and influenza in patient populations and turned to the Internet where data was much more available at large scales. I developed a research team to harness data to track disease, and we created HealthMap, a public-health website that mines the Internet for signs of disease outbreaks. Describe your first forays into industry. There were commercial opportunities around the data-mining technologies we created. We spun off a company called Epidemico, which monitors conversations on social media and elsewhere for insights into disease outbreaks, food and drug safety and patient experiences. I also founded a company called Circulation, which works with Uber to get patients to medical appointments. How did you link up with Uber and Google? These connections don't just drop out of the sky. With Google, we had an intern at Boston Children's Hospital who'd been at Google before and was able to produce the right connection there. We got in front of the right people, pitched to them and won what turned out to be seven years of funding. With Uber, we responded to a request for feedback on a trip receipt. We said that our ride was fine but that they should consider expanding their market to those who need health care. They responded and we ran a campaign called UberHealth, which experimented with delivering health-care services, such as flu vaccines. Any advice for early-career researchers who want experience at big technology companies? I've always found that the more a person can refine the research they are interested in, and target people at companies that have those same interests, the higher the rate of success. It's important to find a way to personalize enquiries. A vague one-line e-mail doesn't offer the recipient much to follow up on. At the same time, nobody's unreachable. If you have a story that is compelling and connects you to the person you want to reach, it makes all the difference. The worst that could happen is that you get no response. Also, don't forget about the many available internships at smaller start-ups that are trying to solve one particular problem. Are academics reluctant to approach industry? Yes. Most of them wait for a formal request from potential funders. I don't think people in academia realize that they can create their own funding opportunities. You don't have to go through a structured fellowship application and be one of a thousand applicants. You can talk to a person in industry and come up with a proposal in which you are the only applicant. CEDAR RAPIDS | A man who received child pornography was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in federal prison. Jonathan Sebert, 25, Clarion, received the sentence after a Feb. 9 guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Sebert admitted that, between 2012 and 2015, he knowingly received child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Linda R. Reade sentenced Sebert to 240 months in prison. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Sebert must also serve a 20-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Wright County Sheriffs Office and the Mason City Police Department. Crews with the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to search through the night for a person seen in distress in the water at Ocean Beach Tuesday evening, according to a Coast Guard spokeswoman. At about 7:30 p.m., a person called 911 to report seeing a person in distress near the Cliff House restaurant at 1090 Point Lobos Ave., Coast Guard Lt. Megan Mervar said. The San Francisco Fire Department assisted Coast Guard officials with the search, but fire officials left the scene late Tuesday night. Although thick fog and low visibility is hampering search efforts, a Coast Guard cutter will remain at the scene looking for the victim, Mervar said. Coast Guard officials encourage beach goers to wear life jackets when going into deep water and to immediately call 911 if they see a person in distress. In the middle of the intersection of Turk and Eddy Streets in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. Right in the middle. That is where 70-year-old Del Seymour hit rock bottom. It was 2009 and Seymour was in a fight over an unpaid drug debt. "I'm rolling around in the street with a guy 30 years younger than me and 150 pounds heavier," Seymour said. "I'm a granddaddy. I'm in my early sixties and I say, 'What the hell am I doing? What the hell am I doing?'" It was, Seymour said, the last time he ever used drugs. It remained as vivid a memory to Seymour as the first time he ever used drugs close to 20 years earlier. "I put a crack pipe in my mouth for 18 seconds and it took me 18 years to get it out," Seymour said. During those 18 years, Seymour was a fixture on the streets of the Tenderloin. In addition to his addiction, Seymour admits to selling drugs as well. His more than one dozen felony arrests during that time back up that claim. But after the fight, Seymour began the long process of putting his life back together. His energy these days is spent helping others do the same. Seymour's dream is the improve life in the troubled Tenderloin but not by pushing current residents out. He wants to help them up. It began with an offbeat idea: walking tours of the Tenderloin. Seymour began charging groups of outsiders to give them an insider's view of the neighborhood. It was during one of those tours that a young female drug dealer called out to Seymour. "Del, what are you telling those white folks?" Seymour recalled her saying. "I hope you are telling them that we don't like doing this. What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go?" Seymour didn't have an answer then but he does now. Seymour soon founded Code Tenderloin, a job training program for those who want to do what Seymour did. He says in the past few years they have placed dozens of Tenderloin residents in good-paying jobs. In the process, Seymour, once infamous is now in demand in his neighborhood. The "Mayor" of the Tenderloin is what some call him. It seems there is hardly an initiative to help the neighborhood's poor, homeless, a drug-addicted that doesn't seek out Seymour's support. He says he still regrets all those years lost to drugs but what he's doing now isn't penance for that. It's something better. "When one of the deepest gang members walks through that door says, 'I got that job,' thats not penance. Thats reward and I'll do that every day." Police in Palo Alto are warning people across the country about a phone scam that is demanding people hand over money in exchange for a loved one supposedly in danger. The scam involves a caller contacting the victim claiming that a family member or friend was tangled in a car crash, according to police. The caller says that his vehicle was marred in the collision before demanding that the victim of the scam cough up money via an electronic transfer to pay for the damages. If they don't comply, the scammer says the loved one will be kidnapped and hurt. The caller insists that the victim stay on the phone and complete the money transfer to ensure the safe release of the loved one, according to police. The act of keeping the caller on the phone prevents them from calling police. Palo Alto police said this specific scam is targeting victims across the United States. In order to prevent being scammed, police instruct potential victims to either hang up the phone if they receive a random call from a stranger, contact police or demand proof that their loved one is actually in harm. Marianna Villaescusa with the Palo Alto Police Department encourages victims who can't bring themselves to hang up to press for specifics. "What does my loved one look like?" she said. "What are they wearing? Can you describe their car? Can I speak with that person? Just ask very direct questions that will require a direct answer from them." Los Angeles police and the FBI on Tuesday announced the arrest of a woman believed to be the ringleader of a virtual scam that victimized people in California and three other states. Dating back to 2015, victims paid $114,000 for loved ones who were never actually in danger, according to Los Angeles police. To date, no one in Palo Alto has lost money as a result of the scam. Any victims of the scam are encouraged to contact Palo Alto police at 650-329-2413. People can email anonymous tips to paloalto@tipnow.org or call or text 650-383-8984. Its been over a year since Raymond Shrimp Boy Chow was found guilty of murder and racketeering, but the fallout continues. Three political operatives connected to the case appeared in court on Wednesday, facing a potential trial over corruption charges. The San Francisco District Attorneys Office has not specified that the trio is being charged in connection with Chows case, but they were all connected to it. Zula Jones, a former Human Rights Commission employee, and Nazly Mohajer, a former Human Rights Commissioner, were both implicated by Chows attorneys for allegedly taking money from FBI agents, who were investigating Chow on behalf of Mayor Ed Lee. Keith Jackson, an ex San Francisco school board president, is in federal custody after being convicted in 2015 for corruption along with then-Senator Leland Yee. The three suspects face felony bribery and money laundering charges and all of them plan to plead not guilty. Their defense teams argued that there were no specific actions to support the charges against them. But prosecutors contend that their intent is more than enough, citing evidence of intent via FBI wiretaps of pay-to-play corruption. The court hearing is still underway at the Hall of Justice. It remains to be seen whether theres enough probable cause to proceed to trial. Check back for updates. Expectant mothers in California can now find information on maternity care measures for select hospitals thanks to Yelp. The company partnered with state and non-profit organizations, California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) and Cal Hospital Compare, to provide expectant mothers with self-reported statistics on maternity care in a consumer-friendly way. One in eight babies in the US is born in California where C-section rates for low-risk mothers vary from 10% to 70% depending on the hospital, said Vice President of Communications at Yelp, Shannon Eis. The evidence suggests that a womans chance of having a C-section depends largely on the hospital where she delivers and the practices of her clinical team. The feature is part of a consumer protection initiative between Yelp and ProPublica, aiming to provide people with better medical information. Consumers can find the new feature by searching for local hospitals that provide maternity care on Yelp and will focus on the following measures: Low risk C-section rate The percentage of Caesarean section deliveries in low-risk pregnancies to mothers having their first baby Breastfeeding rate The percentage of newborns fed only breast milk before discharge from this facility Episiotomy rate How often episiotomies are performed at this facility VBAC Routinely Availability Some hospitals do not routinely provide vaginal births after C-sections (VBACs) VBAC Rate How often vaginal births among women with a prior C-section occur at this facility if they routinely provide them The new maternity care rate feature is only availble for roughly 250 hospitals in California but has a potential to expand. Yelp "We hope that offering greater transparency into the performance of medical providers will hold doctors and hospitals accountable, and allow patients to select facilities that offer the highest quality care, said Eis. Check out how these 10 Bay Area hospitals rank in Yelp's Maternity Care Data. Thousands of people showed up Wednesday for a chance to pack and ship products to Amazon customers, as the e-commerce company held a giant job fair at nearly a dozen U.S. warehouses. Although the wages offered will make it hard for some to make ends meet, many of the candidates were excited by the prospect of health insurance and other benefits, as well as advancement opportunities. It's common for Amazon to ramp up its shipping center staff in August to prepare for holiday shopping. But the magnitude of its current hiring spree underscores Amazon's growth when traditional retailers are closing stores and blaming Amazon for a shift to buying goods online. Amazon said it received "a record-breaking 20,000 applications" and hired thousands of people on the spot, and will hire more in the coming days. The number was less than the 50,000 it had announced it was planning to hire before the event took place. Most of the jobs are full-time positions in packing, sorting and shipping and will count toward Amazon's previously announced goal of adding 100,000 full-time workers by the middle of next year. The bad news is that more people are likely to lose jobs in stores than get jobs in warehouses, said Anthony Carnevale, director of Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. On the flip side, Amazon's warehouse jobs provide "decent and competitive" wages and could help build skills. "Interpersonal team work, problem solving, critical thinking, all that stuff goes on in these warehouses," Carnevale said. "They're serious entry-level jobs for a lot of young people, even those who are still making their way through school." The company is advertising starting wages that range from $11.50 an hour in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to $13.75 an hour in Kent, Washington, near Amazon's Seattle headquarters. The $11.50 rate amounts to about $23,920 a year. In Washington state, the current minimum wage is $11.50 but by 2020 this will increase to $13.50. By comparison, the warehouse store operator Costco raised its minimum wage for entry-level workers last year from $13 to $13.50 an hour. Many of the job candidates Wednesday were looking to supplement other income. Rodney Huffman, a 27-year-old personal trainer, said the $13-an-hour job in Baltimore would pay enough to help cover bills while he starts his own company. "I'm looking to do the night shifts and then run my own company during the day," he said. At one warehouse Amazon calls them "fulfillment centers" in Fall River, Massachusetts, the company hired 30 people on the spot in the first two hours. Amazon was looking to hire more than 200 people Wednesday, adding to a workforce of about 1,500. Employees there focus on sorting, labeling and shipping what the company calls "non-sortable" items big products such as shovels, kayaks, surfboards, grills, car seats and lots of giant diaper boxes. Other warehouses are focused on smaller products. While Amazon has attracted attention for deploying robots at some of its warehouses, experts said it could take a while before automation begins to seriously bite into its growing labor force. "When it comes to dexterity, machines aren't really great at it," said Jason Roberts, head of technology and analytics for mass recruiter Randstad Sourceright, which is not working with Amazon on its jobs fair. "The picker-packer role is something humans do way better than machines right now." Steve King, 47, a job candidate in Fall River, agreed: "I don't think robots are up to snuff yet. I think they will be. Hopefully I can get in before the robots get that good and get above the robots in administration or something." In recent years, reports have emerged about difficult working conditions at Amazon's warehouses, including deaths at two Amazon warehouses in 2014. The company also came under fire in 2011 for extreme heat at its warehouses that caused "heat-related injuries" among workers. Amazon said at the time that it took emergency actions during heat waves and subsequently installed cooling systems in its warehouses. But many of those who showed up Wednesday were excited by the prospects of health insurance and other benefits, as well as advancement opportunities. "I like to be busy, so I know Amazon is busy and they want hard workers," retired police officer Brian Trice said. Trice was among those who stood in line in Baltimore on a hot day, as Amazon contractors passed out bottles of water. In Fall River, a line snaked out of the warehouse and under an air-conditioned tent. In Kent, Washington, a vendor offered free cups of shaved ice from a truck playing steel-drum music. Among those lining up in Kent were 18-year-old Javier Costa and his 49-year-old uncle, Manuel Alvarenga. Costa said the warehouse work wasn't necessarily what he was looking for, but his uncle, a recent immigrant from El Salvador, was looking for whatever he could get. "He was making $6 an hour in El Salvador; you can imagine what the people below him were making," Costa said. "It's a harder life down there. At this point he just needs a job." Some left disappointed. Maureen Schell gave up after several hours at the Fall River site, describing it as a publicity stunt and a "drive to get bodies in the door so they can cherry-pick the warehouse staff they want." "It looks like they're looking for young, healthy warehouse staff only," said Schell, a 57-year-old searching for work that will put more money into her retirement. Amazon was also holding events at shipping sites in Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Illinois and Indiana. AP writers Brian Witte, Gene Johnson and Barbara Ortutay contributed to this story. MASON CITY | A Mason City man accused of possessing hydrocodone and methamphetamine has been given a suspended prison sentence. Martin Leroy Pedelty, 41, last week in Cerro Gordo County District Court was given a suspended, concurrent prison sentence not to exceed 10 years for each count felony deliver or possession with intent to deliver hydrocodone and felony delivery or possession with the intent to deliver meth under 5 grams. He submitted a written guilty plea to the charges in June. Judge Gregg Rosenbladt ordered Pedelty to be on probation for five years on each count. He was given a $1,000 fine plus 35 percent surcharge, which was suspended. Pedelty was also ordered to pay attorney fees, and had his driving privileges suspended for 180 days The Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office said it conducted a search warrant at Pedeltys home July 21, 2016, and located more than five grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of hydrocodone, according to criminal complaints. Additional counts of controlled substance violations and failure to affix a drug stamp were dismissed. Ashley Miller Newly released video shows the moment lightning struck a Florida airport ground worker, severely burning the 21-year-old who was hospitalized for nearly two weeks, according to NBC affiliate WBBH. Video of the July 22 incident shows a Sun Country plane on the tarmac preparing for take off at Southwest Florida International Airport. In the video, Austin Dunn can be seen walking under the nose of the plane when lightning strikes the tail. The bolt traveled through the fuselage and then struck Dunn, who collapsed from the shock, according WBBH. There were at least three workers in the area during the time of the incident. We knew he wouldnt give up, said Autumn Dunn, Austin's sister. Once we knew he was alive. It was a relief but it was definitely the scariest thing, you dont expect ityou dont expect it. Dunn suffered third degree burns on his hands, feet and chest, bleeding in his brain and severe muscle damage, according to his family. He was released from Tampa General Hospital Tuesday. Southwest Florida International Airport officials tell WBBH the airports lightning warning system was activated at the time Dunn was hit. Dunn is employed by Navstar, a company contracted by Sun Country Airlines. A North Texas wedding photographer has been awarded a $1.08 million defamation verdict against a married couple whom the jury found posted false statements in a social media campaign after being unhappy about a surprise fee. A Dallas County jury found Friday that social media posts made by Neely and Andrew Moldovan against photographer Andrea Polito amounted to defamation. Polito, according to a lawsuit filed in March 2015, said the couple engaged in a "smear campaign," used negative publicity to "destroy" her business and even bragged online "they were, 'pretty sure her business is done.'" The Moldovans were upset over a required $125 fee for a cover for their wedding album -- an item they said was not on their contract and should have been included in the cost of their wedding album. In an interview with NBC 5 in January 2015, the Moldovans said that Polito's office manager told them unless they paid the fee for a cover their photo album would be forfeited. In the 2015 interview with NBC 5, Moldovan argued, "An album comes with a cover. Its a component of an album. Its a book. In January 2015, Polito didn't want to go on camera, but said she'd "be more than happy to address any inquiries in writing via email." In an email to NBC 5 at that time, Polito said, While they have already paid for the cost of the album, they did not pay for the cost of the cover, which is an a la carte item due to the variation of covers available." Polito added that her order form clearly states that the cover is not included in the wedding package and is an additional charge. After NBC 5's story aired, both Polito and the Moldovans were bombarded with criticism on social media. The Moldovans said in 2015 some of the social media comments, or "likes," attributed to them were actually coming from fake profiles. Neither of us ever hoped her business is ruined, nor do we even want that, Andrew Moldovan said in 2015. We came to NBC just to get our photos and album. Nothing more. The couple did admit in 2015, however, to posting messages on Instagram before and after the interview that said, Excited to be on NBC and justice is served. On Friday, more than two years after the story ran, a Dallas County jury found the couple's social media posts were done out of malice and that Polito followed the terms of her contract with the newlyweds. Jurors found the Moldovans liable for defamation, disparagement, and civil conspiracy, and awarded punitive damages. "Ms. Polito hopes this verdict will reinforce her attempts to repair her reputation, while also sending a message that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences," said Dave Wishnew, Polito's lawyer. "Texas has one of the strongest laws in the nation to protect individuals who air legitimate grievances and opinions. But those protections don't extend to a concerted campaign designed to defame and destroy someone's hard-earned business." Following the decision, Polito told The Dallas Morning News she's determined to rebuild her company. "Im emotionally exhausted. This has been a very long battle," she said. "Last Friday when the verdict was read I felt a little bit relieved, but most importantly I feel my reputation was restored to myself. Whats been so hard the past couple of years has been feeling so ashamed of this story." She told DallasNews.com she hopes that others who may be in a similar situation take away that they have to "fight for what's right and fight for your passion." "No one is safe from this," she said. "I wasnt a new business, I was an established business with a reputation that was well-respected in the Dallas community." The Moldovans issued the following statement Tuesday night: We are stunned. We did what consumer advocates say to do: When you are wronged, you fight back. We were unhappy with a situation, so we complained like anyone would. This court decision tells consumers not to speak up for fear of fat legal bills and painful judgments. If this is the cost of standing up for what's right, we should have given in to start with. But we hope to prevail in the end. We'd love nothing more than to put this behind us and focus on raising our five month old child. Polito Lawsuit Jury Charge Arrest warrants have been issued for a Northwestern University professor and a University of Oxford employee in connection with the killing of a 26-year-old man, who was found stabbed to death last week in a River North apartment. First-degree murder warrants were issued Monday for 42-year-old Wyndham Lathem and 56-year-old Andrew Warren, according to Cook County court records. The pair are wanted for the death of 26-year-old Trenton H. James Cornell-Duranleau, who was found fatally stabbed Thursday on the tenth floor of the Grand Plaza Apartments on State Street, where police say Lathem lives. Cornell-Duranleau, a Michigan native and hairstylist, was pronounced dead at the scene just after 9 p.m. An autopsy found he died of multiple sharp force injuries and his death was ruled a homicide. Lathem is an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Northwestern University's medical school, where he has worked for 10 years. He has been placed on administrative leave and banned from entering Northwestern campuses, according to university spokesman Alan Cubbage. There is no indication of any risk to the Northwestern community from this individual at this time, Cubbage said in an emailed statement. Warren is a senior treasury assistant at the University of Oxford in Great Britain, according to the universitys website. Both men disappeared after the young hairstylist was found dead, authorities said. Residents were notified via email that Chicago police swept the property and were investigating motives in the killing, including whether it may have been a "domestic incident." On Wednesday, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said detectives suspect the pair may have fled Illinois and their passports have been flagged by the State Department. The U.S. Marshal has also joined in the search. "Our search will only intesify," Guglielmi tweeted, asking both Lathem and Warren to "do the right thing & turn yourself in to any police dept." Chicago police are searching for a suspect in an aggravated battery that took place at a Red Line station on the citys North Side last month. The incident took place at around 5:03 a.m. on July 8 at the Sheridan Red Line station, located in the 3900 block of North Sheridan Avenue, according to a community alert from Chicago police. Authorities said the offender knocked a 49-year-old man down a flight of stairs, then followed the victim down and repeatedly kicked him in the head. The victim suffered a broken orbital socket and broken pelvis, as well as several bruises and abrasions, according to police. The suspect was described as a Filipino man between the ages of 25 and 35 and standing around 5'3" to 5'7", officials said. He weighs approximately 130 to 160 pounds, with short brown hair and an olive complexion, according to police, and was wearing a white polo shirt with a dark stripe on the collar, dark pants and gray shoes. Police said the offender boarded the train at the Thorndale station and exited at Sheridan. Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has any information is asked to contact Chicago police at (312) 744-8261. Monika Gogola says it is not uncommon for her daughters to travel together with an airline escort, but this time something went wrong and they were separated. "Something like this should never ever happen," she told NBC 5 in an exclusive interview Tuesday. Gogola was waiting for her daughters to return from a month long trip to Poland, when she got a call from a family member saying that her 13-year-old daughter was alone in the Frankfurt airport. The girls were visiting family and headed back to Lockport at the time. "I didn't know what to do, I didn't know what to think, my brain was out," Gogola recalled. Olivia, 13, and 9-year-old Julia were traveling with an airline escort. But when they landed in Frankfurt they were separated by a flight attendant. The other one comes up and says 'sorry but you can't go with your sister,'" Olivia said of the airline worker. Olivia was sent to multiple customer service representatives in the airport--none of which could help. "I was scared I wasn't going to make it to next flight because I didn't know where to go and wouldn't come home," she said. She eventually found the gate on her own where Julia was waiting. "I thought I wouldn't find her anymore," Julia recalled. A Lufthansa representative called the girls mother from the gate, but Gogola says that's not enough. "Basically what they said is, the crew made a mistake and they're really sorry," Gogola said. Now, with her daughters home safe, Gogola is speaking out about the unexpected dangers of traveling alone. "I want everyone to know what happened, that's what I want," she said. A spokesperson for Lufthansa was not immediately aware of the situation, but says they are now actively looking into it and working with customer relations. New Haven Police and the citys school system are investigating an apparent break-in and vandalism at James Hillhouse High School earlier this week. New Haven Public Schools officials told NBC Connecticut Monday that custodians entered the Sherman Parkway school building and found signs of an apparent break-in as well as vandalism to office spaces and classrooms. An alarm in the building did not sound, apparently due to a wiring issue. The schools video system was operational and could help police identify a suspect. In the neighborhood surrounding the school, community members were shocked and disappointed about the still unsolved incident. They should respect what the school stands for. Hillhouse has come such a long way. Its such a productive school now Lotheria Nelson, who went to Hillhouse, said. Hillhouse parent, Patrice Smith, shared similar feelings. Thats sad that someone would do that to a school, she said. Some people from the community, including Philip Bynum who mentored at Hillhouse in 2016, said the incident is an indicator of the need for more opportunity in the community. Theres a lot of young kids out there with nothing to do. Weve got to find some kind of purpose, reason, some kind of thing to get them more occupied in the summer, Bynum said. New Haven School officials are working with police to assess the total damage and cost of the incident. Anyone with information should call New Haven Police. Neighbors living in front of a construction site in Middletown have had enough of what they are calling a huge mess of dirt and dust on the street coming from the site. The mess is spreading to homes and cars on Middle Street. The site is the future home of the FedEx Ground Distribution Hub. It was formerly an Aetna campus and the new facility is scheduled to open in 2018. While it will bring in hundreds of jobs to the City, the building project is bringing headaches for those who live nearby. NBC Connecticut spent the day on Middle Street to try and get answers for aggravated residents. The layer of dirt on Middle Street is enough to make a dust cloud as cars and trucks drive over it. Its the dust. Its trying to keep the dust out, Bob Dezi, who lives near the site, said. While Dezi is not against the project, he told NBC Connecticut that he just wants it to be done right. All you have to do is look at my car, my flowers, look at the flower out here dust is loaded on all of these flowers, Dezi said. For Lisa Zona, it goes beyond the cleanliness. The amount of dust has become a health concern for her family. We have to keep our ACs in back windows of the house. I have asthma. My daughter has asthma, Zona said. She also has concerns about her son's bedroom. We dont even open the windows because its not worth it to come in on his bed and for them to be breathing it in, Zona said. Dezi is also concerned about the noise from trucks and construction equipment in the early morning hours. The trucks started rolling at 5, 5:30, quarter to 6 in the morning. And behind it are the shovels and bulldozers and the removal of dirt, Dezi said. According to a city ordinance, noise from construction activity cannot begin before 7 a.m. The neighborhood is part of the Westfield Residents Association. Jennifer Mahr, the chair of the association, asks that the construction company follows the ordinance. There are trucks that wet down the road and street sweepers that come through several times a day. Mahr wants more of that to cut down on the dust. That they just put water down. So there is a street sweeper that works almost continuously but his little streams of water dont keep down the big huge dust clouds, Mahr said. In a statement, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew addressed residents concerns. "We've asked for additional street sweeping. We also don't want residents disturbed so early in the morning and both our Planning Department and Public Works Department are working with the company on their hours. This project will be very good for the community and we certainly want to limit the impact to the public during construction," Drew said. NBC Connecticut reached out to the construction company, Barton Malow, and FedEx. FedEx company spokesperson, David Westrick, responded with a statement. "Safety is our top priority in all of our operations at FedEx Ground, including during the construction of our package sortation hub in Middletown. Our construction partner is working directly with the city and neighbors on daily efforts to mitigate any construction effects including ensuring that all construction work is done between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and daily maintenance of roadways. We are aware of the feedback from the local community and are working with the appropriate contacts to acknowledge these concerns and maintain a safe construction site." Barton Malow has not responded. A man suspected in the 2013 slaying of his millionaire grandfather could get more than $7 million from his estate, according to court documents. An accounting of John Chakalos' finances filed in New Hampshire probate court this week by attorneys for the executor of his estate indicates it has a balance of nearly $29 million. John Chakalos, an 87-year-old real estate developer, was found fatally shot at his Windsor, Connecticut home in December 2013. His grandson, Nathan Carman, of Vernon, Vermont, was a suspect but was never charged. Chakalos' will called for one of his daughters, Linda Carman, Nathan Carman's mother, to get a portion of his estate. The missing woman is presumed dead after a boat carrying her and Nathan Carman, who's in his early 20s, sank during a fishing trip near Rhode Island last year. The new accounting shows Chakalos' estate is now worth less than the nearly $40 million it was valued at when Linda Carman disappeared, the newspaper reported. Last month, Linda Carman's three sisters sued in New Hampshire's Cheshire County, where Chakalos owned another home. They've asked a judge to block Nathan Carman from collecting money from his grandfather's estate and have accused him of killing his grandfather and possibly his mother in a bid to collect the inheritance. Carman has denied any involvement in his grandfather's death and has said he didn't sabotage the boat used for the mother-son fishing trip. The sisters' attorney has said that if the sisters win the lawsuit and any of the money that would have gone to Nathan Carman goes to them, "they pledge to use those funds exclusively to pay for expenses incurred relating to the investigation into the death of their father and disappearance of their sister, and any remaining funds will go to charity." There might be even tighter rules in place when it comes to lobster fishing that could hurt the bottom line for the lobstermen in Connecticut. Lobsterman Michael Grimshaw is the president of the Southern New England Fishermens and Lobstermens Association. He said he's a little crusty there might be even stricter regulations on fishing these crustaceans. On Tuesday, the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission is considering new restrictions on lobster fishing in Southern New England. These restrictions could include changes to the legal harvesting size, even longer seasonal closures to the fishing areas and reductions to the number of traps. Grimshaw said hes already been asked to reduce his traps from 800 to 400 over five years. "Realistically, Ill probably have to consider some other employment to get through this," Grimshaw said. The focus is to help rebuild the lobster population in southern New England and boost egg production. Experts said the population has declined off Connecticut, Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts as the water warmed in those areas. As an alternative solution, Grimshaw and other lobstermen came to the table offering to not fish on Sundays in July and August to let the lobsters breed. Grimshaw said the real issue is predators because he and other lobstermen dont fish to capacity. The seas bass, the black fish are like piranhas, if you will. They eat the legs off the lobster, Grimshaw said. CLEAR LAKE | A Mason City woman accused of stealing more than $32,000 from a Clear Lake car dealership has been given a suspended prison sentence. Amy Monahan, 43, on Tuesday in Cerro Gordo County District Court was given a suspended prison sentence not to exceed 10 years for felony first-degree theft. Judge Rustin Davenport also ordered Monahan, Lake Chevrolets former office manager, to pay $32,526 in restitution to the dealership. She also must pay a $1,000 fine and a 35 percent surcharge, all of which was suspended. Monahan was also placed on probation for three to five years. Monahan, who filed a written guilty plea to first-degree theft in March, was initially charged with felony ongoing criminal conduct and forgery, according to court documents. Those charges were dismissed by the Cerro Gordo County Attorneys Office. Following a seven-month investigation, investigators say Monahan took money, received extra employment benefits, used business funds to pay personal credit cards and forged checks over a two-year period. She was employed at the dealership from 2013 to 2016. Ashley Miller The mayors of Dallas and Fort Worth went to Austin Tuesday to meet with Gov. Greg Abbott in a push to maintain local control. The mayors oppose portions of Abbotts agenda for the current special session of the Texas Legislature. From taxes to trees, the mayors claim the proposed state laws would hamper their ability to run their cities. One new state law would forbid cities from regulating trees on private property. Both Dallas and Fort Worth have tree preservation ordinances. However, with Abbott Tuesday, the mayors steered clear of trees, focusing instead on other issues where they hoped to find common ground. There is no question that we disagree on a lot of things, but leadership is about trying to get a line around the things you can agree on, said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. On taxes, a proposed state law would lower the amount of property tax revenue cities can collect from rising property values before triggering the option of a voter election to roll back rates. I think its a bad bill, but I think it can be edited and amended in such a way that its more palatable for us, and hopefully thats what going to happen in the House, Rawlings said. The governor declined to speak with reporters after the meeting Tuesday, but Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said it went well and Abbott seemed receptive. We talked a lot about our region, a whole lot about education, touched on a couple of the other bills that concerned us, and hes listening, Price said. Rawlings said there was a cooperative discussion about job creation and early childhood education. I was very pleased that the governor spoke with great passion about what were doing in Southern Dallas and our need to deal with poverty, Rawlings said. The Texas Senate has already approved much of the governors special session agenda, including the restrictions on regulation of trees, city and county property tax rollback and the so-called "bathroom bill" that would restrict transgender Texans to the restroom of their birth gender. The Texas House is still considering most of the governors requests. Price and Rawlings said their cities are also lobbying members of the Texas House. Were elected officials. We answer to the same constituents and were trying to let them know what were hearing from our constituents, Price said. Rawlings and Price were among 18 Texas mayors who signed a July 20 letter seeking the opportunity to share their concerns about the special session agenda with Abbott. Nine of the mayors have now had meetings. The governors office has four more mayors scheduled Wednesday, including the leaders of Irving, Frisco and McKinney. What to Know Rescuers hoisted motorists to safety after their vehicles became stuck in Acton Antelope Valley was hit with flash flooding Temperatures to remain hot, humid this week Hot tropical weather spawned thunderstorms that sent flood waters rushing through the Acton area Thursday, halting Metrolink service and prompting the evacuation of about 200 train passengers. National Weather Service forecasters had issued a flash flood watch for the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley as "copious amounts of monsoonal moisture" streamed across Southern California throughout the day. The flooding in Acton was caused by an intense 30-minute midafternoon downpour that also inundated parts of the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and Sierra Highway. A hoist rescue of a main from the roof of a pickup truck that became stuck in rushing water occurred about 5:20 p.m. in the area of Syracuse Avenue and Crown Valley Road, where flood waters swamped several properties. Flooded and possibly undermined tracks near Aliso Canyon Road also brought a Metrolink train to a halt in the area and officials later announced service was halted between Via Princessa and Lancaster on the Antelope Valley Line. About 200 people were evacuated from the stopped train, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher. Metrolink was working to secure alternate transportation for stranded passengers, according to the sheriff's department. An NWS statement had warned that flash flooding and debris flows would be a threat especially in areas previously denuded in wildfires. Temperatures around 100 degrees were reported today in some valley and desert locations. The ongoing crisis in Venezuela could have implications in the United States if the White House decides to intensify sanctions on the Maduro government. On Monday, the Trump administration announced financial sanctions against Nicolas Maduro after what many called a sham referendum. The Venezuelan leader maintains that voters on Sunday passed a mandate that allows him to place his supporters in every seat in the government. Maduro has drawn widespread international criticism over the election and for his threat to use the new assembly to punish his foes. The U.S. and other nations consider his move a power grab. President Donald Trump has not delivered on threats to sanction the South American countrys oil industry, which could undermine Maduro's government but also raise U.S. gas prices and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Max Alvarez is the president of Sunshine Gasoline. He said that while oil stocks may be impacted by the situation in Caracas, South Florida drivers shouldnt see much of a difference at the pump as long as there are no major changes in Venezuela. Real sanctions are when you cut off their ability to import and export, and their ability to generate American dollars, Alvarez explained. The gas exec said those who are boycotting Citgo Gas stations in South Florida in hopes of punishing Maduro are misguided. Boycotting the company only hurts local owners and employees. Neither Citgo nor Venezuela own one single gas station in South Florida, said Alvarez. Political watchers say they expect Maduro to clamp down even more as protests continue. They are going to go back to repression, to violence, to persecution because its the only way they have to show to the world that they are still being strong, said Andre Rodriguez, a Venezuelan native and South Florida media consultant. If Maduro continues to push back, there could be an international outcry for the U.S. to sanction Venezuelan oil. Experts say mild option would be to limit the amount of light crude oil the U.S. sends to Venezuela, which is mixed into a denser crude oil that is later exported. A former police officer who was caught on camera sucker punching the valet at a Fort Lauderdale resort was officially charged with battery Wednesday. John Henry Kiernan faces a misdemeanor battery charge in the punching of Rudolph Rodriguez at the Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort at 4060 Galt Ocean Drive last Tuesday. Rudolph's attorney, David Kubiliun, told NBC 6 one day before the charges were being filed. "Even though they took a week we are very gratified and took the time, they realized the severity of what happened here and chose to charge this person with that crime," Kubiliun said. Fort Lauderdale Police responded to the hotel but didn't initially charge the 37-year-old Kiernan, who is from central Florida. Surveillance video from the hotel showed Kiernan punch Rodriguez, knocking him to the ground. Rodriguez told NBC 6 that Kiernan, who was a guest at the hotel, was upset over an $18 valet charge. Kiernan said Rodriguez was very disrespectful to him and his wife in front of his kids and that the valet told him he wanted to fight. "He punched my face and I don't remember nothing," Rodriguez said. "He punched me for no reason." Kiernan said from his experience as a law enforcement officer, he felt in danger for his safety and struck first. "Based on everything I have dealt with in my life...and based on his body language, the way he spoke to me, I did feel he was going to go to physical contact," Kiernan said. "I didn't know if the guy had a weapon on him. So as soon as he said that I struck him one time and he went down." In a statement Monday, Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione said Rodriguez had no visible injuries and said the video was unavailable on the night of the incident. Maglione added that Kiernan should be charged in the incident. Kubiliun said Kiernan will be notified of the charge and won't be physically arrested but will be summoned to court. South Florida is drying out after severe flooding on Tuesday afternoon, but residents were still cleaning up after the heavy rain. Several inches of water flooded into the elevator and lobby of the Sunshine Bay Apartment Building on Lincoln Road and Lincoln Court. Residents said they had to rush to get their cars out of the garage during the downpour. "It's absurd. It's not safe at all," one resident said. Streets in Miami Beach and Miami were inundated with floodwaters after heavy downpours pounded the area. The National Weather Service in Miami issued a Flood Warning for Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, South Miami and Virginia Key. The advisory was in effect until 9:45 p.m. Tuesday. Roads transformed into rivers along the 2300 block of Collins Avenue. Photos showed ankle-high water seeping into a Walgreens store. NBC 6 Miami Beach experienced major street flooding during strong storms Tuesday afternoon. Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine said the city continues to upgrade the stormwater system that drains streets during rain and rip tides. He said the new system is designed to handle 7.5 inches of rainfall and noted that Tuesday's rainfall surpassed seven inches per hour. "This is more than double the new design capacity. The new stormwater systems have only been installed in approximately 15 percent of the city," the mayor said in a statement released Tuesday. Officials with the City of Miami were holding a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the flooding. Traffic on I-395 was backed up due to the flooded roads. Other areas, including Brickell and Little Havana, were also experiencing major flooding. The deteriorating weather was causing delays at Miami International Airport Tuesday night. Airport officials advised travelers to check with their airlines before heading to the MIA. "I dont know if Im gonna tolerate this kind of thing, this wasnt even a major storm," one Miami Beach resident said. "It wasnt a hurricane, who knows what happens then? The Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse in Miami announced it will close Wednesday after the downpours caused flooding after a roof drain leaked. Lightning struck a diesel tanker twice as the truck was moving fuel to another tanker. The incident happened on Southwest 77th Street and 117th Avenue. If you run into a flooded area turn around. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Keep checking NBC 6s First Alert Doppler 6000 for storms in your area and be sure to download the NBC 6 News and Weather App for the latest developments. It's a nondescript warehouse in Medley on the outside. On the inside, it sort of looks like a Home Depot store, except everything is free and all the merchandise is destined for public school classrooms. So what do they have? "Everything, really, you never know what you're gonna get here, i always say it's a thrift store for teachers and you gotta come in, everything's in a box, and great teachers think outside the box," said Stacey de la Grana of the education fund. This magical land where teachers shop for free study is called The Education Fund's Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials. All 22,000 Miami-Dade public school teachers are eligible to peruse the aisles here, looking for everything from basic supplies to more esoteric items they can use for art projects and for student rewards. "There are clipboards, pencils, incentives for teachers' treasure box to motivate the students because it's so important to keep them focused, so it's a lot, it's a true blessing," said Sabine Pointe du Jour, who teaches at Oak Grove Elementary School. de la Grana points out that the Eduction Fund does many things for teachers and schools. "This is just one of the many programs that we do that's a resource for teachers so that they can save money and not use money out of their own pocket or send notes home to the kids to bring in supplies," de la Grana said. It's no secret that the vast majority of public school teachers everywhere spend their own money on classroom supplies. That's been going on forever. The warehouse just reduces that burden. "I spend 300 dollars every summer... just buying arts and crafts activities that will supplement their learning, so this ocean bank center is a great deal,"said Jocy Nery, a teacher at Coral Park Elementary. Of course, the warehouse setup helps teachers set up their own classrooms, which in turn helps the students. You know who else benefits from this effort? The companies and people who donate all the supplies. "We have seen amazing tings they have shown us, that they have done with the products we have donated, so actually it's very rewarding, it's a great feeling," said Marisel Caceres of All Florida Paper, which regularly donates surplus to the education supplies warehouse. A great feeling, no doubt, for teachers to know someone out there in the private sector is supporting them. From pencils to paper, it all adds up. The warehouse is located at 6890 NW 76 St., Medley, FL 33166, near the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826). A private firm hired by the City of Pembroke Pines presented research Wednesday that found water samples recently taken from six sites meet state health regulations, concluding the city's water is safe to drink. The findings come after state health officials issued an alert in November when water samples revealed a high level of trihalomethanes -- a chemical compound that can be harmful if ingested over many years. Chandra Mysore is the Water/Wastewater Technology Director of the private firm Jacobs. He told NBC 6 that despite its findings, the city's water is still not in compliance with state health regulations, and won't be until additional testing confirms his firm's findings. Water must meet state requirements for 4 consecutive quarters before its deemed in compliance, according to Mysore. The firm conducted testing at six locations. Additional water samples will be collected in August. The firm also provided recommendations for Pembroke Pines moving forward. A test sample in November 2016 showed a high level of trihalomethanes in the water. Although the health department warned Pembroke Pines residents about the water safety issue, city officials maintained the water is safe to drink, saying there is no acute health risk. The firm pointed to routine pipe cleaning around the time water samples were taken in November as the likely reason for the high levels of trihalomethane. GARNER | A 17- and 19-year-old have been charged with felony first-degree robbery for attempting to rob two individuals at gunpoint during a party in rural Hancock County in July, law enforcement says. Isaiah Zion Lewis, 17, and Kyren-Ray Daniel Valentine, 19, are accused of being armed with an AR15-type rifle and a handgun, a Hancock County Sheriffs deputy wrote in criminal complaints. The Globe Gazette is identifying Lewis as he is charged with a felony in adult court. On or about July 31, Lewis is accused of tapping one victim on the shoulder with the rifle, court documents say, and Valentine is accused of putting the pistol in another victims chest. Both victims were told to empty their pockets, the complaints state. Neither victim had any property on them. Both were arrested in Britt on July 31 and have been appointed public defenders. Lewis and Valentine have a preliminary hearing scheduled at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 11 in Hancock County District Court. Valentine is being held without bond in the Cerro Gordo County Jail. Lewis is being held in Central Iowa Juvenile Detention in Eldora. Ashley Miller A 55-year-old man was stabbed and left for dead on a street in Manhattan Tuesday night, police say. The NYPD says officers were called to East 44th Street and Third Avenue in Murray Hill, where they found the man suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest and stomach. The man was bleeding and breathing heavily, cops said. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The mans name hasnt been released. Police said he is known to authorities because he has 17 prior arrests in the city, with the most recent one in June. The stabbing happened shortly before midnight, at a time when the area was still busy. I usually work all night," the deli worker told News 4. "I've been working late for a long time but nothing happened like that. No weapon was recovered, police said. Police said they aren't sure if they are looking for more than one suspect, and the circumstances leading to the deadly stabbing werent immediately known. The area remained closed to traffic through Wednesday morning. What to Know Jeffrey Hurant, who ran the Rentboy.com site, is facing sentencing on Wednesday in federal court in Brooklyn Some Democratic politicians are asking a federal judge to go easy on Hurant, who pleaded guilty last year to promoting prostitution Prosecutors want him to serve at least a short term to deter operators of other escort services; lawyers want no more than probation The former CEO of a once-popular male escort service website who pleaded guilty last year to promoting prostitution was sentenced to six months in prison Wednesday by a judge who said she wanted to send a deterrent message even though she knows the business helped people. Jeffrey Hurant, who ran the Rentboy.com site, which billed itself as the largest site for male escorts in the world, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margo K. Brodie in Brooklyn. "The very thing that is illegal there is no question it did a lot of good," Brodie said of the website as she also announced a $7,500 fine. "Almost two decades of committing a crime. That can't go unpunished." Hurant defended the business he said he ran openly for 20 years, saying many sex workers had told him that the website enabled them to work safely and independently after years of laboring in deplorable conditions. "I disagree with the law I violated. I am obliged to follow it," he said. "My company mitigated many of the dangers of sex work." Brodie noted the many positive letters sent to her on Hurant's behalf. "I am convinced you started the site for a good purpose," she said. Prosecutors sought at least a short prison term to deter operators of other escort services from similar misconduct, while his lawyers argued he deserves probation. In letters to the court, lawmakers, civil rights organizations and other supporters cautioned that a tough sentence could send the wrong message to the gay community. The case is troubling "because it harkens back to a dark chapter in our nation's history when the government used its vast resources to target and threaten LGBT adults by exposing their private consensual sexual activity," wrote state Sen. Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat. Five New York City council members from the LGBT community also signed a letter arguing that "a harsh sentence will serve neither society nor the rehabilitation of Mr. Hurant." Other letters written last year by two Democratic congressmen from New York, Jerrold Nadler and Sean Patrick Maloney, to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security questioned whether the agencies had wasted time and resources on pursuing a victimless crime. Before authorities arrested Hurant and seized the Rentboy site, it had thousands of advertisers paying up to $300 a month, 500,000 visitors a day and revenues of $10 million in the past five years. The business hosted parties and an annual awards show for escorts called the Hookies. Prosecutors had alleged that Rentboy was the equivalent of an online brothel, and what the site called escorts was actually prostitutes. They said proof was in explicit ads featuring nude photos, listings of all manner of physical attributes and pricing options ranging from $150 an hour to $3,500 for a weekend. Homeland Security's involvement in the takedown, along with an absence of any allegations that Rentboy was a menace to society beyond simple prostitution like engaging in human trafficking or exploiting minors stirred anger and fear in the gay community. Activists questioned why the agency would single out Rentboy when other escort websites, gay or straight, continue to do business. Suffolk County Police welcomed hundreds of people, including several municipal organizations, to a Long Island park for the annual National Night Out on Tuesday. This was Brentwoods second year hosting the community-building event, where locals, especially kids, have the opportunity to interact with police in a friendly setting. This year's event was held at Gill Haunches Park. While a fun night, the community was reminded of the MS-13 gang violence that has been making national headlines lately, especially after President Trump visited Long Island last week to address the growing issue. Few communities have suffered worse at the hands of these MS-13 thugs than the people of Long Island, Trump said to a receptive audience that included federal and local law enforcement personnel. Long Island has been the focus of MS-13 violence in recent months, with 17 murders by members of the gang in the area since Jan. 1, 2016, according to police officials. Most of the victims are teenagers, police say. The deaths began to gain attention after best friends Nisa Mickens, 15, and Kayla Cuevas, 16, both students at Brentwood High School, were killed in September by a carload of gang members who spotted them walking down the street. Suffolk County locals remain hopeful though. National Night Out event organizer Felicia Moss, who moved to Brentwood three years ago, said that the town is more than just its violent headlines. I havent had any encounters where there was violence or anything like that. Its always about community support here, she said. Tim Sini, Suffolk County Police Commissioner, also said that theres been progress against gang violence. What to Know A 28-year-old New York City employee was arrested on federal charges of downloading child porn on his work computer Daniel Sherlock used his work computer to download dozens of images of child pornography, federal prosecutors say He was arrested for a similar crime on Long Island in 2014 and was sentenced to probation; his new arrest violates probation A 28-year-old IT worker employed by the city was arrested by federal prosecutors Wednesday after authorities say he used his computer at work to download child pornography, the second time he's accused of the crime. Daniel Sherlock of East Meadow, Long Island, allegedly looked at over 80 images of young girls engaged in sexual activity on his work computer while working for the city's Health and Hospital agency, federal prosecutors say. He allegedly tried to hide the activity through a computer program designed to delete files. Sherlock worked as an IT technician in non-clinical office, according to officials. A judge ordered him released on home incarceration Wednesday to be enforced by electronic monitoring and a $50,000 bond co-signed by two financially responsible people as well as his mother, although he must remain detained until his mother signs the bond and electronic monitoring is set up at his home. Among the other conditions of his release, Sherlock isn't allowed to access the internet, view sexually explicit images, or have contact with minors. It's the second time Sherlock has been arrested on these kinds of charges: records show Sherlock was charged in 2014 by the Nassau County District Attorneys office for allegedly possessing images of young girls engaging in sexual performances. He pleaded guilty in the case on March 31, 2015, and was sentenced to three years probation, plus sex offender conditions, according to court records. His federal arrest in Manhattan violates his probation. NYC Health and Hospital records confirm Sherlock was at work on the days the child porn was created, and the file-cleaning program, CCleaner, was installed, according to the criminal complaint. A spokesman for HHC said in a statement, "We have zero tolerance for this kind of criminal behavior. NYC Health + Hospitals will continue to provide DOI and SDNY with the information needed to pursue this case." HHC is moving to fire Sherlock, an official said. New York City HHC is the largest public health care system in the U.S., providing health care services to over 1 million residents of New York every year, according to authorities. It's also one of the largest employers in New York. Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said Wednesday, "Whatever efforts are made to avoid detection, we are committed to prosecuting child pornography offenses and protecting children from sexual exploitation." "This charged crime is serious," said Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark Peters. "There can be no tolerance for this kind of grotesque behavior." Sherlock was expected to appear in federal court in Manhattan later Wednesday. Messages have been left with his attorney. He faces up to 20 years in prison if he's convicted of possessing child pornography. Police have arrested someone in the case of a 17-year-old tortoise that was stolen from a Queens environmental center last month and later turned in to police after it was exchanged in some sort of turtle trade, police say. Shawn Waters, 36, of Queens, turned himself in to authorities and was at the 111th Precinct in Bayside on Tuesday afternoon, according to police. Waters is charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. The nearly 100-pound tortoise, named Millennium, was stolen from the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston and eventually turned over at the NYPD's 111th Precinct stationhouse last Tuesday. Police say that after Millennium was stolen, it was traded to someone for another tortoise. The new owner then notified police. Alley Pond Environmental Center staffers went to the police station to identify the tortoise and pick it up. The large reptile appeared to be in good condition, but still needed to be evaluated by a vet as of last week. A staffer told News 4 over the phone they were happy that someone was willing to hand the tortoise over but the NYPD is still investigating and keeping them posted. Cops were called to Alley Pond last week after staffers discovered the tortoise was gone and its enclosure had been broken. Alley Pond is a nonprofit educational organization that advocates for sustainable environmental policies and practices. Kaleb Davis, a 6-year-old boy visiting the center last week, told News 4, "I don't know why they took the tortoise but it was very mean." Editor's note: The Associated Press reported in an earlier story that the tortoise was 100 years old. But the environmental center tells NBC 4 New York it is 17. As Ebola spread across Sierra Leone in 2014, Amadu started sending paychecks home from New York to support seven nieces and nephews orphans who had lost their parents to Ebola, some suffering from the disease themselves. But one day in January, on the job as a package courier, he suffered a bike accident that shattered his leg in three places, he said. When a program called temporary protected status, or TPS, expired in May for immigrants from three countries in West Africa, he lost his job and authorization to work or stay in the country legally. Without a steady source of income, Amadu says he has no money to pay for rent, send to family back home, or afford $36,000 in medical bills. He does physical therapy himself and eats when his friends offer him food. He has no plans to return home. The health system there is very, very badIf I go back home, Im not sure if Id be able to get medical attention, he said, declining to provide his last name out of fear of being deported. Staying here, I dont open the mail some days because I cant pay. Every day I get scared. I cry. I dont know what will happen to me. In 2014, the Department of Homeland Security gave protection under TPS a temporary relief program for immigrants whose homelands are in crisis to people from three West African countries hit hard by the Ebola epidemic: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. After the epidemic was declared to be over, Obama administration officials announced in the fall they would be ending the program and warned several thousand immigrants their legal status would expire in May. Now, Amadu and other former TPS recipients say they face a difficult choice: Abandon the lives theyve built up in the U.S. for a country still reeling from health-related problems, or remain here without the ability to work legally, under an administration that is cracking down on those without legal status and aiming for new limits on legal immigration. When that status is taken away from you, its like your whole life is being forced in a different direction, said Wilmot Kunney, president of the D.C.-based United Liberian Association of the Americas. Theyve become anchored in the U.S. system and now they cant work. They cant do anything. Sharon Scheidhauer, a spokesperson for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Services, said in a statement to NBC that TPS as enacted in law is inherently temporary in nature. The program lasts for six to 18 months, depending on the initial announcement, but it can be extended by DHS as many times as officials see fit. Haiti, Honduras, and El Salvador have all had TPS for over half a decade. It is intended to provide immigration relief in situations that render it unsafe for foreign nationals in the United States to return to their home country or when their home country is temporarily unable to adequately handle their return, Scheidhauer said. In the case of the Ebola-stricken West African nations, former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson set up TPS for 18 months, renewed it for another year and a half, then announced the termination of the program last September. NO TPS, NO WORK, NO MONEY Experts and community leaders say that many of the West African immigrants who were protected under TPS about 4,270, according to a DHS estimate in September have left or will be returning home in compliance with the decision. But others have established roots in the U.S. Evelyn, who overstayed a tourist visa after coming from Liberia in 2007, lives in Philadelphia with her 9-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and fiance, all of whom are all U.S. citizens. "What will happen to them if they take me away, and say, 'You have to go back home?'" she said, also declining to give her last name out of fear of deportation. Im afraid because I dont really trust nobody." Although TPS is not supposed to lead to a green card in the first place, people like Evelyn who were covered under the program and meet the normal qualifications, like marrying a U.S. citizen can apply to stay and work here permanently. But even then it isnt a sure bet. Lawyers told her that she may have to wait up to three years, pay as much as $6,000 in legal fees, and temporarily return to Liberia to get permanent status, she said. Since losing her job at a shipping company, Evelyn said she has less and less money to pay rent and support her kids, much less apply for a green card. "I dont know whats going to happen. I can't leave, but I have no way to stay," she said. "I have my kids at home who need my help, but without papers I cant even help myself." While Evelyns story is unusual in that she can apply for a green card, the number of years shes spent in the U.S. is not uncommon among former TPS recipients. Anyone from a country with TPS can apply for temporary legal status as long as they entered the U.S. by the time the program was put in place. As a result, many former TPS holders from West Africa once lived here as undocumented immigrants. For them, the program's termination means going back to a life as undocumented a life that brings new challenges. "Individuals who were living under the rug in the shadows came up, and now thats been taken away from them, said Jessica Greenberg, a staff attorney at the Immigration Community Law Center in New York. Greenberg added that one of the most tangible effects of TPS termination is that it takes away a work permit and social security number from former recipients, preventing them from continuing to work and pay taxes. Storm Team4 Cheif Meteorologist Doug Kammerer has the latest on the severe thunderstoms hitting the D.C. area Thats the case with Aissatou, a Guinean immigrant who said she overstayed a tourist visa in 2001 and began working illegally for $8 an hour at a clothing company in New York, with the goal of eventually going to school. TPS allowed her to secure a minimum-wage home health aide job in 2014, but she lost the position along with her work permit in May and has been unable to find under-the-table jobs since. I look for a job to just pay me cash and I cant find anything. Its very hard, its really very, very hard," she said. "If I go back, I'm going to die. Im scared, Im not sleeping, I dont know what to do. How am I going to survive? How am I going to pay my bills? Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute in D.C., said that DHS is required to announce that it is terminating TPS between two and six months before the expiration date so that people who are affected can plan accordingly. "These are all people that would have been going home anyway if they had been complying with their visas," said Meissner, who led the nations top immigration agency under former President Bill Clinton. "Its just that theyre going home at a later date than they would have anticipated." But for Aissatou, the cost of a plane ticket back to Guinea itself is already too high. With $500 in savings and a monthly rent almost double that, she cannot afford to go back to Guinea even if she wanted to return. "I dont have anything. I have no money to pay rent. Everything has been taken from my pocket," she said. "When I pay for August rent, it will be gone, it will be zero. In September, October, November, I dont know what I will do." THE RISKS OF RETURNING Still, immigrants who do go back are likely to face difficult health and economic conditions in countries that are still reeling from the effects of the Ebola epidemic. Amadu, the former package carrier, said that he needs to stay in New York not only to seek care for his broken leg, but also to protect the health of his orphaned young relatives in Sierra Leone. After contracting Ebola themselves, five of his nieces and nephews suffer from after-effects like irregular menstruation and severe eyesight problems. When he was working, Amadu would send them about $300 a month, as patients in Sierra Leone must pay for many health costs out of pocket. "I just want to support these kids because everyone knows everyone back there and they depend on me here," he said. Dr. Mit Philips, a health policy analyst at Doctors Without Borders, said that although known transmissions of Ebola are over, the epidemic ravaged health care systems that were already struggling to serve the local population. "These systems were not very good before Ebola, and during Ebola many of them only got worse," she said, adding that the average person in Sierra Leone receives medical care only once every three years. "Health services are now less effective and less easy to access." Guinea, for instance, suffered from a measles outbreak this year after fear spread that getting vaccinated would lead to contracting Ebola. Sunday Alamba/AP Photo, File As for Amadus broken leg, things arent looking much better, Philips said, as unusual health services like kinesiology are rarely given under the public health system. In addition, people returning to West Africa may have lost their immunity to malaria, which is common in the region. The crippling effects of Ebola and the resulting deaths of 11,300 people have thus weakened a local economy where most people live on only $2 a day. Ousmane, who declined to give his last name out of deportation concerns, said that conditions are so bad in his home country of Sierra Leone that he would not be able to find a job, much less one that would allow him to continue supporting 10 family members. With Ebola, people were left with nothing. They couldnt farm. They couldnt make money or trade, he said. And they still have nothing. Like Ousmane, many former TPS holders have become a primary source of income for their family back home, even after theyve lost their ability to work legally in the U.S. Before the TPS termination cost him his job as a security guard in New York, Ousmane would send as much as $200 a month home so that his children, siblings and parents could afford things like groceries, clothing and school tuition. Now, he works various under-the-table jobs in order to scrape up funds. The Liberian government operates a program to reintegrate refugees displaced by Ebola to other parts of West Africa, but former TPS holders do not fall under this classification, so it's unclear if they can apply. Guinea has no such program. "They [former TPS holders] absolutely have no hope," said Ben Bangoura, a spokesperson for Guinea's embassy in the U.S. "They have been disconnected from the homeland for a very long time, and there are no jobs for them there." BECOMING UNDOCUMENTED UNDER TRUMP When former TPS holders do choose to stay in the United States, they must face the risks of living in the shadows under an administration that has gone after undocumented immigrants. Since losing her job, Evelyn has stopped watching the news, she said. "The minute I see Trump or I listen to all the things he said on TV, I get more worried." Shes also stopped going outside as often as possible, in order to avoid the risk of being caught without legal status. "You just dont know who youre going to come across, whos going to come by and say, 'Oh, Can I see your documents? Can I see this?' and then you dont have nothing to show, she said. In May, The Associated Press reported that top DHS immigration officials requested evidence of criminal activity from Haitian immigrants who were allowed to stay in the U.S. under TPS. A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement to NBC that it does not track whether people detained by the agency have TPS status. Amadu said that a friend of his, a former TPS holder from Sierra Leone, was arrested in a Maryland suburb when ICE agents came to his door. You get scared every day that the same thing will happen to you, and theyll knock on your door and send you back home, he said. Because he has no money for transportation, Amadu said he rarely leaves his house anymore in fear that the police will catch him jumping the subway turnstiles, an act that can get you arrested in New York. "Youre just scared to go to the subway and ask someone for a [MetroCard] swipe. If they call the cops and they arrest you, youre done," he said. "If I see a cop or I see an ICE guy, I get nervous. Its very stressful." A Raleigh, North Carolina woman who was in the process of gaining legal immigration status has been detained and told her whole family may have to return to Honduras. As a response to these conditions, four members of Congress including Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., have proposed a bill that would reinstate TPS status for any West African immigrant who lost it in May. But Meissner said that given the current political climate around immigration, its unlikely that Ellisons bill will make it through Congress, much less be signed into law by President Trump. Of the few immigration laws enacted this year, "theres been nothing passed that gives anyone permission to stay in the country longer," she said. And as other immigration programs expire, community leaders worry that the issue could only get worse. Meissner said that these consequences are a "carbon copy" of what might happen if the Trump administration fails to renew another program, Deferred Enforced Departure, that also gives Liberian immigrants the ability to stay and work here legally. Known as DED for short, the policy is set to expire in March and covers somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 people none of them permanent residents who fled civil war in Liberia as early as 1991. "The big difference is that the DED people have stayed here longer, for decades," said Kunney, of the national Liberian-American association. "It would devastate a lot of people. It would cause the separation of families, the breakup of children with their parents." The biggest test for the TPS program overall, Meissner said, could come early next year, when TPS is scheduled to expire for over 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador and Honduras. According to federal regulations, DHS must announce a decision on whether or not to renew this policy sometime between now and November. "These are quite different circumstances than those under which TPS [for Ebola-stricken countries] were talking about was established," she said. "Its expected that there will be a lot of advocacy and debate around that decision because of the violence in El Salvador and the interests that the U.S. has there." The Trump administration has been unpredictable so far in its approach to TPS. Before becoming President Trump's new chief of staff, John Kelly extended legal status for 60,000 Haitians until January. But as homeland security secretary, he also told the Miami Herald after the announcement that immigrants protected by the program "need to start thinking about returning." As these TPS holders await news from the government, West African immigrants like Aissatou are contending with the realities of living as undocumented. "Im really scared. Im not sleeping. I dont know what to do," she said. "I have no one. I have nothing. I have just God and myself." A gunman opened fire overnight on a man at a Delaware County gas station in a town that's been wracked by violence. The shooting at the Sunoco at Edgemont Avenue and 22nd Street in Chester, Pennsylvania late Tuesday night left the man hospitalized in critical condition, investigators said. Several shots were fired at the man's car, including two that pierced the windshield, police said. The car's rear window was also shattered. Police found the man in his 20s shot several times in the chest lying on the ground outside the car. No word yet on what led up to the shooting. The longtime owner of a day care center in the Bella Vista section of Philadelphia has been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting two children on multiple occasions. Duncan Round, 53, of Medford Lakes, New Jersey, was arrested Wednesday and arraigned in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas early Thursday morning. He was released after paying 10 percent of the $200,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 15. Round is charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minor and indecent exposure. Police say the investigation began on July 25 when the Department of Human Services responded to a report of sexual abuse at the Sprouts Childrens Center, located inside the Philly Kids Gym on 604 South 9th Street. After conducting several interviews, investigators determined Round, the owner of Sprouts, sexually assaulted a 5-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy multiple times inside the day care. Round, who police say has owned the day care for approximately ten years, surrendered to police Wednesday. Parents went to Sprouts Wednesday evening after learning about the allegations against Round. "This is beyond repair," said George Tadross, a parent of a child who attended the day care. "I don't care what they do. I will never send my kids there." A former employee at Sprouts told NBC10 she quit working at the day care after feeling uncomfortable. Another woman said she was disturbed by Round's behavior during a tour of the day care center. Some parents defended Round however and suggested that the allegations against him are not true. "Duncan is a great guy," said Steven O'Toole. "He loves kids. This is a great place. You feel like family here and it's all just a shame." A DHS spokesperson told NBC10 the department began the process of an emergency removal order as soon as they learned of Round's arrest. DHS staff were at the day care Thursday and informed parents of the order before closing the facility. They are currently working with parents to help them find different childcare options. Police are investigating whether Round sexually assaulted other children at the day care. If you believe your child was a victim, call Philadelphia Police. National Night Out is Tuesday as communities around the country, including in the Philadelphia region, participate in the police-awareness event that began on the Main Line. National Night Out is designed to raise drug and crime prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime efforts, strengthen community spirits and the police-community bond and send a strong message to criminals that the community is fighting back, according to organizers. The program began in Philadelphia when founder, Matt Peskin, realized the Lower Merion Police Department and many like them had no platform to connect to the community, according to the National Association of Town Watch, which Peskin founded in 1981. In 1984, NATW introduced National Night Out. Across the region police departments are hosting block parties, cookouts, carnivals, pool parties and flashlight walks. Pennsylvania Bucks County Bensalem Township -- The Pavilion of the Township Municipal Complex -- 5 to 7 p.m. Chester County Kennet Square -- 200 Block of East Linden Street in Kennet Square -- 5 to 7 p.m. Montgomery County Hatboro Township -- West Moreland Avenue Municipal Shoppers Parking Lot -- 6 to 9 p.m. Horsham Township -- Horsham Municipal Complex at 1025 Horsham Road -- 6 to 9 p.m. Lansdale Township -- Lansdale Borough police Department on One Vine Street -- 6 to 9 p.m. Plymouth Meeting -- Target at 2250 Chemical Road -- 6 p.m. Wynnewood Township -- Wynnewood Shopping Center at 50 East Wynnewood Road -- 6 to 9 p.m. Philadelphia Philadelphia Police Departments 3rd District -- 1021 South 4th Street -- 5 to 8 p.m. Mayor Jim Kenney is expected to attend. Philadelphia 203rd Legislative District -- Masjidullah, Inc. -- 5:30 to 8 p.m. New Jersey Atlantic City County Absecon -- Pitney Park at the corner of Pitney Road and Crestview Avenue -- 6 to 9 p.m. Somers Point -- William Morrow Beach -- 5 to 8 p.m. Burlington County Medford Township -- 91 Union Street -- 6 to 9 p.m. Camden County Cherry Hill Township -- Cherry Hill Municipal Complex at 820 Mercer Street -- 6 to 8:30 p.m. Clementon Township -- 144 Berlin Road -- 6 to 9 p.m. Gloucester Township -- Throughout the township -- 6 to 10 p.m. Winslow Township -- Winslow Township High School at 10 Cooper Folly Road -- 6 p.m. Mercer County Hamilton Township -- Police Division Headquarters at 1270 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road -- 5 to 8 p.m. Delaware New Castle County Wilmington Township -- Helen Chambers Park at 600 North Madison Street -- 6 to 8 p.m. Newark -- Academy Street -- 6 to 9 p.m. This is in no way an exhaustive list so check with your local civic association and/or police department to see if there is an event in your town. The suspect wanted for two shootings, including one in Delaware County, Pennsylvania that left a man dead, is considered armed and extremely dangerous, police said Tuesday afternoon as the search for him intensifies. Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker said city and Delaware County detectives and U.S. Marshals are searching for 24-year-old Derrick Rollins. They believe he is somewhere in the city, but so far searches of two addresses linked to him have come up empty. Rollins is wanted for the killing of 29-year-old John Le. The Narberth man was gunned down Saturday evening in Haverford Township. Le was leaving a pizza shop on 2300 block of Haverford Avenue on Saturday when a man police allege is Rollins shot him. Surveillance video captured a man in a red hoodie fleeing the area in a gray car. NBC10 Police believe the same man fired 17 shots at two people in Philadelphia's Overbrook Park section about 45 minutes before Le's killing. In that incident, Walker said one of the victims approached Rollins after seeing him look into the windows of his home. An argument between the homeowner and Rollins ensued before Rollins allegedly starting firing, Walker said. Detectives are classifying the incident at this point as a random attack. "This guy is a dangerous individual and were not sure what hell do at this point, so we need to get him off the streets," Walker said, adding that detectives believe he may still have the .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun used in Le's killing. Earlier Tuesday, police in West Philadelphia located the suspect's gray Volvo SC60 sedan parked along the 5100 block of Locust Street. They impounded the car. Walker said police located the car thanks to a tip from a resident of Haverford Township. On Sunday, the tipster saw the Volvo speeding toward Philadelphia and recorded a partial plate number. Police were able to hone in on the vehicle and tie it to Rollins, Walker said. Haverford Township Police Department A $5,000 reward is still being offered for the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Walker advised Rollins to turn himself in and for anyone with information to call in a tip. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Haverford Township Police Department at 610-853-9213 or the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS. MASON CITY | The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting Thursday, Aug. 10, to discuss the proposed improvements of U.S. Highway 65 in Mason City from Sixth Street North to 18th Street North. All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. at Mason City Hall, 10 First St. N.W. The meeting will be conducted utilizing an open forum format. Iowa DOT staff will be present to informally discuss the proposed improvements. A short presentation will begin at 6 p.m. For general information regarding the proposed improvements or the public meeting, interested persons are asked to contact Nick Humpal, P.E., district design engineer, Iowa DOT District 2 Office, 428 43rd St. SW, Mason City, Iowa 50401, phone 641-423-7584 or 800-477-4368, email nickolas.humpal@iowadot.us. Residents are also invited to visit the Iowa DOTs project-related public involvement event website at www.iowadot.gov/pim for information about scheduled public meetings and hearings, and opportunities to offer input to the Iowa DOT during the development of certain projects. To submit a comment online about this project, go to: http://bit.ly/iowadot11443. John Skipper Katz Properties has sold the Brookhaven Shopping Center for an estimated $35 million to Invesco Real Estate. The seller, based in New York, bought the 211,758-square-foot center at 5005 Edgemont Ave. in Brookhaven, Delaware County, for $12.3 million in 2012. That was when the property suffered some setbacks. It had been anchored by a 102,700-square-foot Kmart and a 60,000-square-foot Pathmark and both of those stores closed. In the time that Katz has owned the property, those spaces have been re-leased with a 150,000-square-foot Lowes Home Improvement store as well as a 65,000-square-foot ShopRite and a PetSmart. To read the full story, click here. For more business news, vist Philadelphia Business Journal A Pennsylvania police chief is defending an officer who shot and killed a 100-pound pet pig that bit a woman, scared a dog and chased the officer. Slatington police Chief David Rachman tells The (Allentown) Morning Call the pig grunted and charged at the officer July 21. Seeing the animal in distress, the officer fired a second shot to put the animal out of its misery then discarded the carcass in woods along Lehigh River. Pet owner Lance Sherer wasn't around when the pig was shot. He found the carcass the next day and brought it home for burial, and is upset. Rachman says he feels for Sherer, but says the shooting is the first of a pet by police in nearly 600 animal complaints dating to 2008. Two males have been wounded in a shooting during a National Night Out event in a Pittsburgh suburb that's struggled to combat violence this year. The names of the victims, who are 17 and 20 years old, were not immediately released after the shooting Tuesday about 7:30 p.m. in McKeesport. The former mill town of about 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh has had eight homicides so far this year despite having fewer than 20,000 residents. Police and the mayor were nearby when the shots rang out during the event, which encourages people to gather outside in order to discourage crime. Police cordoned off the areas where the men were found shot on a front lawn. Police found 18 shell casings from two different kinds of guns. The victims are expected to survive. A former Pennsylvania mayor who prosecutors say sold off the powers of his office to the highest bidder in pay-to-play schemes pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges Tuesday. Former Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer declined to comment on accusations that he steered lucrative city contracts toward campaign donors who showered him with cash and gifts as he exited the Philadelphia courtroom with the help of walker. But his lawyer said they are ready to fight the fraud and bribery charges. "We won't back down," defense attorney Geoffrey Johnson said. Spencer, a Democrat who took office in 2012, will remain free until his trial. The former mayor sought to keep large sums of cash flowing to his 2015 re-election effort and made it clear to donors he would withhold official action from individuals and businesses that didn't provide satisfactory campaign contributions, prosecutors said. Those willing to pay, authorities said, were rewarded with city contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In one instance, Spencer agreed to hand over a contract worth $227,000 to an engineering firm after a representative for the company told him he would receive a $1,500 contribution and four tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies game. He previously told a campaign operative he cleared a contract for the firm "so we need to get something from them," according to the indictment. Spencer also is accused of bribing the city council president to repeal an anti-corruption law that capped the limit on campaign contributions. The council president was previously sentenced to two years in federal prison for taking the bribe. The mayor of Allentown also pleaded not guilty to similar charges last week. Mayor Ed Pawlowski has said he's done nothing wrong. The federal investigation of the two city governments began in 2013 and led to charges against a slew of lower-ranking city officials and contractors. It became public in 2015 when FBI agents raided both city halls as well as the homes of Pawlowski and Spencer. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will waive environmental, natural resource and land management laws to expedite border construction projects in San Diego, officials announced Tuesday. The waiver is intended to cover three projects, DHS officials told NBC 7. They include 14 miles of primary fence replacement, secondary fence replacement and a prototype. In a statement, DHS officials said, "Congress granted to the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to waive all legal requirements that the Secretary, in his sole discretion, determines necessary to ensure the expeditious construction of the barriers and roads authorized by section 102 of IIRIRA." IIRIRA, or the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, has been used five times between 2005 and 2008, according to the DHS. Andrea Guerrero, Executive Director of Alliance San Diego, wants Congress to reevaluate the authority granted to the DHS. "More than two decades of wall-building have subjected border communities like San Diego to government overreach by waiving the very laws that protect our environment and the well-being of our families," Guerrero said. Instead of building a wall, Guerrero would like to see more money spent on upgrading ports of entry and hiring more inspectors to reduce wait times at the U.S.-Mexico border. Building a wall on the Mexican border was a cornerstone of President Donald Trumps presidential campaign and a flashpoint for his detractors. The Trump administration had planned to begin construction in San Diego by June. However, a protest concerning the selection of a design has delayed the start. DHS officials say prototype construction will likely begin in December with the primary fence replacement construction start set for March 13, 2018. The Center for Biological Diversity will challenge the San Diego waiver by arguing that the 2005 law does not apply to replacing barriers, said Brian Segee, an attorney for the environmental advocacy group based in Tucson, Arizona. The group has already sued the administration over replacement of the San Diego wall and plans to build prototypes in San Diego for Trump's effort, which he has called a "big, beautiful wall." The case is before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, a target of Trump's enduring scorn over lawsuits that alleged fraud at the president's now-defunct Trump University and were settled last year shortly before trial. Curiel presided over that case. "The waiver has already been called the broadest waiver in U.S. history," Segee said. "Any attempt to enlarge it further beyond the scope is something we're going to challenge." The wall currently covers 654 miles or roughly one-third of the entire border from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Its unclear when the wall will be extended under a Trump administration. The House of Representatives has $1.6 billion to start paying for the wall. Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security Committee have pegged the total cost of a border wall as high as $70 billion. Trump's former Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has estimated its price tag at $21 billion, while congressional Republicans have put the cost at $12 billion to $15 billion. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday the United States would have to cut its embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755, heightening tensions between Washington and Moscow three days after the U.S. Congress approved sanctions against Russia. In response, the U.S. State Department deemed it "a regrettable and uncalled for act." Russian's Foreign Ministry on Friday ordered a reduction by Sept. 1 in the number of U.S. diplomatic personnel in Russia. It said it is ordering the U.S. Embassy to limit the number of embassy and consular employees in the country to 455 in response to approval of the new package of American sanctions. The White House has said U.S. President Donald Trump would sign those sanctions into law. The legislation, which also targets Iran and North Korea, seeks to punish Moscow for meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and for its military aggression in Ukraine and Syria. "We had hoped that the situation will somehow change, but apparently if it changes, it won't be soon," Putin said in an interview televised on Rossiya 1, explaining why Moscow decided to retaliate. "I thought it was the time to show that we're not going to leave it without an answer." Russia is open to cooperating with the U.S. on various issues, including terrorism and cybercrime, but instead it "only hears unfounded accusations of meddling in U.S. domestic affairs," he said. Putin said more than 1,000 people are currently employed at the Moscow embassy and three U.S. consulates in Russia. They include both Americans and Russians hired to work in the diplomatic offices. The Russian leader did not explain how the figure of 755 positions was calculated. In a statement, the State Department said: "This is a regrettable and uncalled for act. We are assessing the impact of such a limitation and how we will respond to it. We have no further comment at this time." The State Department declined to give an exact number of American diplomats or other U.S. officials in Russia, but the figure is believed to be about 400, some of whom have families accompanying them on diplomatic passports. The vast majority of the more than 1,000 employees at the various US diplomatic missions in Russia, including the embassy in Moscow and consulates in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg, are local employees. Asked about the potential for additional sanctions against Washington, Putin described the reduction in diplomatic staff as "painful" and said he currently opposes further measures. "We certainly have something to respond with and restrict those areas of joint cooperation that will be painful for the American side, but I don't think we need to do it," he said, adding that such steps could also harm Russian interests. Putin mentioned space and energy as the main areas where Russia and the United States have successfully pursued projects together. Along with the cap on the size of the U.S. diplomatic corps in Russia, the Russian foreign ministry on Friday said it also was closing down a U.S. recreational retreat on the outskirts of Moscow as well as warehouse facilities. The diplomatic tit-for-tat started under former U.S. President Barack Obama. In response to reports of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats and shut down two Russian recreational retreats in the U.S. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed. Shulin Zheng thought he was going to die. Zhengs decision to scream for help led to his rescue. The Chinese national had been stuffed inside the hidden compartment of a pickup truck for hours without water. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say Zheng described the experience after he was taken into custody Saturday in San Diego. Zheng said a man in Mexico agreed to smuggle him into the U.S. in exchange for nearly $60,000. He told agents it took him 40 minutes to get into the crawl space behind the drivers seat. He was told he would only be in there for 10 minutes, according to the federal complaint. The Toyota Tundra carrying Zheng crossed into the U.S. at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry at 1:19 a.m. according to federal records. About half an hour later, a San Diego police officer pulled over the pickup for a traffic stop at Interstate 15 and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Salvador Vera, Jr. was behind the wheel, CBP officials said. Upon finding Vera was driving with a suspended license, the officer called to have the pickup impounded. The truck was towed to Road One Towing on Ruffner Street. More than 90 minutes after the traffic stop, a tow yard employee heard Zhengs cries for help. The employee described banging sounds coming from inside a locked compartment of the truck. San Diego police and San Diego Fire-Rescue crews were called. By 4:45 a.m., Zheng had been rescued from the small space and placed in CBP custody. Vera is facing several charges of human smuggling and a weapons charge, according to the federal complaint. Vera, who told CBP investigators he is a U.S. citizen, allegedly had $6,376 in his possession. Investigators also say they found a 9mm Beretta with ammunition in the pickup. Zheng is a Chinese national who has no immigration status in the U.S., federal officials said. He is currently awaiting deportation. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is seeking to avoid answering questions under oath about two documents containing plans for changes to U.S. election law. Kobach, who is also vice chairman of Trump's Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, filed a notice late Monday saying he is appealing to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals an order to submit to a deposition by the American Civil Liberties Union in a voting rights case. The closed deposition is scheduled for Thursday. The ACLU told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Kobach's appeal of the deposition order to the 10th Circuit is "bizarre." Two federal judges in Kansas have each twice ruled the Kansas Republican misled the court about the contents of documents he was photographed taking into a November meeting with then President-elect Donald Trump as well as a separate draft amendment to the National Voter Registration Act. Kobach was holding the document at his side with the print facing out so photographs made it possible to read part of what was written on it. The court fined Kobach $1,000 and ordered him to testify about the documents. The photographs prompted the ACLU to seek to obtain the document and any related materials on his proposed changes to federal voting law. Kobach essentially told the court and the ACLU that he didn't have any such documents the misrepresentation the court cited in imposing sanctions against him. His appeal to the 10th Circuit comes a week after U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson said Kobach has demonstrated a pattern of misleading the court about the facts and record in a voting rights case unfolding in Kansas. The ACLU's lawsuit challenges a Kansas voter registration law that requires people to submit citizenship documents such as a birth certificate, naturalization papers or U.S. passport. An email cited in the case shows Kobach wants to amend federal law to make clear such proof-of-citizenship requirements are permitted. In May, the court forced Kobach to turn over the documents to ACLU lawyers as part of the discovery process of gathering evidence. Now they are arguing whether the sealed documents should be made public. Kobach did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent to his spokeswoman. But in a recent filing, Kobach noted that, after court-ordered redactions, the two documents in question are one page each and combined contain just six sentences. "There has been a tremendous amount of work done to keep out six sentences and that makes you wonder why," said Doug Bonney, legal director of the ACLU of Kansas. Kobach has made representations to the public and the President, "suggesting noncitizen registration fraud is a serious, widespread problem while simultaneously endeavoring to withhold documents that tend to undercut those representations," the ACLU contended in a filing this month. "The degree to which he has fought over disclosure of these two documents is strange to me," Bonney said. In objecting to their public disclosure, Kobach has contended the documents are not relevant to the voting rights case. He argued in a court filing Friday that the government's interest in keeping the documents from being publicly disseminated outweigh the ACLU's "political agenda and financial interest in publishing them." Kobach also contended making the documents public would undermine his responsibilities on the presidential election commission, saying it would "hinder his ability to confidently advise the President." Robinson has not yet ruled on whether to unseal the two documents. Kobach has sparred repeatedly with voting and immigrant rights advocates. He has announced that he will run for Kansas governor in 2018. Raised voices could be heard through the thick door to the Oval Office as John Kelly then secretary of Homeland Security offered some tough talk to President Donald Trump. Kelly, a whip-cracking retired general who was sworn in as White House chief of staff on Monday, had demanded to speak to the president alone after Trump complained loudly that the U.S. was admitting travelers from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Haiti. Kelly first tried to explain to Trump that the admissions were standard some people had legitimate reasons to visit the country but the president insisted that it was making him look bad, according to an administration official familiar with the exchange about a month ago. Kelly then demanded that other advisers leave the room so he could speak to the president frankly. Trump refused at first, but agreed when Kelly insisted. It was an early indication that Kelly, a decorated retired Marine general who served three tours in Iraq, is not afraid to stand up to his commander-in-chief. Tapped to bring order to a chaotic West Wing, Kelly began to make his mark immediately on Monday, ousting newly appointed communications director Anthony Scaramucci and revising a dysfunctional command structure that has bred warring factions. From now on, said White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, all senior staffers including the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner and chief strategist Steve Bannon will report to Kelly instead of the president. Kelly "will bring new structure, discipline and strength" to the White House, Sanders said. "It definitely has the fingerprints of a new sheriff in town," said Blain Rethmeier, who guided Kelly through the Senate confirmation process for the Homeland Security post. Rethmeier said that what stood out about Kelly during the time they worked together was the way Kelly commanded respect from everyone he encountered and the way he respected others. Kelly fostered a reputation as an outspoken commander who didn't shy away from unpopular opinions during his military career. Rethmeier said that Kelly also respects authority deeply "and that's something that Trump sort of smells out, if you respect him or not." "If he disagrees with you, he'll disagree respectfully," Rethmeier said. It was a point Kelly made clear during his confirmation hearing in January. "I have never had a problem speaking truth to power, and I firmly believe that those in power deserve full candor and my honest assessment and recommendations. I also value people that work for me speaking truth to power," he said. In April, Kelly bluntly challenged members of Congress critical of the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement to either change the laws or "shut up." But after being confirmed as part of Trump's Cabinet, Kelly also tried to moderate some of the president's hard-line positions, even as he publicly defended them. Hours after Trump said deportations of people in the U.S. illegally were being carried out as a "military operation," Kelly said the U.S. would not enlist the military to enforce immigration laws. Kelly and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, another retired general, were also said to have been deeply frustrated with the rollout of Trump's refugee and immigration ban, and made clear to associates that they were not involved in drafting it or aware of its details around the time that Trump signed the original order. Both moved swiftly to address gaps in the measure, with Mattis asking that Iraqis who helped U.S. troops be exempt and Kelly clarifying that green-card holders would not be affected. Nonetheless, Kelly launched a particularly robust defense of the order to lawmakers and reporters, which was welcomed by the White House. Mattis and Kelly also agreed in the earliest weeks of Trump's presidency that one of them should remain in the United States at all times to keep tabs on the orders rapidly emerging from the White House, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The official insisted on anonymity in order to discuss the administration's internal dynamics. Kelly's appointment is being celebrated beyond the White House. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn, said Monday that he discussed Kelly's appointment with Trump on Friday and hopes Kelly "will do everything possible to bring the appropriate discipline and focus that needs to be at the White House there." "I hope that Gen. Kelly will absolutely, forcefully clean the place up," Corker said. "And anybody who's been a violator, who's been a part of public backbiting, part of undermining, who's been part of feathering their own nest at other people's expense, I hope they'll all be gone." David B. Cohen, a University of Akron political science professor who is co-authoring a book on chiefs of staff, applauded Kelly for doing "things that should have been done on Day One of Reince Priebus's tenure." He said Scaramucci's removal sent a clear message "that going off-script and being undisciplined" would no longer be tolerated at the White House. But Cohen wondered how long Trump would go before beginning to undermine Kelly. "None of this works if the president doesn't buy into this 100 percent," he said. "President Trump is his own worst enemy. He instinctively likes to be his own chief of staff and he's a pretty awful one. Will he be able to resist messing with the system once John Kelly cleans everything up? Will he listen to his chief of staff when Kelly has to tell Trump, 'No?'" he asked. "I'm not sure President Trump is wired to be able to listen to that type of criticism," he said. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs fired the longtime head of the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center amid growing questions about his leadership of the facility. In a statement Tuesday, the agency said Brian Hawkins "failed to provide effective leadership at the medical center." The agency had reassigned Hawkins in April, hours after an internal inspection revealed large scale supply shortages and unsanitary conditions in the medical center's supply areas. A News4 I-Team investigation revealed Hawkins reassignment was to a new position at agency headquarters on Vermont Avenue. His move to a significant position triggered criticism from congressional leaders and military veterans. A June report by the I-Team also revealed the agency hired a contractor to fix potentially unsafe floor cracks in the facilitys surgery department in March. VA officials also ordered repairs of holes in the walls of the facilitys center core areas, completing the project in mid-February. The facility suffered a cockroach infestation and a lack of sanitary conditions in its food service areas in 2015, according to federal records reviewed by the I-Team. An agency spokeswoman told the I-Team the problems have since been remedied. Hawkins did not immediately respond to the I-Teams request for comment. The DC VA Medical Center serves approximately 98,000 patients a year. It employs almost 2,000 people. A report issued Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General said Hawkins also shared sensitive agency information on a private, unsecured email address with his spouse. The report recommended new disciplinary action be taken against Hawkins. Problems have persisted at the medical center after Hawkins was removed. An I-Team investigation revealed a patients body went undiscovered in a parking lot for almost two days. That investigation triggered a formal review by the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Earlier this summer, the I-Team reported the medical center shuttered an operating room for hours after an air conditioning system failed. MASON CITY | Dogs and their owners are invited to the first American Cancer Societys Bark for Life of Cerro Gordo County. The event, which celebrates the joy dogs bring to patients journeying through cancer, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Shelter No. 2 in East Park in Mason City. After a short introduction at 9 a.m., participants and their dogs will walk the short trail around East Park and return to Shelter #2, where a costume contest and pet tricks contest will be held. Registration is $15 and is required for each dog, which will receive a bandana and a dog treat scoop. Dogs can be registered the morning of the event or on the Bark For Life American Cancer Societys Relay For Life of Cerro Gordo County, IA Facebook page. All participating dogs must have up-to-date shots and must be leashed at all times. Proceeds from the event will support the societys mission of saving lives by working hard to create a world free from the pain and suffering from cancer For more information, call Steve with the American Cancer Society at 641-251-1082. Ashley Stewart A lobbyist carried a loaded handgun into the Cannon House Office Building Friday, as the U.S. House was completing its final day of work before the summer recess, according to court records. Kimberly Barber, 34, is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. According to court records, U.S. Capitol Police found the loaded gun inside a suitcase Barber checked at a security checkpoint at the northeast door of the building just after 12 p.m. Friday, a busy day for Congress. Barber works the Navajo Nations Washington, D.C., office, court filings said. She told investigators she was carrying a gun belonging to a senior police officer with the Navajo Nation Police Department, according to court records. She told police she was not notified there was a firearm in the suitcase she was checking. A review of U.S. Capitol Police reports by the News4 I-Team show this was at least the 14th firearms arrest on US Capitol Grounds since January 2015. Requests for comment from the Navajo Nation were not immediately returned. D.C.s Office of the Attorney General is prosecuting the case. Barber pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday. "Ms. Barber has been a dedicated employee of the Navajo Nation Washington Office since 2014," a Navajo Nation attorney representing Barber said in a statement to News4. "She has pled not guilty to the misdemeanor charge today. Both Ms. Barber and the Navajo Nation will continue to fully cooperate with the Capitol Police and the District of Columbia to ensure this unfortunate incident comes to a quick and just conclusion" A week after the manager of a CVS store in Warrenton, Virginia was found dead outside the store, one of his employees has been charged in his murder. Bernard Clark Duse Jr., 76, was arrested Wednesday and charged in the death of Rex Mack Olsen, 64. Olsen was found dead near a dumpster outside the store on Blackwall Road about 10:35 p.m. July 26. He had been shot. Duse was an employee at the store at the time of the homicide, the Fauquier County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office said. No information was immediately released on a possible motive in the killing. Olsen, who lived in Reva, Virginia, worked for CVS for 25 years, and had managed the Warrenton store since 2008, the company said. Customers of the store were shocked by the crime in their small town. Olsen was friendly and kind, they said. "The manager, I probably talked to him six, seven, eight times, and he was a very, very nice man," customer Penny Davis said. "He was very, very sweet," customer Eric Sigmundsson said. "He was a very, very nice guy." A photo of Olsen was on display in the store on Wednesday. Duse has been charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder. He is being held without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2. "Perhaps as many as 20 items of physical evidence have been or are being sent to the laboratory for forensic analysis," Commonwealth's Attorney James P. Fisher told the Judge at the arraignment Thursday morning. "We hope to get an expedited analysis, but the state is experiencing a case backlog at the Department of Forensic Science. We are hopeful for a prompt, yet thorough scientific analysis of these items." The 30-year-old woman who was found partially buried on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, died of suffocation after walking onto the beach alone, police said Wednesday. Ashley O'Connor walked onto the beach about 2 a.m. Monday, according to a preliminary investigation. Her body was found more than four hours later, in a hole mostly covered by sand. Her death has been ruled accidental, caused by asphyxia due to suffocation, a medical examiner determined. O'Connor was found partially buried with just an arm showing above the sand, police said. A beachgoer discovered her body about 6:30 a.m. Monday. "They alerted a city employee, who then alerted police, and we immediately arrived to begin a death investigation," said Lindsay Richard of the Ocean City Police Department. Police said it's not yet known how O'Connor, who was visiting from Plano, Texas, became buried in the sand. One possibility they are looking at is the victim was asleep or unconscious and was accidentally run over by one of the tractors that comb debris from the beach each night, News4's Mark Segraves previously reported. The woman's mother and stepfather alerted police she was missing. O'Connor had gotten separated from them about 2 a.m., said Ocean City communications manager Jessica Waters. "The last time she was seen, she was walking out onto the beach alone," Richard said. O'Connor's body was removed from the sand about 4:15 p.m. Monday, city officials said. State police crime scene technicians assisted Ocean City police's Forensics Services Unit. "At this time, we dont think there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident," Richard said. "So no, I don't believe theres any reason for the public to be nervous about being on the beach at night." The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ocean City Police at 410-723-6604 D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is hosting her annual job fair Wednesday, featuring employers from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The fair is open to D.C. residents only at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Place NW) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Opportunities are available from nonprofits, private businesses, retail, restaurants and hotels, construction companies, the federal government and county governments, and more, according to Holmes Norton's website. Attendees don't need to register in advance. A hoverboard sparked a house fire early Wednesday morning in Calvert County, Maryland, fire officials said. Fire alarms alerted a family about an early-morning fire at their home in the 2000 block of Mount Pleasant Way in Prince Frederick, according to a release from the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department. Crews arrived to find visible smoke and a small fire in the basement of the house. After putting out the fire, firefighters found "a serious issue" with a hoverboard inside the residence, officials said. They later determined the hoverboard caught fire while charging. No one was injured. In a press release, the fire department shared tips for hoverboard safety from the National Fire Protection Association, available online here (PDF). Three people are in the hospital after a crash in Chelsea, Massachusetts early Wednesday morning. The crash occurred on Everett Avenue near the MBTA commuter rail tracks around 2:15 a.m. Police arrested Hector Jimenez, 19 of Malden, Massachusetts, after he fled the scene on foot. He has been charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury. His passenger, who has not been identified, remains in critical condition at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The driver of the other vehicle, Jeffrey Hittney of New York City, is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. An animal welfare organization says hundreds of animals seized from a squalid farm in Westport, Massachusetts, earlier this year are on their way to finding permanent homes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Wednesday said it has spent months working with its network of animal welfare agencies to transport the animals rescued in July to rescue groups throughout the country. When police went to the property, they found dead sheep, sick goats, and animals of numerous species, many living in "deplorable conditions.'' The ASPCA moved about 1,000 animals to a shelter at an undisclosed location and has provided care and behavioral enrichment. The organization says rabbits, dogs, sheep, goats, ducks and pigeons are among the animals that have been or soon will be adopted into safe homes. A series of disturbing sexual assault allegations have rocked a school community in eastern Vermont. Five female students at Thetford Academy told investigators in Orange County that a fellow student forced them into sexual contact, adding that he tended to get violent if they refused. According to police paperwork, the teens told investigators 16-year-old classmate Connor Tatro sexually assaulted them at various points over the last year and a half. The students said the alleged assaults took place in out-of-the-way places on the campus of the historic independent school, which provides the area's public education. According to police paperwork filed with the Vermont Superior Court criminal division in Orange County, the girls told investigators their fellow student was extremely physically aggressive, and would even choke the girls into submission. The paperwork also revealed that police are investigating the role sexting may have played: if a threat from possessing possibly embarrassing pictures was a way the boy might have intimidated his alleged victims into unwanted sexual contact. Despite his young age, Tatro was criminally charged as an adult on July 25. The suspect pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges that could bring a maximum sentence of life in prison, if he is convicted. Police paperwork showed when the girls learned how similar their stories were, they decided to come forward together. One of them told an officer she "doesn't want [Tatro] to do it to other people. Tatros attorney, Catherine Dux, told necn she believes the claims against her client were exaggerated and intensified by social media use, which she described as the modern-day rumor mill. Dux said she plans a vigorous defense, starting with a review of police investigative approaches. No rushing to judgment, Dux said, urging the public to wait until the case works itself out to form opinions about it. The allegations are simply thattheyre just allegations. Everyone is, in fact, presumed innocent. Tatro was released to the custody of his mother, under strict conditions which included that he stay away from the five juvenile girls involved in the case. Thetford Academy's head of school, William Bugg, sent necn the following statement: These allegations are deeply disturbing and incredibly disheartening, as they do not reflect the values that we work so hard to instill in our students here at Thetford Academy. Due to the nature of the allegations, the fact that this remains an ongoing investigation, and the fact that the students involved are all minors, I am limited in what I can say about the matter. We consulted with the police when we were first notified there was a cause for concern, and we reported all alleged incidents to [The Vermont Department for Children & Families] in accordance with our policies and mandatory reporting obligations. We review mandated reporter laws with faculty and staff every year. In addition, there are certain steps that we take at the beginning of each school year and throughout the year to make sure our community is safe and secure. These steps include a careful examination of all policies and procedures on campus. It's really important to support the survivors in times like these, said Auburn Watersong of the Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. Especially these youth: how brave it was for them to come forward. Oftentimes in cases like these, it's tempting to focus on the perpetrator and we need to remember these victims, in particular." Survivors of sexual violence in Vermont can get support 24/7 through this hotline: 1-800-489-7273. A pair of unrelated child tragedies has left two Vermont communities in mourning. Monday, a 6-year-old boy named Chance Martin died after a fire tore through his grandfathers home in Williamstown. Local officials said Monday they believe the fire may have started with an electrical problem. However, multiple sources told necn it is really too soon to suggest that anything could've been done differently to avoid the little boys tragic death, because a full Vermont State Police investigation is still underway. Neighbors said Tuesday the family is deep in grief, and did not wish to comment for this report. In a separate case, in East Fairfield, a 7-year-old boy was killed Friday when a big piece of farm equipment he was riding with his dad tipped over. An obituary for Grady Howrigan published in the Burlington Free Press said he loved farming and selling fresh honey from his familys honeybees. There's nothing that I can say or that anyone can say that's going to make it any easier, said Priscilla Minkin, a chaplain with the University of Vermont Health Networks Central Vermont Medical Center, acknowledging the pain felt in the communities. Minkin, who is experienced in counseling and comforting people experiencing grief, said with tragedies such as those that struck Williamstown and East Fairfield in the past few days, its natural for small communities to be left feeling raw. There is a rabbinic teaching that says, 'When a child dies, we are commanded to be silent,' because there are no words of comfort, Minkin recalled. So that's when we hold each other. The Vermont Division of Fire Safety would not comment on the death of Chance Martin, saying it would be premature because the investigation into the fire is still ongoing. Speaking generally, the division did say it wants all individuals and families to remain mindful year-round that they should ensure their residences have smoke alarms and that they are working well. That includes checking the alarms batteries or power supplies, and looking into whether the devices may be out-of-date and due for an upgrade. Deputy director Joe Benard additionally said he would like to see more Vermont families talk regularly about establishing and practicing potential home escape routes. Smoke alarms save lives, Benard advised. If you don't have a plan, draft one. A male pit bull died after being found locked inside a hot vehicle in Jamaica Plain. There was no water present, from what I understand here may have been one window slightly cracked, said Amanda Kennedy, Director of Boston Animal Care and Control. Kennedy says around 4:00 p.m. someone passed by saw the dog, described as a neutered male pit bull, in the car and called 911. Boston Fire and Police responded to the vehicle parked on Burroughs Street. Kennedy says the dog may have been inside the vehicle since 1:30 p.m. As soon as they arrived they were able to see the dog was in distress and immediately removed the animal from the vehicle and began life saving measures, Kennedy said, The temperature of the dog on arrival was 109.7 which is as high as the temperature will read. The vehicle was likely much hotter than the dog was. The Pit bull was rushed to Angell Animal Medical Center - but it was too late. Within one minute the dog's heart stopped beating. OSAGE | A Marine Corps veteran from Osage once served as handler to Cena, an explosive-detecting dog that served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. The 10-year-old black Lab, which had cancer, received a hero's farewell late last month in Michigan before being euthanized and carried off in a flag-draped coffin. John North, who graduated from Osage High School in 2007, joined the Marines in 2009. After basic training in San Diego, California, he joined the First Tank Battalion, where he was assigned to clear Afghan roads of Intermittent Explosive Devices (IEDs). Prior to deployment, North said volunteers were sought to be dog handlers. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I liked dogs and working with dogs," he said. North was then sent to "dog school" in South Carolina. The dogs, who began training to find explosives at only a few months old, were partnered with the Marines, who taught personal commands and learned how their canine would react upon discovering an IED. The dogs chose their handlers, North said. They let one dog out at a time and whomever the dog went to, became their handler," North said. "Several dogs had already been let loose and chosen a handler, when they let Cena loose. "He came right to me and laid down at my feet. Cena, who had already served a tour of duty in Afghanistan under the care of another handler, quickly bonded with North. He was a real friendly dog and your dog was like your kid; you fed and water them and pick up after them. He even slept on the ground next to me, North said. His and Cena's stateside training concluded in October 2010. They were then flown to Marjah, in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan. Upon arrival, the dogs and handlers went through another two weeks of training. They were trained on picking up the smell out of the ground," North said. Once they found an IED, they would lay down right on top of it. North was trained to approach the IED and confirm the dog's finding, before notifying explosive experts to dispose of the device. Once training was complete, North and Cena were placed on duty, clearing roads for trucks and convoys, often doing two or three missions a day. We would get briefed on a mission, and then would go out on patrol with me and the dog in front leading the way," North said. He never missed an explosive. He was smart. He was a damn good dog." After seven months of deployment, the two returned to the U.S., where they were separated. After deployment, you didnt get to say good-bye to your dog. I just got to see him from the kennel as I left, North said. After the dog leaves one handler, they kennel them for a period of time, before the dog chooses a new handler. North served a second tour of duty in Afghanistan, but not as a dog handler, from September 2011 to April 2012. Cena served another tour as well, with another handler, finishing his Marine duties in December 2012. Cena was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer this summer, with only a few weeks to live. He was euthanized on July 28. Marine dog with cancer gets tear-filled farewell MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) Hundreds of people in Michigan came together to say a tear-filled fin Plans are now underway for Cena's military burial, North said, which will take three to four weeks to plan. Cena will be buried in the War Dog Memorial Cemetery in Lyons, Michigan. North plans to attend the funeral. North, who works at Minnus Woodworking in St. Ansgar, continues his love for dogs with his German Shepherd, Rocky. A friend recently gave him a cement statue of a soldier and his dog, which he keeps with his other Marine awards. In their mission, the dog is considered a tool, but to the handlers and the Marines, they were more like a brother than a tool," North said. Disturbing surveillance video shows a Portland, Maine man lashing out at workers inside a downtown deli, hurling homophobic slurs, knocking items off of the counter, and making threats before being arrested outside the store. Police say the man in the video is 37-year-old Jesse James Taylor of Portland. He was charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and a hate crime that is being reviewed by the Attorney General. Taylor has pleaded guilty to the disorderly conduct charge and was sentenced to five days in jail. The owner of Sisters Gourmet Deli posted the video online, hoping to shine a light on what she says is a common disturbance downtown. We as a city are ignoring that we have a drug addiction, mental illness, and homelessness problem that we are just walking right by, said deli owner Michaela McVetty. Her employees said the man came into their store Saturday afternoon asking for drugs. In the video, Taylor can be seen giving female staff the finger, then reaching down his pants. He tells the girls they are going to hell, repeatedly tells them to shut up while pointing his finger at them, and refuses to leave the store for several minutes. The workers stayed calm, while one of them called for police. It was scary, and those employees did an incredible job, said Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck. McVetty said its nothing to celebrate. They were calm because thats normal to us, she said. That man coming in here did not shake them because it happens all the time. Other downtown business owners have complained to the city about similar incidents. City Manager Jon Jennings said several merchants have complained to him about aggressive panhandling, property damage, and threats to tourists. The owner of Marias Restaurant, which is located near Portlands homeless shelter, is trying to relocate his business. He says there has been an increase in aggressive and indecent behavior on the streets, and its scaring his customers. I want to feel safe, I want my girls to feel safe, and I want tourists to feel safe, said McVetty. She is meeting with Portlands Mayor Thursday to discuss these issues, and she is challenging city officials to do more to help. This is what happens when a city doesnt have programs in place to deal with unstable people, she wrote on the Sisters Gourmet Deli Facebook page. This is what happens when a city doesnt want to deal with it. What will be the breaking point? Chief Sauschuck said he does have increased foot patrols in that area of the city. He said the department provides Crisis Intervention Training to all of its officers, and has a pioneering mental health liaison outreach program. Theres no question that there continues to be a lack of treatment opportunities, Sauschuck said. Two Pelham, New Hampshire police officers are being credited with pulling a man from a burning car. But that driver says he didnt need to be saved. The fact is I was over tired, said driver Michael Hines of Derry. And I pulled over to rest so I that I wouldnt cause harm to anybody else. Im not entirely sure why my car caught fire. A witness called police to report Hines was on the side of Windham Road and was refusing help. When Pelham officers arrived, they say Hines refused to budge even though smoke was starting to appear from the vehicle. It could have been tragic, said Pelham Police Captain Stephen Toom. If he wasnt getting out of that vehicle, it is less than a minute that the vehicle is fully involved in fire. The officersAdam Thistle and Bruce Vieiraknew they didnt have much time so they opened the door and pulled the driver out, dragging him away from the car which was quickly engulfed. Police say Hines had crashed into a tree. But he tells us he pulled over intentionally. I believe I had food poisoning from a restaurant that I ate at earlier in the night, said Hines. Hines says, while grateful to police, he didnt refuse to get out of the car and didnt need any help. I asked them to give me a second, let me find my phone, and they took it the wrong way, said Hines. And they tried to pull me out of the car. Hines says hes a mechanic and knew how to handle the situation. I had an extinguisher in my car, said Hines. I was prepared to deal with itI wasnt scared in any way. Hines is facing several charges including DUI and possession of cocaine. Hines told us he didnt have any drugs. New Hampshire police say they were forced to drag a driver out of his burning car after it crashed into a tree and he refused to leave, telling them he was a mechanic. Police say a witness reported the crash in Pelham on Monday night and said the driver didn't want help from police or firefighters. When they arrived, 53-year-old Michael Hines, of Derry, refused to get out of the car. Police say they removed him but he tried to get back in as the fire spread and the tires exploded. Police dragged him out. Hines wasn't hurt. He was charged with driving under the influence and possession of cocaine. It wasn't immediately known if he had a lawyer. A message was left at a possible number for Hines. Eight juveniles have been charged in connection with a melee at the Rhode Island Training School that injured six others, state police announced Wednesday. The riot on July 26 sent four staff members and two fellow juvenile detainees to local hospitals. The juveniles face various charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a correctional officer and vandalism. Troopers say they were called to the facility in Cranston for a riot in progress around 9 p.m. after some detainees refused to go to their rooms, and at least one juvenile grabbed a broomstick with which to hit a staff member. Another juvenile detainee then allegedly assaulted the same staff member with a chair, while another juvenile detainee allegedly unlocked room doors, allowing 20 juvenile detainees to go into a common area. The names of those charged in connection with the incident were not released. It's unclear if they have attorneys. In a speech Monday, which was later leaked to the press, Jared Kushner boasted that details of his Middle East negotiations have not been leaked to the press. An audio recording of President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser giving the off-the-record talk to congressional interns was obtained and published by Wired magazine Tuesday. Besides addressing his role as the White House's envoy to the Middle East, Kushner also joked about collusion and discussed serving as publisher of the New York Observer. NBC News verified the transcript, originally obtained by Wired, and reached out to Kushner's representatives for comment. Here are some highlights from the recording: NO LEAKS ON MIDDLE EAST TALKS Kushner, who was tapped by Trump to broker peace in the Middle East, visited the region in June to meet separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. "Nothings leaked out, right?" Kushner said about the talks. "Nothing has leaked out, which I think gives the parties more trust and more ability to really express and share their viewpoints." Netanyahu is a family friend of Kushner's and someone he has known since childhood. He added that the lack of leaks can only help him in negotiations, which he has also conducted with Jason Greenblatt, a special representative for international negotiations. "I think you need to be able to probe people in private for them to have confidence that its not going to be used against them and that its not going to leak out in the press, which would be very, very hurtful," he said. "But I think we were able to keep things quiet." UNCLEAR WHAT'S 'UNIQUE' ABOUT HIS STRATEGY Kushner told the interns he isn't sure what's unique about his approach to the challenge of brokering a peace deal in the Middle East, and he isn't sure if the problem has a solution. "Im sure everyone thats tried this has been unique in some ways," Kushner said. "So, what do we offer thats unique? I dont know." Later, he added: "There may be no solution, but its one of the problem sets that the president asked us to focus on." He also emphasized that he would rather focus on trying to understand the decades-long relationship between the two sides. "Everyone finds an issue, that 'you have to understand what they did then' and 'you have to understand that they did this,'" Kushner told interns. "But how does that help us get peace? Let's not focus on that. We dont want a history lesson. Weve read enough books. Lets focus on, 'how do you come up with a conclusion to the situation?'" WHITE HOUSE 'CAN'T COLLUDE' WITH ITSELF Kushner told interns that the Trump campaign was too disorganized to have colluded with Russia during the election. "They thought we colluded, but we couldnt even collude with our local offices," he joked. Kushner has come under fire for four meetings with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign and transition, though he maintains that he discussed nothing improper in those meetings -- and that no one in the campaign colluded. During a question-and-answer session, one intern asked about an investigation into the campaign's potential ties to Russia and questions about Kushner's security clearance. In response, Kushner said, "we don't know where it's going." In Kushner's SF-86 form, which is required to apply for security clearance, he initially did not report contact with some foreign nationals -- including a now-infamous meeting with Donald Trump Jr. and an attorney tied to the Kremlin. "There are 127 pages on the SF-86, but there are only two you guys have to worry about," he said about the form. "Make sure you guys keep track of where you travel." BUYING A NEWSPAPER WAS 'DUMB' Kushner, who worked primarily as a real estate developer, bought the New York Observer, a newspaper focused on New York City real estate and society, for $10 million when he was 25. He became CEO of Kushner Companies two years later. "We had a family situation where I needed to come to my companies -- my family business -- much earlier than I thought," he said. "Along the way, I did a lot of dumb things. I bought a newspaper, which was very interesting." He left his position as the newspaper's publisher in January for his role at the White House, selling his stake in the paper to a Kushner family trust. 'COMFORTABLE' BECAUSE OF LACK OF PRESS "Im a lot more comfortable talking to you guys today cause there isn't any press," Kushner said. But the speech made it to the press anyway, despite a warning from Katie Patru, deputy staff director for member services, outreach and communications. "To record todays session would be such a breach of trust, from my opinion," she told interns before Kushner's speech. "If someone in your office has asked you to break our protocol and give you a recording so they can leak it, as a manager, that bothers me at my core." Charitable trust formed to fund facility A DETERMINED group of Pangbourne residents have won their two-year battle to save the villages public toilets. The facilities, in Station Road, were closed in 2015 after West Berkshire Council withdrew funding. However, following the formation of a new charitable trust, campaigners have now announced the facility is set to re-open in September, after raising 11,000. The recently-registered charity, Action for Pangbourne Toilets Community Trust, said the money will be enough to maintain the lavatories for at least 12 months. Chairman of trustees Sir Brian Hoskins, said: Its an exciting time for the trust and its supporters and we are looking forward to re-opening this important facility for the many visitors to our wonderful village. Everyone involved has worked very hard and we are grateful to all the local organisations and residents who have donated to our cause so far. The trust achieved registered charity status in February this year and since then it has received support from Cardy Beaver Foundation, Greenham Trust, Pangbourne Parish Council and Whitchurch Parish Council together with donations from local residents. The trust is now in the process of finalising a 99-year lease with West Berkshire Council, with plans under way for a grand re-opening ceremony in September. It is believed to be the first time a UK residents group has set up a registered charity in order to take over and manage a public toilet facility. However, despite the success of the campaign, further funding is needed in order to keep the toilets open long-term. Sir Brian added: We need to raise funds on an ongoing basis, so we welcome the opportunity to attract online donations and match-funding via Greenham Trust. We hope this will encourage people who live further afield to make a donation to help support the toilets in the longer term. Donations to support Station Road toilets can now be made securely online via The Good Exchange website or by visiting http://bit.ly/2uh0x7g All donations will be 100 per cent matched by Greenham Trust. West Berkshire Council withdrew funding for the toilets in March 2015 after being forced to find 17.5m worth of savings. Since then, residents group Action for Pangbourne Toilets has actively campaigned to have the toilets re-opened. Theale-based distributor increases sales by 59% Westcoast has been named in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 list AN electronic product distributor based in Theale has been named in the HSBC International Track 200 league table, ranking Britains mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales. Westcoast chalked up international sales of 321.2m in 2016, an increase of 59 per cent over two years. Its total sales were 1,912.5m. Its highlight was establishing operations in Lyon after buying out a division of Spanish distributor Adveo. The Arrowhead Road business employs 1,195 staff. Amanda Murphy, UK head of commercial banking at HSBC, said: This years HSBC International Track 200 is testament to the exciting opportunities available to ambitious UK businesses with appetite to grow their goods and services abroad. Mayo Health Systems' plans to move inpatient services at its Albert Lea, Minnesota, hospital to Austin, Minnesota, would negatively impact Winnebago and Worth counties in Iowa, officials say. The consolidation would force many residents to travel longer distances to receive critical care, according to Teresa Nicholson, director of Winn-Worth Betco. She has addressed her concerns to both the Winnebago and Worth County boards of supervisors in the past two weeks. She also attended a meeting Monday with Minnesota Congressman Tim Wahl who met with concerned citizens about the importance of rural health care. When dealing with a situation such as a heart attack or a stroke, "timing is everything," said Nicholson. Save Our Hospital uses social media to hold Mayo to its values ALBERT LEA, Minn. | A rural town has come together like never before to ensure medical care Winnebago County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Buffington said not being able to get residents to the nearest hospital or the hospital of their choice "puts our public safety at risk." Nicholson is a member of a sub-committee of the Save Our Hospital Committee, which formed after Mayo announced plans in June to consolidate its Albert Lea and Austin campuses. The group's goal is to either retain Mayo inpatient services in Albert Lea or convince another provider to serve that community and the surrounding area. Nicholson said Tuesday, "Obviously Mayo is a fantastic brand and we would love to be able to keep that. But the overall mission is to have inpatient services available and we have received interest from other providers." Supervisors in Winnebago and Worth counties have supported the efforts of the Save Our Hospital Committee. A lot of people in Winnebago and Worth counties particularly those who live in the northern portion of those counties receive care at Mayo in Albert Lea, according to Nicholson. She said the town of Emmons, Minnesota which is near the point where the counties of Winnebago, Worth and Freeborn (Minnesota) meet is just 13 miles from Mayo in Albert Lea, but 37 miles from Mayo in Austin and 40 miles from Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. The proposed timeline is to consolidate Albert Lea's intensive care unit to Austin in October, followed by inpatient surgery in early 2018, medical/surgical in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 and childbirth services in 2020. Mayo plans to relocate inpatient behavior health services from Austin to Albert Lea in mid-2018. Save Our Hospital has been in contact with six other health care providers who have expressed interest in coming to Albert Lea, said Mariah Lynne, co-chairwoman of the committee. She declined to name them. Mayo officials say the consolidation of its Albert Lea and Austin facilities is needed because of staffing shortages, rising costs and declining reimbursements for services, which are affecting health care organizations nationwide. "We must make changes to the way we provide health care in order to be available to our patients and communities in the future," said Bobbie Gostout, leader of the Mayo Clinic Health System, in a news release. Mayo officials say both Albert Lea and Austin will continue to offer 95 percent of the services patients use the most often, such as emergency room, primary and specialty care, outpatient surgeries and procedures, pregnancy care, lab, radiology and pharmacy. A lot of people in Lake Mills, Scarville and even Forest City get care from Mayo in Albert Lea, according to Buffington. Although Mayo officials have said any job losses would be minimal, in other communities in Minnesota that no longer have in-patient services "that has not held true," Nicholson said. Also, she said, if there's no full-service hospital in Albert Lea, that could hurt efforts to recruit new businesses. The Save Our Hospital Committee meets every Sunday at 6 p.m. at the American Legion in Albert Lea. Interested citizens from Iowa are encouraged to attend. Buyers from around the world are being drawn to the market town The team at Heaton & Partners NEWBURY is increasingly becoming the property powerhouse of Berkshire, according to London Road-based Heaton & Partners, a property search agency which operates in the market town. Heaton & Partners alone has helped its clients buy millions of pounds worth of property in the Newbury area in the last year. Edward Heaton, founder and managing partner of Heaton & Partners, said: With Newbury most commonly known for being the home of Vodafones headquarters, it is often overlooked by its more glamorous neighbours, but in my opinion, it is increasingly becoming the property powerhouse of Berkshire. With an attractive centre, as well as beautiful surrounding countryside, excellent links to London and proximity to some of southern Englands best schools, the area attracts buyers from all over the world who want to invest in the beauty of Berkshire and surrounding counties. As a result, we have found the market town the perfect base for our rapidly-growing property business. Heaton & Partners was set up by Mr Heaton less than four years ago and has more than 10 members in its team and an office in Chelsea. The firm acts for homebuyers and searches the market for properties on the clients behalf. Dealing with selling agents, all with a Newbury office such as Savills, Knight Frank and Hamptons Heaton & Partners has helped its high net worth clients buy many millions of pounds of luxury property in Berkshire and surrounding counties in the last two years ranging in prices from 1m to 7m. Requests made by clients are never-endingly diverse and include space for horses, an annexe for grandparents, locations that suit specific schools, space for classic cars or proximity to stations. Mr Heaton said: The market is thriving around the Newbury area at the moment, particularly for homes priced from 1m to 2m, whilst any rare equestrian estate also gets snapped up quickly. The town and the scores of pretty villages surrounding it still represent excellent value for money, especially when you compare it to other parts of the Home Counties, particularly for those selling up and moving out of London. However, we also have clients from as far afield as the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Dubai and Asia wanting to buy in and around Newbury. Heaton & Partners has seven members of its team acting for clients across the prime central London and country markets in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire, as well as a property management department, which extends to a full concierge service when required, including the employment and management of staff, procurement of cars and overseeing extensive refurbishment projects. Snap Ofsted inspection finds staff 'highly vigilant' in keeping pupils safe KENNET School has effective measures in place to safeguard children, Ofsted has said. The result followed a snap inspection of the schools measures for protecting pupils last month, which said that staff were well trained and highly vigilant in their work to keep pupils safe. Inspectors noted that a serious case review into how former teacher Robert Alan Neill was allowed to rape and abuse boys in his care was published in February this year. Neill, employed at Kennet School from September 1, 1995, until November 9, 2007, was jailed for 21 years in March 2016. The review also looked into former Kennet School youth counsellor, the Rev Peter Jarvis, who was jailed in April 2016 for child sex offences. The review said that: School staff, the governing body and the head have been deeply affected by the prosecution of [Neill and Jarvis] and were determined that these offences should not be repeated. And following a surprise inspection, with inspectors calling 15 minutes before arriving, Ofsted has said that Kennet has effective measures in place to safeguard children. Inspector Kathryn Moles said pupils felt safe and well supported at the school. She said: The house system and the pastoral support team provide layers of care that meet the needs of individual pupils very well, enabling them to focus on their studies and achieve academic success. Pupils know who they would speak to if they had any concerns, and feel confident that staff would support them if they needed help with situations that worried them. Furthermore, governors were said to hold leaders stringently to account for their work to keep pupils safe. The report noted that the Kennet School Academies Trust had recently formed a safeguarding committee and, although in its infancy, was working to monitor and develop the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements. To improve, Ofsted said that Kennet needed to bring together the range of written behaviour management guidance available to staff, particularly in relation to bullying and physical restraint. Headteacher Paul Dick said: I am incredibly proud of the team at Kennet School, directors, governors, teachers, other staff, pupils and parents. We work incredibly hard in search of excellence in all facets of school life. Our children need to feel safe and secure if they are to develop at the high rate demanded by our ambition for them. We seek to produce happy, well-rounded, independent thinking young citizens whose future life chances are enhanced by our school. This report confirms we have a happy and safe school where pupils, parents and staff are proud and are determined to improve further. The one recommendation is a policy issue and the policy is being re-written over the summer and will be shared appropriately in September with all stakeholders. We found the visit challenging, rewarding and helped us to reflect on the way forward. The serious case review said that no one had been disciplined over the Neill and Jarvis cases, but many of those individuals were no longer at the school. Ofsted said that the arrangements for safeguarding were highly effective at Kennet when it rated the school as outstanding last year. Pensioner advised to not drink tap water after supply 'contaminated' A FRAIL 80-year-old man with kidney problems has been warned not to drink his water after his supply was contaminated. Arthur Hiscock has been told not to drink his tap water after tests showed that it failed to meet Thames Water regulations. A pipe was left exposed at Mr Hiscocks home in Stanford Dingley for more than a week, after Sovereign Housing carried out maintenance work. His sister-in-law, Daisy Sturt, said that petrochemicals had seeped into Mr Hiscocks water supply. Mr Hiscock has kidney problems and needs to drink around two-and-a-half litres of water a day but currently cant consume water from his tap. Mrs Sturt said: His water tasted awful. He had a bad cough and thought he had a chest infection. He had been drinking it all week. Its like sandpaper in the back of the throat. Hes 80 and a very frail man. We thought it was his medication. Thames Water supplied Mr Hiscock with bottled water after being made aware of the situation. Mrs Sturt said that Thames Water samples showed the water was contaminated and that the pipe should have been buried in the ground immediately. She added that Sovereign Housing had told her that the work could not be completed until September. I think he would have been in hospital if I hadnt phoned Thames Water, she said. A spokeswoman for Thames Water said: Weve been supplying bottled water to Mr Hiscocks property since he reported an unusual odour to his water on Friday. Our investigation and tests have shown this odour is due to work carried out by a third party on his water supply pipe last week, which did not meet our regulations. The water would not pose a risk to health if drunk, however, due to the odour it would be unpleasant to drink, which is why well continue to keep Mr Hiscock supplied with bottled water until the housing association which owns his property rectifies the problem with the pipe. Weve given them advice on how to do this. A spokesman for Sovereign Housing said: After our resident recently reported a leak outside their home, we asked our contractors to investigate and repair a problem with the underground main pipework. As soon as we were informed that a concern with the drinking water had developed, the water supply was turned off and weve been working with Thames Water and our contractors to resolve the issue and then restore the supply as quickly as possible. This work is already under way and were in touch with our resident to keep them fully informed. As soon as this work is complete, and with assistance from our contractors, well investigate the cause of this incident. Survey Experiment Shows Voters' Opinions of Trump, GOP Already Crystallized A national survey experiment of nearly 2,000 people done by a University of New Haven senior shows that people already have crystallized their opinions about both Donald Trump and the Republican party and whether or not they will vote. The survey takers said they are not affected by controversial statements that the candidate makes. By PTI NEW YORK: Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he is very "bullish" and "optimistic" about India, a market where the company is bringing all of its "energies" to expand footprint. "We are investing in India...we've already launched an app accelerator center. That's on top of working with the channel and looking at expanding our go-to-market in general," Cook said during the company's third quarter earnings call yesterday. In response to a question on the company's thoughts about India, Cook said Apple has begun to produce the iPhone SE in India during the quarter and "we're really happy with how that's going". "And so we're bringing all of our energies to bear there...And so I'm very, very bullish and very, very optimistic about India," he said. Cook said he sees a lot of similarities between where the Indian market is now and where China was several years ago. Apple had in May said that it began initial production of a "small number" of iPhone SE in Bengaluru and would start shipping to domestic customers. The Karnataka government had in February announced Apple Inc's proposal to commence initial manufacturing operations in Bengaluru. The phones will be manufactured by Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM for Apple. The 'App Accelerator' in Bengaluru is an initiative that would provide support to Indian developers and enable them transform the design and performance of their apps on its mobile operating system iOS. Cook was among a select group of CEOs who had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in Washington during the Indian leaders visit to the US capital for his first bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2017 third quarter ended July 1, 2017. The company posted quarterly revenue of USD 45.4 billion as compared to USD 42.4 billion in the year-ago quarter. NEW YORK: Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he is very "bullish" and "optimistic" about India, a market where the company is bringing all of its "energies" to expand footprint. "We are investing in India...we've already launched an app accelerator center. That's on top of working with the channel and looking at expanding our go-to-market in general," Cook said during the company's third quarter earnings call yesterday. In response to a question on the company's thoughts about India, Cook said Apple has begun to produce the iPhone SE in India during the quarter and "we're really happy with how that's going". "And so we're bringing all of our energies to bear there...And so I'm very, very bullish and very, very optimistic about India," he said. Cook said he sees a lot of similarities between where the Indian market is now and where China was several years ago. Apple had in May said that it began initial production of a "small number" of iPhone SE in Bengaluru and would start shipping to domestic customers. The Karnataka government had in February announced Apple Inc's proposal to commence initial manufacturing operations in Bengaluru. The phones will be manufactured by Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM for Apple. The 'App Accelerator' in Bengaluru is an initiative that would provide support to Indian developers and enable them transform the design and performance of their apps on its mobile operating system iOS. Cook was among a select group of CEOs who had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in Washington during the Indian leaders visit to the US capital for his first bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2017 third quarter ended July 1, 2017. The company posted quarterly revenue of USD 45.4 billion as compared to USD 42.4 billion in the year-ago quarter. By PTI NEW DELHI: Leading bourse Bombay Stock Exchange has received 'no objection' from markets regulator Sebi to act as a facilitator in non-competitive bidding in auction of government securities through exchange mechanism. The facility would give retail investors an avenue to participate in the government securities market, the BSE said in a statement. Under the non-competitive bidding (NCB) scheme, eligible investors apply for a certain amount of securities in an auction without mentioning price or yield. The scheme was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January 2002. NCB is open to individuals, HUFs, regional rural banks, co-operative banks, firms, companies, corporate bodies, institutions, provident funds, and trusts. "However, NCB has failed to attract retail investors and and the penetration of government securities continues to be low," the exchange said. In January, BSE had received in-principle approval from the RBI to act as a facilitator to retail investors, including individuals, to participate in non-competitive bidding facility in the auction of government securities and treasury bills. Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made an announcement in his Budget speech last year for greater retail participation in government securities in primary as well as secondary markets through stock exchanges. NEW DELHI: Leading bourse Bombay Stock Exchange has received 'no objection' from markets regulator Sebi to act as a facilitator in non-competitive bidding in auction of government securities through exchange mechanism. The facility would give retail investors an avenue to participate in the government securities market, the BSE said in a statement. Under the non-competitive bidding (NCB) scheme, eligible investors apply for a certain amount of securities in an auction without mentioning price or yield. The scheme was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January 2002. NCB is open to individuals, HUFs, regional rural banks, co-operative banks, firms, companies, corporate bodies, institutions, provident funds, and trusts. "However, NCB has failed to attract retail investors and and the penetration of government securities continues to be low," the exchange said. In January, BSE had received in-principle approval from the RBI to act as a facilitator to retail investors, including individuals, to participate in non-competitive bidding facility in the auction of government securities and treasury bills. Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made an announcement in his Budget speech last year for greater retail participation in government securities in primary as well as secondary markets through stock exchanges. By AFP DOHA: Qatar Airways has dropped plans to buy a 10-percent stake in American Airlines, it said on Wednesday, as Doha remained embroiled in a diplomatic row with its neighbours. A review "demonstrated that the investment no longer meets our objectives," the company said in a statement, without elaborating. The Qatari airline's surprise plan to buy at least $808 million in American shares was disclosed by the US carrier in a securities filing in June. DOHA: Qatar Airways has dropped plans to buy a 10-percent stake in American Airlines, it said on Wednesday, as Doha remained embroiled in a diplomatic row with its neighbours. A review "demonstrated that the investment no longer meets our objectives," the company said in a statement, without elaborating. The Qatari airline's surprise plan to buy at least $808 million in American shares was disclosed by the US carrier in a securities filing in June. Ankur Sharma By Express News Service While government is busy in discussing stringent law for population control, one baby born in every 90 seconds in National capital. Delhi Government has released latest annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi-2016 which says that total 3,79,161 births were registered in the year. According to the government, Delhi saw all time high deaths and births in 2016. Delhi has seen a jump of 15% in number of deaths in 2016. According to the report, 1,41,632 people died in Delhi in the year 2016 and 124516 death registration were done in 2015. Good news is that the Sex Ratio (Number of females per thousand males) at birth has increased from 898 in the year 2015 to 902 in the year 2016 in Delhi. The report reveals that the average number of births per day in Delhi during 2016 is 1036 and average number of deaths is 387. Thus the net natural increase in population of Delhi is 649 per day and 2.37 lakh in a year. The remaining increase in the population of Delhi is due to migration, Delhi government said in a statement. Delhi government data shows that the c-section rate in Government hospital is just 20 per cent while the rate of cesarean is almost 50 per cent in private hospitals. In Government hospitals almost 2 lakh babies born in 2016 and 1,60,000 were through normal delivery. On the other side, private hospitals had almost 46,000 birth cases and almost 23,000 were through c-section. Delhi government has claimed that they successfully achieved 100% registration of death and birth cases. The report has been compiled by a dozen of officers of Delhi government headed by a special secretary rank official. Year Total number of births Total number of deaths Sex ratio 2010 359463 124353 901 2011 353759 112142 893 2012 360473 104616 886 2013 370000 097185 895 2014 373693 121286 896 2015 374012 124516 898 2016 379161 141632 902 While government is busy in discussing stringent law for population control, one baby born in every 90 seconds in National capital. Delhi Government has released latest annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi-2016 which says that total 3,79,161 births were registered in the year. According to the government, Delhi saw all time high deaths and births in 2016. Delhi has seen a jump of 15% in number of deaths in 2016. According to the report, 1,41,632 people died in Delhi in the year 2016 and 124516 death registration were done in 2015. Good news is that the Sex Ratio (Number of females per thousand males) at birth has increased from 898 in the year 2015 to 902 in the year 2016 in Delhi. The report reveals that the average number of births per day in Delhi during 2016 is 1036 and average number of deaths is 387. Thus the net natural increase in population of Delhi is 649 per day and 2.37 lakh in a year. The remaining increase in the population of Delhi is due to migration, Delhi government said in a statement. Delhi government data shows that the c-section rate in Government hospital is just 20 per cent while the rate of cesarean is almost 50 per cent in private hospitals. In Government hospitals almost 2 lakh babies born in 2016 and 1,60,000 were through normal delivery. On the other side, private hospitals had almost 46,000 birth cases and almost 23,000 were through c-section. Delhi government has claimed that they successfully achieved 100% registration of death and birth cases. The report has been compiled by a dozen of officers of Delhi government headed by a special secretary rank official. Year Total number of births Total number of deaths Sex ratio 2010 359463 124353 901 2011 353759 112142 893 2012 360473 104616 886 2013 370000 097185 895 2014 373693 121286 896 2015 374012 124516 898 2016 379161 141632 902 V Nilesh By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Apart from his scientific contributions, Dr PM Bhargava was also known for taking a stand on matters of his principle and for his outspoken nature. He was also an ardent atheist. In 2015 Dr Bhargava returned his Padma Bhushan award during the award wapsi protests against growing intolerance in the country. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in the year 1986. In 1994 Dr Bhargava resigned from all three academies of sciences in India of which he was a member - Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences and Indian Academy of Sciences. In various interviews he gave the reason behind it that the academies were ruled by science mafias who did not let science grow in India. Dr Lalji Singh, former Director of CCMB, who was associated with Dr Bhargava for more than three decades recalling an anecdote, he said, There was a lot of criticism over construction of CCMB building as till then scientific institutions used to be accommodated in normal buildings allotted by government. CCMB was being constructed as per planned design to fit all kinds of infrastructure that would be required in future along with visually appealing aesthetics. DR Bhargava came under heavy criticism. The CCMB building was even called a five star laboratory The then Director General of CSIR got angry about time taken for construction of building to which Dr Bhargava offered to resign immediately. However, it did not happen and in 1988 the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi dedicated the CCMB building to nation. Atheism and Dr Bhargava Dr PM Bhargava was an atheist who regularly spoke out against prevalence superstitions at various platforms and was a proponent of scientific temper in Indian society. A best example of it is that in 2002, Dr Bhargava along with prof K Subash Chandra Reddy of Osmania University and Chandana Chakrabarti, a writer filed a petition in the Supreme Court against move of University Grants Commission to introduce course on Jyotir Vigyan (Vedic astrology). Dr Bharagava has been a regular speaker and guest at the World Atheist Conferences held by Atheist Centre in Vijayawada. In one of the speeches as documented by the Atheist Centre on its website, Dr Bhargava said, Future is important for those who believe in science. But people who believe in religion like to cling on to the past. life events February 22, 1928 - Born to Dr Ram Chandra Bhargava, a public health professional & Gayathri Bhargava 1944 - Completed BSc in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from Theosophical College, Lucknow 1946 - Completed MSc in Organic Chemistry from Queens College, Varanasi 1949 - PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Lucknow University 1949 to 1953 - Taught Chemistry at Lucknow University and later at OU. Joined Central Laboratories for Scientific and Industrial Research as a Research Fellow 1953 - Pursued postdoctoral fellowship at McArdle Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison 1954 - Joined National Institute for Medical Research, UK as a research fellow 1958 - Joined as Scientist B at Regional Research Laboratory now known as Indian Institute of Chemical Technology 1971 to 72 - Worked at Institut du Radium, Paris, France as an Eleanor Roosevelt International Cancer Research Fellow 1977 - Established Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology April 1977 to Feb 1990 - Worked as founding director of CCMB 1990 - Retired from CCMB. Honored with CSIR Distinguished Fellowship until 1993 1995 - Established an NGO, Medically Aware and Responsible Citizens of Hyderabad August 1, 2017 - Died Source: http://pmbhargava.com/ HYDERABAD: Apart from his scientific contributions, Dr PM Bhargava was also known for taking a stand on matters of his principle and for his outspoken nature. He was also an ardent atheist. In 2015 Dr Bhargava returned his Padma Bhushan award during the award wapsi protests against growing intolerance in the country. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in the year 1986. In 1994 Dr Bhargava resigned from all three academies of sciences in India of which he was a member - Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences and Indian Academy of Sciences. In various interviews he gave the reason behind it that the academies were ruled by science mafias who did not let science grow in India. Dr Lalji Singh, former Director of CCMB, who was associated with Dr Bhargava for more than three decades recalling an anecdote, he said, There was a lot of criticism over construction of CCMB building as till then scientific institutions used to be accommodated in normal buildings allotted by government. CCMB was being constructed as per planned design to fit all kinds of infrastructure that would be required in future along with visually appealing aesthetics. DR Bhargava came under heavy criticism. The CCMB building was even called a five star laboratory The then Director General of CSIR got angry about time taken for construction of building to which Dr Bhargava offered to resign immediately. However, it did not happen and in 1988 the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi dedicated the CCMB building to nation. Atheism and Dr Bhargava Dr PM Bhargava was an atheist who regularly spoke out against prevalence superstitions at various platforms and was a proponent of scientific temper in Indian society. A best example of it is that in 2002, Dr Bhargava along with prof K Subash Chandra Reddy of Osmania University and Chandana Chakrabarti, a writer filed a petition in the Supreme Court against move of University Grants Commission to introduce course on Jyotir Vigyan (Vedic astrology). Dr Bharagava has been a regular speaker and guest at the World Atheist Conferences held by Atheist Centre in Vijayawada. In one of the speeches as documented by the Atheist Centre on its website, Dr Bhargava said, Future is important for those who believe in science. But people who believe in religion like to cling on to the past. life events February 22, 1928 - Born to Dr Ram Chandra Bhargava, a public health professional & Gayathri Bhargava 1944 - Completed BSc in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from Theosophical College, Lucknow 1946 - Completed MSc in Organic Chemistry from Queens College, Varanasi 1949 - PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Lucknow University 1949 to 1953 - Taught Chemistry at Lucknow University and later at OU. Joined Central Laboratories for Scientific and Industrial Research as a Research Fellow 1953 - Pursued postdoctoral fellowship at McArdle Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison 1954 - Joined National Institute for Medical Research, UK as a research fellow 1958 - Joined as Scientist B at Regional Research Laboratory now known as Indian Institute of Chemical Technology 1971 to 72 - Worked at Institut du Radium, Paris, France as an Eleanor Roosevelt International Cancer Research Fellow 1977 - Established Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology April 1977 to Feb 1990 - Worked as founding director of CCMB 1990 - Retired from CCMB. Honored with CSIR Distinguished Fellowship until 1993 1995 - Established an NGO, Medically Aware and Responsible Citizens of Hyderabad August 1, 2017 - Died Source: http://pmbhargava.com/ Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy By Express News Service CHENNAI: Rajinikanth has requested the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) to call off its strike over revising the daily wages of its members. In a statement to the press, he said he doesnt like the word strike, and has appealed to all the stakeholders to arrive at an amicable conclusion soon. He said, Whatever the problem is, one should solve it through peaceful dialogues, irrespective of ones personal likes and dislikes. As a senior actor, I request members of FEFSI and TPFC (Tamil Film Producers Council) to discuss and find a solution. The actor has issued the statement a day after the shooting of his upcoming venture Kaala was stopped due to the indefinite strike announced by the FEFSI. The strike has affected over 20 other Tamil films that were being shot. FEFSI on Tuesday began a strike as their request for revision of daily wages had been turned down by Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council (TFPC). FEFSI, which comprises 24 unions of various crafts of the film industry and has over 25,000 members, and TFPC are at loggerheads after FEFSI had an altercation with producer-actor RK Suresh on the sets of his Tamil film "Billa Pandi". The strike has come as a big blow for over 20 Tamil films that are currently on floors. "The shoot of over 20 Tamil films including Rajinikanth's Kaala' has been stopped. FEFSI workers are part of most Tamil films and they have been instructed to not take part in the shooting. They have to understand it will only affect their livelihood," a member of the Producers Council had told IANS. (with IANS inputs) CHENNAI: Rajinikanth has requested the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) to call off its strike over revising the daily wages of its members. In a statement to the press, he said he doesnt like the word strike, and has appealed to all the stakeholders to arrive at an amicable conclusion soon. He said, Whatever the problem is, one should solve it through peaceful dialogues, irrespective of ones personal likes and dislikes. As a senior actor, I request members of FEFSI and TPFC (Tamil Film Producers Council) to discuss and find a solution. The actor has issued the statement a day after the shooting of his upcoming venture Kaala was stopped due to the indefinite strike announced by the FEFSI. The strike has affected over 20 other Tamil films that were being shot. FEFSI on Tuesday began a strike as their request for revision of daily wages had been turned down by Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council (TFPC). FEFSI, which comprises 24 unions of various crafts of the film industry and has over 25,000 members, and TFPC are at loggerheads after FEFSI had an altercation with producer-actor RK Suresh on the sets of his Tamil film "Billa Pandi". The strike has come as a big blow for over 20 Tamil films that are currently on floors. "The shoot of over 20 Tamil films including Rajinikanth's Kaala' has been stopped. FEFSI workers are part of most Tamil films and they have been instructed to not take part in the shooting. They have to understand it will only affect their livelihood," a member of the Producers Council had told IANS. (with IANS inputs) By PTI RAIPUR: Eleven Naxals, five of them carrying cash reward on their heads, today surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, citing disappointment with the "hollow" Maoist ideology, police said. The cadres, including three women, turned themselves in before Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena at the district headquarters, around 400 km from here, they said. They also surrendered two guns, the police said. Two of the surrendered ultras, Kunjam Hadma and Madvi Hidma, were carrying reward of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads, Meena said. The duo was attached with the military wing of the Maoists and active in the south Bastar region, the SP told PTI. Similarly, Tati Sanki, a "deputy commander" rank cadre, was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head, the police officer said. Two others -- Dirdo Deva, a member of Dornapal LOS (local operation squad), and Kadti Hidme, chief of the Kisan Adivasi Mazdoor Sangathan (KAMS), a front organisation of Maoists - were carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on their heads, Meena said. The rest of the ultras were active as lower-rung cadres, the SP said. Meena said in their statement, the Naxals said they were disappointed with the "hollow" ideology of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and violence carried out by the outfit. Hence, they decided to surrender and join the national mainstream. Moreover, they were impressed with the provisions of the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy for rebels, the police officer added. He said Rs 10,000 in cash was given to each of the surrendered rebels as encouragement money, the SP said. RAIPUR: Eleven Naxals, five of them carrying cash reward on their heads, today surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, citing disappointment with the "hollow" Maoist ideology, police said. The cadres, including three women, turned themselves in before Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena at the district headquarters, around 400 km from here, they said. They also surrendered two guns, the police said. Two of the surrendered ultras, Kunjam Hadma and Madvi Hidma, were carrying reward of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads, Meena said. The duo was attached with the military wing of the Maoists and active in the south Bastar region, the SP told PTI. Similarly, Tati Sanki, a "deputy commander" rank cadre, was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head, the police officer said. Two others -- Dirdo Deva, a member of Dornapal LOS (local operation squad), and Kadti Hidme, chief of the Kisan Adivasi Mazdoor Sangathan (KAMS), a front organisation of Maoists - were carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on their heads, Meena said. The rest of the ultras were active as lower-rung cadres, the SP said. Meena said in their statement, the Naxals said they were disappointed with the "hollow" ideology of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and violence carried out by the outfit. Hence, they decided to surrender and join the national mainstream. Moreover, they were impressed with the provisions of the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy for rebels, the police officer added. He said Rs 10,000 in cash was given to each of the surrendered rebels as encouragement money, the SP said. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: The ongoing depletion of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) seems to be far from over. On Wednesday, BSP national general secretary Indrajeet Saroj was communicated by supremo Mayawati that he was being divested from all party posts and that he won't be allowed to function for the party any longer. Shocked Saroj came out in open against Mayawati and launched a broadside on the party leadership claiming that his refusal to fulfil Mayawatis demand for Rs 15 lakh led to him being shown the door. On the contrary, Mayawati from Delhi reportedly denied having sacked Saroj saying that he was under severe depression. Saroj, however, claimed that Mayawati herself called him up to convey that he stood sacked from the party for failing to follow her diktat and opposing her directives. As the word of Saroj's expulsion spread, hundreds of his supporters including MLAs, former MPs and other leader and party workers resigned from primary membership of the blue brigade. Indrajeet Saroj Like other party senior leaders who either parted ways or were expelled in the recent past, Saroj also accused her of using the party organisation as money minting machine. "She is money maniac who had only moolah in mind. Those who refuse to indulge in extortion on her behalf are shown the door like me," Saroj said. Narrating the sequence of events, Saroj said that Mayawati had called a meeting of party leaders on July 8, asking everyone to fetch Rs 9 lakh to Rs 22 lakh from each Assembly segment. "She asked us to maintain a register in every constituency and keep a record of how much money was collected," Saroj said. "As we went into the field, we faced a hostile electorate and BSP cadre. Even those who came from her Jatav community refused to shell out money. I felt humiliated and decided to refuse to follow the directive," he stated. "She needs psychiatric advice against her love for money," he avered. On the other hand, issuing a statement from Delhi, Mayawati tried to clear the air saying that party leaders were asked to deposit money for party fund. It was the membership fee which everyone was supposed to shell out. Owing to her attitude and love for money, the party failed to open an account in 2014 and reduced to a meagre 19 seats in 2017. Still, there is no remorse," Saroj maintained and claimed that she was destroying the Dalit movement initiated by her mentor and party founder president Kanshi Ram. Saroj was elected to UP Assembly for the first time on BSP ticket from Manjhanpur Assembly segment of Kaushambi district in 1996. He has represented BSP in Assembly four times and has been a cabinet minister twice in erstwhile BSP governments holding portfolios like Social Welfare, SC/ST welfare and child development and nutrition. In a similar development, axe fell on another senior leader of the blue brigade from Unnao district on Wednesday for opposing party leadership over a number of issues. LUCKNOW: The ongoing depletion of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) seems to be far from over. On Wednesday, BSP national general secretary Indrajeet Saroj was communicated by supremo Mayawati that he was being divested from all party posts and that he won't be allowed to function for the party any longer. Shocked Saroj came out in open against Mayawati and launched a broadside on the party leadership claiming that his refusal to fulfil Mayawatis demand for Rs 15 lakh led to him being shown the door. On the contrary, Mayawati from Delhi reportedly denied having sacked Saroj saying that he was under severe depression. Saroj, however, claimed that Mayawati herself called him up to convey that he stood sacked from the party for failing to follow her diktat and opposing her directives. As the word of Saroj's expulsion spread, hundreds of his supporters including MLAs, former MPs and other leader and party workers resigned from primary membership of the blue brigade. Indrajeet SarojLike other party senior leaders who either parted ways or were expelled in the recent past, Saroj also accused her of using the party organisation as money minting machine. "She is money maniac who had only moolah in mind. Those who refuse to indulge in extortion on her behalf are shown the door like me," Saroj said. Narrating the sequence of events, Saroj said that Mayawati had called a meeting of party leaders on July 8, asking everyone to fetch Rs 9 lakh to Rs 22 lakh from each Assembly segment. "She asked us to maintain a register in every constituency and keep a record of how much money was collected," Saroj said. "As we went into the field, we faced a hostile electorate and BSP cadre. Even those who came from her Jatav community refused to shell out money. I felt humiliated and decided to refuse to follow the directive," he stated. "She needs psychiatric advice against her love for money," he avered. On the other hand, issuing a statement from Delhi, Mayawati tried to clear the air saying that party leaders were asked to deposit money for party fund. It was the membership fee which everyone was supposed to shell out. Owing to her attitude and love for money, the party failed to open an account in 2014 and reduced to a meagre 19 seats in 2017. Still, there is no remorse," Saroj maintained and claimed that she was destroying the Dalit movement initiated by her mentor and party founder president Kanshi Ram. Saroj was elected to UP Assembly for the first time on BSP ticket from Manjhanpur Assembly segment of Kaushambi district in 1996. He has represented BSP in Assembly four times and has been a cabinet minister twice in erstwhile BSP governments holding portfolios like Social Welfare, SC/ST welfare and child development and nutrition. In a similar development, axe fell on another senior leader of the blue brigade from Unnao district on Wednesday for opposing party leadership over a number of issues. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Amid reports that Lafikul Islam Ahmed, the slain president of All Bodo Minority Students Union (ABMSU), was targeted by people benefiting from cattle smuggling, student body ABMSU, on Wednesday, claimed that Ahmed was a victim of a political conspiracy. Ahmed was shot dead from a point-blank range on Tuesday evening when he had gone to buy tiles from a shop in Titaguri market on the outskirts of Kokrajhar, which is the seat of power in Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The police have detained two persons in connection with the incident. The states chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had given 24 hours time to the police to nab the perpetrators of the crime. Former ABMSU chief, Sahabuddin, told the New Indian Express, There is no truth in the reports that he was killed by cattle smugglers. Bodoland witnessed killings of several leaders, including that of Adivasis (tea tribe), in the past. Ahmed was vocal on various issues confronting people and that was the reason behind his killing. The smuggling of cattle into Bangladesh thrives in lower Assams Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts. The cows are transported from various parts of the country and smuggled into Bangladesh by letting them loose on the Brahmaputra. Allegations galore, a section of the politicians, as well as the militants, facilitate the smuggling. A cow, smuggled into the neighbouring country where beef is high in demand, could fetch double the Indian price. Sahabuddin also said, We are demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the killing. Bodoland Territory Council chief Hagrama Mohilary and Assams director general of police, Mukesh Sahay, have assured that they would take up the demand with chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. We demand the arrest of the assailants within 24 hours or else, we will hit the streets. Another ABMSU leader Shakamal claimed that Ahmed was fired 12 times on the chest, back, neck and arms. The ABMSU has demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, jobs to two of his family members and the transfer of the Kokrajhar district police chief. Meanwhile, DGP Mukesh Sahay, who was rushed to Kokrajhar by Sonowal on Wednesday, said the police were also probing the angle of cattle smuggling. There are various leads which we are examining. Two suspects - Entaj Ali and one Barman - have been picked up and subjected to interrogation. We are also probing if the militants were involved, he said adding the situation was under control. Condemning Ahmeds killing, Assam governor Banwarilal Purohit said, Such a barbaric killing cant be tolerated in a civilized society as the state authority would do everything to bring the perpetrator to justice. GUWAHATI: Amid reports that Lafikul Islam Ahmed, the slain president of All Bodo Minority Students Union (ABMSU), was targeted by people benefiting from cattle smuggling, student body ABMSU, on Wednesday, claimed that Ahmed was a victim of a political conspiracy. Ahmed was shot dead from a point-blank range on Tuesday evening when he had gone to buy tiles from a shop in Titaguri market on the outskirts of Kokrajhar, which is the seat of power in Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The police have detained two persons in connection with the incident. The states chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had given 24 hours time to the police to nab the perpetrators of the crime. Former ABMSU chief, Sahabuddin, told the New Indian Express, There is no truth in the reports that he was killed by cattle smugglers. Bodoland witnessed killings of several leaders, including that of Adivasis (tea tribe), in the past. Ahmed was vocal on various issues confronting people and that was the reason behind his killing. The smuggling of cattle into Bangladesh thrives in lower Assams Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts. The cows are transported from various parts of the country and smuggled into Bangladesh by letting them loose on the Brahmaputra. Allegations galore, a section of the politicians, as well as the militants, facilitate the smuggling. A cow, smuggled into the neighbouring country where beef is high in demand, could fetch double the Indian price. Sahabuddin also said, We are demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the killing. Bodoland Territory Council chief Hagrama Mohilary and Assams director general of police, Mukesh Sahay, have assured that they would take up the demand with chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. We demand the arrest of the assailants within 24 hours or else, we will hit the streets. Another ABMSU leader Shakamal claimed that Ahmed was fired 12 times on the chest, back, neck and arms. The ABMSU has demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, jobs to two of his family members and the transfer of the Kokrajhar district police chief. Meanwhile, DGP Mukesh Sahay, who was rushed to Kokrajhar by Sonowal on Wednesday, said the police were also probing the angle of cattle smuggling. There are various leads which we are examining. Two suspects - Entaj Ali and one Barman - have been picked up and subjected to interrogation. We are also probing if the militants were involved, he said adding the situation was under control. Condemning Ahmeds killing, Assam governor Banwarilal Purohit said, Such a barbaric killing cant be tolerated in a civilized society as the state authority would do everything to bring the perpetrator to justice. By PTI NEW DELHI: Congress members today disrupted the proceedings in Parliament today protesting the IT raids against a Karnataka Minister, as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told them not to link the searches with Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Jaitley, who spoke on the issue in both Houses of Parliament, also said no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs have been staying. However, the Minister, who had "gone and parked himself" at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning, he said as Congress members vociferously raised the issue in both the Houses. They forced three adjournments of the Rajya Sabha and staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha. As the Congress members charged the government with using investigating agencies like CBI, ED and IT, Jaitley said "whether it is a use or abuse, it depends of recovery". Maintaining that the searches were being conducted at 39 other places and "not at this resort", Jaitley said the searches "should not be linked to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat." As the Upper House met for the day, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue, saying an attempt was being made to "derail and hijack" the elections to the Council of States and the raids were "targetted". "Since morning they (ED and IT) have started the raids," Sharma said and questioned the timing and place of the raids. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held without fear in a free and fair manner. "But in this election (in Gujarat) all these three things are not happening," he said and alleged that Congress MLAs were being "kidnapped". "This is against democracy," he said. Azad also asked why the raids on the minister was "taking place today and not a month later or before." Responding to them, Jaitley said the properties of a "particular" minister of the Karnataka government was searched. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place, no MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He has gone and parked himself in that resort. "So the authorities, because they had to confront him with the recovery, they had gone to get him to his residence so that he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the Finance Minister said, adding that the minister has been taken to his residence from the resort. Jaitley also said the resort was not an area where the Karnataka minister can get "immunity from the law". Dissatisfied with Jaitley's remarks, Congress members trooped into the well of Rajya Sabha and started shouting slogans. The House was adjourned for 10 minutes. Later the House took up Zero Hour mentions. However, Congress members again started raising slogans during the Question Hour. Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for the second time for 10 minutes and later till 2 pm. In the Lok Sabha, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but Jaitley said the matter should not linked to the polls in Gujarat for Rajya Sabha seats. Terming the raids as "a political vendetta and witchhunting", Kharge accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy." "I appeal to the government, not to terrorise and threaten the MLAs. You will also have to face this tomorrow..... If there is any offence, then action should be taken, even if it involves me. You are resorting to this to defeat one person (Ahmed Patel) in the Rajya Sabha polls," Kharge said. Patel is the Congress candidate for the polls in Gujarat. Terming Kharge's allegations as "baseless", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the raids were part of action against black money and corruption. Kumar, who also belongs to Karnataka, said the state government had decided to slap a penalty of Rs 942 crore on the resort. At the same time, the Gujarat MLAs are lodged there, he said. "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ahmed Patel should explain this. They should come out clean on this matter," Kumar said. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were present in the House earlier. Jaitley, in his reaction to Kharge's charge, said "Don't link it with (the) Gujarat) MLAs, link it with economic offence." He said "I have taken details from the income tax department and verified (them) myself. No resort where the Gujarat MLAs are lodged have been searched. Yes, searches have taken places at 39 locations involving a Karnataka minister." "He himself went to the resort. As per the procedure, the person against whom the raid was conducted has to be confronted to take his statement. The officials only visited the resort where the minister was tearing off the papers. We have also collected these papers and done a 'panchanama'," Jaitley said. Kharge later led a walk out of the Congress members from the Lok Sabha. NEW DELHI: Congress members today disrupted the proceedings in Parliament today protesting the IT raids against a Karnataka Minister, as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told them not to link the searches with Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Jaitley, who spoke on the issue in both Houses of Parliament, also said no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs have been staying. However, the Minister, who had "gone and parked himself" at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning, he said as Congress members vociferously raised the issue in both the Houses. They forced three adjournments of the Rajya Sabha and staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha. As the Congress members charged the government with using investigating agencies like CBI, ED and IT, Jaitley said "whether it is a use or abuse, it depends of recovery". Maintaining that the searches were being conducted at 39 other places and "not at this resort", Jaitley said the searches "should not be linked to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat." As the Upper House met for the day, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue, saying an attempt was being made to "derail and hijack" the elections to the Council of States and the raids were "targetted". "Since morning they (ED and IT) have started the raids," Sharma said and questioned the timing and place of the raids. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held without fear in a free and fair manner. "But in this election (in Gujarat) all these three things are not happening," he said and alleged that Congress MLAs were being "kidnapped". "This is against democracy," he said. Azad also asked why the raids on the minister was "taking place today and not a month later or before." Responding to them, Jaitley said the properties of a "particular" minister of the Karnataka government was searched. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place, no MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He has gone and parked himself in that resort. "So the authorities, because they had to confront him with the recovery, they had gone to get him to his residence so that he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the Finance Minister said, adding that the minister has been taken to his residence from the resort. Jaitley also said the resort was not an area where the Karnataka minister can get "immunity from the law". Dissatisfied with Jaitley's remarks, Congress members trooped into the well of Rajya Sabha and started shouting slogans. The House was adjourned for 10 minutes. Later the House took up Zero Hour mentions. However, Congress members again started raising slogans during the Question Hour. Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for the second time for 10 minutes and later till 2 pm. In the Lok Sabha, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but Jaitley said the matter should not linked to the polls in Gujarat for Rajya Sabha seats. Terming the raids as "a political vendetta and witchhunting", Kharge accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy." "I appeal to the government, not to terrorise and threaten the MLAs. You will also have to face this tomorrow..... If there is any offence, then action should be taken, even if it involves me. You are resorting to this to defeat one person (Ahmed Patel) in the Rajya Sabha polls," Kharge said. Patel is the Congress candidate for the polls in Gujarat. Terming Kharge's allegations as "baseless", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the raids were part of action against black money and corruption. Kumar, who also belongs to Karnataka, said the state government had decided to slap a penalty of Rs 942 crore on the resort. At the same time, the Gujarat MLAs are lodged there, he said. "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ahmed Patel should explain this. They should come out clean on this matter," Kumar said. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were present in the House earlier. Jaitley, in his reaction to Kharge's charge, said "Don't link it with (the) Gujarat) MLAs, link it with economic offence." He said "I have taken details from the income tax department and verified (them) myself. No resort where the Gujarat MLAs are lodged have been searched. Yes, searches have taken places at 39 locations involving a Karnataka minister." "He himself went to the resort. As per the procedure, the person against whom the raid was conducted has to be confronted to take his statement. The officials only visited the resort where the minister was tearing off the papers. We have also collected these papers and done a 'panchanama'," Jaitley said. Kharge later led a walk out of the Congress members from the Lok Sabha. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Former Central minister Santosh Mohan Dev died at his home town in southern Assams Silchar on Wednesday morning. The 83-year-old Congress veteran died of natural causes at a hospital. The seven-time Congress MP is survived by his wife and four daughters, including Sushmita Dev who represents the Silchar seat in Lok Sabha. Nothing could have prepared me for this moment. I lost him at 6.06 am today (Wednesday). Thank you everyone for your prayers, your love for him, Sushmita tweeted. A towering Congress leader, Dev was the minister for heavy industries in UPA-I government headed by Manmohan Singh. First elected to the Parliament in 1980, Dev has the rare distinction of being elected from two states Assam and Tripura. He represented Silchar five times and Tripura twice. Dev also served as union minister of state for communications during 1986-1988 and the minister of state for home from 1988-1989. He also held the position of union minister of state for steel (independent charge) in the P V Narasimha Rao government in 1991. A key member of the Congress, he also represented India in the Population Conference held in China in 1982 and was a member of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference at Isle of Man in 1984. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death. (I am) saddened by the passing away of Santosh Mohan Dev. He was veteran political leader who worked extensively for welfare of people, the PM said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief. Gandhi said in a statement, In a political career spanning five decades, Dev held numerous crucial political assignments in the Congress party and in the government, including that of a Union Cabinet Minister. Congress leaders in the state also mourned the demise. GUWAHATI: Former Central minister Santosh Mohan Dev died at his home town in southern Assams Silchar on Wednesday morning. The 83-year-old Congress veteran died of natural causes at a hospital. The seven-time Congress MP is survived by his wife and four daughters, including Sushmita Dev who represents the Silchar seat in Lok Sabha. Nothing could have prepared me for this moment. I lost him at 6.06 am today (Wednesday). Thank you everyone for your prayers, your love for him, Sushmita tweeted. A towering Congress leader, Dev was the minister for heavy industries in UPA-I government headed by Manmohan Singh. First elected to the Parliament in 1980, Dev has the rare distinction of being elected from two states Assam and Tripura. He represented Silchar five times and Tripura twice. Dev also served as union minister of state for communications during 1986-1988 and the minister of state for home from 1988-1989. He also held the position of union minister of state for steel (independent charge) in the P V Narasimha Rao government in 1991. A key member of the Congress, he also represented India in the Population Conference held in China in 1982 and was a member of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference at Isle of Man in 1984. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death. (I am) saddened by the passing away of Santosh Mohan Dev. He was veteran political leader who worked extensively for welfare of people, the PM said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief. Gandhi said in a statement, In a political career spanning five decades, Dev held numerous crucial political assignments in the Congress party and in the government, including that of a Union Cabinet Minister. Congress leaders in the state also mourned the demise. Sana Shakil By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Is judiciary, like most other institutions in the country, also a mans preserve? If one looks at the number of women judges in higher judiciary, that seems to be the case. The Supreme Court has just one woman judge while the 24 high courts also have a poor representation of women. There are only 69 women judges in HCs making the total percentage of women judges in HCs a mere 10 percent. The low representation of women in the higher judiciary indicates gender discrimination in the institution in whose uprightness everyone in the country swears by. The statistics were revealed by the government in the Parliament on Wednesday. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for law and Justice PP Chaudhary disclosed the figures, saying there is no provision for any reservation in the appointment of judges. He, however, added that the government has requested the Chief Justices of the High Courts that to give due consideration to suitable candidates from amongst women. According to the latest government data, female judges are outnumbered by male judges in the Supreme Court as well as all 24 high courts of the country. As on June 28 this year, there is only one woman judge among 27 in the apex court. Justice R Banumathi, who has elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court three years ago and has been practising law since 1981, is only the sixth woman to become an SC judge since independence. Of the total 665 judges in HCs across the country, there are only 69 women judges and eight HCs do not even have a single woman judge. Bombay High Court has the best sex ratio with 11 of 74 judges being a woman. The Delhi High court has the second highest number of women judges as 10 of its 38 judges are women judicial officers. The states which have zero representation from women in the higher judiciary are Chhatisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Uttarakhand. The Allahabad High Court has 82 judges, the most of any court, but only six are women. The poor representation of women in higher judiciary is all the more striking because four major HCs in the country are currently led by women judges. These women are Justice Manjula Chellur who is the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Gita Mittal who is the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice Indira Banerjee who is the Chief Justice of Madras High Court and Justice Nishita Nirmal Mhatre who is the acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. Pertinently, a writ petition was also filed in the Supreme Court on the issue in 2015. Filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA), the matter--for consideration of meritorious women for adequate representation in appointment as high court judges/ Supreme Court judgesis still pending in Supreme Court. Hearing the matter, Supreme Court chief justice JS Khehar had once observed, The ratio of female judges to male judges must be in the same ratio. NEW DELHI: Is judiciary, like most other institutions in the country, also a mans preserve? If one looks at the number of women judges in higher judiciary, that seems to be the case. The Supreme Court has just one woman judge while the 24 high courts also have a poor representation of women. There are only 69 women judges in HCs making the total percentage of women judges in HCs a mere 10 percent. The low representation of women in the higher judiciary indicates gender discrimination in the institution in whose uprightness everyone in the country swears by. The statistics were revealed by the government in the Parliament on Wednesday. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for law and Justice PP Chaudhary disclosed the figures, saying there is no provision for any reservation in the appointment of judges. He, however, added that the government has requested the Chief Justices of the High Courts that to give due consideration to suitable candidates from amongst women. According to the latest government data, female judges are outnumbered by male judges in the Supreme Court as well as all 24 high courts of the country. As on June 28 this year, there is only one woman judge among 27 in the apex court. Justice R Banumathi, who has elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court three years ago and has been practising law since 1981, is only the sixth woman to become an SC judge since independence. Of the total 665 judges in HCs across the country, there are only 69 women judges and eight HCs do not even have a single woman judge. Bombay High Court has the best sex ratio with 11 of 74 judges being a woman. The Delhi High court has the second highest number of women judges as 10 of its 38 judges are women judicial officers. The states which have zero representation from women in the higher judiciary are Chhatisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Uttarakhand. The Allahabad High Court has 82 judges, the most of any court, but only six are women. The poor representation of women in higher judiciary is all the more striking because four major HCs in the country are currently led by women judges. These women are Justice Manjula Chellur who is the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Gita Mittal who is the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice Indira Banerjee who is the Chief Justice of Madras High Court and Justice Nishita Nirmal Mhatre who is the acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. Pertinently, a writ petition was also filed in the Supreme Court on the issue in 2015. Filed by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA), the matter--for consideration of meritorious women for adequate representation in appointment as high court judges/ Supreme Court judgesis still pending in Supreme Court. Hearing the matter, Supreme Court chief justice JS Khehar had once observed, The ratio of female judges to male judges must be in the same ratio. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Amid the current surge of attention to the northeasts ecological ills, flood veterans here take pains to correct the nuances of mainland Indias understanding of the problem. Beta, soil erosion, not floods, is the greater problem, they say. To people whose awareness comes from newspaper photographs, whats the difference? Floods are seasonal but erosion occurs throughout the year. Heres some perspective: Since 1954, Assam has lost 4.3 lakh hectares of land to erosion, which is 7 per cent of the states area. Or to use a more accessible yardstick, land seven times the size of Mumbai. Majuli in eastern Assam, Mukalmua and Goalpara in southern Assam and Morigaon in central Assam are the most erosion-prone areas in the Brahmaputra valley. Locally, Majuli is known as a sweet-water river island in the Brahmaputra. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was an expanse of 1,250 sq km. For years, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the largest river island in the world. Even by that record-keepers reckoning, it was an expanse of 880 sq km. When last measured in 2014, it had shrunk to 352 sq km. Its name persists in the Guinness Book more as a notion than as a reality. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the nations attention to the northeast, Assam government officials said the focus is welcome but its important to know the nuances. When theres a flood, people migrate to safer places and return home when the water recedes, said a senior Assam government official, asking not to be named. But soil erosion takes away their homes and land and triggers mass displacement. Theres no coping with that. According to him, the greater dimension of the problem of displacement is social and cultural. When erosion-affected people from lower Assam migrate to upper Assam, it feeds social unrest. If they are Muslims, it stokes suspicion that they are illegal Bangladeshi migrants, he elaborated. Indeed, there is a large Bengali-speaking population in lower Assam, many of them settled rather too close to the Brahmaputra. When they lose their homes and hearths, they cannot but migrate. Migration gives rise to attendant social problems. Take trafficking for instance. A whole environment of transporting people to greener pastures arises, leading to trafficking of children, women, workers, etc. Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has always maintained that erosion is Assams greater problem, not floods. According to the National Flood Commission of India, about 40 per cent Assams area close to 32 lakh hectares is flood-prone, and therefore, vulnerable to erosion. Of this, around 10 lakh hectares get affected directly and frequently. Each year, an average of 80 sq km is claimed by the Brahmaputra and its 103 tributaries. At any given time in the wet season, 2500 villages and five million people living there are vulnerable. GUWAHATI: Amid the current surge of attention to the northeasts ecological ills, flood veterans here take pains to correct the nuances of mainland Indias understanding of the problem. Beta, soil erosion, not floods, is the greater problem, they say. To people whose awareness comes from newspaper photographs, whats the difference? Floods are seasonal but erosion occurs throughout the year. Heres some perspective: Since 1954, Assam has lost 4.3 lakh hectares of land to erosion, which is 7 per cent of the states area. Or to use a more accessible yardstick, land seven times the size of Mumbai. Majuli in eastern Assam, Mukalmua and Goalpara in southern Assam and Morigaon in central Assam are the most erosion-prone areas in the Brahmaputra valley. Locally, Majuli is known as a sweet-water river island in the Brahmaputra. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was an expanse of 1,250 sq km. For years, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the largest river island in the world. Even by that record-keepers reckoning, it was an expanse of 880 sq km. When last measured in 2014, it had shrunk to 352 sq km. Its name persists in the Guinness Book more as a notion than as a reality. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the nations attention to the northeast, Assam government officials said the focus is welcome but its important to know the nuances. When theres a flood, people migrate to safer places and return home when the water recedes, said a senior Assam government official, asking not to be named. But soil erosion takes away their homes and land and triggers mass displacement. Theres no coping with that. According to him, the greater dimension of the problem of displacement is social and cultural. When erosion-affected people from lower Assam migrate to upper Assam, it feeds social unrest. If they are Muslims, it stokes suspicion that they are illegal Bangladeshi migrants, he elaborated. Indeed, there is a large Bengali-speaking population in lower Assam, many of them settled rather too close to the Brahmaputra. When they lose their homes and hearths, they cannot but migrate. Migration gives rise to attendant social problems. Take trafficking for instance. A whole environment of transporting people to greener pastures arises, leading to trafficking of children, women, workers, etc. Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has always maintained that erosion is Assams greater problem, not floods. According to the National Flood Commission of India, about 40 per cent Assams area close to 32 lakh hectares is flood-prone, and therefore, vulnerable to erosion. Of this, around 10 lakh hectares get affected directly and frequently. Each year, an average of 80 sq km is claimed by the Brahmaputra and its 103 tributaries. At any given time in the wet season, 2500 villages and five million people living there are vulnerable. By Express News Service RAIPUR: Uproarious scenes continued for the second day of the monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Wednesday with the Congress demanding the resignation of cabinet minister Brijmohan Agrawal following allegations that his family deceitfully purchased 4.12 hectares of forest land in 2009. The uproar took place even as the state government tried to blame farmers suicides in the state on excessive liquor consumption, family tussles and illness. But the leader of the opposition T S Singhdeo lashed out at the government saying it has lost focus on farmer issues. Can the government answer why three districts of the state have witnessed the maximum number of suicides, he asked. Parliamentary secretary Govardhan Majhi defended the government on the farmer issue. Farmers are happy with the state governments welfare schemes. None of the farmers has committed suicide owing to loan or crop failure, he said in response to Congress state president Bhupesh Baghels remark that since June 12 as many as 24 farmers have committed suicide in Chhattisgarh. Outside the Assembly, an umbrella body of farmers, the Chhattisgarh Pragatisheel Kisan Sangathan has asked the state government to constitute a judicial commission to investigate the causes of farmer suicides in the state. RAIPUR: Uproarious scenes continued for the second day of the monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Wednesday with the Congress demanding the resignation of cabinet minister Brijmohan Agrawal following allegations that his family deceitfully purchased 4.12 hectares of forest land in 2009. The uproar took place even as the state government tried to blame farmers suicides in the state on excessive liquor consumption, family tussles and illness. But the leader of the opposition T S Singhdeo lashed out at the government saying it has lost focus on farmer issues. Can the government answer why three districts of the state have witnessed the maximum number of suicides, he asked. Parliamentary secretary Govardhan Majhi defended the government on the farmer issue. Farmers are happy with the state governments welfare schemes. None of the farmers has committed suicide owing to loan or crop failure, he said in response to Congress state president Bhupesh Baghels remark that since June 12 as many as 24 farmers have committed suicide in Chhattisgarh. Outside the Assembly, an umbrella body of farmers, the Chhattisgarh Pragatisheel Kisan Sangathan has asked the state government to constitute a judicial commission to investigate the causes of farmer suicides in the state. By ANI SRINAGAR (JAMMU AND KASHMIR): The separatists in Kashmir called for bandh on Wednesday to protest the killing of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and a civilian on Tuesday. The civilian was killed in protest that erupted following an encounter in which LeT terrorist Abu Dujana and Arif were gunned down by security forces on Tuesday. Separatists Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik have jointly called for Bandh. They have also appealed people to offer funeral prayers in absentia after Zuhr prayers for slain militants and civilian. As a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, the authorities have imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC under the jurisdiction of five police stations- Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal- of district Srinagar. In a major breakthrough, LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice Arif were killed in an encounter with security forces at Hakripora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday morning. Dujana was one of the most wanted terrorists and carried over Rs. 15 lakh bounty on his head. On July 19, Dujana and two of his associates gave the slip to security forces in Pulwama district. According to media reports, the trio exchanged fire with the armed forces and managed to flee from the spot. The Indian Army in July released a list of 12 most-wanted terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley and Dujana was among them. SRINAGAR (JAMMU AND KASHMIR): The separatists in Kashmir called for bandh on Wednesday to protest the killing of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and a civilian on Tuesday. The civilian was killed in protest that erupted following an encounter in which LeT terrorist Abu Dujana and Arif were gunned down by security forces on Tuesday. Separatists Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik have jointly called for Bandh. They have also appealed people to offer funeral prayers in absentia after Zuhr prayers for slain militants and civilian. As a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, the authorities have imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC under the jurisdiction of five police stations- Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal- of district Srinagar. In a major breakthrough, LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice Arif were killed in an encounter with security forces at Hakripora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday morning. Dujana was one of the most wanted terrorists and carried over Rs. 15 lakh bounty on his head. On July 19, Dujana and two of his associates gave the slip to security forces in Pulwama district. According to media reports, the trio exchanged fire with the armed forces and managed to flee from the spot. The Indian Army in July released a list of 12 most-wanted terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley and Dujana was among them. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: Sharad Yadav, the JD(U) veteran, hurt by party chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars desertion of the grand alliance with RJD, may float a new party in order to stay with the secular alliance, a leader close to him said on Wednesday. Senior JD(U) leader Vijay Verma, considered a close aide of Yadav, said, As a lifelong socialist leader, he (Sharad) is deeply anguished by the developments in the partys (JD-U) Bihar unit. He is in touch with his huge circle of political friends for the past one week. Among the options he is considering is formation of a new party. Rejecting speculation that Yadav, a sitting Rajya Sabha member from JD(U) and a former union minister, could join the Narendra Modi-led NDA government as a minister, Verma said: There is absolutely no possibility of that happening. He has ruled that out. Nitish Kumars decision, to break away from the grand alliance and his decision of forming a JD(U)-BJP government in Bihar, pained Sharad Yadav and several other JD(U) leaders. At least two other Rajya Sabha members from the party Ali Anwar and Veerendra Kumar have already voiced their strong opposition to Nitish Kumars decision. After sulking for three days, Sharad broke his silence with a series of tweets and telling journalists in New Delhi that he was unhappy with the Bihar development. The peoples mandate was not for it (allying with the BJP), he said on Monday, describing the collapse of the grand alliance as unpleasant and unfortunate. He is, however, yet to reveal his future course of action. JD(U) leaders owing allegiance to Nitish expressed hope that Sharad would remain in the party and that his sense of resentment would disappear soon. KC Tyagi, JD(U) national general secretary and Rajya Sabha member, said, He (Sharad) is a very senior and important leader of our party. The national executive meeting is scheduled on August 19. A conversation between the two leaders (Sharad and Nitish) there would end whatever confusion there is. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has appealed to Sharad to join the grand alliance. Just wait and watch, said Yadav on Wednesday when asked about Sharads likely next step. PATNA: Sharad Yadav, the JD(U) veteran, hurt by party chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars desertion of the grand alliance with RJD, may float a new party in order to stay with the secular alliance, a leader close to him said on Wednesday. Senior JD(U) leader Vijay Verma, considered a close aide of Yadav, said, As a lifelong socialist leader, he (Sharad) is deeply anguished by the developments in the partys (JD-U) Bihar unit. He is in touch with his huge circle of political friends for the past one week. Among the options he is considering is formation of a new party. Rejecting speculation that Yadav, a sitting Rajya Sabha member from JD(U) and a former union minister, could join the Narendra Modi-led NDA government as a minister, Verma said: There is absolutely no possibility of that happening. He has ruled that out. Nitish Kumars decision, to break away from the grand alliance and his decision of forming a JD(U)-BJP government in Bihar, pained Sharad Yadav and several other JD(U) leaders. At least two other Rajya Sabha members from the party Ali Anwar and Veerendra Kumar have already voiced their strong opposition to Nitish Kumars decision. After sulking for three days, Sharad broke his silence with a series of tweets and telling journalists in New Delhi that he was unhappy with the Bihar development. The peoples mandate was not for it (allying with the BJP), he said on Monday, describing the collapse of the grand alliance as unpleasant and unfortunate. He is, however, yet to reveal his future course of action. JD(U) leaders owing allegiance to Nitish expressed hope that Sharad would remain in the party and that his sense of resentment would disappear soon. KC Tyagi, JD(U) national general secretary and Rajya Sabha member, said, He (Sharad) is a very senior and important leader of our party. The national executive meeting is scheduled on August 19. A conversation between the two leaders (Sharad and Nitish) there would end whatever confusion there is. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has appealed to Sharad to join the grand alliance. Just wait and watch, said Yadav on Wednesday when asked about Sharads likely next step. By Express News Service China came up with yet another phlegmatic act on the Doklam standoff with India by publishing a 15-page document titled The Facts and Chinas Position. Here are the ten main points of the document: 1. Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet, a document signed in 1890 between the UK and China delimited the boundary between Tibet region of China and Sikkim. According to the convention, the Doklam region is indisputably Chinese territory. 2. The convention was validated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in letters to the then Chinese premier Chou En-lai, in diplomatic notes from the Indian Embassy in Beijing (then Peking) to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and in documents provided by the Indian side to the Special Representatives Talks on the China-India Boundary Question. 3. India illegally crossed the China-India boundary at Doklam and since the incident occurred in an already-delimited boundary, it constituted an act fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides. It is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. 4. Since the incident broke out, India has invented various excuses to justify its illegal action, but its arguments have no factual or legal grounds at all and are simply untenable. 5. Although the boundary between China and Bhutan in the Doklam region has to be formally delimited, India, as a third party, does not have any right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf. Indias intrusion into the Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan has not only violated Chinas territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutans. 6. Indian troops have constructed a large number of infrastructure facilities including roads at the Doklam pass. Troops have built fortifications and military installations along the boundary. China, on the contrary, has very little infrastructure on its side. It is India that has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in Sikkim, said the document. 7. China has shown great restraint by seeking to communicate with India through diplomatic channels. But should it feel necessary, China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. Since the incident took place in Chinese territory, India should unconditionally withdraw all troops from the region. 8. The 1890 Convention was signed between China and Britain. India and China should sign a new boundary convention in their own names; however, it should not alter the status of the China-India boundary that was already delimited. 9. China was building in its own territory aimed at improving local transportation. Indian border troops flagrantly crossed the mutually-recognised boundary to intrude into Chinese territory. 10. According to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, there can be no justification - economic, military or otherwise - for invasion or attack by armed forces of a country. To cross a neighbouring country on the grounds of so-called security concerns, for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. China came up with yet another phlegmatic act on the Doklam standoff with India by publishing a 15-page document titled The Facts and Chinas Position. Here are the ten main points of the document: 1. Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet, a document signed in 1890 between the UK and China delimited the boundary between Tibet region of China and Sikkim. According to the convention, the Doklam region is indisputably Chinese territory. 2. The convention was validated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in letters to the then Chinese premier Chou En-lai, in diplomatic notes from the Indian Embassy in Beijing (then Peking) to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and in documents provided by the Indian side to the Special Representatives Talks on the China-India Boundary Question. 3. India illegally crossed the China-India boundary at Doklam and since the incident occurred in an already-delimited boundary, it constituted an act fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides. It is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. 4. Since the incident broke out, India has invented various excuses to justify its illegal action, but its arguments have no factual or legal grounds at all and are simply untenable. 5. Although the boundary between China and Bhutan in the Doklam region has to be formally delimited, India, as a third party, does not have any right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf. Indias intrusion into the Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan has not only violated Chinas territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutans. 6. Indian troops have constructed a large number of infrastructure facilities including roads at the Doklam pass. Troops have built fortifications and military installations along the boundary. China, on the contrary, has very little infrastructure on its side. It is India that has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in Sikkim, said the document. 7. China has shown great restraint by seeking to communicate with India through diplomatic channels. But should it feel necessary, China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. Since the incident took place in Chinese territory, India should unconditionally withdraw all troops from the region. 8. The 1890 Convention was signed between China and Britain. India and China should sign a new boundary convention in their own names; however, it should not alter the status of the China-India boundary that was already delimited. 9. China was building in its own territory aimed at improving local transportation. Indian border troops flagrantly crossed the mutually-recognised boundary to intrude into Chinese territory. 10. According to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, there can be no justification - economic, military or otherwise - for invasion or attack by armed forces of a country. To cross a neighbouring country on the grounds of so-called security concerns, for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Days before the vice presidential poll, M Venkaiah Naidu reached out to all Members of Parliament seeking their support, assuring them that on being elected he will defend and uphold the ideals of freedom struggle, the spirit and principles of the Constitution of India. Giving an account of long years of public life, legislative experience, commitment to cooperative federalism, the vice presidential candidate also referred to role of Rajya Sabha in building a new India and an Opportunity Society. In his letter to all MPs who constitute the electoral college for the Office of Vice-President of India, Naidu spoke of the hard work and passion with which he brought about changes as Union Minister in the architecture of new schemes and programmes, processes and systems of decision making and implementation to ensure involvement of States. I am a firm believer in the principle of cooperative federalism stressed Naidu, keeping in view that on being elected, he would get to chair the proceedings of the Council of States. Referring to the important role played over the years by Rajya Sabha and its members as a pillar of political democracy, Naidu noted that the House of Elders may be required to play an even more important role in the years ahead as we seek to build a new and modern India.. As a rising nation, we have the onerous responsibility of overcoming poverty, illiteracy, social and gender discrimination, corruption and debasement of politics. In this challenging century, we must build an Opportunity Society for all Indians and, in the process, contribute to the betterment of the world. The former union minister assured the MPs that it would be his solemn responsibility to strengthen the hands of President of India and referred to Ramnath Kovinds assertion on assuming office that pluralism and unity in diversity are the pillars on which Indias nationhood rests. Naidu also underlined the role of Rajya Sabha in enabling social and economic equality alongside the political equality achieved with the adoption of the Constitution. In doing so, he referred to the last address of Dr B R Ambedkar to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949 underlining the need for such equality. Naidu said that the Parliament and all the successive governments since Independence have played their part in the Nation taking major strides in different spheres but still there is lot to be done. He said We today face the challenges posed by terrorism, Climate Change, economic and cultural globalization and the opportunities and disruptions of technology. It shall be my endeavor to facilitate the proper conduct of Rajya Sabha so that all MPs can contribute their best to the making of a New India. I fully share the optimism of the 125 crore countrymen about their future and of the country. In conclusion, Naidu said I can assure you that I will uphold the dignity of office and protect the collective constitutional inheritance. NEW DELHI: Days before the vice presidential poll, M Venkaiah Naidu reached out to all Members of Parliament seeking their support, assuring them that on being elected he will defend and uphold the ideals of freedom struggle, the spirit and principles of the Constitution of India. Giving an account of long years of public life, legislative experience, commitment to cooperative federalism, the vice presidential candidate also referred to role of Rajya Sabha in building a new India and an Opportunity Society. In his letter to all MPs who constitute the electoral college for the Office of Vice-President of India, Naidu spoke of the hard work and passion with which he brought about changes as Union Minister in the architecture of new schemes and programmes, processes and systems of decision making and implementation to ensure involvement of States. I am a firm believer in the principle of cooperative federalism stressed Naidu, keeping in view that on being elected, he would get to chair the proceedings of the Council of States. Referring to the important role played over the years by Rajya Sabha and its members as a pillar of political democracy, Naidu noted that the House of Elders may be required to play an even more important role in the years ahead as we seek to build a new and modern India.. As a rising nation, we have the onerous responsibility of overcoming poverty, illiteracy, social and gender discrimination, corruption and debasement of politics. In this challenging century, we must build an Opportunity Society for all Indians and, in the process, contribute to the betterment of the world. The former union minister assured the MPs that it would be his solemn responsibility to strengthen the hands of President of India and referred to Ramnath Kovinds assertion on assuming office that pluralism and unity in diversity are the pillars on which Indias nationhood rests. Naidu also underlined the role of Rajya Sabha in enabling social and economic equality alongside the political equality achieved with the adoption of the Constitution. In doing so, he referred to the last address of Dr B R Ambedkar to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949 underlining the need for such equality. Naidu said that the Parliament and all the successive governments since Independence have played their part in the Nation taking major strides in different spheres but still there is lot to be done. He said We today face the challenges posed by terrorism, Climate Change, economic and cultural globalization and the opportunities and disruptions of technology. It shall be my endeavor to facilitate the proper conduct of Rajya Sabha so that all MPs can contribute their best to the making of a New India. I fully share the optimism of the 125 crore countrymen about their future and of the country. In conclusion, Naidu said I can assure you that I will uphold the dignity of office and protect the collective constitutional inheritance. By PTI ROHTAK: Taking a swipe at the Congress over the issue of dynastic politics, BJP president Amit Shah yesterday said that political parties whose internal democracy was not intact could never contribute towards making the country's democracy stronger. Hitting out at the Congress and the INLD, Shah said both these parties lacked principle and centred around dynastic politics. The BJP president is on a three-day visit to Haryana. He addressed a gathering of intellectuals and eminent citizens here this evening. He told the gathering that a party where internal democracy was finished could not do any good to democracy. "Parties who do not have internal democracy can never make the nation's democracy stronger. And if any party runs on any one individual's thoughts, even then it cannot contribute to the democracy," Shah told the gathering where Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and senior BJP leaders including Ram Lal, Anil Jain and Subhash Barala were also present. "After 70 years of the country's independence, 1,650 parties were formed and out of these, if we see how many parties' internal democracy still intact, you will find it in only one or two parties including the BJP," he said. Raising the issue of dynastic politics in the Congress, Shah asked the gathering "after Sonia Gandhi, who will become the next Congress chief," to this the gathering replied Rahul Gandhi. "Tell me who will become BJP president after me," Shah said and after a silence in the hall, the BJP president told that "you don't have an answer because the BJP does not choose anyone as its president by virtue of his birth in a particular family". "Anyone who has capability, determination and conviction to take the country forward and believes in our policies and ideologies can become the party chief in BJP," he said. Citing his own example, he said, "It is only in the BJP that a worker who used to paste posters today became the national president of the party and a person (Narendra Modi) who came from a humble background rose to occupy the post of prime minister on the basis of hard work and merit." He further said that in BJP every worker gets a chance to move forward. The party gives a platform to contribute to all its workers for the betterment of the nation. Whereas in the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), if the worker does not belong to the Chautala family, can he aspire to become chief minister of this state, Shah asked. "Similarly in the Congress party, a meritorious worker who hails from Haryana, aspire to lead the party one day, the answer is no because he is not born into the Gandhi family," the BJP leader said. The BJP chief highlighted several achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The BJP believes that the last man standing in the queue has to benefit from various schemes and "our development model is based on that, which is all inclusive. The Narendra Modiled government at the Centre and in Haryana, the Khattar government are trying to move ahead on this model", he said. "It is a matter of fact that whenever BJP-led governments are formed, country progresses," he said. Taking a dig at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Shah said under the economist PM the country had a poor growth rate of just 4.4 per cent, whereas today India is the fastest growing economy in the world. Shah also said that the previous Congress-led UPA government was hit by scams of Rs 12 lakh crore, "whereas not even the opposition parties have been able to point fingers at the BJP governments at the Centre and ruling some states". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across the country to strengthen the party. He is on a 110-day nationwide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. ROHTAK: Taking a swipe at the Congress over the issue of dynastic politics, BJP president Amit Shah yesterday said that political parties whose internal democracy was not intact could never contribute towards making the country's democracy stronger. Hitting out at the Congress and the INLD, Shah said both these parties lacked principle and centred around dynastic politics. The BJP president is on a three-day visit to Haryana. He addressed a gathering of intellectuals and eminent citizens here this evening. He told the gathering that a party where internal democracy was finished could not do any good to democracy. "Parties who do not have internal democracy can never make the nation's democracy stronger. And if any party runs on any one individual's thoughts, even then it cannot contribute to the democracy," Shah told the gathering where Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and senior BJP leaders including Ram Lal, Anil Jain and Subhash Barala were also present. "After 70 years of the country's independence, 1,650 parties were formed and out of these, if we see how many parties' internal democracy still intact, you will find it in only one or two parties including the BJP," he said. Raising the issue of dynastic politics in the Congress, Shah asked the gathering "after Sonia Gandhi, who will become the next Congress chief," to this the gathering replied Rahul Gandhi. "Tell me who will become BJP president after me," Shah said and after a silence in the hall, the BJP president told that "you don't have an answer because the BJP does not choose anyone as its president by virtue of his birth in a particular family". "Anyone who has capability, determination and conviction to take the country forward and believes in our policies and ideologies can become the party chief in BJP," he said. Citing his own example, he said, "It is only in the BJP that a worker who used to paste posters today became the national president of the party and a person (Narendra Modi) who came from a humble background rose to occupy the post of prime minister on the basis of hard work and merit." He further said that in BJP every worker gets a chance to move forward. The party gives a platform to contribute to all its workers for the betterment of the nation. Whereas in the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), if the worker does not belong to the Chautala family, can he aspire to become chief minister of this state, Shah asked. "Similarly in the Congress party, a meritorious worker who hails from Haryana, aspire to lead the party one day, the answer is no because he is not born into the Gandhi family," the BJP leader said. The BJP chief highlighted several achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The BJP believes that the last man standing in the queue has to benefit from various schemes and "our development model is based on that, which is all inclusive. The Narendra Modiled government at the Centre and in Haryana, the Khattar government are trying to move ahead on this model", he said. "It is a matter of fact that whenever BJP-led governments are formed, country progresses," he said. Taking a dig at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Shah said under the economist PM the country had a poor growth rate of just 4.4 per cent, whereas today India is the fastest growing economy in the world. Shah also said that the previous Congress-led UPA government was hit by scams of Rs 12 lakh crore, "whereas not even the opposition parties have been able to point fingers at the BJP governments at the Centre and ruling some states". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across the country to strengthen the party. He is on a 110-day nationwide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. Dr R K Pattnaik and Jagdish Rattanani By Its been a difficult start to the monsoons in Mumbai, the city of contradictions. Tax collections are the highest here but more than 50 per cent of the people live in slums; its known as the city of gold but what you often see is crumbling infrastructure and oversized potholes. This monsoon, an unusually high number of trees have come crashing down, killing a former television anchor, an advocate, a teenager and injuring others in separate incidents. The noise and the anger hasnt got the civic authorities to do anything except to turn against radio jockeys who protested at the inaction of the administration by recording a rap video. What can be the outlook of a nation whose premier city, the place of legendary rags-to-riches tales, is in such a poor state of management? What can national growth look like when the nations cities are collapsing? The answer, it turns out, is surprisingly good. In fact, its the best the world has got today, if we look at the numbers put out by the International Monetary Fund in its July update of the World Economic Outlook. Consider that global output is projected to grow by 3.5 per cent in 2017 and 3.6 per cent in 2018. US growth is projected at 2.1 per cent for 2017 and 2018; China at 6.7 per cent in 2017 and 6.4 per cent in 2018. But India is the star performer, looking at the growth number alone, projected by the IMF at 7.2 per cent in 2017 and 7.7 per cent in 2018. How do the two reconcile? The answer is that they do not, and one of the two must yield if growth has to mean anything for the nation and its people. Either the governance must improve or growth must take a hit.But the IMF outlook is unlikely to be received in this frame. This is the kind of projection that usually leads to celebratory talk of a nation on the high road to faster growth, and all the political rhetoric that comes with it. If one of the benefits of liberalisation was to separate government from business, then that is a journey that has stopped somewhere mid-way. The license-permit-quota Raj has gone, but business continues to look to the government for that extra sop or support, and the government continues to look for ways and means to push the growth number as proof of its performance. At the heart of this is that growth is seen as the license to announce that all is well and thriving, and the (rather than a) metric by which we measure where we are headed and how fast we are going. This makes it a political weapon, wielded by the Opposition when the number falls and displayed by the government when the number grows. It has become so much a part of the national conversation that its perceived corollary, the policy repo rate announced every now and then by the Reserve Bank of India, has equally crept into the national lexicon. Governor after RBI governor have gone on record: Finance ministers push for lower rates to boost growth. This is not a separation of government from business but is rather a none-too-comfortable intertwining at the highest policy-making level. The problem is party and ideology-agnostic. It began with liberalisation, and over the years, the Congress perfected it and it continues unchecked under the current regime. The obsession with GDP is despite the fact that the number is not easily relatable to anything the citizen feels or does. In the US, it is the unemployment rate that can be a political dynamite, in India it is GDP that remains a metric that everybody quotes but very few understand. We hardly talk about jobs lost or created or the number of unemployed youthpolitical and social tinderboxes that can explode at any time and take the entire growth story down with it. In this context it is important to recognise that in terms of per capita income, India stands far below China. This language changes the way in which we respond. When we look at the grand total of everything, we miss the dynamic at play. Take the current growth number itself: Should we celebrate when we learn that while activity slowed following the currency exchange initiative, growth for 2016at 7.1 per centwas higher than anticipated due to strong government spending and data revisions that show stronger momentum in the first part of the year? The 7.7 per cent growth is primarily demand drivenmostly government consumption demand. Most likely the short term risks could be broadly balanced, but medium-term risks with government consumption demand-led growth could have risks. In essence, we are growing today but this is government consumption pushing growth, not citizens. The corporate sector remains weak, and the twin balance sheet problem (corporate leverage and bank NPAs) looms large. It will not be out of place to mention that growth is required not for growth itself but for the wellbeing of the common people. This is also the only way to sustainable growth. It means that more than looking at the Central government, praising or damning it solely for outcomes, what matters equally if not more is the way our states, civic bodies and panchayats are run. Fiscal prudence, a sharp focus on education, public health and infrastructure and above all prudent norms for governance will kick-start economic activity at multiple levels, and this is the engine that is also required to fire-up growth to deliver. Yes, we do need the big ticket projects, the government to kick-in with special efforts but those are the big pushes to take the car a little along the road. For the drive to be smooth and to go a long way at a good pace, the national engines of growth must work and they often lie in sectors, areas and indices we have not learnt to give importance to. Gender diversity in the workforce, labour productivity, the quality of education, health and our roads matter if we have to move fast without looking up to see if a tree is about to fall on our heads. (Syndicate: The Billion Press) R K Pattnaik Professor, SPJIMR Jagdish Rattanani Editor, SPJIMR Email: thebillionpress@gmail.com Its been a difficult start to the monsoons in Mumbai, the city of contradictions. Tax collections are the highest here but more than 50 per cent of the people live in slums; its known as the city of gold but what you often see is crumbling infrastructure and oversized potholes. This monsoon, an unusually high number of trees have come crashing down, killing a former television anchor, an advocate, a teenager and injuring others in separate incidents. The noise and the anger hasnt got the civic authorities to do anything except to turn against radio jockeys who protested at the inaction of the administration by recording a rap video. What can be the outlook of a nation whose premier city, the place of legendary rags-to-riches tales, is in such a poor state of management? What can national growth look like when the nations cities are collapsing? The answer, it turns out, is surprisingly good. In fact, its the best the world has got today, if we look at the numbers put out by the International Monetary Fund in its July update of the World Economic Outlook. Consider that global output is projected to grow by 3.5 per cent in 2017 and 3.6 per cent in 2018. US growth is projected at 2.1 per cent for 2017 and 2018; China at 6.7 per cent in 2017 and 6.4 per cent in 2018. But India is the star performer, looking at the growth number alone, projected by the IMF at 7.2 per cent in 2017 and 7.7 per cent in 2018. How do the two reconcile? The answer is that they do not, and one of the two must yield if growth has to mean anything for the nation and its people. Either the governance must improve or growth must take a hit.But the IMF outlook is unlikely to be received in this frame. This is the kind of projection that usually leads to celebratory talk of a nation on the high road to faster growth, and all the political rhetoric that comes with it. If one of the benefits of liberalisation was to separate government from business, then that is a journey that has stopped somewhere mid-way. The license-permit-quota Raj has gone, but business continues to look to the government for that extra sop or support, and the government continues to look for ways and means to push the growth number as proof of its performance. At the heart of this is that growth is seen as the license to announce that all is well and thriving, and the (rather than a) metric by which we measure where we are headed and how fast we are going. This makes it a political weapon, wielded by the Opposition when the number falls and displayed by the government when the number grows. It has become so much a part of the national conversation that its perceived corollary, the policy repo rate announced every now and then by the Reserve Bank of India, has equally crept into the national lexicon. Governor after RBI governor have gone on record: Finance ministers push for lower rates to boost growth. This is not a separation of government from business but is rather a none-too-comfortable intertwining at the highest policy-making level. The problem is party and ideology-agnostic. It began with liberalisation, and over the years, the Congress perfected it and it continues unchecked under the current regime. The obsession with GDP is despite the fact that the number is not easily relatable to anything the citizen feels or does. In the US, it is the unemployment rate that can be a political dynamite, in India it is GDP that remains a metric that everybody quotes but very few understand. We hardly talk about jobs lost or created or the number of unemployed youthpolitical and social tinderboxes that can explode at any time and take the entire growth story down with it. In this context it is important to recognise that in terms of per capita income, India stands far below China. This language changes the way in which we respond. When we look at the grand total of everything, we miss the dynamic at play. Take the current growth number itself: Should we celebrate when we learn that while activity slowed following the currency exchange initiative, growth for 2016at 7.1 per centwas higher than anticipated due to strong government spending and data revisions that show stronger momentum in the first part of the year? The 7.7 per cent growth is primarily demand drivenmostly government consumption demand. Most likely the short term risks could be broadly balanced, but medium-term risks with government consumption demand-led growth could have risks. In essence, we are growing today but this is government consumption pushing growth, not citizens. The corporate sector remains weak, and the twin balance sheet problem (corporate leverage and bank NPAs) looms large. It will not be out of place to mention that growth is required not for growth itself but for the wellbeing of the common people. This is also the only way to sustainable growth. It means that more than looking at the Central government, praising or damning it solely for outcomes, what matters equally if not more is the way our states, civic bodies and panchayats are run. Fiscal prudence, a sharp focus on education, public health and infrastructure and above all prudent norms for governance will kick-start economic activity at multiple levels, and this is the engine that is also required to fire-up growth to deliver. Yes, we do need the big ticket projects, the government to kick-in with special efforts but those are the big pushes to take the car a little along the road. For the drive to be smooth and to go a long way at a good pace, the national engines of growth must work and they often lie in sectors, areas and indices we have not learnt to give importance to. Gender diversity in the workforce, labour productivity, the quality of education, health and our roads matter if we have to move fast without looking up to see if a tree is about to fall on our heads. (Syndicate: The Billion Press) R K Pattnaik Professor, SPJIMR Jagdish Rattanani Editor, SPJIMR Email: thebillionpress@gmail.com The US House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to impose new sanctions against Russia. As expected, Moscow condemned the move. But why did the European Union also express concern? German-Russia pipeline The EU said it would act within days if its concerns over the supply of Russian energy to Europe were not addressed. The sanctions target any company that has anything to do with Russias energy export pipelines The sanctions could affect a pipeline project between Russia and Germany known as Nord Stream 2, according to NYT. The project is undertaken by Russian gas company Gazprom but EU companies have financial stakes in it Dependence on Russian energy The new pipeline, roughly parallel to the existing Nord Stream 1, is being built to carry another 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, underscoring Europes continuing need for Russian energy. The pipeline aims to carry natural gas from Russia under the Baltic sea, the New York Times adds Unilateral move? From Paris to Berlin, the sanctions bill was also seen as a unilateral action by Washington that disrupts a carefully crafted order, according to AFP. To date, sanctions against Moscow have been coordinated on both sides of the Atlantic, to maintain a united front Caspian pipeline spared The EU does much more business with Russia than the US does. So, the 28-member-bloc is seeking assurance from Washington that, if passed, the sanctions would not be applied in a way that affects EUs interests or energy companies In an apparent concession to EU, the House modified a provision so that the bill only targets pipelines originating in Russia, sparing those merely passing through, such as the Caspian pipeline that carries oil from Kazakhstan to Europe The US House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to impose new sanctions against Russia. As expected, Moscow condemned the move. But why did the European Union also express concern? German-Russia pipeline The EU said it would act within days if its concerns over the supply of Russian energy to Europe were not addressed. The sanctions target any company that has anything to do with Russias energy export pipelinesThe sanctions could affect a pipeline project between Russia and Germany known as Nord Stream 2, according to NYT. The project is undertaken by Russian gas company Gazprom but EU companies have financial stakes in it Dependence on Russian energy The new pipeline, roughly parallel to the existing Nord Stream 1, is being built to carry another 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, underscoring Europes continuing need for Russian energy. The pipeline aims to carry natural gas from Russia under the Baltic sea, the New York Times adds Unilateral move? From Paris to Berlin, the sanctions bill was also seen as a unilateral action by Washington that disrupts a carefully crafted order, according to AFP. To date, sanctions against Moscow have been coordinated on both sides of the Atlantic, to maintain a united front Caspian pipeline spared The EU does much more business with Russia than the US does. So, the 28-member-bloc is seeking assurance from Washington that, if passed, the sanctions would not be applied in a way that affects EUs interests or energy companies In an apparent concession to EU, the House modified a provision so that the bill only targets pipelines originating in Russia, sparing those merely passing through, such as the Caspian pipeline that carries oil from Kazakhstan to Europe By Express News Service BENGALURU: The battle for Karnataka between Congress and BJP is hotting up and all eyes are already on the south Indian state.This can be attributed to the fact that both BJP national president Amit Shah and All India Congress Committee (AICC) vice-president Rahul Gandhi will arrive in the state next week. Both leaders are scheduled to come to Karnataka on August 12 to chalk out strategies for the Assembly election to be held in 2018. Rahul, who recently revamped the KPCC team and induced new dynamism into the party after appointing AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal as the party in-charge in the state, is set to address a farmers rally in Raichur on August 12. He is also expected to chair a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president G Parameshwara to take stock of partys poll preparations. Amit Shah is scheduled to camp here for three days from August 12 to 14 as part of his tour of all states, dubbed Vistarak programme. BJP, which sees Karnataka as the gateway to expand its base in southern states, is determined to realise its Mission 150 in the state in the 2018 Assembly election.The saffron party is wary of the sections of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat communitys demand that they be categorised as a separate religious group. Party insiders believe this issue threatens to erode into BJPs Lingayat vote bank. The row is expected to figure prominently, apart from the separate state flag issue and the cycle of communal violence in coastal Karnataka. The sessions will be chaired by Shah along with state BJP leaders, a former BJP minister said.Arvind Menon, personal aide of Shah, has already started the ground work. Menon met heads of various morchas of the state BJP on Tuesday and will submit a report to Shah on the issues to be taken up for deliberations. BENGALURU: The battle for Karnataka between Congress and BJP is hotting up and all eyes are already on the south Indian state.This can be attributed to the fact that both BJP national president Amit Shah and All India Congress Committee (AICC) vice-president Rahul Gandhi will arrive in the state next week. Both leaders are scheduled to come to Karnataka on August 12 to chalk out strategies for the Assembly election to be held in 2018. Rahul, who recently revamped the KPCC team and induced new dynamism into the party after appointing AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal as the party in-charge in the state, is set to address a farmers rally in Raichur on August 12. He is also expected to chair a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president G Parameshwara to take stock of partys poll preparations. Amit Shah is scheduled to camp here for three days from August 12 to 14 as part of his tour of all states, dubbed Vistarak programme. BJP, which sees Karnataka as the gateway to expand its base in southern states, is determined to realise its Mission 150 in the state in the 2018 Assembly election.The saffron party is wary of the sections of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat communitys demand that they be categorised as a separate religious group. Party insiders believe this issue threatens to erode into BJPs Lingayat vote bank. The row is expected to figure prominently, apart from the separate state flag issue and the cycle of communal violence in coastal Karnataka. The sessions will be chaired by Shah along with state BJP leaders, a former BJP minister said.Arvind Menon, personal aide of Shah, has already started the ground work. Menon met heads of various morchas of the state BJP on Tuesday and will submit a report to Shah on the issues to be taken up for deliberations. By Express News Service PALAKKAD: The Yemen police is on the lookout for a woman who reportedly killed a Yemeni youth, working in her clinic and cutting him into 10 pieces. The four-day old corpse of Tomy Thomas, stuffed in sacks, was recovered from a water tank in Al Deydh, Yemen behind the house were Nimisha Priya was staying. It was only after the locals' complained of foul smell emanating from the tank and a subsequent search, that body parts were found. There is some confusion over the identity of the deceased. One report said that Nimisha Priya, a native of Thekkinchira, 4 km from Kollengode in Palakkad district, had allegedly cut her husband, Tomy Thomas, a Yemeni youth, into pieces. Another report said that Tomy Thomas was an employee in the clinic run by Nimisha Priya in Al Deydh in Yemen. The latter report said that Nimisha's husband and children were staying in Kollengode. The police were also yet to confirm whether Nimisha Priya was working as a nurse in a hospital in Al Deydh in Yemen or ran her own clinic. Palakkad superintendent of police Pratheesh Kumar told Express that there was no formal communication about the murder by the Yemen authorities to the Kerala police. He said that they were yet to begin any search to locate the woman. PALAKKAD: The Yemen police is on the lookout for a woman who reportedly killed a Yemeni youth, working in her clinic and cutting him into 10 pieces. The four-day old corpse of Tomy Thomas, stuffed in sacks, was recovered from a water tank in Al Deydh, Yemen behind the house were Nimisha Priya was staying. It was only after the locals' complained of foul smell emanating from the tank and a subsequent search, that body parts were found. There is some confusion over the identity of the deceased. One report said that Nimisha Priya, a native of Thekkinchira, 4 km from Kollengode in Palakkad district, had allegedly cut her husband, Tomy Thomas, a Yemeni youth, into pieces. Another report said that Tomy Thomas was an employee in the clinic run by Nimisha Priya in Al Deydh in Yemen. The latter report said that Nimisha's husband and children were staying in Kollengode. The police were also yet to confirm whether Nimisha Priya was working as a nurse in a hospital in Al Deydh in Yemen or ran her own clinic. Palakkad superintendent of police Pratheesh Kumar told Express that there was no formal communication about the murder by the Yemen authorities to the Kerala police. He said that they were yet to begin any search to locate the woman. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Tuesday deployed 116 fresh PG doctors in VIMSAR at Burla asking them to report there by Wednesday. The decision was taken in the wake of ongoing cease work by the PG students and demanding transfer of VIMSAR Director Ashwini Pujahari. Since the attempt to pacify the agitating doctors failed, health services have been affected in the premier hospital.As an alternative arrangement, the Health and Family Welfare department has deployed the PG doctors to attend to patients till the agitation is withdrawn. These doctors had applied for posting after completing their respective PG courses. Though a delegation of agitating PG students of VIMSAR met Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena demanding transfer of Pujahari, the meeting was inconclusive. I have asked them to withdraw agitation first and assured to look into the matter, Jena said. Silent protest by SCB medicos Cuttack: The medicos of SCB Medical College and Hospital continued their silent protest for the second day on Tuesday by wearing black badges. The protest is to express solidarity with the agitating VIMSAR medicos. The SCB medicos also took out a silent protest march from Mangalabag to Ranihat urging immediate intervention of the Health department for an amicable settlement of the dispute between VIMSAR Director and medicos and restoration of normalcy in VIMSAR. We have again convened a meeting of the governing body of all UG, House Surgeon and PG Doctors Association of SCBMCH on Tuesday night to chalk out the further course of action, said Rajesh Kumar Sahu, president, PGDA of SCBMCH. The SCB medicos will be forced to intensify protest if the Health department fails to solve issue, Sahu added. BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Tuesday deployed 116 fresh PG doctors in VIMSAR at Burla asking them to report there by Wednesday. The decision was taken in the wake of ongoing cease work by the PG students and demanding transfer of VIMSAR Director Ashwini Pujahari. Since the attempt to pacify the agitating doctors failed, health services have been affected in the premier hospital.As an alternative arrangement, the Health and Family Welfare department has deployed the PG doctors to attend to patients till the agitation is withdrawn. These doctors had applied for posting after completing their respective PG courses. Though a delegation of agitating PG students of VIMSAR met Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena demanding transfer of Pujahari, the meeting was inconclusive. I have asked them to withdraw agitation first and assured to look into the matter, Jena said. Silent protest by SCB medicos Cuttack: The medicos of SCB Medical College and Hospital continued their silent protest for the second day on Tuesday by wearing black badges. The protest is to express solidarity with the agitating VIMSAR medicos. The SCB medicos also took out a silent protest march from Mangalabag to Ranihat urging immediate intervention of the Health department for an amicable settlement of the dispute between VIMSAR Director and medicos and restoration of normalcy in VIMSAR. We have again convened a meeting of the governing body of all UG, House Surgeon and PG Doctors Association of SCBMCH on Tuesday night to chalk out the further course of action, said Rajesh Kumar Sahu, president, PGDA of SCBMCH. The SCB medicos will be forced to intensify protest if the Health department fails to solve issue, Sahu added. By AFP DHAKA: Ten-month-old Bangladeshi siamese twins were recovering in hospital today after what surgeons hailed as the country's "groundbreaking" first successful separation operation on conjoined siblings. Sisters Tofa and Tahura, who were born conjoined at the spine and rectum, underwent a gruelling nine hours in surgery under the care of two dozen doctors. "It is the first time we have successfully separated critically conjoined twins in Bangladesh," paediatric surgeon Abdul Hanif of Dhaka Medical College Hospital told AFP. "It's a groundbreaking operation in our medical history," Hanif said, adding that it had been "extremely complex". Almost all Bangladeshi conjoined twins fail to survive their infant years, the surgeon said. Last year, twin boys, who were joined at the torso and had been abandoned by their parents at the same hospital, died due to severe infections and complications. Tofa and Tahura will need at least two further operations to restructure their internal organs, Hanif added. The surgery had been "100 percent successful" but the twins would remain in intensive care for at least a week to ensure no infections developed, said surgery coordinator Shahnoor Islam. Born to poor farmers, the sisters -- who do not use a surname -- were brought to Dhaka a month ago from northern Gaibandha district, 260 kilometres (160 miles) from the capital. Their mother, Shahida Begum, told AFP how happy she was as the doctors had let her breast-feed the girls following the surgery. "I held my daughters to feed them. They were responding very spontaneously," the mother of three said. "My five-year-old son is very excited knowing he might now be able to play with his sisters. He cried to go inside the intensive care unit to see them but the doctors won't allow him," she said, adding that there are still fears of infections. The surgeons said the next few days would be critical for the twins as the surgical wounds need to heal and the babies need more procedures to be able to live independently. Their parents almost gave up hope of separating the twins after local doctors told them there were no experts in Bangladesh who could do it and surgery in other countries would cost too much. "We went to local clinics but nobody could provide any solution. We went to the district civil surgeon who advised us to go to Dhaka. He paid for the trip and even rented an ambulance for us," Begum said. The hospital paid the cost of the operation. Begum has vowed to send her daughters to Islamic seminaries if they grew up healthy. DHAKA: Ten-month-old Bangladeshi siamese twins were recovering in hospital today after what surgeons hailed as the country's "groundbreaking" first successful separation operation on conjoined siblings. Sisters Tofa and Tahura, who were born conjoined at the spine and rectum, underwent a gruelling nine hours in surgery under the care of two dozen doctors. "It is the first time we have successfully separated critically conjoined twins in Bangladesh," paediatric surgeon Abdul Hanif of Dhaka Medical College Hospital told AFP. "It's a groundbreaking operation in our medical history," Hanif said, adding that it had been "extremely complex". Almost all Bangladeshi conjoined twins fail to survive their infant years, the surgeon said. Last year, twin boys, who were joined at the torso and had been abandoned by their parents at the same hospital, died due to severe infections and complications. Tofa and Tahura will need at least two further operations to restructure their internal organs, Hanif added. The surgery had been "100 percent successful" but the twins would remain in intensive care for at least a week to ensure no infections developed, said surgery coordinator Shahnoor Islam. Born to poor farmers, the sisters -- who do not use a surname -- were brought to Dhaka a month ago from northern Gaibandha district, 260 kilometres (160 miles) from the capital. Their mother, Shahida Begum, told AFP how happy she was as the doctors had let her breast-feed the girls following the surgery. "I held my daughters to feed them. They were responding very spontaneously," the mother of three said. "My five-year-old son is very excited knowing he might now be able to play with his sisters. He cried to go inside the intensive care unit to see them but the doctors won't allow him," she said, adding that there are still fears of infections. The surgeons said the next few days would be critical for the twins as the surgical wounds need to heal and the babies need more procedures to be able to live independently. Their parents almost gave up hope of separating the twins after local doctors told them there were no experts in Bangladesh who could do it and surgery in other countries would cost too much. "We went to local clinics but nobody could provide any solution. We went to the district civil surgeon who advised us to go to Dhaka. He paid for the trip and even rented an ambulance for us," Begum said. The hospital paid the cost of the operation. Begum has vowed to send her daughters to Islamic seminaries if they grew up healthy. TORONTO, Aug. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrovaya Inc. (Electrovaya or the Company) (TSX:EFL) (OTCQX:EFLVF) today reported its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2017 (Q3 2017). All numbers are in US dollars unless otherwise noted. In Q3 2017, Electrovaya progressed with respect to the long sales cycle that characterizes its target markets and has successfully delivered to its target vertical markets. In Q3 2017, Electrovayas sales increased by 120% over Q2 2017, which in turn were significantly higher than Q1 2017. Our growth initiatives and business focus remain on applications where the lithium ion battery is intensively used and requires high performance, said Dr. Sankar Das Gupta, Chief Executive Officer. We are seeing progress in our key target verticals including electric commercial vehicles and energy storage. We continued to make component sales of cells during the third quarter, said Dr. Das Gupta. Financial Highlights: Q3 2017 revenue was $4.4 million (Cdn $5.5m) compared to Q3 2016 revenue of $2.6 million (Cdn $3.3m), an increase of approximately 70%; and compared to Q2 2017 of $2.0 million (Cdn $2.5), an increase of 120% The net loss for Q3 2017 was $6.3 million (Cdn $7.9m) compared to a net loss for Q3 2016 of $3.1 million (Cdn $3.9m); Cash and restricted cash totaled $1.7 million (Cdn $2.1m) as at June 30, 2017 compared to $2.7 million (Cdn $3.4m) at June 30, 2016; and Inventory was $13.7 million (Cdn $17.1m) as at June 30, 2017 as compared to $16.7 million (Cdn $20.9m) the previous year. Business Developments: Electrovaya made deliveries of cells to OEMs who utilized them for electric commercial vehicle applications, modules deliveries to the Hyster Yale Group and made the first deliveries of its Elivate line of forklift battery systems to Mondelez International. The Elivate product is undergoing extensive trials at multiple distribution center and manufacturing sites in the United States and Canada. Subsequent to the end of Q3 2017, Electrovaya announced that it completed delivery of two important orders: A $634,000 order from Mondelez International for replacement forklift lithium ion ceramic batteries; and A 1 million order of lithium ion cells from an electric vehicle producer. On June 30, 2017, Electrovaya announced a settlement agreement with Ontario Securities Commission related to prior disclosure. The Company agreed to make a series of corporate governance enhancements as part of the settlement. The Company did not pay a financial penalty. Richard Halka, the Companys EVP & CFO accepted an invitation from Global Affairs Canada to join its Clean Technology Advisory Group. Ian Lyons, CFA, joined the Company as VP Investor Relations. Mr. Lyons based in Boston, was until recently, a senior executive with Nomura and Societe Generale and has over 20 years of experience in the Capitals Markets in USA and Europe. Conference Call Details: The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) to discuss the fiscal Q3 2017 results for the period ended June 30, 2017 and to provide a business update. Conference ID: 13668171 US and Canada toll free: (877) 407-8291 International: + 1(201) 689-8345 To help ensure that the conference begins in a timely manner, please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available for two weeks beginning on August 2, 2017 through August 16 , 2017. To access the replay, the U.S. dial-in number is (877) 660-6853 and the non-U.S. dial-in number is +1 (201) 612-7415. The replay conference ID is 13668171. About Electrovaya Inc. Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) (OTCQX:EFLVF) designs, develops and manufactures proprietary Lithium Ion Super Polymer batteries, battery systems, and battery-related products for energy storage, clean electric transportation and other specialized applications. Electrovaya, through its fully owned subsidiary, Litarion GmbH, also produces cells, electrodes and SEPARION ceramic separators and has manufacturing capacity of about 500MWh/annum. Electrovaya is a technology focused company with extensive IP. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Electrovaya has production facilities in Canada and Germany with customers around the globe. To learn more about how Electrovaya and Litarion is powering mobility and energy storage, please explore www.electrovaya.com, www.litarion.com and www.separion.com Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements that relate to, among other things, revenue and sales forecasts, inventory levels, technology development progress, plans for shipment using the Companys technology, production plans, the Companys markets, objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as may, will, could, should, would, likely, "possible", expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe, plan, objective and continue (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions (including but not limited to currency rates and creditworthiness of customers); results of product trials, Company liquidity and capital resources, including the availability of additional capital resources to fund its activities; level of competition; inventory levels, changes in laws and regulations; legal and regulatory proceedings; the ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; the ability to attract and retain key executives; and the ability to execute strategic plans. Additional information about material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found in the Companys most recent annual and interim Managements Discussion and Analysis under Risk and Uncertainties as well as in other public disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to: results of sales efforts, parties with whom Electrovaya has executed a memorandum of understanding or letters of intent (each, an MoU) not entering into a definitive agreement with Electrovaya in a timely manner or at all, or on terms different than those contained in the applicable MoU; the purchase orders actually placed by customers of Electrovaya; the customers of Electrovaya terminating the agreements or not renewing such agreements annually; general business and economic conditions (including but not limited to currency rates and creditworthiness of customers); the Companys liquidity and capital resources, including the availability of additional capital resources to fund its activities; inventory levels, level of competition; changes in laws and regulations; legal and regulatory proceedings; the ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; the ability to attract and retain key executives; and the ability to execute strategic plans. Additional information about material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found herein under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended September 30, 2016, and other public disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. By Associated Press UNITED NATIONS: Japan's ambassador to the United Nations has said he hopes a draft UN resolution that would impose new sanctions against North Korea following its tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile will be finished "in days." The United States and China said a week ago that they were making progress on a resolution that would then need to be discussed and approved by the 15-member Security Council. The US gave China, North Korea's neighbour and ally, a proposed resolution several weeks ago. Japanese Ambassador Koro Bessho, whose country is on the council, told reporters yesterday that "there's been a lot of work" and discussion on the text. "Japan has put in some ideas," the US and China "are seriously looking into this, (and) I hope that we can get it done in days," he said. Russia's new UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, called North Korea's intensifying missile program "really serious," telling reporters the entire international community is concerned and "we'll be working to see what we can do together in the council." The Security Council has already imposed six rounds of progressively tougher sanctions on North Korea, but so far that has failed to halt the country's rapidly advancing nuclear and ballistic missile programs. North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile as Americans celebrated Independence Day on July 4 marked a significant step toward young North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's goal of developing a missile with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States. Pyongyang followed up with a second ICBM launch Friday. US Ambassador Nikki Haley has refused to say what sanctions are being discussed with China. But in early July she told the Security Council that if it is united, the international community can cut off major sources of hard currency to North Korea, restrict oil to its military and weapons programs, increase air and maritime restrictions, and hold senior officials accountable. She has repeatedly stressed that the United States wants to ensure that a new resolution is "a strong resolution." "An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value," she said in a statement Sunday. "In fact, it is worse than nothing, because it sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him." Haley said the time for talking is over and "China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step." But Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi said Monday that the United States and North Korea hold "the primary responsibility" for de-escalating tensions and negotiating peace on the Korean Peninsula, not China. He said if Washington and Pyongyang refuse to reduce tensions and hold new talks as called for in Security Council resolutions "then no matter how capable China is, China's efforts will not yield practical results, because it depends on the two principal parties." UNITED NATIONS: Japan's ambassador to the United Nations has said he hopes a draft UN resolution that would impose new sanctions against North Korea following its tests of an intercontinental ballistic missile will be finished "in days." The United States and China said a week ago that they were making progress on a resolution that would then need to be discussed and approved by the 15-member Security Council. The US gave China, North Korea's neighbour and ally, a proposed resolution several weeks ago. Japanese Ambassador Koro Bessho, whose country is on the council, told reporters yesterday that "there's been a lot of work" and discussion on the text. "Japan has put in some ideas," the US and China "are seriously looking into this, (and) I hope that we can get it done in days," he said. Russia's new UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, called North Korea's intensifying missile program "really serious," telling reporters the entire international community is concerned and "we'll be working to see what we can do together in the council." The Security Council has already imposed six rounds of progressively tougher sanctions on North Korea, but so far that has failed to halt the country's rapidly advancing nuclear and ballistic missile programs. North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile as Americans celebrated Independence Day on July 4 marked a significant step toward young North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's goal of developing a missile with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States. Pyongyang followed up with a second ICBM launch Friday. US Ambassador Nikki Haley has refused to say what sanctions are being discussed with China. But in early July she told the Security Council that if it is united, the international community can cut off major sources of hard currency to North Korea, restrict oil to its military and weapons programs, increase air and maritime restrictions, and hold senior officials accountable. She has repeatedly stressed that the United States wants to ensure that a new resolution is "a strong resolution." "An additional Security Council resolution that does not significantly increase the international pressure on North Korea is of no value," she said in a statement Sunday. "In fact, it is worse than nothing, because it sends the message to the North Korean dictator that the international community is unwilling to seriously challenge him." Haley said the time for talking is over and "China must decide whether it is finally willing to take this vital step." But Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi said Monday that the United States and North Korea hold "the primary responsibility" for de-escalating tensions and negotiating peace on the Korean Peninsula, not China. He said if Washington and Pyongyang refuse to reduce tensions and hold new talks as called for in Security Council resolutions "then no matter how capable China is, China's efforts will not yield practical results, because it depends on the two principal parties." By AFP BRUSSELS:The EU refuses to recognise the new Venezuela assembly that gives President Nicolas Maduro extra powers, with diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini saying on Wednesday the bloc is "ready to gradually step up" action if the situation deteriorates. However, the 28 European Union countries backed away from adopting any immediate sanctions in response to the controversial election, held on Sunday, that critics say is a bid by Maduro to stay in power, and to the arrest of two opposition leaders. "The European Union and its member states therefore cannot recognise the Constituent Assembly as they have concerns over its effective representativeness and legitimacy," Mogherini said in a statement after meeting EU diplomats to discuss the situation. It called on Maduro's government to "take urgent measures" to change course, including suspending setting up the new Constituent Assembly and explicitly recognising all institutions under the constitution. "Further confidence-building measures, such as the release of all jailed political opponents, are also needed," the statement said. The EU has previously warned that it had "grave doubts" about recognising an election for a constituent assembly that would hand Maduro more powers, and condemned the arrest of high-profile opposition figures Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma. Mogherini asked for clarification on the whereabouts of Lopez and Ledezma. "The European Union and its Member States are ready to gradually step up their response in case democratic principles are further undermined and the Venezuelan Constitution is not respected," it said. European Parliament president Antonio Tajani had urged the EU to consider sanctions. The United States earlier this week hit Maduro with sanctions. British junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said there "may come a point where we will become part of a world sanctions regime, for instance if the United Nations were to impose one then we would." BRUSSELS:The EU refuses to recognise the new Venezuela assembly that gives President Nicolas Maduro extra powers, with diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini saying on Wednesday the bloc is "ready to gradually step up" action if the situation deteriorates. However, the 28 European Union countries backed away from adopting any immediate sanctions in response to the controversial election, held on Sunday, that critics say is a bid by Maduro to stay in power, and to the arrest of two opposition leaders. "The European Union and its member states therefore cannot recognise the Constituent Assembly as they have concerns over its effective representativeness and legitimacy," Mogherini said in a statement after meeting EU diplomats to discuss the situation. It called on Maduro's government to "take urgent measures" to change course, including suspending setting up the new Constituent Assembly and explicitly recognising all institutions under the constitution. "Further confidence-building measures, such as the release of all jailed political opponents, are also needed," the statement said. The EU has previously warned that it had "grave doubts" about recognising an election for a constituent assembly that would hand Maduro more powers, and condemned the arrest of high-profile opposition figures Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma. Mogherini asked for clarification on the whereabouts of Lopez and Ledezma. "The European Union and its Member States are ready to gradually step up their response in case democratic principles are further undermined and the Venezuelan Constitution is not respected," it said. European Parliament president Antonio Tajani had urged the EU to consider sanctions. The United States earlier this week hit Maduro with sanctions. British junior foreign minister Alan Duncan said there "may come a point where we will become part of a world sanctions regime, for instance if the United Nations were to impose one then we would." By ANI LAHORE: New York-based credit rating agency Moodys has expressed fears that political uncertainty in Pakistan after Nawaz Sharifs disqualification as Member of Parliament could pose risks to developmental policies and might impact adversely on its rating. If heightened political uncertainty and strife among the various branches of government disrupt the administrations economic and fiscal agenda, macroeconomic stability and the governments access to external finance could be impaired, weighing on Pakistans credit profile, the Dawn quoted the agency as saying. The political events in Pakistan have a cumulative effect on sovereign credit profile, policymaking and thereby on the economy and the governments access to finance. According to Moody's Investors Service Research High domestic political risk is embedded in Pakistans credit profile. Taking into account the long history of Pakistan characterised by military coups and strife between the executive, judiciary and military, the persistence of heightened political risk has weakened government effectiveness and its control over corruption. Investigations into the financial affairs of Nawaz Sharif and his family followed the 2015 publication of Panama Papers, which disclosed his childrens vast and previously unreported wealth. The Supreme Courts ruling in the case included an instruction for the National Accountability Bureau to initiate further investigations in the case. His ouster now could trigger another period of political instability, undermining Pakistans ability to address pressing domestic economic challenges, bolster investor confidence and attract external financial support from official creditors and donors, Moodys said. The extent to which these events detract from economic and fiscal policymaking, and reduce government effectiveness in general, will ultimately determine their impact on Pakistans credit profile. Under Nawaz Sharifs leadership, in September 2016, Pakistan completed a three-year International Monetary Fund [IMF] Extended Fund Facility programme that helped to stabilise the economy, said the US-based agency. However, security-related issues and Pakistans weak track record of public project implementation suggest that the pace of execution will be relatively slow. Moving forward, continued support for the CPEC project across all branches of government will be critical to its success and full implementation, said Moodys. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has been elected as interim prime minister. Election Commission of Pakistan has announced September 17 as the date for voting for NA-120 and PML-N Shahbaz Sharif will be filing his nomination papers from September 12-15. Prior to becoming prime minister he must step down as chief minister and get elected to the National Assembly on the seat vacated by his brother. In the meantime, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will serve as the prime minister. Given the PML-Ns strong support in Punjab and Shehbazs popularity as chief minister, his victory in the by-election appears highly likely. LAHORE: New York-based credit rating agency Moodys has expressed fears that political uncertainty in Pakistan after Nawaz Sharifs disqualification as Member of Parliament could pose risks to developmental policies and might impact adversely on its rating. If heightened political uncertainty and strife among the various branches of government disrupt the administrations economic and fiscal agenda, macroeconomic stability and the governments access to external finance could be impaired, weighing on Pakistans credit profile, the Dawn quoted the agency as saying. The political events in Pakistan have a cumulative effect on sovereign credit profile, policymaking and thereby on the economy and the governments access to finance. According to Moody's Investors Service Research High domestic political risk is embedded in Pakistans credit profile. Taking into account the long history of Pakistan characterised by military coups and strife between the executive, judiciary and military, the persistence of heightened political risk has weakened government effectiveness and its control over corruption. Investigations into the financial affairs of Nawaz Sharif and his family followed the 2015 publication of Panama Papers, which disclosed his childrens vast and previously unreported wealth. The Supreme Courts ruling in the case included an instruction for the National Accountability Bureau to initiate further investigations in the case. His ouster now could trigger another period of political instability, undermining Pakistans ability to address pressing domestic economic challenges, bolster investor confidence and attract external financial support from official creditors and donors, Moodys said. The extent to which these events detract from economic and fiscal policymaking, and reduce government effectiveness in general, will ultimately determine their impact on Pakistans credit profile. Under Nawaz Sharifs leadership, in September 2016, Pakistan completed a three-year International Monetary Fund [IMF] Extended Fund Facility programme that helped to stabilise the economy, said the US-based agency. However, security-related issues and Pakistans weak track record of public project implementation suggest that the pace of execution will be relatively slow. Moving forward, continued support for the CPEC project across all branches of government will be critical to its success and full implementation, said Moodys. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has been elected as interim prime minister. Election Commission of Pakistan has announced September 17 as the date for voting for NA-120 and PML-N Shahbaz Sharif will be filing his nomination papers from September 12-15. Prior to becoming prime minister he must step down as chief minister and get elected to the National Assembly on the seat vacated by his brother. In the meantime, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will serve as the prime minister. Given the PML-Ns strong support in Punjab and Shehbazs popularity as chief minister, his victory in the by-election appears highly likely. By IANS KATHMANDU: Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will embark on a five-day state visit to India on August 23, a media report said. Officials from both the countries were working to finalise the itinerary, agenda and the size of the delegation, the Kathmandu Post reported on Wednesday. Deuba's visit to India will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his earlier visits in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as the Prime Minister, the report said. "We have received two clear instructions from the Prime Minister. Firstly, he is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India," two senior officials told the Post. "While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, he also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects," said one official. "Secondly, the Prime Minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit." The much-talked about Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) as well as other energy and infrastructure related projects will be high on the agenda, the official said. The PMP is a bi-national hydropower project to be developed in Mahakali River bordering Nepal and India. Development of PMP and is covered under integrated Mahakali Treaty signed between the two countries according to which, equal sizes of underground power house will be constructed on each side of Mahakali river in India and Nepal. Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But the detailed project report is yet to be completed, the daily said. "Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past," said Dinesh Bhattarai, Foreign Relations Adviser to Deuba. During his visit, Deuba will also visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. KATHMANDU: Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will embark on a five-day state visit to India on August 23, a media report said. Officials from both the countries were working to finalise the itinerary, agenda and the size of the delegation, the Kathmandu Post reported on Wednesday. Deuba's visit to India will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his earlier visits in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as the Prime Minister, the report said. "We have received two clear instructions from the Prime Minister. Firstly, he is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India," two senior officials told the Post. "While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, he also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects," said one official. "Secondly, the Prime Minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit." The much-talked about Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) as well as other energy and infrastructure related projects will be high on the agenda, the official said. The PMP is a bi-national hydropower project to be developed in Mahakali River bordering Nepal and India. Development of PMP and is covered under integrated Mahakali Treaty signed between the two countries according to which, equal sizes of underground power house will be constructed on each side of Mahakali river in India and Nepal. Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But the detailed project report is yet to be completed, the daily said. "Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past," said Dinesh Bhattarai, Foreign Relations Adviser to Deuba. During his visit, Deuba will also visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. By AFP WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his weight behind an immigration overhaul aimed at dramatically reducing the number of low-skilled migrants in the US and introducing a merit-based points system. The proposals would prioritise English speakers for green cards, and would put a cap on the number of refugees able to gain permanent residency at 50,000 a year. Trump endorsed the proposal in remarks at the White House, flanked by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue, who drafted the legislation. The president said the plan would represent "the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century." "Our system does not prioritise the most highly skilled immigrantsjust one out of every 15 immigrants to the United States comes here because of their skills," the White House said in a statement previewing Trump's remarks. "On average, one million immigrants are accepted into the United States for legal permanent residency annually, and most of them are low or unskilled workers. This influx is the equivalent of adding more than the population of San Francisco to the country every year." Trump said the new system, if approved, would "help ensure that newcomers to our wonderful country will be assimilated, will succeed and achieve the American dream," while also protecting "struggling American families." Critics say that the proposals would result in an actual reduction of wages across the board, by slashing the number of migrants creating jobs. "High-skilled immigrants are huge economic multipliers," the libertarian CATO institute said in a recent report claiming every skilled migrant coming to the US creates 1.8 jobs for native-born Americans. WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his weight behind an immigration overhaul aimed at dramatically reducing the number of low-skilled migrants in the US and introducing a merit-based points system. The proposals would prioritise English speakers for green cards, and would put a cap on the number of refugees able to gain permanent residency at 50,000 a year. Trump endorsed the proposal in remarks at the White House, flanked by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue, who drafted the legislation. The president said the plan would represent "the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century." "Our system does not prioritise the most highly skilled immigrantsjust one out of every 15 immigrants to the United States comes here because of their skills," the White House said in a statement previewing Trump's remarks. "On average, one million immigrants are accepted into the United States for legal permanent residency annually, and most of them are low or unskilled workers. This influx is the equivalent of adding more than the population of San Francisco to the country every year." Trump said the new system, if approved, would "help ensure that newcomers to our wonderful country will be assimilated, will succeed and achieve the American dream," while also protecting "struggling American families." Critics say that the proposals would result in an actual reduction of wages across the board, by slashing the number of migrants creating jobs. "High-skilled immigrants are huge economic multipliers," the libertarian CATO institute said in a recent report claiming every skilled migrant coming to the US creates 1.8 jobs for native-born Americans. By AFP LONDON: Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, conducted his final solo public engagement on Wednesday, overseeing a military parade in the pouring rain that capped a lifetime of service. The Duke of Edinburgh, wearing a raincoat and bowler hat, met members of the Royal Marines and veterans -- many younger than him -- before taking the salute in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Hundreds of well-wishers clutching umbrellas gathered outside the gates to cheer on the prince, who is famed for his salty and often politically incorrect sense of humour. The ceremony was the last of 22,219 solo public engagements conducted by the former naval officer since his wife ascended to the throne in 1952. It marked the end of a charity challenge in which the marines ran 1,664 miles (2,678 kilometres) over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664. Philip, who served with distinction during World War II, was made captain general of the corps in 1953, taking over from the queen's father king George VI. It is one of more than 780 organisations of which he has been patron, president or a member. He has also carried out 637 visits abroad on his own and given almost 5,500 speeches. "He will be missed on the public stage," said William Cook, 89, whose grandson was one of the Royal Marines being honoured by the prince. "But he's got a lot of young people coming up, I think he's set a wonderful example but they can't better it," he added alongside wife Ella, who had set up camp with picnic chairs outside the palace gates. The duke and the queen have been gradually reducing their duties in recent years, handing over to the younger royals, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his son Prince William. Philip "may choose to attend engagements alongside the queen from time to time", a spokeswoman said, while stressing that the 91-year-old monarch was not retiring. "Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family," the palace said earlier this year. - 'Experienced plaque-unveiler' - The queen once described her husband as "my strength and stay" -- although the duke himself is self-deprecating, joking earlier this year that he was the "world's most experienced plaque-unveiler". Observers pay tribute to his energy, intelligence and commitment to his causes, from scientific and technological research, the conservation movement, and young people. One of his biographers, Gyles Brandreth, told BBC radio that "he's been the busiest royal. Every year, he and (his daughter) Princess Anne vie to which of them does more". While Prince Philip's life had not turned out as expected, Brandreth said the duke once told him: "I tried to make the best of it... I had to try to support the queen as best I could, without getting in the way." The prince has made headlines for politically incorrect jokes, but he uses it to break the ice, and many view it as a welcome contrast to the queen's more formal reserve. Gruff in public -- he hates media interviews -- he is also widely credited for keeping his family together during the turmoil of his children's divorces and the death of Diana, princess of Wales. Prince Philip is still in good health for a man of his age, although he was hospitalised for two nights in June for an undisclosed infection. Announcing his retirement in May, the palace insisted it was not a decision related to his health. Prince William, the 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge, ended his two years as an air ambulance pilot last week to turn his full attention to royal duties, alongside his wife Kate. LONDON: Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, conducted his final solo public engagement on Wednesday, overseeing a military parade in the pouring rain that capped a lifetime of service. The Duke of Edinburgh, wearing a raincoat and bowler hat, met members of the Royal Marines and veterans -- many younger than him -- before taking the salute in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Hundreds of well-wishers clutching umbrellas gathered outside the gates to cheer on the prince, who is famed for his salty and often politically incorrect sense of humour. The ceremony was the last of 22,219 solo public engagements conducted by the former naval officer since his wife ascended to the throne in 1952. It marked the end of a charity challenge in which the marines ran 1,664 miles (2,678 kilometres) over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664. Philip, who served with distinction during World War II, was made captain general of the corps in 1953, taking over from the queen's father king George VI. It is one of more than 780 organisations of which he has been patron, president or a member. He has also carried out 637 visits abroad on his own and given almost 5,500 speeches. "He will be missed on the public stage," said William Cook, 89, whose grandson was one of the Royal Marines being honoured by the prince. "But he's got a lot of young people coming up, I think he's set a wonderful example but they can't better it," he added alongside wife Ella, who had set up camp with picnic chairs outside the palace gates. The duke and the queen have been gradually reducing their duties in recent years, handing over to the younger royals, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his son Prince William. Philip "may choose to attend engagements alongside the queen from time to time", a spokeswoman said, while stressing that the 91-year-old monarch was not retiring. "Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family," the palace said earlier this year. - 'Experienced plaque-unveiler' - The queen once described her husband as "my strength and stay" -- although the duke himself is self-deprecating, joking earlier this year that he was the "world's most experienced plaque-unveiler". Observers pay tribute to his energy, intelligence and commitment to his causes, from scientific and technological research, the conservation movement, and young people. One of his biographers, Gyles Brandreth, told BBC radio that "he's been the busiest royal. Every year, he and (his daughter) Princess Anne vie to which of them does more". While Prince Philip's life had not turned out as expected, Brandreth said the duke once told him: "I tried to make the best of it... I had to try to support the queen as best I could, without getting in the way." The prince has made headlines for politically incorrect jokes, but he uses it to break the ice, and many view it as a welcome contrast to the queen's more formal reserve. Gruff in public -- he hates media interviews -- he is also widely credited for keeping his family together during the turmoil of his children's divorces and the death of Diana, princess of Wales. Prince Philip is still in good health for a man of his age, although he was hospitalised for two nights in June for an undisclosed infection. Announcing his retirement in May, the palace insisted it was not a decision related to his health. Prince William, the 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge, ended his two years as an air ambulance pilot last week to turn his full attention to royal duties, alongside his wife Kate. By PTI BEIJING: China today said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. In New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said that India's position on this issue and related facts have been articulated in a statement on June 30. "India considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China," the spokesperson said in response to a query on China's document. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of Chinas goodwill. It said China values the growth of good-neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. BEIJING: China today said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take "concrete actions" by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with "no strings attached" to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. In New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said that India's position on this issue and related facts have been articulated in a statement on June 30. "India considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China," the spokesperson said in response to a query on China's document. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of Chinas goodwill. It said China values the growth of good-neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. By ANI WASHINGTON: The White House has clarified that despite the delay, United States President Donald Trump would soon sign the Russia sanctions bill. White House spokeperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders, while addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, blamed the delay on a legal process. "There's nothing holding him back. There's a review process, a legal process. They're going through that. He'll sing the bill and we'll let you know," she said. The Russia sanctions bill was earlier overwhelmingly approved in the Congress, by both Republicans and Democrats. It has been on Trump's desk since last week, but he hasn't signed it yet. A lot has conspired since the last time the bill was talked about in the media. Trump is certainly under a lot of pressure to sign the sanctions bill into law. Post signing the bill, however, he runs the risk of sinking his effort to improve relations with Russia. Trump is also being expected to react boldly to Russias expulsion of U.S. embassy personnel. (ANI) WASHINGTON: The White House has clarified that despite the delay, United States President Donald Trump would soon sign the Russia sanctions bill. White House spokeperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders, while addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, blamed the delay on a legal process. "There's nothing holding him back. There's a review process, a legal process. They're going through that. He'll sing the bill and we'll let you know," she said. The Russia sanctions bill was earlier overwhelmingly approved in the Congress, by both Republicans and Democrats. It has been on Trump's desk since last week, but he hasn't signed it yet. A lot has conspired since the last time the bill was talked about in the media. Trump is certainly under a lot of pressure to sign the sanctions bill into law. Post signing the bill, however, he runs the risk of sinking his effort to improve relations with Russia. Trump is also being expected to react boldly to Russias expulsion of U.S. embassy personnel. (ANI) By AFP MOSCOW: Two Russian tourists were killed by an explosion at a munitions depot in Georgia's breakaway Moscow-backed territory of Abkhazia, a Russian official said today. Turan Dzhavadov, spokesman for Russia's embassy in the self-declared state, said "two female tourists" from Saint Petersburg died after the blast yesterday, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Russia's investigative committee said that some 30 Russian tourists were among "dozens" injured, wihout giving more details on their conditions. The committee said in a statement that it was working with "the relevant authorities in Abkhazia" to determine the causes of the blast. The huge explosion ripped through an arms store belonging to Abkhazian forces on the Black Sea coast close to an area popular with tourists. Abkhazia is internationally recognised as part of the tiny ex-Soviet state of Georgia, but has claimed independence since a conflict after the collapse of the USSR. Russia recognised the subtropical region -- along with another province South Ossetia -- as separate countries after a brief 2008 war with Georgia. Moscow has thousands of troops stationed in the regions in what Georgia calls a military "occupation", and supports the two provinces financially. A traditional summer vacation draw during the Soviet period, Abkhazia remains a popular destination with Russian tourists looking for a cheap break along the country's borders. MOSCOW: Two Russian tourists were killed by an explosion at a munitions depot in Georgia's breakaway Moscow-backed territory of Abkhazia, a Russian official said today. Turan Dzhavadov, spokesman for Russia's embassy in the self-declared state, said "two female tourists" from Saint Petersburg died after the blast yesterday, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Russia's investigative committee said that some 30 Russian tourists were among "dozens" injured, wihout giving more details on their conditions. The committee said in a statement that it was working with "the relevant authorities in Abkhazia" to determine the causes of the blast. The huge explosion ripped through an arms store belonging to Abkhazian forces on the Black Sea coast close to an area popular with tourists. Abkhazia is internationally recognised as part of the tiny ex-Soviet state of Georgia, but has claimed independence since a conflict after the collapse of the USSR. Russia recognised the subtropical region -- along with another province South Ossetia -- as separate countries after a brief 2008 war with Georgia. Moscow has thousands of troops stationed in the regions in what Georgia calls a military "occupation", and supports the two provinces financially. A traditional summer vacation draw during the Soviet period, Abkhazia remains a popular destination with Russian tourists looking for a cheap break along the country's borders. CLEARWATER, Fla., Aug. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The L. Ron Hubbard Golden Age Theater will perform their next theatrical reading presentation, The Magic Quirt, on August 26th at the Scientology Information Center in Downtown Clearwater. Written by L. Ron Hubbard, the story was originally published in 1948 in The Rio Kid Western Magazine. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2490f8d-32c7-4c70-9633-08a899f6bf73 In this story, a western-comedy, Old Larimee, the bumbling cook for the Lazy G Ranch, accidentally manages to save an Aztec family from bandits. As a token of their gratitude they give him The Magic Quirta horsewhip that hes told will turn him into a new man. The transformation is indeed magical. Suddenly Laramie is performing feats of ingenuity and courage that would make even the Lone Ranger proud. But magic is a funny thingand as Laramies about to discover, its not always what it seems. This is a great event for all ages, said Amber Skjelset, Information Center Manager. L. Ron Hubbard was a master storyteller and it is fantastic to see his stories brought to life. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments are served. To reserve seats or to learn more about the event, contact Amber Skjelset, Manager of the Scientology Information Center at 727-467-6966 or amber@cos.flag.org. The L. Ron Hubbard East Coast Theater, a volunteer group founded in 2011, delivers classic radio theatre performances of fiction short stories written by Hubbard in the 1930s and 40s. To date, they have performed to tens of thousands. While most of their performances have been in Florida; they have also performed in Maine, Columbia University in NYC and to the Boys & Girls Club in Harlingen, TX. The Scientology Information Center : The Scientology Information Center, located in the Historic Clearwater Building in downtown Clearwater, opened on July 11, 2015, and currently houses a gallery of audiovisual displays with some 400 videos. The Center provides a self-guided tour showing basic Scientology beliefs, Scientology Churches around the world, ongoing social programs and the life of Scientologys Founder, L. Ron Hubbard. The Center offers tours to the broad public and civic leaders; holds concerts, theatrical performances and receptions for the community; and opens up the use of its conference room to social, civic and non-profit groups. For more information please www.scientology-fso.org. MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verifi, Inc., a leading provider of payment and risk management solutions for card-not-present (CNP) merchants, today announced that they have partnered with Missouri-based Nodaway Valley Bank to combat fraud and mitigate chargebacks for its base of customers. Nodaway Valley Bank will look to Verifi to implement their end-to-end payment protection and management solutions. Verifis suite of services enables issuing banks to work directly with merchants to access critical dispute data and settle the matter before a dispute becomes an expensive chargeback. Chargebacks continue to be a huge challenge to our entire industry, said Matthew Katz, CEO of Verifi. Our partnership with Nodaway Valley Bank expands our network coverage in the mid-size bankcard market, consistent with our strategy to provide the broadest support and protection to merchants and issuers of all sizes. We are pleased to be working with such an historic institution to provide greater value to their merchant and consumer customers. Based in Missouri, Nodaway Valley Bank has provided their regional clientele with the latest banking services for almost 150 years. We chose Verifi based on their leadership within the industry, and their ability to expertly address our chargeback challenges, said Jim Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Nodaway Valley Bank. Verifis proven solutions enable us to reduce operating costs, streamline our review process, and enhance both merchant and cardholder satisfaction. Recognised as the Best Chargeback Management Program for the last five consecutive years by the Card Not Present Expo, Verifis Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network (CDRN) prevents hundreds of thousands of chargeback cases every month, providing real protection from costly fees, fines or penalties, and cardholder dissatisfaction which affect merchants and issuers alike. With year-over-year growth since the programs launch in 2007, Verifis unique and patented CDRN closed loop process directly integrates with issuers, providing unmatched service, quality and accuracy for merchants in collaboration with issuers to resolve disputed payments and dramatically minimise chargebacks and cardholder dissatisfaction. By providing merchants with visibility into fraud and non-fraud customer disputes in near real-time, the CDRN process provides the highest level of true chargeback protection, while avoiding false positives that result in lost sales, increased manual review time, and decreased profits. CDRN covers approximately 50% of the US market and boasts a 90% resolution rate. About Nodaway Valley Bank Nodaway Valley Bank has been committed to providing northwest Missouri superior financial service since 1868. As the original hometown bank, we value our customers and strive to create lasting relationships built on fairness and respect. Our goal is to always keep our customers' best interest in mind by focusing on fairness, mutual respect, and exemplary customer service. For more information, visit www.nvb.com. About Verifi (Australia) Verifi is an award-winning provider of end-to-end payment protection and management solutions, founded in 2005 to help merchants effectively manage the payments challenges they face every day. Verifis Cardholder Dispute Resolution Network supports merchants by preventing hundreds of thousands of fraud and non-fraud chargebacks each month. Verifis full suite of services helps merchants combat fraud, prevent and resolve costly chargebacks, as well as facilitate sharing of transaction details. Our best-in-breed solutions and white glove support are trusted by a wide range of industries, from emerging companies to the Fortune 500. With our APAC headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, we process more than 27 billion transactions annually and currently serve more than 25,000 accounts globally. For more information, visit: au.verifi.com. Newport Art Museum wraps up fall with variety of programs Though it hasnt always felt like fall these past few weeks, the museum is in high gear hosting fall events and planning for winter. NEW YORK, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mr. Nicholas Thermenos, Dell EMC, Director Sales & Marketing Americas, Surveillance and Security, told us, Video Surveillance is going through a fast-paced digital transformation from low cost, decentralized data repositories to true Enterprise Class, centralized infrastructure requirements. The increase in IP cameras, retention times, and the assurance that data will be available when needed, is moving customers to find new ways to retain, store and access video surveillance data. Business leaders are beginning to recognize that there are valuable insights to be gained from the vast amount of data that is being collected. Customers, particularly business leaders, are looking to capitalize on the data contained in these video images. Both of these trends are changing the landscape of storing and accessing video. Mr. Thermenos also said, Dell EMC is in the position to provide the broadest portfolio of leading technologies to address any and all of our customers needs. From the edge to the cloud Dell EMC has proven architectures to provide almost any solution required. With Isilon our customers can build centralized data and analytics data lakes scaling to over 50PB and with incredible management efficiency. Our servers and SAN arrays can scale to handle smaller or decentralized environments and we can leverage cloud tiers for long-term archive requirements. We can connect this with a wide array of network switches to provide a complete end-to-end solution, and we are unique in that aspect. Our labs, which are located in Raleigh, NC and Bangalore, India ensure that our customers are designing and implementing a reliable environment that will reduce risk and scale as they grow. Our labs test all of the leading Video Management Software and camera vendors with a Test to Fail approach. This means we push the limits of both the software and hardware by virtualizing tens of thousands of cameras. The artifacts of this testing are Validated Solutions including configurations and sizing guidelines to help our customers build bullet-proof environments. Customers are asking for as much integrated support as possible. CIOs dont want their software vendors to say its a hardware issue and have vendors pointing the fingers at each other when there is a problem, and they certainly cant afford data loss or IT outages when video has become so important. To this end we developed a turn-key solution with Qognify that ensures zero data loss at the storage level while giving customers one phone call to make to support the entire solution. In a nutshell its software, servers and storage fully integrated and shipped to our customers as a turn-key solution. This provides a tested, integrated and fully supported solution to our customers. To date, its been very well received and we anticipate the interest to grow rapidly. We are also working closely with Dimension Data to provide a complete solution offering from consulting and hardware to managed services. Dimension Data has become a valued strategic collaborator in our Video Surveillance portfolio. Together we are offering the design and implantation of a Video Surveillance Infrastructure Solution. Dimension Data has experienced and mature consulting offerings that we are bringing to market together with our portfolio. Dimension Data has a very strong practice dedicated to Campus Security and Education, a key market we are pursuing jointly. We invite your readers to read our Chippewa Valley Schools customer profile here to better understand why 16,000 school children are more secure today. For the complete interview with Nicholas Thermenos, please click here, or here: www.securitysolutionswatch.com/Interviews/in_Boardroom_Thermenos_DeLLEMC.html For additional information: Dell EMC Solutions Portfolio (www.emc.com/storage/video-surveillance-storage.htm) Dell EMC Partner Validations (https://www.emc.com/storage/video-surveillance-storage.htm#!partner_validations) Dell EMC Resources (https://www.emc.com/storage/video-surveillance-storage.htm#!resources) About SecuritySolutionsWatch.com SecuritySolutionsWatch.com features thought leadership interviews about security solutions. Our flagship In The Boardroom program, now in its 15th year, has delivered outstanding content about security solutions from leading global brands such as: Cisco Security, Cyberinc, Dell EMC, Extenua, HP Cybersecurity, Gemalto, HID Global, ImageWare, Siemens Security and SONY Security, just to name a few. What's YOUR cybersecurity, physical security, mobility, payments, safety or "smart" solution? We invite you to please join us "In The Boardroom", more details here, or here: http://www.securitysolutionswatch.com/Main/ThoughtLeadershipOpportunity_July2017.pdf Please click here for our Media Kit (http://www.securitysolutionswatch.com/MediaKit.html) Please click here or here: http://www.securitysolutionswatch.com/Main/170502%20RATE_CARD-4.pdf for additional details about our offerings. ***** SecuritySolutionsWatch.com Is Proud To Be A Sponsor Of These Important Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ***** Cyber Security Summit: Chicago Tuesday, August 8, 2017 | 7:45AM to 6:00PM | Hyatt Regency Chicago https://cybersummitusa.com/2017-chicago/ ***** Cyber Security Summit: New York Friday, September 15, 2017 | 7:45AM to 6:00PM | Grand Hyatt New York https://cybersummitusa.com/2017-newyork/ ***** Cyber Security Summit: Boston Wednesday, November 8, 2017 | 7:45AM to 6:00PM | The Westin Copley Place, Boston https://cybersummitusa.com/2017-boston/ ***** Cyber Security Summit: Los Angeles Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | 7:45AM to 6:00PM | The Beverly Hilton https://cybersummitusa.com/2017-losangeles/ ***** Cyber Intelligence Europe 2017 Bucharest, Romania 5th September 2017 - 7th September 2017 http://www.intelligence-sec.com/events/cyber-intelligence-europe-2017 Cyber Intelligence Europe will take place in Bucharest, Romania and provide in-depth case studies of recent threats and attacks faced to government infrastructures. Many governments are increasing their focus on developing strong cyber defence strategies against possible attacks. With this in mind, our 5th annual Cyber Intelligence Europe conference and exhibition will bring together leading public sector officials who will discuss their cyber security plans, strategies and current capabilities. For more information regarding this international event please contact us at events@intelligence-sec.com or +44 (0)1582 346 706. ***** DSEI 12 15 September 2017 The World Leading Defence & Security Event ExCeL, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL Nearest train stations: Prince Regent / Royal Victoria (DLR Line) https://www.dsei.co.uk ***** US/Canada Border Conference How Technology is Shaping Border Management 12 - 13 September 2017 Detroit, MI The US/Canada Border Conference brings together border security leadership from the U.S. and Canada to provide an educational experience designed to help advance your agencys mission. The conference is developed by former border security officials who understand the educational needs of todays border security professionals. This two-day event, focused on advancing the Beyond the Border Action Plan, is strategically located in Detroit, Michigan, near several of the busiest shared ports between the United States and Canada. The Beyond the Border initiative outlines a vision for perimeter security and economic competitiveness whereby the U.S. and Canada work in partnerships within, at, and away from our borders to achieve enhanced security and accelerate the legitimate flow of people, goods, and services between our two countries. The United States and Canada bilateral relationship is among the closest and most extensive in the world. Each day, $2.0 billion of cross-border trade is conducted between the U.S. and Canada. 300,000 people cross between the countries every day by all modes of transport. The two nations work cooperatively on border security, law enforcement, environmental protection and free trade on multiple levels from federal, to state and provincial, to local. ***** World e-ID and Cybersecurity Digital Identity & Data Protection for Citizens & Businesses Conference & Exhibition - Sept. 25-27, 2017 Marseille Provence, France www.worlde-idandcybersecurity.com Now in its 13th edition, World e-ID and Cybersecurity explores the latest secure identification technologies, their implementation and the related online trust challenges. Over 2.5 days, 400 project managers, government reps and technology experts will join in to learn, share visions with counterparts worldwide and foster cooperation for successful secure Identity & Cybersecurity implementations. From printed documents to the identity of connected objects, the agenda will deliver a clear vision of secure identification as boundaries are blurring between physical and online ID, between private and public sector cybersecurity, between citizen and consumer online trust. Within Smart Security Week, additional learning, networking and innovation discovery events are also part of the agenda: exhibition & demos, workshops & tutorials, awards ceremony along with multiple bridges with the co-located conferences addressing identity for development, IoT security, cyberthreat intelligence and risk management. ***** Identity World Individual Recognition for Global Development Conference & Exhibition - Sept. 25-27, 2017 Marseille Provence, France www.identity-world.com IDENTITY WORLD is the new conference on how trusted technologies address the state of the individual identity and its contribution to global development. An estimated 1.5 billion people do not have an official, government issued and recognized document as proof of their legal identity. The majority of these people live in Asia and Africa and a disproportionate number are women and children. IDENTITY WORLD has set out to address this identity gap through the collective lens of our cultures, experiences, understanding and resources. Complementing its sister World e-ID and Cybersecurity conference till now, both the intensity of discussion and diversity of subject matter has lent itself to become in 2017 a separate space in the realm of public discourse. Over 2.5 days, 40 speakers will address thoroughly the strategic framework stakes along key themes including: Statelessness & Inclusion Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Public & Private Sector Cooperation Digital Identity, Democracy & Peace. Thought leadership insights will be illustrated by case studies of large-scale implementations (identity, e-vote, healthcare, welfare payments) as well as industry and technology perspectives. Multiple panel discussions are scheduled to ensure maximum interactivity. ***** Connect Security World Embedding Trust in IoT Systems and Connected Hardware Conference & Exhibition - Sept. 25-27, 2017 Marseille Provence, France http://www.connectsecurityworld.com As IoT solutions are transitioning from hype to real deployments, the Internet of insecure things threat is gaining ground. To address unlimited risks, threats and vulnerabilities surrounding IoT, a new generation of connected devices and services is required, with better security and privacy by design. In its 6th edition, Connect Security World invites both digital security experts and IoT developers to discuss and define a true end-to-end security, from sensors to Cloud, from design and development to deployment. Key 2017 themes include: Embedding Security in billion devices: SW/HW approaches New IoT networks security: LPWAN, 4G/5G Cost of security: Time to market vs secure design IoT security regulation: industry and governments role Joining Connect Security World offers the opportunity to meet and exchange with 350+ professionals: experts from security research and industry, associations, standards bodies as well as IoT stakeholders from manufacturing to digital services. Within Smart Security Week www.smartsecurityweek.com, they will benefit from additional synergies of contents and networking opportunities. ***** ASIS 2017 ASIS International 63rd Annual Seminar and Exhibits 25-28 September 2017 Dallas, Texas https://securityexpo.asisonline.org Continuing A Legacy of Excellence.For more than six decades, ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2017) has been the premier event for security professionals worldwide, providing industry-leading education, countless business connections, and the latest products and services. ASIS 2017 will offer attendees the opportunity to: CONNECT with 550+ solutions providers showcasing the latest industry innovations and services NETWORK with 22,000+ security professionals for collaborative learning and solutions for enterprise business and public sector security leaders JOIN industry leaders accelerating the future of the security profession ***** CYBER SECURITY CHICAGO 18-19 October 2017 McCormick Place, Chicago https://www.cybersecurity-chicago.com/ Cyber Security Chicago offers invaluable security insight for both IT managers & security specialists. Hear from cyber securities finest on how you can build stronger defenses against cyber-attacks & how to recover if your systems are breached. Cyber Security Chicago allows you access to a wealth of insight and solutions to help you protect your employees, organization and country from criminal gangs and cyber terrorism. Learn from industry experts at thought-provoking seminars and discover solutions on all facets of cyber security and risk mitigation, from perimeter firewalls to the latest threat intelligence solutions. ***** PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW PARTNER IIoT World (http://iiot-world.com/) (http://news.iiot-world.com/) Our mission is to help you create a culture of innovation and connect the SMARTS: industrial technology, manufacturing, sensors and CXO decision makers. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is bringing new value to nearly every industry. IIoT World covers the economic and technological implications of the transformation taking place as IIoT proliferates throughout the enterprise. IIoT World combines journalistic coverage with data analysis to expose the stories, players, trends and innovations that shape the IIoT. IIoT World is the first Global Digital Publication dedicated 100% to Connected Industry, Industrial Internet of Things, Industry 4.0. Our associates are handpicked with one characteristic in mind: digital transformation DNA and draw from the insights, hands on experience of the worlds best newsrooms & industrial enterprises to deliver content and coverage across a wide range of industry categories. IIoT World was started in 2016 by Carolina Rudinschi, PhD & Lucian Fogoros. ***** FOR MORE CONTENT ABOUT SECURITY THREATS AND SOLUTIONS... ...PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ( http://securitysolutionswatch.com/newsletters/newsletter_2017_07.html ) And PLEASE VISIT US ON TWITTER HERE: https://twitter.com/SecStockWatch ***** THIS PRESS RELEASE, AND ALL ADVERTISING, CONTENT AND ALL OTHER MATERIAL AND INFORMATION WHICH APPEARS ON SECURITYSOLUTIONSWATCH.COM AND/OR SECURITYSTOCKWATCH.COM, ONLINE AND/OR IN PRINT, IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS OF USE, CONDITIONS, AND DISCLAIMER HERE: www.securitysolutionswatch.com/Main/Terms_of_Use.html. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Snow showers around this evening. Clearing skies later. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Snow showers around this evening. Clearing skies later. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Covered California said Tuesday that premiums on its health insurance plans would rise by an average of 12.5 percent statewide next year, amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the Affordable Care Act. The state's Obamacare exchange also said one of its largest insurers, Anthem Blue Cross, would pull out of the exchange and the overall individual market in 16 of the 19 regions it currently serves, forcing 153,000 consumers to find new health plans. These rate increases apply to people who purchase their own coverage in the individual market, not the majority of Americans who get their health insurance through work or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. The expected 2018 rate increase is down from 2017's average rise of 13.2 percent, and it includes a one-time increase averaging 2.8 percentage points because of the end of a "holiday" in which health plans have had a break from the tax they are required to pay under the Affordable Care Act. Without that one-time hit, Covered California said, the average 2018 premium increase would be lower than 10 percent. And the exchange said consumers could face increases as low as 3.3 percent if they shop for the best-priced plan at the same level of coverage they already have. However, the rate calculations assume the federal government will continue to fund an important health insurance subsidy for consumers next year which may not be a safe assumption. The exchange said there could be an additional charge averaging 12.4 percent on silver plans the second-least-expensive type of policy among the exchange's four tiers if the administration of President Donald Trump decides not to continue funding so-called cost-sharing subsidies. The subsidies, paid directly to insurers, help reduce what some consumers pay out of their own pockets for medical expenses such as physician visits, prescription drugs and hospital stays. An announcement on whether the Trump administration will continue to fund them, at least for another month, was expected as early as Tuesday afternoon. So far, Trump has let the subsidies continue on a month-to-month basis. But after Senate efforts to pass a repeal of the Affordable Care Act failed last week, he suggested in a tweet that he might pull the plug on them. "We've prepared these rates in the midst of great uncertainty," said Peter Lee, Covered California's executive director. "We are doing our best to protect consumers. We hope to get clarity from the federal government before we make a decision by the end of August" on whether to tack on the silver plan surcharge to offset the loss of the federal subsidies, he said. Lee said the exchange hoped not to do that, because "it will cause unnecessary confusion and ultimately cost the fed government billions of dollars more." Many Covered California consumers would not pay more out-of-pocket even if the cost of their health plans were to rise sharply, because the extra expense would be covered by federal tax credits intended to keep premiums affordable for consumers. Those subsidies, not directly threatened by Trump, are separate from the ones that help consumers with their out-of-pocket costs. About 650,000 Covered California enrollees, or nearly half the exchange's total enrollment, benefit from the cost-sharing reductions. Those reduced rates are available only to Covered California enrollees who choose silver-level plans and whose annual income falls between 139 percent and 250 percent of the federal poverty level about $34,200 to $61,500 for a family of four. The exchange can't wait too long before determining which rates consumers will face in 2018. State regulators need at least 60 days to review the rates, and Covered California and health plans also need to time to prepare for open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1. Current enrollees will have the option to start renewing their plans sometime in October, said Covered California spokeswoman Lizelda Lopez. Covered California also plans to create a new silver plan to be sold on the exchange for individuals and families who make too much money to qualify for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. The surcharge will not be applied to that plan. Covered California started offering plans in 2014. In the following two years, the agency successfully negotiated 4 percent average premium increases, far below the double-digit rate hikes that were the norm before the federal health law. That streak ended this year when rates shot up. All of the rates are subject to state regulatory review and public comment. But neither of the state's insurance regulators, the Department of Managed Health Care and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, has the authority to block the hikes. The expansion of coverage under the Affordable Care Act has driven the percentage of uninsured Californians to a record low. The proportion of Californians lacking health insurance was 7.1 percent last year, down from 17 percent in 2013, before the coverage-expanding provisions of Obamacare began, federal data show. The expansion of Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program for lower-income residents, accounts for a significant part of that reduction. About 3.8 million Californians became eligible for Medi-Cal coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Total enrollment is 13.5 million, or about a third of the state's population. ANNOUNCEMENT UNDER RULE 2.10 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER PANEL ACT, 1997, TAKEOVER RULES, 2013 (THE "TAKEOVER RULES") Rule 2.10 disclosure Dalradian Resources Inc. (the "Company"/"Dalradian") announces, in accordance with Rule 2.10 of the Takeover Rules, that at the close of business on 1 August 2017 Dalradian had the following relevant securities (within the meaning of the Takeover Rules) in issue: (i) 264,181,458 common shares in the Company (ISIN reference number: CA2354991002), (ii) warrants issued by the Company, which are not listed on any stock exchange, and which if exercised would result in the issue of 22,544,696 new common shares in the Company, (iii) options issued by the Company which if exercised would result in the issue of 10,116,666 new common shares in the Company, (iv) restricted share units redeemable for 1,885,000 new common shares in the Company, and (v) deferred share units redeemable for 504,000 new common shares in the Company. The warrants which were previously listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange have expired in accordance with their terms and were delisted from the TSX as at the close of business on 31 July 2017. The Directors of Dalradian accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of their knowledge and belief (having taken all reasonable care to ensure such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. August 2, 2017 For immediate release About Dalradian Resources Inc. Dalradian Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on advancing its high-grade Curraghinalt Gold Project located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. For more information: Marla Gale Vice President Communications +1 416 583 5600 investor@dalradian.com Canaccord Genuity Limited (Broker) Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor / Martin Davison +44 (0)20 7523 800 Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser) Philip Secrett / Richard Tonthat/Harrison Clarke +44 (0)20 7383 5100 "Good morning, doctor, I am here for my gene editing appointment." In the future, could this be a greeting heard in physician offices around the world? With the introduction of CRISPR technology, genetic material can now be more easily and precisely edited, even creating changes that can subsequently be inherited by offspring. CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, and is often used as shorthand for the CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology that in the lab can remove and replace specific sequences of DNA. Scientists now expect that it will be harnessed to treat and or possibly cure debilitating diseases such as sickle cell anemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, HIV, and cancers. Preclinical studies are underway to assess the safety of CRISPR-Cas9 and its ability to discriminate healthy from non-healthy cells. Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a geneticist and a co-creator along with Emmanuelle Carpenter, PhD, of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, delivered the Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award plenary on Sunday with her talk, "CRISPR Biology, Technology & Ethics: The Future of Genome Engineering." A key leader in the field, Doudna detailed her laboratory's innovative findings that she has collectively referred to as a "molecular scalpel for genomes." She intrigued the audience by reviewing the intricate bacterial CRISPR adaptive immune system and how her lab harnessed its power to edit genes. She also delved into CRISPR's potential applications, current limitations, and ethical concerns. Work is ongoing aimed at making CRISPR more amenable to fighting disease. Doudna explained how her current research is refining CRISPRCas9 to improve its efficiency and prevent off-target mutations. Her laboratory has developed a CRISPRCas9 targeted gene knockdown method with enhanced efficiency. This method employs techniques such as single-particle electron microscopy to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying the highly diverse CRISPR-Cas networks. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Several researchers already are using CRSPR to edit genes. Gene editing research in animal models involving mice and monkeys, in human embryos, and in HIV-infected human cells show promise. For example, in 2016 Lu You, MD, and colleagues at Sichuan University in Chengdu became the first group in the world to inject CRISPRCas9 modified T cells into patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The technology also is being used to speed pharmaceutical research and identify targeted therapies for somatic and heritable diseases. A scan of ClinicalTrials.gov produces more than 10 clinical trials focused on examining the efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9 in diseases as varied as human papillomavirus-related malignant neoplasm (NCT03057912), HIV-1 (NCT03164135), sickle cell disease (NCT03167450), and prostate cancer (NCT02867345). The majority of these trials have not commenced patient recruitment. What social and ethical frameworks should we use to consider research using CRISPR-Cas9? Be sure to attend the Wednesday afternoon symposium, "Ethics in Laboratory Medicine," where Seema Mohapatra, JD, MPH will present "Legal and Ethical Issues with Mitochondrial Replacement and CRISPR-Cas9." She will discuss the applications of technologies such as developing so-called designer babies, and the controversy surrounding what impact CRISPR gene editing will have on modern eugenics. Mohapatra has written in law journals about the need to examine such technology through the lens of "reproductive justice" and "disability justice" to ensure that all voices are heard and all populations can benefit from such powerful scientific discoveries. CRISPR-Cas9 and mitochondrial replacement technologies are here, and the widespread opportunity for their clinical use in humans is imminent. Laboratorians, what roles will you play in ensuring the ethnical use of these powerful technologies? Tricks and illusions, once the domain of magicians, are helping scientists unveil how the brain works. Here's one you can try using a tabletop mirror. Place your left hand on the table in front of the mirror's reflective surface and your right hand behind the mirror, about six inches away, where you can't see it. Now tap the table surface with both hands while looking at your reflection. Within a minute, you'll feel as though the hand you see reflected in the mirror is your right hand and it's right next to the mirror -- even though the hidden hand did not move. This classic "mirror box" illusion has been used in a number of neuroscience studies, including with amputees as a possible therapy to alleviate phantom limb pain, where it may help the brain re-map and adapt to a missing limb. Now, a new version of the mirror box illusion, developed by University of Delaware brain scientist Jared Medina and doctoral student Yuqi Liu, is pulling back more of the curtain on how the brain processes multiple sensory inputs to perceive our bodies and the world around us. Their study, which is supported by the National Science Foundation, appears in Scientific Reports, a multidisciplinary, open access journal from the publishers of Nature. In their novel illusion, study participants placed their hands in opposite postures (one hand palm-up, the other palm-down), creating a conflict between visual and proprioceptive feedback for the hand behind the mirror. Proprioception is your so-called "sixth sense," the sense of where your body is in space, that comes from your muscles and joints. It's the sense that allows you to touch your nose with confidence even with your eyes closed. After synchronous opening and closing of the two hands, the study participants felt that the hand behind the mirror rotated or completely flipped to match the hand reflection. "All of a sudden during our experiments, you'd hear a little laugh of surprise when people experienced this neat sensation of feeling like their hand flipped, even though it did not move," Medina said. Resolving battle of the senses Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The illusion's effectiveness was influenced by the perceived difficulty of moving the hidden hand to the position viewed in the mirror. Less illusion occurred for more difficult rotations requiring more strain. Such biomechanical data, Medina said, is coded in the body schema, a representation of your body position in space that takes into account feedback from all the relevant senses, plus stored information from muscles and joints about what your body can and can't do. According to Medina, the brain does "optimal integration" of incoming sensory information and then sorts out what the most reliable sense is. "Vision is really precise," Medina said, "but proprioception -- the sense of where your body is in space--is noisier. So if there is a conflict between these senses, and vision is telling you that your hand is right there, but proprioception says it isn't, your brain is optimally calculating. Vision, because it is more precise, typically rules. However, in our study, the brain also appears to be considering additional information--biomechanical constraints from the body schema--in resolving this conflict between the senses." Medina and his students are now using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in UD's Center for Biomedical and Brain Imaging to further uncover how the brain calculates and integrates the vast inputs it receives from all the senses. This sophisticated tool can illuminate which regions of the brain are at work when performing a task. A better understanding of such brain processing could help advance new treatments for patients with brain injuries such as strokes, chronic pain and other disorders, and for developing artificial limbs that feel like a part of the body. "How do you embody an artificial limb? It has to respect the laws of the body you've learned all your life," Medina noted. "It's quite important to figure out how the brain solves the problem of multisensory information, and how that relates to embodiment and our sense of self. These cool tricks and illusions are a path to understanding how the mind works." Source: http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2017/july/magic-helps-unmask-brain-function/ A team of engineers and pediatric orthopedic surgeons are using 3D printing to help train surgeons and shorten surgeries for the most common hip disorder found in children ages 9 to 16. In a recent study, researchers showed that allowing surgeons to prep on a 3D-printed model of the patient's hip joint cut by about 25 percent the amount of time needed for surgery when compared to a control group. The team, which includes bioengineers from the University of California San Diego and physicians from Rady Children's Hospital, detailed their findings in a recent issue of the Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. "Being able to practice on these 3D-models is crucial," said Dr. Vidyadhar Upasani, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Rady Children's and UC San Diego and the paper's senior author. In this study, Upasani operated on a total of 10 patients. For five of the patients, he planned the surgeries using 3D-printed models. He didn't use models to plan the other five. In addition, two other surgeons operated on a different group of five patients without using models. In the group where Upasani used 3D-printed models, surgeries were 38-45 minutes shorter compared with the two control groups. These time savings would translate into at least $2700 in savings per surgery, researchers said. By contrast, after the one-time cost of buying a 3D printer for about $2200, physicians can make a model for each surgery for about $10. The results of the study were so positive that Rady Children's orthopedics department has acquired its own 3D printer, Upasani said. "I've seen how beneficial 3D models are," he said. "It's now hard to plan surgeries without them." Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a condition that affects about 11 in 100,000 children in the United States every year. In this condition, the head of the patient's femur slips along the bone's growth plate, deforming it. The main goal of the surgery is to sculpt the femur back into its normal shape and restore hip function. This is difficult because during the surgery, the bone and its growth plate are not directly visible. So the surgeons can't visualize in 3D how the growth plate is deformed. The condition is associated with obesity and hormonal dysfunction and has become more common as obesity increases among young people. Traditionally, before the surgery, physicians study X-rays of the surgery site taken from different angles, which they use to plan the bone cuts. During surgery, an X-ray fluoroscopy beam also shines periodically on the surgery site to help guide the physician. These methods are time consuming and expose the child to radiation. In addition, physicians don't have a physical model to educate patients or practice the surgery beforehand. How the 3D-printed models were made In this study, two UC San Diego students, Jason Caffrey, pursuing a Ph.D. in bioengineering, and Lillia Cherkasskiy, pursuing an M.D. and conducting her Independent Studies Project, teamed up with Upasani, bioengineering professor Robert Sah, and their colleagues. They used commercially available software to process CT scans of the patients' pelvis and create a computerized model of bone and growth plate for 3D printing. The models allowed surgeons to practice and visualize the surgery before they operated in the real world. One of the biggest obstacles was getting the right texture for the 3D prints, so that they mimic bone. If the texture was too thick, the model would melt under the surgeon's tools; if too thin, it would break. The engineers finally settled on a honeycomb-like structure to mimic bones for their models. The printing process itself took four to 10 hours for each print. The 3D printing effort was led by Caffrey, in the lab of professor Sah at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego. The inspiration and foundations for the study came from BENG 1, a hands-on engineering class that Sah, a world leader in tissue engineering and cartilage repair, co-taught in 2015 and Caffrey helped set up. Students 3D printed models of complex ankle bone fractures from CT scans of UC San Diego patients. BENG 1 continues to be a part of the "Experience Engineering" initiative introduced by Albert P. Pisano, dean of the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego. Caffrey is now working on his medical degree at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is still collaborating with Upasani at Rady Children's to use 3D printed models to evaluate the best way to surgically correct hip dysplasia, a developmental deformation or misalignment of the hip joint found in infants. Rare mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) have previously been shown to be strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Common genetic variants in this protein may also be linked to intelligence (IQ) in children, according to recent research performed at the University of Bergen, Norway. Results of the research were published online today in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Senior author Dr. Tetyana Zayats is a researcher at the KGJebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders at the University of Bergen. The study analyzed genetic markers and IQ collected from 5,165 children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The genetic findings were followed up in the genetic data from two adult datasets (1) 17,008 cases with AD and 37,154 controls, and (2) 112,151 individuals assessed for general cognitive functioning. The function of the genetic markers was analyzed using reporter assays in cells. Brain cells communicate via synapses containing hundreds of specialized proteins. Mutations in some of these proteins lead to dysfunctional synapses and brain diseases such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism or AD. Dr. Zayats and co-workers at the University of Bergen examined a subgroup of these proteins that have been implicated in synaptic plasticity and learning (the ARC complex). They found that a variation in DNA sequence within the gene encoding a member of this group of proteins, amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) was associated with non-verbal (fluid) intelligence in children, which reflects our capacity to reason and solve problems. In adults, this variation revealed association with AD, while the overall genetic variation within the APP gene itself appeared to be correlated with the efficiency of information processing (reaction time). Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today "This study has potential implications for our understanding of the normal function of these synaptic proteins as well as their involvement in disease" said Dr. Zayats. APP encodes the amyloid- precursor protein that forms amyloid--containing neuritic plaques, the accumulation of which is one of the key pathological hallmarks in AD brains. However, it is unclear how these plaques affect brain functions and whether they lead to AD. "Our understanding of biological processes underlying synaptic functioning could be expanded by examining human genetics throughout the lifespan as genetic influences may be the driving force behind the stability of our cognitive functioning," Dr. Zayats commented. Genetic correlation between intelligence and AD has also been found in large-scale genome-wide analyzes on general cognitive ability in adults. Several genes involved in general intelligence have previously reported to be associated with AD or related dementias. Such overlap has also been noted for the APP gene, where a coding variant was shown to be protective against both AD and cognitive decline in elderly. "While this is only an exploratory study, in-depth functional and association follow up examinations are needed," Dr. Zayats noted. "Examining genetic overlap between cognitive functioning and AD in children - not only adults - presents us with a new avenue to further our understanding of the role of synaptic plasticity in cognitive functioning and disease." Small family business, Bedfont exports to over 70 countries worldwide, but just how do they do it? Established in 1976, Bedfont is a second-generation family business that specializes in the design and manufacture of breath analysis medical devices. Despite being a small company of only 38 employees, Bedfont is revered as a pioneer in the breath analysis market with their products now available in over 76 countries and export business accounting for over 75% of its annual turnover. Image credit: Bedfont Scientific Jason Smith, managing director, explains: Bedfont operates through an unprecedented network of appointed distributors. We regard our distributors as an extension of the Bedfont family and this is shown through the longevity of our working relationships. In fact, one of our oldest distributors was established in Austria in 1988 by my father, Trevor, and that relationship continues today with the distributors daughter. Andy Smith, sales manager, adds: By working closely with our distributors we are able to work with KOLS to push legislation, have insight into the markets in regards to competition and even tailor-make versions of our products to meet the market-specific demands of each country we export to. We maintain such a close relationship with our distributors by hosting annual distributor meetings to discuss ways to market products, any barriers that may exist and how to overcome them. Our latest distributor meeting took place in Japan this year and was hosted by one of our top distributors Harada Corporation. Yonemura Yusuke, general manager at Harada Corporation, comments: It was a great honour to host the Bedfont Far East Distributor Meeting in Japan. We really appreciate Bedfont giving us the opportunity to meet other distributors and share experiences we have all had in each country. It was a great opportunity to teach, learn and make new connections. Source: https://www.bedfont.com/news/home/the-key-to-bedfont-scientific-ltds-international-success- MR Solutions 9.4T dry magnet MRI system is around seven times lighter When it comes to choosing a preclinical MRI imaging system there is no need to compromise MR Solutions 9.4T cryogen free, or dry magnet system provides state of the art high resolution imaging within a compact footprint. This is often crucial as many research laboratories have very limited space. The old wet magnet technology is very large and weighs in at around 5 metric tonnes which demands floor reinforcement against 700 Kg for the newer dry magnet technology. This allows laboratories who have limited space to accommodate these very powerful scanners. Its not just size and weight. Firstly the area required to accommodate MR Solutions 9.4T MRI system is around 8m2 to be comfortable, although it could fit within a 4m2 room on any floor compared with 15-20m2 (for a wet magnet system). It can be placed near other imaging equipment because it has a very small stray magnetic field. There is no need for costly helium top-ups as it is a dry magnet system. The cost of the MR system is much lower at around a third of the older wet magnet system. Wet magnet MRI systems require extensive and costly building modifications to accommodate the weight, size, and height but also the quench lines, water supplies, pipework, and ventilation. They need to be sited in a dedicated room with a Faraday cage built into the walls to screen the signals generated by the scanner from interference. The Faraday cage in the MR Solutions scanner is built into the cover. MR Solutions has recently installed a 3T preclinical MRI imaging system at the Norlux Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, part of the Luxembourg Institute of Health. Dr Olivier Keunen who is responsible for the In vivo imaging facility - Head of Support Service Unit, said: The size of our animal facility would not have allowed installation of a larger preclinical MRI system. Because of uncertainties about Institute buildings, the system had to be installed in a temporary location. Provision and plans are made for a move of the system to its final location when ready. The cryogen-free cooling and the avoidance of quenching pipes are expected to facilitate the transition. Source: http://www.mrsolutions.com/ Natera (NTRA), a leader in non-invasive genetic testing and the analysis of circulating cell-free DNA, and Biopticka Laborator, one of the largest and most well-established laboratories in the Czech Republic, today announced a Constellation technology transfer licensing agreement that enables Biopticka Laborator to leverage Nateras proprietary single nucleotide polymorphism-based (SNP) technology to screen for fetal aneuploidies. Constellation allows laboratories worldwide to access key technologies that Natera uses in its own lab, enabling them to develop, validate, and clinically offer complex, next-generation clinical genomics testing from their own facilities. The licensing agreement also includes access to Nateras proprietary reagents, algorithms within the constellation softwarer platform and scientific collobration to develop procedures based on best practices from Nateras laboratory. Biopticka selected Nateras SNP technology because of its sensitivity, specificity, and ability to deliver lower false positive rates and false negative rates for aneuploidies when compared to other non-invasive prenatal screening technologies. The SNP platform accurately measures and reports fetal fraction for every sample and it is one of few platforms that incorporates fetal fraction into sample analysis. The targeted sequencing approach of the assay also has economic benefits, by focusing expensive sequencing reads on specific genetic regions of interest rather than randomly across the whole genome. This enables Biopticka to achieve higher resolution and clinical performance with a lower overall sequencing cost than other approaches. A deciding factor in wanting access to Nateras technology was the quality of the Panorama test, which highly leads the other NIPT tests in all the important parameters. The quality of the test is obvious from positive predictive values in "high-risk" but mainly "low-risk" populations, where the difference between Panorama and other NIPT tests is huge. said RNDr. Putzova Martina, Ph.D., the molecular geneticist at Biopticka laborator in charge of the test selection and technology transfer, who has experience in prenatal and noninvasive testing. Martina continued: Further, zero fetal sex errors in validation studies and the highest sensitivity among all NIPTs for 22q deletion were attractive features. We also appreciate all the control mechanisms applicable during the laboratory and bioinformatic workflow. "We are very pleased that Biopticka Laborator has chosen to license our unique SNP technology," said Marin Markov, VP of International Sales at Natera. "Our SNP technology platform has been a key differentiator for Panorama. Yesterday, Florida Department of Health reported the first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus this year. Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are found throughout much of the Americas and are also responsible for the transmission of dengue fever and chikungunya fever. Zika virus was first detected in Uganda in 1947, but infections were restricted to African monkeys. The first infection of a human with the Zika virus occurred in Brazil in 2015. Since this was a new type of viral infection, people had no natural immunity and Zika spread rapidly across Brazil and into 22 other countries in the region. There were even several cases of residents in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami acquiring Zika from local mosquitoes. By late 2016, the Zika virus had reached Asia, with a number of smaller outbreaks occurring in South Eastern Asian countries. Although Zika infection is not life-threateningsymptoms, if any, are typically mild and short-lived there are concerns that it is associated with birth defects. When Zika virus is contracted by women in the early stages of pregnancy it may interfere with brain development in the embryo, causing the baby to be born with an undersized brain (microcephaly). A global response to limit the epidemic included mosquito control and travel restrictions. In addition, people returning from Zika-infected countries were required to continue using insect repellent to avoid transmission of the virus to local mosquitoes and to use condoms during sexual intercourse to avoid direct transmission. Although data are limited, it is generally accepted that sexual intercourse is one route for transmission of the Zika virus. In 2016, sexual transmission of Zika virus was reported in eleven countries (United States of America, Italy, France, Germany, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Portugal, Canada, Spain). Furthermore, Zika virus has been detected in the semen of men exposed to the virus in seven separate studies. The first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus in 2017 was reported yesterday by The Florida Department of Health. There is no evidence of mosquito transmission of Zika virus having occurred anywhere in Florida. The majority of the 118 reported cases of Zika infection in Florida during 2017 have been related to travel to infected areas. In the current case, a woman in Pinellas County, Florida, who had not travelled from Florida, tested positive for Zika virus. Her partner had recently returned from Cuba and suffered symptoms consistent with Zika infection. Testing revealed that he too was infected with Zika. In response to this case, appropriate mosquito reduction activities have been initiated. People are reminded of the importance of being vigilant during travel in areas known to have the Zika virus and on their return home to prevent infection with the Zika virus. This case study highlights the importance of using condoms during sexual intercourse after visiting a Zika-infected area in addition to using mosquito repellents and barriers. insights from industry Mark Wildgust Global Medical Affairs, Oncology, Janssen An interview with Mark Wildgust, VP, Global Medical Affairs, Oncology, Janssen conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab) What is the vision behind the Victories over Cancer initiative? Victories Over Cancer is about enabling those affected by cancer to enjoy more of lifes meaning full moments and making cancer more manageable. At Janssen, we're really thinking about the elimination of cancer, and we take a very deliberate approach to that. Victories Over Cancer depicts what we're trying to do as a company, which is focusing on cancer types and sub-types which we know best, leveraging our expertise by looking at creating curative regimens and disease interceptions, using diagnostics to help optimize therapy and using novel medical science. Victories Over Cancer is our way of talking about that vision and mission that we have as a company in terms of what we're doing to help shape cancer therapy today. How do you hope to change expectations of what a cancer diagnosis means? We're looking towards hope. Were looking towards changing a cancer diagnosis from worry and palliation, towards long term durable control of cancer and ultimately looking at elimination of the disease. Were trying to go one step further, stopping cancer before it can get a hold in the body, a process known as cancer interception, and we're trying to create profound outcomes. A cancer diagnosis today is very impactful for patients and for families. But we're trying to change that. We're trying to change that towards saying, "Look, we can control disease. We can eliminate it. We can look towards cure." One good example of that is the recent studies that we just presented at ASCO in the New England Journal of Medicine in prostate cancer, where we used a prostate cancer drug and ADT, intervening really early in therapy, and we saw a profound improvement in overall survival. That's a good example of trying to intervene earlier, trying to improve more hope, and trying to really control disease. Were trying to change that cancer diagnosis from worry, to hope, to improving lives and eventually cure. Can you please outline the Make Blood Cancer Visible initiative? When you think about blood cancers, people often think of one homogenous type of disease. But blood cancer is actually made up of almost 140 different types. Some of those are very rare, some of those are life threatening, many of those go unnoticed by the general public, and can cause patients to feel alone. They don't feel like people understand their disease, they feel somewhat unsupported. So part of what we're trying to do with Make Blood Cancer Visible is to talk to people who are impacted by blood cancer, to really make that more visible by sharing real, visual images and talking about the stories of the people who have been affected. Make Blood Cancer Visible Play What progress has been made so far? We launched a video on the Facebook page talking about patients struggle with blood cancer. That video is there to inspire patients, and friends and families, and carers, about the overlooked impact of blood cancer. Theres now a great collection of stories shared there from around the world. The team has also hosted its first Blood Cancer Policy Summit and there are more things that the team is planning in terms of the upcoming Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September as well. How are Janssen addressing unmet needs? Our way of addressing unmet needs is thinking about ultimately what are we trying to do? We're looking towards curing cancer, and we're very focused on that. For us, it is really about focusing on specific areas that we have deep expertise and knowledge in which include haematological malignancies, prostate cancer and lung cancer, looking towards curative regimens and cancer interception. Were also looking to understand the biology of cancer so that we can then use diagnostics to help guide that, and bring innovative therapies to cancer patients to really try to improve outcomes. I think it is about understanding cancer, trying to understand the goals which, fundamentally, are elimination and cure, and then really matching that with innovative therapies to try to advance care. Can you please explain how you are working with the HARMONY initiative and Yale School of Medicine to harness knowledge from big data and share with others? At Janssen, we do a tremendous amount of research. In 2014, we decided as a company that we wanted to try to find a way to be able to facilitate sharing of the huge amount of data that we have as a company. Many times we get asked lots of questions, so the YODA initiative that we put forward with Yale School of Medicine was really about providing open access to the data that we have, to facilitate the sharing of that data. I think at the time, we were the first company to go about doing that. We collaborated with the Yale School of Medicine to have a third, independent party, be able to take a look at those questions that people were asking us, and then make a decision in terms of sharing that clinical data. The idea was that people who do have questions could access our data and answer their questions. So rather than it just sitting with Janssen, it really gives the ability for different groups, and institutions, and researchers to leverage that data to help better ask and answer questions they may have. And that's broad, across our entire pharmaceutical sector, it's not just necessarily oncology and hematology. Now HARMONY's a little different. It's really a public/private partnership, with the patient at the center. HARMONY is about trying to understand human metalogic malignancies, trying to understand unmet needs, and how we can treat those patients more effectively. What we're trying to do is harness big data to provide a way of trying to understand the diseases more completely so that we can try to understand current outcomes with therapy, and then that will allow us to think about what are the right ways to treat them and measure improvements in care. Are there new ways in which we can measure outcomes, and look at relevant research questions? So, a little different, but at the heart of it, it's about leveraging data to try to improve care for patients. How far away is personalized cancer care? Personalized cancer care is here today. I mentioned at the beginning that we're using diagnostics to help guide therapy decisions today, and I think across oncology that it is here. We've had targeted therapies for a couple of decades. I think what we are starting to see is more and more of those. But personalized cancer therapy is really about understanding the biology, leveraging diagnostics, and if we can understand the specific biology of the tumor then we can treat it with the right regimen for that specific tumor. We have some examples already in our portfolio, for example a targeted BTK inhibitor. What we see when we use something like these targeted drugs in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), is that a targeted therapy is improving survival in all different types of patients with CLL, whether those are patients who have treatment naive CLL, whether those people have had relapse disease or high risk disease, that targeted approach is improving outcomes in CLL. We have a very, very large trial ongoing in an aggressive type of lymphoma called diffuse large B cell, where we're specifically using a biomarker in a personalized cancer approach to try to identify those patients who have the worst outcome, but we also know that our drug biologically works better in those patients, in those what we call non-GCB patients. We're leveraging a diagnostic to identify those patients who we know have the worst outcome but where we think our drug can work in the best way to try to improve therapy. So personalized cancer care is here. We're using it today with our drugs and we also have compounds in our pipeline such as parp inhibitors, looking at DNA repair abnormalities in prostate cancer. We are also looking at FTFR alterations in urethral cancer, or lung cancer. We're already using it today here at Janssen, and I think that the more we can understand the biology, the more we can personalize cancer care to really get the right treatment for the right tumor at the right time. Are more vaccines to prevent cancer in the pipeline? The simple answer is yes. A lot of companies have been exploring cancer vaccines for many years. But I think sometimes there's a misnomer in the public. Cancer vaccines aren't like getting the MMR vaccine that we all get as a child, or a TB vaccine, where we think about using a vaccine to prevent that childhood disease. The idea of cancer vaccines is a way to try to present our immune system with that tumor antigen, where then our own immune system can see that tumor antigen as foreign, and then we can harness the immune system to tackle that cancer. Cancer vaccines are one way in which we can harness the immune system to engage and tackle cancer today. At Janssen Oncology, we already have cancer vaccines in the clinic. We have two of them, and we have more to come. We think about cancer vaccines as part of our approach for immuno-oncology. We think about immuno-oncology, we think about cancer vaccines, which is this whole idea of tumor antigen presentation, but we also think about other things too in terms of harnessing the immune system. In a similar concept to vaccines but a slightly different procedure, we're looking at trying to modulate our own T cells, our immune checkpoint inhibitors. We're trying to modulate the tumor immune response by targeting these immune suppressive cells, and then we're also looking to find ways in which we can get T cells to tumors, which is a part of our immune system to be able to tackle the cancer as well. Vaccines are one part of the approach in terms of harnessing the immune system. There is promise here and I think it is one arrow in your quiver to try to tackle cancer. It is part of our strategy towards immuno-oncology, and trying to look towards the elimination of cancer and ultimately a cure. What do you think the future holds for oncology treatments? I think it truly is hope. Weve made progress and in the history of cancer therapy we've gone from chemotherapy to targeted therapies to immuno-oncology, and I think we're at that place today, that as a company, again we're focused on the elimination of cancer and ultimately a cure. Taking a very deliberate and thoughtful approach in terms of that being our mission. Our close partnership with academia, and with other companies, with other outside stakeholders, we have a clear vision looking towards curing certain types of cancer. The future is bright. We're leveraging science and biology to help guide us. We're very much focused on making sure we have the right disease expertise so that we can understand the disease, then we can really try to create the right type of portfolio for curative regimens, and then, as we talked about before, using diagnostics and innovative therapies to try to advance care. The future holds a lot of hope and companies like ourselves are leading that effort that and we see that today. We see that some of the drugs we have already developed are controlling disease and significantly improving survival in patients. When we look at the data we just presented in prostate cancer at ASCO, and in the New England Journal of Medicine, our developments are significantly improving survival. Other compounds that we have developed, have been seen to significantly improve care for patients with multiple myeloma, and we've only just started with that. In our pipeline, we have other compounds, again where we're looking to intercept disease earlier to try to improve outcomes for these patients. What are the next steps for Janssen? Janssen is focused on innovation. I think people tend to see biotech companies as ones that are leading innovation, and Janssen truly are at the leading front of innovation. I talked about immuno-oncology, that's the next wave of cancer therapy, and think sometimes people don't recognize where we are in terms of what we're doing. We already have ten immuno-oncology compounds in the clinic today that are already bringing benefit for patients. This includes compounds for CLL, myeloma, prostate cancer, and we have more in the pipeline that we're trying to bring forward quickly so that patients can realize our vision of hope and enjoy more of lifes meaningful moments. We're looking to make fundamental strides forward in terms of advancing care, we're focused on survival, we're focused on intervening earlier. We have therapies here today that are already bringing benefit to patients. Janssens vision is very clear, we're looking towards cure and we take it very seriously. Janssen has been around a long time. We're an innovation based company, and our focus is on bringing innovative therapies forward. We have a track record of doing that with great compounds, and we're going to keep doing it. Where can readers find more information? About Mark Wildgust Mark Wildgust has spent almost 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry working primarily in oncology, hematology and virology. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth, UK, in Biological Sciences and his PhD in Trace Metal Toxicology at the University of Manchester, UK. He then spent a short time as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Maryland in the United States. After leaving academia Mark has worked for Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Janssen. Mark has been at Janssen for more 10 years. Across his career he has predominantly spent his time in leading the development of medical compound strategies, working closely with academic investigators and scientists along with R&D teams focusing on innovative research towards transforming outcomes for patients. Mark is the Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, Oncology, at Janssen, based in the United States. UNM Distinguished Professor of Biology Eric S. Loker began studying the parasite that causes this disease more than three decades ago and is widely considered one of the world's foremost experts in this field. Loker was recently awarded a five-year, $1.9-million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his work in Africa. "We're looking at a particular parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, in and around Lake Victoria, in Kenya," said Loker. "Lake Victoria is one of the world's great endemic foci of schistosomiasis. So, we're looking at why this parasite is so pervasive there and what can be done about it?" Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic fluke, or flatworm, that is one of three major species responsible for causing human schistosomiasis. The parasite is dependent on particular species of freshwater snails (Biomphalaria) that serve as vectors. The parasite multiplies extensively in the snail and produces many swimming larvae that leave the host and penetrate the skin of people as they bathe, wash clothes and play in freshwater. Once contracted, schistosomiasis, or snail fever as it's commonly known, can cause abdominal pain, liver and intestinal damage, stunted mental and physical development and, in severe cases, death. The transmission cycle is completed when parasite eggs passed in human feces enter water, and hatch to release a stage that infects snails. Currently, the drug Praziquantel is used worldwide as the primary treatment for schistosomiasis. But the parasite is so prevalent, the most at-risk populations are extremely likely to be re-infected over and over again, making it very important for other control methods to be explored. "Anybody who works in this field has this dream that somehow they can identify a mechanism whereby they could lessen the burden of this infection," said Loker. "We hope to be able to do that as well." A Complex Biotic Environment: Helpful or Harmful? To find new avenues for control, Loker and his UNM colleagues are working alongside long-standing collaborator Dr. Gerald Mkoji and his team from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). With help from this new grant, the team will be working to better understand how and why this parasite is so common in and around Lake Victoria and what, if anything, can be done to leverage the diverse natural setting in which it occurs to the detriment of the parasite. One aspect they are exploring is the diversity and abundance of the Biomphalaria vector snails in the Lake Victoria region. Unlike many other 'hotspots' for schistosomiasis, Lake Victoria is home to three different species of Biomphalaria, each of which has the capacity to develop and spread the parasite. In this case, Loker says the region's diverse environment supports multiple modes of transmission, which has amplified the impact of the disease. Gaining a better understanding of the biology of each of the snail species, including their differing degrees of susceptibility to infection and vulnerabilities to environmental change, may help researchers determine how to limit their role as vectors. The second aim of this project is to devise new ways to engage the region's incredible biodiversity to potentially fight the S. mansoni parasite. Loker and his team have found several other parasites that also depend on these same snails for their development. In some cases, the non-schistosome parasites can compete with and even consume the S. mansoni parasites within the snail, before it's able to fully develop. The benefit here is that these competitor parasites don't pose a threat to humans. "We're trying to basically domesticate these particular competitor parasites and try to document if there's any way that we can increase their abundance in places where people might be inclined to go in the water," said Loker. If researchers are able to develop a mechanism to accomplish this task without posing other environmental concerns, they may be able to use the environment's natural diversity to make real gains in the fight to stop the spread of schistosomiasis. Loker says current control methods for snail vectors are fairly crude and typically involve introducing large quantities of chemicals into freshwater habitats to kill off the snails, something biologists would prefer not to do. It is also prohibitively expensive for large habitats. Also, the chemicals can kill other aquatic wildlife and are not popular with local populations that depend on water from such habitats for drinking and every day survival. Another approach to be taken by the proposal and a possible solution to this problem is the development of CRISPR/Cas technology for the Biomphalaria snail. The cutting-edge genome editing tool would essentially give researchers the ability to take out a gene in the snail's DNA - making it no longer able to support the development of the parasite. Without the snail acting as a vector host, the parasite could no longer develop to infect humans. Recently released research from UNM Professor Coen Adema, which analyzed the genome of a Biomphalaria species, will assist Loker's project and could give other scientists the ability to develop this CRISPR/Cas technology in the future. "The beauty of having this new funding is that it gives us the opportunity to keep our eyes open and look for other control opportunities," said Loker. "In addition to the particular aims that we're exploring, we're always on the hunt for something that might be really interesting and useful." Loker and his team of graduate students will travel to Kenya later this year to continue their research. He says the NIH grant will give the opportunity to make several trips per year, something he hopes will lead to more progress in the fight against this parasite. "We are very excited for the future of this research," he said. "But, this project also gives us the opportunity to train more U.S. and Kenyan graduate students who will be able to continue to tackle this problem in the future." Danish English TDC will conduct a conference call for institutional investors and analysts on August 10, 2017 at 14.30 CET to present the Q2 2017 results. Pernille Erenbjerg, Chief Executive Officer, and Stig Pastwa, Chief Financial Officer, will comment on the results and answer questions during the conference call. The investor and analyst conference will be held in English and will also be available as a webcast at https://tdcgroup.com/en/investor-relations Investors and financial analysts can register for the telephone conference on the following link: http://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/r.htm?e=1470395&s=1&k=A57724E18E3C06BAF863C69CBEC84C76 Registration for this event will enable us to provide you with faster and more efficient service. When you have completed registration, you will receive a confirmation online and per e-mail. Your confirmation will include the details for the conference call such as dial-in number, an event passcode and PIN that will ensure your secure access on the day of the event. The conference call will refer to a slide deck that will be available on the link: https://tdcgroup.com/en/investor-relations from August 10, 2017 at approx. 9.00 CET. Participants wishing to derive full benefit from the conference call should obtain these slides in due time before the conference call begins. Please note that there might be a time lag between the webcast and the conference call if you are simultaneously watching and calling in to the conference. Forty years ago, Lotus made a huge splash with the cinema-going public when James Bond ditched his Aston Martin in favor of the lightweight, submersible Esprit.On August 3, 1977, "The Spy Who Loved Me" premiered in the US. The film cemented Roger Moore's credentials as the right actor to play the world's most famous fictional British spy, but it also well and truly put Lotus on the world stage.It may have used the same taillights as a Fiat and door handles from a Morris Marina (a bargain-basement British sedan), and its four-cylinder engine may have only developed 160hp. But its chassis and suspension were F1-derived and its feather-light fiberglass body had been penned by legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, ensuring that it looked like -- and handled like -- the future, in automotive form.In fact, its grip in the corners was so great, that the filmmakers had to use Lotus test driver and development engineer Roger Becker, rather than their own stunt drivers, in the chase scenes to capture the car at its edge of grip limit best.As for how the Lotus Esprit managed to usurp Aston Martin as 007's automotive marque of choice, Don McLaughlin, Lotus's head of PR during the 1970s, has always taken the credit. The oft-repeated story is that he parked an Esprit outside Pinewood Studios with all badges and emblems taped over and got the filmmakers so excited about this futuristic mystery car that they had to have it in the next film and had to know who made it.However, Oscar-winning set designer Peter Lamont, who was the Supervisory Art Directoron the film, says that the story, like Bond, is a complete work of fiction. He and Ken Adam picked the car from a magazine, started doing the initial submarine sketches based on its lines, and then phoned Lotus. The company agreed to loan them two Esprits and give them three bodies for conversion into submarines. "Then the car came to the studio," said Lamont. "And then it was parked outside our offices with all the badges covered up."Regardless of how the Lotus Esprit usurped the Aston Martin as Bond's car of choice, the resulting appearance in "The Spy Who Loved Me" was sufficient to turn it into an automotive and pop culture icon and to give Lotus the welcome headache of trying to honor a three-year waiting list for orders."Of all the Bond films and of all the Bond cars that have done different things, I don't think there has been anything that has been as outrageously memorable as a car that transformed itself into a submarine," said Don Rose of RM Auctions. He presided over the sale of one of the only surviving submarine conversions of the car when it came up for auction in London on September 9, 2013.And, despite not being able to function on land, it still fetched 616,000 ($997,000). And while the winning bidder's identify was initially unknown, a month later Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that it was he that had snapped up the Lotus in order to fulfil a childhood dream. "It was amazing as a little kid in South Africa to watch James Bond in 'The Spy Who Loved Me' drive his Lotus Esprit off a pier, press a button and have it transform into a submarine underwater," he said. "I was disappointed to learn that it can't actually transform. What I'm going to do is upgrade it with a Tesla electric powertrain and try to make it transform for real."Earlier this year, Musk tweeted an update on his plans for the car saying that he would "keep the original Bond Lotus sub as-is. That design can't actually convert from car to sub. Have a new design in mind that does." Yamaha is striving hard to regain its long-lost glory that it captured in the 150 cc market with the Yamaha R15, R15 V2.0, FZ-16, FZ-16S, and Fazer. Yamaha is now aiming to dominate the 200cc+ market and has already started an onslaught of higher capacity bikes in India. While they have already launched the R3, followed by the FZ25, Yamaha is now readying the Fazer 250.The Fazer 250 is the higher capacity version of the Fazer 150 and has been spied recently by a Biking community named Northeastern Biking Community , who has shared these spy shots via Facebook. The Yamaha Fazer 250, which has been spotted completely undisguised reveals its design, which gets a full fairing.If you may remember, the Yamaha 150 cc Fazer came with a quarter fairing, which is now long gone in the new Fazer 250. While the motorcycle has the same headlamp design as the Yamaha FZ25, it has faux air intakes adjacent to the headlight along with pilot lamps. The bike gets a Red and Golden color scheme.Leaving apart the fairing, the Fazer is almost identical to its naked cousin FZ25 in design and features and gets alloy wheels, instrument cluster, sculpted fuel tank and split seats as the FZ25. The new Fazer 250 will be powered by the same 249 cc air cooled engine with 20.9 PS of maximum power and 20 Nm of peak torque as the FZ25.Yamaha is currently testing the Fazer 250 we expect the Yamaha Motor to launch the motorcycle during the festive season. Expect the 250 price to be priced at a premium of around Rs 20,000 over the FZ25, bringing it to a price range of Rs 1.40 lakh. Kolkata: A 62-year-old woman who was gang-raped last month died at the Calcutta National Medical College Hospital on Monday. She was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition and passed away after battling for life for the last 26 days. Preliminary inquiry revealed that she was gang-raped - in an act of revenge - because she protested against a man for harassing local women after consuming alcohol almost every day. She also took the matter to the local police, but her plea fell on deaf ears. The incident occurred on July 6 when the elderly woman was alone in her house in Sandeshkhalis Majherpara village in North 24 Parganas. Her son Brij Dulal was out for some work. The accused, identified as Rajeshwar Maity (52), along with his friends, barged into her house and raped her one by one. They allegedly tied a rope around her neck and inserted an Iron rod into her private parts for raising voice against them. Her screams echoed around the locality, prompting locals to rush to the spot and take her to a nearby healthcare centre. When the woman's condition deteriorated, she was referred to the National Medical College Hospital, where she breathed her last on Monday. The accused, Rajeshwar Maity, was arrested after a few days of this incident, others are still absconding. Speaking to the News18, womans son said, This is a horrific incident. How can someone rape an elderly woman? This is an act of a demon, and we want a stern action against all accused. If required, we will approach the state government for justice. The accused are trying to use their clout as they have connections in power corridors here, he said, adding that such incidents were never heard of in Bengal and occurred rarely. "I want the state chief minister to personally intervene into the matter. New Delhi: The Gujarat government today told the Supreme Court that transparency is a key component in the technological era and providing basic personal information could not be covered under the right to privacy. A nine-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar has been grappling with the contentious issue whether right to privacy can be held as fundamental right under the Constitution. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for Gujarat government, said that some aspects of privacy may be traced to various fundamental rights but providing basic personal information to authorities was needed to bring more transparency in the present technological era. He then referred to the Supreme Court rules which make it mandatory for lawyers to part with various personal information for filing a private interest litigation. "Your lordships are marching forward with technology by seeking various personal information under the rules," Dwivedi said. He then referred to the fact that personal information like names, address, telephone number, occupation and national unique ID cards, if any, are being sought by the apex court for allowing a litigant to file a PIL before it. The bench, however, said that personal information has to be used for the intended purpose only. The hearing in the matter will continue after lunch. On Tuesday the apex court had said that there has to be "overarching" guidelines to protect an individual's private information in public domain to ensure that it was used only for an intended purpose. The bench also comprises justices J Chelameswar, SA Bobde, RK Agrawal, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Abhay Manohar Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer. Beijing: China on Wednesday accused New Delhi of "concocting" excuses over the "illegal entry" of Indian troops into its territory, but added that there has been a significant reduction in their numbers. In a statement demanding that India withdraw its forces, China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing had acted with a great deal of restraint. "But the Indian side not only has not taken any actual steps to correct its mistake, it has concocted all sorts of reasons that don't have a leg to stand on, to make up excuses for the Indian military's illegal crossing of the border," the statement said. In a separate statement, the ministry claimed that there were initially more than 400 Indian border troops about 180 metres into Chinese territory and that the number has come down to 40 by late July. Sources in New Delhi, however, denied any reduction in troops. "The strength remains the same as it was, it's status quo," a source, asking not to be named in line with government policy, was quoted as saying by Reuters. Chinese Foreign Ministry, detailing the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi, said that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. The ministry said that Yang held a bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", answering a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial= sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China values the growth of good-neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. (With inputs from PTI) New Delhi: Engineers, doctors, chartered accountants and other similar professionals may not make for enough votes to win elections but play a significant role in opinion making and trendsetting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP was successful in wooing such professionals who added up as campaigners in 2014 election on social media and in offices. Congress has finally woken up to this fact and launched a new wing Professionals Congress under the leadership of Shashi Tharoor, diplomat-turned-politician who has huge following on social media. As the name suggests, Professionals Congress was launched with a sleek online platform with sections dedicated to issues like jobs, women empowerment, taxation, education and waste management. There is a sense of disappointment among the professionals with the BJP that things are not moving and they want an alternative. They see Congress as that alternative, Shashi Tharoor told News18. Milind Deora, who was an MP from Mumbai, is vice-chairman of Professionals Congress. Gaurav Gogoi, Geeta Reddy and Salman Soz are the other members in the leadership team. According to sources, Tharoor had suggested in 2009 that such an affiliate organization should be set up, but no one in the party had paid any heed. Now that party is struggling to find its base and having seen how Modi mobilized professionals, the party has And the loss was the Congress. In 2014, professionals voted for Modi as in him they saw hope, and this belief continues. In fact the Congress lost it because of what was seen as its NGO style of politics. The emphasis on land acquisition and tribal laws and the NACs clash with UPAs pro-reform policies and the constant debate between reforms versus development led to a perception among professionals and corporates that UPA did not care for them. This realization hit them later, leading to Rahul Gandhi addressing a town hall at FICCI trying to convince the corporates that he cared for them. Its wrong to say that UPA or Congress is against reforms and development, he had said. The immediate fallout was letting go of Jayanti Natarajan from the cabinet as there were complaints that she was slow in moving the files. But will a similar move, of the party setting up a committee help? Maybe not. Modi still holds the grip. And Congress admits, privately, that the ease of doing business with the professionals may not be easy. The central government has said that one person is on average killed every day due to Elephant and Tiger attacks.The data submitted in the Lok Sabha claimed that around 1,144 lives were lost in the 1,143 days between April 2017 and May 2017.Till May 18 this year, 13 deaths have occurred due to tiger attacks. The corresponding figures for the year 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18 are 34, 31 and 14 respectively, the government said, replying to a written question.There has been 245 cases of deaths caused by elephants in 2016-17, as per data available till February 9. The corresponding figures were 392 and 415 in 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively.Asked whether there has been any rise in human-wildlife conflicts during the last few years, the government replied: "The information available with the ministry indicates a fluctuating statistic in the incidences of human-wildlife conflict in the country."Out of the 13 deaths caused by tigers this year so far, Uttar Pradesh recorded the maximum at 7, followed by Maharashtra with 4 deaths.At 69, Assam recorded the maximum number of fatalities caused by elephants in 2016-17, followed by Chhattisgarh with 67 and West Bengal with 65.According to official statistics, India is house to 2,226 tigers and around 30,000 elephants.(With PTI inputs) Lucknow: The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the conviction of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, Neera Yadav, in the NOIDA land allotment case and sentenced her to two years in prison. The apex court also sentenced former IAS officer Rajiv Kumar to two years imprisonment in the case. The two had earlier been convicted by a CBI court in Ghaziabad in 2012 for the scam that took place between 1994 and 1995. The CBI court had sentenced them to three years in prison. The verdict was given after a PIL alleged serious illegalities in the allotment and conversion of land plots. The petition said several people had been initially allotted plots at various locations, but got bigger plots in better areas after conversion and payment of charges. It was also alleged that Neera Yadav got two plots allotted in the names of her two daughters even after knowing that as per rules, only one plot of land could be allotted to one family. Neera Yadav who is considered to be close to SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, was the CEO of Noida Authority at the time of scam and Kumar was her deputy. Yadav was also the first female Chief Secretary of the UP government during the SP regime. A 1971 batch officer, she took VRS in the year 2008 and joined the BJP a year later in 2009 ahead of the parliamentary polls in the presence of then BJP chief Rajnath Singh. The single biggest transport innovation in the country, in the last four years, has been the introduction of the app-based cab service.The affordable app-based cabs have allowed senior citizens, working women and the party goers to travel alone at any given time of the day. The service runs mostly on the duopoly of Indian start up Ola and the multinational giant Uber.But somewhere down the line, these companies began to compromise on the promised verification of the drivers. Security, the biggest selling point of these companies, was compromised for quantity. Between 2015 to 2017 at least eight heinous crimes were committed inside an Ola or an Uber cab.As the number of crimes against women committed by the drivers of these apps began to rise, it appeared that in this hunger for growth, safety of the commuter was the first casualty.How safe is the cab that you are booking with that smartphone of yours. Are the safety parameters met? Or are these companies short-changing the Indian consumer? CNN-NEWS18 embarked on a fortnight-long extensive investigation.Twenty five reporters from across the country went on a four-city extended investigation. At the end, after taking over 300 cab rides, CNN-NEWS18 found some shocking loopholes in the system.We broke into four sub teams in four cities that included the national capital region, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru.In the nine-part investigation, we show you the reality of these cabs in the national capital region. We took over 20 Uber and Ola rides over a period of four days, and recorded our conversations on our spy camera.The idea was to get the drivers to drop their guard and give us the insider details of the cab business. For the first time you are about to hear, your cabbies uncensored, spilling the secrets and how your cab is a ticking-time-bomb.Take a look at these investigative reports, carried out by undercover reporter Saahil Meghani and video journalist Vikas Kumar and you may never want to ride that cab back home again.The first problem that came to the fore was the fact that there was one registered cab and multiple unregistered drivers. Often you would notice that the cab driver whose picture comes to your app isn't the one driving you to your destination. Ever wondered why? That is because he had never registered to drive this cab. Watch the inside details of the murky cab world here.The driver of your cab could be using a fake driver's licence. This means the verification of this driver is based on fraudulent papers and hence would be untraceable after any crime. Did your cab service provider inform you about this?on the question of drivers forging identies, Uber, in a statement, said: "Ability of driver partners to forge their personal documents and police verification certificates presents a huge challenge for not just Uber and the cab aggregator industry but the country at large. We are committed to support the law enforcement agencies, the Government and the industry at large to find a solution to this menace."If you are a woman, Chances are you will not get a cab post 11 pm. Have you ever tried to book a cab from any party destination. Chances are if you are a woman you will find it difficult to book a cab, while your male friend will get it immediately. Watch this video to know why:Both Ola and Uber didn't respond till Wednesday evening to repeated attempts by CNN-News18 to get their reactions. New Delhi: From God's own country, Kerala has transformed into the God's "forsaken" country, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, coming down hard on the LDF government there for "failing" to contain the killing of RSS and BJP workers. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Meenakshi Lekhi alleged that the political opponents were being killed in "Talibani style" in the state and even workers of Congress, CPI and Muslim League have been targeted. Another BJP MP Prahlad Joshi said 17 BJP and RSS workers were killed in Kerala in the last 17 months and demanded a probe into the deaths by either the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Joshi alleged that terrorists were involved in the killings. Comments by Joshi and Lekhi drew sharp reaction from the MPs of the Left parties, who countered them vociferously. Lekhi, the BJP MP from New Delhi constituency, said "the God's own country has transformed into God's forsaken country." She also read out names of 14 BJP and RSS workers who were allegedly killed in Kerala in the last few months and wondered whether anyone in the House knew their names. "People will immediately connect if someone talks about Pehlu Khan or Akhlaq. But nobody knows about the people killed in Kerala," Lekhi said. In a hard-hitting attack on the Left Democratic Front government, she also alleged that seven children from the families of RSS and BJP workers were targeted. "One Rajesh had received 80 wounds. His hands were chopped off. People are being killed in a Talibani style. A total of 40 Congress workers were alone killed in Kannur," she claimed. He said the native place of Rohith Vemula had witnessed 50 incidents of attacks on women. Vemula's death in January last year had triggered a nationwide outrage. Lekhi wondered why Congress was maintaining silence over killing of their workers. Joshi alleged that maximum murders had taken place in the area from where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hails. Talking about Communist rule in various parts of the world, he claimed that "more than one million people were killed" during the period. Wellesley, Mass., Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advances in industrial production and in automotive technologies, along with increasing investment by the power generation and air travel industries, are driving markets for advanced superalloys and new cooling designs. According to Superalloys: Technologies, Applications, and Global Markets, the global superalloy market is expected to grow from nearly $5.6 billion in 2016 to $7.7 billion by 2021, with a 6.6% CAGR. The new BCC Research report also predicts that reliable growth will characterize transportation applications for superalloys, with those markets segments collectively advancing from $3.2 billion in 2016 to $4.3 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 5.7%. Meanwhile, growth in industrial and power generation applications, including the oil and gas segment, will advance from $2.3 billion in 2016 to $3.4 billion in 2021, exhibiting solid market development at 7.7%. Superalloys are widely applicable across several industries. Primarily, in terms of market share, they are a critical enabler of jet engine technology in the aerospace industry. These turbine related technologies transferred over into gas turbine based power generation. Power generation using steam turbines is another power-related application, one that preceded gas turbines, but that also relies on superalloys. Other applications include mechanical applications for gas turbines (primarily compressors), as well as other industrial applications, automotive applications, and applications in the oil and gas industry Research Highlights Superalloys have exceptional strength and the ability to maintain it under very high heat, a key property among many that are driving its success as an alloy category. Superalloys are expanding in new industries, outside of their historic markets in aerospace and power generation. These include industrial applications, oil and gas extraction, and automotive application. Cheap natural gas in North America has supported superalloy growth in that region through demand for new power generation turbines, oil and gas equipment, and industrial equipment. "Research and development of new superalloys and associated materials also are among key drivers," says Robert Eckard, BCC Research analyst who authored the report. "Emerging superalloys that may become commercially viable within the next five years are summarized but not included in the market assessment of this report." About BCC Research BCC Research is a publisher of market research reports that provide organizations with intelligence to drive smart business decisions. By partnering with industry experts worldwide, BCC Research provides unbiased measurements and assessments of global markets covering major industrial and technology sectors, including emerging markets. For more information about BCC Research, please visit bccresearch.com. Follow BCC Research on Twitter at @BCCResearch. New Delhi: Pakistan has once again come to the defence of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, who was designated a global terrorist by the United States in June. Outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan to India, Abdul Basit, said he is not a terrorist as far as Pakistan or the people of Kashmir are concerned. "Whatever he is doing, which is also seen in Pakistan and J&K, is a struggle for the right to self-determination," Basit told ANI, adding that Pakistan does not agree with the designation and criticizes the decision on part of the United States. Salahuddin, one of the most wanted terrorists in the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) list, is the senior leader of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen. As a consequence of this designation, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with Salahuddin and all of Salahuddin's property and interests in property subject to United States jurisdiction are blocked." The envoy also reiterated his countrys position on Hurriyat, saying they represent the political aspirations of people of the state. On the ongoing crackdown on terror funding and NIA raids on Hurriyat leaders, Basit told ANI that such allegations have also been made in the past, but nothing has ever come of it. Talking about Hafiz Saeed, the most wanted terrorist by Indian authorities in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Basit said that Saeed was put under house arrest but was released due to lack of evidence. "We are trying to gather more evidence against him and if we find there is enough evidence available to try him, we will do that," he said. He expressed confidence that both India and Pakistan will once again resume dialogue process. He said the way forward is for the National Security Advisors of both countries to be in touch with each other. Basit, however, remained non-committal when it came to Indias request for consular access to Kulbhushan Kadhav, who has been branded a spy by Pakistan and was given a death sentence. The Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) may soon release the Admit Cards or Hall Tickets for the Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) Examination-2017 on its official website tspsc.gov.in . The Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) Examination-2017 will be conducted on August 12 and 13 2017 as per the revised schedule of various examinations.Candidates who have applied for the TSPSC AEE 2017 are eagerly waiting for the Hall Tickets to ensure there is no last minute glitch. Once the Hall Tickets are published online, the engineering candidates who had registered for the same can download the admit card by following the instructions below:How to Download TSPSC AEE 2017 Admit Card?Visit the official website tspsc.gov.in Click on the tab Hall TicketClick on the link TSPSC AEE Hall Ticket 2017Enter your details in the required fieldsDownload the Hall ticket and take a print outYou can read the revised schedule of examination with Date of Exam, Session and Time alongwith Name of the Paper here:The notification for the vacancy was published on June 2, 2017. However as per the revised schedule published on the official website, the TSPSC AEE 2017 exam will be held on 12 and 13 August, 2017. The exam vacancies are open for students who have completed their Bachelor Degrees of Engineering in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical departments, from recognized Universities or Institutions.The details of vacancies are:- Assistant Executive Engineers (CIVIL) in I&CAD Department - 204 vacancies- Assistant Executive Engineers (Electrical) in I&CAD Department -120 vacancies- Assistant Executive Engineers (Mechanical) in Ground Water Department - 1 vacancy- Assistant Executive Engineers (Electrical) in R&B Department - 11 vacancies- Assistant Executive Engineers (Civil) in R&B Department - 106 vacancies- Assistant Executive Engineers (Civil/Mechanical) in Tribal Welfare Engineering Department - 21 vacanciesThe TSPSC AEE 2017 written examination will be of objective type and will be held in five main centers in the state of Telangana. The selection of the candidate to the above posts will be done in two stages.- Online written examination (objective type).- Interview (only for those who qualified the written exam). New Delhi: Committed to follow Gandhian values, joint opposition candidate for Vice President's post Gopalkrishna Gandhi has used a simple means of campaign--a postcard--for an appeal to the Members of Parliament. In his appeal sent through a 50-paisa postcard carrying a Gandhi stamp, Gopalkrishna Gandhi asked members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to consider his suitability for the high office but did not ask for their vote. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, has said that his resolve will be to serve people without fear or favour and that the Constitution will be his master and guide. "A number of political parties and individuals having proposed my name for election as the country's vice president, I am standing for that high office. I seek your consideration of my suitability for it," he said in his appeal. "My resolve will be to serve the people of India without fear or favour, in association with you, and other honourable members of Parliament. "And my master and guide will be the Constitution of India," he said in his three-para open appeal to all the MPs who comprise the electoral college for the vice presidential election. The electoral college comprises 790 MPs including nominated members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Gandhi is pitted against NDA's M Venkaiah Naidu, who resigned as Union Minister after his selection by the BJP for the vice president's poll. The election will be held on August 5. The VTU BE, B Tech Non-CBCS 7 and 8 Semester Exam Results 2017 have been declared by the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, Karnataka last night at 9:59 PM on its official website results.vtu.ac.in . The students who had appeared in the Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology non-CBCS scheme can check their VII and VIII semester results by following the instructions below:How to Check VTU BE/B Tech June, July 7 and 8 Semester Exam Results 2017?Visit the official website results.vtu.ac.in Scroll down and click on Click here for result new under June/July 2017On next page, Enter Your USN number and SubmitDownload the result and take a printout for further reference.The Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has already delayed the results of students from BE/B.Tech (Non-CBCS) 7 and 8 Semesters. The students have been at a loss due to delayed VTU results as they are unable to complete their admission process in various programs for further education, foreign universities as well as not able to get jobs until they had the passing certificates. VTU had declared the results of Civil and Mechanical engineering student from VIII Semester however was not able to declare all results for other streams.The students from various engineering colleges that come under the purview of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) are planning for a statewide protest on August 18 this month due to their concerns on Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) that VTU follows. Mumbai: Director Hansal Mehta today said it angered him to see his "valued friend, actor, collaborator" Kangana Ranaut's name being dragged into every gossip. Mehta was reacting to a tabloid report that claimed the actress was unhappy with the way the first trailer of their film Simran and decided to take over the editing. "All this speculation is false, malicious and totally fabricated. I collaborate closely with my team and my actors are an integral part of that collaboration. It angers me that every time some malicious gossip has to be spread, people meaninglessly drag Kangana into their stupid machinations. She is a valued friend, actor and collaborator. Period," Mehta said in a statement. The report also claimed that Mehta believed director Vishal Bhardwaj should have listened to Kangana's advice during the editing of Rangoon. Mehta, however, said it was malicious to bring Bhardwaj's name into the gossip as he shared a close friendship with the director. "I'm even more hurt that some malicious person chooses to drag my relationship with Vishal Bhardwaj into this malice. Vishal is one of my dearest friends and if I am making films today it is because of him. I would never say anything that could remotely even hurt or upset somebody I love so dearly and to whom I am so grateful," he added. Film's producer, Bhushan Kumar, said the report that Kangana was calling the shots during the editing was "completely false". "We all work as a team and her feedback on every promo and plan is crucial. At the end, the film is a director's vision and the film campaign will stay close to that only." Simran was earlier in the news when its writer Apurva Asrani accused Kangana and Mehta of depriving him of proper writing credit. Pritam came under a lot of flak recently after Bollywoods original chocolate boy and current William Shatner, Rishi Kapoor, included him in his vituperation over the performance, for lack of a better word, of Jagga Jasoos. While the elder Kapoor minced no words, Pritam also had his chops in another basket, Imtiaz Alis Jab Harry Met Sejal (note that only the male protagonists name remains unchanged from the Hollywood title its totally not inspired by). And so we loathe to butcher some more, but: Radha Sunidhi Chauhan, as befits the track name, is the belle of this ball, which transitions from the folk outdoors to the club inside, missing scarce a beat. Shahid Mallya evokes the country (the genre, not India) while Chauhan steers the travel tale to more urban destination. Thats about all you can say about this song. Beech Beech Mein And then comes the man himself, Arijit Singh, squeezing himself into the midst of the soundtrack. Indias favourite vocalist (apart from perhaps at Galaxy Apartments), backed by Pritams pastiche of sound, explores the limits of his pitch and hits high notes that would make Maroon Fives Adam Levine take note. Again juxtaposing more traditional Indian elements with electronic club beats, the song manages to get away with being catchy without much originality. Again, thank God for Sunidhi Chauhan. Safar That Spanish guitar Bollywood discovered thanks to Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara, like the sauce in a dish, covers a multitude of sins. In this instance, accompanied by an emphatic bassline and Arijit mining that gravelly part of his voice, la guitar is more an accent than disguise, and the music just flows. Like a journey through the reportedly rolling plains of Andalusia (Gangetic plains have too many toll stops). Given the movie is about a tour guide, this is, to quote Goldilocks, just right, and our favorite track of the album. Butterfly And then you get pulled right back to the mustard fields of apna Desh. Put on an ornamental pagdi and just Bhangra off with this number, vocalised by Dev Negi, Sunidhi Chauhan, Aman Trikha and the Nooran Sisters. Theres just a hint of electric underlying the folksy, perhaps a reminder that we live in India, and not Bhaarat; it works. Hawayein Hmmm. Forgive us, a moment of Deja Vu happened, recalling a time when NASAs worst employee of the month (he did just abandon his project) Mohan Bhargava was traveling to the hinterlands, his Swades, as it were, in his attempt to create the most emotionally-charged putting in a lightbulb template ever. It isnt AR Rahman, but its the closest you can get. Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here Chennai: An employees' Federation of the Tamil film industry today launched an indefinite stir on a wage revision issue, which had prompted the producers to work with their choice of staff. The Film Employees' Federation of South India (FEFSI) went on strike after the Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) refused to budge from its decision to hire workers of their choice and not source those owing allegiance to the former. The strike partially affected the industry with the shooting of some films including Superstar Rajinikanth's Kaala being reportedly suspended. However, the TFPC, whose president Vishal, also an actor, made it clear that it will not budge. TFPC also uploaded a video on its Twitter page showing Vishal working on his latest film Thupparivalan (Detective) at Chidambaram in Cuddalore district. Earlier, FEFSI president and director RK Selvamani had announced embarking on the strike if the wages of the employees were not revised. Recently, the shooting of a Tamil film was disrupted when FEFSI members reportedly sought a hike in their wages, prompting TFPC to declare that the producers were free to hire employees of their choice to carry on with their work. It had also said wages should be paid according to scales fixed by the producers' council. Irked by this, FEFSI had announced that only those registered with it should be employed by the producers. Vishal had informed FEFSI that TFPC was not against the employees but made it clear that business will go on as usual. He said in a statement that efforts were on to "regulate" certain wage structures and also expressed concern that production was not as remunerative as it was a few years ago. Every time wage revision talks were on, problems arose between producers and FEFSI following "issues raised" by a technicians association part of FEFSI, Vishal said. TFPC was prepared to work with FEFSI and workers in general, but not with the technicians' association, he added. TFPC's decisions were taken in the interest of the producers only, he added. New Delhi: Congress Rajya Sabha nominee from Gujarat accused the BJP of indulging in unprecedented witch-hunt to win one seat in the Upper House. Patel was reacting to the income tax raids on Karanataka energy ministers residence and 39 other premises including the resort where Congress had moved its 44 Gujarat MLAs. Patel said the I-T raids on the Congress minister shows the utter desperation and frustration of the BJP. "After using the state machinery and every other agency, these I-T raids show their utter desperation and frustration," he said on Twitter. The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Karnataka and Delhi related to Energy minister D K Shivakumar in connection with a tax evasion probe case. Shivakumar is hosting the Congress MLAs at a resort near Bengaluru. Patel, who is also Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, is re-contesting for the Rajya Sabha seat from Gujarat for the fifth time. He has been a Lok Sabha member three times before this. BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Smriti Irani are also contesting besides Patel, for the three Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat going to elections on August 8. The Congress has accused the BJP of "stealing" its MLAs in Gujarat ahead of the polls and have flown them to Bangalore to prevent defection. Six Congress MLAs have quit the party since senior leader Shankarsinh Vaghela announced his resignation a few days ago. New Delhi: The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted raids on properties related to Karnataka Energy Minister DK Shivakumar. While the Congress is calling it a political vendetta and a ploy to reach out to the Gujarat MLAs holed up in the Eagleton Resort, one of the places that was raided, the BJP and the department itself is calling it coincidence. Lets take a look at who Karnatakas Energy Minister DK Shivakumar is: An MLA from the Kanakpura constituency. One of the richest candidates in the 2013 Karnataka polls Had a declared wealth of Rs 251 crore. Is the most prominent Karnataka Congress leader from the Vokkaliga community. Emerged as the flagbearer of the Vokkaligas after the exit of SM Krishna. Is considered similar to what the Reddy brothers of Bellary were to the BJP Was inducted late into the cabinet by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah because of allegations of illegal mining against the leader. Six-time MLA and is quite popular in the Vokkaliga belt of Mysuru region. In June 2013, Shivakumars henchmen allegedly dug up a six-foot deep trench around JD (S) leader GH Prakashs house for shifting his loyalty. Seen as a front runner for the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief post. Reportedly does not share a great rapport with CM Siddaramaiah. Has charges related to forgery, furnishing false information, cheating, cheating by personification, criminal conspiracy and public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property. Kolkata: The Election Commission on Monday rejected senior CPI (M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyas nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls. With this, in its over 60-year-old history, the Rajya Sabha will not have a single candidate from Bengals Left parties. The EC said they cancelled Bhattacharyas nomination papers as they were incomplete and he submitted the documents after the deadline was over on July 28 at 3 PM. It also said that he didnt submit the affidavit along with the nomination papers. The first left candidate to be part of the Rajya Sabha was Bhupesh Gupta of the undivided Communist Party in 1952. Reacting to the incident, Left Legislature Party leader Sujan Chakraborty, who is also the Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha elections, said, Mention of an additional affidavit in the nomination forms was not clear to many. We were not aware of it. He said, All forms were submitted in time but they said that we have submitted it after the deadline was over. This is wrong. This a TMC conspiracy against us and we will fight it legally. The Left fielded Bhattacharya for the Upper House after the Congress snubbed it and fielded sitting MP Pradeep Bhattacharya for the RS polls from West Bengal. We were forced to field our candidate because Congress as discussed did not field a candidate of common choice in consultation with us. They did not think about a common candidate by Opposition parties. They never approached us and we were clueless that Pradeep Bhattacharya was re-nominated by Congress, said Left Front chairman Biman Bose. July 28 was the last date of filing nomination. Assembly Secretary Jayanta Koley refused to accept the affidavit from Bhattacharya, as it was allegedly submitted after the deadline. Subsequently, Sujan Chakraborty and senior CPI (M) leader Rabin Deb met Koley and after a long discussion the EC decided to reconsider the matter. Later, after going through his papers the EC found that it was incomplete and rejected his nomination. Earlier, the Congress was keen on supporting CPI (M) party general secretary Sitaram Yechury for a third term in the upper House. However, the left Politburo decided not to extend Yechurys term. The leader too later clarified that he was not willing to seek an extension. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard Lithium Ltd. (Standard Lithium or the Company) (TSXV:SLL) (FRA: S5L) (OTCQX: STLHF) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a non-affiliated NYSE-listed company with regard to an option to acquire certain rights to conduct brine exploration and production and lithium extraction activities on approximately 30,000 net brine acres in exchange for a cash payment of US$500,000, with additional fees and payment obligations in the future if the option is executed and exercised, and subject to certain conditions. The brine leases overlie the Smackover Formation in a region with a long history of commercial scale brine processing. Review of historical published brine data from within and adjacent to the lease area leads the Company to believe that lithium-bearing brines are likely present, though further work will be conducted during the due-diligence period to confirm this. Closing of the transaction contemplated by the MoU is contingent on the completion of satisfactory due diligence work and studies as well as the finalization of a definitive agreement between the two parties. The Company will provide further information on the transaction as it becomes available. On behalf of the Board, Standard Lithium Ltd. Robert Mintak, Director & CEO About Standard Lithium Standards value creation strategy encompasses acquiring a diverse and highly prospective portfolio of large-scale domestic brine resources, led by an innovation & results oriented management team with a strong focus on technical skills. The Company is currently focused on the immediate exploration and development of its 16,000+ acre Bristol Lake, Brine Project located in the Mojave region of San Bernardino County, California. The location has significant infrastructure in-place, with easy road and rail access, abundant electricity and water sources, and is already permitted for extensive brine extraction and processing activities. www.standardlithium.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain Forward-Looking Statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, may, schedule and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Patna: In growing animosity post the break-up of Grand Alliance in Bihar, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of "betrayal" for personal gains and alleged that the "match was fixed" between him and BJP to form a government together. A combative Prasad hit back, and even made personnel comments against Kumar, who in a blistering attack against the RJD chief yesterday said he had no option but to walk out of the alliance as he did not want to "compromise with corruption". He charged Kumar with "betrayal" and held him responsible for the disintegration of the Grand Alliance of RJD, JD(U) and Congress for personal gains. "Tejaswi Yadav was just an excuse ... Match was fixed between him and BJP to form a government together," Prasad told reporters at the 10, Circular Road official residence of his wife Rabri Devi, an MLC. Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu's son and former deputy chief minister, who is now the leader of opposition, was present. "Even if Tejaswi had tendered his resignation he (Kumar) would have the JD(U) leader would have gone ahead with his plan to split the alliance. Accusing Kumar of being an "opportunist" politician, the RJD chief called him "Paltu Ram" (turncoat). "Everybody knows that in your (Nitish's) political career you took help of so many people and deserted many." "Say truthfully isn't it a fact that you (Kumar) had come to my house with folded hands to join forces for the 2015 Bihar poll and pleaded that now we have grown old so give me (Kumar) one term ... But after he saw Tejashwi Yadav doing good work, he tried to make him a sacrificial goat to have several terms as CM," he said. Barring Tejashwi, the rest failed to deliver in the coaltion government, Prasad claimed. Nitish Kumar had resigned on July 26 after Tejashwi Yadav did not come clean on accusations of graft and refused to quit. After dumping the Grand Alliance he formed a coalition government with BJP a few hours later, saying it was "in the interest of Bihar." On Kumar's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would face little challenge in the 2019 general elections, Prasad ridiculed him, saying "Keep chanting the name of Narendra Modi ... PM material (Nitish Kumar) has surrendered before him butwe will give another face against him in 2019." Continuing his tirade against Kumar, the RJD supremo called him a "lost case" for joining hands with BJP again. "Despite carrying their (BJP) baggage or a saffron robe on your shoulder you (Kumar) can be given a farewell by them (BJP) anytime." He accused Kumar of "conspiring" with the BJP to get a case instituted against him in connection with the 'land for hotels' deal relating to the period when the RJD chief was railway minister under UPA 1. "Is a raid on the house of the deputy chief minister (Tejashwi) possible without the consent of the CM?" Prasad accused Kumar of being "dishonest" to the Grand Alliance since its inception. "Giving 40 seats to Congress in the Bihar assembly polls leaving 101 seats each for JD(U) and RJD was his strategy to join hands with the Congress at some= point of time after dumping us from the government." Prasad also accused the chief minister of "undermining" senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav who, he said, contributed a lot to making Kumar a "big leader". The RJD leader said he has offered Yadav to "come out from there (the JD-U) and join hands with secular parties to protect the country from communal forces". He, however, clairified that Yadav has not been requested to join the RJD but be part of a country-wide movement against communal forces. On Kumar's statement that he was confusing "caste base" with "mass base" to claim he (Prasad) was merely a caste leader, the RJD chief shot back, saying "Tell me who participated in the Kurmi (a caste) sammelan? Have I ever participated in any function of the Yadav caste?" Prasad alleged that an MLC and a Rajya Sabha MP close to the chief minister had collected "huge" sums of money in his name. The RJD chief was particularly critical of Kumar for his claim that he had helped him (Prasad) win the election for the post of president of Patna University students union. "When I became general secretary of Patna University students union in 1970-71, Nitish Kumar was not even visible in student politics. Besides students hailing from OBC, minorities and dalits, a large number of girls of Patna Women's college and Magadh Mahila college had voted for me," he said. Prasad, a product of the 1974 Jayaprakash Narayan-led movement, said, "After JP authorised me to form a committee to continue the movement, leaders like Ravi Shankar Prasad (now Union minister) and others had objected and JP kicked them out of his house." The RJD chief said he became member of Parliament for the first time in 1977 after he got ticket to contest under instructions from JP. "But Kumar, who claims he is a machine that manufactures leaders, lost Assembly elections twice in 1977 and 1980 from his home constituency of Harnaut." He claimed that it was only after he asked Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav to shift to Ara Lok Sabha seat and made his son an MLC that Kumar could enter Parliament from Barh. Prasad said he had agreed to Kumar becoming the Grand Alliance's chief ministerial candidate following a request from the then Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. "I knew he (Kumar) was a trecherous man but Mulayam Singh had asked me to agree. I had then said to keep communal and fascist forces away I am even prepared to consume poison," he said. DK Shivakumar, Karnatakas power minister, was tasked by the Congress high command with looking after the 44 Gujarat MLAs who were airlifted by the party to Bengaluru to prevent them from being poached by the BJP. However, with the Income Tax raids at his home and the Eagleton resort, where the MLAs are camping, Shivakumar has been thrust into the spotlight.The 55 years old MLA from Kanakapura constituency might be among the richest ministers in the country with estimated assets worth Rs 250 crore. He reportedly had liabilities of Rs 105 crore, according to Firstpost, leaving him with net worth of Rs 145 crore.When the party wanted to safeguard its Gujarat MLAs, it turned to the Vokkaliga leader. Shivakumar was reportedly not even in India when the airlifting happened. He was with his daughter in Singapore, from where he managed MLAs stay, funding, and security. He was in Delhi on Tuesday, participating in an Energy Ministers meeting. According to sources, he also met Congress top order to discuss the poaching crisis.Shivakumar is a heavyweight in Karnataka politics. When this correspondent met him last week after a Cabinet meeting and asked him if he was shortlisted for the coveted Home portfolio, he laughed and asked, Do you really think they will give me that post? KPCC President G. Parameshwara had just quit as the Home Minister and the names of many senior ministers were doing rounds as hopefuls.For many years now, DKshi, as he is known, has been a leader in waiting. He earlier fancied his chances as a possible Chief Ministerial candidate too. Two months back he was a contender for the post of State Congress President. The Congress decided to stick with its Dalit face, and Shivakumar, arguably the most influential Vokkaliga (Gowda) face in the party, lost out again.The Vokkaliga community is dominant in southern Karnataka and the Congress banks on DKshi for getting the votes of this community. In neighboring Mandya district, too, it was Shivakumars clout that helped actor Ramya win a Lok Sabha bye-poll. When two crucial Assembly bye-elections were held in Mysore, Shivakumar camped there and oversaw the campaign for two weeks. He also got 12 other ministers to camp in Mysore.DKshi also has a reputation as being a reliable moneybag for the party. So much so that when Rahul Gandhi visited Bengaluru two months back, he was reportedly enamoured by Shivakumars home in upmarket Sadashivanagar. The Congress vice president is said to have exclaimed at the vastness and beauty of the palatial bungalow.DKshi and his brother DK Suresh, a Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Rural, wield control over their fiefdom in their hometown of Kanakapura, 55-km from the state capital. The two brothers have complete control over this Vokkaliga belt, winning a Lok Sabha seat even in the face of the BJP juggernaut in 2014.With all the clout DKshi enjoys, he is a leader the party will rise to defend. No wonder, within minutes of the I-T raids, many in the Congress were alleging political vendetta. Don't fall for text messages and emails from fraudsters who claim that you have got an income tax refund! pic.twitter.com/8S0Okd58OQ DCP Cybercrime (@DCP_CCC_Delhi) August 1, 2017 With the deadline to file Income Tax Returns being extended to August 5, the cybercrime department of Delhi Police has alerted citizens of fake emails from the Income Tax Department. DCP Cybercrime through its official Twitter handle has explained that emails on ITRs from donotreply@incometaxfilling.gov.in can spread malware and even trick users into providing their net-banking credentials. If you check the senders address it may appear as donotreply@incometaxfilling.gov.in and not donotreply@incometaxfiling.gov.in. Note the e is missing from efiling and filing is spelt as filling, it said.After the July 31 deadline, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced an extension after some taxpayers had complained that they were unable to log-on to Income Tax e-filing website.People filing Income Tax Returns may receive emails stating that there has been an error in calculating their tax and a refund has to be issued. Please be cautious in responding to such mails. These mails are routinely circulated by hackers to trick people. In some mails, users might be redirected to fake net banking login page in an attempt to steal passwords. Once you login into it, your bank account may get hacked. Image: Motorola Motorola has been more than active in the year 2017 to expand its market in India. The Lenovo owned smartphone company has already launched a range of Moto smartphones in this year. As another new in the country, Motorola is now opening its first ever Moto Hub in India, a retail outlet dedicated to Motorola devices.Motorola has announced the unveiling of its first ever retail outlet in India. Named Moto Hub, the Motorola outlet is located at the Great India Place Mall in Noida and its unveiling is set to take place on August 3, starting 11:30am. Motorola fans can expect to find their choice of Motorola smartphone at the Moto Hub.It is interesting to note how the smartphone companies in India are now pushing towards having their own dedicated retail outlets. Xiaomi recently came up with the concept of Mi Home its offline store, which was first opened in Bangalore back in May. Since then, Xiaomi has been selling its smartphones and other devices through both online and offline channels. Motorola, with its upcoming Moto Hub, now looks to be on the same path and open multi-channel sales for its devices. Kabul: At least 29 people were killed and 64 injured after a terrorist open fired on worshippers in the largest Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's Herat province on Tuesday night, before blowing himself up. Mehdi Hadid, a lawmaker from Herat, who went to the site soon after the explosion told The Associated Press that the scene was one of horrific carnage. He estimated at least 100 dead and wounded were scattered throughout the mosque. The attack took place in the middle of evening prayers when the mosque was packed with about 300 worshippers. At Herat Main Hospital, Dr. Shehrzai, confirmed 29 bodies were brought to the hospital in Herat city, the capital of western Herat province Tuesday night, soon after the blast shattered the late evening. Hadid said he saw several pieces of a body that was being identified as the assailant. Although it's not clear if there was a second attacker, witnesses in the area reported hearing a second explosion about 10 minutes after the initial bomber detonated his explosives. The mosque was badly damaged with windows blown out, walls and even the large dome peppered with shrapnel and everywhere was blood from the victims, said Hadid. Located just 50 meters (150 feet) away was an Afghan National Police station, but Hadid said the police were too frightened to take action and stood outside the mosque while the attack happened. Residents were furious the police did not prevent the second explosion, although it is still not clear what caused it. Dozens of local residents, who are mostly Shiites, attacked the police station pelting it with stones and setting it on fire, said Herat provincial governor Jalani Farhad. Shiites are a minority in Afghanistan and have been threatened by the affiliate of the Islamic State group that operates in the country's east. Herat borders Iran whose capital Tehran was attacked by the so-called Islamic State in June. Herat has previously been the scene of several smaller attacks on Shiites. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on Herat's Jawadia Mosque. However, after its attack on Monday on the Iraq Embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul IS warned Shiites in Afghanistan that they are targets. Hadid said he rushed to the mosque after hearing about the explosion. He was told the attacker first fired on the private guards outside the mosque before entering. When inside, he fired on the praying worshippers until his rifle jammed then he blew himself up. (With inputs from AP) Washington: The Trump administration is weighing "all options" to prevent North Korea from developing a nuclear weapon, the White House has said. "We're weighing all options, keeping all options on the table. As we've said many times before, we're not going to broadcast what we're going to do until that happens," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters during her daily news conference on Monday. She said the US President Donald Trump has been very outspoken about the need to stop North Korea. "We've been very focused on stopping the nuclear program, stopping the missiles, stopping the aggression. That still continues to be the focus, and we're keeping all options on the table in order to do that," Sanders said. The Trump administration is continuing to work with its allies on the issue. "The goals are to stop the nuclear program, stop the missiles, stop the aggression. With North Korea, we're going to continue looking at the best options and ways to accomplish that," she said. Sanders was responding to questions on a comment by Senator Lindsay Graham in which he said that there is a military option to destroy North Korea's program as well as the country itself. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the US president to block the sale of a company founded by ousted White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, along with most other major Chinese investments in the US. "Even after North Korea's recent missile tests, China has maintained economic relations with the country and continues to be its largest trading partner. If North Korea's aggression is met with zero repercussions from its most important economically, it will have no incentive to reverse course on this dangerous activity," Schumer said. In fact, China has even sought to weaken and water down the international sanctions regime to counter the threat posed by North Korea through the UN Security Council, he alleged. As a result, Schumer urged Trump to exercise his authority over CFIUS to block mergers and acquisitions in the US by Chinese companies until China works to bridle its neighbour's aggression. This economic pressure on China, Schumer said, would send a clear message to China that it is expected from it to step up and deter the North Korean threat. "I urge you to apply additional pressure on China to play a constructive role in reining in North Korea. Given recent developments, it is my assessment that China will not deter North Korea unless the United States exacts greater economic pressure on China," Schumer said in a letter to Trump. The US must send a clear message to China's government, he asserted in the letter that was released to the press. "To that end, if China continues to passively address North Korea, I urge you to use your authority over the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to suspend the approval of all mergers and acquisitions in the US by Chinese entities," Schumer said. Schumer alleged that the North Korean regime, is increasingly dependent on China's goods and investments, especially its energy and manufacturing imports. Reports indicate that over 90 percent of North Korea's foreign trade is with China and 95 percent of its foreign direct investment comes from China. Even with North Korea's continued provocative actions, China's trade with North Korea rose 34 per cent over this past year, including a marked increase in iron ore trade. Additionally, numerous reports indicate that China has unevenly enforced UN sanctions on North Korea and actively watered down sanctions in the most recent UNSC Resolutions, he alleged. "Despite North Korea's recent missile tests - a clear UNSC violations - it remains unclear whether China will support additional sanctions against North Korea or intends to veto efforts led by the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan," Schumer said. "The robust China-North Korea economic and trade relationship makes it clear that China could exercise considerable leverage over the North Korean regime to alter course, but that far from trying to do so China's leaders would prefer to contain the problem not solve it," said the Senator from New York. Wellington: New Zealand's charismatic new Labour leader, who took over in a desperate gamble to revive her struggling party seven weeks out from an election, spent her first 24 hours in the job fielding questions about babies rather than her policy plans. Jacinda Ardern, 37, took over as Labour's youngest leader on Tuesday after her predecessor quit over "disturbing" opinion poll results, leaving little time to plot a strategy to break the centre-right National Party's decade-long hold on power. One of the first questions Ardern, 37, faced on Tuesday night was about whether she had made a choice between having children or a career. She took it in her stride and said she had spoken before about the dilemma that many women face. However, the question refused to go away and she clashed on Wednesday with a radio host who said New Zealanders needed to know whether she planned to have children, in the same way that companies would if they were employing a female worker. Pointing her finger at AM Show panellist Mark Richardson, Ardern said "it is totally unacceptable in 2017 to say that women should have to answer that question in the workplace". "It is a woman's decision about when they choose to have children, it should not pre-determine whether or not they are given a job or have job opportunities," she said. The controversy was at odds with New Zealand's progressive reputation, having been the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893. Ardern could also become New Zealand's third female prime minister while many countries, including the United States, are yet to have their first. The issue was given added resonance by Hillary Clinton's failed 2016 U.S. presidential bid. About a third of the members in New Zealand's parliament in 2014 were women, putting it ahead of Australia and Britain but behind Germany and most Nordic countries, according to the global Inter Parliamentary Union. "I don't think we could say New Zealand is still ahead of the curve when such a small percentage of our politicians are women, both at parliament and at local government level," said Julie Anne Genter, a member of parliament for the Green Party. Genter also took issue with the tone of questions about Ardern's family plans. "They're just saying: 'how can you do this job if you plan to have a family?'," she said. Figures also showed that women in New Zealand lagged behind their counterparts in Britain and Australian in representation on company boards. With Labour facing a crushing defeat at the Sept. 23 election, Ardern took over in the hope she could breathe new life into the party. Analysts saw it as a potential game-changer for a poll that until now had been seen as a slam-dunk for Prime Minister Bill English's National Party. Washington: The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed former Justice Department lawyer Christopher Wray as FBI chief, nearly three months after the agency's previous director, James Comey, was fired by President Donald Trump. Wray, who was confirmed by vote of 92-5, will take charge of the country's top domestic law enforcement agency during a federal probe into allegations of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia. Since the dismissal of Comey on May 9, the Justice Department has appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the investigation with the help of the FBI. Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia. Wray vowed in his confirmation hearing last month to remain independent and not be swayed by politics or pressure from the president. He also praised Muller as the "consummate straight shooter." He also worked with Comey on the government's case in the Enron Corp fraud scandal in the early 2000s. During the confirmation hearing, Republican Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said Wray's background showed he was committed to independence, an attribute he said was "vitally important" in the next FBI director. Wray served as assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division at the Justice Department under former Republican President George W. Bush. Former Attorney General Eric Holder and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, both Democrats who served under President Barack Obama, endorsed Wray. New Delhi: Former Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Wednesday thanked India as he bid adieu to the country after serving as envoy in New Delhi for four years. "Goodbye India and thanks for everything," he tweeted. A spokesperson of the High Commission said that Basit left Delhi late afternoon and has reached Pakistan. Basit was appointed as the High Commissioner to India in 2014. He will be succeeded by Sohail Mahmood, who is expected to take up his responsibilities around mid-August. Recalling his stint in India, the High Commission's Spokesperson Khawaja Maaz said, "For me, personally, two of his qualities stood out, his composure and him not losing his nerves, even in the face of aggressive media." "He is being remembered here for his warm personality. He always responded to people or media persons with a smile, even if they provoked him," he told PTI. Maaz said Basit took back home "fond memories" of India and the friends he made. "In his farewell speech yesterday (Tuesday), he shared his experiences in India and also expressed hope that sometime in the future, he would get to visit this country again," he said. "Basit sahab was not a typical foodie but loved good cooked mutton. He also had visited several restaurants in Delhi, from Karim's in Chandani Chowk to the plush ones in Connaught Place and Khan Market," he added. After reaching Pakistan, Basit tweeted, "Just landed at Lahore airport. Thanks fellow Pakistanis for your support and encouragement. I am indebted. Pakistan zindabad". At a recent event here, in his capacity as the outgoing envoy, he had said that a dialogue between India and Pakistan was a "pre-requisite" and a "necessity" to mend relations between the neighbours, which might require "give and take" from both sides. Basit, who has also served as the Ambassador to Germany before taking up his assignment in New Delhi, was twice overlooked for the post of Pakistan's Foreign Secretary. Washington: The White House said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump had a role in producing a statement in which his son denied that a meeting he had with a Russian lawyer was related to the 2016 presidential campaign, comments later shown to be misleading. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told a briefing that Trump "certainly didn't dictate (the statement), but ... he weighed in, offered a suggestion like any father would do." "The statement that was issued was true and there were no inaccuracies in the statement," Sanders said, even though emails later released by Donald Trump Jr. showed that the subject of the meeting was to be possible damaging information about Republican Trump's rival for the presidency, Democrat Hillary Clinton. The Washington Post reported on Monday that Trump's advisers discussed the statement about the meeting and agreed that Trump Jr. should issue a truthful account of the episode so that it "couldnt be repudiated later if the full details emerged." But the president, who was flying home from Germany on July 8, changed the plan and "personally dictated a statement in which Trump Jr. said he and the Russian lawyer had 'primarily discussed a programme about the adoption of Russian children,'" the Post said, citing unidentified people with knowledge of the deliberations. Trump Jr. released emails in July that showed he eagerly agreed last year to meet a woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Clinton as part of Moscow's official support for his father. The New York Times was first to report the meeting at Trump Tower in New York. OTTAWA, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Further to their joint news release dated July 10, 2017, ABcann Global Corporation (TSX.V:ABCN) (Frankfurt:23Q) (OTCQB:ABCCF) (ABcann) and Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp. (TSX.V:CBW) (Cannabis Wheaton or CW) are pleased to announce completion of CWs purchase of $15 million of ABcann common shares at an agreed upon valuation of $2.25 per share (the Initial Investment). The Initial Investment forms part of a larger phased investment by Cannabis Wheaton to fund an additional 50,000 square feet at ABcann's second production facility. The joint expansion is in addition to ABcann's current construction plans for a 100,000 square foot purpose built facility, with both being located on ABcanns 65 acre Kimmett property in Napanee, Ontario. Chuck Rifici, Chief Executive Officer of Cannabis Wheaton, commented: Completing this investment marks a historic day for our team. We are excited to move one step closer to unlocking the stream of ABcann cannabis and adding their incredible product to our platform. Cannabis Wheaton is a catalyst for change in the cannabis industry and this investment represents the beginning of it. Aaron Keay, Chief Executive Officer of ABcann, remarked: We are pleased to have completed the initial funding phase of our partnership with Cannabis Wheaton and to welcome them as new equity holders in ABcann. The initial investment represents Cannabis Wheaton's first funding allocation and we look forward to future investment from them, as both companies advance our respective businesses. About ABcann Global Corporation (TSX.V:ABCN) (Frankfurt:23Q) (OTCQB:ABCCF) ABcann was one of the first companies to obtain a production license under the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations, which it received on March 21, 2014. It obtained a sales license on December 31, 2015. ABcanns flagship facility, in Napanee, Ontario, contains proprietary plant-growing technology, including environmentally-controlled chambers capable of monitoring and regulating all variables in the growing process. This approach and the systems in place allow ABcann to produce organically grown and pesticide-free, high-yielding plants, which, in turn, can generate high-quality products that are consistent from batch to batch. ABcann is able to control environmental and nutrient demands, tailor-made for a particular strain of cannabis, without the variation that is typical when producing large quantities in less controlled, larger rooms and greenhouse-type structures. ABcanns modular approach to systems technology eliminates scale-up risk and allows ABcann to locate anywhere in the world and maintain consistency and quality of product. ABcann is pursuing opportunities in Germany, Australia and other jurisdictions as well as exploring the development of multiple delivery vehicles. Stay Connected For further information about ABcann Global and our management team, please visit: http://www.abcannglobal.com , or contact Aaron Keay ( aaron@abcannglobal.com ) or Leo Karabelas (416) 543-3120 or leo.k@abcannglobal.com ). About Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp. (TSX.V:CBW) Backed by a team of industry experts, Cannabis Wheaton is the first cannabis streaming company in the world. Our streams will include production from across Canada coming from our partners comprised of licensed producers of cannabis (LP) and LP applicants. Cannabis Wheaton's mandate is to facilitate real growth for our streaming partners by providing them with financial support and sharing our collective industry experience. Stay Connected For more information about Cannabis Wheaton and our management team, please visit: http://www.cannabiswheaton.com , or follow us on Twitter @CannabisWheaton. Call: 1-604 687 7130 Email: Mario@skanderbegcapital.com http://www.skanderbegcapital.com . Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as plan, continue, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, may, will, potential, proposed and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions may or will occur. This information is only a prediction. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking information throughout this news release. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to: the ability to generate revenue through the streaming agreements, the ability to consummate transactions which are currently in discussions, requirements to obtain additional financing, timeliness of government approvals for granting of permits and licences, including licences to cultivate cannabis, completion and size of the Kimmett facility, regulatory or political change, competition and other risks affecting the Company in particular and the medical cannabis industry generally. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Neither ABcann nor CW is under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward -looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. 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. Washington: The growing partnership between the US, India and Japan is to keep peace in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, a top American commander has said, dismissing as "unfortunate" concerns raised by China over multilateral drills, including the Malabar naval exercise. "I say our partnerships stand on their own merits. Deepening military cooperation between these four great democracies (the US, Japan, Australia and India) is based on shared values and shared concerns," US Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Admiral Harry Harris said. In Malabar, he said, the US, Japan and India continued growing their partnership to keep the peace throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific. "And in Talisman Saber, Japan and the US joined our war- fighting mates in Australia," Harris said. "Unfortunately, there are some who question the motives for the increasingly cooperative relationship between the US, Japan, Australia and India," Harris said in an apparent reference to the Chinese objections to such multilateral exercises. India, Japan and the US last month held Malabar naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal amid China's growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean region. Harris said that China's desire to pick and choose when it comes to international law demonstrates the kind of nation China is. "To me, China is a strategic competitor for the United States and to Japan, for that matter," he said. Harris said he has repeatedly emphasised that they can't allow the areas where they disagree with China to impact their ability to make progress in the areas where they do agree. "All Indo-Asia-Pacific nations, including the United States, should use smart power and try to cooperate with China where possible," he said. "For PACOM, my goal remains to convince China that its best future comes from peaceful cooperation and meaningful participation in the current rules-based international order," Harris added. Washington: A bipartisan group of influential lawmakers from both the House and Senate has urged US President Donald Trump to crack down on jobs outsourcing companies and reform the H-1B and L-1 visa systems. "We write because for far too long the H-1B visa has been abused by some corporations as a way to displace American workers with cheap foreign labour. We urge you to use your authority as President to the greatest extent possible to stop H-1B abuses, but we believe reform also must happen legislatively because of loopholes in the law," the lawmakers said in a letter to the President. In the letter dated July 27, which was released on Tuesday, they said the legislation-- H.R.1303 and S.180, the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2017 -- introduced by them close these loopholes and overhaul these visa programs to protect American workers and crack down on outsourcing companies which deprive qualified Americans of high-skill jobs. "This bipartisan bill will restore the H-1B visa program to its original intent, protect American workers, and preserve the limited H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers," the letter said. Led by Congressman Bill Pascrell, the letter was signed by Senator Richard Durbin, Congressmen Dave Brat, Ro Khanna and Paul A Gosar among others. The lawmakers said their legislation provides protections for American workers and visa holders as it calls for more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers. The bill, they said addresses gaps in the current law by requiring that the employers make a good faith effort to recruit and hire American workers before bringing in guest workers. In addition, the bill also asks for prohibiting employers from replacing American workers or giving preference to visa holders when they are filling open positions. It also proposes to modify existing H-1B wage requirements to ensure employers pay foreigners comparable wages in the area of employment. Current law allows the payment of below-market wages to H-1B workers across industries and geographic areas and even allows H-1B-dependent employers and employees who have previously willfully violated H-1B program requirements to avoid obligations to recruit US workers and not displace them simply by paying a USD 60,000 annual wage. "Merely raising this wage floor to another arbitrary level will not prevent future abuse," they said. Instead, the bill would end the "exempt" H-1B worker loophole and would peg H-1B salaries to current wage levels by requiring employers to pay the highest wage applicable to each occupation and geographic area from three categories. The three categories are -- locally-determined prevailing wage level for the occupational classification in the area of employment; median wage for all workers in the occupational classification in the area of employment; and median wage for skill level two in the occupational classification found in the most recent OES survey. Noting that the current law makes it easy for outsourcing companies to circumvent the intent of the H-1B visa by bringing in guest workers to displace American workers, the lawmakers wrote the bill prohibits the outsourcing or leasing of H-1B workers to other employers and prevents an employer with more than 50 employees in the US from hiring additional H-1B workers if the employer's US workforce is more than 50 per cent of the H-1B and L-1 visa holder workers. In the letter, the lawmakers have opposed allocating visas by lottery. This does not allow the government to determine how it awards the 85,000 visas and outsourcing companies are thus able to secure tens of thousands of H-1B visas annually to offshore American jobs. "Our bill creates specific categories of H-1B workers to give preference in the allocation of visas based on education, training, and economic value. Further, our bill amends the law to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with discretion to allocate H-1B visas within this framework in any manner or order the secretary deems appropriate," the lawmakers wrote. Washington: The US does not seek a regime change in North Korea and wants to work with China to prevent the reclusive country from acquiring nuclear weapons, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said. Tillerson's remarks came after US President Donald Trump recently said China's efforts to rein in North Korea had "not worked" out even as he appreciated Beijing for its attempts to pursue its closest ally to abandon its nuclear ambitions. "We have reaffirmed our position towards North Korea, that what we are doing, we do not seek a regime change; we do not seek the collapse of the regime; we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula; we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday. "We are trying to convey to the North Koreans we are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," he said. Tillerson said he hoped that at some point the North Koreans will begin to understand that the US would like to sit and have a dialogue with them about their future that will give them the security they seek and the future economic prosperity for North Korea. "This is going to be a continued effort to put ever greater pressure on the North Korean regime because our other options, obviously, are not particularly attractive," he said. Identifying North Korea as one of the first threats encountered by the Trump administration, Tillerson said the threat has materialised in the ways they expected it would. "That's why early on we identified it as a very urgent matter, and the North Koreans have certainly proven the urgency of that to us," he said. "We initiated a sustained and continued intensified campaign on what I like to call peaceful pressure, because the options available to us, I think as all of you well understand, are limited, and particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time," he said. "So we felt the appropriate thing to do first was to seek peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk with us and others but with an understanding that a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region much less to the homeland," he said. In doing so, the Trump Administration has sought to partner with China, he added. China does account for 90 per cent of economic activity with North Korea, Tillerson said, adding that the Chinese have been very clear with the US that they share the same objective of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. "They do not see it in their interest for North Korea to have nuclear weapons, just as we do not see it in anyone's interest. China has ways that they can put pressure on and influence the North Korean regime because of this significant economic relationship that no one else has," he said. "We've been very clear with the Chinese. We certainly don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea. Only the North Koreans are to blame for this situation. But we do believe China has a special and unique relationship because of this significant economic activity to influence the North Korean regime in ways that no one else can," Tillerson said. "And that's why we continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue. We don't think having a dialogue where the North Koreans come to the table assuming they're going to maintain their nuclear weapons is productive. So that's really the objective, he said. Washington: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he will meet with his Russian opposite number Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse. Some in Moscow and Washington had hoped relations between the former Cold War foes might improve under US President Donald Trump, who has had warm words for President Vladimir Putin. But the great power rivals remain divided over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, US sanctions against Kremlin allies and Moscow's support for Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime. Tillerson has never tried to sugarcoat the problems, and admitted in March after a visit to the Kremlin that ties were at a "historic low" with little sign of improvement. But now Trump is poised to sign into law a bill to further tighten sanctions and Putin has ordered the US diplomatic mission in Russia to cut hundreds of staff. "And the question, I think, of the events of the last week or so, is it getting worse or can we maintain some level of stability in that relationship?" Tillerson asked yesterday. Tillerson said the US Congress decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties "more difficult," but that "all the indications are" that Trump will sign it. In the meantime, Tillerson plans to meet Lavrov in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN ministerial meeting. A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. The US president, who often called for warmer ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations. NEW YORK, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC (NYSE:OZM) (the Company, Oz Management or Oz) announced its results for the second quarter of 2017 and a dividend today. To view the detailed earnings press release, please visit the Public Investors page of Oz Managements website (www.ozm.com). Dan Och, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oz Management, and Alesia Haas, Chief Financial Officer will host a conference call on August 2, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss Ozs results for the second quarter of 2017. The call can be accessed by dialing +1-833-224-0545 (in the U.S.) or +1-647-689-4073 (international), passcode 53444827. A simultaneous webcast of the call will be available on the Public Investors page of Ozs website (www.ozm.com). About Oz Management Oz Management is one of the largest institutional alternative asset managers in the world, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Beijing, Shanghai and Houston. Oz provides asset management services to investors globally through its multi-strategy funds, dedicated credit funds, including opportunistic credit funds and Institutional Credit Strategies products, real estate funds and other alternative investment vehicles. Oz seeks to generate consistent, positive, absolute returns across market cycles, with low volatility compared to the broader markets, and with an emphasis on preservation of capital. Ozs funds invest across multiple strategies and geographies, consistent with the investment objectives of each fund. The global investment strategies Oz employs include convertible and derivative arbitrage, corporate credit, long/short equity special situations, merger arbitrage, private investments, real estate and structured credit. As of August 1, 2017, Oz had approximately $32.0 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit Oz Managements website (www.ozm.com). CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wilton Resources Inc. (the Corporation) (TSX-V:WIL) is pleased to announce that it intends to issue, by way of non-brokered private placement, 5,000,000 units (Units) of the Corporation at a purchase price of $0.80 per Unit (the Offering Price) for gross proceeds of a minimum of $4,000,000 (the Offering). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Corporation (Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $1.20 (the Exercise Price). The principal use of the proceeds of the Offering will be for general corporate purposes and future working capital. The Corporation may pay finders fees to one or more eligible persons (Finders) consisting of a cash payment equal to 6% of gross proceeds raised from applicable subscriptions in the Offering and the issuance of finders warrants (Finders Warrants) equal to 6% of the number of Units issued pursuant to applicable subscriptions in the Offering. Each Finders Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at a price equal to the Exercise Price for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering (the Closing Date). The Corporation expects the Closing Date to be in the second week of August, 2017. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). The TSXV has not approved the Offering Price or the Exercise Price and these remain subject to the change. The Units issued in connection with the Offering and the underlying Common Shares, Warrants and Common Shares underlying the Warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of completion of the Offering, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. For more information concerning the Corporation, please refer to the Corporations profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words intend, may, will, expect, and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporation's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information with respect to the anticipated Closing Date, the receipt of regulatory approvals (including TSXV approvals) and the timing thereof, compensation payable to Finders, statutory hold periods and the principal uses of the proceeds of the Offering. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Corporation. The material facts and assumptions include obtaining approval of the TSXV of the proposed Offering; the availability of certain prospectus exemptions in respect of the Offering; and the intended use of proceeds remaining in the best interests of the Corporation. The Corporation cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Corporation is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward- looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. For more information, please contact: Wilton Resources Inc. Richard Anderson Chief Executive Officer and President (403) 619-6609 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws. THE SECURITIES OFFERED HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE 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 ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. Sushi done Hyatt style But this time, it was not that one special drink that makes it all okay, but rather the sushi. And not just any sushi, but the newly revamped Hyatt Regency Trinidad sushi experience. The hotels newly constructed sushi bar gives its customers the chance to enjoy custom sushi while overlooking the waterfront. The bar was opened earlier this year in February but all of the elements were not fully in place. According to Hyatt Regencys Marketing Communications manager, Neemah Persad-Celestine, This was not the sushi bar. The sushi bar was on the other side, she explained the bars new configuration to members of the media who were treated to the Hyatts new sushi experience on July 28, at Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. She said it was not really a sushi bar but a place where the hotel made it happen. But sushi became so popular, that it continued and we never moved it from anywhere else. So recently, we finished our renovation and upgrade (of the hotel) ...but this is the brand new sushi bar dedicated to sushi. Persad-Celestine said one of the new features of the revamped sushi bar is its opening hours. The bar would usually open Monday to Saturday, from 5 pm to 10 pm. Now, the bar will open from 1 pm on Fridays, with an aim at making the 1 pm opening an everyday thing. Persad-Celestine explained that the new construction gives patrons the chance to sit, be more comfortable and see things properly. Before we did not have all of that. The hotels recently appointed executive sous chef, Anthony Rattigan, who has 20 years working with the Hyatt chain and four months in TT , said the team tries to craft rolls unique to the Trinidadian palate. Over the world, he said, one would not find a lot of spicy rolls but that was something found in TT . Rolls such as the dynamite roll were to appease the Trinidadian/ Caribbean taste. But if spicy is not your thing, the Hyatt staff tones it down just for you, adding to that intimate, one-on-one experience. The ingredients used are indigenous to TT and if you are allergic to something or have a particular preference, just tell your chef and they would create something just for you. Rattigan said the adjusted time was done to accommodate the large volume of people in the hotel and from surrounding offices who requested sushi for lunch. Eliseo Caliguia, sous chef, heads the six-member team. And it is a team that is always seeking to offer something new to its customers, changing the menu to add new and exciting items such as the Andre Caribbean roll and the newly added spicy udon noodle soup. Listed as one of the hotels favourites, the Andre Caribbean roll was named after employee Andre James, who was the hotels employee of the year four years ago, and in 2015 won the Caribbean employee of the year award from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Not only was a roll named after him but the hotel will soon name a suite after him in honour of his achievement. The menu is revamped every three to six months to keep things new and exciting. And when youre finished with the sushi roll just suited for your palate, wash it down with one of the hotels signature drinks for that one-on-one sushi experience. Small business owners encourage others to become entrepreneurs This was the statement made by Wayne Chance, head of non-profit organisation Vision on a Mission yesterday during his feature address at the Mothers Against Drug Abuse sixth annual Echoes of Hope function at Green Meadows, Santa Barbara Boulevard, Santa Cruz. Chance said despite celebrating Emancipation yesterday, many people were imprisoned whether by physical bars or by any situation that would confine or restrict them from living their lives the way they saw fit. Chance said that some people are not willing to pay the price that comes with freedom. Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King knew that they had to pay a hefty price for freedom. They paid the ultimate price for others to be free. Sometimes when you are fighting for freedom you may not even be the person that enjoys the comforts of that freedom. Chance continued by relating several trials that he had to endure during his life to experience the freedom that he has today. He said he had been jailed for a decade and still had to fight and sacrifice to ensure that he did not have to go back to prison. When I was in prison for those ten years I had to change so many attitudes and habits that I had just to attain freedom. But when I got out of prison I made a promise that I would not go back. It was a journey. When I got past those prison gates I realised that I had another prison on the outside that I had to overcome to truly be free. At first, I had to live in conditions that were worse than in prison in order to be truly free. Because sometimes even when you are freed from your prison, you really dont demonstrate the freedom that you truly have. I had to pay a price to make sure that I would not be imprisoned again, and today as I stand before you I can say that I am proud to have paid that price. Mothers Against Drug Abuse is a Non-Profit Organisation which highlights and educates children about the dangers of drug abuse, whether it is a legal or illegal substance. The organisation has been going from school to school teaching children what drugs does to the human body. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The PIMCO Foundation, PIMCOs philanthropic arm, held its ninth annual Global Week of Volunteering last week, with 942 PIMCO employees participating in more than 100 diverse, community-based projects around the world. The effort is part of the year-round global volunteer program spearheaded by the PIMCO Foundation, established in 2000 to support nonprofit organizations. The annual Global Week of Volunteering aims to bring together employees, their families and friends to deliver a dedicated series of programs to communities near to PIMCO offices around the globe. Our annual Global Week of Volunteering is an intensive week of service, said Emmanuel Roman, PIMCOs Chief Executive Officer and President of the PIMCO Foundation. During this week, hundreds of PIMCO employees enthusiastically donate their time to make a difference and create real social value. Global Week really unites us as a firm. Global Week of Volunteering activities included: London serving breakfast at the West London Day Centre and lunch at the Brixton Soup Kitchen; delivering a project management workshop to staff from a number of Westminster-based charities serving breakfast at the West London Day Centre and lunch at the Brixton Soup Kitchen; delivering a project management workshop to staff from a number of Westminster-based charities Munich renovating a playground for children (Abenteuer-Spiel-Platz Neuhausen) renovating a playground for children (Abenteuer-Spiel-Platz Neuhausen) Newport Beach conducting a career workshop for veterans with Goodwill OCs Tierney Center; preparing apartments for new moms at The Teen Leadership Foundation; mulching trails at the Environmental Nature Center conducting a career workshop for veterans with Goodwill OCs Tierney Center; preparing apartments for new moms at The Teen Leadership Foundation; mulching trails at the Environmental Nature Center Hong Kong accompanying students to a book fair and reading to them over lunch accompanying students to a book fair and reading to them over lunch New York designing mobile apps with students from Sheltering Arms; preventing food waste in partnership with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine; facilitating a resume review workshop with youths from Covenant House designing mobile apps with students from Sheltering Arms; preventing food waste in partnership with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine; facilitating a resume review workshop with youths from Covenant House Rio sorting and organizing donated clothes at Creche Communitaria Anjinho Feliz sorting and organizing donated clothes at Creche Communitaria Anjinho Feliz Singapore taking children from Darul Ihsan Orphanage on a dragon boat outing taking children from Darul Ihsan Orphanage on a dragon boat outing Sydney working with Landcare and BushLink in the northern beaches of Dee Why to weed and regenerate bushes working with Landcare and BushLink in the northern beaches of Dee Why to weed and regenerate bushes Tokyo preparing dinner for children who participate in the Kids Future Project preparing dinner for children who participate in the Kids Future Project Toronto repairing and painting donated furniture at Furniture Bank For more information about the PIMCO Foundation, visit our website at www.pimco.com/pimcofoundation or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @pimcofoundation. About the PIMCO Foundation The PIMCO Foundation is the philanthropic arm of PIMCO, based in Newport Beach, California, which helps people around the world to reach their full potential. It carries out its mission by identifying areas of community need and volunteering time and financial resources to support high impact projects and programs. The Foundations website can be accessed directly at www.pimco.com/pimcofoundation; the Foundation can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @PIMCOFoundation. About PIMCO PIMCO is a leading global investment management firm, with offices in 11 countries throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1971, PIMCO offers a wide range of innovative solutions to help millions of investors worldwide meet their needs. Our goal is to provide attractive returns while maintaining a strong culture of risk management and long-term discipline. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider. Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of PIMCO's sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Nurse alleges unfair treatment According to Henry, she was injured while riding in the back of an ambulance and has since been on injury leave since the accident. She alleged that that she has not been paid since although she has submitted the relevant medical documents to her employers. In 2015 I was on the job in the ambulance when my back was injured. I kept feeling this unbearable pain in my back, so bad that I couldnt sit down for more than a few minutes for a time. I applied for injury leave and it was granted. During that time I visited a few doctors who said that it was only a pinch nerve but when I went to the US later that year I was examined by a doctor there who said that what I was suffering with was a herniated disc in my back. she said in an interview at Newsdays offices in Port of Spain on Monday. She also received a second doctors opinion which confirmed she was suffering from a herniated disc. Henry said she informed her employers but was told that she could not be paid and while she is not contesting the decision not to pay her a salary for her time away from work, she wants to know why she is not receiving her insurance benefits as her NIS was filed on time. They are claiming that I havent filed my documents with them. I received the NIS form and completed it and I gave it to the clerk at the desk. A few weeks later when I went to follow up, the very same clerk is alleging that I did not give her any form and says that all she has to go on is word of mouth from me. Henry says that the situation has left her deeply frustrated and has already attracted the attention of the National Insurance Board (NIB) which is willing to launch an investigation into her issue. App for CSEC, CAPE results The advent of this mobile app is something exciting for students teachers and stakeholders, CXC Director of Operations Stephen Savoury said. Savoury and CXC Assistant Registrar (Public Information and Customer Service) Cleveland Sam were in Trinidad last weekend to promote CXC first app which was launched in Barbados last week and which is due to be launched in Guyana this week. The app has several features including voice messaging, texting, and a newsfeed that will enable posting to social media. The app, Savoury said, does not only relate to people in the region but to anyone anywhere in the world and who will be able to connect with and access CXC services and products on their terms. CXC has 19 territories to deal with, he said, and hundreds of thousands of students who write examinations regularly. This is in addition to 10,000 stakeholders across the region, he said. He said that CXC had been working over the last six months to develop the app and to make it user friendly. CXC webmaster Ayodele Pompey said, One of the exciting features is that a lot of candidates who would have written exams can check their results on their mobile phone, anytime and anywhere. SOUTH African police recovered another vehicle on Monday which was being smuggled from that country into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo River, bringing the number of vehicles recovered within a week to five. In the latest incident, the car was being pulled across the river by donkeys on Monday afternoon. On Thursday last week, the same team also arrested a 28-year-old man whom they caught smuggling another stolen Mercedes Benz near the Panda Mine area of Beitbridge on the South African side of the border. Earlier that week, police also recovered three other vehicles. Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said investigations were in progress. He said all the vehicles were recovered during operation Vala Madi, which is being jointly implemented by the polices Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, and Public Order Police, supported by South Africas Defence Forces. He said smuggling of goods and vehicles was rampant along the Limpopo River. A new shape Mercedes Benz sedan C220 was intercepted just in time before disappearing into Zimbabwe. The suspects were using donkeys to pull the car across the river but our members were just in time to pounce on them, after the donkeys were apparently no longer able to pull it through the sand, said Brigadier Mojapelo. They (suspects) fled into the bushes towards the Zimbabwe side and investigations are in progress. Brigadier Mojapelo said most of the intercepted vehicles belong to rental companies. He said three vehicles that were recovered all at once last week were an Audi A6 valued at R400 000; a Mercedes Benz C180 worth R380 000 and a Datsun Go valued at R90 000. The operation (Vala Madi) is targeted at areas along the borderline between Phafuri, Beitbridge and Pont drift. The success is similar to the one in which the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba intercepted a stolen vehicle that was being pulled by donkeys in the middle of Limpopo River during December last year, he said. We managed to recover a vehicle that got stuck in the middle of the same river. The operation also yielded good results when a splash Range Rover valued at R900 000 was intercepted en-route to Malawi. The driver was arrested and found with R30 000 in his possession. The vehicle was on the verge of crossing to Zimbabwe. Smuggling of stolen vehicles from South Africa is rampant along the Limpopo River. In 2012, Zimbabwean police smashed a well-orchestrated car smuggling syndicate near the Panda Mine area and arrested seven Malawians and recovered five top of the range vehicles worth four million rand. The vehicles included two Toyota Fortuners, one Nissan Navarra, Toyota High Rider and a Toyota Vigo. Chronicle THERE was drama at the funeral of one of the six victims of the Mazowe Road accident, Charity Chikuku, in Glen View 4 on Tuesday. Her in-l... THE High Court has blocked authorities at Gubula Primary School in Matobo district from barring pupils from writing their mid-year examinations over non-payment of school fees. The ruling by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Francis Bere followed an urgent chamber application by two parents challenging a decision by school authorities to bar their children from writing their mid-year examinations over non-payment of school fees. The respondents be and hereby barred from excluding the applicants children from sitting for their mid-year examinations over non-payment of school fees, ruled the judge. In papers before the court, Ms Sithenjisiwe Moyo and Mr Pios Ndlovu, through their lawyer Mr Prince Butshe Dube of Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, cited Gubula Primary School headmistress Ms Prisca Khumalo, Gubula Primary School Development Council (SDC) and Matobo district education officer, as respondents. The two parents sought an order permanently barring the school from excluding their children from sitting for their mid-year examinations. Ms Moyos son is in Grade Seven while Mr Ndlovus daughter is in Grade Four. In her founding affidavit, Ms Moyo said the decision by the respondents was illegal and tantamount to self-help. My child is doing Grade Seven at Gubula Primary School and due to my husbands illness I have not been able to pay school fees for my son for the first and second term. On July 20, 2017, mid-year examinations started at the school but my son together with several others were barred from writing the examinations by the school head with the support of the SDC. I submit that barring my child from writing examinations amounts to self-help by the respondents, said Ms Moyo. In my view, it is wrong to bar my child from writing mid-year examinations since he has no contract to pay the school fees. I am the one responsible for the payment of school fees. The respondents can issue summons against me in order to recover what is due to them. In his supporting affidavit, Mr Ndlovu said his daughter would suffer prejudice if she is not allowed to sit for the examinations. He said they tried to engage a local ward councillor to assist them to no avail. The Government policy is that no pupils should be sent home for non-payment of fees but school authorities should take legal action against defaulting parents or guardians. According to the 2017 Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVac) report on Rural Livelihoods 63 percent of pupils were turned away from schools in rural areas over non-payment of schools during the first term of this year. ZimVac recommended that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should be strict in ensuring that the schools adhere to the stipulated policy Nationally, at least 63 percent of the children experienced being turned away for non-payment of school fees. Generally, the proportion of children who were turned away from school during the first term of 2017 was high in all provinces. This is so despite there being in place a policy that discourages this practice, reads the report. The high proportion of children who were turned away from school due to non-payment of school fees is worrisome. This calls for stricter monitoring of the implementation of the Government policy for universal primary education and its complementary policy which states that no child should be denied access to schooling for failure to pay school fees. Chronicle The officials were guaranteeing and what is needed now is for them to walk the talk. We were on the verge of being switched off and that would have had a devastating impact on agriculture and the economy. To avoid being switched off and in the face of forex challenges we managed to pay $8 million to the two regional power utilities. They payment plan presented means the debt has to be cleared in the next four months. No One Will Ever Smash Stuff Quite Like He Did TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ipro Tech, a global leader in the development of advanced eDiscovery software solutions, announced today that it has acquired inData Corporation, creator of TrialDirector, a market leader in trial presentation based in Gilbert, Arizona. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. It has been Ipros vision for the discovery process to be simple, affordable and automated. Historically, there has been a significant disconnect between document review, knowledge management, and trial presentation. By combining these companies, Ipro serves its vision by creating a seamless integration with inDatas deposition management and trial presentation solutions along with Ipros automated digital discovery platform, ADD. With this acquisition, legal teams will now have one platform, one company to cover them from the time evidence starts rolling in, all the way to the courthouse. These storied companies, both touchstones in the litigation technology industry, have paved the way, survived, and flourished over the years through their innovation and commitment to service. Together, their technology, clients, culture, and people are poised to lead the industry as it continues to evolve. Ipro CEO, Kim Taylor, has been looking to expand into the trial software and services vertical for some time. He said, inData and Ipro have a tremendous amount of synergy considering our time in the industry, our solutions, and the customer-base we serve. We are beyond excited to bolster our competitive edge by integrating inDatas products and people into the Ipro family. inData Corporation has been leading the trial presentation field for two decades with 90% of the AMLaw 200 firms using TrialDirector today. The powerful presentation tool has been used countless times in trials all over the world. Combined with TrialDirector, inDatas additional products and services run the gamut between video and text synchronization, transcript management, and trial consulting. Derek Miller, inDatas CEO and Scott Palmer, inDatas CFO/COO will take on new roles within Ipro. Derek stated, For the last 29 years, we have built a company that is a household name for trial presentation. This acquisition allows us to put TrialDirector into more customer hands as well as strengthening the resources for development and support. In April 2017, Ipro announced its acquisition by ParkerGale, a private equity group in Chicago, Illinois. The investment by ParkerGale has enabled Ipro to expand software and service offerings to meet its ongoing customer requirements. About Ipro Tech, LLC Founded in 1989, Ipro is a global leader in the development of advanced eDiscovery software solutions. Ipros Automated Digital Discovery workflow platform helps customers organize, review, process and produce litigation data of vast sizes and complexity more efficiently and cost-effectively than ever before. To learn more visit iprotech.com. To schedule a demonstration, email sales@iprotech.com. About inData Founded in 1984, inData creates software applications to aid in the trial preparation and presentation process. In addition to developing useful software, inData also responds to litigators for urgently needed training and consulting services. inData has worked side-by-side with litigators in hundreds of trials across the globe and developed a recognized expertise in the legal community for consulting in trials in a variety of industries. To learn more, visit indatacorp.com. A 40-year-old Los Angeles man has been charged with rape and kidnapping in connection with the sexual assault of a woman who believed he was her Uber driver, the Los Angeles Times reports. Police say Carlos Pichinte had decals for both Lyft and Uber on his cardespite not working for either of those companieswhen he picked up the victim May 13 in West Hollywood. According to KABC, the victim believed Pichinte was the driver she had requested through Uber. Police say Pichinte drove the victim to Beverly Hills and sexually assaulted her. Pichinte was identified through surveillance and arrested a week after the attack, according to police, who say he "may be connected to additional sexual assaults in the Los Angeles area." On Monday, police asked other potential victims to come forward. Its definitely quite scary because youre just getting into random cars, one ride share user tells CBS Los Angeles. Uber has admitted fake drivers are an issue in many cities, NBC Los Angeles reports. The company advises its users make sure they've checked the driver and car information on the app before getting into a vehicle. (Read more sexual assault stories.) Mallory Grossman was just 12 years old when the New Jersey sixth grader killed herself in June. Now her parents are suing her school district, alleging Mallory's cyberbullying at the hands of her classmates at Copeland Middle School pushed her to take her own lifeand that the school didn't do enough to prevent it. "For months there were texts, Snapchat, and Instagramshe was told she was a loser, she had no friends. She was even told, Why don't you kill yourself,'" the lawyer for the Grossmans says, per NBC News. But school administrators "ignored months of pleas" from her family to do something, the lawyer says, despite the fact that after the harassment started in October, Mallory started getting chronic headaches and stomachaches and her grades went down. Grossman's mother says the family spoke to teachers, guidance counselors, the vice principal, and the principal, and that while she was told the school was investigating, she felt her concerns were dismissed. When nothing changed, she even approached the parent of one of the alleged bullies (the family has identified three or four students, though not publicly, and their lawyer says they are considering taking action against their families as well). "I can confidently say I spoke to one of the parents the night before Mallorybefore this," Grossman's mother says. "And I can tell you that the mother dismissed it, said it was just a big joke, and that I really shouldnt worry about it." During the family's press conference Monday, their lawyer said a cellphone can be "a lethal weapon" in the hands of the wrong child, NJ 101.5 reports. (Read more cyberbullying stories.) Roosters aren't for everyone. The much-maligned male chicken is banned in cities across the US, and now one woman in a small town in Michigan is so fed up with hers that she posted an expletive-ridden rooster rant on Facebook last week. Largely hailed as hilarious, her post has gone viral, with roughly 73,000 shares as of this writing. Denell McCaul notes that her "a--hole rooster" is such an "inconsiderate jerk" that he wakes her up at 5:30am every single morning. Even worse, he has no "snooze button," but will quiet down just long enough for her to drift back to sleep before he starts up again "with his obnoxious cock-a-doodle-doing right outside of your windows." Mashable jokes that the rooster is the "pet from hell," but many of the 36,000 comments point out that he's simply behaving like a roostereven if that means being an inconsiderate jerk of an alarm clock. But there's more: McCaul adds that the rooster, who is free to anyone, is "a perfect rooster if you want to start running ... around your yard ... while you're trying to get away from him." His third charm is that, while being chased off with a mop, his "student" makes him look like "an instructor of interpretive dance." "So, if you're looking for an alarm clock with the only setting being 5:30 a.m., a personal trainer and a dance instructor, I have the perfect rooster that is able to fill all 3 of those positions FOR FREE!" McCaul knows a thing or two about chickens; Fox News points out that she owns several. So maybe this one is worthy of her profane plea. (Even animal control couldn't catch one man's rooster.) Bill Cosby is in need of a new attorney. Brian McMonagle, the comedian's lead defense lawyer during his recent sexual assault trial, filed documents Tuesday seeking to withdraw as Cosby's counsel, the AP reports. Cosby faces a second trial in November after the judge declared a mistrial in the first due to a deadlocked jury, and McMonagle's filing says the 80-year-old comedian is looking for new representation. A judge is set to consider McMonagle's request Aug. 22 at a pre-trial conference. No official comment from McMonagle or Cosby, but Cosby's rep confirms to USA Today that McMonagle is withdrawing and that Cosby's team is "vetting" possible replacements. Cosby is accused of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand. (Read more Bill Cosby stories.) Authorities in Florida have captured the last of 12 prisoners who fled an Alabama county jail in a scheme involving peanut butter. The Martin County Sheriff's Office announced on social media that local deputies and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force captured 24-year-old Bradley Andrew Kilpatrick Tuesday night at a home about 20 miles north of West Palm Beach, Fla., the AP reports. Kilpatrick was being held in the Walker County jail on marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges when he and 11 other prisoners fled Sunday night. Walker County Sheriff James Underwood says prisoners used peanut butter to change the numbers above a door and trick a new employee into opening another door that led outside. They then used their jail uniforms and blankets to climb over a razor wire-topped fence. The other inmates were captured within 12 hours of the escape. Kilpatrick told deputies who he was during his arrest, which happened after a team of agents flooded the neighborhood where he was trying to hide out, AL.com reports. (Read more prison break stories.) Rex Tillerson says America wants North Korea to know one thing: "We are not your enemy. We are not your threat," he said Tuesday. "But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond." The secretary of State said the US hopes Pyongyang will sit down for a dialogue at some point, the Washington Post reports. "We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel," said Tillerson, who also addressed issues including worsening relations with Russia, the Iran deal, and the situation in Venezuela. Tillerson, in his first appearance in the briefing room since being confirmed six months ago, described Vladimir Putin's steps against US diplomats as a reaction to similar moves from former President Obama. Putin "felt he had to do something," Tillerson said. "Does it make our life more difficult? Of course it makes our life more difficult." The BBC reports that Sen. Lindsey Graham says President Trump has told him there will be war if North Korea continues trying to hit the US with an ICBM. "If there's going to be a war... it will be over there," Graham told the Today show. "If thousands die, they're going to die over there. They're not going to die here. And he has told me that to my face." (Read more North Korea stories.) Older people are dying on the job at a higher rate than workers overall, even as the rate of workplace fatalities decreases, according to an AP analysis of federal statistics. It's a trend that's particularly alarming as baby boomers reject the traditional retirement age of 65 and keep working. The US government estimates that by 2024, older workers will account for 25% of the labor market. Getting oldand the physical changes associated with it"could potentially make a workplace injury into a much more serious injury or a potentially fatal injury," says Ken Scott, an epidemiologist with the Denver Public Health Department. Gerontologists say those changes include gradually worsening vision and hearing impairment, reduced response time, and balance issues. In 2015, about 35% of the fatal workplace accidents involved a worker 55 and olderor 1,681 of the 4,836 fatalities reported nationally. The AP analysis found that the workplace fatality rate for all workers decreased by 22% between 2006 and 2015. But the rate of fatal accidents among older workers during that time period was 50% to 65% higher than for all workers. Ruth Finkelstein of Columbia University's Aging Center cautions against stereotyping, but says there is a need for more attention to be paid to occupational safety for all workers. (Read more workplace safety stories.) Passengers stuck on a plane for more than six hours after an eight-hour flight ended up calling 911 for assistance they said the airline wasn't giving them. The Air Transat flight from Brussels to Montreal was diverted to Ottawa International Airport on Monday because of stormy weather at its destination, the Ottawa Citizen reports. Passengers say they weren't allowed to get off the plane during the delay, even after food and water ran out and the air-conditioning stopped working. "The plane actually lost power and went zero AC, and then now we've got the doors open and one kid is puking, and people are just losing their minds," passenger Laura Mah told the CBC during the delay. "This is not okay or humane," she tweeted. After at least one passenger called 911, paramedics arrived, handed out water, and treated a passenger who had taken ill. By the time the plane finally got to Montreal, people had been on board for 15 hours. The Ottawa airport authority blames the airline, saying it was the one that made the decision to keep the passengers on the plane. Air Transat swung back, saying airport staff failed to provided the loading bridges and stairs necessary to either deplane passengers or "replenish the aircrafts empty drinking water reservoir." A Canadian government spokeswoman tells the CBC that a new airline passengers' bill of rights currently being crafted would make airlines compensate passengers who are stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours. (This airline wouldn't let a disabled man board. He found a way.) After what TMZ calls an "absurdly brief gig" in the White House, Anthony Scaramucci may soon be enjoying big bucks from speaking engagements. Scaramucci, who was a White House fixture for less time than it takes for milk to spoil, could be getting a hefty ROI from his short stint as communications director, with "multiple sources plugged into the public speaking circuit" telling TMZ he could command $75,000 for each speaking gig, in no small part due to the drama that surrounded his short tenure. TMZ doesn't think Scaramucci would actually dish on Trumpit notes Scaramucci's apparent loyalty and already fat bank accountbut it says he could cash in if he wanted to, especially if he were willing to play the part of "sacrificial lamb." Meanwhile, Vicky Ward of HuffPost spoke with Scaramucci on Tuesday, and he told her "most" of what he said in his infamous call to New Yorker reporter Ryan Lizza "was humorous and joking." He also says Lizza threw him under the bustheir families have been friends for more than 50 years, he claimsand that "legally, [the interview] may have been on the record, but the spirit of it was off. And [Lizza] knew that." (Lizza, for his part, tells Ward: "We are not and have never been 'old family friends,' though I think our fathers knew each other.") Scaramucci also revealed his next steps: He's going to "go dark," then "re-emergeas me." Ward also chatted with Trump surrogate Roger Stone, who told her Trump's administration is "like the French Revolution. You never know who will be beheaded next." (Scaramucci talks about his marital woes and his last hours in the White House here.) Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Fort Hood issued on Wednesday, August 2 a presolicitation notice regarding a potential firm fixed-price contract covering repairs to 14 bridges in Fort Hood, Texas. According to the presolicitation notice, the Army intends to award the contract to a contractor with HUBZone certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the contractor who receives the contract must provide all plant, supervision, labor, materials, equipment, supplies, and transportation necessary to complete this scope of work. The applicable NAICS Code is 237310, with a size standard $36.5 Million, and the Army anticipates the magnitude of the procurement at between $1 million and $5 million. According to the presolicitation notice, the Army will release an official solicitation on August 24, and include in this solicitation the response due date. Once the Army awards the contract, the contractor has 210 days to complete the work. For more information, e-mail Contract Specialist David Hester at david.l.hester6.civ@mail.mil. The contractor who receives this contract must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) database and have as part of the Registration all current Representations and Certifications. US Federal Contractor Registration, the worlds largest third-party government registration firm, and a firm that not only helps companies survive but also thrive, completes the required Registrations on behalf of its clients. It also makes available information about opportunities like this, as well as training on how to locate, research, and respond to opportunities. We also make available for our clients and for contracting officers our proprietary Advanced Federal Procurement Data Search (AFPDS). Our Advanced Federal Procurement Data Search (AFPDS) gives you in one place instant bid notifications, bid proposal prospecting, and information about government procurement officers. We make this search tool available to clients, as part of our commitment to helping each and every USFCR client succeed and thrive as a government contractor. For contracting officers, the AFPDS gives them in one place access to a database of available contractors and also a place to post information about opportunities. Contracting officers get free access to AFPDS. We also provide interested contracting officers a list of contractors who may be able to provide a service and/or product that they need. For more information, to get started with a SAM registration, to learn more about how US Federal Contractor Registration can help your business succeed, to find out how we can help you complete the processes necessary to become certified as one or more types of small business(es), to determine if your business qualifies for HUBZone certification, and/or to speak with our federal training specialists about how to craft a memorable proposal, call 877-252-2700, ext. 1. Last November, Kanye West canceled the remainder of his Saint Pablo Tour following odd statements about Beyonce and President Trump and a hospitalization for a "psychological breakdown," per Rolling Stone. On Tuesday, West's Very Good Touring company sued various syndicates of Lloyd's of London for $10 million, claiming the insurers are dragging their feet on paying out a "multi-million dollar claim" taken out in the event West may have to cancel shows, reports People. West filed a loss claim with the insurers two days after his hospitalization, but the lawsuit states that since then, the insurers haven't provided "anything approaching a coherent explanation" for why they haven't paid the claimor, in fact, offered any guarantees they ever will, the Hollywood Reporter reports. West's personal doctor offered a sworn statement to the insurers that West suffered a "debilitating medical condition" that prevented him from touring, and the lawsuit claims that diagnosis was backed up by another doctor handpicked by the insurers. Regardless of the doctors' statements, insurers are hunting "for some contrived excuse not to pay" West, including his marijuana use, according to the lawsuit, which also alleges the insurers leaked "privileged, private, and personal information" about West to the media. The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and breach of good faith and fair dealing. "Lloyd's companies enjoy collecting bounteous premiums; they don't enjoy paying claims, no matter how legitimate," the suit notes. (Read more Kanye West stories.) Either President Trump is about to get tough on China over trade or the White House wants Beijing to think he's about to get tough on trade. The White House is putting the word out that the president thinks China is ripping off American businesses and aims to take legal action to protect intellectual property rights, with outlets including the New York Times, Politico, and Axios quoting sources to that effect. The gist of the stories is that Trump has been holding back on such a move because he's been seeking China's help on reining in North Korea. But with little progress on that front, Trump is ready to act, perhaps as early as this week. Specifically, he would direct US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to open an investigation against Beijing under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, per Politico. As the Times notes, this would come as China has unveiled ambitious plans to be a world leader in fields such as driverless cars, artificial intelligence, and robotics by 2025. China also has been pressuring US companies to cut licensing fees, share technology, and set up Chinese outposts if they want to do business there. Long before he became president, Trump had been criticizing China for dealing unfairly with US companies, notes Axios. In fact, he "has been more rhetorically consistent on this issue than on any other he's talked about in his decades in the public eye," writes Jonathan Swan. The upshot could be stiff tariffs on Chinese products and an escalation of tensions between the two nations. One big question still unanswered is whether the US would act on its own or go through the World Trade Organization, reports the Wall Street Journal. (Read more President Trump stories.) German prosecutors say they consider a 96-year-old former Auschwitz death camp guard who was convicted as an accessory to murder fit to go to prison, the AP reports. Oskar Groening was convicted in July 2015 of being an accessory to the murder of 300,000 Jews and sentenced to four years in prison. In November, a federal court rejected his appeal. Groening has remained free pending the appeal and a decision on his fitness for prison. On Wednesday, Kathrin Soefker, a spokesperson for prosecutors in Hannover, told news agency dpa they have rejected a defense application for a reprieve on serving the sentence. She said a doctor considers Groening fit to go to prison so long as there's appropriate medical care. There's been no formal summons yet for him to start serving his sentence. (Read more Auschwitz stories.) Poland is looking into demanding reparations from Germany for the massive losses inflicted on Poland during World War II. Arkadiusz Mularczyk, a lawmaker with the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS), said Wednesday the Polish Parliament's research office is preparing an analysis of whether to make the claim and will have it ready by August 11. Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said a day earlier that Germans should now "try and pay back the terrible debt they owe to the Polish people," reports the AP. World War II, which began with the German invasion of Poland in 1939, killed nearly 6 million Polish citizens and wrought huge material loss on the country, including the near destruction of Warsaw. Radio Poland quotes Macierewicz as saying, "There is no doubt that the first months [of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising] ... were genocidal in character. This was not part of a battle against insurgents; people were simply murdered ... house by ... house, apartment after apartment." The Local reports PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski similarly suggested the idea of reparations in a Thursday radio interview while also swiping at the Museum of the Second World War, which NPR reports was commissioned by EU head Donald Tusk and opened in Poland in March; it's been criticized by PiS as not focusing enough on how the country resisted the Nazis. For a primer on what Germany has paid in reparations, see this 2015 CNBC report. (Read more World War II stories.) The NAACP has issued a travel advisory for a US state, a first in the civil rights group's history. The Missouri NAACP first circulated the advisory against travel to the state in June, and the national organization has now voted to adopt it, McClatchy reports. The advisory comes after racist incidents including racial slurs against black students at the University of Missouri and painted on a barbershop's windows, as well as the death of Tory Sanders, a Tennessee man who ended up in Missouri when he made a wrong turn on a road trip, ran out of gas, and ultimately ended up dying in a jail cell in the state. There have also been other incidents of harm to and discrimination against minorities in the state, plus racial disparities in traffic enforcements. But the final straw was legislation passed in Missouri recently that makes it harder to sue for housing or employment discrimination. That law takes effect Aug. 28, and NAACP leaders are urging people to file discrimination complaints before then. Especially disturbing to Rod Chapel, president of the Missouri NAACP, is that the University of Missouri system supported an earlier version of the legislationwhich, in an interview with CBS News, he calls "the Jim Crow bill." It requires alleged victims of discrimination to prove discrimination was a "motivating," rather than just a "contributing" factor. Plus, "you have violations of civil rights that are happening to people. They're being pulled over because of their skin color, they're being beaten up or killed," Chapel tells McClatchy. "We are hearing complaints at a rate we haven't heard before." Other issues include 100 hate crimes reported in 2015 and an attorney general's report that shows black drivers in the state are 75% more likely to be pulled over than white drivers. (Read more NAACP stories.) The newest leader of New Zealand's Labour Party says it's "totally unacceptable" for women to be grilled in the workplace over whether or not they plan to have children after she faced similar questioning during multiple interviews in her first two days on the job. The BBC reports 37-year-old Jacinda Ardern was elected leader of the Labour Party on Tuesday, becoming the second woman and youngest person to hold the position. Ardern has in the past talked about how she has to think hard about career choices because of her desire to have children. She addressed the issue again during an interview Tuesday and didn't seem fazed by it, but during a second interview Wednesday she fought back against such questioning. "If you are the employer of a company you need to know that type of thing from the woman," The AM Show host Mark Richardson said during that interview, adding it's a "legitimate question" for Ardern if she plans on becoming prime minister, the New York Times reports. "It is totally unacceptable in 2017 to say that women should have to answer that question in the workplace," Ardern responded, pointing out that discriminating against potential hires based on pregnancy or plans to become pregnant has been illegal in New Zealand for decades. "It is a woman's decision about when they choose to have children," CNN quotes Ardern as saying. "It should not predetermine whether they should have a job." Richardson's questioning drew scorn from around New Zealand, with both current and past prime ministers condemning it and speaking up for Ardern's right to privacy. (Read more New Zealand stories.) You may not know her name, but you know plenty of names because of her. Judith Jones, a consummate literary editor who helped revolutionize American cuisine by publishing Julia Child, has died at age 93. Jones, who spent more than 50 years at Alfred A. Knopf before retiring in 2011, died early Wednesday at her summer home in Walden, Vt., of complications from Alzheimer's. Few better embodied and lived out the ideal of a life in New York publishing than the slender, refined Jones, whom author Anne Tyler once praised, both as a person and as an editor, as "very delicate and graceful, almost weightless." Jones' most famous discovery was Child, a middle-aged American chef in the early '60s who, like Jones, had returned to the States after living for years in Paris, reports the AP. Child and co-authors Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle were seeking a publisher for a cookbook (later titled by Jones Mastering the Art of French Cooking) that had been rejected by Houghton Mifflin. As recounted in her memoir, Jones was soon convinced that "this was the book [I'd] been looking for" and thought Child's recipe for "boeuf bourguignon" worthy of the best dishes in Paris. Another achievement was finding a masterpiece amid the rejects: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. "One day my boss said, 'Oh, will you get rid of these books and write some letters?' He went off to have some lunch with some French publishers," she explained in 2001. "I curled up with one or two books. I was just curious. I think it was the face on the cover. I was in tears when my boss came back. I said, 'This book is going to New York and has got to be published.' And he said, 'What? That book by that kid?!'" (Read more obituary stories.) Gunman attacks on Shi'ite mosque in western Afghanistan, kills 29 Kabul : A suicide attack on a mosque in the Afghan city of Herat has left at least 29 people dead and 63 others wounded, said an official. Jailani Farha, a spokesman for the Herat provincial governor said an attacker on Tuesday shot at the worshippers before entering the mosque and detonating explosives, Efe news reported. Hospitals in the city received 29 bodies and 63 injured survivors, a dozen of them in critical condition, Rafiq Shirzai, a provincial health department spokesman said. He said that authorities were still working to determine how many people took part in the attack, which took place when as worshippers were leaving after the evening prayer. Attacks on the minority Shia community are common in Afghanistan. Six people were killed and eight injured in June when an Islamic State suicide bomber struck a Shia mosque in Kabul during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A record 1,662 Afghan civilians died in political and sectarian violence in the first six months of this year, according to a UN figure. Pakistan and India have concluded the much-delayed water talks Washington : Pakistan and India have concluded the much-delayed water talks here "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation", raising hopes of avoiding further tensions over an issue with far-reaching consequences. "The Secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues on the Indus Waters Treaty took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation," the World Bank said in a statement. "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington," it added. In March, India and Pakistan held the annual Indus Waters Treaty talks in Lahore after a gap of two years. The Commission, which is mandated to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan, comprises Indus Commissioners from both sides and discusses technical matters related to the implementation of the treaty. The Secretary of Water and Power, Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, led the Pakistani delegation at the two-day talks which ended on Tuesday at the World Bank headquarters. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Amarjit Singh, headed the Indian delegation. The Indian team also included representatives from the External Affairs Ministry. Pakistan has been protesting over the design and construction of two projects - the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project and the 850 MW Rattle hydroelectric project - on the tributaries of the Indus in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 and involves six rivers: the Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty gave the right to use waters of the first three rivers to India and of the other three rivers to Pakistan. India has said it has the right under the treaty to set up hydro power plants on the tributaries of the rivers flowing through its territory. Pakistan fears this might reduce the water flow of the rivers into its territory. The treaty came close to being jeopardized following the cross-border terror attack on September 18 last year on an Indian Army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that left 19 Indian soldiers dead. Blaming the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack, New Delhi said it would consider revisiting the Indus Waters Treaty, which has withstood three wars and is seen as one of the most successful international agreements. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi takes over as Pakistan's 18th Prime Minister Islamabad : PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday took oath as the 18th Prime Minister of Pakistan, after he swept the National Assembly election with a majority vote, five days after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court. President Mamnoon Hussain administered oath to Abbasi, who secured 221 of 339 votes in the National Assembly. After winning the election, Abbasi said though he was the interim Prime Minister, he was not there just to "keep the seat warm". Abbasi took oath of his office at a solemn ceremony, which had the armed forces chiefs, governors, members of the parliament, and prominent political and social figures in presence. The ruling PML-N head Nawaz Sharif, his brother and Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif and Chaudhry Nisar did not attend the ceremony. Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa attended the oath-taking ceremony, where he also interacted with guests. Asked by a journalist as to how does he see the democratic process, the army chief replied: "Democracy is progressing; it is a good thing," Geo News reported. In the National Assembly election, PPP's Syed Naveed Qamar secured 47 votes, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid received 33 votes, and four MNAs voted for Jamaat-i-Islami's Sahibzada Tariqullah. An NA session to elect a new Prime Minister had been called by President Hussain following a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the Panama Papers case on Friday, in which Nawaz Sharif was disqualified as PM after being deemed unfit to hold office. Following the SC verdict, the PML-N had agreed upon Abbasi, former Petroleum Minister, as its candidate for Prime Minister for the interim period till a 'permanent' replacement is elected. Abbasi has to eventually give way to Shahbaz Sharif, who is likely to compete for the National Assembly seat lying vacant following the ouster of his elder brother and then stand for the chief executive's office. Following the announcement of Abbasi's victory by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PML-N benches in the Lower House erupted with loud sloganeering in favour of Nawaz Sharif. Addressing the lower house after his victory was announced, Abbasi expressed his gratitude to everyone for the victory. "I am also grateful to the opposition and Imran Khan for remembering us in their daily slandering," he jibed. Moving on, Abbasi termed the Supreme Court's verdict on the Panamagate case "unprecedented", saying that although the party was blind-sided by the judgement, "we accepted it as it was". "We did not challenge the courts, there was no division in our ranks. The party stands as it was. No one wanted to joust for power - whoever the Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) named was supported unanimously," he said, rebuffing rumours of cracks in the party's ranks following the verdict, Dawn reported. "Everybody wants the (prime minister's) chair. Tell me, who in this house doesn't? It is to the PML-N's credit that all party members rallied unanimously behind whoever was nominated by our leader. "Within four days, the democratic process is back on track. There were no defections. There was no dissension in our ranks. "Justice mandates that though a 1,000 guilty people may go free, not even one innocent person should be wrongfully convicted. I will not go into details of Friday's decision - I only want to say that there will soon be another court - one held by the people. There will be no JIT there," he said, referring to the upcoming general elections in 2018. "I am sure that the real prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, will return to this seat." However, he said that: "I am the country's prime minister - bet it for 45 days or 45 hours - and am not here just to keep the seat warm." "If I am here for 45 days, I will try to complete the amount of the work that requires 45 months," he vowed. Continuing, the prime minister-elect urged that the Constitution be respected. "Politics, which has come to be seen as a disreputable profession, will be made respectable again." "Be it the government, bureaucracy, opposition or the army - we are in the same boat, and a hole in this boat will sink everyone," he cautioned. "We will continue taking difficult decisions," Abbasi said as he promised to take action against "private militias" providing security to citizens. The premier, carrying forward Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N's promises, vowed to eliminate loadshedding by November this year as he highlighted various infrastructure and development projects initiated by his party's government as examples of its commitment to the country's growth. "In Pakistan's history, power projects with the capacity to generate 17,000 mega watts were set up before our government. We have added 10,000MW," he said. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DubbelSpace (dubbelspace.com)which launched in July in the Los Angeles markethas gone national! DubbelSpace is the latest hyper-focused leasing platform that connects businesses with extra workspace to start-ups/entrepreneurs needing spaceremoving intimidating barriers of the leasing world. DubbelSpace focuses mainly on creating co-working or shared workspace, flexible workspace, event space, subleases and the connections those leases can bring. Think small businesses, entrepreneurs, traveling professionals, start-ups, collaborative companies, art shows, and pop-up events. Here is how it works: Landlords or business owners already operating within a space list on DubbelSpace available square footage, be it a desk, a private office, even 400 square feet within in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse. DubbleSpaces approachable interface then allows prospective tenants to search the database for location, use, and size. It is ideal for tenants who need space without the usual limits of a traditional lease. The main idea for DubbelSpace is to put any extra space to work, said Scott Bushaw, CEO of DubbelSpace. Doubling the use of an existing space can open a world of creative possibilities for both sides of that equation, meaning current owners and new users, while creating greater efficiency and reducing overhead and expenses. We are particularly seeing a lot of potential in manufacturing locally-produced goods. DubbelSpace specializes in all property types. Below are suggested categories with examples of uses: Office Short-/medium-term sublease space; desk space in collaborative office. Retail Pop up store in existing retail space; floor and shelf space for new product. Industrial Manufacturing/industrial/business storage - inventory goods; industrial lots for special and seasonal events. Commercial land farming, solar arrays, battery backup utilities. Service industry Foodservice (catering headquarters, kitchens, test kitchens); beauty industry (chairs and other available space for events). Restaurant Pop up restaurant space; complementary products or food stalls within restaurant or food retail store. Creative space Space available for specialty uses, such as dark room for photography; artists studio; filming locations. Event/entertainment space Weddings, parties, company retreats and workshops, educational events and seminars; fitness classes. DubbelSpace also connects start-ups with other like-minded professionals, creating the start of what could be a collaboration to sign a lease in the perfect location, a symbiotic relationship for both companies and reducing start-up costs right from the get-go. 'Dubbel' is the Swedish word for double or dual, and 'Space' takes on the meaning of any workspace. That is how DubbelSpace got its name, said Bushaw. Its origins come from the fact that companies, entrepreneurs and the technology of today allow our world to do so much more with less space. About DubbelSpace DubbelSpace is a new approach to creating and managing co-working space. It allows businesses/owners to list any underutilized space for leaseeven within an existing businesscreating a new revenue stream for the landlord, while procuring a space that a startup, freelancer or creative could put to great use. DubbelSpace also facilitates connections between symbiotic businesses and entrepreneurs that are either starting out or that can generate great products and ideas together. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Free Product Samples Amaze Ontario Retailers, Offices, Hospitals, Property Managers Electricians Increase Profits Due to Easier Retrofit Installations BELLEVILLE, Ontario, Aug. 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Businesses with outdated lighting systems are discovering that the Aladdin LED from Lumeneering Innovations magically transforms existing light fixtures into high-efficiency Light-Emitting Diode (LED) systems with enhanced quality of light with lower energy and maintenance costs. Quinte Health Care Belleville and others are deploying the product, and A & E Ceramic Tile & Marble in Belleville, Ontario is the latest business to transform its entire lighting system to Aladdin LED panels. A&E is a family tiling business that has been committed to quality and service since Elvis Leonarduzzis father, Armando, started tiling decades ago. Elvis recently retrofitted 23 fixtures from 131-watt fluorescent lamps to 34-watt LEDs in his tile showroom. The upgrade earned a Veridian utility rebate of over $800 and the system includes an industry-leading five-year product warranty which means a maintenance-free system. Aladdin LED panels deliver up to 4,300 lumens using 50-70% less energy than traditional fluorescents with a guaranteed life of over 50,000 hours. Best of all, the panels can be installed by one person in less than 5 minutes by simply wiring to the existing ballast inputs which is simpler than replacing the existing ballast and lamp. The panels are available in 2x2 or 2x4 modular formats and may be installed in any combination to meet your specific lighting upgrade requirements. he panels qualify for all electric utility rebate programs to reduce the upfront investment resulting in faster payback periods. Lumeneering Innovations is so sure that the Aladdin LED will amaze you that they are offering a limited number of free samples to qualified businesses. To request a free sample along with the location of a supplier near you, or to become a distributor, visit www.aladdinled.com. Aladdin LED lighting upgrade products from Lumeneering Innovations are available for purchase from Robertson Electric locations throughout Canada. Distribution areas in the United States will be announced soon. Product photos and details as well as an installation video and customer testimonials are online at www.aladdinled.com. Lumeneering Innovations (LI) is a leading supplier of Intelligent Lighting Solutions to upgrade existing lighting systems with new high-efficiency Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems. LI operates two company divisions: a manufacturer focused on the Aladdin LED lighting upgrade product line and a turnkey system provider focused on upgrades for commercial and community buildings across North America. Learn more at www.lumeneeringinnovations.com. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Koena Mitra lodges complaint with the Mumbai Police after she was offered money for night out. The actor has lodged a complaint with the Oshiwara Police station. According to a Mid Day report Mitra was regularly getting calls from a stranger for a night out. The unknown caller kept calling the actor despite being rebuffed. The report further read that the Bollywood actor reportedly got calls from 40-50 different numbers over the last one week and when she received a call on Saturday evening the caller offered her money for night out and even abused her. Also Read: Alia Bhatt's 'Raazi' gets a May 2018 release Also Read|'Haseena Parkar': Shraddha Kapoor's gangster drama get postponed again, here's why A police official said, A complaint has been lodged under the IPC section 509 act intended to insult modesty of a woman. The Mitra in an interview to India.com said, From July 24, I started getting calls from random numbers. Maximum calls were from Mumbai numbers. She further added, I usually do not receive calls from unknown numbers, but when I answered he started talking nonsense and filth. I was literally frozen on receiving the calls. The tabloid also reported that Koena approached the police after the caller did not stop calling her even after a warning. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Delhi Court on Wednesday has directed CBI to carry out lie-detector test on arms dealer Abhishek Verma, a witness in a case related to 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Earlier on July 6 Verma had told a Delhi court that he was willing to take the polygraph test on the condition that he was provided proper security cover and requested for two Protective Service Officers (PSOs) and guards outside his home round the clock, The 1984 anti-Sikh riots witness had claimed that he faces threat from Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, a suspect in the case. Verma had informed the court that Tytler had Z-plus security and he was being provided security only on the days of court hearing. The Delhi court then had directed Verma to file in writing the request for security protection. The Delhi court had asked Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma to appear in person or file an affidavit stating if the duo wanted to undergo a lie detector test or not. Tytler had refused to go through the test. The CBI in February had sought the courts permission for lie-detector tests on Tytler and Verma. The Congress leader is accused of leading a mob in the 1984 Pul Bangash case in which three Sikhs were killed. Tytler was given clean chit by the CBI in the case but was reopened the case in December 2015 after Vermas allegation. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Seventy-five missing Indian defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, are believed to be in Pakistans custody, the Lok Sabha was informed in written reply by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh on Wednesday. The Minsiter State for External Affairs also informed the Lok Sabha that the presence of the missing Indians has not been acknowledged by Pakistan. The missing 54 prisoners of war are soldiers and officers of the Indian Armed forces given the status of missing in action after 1971 Indo-Pak war by the government. According to government records 29 soldiers are from the Indian Army and 35 personnel are from the Indian Air Force. Singh to a different question informed the Lok Sabha that total of 417 fishermen are in Pakistans custody while 15 fishermen in Sri Lankas custody. Singh in the written reply said that in the case of Pakistan, consular access is awaited and information about the states they belong from in not available. While in case of Sri Lanka all fishermen in their captivity are believed to be from Tamil Nadi and Union Territory of Puducherry. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: China has conveyed its firm stand to India to take concrete actions by immediately pulling back troops from Dokalam in Sikkim section with no strings attached to resolve the more than one month long standoff between the two countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry the officials of the two countries exchanged views on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval "at his request and in accordance with the practice", the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect China's territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to "obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area". "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops' crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A fire broke out at former Delhi Chief minister and Congress leader Sheila Dixit's home in Nizamuddin in Delhi on Wednesday. Two fire tenders are on the spot. According to fire control room officials, the fire started in the electricity metre board in the basement of the house. aWe got a call at around 9:30 am about a fire. We sent two fire tenders to the spot. The electricity metre board had caught fire,a said a fire official. The official said that the fire was minor and put off without incident. Sheila Dixit served as the Chief Minister of Delhi from 1998 to 2013. She is also the former Governor of Kerala. Delhi: Fire broke at residence of former Delhi CM Sheila Dixit in Nizamuddin; two fire tenders on the spot For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Top Lashkar-i-Toiba commander Abu Dujana was killed on Tuesday along with his associate in an encounter with government forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. Dujana, a category A+++ terrorist, had in the past successfully managed to escape security forces 20 times after being trapped. But his weakness for women has finally scripted his end. According to reports, Dujana was involved with more than one women in Pulwama only. One was his wife and the other is said to be his girlfriend. Of late, Dujana was not very active and another Lashkar operative Abu Ismail has taken his place. He was more involved in women, a leading news portal quoted a security official as saying. Dujana joined LeT at the age of 17 and was made assistant of Abu Qasim, who killed by forces in 2015. A resident of Gilgit Baltistan, Dujana had sneaked into the Valley around six years ago. Initially, police officials said that he remained active in north Kashmir before permanently shifting his base to south Kashmir. Security officials often describe him as a brainy militant who was a master in breaking the security cordon. After the killing of Dujana, the focus will be now shifted to the new Lashkar commander, Abu Ismail who was named by police in the Amarnath yatra attack and Abu Qasims brother Abdul Rehman. However, after the killing of Dujana, the situation has worsened and street protests are back in the valley. Thousands of Kashmir residents hit the streets and started pelting stones on security forces. Meanwhile, one more person who was injured during the encounter of Dujana succumbed to injuries taking the civilian death toll to two. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Pushpa Mitra Bhargava, one of the eminent scientists that India has ever seen, died on Tuesday. He will be remembered for his remarkable contribution to the field of science and for introducing modern biotechnology in India. He died at the age of 89, leaving behind a very strong legacy. He was suffering from various health issues and breathed his last at around 6pm. He is now survived by a a daughter and a son. Bhargava played a key role in establishing Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad in 1977. He continued to head the centre till 1990 and it was his numerous efforts that paved way for an institution for basic biology. The Ajmer born scientist completed his masters in organic chemistry from Queens College, Varanasi and Ph.D in synthetic chemistry from Lucknow University. He was awarded with several international and national awards. Many don't know, but the very same person blocked the production of genetically modified food crop in our country. Bhargava was never afraid to take strong decisions, whether it was opposing the Kudankulam nuclear power project or returning 'Padma Bhushan' which he received in 1986. He returned India's third highest civilian award as a mark of protest and concern against the intolerant climate that was prevailing in the country. The scientist never backed out from taking the authority and went on to file a petition in the Supreme Court of India when Murli Manohar Joshi tried to introduce astrology in our universities. He even didn't shy away from opposing the Indira Gandhi led government in his essay, 'A Statement on Scientific Temper. Bhargava dared to do what others couldn't. He had strong words for the scientific community and didn't hesitate to question why it was bowing down before the people who had power in hand. He was unabashed in his opinion and even gave a case for banning the Science Congress and renaming it as Anti-Science Congress. Being a logical person, he was completely against the superstitions and orthodox practices that are prevalent in various parts of the country. Bhargava truly believed that as a scientist he should always promote scientific temper in the country. He was actually worried about the emergence of miracle makers and god-men and their influence on the people of India. He was also the vice-chairman of National Knowledge Commission and a member of National Security Advisory Board. Despite that fact that he was wheelchair bound for the remaining ten years of his life, he never backed down from a fight. If GM Brinjal was not approved for cultivation, then he is the one who can be credited for the same. It is his scientific evidence which is actually helping the activists to stage a protest against GM Mustard. He wanted to protect the interests of the farmers as he believed that the American seed company, Monsanto was only interested in profit-making and would exploit the poor farmers. All said and done, Bhargava was truly an institution in himself and a pioneer who believed in a change. Research and controversy both were present in every sphere of his life. Indeed, people like him are not born everyday. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank has said. The World Banks comments came as officials from India Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the IWT. Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir, the global lender said in a fact sheet issued Tuesday. Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the Western Rivers to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty, the Bank said in its fact sheet. It noted that the talks on the technical issues of the IWT took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington DC, it said in a separate statement. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were technical ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Banks role in relation to differences and disputes is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. Earlier, in a letter dated July 25, the World Bank had assured Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward. The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. The international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes for appointing a neutral expert and establishing of a court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The talks between the two nations over the treaty come amid tensions between them after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based terror groups. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A 43-year-old Connecticut woman used a stolen identity to obtain a $6,000/month one-bedroom apartment in SoHo, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office. According to a criminal complaint from the DA's office, in June, one Janet Lee of Greenwich reached out to a real estate broker with Bond New York Realty Company to inquire about an apartment at 480 West Broadway; but when she contacted the realtor, she used someone else's name, and set up an appointment under that alias to view the apartment. On June 21, Lee allegedly filled out an rental application for the $6,050-per-month apartment using a false name, TD Bank account number, date of birth, social security number, tax return, wage statements, and other identifying and financial information. She also gave the realtor a Florida state driver's license with her photo but with someone else's name, according to the complaint, and later allegedly signed the lease agreement using the fake name. An investigator with the NYPD, Detective Michael McFadden, told prosecutors he knew the driver's license was forged "based on my training and experience, because the overall quality is inferior to that of a genuine driver's license, and because where it should say 'The Sunshine State' it actually says 'The Sunsfuine State.'" According to the complaint, Lee's 19-year-old stepdaughter, Summer Evans, is also embroiled in the scamEvans was allegedly listed as Lee's emergency contact, and the real estate company received money orders in Evans' name. McFadden told prosecutors he also found a forged driver's license and TD Bank card in Evans' possession, and that Evans admitted both cards were fake. Lee has been charged with identity theft, forgery, and criminal possession of a forged instrument. "New York is one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said in a statement. "Unfortunately, hot properties can attract scammers seeking to take advantage of any openings, which is why brokers, buyers, and renters alike should remain wary of potential fraud." Lee's attorney did not immediately respond to request for comment, but we will update when we hear back. The rainy season appears to be over in the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions in central and northeastern Japan, the weather agency said Wednesday, declaring an end to the early summer wet season throughout the Japanese archipelago. The rainy spell started around June 21 in both regions. Japan's rainy season usually begins in May in the southern island prefecture of Okinawa, before moving up to northeastern areas except for Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Tokyo palace grounds to open for fall foliage viewing after 3-year hiatus NHK - Nov 12 Japan's Imperial Household Agency has announced that an avenue inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo will be reopened to the public for autumn foliage viewing after a three-year hiatus. Japan's Imperial Household Agency has announced that an avenue inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo will be reopened to the public for autumn foliage viewing after a three-year hiatus. Autumn foliage colors in their prime at Saimyoji Temple in Kyoto NHK - Nov 11 Autumn foliage colors are in their prime at a temple in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto. Autumn foliage colors are in their prime at a temple in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto. Japan's Buddhist temples open 'shukubo' doors to tourists taiwannews.com.tw - Nov 09 For centuries, holy men, pilgrims and nobles journeyed the sacred paths that crossed Japan in search of knowledge and enlightenment. At the end of a long day tramping the mountain paths, they invariably sought out an "otera," or temple, to rest their weary bodies. For centuries, holy men, pilgrims and nobles journeyed the sacred paths that crossed Japan in search of knowledge and enlightenment. At the end of a long day tramping the mountain paths, they invariably sought out an "otera," or temple, to rest their weary bodies. Narita Airport to Tokyo | Comparing Skyliner and Narita Express Solo Travel Japan - Nov 07 I'm going to take Skyliner and Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo and compare what kind of advantages they have. I'm going to take Skyliner and Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo and compare what kind of advantages they have. Japan festival featuring superstar Kimura draws huge crowd, security tight Kyodo - Nov 07 Local authorities in the central Japanese city of Gifu were on maximum alert Sunday as 460,000 people, more than the city's population, flocked to a festival to catch a glimpse of a superstar dressed as a warlord astride a horse. Local authorities in the central Japanese city of Gifu were on maximum alert Sunday as 460,000 people, more than the city's population, flocked to a festival to catch a glimpse of a superstar dressed as a warlord astride a horse. Fireworks competition returns to Tsuchiura NHK - Nov 07 A fireworks competition returned to the city of Tsuchiura, north of Tokyo, for the first time in three years, with 20,000 fireworks lighting up the sky. A fireworks competition returned to the city of Tsuchiura, north of Tokyo, for the first time in three years, with 20,000 fireworks lighting up the sky. My First Japanese Onsen Experience Gabriel Traveler - Nov 06 Exploring the peaceful hot spring town of Zao Onsen in northern Japan and talking about my first time going to a Japanese onsen (hot spring). Exploring the peaceful hot spring town of Zao Onsen in northern Japan and talking about my first time going to a Japanese onsen (hot spring). Japan resumes international passenger shipping plenglish.com - Nov 05 The departure of the first ferry from the Fukuoka prefecture, Japan, to Busan, South Korea, marked the resumption of Japans international maritime passenger transportation, suspended in 2020 as a preventive measure against Covid-19, local sources reported. The departure of the first ferry from the Fukuoka prefecture, Japan, to Busan, South Korea, marked the resumption of Japans international maritime passenger transportation, suspended in 2020 as a preventive measure against Covid-19, local sources reported. Japan's long-awaited Ghibli Park is now open CNN - Nov 02 Fans of Studio Ghibli have yet another reason to travel to Japan. A new theme park dedicated to the popular animation company's productions is finally open in Aichi prefecture, less than an hour from Kyoto by train. Fans of Studio Ghibli have yet another reason to travel to Japan. A new theme park dedicated to the popular animation company's productions is finally open in Aichi prefecture, less than an hour from Kyoto by train. Adventure Cats Travel Across Japan in Backpacks | Cuddle Cats Cuddle Buddies - Nov 01 Fuku-Chan and Daikichi are two rescue cats who were found in a park. Fuku-Chan is blind, but they love going on adventures with their parents. Fuku-Chan and Daikichi are two rescue cats who were found in a park. Fuku-Chan is blind, but they love going on adventures with their parents. Japans iconic Itsukushima Shrine returns to its glory after renovation The Nation - Nov 01 The familiar sight of the iconic vermilion Otorii gate at Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, has returned after three years of renovation nears completion. The familiar sight of the iconic vermilion Otorii gate at Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, has returned after three years of renovation nears completion. SHINJUKU | Tokyo's Nightlife Scene & Red Light District Gabriel Traveler - Oct 31 Walking around the interesting Shinjuku area, the center of the nightlife scene in Tokyo, Japan. Walking around the interesting Shinjuku area, the center of the nightlife scene in Tokyo, Japan. Celebrations relatively restrained as Halloween returns to Tokyo Japan Times - Oct 31 The streets were full and the pubs and clubs packed Saturday night as central Tokyo welcomed Halloween revelers back in large numbers but the celebrations remained muted in comparison to the pre-pandemic years, with memories of a costumed assailants 2021 stabbing spree still fresh. The streets were full and the pubs and clubs packed Saturday night as central Tokyo welcomed Halloween revelers back in large numbers but the celebrations remained muted in comparison to the pre-pandemic years, with memories of a costumed assailants 2021 stabbing spree still fresh. Hong Kongers flock to Japan for 'revenge travel' Nikkei - Oct 31 Japan has again become a popular travel destination among Hong Kongers after the government on Oct. 11 eased its COVID-related travel curbs and started accepting independent tourism, while Hong Kong also has scrapped its hotel quarantines for those arriving. Japan has again become a popular travel destination among Hong Kongers after the government on Oct. 11 eased its COVID-related travel curbs and started accepting independent tourism, while Hong Kong also has scrapped its hotel quarantines for those arriving. Amazing Quest: Stories from Japan Free Documentary - Oct 31 Japan is a land of extremes. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, this archipelago still bears the scars of a tumultuous birth. This living, volcanic land thrust up from the ocean depths. Its tormented Nature brought forth masterpieces and has swallowed up numerous enigmas. Japan is a land of extremes. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, this archipelago still bears the scars of a tumultuous birth. This living, volcanic land thrust up from the ocean depths. Its tormented Nature brought forth masterpieces and has swallowed up numerous enigmas. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today North Koreas nuclear missiles can now reach Los Angeles, Seattle and Denver After eight years of timidity and weak leadership on the global stage, America finally has a commander-in-chief that is embracing the notion of peace through strength, and not a moment too soon. Gangs and violent drug lords are currently residing on U.S. soil due to the lax immigration laws of the previous administration. China is on the move in the South China Sea, aggressively occupying territory and building military bases on various islands. Iran is pursuing the development of a nuclear weapon no thanks to the disastrous nuclear deal negotiated by Barack Obama and former Secretary of State John Kerry. North Korea is also becoming an increasingly serious threat as they continue to test intercontinental ballistic missiles, which may one day be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Indeed, if North Korea one day gains the ability to strike the United States with a nuke, millions of lives will be at risk. (RELATED: North Korea already has the capability to strike the U.S. with an EMP weapon) Just days ago, President Donald Trump issued a statement condemning yet another missile test from the North Koreans. North Koreas test launch today of another intercontinental ballistic missile the second such test in less than a month is only the latest reckless and dangerous action by the North Korean regime, reads the statement, which was officially issued on July 28. The United States condemns this test and rejects the regimes claim that these tests and these weapons ensure North Koreas security. In reality, they have the opposite effect. The White House Statement concluded that The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region. Of course, this isnt the first time North Korea has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, nor is it the first time President Trump has responded in such an aggressive and threatening manner. However, there was something different about this particular test that makes it especially serious and significant. According to the Pentagon, the latest ICBM tested by the North Koreans reached an altitude of 2,300 miles and had a flight time of 47 minutes. Based on this information, it is likely that this missile would have been able to reach a number of heavily populated U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, and potentially New York and Boston. Kim Jong-Un and the North Korean government are now a serious threat to Americas national security, and millions of innocent lives are in jeopardy. A nuclear strike in a city such as Los Angeles or Chicago would result in countless fatalities, and would inevitably drag America into a war with not only North Korea but its allies as well. Even if the United States emerged victorious, it would still take years, if not decades, to reorganize and rebuild. That is why it may be time for the United States to take precautionary measures to ensure that such a massive attack never comes our way in the first place. In response to a separate ballistic missile test back in April, conservative radio host Mark Levin argued that it is time for the United States to take out the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un. He needs to be taken out, Levin said on his radio program. This inbred is hell-bent on developing long-range ICBMs which he doesnt need. After explaining how the United States would have to be very open and honest with China about our plans to take out the North Korean leader, Levin assured his audience that hes not a neocon, and that he just wants to defend the United States. Mark Levin is absolutely correct. In order to defend the homeland and countless American lives from a potential nuclear strike, the United States is eventually going to have to deal with Kim Jong-Un. We cannot sit idly by while these tests continue because if we do, the end result could be catastrophic. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com ConservativeReview.com Submit a correction >> The "Summer Of Hell" has been marked by frequent subway delays, ongoing track work, decaying infrastructure, and Governor Cuomo repeatedly pretending he doesn't control the MTA. It's not easy commuting every day with the knowledge that every train ride could trap you in a system-wide meltdown, which is why we should all do our part to NOT make it even worse by being rude and gross space invaders. After all, for most straphangers, just getting from Point A to Point B without someone falling asleep on your shoulder or urinating on your face is an achievement. Below, as part of the ongoing We The Commuters project, we've compiled some simple subway etiquette tips to avoid being the jerk who ends up in Gothamist's inboxes. MANSPREADING/SEAT HOGGING: That could mean you're putting your bag (or a piece of gum or a banana or a salad) on the seat next to you; or stretching out across an entire bench for a little rush hour nap; or just spreading your legs extra wide (and extra obnoxiously) as to prevent someone from sitting down. Either way, cut it out. There are only so many seats on a train, and there are way too many people already trying to cram onboardno amount of pseudo-scientific research will excuse it. And fair warning: people sometimes get punched over manspreading! Farah Visslailli HYGIENE: You know that feeling you get when you're riding the train, and you suddenly have the urge to clip your nails, floss your teeth, shave your head, tweeze your nose hairs, exfoliate your dry skin, or even pop your lovers' pimples? Hopefully you haven't actually experienced that feeling, but if you haveplease control the urge! Wait until you get home to start grooming yourself instead of leaving bits of your flesh on your fellow straphangers. There's already enough dead skin on the subway as it is. (Photo via tipster) BARE FEET: Obviously no one wants to see your feet on a seat, or your bare toes wrapped around a subway pole. But why would you even want to expose your feet to all that subway detritus as well? Who wins in this scenario? SMOKING: It doesn't matter if it's cigarettes, marijuana or whatever the latest synthetic drug isyou're in a confined space on the train, and it's very rude (in addition to being totally illegal) to light up in there. And you might end up getting labelled the biggest subway jerk of the year. Save it for the open-air streets. WATCHING PORN: This is, surprisingly, more of an issue than anyone in their right mind would imagine. We know there is nothing more erotic than idling on a hot crowded subway platform with hundreds of other disgruntled New Yorkers, but just wait until you get home, where you can turn the volume way up. WEAR HEADPHONES: Whether you're listening to music on a boombox or watching a movie on your phone (how is that a satisfactory viewing experience, by the way?), headphones are your friend. The general gist is: you're in a public place with lots of other people, so be empathetic and respectful of each other. And while we're here, it's worth pointing out that you should also be aware of the loudness of your voice or the conversations you're having (and your phone's noises). Everyone can hear you, so take a moment to really consider whether or not you want to share that story about the time you vomited all over your significant other in the middle of sex. PDA: Nobody is objecting to some kissing or hand-holdingwe're talking about hardcore making out, explicit sex acts, and/or sickening love-ins. Maybe use this precious train time together to talk and stuff! SPITTING: Don't spit on the floor, forgo the sunflower seeds, and definitely don't spit on another human being. Also, keep in mind that there may be a direct correlation between subway spitters and murder suspects. (Photo by Jen Carlson/Gothamist) POLE HUGGING: Don't block other people from being able to access things, like grasping the pole so they don't do a slip 'n slide down the aisle. Don't fuse your body with the pole, and definitely put your feet on it! Can you believe New Yorkers aren't obeying these stickers? (Photo by Amy Langfield) DOOR BLOCKING: This is a nuanced one that is hard for some people to grasp, so the most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings. As with pole hugging, you don't want to block other people from accessing things, especially if they are trying to exit the train without knocking you over. (This doesn't mean you can't stand there and catch some z's while the train is in motion, but it does mean you better get out of the way once those doors open.) The new subway arrow maps may be more fitting for a kindergarten classroom, but that doesn't mean they don't have the right idea. (Andrew Tess) DON'T LITTER: Don't leave garbage or food or dead crabs or insects behind. Definitely don't leave used (or even unused) condoms behind. If you absolutely must engage in some sort of performance art piece, make sure you pick up the dead flowers which represent gentrification or your mother's womb or whatever. (via Reddit) EATING: This is almost certainly the most hotly debated and controversial subject. After all, eating a sandwich probably wouldn't (shouldn't?) really bother anyone else (and people do need to eat on the go sometimes)but opening up a platter of spaghetti can only lead to trouble. So the type of foodhow much it smells, and how messy it can be to ingest itis important. Use your best judgement, but lean on the side of less-is-moreand consider investing in a fancy tray if you're gonna do it a lot. MANNERS: This is pretty basic stuff, but YES, you 100% should give up your seat when appropriatesitting is killing you anyway! This includes offering your seat up to pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and if you're feeling really generous, kids (though maybe kids should be giving up their seats to their elders who have knee problems and broken spirits). When in doubt, just try to live your life like this guy. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In Greenwich, expect one of Connecticuts most prestigious office buildings to fill again in a hurry after a recent, rare availability there; and possibly a slower go of it in Stamford to backfill the emptying offices of a former Fortune 500 company. In Shelton earlier this year, backhoes erased an office building years after its previous occupant moved employees to Danbury. In the latter city, the future of one of the states largest office complexes, which is undergoing foreclosure, is anyones guess. In the first six months of 2017, multiple big blocks of space hit southwestern Connecticuts commercial real estate market, including most of the massive Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide headquarters in Stamford, the Norwalk building Xerox had shared as its headquarters alongside fellow tenants Aon and Bridgewater Associates, and the former corporate offices of PartnerRe in Greenwich. There were a few outright subtractions as well, including the former General Electric headquarters in Fairfield acquired by Sacred Heart University and the demolished 35 Waterview office building in Shelton once used by Pitney Bowes, which was torn down this past spring in preparation for a residential development. A similar fate awaits the former Trumbull offices of Canon at 100 Oakview Drive. The PartnerRe space should get one or more takers quickly, according to John Hannigan, principal of Norwalk-based Choyce Peterson, which negotiates leases on behalf of tenants. Following its 2016 sale to fellow reinsurance carrier Exor, PartnerRe abandoned its 1 Greenwich Plaza address in favor of 200 First Stamford Place in Stamford. Choyce Peterson publishes semiannual posters depicting office space occupied or available on a floor-by-floor basis in about 145 major office buildings in southwestern Connecticut. There is leasing activity going on. Its just these big blocks of space that keep hitting the vacancy rates, Hannigan said. Were bullish that the second half of the year will (produce) a lower vacancy rate. Stamford is starting to see activity at the former 333 Ludlow St. headquarters of Starwood, which Marriott International is subleasing after acquiring Starwood 10 months ago. Among the early new tenants are Daymon Worldwide, a marketing services firm moving from 700 Fairfield Ave.; and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. The school previously received state incentives to create a genomics research center in Branford outside New Haven. Henkel is in the process of combining at 200 Elm St. in Stamford corporate functions from Wilton and Scottsdale, Ariz. In Norwalk, both Xerox and Aon moved their corporate offices a short distance to 201 Merritt 7. Bridgewater Associates also exited the building at 45 Glover Ave. it had shared with the two companies. If the former Starwood and Xerox headquarters represent attractive opportunities, Danburys Matrix Corporate Center is recieving scant interest after a Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals consolidation to its adjacent corporate campus, and Praxairs headquarters move to Berkshire Corporate Park on the citys east side. All leasing throughout the Northeast ... is down because of the change of work culture, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton told Hearst Connecticut Media last week. The major spaces in Danbury, with the exception of Matrix, are leased out. Plenty of other movement was afoot in the past few months, including Remedy Partners. The firm chose Norwalks RiverPark building at 800 Connecticut Ave. as its new main office, moving from Darien. In Westport, work continues to strip down the former headquarters of Save the Children so it can be prepared for new tenants. In a Monday interview at Hearst Connecticut Medias new offices in Norwalk which has filled space previously listed as vacant on the Choyce Peterson report Hannigan said the market is being driven in part by companies looking for space that reflects emerging ideas for office space with an eye on reinvigorating workers and getting them to work collaboratively. (Hearst Connecticut Media) is a perfect example more and more tenants are looking to create an energetic office environment, Hannigan said Monday in an interview at 301 Merritt 7. If I drop someone in this space they would never think they were in Merritt 7 they would think they are in South Norwalk or some other retro building. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRANFORD A major regional provider of orthotic and prosthetic devices has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the companys CEO confirmed this week. New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems, which has its corporate offices at 15 Commercial St. in Branford, sought protection in mid-July from its creditors under Chapter 11. Under federal bankruptcy laws, Chapter 11 allows a company to keep operating while its owners seek to restructure their debt. New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems has 12 locations in Connecticut, in the southwestern region to include Bridgeport, Stamford, Danbury and Brookfield; along with nine more in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. CEO David Mahler said New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems senior debt has been acquired by the owner of a Long Island, N.Y.-based orthotic and prosthetic retailer that he did not identify. Mahler said the individual who purchased the senior debt is expecting to merge his company with New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems by the end of the year. Senior debt is prioritized debt that gets paid before unsecured creditors receive their money. Mahler said New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems was forced to file for bankruptcy protection because the private equity firm that recapitalized the business in May 2012, Buffalo, N.Y.-based Summer Street Capital Partners, over-extended us in his words. That, along with some regulatory changes governing the industry, led us to make the Chapter 11 filing, Mahler said. According to the Chapter 11 filing, New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems has fewer than 50 creditors. The company has a book value of $19.3 million, including $11.8 million of intangible assets and liabilities of approximately $17.3 million. Adam D. Stein-Sapir, a portfolio manager with Pioneer Funding Group and an expert in bankruptcy filings, said the purchase of one companys senior debt by another company, is what is known in some financial circles as a loan to own. Pioneer Funding Group LLC is a New York City-based investment firm that provides creditors with cash for their Chapter 11 and 7 bankruptcy claims. But Stein-Sapir said the company has no involvement in this particular bankruptcy proceeding. Normally, he said, a bankruptcy filing could end up with the company that sought the protection from creditors being auctioned off. In some case, the winning bidder gets a discount on what the debtor companys real value is, according to Stein-Sapir. Its an interesting strategy, he said when told of Mahlers explanation about how New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems is expected to emerge from Chapter 11. Call Luther Turmelle at 203-680-9388. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 / Contributed Show More Show Less 2 of 5 / Contributed Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Carol Kaliff/Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5 DANBURY Local firefighters and members of the National Guard responded to a purported drug lab at Western Connecticut State University dormitory Wednesday as part of a hazardous materials training exercise. During the planned event, members of the local fire department responded to a fictitious report of an illegal drug lab in a dorm room on the universitys west side campus where a chemical reaction caused a hazardous situation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The City of Stamford has settled the second of three civil lawsuits brought by the family of the three girls and their Southbury grandparents who were killed in the Christmas 2011 fire in the Shippan section of the sity. Director of Legal Affairs Kathryn Emmett said the city will pay $1.35 million in the suit filed by Wade Johnson on behalf of his parents, Pauline and Lomer Johnson, of Heritage Village in Southbury, who died with their granddaughters, Lily Badger, 9, and twins Sarah and Grace, 7. Wade Johnson, brother of Madonna Badger, the girls mother, is the administrator of the Johnsons estates. News of the tragedy went around the world that Christmas morning six years ago. Madonna Badger crawled out her bedroom window and ran along the porch roof, where firefighters found her trying to get into the windows of her daughters bedrooms. The Johnsons and the girls moved around the house after they woke to fire just before dawn. He sued for property damage, personal injury and civil rights violations he said resulted when Stamford officials negligently knocked down his sisters house the day after the fire, destroying evidence that hindered investigation into the cause. The state medical examiner determined that Pauline Johnson, 69, and the girls died of smoke inhalation. She was found on a stair landing, shielding one of her granddaughters. Lomer Johnson, 71, died of head and neck trauma after falling through the porch roof outside a bedroom window. Firefighters found one of the girls on a stack of books just inside the bedroom, and surmised that Lomer Johnson placed her there so he could reach in and pull her through the window once he was outside. Lomer Johnson was the safety director for liquor manufacturer Brown-Forman Corp. in Louisville, Ky. At the companys headquarters and production plants, where his duties included planning fire drills, he was known as a stickler, his former boss told The Associated Press in the days after the fire. Johnson spent his career trying to keep others safe, the boss said. The irony is that he dies in a fire. After the Johnsons retired, they moved to Heritage Village in Southbury to be near their daughter and granddaughters, and to be closer to Newfoundland, Canada, where Pauline was born and they maintained a home. Lomer Johnson then grew a long white beard and began working as a department-store Santa during Christmas. He played St. Nick at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan the day before the fire. Pauline Johnson may have imparted an entrepreneurial spirit to her daughter, Madonna Badger, founder of a notable Manhattan advertising agency, Badger & Winters. Pauline Johnson was a successful business woman in her own right. According to her obituary in The Courier-Journal, she worked as a bookkeeper at John Waters, a heating, cooling and electric repair and installation company in Louisville, Ky. One day her boss told her he was selling the company, but she could keep her job under the new owner. Pauline Johnson replied, Forget that. I want to buy the company, according to the obituary. She found a partner, purchased the company and grew it from a dozen employees to more than 100. It was the cycle that defined American life for decades. People got married, bought a house, and started a family. The kids grew up, left the nest, and didn't come back. The empty nesters then downsized to a smaller place to enjoy their golden years. Their kids eventually started families of their own, and bought their own homes. And so it went. Instead of the circle of life within a household, it was more like a straight line. But in recent years, the line has begun curving again. This entrenched societal pattern is becoming upended in favor of a mode of living that harks back to an earlier era. Fueled by economic and cultural factors, a growing number of people are moving back in with their folks, or opening their homes to their aged parents. It's a large-scale change making its impact felt in all corners of the real estate marketand American life itself. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans is now living in a multigenerational householda household with two or more adult generations, or grandparents living with grandchildrena level that hasn't been seen in the U.S. since 1950. About 60.6 million adults, or 19% of the population, were residing with their family in 2014, according to the Pew Research Centers analysis of census data, up from 57 million in 2012. Rising home prices, staggering child care expenses, college debt, longer life expectancies, and the growth of ethnic communities in which extended families traditionally live together are all fueling this shift. And as people become accustomed to this style of living, it's altering the way they buy and build their homes, and how they plan for the future. Modern homes built for many generations With buyers seeking homes and renovations to suit multigenerational lifestyles, builders and developers are responding to meet the demandand a lucrative new market. While cottages, casitas, and apartments over garages are still part of the picture, so are fully decked-out homes with ample square footage and a separate wing for the extended family. Many of these homes have modern amenities such as dual thermostat controls so the whole family doesnt have to swelter when Grandma catches a chill. Tracy Elkins, 39, lives with her husband, their three kids, her mother, and three dogs in one of the Next Gen line of homes from Lennar, the nation's second-largest homebuilder. In their open and airy 6,100-square-foot home, the in-law suite is no afterthought: It has a separate living room, kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, and private garage with a separate entrance. Lennar describes it as "a home within a home." The Elkins decided to partner with Tracy's mother to buy the Thornton, CO, home in August 2016, when the Elkins' landlord decided to sell their rental home. Tracy's 63-year-old mom was retired, and the purchase seemed like a logical move. Even I have to admit I was a little scared, Elkins says. You come to a point where living with your parents is not an easy option. It wasnt something we had to do, but it worked out really well. As home prices increase, more families tend to opt for living together, says Valerie Sheets, a Lennar spokesperson. Everyone is looking for the perfect home for any number of family situations, such as families who opt to take care of aging parents or grandparents at home, or millennials looking to live with their parents while they attend school or save for a down payment. Lennar, which builds homes in 19 states, is offering Next Gen homes in 36 key markets. The blueprints vary by market, but they generally offer the main home and an adjacent unit with private living room, bedroom, bath, laundry, and garage. It has great benefits. There are some people who cant live with aging parents in a traditional setup, Elkins says. If it wasnt for this home, I probably wouldnt want to live with my mother either. A big family requires a big kitchen. Hero Images/Getty Images Learning to love the extended family Economics might have forced the issue, but people now are rediscovering the advantages of this way of life, according to Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United, a family research nonprofit and advocacy group. The Great Recession drove a lot of young-adult "boomerang children" back to their parents' homes when they couldn't find a job. People came together by necessity, and they stayed together by choice, says Butts. "In many other countries, its just a way of life. It helps strengthen the family. The percentage of people residing in multigenerational homes peaked around 1950, when 21% of households had such an arrangement. But in raw numbers it amounted to only 32.2 million peoplea far cry from today's 60 million-plus. Data suggest that multigenerational living is more prevalent among Asian (28%), Hispanic (25%), and African-American (25%) families, while U.S. whites have fewer multigenerational homes (15%). Continued demographic shifts in the U.S. mean this trend isn't going anywhere but up. In Asia and Latin America, multigenerational living is widely accepted. For example, an estimated 30% of urban Indian families and 60% of rural Indian families live in multigenerational households, according to a report by the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance. In the U.S., immigrants from those areas are more likely to live in multigenerational households. Even immigrants who don't have relatives living with them full time might need to accommodate long visits from them. Kyung Hae Karen Park sees this among her Korean and Chinese clients, who'll plunk down a few million on a desirable dwelling. Park, a real estate agent in New Jersey, caters to luxury buyers with budgets in the seven-figure range. Her clients often have in-laws who will visit for six months at a time from Asia to dote on their grandchildren. Considering where these relatives will stay while they're in the U.S. is a key purchasing decision for Parks deep-pocketed clients. Park says private first-floor suites and extra laundry rooms are especially critical to these buyers. Asians tend to be more attached to their grandparents and grandchildren, Park says. With a house purchase, they always think about their extended family. Diversity demands in Houston Houston-based custom homebuilder Partners in Building sees an expanded definition of what it means to be multigenerational in the sprawling cities of Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Nashville. Company President and CEO Jim Lemming says hes seen siblings and other family members buy a house together. Its increasingly expected that they will help each other out. We live in a very diverse area, Lemming says. With that comes different aspects of multigenerational living. Lemming says he has seen increased interest in these types of homes among South Asian and East Asian buyers. His estimates say multigenerational homes account for as much as 30% of his companys business. Multiple kitchens, separate entrances, and more than one master suite are the norm in these dwellings that are priced for close to a million dollars. Lemming also sees demand for amenities that cater to the needs of older people, including elevators and bathrooms with grab bars, taller commodes, and wider doors for wheelchairs or walkers. Zoning restrictions pose a challenge Living with extended family members might require some adjustment in how you plan your homeand your future. As builder Mark Patterson points out, a big home meant to accommodate elderly parents might feel too big once they're gone. "Your parents are with you for five or 10 years. Then what? asks Patterson, co-owner of PATCO Construction, which builds custom homes in Maine and New Hampshire. Years ago, the norm was to put an apartment over a garage, but that might not be a long-term solution for a graying housemate. That works well until about 80, but after that, they are having challenges with their stairs, Patterson says. One solution is to create a house whose spaces can be adapted over time, he says. However, zoning regulations can be a challenge, he says. Some communities will allow a flexible floor plan, but rules governing the specifics of the finished product can be strict. Across the nation, there's a patchwork of local zoning restrictions on granny flats and other accessory dwellings. Some locales are fine with separate wings, but other places draw the line at a stove in an in-law suite. But California, home to some of the country's most in-demand and expensive markets, passed a pair of laws this year that eased restrictions on building a second unit on a piece of landa move that could usher in change elsewhere. Secrets of success in multigenerational living It's also helpful to plan out how all these relatives across different generations can cohabit successfully. Jessica Bruno, 44, has been blogging about her nine years living with four generations under one roof at FourGenerationsOneRoof.com. They all live in her childhood home in a small town about 45 minutes outside of Boston. The home was originally 1,600 square feet, but they expanded it to 6,200 square feet to accommodate more family members. She says her key to success is a firm set of boundaries before anybody moves in. Agree on how bills are split, groceries are paid for, and who is allowed to eat your food. Lots of fridges and separate TV rooms are big. Having your own TV room is pretty important, so you dont have to go watch 'Bonanza' with your grandparents, Bruno said. Its kind of a time warp around here. The post All in the Family: Multigenerational Living Makes a Comeback appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Somewhere between Democrats euphoria and Republicans doom, lies the lasting consequences of the General Assembly narrowly adopting a new agreement with state labor unions. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy negotiated concessions and deals with the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, which most individual labor unions approved and the Democratic majority House of Representatives passed 78-72 last week. On Monday, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman broke the 18-18 tie along party lines in the Senate. It is weak praise to say at least the Legislature voted on the contract; in other years they have just let agreements become policy. Connecticut is in a bind. The $1.57 billion in concessions will go far to close the $5.1 billion gap in the two-year budget, though obviously it will take a lot more belt tightening to reach a balanced budget without raising taxes. State employees agreed to wage freezes for three years, three furlough days, higher health insurance co-payments and an increase in pension contributions from 2 percent to 4 percent, still well below the national average of over 6 percent. Still, these concessions from state workers are significant. Future employees will have a hybrid retirement plan that includes a defined pension contribution as does most private industry now. But no union would give up benefits without something in return and what they got was a guarantee of no layoffs for four years and contracts extended another five years, from 2022 to 2027. This is the thorn because it will affect options for years to come. Republicans call it kicking-the-can-down-the-road. All should remember when then-gov. John Rowland negotiated a contract in 1997 that locked in for 20 years and was extended by the Malloy administration in 2011. Critics, such as Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, charge the deal will hamstring the state for a decade with no ability to streamline government in challenging financial times. Democrats, following Malloys script, tout the agreement will save the state about $24 billion over the next 20 years. At this point in the summer, though, options came down to few. If the contract with concessions had not passed, then the entire process of crafting the states finances would have been thrown into further chaos. Under Malloys executive order to keep the state running, necessitated by the Legislatures failure to adopt a budget by the end of June, some services have been curtailed and the situation would only get worse when municipalities would feel the burn in September. The time to deal with reforming state employee benefits and pensions was months ago not now that the road has led to the edge of the cliff. Republicans offered a balanced budget at the end of April, and rejiggered it twice when income projections lagged. Democrats would consider none of it, and came up with only thin, unvetted proposals. As legislators finally buckle down and put together a budget, it should be done with both parties contributing ideas. And it needs to be done now. Stock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE) www.cgi.com/newsroom Announces strategic initiative to accelerate profitable growth Q3-F2017 year-over-year highlights Revenue of $2.8 billion , up 6.4% and 5.2% in constant currency; , up 6.4% and 5.2% in constant currency; Adjusted EBIT of $399.1 million , up $8.6 million ; , up ; Adjusted EBIT margin of 14.1%; Net earnings of $276.6 million , up $2.8 million ; , up ; Net earnings excluding specific items* of $278.5 million , up $4.6 million ; , up ; Net earnings margin of 9.8%; Diluted EPS of $0.92 , up 3.4%; , up 3.4%; Diluted EPS excluding specific items* of $0.93 , up 4.5%; , up 4.5%; Bookings of $2.7 billion ; ; Backlog of $20.8 billion ; ; Cash provided by operating activities of $290.6 million ; and, ; and, Return on equity of 17.2%, up 30 basis points. *Specific items in Q3-F2017: $1.8 million in integration-related costs net of tax. Note: All figures in Canadian dollars. Q3-F2017 MD&A, interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes can be found at www.cgi.com/investors and have been filed with both SEDAR in Canada and EDGAR in the U.S. To access the financial statements click here (PDF) To access the MD&A - click here (PDF) MONTREAL, Aug. 2, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) reported fiscal 2017 third quarter revenue of $2.8 billion, up 6.4% compared with last year as foreign exchange fluctuations favourably impacted revenue by $31.3 million. On a constant currency basis, revenue grew by 5.2% or $138.4 million. Adjusted EBIT was $399.1 million, up 2.2% compared with $390.5 million in Q3-F2016. Adjusted EBIT margin was 14.1%. Net earnings were $276.6 million in Q3-F2017 and earnings per diluted share were 92 cents. Net earnings excluding specific items, were $278.5 million representing 93 cents per diluted share, which compares to $273.8 million or 89 cents last year. Bookings amounted to $2.7 billion. On a trailing twelve month basis, total awards were $11.2 billion, or 103.8 % of revenue. At the end of June, the Company's backlog stood at $20.8 billion. In millions of Canadian dollars except earnings per share and where noted Q3-F2017 Q3-F2016 Revenue 2,836.8 2,667.1 Adjusted EBIT Margin 399.1 14.1% 390.5 14.6% Net earnings 276.6 273.8 Margin 9.8% 10.3% Earnings per share (diluted) 0.92 0.89 Net earnings excluding specific items* 278.5 273.8 Margin 9.8% 10.3% Earnings per share (diluted) excluding specific items* 0.93 0.89 Weighted average number of outstanding shares (diluted) 300,832,642 308,985,991 Net finance costs 16.9 18.1 Net debt 1,449.8 1,648.7 Net debt to capitalization ratio 17.2% 20.5% Cash provided by operating activities 290.6 351.7 Days sales outstanding (DSO) 45 45 Return on invested capital (ROIC) 14.7% 14.4% Return on equity (ROE) 17.2% 16.9% Bookings 2,674.9 2,939.9 Backlog 20,799.5 20,613.6 *Specific items in Q3-F2017: $1.8 million in integration-related costs net of tax. "I am pleased with our team's performance in Q3 as we continue to capitalize on the rising global demand for our services and solutions," said George D. Schindler, President and Chief Executive Officer. Cash generated from operating activities was $290.6 million or 10.2% of revenue, compared with $351.7 million in the year ago period. Over the last twelve months, $1.4 billion or $4.60 in cash per diluted share was generated compared with $4.40 for the same period last year. At the end of June, the Company had over $1.8 billion in available cash and unused credit facilities. Net debt was $1.4 billion, representing a year-over-year reduction of $198.9 million. As a result, the net debt to capitalization ratio improved to 17.2% from 20.5%. Strategic initiative to accelerate profitable growth "For CGI to continue benefitting from the growth opportunities related to the permanent shift to digital across all industries, we are advancing strategic investments in proximity based talent alignment, automation, and cloud-based delivery models," commented George D. Schindler, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We expect these investments to yield benefits throughout fiscal 2018." The Company will incur a $165.0 million pre-tax expense over the next year to compress the timeline of implementing certain elements of its profitable growth strategy. Q3-F2017 results conference call Management will host a conference call this morning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss results. Participants may access the call by dialing 1-800-377-0758 or via cgi.com/investors. For those unable to participate on the live call, a podcast and copy of the slides will be archived for download at cgi.com/investors. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 70,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services, including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance and infrastructure management, as well as 150 IP-based services and solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog exceeding C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: www.cgi.com. Non-GAAP financial metrics used in this release: Constant currency growth, adjusted EBIT, net debt, net debt to capitalization ratio, bookings, book-to-bill ratio, backlog, DSO, ROIC, ROE and net earnings and diluted EPS excluding specific items. CGI reports its financial results in accordance with IFRS. However, management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors regarding the Company's financial condition and results of operations as they provide additional measures of its performance. Additional details for these non-GAAP measures can be found on page 2 and 3 of our MD&A which is posted on CGI's website, and filed with SEDAR and EDGAR. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements and this information represent CGI's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, of which many are beyond the control of the Company. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. These factors include but are not restricted to: the timing and size of new contracts; acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees; market competition in the rapidly evolving information technology industry; general economic and business conditions; foreign exchange and other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI's annual and/or quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other public disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov), as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. The words "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", and similar expressions and variations thereof, identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future performance are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or on this forward-looking information. SOURCE CGI Group Inc. For further information: Lorne Gorber, Executive Vice-President, Global Communications and Investor Relations, [email protected], +1 514-841-3355 Related Links http://www.cgi.com/ Government of Canada invests over $430,000 in this community project CHAMBORD, QC, August 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) Key local stakeholders have long been asking for concrete, sustainable measures to improve community and recreational infrastructure. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects which, like the project of the Municipality of Chambord, contribute to the strength and vitality of all regions in the country. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that the Corporation de developpement de Chambord Inc. would receive $433,734 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to restore the Chambord municipal wharf. Founded in 1993, the Corporation de developpement de Chambord is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the industrial, commercial, touristic, economic, cultural and community development of the Municipality of Chambord. Funding awarded under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) will be used to upgrade the wharf, including by replacing open concrete beams and restoring the launch ramp. The project also involves upgrading the sanitary block and installing street furnishings. Quotes "By improving infrastructure, such as the Chambord municipal wharf, we are helping stimulate the vitality of our communities and improve residents' quality of life. This financial assistance is a demonstration of our commitment to the economic and social development of regions throughout the country." The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie "The Government of Canada supports projects by organizations which, like the project of the Corporation de developpement de Chambord, mobilize and unite our communities. These projects strengthen Canada's communities, stimulate economic activity and benefit families and the middle class." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED "The Chambord municipal council and the Corporation de developpement de Chambord have been seeking funding to renovate this critical wharf infrastructure since 2009. Thanks to the Canada 150 infrastructure program, we will be able to complete major work and rejuvenate our wharf. Many thanks to the Government of Canada for this financial assistance." Gerard Savard, Mayor of Chambord "Our residents asked for this project to be completed. The wharf is a very busy family and community gathering place which we will be able to enjoy for years to come." Jean-Paul Laroche, President of the Corporation de developpement de Chambord Quick facts Since its creation in 2015, CIP150 has provided almost $13M in funding for over 450 projects that support the vitality of Quebec communities. in funding for over 450 projects that support the vitality of communities. CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Stay connected Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube Follow the Municipality of Chambord on Facebook SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: 514-283-7443, Email: [email protected] TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific invites local media to attend the CP Canada 150 Train community event. What: CP Canada 150 Train event When: August 11, 2017 5-8 p.m., show starts at 6. Where: CP Lambton Yard, 750 Runnymede Road Full event details, including on site activities, available at http://www.cpr.ca/en/community/canada-150/toronto Please add this event to your community events calendar. Media is encouraged to share our Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/774814116016014/) and engage on social media @CanadianPacific using #ConnectingCanada. Please send requests to speak to a CP spokesperson to [email protected]. Only prearranged interviews with artists are available due to time constraints. The train will arrive prior to the event start time and depart thereafter. Media should be prepared to gather all footage during the event. Facts about CP in this city With the lease of the Ontario & Quebec Railway in 1884 (which held the leases for the Toronto , Grey & Bruce Railway as well as for the Credit Valley Railway), the CPR gained access to the burgeoning Toronto market in addition to a large territory in southern Ontario . In 1913, the Canadian Pacific Building on the corner of Yonge and King Streets opened in what was then Toronto's financial district. The Edwardian-style 15-storey skyscraper then the tallest in the British Empire - was a dramatic change from CPR's Chateau-style of architecture. First opened in April 1964 , CP's Agincourt Yard near Toronto is one of CP's busiest rail yards. Ever visited Roundhouse Park, the Steam Whistle Brewery or Toronto Railway Museum? These are all located at the John Street Roundhouse which was opened by CPR in 1931. It remained in operation for more than 50 years and was then donated to the City of Toronto . Today, CP employs more than 1,200 employees in the Greater Toronto Area - the hub of its eastern Canadian operations. SOURCE Canadian Pacific For further information: Media contact: Andy Cummings, Manager, Media Relations, 612-554-0850, 2601 49th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55430, 24/7 Media email - [email protected] Related Links http://www.cpr.ca A macaron-focused chain with locations all over the United States, including New York City, opens its latest outlet this weekend in Greenpoint. Taking over the former Lunchbox sandwich shop space on Norman Avenue, Woops Bakeshop has its soft opening this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The chain sells colorful macaron in flavors like lemon poppy, red velvet, peanut butter and Nutella. While the delicate French cookies, sold individually or in pretty mix-and-match boxes, are a big draw, larger triple chocolate cookies and the cafe's selection of hot drinks like chai lattes are also popular. This location will also serve sandwiches, along beer and wine, the first Woops to do so. A post shared by Woops! BakeShop Greenpoint NYC (@woopsgreenpoint) on Aug 2, 2017 at 4:12am PDT In February of 2016, the Williamsburg location of Woops caught fire, shuttering the bakery and injuring five people. The damage has since been repaired and the Driggs Avenue location is now reopened. Update: This franchised location will be run by Michelle Irizarry and Monserrate Irizarry, local Greenpoint residents. "Baking will be done on-site and some baking will be done at our bakery in the Bronx," Michelle Irizarry told Gothamist. "Since our macarons take many days, they will be done at our bakery by our pastry chef. However, everything else will be baked on-site." 120 Norman Avenue, Greenpoint; bywoops.com It is with complete respect and undivided reverence to the thrones which our fore-fathers established with the approval of the gods of our land and handed over to our traditional rulers of today, so that they will consolidate the tenets of our cultural heritage, that I wish to use this opportunity to advise the people sitting on those thrones to respect themselves because Biafran youths do not want to engage in conflicts with the traditional rulers who are our royal fathers. If at all there are people that should have open confrontations with Biafran youths, they should not be our traditional rulers who are still the front banner of our cultural identity, heritage and custodians of our traditional precepts because Biafra youths have respect for supposed elders of the land.However, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide under the supreme command of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (De Great) is warning all the traditional rulers of Biafraland to stay quiet on, or at best stay away from the activities of IPOB as they are vehemently insisting that there will be no election any more election throughout Biafraland as Nigeria government is still buying more time for herself by refusing to announce date for Biafra referendum as directed by International Community since months ago if the traditional rulers are still too terrified to stand at where their subjects are standing. IPOB is very much aware that Biafraland traditional rulers are all afraid of Nigeria government victimization through the random invitation, arrest, detention and molestation of people by Gen Buhari attacking mad dogs called DSS operatives.This seasoned warning become very imperative to be spelt out before the traditional rulers as to avoid a repeat of the ugly verbal attacks which took place recently against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (De Great), IPOB Leadership and entire Biafrans over our decision to boycott Anambra election which emanated from HRH. Obi Dr. Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Obi of Onitsha) and HRH. Eze Dr. Calistus Ilomuanya Onyeso (Eze of Nri ancient Kingdom) in their bid to justify the huge amount of money given to them respectively by Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra state to campaign against IPOB's no election directive.It is important for Obi of Onitsha and Eze Nri to know that any verbal attack or insult against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a verbal attack against every Biafran in the world including the traditional rulers themselves if they do not know because Nnamdi Kanu is now the front banner of Biafra nation and people who are also their subjects. Any campaign against "No Referendum, No Election" campaign of IPOB worldwide is a campaign against the destiny of over 70 million Biafrans in the world and our posterity yet unborn and that would be tantamount to political and social genocide on Biafra race at the altar of political interest of Willie Obiano and Obi of Onitsha.IPOB still accords full respect to our traditional rulers no matter how small such king is considered in any community in Biafraland because the throne which they are sitting upon was established by our revered ancestors who established the thrones and the gods of our land who approved the establishment of the thrones by giving our ancestors the 'Ofo' through ancient Chief priests. Are you a relative or by any means close to any traditional ruler in Biafraland, tell them that the fact that many of them have desecrated the thrones which they inherited from our ancestors does not make IPOB or Nnamdi Kanu to loose respect for the thrones. IPOB may dislike the sabotaging attitudes of many cynical Kings in Biafraland but they still revere the thrones which they occupied.It is rather the greedy political leaders that IPOB reserve no apology to anybody, any government and any organization in detesting them because they are products of alien feudalistic system of government imposed on Biafraland by Britain during the British days of conquest of Biafraland from 1898 - 1914. This alien system which produces political leaders in Biafraland is under stewardship of trusteeship in the hand Sokoto Caliphate for Britain today.As our traditional rulers failed woefully to condemn and put a stop to most massacre of Biafra youths from August 2015 in Onitsha to January 2017 in Port Harcourt, IPOB hereby warns them to stay quiet till eternity over IPOB activities because we have resolved to take our destiny in our hands. Biafran youths are ready to take it iron for iron, teeth for teeth, bone for bone and might for might against anybody who tries to stand against the voracious determination of Biafran youths. Let this be first and last IPOB will warn Obi of Onitsha, Eze Nri or any other monarch in Biafraland stay away from our activities or have themselves to blame because we are begging nobody to support us.By Mazi Onyebuchi EzeFor Family Writers Netherlands Trains 22 Nigerians on Dairy Milk Production Foreign investors from Netherlands have trained 22 Nigerians on dairy production and preservation of milk as part of efforts to diversify from oil to agric sector of the economy.The President Netherlands Alumni Association of Nigeria Practical Training Centre (PTC+) Chapter, Mrs. Atinuke Akinyemi, disclosed this during a two-day international summit held at the Conference Centre, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife yesterday.The event had: Dairy Farming: A new dawn in the Nigeria Agricultural Sector and the way forward as its theme.It showcased many opportunities in the dairy value chain sector in the country.Akinyemi said Netherlands had trained them in dairy milk production which was capable of increasing national gross domestic product (GDP) and provide more jobs for the youths.She said: We aim to bring the dairy farmers together, educate them and also to know their challenges. We are coming together to support farmers and to help them to start off in all the dairy farming chain and farming international. We import over 90 per cent of the milk we consume in Nigeria and we are looking for a means to reduce the rate of forex.We are looking for a way to help farmers to produce milk. We go to farms and monitor their activities. The 22 of us who were trained by the Netherlands government scattered across the country now. Our mission is to support all this farmers with expertise on daily milk production.Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Saheed Oseni said 10 jobs can be created for production of 1000 litres of milk, adding that the project was aimed at supporting Federal Government effort to diversify he economy.Out of 1000 litres of milk, you have 10 jobs that are directly or indirectly connected with 1000 litres. Either the service providers or veterinary services or those who do extra or suplementary feeding, Oseni said.Representative of the Netherlands government, Mr. Witze Heida, urged Nigerians to invest their time and energy in dairy farm business.He said aside the monetary benefits, it makes them eat good foods and healthy. The CEO and co-founder of fast-rising Nigerian tech startup with focus on education, Pass.Ng, has been reported dead.The young man was said to have slumped and died on Friday, 28 July 2017. He was 25.His death came as a rude shock as his platform has been attracting positive international reviews in recent times and was largely tipped to be the next big thing from Nigeria. Pass.Ng provides platform for students to practice questions on different exams from WAEC to GCE to UME.He studied Computer Engineering at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology where he graduated in 2014.Also shocking is that no online media in Nigeria has reported the news of his demise since almost a week now. Given his status as one the finest tech personalities in Nigeria at the moment, one would expect the news of his demise to break the internet within hours.The management of Jarus & JAN Internet Group (owners of JarusHub, Opinions.NG and HotProForum) mourn the death of this fallen young internet entrepreneur. We pray God comfort his family.We also condole with the Pass.NG family on the loss of their CEO. The coalition of Northern Group, Arewa youths have maintained that its October 1 quit notice asking Igbos residing in the North to vacate t... The coalition of Northern Group, Arewa youths have maintained that its October 1 quit notice asking Igbos residing in the North to vacate the region is sacrosanct. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, leader of the group, Shettima Yerima said though the groups in the coalition had meetings on the ultimatum, they were yet to lift the quit notice. Yerima disclosed that the coalition was currently consulting with stakeholders across the country with a view to reviewing its position. According to Yerima, I do not also remember specifically saying we are going to finally withdraw the quit notice. No, certainly not. We have not. But we said, within the week, we are going to make a statement. We need to do a lot of work, we are in consultations now. We are likely going on consultations in northern region; we will discuss issues before we finally review our position. But you can be rest assured that those who believe in Nigeria should remain where they are and be assured of their safety. But to those who dont believe in Nigeria, we cannot guarantee their safety. So, its better if you want to do your Biafra, you stay and do your Biafra over there. But if you believe in Nigeria, we intend to work side by side with you to build the nation of our dreams. Yerima, had earlier assured that the North is at peace with all Nigerians. Similarly, the former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu had spoken about his meeting with Northern group. Barcelona have announced that Neymar has been given permission to miss training on Wednesday, as his expected transfer to Paris St Germain moves a step closer.According to reports in the Spanish media, the Brazilian told his team-mates this morning that he has the intention of leaving the club and seeking his future elsewhere.PSG are ready to pay his release clause of 222m (198m).That would dwarf the 105m that Manchester United paid for France midfielder Paul Pogba last year.Barcelona say Neymar left the training ground 30 minutes after arriving on Wednesday. The Clerk of the House, Ikeja Local Government Area, Mr. Shamsideen Omotayo, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The Clerk of the House, Ikeja Local Government Area, Mr. Shamsideen Omotayo, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident to newsmen. Details of the abduction is still sketchy, he said. It was learnt that the kidnappers laid ambush for the clerk on his way to the office on Wednesday morning. The Lawmaker representing Kogi West in the Senate, Senator Dino Melaye has called on the Acting President Prof. Yemi Osibajo to declare a S... The Lawmaker representing Kogi West in the Senate, Senator Dino Melaye has called on the Acting President Prof. Yemi Osibajo to declare a State of Emergency in Kogi before anarchy becomes the order of the day. This followed the onslaught suffered by the State lawmakers when suspected thugs invaded the Kogi State House of Assembly on Tuesday to disrupt house sitting. Dino Melaye who disclosed in a social media platforms Chat with the Speaker condemned in strong terms the attack on the Assembly, most especially the member representing Igalamela Odolu Constituency, Friday Sanni Makama who resumed sitting after his victory at the Kogi State High Court Lokoja challenging his six months suspension from the house for alleged anti legislative activities. He called on stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to challenge the anti democratic activities allegedly orchestrated by Governor Yahaya Bello, noting that the Governor should not be allowed to destroy the labour of genuine APC members in Kogi State. According to him The draconian Idi Amin approach to governance by Yahaya Bello today as displayed by his criminally minded hooligans and hired killers in usurping the legislative powers and priviledges of the Parliament is a clear manifestation of satanism. The unwarranted attack on Hon. Friday Sani Makama shall not be swept under the carpet. We are not in a banana republic. It is manifestly clear now that the acting President must declare a state of Emergency in Kogi State before Anarchy becomes Total. The economic cankerworm and social scavenger called Bello must be tamed before he finishes spending the little political capital left for APC in Kogi. We must not all keep quiet and allow this Stranger destroy the labour of genuine APC members in Kogi. We will not allow him to take us back to Egypt. We must rescue Kogi NOW!!!!. In a swift reaction, the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello distanced himself from the Assembly attack. Speaking through his Director General, Media and publicity Kingsley Fanwho the Governor maintained that his administration will not condone any act of thuggery, adding that anyone caught would be made to face the full weight of the law. Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kogi State Okutepa (SAN) also shared his view on the invasion of the house by suspected thugs. I think time has come for all stakeholders of Kogi State to be out against tyrannical and authoritarian acts and actions. The whimsical and tyrannical misdeamenour of our politicians cut across political parties. Kogi has everything but is lacking everything. We cannot in the face of available human and material resources continue to Condone the wickedness being visited on our people. Democracy is not government of adolescent by the adolescent for the adolescent. It is much more than that. It is a form of government that has no room for tyrannical and whimsical warlords masquerading as thugs. We must come together as a people to liberate ourselves from the current poverty of political and legal ideas, Okutepa noted. A former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday, reassured Nigerians, especially Southerners living in the 19 Northern states that there was no cause for alarm over the October 1st quit notice issued to the Igbo by a Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, saying efforts are being put in place to quash the notice.Dr. Kalu, who gave the assurance at an elaborate meeting with some members of the Coalition of Northern Groups, in Abuja said, he had a very fruitful discussion with the leadership of the northern groups in order to review their position.The leaders of the coalition who attended the meeting included the chairman, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shetima, Abdulazeez Sulieman, Aminu Adamu and Balarabe Rufai, who were representatives of other northern groups.This came as the leader of Biafra Nation Guard, BGN, Mr. Innocent Orji, who has been in prison custody since 2009 over an alleged role in the kidnap and killing of two Chinese working for Innoson Group of Companies, Nnewi, was yesterday released from Onitsha Prisons with sixteen other members of his group.According to Kalu, The discussion was very fruitful. You know the diversity of this country is the strength of the country. The demography of this country is very essential to what we are doing. People who think that any part of the country has nothing to contribute for its development are making a mistake.Agriculture remains very crucial if this country wants to be serious. Agriculture can make more money for this country than anything on earth. And next to agriculture would be tourism.Nigeria is a very big country. We transverse between Sahara desert and Atlantic ocean. This is the only country that can proudly boast of having the two. Some people are asking God to give them one of the two. But we have the two, we have the Sahara desert and we have the Atlantic Ocean.So, I want to thank Yerima Shettima for agreeing to come out openly for this meeting. We have been talking for a very long time. Every day, I call him and we discuss this issue. And we are getting to a common ground. Arewa youths are making a serious consultation.When they say the Igbo, they talk about people in the north who are not northerners. You dont know who is Igbo, Urhobo or who is from Bayelsa state. All of them are Igbo as far as I am concerned. So, I want to assure the Southerners who are living in the northern part of Nigeria that we will continue to put our efforts, nothing will happen to them. We are going to move forward.The chairman of Slot Group, while noting that the country is at a difficult situation, however, pleaded that this is the time all Nigerians should come together and make frantic effort s to salvage the country. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans technology joker for the 2019 elections, its chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, ... The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans technology joker for the 2019 elections, its chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, revealed yesterday.He said the plan would be kept in wraps for now to prevent politicians from sabotaging it.Prof. Yakubu, who spoke at the Second Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) Annual Conference 2017 on Internal Party Democracy, announced that 103 political associations are seeking registration as political parties.He said INEC would not hesitate to deregister any of the existing 45 political parties that fails to meet the provisions of the law.We will continue to deepen the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections in Nigeria. I will not, however, disclose to the general public what we are going to do in the run up to the 2019 general elections because I guess that there are people listening to me so that they dont find a way round what INEC is doing.Election is the only thing I know should be transparent because every process is supposed to be open and transparent but the outcome is uncertain because the outcome is in the hands of the voters. I want to once again reassure Nigerians that the commission will continue to approach the responsibility with courage and will never fail. Whoever wins at the ballot box becomes the person so elected. Parties are critical to democracy and our law is very clear that no one will contest election in Nigeria unless sponsored by a political party. We dont have independent candidate yet.We have 45 registered political parties and as at last week, 103rd application was received from political associations seeking registration and I am sure that more would have been received.When we presented certificates to the newly registered political parties, that were parties qualified to be deregistered under the law, we shall also courageously deregister political parties since the provisions of the law is very clear in that respect, he warned. The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said he had stopped collecting pension in Kwara State as a former governor of the state. The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said he had stopped collecting pension in Kwara State as a former governor of the state.Saraki, who said this during the News Agency of Nigeria Forum in Abuja on Tuesday, declared that he had written a letter to the state government to stop the payment of the pension.According to Saraki, the move was sequel to complaints from some quarters that former governors, who are currently senators or ministers, were receiving pension and salary in their new jobs, all from the government.A civil society organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, had accused the former governors of receiving double pay from government, and said it was illegal.No, Im not collecting pension; the moment I saw that allegation, I wrote to my state to stop my pension.So, I speak for myself on that part; Im not doing that, I am not receiving pension from my state, he said.On other senators still collecting pensions from their state, Saraki said, I think I will leave everybody to their individual decision. Morally, if you have got another job, you should give it up until when you are truly a pensioner.Some of these oversights are not addressing the issues. What the states should do is to go and amend their laws to say that if you have another appointment then you are not entitled to that benefit. With this, we will just simplify the matter.On the role of Bank of Infrastructure in the country, Saraki said that the Senate had not had any serious interface with the bank, but that it was involved in some projects.We are not engaging with them particularly. I think that they were part of those involved in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. But, I dont think government should really put funds into that.I have this strong view and I feel very strongly about it, that nowhere in the world has government funded infrastructure.Government cannot, and even if government can fund infrastructure projects, the social sector will suffer health will suffer and education will suffer.He said there were a lot of complaints that budgetary allocation to health and education was too low, attributing it to the fact that much money was being invested in infrastructural development.Saraki explained that due to the challenges, the National Assembly had passed bills that would encourage private sector participation in infrastructural development.What should happen is that we should try and get private sector to take over some of these infrastructure so that the money can go into education and health.By doing that, banks like Bank of Infrastructure will come in. Nigerian musician, filmmaker Abdulrasheed Bello aka JJC who is now married to Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele recently spoke on how one... Nigerian musician, filmmaker Abdulrasheed Bello aka JJC who is now married to Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele recently spoke on how one of his daughters convinced him to marry Funke. He also spoke about how his children with other women have accepted Funke as his partner. In a recent chat with Playground TV, he said, 'well, before we got married in London, we all had a good relationship here in Nigeria. The kids were always seeing this beautiful woman around daddy, and she always makes him happy. They might be away and in different continents, but they are part of our daily activities'. He continued to say, 'she is also very close to them, they met her digital first. They didnt know she was an actress then, because in the UK, they hardly watch Nigerian movies, but they love her so much. They all love each other. Its a perfect blend. I remember my daughter telling me Dad make sure you marry her. Shes a keeper. And I did, I followed my daughters advice. One of my songs, Save The Last Dance was written for my wife, she really saved the last dance for me. A Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan on Tuesday dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between one Iyabo Adedayo and her husband, Babatunde, ove... A Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan on Tuesday dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between one Iyabo Adedayo and her husband, Babatunde, over lack of s*xual satisfaction.The President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade, said that the marriage was dissolved due to irreconcilable differences.It is possible to take a horse to the river, but impossible to force it to drink water.The court tried to settle the matter between Iyabo and Babatunde, but there was no solution.Therefore, in the interest of peaceful coexistence, the union between Iyabo and Babatunde has been terminated.Iyabo shall take custody of the four children produced by the union.Babatunde shall pay a monthly feeding allowance of N10, 000 for the upkeep of the children in addition to being responsible for their education and other welfare needs, he said.Iyabo, the petitioner, had told the court that the respondent had been unable to satisfy her s*xually.My lord, I no longer have any feeling for Babatunde again; he is lazy in bed and he can no longer satisfy me s*xually.For so long, I had been coping with his inability to withstand my s*xual urge, but I cant cope with this any longer.My husband is also unable to take care of the material needs of our children and me. To worsen the situation, he derives pleasure in beating me at the slightest provocation, Iyabo said.The respondent, however, pleaded with the court to save his marriage.Babatunde, who urged Iyabo to give him another chance, said: My lord, please save my marriage, I still love my wife, I will turn a new leaf.I cannot afford to part ways with my wife now. I am already an old man; I cant start looking for a new wife at my age.NAN Pan Niger Delta Civil Society Groups on Wednesday August 2 stated that Nigerias Senate President, Bukola Saraki is playing ethnic card for... Pan Niger Delta Civil Society Groups on Wednesday August 2 stated that Nigerias Senate President, Bukola Saraki is playing ethnic card for rejecting the bill for the devolution of power. Saraki merely doing the bidding of the core North who have been the greatest albatross to a true federal state of Nigeria. According to the group, If hate comments were the reason then the National Assembly ought to have voted in favour of it because restructuring is the panacea to addressing the socio-political divisions in the Country. Sarakis tune in defending the Senates undemocratic and unpopular decision clearly shows that he was speaking for the North, his region and not Nigeria as a whole. A situation where someone hold the views of some few persons against the popular views is a demonstration of ethno-religious chauvinism. The group also described that the present 1999 Constitution as the worst of its kind. The group stated that the constitution only contained decrees of military Fiat enacted to favour a particular section of the country, while the vast majority of the people from other regions or sections are regarded as second fiddle human beings or political serfs to the feudal lords. The group also said that, socio-political/religious crisis currently ravaging the Country is a fall out of this constitutional melee. Since the inception of this present democratic dispensation, the various regimes have initiated moves just to arrest situation but all to no avail. The group opined that the recommendations by the constituents assembly in the 2014 National Conference Report would have been a good palliative to address some of these constitutional malaise that have eaten deep into the fabrics of our corporate existence. The group also noted that the All Progressives Congress, APC who promised to restructure the Country in its meretricious manifestoes has chosen to consign the Conference Report in the political dustbin. Alas, the end to Nigerias existence is seems in sight gleaned from the calls by different ethnic groups to dismember the Country due to the unbalanced fault lines foisted on the people by the British imperialists. While noting that Nigeria is battling with the problems of colonialblunders the group stated that the years of bickering and acrimony among the diverse ethnic groups which in turn has set the Country on war path between the two principal regions of the North and the South is as a result of the lopsided political formula. In spite of this quagmire which hitherto has been threatening the very foundation of our corporate existence, the constituents assemblies which make up the federation have not been given the opportunity to enact a Constitution that best suits our interest. The group warned that Nigeria may be history in the hands of the present Government unless the All Progressives Congress,APC takes the bull by the horn to effect a constitutional amendment to contain the agitations for restructuring. The Country is on the thin line of destruction. Only God can save it. The group stressed that the arrays of ethno-religious resentments have occupied the minds of Nigerians can only be addressed through political restructuring of the Country. The group who was reacting to the vote against restructuring by the National Assembly said members of National Assembly who were holding the ace to save Nigeria from the imminent precipice have failed the people they represent. The group further stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari All Progressives Congress, APC led Federal Government should be held responsible should anything happen to Nigeria. Neymar has been given permission to leave Barcelona as he looks set to join Paris St-Germain in a 222m euro (198m) deal. Neymar has been given permission to leave Barcelona as he looks set to join Paris St-Germain in a 222m euro (198m) deal.The Brazilian, 25, told his team-mates at training on Wednesday that he wanted to leave the Spanish giants.He was then given permission by manager Ernesto Valverde not to train and to "sort out his future".The forward's release clause is 222m euros, which PSG are understood to be ready to pay. Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has reassured Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress, Government will surely deliver all promises to Nigerians despite numerous challenges facing the economy and the country.Prof. Osinbajo who reinstated the government commitment towards improving the lives of Nigerians yesterday l in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, at conclusion of a Federal Government- Progressives Governors Forum parley, urged state governors elected on the platform of the APC to make extra efforts to deliver on the promises made to Nigerians in 2015.The Acting President according to the statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande in Abuja said that, the ideological difference that we represent is that we are committed to an economic policy that has at its core the welfare and happiness of Nigerians.He further said, the people have not lost faith in us, they understand that the task of clearing decades of debris will take time but we must also jointly keep faith with them.The people expect us to deliver on all of what we have promised. They expect a better life, we have assured them of a better life, and I can say for all of us who are present here, all of us in the progressive forum, that we will deliver a better life to the people of Nigeria.He however emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration between the Federal and States governments noting that ultimately, the success of efforts to bring about synergy in Federal and State Government policies would depend on both sides meeting their commitments.According to him, just as the FG is committed and has taken visible steps in meeting its obligations and make refunds on debts owed to states, its imperative for states to play its own parts. There are two obvious elements here.Prof. Osinbajo also explained that when the Federal Government provides relief resources, the resources are used for the agreed purposes. The second is to implement agreements that have been reached in specific sectoral contexts. For instance, states must continue to work toward implementing their parts of the fiscal sustainability plan in order to improve their individual fiscal situations which impacts on the national fiscal picture.The Acting President then identified key areas of collaboration between the Federal and State governments as including scaling up Internally Generated Revenue and innovative thinking, emphasizing that states especially those led by APC governors must think out of the box in delivering service to the people including in areas where their efforts can complement the Federal Government programmes.Prof. Osinbajo thereafter proceeded to Argungu where he commissioned the multi-billion rice mill stating that the way to go is to energize agriculture and lift Nigerians to new levels of productivity.The commissioning of the rice mill in Argungu is proof of growth in agriculture with thousands of job creation, noting that the growth and development witnessed in the agricultural sector differ from the jobless growth of the past.Prof. Osinbajo also attended an exhibition of agricultural products and farm inputs in Argungu before returning to Abuja. After a lifetime of public service by the side of his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip will finally retire on Wednesday at the age of 96.The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements since she ascended to the throne in 1952.He has attended countless more events with the queen, now 91, offering his support and livening proceedings with a style of humour that often makes headlines but has eased many an awkward exchange.Prince Philip will take the salute on Wednesday at the end of a charity challenge by the Royal Marines, in which members ran 1,664 miles (2,678 kilometres) over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664.He has been captain general of the corps since 1953, taking over from the queens father king George VI, who had died the year before.The event also honours his military background the duke was a naval officer during World War II and was marked out for a glittering career, before he gave it up on becoming the royal consort.Over the past 65 years, he has carried out 637 visits abroad on his own, given almost 5,500 speeches, and was patron, president or a member of more than 780 organisations.He has a keen interest in scientific and technological research, was an early champion of the conservation movement, and his youth scheme the Duke of Edinburghs Award has extended across the world.He may miss the activity, because hes been the busiest royal. Every year, he and (his daughter) Princess Anne vie to which of them does more, one of his biographers, Gyles Brandreth, told BBC radio.While Prince Philips life had not turned out as expected, Brandreth said the duke once told him: I tried to make the best of it I had to try to support the queen as best I could, without getting in the way.A palace spokeswoman said his individual programme of public events had come to an end, but he may choose to attend engagements alongside the queen from time to time.The queen once described her husband of almost 70 years as my strength and stay.Announcing his plans to retire in May, Philip joked that he was the worlds most experienced plaque-unveiler.The princes sense of humour has got him into trouble in the past, making headlines for politically incorrect jokes.But he uses it to break the ice, and many view it as a welcome contrast to the queens more formal reserve.How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test? he once asked a driving instructor in Scotland.Gruff in public he hates media interviews he is also widely credited for keeping his family together during the turmoil of his childrens divorces and the death of Diana, princess of Wales.Prince Philip is still in good health for a man of his age, although he was hospitalised for two nights in June for an undisclosed infection.He and the queen have scaled back public duties in recent years, handing responsibilities to the younger royals, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, and his eldest son Prince William.William, the 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge, ended his two-year career as an air ambulance pilot last week to turn his full attention to royal duties, alongside his wife Kate.But while the queen supports her husbands decision to retire, experts say she considers her own vow at her 1953 coronation to serve for life as unbreakable.Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family, the palace said earlier this year. Service Chiefs have relocated to the theatre of operation against Boko Haram in compliance with Acting President Yemi Osinbajos directi... Service Chiefs have relocated to the theatre of operation against Boko Haram in compliance with Acting President Yemi Osinbajos directive.Prof. Osinbajo gave the directive last week following the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.A statement from the Defence Headquarters last night indicated that the service chiefs had started operating from Maiduguri.The statement by Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. John Enenche said: In compliance with the recent Presidential directive by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, to service Chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the epicentre of the North-East Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operation, the Service Chiefs have commenced the Command and Control of the Operation from the Military Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri.In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff held a Briefing session with the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Theatre Commander and Senior Principal Staff Officers of the military high command at the Military Command and Control Centre on 1st August 2017, on the reviewed strategic direction and operational plans, in compliance to the directive of the Acting President.This move and action are expected to give impetus to the military effort in the North-East Operations. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters hereby appeal to the public and people in the areas affected directly by the negative acts of terrorism and criminality, to come forward with credible information that will further assist the security and response agencies to tackle this menace.It is necessary to point out some of key information required which include the following: a. Terrorists sleeper cell locations b. Terrorists concentration areas and outpost locations c. Collaborators and informants to the terroristsSuspicious isolated settlements and camps outside normal living areas.The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and tranquillity are restored to the North-East. Thus the cooperation of the general public, particularly those in the affected areas is highly solicited. There was speculation Tuesday night that the Presidential jet in London departed the country perhaps to Nigeria which caused tension wit... But the media team of President Muhammadu Buhari denied knowledge of such thing, saying that it should be taken as rumour as there was no information available to them suggesting that the President had left London where he is on medical vacation.NE recalls that President Buhari had left the country on 7th May to see his doctors in London, the United Kingdom and had handed the button of leadership to the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to act on his behalf However, there have been insinuations in some quarters that the Presidents health had recorded a remarkable improvement that would warrant him to return to the country soon.The speculation about the Presidents return was rife Tuesday when some sources in London had claimed that Mr. Presidents aircraft had taken off from there to Abuja even as it was reported that some staff at the Presidential Villa had been on standby since Monday.But when our source sought the confirmation of the alleged departure of the Presidential aircraft from London from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, he said he was not aware of such development.Also in denial of any knowledge of the alleged departure of the Presidential aircraft from London was the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina who said he was not informed of anything like that. According to him, BBC also called me and said the presidents aircraft had taken off, I should confirm it.I said the tradition is that if the president is coming, we will be asked to issue a statement but there has been no such instruction.As at the time of filing this report late Tuesday night, there was no confirmation to the effect that the presidential aircraft had left London and there was no movement within the Presidential Villa to support the rumour. One of the six students abducted from Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, said they made three attempts to escape from their captors w... One of the six students abducted from Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, said they made three attempts to escape from their captors while they were held in the creek. The victim, who chose not to be named, said they made the decision to escape after the abductors collected ransom from their parents yet refused to release them. He said on their first attempt, they all agreed to run, but because they did not know the terrain they decided to stay back so as not to endanger their lives. Recalling the second attempt, he said: "The second attempt was when we heard that they wanted to use us for sacrifice to appease their gods, we all came together and said we were going to run, but we could not make it out of fear." The third attempt might have been successful, except the father of the boy warned them of the dangers involved and asked them to stay put when the hostage got hold of a phone and called him. The boy said: "On that fateful day, the kidnappers had gone out, but the guard who was with us in the camp had slept off. I went to where he was sleeping and took his phone to call my father to ask if we could escape. When I called him, he was surprised and warned us not to take such risk because we could get killed in the process. Aside that, we did not care about the consequences in as much we were out of the creek. But, again, we dropped the idea because one of us was reluctant to support it, coupled with my fathers advice." He spoke of how they were beaten by their abductors when their parents refused to pay the ransom as promised. "When they called our parents to demand another ransom but our parents refused to bring the money as promised," he revealed. "That night, they brought us out and started beating us and put their phone on speaker for our parents to hear our cries. They also threatened to sacrifice us to their gods. The night they beat us, one of us started vomiting blood while the second person also fell sick. "When the person they assigned to guard us noticed the two of them, he immediately informed the leader of the kidnappers who brought a nurse the following day to take care of those who took ill. He said one of the sick boys only got worse and another boy would pray for him to get better. This got him the nickname "prayer warrior" from their abductors. "When the kidnappers noticed the way he prayed, they nicknamed him pastor. I was called the general because I was the only one who confronted them when we were not satisfied with what they gave us. Our first week in the creek was hell, we slept on palm fronds. We also urinated and defecated in the open," the student said. "But when our parents promised to pay them, they started taking good care of us. They gave us Eba and crayfish for two weeks, but most of the food they gave us was always their leftover." The victim told New Telegraph that it was a bitter experience living in the creek for two months. He, however, said when the kidnappers noticed that police were after them, they were moved from Lagos to another creek in Ondo State. "A week before we were released, the kidnappers told us that we should thank the Ondo State government for intervening in the matter. From then we didnt sleep at night, we were always praying for Gods intervention. A night before our release, the leader of the kidnappers came into our camp and appealed to us that we should forgive them for abducting us, that it was the situation of the country that pushed them into crime. They promised never to return to our school again. "Very early on the day they wanted to release us, they gave us clean water to bath for first time and asked us to prepare that they were handing us over to the Ondo State deputy governor and the state commissioner of police who later brought us to Lagos." Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that contrary to insinuations, the Senate had no pre-meditated plan to reject Ibrahim Magu as... Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that contrary to insinuations, the Senate had no pre-meditated plan to reject Ibrahim Magu as chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Saraki said this while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday. He insisted that the screening of Magu, which led to his rejection, was transparently done. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding and blackmail and all is not in the interest of democracy. The rejection of candidates presented to the National Assembly is a process. It is a process that is not restricted to the EFCC chairman. It is a process that has to do with the Governor of Central Bank, Director-General of Lottery Commission, Electricity Regulatory Commission and other relevant agencies. We have approved many people from the executive and we have rejected some and when we reject them, it is not for any personal reason, because it is a process. Magus screening was on a Wednesday when we air plenary `live. That is to show you how transparent the Senate was on Magus confirmation. We screened him on a Wednesday so that all Nigerians can watch, Saraki said. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Two local men were arrested on suspicion of robbing a Helena casino at gunpoint after one of them attempted to redeem a stolen cash-out ticket. Two masked men entered the Best Bet Casino on Euclid Avenue on July 22 and stole $500 while brandishing what appeared to be a sawed-off shotgun and a .45-caliber handgun, court documents filed Tuesday state. The weapons turned out to be B.B. guns. The clerk at the casino told investigators one of men, who was wearing a ski mask and sunglasses, approached her and asked for the till. She took the cash out of the drawer and the man asked for her wallet, the documents note. The clerk had $300 in her wallet. The other man never entered the casino but rather stood watch outside, she told detectives. According to court documents, the robbers also took tickets and receipts. Later the next day, another employee of the casino called 911 to report a man had tried to redeem a cash-out ticket stolen in the robbery. The man, described as brown-haired and blue-eyed, left in a late-model Subaru. The employee noted the same man had returned to the casino earlier that morning to play machines. When confronted about the ticket, the suspect said he had found it in the parking lot. The clerk noted someone had used White-Out correction fluid on the ticket to change the date. That man was identified as Theodore Ebbie Dodge Jr., 40, of East Helena. Dodge is a parolee. He has prior convictions of burglary, theft and forgery. Dodge is jailed on charges of robbery and burglary. When questioned, Dodge told detectives he found the ticket in a duffel bag outside of the casino. The bag also contained a B.B. gun, he said. Dodge told an investigator the bag was in his car, adding "that don't look good," the documents note. During the interview, Dodge admitted to being high on methamphetamine. Later in the investigation, the duffel bag containing two B.B. guns and a black face mask were found in Dodge's car. Detectives then questioned the second suspect, Thomas John Hansen, 46, of Helena. Hansen is on probation. He has previous convictions of drug dealing, drug possession and criminal endangerment. A urinalysis found Hansen to be under the influence of meth and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Hansen told investigators he had syringes in the center console of his pickup. When authorities went to retrieve the needles, they also found more tickets from the robbery, court documents state. A few days after the robbery, Dodge admitted to his involvement, court documents state. Dodge claimed to be the one who stayed at the door while holding a sawed-off B.B. shotgun. Hansen also confessed to the robbery, the documents state. He said he entered the casino with a B.B. gun. While investigating the robbery, evidence of a storage locker burglary the same day was uncovered. The duo is accused of breaking into a Cole Avenue building and stealing a compound bow, a fanny pack and bait. Hansen is jailed on charges of robbery, burglary and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Both men are being held in lieu of $50,000 bond. With a death rate for pregnant women that's twice the U.S. average, Louisiana is one of the country's most dangerous places to have a baby. No The four-page One Tammany Extra is wrapped around North Shore editions of The Times-Picayune every Wednesday and Friday. The study looks at two smaller-scale projects that are in some ways predecessors to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the $2 billion plan to slow land loss erasing Louisiana's coast. Construction on that project could begin as early as next year, while a similar one on the opposite side of the river known as the Mid-Breton Diversion could follow. 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. 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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. 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Congressman David Young listened to nurses, Visiting Nurse Association officials and a client talk about the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program Tuesday during a visit to the VNA of Pottawattamie County office in Council Bluffs. The VNA met with Young to urge him to support reauthorization of the program, which would expire at the end of September without congressional action. The program is federally funded, but states determine what providers in their jurisdictions should be contracted to provide services, said Patricia Russmann, executive director of Promise Partners, which administers local programs under the home visiting program grant. The program serves low-income women pregnant with their first child. Mothers who enroll in the voluntary program are paired with a registered nurse early in their pregnancy and receive regular home visits for about two years, Russmann said. It serves about 100 families a year. We know from research that one of the most important and cost-effective methods is to intervene early, she said. The local program must meet state benchmarks to achieve annual renewal, said Kris Stapp, vice president of home services for the VNA. The Iowa Department of Public Health must reapply for the five-year grant next year, if it is reauthorized, Russmann said. Only 26 percent of the moms are employed when they join the program but, at the end of the two years, 79 percent are working, said Jo Lightner of the VNA. The average income for our moms is about $15,000, but we have some that are as low as $7,000, she said. Courtney Young found out about the home-visitation program through the Women, Infants and Children program and signed up while pregnant with her first child, she said. I wanted to learn anything I could about being a first-time mom, she said. I was very nervous, and I didnt know what programs were out there. The congressman asked her several questions to find out her perspective on the program. Courtney Young said she thought raising her son would have been hard without information she received through her nurse. One thing she learned was when a child should reach developmental milestones, she said. She had trouble breastfeeding at first and received help from a lactation consultant through the visitation program. She also learned ways to interact with her son before he was able to talk. The VNA nurse is able to come when the father is home and can learn about parenting along with her, Courtney Young said. Nurses one-on-one make an impact at the bedside, said Beth McCullough, one of the visiting nurses. They trust us. A lot of my girls have no family support. Jamie Smiley, a registered nurse who worked in labor and delivery earlier in her career, jumped on the chance to work in the program when an opening surfaced. I was a teen mom, and I had a VNA nurse ... and it helped me tremendously, she said. I want to help people like I was helped when I was a teen mom. Visitation nurses weigh and measure babies to chart their progress and make sure theyre healthy, follow their ages and stages, screen mothers for postpartum depression, help parents connect with Medicaid and insurance companies and are available to answer questions at any time, Smiley said. This helps reduce visits to the emergency room and even a doctors office. You really helped put a face on this program, the congressman said after listening to the group. The nurses are helping these clients develop confidence so they can see a future for themselves, Stapp said. Congress needs to act on a health care bill, Young said. We need to create a marketplace, give states some flexibility and make sure people with preexisting conditions are not discriminated against, he said. Young said he hopes lawmakers can work across the aisle to get it done. Ill work with anybody, he said. Said Young, Theres a lot of other issues besides the (Affordable Care Act) that we can work on. An Omaha man is being held at the Pottawattamie County Jail on a bond of $500,000 after police said he robbed an Underwood bank in June. Davon Williams, 31, faces 23 charges: 10 counts of assault while participating in a felony, 10 counts of false imprisonment and three counts of robbery. He was transferred to the Pottawattamie County Jail Friday. A hearing is set for Aug. 10. According to the Pottawattamie County Sheriffs Office, the FBI and the Greater Omaha Bank Robbery Task Force, law enforcement responded to the scene of a armed robbery at the US Bank branch in Underwood at 12:25 p.m. on June 12. Officers learned two armed, masked men entered the bank and demanded money from employees. The suspects reportedly took money from the banks vault and a teller drawer, then took money from three employees. During the robbery, nine of the employees and customers in the bank were tied up with zip ties on their hands by the robbers, police said. Witnesses advised the suspects said something about killing us and were going to kill if we dont get in this vault, the report states. The alleged getaway car was found in the 24000 block of Magnolia Road. Investigators learned the car had been reported stolen in connection to an armed carjacking in Omaha earlier that day. A second set of tire tracks were found near the car. Using surveillance, police spotted a Chevy Tahoe traveling south on Railroad Highway and told all law enforcement in the area to be on the lookout. On June 20, police located the Tahoe in Omaha, arresting Tyree Carney and Williams. If convicted, Williams faces up to 135 years in jail. Carney, 24, was arrested Thursday in Mandan, North Dakota. The Omaha Police Department said he is suspected in several armed robberies in Nebraska and Iowa. No court records are available for Carney. Andy McGuire of Des Moines said she wants to use her experience in the health care field and as former head of the Iowa Democratic Party in moving the state forward. Its about the future of Iowa, McGuire said of her decision to run for governor. She listed a number of health-related issues when discussing important topics facing the state, including health care, mental health services, addiction services and Medicaid. Health care is a right, not a privilege, the former practicing physician said. We have to do better. About mental health, she said law enforcement have become the first line of mental health care providers, while jails and hospitals deal with patients because there arent enough beds in care facilities. She decried the state Legislatures actions that helped lead to the closure of four Planned Parenthood locations in discussing womens health. McGuire grew up in Waterloo and earned her medical degree at Creighton University in Omaha, where she met her husband, Dan. The pair made a few stops in the Midwest before settling in Des Moines. They have seven children. Andy McGuires resume includes time at Veterans Affairs Hospital in Des Moines. She later earned a masters degree in business administration and served in medical administrative roles with Wellmark Insurance, American Republic Insurance Company and Medicaid managed-care company Meridian of Iowa. McGuire served as the chairperson of the Iowa Democratic Party from 2014 to 2016. McGuires political history includes donations and her time leading the party, and just one previous election. She was the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Mike Blouin, a former U.S. Congressman, in the 2006 Democratic primary, which was won by eventual Gov. Chet Culver. During a meeting with The Nonpareil, McGuire touched on a number of key issues the state continues to face. She said education has been underfunded for seven years under the Branstad and Reynolds administrations. Thats our future, she said, noting students are future members of the workforce. We need to make sure every kid in every zip code has a quality education. I want to be the education governor. McGuire supports a $15 per hour minimum wage, noting the states current $7.25 has been stagnant for almost a decade and is lower than surrounding states. Longterm, we need to work toward good paying jobs with good benefits, she said, singling out community college technical programs among the many ways to increase opportunities. McGuire criticized the 2017 Republican-led legislative session for changes to voting laws that included a decrease in absentee and early voting dates. I think we need to be better about getting everyone to vote, she said, calling for a mail-in ballot different from absentee votes similar to whats used in Oregon. Voting by mail is the standard form of voting in Oregon, with ballots mailed out to residents. They also have the option to vote in person. We want everyone to participate in our voting, our democracy, McGuire said. McGuire and her family have farmland in northern Iowa and said water quality a much-debated issue in the state for years now must become even more of a priority. She called for work to economically incentivize improving water quality. For example, McGuire talked about a sock-like filter that reduces the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus expelled through intake valves on farms. Its a start, she said. We make it right here in Iowa. We need to incent products that keep rivers and streams clean, and help create good paying jobs. We have the resources to get it done. You talk about the future, we cant have polluted waterways. The final topic during the discussion with McGuire was Iowas budget, which the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency has said could hit a $350 million shortfall this year. Earlier this year, legislators made $118 million in cuts to state programs and also transferred $131 million from emergency cash reserve funds. Thats mismanagement, McGuire said, saying legislators and the governors office did not have the right priorities. We have the revenues, she said. But corporate giveaways have hurt us. Ive run a business. I know how to manage a budget. It appears they do not. McGuire is one of six Democrats whove officially announced a run for governorship. Shes joined by Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell, state Sen. Nate Boulton, former Gov. Tom Vilsack chief of staff John Norris, former Des Moines school board member and state auditor nominee Jon Neiderbach and state Rep. Todd Prichard. Asked what sets her apart, McGuire said she doesnt like to talk about the other candidates, instead focusing on the issues she sees as important. I think I have a very positive message for Iowa, she said. I have a combination of skills that will work well and Ill work to get a consensus on issues. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced shell run for a full term, after replacing now U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad. Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett and Boone Mayor Pro-Tem Steven Ray have announced their intentions to seek the Republican nominations for the office. Independent Brent Roske, a film director and producer, and Libertarian Jake Porter, a business consultant from Council Bluffs, are also running for governor. WASHINGTON Iowa and Nebraskas top officials urged federal regulators Tuesday to provide greater support for advanced biofuels. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, both Republicans, testified at a public hearing on the Environmental Protection Agencys proposed Renewable Fuel Standard. That proposal would place the requirements for regular, typically corn-based ethanol at the maximum 15 billion gallons next year a level reassuring to that sector that the new administration will continue to support it. But the agencys proposal for requirements of biodiesel and advanced cellulosic ethanol have been met with dismay in some quarters. The two governors who represent the nations top two ethanol-producing states testified that concerns about the capacity of biodiesel producers to meet aggressive increases is unwarranted. The biofuels industry has proven that when you set the bar high the industry can make the jump, Ricketts said. The RFS has long drawn the ire of conservative groups that object to government intervention in the marketplace, while the oil and gas industry also has criticized the policy. Opponents say that the renewable fuels being promoted actually harm the environment, are often inefficient and divert agricultural resources away from feeding people and into filling gas tanks. The governors pushed back on those points. Ricketts said increasing yields have boosted corn production significantly over the years with a corn surplus up 20 percent since 2015. Reynolds also alluded to Iowas productive fields. Our farmers have demonstrated that you can, in fact, feed and fuel the world, she said. In prepared remarks released by her office, Reynolds said the RFS plays a major role in sustaining our ability to continue as an agricultural leader because it create another market for farmers. Over 43,000 jobs are supported by the renewable fuels industry in Iowa, generating $2.3 billion of income for Iowans, she said. As the current ag economy experiences a downturn, sustainable and predictable renewable fuels markets are incredibly impactful to the bottom line of farmers and rural Iowa. Furthermore, Iowans appreciate having options at the pump, and they continue to choose renewable fuels as a lower cost option. President Donald Trumps choice of Scott Pruitt to lead the EPA had sparked concern in the Midwest, given the Oklahomans oil and gas background. And indeed there are indications the administration could be looking for a reset of the RFS down the road. But both governors told reporters after their testimony that they have been encouraged by what theyve seen so far, praising administration officials for making timely decisions and for being accessible. They were both included in an energy roundtable at the White House earlier this year, they noted. Still, they said they will keep up the fight in support of renewable fuels. You have to always be out there advocating for it, Ricketts said. You can never take it for granted. Editors Note: The Nonpareil is highlighting the four honorees for this weekends Spirit of Courage event. As George Smith lay in his bed at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital a moment after being told the lump that had been surgically removed from his groin was non-Hodgkins lymphoma one thought came to mind: OK, so Im going to die. I looked at my wife just kind of dumbfounded, Smith recalled. That was 21 years ago. Smith has survived two bouts of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, one in 1996 and another in 2004. He is proud to say he is cancer-free. The 70-year-old Council Bluffs resident and retired postal worker credits his survival to a number of factors, including his strong faith. I have been a member of Broadway United Methodist Church since I was a year old, he said. I was baptized there, and Shirley and I were married there in 1968. Our three sons were baptized there, and Im a lay leader there. In 1996, when Smith and his eldest son, Gregg, each discovered a lump in their groins, both went to see someone they knew from church, Dr. Michael Zlomke. Zlomke has been on the staff at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital since 1987. He was involved in the process that led to national certification of the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons. Gregg Smith underwent surgery first, and the lump was determined to be a hernia. I had my operation two weeks later, and it was cancer, George Smith recalled. It was a bolt right out of the blue. I never thought it might be cancer. Zlomke referred Smith to Dr. John A. Okerbloom, medical oncologist and founder of Heartland Oncology & Hematology, a partner of the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Cancer Center. After recuperating at home for several weeks, Smith returned to the hospital, where Zlomke placed into Smiths chest a medical port that allows for the administration of drugs and nutrients thought a catheter placed under the skin. I still have that same port today, he said. Smith underwent several months of chemotherapy, administered at Heartland Oncology & Hematologys facility at the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Cancer Center. I can remember that I was tired and didnt have much of an appetite, but I missed very few days of work at the postal service, he said. I was not a candidate for radiation therapy, because I had cancerous lymph nodes above and below my abdomen. The chemotherapy was successful and Smith remained in good health until June 2004, when he discovered a second painless lump in his groin. A biopsy confirmed the non-Hodgkins lymphoma had recurred. Smith returned to the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Cancer Center for treatment, which this time included radiation therapy. Those treatments were followed by a series of infusions of Rituxan, a drug that had been developed and patented two years after Smiths 1996 cancer diagnosis. I credit that treatment for keeping me cancer-free since 2004, he says. He has since experienced several other medical issues. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had his first of two pacemakers installed in 2006. Both hips have been surgically replaced. And he has problems with his immune system. To help bolster his immune system, Okerbloom placed Smith on gamma globulin administered intravenously every five to six weeks. I started the treatments at the outpatient department at Jennie, and now I get the treatment at Heartland Oncology. The nurses at both places are marvelous. I dont know how they do their jobs every day and keep smiling. In addition to Gregg, the Smiths have sons Andy and his wife, Deandra; and Allan and his wife, Jaime. They also have five grandchildren. A deep desire to see those grandchildren grow has helped fuel Smiths positive attitude. I decided to live a day at a time and take it as it comes. Like most people, I often wondered, Why me? I finally changed my thinking that if it wasnt me, it might be somebody else that I loved and cared about. I felt that would be worse. Retired since June 1, 2014, Smith spends many hours each week volunteering, but his family remains his top priority. I worked the night shift at the post office so I could wake up in the afternoons and go to our sons sporting events, he says. It wasnt always easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do when one of our sons told Shirley and me, There were so many times I watched other kids look around for their parents, but I never had to look in the stands for you guys. I knew you were there. Now, he said, smiling as he points to the embroidered Grandpa on his sweatshirt, my grandkids are realizing that. This editorial, distributed by The Associated Press, was published July 25 in The Fort Dodge Messenger. According to the federal governments Bureau of Labor Statistics, agriculture is the second most dangerous occupation in the nation with a death rate at 22.7 per 100,000 workers. Accidents on the nations roads contribute to those sad outcomes. Given agricultures central role in Iowas economy, an emphasis on keeping farm workers safer is of crucial concern in the Hawkeye State. Many drivers who have little familiarity with large agricultural vehicles share roadways with them from time to time. With that in mind, Webster County Farm Bureau helped sponsor an event this month to give drivers education students at Southeast Valley High School a better understanding of appropriate safety precautions they should take. What many people dont realize is that someone driving to a semi-truck hooked to a grain trailer, a combine, sprayer and tractor with a grain cart, or some other vehicles common in farm country has more limited visibility than does the driver of a standard automobile or truck. WCFB representatives and others using equipment provided by Landus Cooperative and Harcourt Equipment gave the students a hands-on opportunity to see what driving these vehicles is like. Our goal was to let them experience the size and scope of the machinery, to help give them an appreciation, Steve Peterson, WCFB president said. This gave us a chance to expose kids that dont always have an opportunity to see this kind of equipment. The students quickly realized that it is important that drivers sharing the road with agricultural vehicles exercise extra caution. They need to recognize the person behind the steering wheel of those large, bulk vehicles may have difficulty seeing them. Visibility limitations are among the hazards those drivers face. Thats a lesson all of us need to keep in mind as we traverse Iowas roads. The Messenger applauds this useful addition to the drivers education curriculum. We appreciate the efforts undertaken by Webster County Farm Bureau, Landus Cooperative and Harcourt Equipment to make this learning experience available at Southeast Valley High School. It is an excellent augmentation to drivers education that would be well worth being considered in other communities. SEELEY LAKE The smoke poured from a distant ridgeline, the daytime air quality was downgraded to hazardous, the waters were closed and it was Tuesday in Seeley Lake. Several foursomes strolled the Double Arrow golf course, Roveros jumped with activity all day and, at least in the morning, kids swam in the lake. Meanwhile, three miles northeast of town, the Rice Ridge fire doubled in size, to an estimated 4,000 acres. All around western Montana, the wildfire scene took another turn for the worse Tuesday as smoke blanketed most of the valleys and mandatory evacuation orders were issued in Granite County on two different complexes. Residents along Lolo Creek and Highway 83 north of Seeley Lake in Missoula County were put on watch. At Seeley, ridgelines quickly faded and disappeared into the haze of the lower third of the sky. A handful of Hotshots walked through wooded stands overlooking cabins and outbuildings, laying hose, setting up sprinklers, felling trees, clearing brush. Their once-yellow shirts stained with the forest were a permanent darker brown, something like charred Dijon mustard rubbed in dirt. On Morrell Creek Road, Lisa VanDeHey led the way up the wood stairs to a cabin her father built on leased Forest Service land back in the 1950s. Stuck to a little metal pole near the road was a pre-evacuation notice. Long lines of white hose weaved across the property, metal Y-connectors enabling thin strands to slither off into corners, next to sheds and outbuildings. Sprinklers aimed at the structures; mostly the house, but one sat right outside the outhouse door, much to VanDeHeys amusement. Gotta save the outhouse, she laughed. VanDeHey and her husband, D.C. Haas, drove down from Kalispell Tuesday morning to gather up certain items from the cabin mostly family photos turn off the propane tanks, and cross our fingers. They came up in time to welcome a Hotshot crew laying hose and bulldozing a wide fuel break about 100 feet from the cabin. The chopped scar ran in an arc around their neighbors' places. Ive got two teenaged kids at home and theyre crying that the cabins going to burn down, VanDeHey said. Its not the structure, its the memories. Haas chimed in from the porch. I think theyve got a heckuva plan in place," he said. "Im feeling very optimistic. Yeah, if they cant keep it with all these hoses VanDeHey trailed off. Though it was allowed, the two were hesitant to spend the night, as were their neighbors, Tim and Cindy Hoag. Well stay downtown tonight, Tim Hoag said as he packed a horse trailer with belongings. The wind could switch on us and I wouldnt sleep good, anyways. The Hoags had been up at their cabin all summer, from their yearlong home in Florida. Other neighbors, a couple from Delaware, cut their vacation short Tuesday in the face of the wall of smoke visible from the yard. Tim Hoag said the trailer, filled with mounts, golf clubs, a lawn mower, a ladder and other items from his shed and shop, would stay at a friends house for the foreseeable future. I just hope I have to haul it all back, he said, swinging shut the metal door. To the west, across the lake at River Point Campground, just hours before it was closed to the public so air crews could dip from the lake, the smoke churning in the mountains opposite the water gave the impression of an especially apocalyptic beach day. Back in town, the Incident Command Post set up in Seeley Lake Elementary School saw a steady stream of locals walking in to pore over the oversize maps set up in the gymnasium and put their questions to public information officer Gabrielle Kenton. Evacuation warnings were centered toward the south of the Rice Ridge fire, which is burning parallel to Highway 83. They were handed out in door-to-door patrols by sheriffs deputies; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks rangers and the Forest Service. Wind shifts, anything can happen, Kenton said in her classroom-turned-office, where a sleeping bag on a small air pad lay next to her desk. You never know. Fire is relatively unpredictable. Kenton thought it unlikely Seeley proper would be threatened as the fire was burning to the east, but a northeasterly wind was expected Tuesday night. A Type II incident command team will take over the fire in a day or so, bringing even more personnel and equipment to the small lakeside town. Its really touch-and-go sometimes, Kenton said. *** The evacuation warnings and orders came as a red-flag warning for Tuesday evening and the first three hours of Wednesday kept fire crews throughout the region on edge. Three neighborhoods ringing the Sunrise fire in Mineral County are already deserted as the top priority fire in the nation flamed aggressively to the north and east. Sapphire Complex: Residents in a 10-mile stretch of Rock Creek from Hogback Homestead south to the Kyle Borhnsen Memorial Bridge west of Philipsburg were ordered to leave early Tuesday evening by the Granite County Sheriffs Office. The red mandatory evacuation order came in conjunction with a yellow evacuation warning for those from the Hogback Homestead, a historic Forest Service rental cabin, to Butte Cabin Creek, another 11 miles downstream. The Little Hogback fire is the southernmost of three fires in the Sapphire Complex to the east of Rock Creek. As of Tuesday morning it had burned 5,300 acres and was listed at zero percent contained. The fire has been making its way toward Rock Creek Road, information officer Sara Rouse said shortly after 5 p.m. It was fairly active this afternoon, and theyre thinking its going to get close to the road probably by this evening, Rouse said. With operations needing to take place, they want to make sure people have time to leave. The threat came on the heels of another mandatory evacuation order earlier in the day by Granite County farther upstream for Moose Lake area residents. The Whetstone Ride and Myers fires are burning out of control 25 miles southwest of Philipsburg near the South Fork of Rock Creek. The lightning-caused fires have burned some 3,700 acres. It also spurred into motion the largest contingents of firefighters on a fire in Montana. Personnel on the Sapphire Complex number 555, including 14 ground crews of 20 people each. Theyre tapping the services of 23 engines and six helicopters for a fire that had steady growth during the day and was expected to surpass a combined 1,200 acres in size on the Goat Creek, Sliderock and Little Hogback fires. That was some 7,000 acres larger than a week ago. Back burns have been performed along the east side of Rock Creek Road to prevent the northernmost Goat Creek fire from burning down to the road. Crews have reached a burnt-out area of the Sliderock fire to better assess the loss of structures. One cabin and nine outbuildings associated with the cabin (were lost). Theyre all on one property, information officer Erin OConnor said, adding This happened at the very beginning. They are the only 10 structures reported lost among all the fires burning in western Montana. The Sliderock and Little Hogback fires were reported on July 13. Goat Creek flared up six days later. Rock Creek Road remains closed to all but residents and fire personnel. The troops have done a really, really good job with structure protection and keeping it away from homes, OConnor said. Whetstone Ridge-Myers Complex: The lightning-caused fires have burned some 3,700 acres. Smoke from the lightning-caused fires has affected Butte and is expected to continue to do so all week, according to the Montana Standard. The fires had already forced the closure of nearby Copper Creek campground. A Type II team under Mike Alma took command Tuesday. The previous teams structure group had triaged or prepared 82 structures nearest the fire. A fire break of more than 20 miles has been constructed or designated, with more to come. It includes 1.5 miles of hand line, 6 miles of dozer line and 13 miles of shaded fuel break. Lolo Peak fire: The confounding fire burning in largely inaccessible terrain high above Highway 12 established itself on the north face of Lantern Ridge. That was a trigger point for the Missoula County Sheriffs deputies to starting going door to door to warn some 70 residences on the south side of Highway 12 to be prepared to move out quickly. The warning applied to those in a 5 -mile stretch from Fort Fizzle west to Elk Meadows Road. Theyve been trying for days to keep the fire on the south side of Lantern Ridge and it finally slopped over to the north side. Its about 50 acres and growing, said fire information officer Mark Struble. The fire operations people came in about four hours ago (2 p.m.) and got together with the sheriffs office. Theyre concerned with the red flag and higher winds and said lets just give everyone down in the canyon a heads-up. There was no immediate danger, Struble stressed. Rice Ridge and Liberty fires: Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott issued yellow evacuation warnings to residents along Highway 83 from just north of the town of Seeley Lake at Cottonwood Lakes Road to Rice Ridge Road, above which the Rice Ridge fire was growing rapidly to the southeast. More warnings were issued for North and South Placid Lake roads, Shining Shirt Road, and Beaver Creek Road in advance of the approach of the Liberty fire that burned east off the Flathead Indian Reservation in the Mission Mountain range over the weekend. It's charging down Boles Creek, one of the tributaries to Placid Lake. Sunrise/Burdette fires: Travelers on Interstate 90 and residents of Superior to the north and Alberton to the east experienced periods of thick smoke and poor visibility Tuesday morning. After an afternoon respite, smoky conditions were expected to return in the evening as the red flag warning went into effect. Air quality monitors have been placed in Superior and Quartz Creek. Another public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Lozeau Lodge Pavilion. The fires remain No. 1 and No. 2 on the national priority list. The Sunrise fire had ballooned more than 3,000 acres to 9,900 in two days. It was burning aggressively Tuesday on either side of Sunrise Mountain in the Quartz Creek and Sunrise Creek drainages. Fire growth to the north, east and south threatened structures in Quartz Creek, where residents were evacuated on Friday, and Sunrise, where residents have been out of their homes for a week. Some 60 structures are at risk, but none has been lost. The sale of Highland-based Strack & Van Til to the founding Strack and Van Til families is slated to close on Thursday. "We're working around the clock," Indiana Grocery Group Chief Executive Officer Jeff Strack said. "We're still on target." Indiana Grocery Group is buying 20 remaining Strack & Van Til stores, the Highland corporate headquarters and a Valparaiso commissary from bankrupt Central Grocers in a deal with an estimated valued at $91.3 million, not including inventory in the stores that could be worth up to $30 million, according to court documents. The Jeff Strack-led group consists of the Strack and Van Til families, former Strack & Van Til Chief Executive Officer Dave Wilkinson and other investors. The way the deal is structured, Indiana Grocery Group has an incentive to close on the sale as soon as possible. It is being credited $8 million if the transaction gets completed this week, which saves Central Grocers from borrowing from banks to have enough cash to keep running the stores. The Joliet-based wholesaler has borrowed to cover operating expenses since it filed for bankruptcy on May 4. In fact, the new ownership group has to pay $200,000 per day in withdrawn credit after August 2 if the deal isn't consummated, according to court documents. Indiana Grocery Group placed a $10 million deposit from which that money will be deducted, and will have to deposit another $8 million if it doesn't close by Sept. 10. Indiana Grocery Group outbid Jewel in a bankruptcy court-supervised auction in July. It offered $73.1 million for the 19 stores Jewel-Osco wanted, $1.7 million for Strack & Van Til's corporate headquarters in Highland and an Ultra Foods store on Broadway in Merrillville, and another $2.9 million for the inventory at that Ultra Foods store and a warehouse at 101 45th Ave. in Munster. "We have been doing inventories at the stores this week and finalizing all the necessary documents/paperwork needed for closing," Strack said. "Things have been busy and moving fast the past few weeks but everyone at the stores and office have done a great job on staying focused on the job at hand. The team here is working on tying everything together for the closing tomorrow. It will probably be another late night but we are on track to get this part of the process completed and behind us." The new ownership group additionally agreed to assume $2.9 million in debt in real property and personal taxes, and $2.7 million in liabilities related to vacation days, sick days and other paid time-off earned by Strack & Van Til employees. Indiana Grocery Group has a deal with at least four out of the five unions who represent the thousands of Strack & Van Til workers, and has pledged $7 million toward the worker pension fund as part of the transaction, court records show. After the deal closes, Indiana Grocery Group will operate an Ultra Foods in Merrillville, two Town & County Markets in Valparaiso and Portage and 17 Strack & Van Til stores in Cedar Lake, Chesterton, Crown Point, East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Lowell, Munster, Rensselaer, Schererville, St. John and Valparaiso. The Highland-based supermarket chain is Northwest Indiana's largest independent grocer. Ernie Strack and Nick Van Til opened the first store, then a modern supermarket that was much larger than traditional grocery stores, at the corner of Cline Avenue and 45th Street in Highland. As it spread across the Region, the chain became known for its fried chicken, "It's a Strack & Van Til Thing" slogan and customer service, which has included bag boys in ties and dress shirts who carry people's groceries out to their cars. "Its also been a little bittersweet as the company that Nick Van Til and my grandfather started will be winding down and eventually go away but we are all excited for the new opportunity to start a new company the Indiana Grocery Group," Strack said. "While this will be a brand new company, the principal and values that make up Strack & Van Til will remain." There will be a membership meeting of the Merrillville Ross-Township Historical Society at 1 p.m. Sunday at the history museum located at 13 W. 73rd Ave., in Merrillville. Following the membership meeting, a short video on the Prohibition era in America will be shown. Refreshments will be served. A traveling exhibit, "Hoosiers and Their Hooch: Perspectives on Prohibition" is on display through Aug. 23. Visitors will be taken through the rise and fall of prohibition in Indiana and throughout the entire country. The exhibit spans the dawn of the temperance movement of the 1900s, the roaring 1920s and the unprecedented repeal of a constitutional amendment during the Great Depression. The era's conflicting cultures are demonstrated on panels through colorful historic figures such as Edward S. Shumaker of the Indiana Anti-Saloon League, as well as bootleggers, moonshiners and bathtub gin distillers who found their way around the law in Indiana. The exhibit is made possible by Kroger and shared with communities through the Indiana Historical Society. The museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. through October except for holiday weekends, and is open to the public. Admission is free, and new members are always welcome. Private tours of the museum are available by appointment only. For more information, contact president Roy Foreman at 219-942-8138, visit merrillvillehistory.org, or email MerrillvilleHistory@yahoo.com. DECATUR Greg Spain was taking a break at Decatur Celebration last year with his granddaughter, 2 years old at the time. His wife snapped a photo of the sentimental moment and took a look at it. "I was covered in sweat, I looked tired. It was a terrible photo of me," Spain said. The retired Decatur police sergeant had been going nonstop all weekend in the heat, assisting volunteers, greeting old and new faces helping the most important weekend in Decatur go off without a hitch. But every year Spain is back in the mix, aiding the planning staff in any way that's asked of him. "I don't get tired of it, I believe in it," he said. Spain's been part of the festival since its inaugural year in 1986. Back then, he patrolled the event in uniform. "It was fun. You got a good chance to interact with a lot of people, you met a lot of nice people from town and out of town. It was a good interaction for all the police officers, a very positive interaction," he said. Eventually, Spain oversaw police efforts for several years, providing security and showing the faces of law enforcement in a community environment. "It's always been the community for him, he's always been a a big supporter of the community," said longtime friend Brian McGill, who grew up with Spain on the east side of Decatur. "He got to know a lot of people. We're always kidding that we're shocked he hasn't run for mayor yet." Spain said he considers himself an ambassador of the Celebration, which has managed to stay afloat over the years, even as production costs have grown. The announcement that Celebration would use a fence and charge admission for the first time caused consternation among some Decatur residents, but Spain said the most important thing is to keep the event alive. "I think people have the misconception the Celebration is a cash cow and everyone is lining their pockets, whereas in reality it's a struggle from year to year to pay the bills, and not make a profit but just basically break even, to move on and continue on to the next year," he said. With all that Spain believes the Celebration contributes to charities and the community, he's certain the festival changes were necessary and the right thing to do. "Decisions were made with great, great thought and deliberation. No one rushed into this, it had to be done to sustain ourselves for the future," Spain said. Spain said it's the volunteers that work the hardest, and who deserve the attention, but Celebration Producer Lori Sturgill said Spain is one of the most dependable and omnipresent volunteers she has. "He's kind of our go-to guy of we need someone to help run something out somewhere," she said. "He has the time to do that, but it's not so much the time, but the willingness to help, and we just love that." Even before his retirement in 2015, Spain was a Celebration board member. Board members serve six years, but Sturgill said the organization was able to keep him on for a seventh year because he was so integral. "We wanted to keep him around as long as we possibly can," Sturgill said. Role after role, Spain is going to stay on in some capacity. Sturgill said he will still be heavily involved as the go-to liaison between city police and Celebration organizers. It's safe to say attendees can bet on Spain being at the event for years to come, sharing old stories and making new ones. Spain said taking his kids to the carnival when they were young was a fixture of the festival. "Now I have a granddaughter, and they plan on bringing her. She's at the age that she would enjoy it on Thursday night (when the carnival opens) this year," Spain said. For current residents and those who moved away long ago, they'll be able to count on Spain out and about for years to come. "We usually call when we get into town. He'll say, 'I'll be by this street corner,' and he'll be there," McGill said. "You can find him; it's not hard to find him down there," McGill added. CROWN POINT A 24-year-old Gary man has entered a plea agreement with prosecutors that allowed him to avoid trial on murder charges. Devon J. Brown was expected to appear at trial beginning Monday on allegations he participated in the murder of Cecil Pendleton Jr. on May 6, 2015, outside the Tan Tar A Apartments in Merrillville. Brown instead pleaded guilty to robbery resulting in bodily injury, a level 3 felony, which carries a penalty of three to 16 years in prison. The defendant admitted in the plea agreement that he and other individuals attempted to rob Pendleton of a cell phone on the day of the man's death. Brown said in the agreement one of the individuals with him pulled out the handgun that police allege was used to fatally shoot Pendleton. Defense attorney Kerry C. Connor could not be reached Tuesday for comment. The court took the plea agreement under advisement and scheduled a plea and sentencing hearing for Sept. 12. Three co-defendants were initially charged with Brown in connection to Pendleton's murder Latrell D. McGee, 21, of Merrillville; Tyrone L. Maynor, 21, of Gary; James D. Najee, 22, of Sauk Village; and Brown. The state dismissed charges against Najee in December 2015. Maynor, who was only charged with assisting in the murder, pleaded guilty June 16 to assisting a criminal, a level 5 felony, and sentenced to three years in prison. McGee is scheduled to appear at a court hearing Aug. 31 for a possible plea submission, according to court records. A previous trial for Brown scheduled to begin June 5 was delayed after prosecutors filed a new felony murder charge against the defendant on the day of the trial. Judge Clarence Murray upbraided the prosecutors, claiming it was an attempted "trial by ambush." Connor attempted to have charges against Brown dismissed, arguing his speedy trial rights were violated by the trial delay, but a magistrate judge determined that Brown waived his speedy trial rights at an earlier court hearing. MICHIGAN CITY A man charged in connection with the July 18 hit-and-run death of a 5-year old Michigan City girl is out on bail. Marcus Scully, 34, of Trail Creek, was released Thursday after $15,000 cash bond was posted on his behalf. Scully is charged with fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in death, a felony. He allegedly struck Delaney Klewer with the SUV he was driving in the 300 block of Broadway Street and never stopped. Scully turned himself in two days later. The amount of bail posted was the amount originally set by the court, which had taken under advisement a request by Scully for a reduction in his bond just two days prior to his release. GARY A Merrillville man died early Wednesday at a local hospital after he was shot in the city's Glen Park section, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Officers were dispatched about 2:45 a.m. to the 3400 block of Virginia Street for a possible gunshot victim, Gary Police Lt. Dawn Westerfield said. Jeremy Walker, 27, was discovered outside with what appeared to be several gunshot wounds, she said. Walker was pronounced dead at 3:24 a.m. at Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, a coroner's release said. His death has been ruled a homicide. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Detective Kristopher Adams of the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit at 219-755-3855. To remain anonymous, call the Gary Crime Tip Line at 866-CRIME-GP. CROWN POINT A 51-year-old grandfather killed by a stray bullet March 2016 in Hammond may have been caught in the crossfire of a years-long street gang feud, according to court documents. Don'Dre D. Brown was charged Sunday with felony murder and criminal organization activity on allegations he fatally shot Robert Declements. Brown, 16, is charged in Lake County Juvenile Court, but the Lake County Prosecutor's Office is seeking to have the juvenile charged as an adult, according to court records. Declements was shot in the head by a stray bullet March 20, 2016, while sitting in his vehicle in the 1000 block of Becker Street in Hammond. Declements was transported to a Chicago hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. No one was immediately charged in the killing, but a 21-year-old man who lived in the neighborhood was detained by police after a 9 mm pistol was found in his possession, according to court documents. The man Cameron T. Young was a known member of the East Haiti Crew, a street gang that had been beefing with the GUWAP street gang since early 2012, documents state. The feud caused a rash of shootings in Hammond, including at least four in December 2015. The 9 mm pistol found in Young's possession was sent for testing to a state crime laboratory, which determined shell casings found at the crime scene were fired from the gun, according to documents. Young was charged last fall in federal court with conspiracy and unlawful possession of the 9 mm pistol. Young pleaded guilty in March to the conspiracy charge and was sentenced to six months in jail time he served awaiting the case's resolution. Young provided a statement to state prosecutors in February while the federal charges were pending, according to court documents. He told prosecutors that the cause of the shootout that killed Declements was several taunting live videos posted on Facebook, documents state. Young said he and his girlfriend visited a home in the 1000 block of Becker Street on March 20, 2016. He said several of his friends were there, including Brown, who told Young he was walking home when a member of a rival gang began shooting at him. Brown allegedly told Young that he hid behind some cars in the alley and returned fire before fleeing back into the house. Young said he picked up the 9 mm pistol Brown used in the shooting and left the home, then was detained by detectives investigating Declements' killing. The man who allegedly shot at Brown is identified in court documents as a member of GUWAP. He is not charged in the incident. Young was charged Sunday in Lake Criminal Court with assisting a criminal, a level 5 felony, on allegations he assisted Brown by attempting to hide the 9 mm pistol. Brown is scheduled to appear at a juvenile court hearing on Aug. 22. A court hearing on the new charge has not yet been scheduled for Young. A person who eluded police in Gary after running from a vehicle linked to a Munster robbery remained at large Wednesday, Munster police said. Three other men connected to the robbery were taken into custody Tuesday night after the vehicle stopped near 19th Avenue and Hanley Street in Gary. A fifth person a 15-year-old boy remained in serious condition Wednesday at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn after he was shot by a Gary police officer during the incident, according to Lake County sheriff's spokesman Mark Back. The boy pointed a weapon at law enforcement, prompting a Gary officer to fire his weapon, striking him at least once, Back said. Back declined further comment on the boy's wounds because of health privacy laws and the boy's age. One weapon was found with the 15-year-old, Back said. At least one other handgun was recovered from inside the vehicle, he added. Munster police are processing the vehicle for evidence, he said. The Sheriff's Department is investigating the shooting at the request of the Gary Police Department, Back said. Police are still investigating whether any shots were fired at police, he said. Results from the police-involved shooting will be forwarded to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office upon completion, per protocol, Back said. The prosecutor's office will determine what further action may be taken, he said. Connection to other robberies? Police also were looking into whether the five people were involved in a string of armed robberies at other cellphone stores in the Region over the past few months, Munster police Lt. Ed Strbjak said. The five are accused of robbing a Verizon store Tuesday night at Ridge Road and Calumet Avenue in Munster. Four people entered the store about 5:48 p.m., and weapons were displayed, Strbjak said. The group took cash and cellphones from the store and from customers before fleeing in a vehicle occupied by a fifth person, he said. Dispatchers broadcasted a description of the vehicle, and a Griffith police officer located it in the area of West 15th Avenue and Burr Street, Griffith police Cmdr. Keith Martin said. The Griffith officer was in Gary checking major thoroughfares after hearing the vehicle description over his radio, Martin said. The Griffith officer followed the vehicle a grey 2015 Nissan with Ohio plates to the area of 19th Avenue and Hanley Street, where it stopped and five people attempted to run, authorities said. "Officers on scene reported that some of the suspects were armed," a Lake County sheriff's news release said. Police recovered weapons from the scene, the release said. No officers were injured. The three people taken into custody were being questioned by detectives, but no charges had been filed in the Munster robbery as of Wednesday morning, Strbjak said. Officers from Munster, Highland, Gary, Griffith and Indiana State Police, and the Lake County sheriff's helicopter responded to the scene in Gary, police said. An armed robbery of a cellphone store early Tuesday night in Munster ended in Gary with three suspects arrested, one still at-large and one shot by a police officer. At 5:48 p.m. Tuesday, five people tried to rob the Verizon store at Ridge Road and Calumet Avenue in Munster, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Department. Police said the suspects fled in a vehicle and were pursued by officers from the Griffith Police Department. The pursuit continued into Gary with several other agencies, including Highland, Munster, Gary, Indiana State Police and a Lake County Sheriff's Department helicopter becoming involved. The suspects' vehicle ran off the roadway in the area of 19th Avenue and Hanley Street and all five suspects began to flee on foot, according to the release. Officers on scene reported that some of the suspects were armed. Three of the five suspects were apprehended as of Tuesday night, one remained at large, and one is hospitalized as the result of a police-involved shooting incident, according to police. No officers were injured. Identities of the suspects were not immediately available from officers on scene as some suspects did not have identification. Weapons were also recovered from the scene, police said. Police are looking into whether these suspects were also involved in a string of armed robberies at other cellphone stores in the Region over the past few months, according to Munster police Lt. Ed Strbjak. The Gary Police Department has requested that the Lake County Sheriff's Department investigate the police-involved shooting. Sobriety checkpoints are planned this weekend in Lake County as police across Northwest Indiana gear up for enforcement campaigns this month targeting impaired drivers. The Lake County Traffic Safety Partnership did not disclose the locations of the checkpoints Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The goal is to reduce crashes associated with impaired driving, according to a news release. Police in Lake County will continue extra patrols focused on preventing impaired driving through the rest of this month. Drivers also should buckle up, police said. The Porter County Traffic Safety Partnership and Michigan City Police Department plan to join 220 Indiana law enforcement agencies in the Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs through Labor Day weekend. Sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and saturation patrols are planned, according to a news release. Overtime patrols are funded with federal money administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. GARY David Capp, the former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana squeezed out by the Trump administration, is guest speaker at the Gary Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting Aug. 14. Capp served 31 years at the U.S. attorneys office. He was responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases in Indiana. He is now retired. The meeting is at the Gary Shore Shore RailCats Administration Building, 1 Stadium Plaza, second floor. Networking starts at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is at noon. The cost of the luncheon is $20 per person for reserved reservations and $22 at the door. To reserve a seat, call the chamber office at 219-885-7407. When Prairie State College (PSC) alumnus Octavio Origel began his college career, he planned to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene. That plan changed during his first year at PSC, when he realized he had an even stronger interest in biology. After taking classes and being exposed to different sciences, Octavio switched his focus to pursue a degree in biology, with an ultimate goal of earning a master's degree in microbiology. Octavio not only changed his major during his time at PSC, he also discovered his passion for leadership. While attending PSC, Octavio was appointed to the Board of Trustees as Student Trustee for the 2016-2017 term. In addition to this role, he also was involved with the Prairie State Jazz Ensemble, Student Government Association (SGA), All Latin Alliance, Political Science Club and Model Illinois Government. His involvement at PSC proved to have made a difference for Octavio and his confidence as a student leader. "Never in my life did I think I would aim for leadership positions," he said. But, these leadership positions came naturally to him, and he credits much of his college success thus far to his involvement in student organizations and his role as student trustee on the PSC Board of Trustees. "Because I was so involved, I really knew my school and what the resources were," Octavio said. "I also learned a lot about public speaking and the importance of voicing your opinion," he said. "Ultimately, my roles gave me the courage to address the things that needed to be addressed." During a recent Board of Trustees meeting, Octavio was recognized for his service as student trustee. Accepting his recognition, Octavio said, "It really has been an honor being student trustee and a student at Prairie State College. I don't think of this as just a place where students and experts gather to learn. I like to think of it as a place where ideas generate and motivation and inspiration happens." "It was a pleasure working with Octavio on the Board of Trustees this past year," said Board Chair Jacqueline Agee. "I enjoyed seeing his confidence grow as his time on the board progressed. I am happy to see his educational successes recognized and can't wait to see where he goes from here." Octavio, who recently was named a recipient of the Carolina Covenant* at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, says that PSC has prepared him for a four-year university. "These two years have served me very well," he said.The Chicago Heights, Ill. native will be pursuing a bachelor's degree at UNC with a full-tuition scholarship, beginning in August 2017.He hopes to do research and eventually teach college courses in the future. *The Covenant at UNC is a program available to undergraduate students admitted to the university that meet certain requirements. In addition to financial assistance, the Covenant "promise" provides students with additional support and mentorships with the ultimate goal of graduation in mind. SOUTH HAVEN Applications to help provide backpacks and school supplies for children in kindergarten through 12th grades attending schools or being home-schooled in Porter County this fall will be taken at The Salvation Army, 799 Capitol Road. Register from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Parents or guardians are asked to bring the following: Photo identification for each adult living in household, birth certificate for each child, medical cards for students living in household and proof of Porter County residency. The Salvation Army initiated this program in 2007 with the intent that all Porter County children in need would return to school with the tools required to learn. Over 2500 children, teens and young adults have been helped since the inception of this program. The Salvation Army has again partnered with Staples and Kmart in Valparaiso to collect school supplies for children in need. For more information, call 219-762-9191. VALPARAISO The new Center for the Sciences: Chemistry and Biochemistry will house classes at Valparaiso University beginning this fall 2017, bringing 55,000 square feet of chemistry, biochemistry and biology laboratory space to the universitys 350-acre campus. The building will be honored by NIPSCO for its energy efficiency. Through NIPSCOs Business Energy Efficiency Programs, businesses are eligible to receive monetary incentives for making energy-efficient upgrades to facilities. Valparaiso will receive a nearly $150,000 energy rebate as a result. In total, the construction project saved 954,533 kilowatt hours and 80,681 therms. Just one therm is the equivalent energy output of burning roughly 100 cubic feet of natural gas. The project included LED lighting and an energy-efficient HVAC system. At the core of the new facility is an interdisciplinary lab, where students will collaborate with each other and with faculty as they hone research skills. Part of a larger STEM Village, the Center for the Sciences reinforces Valpos commitment to STEM education and enhances opportunities for innovative teaching and advanced student-faculty research. Valparaiso University has invested nearly $255 million in new construction and renovation projects during the past 15 years, employing contractors and construction workers in Northwest Indiana. The $30 million Center for the Sciences: Chemistry and Biochemistry is highlighted by a glass installation commissioned by local artists at Hot Shop Valpo. PERU, Ind. Police in central Indiana say an officer was able to rescue a man from a bridge who was livestreaming his decision about whether to jump. Peru Police Chief Mike Meeks tells the Kokomo Tribune a family member approached an officer Monday evening to report seeing a Facebook video of her brother sitting on the bridge contemplating jumping into the Wabash River. Meeks says officers blocked traffic to the bridge and started speaking with the man. Meeks said people watching the livestream implored him to get off the bridge while others encouraged him to jump. The police chief says an officer pulled him to safety while the man's attention was on his phone and Facebook feed. The man was taken to a hospital for an evaluation. ___ Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com New research shows women living in Southwest Queens, have one the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the entire country. Now, one local hospital is trying to change that. Our Gene Apodaca has the story. Just five weeks after giving birth to her son Vito, new mom Cara Surico-Howell says shes learning that breastfeeding has benefits she can enjoy. It feels like thats a time out for me to connect with him and to take deep breaths and take this moment to give him time, said Surico-Howell. According to the citys department of health, not all new mothers are making that time. Data shows that while more than 80 percent of new moms living in the city - initiated breastfeeding after child birth, only 30 percent continued to exclusively breastfeed within the first few weeks of their babys lives. Those numbers were even lower for women living in Southwest Queens, an area that has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the entire nation. It could be her experience, if she had other children, what were those experiences, we also see that her family and her partner play quite a significant role, said Marge Lillienthal, Director of Nursing for Women and Children Services. Doctors recommend that infants should be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months of their lives. They say breastfeeding provides the best nutrition to not only support development, but, to reduce the occurrence of serious health problems. Babies that are exclusively breastfeed are lower risk for asthma, eczema, diabetes, some cancers, Paula Utilla, a Lactation Consultant. Breastfeeding awareness is an important mission at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, which in 2016 delivered more than 2200 babies. The hospital offers mothers several educational, clinical and social programs created to provide support during and after pregnancy. Just this year, it was designated a baby-friendly Hospital by the World Health Organization and Unicef. Besides it numerous programs, the hospital also opened up this lactation lounge to be used by patients visiting or employees who work here. The great thing about it is that were empowering these moms, who dont have a lot, said Dr. Steven Inglis, Chairman of OB/GYN-Jamaica Hospital Medical Center DECATUR The two figures on opposite sides of Illinois latest education funding battle both traded blame during appearances in the Decatur region Wednesday, as time runs out on negotiations before the first day of school this month. State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, held a town-hall meeting in Taylorville about Senate Bill 1, which seeks to overhaul how state money is given to school districts. The plan also included funds for Chicago Public School pensions, a provision stricken by GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner in a meeting with the Herald & Review editorial board said he's optimistic about ongoing bipartisan negotiations on the bill, which the Democratic-majority General Assembly approved in May and sent to him Monday. He issued an amendatory veto on Tuesday that removed the pension language and money the district formerly received in the form of a block grant, among other edits. The veto requires the House and Senate to vote to accept the changed language or override. If neither is done, the bill is dead. The same funding formula has been used for two decades and has been widely seen as one of the most inequitable in the U.S. The Manar legislation, which has been in the works for years, would use a new formula based on poverty rates and other factors. But without the new school funding legislation, districts won't get paid. Decatur administrators have said the district will run out of money by mid-November if no funds arrive, and other Macon County education leaders have expressed increasing anxiety about the uncertainty. While the Illinois State Board of Education is still evaluating the finances behind his plan, Rauner stressed that districts outside Chicago would receive more money. He specifically called on Manar to support his veto. God bless Sen. Manar. He's been fighting for education reform, Rauner said. But why would Sen. Manar vote for a bill that diverts dollars away from schools in his district and move them to the Chicago pension system? He later made similar comments about Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, who also supported the original Senate bill and could not be reached for comment Wednesday. In a phone interview Wednesday, Manar called the amendatory veto a Trojan Horse that will hurt downstate school districts and others that are underfunded. His amendatory veto, making 100 changes to this monumental legislation, will drive money away from underfunded districts and towards the wealthiest district, Manar said. The governor disguises all this by talking about Chicago bailouts, and then he sticks a knife in the back of downstate schools at the same time. Several of Manars concerns were highlighted in an analysis of the amendatory veto released by Senate Democrats Wednesday afternoon. One of Rauner's changes affects the so-called "hold harmless" provision of the formula, which provides that no district would receive less money than it did this year. Under the amendatory veto, the funding algorithm would change in 2021, moving from a per-district to per-pupil basis. The means schools that are losing students would also receive less state money. Rauner stressed Wednesday that he believed his amendatory veto made the legislation a better bill, but said he is open to compromise. Any deal would need approval of a three-fifths majority in each chamber. He declined to specify what issues he would be willing to negotiate on to get his approval, but he did note his preference for school choice in Illinois. Rauner faces re-election in 2018. The businessman was elected in 2013 with strong support in Macon County. His platform included a pro-business platform that called for various reforms. But his agenda has clashed with the Democrat-controlled Legislature and House Speaker Michael Madigan, of Chicago. The impasse led to a two-year budget standoff that ended this summer with the approval of a budget and tax hike over Rauner's veto The education funding legislation was the subject of a second special session Rauner ordered in July. The governor in issuing his amendatory veto called for unity across the state, but critics say it pits school districts against one another and Chicago versus downstate communities and rural areas that got him elected. "He could end up wearing the jacket for some of the schools. They may open, but some of the poorer districts may not stay open for very long," said Jak Tichenor, interim director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University. "The pressure will be brought to bear on this ... At some point, it could blow up in both parties' faces." Part of the current negotiations has included a possible tax credit program for private school tuition, Manar said. But he said there has been no discussions on what fits the common description of school choice, where state-funded vouchers are given to students to attend private or out-of-district schools. Negotiations have been going since last week, with members of both parties saying progress has been made. Even with the governors amendatory veto, Manar said he remains hopeful schools will receive their share and more come the start of fall classes. I think we are very close to a good compromise, he said. If that compromise effort fails, he said Senate Democrats would attempt to override Rauners veto. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Time check: 10:15. I alight at Luzira; destination: Covenant Nations Church about 500 metres away, as one heads to Uganda Breweries Limited. I am petrified; I dont know what to expect. Will I return to the newsroom and tell the story or will my colleagues instead tell my story as I am checked into Luzira Maximum-Security prison after being charged with criminal trespass? This is my third attempt to attend this church pastored by President Musevenis 39-year-old second daughter, Patience Rwabwogo. The first two times I failed, thanks to an influential Christian friend who had promised to accompany me I am Muslim only for him to develop chicken feet at the eleventh hour. My friend, you want me to get arrested from there?! he told me. A signpost placed in the middle of the road jolts me out of my thoughts: Police notice; reduce speed 30km/h. Patience Rwabwogo preaches during another service I determine to make it in this time. If they allow me in, I will write a story; if they refuse me, still I will write a story. Outside, I count 20 men in Special Forces Command police uniform, some wielding very big guns, others pacing up and down with AK47s. Across the road a red firefighter truck is parked with its driver deeply engaged in a conversation with another uniformed man. Other uniformed men are seated along the perimeter wall, their fingers not far from their guns triggers. I approach one of them. Morning, Officer! Im told there is church around here. Can you direct me where it is? He looks at me from bottom up and finally says: Do you see where those soldiers are standing? Thats where you should enter from. At the said entrance, two soldiers man a security checkpoint. As is the norm elsewhere, I empty my pockets before walking through the metal detector, after which the male security guy further thoroughly frisks me. When he signals me to go, a lot of my anxiety disappears. I had feared he would ask questions and probably for my ID. Inside the fence, the church house is sandwiched among several warehouses and offices. The compound appears to be a workplace housing a number of companies, including TERP Consults, Odrek Rwabwogos company. The church entrance is at the back, where a female usher welcomes everybody with a hug and then hands them an envelope in which tithes, the offertory and pastors love gift are placed. Youre welcome, brother, the usher tells me with a grin. Is this your first time here? I answer in the affirmative. She hands me the envelope and leads me to my seat. I am the fifth to arrive. It is now 10:22am and my seat in the fifth row allows me calculated gazes in the interior. I count about 450 metallic-frame chairs with yellow cushions. A raft of lights line the white and blue ceiling. To my right are nine windows and two at the front near the podium. To the left are several doors, each with a name, including Jesus, Alpha, Omega and Faith, among others. Some worshippers come in through these doors and take their seats as I wonder what is beyond those doors, but I dare not investigate. A man with a camera stations near me and occasionally turns his lens on me. PATIENCE THE TEACHER I keep my eyes on the pulpit, covered with a blue carpet (the rest of the church floor has grey tiles), with a sideboard holding books and other regalia standing against the wall. With the sideboard stands a white screen where the praise songs and verses are projected. To the right side of the pulpit stand a guitar, piano and two speakers. Curiously, there is also flip chart. In the middle stands Pastor Rwabwogos modest altar, a size like for those used in hotels. After several minutes of no activity thanks to the few congregants, a young, light-skinned gentleman I later learn is James, steps to the altar. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, he says, but we ignore him. Nevertheless, he carries on preaching until a considerable number has come. Pastor Patience (C) is joined by her mother Janet Museveni and sister Natasha at a recent function at the church James gives way to the choir of three; a man and two young women in yellow dresses falling to the knees. I check my watch again and it is 11:15am now. English, Luganda and Runyakore praise and worship continue up to 12:10pm, and now about 80 people have taken their seats. Of these I only recognize the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra) executive director, Allen Kagina, who is in the company of her husband or so I guess seated two rows in front of me. Some congregants look familiar, but I cannot place them; maybe I have seen them on TV. I cannot help but notice that majority of the men are light-skinned, lanky and averaging at 6ft height. The older ones spot moustaches popularised by celebrated military generals such as Ivan Koreta. From their sharp facial features and pointed noses, it is clear westerners love this church. Even the female congregants are tall with similar features. Where the men spot moustaches, the ladies seem in agreement about the Janet cut hairstyle. And from their shapely backsides and distinct legs, there are no prizes for guessing where they hail from. Surely I must be forgiven for thinking they look like life has given them everything they ever craved. At the pulpit, the choir makes way for a Pastor Steven who engages us in hilarious banter before inviting the senior pastor to give the days sermon. Pastor Patience, as her congregants fondly call her, is dressed in a white and black striped sweater that falls to the middle of her thighs over black trousers and medium-heeled black shoes. Her hair, unlike majority of her female flock, is braided with white beads at the end of the braids. She speaks softly but with authority. There is a country that has the ministry of happiness and if we ever got that ministry in Uganda, I would really recommend that Steven be the minister of happiness, Patience begins her sermon. She asks James to fetch her flip chart, because today this is more like a discussion and I want you to write. The sermon, with Patience handling it pretty much like a classroom lecture something that makes me think she is like her father in that regard goes on for slightly longer than an hour. She takes us through the stages of spiritual development and discovering ones calling. This, I was later told, has been the continuing topic for the past five weeks. As Patience winds up, two ushers step to the front with baskets then praise songs are sung as worshippers drop their envelopes. At 1:23pm, the service ends. COME HERE YE FIRST- TIMERS After the service, James welcomes those visiting the church for the first time. We are 13 in total, looking quite out of place compared to the affluent-looking majority of congregants. James hands us to the chief usher, Festus Emmanuel Rwabuhihi. Thank you for coming to Covenant Nations Church, Rwabuhihi begins. As you can see, Pastor Patience is down to earth, not like she is portrayed out there. They say mbu this presidents daughter is looking for money, mbu if you dont have Shs 1m for the tithe, you cant be a member of the church; you have seen that all those were lies by our enemies who are being used by the devil, but ignore them. Rwabuhihi invites us to become permanent members of the church if we want. I take a taxi back to town, proud for pulling off a story I feared might be explosive. But where Patience Rwabwogo is understood by her flock, she and her church are still an enigma to the outsiders looking in. Abasabira awo basaba bagumu; sikwezo emmundu! [People who pray from there are very secure; not with all those guns!] the taxi driver tells his conductor. Naye bava wa? Kuba siraba bantu ba kuno nga bagendayo, [but where do the members come from? I dont see local villagers praying from there] The conductor offered: Kirabika bava Luzira mu kkomera, kyebava babakuuma bwebatyo. [They must be Luzira prison inmates; thats why they are heavily guarded.] SECOND SUNDAY Two weeks later on May 14 I return to the Luzira church, but this time security is not as tight as the first time. I go through a metal detector but I am not frisked. Outside, I count 14 soldiers. I soon learn that Pastor Patience is not in the house. The days sermon is delivered by Pastor Molly Asiimwe in pretty much the same fashion like Pastor Patience. Asiimwe is assisted by an Indian pastor, whose name I did not establish. Unlike my first visit, newcomers this Sunday are not invited for a briefing. Of the 13 who joined with me previously, I only recognise one in attendance. As the congregation departs, I leave for the door where I catch up with Unras Kagina immaculate in a black top and white trousers. Her Land Cruiser pulls up to the church door and a guard steps out to open the back door for her. Kagina and her husband step in and they are driven away; outside, a double-cabin truck with six armed men completes her motorcade. About 80 per cent of the flock heads for the car parking lot after the service; I and another young man flag down a taxi. When the young man I boarded with takes his sweet time alighting when the taxi stops at a stage, the church, not him, takes a beating. Naye abasabira ku church ya Natasha beeyita ki? (who do these people that pray at Natashas church think they are?) the driver rants. Natasha Kainembabazi Karugire is Patiences older sister, but even after 30 years in the first family, some people cannot tell who is who. bakerbatte@observer.ug Last week, Silent Voices Uganda debuted Just You, Me and the Silence at Bat Valley theatre. Known for their out-of-this-world props, costumes and cast, it was unprecedented that they were going to stage their opening acts at Bat Valley theatre. Not that Bat Valley is a bad theatre; for a production involving a set like the one Silent Voices is known for, it was not easy to imagine how it could be pulled off in that auditorium. And the fears by those accustomed to Silent Voices shows were valid. Many things went wrong that the show could not start for almost an hour and a half; even when it eventually started, stage managers were often seen struggling to push around props that often got stuck in the carpets. Just You, Me And The Silence is not an abstract production. It is easily digestible for the audience. It all starts at the primary location, Jacob Obinas home. Obina, portrayed by Gilbert Lakia, is an ambitious politician with a particular dream to further his political career. His dream is marketable, especially for a family that presents itself as Christian. Before we know it, Grace Obina (Rehema Nanfuka) buys into the dream, along with their doubtful but loyal son, Matthew Obina (Ernest Robert Bbumba). Obina plans to table a bill that will banish gays and all things associated with their acts. He wants gay people arrested and their leaders hanged. It, however, becomes complicated when gay activists dont react as expected; they had anticipated a violent response that never happened. Things get more complicated when it is revealed there is a gay person in Obinas own family. Just You, Me And The Silence tackles a sensitive issue with colour, language and free puns that keep popping up in the script. They talk about gay topics with wording that will get you laughing even at the sad parts. The dialogue is quite compelling and inspiring they speak from a free-spirited persons mind, debunk stereotypes of what a gay Ugandan is assumed to be like, etc. Judith Adongs masterful storytelling works on the audiences mind, her choice of words does not allow her patrons to forget what the actors said or how the story made them feel. She makes one question what one stands for and to what limits one would go with that stand. Shakirah Kibirige, Guy Zziwa and Rose Kironde, the costume and makeup team, did a commendable job with bold, unassuming costumes; colorful clothes, short shorts and some suspenders Kaz Kasozis music made the soundtrack of the production first showcased in 2013. The production continues with three more shows at Theatre La Bonita this weekend. kaggwandre@gmail.com Ruhinda county MP, Donozio Kahonda Mugabe has been released from prison after court in Luweero granted him bail today. Luweero Chief Magistrate, Charles Sserubuga released Kahonda on a non-cash bond of Shs 500,000. His three sureties including Abdul Kasule, a farmer and resident of Bombo town council, Captain Amon Ssenyonyi, a military officer attached to Operation Wealth Creation and resident of Kasana market zone in Luweero town council and Justus Twesigye, a teacher at Makerere high school, Migadde also executed a non-cash bond of Shs 5 million each. Kahonda is battling fresh charges of forgery and uttering false documents. Prosecution alleges that Donozio Kahonda Mugabe alias Mutabazi Dickson Kahonda forged and uttered false Ordinary level (O-level) and Advanced Level (A-level) certificates to gain admission to Ndejje University in 2006. A visibly jubilant Kahonda after being released The MP pleaded not guilty to the charges. This morning, Kahonda's lawyer, Caleb Mwesigwa of Mwesigwa Associated Advocates asked the Luweero Chief magistrate to release his client on bail. Mwesigwa reiterated the earlier grounds contained in the MP's bail application. He argued that being a member of parliament and the sole bread winner of his family including his brother who is battling cancer; Kahonda can't abscond from the court hearings. He argued that it was the constitutional right for the MP to get bail pending the hearing of his case. Mwesigwa asked the magistrate to grant Kahonda a non-cash bail given the fact that he had already deposited another Shs 500,000 in Jinja High court for bail. Beatrice Alok, the Luweero resident state attorney objected to the bail, saying the MP might interfere with the ongoing investigations into the case against him. However, Kahonda's lawyer shot back saying the delay by the prosecution to complete investigations shouldn't be a basis for denying his client justice. In his ruling, Sserubuga concurred with the submission of Kahonda's lawyer, saying the state has had sufficient time to complete investigations given the fact that the case has been ongoing for some time. He also argued that Kahonda is a member of parliament and still innocent and therefore granted him non cash bail. He said that it would be unfair to order Kahonda to pay for bail again yet he has already deposited money in another bail application. He ordered Kahonda to return to court on September 14 for the hearing of his case. He also ordered the state to disclose all the evidence to Kahonda's lawyer to enable them prepare for the hearing. Shortly after his release, Kahonda jumped into a waiting car and drove off with his supporters on police directives for fear that they could paralyze court business. He later told journalists at his home in Matugga town council in Wakiso district that the charges against him are politically motivated and asked the state to investigate how his rival and minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Gen Kahinda Otafiire was admitted to Makerere University without any academic qualifications. He said that some politicians he didn't name think, they own the voters in Mitooma and that is why they can't stomach seeing any other person representing the area. Kahonda appealed to his voters to stand united and develop their area. Kahonda, a retired Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) captain, was in a June 7 judgment found guilty of 11 counts of impersonation, forgery and uttering false documents by the Jinja Chief Magistrates court. Last Thursday the High court judge Eva Luswata granted him a cash bail of Shs 500,000 pending the hearing of his appeal. He was rearrested shortly after and remanded to Kirinya prison. Bodies of the fallen Uganda People's Defence Forces soldiers killed during Sunday's ambush by Al-Shabaab militants are to be returned home today, Wednesday. In a statement, Lt Colonel Deo Akiiki, the deputy UPDF spokesperson says the plane carrying "the caskets of the deceased" will touch down at Entebbe Airforce base at 1:30pm. Lt. General Wilson Mbadi, the deputy Chief of Defence Forces will head the military delegation to receive the remains, according to the statement. The names of those killed and injured are yet to be released. The UPDF said on Monday that 12 soldiers died on Sunday morning when Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) troops. The incident took place at Gorowen town between Bulumaler and Beladamini in Lower Shabelle region, about 140kms southwest of Mogadishu. Army spokesperson, Brigadier Richard Karemire said another seven soldiers were wounded during the ambush. Brigadier Karemire said he was quoting the UPDF Amisom contingent commander, Brig Kayanja Muhanga. Other sources yesterday however, quoted the number of the dead higher than the official figures. A military source who preferred to remain unnamed has told URN that the UPDF lost 21 soldiers in action and nine others are seriously injured. The source further said another 25 soldiers returned to the UPDF base alive while two are still missing. Hours after the attack, Reuters news agency quoted Abdiasis Abu Musab, a senior Al-Shabaab military officer as saying they had killed at least 39 Amisom troops during the ambush. The Somali government was also quoted by some media as putting the number of killed soldiers at 23. But Brigadier Karemire dismissed this figure as Al-Shabaab propaganda when URN contacted him on phone on Monday. He insisted that nobody knows the UPDF soldiers more than their commanders who quoted the figure of 12 deaths and seven injuries. Brigadier Karemire said the army was instituting an inquiry "to establish circumstances leading to this fateful incident." This is the first major Al-Shabaab attack since September 2015 when the UPDF lost at least 19 soldiers. Different government officials, however, kept giving conflicting reports about the 2015 attack as international media put the number of dead at close to 50. One soldier, Private Masasa, was taken alive by the militants only to be executed in January this year. Early this month, UPDF flagged off 1456 soldiers under Battle Group 22 and United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) IV to the war-torn Somalia where Uganda has maintained presence for 10 years. Uganda currently has over 6,000 troops in Somalia as part of the 22,000-strong Amisom peacekeeping force fighting the Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group that pushes to rule Somalia based on Sharia Law. Uganda was the first country to deploy in Somalia in 2007, some 16 years after the country descended into anarchy following the fall of General Mohammed Siad Barre in January 1991. Kampala businessman and socialite Sulaiman Kabangala Mbuga, better known as SK Mbuga, has bought ambulances for community use in Makindye-Buziga areas. Mbuga, who is reportedly putting up a hospital to be called Nu-Shifa, in Kiwempe, Makindye, promised the ambulances following his motorcycle accident on 18 June on his way to Buziga. One of the ambulances that SK Mbuga donated The four ambulances can be used to by members of the Buziga community, free of charge, in case of medical emergency. The ambulances will be stationed at the yet to be launched Nu-Shifa medical facility in Buziga. SK Mbuga yesterday presented the ambulances to Buziga community members for a road test. He promised more ambulances. Franklin Mondo Mugisha, a community member, thanked him for his kind heart and for being a good neighbour. Before completion of his Nu Shifa hospital, SK Mbuga plans to open up a well-equipped clinic in Buziga to serve the community which lacks adequate health facilities. The clinic shall be called Nu-Shifa clinic and shall be located in his Buziga Sky Complex. denisbwagu@gmail.com Land on which communities and individuals generate income and livelihoods should not be taken by government before compensation, the Alur kingdom Prime Minister, Vincent Orach Ochaya, has said. Ochaya was speaking to The Observer in Luzira yesterday on the sidelines of a sponsorship launch between the Alur kingdom and Uganda Breweries Limited, ahead of the 7th coronation of their king, Philip Olaker Rauni III. Alur kingdom Prime Minister Vincent Orach Ochaya (L) and Juliana Kaggwa, UBL's marketing and innovations director Government tabled to parliament the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017, which seeks to give it powers to acquire private land for infrastructure projects without being bogged down by compensation issues. Many people depend on their land for livelihood. So, if you take it away before compensating them or if you give them little compensation, what do you want them to do, Ochaya said. I think government should consider this only on land that is idle and not so much economically important to the owner. Alur kingdom covers the West Nile districts of Nebbi, Pakwach, Zombo and some parts of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It now comes off as the second cultural institution to offer informal proposals to the bill in just a week. On Monday, Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga asked government not to amend land laws but, instead, form a special court to solve compensation disputes. THE PARTNERSHIP Uganda breweries, under their Senator brand, announced a Shs 40 million sponsorship package to the Alur kingdom towards their coronation celebrations. Ochaya said the partnership, especially with the brand whose ingredients are local, will provide market for the cassava and sorghum farmers in his kingdom. Currently, through our local raw materials programme, Ugandan Breweries injects over Shs 20 billion into sourcing inputs for beer, working with close to 20,000 farmers. This is done with the aim of contributing to sustainable livelihoods of farming communities, Juliana Kaggwa, the UBL marketing and innovations director said. A good percentage of this comes from farming communities located in Northern Uganda and so we find it fitting to partner with the Alur kingdom, she added. kamogajonathan50@gmail.com Twelve coffins containing the remains of 12 Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) gunned down by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia have been returned home with the army vowing to fight the militants to the bitter end. The caskets containing remains of the fallen soldiers received at Entebbe The remains aboard a Boeing 737 cargo plane touched down at the UPDF Air Force Base in Entebbe after 2:00 pm. They were offloaded amidst an elaborate military ceremony by officers and men of the UPDF. To receive the coffins were the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Major General Wilson Mbadi, the Commander of Land Forces Major General Peter Elwelu, the Commander of UPDF Air Force, Charles Lwanga Lutaaya and Army spokesman, Brig Richard Karemire. Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi (L) and Major General Peter Elwelu salute the fallen soldiers The relatives of the fallen soldiers, including the lone female soldier Penelope Amutuhaire, couldn't hold back their tears as the bodies arrived. The soldiers were killed on Sunday in an ambush by the al-Shabaab as they were on a regular patrol to secure a humanitarian route, 140km south of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Although al-Shabaab claims to have killed 39 out of 59 UPDF soldiers in the ambush, the UPDF insists they lost only 12 soldiers. The army maintains only 12 soldiers were killed As the coffins were laid on the runway tarmac, officers and men of the UPDF lined to pay their respect as the army brass band played the national and East African Community anthems and sorrowful hymns. An unidentified female officer, who accompanied the bodies, handed a bundle of papers containing details of the deceased to Lt. Gen Mbadi. The soldiers staged a rifle salute, meaning the fallen soldiers were junior officers. The fallen soldiers were accorded a rifle salute The coffins, huge metallic boxes, were then loaded two each into waiting ambulances which immediately took them to Bombo military hospital for further treatment and postmortem examination. Once the bodies were driven away, the ceremony also ended minus any speeches. Army spokesman Brig Karemire explained that speeches aren't part of the ceremony. In a short media briefing, Brig Karemire, described the dead as "gallant soldiers who died a dignified death", adding that "that is how men and women should die". It was a sombre mood as the bodies of the fallen soldiers were brought back home Karemire said in war, anything can happen, adding that, the soldiers "died defending Motherland Africa". He said the struggle to pacify Somalia will continue, alongside forces from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi and the Somali national army. On plans to withdraw Ugandan forces from Somalia, Karemire said that will follow a process which he never elaborated. One of the relatives of the deceased in deep thoughts Brig Karemire said the deaths, instead of demoralising the UPDF, will energise them to ensure there is peace in Somalia. He said the army is still reaching out to some relatives of the dead soldiers, suggesting some are yet to be contacted. The names of all the 12 dead soldiers weren't immediately available, but URN got four: Corporal Amos Sabiiti, Sgt William Omaria, Faustino Elimu and Penelope Amutuhaire. Luggage of the deceased was also returned. All photos: Nicholas Bamulanzeki As the ceremony was underway, several dozens of soldiers, civilians and airport workers stood in silence as they watched the proceedings. Places, please! Places! Welcome to the big show, Illinois taxpayers, and the latest installment of Springfield Political Theater. Take your seat. Our new stage production is Uncertainty, Part II: Education Funding and stars a familiar cast of Democrats and Republicans dramatically battling it out for the hearts and minds of residents. We apologize if this plot line seems repetitive, but weve been seeing the same tropes and titles for years: Chicago Versus Downstate, What Deadline? and Long Day's Journey Into Another Special Session. Press conferences! Dueling press releases! Spin! Intrigue! Its all here, for a limited-time engagement. (We hope.) We kid, of course, but calling this past summer a season of political theater is appropriate. Were a helplessly captive audience. This week, after a brutal budget approval process, its our educational system being held hostage for purely political reasons. In a move the surprised no one, GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday wielded his veto power and slashed millions for the Chicago Public School System, saying Illinois taxpayers shouldnt be saddled with their pensions costs. We agree. Problem is, the money is wrapped in important legislation, Senate Bill 1, that would overhaul how school districts get state aid. The Democrat-controlled Legislature already approved the measure, to base state funding on poverty rates and other factors, so the most needy places would get more equitable funding. Thats good. The current formula is unfair. However, lawmakers added the Chicago pension language, then held the bill until recently. Rauner, who has been vocal about the pension issue and faces re-election in 2018, says the new language amounted to pushing a crisis. Now the bill, sponsored by Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, goes back to Legislature, with the Chicago language hated by Rauner removed. A three-fifths majority is needed in the Senate and House to override or approve Rauners edits. If that doesnt happen, the bill fizzles. Theres pressure, though, because the legislation cuts off state aid from going to the 800-plus Illinois school districts set to start class this month. Some may have to cut programs or borrow cash. This being Illinois, the political posturing is in full swing. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday said Rauner is advancing his "own personal brand of cynical politics and ignoring "the needs of Illinois' school children. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said the governor is "crisis over compromise." For his part, Rauner said Democrats are the ones spinning. In meeting with the Herald & Review editorial board Wednesday, the governor called it political gamesmanship. They dont want the truth out there, he said. Rauner, who wants the Chicago pension issue put into new legislation, said hes willing to work with the General Assembly on pieces of Senate Bill 1, but wouldnt offer specifics during the meeting. He said property-poor school districts will benefit from his changes. The system is broken, he said. We agree. But we also think this summer of squabbling is a lot like rolling the dice on the future of our children. Its incomprehensible to most people. Heres our prediction: Something will give. There will be great hand-wringing and accusations of recklessness, then a deal will be hatched and a patch will be affixed. Our hope is that changing the antiquated school funding algorithm is central to the fix. We hope students arent collateral damage in the latest installment of Illinois political theater. Agricultural News Environmental Group Blames the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone at the Mouth of the Mississippi on Tyson and US Meat Production A new report, released by the environmental activist group Mighty Earth, identifies the companies they believe responsible for the widespread manure and fertilizer pollution contaminating water from the Heartland to the Gulf. Much of this pollution comes from the vast quantities of corn and soy used to raise meat animals, and has caused one of the largest Dead Zones on record in the Gulf of Mexico this year. To identify the companies responsible, the investigation maps the supply chains of the top meat and feed companies, and overlays it with data showing elevated nitrate concentrations in waterways that are experiencing high levels of fertilizer pollution. The report also mapped where these supply chains are driving destruction of natural grasslands, including native prairies, putting new regions at risk for fertilizer pollution. America's largest meat company, Tyson Foods, stood out for its expansive footprint in all the regions suffering the worst pollution impacts from industrial meat and feed production. Tyson produces one out of every five pounds of meat produced in the United States. Mighty Earth contends that the company is consistently ranked among the top polluters in America, although Tyson's new CEO has declared that a focus on sustainability will be at the center of the company's future plans. "Americans should not have to choose between producing food and having healthy clean water", says Mighty Earth campaign director Lucia von Reusner. "Big meat companies like Tyson have left a trail of pollution across the country, and have a responsibility to their customers and the public to clean it up." "As the public has gained awareness of the major impacts of industrial meat production, many consumers have been trying to find more sustainable options," said von Reusner. "This report shows that our nation's largest meat companies shape our food system on a massive scale, and can implement the solutions needed to make meat less polluting." To read the complete report - click or tap here. After report was released, Tyson said it "doesn't agree with the group's characterization of the company, but shares its interests in protecting the environment." Tyson added in an email to Meatingplace that it is working with the World Resources Institute to develop goals for improving its environmental footprint and plans to announce a collaboration with other third-party organizations to help set additional science-based targets. The processor also said the report failed to note that a large percentage of U.S.-raised corn beyond supplying the livestock and poultry industry is used for biofuel and a significant portion is used for human consumption. The report arrives in the wake of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prediction in June that this summer's Gulf of Mexico dead zone would be the third-largest recorded since monitoring began 32 years ago. The estimated dead zone of 8,185 square miles, about the size of New Jersey, will be significantly larger than the average area of low or no oxygen in the Gulf of 5,309 square miles, NOAA said. NOAA says of the enlarged dead zone "The Gulf's hypoxic or low-oxygen zones are caused by excess nutrient pollution, primarily from human activities such as agriculture and wastewater treatment. The excess nutrients stimulate an overgrowth of algae, which then sinks and decomposes in the water. The resulting low oxygen levels are insufficient to support most marine life and habitats in near-bottom waters, threatening the Gulf's fisheries." Source- Mighty Earth website, Meatingplace and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady NSI Top Agricultural News Juan Francos legacy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln includes new student dorms and a multicultural center, but university officials think hell be remembered more for his special rapport with students. Franco, a longtime vice chancellor for student affairs at UNL, died Tuesday in Houston of complications from surgery, the university said. He was 68. He really was an engaged person who I suspect influenced the course of a lot of students lives while they were at a university, said former UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, who hired Franco in 2006. He was just a genuinely good person. Franco stepped down this spring from his student affairs position, which he had held for more than a decade, to become a faculty member in the College of Education and Human Sciences. UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said Franco and his team worked to inspire students to achieve their potential. He led many initiatives, including Francos List, which recognizes students who demonstrate integrity, citizenship, open-mindedness and respect. Green said that Franco was a strong supporter of student leadership and that the UNL campus had undergone many changes during his tenure, including the construction of new residence halls and the creation of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center. In his role, Franco had often been at the center of fraternity disciplinary actions and issues involving campus diversity. He oversaw university housing, student judicial affairs and student involvement. He was very passionate about students, Perlman said. He regarded each one of them as a kind of stepson or stepdaughter. Before coming to UNL, Franco served as the vice president for student services at Utah State University. He spent 28 years as an administrator and professor of counseling and educational psychology at New Mexico State University. He is survived by wife Elisa and sons John, Jim and Fabian, the university said. Funeral services will be held in Austin, Texas. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Mainly clear skies. Low near 35F. NNE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low near 35F. NNE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday night wasnt business as usual for law enforcement across the metro area. Police and hundreds of people showed up at activities that sought to strengthen communities by having neighbors and law enforcement enjoy an evening with one another. About 50 Omaha organizations hosted the events for the 34th annual National Night Out. Thousands of others joined in with their own activities across the country. Police expected Bellevues event to draw hundreds to Everett Park for free food, bounce houses and a petting zoo. Across the river, the Council Bluffs Police Department held face painting and bicycle raffles at the Target parking lot on Metro Drive. At the Metropolitan Community Church in Omaha, Officer Rosa Valencia kept an eye on kids going down a Slip N Slide. Its a nice break from radio calls getting to have some fun, she said. The church at 819 S. 22nd St. was one of Mayor Jean Stotherts stops with Rep. Don Bacon, Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Fire Chief Dan Olsen. The church is part of what brought attendee Bernard Williams out Tuesday evening. He came to check out the churchs party because he helps serve and has a meal there each Friday with the Nebraska AIDS Project. As he looked around Tuesday night at the people eating watermelon and kids running around and playing, he teared up. These are tears of joy, and I dont mind them running around because this is happiness, he said. Schmaderer said the Police Department looks forward to this event every year. The best way to reduce crime is to take it neighborhood by neighborhood, so it makes me proud to see everyone come together and have a good time tonight, he said. Kimara Snipe, president of the Highland South-Indian Hill Neighborhood Association, said she had community and police relations on her mind as she helped plan her groups event. When police show up in her neighborhood, its typically not for a good reason, she said. Beyond providing an opportunity for visitors to mingle with law enforcement, the event in South Omahas Upland Park addressed other community needs as well. Kids scattered across the park and picked up trash to earn gift cards. Businesses looking to hire set up tables on the parks sidewalk. Its a chance for all to get together, get to know each other, because when you get to know people, thats when ... you can get past a lot of stereotypes and barriers that keep us apart, she said. NEW YORK (AP) An investigator who worked on the Seth Rich case claims Fox News fabricated quotes implicating the slain Democratic National Committee staffer in the WikiLeaks scandal and coordinated with the Trump administration as it worked on the story. The investigator, Rod Wheeler, sued Fox for defamation. His lawsuit, filed Tuesday in New York, lays out an explosive tale of Trump allies conspiring to push a false story to divert attention from the investigation into Trumps campaign ties with Russia. The suit says the false story claimed Rich was killed in retaliation for leaking Democratic candidate Hillary Clintons emails to WikiLeaks. Fox called the claims completely erroneous. Rich, 27, a graduate of Omaha Central High School and Creighton University, was fatally shot July 10, 2016, outside his home in Washington, D.C. His parents, Joel and Mary Rich, live in Omaha. Wheeler was brought into the case by Ed Butowsky, a Trump supporter, the lawsuit said. The suit says Butowsky was intent on establishing a link between Rich and the WikiLeaks scandal. Wheeler was quoted in a May 16 story on Foxs website saying there had been contact between Rich and WikiLeaks, whose dump of DNC emails damaged Clintons campaign. Fox News later retracted the story. Two days before the Fox article was published, Butowsky told Wheeler that Trump had read the article and wanted it published immediately, the lawsuit said. Wheeler also claimed that he was told that his false comments were put in the story because Trump wanted it that way. Wheeler also said that he and Butowsky had met with then-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer about Wheelers investigation. Spicer asked to be kept informed of the probe, the lawsuit said. Richs slaying remains unsolved. While we cant speak to the evidence that you now have, we are hopeful that this brings an end to what has been the most emotionally difficult time in our lives and an end to conspiracy theories surrounding our beloved Seth, his family said in a statement Tuesday. LINCOLN Female recruits for the Nebraska State Patrol were required to undergo medically unnecessary and sexually invasive medical examinations as part of their pre-employment evaluation, a state trooper alleged Tuesday in a federal lawsuit. Trooper Brienne Splittgerber also alleged that leaders of the State Patrol, over almost three years, failed to adequately investigate the outrageous exams of female genitals done by a male Lincoln doctor, and then worked to cover up the matter. Her lawsuit, filed by Omaha attorney Tom White, asks for unspecified damages for creating a hostile working environment for female recruits and causing emotional distress. A spokesman for the State Patrol, reached late Tuesday afternoon, said the agency does not comment on lawsuits. But an email from a patrol lawyer, included as an exhibit in the lawsuit, said the exams were a hernia check required of both male and female recruits. The examinations required female recruits to remove their pants and expose their genitals to a physician. Similar exams were not required of any male recruits, with one possible exception, according to the lawsuit. Subjecting the plaintiff and other female trooper candidates to a medically unnecessary and sexually invasive procedure is outrageous conduct which goes beyond all possible bounds of decency and is utterly intolerable in a civilized community, stated the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. Besides the doctor and the state, the lawsuit names as defendants two recent superintendents of the Nebraska State Patrol, Col. Brad Rice and Col. David Sankey, and several John Does and Jane Does. The unnamed Does, it is alleged, conspired with Rice and Sankey to permit and cover up the invasive exams. A phone message left with the doctors office in Lincoln was not immediately returned, though the lawsuit says he insisted that the exams were required by the patrol. Sankey, who retired at the end of 2014 and now works for the Nebraska Public Service Commission, said he had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment. Calls and texts to Rice went unanswered. The lawsuit comes amid recent turmoil at the patrol. In June, The World-Herald reported on a clash within the patrol over an internal investigation of a high-speed chase in Sheridan County last fall that ended with the death of a fleeing driver. Some within the patrol alleged that others within the agency had sought to change the narrative of the accident to avoid liability and embarrassment for the law enforcement agency. The World-Heralds report was cited as one of the concerns behind Gov. Pete Ricketts ordering of a review of the patrols policies, procedures and leadership, a probe that resulted in the recent firing of Rice. On Tuesday, Ricketts spokesman Taylor Gage issued a statement regarding the troopers lawsuit. Immediately upon learning of these allegations in June, the governor instructed his chief human resources officer to review this matter, which has subsequently resulted in a criminal investigation by the State Patrol, Gage said. Splittgerber, 37, was sworn in as a state trooper in May 2015 and was one of four troopers awarded their badges by their fathers. Her father is retired Sgt. Morry Abshier. She previously was an officer in the Fremont Police Department and worked as an officer in Alabama and Tennessee. Splittgerber is now assigned to the State Patrol training center in Grand Island. The lawsuit states that on about Sept. 11, 2014, she was required to undergo a pre-employment physical performed by a doctor hired by the State Patrol. As part of the exam, Splittgerber said she was told to remove her pants, lay on her back on the examination table, bend her knees to put her feet flat on the table and open her knees exposing her genitalia. Then, she said, she was required to roll over, exposing her anus. With the possible exception of one, male candidates were not required to do that, the lawsuit says. When Splittgerber was told later that fall by her personal physician that there was no legitimate medical purpose for such an examination, she reported the incident to her superiors at the patrol. She was told that an investigation was underway. But even after her report, female candidates continued to be required to submit to the unnecessary and humiliating examination. Splittgerber, according to the lawsuit, grew increasingly anxious about the inaction by patrol superiors to her complaints in late 2014. In February 2017, she asked Rice about the status of the investigation. She said she didnt get a response until she informed him that she had retained an attorney. At that point, it became clear the plaintiffs concerns were being dismissed and the events covered up, the lawsuit stated. There was no meaningful investigation, the lawsuit claims, and no explanation given about why the examinations continued. Splittgerber filed a discrimination charge with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission in May after learning that the patrol had concluded its investigation. Gary Young, a Lincoln attorney who represents the State Troopers Association of Nebraska (STAN), said Tuesday that the union made several attempts to get the complaint addressed and the examinations stopped. We did our best for a long time to get the colonel (Rice) or the (patrols) legal office to deal with it, and they refused, Young said. In a March 31 email to Young, Wendy Wussow, the patrols legal counsel, said that the exams were for a hernia check and that the agency had decided to address Splittgerbers complaints by allowing recruits to use their family physician, or select a patrol doctor of a specific gender, for the hernia exam. That, Wussow wrote, would avoid having a doctor they are unfamiliar with performing any exam that might make them uncomfortable. World-Herald staff writers Joe Duggan and Emily Nohr contributed to this report. State law gives Nebraska counties leeway in how they handle their property valuations. By law, a countys median valuation needs to be between 92 to 100 percent of a propertys market value. That range is a long-familiar part of county government in Nebraska. One result is that the median valuations in neighboring counties wont necessarily be the same percentage of market value. The Tax Equalization and Review Commission responded appropriately after the Sarpy County Board asked it to force Douglas County to match Sarpys approach. This year, Sarpy Countys median valuation was at 96 percent of market value, while Douglas Countys was at 93 percent. Sarpy officials argue that that difference is unfair to Sarpy residents when it comes to funding multi-county entities, including certain school districts, the Papio- Missouri River Natural Resources District and the Learning Community. The commission rightly said relevant state statutes give it no authority to take the action requested by Sarpy County: In the face of such plain statutory language and clear meaning, the argument is without merit. Under state law, Douglas County is operating within proper bounds. Its a local government making decisions based on its own interests as it sees them. Sarpy County government is doing the same. Whether Nebraska should require the same valuation approach in neighboring counties would be a policy decision for the Legislature. Such a change, however, would break from longstanding practice and affect far more than just Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Lawmakers should tread carefully before imposing requirements that could have ramifications well beyond this particular Douglas-Sarpy matter. 94 residents of Artvi, a village of some 230 souls in Armenias Lori Province, have signed and sent a petition to the countrys prime minister and environmental and energy ministers, demanding that they deny a mining license to Miram LLC, a company that wants to operate a gold and multi-metal mine in the area. On July 26, Artvi residents blocked the road leading to the village in an attempt to turn back a delegation from Miram LLC from attending a public hearing on the mine project. Residents argues that the planned mine is located two kilometers from their village and that it poses risks to their drinking water sources and animal pastures. In their letter, they write: As a result of mining operations, our water, soil, air and pastures will be polluted with heavy metals and toxins. There are centuries-old oak and beech trees in the Artvi forests. Mining operations will impact the forests. We will be deprived of clean water and the forest. Residents note that Artvi was selected as one of the twenty communities in Armenia to participate in a UN project designed to develop rural tourism, and that the mine would seriously undermine such an effort. President Donald Trump has agreed to end covert support of the Syrian rebels by the CIA in an effort to get along better with the Russians (Trump to end covert support of rebels, July 20 World-Herald). This is not going to end well. Syrian President Bashar Assad is a genocidal maniac. He has murdered hundreds of thousands of his own people, and the civil war that is trying to force him from power has forced more than 1.3 million people to flee the country. The only way a decent person would agree to not supporting the rebels is if Assads ouster was part of the deal. I dont believe Trump even tried to get the job done. Stanley Gocek, Blair, Neb. Will provide financial support to 7 new defence companies if required: Rajnath Singh Highways within 100 km of LoC, LAC borders wont need green nod: Here is why Airbase near India-Pakistan border will \"emerge as effective centre for security\": PM at DefExpo 2022 75 defence personnel including 54 prisoners of war in Pak custody: Centre India pti-PTI New Delhi, Aug 2: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday was informed that there are around 75 missing Indian defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war in Pakistan's custody. However, presence of these missing Indians has not been acknowledged so far by Pakistan, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said in a written reply. He also said that as of July 27, there are 417 fishermen in Pakistan's custody and 15 fishermen in Sri Lanka's custody, who are believed to be Indian nationals. "In case of Pakistan, consular access is awaited and information about the states that they belong to is not available. In case of Sri Lanka, the 15 fishermen are believed to be from Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry," Singh said. Replying to another question on the issue, he said, the government regularly takes up with Sri Lanka and Pakistan the matter of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats. PTI Give HRA as per 6th Pay Commission Employees cite the HRA recommendations made by the 6th Pay Commission. The previous commission had recommended HRA at the rate of 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent for X, Y and Z category of cities respectively. The employees say that they want the HRA as per the previous commission. Why HRA hike is needed A hike in the HRA would mean the central government employees take more salary home. HRA constitutes a substantial part of the salary. Moreover central government employees are unhappy that the arrears on allowances were not given. The cabinet had approved the allowances from July 2017 as opposed to the July 2016 demand by the employees. 7th Pay Commission did not bridge the gap The previous commissions had bridged the pay gap where the basic pay between lower paid employees and top bureaucrats were concerned. The 2nd pay commission had done it in the ratio of 1:41 while in the case of the 6th Pay Commission it was 1:12. The 7th Pay Commission recommended a minimum basic pay for Central government employees of Rs 18,000 with a maximum pay of Rs 2.50 lakh per month. While other pay commissions reduced the gap, the latest pay panel increased it to 1:14. Lowest hike in 70 years The 7th Pay Commission had recommended a 14.27 per cent hike in the basic pay. The reason why central government employees are so distressed is because this is the lowest in 70 years. The previous had recommended a 20 per cent hike, which the government doubled while implementing it in 2008. Absentee BJP MPs: Shah livid, seeks explanation in writing India oi-Vicky By Vicky The BJP's national president, Amit Shah is livid after a key clause in a bill had to be dropped in the Rajya Sabha owing to the absence of several MPs. Shah has sought a written explanation from the MPs including Union ministers, whose absence from the Rajya Sabha despite a whip resulted in opposition amendments getting passed. Amit Shah made his displeasure amply clear at the BJP parliamentary party meeting where he said he does not want to "name and shame" them but warned against a repeat of such an embarrassing lapse. A senior BJP leader said nearly 17 party MP, including ministers, were missing from the House when a united opposition determinedly pushed for certain changes in the constitution amendment bill to set up a National Commission for Backward Classes with constitutional status. The government suffered embarassment when the amendments were passed by 74 to 52 votes. The BJP's strength in the house is 56, while the ruling bloc enjoys the support of 88 members, including 10 JD(U) MPs. "When the party issues a whip, members must be present in the House. The party president has taken a serious view of the absence of members. He said it should not have happened and must not be repeated," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters. Amit Shah said the OBC bill was an important legislation for the Modi government and lamented that it was stalled due to lack of numbers. He asked MPs that they had been sent to Parliament to "deliver and perform", and their absence despite a whip was simply unacceptable. Among the ministers not present in the House were Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan. However, a party source insisted that some of the absentee members might have valid reasons for their absence. "Everybody will be asked to explain. It is only after we receive their response that we will make an assesment," the source said. The party leadership is especially purturbed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been repeatedly stressing, including at a similar meeting last week, on the need for the presence of MPs in Parliament during sessions. Shah also told the MPs that several votes cast during the presidential poll turned out to be invalid and asked them to ensure that they cast their votes properly during the vice- presidential election on August 5. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 5:45 [IST] BJP MP claims cow urine cured sick official, wants govt to spread cow science India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia New Delhi, August 2: There is no doubt that cow has become the sole obsession of our politicians, especially of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Every day, either politicians from the ruling party issue threats against those who are suspected to be causing harm to cows or they stress on the need to protect cows at any cost because Hindu religion considers cows to be sacred. On Tuesday, it was the turn of BJP member of Parliament (MP) Meenaskshi Lekhi to stress on the many benefits of cow products. During an address in the Lok Sabha, Lekhi said cow urine was so beneficial that it helped a former government law officer recover from a "serious illness". The BJP leader did not stop at that. She went further and asked if the government has plans to spread ancient science related to cows and cattle using latest means. During the Question Hour, Lekhi said a former additional solicitor general was seriously ill and when he was administered cow urine, he recovered. Interrupting Lekhi, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said, "Medicine is medicine". Responding to Lekhi, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said a genome centre is coming up in Karnal, Haryana, under the Rashtriya Gomang Utpadakta Mission. The stress is on the use of latest technology, he said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 10:43 [IST] Defence experts slam Basit for backing Syed Salahuddin India oi-Vikas By Vikas The defence and strategic matters experts came down hard at Pakistan's Ambassador to India Abdul Basit for his recent remark on Syed Salahuddin in which he said that the Hizbul Mujahideen chief was not a terrorist. Defence expert PK Sehgal said that Pakistan had nurtured Salahuddin as a 'national asset' and using him to spread mayhem and chaos in India. "Basit is just furthering their policy," he told news agency ANI. Basit on Tuesday said that Salahuddin, who is designated as a global terrorist by the US on India's suggestion, is not a terrorist. Speaking to ANI, Basit had said, "Syed Salahuddin is not a terrorist as far as Pakistan or people of J&K are concerned. We criticize this decision on part of US.'' ''Whatever he is doing is seen in Pakistan and in J&K that he is struggling for the right to self-determination,'' he added. Another defence expert DS Dhillon said that Salahuddin has been backing those trying to create chaos in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the entire world knew about it. Salahuddin had in July vowed to continue the struggle for "liberation" of Kashmir from India, days after the US blacklisted him as a "global terrorist". He had rejected the US decision and said he was a freedom fighter and not a terrorist. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 10:28 [IST] Failed merger with Snapdeal may actually benefit Flipkart India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Venture capital experts believe that the failed merger talks between online marketplaces Snapdeal and Flipkart may, in fact, work in favour of the latter. Flipkart is expected to benefit out of Snapdeal's decision to call off merger talks, with the company now channelising all its focus on keeping rival Amazon at bay. Experts believe that Snapdeal, by calling off the deal, has saved Flipkart the trouble of absorbing a complicated asset that would be of little value in business terms. The already struggling Snapdeal, experts believe may have just weighed down Flipkart's efforts to compete with rival Amazon India which is currently leading the market in terms of app downloads and usage. Earlier this week, Snapdeal turned down Flipkart's offer to buy the online venture for $850 million in stock. The founders decided to stay independent but the company's largest investor, SoftBank Group Corp is continuing talks to buy shares worth $1.5 billion in Flipkart, according to reports. Flipkart's investors are said to have considered too high. Experts believed that the deal was a sweetheart for Snapdeal whose monthly gross sales have dropped to less than Rs 350 crore. The e-commerce marketplace in India has also seen a cooling off since 2016, clearly showing that there is hardly place for two retailers. Flipkart on Tuesday announced that it was absorbing eBay India. Experts believe that Snapdeal would have added more burden. Venture capital experts believe that with the deal failing, Flipkart has saved itself from an unnecessary headache. On the market face value, Snapdeal's market share has slumped over the past year. At the start of 2017, it was forced to cut hundreds of jobs and slash spending on other areas. The e-commerce site's performance was less than impressive for Flipkart to have bought it. App usage wise, a mere 11.7 per cent Indian smartphone users had Snapdeal's app while 29.8 per cent used the Flipkart app. Amazon is leading in numbers with 39.6 per cent according to a research firm's data. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 16:19 [IST] Gujarat Congress legislators provide 'proof' of IT raid at Bengaluru resort India oi-Anusha Who did the Income Tax department officials raid at a resort in Bengaluru on Wednesday morning? While the department maintains that raids were only against a Karnataka minister, Congress MLAs from Gujarat who are lodged in the resort have claimed that searches were conducted in their spaces as well. Gujarat Congress spokesperson and MLA Shaktisinh Gohil shared a short video showing armed security forces personnel walking in the lobby of the resort. This, he claimed, was proof of raids at the resort where MLAs from Gujarat are taking 'shelter'. "These are attempts to harass and threaten us. If IT officials were looking for D K Shivakumar, they could have asked him to come out. What does it mean when armed officials are walking across the resort? Our legislators are worried but our morale is not affected, if anything, our resolute has become stronger," Shaktisinh Gohil said Uproar in RS over IT raids: Only one minister raided, says Jaitley The MLA's allegations came even as the Income Tax department denied having anything to do with the legislators who were lodged in the resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The Income Tax department stated that Wednesday's raids were only against Karnataka Minister D K Shivakumar without naming him. "The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with the MLAs and the search team. It is again reiterated that the Income Tax search is only on one Karnataka Minister," a statement from the Income Tax department's investigations wing said. Accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies, Gohil said that the Gujarat MLAs came to Bengaluru to save themselves but the BJP has started harassing them. "We will not be scared but my MLAs are also human beings. They have families and worry about their safety. Could the IT not have waited for three days? We would have returned to our state and they could have conducted raids," he said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 17:21 [IST] Grisha Balasanyan, Zaruhi Mejlumyan Over the past few months, the Investigative Journalists NGO (IJ) has been unable to find out where thousands of dollars of bread and other comestibles, produced by convicts in Armenias prisons but not consumed within the corrections system, has wound up. Armenias Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice consistently avoided answering such questions. Readers might be surprised to learn of such a practice in Armenias prisons, designed as job training leading to rehabilitation. Due to the governments reluctance to provide answers, the IJ was forced to file a freedom of information request in the courts. In many cases, the bread prepared in various prisons is of such poor quality that convicts refuse to eat it. Prison food is so bad, that the long-established tradition is for relatives to bring food from the outside to friends and family serving time behind bars. In 2016, Department of Corrections official Hayk Kochinyan told Hetq that the unconsumed food was simply thrown into the sewers. Another widely-held rumor is that the food is used to feed the swine owned by prison staffers. Rouben Sargsyan, a member of the Civilian Monitoring Group, says that he once saw unused food being dumped into special vats for use as pig feed. Former convict Aram Davtyan says that prison food is deliberately produced badly so that inmates dont eat it. Davtyan singled out Noubarashen Penitentiary in this regard. We could have prepared better food if they had given us the foodstuffs, he told Hetq, adding that the waste was carted out, but he couldnt say where. Some of the people IJ talked to said the waste was transported to local garbage dumps. Others said that the waste is never transported out of the prisons, but had no clue what became of it. According to kitchen workers at various prisons interviewed by the Civilian Monitoring Group, up to 60% of convicts at the Noubarashen Penitentiary refuse to eat the prepared food. 8% of convicts at the Goris Penitentiary shy away from prison food. Officials noted 2015 changes, designed to curtail the water, made to prison regulations. Convicts who refuse to eat prison food are now required to sign a notice one day in advance, so that the kitchen staff will not prepare meals for that convict. At first, the Department of Corrections refused to hand over copies of these journals, citing personal data secrecy. IJ then requested to see the journals on site, and if necessary, to photograph them. The request was denied. Instead, officials promised to provide IJ with a few pages of a list of convicts who refused to partake of prison menus at the Hrazdan and Vardashen Penitentiaries. The documents they handed over were incomprehensible. Artak Manoukyan, whos studied state expenditures in Armenia for the past decade, says that taxpayers must know if their money is being spent responsibly and that the government, if it wishes, can expose corruption within the penal system. Artak Manoukyan For example, a document says that fruit has been purchased, but this alone isnt proof that its been distributed to the inmates. Then we see another document, with the same signature, alleging that the fruit was shipped and received at a prison. This also raises red flags. Officials argue that oftentimes inmates dont want to sign a document that they received food and that, in such cases, the kitchen director is the one who signs. This too is suspicious, says Manoukyan, adding that taxpayers in Armenia have not gotten used to demanding financial accountability. Many legal activists in Armenia believe thats in the interest of the corrections system to keep the prisons overcrowded. They say that the greater the prison population, the more money is pumped into the system for food, clothing and other necessities. As we all know, as the flow of money increases, so too do corruption risks. How entry passes helped Mumbai cops nab Chinese duo that stole 5.43-carat diamond India oi-Anusha In a matter of four hours, the Mumbai police successfully arrested a Chinese duo that made away with a 5.43-carat diamond from an exhibition in Mumbai. If not for the registration passes downloaded from the website, the accused would have slipped from the authorities. Here is how a 'Chinese bid' to make away with a diamond worth Rs 34 lakh was foiled. Chiang Chang Kwing and Deng Xiabo, two Chinese nationals hailing from the Hunan province had visited Mumbai's India International Jewellery Show in Goregaon on Monday. They visited one of the displays and began chatting up with the salesperson. "On the pretext of taking a closer look at a 5.43-carat diamond worth Rs 34 lakh, the Chinese nationals replaced it with a fake one. The stall owner noticed the fake stone after the duo had left and informed the police immediately," said Rajesh Pradhan, the Additional Commissioner of Police. The organisers approached the Vanrai police. The compulsory visitor's pass that required registration became a vital tool for the police to trace the culprits down. Tracking the Chinese thieves The exhibition required each visitor to register online with identity proof. Each registration would be complete after uploading details of the documents along with photographs. Entry to the exhibition was permitted only if a visitor possessed a downloaded pass post registration. This is where the Chinese thieves were caught in their own web. The duo had used their passport as identity proof for the online registration. Within no time, the police accessed details of the passport bearers, their names and photographs. The police then cross verified with airlines if passengers by the same name were scheduled to travel. With instance response by the authorities, the Mumbai police found out that the duo was booked on an Air India flight to Hongkong. Incidentally, the CISF found out that the duo had already cleared immigration formalities. Just before they boarded the flight with their loot, they were arrested by the CISF. With language proving to be a barrier, officials had to depend on translators to find out the whereabouts of the diamond. The duo had stashed it away in a shampoo bottle. On Tuesday, the Chinese nationals were produced before a court and remanded to custody. The diamond was recovered from their possession. OneIndia News How one woman split the Laskhar-e-Tayiba in Kashmir India oi-Vicky By Vicky The killing of Abu Dujana in an encounter at Kashmir was one of the most successful operations that the forces carried out. He was a Grade A++ militant and after making nearly 20 escape bids thanks to his mastery in disguise, he was finally smoked out by the security forces. Dujana a dreaded terrorist was also a womaniser. The IGP of Kashmir, Muneer Khan said after his death that the women of Kashmir are safe now. The Army referred to him as an 'aiyaash.' It was the same problem that Dujana had which ended in a two way split in the Lashkar-e-Tayiba. Dujana who has been active in the Valley since December 2014 decided to get married. It was this same woman that he came to meet in Pulwama when his movements were tracked and security forces launched a massive operation. Recommended Video Abu Dujana: LeT Commander involved with many girls, had also married one | Oneindia News Abu Ismail the new commander of the Lashkar who masterminded the Amarnath yatra attack was upset with Dujana's ways. He felt that since the past year, Dujana had focused more on women than terrorism. When Dujana informed him about his decision to get married, Ismail was livid. He wanted him to focus on the job rather than raising a family. Dujana who was senior to Ismail refused to listen and went ahead and married the girl. Dujana had married the woman who hails from Singoo village near Kakapora in Pulwama. The marriage took place sometime in 2016. Ismail with his bandwagon of supporters decided to break away from Dujana. Ismail set up a rival faction in late 2016 and since then attacks were being carried out by the two factions separately. Some of their seniors tried to intervene to resolve the crisis, but attained no success. Intelligence Bureau officials say that the recent spate of attacks carried out in 2017 were all by the Ismail faction of the Lashkar. Dujana spent more time harassing women in the past six months. The Army was right when it said he had become more of a nuisance and an 'aiyaash' in the past few months, the officer also added. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 10:00 [IST] IT raids in Karnataka: Congress stages walk out in Lok Sabha India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Congress leaders created ruckus and staged walkout in Lok Sabha over the Income Tax (IT) raids in Karnataka. Congress MP and Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the raid was conducted just to defeat one candidate in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Kharge said, "Just to defeat one Rajya Sabha candidate, they are stooping this low, but they will not succeed." Adding further, Kharge also told that the government's attitude towards the Opposition was wrong and against the principles of democracy. Responding to Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge's allegations, Union minister Arun Jaitley said, "IT raids on DK Shivakumar should be seen as an action against the economic offense, but not as a political game. Raid on Karnataka minister is not releated to Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat." Recommended Video Ahmed Patel, Congress leader calls IT raids witch-hunt by BJP | Oneindia News Jaitley said that the only reason I-T officials visited the resort was to interrogate and escort Shivakumar. He also added that the MLAs were neither searched nor approached by any official.Jaitley had given similar statements in Rajya Sabha too. Congress leaders, who were not satisfied by Jaitley's response gathered in the well and shouted slogan against the government, and walked out of the house. Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 13:43 [IST] FM Nirmala Sitharaman hints at possibility of Centre considering restoration of state status to J&K In J&K, 14,000 dropouts find their way back to schools One Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir J&K: Search operation underway at Shopian district India oi-Madhuri Security forces on Wednesday launched another search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian's Sugan village after reports of terrorists in a village. According to polce officials, militants are identified as Ubaid, Zeenatul Islam and are believed to be hiding in this area. However, people took to streets and pelted the forces with stones to disrupt the operation. Forces responded by lobbing teargas shells, triggering intense clashes. On July 27, at least two army jawans were injured in a terror attack in Materbugh area of Shopian on Thursday evening, Police said. According to police, security forces were fired upon by terrorists near Chakora village of Shopian district. During the terror attack, two Army jawans sustained minor injuries and were rused to nearby hospital for treatment. OneIndia News Pre-election raids should be neutral, says EC after IT raids in MP IT raids in Karnataka: Javadekar dismisses vendetta claims India oi-PTI Dismissing the allegations of a vendetta, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said the IT searches on properties linked to D K Shivakumar were aimed at tracking tax evaders. Shivakumar has been hosting 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort near Bengaluru since Saturday, allegedly to prevent the BJP from "poaching" on them ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. The exercise being carried out by the department was aimed at tracking tax evaders, Javadekar told reporters, adding that none of the Gujarat Congress legislators had been summoned, investigated or raided. Recommended Video Ahmed Patel, Congress leader calls IT raids witch-hunt by BJP | Oneindia News "Nothing has been done as vendetta. No Gujarat MLA has been summoned, investigated. No Gujarat MLA staying there has been raided. The raided man is the Karnataka minister, nothing to do with Gujarat," the HRD minister told reporters. Javadekar said the MLAs had been staying at the resort for the "last five days and will be there for another eight days (till the Rajya Sabha election)". Posing a counter question, he asked whether "law enforcement" should be stopped for 13 days. The BJP leader also said the law would take its own course and the government does not entertain corruption. Terming the raids "a political vendetta and witch- hunt", senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge earlier in the day accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy". The IT department conducted searches at multiple properties related to Shivakumar in connection with a tax evasion case. During the raid, the officials recovered Rs 9 crore cash from the search of various properties liked to the minister. PTI Namma Appaji Canteen The brainchild of JD(S) MLC T A Saravana the canteen hopes to impress the people with subsidised food and render Indira canteens ineffective. The cost of the canteens, groceries, staff salaries will be taken care of the JD(S) MLC. While the first canteen was inaugurated in South Bengaluru, the party hopes to open more outlets across assembly constituency in the city. Racing ahead of 'Indira Canteens' The Congress government in Karnataka announced setting up of Indira canteens in all corporation wards of Bengaluru during this year's budget. The Siddaramaiah government is all set to inaugurate the canteens, designed on the lines of 'Amma canteen' of Tamil Nadu on August 15 to mark Independence Day. The JD(S) by inaugurating their canteen first, hoped to snatch the limelight away from Indira canteens. Breakfast for Rs 5, lunch for Rs 10 The subsidised canteen is aimed at providing hygienic food to customers from poor families. Coffee and tea will be charged at Rs 3 per serving while breakfast items like Idly, Vada, Kesaribath and Khara bath will be Rs 5. Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda is famous for introduced the humble Ragi mudde (millet balls) to the world. At the Namma Appaji Canteen, Ragi mudde meal, rice meal will be charged at a mere Rs 10. First JD(S) canteen in South Bengaluru The JD(S) inaugurated its first Appaji canteen in Hanumanthanagar in south Bengaluru. The canteen will open at 8 AM and shut down at 3 PM post lunch. Depending on the response, the timing will be extended according to the party. The canteen is an attempt to replicate Tamil Nadu's populist Amma canteens. OneIndia News India, France propose designating two Pak terrorists at UN, but will they face the Chinese block In J&K, first multiplex to open on Sep 20 after 32 years; Laal Singh Chaddha, RRR likely to be screened Massive protests in Valley after killing of Grade A++ terrorist Abu Dujana India oi-Vicky By Vicky Massive protests have erupted following the killing of Grade A++ terrorist Abu Dujana who was the commander of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba. A high alert has been sounded in several parts of the Valley following the killing of Dujana in an encounter at Pulwama on Tuesday. Recommended Video Protests erupt in valley after killing of Let Commander Dujana | Oneindia News Why in the death of Lashkar's Dujana, the women of Kashmir can sleep in peace The protests resulted in the death of one person which led to shutting down of mobile and internet services. Schools too remained shut in the Valley. Police said Abu Dujana's killing was a "huge achievement" for the government that has hardened its stand against militants after a recent spurt in violent street protests and attacks on security forces. Lashkar commander Abu Dujana's cover was blown after a meeting with his wife It was late on Monday night that the police received a tip off about a meeting of Dujana and a woman in South Kashmir. When the intelligence was confirmed as Grade A, the police started raiding the house in the wee hours of Tuesday. Dujana was told to surrender, but he refused to do so. This led to a major encounter and after a couple of hours, the security forces blew up the house in which Dujana and his accomplice, Arif Dar were hiding. The bodies were charred beyond recognition, the forces said. OneIndia News Mission 2019: Amit Shah in Haryana today India oi-Vicky By Vicky Amit Shah, the national president of BJP will visit Haryana today as part of his Mission 2019 campaign. He would review the works undertaken by the Manohar Lal Khattar government in the state. With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP national chief is travelling across states to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at grass-root level. Absentee BJP MPs: Shah livid, seeks explanation in writing Shah is on a 110-day countrywide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. His tour will be in two phases of 95 and 15 days. The party chief will be camping at Rohtak in Haryana for all three days, as the ruling BJP, which came to power for the first time in the state, is looking to consolidate its position after its 3 years rule. Shah had visited the Union Territory of Chandigarh in May. The BJP leader has a hectic schedule lined up for his Haryana visit. He will be holding a series of meetings with the council of ministers and party MLAs, state BJP president Subhash Barala said. Arrangements have been made to give a rousing welcome to the party chief, he said. "Shah will be welcomed by party workers at eight different points en-route, including at Bahadurgarh. The party chief will also hold a roadshow en-route and thousands of our workers will welcome him in the form of a bike rally," Barala said. He said immediately after his arrival, Shah will address a series of meetings with party office bearers, former MPs and ex-MLAs of the party. The party chief will be meeting party's state unit core group and intellectuals in the afternoon followed by an interaction with party MPs and legislators in the evening, Barala said, adding Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will also be present in these meetings. While six meetings are lined up for the first day, eight meetings will be held on August 3, during which Shah would also inaugurate a library building in the party office at Rohtak, he said. Shah is also scheduled to have a media interaction on August 3, the state BJP chief said over phone. On the concluding day of his visit, Shah will address party workers and ask them to work on 'vistarak yojna' (expansion plan) ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will also be presented with a report card highlighting the Khattar government's achievements during its over 1,000-day rule, Barala said. The BJP chief will also take stock of implementation of schemes related to poor. When asked why Rohtak was chosen as the venue for Shah's visit, Barala said, "Rohtak has been our party's headquarter for decades. It is also the political capital of Haryana." OneIndia News Modi says dreams of freedom fighters still remain unfulfilled India pti-PTI Pune, Aug 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expounded his vision of a "new India" and urged the people to set a goal for themselves for 2022, the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, and work towards accomplishing it. He said there are dreams of freedom fighters, which still remain incomplete, and it's everyone's duty to work towards fulfilling them. The PM was addressing the 99th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Dada J P Vaswani through a video link. Dada Vaswani, as he is popularly known, is the head of Pune-based Sadhu Vaswani Mission, a non-profit organisation. Wishing Dada Vaswani on his birthday, Modi, in his 17- minute speech, said his blessings will help in accomplishing the goals for a new India. "We will celebrate 75 years of Independence in 2022. There are dreams of our freedom fighters, which are still incomplete, and it's our duty to fulfil them. "Today, when we are celebrating the 99th birthday of Dada, who himself was a witness to the freedom struggle, we should set a goal for 2022, which should be quantifiable," Modi said. "Set a goal - such as I will associate these many number of people with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or these many number of people with solar energy or waste to energy programmes. Decide I will educate these many number of people from rural areas and make efforts to achieve these goals," he told the gathering. The PM said when individuals or institutions set their goals and make sincere efforts to achieve them, the nation will be able to accomplish the desired objectives. This will also help in fulfilling the dream of building a "new India". Modi highlighted the role being played by Dada Vaswani and the Sadhu Vaswani Mission for the welfare of the society. "Dada's blessings and the Mission's will power will help us accomplish the goals of New India by 2022." Modi spoke about 'Swacchagraha', an initiative for cleanliness on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagraha' movement. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has become a mass movement, he said. "There is a healthy competition to make villages, districts, states open-defecation free. Till date 2.17 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF." He said cleanliness is not only a system, it is actually a tendency and cleanliness should become our character. "We have to consider cleanliness as a tendency, and with interest, this tendency will gradually turn into habit. Lauding Dada Vaswani's contribution to the society, the PM said he has carried forward the rich tradition of saints in the country. "He has dedicated his life in bringing happiness in the lives of the people from the suppressed and under privileged class. His life is an inspiration for today's youth. "There are social evils such as corruption, casteism, crime, society, drug addiction. We can fight these out only if we choose the right option," said Modi. Speaking on the occasion, Dada Vaswani appreciated Modi's leadership and his government's work in a host of sectors in the last three years. PTI Mumbai University results 2017: New deadline is Aug 5, students' anguish continues India oi-Vicky By Vicky The Mumbai University results 2017 has been delayed again. The new deadline to declare the results is August 5. The state did not manage to keep up its word and declare the results. Students were frustrated and posted satirical videos mocking the politicians. This is probably for the first time in the 100 year history that the results have been delayed by so long. It has now been delayed for over 2 months. So far 90 per cent of the answer sheets have been evaluated. Unless the remaining 10 per cent is completed, the results will not be declared. The Governor had set the deadline of Monday to declare the results, but it was not done. 90 per cent of the assessment has been completed, except for commerce and law. This delay has caused a great deal of distress to students who fear losing out on opportunities. The students had seen some ray of hope when State Education Minister Vinod Tawde assured that the answer keys assessment via On-screen Marking (OSM)system is progressing and Mumbai University Results will be declared by July 31st, 2017. The Mumbai University Results 2017 delay has been primarily caused due to the transition in the mode of checking from manual to the online assessment process. How to check Mumbai University UG results 2017: Log in to mu.ac.in Keep hall ticket/admit card handy Enter registration details Results once declared would be available Download Take a printout OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 7:06 [IST] Mumbai: Veteran actor Dilip Kumar admitted to hospital India oi-Madhuri Veteran actor Dilip Kumar has been admitted to Lilavati hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday. The actor, who has been suffering from a kidney ailment, had to be taken to the hospital urgently."He was admitted due to dehydration and urine (tract) infection. He is not in the ICU... He is in a normal room. He is fine now, there is nothing to worry," Kumar's nephew Rehan said. The renowned actor, whose real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan, has acted in several superhit films during his six- decade long career such as 'Madhumati', 'Devdas', 'Mughal-e- Azam', 'Ganga Jamuna', 'Ram Aur Shyam' and 'Karma'. He was last seen on-screen in the 1998 film 'Qila'. The veteran actor was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema, in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian award, in 2015. The 94-year-old actor, who has had various visits to the hospital in the last few years, was last admitted in Lilavati in December after he complained of fever and swelling in his right leg. OneIndia News (with inputs) Navy sailors sentenced to imprisonment for raping minor in Maharashtra India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia A military court in Maharashtra sentenced two Navy sailors to rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor in 2015. The sailors have been sentenced to 15 years and 12 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing a minor who hadn't even completed 14 years of age. Pawan alias Om Pal, Prithvi Chauhan and Rakesh Singh, all sailors in the Navy were arrested in 2015 by the Cuffe Parade police after an officer's family alleged that they had raped their minor daughter. Cases were registered against the accused under POCSO and IPC. The sailors who were permanent employees of the Navy were tried by a Military court. The investigations revealed that Rakesh, one of the sailors had managed to obtain the number of the girl and developed a friendship. The trio, along with a civilian identified as Jeetendra, is accused of them raping the girl over a period of four months. The minor is said to have kept mum over the abuse after Rakesh threatened her of handing over their phone conversation records to her parents. The incident came to light on July 18, 2015, when the girl's parents saw one of the accused exit their residence. The girl told her parents of the ordeal after they counselled her. Pawan had been with the Indian Navy for the last 14 years. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 19:58 [IST] Don't allow next Doklam in Arunachal, says BJP MP; claims China has encroached upon 60 km of state Our forces still intact at Doklam, India hits back at China India oi-Vicky By Vicky India has rubbished China's claim that the number of troops have been reduced at Doklam. Amidst the standoff, China had released a 15 page document stating that there were only 40 soldiers at Doklam and the number was down from 2.400. India has however rubbished these claims and said that there has been no scaling down of troops. An official said that there is has no escalation and the standoff continues. There are around 400 of our troops there, the officer also informed. Beijing has insisted that India withdraws its troops for there to be any meaningful dialogue. However India has made it clear that there can be a resolution to the conflict only through meaningful dialogue. China had earlier accused India of concocting excuses over the illegal entry of its troops while also adding that it had shown great restraint. The Chinese foreign ministry once again reiterated that India withdraw its troops. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 16:55 [IST] In UP 166 criminals killed in encounters in past five years: Yogi This Diwali, UP CM Yogi asks govt employees to celebrate festival with needy, deprived families Modernisation of police force helped in controlling crime in UP: CM Yogi Yogi Adityanath flags of Run for Unity: Explains importance of Sardar Patel Yogi govt orders demotion of DySP to inspector for taking bribes in rape case 'Peace talk' on agenda for Yogi in his maiden foreign visit to Myanmar India oi-Deepika By Deepika Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be visiting neighbouring country Myanmar from August 5-7 to attend a conference on International Peace and Environmental Protection. This will be his first foreign tour after assuming office as CM of India's most populous state. He assumed office on 26, March 2017. Adityanath will be the chief guest at a two-day national conference organised by the Vivekananda International Foundation in Myanmar. The conference will see discussion on "Dialogue for Peace, Harmony and Security- A Global Initiative for Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness" at the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) in Yangon where Adityanath will be joining other dignitaries on the dais. A possible engagements with the senior leadership in Myanmar is on the cards. Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently described Myanmar as a key pillar of India's 'Act East' policy. India and Myanmar are commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship in all areas. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 16:18 [IST] Protests across Assam over Modis meagre flood relief fund India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Guwahati, August 2: First, they were unhappy about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lack of attention towards the flood victims of Assam. The "irked" voters of the state questioned, "Why Modi did not visit the flood-affected state?" On Tuesday, PM Modi came to Guwahati, attended meetings with chief ministers of various northeastern states to take stock of flood and landslide situation in the region and announced Rs 2,000 crore to tackle natural calamities. It seems people of the state are not happy with the PM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments, both at the state and the Centre, alleging that funds are "too little and too late" to mitigate the problems of millions of flood-hit people. All the organisations and individuals who have expressed displeasure over Modi's financial assistance to the flood-affected state alleged that it was "meagre". A day after Modi's visit, protests will be staged across the state on Wednesday to demand adequate financial compensation for the flood-affected people. The 24-hour protests have been hosted by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), a farmers' body, at every district headquarters in the state from 10 am Wednesday, stated reports. "The state agriculture department alone requested Rs 200 crore from the Centre to cope with the loss in the agricultural sector. The state government also said it had demanded Rs 3,000 crore as financial assistance for the flood-hit state and another Rs 1,300 crore to rebuild the embankments," said the KMSS in a statement. "Modi announced Rs 2,000 crore for the Northeast. If it is divided among all the states of the region the amount for Assam will be meagre. The Rs 250-crore Modi announced today for the state disaster response force was a due of the state. But we welcome the announcement of Rs 100 crore for study on the Brahmaputra," the statement added. The KMSS alleged that Modi came to Assam after he was criticised for not visiting the state that has been reeling under floods since June, but was quick to conduct an aerial survey of his home state, Gujarat, where he announced a financial package of Rs 500 crore. The members of the group questioned Modi's silence over the proposed 168 dams in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. Dams are one of the main causes of flash floods in the state, as often excessive water from these dams are released from Arunachal Pradesh which flows downstream to Assam. "The people of Assam had expected that during his visit Modi would announce the floods and erosion problem of the state a national problem. But no such promise was made," said KMSS leader Doijya Konwar. Senior Congress leader and former CM Tarun Gogoi tweeted, "We welcome Modi's visit to Assam, but it is too late now. If Modi is genuinely committed towards Assam's problem he will have to form an action plan to solve this problem of flood and erosion permanently for the welfare of the people and the state." "Centre's negligence (to Assam) is evident as it is yet to form the Northeast Brahmaputra River Rejuvenations Authority (NEBRRA). Within two years after coming to power, the BJP has formed the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA),but no initiative so far to form NEBRRA," Gogoi added. The powerful students' organisation, All Assam Students' Union (AASU), said the financial assistance announced by Modi was too little. "We had demanded Rs 5,000 crore financial assistance to the state, including Rs 1,000 crore for Lakhimpur district. Instead, Modi announced Rs 2,000 crore and it was not clear how much of it Assam will receive," said AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi. "If he had come earlier he would have seen the actual damage caused by floods and suffering of the people. He rushed to his home state Gujarat to take stock of the floods situation and announced Rs 500 crore but did not come to Assam," he added. Similarly, the Asom Jatoyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), another students' body, expressed its unhappiness over Modi's "late visit" to the state. The AJYCP members added that they too were disappointed with "very low" financial assistance to the state. "Instead of visiting the affected areas, Modi reviewed the flood situation of the state sitting in Guwahati. Such a review could have been done sitting in New Delhi," said AJYCP general secretary Palash Changmai. This monsoon, floods have created havoc across Assam. As per official figures, a total of 83 people died due to floods. The floods have affected 2,09,051.65 hectares of cropland in the state. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 7:13 [IST] Right to privacy case: Nine judge SC bench reserves order India oi-Vikas By Vikas A nine judge Bench of the Supreme Court hearing a matter on whether the right to privacy is a fundamental right has reserved orders. On July 26, the Centre told the apex court that there is a fundamental right to privacy, but is a 'wholly qualified right'. The apex court had last week told the Centre that Right to Privacy is a fundamental right but not all its facets will be covered under it. The SC had said economic rights of citizens and provision for food and other essential items could never be a ground to undermine basic fundamental rights. Attorney general KK Venugopal had earlier told the nine-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, "there is a fundamental right to privacy, but it is a wholly qualified right since the right to privacy consists of various aspects and is a sub-species of the right to liberty, every aspect of it will not qualify as a fundamental right". The issue needs to be settled for it to hear petitions that challenge Aadhaar, the 12-digit biometric identity number which critics say violates privacy. The government wondered if the privacy rights of a select few "could destroy the rights of a large group of others", as it sought to link Aadhaar to the right to livelihood. OneIndia News Lingayats vs Veerashaivas: Congress has no magic wand and the ghost will continue to haunt it The Lingayat Veerashaiva rift worsens as thousands hit streets in Karnataka India oi-Vicky By Vicky Thousand of people took to the streets of Hubbali in northern Karnataka and the split between the pontiffs of various maths or Veerashaivas and Lingayats was evident. Followers of the Rambhapuri seer took to the streets to protest against attempts to break the unity under the guise of according religious status. The protestors also raised slogans against Mathe Mahadevi for insulting the Rambapuri seer after he had made controversial comments against her. Booklets depicting her in a derogatory manner were displayed during the protest. The followers of the Rambhapuri seer and Mathe Mahadevi have been at logger heads after the latter raised the demand for a separate religious status for Lingayats. Mathe Mahadevi's followers warned that they would intensify their agitation if the state government if it does not recommend for a separate religion. On the other hand the followers of the Rambhapuri seer said that they would launch a campaign to vote only for those candidates who uphold the unity of the community. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 6:42 [IST] TN health minister meets PM Modi over NEET, a day after IT froze his properties India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijaya Bhaskar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The AIADMK said that the meeting was to seek an exemption for Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test NEET. Vijaya Bhaskar's meet with the Prime Minister comes a day after the income tax department froze properties belonging to him. In a statement, the AIADMK said that Vijayabaskar, who had been camping in Delhi, met the prime minister along with Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai once again and requested for NEET-exemption. The Tamil Nadu government has made its second representation in the last three weeks to the Prime Minister over the same subject. On July 20, Vijaya Bhaskar met PM Modi along with a ministerial delegation. The delegation urged for the presidential assent to two bills adopted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in February. The assembly had passed bills that made way for the continuation of the UG medical admissions on the basis of Class XII marks while another sought to exempt Tamil Nadu from the ambit of NEET for admission to MBBS/BDS courses. The meeting also comes a day after the Income Tax department ordered the freezing of Vijaya Bhaskar's properties including at his home town. The IT department sought for the minister's properties to be frozen over alleged tax evasion. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 20:30 [IST] International news brief: Floods trap many in Florida; Royal Mint unveils first coins and more Floods after heavy rain kill at least 22 people in Venezuela West Bengal flood: 7 more deaths, toll climbs to 46, over 27 lakh affected India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Kolkata, August 2: Every day, the number of deaths reported from flood-hit West Bengal is increasing. On Tuesday, the death toll in the state flood rose to 46. According to reports, seven more people were killed due to floods in the last 48 hours. Fortunately, due to drop in the incessant rainfall, the water level in most of the rivers of the state has receded bringing hope to the flood-affected people. "As it is raining less and the dams are also controlling the release of water, the situation in the affected districts is improving every day," a senior official of the State Disaster Management department told reporters in Kolkata. As per official figures, around 27 lakh people in 106 blocks of 14 districts of West Bengal were hit by the flood. The state government is currently running around 311 relief camps to give shelter to the affected people. Dhaniakhali of Hooghly district and Ghatal in West Midnapore district are the two worst affected areas due to floods, the official informed. Recommended Video Assam floods: Protests in Assam over Modi's poor allotment of funds | Oneindia News "Situation at these two places is not that good. Water is receding at a very slow pace. Administration is keeping an eye on the situation and our volunteers are working day in and day out," he said. Meanwhile, around 59,398 hectares of paddy seedbed has been damaged out of the 3,17,675 hectares of cultivated land. According to an official at the agriculture department, out of 10,82,285 hectares of paddy seedbeds, 1,79,321 hectares were damaged. "We have nearly 11,340 MT of paddy seeds stored which we will start distributing to the farmers from August 15," he said. OneIndia News Why no IT raids at Koovathur when AIADMK MLAs were lodged, asks Stalin India oi-Anusha Reacting to the raids at properties belonging to Congress leader D K Shivakumar and a resort in Bengaluru, DMK's working President M K Stalin asked why such action was not taken at Kuvathoor resort. Stalin lashed out at the Income tax department for not reacting to AIADMK MLAs being lodged at a resort in Kuvathoor in February this year by Sasikala's aides. "The Income Tax department that raided a resort in Bengaluru was a spectator during the Kuvathoor incident. Why? When more than 100 AIADMK MLAs were being held in Koovathur and bribed why was no action initiated?" asked M K Stalin on Wednesday. His questions came even as the Income Tax department clarified that the raids at a resort in the outskirts of Bengaluru had nothing to do with the Congress MLAs from Gujarat. Recommended Video IT raid at Bengaluru resort hosting Gujarat MLAs DMK, the Congress' ally in Tamil Nadu lashed out at the BJP-led central government for using central agencies against political opponents. "Stalin accused the NDA government of double standards on issues of tackling corruption. "It comes as a shock that the IT department and the Enforcement Directorate have become subservient to the Centre. Raids on a specific section or party cannot be accepted," he Stalin. M K Stalin's questions were based on reports, including a sting operation, where AIADMK MLAs admitted to having been offered bribes to support Sasikala faction of the AIADMK. A host of AIADMK MLAs had been taken to a resort in Kuvathoor in the outskirts of Chennai city in February after the party split between Sasikala and Panneerselvam. OneIndia News Prashant Kishor claims Nitish Kumar in touch with BJP says don't be surprised if he joins hands with it again With 22 tainted ministers in Bihar cabinet, Nitishs fight against corruption proves empty India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Patna, August 2: Only last week, Nitish Kumar resigned as the chief minister of Bihar as a mark of protest against the "tainted" deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Immediately after tendering his resignation, Nitish, while briefing reporters, said that his move was to fight against corruption. The step taken by Nitish was widely-welcomed by his former foe and now friend, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Within the passage of a few hours of his resignation, Nitish joined hands with the BJP to form a fresh government in the state, thus breaking away from his former alliance, the Mahagathbandhan, formed by the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) with the help of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress to fight the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections. Now, Nitish's tall claims fall flat as a report indicated that more than three-fourth of the ministers in Bihar's new JD(U)-BJP government have criminal cases against them. In fact, the number of "tainted" ministers in Nitish's present cabinet is higher than what it was in the previous Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) cabinet. Recommended Video Nitish criminal case: SC to hear plea to cancel Legislative Council membership | Oneindia News The report has been prepared by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-partisan and non-governmental organisation which works in the area of electoral and political reforms. According to the report, as many as 22 ministers out of 29 in the present Bihar government have criminal cases against them, while in the grand alliance cabinet, 19 of total 28 ministers had cases registered against them. The report was prepared after an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of the 29 ministers including the CM by the Bihar Election Watch, an organisation that works for the electoral and political reforms in the state, and the ADR. According to the report, out of the 22 ministers who have declared to have criminal cases, nine have declared to have serious criminal cases against themselves. As far as educational qualification of the ministers are concerned, nine ministers have declared their educational qualification to be between class 8 and 12 pass, 18 are graduates or have higher degrees. Once again continuing with the country-wide trend of dismissal representation of women in political posts, in Nitish's new cabinet there is only one woman minister, stated the report. However, the number of crorepatis in the new Nitish-led cabinet has come down marginally to 21 from 22 in the previous one. The average asset of 29 ministers is Rs 2.46 crore, the report said. On July 26, JD(U) supremo Nitish had resigned as the CM of Bihar, ending the two-year-old alliance with the Lalu Prasad-led RJD. Soon, Kumar was again sworn in as the CM the next day with BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi as his deputy. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 9:34 [IST] Despite diplomatic crisis, Turkey and Qatar launch joint military exercises International oi-PTI Istanbul, Augst 2: Turkey and its main regional ally Qatar launched military exercises in the emirate that will involve some 250 Turkish troops and 30 armoured vehicles, reports said. The exercises come as Ankara presses on with its unequivocal backing of Doha in the crisis triggered by the political and economic isolation of Qatar by Gulf and other Arab states led by Saudi Arabia. Turkish state media said that the Turkish frigate TCG Gokova had docked in Doha earlier this week carrying 214 soldiers who would take part in the exercises. The exercises got underway today and would intially involve ground forces with naval forces later on, NTV television said. An observation day involving top commanders would take place on August 7-8, it added. A total of 250 Turkish soldiers and 30 armoured vehicles will take part, it added. On June 5, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with Qatar accusing it of backing extremism and fostering ties with their Shiite rival Iran. Doha denies the claims and has been strongly backed by Ankara throughout the standoff. The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as it seeks to balance its strategic alliance with Qatar with preserving its own relations with regional kingpin Saudi Arabia. Turkey is setting up a military base in Qatar, its only such outpost in the region. It has sped up the process since the crisis began and reportedly now has 150 troops at the base. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said more time was needed to solve the crisis after a whistlestop tour of the region last month that included visits to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 9:51 [IST] Doklam standoff: China claims India was 'notified' about road construction near Sikkim International oi-Vikas By Vikas Calling for a new boundary agreement between New Delhi and Beijing to replace the convention adopted in 1890, China on Wednesday cited an informal diplomatic understanding between the two sides and claimed that India was aware of the road construction near Doklam, which sparked the standoff. In a 15-page statement slamming India's stand on Doklam, Beijing claimed it had "notified India in advance" of its plans to build a road in Doklam. Accusing India of using Bhutan as "a pretext", China said India has no right to interfere in the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, said reports. Reports quoted Chinese foreign ministry as saying that both sides had agreed on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector on May 10, 2006, which was in line an 1890 treaty signed by Great Britain and China. Recommended Video Sikkim Standoff: China accuses India of making excuses to trespass | Oneindia News China also reportedly said that a new convention should be adopted between New Delhi and Beijing to replace the 1890 convention between Great Britain and China. The 1890 convention demarcates the Sikkim boundary, said reports. The document that China is referring to is an informal document, also known as non-paper in diplomatic parlance. According to China, Special Representatives on the boundary issue had in 2006 agreed to the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector. Beijing, however, makes no mention of India's claim that in 2012 it was agreed that any dispute at tri-junction will be settled after consultation with the concerned countries. China had earlier said that a resolution to the Doklam standoff would be issued once Indian forces withdraw. China has maintained that there won't be a meaningful dialogue without the unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops from the area. But both sides have acknowledged that talks were held through diplomatic channels to ease the tension. [Amidst Doklam standoff, heightened Chinese activity reported near Himachal] The standoff between Indian and Chinese armies has continued for close to six weeks over the construction of a road by China at Doklam near Sikkim. It is an area where the borders of India, China and Bhutan meet. Bhutan says the land, which it calls Doklam, belongs to its kingdom and not to China, a claim that India agrees too. OneIndia News Not seeking regime change in North Korea: US International oi-PTI Washington, August 2: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said the US does not seek a regime change in North Korea and wants to work with China to prevent the reclusive country from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tillerson's remarks came after US President Donald Trump recently said China's efforts to rein in North Korea had "not worked" out even as he appreciated Beijing for its attempts to pursue its closest ally to abandon its nuclear ambitions. "We have reaffirmed our position towards North Korea, that what we are doing, we do not seek a regime change; we do not seek the collapse of the regime; we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula; we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson told reporters at the State Department yesterday. "We are trying to convey to the North Koreans we are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," he said. Tillerson said he hoped that at some point the North Koreans will begin to understand that the US would like to sit and have a dialogue with them about their future that will give them the security they seek and the future economic prosperity for North Korea. "This is going to be a continued effort to put ever greater pressure on the North Korean regime because our other options, obviously, are not particularly attractive," he said. Identifying North Korea as one of the first threats encountered by the Trump administration, Tillerson said the threat has materialised in the ways they expected it would. "That's why early on we identified it as a very urgent matter, and the North Koreans have certainly proven the urgency of that to us," he said. "We initiated a sustained and continued intensified campaign on what I like to call peaceful pressure, because of the options available to us, I think as all of you well understand, are limited, and particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time," he said. "So we felt the appropriate thing to do first was to seek peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk with us and others but with an understanding that a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region much less to the homeland," he said. In doing so, the Trump Administration has sought to partner with China, he added. China does account for 90 per cent of economic activity with North Korea, Tillerson said, adding that the Chinese have been very clear with the US that they share the same objective of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. "They do not see it in their interest for North Korea to have nuclear weapons, just as we do not see it in anyone's interest. China has ways that they can put pressure on and influence the North Korean regime because of this significant economic relationship that no one else has," he said. "We've been very clear with the Chinese. We certainly don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea. Only the North Koreans are to blame for this situation. But we do believe China has a special and unique relationship because of this significant economic activity to influence the North Korean regime in ways that no one else can. "And that's why we continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue,"Tillerson said. He further said that US doesn't think having a dialogue where the North Koreans come to the table assuming they're going to maintain their nuclear weapons is productive, so that's really the objective. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 13:20 [IST] The Western bias and why it cannot digest Indias success Explained: Why has US removed India from its currency monitoring list Sooner or later dialogues can sort India-Pak issues: Abdul Basit International oi-Madhuri Outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Tuesday said that Hizb-ul-Mujahideen's Syed Salahuddin, who is designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorist on India's suggestion by US, is not a terrorist. While speaking to ANI, Basit said,''Syed Salahuddin is not a terrorist as far as Pakistan or people of J&K are concerned. We criticize this decision on part of US.'' ''Whatever he is doing is seen in Pakistan and in J&K that he is struggling for right to self determination,'' said Outgoing Pak envoy Abdul Basit. He further said,''Such allegations were made in past against Hurriyat but nothing came out, don't know where will these investigations go. As far as Hurriyat is concerned we strongly feel that they represent political aspirations of people of J&K.'' Pakistan envoy further said,''Confident that sooner or later both the countries will resume the dialogue process because that is the way forward.'' NSAs (of India and Pakistan) are in touch with each other. We have made some progress when it comes to Mumbai trial;in order for two countries to put closure on it we need cooperation. Speaking on house arrest of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Basit said,''Post Mumbai (attack), we did put him (Hafiz Saeed) under house arrest but for lack of enough evidence we had to release him.'' He is still under house arrest, we're trying to gather more evidence. If there is enough evidence available to try him, will do that. He also said that India should not expect to provide consular access to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, condemned to death for espionage and his involvement in subversive activities, for his was not an ordinary case. ''As far as issue of consular access is concerned, let us see what happens and how things unfold at ICJ,'' Abdul Basit on said on Kulbhushan Jadhav consular access. We need for India to reconsider position. Important for Indian foreign secretary to visit Pakistan, talk abt talks & finalize modalities for negotiations. Foreign Secy Jaishankar was scheduled to visit Pakistan on 15th January, Pathankot happened on 2nd January. We could understand if the visit was delayed for a week or two but delaying it indefinitely was not in the right spirit. India should have allowed that visit to take place, and that would have helped to retain the spirit of cooperation on Pathankot. OneIndia News White House down: Why is everyone 'faking' it International oi-Prabhpreet By Prabhpreet 'Crooked Hillary' is the nickname that US President Donald Trump used, time and again, to describe his opponent in the presidential election. And he has continued to do so well after winning it. Such words followed revelations that Hillary Clinton used private email servers, instead of an official one, while she was the Secretary of State(Foreign minister) during Barack Obama's tenure, and that classified information was shared from it. Trump jumped on the opportunity to use this information and was successful to paint an image of wrongdoing on her part, which helped him win. Yet barely half a year after coming to power, his tenure itself has been surrounded by one controversy after another. From possibly colluding with Russians in the election to the sacking of senior officials, the worst fears of those who had worried about Trump's presidency seem to be coming true, with what can be described as nothing but the unravelling of his administration. While Trump has blamed all media reports of such controversies regarding his administration to be 'Fake news,' the latest development that has come to light, and which cannot be seen without a touch of irony, saw his senior staff fall prey to an email controversy of their own. Latest controversy is 'Fake emails' not 'Fake news' This comes in a period of a couple of weeks during which three of the most senior White House staff have lost their jobs. These include Trump's Chief of staff Reince Priebus, Press Secretary Sean Spicer, and White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. Priebus and Spicer, who had been heavily criticised for their work lost their jobs soon after the new communications director took over. Scaramucci, who was appointed less than a fortnight ago, was the biggest victim of fake emails sent by a prankster from the United Kingdom using the identity of other senior officials and Trump family members. And the replies by them have gone far in showing the turmoil the present administration finds itself in, with infighting between senior officials a major part of it. This could be seen by Scaramucci's reply to the emails that he thought were from the real Priebus, which reinforced the idea that he blames the former chief of staff for the alleged leaks from the White House which Trump has claimed have taken place. Or from his reply, "Both of them," to the fake id of soon to be US Ambassador to Russia, Jon Huntsman Jr, which asked him who he would like to be removed from their posts. In an apparent reference to both Priebus and White House Senior Adviser Steve Bannon, against whom he had gone on an expletive ridden tirade while talking to a reporter earlier. Though his replies to such mails cannot be directly linked to his firing, the fact that they would have increased the odds for such an action is without a doubt. Other than him, Huntsman himself, as well as Trump's son Eric Trump too, were hoodwinked by the prankster. Such a lapse in judgement by those close to Trump show that the administration is yet to learn from the past events related to Hillary as well as those of the last half a year. And have sent the already bruised administration which is already at the centre of a major Russian controversy into another one. The Russia controversy is not going away The biggest controversy since he took over has been over allegations of Russia's interference in the country's election process. It's a matter of fact and not just political rumouring that hackers from Russia, most probably government sponsored, got access to the computer servers of the Democratic party, the opposition to the Trump's Republican party, including those related to Clinton and leaked information that would be damaging to her. To make matters worse and seriously support allegations of Russian interference in support of Trump, it has been reported that these hackers had access to information which would be damaging to Trump and his party as well, yet they chose not to reveal it. In addition, a mass propaganda machine, which spread false information against his opponent has also been reported. Surprisingly, this is not what concerns Trump and his coterie. Well, at least not on the face of it. The present and of most concern to the President is the current inquiry that is looking into the allegations of Trump and his close aides being in direct contact with Russians and also that many of his choices to fill important official posts chose not to disclose such contact during the Senate confirmation hearings, which is the norm after selecting top officials in the US, that such officials are required to do so. Others who have lost their jobs Trump's first pick for National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, had to resign from office within a month of taking over. Flynn was blamed by the White House to have misled Vice- President Mike Pence that he did not have any contact with the Russians, which turned out to be false. US Attorney general, Jeff Sessions, had to recuse himself from the investigations being conducted by his department into links with Russia after he failed to disclose at his confirmation hearing that he had contact with the country during the election campaign. He was recently publicly criticised by Trump for recusing himself from the investigation. And there are growing speculations that Sessions might not last long. Trump also fired the Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey, who was investigating the matter related to the Russian controversy. The President even openly admitted that he fired him due to his role in the investigation, and reportedly even called him a 'nutjob' and was found boasting about firing him to the Russian foreign minister. Will the Comey 'bombshell' result in the impeachment of Donald Trump? After his firing, Comey while giving testimony in front of the Senate committee looking into the matter, came out against claims that Trump had made regarding the Russian interference and for all means and purposes called them a lie. He also gave damaging testimony that Trump asked him to let go of the investigation into Flynn who is facing scrutiny for his contact with the Russia administration. Trump's previous communications director had also resigned barely four months into the job, and though such a step so early in the presidency would cause a major scandal in another leader's tenure, it did not under Trump. Where almost no matter what happens, it doesn't seem too bizarre to be a reality. No end in sight With others including members of Trump's inner circle still under suspicion when it comes to the Russian links, the controversy is far from over, especially as former FBI director Robert Mueller, who is well known for being a straight arrow and extremely thorough in his job now put in charge of the investigation by the justice department of the country. The expectations of more breaking news regarding further conflicts of interest and foreign meddling, can't be too far off the mark. On the home front, as a measure to start afresh and get his house in order, former General and Homeland Secretary, John Kelly, has been appointed as the new chief of staff to replace Priebus. His first major decision being the removal of Scaramucci. Though Trumps's supporters would hope he might be able to end the spate of controversies that keep rising out of the White House. Given the last six months, even the most die-hard supporters of the President would be sceptical of it. While those who chose Trump over Hillary, following the controversy regarding her emails, might be questioning their decision, given the chaos witnessed in the first six months after his inauguration. Her supporters would not be wrong to ask if the email controversy made her 'Crooked,' then what might Trump be called. OneIndia News 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Rumble 03 Nov 2022 LAST DITCH PITCH; FIVE DAYS UNTIL THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS, THE PRESIDENT HEADS TO NEW MEXICO AND CALIFORNIA TO PRESS THE CASE FOR.. FOXNews.com 04 Nov 2021 The family of a man with special needs who was fatally shot in Seattles CHOP autonomous zone has filed a new lawsuit against the.. Opalesque Industry Update - Cheyne Capital, the London-based alternative asset manager, announces the launch of a new sub-investment grade credit business, SVC. The team will be run by Anthony Robertson, formerly Head of Leveraged Finance at BlueBay Asset Management, who joins as CIO of the strategy. Also joining are David Lofts as Portfolio Manager and Head of Trading and Origination, and Senior Analysts Jacopo Rubbia and Jorge Lazaro, with further hires joining in the coming months. The business has been formed to take advantage of investment opportunities resulting from the changing market backdrop and growing investor interest for tailored closed-end solutions to credit allocations. The SVC business will focus on meeting evolving investor needs over a full investment cycle and offer capacity-constrained products that are adapted to client requirements and the structural characteristics inherent in this segment of the credit market. As the late-stage credit cycle creates growing dislocation and liquidity constraints in the high yield segment, the team will employ a value investing approach founded on fundamental research principles that takes advantage of market inefficiencies. Its initial strategy will focus on the heightened illiquidity in European sub-investment grade credit, seeking to identify a concentrated portfolio of mis-valued securities, as well as selective distressed situations. The business will comprise 10 people in the near term and will encompass research, trading, strategy, origination and legal. The team has several decades' experience of working together in the credit markets, where Anthony has been investing and David has been a sell-side practitioner since the start of the European high yield market in the mid-1990s. Jonathan Lourie, co-Founder and CEO of Cheyne Capital said, "We are delighted to welcome Anthony and his team to this new business whose depth of experience, track record and credit markets expertise make them amongst the best in this field. We felt the timing was right to enter this segment of the credit markets and deliberately sourced a team with significant experience in distressed investing, in line with our approach of identifying opportunities presented by market dislocations and the best ways of delivering their value to our investors. "Credit investing has been part of our DNA for the past 17 years and we believe the strong contiguity we have across Cheyne's credit strategies will enhance our ability to provide our clients with tailored solutions that seek to achieve the best risk-adjusted returns over the medium to long-term." Anthony Robertson, CIO of the SVC business, "We see growing opportunities in sub-investment grade credit, both today and into the future with increasing investor interest in capacity-constrained, closed-end strategies that are best adapted to harnessing the dissipating market liquidity. In an increasingly complex environment that requires deep technical capabilities, Cheyne's reputation as an established fundamental credit investor, with long-term investment in people and infrastructure, fits with our approach and we look forward to working with the business to develop our offering and grow the team. Opalesque Industry Update - Winston & Strawn LLP announced the addition of the highly regarded New York-based Latin America Practice from Chadbourne & Parke (now Norton Rose Fulbright). Nine veteran partners and one newly named partner will join Winston's New York office. The group brings significant experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financings, private equity and fund formation, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations, and international arbitration and litigation. Representing U.S. Fortune 500 companies and private equity funds, foreign private issuers, international funds, sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities, and a wide array of other clients, the new Winston group is particularly well known for its work with Latin America-based corporate and private equity clients, U.S.-based clients involved in Latin America, and clients in the Iberian Peninsula. Corporate lawyers Talbert Navia and Allen Miller, who were co-heads of the Latin America Practice at their former firm, lead the team. Talbert and Allen have worked together for over twenty-five years and have led some of the largest and most innovative transactions in the region. "The addition of this top-notch group of partners with significant leadership experience, combined with the cross-border nature of their work across sectors and practice areas, will enable us to grow our international footprint and provide opportunities to expand our existing relationships with clients in Latin America," said Winston Chairman Tom Fitzgerald. "Collectively, the group has developed a significant client base of leading companies and institutions on the ground in Latin America over the years, as well as a strong network of outstanding local law firms practicing in the region. We are very excited about introducing our Winston clients to this network." "This group substantially enhances our corporate and litigation practices in New York across multiple disciplines," added Winston Vice-Chairman Michael Elkin. "At the same time, the addition of such a distinguished set of practitioners enables us to pursue a powerful multidisciplinary strategy to expand our Latin America practice across the firm. We are particularly excited about the opportunities arising from the group's deep experience in the energy, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors." Members of the group are consistently ranked among the leading lawyers practicing in Latin America by Chambers Latin America, Chambers Global, Chambers USA, The Legal 500 Latin America, The Legal 500 Global, and other major directories for work across multiple practice areas, including corporate, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, banking and finance, projects, energy and natural resources, private equity, and fund formation. Within the past five years, members of the group have led numerous transactions that received "Deal of the Year" recognitions in Latin America, including awards and nominations such as "Best Bond of the Year," "Quasi-Sovereign Bond of the Year," "Corporate Finance Deal of the Year," "Equity Deal of the Year" and "M&A Deal of the Year" from publications such as LatinFinance, IFLR, Project Finance International, and IJGlobal. Talbert, a Harvard Law graduate who is of Colombian descent, has a broad range of experience advising U.S. and Latin America-based corporate and private equity clients. His industry experience includes oil and gas, energy (including renewable energy), infrastructure, mining, telecommunications, real estate, and consumer products. Talbert has been ranked by Chambers Global for the past nine consecutive years for his work in Latin America. He is also regularly ranked by Chambers for his Corporate/M&A work in Latin America, and is recognized as a "Foreign Expert in Latin America" by Chambers USA. Talbert has also been listed in The Legal 500 Latin America since the inaugural issue for his work in Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A. In 2017, Talbert was recognized by Latinvex as one of Latin America's "Top 100 Lawyers." In addition to his legal experience, Talbert was a founder and general partner for seven years at two private equity funds focusing on investments in the U.S. and Latin America. Allen, a Cornell Law graduate, has extensive experience in Latin America in the energy and natural resources, financial services, media, and consumer products sectors. He has been regularly cited for many years in Chambers Global, Chambers USA, and Chambers Latin America for his M&A and capital markets experience involving Latin America. Allen has also been recognized by The Legal 500 Latin America, U.S. News - Best Lawyers in Corporate Law, and The Legal 500 U.S. for his M&A work. He has also been named numerous times by Latinvex as one of Latin America's "Top 100 Lawyers." "Winston & Strawn has a wealth of experience on the transactional side advising companies and financial institutions, and a widely recognized international arbitration group in Latin America. Together with our established brand in the region, we will be able to provide more depth of experience and execution capabilities for our clients," said Talbert. Allen stated: "Winston & Strawn's tier one practices in mergers and acquisitions and capital markets, and its powerhouse litigation and arbitration practices, including in Latin America, provide us an extraordinary platform for our clients." Julissa Reynoso, a Columbia University Law graduate, joins Talbert and Allen from the disputes side of the practice. Julissa is a litigation and international arbitration partner who served as U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State under President Barrack Obama. Julissa has extensive experience representing sovereigns and corporations in complex, cross-border disputes, including under the ICC, NAFTA and DR-CAFTA. She also represents clients in complex commercial litigations and regulatory investigations. Julissa has broad policy and legal experience throughout Latin America, and also serves on the faculty of Columbia Law School and that university's School of International and Public Affairs. She has been recognized by The Legal 500 Latin America for International Arbitration and by Latinvex as one of the "Top 100 Female Lawyers." In addition, Julissa is the recipient of various public interest awards, including recognition from Columbia University, New York University, North Star Fund, The Legal Aid Society, and Hispanic National Bar Foundation. Mort Grosz, a Boston University Law graduate with a Masters of Law from New York University, has broad transactional experience, having advised domestic and foreign corporate clients and investment funds in various cross-border matters. Mort regularly represents one of the largest private equity funds exclusively focused on Latin America. He is listed in The Legal 500 U.S. as a "recommended lawyer" for Investment Fund Formation and Management, Private Equity Funds, and M&A/Corporate and Commercial. Mort has also been recognized in The Legal 500 Latin America for his work in Corporate and M&A since the inaugural issue. Beth Kramer, an American University Law graduate, focuses her practice on the representation of U.S. and non-U.S. asset managers. She advises investment managers on the formation and ongoing management of funds and the regulatory and compliance aspects of their businesses. She also counsels investment companies, private funds, and separately managed accounts. Beth has been regularly recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. for her work in Investment Fund Formation and Management. Scott Naidech, a Temple University Law graduate with a Masters of Law from Georgetown University, has deep experience advising domestic and cross-border clients on fund formation and investment management. He has been consistently recognized by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 U.S. among the top practitioners in fund formation nationwide. Sey-Hyo Lee, a Columbia University Law graduate, represents U.S. issuers and foreign private issuers on capital markets, securities law, and corporate governance transactions, including complex matters requiring reconciliation of the laws of multiple jurisdictions involving Latin America. He is recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. for his work in M&A and Corporate and Commercial. Claude Serfilippi, a Fordham University Law graduate, represents issuers and underwriters in the sale of equity and debt securities, in both public and private offerings, with an emphasis on high-yield securities offerings, project bonds, and Rule 144A/Regulation S offerings. Claude's mergers and acquisitions practice focuses on advising sellers and purchasers of businesses and assets with particular experience in the energy industry and in emerging markets, including in Latin America and Eastern and Central Europe. Chambers Global ranks Claude as a Foreign Expert for Corporate/M&A. Kevin Smith, a University of Pennsylvania Law graduate, represents U.S. public and private companies, private equity funds, and other institutions on M&A, securities and corporate governance matters. He also has extensive cross-border experience involving Latin America. Kevin is recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. for his work in M&A and Corporate and Commercial. Marcelo Blackburn, a Yale University Law graduate, represents clients in complex commercial litigation and class actions, international arbitration, and regulatory investigations, including advising Latin American clients on transnational litigation issues. He was recognized by Latinvex as one of "Latin America's Rising Legal Stars." Marcelo was named partner upon joining Winston. Winston has experienced substantial growth within the past six months through the acquisition of sizeable high-profile lateral groups. Most recently, the firm added 10 partners from McDermott Will & Emery to the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice in Chicago and Washington, D.C. The firm also opened a Dallas office with 26 partners from nine different firms. Other group acquisitions have included a prominent team of capital markets partners in New York in 2016, 21 partners from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in 2015, 22 litigation partners from now defunct Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in 2012, and 40 intellectual property and commercial litigators in Houston from now defunct Howrey LLP in 2011. General Surgery Devices Market 2017 Growth Opportunities, Driving Factors by Manufacturers, Regions https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1286 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1286 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=1286 Global General Surgery Devices Market: SnapshotThe global market for general surgery devices is witnessing a massive surge in demand owing to the mounting global population of geriatrics and the significant rise in number of surgical procedures. While global public-health initiatives have mostly centered around disease prevention, control and surveillance of infectious diseases, and promotion of benefits associated with healthy lifestyles, rising life expectancy in the past few decades, especially in middle- and low-income countries, have changed previous trends.Industrialization and significant lifestyle changes have brought about an epidemiological transition and health conditions afflicting the global population are shifting from conditions caused due to infections and pestilence to lifestyle associated diseases. The condition has led to a substantial rise in health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, cerebro-vascular diseases, and bone disorders, in developed, developing, and less developed economies. Numbers of injuries owing to accidents are also significantly increasing across the globe as the global traffic of vehicles and other technologically advanced devices has increased.Request Sample Copy of the Report @These trends are expected to remain strong in the near future as well, presenting a massive rise in demand for general surgeries. The scenario is also expected to lead to a substantial increase in the global demand for general surgery devices. The high growth potential of the global general surgery devices market has attracted a large number of small and large general surgery device manufacturing companies in the global marketplace and the market continues to attract a number of new players.Global General Surgery Devices Market: OverviewSurgical devices find applications in varied surgical procedures such as in closure of wounds and plastic and reconstructive surgeries, among others. They are deployed in hospitals, small clinics, and other healthcare centers and are used in different types of surgeries, namely orthopedics, obstetrics, neurology, urology, cardiovascular medicine, and gynecology. Savvy players in the global general surgery devices market are making efforts to make build inroads in the fast-expanding developing economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America, which hold out strong opportunities.Request TOC of the Report @Besides expanding their geographical footprints, market participants are also resorting to other initiatives such as strategic collaborations and partnerships, product development, and carefully-considered mergers and acquisitions to further bolster their positions. A report by TMR Research provides a thorough peek into the global market for general surgery devices. It studies the market after segmenting it based on different parameters and also offers a granular analysis of the factors driving or hindering it.Further, the report presents a detailed assessment of the competitive landscape in the global market for general surgery devices and identifies key players contributing towards its growth. The companies have been profiled in the report based on important parameters such as key strengths and recent developments, product portfolio, and geographical reach. Market-leading analytical tools have also been leveraged to gauge the opportunities and threats awaiting players.Global General Surgery Devices Market: Trends and OpportunitiesGrowth drivers significantly contributing to the global market for general surgery devices are a burgeoning geriatric population, rising awareness about different surgeries, and the means to go under the knife to better looks as in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. To elaborate a bit further, the elderly population accounted for a large number of surgeries pertaining to the bone, brain, heart, and ear disorders. Technological progress resulting in cutting-edge devices and healthcare institutes providing advanced surgeries such as minimally invasive surgeries in emerging economies is also leading to market growth.Get a discount @One key development to look out for in the global market for general surgery devices is the opportunities opened up by robotics and the computer-assisted sector, both of which are in a nascent stage now. The different products available in the market are open surgery instruments, minimally invasive surgery instruments, disposable surgical supplies, energy based and powered instruments, adhesion prevention products, and medical robotics and computer assisted surgery devices. Among them, the disposable surgical supplies segment leads the market with maximum revenue due to the soaring demand for disposable needles, syringes, and catheters.Global General Surgery Devices Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the key segments of the market are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World. North America, of these, is a crucial market on account of the concentration of well-entrenched players in the region, strong policy support of the government, solid reimbursement policies, and spiking demand for surgeries because of lifestyle-related diseases. In the years ahead, however, Asia Pacific is slated to overtake all other regions in terms of growth due to the increasing spend on healthcare in the developing nations of the region. Some of the prominent markets within Asia Pacific are India, Japan, China, Australia, and Singapore.Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the noteworthy companies competing in the global market for general surgery devices market, profiled in the report are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Smith & Nephew, Boston Scientific Corporation, Covidien Plc (Medtronic), Conmed Corporation, Integra LifeSciences, 3M Healthcare, and Care Fusion Corporation.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 Artificial Organ Bank Market Professional Survey Report 2017 by Type, Region & Application Market Research Reports http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1267059&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-artificial-organ-bank-market-professional-survey-report-2017.htm Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Artificial Organ Bank Market Professional Survey Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies Artificial Organ Bank in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringBerlin Heart GmbhSecond Sight Medical ProductBoston Scientific CorporationBiomet IncEdwards Lifesciences CorporationEkso BionicsHeartware InternationalJarvik Heart IncLifenet HealthMedtronic IncNano RetinaAsahi Kasei Kuraray Medical CoBy types, the market can be split intoVision BionicCardiac BionicEar BionicBrain BionicBionic LimbsEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @By Application, the market can be split intoMechanical BionicsElectronic BionicsBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaBrowse Press Release of this Research Report:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Artificial Organ Bank1.1 Definition and Specifications of Artificial Organ Bank1.1.1 Definition of Artificial Organ Bank1.1.2 Specifications of Artificial Organ Bank1.2 Classification of Artificial Organ Bank1.3 Applications of Artificial Organ Bank1.4 Market Segment by Regions2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Artificial Organ Bank2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Artificial Organ Bank2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Artificial Organ Bank2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Artificial Organ Bank3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Artificial Organ Bank3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 20168 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Artificial Organ Bank8.1 Berlin Heart Gmbh8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 Berlin Heart Gmbh 2016 Artificial Organ Bank Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 Berlin Heart Gmbh 2016 Artificial Organ Bank Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Second Sight Medical Product8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 Second Sight Medical Product 2016 Artificial Organ Bank Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Second Sight Medical Product 2016 Artificial Organ Bank Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Boston Scientific Corporation8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 Boston Scientific Corporation 2016 Artificial Organ Bank Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Boston Scientific Corporation 2016 Artificial Organ Bank Business Region Distribution AnalysisList of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Artificial Organ BankTable Product Specifications of Artificial Organ BankTable Classification of Artificial Organ BankFigure Global Production Market Share of Artificial Organ Bank by Type in 2016Table Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 2016Table R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Artificial Organ Bank Major Manufacturers in 2016QYReseachReports.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.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States Global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Market Competition, Status and Forecast : Uber, Didi, Lyft, Gett http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1254648&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-mobility-as-a-service-maas-market-competition-status-and-forecast-market-size-by-players-regions-type-end-users.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, End Users to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market has been prepared to serve as a reliable business strategic tool for its end user and other stockholders to stay competitive in this ever evolving market scenario. In this report on the global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market, an exclusive qualitative elaboration on factors, which are responsible for challenging and augmenting the market growth. Moreover, opportunities of the global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market have also been thoroughly discussed in the section of market overview. This sector of the report goes beyond, and also provides the attractiveness of the market, presents a detailed analysis on the overall scenario of the global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market. The report also explains the recent trends of the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market, which are expected to help the key players to readjust their business processes strategically and acquire the advantages over their competitors.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @The global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market acquires diverse aspects, and the report has presented a thorough research on divide the market into important aspects based on end user, product, services, technology, and whichever applicable. The report also presents regional segmentation by studying all the opportunities that are available in various regions such as Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America, Latin America and MEA. These regions are evaluated based on the demand for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) as well as the report estimates the valuation of the market over the forecast period.This report on the global Mobility as a Service (MaaS) market has been created through an exclusive research by a group of experienced market research analysts, also presents a separate segment on the business aspects of the most leading companies currently operating in this market, with a target on representing the growth prospects for the existing as well as new-entrants.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview11.1 TaaS Market Overview11.1.1 TaaS Product Scope11.1.2 Market Status and Outlook11.2 Global TaaS Revenue and Analysis by Regions (2012-2017)21.2.1 North America TaaS Market Status and Outlook31.2.2 Europe TaaS Market Status and Outlook41.2.3 Middle East TaaS Market Status and Outlook4Browse Complete Report with TOC @2 Global TaaS Competition Analysis by Players92.1 Global TaaS Top Players Cumulative Fundraising92.1.1 Global TaaS Top Players Total Fundraising92.1.2 Global TaaS Top Players Valuation112.2 Global TaaS Revenue (Million USD) by Players142.3 Competitive Status and Trend182.3.1 Market Concentration Rate183 Company (Top Players) Profiles and Key Data193.1 Uber (United States and Global)193.1.1 Company Profile193.1.2 Fundraising, Valuation and Lead Investor203.1.3 Services and Solutions243.1.4 Uber TaaS Revenue (Million USD) (2012-2017)253.1.5 Uber SWOT Analysis263.1.6 Recent Developments273.2 Didi Chuxing (China)283.2.1 Company Profile283.2.2 Fundraising, Investers and Valuation283.2.3 Services and Solutions30List of Tables and FiguresFigure Global TaaS Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2Table Global Market TaaS Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions 2012-20222Figure Global TaaS Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3Figure North America TaaS Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3Figure Europe TaaS Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4QYReseachReports.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.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com RJ45-connectors with right-angled grip-body ESCHAs new right-angled RJ45-patchcords can be equipped with the multi-clip. www.escha.net www.escha.net/en/company/press-room/ Halver, 1 August 2017 With immediate effect, the connectivity specialist ESCHA offers high-grade RJ45-patchcords with right-angled grip body. The right-angled versions facilitate an optimal cable run for applications with limited space conditions. The overmolded grip body averts snapped off- or broken cables and thus guarantees a faultless data transmission according to Cat5e. ESCHA RJ45-patchcords meet IP20 protection class requirements and are especially adapted for automation solutions within the switch cabinet.More patchcords in tight spaceThe advanced system decentralization makes smaller and smaller switch cabinets necessary. Therefore, patchcords must be installed in tighter and tighter spaces. This can cause snapped off- or even broken cables consequently leading to a lower data transmission, loss of data or standstill. Cables can be particularly space-saving installed with ESCHA right-angled RJ45-patchcords. The overmolded grip body provides for safety, stability, and guarantees a safe data transmission.In order to satisfy all individual requirements, ESCHA offers the new RJ45-patchcords in right-angled on right-angled as well as right-angled on straight variants. Thanks to UL-certification, all patchcords can be used on the North American market.Original accessoriesFor RJ45-connectors deeply placed in ports with their release lug hard- or not at all accessible, the connectivity specialist has had the ESCHA multi-clip on offer already for a long time. This is quite easily plugged onto the grip body providing for fast unlocking and locking. The ESCHA multi-clip is available in eleven colors and does not only fit on the previously available straight grip bodies, but also on the new right-angled variants.About ESCHAThe ESCHA Group is a leading supplier in the fields of connectivity and housing technology. For more than 30 years, the family-controlled company has been developing and manufacturing innovative product novelties taking dynamics to the market for automation components. Based on its standard products, the company designs custom-made connectivity and individual special solutions. With about 600 employees around the globe and highly in-depth development and production, ESCHA is extending its product portfolio constantly and independently. The annual group turnover amounts to 55 million Euros. ESCHA guarantees high availability and consistent quality of its products worldwide through production facilities in Germany, Czech Republic and China as well as licensed production in USA and Mexico.ESCHA GmbH & Co. KGElberfelder Str. 3258553 Halver | GermanyDipl.-Medienokonom Florian SchnellManager Corporate CommunicationsTel.: +49 2353 708-8156E-Mail: f.schnell@escha.net Savory & Deli Foods in Brazil https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/savory-deli-foods-in-brazil https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=36057 ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Savory & Deli Foods in Brazil to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Savory & Deli Foods in Brazil industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2011-15, and forecast to 2020). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market.Synopsis:Essential resource for top-line data and analysis covering the Brazil savory & deli foods market. Includes market size and segmentation data, textual and graphical analysis of market growth trends, leading companies and macroeconomic information.Scope of the Report:- Save time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the size, growth, major segments, and leading players in the savory & deli foods market in Brazil- Use the Five Forces analysis to determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of the savory & deli foods market in Brazil- Leading company profiles reveal details of key savory & deli foods market players global operations and financial performance- Add weight to presentations and pitches by understanding the future growth prospects of the Brazil savory & deli foods market with five year forecasts by both value and volumeTo view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Key HighlightsThe savory and deli foods market consists of the retail sale savory and deli foods. savory and deli foods are defined as cured meats, fermented meats, pates, pies & savory appetisers, pre-packed sandwiches, prepared salads, and savory baked goods.- The Brazilian savory & deli foods market generated total revenues of $6,240.9m in 2015, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% between 2011 and 2015.- Market consumption volume increased with a CAGR of 5.6% between 2011 and 2015, to reach a total of 1,128.2 million kilograms in 2015.- Brazilian meat prices have remained relatively stable in recent years, whilst domestic consumption has increased leading to an overall stable market. But as a very large producer of meat Brazil has the global strength to access to lucrative markets and is increasingly exporting products such as pork to China, with over 26 of its domestic slaughter houses licensed to export to the Asian country.Reasons to buy- What was the size of the Brazil savory & deli foods market by value in 2015?- What will be the size of the Brazil savory & deli foods market in 2020?- What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the Brazil savory & deli foods market?- How has the market performed over the last five years?- Who are the top competitiors in Brazil's savory & deli foods market?To Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com Savory & Deli Foods in Russia https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/savory-deli-foods-in-russia https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=36083 ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Savory & Deli Foods in Russia to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Savory & Deli Foods in Russia industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2011-15, and forecast to 2020). The profile also contains descriptions of the leading players including key financial metrics and analysis of competitive pressures within the market.Synopsis:Essential resource for top-line data and analysis covering the Russia savory & deli foods market. Includes market size and segmentation data, textual and graphical analysis of market growth trends, leading companies and macroeconomic information.Scope of the Report:- Save time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the size, growth, major segments, and leading players in the savory & deli foods market in Russia- Use the Five Forces analysis to determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of the savory & deli foods market in Russia- Leading company profiles reveal details of key savory & deli foods market players global operations and financial performance- Add weight to presentations and pitches by understanding the future growth prospects of the Russia savory & deli foods market with five year forecasts by both value and volumeTo view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Key HighlightsThe savory and deli foods market consists of the retail sale savory and deli foods. savory and deli foods are defined as cured meats, fermented meats, pates, pies & savory appetisers, pre-packed sandwiches, prepared salads, and savory baked goods.- The Russian savory & deli foods market generated total revenues of $4,736.8m in 2015, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6% between 2011 and 2015.- Market consumption volume declined with a CARC of -0.01% between 2011 and 2015, to reach a total of 1,012.4 million kilograms in 2015.- Demand for savory & deli products with heath & wellness attributes is increasing in Russia which is contributing to the growth of the market. However, economic downturn in the country is controlling markets growth.Reasons to buy- What was the size of the Russia savory & deli foods market by value in 2015?- What will be the size of the Russia savory & deli foods market in 2020?- What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the Russia savory & deli foods market?- How has the market performed over the last five years?- Who are the top competitiors in Russia's savory & deli foods market?To Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com SWISS-QA Releases 5th Generation iPhone Lightning Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYF2YVM http://www.amazon.com/shops/swiss-qa www.swiss-qa.com Wangen bei Olten, Switzerland - July 31, 2017: Swiss technology company, Swiss-QA has just released the 5th generation iPhone lightning cable that can charge the batteries of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7+ cell phones, as well as other versions of iPhone very fast. It is currently available on the companys Amazon storefront at the rate of $14.99.The iPhone charger is coated with a braided, resistant fabric and comes in various colors, including purple, pink, white and black. It has a USB mouth for both PC and cell phones, and it is compatible with all iOS devices. The cable can charge and sync data very fast, saving 20% of the time while charging. It is extra strong, long, durable and rugged; it is custom made for heavy duty usage using premium electronic components. It's anti-snap, anti-wiggle quality makes it difficult to cut. It has also been designed with a double-sided USB connector which is comfortable to use, tangle free, with an beautiful multi color cool design that stands out.Our mission is to give internet-users an interdependent quality-check on the most used products and to offer these products to the customer. iPhone Charger 10 feet Lightning Cable from SWISS-QA is the real deal to iPhone batteries; now you can shop with confidence. Said the SWISS-QAs CEO, Sergio Habegger while talking about the new device.Its also compatible with Apple iPhone 7 6se, 6s, 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, 5, iPad Pro, Mini, Air, iPod Touch, Nano and has a lifetime warranty. He added.Customers are already ordering for the product,and the products is getting lots of outstanding reviews. Customers are attesting to the quality of the product and service delivery of the seller with words like "great," "excellent quality," and "great seller". Ms Bea, who had already tried the charger, has this to say: "I was so pleased with its performance that I ordered a second one for the car. Sure, you will need your own iPhone adapter, but the charger cable works "WONDERFULLY. I would recommend this product to everyone. Stop buying the cheap chargers from the gas station and remember you will need genuine iPhone attachments for this charger to perform properly."For more information, please visit:or via our Amazon storefront atSwiss-QA is Quality Assurance Company. They test and rate the most popular products and offer them to the customer. The company currently specialized in iPhone and Android accessories.Sergio Habegger, CEONeumattstrasse 53 Wangen bei Olten 4612Company's phone number is +41 44 586 24 44Website:Email: support@swiss-qa.com John Neis, the managing director of Venture Investors of Wisconsin, said he worries that the state could neglect startups if it "puts all of its eggs in one basket" with Foxconn. Global Customized Air Motor Market 2017-2022 tlas Copco, Ingersoll Rand, Parker, PSI Automation Customized Air Motor Market http://bit.ly/2veUT6U http://bit.ly/2uUUfsz Customized Air Motor Market Research ReportA market study Global Customized Air Motor Market examines the performance of the Customized Air Motor market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Customized Air Motor market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Customized Air Motor market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Customized Air Motor Market 2017 report includes Customized Air Motor market Size, Revenue, market Share, Customized Air Motor industry volume, market Trends, Customized Air Motor Growth aspects. 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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 Global Diagnostic Ultrasound Devices Market 2017-2022 General Elecrtic (GE), Philips, Siemens, TOSHIBA, Hitachi Aloka Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound Devices Market http://bit.ly/2vf3oP2 http://bit.ly/2vpVe7h Diagnostic Ultrasound Devices Market Research ReportA market study Global Diagnostic Ultrasound Devices Market examines the performance of the Diagnostic Ultrasound Devices market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Diagnostic Ultrasound Devices market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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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 Global Nano Biosensors Market 2017-2022 Analog Devices, Robert Bosch, Denso, Omron, Roche Nimblegen Nano Biosensors Market http://bit.ly/2w2wGyc http://bit.ly/2w2jvNy Nano Biosensors Market Research ReportA market study Global Nano Biosensors Market examines the performance of the Nano Biosensors market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Nano Biosensors market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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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 Global Niobium Capacitor Market 2017-2022 TDK, Murata, Payton, Vishay, Panasonic Electronic Niobium Capacitor Market http://bit.ly/2f57rHB http://bit.ly/2ugxflR Niobium Capacitor Market Research ReportA market study Global Niobium Capacitor Market examines the performance of the Niobium Capacitor market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Niobium Capacitor market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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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 Global Equipment for Neurosurgery Market 2017-2022 Codman & Shurtleff, Integra Life Sciences, Medtronic, Stryker, Boston Scientific Equipment for Neurosurgery Market http://bit.ly/2uRTO3M http://bit.ly/2uRNBos Equipment for Neurosurgery Market Research ReportA market study Global Equipment for Neurosurgery Market examines the performance of the Equipment for Neurosurgery market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Equipment for Neurosurgery market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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Braun?TeDan Surgical InnovationsKogent SurgicalEquipment for Neurosurgery Market : Type AnalysisNeurointerventional DevicesCSF Management DevicesNeurosurgical Navigation SystemsEquipment for Neurosurgery Market : Application AnalysisEndovascular NeurosurgeryStereotactic NeurosurgeryFirstly, the report covers the top Equipment for Neurosurgery manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Enquiry for More Info@Further, the Equipment for Neurosurgery report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Equipment for Neurosurgery industry, Equipment for Neurosurgery industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. 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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 Global Anti-static PVC Sheet Market 2017-2022 MEC, GAT, Mitsubishi Plastics, TMI, Sana Flex Anti-static PVC Sheet Market http://bit.ly/2vpHNnN http://bit.ly/2vfi6Ws Anti-static PVC Sheet Market Research ReportA market study Global Anti-static PVC Sheet Market examines the performance of the Anti-static PVC Sheet market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Anti-static PVC Sheet market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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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 Electroplating Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022 https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/products/electroplating-market-forecasts-from-2017-to-2022 www.knowledge-sourcing.com Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces the publication of a new report: Electroplating Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022The Electroplating market is driven by growth in the manufacturing industry, rising demand for consumer goods with good metal finishing, expanding demand for automobiles and aircraft, and surging electronics industry.This report segments Electroplating market by By Type of Metal(Gold,Silver, Platinum, Rhodium, Aluminum, Chromium, Nickel, Copper and Others), By Type of Plating(Mass Plating, Rack Plating, Continuous Plating and Line Plating), By Application(Corrosion Protection, Decoration, Electrical and Electronics and Others), By Industry Vertical(Automation, Electrical and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense and Others), By Geography(Americas, Europe Middle East and Africa, AsiaPacific). The report provides in-depth and most accurately anticipated forecasts in a quantitative manner.Some of the major Electroplating vendors covered in the report are Atotech Deutschland GmbH, Allied Finishing Inc., Peninsula Metal Finishing Inc., ASB Industries Inc., Kuntz Electroplating Inc., Interplex Industries Inc., Pioneer Metal Finishing, Birmingham Plating Co, Ltd., NiCoForm, Inc., and Metal Surfaces Inc.Place a sample request or buy directly by clicking below:For any report inquiry: info@knowledge-sourcing.comFor any sales inquiry: info@knowledge-sourcing.comThis 90 pages report contains a wide range of figures and data tables for the forecasted period based on the segmentations listed above.SegmentationElectroplating market has been segmented by type of product, industry, and geography as below:By Type of MetalGoldSilverPlatinumRhodiumAluminumChromiumNickelCopperOthersBy Type of PlatingMass PlatingRack PlatingContinuous PlatingLine PlatingBy ApplicationCorrosion ProtectionDecorationElectrical and ElectronicsOthersBy Industry VerticalAutomationElectrical and ElectronicsAerospace and DefenseOthersBy GeographyAmericasNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoOthersSouth AmericaBrazilArgentinaOthersEurope Middle East and AfricaEuropeUKGermanyFranceOthersMiddle East and AfricaSaudi ArabiaIsraelOthersAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustraliaOthersKnowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required a competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needs.Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence,Ascent Business CenterH-38, Sector-63, Noida, IndiaCall: +1-866-714-4587 Wireless Network Security 2017 Global Key Players - Cisco Systems, Inc., Fortinet, Juniper Networks, Motorola Solutions, Ruckus, Sophos Ltd., Symantec Corporation, Honeywell 2022 Market Analysis, Demand And Forecast Wireless Network Security https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/562762-wireless-network-security-global-market-outlook-2015-2022 www.wiseguyreports.com https://www.wiseguyreports.com/conferences https://www.wiseguyreports.com/seminars The Global Wireless Network Security Market Research Report provides detailed analysis of the key regional market status of the Wireless Network Security Industry.According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Wireless Network Security Market is valued at $9.56 billion in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.82% to reach $23.67 billion by 2022. Increasing count of wireless networks in enterprises, rising demand for WLAN security systems, growing adoption of smart phones at work places and encouraging government regulations are some of the key factors fostering the market growth. Conversely, local vendors offering the low-cost solutions and presence of free online solutions act as a major challenge to market.Being early adopters, BFSI and aerospace & defense industries contribute a major proportion to the market revenue. Opportunities lie in services segment as it is estimated to grow at a faster pace. North America is the leading market followed by Europe. Asia Pacific including Japan will also be a major contributor in upcoming years. MEA and Latin America are anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.Some of the key players in global Wireless Network Security market areAerohive, Aruba Networks, Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Fortinet, Juniper Networks, Motorola Solutions, Ruckus, Sophos Ltd., Symantec Corporation, Honeywell, ADT, Robert Bosch and QualcomnSample Copy @Services Covered: Consulting Services Managed Security Services (MSS) Security Operations Other ServicesApplications Covered: Government & Utilities Healthcare Retail Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing IT & Telecom Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance Other ApplicationsEnd Users Covered Small and Medium Enterprises Large EnterprisesSolutions Covered Encryption Firewall Identity And Access Management (IAM) Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)/Intrusion Detection System (IDS) Unified Threat Management (UTM) Other SolutionsRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao 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 advancementsTable Of Content1 Executive Summary2 Preface2.1 Abstract2.2 Stake Holders2.3 Research Scope2.4 Research Methodology2.4.1 Data Mining2.4.2 Data Analysis2.4.3 Data Validation2.4.4 Research Approach2.5 Research Sources2.5.1 Primary Research Sources2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources2.5.3 Assumptions3 Market Trend Analysis3.1 Introduction3.2 Drivers3.3 Restraints3.4 Opportunities3.5 Threats3.6 Application Analysis3.7 End User Analysis3.8 Emerging Markets4 Porters Five Force Analysis4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers4.2 Bargaining power of buyers4.3 Threat of substitutes4.4 Threat of new entrants4.5 Competitive rivalry5 Global Wireless Network Security Market, By Services5.1 Introduction5.2 Consulting Services5.3 Managed Security Services (MSS)5.4 Security Operations5.5 Other Services11 Company Profiling11.1 Aerohive11.2 Aruba Networks11.3 Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.11.4 Cisco Systems, Inc.11.5 Fortinet11.6 Juniper Networks11.7 Motorola Solutions11.8 Ruckus11.9 Sophos Ltd.11.10 Symantec Corporation11.11 Honeywell11.12 ADT11.13 Robert Bosch11.14 QualcomnCONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially check :For updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially check :Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India North Florida Land Trust has acquired land along the Ortega River www.northfloridalandtrust.org North Florida Land Trust has acquired just under 80 acres of land along the Ortega River on Jacksonvilles Westside. The land conservation organization was interested in the land for its high ecological value. It is within the 112,346 acres of land NFLT had identified in their Preservation Portfolio, which identifies land in critical need of preservation within NFLTs seven-county focus area.This land is not something that would be desirable for developers, but for us it is an important part of the areas ecological makeup, said Jim McCarthy, president of NFLT. It is part of the large natural floodplain swamp which is important to the resiliency of the Ortega River. The wetlands filter out pollutants, buffer upland areas from flood events and provide freshwater habitat for wildlife.The land is located along Collins Road near I-295 and Blanding Boulevard. Most of the land is wetlands, but McCarthy said there is one upland location that would be suitable as a kayak or canoe launch. NFLT had previously targeted the land for preservation, but were not able to reach a deal with the landowner. Doug Davis with Fletcher Davis Management Group brought the project back to NFLT a few months ago and helped NFLT and the landowner reach an agreement.About North Florida Land TrustNorth Florida Land Trust is a non-profit organization who serves as a champion of land conservation primarily in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns, Union and Volusia counties. NFLT was founded in 1999 and has protected thousands of acres of environmentally significant land including land at Big Talbot Island, the River Branch Preserve, Pumpkin Hill, Moccasin Slough, along the St. Marys River and other valued natural areas in Northeast Florida. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with private landowners and other public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visitNorth Florida Land Trust2038 Gilmore StreetJacksonville, FL 32204Media Contact: Kelly WhiteKelly.white@cfmedia.net Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Why is OpenStack making customers life easier in Financial Sector? www.sardinasystems.com Private cloud environments today provide greater benefits and flexibilities to business users, enabling banking institutions, whether retail, corporate, institutional and investment banking, to rapidly respond to changing needs dictated by users, regulation, and market. The digital transformation is impacting all the industries, and the financial services industry is not an exception anymore.The need for innovative solutions, automated services and 24/7 support increased among customers experiences, and the financial service industry organizations are increasingly turning to private cloud technology to drive business agility and flexibility and meet customers needs.The most competitive software for running a private cloud is by far OpenStack. OpenStack is an open source software platform for cloud computing, mostly deployed as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), whereby virtual servers and other resources are made available to customers. The software platform consists of interrelated components that control diverse, multi-vendor hardware pools of processing, storage, and networking resources throughout a data centre.Improved efficiency, rapid time to market, the flexibility of solution, greater productivity, flexible and quicker IT, self-serviced IT are just some of the goals worth to mention when adopting OpenStack cloud computing in finance.However, deploying OpenStack cloud technology comes with some barriers that need to be addressed:- complexity complicated software, with a need to constantly upgrades the new releases- skills not enough OpenStack people experts- perceptions of immaturity heard as not being ready for production workloadsThe above barriers can be easily solved if you are ready to embrace OpenStack as a service. This eliminates managing complex infrastructure on your own, letting the company employees focus on the business while choosing to deploy and upgrade OpenStack as a service offered by a dedicated ISV, without any downtime loss.OpenStack cloud can offer huge benefits to compete in the finance sector:- flexibility to gain massive scalability with access to additional cloud resources to meet peak demand- a secure, reliable, and innovative infrastructure- increase agility to meet business demands, regulatory requirements, to innovate in the market- higher quality banking: Increase flexibility and scalability to quickly take advantage of growth- lower operations costsThe multiple ways banking clients utilize, manage and spend money has evolved radically in the last few years. The methods of these tractions are constantly developing. The financial services industry needs to keep up evolving alongside.We are able to provide you with the right cloud infrastructure, offering a full OpenStack environment, from Deployment to Operation and to Upgrade phase. We offer support 24/7 and uniquely guarantee Zero Downtime upgrade in the Upgrade phase of each new OpenStack release.The automated OpenStack FishOS offers an investment banks private cloud infrastructure operations team a flexible, scalable, sophisticated system to manage, automate and optimize entire data centres.FishOS is massively scalable, allowing for potentially hundreds of thousands of virtual machines to be launched, optimized and retired in a fully automated manner.We will make sure that our cloud solutions for financial services are addressing data security, agility, manageability, standardization and cost control.Please visit ourto get a free strategy session for your business.Sardina Systems provides smart, efficient, super-scalable cloud automation technology, enabling organizations to rapidly experience the value of OpenStack cloud and maximize the utility of their resources.Sardina Systems is a European operations management software developer headquartered in Estonia, with local presence in the UK, Germany, Romania, and Russia. Sardina Systems delivers a full suite of operations management tools along with professional services and support that enable its customers to overcome the challenges of large scale data centre operations.Sardina Systems FishDirector brings to large-scale virtualized data centres a modern fully integrated management and automation with a 100% open architecture, fully-tested and certified OpenStack platform.In 2015, Sardina Systems brainchild, FishOS was awarded the IDC HPC Innovation Award.Pohja puiestee 21/2-4710414Tallinn, Estonia Global Construction Accounting Software Industry Efficient Market Size, Share, Growth Prospects, Trends, Forecasts & Global Analysis 2017-2022 https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=130532 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=130532 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=130532 https://www.researchnreports.com/healthcare-it/Global-Construction-Accounting-Software-Market-Size-Status-and-Forecast-2022-130532 Global Construction Accounting Software Market Report 2017 Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.The study report titled Global Construction Accounting Software Market throws light on the crucial trends and dynamics impacting the development of the market, including the restraints, drivers, and opportunities. A number of analysis tools such as Porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis have been employed to provide an accurate understanding of this market.The global Construction Accounting Software market is explained in detail in this report, starting with a basic overview, which includes definitions and various specifics related to the raw materials used in manufacturing products. It includes a categorized distinction of major and minor factors that influence this global industry. The overview also includes a description of the value chain structure of the global industry and a status update for the different major regional segments of this industry.Sample Copy@Construction Accounting Software Market research has become a trend in the business world to prove their credibility in providing accurate data and reports, especially to prove their products and services effectiveness. There are two main reasons why market research is an important tool in the industry. The first reason is as stated above which is to serve as an analysis of the data available in the marketplace, and the second one is to collect feedback, opinions, and testimonies from the patients to make the accurate reports, may it be for a particular product or company.Ask For Discount@Global Construction Accounting Software market research serves as the foundation of marketing. It is the core support of crucial marketing decisions that can impact the sales, product innovation, and other vital aspects of business. The collection of any relevant data and analysis will determine whether the product or service of your company satisfies the markets needs. The market research experts can cement the Construction Accounting Software industry by giving companies significant information about the economic shifts, their competitors, their markets demographics, the latest industry trends, and the spending behavior of their target market.For more Inquire@This report studies the global Construction Accounting Software market, analyzes and researches the Construction Accounting Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.This report focuses on the top players in global market like, Procore, CMiC, RedTeam, Microsoft, PrioSoft, Contractors Software Group, KEY2ACT, Computer Guidance, Core Associates, Spitfire.Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia.For Complete Report@About Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact us:Mr. Sunny DenisContact No. +1-888-631-6977sales@researchnreports.com(ResearchnReports)10916, Gold Point, Dr, Houston, TX,Pin - 77064.Email:sales@researchnreports.comPhone:+1 888-631-6977 Decorative Concrete Market Size, Trend, Applications, Analysis, Industry Key Players, Share by Region & 2017-2022 Growth Rate Forecast Report https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=135355 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=135355 www.researchnreports.com Decorative Concrete Report 2017 Purchase This Report by calling researchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977The report evaluates the figures of the United States Decorative Concrete Market and presents reliable forecasts as to the markets growth prospects over the coming years. The report divulges the realistic data and an all-inclusive exploration of the Decorative Concrete market. The historical development trajectory of the United States market is examined in the report, offering solid factual support to the analysis and estimations presented in the report. The geographical and competitive dynamics of this United States market are also presented in the report, helping deliver a comprehensive picture of the market.According to the research report, the growing Decorative Concrete market is likely to boost the United States market substantially over the forthcoming years. Apart from this, the increasing number of driving is projected to add to the growth of this market significantly in the near future. The worldwide market is analyzed on the basis of the various segments and the geographical reach of this market. How the market's segments are propelling the market in the market scenario is mentioned in this report. The continual rising factors boosting the demand for Decorative Concrete market notes the research study. The study report further includes a detailed impression of the competitive landscape and regulatory framework of the United States Decorative Concrete market. This report will further provide readers/customers a picture clear understanding of the market of competition, threats, major opportunities, and the major rules, regulations, plans, and policies impacting the market.Download Sample Copy@Thoroughly analyzes the most crucial details of the United States Decorative Concrete Market with the help of an in-depth and professional analysis. Described in a precise manner, the report also presents complete overview of the market based on the factors that are projected to have a considerable and measurable impact on the markets developmental prospects over the forecast period.The study also examines the numerous policies that regulate processes in the United States Decorative Concrete industry, precisely, the ones that are currently active, along with an analysis of the top news stories about the United States Decorative Concrete industry. This report also offers an important analytical guidance on the trends and developments in this industry. The report also provides a professional and comprehensive analysis on the United States Decorative Concrete market while articulating industry insights into its current state of affairs.Regions Covered:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe MidwestOther industry related processes about the Decorative Concrete, such as a detailed explanation of the manufacturing structure, the financial background of the market, supply and demand dynamics, trade figures, and production value margins are also analyzed in the report. Prime development policies and plans concerning that market are examined with regard to their impact on the market in the forecast period.Ask Your Query/Enquiry for this Report@On the basis of product type, the Decorative Concrete has been classified and clarified. Furthermore, on the basis of application, others segment which has been sub-classified are also mentioned in the study. The share and size of each segment have been presented in the research study along with the estimated growth rate.Contents Added:Decorative Concrete OverviewUnited States Market Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and ApplicationUnited States Sales (Volume, Value and Sales Price)The Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales DataThe Manufacturing Cost AnalysisMarketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersDecorative Concrete Production and Market Share by TypesMarket Effect Factors AnalysisDecorative Concrete Forecast (2017-2022)Key players:Sherwin-WilliamsH&CEuclid ChemicalAmeripolishDecorative Concrete SupplyNanjing Beilida New Material System EngineeringJiangXi YinShanApplication Including:ResidentialCommercialVarious factors are responsible for the markets growth trajectory, which are studied at length in the report. In addition, the report lists down the restraints that are posing threat to the United States Decorative Concrete market. 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 Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat United States competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact:(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin - 77064,Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com , Global Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection Market 2017 - Production, Sales, Supply, Demand, Analysis & Forecast to 2022 Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection https://goo.gl/PSbBGi https://goo.gl/dX6ksA Global Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection MarketThe Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection report Announced by QYResearch Group provides an in-depth exploration of the Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection market and offers insights such as scope, historical data, statistical data, and significant approaches of the worldwide market. 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Agilent Technologies16. Cisco SystemsThe report assesses the scope of the Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection market that comprises several components such as production, demands, size, analysis, supply, sales, classification, definition, application, specification, forecast trends, news, and industry policy. The report also covers the value chain analysis of the Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection market consisting of numerous factors accountable for the growth and limitations of the market along with the key players in the market. The report also comprises the worldwide segmentation of the market on the basis of end-users, applications, regions, and technology.The report highlights the wide-ranging exploration of the key markets and their up-to-date trends together with related market segments. The report also provides data encompassing the number of market factors and the impact they have on the overall market as well as the individual segments of the market. 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If a report is requested by anyone for the worldwide Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak Detection market, they will be presented with wide-ranging data about the specific market covering all its facets in the report.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Epoxy Adhesives Market: Professional and Technical Industry Insights 2024 Epoxy Adhesives Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/epoxy-adhesives-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18932 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Epoxy adhesives are industrial adhesives formed around the epoxy molecule. The global epoxy adhesives has become a key part of the industrial sector in recent years due to the diversity of substrates that can be attached with epoxy adhesives. They display equal adhesive qualities in a variety of substrates, which has made them popular across a large number of industries. The rising use of modern alternative materials has also driven the demand for epoxy adhesives.Among others, the key application sectors for the global epoxy adhesives market are the aerospace sector and the automotive industry. The aerospace sector, in particular, has been a vital contributor to the global epoxy adhesives market due to the rising number of enterprises entering the space aviation sector following the sustained success of private companies such as SpaceX. The increasing production of drones, due to the rapid adoption of drones in the air forces of several countries as well as the growing realization of the commercial and recreational utility of drones, is likely to remain a key driver for the global epoxy adhesives market in the coming years. Commercial aviation has also been boosted by the rising disposable income of consumers and is likely to remain a key contributor to the global epoxy adhesives market in the coming years.Browse Market Research Report @The automotive industry is likely to remain a leading application segment for the global epoxy adhesives market due to the rising demand for vehicles in developing economies and the rising use of alternative materials in automotive design. The demand for personal as well as commercial transportation has grown in developing regions such as Southeast Asia and Latin America due to rapid urbanization, and has thus driven the demand for new vehicles, creating a steady demand avenue for the epoxy adhesives market.Epoxy adhesives are adhesives or glues whose base polymer is formed by a chemical group known as epoxy. These adhesives possess high strength and load resistance due to which they are used for adhesion of numerous substrates such as wood, metals, plastics, glass, and stones. Epoxy adhesives are formed by the polymerization of resin and hardener which causes the covalent bond formed between the epoxide group of the resin and the amine group of the hardener to produce the cross-linkage of the polymer and thereby dictate the rigidity and strength of the epoxy. Epoxy adhesives stick to a wide variety of materials, and their properties are dependent upon the specific chemistry of the system and the nature of the cross-linking available. A few important performance requirements include exceptional chemical and heat resistance, excellent adhesion and water resistance, as well as satisfactory mechanical and electrical insulating properties.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Based on type, epoxy adhesives can be classified into the one-component and two-component varieties. One-component epoxies can be used straight from the tube without requiring any mixing, metering, or degassing. These epoxies need heat to initiate their function. Two-component epoxies are commonly used epoxy adhesives which do not involve heating for curing. Mixing the resin and hardener suffices. Hardeners trigger the polymerization required for curing. Two-component epoxy adhesives are commonly used; however, demand for one-component epoxy adhesives is anticipated to rise rapidly due to their excellent properties including quick curing time, a solvent-less system, and consumer-friendly nature.Epoxy adhesives find extensive application in the aerospace, automotive, building & construction, and semiconductor industries. Building & construction held a major share in the epoxy adhesive market in terms of volume, followed by the automotive sector. Aerospace and semiconductor also constituted a decent share in the market. The developments in the aerospace industry is a key driver of the market. Due to the superior mechanical properties of epoxy adhesives, such as their resistance to sustained load and temperature & pressure variations, they are the adhesives of choice for the aerospace industry. The semiconductor industry is expanding exponentially due to the increasing usage of electronic gadgets, which is driving the market for epoxy adhesives.Asia Pacific dominates the global epoxy adhesives market. China is a major market for epoxy adhesives in the region. However, India and Thailand are rapidly growing as well, while South Korea and Japan are among the large-scale manufacturers of epoxy resins. The market is expected to advance considerably during the forecast period. Demand for the product is also likely to rise in North America and Europe. Germany, the U.S, and the U.K are major consumers of epoxy adhesives. Latin America and Middle East & Africa exhibit a steady need for epoxy adhesives for the building & construction industry.Key players operating in the epoxy adhesives market include Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Huntsman Corporation, 3M Company, Ashland Inc., Sika A.G., The Dow Chemical Company, Lord Corporation, and Permabond LLC.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 insights for 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, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) Market 2017 Trends, Growth, Production Techniques by Key Players- Sega, Microsoft, PlayStation, Sony, Tai Rely https://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/70274/request-sample https://goo.gl/W6HB4D https://goo.gl/U4zr1Y www.fiormarkets.com www.swiftnary.com The report studies Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) in Global market Professional Survey 2017 : Size, Share, Trends, Industry Growth, Opportunity, Application, Production, Segmentation, Cost Structure, Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications during the Forecast period by 2022. Whats more, the Automotive Exhaust System Sales industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. The industry analysis have also been done to examine the impact of various factors and understand the overall attractiveness of the industry.Download Sample Report @The report firstly introduced the Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) basics: definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview; industry policies and plans; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Scope of the report:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaFior Markets report, Global Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) Market 2017-2022, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Top ManufacturersSegaMicrosoftPlayStationSonyTai RelyNintendoI-dongTimetopSuborAlien technologyUniscomJXDWINYSONTHRUSTMASTERBLACK HORNSBETOPGet Full Report With TOC @Key questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) Market Research Report Split by TypePoker EGMsTV EGMsLarge-scale EGMsElectronic Gaming Machines (EGM) Market Research Report Split by ApplicationTV GamesARC GamesPoket GamesPC GamesRELATED REPORTReasons To Buy- What was the size of the Global Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) market by value in 2016?- What will be the size of the Global Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) market in 2022?- What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the Global Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) market?- How has the market performed over the last five years?- What are the main segments that make up the global's Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) market?The report has put special emphasis on the market share and size of global industry, owing to their large scale share in the current and upcoming market of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM). The industry analysis have also been done to examine the impact of various factors and understand the overall attractiveness of the industry.If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.ABOUT USFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice - 102, Sanskriti Aspirations,Near Post 91, Baner Road,Pune, MH, India - 411045Phone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Anniversary Gifts to Commend the Love that Share with your Life Partner https://www.giftsbymeeta.com/anniversary-gifts Love is the best feeling that one would ever feel and it should be commended each day and wedding anniversary is one such day to commend the loved to the most. In this manner, there is no better day to commend love and fellowship other than commemoration and the wedding anniversary gifts () on this day makes it more joyful. It denotes the point of reference accomplished by a couple in their journey of the wedded life. The uncommon anniversary gift that you chose to express your love to your life partner adds an appeal to the day's festival, gaining its experiences keep going forever. 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Such a grand arrangement as an anniversary gift idea would be a pampering one.GiftsbyMeeta started its journey in the year 2013 and now it has become the most popular gifting website for buying and sending the personalized gift, city specific gifts as well as the online wedding gifts in India. GiftsbyMeeta, a sister venture of the Ferns & Petals group, was started by the Meeta Gutgutia, wife of Mr. Vikaas Gutgutia, owner of Ferns & Petals Group. GiftsbyMeeta has an appealing assortment of the customized gifts listed on the website that is exclusively made for different occasions.Gifts By Meeta 10MG Road, 1st Floor, New Delhi Opp. Metro Pillar No. 47, Near to Sultanpur Metro Station, New Delhi Southeast Asia Pet Care Market : Information, Figures and Analytical Insights 2014 - 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-45 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-45 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers incisive insights into emerging regions in its latest report titled, Southeast Asia Pet Care Market Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2014 - 2020. The report states that the SEA pet care market is mainly driven by the burgeoning trends of pet humanization and increasing adoption of private label brands in countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.FMI analyst P.S. Neha sheds light on why the SEA pet care market will become one of the major markets in the region in the near future: Growth of the pet care market across Southeast Asia is driven by increasing adoption and humanization of pets. Pet owners are now more inclined towards more nutritious, healthy and organic foods for their pets.By type, the overall SEA pet care market is segmented into dog food, cat food, pet products and others. Dog food is the major segment in this region, accounting for a 51.6% share of the market in 2014; however, this is expected to decrease by 30 BPS by 2020.Request For Sample@This report also covers the pet care market by category and by channel. On the basis of channel, the market is segmented into supermarket, pet shop, veterinary clinic and others. The supermarket segment is the leading distribution channel in the SEA pet care market. However, veterinary clinics are anticipated to exhibit the fastest CAGR at 7.1%, followed by supermarket at a 6.8% CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to a shift in consumer buying habits and an increasing inclination of pet owners to purchase health and wellness products from reliable sources such as veterinary clinics.Furthermore, by category, the market includes economy-priced, mid-priced and premium-priced products.Improving consumer lifestyles and increasing disposable income in Southeast Asian countries has resulted in a growing acceptance for pets, not only among the high-income group, but also the middle-income group. In 2014, Thailand was the dominant country in the overall Southeast Asia pet care market with a 43.62% share, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia, accounting for 21.74% and 15.47% respectively.Send An Enquiry@The pet care market in the Philippines is expected to register a significant CAGR of 8.4%. This is expected to be followed by Vietnam at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period.Innovation remains the key to gaining a competitive edge in the SEA pet care market, especially in the pet food category. Companies such as Nestle Purina, Zoetis, Mars, Inc. and Merck & Co., account for over 50% of the overall market share and constantly focus on mergers and acquisitions to expand their geographical presence and customer base.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 : Destination Asia Launch Brand New B2B Agent Hub Website In order to provide our agents and partners with the latest travel sales tools and detailed country information to help maximize sales, Destination Asia, Asia's leading destination management company, has launched an exclusive Agent Hub.The Destination Asia Agent Hub website is a password protected online platform providing a central point for agents to access the latest product itineraries, key sales tools, training presentations and factsheets, country information and range of other beneficial travel products. Use of the Agent Hub is restricted to those agents Destination Asia work with, providing them with a competitive edge when delivering presentations to potential clients."We are constantly seeking new ways to reduce the time our partners spend sourcing information, and the Agent Hub has been a key turning point in achieving this. Our partners are now able to view and download the latest information from each destination they work with us in and as the site is regularly updated, you no longer need to spend time contacting each country for specific details or updates," said Nicholas Mulley, Chief Operating Officer of Destination Asia. Sharing access to the same platform and data helps eliminate confusion or miscommunication between partners, reservation teams and product departments. All factsheets, products, charts and sales tools have direct download options or can be viewed online.Also available is an exclusive, professional quality photo library and the Destination Asia Video Suite. Agents can download high res images and HD (also 4K option when available) video for use in their own marketing tools. The B2B platform has helped streamline operations throughout the company and is fast becoming the standard go to tool for agents planning travel in Asia.If you currently work with Destination Asia and would like to request an account, please email: sales@destination-asia.comSince 1996 the company has grown to become the leading destination management company in Asia with full service operations in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.2034/93-96 Italthai Tower, 21 Floor, New Petchaburi Road, Bangkok 10310 Automotive Engine Mounts Market to Significant Growth Foreseen by 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/automotive-engine-mounts-market.asp http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14890 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14890 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Engine mount is a structural automotive component whose basic function is to secure the engine against road shocks and vibrations, as well as to prevent these vibrations from transmitting to the passenger area. An automotive engine mount holds the engine to the body or the sub-frame of the car. Engine mounts are simple in construction and perform their function by avoiding metal to metal contact, i.e. the engine and vehicle body; to do so, engine mounts are filled with rubber to avoid direct metal to metal contact between the engine and body. Further, engine mounts can also be filled with liquid and vacuum, depending upon the damping requirements. Some automotive OEMs have also introduced electromagnetic mounts to reduce transmission of engine vibration to vehicle body more efficiently. Generally, a car can have two to three engine mounts, varying from manufacturer to manufacturer. Engine mounts generally have a long operational life and require low maintenance and servicing, but once broken they require fast replacement, as engine noise and vibrations felt inside the car increase significantly. The market for engine mounts is expected to witness moderate to healthy growth over the forecast period. The market is expected to witness the introduction of new and advanced products with enhanced damping characteristics. The replacement cost of automotive damping mounts is foreseen to vary significantly, as it depends upon the make and model of the vehicle.To view complete report @Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: DynamicsThe focus of automotive manufacturers on light weighting and downsizing of under bonnet components is expected to create opportunities for research & development in automotive engine mounts for development of new products or damping materials. Favorable macro-economic environment in developed and developing nations is expected to boost market growth, as increase in vehicle production will in turn create demand for automotive engine mounts. In various countries of Asia Pacific and Africa, where average operational life of vehicle is high, significant replacement demand is expected to be created over the forecast period. On the other side, existing price pressure on manufacturers is expected to affect market growth. Increasing cost of raw material and technology can further hamper growth of the automotive engine mounts market over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: Region-Wise OutlookGrowth prospects for automotive engine mounts in prominent automotive hubs in Asia Pacific, Western Europe and North America are expected to remain positive over the forecast period. With relatively high passenger car, LCV, and HCV production, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the demand for automotive engine mounts throughout the forecast period. China, India, ASEAN and South Africa are expected to be key contributors to the growth of the market. Japan is anticipated to witness moderate and steady growth over the forecast period. Europe is expected to be the next major market for automotive engine mounts, in terms of volume and value demand over the forecast period. The market in the region is estimated to remain a dynamic hotspot for research and development over the forecast period, as the region is a base for key technology leaders in the automotive market. The U.S. is expected to account for a major share of the demand in the North America automotive mounts market over the trailing years.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified in the global automotive engine mounts market are:Federal-Mogul Motorparts CorporationLORD CorporationGMT Rubber-Metal-Technic LtdVETUSDea Products Inc.Anchor Industries, IncorporatedBushings Inc.Tech Products CorporationHangzhou EKKO Auto Rubber Parts Co., LtdAbout 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: Towbars Market to Undertake Strapping Growth During 2017 - 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/towbars-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14986 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14986 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Towbars are used for towing vehicles, when an engine breakdown occurs or whenever the vehicle is not in a working condition. Towbars aid in effectively moving the broke down vehicle to the nearby service station with the help of a vehicle on to which the tow is attached. The towbars find applications in the transportation of aircrafts and other heavy vehicles as well. The towbars are attached to chassis of the vehicles so that it gets enough pulling force and it can be dragged easily by the vehicle at a constant speed. Moreover, the attachment of two bars to the chassis also ensures that the chances of accidents or mishaps while towing the vehicle is negligible. The towbars should be designed and manufactured in such a way that it should have good tensile strength and should not deform due to the pulling force while in operation.To view complete report @Towbars are also known as tow hitches. They are designed and produced mainly in two basic types; the towbars that can be attached to the vehicles, which are to be towed by the driving vehicles and the towbars that can be attached to the driving or the towing vehicles itself. Both the types are equally beneficial and effective for towing any vehicle. However, for towing heavy bodies such as aircrafts or boats, metal towbars need to be attached to their bodies itself. There are several types of towbars such as fixed towbars, detachable towbars, swivelling systems and electric systems, which are currently available the market.Research and development on towbars and the materials used for its manufacturing are progressing, with an aim to develop more sophisticated towbars, which can be mounted with perfection on vehicles. Moreover, the advancement in material science and technology has enabled the manufacturers to use metals and polymers, with high tensile strength, which increases the operational life of the towbars considerably. Furthermore, novel manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing, have enabled manufacturers to produce complex towbars components easily within a shorter time. Also, the market for towbars has witnessed growth as a result of the development and growth in the global automotive sector. The market comprises of rental companies that offer services to the vehicles in case of emergency situations.A sample of this report is available upon request @People in North America and Europe lead a high standard of living along with significant disposable incomes, this has led to a substantial rise in the number of automobiles in these regions, which signifies the demand for towbars. The consumers are readily accepting the services from rental towing companies when struck in emergency situations. The state traffic and highway agencies in almost all the countries proffer services to the consumers. These factors are expected to act as catalysts for the growth of the global towbars market over the forecast period. Towbars, which are essential for towing the vehicles to service stations, usually possess a good replacement rate in automobiles, thus the global towbars market is expected to witness rapid growth. Developing nations such as India and China in the APAC region, which are the target markets for a majority of automobile manufacturers will play significant roles in the growth of towbars market over the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the examples of market participants in the global towbars market identified across the value chain include:BOSALWestfalia-AutomotiveSTEINHOF Sp. z o.o. Sp.K.Witter TowbarsPCT LimitedCamex AutomotiveDavid Murphy TowingNorth Shore TowbarsCavotec SAMcCabe TowbarsAbout 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: Automotive Cylinder Head Market to Observe Strong Development by 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/automotive-cylinder-head-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14989 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14989 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The Internal combustion engine is an important component in any kind of automobile. The IC engine can be divided into two parts, the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The cylinder head, often abbreviated as head, is fitted or installed above the cylinder block and this complete installation forms the internal combustion chamber the joint is sealed by the head gasket. The cylinder head is a significant component essential for the complete combustion of fuel and economical discharge of exhaust gases into the environment. In automobile engines, the head is the part where space is left for openings that are utilized for the supply of air and fuel to the cylinder, and for the exhaust gases to escape the cylinder chamber. The mounting of valves, fuel injectors and spark plugs is also placed on the cylinder head.The cylinder head can be single unit for straight or inline combustion engines, and there are double cylinder heads for boxer and V-shaped engines each one installed on the cylinder banks. The material of construction for the cylinder head is usually aluminium or cast iron. The cylinder head houses rocker arms, spark plugs and intake and exhaust valves. Also, for the engines with overhead cams, the camshafts are inside the head. Additionally, it contains the opening that permits the flow of coolant from the radiator and the flow of the oil throughout the engine. Cylinder heads differ in make depending on the design of engine, and their material can also differ as per the application and the size and weight of the vehicle.Automotive cylinder heads should be manufactured and designed with utmost quality and precision, as even a small engineering flaw can danger human life, or result in the total loss of the automobile. Hence, cylinder chambers, including the cylinder head, are produced with high quality and accuracy to avoid mechanical disasters during the functioning of the engine. Increasing manufacturing ability and recent advancement have enabled the automotive industry to manufacture and design immaculate cylinder head systems.To view complete report @Automotive Cylinder Head Market: DynamicsThe automotive cylinder head market has a lot of scope in the research, development, and innovation department, as new approaches and technologies are being discovered for the manufacturing of upright and reliable engine parts and components. Additionally, new manufacturing technologies have enabled manufacturers to produce complex and difficult parts and components, such as cylinder heads with ease and in very less manufacturing time. Moreover, the overall market for automotive cylinder heads has been inflating, owing to the overall global growth of the automotive industry. Present-day consumers are more attracted and fascinated towards performance-orientated vehicles with luxurious driving comfort. This will be a prominent driver for internal combustion components over the forecast period. For example, manufacturers strive to produce cylinder heads with added precision, which will in turn drive growth of the market. Growing disposable income and high standard of living have enabled consumers to use vehicles that are more powerful with the full capability of the engine, for high driving performance. Furthermore, the use of the light aluminium cylinder heads that help reduce the overall weight of the vehicle is expected to fuel growth of the overall automotive cylinder head market in the coming future.The market for automotive cylinder heads is anticipated to grow at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period. Growing application of automotive cylinder heads in motorcycles and cars is expected to propel growth of the overall automotive cylinder head market in the near future.A sample of this report is available upon request @Automotive Cylinder Head Market: Regional OutlookEurope and North America have a high lifestyle with comfortable standards of living and an increasing potential for spending; this has led to the development of high quality automotive cylinder heads in these respective regions. Consumers are conscious and equip their vehicles with high-end automotive components, due to the augmented fondness for a smooth driving experience, coupled with the raw power of the engine. These conditions are expected to act as catalysts for the growth of the overall automotive cylinder head market in the coming future. Automotive cylinder heads are essential for the effective operation of any vehicle, and have a good maintenance and service rate in all automobiles. Thus, the automotive cylinder head aftermarket is expected see rapid growth in all developed and developing countries in the future. Evolving markets in the Asia Pacific region, especially China, India and Japan, will play a vital role in the expansion of the automotive cylinder head market in the near future. In countries, such as India, China, South Korea and Japan, automobiles are the primary mode of transportation and hence, there is huge growth prospective for the automotive cylinder head market over the coming years.The automotive cylinder head market is projected to mature with a prominent CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the growing installation of cylinder head systems in all automobiles globally.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Automotive Cylinder Head Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global automotive cylinder head market, identified across the value chain include:Sandvik CoromantNemakLinamarThyssenKruppAll-heads ServicesBrodixElringklingerFederal-MogulParker HannifinAbout 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 Electric Power Steering Market to grow at a CAGR of 6.68% during 2017-2021 - ZF Friedrichshafen, Mitsubishi Electric, Nexteer, TRW Automotive http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1067113 http://www.researchmoz.us/global-electric-power-steering-market-2017-2021-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG The global automotive industry is experiencing a significant change in terms of electric power steering systems that are increasingly replacing hydraulic power steering in vehicles. Electric power steering system is an improvement over hydraulic system in many ways. They eliminate the use of power steering pumps, improving fuel efficiency in vehicles. It provides more precision and a refined feel, which hydraulic system cannot match. When the thrust of the innovations in the automotive industry is in speed, safety, and fuel efficiency, it is evident that technologies such as electronic power steering systems will eventually capture the market rendering the old technologies obsolete.The global electric power steering market to grow at a CAGR of 6.68% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global electric power steering market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Electric Power Steering Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Browse more details at:Key vendors- ZF Friedrichshafen- Mitsubishi Electric- Nexteer- TRW AutomotiveOther prominent vendors- ATS Automation Tooling Systems- Delphi Automotive- GKN- Hyundai Mobis- JTEKT- Mando- Robert Bosch- thyssenkrupp Presta AGMarket driver- Low penetration of cars in emerging economies.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Growing car-sharing services in China, India, and Brazil.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. 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Ltd.Mayur Vihar phase-1, New Delhi 110091mritunjay@giftalove.comCall: +91-888-200-1155 Global Military Floating Bridge Market Expected To Grow At CAGR Of 4.29% Between Years 2017-2021 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1267339 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1267339/global-military-floating-bridge-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1267339 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Latest Research Report Global Military Floating Bridge Market 2017-2021 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Military Floating Bridge MarketBridges hold great architectural and aesthetic significance and serve as means to cross obstacles. Apart from common people, bridges were also used by rulers of ancient times to cross barriers and capture kingdoms. In the present-day world, an analogy can be drawn between rulers and military personnel in the use of bridges. The modern military floating bridges primarily include ribbon and platoon bridges. These are used by the ground military personnel and marine forces for missions comprising sheltered water and river crossings in combat and rescue operations. These are also used for transportation of personnel, cargo, and combat vehicles. Over the years, these bridges have gained significant importance as the success of modern warfare is heavily dependent on the ease of mobility of platoons and advanced equipment.Technavios analysts forecast the global military floating bridge market to grow at a CAGR of 4.29% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global military floating bridge market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the retail selling price as the average selling price of the product.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGet Sample copy of this Report @Technavio's report, Global Military Floating Bridge Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAM GeneralChina Harzone IndustryCNIMGeneral DynamicsJiangsu Bailey Steel BridgeRPC TechnologiesOther prominent vendorsFBM Babcock MarineMabey GroupWFEL LimitedMarket driverOngoing military logistics modernizationFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHigh product replacement cycleFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendEmergence of rapid bridging solutionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportView Report @Key questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Table of ContentsPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Research MethodologyPART 04: IntroductionMarket outlinePART 05: Market landscapeMarket overviewMarket size and forecastFive forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by product typeMarket segmentation by product typeGlobal military modular floating bridge marketGlobal military motorized floating bridge marketPART 07: Geographical segmentationMarket segmentation by regionMilitary floating bridge market in EMEAMilitary floating bridge market in AmericasMilitary floating bridge market in APACSend An Enquiry Request @PART 08: Decision frameworkPART 09: Drivers and challengesMarket driversMarket challengesPART 10: Market trendsEmergence of rapid bridging solutionsLaser technology for bridge assemblyDeployment of MRBCsAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Marine Deck Machinery Market Analysis, Services & Types 2017 - Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Coastal Marine Equipment, Funz San Industry, MacGregor http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1011287&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-marine-deck-machinery-market-research-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Marine Deck Machinery Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.A recent report by QYResearchReports.com presents readers a concise yet all-inclusive overview of the global Marine Deck Machinery market. The report examines the current state of the various elements and dynamics of the market in great detail and elucidates every aspect of the market that is likely to have an impact on the growth trajectory of the global Marine Deck Machinery market during the reports forecast period.The report analyzes the major growth drivers, challenges, and trends impacting the market are with the help of several industry-best analytical and business intelligence tools. Past and estimated future growth statistics is included in the report to give readers a complete picture of the market.Global Marine Deck Machinery market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingMitsubishi Heavy IndustriesRolls-RoyceWartsilaKawasaki Heavy IndustriesCoastal Marine EquipmentFunz San IndustryMacGregorM.E.P. Pellegrini Marine EquipmentsPaR SystemsRapp MarineTowimorTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report gathers the vast market research data with the help of a number of primary and secondary research techniques and has been narrowed down with the help of several analytical methods for providing readers the most crucial data pertaining to the global Marine Deck Machinery market.The report also gives thorough insights into the competitive scenario of the market by providing business profiles, marketing strategies, products and services offered, and the current state of some of markets most prominent vendors in the market. The report profiles some of the most influential companies that have had a major contribution toward the growth of the market in the past, or are expected to do so over the reports forecast period.The report, with its 360-degree span of analysis, allows business strategists, businesses, managers, and all other parties concerned about the overall development of the global Marine Deck Machinery market in formulating strategies that will prove to be most effective in the current and projected period.Table of ContentsGlobal Marine Deck Machinery Market Research Report 20171 Marine Deck Machinery Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Marine Deck Machinery1.2 Marine Deck Machinery Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Cranes1.3 Global Marine Deck Machinery Segment by Application1.3.1 Marine Deck Machinery Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Marine Engineering Ships1.3.3 Container Ships1.4 Global Marine Deck Machinery Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Marine Deck Machinery (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Marine Deck Machinery Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Marine Deck Machinery Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Marine Deck Machinery Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Marine Deck Machinery Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Marine Deck Machinery Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionObtain Report Details @3 Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Marine Deck Machinery Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Marine Deck Machinery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Marine Deck Machinery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Marine Deck Machinery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Marine Deck Machinery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Marine Deck Machinery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Marine Deck Machinery Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Marine Deck Machinery Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Marine Deck Machinery Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Marine Deck Machinery Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Marine Deck MachineryFigure Global Marine Deck Machinery Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Marine Deck Machinery Market Size (Million USD), Comparison (K Units) and CAGR (%) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure North America Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Marine Deck Machinery Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Marine Deck Machinery Capacity, Production (K Units) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Marine Deck Machinery Major Players Product Capacity (K Units) (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales Market 2017 Key Players : Faurecia, BorgWarner, Cummins, Continental https://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/61811/request-sample https://goo.gl/UJ7axP www.fiormarkets.com www.albaniantimes.com The report titled Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales is an in-depth and a professional document that provides a comprehensive overview of the global Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales market.The report provides an executive-level blueprint of the Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales market beginning with the definition of the market dynamics. The analysis classifies the Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales market in terms of products, application, and key geographic regions. Presenting a detailed value chain analysis, the study evaluates the set of region-specific approaches forged by the industry. To determine the market potential for Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales in the international scenario, the study delves into the competitive landscape and development landscape exhibited by the key geographic regions.Download Free Sample Report @The 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 Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales market.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, Downstream client survey, Marketing channels, Industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales new project SWOT analysis, Investment feasibility analysis, Investment return analysis, and Development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales 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 Automotive Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Sales 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.If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.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: Global High-Speed Train Seats Industry Market Research Report 2017 http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/ http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/ http:///www.qyresearcheurope.com/ http://www.qyresearchjapan.com/ SummaryThe Global High-Speed Train Seats Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the High-Speed Train Seats industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The High-Speed Train Seats 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 High-Speed Train Seats 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):Faurecia Automotive SeatingHarita Seating System Ltd.Freedman Seating Co.Grammer AGFenix Group LLCSaira SeatsTranscal LtdMagna International Inc.FainsaCamira Fabrics Ltd.Key Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of High-Speed Train Seats by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of High-Speed Train Seats by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of High-Speed Train Seats by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of High-Speed Train SeatsChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global High-Speed Train Seats Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US High-Speed Train Seats Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe High-Speed Train Seats Industry Market Research Report 2017India High-Speed Train Seats Industry Market Research Report 2017China High-Speed Train Seats Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea High-Speed Train Seats Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan High-Speed Train Seats 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: +86-20-22093278Email: 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: +86-20-22093278Address: Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictCity: GuangzhouCountry: ChinaWebsite:(US) |(EU) |(JP) Card Printer Ribbons Market Estimated to Expand at a Robust CAGR over 2017 - 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/card-printer-ribbons-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/15586 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15586 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Card printer ribbons are used for printing various cards including smart cards, identity card, payments cards, etc. and are used to print in the variety of colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan and black. By using these colors, it can create various realistic photo effects, and an overlay layer is added as a protective layer which eliminates the need of laminator. Card printer ribbons are used in various cards which are user-friendly, efficient, and realistic. Card printer ribbons are widely used in number of applications such as student ID cards, club membership cards, and transportation ID badges, national ID cards, employee ID badges and drivers licenses. In several cases, card printer ribbons are used on blank ID cards, but it can also be used on pre-printed ID cards.To view complete report @Card printer ribbons market: DynamicsThe key driving factors of global Card printer ribbons market are rapidly growing banking financial service insurance industry, high investment in technology printing machines industry along with rapidly increasing educational institutions. The macroeconomic factors responsible for the growth of the global card printer ribbons market are emerging economies such as Brazil, Argentina, India and China, the rapid rate of urbanization, changing lifestyle and per capita income. Another factor which drives the Card printer ribbons market across the globe is growing information technology industries, owing to a high demand of card access for authentication purpose. Increasing digitization and growing transport and logistics industry are the major driving factor of global ribbon cable market, attributed to technological advancement in card based solutions. Few factors such as mergers and acquisitions with domestic players and increasing distribution channels will help to grow card printer ribbons market across the globe. The key restraining factors which restricts global ribbon market is low-temperature resistance, owing to low concentration colorants polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and government taxes for manufacturing Card printer ribbons. The key trends of the card printer ribbons market are using to manufacture in high secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identity Cards) for students and employees across the globe.A sample of this report is available upon request @Card printer ribbons market: SegmentationCard printer ribbons market can be segmented by end-use industry type, product type, printing type, and region type globally. Card printer ribbons market can be segmented by end-use industry type as follow: Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology, Transportation & logistics, BFSI (Banking & Financial services Insurance), Education, Printing, Manufacturing, Aviation, Defense. Card printer ribbons market can be segmented on Product type as follow: Monochrome, Color. Card printer ribbons market can be segmented by printing type as follow: Single sided printing, Dual-sided printing.Card printer ribbons market: Regional OutlookBased on geographies, card printer ribbons market is segmented into seven regions; Western Europe, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific except Japan and Middle East & Africa. Among above-mentioned regions, North America accounts a significant market share in Card printer ribbons market across the globe followed by Western Europe, owing to high technological advancement for security concerns in most of the industries. Asia Pacific is estimated to witness a high growth in Card printer ribbons market, owing to growing electronics manufacturing and increasing number of educational institutions in emerging countries like China, India. The Middle East and Africa is estimated to witness a positive growth due to a high demand of card printer ribbons in the retail industry. It is estimated that Malaysia will have high growth in card printer ribbons market, attributed to high investment by prominent market players for opening new business unit to focus printing industry in Asia Pacific region. Germany is estimated to witness a high growth in card printer ribbons in Western Europe due to a rapid increase of manufacturing and automotive industry. Due to technological innovation in card printer ribbons such as transparent hologram ribbon for protecting ID card surface, Japan is predicted to witness high growth rate in global card printer ribbons.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Few prominent players of the Card printer ribbons market as follows: Barcodes, Inc., ZIH Corp, Evolis, DataCard Corporation, Magicard Ltd, Laminex-ID Systems Singapore Pte Ltd, PREVOSYS (M) SDN BHD, Dai Nippon Printing Co., 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: Radiology Information System (RIS) Market with Current Trends Analysis, 2015 to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-825 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-825 www.futuremarketinsights.com Radiology Information System is a software which manages the data for physicians, hospitals radiology department and clinics in an electronic form. Data could be in any form like billing, scheduling and medical imaging. Radiology information system is very useful to track radiology imaging orders and to track reports of patients. Patients entire radiology history, from admission to discharge could be track. Statistical reports for a patient or for a group of patients can be generated. The radiology information system also allows the staff to make appointments for outpatient and inpatients. Radiology Information system also provides the detailed financial recording, electronic payments and automated claims.Recently, Singapore based healthcare groups called SingHealth and Eastern Health Alliance (EH alliance) and Singapore Health Ministrys IT arm, IHis purchased Carestreams Vue Radiology (Radiology Information System) and Vue PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) for better result, access and management of radiology results and patient imaging data. Almost 4 million patients visits every year in SingHealth Group. Carestreams Vue RIS+PACS are in few other hospitals too in Singapore like Singapore General Hospital, KK Womens and Childrens Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore and SingHealth Polyclinics. By this software, one can access data from any location and create one unified imaging of patient file.Request Report Sample@Radiology Information System Market: Drivers & RestraintsTechnological advancement, rising ageing population, consolidation of healthcare providers, innovation, improved efficiency and better results, increasing demand for better healthcare systems, cost-effectiveness, increase usage of cloud computing and web based solutions, increase number of chronic diseases, are the most important driving factors in radiology information system market. Since radiology information system maintains the data for physicians and hospitals to get access form anywhere, the demand for radiology information system has increased.With so many advantages and splendid features of radiology information system, it has few disadvantages too. Lack of inexperienced professionals and interoperability issues are acting as a barrier for radiology information system market.Radiology Information System Market: SegmentationRadiology Information System Market is broadly classified on the basis of the following segments By Deployment:Web based RISCloud based RISOn-premise RISBy Product:Integrated RISStandalone RISBy End-User:HospitalsEmergency Healthcare Service ProvidersOffice Based PhysiciansRadiology Information System Market: OverviewThe radiology information system has grown substantially at a healthy CAGR due to increasing need of integrated healthcare system and rise in demand of diagnostic industry. With rapid technological advancement and innovation, radiology information system market is expected to grow globally. North America and Europe region will be dominating radiology information market in the forecast period.Radiology Information System Market: Region-wise OutlookThe radiology information system market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, radiology information system market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America has the largest market for radiology information system and is contributing the most as compare to other regions. This is due to the increase demand of diagnostic industry go get better, fast and effective results.Visit For TOC@Radiology Information System Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in radiology information system market are Cerner Corporation, Siemens Healthcare, Carestream Health, Mckesson Corporation, GE Healthcare, Merge Healthcare, Allscripts and Epic Systems.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Automotive Axle Market 2017 : Dana, Meritor, Timken, Gestamp, Steyr and Weichai Automotive Axle https://goo.gl/RKMmGR https://goo.gl/JGZSNv This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering- ZF Friedrichshafen- AAM- Dana- Meritor- Korea Flange- Hyundai Dymos- SeAH Besteel- Press Kogyo- IJT- ILJIN- Timken- GestampThe Automotive Axle report provides an elite tool for evaluating the market and supporting the preemptive and tactical decision-making. The report divulges the realistic data and an all-inclusive exploration of the Automotive Axle market. 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In addition, the report includes the landscape and growth predictions of the market over the coming years.Click Here To Sample Report @Moreover, the report highlights the key market players leading globally with information such as company profiles, market share, contact details, product images & specifications, and sales. The exploration also comprises forecasts and historic data that make the report an invaluable reference for consultants, product & sales managers, marketing, industry executives, analysts, and other persons looking for vital industry data in readily manageable documents with prominently demonstrated graphs, figures, and tables.Furthermore, the report also evaluated leading points of the market, which includes revenue, demand, price, cost, import, capacity utilization rate, gross margin, consumption, export, production, supply, growth rate, gross, market share, capacity, and so on. Numerous analytical tools were used in the research methodology for the market study so as to obtain thorough data and valuation of the global players in the industry and their scope in the market.Inquiry For Buying @The Automotive Axle report pinpoints that in this competitive and speedily developing circumstances, the up-to-the-minute marketing statistics is fundamental to perceive performance and make crucial verdicts for growth and profitability. Thus, this report will be providing all the necessary data on trends & developments and emphasis on markets & materials, capacities & technologies, and on the fluctuating framework of the Automotive Axle market.About Us: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.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 2016 Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market: Global Industry, Size, Trends & Forecast 2020 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/910680 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/910680/global-remote-cardiac-monitoring-size-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/910680 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020) provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Remote Cardiac Monitoring MarketThe report entitled Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020) provides a detailed analysis of the global remote cardiac monitoring market with analysis of market size by value, volume, segments, etc.The report also includes a detailed regional analysis of the remote cardiac monitoring market of regions such as, US, Europe and Asia Pacific comprising of its market by value. Under competitive landscape, different players in the global remote cardiac monitoring market have been compared on the basis of their revenue and market capitalization.Get Sample Copy of this report @The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global remote cardiac monitoring market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The competition in the global remote cardiac monitoring market is stiff and dominated by the big players. Medtronic Plc, Boston Scientific Corporation and Life Watch AG are some of the key players operating in the global remote cardiac monitoring market, whose company profiling is done in the report. In this segment of the report, business overview, financial overview and the business strategies of the companies are provided.Regional CoverageUSAEuropeAsia PacificView Full Report @Company CoverageMedtronic PlcBoston Scientific CorporationLifeWatch AGExecutive SummaryRemote cardiac monitoring is the continuous monitoring of electrical activities of the heart, which takes place outside hospitals. The monitoring can also be done while the patient is doing the day to day activities. Devices like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillator is placed with the patient through minimally invasive procedures and the transmission of data takes place via a transmitter which works in sync with the device.The global remote cardiac monitoring market is expected to grow at a healthy rate during the forecast period (2016-2020). The growth is expected on account of many factors, such as an increase in cardiovascular diseases, increasing incidence of obesity, less cost of remote monitoring and rising ageing population.However, the market also faces some challenges, which includes reimbursement issues and the risk of over treatment. Increasing health care expenditure, cardiomems heart failure monitoring system and telesense remote cardiac monitoring device are some of the latest trends in the remote cardiac monitoring market.Send An Enquiry Request @Table Of Contents1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Remote Cardiac Monitoring: An Overview2.2 Types of Remote Cardiac Monitors2.3 Remote Cardiac Monitoring Segments2.3.1 On the Basis of Product2.3.2 On the Basis of End Users3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Cardiac Monitoring and Diagnostics Market by Value3.2 Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Value3.3 Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Volume3.4 Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Segments3.4.1 Global Electrocardiogram Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Value3.5 Global Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Region4. Regional Analysis4.1 USA Remote Cardiac Market: An Analysis4.1.1 USA Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Value4.1.2 USA Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Volume4.2 Europe Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Value4.3 Asia Pacific Remote Cardiac Monitoring Market by Value5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Dynamics5.1.1 Aging Demography5.1.2 Growing Incidence of Obesity5.1.3 Increase Cardiovascular Diseases5.1.4 Less Costs of Remote Monitoring5.2 Challenges5.2.1 Reimbursement Issues5.2.2 Risk of Over Treatment5.3 Market Trends5.3.1 Increasing Health Care Expenditure5.3.2 CardioMems Heart Failure Monitoring System5.3.3 Telesense Remote Cardiac Monitoring DeviceAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Food Sorting Machines Market to register a healthy CAGR for the forecast period, 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-843 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-843 www.futuremarketinsights.com Automation is becoming more of a requirement than an option in the food processing industry. The rigorous quality and cost controls required in the food industry is making it more critical. Production of high grade food requires capable and efficient inspection and sorting systems, in the operations and production line. The food is sorted by color, size, shape, specific gravity prior to inspection and other criteria depending upon the raw material and application.Global interest is increasing towards the quality of food consumed along with the stringent legislations on product quality and operating procedures. In the food industry, the product specification is extremely important, and is one of those area where new developments are crossing the boundaries. The food industry is under immense pressure of meeting the demands of growing world population.Request Report Sample@The global population is becoming urbanized and there is heavy industrialization seen in the emerging economies. This leads to an upward trend towards convenience foods that are healthy, nutritious and easy to prepare. Food security is an emerging challenge for policy makers and companies in the food supply chain. Over the period food production will be under threat from climate change, competing land uses, erosion and diminishing supplies of clean water. One of the solutions to this dilemma is increased efficiency and waste reduction in the food supply chain. Food sorting machines offer increase in efficiency by selectively filtering out the undesired materials from the main food. The main purpose is separation of foreign seeds and bodies, such as unhealthy or spotted grains. The insertion of optical sorter into strategic positions of the milling process facilitates and optimizes the whole cleaning process. Worldwide the optical sorters are being used in the food industry. Its highly adopted in the processing of harvested foods such as fruits, potatoes, vegetables and nuts where it achieves non-destructive,100% inspection on full production volume. Since manual sorting is subjective and inconsistent, its not preferred. Optical sorting helps to improve the product quality, increase yields, maximize throughput while reducing labor costs. Since few years the trend is of integration of the traditional mechanical cleaning process with optical sorting machines.Food Sorting Machines Market: Drivers & RestraintsGrowing population, rising urbanization, growing technological awareness, industrialization of emerging economies and increasing per capita income are some of the key factors driving the growth of the food sorting machines market.Environmental Protection Agency regulations on disposal of food waste, changing consumption patterns and smaller households are few of the probable factors restraining the growth of the food sorting machines market.Food Sorting Machines Market: SegmentationThe global food sorting machines market is broadly classified on the basis of product type, technology and geographies.Based on product type, the global food sorting machines market is segmented into:Channel SortersFreefall SortersBelt SortersADR SystemsBased on technology, the global food sorting machines market is segmented into:LaserCameraLEDX-rayFood Sorting Machines Market: OverviewThough food sorting machines is a new technology for emerging economies like India, but in the developed economies like North America and Europe the same technology is in use for years.With growing global population and increasing pressure on food industry to meet the customer demands, the acceptance of food sorting machines is gaining popularity. The global food sorting machines market is expected to expand at a promising CAGR during the forecast period (2015-2025).Visit For TOC@Food Sorting Machines Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global food sorting machines market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global food sorting machines market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. As of 2015, North America dominated the global food sorting machines market in terms of market revenue followed by Europe. Asia Pacific & Japan are projected to expand at a substantial growth and will contribute to the global food sorting machines market value exhibiting a robust CAGR during the forecast period, 2015?2025.Food Sorting Machines Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global food sorting machines market are Tomra Systems ASA, Sesotec GmbH, Buhler AG, Key Technology, BarcoVision, Satake USA Inc.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Continence Care Market Size - Industry Report 2017-2021: Analysis, Outlook And Forecast https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1066883 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1066883/global-continence-care-industry-analysis-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1066883 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global Continence Care Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Continence Care MarketIncontinence refers to the involuntary actions of excretory system of an individual, in general words, involuntary loss of urine and feces which can significantly disrupt the personal, social and professional life of an affected person. Incontinence episodes can range from constant or intermittent dribbling to infrequent, involuntary discharge of large volumes of bodily waste.Continence refers to the ability to control the untimely discharge of urine and feces. And continence care is a medical field where the doctors help the patients to retain their excretion control over bladder and bowel through giving a suitable course of treatment, emotional support and tips to keep bladder healthy.Get Sample Copy of this report @Europe is a major contributor to the global continence care market supported by technological innovation and higher penetration of high-end products. Europe is likely to experience further growth of continence care market with increasing prevalence of neurological diseases and spinal injuries and rising demand for technically advanced products for incontinence.The global continence care market is expected to grow in future due to increasing ageing population, obese population, rising diabetic prevalence, increasing life expectancy and rising spinal cord injury and spina bifida prevalence. Key trends of this market include rising demand for intermittent catheter and higher penetration of high-end products, launch of new products and increasing adoption of home healthcare products. However, there are some factors which can hinder growth of the market including availability of cheap alternatives and lack of awareness about advanced continence care products.View Full Report @The report Global Continence Care Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) by Koncept Analytics provides an extensive research and detailed analysis of the present market along with future outlook. The report discusses the major growth drivers and challenges of the market, covering North America and Europe region along with the global market. The report profiles the key players of the market including Coloplast, Dentsply Sirona, C.R. Bard, and ConvaTec.Table Of Contents1. Market Overview1.1 Incontinence1.2 Continence Care2. Global Continence Care Market2.1 Continence Care Market by Value2.2 Continence Care Market Forecast by Value2.3 Continence Care Market by Condition2.4 Continence Care Market Forecast by Condition2.5 Continence Care Patient Population2.6 Continence Care Patient Population Forecast2.7 Continence Care Market by Product2.7.1 Global Intermittent Catheters Market by Value2.7.2 Global Intermittent Catheters Market Forecast by Value2.7.3 Global External Male Catheter Market by Value2.7.4 Global External Male Catheter Market Forecast by Value2.8 Continence Care Market by RegionSend An Enquiry Request @3. Regional Continence Care Market3.1 Europe3.1.1 Europe Continence Care Market by Value3.1.2 Europe Continence Care Market Forecast by Value3.1.3 Europe Continence Care Market by Condition3.1.4 Europe Continence Care Market Forecast by Condition3.1.5 Europe Continence Care Patient Population3.1.6 Europe Continence Care Patient Population Forecast3.2 North America3.2.1 North America Continence Care Market by Value3.2.2 North America Continence Care Market Forecast by Value3.2.3 North America Continence Care Market by Condition3.2.4 North America Continence Care Market Forecast by Condition3.2.5 North America Continence Care Patient Population3.2.6 North America Continence Care Patient Population Forecast4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Increased Ageing Population4.1.2 Rising Prevalence of Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida4.1.3 Increasing Diabetic Prevalence4.1.4 Increase in Obese Population4.1.5 Increasing Life Expectancy4.2 Key Trends4.2.1 Increasing Demand for Intermittent Catheters4.2.2 Rising Adoption of Home Healthcare Products4.2.3 New Product Launches4.2.4 Rising Penetration of High-End Products4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Availability of Cheap Alternatives4.3.2 Lack of Awareness about Advanced Continence Care ProductsAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI Market Revenue, Opportunity, Segment and Key Trends 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-858 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-858 www.futuremarketinsights.com Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging technique used in medical field to produce high quality images of the soft tissues, organs of the human body. This device capture the images of body organs and tissues by applying the magnetic field and this images will give the information about whole human body system in both diseased and healthy condition.Different types of magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) are available based on field strength. In this high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) gives more cleared images compared with remaining MRIs.The images which are given by this MRI systems are having more information regarding tissues and ligaments and body organs when we compare with the images of X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan and ultra sound techniques.Request Report Sample@Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is increased due to raising geriatric population, technical advancements like low field strength, high field strength MRI systems and increasing health awareness in developed countries and no reported side effects of the use of the systems.Magnetic resonance imaging is an advanced and safe technique when compared with CT scan and X-ray technique. Because ionizing radiations are using for capturing images in CT.However, patients who had heart surgeries and surgeries with implanted metals at the ligaments has to take precautions while using Magnetic resonance imaging systems.Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Market: SegmentationGlobal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is further segmented into following typesBased on field strengthLow Field MRI SystemMid Filed MRI SystemHigh Filed MRI SystemBased on ApplicationAbdomen MRIBrain MRIMRA or Vascular MRIPelvic MRISpine MRICardiac MRIBased on ArchitectureOpenMRIClosed MRIMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advantage in capturing high quality images of soft tissue, ligaments and other body organs the use of High field strength MRI use will increase and the market is expected to have a double digit growth in the forecast period (2015-2025).Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Market: Region- wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, the global Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.Visit For TOC@The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) market is high in North America because it is highly developed region, having good healthcare setup and people are having good awareness about health care. In Asia pacific region china and India also having rapid growth health care set up and the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems. Europe also having good growth in this market.Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in Global Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are Siemens, Philips Healthcare, Toshiba medical systems, GE healthcare, Hitachi Medical systems, Esaote SpA and Sanrad Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Automobile Spray Booth Market 2017 : Dalby, Blowtherm, Zonda, Fujitoronics, Lutro and Baochi Automobile Spray Booth https://goo.gl/hU5tyj https://goo.gl/oQJrv6 This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering- GFS- Dalby- Blowtherm- USI ITALIA- Nova Verta- Zonda- Fujitoronics- Spray Tech / Junair- Jingzhongjing- Col-Met- STL- Spray Systems- Todd EngineeringThe Automobile Spray Booth report provides an elite tool for evaluating the market and supporting the preemptive and tactical decision-making. The report divulges the realistic data and an all-inclusive exploration of the Automobile Spray Booth market. 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In addition, the report includes the landscape and growth predictions of the market over the coming years.Click Here To Sample Report @Moreover, the report highlights the key market players leading globally with information such as company profiles, market share, contact details, product images & specifications, and sales. The exploration also comprises forecasts and historic data that make the report an invaluable reference for consultants, product & sales managers, marketing, industry executives, analysts, and other persons looking for vital industry data in readily manageable documents with prominently demonstrated graphs, figures, and tables.Furthermore, the report also evaluated leading points of the market, which includes revenue, demand, price, cost, import, capacity utilization rate, gross margin, consumption, export, production, supply, growth rate, gross, market share, capacity, and so on. 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We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Nigeria Renewable Energy Market Development Strategy 2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1372670-nigeria-renewable-energy-policy-handbook-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1372670-nigeria-renewable-energy-policy-handbook-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/conferences https://www.wiseguyreports.com/seminars SummaryWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Nigeria Renewable Energy Policy Handbook."Nigeria Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017 is among the latest country specific policy reports.the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the country.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. 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Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, Venezuela Fruit Snacks Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-896 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-896 www.futuremarketinsights.com 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 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.Visit 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 is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Smart Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Devices Market Global Industry Volume By Region 2017 - 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-injury-prevention-rehabilitation-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23960 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com https://tmrresearch.blogspot.com/ Smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices are type of smart medical devices. Smart medical devices are electronic devices with independent processing system. These devices are used to regularly monitor and diagnose various parameters of health and fitness. These are portable electronic devices, have own processing system and memory to store data. These have sensors to diagnose and monitor the activity and exchange data. These devices help physicians to detect various diseases from different vital signs of body and to monitor chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Smart medical devices also help individuals to keep track of health and fitness without visiting hospitals and physician clinics. These devices reduce the workload of a health care provider by tracking patient health remotely and take quick action on available data.Obtain Report Details @Smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices are segmented into body motion devices, fall detection devices, and others. Fall detection devices have larger market share than body motion devices. After an injury, there may be muscle weakness, loss of function, joint stiffness, etc. These can be cured through rehabilitation using devices that would help in improving functions and reducing pain. Rehabilitation is the restoration of optimal form and function of body. Based on end-user, the smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market has been categorized into hospitals, clinics, home care settings, and others end-users such as industrial, institutions, academics, and nursing facility.Technological advancements in the field of injury prevention devices resulting in new and innovative products that increases the user friendly usage. Rising geriatric population, increasing sport injuries, technological innovation in devices, favorable insurance and reimbursement policies, and rising per capita health care expenditure are anticipated to drive the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market. According to WHO estimates, the global geriatric population is likely to reach around 2 billion i.e., 22% of global population, by 2050. This is likely to fuel the smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market. However, high cost associated with the devices acts as restraint of the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children aged between 1 year and 19 years, representing nearly 40% of all deaths in this age group. Each year, an estimated 8.7 million children and teens from birth to age 19 are treated in emergency departments (EDs) for unintentional injuries and over 9,000 (one every hour) die as a result of their injuries. Common causes of fatal and nonfatal unintentional childhood injuries include drowning, falls, fires or burns, poisoning, suffocation, and transportation-related injuries. Injuries claim the lives of 25 children every day. Every year, nearly 9 million children aged 0 to 19 are treated for injuries in emergency departments and more than 225,000 require hospitalization at a cost of around US$ 87 Bn in medical and societal costs related to childhood injuries.Based on region, the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounts for significant share of the global injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market followed by Europe. This is attributed to high prevalence of sport and unintentional injuries, increasing health care expenditure leading to increase in demand for better medical devices and health care services, and number of technological advancements in the field smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices access. Asia Pacific is likely to report higher growth rate in the next few years. High emphasis on spreading awareness about female health in Latin America and Middle East & Africa is anticipated to fuel the growth of the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market.Major players operating in the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market include Rehab-Robotics Company Limited, AlterG, Inc., Ekso Bionics, Hocoma, Bionik Laboratories, Kinestica, and ASICS Corporation. Technological advancement in the field of smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices to reduce rehabilitation time as well as to prevent injuries is targeted by major players.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog: Global Hotel Furniture Industry Market Research Report 2017 http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/ http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/ http:///www.qyresearcheurope.com/ http://www.qyresearchjapan.com/ SummaryThe Global Hotel Furniture Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Hotel Furniture industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Hotel Furniture 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 Hotel Furniture 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):Ashley FurnitureRooms To GoFoliot FurnitureMattress FirmWilliams-SonomaLE-AL AsiaHmart LimitedBerkshire HathawayLaz BoyAmerican SignatureSleep NumberGelaimei Hotel FurnitureFulilai Hotel Furniture Co., LtdNorthland Furniture.Sleepy'sBuhler FurnitureMingjia FurnitureJL FurnishingsTelos FurnitureKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of Hotel FurnitureChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Hotel Furniture by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Hotel Furniture by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Hotel Furniture by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Hotel FurnitureChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global Hotel Furniture Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US Hotel Furniture Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe Hotel Furniture Industry Market Research Report 2017India Hotel Furniture Industry Market Research Report 2017China Hotel Furniture Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea Hotel Furniture Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan Hotel Furniture 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: +86-20-22093278Email: 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: +86-20-22093278Address: Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictCity: GuangzhouCountry: ChinaWebsite:(US) |(EU) |(JP) Aerogel Market Growth, Forecast and Value Chain 2015 to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-927 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-927 www.futuremarketinsights.com 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 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.Visit 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 is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Antidiarrheal Drugs Market to Record Sturdy Growth by 2020 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/antidiarrheal-drugs-market.asp http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3325 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3325 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Pharmaceutical sector is growing at a significant rate globally due to increase in the prevalence of diseases, rise in aging population and improvement in the healthcare facilities. Gastrointestinal drugs may be classified on the basis of different active ingredients used in it. Antidiarrheal drugs refer to a class of drugs that are used to treat diarrhea. Antidiarrheal drugs market is growing at a significant rate globally due to increasing incidence of diarrhea and growing awareness in this field.To view complete report @North America, followed by Europe, dominates the global market for antidiarrheal drugs due to high prevalence of diarrhea cases and high adoption rate for antidiarrheal drugs. Asia is expected to experience high growth rate in the next few years in global antidiarrheal drugs market. China and India are expected to be the fastest growing antidiarrheal drugs markets in Asia. Some of the key driving forces for antidiarrheal drugs market in emerging countries are large pool of patients, increasing awareness and improvement in the healthcare facilities.A sample of this report is available upon request @Various factors that are driving the global antidiarrheal drugs market are growing awareness for antidiarrheal drugs, rising government initiatives for improvement in healthcare facilities and increasing prevalence for diarrhea cases. However, various side effects associated with the uptake of antidiarrheal drugs, such as constipation, fullness and bloating are restraining the global antidiarrheal drugs market. In addition, traditional and home remedies are still popular in emerging countries; this restrains the antidiarrheal drugs market from growing.Emerging countries hold a good potential for the global antidiarrheal drugs market. Discovery of some antidiarrheal drugs with less side effects is expected to offer good opportunity for global antidiarrheal drugs market. Decrease in the efficacy of other medicine if taken along with antidiarrheal drug is a challenge faced by antidiarrheal drugs market. Some of the latest trends that have been observed in the global antidiarrheal drugs market include companies involved in geographical expansions and implementing various strategies for setting their brand.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the major companies dealing in global antidiarrheal drugs are Johnson & Johnsons, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals. Some other companies with significant presence in the antidiarrheal drugs market are Sanofi Aventis, Pfizer, Merck & Co. and Bayer.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: Multicore Cables Market Expected to Witness a Sustainable Growth by 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/multicore-cables-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/15745 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15745 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Multicore cable is a generic name for electrical cable. Multicore cables have many cores which are made of copper wire. The multicore cable is bundled together with a single wire and performs different functions includes power, data transmission and AV elements inside a single cable sheath. For instance, four main core wires is not a multicore cables, but a cable comprising with four coaxial cables in a single sheath is a multicore cables. The multicore cables are versatile and used for an industrial and commercial purpose. The multicore cables provide analog and digital signals. The multicore cables are fire proof, reliable, durable, resistant to chemicals, functional efficient is optimum and gives high performance. The multicore cables are heavily featured with cable jacketing to protect the cable from damage and helps in negate the effect of electromagnetic interference. Moreover, it contributes to reducing the overall weight of the cable. Nowadays, multicore optical fiber cables are used mostly because of sending data from one place to other and data can be transferred faster with minimum interference and best audio signal transmission.To view complete report @Global Multicore Cables: Market Dynamics:The demand for multicore cable is driven by its varied uses in automotive and construction industry. The multicore cables are easy to handle and use and highly flexible and installed quickly. The multicore cables are used for different radio and electrical purposes and help to transmit data from one point to another. Increase in demand for multicore cables, owing to high investment in infrastructure leads to drive the multicore market in the near future. Moreover, the chances of loss in data are very less and move current faster. Further, multicore cables. Further, the rise in the development of infrastructure in developing regions such Asia Pacific leads to increase demand for multicore cables. However the continuous developments and up gradation of the manufacturing company of multicore cable to extend the life which can be a restraint to multicore cable market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Multicore Cables: Regional Outlook:The global multicore cables market is segmented into seven regions includes North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, and The Middle East and Africa. Among all regions, Asia Pacific region is contributing majorly to the growth of multicore cables market followed by Latin America. Moreover, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is the dominating market for multicore cables as the infrastructure is increasing in developing countries like China and India. Japan is also contributing the multicore cable market. North America has a significant market share in the global multicore market owing to its boom in the automotive market. The Middle East and Africa is at emerging stage in the multicore cable market and is expected to increase in CAGR in the anticipated period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Multicore Cables Market Players:The prominent players of the global multicore cables are:Relemac Technologies Pvt. LtdCenturion Power Cables Pvt. Ltd.Bhuwal Cables LimitedKCL Cable LimitedCabcon Technologies Pvt LtdHitex PlusGem CablesDoha CablesBambach wires and cablesAbout 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 Sailboats Market 2017 : Beneteau, HanseYachts, Wally, Petticrows and McConaghy Sailboats https://goo.gl/A2aJJ2 https://goo.gl/kyztFk This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering- Beneteau- HanseYachts- Marlow Hunter- Wally- Pauger Carbon- Petticrows- Doomernik Dragons- Quant Boats- Fareast Yachts- Sydney Yachts- Wilke & Co- McConaghy- Black PepperThe Sailboats report provides an elite tool for evaluating the market and supporting the preemptive and tactical decision-making. The report divulges the realistic data and an all-inclusive exploration of the Sailboats market. The report offers a basic framework of the Sailboats industry, including classifications, applications, definitions, and industry chain structure. It also represents an in-depth evaluation of the Sailboats market and includes significant insights, facts, and statistical & industry-validated statistics of the global market.The report further provides the worldwide segmentation of the market based on the applications, end-users, technology, types, and geography. It also embraces comprehensive information on every single segment of the Sailboats market. Further, it encompasses the data about a number of factors that influence the growth of the overall market as well as its segments. The report has been made based on a wide-ranging survey of the market with feedbacks from industry analysts and experts. The detailed exploration of the market is done by two ways, explicitly, qualitative and quantitative. In addition, the report includes the landscape and growth predictions of the market over the coming years.Click Here To Sample Report @Moreover, the report highlights the key market players leading globally with information such as company profiles, market share, contact details, product images & specifications, and sales. The exploration also comprises forecasts and historic data that make the report an invaluable reference for consultants, product & sales managers, marketing, industry executives, analysts, and other persons looking for vital industry data in readily manageable documents with prominently demonstrated graphs, figures, and tables.Furthermore, the report also evaluated leading points of the market, which includes revenue, demand, price, cost, import, capacity utilization rate, gross margin, consumption, export, production, supply, growth rate, gross, market share, capacity, and so on. Numerous analytical tools were used in the research methodology for the market study so as to obtain thorough data and valuation of the global players in the industry and their scope in the market.Inquiry For Buying @The Sailboats report pinpoints that in this competitive and speedily developing circumstances, the up-to-the-minute marketing statistics is fundamental to perceive performance and make crucial verdicts for growth and profitability. Thus, this report will be providing all the necessary data on trends & developments and emphasis on markets & materials, capacities & technologies, and on the fluctuating framework of the Sailboats market.About Us: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.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 ASEAN Data Startup Accelerator Program Now Accepting Entries for Second Cohort https://www.aseandatastartupaccelerator.com/ https://theodi.org/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOpen Data Institute provides accelerator program for startups to develop world-class innovations using open dataKUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2 2017 Open Data Institute (ODI), an organization that is building a strong, fair and sustainable data economy by helping governments and businesses around the world get data to people who need it, is injecting innovation in ASEAN with its comprehensive accelerator program for startups, which ODI aims to spur innovation and close socio-economic challenges in the ASEAN region.The program known as ASEAN Data Startup Accelerator (ADSA) was developed to inspire breakthrough thinking among startups that will result in providing solutions to solve societal problems in developing countries in ASEAN. The good news is ADSA is now accepting entries from regional startups for its second cohort.In this day and age of technology, it takes more than just putting all the data and information out there in the world. We strive to cultivate the culture of openness and transparency. One of the ways to demonstrate the importance and usefulness of open data when solving problems across various sectors is to create a platform to connect, equip and inspire startups, entrepreneurs and innovators around the world to innovate with data. Ultimately, what we want to achieve is to close societal gaps through innovation, with the help of open data, commented the Startup Manager of Open Data Institute, Divakar Subramaniam.ADSAs second cohort is a six-month program that will be held in Kuala Lumpur within the ASEAN Data Analytics Exchange (ADAX), that acts as an ecosystem for data-driven businesses to showcase latest Big Data Analytics (BDA) technologies, pilot use cases for ASEAN region as well as provide a co-working location for BDA talent, startups and accelerators.A collaborative effort between Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and ODI, ADSA was created to help data-driven startups develop their business skills, improve essential data skills and expand their network reach.Divakar believes that ADSA will help startups to better understand the benefits of open data and how it helps to bridge information gaps across various industries such as agriculture, fintech and insurtech which allows businesses to share best practices that helps improve productivity.We need to make sure that open data is easily accessible and it is our responsibility to encourage startups to use readily-available data such as weather reports, traffic reports, hot spots for diseases and price of essential goods to come up with innovative solutions. Our end goal is to increase the innovative capacity within this region, spurred by the appropriate combination of knowledge, technological skills, collaborative mindset and conducive policies that support entrepreneurship and innovation, he further commented.Currently, there are eight startups under ADSAs first cohort, from various ASEAN countries including Malaysia (Wrzit, CropBASE, BTI, Katsana), Philippines (Lorax AI), Indonesia (CityPlan, Tune Map) & Singapore (Urbanetic).The success of ADSA was proven when Tune Map, an Indonesian-based startup, took overall second spot in the United Nations Challenge: Big Ideas Competition for Sustainable Cities and Urban Communities. The competition recognized startups with innovative ideas to help enhance living quality and address societal concerns, with the use of big, open or crowdsourced data. Designed to map accessible pedestrian routes for the visually impaired in Bandung, West Java, Tune Map aims to get citizens to report sidewalks that are unsafe for the visually impaired, making lives easier for the blind and helping local authorities prioritize road and public safety works.The impact of open data culture in the ASEAN region is apparent, as it has led to groundbreaking innovation in various industries. At ODI, we are constantly finding new ways to encourage and assist business entrepreneurs and startups to make full use of all the available data in order to create world-class innovation that can solve many of the problems that are faced by the public in ASEAN region, commented Divakar.Interested start-ups are encouraged to apply for the next cohort program set to take place in October this year. For more information, visitand follow us on MYADSApage- ends For more information, please feel free to contact:Shaheera Fauzi (Public Relations Consultant)Mobile: 012-3606504Email: shaheera@intelectasia.comAbout Open Data InstituteThe Open Data Institute (ODI) was co-founded by the inventor of World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee and AI expert Sir Nigel Shadbolt to address todays global challenges using the web of data. The ODI is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan company that brings together commercial and non-commercial organizations and governments to help identify and address how the web of data will impact their businesses and sectors.The ODI runs the ASEAN Data Startup Accelerator (ADSA), building on their open data expertise and experience running various accelerator programs in EuropeFor more information, kindly visitAbout ASEAN Data Startup AcceleratorThe ASEAN Data Startup Accelerator (ADSA) is an accelerator for data driven startups in the ASEAN region. ADSA is run by the Open Data Institute (ODI) in partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Cohorts of ADSA startups follow a six-month program based at the ASEAN Data Analytics eXchange (ADAX) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with activities across ASEAN and in ODI's headquarters in London, UK.D-3A-01 Ritze Perdana Business Centre, Jalan PJU 8/2, Damansara Perdana ASEAN Cosmetic Chemicals Market Research Study for Forecast Period (2014-2020) http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-as-31 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-as-31 www.futuremarketinsights.com The growing beauty products market has been increasing the demand for value-enriched cosmetics. The market is flooded with various cosmetic chemicals. Cosmetic chemicals are the basic ingredients found in cosmetic products including soap, shampoo, lipstick, mascara, deodorants and other beauty products (excluding the products listed under therapeutic goods). At present, various cosmetic business enterprises use more than 5000 different chemical compositions to offer selected cosmetic products. Based on its end use applications, cosmetic chemical have been further divided into surfactants, emollients, conditioning polymers, and UV absorbers. These chemical-based products contain preservatives which hinder microbial growth and thereby offer longer shell life to the cosmetics. In addition, these chemicals contain a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, herbs, hormones, and fragrances. This vast range of cosmetic chemicals allows business cosmetics to deliver different types of cosmetics in the market, thereby offering a vibrant market to cosmetic industries.Their use is widely found in personal care products. A wide range of applications ranging from anti-ageing cream to shampoo is driving the cosmetic chemical market to its zenith. Companies these days are focusing on organic grade cosmetic chemicals as they are considered to be a healthier option when compared to commodity surfactants and petroleum oils. The cosmetic chemicals market has been segmented into skin care products, make up products, hair care products and fragrance products. Among all its market segments, cleaning agents and foaming agents are the enduse applications that account for the largest percentage of the market. Skin care products accounted for 31% of global cosmetic market in year 2013. Though cosmetic chemicals offer many options to formulate cosmetics depending on different skin types, the market is shifting towards natural surfactants primarily because of the rising safety concerns of sulfate-based surfactants.Request For Report Sample@Globally, North America is the largest market for cosmetic product consumption. It accounted for 21.2% of global market share in 2012. USA with US$ 54.89 billion in 2012 is the biggest cosmetic market. However, with the rising dominance of non-western beauty culture in Eastern region, the market share is set to shift towards ASEAN region. Ethnic and cultural diversity in APAC, and particularly in ASEAN region,are driving the cosmetics market vertically upwards. Growing consumer class in ASEAN region from 67 million population to 125 million population by 2025 will offer a lucrative market for various business cosmetic business channels. A large consumer base, ample natural resources, availability of cheap labor and easing of policies such as FDI by government, are the main driving factors for the cosmetic chemicals market in ASEAN markets.In the ASEAN region, the cosmetic market has been witnessing a double digit growth every 5 years. GDP at the constant price shows a vertically upwards trend in these regions. The rise in the middle class population in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Philippines is the major driving factor for the growth of this sector, while in Malaysia and Singapore, wealthy segments contribute largely to it. Skin care products are set to witness exponential growth in the ASEAN market, thereby offering lucrative business opportunities in the cosmetic chemicals market.There is a flood of suppliers in cosmetic chemicals which results in a fragmented market. However, the demand for premium personal care products has led to consolidation of the market, thus leading to high competitiveness among the dominant players in this market. The prominent players of cosmetic chemicals market include Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Bayer AG, Givaudan SA, Merck KGaA, Shell Chemical and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.Visit For TOC@With the new emerging markets such as ASEAN, BRIC, and MEA, the future seems optimistic for cosmetic chemicals companies. Together, these regions offer a large market owing to the high population of youth in the age group of 15-39 years. Though the market seems promising in the long run, companies have to spend lump sum amounts on R&D to comply with the governments regulatory demands.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: Conveyor Systems Market Projected to Grow at Steady Rate through (2020) http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-48 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-48 www.futuremarketinsights.com Automation in every industrial segment has become an integral part of industrial operations. Conveyor systems are mechanically-operated material handling equipment, which are used to transport material within premises. They provide a quick and effective transportation solution with a high degree of safety. Therefore, due to effectiveness of conveyance, a considerable amount of cycle time is reduced in the industrial process. The same factor helps in reducing the errors in handling manual material. Early commercialisation of the conveyor system took place for transportation of heavy materials in the industrial sector.On the basis of their end user applications, conveyor systems can broadly be categorised as automotive, airport, retail, mail logistics,and food and beverage.Assembly line, body shop, paint shop and few others are key application areas of conveyor systemsin the automotive sector. Nevertheless, the retail sector utilises these systems for distribution and warehousing, sorting, cross-docking, and distribution. Conveyor systems are an integral part of airport facilities for baggagehandling. Usage of the conveyer system in airport facilities is likely to increase due to growing air traffic across the globe, and the development of new airport locations. Moreover, the growing demand for food and beverage is propelling the adoption of conveyor systems to boost production rates.Request For Report Sample@On the basis of their design modification, conveyor systems can be categorized as roller conveyor, belt conveyor, crescent conveyor, palletconveyor, overhead conveyor and others.In order to meet the needs and demands of customers, manufacturers provide highly customized products.Growing demand for cost-effective material handling systems and increasing automation in the industrial sector are two of the major driving factors of global conveyor systems market. It is expected that, global conveyor systems market will witness a steady CAGR of around 3%-4% for the period of 2014-2020. The developing automotive, retail, and food and beverage industriesare also likely to fuel the growth inAsia-Pacificconveyor systems market. Europe is dominating the overall conveyor systems market at present and has a large conveyor system supply network with broad distribution channel. Nevertheless, Europe is likely to hold its dominance over the global conveyor systems marketat the end of forecast period. Latin America region is expected to be the fastest growing conveyor systems marketespecially in the emerging economies such as Mexico and Brazil where the industrial sector is booming. Increasedsophistication of conveyor system along with advanced technology are major trends in this market.Visit For TOC@A few of the most prominent market players in global conveyor systems market areDaifuku, Dematic Group, Emerson Electric, Siemens AG, Allied Conveyor Systems, Caterpillar, Dorner Conveyors, Dynamic Conveyors, Fives Group, FMC technologies, Interroll and Intelligrated. One of the key market strategies is the development of patented products with high customisations. In addition, acquisitions and strategic alliances to share technologies, can be seen in the market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT: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: Research Study Offers Insights on Future of Energy Harvesting Market http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-58 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-58 www.futuremarketinsights.com Energy harvesting, one of the most promising technologies to address the energy crises without altering the existing energy sources, is foreseen to witness staggering demand and innovation in the near future. The process of energy harvesting harnesses the power of ambient energy to use later in varied applications. With growing use of ambient energy and advent of the energy harvesting technology, the energy harvesting market is currently heading at a considerable pace globally.FMI extensive research indicates that the global energy harvesting market is anticipated to gain momentum and grow at a double-digit CAGR by 2020 end. A number of newly innovated efficient energy applications and widespread acceptance of renewable energy sources are expected to play a vital role in the growth of the global energy harvesting market during the forecast period 2014-2020.Key Drivers: Energy Harvesting MarketDuring the past decade, there has been growing demand for safe, power efficient, and enduring systems, which require minimum or no maintenance. This is a major driver of market growth, expected to continue pushing the demand for devices based on the energy harvesting technology. Growing applications of the energy harvesting technology in building and home automation is another key driver to the market growth.Request For Report Sample@Moreover, industrial WSN demand energy harvesting on a large scale, which is expected to continue during the forecast period as well. The green energy trend is effectively governing the market, while favourable initiatives by various governments are also boosting the market on a global level.Abundance of renewable energy sources, including tidal, wind, and ocean energy provide a dependable platform for the innovation of energy harvesting applications. This is also an influential factor contributing to the growth of market.Key Restraints to Market GrowthThe technology based on energy harvesting is typically used off-grid or on-demand. However, both of these usage patterns possess some technological complexities, which may restrict the widespread demand for energy harvesting devices in the market. Another deterring factor includes inadequate awareness among consumers about the availability and usage of the devices based on harvested energy.Moreover, relatively higher initial costs associated with these devices are expected to curtail the growth of the market globally. The energy harvesting technology generates lower current, which makes it incompatible for the application in all types of energy domains.Global Energy Harvesting Market: SegmentationFMIs research on the global energy harvesting market provides a six-year forecast, segmenting the market on the basis of different energy sources/fields, applications, and geography.On the basis of different energy sources/fields, the energy harvesting market is segmented into radiation (solar, electromagnetic, and light), mechanical (fluid, elastic, kinetic, and potential), chemical (battery, fuel cells, and phase change), nuclear, magnetic, electric, thermal, and gravitational. Among these, electric and magnetic fields form the most common source for harvesting energy.Based on the application, the energy harvesting market is segmented as wireless sensor network (WSN), consumer electronics, industrial, building, bicycle dynamo, military and aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and others (research, animals, and farming). Among these, consumer electronics, including mobile phones, wrist watches, calculators, and piezoelectric gas lighters cover the maximum share of the global energy harvesting market, followed by military and aerospace-based applications. However, building and home automation is the fastest growing application segment in the energy harvesting sector. Energy harvesting is also an integral part in a wireless sensor network (WSN) these days.According to the geography, the energy harvesting market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these, Americas are projected to remain the dominating markets in 2016, with a significant market share. However, Europe will be the fastest growing market, owing to burgeoning promotion and investments by The European Commission in R&D of energy harvesting and storage devices. North America and Asia Pacific will also account for remarkable market shares by 2020 end. In North America, the U.S. will dominate, whereas in APAC, Japan will reportedly contribute the largest share to the total energy harvesting market revenues.Notable Market TrendsBuilding and infrastructure, automation of lighting, security, and electronics at homes, and WSNs for bridges include some of the most sought after applications of energy harvesting since the past few years.The use of mmWave (millimetre wave) for 5G cellular networks has been a popular trend of wireless energy harvesting.The market is expected to gain traction from growing application of energy harvesting in wearable devices and mobile phones.Energy harvesting is estimated to find increasing applications in automobile industry in the near future.The advent of nanotechnology has offered ample of growth opportunities to the energy harvesting market. Since nanotechnology helps manufacturing of compact-sized devices, the emergence of portable devices based on energy harvesting technology is the most likely occurrence in the market.Visit For TOC@Key Players: Global Energy Harvesting MarketSome of the prominent players competing in the industry include ABB Limited, Arveni, Enocean, Fujitsu, Cypress Semiconductor Corp., Green Peak Technologies, Honeywell International, Inc., Levant Power Corporation, Marlow Industries, Inc., Microchip Technology, Inc., MicroGen Systems, Maxim Integrated, G24 Innovations Limited, Texas Instruments Inc., and STMicroelectronics.Other notable players include Silicon Laboratories, Inc., Siemens AG, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Mide Technology Corporation, Laird Plc., Lord Microstrain, EnOcean GmbH, Cymbet Corporation, POWERleap, Inc., Schneider Electric, Linear Technology, Microstrain, and Micropelt.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: Microgrid Market Forecast and Analysis by Future Market Insights http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-59 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-59 www.futuremarketinsights.com A microgrid is a modern small-scale electricity system used to generate, distribute and regulate the flow of electricalpower. It includes distributed energy resources and multiple loads which enable it to interconnect with other electrical grids as well as operate in a parallelpower generation environment. Microgrids can be used to generate power from both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. There are different types of microgrids. The first one is true microgrid or customer microgrid, which is self-governed, has a regulatory structure and is compatible with the current technology. The second type is utility or community microgrid or milligrid which involves a division of regulated grid.The thirdvariety is virtual microgrid orvgrid.It covers multiple sitesdistributed energy resources (DER) and are coordinated in a manner such that they can be presented as a single unit to the grid.Around the world, governmentsare taking initiatives in setting up solar, biopower and wind energy farms, and increasingly concentrating on renewable energy resource based microgrids.Increased requirement ofenhanced technology for power generation and distribution, growing industrialization, government initiatives towards green energy, and a demand for secure andconsistent power supply are some of the factors driving the growth of microgrid market.Request For Report Sample@However,monetaryobstructions, complication in land acquisition and registration of land for solar PV installation in rural areas, high primary cost of installation, huge investment required for integrating existing systems with microgrid, technological barriersetc. are some of the aspectsholding backthe microgridmarket in some regions.The microgridmarket can be segmentedinto verticals, technology andtype. By verticals,the market can be categorized into public sector, healthcare, telecom and manufacturing. On the basis oftechnology,the market can be divided into various categories such as by power and component technology. Bytype,microgridmarket is segmented intooff-grid, connected grid and hybrid grid.The microgrid market is expected to be a multi-billion-dollar market and to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period, from 2014 to 2020. At present, the market is led by North America owing to growing industrialization and electrification. However, it is expected to witness ahuge potential in emerging economies of Asia-Pacific regions, such as India, China and Australia.Introduction of advanced solutions, collaboration with other organizations, joint ventures/partnerships,and acquisitions&mergers are a few strategies followed by key players operating in microgrid market, in order to outperform their competitors. For example, Toshiba Corporation acquired Consert Inc. in 2013, inorderto improve their distribution services and widen their global presence and customer base.Additionally, in November 2014, HOMER Energy LLC introduced HOMER Pro software, anupgraded version of their HOMER software,to set a global standard for microgrid designand analysis at initial stage.Further, its analysis tool mainly focuses on hybrid microgrids that are combined with multiple storage and renewable energy resources.Visit For TOC@Some of the key players in this market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, ZBB Energy Corporation, ABB Ltd., GE Digital Energy, Power Analytics Corporation, Consert Inc., Viridity Energy, Inc., S&C Electric Company, Chevron Energy, Toshiba Corporation,HOMER Energy LLC, Honeywell International Inc.,Microgrid Energy LLC and Siemens 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: Gas Leak Detectors Market Intelligence and Analysis for Period (2014-2020) http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-67 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-67 www.futuremarketinsights.com A gas leak detector is a piece of equipment or a device that senses and detects the existence of gases in a particular area. These devices are used as a part of safety systems installed in factories, homes and commercial complexes. A gas leak detector system detects the gas leaked and generates a signal to take proper action. Industrially, gas detector systems are fitted with a sound alarm to evacuate the area in case of toxic gas leakage. The popularity of such devices is growing due to the influx of new chemical facilities across the world. Further, the growing gas storage facility network across the globe has deployed a significant number of gas leak detectors for safety systems.Due to their design modifications, gas detectors are broadly categorised on the basis of technology as electrochemical, infrared imaging, infrared point, ultrasonic, semiconductor and holographic. On the basis of product type, the global gas detectors market is bifurcated into portable gas detectors and fixed gas detectors.Request For Report Sample@Portable gas detectors are widely used in lab application whereas fixed detectors find their maximum application in gas extraction and processing fields. Fixed gas detectors can also be used for residential applications such as using itin a bedroom. Further, industrial fixed type gas detector application includes SCADA monitoring.Gas detectors are used in applications such as gas turbines, building and construction, health care, food and beverages, water treatment, oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, underground gas storage facilities, and others. The segments for refineries and chemical plants applications dominate the global market at present. Nevertheless, gas detectors are widely used in underground gas storage. The growing gas supply network is spurring the demand in this segment.One of the major driving factors for gas leak detectors market is the ever growing oil & gas industry. The increasing number of gas field explorations and widening gas supply network has been fuelling the demand for gas leak detectors. In addition, active government organizations have been imposing safety regulations on the industries. This, in turn, has propelled the demand for gas leak detectors. Further, Asia Pacific is likely to lead the league in terms of growth of the industrial sector, mining sector, medicine and healthcare sector, and construction sector. This is likely to create opportunities for the growth of theglobal gas leak detectors market. However, the market is facing strong competition due to the influx of new players in the market and frequent product launches.Multi-gas detector coupled with an analyzer system is one of the emerging trends in the global leaked gas detector market. This kind of detector is gaining popularity due to its compact designs and better features as compared to conventional gas leak detectors. It is expected that the after sales market is likely to develop further in future and a number of market participants will enter this segment. It is also expected that the gas leak detector manufacturers will expand their business to aftermarket sales through forward integration and strategic alliances.A number of product launches can be seen in the global gas leak detectors market. For instance, market participants such as Scott Safety, GE and RAE Systems recently launched a few new gas leak detectors. The global gas leak detectors market has also been witnessing strategic alliances such as that between Cbiss and Old Man Partner. To expand the business globally, a number of gas leaked detectors manufacturers have acquired other companies such as the acquisition of Edinburgh Instruments Ltd by Techcomp Group Ltd., the acquisition of RAE Systems by Honeywell International Inc. and the acquisition ofGroveley Detection Ltd by Emerson.Visit For TOC@Some of the prominent players in global gas leak detectors market are City Technology Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Mine Safety Appliances Co., Dragerwerk AG & Co., KGAA, Testo AG, ABB Ltd, Industrial Scientific Corporation, California Analytical Instruments Inc., Figaro Engineering Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Hitech Instruments Ltd, Ametek Inc., Emerson Electric Co.,Halma Plc, Trolex Ltd,GE Measurement & Control, Gasmet Technologies OY, Enerac Inc., Xtralis Pty. Ltd, Horiba Ltd and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Latin America Mining Equipments Market Analysis and Forecast Study for (2014-2020) http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-la-68 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-la-68 www.futuremarketinsights.com The mining industry is expected to witness growth with a single digit CAGR over the next six years on account of the further expanding demand for metal and mineral commodities. Latin America accounted for about 8% of the global mining equipment demand in 2013 and its contribution towards global mining equipment sales was registered at 15% for the same year. The region serves as the prime destination for mining exploration and investment at a global level.The key reason which has accelerated the growth of the Latin American mining equipment market is the enhanced demand for the consumption of natural resources. Presently, the region produces about 45% of the global copper, 21% of the global zinc, 50% of the global silver and 26% of the global molybdenumproduction. In addition, foreign investment, especially from China, US, Canada and Australia, plays a significant role in the growth of the Latin American mining equipment market. Further, other operations such as the Panama Stock Operation (PSO), CSR activities, and introduction of next generation mining equipment such as Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) also serve as driving factors for the growth of the mining equipment market in Latin America. Among these, CSR activities primarily focus on rehabilitation and support programmes, promotion of healthy lifestyle and awareness programmes for the adoption of green technology. However, in the past few years, the mining industry and hence the mining equipment industry has been facing an economic crisis on account of the requirement for budget allocation in the maintenance of the mining industry and equipment, etc. Illegal mining operations at some locations and the risk associated with the mining industry serve as further constraints for the Latin American mining equipment industry.Surging demand and abundant availability of natural resources(including the worlds top three metal and mineral reserves of copper, zinc and silver rapid technological advancement, modernization of mining plants, stable legislations with a motivating legal environment, and the efficient budget allocation with aftermarket revenue generation will serve as opportunities for the development of the Latin America mining equipment market.Request For Report Sample@Market segmentation of Latin American mining equipment can be done on the basis of equipment, application and countries. On the basis of equipment, the Latin American mining equipment market includes mineral processing equipment, surface mining equipment, underground mining equipment, mining drills and breakers, crushing and screening equipment, etc. On the basis of applications, the Latin American mining equipment market segmentation includes metal ore mining, coal mining and mineral mining. Chile, being the largest producer of copper, serves as a lucrative market for copper-based mining equipment. Colombia is an active exporter,and is the first Latin American coal-producing country alongwith the production of metals such as gold, silver and platinum and hence is the opportunistic market for the associated mining equipment market. On the basis of countries, the Latin American mining equipment market includes Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela. Chile is known for the adoption and introduction of advanced technologies such as autonomous haulage system. Peru is the reserve of key minerals and has been witnessing a surging demand for copper and hence the expansion of the associated mining equipment market. Brazil has an integrated approach for the production and sale of mining equipment. Panama has an active stock operation (PSO) for the support of the mining industry. In line with the positive future of the Latin American mining equipment industry, Peru and Chile are expected to receive double digit foreign investment in $ Bn in the next six years.Visit For TOC@Some of the prominent players of the global mining equipment market include Sandvik AB, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Komatsu Limited, Atlas Copco Ab Joy Global Inc. Breaker Technology, Astec Industries, Bucyrus International, Caterpillar Incorporated, China Coal Energy Company Limited, Tecpalsa, Tecmap, Tiesa and Igaretta. Among these, Komatsu Limited in the whole of Latin America, Tecpalsa in Colombia, Tecmap and Tiesa in Panama and Igaretta in Argentina are active players in the Latin American mining equipment market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT: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: Forecast and Analysis on Concrete Admixtures Market by Future Market Insights http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-74 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-74 www.futuremarketinsights.com Cement is the most common binding material used in construction activities. Cement is mixed with crushed rocks, sand and water in specific proportion to createconcrete. Admixtures are chemicals that are added to concrete at the initial mixing stage to enhances or modify the working properties of the mix. Concrete admixtures are primarily used to enhance the compressive strength, workability and durability parameter of the concrete and to reduce the water content in it. Admixtures are generally classified according to application as Plasticizers (water reducing agents), super plasticizers (high range water reducers), air entrainers, accelerators and retarders. Also, three types of admixtures very common in the market such as Lingo-based, Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF) and Sulfonated Melamine Formaldehyde (SMF) based and PCE (Polycarboxylate Ether) based admixtures.Optimum use of admixtures depends on several factors including the type and amount of cement used, working temperature of concrete and air and water content.For developers, engineers, contractors, builders, architects and other end-users, concrete admixtures offer innumerable benefits such as corrosion resistance, reduced permeability and improved resistance to chemical attack, effective placement of concrete in extreme weather conditions and underwater placement of concrete.Request For Report Sample@The demand for concrete admixtures is directly related tocement consumption trends. Some of the drivers ofthe concrete admixtures market are improving quality of construction in developing economies, increasing demand for high rise buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels and dams. Reduction in water usage and construction time is the major concerns of contractors and manufacturers,which could be rightly addressed by making effective use of concrete admixtures. Some of the inhibitors inthe concrete admixtures market are increasing prices of raw materials, unskilled labour and lack of awareness about admixtures in the unorganized sector of construction developers.Growing residential requirements in the Middle East and Africa, andthe urbanization trend in the Asia-Pacific region indicates high market opportunities for concrete admixture manufacturers. Repair and maintenance applications also providepotential opportunities, supported by increase in renovation and repair activities. Gradual aging of the housing stock in regions like Europe and North America offers major opportunities for concrete admixtures market.In developing countries of Asia Pacific, improving quality of civil structures is offering a double-digit growth rate for concrete admixture consumption. The Asia Pacific region is the largestconsumerof concrete admixtures, and is expected to hold market share ofover two-thirds of the total global admixtures market. Various factors such as foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing markets such as India and China is providing new market opportunities inthe concrete admixtures market.Recent developments in concrete admixture technology have led to the development of mid-range water reducers. Another trend which has been increasingly adopted by major players in themarket is the use of new concrete mixtures that contain up to 85% recycled material. Another innovative concrete admixture product includes an additive called Elemix, which consists of expanded polystyrene beads. This product allows making of a lighterweight concrete with the same structural strength, while enhancing its thermal properties, retarding properties and cracking resistance.The major players in the concrete admixtures market are The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Sika AG (Switzerland), W.R. Grace Co. (U.S.), Ashland, Inc. (U.S.), RPM International, Inc. (U.S.), Fosroc International (U.K.), Cico Technologies (India), Pidilite Industries (India), CEMEX S.A.B de C.V. (Mexico), Chryso SAS (France) and MAPEI South Africa (PTY) Ltd.Visit For TOC@A number of changes in the construction industry have added impetus formanufacturers and contractors to follow sustainability and green building codes.Concrete admixtures have evolved overthe past few decades and with growth in the construction industryglobally and development of new construction techniques, concrete building systems are becoming more durable and sustainable by re by using environmental friendly techniques.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 QYResearch Research On Global Smartphone Camera Module Market Professional Survey Report 2017: By Product, Application, Manufacturer, Sales and Segmentation http://globalqyresearch.com/download-sample/250969 http://globalqyresearch.com/checkout-form/0/250969 http://globalqyresearch.com/ This report studies Smartphone Camera Module in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringLG InnotekLeicaToshibaSharpLarganGeniusSekonixKantasuSunnyKolenDIOSTECHSEMCODigitalOpticsPowerGroupUniontechKavasClick Here To Get Sample Report Copy:By types, the market can be split intoDual CameraSingle LensBy Application, the market can be split intoOEMAMBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Smartphone Camera Module Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Smartphone Camera Module1.1 Definition and Specifications of Smartphone Camera Module1.1.1 Definition of Smartphone Camera Module1.1.2 Specifications of Smartphone Camera Module1.2 Classification of Smartphone Camera Module1.2.1 Dual Camera1.2.2 Single Lens1.3 Applications of Smartphone Camera Module1.3.1 OEM1.3.2 AM1.3.3 Application 31.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Smartphone Camera Module3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Smartphone Camera Module Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Smartphone Camera Module Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Smartphone Camera Module Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Smartphone Camera Module Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Smartphone Camera Module Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Smartphone Camera Module Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Smartphone Camera Module Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Smartphone Camera Module Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Smartphone Camera Module Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Smartphone Camera Module Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Market Share Analysis5.2 China Smartphone Camera Module Market Analysis5.2.1 China Smartphone Camera Module Market Overview5.2.2 China 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Smartphone Camera Module Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Smartphone Camera Module Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Smartphone Camera Module Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Smartphone Camera Module Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Smartphone Camera Module Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Smartphone Camera Module Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Japan 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Japan 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Market Share Analysis5.6 India Smartphone Camera Module Market Analysis5.6.1 India Smartphone Camera Module Market Overview5.6.2 India 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.6.3 India 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Analysis5.6.4 India 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Market Share Analysis6 Global 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Segment Market Analysis (by Type)6.1 Global 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Sales by Type6.2 Different Types of Smartphone Camera Module Product Interview Price Analysis6.3 Different Types of Smartphone Camera Module Product Driving Factors Analysis6.3.1 Dual Camera of Smartphone Camera Module Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.2 Single Lens of Smartphone Camera Module Growth Driving Factor Analysis7 Global 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Segment Market Analysis (by Application)7.1 Global 2012-2017E Smartphone Camera Module Consumption by Application7.2 Different Application of Smartphone Camera Module Product Interview Price Analysis7.3 Different Application of Smartphone Camera Module Product Driving Factors Analysis7.3.1 OEM of Smartphone Camera Module Growth Driving Factor Analysis7.3.2 AM of Smartphone Camera Module Growth Driving Factor Analysis8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module8.1 LG Innotek8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 LG Innotek 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 LG Innotek 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Leica8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 Leica 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Leica 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Toshiba8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 Toshiba 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Toshiba 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 Sharp8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.2.1 Product A8.4.2.2 Product B8.4.3 Sharp 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 Sharp 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 Largan8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.2.1 Product A8.5.2.2 Product B8.5.3 Largan 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 Largan 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 Genius8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.2.1 Product A8.6.2.2 Product B8.6.3 Genius 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 Genius 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 Sekonix8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.2.1 Product A8.7.2.2 Product B8.7.3 Sekonix 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 Sekonix 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 Kantasu8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.2.1 Product A8.8.2.2 Product B8.8.3 Kantasu 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 Kantasu 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 Sunny8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.2.1 Product A8.9.2.2 Product B8.9.3 Sunny 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 Sunny 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 Kolen8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.2.1 Product A8.10.2.2 Product B8.10.3 Kolen 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 Kolen 2016 Smartphone Camera Module Business Region Distribution Analysis8.11 DIOSTECH8.12 SEMCO8.13 DigitalOptics8.14 PowerGroup8.15 Uniontech8.16 Kavas9 Development Trend of Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module Market9.1 Global Smartphone Camera Module Market Trend Analysis9.1.1 Global 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast9.1.2 Global 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Sales Price Forecast9.2 Smartphone Camera Module Regional Market Trend9.2.1 North America 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Consumption Forecast9.2.2 China 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Consumption Forecast9.2.3 Europe 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Consumption Forecast9.2.4 Southeast Asia 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Consumption Forecast9.2.5 Japan 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Consumption Forecast9.2.6 India 2017-2022 Smartphone Camera Module Consumption Forecast9.3 Smartphone Camera Module Market Trend (Product Type)9.4 Smartphone Camera Module Market Trend (Application)10 Smartphone Camera Module Marketing Type Analysis10.1 Smartphone Camera Module Regional Marketing Type Analysis10.2 Smartphone Camera Module International Trade Type Analysis10.3 Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Smartphone Camera Module by Region10.4 Smartphone Camera Module Supply Chain Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Smartphone Camera Module11.1 Consumer 1 Analysis11.2 Consumer 2 Analysis11.3 Consumer 3 Analysis11.4 Consumer 4 Analysis12 Conclusion of the Global Smartphone Camera Module Market Professional Survey Report 2017MethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceBuy This Report Now:Global QYResearch() is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QYResearch holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Cleveland Road Global Wireless Sensors Market to grow at a CAGR of 19.55% during 2017-2021 - ABB, Honeywell Process Solutions, General Electric, Siemens, Yokogawa Electric http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1067093 http://www.researchmoz.us/global-wireless-sensors-market-2017-2021-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Wireless sensors are used in industrial settings for monitoring data in a production flow. They are equipped with transmitters that read signals from instruments or environments and convert it into a radio transmission. These sensors are considered to be standard measurement tools that convert these wireless signals into informative data that can be analyzed. The optimization of technology has resulted in these sensors getting lighter, smaller, smarter, power-efficient, and cheaper. A wireless sensor is a device that measures and detects any kind of physical properties and indicates, records, or responds to it. Wireless sensors consist of transmitters that read signals from instruments or environments and converts it into a radio transmission signal.The global wireless sensor market to grow at a CAGR of 19.55% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global wireless sensor market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Wireless Sensor Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Browse more details at:Key vendors- ABB- Honeywell Process Solutions- General Electric- Siemens- Yokogawa ElectricOther prominent vendors- Ambient Micro- Aruba Networks (Hewlett-Packard Enterprise)- Atmel- BAE Systems- Bosch- Cisco Systems- Drgerwerk- Dust Networks- EnoCean- NXP Semiconductor (Freescale Semiconductor)- Gastronics- Industrial Scientific Corporation (ISC)- Microsemi Corporation- Microstrain- Mitsubishi Electric- OmniVision Technologies- OMRON- Rockwell Collins- Schneider Electric- Silicon Laboratories- STMicroelectronics- Thermo Fisher ScientificKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Coal Bed Methane Market Challenges and Opportunities Report http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-136 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-136 www.futuremarketinsights.com Under the purview of energy, coal bed methane primarily refers to the natural gas or methane recovery from un-mined coal seams and adjacent sandstones. Such methane recovery usually occurs prior to mining, whereas in some cases, coal seams remain un-mined and methane recovery from such sites is known as virgin coal bed methane. Coal bed methane recovery from un-mined coal mines is of strategic importance as absolute or maximum drainage of the methane seam is necessary to avoid the risk of explosion as well as mitigate the emission of methane in the atmosphere from coal mining operations. From the estimated global coal bed methane reserve of about 4,000 Tcf to 5,000 Tcf, about 20% to 25% is recoverable.The fact that the coal in some sites is at a greater depth, makes it not feasible to extract it on account of the associated safety. This and other environmental and economic considerations serve as the drivers for the global coal bed methane market. Further, the shifting focus towards the use of unconventional energy sources serves as another factor for the growth of global coal bed methane market. The constraints of the coal bed methane are dependent on the accessibility of coal seams. Major constraints of the global coal bed methane market include environmental, regulatory, technical and economic challenges. Among these, environmental constraints include risk associated with greenhouse gas emission. The economical challenges associated with the global coal bed methane market are more prevalent in the early stages of the recovery, when large quantities of water are pumped in with minimal recovery of revenue producing gas. This dewatering and produced water disposal cost is of significant importance for any carbon bed methane project. Although the development cost for the coal bed methane project is relatively lower, it is always a challenge to keep it within minimal range to achieve profitability. The technical constraints of the coal bed methane market depend on the well completion and optimization design to achieve maximum production with optimum number, spacing and location of wells. Also, handling and disposal of water at a minimal cost alongwith the efficient reservoir characterisation are other key technical restraints for global coal bed methane market. Also, coal bed methane requires a low pressure pipeline system which acts as an economical constraint. However, the potential of carbon bed methane to serve as a supplement for conventional natural gas supply and its contribution towards the global energy mix will act as an opportunity for global coal bed methane market. However, the market expansion of the global coal bed methane will be dependent upon the growth of newer technology and development.Request For Report Sample@Market segmentation of global coal bed methane can be done on the basis of application, technology and geography. On the basis of application, the global carbon methane market includes commercial application, industrial application, power generation, residential application, and transportation. On the basis of technology, the global carbon bed methane market includes fracturing techniques including hydro-fracturing, proppant-based fracturing and chemical additive based fracturing, exploration, and drilling. Among these, fracturing techniques have been utilised most frequently for coal bed methane recovery. On the basis of geography, the global coal bed methane market includes North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Among these, the largest carbon bed methane resource bases are found in Canada, China, US, Soviet Union and Australia, with Canada accounting for the maximum share followed by the Soviet Union, China, Australia and US. On a broader level, any country with abundant coal reserves and population, and high energy demand will serve as a potential market for carbon bed methane development at a global level. The demand for coal bed methane gas is evident alongwith the demand for natural gas in China and other Asian countries. Associated exploration in the US has been active in the past few years whereas Canada witnessed lower exploration and the development offewer extraction technologies pertaining to global coal bed methane market.Visit For TOC@Some of the prominent players of the global coal bed methane market include Santos, Quick Silver Resources Inc, Baker Hughes Incorporated, BG Group, Arrow Energy, Blue Energy Limited, Halliburton, Dart Energy Ltd., Fortune Oil PLC, ConocoPhillips and Metgasco Limited.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Barite Market Competitive Intelligence and Tracking Report http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-150 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-150 www.futuremarketinsights.com Barite is a mineral that is rich in barium. Barite commonly occurs in the large number of depositional environment and it is found in the zinc-lead veins in limestone, in the hot spring deposits and in the hematite ore. Barite is also found alongside meteorites. Barite is relatively inert and also exhibits a physical property of high density. Barite is widely used as a weighting agent in the drilling muds. Barite also finds other applications in the electrical and electronics, rubber, ceramics, paints radiation shielding, medical and glass industry among others. China, India, Morocco and U.S. are expected to be the largest producers of barite. The total barite resources across the globe in all categories are around 2 billion tons, however, only 740 million tons is considered among the identified resources.Most of the barite manufactured is used as a weighting agent in the drilling fluids that are used in the oil and gas exploration. Barites are mainly used to suppress the high formation fluids and also to prevent blowouts. The quantity of barite used is mainly dependent on the depth of the hole that has to be bored. The deeper the hole, more the barite is required. Barite is non-magnetic in nature and hence, it does not interfere with the magnetic measurements that are taken during boring the hole making barite an ideal choice for the drilling fluids. Barite is widely used in the manufacturing of paints and coatings. Thus, the growing automobile industry is expected to boost the overall growth of the paints and coatings industry which in turn is expected to drive the growth of the overall barite market. The global barite market is expected to grow owing to its increasing demand in other applications such as textiles, paper and paints among others. Though, there are alternatives to barite such as ilmenite, celestite, iron ore and synthetic hematite, none of these substitutes had a major impact on the barite drilling mud industry.Request For Report Sample@Barites offer several benefits such as good stability, strong inertia, moderate rigidity, acid and alkali proof and high specific gravity. Due to such advantages, barite is widely used in applications including engineering plastic, middle and high-grade paint, medicine compounding, rubber, pottery, paper-making and cosmetics among others. The main types of barites are ground barite, finely ground barite and bleached barite. Ground barite is used as filler in the production of oil cloth, linoleum, paper, textile, plastics and rubber. Finely ground barite finds use in making thixotropic mud for sealing oil wells in drilling applications and bleached barite is used as a pigment in white paint.Considering the rapidly growing oil and gas drilling industry, the demand for barite is expected to record a strong growth in the coming years. India and China hold a dominant position in the barite supply and have increased prices significantly in the recent times. Owing to this, there is an increased focus on discovering and developing new barite resources across the world. While India and China are anticipated to dominate the barite production and export, mining projects in several stages of development are ongoing in countries such as Liberia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Zimbabwe.Visit For TOC@Some of the key participants of the barite market include Desku Group Inc., SMIMTAF, Shijiazhuang Oushun Minerals Products Co. Ltd., Shanghai Titanos Industry Co., Ltd., CMS Industries and V&P Corporation 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: Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market to Witness Impressive Growth by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=108 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=108 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=108 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.Get Discount @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 Organic Wine Market to grow at a CAGR of 10.05% during 2017-2021 - Emiliana Organic Vineyards, King Estate Winery, The Wine Group, Treasury Wine Estates, Concha http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1067087 http://www.researchmoz.us/global-organic-wine-market-2017-2021-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Organic wine is produced from grapes that are grown organically. Organic cultivation excludes the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. There are more than 2,000 organic wine producers globally. Since organic grape cultivation does not make use of any harmful chemicals, it is beneficial for both the environment and the crop. Grapes constitute one of those agricultural products that receive the heaviest application of pesticides, and conventional wines produced from such grapes generally contain pesticide residues. However, since organic wine is prepared from organic grapes, it is free from pesticide residues.The global organic wine market to grow at a CAGR of 10.05% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global organic wine market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Organic Wine Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Browse more details at:Key vendors- Emiliana Organic Vineyards- King Estate Winery- The Wine Group- Treasury Wine Estates- Concha y ToroOther prominent vendors- Armit Wines- Boutinot- Chateau Maris- DeLoach Vineyards- Distell Group- Grgich Hills Estate- Lapostolle- The Organic Wine CompanyMarket driver- Increasing number of organic vineyards.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Campaigns against alcohol consumption.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Global Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Market Analysis and Forecast (2017-2021) nipt www.dpiresearch.com/report-details.php?P_ID=93 www.dpiresearch.com/report-details.php?P_ID=93 Buy Now:Longterm Growth Projection:More than 2.5 Million tests will be conducted by the 11 major NIPT test by the year end of 2021.Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) market size was valued at nearly USD 1 Billion in 2016 and market is expected to grow at the CAGR of XX% during 2017-2021.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industryvalidated 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, country wise actual and potential market, NIPT test analysis with volume and market revenue and competitive landscape. The report also covers market growth drivers, challenges, current and upcoming trends of the NIPT test marketGLOBAL NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL TESTING (NIPT) MARKET SEGMENTATIONGlobal Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Market By Test Type1. MaterniT21 PLUS2. Harmony3. NIFTY4. Verifi5. Panorama6. PrenaTest7. BambniTest8. informaSeq9. VisibiliT10. Veracity11. IONA TestComplete Report @:Global Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Market By Country1. United States2. United Kingdom3. Germany4. Italy5. Spain6. France7. Switzerland8. Sweden9. Belgium10. Australia11. New Zealand12. Japan13. China14. India15. BrazilDPI Research is a business solutions firm which offer bespoke market research reports, custom research solutions and consulting across multi geographies and industry verticals. We deliver wide range of cutting-edge research solutions that helps organizations in making better decisions of the business to business needs.DPI Research provides high standard of business research reports to the clients across industry verticals comprising Life Sciences, Information Technology, Telecom & Internet, Food Beverages & Agriculture, Travel & Tourism, Consumer Goods & Retail, Education and Social Sciences. We are committed to use advanced analytical tools and methodologies to help clients with crucial industry information for decision making.DPI Research approaches for the business research led by a team of dynamic industry experts. DPI Research provides a real insight for effective decisions to help business with the help of current source and accurate data available in the market. DPI Research reach across the globe with global standards from established markets in the North America and Europe to emerging markets in South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa to provide the best business solutions.Name: Maria Rai,Sales ManagerEmail: sales@dpiresearch.comOrganization: DPI ResearchPhone: + 91 728-994-9987 Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) Market Intelligence with Competitive Landscape http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-238 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-238 www.futuremarketinsights.com Static random access memory (SRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory. It uses bistable latching circuitry for storing bits. It is static in nature i.e. the data bits are stored till the power is supplied. The SRAMs are comparatively more expensive than DRAMs, thus are mostly used in the applications where high efficiency and performance is needed. Some characteristics such as bandwidth, power efficiency make SRAMs ideal for the electronic appliances such as cell phones, digital cameras and electronics user interfaces. Some of the general uses of SRAMs are workstations, computers, routers and other peripheral equipments such as CPU (central processing unit) caches, CPU register files, router buffers and hard disk buffers, among others. Printers and LCD (liquid crystal display) screens also use SRAM to save the preview of the image printed or displayed.Emerging high performance network applications, increasing demand and applications of the embedded SRAMs, and increasing demand for faster cache memories are some of the factors responsible for the growth of SRAM market. Faster switching time, power efficiency and high endurance as compared to traditional RAM, effective replacement for the traditional memory technology and increasing application base are some of the driving factors for the SRAM market. However, its larger cell size (up to six transistors for a single bit) makes it impractical for applications requiring large memory. Further, high cost incurred in designing and low stability in harsh condition is some other challenges to the growth of SRAM market. Neural networks and flexible electronics are emerging opportunities in SRAM market. The market for cellular RAM is increasing at growing rapidly and use and application of SRAM in cellular devices is expected to boost the market in coming time. Flash memory market can be replaced by SRAMs in upcoming years and players have opportunity in this filed.Request For Report Sample@Static random access memory is segmented on the basis of type of flip-flop used, transistor type, features, functions, product types, applications and geography. Binary SRAM and ternary SRAM are the two broad segments of the SRAM market on the basis of flip-flop type. On the basis of transistor type the SRAM market is segmented into bipolar junction transistor and MOSFET (metaloxide semiconductor field-effect transistor).on the basis of features the SRAM market is segmented into ZBT (zero bus turnaround) SRAM, syncBurst SRAM, DDR (double data rate) SRAM and quad data rate SRAM. SRAM market is segmented on the basis of products into, asynchronous SRAM, PSRAM (pseudo SRAM), nVSRAM (non volatile SRAM) and others. On the basis of end-use application SRAM market is segmented into communication industry, computer /IT sector, consumer electronics industry and automotive sector, among others. China, Taiwan, Singapore, India and Malaysia are some of the countries holding huge potential for SRAM market.Visit For TOC@Some of the key vendors in static random access memory (SRAM) are Micron Technology, Inc., Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc., Powerchip Technology Corporation, Integrated Device Technology, Inc. Cypress Semiconductor, Everspin Technologies, Inc., Intel Corporation, Sony Corporation, Samsung Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics N.V., GSI Technology and Integrated Device Technology, 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 Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017 Global Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017 https://www.qyresearcheurope.com/ http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/ The Volumetric Auger Feeder Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Volumetric Auger Feeder industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Volumetric Auger Feeder 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 Volumetric Auger Feeder 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.EMEA Volumetric Auger Feeder market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Volumetric Auger Feeder sales volume (K Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingHapmanVelodyne SystemsTecweighArmegBoschDeWaltAcrisonShini USAMERRICK IndustriesHi Spec EngineeringMaguire Products Inc.ROXELKWS ManufacturingRospen Industries......Ask a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atTable of contents:1 Industry Overview of Volumetric Auger Feeder2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Volumetric Auger Feeder3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Volumetric Auger Feeder4 Global Volumetric Auger Feeder Overall Market Overview5 Volumetric Auger Feeder Regional Market Analysis6 Global 2012-2017E Volumetric Auger Feeder Segment Market Analysis (by Type)7 Global 2012-2017E Volumetric Auger Feeder Segment Market Analysis (by Application)8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Volumetric Auger Feeder9 Development Trend of Analysis of Volumetric Auger Feeder Market10 Volumetric Auger Feeder Marketing Type Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Volumetric Auger FeederRelated Reports:Global Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017Europe Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017China Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017India Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017Japan Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017USA Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017Korea Volumetric Auger Feeder Market Professional Survey Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com Tel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch 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 Soy Protein Ingredient Market Challenges and Opportunities Report http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-628 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-628 www.futuremarketinsights.com Soybean is processed primarily into three forms which includes soy protein isolates comprise ~90% protein, soy protein concentrates with ~70% protein, and soy flour with ~50% protein. Soy protein ingredient is considered to be the best substitute for animal protein. Soy protein ingredient comprises amino acids and are also rich in fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, polyunsaturated fats and lecithin, magnesium and vitamin B. Thus it contains high health-related benefits and functional properties. Due to its characteristics it primarily used as emulsifier, gel, tenderizer, binder, stabilizer, and thickener by food and beverages processing industry. Soy protein ingredients are also environmental friendly as they require less amount of water while processing.Soy Protein Ingredient Market SegmentationOn the basis of type soy protein ingredient can be segmented as soy protein isolates, soy protein concentrates and soy flour. Among all these product type soy protein isolates is expected to account for the potential market share followed by soy protein concentrates. Due to high percentage of protein content in soy protein isolates is supporting the demand for the same during the forecast period. Soy flour is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. However due to less protein content in the soy flour is expected to restrain its growth in the near future.Request For Report Sample@Furthermore the soy protein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of application which includes bakery and confectionary, processed meat products, functional foods, dairy replacers, infant foods and others. Among all these segment functional food is expected to be the major contributor in supporting the growth soy protein ingredient followed by processed meat products. Rising awareness among the consumer for health beneficiary products is supporting the demand for soy protein ingredient market during the forecast period. Moreover, infant food is also expected to support the demand of soy protein ingredient market. This is due to the increasing parental concern for providing the nutritious and healthy food to their child.Geographically Europe and North America is expected to account for the major market share in the forecast period. However these region is expected to record moderate growth. In North America, U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the double digit CAGR growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for nutritional food among the consumers. Moreover in Latin America, Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Soy Protein Ingredient Market DriversHigh functional properties of the soy protein ingredient coupled with ecofriendly and natural health benefits is driving the demand of soy protein during the forecast period. Moreover it is cost effective than the animal protein and reflects the same protein content. This is expected to enhance adoption of soy protein across various end-use industries resulting in increasing the shelf life of the processed food, so it is also considered as the most sustainable protein ingredients which is favoring its growth in alternate way.Visit For TOC@Soy Protein Ingredient Restraining FactorsHowever, its anti-nutrients and allergic nature of soy protein ingredients is restraining its growth during the forecast period. Moreover, negative impact of genetically modified (GM) soy coupled with the availability of various alternatives such as milk proteins, pea proteins and other animal proteins are also effecting the growth of soy protein ingredient in the forecast period.Soy Protein Ingredient Market: Key PlayersKey international players operating in the soy protein ingredient market are, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company, Dean Foods Company, Armor Proteins, Gelita Group, Bunge Alimentos SA, Kerry Ingredients Inc., Burcon NutraScience, Cargill Health & Food Technologies, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Kellogg Company, Doves Farm Foods, Kraft Foods Group Inc., Manildra Group, MGP Ingredients, Omega Protein Corporation, George Weston Foods and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Immunology Drugs Market - Will the Current Market Leaders Retain Their Dominance Over the Forecast Period? http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-immunology-drugs-market-to-2022/request-sample http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-immunology-drugs-market-to-2022 http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-immunology-drugs-market-to-2022 "Global Immunology Drugs Market to 2022 - Increasing Prevalence, Repositioning Opportunities and Strong Uptake of Interleukin Receptor Inhibitors to Drive Growth" is the new report added to the database of market research reports by Radiant Insights.Immunology is a therapy area characterized by disorders of the immune system, specifically an aberrant autoimmune response against healthy tissues in the body, leading to chronic or acute inflammation. Depending on the specific site affected, this can lead to various types of chronic pain and mobility loss, and have a negative impact on quality of life.A number of therapies have been approved for immunological disorders, including the largely genericized disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) class of small molecule drugs. However, as these therapies often fail to elicit an adequate long-term response, a large second-line therapy segment has emerged in these markets, beginning with the approval of Remicade (infliximab) and Enbrel (etanercept) in 1998. There is currently no cure for immunological disorders due to the highly complex nature of the immune system and the fact that many components of the pathophysiological states of these diseases have roles in the healthy immune system.Request Sample Copy of Immunology Drugs Market Report@Autoimmune disorders are currently incurable, and treatment is aimed at managing the disease, in order to reduce the severity of its symptoms and lower the risk of associated co-morbidities. Cytokines and their receptors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor- and Interleukin-6 are the most effective and most common therapies used in immunology. This class of compounds has been the most commercially successful in the past decade, particularly in the RA market, with many clinical trials underway across various immunological indications. The market for immunological disorders is largely accounted for by premium products, with only a relatively small revenue share accounted for by generics and biosimilars.Inflectra, a biosimilar of Remicade was recently approved by the FDA in 2016. However, the gradual uptake of biosimilars such as Inflectra is not expected to act as a strong growth driver for the biosimilar segment within the forecast period. This therefore means existing products such as Remicade are expected to maintain high revenues during the forecast periodAlthough there is a high degree of failure and uncertainty in R&D of immunological drugs, there are 2,054 drugs in active development in the immunology pipeline. In the long-term, this is expected to drive growth in this market in spite of the anticipated approval of biosimilars for key blockbuster drugs and resultant erosion of revenues. Cytokines and their receptors account for the largest single segment of each of the pipelines which make up the largest individual class.The report focuses on four key indications within immunology: Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Psoriasis and Inflammatory bowel disease (The two major types of Inflammatory bowel disease covered in this report are Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease). With no curative therapies available, symptomatic medications prescribed off-label are an important part of the treatment paradigm, especially in SLE, increasing the need for extensive R&D within this area.Browse Complete Report Summary with TOC here:Scope- Global revenues for the immunology market are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.63%, from $57.7 billion in 2015 to $74.1 billion in 2022.- Which drugs will achieve blockbuster status and how will the key player companies perform during the forecast period?- The immunological disorders pipeline is large and diverse, and contains 2,054 products. How does the composition of the pipeline compare with that of the existing market?- What molecular targets and molecule types are most commonly being trialed in pipeline products in the key indications?- Which products will contribute to market growth most significantly, and which will achieve blockbuster status?- Will the current market leaders retain their dominance over the forecast period, and how is their revenue share of the immunology market set to change?Reasons to buy- Understand the current clinical and commercial landscape by considering disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and the treatment options available at each stage of diagnosis- Visualize the composition of the immunology market across each indication, in terms of dominant molecule types and targets, highlighting the key commercial assets and players- Analyze the immunological disorders pipeline and stratify by stage of development, molecule type and molecular target, with a granular breakdown across key indications- Understand the growth in patient epidemiology and market revenues for the immunology market, globally and across the key players and product types- Stratify the market in terms of the split between generic and premium products, and assess the role of these product types in the treatment of the various immunological disorders.- Identify commercial opportunities in the immunology deals landscape by analyzing trends in licensing and co-development dealsBuy Complete Report @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About Us:Radiant Insights is a market research and consulting company offering syndicated research studies, customized reports, and consulting services. Our market research studies are designed to facilitate strategic decision making, on the basis of extensive and in-depth quantitative information, supported by extensive analysis and industry insights. Using a patented and robust research methodology, we publish exhaustive research reports covering a host of industries such as Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy.Media Contact:Michelle Thoras201 Spear Street 1100,Suite 3036, San Francisco,CA 94105, United StatesTel: 1-415-349-0054Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744Mail: sales@radiantinsights.com Insomnia Market Expected to Reach $5,488 Million, globally, by 2023 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/insomnia-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2373 According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Insomnia Market by Therapy Type and Geography: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023," the global insomnia market accounted for $4,093 million in 2016, and is estimated to reach $5,488 million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 4.2% from 2017 to 2023. North America was the highest contributor in the insomnia market in 2016; however, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period.Early buyers will receive 20% customization on this report.Insomnia is a sleep disorder where in people have problem in falling asleep or remaining asleep. The major causes of insomnia include high stress level, mental disorders, excessive consumptions of caffeine & alcohol, and other medical conditions. Insomnia is categorized into three types depending on the duration of the disorder, namely transient (few days), acute (few weeks), and chronic insomnia (few months or even years).Access full summary at:The global insomnia market is driven by factors such as emergence of therapeutics with fewer side-effects and rise in demand for over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids. Few drugs that are used for the treatment of chronic diseases affect the quality of sleep; thereby, increasing the number of insomnia cases. Furthermore, rise in geriatric population and growth in disposable income are expected to boost the market growth. However, the side-effects caused due to excessive use of sleep medication and patent expiration of many prescription drugs are expected to hamper the market growth.Get PDF of this Report @The pharmacological therapy segment is the highest contributor to the market growth. The non-pharmacological therapy segment is anticipated to be lucrative for market players, as these therapies cause fewer side effects as compared to drugs.In 2016, North America accounted for the maximum contribution to the total revenue generated, owing to the high prevalence rate of insomnia, presence of high disposable income, and high demand for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. In addition, the presence of large number of insomnia centers in this region and rise in the number of patients with chronic renal & kidney diseases are expected to boost the market growth. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the study period, owing to increase in the number of people working at odd hours, rise in incidence rate of insomnia, and growth in disposable income.Key Findings of the Insomnia Market: The cognitive behavioral therapy segment is anticipated to grow at the highest rate during the analysis period. The prescription drugs segment generated the highest revenue, and is expected to continue its dominance in the near future. North America dominated the global insomnia market, and is anticipated to continue its dominance in the future. China is expected to grow at highest CAGR in the Asia-Pacific. The pharmacological therapy segment was the largest contributor to the market growth, in 2016.The key companies profiled in the report include Merck & Co. Inc., Sanofi India Limited, Pfizer, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., Eisai, Co. Ltd., Meda Consumer Healthcare Inc., Pernix Therapeutics, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, and ECR Pharmaceuticals.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.Contact Us5933 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 United States Hypercars Market Research Analysis Report 2017 https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/united-states-hypercars-report-2017-market https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1417214 https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/1417214 Hypercars Market , is recently added report, is a comprehensive analysis of the Hypercars Market. It offers useful market insights such as the market share, size and growth. The current trends, growth opportunities and challenges in the Loyalty are highlighted in the report. Factors that influence market growth are listed in the presented study along with factors that impede market growth for the forecast period 2017-2022. The prospects of the upcoming projects and technological advancements have been highlighted in the market study. The scope and feasibility of the emerging industry applications is evaluated in the market study.View Complete Report:The key market players included in the report:FerrariPorscheAutomobili LamborghiniKoenigseggPagani AutomobiliBugattiMaseratiApplicationThe different applications of the Hypercars market are evaluated in detail. The market share, future potential and market size of each application is included in the report. The different applications include:ClubPrivateOtherRequest For Sample Report:Owing to higher adoption rate and technological advancements, the growth rate of application # is on the rise during the forecast period.The presented study takes into account the key raw materials, price trends, suppliers and the market concentration of the raw materials. The various marketing channels used by different distributors and traders are minutely studied and added in the report.Competitive LandscapeThe competitive landscape of the Hypercars market is enclosed in the presented report. The recent mergers, acquisitions and collaborations are all penned down in the report. The key market players are studied in the report. Data related to the major market players include:Company profileProduct specificationSales areaSales, revenue, gross margin (2017-2022)Market share by regionManufacturer 4Do Inquire About Report:The different marketing channels, marketing strategies, raw materials, raw material sourcing and key vendors of raw materials is studied under the scope of the market study for the period 2017-2022.With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States Sheet Molding Compound Worldwide Market Revenue, Segment Analysis, Share and 2021 Growth Rate ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001589425/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/world-sheet-molding-compound-market-research-report-2021 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001589425/buying Publisher's Sheet Molding Compound market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.The Players mentioned in our report:IDIContinental Structural PlasticsMenzolitCore Molding TechnologiesPremixPolyntMolymer SSPAstarLorenzMagnaDevi PolymersDICYueqing SMC & BMCRequest Sample Copy At:Application Segment Analysis:Electrical industrial applicationsAutomobile industryApplication of railway vehiclesCommunications engineeringGlobal Sheet Molding Compound Market:USAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaFor More Information About This Report:Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Sheet Molding Compound IndustryChapter 2 World Market Competition LandscapeChapter 3 World Sheet Molding Compound Market shareChapter 4 Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 5 Company ProfilesChapter 6 Globalization & TradeChapter 7 Distributors and CustomersChapter 8 Import, Export, Consumption and Consumption Value by Major CountriesChapter 9 World Sheet Molding Compound Market Forecast through 2021Chapter 10 Key success factors and Market OverviewInquire For This Report At:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Fever-Tree Market 2017 By Analyzing the Performance of Various Competitors https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1306899-success-case-study-fever-tree-mixer-brand-capitalizing-on-premium-spirits-trends https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1306899-success-case-study-fever-tree-mixer-brand-capitalizing-on-premium-spirits-trends https://www.wiseguyreports.com/conferences https://www.wiseguyreports.com/seminars SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Success Case Study: Fever-Tree - Mixer brand capitalizing on premium spirits trends"Success Case Study: Fever-Tree - Mixer brand capitalizing on premium spirits trends", is part of Successes and Failures research. It examines the details of and reasons behind the success of the Fever-Tree premium mixer, which has grown significantly in the UK and is also expanding internationally. It delivers the critical "what?", "why?", and "so what?" analysis to teach you crucial lessons that increase your chances of launching successful products.Alongside the brand's popularity and industry recognition, the company's revenue has also been steadily increasing. The 2016 financial year in particular was a significantly successful year for the company. According to preliminary results, the Fever-Tree brand's revenue was 102.2m globally, registering year-on-year growth of 73%, and its gross profit was 56.4m with 83% year-on-year growth. Other mixer brands, such as Coca-Cola's Schweppes, have not been able to sustain similar successes in terms of sales value and volume, especially in the UK.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Fever-Tree is a "natural" premium mixer brand claiming to feature high-quality ingredients. The award-winning mixer brand has made an impact in the considerably mature overall mixer market, eroding established brands' sales.- Fever-Tree mixers have a distinctive character and its premium positioning caters to key consumer trends - such as premiumization, the craft movement, and connoisseurship - that are trending in the alcoholic beverage market.- Consumers prefer to drink at home rather than outside, and this cocooning trend has fueled the success of Fever-Tree.- Observing market trends can inspire new product development, identifying market trends and creating a brand that fills a gap in the market.Key points to buy- Use selection of successful and failed product launches and marketing campaigns from across the globe to inspire innovation.- Reduce the risk of failure by learning from brands/products that have under-performed: failed innovation can severely impact profit and reputation.- Understand the relevant consumer trends and attitudes that drive and support innovation success so you can tap into what is really impacting the industry.- Gain a broader appreciation of the fast-moving consumer goods industry by gaining insights from both within and outside of your sector.- Access valuable strategic take-outs to help direct future decision-making and inform new product development.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 51.2 List of Figures 62 Executive Summary 72.1 Fall in OECD Countries Carbon Emission despite a Global Rise during 2010-2015 72.2 Technological Advancements and Government Support Driving Global Renewable Power Installations 72.3 Top 10 Countries Account for Over 85% of Wind Power Capacity 72.4 Renewable to Stock Up Maximum Installed Capacity by 2030 82.5 Wind Power to become one of the Primary Sources of Electricity in the Future 93 Introduction 103.1 Carbon Emissions, Global, 2001-2016 103.2 Primary Energy Consumption, Global, 2001-2025 123.3 Wind Power, Global, Technology Definition and Classification 143.4 Wind Power Market, Technology Overview 153.5 Wind Power Market, Turbine Components 153.6 Report Guidance 17..CONTINUEDFOR ANY QUERY, CONTACT US @For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Musculoskeletal Pains Market : Key Company Information-Growth, Trends and Forecasts 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=117 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=117 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=117 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.Get Discount @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 Automotive Axle Market Trend to 2022 Profiling ZF Friedrichshafen, AAM, Dana, Meritor, Korea Flange & More https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/135541/?utm_source=opr-SK https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/135541/?utm_source=Paid-SK https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/2017-china-automotive-axle-industry-report/?utm_source=RR-SK https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/category/news-releases/ Market Study Report adds Global Automotive Axle Market By Manufacturers, Countries, Type And Application, Forecast To 2022 report to its research database. The report spread across 119 pages with table and figures in it.An Automotive Axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to the vehicle, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle is supported. In the latter case, a bearing or bushing sits inside a central hole in the wheel to allow the wheel or gear to rotate around the axle. Sometimes, especially on bicycles, the latter type axle is referred to as a spindle.Request a sample copy of Automotive Axle Market Research Report @Scope of the Report, this report focuses on the Automotive Axle 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 - ZF Friedrichshafen, AAM, Dana, Meritor, Korea Flange, Hyundai Dymos, SeAH Besteel, Press Kogyo, IJT, ILJIN, Timken, Gestamp, Magneti Marelli, GKN, Liaoning SG, Weichai, Automotive Axles LimitedMarket 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 - Front Axle, Rear AxleMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into - Commercial Vehicle, Passenger Cars, OthersEnquire For Discount on Automotive Axle Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Automotive Axle market.Chapter 1, to describe Automotive Axle Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Automotive Axle, with sales, revenue, and price of Automotive Axle, 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 Automotive Axle, 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, Automotive Axle market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Automotive Axle sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceRelated Reports: -2017 China Automotive Axle Industry ReportThis report is an essential reference for who looks for detailed information on China Automotive Axle market. The report covers data on China and its regional markets including historical and future t...About Us:Centralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News: Phenylbutazone Market : Technological Development, Applications, Product, End User, Forecast 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=122 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=122 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=122 Global Phenylbutazone Market: SnapshotThe phenylbutazone market has hit a road-block due to its disapproval from the country-wide market in the U.S. However, phenylbutazone, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are useful in treating pain, fever, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other inflammations in human body, continue to be used in other parts of the World. Moreover, these drugs are also used by the veterinary department, wherein 23 actively marketed phenylbutazone drugs are FDA approved for usages on horses. These drugs are available in multiple dosage forms, including boluses, oral tablets, pastes, powders, and solutions for intravenous injection. These two factors are expected to help the global phenylbutazone market sustain the demand the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. On the other hand, the availability of newer drugs with considerably reduced adverse effects on the subjects is hindering the growth rate of the market.This report on the global phenylbutazone provides in-depth analysis of all the factors that may favor or obstruct the demand in the near future, and includes profiles of a number of vendors currently operating in the market. The report has been prepared using proven research methodologies and aspires to serve as a dependable business document for targeted audiences such as pharmaceuticals manufacturers, research and academic institutions, hospitals and clinics, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The report also segments the market based on application and product type, as well as studies the opportunities available for the vendors in different regions.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Phenylbutazone Market: OverviewPhenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meant to provide short-term relief from fever and pain. The drug is currently banned in the U.S. and the U.K. for human use, and therefore is largely meant for animal uses. The ban on phenylbutazone was approved due to its severely debilitating side-effects such as reducing the rate of production of white blood cells and causing aplastic anemia. It was originally used in humans for the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis till 1949 and is now commonly used on horses for the treatment of antipyresis and analgesia.Phenylbutazone can be administered intravenously or orally but is essentially should only be injected into a vein or administered intramuscularly. Edema and tissue damage may occur if the drug is injected repetitively into the same vein. Side-effects also include oral lesions, blood dyscrasia, kidney damage, GI ulcers, and internal hemorrhage. The drug should also not be used in combination with vitamin K antagonists including warfarin due to the amplifying nature of phenylbutazone on the anticoagulant effect of the antagonists.Request TOC of the Report @Global Phenylbutazone Market: Key Trends and Growth ProspectsThe growth in end users in the global phenylbutazone market is expected to occur at an optimistic rate over the coming years, owing to an increase in the consumption of the drug in the growing veterinary medicine industry. In addition, the rising demand for NSAIDs in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America is also expected to boost the demand for phenylbutazone over the coming years. However, the high availability of substitutes and the heavy restrictions imposed on the use of phenylbutazone could hamper the growth of this market. Harpagophytum can replace phenylbutazone for treatment of fever and pain in horses.Global Phenylbutazone Market: Geographical PerspectiveAsia Pacific is expected to be the leading consumer of phenylbutazone in the world, followed by North America and Europe. China and India are the top consumers of phenylbutazone in Asia Pacific due to presence of highly established end users. Phenylbutazone manufacturers from developed economies are also shifting their base to emerging ones due to the greater availability of government subsidies, land, cheap labor, and a more relaxed regulatory framework. Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand are expected to be key consumers of phenylbutazone in the future. North America and Europe are expected to experience a moderate rate of growth in demand. The demand for phenylbutazone is also expected to increase in Latin American nations due to an increasing demand for veterinary drugs, namely in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.Get Discount @Global Phenylbutazone Market: Players Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leaders in the global phenylbutazone market so far, have been Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited, Baoji Guokang Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan Yitongtai Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Afine Chemicals Limited, Shanghai Win-Win Biochemical Co., Ltd., Shaanxi TOP Pharm Chemical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited, Hangzhou Ruijiang Chemical Co., Ltd., Dalian Launcher Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Croma Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Swati Chemicals, Suchem Laboratories, Uni-med India, Afton Pharma, and Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Plain Talk: 122 countries get it right on nukes but not ours Phthalocyanine Pigments Market : Present Scenario and the Growth Prospects 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=124 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=124 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=124 Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: SnapshotPhthalocyanine is an organic pigment and thus, the healthy growth of the global market for organic pigments is providing a significant momentum to the global phthalocyanine pigments market. The flourishing growth of end-user industries such as textiles, packaging, printing inks, and coatings is augmenting the global phthalocyanine pigments market. In addition to this, the recovery of the global economy from the economic downturn which happened in the last decade is providing a push to several industries worldwide, including automotive. With the automotive sector being one of the key consumers of phthalocyanine pigments, the expansion of the industry is positively impacting the growth of the market.On the other hand, the manufacturing of phthalocyanines pigments involves limited profit margins, owing to fierce competition from lower-priced imports. This is impelling manufacturers to shift towards substitutes such as inorganic pigments and high performance pigments, which are known to offer higher profit margins. Moreover, while developing regions are offering fertile grounds for the growth of the market, developed regions are likely to exhibit sluggish growth rates. The production capacities in industrialized countries such as the U.S., Japan, and several countries in Europe are anticipated to register downward trend due to globalization and declining profit margins resulting in plant restructurings and shutdowns.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Nevertheless, constant innovation and technological advancements pertaining to the production processes of phthalocyanine pigments are estimated to open new avenues for players in the market. On the basis of product type, the global phthalocyanine pigments market can be segmented into green and blue.Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: OverviewThe global phthalocyanine pigments market comprises metallic complexes with a diverse array of applications. The five polymorphic crystal types are beta phthalocyanine, epsilon phthalocyanine, alpha phthalocyanine, gamma phthalocyanine, and delta phthalocyanine. Only beta and alpha phthalocyanine pigments have so far been commercialized. Phthalocyanine pigments form coordination complexes with a lot of elements. These complexes are intensely colored and are commonly used as dyes or pigments. However, phthalocyanine pigments consist of smaller primary particles that have a tendency to flocculate, resulting in a loss of overall color strength.Request TOC of the Report @Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: Leading ApplicationsPhthalocyanine pigments have applications in photovoltaics, ink manufacture, and quantum computing. They can also be used in coatings and plastic coloring due to their excellent chemical stability. It is currently a standard pigment in the packaging industry and in the manufacture of printing inks. Phthalocyanine pigments have low solubility rate in organic solvents and many of their compounds are thermally stable. They do not melt but can be sublimed in the presence of inert gases. Phthalocyanine pigments are structurally similar to porphyrins and other macrocyclic pigments. Either pigment types hold four pyrrole-like subunits that are joined together to form a ring with 16 members. Phthalocyanine pigments can also be used for organic solar cell research in photovoltaic industry or even in quantum computing due to the length of time its electrons can exist in a state of quantum superposition.The global phthalocyanine pigments market ultimately depends on its principal end user, the textiles industry, for revenue. The demand can also come from a growing consumer preference for environmental friendly color pigments as well as the capability of phthalocyanine pigments to meet the increasingly stringent government regulations and performance standards. The increasing demand from emerging economies of Asia Pacific is expected to boost consumption of phthalocyanine pigments over the coming years. However, the global phthalocyanine pigments market is currently being stifled by raw material price volatility and high production costs.Get Discount @Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific is expected to lead the global phthalocyanine pigments market in terms of growth rate in revenue generation and demand in the coming years, due to a rapidly expanding manufacturing base and a thriving economy. There has been a migration of manufacturing facilitates from the U.S. and Europe to the emerging markets of Asia Pacific due to the stringent environmental regulations in the former regions. China is likely to continue to be an exceptionally fruitful market for phthalocyanine pigments players due to its high consumption rate in the local textile industry. Over the years, China has emerged as the leader in manufactur and consumption of phthalocyanine pigments. India is expected to come second in the Asia Pacific phthalocyanine pigments market due to government concessions to small and medium sized establishment. In addition, the industry has witnessed massive export opportunities because of shutting down of manufacturing facilities in the Europe and U.S. following strict enforcement of environment regulations by the government.Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players in this market are Vibfast Pigments Pvt. Ltd., Sinocolor Chemical, BASF, Kiri Industries Ltd., CPS Color AG, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Flint Group, Huntsman Corporation, LANXESS AG, Rockwood Holdings Inc., Unilex Colours & Chemicals Limited, Sudarshan Chemicals, ECKART GmbH, Clariant International Ltd., Jagson Colorchem Limited, Royce Associates, and Atul Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Global Wireless Healthcare Market 2017 by Latest Innovations, Drivers, Dynamics And Strategic Analysis, Challenges to 2022 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/217130 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-wireless-healthcare-market-by-technology-wpan-wi-fi-wimax-wwan-component-hardware-software-services-application-hospitals-and-nursing-homes-home-care-pharmaceuticals-geography-trends-forecast-2017-2022 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contact/purchase/217130 The Global Wireless Healthcare Market is valued at USD XX.XX billion in 2016 and is expected to reach a value of USD XX.XX billion by the end of 2022, growing at a projected CAGR of XX.XX% during the forecast period of 2017 2022. IT and automation have grown in a big way in the last few years and have helped various other sectors also with its innovations. Recently, both of these technologies have entered the healthcare market together in the form of wireless healthcare market. This has shown the patients and the people associated in the healthcare sector a glimpse of the future and how the healthcare in the future will be.Download PDF Wireless Healthcare Market@The healthcare industry currently requires the patients to come to the doctors and get their check-up done regularly to find out if there is any problem or not. Wireless Healthcare System will help the doctors handle their patients remotely. It will help the hospitals to discharge patients faster and can still get information about the patient when discharged. In this technology the patients will be having various types of sensors depending on their condition like heart monitors, electromyogram sensor, electroencephalogram sensors, blood monitors, etc. attached. The sensors attached will be collecting various data from the patient at regular intervals.Browse Full Report with TOC:The data will be connected to the hospitals servers and records by wireless personal or body networks. This will be sent by internet and will be responsible for data sharing and also data retrieval. Once the data has been uploaded on the medical records of the hospital, the doctor will be able to understand the condition of the patient and will be able to make decisions and send instructions back to the patient. The ageing of the population is becoming a problem in many regions of the world and healthcare systems are getting overloaded by the sheer volume they are handling every day. This wireless healthcare system will help the present healthcare system to handle more patients efficiently.Place Purchase Order for this Report@DRIVERS The wireless healthcare market is going be in demand in the near future as this system will help ease the burden of visiting hospitals and medical centers and also, one can with chronic health issues can get regular checkups done without having to worry about visiting the doctor in person. The upcoming new technologically forward sensors and apps can help a great deal in the functioning of this system.RESTRAINTS The market restraints for the wireless healthcare market would be the high level of energy consumed by these very devices, the cost, security and privacy issues associated with the same.WHAT THE REPORT OFFERS Global Wireless Healthcare Market Overview with information on drivers and restraints Wireless Healthcare Market Analysis and its applications in the industry Identification of factors responsible for changing the market scenarios, rising prospective opportunities and identification of key companies which can influence the market on global and regional scale Extensively researched competitive landscape with profiles of major companies along with their market shares A comprehensive list of key market players along with the analysis of their current strategic interests and key financial informationTable of Contents1. Introduction2. Executive Summary3. Market Dynamics4. Technology Snapshot5. Global Wireless Healthcare Market Segmentation and Forecast6. Global Vendor Market Share Analysis7. Competitive Intelligence Company Profiles (List Populated Globally)8. Investment Analysis9. Future of Global Wireless Healthcare Technology MarketOrbis Research is a single point aid for all your Market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required Market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com Telemedicine Market Size, Share and Forecast upto 2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/548 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/548 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com Telemedicine Market Overview:Telemedicine involves the use of information technology and telecommunication for the delivery of healthcare services such as health assessments or consultations over the telecommunications infrastructure. It helps the healthcare professional to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients without the need for an in-person visit and are also very useful to save lives at time of critical care and emergency situations. Telemedicine is of great help for distant rural areas as they help in overcoming the distance barriers to avail medical services at the time of requirement. Telemedicine enables the doctors to be connected through a variety of electronic means, including video conferencing, email and electronic messaging platforms. This reduces the overall cost of medical care for patients and increase healthcare accessibility.Seeing the potential that the telemedicine provides, the World Health Organization (WHO) established global observatory for eHealth (GOe) to analyze the benefits that information and communication technologies can bring to healthcare supporting patients wellbeing. In 2009, the global observatory was assigned to determine the status of telemedicine at the national, regional and global level. The survey examined the four fields of telemedicine which includes telepathology, teledermatogy, telepsychology and teleradiology along with four mechanisms that will help in the development of telemedicine across all nations.The conventional form of telemedicine that involved the use of telephone and radio have improved by the involvement of videotelephony, advanced diagnostic methods supported by various applications and tele medical devices to support in-home care.Get an exclusive sample of this report :Telemedicine market taxonomy:On the basis of services provided, the telemedicine market is classified into:Tele-monitoringTele-educationTele-consultationTele-trainingTele-careTele-surgeryOn the basis of application, the telemedicine market is classified into:NeurologyOrthopedicsEmergency careCardiologyDermatologyInternal medicineOthersOn the basis of end user, the telemedicine market is classified into:HospitalsClinicsOthersBurgeoning growth of the internet infrastructure and smartphone proliferation creates a conducive environment for growth of the global telemedicine market. Also, the rise in demand for personalized healthcare augments market growth. In 2013, American Telemedicine Association (ATA) stated the cost effectiveness of telemedicine through various research outcomes. For instance, a research was conducted in 2011 with implementation of Health Buddy Program which integrated a telehealth tool for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries. It was found that patients who used this telemedicine had significant savings than patients who did not use it. A similar study was done in 2012 in New Mexico, which proved that costs in Hospital at Home were 19% lower compared to care in hospitals for similar inpatientsMore than 15 million Americans received medical care through telemedicine in 2016, according to American Telemedicine Association (ATA). This number is expected to grow further by 30% in 2017. Alongside ATA also issued several acts such as CHRONIC Care Act and CONNECT for Health Act in 2017 to support the growth of telemedicine across all nations. The Assembly Health Committee of New Jersey recently in 2017 legally defined the practice of telemedicine, user eligible for it and technology that can be used. This is expected to boost the telemedicine market in the region significantly during the forecast period. Another development in North Carolina allows professionals to video monitor and collect data on every far flung ICU patient through TeleICU. Furthermore, telemedicine developments are also observed in Latin America. The Government of Paraiba, Brazil introduced a telemedicine project for remote screening of hearth defects in children in 2015.Alongside there are various medical policies available that support the telemedicine services. For instance, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expanded its Medicare coverage for services like consultation, individual psychotherapy and pharmacologic management on 18th May 2017.Lack of resources, infrastructure and high technological cost may hamper the market growth in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and African countries.Request to view table of content @Strategies implemented by market players to tap the emerging markets:Key players in telemedicine market are Siemens Healthcare, McKesson, Cardio Net Inc., Cerner, IBM Corporation, Medtronic, Inc, Philips Healthcare Honeywell Life Care Solutions, GE Healthcare, AMD Telemedicine and Cisco Systems. Market players are implementing various strategies to gain share in the telemedicine market. For instance, Doc+, a Russian digital health company combined telemedicine with digital-enabled house calls through which doctors can offer consultations, sick notes, prescriptions, and a number of diagnostic tests over electronic platform in 2016.Furthermore, in 2017, ZH healthcare collaborated with Curavi Health Telemedicine Company to deliver workflow and electronic health records (EHR) solutions that will help deliver telemedicine solutions and physician care to the nursing-home bedside.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunityContact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +12067016702E-mail:sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Cold Welding Dies Sales Market Anticipated for Progressive CAGR Growth during 2017-2022 Market Research HUB http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1268189 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-cold-welding-dies-sales-market-report-2017-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1268189 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ The Market Research Hubs report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for Cold Welding Dies Sales 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 clearpresentation of graphs and tables.Request Free Sample Report:Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Cold Welding Dies for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Cold Welding Dies market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Cold Welding Dies sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingPWMBWESTRECKERHuestis IndustrialFlashweld IndustriesDongguan SanheSGTMOOJIN SERVICELapp GmbHYantai VayuAmaral AutomationTSU SUN ENGINEERINGO.M.I.S.A.Shanghai ShengzaoShanghai YinGongShanghai ShenchenOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSiliconePlasticOtherOn 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 Cold Welding Dies for each application, includingEquipment Manufacturing IndustryAutomobile IndustryOtherBrowse Full Report With TOC:Table of ContentsGlobal Cold Welding Dies Sales Market Report 20171 Cold Welding Dies Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cold Welding Dies1.2 Classification of Cold Welding Dies by Product Category1.2.1 Global Cold Welding Dies Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Cold Welding Dies Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Silicone1.2.4 Plastic1.2.5 Other1.3 Global Cold Welding Dies Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Cold Welding Dies Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Equipment Manufacturing Industry1.3.3 Automobile Industry1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Cold Welding Dies Market by Region..2 Global Cold Welding Dies Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Cold Welding Dies Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Cold Welding Dies Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Cold Welding Dies Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Cold Welding Dies (Volume and Value) by Type..3 United States Cold Welding Dies (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Cold Welding Dies Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Cold Welding Dies Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Cold Welding Dies Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Cold Welding Dies Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)Continued..Make An Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact 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: Neurostimulation Devices Market 2017 -Medtronic, Boston Scientific, St. Jude Medical, LiveNova(Cyberonics), Nevro, Inspire Medical Systems Neurostimulation Devices Market https://goo.gl/N4j2Ud https://goo.gl/tGe5qJ http://www.apexresearch.biz Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the " Neurostimulation Devices Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of " Neurostimulation Devices Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Neurostimulation Devices industry, and estimates the future trend of Neurostimulation Devices market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares " Neurostimulation Devices Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportMedtronicBoston ScientificSt. Jude MedicalLiveNova(Cyberonics)NevroInspire Medical SystemsNeuroPaceAutonomic TechnologiesMajor applications as follows:HouseholdCommercialThe market research report explores the Neurostimulation Devices market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of " Neurostimulation Devices Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Neurostimulation Devices market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Neurostimulation Devices . Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Neurostimulation Devices market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Neurostimulation Devices is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Neurostimulation Devices market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Neurostimulation Devices market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Neurostimulation Devices market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Neurostimulation Devices production volume, data pertaining to demand and Neurostimulation Devices supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Neurostimulation Devices along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Neurostimulation Devices across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Market Size, Trends & Forecasts 2017-2021 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1066780 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1066780/global-liquefied-natural-gas-lng-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/58 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1066780 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Market Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"DescriptionScope of the ReportThe report entitled Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Market Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) provide a detailed analysis of global LNG market with analysis of market size and growth. The analysis includes market size in terms of trade volume, demand, and LNG export and import market share by country.Get Sample copy of this Report @The report provides brief regional analysis of Middle East, JKT (Japan, Korea and Taiwan), China-India, Europe and Americas. Regional analysis include market sizing in terms of export, import and demand. The Middle East has been the largest exporting region over the past few years and is expected to remain the largest exporter of LNG globally.The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global LNG market has also been forecasted for the period 2017-2021, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.A brief company profiling of major market players namely Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, BP Global and Chevron Corporation has been provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by respective companies.Company CoverageExxonMobil CorporationRoyal Dutch ShellBP GlobalChevron CorporationRegion/Country CoverageMiddle EastJKT (Japan, Korea and Taiwan)China-IndiaEuropeAmericasView Report @Executive SummaryNatural gas is one of the safest, cleanest and most used form of energy which gives both heat and light. Natural gas is hydrocarbon which means it is made up of compounds of hydrogen and carbon, containing seventy to ninety percent methane in most cases. It can be used as fuel in many sectors as; transportation, industrial, agricultural, and a raw material for petrochemical industry. There are three forms of natural gas: pipe natural gas, natural gas for vehicle (NGV) and liquefied natural gas.LNG is a clear liquid which forms when natural gas is cooled to -162C (-260F). The cooling process shrinks the volume of the gas 600 times, making it easier and safer to store and ship LNG is produced at the so-called liquefaction facilities (plants), following which it can be transported in special cryogenic tanks: sea tank ships or tank cars. It enables rapid delivery of gas to the areas located far from the gas trunk lines.The global LNG trade volume has increased over the years and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2017 to 2021 at a rapid pace. Major factors contributing in the increasing trade volume of LNG are startup of several new projects in Australia and Indonesia, rapid economic growth especially of emerging economies, and rising demand for environmentally cleaner fuels etc.In the forecasted period, market would be pushed by increase in LNG exports, lower shipping cost, technological advancements and access to new markets etc. In spite of high growth in trade volumes of LNG, market is still facing some challenges that are obstructing the growth of the global LNG market. Challenges faced by LNG industry are supply and demand imbalance, lower LNG prices, competition from fossil fuels and renewable energy and emergence of regional trade etc.Browse more Natural Gas Market Research Reports @Table of Content1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Overview of Natural Gas2.1.1 Forms of Natural Gas2.1.2 Top 10 Countries with Proved Natural Gas Reserves2.2 Overview of LNG2.2.1 LNG Process2.2.2 Uses of LNG2.2.3 Advantages of LNGRequest for Enquiry @3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Gas Market Analysis3.1.1 Global Gas Market by Trade Volume3.2 Global LNG Market Analysis3.2.1 Global LNG Market by Trade Volume3.2.2 Global LNG Trade Volume by Region3.2.3 Global LNG Export Market Share by Region3.2.4 Global LNG Export Market Share by Country3.2.5 Global LNG Import Market Share by Country3.2.6 Global LNG Market by Demand4. Region/Country Analysis4.1 Middle East LNG Market Analysis4.1.1 Middle East LNG Market by Export4.1.2 Middle East LNG Market by Import4.1.3 Middle East LNG Market by Demand4.2 JKT LNG Market Analysis4.2.1 JKT LNG Market by Demand4.3 China-India LNG Market Analysis4.3.1 China-India LNG Market by Demand4.4 Europe LNG Market Analysis4.4.1 Europe LNG Market by Demand4.5 Americas LNG Market Analysis4.5.1 Americas LNG Market by Demand5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Drivers5.1.1 Growing Volume of Liquefaction Capacity5.1.2 Strong Economic Growth in Asia5.1.3 Rising Demand for Environmentally Cleaner Fuels5.1.4 Global Economic Growth and Increasing Energy Demand5.1.5 Rising Use in Major Industrial Sectors5.2 Challenges5.2.1 Supply and Demand Imbalance5.2.2 Low LNG Prices5.2.3 Emergence of Regional Trade5.2.4 Competition from Fossil and Renewable Energy5.2.5 Financial Constraints in Projects5.2.6 Impact of Government Actions5.2.7 Development of Downstream Markets5.3 Market Trends5.3.1 Increase in LNG Exports5.3.2 Lower Shipping Cost5.3.3 Access to New Markets5.3.4 Technological AdvancementsAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Toxic Shock Market - Industry Overview and Key Factors 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=125 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=125 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=125 Global Toxic Shock Market: SnapshotThe toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute and multi-system illness caused by toxin-producing genus of Gram-positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The disease if left untreated may lead to severe complications and even resulting in multiple organ failure. The role of Gram-positive bacteria as pathogens in this toxin-mediated illness is gaining significance as there is high likelihood of the disease being underdiagnosed. Although, continuous advances in studying pathophysiology and clinical features have been made, efficacious treatment modalities still evade clinicians. Among the two primary types, management of Staphylococcal toxic shock is more crucial as Staphylococcus aureus can affect any site, hence doctors across all medical specialties should be prepared for the management of the disease.Recently, toxic shock has come to be increasingly associated with the use of certain feminine hygiene products, particularly in the use of tampons and menstrual cups. The presence of carboxymethylcellulose in tampons is a breeding ground for Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the use of tampons that have high absorbency and their prolonged usage among women compound the risk factors. The use of menstrual cups over conventional tampons is stimulated by their reusability and enhanced comfort, since they collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing the flow. Considered as a natural alternative to tampons, their use has surged in popularity in recent years. However, they are also prone to be affected by Gram-positive pathogens causing TSS. Made up of silicon and rubber, they provide adequate medium for the growth of the pathogene in lower genital tracts of women. Reliable treatments include fluid resuscitation, the use of vasopressors, and appropriate antimicrobial therapies. Drugs such as Clindamycin are found helpful in suppressing the protein synthesis in superantigens, thereby inhibiting toxin production.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Toxic Shock Market: Inclusive InsightToxic shock is a rare complication of certain bacterial infections. The main causative agents are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. This infection is generally associated with the use of tampons, thus, the prevalence is higher in women. Supposedly, the rayon used in tampons causes the toxic shock syndrome, dryness, and ulcerations of the vaginal tissues. However, toxic shock syndrome can also affect men and children. The infection sets when the bacteria enters the body through an opening in the skin such as a cut, sore, or a deep wound. The common symptoms of toxic shock comprises high fever, rapid fall in blood pressure, rashes on body, diarrhea, vomiting, redness of eyes, vagina, and mouth, and seizure. Untreated toxic shock syndrome might also cause organ failure.The market intelligence report is a comprehensive review of the growth trail in terms of current, historical, and future scenarios of the global toxic shock market. It offers an evaluation of the aspects that are expected to influence the development of the market and the primary trends have also been specified in the research study. The research study also offers a broad lookout on the vendor landscape of the market through Porters five forces analysis. The research publication provides references of mergers and acquisitions, the research and development activities, specifics on licensing and collaborations. The report probes into the strategies related to marketing, shares, and product portfolio of the key participants in the global toxic shock market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Toxic Shock Market: Insight into Advancements and InnovationsEarly diagnosis of the disease guarantees proper cure. However, delay in the diagnosis or ignorance of the symptoms may lead to organ failure and eventually death. Several initiatives have been commenced for suitable birth control measures in order to avoid staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. Treatment of toxic shock syndrome involves prescription of antibiotics against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Cephalosporin, clindamycin, penicillin, gentamicin and vancomycin may be prescribed for treatment of toxic shock syndrome.Although at present the majority of the market is dominated by generic antibiotics, introduction of newer therapy will add more products to the market, thus increasing market potential. Research and development activities are being directed towards the discovery of alternative treatment modes. In one approach, scientists are also trying to develop monoclonal antibodies in order to treat patients with toxic shock syndrome. Peptides can also be targeted to block the activation of T cells by the bacterial toxins. Government initiative for increased awareness for appropriate use of tampons has restricted the prevalence rate of toxic shock syndrome. However due to lower rates of literacy and under developed medical facilities in rural parts of developing countries the prevalence of toxic shock syndrome is higher.Get Discount @Global Toxic Shock Market: Focus on Key RegionsThe markets in North America and Europe have reached the saturation almost. Statistics published by Medscape, a U.S. healthcare website suggests that above 90% of the toxic shock syndrome cases in women are in the age group of 15 to 20 years. Although rates of menstrual toxic shock syndrome have declined since ban on hyperabsorbent tampons, incidences due to cross infections still pose a threat. India has a higher percentage of young population as compared to other countries.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 Zipker Has Opened Its Warehouse In New Delhi Zipker Zipker, the online fashion store which is rising from its current position every day due to the immense hard work of the companys leaders and the workers, has opened its warehouse in New Delhi to upgrade the business and take it to a new level.The warehouse address is 312, DDA Building, Laxmi Nagar - 110092, New Delhi, which is a location at the heart of New Delhi. Zipkers main emphasis is to grow their business and work on completely new perspectives. The world and its fashion trends are changing, therefore and Zipker is trusted by thousands of people just because it offers variety with a smile. The customer service is also quite praiseworthy.Zipker specializes in selling many clothes out of which the following are extremely noteworthy Sarees Lehengas Suits Kurtis Crop Tops Bollywood Inspired Dresses One-Piece Dress Festival Special OutfitsThe new warehouse is a completely unique one of Zipker and it provides with the perspective of elegance that Zipker already has. Zipkers New Delhi warehouse is making it possible for Zipker to reach new heights by storing more and more quality products for customers who are in need of it. However, the location that Zipker has chosen for their new warehouse is commendable due to the following reasons SettingThe location is New Delhi which is a very strategic move by Zipker. New Delhi, being the capital of India has a good reach in all the places and no place would be devoid of Zipkers service anymore. The atmosphere is totally good for business with industrialization at its best.ConnectionsZipkers connection which is totally based on the warehouse promotes friendly relations with every state because Delhi has its own charm and influences a lot of other states. Delhi being the capital, it is easier for Zipker to promote their brands to other influential places.VarietyThe location of this warehouse enables Zipker to promote variety in its collection. Zipker has a wide range of Sarees, Kurtis, Lehengas, Suits, and Dresses which not only attract customers but helps in the growth of the business. Thus, due to the spacious warehouse in a location like New Delhi, Zipkers main goal is to extend their reach and add more quality clothing to their stock.Generally speaking, an important reason to choose Zipker is its same-day-dispatch option. The customers get their products faster than many other online shopping websites due to this option that Zipker provides its customers with. Thus, apart from their excellent customer service and fast replies to customer inquiries, they have easy payment procedures and faster delivery options.Zipkers fashion and styled clothing is quite a topic at this moment. Also, having opened a warehouse, Zipker is at the brim of their business which is reaching new heights every day.Zipker Online Services Pvt. Ltd. was establish in 2015. It is running an online shopping portal zipker.com, which deals with women ethnic dresses.307, DDA Building, Laxmi Nagar - 110092, New Delhi Latest Study Report On West Nile Virus Infection Treatment Market : 2017 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=63 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=63 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=63 Global West Nile Virus Infection Treatment Market: SnapshotWest Nile virus (WNV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family, comprising pestivirus, flavivirus, and hepacivirus. It is a positive stranded RNA virus and outbreaks of West Nile fever has occurred across the globe since the mid 90s. Moreover, West Nile Virus is currently an endemic in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. as well. The infection bears negligible to no symptoms in human body. Elderly people, extremely young children, and those with immunosuppression and HIV, are most susceptible to West Nile fever.One of the primary ways by which this virus is spread is by mosquitoes and one of the most commonly infected animal is birds. WNV is also found in dead birds. Birds in fact serve as the key host of spreading this infection. Migratory birds are transporting this virus to the temperate areas of Europe in spring. West Nile Virus is also found in ticks, but ticks are not the main vector for the spread of this disease. All these factors are likely to increase the number of people suffering from this infection and this is expected to drive the market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The report discusses the recent progress in the diagnosis and vaccination to treat West Nile Virus infections. As presently there are no effective vaccinations for the prevention of West Nile Infection, the market is challenging to many players. This is attracting players to enter in the market and invest in extensive research and development to come up with some form of medication and treatment options.Global West Nile Virus Infection Treatment Market: OverviewWest Nile Virus (WNV) infections are transmitted through mosquitoes. Birds are the major carriers of West Nile virus. Mosquitoes that bite infected birds become vector for the virus. Individuals with a weak immune system and older people are at a high risk of WNV infection.Some of the symptoms of WNV include fever, muscle weakness, convulsions, back pain, eye pain, diarrhea, headache, swelling of lymph glands, paralysis, numbness, comatose state, fatigue, sore throat, confusion, nausea, and rash on stomach, chest, and back. Some other serious symptoms of NWV infection are inflammation of the brain and meningitis.Request TOC of the Report @Global West Nile Virus Infection Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsA rising geriatric population globally and an increasing pool of population with weak immune system leading to increased hospital admissions are the major factors driving the West Nile virus infection treatment market. On the other hand, factors such as lack of awareness about the infection and unavailability of infection specific treatment are restraining the markets growth.Global West Nile Virus Infection Treatment Market: Growth OpportunitiesPresently, the specific course of treatment for West Nile virus infection is not available. This has led market players and research organizations to develop infection specific drugs. Drugs such as human leukocyte derived interferon alfa-n3, HBV-002, Hu-E16 monoclonal antibody derived from plant, CEL-1000, VG-WNV, BG-323, ETX-112, and innate immune agonists are some of the potential drugs and therapies that are under clinical trials.Global West Nile Virus Infection Treatment Market: Regional OutlookThe global NVW infection treatment market is divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. North America and Europe are presently the leading markets for West Nile virus infection treatment. The dominance of these regions is due to the availability of advanced healthcare facilities, high awareness about the infection, and government support for research and development initiatives pertaining to the infection.Get a discount @Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for WNV infection treatment for the 2017-2025 period. Factors such as a large geriatric population, increasingly developing healthcare infrastructure, and government support to provide advanced healthcare are expected to propel the global WNV infection treatment market in Asia Pacific. In this region, China and India are expected to display the fastest growth due to surging medical tourism in these countries. Apart from India and China, Japan is expected to display significant growth due to the increasing support by the Japanese government for development of the healthcare industry in the country.Rest of the World (RoW) region comprises Middle East, Latin America, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Latin American countries are anticipated to display significant growth than other countries in RoW region due to the presence of a well-laid regulatory framework coupled with a developing economy. On the other hand, African countries will display a low growth rate due to poor healthcare infrastructure, lack of regulatory framework, and poor economic growth.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com ABB India Ltd. goes digital with their invoice signing using E-Lock software www.elock.com ABB India Ltd. has gone digital with their invoice signing process by using E-Lock's high end digital signature software. ABB India Ltd. processes huge number of invoices on a daily basis. As per the new regulation, it is mandatory to digitally sign electronic invoices, delivery challans etc using legally acceptable, PKI based digital signature technology. The E-Lock digital signing solution provided to ABB India Ltd. enables signing of multiple invoices generated from their SAP system, using digital signature certificates residing on Hardware Security Module (HSM). Digitally signed invoices are compliant with Indian regulations related to electronic invoices. Digital signing is also more efficient, secure and cost effective compared to signing the documents physically (hand drawn signatures).More and more Organisations are going digital with the processes like invoice signing, e-tendering, e-procurement, Finance and HR document signing etc. to save time, efforts and money and provide enhanced security to the documents. It enables organisations to take their processes completely online thereby reducing their carbon footprint.E-Lock is a pioneer and an expert in the field of PKI based digital signature technology. It is one of the few providers of digital signature software solutions in India. It has provided solutions for many mission critical applications to Organisations and Governments across 25 countries worldwide. E-Lock provides different solutions suitable to unique needs of each customer. It provides desktop based, server based solutions as well as components that can integrate with any existing or new application without changing its workflow.To know more about E-Lock, pl. visit:E-Lock is a pioneer in the field of digital signature technology and has provided signing solutions to many well known Organizations in India and abroad. It aims to be a integral part of the 'Digital India' initiative that would make day to day organizational processes easier, efficient and environment friendly.Timeless Learning Technologies Pvt. Ltd.(E-Lock), 209/1B/1A Range Hills Rd,Pune- 411020, Maharashtra - India A large compactor truck crushes and moves waste at the Dane County landfill. Dane County produced 34.6 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity from county landfills and solar energy projects in 2016. Whole Exome Sequencing Market 2017 Research In-Depth Analysis, Applications, Forecasts To 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=64 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=64 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=64 Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: SnapshotWhole exome sequencing is expected to receive a staggering demand as DNA sequencing and its advances pave the way in the research field with the transformation of genomics. When compared with whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing is technically studied to be quick and cost-efficient. Since exons carry an 85.0% of disease traits, exome sequencing is regarded to be more effective. Researchers are anticipated to significantly adopt whole exome sequencing services, kits, and systems because of their double benefit of saving time and simplifying work.On the basis of end user, the global whole exome sequencing market could gain a telling demand because of the influence of a colossal growth of government and academic institutions and research centers in the past. By application, the diagnostics segment is prognosticated to own a larger share in the global whole exome sequencing market. Predicted to incorporate two sub-segments, viz. data analysis and sequencing services, the services segment is prophesied to demonstrate dominance in the global whole exome sequencing market by products and services.Request Sample Copy of the Report @One of the high impression driving factors of the global whole exome sequencing market is the need to monitor pathogenic infections, cancer, and various other chronic maladies. More opportunities are envisaged to take birth with the surging adoption of next-generation sequencing techniques for the purpose of predicting and treating such diseases. The speed and cost factors are foretold to play a major role in the adoption of whole exome sequencing methods and the growth of the overall market.Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: OverviewWhole exome sequencing involves the sequencing of all protein-coding genes in a genome. Clinically exome account for 82% to 85% of known disease-causing variants and less than 1.5% to 2% of the human genome, which converts whole-exome sequencing into an effective alternative.The report analyzes key market segments and growth trends in the past, based on which the progression analysis of the global market for whole exome sequencing for the 2017-2025 period is presented herein.Request TOC of the Report @Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: Drivers and RestraintsTechnological progression in sequencing systems, collaborations and partnerships amongst leading research organizations for improved drug discovery, and an increasing expenditure on research and development are the major factors driving the global whole exome sequencing market. However, factors such as unavailability of trained workforce, increasing trend of funds and grants from universities and research organizations, and high instrument costs are challenging the growth of this market.Global Whole Exome Sequencing Market: Regional OutlookNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World are the regional segments of the whole exome sequencing market. Amongst these, North America stands as the largest whole exome sequencing market. This is mainly due to the increasing application of whole exome sequencing for detection of rare diseases, increasing awareness programs through industry meets and conferences, and government funding for whole exome sequencing studies. In 2010, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,148,200 persons above the age of 13 and more were diagnosed with HIV infection in the United States, including 207,600 individuals whose infections had not been diagnosed.Get a discount @Europe is the second largest market for whole exome sequencing. This is because Europe is a leading region for the diagnostics and treatment of cancer and HIV diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe is home to almost one quarter of the worlds cancer patients with 3.2 million new patients diagnosed every year. In 2010, UNAIDS estimated that approximately 2.3 million people were living with HIV in Europe. The prevalence of HIV among adults varies from less than 0.2% of the population in Central Europe to more than 1% of the population in parts of Eastern Europe.Asia Pacific and Rest of the World are expected to be lucrative markets for whole exome sequencing in the coming years. Increasing research and development initiatives and strategic expansion and acquisitions among research organizations in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific are favoring the growth of this regional market. The increasing impact of bioinformatics and biotechnology research in Latin America is anticipated to fuel the growth of whole exome sequencing market. An increasing number of patients diagnosed with HIV in the emerging economies of India, China, and Brazil will lead to significant growth of the whole exome sequencing market in these regions.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com 2017-2025 Bluetooth Smart SoC Market Global Industrial Growth, Trends, Key Manufacturers and Forecast Report The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000142 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000142 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/bluetooth-smart-soc-market According to The Insight Partners, Global Bluetooth Smart SoC Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Bluetooth Smart SoC industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Bluetooth Smart SoC market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Bluetooth Smart SoC market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Bluetooth Smart SoC players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atBluetooth Smart SoC Market Players:- Bluegiga Technologies Oy- Nordic Semiconductor ASA- Qualcomm Inc.- Dialog Semiconductor PLC- Broadcom Corporation- Texas Instruments Inc.- Mediatek Inc.- NXP Semiconductors- Cypress Semiconductor Corporation- CSR PLC- Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Bluetooth Smart SoC market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Bluetooth Smart SoC market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Inquire before Buying atAlso, key Bluetooth Smart SoC market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Bluetooth Smart SoC market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.View Complete Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Global Coffee Market - Increasing Demands, Trends and Opportunities (2016-2020) https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/703135 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/703135 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/703135/global-coffee-trends-and-opportunities-market-research-reports The report titled Global Coffee Market: Trends & Opportunities (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the global coffee market with detailed analysis of market sizing and growth, market share and economic impact of the industry. The report also provides the production and consumption analysis of the market. The report provides detailed market analysis of the global retail coffee market by value and volume along with the segments of the market.The report provides detailed regional analysis of Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America Middle East & Africa and Australasia for the coffee market. Regional analysis includes market sizing by value along with the production and consumption analysis. It also provides the retail sales value of each region.The report also includes the country analysis of Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia and India. It provides the production and consumption analysis along with the export-import trends in each of the above mentioned countries.Request For Sample Copy Of This Report :Furthermore, the report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global retail coffee market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The competition in global coffee market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Nestle. Further, key players of the coffee market The J.M. Smucker Company, Mondelez International Inc. and Strauss Group Ltd. are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Regional CoverageWestern EuropeEastern EuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificLatin AmericaMiddle East and AfricaAustralasiaCountry CoverageBrazilVietnamIndonesiaEthiopiaIndiaCompany CoverageThe J.M. Smucker CompanyMondelez International Inc.Strauss Group Ltd.Executive SummaryGlobal coffee market increased at a significant CAGR during the span of 5 years i.e. 2011-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market can be segmented on the basis of end-users as retail coffee market and food services market, of which global retail coffee market displayed an increase, driving the global coffee market. The increasing consumption of coffee led by the westernization trend in India, China and Latin America drive the market in the positive direction.Send An Enquiry :The growth drivers for the global coffee market are: rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization and increase in the population along with the emergence of caf culture and new consumer base. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as: aging of coffee trees, lack of government support, negative impact of climate change, price volatility and increase in production cost.Table of Content1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Classification of Coffee2.1.1 Classification of Coffee on the Basis of Types2.1.2 Classification of Coffee on the Basis of End-Product2.2 Coffee around the Word2.2.1 North America & Caribbean2.2.2 Central America2.2.3 South America2.2.4 East Africa2.2.5 West Africa2.2.6 The Arabian Peninsula2.2.7 Asia3. Global Coffee Market: An Analysis3.1 Global Coffee Market Growth by Volume3.2 Global Retail Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth3.2.1 Global Retail Coffee Market by Value: Actual and Forecast3.2.2 Global Retail Coffee Market by Volume: Actual and Forecast3.2.3 Global Retail Coffee Market by Segments3.3 Global Coffee Production Analysis3.3.1 Global Coffee Production by Volume: Actual and Forecast3.3.2 Global Coffee Production by Types3.4 Global Coffee Consumption Analysis3.4.1 Global Coffee Consumption by Volume: Actual and Forecast3.4.2 Global Coffee Consumption as a share of Non-Alcoholic Drinks3.5 Global Coffee Exports by Volume4. Regional Coffee Market: An Analysis4.1 Regional Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth4.1.1 Global Coffee Market by Region4.1.2 Global Coffee Production by Region4.1.3 Global Coffee Consumption by Region4.1.4 Global Coffee Retail Sales by Region4.2 The U.S. and Western Europe Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth4.2.1 The U.S. and Western Europe Coffee Market by Segments4.3 Asia Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth4.3.1 Asia Coffee Market by Countries4.3.2 Asia Coffee Market by Segments5. Country Analysis5.1 Brazil Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth5.1.1 Brazil Coffee Production by Volume5.1.2 Brazil Domestic Consumption by Volume5.1.3 Brazil Coffee Exports and Imports by Volume5.2 Vietnam Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth5.2.1 Vietnam Coffee Production by Volume5.2.2 Vietnam Domestic Consumption by Volume5.2.3 Vietnam Coffee Exports and Imports by Volume5.3 Indonesia Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth5.3.1 Indonesia Coffee Production by Volume5.3.2 Indonesia Domestic Consumption by Volume5.3.3 Indonesia Coffee Exports and Imports by Volume5.4 Ethiopia Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth5.4.1 Ethiopia Coffee Production by Volume5.4.2 Ethiopia Domestic Consumption by Volume5.4.3 Ethiopia Coffee Exports by Volume5.5 India Coffee Market: Sizing and Growth5.5.1 India Coffee Production by Volume5.5.2 India Domestic Consumption by Volume5.5.3 India Coffee Exports and Imports by Volume6. Market Dynamics6.1 Growth Drivers6.1.1 Rise in Disposable Income6.1.2 Rapid Urbanization6.1.3 Increase in Population6.1.4 Emerging Cafe Culture6.1.5 New Consumer Base6.2 Challenges6.2.1 Aging Coffee Trees are affecting the Coffee Quality6.2.2 Lack in Nations Government Support6.2.3 Negative Impact of Climate Change6.2.4 Price Volatility6.2.5 Increase in Production Cost6.3 Market Trends6.3.1 Specialty Coffee6.3.2 Consumer TrendBrowse More Details :7. Competitive Landscape8. Company Profile8.1 The J.M. Smucker Company8.1.1 Business Overview8.1.2 Financial Overview8.1.3 Business Strategy8.2 Mondelez International, Inc.8.2.1 Business Overview8.2.2 Financial Overview8.2.3 Business Strategy8.3 Strauss Group Ltd.8.3.1 Business Overview8.3.2 Financial Overview8.3.3 Business StrategyMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Diatomite Market (Kenya, Singapore, Philippines) 2022: Analyzed by Business Growth, Trend, and Development Factors to 2022 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/437241-global-diatomite-market-10 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/437241-global-diatomite-market-10 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=437241 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/437241-global-diatomite-market-10 HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 123 pages on title 'Global Diatomite Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa and important players such as Imerys, EP Minerals, Domolin, Showa Chemical.SummaryDiatomite, also known as D.E., diatomite, or kieselgur/kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 micrometres to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres. The properties which make diatomite valuable include low density, high porosity, high surface area, abrasiveness, insulating properties, inertness, absorptive capacity, brightness, and high silica content. It is mainly used as filter aids, fillers, absorbents etc.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Diatomite 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 coversImerysEP MineralsDomolinShowa ChemicalCECA Chemical (Arkema)DicaperlDiatomite CJSCAmerican DiatomiteDiatomite DirectJilin Yuan Tong MineralChanyeZhilan DiatomSanxing DiatomiteShengzhou Xinglong Products of DiatomiteShengzhou Huali Diatomite ProductsChangbai Mountain filter aidQingdao Best diatomiteMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversMelosiraPinnulariaCoscinodiscusMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoFilter AidsFillersAbsorbentsConstruction materialsOtherThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Diatomite market.Chapter 1, to describe Diatomite Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Get customization & check discount for report @Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Diatomite, with sales, revenue, and price of Diatomite, 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 Diatomite, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Buy this report @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, Diatomite market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Diatomite sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.Contact Us:CRAIG FRANCIS (PR & Marketing Manager)sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218HTF 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@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Brain Disease Market in global growth and status 2017 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=66 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=66 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=66 Global Brain Disease Market: SnapshotOne of the important factors crucial for the growth of the global brain disease market is technological advancement. Recently, scientists at the University of Utah Health and Stanford University have found a way out in the form of a targeted therapy treatment that slows down the progression of or improves a couple of degenerative brain disorders, viz. ataxia and Lou Gehrigs disease, which is another name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).WHO has already estimated a billion people to seek treatment for neurological disorders globally, yet there are fewer treatments available today. While the need for brain disease treatment is urgent, highly targeted and noninvasive treatments such as focused ultrasound approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could attract attention. With the advent of rare brain disease called rat lungworm disease in the Hawaii state of the U.S., the need for accurate and responsive treatments is expected to increase significantly.Request Sample Copy of the Report @While some scientists argue that humans need less sleep with the progression of age, such changes in sleep hours could aggravate the disintegration associated with brain disorders such as Alzheimers disease. Moreover, people above 30 years of age suffering from broken sleep and difficulty sleeping are exposed to a greater risk of brain disease. As a result, with a growing number of population aging above 30 years and rising risks of brain disorders, the growth in the global brain disease market could gain a strong impetus. Other factors that could contribute toward the growth of the global brain disease market include the demand for brain monitoring devices and growing occurrence of neurological disorders.Global Brain Disease Market: OverviewAny damage caused to the brain through injury or health conditions commonly known as brain disease can come in different forms, such as infections, trauma, tumors, seizures, and strokes. Headaches, migraines, poor muscle control, memory problems, vision problems, and vomiting or nausea are some of the common symptoms of brain diseases.Request TOC of the Report @Treatments which are available for various brain diseases depend on the diagnosis. The common treatments include drug medication, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.Global Brain Disease Market: Key Segments and AnalysesBased on the type of infections, the brain disease market can be into meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is characterized by an inflammation in the delicate membrane (meninges) that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. It is commonly caused by bacterial and viral infection. Encephalitis is characterized by an inflammation in the brain tissue. Meningitis and encephalitis commonly occur together and are collectively termed as meningoencephalitis.Based on the type of trauma, the brain disease market can be segmented into concussion, traumatic brain injury, and hemorrhage. Concussions are highly traumatic brain injuries that affect brain function and result in loss of consciousness and headaches. A traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent brain damage with mental impairment and can also cause changes in the affected individuals personality. Bleeding in the brain caused by an injury or high blood pressure is referred to as hemorrhage.Get a discount @Based on the type of tumor, the brain disease market can be segmented into brain tumor, hydrocephalus, and glioblastoma. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull, while a glioblastoma is a brain tumor that is highly cancerous and usually occurs in the cerebrum of adults.Global Brain Disease Market: Geographical AnalysisBased on geography, the global brain disease market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the rest of the world. For 2016, North America held the leading position in the market, followed by Europe. The key drivers for the two regions include a consistently increasing prevalence of neurological diseases and a rising demand for technologically advanced medical equipments for treatment. According to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, around 350,000 brain and nervous system tumor cases have been registered in the U.S. European countries are also expected to show a steady growth rate in the global brain disease market. In the next few years, Asia Pacific is likely to show a remarkable growth in the brain disease market through fast-paced developments in healthcare infrastructure and a growing demand for advanced treatments. Other factors which could fuel the growth of the market in Asia Pacific are a growing awareness regarding various brain disorders and an increase in the number of patients getting affected with neurological disorders.Global Brain Disease Market: Players Mentioned in the ReportIt is expected that with time, there will be an influx of more well-established players in the global brain disease market. Some of the leading players operating in the brain disease therapeutics market for 2016 were Medtronic, Inc., AstraZeneca plc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Boston Scientific Corporation, Sapiens Neuro, and Omeros Corporation.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Sterility Testing Market size and key trends in terms of volume and value 2017-2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sterility-testing.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23714 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Sterility testing is used for routine quality control, sterilization validation, as well as to detect contamination in a batch. It is an exceptionally tough process designed to eliminate false positive results caused by laboratory contamination from the testing environment or technician error. Sterility testing of cell lines, media, in-process material, and final products must be demonstrated during the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Products necessary for sterilization include injections, implants, syringes, and surgical instruments. Sterility testing is of three types: direct inoculation (immersion), membrane filtration, and direct transfer. In the former, the test articles are inoculated directly into tubes or bottles containing an appropriate medium and incubated for a period of 14 days. In the second method, the test article first passes through a size exclusion membrane capable of retaining microorganisms. Different tests exhibit different advantages.Obtain Report Details:Factors such as the prevalence of chronic diseases, rapid population growth, increasing research and development activities, and government initiatives are predicted to drive the sterility testing market globally. Growing demand for high quality products, technological advancements, and the burgeoning pharmaceutical & biotechnological industries are bound to play a role too. Singapore invested US$ 2.8 Mn in research and development in biomedical sciences from 2011 to 2015. On the other hand, strict government regulation may hinder the development of the sterility testing market.The market has been segmented by product type into the following categories: instruments and kits & reagents. The latter are expected to register a higher growth rate due to their ease of use and affordability. In terms of test type, the membrane filtration segment is projected to witness significant growth owing to new product launches and growth in the pharmaceutical & biotechnology industries. Based on end-user, the market is divided into the following groups: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmeceuticals, and biotechnology.Geographically, the sterility testing market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the market due technological advancements, the burgeoning pharmaceutical & biotechnology industries, and increasing geriatric population in the region. Geriatrics represent about 14.5% of the U.S. population. According to the U.S. department of health and human services, by 2060, this number is likely to rise to 98 million which is twice that of 2014. Europe is the second leading market for sterility testing on account of the increasing number of research and development activities. Asia Pacific is estimated to develop at a higher rate due to the rapid population growth, high prevalence of chronic diseases, government initiatives, and rising research & development in the region. According to SIRO Clinpharm, by 2050, Asia is likely to account for 60% of the worlds population, thereby offering tremendous opportunities for recruiting patients and expanding research of new lifestyle diseases treatment drugs.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Key players operating in this market include Merck KGaA, Bioquell UK Ltd, bioMerieux SA, Sartorius AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., SGS SA, Charles River Laboratories, and WuXi Biologics.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Bauxite Mining Market to be Resilient to 2020 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/bauxite-mining-market.asp http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3299 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3299 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Bauxite popularly known as aluminum ore is the major source of aluminum. Bauxite is a mixture of minerals such as gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore, iron oxides such as goethite and hematite, clay mineral kaolinite and some amounts of anatase. Bauxite are found majorly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions such as Africa, West Indies, South America, Australia, Asian countries such as India and China and some parts of Europe (in small quantity). Australia is the largest producer and exporter of bauxite globally, with five bauxite mine contributing more than one fourth of the global bauxite production. There are five steps involved in the extraction of bauxite starting with preparation of bauxite area, secondly, bauxite mining, crushing, ore transportation and lastly rehabilitation of land. On an average one square meter of land can extract one metric ton of aluminum.To access full report @Around 85% of bauxite mined globally is converted to alumina which is further used for the production of aluminum metal. Other major application of bauxite mining is for commercial purpose such as abrasives and refractorys. Automobile industry is the major end-user of aluminum metal owing to associated benefits of aluminum metals such as corrosion-free, high-density and lightweight features.North America has the largest market share for bauxite mining owing to increased aluminum demand in the region. Europe and Asia Pacific region follows North America in bauxite demand. North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecasted period. Europe is expected to witness marginal growth. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future owing to the increasing domestic demand from the automobile industries in the emerging markets of India, China and Japan.A sample of this report is available upon request @Due to corrosion-free, high-density and lightweight features, aluminum metal is gaining its important in the automobile industries to manufacture lightweight vehicle parts. This is driving the global demand for bauxite mining. Additionally, growth in the transportation sector such as airplanes, trucks, railcars and marine is further expected to increase the global bauxite mining demand.Owing to the increasing demand of aluminum by the automobile industry have influence the aluminum manufacturing companies to invest more in bauxite extraction business. Some of the major companies operating in the global clinical nutrition products market are Aluminum Corporation of China Limited, Access Industries, Tata Steel Europe Ltd., Halco Mining, Tajik Aluminium Company, Mitsubishi Aluminum Co., Ltd., Queensland Alumina Limited, Nippon Light Metal Company, Ltd., Australian Bauxite Limited, Iranian Aluminium Company and Alumina Limited.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Key points covered in the reportReport segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)The report covers geographic segmentationNorth AmericaEuropeAsiaRoWThe report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the marketThe report also provides porters five forces analysis of the 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: Butachlor Market Trends for 2017 & Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2023 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=67 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=67 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=67 Global Butachlor Market: SnapshotThe global butachlor market has been driven by its extensive use in rice farming in Southeast Asia. However, the dependence of the global butachlor market on the region for a major part of its overall revenue could become an adversity for the market in the coming years. The toxicity of butachlor is weakened by the large amounts of water used in paddy farming, but it is still sufficient to cause problems for the humans as well as animals around the farmlands. The rising awareness in emerging countries such as India regarding the risks of large-scale butachlor usage is responsible for the possible risk to the butachlor market. The use of butachlor in rice has been linked to deaths caused by mid-day meal in rural schools India, while its ecological impact has also been assessed to determine its carcinogenicity.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The loss of arable lands is the key driver likely to propel the demand for butachlor in the coming years. In Asia Pacific, the leading consumer in the global butachlor market, a significant volume of agricultural land has been redirected for commercial or industrial use. The steady urbanization observed in countries such as India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China is likely to ensure the continuation of this trend, aided by the steady growth of the residential construction industry in the region. The rising population of Asia Pacific is also vital for the butachlor market, as it creates the need for more food.On the other hand, the rising preference for organic farming could become a threat for the global butachlor market in the coming years. Farmers across the world are starting to prefer organic agriculture due to its benefits in terms of the ecological impact of the process. A growing community of consumers is also coming together over the demand for organically grown food.Request TOC of the Report @Butachlor Market: General OutlineButachlor also known as Machete is an organic herbicide that belongs to the acetanilide group of chemicals, and is utilized as a pre-emergent selective herbicide employed against grasses. It is a systemic herbicide that acts as a protein synthesis inhibitor and leads to metabolic dysfunction in the targeted weeds. Butachlor herbicide is primarily absorbed by germinating stem shoots and secondarily by weed roots, growing on the pre-planted arable crop land.Butachlor herbicide is mainly used in India on rice crops, as it requires moist soil and considerable amount of water for safe application. Being phytotoxic in nature, it must be used after diluting with water. Butachlor herbicide is applied one or two weeks before seed plantation, during wet seeded conditions, on moist soil, and left for three days in three to four centimeter of water. The water level has to be maintained for five days to a week and drained before seed plantation. Butachlor herbicide is toxic to aquatic life and has low bio-accumulation potential. It decomposes into toxic gases at high temperatures and exposure may cause pneumonitis on inhalation, and may also trigger nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.Butachlor Market: Comprehensive OverviewButachlor herbicides are primarily used as selective herbicides against grasses, sedges, and some broadleaved weeds. They are extensively used by Indian farmers for mainly rice cultivation and other well irrigated crops. Butachlor herbicide works efficiently to remove weed and is best suited for well irrigated or moist soils.Get a discount @The global butachlor herbicide market is growing due to escalating food demand for the booming global population and reducing arable land. However, rising general awareness about the harmful effects of herbicides and other toxic agrochemicals, along with stringent environmental regulations, especially in developed countries of North America and Europe is expected to be a limiting factor for the butachlor herbicide market. Due to the opposition of chemicals used in agriculture, farmers are moving to organic farming and development of better and less harmful substitutes.Butachlor Market: Geographical EvaluationThe large population base makes Asia Pacific a major consumer of butachlor herbicide. Agricultural economies including China, Indonesia and India are chief consumers of butachlor herbicide for its heavy usage in variety of crops. A rise in disposable income and purchase power parity of China and India is expected to drive demand for food grains, thereby increasing the demand for butachlor herbicide.Comparative lenient norms and regulations against chemicals, availability of cheap labor and land, Asia is the preferred region for production facilities for key market players. North America is another leading consumer for butachlor herbicide, especially in well irrigated southern land of Mississippi and Missouri areas of the U.S. In addition, Brazil, South Africa and Central Africa contribute to the major demand for the market. Strict government control norms over potentially harmful agrochemicals and general tendency of farmers towards sustainable organic farming techniques, Europe is projected to witness slower growth in comparison to other regions.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com World IoT Communication Protocol Market Report 2017-2025: Research, Competitive Analysis, Key Manufacturers and Development The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000225 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000225 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/iot-communication-protocol-market According to The Insight Partners, Global IoT Communication Protocol Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the IoT Communication Protocol industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global IoT Communication Protocol market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global IoT Communication Protocol market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the IoT Communication Protocol players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atIoT Communication Protocol Market Players:Atmel CorporationCeva, Inc.Enocean GmbHGainspan CorporationMediatek Inc.Mindtree Ltd.NXP Semiconductors N.V.STMicroelectronics N.V.Synopsys, Inc.Texas Instruments Inc.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global IoT Communication Protocol market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall IoT Communication Protocol market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Inquire before Buying atAlso, key IoT Communication Protocol market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the IoT Communication Protocol market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.View Complete Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Tremend opens a software development center in Brasov The fastest growing technology company in Romania expands its team to a new location outside Bucharest.Tremend software Consulting opens a new development center in Brasov, after an over 40% staff increase at the Bucharest headquarters during the first half of 2017. The new engineering team in Brasov will contribute to designing and building solutions for global customers in areas such as telecom, banking, retail, media, automotive. specialists at the new location will take part in developing complex projects such as mobile banking, eCommerce or marketplace platforms, solutions for home care and self-driving vehicles or in-car infotainment systems. Among the technologies that will be used are the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning and microservices.The town of Brasov has several important advantages: talented specialists, a solid work ethic and the proximity to Bucharest. That will help us easily share core company values such as agility, continuous development and exposure to the latest technologies and development tools, said Ioan Cocan, Brasov-born, Tremend Managing Partner.By the end of the year, Tremend plans to hire 10 software engineers in Brasov, with expertise in PHP, (Drupal and Magento), Java, Javascript, C++, Android, front end, QA. The companys new development center has 250 sqm, is located in the Centrul Nou area, halfway between the Transylvania University and Tricolorului square, and will become operational in early august.Tremends decision to expand to Brasov was encouraged by the growing volume and complexity of projects developed for Romanian and international clients.In early 2017 Tremend was listed in the Financial Times 1000 and Inc. 5000 rankings of fastest growing European companies.Last year the company joined the most dynamic tech suppliers in the region within the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe ranking, after a 399% growth between 2012 and 2016. Tremend ranked 37th in the Fast 50 category, the highest position held by a Romanian company.With over 11 years of experience in software development, Tremend has successfully delivered over 300 projects to customers from 15 countries on three continents. The solutions developed by the company have over 60 million end-users and serve leading companies in industries such as banking, finance, telecom and automotive, as well as professional and medical services.S.C. TREMEND SOFTWARE CONSULTING S.R.L.3 Gheorghe Manu, 4th floor, District 1, Bucharest, Romania, 010442Email: contact@tremend.ro House Speaker Paul Ryan speaks July 26 at the White House event announcing that Foxconn plans to build a large manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. Others at the event included, from left, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker; Vice President Mike Pence; Terry Gou, president and chief executive officer of Foxconn; and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS Breaking News: Planet 9 Found! https://www.youtube.com/embed/MAuM7dTv19c Mr Green, an amateur astronomer from Hampshire UK has reportedly discovered the mysterious ninth planet in our solar system.Astronomers have been searching for what is commonly referred to as Planet Nine for some years now, after a consensus was formed that there must be an additional planet lurking on the outer reaches of our heliosphere.Planet Nine has thus far been referred to as a hypothetical planet, as until now nobody had seen it or managed to track its movements. According to leading scientists such as Mike Brown, the reasoning behind the existence of the planet is as an explanation for why the other planets in our solar system circle the sun on a tilted orbit. Brown and others believe that a planet possibly ten times the size of Earth is weighing the whole solar system down and causing this misalignment.Astronomers Scott Sheppard and Chadwick Trujillo have been scanning the skies using some of the worlds best telescopes, but have only managed to cover about 10% of the area in which the planet could be up to now. For this reason, they enlisted the help of amateurs all over the world. This worldwide search led Brown to predict that the planet would be discovered by the end of 2017.If these reports are to be believed then the discovery of this elusive planet has occurred much sooner than expected. Mr Green was only using a Meade LightBridge 12/304.8mm Reflector telescope from his home observatory and he managed to find what leaders in the profession with high-powered telescopes couldnt.Greens discovery happened just over a month ago, and he is now awaiting official confirmation after having sent his findings to the UK Space Agency. If it turns out that he is correct and what he saw is Planet Nine, he will have earned the right to name it himself. Green has vowed to name the planet after his cat, Emoji.There are still officially only eight planets in our solar system until the space agencies approve Mr Greens sighting. Pluto was believed to be a planet until 2006 when it was reclassified as a dwarf planet, now known only as Asteroid Number 134340.Mr Green Limited is a company registered in accordance with Maltese Law with registration no C43260, Registered office: Mr Green Limited,Manor HouseSheepscarLeeds Biosimilar Market 2017 Share, Growth and Regional Forecast ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001900654/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-biosimilar-market-research-report-2017 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001900654/discount http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001900654/buy/2900 ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Biosimilar Market Research Report 2017 The report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Global Biosimilar market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue-value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingPfizerRocheEli LillyBayerAmgenSanofi-AventisJohnson & JohnsonNovo NordiskMerckRequest a Sample atGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue-million USD), market share and growth rate of Biosimilar in these regions, from 2012 to 2022-forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaBrowse Complete Report atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAntibodyHormoneGrowth FactorsOtherOn 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 Biosimilar for each application, includingTumorDiabetesCardiovascularHemophiliaOtherGet discount on report purchase atKey Point from Table of Contents:1 Biosimilar Market Overview2 Global Biosimilar Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Biosimilar Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Biosimilar Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Biosimilar Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type6 Global Biosimilar Market Analysis by Application7 Global Biosimilar Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Pfizer7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Biosimilar Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Pfizer Biosimilar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin-2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Roche7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Biosimilar Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Roche Biosimilar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin-2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Eli Lilly7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Biosimilar Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Eli Lilly Biosimilar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin-2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Biosimilar Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Biosimilar Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase Complete Report atContact Information: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.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Aquaculture Nets Market Research Report 2022 Size, Supply and Demand ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001890977/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-aquaculture-nets-market-research-report-2017 www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001890977/discount http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001890977/buy/2900 ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Aquaculture Nets Market Research Report 2017 The report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Global Aquaculture Nets market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingDSMJaya Nets(Malaysia)AIMI Ltd(UK)AkvaservisAsia One Marine(HK)Azuka Synthetics LLP(India)Bridon International Ltd(UK)Carlsen Net A/S(Denmark)Casamar Group Inc(USA)China Rope & Line Group Co.,LtdDaena Rope Co Ltd(South Korea)Dantrawl(US)CPO Oost Net UA(Netherlands)SWAN NETNITTO SEIMO(Japan)EuroneteSicorGarware-Wall RopesRequest a Sample atGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Aquaculture Nets in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaBrowse Complete Report atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into3 Strand Nylon3 Strand Polyester3 Strand PP3 strand MaxiflexOtherOn 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 Aquaculture Nets for each application, includingMarine Aquaculture IndustryFreshwater Aquaculture IndustryGet discount on report purchase atKey Point from Table of Contents:1 Aquaculture Nets Market Overview2 Global Aquaculture Nets Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Aquaculture Nets Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Aquaculture Nets Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Aquaculture Nets Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type6 Global Aquaculture Nets Market Analysis by Application7 Global Aquaculture Nets Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 DSM7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Aquaculture Nets Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 DSM Aquaculture Nets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Jaya Nets(Malaysia)7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Aquaculture Nets Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Jaya Nets(Malaysia) Aquaculture Nets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 AIMI Ltd(UK)7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Aquaculture Nets Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 AIMI Ltd(UK) Aquaculture Nets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Aquaculture Nets Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Aquaculture Nets Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase Complete Report atContact Information: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.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Global and China Spark Plug Industry Report Value Analysis and Forecast 2017 ReportsWeb www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001893865/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-and-china-spark-plug-industry-professional-market-report-2017 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001893865/discount http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001893865/buy/3000 ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global and China Spark Plug Industry Professional Market Report 2017 The report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.This report splits Spark Plug market By Spark Plug Calorie Value, By Electrode Material, By the Characteristics of Spark Plugs, By Spark Plug Classification, which shares the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022. This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details.Request a Sample atKey PlayersNGK(Japan)BOSCH(Germany)DENSO(Japan)CHAMPION(US)TORCH(China)ACDelco(US)Autolite(US)SW(China)HELLA(Germany)NEWSTARS(China)SUZULI(Japan)Eyquem(France)LIBEN(China)STARLIGHT(China)Browse Complete Report atKey RegionsFirst-tier CitiesBeijingShanghaiGuangzhouShenzhenSecond-tier CitiesChengduHangzhouWuhanTianjinNanjingChongqingXi'anQingdaoShenyangDalianXiamenSuzhouNingboWuxiThird-tier CitiesFourth-tier CitiesOther RegionsMain Product TypeSpark Plug Market, by Spark Plug Calorie ValueLow Calorific ValueIn the Calorific ValueHigh Calorific ValueSpark Plug Market, by Electrode MaterialNickel AlloySilver AlloyPlatinum AlloySpark Plug Market, by the Characteristics of SparkSingle headDouble headFour headsSpark Plug Market, by Spark Plug ClassificationQuasi-spark PlugsEdge of the Prominent Type of Spark PlugElectrode Spark PlugsSeat Spark PlugPolar Spark PlugsMain ApplicationsHome UseCommercial UseGet discount on report purchase atKey Point from Table of Contents:Chapter One Spark Plug Market OverviewChapter Two, Spark Plug by Regions 2012-2022Chapter Three, Spark Plug by Brands 2012-2022Chapter Five, Top Brands ProfileChapter Six, Industry Chain and Supply ChainChapter Seven, Development Trend and Research ConclusionPurchase Complete Report atContact Information: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.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Global Beer Market with Focus on Craft & Premium Beer Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020) https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/877589 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/877589 The report titled Global Beer Market with Focus on Craft & Premium Beer Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020), provides an in-depth analysis of the global beer market with detailed geographical analysis of major markets such as the US, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. The report also includes analysis of craft and premium beer in the US and other markets. Growth of market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The report also includes detailed analysis of leading players in the global beer industry including attributes such as business overview, recent developments, financials and strategies adopted by the market leaders in order to ensure growth, sustainability, etc.Company CoverageHeinekein Holding NVAB InBev SADiageo PLCGet The Sample Copy Of This Report :Executive SummaryBeer market by category is broadly divided into premium, super premium and draught. One of the popular beer categories, Craft beer refers to beer that is not brewed by one of the big "mega-brewery" corporations. Globally, beer market has been following premiumization trend with growth advent in craft beer and premium beer segment.Global beer market is driven by rising demand from emerging markets, increasing market penetration of premium and craft beer; and growth opportunity in Asian markets. However, factors such as high regulation in craft brewing industry, distribution challenges from hypermarkets, emergence of alternative beverage categories and falling consumer demand are posing challenge to growth of the industry. Key trends prevailing in the industry includes rising consolidation in the global beer industry and growth of premium beer brands globally.Send An Enquiry :1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Beer Market: Overview2.2 Beer Industry Analysis by Production2.3 Beer Market: Outlets3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Beer Market: An Analysis3.1.1 Global Beer Market Size by Value3.1.2 Global Beer Market Size by Value Forecasted3.1.3 Global Beer Industry Profit Growth3.1.4 Global Beer Market Size by Volume3.1.5 Global Beer Market Volume Share by Region3.1.6 Global Beer Market Volume Share by Competitors3.2 Global Beer Market: Pricing Analysis3.2.1 Global Beer Market Pricing Analysis4. Regional/Country Analysis4.1 Asia Beer Market: An Analysis4.1.1 Asia Beer Market Size by Volume4.1.2 Asia Beer Market Share by Nations4.1.3 China Beer Market Size by Volume4.1.4 China Beer Market Share by Competitors4.1.5 South Korea Beer Market Size by Volume4.1.6 Taiwan Beer Market Size by Volume4.1.7 Malaysia Beer Market Size by Volume4.1.8 Singapore Beer Market Size by Volume4.2 The US Beer Market: An Analysis4.2.1 The US Beer Market Size by Volume4.2.2 The US Market Size by Volume4.2.3 The US Craft Beer Market Size by Volume4.2.4 The US Premium Beer Market Size by Volume5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Drivers5.1.1 Demand from emerging markets5.1.2 Increasing market penetration of premium and craft beer5.1.3 Growth opportunity in Asian countries5.2 Challenges5.2.1 High regulation in craft brewing5.2.2 Distribution challenges from Hypermarket5.2.3 Emergence of alternative beverage categories5.2.4 Falling consumer demand5.3 Market Trends5.3.1 Consolidation in the Industry5.3.2 Growth of Premium Beer Brands Globally6. Competitive Landscape7. Company Profile7.1 Heinekein Holding NV7.1.1 Business Overview7.1.2 Financial Overview7.1.3 Business Strategy7.2 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. NV7.2.1 Business Overview7.2.2 Financial Overview7.2.3 Business Strategy7.3 Diageo PLC7.3.1 Business Overview7.3.2 Financial Overview7.3.3 Business StrategyMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments. Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Market Research Report 2017 Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps https://www.24marketreports.com/request-sample/global-magneto-hydrodynamic-pumps-market-research-report-2017 https://www.24marketreports.com/manufacturing-and-construction/global-magneto-hydrodynamic-pumps-market-research-report-2017 In this report, the global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps market is expected to reach high between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaGlobal Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including Torishima KSB IKA Process Athena IkausaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Permanent Magnet Type Magnetic Coil TypeOn 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 Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps for each application, including Medical Care Laboratory OthersGet a free sample copy of Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps @Table of ContentGlobal Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Market Research Report 20171 Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Market Overview2 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Market Analysis by Application7 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Magneto Hydrodynamic Pumps Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionGet access to full report @24MarketReports is the marque of market research industry which identifies massive database of market research reports. We are having a numerous sectors market research gathering which covers diverse verticals around the Earth. Our central focus to make it trouble-free for decision makers to find applicable information and locate right Research reports which can save their time and assist in what they do best.New York City Zone 01, United Stateshelp@24marketreports.comInt'l: (+1) 646 781 7170UK(Toll free): +44 800 088 5734 Coated Flat Glass Market Report 2017, Trends, Analysis, Share, Estimates and Forecasts to 2022. http://www.strategymrc.com/report/coated-flat-glass-market http://www.strategymrc.com/report/coated-flat-glass-market According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Coated Flat Glass Market is accounted for $25.68 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $37.90 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Rising usage of flat glass in contemporary architectural designs is fueling global flat glass market. Further, rising Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) in automotive industry is driving the flat glass market. The increasing demand of solar panels, photovoltaic cells, and E-glass is creating new growth opportunities for the players in the flat glass market. The increasing price of raw material and absence of suitable logistic supply chain management in developing countries are posing challenges for global flat glass market.Asia Pacific is the leading market of flat glass followed by Europe and North America. Asia Pacific is also the fastest growing region of flat glass due to the demand of passenger car from developing countries and immense urbanization in this region. China solely covers about half of the global market share of flat glass followed by Japan.Some of the key players in the market include Saint-Gobain, AGC Glass, Central Glass Co., Ltd., Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd, Taiwan Glass Group, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd, Carlex Glass, Pilkington Group Limited, CSG Holding Co., Ltd, Guardian Industries Corp, SCHOTT, Scheuten Glas, Corning, Cardinal Glass Industries and Magna International.For More, Please Visit:Applications Covered: Buildingso Residential Buildingso Commercial buildingso Refurbishment and Interiorso Others Solar Energy Automotive Industry OtherFlat Glass Type Covered: Self-Cleaning Glass Mirrored Glass Low-E Glass Extra Clear Glass Laminated Glass Solar Control GlassTechnology Covered: Sol-gel Technology Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)o Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD)o Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)o Sputteringo Evaporation Otherso NanotechnologyRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao 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 advancementsFor More, Please Visit:We offer wide spectrum of research and consulting services with in-depth knowledge of different industries. We are known for customized research services, consulting services and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) services in the research world. We explore the market trends and draw our insights with valid assessments and analytical views. We use advanced techniques and tools among the quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify the market trends. Our research reports and publications are routed to help our clients to design their business models and enhance their business growth in the competitive market scenario. We have a strong team with hand-picked consultants including project managers, implementers, industry experts, researchers, research evaluators and analysts with years of experience in delivering the complex projects.STRATISTICS MRC17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg,MD, 20877, USA E - commerce Market 2017 Emerging Trends Reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/global-e-commerce-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001914111/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001914111/buy/3300 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001914111/discount This report studies the global E - commerce market, analyzes and researches the E - commerce development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeAlibaba GroupAmazonAppleeBayGooglePayPalJingdongArgosRakuten-Odigeo & C-discountGmarketUlmartFor more information about this report atMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, E - commerce can be split intoC2CB2CMarket segment by Application, E - commerce can be split intoConsumer GoodsHome AppliancesBooksServiceOthersRequest a sample copy atTable of Content1 Industry Overview of E - commerce2 Global E - commerce Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Alibaba Group3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 E - commerce Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Amazon3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 E - commerce Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Apple3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 E - commerce Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments4 Global E - commerce Market Size by Application (2012-2017)5 United States E - commerce Development Status and Outlook6 EU E - commerce Development Status and Outlook7 Japan E - commerce Development Status and Outlook8 China E - commerce Development Status and Outlook9 India E - commerce Development Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia E - commerce Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2016-2021)12 E - commerce Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding/ConclusionPurchase Complete Report atand get,Discount on report purchase 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 Hydraulic Cylinder Market Demand, Business Overview, Demand, Share, Global Industry Research and Forecast from 217-2022 Big Market Research https://goo.gl/nFq6NZ https://goo.gl/JmeeDX https://goo.gl/HfH1YN ABSTRACTAbout Hydraulic Cylinder MarketAn overview of the Global Hydraulic Cylinder Market is offered on the basis of product overview and detailed segmentation of the industry. The research provides market segmentation based on types, applications, and geography. Each type of Hydraulic Cylinder is analyzed with insights on production and production market share for 2017 along with key manufacturers for each type enlisted using a tabular representation. Furthermore, consumption market share for each application is offered in the research for 2017 in a tabular format. Regional analysis is discussed in terms of current market status and growth prospects for the period, 20122022. Geographies analyzed in the study are North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Statistics on revenue and growth rate for each region are mentioned with the help of figures for the historic period and the forecast period.Visit link to browse full report with TOC: -Market competition on the basis of manufacturers is discussed in the research along with insights on production, revenue, production market share, and revenue market share for 2017 and 2017. Moreover, significant information on manufacturing base distribution, product type, and sales area of each manufacturer are also covered. Comprehensive information on competitive situation and trends are provided based on market share of top three & top six manufacturers, market concentration rate, and strategies such as mergers & acquisition, expansion, partnerships, and others adopted by them for business growth.Report Sample Enquiry Form: -The research provides an extensive analysis of key manufactures operating in the Global Hydraulic Cylinder Market. Key manufacturers analyzed in the study Wipro Infrastructure, Weber-Hydraulik, Dongyang, KYB, Eaton, Parker Hannifin, Pacoma, Bosch Rexroth, Ligon Industries, Hydratech, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Enerpac, Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Nurmi Hydraulics, Norrhydro, Canara Hydraulics, Bucher Group, Herbert H?nchen, Hunger, Texas Hydraulics, Tokyo Keiki, Best Metal Products, SILVIO FOSSA S.p.A, Bailey and others. Production, revenue, average price of products, and gross margin for 2017 and 2017 are discussed in a tabular format. Detailed analysis of type, application, and specifications of products of manufacturers are provided along with an overview of business. This information assists industry players in determining competitive intensity and helps investors in determining investment pockets to gain maximum returns.Manufacturing cost analysis is offered in the research based on manufacturing cost structure, raw material analysis, and manufacturing process analysis. A table offers an extensive analysis production base and market concentration rate of raw materials, whereas a figure provides insights on price trends. Key suppliers of raw materials are enlisted in a tabular format. Figure illustrates manufacturing cost structure and manufacturing process analysis.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Single Acting Cylinders Double Acting CylindersOn 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 Hydraulic Cylinder for each application, including Automotive Marine Agricultural & Farming Construction Aerospace & Defense OthersReport Purchase Form: -Table of ContentsGlobal Hydraulic Cylinder Market Research Report 20171 Hydraulic Cylinder Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Hydraulic Cylinder1.2 Hydraulic Cylinder Segment by Type (Product Category)1.3 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Segment by Application1.4 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Market by Region (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Hydraulic Cylinder (2012-2022)2 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Hydraulic Cylinder Market Competitive Situation and Trends3 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Hydraulic Cylinder Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Hydraulic Cylinder Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Our research services ranges into different domains and penetrates in different verticals so that we can carter to diverse needs of various organization. Not wrong to quote that this is the hotspot for research needs of yours. Our strength is in our research analysts who with their proactive approach are able to source best and correct information which can be detrimental in organizations success. We follow six sigma standards leaving no scope for error. Big Market Research uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesEmail: help@bigmarketresearch.com Chipless RFID Market Outlook to 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=76 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=76 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=D&rep_id=76 Global Chipless RFID Market: SnapshotChipless RFIDs, the systems that use radiofrequency energy to communicate data but do not store serial numbers in the transponder like RFID systems with silicon microchips do, are considered the next big opportunity for the global RFID market as the a highly digitized world demands means of tagging all things possible. Chipless RFIDs suit well to this requirement as they are very cheap and convenient as compared to conventional RFID tags. While not many leading RFID companies are focusing on development in the field of chipless RFID, many companies in the fields of packaging, printing, and electronics are actively leading development of the technology through R&D efforts.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The market for chipless RFIDs is increasingly witnessing the introduction of innovative chipless RFID systems. Certain chipless RFID tags in the market use materials some form of conductive polymers instead of the conventional silicon microchips. Some varieties use materials capable of reflecting back a portion of the radio waves radiated at them. A computer gathers the waves reflected back as a snapshot and uses it like biometric data to identify the tagged object. Some companies operating in the field of chipless RFID are also experimenting with implanting radio frequency reflecting fibers in documents to prevent their unauthorized photocopying.There are also some varieties of inks in the global market capable of reflecting radio waves at specific frequencies. The most common use of these inks has been seen in the field of agriculture wherein farmers can tattoo chipless RFID transponders with the help of these inks on animals for the purpose of identification.Request TOC of the Report @Chipless RFID: General OutlineRadio-frequency identification (RFID) uses of a wireless non-contact system that in turn uses electromagnetic fields with the level of radio frequency to transmit data. The data is sent from a tag which is attached with an object, for automatic tracking and identification. Some tags are given power by the electromagnetic fields that are then used to read them, and hence need no battery. Other types of RFID use a local power source and send out radio waves. The tag consists of electronically stored data which could be received from up to more than a few meters away.Chipless RFID technologies have the capability to create demand for trillions of tags yearly, through item level tagging, thereby creating more opportunity, and as a result the chip RFID suppliers are continuously working towards developing these technologies. Printers, electronics and packaging manufacturers have so far led the global chipless RFID market in terms of usage as well as rate of development. The importance of chipless RFID tags is set to increase even further for them through the implementation of low-cost RFID tags integrated with low-price electronics such as displays and sensors.Get a discount @Chipless RFID: Trends and ProspectsDue to the recent technological developments, chipless RFID tags have now become affordable, and can be attributed to its growth. Chipless RFID are tied to a simplified production technology, which minimizes the production time and is well-matched with the pre-existing infrastructure, thus saving the cost of establishing new system. However, the low efficiency of chipless RFID in supply chain could act as a challenge for its market growth.The U.S. is currently leading the RFID business and market share. The manufacturers of chipless RFID have understood the requirement for low priced and efficient solutions, for tracking and tracing of goods for several applications. These applications include smart card, retail, supply chain, and others. Chipless RFID offers solution such as anti-counterfeiting and asset tracking to stop the shrinkage in retail. Shrink in retail generally occurs by any kind of theft or misplacement of good without notification. Moreover, it helps improve the efficiency and productivity of the system. In addition, it is also helping smart card penetrate further in the market by offering more security to smart cards. The government of countries such as Nigeria, China, Singapore and United Kingdom have already made use of RFID compulsory in various projects such as counterfeiting, citizen identification and others, thereby giving a boost to the growth of chipless RFID.Chipless RFID: Key SegmentsThe common application of chipless RFID can be found in supply chain, aviation, smart cards, retail, public transit, and healthcare. Defense, library, and animal tagging are a few of the modern application of chipless RFID.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com RACINE COUNTY The state would cover up to 40 percent of local governments loans if the Foxconn project falls apart, under the deal legislators are considering. The provision would offer some protection to Racine County taxpayers if Foxconn chose the county for its massive manufacturing campus, though it would potentially raise costs for residents throughout the state. Local governing bodies are considering incentive packages but have declined comment on specifics. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said the state has a moral obligation to effectively co-sign loans taken out by municipalities. The villages probably dont have the borrowing capacity up front to be able to do everything thats required for roads, infrastructure, water, sewer, all of that, Vos said at a press conference in the state Capitol. If for some reason something bad happened, it would just allow the opportunity for the Legislature to help get a lower cost on the bonds. Specifics of that provision came to light as a special legislative session on the Foxconn incentive package began Tuesday. The legislation includes up to $3 billion in state incentives. Foxconn, an electronics giant based in Taiwan, plans to build its liquid-crystal display panel factory on more than 1,000 acres as part of a $10 billion investment in the state. The company has not yet named a location for its campus but is considering sites in Racine and Kensoha counties. The sooner the Legislature moves forward on legislation, the quicker Foxconn can pick a site, Vos said. A public hearing on the bill has been set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in front of the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy. A committee vote will be held the following week. Vos aims to have the full Assembly vote on the bill in mid-August. The biggest priority is making sure that we have Foxconn moving along, because we know that the sooner we are able to do the due diligence on the legislation, the sooner they are able to choose a site, Vos said, and hopefully begin construction, start employing people and get money into the pockets of everyday Wisconsinites. Its not clear the legislation will move as quickly in the state Senate. Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Tuesday the state budget, which is now more than a month late, is a bigger priority to pass, according to the Associated Press. Gov. Scott Walker met behind closed doors with Senate and Assembly Republicans as he pushed the legislation Tuesday, which has found some bipartisan support. Environmental impact? Vos also responded to criticism about environmental rules that would be rolled back for the Foxconn project. The bill allows Foxconn to move or change the course of streams, build man-made bodies of water that connect with natural waterways and discharge materials in state wetlands without authorization from the state Department of Natural Resources, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. It also exempts the company from being subject to an environmental impact statement. Vos said federal environmental regulations remain in place and the bill raises requirements for disturbing wetlands. The legislation dictates that 2 acres of wetlands, instead of the normal 1.2 acres, must be created for every one acre of wetland disturbed. In many ways, its going to enhance the ability for us to protect the environment, but do it in a way that streamlines the process and hopefully has zero damage to the environment, Vos said. Kerry Schumann, executive director of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, called the proposed exemptions radical and unnecessary. Building economic strength, creating jobs, and protecting Wisconsins vulnerable natural resources are not mutually exclusive endeavors, Schumann said. Global Graphene Nano Platelets Market Market Forecast 2017 : Grafoid, Graphenea, Skeleton Technologies, Samsung Electronics Graphene Nano Platelets http://bit.ly/2w4Jm7N http://bit.ly/2tYuwyg A market study Global Graphene Nano Platelets Market examines the performance of the Graphene Nano Platelets market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Graphene Nano Platelets market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Graphene Nano Platelets market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Graphene Nano Platelets Market 2017 report includes Graphene Nano Platelets market Size, Revenue, market Share, Graphene Nano Platelets industry volume, market Trends, Graphene Nano Platelets Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Graphene Nano Platelets Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Graphene Nano Platelets Market 2017:Graphene FrontiersGraphene LaboratoriesGraphene SquareGrafoidGrapheneaSkeleton TechnologiesSamsung ElectronicsIBM CorporationSanDisk CorporationGalaxy MicrosystemsFirstly, the report covers the top Graphene Nano Platelets manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Graphene Nano Platelets report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Graphene Nano Platelets industry, Graphene Nano Platelets industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Graphene Nano Platelets Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Graphene Nano Platelets 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 Graphene Nano Platelets market revenue worldwide.Finally, Graphene Nano Platelets 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 UsUnited States Global Flexible Flat Panel Display Market Forecast 2017 : LG, Samsung, Panasonic, BOE Technology, Kopin Corporation Flexible Flat Panel Display http://bit.ly/2uY6UuZ http://bit.ly/2w5DbAg A market study Global Flexible Flat Panel Display Market examines the performance of the Flexible Flat Panel Display market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Flexible Flat Panel Display market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Flexible Flat Panel Display market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Flexible Flat Panel Display Market 2017 report includes Flexible Flat Panel Display market Size, Revenue, market Share, Flexible Flat Panel Display industry volume, market Trends, Flexible Flat Panel Display Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Flexible Flat Panel Display Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Flexible Flat Panel Display Market 2017:LGSamsungPanasonicBOE TechnologyKopin CorporationKyocera CorporationNLT TechnologiesSharp CorporationHannStar DisplayClover Display LimitedFirstly, the report covers the top Flexible Flat Panel Display manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Flexible Flat Panel Display report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Flexible Flat Panel Display industry, Flexible Flat Panel Display industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Flexible Flat Panel Display Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Flexible Flat Panel Display 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 Flexible Flat Panel Display market revenue worldwide.Finally, Flexible Flat Panel Display 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 UsUnited States Global IoT Chip Market Forecast 2017 : Intel Qualcomm Mediatek Nvidia IoT Chip http://bit.ly/2hnfMa8 http://bit.ly/2vidRt8 A market study Global IoT Chip Market examines the performance of the IoT Chip market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the IoT Chip market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of IoT Chip market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global IoT Chip Market 2017 report includes IoT Chip market Size, Revenue, market Share, IoT Chip industry volume, market Trends, IoT Chip Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, IoT Chip Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global IoT Chip Market 2017:IntelQualcommNXP SemiconductorsTexas InstrumentsCypress SemiconductorMediatekMicrochip TechnologyRenesas ElectronicsStmicroelectronicsStmicroelectronicsNvidiaAdvanced Micro DevicesSamsung ElectronicsFirstly, the report covers the top IoT Chip manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the IoT Chip report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of IoT Chip industry, IoT Chip industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. IoT Chip Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The IoT Chip 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 IoT Chip market revenue worldwide.Finally, IoT Chip 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 UsUnited States Worldwide Mobile 3D Market Overview by Region, Type, Application and Forecasts To 2022 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001885163/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-mobile-3d-market-research-report-2017 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001885163/discount http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001885163/buy/2900 ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Mobile 3D Market Research Report 2017 The report focuses on global major leading players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Mobile 3D in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast) , covering United States, EU, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.Get free sample copy of report atGlobal Mobile 3D market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including 3M, Amazon, Amobee, Apple, Cooliris, Eon Reality, Hitachi, HTC, Imagination Technologies, Inmobi, Intel, LG, Masterimage, Microoled, Microvision, Motorola, Movidius, Nokia, NTT Docomo, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba and Yuvsoft.Get 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 into Mobile Devices, Device Components, Image Sensors and Others.On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Mobile 3D for each application, including 3D Mobile Gaming, 3D Mobile Advertisements, 3D Mobile Projections, 3D Mobile Maps & Navigation and Others.Get discount on report purchase atTable of Content1 Mobile 3D Market Overview2 Global Mobile 3D Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Mobile 3D Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Mobile 3D Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Mobile 3D Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type6 Global Mobile 3D Market Analysis by Application7 Global Mobile 3D Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 3M7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Mobile 3D Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 3M Mobile 3D Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Amazon7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Mobile 3D Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Amazon Mobile 3D Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Amobee7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Mobile 3D Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Amobee Mobile 3D Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Mobile 3D Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Mobile 3D Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase complete report atContact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Goat Milk Powder Market (Malaysia, Australia, Canada) by Key players CBM, Australian Nature Dairy, Avhdairy https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/437249-global-goat-milk-powder-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/437249-global-goat-milk-powder-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=437249 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/437249-global-goat-milk-powder-market-1 HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 123 pages on title 'Global Goat Milk Powder Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa and important players such as CBM, Australian Nature Dairy, Avhdairy, Red Star.Summary""Goat milk powder (dry goat milk) for production of other products (in big packages).It also called Industrial milk powder, is used in the food industry milk powder, mainly for dairy enterprises to re-processing or production use, such as milk drinks, yogurt, yogurt drinks, biscuits, candy, chocolate, ice and so on.""Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Goat Milk Powder 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 coversFITCBMAustralian Nature DairyAvhdairyRed StarGuanshan.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversWhole MilkSkim MilkMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoDairy ProductMilk FoodThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Goat Milk Powder market.Chapter 1, to describe Goat Milk Powder Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Get customization & check discount for report @Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Goat Milk Powder, with sales, revenue, and price of Goat Milk Powder, 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 Goat Milk Powder, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Buy this report @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, Goat Milk Powder market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Goat Milk Powder sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.Contact Us:CRAIG FRANCIS (PR & Marketing Manager)sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218HTF 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@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Polystyrene Tubs Market is Expected to Grow for Increasing in disposable income of families http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=26591 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/polystyrene-tubs-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global polystyrene tubs market: OverviewThe global consumer packaging industry has expanded in terms of scope and industries served, over the past few decades. The food industry has been growing steadily, and is driven by food consumption trends. Polystyrene or foam tubs find application in the food industry, mainly for side dishes. Many cuisines have at least one side dish. Polystyrene tubs are preferable for side dishes such as, tartar dips, sauces, and other side dishes. Polystyrene tubs are also used for yogurts. The global polystyrene tubs market outlooks looks positive due to the growing applications of polystyrene material. Growth of the global polystyrene tubs market is expected to be moderate, as it will be driven solely by consumer prejudice on health impacts of Styrene as a material. Also, growing awareness among consumers and governments regarding environmental impact of the materials we use, has led to stringent laws and restrictions, which is also one of the key factors expected to contribute to the fate of the global polystyrene tubs market.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Global polystyrene tubs market: DynamicsThe global polystyrene tubs market is expected to grow on the backdrop of the global polystyrene market. Some of the major contributors to growth of the global polystyrene market are increase in disposable income of families. Growing economies in developing countries such as India, has increased the fraction of household expenditure on dining out, by as much as 10%. As these countries add more people to the middle class segment of population, more people will explore such options. There are other factors that might hamper growth of the global polystyrene tubs market.Polystyrene is widely considered to be a possible human carcinogen, due to the presence of Styrene. Amidst growing health concerns, and people being advised not to use foam products, there might be some hindrance to growth of the global polystyrene tubs market. Also, Polystyrene products are slow to break down in landfills, and therefore present the risk of potentially releasing toxic chemicals. Hence, polystyrene tubs can be considered unsafe as they come in contact with the food inside. San Francisco banned all polystyrene take-away containers in 2007, amidst environmental concerns. In June, 2016, San Francisco banned all polystyrene products in the city. Therefore, the polystyrene tubs market outlook for polystyrene tubs in San Francisco does not look very promising.Despite all these factors, there are some key benefits that are expected to still keep polystyrene market growing in certain regions. These factors include -Light-weight reduced transportation costs help lower the price of food. Polystyrene tubs have low production cost too.High resistance to moisture ensures food safetyGlobal polystyrene tubs market: SegmentationThe global polystyrene tubs market can be segmented based on the varieties in which they have been made available in the market.Browse Market Research Report @On the basis of capacity:2 oz tubs4 oz tubs6 oz tubs8 oz tubs>12 oz or greaterOn the basis of product type:With lidWithout lidOn the basis of application:Sauces & DipsOlivesSoupsNoodlesSide dishesOthersGlobal polystyrene tubs market: Geographical OutlookGeographically, the global totem displays market has been segmented in seven regions North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ)Middle East & Africa (MEA)JapanIn terms of volume, North America region leads the global polystyrene tubs market. That scenario could soon change as a result of government restrictions on the use of polystyrene in the region. Many cities in the US have placed permanent or temporary bans on the use of polystyrene products. These include some of the prominent US cities such as New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Portland. Therefore, it is possible for other US regions to follow suit. Although there is spontaneous research and development to ensure that post-consumer Styrofoam (polystyrene) is fully recyclable. The New York State Supreme Court overturned the New York foam ban. Similar happenings have been reported from Europe, with cities considering foam ban, which has the opposition of companies which invest on R&D. Hence, some turbulence can be expected for the global polystyrene tubs market, over the forecast period. The other regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East, are expected to be influenced to a certain extent by the mixed response toward polystyrene containers in Europe and North America, but with a significant investment on R&D by companies, it is expected that polystyrene containers, and therefore, polystyrene tubs, will continue to be used, well beyond the forecast period.Global polystyrene tubs market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global polystyrene tubs market are Merrypak, Dart Container Corporation, and Huhtamaki OYJAbout TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Lucintel identifies and prioritizes opportunities for growth in the global water and wastewater pipe market by material type, application, diameter, and region Insights that Matter www.lucintel.com According to a new market report published by Lucintel, the future of the water and wastewater pipe market looks good with opportunities in the potable water pipe, wastewater pipe, and irrigation pipe applications. The global water and wastewater pipe market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2016 to 2021. The major growth drivers for this market are increasing investment in water and wastewater management and replacement of aging pipelines.In this market, metal, plastic, and concrete are the major raw materials used to manufacture water and wastewater pipes. Lucintel predicts that the demand for plastic pipes is likely to experience the highest growth in the forecast period, supported by growing demand for lightweight material in the wastewater pipe application. On the basis of its comprehensive research, Lucintel forecasts that the wastewater and potable water pipes are expected to show above average growth during the forecast period.Within the water and wastewater pipe market, wastewater pipe is expected to remain the largest application. The growth of residential and commercial construction and growth in infrastructure development are expected to spur growth for this segment over the forecast period.By diameter, the small diameter pipe segment is expected to remain the largest market as well as have the highest growth over the forecast period due the growing demand for small diameter plastic pipe.Asia Pacific is expected to remain the largest market over the forecast period due to high growth in construction and infrastructure development, especially in China and India. Asia Pacific and the North America are expected to witness good growth over the forecast period because of growing infrastructural development activities and replacement of aging pipelines.For business expansion, the report suggests new product development to reduce time and cost of installation of pipes. Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the industry, include the increasing demand of FRP pipes and usage of multilayer materials pipes for high strength. China Lesso Group Holdings Limited, Mexichem SAB de CV, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA, Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd., and Tenaris SA are among the major manufacturers of water and wastewater pipe. Some companies are opting for M&A as a strategic initiative for driving growth.Lucintel, a leading global strategic consulting and market research firm, has analyzed growth opportunities in global water and wastewater pipe market by end-use application, material type, region, and diameter has come up with a comprehensive research report, Growth Opportunities in Global Water and Wastewater Pipe Market 2016-2021: Trends, Forecast and Opportunity Analysis. The Lucintel report serves as a spring board for growth strategy as it provides a comprehensive data and analysis on trends, key drivers, and directions. The study includes a forecast for the growth opportunities in global water and wastewater pipe market by end-use application, material type, region, and diameter as follows:By end use application (Volume (million tons) and Value $ billion from 2010 to 2021) Potable Water Pipe Wastewater Pipe Irrigation PipeBy material type (Volume (million tons) and Value $ billion from 2010 to 2021) Metal Pipe Plastic Pipe Concrete Pipe OthersBy region (Volume (million tons) and Value $ billion from 2010 to 2021) North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the WorldBy diameter (Value $ billion from 2010 to 2021) Large Diameter Pipe Small Diameter PipeThis 327-page research report will enable you to make confident business decisions in this globally competitive marketplace. For a detailed table of contents, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel offerings include Chemical Market Research Reports, Chemical Industry Analysis Report, Strategic Growth Consulting, Commercial Due Diligence Report and Business Strategy Consulting.This report answers following 11 key questions:Q. 1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for water and wastewater pipe market by materials, applications, diameter, and regions?Q. 2. Which product /segments will grow at a faster pace and why?Q. 3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the drivers and challenges of the market?Q.5. What are the business risks and threats of this market?Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and reasons behind them?Q.7. What are some changing demands of customers in the market?Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are being implemented by key players for business growth?Q.10. How is the competitive rivalry and threat of substitution in this market?Q.11. What are M&A activities in the last 5 years in this market? What reasons to these activities and how have they impacted the industry?Lucintel, the premier global management consulting and market research firm, creates winning strategies for growth. It offers market assessments, competitive analysis, opportunity analysis, growth consulting, M&A, and due diligence services to executives and key decision-makers in a variety of industries. For further information, visitLucintel LLC222 Las Colinas Blvd West, Suite 1650, Irving, TX 75039, USAPh: +1-972-636-5056 Fax: +1-877-883-5140marketing@lucintel.com Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition Market- Microsoft, Softbank, Realeyes, INTRAface, Apple, IBM, Pixar, Synced Review, Affectiva, Cloudwalk, IFlytek, Soifan Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition Market https://goo.gl/MK9BJn https://www.1marketresearch.com/market-reports/artificial-intelligence-emotional-recognition-market-45168/ www.1MarketResearch.com Global Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 provides Market information about Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application.This Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition Industry report also states Company Profile, sales, Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition Market revenue and price, market share, market growth and gross margin by regions.The following summary will give an overview of the causes, processes, and possible effects of the market research proposal.Top Manufacturers/Key Players:-MicrosoftSoftbankRealeyesINTRAfaceAppleIBMPixarSynced ReviewAffectivaCloudwalkIFlytekSoifanEnquiry for buying report @The Global Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition report gives a thorough situation of the present and gauge Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition showcase procedures, improvement methodologies and development openings. Starting a discussion on the contemporary condition of Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition showcase, the report extra dissects the market powerful moving each area begun in it.The report additionally concentrates the Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition bits of knowledge of the organizations and suggestions that will help the perusers to have progressive learning of the Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition showcase.Browse Report @A principal diagram of the Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition market is introduced to the perusers with the assistance of market definition, order, different applications, and production network examination. The Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition report covers the investigation of conventional and the developing markets. The report more expresses the Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition showcase rivals, their business profiles, freshest news, their piece of the overall industry, developing arrangements and methodologies, client volume and creating strategies.In next part, the Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition Report assesses the gross edge examination of various locales i. e. (US, EU, China and Japan). Different areas can be included according to the prerequisite.All in all, it is an exhaustive research report which will help perusers to break down the possibility of interest in Artificial Intelligence- Emotional Recognition advertise.About Us:1MarketResearch is a global business market research providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.We host more than 500,000 Industry research products.Contact US:1MarketResearch304, S. Jones Blvd, #3299,Las Vegas, NV 89107USA : +1 702-425-8599Email : Sales@1MarketResearch.comWeb : World Centrifugal Filter Market Evolving Product Type, Regions & Players Corning, VWR, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., Pall Corporation -Forecast to 2021 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/219707-world-centrifugal-filter-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=219707 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/219707-world-centrifugal-filter-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/219707-world-centrifugal-filter-market HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 114 pages on title 'World Centrifugal Filter Market by Product Type, Market, Players and Regions-Forecast to 2021' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia and important players such as Corning, VWR, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., Pall Corporation..................Request a sample report @SummaryThe Centrifugal Filter market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Global Centrifugal Filter Market: Product Segment Analysis20MLGlobal Centrifugal Filter Market: Application Segment AnalysisMedicineFoodIndustryOthersBuy this report @Global Centrifugal Filter Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportGE HealthcareCorningVWRSigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.Pall CorporationMerck Millipore CorporationSartoriusWith no less than 15 top producers.Thermo Fisher Scientific IncMake an enquiry before buying this Report @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Centrifugal Filter Industry1.1 Industry Definition1.1.1 Types of Centrifugal Filter industry1.1.1.1 20ML1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Centrifugal Filter Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.2 World Centrifugal Filter Market by Types20ML2.3 World Centrifugal Filter Market by ApplicationsMedicineFoodIndustryOthers2.4 World Centrifugal Filter Market Analysis2.4.1 World Centrifugal Filter Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World Centrifugal Filter Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World Centrifugal Filter Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Chapter 3 World Centrifugal Filter Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by Regions in 2015, Through 20213.4 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share By Regions in 2015, Through 2021Read 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 :Nidhi Bhavsar (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Stretch Films Packaging Market is driven by rapid growth in food and beverage (F&B) sector http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=25916 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/stretch-films-packaging-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Stretch films are stretchable and continuous thin film, which are mainly stretched and wrapped around a bundle of items to protect them from the external environment as well as unitize for storage, handling and shipping. Stretch film are highly engineered wrapping films and has emerged as a vital packaging solution. Unlike shrink films, no external heat is used for application of stretch films & this process is carried out using only two stages which are wrapping and sealing. Manufacturers usually prefer plastic materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for the production of stretch films. Stretch films durable and tear-resistant thus adding to the safety of the package products. Stretch films are preliminarily used in bulk load packaging comprising from the end user industry such as food & beverages, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, etc.For more information on this report, fill the form @Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Drivers & RestraintsRapid growth in food and beverage (F&B) sector coupled inclination towards lightweight, safe and cost efficient logistic packaging solution has emerged as the key driver of the growth in global stretch film packaging market. Also, Manufacturers across various product segments prefer stretch films packaging as equipment required for installation of stretch films are simple and less expensive. Storage and distribution markets as a result of an increase in retail trade, imports-exports among the regions also add to the growth of global stretch films packaging market. However, As compared to shrink film, stretch films are less moisture resistant thus provide less climatic protection. Also, biodegradability has risen as environmental challenges thus obstructing the growth of stretch film market to a larger extent. Thus, governments of various countries have started to promote bio-based materials which have emerged as an opportunity for market players to develop biodegradable stretch film.Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: SegmentationThe global stretch films packaging market is segmented as followsOn the basis of material type, the stretch films packaging market is segmented into:Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Polypropylene (PP)OthersOn the basis of applications, the stretch films packaging market is segmented into:Food & Beverages packagingPharmaceuticals packagingConsumer product packagingIndustrial/bulk product packagingOthersBrowse Market Research Report @Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Segmentation OverviewStretch films packaging is in great demand for bulk packaging as well as in retail packaging. Based on the material type, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) stretch film resins are expected to dominate the stretch films packaging market over the forecast period.Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the stretch films packaging market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).The stretch films packaging market in North America along with Europe have relatively attended the maturity level and are thus expected to lose a sizable share of the global films packaging market to Asia Pacific. Key market players that operate in developed stretch films packaging markets of Europe and North America are eyeing Asia-Pacific markets to grow in revenue by making use the resources available in India and other ASEAN countries at an economical rate. The Asia-Pacific market is likely to grow as the most lucrative marketplace for the growth of stretch films packaging. As a result of the rise in disposal income with increasing urbanization coupled with an increase in production of food & beverages, consumer products, etc., the Asia-Pacific region is estimated to witness a healthy growth in stretch films packaging market over the forecast period. Latin America and Middle-East & Africa region are expected to show a positive rate of growth over the forecast period owing to rising demand from the manufacturing sector. Overall, the global stretch films packaging market is estimated to witness a healthy CAGR over the forecast period.Global Stretch Films Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players that operate in the stretch films packaging market across the globe are Bemis Company, Inc., AEP Industries Inc., Amcor Limited, , Sigma Plastics Group, Inc., Coveris Holdings S.A., Grafix Arts., DongGuan HuaYu Packing co., Ltd., Berry Global, Inc. and Clondalkin Group Holdings BV.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Computational Fluid Dynamics Market by Vendor Segmentation, Report, Scope, Growth, Analysis and Forecasts to 2019 Reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/computational-fluid-dynamics-cfd-market-global-report-2015-2019 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001232182/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001232182/buying CFD is a software application that helps end-users analyze the flow, turbulence, and pressure distribution of liquids and gases, and their interaction with structures. It also helps in predicting fluid flow, mass transfer, chemical reactions, and related phenomena. CFD uses high-speed computers, and various numerical methods and solvers to simulate the flow of fluids (gases and liquids). Simulation refers to the digital prototype of the real-world scenario. This helps detect errors in design before proceeding to production. CFD finds wide ranging applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace and defense, electrical and electronics, and energy. CFDs are used to design fuel systems, engine core compartments, cockpit and cabin ventilation, missiles, submarines, and evaluate aerodynamics in the aerospace and defense industry.Publisher's analysts forecast the global CFD market to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% over the period 2014-2019.Based on end-users, the global CFD market can be segmented into: aerospace and defense industry, automotive industry, electrical and electronics industry, industrial machinery industry, material and chemical processing industry, energy industry, and others.For more informationPublisher's report, Global CFD Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, APAC, and EMEA; it also covers the market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion on the key vendors operating in this market.Key regions- Americas- APAC- EMEAKey vendors- ANSYS- CD-adapco- Dassault SystAmes- EXA- Mentor GraphicsRequest Sample CopyOther prominent vendors- Altair Engineering- Autodesk- CEI- COMSOL- ESI- MSC Software- NUMECAMarket driver- Availability of high performance computing systems- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Inaccurate prediction of fluid flow behaviour for highly complex geometries- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Demand for application specific CFD- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Market Report 2017 - EEW Energy from Waste, GGI, Enerkem, CNTY, Plasco Energy, Covanta Burnaby http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=908894&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/united-states-wte-waste-to-energy-market-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com This report studies sales (consumption) of WTE (Waste-to-Energy) in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringEEW Energy from WasteGGIGreenEfW Investments LimitedEnerkemCovanta Burnaby Renewable EnergyPlasco Energy Group Inc.Wheelabrator TechnologiesCNTYGet a Sample Copy of this Report @Market Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoThermal technologiesBiochemical reactionsSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of WTE (Waste-to-Energy) in each application, can be divided intoElectric powerOil & GasOthersTable of ContentsUnited States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Market Report 20171 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of WTE (Waste-to-Energy)1.2 Classification of WTE (Waste-to-Energy)1.2.1 Thermal technologies1.2.2 Biochemical reactions1.3 Application of WTE (Waste-to-Energy)1.3.1 Electric power1.3.2 Oil & Gas1.3.3 Others1.4 United States Market Size Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) of WTE (Waste-to-Energy) (2011-2021)1.4.1 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.4.2 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Competition by Manufacturers2.1 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by States (2011-2016)3.1 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales and Market Share by States (2011-2016)3.2 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Revenue and Market Share by States (2011-2016)3.3 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Price by States (2011-2016)4 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2011-2016)4.1 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)4.2 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)4.3 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Price by Type (2011-2016)4.4 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales Growth Rate by Type (2011-2016)5 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales (Volume) by Application (2011-2016)5.1 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)5.2 United States WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Sales Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)5.3 Market Drivers and OpportunitiesFull Research Report with TOC @QYresearchreports.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.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Fuel Card Marketexpected to increase on the back of rising demand for cashless fuel transactions : Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1273744/global-fuel-card-size-trends-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1273744 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1273744 The report entitled Global Fuel Card Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) provides an in-depth analysis of the global fuel card market with detailed description of market size and growth. The analysis includes market size in terms of value, market share by region and, addressable market. Fuel card penetration rate by region, on the basis of types of vehicle has also been provided.Browse More Details :The report also provides brief regional/country analysis of Europe. The analysis include market sizing in terms of value and fuel spending. Europe is expected to dominate the global fuel card market in the forecasted period also.Furthermore, the report also assesses the key opportunities available in the market and outlines the market dynamics that are and will be accountable for growth of the industry. Growth of the global fuel card market has also been forecasted for the period 2017-2021, taking into consideration previous growth outlines, growth drivers and the existing and forthcoming trends.A brief company profiling of major players namely BP, WEX Inc., FLEETCOR and, Royal Dutch Shell has been provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by respective companies.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Company CoverageBritish Petroleum (BP)WEX Inc.FLEETCORRoyal Dutch ShellRegion CoverageEuropeExecutive SummaryA card especially designed for the payment the fuel stations are known as fuel cards or fleet cards. The card is similar in appearance like a credit card, and works in a similar way.A wide variety of fuel cards are available in the market and each with different features and specifications. The most common types of fuel cards are: Branded Fuel Cards, Universal Fuel Cards and, Merchant Branded Cards. On the basis of type of vehicles, fuel cards are available for light fleets and heavy fleets.The global fuel card market has increased at a significant growth rate over the past few years and projections are made that the market would rise in the next four years i.e. 2017 to 2021. The global fuel card market is expected to increase on the back of rising demand for cashless fuel transactions, consolidation of the fragmented market, availability of a large number of value added services associated with fuel cards, etc. Yet the market faces some challenges such as rising competition from new entrants, changing legal framework, volatile oil prices, rising consumer expectations, etc.Send An Enquiry :1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Overview of Fuel Card2.1.1 Types of Fuel CardOn the Basis of VehiclesOn the Basis of Enterprise2.1.2 Benefits of Fuel Card2.1.3 Major Fuel Card Providers3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Fuel Card Market Analysis3.1.1 Global Fuel Card Market by Value3.1.2 Global Fuel Card Addressable Market by Region3.1.3 Global Fuel Card Market Share by Region3.1.4 Global Light Fleet Fuel Card Penetration Rate by Region3.1.5 Global Heavy Fleet Fuel Card Penetration Rate by Region3.1.6 Global Fuel Card Addressable Market Segments by Region3.1.7 Global Revenue per Fleet Card4. Region/Country Analysis4.1 European Fuel Card Market Analysis4.1.1 European Fuel Card Market: An Outlook4.1.2 European Fuel Card Market by Value4.1.3 Northern Europe Fuel Card Market by Fuel Spending4.1.4 Western Europe Fuel Card Market by Fuel Spending4.1.5 Eastern Europe Fuel Card Market by Fuel Spending4.1.6 Southern Europe Fuel Card Market by Fuel Spending5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Drivers5.1.1 Availability of Host of Options5.1.2 Alleviation of Fuel Theft5.1.3 Cost Saving5.1.4 Rising Demand for Cashless Fuel Transactions5.1.6 Consolidation of Fragmented Market5.2 Challenges5.2.1 Rising Competition from New Entrants5.2.2 Changing Legal Frameworks5.2.3 Growing Consumer Expectations5.2.4 Fluctuating Oil Prices5.2.5 Limited Opportunities5.3 Market Trends5.3.1 Omnichannel Experience5.3.2 Loyalty Offering Programs5.3.3 Outsourcing of Fuel Card5.3.4 Technological Advancements5.3.5 Host Card Emulation6. Competitive Landscape6.1 The US Fuel Card Market Share by Players6.2 European Fuel Card Market by Key Players7. Company Profiling7.1 BP Global7.1.1 Business Overview7.1.2 Financial Overview7.1.3 Business Strategy7.2 FLEETCOR7.2.1 Business Overview7.2.2 Financial Overview7.2.3 Business Strategy7.3 WEX Inc.7.3.1 Business Overview7.3.2 Financial Overview7.3.3 Business Strategy7.4 Royal Dutch Shell7.4.1 Business Overview7.4.2 Financial Overview7.4.3 Business StrategyMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Quick Service Restaurants Market by Service, Growth, Trends, Analysis and Forecasts to 2019 Reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/global-quick-service-restaurants-market-market-analysis-2015-2019 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001201981/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001201981/buying A quick service restaurant (QSR) or a fast food restaurant is a specific type of restaurant that serves swiftly prepared fast food and includes both sweet and savory dishes in the menu. The concept of quick service restaurant originated in the US in the 1920s, and at present they are considered to be one of the most popular hangouts for teenagers, families, and young working professionals.Publisher's analysts forecast the global quick service restaurant market to grow at CAGRs of 5.54% and 5.22%, in terms of revenue and volume, respectively, for the period of 2015-2019.For more informationCovered in this reportThis report discusses the present scenario and the future prospects of the global quick service restaurant market for the period of 2015-2019. The market size is calculated taking into account the retail sales generated by following product segments:- Asian food- Burgers- Chicken- Chips- Drinks and desserts- Mexican food- Pizzas- Sandwiches- Others (seafood and other bakery items)The market size is also calculated from the sales from various service categories:- Eat-in- Take-out- Mobile and street vendorsFor the geographical segmentation of the global quick service restaurant market, the report takes into consideration the following regions:- Americas- APAC- Europe- ROW (Middle East and Africa)Publisher's report, the Global Quick Service Restaurant Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report includes a comprehensive discussion on the market, segmented by geography, considering both the existing market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report further includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market and a comment on the vendors' product portfolios.Key regions- Americas- APAC- EuropeKey vendors- Burger King- McDonald's- Subway- Yum! BrandsRequest Sample CopyOther prominent vendors- Ajisen Ramen- Arby's Restaurant Group- Captain D's- Chipotle Mexican Grill- CKE Restaurants- Del Taco- Domino's Pizza- Dunkin' Donuts- In-N-Out Burgers- Jack in the Box- Jollibee Foods- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts- MOS Food Services- Mr. Lee- Panera Bread- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen- Sonic- Starbucks- Wendy's- Whataburger- White CastleMarket driver- Focus on international markets- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Perception of being unhealthy- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Introduction of nutritious meals in fast food menus- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Canopus Infosystems has recently developed a new IOS App by using the latest ARToolKit http://canopusinfosystems.com/mobile-development/iphone-app-development/ http://canopusinfosystems.com/ Canopus Infosystems has recently started developing iOS apps with the latest iOS ARToolKit. The newest app is developed with the most feature-rich tools of ARToolKit version, targeted at smartphones.Canopus Infosystems, an Indian company is one of the leading names in the mobile application and web development industry. They aim to create well-designed, interactive and dominant applications for businesses of any size globally. They are well adept in using the trending technologies to develop iOS Apps for many Industries like Retail, Telecom, Healthcare, just to name a few.Read More:The ARToolKit they are using is the most recently launched update which requires the synchronization & orientation of mobile camera and computer device to visualize the scene.Some of the ARToolKit Features that are used in the iPhone App Development are-Object Orientation.Camera Position TrackingCamera CalibrationImage Recognition Cloud Database.Terrain Reconstruction in Real Time.Other than ARToolKit, the most common Third-Party SDKs used in the AR App Development are Vuforia, Armedia, Wikitude, HoloLens SDK of Microsoft, Tango SDK of Google, Camera Effects Platform of Facebook.Canopus develops highly advanced iPhone Applications for various industries as their developer team has extensive experience in delivering the dynamic Mobile Apps. They utilize the most recent iPhone SDKs and brilliant innovation to make customized mobile application solutions.Canopus Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company that specializes in providing outsourced web & mobile development, SaaS/cloud solutions and testing services to clients worldwide. To know more about their services and extensive work they did globally visit their websiteor call +91 731-2551963, for any query you can drop an e-mail at sales@canopusinfosystems.com.303-304, Airen Heights, PU 3Scheme 54, A. B. Road, Opp. OrbitMall,Indore M.P.INDIA 452010Phone: +91 731-2551963Email: sales@canopusinfosystems.com Global Ultrasonic Sensors Market To Grow At A CAGR Of 15.37% During The Period 2017-2021 Key Vendors - Honeywell International, Siemens, Baumer, Rockwell Automation http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1267297 http://www.researchmoz.us/global-ultrasonic-sensors-market-2017-2021-report.html http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1267297 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Ultrasonic Sensors Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.A sensor is a device that measures or responds to physical changes in the environment and converts signals accordingly. Sensors that use sound waves to measure distance or any obstacle between source and object are known as ultrasonic sensors. The applications for ultrasonic sensors includes measurement of the distance of target objects or materials through the air using non-contact technology. They are mostly used in places where manual detection is either risky or not possible. It is used in sectors such as industrial manufacturing, healthcare, petroleum, and automotive.Technavios analysts forecast the global ultrasonic sensors market to grow at a CAGR of 15.37% during the period 2017-2021.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global ultrasonic sensors market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the evenue generated from ultrasonic sensors only.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGlobal Ultrasonic Sensors Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsHoneywell InternationalSiemensBaumerRockwell AutomationBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @Other prominent vendorsPepperl+FuchsRobert BoschOMRONSensCompMarket driverGrowing demand for sensor technology in smart factoriesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeEffect of temperature on sensorsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendAdvent of ultrasonic fingerprinting technologyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Global Electronic Cigarettes market 2017 - OLANT, DB, Amerismoke, Sky cig, RUYAN, BOGE Electronic Cigarettes Market http://bit.ly/2qrBdaR http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-electronic-cigarettes-market-2016-production-sales-supply.html http://bit.ly/2qncIgC The Global Electronic Cigarettes market 2017 is the cornerstone of the global development aspects and prospects, as the development of specific concept requires various technologically supported ideas, theories, methodologies. The Global Electronic Cigarettes market 2017 report explains the in-depth summary of current innovations, parameter, specifications, and creation. The Global Electronic Cigarettes market 2017 also delivers a full abstract of the economic ups and downs in terms of demand rate and fulfillment ratios.Get Sample Copy of Report @:Technology is an output of implementing scientific knowledge in terms of practical applications. Technology can be developed in multiple forms, as the face of the respective technology can be seen only when it is transformed, adopted or introduced in the practical form.The Global Electronic Cigarettes industry comprise of a large number of reputed organizations, firms, vendors, manufacturer and we deliver an in-detail summary of the overall key players who hold major count in terms of revenue, sales, demand, through their reliable services, products, and post-sale processes.For more information about this report: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.OLANTDBAmerismokeSky cigRUYANBOGEOVALEKINGSONGCRENTIAKimreeKELVINInquiry buying Report:MRS Research Group [http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/] is the worlds giant collection of the market 2017 research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. Contact US : 1-855-465-4651 (US-Canada Toll Free) sales@mrsresearchgroup.com3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, Global Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Market Forecast 2017 : AGRO, Anamet Europe, Atexxo Manufacturing, BOXCO, CMP Products Explosion-Proof Cable Joint http://bit.ly/2uUQzc0 http://bit.ly/2hmoGES A market study Global Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Market examines the performance of the Explosion-Proof Cable Joint market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Explosion-Proof Cable Joint market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Explosion-Proof Cable Joint market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Market 2017 report includes Explosion-Proof Cable Joint market Size, Revenue, market Share, Explosion-Proof Cable Joint industry volume, market Trends, Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Market 2017:AGROAnamet EuropeAtexxo ManufacturingBOXCOCMP ProductsCooper Crouse-HindsEmerson EGS Electrical GroupGOTHEHawkeHugro Armaturen GmbHFirstly, the report covers the top Explosion-Proof Cable Joint manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Explosion-Proof Cable Joint report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Explosion-Proof Cable Joint industry, Explosion-Proof Cable Joint industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Explosion-Proof Cable Joint Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Explosion-Proof Cable Joint 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 Explosion-Proof Cable Joint market revenue worldwide.Finally, Explosion-Proof Cable Joint 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 UsUnited States Global Marine Propulsion Engine Market Is Driven by Technical Innovations with Rise in International Trade Variant Market Research https://www.variantmarketresearch.com/report-categories/automotive/marine-propulsion-engine-market https://www.variantmarketresearch.com/report-categories/automotive/marine-propulsion-engine-market/sample-request https://www.variantmarketresearch.com/ Global Marine Propulsion Engine Market Report, published by Variant Market Research, forecast that the global market is expected to reach $15 billion by 2024 from $10 billion in 2016; growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2016 to 2024. By geography, Asia-Pacific and North America are expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% and 4.5%, respectively, during the forecast period.Major factors supporting the growth of the market are, increasing technical innovations with increasing international trade in various countries. Moreover, rising demand for renewable energy resources owing to depletion of conventional reserves, and growing popularity for crude oil are boosting the growth of the market. Growing budget for defense sector to strengthen their coastline security would provide several growth opportunities in the upcoming years. However, high investment cost, stringent rules & regulations over the increasing greenhouse gases & marine contamination would restraint the growth of the market.Browse Complete Report @The global marine propulsion engine market is segmented into power source, ship type, and geography. By power source, the market is categorized into diesel, gas turbine, steam turbine natural gas, and others. Additionally, the market by ship type is bifurcated into cargo ship, bulk carrier, passenger ships, offshore vessels, tanker, and others. Diesel accounted for the largest market share in 2016, and natural gas is anticipated to witness fastest CAGR over the forecast period 2016-2024. Cargo ship and tanker dominated the ship type segment in the year 2016.Get Sample Report @By geography, the market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share in 2016 and it is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period 2016-2024, driven by growth in the number of import and export trades among countries. Europe accounted for the second largest market share of 26.1% driven by growing demand for ships & yachts and rising defense budgets.Key players in the marine propulsion engine market are, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc., Caterpillar, Cummins, Inc., Wartsila, MAN Diesel & Turbo, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Daihatsu Diesel Mfg. Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Scania AB, and Yanmar Co. Ltd., among others.About Us:Variant Market Research LLP was delineated in 2015 and to launch our business and website it grabbed more than a year. Our head office is based in Pune and we also have branch in San Francisco, California, the U.S. The long time was generally used to build up a talented team of experienced professionals and analysts, to generate client satisfying exact market analysis data. The company aims to be a specialist in delivering reports on various domains with precise analysis, keeping a virtuous relationship with our consumers. Our vision says, "We would like to grow with you, making your paths simpler yet solidest" and our mission is to "Implementing our analytical, technical and marketing skills to set a new goal for our consumers, dedicatedly helping them take their next strategic moves."The Co-founders of Variant Market Research: M/S Shweta Shubham and Mr. Yogesh Godse are keen to provide services across aforementioned domains helping them to take their strategic moves regarding their business and providing them the growth opportunities. The Co-founders say, "We believe in providing the future solutions for your business, exploring the current market trends and suggesting you the future strategies and forecast of a particular market that could keep your company ahead in the competitive market rivalry." We hold expertise in our designated areas of research and consulting with a team of experts from each of the dedicated areas covered under our research. Destined by the dedicated team of analysts and experts, we are envisioned to provide you our best in order to plan your next strategic move and take your company's future ahead with our support and your esteemed cooperation.Contact Us:VARIANT MARKET RESEARCH LLPWeb:Address:649 Mission St., 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States.Tel: +1-415-680-2785Fax: +1-415-680-2786 Global Plasticizers Market Increasing At A CAGR 5.50% Between 2016 And 2024 Is Anticipated To Attain US$23.87 bn In Revenues By The End Of 2024 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1045348 http://www.researchmoz.us/plasticizers-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1045348 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Plasticizers Market - Global Industry Analysis Size Share Growth Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.Plasticizers are supplements that are added to plastics enhance their properties such as plasticity and viscosity. Plasticizers soften the plastic material to make it bendable and flexible. Plasticizers have found wide applications in the manufacturing of various PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides in-depth analysis and forecast of the plasticizers market on the global as well as on regional level. The report includes forecast for the period from 2016 to 2024 in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). Quantitative data has been derived through extensive secondary research of the global plasticizers market. Secondary sources typically include company websites, relevant magazines, government documents, and press releases.Global Plasticizers Market: Research MethodologyThe top-down approach has been adopted to derive the regional numbers from global revenue and volume figures. Furthermore, the bottom-up approach has been employed to derive data for various product type and application segments based on demand for plasticizers in each geographical segment. A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches helps in validation of the quantitative data of the market. The data was further validated with the help of primary research with industry experts to ensure accuracy of derived numbers.Detailed analysis of various factors driving the global plasticizers market has been included for astute decision making. Impact of these drivers during the forecast period has been included with data to substantiate research findings. Furthermore, factors restraining market growth have been included for better understanding of the market. Impact of these restraints has been analyzed over the forecast period. The report also comprises various opportunities available for market growth over the next eight years. Opportunities entail untapped or recently explored factors that are anticipated to drive the plasticizers market during the forecast period.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @The report includes value chain analysis to help understand the industry thoroughly. Value chain analysis comprises detailed evaluation of the roles of various entities involved in the plasticizers industry, from raw material suppliers to end-users. Various processes employed in the manufacture of plasticizers have been included in the value chain analysis. Porters Five Forces model has been included to determine the degree of competition in the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, market attractiveness analysis has been conducted to analyze application segments that are expected to be lucrative during the forecast period. This is based on various factors such as market size, growth rate, profitability, raw material procurement, and competition in each application segment.Global Plasticizers Market: SegmentationPlasticizers can be divided on the basis of products as: phthalates, non-phthalates, aliphates, polymeric, and others. Based on application type, the plasticizers market has been segmented wires & cables, floor walls & coverings, consumer goods, films & sheets, and applications. The report comprises detailed analysis of all the segments in the regional and global markets and forecast based on current and future trends in the industry in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn).In terms of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Demand for Plasticizers in each application segment type has been analyzed and forecast for a period of eight years.Companies Mentioned in this ReportThe report also comprises profiles of leading companies in the plasticizers market. These include BASF SE, ExxonMobil Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Evonik Industries, LG Chem Ltd., Arkema Inc., Ferro Corporation, UPC Technology Corp., Nan Ya Plastics Corp., and Aekyung Petrochemical Co. Ltd. Various attributes of these companies, such as company overview, business strategies, and recent developments form the core of the company profiles section.This report segments the global plasticizers market as follows:By Product- Phthalates- Non-phthalates- Aliphates- Polymeric- OthersBy Application- Wires & Cables- Floor Walls & Coverings- Consumer Goods- Films & Sheets- Other ApplicationsBy Region- North America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- U.K.- Italy- Spain- France- Germany- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- Japan & Korea- India- ASEAN- Rest of Asia Pacific- Latin America- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of Latin America- Middle East & Africa (MEA)- GCC- South Africa- Rest of MEAMake 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 @ Creta Maris Beach Resorts Employees: The key of its success Creta Maris Beach Resort had the pleasure to be awarded with the Quality Award 2016, in Staff Service category, by its guests, via the tour operator Jet2holidays. An award for the excellent service that the guests received from the resorts staff!This important achievement, is based on high satisfaction scores and great feedback from Jet2holidays customer survey. In this survey, people rated Creta Maris staff service as the best in class among all other participants!The award was given by Tracy Lea, Destination Manager Crete of Jet2holidays, to the resorts management team. Mrs. Lea highlighted the high importance of the award and congratulated Nikos Vlassiadis, the Director of Creta Maris Beach Resort, for the excellent management and the extraordinary staff of the resort.About Creta Maris Beach Resort:Creta Maris Beach Resort belongs to Metaxas Group of Companies and has been operating since 1975. It has a capacity of 680 rooms, suites and bungalows, 6 restaurants, 7 bars, 7 swimming pools, gym, Hammam spa, Asterias Childrens Club, and a great space for outdoor and indoor activities.About Jet2holidays:Jet2holidays is the UKs third largest holiday operator. It offers a range of package holidays, all of which include 2-5 star accommodation, return flights, transfers and a market-leading baggage allowance. Jet2holidays directly contracts more than 2,900 hotels in over 60 destinations.About Creta Maris Beach Resort:Creta Maris Beach Resort belongs to Metaxas Group of Companies and has been operating since 1975. It has a capacity of 680 rooms, suites and bungalows, 6 restaurants, 7 bars, 7 swimming pools, gym, Hammam spa, Asterias Childrens Club, and a great space for outdoor and indoor activities.About Jet2holidays:Jet2holidays is the UKs third largest holiday operator. It offers a range of package holidays, all of which include 2-5 star accommodation, return flights, transfers and a market-leading baggage allowance. Jet2holidays directly contracts more than 2,900 hotels in over 60 destinations.Creta Maris Beach ResortHersonissos, 70014, Crete GreeceTel.: (+30) 28970-27110Mrs Faye Papaioannoumarketing@cretamaris.gr Global Carbonyl Nickel Powder Market Forecast 2017 : Vale, MMC Norilsk Nickel, Xstrata Plc, Pacific Metals Carbonyl Nickel Powder http://bit.ly/2tYKjwQ http://bit.ly/2uY6rIX A market study Global Carbonyl Nickel Powder Market examines the performance of the Carbonyl Nickel Powder market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Carbonyl Nickel Powder market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Carbonyl Nickel Powder market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Carbonyl Nickel Powder Market 2017 report includes Carbonyl Nickel Powder market Size, Revenue, market Share, Carbonyl Nickel Powder industry volume, market Trends, Carbonyl Nickel Powder Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Carbonyl Nickel Powder Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Carbonyl Nickel Powder Market 2017:ValeMMC Norilsk NickelBHP Billiton LtdXstrata PlcPacific MetalsAnglo AmericanSherrittJinchuan GroupJilin Jien NickelSumitomo Metal MiningNizi InternationalFirstly, the report covers the top Carbonyl Nickel Powder manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Carbonyl Nickel Powder report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Carbonyl Nickel Powder industry, Carbonyl Nickel Powder industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Carbonyl Nickel Powder Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Carbonyl Nickel Powder 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 Carbonyl Nickel Powder market revenue worldwide.Finally, Carbonyl Nickel Powder 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 UsUnited States Global Silver Oxide Button Batteries Market Forecast 2017 : Sony, Renata, GP, Malak, Maxell, Duracell, PKCELL Silver Oxide Button Batteries http://bit.ly/2hmuPkp http://bit.ly/2hmiZ9U A market study Global Silver Oxide Button Batteries Market examines the performance of the Silver Oxide Button Batteries market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Silver Oxide Button Batteries market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Silver Oxide Button Batteries report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Silver Oxide Button Batteries industry, Silver Oxide Button Batteries industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Silver Oxide Button Batteries Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Silver Oxide Button Batteries 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 Silver Oxide Button Batteries market revenue worldwide.Finally, Silver Oxide Button Batteries 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 UsUnited States Global Motive Lead Acid Battery Market Forecast 2017 : Axion Power, EnerSys, Exide, SBS, East Penn Motive Lead Acid Battery http://bit.ly/2hmiBbs http://bit.ly/2f7G93c A market study Global Motive Lead Acid Battery Market examines the performance of the Motive Lead Acid Battery market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Motive Lead Acid Battery market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Motive Lead Acid Battery market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Motive Lead Acid Battery Market 2017 report includes Motive Lead Acid Battery market Size, Revenue, market Share, Motive Lead Acid Battery industry volume, market Trends, Motive Lead Acid Battery Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Motive Lead Acid Battery Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Motive Lead Acid Battery Market 2017:Axion PowerEnerSysExideSBSEast PennHOPPECKE BatterienMIDAC BatteriesNavitas SystemTrojan BatteryChloride Batteries S E AsiaCrown BatteriesGS YuasaJohnson ControlSaft BatteriesFirstly, the report covers the top Motive Lead Acid Battery manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Motive Lead Acid Battery report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Motive Lead Acid Battery industry, Motive Lead Acid Battery industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Motive Lead Acid Battery Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Motive Lead Acid Battery 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 Motive Lead Acid Battery market revenue worldwide.Finally, Motive Lead Acid Battery 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 UsUnited States Global Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Market Forecast 2017 : EnerSys, Exide, GS Yuasa, Leoch, Saft Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries http://bit.ly/2tYXpKH http://bit.ly/2uY4BYC A market study Global Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Market examines the performance of the Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Market 2017 report includes Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries market Size, Revenue, market Share, Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries industry volume, market Trends, Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Request For Sample Report :Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Market 2017:C&DCoslightEast Penn ManufacturingEnerSysExideGS YuasaLeochSaftChaowei Power HoldingsChina ShotoShandong Sacred Sun Power SourcesTianneng PowerZhejiang Narada Power SourceGuangdong Dynavolt PowerZhe Jiang Jujiang Power ManufacturingGerman and Austrian Clay PowerJester Zhejiang PowerYangzhou Apollo BatteryHangzhou Haijiu BatteryBattery sales CamelShandong Rui Yu BatteryHangzhou Foreign TradeJiangsu New EnergyTheo WatsonFirstly, the report covers the top Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries industry, Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Inquiry here :The Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries 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 Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries market revenue worldwide.Finally, Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries 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 UsUnited States Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems Market: Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1779 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1779 www.futuremarketinsights.com Cardiac monitoring is continuous monitoring of heart activity using electrocardiography techniques to understand the heart rhythm and find anomalies in the functioning of the heart. Cardiac monitoring is a critical part of healthcare diagnostics as several functions of the body can be understood by carefully analyzing the heart rhythm. Mobile cardiac telemetry is one of the newest technology in the cardiac monitoring which allows remote monitoring of the patients who are situated at far away distance from the physicians. Mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) devices are small portable sensors that are worn by the patient for monitoring cardiac rhythm. In the case when an anomaly is detected in the heart rhythm the sensor records it and sends the data to the transmitter which transmits the data to the manned monitoring center using a mobile network. The data, which is sent to the monitoring center is analyzed by the trained healthcare professionals for reported to the physicians or the patients for further treatment. The real-time data provided by the mobile cardiac telemetry systems provides an edge over the other cardiac monitoring systems like Holter monitoring systems or event monitoring systems.Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe demand for mobile cardiac telemetry systems is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period owing to the technology edge. Mobile cardiac telemetry systems provide mobility to the patient and real time data of the patient to the physicians. Increased diagnostic yield of the MCT devices is over standards cardiac monitoring devices is expected to create high demand from the patients. Moreover the increasing demand for cardiac monitoring in home care settings is increasing owing to rapid expansion in the geriatric population. Increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases is expected to create high growth opportunities for the MCT systems manufacturers over the forecast period. According to the WHO estimates nearly 17.5 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year worldwide. In past few years several new manufacturers have entered the MCT market owing to which the prices of MCT devices are expected to fall over the forecast period which in turn is expected to increase adoption of the MCT systems over the forecast period. However the stringent regulations and product recalls associated with product failure is expected to hamper revenue growth of the MTC systems market.Request Report Sample@Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems Market: SegmentationThe global mobile cardiac telemetry systems market is segmented into two key segments, by revenue channel and by regionSegmentation by revenue channelPatientsPhysiciansPayersMobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems Market: OverviewThe mobile cardiac telemetry systems market is expected to witness robust growth over the forecast period owing to increasing adoption rate and awareness among the end users. Moreover the technological developments and increasing disease burden of cardiovascular diseases is expected to boost revenue growth of MCT systems market.Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems Market: Region Wise OutlookRegionally the mobile cardiac telemetry market is segmented into seven key regions, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA)North America and Western Europe are expected to dominate the MCT systems market over the forecast period owing to high adoption rate of the mobile cardiac telemetry devices in these regions. Japan and APEJ region is expected to follow next owing to increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases in these regions. According to the World Health Organization more than 75% of the cardiovascular diseases occur in low middle income countries which in turn APEJ, Latin America and Eastern Europe regions are expected to witness significant growth in the MCT systems market over the forecast period. MEA region is expected to witness growth opportunities depending on the adoption of the cardiac telemetry systems in this region.Visit For TOC@Mobile Cardiac Telemetry Systems Market: Market ParticipantsSome key participants in the mobile cardiac telemetry systems market are, Medtronic, Digirad Corporation, Kyma, Boston Scientific Corporation, Biotelemetry, Inc., The ScottCare Corporation and Spectocor LLC.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Agave Nectar Market : In-Depth Market Research Report 2016 to 2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2478 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2478 Agave nectar is a sweetener which is commercially produced from various agave species such as Agave tequilana (blue agave) and Agave salmiana. Agave nectar market is increasing significantly with CAGR of 5.5%. Agave nectar is primarily produced from blue agave which is mostly found in Southern Mexico. Agave Nectar is a natural substitute to artificial sweeteners and refined sugars which is less viscous than sugar. With its thin, light consistency, agave nectar is used as a topping for food products such as fruit salad, pancakes and ice-creams. Agave nectar is used as a sugar substitute in baked products such as bread, bread roll, bun, cake, and cookies. Agave Nectar is 1.4 to 1.6 times sweeter than sugar, which mean less quantity is required for preparing food and beverages. Agave nectar is healthier than refined sugar. Agave nectar is used as a binding agent in breakfast cereals globally.Agave Nectar Market: SegmentationThe global agave nectar market is segmented on the basis of type, form, application, distribution channels and region. The agave nectar is segmented on the basis of types such as light, amber, raw and dark agave nectar. Light agave nectar has neutral flavor and mostly used in food products such as desserts, baked goods, and others. Amber agave nectar contains medium caramel flavor used for preparing sauces and savory food products. Dark agave nectar has high caramel flavor which is mostly used in food products such as poultry, meat products and other seafood products. Raw agave nectar contains mild and neutral taste that is used as a sweetening substitute for raw food products.Request Report Sample@The global agave nectar market is also segmented on the basis of form such as powder and liquid. The global agave nectar is segmented on the basis of distribution channels such as supermarket, online stores, and retail stores. The supermarket segment is increasing significantly as a result increasing demand for agave nectar by the consumers globally.The global agave nectar is segmented on the basis of applications such as baked products which is further sub segmented as bread, cakes, pastries, and others. Agave nectar is also used in poultry and meat products, savory food products, and others. Hence, the global agave nectar market is expected to significantly increase the revenue contribution over the forecast period.Agave Nectar Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global agave nectar market can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Globally, among all regions, Europe has developed as the dominant region in global agave nectar market followed by Africa. Increasing baking industry and demand for convenient and on-go-option snack and baked foods, has strengthened the growth of global agave nectar market and hence is projected to significantly expand the revenue contribution of the market over the forecast period.Agave Nectar Market: Growth DriversAgave nectar is a substitute for honey and sugar. Increasing consumer awareness regarding health benefits from agave nectar, which is another driving factor of the global agave nectar market. Rising number of supermarkets and retail stores are rapidly increasing the demand for agave nectar worldwide. Various agave nectar manufacturers are focusing on providing healthier product offerings. Hence, the global agave nectar market is expected to observe robust growth over the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Agave Nectar Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified across the value chain of the global agave nectar market includes Wholesome, Dipasa USA, The iidea Company, S.F.D (PTY) Ltd, MADHAVA NATURAL SWEETENERS, GLOBAL GOODS INC., Colibree Company, and the groovyfood company. The companies are focusing on framing certain strategies in future for gaining competitive advantage in the global agave nectar market till 2026.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. Nail Gun Market Set for Rapid Growth and Trend 2017-2022 Reports Monitor https://www.reportsmonitor.com/request-sample/?post=251582 https://www.reportsmonitor.com/global-nail-gun-market-research-report-2017-2/ http://www.reportsmonitor.com ReportsMonitor.com has added a new report to its database Global Nail Gun Market Report 2017.This report identifies the Nail Gun market size for the years 2012-2017, and forecast of the same till the year 2022. It also highlights the market drivers, restraints, growth indicators, challenges, and other key aspects with respect to the Nail Gun market.Nail Gun Market tracks the major market events including product launches, technological developments, mergers and acquisitions, and the innovative business strategies opted by key market players. Along with strategically analyzing the key micro markets, the report also focuses on industry-specific drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges in the Copper Strips market. This research report offers in-depth analysis of the market size (revenue), market share, major market segments, and different geographic regions, forecast for the next five years, key market players, and premium industry trends. It also focuses on the key drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringHitachiHeico FastenersBostitchAIRPRESSDewaltIndustrialFerplastThe competitive landscape of the global market for Nail Gun is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Nail Gun markets production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Nail Gun market worldwide.This report segments the Nail Gun marketElectric Nail GunAir Nail GunGas Nail GunOn the basis of application:BuildingIndustryOtherFor comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the Nail Gun market is analyzed across key geographies namely:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaEach of these regions is analyzed on basis of market findings across major countries in these regions for a macro-level understanding of the market.Browse Full Table of Contents and Report Description @Some points from TOC:8 Nail Gun Manufacturing Cost Analysis8.1 Nail Gun Key Raw Materials Analysis8.1.1 Key Raw Materials8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials8.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure8.2.1 Raw Materials8.2.2 Labor Cost8.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Nail Gun10 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 ListReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform to meet the 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. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.008, Mihir Co-operative,Above Bharat Suzuki showroom,Fatima Nagar,Pune,Maharashtra,IndiaIndia: +91 2069535353Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite: US Drone Payload Market- Lockheed Martin (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K.), Northrop Grumman (U.S.) US Drone Payload Market https://goo.gl/euD6R6 https://www.1marketresearch.com/market-reports/drone-payload-market-45718/ www.1MarketResearch.com United States Drone Payload Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 provides Market information about Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application.This United States Drone Payload Industry report also states Company Profile, sales, United States Drone Payload Market revenue and price, market share, market growth and gross margin by regions.The following summary will give an overview of the causes, processes, and possible effects of the market research proposal.Top Manufacturers/Key Players:-Lockheed Martin (U.S.)BAE Systems (U.K.)Northrop Grumman (U.S.)AeroVironment (U.S.)Elbit Systems (Israel)DJI-Innovations (China)3D Robotics (US)Parrot (France)AscTec (Germany)Enquiry for buying report @The United States Drone Payload report gives a thorough situation of the present and gauge United States Drone Payload showcase procedures, improvement methodologies and development openings. Starting a discussion on the contemporary condition of United States Drone Payload showcase, the report extra dissects the market powerful moving each area begun in it.The report additionally concentrates the United States Drone Payload bits of knowledge of the organizations and suggestions that will help the perusers to have progressive learning of the United States Drone Payload showcase.Browse Report @A principal diagram of the United States Drone Payload market is introduced to the perusers with the assistance of market definition, order, different applications, and production network examination. The United States Drone Payload report covers the investigation of conventional and the developing markets. 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Jones Blvd, #3299,Las Vegas, NV 89107USA : +1 702-425-8599Email : Sales@1MarketResearch.comWeb : Organic Frozen Bakery Market Overview, Top Manufacturers, Industry Growth Analysis and Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3281 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/organic-frozen-bakery-market-3281 Market Research Future published a Half Cooked Research Report (HCRR) on Global Organic Frozen Bakery Market which is estimated to grow more than 2.5% during the period 2017-2023Market OverviewThe increasing sale of organic frozen bakery is driven by the changing consumers food consumption preference and economic development. The development in technologies in various countries of the developed regions has led to the innovation in flavors and shelf life of the organic frozen bakery products. The sale of Organic frozen bakery is high amongst the population of present young generation based on the high preference towards natural and chemical-free bakery products. High focus on research and development has a positive impact on the growth rate of the market. The consumption of organic frozen bakery products is high in North America and is also evaluated to increase at a high growth rate in various other regions.Competitive Analysis-The major key players in Organic Frozen Bakery Market areAryzta (Swirtzerland)Bimbo Bakeries (U.S.)Rich Products Corporation (U.S.)Flowers Foods (U.S.)Harry Brot GmbH (Germany)Lantmannen Unibake International (Denmark)Vandemoortele (Belgium)Established players from North America and Europe are following strategies innovations in their-product line to expand their business in other regions due to increasing demand of Organic frozen bakery products. They are mainly focused on increasing their supply to developed regions where the demand of product is raising. In the Europe region, Germany and France are amongst the dominating countries holding a major share in Organic Frozen Bakery market and exports the product in various other countries of Europe which include Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, U.K. and others.Request a Sample Report @Market ForecastGlobally the organic bread rolls and artisan loaves market share as an organic frozen-bakery product is estimated to escalate at a higher growth rate which is supported by the rising consumption of convenience, naturally cultivated frozen food products. Based on the high shelf-life of the product, organic frozen bakery products is gaining popularity amongst the consumers. Developing economic conditions and rising organic farming practices are fueling up the market demand for organic frozen bakery products.All these factors contribute to the calculated CAGR of 2.5% of organic frozen bakery market during 2017-2023.Access the market data and market information presented through more than 60 market data tables and 25 figures spread over 110 numbers of pages of the project report Global Organic Frozen Bakery Market - Forecast to 2022Downstream Analysis-Consumption of sandwiches & wraps is increasing at a higher CAGR based on high demand for the products from fast food chains. Amongst the various distribution channels, the quick service restaurants is found to hold a lions share based on raising consumers preference towards on-the-go food products. The popularity of unconventional bakery products is also increasing steadily which has increased the sale of Organic frozen bakery goods. People are more inclined towards consumption of organic frozen bakery with high nutritional value which has led to intense focus on the R & D sector of the manufacturing industries.Regional AnalysisThe Global Organic Frozen Bakery Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Among these North America region has the major market share followed by Europe. Europe region is found to be concentrated with the established key players in the organic frozen bakery market. Raising consumption of frozen foods and bakery goods is supporting the growth of the market in developed countries of North America and Europe region. U.K., U.S., France, Germany and Canada are the major importers of Organic frozen bakery products.Access Report Details @Market Segmentation-Global Organic Frozen Bakery Market is segmented by type, customer-type, distribution channel and regionAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Paper Bags Market Segments, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast By End-use Industry 2017-2027 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2765 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2765 www.futuremarketinsights.com Over the last few years, packaging has become core requirement in the product manufacturing and other industry. Great packages with the perfect material deliver quality, enhance performance, and reliability to the product it enclose. Paper bags packaging are essential components of modern life which is expected to create substantial market revenue growth in near future owing to need of eco-friendly packaging. Paper bags are a multi-purpose and cost-efficient method to protect, preserve and transport a wide range of products. The paper bags are durable, lightweight, and customizable to meet products as well as customers specific demand. Paper bags packaging have various unique grades that possess exclusive features making each grade appropriate for different packaging demand. Paper bags give customers a sustainable option to carry their purchases home. Paper bags are the best option for packaging fresh vegetables, fruits, foods, and other consumer products that are better and more conveniently accessible as a result of paper bags packaging. Paper bags market is expected to gain substantial market share in near future owing to increasing demand for safe packaging.Paper Bags Market: DynamicsChanging life style along with increase in per capita income in the developing regions boosts the consumption of wide range of products, which in turn drives the demand for the paper based packaging of these products. Increasing demand for convenient, smaller pack sizes, and growing consumption of cosmetic & personal care products further fuels the growth in the paper bags market. According to an independent study, the demand for paper bags market is expected to exceed supply in coming years owing to increasing consciousness about nature safety, as more and more consumer are switching from plastic bags to paper bags. In addition, the paper industries are further expected to increase the investment in paper bags packaging due to rising demand among consumer. Paper bags are cost effective, easy to form, easy to use, and very easily recyclable, and these features grab the attention of manufacturers and consumers towards paper bags packaging style.Request Report Sample@Paper Bags Market: SegmentationThe global paper bags market can be segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of product type global paper bags market can be segmented into block bottom paper bags, paper carry bags, checkout paper bags, confectionery paper bags, and others. On the basis of application global paper bags market can be segmented into foods, pharmaceuticals, customer goods, stationary and confectionary, cosmetics and personal use products, home care products and others. Among application, fresh vegetable and bakery product are ideal for paper bags packaging. On the basis of region global paper bags market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.Paper Bags Market: Regional OverviewThe global paper bags market is projected to grow at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the maximum growth driven by rise in the manufacturing activities in the developing economies like India and China. The growth in retail packaging in these developing economies also contributes to the growth in the paper bags market. North America is expected to witness an average growth in the paper bags market, as paper bags packaging represents the largest market share of paper industry and about large number of the paper bags recovered in the US are used to produce paper based packaging which is the material used for packaging. A large amount of recovered papers in the U.S. are also exported to China, while the rest are used to produce other paper bags such as boxboards, which includes folding boxes.Visit For TOC@Paper Bags Market: Key PlayersThe main player of global paper bags market are international papers,Stanpac, Kent paper, Biopac, Genpak, Bemis Company Incorporated, Berry Plastics Corporation, Novolex and Linpac Packaging Limited.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Boiler Market Size By Capacity, by End-use Industry and Region - Global Forecast to 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1866 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1866 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/boiler-market https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/US-industrial-boiler-market https://www.gminsights.com https://gminsights.wordpress.com Supportive policies toward installation of energy efficient heating systems coupled with shifting trend towards adoption of zero emission buildings will drive the global boiler market size. In November 2016, Government of Germany approved Climate Protection Plan 2050 with an aim to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from various sources including energy, industries, commercial buildings, transport and agriculture.Escalating demand for electricity owing to growing investments across industrial and commercial sector will propel the global boiler market share. Developing regions including Africa and Asia-Pacific have underlined huge investment plans toward upgradation and expansion of existing power generation units which will positively impact the business growth. In December 2016, NTPC in joint venture with Nalco Power announced to invest USD 2.1 billion towards construction of super critical power plant in India.Request for a sample of this research report @Residential boiler market size is set to exceed 10 million annual installation by 2024. Introduction of Building Codes toward energy efficiency along with upgradation of existing building infrastructure will stimulate the product demand. Positive outlook toward chemical industries along with ongoing investment to expand the food processing plants will fuel the industrial boiler market. Strong manufacturing indicators and rapid industrialization will further complement the business landscape.Rising investments toward development and upgradation of existing power projects will drive the utility boiler market. Countries including India, China, Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar are heavily investing towards capacity addition to meet growing electricity demand. In 2016, China added 125 GW of generation capacity where coal and gas accounted for 52 GW.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Global 100-250 MMBtu/hr boiler market is predicted to witness gain over 4% by 2024. Ongoing investments toward refinery and heavy industries coupled with applications across utility sector will positively impact the business growth. In March 2017, Exxon Mobile Corps announced to invest USD 20 billion towards expansion of oil refining and chemical plants in the U.S.Natural gas boiler market will witness strong growth owing to strict government regulations toward adoption of low emission fuel. Growing need for energy efficient space heating systems across residential and commercial buildings will further stimulate the product penetration. Compact size, improved safety and ease of installation are some of the prominent features which make its adoption preferable over available alternatives.Browse key industry insights spread across 500 pages with 679 market data tables & 11 figures & charts from the report, Global Boiler Market in detail along with the table of contents at:China in 2016, accounted for over 35% of Asia Pacific boiler market share. Positive outlook towards chemical and primary metal manufacturing will foster the business growth. In June 2017, BASF inaugurated new plant for waxes and emollients in Shanghai. Rapid urbanization along with increasing demand for energy efficient heating units will further complement the industry outlook.Notable players in global boiler market include Thermax, Weil-McLain, Fulton, Cleaver-Brooks, Hurst Boiler and Welding, Bharat Heavy Electricals, Parker, Walchandnagar Industries, Forbes Marshall, Burnham Commercial, Cochran, A.O. Smith, Babcock and Wilcox and General Electric.Browse Related ReportU.S. Industrial Boiler Market Size By capacity (< 10 MMBtu/hr, 10-50 MMBtu/hr, 50-100 MMBtu/hr, 100-250 MMBtu/hr, >250 MMBtu/hr), By Application (Food, Paper, Chemicals, Refining, Metals), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: Snack Food Packaging Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain 2017-2027 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2631 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2631 www.futuremarketinsights.com Snack food is becoming a mainstream trend that has gathered force over time and is considered as one of the most preferred form of commodities, hence snack food packaging should be attractive to buyers in order to gain their attention. Shifting preference of consumers for snack foods into meals are changing how restaurants and packaged food manufacturers market food. Packaged food manufacturers stay on top of their changing preferences and needs, mostly for health, value and quality as well. For instance, nearly 80% of consumers looks for best value products.Snack Food Packaging Market: DynamicsThe growing number of nuclear families coupled with increasing disposable incomes has unwrapped tremendous opportunities for the ready to eat snack foods which in turn driven the growth for the global snack food packaging market in the near future. The opportunity to indulge in exotic flavor options at reasonable prices, convenience and changing consumer lifestyle are the major factors that influence the growth of snack food packaging market. The consumers crave for healthier snack food products and they are unwilling to sacrifice flavor as these are now trends in the overall snack food market. Furthermore, the trend of eating snacks in between meals has led to the tremendous demand for the global snack food packaging market.Request Report Sample@Branding and product innovation act as a decisive factor which has provided impetus to the global snack food packaging market. Manufacturers emphasis on their product offering in order to suit the taste of the consumers and developing new alternatives to provide to geographic specific demand which has expanded their consumer base.Innovations in the global packaging industry, such as sophisticated packaging products which are made of materials such as biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), and cast polypropylene (CPP) has led manufacturers of snack food packaging market to provide attractive and colorful packs to draw attention to consumers.Snack Food Packaging Market: SegmentationOn the basis of material type, the global snack food packaging market is segmented intoPlasticBOPPPolypropylenePolyethyleneLLDPEPolyesterOthersPaperMetalOthersOn the basis of packaging types, the global snack food packaging market is segmented intoFlexible PackagingRigid PackagingOthersOn the basis of application, the global snack food packaging is segmented into,Bakery SnacksCandy & confectionsSavory SnacksNuts & Dried FruitsOthersOn the basis of end-use, the global snack food packaging market is segmented into,RestaurantsFull service restaurantsQuick service restaurantscateringFood truckSnack Food Packaging Market: Region wise OutlookIn geography, the global snack food packaging market is divided into majorly five regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. In the global snack food packaging market, developed countries of North America like U.S, accounts for largest market share which is attributed to the high consumption of consumers as well as stringent government regulations on the safety and the quality of the snack food products. U.S is considered as a mature market for bakery and snack foods and is projected to grow with around 4% throughout 2016 to 2020 and Europe is considered to be the second largest market in the global snack food packaging market. However, outside of the U.S the opportunity to increase the sales of snack foods is also increasing as well. Asia Pacific is expected to be primarily driven mainly by china, Japan and India in the global snack food packaging market. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness sluggish growth over the forecast period. In Latin America, Brazil, Mexico and rest of Latin America are expected to create market opportunities for companies involved in the global snack food packaging market.Visit For TOC@Snack Food Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players who are engaged in manufacturing snack food packaging are Sonoco Products, Sealed Air Corporation, Graham Packaging Holdings, Bemis Company, American Packaging, Bryce Corporation and many others, Swiss pack private limited and many more.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 geography, technology and applications.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Forecast 2021 Market Key Companies Profile, Supply, Trends, Cost Structure https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/219742-world-industrial-wireless-remote-controller-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/219742-world-industrial-wireless-remote-controller-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/219742-world-industrial-wireless-remote-controller-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=219742 HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 111 pages on title 'World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market by Product Type, Market, Players and Regions-Forecast to 2021' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes USA, Europe, Japan, China, India and important players such as Tele Radio, Electrodepot, Futaba, IKUSI, etc.Request a sample report @SummaryThe Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Global Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market: Product Segment AnalysisShort Range 100 FtStandard Range 200 FtMedium Range 600 FtLong Range Up to 2 MilesGlobal Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market: Application Segment AnalysisMetallurgyMachinery manufacturingFire and mechanical engineeringOthersGlobal Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportHETRONICFomotechBWI EagleLinxTyro RemotesRemote Control TechnologyTele RadioElectrodepotFutabaIKUSIWith no less than 15 top producers.For Discount, Enquire Now @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Industry1.1 Industry Definition1.1.1 Types of Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry industry1.1.1.1 Short Range 100 Ft1.1.1.2 Standard Range 200 Ft1.1.1.3 Medium Range 600 Ft1.1.1.4 Long Range Up to 2 Miles1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 2015Read Detailed Table of Content @2.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.2 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market by TypesShort Range 100 FtStandard Range 200 FtMedium Range 600 FtLong Range Up to 2 Miles2.3 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market by ApplicationsMetallurgyMachinery manufacturingFire and mechanical engineeringOthers2.4 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market Analysis2.4.1 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Chapter 3 World Industrial Wireless Remote Controller Industry Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by. ContinuedBuy this report @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@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market Forecast 2021 by Share Estimates and Profiles of the leading Industry Players Akorn, Sandoz, Apotex, Hospira https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/219743-world-inhalation-nasal-spray-generic-drugs-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/219743-world-inhalation-nasal-spray-generic-drugs-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/219743-world-inhalation-nasal-spray-generic-drugs-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=219743 HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 116 pages on title 'World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market by Product Type, Market, Players and Regions-Forecast to 2021' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes USA, Europe, Japan, China, India and important players such as Akorn, Sandoz, Apotex, Hospira, etc.Request a sample report @SummaryThe Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Global Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market: Product Segment AnalysisNasal Spray Generic DrugsInhalant Generic DrugsGlobal Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportTevaAkornSandozApotexHospiraMylanWith no less than 7 top vendorsCiplaFor Discount, Enquire Now @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Industry1.1 Industry Definition1.1.1 Types of Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs industry1.1.1.1 Nasal Spray Generic Drugs1.1.1.2 Inhalant Generic Drugs1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 2015Read Detailed Table of Content @2.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) by Types, Through 2021Market Revenue (M USD) by Applications, Through 2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20152.2 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market by TypesNasal Spray Generic DrugsInhalant Generic Drugs2.3 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market by Applications2.4 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market Analysis2.4.1 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Chapter 3 World Inhalation & Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by Regions in 2015, Through 20213.4 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share By Regions in 2015, Through 2021..ContinuedBuy this report @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@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Neuro-oncological diseases device Market Foreseen to Grow Exponentially Over 2017 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14236 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/neuro-oncological-diseases-device-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com Neuro-oncological diseases are the disorders that are typically caused due to the growth of a benign or malignant tumor in the brain or any part of the central nervous system. Neuro-oncological tumors are highly fatal, and so their diagnosis becomes a topic of foremost importance. There are a number of neuro-oncological diagnosis devices based on a variety of techniques for the diagnosis of neuro-oncological diseases. Due to the changing lifestyle, changing environmental conditions and other factors, the incidences of neuro-oncological diseases are increasing swiftly which in turn leads to the growth of neuro-oncological diagnosis device market.As per the data of German Brain Tumour Association incidence rate of the malignant tumor is 3.4 per 1,00,000 people worldwide. Also, the association claims that every day 700 people are diagnosed with malignant tumors. This data clearly illustrates the requirement of neuro-oncological diagnosis devices worldwide. The higher resolution power and increased efficiency of the newer neuro-oncological diagnosis devices also make their market to boom.Request to View Tables of Content @NEURO-ONCOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS DEVICE Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe market for neuro-oncological diagnosis devices is most likely to be driven by the worldwide statistics that shows the prevalence of cancer around the globe. Also, the growing incidence rates of neuro-oncological diseases will play a key role in the growth of the market. The advancement in the technology makes it easier for doctors to understand various types of neuro-oncological diseases and so they always prefer newer neuro-oncological diagnosis devices over the older neuro-oncological diagnosis devices. Neuro-oncological disorders are highly fatal, and therefore even the patients do not compromise with their safety and in the case of only a few symptoms they prefer to go for a neuro-oncological disease diagnostic test.The neuro-oncological diagnosis devices are very expensive, but even this factor can not become a limitation to this market cost of neuro-oncological diagnosis devices can not overpower the function these devices perform. Hence, even after the high cost, the neuro-oncological diagnosis device market is projected to grow over the forecast period.The market for the neuro-oncological diagnosis devices is currently in its growth phase. With the advancement in technology, neuro-oncological diagnosis devices with higher resolution power and better accuracy are being manufactured. The market for neuro-oncological diagnosis devices is expected to grow swiftly in the forecast period due to the increase in the number of patients suffering from neuro-oncological disorders. Also, the growing awareness of people about the advancements in the neuro-oncological diagnosis devices makes way for the growth of the market of devices with more sophisticated technologies. Neuro-oncological diagnosis devices like MRI machines are being manufactured which are based on the techniques like contrast enhancement and dynamic contrast enhancement.NEURO-ONCOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS DEVICE Market: Region-wise OutlookThe market for neuro-oncological diagnosis devices is most developed in the North American and European region owing to the funds that government provides for research and development of high-quality neuro-oncological diagnosis devices. The market for the devices is also increasing rapidly in Asia Pacific due to new policies of governments which fascinates manufacturers for manufacturing neuro-oncological diagnosis devices in these countries. Neuro-oncological diagnosis device usage is obligatory in the diagnosis of fatal diseases. Therefore, many under-developed economies of middle east and Africa also have a large market for neuro-oncological diagnosis devices.NEURO-ONCOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS DEVICE Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the key participants of neuro-oncological diagnosis devices includeThe report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2012 - 2014Market Size & Forecast 2015 to 2024Supply & Demand Value ChainMarket Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainAircraft Refurbishing Market Drivers and RestraintsTo 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: Medical Imaging Reagents Market is Expecting Worldwide Growth by 2017 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14242 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/medical-imaging-reagents-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com Medical imaging is used to define the use of conventional and sophisticated diagnostic practices. Traditional imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, X-ray, and nuclear medicine (NM) usually analyze morphology and anatomy but are unable to detect changes at the molecular level. However, new developments in biotechnology allow imaging at the molecular and cellular level, making way for early diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical imaging reagents play a very crucial role in this medical revolution.Medical Imaging Reagents Market: Drivers and RestraintsTechnological advances used in medical imaging reagents is moving forward at a rapid pace. These technologies include biologic targeting, microfluidics, nanotechnology, protein engineering and supramolecular chemistry. Rapid development across a number of technology fields promise to change the medical imaging industry by enabling novel imaging reagents and unique market opportunities. The high market growth rate for medical imaging reagents results in the adoption of personalized medicine, which demands a molecular approach toward the early diagnosis and monitoring of drugs. At the same time, the impact of enormous advances in proteomics and genomics are generating biomarkers of diseases. This rich source of biologic targets can be exploited by medical imaging reagents for detection of early plaques formed in Alzheimers disease or early detection of cancer cells.Request to View Tables of Content @Medical Imaging Reagents Market: SegmentationOn the basis of technology, the medical imaging reagents market can be segmented into:NanoparticlesFluorescent ProteinsFluorescent Dyes & ProbesRadiopharmaceuticalsQuantum DotsOn the basis of application, the medical imaging reagents market can be segmented into:DiagnosticsDrug DiscoveryResearch and DevelopmentOthersOn the basis of product type, the medical imaging reagents market can be segmented into:Contrast ReagentsNuclear ReagentsOptical ReagentsOn the basis of end user, the medical imaging reagents market can be segmented into:Biotechnology CompaniesPharmaceutical CompaniesDiagnostic LabsOthersIn-vivo optical imaging reagents are key technologies for the drug development industry, as they allow for imaging of drug distribution and pharmacokinetics in mammalian animals. Such studies are critical in assisting pharmaceutical companies to eliminate poor drug candidates prior to expensive clinical trials.Medical Imaging Reagents Market: OverviewOptical imaging reagents are an enabling technology in proteomics, genomics, in-vitro diagnostics industries and cellular analysis. Fluorescent dyes, probes, and proteins are essential components of the assays and techniques that are the basis for these fields of research, including DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoassays and cell-based fluorescence analysis. Growth in these markets will continue to drive demand for in-vitro imaging reagents. The medical imaging reagents industry is composed of a core group of companies that are leaders in life sciences R&D tools and medical imaging instrumentation. A major competitive strategy for achieving success in medical imaging reagents businesses has been acquiring unique technology in fluorescent proteins, fluorescence dyes, and probes, quantum dots, or nanotechnology. Biotechnology or nanotechnology companies are central to the development of these technologies and, thus, serve as innovative forces.Medical Imaging Reagents Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the medical imaging reagents market due to a rapid adoption of several types of modalities by end users, technological advancements, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and others. The North America market is followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. Europe is the second largest market for medical imaging reagents due to growing health awareness among people and increasing number of research and development activities. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a faster pace due to rise in population, an increase in opportunity for clinical and preclinical studies at low costs, and government support for research and development activities in the medical imaging reagents market.Medical Imaging Reagents Market: Key PlayersSome of the major market players include Bayer Healthcare AG, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., GE Healthcare, Bracco Imaging SpA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, and Siemens Healthcare. A key to maintaining a competitive advantage in the future medical imaging reagents market will be to continue an aggressive strategy of acquiring novel technologies that enhance the functionality and biocompatibility of present imaging reagents.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: Portable Gas Chromatograph Market Key Players, Growth, Analysis by 2017 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14248 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/portable-gas-chromatograph-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com The Portable gas chromatograph does not require any external electrical connections. The Portable gas chromatograph instrument may vary in size and portability from an independent unit size, as small as a small suitcase which can be carried easily by a single person to a much bigger unit wanting auxiliary gas supply and which will require many people to transport. Many Portable gas chromatograph devices do not have any provision to heat the columns, detector or the injection port. Because of this, there is a limitation in analyzing the volatile compounds. Therefore, this results in deviation of retention times with ambient temperature. Likewise, late-eluting peaks will be weakly formed and will then not be useful for quantification. Applications of Portable gas chromatograph are MTBE and BTEX On-site Rapid Screening of Contaminated Ground Water, Rapid Field Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents, Volatile Organic Compound Identification in Water, Trihalomethanes Identification in Drinking Water, Volatile Organic Compounds Screening in Soil, Volatile and Semi volatile Compound Screening of Cocoa Raw Materials and Chocolate Products, Profiling of Essential Oil VOCs and SVOCs, Onsite Illicit Drug Identification, Semi-quantitative Determination of Volatile Oligomers of Halogenated Compressor Oil in a Manufacturing Process Accelerated Trace Level Detection of Selected VOCs in Air, Using a Needle Trap Device with a Portable gas chromatograph.Global Portable Gas Chromatograph Market: DynamicsThe key driver to the Portable Gas Chromatograph market is the rising awareness about the therapeutic applications of Portable Gas Chromatograph. Rise in increasing investments by the governmental bodies will ultimately rise the market for Portable Gas Chromatograph. Low maintenance costs and manufacturing costs of Portable Gas Chromatograph is alluring the end users to adopt this market. However, the costly setup and lack in expertise is restraining the Portable Gas Chromatograph market. Moreover, the strict rules and regulations by different governments is creating difficulties for the Portable Gas Chromatograph market.Request to View Tables of Content @Geographically, North America is the dominating region in the Portable Gas Chromatograph market owing to the advancing biopharmaceutical field in this region. Also, rising awareness of Portable Gas Chromatograph has fueled the Portable Gas Chromatograph market.US holds the prominent market in the Portable Gas Chromatograph market in North America trailed by Europe including Germany, France and UK. The Asian market for Portable Gas Chromatograph is also expected to witness a high CAGR during the coming years. Increased foreign investments.In this region will also boost the Portable Gas Chromatograph market ahead. China and Japan are projected to be the fastest growing in the Portable Gas Chromatograph market.Global Portable Gas Chromatograph Market: Key PlayersCurrently, the global Portable Gas Chromatograph market is highly competitive owing to the involvement of many established players. Some of the key players in the global Portable Gas Chromatograph market are ABB Ltd., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Elster Group GmbH., PerkinElmer, Inc., Siemens AG, SRI Instruments, Shimadzu Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific.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 East Asia Gas Detection Equipment Market worth US$172.4 mn by 2024 - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1045354 http://www.researchmoz.us/gas-detection-equipment-market-south-east-asia-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG http://deep-research-report.blogspot.com/ ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Gas Detection Equipment Market - South East Asia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 " to it's Large Report database.South East Asia Gas Detection Equipment Market: OverviewThis report provides an analysis of the South East Asia gas detection equipment market for the period from 2014 to 2024, wherein the period from 2016 to 2024 comprises the forecast period and 2015 is the base year. Data for 2014 is provided as historical information. The report details the prominent trends and adoption analysis of gas detection equipment across South East Asia region over the forecast period. It also highlights various drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the markets growth during this period. The study provides a holistic perspective of the growth of the gas detection equipment market throughout the forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Mn), across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines, and rest of South East Asia countries. The report provides analysis of the South East Asia gas detection equipment market in terms of market estimates and forecasts for all the segments across different countries.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:South East Asia Gas Detection Equipment Market: Trends and OpportunitiesSouth East Asia gas detection equipment market is primarily driven by increasing policies, acts, and regulations associated with workplace health and safety. The increasing emphasis on national occupational safety and health frameworks by South East Asian countries and international organizations such as international maritime organization (IMO) are supplementing the growth of gas detection equipment market. Similarly, increasing adoption of gas detection equipment by petro chemical, marine, and other companies across mining and electronics segment is contributing in the growth of gas detection equipment in South East Asia region.The report includes the impact analysis of such factors under the market dynamics, categorized as the drivers and the restraints. Apart from this, the report also details on presence of supplier, manufacturer, and distribution network of key players under the value chain analysis. Apart from this, report also covers the porters five forces affecting the gas detection equipment market across South East Asia region. In this report, detailed information on comparison matrix, and market attractiveness analysis for all the segments is provided at regional as well as country level.Browse more details @Table of Content1. Preface1.1. Market Definition and Scope1.2. Market Segmentation1.3. Key Research Objectives1.4. Research Highlights2. Assumptions and Research Methodology3. Executive Summary : South East Asia Gas Detection Equipment Market4. Market Overview4.1. Introduction4.2. Market Dynamics4.2.1. Drivers4.2.2. Restraints4.2.3. Opportunities4.3. South East Asia Gas Detection Equipment Market Analysis and Forecasts, 2014 20244.3.1. Market Revenue Projections (US$ Mn)4.4. Ecosystem Analysis4.5. Porters Five Force Analysis4.6. Market OutlookAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at: Nanocoatings Market, Grow at a Consistent 21.0% CAGR Upto 2022 https://goo.gl/o2g76x https://goo.gl/grWKQD https://goo.gl/f1UHWj The global nanocoatings market is expected to reach $13,094 million by 2022 from $3,327 million in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 21.0% from 2016 to 2022. Nanocoatings are made from constituent particles of nano-range (109 m), which are produced from various materials such as aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, nano-cellulose, and nano-clay. The substrates or the base materials can be painted surfaces; metals such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass; wood; natural stones; and plastics. These coatings are widely adopted in automotive industry owing to its chemical- & corrosion-resistant nature. In addition, they help to maintain the finish of the automobiles.For More Info, Get Sample :Energy & electronics industry is experiencing steady growth in the emerging economies of India, China, and Brazil, thereby fueling the market growth. Rise in construction activities, infrastructural development, and healthcare expenditure are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. However, fluctuating prices of raw materials is projected to hamper the market growth.The global nanocoatings market is segmented based on type, application, and geography. On the basis of type, the market is categorized into anti-fingerprint, antimicrobial, easy-to-clean & anti-fouling, self-cleaning (bionic & photocatalytic), and others. Applications covered in the study include electronics, energy, food & packaging, construction, marine industry, military & defense, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and others. Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Major players profiled in this study include the following: Buhler AG Nanogate AG Nanophase Technologies Corporation Bio-Gate AG Admat Innovations Surfix BV Nanomech Inc. EIKOS Inc. CIMA Nanotech Duraseal Coatings Company LLCKEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current trends, drivers, and dynamics of the global nanocoatings market to elucidate the prevailing opportunities and the probable investment pockets. It offers qualitative trends as well as quantitative analysis from 2014 to 2022 to assist the stakeholder to understand the market scenario. In-depth analysis of the key segments demonstrates the adoption of nanocoatings across various applications. Competitive intelligence highlights the business practices followed by key business players across the geographies as well as the prevailing market opportunities.Enquire About Report :Key players are profiled along with the strategies and developments, which portray the competitive market outlook.Nanocoatings Market Key Segments:By Type Anti-Fingerprint Antimicrobial Easy-To-Clean & Anti-Fouling Self-Cleaning (Bionic & Photocatalytic) Anti-Icing & Deicing Anticorrosion Conductive UV Resistant Abrasion & Wear Resistant Others (Self-Healing, Antireflective, and Thermal Barrier/Flame Retardants)By Application Electronics Energy Food & Packaging Construction Marine Industry Military & Defense Automotive Aerospace Healthcare Others (Exterior Protection, Tools, Textiles, and Water Treatment Equipment)Also Request For Discount :By Geography North America U.S. Mexico Canada Europe Germany UK Turkey France Russia Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan Korea India Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Brazil Argentina UAE Qatar Rest of LAMEAOTHER KEY PLAYERS Telsa Nanocoatings Inc. Inframat Corporation Nanovere Technologies LLC P2i Ltd. ACTnano Nanofilm Ltd. Integran Technologies Inc. (Companies mentioned above are not profiled in the report, but can be profiled upon client request.)Table Of Content CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3 MARKET OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4 GLOBAL NANOCOATINGS MARKET, BY TYPE CHAPTER 5 GLOBAL NANOCOATINGS MARKET, BY APPLICATION CHAPTER 6 GLOBAL NANOCOATINGS MARKET, BY REGION CHAPTER 7 COMPANY PROFILESAbout UsWe have a large database of quality and precise market research reports that will be very beneficial for your organization. Reports that we sell our authentic in nature and from reputed publishers, hence it can definitely help you with your growth opportunities.Research Beam will always make sure to bring most ethical and high quality reports. We value your relationship with us and look forward for a long term relation.Contact UsGlobal Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com Cartridge Valve Market Trends 2022: HydraForce, Parker, Sun, Eaton, Bosch-Rexroth, Bucher https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/428912/?utm_source=OPR-AN https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/428912/ https://www.whatech.com/market-research/companies/market-study-report https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/2017-top-5-single-vertical-balancing-machine-manufacturers-in-north-america-europe-asia-pacific-south-america-middle-east-and-africa/?utm_source=RR-AN https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/category/news-releases/ The growing Manufacturing industry has provided a major boost to the Global Cartridge Valve Market as more people are shifting their preferences to compact and lightweight Cartridge Valve carrying options. The Market is expected to keep rising at a high CAGR and reach values of high millions by the end of the forecast period of 2017 up to 2022. The Global Cartridge Valve Market report covers every aspect of the Market including statistics and key insights for the customers.In this report, the global Cartridge Valve 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.Request Simple for Global Cartridge Valve Market Research Report @Global Cartridge Valve Market Research Report 2017 estimates the drivers, restraints, and opportunities pertaining to the global Cartridge Valve market over the timeframe of 2017-2022. Delivering the key insights pertaining to this industry, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, present and future business scenario, market size and share, and commercialization potential of the Cartridge Valve industry over the coming five years.The industry is analyzed in terms of products, applications, regions, and the key manufacturers holding a prominent share of the global revenue.In terms of end-user or applications, the report is Construction Machinery, Material Handling Equipments, Agricultural Machinery. A detailed analysis of the contribution of these application segments to the overall market revenue and volume has been included in the report.The product landscape of Screw-in Cartridge Valve, Slip-in Cartridge Valve. Each product has been analyzed in terms of its production, capacity, and consumption. The report further details the market share to be procured by each of these products over the coming years.Request Discount for Global Cartridge Valve Market Research Report @The regional segmentation of the report includes North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and India. Detailing the consumption and production rate of Cartridge Valves in these regions, the report outlines the growth curve of this industry in terms of market volume and share over 2017-2022.The competitive landscape of the Cartridge Valve market profiles the top players participating in the global business space. These are HydraForce, Parker, Sun, Eaton, Bosch-Rexroth, Bucher. The report also details the market positioning, strategies, and revenue procured by each of these manufacturers.For More Info on Market Research @Related Reports: -2017 Top 5 Single Vertical Balancing Machine Manufacturers in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and AfricaThe Global Single Vertical Balancing Machine market size will be XX million (USD) in 2022, from the XX million (USD) in 2016, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) XX% from 2016 to 2022.Centralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News: Global Optical Coating Machine Market Top Trends and Industry Forecasts to 2022 https://goo.gl/gYCjmJ https://goo.gl/Y845Mp https://goo.gl/BDbRj6 Global Optical Coating Machine Market 2017 report spread across 117 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications. This report studies the Optical Coating Machine market. An optical coating is one or more thin layers of material deposited on an optical component such as a lens or mirror, which alters the way in which the optic reflects and transmits light. Optical Coating Machine is used in optical coating process.Complete report is available atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Optical Coating Machine 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 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: Metal film, Oxide film, Compound film, Others & Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Consumer Electronics, Solar, Glasses, LED, Automotive, Telecommunication, Others.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Buhler, Satisloh, Coburn Technologies, OptoTech, Chengdu Guotai Vacuum Equipment Co.,Ltd, Ningbo Junying Vacuum Technology, Optorun, Ultra Optics, Korea Vac-Tec.Request for discount atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Optical Coating Machine market.Chapter 1 to describe Optical Coating Machine Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force.Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Optical Coating Machine, with sales, revenue, and price of Optical Coating Machine, 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 Optical Coating Machine, 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.Order copy of report atChapter 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 Optical Coating Machine market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022.Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Optical Coating Machine sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Ritesh Tiwari,+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com Silage Inoculants Market to Witness Comprehensive Growth by 2017 2025 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/17077 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/silage-inoculants-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com Silage inoculants is a bacterial solvent widely used for fermentation rate of silage in the farms. Silage is basically a type of animal feed made up of grass or other forage which contains 30-40% moisture. Silage inoculants contain bacterial population such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus species, Lactobacillus buchneri and others. These bacteria present in inoculants flood the natural lactic acid by converting 6-carbon sugar into lactic acid. Increasing demand for preserving harvested forage crops and animal feed from spoilage is expected to drive the market.Silage Inoculants Market Segmentation:Silage inoculants market is segmented on the basis of product form, type, and distribution channelsOn the basis of product form, silage inoculants market is segmented into wet and dry inoculants. Among both segments, wet segment hold major share and is expected to register a relatively high growth rate over the forecast period. Wet silage inoculants are more uniform, consume less time to ferment the silage, and are easier to store compare to dry inoculants, hence drives the silage inoculant market.On the basis of product type, it is segmented into homo-fermenters and hetero-fermenters. Among both segments, homo fermenters account for major share and are expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. Homo-fermenters are those bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum which convert 6-carbon sugar into a single end product, lactic acid and hetero-fermenters are the bacteria such as Lactobacillus buchneri which convert 6-carbon sugar into lactic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide.On the basis of distribution channel, it is segmented into direct and indirect sales. The indirect sales segment is further sub-segmented into wholesalers and retailers. Among the various retail segments, increasing online sales are a major factor driving the market as online medium substantially reduces the distribution and marketing costs of small-scale producers.Request to View Tables of Content @Silage Inoculants Market Regional Outlook:The silage inoculants market in North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and MEA is covered in the report.Among all of these regions, North America accounts for major revenue share of global market, followed by Europe & Asia Pacific and is expected to register a moderate growth over the forecast period. Technology advancement in silage inoculants such as microbiological combination of both types of inoculants i.e. homo-fermenters and hetero-fermenters to improve fermentation rate and increasing awareness among farmers & growers are the factors that drive the global market.Silage Inoculants Market Dynamics:Environmental conditions for microbial activity such as temperature, moisture, and pH support the fermentation of silage and forage crops, changes in these condition can effect on nutritional value and palatability. Hence, production of lactic acid under these changing conditions is fulfilled by silage inoculants and is expected to fuel the market over the forecast period. Effectiveness of silage inoculant totally depend on the type of bacteria present in the inoculant and viability of bacterial in the inoculant. It is also depend upon the quantity of bacteria and method of application, hence manufacturers are focusing on producing better quality silage inoculants in order to generate high profitability. Increasing demand for crop production and animal feeds along with need for proper storage drives an increase in demand for silage inoculants in global market. One of the key restraints for silage inoculants market is lack of awareness among farmers and growers in selection of inoculants for crop fermentation.Silage Inoculants Market Key Players:Some of the key players participating the global Silage Inoculants market include ADDCON GROUP GmbH, ProbioFerm, Ltd., Lallemand Inc., Agri-King Inc., Volac International Limited, and Micron Bio-Systems Inc.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Silage Inoculants Market SegmentsSilage Inoculants Market DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2015-2016Silage Inoculants Market Size & Forecast 2017 to 2027Silage Inoculants Market Supply & Demand Value ChainSilage Inoculants Market Trends/Issues/ChallengesPlayers Competition & Companies involved in silage inoculants marketTechnologyValue ChainDrivers and restraintsRegional analysis for silage inoculants marketNorth AmericaUS & CanadaLatin AmericaBrazil, Argentina & OthersWestern EuropeEU5NordicsBeneluxEastern EuropeAsia PacificAustralia and New Zealand (ANZ)ChinaIndiaASEANRest of Asia PacificJapanThe Middle East and AfricaGCC CountriesOther Middle EastNorth AfricaSouth AfricaOther AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and regions.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics of the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and product offeringsPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective towards market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintTo 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: Honey Powder Market Estimated to Flourish by 2016 - 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12328 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/honey-powder-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com Honey powder which can be used as a sweetener, is just a powder form of liquid honey. The powder is easier to maintain and can preserve well than a liquid honey. The powder form of honey is preferred to be used while making cakes, pastries and other sweet edible items. It is always a better option than a sticky liquid honey and sugar free powders particularly, which credibility is still questionable. An interesting thing about honey powder is, it has long preserving life, if it stored properly. The global honey powder market is projected to show sustained growth during the 10-year period owing to several factors and trends likely to positively impact the performance of the global honey powder market.Honey powder market: Product usage and benefitsHoney powder can be used in bath and beauty products like facial masks, scrub, soap, lotions etc. It can be sprinkled over cereal or fruit and cakes. Its antiseptic properties heals the small injuries. The most beneficial factor of honey is, it has medicinal quality. As honey powder is better in dissolving in almost any food items so it can also be used in medicines, especially cough syrups. The honey powder has low calories, therefore, it can be added in a cup of tea or a coffee or even in a green tea rather than sugar powders which are less trustworthy. It is completely organic and natural, hence better than artificial sweeteners. Honey powder is slightly cheaper than its liquid form, which can be easily available in a bag in almost all grocery shops.Honey powder market: TrendsThe organic lifestyle is a fast growing trend. The consumers prefer easy, healthy and environment friendly organic food and natural beauty products. United States, Germany, France, Canada and United Kingdom are some of the countries which have largest market for organic foods. Even the various e-commerce companies are preferring to sell variety of gourmet products and honey powder is one of them. Consumers love for bakery products like cake, muffins, cookies and bread is increasing the demand of honey powder in global market. Not only this, its natural quality of smoothening the skin is also attracting the beauty product manufacturers to make more beauty products using honey powder. Although honey powder is fairly new to the American food market, it has been used in Korean kitchens since long time. It is used as sugar substitute in Korea. These are the main trends likely to be observed in the global honey powder market.Request to View Tables of Content @Honey powder market: Key market playersChanel, PIAS, Anna Sui, Benefit Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, Guerlain, Max Factor, Shu Uemura, ABLE C & C are the major manufacturers of honey powder.Honey powder market: ForecastAccording to various research, honey powder could potentially be used as dough improver. A new research made in China also indicated that it might be acted as sugar replacer in bread. The increasing usage of natural medicines like Ayurveda will also give a boom to honey powder market. The figure of diabetic patients is also increasing, and in such scenario patients are refraining away from using artificial sugar powders and sweeteners which will ultimately increase the demand of honey powder.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 covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includesNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.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: Food Colorants Market Foreseen to Grow Exponentially Over 2016 - 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12349 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/food-colorants-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com Food colorants are coloring additives also known as dye or pigments which are added to food or beverages to impart color and give an attractive appearance to the food and beverages. Food colorants are added in the food and beverages to maintain and improve safety, freshness, nutritional value, taste, texture and appearance of foods and beverages. Natural colorants segment is expected to hold a significant market share in terms of value owing to easily availability of fruits and vegetables. The global food colorants market is anticipated to witness significant CAGR during the forecast period.Global Food Colorants Market: Drivers and RestraintsEasily availability of raw materials such as fruits and vegetables and edible plants, coupled with rising consumer demand for natural colorants, which is driving the growth of global food colorants market. Furthermore, increasing applications of food colorants in food and beverage industry is expected to boost the consumption of food colorants. In addition, increasing consumer demand for processed foods leads to increase consumption of food colorants.However, stringent and expensive certifications and regulations regarding use of food colorants, and side effects associated with synthetic colors on health are expected to limit the growth of global food colorants market.Request to View Tables of Content @Based on the geographies, the global food colorants market is segmented into five key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is anticipated to dominate among all the regions owing to increasing demand for food colorants in US and Canada. Europe is expected to hold the market share of global food colorants market at a second position in terms of value. This is attributed to increasing consumer awareness for natural products coupled with regulatory support for coloring food stuff in European countries. Owing to the increase in consumption of processed and ready to eat foods in India and China, the Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to contribute significantly to the global food colorants market. The Latin America and MEA regions are expected to contribute collectively in the global food colorants market.This is due to the increasing disposable incomes coupled with changing lifestyles in Brazil, GCC countries and South Africa which is fuelling the consumption of processed foods, resulting in an increase in demand for food colorants.Global Food Colorants Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the global food colorants market includeCargill IncorporatedBASF SEKoninklijke DSM N.V.FMC CorporationDDW The Colour HouseHansen Holding A/SGNT GroupNaturexLycoredSan-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc.Sensient Colors LLCSethness Caramel ColorWILD Flavors and Specialty IngredientsRIKEN VITAMIN Co., Ltd.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.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: Electronic Medical Records Software Market 2017 to 2022 Top Companies NextGen Healthcare, drchrono HER, AdvancedMD, MediTouch EHR Software, NueSoft, athenahealth HER https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/488755//?utm_source=OPR-SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/488755//?utm_source=OPR-SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-bill-of-materials-bom-software-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022//?utm_source=RR-SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/category/news-releases/ Global Electronic Medical Records Software Market Research Report 2017 to 2022 presents an in-depth assessment of the Electronic Medical Records Software including enabling technologies, key trends, market drivers, challenges, standardization, regulatory landscape, deployment models, operator case studies, opportunities, future roadmap, value chain, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents forecasts for Electronic Medical Records Software investments from 2017 till 2022.This report studies the global Electronic Medical Records Software market, analyzes and researches the Electronic Medical Records Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, include as drchrono HER, AdvancedMD, MediTouch EHR Software, NueSoft, athenahealth HER, iSALUS HER, PrognoCIS, CareCloud, Compulink, Aprima HER, NextGen Healthcare and Kareo Clinical HER.Request a Sample Copy of Global Electronic Medical Records Software Market Research Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, Electronic Medical Records Software Market report covers are United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.Market segment by Type, Electronic Medical Records Software can be split into: On-premise EMR and Cloud-based EMRMarket segment by Application, Electronic Medical Records Software can be split into: Hospitals, Clinics and OtherRequest Discount for Global Electronic Medical Records Software Market Research Report @Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Electronic Medical Records Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022Industry Overview of Electronic Medical Records Software MarketGlobal Electronic Medical Records Software Market Competition Analysis by PlayersGlobal Electronic Medical Records Software Market Company (Top Players) ProfilesGlobal Electronic Medical Records Software Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)United States Electronic Medical Records Software Market Development Status and OutlookEU Electronic Medical Records Software Market Development Status and OutlookJapan Electronic Medical Records Software Market Development Status and OutlookChina Electronic Medical Records Software Market Development Status and OutlookIndia Electronic Medical Records Software Market Development Status and OutlookSoutheast Asia Electronic Medical Records Software Market Development Status and OutlookMarket Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2017-2022)Electronic Medical Records Software Market DynamicsMarket Effect Factors AnalysisResearch Findings and ConclusionRelated Reports: -Global Bill of Materials (BOM) Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022This report studies the global Bill of Materials (BOM) Software market, analyzes and researches the Bill of Materials (BOM) Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeMarketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News: Global Fructose Market 2017 Global Market analysis and Industry Forecast 2022 https://www.reportsmonitor.com/request-sample/?post=244383 https://www.reportsmonitor.com/global-fructose-market-professional-survey-report-2017/ www.reportsmonitor.com ReportsMonitor.Com Adds Global Fructose Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to Its Database.This report studies Fructose in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringTate and LyleArcher Daniels Midland CompanyKASYAPGalamNAVARESTAtlantic Chemicals Trading GMBHCargill IncorporatedADM Corn ProcessingDuPont Nutrition & healthCelanese CorporationDulcette Technologies LLCGET SAMPLE REPORT @By types, the market can be split intoFruitsVegetablesHoneyOtherBy Application, the market can be split intoDrug FormulationsBeverage ProductsBakeryConfectioneryDairy ProductsFood ProductBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of ContentsGlobal Fructose Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Fructose1.1 Definition and Specifications of Fructose1.1.1 Definition of Fructose1.1.2 Specifications of Fructose1.2 Classification of Fructose1.2.1 Fruits1.2.2 Vegetables1.2.3 Honey1.2.4 Other1.3 Applications of Fructose1.3.1 Drug Formulations1.3.2 Beverage Products1.3.3 Bakery1.3.4 Confectionery1.3.5 Dairy Products1.3.6 Food Product1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 IndiaBROWSE FULL TABLE OF CONTENTS and REPORT DESCRIPTION @About Us:Reports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform to meet the 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. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact Us:Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite: Leading design and manufacturer of Wave Gliders; Liquid Robotics, Announced as Gold Sponsor for Maritime Information Warfare Conference http://www.maritimeinfowarfare.com/openpr http://www.maritimeinfowarfare.com/openpr http://www.smi-online.co.uk SMi welcomes Liquid Robotics as a new gold sponsor for the Maritime Information Warfare conference. Delegates will get the opportunity to meet representatives from Liquid Robotics, showcase their solutions at their exhibition stand during the conference.Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders, the first wave and solar powered unmanned ocean robots. Their vehicles operate individually and in fleets for months at a time in the sea, gathering data from both above and below the ocean surface while providing a persistent ocean presence. Together with partners, they help our customers address many of the planets greatest challenges, by transforming how to assess, monitor, and protect the ocean.As the only event solely focused on the future of information warfare and enhancing the future of naval systems, the conference will offer international perspectives on both the platforms used for data collection and the ways that data is examined. Covering: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Maritime Cyber Security, Big Data, Open Source Data Optimisation, C4i, ISR and much more.With conference themes running off the back of the Royal Navys Information Warrior, Maritime information warfare will feature strong host nation representation, along with carefully selected representatives from rest of world, such as: US Navy, US Marine Corps, Portuguese Navy, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence, NATO, DSTL, Spanish Navy, Netherlands MoD, TNO, Thinke Company Ltd and more.A few keynote speakers include: Admiral (Retd.) Sir George Zambellas, Former First Sea Lord, Royal NavyPresenting: There Seems to be Something Wrong with our Bloody Data Today The Data Conundrum: Getting Politicians to Invest in the Boring Stuff Vice Admiral Michael Gilday, Commander, US Fleet Cyber Command, United States NavyPresenting: The Importance of Developing and Delivering Operative Cyber Protection in Defending US Naval Assets Captain Dermot Mullholland, Branch Head, Strategic Plans & Policy, Combined Joint Operations, Sea Centre of Excellence, NATOPresenting: 'From Unconnected Regional Maritime Surveillance to Effective Global Maritime Situational Awareness' Commander Neil Hall, SO1 Cyber Security, Royal NavyPresenting: 'Developing Effective Cyber Security Standards to Maximise use of Naval Assets'The full list of speakers is available to download from the event website.The 300 early bird booking discount expires Thursday 31st August 2017. Register online, at:For information on sponsoring or exhibiting at Maritime Information Warfare this December in London, please contact Sadia Malick on +44 (0) 20 7827 6748 or email smalick@smi-online.co.ukMaritime Information Warfare 20176th and 7th DecemberLondon, UK---- END ----About SMi Group:Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world's most forward-thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found atSMi GroupGround & First Floor1 Westminster Bridge RoadLondon, SE1 7XW Lanteria gives 10% commission to referrals that recommend its HR software Lanteria Referral Program - Will You Participate? www.lanteria.com www.lanteria.com Lanteria LLC (), a leading SharePoint software provider, announced today it had started a highly beneficial Referral Program. Lanteria Referral Program provides referral commission (10% of total project size after signing the contract) to companies and individuals that suggest Lanteria HR to their customers and prospects.Lanterias team is focused on delivering a fully-functional HR system to Office 365 and Microsoft SharePoint users. The main product of Lanteria is Lanteria HR, which automates the entire HR management in a company. Lanteria HR organizes a central storage of all HR information, guides and supports various HRM processes and increases the performance of each employee and the organization as a whole. Its available for both SharePoint 2013 and 2016 and can be used in a hybrid mode for Single-Sign-On with Office 365 accounts.Lanterias Referral Program is targeted on independent SharePoint and HR consultants, but any individual or company can benefit from it after registration at the Partner Portal, says Mike Ament, Lanterias Account Executive. This is how the referral program works. Referral submits a potential customers details through the Submit a lead form in his Personal Account (further lead tracking is made in My Leads section). Lanterias team picks up the lead and takes care of the sales process. When a potential customer makes a decision to buy any of Lanteria HR modules or the entire system, his status changes to Success! and Referral receives an email notification.Lanteria supports the Referrals with training materials, demos and datasheets, helping them explore the HR solutions. To learn more about Lanteria Referral Program and become a partner, visit partner.lanteria.com/landing.Lanteria, founded in 2006, is a privately-held company with headquarters in Boston, MA. Lanteria is the worlds leader in developing HR, Talent, Performance and Learning management software for SharePoint. Hundreds of the worlds most respected companies trust Lanteria to empower their people to deliver exceptional results. Engage with Lanteria atLanteria LLC, 745 Atlantic Ave, Fl 8, Boston, MA, 02111 RENTOKIL STERITECH COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF BATZNER PEST CONTROL INC. www.rentokil-steritech.com READING, Pa. (Aug. 2, 2017) Rentokil Steritech has announced the acquisition of Batzner Pest Control, Inc., based in New Berlin, Wisconsin and servicing the Milwaukee metro area as well as parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and northern Illinois. The transaction closed in June and the terms were not disclosed. This acquisition helps grow Rentokil Steritechs residential and commercial service capabilities in Wisconsin with particular emphasis on metro Milwaukee, the countrys 29th largest market.The acquisition will bring on board over 165 colleagues - among them 100 technician specialists, plus 25 proven managers. Originally started in 1946 by Ed Batzner, ownership transferred to Al & Gloria Batzner in 1972, then in 1990 to their son Jerry Batzner. The Company has grown consistently over the years based on a strong commitment to its people, service and quality. Batzner Pest Control Inc.s main customer base is comprised of residential and commercial entities, providing Rentokil Steritech with access to some the areas most important educational, food processing, resort and healthcare companies.Jerry Batzner, the current CEO & President, and his daughter Melissa Batzner Krische, the current General Manager, will remain with the business going forward.I am delighted that we are becoming part of the Rentokil Steritech family. We were looking for a company that is committed to its people and delivering great service to our customers, and we found just the right partner in Rentokil Steritech. said Jerry Batzner. Our entire team looks forward to continuing to offer top quality pest control to the people of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.Melissa Batzner Krische, who will continue in her role as the General Manager, added We really focused on finding a partner who was customer centric with an emphasis on employee growth opportunities. Rentokil Steritech matched ideally with us on that plus there are now new market opportunities that will improve the customers experience as Rentokil Steritech is the leading pest control firm in the United States with a Brand Protection offering.We believe we have found a perfect fit in Batzner Pest Control to complement our existing footprint in the Midwest, said John Myers, President and CEO, Rentokil Steritech. I have been impressed by the way Jerry Batzner and his team have built a culture based on consistently good service and long term customer relationships as these traits align perfectly with our own at Rentokil Steritech.LR Tullius represented and acted as exclusive financial advisor to Batzner Pest Control, Inc.About Rentokil SteritechRentokil Steritech is part of Rentokil North America. The company, which also owns regional pest control brands Western Exterminator, Presto-X Pest Control and Ehrlich Pest Control, provides commercial and residential pest control to customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Central America through its expertly trained team of specialist technicians. Rentokil Steritechs approach focuses on a specialist - customer partnership to ensure the highest quality pest control service which includes a comprehensive pest management solution encompassing general pest control, termite, mosquito, bed bug, nuisance wildlife, vegetation management, bird management solutions and fumigations. Rentokil North America is a division of Rentokil Initial plc, a leading business services company, operating globally in over 65 countries. For more information, visitKonnect Agency54 West 40th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10018 A federal judge in Ohio has affirmed an advisory jurys verdict that thousands of American Family Insurance agents are, in fact, employees of the Madison company and not independent contractors as the company defines their role a ruling that could cost American Family as much as $1 billion in retirement benefits, attorneys for the plaintiffs say. But the judge allowed an immediate appeal of his ruling, noting it could be overturned by federal appellate judges. In a 44-page ruling on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Judge Donald Nugent said American Family treats agents as employees by imposing such rules as not letting them sell insurance from other companies except those with financial ties to American Family; requiring agents to sign a one-year non-compete agreement when they leave; referring to agents as employees in training manuals; requiring agents to file daily reports; and giving managers authority over agents business plans and vacation times. American Family trained its managers to exercise control over the means and manner of agents sales and service duties when the company deemed it necessary, and reprimanded managers who did not exercise such control when the company deemed it beneficial to do so, Nugent wrote. That degree of control was inconsistent with independent contractor status and was more in line with the level of control a manager would be expected to exert over an employee. Attorney Charles Crueger, of the Crueger Dickinson law firm in Milwaukee, the lead law firm representing the plaintiffs, called it a landmark decision. As far as Im aware, we have the first case that has ever gone to a full-blown trial on this issue and then prevailed, Crueger said. This is a great day for the agents who had the courage to challenge the practices of a large corporation and fight for years to protect their rights as employees, attorney Erin Dickinson said. The case was filed in 2013 by four former American Family agents. In 2016, the judge certified the suit as a class action, adding about 7,000 current and former agents as unnamed plaintiffs. In a second ruling Tuesday, Nugent turned down a request by American Family to decertify the class action. The company said some agents are satisfied with their current treatment. The judge said, though, only one current agent testified during the two-week trial in April that she is happy with the arrangement. Nugent did allow American Family to appeal the decisions immediately and hold off on the process of determining how to restructure the companys retirement program until the appeal was resolved. There was evidence supporting both sides in the case, previous court cases have had the opposite outcome, and repercussions of this finding are so far-reaching, Nugent wrote. American Family said it will appeal. We are disappointed in the judges ruling but pleased the court took the unusual step of granting an immediate appeal, citing in part the prior case law that supports the classification of agents as independent contractors, spokesman Ken Muth said. American Family chief legal officer Mark Afable said the company is confident we will prevail in the appeals. American Family agents operate with tremendous independence that justifies classification as independent contractors. The classification has been previously affirmed by five federal court decisions and the Internal Revenue Service, he said. Crueger estimated the agents could be in line for a combined $1 billion in retirement benefits, but Muth disputed that. The estimate floated by the plaintiffs attorneys is grossly overstated and premature, particularly in light of the courts granting of an immediate appeal, Muth said. American Family Insurance Group is the nations 13th-largest property and casualty insurer, with more than 10 million policies and $8.7 billion in revenue in 2016. Offshore Decommissioning Market : Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/offshore-decommissioning-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=28364 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Decommissioning is the last phase of any offshore oil and gas project. The process of decommissioning involves safe plugging of the wellbore in the earths surface and disposal of equipment used in offshore oil and gas production. In the Gulf of Mexico, decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platform has become mandatory for oil and gas operator companies. Decommissioning operation helps maintain safety and sanity of the offshore environment. An offshore decommissioning operation requires 10 steps to be followed for successful completion of the project.Browse Market Research Report @These 10 steps are project management; engineering; and planning; permitting and regulatory compliance; platform preparation; well plugging and abandonment; conductor removal; mobilization and demobilization of derrick barges; platform removal; pipeline and power cable decommissioning; materials disposal; and site clearance. Companies operating in the decommissioning market either specialize in one of the aspects or may provide complete services mentioned above.The offshore decommissioning market can be segmented into two broader areas: decommissioning services or activities; and application in shallow water, deep water, and ultra-deep water.The major driver for decommissioning market is strengthen & mandatory legal guidelines for offshore oil and gas operations setup by the regulatory bodies of respective nations. Presence of the aging oil reserves and abandoned wells in matured offshore oil fields across the world is another factor driving the decommissioning market. Major potential risk of oil spill or leakage through these abandoned oil and gas wells may cause ocean water pollution, thereby threatening the marine ecosystem. This poses difficulty in cleaning and recovery of oil spill and then decommissioning the well after any such incident. The cost involved in decommissioning of such disturbed oil wells or platforms is high. Technically, this poses various challenges.Discovery and development of new oil reserves in offshore (mostly deep water) areas around the world is another factor boosting the global offshore decommissioning market. New discoveries of offshore oil deposits such as Liza field in Guyana, Offshore Kutch basin in India, and Tupi offshore oil field in Brazil indicate the future oil production opportunity in these offshore fields, which are likely to require decommissioning services after their abandonment.Recent downturn in prices of oil is expected to be a key restraint to not only exploration and development activities of oil and gas but also decommissioning operations. Decrease in oil prices has caused a continued decline in cash inflow and rise or hike in debt levels could challenge the future of oil and gas industry.The global offshore decommissioning market is expected to expand in the near future. North America is anticipated to be a major region of this market, owing to the presence of the Gulf of Mexico offshore oil reserves in the region. Europe is also estimated to contribute significantly to the offshore decommissioning market, as its North Sea offshore oilfields are & aging. Latin America has significant undeveloped offshore oil reserves in countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. Thus, the region is likely to be an attractive market for offshore decommissioning in the near future. Middle East & Africa has large fossil fuel wealth; thus, the region is expected to be a major contributor to the decommissioning market. The decommissioning market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a steady pace during the forecast period.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Offshore Decommissioning Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Key players operating in the decommissioning market are Petrofac Limited, Aker Solutions, TechnipFMC plc., Ramboll Group, Deepocean Group Holding B.V., Amec Foster Wheeler, PLC., AF Gruppen, Claxton Engineering Services, Ltd., DNV GL AS, and Allseas.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Internet Radio Market is Expected to Reach Approximately USD 4 Billion By 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3892 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/3892 www.marketresearchfuture.com Internet Radio Market, By Software Media Player (Spider Player, Winamp), By Audio Formats (OGG, WMA, RA, AAC Plus), By Phone Support (Android, IOS, Windows), By Advertiser Type (Computer & Software, Travel & Airlines, Rental Services) - Forecast 2023On the basis of regional analysis the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America region is generating highest market share in the internet radio market owing to better network infrastructure, digitization and higher technology implementation. Digitization in North America is mainly due to the invention of advanced technology and economies benefitting from it. North America region is leading due to presence of major players from the region in the internet radio market. The adoption of internet radio service by both small and medium enterprises for advertising purpose is increasing rapidly, especially one into finance. The internet radio is gaining demand due to availability of wifi connectivity at public places and increased popularity of streaming music is boosting the market in the region.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 The Internet Radio Market Research Report -Forecast to 2023.Get a sample report atInternet Radio Market SegmentationThe internet radio market has been segmented on the basis of advertiser type that includes insurance, travels & airlines, rental services, restaurants and others. The revenue of internet radio market in North America region is generated mainly through subscription and advertising. Pandora internet radio is the most popular internet radio service in the region. The internet radio in the North America region enables users by providing various music channels along with few news channel.The prominent players in the internet radio market are- CBS Corporation (U.S.) Citadel Broadcasting Corporation (U.S.) Chrysalis Group (U.K.) Spotify (Sweden) Aspiro AB (Norway) Pandora Media, Inc (U.S.) Napster (U.S.) Tunein (U.S.) Somafm (U.S.) Slacker Radio (U.S.)Market Research Analysis:The internet radio market in North America region is growing due to high adoption of laptops and smartphones by citizen. According to the study, the internet radio market will show a considerable growth in Europe region. Asia-Pacific market is estimated to be one of the fastest growing market as it is continuously investing into research and development of internet radio market and growing popularity of music streaming industry is fueling the growth in the region. Increasing population, and growing IT landscape is boosting the market in the region. The region is witnessing high adoption of internet radio service advertising purpose. Developing countries such as India and China are adopting internet radio service at a large scale owing to increase population and robust industrialization is boosting the market in the region. By advertiser segment, finance and retail sector is driving the internet radio market. The region is witnessing high growth in internet radio market due to growing technological advancement in cloud, analytics and mobile technologies.Make an Inquiry atStudy Objectives of Internet Radio Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the internet radio market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the internet radio market based 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 on the basis of software media player, audio format, device support and advertiser type. 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 internet radio market.The regional analysis of internet radio market is being studied for region such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. North America is one of the leading player in the internet radio market owing to major internet radio service providers present in the region followed by Europe. Asia-Pacific region is fastest growing region in the internet radio market owing to increased internet usage in residential and commercial sector and emergence of major players from the region in the music streaming industry.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 AnandP: +1 646 845 9312W: Global 3D Machine Vision Market by Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/global-3d-machine-visionindustry-2017-market-report http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001884697/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001884697/discount ReportsWeb.com has added a new report titled Global 3D Machine Vision 2017 Market Report, to the database, the report focuses on Product Price, Profit, Capacity, Production, Capacity Utilization, Supply, Demand and Industry Growth.3D Machine Vision Report by Material, Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China) .Get more information about this reportThe report firstly introduced the 3D Machine Vision basics: definitions, Classifications, plications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturingProcesses; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia 3D Machine Vision Market;3) the North American 3D Machine Vision Market;4) the European 3D Machine Vision Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Get free Sample Copy of ReportFew Points from Table of ContentPart I 3D Machine Vision OverviewChapter One 3D Machine Vision OverviewChapter Two 3D Machine Vision Up and Down Stream Industry AnalysisPart II Asia 3D Machine Vision (The Report Company Including the below Listed but Not All)Chapter Three Asia 3D Machine Vision Market AnalysisChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia 3D Machine Vision Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and ForecastChapter Five Asia 3D Machine Vision Key Manufacturers AnalysisChapter Six Asia 3D Machine Vision Development TrendPart III North American Chapter Seven North American 3D Machine Vision Market AnalysisChapter Eight 2012-2017 North American 3D Machine Vision Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and ForecastChapter Nine North American 3D Machine Vision Key Manufacturers AnalysisChapter Ten North American 3D Machine Vision Development TrendPart IV Europe 3D Machine Vision Analysis (The Report Company Including the below Listed but Not All)Chapter Eleven Europe 3D Machine Vision I Market AnalysisChapter Twelve 2012-2017 Europe 3D Machine Vision Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and ForecastChapter Thirteen Europe 3D Machine Vision Manufacturers AnalysisChapter Fourteen Europe 3D Machine Vision Development TrendPart V 3D Machine Vision Marketing Channels and Investment FeasibilityChapter Fifteen 3D Machine Vision Marketing Channels Development Proposals AnalysisChapter Sixteen Development Environmental AnalysisChapter Seventeen 3D Machine Vision y New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisPart VI Global 3D Machine Vision ConclusionsChapter Eighteen 2012-2017 Global 3D Machine Vision Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and ForecastChapter Nineteen Global 3D Machine Vision Development TrendChapter Twenty Global 3D Machine Vision Research ConclusionsGet Discount on Report Purchase -Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.Pune:505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Commercial Refrigerators Market: Advanced technologies & growth opportunities in global Industry by 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/asia-pacific-commercial-refrigerators-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13139 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Asia Pacific Commercial Refrigerators Market: Key TrendsThe commercial refrigerators market in Asia Pacific will continue to rise, with China leading the market from the front, Transparency Market Research says. As the region faces the mushrooming of convenience stores, hypermarkets, super markets, grocery shops, and restaurants, the installation of commercial refrigerators is expected to rise considerably in the forthcoming years. Along with this, the conspicuous demand for energy-efficient solutions will pave the way for research and development activities in the market.With opportunities for foreign direct investment widening in the food retail sector, Transparency Market Research (TMR) expects the commercial refrigerators market in Asia Pacific to surge at a 9.8% CAGR between 2016 and 2024. Around this time, technologies such as magnetocaloric refrigeration, which offer 20% to 30% reduced energy consumption, will witness wider commercialization.The booming hospitality sector and the food retail industry will enable the commercial refrigerators market in Asia Pacific to reach US$38.83 bn by 2024, rising steadily from nearly US$16.99 bn in 2015.Obtain Report Details @Considerable Presence of Local and Multinational Players Helps Keep Prices of Commercial Refrigerators in China in CheckThe commercial refrigerators market is gaining considerable traction across China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. The rapid proliferation of quick service restaurants and the increasing penetration of multinational retailers in these countries have fuelled the demand for energy-efficient commercial refrigerators.China reports the highest demand for commercial refrigerators in Asia Pacific. It held over 33.5% of the Asia Pacific commercial refrigerators market in 2015. The country boasts a considerable presence of both local and multinational manufacturers; hence, commercial refrigerators are available at a comparatively lower purchasing cost in China. This will in turn propel the China commercial refrigerators market at a CAGR of 7.3% by revenue, from 2016 to 2024.Demand for commercial refrigerators is also likely to increase considerably in India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Rest of Asia Pacific.This 135-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Commercial Refrigerators Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketDemand for Beverage Refrigerators to Surge, Fuelled by Rising TourismThe market for commercial refrigerators has been segmented based on beverage refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated display cases, glass door refrigerators, retail channels, and fridge freezers. Based on beverage refrigerator type, the market has been bifurcated into beverage refrigerator and wine refrigerator. In terms of revenue, the beverage refrigerator segment emerged dominant in the market, accounting for a share of over 57.2% in 2015. The growth witnessed in the tourism sector is expected to positively influence the sales prospects of beverage refrigerators during the forecast period. However, the segment is expected to lose its market share to the wine refrigerators as alcohol consumption increases in the Philippines.The refrigerated display segment is further categorized into plug-in and remote refrigerated display. By freezer type, the market has been classified into vertical freezers, chest freezers, and ice-cream freezers. In terms of glass door refrigerators, the market comprises glass door refrigerators with storage capacities of 6.1 Cu. Ft. to 9.0 Cu. Ft., 3.1 Cu. Ft. to 6.0 Cu. Ft., 0.5 Cu. Ft to 3.0 Cu. Ft., and others with a storage capacity of more than 9.0 Cu. Ft. Likewise, the fridge freezer segment includes single-door and multi-door fridge freezers.By retail channel, hypermarkets in Asia Pacific are likely to demonstrate the highest demand for commercial refrigerators in 2015. As per TMR, the segment held approximately 30.6% of the market in 2015. Favorable policies encouraging the setting-up of hypermarkets across Asia Pacific will seal the dominance of this segment through the forecast period.Apart from this, the demand for commercial refrigerators is also expected to rise significantly across supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores in Asia Pacific.Some of the most prominent companies operating in the market include Haier Electronics Group Co. Ltd., Liebherr Group, Hitachi, Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., GE Appliances, Fukushima Industries Corporation, and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Freezer and Beverage & Wine Coolers Market: Advanced technologies & growth opportunities in global Industry by 2022 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sea-freezer-beverage-wine-coolers-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5468 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The growth of disposable income generally improves quality of life and fuels the demand for chilled and frozen food and beverages. Such demand is also affected by changes in consumer habits. Improvements in the standard of living allow more people to eat out. This trend is reinforced by an increase in the number of restaurant chains and the rapid expansion of fast-food networks around the world, particularly in India, China, South East Asia, and Japan. These trends positively affect demand for commercial refrigeration equipment used for the conservation of food and beverage. Over and above the demand generated by the opening of new sales outlets, commercial refrigerators are used as displays, or ice cold merchandisers (ICMs) that offer a platform for visual communication and merchandising, thereby promoting impulse buying and facilitating brand recall. The concentration of populations in major urban centers and the increased participation of women in the labor market contributes to changes in eating habits. One such change is the higher consumption of frozen foods and refrigerated drinks.Key factors driving growth of the freezer and beverage & wine coolers market include increased consumption of packaged foods and non-alcoholic drinks, growth of modern grocery retailers, and a boom in the tourism industry. With various advancements in refrigeration technology, freezer and beverage cooler products offer energy-efficient consumption and cost-effective energy saving solutions to achieve effective cooling and refrigeration for applications in various end-use sectors.Obtain Report Details @The market for SEA beverage coolers has been segmented on the basis of product types into beverage coolers and wine coolers. Beverage coolers was the largest segment in 2014, accounting for 58.3% share of the overall SEA beverage coolers market. The wine coolers market is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period from 2014 to 2022. Due to increased consumption of soft drinks and nonalcoholic cool beverages, there has been massive growth in demand for the installation of beverage coolers across the SEA region. The beverage cooler market is further segmented into beverage coolers and wine coolers. The SEA beverage cooler market was dominated by beverage coolers, with a market share of around 58% in 2014.Based on the capacity range, the SEA freezer and beverage cooler market is segmented into 500 & above litres, 300 to 500 litres, 200 to 300 litres, and 200 and below litres. The growth of the service and hospitality sectors, including food chains, restaurants, and the tourism industry, as well as a change in consumer habits have led to a rise in the storage of frozen food and food-related products. In order to accommodate increased consumer demand, c-store owners, supermarkets, and other point-of-sale outlets are pitching for higher-capacity freezers, leading to a shift from traditional 200 & below liters to 300 to 500 liters and 500 & above liters capacities. The different door types for beverage coolers are categorized as 4 doors & above, 3 doors, 2 doors, and 1 door. Pubs, bars, and HORECA choose best-fit wine coolers in order to fulfill their requirements, basing their choices on factors such as space and quantity/capacity to hold wines/alcoholic beverages, in order to effectively cater to consumers, including tourists, expatriates, and locals in SEA. At approximately 58%, the beverage coolers segment held the largest market share of the overall SEA beverage cooler market.This 146-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Freezer and Beverage & Wine Coolers Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketThis research study on the SEA freezer and beverage cooler market provides detailed analysis of freezer and beverage cooler at country level. The study also aims to explain the driving forces behind the rising demand for freezer and beverage coolers in various application sectors. The report also offers an in-depth analysis of various factors such as market drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities affecting the market dynamics. These factors enable the analysis of various trends that would impact the market during the forecast period from 2014 to 2022. This report includes comprehensive coverage of the underlying economic and technological factors under key trends analysis influencing the SEA freezer and beverage coolers. Furthermore, this report intends to provide strategic insights into the ecosystem of SEA freezer and beverage cooler market by value chain analysis. The market positioning analysis of key players, market share analysis by brand and manufacturer sheds light on the prevalent competition in this market. Various factors that affect the growth of SEA freezer and beverage coolers market have been identified in this report.The report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the SEA freezer and beverage coolers market across product types, capacities and door types. Also, the report provides a competitive landscape of the SEA freezer and beverage coolers market and identifies various business strategies adopted by manufacturers. Under the company profiles section, the report provides an overview of companies operating in the market, strategies deployed by them in the bid to gain competitive advantage, annual revenue generated by them in the past two years, and recent developments. Companies profiled in this report include AB Electrolux, Concepcion Industrial Corporation, Frigoglass SA, General Electric Corporation, Hoshizaki Singapore Pte Ltd., Midea Group, Sharp Electronics Co. Ltd., South East Asia Hamico Export JSC, PT. Royal Sutan Agung, Samemax Refrigeration Sdn Bhd., Sanden Intercool and The Cool Company among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Laser Displacement Sensor Market: Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/laser-displacement-sensor-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=22106 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Laser Displacement Sensors Market: SnapshotA laser is predominantly deployed for measuring the distance covered by an object from start to finish. It is also used to determine the thickness, width, and height of the object using a triangulation method. In a laser displacement sensor, a laser functions as a light emitting element. The laser displacement sensor market is anticipated to witness an phenomenal growth due to their increasing across various application areas especially in machine tools, material handling, and robotics among others. According to the research report, the global laser displacement sensor market is expected to be worth US$5,201.4 mn by 2025 as compared to US$2,542.0 mn in 2015. During the forecast period of 2017 and 2025, the overall market is projected to progress at a CAGR of 7.6%.Growing use of laser displacement sensors in automotive and consumer electronics segments and growing demand for laser displacement sensors from other industries are driving factors for the laser displacement sensor market, globally. The non-contact type sensor have overcome shortcomings of contact type displacement sensors such as variation in measurements, quick wearing of the sensor, restricting target motion among others. This has widened the scope of application of these lasers in industries in sectors such as defense and aerospace.Obtain Report Details @Introduction of Automation in Automotive Industry Ups Adoption of Laser Displacement SensorsOn the basis of range, the laser displacement sensor market is segmented into less than 100mm, 100mm to 300mm and more than 300mm. The laser displacementsensors with more than 300mm range holds the largest market share as a wide range of sensors are available in this segment and are expected to grow relatively faster as compared to others during the forecast period from 2017 2025.On the basis of end-use industry, the laser displacement sensor market has been divided into automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial, consumer electronics, and others. Out of these, the automotive sector held the largest market share in 2016 and is expected to dominate the market in the years to come. Factors such as demand for automation in automobiles and increasing expenditure on vehicles are expected to drive the segment in the coming years. This trend can also be attributed to the fact that the laser displacement sensors are used in the automotive industry on a large scale as most of the processes are automated.This 110-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Laser Displacement Sensor Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketAsia Pacific Poised to Lead Global Market with Strong Presence of ManufacturersThe global laser displacement sensor market is expected to be driven by the Asia Pacific region and is estimated to contribute major share in the overall laser displacement sensor market followed by North America. Emerging economies such as China, India and Japan are expected to play an instrumental role in defining the success of the Asia Pacific laser displacement sensor market. The strong presence of laser displacement sensor manufacturers along with growing number of government initiatives such as Make in India are poised to support the growth of this regional market.The key players profiled in the global Laser displacement sensor market include SICK AG, OMRON Corporation, Keyence Corporation, ZSY group LTD, Panasonic Corporation, Mechanical Technology, Incorporated, Cognex Corporation, Banner Engineering Corp., TURCK GmbH Co. KG and Micro-Epsilon.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Next Generation Processors Market : Trends & Opportunities with Forecast 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/next-generation-processors-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20297 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Next Generation Processor Market: SnapshotThe demand for next generation processors is primarily driven by their extensive use in smartphones, automated systems, intelligent buildings, intelligent cars, and other applications. Industries are seeking energy-efficient ways of mega-tasking without generating much heat. The aim being addressing the consumer demand for automation. While these factors will bolster the deployment of next generation processors, the market is also expected to gain from the proliferation of the Internet-of-things (IoT). Besides this, next generation processors are also deployed in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.In addition, the rising demand from the consumer electronics segment is expected to be a chief market driver. Therefore in response to the proliferation of smart televisions and smartphones, growth witnessed in the global next generation processor market will stimulate. On the downside, the high cost of raw materials will hinder its trajectory to an extent. Existing issues of software integration will also create troubles for the market. Nevertheless, with the increasing research and development activities, these concerns are soon likely to get mitigated thus bolstering growth opportunities.Transparency Market Research (TMR), forecasts the global next generation processor market to exhibit a CAGR of 17.6% between 2016 and 2024. At this pace, the market is expected to reach US$165.27 bn from a valuation of US$41.41 bn in 2015.Obtain Report Details @Despite North Americas Dominance, Market to Witness Lucrative Prospects in Asia PacificRegionally, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa constitute the key segments in the global next generation processor market. Among these regions, North America held the largest share in the overall market as it is considered a hub of intelligent building and automotive industries. While Europe will continue holding a considerable market share, it is in Asia Pacific that next generation processor vendors will witness impressive prospects. The rising demand witnessed in China and Japan will aid expansion of the next generation processor market in Asia Pacific. Additionally, the demand for automated cars is significantly high in these countries, which will bolster opportunities for the next generation processor market.Demand for Automation in Consumer Electronics to Boost GrowthBy end use, the global next generation processors market can be segmented into consumer electronics, information and communication technology, manufacturing, automotive, and others. Of these, the consumer electronics segment emerged dominant in the overall market. Due to the rising demand for smart technologies among consumers, the demand for next generation processors in the consumer electronics segment is forecast to increase. However, in terms of revenue, the manufacturing industry is expected to report growth at the highest rate during the forecast period. In a bid to reduce quality-related faults and encourage smart manufacturing the application of next generation processor is expected to increase in the industry.In terms of volume, the automotive segment will hold significant market share owing to the increasing demand for intelligent cars rises that use sensors and automotive braking systems. Spurred by these factors, the global next generation processors market is likely to report robust growth.This 154-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Next Generation Processors Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketGlobal Next Generation Processors Market: Key SegmentsThe market for next generation processor is segmented on the basis of end user and the segments are consumer electronics, information and communication technology, automotive and manufacturing and others. The market for next generation processor is segmented on the basis of machine type such as handheld, computers and others. The market for next generation processor is segmented on the basis of geographical locations and the regional segments are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. The market for next generation processor has been provided in (USD Billion) in terms of revenue and (Billion Units) in terms of volume as well as the CAGR for the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.Global Next Generation Processors Market: Vendor LandscapeThe key players in the next generation processor market have been competitively profiled across the five broad geographic regions. This competitive landscape is inclusive of the various business strategies adopted by these major players and their recent developments in the field of next generation processor. Further, the report includes the market attractiveness analysis of and insight into the major application area of the next generation processor.Some of the leading players operating in the market are Intel Corporation (US), Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (the U.S), VIA Technologies Inc. (Taiwan), Fujitsu Ltd (Japan), Acer Group (Taiwan) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Pet Wearable Market: Future Demand and Growth Analysis with forecast 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pet-wearable-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12701 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Pet Wearable Market: SnapshotOver the last couple of years, the advent of wearable technology and the ever-growing awareness about pet health, fitness, and safety have resulted in the emergence of pet wearables. The pet wearable market is presently in its nascent stage and holds significant potential in the ensuing years. Transparency Market Research projects that the spending on pet wearables is likely to surpass that on pet food by 2017.The global pet wearables market is estimated to be valued at US$1.0 bn by the end of 2016 and is expected to reach US$2.5 bn by 2024 at a 12.0% CAGR therein.Availability of Advanced Substitutes Threatening Uptake of Identification and Tracking Devices for PetsIn terms of application, the pet wearable market is classified into identification and tracking, facilitation, safety, and security, behaviour monitoring and control, and medical diagnosis and treatment. So far, majority of the demand in the pet wearables market has been generated by the identification and tracking segment. However, the adoption rate of identification and tracking devices for pets and farm animals is projected to witness a marginal decline during the forecast period mainly due to the availability of substitute products offering similar as well as more advanced and sophisticated features.Increasing awareness about pet health and fitness among owners, especially in North America and Europe, is expected to fuel the demand for devices providing medical diagnosis. The medical diagnosis and treatment segment, in combination with the facilitation, safety, and security segment, is expected to account for over a quarter of the pet wearables market by 2024.Obtain Report Details @Stringent Regulations Pertaining to Treatment toward Animals Drives North America Pet Wearables MarketGeographically, North America and Europe are expected to be the major markets for pet wearables, with a combined share of around 75% during the forecast period. Market penetration of pet wearables is relatively high across these regions owing to greater purchasing power and stringent regulations pertaining to treatment toward animals. The latter has compelled households with pets to purchase products such as bark collars and behavior modification devices. In addition, the availability of advanced wireless infrastructure and telecommunications technologies has catalyzed the adoption of GPS collars along with monitoring devices for pets. The prevailing technological know-how of mobile devices and interpretation of mobile data among prospective customers in these regions also plays a major role in the uptake of these devices across North America and Europe.The Asia Pacific pet wearables market is projected to grow at a significant pace through 2024. GPS and RFID technology-based identification, tracking, behavior monitoring, and control are expected experience considerable demand during the forecast period. However, in terms of growth rate, the adoption of devices to ensure the safety and security of pets and to facilitate medical diagnosis and treatment is expected be the leading segment. The lack of advanced telecommunication infrastructure across major markets in the Asia-Pacific region has resulted in a relatively lower adoption of pet wearables and they are expected to gain traction only by the next decade.This 126-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Pet Wearable Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketFor a better understanding of the pet wearable market, we have provided a detailed analysis of the supply chain. A comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics that is inclusive of market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included in the purview of the report. Market dynamics are the distinctive factors which impact the market growth, thereby helping to understand the ongoing trends of the global market. Therefore, the report provides the forecast of the global market for the period from 2016 to 2024, along with offering an inclusive study of the pet wearable market.The report offers company market share analysis of the various industry participants. Key players have also been profiled based on company overview, financial overview, business strategies, SWOT analysis, and recent developments in the field of Pet Wearable. Major market participants profiled in this report include DeLaval Inc. (Sweden), Loc8tor Ltd. (United Kingdom), Nedap N.V. (Netherlands), PetPace Ltd. (Burlington), Whistle Labs Inc. (United States) and IceRobotics Ltd (United Kingdom) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Workflow Automation and Optimization Software Market: Future Demand and Growth Analysis with forecast 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/business-workflow-automation-optimization-software-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=21674 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Workflow Automation and Optimization Software Market: SnapshotThe global workflow automation and optimization software market is primarily dominated by multinational tech giants. The top five players account for well over half the share in the market and are constantly trying to outdo one another through product innovation.Driving growth in the global market for workflow automation and optimization software is the rising take-up of third platform technologies and soaring popularity of business process automation. Workflow automation and optimization software allows businesses to improve communication, reduce human errors, enable real-time reporting, and allow integration of third-party applications for added benefits. Such advantages are egging organizations to shift toward digitization of business processes.Cyber threats, however, are acting as a deterrent to the market for workflow automation and optimization software market. In order to tackle the menace, savvy players in the market are trying to develop more secure solutions.A report by Transparency Market Research forecasts the global market for workflow automation and optimization software to expand at a healthy CAGR of 8.7% from 2017 to 2025 to become worth US$1.456 bn by 2025 from US$0.713 bn in 2016.Obtain Report Details @BFSI Segment Emerges Market Leader due of Customer-focused BanksThe global market for workflow automation and optimization software can be segmented depending upon end-use into education, banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI), transportation and logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications and information technology (IT), etc. The BFSI sector, of them, held a dominant 21.8% share in the overall revenue in 2016. Expanding at a strong 8.3% CAGR between 2017 and 2025, the segment is expected to continue holding on to its dominant position. The primary reason behind it is banks increasingly leveraging enhanced fraud management solutions, mobile banking, smart automated teller machines (ATMs), etc. to offer better experience of their customers. In the years ahead too, the BFSI segment is predicted to retain its dominant position by holding 24.8% share in the market.In terms of growth rate, however, the education segment is expected to emerge as a winner by clocking a solid 9.5% CAGR between 2017 and 2025.This 119-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Workflow Automation and Optimization Software Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketThrust on Automation by Different Organizations Propels North America MarketGeography-wise, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are key regions in the global workflow automation and optimization software market. Among them, North America contributes the most to revenue because of massive automation of business processes in the region and also because of the copious number of vendors of workflow automation domiciled in the region. The North America market grossed a revenue of US$279.6 mn in 2016 and rising at a CAGR of 8.6% it will likely gross US$566 mn in 2025. Europe trails North America vis-a-vis revenue.Asia Pacific is another key region which is slated to outpace all others in terms of growth rate from 2017 to 2025. The growth in the region is expected to be brought about by the quick uptake of workflow automation and optimization software across different industry verticals. Currently, on-premise workflow automation and optimization software segment generates maximum revenue in the market in the region, but going forward, the cloud workflow automation and optimization software will likely expand at a greater pace owing to their rapid adoption by the healthcare, BFSI, and telecommunications sector.Prominent players operating in the global market for workflow automation and optimization software are Xerox Corporation, Oracle Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation, SAS Institute, Inc., SAP SE, OnviSource, Inc., Boston Software Systems, Flexera Software LLC, JDA Software Group, Inc., and Reva Solutions.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: User Authentication Solutions Market Growing Steadily with Improving Technology http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/user-authentication-solutions-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=25280 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The user authentication solution refers to verification of a wide range of transfers of human to machine credentials which require the authenticity of the user for confirmation. In contrast the term machine authentication refers to automated process which does not require a human input. User authentication is required in all human to computer interaction other than automatically and guest logged in to a particular account. The authentication authorizes human to machine interaction on wireless and wired networks so that the system can provide access to internet and network connected resources and systems. There has been significant advancement in the field of user authentication. Traditionally the user authentication involved a password combination and simple ID. Now there are a wide range of user authentication factors which has been included for the improvement and enhancement of security in the communications.The user authentication solution market by authentication factor could be segmented into possession factors, knowledge factors and inherence factors. The knowledge factor require the user to have a certain exclusive knowledge which may include ID password and User names or pin number which is exclusively known by the user fall under this category. Possession factor include all the attributed which the user needs to possess in order to log in. Some of the possession factors may include smart phone apps, key fobs, SIM Card and employee ID card among others. Inherence factor include different inherent traits which the user require for the confirmation of the user login. The inherence factors may include component like retina scans, biometrics, finger vein scans, fingerprint scans, voice recognition and facial recognition among others. The knowledge factors segment in the authentication solution market segmented by authentication factor held the largest share in the authentication solution market in term of revenue share. Knowledge factor is most widely used for the user authentication by users thus resulting in this high revenue share.Obtain Report Details @The user authentication solution market by type has been segmented into single factor authentication and two factor authentication. The two factor segment in the user authentication solution market segmented by type held the largest market share in terms of revenue. The two factor authentication products could be divided into token or a hardware and software which recognizes and authenticates a particular individual at the time of logging in.The user authentication solution market by end use industry has been segmented into Defense and Surveillance sector, automotive industry, healthcare sector, telecommunication industry, consumer electronics, IT sector, service sector and others. The telecommunication sector segment in the user authentication solution market segmented by end use industry is expected to lead the market in terms of revenue share. The healthcare sector is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the next few years.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @Geographically the global user authentication solution market has been broadly segmented into North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. North America leads the global user authentication solution market. Europe followed North America in terms of revenue share. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the next few years in terms of revenue growth in the user authentication solution market. The user authentication solution has high adoption rate in North America, thus resulting in the high revenue share. Huge growth in demand for smart phones, tablets and laptops is expected to result in the high growth rate for the user authentication market in Asia Pacific.Some of the key players operating in the user authentication market include Computer Sciences Corp. (Virginia, U.S.), CA Technologies Inc. (New York, U.S.), GermaltoNV (Amsterdam, The Netherland), SecureAuth (U.S.), VASCO Data Security International Inc. (Illinois, U.S.) and SecurEnvoy Ltd (U.K.) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: The Madison area is under consideration for a Foxconn development, separate from the huge, $10 billion flat-screen display factory the company plans to build in southeast Wisconsin, several sources with knowledge of the discussions said. The Taiwanese manufacturer has asked for information about possible sites in Dane County and a project proposal could take shape within the next six weeks, one source said, adding that project plans are very fluid at this point. The source said, though, a specific site will take longer to choose. Another source said Foxconns development here could involve a health-related business, such as a wearable product, a medical device or a research and development facility. The two sources asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the talks. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin State Journal has obtained a copy of an email sent last week by a regional business group seeking available locations for an unnamed company. The subject line was Project Varsity Site Search. The company is looking for a 20-acre site in the Madison area on which it can build a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing plant that could employ as many as 650 people over the first five years of operation, according to the July 26 email the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) sent to city, county, UW-Madison and business officials around Dane County. July 26 was also the day Foxconns Wisconsin project was announced in Washington, D.C. The MadREP note said the company plans to make a capital investment of about $505 million and hopes to break ground by January 2018 and start operating by the summer of 2020. Employees would receive an average salary of $53,000 plus benefits, the email said. The company is seeking an undeveloped site within a current or future tax incremental financing district, the email said. A 700,000 SF building equates to 16 acres under one roof so you do the calculations on the proper site acreage in your community to accommodate storm water retention, setbacks, bike racks, ingress/egress and other zoning requirements for this size of building, Michael Gay, senior vice president of MadREP, wrote in the email. MadREP CEO Paul Jadin confirmed the group sent out a request for information and that it is for a substantial project, but declined to confirm it was Foxconn. He said the request generated several responses, but wouldnt say how many. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening. University Research Park available Aaron Olver, managing director of University Research Park, did not comment directly about Foxconn but said the new University Research Park campus, at Junction Road and Highway M, could house a company looking to build. University Research Park 2 is certainly available as a site for large technology companies, Olver said. Middleton city administrator Mike Davis said Middleton does not have a site large enough to accommodate the use being requested in the MadREP email. Fitchburg Mayor Jason Gonzalez said Foxconn officials have toured sites in Fitchburg. He said he submitted three possible locations, but did not specify where they are. We have several (undeveloped) sites that are in our urban service area that are ready for development ... so were interested, Gonzalez said. He said he thinks the facility would make wearable devices that monitor vital signs, such as Apple Watches or Fitbits. Zach Brandon, president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, also confirmed that Foxconn is considering this area. I know that they have an interest in Madison, that theyve looked at our manufacturing abilities, our research and development capabilities, and theyve had conversations around global challenges like cancer, Brandon said. News a ways off Gov. Scott Walker was asked about the prospects for a Madison-area Foxconn operation after a Wednesday news conference at the Capitol with the South Korean ambassador to the United States. Any of the speculation and Id say right now its just speculation about additional sites in the state is really driven by what the ambassador talked about: that people are taking notice of us. Were a ways off from any further news about potential Foxconn expansion, Walker said. Foxconn, a contract electronics manufacturer for companies including Apple and Amazon, announced on July 26 that it plans to build a massive factory in southeast Wisconsin that will make liquid crystal display panels. The company has said it will invest $10 billion for a 1,000-acre campus, including more than a dozen buildings, with a total 20 million square feet of space. Foxconn said it plans to hire 3,000 employees to start, with the potential of as many as 13,000 employees eventually. President Donald Trump, citing an off-the-record remark by Foxconn chairman Terry Gou, said the companys investment could swell to as much as $30 billion. His comment came during a White House news conference on Tuesday. In March, Foxconn founder and CEO Terry Gou pledged his support for improved cancer research and precision medicine in East Asia, according to an article in the Taiwan News. He also announced a collaboration among Foxconns charity arm, Yonglin Foundation; NantWorks health care group in California; and the National Taiwan University last September aimed at pursuing immunotherapy to fight cancer, according to the Nikkei Asian Review. Gous first wife and his younger brother died of cancer. Brandon said he does not know yet if Gou is considering a joint venture with UW-Madisons Carbone Cancer Center. Representatives of Foxconns medical group met with Dr. Howard Bailey, director of the Carbone Center, as well as other researchers there in recent visits to the Madison area. Team Collaboration Software Market: Persistent Technological Advancements to Propel Market Growth http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/team-collaboration-software-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=25283 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Team collaboration software allows the processing, management and sharing of documents, files and other documents among systems or several users. Team collaboration software allows two or more remote customers to equally work on a same project or task. Thus, this type of software is very efficient for group processes helping people involved in a mutual task to complete their goals. In addition with the help of team collaboration software, groupassociates are able to build workspaces that are accessible and viewable by all other users from different location. Additionally, collaboration and conferencing solutions are regularly becoming a mainstream tool for effective communication. Across the globe, various organizations already has installed collaboration software in order to streamline their business process, better manage projects of all sizes, and boost their work efficiency across the management or board.This in turn is increasing the demand of Team Collaboration Software market during the forecast period 2017- 2025.Global Team Collaboration Software market has been segmented on the basis of deployment, service, end use industry and geography. On the basis of deployment type, global Team Collaboration Software market has been segregated into audio conferencing services, video conferencing services and web conferencing among others. In modern technological trends, video conferencing provides a cost cutting and improve communication experience to the end users. This team collaboration software is very much effective for video and audio conferencing services.Obtain Report Details @Additionally, rising demand of video to be integrated in all communication modes is expected to increasing the usage of team collaborating software. This in turn is predicted to increase the demand of Team Collaboration Market in coming years. On the basis of service global Team Collaboration Software market has been bifurcated into integration services, maintenance services and consulting services. Furthermore, on the basis of end user industry, Team Collaboration Software market is segmented into segregated Banking, Financial services and Insurance (BFSI), telecommunication and information technology, research and development, wholesale and retail, education sector, and aerospace and defense among others. New technologies development that allow communication over a broader variety of end points is anticipated to deliver opportunity for this market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, rising attractiveness of various public networking web services are also expected to offer new opportunities for the growth of Team Collaboration Software market in coming years.Team collaboration software is contributing to higher productivity, increased morale and greater business opportunities. In addition, cyber threat is expected to be a challenge for the Team Collaboration Software market growth.In coming years this team collaboration software is able to customize according to industry vertical. Thus, various software vendors are focusing on research and development and customization of team collaboration software to give an extra enhancement. This in turn is expected to increase the demand of various customize software in coming years. However, in developing countries lack of software knowledge and higher investment infrastructure cost involved in implementing such systems is restraining the growth of global Team Collaboration Software market.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @Geographically, global Team Collaboration Software market has been bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle- East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. In 2016, North America led the Team Collaboration Software market followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing market for Team Collaboration Software market, followed by Europe. In addition, in Asia Pacific, owing to industrially emerging economies in China, Japan, South Korea, India and Taiwan is increasing the demand for Global Team Collaboration Software market. High internet penetration and cloud based services is mainly driving the Asia Pacific Team Collaboration Software market during the forecast period from 2017- 2025.The key companies operating in the Team Collaboration Software Market are Adobe Systems (The U.S), AT&T (The U.S), Avaya (The U.S), Citrix Systems (The U.S), Cisco Systems (The U.S), YAHOO (The U.S), Smart Technologies (Canada), Unify Software and Solutions GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Polycom (The U.S), Novell (The U.S), Microsoft Corporation (The U.S), IBM (The U.S), Oracle Corporation (The U.S), Blackboard (The U.S), AudioCodes (The Israel) and Radisys (The U.S) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Robo-Advisors Market: Advanced technologies & growth opportunities in global Industry http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/robo-advisors-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=25337 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Robo advisors are financial adviser class that offers portfolio management or financial advice online with least intervention of human. They offers digital financial advice depending on mathematical algorithms or rules. The algorithms are executed by software and hence financial advice essentially do not require any human advisors. Moreover, the software uses the algorithms to automatically manage, allocate and optimize clients assets. In 2008, the robo advisors emerged with higher acceleration in U.S. and later in 2011 in other countries.The global robo advisors market is primarily driven by the low fee robo advisory in the market during the forecast period. The robo advisory industries is likely to witness expansion continuously as the robo advisors attend to broader range of customers. With the increase in number of robo advisors, it is expected to see robo advisory requiring very less account minimums to take the benefits of their services. As of now, the minimum investment amount for robo advisors starts at a minimum of USD 500. Robo advisors are reducing the distance between client and wealth management products. They are removing the middle men and fee collectors out of the value chain thereby creating a simple fee structure that is directly related to the cost of the robots and products.Obtain Report Details @Another major drivers in the global robo advisors market is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence. With the integration of artificial intelligence in the robo advisory system it is likely to help the robots to act more like human. For instance, Wealthfront has integrated artificial intelligence capabilities into its services. This is likely to track account activity on its products so as to understand and analyze the way the account holders are taking their financial decisions, spending and investing in an effort to provide more custom-made advices to the customers. With the entry of banks in the robo advisor market, the market is witnessing major driving factors in the global market of robo advisors market during the forecast period. Banks are now partnering with various robo advisor companies to provide various services directly to it customers. Banks like UBS, Schwab and Bank of Montreal has already launched their own robo advisor services.The robo advisors market is facing challenges despite of various driving factors. One of the major factors restraining the market growth is due to the lack of direct communication with the client. The risk profile is continuously changing and is different due to various factors like retirement, income and job. These robo advisors lack the capability of direct communication with the clients and familiarize to the changing situations. Since the robo advisor system are based on single moment in time that is likely to be greatly influenced by the short term emotions or events. Moreover, the algorithms that are considered are based on previous market assumptions and data that is not likely to be correct in the future because of the changing financial market and products.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @Continuous advancement in technology is one of the major opportunities in the global robo advisors market. Increasing advancement is likely to attract further attention since it is approaching the top of the hype cycle that shows in a phase of high public awareness and exaggerated interests.The robo advisors market based on automation is bifurcated into semi-automated and fully automated. Based on the services, the market has been bifurcated into retirement planning, tax loss harvesting and investment advisors, B2B robo advisors, wealth management, personal financial advisors and others. The regional split of the market encompasses North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Some of the top players in the global robo advisors market encompasses Bambu (Singapore), Betterment Holdings Inc. (U.S.), Hedgeable, Inc. (U.S.), WiseBanyan, Inc.(U.S.), Wealthfront Inc.(U.S.), Ally Financial Inc. (U.S.), SigFig Wealth Management (U.S.), Charles Schwab & Co.(U.S.)., AssetBuilder Inc.(U.S.) and blooom, Inc. (U.S.) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Remarkable Expansion UAV Flight Training and Simulation Market: CAGR of 7% during 2016-2021 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1239 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/uav-flight-training-and-simulation-market-1239 Market Research Future published a research report on Global UAV Flight Training and Simulation Market Research Report - Forecast to 2021 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2021.Global UAV Flight Training and Simulation Market by UAV types (HALE UAVs, MALE UAVs and SUAVs), by applications (Civil & Commercial, Defense & Military, and Homeland Security), and by Geography - Forecast To 2021Market Synopsis of UAV Flight Training and Simulation MarketThe global UAV flight training and simulation market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during 2016-2021. The growing demand for UAVs, popularity of electric UAVs, and demand across industries such as oil & gas, defense industry and scientific research has fueled the global market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players CAE Israel Aerospace Industries L-3 Link Simulation and Training Selex Simlat BAE systems Northrop Grumman Textron Systems Thales Training & SimulationStudy Objectives of UAV Flight Training and Simulation Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global UAV Flight Training and Simulation Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyse the Global UAV Flight Training and Simulation 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 types, applications and regions To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global UAV Flight Training and Simulation MarketBrowse Full Report Details @Geographically, North America would be the largest market for UAV flight training and simulation market and APAC is likely to be the fastest growing market with increased spending and procurement of UAVs. Global demand for UAVs has increased continuously because of its broad range of applications in the commercial, civil, and military market. The total number of UAS is expected to increase from 878 in 2009 to 3,150 in 2021.The market report for UAV Flight Training and Simulation of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global UAV Flight Training and Simulation Market Research Report - Forecast to 2021 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 Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) Devices Market Development, Trend, Segmentation, Competitive landscape, Market overview and Forecast to 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/939 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-devices-market Market Research Future published a research report on Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) Devices Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2027.Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices Market Information by product type (CPAP motors, CPAP hoses, CPAP mask) by CPAP machines (CPAP nasal machine, Bopp Bi-level machine) forecast to 2027Market Synopsis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices Market:Market Scenario:Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is most widely recognized treatment for obstructive Sleep Apnea that utilizes continuous mild air pressure. These devices are utilized to keep the airways open during sleep and furthermore to control the yield pressure keeping the airflow pressure constant.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices Market: Philips Healthcare (US) Fisher & Paychex (NZ) 3B Medical (US) Apex Medical (Taiwan) Apria Healthcare (US) Armstrong Medical (UK) BMC Medical (China) Cardinal Health (US) Curative Medical (US)Study Objectives of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices 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 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) devices Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices 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 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 segments by product type, by CPAP machines 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 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) devices Market.Browse Full Report Details @Segments:Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device market has been segmented on the basis of product type which includes CPAP motors, CPAP hoses, CPAP mask). On the basis CPAP machines which consists CPAP nasal machine, Bopp Bi-level machine.The report for Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices Markets of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) Devices Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 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 Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market: Magnificent Expansion CAGR of around 7% during 2016-2021 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1561 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/aerospace-high-performance-alloys-market Market Research Future published a research report on Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2021.Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market by Alloy Type (Wrought, Cast), by Product Type (Iron Base, Cobalt Base, and Nickel Base), by Alloying Element (Aluminum, Titanium, Magnesium), and by Geography - Forecast To 2021Market Synopsis of Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys MarketThe Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during 2016-2021. The key factors driving the growth are the need for lightweight alloys to reduce aircraft weight, usage of high performance alloy (HPAs) in jet engine, and high corrosion resistance of HPAs.As per the MRFR analysis, factors restraining the market growth are cost associated with high performance alloys, and machining & manufacturing complexities.Adoption of cobalt base HPA over nickel-base HPAs, additive manufacturing of alloy parts, and future R&D are the ongoing trends which will impact the market during the forecast period.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players Allegheny Technologies Aperam Carpenter Technology Precision Castparts VSMPO Alcoa Haynes International High Performance Alloys NBM Metals Outokumpu ThyssenKruppStudy Objectives of Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyse the Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys 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 alloy type, product type, and alloying element. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys MarketTarget Audience Commercial Aircraft Alloy OEMs Component Suppliers Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerBrowse Full Report Details @The market report for Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Aerospace High Performance Alloys Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021 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 Remote Sensing Satellite Market: Current Trends, Business Opportunities, Challenges & Global Industry Analysis by 2021 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1659 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/remote-sensing-satellite-market Market Research Future published a research report on Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2021.Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market by System (SATCOM, Radar, and Electro Optic / Infrared), and by Geography - Forecast To 2021Market Synopsis of Global Remote Sensing Satellite MarketThe Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% during 2016-2021. The key factors driving the demand are growing investment on satellite communication and ISR payloads, and the growing need for advanced optical imaging systems.As per the MRFR analysis, factors restraining the market are the cost associated with satellite launch and complexities attached to its integration with several platforms.Development of battlefield surveillance radar (BFSR), next generation AmerHis Satellite, and innovation in antenna and satellite technology are the on-going trends which will impact the market in the forecast period.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players: Airbus Defence and Space Ball Aerospace Lockheed Martin Mitsubishi Electric Thales Alenia Space Boeing CASC ISS Reshetnev Orbital ATK TelespazioStudy Objectives of Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market To provide insights about the factors affecting the market growth To analyse the Global Remote Sensing Satellite 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 systems To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Remote Sensing Satellite MarketTarget Audience Satellite OEMs Equipment / System Suppliers Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerBrowse Full Report Details @The report also covers country level analysis:Americas (North & Latin) US Canada Brazil OthersEurope Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of EuropeAsia Pacific China India Japan Australia/New Zealand Rest of Asia-PacificMiddle East & Africa UAE, Kuwait Israel Rest of Middle East & AfricaThe market report for Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Remote Sensing Satellite Market Research Report Forecast 2016-2021 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 Lupus Nephritis Market Research Report | Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/lupus-nephritis-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=10856 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Lupus Nephritis MarketLupus nephritis refers to the kidney damage caused by the disease lupus erythematosus. Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system turns against the body, affecting vital organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus affects the kidneys, joints, skin, and brain and can be fatal. While the primary cause of the disease is unknown, it is expected that factors such as viruses, infections, pollutants, and toxic chemicals, along with family history plays a role in causing the disease. The disease is more common in women compared to men.Kidney damage from lupus erythematosus can vary from mild to severe. In lupus nephritis, glomeruli or the filtering units are damaged. As a result, waste from the blood does not get filtered. A majority of the patients diagnosed with lupus erythematosus suffer from some kidney damage. The key symptoms of lupus nephritis are flank pain, dark urine, weight gain due to retention of extra fluid, swelling of hands, feet, eyes, and high blood pressure.Global Lupus Nephritis Market: OverviewThe growing prevalence of lupus nephritis and awareness among patients have propelled the growth of the global lupus nephritis market. Rise in number of clinical trials conducted by key market players and the launch of new biologic drugs will also augment the growth of the global lupus nephritis market. However, prolonged regulatory processes regarding the approval of biologic drugs are likely to hamper the markets growth in the near future.To diagnose lupus nephritis, tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests, including biopsy and ultrasound, are commonly conducted. There are five different types of lupus nephritis and the treatment depends upon the disease type. Biopsy is the only way to determine the type of lupus nephritis.Medications used in the treatment of lupus nephritis include immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, and drugs to prevent blood clots and low blood pressure. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed to improve inflammations caused by lupus nephritis. Immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate suppress the immune system activity that affects the kidneys. A newer medication, belimumab, is a monoclonal antibody and is prescribed as a biologic drug for the treatment of the disease. Antimalarial drugs are also used to help control the disease. Dialysis and kidney transplant are ultimately prescribed for patients suffering from loss of kidney function even with intake of drugs.View Report-Global Lupus Nephritis Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global lupus nephritis market has been segmented into four key regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Robust healthcare infrastructure and research and development activities in developed economies in North America and Europe have propelled the growth of the lupus nephritis market in these regions. The growing prevalence of the disease in North America has also augmented the market growth. It is estimated that about 1.5 million Americans suffer from lupus. In Asia Pacific, the market has registered significant demand with the introduction of biologics.Global Lupus Nephritis Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global lupus nephritis market are Roche, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, and GlaxoSmithKline. The key market players are focusing on the development of biologic drugs. Benlysta, developed by GlaxoSmithKline, is the only approved biologic drug in the global lupus nephritis market.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Lupus Nephritis Market during 2016- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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: Respiratory Disposable Devices Market Research Report | Growth Prospects, Key Opportunities, Trends And Forecast 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/respiratory-disposable-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=28415 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer are some of the major chronic diseases affecting millions of people around the world. There is an alarming rise in the incidence of respiratory diseases, especially in the Asia Pacific, and the prevalence of respiratory diseases is higher in Western countries including the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, and Russia. Respiratory disposable devices include inhalers, masks, and other aids which help the patients suffering from different types of respiratory diseases. There has been a marked increase in the number of patients admitted to the hospital inpatient and outpatient settings suffering from respiratory diseases, and there has been an observed shift toward the usage of disposable respiratory devices from the traditional reusable ones.A major factor driving the disposable respiratory devices market includes the elimination of risk of cross contamination associated with the usage of reusable respiratory devices, especially in the hospital settings, as most respiratory diseases are contagious and improper sterilization processes usually lead to cross contamination and increased spread of the disease. Other factors that are anticipated to drive the respiratory disposable devices market include increasing number of domestic and global players entering the market with new products, which has substantially led to the decreasing prices of disposable devices, along with increasing hospital admissions due to chronic respiratory diseases, and rising average length of hospital inpatient stay. However, some factors such as preference for reusable products in homecare settings and independent clinics due to high cost-efficiency, and expected rise in the outpatient treatment of respiratory diseases are projected to restrain the market during forecast period.View Report-The global respiratory disposable devices market can be segmented on the basis of type, disease indications, end-user, and regions. In terms of type, the respiratory disposable devices market can be segmented into masks, tubes, inhalers, and others. In terms of disease indications, the global respiratory disposable devices market can be segmented into asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and other chronic respiratory diseases. The asthma segment accounted for a prominent share of the global respiratory disposable devices market in 2016, due to increasing prevalence of asthma and rising demand for inhalers, masks, and other respiratory devices, especially from emerging economies such as China, Brazil, and India. In terms of end-user, the market can be segmented into hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and others.In terms of regions, the global respiratory disposable devices market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to dominate the global respiratory disposable devices market during the forecast period. According to World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 26 million people in the U.S., and 350 million people were suffering from asthma, globally, in 2014. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of smoking and decreasing quality of air, especially in developing countries such as China and India has led to increasing prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).Moreover, WHO statistics state that an estimated 384 million people around the world were suffering from COPD in 2012. However, the incidence of asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases is increasing in Asia Pacific due to increase in smoking, poor air quality, and a large patient population. This, in turn, is anticipated to fuel the demand for cost-effective disposable respiratory devices. These factors are projected to drive the respiratory disposable devices market in Asia Pacific between 2017 and 2025.Key players operating in the global respiratory disposable devices market include Becton, Dickinson and Company, Smiths Medical, Medline Industries, Inc., Teleflex Incorporated, Ambu, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Respiratory Disposable Devices Market during 2017- 2025About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Tele-Care Market Research Report | Quantitative Market Analysis, Current and Future Trends, 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/tele-care-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=28286 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Demographic trend indicates a rapid aging population throughout the world, particularly in Europe. One of the major challenges of aging population is increased prevalence of chronic diseases and related functional disability. The geriatric population is prone to several diseases such as cancer, chronic wounds, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases due to weak immunity. To meet these needs, the health and social care sectors have found new ways of delivering quality and improved care with reduced cost. The concept has been named as Tele-care and this is the most recent form of facility of medical services, mostly used to connect thepatients and healthcare providers at distant places. . The Tele-care concept comprises continuous, automatic and remote monitoring of lifestyle changes and real time emergencies in order to manage risk associated with independent living. The Tele-care services includes monitoring, diagnostics, communication, consultation and training to maintain independent quality of life of users.Telecare is increasingly being used as the population ages and incidence of long-term conditions increases. Many societies, especially in the more developed regions, now have aged populations that are larger than has ever been seen in the past. Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the worlds population over 60 years of age will double from about 11% to 22%. In absolute terms, the number of people aged 60 years or older is expected to increase from 605 million to 2 billion in the same period. The number of people aged over 80 years is growing particularly rapidly, and it is anticipated that this number will quadruple in the 20002050 period. Thus, continuous increase in the geriatric population is expected to be one of the potential drivers of the global tele-care market during the forecast period. Moreover, technological advancement, rising incidences of chronic diseases, cost effective service delivery, and government initiatives are some of the major factors contributing the growth of the global tele-care market. The steep cost of telecare devices and supplier vulnerability with respect to the rate of return impacts telecare device appropriation are considered to hamper market share of tele-care market in developing region.The global tele-care market can be segmented on the basis of product type, services type, end-user and geography. The product type segment of the global tele-care market is sub-segmented in to digital diagnostic and monitoring devices, home safety sensors, telecare software, and others. The digital diagnostic and monitoring devices segment comprises blood glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, ECG monitors, vital sign monitors, foetal monitors, pulse oximeters, and other. Technological advancements in the field of fitness band access resulting in new and innovative products such as heart rate monitor, blood glucose monitor and various portable analyser have reduces the time of diagnosis and increase the user friendly usage are some of the factors contributing to the growth of market.View Report-The service type segment covers tele-education, tele-consulting, tele-monitoring, tele-education, tele-surgery, and tele-care services. While, end-user segment includes hospital, clinics, home healthcare settings and skilled nursing facilities. In the U.S., there are over 6.5 million chronic wound patients and over 33% of the home health patients have wounds. However, there is a shortage of wound specialists, and it is anticipated that just 0.2% of the registered nurses are Certified Wound Specialists. Furthermore, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), a shortage of over 130,000 physicians is anticipated in the U.S. by 2050. The increasing geriatric population in the U.S., leading to increased retirement of experienced nurse specialists, contributes to the gap in the workforce. Thus, home healthcare end-user segment is anticipated to grow with highest CAGR.Europe is the largest market for the telecare market due to rising geriatric population, increased adoption of advanced telecare solutions, escalating disposable income and government initiatives to develop innovative telecare solutions are the major factors boosting the growth of Europe telecare market in near future. Europe is followed by North America. Home care settings are mostly preferred because they are convenient, easy to access, monitors health continuously, and fast result output this factors helps to grow the whole market in this region. However, the market in Asia Pacific is projected to register a significant growth rate by 2024 due to unhealthy lifestyle resulting in increased prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases. In addition, high percentage of geriatric population, increasing awareness about health and increasing disposable income.Major players operating in the deep vein thrombosis market include GE Healthcare, Abbott Laboratories, Dexcom, Inc., AMD Global Telemedicine, Inc., Bayer HealthCare AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bosch Healthcare Solutions, GlobalMed, Welbeing, and Apple Inc.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Tele-Care Market during 2017- 2025About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Hydropower (Large Hydro, Small Hydro and Pumped Storage) - Global Market Size, Segmentation, Investment Trends, Regulations and Key Country Analysis to 2025 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/hydropower-large-hydro-small-hydro-and-pumped-storage-global-market-size-segmentation-investment-trends-regulations-and-key-country-analysis-to-2025 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001740924/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001740924/buying ReportsWeb.com published Hydropower from its database. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market."Hydropower (Large Hydro, Small Hydro and Pumped Storage) - Global Market Size, Segmentation, Investment Trends, Regulations and Key Country Analysis to 2025" is the latest market analysis report from Publisher, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the hydropower market.The report provides a detailed insight into the global hydropower market along with market analysis of key countries - US, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Turkey, Russia, China, India, Japan, Vietnam and Iran. The report covers information related to market size, installed capacity, power generation and market segmentation (small hydro, large hydro and pumped storage) during 2006-2025. The report analyzes key market aspects which determine hydropower sector and provides information on active and upcoming hydropower plants, tenders and contracts, and investment trends.The report uses data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by Publisher's team of industry experts.For more information about this report:Report ScopeThe report includes -- Hydropower market study at global level and at key country level, covering countries such as US, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Turkey , Russia, China, India, Japan, Vietnam and Iran- Historic and forecast data for cumulative and annual installed power capacity for hydropower- Historic and forecast data for cumulative and annual installed power capacity by segment- Information on active and upcoming hydropower plants, major tender and contracts and investment trends in the top countries- Analysis on major market forces driving or restraining the growth of hydropower market at global and regional level- Market size data at country and global level- Key policies and regulations supporting the development of hydropower market at country levelRequest Sample Copy atTable of Contents1 List of Tables 22 Executive Summary 143 Introduction 194 Hydropower Market, Global 235 Hydropower Market, North America 426 Hydropower Market, US 557 Hydropower Market, Canada 788 Hydropower Market, South and Central America 1029 Hydropower Market, Brazil 11510 Hydropower Market, Europe 13411 Hydropower Market, Norway 14712 Hydropower Market, Turkey 16613 Hydropower Market, Russian Federation 18714 Hydropower Market, Asia-Pacific 20815 Hydropower Market, China 22116 Hydropower Market, Japan 24017 Hydropower Market, India 25818 Hydropower Market, Vietnam 27819 Hydropower Market, Middle East and Africa 29720 Hydropower Market, Iran 31021 Appendix 327Inquire for Report 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 Bauxite Mining and our customer support Bauxite Mining is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 VERONA A group of Republican legislators unveiled a bill Tuesday that would relax restrictions on small brewers and allow wineries to stay open longer, municipalities to issue more liquor licenses and distilleries to operate like brewpubs. Reps. Dale Kooyenga, Shannon Zimmerman and Gary Tauchen and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf debuted the proposal during a news conference Tuesday at Wisconsin Brewing Co. in Verona. They said the bill is meant to start a conversation about updating Wisconsins liquor statutes. The way people drink has changed, Kooyenga said. This really moves our laws into the 21st century. The bill would allow wineries to stay open until 2 a.m. Right now they must close at 9 p.m. They also could produce up to 50,000 gallons of wine and still sell their product through a wholesale winery cooperative. Right now, the limit for participating in a cooperative is 25,000 gallons. The measure also increases the number of liquor licenses municipalities can issue by 10 percent. The number of licenses a municipality can issue is determined by a formula based on the number of licenses previously issued and its population. Distilleries could be granted a new permit that allows them to operate distill pubs on-site restaurant operations similar to brewpubs at which beer, wine and liquor could be sold. Breweries would clearly be allowed to sell their products on-site. Under current state law, a brewer can sell on-site only if the company held a retail liquor license on June 1, 2011, according to a Legislative Reference Bureau summary of the bill. The bill also would raise the maximum amount of beer a brewpub can produce annually across all its locations from 10,000 barrels to 20,000 barrels and raises the number of locations a brewpub owner can have from six to 12. The bill represents a major shift from a plan that surfaced in June that called for forcing microbreweries and wineries to sell their products through distributors, eliminating the current option of selling directly to customers. Its unclear who conceived it, although the first page of a memo detailing the plan carried the acronyms of the Wisconsin Tavern League, the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association and the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute, which represents wine distributors. Tavern League lobbyist Scott Stenger has denied that organization had anything to do with the memo, calling it a fake. Eric Jensen, executive director of the beer distributors association, said that group wasnt aware of any plan to force craft brewers to sell through distributors. Stenger, Jensen and WWSI lobbyist Joel Frank didnt immediately respond to after-hours email messages Tuesday. Regardless who was behind it, the proposal hasnt surfaced as a formal bill and Kooyenga said last month the plan was dead. He said it didnt make any sense and lawmakers want to foster craft breweries growth, not stunt it. William Glass, president of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild and owner of The Brewing Projekt, an Eau Claire brewery, attended the news conference. He told The Associated Press he was pleased with the new bill. It certainly doesnt hurt us, he said. Aides for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos didnt immediately return an after-hours email inquiring about the bills prospects. Zimmerman and his wife own a winery in River Falls. He told reporters the industry has crazy rules. Asked if he saw any conflict with introducing a bill that would benefit his business, Zimmerman said hes fighting for wineries all over the state. I dont need that winery to pay my mortgage, he said. State Journal staff contributed to this report. Ground Support Equipment Market : Up-to-Date Analysis of Market Trends and Technological Improvements by 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ground-support-equipment-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=28460 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Ground support equipment have been an integral part of the aerospace industry and supports many commercial operations. Maintenance, ground support, and servicing of aerospace infrastructure in defense, aviation, and space sectors. Commercially produced ground support equipment can be classified into GSE equipment, space equipment, staging platforms, hoisting tools, and hydraulic jacks. These equipment are primarily used in the maintenance and servicing of the aircraft.Ground support equipment are also widely employed in the defense sector for the maintenance of ground infrastructure and aircraft servicing. Production of defense fighter jets takes heavy capital investment and needs constant inspection and servicing before their launch, which is provided by ground inspection equipment.Obtain Report Details @Recent developments in ground support equipment for the aerospace industry consist of development of specialized ROV and robotic controlled tow bars and hydraulic jacks. Other developments in ground support equipment for the aerospace industry include remote controlled altimeter and static system inspection and tests, which can be controlled remotely through internet and communication systems.Major drivers for the ground support equipment for the aerospace industry are enhancement of airport infrastructures, increasing number of aviation and defense aircraft, increasing trend of process automation in ground support activities, and increasing air cargo and passenger traffic.Make an Enquiry@Increasing defense and aerospace development activities across the globe provide immense potential for the ground support equipment market. Increase in demand for ground support equipment in the logistic industry is also driving the global market. The high cost of ground support equipment in emerging economies is a key restraint of the ground support equipment market for the aerospace industry.Prominent global players that produce ground support equipment for aerospace application include TUG Technologies Corporation, Teleflex Lionel-DuPont (TLD), Tronair Inc., JBT Corporation, Mallaghan Engineering Ltd., AMSS GSE, Tronair Inc., Mulag Fahrzeugwerk GmbH, Shenzhen Cimc-Tianda Airport Support Co. Ltd., and Avia Equipment Pte Ltd..Increase in investments for improvement of aerospace infrastructure, led by the rise in per capita GDP of countries in Southeast Asia, is anticipated to boost the demand for ground support equipment for the aerospace industry.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: www.embo.org http://emboj.embopress.org/cgi/doi/10.15252/embj.201796821 Heidelberg, 2 August 2017 Researchers discover a molecular link between post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimers disease: There is increasing evidence that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers at the University Medical Center Gottingen, Germany, now shed light on the molecular mechanism that links the two disorders. The research is published today in The EMBO Journal.---PTSD is a brain disorder that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD frequently relive the traumatic event, often triggered by stimuli similar to those that accompanied the trauma. A number of epidemiological studies have shown that individuals suffering from PTSD are more prone to acquiring Alzheimers disease later in their lives.Unravelling the molecular underpinnings of this correlation will help to identify targeted therapies. The research team in Gottingen identified such a molecular link by showing that Formin 2 is deregulated in PTSD and Alzheimers disease patients. To investigate this link further, the researchers showed that Formin 2 mutant mice show PTSD phenotypes at an early age and develop age-related memory decline.On the molecular level, Formin 2 is active in the brain, where it regulates the dynamics of the cytoskeleton, the structure that helps cells to maintain their shape and internal organization. It is required for neuronal cell contacts to change and to ease off again after they have been strengthened by learning.Our hypothesis was that various risk factors eventually cause an aberrant activation of many genes that contribute to Alzheimers disease. One of these factors could be developing PTSD via a process that involves Formin 2, said Farahnaz Sananbenesi, lead researcher of the study.To test this idea, the researchers undertook a comprehensive analysis of gene activity in Formin 2 mutant mice. Indeed, whereas young mice lacking Formin 2 were hardly different from normal mice, a deregulation of hundreds of genes built up as they aged. The researchers also found that the drug Vorinostat, which ameliorates PTSD phenotypes in younger mice, enhanced memory in aged Formin 2-deficient mice.Our results indicate that it may be possible to develop therapeutic strategies for PTSD patients that, at the same time, lower the risk to develop Alzheimers disease, said Andre Fischer who coordinated the study together with Dr. Sananbenesi.-------------Information for editors:Formin 2 links neuropsychiatric phenotypes at young age to an increased risk for dementiaRoberto Carlos Agis-Balboa, Paulo Pinhero, Nelson Rebola, Cemil Kerimoglu, Eva Benito, Michael Gertig, Sanaz Bahari-Javan, Gaurav Jain, Susanne Burkhardt, Ivana Delalle, Alexander Jatzko, Markus Dettenhofer, Patricia A. Zunszain, Andrea Schmitt, Peter Falkai, Julius C. Pape, Elisabeth B. Binder, Christophe Mulle, Andre Fischer & Farahnaz SananbenesiDOI 10.15252/embj.201796821About EMBO PressEMBO Press stands for publishing impactful, high quality and reliable research across the biosciences in its four journals, The EMBO Journal, EMBO Reports, Molecular Systems Biology and EMBO Molecular Medicine.EMBO Press pioneered the transparent editorial process in order to provide a rapid, fair and efficient publication process. Through developing and employing Source Data tools, EMBO Press works towards improving data transparency, reuse and discoverability. Through dedicated data integrity checks, it ensures the publication of reliable data. All submitted manuscripts are subject to scooping protection, which extends to manuscripts published on preprint servers. As a co-signatory of the San Francisco Declaration for Research Assessment, EMBO Press is an advocate for moving away from impact factors as a mechanism for research assessment.About EMBOEMBO is an organization of more than 1700 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences. The major goals of the organization are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a European research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.EMBO helps young scientists to advance their research, promote their international reputations and ensure their mobility. Courses, workshops, conferences and scientific journals disseminate the latest research and offer training in techniques to maintain high standards of excellence in research practice. EMBO helps to shape science and research policy by seeking input and feedback from our community and by following closely the trends in science in Europe.For more information:Weitere Informationen:Quelle: idw Two international brewing giants conspired to limit other U.S. beer companies from selling their products in Ontario, Canada, according to a federal lawsuit filed this week by the owner of Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe. Mountain Crest SRL LLC, which has been brewing value-brand beers in Monroe since 2003, alleges that AB InBev of Belgium and Molson Coors Brewing Co. in Denver had a secret agreement from 2000 to 2015 with the government-owned Liquor Control Board of Ontario that restricted imports and sales of other U.S. beer company products in the Canadian province. The suit, filed Tuesday in U.S District Court in Madison, contends that the beer companies violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by controlling the only two options for distribution and retail in Ontario. About 70 percent of sales at LCBO stores are ABI and Moslon Coors products, while the two beer companies own Brewers Retail Inc., a cooperative that has over 450 locations doing business as The Beer Store. Mountain Crest believes the secret agreement exposed by a whistle-blower in 2014 to the Toronto Star combined with ABI and Molson Coors 98 percent ownership of The Beer Store outlets, limited Mountain Crest growth and sales. The company is seeking lost revenues and $200,000 in punitive damages. The suit was filed in the U.S. under the Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act of 1982, which authorizes causes of action for American businesses under American anti-trust laws for lost export sales, even if the conspiracy took place in foreign commerce. Plaintiffs injury is precisely the sort that the antitrust laws were intended to forestall; namely, two dominant businesses using their market power to stifle competition, the complaint states. Defendants conduct was within the flow of, was intended to, and did, in fact, have a direct effect on the export commerce and export trade of brewers in the United States. ABI is the worlds largest brewer and has a 45 percent share of the U.S. and 43 percent share of the Candadian beer markets and brews its three global brands, Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois, all in Canada. Molson Coors accounts for about 28 percent of the U.S. and 34 percent of the Canadian market with brands like Carling, Coors, Miller and Molson Canadian. Weve just received the lawsuit and have no further comment, Colin Wheeler, a spokesman for Molson Coors, wrote in an email Wednesday. ABI spokeswoman Gemma Hart said the company was aware that the lawsuit has been filed and intend to vigorously defend against it. Mountain Crest, owned by the Minhas family and based in Alberta, purchased the Monroe brewery in 2006 and has transformed the second-oldest brewery in the country into one of the largest breweries in the U.S. Much of that growth has come from the production of low-priced beer like Mountain Crest Classic Lager, Clear Creek Ice and Boxer, much of it exported to Canada. By 2005, the beer from Monroe exported to Alberta made up 85 percent of the brewerys total production, according to the complaint. Mountain Crest has been exporting Boxer to Ontario since November 2009, but growth there has not matched that of other markets, despite a $1 million television advertising campaign, the lawsuit contends. Mountain Crest also paid $631,797 to get its products in 440 TBS locations. TBS stores do not operate like traditional U.S. liquor stores. The vast majority of stores contain no shelving and only list inventory on a wall. Most products are kept out-of-sight of customers, rolled out on conveyor belts once an order is placed, which discourages customer shopping and limits competition to brands the customer is already familiar with, the lawsuit contends. Some stores, however, have a grab-and-go cooler where a limited number of single-serving cans of beer are sold. TBS charges brewing companies for access, but the coolers are mostly filled with AB and Molson Coors products, according to the lawsuit. The restrictions of the agreement included that the LCBO not sell beer in packages containing more than six containers, which ensured that American brewers could not export beer to Ontario in 12- or 24-packs unless they paid to use the TBS stores owned by AB and Molson Coors. A second element of the agreement prohibited pack-up pricing that allowed consumers to purchase four individual six-packs and receive the same discount as if they had purchased a 24-pack case. This has the effect of enabling defendants to fix prices for the Ontario market and greatly limiting the LCBOs attractiveness as a beer retail destination for value consumers, as well as discouraging sales of plaintiffs beer at the LCBO, according to the lawsuit. For example, TBS charged plaintiff a $3.32 fee for every 24-unit case plaintiff sold into the Ontario market, in addition to other fees. Other clauses of the secret agreement included that the LCBO was not to sell to restaurants and bars any of the major brands not carried in its regular stores, a move that discouraged bars and restaurants from purchasing beer at LCBO stores. When the secret agreement was signed, 177 communities in Ontario had LCBO stores that sold 12- and 24-packs of beer. But under the agreement, if a TBS opened in any of those areas, nearby LCBO stores would have to cut back their beer offerings to six-packs. That discouraged the LCBO from opening new stores in areas where the TBS might also decide to open a store. Throughout the duration of the secret agreement, TBS expanded locations, thus displacing LCBO beer sales, according to the complaint. When reader Rebecca M. recently asked about anchovy recipes, I immediately reached for Pomp and Sustenance, Mary Taylor Simetis exceptional cookbook, first published in 1989, covering 25 centuries of Sicilian food. As a second generation Sicilian (my father having arrived on Ellis Island from Palermo in 1909) I found myself thirsting for everything about the food Caterina,his mother and my Nonna, prepared. Simetis book became an overnight treasure and remains so today being within reach on a shelf in my kitchen. Anchovies were initially introduced to me while growing up. The small fish were poked into pizza dough before additional ingredients were added before baking. Now, for me, pizza lacks the true touch of Sicily if anchovies arent used. Although anchovies can be added to pasta dishes and sauces, I decided to ask you, my readers, for your favorite recipes from Sicily, Italy, or elsewhere using fresh anchovies, or those packed in oil in small tins. In the meantime, here are two anchovy recipes, the first one from the ever popular 1974 Soupcon cookbook featuring seasonal samplings from the Junior League of Chicago. Anchovy-filled mushrooms 24 medium to 40 small mushrooms cup olive oil 2-ounce can flat anchovy fillets 1 garlic clove, finely-minced 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice cup (or less) fresh soft bread crumbs cup minced fresh parsley Freshly-ground black pepper to taste Remove stems from washed mushrooms; chop. Saute in 3 tablespoons oil for 3 minutes. Chop anchovies; mix with garlic. Add lemon juice, bread crumbs, parsley, anchovies, sauteed stems and pepper. Fill caps with mixture. Place in shallow baking dish. Drizzle remaining oil over mushrooms. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot. 6-8 servings. Twenty-five years ago, I made weekly trips to Kenosha to capture their old Italian Columbus Park neighborhood in the same manner as my Greenbush cookbooks with favorite family recipes, old photographs and memories from the past. A fundraiser for the Rev. Domenic Jose Roscioli to benefit Columbus Park, the first recipe that appeared in the 500-page cookbook featured anchovies. Anchovy fingers 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Approximately 2 cups all-purpose flour Grated lemon rind 4 2-ounce cans anchovy fillets 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons cold water Beat cream cheese and butter with electric mixer. Stir in flour and lemon rind. Chill dough in covered bowl for a few hours. Break off about 1/4th section of dough and roll on floured waxed paper into a 6x12-inch rectangle. Line up anchovies about -inch apart along the 6-inch edge. Moisten dough between fillets with cold water. Fold over other half of dough with help of waxed paper and press down between fillets. Cut into sticks and place on lightly greased baking sheet. Continue making with remainder of dough. Brush with beaten egg and water and bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes. Can be served as an appetizer or accompany a salad or bowl of soup. For more information regarding Volume III of a taste of memories from Columbus Park, contact Roscioli: domenicjose@hotmail.com Mike Repas has shared so many of his favorite recipes in the past that I keep them in a Repas file for last minute decisions and I just rediscovered one from last year for an anchovy salad. He describes this as an amazingly-good salad served at room temperature during the late summer when local tomatoes are at their best. He also describes it as being great served with grilled ribeye or steak of your choice. Tomato-olive-anchovy salad 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped cup green olives, chopped (See: Note) cup black olives, chopped (See: Note) 4 anchovy fillets, dried and chopped 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Generous dash of fresh, coarsely ground black pepper 2 or 3 large tomatoes, cut into slices Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, shaved Chop together the parsley and basil. Combine everything, except tomatoes, in a large bowl and let mixture rest for 15-20 minutes for flavors to blend nicely. Arrange sliced tomatoes in a row on a serving platter so they slightly overlap. Spoon the mixture in your bowl over the tomatoes. Garnish with some torn basil leaves and some thinly-shaved cheese. Note: Repas suggests using quality green and black olives from a supermarket olive bar or an Italian deli. My neighbor, Carol Rohde, found a cookbook at a recent church bazaar that she thought I might enjoy. Lean and Luscious was published in 1987 as the result of authors Bobbie Hinman and Millie Snyder compiling 400 recipes of easy-to-prepare, delicious recipes for a low-fat lifestyle. This recipe, described as being a crowd pleaser, has 197 calories per serving. Orange barbecue chicken 8-ounce can tomato sauce 3 tablespoons reduced-calorie orange marmalade 1 teaspoon vinegar 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon minced onion flakes 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper to taste 2 pounds boneless chicken parts, skin removed In a small bowl, combine all ingredients, except chicken. Let mixture stand 15-20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken in a shallow baking pan that has been sprayed with a nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of the sauce over chicken. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour, basting with sauce several times. From the same Lean and Luscious cookbook, here is something the authors describe as being a favorite among kids and adults with 146 calories per serving. Crunchy granola bars 4 ounces quick-cooking oats 2 tablespoons honey teaspoon almond extract teaspoon coconut extract Sweetener equivalent to 3 teaspoons sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons hot water Ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, except cinnamon, in the order given. Mix well with a spoon. Place mixture on a nonstick cookie sheet. Shape into a rectangle -inch thick, slightly moistening your fingertips with water as you work. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake 1 hour. Cut into squares immediately. Cool in pan. Divide into 6 even portions. 6 servings A Dane County judge said Wednesday that a man charged in the stabbing death of another man in his Downtown apartment in March is competent to stand trial, which was rescheduled to take place in October. Darrick E. Anderson, 24, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the March 27 death of Andrew Nesbitt, 46, at Nesbitts North Butler Street apartment. Andersons lawyer, Tim Kiefer, had asked that Anderson be evaluated to determine whether he is able to assist in his defense and understands the court proceedings. Listening in a restraint chair used to bring him to court, Anderson heard Dr. Elliot Lee testify by phone that he determined Anderson to be competent after a week-long evaluation at Mendota Mental Health Institute. Anderson has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to the charges against him. His two-week trial, now scheduled to start Oct. 2, will take place in two parts, the first to determine whether Anderson killed Nesbitt and the second to determine whether he suffered from a mental disease at the time. Dane County Circuit Judge John Hyland said he agreed with Lees findings after listening to testimony, which included testimony from Andersons mother and sister about their observations of Andersons mental health throughout the years. They said he was often paranoid and argumentative, and that he had conversations with himself and once said he heard voices. But Hyland said whether or not Anderson has a mental illness was not the issue in determining competency to assist in his defense, but that mental illness will play a role in Andersons trial. Three young Milwaukee residents were arrested Tuesday afternoon after stealing two cars in Wisconsin Dells, ramming a squad car to avoid arrest, and a chase on Interstate 39-90-94 that ended in a crash on the north edge of Madison, authorities said. Taken into custody on a host of charges after the crash on Highway 51 at Hoepker Road were Lamont M. Cannady, 17; Justice R. Roby, 21; and a 16-year-old girl who was not identified by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. According to the Sheriff's Office: Wisconsin Dells police notified the Sheriff's Office around 3 p.m. Tuesday that a Hyundai was stolen in the city, and the thieves were suspected in a string of other thefts in the Dells-Lake Delton area. Using on-board tracking, the vehicle was located on the Interstate headed south and was deactivated. As the Hyundai came to a stop near the Highway 60 exit east of Lodi, Roby, who was driving, and a passenger, the unnamed girl, leaped out of the still-moving vehicle as a deputy and state troopers closed in. As those squad cars came to a stop to begin chasing the suspects on foot, a second vehicle, a Kia Forte sedan driven by Cannady, struck the Sheriff's Office squad car in the driver's door to pin it closed and to prevent the deputy from chasing Roby and the girl. Roby jumped into the Kia, which took off down the Interstate, while the girl fled on foot. Officers split up, pursuing both the car and the girl on foot. The Kia proceeded into Dane County, exiting the Interstate at Highway 51, running a red light at Hoepker Road and hit a passenger vehicle in the intersection. Cannady and Roby were arrested and taken to UW Hospital with minor injuries before being released to jail. The driver of the car hit by the Kia was also hospitalized with minor injuries. The girl who was left behind called a third car to pick her up, but officers were in contact with its occupants and the girl was later found and arrested by a K-9 unit in a cornfield. The Sheriff's Office said Cannady faces tentative charges of operating a motor vehicle without owners consent, felony eluding police, possession of stolen property, felony hit and run to a law enforcement vehicle, recklessly endangering safety, and resisting and obstructing police. Roby's tentative charges are operating a motor vehicle without owners consent, knowingly eluding as a passenger, and resisting and obstructing. The 16-year-old was arrested on tentative charges of knowingly being a passenger in a stolen vehicle and resisting and obstructing. Additional charges are expected, the Sheriff's Office said. Wednesday 2 August 2017 12:02pm Mei Riwai-Couch (L) and Brigham Riwai-Couch (R), 2010. Smokefree 2025 will be Smokefree 2065 unless urgent government action is taken. Researchers and experts in tobacco control, led by the University of Otago, Wellington and Hapai te Hauora, have come up with bold new measures to achieve the 2025 target for New Zealand to be smokefree. The group proposes an action plan, launched today, with key measures: Dramatically reduce the number of retail outlets that sell tobacco Remove additives and reduce nicotine content in tobacco products Introduce an innovative new policy to gradually increase the minimum purchase age over time, to create future tobacco-free generations Increase tobacco tax by 20 per cent annually for three years Introduce a new minimum retail price for tobacco products In launching the projects findings, Hon Dame Tariana Turia says the report provides a comprehensive action plan. The plan includes a focus on interventions in areas that have not been addressed before such as reducing the retail availability of tobacco, and reducing its appeal and addictiveness. The plan is based on thorough reviews of the evidence and feasibility of potential actions, and of progress so far towards the goal. The researchers say that without changing the current approach, recent estimates predict the goal will not be achieved by 2025 and not until beyond 2060 for Maori. The goal, to achieve less than 5 per cent smoking prevalence for all ethnic groups, emerged from tough calls by Maori leaders and the Maori Affairs Select Committee, who conducted an in-depth inquiry in 2010 into the impacts of the tobacco industry. The inquirys proposals have only partly been addressed in the seven years since 2010, and Maori remain the worst affected by smoking, resulting in persisting and unacceptable health inequalities. Mei Riwai-Couch (L) and Brigham Riwai-Couch (R), 2017. The impacts of smoking were highlighted by a dramatic submission to the Maori Affairs Select Committee by 7-year-old Mei Riwai-Couch and her brother Brigham, who presented a coffin made of cigarette packs to the Committee. The coffin was a symbol of the impact of the death of their grandfather, a long-term smoker. The siblings are now teenagers and they urge the Government to take urgent action to make theirs a smokefree generation. They say: You dont know what it is like to lose someone that is so part of your family support system until it happens to you we dont want it to happen to other families. University of Otago researcher Professor Richard Edwards who led the development of the action plan, believes that although the current reality is stark, there remains cause for optimism. The good news is that this appalling situation can be reversed. The Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 goal is achievable for all peoples in New Zealand if the right actions are implemented without delay. Recent modelling predicts that smoking prevalence would drop below 5 per cent much more rapidly if three of the researchers suggested actions (20 per cent tax increases, large reductions in tobacco retail outlets and the tobacco-free generation proposal) were implemented together. Professor Edwards notes that New Zealand was considered a world-leader in tobacco control, but is now slipping behind, as our rate of smoking reduction has slowed in recent years. Other countries have introduced novel measures to reduce the availability and regulate the constituents of tobacco products. Hapai te Hauora led the consultation process to canvass the views of health practitioners, community organisations and NGOs, especially Maori and Pacific peoples, on the proposed actions for the plan. Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 came from the community. Over 300 submitters stood in front of the Maori Affairs Select Committee and called for a smokefree nation, says Ms Hawke, General Manager at Hapai te Hauora. Attaining the goal would have a massive impact on the health and wellbeing of Maori, Pacific and all New Zealanders, says Ms Hawke. This plan lays out whats needed to do this. We urge all political parties to prioritise taking action to get us to a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025. This project was funded with a grant from the Quit Group Trust. The report will be available on the ASPIRE2025.org.nz website from 2 August 2017 For further information, please contact: Professor Richard Edwards Co-Head of Department of Public Health, Co-director of ASPIRE2025 group University of Otago, Wellington Email richard.edwards@otago.ac.nz Web otago.ac.nz/wellington @OtagoWellington Ms Zoe Hawke General Manager, National Tobacco Control Advocacy Service Hapai Te Hauora, Auckland Email zoe.hawke@hapai.co.nz Web hapai.co.nz @hapaitehauora Hapai Te Hauora A speaker of te reo Maori (Mason Ngawhika, Hapai te Hauora) is available for any media (+64 21 088 89817) One man was killed and another seriously injured in a convenience store parking lot on the citys South Side early Wednesday in what police are calling a cold, brutal assassination. The killing marks the citys third homicide in just over a week and ties the record for the most homicides in a year, at 10. This is a dire day, one I hoped I would never see, Police Chief Mike Koval said. We have double-digit homicides with a lot of the year ahead of us. The shooting was reported at 12:16 a.m. in the parking lot a 7-Eleven store at 2703 W. Beltline, Madison police said. A 33-year-old man was killed, and a 29-year-old man was shot several times but was expected to survive, Koval said. The killing ties the record for the most homicides in the city set in 2008. This was a cold, brutal assassination, Koval said Wednesday morning. Thats how targeted this was. At least 10 shell casings were recovered at the scene. Police believe two shooters were involved, and both were wearing masks. The 33-year-old man died at the scene. The second victim was alert and breathing but bleeding significantly from several gunshots wounds from the waist down, Koval said. Officers applied a tourniquet to one of his legs and he was taken to a hospital, he said. This was deliberate and intentional in how they approached the two victims, Koval said. This was not a random act. The assailants were not at the 7-Eleven to rob the store but to kill the intended victim, he said. They walked up to the victims, pointed their guns at point-blank range and started unloading, Koval said. Police spokesman David Dexheimer said the man who died was near the entryway to the store and was found on the ground in front of the bullet-shattered glass door. The second victim was found on the ground near the gas pumps. This is a horrible situation, 7-Elevens corporate office said in a statement. Our hearts are with the victims and their families, and we are gathering information and working with local law enforcement. The shooting comes on the heels of the fatal shootings last week of Riccardo Simms on the citys Southwest Side and Ciara Philumalee on the North Side. Its not known if any of the shootings are related. The only comfort I have is in each of these three cases, the suspect and victim knew each other at some level, Koval said. They were not strangers and the suspects were able to get close to the victims. The police chief said the department will be rattling the cages of select people who are creating havoc in the city. We might not have probable cause to arrest someone for shots fired, but if the person is down on paper for a probation or parole violation, we will stop them and pick them up, he said. We know who you are, Koval said. You are not anonymous. Koval said police analysts are poring over surveillance video and trying to locate anyone who might have been at the scene, including patrons inside the store and the driver of at least one car getting gas at the pumps. Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Madison police at 255-2345 or Madison Area Crime Stoppers, where callers can remain anonymous, at 266-6014. Today, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Midland, Bay, Gladwin and Isabella counties along with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe within Isabella County after the area experienced severe flood damage from storms on June 22-23. The losses sustained by these communities have been severe due to the magnitude of the flash flooding, Gov. Rick Snyder said. This presidential declaration is an important step in our continuing efforts to provide assistance and help Michigan families and businesses recover from the effects of this disaster. The decision releases federal funds for state and local governments to use in disaster recovery efforts and to help reduce the risk of such an event in the future. In addition, the disaster declaration makes individual assistance available to the families still recovering from recent flooding. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar welcomed the president's decision. "State and local governments in mid-Michigan have done an outstanding job in the aftermath of June's flooding, but the cost of cleanup and recovery was more than they could bear alone," Moolenaar said. "Today's decision to grant federal assistance from FEMA will go a long way toward helping communities and families rebuild." Individuals seeking assistance in the formal disaster area can register with FEMA by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362. Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362. With this declaration, communities statewide are now eligible to participate in the hazard mitigation assistance program that can help reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. Mitigation measures reduce personal loss, save lives and lessen the cost of responding to and recovering from future disasters. I strongly encourage communities to seize the opportunity for hazard mitigation assistance to enhance the safety of Michigans residents, said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. With federal aid, our communities can initiate projects to save lives and protect public property and health. In addition to the presidential declaration for individual assistance and hazard mitigation assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration has made low-interest disaster loans available to residents and businesses in Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Midland counties. Additional information about the SBA disaster assistance program is available at www.sba.gov. The presidential declaration does not include assistance for costs incurred by state and local governments due to damage to public facilities and infrastructures because those costs did not meet the federal threshold for assistance. However, Snyder has opened the states Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund, which allows eligible local governments affected by the flooding to apply for assistance grants for up to $100,000 or 10 percent of the previous years operating budget, whichever is less. The Dow Chemical Co. took two steps Monday to solidify its position in the Midland area. It unveiled a new headquarters building on East Patrick Road. And, it broke ground on a $100 million innovation center in Auburn. Both are signals that the company will continue to commit to the community where the Dow family founded its business about 120 years ago. If actions did not speak loud enough, Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Liveris said: "We've just been proud to call Midland home, period. I could finish the speech right there." He said Midland is home to the company. "It's the heart of our company, the engine that fuels our entire global enterprise. ... This beautiful state of the art facility is more than a new home for a new Dow; it's a renewal of our commitment to Midland and the Great Lakes Bay Region. "And it will help to ensure that Midland remains a standout hub of American innovation." The innovation center is a commitment in jobs that will fuel this area. Dow says it has already begun hiring for 100 new full-time research and development jobs at the innovation center, scoping out potential new employees. The plan also involves bringing another 100 jobs from global facilities to join 1,200 local researchers and developers and Dow's 13,000 employees in the region. "We're going to help this place grow," Liveris said. The commitment to Midland is great news for a community that sometimes wonders if its luck will someday run out. The leadership of Midland has taken positive moves to partner with the chemical giant and earn its trust. The company has no reason to look elsewhere. Both the company and the local community must remember their strengths come from each other. They both deserve the great success they have earned. To the editor: The Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network held a Mobile Food Pantry at Messiah Lutheran Church, located on the corner of Poseyville and Gordonville roads in Midland County on June 22. This free food give-away was sponsored by Filling Midland's Cup and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Eighty-four volunteers from the Brotherhood and from the church served 310 families (980 individuals) with 13,942 pounds of food purchased from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The purchased items included boxed and canned foods, frozen meats, zucchini, cabbage, kale, lettuce and milk. Hidden Harvest also donated breads, tomatoes and bottled water. Members of Messiah Lutheran Church and Poseyville United Methodist Church collected toiletries which were distributed with the food. Recipients were served lunch and ice cream. About 50 randomly selected individuals received oil changes due to the generosity of His Hands Auto Care, an outreach ministry of Messiah. The Network is very grateful to the many donors of food, money and time throughout the year to the Network's mission of "always food in every home." Midland County residents in (financial) need of food and personal care items during the year may call the Network number of 486-9393 to leave your name and phone number. The eighth MFP in 2017 is scheduled for Aug. 17 at Midland Missionary Church located on Grey Road south of M-20 (Isabella Road) in Midland County. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Thanks again to the members of the two churches and the Brotherhood for their partnering support. SALLY ANN SUTTON Midland County EFPN This summer, I have been working hard to make sure Michigans priorities move forward in Congress. This includes protecting the Great Lakes, improving our infrastructure, strengthening our national security and helping our veterans. As the only Michigan member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have oversight of federal departments and agencies. Here is an update on some issues of concern to all Michigan residents. For the Great Lakes, I have fought to ensure that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is fully funded for next year. The Appropriations Committee agreed and next year the GLRI will be funded at $300 million. The GLRI protects not only the Great Lakes, but also the lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands that flow into them. Of course, the threat of Asian carp must also be stopped, to protect the ecosystem and the thousands of Michigan jobs that depend on tourism, fishing and boating. That is why the committee passed legislation calling for the Army Corps of Engineers to release the Brandon Road Lock report about stopping Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. This report is already complete and it has been paid for by the taxpayers. It should be released promptly. My work on the Appropriations Committee also included fighting for improvements to our countrys infrastructure. The Soo Locks are vital to our country, and they are due for an upgrade. Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers, which runs the Locks, uses an obsolete formula to study their significance and determine if they should receive funding. I fought to change this and successfully directed the Corps to use a new formula that includes the real, true value of the goods that pass through the Locks. Michigans rural communities also have infrastructure concerns and I voted for legislation that will make loans and grants available for rural water infrastructure. The legislation also helps these communities with similar funding so they can connect to broadband Internet. I also voted on the committee for legislation that increases defense spending and includes a well-deserved pay raise for our troops. This bill addresses the vital needs of our military men and women around the world as they work to keep our country safe. It funds the equipment and resources they need to defeat our enemies and keeps us ahead of terrorist groups and rogue countries like Iran and North Korea. Finally, in a time when it seems our politics are so bitterly divided, there was strong bipartisan support for critical reforms at the Veterans Administration. The legislation I voted for will help Michigans more than 600,000 veterans with greater accountability and an increase in funding to quickly process disability claims that are stuck in an unacceptable national backlog. All of this legislation advances important priorities for Michigan residents: beautiful Great Lakes, modern infrastructure, strong national security and accountability for those who take care of the men and women who served in defense of our country. I will continue to fight for these solutions in the weeks and months ahead. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, represents Michigans Fourth Congressional District which is made up of Clare, Clinton, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Shiawassee, and Wexford counties, and parts of Montcalm and Saginaw counties. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Jesus Aponte pushes a door open to reveal hundreds of aromatic, spiky green plants, a crop that Puerto Rico hopes will help it ease a grinding economic crisis by generating millions in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs. Aponte, a 29-year-old biologist and chemical engineer, had been thinking of joining the wave of young Puerto Rican professionals heading to the U.S. to seek work an exodus that has aggravated the U.S. territory's woes. But then he saw the saw the island's medical marijuana industry start to expand, and found one of the rare new jobs opening up on the island, overseeing some 2,000 plants at the Natural Ventures facility. "This is an economic niche that we can grab on to," he said, though he added, "A lot of people told me, 'What are you doing with your life? You're throwing away your future.'" But like more than two dozen U.S. states, Puerto Rico is pinning a little of its future on the recently illegal drug. The territory legalized medical marijuana by decree nearly two years ago and new Gov. Ricardo Rossello last month signed a measure that set out a legal framework for the industry. Backers say that will spark an expansion of the pot fields, manufacturing centers and dispensaries that have been popping up across the island. "A lot of people were waiting for this law," said attorney Goodwin Aldarondo, president of Puerto Rico Legal Marijuana, a consulting company. "It's the only viable alternative we have to solve the economic situation. It's been many, many years since Puerto Rico has had a new industry." For Narelis Cortes, the issue isn't so much work as conquering pain. She's one of nearly 9,000 Puerto Ricans who have paid $25 a year for a permit to use medical marijuana to treat at least 14 pre-approved conditions including HIV, cancer, multiple sclerosis, migraines, anxiety and epilepsy. The 32-year-old mother and Air Force veteran said rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and the initial stages of Parkinson's disease had kept her in bed for hours a day. She said she spends about $350 a month on medical marijuana. She vapes every four to six hours and has eliminated the need for 20 medications. "I'm functional now," she said. The island's treasury secretary says the medical marijuana industry could generate up to $100 million a year, in part through a sales and use tax, and help ease an unemployment rate that has hovered around 12 percent. That would be a rare glimmer of good news for an island facing billions of dollars in budget cuts, a public debt load of more than $70 billion and a population that is declining as people flee to the mainland seeking better opportunities. "Name one new industry in Puerto Rico capable of generating millions and billions in capital and improving an economy in a mega-crisis. There is none," said David Quinones, operations director of Natural Ventures, the island's largest medical marijuana producer. However, Puerto Rico economist Indira Luciano said the state's revenue projections are too high, especially because officials didn't take into account variables such as the prices of products, the availability of other treatments, and wages on an island with a 45 percent poverty rate. She said the economy would receive a bigger boost if Puerto Rico went further and legalized recreational marijuana: "The stricter the law, the less economic impact it will have." In more populous Colorado, with a much broader recreational marijuana market, the state earned $200 million in state tax revenues last year, according to Clinton Saloga, a research associate with the Colorado-based Marijuana Policy Group. He said he doesn't expect medical marijuana to be a huge economic boon for Puerto Rico. "In terms of being a savior ... I don't think it would single handedly accomplish that, but it would be a new, untapped source of employment, economic activity and tax revenues that could provide significant relief," he said. Medical marijuana is legal in 29 U.S. states, but Puerto Rico has some advantages: Tax rates on the industry are lower and it's not subject to a federal law that prohibits investors from deducting cannabis-related operating expenses for tax purposes. One gram costs roughly $20, although some dispensaries have specials for $10 a gram, which is roughly the average price in U.S. states where medical marijuana is legal. Investors in Puerto Rico have spent more than $3 million to obtain health department licenses to cultivate, manufacture and sell medical marijuana. So far, the island has 27 dispensaries, 11 grow facilities, five manufacturing centers and two laboratories responsible for analyzing all medical marijuana before it's sold. CLINTON In an effort to expand its services beyond the confines of Macon County, Decatur-based Heritage Behavioral Health opened a new clinic in Clinton this week. Located in a shopping center at 40 Clinton Plaza, the 4,000-square-foot facility will provide some of the same mental health and substance abuse programs offered at the organization's Decatur clinic including psychiatric counseling and a 24-hour crisis hotline. Heritage Chief Executive Officer Candace Clevenge said the clinic has been seeing patients since early July, but officially opened its doors during Monday's ribbon-cutting ceremony. "We'll grow here as needed, and we will try to meet the demands of DeWitt County," Clevenger said. According to Heritage Chief Operating Officer Tim Macken, the decision to expand to Clinton stemmed from the closure of the DeWitt County Human Resources Center's mental health and substance abuse programs in 2016. Macken said the DeWitt County center was unable to receive the funding it needed to operate those services due to the then-ongoing state budget crisis. State officials reached out to Heritage about the center's status, Macken said, and, as a result, the organizations began working together to find a solution. "We started talking with their board, trying to establish some sort of service provision," Macken said. "Our staff started seeing some clients (in Clinton), and we got psychologists to go up there, too." Ultimately, the lack of a state budget forced the Human Resources Center to end its mental health and substance abuse programs in July 2016. With help from grants and other funding sources, like the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, Heritage moved to install its own programs in the community, instead of taking over the previous operations. "It was easier that way," Macken said. "And it made a lot more sense from a liability standpoint." Macken said Heritage has no current plans to develop any new facilities anywhere else in Central Illinois. ATLANTA A simple act from each of the incorporated cities and villages in Logan County has instilled a sense of pride for Logan County veterans, said the executive director of the Logan County Economic Development Partnership. All 11 government entities, including the Logan County Board, have approved a Purple Heart Community Proclamation, becoming the first county in the nation to have each one pass such a declaration. I dont think it is as important to us that we are the first county in the nation to have all of its towns to pass such a proclamation, but what is important is that we make Logan County as veteran-friendly as possible and I think this goes a long way in saying that, said Bill Thomas, executive director of the LCEDP. The Military Order of The Purple Heart Chapter 159, based in Logan County, recognized each of the 11 cities and villages during a ceremony in June. In addition to Logan County, also honored were the cities of Atlanta, Lincoln and Mount Pulaski, plus the villages of Broadwell, Elkhart, Emden, Hartsburg, Latham, Middletown, New Holland and San Jose. Veterans advocate Joe Schaler helped lead the effort to have all 11 entities involved. I would like to thank the soldiers for their sacrifices and all the cities and villages becoming Purple Heart communities is a tribute to our veterans, he said. "I am very proud of this county in the way they honor veterans. When we first started this project, I didn't know if it was something we could get done or not and we didn't do it just to be the first, we did it because we are proud." The state of Illinois has passed a similar proclamation to denote Illinois as a Purple Heart State. It gives us and it gives veterans a sense of pride and all of us who care about this county want people to come here and start businesses, Thomas said. We have always had a lot of pride for our veterans and this just is another example of that. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Merit by General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782. It was the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or to the next of kin in the event of death. BLOOMINGTON Local school officials are awaiting the fate of education funding reform as school starts in two weeks and the funding bill has not passed. Through an amendatory veto Tuesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner removed a portion of the bill that provided help for Chicago Public Schools pensions along with money the district formerly received in the form of a block grant. While some of what the governor did in the veto is good, other parts of it could be problematic, said District 87 Superintendent Barry Reilly. He used that veto power to strike out increases that would go to districts based on certain factors relative to the funding formula. Rauner also removed a minimum funding requirement in the bill and made changes to the per-district hold harmless provision. The bill now returns to the Democrat-controlled Legislature, where three-fifths of lawmakers in both chambers must either approve or override Rauners changes. If neither chamber can raise the votes, the bill dies. Ideally, Id like to see them reach a compromise and get an evidence-based funding model in place, which is required in the state budget, said Reilly. Anything short of that is problematic for us all. If the bill dies on the floor, Reilly said it could cause some districts to eventually shut their doors which is a political nightmare neither side of the aisle wants. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, no Illinois district has reported that it could not open on time without funding. However, some districts can only survive for part of the year. Bloomingtons District 87 and the Olympia district in Stanford could keep doors open for the entire school year, but that would result in a deep gouge to their reserve funds. McLean County Unit 5 has enough reserves to open schools for 60 attendance days, or until mid-November. Unit 5 business manager Marty Hickman said the districts doors will open as scheduled on Aug. 16. The (late) categorical payments from last fiscal year could be paid at any time now. We ask for them to be paid immediately, given the uncertainty of the payments from the new budget, said Hickman. The first payment for the 2017-18 school year is due Aug. 10, with many districts starting class the following week. Because of the ongoing standoff, State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said he believes there will be a delay in those payments. When we recessed and left (Monday), we were calling the governor and (House) speaker (Michael Madigan) to reconvene the Illinois House of Representatives for special session. From a logistics standpoint, that means there will be a couple of days before we see order from either side, said Brady. Due to the weight of the issue, Brady said he believes the bill will be negotiated to compromise." The unfair part is how long its taking with schools across the state caught in the middle, he said. Lawmakers from both parties agree the 20-year-old calculation currently used to fund public schools in Illinois is unfair and forces school districts to rely heavily on property taxes, creating huge disparities in per-student funding. But lawmakers have clashed over how to fix it. The proposed formula channels money to the neediest districts first after ensuring that no district receives less money than last school year. It also includes pension help for Chicago, something no other Illinois district receives. Republican lawmakers are split over how to move forward with a plan to send $3 billion to an electronics manufacturing giant promising to create 13,000 jobs in Wisconsin as questions surfaced about how the plan would affect the next state budget that is a month overdue. Taiwanese technology company Foxconn wants to spend $10 billion to build LCD panels on a 20-million-square-foot, 1,000-acre campus of more than a dozen buildings in southeastern Wisconsin by 2020. Gov. Scott Walker signed an agreement to have a contract in place by the end of September. But doing so requires approval from a Republican-controlled Legislature that still hasnt passed a 2017-19 state budget. And despite a suggestion from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, on Tuesday that the Foxconn deal would have almost zero impact on the next state spending plan, questions surfaced from Democrats and Senate Republicans about whether more vetting was needed. Meanwhile, the head of Walkers state jobs agency told the Wisconsin State Journal on Tuesday state taxpayers could start sending payments to Foxconn over the next two years. Thats because the states deal with Foxconn promises to cover 17 percent of payroll through refundable tax credits so as the company hires staff, the state will make payouts. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said he wants to pass a new state budget before voting on Foxconn legislation, which Walker unveiled last week. But Assembly Republican leaders said they will hold a Thursday hearing on the bill and push for a mid-August vote. The biggest priority is making sure that we have Foxconn moving along, Vos told reporters. The sooner we are able to do our due diligence on the legislation, the sooner they are able to choose a site and hopefully begin construction. Vos said his goal with the bill is to be as transparent as possible to make the public understand what we are looking to do and the huge potential thats coming to Wisconsin. For a project like this, we dont want to delay unnecessarily, but we want to make sure the public has adequate time to digest it, Vos said. Fitzgerald said his members may need more time to sufficiently analyze the deals impact on state finances. Until you have any analysis from Bob Lang, who leads the Legislatures nonpartisan Fiscal Bureau, its pretty hard to even judge the bill, he said. Democratic lawmakers urged majority Republicans to slow the process and objected to waiving much of the states environmental oversight of the project, as the draft bill proposes. Also Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that Foxconn executive Terry Gou told him that the company could spent up to $30 billion in the United States three times the pledged investment in Wisconsin. Covering local incentives Walker and state officials are offering the Taiwanese tech giant $3 billion in incentives to build a liquid-crystal display manufacturing campus in southeast Wisconsin. It initially would employ 3,000 but that number could grow to 13,000 over time, Foxconn and state officials have said. Under the states manufacturing and agriculture tax credit, Foxconn even before the job incentives would pay almost no income tax, meaning the state tax credits largely would be paid in cash to the company. Two Walker administration officials who helped craft the Foxconn deal, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Mark Hogan and Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel, met with the State Journals editorial board Tuesday to discuss the project. Neitzel said the planned project would bring thousands of jobs to Wisconsin to create a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem. While payments to Foxconn are set to begin in 2020, they could potentially begin sooner if the company hires 1,000 people next month, Hogan gave as an example. Department of Administration spokesman Steve Michels said later that example likely isnt feasible for Foxconn, but if employees were hired on Jan. 1, 2018, for example, Foxconn would get tax credits for those employees the following year. The proposal also calls for the state to cover up to 40 percent of local governments costs associated with preparing for the Foxconn plant, like building sewers and roads, if the deal falls through, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Three months of talks Negotiations with Foxconn began about 90 days ago, Hogan said, and during those talks Walker was on the phone with Foxconn officials four to five times a week. Hogan declined to elaborate on details of the negotiation, but said the resulting incentive package is not everything Foxconn wanted but what state officials considered to be appropriate for taxpayers to support. Its hard to ultimately quantify all the benefits that flow from this deal, Neitzel said. Hogan also said Tuesday that companies that become part of Foxconns supply chain could also be eligible for tax credits that are overseen by his agency, but not the same ones Foxconn is receiving. He said those companies could be eligible for other state incentive programs. We will look at it, Hogan said. A Foxconn-commissioned analysis of the economic impact the project would have on Wisconsin shows 35,000 jobs statewide would be created by building the campus in southeastern Wisconsin, with 13,000 at the Foxconn plant. Hogan said Tuesday he is confident in the Foxconn analysis and emphasized the state is providing incentives when the company creates jobs, not before. Hogan said Wisconsin would not have been in a position to negotiate with Foxconn without lawmakers implementation of the manufacturing and agriculture tax credit, which reduces state income tax for manufacturers like Foxconn, and passing right-to-work legislation, which allows workers to opt out of financially supporting private-sector unions. Neitzel said he believes the project will be a talent attracter to Wisconsin, similar to how Veronas Epic Systems has drawn thousands to the Madison area to work for the health care software giant. He said the 13,000 jobs would not all be taken by Wisconsin residents and that the campus will likely draw people to Wisconsin to work there, like Epic. Budget deal a factor The Foxconn legislation includes $252 million in borrowing for rebuilding and expanding the Interstate 94 corridor through Racine and Kenosha counties. Neitzel said the Foxconn bill could be helpful in bringing about a 2017-19 state budget, which has stalled over transportation funding. I think the two pieces interact quite nicely, Neitzel said, declining to provide further details. The incentive package could pose a significant new expense to the state over its 15-year duration, according to the Foxconn study. It said the state could pay out as much as $74 million a year more in tax credits than it would collect in new tax revenue from the project. Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Osh- kosh, who sits on the states budget-writing committee, said Foxconn presents an exciting opportunity. But he said its problematic to hold a public hearing on the bill before knowing its fiscal impact to the state budget. I dont know that weve ever had a bigger piece of legislation have less transparency, have less scrutiny, and potentially have a bigger impact on Wisconsins long-term future, Hintz said. The company hasnt yet announced where it would locate the roughly 1,000-acre campus, but reports indicate the company is eyeing sites in Racine and Kenosha counties. Vos on Tuesday disputed concerns from environmental and conservation groups about waiving such requirements at the state level, saying federal requirements will remain. In most cases, if not all, the federal process will be as rigorous as it is in any other project in the state of Wisconsin, Vos said. Hintz said the LCD manufacturing process, depending on how its done, has the potential to contaminate both air and water. Why we are exempting this company from those standards and will that survive a legal challenge is something we want to get answers to, Hintz said. With the state of Illinois owing money to hundreds of agencies and thousands of businesses, you may shake your head at the idea of Illinois spending upward of $90 million on mental health treatment for state prisoners. Why should convicted felons get better care than the rest of us? Chances are, the seriously mentally ill prisoners are sicker than the rest of the general inmate population, are less likely to have received decent treatment before they were incarcerated by the state, and if treated by professionals have a better chance at a leading a normal life outside prison at a cheaper cost to taxpayers. In a story published Sunday, reporter Edith Brady-Lunny wrote about the state's newest mental health site, a 44-bed hospital-level facility in Elgin, scheduled to open later this year to serve the state's most seriously mentally ill prisoners; that's in addition to a 442-bed residential treatment center in Joliet. The state's 44,000-inmate system includes people who need high-level mental health treatment; the current system can provide basic care, but not the kind needed for the most seriously ill. Four other treatment centers are planned later at sites in Pontiac, Dixon and Lincoln. Brady-Lunny has reported extensively on the need at the local and state levels for treatment for people who end up in jail likely because of their mental health problems. For many, incarceration is the only way they can receive steady treatment. With the new facilities, not only will the inmates receive proper care and treatment, but the specialization will provide employment for those who will oversee their care. Long term, offenders who are released from the system will continue to receive care, which should help reduce chances of their committing other crimes either as the result of their mental health problems or to feed an addiction. Illinois prison inmates with serious mental illnesses will soon receive hospital-level care as the Department of Corrections puts the finishing touches on the 44-bed Elgin Treatment Center, the first facility to offer such intensive care to state prisoners who have previously been treated inside prison walls. Brady-Lunny wrote that the two mental health centers are part of the states plan to overhaul the care and treatment of an estimated 11,000 inmates who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Residents of McLean County know all too well about the problems the county faces trying to treat the mentally ill inmates assigned to our local jail. The problem is the same at the state level; the newest facilities will help. Should the state spend $90 million on helping prisoners when Illinois doesn't have the money to adequately serve the thousands of its law-abiding residents and businesses? The state has a responsibility to take care of all of its citizens, regardless of their status. Long term, serving the state's most seriously ill prisoners has the real possibility of paying off for the rest of society. Suffering and injustice still plague our world today. In countries like Syria its a crime to speak out against injustice, so many have to suffer in silence or face brutal punishments. The civil unrest in Syria has led to the countless deaths of innocent civilians. Just last month, Syrian government forces carried out a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, and it wasnt the first of its kind. Nerve agents have been used at least four times already in the past, and in some attacks, with the intent of harming civilians. The Syrian government has continually denied using chemical weapons, but they must be held liable for all their actions. At Saydnaya Prison, people opposed to the government are severely beaten, blindfolded and hanged in secrecy. Theyre given a mockery of a trial, convicted regardless of what they plead. Detainees are also subjected to inhuman policies, such as repeated torture, frequent beatings, rape and the deprivation of food, water and medical care. There can be no freedom when someones opinion is a crime, no peace when innocent people are suffering, and no progress towards a better world when we turn a blind eye to these violations of human rights. Its the moral obligation of every country with the power and influence to join together in the fight to end injustice. The first promotional images for Gucci's "Bloom," the fragrance you might remember from its launch party that you weren't at, are finally here and let me tell you, it's a flower-filled eau de parfum dream. Photographer Petra Collins, model Hari Nef and actress Dakota Johnson star in the Glen Luchford-shot campaign, donned head-to-toe in Gucci for creative director and perfect hair owner Alessandro Michele's first women's fragrance. Also, you can now buy it, if you want, for a mere $124. Ah, what a wonderful Tuberose absolute, Jasmine bud extract and Rangoon Creeper-time. Love me some Rangoon Creeper. Go pick up a wee bottle and lie in a field somewhere, you deserve it. [h/t The Cut] Image via Gucci There comes a time in every adult's life when they realize insurance companies, the safety net that is supposed to catch us when our iPhones fall, are in fact slippery little snakes that don't want to part with a dime. Kanye West is having to experience this firsthand after his own insurance is refusing to pay out his claims after he canceled his Saint Pablo tour last year due to severe mental stress, that he reportedly is still yet to fully recover from. West and his touring company Very Good Touring, Inc. today filed a $10 million dollar lawsuit against Lloyd's of London after the company refused to accept and pay his claims regarding his canceled tour. The complaint refers to West's hospitalization for a "debilitating medical condition" just days after he pulled out from performing his remaining Saint Pablo dates. While both West's and the insurance company's appointed physicians apparently declared the rapper "unfit to tour" the complaint outlines that Lloyd's of London allegedly "suggested that they may deny coverage of the claim on the unsupportable contention that use of marijuana by Kanye caused the medical condition." West's lawyers also allege Lloyd's of London leaked private information about him to the media as well as demanding West be presented for an examination under oath. "Performing artists who pay handsomely to insurance companies within the Lloyd's of London marketplace to obtain show tour 'non-appearance or cancellation' insurance should take note of the lesson to be learned from this lawsuit," the complaint reads. "Lloyd's companies enjoy collecting bounteous premiums; they don't enjoy paying claims, no matter how legitimate. "Their business model thrives on conducting unending 'investigations,' of bona fide coverage requests, stalling interminably, running up their insured's costs, and avoiding coverage decisions based on flimsy excuses. The artists think they they're buying peace of mind. The insurers know they're just selling a ticket to the courthouse." Altogether now: [h/t Pitchfork] Image via Getty In between stunning on Valerian red carpets and clapping back at body-shamers on Instagram, Rihanna has been pushing hard on her education platform. But it's not all picking up degrees from Harvard for her work and meeting with French presidents. Yesterday, Rih's Clara Lionel Foundation announced that it will be donating bikes to young girls in Malawi to help them stay in school. Clara Lionel Foundation is partnering with a bike-sharing company, ofo, for the 1KM Action program. It's a five-year initiative designed to help Malawian girls continue their educations. Only 8 percent of students in the country finish secondary school (a number that, shocker, affects women more heavily) and one of the primary hurdles for many is being able to actually get to school. The foundation will provide scholarships and now also bikes to young women. Earlier this year, Riri visited a school in Malawi and saw first-hand the barriers many children face to completing education. In the press release about the program, Rih says: "I'm so happy about the Clara Lionel Foundation's new partnership with ofo because it will help so many young people around the world receive a quality education, and also help the young girls of Malawi get to school safely, cutting down those very long walks they make to and from school all alone." [h/t The Cut] Splash image by Jeff Rogers/BFA.com A new report surfaced yesterday that Donald Trump directed the Justice Department, led by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, to investigate whether university affirmative action policies discriminate against white applicants. According to The New York Times, a document obtained by the paper described as "an internal announcement to the civil rights division" of the Justice Department which sought lawyers willing to take on "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions." The document doesn't explicitly state whom the Justice Department believes is at risk of "intentional race-based discrimination." Given that affirmative action policies were historically put into place to increase diversity in schools and to account for the centuries of systemic discrimination that put applicants of color at an unfair disadvantage, it would appear the Trump administration aims to undo those policies by claiming they are discriminatory themselves against white applicants. Roger Clegg, the president of the conservative Center for Equal Opportunity summed it up quite succinctly to the New York Times: "The civil rights laws were deliberately written to protect everyone from discrimination, and it is frequently the case that not only are whites discriminated against now, but frequently Asian-Americans are as well." Kristen Clarke, president of the liberal Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, told the Times that the civil rights division of the Justice Department was "created and launched to deal with the unique problem of discrimination faced by our nation's most oppressed minority groups." "This is deeply disturbing," she added. "It would be a dog whistle that could invite a lot of chaos and unnecessarily create hysteria among colleges and universities who may fear that the government may come down on them for their efforts to maintain diversity on their campuses." The Supreme Court ruled on this very issue in June of 2016 when they upheld the legality of affirmative action after white student Abigail Fisher sued the University of Austin. Fischer claimed that she was not admitted to the school because other students of color took her place due to affirmative action; the university, however, maintains that she was not admitted due to her grade point average and SAT score. [h/t NYT] Image via Getty Gov. Scott Walker is traveling to Japan and South Korea in September to encourage more foreign investment in the state. The trip announcement comes a week after Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn said it plans to invest billions of dollars and bring thousands of jobs to Wisconsin. The trip was announced Wednesday at a press conference with South Korea's ambassador to the United States, who is visiting Wisconsin, said Walker spokesman Tom Evenson. The trade mission will include leaders from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and Wisconsin business executives, Evenson said. During the trip, the group will meet with government officials and companies about opportunities to expand or invest in Wisconsin. "The historic $10 billion investment Foxconn is making in Wisconsin is a clear sign that businesses around the world are recognizing the many benefits of establishing operations in our state, Walker said. Were going to ... continue to make a strong case for why companies in these two countries should consider expanding in Wisconsin. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions This is a very nice story, with both Muslim and, if you will, feminist connections: Born in a refugee camp, shes now flying solo around the world *** Ive come across a very interesting pie chart of the worlds languages, and of their proportional representation in the worlds population. It can be slightly misleading, though. For example, English is probably much more important than its raw number of principal-language speakers would suggest, because, right now, its the most important second language in the world by a considerable distance: It will get you across Europe and around Latin America and Africa and across much of Asia in a way that Chinese simply wont. English will get you around in China itself in a way that Chinese just cant do in America, Canada, Australia, Britain, New Zealand, or South Africa. You can address a letter to a recipient in China using Roman letters, and it will get there. Try, by contrast, using Chinese script to address a letter within North America. This despite the many weird aspects of English, including its insanely irregular spelling. I mean, really: bough, cough, through, enough, bought, and so forth. The representation of Arabic on this chart is also potentially misleading. While its the primary language of an impressive number of speakers, its importance transcends them: Its the sacred language of scripture, scriptural commentary, law, and prayer for roughly 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide. Virtually all Islamic scholarship is done in, or at least heavily relies on, Arabic, even in most of the globes Muslim nations such as Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Canada, China, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Mali that arent Arab. *** Heres a rather unexpected one: Why the Middle East Hated Obama but Loves Trump Ill add another factor that may play a role: Many years ago, I was walking with a friend and fellow graduate student a Pakistani Muslim imam across the campus of UCLA. It was early on the eve of the 1984 presidential election, and Hashimi suddenly asked me for whom I would be voting. I wouldnt lie to him, though I expected that, for reasons of such issues as the Arab/Israeli conflict and other matters, he probably wouldnt be pleased with my answer. I told him that I was voting for Ronald Reagan. He beamed. A strong man, he said. A very strong man. Good! My experience is that, on the whole, the Middle Easterners and Muslims that Ive known respect strength. And I suppose that they see it in Mr. Trump. And Muslims also, of course, tend to be socially conservative. *** Did I ever mention this item? I dont think I did: Only in Egypt: Jewish Mother, Catholic Father and Two Muslim Daughters Under One Roof Magda Harouns last comment in the article, by the way, is virtually a paraphrase of Quran 5:48, which is one of my favorite verses in the Quran: And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ. (M. M. Pickthall translation) Patna: Putting media reports to rest that Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi was upset by the fact that he was not included in the list of new ministers, the former Chief Minister of Bihar met with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his residence on Tuesday reportedly to discuss his role in the new NDA government. Manjhi, who has been part of the NDA since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the nation in the Lok Sabha polls, had been pouting after he found himself not in the list of 27 ministers that were announced last Saturday. With six portfolios still vacant, the HAM chief is hoping to find a place in the new cabinet along with a leader from Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) who is expected to meet the Chief Minister on Wednesday. Talking to the media after his nearly an hour-long meeting with Kumar, Manjhi said it was merely a courtesy visit during which he congratulated Nitish for becoming Bihar Chief Minister for the sixth time in his life. Sources in the NDA said the cabinet expansion could be coming by the end of this week though a final decision in this regard was yet to be taken. While one seat each was expected to go to HAM and RLSP, another was said to go towards the BJP quota and the remaining three to the Janata Dal U. Patna: With Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders still reeling from the shock of losing power in Bihar, the war of words became even more intense on Tuesday when party President Lalu Prasad Yadav, a day after accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of having murdered a man, accused him of a being a 'backstabber who had a history of making a U-turn' on every issue. "Nitish is a 'Paltu Ram' (one who is known for changing his views) who will stab anyone in the back to remain in power. He has a history of going from one party to another while having no base of his own. He is an opportunist who will betray you in a heartbeat if there's political gain to be made," the former Chief Minister of Bihar said at a press conference in Patna on Tuesday. Yadav, who came out as the biggest loser in the whole deal as both of his sons lost their plum posts along with bungalows, cars, security and all other perks that come with a cabinet post, continued his tirade against the man he called his 'chhotey bhai', or younger brother, calling him a failed politician who once was dreaming of becoming the Prime Minister of India. "When he thought he had a shot at the PM's post, he conveniently walked out of the NDA to oppose Narendra Modi. Now that he has realized that his chances of becoming the PM of India is zero, he ditches the Grand Alliance in Bihar and joins hands with the same Narendra Modi he had accused earlier of murdering Muslims in Gujarat," he said. The RJD chief mocked Kumar for saying that it was due to his popularity and clean image, RJD got as many seats as it did in the 2015 Assembly polls. "It was I who made him the Chief Minister. I did not want to but I was convinced by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mulayam Singh Yadav to support him. Now he is saying that it was he who helped RJD win seats in the 2015 state polls. Doesn't he have any shame?" Yadav asked. US top diplomat Rex Tillerson repeats allegations against Iran 08/02/17 Source: Press TV US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is repeating the Trump administration's anti-Iran allegations. Speaking to reporters at the State Department on Tuesday, he American top diplomat accused Tehran of violating spirit of the nuclear deal, which also involves the UK, Russia, Germany, China, and France. Watch Video The US has recently imposed new sanctions on Iran based on the argument, citing Iran's missile program and claims of "destabilizing" the region. This is while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has on numerous occasions confirmed Iran's full compliance with the nuclear agreement. Tillerson, a former ExxonMobil CEO, said he would seek to counter what he claimed was Iran's "expansionist" policies by turning to Washington's friends in the Middle East. Iran has been at the vanguard of efforts to fight Takfiri terrorism supported by some of the US regional allies. Tehran also argues that the sanctions imposed on Iran last month are a violation of the JCPOA. The US president intends to sign legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, the White House says. Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the Islamic Republic has lodged a complaint with the joint commission supervising implementation of Iran's nuclear deal with six world powers over the new sanctions. US President Donald Trump, who has backed the sanctions, has warned Tehran of "big, big problems" in the face of the violation of the accord. In a report on July 27, The New York Times said Trump was "frustrated that his national security aides have not given him any options on how the United States can leave the Iran nuclear deal, [therefore he] has instructed them to find a rationale for declaring that the country is violating the terms of the accord." US, Iranian Leaders See Violations to Spirit of Nuclear Deal 08/02/17 Source: VOA U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal has taken focus away from other Iranian "destabilizing activities in the region," such as its ballistic missile program, support for terrorism and the roles it plays in conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. His comments Tuesday during a State Department briefing come as top officials in both the United States and Iran accuse the other side of violating the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which limited Iran's nuclear program to ensure it could not produce nuclear weapons while giving Iran sanctions relief. "It's an agreement that should serve Americans America's interests first and foremost, and if it doesn't serve that interest, then why would we maintain it?" Tillerson said. The Trump administration last month gave its latest certification to Congress that Iran is in compliance with the terms of the deal, which it will next be required to give in September. Trump himself has repeatedly criticized the JCPOA as being too friendly to Iran. Tillerson said Tuesday the United States is working with the other parties, which include Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, in order to fully enforce the terms and challenge whether Iran is "living up to its commitments and the spirit of the agreement." Too much, too soon? He voiced displeasure with the timeline of the agreement, saying Iran was able to enjoy a lot of its benefits from the beginning. "They got the immediate lifting of the sanctions before they ever had to deliver on anything," Tillerson said. The deal set up a period of time during which Iran was required to put in motion many of the key restrictions on its nuclear program, such as limiting the number of centrifuges it could operate, the amount of enriched uranium it could hold and keeping the enrichment level of the material far below weapons grade. Only after certification by the International Atomic Energy Agency were sanctions lifted. Tillerson also said Iran's ballistic missile activity has continued in a way that violates the spirit of the deal, and that under the JCPOA Iran agreed to "become a good neighbor." The ballistic missile language has been a point of contention since a U.N. Security Council resolution endorsed the nuclear deal. An annex in the resolution says a previous resolution that expressly forbid ballistic missile activity would be lifted, and that "Iran is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons." Iran has seen that language as more of a request than an enforceable prohibition. There is no specific language in the JCPOA that directs Iran to improve relations with its neighbors, but a section of the preface says all of the signatories "anticipate that full implementation of this JCPOA will positively contribute to regional and international peace and security." Trump's threats Trump told the Wall Street Journal last week that if it were up to him, he would have declared Iran non-compliant six months ago and that he expects to do so at the next opportunity. "We've been extremely nice to them in saying they were compliant, OK? We've given them the benefit of every doubt," he said. When asked if he would overrule his staff, Trump said, "Sure," while expressing respect for Tillerson and his staff at the State Department. "It's easier to say they comply. It's a lot easier. But it's the wrong thing." Iranian objections Iran has made its own complaints, including Tuesday in comments from Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Larijani said Iran's JCPOA team concluded new U.S. sanctions violated the nuclear deal and that his government should complain about them to the Joint Commission the deal set up in order to handle disputes between the two sides. The sanctions target people involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and the Revolutionary Guard. Larijani said the measures may be aimed at discouraging foreign investment in Iran, which the former nuclear-related sanctions sharply curbed. The agreement text says the European Union and the United States will refrain from policies specifically intended to harm the normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran. It also says officials from all sides will try to support the deal, "including in their public statements." Zarif meanwhile said U.S. moves to go back on the agreement and what he called hostilities toward Iran were discussed at the latest Joint Commission meeting, held July 21 in Vienna. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who was a key part of the JCPOA negotiations, is scheduled to travel to Iran on Saturday to review implementation issues with Iranian officials. Last month, in marking the two-year anniversary of the deal, Mogherini praised it as successful and noted reports by the IAEA showing Iran is abiding by the terms. "The European Union is and will stay committed in preserving and implementing it, and building on it to address the remaining unresolved sources of tension and conflict that are still afflicting the region," she said. "A stable and peaceful environment in a conflict-free and cooperative regional order remains our ultimate objective." The last IAEA report came in June and noted Iran was allowing the agency inspection and monitoring efforts to operate and was meeting the requirements for limits on centrifuges, enrichment and stockpile sizes. Private legal practitioner Maxwell Opoku Agyeman will regret leading staff of the Electoral Commission to petition the president for the removal of their chair Mrs Charlotte Osei, fellow legal practitioner Joe Debrah has said. According to him, Mr Agyeman has a long-standing relationship with Mrs Osei, a relationship that started in 1989 during their studies at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana, therefore, leading the petitioners to remove her was disappointing. Mrs Osei has been accused by her staff of fraud and financial malfeasance. They have petitioned President Nana Akufo-Addo for her removal. Mr Debrah told Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM on Tuesday, July 25 that: Maxwell Opoku Agyeman, Charlotte Osei and I are a family, we have about 30 years of relationship. We all met at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana in 1989 and formed a study group. We formed the study group right from the first year with a few other guys such as Yoni Kulendi. We also formed part of the Class of 94 and so apart from being schoolmates, we were study mates. We eat together, we chat and we do almost everything together and we have been doing that right from 1989 through the faculty days to the law school. Fortunately, Charlotte and Maxwell also went to the same school in Canada at the same time, and, so, I became disappointed when I heard that Maxwell was the one leading the impeachment against Charlotte. I am disappointed but of course he, just as everybody, has the right to make his own choices in life. But everybody among this fraternity is first of all disappointed that he chose to take up this case. The signal that it sends out is that he cannot be trusted by friends. It means after 30 years of being a brother, he can lead a course for my license to be revoked and that is dangerous. He could have asked a different lawyer to handle this matter because of the relationship he has with Charlotte Osei, Mr Debrah said. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A group belonging to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Action Movement has said it sides with former Attorney General Martin Amidu that the $510million AMERI deal was fishy. In a statement signed by spokesperson Kodzo Hamenya Keglo, the pro-NDC group called on former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor, under whose tenure of office the deal was signed, to expose the real mafia behind the AMERI deal. Dr Donkor, his former deputy John Jinapor and former deputy Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine are being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service in connection with the deal. Their homes were raided recently by the CID in search of incriminating documents. Following condemnation of the raids by the Minority in Parliament, Mr Amidu wrote an article in which he said: I have known Hon. Dr. Kwabena Donkor since the early days of the PNDC Government. He worked for quite some time in my friend and brother, Hon. Joseph Yieleh Chirehs Confiscated Assets Committee which I frequented before he left for the UK. I am therefore not writing the foregoing because I rejoice in Hon Donkors misfortune of being suspected of crime. But I hate the hypocrisy, double standards and audacity of the Minority in Parliament to unlawfully and unconstitutionally impede the police in the performance of their duties contrary to their very oaths of office as Members of Parliament, simply because their colleague, Hon. Dr. Kwabena Donkor, is now under suspicion of crime in relation to the stinking AMERI contracts. As a former Chairman of Ghanas Public Agreements Board under PNDC Law 42, a former Deputy Attorney General for over twelve years, a Minister of the Interior, and an Attorney General I also smelt a rat in the AMERI contracts to be interested in a thorough investigation into the transaction. I have myself questioned the fairness of this transaction which has been published in the media. But I have no reason to believe that Hon. Dr. Donkor personally committed any crime in relation to the contract. The AMERI affair is to me not about Hon. Dr. Donkor whom I have known closely for years. It is about the conduct and integrity of the John Dramani Mahama Government particularly when he has just been reported to have visited Namibia in circumstances that breed suspicion that he is fronting for the same company, its associates and/or its affiliates for profit, even in retirement, contrary to the 1992 Constitution. Which police service will not be interest in the AMERI contract in these circumstances? Dr. Kwabena Donkor, I am sorry to wade into this matter when you chance to be the suspect but I do not see you as the principal problem or culprit. Ghanaians need to get to the bottom of Government corruption no matter whose ass is gored. In support with Mr Amidus concerns, Action Movement said it has noted with grave concern a statement issued by the former Attorney General and a foundational member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Martin Amidu indicting former President John Mahama on the AMERI energy deal. In the said statement, Mr. Amidu expressed worry over President Mahama's conduct with regards to the AMERI deal. To him, the AMERI affair is not about Hon. Dr. Donkor but the conduct and integrity of the John Dramani Mahama government. Action Movement fully associates itself with the Amidu statement and wishes to state further that just like Mr Amidu, we also smell a rat in the AMERI contracts and want the state to do a thorough job in bringing to light the shady nature of the deal, the group said. It continued: We are by this statement calling on Dr Kwabena Donkor to defend his integrity and the truth. We are fully aware of his innocence and very confident that he will come out unscathed. But while at it, he must not shield anyone involved in this criminal conspiracy against the state. Anyone who steals from the state must be held accountable. We are also entreating our NDC foot soldiers not to allow themselves to be used by any former appointee who has found him/herself on the wrong side of the law. No foot soldier should heed the call to gather at the CID headquarters in solidarity with any of the former Mahama appointees. The foot soldier can be fooled for sometimes but not all the time. Those who eat alone should carry their cross alone. It is time for some of our leaders to learn their lessons the hard way. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The wife of Ghanas Vice-President, H.E. Hajia Samira Bawumia, has called on activists across the world who are fighting to end human trafficking to put emphasis on the sources of human trafficking, rather than the destination of trafficked persons. Addressing participants drawn from civil society, law enforcement, and government agencies at the International Women Trafficking Conference in India, Mrs. Bawumia proposed an innovative acronym; the five (5) Ss which stand for Socialization, Sensitization, Support, Supervision and Security as a holistic approach to tackling the menace of human trafficking. Ill share a Ghanaian proverb that says the best way to starve a river is to cripple its source. The river of human trafficking is extremely vast and flows from a gushing spring of unending water. We cannot empty it by fetching the water with buckets and pouring it elsewhere. Even if we use sophisticated pumps, we may only succeed in emptying one river and creating another river elsewhere, she said. The US State Departments Office to Monitor and Combat the Trafficking of Persons has described Ghana, as a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. Mrs. Samira Bawumia shared experiences from Ghana, where human traffickers are now diverting their routes to the Gulf region after the government of Ghana instituted measures to stop the trafficking of women. The biggest obstacle in the fight against human trafficking is that the victims do not know they are being trafficked. While some are too young to understand, many of the women who are trafficked are brainwashed and deceived, and they will defend their traffickers even when they are arrested. Only, two weeks ago, the Ghana Immigration Service announced it had rescued 150 women who were being trafficked across Ghanas borders to be taken to the gulf regions, she told participants of the conference. Mrs. Bawumia said human traffickers often use deceit in luring their victims into servitude. They brainwash their victims into believing that paradise awaits them. The victims then see their traffickers as saviours, and security agencies, who are trying to rescue them, as demons, who stand in their way to that paradise. This makes the fight difficult. The Second Lady told the participants who are drawn from all over the world that while all manner of persons could be affected by human trafficking, some people were more vulnerable to trafficking than others. It is obvious that human trafficking is no respecter of gender, but children and women are more vulnerable than male adults. For women and girls, it is even worse because apart from the demand for their exploited labour, they are also exploited sexually, she said. She charged participants to intensify the fight against human trafficking by creating awareness about the phenomenon in their respective countries: Let us intensify education. Let us help our women to understand the dangers that await them in the countries they are being lured into. Let us teach our mothers and fathers not to give their children to anyone who comes promising to take better care of them. Let us educate them not to give birth to more children than they can cater for. Let us encourage and partner the media to expose human trafficking cartels and put the spotlight on their dark and inhumane activities. Let us put pressure on governments, which are not committed to the international treaties on human trafficking in particular and human rights in general. Let us be advocates of good governance and development and help eliminate the factors that cause desperation among people and make them vulnerable to traffickers. The conference was organized by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women in partnership with the International Justice Mission. The conference brought together international experts in various fields, including members of civil society, law enforcement, and government agencies, to share current policies and best practices being used to combat and eliminate women trafficking. Source: New Crusading Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has welcomed the decision by the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament to okay the implementation of the controversial mandatory towing levy to be imposed on vehicle owners. It has, however, appealed to the Committee to reduce the levy by 50 per cent since the levy being charged is on the high side. Under the National Towing Project, owners of motorcylce will pay GHC10 per year, cars with engines capacity less than 2,000CC (less than 2.0) will pay GHC40, buses and passenger commercial vehicles will pay GHC80 while articulated trucks will pay between GHC80 and GHC100 yearly. Motorists whose vehicle break down on a main road would be required to call 0800 772 772 or 18555 and within an hour, a towing vehicle will arrive to tow the vehicle while it will take within two hours after the call is placed for vehicles which breakdown on highways to be towed. Though the levy was to take effect from July 1, 2017, it was suspended by the Transport Ministry following public outcry. The move was to allow for more consultations before its implementation. READ: Transport operators, COPEC threaten to resist mandatory towing fee Towing trucks and recovery vehicles of the Road Safety Management Services Limited The Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament upon consultations with the implementers of the project, Road Safety Management Limited (RSML), announced Tuesday it has given the green light for implementation to begin in September 2017. The Committee explained abrogating the contract which was signed with RSML in 2016 would cause the country judgement debt. A contract has duly been signed in 2016Its better than abrogating the contract and pay a penalty that may affect the country in future, chairman of the Committee, Samuel Aye Paye said. He said the Committee reached an agreement with RSML to cede five per cent of its 85 per cent of its share of charges to the National Health Authority and the National Ambulance Service. DVLA and Police Service will each take 5 per cent of the each while the Ministry of Finance, as and the National Road Safety Commission will also be allocated 2.5 per cent each from the proceeds. Commenting on the issue on Onua FMs Ghana Dadwene on Tuesday, the National Vice Chairman of the GPRTU, Robert Sarbah explained that It is true. We were invited before the Committee and what we said was that, it is a laudable one and we will not want to shoot down the idea. Some bread winners are lost most of the time through disabled vehicles. Look at the Kotoko accident; if the service was operational, it would not have occurred because the towing vehicle would have towed the disabled vehicle he observed. However, Mr. Saebah said the they would wish the amount is reduced by 50 per cent, noting That was exactly what we told the Committee. We [commercial drivers] cannot raise this quantum of money to tow vehicles if such things happen because drivers of our time do not have such an amount that when such issues happen, we can fall on to use he said. we will accept even 25% but we will still continue to plead for reductions he added. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has will today Wednesday, August 2, hold a press conference to reveal sanctions proffered to government officials who have misappropriated state resources. We want to give an update to fellow Ghanaians through the media on the status of implementing disallowances and surcharges as prescribed by the constitution and recently pronounced by the Supreme Court of Ghana, Domelevo told Joy News. The decision comes after the Supreme Court in June this year ordered the Auditor-General to recover all state funds which have been misappropriated by individuals. The judgment by the seven-member panel said the order affected both public officials and private individuals found to have looted state coffers. Per the courts order, the Auditor-General must surcharge any individual who is found to have expended public funds unlawfully. The Supreme Court further ordered the governments prosecution arm, the Attorney-Generals Department, to ensure the enforcement of the orders by initiating a criminal prosecution when necessary. Already, the Auditor-General has the mandate, under Article 187 Clause 7 (b) of the 1992 Constitution, to surcharge individuals found to have used public money unlawfully. Source: StarrFmonline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video JEFF SWENSEN/GETTY News that the State Department is scrubbing the promotion of justice and democracy from its mission is just the latest in a steady and unending stream of signals the Trump administration is pushing the nation further away from small-d democracy. It follows the alienation of democratic allies, the promotion of undemocratic ideals abroad, and perhaps most egregiously, the cozying up with authoritarian dictators around the world. Were the State Departments actions an outlier for the administration, the move to stop promoting democratic norms and justice across the globe would merely be cause for concern. As it stands, the change appears to be the next logical step in a long, calculated plan completely altering the United States position on foreign policy, on norms, and on the global stage. Small-D Democracy One of the State Departments primary missions other than diplomacy is the promotion of small-d democracy and justice around the world. The promotion of these ideals is meant to thwart the shadow of fascism, authoritarianism, and other forms of dictatorial governing styles. Russia offers a prime example of the form of government the mission of promoting democracy and justice seeks to achieve. Compare the decayed democratic institutions in Russia with other democratic countries with independent branches of government untainted by corruption and malpractice; free press unhindered by state interference; free exercise of religion (even unpopular belief systems). That said, the State Departments change in policy should alarm everyone. The Washington Post detailed the changes in progress: According to an internal email that went out Friday, which I obtained, the State Departments Executive Steering Committee convened a meeting of leaders to draft new statements on the departments purpose, mission and ambition, as part of the overall reorganization of the State Department and USAID. (The draft statements were being circulated for comment Friday and could change before being finalized.) The State Departments draft statement on its purpose is: We promote the security, prosperity and interests of the American people globally. The State Departments draft statement on its mission is: Lead Americas foreign policy through global advocacy, action and assistance to shape a safer, more prosperous world. The State Departments draft statement on its ambition is: The American people thrive in a peaceful and interconnected world that is free, resilient and prosperous. Compare that to the State Department Mission Statement that is currently on the books, as laid out in the departments fiscal year 2016 financial report: The Departments mission is to shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere. This mission is shared with the USAID, ensuring we have a common path forward in partnership as we invest in the shared security and prosperity that will ultimately better prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow. The Post spoke with several experts on the change who raised red flags: Former senior State Department officials from both parties told me that eliminating just and democratic from the State Departments list of desired outcomes is neither accidental nor inconsequential. The only significant difference is the deletion of justice and democracy, said Elliott Abrams, who served as deputy national security adviser for global democracy strategy during the George W. Bush administration. We used to want a just and democratic word, and now apparently we dont. Abrams added, That change is a serious mistake that ought to be corrected. If not, the message being sent will be a great comfort to every dictator in the world. The Post added: Tom Malinowski, who served as assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor for the Obama administration, said the new proposed mission statement brings U.S. foreign policy into closer alignment with that of some of Americas chief adversaries, including Russia. Its a worldview similar to that of Putin, who also thinks that great powers should focus exclusively on self protection and enrichment, rather than promoting democracy, he said. By removing all reference to universal values and the common good it removes any reason for people outside the United States to support our foreign-policy. None of this should come as a surprise given other events in the current administration. Trump Embraces Authoritarianism When not praising dictators like Putin or the newly elected far-right nationalists in Poland, Donald Trump uses language drawn directly from authoritarian propaganda. His inaugural speech offers one of the most prominent examples. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow, Trump said in January. His authoritarian language didnt start there though; rather, his presidential campaign was thick with isolationist and authoritarian references. Take his America First slogan, for example. That slogan was created by Nazi sympathizers in the United States during World War II to encourage the nation to think of America First and force our allies to fend for themselves. The Atlantic looked into the slogans history a while back noting: But the phrase America first also has a darker recent history and, as my colleague David Graham pointed out Friday, was associated with opponents of the U.S. entering World War II. The America First Committee (AFC), which was founded in 1940, opposed any U.S. involvement in World War II, and was harshly critical of the Roosevelt administration, which it accused of pressing the U.S. toward war. At its peak, it had 800,000 members across the country, included socialists, conservatives, and some of the most prominent Americans from some of the most prominent families. There was future President Ford; Sargent Shriver, whod go on to lead the Peace Corps; and Potter Stewart, the future U.S. Supreme Court justice. It was funded by the families who owned Sears-Roebuck and the Chicago Tribune, but also counted among its ranks prominent anti-Semites of the day. From America First to the demonization of otherness and calls for an isolationist foreign policy, Trump began his presidency on an authoritarian tone and planted seeds that are now beginning to blossom. In a article published earlier this year, Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth touched on this explaining: Most people in the United States have no experience with autocratic government, but experience elsewhere teaches us that it can arrive with extraordinary speed, signaled not by tanks surrounding the presidential palace but by the erosion of democratic norms. We may take comfort in the strength and vigor of the U.S. democratic system, with its many checks and balances, but we should resist complacency, because each has its fragility. A professional, free and fair press, for example, has a vital role to play, but it is not immune to official intimidation or the diversion of alternative facts. A fiercely independent judiciary is essential, but judges are susceptible to pressure and intimidation. They will need courage to defend rights if the president persists in promoting abusive policies. Here are a handful of examples from the last six months where Trump emphatically embraced authoritarianism or a leader who uses those tactics: His constant focus on and demonization of immigrants and inaccurate portrayal of the immigrant community as being primarily composed of murderers, rapists and other criminals. Transforming the White House into a classic example of raw kleptocracy. Trumps speech in Poland following their nationalist government takeover that included quelling free press. In a press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump not only failed to promote the democratic ideals around free press, but explicitly agreed with Dudas crackdown on Polands independent press. After deriding CNN and NBC as fake news during the conference, Trump asked Do you have that also, Mr. President? (Though Duda nodded in agreement, the wink and nod could be seen around the world.) Any of the constant attacks on democratic norms from calling any mainstream news critical of his administration fake news to his attempts to subvert the judiciary and the investigation into his administrations potential collusion with Russia during their attack on the 2016 elections. In an article published at Slate, Yascha Mounk argued: Trump did not come into office as a sworn enemy of the FBI, or the filibuster, or even the judiciary. But since all of these institutions have hampered his ability to rule by fiat, or stand above the rule of law, each of them has quickly come to bear the brunt of his anger. When the director of the FBI refused to pledge his personal loyalty to the president, or to shut down the bureaus investigation into the campaigns ties to Russia, Trump fired him. When the Senate failed to take health care away from millions of Americans, Trump called for the abolition of the filibuster. And when judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals repeatedly ruled against the administration, Trump threatened to dissolve it. So far, a lot of this authoritarian behavior has remained in the realm of rhetoric. This is not to say that its harmless: When the president exhorts cops to rough up suspects, for example, this is likely to lead to some all-too-real violations of basic rights. Even so, the key question now is whether Trumps authoritarian instincts will eventually push him one crucial step furtherpitting his administration against other branches of government in deed as well as in word. She concluded: And yet, it is also clear that, six months into his presidency, Trump is already morphing into the authoritarian he was destined to become. Frustrated with the barriers put in his way by independent institutions, he now considers himself at war with them. Though he remains a lot less ideological than Orban or Erdogan, his authoritarian instincts are pushing him toward the same destination. There is little reason to think that he is less of a danger to democracy than they have proved to be. His penchant for seeking power and refusal to hold himself accountable to the rule of law means Trump will only allow democratic institutions to further erode as his administration further unravels. Downstream Impacts While the obvious and immediate outcome of Trumps embrace of authoritarian beliefs and tactics is the eroding of democratic institutions, a more insidious impact lies ahead only a fraction of the population has felt the effects of thus far. At the top of that long list is human rights. The Washington Post article detailing the State Departments plan to remove democracy and justice from their mission has a short section that touches on this. The Post explained: The changes in the State Department mission statement may not seem very significant viewed in isolation. But Tillerson has made several statements and decisions that indicate he plans to lower the priority of democracy and human rights in U.S. foreign policy. In his first speech to his State Department employees, he said promoting American values creates obstacles to pursuing Americas national security interests. In March, he broke tradition by declining to appear personally to unveil the State Departments annual human rights report. In another example, the State Department will soon eliminate the www.humanrights.gov website and move its content to an alternative web address, www.state.gov/j/drl, a State Department official told me. Its just so gratuitous. What efficiency is achieved or money is saved by taking something that is prominent on the Internet and hiding it? said Malinowski. The consequence is that its the 9,456th signal sent by the administration that they dont care about promoting American values. Weve documented many similar instances where the Trump administration is either overtly harming people through its policies (such as the LGBTQ community) or setting the stage for future harm (such as the eradication of digital resources throughout the White House website and elsewhere across government websites). Tom Malinowski an American diplomat who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor under the Obama administration offered insight into the power of democracy and justice and how its promotion abroad is crucial. He said: Leading with its values gave the United States a sense of purpose in the Cold War. It won that struggle, in part, because it articulated aims that appealed to people on both sides of the Iron Curtainindependence for the Baltic States; freedom of choice for the Hungarians, Czechs, and Poles; and security guarantees to the Soviet Union that came with promises to respect human rights. Of course, America was selective, directing the rhetoric of freedom at its enemies, not its friends. What of its backing of dictators like Pinochet and the Shah of Iran, or its bombing of Vietnam and Cambodia, or its crimes of racism at home? But these wrongs provoked debate in part because they so clearly contradicted American ideals, and because Americans took their self-image seriously. Over time, and especially as the exigencies of a bipolar world fell away, America adjusted its actions to fit that image more than the other way around. By the late 1980s, pressed by a growing international human rights movement, the United States had sanctioned apartheid-era South Africa and helped push from power both Chiles Pinochet and the Philippiness Ferdinand Marcos, a one-time ally. In the 1990s, human rights activists who had once denounced U.S. intervention in Southeast Asia and Central America began urging military action in Kurdistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo, to protect victims of mass violence. The U.S. government began barring aid to foreign military units that had committed human rights abuses. It doled out grants to foreign civil society groups promoting democracy and human rights, even those critical of U.S. allies (like Egypt) and policies (like its use of landmines). By the time I joined the Obama administration in 2014, it was widely expected that the president of the United States would raise human rights concerns in just about every meeting with a foreign leader, and meet with activists in countries he visited. If a dissident was arrested, an opposition party banned, or an atrocity committed somewhere in the world, the State Department would almost certainly have something to say. My colleagues and I were proud of our role in encouraging democratic transitions in Burma and Sri Lanka; many of us anguished over our hesitations, from Rwanda in 1994, to Syria today. We argued constantly about the means of human rights promotion, but hardly ever about the ends. He added: Even where people hate American policies, there is a notion of America that transcends that hatred: the idea of a country where people can be who they are and say what they think; where they are basically treated fairly, whatever their race or religion; where the justice system is not corrupt; where the powerful obey the law and are punished when they dont; where refugees and immigrants can become as much a part of society as the descendants of its first settlers. When America is blamed for compromising this ideal, it is because the world counts on the country to live up to it. This is a burden but also a blessing. And over time, the values America stands for have become embedded in the daily business of international relations all over the world. Today, not only American leaders, but the UN secretary general, urge Russia to stop killing civilians in Syria. The UN Security Council discusses political prison camps in North Korea. The European Union gives awards to Chinese dissidents. At global gatherings, nations affirm the Western vision of a global internet that no government can censor or control. The G-20 tries to stop kleptocrats from hiding their money in Western banks. The Organization of American States censures Venezuela for abandoning democracy. The African Union documents war crimes in Sudan. This has been a great success of American diplomacy. But if you are an authoritarian ruler of iron grip and fragile legitimacy like, say, Vladimir Putin, it is also dangerous. In every capital of diplomacy and finance, you hear talk of universal values and norms. You see the same ideas migrating onto placards held by protestors ousting strongmen from Libya to Ukraine. You fear that your own people will get the same idea. What happens when a man who abhors democratic institutions, norms, and rule of law wins the presidency with the help of one of those dictators? Malinowski added: This new American president gives key government tasks to his family. He places military officers above civilians (as an Egyptian diplomat said to one of my colleagues after the election: You are just like us now, reporting to generals!)You realize, to your delight, that you can make business deals with his sons, rent conference rooms in his hotels, even put his future national security adviser on your payroll. What an incredible opportunity this presents, not only to buy influence, but to show that America is no better than any other country, that the worlds policeman is not only off the beat but on the take. If youre an authoritarian leader, you can also rest assured that Trumps America Firstism will, by definition, inspire no one outside America. It will give no one in your country a reason to look up to and align with the United States. Your people will hear from the American president exactly what they hear from you: America protects its interests; other countries protect theirs. There are no universal values. Everything is transactional. This is Putins ultimate end game. This is every global dictators ultimate end game. They want the shining city upon a hill to lose its luster. They want the world to return to shadow and mistrust a world they can more easily move in, govern in, and control. The very concept of liberal democracy is at stake, and saving it and Americas reputation on the global stage will take a bipartisan effort led by those who helped put Trump into office. Malinowski has some advice for those Republicans, too: Even if they support Trump politically, theyll need to join with Democrats to protect civil liberties and the integrity of American democracy, and serve as an alternative voice of America. On the Hill, they can bolster Americas anti-corruption and ethics laws and the institutions that enforce them. They can protect the parts of the State Department budget essential for advancing American values, including funding for civil society groups in closed societies. That includes supporting funding for the United Nations, given that the new Secretary General Antonio Gutteres, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid al Raad, are among the few global leaders today willing to speak up for the values the United States traditionally defends. Heres to hoping that Republicans can begin putting people (and country) over party before its too late. Peacock Panache readers: Tim Peacock is the Managing Editor and founder of Peacock Panache and has worked as a civil rights advocate for over twenty years. During that time hes worn several hats including leading on campus LGBTQ advocacy in the University of Missouri campus system, interning with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and volunteering at advocacy organizations. You can learn more about him at his personal website. Like this: Like Loading... Related We hope you enjoyed reading this article! If you would like to support our ongoing work, please consider buying us a cup of coffee. It's not much, but we don't do this for the money. We do, however, need caffeine to keep going some days!If you do donate, send us a message through our Contact Us page or via social media so we can thank you! Fully knowing, college students and football fans will be flocking back to campus soon, "Tasting Table" listed the top college town foods in every state. And, we weren't surprised Penn State made the cut. But it wasn't the homemade stickies from Ye Olde College Diner or the waffles from the Original Waffle Shop recognized on the list. It was something much cooler. The site deemed the Penn State Berkey Creamery as tops. "In case you needed any further excuse for an ice cream pit stop, consider that the namesakes behind Ben & Jerry's went to Penn State to learn how to make ice cream. It's home to the largest creamery in the country, which shouldn't be surprising given the more than 120 total flavors. Wave hello to the cows next door to thank them for your scoop of death by chocolate." The creamery has been making ice cream for more than 150 years and is a campus favorite among generations of Penn State students and fans. Among the well-known flavors are Keeney Beany Chocolate, Peachy Paterno and WPSU Coffee Break. The Creamery also produces cheese, milk, yogurt and processed spreads and cheeses. The list covered other favorites such as Momma Goldberg's Deli in Alabama; Fleetwood Diner in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Humburg Inn No. 2 in Iowa City. The account of the episode has the makings of a vacation horror story. Bonita Fetterman, a grandmother visiting South Carolina's popular Myrtle Beach with her family last week, was standing on the balcony of their hotel when she cut her leg on a chair, her granddaughter told local NBC-affiliate WMBF. The injury wasn't serious, so she didn't seek medical attention, and later went down to the beach. On Saturday, the family went home to Lumberton, N.C. The grandmother noticed blisters on her leg. By that night, her leg had turned purple, with her blood pressure dropping. Her family took her to Southeastern Hospital. "If she stayed there, she had like a 10 percent chance of surviving, and they were to amputate her leg," said the granddaughter, who did not wish to be identified. Fetterman would soon be airlifted to the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill. The story starting capturing national attention after Fetterman's daughter, Marsha Barnes Beal, posted photos to Facebook on Sunday, July 30. "She was airlifted to Chapel Hill earlier today. She's now in ICU, heavily sedated, and on a breathing machine," the post said. One picture showed a leg below the knee, the bright red skin peeling and blistered down to the ankle. A video captures the moment Fetterman is put on a helicopter to be transported. "Please remember my Mama, Bonita Fetterman in prayer," the Facebook post says. "She's now in ICU, heavily sedated, and on a breathing machine. However, she is stable!" Beal then pointed out what she said was the cause of Fetterman's affliction. "She came in contact with a life threating[sic] flesh eating bacteria after putting her feet in the water at Myrtle Beach!" As of Tuesday evening, the post had more than 84,000 shares. Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly called a flesh-eating infection, kills the body's soft tissue and can be "deadly in a very short amount of time," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 700 to 1,100 cases have occurred each year in the United States since 2010, though there are likely more cases that go unreported. Ways to prevent infection include avoiding natural bodies of water if you have an open wound, the agency says. Fetterman's granddaughter told WMBF that a doctor had told her it was flesh-eating bacteria. Jamie Williams, a spokesman for UNC Medical Center, confirmed that Fetterman is patient at the hospital and said the family requested that information not be released. Beal did not immediately respond to a request for comment through Facebook. In a statement posted Monday, the city of Myrtle Beach said it was aware of the Facebook post but had no reports of issues at the beach, where the water is tested twice a week during swimming season, according to spokesman Mark Kruea. He said the city has reached out to the family on Facebook but has not received a response. The City of Myrtle Beach is aware of a Facebook post that claims bacterial issues along the Grand Strand. We have had... Posted by Myrtle Beach City Government on Monday, July 31, 2017 "This person has a serious medical condition - we aren't saying there's no serious medical condition - we just don't know the what the why or the where attached to it at this point and we need more information." Some commenters on the city's statement on Facebook were skeptical. "Pleease, I feel bad for this lady, but something is wrong here, compromised immune system. Just not adding up. I was in that water daily for the past few weeks." The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but spokesman Robert Yanity told myrtlebeachonline.com that the agency is aware of the news reports of a potential case of necrotizing fasciitis, adding that, "It's important to note that this type of condition is not necessarily associated with exposure to natural waters like oceans, lakes or rivers or poor water quality." Kruea, the Myrtle Beach spokesman, said there hasn't been a large number of phone calls from concerned visitors and that if the city knew the location of the alleged point of infection, it could order extra testing of the water. "We don't think the water is a factor, but in the absence of additional information I'm not sure what to do at this point." (c) 2017, The Washington Post. Story by Herman Wong A former Franklin County doctor convicted on charges he drugged and sexually assaulted several of his patients is now under investigation for taking pictures of women during gynecological exams, according to state police police. Troopers said they want speak with anyone who was a patient of Dr. Sohael Raschid, 60, formerly of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Phoenix Wellness and Physical Restoration Center in Chambersburg. In March, Raschid was convicted of 14 counts "he drugged two women and a teen girl and sexually assaulted two of them," according to a report from the Chambersburg Public Opinion. In June he was sentenced to 30 to 95 years in state prison. Raschid was originally charged in March 2015. He is currently an inmate at SCI Camp Hill. Troopers said they believe the pictures were taken in 2015 at the restoration center. Former patients of Raschid are asked to contact state police at 717-264-5161. About 200 Wisconsin Air National Guard personnel and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons stationed at Truax Field in Madison are heading to South Korea for four months. A statement released by the Air National Guard called the deployment a routine training mission that supported the U.S. Pacific Commands security obligations in the region. The deployment comes as North Koreas development of nuclear weapons and testing of ballistic missiles have heightened tensions with the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said the U.S. has no plans to invade, but he added that North Korea is presenting an unacceptable threat. Personnel from the Air National Guard 176th Fighter Squadron were scheduled to be sent off in a closed-to-the-public ceremony and arrive overseas this month. The unit will train at the U.S. Air Force Kunsan Air Base on the western coast of the South Korean peninsula about 150 miles south of Seoul. Kunsans 8th Fighter Wing will direct the training. The United States routinely evaluates readiness and repositions forces as needed to ensure capabilities necessary to meet obligations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the Air Force said in a statement. These deployments demonstrate the continued U.S. commitment to fulfill security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific and to maintain peace in the region. The 176th Fighter Squadron is part of the 115th Fighter Wing based at Truax. About 110 personnel from the Wisconsin Air National Guards 128th Air Control Squadron deployed to southwest Asia in May, about 150 Army National Guard soldiers from Wisconsins 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation unit deployed to Kuwait in April, and another 35 soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation deployed to Afghanistan in February. National Guard members respond to emergencies at home while serving as the nations primary combat reserve force. A Mechanicsburg man accused of possessing more than 600 child pornography images has been sentenced to five years in prison. David Allen Hoffman, 68, will serve 10 years of supervised released after his prison term, ordered Judge William W. Caldwell Tuesday in U.S. Middle District Court in Harrisburg. U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler said a search of Hoffman's home in August 2016 turned up more than 600 images depicting the sexual exploitation of children that Hoffman received from an international company. Hoffman is accused of receiving the images between December 2010 and February 2011. Hoffman was released into custody of U.S. Marshals. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The National Weather Service in State College has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Dauphin County and Lebanon County until 3:30 p.m. At 2:27 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Paxtang, moving east at 20 mph. Areas impacted include Cornwall, Hummelstown, Steelton, Hershey, Palmyra, Colonial Park, Annville, Middletown, Harrisburg and Linglestown. There is also a severe thunderstorm warning in part of York County. Check with PennLive for all of your weather updates. You can see live weather updates via the National Weather Service and other Twitter sources below. Tweet us at @pennlive with photos of inclement weather at your place, incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com. WILLIAMSPORT -- A federal appeals court has revived a small sliver of the defamation suit filed by Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller. The panel of the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday ruled U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann erred in dismissing a claim brought against Michelle Shutt, a former paralegal in the district attorney's office. It did, however, affirm the dismissal of all claims against the other 11 defendants in the suit, which was filed in 2015. Those defendants included three county commissioners, their solicitor, a judge and members of the Centre County legal community. Because the surviving claim was brought under Pennsylvania law, Brann will have the option of accepting jurisdiction or referring it to Centre County court. Parks Miller contended in her suit she was the target of a maliciously false, personal and politically motivated power play to drive her from office and destroy her reputation. All that remains is her allegation that Shutt violated her fiduciary duty by circulating confidential emails she had transferred to her personal account while still in the district attorney's office. They related to a "pretend bail" order that was part of a sting investigation of an inmate believed to have contracted to have one of the district attorney's assistants killed. Parks Miller became the subject of an investigation that included a search of her office after she was accused of forging a judge's signature on the fake order. The probe was initiated by Bellefonte police based on a complaint filed by Phillip Masorti, whose law firm employed Shutt after she left the district attorney's office. Attached to the complaint were copies of emails Shutt obtained while working for Parks Miller. Brann had dismissed the claim against Shutt, ruling that since the emails originally were sent to 11 individuals they could not be considered private property capable of being stolen. However, the appeals court found if the recipients had a duty not to disclose the contents, they remained confidential. It affirmed dismissal of Parks Miller's defamation claim against Shutt finding the district attorney failed to plausibly allege she defamed her. A statewide grand jury cleared Parks Miller of any wrongdoing but she contended in her court complaint that county officials continued to make public statements inferring she was a criminal. Brann had dismissed the claims against those officials, finding they were unsupported or the individuals had immunity. As to the lawyers, he found their statements did not have a defamatory connotation or the claims against them were unsupported. Madison officials reached a compromise Tuesday on the shape of a task force to study the citys government. The Common Council Executive Committee voted to support a new option to examine the makeup of Madisons government, the powers of elected officials and its vast network of committees. Mayor Paul Soglin and Ald. Sara Eskrich, 13th District, offered separate proposals for the task force, varying in the number of members, who appoints the members and what they study. But Ald. Rebecca Kemble, 18th District, crafted a third option to combine substantive aspects of both plans after the committee failed to make a recommendation on either of the proposals at its two previous meetings. It speaks to the fact that we can come up with a good way of putting all the different ideas together, said Ald. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, 5th District. Thats kind of the point of a legislative body. The task force Soglin proposed would have had 17 members: 15 city residents appointed by the mayor and two City Council members selected by the council president. Eskrich proposed four council members and three residents with experience in governance and community engagement, all to be appointed by the council president. Kembles plan meets in the middle, calling for an 11-member task force. The council president and the mayor would each appoint two council members and three city residents, while also jointly selecting a chairperson. The committee amended the plan Tuesday at the request of Ald. Denise DeMarb to add a 12th, nonvoting member to either be filled by the mayor or a deputy mayor. I just think its super important for someone from the mayors office to actually sit on this committee as a member, said DeMarb, 16th District. Kembles option also clearly categorizes what the task force would study in terms of the mayor, City Council, the committee system and the government structure in general. It also calls for $30,000 to be included in the 2018 operating budget for the task force for public outreach, the City Attorneys Office to staff the task force and cooperation with the citys racial equity and social justice team. Recommendations and suggestions would be due to the City Council by the end of 2018. The proposal will go before the council on Sept. 5. Thick smoke from wildfires fills the air as a horse grazes near Cache Creek, B.C., on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. A haze has fallen on the Lower Mainland as winds carry smoke from wildfires in the B.C. Interior to the coast. Environment Canada's special air quality and weather advisories continue for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast and eastern Vancouver Island as the smoke and a heat wave pose potential health risks. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck A Milwaukee organ and tissue donation organization is asking hospitals to use an out-of-state eye bank instead of Madison-based Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, a move the Lions bank says came because it raised safety and quality concerns about the organization. The organ and tissue organization, Blood Center of Wisconsin, disagrees. It says it partnered with Seattle-based SightLife a nonprofit with a for-profit subsidiary to simplify the cornea recovery process for hospitals and provide a larger pool of corneas to surgeons. The shift could mean corneas from some Wisconsin donors will be less likely to go to Wisconsin recipients, said Darice Langham, executive director of the nonprofit Lions eye bank, the only eye bank based in the state. Weve got that donor-recipient connection, Langham said. Those things really matter to donor families. But SightLife, which recovers corneas in nine states, has a larger variety of corneas, said Colleen McCarthy, vice president of organ and tissue donation for the Blood Center. Because of the higher volumes, theyre able to match very specific surgeon needs with the corneas they have available, McCarthy said. The Blood Center, one of two organizations overseeing organ and tissue donation in Wisconsin, announced its partnership with SightLife in June. The center asked the 35 hospitals and other outlets in its 12-county eastern Wisconsin region to use SightLife, instead of the Lions eye bank, for cornea recovery and donation, McCarthy said. Three hospitals Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Kenosha Medical Center and St. Catherines Medical Center in Pleasant Prairie and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiners Office have switched so far. UW Organ and Tissue Donation, which covers the rest of the state, is not involved with SightLife and continues to work with the Lions eye bank, said Michael Anderson, executive director of the UW organization. Langham said the Blood Center partnered with SightLife because she raised several concerns about the centers operations. The center didnt promptly notify the Lions eye bank about potential cornea donors or quickly share blood test results in many cases, leading to discarded corneas and missed opportunities for donation, Langham said. The center approved some donors incorrectly, she said, using a process designed for patients who have given consent for donation on some patients who had only registered an intent to donate. In three cases, Langham said, the center sent donor blood samples for communicable disease testing after initial samples tested negative; the second samples were positive, but likely falsely so. Had the corneas been transplanted, the discrepancies could have caused problems, including a recall and recipients requiring treatment, Langham said. In some cases, including one involving a potential donor who possibly used intravenous drugs a disqualification for donation the Lions eye bank believed additional investigation was needed before approving the donor, but the center did not, she said. IV drug use was eventually ruled out, and the patients corneas were donated. The Lions eye bank filed complaints early this year with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration, Langham said. Its not clear if or how the agencies have responded. Blood Center administrators werent happy with us asking for more and higher quality, Langham said. We were applying a little bit more pressure to try to get those things more manageable. It wasnt just us being put at risk. It was them and the hospitals and everyone really. McCarthy denied each of the alleged safety and quality problems Langham raised. We do not believe at all that our systems caused the loss of potential donors, McCarthy said. We have never recovered tissue or organs without having proper authorization. She said she couldnt comment specifically on the three cases allegedly involving duplicate blood testing. But, she said, if there ever is a duplicate test sample sent, thats something that every donation organization would work to ensure wouldnt happen again. As for evaluating potential donors, we will go to great lengths to identify past medical history, McCarthy said. We share it with our transplant partners. McCarthy said the Blood Centers partnership with SightLife wasnt prompted by Langham airing her concerns. Dr. Brian Peterson, Milwaukee Countys medical examiner, said he supports the shift to SightLife, in part because of SightLifes goal of using donor corneas to end blindness worldwide. Peterson, chairman of an advisory board for the organ donor part of the Blood Center, said the Lions eye bank has caused some difficulties. The Lions eye bank sent some donor blood samples to a different lab than the one the center uses, which he said was insane because it can increase test result discrepancies. Langham denied sending samples to a different lab. Peterson said the Lions eye bank recovered corneas, without his approval, from a child who suffered a non-accidental head injury, inhibiting his investigation of the death. Langham said the Blood Center authorized the recovery of the childs corneas amid some miscommunication. Dr. Sarah Nehls, an eye surgeon at UW Health, said she has relied on the Lions eye bank for cornea transplants for years, including urgent cases in the middle of the night. The Lions eye bank has been able to provide the tissue that I need without any interruptions or any lack of availability, Nehls said. With an eye bank far away, I would worry about having less availability of tissue for myself and the other cornea surgeons in Wisconsin, she said. More corneas are recovered than transplanted in the United States unlike with donor organs, for which supply is less than demand. Many corneas are sent overseas, where there is significant demand for transplants. Of the 1,568 corneas distributed last year by the Lions eye bank, 899 were transplanted in Wisconsin, 455 were used in other states and 214 were sent to other countries, Langham said. That means 86 percent stayed in the U.S. Of 11,689 corneas distributed by SightLife, 6,358, or 54 percent, were transplanted in the U.S., according to SightLife. The rest were sent overseas. Members of the Hells Angels from British Columbia and Ontario enter the Hells Angels Nomads compound during the group's Canada Run event in Carlsbad Springs, Ont., near Ottawa, on Saturday, July 23, 2016. The management of a Quebec agricultural fair is admitting it made a mistake in allowing a group associated with the Hells Angels to sell products at the site.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Asylum seekers take a walk outside Olympic Stadium as security guards look on in Montreal, Wednesday, Aug.2, 2017. The stadium will be housing asylum seekers after a spike in the number of people crossing at the United States border in recent months.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, left, applauds as his wife Mila, centre, affectionately acknowledges their daughter Caroline Mulroney Lapham during the announcement of the $60 million Brian Mulroney Institute of Government and Mulroney Hall at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Caroline Mulroney announced on social media today that she will run for the nomination in York-Simcoe. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese The River Road bridge over I-39/90/94 in the town of Windsor in northern Dane County will be closed beginning Monday to Oct. 13, so the bridge can be refurbished. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said the existing bridge will not be torn down but will be rehabilitated, with a new concrete overlay on the deck and new asphalt pavement leading up to the bridge. New guardrails will also be installed to meet current safety standards. The T-intersection of River Road and Windsor Road just east of the bridge will stay open, and local traffic will have access at all times to properties adjacent to the construction zone. No detour route has been set up since the project is in close proximity to both Cuba Valley Road and Highway 19, both of which cross under the Interstate. Officials said lanes on I-39/90/94 will need to be closed at times, but some lanes will always be open to traffic during the project. Double-lane closures on the six-lane highway are possible from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday before Labor Day and from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday after Labor Day. Single-lane closures will be used during off-peak travel hours. FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2011 file photo, a group canoes through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument near Fort Benton, Mont. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says he will not recommend changes to Montana's Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument as he continues to review national monuments for possible elimination or reduction. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File) Britain's Prince Philip, right, in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, talks to troops as he attends a Parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, in central London, Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017. The 96-year-old husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip made his final solo appearance to mark the finale of the Royal Marines Charity, 1664 Global Challenge. (Hannah McKay / Pool via AP) The pandemic brought a technological revolution to schools. Is that a good thing? Regardless of the path, by necessity, most educators agree the pandemic electrified the use of technology in the classroom. PDVSA on Plan B should U.S. slap sanctions on Venezuela's oil Bloomberg/Wil Riera PDVSA, partners looking at alternatives for country's crude. New destinations may translate into lower prices for Venezuela By Lucia Kassai and Fabiola Zerpa HOUSTON/CARACAS Petroleumworld 08 02 2017 Venezuela's state-owned oil company and its partners have quietly started working on a Plan B to find markets for the country's crude oil if the White House ratchets up sanctions and bans imports. Venezuela's oil exports are vital to the cash-strapped country, prompting officials to look for alternate destinations and sources of revenue, according to people familiar with the situation. About a third of all oil produced in Venezuela is processed at American refineries on the Gulf Coast. Shipments to the U.S. were worth about $12 billion last year. The U.S., currently the largest single buyer of Venezuelan crude, sanctioned President Nicolas Maduro Monday after he held elections over the weekend for a new assembly that will rewrite the constitution. Meanwhile, Wall Street bankers are keeping their distance from Simon Zerpa, the 33-year-old vice president of finance at Petroleos de Venezuela SA, the state oil company, after the Trump administration levied sanctions against him and 12 other Venez uelan nationals last week. If a country decides to stop buying Venezuelan oil, there are many markets in the world were you can send Venezuelan oil to, Ricardo Menendez, the country's planning minister, told reporters Sunday in Caracas. We already export to others parts of the world and have very strong relations from a geopolitical standpoint with Russia, China and India. Venezuela may find that buyers in other countries come at a cost. PDVSA and other exporters would be forced to sell crude at deeper discounts in other parts of the world than the U.S., the people said. While China and India, already heavy takers of Venezuelan oil, are seen as the obvious destinations, shipments to Asia may be restricted by limited capacity at Venezuelan ports, they said. PDVSA didn't return messages seeking comment. Steep Competition Fewer than half of Venezuela's main loading points are prepared to load supertankers, the most cost-effective way to transport oil to the Far East. That would likely push more Venezulean crude to Europe, where its oil would face steep competition from more-established grades from the Middle East and Europe, the people said. Another alternative on the table would be to increase oil processing domestically. The option has limited effect, since the country's refineries are experiencing multiple outages and breakdowns due to lack of maintenance. PDVSA's refineries were operating at 43 percent of capacity in June. If they were operating at full rates, they could offset the loss of the U.S. market for the most part, according to the people. At full rates, the refineries in Venezuela could take an additional 550,000 barrels a day. That compares with 741,000 barrels a day imported by the U.S. last year. The ramp-up in oil processing would produce a surplus of oil products that could eventually bite back at U.S. refineries. Tanking Output Venezuela oil production dropped to a 14-year low of 1.97 million barrels daily in June as the country is saddled by a heavy debt burden that prevents investments. PDVSA has an upcoming debt of $3.2 billion that is mostly due in October and November. At the moment, there's a lot of uncertainty in terms of what measures the Trump administration might take from now on. The ban on oil imports from Venezuela is seen as unlikely, according to some analysts. But it's still on the menu of options the U.S. may take if the situation continues to deteriorate, according to senior administration officials. Story by Lucia Kassai and Fabiola Zerpa from Bloomberg . bloomberg .com / 08 01 2017 Passengers check in among left pieces of luggage at Brussels Zaventem Airport in Brussels on Thursday, June 15, 2017. A power outage delayed departing planes. Read more American Airlines has new technology that notifies passengers if their checked bag will be late, or landed early, perhaps because a customer missed a connecting flight. The notifications, sent by text, email, or phone, aim to take the annoyance out of waiting in vain at the baggage carousel. "The most frustrating for passengers is standing at the baggage belt waiting and at the very end to realize that your bag is not there," said American spokesman Ross Feinstein. "Now we can send you a notice that lets you fill out the claim form from your mobile phone." Since 2015, passengers on American and merger partner US Airways have been able to track checked bags in real time by going on American's website, and typing in bag claim information. What's new is that American, which operates a hub and 390 daily flights in Philadelphia, is notifying customers if their bags are not on the plane. Travelers will get an alert shortly after arriving at their final destination with the next steps to take. If the bag arrived early, the message will direct them to the baggage service office to collect it. If a bag is late, passengers can fill out a baggage order on their mobile device to specify where they want the luggage delivered at home or a hotel without having to see a customer service agent. American rolled out the technology on July 27. "It's one of these improvements in technology that definitely helps, if it works," said Charles Leocha, president of Travelers United, a nonprofit consumer group. "I was just with friends in Europe whose bags [on Aer Lingus] didn't show up for 17 days. We knew exactly where they were, but they couldn't get them. A lot of times just knowing is not enough." "You still need to get the bag," Leocha said. "I think Delta was the first one to do this a while back, and now American is responding. It can't hurt." Online baggage tracking is not new. American uses scanners and bar codes; Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines employ Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Annually, more than four billion bags are carried by airlines globally. Fewer than 0.43 percent fail to arrive with their owners. The industry said it wants to do even better. By June 2018, the International Air Transport Association and Airlines for America set a goal that all airlines must be able to track each checked bag, when accepted at an airport, loaded on a plane, and transferred to the arrival system, or put onto another plane. And the tracking information should be able to be shared among carriers. IATA and global information technology provider SITA said that RFID technology could reduce the number of mishandled bags by as much as 25 percent by 2022, and could save the industry $3 billion over the next seven years. "Anyone can use this, even if you do not have an AAdvantage frequent flier account," Feinstein said. "When you check in, you'll be prompted to provide your contact information to reach you in case of any irregular operations. Whether at a kiosk, or aa.com, we'll collect that information and put it into your reservation," he said. "We'll either text, email, or call you." American's checked bags are scanned multiple times, including at passenger check-in, when loaded on the plane, when unloaded from a plane, and at baggage claim. American ranked seventh among 12 airlines in mishandled baggage reports filed by passengers in May, with 2.56 complaints per 1,000 passengers compared with 3.08 complaints a year earlier, according to the Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Report. Virgin America had the fewest complaints 1.57 per 1,000 passengers, and ExpressJet ranked 12th with 3.45 complaints per thousand passengers. The owner of the South Philadelphia refining complex, which has experienced a boom-and-bust life including a near-death experience five years ago, has engaged an investment bank to find relief from its debts. Philadelphia Energy Solutions L.L.C. (PES) has hired investment bank PJT Partners Inc. for advice on how to manage some of its $700 million in debt, including a $550 million loan that comes due in 2018. The company's move was first reported by Reuters. "While these discussions are ongoing, operations are unaffected and it remains business as usual," the company said in a statement. The 335,000-barrel-a-day refinery, the largest on the East Coast, employs 1,100 people, and about 500 contractors. PES, a joint venture of private-equity firm Carlyle Group LP and former refinery owner Sunoco Inc., took on the debt when oil prices were high, profit margins were fat, and the refinery enjoyed an unexpected boom in discounted domestic crude oil brought in by rail. But the worldwide fall of crude prices in 2015, along with the lifting of the oil exports ban that reduced the discount for crude from North Dakota's Baaken Shale formation, has cut into the refiner's margins. PES has also complained about the soaring price for renewable energy credits, which now cost the company about $300 million a year, its greatest cost after buying crude oil. Merchant refiners such as PES are required to buy renewable energy credits for each gallon of ethanol that is blended into gasoline, which they say puts them at the mercy of an unregulated market of speculators. "Philadelphia Energy Solutions is currently assessing its capital structure with the goal of improving financial flexibility in light of current market and regulatory challenges that have affected the company's profitability," the company said in a statement. "We are working constructively with our lenders to find a solution that will enable us to move forward with the right financial foundation to support our business into the future." Carlyle and Sunoco formed PES in 2012 to take over the refinery from Sunoco, which had threatened to close it. It received $25 million state grants, tax breaks, and environmental-liability waivers. Sunoco, which has a noncontrolling one-third share, was later acquired by Energy Transfer Partners LP. The new owners revived the business with $700 million in new investments, including a rail-unloading terminal that allowed the facility to tap into a virtual pipeline of low-cost domestic crude-oil shipments. It took on the $550 million loan in 2013 to finance capital projects and to pay dividends to Carlyle and Sunoco. In 2015, the company valued itself at $1.3 billion in an attempt to take PES public, but the oil markets shifted and the initial public offering sputtered. As its fortunes swooned last year, PES forced employees to pay more for their health plans and suspended pension contributions. United Steelworkers Local 10-1, which represents 750 unionized workers at PES, has threatened to strike unless the cuts are rescinded. The company's efforts to seek debt relief come only a month after investment-research firm Morningstar reported that PES; Monroe Energy in Trainer, Delaware County; and the Bayway Refinery in Linden, N.J., have rebounded from the loss of cheap North Dakota crude and "are performing better than expected this year." Workers Lewis Brito (left) and Carlos Mayo prepare to paint the Dilworth House in Washington Square. The home was recently cited for violations by the citys Licenses and Inspections. Read more Amid high-rises and office buildings, modern architecture and refurbished condominiums, the quaint, Colonial-style house that sits on Washington Square stands out in more ways than one. At just three stories and 3,800 square feet, the Dilworth House on South Sixth Street represents another time. With a pitched roof and white trim, the red brick house appears as if it's withstood change for decades as the city has revitalized around it. Yet that's not the most surprising thing about the Dilworth House: While Washington Square has become some of Philadelphia's premier real estate, the house has sat vacant for more than a decade. Paint on its classic white shutters has flaked and chipped. Boards have replaced windows. And in the backyard, grass, cut only sporadically, has grown tall. Last month, the city issued multiple violations against the owner for the lack of upkeep. It's an unexpected fate for the house, which is regarded as historic not for its age but for its location and significance. When Society Hill was rundown in the mid-20th century, Mayor Richardson Dilworth signified his commitment to improving the area by building the house in 1957 to live there. Over the last 16 years, big plans for the house have been made and fought. When developer John Turchi Jr. and his wife purchased the house in 2001 for $1.75 million, they wanted to renovate and move in. Then, the plan shifted to demolition, and then partial demolition, to make way for a 16-story condo tower. A nearly decade-long legal battle involving Turchi, the city, and residents ensued, until finally, in 2015, the Commonwealth Court upheld Turchi's plan: The Dilworth House's rear and side wings could be demolished, and the condo tower was approved. Yet today, no construction, no tower. Two years have passed since Turchi won approval, so why hasn't anyone followed through? According to Turchi's lawyer, Philip S. Rosenzweig, Turchi, now 75, has "quietly" marketed the property and "was actively looking to see if there was a developer who would be willing to acquire the site and build it." "At the moment, there is no transaction happening, but the opportunity exists for one of Philadelphia's preeminent developers to acquire the site," Rosenzweig said. "Mr. Turchi is committed to the project. He has no intention of relinquishing." But tackling Turchi's project will be no easy feat, according to developers, and city officials familiar with the site. Long-standing community tensions still permeate, and logistically, the experts said, construction would be difficult. Zoning variances are needed. Parking is problematic. The lot measures nearly 9,000 square feet but the house takes up part of it meaning a tower would be confined by not just height, but also width and depth. Yet the site still has appeal. Society Hill is now considered the wealthiest zip code in Philadelphia, and Washington Square is just steps from what is considered the next development area Independence Mall. The Dilworth parcel is the last piece of land available for new construction on Washington Square, making it valuable, experts say, and residential development would likely draw strong demand from potential tenants. But with the property's limitations, a developer would need to be assured of a profit condos, if still pursued by a new owner, are generally considered to be one of the riskiest real estate investments. Plus, according to a Historical Commission spokesman, the property would be subject to at least six zoning overlays that could limit its height or parking, for example. And, he added, it is not clear whether the commission's prior approval would transfer to a new project. "It's a small lot it's like trying to stuff five pounds of cream cheese into a one pound bag," said Councilman Allan Domb, known as the "Condo King" as a result of his real estate brokerage. "A developer would be buying into an environment where there has been a fight for 10 years and where residents are concerned about the impact on this small-sized land." "I'm not saying it can't be done," Domb said, "but I'd love to see the developer sit down with neighbors and see what works for everyone." Since Turchi began shopping it, the site has caught the eye of some of Philadelphia's top developers. Tom Scannapieco whose $17.85 million penthouse at 500 Walnut, right around the corner, broke the record for the most expensive residential sale said he explored the possibility of buying the Dilworth site six to nine months ago, but walked away. "This is one of the most contentious pieces of real estate in the city," Scannapieco said. " It's frankly a heavy lift with an unknown ending." Other developers declined to comment on the record. When Turchi's demolition and condo plan emerged in 2004, it rattled the neighborhood. Society Hill was declared a historic district in 1999, and the Dilworth House was classified as "significant." Removing that classification, as Turchi sought to do, would erase a property that residents believed was crucial to Philadelphia's history. But as Turchi saw it, the house was not historic. "It's in the wrong place and it represents the wrong time," he told the Inquirer in 2005. He did not return calls for this story. After years of back and forth, finally, in 2007, the Historical Commission sided with Turchi: He could demolish the back half of the home, if the front facade was preserved. Behind it, a 16-story tower, designed by architect Robert Venturi, could rise. Quickly, neighborhood residents appealed that decision, arguing that none of the house should be demolished, and the city's Board of Licenses and Inspections sided with them. Turchi fought back, and appeals continued until 2015, when the Commonwealth Court upheld the 2007 Historical Commission's decision. By then, Washington Square and the real estate market were entirely different places. In the mid-2000s, the condo market was heating up locally, and developers were piling on. Some projects, such as the Lippincott Condominiums next door, the Ayer condos across the square, and Toll Brothers' Naval Square in South Philadelphia, were successfully completed. Many were derailed by the recession. The condo market has since regained steam, something largely attributed to Carl Dranoff's and Scannapieco's newer luxury condo developments. Today, developers have also been concentrating efforts around Independence Mall with multiple projects underway, including 500 Walnut, Keystone Property Group's Curtis building renovations, and MRP Realty's redevelopment of the Bourse building. "People are saying that this is the new frontier," said Paul Levy, president and CEO of the Center City District. " All around this [Dilworth House] site, there is a tremendous amount of new activity." For now, the only activity at the Dilworth House was the arrival of contractors in late July to paint the exterior. The Department of Licenses and Inspections had issued Turchi nearly a dozen violations, from failing to comply with historic property maintenance to allowing overgrown weeds. According to Paul Boni, the chair of the zoning and historic preservation committee for the Society Hill Civic Association, which fought Turchi in court, neighbors are still keeping a careful watch. "We are well-prepared to make sure the law is enforced," Boni said. "This is the Dilworth House. It has importance in the evolution of our neighborhood." "Has [Turchi] approached us with a proposal and has anyone else approached us? The answer is no," he said. "Developers have long time horizons; the property isn't going anywhere." Last week, after Republican Sen. John McCain cast the deciding GOP "no" vote to scuttle the so-called "skinny repeal" of the Affordable Care Act, a reader emailed me. He said I owed an apology to both McCain and the American people. My transgression? I dared to ask whether McCain's procedural vote to advance the repeal process could have been driven by his desire for revenge after losing the presidential election to Barack Obama in 2008. Though McCain ultimately killed the GOP effort to snatch health care from an estimated 22 million Americans, he did so with the caveat that the ACA, which Republicans dubbed Obamacare, should still be repealed and replaced. So McCain despite his soaring rhetoric about bipartisanship still wants to erase Obama's legacy, just not in a way that turns millions against the GOP. Therefore, I'm not the one who owes the American people an apology. It's McCain and the rest of the GOP who should apologize. Not just to American people in general, but to white, working-class Americans in particular. Republicans owe whites an apology because they played to racial resentment in making Obama's failure their No. 1 priority. They owe whites an apology because Republicans including McCain refused to negotiate honestly when Democrats spent months seeking Republican support for the Affordable Care Act. They owe whites an apology for repeatedly trying to take their health care. But most of all, Republicans owe white, working-class voters an apology for pretending that the GOP is the party of white people. In truth, the GOP is the party of rich people. And it's about time my white, working-class brethren realized that most obvious of truths. Sadly, we have arrived at a point at which the White House, the political crown jewel that the GOP so ardently sought, is in disarray. That's because the powerful conservative wing of the GOP worked hard to get a rich white guy any rich white guy to take the mantle of leadership after Obama. While doing so, they abandoned their stated principles. McCain's fellow Arizona Republican senator, Jeff Flake, says as much in his new book, The Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Return to Principle. "It was we conservatives who, upon Obama's election, stated that our No. 1 priority was not advancing a conservative policy agenda but making Obama a one-term president the corollary to this binary thinking being that his failure would be our success and the fortunes of the citizenry would presumably be sorted out in the meantime," Flake writes. It's a stunning admission. Not only because of the obvious racial implications of a powerful, rich, and overwhelmingly white segment of society plotting the failure of the nation's first black president. It's stunning because it reveals the GOP's willingness to let the people fend for themselves. This, my dear white, working-class reader, means you are not a priority. That's because GOP politics is as much about class as it is about race. Forget the propaganda about building a wall to keep out brown immigrants from Central and South America. Disregard the talk of banning black and brown Muslims who hail from countries in Africa and the Middle East. Eschew the rhetoric about a national stop-and-frisk policy meant to trample the civil rights of people of color. All those things are designed to appeal to race-based paranoia, but most are not yet realities. However, the policies that have actually been implemented by the Trump administration, with the help of a Republican Congress, reflect a disdain for ordinary working-class Americans. And most of those Americans are white. Shortly after Donald Trump took office, he and the GOP-led Congress used the Congressional Review Act to toss out or suspend numerous Obama-era regulations that were actually designed to support workers. This includes the "Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces" rule, which kept companies from receiving federal contracts if they had repeatedly violated wage, labor or workplace safety laws. The Trump administration, along with a complicit Congress, also sought to make it easier for companies to hide payments to foreign governments and to hide tax money overseas. But, hey, who needs billions in corporate taxes to fund American jobs and infrastructure growth when the people can fend for themselves? But of all the GOP has done to show its disdain for the white, working-class voter, the attempt to take health care from an estimated 22 million Americans most of them white was the lowest. Perhaps the most appropriate words for such a betrayal come from Malcolm X, who said of American blacks, "You've been had! Ya been took! Ya been hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Led astray! Run amok!" In short, the Republicans owe all of us an apology. But they can start by apologizing to white folks. Penn students and alumni of the FilmAid training program work together to make a short documentary about resources at the Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement in Kenya. Read more Jennifer Chen, 18, from California, was watching a group of children playing in the mud at Kenya's Kalobeyei refugee camp. Or so the University of Pennsylvania sophomore thought, until she and some of her fellow students looked more closely. "They were using mud to make houses on the ground, and they're, like, beautiful structures with skyscraper-like buildings," she said. "Some of them were making places that they used to live, and some of them were making things that they imagined. It's like a therapy for the kids." "It was just incredible to see them doing things with their hands and being so creative," Chen added. The students were participating in Penn in Kenya, a new summer study-abroad program, supported by the College of Arts and Sciences' Making a Difference in Diverse Communities grant. The grant is also funding research and exchange programs in Guatemala, Ecuador, India, and Philadelphia. During the two-week program, eight Penn students, two teaching assistants, and Penn professor Peter Decherney traveled to Kakuma and Kalobeyei to make a series of short documentaries on life in the U.N. refugee camps. The videos, which are aimed at combating negative stereotypes about refugees and refugee camps, are to be part of kits for new arrivals to Kalobeyei and cover topics including food and water distribution, health and education in the camps, and protection measures. "We really went to so many different places, and explored so many different aspects of the camp," said Sonari Chidi, also 18, a sophomore from California. "It was really great to be able to have that immersive kind of experience and be able to learn more about what the camp is." Kakuma and Kalobeyei are home to more than 180,000 refugees, most under 18 and most from South Sudan and Somalia. Kakuma opened in 1992 and Kalobeyei opened last year to house an overflow of refugees from other camps in Kenya. The first week of Penn in Kenya was a pre-departure program teaching students about the refugee camps and how to use the camera equipment. They then left for Kenya, where students spent two days teaching workshops in the camps and spent the rest of their time developing their documentaries. Students receive course credit for their participation. The program was a partnership with FilmAid, a nonprofit that trains young refugees in filmmaking and other media skills, encourages refugees to make movies, and does community outreach through video. Penn students worked with graduates of FilmAid's media skills program to make their videos, and the final documentaries are part of FilmAid's community outreach efforts. Decherney began developing the program after meeting FilmAid's founder, Caroline Baron, and executive director, Keefe Mureen, at the State Department's Making Media That Matters event last year. He was excited about creating connections between students and refugees, and introducing virtual reality filming to FilmAid's work. "When you see an image, when you watch a film, there's someone's perspective. With virtual reality, you can let someone else experience a space in a way that they're less guided by the filmmaker's perspective," he said. Although Decherney and his students returned from Kenya last Thursday, the end of Penn in Kenya doesn't mark the end of their involvement with FilmAid, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei. Penn in Kenya students are already trying to find ways to continue to support the refugee camps from campus, and Penn's cinema and media studies department sends an intern to FilmAid each year. Decherney plans to exhibit the finished documentaries on campus in October. The Chinese warriors of the dead, crisp in their terra-cotta finery, are coming to Philadelphia, their first visit to the city in 30 years. Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor, put together by the Franklin Institute and the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, will feature 10 full-size clay warriors more than 20 centuries old from the burial complex of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who died in 210 B.C. The warriors are part of the vast army of thousands guarding the emperor's tomb discovered in the 1970s by peasants digging a well near Xi'an. "The Franklin Institute has a long history of bringing rare, highly regarded, and extremely coveted artifacts to Philadelphia," said Larry Dubinski, Franklin Institute president and chief executive. Dubinski and a team from the institute traveled to China, extensively researched the excavations and burial site, and negotiated an artifact list of about 170 objects weapons, jade pieces, bronze bells, ceremonial vessels, gold ornaments, coins, architectural pieces, and ornate bronze chariot replicas that accompany the 10 clay warriors. The exhibition, which will run from Sept. 30 through March 4, will be enhanced by augmented reality, developed by the institute, that will focus on the archaeology, history, and science behind discovery, preservation, and decay of the warriors and artifacts. Advance tickets will be available beginning Thursday through the Franklin Institute's website www.fi.edu or by phone at 215-448-1200. Daytime tickets, good for 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., are $35, and include general admission to the institute (children 3 to 11, $30; members, $10). Evening tickets, 5 to 9 Thursday through Saturday, do not include general institute admission and are $20 (children, $15). Duane Chapman, star of the former show Dog the Bounty Hunter, joins the family of Christian Rodgers and their lawyers as they announce a wrongful-death lawsuit that claims New Jerseys new bail-reform measures led to the shooting death of Rodgers in April. Read more Former Dog the Bounty Hunter star Duane Chapman has thrown his support behind a lawsuit against New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie looking to reform the state's bail laws, saying Monday that new rules eliminating cash bails were "killing people." Chapman spoke at a news conference in Trenton announcing a wrongful-death lawsuit filed this week by the family of Christian Rodgers, 26, a Millville man who was gunned down in April in Vineland. The suspected shooter, Jules Black, 30, had previously been in custody on a weapons charge, but was released several days prior to the shooting because of new bail laws in the state. "It's killing people, as you can see. What we need now is for people to stand up for your rights, for your lives, for your children and grandchildren," Chapman said Monday, according to Fox News. "Without a deterrent, this is what happens." Besides Christie, defendants in the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court in New Jersey, include state Attorney General Christopher Porrino and the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. The suit argues that bail reforms this year in New Jersey show that the defendants "acted with a willful and conscience (sic) indifference to the laws that protect" New Jersey citizens like Rodgers. Dubbed the Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act, the new rules were approved in 2014, and this year implemented the use of risk-assessment tools by judges to determine the possibility of pretrial release for defendants, as opposed to having them pay a fee. Chapman claims that those reforms essentially allowed the shooting of Rodgers earlier this year. "I wanted to help support the Rodgers family and to send a message to Gov. Chris Christie that law enforcement professionals like myself from across the country think he should be ashamed of himself for ignoring our advice and passing the dangerous, fake reform that I believe led to the tragic murder of Christian Rodgers," Chapman said via a statement. Christie, meanwhile, declined to meet with Chapman about the subject, telling reporters at a Monday news conference that he had no plans for a sit-down. "Who's my least favorite cabinet member?" Christie said. "I'll ask them to meet with the bounty hunter." Dog the Bounty Hunter ran for eight seasons on A&E before being canceled in 2012. Aside from Ben himself, no Franklin Institute scientist is more beloved or better known than chief astronomer and planetarium director Derrick Pitts. The North Philly native has been at the museum on the Parkway since 1978, long enough to watch visitors go from taking class trips there to chaperoning them. Among Pitts' titles: NASA solar system ambassador, outreach adviser to the world's largest telescope, and go-to guy for all manner of commentary and appearances, from Comedy Central to the Philadelphia Orchestra. He recently narrated the A Space Odyssey concert at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts to honor astronaut and fellow local Col. Guion Bluford Jr. COMING MONDAY: Derrick Pitts, the Franklin Institute's chief astronomer, will take your solar eclipse questions live on Philly.com's Facebook page at 3 p.m., just after the eclipse's peak in Philadelphia. These days, Pitts' big, beautiful brain is particularly obsessed with the coming total solar eclipse. On Aug. 21, for the first time since 1979, the moon will block the sun over the United States, swiping a blackout shadow from Oregon to South Carolina. Pitts tells us what's so cool about the event, where to go to view it (including where he'll be), and which total eclipse has his heart. Q: Why is this eclipse a big deal? A: Three reasons. It's a unique astronomical event simply because of the circumstances that allow eclipses to occur on this planet. The moon is of a particular size. The sun is of a particular size. There's a particular distance between the earth and the moon, and a particular distance between the earth and the sun that allows us to have solar eclipse. The second piece is location. While solar eclipses can number as many as five in a year, it's really, really rare that they happen in any particular place very often. The last piece is if you can dim out the bright light of the sun, it gives you a chance to study the corona. The corona is a fairly large mystery. We don't know why it's so hot, really, or how, with all the activity that generates all that heat, the corona's structure can be so stable. Q: And it's an epic experience to be part of. A: If you're in the 70-mile-wide path of totality, you are standing in the shadow of the moon. The sky will be dark enough to see bright planets and bright stars. The wind will change. The temperature will drop. Animals will be [preparing] to go to sleep although that may not be the case because there will be so many people standing around screaming. Q: Can you look right at the sun? A: During totality which is about two minutes is the only time you can do that. Thirty seconds before the end of totality, you're going to have to wear eye protection again. You must use eye protection for all the partial phases. In this region, you can't do that [look at the sun]. That's because we will experience a partial solar eclipse. Eighty percent of the sun's disc will be covered by the moon. From about 1:20 to 4 p.m., it will appear as if it's a partly cloudy day. People in Philadelphia really need to know: No portion of this eclipse is observable without eye protection. There's a very particular type of viewer that's built specifically to allow you to view the sun safely, and a number of vendors you can easily find on the web. You can't use sunglasses at all. Sunglasses are useless. Q: Sounds like it's going to be a much cooler experience out of town. A: There's one factor about this that is very new and different. The last time there was a total solar eclipse in the U.S. was 1979. Even during the partial eclipse in December 2000, the internet and social media were not as developed as they are now. Now, no matter where you are, you can enjoy innumerable live-stream events. Many, many, many more people will be able to experience the eclipse, wherever they are. You can be in an outhouse, a beauty shop, a bar, anywhere. Q: What can we do in person in Philly? A: The Franklin Institute is hosting an afternoon of free activities. Between 1 and 4 p.m., on the Winter Street side of the building, we'll have indirect viewing methods: Sun spotters, pinhole projection devices. I've also been doing a lot of work with neighborhood community centers through City Skies, an effort to bring astronomy content, knowledge, and experience to inner-city neighborhoods. I've given workshops to train centers on how to host solar eclipse viewing. I've distributed 5,000 solar viewers and still have another 3,000 I'll be distributing. Q: Where will you be for the big event? A: Saint Joseph, Mo., near maximum duration (two minutes and 40 seconds) and the greatest eclipse. Two other colleagues and I will be at Rosecrans [Memorial] Airport. My intent is to live-stream onto the web, to do Facebook Live. At the very least, we'll do audio voice-over of much better video from NASA. Q: What's been your favorite eclipse so far? A: My wife and I got married in 1997 and planned a cruise to observe the total solar eclipse that was taking place in Europe. There was a group of astronomers on the ship. The captain needed somebody to take the lead [on the eclipse]. I had access to the captain, the bridge, the chief navigator, and plotted out exactly where I wanted the ship to be. I had the long axis of the ship pointed at the long line of the path of eclipse so people on board could see the moon's shadow coming across the Black Sea. The shadow comes. We're right inside totality. Six minutes. It was phenomenal. Q: Any last bits of advice? If you can get yourself to the center line, you should do it. Jump in a car. Drive 12 hours. Get yourself to South Carolina. James Van Der Beek knows who he's playing in his new Viceland comedy, What Would Diplo Do? and it's not Thomas Wesley Pentz, the Temple-educated, Philadelphia-launched DJ and music producer whose stage name is in the title. It's not even Pentz's public face, Diplo. At least not exactly. "In real life, he's incredibly smart, incredibly sharp, and a hard worker, and he's by all accounts a very good dad to two kids," Van Der Beek said in a phone interview last week. "In our version, he's much more dim. And he's not at that point of his life yet where he has kids or is even thinking about a relationship. It's better for us as storytellers to have him at that place in life. We create a character like this out of real parts [but] the fun is in the blind spots," said the former Dawson's Creek star, who once played a version of himself on the ABC sitcom Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. And so in Thursday's premiere, Diplo manages to mess up after agreeing to spend time with a seriously ill child who's a big fan. He's also having a Twitter war with Scottish DJ/producer Calvin Harris (played by Tom Stourton). If all this induces less cringing than you might expect, it's because Van Der Beek's Diplo is charming, even at his dimmest. "The charm and the kind of childlike wonder and sense of humor that I did kind of steal from him a little bit. Because the people in his life do seem to be charmed by him," the actor said. Diplo, like Van Der Beek, who writes the show, is an executive producer. One thing he apparently isn't is a control freak. "I met with him, obviously, before we even pitched, just to see if this is something that [he wants] to do, is it something that he's game for, and he was completely game. He is smart enough and confident enough in his abilities and where he's at in life to just not take himself too seriously at all. He's actually allergic to the idea of taking himself too seriously," Van Der Beek said. The show, which so far has only five episodes, grew out of an online commercial, "Day in the Life of Diplo." "Diplo's management wanted to make a little commercial, online, for the Mad Decent Block Party [tour]. They attached Brandon [Dermer], who's a young up-and-coming director, and he then submitted videos to them. Brandon's idea was for me to play Wes. And I did a little rewrite on the commercial that we made, and we all thought that would be it. And then Viceland came to us, and said, 'Where are you taking this?' " Van Der Beek said. "And we all said, 'No, no, no, this isn't a series. This is just a one-off.' But then we thought about it, and that night I put some Diplo in my headphones and I just kind of gave it a chance. And [thought], wait a minute, this could totally be a series. This could be 'musical genius sucks at life.' I thought that would be a funny way to tackle it. So I presented it to everybody. I said, 'I think I know how to write this. So let's go pitch it.' So we pitched it to Spike Jonze at Vice, and they greenlit us for five episodes and Brandon directed every single one of them, and I wrote them all, and we were off." Jonze, director of Being John Malkovich and Adaptation two movies that played with fictional versions of real people "had such great thoughts and such great notes," Van Der Beek said. "They're the antithesis of what typical network notes usually are. A typical network note would be, 'How do we make sure he's likable?' We got notes like, 'What if he didn't have a moral victory at the end of this episode?' Or, 'What if he learned nothing? Maybe he should not learn anything.' And you go, wow, that's even more interesting. I love it. Let's try it." Because, in the end, it's always about us, I had to ask: Did Diplo ever talk to Van Der Beek about his days in Philadelphia? "Yeah, definitely," Van Der Beek assured me, noting that he had his own Philadelphia connection, having filmed the 2012 film Backwards here, set in the world of women's rowing. (He still can't pronounce Schuylkill, but, hey, he said he loved the city.) "He told some stories about his time in Philly and how he used to drive to get the CDs to copy to make his mixers [and then] sell them out of the trunk of his car," the actor said. "The Philadelphia time in his life, even though it doesn't appear in the series directly for sure was incredibly formative and it informed our view of how we created this fictional version of him." Asked if playing Diplo was his most unusual gig yet, Van Der Beek laughed. "I feel like this is the project that made me look and say this is the strangest life I've ever known, to rip off a Jim Morrison quote. Yeah. I thought playing myself on Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23 was the strangest thing I've ever done. I thought the Kesha video I did not long after that was the strangest thing I'd ever done. But now, taking this treatment to somebody else, who actually exists, was liberating in a way that made it a lot of fun." What Would Diplo Do? 10 p.m. Thursday, Viceland. Veterinarians in Brooklyn have reported a growing resistance to vaccinating pets. Read more Veterinarians in Brooklyn, N.Y., are reporting a growing resistance to vaccinating pets, which may be rooted in the anti-vaccine movement that claims the life-saving inoculations may cause autism in children. The Brooklyn Paper reported that pet owners in some of the boroughs feel injecting chemicals into their precious pet is going to cause problems, with some suggesting that the shots could give their pups autism. "We've never diagnosed autism in a dog. I don't think you could," Dr. Stephanie Liff of Clinton Hill's Pure Paws Veterinary Care told the paper. Even if dogs were susceptible to the condition, owners probably wouldn't notice given their general behavior, Liff added. The online publication Vaccine Reaction reported that "mainstream veterinarians" have not confirmed any cases of autism in dogs and that solid research was lacking in the field of canine autism, but studies are underway. However, the publication referenced a study that was presented at the 2015 American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and reported an autism-like condition in canines. The presentation noted that "the vast majority of affected dogs were males, and many had other strange behaviors or physical conditions that accompanied the tail chasing, such as explosive aggression, partial seizures, phobias, skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, object fixation, and a tendency to shy away from people and other dogs." Vaccines are a normal part of a health check for domestic pets and include distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. In Pennsylvania, there is no pet vaccination debate. It's the law. Current rabies vaccines are required for any dog or cat over the age of three months. Robert Lawrie, veterinarian at VCA Old Marple Animal Hospital in Delaware County, said that although people have expressed concerns about vaccines, staff at the hospital are not seeing any reluctance to administer the shots to pets. "I do not know of any published research that would suggest that there is a link between autism and animals," Lawrie said. In New Jersey, all dogs must be licensed through the municipality. To get a license, a current rabies vaccine is needed. Vaccines are equally important for our feline friends as there have been more cases of rabies in cats than dogs in recent years. Several months ago I developed a stomachache after taking an over-the-counter medication for symptoms suggesting acid reflux. When I told the doctor about my reaction, she said the medication, which she had prescribed, should not have caused my stomachache. But the Food and Drug Administration lists stomach pain and upset stomach as among the drug's possible side effects. The episode reminded me that physicians rarely counsel me on side effects when they tell me to take a medication. Other people feel the same way, I've discovered, lamenting drug side effects and looking for answers and moral support on Internet message boards. So I started to wonder: How much knowledge do doctors have about medications? What can patients do to educate and protect themselves? For Liz Awbrey of Oklahoma, finding answers meant finding a new doctor. Awbrey was in her 50s when a doctor suggested she try a sedative that would allow her to get a better night's sleep and help ease her chronic fatigue syndrome. She lost 20 pounds and started falling during exercise class. Her doctor said he wouldn't be worried if the weight loss plateaued, which it did. When she told her doctor she wanted to stop the drug because it wasn't helping her condition he didn't warn her about withdrawal. When she developed insomnia, depression and anxiety, the doctor suggested an antidepressant, which she declined. "I was, like, 'I was fine before I got on it, so it's got to be the drug,' " Awbrey said. Awbrey, now 60, turned to an organization that helps people get off addictive drugs with tapering suggestions, nutraceuticals (medicinal food products) and other support. The organization suggested supplements, advising her to ask her doctor about them. She also found a new doctor who talks to her about side effects and often suggests vitamin and supplement alternatives to drugs. She is now back to her old self. "The doctor who gave me that, he's not a bad doctor," Awbrey said of the physician who prescribed the sedative. "He's a nice man," she said, but added that drug companies may not warn doctors sufficiently about side effects. Doctors learn about drugs in medical school and later during continuing-education programs. But those programs are often funded by drug companies, according to J. Douglas Bremner, a professor of psychiatry and radiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Bremner said pharmaceutical companies even reach medical students by influencing those who train them. "They're not really trained to be scientists, they're trained to be apprentices," Bremner said. "That's what the drug companies know. . . . If they can get the person who trains them to change what they're prescribing, they can get them to." When Bremner taught continuing-education sessions, the pharmaceutical companies that paid him provided the slides. Because the slides seemed to favor those companies' drugs, he started using his own. "When I did that several times, they stopped asking me," Bremner said. Adriane Fugh-Berman, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center, said doctors often "prescribe irrationally," pushing branded over generic drugs, new over old, and suggesting medication for diseases invented or exaggerated by drug companies. "We're in sort of a bad situation now where the people in control of prescribing drugs know the least about the drugs," said Fugh-Berman, who directs PharmedOut at Georgetown, which researches drug marketing and educates health-care professionals about its influence. But Andrew Powaleny, director of public affairs for PhRMA, said the pharmaceuticals trade group's "Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals" says that ethical relationships are needed to provide the latest information about prescription medicines. Information about side effects, Powaleny said, should be included in discussions. Fugh-Berman said patients need to become their own experts, researching drugs on websites such as the government database MedlinePlus that are "free of [the pharmaceutical] industry." Doctors have a responsibility to listen to their patients about side effects, too, she said. "I tell medical students: If a patient develops a symptom after they've gone on their drug, it's always the drug's fault until proven otherwise," said Fugh-Berman. Amy Thompson, a clinical pharmacist and an associate professor at the University of Michigan's College of Pharmacy, said doctors have plenty of knowledge about drugs, but there are so many available they don't know the possible side effects of all of them. "But they have access to look into it," she said, referring to online databases, continuing education and pharmacists. "I think it's important the patient understand what the medication is, what they're taking it for, what they should expect to see," Thompson said. "If the medication has some sort of very serious side effect, I would want them to know what to look for." Marlene Beggelman, founder and chief executive of Enhanced Medical Decisions, a health information technology company in Cambridge, Mass., said the FDA might be underestimating side effects because doctors often don't report them. Although the FDA collects reports on its Adverse Event Reporting System, the reporting is voluntary and adverse reactions are considered underreported. Beggelman described her own experience with side effects in a blog post on KevinMD.com. Beggelman, an internal medicine physician, said doctors mean well even when the care they deliver has negative consequences. "I think that very often it's a human quality of not wanting to think that what you're doing to try to help people is actually causing problems," she said. Awbrey, the woman who took the sedative, said doctors need to do better. "I feel like I was greatly harmed because all I did was take something that a doctor told me would make me better," she said. "It ruined my life." If anyone needed some inspiration, it was Steve Brecht, a 63-year-old retired construction supervisor newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Early one morning before his family awoke, as he padded downstairs to the garage sanctuary where he tinkers and repairs, inspiration was waiting for him. Propped on his work bench, below peg boards heavy with wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers, was a surprise: a framed photo of a serene canal with an orange sun on the horizon and the message, "Life is tough. be yourself, stay positive and better things will be yours." This was no off-the-rack greeting card platitude, but the illustrated tidings of Barbara Mishkin, a Blue Bell businesswoman and artist who for the last year and a half has made it her mission to lift flagging spirits wherever she finds them. She has done it for thousands of people like Brecht through her Inspiration Project, using mostly reproductions of her own art and photography as a background for heartening passages some original, some made famous by others, but all meant to cheer, comfort, and encourage those who could use "a little reminder that someone cares," she says. Each note "is that little angel looking over your shoulder." For Brecht, Mishkin's gift was "an awesome thing to come down to" that morning, said his wife, Terry, who had placed it surreptitiously in their Hatfield garage. "At a time when you're feeling the most vulnerable, it's nice to have something to affirm that there are better things coming, to keep your head up and keep fighting." Mishkin, 72, collaborates with retirement communities, senior centers, schools, hospitals, antihunger groups, and other charities to reach anyone in need of a few good words. Partners include the Abramson Center for Jewish Life, a retirement community in Horsham Township, and Samaritan's Purse, an international relief charity. Her messages have been tucked inside bag lunches handed out to homeless men waiting in a line near LOVE Park and to drug addicts living on Kensington streets. Elderly residents of nursing facilities find them on their nightstands. Needy children overseas get Mishkins wrapped with their Christmas gifts. They are sometimes laminated, sometimes framed, as large as 8-by-11 inches and as small as wallet-size. And though most of the sayings are motivating ("You're always one decision away from a new life"), they can also be funny ("Parenthood: the scariest hood you'll ever go through") and wise ("Speak only when you feel that your words are better than silence"). Mishkin, who is Jewish and describes herself as more spiritual than religious, emphasizes that she's not preaching to anyone, but is aiming for all-inclusive, "big picture" inspiration. "It can be a positive message at a time when someone can't imagine anything positive in the world," said Margaux Murphy, founder of Philadelphia's Sunday Love Project, which distributes meals and personal care items to people living on the street. Murphy puts Mishkin's messages in the hoagie lunches and hygiene kits. Some notes are discarded. Some are slipped into pockets for safe keeping. Mishkin was moved to start her project by one of her own biggest inspirations, Oprah Winfrey. "Oprah was my girl at 4 o'clock. She would say, 'Do what you love. What's your legacy going to be?' I wanted to do something that would make a difference," said Mishkin, who eventually decided to do for others what Oprah had done for her. The daughter of a pharmacist and a homemaker, Mishkin studied horticulture and secondary education at Temple University, setting aside her love of art for a more practical career. She married an accountant, and she and husband Nelson raised two sons. Her work life bounded from one small business to the next, from making biographical videos chronicling the lives of elderly subjects to publishing a guide booklet for parents sending children off to college to running a plant service that helped clients enliven their home decor with greenery. Then, at 50, her childhood interest resurfaced. Miskhin began taking adult enrichment courses and painting the pieces that hang throughout her house in a 55-and-older community. She did landscapes and colorful abstracts and people and places she visited on vacations around the world. She also painted birdhouses, chairs, side tables in colorful rainbowlike designs, and sold her work at local art fairs. Still, she longed to do something more meaningful with her art. One day, when her husband cleaned up his office and brought home a box of old picture frames, Mishkin got to thinking about Oprah, about purpose and legacy. Within days, she founded the Inspiration Project (unrelated to other similarly named initiatives that aim to spread good cheer). Initially, she put her own money into the charity, but it now is supported by private contributions, as well as with proceeds from the sale of donated frames at her development's annual art fair, which helps buy paper and computer ink. Inside Mishkin's home office, cardboard bins stuffed with frames are stacked five feet high, surrounded by paints, brushes, markers, glue, and sketchbooks, She creates her message art by photographing her work and using those images as backdrops for sayings that six volunteers help her produce. Among them is a neighbor, retired teacher Betty Organt, working with students at the Hill Top Preparatory School in Bryn Mawr, who in turn have made their own framed messages to distribute. Mishkin always carries a few of her smaller cards in her purse, just in case. She has slipped one into the hands of a harried waitress at a restaurant and an attendant struggling to push a wheelchair passenger to an airport gate. Neighbor Rita Mesthos has also been on the receiving end. At 64, she is recovering from a traumatic brain injury and coping with seizures. A glance at the words "You are strong. You are wise. You are loved" makes the retired clinical social worker feel emboldened. "I'm a fighter by nature," Mesthos said, "but I pick it up, and it gives me that extra push. I think, 'Rita, you can do it.'" Terrell Green at the Public Health Management Corp., where he teaches youth about sexual health. Read more Terrell Green is gay, but most people see him first as black. Women clutch their purses when standing next to him in elevators and on the street. Casual greetings usually come as a, "Wassup, brotha," and others tell the 27-year-old he speaks "so well," as though it's a surprise. Still, he claims these two identities equally, a seemingly paradoxical existence in a country where being gay can sometimes clash with expectations of being black. "Being a black gay man," Terrell said, "it became you cannot be a sissy. You have to be strong." Black Americans' approval of same-sex marriage has grown more slowly than that of any other racial group. In fact, last year was the first time more black Americans supported than opposed same-sex marriage 48 percent for, 41 against, and 11 didn't know in polling done by the nonprofit Public Religion Research Institute. The number of black Americans who identify as LGBT also grew at a slower rate than Asians, Hispanics, and whites between 2012 and 2016, according to Gallup. Terrell's mother, Denise, calls his race Strike One against him something people will immediately use to stereotype him. Strike Two is being male, a black male. Strike Three, she tells him, is being gay. What did I do wrong? Denise still remembers how angry she felt when Terrell came out to her 11 years ago not at him, but at herself. Questions swirled through her head. Had she and her husband, Melvin, raised Terrell wrong? Had a man touched Terrell inappropriately and made him gay? Had someone failed to protect him? "I kept wondering, 'Why? What did I do wrong?' " said Denise, 54, who raised Terrell and his two older sisters in South Philadelphia. "I blamed myself for a very long time." Terrell assured her she was not at fault. He had realized he was gay in first grade, when he ogled the light brown eyes of the boy sitting next to him in class. Still, he had kept the feelings to himself. Terrell's mother, a hospital supervisor, and father, who works for the city, taught him to be what they thought a young black man should be: Protector of the house. Tough. Able to walk the streets without worry. "I was expected to be strong, and that meant not crying, not sharing emotions," said Terrell, who now lives in North Philadelphia. His parents were proud to be black and taught him about black history and pioneers. They were regulars at a Pentecostal church. Being gay, Terrell recalls learning there, was bad. His mother remembers thinking that it was a sin but that she could dislike the sin and still love the person. Mostly, though, his parents never thought about someone being gay let alone their son. "In the black community growing up," Denise said, "you didn't see gay." I just started to accept him for who he was When Terrell turned 12, Denise began to realize he wasn't tough. He was gentle, quiet, creative. She made sure he had a ride to school, not wanting kids to taunt him on the bus. Terrell started talking to boys on the phone. His mother considered the possibility he was gay but refused to accept it: "I didn't know anything about it," she said. The truth emerged on a car ride to the supermarket. Terrell, then 16, was on his cellphone trying to explain to a boy why they hadn't met up. Denise, who was driving, could hear the boy saying Terrell had let him down. She told Terrell to end the conversation. She had something to ask him even though she already knew the answer. "Are you gay?" she said. Yes, he told her. His mother didn't know what to think. His father thought it might just be a phase. Both were worried about Terrell's safety. "They were so fearful of what would happen to me out in the world," Terrell said. "That it was just like, 'People are out there not only killing black guys, black men, but they're killing gay men. Because they hate you.' " Their concerns are legitimate. People of color are more likely to be victims of violence in the LGBT community, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. In a study last year even after removing the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., that killed 49 people the coalition found that 22 of 28, or more than three-fourths, of LGBT victims of hate-related killings were black or Latino. (The year before, the number of black and Latino victims was 15.) But it wasn't just safety that Denise had to think about after her son came out. She worried about saying the wrong things to him. They argued when she told him not to go out with friends. He thought it was just because he was gay. Terrell graduated from Central High School in 2008 and attended Marymount Manhattan College in New York. His mother said he was reluctant to come home on holidays. He stopped going to church. Fearing she would lose her son, Denise had to change her mind-set. "One day, I just realized his sexuality doesn't dictate our relationship," she said. "I really love him, because he's my son. He's a great person. And I just started to accept him for who he was." She still wrestles with questions about his identity. Was Terrell born gay, or did something make him that way? She's not sure. The family said Melvin supports and loves Terrell, but prefers to deal with his son's identity privately. "He is still figuring this out on his own," Terrell said. Taking responsibility Although Terrell knows his experience doesn't reflect that of every black and gay man in America, he considers representing those identities a responsibility. He spoke in front of more than 100 people at a public hearing last year about racism in the city's Gayborhood, recalling how a waiter there once told him when he ordered a medium-rare burger, "I thought you people liked your meat well done." Terrell works at the Public Health Management Corp. in Center City to teach sexual health to youth. He also performs in his own play, Must Go On: A Rite of Passage, which addresses black, gay, and other identities. He never forgets the "Three Strikes" lesson from his mother. If people assume you're lazy, work twice as hard. If they think you're dangerous, be respectful. If they believe you can't succeed as a black, gay man, prove them wrong. "It's always rewarding to know that I alone can change someone's opinion," Terrell said. Duncan Round, 53, of Medford Lakes New Jersey was arrested on sexual assault charges Wednesday. Read more The owner and operator of a Bella Vista day-care center was released on bail Wednesday after being charged with sexually assaulting two 5-year-old children in his care. Duncan Round, 53, of Medford Lakes, Burlington County, posted 10 percent of his $200,000 bail to secure his release, according to court records. Round turned himself in to police Wednesday, according to Capt. Mark Burgmann of the Special Victims Unit. Round owns and operates Sprouts Philly Kids Daycare & Gym, 604 S. Ninth St., where he allegedly assaulted a girl and a boy, Burgmann said. Police were notified of the alleged assaults July 25, after someone filed a complaint with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and the children were interviewed by the Special Victims Unit and the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. Burgmann said the assaults occurred more than once. Round is charged with two counts each of involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, engaging the welfare of a child, indecent assault, corruption of a minor, recklessly endangering another person, and indecent exposure. "In the interest of public safety, we wanted to make sure we notified the public," Burgmann said. Parents concerned that their children may have been victims of sexual assault should contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3260. Civilian complaints against police public documents that have long been difficult for members of the public to access will be posted on a city website beginning this fall, Mayor Kenney's office announced Wednesday. The change marks a turn toward transparency that was applauded by some criminal-justice watchers, although it remained unclear how police would react to the news. "The release of this data is a common-sense reform that I hope will serve to increase community-police trust," Kenney said in a statement. "Everyone who works for the City of Philadelphia is a public servant, and the public deserves to know we will take their complaints about any city service seriously." In a statement, Police Commissioner Richard Ross Jr. said: "I wholeheartedly support these provisions, as I too am fully committed to growth in the area of transparency and disclosure." Civilian complaints against police which can range from allegations of misconduct to harassment or physical abuse are considered public records after investigations have been closed. The documents typically include a summary of the facts and the outcome of the investigation, among other details. Currently, such documents are accessible only after a someone requests specific complaints from the Philadelphia Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau, then travels to the unit's headquarters in Burholme to see them. Requests can often take days or weeks to fulfill, because complaints often need to be partially redacted to protect privacy information of civilians and police officers. According to Kenney's statement, the documents posted online will have those redactions already made. It was not immediately clear how quickly complaints would be posted once an investigation is finished, although the statement did say that complaints will be posted starting in November and that complaints from the last three years would be posted online in early 2018. It also was not clear how police would feel about making complaints easier for people to see. John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning. David Rudovsky, a prominent civil rights attorney in the city, said the announcement "sounds like a significant improvement in terms of access and transparency," even if, in his view, "it doesn't solve the problem of how Internal Affairs investigates and how the department disciplines or doesn't discipline." Ronda Goldfein, chairwoman of the city's Police Advisory Commission, also commended the decision, saying it furthered a culture of transparency from the department, reflecting a recommendation from the Department of Justice two years ago, when it evaluated Philadelphia's use-of-force policies. "Any process that creates greater transparency into allegations of misconduct is a good thing," she said. "One of the DOJ recommendations talked about transparency and not keeping these things from the public. To the extent that this is an effort to do that, this seems like a step in the direction." Residents in Margate turn out for a meeting in which commissioners voted to seek a court injunction to block the dune project they say is destroying their beaches. Read more MARGATE, N.J. They are trying to save their summer, their beaches, the economy of their town all of which people in Margate say are being threatened by a $63 million beach replenishment and dune project ordered by Gov. Christie and being carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers at the height of summer. They did not want the project begun, and now they want it stopped. With Olympic-size pools of standing, fetid water being pumped overnight from behind newly constructed dunes stretching for about a half-mile of the town, elected officials in Margate voted Wednesday to seek a temporary restraining order on a project they unsuccessfully fought for years. [Update: The city's request for an injunction will be heard Thursday at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Julio Mendez in Atlantic County Superior Court in Atlantic City.] "There's nothing more important than our beach," Margate Commissioner Maury Blumberg told the applauding audience of locals and owners of second homes in the Shore town, who overflowed a courtroom in the old City Hall, a building heavily damaged during Hurricane Sandy by bayside flooding. "The beach is in fact our crown jewel," Blumberg said. "And this project is killing us." The officials and people who fought the dunes say their worst fears, and the predictions of their experts, have been realized, with the situation heightened as it affects the town during the cherished summer season. "We've all lost the summer," said Mayor Michael Becker. "I want this project stopped immediately." Jordan Rand, the city's attorney, said the legal action seeking to halt the project was filed Thursday in Superior Court in Atlantic County (see below) against the state Department of Environmental Protection and the contractor Weeks Marine. The city is arguing that the state's "incomprehensible miscalculation" about drainage will "afflict the entirety of Margate's beaches." Margate officials fought in state and federal court to prevent the dunes, which they argued were unnecessary and would lead to the kinds of drainage issues seen in the last week. Using the beach "as a storage basin for contaminated storm water" threatens health and safety and, wrote Rand, "renders Margate's beaches increasingly unusable." The city's expert witness, engineer Charles Dutill, described a scenario featuring the very pools of standing water that materialized in the last week. A federal judge dismissed his predictions as "fantastical." The state had said its plan was to dig trenches behind the dunes to collect storm water but assured the judge that the water would percolate into the sand within 24 to 36 hours. The state acknowledged this week that that did not happen. The state Department of Environmental Protection did not answer a request for comment Wednesday. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, a strong proponent of the Army Corps project, said on Twitter that he had "Viewed personally & Spoken with Army Corps, NJ DEP and Mayor. Definitely aware & working on solution. Frank." Ed Berger, president of the Margate Business Association, said the city's businesses were bearing the brunt of a crisis that has closed a half-dozen beaches and left residents unable to get from their homes to the ocean and fearful of a health hazard. The timing of the project has been blamed on schedule issues with Weeks Marine, but many in town believe the state is retaliating against the town for its stubborn opposition to Christie's plan. Berger said people were staying away from Margate this summer. "All of our businesses are feeling the negative impact of the dune project," Berger said. "These aren't big businesses. We all have about 12 or 14 weeks to make our entire year. Our store traffic is down significantly; our restaurant traffic is down significantly." One takeout restaurant reported business off by 40 percent, he said. Stores in the north end of town say they are not seeing the foot traffic. "With what's going on on the beaches, a lot of visitors aren't coming in to our city," he said. "They're just not here. People who come down to visit people with summer homes are not coming to visit them." Long term, people are worrying about property values and ratables. "One of my Realtors had a deal lined up for a $3 million beach-block house that's not going through," Berger said. "Rentals are way off. It's a wait-and-see situation." Blumberg said he wanted the beaches brought to the way they were before the project began. Officials said the state's proposed drainage solution outfall pipes would cost upward of $10 million. "This cannot be a trial-and-error process for them," Blumberg said. "They have to fill in those trenches back to where they were. They have to bring them back to the way they were and come up with a solution. And that solution for me is not outfall pipes strewn throughout our city." Rob Bowers, a former assistant treasurer for the city of Philadelphia, on Tuesday became an independent candidate for City Controller in the Nov. 7 general election. Bowers met Tuesday's deadline to file at least 4,075 signatures of registered city voters on nomination petitions. He will face Democratic nominee, Rebecca Rhynhart, who upset City Controller Alan Butkovitz's bid for a fourth term by winning the May 16 primary election, and Republican nominee Michael Tomlinson. Bowers, who lives in Point Breeze, said the 22 months he spent as assistant treasurer at the end of former Mayor Michael Nutter's second term and the beginning of Mayor Kenney's administration convinced him to seek public office. In his campaign literature, the former Democrat said he was "choosing to run to replace the status quo politics that still exists." President Donald Trump said "bailouts for insurance companies" would "end very soon" if Congress didn't pass a new health care bill. Sen. Susan Collins said the payments aren't a bailout, "but rather help people who are very low-income afford their out-of-pocket costs." Trump distorts the facts. It's true that the money involved goes directly to insurance companies, but, as Collins said, the payments lower out-of-pocket health care costs for low-income individuals. We'll explain how these payments work. The president gave his description in a July 29 tweet: A "bailout," as we have written before, is financial assistance to save a failing company or industry. The 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program, for instance, provided billions to stabilize financial institutions and the auto industry. Under that bailout, the Treasury Department was able to recoup the disbursements. It recovered about 90 percent of its investments in the auto industry and earned a profit on its bank investments. (Trump also misuses the word "bailout" to describe the federal government's contribution toward health insurance premiums for members of Congress, but we will get to that later.) Collins, a senator from Maine who cast one of three Republican votes against the "skinny repeal" bill, sending the repeal effort back to committee, was asked about the president's reference to "bailouts" on CNN's "State of the Union." Host Jake Tapper asked: "If President Trump were to officially withdraw that funding, would that affect your vote on health care?" Collins, July 30, CNN's "State of the Union": And that's what we need to remember. So, it really would be detrimental to some of the most vulnerable citizens if those payments were cut off. They're paid to the insurance companies, but the people that they benefit are people who make between 100 percent and 250 percent of the poverty rate. So, we're talking about low-income Americans who would be devastated if those payments were cut off, though the threat to cut off those payments has contributed to the instability in the insurance market. It would not affect my vote on health care, but its an example of why we need to act to make sure that those payments, which are not an insurance company bailout, but rather help people who are very low-income afford their out-of-pocket costs towards their deductibles and their co-pays. Collins' description is accurate. These payments, which go directly to insurance companies, are made to reduce out-of-pocket costs for those who earn between 100 percent and 250 percent of the federal poverty level and buy their own insurance on the Affordable Care Act's state and federal marketplaces. These payments are called cost-sharing subsidies, or cost-sharing reductions, and they are different from the premium tax credits that reduce monthly premiums for those earning between 100 percent and 400 percent of the poverty level. The federal poverty level for 2017 is $12,060 for a single person and $24,600 for a family of four, with slightly higher amounts for Alaska and Hawaii. Eligibility for both forms of financial assistance the premium tax credits and the cost-sharing subsidies is determined when a person signs up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov, which covers 35 states, or marketplaces run by individual states. The HealthCare.gov website includes a tool to check your eligibility for financial assistance. Those eligible for premium tax credits can choose to receive the credit in advance to immediately lower the monthly premium or claim the credit the following year on a tax return, or a combination. The Kaiser Family Foundation explains in a brief on the ACA's financial assistance that with the advance credit, "the IRS will pay insurers directly such that the cost of the premium is reduced upfront. With this option, the enrollee would need to reconcile their premium tax credit at tax time the following year." The cost-sharing subsidies, meanwhile, are only available in advance. The payment goes directly to the insurers to lower the out-of-pocket costs for low-income policyholders. "Cost-sharing subsidies work by reducing a person or family's out-of-pocket cost when they use health care services, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance," the KFF brief explains. Those who are eligible again, those with income between 100 percent and 250 percent of the poverty level must choose a silver plan, as opposed to a bronze, gold or platinum level plan, to get the subsidies. The Affordable Care Act caps the amount policyholders have to spend out of pocket on deductibles, copays and coinsurance under their insurance plans. The cost-sharing subsidy lowers that cap. "Without the cost-sharing subsidy, the out-of-pocket maximum may be no more than $7,150 for an individual and $14,300 for two or more people in 2017," the KFF brief says. "With the cost-sharing reduction, the out-of-pocket maximum can be no higher than $2,350 to $5,700 for an individual, or $4,700 to $11,400 for a family in 2017, depending on income." The KFF brief includes a chart showing the maximum out-of-pocket limits for 2016 and 2017 for those qualifying for the cost-sharing subsidies. Those who qualify will automatically have a choice of silver plans that include those reduced out-of-pocket caps. The federal government sends the subsidy money to the insurance companies that enroll those policyholders to compensate insurers for the cost. The president, as he indicated, could stop these cost-sharing subsidy payments because they are mired in a legal dispute. In November 2014, House Republicans filed a lawsuit, arguing that the money for the subsidies was never appropriated by Congress and, therefore, payment violated the U.S. Constitution. In May 2016, U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer sided with the House Republicans but put the decision on hold to allow the federal government to appeal, as the SCOTUSblog explains. In late May, the Trump administration asked for a three-month delay in the appeal case. So far, the payments have continued, but insurers have expressed concern over the uncertainty. The industry lobbying group America's Health Insurance Plans, along with the American Medical Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others, wrote to congressional leaders, asking them "to take action now to guarantee a steady stream of CSR [cost-sharing reduction] funding through 2018." The letter said that there is "clear evidence that this uncertainty is undermining the individual insurance market for 2018 and stands to negatively impact millions of people." It cited the withdrawal of some insurers from the marketplaces and higher premium requests due to "the market uncertainty." Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina said it was requesting higher premium increases for 2018 14 percentage points higher because the cost-sharing payments for that year weren't guaranteed. The Congressional Budget Office estimated in January that the cost-sharing subsidies would total $7 billion in fiscal 2017, which ends Sept. 30, and $10 billion next year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said in June that 57 percent of the 10.3 million people who had signed up and paid for marketplace plans early this year had received cost-sharing subsidies. Bailouts, by definition, are intended to save failing companies. Insurance companies, unlike the automakers, aren't on the verge of going out of business. And if the subsidies stop, insurers will either withdraw from ACA marketplaces or charge higher premiums to make up for the lost payments. An analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that the average benchmark silver plan would have to go up by 19 percent. In his tweet, the president also misuses the word "bailout" to describe the contribution the federal government just like other employers that provide health insurance makes toward the insurance premiums of members of Congress. Under the ACA, Congress must get coverage through the ACA marketplaces, instead of getting insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the group of private insurance plans that cover federal employees and retirees. That provision of the ACA added to the legislation after some Republicans pushed the idea that if the exchanges were good enough for other Americans, they should be good enough for Congress has prompted several variations of false claims about Congress being "exempt" from the law. The exchanges, or marketplaces, were set up for those buying their own coverage and small businesses not large employers like the federal government. In 2013, the Office of Personnel Management, which administers the FEHB program, issued a rule clarifying that while Congress couldn't get any premium tax credits available through the exchanges, members and their staffs would continue to get the employer contribution toward premiums, as they did before. "The amount of the employer contribution toward their Exchange premiums is no more than would otherwise be made toward coverage under the FEHB Program," OPM said. The Trump administration's intent to investigate whether using race in college admissions discriminates against white students and to sue schools deemed in violation brought sharp rebuke Wednesday from some local and national education officials who see it as frivolous and divisive. "It's an approach that reflects a campaign of fear and intimidation to prevent institutions from following what the Supreme Court has already said was constitutionally permissible," said Liliana Garces, formerly an associate education professor at Pennsylvania State University and now at the University of Texas, whose race-based admission policy gave rise to a U.S. Supreme Court case. The Supreme Court last summer upheld in a 4-3 ruling the university's use of race in admissions. In fending off a lawsuit filed by a white applicant denied admission, the university argued that it needed to consider race to ensure diversity of its student body and that it had exhausted other means of achieving that goal. Garces said colleges must stand up against Trump's attempt to have the Justice Department look into college admission policies, first reported Tuesday by the New York Times. "It puts them in a leadership role to defend our democracy," she said. But Michael Moreland, a Villanova University law professor who watched the Supreme Court case closely, said the Justice Department is well within its rights to make sure that colleges are using race correctly in admissions. "Legally, colleges are required to show that their use of a race-conscious admission policy is limited to achieve the purpose of diversity," he said. "How careful are universities in their use we just don't know. A lot of these admissions processes are not fully transparent. That's what is raising concern on the part of people in the Department of Justice." The Trump administration initiative re-ignites a long-standing debate that has given rise to legal cases for years: Is it right for colleges to give priority to minority students traditionally underrepresented on their campuses over students with higher test scores? Local college admissions officials had hoped that the matter would have been settled with last year's supreme court decision. "More than anything else, I'm frustrated and confused," said Jess Lord, dean of admission and financial aid at Haverford College. Haverford, he said, has been using race in the limited way in which the Supreme Court decision permits it. Despite colleges' use of race-conscious admission policies, the percentages of black, Hispanic, and other underrepresented minorities is not reflective of the general population, noted Randall C. Deike, who oversees admissions at Drexel University. "When you look at the makeup of race and ethnicity on college campuses, many campuses are woefully behind compared to the makeup of their general population," he said. "We would love to have more underrepresented students of color in our class." About 13 percent of Drexel's incoming freshman class is black, Hispanic, or other underrepresented groups. Deike isn't too worried about the Trump administration's attention to admissions. "I think it would be pretty hard for the Justice Department to start suing colleges and universities around the country because they believe they are discriminating in one way or another," he said. Drexel was one of many universities that joined in court briefs filed in the University of Texas case, arguing in favor of allowing the use of race as a criterion to enhance diversity. Other local schools that joined include Haverford, Swarthmore College, and Temple University. "As part of a holistic review, race-conscious admissions helps us build a much better community," Deike said. "It's important that our students work and are in class with folks who come from different backgrounds and have different views of the world." Camille Z. Charles, a professor of sociology, Africana studies, and education at the University of Pennsylvania, said she was not surprised at Trump's latest effort, which she maintains has no basis in fact. "A lot of what has come out of [the Justice Department] has been a rolling back of any sort of progress that was made," she said. "There's really no empirical support of this notion of reverse racism or reverse discrimination. It comes from an oversimplified understanding of what makes a good college student [that is] relying entirely on GPA and test scores." John B. King Jr., president of the Education Trust, a nonprofit advocacy group, touted the benefits of diversity to schools, communities, and students of all backgrounds. "I am deeply disheartened that the Trump administration appears to be taking a hard line against efforts to increase campus diversity rather than focusing on addressing the persistent opportunity gaps facing students of color and low-income students," said King, former secretary of education under President Barack Obama. Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said the directive appears to be "changing course on a key civil rights issue." "The announcement today that it is now actively seeking to challenge efforts that colleges and universities have undertaken to expand educational opportunity is an affront to our values as a country and the very mission of the Civil Rights Division," she said. WASHINGTON The relationship between President Trump and Senate Republicans has deteriorated so sharply in recent days that some are openly defying his directives, bringing long-simmering tensions to a boil as the GOP labors to reorient its stalled legislative agenda. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R., Tenn.), head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, announced Tuesday that he would work with his Democratic colleagues to "stabilize and strengthen" the individual insurance market under that Affordable Care Act, which the president has badgered the Senate to keeping trying to repeal. He also urged the White House to keep up payments to insurers that help low-income consumers afford plans, which Trump has threatened to cut off. Several Republican senators have sought to distance themselves from the president, who has belittled them as looking like "fools" and tried to strong-arm their agenda and browbeat them into changing a venerated rule to make it easier to ram through legislation along party lines. Some are describing the dynamic in cold, transactional terms, speaking of Trump as more of a supporting actor than the marquee leader of the Republican Party. If he can help advance their plans, then great, they say. If not, so be it. "We work for the American people. We don't work for the president," Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.) said. He added, "We should do what's good for the administration as long as that does not in any way, shape or form make it harder on the American people." The friction underscores the challenge Republicans face headed into the fall. As they seek to move beyond a failed health-care effort in pursuit of an elusive, first big legislative win, the same infighting that has plagued them all year threatens to stall their push to rewrite the nation's tax laws, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said Tuesday he wants to do in September. While some Republicans try to tune out what they see as distracting and sometimes destructive rhetoric and action from Trump, they recognize that they cannot fully disavow him without also dashing their hopes of implementing the conservative policies they championed in the campaign. For many Republican senators, the challenge is trying to walk an increasingly fine line. As public opinion polls show a decline in Trump's approval rating, some Republican senators have sought to address difficult questions about what the president's diminishing popularity means for his mandate by insisting that congressional Republicans, not Trump, are the ones driving the GOP agenda. "Ever since we've been here, we've really been following our lead," Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) said. After ticking through major Republican initiatives so far, he added, "Almost every bit of this has been 100 percent internal to Congress." Senate GOP leaders have openly flouted Trump's attempts to steer them back to repealing and replacing the ACA, an endeavor that collapsed in failure last week. On Tuesday, McConnell laid out the rest of the Senate's plans before adjourning for the summer recess. Health care was not among them. Instead, Alexander signaled he would go around the president. He and Sen. Patty Murray (D., Wash.) announced they would hold fall hearings to shore up the individual health insurance markets. It was the most concrete sign yet of bipartisan work in the Senate on strengthening the existing health-care law, and it followed a proposal offered Monday by a bipartisan group of 43 House members. Trump, who installed John Kelly as his new chief of staff a day earlier, on Tuesday was noticeably tame toward fellow Republicans on Twitter. But White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders blamed the GOP-controlled Congress for the lack of major accomplishments this year. "I think what's hurting the legislative agenda is Congress's inability to get things passed," she said Tuesday. Trump had spent the preceding few days in an antagonistic posture. He used his favorite social media platform to push Senate Republicans to end the 60-vote threshold for most legislation, writing: "Republicans in the Senate will NEVER win if they don't go to a 51 vote majority NOW. They look like fools and are just wasting time." He also demanded they vote again on health care, despite an inability to round up enough votes for a far narrower bill than they had long promised. By Tuesday, it was wearing thin on Capitol Hill. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R., Utah) said if the rules were changed as Trump wants, "it would be the end of the Republican Party. And it would be the end of the Senate." Trump's repeated insistence "doesn't help," Hatch said. "But he just doesn't understand that." McConnell was able to muster only 49 votes for his health-care bill. Under special rules he was using, it would have passed with 50. Ending the 60-vote threshold as Trump has demanded would not have changed the outcome a point McConnell was quick to bring up Tuesday. "It's pretty obvious that our problem on health care was not the Democrats. We didn't have 50 Republicans," he told reporters. He added, more forcefully, "There are not the votes in the Senate, as I've said repeatedly to the president and to all of you, to change the rules of the Senate." The concerns about the 45th president extend beyond arguments over how the Senate conducts its business, to his discipline, strategy and core values. Such concerns often are expressed in private, but one Republican senator, Jeff Flake of Arizona, has laid them out in lacerating fashion in his recently published book, Conscience of a Conservative. "In the tweeting life of our president, strategy is difficult to detect," Flake writes. "Influencing the news cycles seems to be the principal goal; achieving short-term tactical advantage, you bet. But ultimately, it's all noise and no signal. . . . We have quite enough volatile actors to deal with internationally as it is without becoming one of them." Flake argues that the "Faustian bargain" that conservatives made in embracing Trump has "put at risk our institutions and our values" and that "the strange specter of an American president's seeming affection for strongmen and authoritarians . . . is almost impossible to believe." Asked about a Washington Post report that Trump dictated his eldest son's misleading statement about meeting with a Russian lawyer, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) replied: "I don't know if it's true or not. But the statement was misleading. And when you have a misleading statement, it just continues to breed distrust, so that means the investigation continues." Trump's criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former senator, has also irked Republicans in the chamber. His threats against GOP senators during the health-care debate, including Sens. Dean Heller (R., Nev.) and Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska), also rubbed many the wrong way. Some said Tuesday they were hopeful that Trump's staff shake-up would produce better results. "I'm very pleased that [former communications director Anthony] Scaramucci is gone and that General Kelly, I believe, will bring a sense of order and discipline that is needed," Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine) said. Sanders said Tuesday that Kelly has "spoken to a number of members of Congress," a sign that relations could improve. Graham, who has been one of the most outspoken Republican critics of Trump, laid out his current thinking on the president. Increasingly, his colleagues are sounding more like him in their willingness to offer curt assessments of him. "I ran out of adjectives and I voted for a guy I never met," Graham said. "What was that guy's name? Evan?" Evan McMullin, reporters reminded him, mentioning the independent 20i6 candidate's full name. "President Trump won. I respect his victory. I want to help him with health care and do other things that I think we can do together like cut taxes," Graham said. "I'll push back against ideas I think are bad for the country, like changing the rules of the Senate. And that's the way I'm going to engage the president." The Washington Post's James Hohmann contributed to this report. DEA agent Gary Tuggle looks at trash, made up of the paper envelopes that contain syringes, in the open-air drug market in Kensington near the Conrail tracks, in February. Read more Months of buildup shocking images of needles and trash, disturbing stories of addicts overdosing before your eyes, Dr. Oz's announcement to the world that "I just walked into hell." At the edge of Kensington, one of the city's hottest neighborhoods, the homeless heroin camp below Gurney Street that for weeks has been the epicenter of media attention in the nation's opioid crisis will be cleaned up and shut down. The crisis won't be, experts warn, even locally. Some worry that, once the media trucks pull away from what residents call "El Campamento," overdose fatalities will rise as users shoot up in abandoned houses with no one watching out for them. "There is this expectation that fences are going to go up and lights are going to go up and it's problem solved," said Jose Benitez, executive director of Prevention Point Philadelphia, the health-care provider and needle-exchange that has worked with the community for years. "That is not the way it is going to happen." No one really knows where the residents of the encampment along the Conrail tracks are going. Most have already left, some into treatment, several dozen to city-funded housing, others joining small homeless clusters under I-95, more likely breaking into abandoned houses nearby. The far more numerous day visitors seem to be fanning out around the neighborhood, using in parks and anywhere there is shade. Some say that street-corner transactions have become even more brazen. "When they close it, I'll try to go somewhere else," said a 53-year-old homeless heroin addict named Jeff, who told city behavioral health workers the other day that he was still pondering another try at treatment and was on a waiting list for temporary shelter. Then he scrambled up a steep embankment and disappeared into the underbrush, his small, ripped pack bulging with belongings and the overdose reversal medication he has used on others several times. A drumbeat of trespassing summonses, waves of outreach workers, tours by reporters, and a letter from Conrail left no doubt about what was coming. Anticipation and anxiety grew as activity was rumored and then delayed. The July 31 contractual deadline that Philadelphia and railway officials agreed to last month has a ring of finality. But the process preparing the site, planning possible futures for its occupants, building trust with a chronically homeless, drug-addicted community is gradual. Small areas of fencing have been going up for weeks. Heavy equipment capable of cutting brush and trees began moving to a rail yard with access to the tracks at Trenton and Lehigh last week. "I'm not sure there is going to be a whole lot of action on Monday," said Conrail spokeswoman Jocelyn Hill. She said the machinery actually will start work on Tuesday. Hill said that the job would take several weeks but that there is no timetable. Piles of needles, mattresses, and assorted debris, both the detritus of homelessness and garbage dumped by pickup trucks, must be picked up. An area along the track will be cleared, a request from the Police Department to gain lines of sight. Old-fashioned Reading Railroad wrought-iron fencing will be installed 6 feet high along varying topographical terrain, Hill said. "It is not easy to cut through. It is not easy to jump over. It is not easy to knock down." Conrail's 1 miles of fencing will meet up with fencing that the city is installing and repairing at the ends of its bridges over the tracks. Police Inspector Ray Convery, who oversees the East Division, which includes the Kensington/Fairhill section, said his officers were primarily concerned with safety. "I don't want somebody sleeping in the weeds when the [machinery] comes in," he said. "We're not going to lock them all up for doing their drugs. We want to save them." Neighborhood foot patrols were replaced a month ago by 24 bicycle officers in a pilot program that makes them more visible. All are new graduates of the police academy, who typically are "more reactive," Convery said, issuing summonses for trespassing where older officers might give warnings. Others see public health and safety downsides. "This will create a lot of tension, I think, between residents and people who are looking for a place to get high," said photographer Jeffrey Stockbridge, who immersed himself in the community for his website and book, Kensington Blues. "The camp tends to manage itself," said Dan Martino, secretary of the Olde Richmond Civic Association, "despite the fact that it looks kind of disgusting." Virtually everyone there carries the emergency overdose reversal medication naloxone, leading some advocates to predict an increase in fatal overdoses in abandoned houses within a half mile of the Gurney Street gulch are more than 30 houses that the city deems uninhabitable although others believe that most users will inject publicly or with buddies. Just 17 of last year's 907 fatal overdoses in the city occurred at the encampment, according to the Medical Examiner's Office, a statistic that places Benitez among the worriers. "You would think there would be a lot more, and it's because people know how to reverse, to take care of themselves," he said. Prevention Point has been supplying and training people in how to use the medication for years, long before opioids were seen as a mainstream crisis, and before providing the medication became the goal of states across the country with Govs. Christie and Wolf among the leading proponents. The nonprofit's staff and volunteers are a major part of the city's outreach, but they are more focused on "trying to build long-term relationships" with users who are "not ready for treatment, and figuring out housing possibilities for them," Benitez said. Other city-supported teams tend to focus on either housing or treatment, and fall into a mind-boggling array of bureaucratic divisions dictated by federal funding categories. The results so far have been hard to quantify, said Liz Hersh, director of the city's Office of Homeless Services. Is a psych unit "housing"? Measuring treatment is even harder. "We've engaged a lot of people," said Roland Lamb, deputy commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, who defined success as "engagement, and treatment eventually." The city's presence will ramp up again on Monday. A "social services hub" will be established at Second and Indiana Streets. Assessments for treatment will be conducted in a trailer at Tusculum and A Streets. No exodus is expected. Addicts can be desperate for help yet unable to take it, experts say. "Nobody chooses to be an addict in Kensington," said Christine Simiriglia, president and CEO of Pathways to Housing PA, which is working with the city on an opioid initiative that starts with housing and sets no mandates for treatment. "Trust me. Nobody says 'I want to grow up and be an addict in Kensington.' " Left, Mahaj Brown, then 6, as he recovered from 10 stray bullet wounds. Right, Mahaj and his mother, LaPrea Brown, today. Read more Beat it, Batman. Wander off, Wonder Woman. Sashay away, Superman. None of you can hold a green lantern up to Philadelphia's superheroes. Philly's heroes may be small, but they are mighty and brave. They didn't ask to be superhuman. Their burdens were thrust upon them by the gun violence that relentlessly ravages the city. The superheroes child shooting victims will gather Aug. 11 at the Lenfest Center in Hunting Park with their loved ones and with families of children who lost their lives to gun violence to do what superheroes do best: Try to make a difference. The event, called "Superheroes Against Gun Violence," is being held by the family of 7-year-old Mahaj "Haji" Brown to mark the one-year anniversary of the day his body was ravaged by 10 stray bullets from an AK-47 in East Germantown. Both children and adults attending the gathering are urged to dress in their best superhero costume or shirt. "We need to let these children know they're not unique, and they can come together as they get older to help lift each other up," said Mahaj's grandmother Esther Davis. "We're just trying to send a powerful message and let these kids have a good day one good day." Mahaj was one of four children shot by stray bullets in five weeks last summer and one of 94 juveniles shot in Philadelphia in 2016. The shooters in all but one of those cases remain free, but their victims continue to face the mental and physical repercussions of being shot. Mahaj who was wounded while riding in a car has undergone 21 surgeries. Police have not named a suspect in the case and there has been no arrest. Judelly "JuJu" Sanchez was 12 when she was hit twice by stray bullets Aug. 30 as she walked to a corner store in Fairhill. She still has both bullets and two fragments in her body. Her alleged shooter fled a police barricade in January and was apprehended in April, but that's done little to calm her fears. "She sees him in her dreams," said Judelly's mother, Elizabeth. "She feels like he's still going to come after her." Milan Chase, who was 10 when she was hit in an arm by a stray bullet July 28 while walking across the street to her grandmother's house in North Philadelphia, still has nightmares a year later. The men she and her grandmother Susan Purnell identified as the shooters have not been arrested. "We haven't heard nothing. It makes me feel like there's no hope," Purnell said. "I want to holler and scream." That's another reason why Mahaj's mother and grandmother are holding the event, to give a voice to the victims and their families. "We need to bring awareness to the city of Philadelphia, because it could have been your child," Davis said. "We want to let people know we still suffer after the media is gone." Davis said there will be games, cotton candy and popcorn machines. A slideshow will display pictures of children affected by gun violence. She wants to do a balloon release in honor of children who have lost their lives to gun violence. The public is invited to attend the event, which will be from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lenfest Center, 3890 N. 10th St. Those interested can contact Davis at 267-333-1087 or Mahaj's mother, LaPrea Brown, at 215-908-0768. The risk of African Swine Fever (ASF) entering the UK pig population has been identified as number one concern for the industry when it comes to exotic diseases, by the Animal and Plant Health Agencys (APHA) pig specialists. ASF was recently discovered in Romania having being found the Czech Republic in June, where more than 60 cases are now reported to have been confirmed, all in wild boar in the Zlin region in the east of the country. Control measures, including 10km control zones have been put in place, alongside efforts to control wild boar numbers. ASF, which has never occurred in the UK, has been regularly found in wild boar in several eastern EU member states since 2014, and longer in Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to Pig World, Dr Susanna Williamson, pig veterinary lead at APHAs disease surveillance unit, said an ASF outbreak would be hugely damaging to the UK pig industry and is urging producers to take all necessary precautions, particularly when it comes to feeding pigs. ASF is the main notifiable pig disease that we are concerned about, she said. She said the Czech Republic cases represented a significant geographic jump further west. ASF is in Eastern Europe and there is a focus of infection there in wild boar, which is spilling over into domestic pigs, she said. In the past few weeks is there have been wild boar found dead due to African Swine Fever in the Czech Republic and that means it has moved further west. This is a significant geographic jump into a new region. The source of infection has not yet been confirmed, but generally when the disease appears for the first time at this distance from previously affected areas, it may be more likely to be due to illegal movements or feeding on contaminated products. The first wild boar cases in the Czech Republic were mostly found near inhabited areas and introduction of infection by wild boar consuming contaminated products is the most likely scenario. So it is on our radar. Defra and APHA continue to describe the risk to the UK is classified as very low risk, that is, rare but could occur, pointing to EU rules in place to prevent its spread. But Dr Williamson pointed out this is not the same as negligible and that 2000 Classical Swine Fever and 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks reinforce this. We continue to emphasise the role all pig farmers play in making sure their farms are as biosecure as possible, she said. The most important thing is ensuring no meat or meat products are ever fed to domestic pigs, which is illegal anyway. It is unlikely anyone would do this deliberately on a commercial farm but smallholder or pet pig owners may consider that it is acceptable to feed their kitchen waste to their pigs and need to know that they are breaking the law and endangering the health of their pigs. APHA recently ran a campaign recently to get this message across to pig owners and members of the public Get Our E-Newsletter - Pig World's best stories in your in-box twice a week See e-newsletter example Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy Misty Copeland is the New Face of Estee Lauderand We're Liking This Trend Between book deals and Under Armour endorsements, her own Barbie doll and a spot at the judges table on NBCs World of Dance, Misty Copeland has been one of the few ballerinas to break into mainstream pop culture. Now shes conquering the world of cosmetics. Yesterday, Estee Lauder announced that Copeland is the new spokesmodel for its fragrance, Modern Muse. The name seems fitting, given how her journey to becoming American Ballet Theatres first black principal woman has inspired so many. Shell front the fragrances campaign across digital, print, in-store and television advertisements. https://youtube.com/watch?v=x1iF9V0nB1w The dancer-as-brand-ambassador theme is catching on. Back in ballets glory days, Suzanne Farrell was the face of LAir du Temps perfume, while Mikhail Baryshnikov attached his name to not one, but two colognes. After a prolonged dry spell, were happy to see dancers receiving mainstream visibility again as more companies book them to represent their brands. Here are just a few recent examples: Last week, Tiffany & Co. named ABT principal David Hallberg as its latest spokesmodeljust a few months after he landed a Nike deal. Meanwhile, his colleague, ABT corps member Courtney Lavine, represents Avon cosmetics, while Dutch National Ballet soloist Michaela DePrince has been gracing advertisements for Jockey. Last year, BalletMet dancer Karen Wing starred in an ad for Limited jeans, while Houston Ballets Karina Gonzalez stole our hearts in this 2016 Honda commercial. Our June/July cover girl, Ingrid SIlva, showed both athleticism and grace in this recent promo for Muscle Milk by Refinery29. And dont forget the gang at New York City Balletits dancers have been campaign stars for Cole Haan and Puma. A Washougal, WA, woman faces an assault allegation after she reportedly slashed a Vancouver police officer in the face with a steak knife Monday night. Police were dispatched to a reported assault at the Royal Plains Apartment. A witness flagged down arriving officers and pointed in the direction of Mariah C. Dickison, 26, who had a large metal object in her hand, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court. Dickison had reportedly pulled a metal sign out of the ground. When officers arrived, she turned and ran, still holding the sign, Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp told the Columbian. The officers chased Dickison and then deployed a Taser to try to stop her, but it had no effect, the affidavit states. Dickison kept running until she tripped and fell. The officers tried to gain control of her arms, but she was swinging them wildly, and hit Officer Matthew Hoover in the face. He later realized that he had been stabbed on the left side of his face, court records said. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Lawyers are seeking the testimony of President Donald Trump and former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer related to their potential collusion with Fox News on a fake story about murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich. Michael Isikoff and Hunter Walker of Yahoo News reported: The lawyer for a Washington private investigator who is suing Fox News over its use of allegedly invented quotes in a news story advancing a bizarre conspiracy theory said Tuesday he will seek to depose President Trump and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer to question them over their roles in the affair. Were going to litigate this case as we would any other, and that means well want to depose anyone who has information, including the president, said attorney Douglas Wigdor, who is representing the investigator, Rod Wheeler. It wouldnt be shocking if Trump tried to get out of testifying by asserting executive privilege. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders claimed that Trump knew nothing about the story, but the complaint alleges that Trump and Spicer were reviewing the story and wanted it published on the Fox News website immediately because Trump was trying to plant fake news deflect the growing questions surrounding his involvement in the Russia scandal. None of this is moving towards a good place for Donald Trump. The facts will come out. If Trump colluded with Fox News to plant a fake news story, it would take the Presidents disregard for the White House to a new level. If Trump colluded with Fox News, it will destroy the still burning embers of the sinking conservative network, and could puncture an unfathomable dent in the conservative media bubble. The ugly marriage of Trump and the conservative media is being put on display, and Trump and Spicer testify, the dirty laundry might finally come out. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A leaked transcript of the full Wall Street Journal interview with Donald Trump reveals that when the President was asked about pardons for the Russia scandal, he dodged the question and babbled about Jared Kushner. Politico obtained the full transcript of the interview: WSJ: Would you consider pardons, Mr. President, given the investigation is TRUMP: You know what? I dont even think of pardons. Heres why, nobody did anything wrong. Look at Jared, everybody we do appreciate the editorial but everybody said Jared Kushner. Jareds a very private person. He doesnt get out. I mean, maybe its good or maybe its bad what I do, but at least people know how I feel. Jareds this really nice, smart guy, whod love to see peace in the Middle East and in Israel, OK? A no is missing from Donald Trumps answer. Not thinking about pardons is not the same as promising not to use them. Trumps answer was a dodge that left the door wide open for the President to think about pardons later and decide to pardon himself, his family, and his presidential campaign for Russia crimes. What Trump means by nobody has done anything wrong is that no charges have been filed yet, and nothing has been proven. The Wall Street Journal is friendly to Trump, and they did him a big favor by not printing his answer to the pardon question. However, the lead of the transcript revealed a president who is a dead man walking who will do whatever it takes to hold on to power, including pardoning himself and his family. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In 2013, then President Obama wrote a beautiful essay about Lincoln, the White House, and the Gettysburg Address. Reading Obamas words today reminds everyone that the same piece of living history that previous presidents were in awe of is the same place that classless Trump called a dump. When talking to members at his Bedminster golf club, Trump explained that he golfs every weekend because the White House is a dump. As an example of how a president should treat the White House, here is Barack Obamas handwritten essay on the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address: In the evening, when Michelle and the girls have gone to bed, I sometimes walk down the hall to a room Abraham Lincoln used as his office. It contains an original copy of the Gettysburg address, written in Lincolns own hand. I linger on these few words that have helped define our American experiment: A new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Through the lines of weariness etched in his face, we know Lincoln grasped, perhaps more than anyone, the burdens required to give these words meaning. He knew that even a self-evident truth was not self-executing; that blood drawn by the lash was an affront to our ideals; that blood drawn by the sword was in painful service to those same ideals. He understood as well that our humble efforts, our individual ambitions, are ultimately not what matter; rather, it is through the accumulated toil and sacrifice of ordinary men and women those like the soldiers who consecrated that battlefield that this country is built, and freedom preserved. This quintessentially self-made man, fierce in his belief in honest work and the striving spirit at the heart of America, believed that it falls to each generation, collectively, to share in that toil and sacrifice. Through cold war and world war, through industrial revolutions and technological transformations, through movements for civil rights and womens rights and workers rights and gay rights, we have. At times, social and economic change have strained our union. But Lincolns words give us confidence that whatever trials await us, this nation and the freedom we cherish can, and shall, prevail. Living in the White House is an honor and a responsibility. Trump has already neglected the responsibilities of his office, but he is a man who is so shallow and entitled that he cant see and appreciate the history of the place that he is occupying. Donald Trump wants so badly to be Barack Obama, but he will never measure up to his predecessor. Obama and others before him conducted themselves as a president should, and Trump will always be the reality television star who was sent into the West Wing from Russia with love. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Other presidents would have made sure to sign the Russia sanctions bill in front of the media to send a clear message that Russian election would not be tolerated, but Trump chose to sign the bill with no formal announcement or media present to keep the whole thing quiet. CNN reported, President Donald Trump signed into law Wednesday morning legislation that levies new sanctions against Russia and restricts Trumps own ability to ease sanctions in place against Moscow, a White House official said. The White House tried to kill this sanctions bill before both the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed it. The reason why Trump signed this bill is that he had no other choice. If the President didnt sign the bill, he faced the prospect of an overwhelming override of his veto. Trump had to sign the legislation, but by signing it without any publicity, the camera hungry president is expressing his displeasure over having to displease Putin. Only the weakest of the weak would hide while taking action against Russia for attacking a democratically held election in the United States. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print President Donald Trump has reached a dangerous level of incoherence as he wants to fire the top US commander in Afghanistan and base the nations war strategy on a fancy New York restaurant. NBC News reported: Trump compared the policy review process to the renovation of a famed New York restaurant in the 1980s, officials said. Trump told his advisers that the restaurant, Manhattans elite 21 Club, had shut its doors for a year and hired an expensive consultant to craft a plan for a renovation.After a year, Trump said, the consultants only suggestion was that the restaurant needed a bigger kitchen. Officials said Trump kept stressing the idea that lousy advice cost the owner a year of lost business and that talking to the restaurants waiters instead might have yielded a better result. He also said the tendency is to assume if someone isnt a three-star general he doesnt know what hes talking about, and that in his own experience in business talking to low-ranking workers has gotten him better outcomes. The man in charge of the nations military strategy compared the war in Afghanistan to a restaurant remodel. Donald Trump is going to get even more American soldiers killed in Afghanistan. The man knows nothing about military strategy, or how difficult to impossible it has been historically for a foreign power to fight in Afghanistan. A war in Afghanistan is difficult. The opposition is prepared to fight for decades if not centuries. The Taliban understands that the invaders will eventually go home and they will win. Afghanistan is a Vietnam/North Korea level war. Donald Trump is endangering American lives as commander in chief. He has no clue what is doing. War is nothing like a restaurant remodel, and the problem isnt the advice that the President is getting. The problem is that the US is fighting a war in Afghanistan. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A new Morning Consult/Politico poll shows that the American people have soured on the Republican led government after the partys efforts to repeal Obamacare, as Democrats hold a seven point lead on the generic congressional ballot. Morning Consult reported, In the new survey, 44 percent of registered voters said they would vote for a Democratic candidate for Congress if the election were held today, compared with 37 percent who said theyd back a GOP candidate. Thats a 7-point swing in Democrats direction since last week, when voters were split at 40 percent for each party. Most of the movement toward the Democratic side of the ballot was driven by independents: 34 percent said theyd vote for a Democrat, up 4 points from last week, while 25 percent said theyd opt for a Republican, down 4 points. The Morning Consult/Politico poll has been more favorable to Trump than most. Trumps approval rating in this poll is at 42%, which is higher than any other recent poll. It hasnt taken the American people long to regret their choice to give Trump and the Republican Party total control of the federal government. Republicans and Trump have accomplished nothing in more than six months with the exception of making it clear to anyone who is paying attention that their goal is to wreck health care. The other Republican goal is the passage of massive tax cut for the wealthy, which will only serve to make Democrats more popular before the midterms. If one were sit down and write a playbook for how to lose control of Congress, Republicans and Trump are devising the perfect blueprint. Democrats will have a tough mountain to climb in 2018, but success will rest not in trying to come up with new slogans, but in great candidate recruitment and listening to voters, who are already telling Democrats what they want. Voters dont feel like their interests are being represented by Trump and the GOP, so the Democratic message is right there in front of them. Democrats need to tell voters that they will fight for their health care. Theyll fight to raise wages and create better jobs, and theyll say no to Trumps tax cuts for the wealthy. Congressional Democrats dont need a catchy slogan. They just need to fight. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print By Chris Kenning CHICAGO (Reuters) Fifty-six retired U.S. generals, admirals and other senior officers voiced opposition on Tuesday to President Donald Trumps announcement of a ban on transgender military service, saying it would be disruptive and degrade readiness. Also on Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Paul Zukunft, offered support for transgender members of his service. The letter and comments were the latest push-back from retired or active military members after Trump said on Twitter he would ban transgender people from serving in the military in any capacity, reviving a ban that had ended in 2016. Trumps announcement appealed to some in his conservative political base, but it created vast uncertainty for active-duty and reserve transgender service members, who say they number in the thousands. The retired officers said in their open letter that the ban would cause significant disruptions and deprive the military of talent or force members to live a lie. The retired officers said the move would degrade readiness even more than the dont ask, dont tell policy implemented in 1994 under President Bill Clinton that lifted a ban on gay people serving in the military but called for them to be circumspect about their sexuality. Patriotic transgender Americans who are serving and who want to serve must not be dismissed, deprived of medically necessary health care, or forced to compromise their integrity or hide their identity, the former officers wrote. The ban would also force non-transgender members to choose between reporting comrades or disobeying policy, they said. The letter was released by the Palm Center, a public policy think tank. Signatories included retired Marine General John Allen, who formerly led U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and retired Army Major General Antonio Taguba, who investigated abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Zukunft said that he supported transgender members of the Coast Guard during an appearance on Tuesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He did not say what the Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, would do if the ban was implemented. He said the Coast Guard has contacted 13 service members who declared themselves to be transgender. We have made an investment in you, and you have made an investment in the Coast Guard, he said of the service members in response to a question. And I will not break the faith. (Reporting by Chris Kenning; Editing by Daniel Wallis and James Dalgleish) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In the latest demonstration that Russia controls Trump, Sec. of State Rex Tillerson is refusing to spend $80 million to counter Russian propaganda. Politico reported, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly $80 million allocated by Congress for fighting terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation. It is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Departments Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon. Another $19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillersons aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against Americas adversaries. There are two reasons why the Secretary of State wouldnt spend the money that Congress allocated. Either Tillerson is trying to kill the State Department by depriving it of resources, or he is doing Russias bidding. Given the close relationship that Tillerson and Putin share, it is most likely that he is helping his friend Vlad out by not challenging Russian propaganda. The evidence of this administrations submission to Russia is everywhere. Trump refuses to admit that the Russians interfered in the election. Trump has not done anything to punish Russia for election interference. The White House tried to kill the Russia sanctions bill that Congress overwhelmingly passed. Trump has shown no interest in standing up to Russia around the world, and now, and administration that owes its victory to Putin refuses to counter Russian propaganda. It all adds up to a president who ran on making America great, but is owned by Russia. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump used a presidential signing statement on the Russia sanctions legislation to whine at Congress for not repealing Obamacare and to brag about his personal wealth. Here is the closer of Trumps signing statement which he attached to the Russia sanctions bill that he signed: Still, the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary. Further, the bill sends a clear message to Iran and North Korea that the American people will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior. America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries malignant activities. I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress. The battle between the Executive and Legislative branches of our government over control of foreign policy is nothing new, but Trump apparently thinks that part of a good deal for the United States involves removing sanctions on Russia. The real reason why Trump is signing the bill isnt national unity. It is that the country is already unified in favor of the sanctions. If Trump vetoed the bill, his veto would be overridden. Republicans are going to admit at some point that Trump is not well. Only a crazy person would brag about their wealth in a presidential signing statement. Trump thinks that he won the election because he is rich when the real reason why Trump won is the same Russia scandal that is causing his nearly daily mental meltdowns. This signing statement is an example of why the vast majority of Americans are embarrassed to have Trump as president. . To do so, first type the original number into the text box. Then click on the "Scientific Notation" option located at the top of the floating window. Finally, click on the "Standard" button found beneath the text box to display your result. This program is useful for scientists and engineers working with decimal-based numbers. It provides easy access to those who need to convert those numbers into more compact forms without having to do heavy math calculations first. Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers. It is used in physics, chemistry and other fields where large numbers are common. Those numbers are written as a power of 10 followed by a number with an exponent. For example, 1,000,000 (one million) is written as 1 103. The exponent shows how many zeros are after the first digit. For example, 1,000,001 is written as 1 102. Scientific notation is a useful tool for making calculations easier. You can use it to write down very big or very small numbers in one step instead of writing out both the large and small numbers separately. You can also use it to express large or small numbers in terms of other units like centimeters or millimeters. Scientific notation solver is an online tool that can be used to convert any number into scientific notation. Simply enter any number to the left of the decimal point and it will automatically convert it into a scientific notation equivalent. This web tool can be very helpful when you need to convert a large number into scientific notation. However, please note that this online tool can only convert numbers that are in scientific format. For example, it cannot convert a non-scientific number like "1,085" into a scientific notation equivalent. It is also important to keep in mind that this web tool only works when converting numbers from one particular format to another. For example, if you want to change a non-scientific number like "1,085" into standard format, then you will have to use another online tool like NumberFormatting.com. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Theo James and Emilia Fox rehearse the play "Sex With Strangers" for its London premiere at the Hampstead Theatre. The play, by Laura Eason, will be performed at Woolfe Street Playhouse. Despite the rise of farmers markets and community-supported agriculture, most city dwellers are still separated from the farms that grow our food. But this time of year, all that changes at the strawberry u-pick field. The Lowcountrys mild weather means that strawberry season can start as early as February and last through May. Read moreRather than eat pilfered strawberries in Lowcountry fields, pay and haul them home to cook Illinoisans, knowing we have over half a million illegal aliens in our state, and massive crime as well, must read such stories and ask ourselves: How many Sergio Jose Martinezes must we have of our own? This week, the case that propelled the issue to headlines was of a rapist, robber, and addict named Sergio Jose Martinez, caught in Portland, still committing crimes after having been deported twenty yes, twenty times before. With over 20 million in the country (and yes, that may be a conservative estimate), its actually amazing they arent in the news every week but there has long been something of a media blackout on this problem outside of the times when the Democratic talking points focused on them, as when the Obama administration tried, again and again, to convince the nation to just give them all citizenship. (For some people, nothing is too outrageous if it involves a large enough voting block). Statistics and Estimates Anything that happens in the shadows is naturally a bit harder to count than things that happen in the light of day. Since by definition it is illegal to be an illegal, estimates of their numbers, and of their effect on the community, are bound to be a bit harder to come by than, say, the publicly announced revenues of an SEC-regulated corporation, or the formally budgeted annual spending of a school district. But talented researchers are able to collect data, and extrapolate from it, and eventually wind up with numbers that are good enough to be trusted by all sides. So we have, for example, the reports of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), which has broken down their best estimates by state, releasing information that is shocking even as it is very conservative in its projections. Illinois, for example, according to FAIRs scientific (and therefore very cautious) estimates, has about 550,000 illegal aliens, in a total population of under 13 million. Note that were not talking about immigrants here; as there are about 1.8 million immigrants in Illinois at present (these are 2012 numbers). Were only talking about a third of the foreign-born residents of Illinois, the half million who are here illegally. What does that do to a region? Such a presence of people living outside the law some committing no other major violation, some committing many must have a cost to the society. And FAIR estimates that cost to Illinois alone again, as conservatively as they can, so they can defend it in the face of any challenge, as a cost of over four and a half billion dollars (this particular number is an old one FAIRs Illinois estimate was USD 4,592,121,791 for 2009; it can only have gone up from there). In case that sounds outrageous, do the math. Its only about $8000 per illegal alien per year, or about $32,000 per illegal alien family of four. Its not outrageous at all. The numbers of people are just that high. Now, that may be and should be shocking on its own. A state in bankruptcy cannot afford a massive cost such as 4.5 billion dollars per year due to the failure of our nation to manage its borders. Illinois is constantly raising its taxes to deal with these costs: this summer alone we have seen a one-third increase in our income tax rate, a batch of new taxes like Cook Countys draconian beverage tax, all on top of the ongoing annual increases in our already massive property tax bite. But as shocking as that careful estimate of $4.5 billion may be, we shouldnt think that expelling our half-million illegals would only save us those $4.5 billion. No, it would save far more, because that public number is likely extremely low. For starters, in order to be totally safe in defending their estimates, FAIR uses publicly available statistics that everybody accepts. This 550,000 estimate is based on the DHS estimate (for 2012) of about 11,900,000 illegal aliens nationally (combined primarily of border jumpers, with some anchor baby children and people who arrived legally on work visas, student visas, and tourist visas but stayed after their expiration). Most honest people know that this DHS estimate is very low. Since the real total is more likely over 20 million nationally, this means that there may be as many as a million illegals in Illinois, which means that we should double the cost estimates as well: It is therefore reasonable, when estimating the actual costs of illegal aliens, to assume Illinois added burden is also double the standard estimate. 9 billion dollars a year. Yes, if we want to be honest in estimating the direct costs to the public of all these illegals in Illinois, the direct costs to our school system, the public welfare system, the police burden, etc., $9 billion per year is a better number. Chicago, Cook County, and Evanston are all Sanctuary Cities meaning that their governments have made the conscious decision to invite these illegal aliens into their communities, saddling their constituents with these burdens. While compassion is laudable, would the average voter in these jurisdictions be so eager to support the choice if he or she was aware that it cost us nine billion dollars a year? Or if he or she realized that the income tax increase, the beverage tax creation, their skyrocketing property taxes, and their overcrowded schools were caused by this illegal decision by their elected officials? The Real Costs of Illegal Aliens Now comes the time to see the big picture. When we look at costs like the costs that we have shared so far we are only able to look at direct numbers, provable numbers. Researchers simply dont dare use estimates they cant defend. So that means they look at what a school district outlays per student, and extrapolate from there. They look at what a police department says it costs to arrest a carjacker, mugger, or rapists, and extrapolate from there. They look at what a public hospital says it costs to deliver a baby or treat a knife wound or handle an overdose, and extrapolate from there. Thats how we got to that official $4.5 billion figure, and how, when we appropriately double it in the knowledge that there are really twice as many illegals as publicly admitted, we come up with $9 billion. But are these all the costs of the massive presence of illegal aliens in a community? Lets now look at the broader array of effects that their presence has on Illinois, the costs that dont show up in public spending, but rather, their effect on the personal lives of the private sector. Crime: For every crime, there is a victim. These statistics capture the city or county cost of arresting, prosecuting, and sometimes jailing the perpetrator. They dont capture the cost to the victim. Employment: While many illegals obtain welfare support of all kinds, many are hard-working people, willing to work long hours doing honorable jobs in construction and remodeling, restaurants and fast food, gas stations and landscaping. But there is a cost here as well. Even though these people may use less welfare payments because they earn their pay, we must consider Illinois unemployment levels, especially our youth unemployment. Even good, hard-working illegal aliens do damage by displacing citizens and green card holders. Our young people, our poor, the people seeking their first step on the lowest rung of the employment ladder, are displaced by hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. Hospitals: The statistics address the number of illegal aliens who are treated in the hospitals the childbirths, the drug detox, the knifings and shootings. But they dont address the victims of illegal alien crime who also wind up in the hospitals. Cook County Hospital also treats legal American immigrants and natural-born Americans who are in there for drug detox because of illegal alien pushers and their drug gangs and who are treated for injuries sustained in rapes and muggings and barfights where the perpetrator was an illegal alien and who are in there for treatment of drive-by shootings, the nearly daily occurrence in Chicago caused by the reckless violence of gangland activity. The native-born American child shot and killed on his own front porch by a random bullet from an MS-13 thug doesnt show up in these statistics, but that human life lost, and all the costs associated with his death, are also the fault of the criminal illegals of the Sanctuary City. What is the result of all these challenges, all these burdens on our economy? A tax code so crippling that it drives businesses out of the state and lowers our property values, so that when we seek to flee ourselves, we cant get what we paid for our houses when we bought them. No sane person wants to move to Illinois, or start a company here, or even expand one already in place. Crime levels so severe that they drive up the property insurance and renters insurance on our houses and apartments, and adding to the insurance rates on businesses so that they are forced to flee, taking all those jobs out of our community and delivering them to some other community, far away, in another state or even another country. Outrageous rates for auto insurance, because of the ridiculously higher risk of being hit by uninsured aliens while theyre DUI, and the greater risk of car break-ins and carjackings and regular car theft. Live in a place like Cook County long enough, and you tend to forget how high our cost of living is at least, the cost of living for those not supported on the shoulders of others. The illegal aliens arent the total cause of our high taxes, high crime, and low employment; there are homegrown causes as well. But imagine if all our criminals were the homegrown ones, and we didnt import more. Imagine if the only people competing with our kids for their first jobs were people here legally. Imagine if potential employers, looking for a new place to start or expand their businesses, could see Chicagoland as a safe, low-tax big city, where the positives outweighed the negatives, as in fact they once did? Our lives would be very different indeed. And remember, always remember this isnt about immigrants in general (this authors grandfather emigrated from Italy, and other great grandparents arrived from Ireland and Austria) its about illegal aliens, people without permission to be here, people whose effect on the community is completely different from that of the legal immigrant community, people who in fact do the most damage, both short-term and long-term, to the legal immigrants with whom they blend in so well. The Law of Unseen Consequences Contrary to what you learned in your Paul Samuelson economics textbook, politics and economics are not about formulas; they arent about the various ways to slice up a pie in what we call a zero sum game. Every political choice has human consequences, because every political choice either inspires people one way or another. Lower tax rates, and you inspire people to be productive, because theyll derive more of the benefits of their labor. Raise tax rates, and you depress that productivity, as people learn that the harder they work, the more theyll be punished. The same goes for every government decision, which makes it hard, even impossible, for researchers to forecast results. We see this locally, in Chicagoland, as this column goes to press: The Cook County Board of Confiscators has created a new beverage tax that they expect to produce a windfall of hundreds of millions of dollars per year but it will not. They view past statistics, and assume that a higher tax rate will produce higher collections. Realistic people know that adding $2.88 to every 24-pack of pop will drive shoppers to make their grocery purchases across the county line. This will cost the county not only that anticipated added revenue, but the other taxes that they would have received normally it will cause the businesses to lay off people. It will cause grocery stores and fast food places to close down or move away, causing massive unemployment and an increase in the already unaffordable welfare and unemployment burden on our cities, our counties, and our state. But these are the unseen consequences, the ones that you cant obtain with a calculator, but with the application of common sense, so lacking in so many politicians today. We see the same problem in every national debate with an economic aspect the Obamacare repeal, the business tax cut effort, and issues like welfare reform and corporate regulation reform. Every time Congress proposes a bill, they wait for the Congressional Budget Office to score it, by declaring its effect upon the economy and the federal budget. CBO forecasts are terrible, not necessarily even because they mean for them to be, but because they have to be; they are bound by economic modeling rules that dont take into account the broader effect the law would have on human choices. Example: If we cut the corporate tax rate in half from the currently outrageous effective rate of about 38% to the more rational and competitive rate of 17 to 19 percent as the Republicans propose what will be the result? The CBO assumes that federal business tax revenues will be cut in half but we know that the true result will be a massive return of investment, an explosion of existing business expansions and new business startups, and a boom in new jobs. The CBO cant consider all that because they are only allowed to look at direct spending and direct revenues based on past numbers. They are not allowed to apply the real view of economics as a human science, asking what real effect will the bill have on human behavior? And this makes all the difference. Another example: If we repeal Obamacare as we MUST the CBO feels that it must ask, how many people would continue to buy Obamacare insurance at its current rate of increase in price, if it were not mandated? Naturally, the answer is none, because it is a terrible product that people only buy because they are forced to. But if we repeal Obamacares mandate and the federal subsidies for its purchase, there will suddenly be a huge expansion of options in the marketplace. Businesses will increase hiring, so people now without insurance will get it from their jobs. Insurance companies will no longer be banned from selling the broad variety of plans high deductible and low cost, low deductible and higher cost, and everything in between that they used to offer before Obamacare went into effect and people will respond to these offers, and buy them again. In fact, when we pass good laws that enable greater economic growth and greater personal options, good things will happen, but the zero-sum game economists are not even allowed to make such estimates. So whether we talk about the costs to an economy of illegal aliens, or of crippling taxes, or of destructive government mandates, we must always remember that the truth of their effects is like an iceberg: only certain surface effects may be visible under normal research rules; to really anticipate the results of public policy change, and see the big picture, you need to consider the human aspect, the result of the changes on human behavior. So much more is possible when we leave our calculators aside and empower people with individual liberty in a nation protected by limited government, enforcing the rule of law. Copyright 2017 John F. Di Leo John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based writer, actor, Customs broker and transportation professional. A former President of the Ethnic American Council and past County Chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, he has been a recovering politician for twenty years (but, like every addiction, one is never completely cured from it). Permission is hereby granted to forward freely, provided it is uncut and the IR URL and byline are included. Derryck Barentine had just turned 20 and was working as a welder apprentice through a contractor at Detyens Shipyards, a ship repair yard in North Charleston. In the sprawling industrial complex, deaths due to falls, crushing and electrocution have left coworkers like him men and women scarred by the tragedies they witnessed and the friends they lost. Read moreShipyard deaths take toll on workers left to grapple with trauma, friends lost It will be barely an eight-mile hike from the Rev. John Lasuba's current post as associate pastor at St. John The Evangelist Church in Rochester to his new position as pastor of parishes in Byron and Kasson. But in one sense, it will be a world away from where Lasuba started his life. And it will be another step in a remarkable and twisting life journey. When Lasuba first arrived in Rochester 12 years ago, he was a priest on the run, fleeing his native country, Sudan, where it was no longer safe for him to live. Lasuba was a toddler when his dad and three brothers were killed by North Sudanese soldiers. A fourth brother also died in the conflict. As a priest, he worked in areas liberated by Sudanese rebels in the south and ministered to people as well as soldiers on the front lines. After he arrived in Rochester, often in the back of his mind was the idea that he would one day return to his native land. But such hopes have been dashed by the recurring turmoil and bloodletting in his homeland. After South Sudan won its independence in 2011, civil war broke out in that country, too. ADVERTISEMENT "He's an exceptional human being. He's been through horrific pain," said the Rev. Gerald Mahon, St. John pastor. "He has a heart that is so real. Even though he comes out of this history he has been formed and shaped in the midst of crisis he has developed into a human being that most of us would really desire to follow." First, a sponsor Lasuba's sojourn in Rochester almost never happened. After fleeing Sudan and arriving in New Jersey, Lasuba still lacked the sponsorship needed to permit him to stay in the U.S. as a political refugee. Members of Rochester's Sudanese community approached Mahon and asked if the church would consider sponsoring Lasuba. But there was a problem. An immigration attorney noticed a discrepancy in Lasuba's paperwork and suspected that he might be a fraud. Although born in Sudan, Lasuba's passport had been issued in Uganda (an understandable omission given the government's hostility to Christians). And Mahon's superiors in the diocese told Mahon that the church could not sponsor Lasuba with such lingering doubts hanging over him. But for Mahon, those questions were banished in a single phone conversation. One night Lasuba called Mahon and, at some point in the conversation, Mahon made his decision. He told Lasuba "you can come." "I'm listening to him on the phone, and I'm thinking, 'I'm going to take the risk,'" Mahon said. "I just could hear this really tender voice that I trusted." Unbeknownst to Mahon at the time was the fact that Lasuba was scheduled to fly out of the U.S. the next morning and return to Sudan and an uncertain future if he could not get political asylum. ADVERTISEMENT All together now During his 12 years at St. John, Lasuba helped integrate the South Sudanese church members into the larger church community. Previously the Sudanese community held Masses separate from the larger community. That practice ended under Lasuba. "I was having the idea that in case I'm gone tomorrow, I want these people to be comfortable in being in the larger community," Lasuba said. That communion also helped the larger church develop a sensitivity to the humanitarian crisis and needs in South Sudan. Lusaba was the catalysts for St. John's efforts to build in South Sudan. It was a dream of his. Lasuba, who himself was denied schooling until age 12, credits his own education as a key to his own development as a person and religious leader. And in a country where 80 percent of the people are illiterate and 50 percent have never been to a school, it is a most precious thing. "Because of the war, it seemed like I was always on the run," Lasaba told the PB in an earlier interview. "But fortunately, I ended up having the chance to learn under missionary teachers, Jesuits, in a nearly Catholic school. I don't know what I would have done without them." St. John raised a million dollars and built a K-8 school in Yei, South Sudan, Lasuba's hometown. Mahon traveled twice to South Sudan, once to dedicate the land and the second time to dedicate the school. But the school was forced to close when the civil war broke out. Powerful example ADVERTISEMENT Cris Fischer, a church member, says Lasuba has had a "huge" impact on the congregation. Despite witnessing and living through horrific violence and hatred, Lasuba has remained kind and forgiving. And that has made him a powerful example to others of the "power of mercy and forgiveness." Meanwhile, the Winona diocese, struggling with a shortage of priests, found itself with an opening to fill when the Rev. Paul Supremant, pastor of Christ the King parish in Byron and Holy Family parish in Kasson, retired. Church leaders approached Lasuba about becoming pastor to the two churches and he said yes. Combined, the two churches serve more than 700 members. Last April, Lasuba tried to get back to his homeland, but was only able to get as far as Uganda. He takes over his new assignment on Aug. 8 and anticipates an adjustment period. The two parishes he takes over are predominately white with no Sudanese members. But Lasuba says he's not worried about that. For a person who has endured bombardment and threat of death for his faith, he brings a rare and hard-earned perspective to the job. Lasuba, who speak four languages, says his only concern is that his accented English not get in the way of communicating his message to the members. "I want to work with people together. With my experiences here, I feel comfortable," he said. There are, however, Republican members of Congress who believe that taxpayers should pay for castration and vaginal construction for transvestite males, double mastectomies of healthy breasts for male-posing women and hormone therapy and all else that goes with it. The Hartzler Amendment to the House appropriations bill would have stopped the military from paying for the procedures related to sex changes after Obama executive order, but all the Democrats in the House, and 24 Republicans , kept this amendment from passing. With a series of tweets on Wednesday morning, July 26, 2017, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military will not accept openly transgender individuals. By so doing, Trump reversed an Obama administration policy directive. Earlier this July, Defense Secretary James Mattis had said he would delay new admissions of openly transgender Americans into the military until Jan. 1 on the advice of military brass. Trumps announcement, however, at least for the time being, appeared to seal the matter. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chairman General Joseph Dunford, reacted a day after Trump's tweet announcement with this admonishment: There will be no modifications to the current policy until the presidents direction has been received by the secretary of defense and the secretary has issued implementation guidance. Critics of the presidents policy have compared the transgender ban to the racial segregation of the military. Just as racial segregation championed by so-called progressives Democrats like President Woodrow Wilson didn't increase the effectiveness of our troops, the push for transgender soldiers represents another largely Democratic effort to use the military to achieve social outcomes unrelated to the primary purpose of the military, which is to defend the country and defeat enemies. David Kupelian, Managing editor of World Net Daily, had this to say about the meltdown of Democrats and the establishment press about President Trump's tweet announcement: Remember, up until just recently, being transgender was universally recognized around the world as a serious mental disorder. Then suddenly, under relentless LGBT pressure, a panel of people at the top of the American Psychiatric Association decides to partially de-pathologize gender identity disorder and suddenly its perfectly normal and now everybody who doesnt play along is a hater and a klansman. What about the right to serve? Just as in most everything else we do, there are condition (rules and regulations) that are prescribed for service in the military. Being too tall; too short; too thin, too fat, too old, too young, or not being able to hear or see well, can all be disqualifying conditions. Then there are medical conditions that require constant treatment or excessive accommodation. That's why people with asthma, diabetes, permanent STD's/STI's (like HIV), people with cancer or a recurring history of cancer and individuals with physical disabilities can't serve (except in very rare cases where a specific waiver is granted). Do people ever complain about any of the before mentioned restrictions, yet rejection from the military because you are "transgender" implies discrimination. Society as a whole, seems to have little knowledge of the transgender controversy, especially as it relates to the military? Here are some facts: Transgender individuals require hormone replacement therapy, they require psychiatric care during transition, and if they elect to get surgery it can take 2-4 years for them to recover to the point of being eligible to deploy. On top of that, after the surgery they are at a higher risk of infection for the rest of their life, which complicates any attempt at sending them to the field to train where hygiene isn't always able to be pristine maintained or overseas. An overseas deployment also puts the individual at risk because they may not have steady access to their hormone replacement drugs, which leads to withdrawal and hormone imbalances as well as health problems. So, just like diabetics and cancer patients and individuals with physical or mental disabilities, it just isn't feasible to accommodate these people so that they can serve. Although transgender service members have been serving openly in the military since June 30, 2016, when former Defense Secretary Ash Carter ended the ban, it was on Oct. 1, 2016, that transgender troops have been able to receive medical care and start formally changing their gender identifications in the Pentagons personnel system. The Pentagon has refused to release any data on the number of transgender troops currently serving in the military, but a Rand Corp. study estimated that there are between 2,500 and 7,000 transgender service members on active duty and an additional 1,500 to 4,000 in the reserves. Within the Pentagon's personnel system, there are as many as 250 service members in the process of transitioning to their preferred genders or who have been approved to formally change gender. Reported in an article by Daniel Greenfield in Front Page Magazine , The Transgender Ban Isnt Fair. Neither is War: "As 45% of transgender persons in the 18 to 44 age range are suicidal, this is a serious risk for personnel who are around weapons or operating machinery or aircraft. If this were the only issue, it would be enough to justify the medical ban. Transgender operations and hormone therapy requires constant monitoring by a doctor. They carry serious health risks. Some of those risks require serious medications and ongoing management. The military demands results, not diversity." What about cost to the American taxpayer? The Rand study touted by transgender advocates claiming that medical expenses will only be in the millions, relies on a statistical bait and switch. The actual cost is estimated to be in the billions. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R., Mo.), leading opponent of taxpayer-funded sex changes as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of oversight and investigations, provided internal data to the Washington Free Beacon showing that even by using a conservative estimate, the costs associated with only 0.7 percent of the military population is huge, $1.35 billion. Calculations included the current number of transgenders now serving and those who are likely to seek taxpayer-funded gender transitions. The $1.35 billion doesn't even include additional medical costs of transgender service members, including hormone therapy, mental health service, or costs associated with surgical complications. In the past Hartzler has pointed out that for $1.35 billion, the Pentagon could purchase 13 F-35 fighters or 14 F-18 Super Hornets. Trump's Transgender Ban Applauded As expressed by Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis (USA-Ret.), Senior fellow for national security at the Family Research Council: "It's about time common sense comes to the Pentagon. The president obviously has been consulting with the top leaders in the Pentagon, who are grounded in common sense, and they made recommendations to end it. So the president [has decided to] not go down that path that the Obama administration paved regarding political correctness." Retired Colonel Will Merrill wrote the following remarks via a request from Nancy Thorner, who was introduced to Col. Merrill through a friend who likewise lives in Florida: Col. Merrill served for thirty-one years in the army. Having graduated from West Point in 1958, he served eleven years overseas and had tours in Germany, Vietnam, Korea and Greece. He has written two books, 9/11- Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes- NYC, the First Battle in the War against Terror!, which includes interviews with Mayor Rudy Giuliani and FDNY Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano and other involved in 9/11 and Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes- Afghanistan and Iraq, based on Merrill's interviews with thirty-five soldiers and family members. His books are available on Amazon.com. "There is no room for transgender in the military. We can accommodate them in civilian life but it just won't work in the military. They would not be deploy-able, which would mean that the others would have to deploy more often. Again, the military was being for social engineering. Reminds me of my first command experience. Robert McNamara, then Secretary of Defense under Project 100,000 let that many unqualified people join the military as a social experiment. My experience was that most of these people were not able to perform even basic military tasks. Many got in trouble with local police and much of my time was spent in working with them and arranging to have them eliminated from the army." "I also feel that if transgender people were permitted to join the military, many would do so, solely so they could get expensive sex change operations and medical care from the military. Many would likely leave the military as soon as they could after that." President Trump's policy is the same one that existed for most of Obama's time in office. So why now the outrage and the cynical and hypocritical posturing by those in the media. Military preparedness should not be how the military can accommodate one identity group or another, but how the recruits can be shaped to the needs of the military. The transgender ban is not a moral or a religious policy, but a medical one. Should the military really be required to deal with the complicated medical and social problems that arise to accommodate transgender troops? Instead of admitting that Trump was right, and that allowing transgenders to share the showers, barracks and latrines, of female soldiers, made no sense at all, the political poltroons immediately began to spew the typical bilge about Trumps being a sexist, and that the military should be open to all those transgender patriots who wish to fight for their countryor at least have the country pay for their surgery. The LGTB culture should be left in peace, but peace is not what the military is about. Summer is about a month away from being over. Your family may be just now catching up from an extended vacation, or scavenging for something, anything, to do. Either way, visiting Southeast Minnesota's finest historic attractions is a good way to spend each Saturday remaining in the summer. In the few weeks before school starts, take a family field trip to a Minnesota historical site. Here are five of Minnesota's best nearby historic attractions each a two-hour or less car ride. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park This one is the closest attraction about 45 minutes south of Rochester. Visitors can explore the state park, cross the Carnegie Bridge and get a taste of what small town living was like in 1899. Costumed guides impersonate residents of the time and engage in what people living then did as their daily routines. A state park vehicle pass is required for admission. Sibley Historic Site ADVERTISEMENT Explore the buildings that make up the home of Minnesota's first governor, a fur trader named Henry Sibley. This site consists of four of Minnesota's oldest surviving buildings. Located in Mendota, the Sibley Historic Site is only an hour and fifteen minute drive north from Rochester. Open Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. until Labor Day, catch this attraction before it closes for the year. Guided tours occur on the hour, and admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and college students, and $5 for children ages 5-17. (Kids under 5 are free.) Minnesota History Center Visit the granddaddy of all Minnesota historic sites the History Center in St. Paul. Everyone in the family can find a topic that fosters wonder and learning. A museum with permanent and changing exhibits, this destination is a must for all historically curious families. Admission is free, but it is charged for special featured exhibits. Their hours include 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed on Monday. Harkin Store An authentic general store, 1871 style in 2017, this site is the farthest away, but arguably the coolest. The Harkin Store opened in 1867 in the town of West Newton, and it is the only thing that remains of the town today. When a railroad was built bypassing the town, the store had to close with a large amount of unsold inventory on the shelves, where it is today. Located in New Ulm, it is about a two hour drive west from Rochester. James J. Hill House The kids will be easily convinced that they're visiting the home of a king with this historic site, a 36,000-square-foot mansion in St. Paul built for James J. Hill, the former CEO of a family of railroad lines. The mansion also contains an art gallery available for public viewing. Tickets for only the art gallery are $2. Admission that includes a tour is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, $6 for kids ages 5 to 17, and free for kids age 4 and under. Tours begin every half hour and last 75 minutes. The hours of this mansion turned museum include 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. On Monday and Tuesday, only the art gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Talk to the animals at Zollman Zoo's Children's Zoo Time. Free of charge, the all-ages program is designed to introduce participants to the zoo and its animals. "Children's Zoo Time focuses on the animals in our zoo's nature center. These animals are primarily reptiles and amphibians snakes, turtles, salamanders," said Clarissa Schrooten, Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo naturalist. "Kids and adults will learn more about these animals what they eat, where they live in the wild and maybe have the chance to touch one." After the Children's Zoo Time program, families are invited to head out on their own to explore the rest of the zoo and its 60-plus animals. "At this time of day you're likely to catch the keepers doing their jobs, feeding some of the animals. But not the birds of prey. They get fed in the afternoon and the owls get fed when it's dark out," Schrooten said. "And when you're done looking at the animals in the zoo, head across the street and check out the deer and bison babies. They were born this spring. And yes, they're still small. They'll stay small for about two years." Zollman Zoo is located inside Oxbow Park. Part of Olmsted County Parks, admission is free to the park and zoo, though donations are welcome. The park and zoo are open year-round. (The zoo is closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.) ADVERTISEMENT "Everything in our zoo and nature center are native to Minnesota no exceptions," Schrooten said. "The zoo provides an opportunity to learn about animals that live in the wild here in Minnesota. Our animals are non-release status, meaning they were either captive-born or have an injury that permits them from being released back to the wild. We offer programming like Children's Zoo Time year-round. It's a great opportunity for families to keep learning and get everyone outside." ----- If you go What: Children's Zoo Time Where: Oxbow Park's Zollman Zoo, 5731 County Road 105 NW When: 10 a.m. Saturday Phone: 507-775-2451 On the web: www.co.olmsted.mn.us ADVERTISEMENT More about Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo Oxbow Park offers overnight camping through Oct. 8. All campsites (electric and non-electric) are on a first come, first served basis no reservations. A campground map and brochure are available online. The Path of Imagination is a natural elements playground and outdoor education area located inside Oxbow Park. Open to family members of all ages, kids will have fun digging in the sand pit, crawling through the rock tunnel and making their way through the maze. Go online for a Path of Imagination brochure and map. Like what you see at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo? Consider joining the Friends of Oxbow and helping out with upcoming projects including a planned expansion of the zoo's nature center. A membership application is available at, www.friendsofoxbow.org . ----- Family calendar Yes we can Kids can build their own at Home Depot's Free Kids Workshop, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, 3050 41st St. NW. Kids (and their favorite big person) will make, paint and sticker their own Penske truck. While supplies last, kids will receive a workshop apron, certificate of achievement, and commemorative pin. Go to workshops.homedepot.com to register. ADVERTISEMENT Where else?Community Education offers online (www.rochesterce.org) and phone in registration (328-4000) for a variety of youth DIY classes, including: You Pick it Craft Camp (Aug. 16), Cooking Class (Aug. 7 - 10) and Intro to Programming (Aug. 7 - 9). Movie morning Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., it's Free Kids Movies at Paragon Theaters. This week it's "Sing" (Aug. 9, 10). Next week it's "Curious George" (Aug. 15, 16, 17). Family members of all ages get in free. Go to www.paragontheaters.com/promotions for details. What else?Sensory Friendly Screenings are held once a month at Paragon Theaters. Geared toward families of children with special needs (lights up, kids can move around, sound down), but open to all families with young children, upcoming movies include "The Nut Job 2" on Aug. 12. Purchase tickets online, www.paragontheaters.com. Buckle up Make safety a priorty at the Car Seat Inspection Clinic, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Rochester Fire Station No. 2, 2185 Wheelock Drive NE. Certified child passenger safety technicians perform the inspections. Appointments required. Call Mayo Clinic, 507-255-5066, to schedule your inspection. What's next?Car Seat Inspection Clinics are offered every month, year-round. Upcoming clinics will be offered Sept. 28, Oct. 24 and Nov. 15. Appointments by phone. Cast your line Learn how to fish at Whitewater State Park's I Can Fish program, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at 19041 Minnesota Highway 74, Altura. Geared toward families that are new to fishing, you provide the bait, Whitewater provides the equipment. Kids are free, adults are $5. State Park sticker required, $7 per day, $35 for the year. Registration required. Call 866-857-2757 to save your spot. What else?Minnesota State Parks offer a variety of "I Can" opportunities, including: I Can Paddle, I Can Climb and I Can Camp. The programs are designed for individuals and families with little to no experience, offer free or low-cost hands-on opportunities and provide gear and equipment. Go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ican to find out more. SEATTLE Each week in his Bellevue counseling office, Bill Lennon sees 13 groups of eight men, all seeking help for compulsive sexual behavior. Such behavior can range from obsessively viewing pornography to answering Craigslist ads for minors selling themselves at cheap motels. He said that none of the men are there voluntarily. Instead, they got busted in a police sting, or were caught by their wives or their employers and forced to confront their conduct. And most, Lennon insists, are nice guys. "These are doctors, lawyers, pastors, professional athletes, your neighbor. Sex is an equal-opportunity addiction," he said. 12 million men ADVERTISEMENT As many as 12 million Americans suffer from sex addiction, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Lennon and a growing number of sex-addiction therapists argue it is a highly treatable disease that affects the brain in ways similar to drug or alcohol addiction, etching in neural pathways a powerful drive for pleasure and an increasingly compromised ability to exert control. These therapists say that the explosion of online pornography and internet sites for escorts and hookups has meant that men who would never have considered picking up a prostitute can now make a date for sex with ease and anonymity on their cellphone or computer. "When you give people immediate access to highly stimulating, highly pleasurable content or experiences, the likelihood that addiction will appear goes up," said Rob Weiss, a California-based sex-addiction therapist and the author of "Always Turned On: Sex Addiction in the Digital Age." 'Lost in the pursuit' Weiss divides sexual activity into three categories: casual, at-risk and addictive. Addicted users, he said, compulsively seek non-intimate sexual encounters or experiences regardless of the consequences, often as an escape from their own problems. They are unable to quit and typically lead a double life, telling lies, keeping secrets and justifying the behavior to themselves. "The people I work with get lost in the pursuit of sex," he said. "They lose their wives, their kids, their jobs and they keep doing it. They return to the same behavior again and again, expecting a dazzling new experience. But over time, it isn't that dazzling a new experience. It isn't fun to be caught in a prostitution sting." Stefanie Carnes, president of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), which trains and certifies addiction therapists, said the past few years have seen a surge in research on neuroscience and sex addiction. In one study, she said, the brain scans of sex addicts exposed to stimuli such as pornography mirrored the brain scans of cocaine addicts when shown a line of cocaine. ADVERTISEMENT "There's a convergence of evidence that sex addiction looks like other addictions in the brain," she said. Reward pathway Carnes said a very primitive part of the brain is triggered by basic drives, including mating and food. The area, known as the reward pathway, is activated with the anticipation of pleasure and accompanied by a release of dopamine, which creates an intense high. "Orgasm is a powerful release of dopamine in the brain," she said, explaining why, biologically, sex can become addictive. But over time, she said, the brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors, which makes it harder to experience pleasure. That accounts for the familiar pattern of addicts seeking more frequent or novel experiences and engaging in increasingly risky behavior to attain the same high. At the same time, Carnes said, the brain's frontal lobes, which are responsible for judgment, decision making and impulse control, get sluggish and less effective. "This is what we mean when we say the brain is hijacked by addiction," she said. "The reptilian part of the brain seeking these pleasurable responses is highly activated and the critical thinking part of the brain is not. And that's how you start having people make really bad decisions." 10-week class ADVERTISEMENT In King County, Washington, men convicted of soliciting or promoting prostitution are sent to a 10-week class on sexual exploitation that seeks to hold them accountable for the harm caused by the sex trade. Topics include how men are socialized toward women and sex, the relationship between power and violence against women and mutuality in relationships. Peter Qualliotine, who teaches the class and co-founded the Seattle-based Organization for Prostitution Survivors, said that while the class is not treatment, it encourages self-reflection and critical analysis about the men's decision to buy sex. He sees patronizing prostitutes as part of a continuum of what he calls "toxic masculinity," behavior that includes sexual harassment, domestic violence and rape. Lennon, the Bellevue sex-addiction therapist, says the diagnosis of addiction is an explanation, not an excuse. Many of his clients are educated professionals who have never talked about their compulsive sexual activity with anyone before seeking treatment. Some tell him that online encounters or prostitutes are less trouble than real relationships, that they can be scheduled into busy and stressful work lives and that it's an activity between consenting adults. "It's a lot more work to be in a relationship that's mutually, sexually satisfying," he said. "It's so much easier to use the internet." A man accused of threatening another man with a knife at Rochester's downtown summer festival will make his initial court appearance today. Gregory Jeff Wilson, 27, of Rochester, faces one count each of second-degree assault and threats of violence, both felonies, and one count of petty misdemeanor drug sale. He remains in custody in lieu of $75,000 bond. The investigation began about 4:30 p.m. July 20, when a woman approached a police officer in the 300 block of First Avenue Southwest and said she'd just seen a man later identified as Wilson pull a knife on a disabled man. The officer had been talking with the victim just prior to the incident. When officers approached Wilson, he admitted to having a knife; he handed it to the officers and provided identification. ADVERTISEMENT Wilson told them he'd spotted a "child killer," the complaint says, and that when he does, they are "KOS." He said he was defending himself because the other man could have attacked him. The victim told officers Wilson approached him, threatened him with the knife and said he was going to stab him, court documents say. The man didn't know Wilson, and had never spoken to him. When he was arrested, Wilson tried to crush the officer's hands against the handcuffs, a trick that is learned in prison, the report says. After his arrest, he allegedly made threatening and derogatory statements to the officers. In October 2015, Olmsted County District Court Judge Kevin Lund found Wilson incompetent to stand trial in a case that accused him of threatening his former manager and the police officers who arrived to arrest him. Wilson had pleaded not guilty the month before to two counts of felony terroristic threats and one count of stalking, a gross misdemeanor. After Lund's ruling, the criminal matter would "go dormant for a period of time," Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem said at the time, "until he's back to competency, basically." Once a defendant is found incompetent, the county attorney is required to initiate commitment proceedings, he said. Many of the commitment proceedings are not a matter of public record. A Rochester woman is behind bars this morning after authorities say she assaulted a man, leaving him with a serious injury. Kathlyn Kara Beaugard, 29, was arrested about 4 p.m. Tuesday, after officers responded to the 1500 block of Sixth Avenue Southeast for a report of an assault. It's unclear if the 4-inch laceration on the victim's arm was caused by a thrown fan or if Beaugard stabbed him with a piece of broken glass, said Capt. John Sherwin. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the report says. Beaugard could be charged with felony domestic assault; a review of her criminal history reflects four convictions for felony assault. On any given day in the Gau household, the family's children may be speaking French, German, or Spanish. For several years, the Rochester family has been involved in foreign exchange programs through En Famille International, a France-based nonprofit that has been organizing foreign exchange programs for 40 years. "It's like an international house. You just hear a flutter of languages," mother Tiffany Prow said. Four of the family's five children are participating in foreign exchange programs, and the family is currently hosting three exchange students as well. Participants in the program are matched with a family. Children spend six months in a foreign country, then return with a member of their host family for another six months. ADVERTISEMENT This program is unique in that it serves younger children. Participants are typically between 9 and 16 years old. This early immersion is proven to facilitate easier language learning. Nick Gau, the father of the family, was initially skeptical about allowing his children to participate in an exchange at such an early age but came around to the idea. "Kids can just be kids in that country," he said. After learning of En Famille from a family friend, Sebastian Gau, now 14, was the first family member to participate in an exchange. At age 12, he spent six months in the Champagne region of France. "It made me more self confident," he said. Sebastian has since participated in an exchange in Germany, and plans to travel more in high school. The same year, his sister Katherine did an exchange in Lyon, France. She stayed with Manon Flander, who then returned to America for six months. Katherine later studied abroad in Spain with Andrea Navarro and her family, and is getting ready to study in Singapore for six months. Thirteen-year-old Manon has returned to stay with the Gau family for shorter periods of time twice since then. ADVERTISEMENT "I like everything!" she said. Highlights of her time in America have included horseback riding and swimming with Med City Aquatics. Andrea Navarro, also 13, has returned for shorter trips as well. For her, a notable highlight is Cookie Monster ice cream at Flapdoodles. Upon arriving to their host home, children are given one week to ask as many questions as possible in their native language. After that, they are expected to only use the language of their host country. Kids are allowed one 30-minute Skype call to their families per week, but the parents of each family typically communicate updates more frequently. Remington Gau, 11, spent six months in Versailles, France, last year with Erik Sauvage and his family. Remington enjoyed attending French school. "I liked meeting new kids, and it made it easier to learn the language," he said. Remington is planning to study in Germany next year. After completing the initial six-month exchange program in America, Erik returned for a few weeks this summer. ADVERTISEMENT His favorite part was playing in the family's large backyard, and hunting for worms to feed the chickens. Madeline Gau, 9, is leaving at the end of August to participate in a program in Brittany, France. She's been studying French for a few months to prepare. "I'm really excited to try the food," she said. "Especially bread." Four-year-old Harrison Gau is the only sibling without international travel experience, but he wants to eventually study in Germany or Spain. Parents Nick and Tiffany operate adult foster care homes in Rochester for survivors of traumatic brain injuries. They both participated in foreign exchange programs and wanted to allow their children the same opportunity. "We hope to keep these relationships for years, and the kids would then have contacts in Europe they can visit," Nick Gau said. A new statewide survey of patients about their experiences at 767 clinics gives Minnesota consumers another tool for shopping for health care. MN Community Measurement released the results of its 2017 Patient Experience of Care Survey this morning. The independent, nonprofit organization surveyed more than 180,000 patients in five categories about their experiences. The survey was focused only on individual clinic locations, so hospitals such as Mayo Clinic's St Marys and Methodist as well as the main Olmsted Medical Center were not included. It didn't address quality of outcomes or costs. "This is the human piece of it. What we're talking about in this particular survey is ambulatory care versus in-patient care," said MNCM President Julie Sonier. "It's about transparency of information to make it easy for consumers to compare across clinics, at one point in time." MNCM hopes patients will visit its website of MNHealthScores.org and look up their clinic's ratings. ADVERTISEMENT The 38 facilities under Mayo Clinic saw a range of results, though the majority received average scores from patients. The Mayo facilities fared worst under "Getting Care When Needed," with 23 of the 38 scoring below average. One clinic Mayo Clinic Health System Lake Crystal did earn best score for "Provider Communication" out of all 767 clinics. Of the patients who responded to the surveys, 89 percent scored the Lake Crystal cinic with an above average "Most Positive" rating. It scored 88 percent on "Courteous and Helpful" staff and 77 percent on "Care Coordination." The only score that was not above average was 60 percent for "Getting Care When Needed." Of the patients surveyed, 78 percent scored the family medicine practice in Mayo Clinic's Baldwin Building with a "Most Positive" rating. The Baldwin site also scored 88 percent on "Provider Communication," 81 percent on "Courteous and Helpful" staff and 71 percent on "Care Coordination." It scored in the average range in those four areas. In "Getting Care When Needed," the Baldwin practice scored only 55 percent, which is below average. Olmsted Medical Center's southeast Rochester clinic scored an average 79 percent under the "Most Positive" category and an above average 86 percent for "Courteous and Helpful" staff. It also scored at 66 percent for "Getting Care When Needed" and 71 percent on "Care Coordination." MNCM did not receive enough patient responses to score Olmsted Medical Center's northwest Rochester clinic in three of the categories. It did get enough responses to calculate a score of 64 percent for "Getting Care When Needed." This is third such survey conducted by MNCM. It did similar ones in 2013 and 2015, though many of the questions were different. Sonier explained the goal is to gather information to allow consumers to compare clinics to each other, not to gauge clinic improvements or downturns through the years. However, "Providers do pay close attention to these surveys," she said. If theres one thing we want to eat when the sun comes out, its ice cream. While Manchester isnt exactly known for its beachy weather, it is known for doing things differently and the worlds smallest ice cream van is at intu Trafford Centre today giving away free ice cream! Its part of intus pledge to make customers smile, as according to new research revealed this month, eating ice cream makes us all happier. Ice cream vans bring back memories of sticky fingers and childhood beach holidays but this is a van with a difference. The Nice Cream Van measures just 47 inches long and 39 inches high, proving that good things come in small packages. The van has a maximum speed of 12mph so youll be able to catch up pretty easily when your Mr Frosty fix starts driving off. Other things on the list we enjoy doing include going on holiday (Bahamas would be nice), taking a trip to the beach (Bahamas again), having a BBQ, watching the sunset and wearing your summer wardrobe. Bahamas works for all of these but Blackpool will have to do this year. The research also revealed that three quarters of Mancunians feel happier in the summer than they do in the winter, with sunshine, longer days and summer holidays the top three reasons given. Sadly, this summer has been filled with less BBQs and beach trips and more soggy Primark bags and broken brollies, but thats another story. Richard Paxton, general manager at intu Trafford Centre, comments: Were delighted to have created what we believe is the worlds smallest ice cream van but the real win will be seeing the smiles it puts on peoples faces at intu shopping centres around the country for those lucky enough to get free ice cream. We work really hard to create experiences that will surprise and delight our customers and make each individual shopping trip a happier, more memorable one. At intu we have something for everyone and whether youre someone who loves to shop or a bit more of a last minute panic shopper, we aim to ensure you leave happier than when you arrived. Top 10 things that makes people in Manchester happy in summer: 1. Going on holiday 2. Having a BBQ with friends and family 3. Going to the beach 4. Eating ice cream 5. Wearing summer clothes 6. Watching the sunset 7. Smelling freshly cut grass 8. Walking in the park 9. Going for a picnic 10. Lying in the sun DULUTH Despite objections from Minnesota and other states, a federal appellate court on Tuesday upheld a lower court decision that keeps gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region on the endangered species list. The decision keeps in place current rules surrounding wolves, and blocks states from asserting management control over the species, including the implementation of hunting seasons. In Minnesota, that means wolves, at least for the time being, will continue to be classified as threatened under federal law, meaning Minnesotans cannot legally kill a wolf, except in the defense of human life. The case dates back to late 2011, when the federal government removed wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan from endangered species protection. The government argued that wolves, after nearly being hunted to extinction, had fully recovered. In Minnesota, the wolf population has exceeded 2,000 animals for more than 20 years. The latest survey showed a population of about 2,400 wolves. ADVERTISEMENT That decision led to state management of wolves, starting in early 2012, including three seasons of a controversial wolf hunt in Minnesota. But in 2014 a federal judge placed Great Lakes wolves back on the endangered species list, and now a three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has upheld that ruling. The government failed to consider two significant aspects of the endangered species rule, wrote Judge Patricia Millett: "the impacts of partial delisting and of historical range loss on the already-listed species." The Humane Society of the U.S., along with other wildlife protection groups, brought the lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, challenging its 2011 delisting decision. The groups argued the agency's decision threatened "the fragile remnants of the gray wolf population by confining current wolf populations to small pockets of their former range." "We are so pleased with this decision because we believe that this reaffirms what we already knew that the wolf is a vulnerable and valuable species and needs federal protection," said Maureen Hackett with the Minnesota-based advocacy group Howling for Wolves. The state of Minnesota disagrees. In an amicus brief filed in support of the federal government's action, the state argued the wolf population has exceeded its federal recovery goals for more than 25 years, and that the wolf is utilizing most of its available suitable range. The state also argued that the increased wolf population has led to more conflicts with people, including killing of livestock. ADVERTISEMENT "We're disappointed and frustrated with the ruling because it further delays and keeps the wolf on the endangered species list when in fact they have fully met their recovery criteria for more than two decades," said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Chris Niskanen. The appellate court's ruling, while maintaining federal management of wolves, did find Minnesota's wolf management plan, which sets a minimum population in the state of 1,600 animals, to be reasonable. "That's good news," said Niskanen. This court decision is the latest legal move in a long back and forth over wolf management in Minnesota. Ten years ago the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service first moved to remove wolves in the Great Lakes region from endangered species protection. A year and a half later a federal judge returned them to federal protection. In 2009, federal officials delisted wolves again. But another court challenge forced the government to reverse itself. In 2011, they were removed from the endangered species list for a third time, before a judge again returned the wolf to federal protection in 2014. Now several bills have been introduced in Congress that would not only return wolves to state management, but also block future court challenges. ADVERTISEMENT One bill, co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last week. "Congress should back off," said Howling for Wolves' Maureen Hackett. "They shouldn't be trying to do science from the legislative branch." ST. PAUL Minnesota's campaign finance watchdog on Tuesday slapped a longtime Democrat lawmaker who is running for attorney general with $20,000 in fines, including a $15,000 personal penalty for misusing campaign funds for personal use. The Campaign Finance Board's investigation of Rep. John Lesch's campaign formally began in 2015 but goes back to campaign activity in 2010. While inquiring about several discrepancies in campaign payments and year-end balances, the board found more than $8,700 in campaign payments made from 2010 to 2013 to Lesch's personal accounts. But even after years of interviews and subpoenas, Lesch could not provide receipts to prove that he was reimbursing himself for covering campaign expenses out of pocket, as he had claimed in filings. "In most cases, the Committee funds transferred into Rep. Lesch's personal account were used for payments by Rep. Lesch for which there would have been insufficient funds without the deposit of the Committee funds," the board wrote in its investigation, which also hit the campaign with $5,000 for shoddy record keeping and false filings. Lesch has 30 days to pay the civil penalties. An eight-term Democrat from St. Paul, Lesch acknowledged shoddy bookkeeping of his campaign accounts which he faulted in part on having three different campaign treasurers during the five-year period in question. But he disputed the board's conclusion that he shifted campaign money for personal use. ADVERTISEMENT "It remains based solely on the absence of receipts. I deny using any campaign funds for personal purposes," he said in a statement. "The record keeping, passage of time, and changes in campaign treasurers made it difficult to reproduce the details of transactions that occurred between four and seven years ago." The board also discovered several other transfers to personal accounts in its investigation, but Lesch swiftly repaid those, saying they were mistakes made due to holding several accounts within the same bank. Lesch is not the first lawmaker to fall behind on campaign finance records. After years of inquiry, the board determined this year that former Sen. Branden Petersen had also improperly used campaign funds on personal expenses, among other bookkeeping issues. Petersen resigned abruptly in 2015, later telling the board that his campaign's issues were a driving factor. But the fines in those cases paled in comparison to the penalties levied against Lesch on Wednesday. Petersen's was required to pay a total of just $4,000 in civil penalties and no personal fines. Candidates are generally required only to repay the amount of misspent money. Lesch did not immediately respond to a request as to whether he would challenge the campaign finance board's order in court. In his statement, he said he was "disappointed by the Board's order but am happy to have this matter resolved." The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an ethics watchdog group, has filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The complaint pertains to the House IT scandal. We wrote about that matter here and here. Peter Hasson of the Daily Caller reports that the complaint centers on the fact that Wasserman Schultz continued to employ House IT aide Imran Awan even while he was under criminal investigation and banned from the House computer network. Awan and several of his family members who worked for various House Democrats are suspected of stealing computers and improperly accessing and transferring House members computer files. Other House Democrats fired Awan family members after the scandal broke in February. However, Wasserman Schultz did not fire Imran Awan until late July when he was arrested for bank fraud at Dulles Airport as he was leaving for Pakistan. Not only did Wasserman Schultz retain Awans services after the scandal broke, she threatened the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police with consequences for holding equipment in furtherance of the police investigation into the Awans. She demanded the equipment back. Matthew Whitaker is the executive director of FACT. Hes an Iowa lawyer who served as a U.S. Attorney during the Bush administration. He also played tight end for the University Iowa, appearing in the 1981 Rose Bow. Whitaker had this to say about Wasserman Schultz and the IT scandal: There is something quite amiss as to why Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz continued to use taxpayer funds to employ former technology staff member, Imran Awan, even months after he was barred from accessing the Houses computer systems and a number of her colleagues severed ties with Awan. Since Awans arrest last week, Wasserman Schultz has been evasive and unable to answer even basic questions about the nature of Awans employment with her office. This only further confirms the urgency of an investigation into her unethical and illegal actions. According to the Daily Callers Hasson, several House IT workers said that members of Congress, including Wasserman Schultz, displayed inexplicable loyalty to the Awans. They expressed concern that the Awans could be blackmailing congressional Democrats. This may (or may not) be what is amiss about Wasserman Schultzs retention of Imran Awan. In any event, the retention raises ethics issues that deserve to be investigated. Its been no secret that environmentalists have wanted to ban the popular herbicide RoundUp for a long time nowbecause chemicals! Because Monsanto!and their persistent lobbying paid off when in 2015 the UNs World Health Organization declared glyphosate, the active ingredient of RoundUp, to be a probable carcinogena conclusion not shared by any U.S. or European government agency. The WHOs declaration was based on finding of its own International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This episode turns out to be a case study of politicized science or worse (genuine misconduct appears to have occurred), and a healthy reminder of why public trust in the scientific community continues to erode. And amazingly enough, one of the news outlets that has blown the whistle on this sorry affair is Mother Jones, of all places, building on some initial reporting by another often biased news agency, Reuters. It is doubtful that even the most paranoid environmentalist will be able to conjure a way to make out this lefty news outlet as a tool of of Monsanto. Heres some of the Mother Jones story from mid-June: A Scientist Didnt Disclose Important Dataand Let Everyone Believe a Popular Weedkiller Causes Cancer By Keira Butler According to a new Reuters investigation, Aaron Blair, the scientist who led the IARCs review panel on glyphosate, has access to data from a large study that strongly suggested that Roundup did not cause cancer after allbut he withheld that data from the ToundUp review panel. Weirder still: Blair himself was a senior researcher on that study. From the Reuters report: Previously unreported court documents reviewed by Reuters from an ongoing US legal case against Monsanto show that Blair knew the unpublished research found no evidence of a link between glyphosate and cancer. In a sworn deposition given in March this year in connection with the case, Blair also said the data would have altered IARCs analysis. He said it would have made it less likely that glyphosate would meet the agencys criteria for being classed as probably carcinogenic. So why on Earth would a scientist fail to mention his own workand blithely let a powerful agency come to a conclusion that his own data suggested was wrong? IARC told Reuters its because Blairs data wasnt published yet, and the agency has a policy against taking unpublished data into consideration. . . And how about the rule against taking unpublished data into consideration? I called Michael Eisen, a professor of genetics, genomics, and development at the University of California-Berkeley. Eisen is the founder of the Public Library of Science and an outspoken advocate of transparency in science. He told me that in this particular case, he found IARCs rule silly. This is a board of people whose job it is to assess evidence, so they should be able to do that before its published, he said. The broader issue is that they seem eager to have reached the conclusion that they reached. He pointed out that in this case, peer review seems a little unnecessarythe review panel itself was made up of experts, so they would have had no trouble evaluating the quality of the data. Kudos to Mother Jones. But I am shocked, shocked, that there would be scientific misconduct over an issue politicized by radical advocacy groups. Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, an Obama holdover, recently authored one of the most pernicious columns within memory in the New York Times. Her column was titled, Protect the Justice Department From President Trump. Yates argued, in essence, that there exists an Executive Branch that is independent of, and superior to, the Presidentat least as long as that Executive Branch is staffed pretty much exclusively by Democrats. This is, of course, a boldly unconstitutional theory. The invaluable Manhattan Contrarian deconstructed Yatess novel theory: As I have pointed out multiple times, there is nothing complicated about the constitutional law on presidential control of the Justice Department. Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution places all of the executive power of the federal government in the President: The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. The Justice Department is an executive agency, and therefore reports to the President in every respect. That of course does not mean that it is a good idea for the President to get personally involved in day-to-day prosecutorial decisions; but he is perfectly entitled to do so if he wants. And he certainly has final say on all policies of the Department. Yates has a different view. Here are a few key quotes from her op-ed: The president is attempting to dismantle the rule of law, destroy the time-honored independence of the Justice Department, and undermine the career men and women who are devoted to seeking justice day in and day out, regardless of which political party is in power. . . . [Ed.: When liberals refer to the rule of law, they nearly always mean rule by liberal lawyers, having no reference to any actual laws.] The Justice Department is not just another federal agency. It is charged with fulfilling our countrys promise of equal and impartial justice for all. As an agency with the authority to deprive citizens of their liberty, its investigations and prosecutions must be conducted free from any political interference or influence, and decisions must be made based solely on the facts and the law. To fulfill this weighty responsibility, past administrations, both Democratic and Republican, have jealously guarded a strict separation between the Justice Department and the White House when it comes to investigations and prosecutions. While there may be interaction on broad policies, any White House involvement in cases or investigations, including whom or what to investigate, has been flatly forbidden. Yates doesnt trouble herself to give us a citation of something in the Constitution that supports her position. Nor does Yates inform us of the origin of what she calls the time honored strict separation between the Justice Department and the White House that has supposedly been followed by past administrations, both Democratic and Republican. If were going to talk about dismantl[ing] the rule of law, how about the rule that says that every four years the people get to elect a new guy, with policies different from the prior guy, and the new guy gets to implement his policies? This is the heart of the matter, of course. Yates argues for a permanent bureaucracy in Washington that is impervious to the wishes of the voters, who may occasionally be so imprudent as to elect a Republican president. In Yatess view, that must not be an obstacle to the liberal policies of the Justice Department or, by analogy, any of the dozens of other federal agencies that are manned nearly exclusively by liberal Democrats. The permanent staff of the Department of Justice, which Yates wants to be independent of, and superior to, any president who is actually elected by American voters, is relentlessly left-wing. The Contrarian documents this in great detail at the link; this is just a sample: Just in case you have the exceedingly naive impression that the lawyers at the Department of Justice really are neutral and apolitical, and just seeking justice, perhaps it is time for a brief history lesson focusing on the years of the Obama administration. Here goes: * First, Jonathan Swan at The Hill on October 26, 2016, helpfully did a comprehensive analysis of political contributions made by bureaucrats in the various federal agencies in the 2016 election cycle. Heres the result for the Justice Department: Employees of the Department of Justice, which investigated Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of State, gave Clinton 97 percent of their donations. Trump received $8,756 from DOJ employees compared with $286,797 for Clinton. The administrative state is by far the greatest contemporary threat to the liberty of Americans. The appalling Sally Yates urges that the Constitution be left in the dust, and that unelected bureaucrats be elevated above the president whom they ostensibly serve. It is hard to imagine a theory more at odds with our Constitution or our political traditions. In Minneapolis, response to police shooting of white woman by Somali officer has been different. So declares the Washington Post in its headline to a story strongly implying that white Minneapolis residents are guilty of racism because they have reacted differently to the police shooting of Justine Damond than to police shootings of African Americans. The story is by Janell Ross. The Post identifies her beat as race. Judging from this story, she is the papers race monger (and probably not its only one). The salient fact about the shooting of Justine Damond is not her race. Rather its the fact that she did nothing that might have caused a reasonable and competent police officer to shoot her. For example, she did not disobey a police order and reach for a gun during a traffic stop, as Philando Castile did. Had she done so, and white outrage significantly exceeded that which followed the Castile shooting, it might be worth an article in the Washington Post. In her quest to establish racism, Ross dwells on the shooting of Castile. Yet, she never discloses that Castile was shot when he disobeyed a police order and started to pull out a gun. Damond disobeyed no order and she was unarmed. Unlike Castile, she was not stopped by the police; rather, she called the police hoping to stop what she believed was a crime against another person. Ross cites a statement by Damonds attorney, Robert Bennett, describing Damond as the most innocent victim hed seen killed by police, and adding that there just isnt anything [negative] that can be said about Justine. Ross says this statement drew the ire of police reform advocates, undoubtedly because Damond is white. She does not consider whether the statements are true (as the facts suggest they are). But the truth (or falsity) of Bennetts comments is central to Ross suggestion that the high level of white outrage over the killing of Damond is racially based. Not all cases of alleged police misconduct are equally outrageous, and some are not outrageous at all. Nor can one rationally infer racial bias from viewing dissimilar situations differently. These obvious realities somehow have eluded the Washington Posts race reporter. David Victor of UC San Diego, who was one of the authors of the important PNAS paper we recently highlighted that debunked the renewable power fantasies of David Jacobson, appears today in Nature with an article pointing out the farce of the Paris Climate Accord: Wishful thinking and bravado are eclipsing reality. Countries in the European Union are struggling to increase energy efficiency and renewable power to the levels that they claimed they would. Japan promised cuts in emissions to match those of its peers, but meeting the goals will cost more than the country is willing to pay. The article points out that Japan, unlike silly Germany, California and other U.S. states, actually wants to restart some of its shuttered nuclear power plants, which it will have to do if it is going to come anywhere close to its emissions reduction targetstargets that will have no effect on warming even according to the dodgy models of the climatistas. But never mind that little detail. . . Victor and his several co-authors are conventional warmists rather than skeptics, but it is always good to see climate and energy realism in action rather than sloganeering and cliches. Which brings me to the recent lecture on climate change paranoia that Roger Pielke Jr delivered recently in London for the Global Warming Policy Foundation. I think Roger, who is by his own description a liberal Democrat, may describe himself as a lukewarmerthe world has warmed some and may warm some more because of greenhouse gas emissionsand he favors a carbon tax, research into air capture (i.e., removing CO2 from the ambient air) and other measures to address potential climate risk. For these departures from the climatista orthodoxy he has been viciously attacked. One of the revelations of Wikileaks last year, in fact, was how Tom Steyer and the Center for American Progress lobbied Nate Silvers 538.org to oust Roger as a contributing writer on climate issues because his fact-filled analyses dont fit the climatista narrative. The entire lecture and comment period is almost two hours long, and I havent even got through the whole thing yet, but it is worth screening the first hour or so if you can manage it (he talks about the Wikileaks affair around minute 25). There is especially Rogers cogent explanation of what he calls the iron law of climate policy about the cost factor of energy transitions, starting around minute 42. Worth skipping to this point if you dont have time for anything else. Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: IT Architect, Gdansk wygaso z dniem 2017-09-01 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Arla Global Financial Services Centre Sp z o.o. Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: propozycja zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z naszych zasobow ogoszeniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc osob firma zmodyfikowaa tresc zlecenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem url dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych niewasciwy adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Finanse, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Finanse Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku IT Architect, Gdansk, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca IT Architect, Gdansk Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Gdansk, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Gdansk Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: ATLANTIC CITY Normally, Timothy Koons spends his afternoons hanging out with friends in the courtyard outside City Hall on Bacharach Boulevard. On Wednesday, Koons, 41 and homeless, was in the air conditioning using his cellphone to fill out job applications online inside the Turning Point Day Center on Bishop Richard Allen Avenue. Its good to come here and relax. I have a place to sit, and I can get my thoughts together, said Koons, who has been homeless for the past three months and has been staying with friends. Koons had been living with his father in Absecon. When Koons father became ill, the parent left his Absecon home to live with one of his sons in Millville. The trailer was not big enough to also house Koons. After he was laid off at Atlantic City Linen Supply Inc., he came to the day center. I love it. Its a great place. I feel safe. Im off the street. There is cold air (air conditioning) and food, Koons said. The Turning Point Day Center, which opened Tuesday, has a multifaceted purpose of being a safe haven, offering recreation and providing services to those needing help returning to society. The property is being leased by the Vision 2000 Community Development Corp., a local non-profit group formed to improve the economic and social conditions of Atlantic City. The Rev. Collins A. Days Sr., Vision 2000s prinicipal officer, spearheaded the day center effort. Days said Vision 2000 will eventually seek to buy the property and will raise the funds this fall to do that. Karen Temple said she was a victim of a wrongful eviction in March. She rented a room for as long as she could, but she now is at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. She stopped by the day center at least twice Wednesday. Its nice, said Temple, who added she was looking for help to find an apartment or furnished efficiency. Temple, 46, said she spoke to a woman at the day center, who was trying to assist her. She said she spends weekdays walking to city and county offices seeking help. The Turning Point Day Center is located in the former family life center adjacent to the now defunct Allen AME Church. On the first floor, there is an activity room where people can read or play games such as chess or checkers. People were eating light refreshments in a place called the day room. Next week, the first-floor kitchen should be operational to prepare meals, Days said. The second floor features administrative offices for board meetings and another quiet/reading room with books donated by the Pleasantville School District. A flat-screen TV is waiting to be installed in the second-floor recreation room, which will also offer video games and pingpong. Next week, Days hopes to start programming such as healthier cooking classes and Narcotics Anonymous. Days believes the day center is located in a good spot in close proximity to places where the homeless and the perceived homeless congregate the Atlantic City bus station and Renaissance Plaza, which has become the new hangout for people who used to gather at Browns Park. Its location in the Westside neighborhood may be convenient for the people who need to make use of its services, but there are some people who are concerned about the day centers presence. Vernell Beaufort, 72, who lives on Robinson Avenue, hated when the church closed last year, but he said he has a problem with drug addicts. No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the day center premises, and Wednesday afternoon, gospel music was playing inside the day room. John Dorn, who turns 79 in October, is a North Indiana Avenue resident who said he is not crazy about the day center for fear it will bring undesirables into the neighborhood. Dorn said his mother came to Atlantic City from Augusta, Georgia, at a time when the resort was worse than the South. She had 11 children and no husband, and if there was any family that should not have succeeded, it was his. The grandfather said the Dorns are well-known in Atlantic City, with Gene Dorn being a former Atlantic City Councilman. Dorn said he could have turned to drinking or smoking crack. I have no sympathy for those who dont help themselves, said Dorn, who added he sees some men being dropped off at the bus station in the morning and heading to work while others are hanging out. It may sound cliched, but its terribly difficult to take in a Romero Britto painting and not smile. It means a lot to hear that, says the internationally renowned artist, known for his sharp lines, whimsical subject matter and, most notably, exceptionally bright colors. Britto, whose work will be exhibited in South Jersey for the first time ever from Friday to Tuesday, Aug. 4 to 8, at Ocean Galleries with personal appearances on Saturday and Sunday, didnt always use the vibrant hues he is now synonymous with. Take to the skies with the no-longer-just-red Red Baron What do you think of when you hear the term Red Baron? Is it the real-life, German-born fl Growing up in Brazil, I used a lot of earth tones, he says. When I moved to the U.S., I used a lot of primary colors, then started going to shades, then pastels, then metallics ... some textures. (Today) Ill order colors that match my sons Lego parts, he continues on his evolution with a laugh. Or if I see a flower that I think Id like as a color, I order it (paint to match). With bright colors, and jovial, cartoonish images, its easy to call Britto a pop artist, in the same vein as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein or even Ocean Galleries fave Peter Max. But while Britto willingly admits that he is a fan of the pop art movement, he considers himself an artist, first and foremost, sans labels. Of course, I love the pop art movement, but I consider myself an artist, he says. Maybe sometimes I wish I was born in the time of Andy Warhol, but Im very happy Im here now. I love pop art, but at the same time, I always just keep thinking about creating art. Thats what I do. I let other people label it and put words to it. One word about his work that Britto doesnt seem to mind is positive, something that describes the art as well as the man behind the canvas. Britto was raised with very humble beginnings in Brazil, and despite the incredible amount of success he has achieved since coming to the U.S. in 1989, he refuses to rest on his laurels. Instead, he consistently works on bettering not merely his art, but himself. Im just a very hopeful person Im working so (my) days can be better working toward better days. If I have a difficult day, I work toward having a better day, Britto says. Its how life goes if something upsets me, I go to my studio, put music on. Im reflecting and thinking, and all of a sudden, other (more positive) things come to my mind. If people get into a situation where they get depressed and dont do anything about it, it (the depression) can get worse. Creativity can be very helpful because you see things happening right before your eyes. You paint and do sculpture and youre having fun making it. Art can be very helpful. Art therapy is used a lot (because) people can see instant results. You can envision things and you can see it happening immediately. Whether good days or bad, Britto doesnt hesitate to tell his life story through his paintings and sculptures. I tell the story of my life through my art, I think many artists tell the story of their lives. I can see details through (others) work whether they have a calm or turbulent life, an unusual or crazy life. Every time you share a painting and someones staring (at it), theyre learning that story. If you go back, you can see (through his work) what Warhol was interested in what his life was. 5 reasons to board a boat this summer Sometimes, summer is just setting sail and enjoying a day on the ocean. The gentle lapping o Like Warhol, Britto has been criticized for becoming too commercial, as his work has been spied everywhere from airports to vodka bottles to the Super Bowl. But the flip side of this is not having your work shown anywhere, which oddly enough, Britto believes some artists are comfortable with. Some artists have a fear of becoming commercial. And a lot of times they just like the bohemian lifestyle, he says. It all depends what you want. Some artists think, Oh wow, if I share my work with a lot of people Ill become commercial. But if Pavarotti was that (kind of) guy, only a few people would know of opera. (But) Pavarotti wanted to bring opera to the masses. Some people (art collectors) say they dont want commercial they criticized Warhol for (being) that. But today they regret not buying (his work). A little bit of Christmas came several months early Monday for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. A fundraiser created by Egg Harbor Township native Dave Sholler, vice president of communications for the Philadelphia 76ers, and 97.3 ESPN program director and afternoon host Mike Gill culminated Monday with a live radio broadcast at Golden Nugget Atlantic City to gather supplies and monetary donations for the mission. More than $10,000 and essential items such as bottled water and toiletries were donated as part of the Christmas in July Supplies Drive. Gill was asked by Sholler to help with the event, and the radio station has been taking donations of supplies for the past three weeks. I have been working with Mike since back in 2006, Sholler said. I was an unpaid associate producer for him literally working in a broom closet in Linwood. When I asked (Gill) to help, he and the entire team at ESPN Radio put their full support behind the idea. A surprise cash donation came Monday from UFC President Dana White. Sholler, who was the vice president of public relations for the UFC, said White pledged $5,000 from the mixed martial arts organization and then matched it out of his own pocket for a total of $10,000. Golden Nugget also made a cash donation. Dana heard Mike and I talking about the drive on the radio when he told me he was going to make both donations, Sholler said. He knows how much the area means to me. It really meant a lot. Hes been a great mentor to me both professionally and personally. Sholler said the supply drive is ongoing. Donations can be brought to the mission at 2009 Bacharach Blvd. Monetary donations can be made through the missions website acrescuemission.org. The mission is also hosting its Summer Gala Fundraiser at the Claridge Hotel on Aug. 10 in the Avalon Conference Room. Tickets can be purchased online, and fewer than 50 are still available. All proceeds will be put toward rebuilding the missions kitchens. The mission supplies 700 meals a day and has lost seven of its eight industrial ovens to old age and wear and tear. Behind the spectacle of packed beaches and boardwalks at the Jersey Shore lies a very real threat: terrorism. At a hometown security initiative seminar in Avalon on Wednesday, Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor told an audience of law-enforcement officers and the public that the possibility of terrorism is real, no matter where you live. The seminar featured members of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the State Police, the Cape May County Prosecutors Office and the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management. Theres an attitude out there of It cant happen here, this is Cape May County, Taylor said. You cant sit around and say, Well, it only happens in Paris, in only Nice. It can happen anywhere. Law-enforcement officials in the county were put on high alert Sept. 17 after a pipe bomb exploded inside a trash can in Seaside Park, Ocean County, said Marty Pagliughi, the director of the Cape Office of Emergency Management and Avalons mayor. That day, he got a call from the Prosecutors Office saying officials investigating the explosion had reason to believe the bombing was a diversion for a bigger attack and that the target may be the firefighters convention that was going on at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Later that day, a pressure-cooker bomb filled with shrapnel exploded in Manhattan. The intelligence that came down was right; there was a primary target, but it was New York City, Pagliughi said. The incident was not the first time Cape May County has dealt with a potential terror threat. Sept. 11, 2001, hijacker Marwan al-Shehhi came to the area to sign up for flight lessons at the Cape May Airport and used an ATM machine on the Wildwood Boardwalk before flying United Flight 175 into the World Trade Centers South Tower, Taylor said. He ended up taking flight lessons in Florida. In 1993, the FBI raided a North Wildwood hotel to arrest Matarawy Mohammed Saleh, who was convicted of a plot to bomb bridges and tunnels in New York. He served two years in prison before being deported. The raid was reported by The Press of Atlantic City at the time it occurred. In 2007, two of the six people arrested in a plot to attack Fort Dix were allegedly looking at Cape May Harbor, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard Base, before choosing Fort Dix as the target, Taylor told the panel and audience of several dozen people. Now, Taylor said, some of the potential things they look for are ramming, or a terrorist using a truck to run over people in a crowded place as in a July 2016 attack in Nice, France, that killed 86 people and injured another 458. We look at what we call soft targets, Taylor said. Whether that be the convention center, a movie theater, the Boardwalk or a school. We train to protect them. Maj. Frederick Fife, a commanding officer with the N.J. State Police, said the best thing the public can do is report any suspicious behavior to the police. If you see something, say something, he said, adding that its not about what people are wearing, what color their skin is or what religion they practice. Its about what they are doing. Pagliughi and Taylor said their intention is not to scare anyone or to discourage any municipalities from scheduling tourist events. Wildwoods fire victims get day with Globetrotters WILDWOOD Three families displaced by a large fire in Wildwood Crest in March were honored Were here not to discourage big events, Pagliughi said. Were here to bring everybody together to put these events together in a smarter way. MAYS LANDING A judge decided Tuesday that Laraza White and Jovana Jensen, both of Revere, Massachusetts, should stay in the Atlantic County jail as they face first-degree human trafficking charges. A third suspect, Galen Spriggs, 39, also of Revere, had his detention hearing postponed from Tuesday until 11 a.m. Friday in Atlantic County Superior Court. Atlantic County Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Flammer made the case for Jensen, 37, and White, 24, to stay in jail. His arguments regarding both defendants were similar. White, Jensen, Spriggs and the 23-year-old trafficking victim were in an apartment together in Massachusetts in the spring. At the start, the victim was treated well as clothes were bought for her and she had her nails done for free, Flammer said. The situation changed, and the victim began to be slapped around by Spriggs, Jensen and White, Flammer said. The victim was allegedly held captive against her will for several weeks in Massachusetts as Spriggs, Jensen and White held her identification and legal documents, Flammer said. The victim received threats from Spriggs of bodily injury, death and harm to family members, Flammer said. The four drove down from Massachusetts to Atlantic City in Jensens Mercedes. When they reached the resort, the victim was coerced to attempt to sell her body as a prostitute, Flammer said. The victim had bruises to her neck, back and forearm, and one of the assaults was recorded by a camera at the Baymont Inn & Suites Atlantic City Madison hotel on South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. In his defense for White, her lawyer, Eric Shenkus, said Flammer brought up the name Spriggs quite a bit, but Shenkus did not believe there was enough of a case against White to support a human-trafficking charge. White has no criminal history or convictions, Shenkus said. The fact that all three suspects lived in Massachusetts was one of the reasons Flammer gave as to why they should be detained. Flammer also said a Massachusetts grand jury would be meeting Tuesday or Wednesday, and the suspects may be indicted. Conviction on first-degree human-trafficking carries a prison term between 10 and 20 years, which made Jensen and White flight risks, Flammer said. Even though attorney John J. Zarych did not succeed, he made a vigorous argument that Jensen should be released. This entire case is built on nonsense, Zarych said. Zarych said the victim is blaming everyone else for her own predicament, which Jensens attorney argued the victim started. The victim started the fight at the Baymont Inn, which brought the four to the attention of the Atlantic City police, Zarych said. She is no Snow White, Zarych said. Zarych said the victim had numerous opportunities to alert the police to her situation, and the victims uncorroborated report was the only thing the state had against her client. White and Jensen are scheduled to be in court again to have a pre-indictment conference in front of Judge Bernard DeLury at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 11. 2:30 p.m. Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez has halted the dune project that caused up to two feet of water to sit for several days and damage the beach. The Army Corps. and NJ DEP have seven days to work out a solution. Margate awarded temporary work stoppage for dune project. Army Corps, DEP, city have 7 days to work out solution. Downbeach Current (@DBCurrent) August 3, 2017 1:45 p.m. Thursday Assemblyman Chris A. Brown, (D-2 Atlantic) In a Aug. 2, letter to David Glass, Deputy Commissioner NJ Department of Environmental Protection: "As we discussed, following the recent rain storm, water pooled between the bulkhead an the recently constructed dunes, creating a lake that varies in deputy from 1 1/2 to 2 feet and blocks access to the beach. Moreover, the water has remained at the same level for approximately 5 days or 150 hours showing no sign of percolation or abatement. We are all concerned the lake presents a drowning hazard for young children. "Further, there is concern the lack of a functioning drainage system permits non-point source pollution from the storm water runoff, including oil, chemicals, and fertilizer, and other waste, to collect behind the dunes. In fact, all the state and local storm water drainage regulations require a significant separation from the bottom of a basin and the groundwater. Here, no adequate separation exists." 1:25 p.m. Thursday: Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) "Despite previous assurances to the contrary, the State DEP and Army Corp. have made an absolute mess of the Margate beach in the height of our most important months down the shore. Its not only been an environmental disaster but an economic one for Margate residents and businesses. I support the citys attempt to get an injunction against the state an effort to halt the project until a workable plan can be designed for the entire city. UPDATE: A telephone conference hearing on Margates request for a restraining order to stop the dune project will be heard 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Courtroom 3A at Atlantic County Superior Court, 1201 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City. Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez will hear the case. The hearing is open to the public. MARGATE The City Board of Commissioners will discuss Thursday during their regular meeting whether to cap expenditures in their latest efforts to stop the dunes project. Action will immediately follow the workshop session scheduled for 4 p.m. After their worst fears about drainage problems materialized, the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously agreed to file for a restraining order to stop the dune project. The commissioners made their decision before a standing-room-only gathering at Historic City Hall. The crowd of more than 150 residents flowed into the hallway and out the front doors onto the sidewalk. Jordan Rand, from the Philadelphia-based firm of Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg, which was hired to represent the city, said he will file documents in Atlantic County Superior Court on Thursday morning and hopes to be heard the same day. Rand represented Margate homeowners in a previous lawsuit to stop the project in federal court. The city also spent more than $314,000 in its unsuccessful fight against the Absecon Island dune project in state court. Its been a disaster. We have serious ponding and contamination, city Solicitor John Scott Abbott said. Our engineers predicted exactly what has happened to our beaches. Abbott said he knows the state will resist stopping the project. Were going to war, he said. Since Monday morning, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Environmental Protection have been pumping contaminated water from a wide drainage basin area between the new dune and the existing bulkhead over the dune to allow it to flow into the ocean. Water collected there during a 4-inch rainstorm Saturday, but some residents say the contractor removed several feet of sand down to the water table and the water has nowhere to go. Mayor Michael Becker said he never wanted the dune project and never thought the Army Corps plan would work. I want this project stopped immediately. We are suffering irreparable harm, he said. Commissioner John Amodeo said despite many meetings with state and federal officials, the city was forced to accept the dune project proceeding at the height of summer. We want to see our beaches restored, sand put back into the low-lying areas so that our residents, visitors and businesses can succeed for at least the last four weeks of the summer, Amodeo said. Amodeo said the project has burdened lifeguards trying to patrol the area behind the dune, where more than 15 inches of water collected. Lifeguards are walking through contaminated water, and one of our lifeguards contracted a bacterial infection and will be out of work for a week, Amodeo said. Commissioner Maury Blumberg, who was the most vocal critic of the dune project, said the Army Corps plan to correct the problems that have developed cannot be by trial and error. There is nothing more important to Margate than our beach. This project is killing our crown jewel. My hope is that tomorrow, this project is stopped dead in its tracks, he said. He wants the Army Corps to move the sand back into the trenches and design a system that works for the entire city, not just problem areas. Several residents complained that infirm family members have been denied access to the beach due to the standing water. Becker said the Army Corps will build up crossovers at all street ends, but only four handicapped access points are planned. Federal law requires handicapped access to public beaches every half-mile, he said. Resident Barbara Krachman said she fears for her children going into the ocean. My biggest fear is contaminated sand and water being dumped into the ocean, she said. Toni Jaccovini said she is concerned about property values. What will this do to our ratables in town if this isnt corrected? The values will go down, and the money we pay the county will go down. This is not a Margate problem, this is a countywide problem, she said. Ed Berger, president of the Margate Business Association, said merchants have reported a 40 percent drop in business over last year. Merchants told him visitors are cutting their stays short or going elsewhere to avoid the debacle. Some residents are considering selling their homes, he said. Resident Sharon Ross said this is the first summer she did not invite company to her shore home. Theres your domino effect. No company, no shopping, no restaurants, she said. Resident Glen Klotz said the Army Corps is defying nature with its dune plan by reversing the grade of the beach. There is a clear and present safety danger, he said. If a storm comes and washes away that dune, were not going to have 2 feet of fresh water there, were going to have 13-14 feet of sea water with nowhere to go except into the streets of Margate and into homes. Resident Dan Gottlieb, who led the Margate Citizens Questioning the Beach Project group against the dunes, asked about the future cost of maintaining the dune, which could cost more than $500,000 every four years for replenishment. Becker said the city will not sign a maintenance contract with the state. We will not pay a penny now, and we will not pay a penny in the future. They promised us we dont have to, Becker said. And what if a significant storm would wash away the beach, Gottlieb asked. If that day comes, I make the call to (Public Works Director) Frank (Ricciotti) and tell him to get the bulldozers ready, Becker said. A Middle Township man was sentenced Tuesday to 45 years in state prison for his involvement in a large-scale drug ring, Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor said. In May, a Superior Court jury found Hector Ramos, 45, guilty of first-degree possession with intent to distribute more than 5 ounces of heroin and second-degree conspiracy to distribute more than 5 ounces of heroin. Hector and 11 others were arrested in April 2014, after a joint investigation by the Cape May County Prosecutors Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force, the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and multiple municipal police departments found they were involved in a large drug distribution network operating in both counties. The Prosecutors Office said the drug network was also found to have a direct connection to a Mexican cartel. The investigation, named Operation White House, resulted in the seizure of 17 kilograms of heroin with a street value of approximately $15 million, plus an additional 750,000 individual baggies of heroin, valued at approximately $3.75 million. Authorities also seized $225,000 believed to be from drug sales, according to the Prosecutors Office. Taylor said in a statement that his office will continue to work hand in hand with municipalities, other counties and state and federal agencies to target anyone associated with drug distribution and the sale of illegal controlled dangerous substances. ATLANTIC CITY The U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search Wednesday night for a swimmer who might have disappeared near Steel Pier. The search was suspended about 8 p.m., according to a statement from the Coast Guard. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy," said Capt. Scott Anderson, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. "As first responders, it's always a difficult decision to suspend a search." Atlantic City Police responded at 9:43 p.m. Tuesday to the 1000 block of the beach for an unconfirmed report of a missing swimmer. A woman told police she was under Steel Pier, which is at the end of Virginia Avenue, with a 31-year-old man who went into the ocean about 8:15 p.m., police said. The woman told police she left the area before the man returned from the ocean. Police said it is not known whether the swimmer returned to land. The Coast Guard launched a response boat and rescue helicopter as a precaution from Atlantic City to conduct initial searches, according to a statement from the Coast Guard. A patrol boat based out of Cape May was diverted and searched for the swimmer throughout the night. The search resumed Wednesday morning. The Atlantic City Beach Patrol was also assisting, police said. This search comes days after the body of a Slovakian woman who disappeared while swimming at the New Jersey shore was recovered in Toms River late Sunday. She was swept away while swimming with a male companion in rough surf off Point Pleasant Beach. Gov. Chris Christie last month vetoed for the third time a bill that would have required New Jersey to rejoin nine other states in taxing carbon emissions of power plants. The state was among the original members of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI. It started operating in 2009 as the nations first cap-and-trade scheme to require electricity generators that emit more carbon dioxide to buy credits to do so from cleaner power providers. That was expected to make utilities reduce their emissions. Christie withdrew New Jersey from RGGI in 2011, saying the initiative didnt work and that the state was doing a better job on its own of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With his latest veto, he added that there is overwhelming evidence proving RGGI to be a failure and the bill to rejoin was just a politically motivated tax increase. RGGIs tax on carbon dioxide yielded $2.7 billion for member state governments through last year. Before New Jersey exited, it received $113 million. The money is supposed to subsidize renewable energy and energy efficiency, but New Jersey used some to balance the state budget. A report to federal lawmakers in May by the Congressional Research Service said RGGI provided a new source of revenue, which has been used for various policy objectives. But it also confirmed Christies contention that it had failed, at least in its first 15 years. It did not compel regulated utilities to make internal emissions reductions or purchase emission credits from other sources, namely cleaner power providers, the report said. The problem was that utilities were already reducing their carbon emissions by much more than the goal set by RGGI. They did it by switching power plants to cleaner, cheaper natural gas from coal and oil. For the 10 years from 2007 to 2016, the United States reduced its carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption by 14 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. It did so overwhelmingly by using more natural gas and cutting emissions from coal by 38 percent. Although the U.S. has rejected the Paris climate accord, the trend to natural gas makes it likely it will meet the accords emissions goal anyway. Even though RGGI failed to motivate improvements on greenhouse gases, the scheme kept requiring power providers to pay it for emissions credits even though they wouldnt be trading them. Utilities pass along this cost to electricity users homeowners, renters and businesses in the form of higher monthly bills. In 2014, RGGI tightened the cap on carbon dioxide emissions to try to keep up with the reductions caused by greater use of natural gas. Already another tightening is being considered. Some people may feel that its worth it to pay more for electricity in order to make a difference on climate change. The Congressional Research Service has disappointing news on that, too. From a practical standpoint, the RGGI programs contribution to directly reducing the global accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere is arguably negligible, the report said. The RGGI is a government-created bureaucracy that is far less effective at its goal than the technologically advancing and competitive energy market. Nonetheless, both of the major party gubernatorial candidates to replace Christie have said they would favor rejoining RGGI. Subsidizing energy-efficiency improvements and renewable energy is a fine idea if most people want to do it. But the source of that money should be the progressive state income tax, not hidden taxes on utility bills that disproportionately affect the poorer households of senior citizens and low-income workers who typically cant afford to put solar panels on the roof and such. And the program shouldnt be marketed as making meaningful progress on the serious challenge of global warming. MARGATE After fielding more than a week of complaints about what residents say is a flawed $63 million dune project, the city has scheduled a special public meeting this week to consider legal action against the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers. The meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Historic City Hall, 1 S. Washington Ave., also follows a weekend protest. At the meeting on Wednesday, we will discuss if we should hire outside counsel to seek an injunction to stop the project, Mayor Michael Becker said in a telephone interview Monday afternoon. On Sunday, about 100 residents gathered on the beach at Delavan Avenue to protest the lack of corrective action by municipal, state and federal officials after a heavy rainfall left 15 inches of storm water between the dune and the bulkhead. They called it Lake Margate. Army Corps spokesman Stephen Rochette said a detention area was created to accommodate storm water flowing to the beach from the street ends and that hydraulic engineers are monitoring the situation. The Army Corps removed about 2 feet of sand from the beach to create the wide detention area. Engineers who designed the project said any storm water that collects in the area would percolate into the sand within 24 to 36 hours. We had our team out there over the weekend following an extraordinary rainfall that dumped more than 5 inches of rain, Rochette said Monday morning. We are monitoring the situation and working with the state to see if there is a possible solution. No work stoppage has been issued for the dune project, he said, and Weeks Marine Inc., of Cranford, which was awarded a $63 million contract, is continuing the berm and beachfill project south of the Margate pier. A dredge was down for a few days because of weather issues, but it is back in operation, Rochette said. Margate opposed the dune project for years but eventually lost its legal fight last year in Superior Court. A judge also ruled against a group of homeowners who complained in a lawsuit the dunes would create large areas of standing water on the beach that could provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It was 2 p.m. Sunday when residents gathered for an impromptu hour-long protest atop the new dune at Delavan Avenue, chanting Fix our beach and What do we want? Environmental protection. When do we want it? Now. On the east side of the dune, there were umbrellas and families enjoying sun and surf. On the west side, people were trudging with their beach gear through knee-high water and over a narrow strip of sand to get to the dune cross-over. People cant access the beach, and now we have an environmental problem, said Joann Cistone, who has lived on the beach block for 14 years. Anita Levin, an Argyle Avenue resident, called it disgusting. Why wasnt someone smart enough to prevent this from happening? she said. Barbara Krachman, a 25-year resident of Clarendon Avenue, said she wants the detention basin filled back in with sand before the mosquitoes come. Ive lived here for 40 years and we never had a beach problem like this. Its a disgrace, Barclay Avenue resident Ruth Dorman said. Older people cant get through, and families with children are pulling their beach chairs through this bacteria-laden swamp. We didnt even have this after Hurricane Sandy. They ruined our beaches, and they did it in the middle of the summer. Donald Krachman, a family physican, said Lake Margate is not only a public health hazard but a serious liability for city, county, state and federal government. What if a child walks in there and drowns? he said. The water is there because they took away all the supporting sand. Other residents, including Sol Mermelstein, said they are concerned about how the dune is affecting their property values. If you take away our beach access and our view, those amenities we enjoyed and paid for are now diminished, he said. Argyle Avenue resident Bruce Folbaum, who walks with the aid of a cane or walker, said because of the water he was denied access to the beach near his home, which he called a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. He had to go to the Boardwalk in Ventnor to get lifeguards to give him a dune buggy ride to his family sitting on the Margate beach. DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said the state and Army Corps discussed the drainage issue last week and would have another telephone conference Monday afternoon. Nothing can be resolved overnight, he said. Hajna said the flooding came at an inopportune time, considering the freshly built dune was created with already-water-saturated sand being mined from the ocean, last weekends rainfall and the incredible rainfall Friday into Saturday. The sand was still wet, the dunes were fresh and the extraordinary rainfall of 6 to 7 inches. We are working to see what the next best step will be, Hajna said. Coastal monitoring flights cited drainage issues on several beaches from Atlantic City south to Cape May, he said. There will be another flight tomorrow, he said. Becker said the city has requested the county test the water and that no swimming signs have been erected in the area. Were doing what we can, he said. NEW DELHI, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Education technology platform Leverage Edu has raised an undisclosed amount of funding in its seed round from a clutch of reputed global executives, Internet entrepreneurs among others. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541551/Leverageedu_Logo.jpg ) The round was led by serial entrepreneur Kashyap Deorah who also authored - The Golden Tap - the inside story of hyper-funded Indian startups, and VRL Logistics MD Anand Sankeshwar. Former Babajob CFO Sadashiva NT, Former American Express CFO Arjun Mehta, husband-wife duo UCLA Professor Bhagwan Choudhary and 2Meditate Founder Swati Desai, NYU Stern Director Anindya Ghose, Deepak Jain, Founder of Flexiloans and Satish Koul, VP, Union National Bank Abu Dhabi also participated in this round among others. The company will be using the funds to strengthen their product and technology platform in areas like artificial intelligence among others. Leverage Edu is also looking to hire new talent as it looks to expand operations. Started by ISB Alumnus Akshay Chaturvedi and seasoned education professional Rajiv Ganjoo, the New Delhi-based startup uses machine learning to help students match with over 2500+ colleges and 100+ experts, helps them build rich profiles that includes writing research papers/filing patents, and apply with the counsel of experts that best match their background and profile. Akshay is an alumni of Draper after which he had stints in one of India's leading marketplace, Snapdeal and blue collar job provider, Babajob. Rajiv has worked across multiple senior level roles in the education industry including stints at CL Educate and Veritas Prep. The 9-member strong company is growing at a significant rate month-on-month as it has managed to on board strong partners in the space with a special focus on tier-2 and 3 cities. Leverage Edu is picking students as early as grade 8 for their career assessment and mentorship programs, with an eye to play across the entire student journey thereafter. "We believe a full-stack approach is necessary to build solutions that scale, specially in a market as big and as global as ours. We let machine intelligence and a curated marketplace of experts tell students what's right for them, rather than opting for inexperienced traditional options, many times family members. Our SaaS platform helps the aspiring student work on her applications get on-demand mentoring, access to education loans and forex, living and much more. We are passionate about helping folks build awesome careers, and live through that entire journey with them," said Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Leverage Edu. "A large number of young Indians aspire for higher education and a large number of colleges worldwide are looking for these students. Matching them at scale is an unsolved problem. Akshay is the right entrepreneur to connect the two worlds," said Kashyap Deorah. Anand Sankeshwar, who runs India's largest logistics firm VRL Logistics, said, "There has been a lot of activity in the EdTech space, and I have been tracking Leverage Edu for quite some time. Their focus on creating a global business out of India, excellent metrics, and their unique approach to solving education in India is a winner. Most of all, Akshay and Rajiv are terrific people to partner with. Their passion on an everyday basis, focused execution and their vision for bringing large scale change in higher education programmes are things that will help them build a great company here." As part of its enterprise business, which configures a growing chunk of the startup's revenue, it partners with top international and Indian institutes across an interesting array of services unique to the Indian landscape, including helping them build a better ranking. "Careers are life-altering decisions, and also the most expensive ones. People spend more time and energy on higher education/careers than e-commerce. What we are focused upon is touching the lives of millions of students, and helping them build better careers. We will be on-boarding more enterprise customers and more partners in the next few months, and also build our presence in the Gulf region," added Rajiv Ganjoo, Co-founder and President, Leverage Edu. Media Contact: Akshay Chaturvedi Co-founder/CEO +91-9711732858 akshay@leverageedu.com SOURCE Leverageedu.com Zaluvida Corporate AG, a Swiss-based pioneering life science company, announced today that Daniel de Carvalho joined its leadership team as Global Director of Communications, effective immediately. Zaluvida's flagship business units, active in the fields of antimicrobial resistance, obesity and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, are growing steadily. This success established the need for the newly created position to drive the group's external and internal communications and match the company's ambitious commercial strategy. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541266/Daniel_de_Carvalho.jpg ) Daniel de Carvalho is a corporate communication professional, consumer strategist and crisis and reputation management expert, who has been involved in financial communications with companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. He has led multi-disciplinary teams in over 40 markets and integrated external communications with employee engagement. In his most recent positions, he generated significant brand exposure for Ryanair and Wizz Air, and has protected reputations in times of crisis across diverse markets and cultures. De Carvalho studied Theology, Media and Communications and is currently pursuing an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability. He serves as a Non-Executive Board member of Turn2me.org, an e-mental healthcare platform. Zaluvida's Group CEO Christoph Staeuble said: "I am delighted to welcome Daniel as our new Global Director of Communications. He brings with him outstanding expertise in corporate and consumer communications, branding and reputation management. Having him on our team of world-class professionals will help us introduce our visionary biotech innovations to a wider audience, and firmly position Zaluvida as a leader in tackling the most pressing healthcare challenges." Daniel de Carvalho, Zaluvida's Global Director of Corporate Communications, said: "This is an exciting time to join Zaluvida, the Tesla of Pharma. The thoughtful expansion of the brand across the world brings huge opportunities to generate publicity and raise awareness for the biggest challenges in environmental, human and animal health. I am thrilled about joining this winning team." About Zaluvida Zaluvida is a globally operating life science group that endeavours to rapidly develop solutions for the biggest challenges in healthcare. The company is led from its corporate offices in Switzerland and has branches in Germany, Wales, the Netherlands, the U.S. and Malaysia. By making use of unique bioactive compounds with pharma-grade efficacy, Zaluvida is a pioneer in therapies and technologies for obesity, antimicrobial resistance and for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Our team is united by the desire to use visionary biotech innovations to support as many people as possible in shaping a better future for themselves. For further information visit: http://www.zaluvida.com PRESS CONTACT Daniel de Carvalho Zaluvida Corporate AG Avenue Des Uttins 1 1180 Rolle Switzerland t. +41-21-822-2362 m. +41-79-649-2918 ddecarvalho@zaluvida.com Bianca Egli APCO Worldwide Borsenstrae 2-4 60313 Frankfurt am Main t. +49-69-26-01-408-11 m. +49-172-180-3642 begli@apcoworldwide.com SOURCE Zaluvida The module incorporates the monocrystalline PERC cells based on mass production technology with a 21.9% conversion efficiency. The test was completed at the TUV Rheinland Shanghai Lab on April 17, with the open circuit voltage and short circuit current reaching 40.79V and 10.160A respectively. Hi-MO1, launched by LONGi Solar in 2016, is the only P-type monocrystalline module that promises a first-year power degradation within 2% in the industry, featuring high efficiency, low LID and high energy yields. It was awarded the TUV Rheinland "All Quality Matters" PV Module Energy Yield Simulation Award 2016 (MONO), with the simulated energy yields for five cities around the world ranking No.1 among all modules. The field test conducted at Sanya Base by State Key Lab of China Electric Apparatus Research Institute has also proved that the energy yield of Hi-MO1 module is on average over 3% higher than that of the conventional products. Mr. Li Wenxue, President of LONGi Solar, emphasized, "LONGi Solar has always been committed to providing the most efficient products with the best quality and cost performance to end customers. We have been investing in R&D consistently, and achieved remarkable results in delivering higher and higher efficiency products. The 325.6W is a result of LONGi Solar's continuous innovation following our parent company LONGi Group's philosophy, and is also LONGi Solar's commitment to the industry. In the future, LONGi Solar will continue to accelerate the technological innovation, and make contributions to LCOE reduction and aim to achieve grid parity." SOURCE LONGi Solar IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Proove Biosciences, Inc. announces yet another new peer-reviewed study demonstrating that treatment decisions informed by Proove Opioid Risk technology results in better patient outcomes. This study, entitled "A prospective, longitudinal study to evaluate the clinical utility of a predictive algorithm that detects risk of opioid use disorder" has been accepted for publication by the Journal of Pain Research (Impact Factor: 2.96). Researchers Katrina Lewis, M.D. of Benefits Healthcare System's Pain Medicine department in Montana, Maneesh Sharma, M.D. of the Interventional Pain Institute in Maryland, and Gregory Smith of Comprehensive Pain Relief Group in California teamed with Proove scientists to conduct a multi-center, prospective study across 100 clinics involving 5,397 patients to determine the clinical utility of an algorithm-based precision medicine profile to assess risk for opioid use disorder (OUD). Results show that when clinicians use Proove Opioid Risk profile to guide treatment decisions, patients experience better pain management showing significantly improved (p 0.05) pain levels by the follow-up visit with an average pain reduction of 3.4 points in the NRS (p =3.39 x10-108). At least 90% of physicians stated Proove Opioid Risk benefited their patients, with 78% indicating "significant benefit." The clinical utility of the Proove Opioid Risk profile is two-fold; it provides clinically actionable recommendations that can be used to 1) prevent OUD through limiting unnecessary opioid prescriptions, and 2) reduce pain independent of risk for developing OUD. Dr. May Hafez, Clinical Director at Proove explains, "Clinical studies continue to validate that Proove's precision medicine technology provides clinicians with a tool to better inform decision-making. This study clearly shows that physicians believe Proove Opioid Risk has significant benefit and results in treatment changes which produce a very meaningful reduction in pain." Proove CEO Brian Meshkin explains, "With the dual public health crises of chronic pain and opioid abuse, only Proove technology has shown repeatedly in published, peer-reviewed clinical studies to help clinicians make better treatment decisions resulting in a win-win a 50% reduction in pain and up to a 96.7% accuracy in identifying patients at risk for opioid abuse benefiting every stakeholder in the healthcare system." About Proove Biosciences: Proove Biosciences is the leader in precision medicine for the condition that lies at the nexus of health pain. Proove delivers precision medicine solutions for the nation's most prevalent and expensive health condition by investing heavily in research that has won awards from leading medical societies and been published in peer-reviewed journals. Discovered by NIH-funded scientists, Proove has translated into clinical practice the genetic variants and phenotypic factors contributing to pain sensitivity and chronic pain risk. Proove's medical advisory board is led by those NIH-funded researchers and the company has licensed some of its technology from leading academic centers, such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Utah, and other institutions. Positioned as The Healthcare Decision Company, Proove's patented technology platform combines genetic, clinical, environmental and lifestyle information to help clinicians better evaluate pain sensitivity, assess risk for opioid use disorder, predict therapeutic response to pain medications, and assess drug metabolism for the many medications used in chronic pain patients. Based in Irvine, California, Proove has been recognized on the Inc. 500 and the Deloitte Technology Fast500 as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. For more information, please visit www.proove.com or call toll free 855-PROOVE-BIO (855-776-6832). SOURCE Proove Biosciences, Inc. Related Links http://www.proove.com While at University of Liverpool, the delegation visited its core medical research departments including Clinical Research Center, Research Accelerator, North West Cancer Research Centre, Biobank, Institute of Integrative Biology, and Institute of Translational Medicine, and held discussions with the host about potential cooperation in the field of biomedical research in the future. On July 10, a bilateral cooperation forum was organized, and leaders and experts from University of Liverpool and Royal Liverpool University participated. In this forum, director Li Weimin reviewed the cooperation history between University of Liverpool and West China Hospital, stating that University of Liverpool had cultivated nearly ten talents for West China Hospital and that reinforced cooperation would greatly benefit both parties due to their traditional focus on scientific research. Executive vice director Wan Xuehong gave an overview of West China Hospital, and recommended further cooperation plans with regard to doctor and post-doctor cultivation, expert exchange, and joint establishment of West China Liverpool Biomedicine Research Center and Liverpool West China Center. After the forum, director Li Weimin signed a Liverpool - West China cooperation memorandum with Bob Burgoyne, executive pro-vice-chancellor of University of Liverpool and dean of Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. While at Cambridge University, the delegation met the managers of remote medical platform UKeMED, and communicated with representatives from institutes such as Cambridge University Hospitals and University of Bedfordshire. The delegation also made a video presentation about world leading medical technologies of West China Hospital. After the meeting, director Li Weimin and Takis Kotis, CEO of UKeMED Platform, signed a cooperation memorandum concerning remote medicine and education as well as a letter of intent for cooperation under The Belt and Road initiative. On the afternoon of July 12, the delegation met Roland Sinker, CEO of Cambridge University Hospitals. Later, the delegation paid a visit to Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Of Cambridge University, during which discussions were held with experts of the centre about challenges confronted by West China Hospital in biomedical research. During their stay in London, the delegation visited Health care UK (HCUK). Ms. Deborah Kobewka, managing director of HCUK, introduced NHS medical system of UK and its operation conditions to the team members. She described HCUK as a government interface between UK and foreign medical partners, welcoming cooperation between West China Hospital and famous UK organizations like Cambridge UKeMED. The delegation also visited four private high-end UK medical centers at Harley Street. The team led by Director Li Weimin and executive vice director Wan Xuehong met representatives from some departments of Hammersmith Hospital affiliated with Imperial College London, including Anesthesiology Department, Cardiac Surgery Department, and Health Care Division, and expressed their thanks for multiple training sessions provided by the hospital for the medical team of West China Hospital. On July 14, the delegation met Ms. Betty Yue, supervisor of Continuing Education & Training Center of Imperial College London, and Professor Desmond Johnston, vice president of Medicine School. Both parties achieved deeper understanding of each other, which laid a solid foundation for future cooperation. This visit to University of Liverpool, Cambridge University Hospitals, and Imperial College London improved mutual understanding between West China Hospital and advanced academic research institutes in UK, and was concluded with preliminary cooperation plans regarding medical education and research. Such cooperation will enable West China Hospital to better build an international brand and integrate international resources, thus greatly promoting internationalization process of West China Hospital. SOURCE West China Hospital of Sichuan University As a result of the acquisition, Aclara will own a majority equity position in GEPMICI, which has offices in Taguig City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, and also supplies electric solutions in other ASEAN member countries and Japan. Meralco, which will maintain its current equity position in GEPMICI, serves over 6 million customers and covers 36 cities and 75 municipalities, including metropolitan Manila. The acquisition of GEPMICI is an important part of Aclara's global strategy because the Philippines, as well as other ASEAN and APAC countries, are key markets for Aclara's continued international expansion. "Holding a majority equity position in this joint venture enhances our global market leadership, as it is the gateway to expanding our international footprint into the growing ASEAN and APAC markets. This development further strengthens our ability to offer next generation smart meters through our broad meter portfolio," said Allan Connolly, president and CEO of Aclara. "We look forward to bringing decades of technical expertise to a growing market that is beginning to embrace the benefits of smart meters and next generation Smart Infrastructure Solutions," added Connolly. Aclara's expansion of its international business began with the 2015 acquisition of the electric meters business operating within GE Power's Grid Solutions subdivision as well as its 2016 acquisition of Tollgrade Communications Inc.'s smart grid sensor solution, the grid monitoring platform. The company also has recently opened offices in Bilbao, Spain and Cambridge, UK. About Aclara Aclara, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., is a world-class supplier of smart infrastructure solutions (SIS) and services to more than 800 water, gas, and electric utilities globally. Aclara SIS offerings include smart meters and other field devices, advanced metering infrastructure and software and services that enable utilities to predict and respond to conditions, leverage their distribution networks effectively and engage with their customers. Meter Reading Holdings LLC operates three sister companies, Aclara Technologies, Aclara Meters, and Smart Grid Solutions collectively referred as Aclara. Aclara won a Frost & Sullivan Global Smart Energy Networks Enabling Technology Leadership Award in 2017 and was named a finalist in three categories of the Platts Global Energy Awards in 2016. Visit us at Aclara.com, follow us on Twitter @AclaraSolutions or read our blog. About Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a global private equity firm focused on identifying companies' untapped potential and leveraging its deep operational and financial resources to transform results. Sun Capital is a trusted partner that is recognized for its investment and operational experience, including particular expertise in the consumer products and services, food and beverage, industrial, packaging, chemicals, building products, automotive, restaurant and retail sectors. Since 1995, Sun Capital has invested in over 345 companies worldwide across a broad range of industries and transaction structures with sales in excess of $45 billion. SOURCE Aclara Related Links http://www.aclara.com - Visit Actus Booth: Hall 3, C69 At IBC 2017 Actus Digital will announce a new and improved version of its automated clips creation platform for OTT, Social Media and any media platform. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541545/Actus_Clip_Factory_Pro.jpg ) (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/541546/Actus_Digital_Logo.jpg ) Actus Clip Factory Pro is another expansion of the Clip Factory suite of products. "Not all the broadcasters have the same workflow, requirements and integrations needed for their content re-purposing requirements," said Raphael Renous, Actus CTO. "Therefore we have developed a suite of products: Basic, Advanced and Pro. This way each broadcaster has the flexibility to choose the solution that fits the specific requirements." Actus was the first vendor to introduce an automated clips creation software, named "Clip-Factory", during the IBC show 3 years ago. At that time, clips creation for Social Media was still at its infancy. Since then, a large number of TV Networks and Telecom operators have adopted Actus' platform and hundreds of clips are created daily and distributed to their Web sites, as well as to their Social Media pages, such as Facebook and alike. The broadcast industry is getting a step closer to offering side-by-side linear Live TV programming with non-linear OTT clips for VOD and Catch-up TV. Actus has also noticed that more and more vendors are embarking on this path and also offering clips creating platforms. At the same time, Actus customers have already defined what should be the next generation of clips creation platforms. Actus Digital is announcing a newer and much richer product, destined for professional clip editing use, by broadcasters and operators. The new product, named "Clip-Factory-Pro" will include a number of features that make it, again, the most forward looking platform available. The features include a set of video editing functions, such as blurring, muting, pre/post rolls, Ads removal and more. The Clip-Factory-Pro also comes with a new set of Metadata generating tools that can integrate to AsRunLog, automation and Ads insertion systems in view of a fully automated workflow from Linear to OTT. The workflow includes automated delivery to Social Media servers such as Facebook and YouTube. Last but not least, the Clip-Factory-Pro includes the Multi-Quality technology that allows editing on a low resolution proxy, using low bandwidth, and possible in the Cloud, while the exported clip will be duplicated and exported precisely using a full resolution recording. The Clip-Factory-Pro will be demonstrated for the first time during the IBC 2017 show, September, in Amsterdam. To schedule a meeting at IBC: http://actusdigital.com/contact-us/general-inquiry/ Or mail: [email protected] About Actus Digital Actus Digital is a leading provider of broadcast recording and monitoring platform, designed for broadcasters, TV networks, cable, satellite and IPTV operators, Playout centers, Telco and governments. Actus platform is an integrated solution - one platform that provides different solutions for different needs. Some of the solutions are compliance logging (complies with all regulators requirements), clips creation for the social media, OTT and any media platform and rating and competitive analysis. Actus provides its solutions to hundreds of customers worldwide, such as CNBC, Sky, AMC Networks, Fox, Sony, Star, BBC, Disney and more. Visit: WWW.ACTUSDIGITAL.COM Follow Actus Digital on: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Google+ Contact: Angelina Janssens Actus Marketing [email protected] Phone: +32-2-8086302 SOURCE Actus Digital "David Sable's expertise in the advertising industry and integrated communications is unparalleled and his dedication for giving back has been unwavering," said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. "David and Y&R have been long-time supporters of the Ad Council, lending extraordinary talent and time to many critical issues facing our country. We're thrilled he is taking this leadership role on our Board." Sable joined the Ad Council Board of Directors in 2011 and became a member of the Executive Committee in 2013. Throughout his longstanding tenure at Y&R, Sable led the agency's pro bono support of several Ad Council campaigns including Digital Literacy, Ebola Aid Awareness, Financial Literacy and the most recent iteration of UNCF's (United Negro College Fund's) iconic A Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Waste campaign, which over its history with Y&R has raised over $2 billion and helped graduate over 400,000 deserving minority students from college. In 2013, Fast Company named Sable one of the 10 Most 'Generous Marketing Geniuses,' and this position will continue that legacy. In addition to serving on the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's National Board, Sable was the founding chair of their NY Board. He also serves on NY's Volunteer State Office of National and Community Service Commission, as well as the Cultural Advisory Committee. Additionally, Sable provides his leadership on the boards of UNCF and the Christopher Reeve Foundation and he is deeply involved with the Special Olympics. "This is a singular and spectacular honor," said Sable. "Throughout my career in the industry, the parallel thread and passion for me has been my involvement in the non-profit world. I believe everyone has the capacity to help change the world. The Ad Council plays an extraordinary role in our industry the organized social conscience of our industry and it has made a huge and tangible difference to the lives of so many people, across so many sectors of American society. We all know the power of advertising to not only change minds but also behavior. Its power is exponential in driving social change on so many critical issues we face. I am ready to begin, and will enlist the help of our industry at every level to further its cause." Among his many contributions to the advertising industry, Sable has been the Director-at-Large of the 4As, and Jury President and Jury member of several Cannes Lions Creativity Festivals. Sable's advertising career began at Y&R, after which he worked at Wells Rich Greene and then co-founded Mimsar, an advertising agency in Israel. Sable then moved to Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe, before returning to Y&R in 1990 to lead the international portion of the Colgate-Palmolive account. While there, he also helped win Y&R's U.S. Postal Service's consolidated account, before leaving to pioneer an omni-channel startup, Genesis Direct. In 2000, he moved to Wunderman, where he spent 10 years ultimately as its Vice Chairman, before returning again to Y&R. With the election of Sable, the Ad Council will continue its ongoing tradition of rotating Board Chairs every year between the organizations' founding sectors: media companies, agencies and corporate advertisers. Linda Boff, Chief Marketing Officer at GE, will succeed Sable as Board Chair in July 2018. For a complete list of the Ad Council board of directors, see here. The Ad Council The Ad Council brings together the most creative minds in advertising and media to address the most worthy causes. Its innovative, pro bono social good campaigns raise awareness. They inspire action. They save lives. To learn more, visit www.adcouncil.org, follow the Ad Council's communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube. SOURCE The Ad Council Related Links http://www.adcouncil.org HONOLULU, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) ("A&B" or "Company") today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2017 ("2Q17"). 2Q17 Financial Highlights Fully-diluted earnings per share from continuing operations available to A&B shareholders ("EPS") was $0.07 for 2Q17, compared to $0.06 for the second quarter of 2016 ("2Q16"). Both 2Q17 and 2Q16 EPS include REIT conversion costs of $0.03 . for 2Q17, compared to for the second quarter of 2016 ("2Q16"). Both 2Q17 and 2Q16 EPS include REIT conversion costs of . Commercial Real Estate ("CRE") 2Q17 operating profit was $13.4 million , compared to $14.7 million in the prior year, a decline of $1.3 million , substantially driven by realignment of internal costs. Same-store net operating income 1 ("NOI") for 2Q17 increased 4.7%, including Hawaii retail same-store NOI 1 that was up 5.1%. , compared to in the prior year, a decline of , substantially driven by realignment of internal costs. Same-store net operating income ("NOI") for 2Q17 increased 4.7%, including retail same-store NOI that was up 5.1%. Portfolio occupancy at the end of 2Q17 increased 70 basis points ("bps") to 94.1%, fueled by a 140 bps increase in Hawaii portfolio occupancy. portfolio occupancy. Comparable 2Q17 cash leasing spreads of 19.8%, including a strategic anchor renewal with Regal Cinema at Pearl Highlands Center. Materials & Construction 2Q17 operating profit improved to $6.7 million from $4.9 million for 2Q16. 2017 Strategic Accomplishments Elected to be a real estate investment trust ("REIT") effective for the 2017 taxable year. Appointed REIT-experienced board director and chief financial officer. Acquired the Honokohau Industrial center in June for $10.1 million with proceeds from sales of non-income producing assets. with proceeds from sales of non-income producing assets. Advanced redevelopment and development projects like Lau Hala Shops and Ho'okele Shopping Center. Redeployed agricultural lands into diversified agriculture activities such as ranching, renewable energy, and food and energy crops. "We're achieving our strategic objective of commercial real estate growth as evidenced by a solid increase in same-store NOI during the quarter and comparable leasing spreads of 19.8%. On the acquisitions front, in June, we added the 73,200-square-foot Honokohau Industrial center on the Island of Hawaii to our CRE portfolio, which was completely funded with 1031 sales proceeds from non-income producing properties. Taken together with the recent announcement of our conversion to a REIT, these actions position us for continued growth as a Hawaii-focused commercial real estate company," said Chris Benjamin, president & chief executive officer. "Land Operations contributed modestly to quarter earnings while Materials & Construction's financial performance in the second quarter improved compared to the first quarter of 2017 and last year's second quarter." Financial Results Consolidated Results 2Q17 vs. 2Q16 The Company reported consolidated income from continuing operations available to A&B shareholders, net of taxes, of $3.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for 2Q17, compared to $3.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for 2Q16. Results for 2Q17 included $1.6 million of after-tax costs ($2.2 million pre-tax), or $0.03 per diluted share, related to the Company's conversion to a REIT, compared to $1.5 million of after-tax costs ($1.9 million pre-tax), or $0.03 per diluted share for 2Q16. Net income attributable to A&B shareholders (which includes the effect of discontinued operations) was $4.3 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for 2Q17, compared to a net loss attributable to A&B shareholders of $0.7 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for 2Q16. In addition to the aforementioned REIT conversion costs, results for 2Q17 and 2Q16 included the discontinued operations of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar (HC&S)$0.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share of after-tax income for 2Q17 and $3.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, of after-tax losses, for 2Q16. Revenue for 2Q17 was $98.1 million, compared to revenue of $82.0 million for 2Q16. The increase in revenue primarily is attributable to increased Materials & Construction revenue and development and parcel sales, partially offset by lower commercial real estate revenue due to the timing of the Manoa Marketplace acquisition in January 2016 and related dispositions of mainland assets in June 2016. Segment Performance 2Q17 vs. 2Q16 Commercial Real Estate. CRE performed well in 2Q17, although increased G&A expenses and the Manoa Marketplace exchange timing impacted CRE operating profit, lowering it from $14.7 million for 2Q16 to $13.4 million for 2Q17. Increased G&A expense reflects the Company's strategic shift to focus on the growth of the commercial real estate portfolio through acquisition, development and redevelopment, resulting in a reallocation of certain personnel costs to the CRE segment, as well as the temporary overlap in personnel costs related to bringing property management and leasing in-house while transitioning from existing third-party property management arrangements. Same-store NOI1 increased by 4.7% in the quarter, compared to 2Q16. Supporting the same-store NOI growth were improvements in Hawaii occupancy, which increased by 140 bps, improved performance from the Kailua Town retail assets and retroactive rent received on a ground lease that was renewed in 2Q17. For the quarter, Hawaii properties produced 87% of total same-store NOI and mainland properties produced 13%. Portfolio-wide CRE occupancy improved 70 bps to 94.1% at the end of 2Q17 from 93.4% at the end of 2Q16. Hawaii occupancy improved 140 bps at the end of 2Q17 to 93.8% from 92.4% at the end of 2Q16, and mainland occupancy fell 30 bps from 94.9% at the end of 2Q16 to 94.6% at the end of 2Q17. In 2Q17, the Company executed 57 leases, 43 of which were comparable (either renewals or new leases of the same space within 12 months) and were renewed/re-leased with cash leasing spreads of 19.8%, which includes a strategic renewal of a 47,700-square-foot lease with Regal Cinema, an anchor tenant at Pearl Highlands Center. Land Operations. Land Operations posted 2Q17 operating profit of $1.7 million. Results for 2Q17 included the sale of a 3-acre parcel at Wailea, Maui for $3.6 million, and vacant parcel sales on Oahu and Maui totaling $1.4 million (operating profit contribution for the three sales amounted to $2.1 million). Results also included joint venture sales of four Kukui'ula units and four Ka Milo units (equity in earnings of real estate joint ventures totaled $0.6 million). Offsetting the operating profit contribution from these sales were a $0.2 million write down of the Company's investment in the Waihonu solar project (recognition of tax benefits related to the project reduce the carrying value of this tax equity investment) and segment and agricultural operations net expenses. In 2Q16, the segment's operating loss was $11.5 million, which was primarily driven by a $9.5 million reduction in the carrying value of the Waihonu solar project. Segment operating loss also included joint venture expenses that were partially offset by joint venture sales of two units at Kukui`ula and three units at Ka Milo (equity in losses of real estate joint ventures totaled $0.1 million). The remaining operating loss was primarily attributable to segment and agricultural operations net expenses. Materials & Construction. The segment posted operating profit of $6.7 million for 2Q17, compared to $4.9 million for 2Q16, and EBITDA1 of $9.8 million for 2Q17, compared to $7.9 million for 2Q16. 2Q17 operating profit and EBITDA were higher due to a 63.9% increase in tons of asphalt placed in 2Q17, compared to 2Q16, despite continued margin pressure from competitor pricing for paving work and weather. As a result of the high amount of completed and billed work and a lower number of major bids offered by governmental entities during 2Q17, backlog2 declined by 11.7% from the end of 2016 to $214.6 million at the end of 2Q17. Other. Interest expense declined from $6.8 million for 2Q16 to $6.2 million for 2Q17, due primarily to lower borrowings during 2Q17, compared to 2Q16. There were no sales of improved properties in 2Q17. Gain on sale of improved property of $8.0 million for 2Q16 relates to the sale of three mainland commercial properties to complete the funding for the Manoa Marketplace acquisition. General corporate expenses were higher, increasing to $5.9 million for 2Q17 from $4.0 million for 2Q16. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel-related and compensation costs, and professional services fees. Separately, REIT conversion costs for 2Q17 amounted to $2.2 million, compared to $1.9 million for 2Q16. The Company reported income tax expense of $3.5 million in 2Q17. The effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate due to the non-deductibility of certain REIT conversion costs. Consolidated Results Year to date through June 30, 2017 ("1H17") vs. Year to date through June 30, 2016 ("1H16") The Company reported consolidated income from continuing operations available to A&B shareholders, net of taxes, of $8.1 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for 1H17, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for 1H16. Results for 1H17 included $5.0 million of after-tax costs ($7.0 million pre-tax), or $0.10 per diluted share, related to the REIT conversion, compared to $1.5 million of after-tax costs ($1.9 million pre-tax), or $0.03 per diluted share for 1H16. Net income attributable to A&B shareholders (including discontinued operations) was $10.6 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for 1H17, compared to a net loss attributable to A&B shareholders of $8.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for 1H16. In addition to the REIT conversion costs, results for 1H17 included $3.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, of after-tax income from discontinued HC&S operations. Results for 1H16 included $14.5 million of after-tax losses, or $0.30 per diluted share, from discontinued HC&S operations. Revenue for 1H17 was $191.3 million, compared to revenue of $173.4 million for 1H16. The increase in revenue is primarily attributable to increased Materials & Construction revenue and development and parcel sales, partially offset by lower CRE revenue due to the timing of the Manoa Marketplace acquisition in January 2016 and related dispositions of mainland assets in June 2016. ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SEGMENT DATA & OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts, Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue: Commercial Real Estate $ 33.8 $ 34.5 $ 67.5 $ 69.3 Land Operations 12.1 5.5 23.1 11.5 Materials & Construction 52.2 42.0 100.7 92.6 Total revenue 98.1 82.0 191.3 173.4 Operating Profit (Loss): Commercial Real Estate 13.4 14.7 27.7 27.8 Land Operations 1.7 (11.5) (0.7) (14.8) Materials & Construction 6.7 4.9 12.3 12.9 Total operating profit 21.8 8.1 39.3 25.9 Interest expense (6.2) (6.8) (12.4) (13.7) Gain on the sale of improved property 8.0 3.0 8.0 General corporate expenses (5.9) (4.0) (11.6) (10.8) REIT evaluation/conversion costs (2.2) (1.9) (7.0) (1.9) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes 7.5 3.4 11.3 7.5 Income tax expense (3.5) (0.3) (2.7) (0.6) Income from Continuing Operations 4.0 3.1 8.6 6.9 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0.8 (3.7) 3.2 (14.5) Net Income (Loss) 4.8 (0.6) 11.8 (7.6) Income attributable to noncontrolling interest (0.5) (0.1) (1.2) (0.6) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A&B $ 4.3 $ (0.7) $ 10.6 $ (8.2) Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share Available to A&B Shareholders: Continuing operations $ 0.08 $ 0.06 $ 0.16 $ 0.14 Discontinued operations 0.02 (0.07) 0.07 (0.30) Net income (loss) $ 0.10 $ (0.01) $ 0.23 $ (0.16) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Available to A&B Shareholders: Continuing operations $ 0.07 $ 0.06 $ 0.16 $ 0.14 Discontinued operations 0.02 (0.07) 0.07 (0.30) Net income (loss) $ 0.09 $ (0.01) $ 0.23 $ (0.16) Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding: Basic 49.2 49.0 49.1 49.0 Diluted 49.6 49.4 49.6 49.3 Amounts Available to A&B Shareholders: Continuing operations, net of income taxes $ 3.7 $ 3.1 $ 8.1 $ 6.8 Discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0.8 (3.7) 3.2 (14.5) Net income (loss) $ 4.5 $ (0.6) $ 11.3 $ (7.7) ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Millions, Unaudited) June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Current assets $ 159.0 $ 138.3 Investments in Affiliates 398.7 390.8 Real Estate Developments 184.5 179.5 Property Net 1,235.1 1,231.6 Intangible Assets Net 50.3 53.8 Goodwill 102.3 102.3 Other Assets 47.1 60.0 Total Assets $ 2,177.0 $ 2,156.3 Liabilities & Equity Current liabilities $ 128.2 $ 165.1 Long-term Liabilities: Long-term debt 530.8 472.7 Deferred income taxes 182.8 182.0 Accrued pension and post-retirement benefits 63.7 64.8 Other non-current liabilities 43.1 47.7 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 10.8 10.8 Equity 1,217.6 1,213.2 Total Liabilities & Equity $ 2,177.0 $ 2,156.3 ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW (In Millions, Unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income (loss) $ 11.8 $ (7.6) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations: Depreciation and amortization 21.0 54.9 Deferred income taxes 0.1 (19.5) Gains on asset transactions, net of impairment losses (12.1) 1.6 Share-based compensation expense 2.2 2.1 Investment in affiliates, net of distributions 5.8 (1.9) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade, contracts retention, and other receivables (6.3) 11.0 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts - net 0.6 2.9 Inventories 9.2 (10.1) Prepaid expenses, income tax receivable and other assets (3.7) 10.6 Accrued pension and post-retirement benefits 1.6 3.1 Accounts payable and contracts retention (3.6) (7.0) Accrued and other liabilities (36.6) (5.3) Real estate inventory sales (real estate developments held for sale) 2.9 Expenditures for real estate inventory (real estate developments held for sale) (9.5) (5.0) Net cash provided by (used in) operations (16.6) 29.8 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment (23.4) (99.8) Capital expenditures related to 1031 commercial property transactions (6.2) Proceeds from disposal of property and other assets 9.7 1.9 Proceeds from disposals related to 1031 commercial property transactions 6.9 59.3 Payments for purchases of investments in affiliates and other investments (23.9) (26.4) Proceeds from investments in affiliates and other investments 2.0 3.0 Change in restricted cash associated with 1031 transactions 5.4 16.2 Net cash used in investing activities (23.3) (52.0) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 83.5 132.0 Payments of long-term debt and deferred financing costs (35.1) (94.3) Borrowings (payments) on line-of-credit agreement, net 11.4 (4.9) Distribution to noncontrolling interests (0.2) (0.5) Dividends paid (6.9) (5.9) Proceeds from issuance (repurchase) of capital stock and other, net (4.0) 0.9 Net cash used in financing activities 48.7 27.3 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 8.8 5.1 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2.2 1.3 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 11.0 $ 6.4 USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The Company uses non-GAAP measures when evaluating operating performance because management believes that they provide additional insight into the Company's and segment's core operating results, future cash flow generation and/or the underlying business trends affecting performance on a consistent and comparable basis from period to period. These measures generally are provided to investors as an additional means of evaluating the performance of ongoing core operations. The non-GAAP financial information presented herein should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. NOI is a non-GAAP measure used by the Company in evaluating the segment's operating performance as it is an indicator of the return on property investment, and provides a method of comparing performance of core operations, on an unlevered basis, over time. NOI should be not be viewed as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. NOI is presented for the Commercial Real Estate segment, and is calculated by adjusting segment operating profit for depreciation and amortization, straight-line lease adjustments, and general, administration and other expenses. Other real estate companies may use different methodologies for calculating NOI, and accordingly, the Company's presentation of NOI may not be comparable to other real estate companies. A reconciliation of Commercial Real Estate segment operating profit to Commercial Real Estate segment NOI is as follows: Quarter Ended June 30, (In millions, unaudited) 2017 2016 Hawaii Mainland Total Hawaii Mainland Total (%) Change Commercial Real Estate Operating Profit $ 12.4 $ 1.0 $ 13.4 $ 13.0 $ 1.7 $ 14.7 Adjustments: Depreciation and amortization 5.0 1.5 6.5 5.2 2.1 7.3 Straight-line lease adjustments (0.5) (0.5) (0.7) (0.7) General, administrative and other expenses 2.5 0.3 2.8 0.8 0.2 1.0 Commercial Real Estate NOI $ 19.4 $ 2.8 $ 22.2 $ 18.3 $ 4.0 $ 22.3 (0.4) Acquisitions/ disposition and other adjustments (0.1) (0.1) 0.1 (1.3) (1.2) Commercial Real Estate Same-Store NOI $ 19.3 $ 2.8 $ 22.1 $ 18.4 $ 2.7 $ 21.1 4.7 Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) is a non-GAAP measure used by the Company in evaluating the Materials & Construction segment's operating performance on a consistent and comparable basis from period to period. The Company provides this information to investors as an additional means of evaluating the performance of the segment's ongoing core operations. EBITDA should not be viewed as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is calculated for the Materials & Construction segment by adjusting segment operating profit (which excludes interest and tax expenses), by adding back depreciation and amortization. A reconciliation of Materials & Construction operating profit to Materials & Construction EBITDA is as follows: Quarter Ended June 30, (In millions, unaudited) 2017 2016 (%) Change Materials & Construction Operating Profit $6.7 $4.9 Depreciation and amortization 3.1 3.0 Materials & Construction EBITDA $9.8 $7.9 24.1 __________________________________________ 1 This is a non-GAAP disclosure. See above for a discussion of management's use of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations from GAAP to non-GAAP measures. 2 Backlog represents the amount of revenue that Grace Pacific and Maui Paving, LLC, a 50-percent-owned unconsolidated affiliate, expect to realize on contracts awarded and government contracts in which Grace Pacific has been confirmed to be the lowest bidder and formal communication of the award is perfunctory ($23.6 million of contracts won as of June 30, 2017 is pending formal communication). Backlog primarily consists of asphalt paving and, to a lesser extent, Grace Pacific's consolidated revenue from its Prestress and construction-and traffic control-related products. Backlog includes estimated revenue from the remaining portion of contracts not yet completed, as well as revenue from approved change orders. The length of time that projects remain in backlog can span from a few days for a small volume of work to 36 months for large paving contracts and contracts performed in phases. Maui Paving's total backlog at June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $16.7 million and $17.1 million, respectively. ABOUT ALEXANDER & BALDWIN Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. is a Hawaii corporation, and has elected to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) beginning with the 2017 tax year. A&B owns, operates and manages 4.8 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space primarily in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland, and is the largest owner of grocery/drug-anchored retail centers in Hawaii. Our Hawaii footprint extends beyond commercial real estate and includes interest in land operations and materials and infrastructure construction, which are operated under a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (TRS). With ownership of approximately 87,000 acres in Hawaii, A&B is the state's fourth largest private landowner, and one of the state's most active real estate investors. A&B also is Hawaii's largest materials company and paving contractor. Additional information about A&B may be found at www.alexanderbaldwin.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can typically be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "predict," "target," "potential," "likely," "continue," "ongoing," "could," "should," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, as well as variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the potential benefits or impact of the Company's REIT status. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, prevailing market conditions and the following: (i) the Company's ability to remain qualified as a REIT, particularly given the need to apply highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make various factual determinations concerning matters and circumstances not entirely within the Company's control; (ii) the risk that the REIT requirements could limit the Company's financial flexibility; (iii) the Company's limited experience operating as a REIT; (iv) the potential for satisfying the REIT requirements to divert management's attention from traditional business concerns; (v) the Company's ability to pay dividends consistent with the REIT requirements, and expectations as to timing and amounts of such dividends; (vi) the ability of the Company's Board of Directors to revoke the Company's REIT status without shareholder approval; (vii) the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the Company's REIT status will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; and (viii) the Company's exposure to U.S. federal and state income tax law changes, including changes to the REIT requirements. A further description of these and other and other important risks, trends, uncertainties and other factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Company's most recent Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. The information contained in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. We do not undertake any obligation to update the Company's forward-looking statements. Contact: Suzy Hollinger 808.525.8422 [email protected] SOURCE Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Related Links http://www.alexanderbaldwin.com HOUSTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- alliantgroup applauds last week's joint statement on tax reform issued by congressional leadership and the administration and urges our nation's lawmakers to capitalize on this opportunity to strengthen American businesses. In order to ensure sustained economic growth and prosperity for all, our company deems reforming the American tax code as an absolute necessity. In issuing this joint statement, our elected officials have taken the initial steps in making tax reform a reality and have provided a roadmap to ensure the process moves forward for the first time in decades. alliantgroup encourages Congress and the administration to work in a bipartisan manner in the coming months to create a tax code that ensures sustained economic growth and opportunity for all Americans. In their joint statement, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) reaffirmed their commitment to relieving the tax burden placed on American taxpayers and U.S. businesses. alliantgroup's clients have seen first-hand the importance of tax policy and its impact on American businesses. As a leading tax consultancy in the area of credits and incentives, our company has seen how vital incentives such as the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit and the Section 179D tax deduction have been in encouraging job-creation, innovation and business investment. Taking into account the success of these programs, alliantgroup supports pro-business tax policy reforms, including provisions that would strengthen the R&D Tax Credit and extend the Section 179D deduction. "The core mission of our firm has always been to strengthen U.S. businesses," said alliantgroup CEO, Dhaval Jadav. "As such, alliantgroup offers its full support for policies that will help our clients and American companies grow and remain competitive. I encourage our leaders to work in a bipartisan manner to find policy solutions that will create jobs and increase economic opportunities for all Americans." alliantgroup's mission is one of education and awarenesswe exist to help U.S. businesses and their CPAs identify and properly claim all available government-sponsored tax incentives. To date, our firm has helped over 20,000 businesses claim more than $5 billion in federal and state tax incentives. Headquartered in Houston, alliantgroup has offices in New York, Chicago, Boston, Irvine, Indianapolis, Sacramento, Orlando and Washington, D.C. For more information on alliantgroup and our tax consulting services, please visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact David Rosen alliantgroup 713-350-3167 [email protected] SOURCE alliantgroup Related Links https://www.alliantgroup.com HOUSTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Gilsonite Company (the "Company" or "AGC"), the world's principal commercial miner and processor of uintaite, the unique mineral marketed under its trademark name "Gilsonite," today announced that it will host a conference call for holders of its Subordinated Notes and holders of the Company's common stock on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 11:00am ET. David Gallagher,President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steve Granda,Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Company's financial results and answer questions from the investment community. As previously announced, American Gilsonite Company will post audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2016, as well as financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017 and second quarter ended June 30, 2017, to the Company's Intralinks site on Thursday, August 10, 2017. Holders of the Company's Subordinated Notes and holders of the Company's common stock who have executed the Stockholders Agreement can request access to the Company's Intralinks site by contacting Peter Hill by email at [email protected] or by phone at 212-521-4800. A rebroadcast of this conference call will also be available through September 14th. The dial-in information for both the conference call and the rebroadcast will be posted to the Company's Intralinks website. Participants for the conference call are requested to dial in five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. About American Gilsonite Company (www.americangilsonite.com) AGC operates as an industrial minerals company and is the world's primary miner and processor of uintaite, a variety of asphaltite, a specialty hydrocarbon which AGC markets to industrial customers under its registered trademark name "Gilsonite". Gilsonite is a glossy, black, solid naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin similar in appearance to hard asphalt and is believed to be found in commercial quantities only in the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah. Because of its unique chemical and physical properties, Gilsonite has been used in more than 160 products. The Company sells its products to customers in four primary markets: (i) oil and gas, (ii) inks and paints, (iii) foundry and (iv) asphalt. AGC is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Contact Peter Hill Kekst and Company 212-521-4800 [email protected] SOURCE American Gilsonite Company Related Links http://www.americangilsonite.com OAKLAND, N.J., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Amerlux CEO/President Chuck Campagna has announced the appointment of Sheila Delk to Director of Sales, National Accounts West. Ms. Delk reports directly to John Mamo, Vice President of Global National Accounts. "Sheila has over 20 years of national account lighting sales experience including roles in the turnkey contractor, lighting retrofit, distribution and manufacturer market segments," said Mr. Campagna. "We are positive that national account distributors and clients will enjoy working with Sheila as she is a talented, forward-thinking sales executive." In her new position, she will secure Amerlux specifications with National and Global accounts, developing relationships with lighting designers, national account distributors and end users in the western region of the U.S. In addition, Ms. Delk will provide product training and demonstrations for clients and sales agencies, and help manage projects from design and product selection, through installation. Prior to joining Amerlux, she served as Corporate Accounts Manager West, for both Soraa in Fremont, California, and Acuity Brands in Conyers, Georgia. She is a member of NALMCO, an International Association of Lighting Management Companies, and a Certified Sustainability Lighting Consultant and Certified Lighting Management Consultant. Ms. Delk graduated with a Business Management major and BS degree from California State University in San Marcos. About Amerlux LLC Amerlux creates lighting designed around its customers and will stop at nothing to help realize their vision. Amerlux works closely with customers every step of the way, from design through construction, to ensure total success and total satisfaction. Amerlux is fueled by a passion to consistently deliver in a fraction of the time of competitors, even on short-run custom orders, and that includes making sure every order is accurate, every product performs flawlessly, and every customer is successful. Amerlux speaks the language of light for design and construction professionals around the world by manufacturing a broad array of optically superior, energy efficient lighting solutions for the retail, supermarket, hospitality, commercial and exterior lighting markets. Amerlux products and services include track lighting, recessed downlighting and multiples, pendants, linear systems, and custom lighting solutions, as well as support for energy reduction plans that can be used as a guide to state, city and local utility rebate programs for maximum energy savings and utility incentives. The company's domestic and international clients receive the support of Amerlux's highly trained specification sales force, as well as expert service from initial design to on-time delivery made possible by strategically located manufacturing, warehousing and shipping locations. Contact: AMERLUX, LLC 178 Bauer Drive Oakland, New Jersey 07436 www.amerlux.com [email protected] T 973.882.5010 F 973.882.2605 SOURCE Amerlux Related Links http://www.amerlux.com BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ArcherDX, the leader in NGS-based gene fusion detection assays, today launched the Archer VariantPlex Core Myeloid panel, which is used to analyze variants in 37 genes critical in myeloid malignancies. The launch of this focused panel will be followed shortly by the VariantPlex Myeloid panel that includes all Core Myeloid targets plus another 35 genes for a total of 72 myeloid-derived cancer targets for users with a wider scope of interest. "What differentiates these assays from others in the space is an unprecedented level of confidence in mutation detection due to molecular barcoded reads. Users can characterize noise and determine the true sensitivity and specificity of every possible variant in these myeloid panels," says Dr. Brian Kudlow, Vice-President of R&D at ArcherDX. "Together with error correction, this permits users to make confident variant calls at or below the limits of sequencer noise." These panels also feature state-of-the-art detection of FLT3 internal tandem duplications (ITDs), variants that are present in more than 20% of AML cases and are challenging to detect in NGS data. "The myeloid panels utilize flexible Anchored Multiplex PCR (AMP) enrichment chemistry to bidirectionally cover the target region and, when present, assemble ITDs de novo prior to annotation," says Dr. Kudlow. "This means that users are effectively unhindered by size or integration site. We've put it to the test with thousands of in-silico ITDs and dozens of true positive samples". In addition to FLT3-ITDs, the panels feature high unique-molecule coverage across the entire exon of CEPBA. Other key regions and mutations such as CALR indels in myeloproliferative neoplasms have been extensively tested, demonstrating that the panels exhibit a high degree of sensitivity. As with all Archer assays, users can easily customize these myeloid panels. "Our knowledge of the mutational landscape in blood cancers is continually evolving, and unfortunately, NGS assays historically have not been very amenable to panel modifications," says Dr. Kudlow. "AMP is a very flexible chemistry, so users can easily add new genes to these myeloid panels based on the latest research without detriment to the panel's underlying performance." VariantPlex assays are provided in 8-strip, single-use lyophilized library preparation reagents that require no master mixes, thus minimizing hands-on-time and reducing the risk of contamination and user error. All assays include access to Archer Analysis, which provides robust error correction, cohort-based noise characterization, and advanced mutation filtering and reporting. "The field is ready for a new standard in myeloid mutation detection, and we're happy to announce that it's here," states Dr. Jason Myers, CEO and co-founder of ArcherDX. Learn more about Archer myeloid panels at archerdx.com/myeloid. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. These panels are not for sale in Germany. About ArcherDX ArcherDX addresses the bottlenecks associated with using NGS in oncogenic mutation detection by offering a robust platform for targeted sequencing. By combining proprietary AMP chemistry with easy-to-use, lyophilized reagents, Archer NGS assays generate highly enriched sequencing libraries to detect gene fusions, point mutations, CNVs and RNA abundance from solid tumors, blood cancers, sarcomas and liquid biopsies. Complemented by powerful bioinformatics software, ArcherDX technology dramatically enhances complex mutation identification and discovery. ArcherDX is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. SOURCE ArcherDX Related Links http://www.archerdx.com SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A group of livestock farmers in Arkansas, supported by Heifer USA, is using cutting-edge technology to let you know where your dinner comes from. The small-scale, forward-thinking suppliers of Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative are the first in the United States to use blockchain technology to trace their products from farm to fork, with the aim of giving consumers more confidence in the origin and quality of the meat they buy. Already a mainstay in the financial sector, blockchain technology allows for public verification of information in the food chain. Shoppers and diners will be able to scan QR codes on Grass Roots products to learn where the meat came from and how the animals were raised. The "digital history" of the meat will also include stories of the people from farmer to butcher who contributed in crafting the final product. "Americans have an increasing interest in better understanding what they're eating. According to the 2016 Label Insight Study, 83 percent of consumers want more information about what's in their food, and I totally believe it," said Cody Hopkins, Grass Roots general manager and founding member. "When I learned about this technology, I thought 'this is the solution.' It's the perfect way for Grass Roots to offer folks total transparency. [UK-based technology company] Provenance has developed a platform that levels the playing field for small-scale farmers and puts information directly in consumers' hands." Grass Roots embraced technology as a way to boost food quality and customer service. Heifer USA's Advisory Board Chair, Pierre Ferrari, commented, "Our farmers are innovative, always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technology that ultimately create real value to the consumer. Partnering with Provenance and the Golden Gate Meat Company is another example of how proactive they are in wanting their customers to know where their food originates. It's only a matter of time before this becomes 'best practice' throughout the industry." San Francisco-based Golden Gate Meat Company, a purveyor of Grass Roots products, will debut the first trial of this technology today, giving customers the opportunity to use these advanced tools in stores. Additionally, Grass Roots meats are available for purchase online and can be found in restaurants and retailers across the country. For more information about their foods and traceability measures, visit grassrootscoop.com About Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative Grass Roots is a small-batch meat company working to restore consumer confidence in the integrity of their food. We believe it shouldn't be so difficult to understand what you're eating and how it was raised. And that's what sets us apartridiculously high standards and transparency from pasture to plate. We empower consumers to ask questions because we want them to understand the differences between farms and factories and why scale is a critical component of animal husbandry, environmental stewardship and food safety. About Heifer USA Heifer USA works with small-scale farmers to help them transform their communities. Farms become strong, community-focused businesses that support their families and spark economic growth in rural America. With hands-on learning and access to livestock and horticulture experts, we teach farmers how to grow their sustainable farm enterprises and connect to steady markets while caring for the Earth. We invite the public to join the work that directly aids our project at Heifer Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts, and Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. About Provenance Provenance is a platform that empowers brands to take steps toward greater transparency by tracing the origins and histories of products. With its technology, users can easily gather and verify stories, keep them connected to physical things and embed them anywhere online. Golden Gate Meat Company The Golden Gate Meat Company is a family owned and operated business that has been distributing natural and organic meats to wholesale customers including fine restaurants, culinary institutes, caterers, and hotels in San Francisco Bay area since 1977. They also run an old-fashioned butcher shop and charcuterie in the Ferry Building Marketplace that offers natural and organic beef, veal, pork, lamb, poultry, wild game, offal and smoked meats. SOURCE Heifer Project International Related Links http://www.heifer.org VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest report published by Future Market Insight (FMI) on the global sachet packaging market reveals that increasing preference of unit dose packaging is boosting the sales of sachet packaging across the globe. Moreover, affordability of sachets is facilitating its penetration in emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil. As per the report, more than US$ 6,757 Mn worth sachet packaging is likely to be sold by 2017-end, this figure is estimated to reach US$ 12,412.4 Mn towards the end of 2027, reflecting a CAGR of 5.8%. At the same time, availability of alternative flexible packaging solutions might hamper the growth of the global sachet packaging market. Robust expansion of flexible packaging industry is driving the popularity of small pack sizes that suits the consumer preference for convenience packaging. Furthermore, in western countries, the growth overview of the sachet packaging market is dimmer in Western countries as sachets are used for a different purpose in developed countries unlike in South-East Asian countries. Demand for alternative packaging solutions such as stick packs is on the rise in developed market. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161020/430874LOGO ) Asia Pacific to Emerge as the leading Market for Sachet Packaging Among regions, North America is currently the largest market for sachet packaging, however, it is expected to witness a steep decline, over the forecast period. Whereas, the market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is anticipated to witness a sharp rise over 2027. This is primarily owing to low pricing point of per ml of sachet as compared to bottles or a larger pack size in many of the South-East Asian countries. APEJ is therefore projected to emerge as the most attractive market for sachet packaging over 2027. In addition, the region's market is expected to increase at 9.1% CAGR during the assessment period. Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4469 Additional Highlights of the Report Include: Based on pack size, the 1 ml - 10 ml segment will retain its top position over the forecast period. Currently, the most used standard size for sachet sampling and single-use is 7.5 ml, which falls in the 1 ml - 10 ml range, making it the most attractive pack size segment of the market. By material type, plastic sachet packing will continue to be the most sough-after in 2017 and beyond. This is mainly due to certain characteristics of plastic, which makes it an apt material for sachet package manufacturing. Based on application, use of sachet is expected to remain substantially high in personal care & cosmetics product packaging as well as in packing of processed food. Preview Analysis on Global Sachet Packaging Market Segmentation Pack Size - 1 ml-10 ml, 11 ml - 20 ml, 21 ml - 30 ml, Others; Material Type - Plastic(PE, PP, PET, PA, Others); Paper, Aluminium Foil, Others; Application - Food(Sauces & Jams, Spices & Condiments, Tea & Coffee, Others), Personal Care & Cosmetics(Shampoos & Conditioners, Face Packs & Gel, Hair Oil), Pharmaceuticals (Cream & Ointments), Industrial (Sealants & Adhesives, Lubricants & Solvents), Others; Packaging Machinery - VFFS, HFFS: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sachet-packaging-market Some of the leading companies profiled in FMI's report include Amcor Limited, Bemis Company, Inc, Uflex Ltd., Sealed Air Corporation, Mondi Plc, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Glenroy, Inc., Huhtamaki Oy, Clondalkin Group Holdings B.V., Ampac Holdings LLC, AE Adams (Henfield) Ltd., Paharpur 3P, Printpack, Inc., RCP Ranstadt GmbH, Sharp Packaging Services, Lindopharm GmbH, Deve-pack, and EPOCA Products S.A. Many of these market players are actively focusing on expanding local networks by tieing ups with regional as well as local contract manufacturers/fillers. Currently, the majority of the global players are reaching out to their customers through contract manufacturers and fillers. More from FMI's Cutting-edge Intelligence: Protective Packaging Market Segmentation By Material Type - Foamed Packaging, Paper and Plastic; By Product Type - Foam Protective Packaging, Flexible Protective Packaging and Rigid Protective Packaging; By Function Type - Wrapping, Void Fill, Cushioning, Insulation, Blocking and Bracing: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protective-packaging-market Segmentation By Material Type - Foamed Packaging, Paper and Plastic; By Product Type - Foam Protective Packaging, Flexible Protective Packaging and Rigid Protective Packaging; By Function Type - Wrapping, Void Fill, Cushioning, Insulation, Blocking and Bracing: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protective-packaging-market Filament Tapes Market Segmentation by Filament Type - Single and Double Sided Tapes, By Backing Adhesive Type - Plastic Film, Paper, Fabric, Foam; By Adhesive Type - Rubber Based, Acrylic Based, Hot Melt Adhesive; By Application - Bundling, Strapping, Insulation, Carton Sealing, Sealing; By End-use - Shipping & Logistics, Building & Construction, Food & Beverages, Electrical Electronics, Automotive, Healthcare & Hygiene, Printing, Metalworking, Oil & Gas, General Industrial, Consumer Goods: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/filament-tapes-market Segmentation by Filament Type - Single and Double Sided Tapes, By Backing Adhesive Type - Plastic Film, Paper, Fabric, Foam; By Adhesive Type - Rubber Based, Acrylic Based, Hot Melt Adhesive; By Application - Bundling, Strapping, Insulation, Carton Sealing, Sealing; By End-use - Shipping & Logistics, Building & Construction, Food & Beverages, Electrical Electronics, Automotive, Healthcare & Hygiene, Printing, Metalworking, Oil & Gas, General Industrial, Consumer Goods: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/filament-tapes-market Protective Packaging Market Segmentation By Material Type - Foamed Packaging, Paper and Plastic; By Product Type - Foam Protective Packaging, Flexible Protective Packaging and Rigid Protective Packaging; By Function Type - Wrapping, Void Fill, Cushioning, Insulation, Blocking and Bracing: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protective-packaging-market About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends. Browse More Packaging Market Insights Contact Us 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 T (UK): +44(0)20-7692-8790 Sales: [email protected] Press Office: [email protected] FMI Blog: http://www.fmiblog.com/ Website: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com SOURCE Future Market Insights "Since 2013, we have continued to get phone calls from residents, families, and previous employees wanting to be a part of any new community we develop," Malcolm Street says. "We are glad that we will now have something to offer them." The Ridglea, a community for senior living, will offer assisted living and memory care. A Welcome Center is now open on the construction site, located at 4109 Westridge Avenue in Fort Worth. At the Welcome Center, guests and prospective residents can see floor plans and color schemes as well as speak to the community relations director. Those interested in reserving their ideal apartment will be able to place a deposit. The Ridglea's target completion date is December 2017. The Ridglea's assisted living lifestyle community offers 24 skilled, compassionate staff members, medication management, three home-cooked meals daily, and beautifully manicured common areas for relaxing and socializing. The memory care experience is one focused on dignity and compassion with customized personal assistance programs and activity centers designed to inspire interaction throughout the day. "The Ridglea is not a corporation. It is a home," Street says. "It is a place where quality of care is personal. Where management knows each resident. It is exactly what you want for yourself or your loved one." To learn more about The Ridglea, visit the Welcome Center at 4109 Westridge Avenue, Fort Worth. Call (817) 386-8251 or visit www.the-ridglea.com. About Civitas Senior Living, LLC Civitas Senior Living is a Fort Worth, Texas-based management company that specializes in development, acquisitions, operational management, and consulting for senior housing properties, including assisted living, retirement centers, and independent senior living properties. For more information about Civitas, please visit www.CivitasSeniorLiving.com, or call 817.386.8888. www.passionseniorliving.com CONTACT: Andrea Owen Civitas Senior Living (817) 386-8888 SOURCE Civitas Senior Living Related Links http://www.civitasseniorliving.com/ MINNEAPOLIS and LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BLM Technologies, a leading single-source provider of digital signage, information technology services, and payment, transaction, and other financial institution hardware, and Epson America, Inc., a leading supplier of value-added Point of Sale (POS) solutions, today announced that BLM is now offering the revolutionary Epson OmniLink TM-T88VI series POS printers. Epson's OmniLink TM-T88VI series POS printers are the latest addition to its family of OmniLink intelligent POS printers. With a rich feature set for mobile POS and cloud services, the OmniLink TM-T88VI series is ideally suited for BLM Technology clients which include banks, financial institutions, retailers and other merchants where advanced connectivity and check out speed is critical. For more than 40 years, BLM Technologies has been evaluating solutions to most effectively meet the technology and budgetary needs of its clients. "Clients trust our recommendations; they know we are continuously researching and testing hardware and software to assess the best options for any situation," commented Kevin Flaherty, CEO of BLM Technologies. "The Epson OmniLink TM-T88VI series meets the growing list of POS requirements from across industries for interoperability, custom web application support, mobility enablement, and instant transactions." "We've grown to value and trust the consultative approach BLM Technologies commits to each client engagement," said Tom Kettell, director, commercial channel sales at Epson. "The flexibility and accessibility of our OmniLink TM-T88VI series pairs well with the needs of BLM's clientele. Like Epson, BLM Technologies takes care to match the needs of their clients with forward-thinking technology that will serve them today and well into the future." Part of Epson's OmniLink Merchant Services (OMS) - a suite of cloud-based solutions for the retail and hospitality markets - the OmniLink TM-T88VI series offers BLM Technologies' clients greater flexibility and connectivity options through the following key features: Custom Web applications built-in Web server offers maximum flexibility and customization built-in Web server offers maximum flexibility and customization Management of peripherals Epson's ePOS Device Technology enables the use of the printer as a peripheral hub for mobile and cloud/browser-based POS systems Epson's ePOS Device Technology enables the use of the printer as a peripheral hub for mobile and cloud/browser-based POS systems Connect to multiple devices simultaneously printer can be dynamically shared by legacy POS terminals, tablets and mobile devices, as well as cloud servers printer can be dynamically shared by legacy POS terminals, tablets and mobile devices, as well as cloud servers Triple-interface connectivity to future-proof growing businesses maximum flexibility with three options, including built-in USB and Ethernet maximum flexibility with three options, including built-in USB and Ethernet Print from web-based applications incorporates Epson's ePOS Print Technology incorporates Epson's ePOS Print Technology Designed for the cloud leverages best-of-breed POS apps and performs remote firmware upgrades using OMS; provides the ability to utilize Server Direct Printing for online ordering leverages best-of-breed POS apps and performs remote firmware upgrades using OMS; provides the ability to utilize Server Direct Printing for online ordering Distributed proximity-based printing through Epson's beacon 1 support using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) through Epson's beacon support using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) Easy printing from mobile devices NFC Near Field Communication technology for easy pairing with mobile devices in distributed printing environments 2 NFC Near Field Communication technology for easy pairing with mobile devices in distributed printing environments Ultra fast transaction times print speeds up to 350 mm/sec 3 , plus a high-speed auto cutter print speeds up to 350 mm/sec , plus a high-speed auto cutter Advanced paper-saving functions top-margin and character-height reduction features help reduce paper usage by up to 49 percent4 More information on the Epson OmniLink TM-T88VI series POS printers is available at http://www.blmtechnology.com/hardware/transaction-emv-printers/ and available for purchase directly from BLM Technologies. About BLM Technologies BLM Technologies, Inc. solves technology and automation challenges by providing end-to-end solutions in payment and transaction, digital signage, onsite repairs, maintenance repair center service, IT outsourcing, and project management services. By applying 40 years of technical expertise and a consultative, vendor-neutral approach, BLM serves thousands of customers in the U.S. by packaging hardware and services to provide complete, turnkey technology solutions for customers across multiple industries including financial, retail, restaurant, education, healthcare, and government. A proven single-source provider of technology products and services, BLM Technologies partners with the top manufacturers in the technology industry to offer customers the newest and most innovative technology solutions available. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, BLM Technologies has additional facilities strategically located in Virginia, Missouri, and California to serve IT and repair customers quickly and conveniently. Learn more at blmtechnology.com and follow us on Twitter @blmtechnology and LinkedIn. About Epson America, Inc. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Long Beach, CA, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. For over 40 years, Epson's advanced technology has been at work in millions of POS systems around the world. Today Epson's Business Systems Division continues to bring industry-leading, open architecture, smart technologies to the point of service. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonAmerica). EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. OmniLink is a registered trademark and EPOS is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other trademarks and/or registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. 1 Requires the use of a beacon dongle connected to TM-T88VI printer via the USB-A port. Supports only Apple iBeacon compliant format. The Epson-approved dongle is Laird model BT820. 2 NFC tag requires use of a device that includes NFC reader, and may require additional software. 3 Speed based on using 80 mm wide media only and Epson's PS-180 power supply. Configurations not including the PS-180 will have a default print speed of 300 mm/sec. 4 Paper savings depend on the text and graphics printed on the receipt. SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Related Links http://www.epson.com DENVER, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bow River Capital Partners ("Bow River"), a private alternative asset management company, announced today the closing of its fourth buyout fund (the "2017 Fund"). The oversubscribed fund closed at $262 million, receiving strong support from a diverse group of institutional and individual investors. The 2017 Fund will invest in lower middle market privately held companies where Bow River is typically the first institutional capital. Bow River seeks investments located in the central US and Canada, an area dubbed Bow River Capital's Rodeo Region. The 2017 Fund will target companies in the infrastructure, engineering, healthcare, and industrial business services sectors, and partner with existing management teams to achieve growth and value creation. Formed in 2003 and based in Denver, Colorado, Bow River Capital Partners separately sponsors investment vehicles in energy and real estate. SOURCE Bow River Capital Partners NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation turned 241 this past month, and millions of Americans participated in a bevy of time-honored traditions. More than three quarters of us will have gotten together with family, 80 percent of us will have attended a barbecue, picnic, or cookout, and 150 million hot dogs will have been consumed, along with nearly a billion pounds of chicken, red meat, and pork. But for small-business owners, the time off is often used for a little bookkeeping catch-up. Maybe not all day, but a few quiet morning hours are reserved for evaluating how the first two quarters of the fiscal year have gone. Many of these business owners will reach a similar conclusion: there are always more ways to improve efficiency, cut costs, and save money. For E-Complish, a leading payments solutions provider, the number-one way to achieve these aims is through the use of the company's signature Electronic Billing Presentment and Payment system. Abbreviated as EBPP, Electronic Billing Presentment and Payment is the simplest way to convert to electronic payments for a business and its customers. Fully integrated with HostPay, MobilePay, and Virtual Pay, EBPP immediately reduces costs associated with paper and postage and provides an intuitive payment platform. Businesses that have converted to EBPP have seen, on average, a 20 percent reduction in costs and a 15 percent reduction in late or missed payments, with nearly half of all enrolled customers paying their bill the same day the request is emailed. "This is just the kind of solution businesses of all sizes are looking for," says Stephen Price, E-Complish's CEO. "That's because paperless billing is where customers want to go not just tech-savvy millennials, but older Americans, too. In fact, nearly half of consumers, according to a recent study, say they are more satisfied with that brand if it offers multiple billing and payment options. Even more customers about 77 percent say they appreciate payment reminders to prevent late payments. This too, is another valuable service EBPP provides." EBPP features online enrollment and also has the ability for users to view bills in HTML and PDF formats. The system processes transactions in real-time on Level One PCI compliant servers and accepts payments from personal or business accounts and all major credit cards. In addition to the immediate cost savings and the speed of transaction delivered to both the business at hand and its consumers, the system also saves time by eliminating the need to chase down late-paying customers. EBPP is ideal for businesses with ongoing billing and merchants who still use paper billing, utility, and insurance companies, as well as financial institutions are excellent candidates to adopt this important tool. "There's also a green initiative at work here, too, which should not be overlooked," Price says. "The environmental impact of paper bills really adds up and has additional societal detriment along with the cost of disposal. Creating just 1,000 paper bills requires 336 lbs. of paper, 1,241 lbs. of wood and nearly 4,000 gallons of water. Converting just 20 percent of those bills to e-bills would save three household garbage bags of trash, five gallons of gas, and 747 gallons of wastewater. What better way for American business owners to show their Fourth of July pride than by adopting the EBPP system?" About E-Complish: Since 1998, E-Complish has provided merchants around the country with top online and over-the-phone payment processing services that keep customer data secure and make it easier for retailers to manage transactions. E-Complish uses the latest groundbreaking technology to design payment processing services that deliver ease of use, accuracy and dependability, personalization capabilities, and automation that improves productivity. Press Contact Marc Hopkins 888-847-7744, ext. 205 SOURCE E-Complish CALIFORNIA, Pa., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California University of Pennsylvania is partnering with the American Meteorological Society to provide graduate level credits tuition-free to K-12 teachers who take AMS Earth sciences education courses. Dr. Chad Kauffman, a professor in Cal U's Department of Earth Sciences, has been named curriculum development coordinator and lead for the AMS DataStreme program, which engages educators nationwide in studying the planet's weather, oceans and climate. Teachers who complete the courses become science leaders in their own schools and communities, educating their teaching colleagues and ultimately reaching millions of students nationwide. "This program is a natural fit for Cal U, with its long history of teacher education and its special mission in science and technology," says Kauffman. "By helping teachers learn more about Earth sciences, we strengthen our K-12 schools, encourage kids to build STEM skills, and nurture a new generation of young scientists and researchers." In the fall and spring semesters, California University of Pennsylvania will offer three-credit DataStreme Atmosphere, Ocean, and Earth's Climate System courses through its online learning management system the same system that supports the university's nationally recognized Cal U Global Online degree programs. Cal U's online learning system allows participants to access course content, view presentations, and interact with instructors, mentors and classmates. Teams of regionally based educators and scientists mentor teachers enrolled in DataStreme courses. Three-credit workshop-oriented courses meet in summer: The Maury Project , based at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Annapolis, Md. , based at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Project Atmosphere, held at the National Weather Service Training Center in Kansas City, Mo. AMS Education courses and workshops may be taken individually, in any order. Teachers who complete nine credits earn a post-baccalaureate certificate from California University of Pennsylvania's School of Graduate Studies and Research. To learn more about AMS Earth science courses at California University of Pennsylvania, visit www.calu.edu/AMS or the AMS Education website. About Cal U California University of Pennsylvania offers career-focused academic programs in science and technology, education, the liberal arts, and professional studies. About 7,550 undergraduate and graduate students study on Cal U's campus, about 35 miles from Pittsburgh, or earn their degrees 100% online. A proud member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, Cal U has acknowledged a special mission in science and technology for more than 40 years. About AMS Founded in 1919, the American Meteorological Society is a leading voice in promoting and advancing the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. Headquartered in Boston, with an office in Washington, D.C., AMS has more than 13,000 members, including researchers, scientists, broadcasters, educators and other professionals, as well as students and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes books, textbooks and articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals; certifies broadcast meteorologists; helps to inform policy makers about the latest scientific understanding and high-impact research; and promotes Earth science literacy. SOURCE California University of Pennsylvania Related Links http://www.cup.edu WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The College of American Pathologists (CAP) commends the re-introduction of Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2017 in the US House of Representatives. The bill would improve transparency and accountability when Medicare contractors set local coverage determination (LCD) policies for physician services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Representatives Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced this fundamental piece of legislation for physicians and patients on August 1 and have been working with the CAP on improving the LCD process for patients. The House bill, together with the Senate version of the bill that was introduced on March 30, will pave the way for much needed LCD reform. "Essential changes to this existing legislation would guarantee that Medicare local coverage determinations do not impede a physician's medical judgment and deny patients access to crucial medical care. The House bill would certify that coverage decisions are made by experienced, independent health experts through a transparent process that is based on sound medical evidence," said CAP President Richard C. Friedberg, MD, PhD, FCAP. "The CAP appreciates that Representatives Jenkins and Kind for introducing this significant legislation in the House on behalf of patients and the physicians who treat them." The CAP developed a LCD infographic explaining the key provisions of the legislation. About the College of American Pathologists As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the CAP Annual Report at CAP.org. SOURCE College of American Pathologists Related Links http://www.cap.org CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CareDash.com, one of the fastest growing healthcare review sites, marks its first year with the announcement of Dr. Arun Mohan as Medical Advisor. Dr. Mohan brings over a decade of experience as a physician, executive and healthcare access advocate to CareDash. Launched in June 2016, CareDash, whose mission is to re-define the doctor review industry by providing all patients with access to comprehensive, transparent information about physicians and hospitals, currently features approximately 60,000 patient-generated reviews and ratings. The company earned nearly $6.7 million in revenue in 2016 and has secured $2.5 million in funding led by Link Ventures. Dr. Mohan brings his vast experience to CareDash, including a strategic understanding of patient safety, healthcare technology and the barriers individuals face when accessing quality care. Dr. Mohan is the co-founder and CEO of Radix Health, a technology company that utilizes data analytics to improve patient access, reduce cost and enhance both the patient and provider experience. He also works clinically as an internal medicine hospitalist within the WellStar Health System and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. "I have spent my career utilizing technology to create systems that improve access to quality care, and I was drawn to CareDash's commitment to providing all patients with transparent healthcare information," said Dr. Arun Mohan. "Patient feedback is a key component to improving healthcare access, reducing costs and optimizing the patient experience. I will bring to CareDash my expertise in making healthcare more accessible for consumers and simpler for providers." In his role as Medical Advisor, Dr. Mohan will lend his expertise to the strategic roll-out of CareDash's products and services to further advance the company's mission of healthcare transparency and better align patient priorities with provider services. He will also be responsible for leading the CareDash team in bridging the gap between healthcare technology and patient needs. Dr. Mohan previously served as the president and Chief Medical Officer of Hospital Medicine and Population Health for ApolloMD where he helped to build and lead one of the largest hospitalist groups in the country with over 300 physicians practicing in 30 locations. "My vision for CareDash was clear from day one provide access to information about the quality of provider care for all Americans," said Ted Chan, CEO of CareDash. "We have made incredible strides within our first year with nearly 60,000 reviews. Dr. Mohan's dedication to accessible healthcare and strong entrepreneurial spirit will be a true asset to CareDash as we continue to grow and expand in the coming years." CareDash is founded on the steadfast promise to reject payments from doctors seeking to remove and hide negative reviews, a widely-used industry practice, thus, providing consumers the information they need to make more informed healthcare decisions. CareDash provides a wide range of honest, unfiltered reviews for providers, many of which have limited information available on competitor sites. About CareDash.com: Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, CareDash.com is an online healthcare portal transforming the doctor review industry to make it more transparent and accessible for all patients regardless of their socio-economic background. Unlike other doctor review sites, CareDash does not influence, suppress or remove negative reviews in exchange for payment from providers. Unbeknownst to patients, existing doctor review sites accept payments from doctors to remove and hide negative reviews. CareDash also services more patients in the low-to-middle income range than leading patient review sites many of whom have traditionally been ignored and underrepresented in this space. About Arun Mohan, MD, MBA, SFHM: Dr. Arun Mohan is a physician, executive and entrepreneur with a passion for improving healthcare delivery. He serves as co-founder and CEO of Radix Health, a technology company that uses technology and data analytics to improve patient access. Dr. Mohan also works clinically within the WellStar Health System and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. He previously served as president and Chief Medical Officer of Hospital Medicine and Population Health for ApolloMD where he built and led one of the largest hospitalist groups in the country with over 300 physicians practicing in 30 locations. Dr. Mohan is the recipient of the 2012 Milton W. Hamolskey Award from the Society of General Internal Medicine for outstanding research presentation, was named among the "Top 40 Under 40" by Georgia Trend Magazine and Atlanta Business Chronicle. He received his BA from Swarthmore College and his MD/MBA from Emory University where he was a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow and received the Marion Luther Brittain Award, Emory's highest student honor. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School. SOURCE CareDash Related Links http://www.caredash.com SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrum Health, the first comprehensive bundled payment platform for employers, today announced the expansion of their bundled payment offerings to include bariatric surgeries by partnering with Scripps Health, a provider of top-quality care in bariatrics. The U.S. has one of the largest populations of obese adults representing more than one-third of the nation with $1,429 or more in annual individual medical costs than those of a normal weight. To address this rising health concern, bariatric surgeries have become an effective intervention to improve quality of life and overall health, while significantly reducing medical costs. Carrum Health connects self-insured employers to top-quality regional healthcare providers through standard bundled payment arrangements. Their goal is to improve the healthcare experience and outcomes of patients, while reducing the cost burden for both employers and their employees. They also aim to help top-quality provider systems pursuing value-based care initiatives establish themselves as Centers of Excellence and gain market share. "Our goal as an organization is to offer our customers the resources they need to better serve their employee population," said Sach Jain, CEO of Carrum Health. "With the rising health concern of obesity and the effectiveness of bariatric surgeries, our latest offering addresses and mitigates the volatility associated with them. Our user-friendly platform connects employees with the highest quality care at a competitive rate." Scripps Health, a private nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego, is one of the first health organizations to engage in this form of bundled payments. The health system is accredited by Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Scripps has demonstrated a track record of positive outcomes in bariatric surgery with more than 17,000 surgeries performed at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. "As healthcare continues to march towards value-based care, bundled payments serve as an effective stepping stone," said Michael Bark, Assistant Vice President of Payer Relations at Scripps Health. "With Carrum Health's expansion into bariatric surgeries, we're able to continue to serve our patient community with the best quality of care at a low cost. The bundled payment offering allows us to properly manage a patient's journey from start to finish which addresses any issues that could have a detrimental impact on both health and overall costs associated with the procedure." Carrum Health streamlines the bariatric bundled payment process by facilitating the evaluation for surgical appropriateness with an expert surgeon at the Center of Excellence. If the patient moves forward with surgery, Carrum Health provides tools and a patient advocate to manage logistics, including scheduling appointments, gathering medical records and coordinating travel. Carrum Health currently offers access to orthopedic, spine and cardiac care. To learn more about Carrum Health's offerings, visit: https://www.carrumhealth.com/ About Carrum Health Carrum Health was founded in 2014 with a mission to "bring common sense to healthcare" through a model that is mutually beneficial for providers, employers and their employees. Carrum achieves this by connecting thoughtful and progressive self-insured employers with regional Center of Excellence providers under bundled payment arrangements. Doing so aligns provider incentives with quality performance, resulting in dramatic improvement in both the patient experience and care outcomes. In addition, both employers and their employees achieve significant cost savings while top doctors and hospitals recognize increased volume and new revenue streams. For more information, visit carrumhealth.com. About Scripps Health: Scripps is a private, nonprofit, integrated health system in San Diego, California committed to providing the highest quality care to you and your family. Whether you are looking for some of the best doctors in San Diego or need care at one of our top-ranked hospitals, Scripps offers excellent medical care as well as preventive services and wellness screenings for every stage of life. For more information, visit https://www.scripps.org/. SOURCE Carrum Health Related Links https://www.carrumhealth.com COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher Colville Mathewson is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Higher Education. Dr. Mathewson's professional title is Regents Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M University. He is also a professional Geologist in Texas, Oregon and Alaska and brings 40 years of industry experience to his role. Although Dr. Mathewson is now recognized as Regents Professor Emeritus, he worked as a Regents Professor from 2005-2011 and as a Professor from 1981-2011. He has also served as an officer and Lieutenant with the National Ocean Survey early on in his career. Additionally, Dr. Mathewson contributed numerous articles to professional publications pertaining to his areas of expertise. He is also the author of the book Engineering Geology. Published in 1981, the book received the C.P. Holdredge Award. Dr. Mathewson earned a BSCE degree from the Case Institute of Technology in 1963. He then went on to complete his Master of Science degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Arizona. He is also a certified professional Engineer in Texas and Arizona. To further his professional development, Dr. Mathewson is a member of the Association of Engineering Geologists, the American Geosciences Institute and the Environmental and International Association of Engineering. He is also a Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and a Life Member and Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field, Dr. Mathewson was appointed to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists in 2012. He has also been listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Finance and Business, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, Who's Who in the South and Southwest and Who's Who in the World. As further proof of his legacy in the field of geology, in 2011, the AEG Texas Section Scholarship Fund established a scholarship in Dr. Mathewson's name. For more information, please visit www.tamu.edu. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who "Churrasco is meant to be shared with family and friends, and our Latin roots embrace this idea. This translates into our mindful delivery of authentic, rodizio-style cooking proudly served in a welcoming, entertaining and beautiful dining environment," says Salim Asrawi, Chief Operating Officer for Texas de Brazil. "Children especially enjoy our friendly, costumed Gaucho servers who personally prepare and carve freshly-grilled meats from impressive skewers tableside," he adds. Texas de Brazil takes the time-honored tradition of churrasco-style cooking and combines it with genuine southern hospitality and superior service. Every guest's experience begins at an enticing 50-item salad area filled with freshly made dishes, both hot and cold. The menu also features up to 16 quality meats cooked the authentic Brazilian gaucho way --over open flame using natural wood charcoal which gives the meats a deeper, more intense flavor and just the right amount of smokiness. Some of the tempting selections include succulent lamb chops, leg of lamb, picanha (sirloin), filet mignon, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, Brazilian sausages and more. During the continuous dining occasion, guests pace the gaucho's service with a simple flip of a red and green disc. Green indicates when additional servings are welcome while red indicates a break is needed. The appealing menu offers something to please everyone in the group. Welcoming diners of all ages, Texas de Brazil regularly features 50 percent savings off regular dinner prices for children 6-12. Children 3-5 years of age dine for $5 and those under two dine free. While there, consider donating $5 or more to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and earn a matching-value Texas de Brazil gift certificate (up to $50) valid for a return visit. For dinner hours, pricing and locations, visit www.texasdebrazil.com. About Texas de Brazil Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that blends the unique culture of Brazil with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area and a la carte dessert selections. Founded as a family-owned business in 1998, Texas de Brazil now has 53 domestic and international locations. For more information, visit http://www.texasdebrazil.com. SOURCE Texas de Brazil Related Links http://www.texasdebrazil.com CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CollegeVine, a national online provider of student mentoring and college admissions guidance for high schoolers and their families, today reported company growth and capital raises through the first half of 2017. CollegeVine doubled its Series A to $6.7m in March with $3.6m additional funds from Morningside Technology Ventures and University Ventures. "Our momentum is a direct result of addressing the changes needed in the college admissions process," said Jon Carson, CollegeVine CEO and 30 year edtech entrepreneur veteran. "Our platform and process of having near-peer mentors (college students) work with high schoolers and their families helps lessen the stress of the college admissions process. This year is extremely pivotal in our progress because we are disrupting the industry with the use of data to help students match with schools that are best for them. " These milestones help validate CollegeVine's value proposition and proliferation in the edtech industry, but what particularly highlights its success is the amount of students CollegeVine has helped find and be admitted to the best schools for them, exceeding the market acceptance rate close to four times. "One of the most important things CollegeVine was able to provide for my family and my teenager was a sense of regaining control over a stressful process," said Denise Hoffner, parent of a CollegeVine student from the 2017 admissions class. "Navigating the college admissions process is tough when you have little to no guidance from the high school, but CollegeVine helped my son stay organized and created a path to help him get admitted to some of his top choice schools. Having stellar, incisive assistance took pressure off of us individually and collectively." Continuing to demonstrate its leadership, innovation, and commitment to high school students and their families, CollegeVine has made major strides in achievements including: Doubled capital raise: CollegeVine closed an additional $3.6 million Series A funding round in April to bring its total series A financing to 6.7M. CollegeVine closed an additional Series A funding round in April to bring its total series A financing to 6.7M. Release of Mentorship 2.0: To better serve the growing needs of its customer base, CollegeVine extended its mentorship program by increasing the number of meetings between mentors and mentees, providing students with access to more interest-specific resources such as exclusive office hours with experts in a student's particular field of interest. To better serve the growing needs of its customer base, CollegeVine extended its mentorship program by increasing the number of meetings between mentors and mentees, providing students with access to more interest-specific resources such as exclusive office hours with experts in a student's particular field of interest. Total offering of scholarship dollars : CollegeVine's robust client base has received a total offering of $14,500,000 in scholarship dollars for the 2016-17 college acceptance season. : CollegeVine's robust client base has received a total offering of in scholarship dollars for the 2016-17 college acceptance season. Progressive pro bono program: The company's ongoing devotion to its pro bono program saw a 90 percent acceptance rate to a top 50 school, as well as a 71 percent acceptance rate to Ivy League or equivalent schools. The company's ongoing devotion to its pro bono program saw a 90 percent acceptance rate to a top 50 school, as well as a 71 percent acceptance rate to or equivalent schools. Company recognition : CollegeVine has been recognized as one of top 50 startups to watch by Built in Boston , slated to make a huge impact in tech over the next 12 months. The company's momentum has been featured in key media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and Boston Business Journal. : CollegeVine has been recognized as one of top 50 startups to watch by Built in , slated to make a huge impact in tech over the next 12 months. The company's momentum has been featured in key media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and Boston Business Journal. Incremental inbound inquiries and website traffic: CollegeVine has seen a steady uptick in website traffic by 3.5 times and a six-time growth in inbound inquiries over the previous year. CollegeVine has seen a steady uptick in website traffic by 3.5 times and a six-time growth in inbound inquiries over the previous year. Expansion of leadership: The company has grown its leadership team with the addition of Aaron Rissler , who previously ran sales at 2020 Onsite. Upon joining CollegeVine at the beginning of the year, Aaron has led the team to beating the sales plan every month so far in 2017. CollegeVine also recently added Stephen Smith, co-founder of Naviance, to its Advisory Board. Smith joins Doug Williams, CTO of iSpecimen on the Advisory Board, and will provide guidance for continued growth of CollegeVine as a strategic advisor. About CollegeVine CollegeVine is a leading provider of one-on-one mentorship, academic and test prep tutoring, and college applications guidance. The company features an expansive network of near-peer advisors at the nation's top universitiestheir experience representing more than 20 different majors, substantial extracurricular activities and far-ranging success. For more information, visit www.collegevine.com. Contacts InkHouse for CollegeVine Danielle Laurion (781) 966-4146 [email protected] SOURCE CollegeVine Related Links http://www.collegevine.com/ ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diseases caused by infection are among the hardest challenges for healthcare, and require early and accurate detection for treatment to be optimized. And according to IVD market researcher Kalorama Information, they are also among the largest and most competitive markets for IVD instruments, kits and reagents. Thus it is no surprise that at the laboratory industry's largest meeting, the AACC, this week in San Diego, speed and effectiveness in infectious disease detection are among the important product announcements at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry Meeting (AACC 2017) in San Diego, California. The New York City-based healthcare research firm covers IVD in its Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostics, 10th Edition, a comprehensive in vitro diagnostics market research study. Kalorama Information noted the following developments: Clinical Chemistry Magazine's AACC 2017 issue focused on the Myanmar H1N1 flu outbreak, worse since 2009, which has claimed 10 lives, and also a new method for detecting 5 gram-negative bacteria using genoproteomic peptide marker analysis on a combined MS/LC system. Ortho Clinical Diagnostics showcased the Vitros Immunodiagnostic Products human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) combo assay for use on the Vitros 3600 immunodiagnostic system. In February, the company announced it had submitted a premarket approval (PMA) application to FDA for the product. The company has also submitted PMA supplements for the Vitros HBeAg and Anti-HBe assays, for use on the Vitros 3600 immunodiagnostic system and Vitros 5600 integrated system. A fourth-generation HIV assay, the Vitros HIV combo is designed to detect acute HIV-1 infection earlier than previous generations of HIV assays. The assay was CE marked in 2016 and is currently available in Europe and other countries that accept the CE mark. Developed to diagnose hepatitis B, the Vitros HBeAg and Anti-HBe assays are currently approved for use on Ortho's Vitros ECi/ECiQ immunodiagnostic system. Ortho submitted two PMA supplements for review to migrate these existing assays onto Ortho's Vitros 5600 and Vitros 3600 systems. New YFV Protein: Aalto Bio Reagents announced their first-to-market recombinant Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) protein at AACC in San Diego from 1st - 3rd August. Yellow Fever virus is a potentially fatal mosquito-borne flavivirus which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical locations in South America and Africa. It is the next flavivirus threatening the population of Brazil , with local health officials reporting a sharp rise in cases this year. The company, founded in 1978, Aalto Bio Reagents is a developer and provider of raw materials to the in- vitro diagnostics industry and to research laboratories globally. Infectious disease is one of the most important markets for IVD, and Kalorama covers this extensively in its market study on this area. Same Day Multiplex For TB, Sepsis, Meningitis, Others: Seegene Inc. announced a Random Access System. The company says the system can provide order-to-report on the same day by simultaneously performing high multiplex real-time PCR testing on a single platform, regardless of specimen type or assays. Rapid, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are especially critical for a successful treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, acute diarrhea, sepsis or meningitis. The company said most existing MDx systems are unable to perform same-day reporting for same day treatment, because clinical laboratories typically perform testing after a sufficient number of specimens are collected. An AACC seminar conclude that rapid point of care testing has a real impact in curbing acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABR) in adults by testing for strep B. Kalorama covers the IVD market in its report, The Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostics, 10th Edition: www.kaloramainformation.com/Worldwide-Vitro-Diagnostic-10206771. About Kalorama Information Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog on our company website. Please link any media or news references to our reports or data to http://www.kaloramainformation.com/. Press Contact: Bruce Carlson 212 807 2262 [email protected] SOURCE Kalorama Information Related Links http://www.kaloramainformation.com/ LONDON, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Gialloreto, President and CEO of Consumer Protection BC, has been awarded two accolades in the 2017 Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) CEO Awards. The awards celebrate innovative and inspirational leaders, recognising the dedication and personal attributes that help them make their organisations a success. BWM named Gialloreto the winner in two categories: Best CEO Non-Profit Organization, Canada, and Visionary CEO of the Year, Canada. In the awarding process, BWM praised Gialloreto's accomplishments over the past four years in building employee engagement (the senior level of the organization measured 100 per cent engagement in 2016), establishing and operationalizing meaningful corporate values, emphasizing employee growth and development, and supporting his team in finding new and better ways of working. While Robert Gialloreto is honoured to take home two top CEO awards from BWM, he credits the people he works with for his success. "All of us here at Consumer Protection BC are driven by the simple mandate of helping consumers," says Gialloreto. "I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to lead a team of skilled and passionate people, and it really is that team that enables recognition of this kind." "The people here are always seeking innovative and more efficient ways of working, or solve business issues," he continues. "My role is to remove the obstacles on the path to the solution and empower our thought leaders - it is in this type of culture that the meaningful work gets accomplished." Based in Victoria, BC, Consumer Protection BC administers the province's consumer protection laws and operates through an Administrative Agreement with Government on a cost-recovery basis. The regulator offers its 45 employees flexible work schedules, recognition opportunities, a comprehensive training and development program, and has in place an employee-led and company-supported charitable giving committee (which has helped raise tens of thousands for local communities). Gialloreto joined the provincial regulator in 2013, after spending five years at the helm of Tourism Victoria. Earlier this year, Consumer Protection BC was also named a Best Workplace in Canada by Great Place to Work, and Gialloreto earned a finalist spot for the 2016 Aird & Berlis LLP Award for Canadian HR Champion (CEO) from the Canadian HR Awards. A Spokesperson for BWM said the panel were impressed by Gialloreto's leadership and commitment to creating an environment in which employees are fully engaged and able to develop, both professionally and personally. "Consumer Protection BC is a thriving organisation with firm roots in the community and a productive, forward thinking team who are clearly passionate about their work." For more information about Consumer Protection BC, visit their website https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/ An article on Consumer Protection BC can also be found on BWM website: http://www.bwmonline.com/2017/07/27/consumer-protection-bc-adapting-and-reacting-in-a-changing-world/ You can find further details about BWM Awards and this year's CEO winners here: http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ceo-awards-winners-2017/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. http://www.bwmonline.com Media Requests: Consumer Protection BC T: 1-888-564-9963 ext. 2824 E: [email protected] Contact David Jones Awards Department E: [email protected] W: http://www.bwmonline.com SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CSRA Inc. (NYSE: CSRA) announced today it has installed a second increment to the Biowulf supercomputing cluster at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Information Technology. Biowulf is designed to process a large number of simultaneous computations that are typical in genomics, image processing, statistical analysis, and other biomedical research areas. "We are proud to report the next stage of supercomputing power for Biowulf at NIH," said Vice President Kamal Narang, head of CSRA's Federal Health Group. "CSRA's world-renowned HPC experts partnered with NIH to make this advancement possible. Entering this new stage, NIH researchers have expanded computing power to discover new cures and save lives." The second stage of computing power announced today will enable NIH researchers to make important advances in biomedical fields. This field of research is deeply dependent on computation, such as whole-genome analysis of bacteria, simulation of pandemic spread, and analysis of human brain MRIs. Results from these analyses may enable new treatments for diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, infectious disease, and mental health. This increment to Biowulf, which ranked #139 on the June 2017 TOP500 list of supercomputing sites, features compute nodes from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with Intel processor and NVIDIA GPU technology; large scale storage from DataDirect Networks; Infiniband interconnect components from Mellanox Technologies; and Ethernet switches from Brocade Communication Systems. The scope and performance of this second increment to Biowulf includes: 1,104 compute nodes (1.2 Petaflops or 1.2 thousand trillion operations per second) and 72 GPU nodes added to the existing 2,372 node cluster (1.6 Petaflop) An additional 4.8 Petabytes (4.8 thousand trillion bytes of data) of storage As the prime contractor, CSRA procured all of the components and managed the integration and installation of the equipment into the Biowulf system while collaborating with several industry partners. CSRA is also helping support the ongoing operation of the Biowulf cluster. CSRA is a leader in HPC services, helping a wide variety of government customers achieve important mission objectives. Recently, the company was awarded a $51 million contract to support the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) HPC systems. In addition to NIH and the EPA, CSRA supports supercomputers used by NASA, NOAA, the CDC, and the Department of Defense. This technology is used for applications ranging from aerospace system design, climate and weather modeling, astrophysics, ecosystems modeling, to health and medical research. About CSRA Inc. CSRA (NYSE: CSRA) solves our nation's hardest mission problems as a bridge from mission and enterprise IT to Next Gen, from government to technology partners, and from agency to agency. CSRA is tomorrow's thinking, today. For our customers, our partners, and ultimately, all the people our mission touches, CSRA is realizing the promise of technology to change the world through next-generation thinking and meaningful results. CSRA is driving towards achieving sustainable, industry-leading organic growth across federal and state/local markets through customer intimacy, rapid innovation and outcome-based experience. CSRA has over 18,000 employees and is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. To learn more about CSRA, visit www.csra.com. Think Next. Now. Forward-looking Statements All statements in this press release and in all future press releases that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent CSRA's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, including statements about the actual duration, services delivered, and total value realized by CSRA under customer contracts, the effects of customer contracts on our business, and our ability to enhance mission capabilities of our customers. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of CSRA. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements. For a written description of these factors, see the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in CSRA's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updating information in subsequent SEC filings. CSRA disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of subsequent event or otherwise. SOURCE CSRA Inc. Related Links http://www.csra.com NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte today announced that it has earned kCura's Orange-level Relativity Best in Service designation for exceptional customer service for Relativity end users for the fourth consecutive time. With Relativity offered in 25 countries and supported by more than 120 Relativity-certified professionals, the Deloitte Discovery team provides the infrastructure and service level needed to handle large and complex Relativity environments. Deloitte Discovery also offers custom, Deloitte-developed toolssuch as Audio Assistantto further benefit clients. "We take pride in our commitment to delivering a differentiated experience to our clients, and receiving this designation for the fourth time is a true testament to that commitment," said Steven Nygard, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory managing director, Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP, and technical leader of Deloitte' s Electronic Discovery Solutions Center. "We're continuing to focus on ways to better serve our clients around the world by building additional, custom tools for analytics, automated redaction, automated translation, and automated redaction propagation." Through a voluntary audit, Relativity Best in Service providers demonstrate their expertise and experience hosting projects in Relativity. kCura evaluates these individual data centers in three areas: technical infrastructure, customer service, and product expertise. Additionally, Best in Service certified providers meet a set of requirements for duration as a hosting partner, size of Relativity installations, and core Relativity certifications. kCura has two designations for Best in Service certified data centers: Orange and Blue. While both designate data centers that provide a quality Relativity experience, Orange-level sites have made additional investments in people, process and technology to manage installations with above-average user countsall while maintaining the high standards of Best in Service. "By recertifying as a Best in Service provider for four years in a row, Deloitte is reaffirming their commitment to continuously providing a great Relativity experience for their clients," said George Orr, vice president of customer success and support at kCura. About kCura kCura are the developers of Relativity, an e-discovery platform used by more than 12,000 organizations to manage large volumes of data and quickly identify key issues during litigation, internal investigations, and compliance projects. Relativity has over 150,000 active users in 40+ countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 70 Fortune 100 companies, and more than 195 of the Am Law 200. Corporations, law firms, and government agencies use Relativity on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid platformwith hosted, on-demand solutions available through a global network of partners. As a platform, Relativity also allows developers to design, build, and integrate applications that extend its functionality. kCura has been named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for six consecutive years and received the CityLIGHTS Lighthouse Award from the Illinois Technology Association in 2016. Please contact kCura at [email protected] or visit http://www.kcura.com for more information. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including 80 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to make their most challenging business decisions with confidence, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Contact Shelley Pfaendler Public Relations Deloitte +1 212 492 4484 [email protected] Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. SOURCE Deloitte Related Links http://www.deloitte.com/us Investment led by GIC Private Limited will accelerate and expand growth SHANGHAI, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dianrong today announced Series D round funding of US$220 million from leading global investment funds. This latest funding was led by GIC Private Limited, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, along with CMIG Leasing, Simone Investment Managers, and other institutional and individual investors. In 2015, Dianrong completed its Series C round funding of US$207 million from Standard Chartered Private Equity, China Fintech Fund, Tiger Global Management, and Bohai Leasing. Soul Htite, Founder and CEO of Dianrong, said, "We are humbled and honored to welcome GIC, CMIG Leasing, and Simone Investment Managers, to the Dianrong family. The addition of these distinguished global investors not only validates our past successes, but reinforces our commitment to 'The New Finance', which applies fintech to deliver greater financial freedom to Chinese families and small businesses. This latest capital injection will help us expand and accelerate these efforts and further drive sustainable and profitable business growth." Kevin Guo, Founder and Co-CEO of Dianrong, said, "Dianrong's success to date stems from great technology and talented employees, as well as investors who share our fintech vision and encourage us every day to innovate and lead. Adding world-class investors like GIC, CMIG Leasing and Simone ensures we will continue to be a catalyst for positive change within China's fintech market and beyond." Tang Min, President of CM International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd, said, "Dianrong's commitment to technology, transparency and compliance makes it a trusted partner and the right investment for us. CMIG Leasing was impressed by the company's achievements in fintech and their perfect utilization in the lending business. We believe that the combination of fintech developed by Dianrong and the leasing business will create more value for both industries. We're delighted to be a part of Dianrong's future." Dianrong recently announced the acquisition of the asset-generation operations of Quark Finance, which tripled the company's local footprint across China. Earlier this year, Dianrong also launched Chained Finance, the first-ever blockchain platform for supply-chain finance developed in partnership with FnConn, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group. About Dianrong Dianrong, a leader in online marketplace lending in China, originates US$500 million in monthly assets for 4 million retail lenders. Founded in 2012, Dianrong offers individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises a comprehensive, one-stop financial platform supported by industry-leading technology, compliance and transparency. The company's sophisticated and flexible infrastructure enables it to design and customize lending and borrowing products and services, based on industry-specific data and insights, all supported by online risk-management and operation tools. Dianrong's specific offerings include loan originations, investment products and marketplace lending solutions. Dianrong was also named in 2016 to the executive directorship of the National Internet Finance Association of China, led by the People's Bank of China. Based in Shanghai, Dianrong has 28 offices across China and employs approximately 3,500 professionals, including 600 full-time fintech engineers. For more information, please visit www.dianrong.com/en. About GIC Private Limited GIC is a leading global investment firm with well over US$100 billion in assets under management. Established in 1981 to secure the financial future of Singapore, the firm manages Singapore's foreign reserves. A disciplined long-term value investor, GIC is uniquely positioned for investments across a wide range of asset classes, including real estate, private equity, equities and fixed income. GIC has investments in over 40 countries and has been investing in emerging markets for more than two decades. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC employs over 1,400 people across 10 offices in key financial cities worldwide. For more information about GIC, please visit www.gic.com.sg. About CMIG Leasing Holdings Limited CMIG Leasing Group is a global leasing group registered in the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, with registered capital of RMB15 billion yuan in the first phase. The company, with offices in Hong Kong, Tianjin, Shanghai and Ireland, focuses on aviation, port logistics, health care and clean energy. For more information, please visit www.cm-inv.com/en/Leasing/index.htm. About Simone Investment Managers Simone Investment Managers is one of Korea's leading privately-placed fund management companies, specializing in real estate and alternative assets. The company's strategy is to combine stable financial support from its controlling shareholder and investment professionals. For more information, please visit www.simonefg.co.kr/en. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513507/Dianrong_Logo.jpg SOURCE Dianrong.com RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: DM) reported unaudited net income attributable to the partnership of $42.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) was $68.6 million, which includes $4.0 million of Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline integration costs that were reimbursed by its general partner. Distributable cash flow was $40.7 million for the quarter. Dominion Energy Midstream uses Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow as the primary performance measurements of its earnings and results for public communications with analysts and investors. Dominion Energy Midstream also uses Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow internally for budgeting, reporting to the Board of Directors and other purposes. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow provide a more meaningful representation of the partnership's financial performance and liquidity. Schedules B and D of this press release include reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTION On July 21, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.2880 per common and subordinated unit, payable on Aug. 15, 2017, to such unitholders of record at the close of business Aug. 4, 2017. This distribution represents a 5 percent increase over last quarter and supports our 22 percent annual distribution growth rate plan. CONFERENCE CALL TODAY Dominion Energy Midstream and Dominion Energy will jointly host a second-quarter earnings conference call at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Management will discuss its second-quarter financial results and other matters of interest to the financial community. Domestic callers should dial (877) 410-5657. International callers should dial (334) 323-9872. The passcode for the conference call is "Dominion." Participants should dial in 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Members of the media also are invited to listen. A live webcast of the conference call, including accompanying slides, will be available on the partnership's investor information page at www.dominionenergymidstream.com/investors. A replay of the conference call will be available beginning about 1 p.m. ET Aug. 2, 2017 and lasting until 11 p.m. ET Aug. 9, 2017. Domestic callers may access the recording by dialing (877) 919-4059. International callers should dial (334) 323-0140. The PIN for the replay is 89026239. Additionally, a replay of the webcast will be available on the investor information pages by the end of the day Aug. 2, 2017. ABOUT DOMINION ENERGY MIDSTREAM Dominion Energy Midstream is a Delaware limited partnership formed by Dominion Energy, Inc., to grow a portfolio of natural gas terminaling, processing, storage, transportation and related assets. It is headquartered in Richmond, Va. For more information about Dominion Energy Midstream, visit its website at www.dominionenergymidstream.com. Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP Schedule A- Consolidated Statements of Income* (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (millions, except per unit data) Operating Revenue $ 115.7 $ 85.6 $ 245.9 $ 168.6 Operating Expenses Purchased gas 9.8 4.0 22.0 4.9 Other operations and maintenance 38.1 16.1 69.2 36.1 Depreciation and amortization 25.4 10.2 50.3 20.2 Other taxes 9.2 6.8 18.5 14.1 Total operating expenses 82.5 37.1 160.0 75.3 Income from operations 33.2 48.5 85.9 93.3 Earnings from equity method investees 5.2 3.7 13.2 10.1 Other income 1.3 0.9 2.6 1.4 Interest and related charges (benefit) 8.1 - 15.8 (0.1) Net income including noncontrolling interest and predecessors $ 31.6 $ 53.1 $ 85.9 $ 104.9 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest (10.4) 30.6 (8.3) 59.3 Net income attributable to partners $ 42.0 $ 22.5 $ 94.2 $ 45.6 Net income attributable to partners' ownership interest Preferred unitholders' interest in net income $ 9.5 $ - $ 19.0 $ - General partner's interest in net income 0.3 0.6 3.0 1.0 Common unitholders' interest in net income 21.8 12.9 48.9 26.3 Subordinated unitholder's interest in net income 10.4 9.0 23.3 18.3 Net income per limited partner unit (basic) Common units $ 0.33 $ 0.28 $ 0.73 $ 0.57 Subordinated units $ 0.33 $ 0.28 $ 0.73 $ 0.57 Net income per limited partner unit (diluted) Common units $ 0.31 $ 0.28 $ 0.67 $ 0.57 Subordinated units $ 0.33 $ 0.28 $ 0.73 $ 0.57 * The notes contained in Dominion Energy Midstream's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q or annual report on Form 10-K are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP Schedule B - Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income* (Unaudited) The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for each period. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (millions) Net income including noncontrolling interest and predecessors $ 31.6 $ 53.1 $ 85.9 $ 104.9 Add: Depreciation and amortization 25.4 10.2 50.3 20.2 Interest and related charges (benefit) 8.1 - 15.8 (0.1) EBITDA $ 65.1 $ 63.3 $ 152.0 $ 125.0 Distributions from equity method investees 7.0 5.9 14.0 11.7 Less: Earnings from equity method investees 5.2 3.7 13.2 10.1 EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest (1.7) 38.3 8.8 74.5 Adjusted EBITDA $ 68.6 $ 27.2 $ 144.0 $ 52.1 * The notes contained in Dominion Energy Midstream's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q or annual report on Form 10-K are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP Schedule C- Summary of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows* (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (millions) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income including noncontrolling interest and predecessors $ 31.6 $ 53.1 $ 85.9 $ 104.9 Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest and predecessors to net cash provided by operating activities 33.4 8.8 89.1 25.5 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 64.7 $ 61.9 $ 175.0 $ 130.4 Net cash used in investing activities $ (175.3) $ (354.4) $ (537.1) $ (654.2) Net cash provided by financing activities $ 90.0 $ 281.3 $ 393.0 $ 513.0 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 91.1 35.4 39.6 35.0 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 70.5 $ 24.2 $ 70.5 $ 24.2 * The notes contained in Dominion Energy Midstream's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q or annual report on Form 10-K are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP Schedule D - Reconciliation of Distributable Cash Flow to Net Cash from Operating Activities* (Unaudited) The following table presents a reconciliation of distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for each period. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (millions) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 64.7 $ 61.9 $ 175.0 $ 130.4 Less: Cash attributable to noncontrolling interest 1.8 38.8 20.6 79.5 Other changes in working capital and noncash adjustments 5.5 4.1 (10.9) 1.2 Equity method investee distributions included in investing activities 0.2 - 0.5 - Adjusted EBITDA 68.6 27.2 144.0 52.1 Adjustments to cash: Less: Distributions to preferred unitholders (9.5) - (19.0) - Plus (less): Deferred revenue (0.2) - (0.3) 2.0 Less: Amortization of regulatory liability (0.7) (0.7) (1.4) (1.4) Less: Maintenance capital expenditures (12.7) (2.3) (25.9) (7.8) Plus: Acquisition costs funded by Dominion Energy 4.0 0.1 4.2 0.1 Less: Interest expense and AFUDC equity (8.8) (0.5) (16.9) (1.0) Plus: Non-cash director compensation - - 0.1 0.1 Distributable cash flow $ 40.7 $ 23.8 $ 84.8 $ 44.1 * The notes contained in Dominion Energy Midstream's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q or annual report on Form 10-K are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. HOW WE EVALUATE OUR OPERATIONS Subsequent to the acquisition of Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline, we define distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less distributions to preferred unitholders, maintenance capital expenditures and interest expense and adjusted for known timing differences between cash and income. Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP Schedule E- Selected Financial Data* (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (millions, except ratio) Adjusted EBITDA $ 68.6 $ 27.2 $ 144.0 $ 52.1 Adjustments to cash: Less: Distributions to preferred unitholders (9.5) - (19.0) - Plus (less): Deferred revenue (0.2) - (0.3) 2.0 Less: Amortization of regulatory liability (0.7) (0.7) (1.4) (1.4) Less: Maintenance capital expenditures (12.7) (2.3) (25.9) (7.8) Plus: Acquisition costs funded by Dominion Energy 4.0 0.1 4.2 0.1 Less: Interest expense and AFUDC equity (8.8) (0.5) (16.9) (1.0) Plus: Non-cash director compensation - - 0.1 0.1 Distributable cash flow $ 40.7 $ 23.8 $ 84.8 $ 44.1 Distributions: Incentive distribution rights 4.3 0.7 7.2 1.1 Common unitholders 19.4 10.7 37.8 21.0 Subordinated unitholder 9.2 7.6 18.0 14.7 Total distributions $ 32.9 $ 19.0 $ 63.0 $ 36.8 Coverage ratio 1.24x 1.25x 1.35x 1.20x * The notes contained in Dominion Energy Midstream's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q or annual report on Form 10-K are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. See schedules B and D for reconciliations of non-GAAP measures. SOURCE Dominion Midstream Partners Related Links http://www.dominionenergymidstream.com NEW YORK, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Relations between the US and North Korea are at an all time low, especially after repeated missile tests by the latter. Mr. Trump's patience is wearing thin and there is a danger of him declaring a war against North Korea. Astrology giant GaneshaSpeaks.com's astrological analysis indicates that a war is imminent. It can start anytime from now till October this year or between March and August next year. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160921/410189LOGO ) In Donald Trump's horoscope, Sun and North Node are placed in the 10th house which indicates that he will take strong actions, especially related to North Korea. Also, the forthcoming total solar eclipse on 21st August 2017 will add fuel to the fire. Donald Trump's policy of gradually withdrawing US troops from the current war zones that they are involved is also likely to backfire. Instead these war zones may aggravate further, demanding more involvement from the US. The Trump administration will also have to tighten the internal security in the country as well as security at the US embassies in other countries. According to expert astrologers of GaneshaSpeaks.com, Donald Trump's Horoscope indicates that his 'Russia problems' will also continue to be a serious headache. The period till October 2017 and again between March 2018 and August 2018 does have the potential to give him a jolt by revealing sensitive information. His policies towards Russia will face severe resistance and will be criticised. On the whole, astrological analysis for Donald Trump indicates that the stars are likely to test the strength of his character over the next one year. He may not be able to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the favourable transit of Jupiter. On the other hand the US economy may improve under his administration and some bold financial decisions may be taken during the next one year. Donald Trump's astrology predictions suggests that he may get tough with illegal immigrants in the period between now and October this year. His foreign policy will be tested severely in the next one year. His actions and foreign policies may annoy many of his own party members. About GaneshaSpeaks.com: GaneshaSpeaks.com is India's number one and world's third best astrology portal. The predictions by the portal bear the remarkable accuracy rate of about 85%-90%. Launched in 2003 by Mr. Bejan Daruwalla, a veteran astrologer of international repute, the astrology giant today attracts over 130 million visitors to its web and telecom facilities. More than 500 astrologers in its call centres provide 24x7 guidance and remedial solutions on career, business, finance, relationships, etc. in 10 Indian languages. GaneshaSpeaks.com strives to be an able friend, astrologer and guide to its patrons. It stands for accuracy, reliability and trust, and works towards making a positive difference to the lives of its customers. Media Contact: Hemang Arunbhai Pandit [email protected] +91-793-021-5316 SOURCE GaneshaSpeaks.com SAN DIEGO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BudTrader.com, the nation's largest online platform for the legal cannabis industry, is pleased to announce that Douglas H. Leighton has joined them as an investor and an advisory board member. Douglas H. Leighton, a seasoned industry expert in both capital management and business development in the cannabis sector, was appointed to the board in an effort to grow BudTrader.com within the cannabis sector and to advise in structure and market expansion. "As an investor and member of both ArcView and NCIA, Mr. Leighton brings a wealth of experience to BudTrader.com. His innovative thinking has helped transform the companies he's been a part of as well as the industry as a whole," said CEO Brad McLaughlin. "We are very excited to have Mr. Leighton on the team and look forward to drawing on his experience and advice to bring BudTrader to the next level." Douglas H. Leighton joins Grant Koeneke who joined the BudTrader.com Advisory Board in early May of this year. Mr. Koeneke has a background in Strategic and Operational Technology Planning and Development and is one of the leading experts in Emerging Technologies and Enterprise Database Architecture. In addition to his experience as CTO at Weedmaps.com and his new position with BudTrader.com, Mr. Koeneke has served as CTO for Klique Inc., a popular location-based networking app, as well as Director of Engineering at Creative Artists Agency. About Douglas H. Leighton Doug is co-founder and a principal partner of Dutchess Capital, a Boston-headquartered global hedge fund, which has managed an investment portfolio of over $2 billion in transactional value. Doug oversees the fund's risk management and facilitates all of the fund's trading on worldwide exchanges. Doug manages deal origination in North America, Europe and Australia and is a member of the firm's Investment Committee. Douglas has founded several companies and has mentored several startups and growth management teams. He has over two decades of experience in equity trading, investment banking, asset management and the skillset to offer advice to startups and growth companies alike. While the funds are industry agnostic, Douglas has been largely focused on the legal marijuana market for over the past two years, initially as an observer while he conducted due diligence for several deals, and now as an active investor and board member for several companies. He also sits on the Company Selection Committee of ArcView, the cannabis angel network as well as a member of the NCIA. Through the Fund and personally, Doug has made numerous investments in ancillary businesses to the cannabis industry, in addition to touching the plant. He is often asked to speak at conferences regarding the business side of the marijuana business. Douglas has held seats on various boards of public and private companies, in addition to serving on the boards of several non-profits. About BudTrader.com Described as the "Craigslist of Cannabis," BudTrader.com allows members to post and respond to ads for medical marijuana products and services. The site has grown exponentially in the first half of 2017 and now draws well over 8 million page views per month, with roughly 1,000,000 registered users. CEO Brad McLaughlin has used his new public platform to advocate for safe access to medical marijuana across the country. BudTrader has branded itself as a media powerhouse with the planned launch of BudTrader TV later this summer, featuring original content from a variety of creators in the cannabis industry. Find more information about BudTrader at www.BudTrader.com. Media Contacts: Marie Brown [email protected] The Marijuana Journal SOURCE BudTrader Related Links http://www.BudTrader.com CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) will report second quarter 2017 financial results in a news release to be posted on the company's website on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at 7 a.m. ET. The release will be available at: www.duke-energy.com/our-company/investors/financial-news. The company will issue an advisory news release over PR Newswire Thursday morning with a link to the full news release on the company's website. The company will no longer distribute the full earnings release over a newswire service. An earnings conference call for analysts is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. ET that day to discuss the second quarter 2017 financial results and other business and financial updates. The conference call will be hosted by Lynn Good, chairman, president and chief executive officer, and Steve Young, executive vice president and chief financial officer. The call can be accessed via the investors' section (www.duke-energy.com/our-company/investors/financial-news) of Duke Energy's website or by dialing 877-856-1958 in the United States or 719-325-4776 outside the United States. The confirmation code is 7921662. Please call in 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A replay of the conference call will be available until 1 p.m. ET, Aug. 13, 2017, by calling 888-203-1112 in the United States or 719-457-0820 outside the United States and using the code 7921662. An audio replay and transcript will also be available by accessing the investors' section of the company's website. About Duke Energy Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. The company's Gas Utilities and Infrastructure business unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its Commercial Renewables business unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States. Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Media Contact: Catherine Butler 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 Analysts Contact: Mike Callahan Office: 704.382.0459 SOURCE Duke Energy Related Links http://www.duke-energy.com NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. Said EPIC Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Dan Crawford, "Denise is a strong negotiator with exceptional skills in buying and selling businesses; as well as drafting operating and shareholder agreements, business formation documents, corporate resolutions and complex contracts. Denise will use these skills to great advantage as she assumes responsibility for all legal work related to EPIC's future mergers & acquisitions. We are very fortunate to add a top professional of her caliber to our legal team." Walsh will report to Crawford and will be based in EPIC's New York City office. Walsh joins from Saiber, LLC in Florham Park, N.J. She was previously with Marcus, Brody, Ford & Kessler, LLC in Roseland, N.J., who merged with Saiber in January 2014. Walsh was a member of the Corporate Law and Business Counseling Practice Group and the Financial Services Practice Group at both firms. Walsh began her legal career with Lowenstein Sandler PC, in Roseland, NJ, an Associate in their Litigation Department. Professionally, Walsh has been recognized as a New Jersey Rising Star in the area of Business/Corporate Law (2012 2016) as well as one of the New Jersey Law Journal's "New Leaders of the Bar" (2012). Academically, Walsh attended Seton Hall University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor, also magna cum laude, from the Seton Hall University School of Law. Denise Walsh can be reached at: EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants [email protected] 201-661-2436 Direct. About EPIC: EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally. EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients. With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/ *PHOTO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0802s2p-denise-walsh-300dpi.jpg This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Related Links http://www.epicbrokers.com CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ESCORT, Inc., the leader in high-performance radar and laser detection technology, today announced they will be holding three training sessions at the upcoming KnowledgeFest August 11th 14th at the Dallas Convention Center and Omni Dallas Hotel in Dallas, TX. These training sessions will focus on both ESCORT radar best practices and profitability, as well as custom installation training on the revolutionary new ESCORT MAX Ci and Ci 360 detection systems. On Saturday, August 12th and Sunday, August 13th we will be holding sessions on ESCORT Radar Best Practices and Profitability Training. In these sessions, ESCORT Radar will be sharing best practices for selling and installing the new MAX Ci and MAX Ci 360 radar / laser ticket protection systems. We will share new ways to create better profits, easier installations, and smarter product offerings and display technical demonstrations of the product and provide point of purchase materials for both installation and selling support. Join us from 4:45 pm 5:45 pm in the Arts District Meeting Room at the Omni Dallas Hotel as we work to empower you with the best tools to make the most profit on ESCORT's latest ticket protection solutions. To register to attend either the Saturday or Sunday session, go to the KnowledgeFest website. On Monday, August 14th, ESCORT Radar will be partnering with Larry Penn of Mobile Solutions of Calgary for a deep dive into installation and sales support of the industry leading MAX Ci line of detection systems. Larry and ESCORT team members will provide specific installation guidance, offer troubleshooting techniques, and answer any questions to teach you to be an effective radar laser install and sales expert. There is a lot of new technology found in the MAX Ci line when compared to the last generation 9500ci, including an updated Detector Tools Pro procedure, providing customers with specific protection improvements in real time. Learn how to maximize your labor time profit with the latest ticket protection from Larry Penn and ESCORT Radar. Monday's session will be held in the ESCORT booth #501 in Hall B of the Dallas Convention Center. To reserve your seat at this session, go to the KnowledgeFest website. "It is our pleasure to be at KnowledgeFest again and to meet with installers, dealers and partners and provide them with the products their customers have been waiting for." said Brady Siebert, Director of 12V Sales. "We look forward to the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our dealers and installer and share our latest technology with them and learn from them as to how we can better support them as well." As an added bonus, all registrants and attendees at each of the ESCORT training sessions will be entered to win a new ESCORT MAX Ci 360. ESCORT will also have its latest products including the MAX Ci Series, the Solo S4 and X80 on display in booth #501 on the show floor. For more information on all ESCORT radar products, visit EscortRadar.com. About ESCORT, Inc. ESCORT is the leading manufacturer of high-performance radar and laser detectors and the patented ESCORT Live real-time ticket protection network. ESCORT manufactures products under the ESCORT, MAX, REDLINE and SOLO names. The company is held by Cedar Electronics; a leading global supplier of mobile and consumer products possesses a portfolio of industry leading brands including ESCORT, Cobra Electronics and WASPcam. Additional information about ESCORT, Inc. is available at EscortRadar.com. Media Contacts: Chris Kooistra Escort Inc. | Cobra Electronics | WASPcam (773) 972-0691 [email protected] SOURCE ESCORT, Inc. Related Links http://www.escortradar.com ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Facebook has selected Orlando advertising agency Gravitational Marketing as a Facebook Marketing Partner. The social media giant chose Gravitational Marketing to join this exclusive partnership based on the company's exceptional results in digital marketing and lead conversion through Facebook's advertising platform. "This is a massive opportunity for our clients," said Rich Bolandi, Director of Digital Media at Gravitational Marketing. "With access to alpha and beta tests that are not yet released to the general public, we will be consistently on the forefront of digital marketing innovations within the automotive industry and beyond." According to Facebook Business, more than three million businesses actively advertise on Facebook. To help optimize ad campaigns on the platform, Gravitational Marketing will be working with Facebook as it streamlines customer experience and tests new targeting strategies to reach the billions of potential customers that use the social media site every day. "Gravitational Marketing has continued to show a commitment to Facebook and is currently a valuable partner to our team," said Michelle McKelvey, Partner Manager at Facebook, "We are looking forward to Facebook being a growth engine for Gravitational Marketing and fostering a unique partnership moving forward." Through this collaboration, Gravitational Marketing will continue to produce groundbreaking marketing strategies for its 100-plus clients across the United States and Canada. About Gravitational Marketing Gravitational Marketing is a full-service creative agency that has been breaking norms and inspiring companies to think differently since 2004. The Orlando based powerhouse was founded by UCF grads and marketing mad men Jimmy Vee and Travis Miller. It is a nationally certified Great Place to Work and consistently finds itself on the Orlando Business Journal's annual list of Best Places to Work in Central Florida. For more information, visit http://www.gravitationalmarketing.com/ Media Contact: Kate Sondossi 407- 720- 3259 [email protected] SOURCE Gravitational Marketing Related Links http://www.gravitationalmarketing.com Designer Audra Noyes was awarded the Pinned! Challenge winning design and $10,000 cash scholarship, with her classic pin-striped blazer, inspired by her partner, chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. "I was thrilled to be a part of the Pinned! Challenge, but to be named the winning designer amongst such high-caliber talent is truly an honor," said Designer Audra Noyes. "Being able to collaborate with the Saint Louis Chess Campus was such a great experience, and I hope this is only the beginning of these two communities, chess and fashion, intertwining." Making up the Pinned! Designer Chess Challenge, the SLFI's inaugural class consists of six emerging designers from around the country including: Agnes Hamerlik of Chicago, IL; Allison Mitchell of Dallas, TX; Audra Noyes of New York, NY/Wilmington, DE; Charles Smith II of Dallas, TX; Reuben Reuel of Brooklyn, NY; and Emily Brady Koplar of Saint Louis, MO. Since arriving in Saint Louis in January 2017, the designers were counseled by chess grandmasters to create two chess-inspired garments. The team pairings included: Designer Agnes Hamerlik and Grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez and Grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez Designer Allison Mitchell and Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana and Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana Designer Audra Noyes of AUDRA and Grandmaster Maurice Ashley of AUDRA and Grandmaster Maurice Ashley Designer Charles Smith II of Smith II and Grandmaster Cristian Chirila of Smith II and Grandmaster Cristian Chirila Designer Reuben Reuel of Demestik and Woman Grandmaster, Nazi Paikidze-Barnes of Demestik and Woman Grandmaster, Nazi Paikidze-Barnes Designer Emily Brady Koplar of Wai Ming and Woman Grandmaster, Jennifer Shahade "Being able to take part in this competition creating the world's first chess uniform feels like history in the making," said Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. "It was an amazing process working with Audra and exploring how chess can come to life through fashion." The unveiling took place at Windows on Washington, adjacent to the new SLFI in Saint Louis's historic Garment District and featured the six uniforms, along with six whimsical pieces showcasing the designers' creativity. Members of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund (SLFF) and WCHOF were present, along with Sinquefield Cup players, commentators and representatives of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL). The final garments were presented to a national panel of judges including: New York -based Designer and Creative Director, Timo Weiland -based Designer and Creative Director, Dr. Hazel Clark , Research Chair of Fashion and Professor of Design & Fashion Studies at Parsons School of Design , Research Chair of Fashion and Professor of Design & Fashion Studies at Director of Global Forecasting at Macy's, Abbey Samet St. Louis Post-Dispatch Columnist, Debra Bass Grandmaster, Eric Hansen "The designs were brilliant in their own unique ways, and truly exceeded all of my expectations," said Board Chair of the SLFF, Susan Sherman. "This challenge was the epitome of Saint Louis' creative genius coming together, and we look forward to more opportunities to work with the Saint Louis Chess Campus." "The Saint Louis Chess Campus is always looking for new, innovative ways to get involved with the Saint Louis arts community, and this challenge was the perfect way to showcase the diversity of chess," said World Chess Hall of Fame Chief Curator Shannon Bailey. "We're excited for everyone to see the broad range of designs and the creativity that went into making the world's chess uniform." The designs will be on public display at the WCHOF starting in October. The Sinquefield Cup is taking place Aug. 2-12 at the CCSCSL, with tournament rounds beginning daily at 1 p.m. CDT. For more information about the designer chess challenge, visit www.worldchesshof.org or www.saintlouisfashionfund.org. For more information about the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis and Sinquefield Cup, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org or www.grandchesstour.org. World Chess Hall of Fame The World Chess Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization committed to building awareness for the cultural and artistic significance of chess. It opened on September 8, 2011, in the Central West End after moving from previous locations in New York, Washington D.C. and Miami. The World Chess Hall of Fame is located at 4652 Maryland Avenue, housed in an historic 15,900 square foot residence turned business, and features the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, displays of artifacts from the permanent collection and exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games and rich cultural history of chess. The World Chess Hall of Fame partners with the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis to provide innovative programming and outreach to local, national and international audiences. For more information, please visit the World Chess Hall of Fame online at www.worldchesshof.org. Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures. Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org. Saint Louis Fashion Fund Saint Louis Fashion Fund is a non-profit organization focused on bringing the business of fashion back to St. Louis through entrepreneurship-driven, community-building and educational initiatives. Located in Saint Louis' downtown garment district, SLFF strives to build and catalyze a thriving ecosystem to foster the growth of fashion and creative industries in St. Louis. For more information, visit www.saintlouisfashionfund.org. SOURCE World Chess Hall of Fame Related Links http://worldchesshof.org HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Biotech, Inc. announced today that the Arthritis Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not recommend approval of sirukumab (proposed trade name PLIVENSIA) for the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have had an inadequate response or are intolerant to one or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Sirukumab is an anti-interleukin (IL)-6 monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL-6 pathway differently than IL-6 inhibitors currently approved for the treatment of RA. Janssen Biotech, Inc. announced submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA seeking approval of sirukumab on September 23, 2016. "We appreciate the advisory committee's thoughtful review and discussion of the sirukumab efficacy and safety data during today's meeting. While the committee voted unanimously in support of the efficacy data, there was uncertainty regarding the safety profile. As a result, the committee did not support approval for the proposed indication. We are disappointed and disagree with the group's interpretation of the sirukumab benefit-to-risk profile," said Newman Yeilding, M.D., Head of Immunology Development, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We remain confident in the data accumulated to date supporting sirukumab in the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. We look to continue discussions with the FDA in their review of the application, as we believe sirukumab represents an important therapeutic option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis." The Arthritis Advisory Committee is convened upon the request of the FDA to review and evaluate safety and efficacy data of human products for use in the treatment of arthritis. While the FDA is not bound by the committee's recommendation, it does take its advice into consideration. The committee reviewed sirukumab efficacy and safety data from a global Phase 3 clinical development program inclusive of five studies and more than 3,000 patients living with RA, including those who continue to have active disease despite previous DMARD and biologic treatments. Sirukumab, studied at 50 mg and 100 mg doses every four and two weeks, respectively, demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of RA, improving signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage and demonstrating improvement in patient-reported outcome measures including fatigue, pain, quality of life and physical function. The most common adverse events (AEs) reported in the sirukumab clinical development program included laboratory abnormalities, colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and redness, pain or swelling at the injection site. Serious AEs reported included serious infections such as pneumonia and cellulitis, abscess, sepsis, osteomyelitis, hypersensitivity reactions, low platelets, lipid elevations and gastrointestinal perforations. Cardiovascular adverse events, malignancies and mortality were observed in sirukumab clinical studies. "Rheumatoid arthritis continues to be a disease with a high unmet need for many patients who are intolerant to or lose response over time to currently available treatment options," said Sergio Schwartzman, M.D., Weill Cornell Medical College, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, an external consultant. "The availability of alternative treatment options, including a new molecular entity like sirukumab, is critically important in my ability as a practicing rheumatologist to help patients control their disease, especially considering the complexity and heterogeneity of an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis. It is my hope that the FDA carefully considers all of the Phase 3 data and the current need for additional rheumatoid arthritis treatment options on behalf of patients and practicing rheumatologists." About Sirukumab Sirukumab is a fully human monoclonal IgG1 kappa antibody that selectively blocks circulating IL-6, a naturally occurring protein that is believed to play a role in autoimmune conditions like RA. It is not yet approved as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or for any other indication anywhere in the world. Sirukumab is different from other IL-6 inhibitors currently approved for the treatment of RA as it targets the IL-6 cytokine, whereas other agents target the IL-6 receptor. Sirukumab is currently being evaluated by health authorities in the U.S., Europe and Japan as a subcutaneous therapy for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active RA. Janssen currently holds exclusive rights to commercialize sirukumab in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, and will regain exclusive, worldwide commercial rights in November 2017 following GSK's recent decision to terminate its rights under a 2011 agreement that had given it co-development rights and the right to commercialize sirukumab in North, Central and South America. About Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition that is characterized by pain, joint swelling, stiffness, joint damage/tissue destruction and disability.1 Approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. are affected by the condition for which there is no cure.2 About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding development and potential regulatory approval of sirukumab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; event if approved, the uncertainty of commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017, including under "Item 1A. Risk Factors," it's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including in the section captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," and in the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies or Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. References 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)," Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid.htm. Accessed June 30, 2017. 2 Arthritis Foundation. "What is Rheumatoid Arthritis." Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis.php. Accessed June 30, 2017. Media Contact: Investor Contacts: Brian Kenney Joseph J. Wolk Office: 215-628-7010 Johnson & Johnson Mobile: 215-620-0111 Office: 732-524-1142 Kim Rotondo Lesley Fishman Office: 215-628-7166 Johnson & Johnson Mobile: 267-994-1169 Office: 732-524-3922 SOURCE Janssen Biotech, Inc. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading retained executive search firm, Focus Search Partners, A Vaco Company (FSP), announced today that it has acquired the Dallas, Texas-based executive search firm, Taylor Winfield. With the acquisition of Taylor Winfield, FSP gains a talented team of professionals who all have enterprise operating experience across multiple industries, including internet/digital media, technology/SaaS software, consumer/retail/ foodservice and business services. This complements FSP's deep expertise in executive recruiting for venture capital and private equity-backed and publicly-traded healthcare and technology organizations. "Growth alone is not the goal," says Paul Frankenberg, FSP Founder and Managing Partner. "FSP's mantra is 'Culture, Team and Firm,' and these ideas are at the center of the people we hire, the collaboration we drive and the client service we deliver. As traditional firms are watering down their business with competing services, FSP and Taylor Winfield clients can expect the same boutique-level service with an expanded network." "Taylor Winfield also brings one of the most successful executives in the industry, Connie Adair, to the ever-growing FSP team. At the forefront of executive search, Adair has led Taylor Winfield in increasing annual revenues by an average of 26 percent consistently over the last four years. Adding her team's combined 100+ years of experience will be important to FSP's future success." "As executive search continues to evolve and human capital remains the number one differentiator for successful companies, this is the right time for Taylor Winfield to join FSP and Vaco," said Connie Adair, CEO of Taylor Winfield. "Taylor Winfield has been courted many times, but we found Paul and the FSP team to be the right fit, as our philosophy and cultures are so aligned." As a Vaco company, FSP is the only private equity-backed retained executive search firm in the country. Taylor Winfield is FSP's second acquisition since the purchase of Charlson Partners in March 2016. With offices in Nashville, Raleigh-Durham, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and Colorado Springs, FSP has the combination of industry expertise, functional discipline and geographic presence to address the most critical and strategic search needs. "Taylor Winfield's professionalism, influence and deep industry knowledge will be essential in continuing to grow Focus Search Partners' reach," said Vaco Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Brian Waller. "Connie and her team of committed professionals are a natural fit with FSP and the entire Vaco family. Simply put, they are among the best in the business." About Focus Search Partners, A Vaco Company Founded in 2001, Focus Search Partners was acquired in 2014 to become the retained executive search entity of Vaco, a $375M consulting and strategic solutions firm backed by private equity investors. With deep expertise in healthcare services, technology and consumer/retail/foodservice industries, FSP matches exceptional board members, executives and senior-level individuals with top organizations across the globe. For more information, please visit focussearchpartners.com. About Vaco Vaco offers consulting, contract and direct hire solutions in the areas of accounting, finance, technology, healthcare, operations and general administration. With more than 30 offices across the nation and beyond, Vaco has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies for the last ten years. Vaco is dedicated to developing creative client solutions, long-term relationships and lifelong careers. For more information, visit please vaco.com. SOURCE Focus Search Partners, a Vaco Company Related Links http://www.focussearchpartners.com/ DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford honored MSX International, a leading global business process outsourcing company, as an Aligned Business Framework Supplier of the Year at its 19th annual World Excellence Awards. MSXI was presented with the award by Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Motor Company group vice president, global purchasing. Honorees were recognized based on the Aligned Business Framework principles focused on quality, value, and innovation. MSXI works with Ford in a variety of capacities. Wholly-owned subsidiary Geometric Results, Inc. manages Ford's contingent workforce. Its Retail Network Solutions and Sewells-MSXI business units provides training and BPO services for Ford's sales and aftersales groups globally. "We are extremely honored and humbled by Ford's recognition of MSXI as an Aligned Business Framework Supplier of the Year," said Fred Minturn, MSXI President and CEO. "Our Vision at MSXI is to be recognized as Partner of Choice by all of our customers and stakeholders globally. This Ford World Excellence Award is exemplary of that vision at is finest." "The Ford World Excellence Awards recognize our outstanding suppliers around the world," said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford group vice president, global purchasing. "These suppliers deliver excellence at every level, and are key to Ford's success as we transform to an auto and mobility company." Awards were presented to suppliers who exceed company expectations and distinguish themselves from their peers by achieving the highest levels of global excellence in 11 categories. This is the second consecutive year that MSXI was honored with a Ford World Excellence Award. Last year Sewells MSXI earned a Silver Award. MSXI was originally awarded Aligned Business Framework designation in 2012. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 202,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company's core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com. About MSX International MSX International (MSXI) is a business process outsourcing company providing technology-based services in more than 80 countries. MSXI is the world's largest provider of retail solutions to automotive OEMs and their dealers. MSXI and Sewells-MSX in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, creates value for customers by increasing market share, customer engagement, brand profitability, and channel profitability. MSXI's wholly-owned subsidiary Geometric Results, Inc. (GRI) is the world's largest independent managed services provider. GRI maximizes the benefits of a contingent workforce on organizational performance by maintaining a conflict free position relative to staffing suppliers and technology platforms. To learn more about Detroit-based MSXI, please visit www.msxi.com. Contacts: Monique Brentley Ford Motor Company 313.594.3744 [email protected] Kimberly Harry Ford Motor Company 313.845.5167 [email protected] Gretchen Stallings Eisbrenner PR for MSXI 248.554.3500 [email protected] SOURCE MSX International Related Links http://www.msxi.com NILES, Ill., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Sunday of August is "National Friendship Day" and for four special friends at Brookdale Niles, they will be celebrating more than seven decades of friendship on that day. The 91-year old friends: Rochelle Schpak, Florence Burgher, Phyllis Dubow and Eileen Kritzman have remained close from their classroom days at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the 1940s, to now, as neighbors on the seventh floor of their senior living community. From high school to neighbors at Brookdale Niles, friends Rochelle Schpak, Phyllis Dubow, Florence Burgher and Eileen Kritzman will celebrate 70+ years of friendship on National Friendship Day, August 6, 2017. It started when the ladies were in high school; they formed a club, or what they called a "sorority," that included a secret language. They nicknamed themselves the "Nago Nagams," which stands for "No Names" in their special language. After high school, they remained friends through marriages, weddings, children and family losses. "We were there for each other all through life," said Rochelle. When Phyllis got married, Eileen served as her maid of honor. And Eileen returned the honor by serving as Phyllis' maid of honor, even wearing the same dress. The group of ladies would gather at least once a month, husbands included, for "meetings." At one point, their sorority included more than just their four families; they grew to the size of almost 12 couples. During that time, they all still lived in small-sized apartments so the women would gather in one apartment and send the men to the other. "Can you imagine what it took to cook dinner for 12 families each month?" exclaimed Florence. "Sometimes there were 24 for dinner and sometimes there were two. We did the best we could to spend time together in those days." Florence was the first to move into Brookdale Niles, an independent living community, followed by Phyllis. Rochelle was next, but says that she splits her time between Illinois and Arizona, where her other daughter lives. A little over a year ago, Eileen joined her friends on the seventh floor. Now, all widows and living in their own apartments at Brookdale Niles, the women still spend their time together regularly. They enjoy dining together and participating in the many community events and activities each day. Rochelle said, even now, they have "lots of laughter and tears together." When asked what their secret was to staying friends for 74 years, the ladies all agreed, "You gotta like each other!" About Brookdale Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,052 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve approximately 103,000 residents as of March 31, 2017. Through its ancillary services program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services. Contact: Heather Hunter, (615) 564-8622, [email protected] SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living Related Links https://www.brookdale.com CLEVELAND, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Public bus operators in the US have begun to invest in environmentally friendly models. On July 27, 2017, for example, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to gradually replace its fleet of 2,200 natural gas transit buses with fully electric models in order to reduce air pollution and address climate change. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the Board of Los Angeles Metro signed contracts to buy 95 electric buses, 60 from BYD and 35 from New Flyer, representing one of the largest single purchases of electric buses in US history. The city expects to launch the first two fully electric bus lines between 2020 and 2021. California and Oregon are among the first US states to adopt electric transit buses. In July 2016, for instance, the US Department of Transportation awarded Eugene, Oregon's Lane Transit District (LTD) a $3.5 million grant to purchase five fully electric buses, and Portland, Oregon's TriMet transit agency received a $3.4 million grant to replace four older diesel buses with New Flyer XE40 Xcelsior electric models and build a charging system. "Because of this type of purchasing activity, manufacturers of electric buses are adding production capacity on the West Coast," according to Gleb Mytko, an industry analyst at the Freedonia Group. BYD, for example, built an electric bus factory in Lancaster, California in 2013 and began an expansion of this facility in early 2017. The company has announced plans to triple the number of employees at its Lancaster facility by 2020. In addition, US-based Proterra began operations at a $20 million electric bus factory in California in July 2017. "California's and Oregon's shift toward electric buses reflects a global trend," says Mytko. Numerous cities around the world have announced plans to replace diesel, gasoline, and CNG/LNG buses with battery-powered models because they don't emit pollutants and have lower fuel and maintenance costs. In China, for instance, sales of electric transit buses grew at a double-digit annual pace between 2011 and 2016, as major cities replaced conventional buses because of growing concerns about air pollution. And in Gothenburg, Sweden, electric buses carry more than 100,000 passengers monthly. According to the Freedonia Group study Global Bus Market, sales of electric and hybrid buses will climb at a brisk pace through 2021, outperforming demand for conventional diesel and gasoline models by a substantial margin. This study, written by Mytko, can be accessed here: https://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-study/global-bus-market-by-product-and-fuel-type-6th-edition-3509.htm About The Freedonia Group The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is a leading international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually. Since 1985 we have provided research to customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to one-person consulting firms. More than 90% of the industrial companies in the Fortune 500 use Freedonia Group research to help with their strategic planning. Each study includes product and market analyses and forecasts, in-depth discussions of important industry trends, and market share information. Studies can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com. Press Contact: Corinne Gangloff +1 440.684.9600 [email protected] SOURCE The Freedonia Group Related Links https://www.freedoniagroup.com DENVER, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FRONTSTEPS (www.FRONTSTEPS.com), the nation's #1 software platform for HOAs, Builders, Security and Patrol Experts, Realtors, and Homeowners, is pleased to announce its relocation to a new office in Denver's Golden Triangle neighborhood. The office is located at 1290 North Broadway, Suite 1400, Denver, CO 80203 and complements the existing offices in Berkeley and Carlsbad, CA. "We are growing exponentially and this move is critical to support our presence in the Denver technology space," said Tim Dahltorp, FRONTSTEPS Chief Operating Officer. "The bright, open space truly reflects the vibrancy that our employees bring to work each day." With the recent acquisition of iHomefinder and the merger with RealProSystems, the FRONTSTEPS workforce has grown to 140 total, with 80 staff members in Denver. The new, open concept, 21,000 space will facilitate continued local growth. "We value creativity, dedication, and innovation and look forward to building out our teams with people who embody these qualities," said Eric Waldinger, FRONTSTEPS Chief Marketing Officer. "The move will help us realize our mission of designing and delivering technologies that simplify how people build, connect, operate and secure modern communities." And in order to best support our customers and continue providing best-in-class service and products, FRONTSTEPS teams will benefit from an influx of superior technology. About FRONTSTEPS FRONTSTEPS is the #1 software platform for HOAs, Builders, Security & Patrol Experts, Realtors and Homeowners. We deliver technologies to simplify how people build, connect, operate and secure modern communities, with a diverse range of products and services all now under the FRONTSTEPS identity. Our family of products includes AssociationVoice, AtHomeNet, dwellingLIVE, PatrolLIVE, RealProSystems and iHomeFinder, each designed to serve community residents and those who keep them thriving. Our platform powers more than 23,000 communities nationwide that's 4.4 million homeowners covered by FRONTSTEPS services. FRONTSTEPS is headquartered in Denver, CO with additional offices in Berkeley, CA and Carlsbad, CA. SOURCE FRONTSTEPS Related Links http://www.frontsteps.com LAS VEGAS, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GB Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: GBLX) is proud to announce an agreement with the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians (Los Coyotes) for the purposes of establishing cannabis operations on the tribe's lands located near Warner Springs, California. The nonbinding Joint Statement of Intent outlines plans to build and operate facilities to grow, manufacture, and distribute commercial cannabis and cannabis products in the State of California. This is the first time a publicly traded US cannabis cultivation company and a federally recognized Native American tribe have announced a commercial cannabis venture in California. GB Sciences will construct facilities on designated areas of tribal land for the business of cultivation, manufacturing and other commercial cannabis activities. Los Coyotes will receive 40 percent of the venture's net profits, of which 10 percent will fund tribal childhood education and elder assistance programs. GB Sciences John Poss said, "The tribe and its leadership are ideal partners for GB Sciences. We share the same attitudes toward the business, the same intentions for the quality of the product, and the same positive goals for tribe. It is difficult to imagine a better way to enter the gigantic California cannabis market." Los Coyotes Tribal Chairman Shane Chapparosa said, "We welcome this important partnership with GB Sciences. They are the ideal partners to facilitate Los Coyotes' move into California's cannabis market. In addition to producing much-needed revenue and jobs for the tribe, and the partnership will confer a distinct benefit to patients as we work with GB to develop strains with great therapeutic value." The Statement is subject to definitive agreements between the parties to be completed and executed in the near future. Once consummated, the agreement between the Tribe and GB will result in a new entity, which would be initially funded by advances from GB, and which ultimately would be owned 60 percent by GB Sciences and 40 percent by the tribe, with GB being the manager of the operation. The Statement also makes it clear that all applicable rules and regulations will be respected by both parties, and that appropriate, applicable licensure pursuant to, or replicating, the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act will be sought. Further, the Statement is clear that no steps will be taken that could possibly compromise or abrogate the Tribe's sovereign status. About GB Sciences, Inc. GB Sciences, Inc. (GBLX) is a diverse cannabis company, focused on standardized cultivation and production methods; as well as biopharmaceutical research and development. The Company's goal is creating safe, standardized, pharmaceutical-grade, cannabinoid therapies that target a variety of medical conditions. To learn more about GB Sciences, Inc., go to: http://gbsciences.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain statements relating to future results or events, which are forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import may identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company's belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. It is possible that the Company's actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further, information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company's business and financial and other results, are contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which we hereafter become aware. Note: Although the Company's research and development activities are not illegal, the production and sale of cannabis products violate federal laws as they presently exist. Contact Information Corporate: GB Sciences, Inc., 3550 West Teco Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89118 866-721-0297, or Liz Bianco Publicity Director, [email protected], http://gbsciences.com Tom Arcuragi, COO, [email protected] SOURCE GB Sciences, Inc. Related Links http://www.gbsciences.com ATLANTA, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Natural Gas (GNG) today announced that it has been awarded the "Award of Distinction" for its newly redesigned website by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The award was recently presented through the 23rd Annual Communicator Awards, the leading international awards program recognizing big ideas in marketing and communications. "At Georgia Natural Gas, we pride ourselves on being customer-focused. A large part of that focus is ensuring that our website is user-friendly, easy-to-navigate, informative, and brand distinctive," says John Jamieson, SVP, Retail Operations for GNG. "We are excited and inspired to receive this award for the first time and it is an honor to be recognized for this collaborative effort. More than anything, the award represents our continued dedication to excellence and the superior customer service that consumers have come to expect from us." The company also enhanced customer service on the site with a variety of price plan options. A simplified menu on the homepage of the website enables customers to quickly engage and navigate the site with ease. The site also provides customers with the ability to start, stop, or transfer service, along with a reliable online payment option. Another highlight of the new site includes information on local attractions and discounts to a variety of special events. GNG's marketing department worked closely with website development partner, Macquarium -- an Atlanta-based web-design firm known for transforming customer experiences in a digital environment. "The project successfully aligned website objectives with overall marketing and business objectives," says Keith Gallagher, Managing Director, Mass Markets for GNG. About Georgia Natural Gas Georgia Natural Gas is part of SouthStar Energy Services. SouthStar is owned by Southern Company GasTM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). SouthStar also operates in Ohio as Ohio Natural GasSM, in Florida as Florida Natural Gas, in Maryland as Maryland EnergySM, in Michigan as Grand Rapids Energy, in New York as New York Natural GasSM, in New Jersey as New Jersey Energy, and in other parts of the Southeast as SouthStar Energy Services. SouthStar's subsidiaries in Illinois operate as Nicor Advanced Energy and Nicor Solutions. For more information visit: www.gng.com. SOURCE Georgia Natural Gas Related Links http://www.gasguy.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE: GET.CN) (OTCQB: GLNNF) (CSE: GET.WT), (FKT: GJT) is pleased to announce a new version of Glance Pay Anywhere which allows users to initiate and send payments to merchants from anywhere. This new version, combined with its previously announced versions, now positions Glance Pay to be able to provide payment services that are similar to the ones exploding in China. Additionally, these features offer merchants similar capabilities to those that have been highly successful for companies like Square (market cap $10 Billion USD), but without requiring merchants to pay for custom hardware. According to a report released by the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance, users sent $1.7 trillion in total payments through Alibaba's Alipay service last year, up from only $70 billion in 2012; Tencent's WeChat users sent about $1.2 trillion in 2016, up from $11.6 billion in 2012. In China, users of Alipay and WeChat Pay generally indicate which merchant they want to pay (often by scanning a merchant's QR code) and then how much they would like to pay that merchant. The merchant receives the payment confirmation, usually via their mobile phone. Merchants may also request payment after a user has given the merchant their unique payment ID, usually via scanning a QR code from the user's screen. This new Glance Pay version means that users will similarly allow either consumers or merchants to initiate a payment, but uses micro location sensing technologies and/or image recognition instead QR codes, making the process that much easier. Additionally, Glance customers gain access to sought after automatic rewards, promotions, and special events, which builds a lasting relationship with their preferred merchants. "Allowing users to easily and quickly send payments to any merchant on our platform from anywhere opens up payment situations similar to those that have taken China by storm," say Glance CEO Desmond Griffin, "And by combining this with our previous enhancements for merchants to request and accept payments, this also positions us to address markets in which companies such as Square have had tremendous success. However, our merchants can be up and running very quickly without requiring custom costly and cumbersome hardware - merchants can just use their existing mobile phones or tablets, while still benefiting from of our secure proprietary anti-fraud technology." About Glance Technologies Inc. Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to dine, order food and drink, settle bills, access digital receipts, earn great rewards, and interact with merchants. Glance is building a valuable network of merchants and consumers, and offers targeted in-app marketing, social media marketing, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, a merchant manager apps, large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. For more information about Glance, please go to Glance Technologies' website. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward- looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to Glance's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For more information, contact: Christina Rao Vice President, Investor Relations +1(604)723-7480 [email protected] SOURCE Glance Technologies Inc. TULSA, Okla., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- GPA Midstream Association announces the hiring of Laura Chandler as manager of state government affairs. In this role, Chandler will focus on midstream advocacy efforts in Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Chandler holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward's University and two bachelor's degrees from the University of North Texas. Prior to joining GPA Midstream, she worked as a lobbyist on midstream and energy issues for the Texas Energy Lobby in Austin. "Laura knows GPA Midstream and midstream issues and will be an asset to us in Austin where she has focused her efforts over the past several years. She will also help GPA Midstream expand its footprint in Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico," said GPA Midstream President and CEO Mark Sutton. In April, GPA Midstream added another level of staff support in its Washington, D.C. office with the hiring of Charlotte Sawyer as manager of government affairs. Sawyer's responsibilities include participating in the implementation and management of GPA Midstream's federal legislative strategies and serving as a lobbyist before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies. Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Arts in politics and history from Ave Maria University in Florida. Prior to joining the association, she served as external affairs manager for the National Review Institute. Both Chandler and Sawyer report to GPA Midstream Vice President of Government Affairs Matthew Hite. Founded in 1921, the GPA Midstream Association is a trade organization with nearly 100 corporate members of all sizes engaged in the gathering and processing of natural gas, commonly referred to as "midstream activities" in the energy sector. Natural gas is one of the world's primary energy sources and much of it must be purified, or "processed," to meet quality standards and regulations and to make useful everyday products for homes, factories and businesses. Gas processing includes the removal of impurities from the raw natural gas stream produced at the wellhead, as well as the extraction for sale of natural gas liquid products (NGLs) such as ethane, propane, butane and natural gasoline. GPA Midstream members account for more than 90 percent of NGLs produced in the United States from natural gas processing. GPA Midstream members also operate hundreds of thousands of miles of domestic gas gathering pipelines, in addition to pipelines involved with storing, transporting and marketing natural gas and NGLs. SOURCE GPA Midstream Association LONDON, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global University Systems (GUS) and The University of Law (ULaw) were recently announced as finalists at the EducationInvestor Awards 2017. The University of Law is one of the six institutions in the running for Higher Education Provider of the Year, while Global University Systems has been shortlisted in the 'Grand Prix' category for Education Business of the Year. The EducationInvestor Awards promote excellence and recognise innovation in the business of education, and they are one of the most sought after recognitions in UK higher education. The judges will be looking for organisations and individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to education in 2017. Global University Systems is an international network of higher education institutions, affiliates, and partners. With a network of over 40,000 students and institutions based in some of the world's biggest cities like London, Chicago, and Toronto, GUS is committed to international growth and ever expanding outreach. Employing nearly 2000 full time faculty and administrative staff globally, the group has a direct presence in over 30 locations worldwide. This year marks its second consecutive nomination for this accolade. The University of Law, acquired by GUS in 2015, has been shortlisted for the Higher Education Provider of the Year award. ULaw was recently awarded a gold ranking in the UK government-led Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The panel judged that ULaw delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students, and it was found to be of the highest quality in the UK. The winners of the EducationInvestor Awards 2017 will be announced on Tuesday 5 December at a gala dinner at the Hilton Park Lane in London. About Global University Systems Global University Systems (GUS) is an international network of higher-education institutions, brought together by a shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications. The group educates approximately 40,000 students from 150 countries. Through its network of schools and partners, GUS provides a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, executive and language courses on campus, online and via blended learning. Employing over 1,500 full time faculty and administrative staff globally, the group has direct presence in over 30 locations in some of the world's biggest cities, with campuses in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin; across the Atlantic in Toronto, Chicago and Vancouver; and across the globe in places such as Singapore, Berlin and Hannover. About The University of Law The University of Law is the UK's longest-established specialist provider of legal education and training in the UK, with centres in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, Manchester and Leeds, as well as at The University of Exeter and The University of Reading. Previously The College of Law, it was granted university status in November 2012. The University of Law's market-leading Employability Service gives students access to work experience, pro bono opportunities and legal vacancies as soon as they accept their place. The result is excellent employability statistics: 96% of its full-time Legal Practice Course (LPC) students gained employment in 2016 after finishing their course while 91% of undergraduate students achieved the same. In 2017, The University of Law was awarded a gold ranking in the Government-led Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The panel judged that ULaw delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students and was assessed to be of the highest quality found in the UK. For more information, visit www.law.ac.uk. SOURCE Global University Systems (GUS) BEIJING, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexindai Inc. ("Hexindai" or "the Company"), a fast-growing consumer lending marketplace in China, today announced that it has partnered with China UnionPay to launch its "Quick Pass" app on Hexindai's mobile platform. The app will allow investors on the Company's platform to use surplus funds that have not been lent out to pay for goods and services provided by stores partnered with China UnionPay by scanning a QR code created by the app. "Quick Pass" was jointly developed by China UnionPay and various commercial banks to provide consumers with a fast, convenient, and safe mobile payment option using POS machines in various stores and realize mobile payment function. "Hexindai Inc. is the first company in the industry to provide investors with a mobile payment solution that allows them to take advantage of funds that have not yet been loaned to borrowers on the platform," commented Mr. Xinming Zhou, Chief Executive Officer of Hexindai. "This function will make it easier for investors to transfer more money to our platform knowing that they can use surplus funds for their daily consumptions. This partnership should help to enrich the functionality of our platform, provide users with another convenient service for their daily lives, enhance our brand recognition, and boost user loyalty to our platform." About Hexindai Hexindai is a consumer lending marketplace based in Beijing, China that facilitates loans between borrowers and investors. Media Contact Hexindai Inc. Wendy Xuan Tel: +86 10 5985 6975 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hexindai Inc. Coupland joined Hillsdale College in 2006 and is an associate professor and chairman of the education department. He earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Liberty University, a master's degree in linguistics from Oakland University, and his doctorate in education from Michigan State University. He has served as advisor for the classical education minor and the liberal arts teacher apprenticeship for the past eleven years. Dr. Coupland was Hillsdale's Professor of the Year in 2013. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Coupland also serves on the board of directors of the Society for Classical Learning and for Arts of Liberty: A Journal on Liberal Arts and Liberal Education. He is the co-author of Well-Ordered Language, an English grammar curriculum for K12 students. About Hillsdale College Hillsdale College, founded in 1844, has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an educational outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 3.6 million. More information is available at hillsdale.edu. SOURCE Hillsdale College Related Links http://www.hillsdale.edu To make HousingWire's distinguished list, the editorial staff considered women who work full-time in the housing industry and selected winners based on their accomplishments over the past 12 months. Arvielo, along with the other women, were named awardees due to demonstrating leadership that inspires their companies, communities, and the industry at large. "It's a tremendous honor to be recognized as one the most influential women in America's housing industry," said Arvielo. "Since the beginning my mission has been to impact people's lives and I'm passionate about continuing that work in a significant way." Arvielo has been a long-time national housing advocate and was recently appointed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to serve as an industry expert on its Consumer Advisory Board. She's also a member of committees for the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Corporate Board of Governors for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. As Co-Founder and President of New American Funding, Arvielo manages operations and sales for the headquarters, nearly 130 branches, and 2400+ employees. She has expanded the company into one of the fastest-growing mortgage lenders in America. In 2016, Ernst & Young noticed her innovative business approach and named her EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Orange County and earlier this year she was awarded a gold Stevie for Woman of the Year. Arvielo also made HousingWire's Women of Influence list in 2014. About New American Funding New American Funding is a national mortgage banker licensed in 48 states with approximately 130 branches offering a variety of home loan options including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages. The company is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement, and VA Automatic mortgage lender. SOURCE New American Funding Related Links http://www.newamericanfunding.com DALLAS, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the over 500,000 premature babies born in the U.S. each year, human touch can have a powerful impact on healthy growth and development. To ensure that all babiesincluding those who are most vulnerable get the hugs they need to thrive, the Huggies No Baby Unhugged program is awarding seven $10,000 grants to hospitals across the country to help support or establish volunteer hugging programs. These programs provide much needed physical human interaction for newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) that can help make their transition from the hospital to the home quicker. "Huggies believes deeply in the power of hugs. They provide much more than just a heartwarming cuddle a hug can stabilize heart rates, increase oxygen levels and strengthen baby's immune system," said Giusy Buonfantino, president of Kimberly-Clark Baby and Child Care North America. "Huggies' No Baby Unhugged grant program is proud to help hospitals across the U.S. give premature babies the care they need while in the NICU." Hospitals may use the grants in a variety of ways, such as investing in volunteer training and recruitment, hugger chairs and educational materials for volunteers. The seven hospitals receiving grants so far in 2017 include: Children's Hospital at Dartmouth- Hitchcock , Lebanon, New Hampshire Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York Chester County Hospital, West Chester, Pennsylvania Southern Illinois Healthcare Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, Illinois Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, California UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, California UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California "Caregivers at our Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are thrilled to receive Huggies' No Baby Unhugged grant, which will help us enhance and expand our current Cuddlers Program," said Edmund LaGamma, MD, Chief of Newborn Medicine at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. "Neonatal Cuddling Programs like ours offer a treatment like no other in medicine: the human touch. It is clear that premature or seriously ill newborns who are held and enjoy moments of personal interaction and compassion have a much better chance of recovery. They have improved sound recognition, visual fixation, and calming skills that assist the developing brain in achieving normal milestones. Touch is an irreplaceable force of human kindness and this grant emphasizes its importance." "Huggies deeply respects all that hospitals and NICU nurses do for babies across the country," said Aric Melzl, General Manager, Huggies Healthcare at Kimberly-Clark. "Our strong partnership with NICU nurses has helped Huggies become the fastest-growing diaper in hospitals and create a distinct portfolio of specially-designed diapers and wipes to meet the unique needs of premature infants who need extra love and care." Huggies will distribute more No Baby Unhugged grants throughout the year, with the next announcement anticipated in October. Hospitals interested in applying for the No Baby Unhugged grant can fill out an application on the Huggies website. For those interested in supporting the program, visit Huggies.com/NoBabyUnhugged to become a Huggies Member and in turn, Huggies will donate $5 to support volunteer hugging program grants for hospitals. About the Huggies Brand Huggies believes deeply in the Power of Hugs. That's why every Huggies diaper and wipe is inspired by parents' hugs. For nearly 40 years, Huggies has been helping parents provide love, care and reassurance to help babies thrive. No Baby Unhugged is Huggies promise to ensure babies get the care they need to thrive from innovative everyday products, growing hospital hugger programs and specially-designed products for the tiniest of babies, to diapers and wipes donations. Huggies is the fastest growing diaper brand in hospitals and partners with NICU nurses to develop diapers and wipes that meet the specific needs of pre-term infants. For more information on the Huggies No Baby Unhugged program visit the "Why Huggies?" page at Huggies.com. About Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust Kimberly-Clark brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No.1 or No. 2 share positions in 80 countries. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the Company's 145-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Contact: Elizabeth Lewis 312-240-1349 [email protected] Contact: Andrea Hopkins 972-281-1481 [email protected] SOURCE Huggies Related Links https://www.huggies.com SAN DIEGO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope On Wheels will today present Rady Children's Hospital with a $50,000 Hyundai Impact Award. Rady Children's Hospital is one of 25 recipients of this year's award, which is given to pediatric oncology departments at select children's hospitals nationwide. Rady Children's Hospital will use the funds to support the work of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Jeanie Spies. Nurse Practitioner Spies oversees integrative medicine services that are provided to children undergoing treatment for cancer to improve quality of life and minimize side effects associated with the treatment. In 2017, Hope On Wheels will award $15 million toward pediatric cancer research and programs. This brings the organization's donation total to $130 million since Hyundai joined the fight against pediatric cancer in 1998. With this latest grant, Rady Children's Hospital has received more than $1.3 million from Hope On Wheels. "Throughout the country, talented doctors are working tirelessly to help kids fight cancer by conducting research or providing bedside care," said Scott Fink, chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. "Our goal at Hope On Wheels is to provide these doctors with the grant funds they need to perform their lifesaving work. Superheroes come in all forms, but for children and families battling cancer superheroes wear lab coats." The $50,000 Hyundai Impact Award to Nurse Practitioner Spies will be officially presented to Rady Children's Hospital today, August 2 at 10 a.m. During the event, San Diego-area children battling cancer will participate in the program's signature Handprint Ceremony, in which they'll dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a white 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. Their colorful handprints on the official Hope Vehicle represent their individual and collective journeys, hopes and dreams. Doctors and researchers that receive a grant from Hope On Wheels are named Hyundai Scholars and are presented with a special lab coat. This year, Hope On Wheels will further recognize its Hyundai Scholars for their incredible efforts on behalf of children battling cancer through a campaign called "Superheroes Wear Lab Coats." The video series will showcase their lifesaving work. To learn more about the campaign, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org. For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels and to view a complete list of this year's grant winners, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/research. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, twitter.com/HopeOnWheels or instagram.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels. HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. HHOW is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 835 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $130 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 835 dealerships nationwide. All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook SOURCE Hyundai Hope On Wheels Related Links http://www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Tableau Software, Inc. ("Tableau" or the "Company") (NYSE: DATA) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between June 3, 2015 and February 4, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the September 26, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline. To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esq., of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or you can e-mail him at [email protected]. No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member. According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Tableau made false and/or misleading statements, and/or failed to disclose, that product launches and upgrades by major software competitors were negatively impacting the Company's competitive position and profitability. Thus, Tableau's financial statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On August 7, 2015, the Company filed a quarterly report on Form 10-Q reaffirming financial results issued in a July 29, 2015 press release. On February 4, 2016, the Company disclosed slowing revenue. In a related earnings call, the CEO stated that "the competitive dynamic has become more crowded and difficult." When this news was announced, shares of Tableau fell in value materially, which caused investors harm according to the Complaint. Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, Esq., a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Contact: Lundin Law PC Brian Lundin, Esq. Telephone: 888-713-1033 Facsimile: 888-713-1125 [email protected] http://lundinlawpc.com/ SOURCE Lundin Law PC Related Links http://lundinlawpc.com REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies in growing numbers across industries are gaining new efficiencies while modernizing their businesses with Oracle Cloud. Retail, Hospitality, Financial Services, Health Sciences, Construction & Engineering, Utilities, and Communications customers are able to innovate faster, increase productivity, and lower costs with a growing array of Oracle Global Business Unit solutions. AT&T, gnTel, Cordoba Corporation, Lenox and Al Nadhi are just a few of the latest customers who are benefiting from these cloud solutions. "The worldwide cloud services market continues to display strong growth, as companies across verticals increasingly seek industry cloud applications and cloud-based solutions. Technology providers who can help companies more seamlessly share data and integrate multiple facets of the business will be best positioned to succeed," Eric Newmark, Program Vice President, SaaS and Industry Cloud, IDC. While each industry faces unique challenges, there are underlying complexities that transcend them all meeting increasing customer demands, speeding data intelligence to action and enhancing agility. With a focus on providing solutions that serve as the backbone of companies' digital transformations, Oracle Global Business Units deliver a powerful business proposition: industry specialization at a global scale and in the cloud. "With digital technologies now woven through every facet of society, at the heart of today's new business environment is an even more informed and empowered customer," said Bob Weiler, Executive Vice President, Global Business Units at Oracle. "Businesses must quickly evolve and innovate to keep pace with ever changing and growing demands, making the cloud a necessity. No one is better positioned than Oracle to help our customers navigate this new reality." Customers Driving Success in the Cloud "Our focus is providing customers enduring luxury products and trend-setting brands with a fresh, engaging shopping experience. Oracle Commerce Cloud keeps us current in a rapidly changing consumer environment across online and mobile channels with over 25 percent improvement in year-over-year mobile sales," said Ravi Kurumety, CIO, Lenox Corporation. "Consumers are inspired and empowered by a more visual, intuitive shopping experience where they can easily discover new complementary items and designs to patterns they already own." "Oracle's Primavera Unifier enables Cordoba to share information fluidly between the office and the field, improve document management, and drive efficiency across business processesall of which are critical in managing complex construction projects. A best-in-class project lifecycle solution, Primavera Unifier delivers the reliability of the Oracle cloud and many other benefits of having Oracle as a partner," said Stephanie Lightner, Program Scheduler for Cordoba Corporation. "At gnTel, we recognize the fast pace of technology evolution in the telecom industry. We wanted to invest in a proven solution from a company that brings together expertise in cloud, virtualization, IT, and telecommunications," said Onno Speekenbrink, gnTel. "Oracle's solution will position us well for future growth." Oracle Leading Industry Innovation in the Cloud Oracle Global Business Units continue to unveil new cloud-based advancements, empowering users to modernize their customer experience, remove operational silos, meet new regulatory requirements and make data more accessible. Recent cloud innovations include: Health Sciences: Oracle Health Sciences Clinical One Platform, a new cloud-based eClinical solution, unifies clinical development operations and information in a single environment with shared functions that saves time for everyone involved in clinical trials. Oracle Health Sciences Clinical One Platform, a new cloud-based eClinical solution, unifies clinical development operations and information in a single environment with shared functions that saves time for everyone involved in clinical trials. Utilities: Oracle Utilities Work and Asset Cloud Service is an innovation foundation for asset performance management which enables utilities to increase asset reliability by finding asset failures faster and performing predictive maintenance with integrated APM and analytics. Recently announced, Oracle Utilities Operational Device Cloud Service (ODCS) also enables utilities to further automate the management of their smart grid assets and IoT devices, at a lower total cost of ownership. Oracle Utilities Work and Asset Cloud Service is an innovation foundation for asset performance management which enables utilities to increase asset reliability by finding asset failures faster and performing predictive maintenance with integrated APM and analytics. Recently announced, Oracle Utilities Operational Device Cloud Service (ODCS) also enables utilities to further automate the management of their smart grid assets and IoT devices, at a lower total cost of ownership. Construction & Engineering: Oracle Prime, Oracle Construction and Engineering's cloud-based project success platform, features several recent enhancements. With new innovations for field management, Lean scheduling and capital planning, Oracle Prime further improves decision-making and project delivery to drive better outcomes across the project life cycle. Mobile ready and with built-in analytics, Oracle Prime connects field and office to improve collaboration and provide real-time visibility into project cost, schedules, risk and performance data. Oracle Prime, Oracle Construction and Engineering's cloud-based project success platform, features several recent enhancements. With new innovations for field management, Lean scheduling and capital planning, Oracle Prime further improves decision-making and project delivery to drive better outcomes across the project life cycle. Mobile ready and with built-in analytics, Oracle Prime connects field and office to improve collaboration and provide real-time visibility into project cost, schedules, risk and performance data. Communications: Empowering innovative businesses to launch competitive pricing models in the era of digital commerce, Oracle Monetization Cloud service accelerates time to market for digital and subscription-based products and services. The solution delivers the full life cycle of customer onboarding, offer creation, robust rating and discounting, billing, customized invoicing and reporting. Empowering innovative businesses to launch competitive pricing models in the era of digital commerce, Oracle Monetization Cloud service accelerates time to market for digital and subscription-based products and services. The solution delivers the full life cycle of customer onboarding, offer creation, robust rating and discounting, billing, customized invoicing and reporting. Retail: Oracle Retail Release 16 includes cloud solutions for merchandising, planning, supply chain and omnichannel operations designed to empower retailers of all sizes to maximize margins, encourage associate engagement with consumers and free IT departments to focus on innovation projects. Oracle Retail Release 16 includes cloud solutions for merchandising, planning, supply chain and omnichannel operations designed to empower retailers of all sizes to maximize margins, encourage associate engagement with consumers and free IT departments to focus on innovation projects. Hospitality: Hoteliers are using Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud property management to simplify IT across its network of properties and create a singular guest profile to help drive loyalty and an overall better guest experience. Food and beverage operators are using Oracle Hospitality Simphony Cloud to increase revenues and operational efficiency in restaurants, bars, and stadiums through faster adoption of new guest engagement channels and centralization of menus, promotions, and reporting. About Oracle The Oracle Cloud offers complete SaaS application suites for ERP, HCM and CX, plus best-in-class database Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) from data centers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information about Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com. Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Oracle Related Links http://www.oracle.com SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, today announced the initial set of keynote speakers for Open Source Summit Europe 2017, taking place October 23-26 in Prague, Czech Republic. LinuxCon, ContainerCon and CloudOpen combine with the new Open Community Conference and Diversity Empowerment Summit under one umbrella name in 2017 - the Open Source Summit. At Open Source Summit Europe, attendees will collaborate, share information and learn across a wide variety of topics, with 2,000 technologists and community members. Registration also includes access to all activities and sessions at the co-located Embedded Linux Conference Europe. Confirmed keynote speakers include: Jono Bacon , Community/Developer Strategy Consultant and Author , Community/Developer Strategy Consultant and Author Keila Banks , 15 Year Old Programmer, Web Designer and Technologist, with her father Phillip Banks , 15 Year Old Programmer, Web Designer and Technologist, with her father Mitchell Hashimoto , Founder of HashiCorp and Creator of Vagrant, Packer, Serf, Consul, Terraform, Vault, and Nomad , Founder of HashiCorp and Creator of Vagrant, Packer, Serf, Consul, Terraform, Vault, and Nomad Neha Narkhede , Co-founder & CTO, Confluent , Co-founder & CTO, Confluent Sarah Novotny , Program Manager, Kubernetes Community, Google , Program Manager, Kubernetes Community, Google Reuben Paul , 11 year old Hacker, CyberShaolin Founder and Cyber Security Ambassador , 11 year old Hacker, CyberShaolin Founder and Cyber Security Ambassador Imad Sousou , VP, Software Services Group & GM, Open Source Technology Center, Intel Corporation , VP, Software Services Group & GM, Open Source Technology Center, Intel Corporation Linus Torvalds, Creator of Linux and Git in conversation with Dirk Hohndel, VP, Chief Open Source Officer, VMware Jim Zemlin , Executive Director, The Linux Foundation The full agenda of sessions will be announced in two weeks. Registration is discounted to $800 through August 20, and academic and hobbyist rates are also available. Applications are also being accepted for diversity and needs-based scholarships. Members of the press who would like to request a complimentary press pass to attend should contact Dan Brown at [email protected]. Open Source Summit Europe is made possible by Diamond Sponsor Intel, Platinum Sponsor SUSE, and Gold Sponsors Civil Infrastructure Platform, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, {code} by Dell EMC, Huawei, IBM, Microsoft, OpenSDS, Red Hat and VMware. Additional Resources YouTube: The Linux Foundation Event Experience (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WUeelICQ2U ) LinuxCon + ContainerCon Europe 2016 Event Recap (http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/linuxcon-europe) About The Linux Foundation The Linux Foundation is the organization of choice for the world's top developers and companies to build ecosystems that accelerate open technology development and commercial adoption. Together with the worldwide open source community, it is solving the hardest technology problems by creating the largest shared technology investment in history. Founded in 2000, The Linux Foundation today provides tools, training and events to scale any open source project, which together deliver an economic impact not achievable by any one company. More information can be found atwww.linuxfoundation.org. The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Media Contact: Dan Brown The Linux Foundation 415-420-7880 [email protected] SOURCE The Linux Foundation Related Links http://www.linuxfoundation.org CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sally Blount, dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and Carter Stewart, former U.S. Attorney for Southern Ohio and managing director at the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, have been elected to serve on the Joyce Foundation Board of Directors. Blount is an internationally recognized thought leader in management and negotiation. Since becoming dean at Kellogg in 2010, she completed an ambitious seven-year plan for transformation, strengthening the school's innovative degree portfolio and distinctive brand, expanding its global connectivity and business impact, and building a new global education center on the shores of Lake Michigan. In addition to leading Kellogg, she serves on the board of directors at Abbott Laboratories, the global health care company. Stewart is a noted expert and leader in alternatives to incarceration, crime prevention, and building trust between communities and law enforcement. As U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, based in Columbus, he created the district's first community outreach position, and established a community leadership committee. He also took a leadership role at the Department of Justice in addressing inequities in the criminal justice system, chairing a working group of U.S. Attorneys focused on reducing racial disparities. In 2016, he joined the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, a global venture philanthropy firm supporting early stage, high impact, social enterprises. "As thought leaders and innovators in their fields, Sally and Carter will be outstanding additions to the Joyce board. The foundation will benefit not only from their knowledge and insights in areas such as higher education, engaging business in policy solutions, gun violence, and criminal justice, but also from the creative thinking they will bring across our grant making portfolio," said Roger R. Fross, chairman of the Joyce Board of Directors. Blount returns to Joyce in a slightly different role than in her previous time with the foundation. "I interned at the Joyce Foundation the summer before I started at Kellogg as a graduate student. It's fun completing a circle now, as dean of Kellogg, joining the Joyce Board," said Blount. "The mission and values of the foundation have long resonated with me promoting community vitality and fair society, and focusing on the Great Lakes region." Stewart said he was "ecstatic and honored" to be chosen as a Joyce board member. "Joyce has a deep history of successfully supporting community vitality and societal fairness in the Great Lakes region, including my home state of Ohio," said Stewart. "I look forward to working with and learning from their incredible staff and my fellow board members as we engage with the pressing issues of today. I'm particularly interested in addressing the underlying causes of gun violence that plague too many Midwestern cities, a cause in which Joyce has taken a leadership role." About the Joyce Foundation The Chicago-based Joyce Foundation supports evidence-based policies to improve quality of life, promote safe and healthy communities, and build a fair society. Its grant making focuses primarily on six Great Lakes states Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin -- and it partners with other funders, communities, and advocates to achieve policy impact beyond its home region. It invests in quality public education and greater economic opportunity for lower-income and minority children and families; a clean and healthy environment; a vigorous and representative democracy serving the public interest; strategies to reduce gun violence; and a vibrant culture characterized by racial equity, diversity and inclusion. The Foundation had $930 million in assets as of December 2016, and will make approximately $45 million in charitable distributions in 2017. For more information, please visit www.joycefdn.org. Contact: Bill Strong, Director of Communications [email protected] or 312.782.2464 SOURCE The Joyce Foundation Related Links http://www.joycefdn.org BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) today reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. "Level 3 continues to focus on delivering profitable growth and expanding margins," said Jeff Storey, president and CEO of Level 3. "With the CenturyLink team, we have gained good traction on integration planning. I am excited to become part of the combined company management team when the transaction closes, as I believe the combination with CenturyLink will enable us to deliver significant value to our stockholders, customers and employees." Total revenue was $2.061 billion for the second quarter 2017, compared to $2.056 billion for the second quarter 2016. In the second quarter 2017, the company generated net income of $154 million and basic earnings per share of $0.42. Financial Results Metric ($ in millions) Second Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2016(1) Core Network Services Revenue $1,965 $1,956 Wholesale Voice Services Revenue $96 $100 Total Revenue $2,061 $2,056 Network Access Costs $675 $676 Network Access Margin 67.2% 67.1% Network Related Expenses (NRE)(2) $331 $335 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)(2) $333 $330 Non-cash Compensation Expense $39 $31 Adjusted EBITDA(3) $722 $715 Adjusted EBITDA, excluding acquisition-related expenses(3)(4) $744 $715 Adjusted EBITDA Margin(3) 35.0% 34.8% Adjusted EBITDA Margin, excluding acquisition-related expenses(3)(4) 36.1% 34.8% Cash Flows from Operating Activities(3)(5) $564 $631 Capital Expenditures $328 $367 Capital Expenditures, excluding acquisition-related capital expenditures(6) $322 $367 Unlevered Cash Flow(3) $359 $396 Unlevered Cash Flow, excluding acquisition-related expenses(3)(5) $362 $396 Free Cash Flow(3) $233 $264 Free Cash Flow, excluding acquisition-related expenses(3)(5) $236 $264 Net Income(7) $154 $156 Net Income per Common Share-Basic(7) $0.42 $0.44 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands)- Basic 362,385 357,924 (1) The reported second quarter 2016 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2017. (2) Excludes non-cash compensation expense. (3) See schedule of non-GAAP metrics for definitions and reconciliation to GAAP measures. (4) In the second quarter 2017, acquisition-related expenses were $22 million. (5) In the second quarter 2017, cash paid for acquisition-related expenses was $3 million. (6) In the second quarter 2017, acquisition-related capital expenditures were $6 million. (7) Results for the second quarter 2016 have been adjusted to reflect the Company's adoption of Account Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Second Quarter 2017 Revenue Results Core Network Services (CNS) Revenue ($ in millions) Second Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2016(1) 2Q17/2Q16 Percent Change 2Q17/2Q16 Percent Change, Constant Currency North America $1,607 $1,605 -% -% Wholesale $415 $443 (6%) (6%) Enterprise $1,192 $1,162 3% 3% EMEA $176 $191 (8%) (3%) Wholesale $55 $61 (10%) (6%) Enterprise $107 $112 (4%) -% UK Government $14 $18 (22%) (9%) Latin America $182 $160 14% 11% Wholesale $36 $37 (3%) (3%) Enterprise $146 $123 19% 16% Total CNS Revenue $1,965 $1,956 -% 1% Wholesale $506 $541 (6%) (6%) Enterprise $1,459 $1,415 3% 3% (1) The reported second quarter 2016 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2017. Liquidity As of June 30, 2017, the company had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $2.2 billion. 2017 Business Outlook "We remain confident in and are reiterating our outlook for Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow," said Sunit Patel, executive vice president and CFO of Level 3. "For the full year 2017, we continue to expect Adjusted EBITDA of $2.94 to $3.00 billion and Free Cash Flow of $1.10 to $1.16 billion, excluding CenturyLink acquisition-related expenses. All other outlook measures also remain unchanged." Metrics(1) 2017 Outlook Adjusted EBITDA $2.94 to $3.00 billion Free Cash Flow $1.10 to $1.16 billion GAAP Interest Expense $540 million Cash Interest Expense $520 million Capital Expenditures 16% of Total Revenue Depreciation and Amortization $1.35 billion Cash Income Tax $40 million Non-cash Compensation Expense $170 million Full Year Income Tax Rate ~38% (1) All outlook measures exclude CenturyLink acquisition-related expenses. Conference Call and Website Information Level 3 will broadcast a live conference call on its Investor Relations website, http://investors.level3.com at 3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET. Additional information regarding the second quarter 2017 results, including the presentation management will review on the conference call, will be available on Level 3's Investor Relations website. If you are unable to join the call via the Web, the call can be accessed live at +1 877-283-5145 (U.S. Domestic) or +1 312-281-1200 (International). The call will be archived and available as an audio replay on Level 3's Investor Relations website starting at 7 p.m. ET August 3 until 6 p.m. ET October 31, 2017. The replay can be accessed by dialing +1 800-633-8284 (U.S. Domestic) or +1 402-977-9140 (International), reservation code 21854939. For additional information, please call +1 720-888-2518. About Level 3 Communications Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) is a Fortune 500 company that provides local, national and global communications services to enterprise, government and carrier customers. Level 3's comprehensive portfolio of secure, managed solutions includes fiber and infrastructure solutions; IP-based voice and data communications; wide-area Ethernet services; video and content distribution; data center and cloud-based solutions. Level 3 serves customers in more than 500 markets in over 60 countries across a global services platform anchored by owned fiber networks on three continents and connected by extensive undersea facilities. For more information, please visit www.level3.com or get to know us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3 Communications, Level (3) and the Level 3 Logo are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and elsewhere. Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Level 3 services are provided by subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Forward Looking Statements Some statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. Important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to: increase revenue from its services to realize its targets for financial and operating performance; develop and maintain effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; avert the breach of its network and computer system security measures; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; manage the future expansion or adaptation of its network to remain competitive; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; manage risks associated with continued uncertainty in the global economy; manage continued or accelerated decreases in market pricing for communications services; obtain capacity for its network from other providers and interconnect its network with other networks on favorable terms; successfully integrate future acquisitions; effectively manage political, legal, regulatory, foreign currency and other risks it is exposed to due to its substantial international operations; mitigate its exposure to contingent liabilities; and meet all of the terms and conditions of its debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this communication, including statements regarding the expected timing and benefits of the proposed transaction, such as efficiencies, cost savings, enhanced revenues, growth potential, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as "will," "estimates," "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "projects," "plans," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "seeks" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements, and the assumptions upon which they are based, (i) are not guarantees of future results, (ii) are inherently speculative and (iii) are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied in those statements if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: the ability of the parties to timely and successfully receive the required approvals for the combination from regulatory agencies free of conditions materially adverse to the parties and from their respective shareholders; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the proposed transaction cannot be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the possibility that costs, difficulties or disruptions related to the integration of Level 3's operations with those of CenturyLink will be greater than expected; the ability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel; the effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers, including lower demand for CenturyLink's legacy offerings; the effects of new, emerging or competing technologies, including those that could make the combined company's products less desirable or obsolete; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry, including the outcome of regulatory or judicial proceedings relating to intercarrier compensation, interconnection obligations, access charges, universal service, broadband deployment, data protection and net neutrality; adverse changes in CenturyLink's or the combined company's access to credit markets on favorable terms, whether caused by changes in its financial position, lower debt credit ratings, unstable markets or otherwise; the combined company's ability to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry, and changes in the composition of its markets and product mix; possible changes in the demand for, or pricing of, the combined company's products and services, including the combined company's ability to effectively respond to increased demand for high-speed broadband service; changes in the operating plans, capital allocation plans or corporate strategies of the combined company, whether based on changes in market conditions, changes in the cash flows or financial position of the combined company, or otherwise; the combined company's ability to successfully maintain the quality and profitability of its existing product and service offerings and to introduce new offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; the adverse impact on the combined company's business and network from possible equipment failures, service outages, security breaches or similar events impacting its network; the combined company's ability to maintain favorable relations with key business partners, suppliers, vendors, landlords and financial institutions; the ability of the combined company to utilize net operating losses in amounts projected; changes in the future cash requirements of the combined company; and other risk factors and cautionary statements as detailed from time to time in each of CenturyLink's and Level 3's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Due to these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the proposed combination or any other transaction described above will in fact be completed in the manner described or at all. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on the proposed combination or the combined company. You should not place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Unless legally required, CenturyLink and Level 3 undertake no obligation and each expressly disclaim any such obligation, to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed events or otherwise. Additional Information In connection with the proposed combination, CenturyLink filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC (Registration Statement No. 333-215121), which was declared effective by the SEC on February 13, 2017. CenturyLink and Level 3 have filed a joint proxy statement/prospectus and will file other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with the SEC. CenturyLink and Level 3 began mailing the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective security holders on or about February 13, 2017. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, dated as of February 13, 2017, contains important information about CenturyLink, Level 3, the proposed combination and related matters. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED COMBINATION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and the filings that are incorporated by reference in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about CenturyLink and Level 3, free of charge, at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders may also obtain these documents free of charge by directing a request to CenturyLink, 100 CenturyLink Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71203, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or to Level 3, 1025 Eldorado Boulevard, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, Attention: Investor Relations. Level 3 Communications: Non-GAAP Metrics Pursuant to Regulation G, the company is hereby providing definitions of non-GAAP financial metrics and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The following describes and reconciles those financial measures as reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) with those financial measures as adjusted by the items detailed below and presented in the accompanying news release. These calculations are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP. In keeping with its historical financial reporting practices, the company believes that the supplemental presentation of these calculations provides meaningful non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand and compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis. In addition, measures referred to in the accompanying news release as being calculated "on a constant currency basis" or "in constant currency terms" are non-GAAP metrics intended to present the relevant information assuming a constant exchange rate between the two periods being compared. Such metrics are calculated by applying the currency exchange rates used in the preparation of the prior period financial results to the subsequent period results. Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Quarterly Constant Currency 2Q16 FX 1Q17 FX 2Q16 FX 1Q17 FX CNS Revenue ($ in millions) 2Q17 2Q17 Constant Currency 2Q17 Constant Currency 2Q16(2) 1Q17 2Q17/ 2Q16 %Change 2Q17 Constant Currency/ 2Q16 %Change(3) 2Q17/1Q17 %Change 2Q17 Constant Currency/ 1Q17 %Change(3) North America $ 1,607 $ 1,607 $ 1,607 $ 1,605 $ 1,594 0.1 % 0.1 % 0.8 % 0.8 % Wholesale $ 415 $ 415 $ 415 $ 443 $ 403 (6.3) % (6.3) % 3.0 % 3.0 % Enterprise $ 1,192 $ 1,192 $ 1,192 $ 1,162 $ 1,191 2.6 % 2.6 % 0.1 % 0.1 % EMEA $ 176 $ 186 $ 172 $ 191 $ 175 (7.9) % (2.5) % 0.6 % (1.7) % Wholesale $ 55 $ 58 $ 54 $ 61 $ 55 (9.8) % (6.0) % % (2.0) % Enterprise $ 107 $ 112 $ 105 $ 112 $ 106 (4.5) % 0.4 % 0.9 % (1.3) % UK Govt $ 14 $ 16 $ 13 $ 18 $ 14 (22.2) % (9.0) % % (3.3) % Latin America $ 182 $ 178 $ 183 $ 160 $ 177 13.8 % 11.3 % 2.8 % 3.4 % Wholesale $ 36 $ 35 $ 36 $ 37 $ 36 (2.7) % (3.0) % % 1.7 % Enterprise $ 146 $ 143 $ 147 $ 123 $ 141 18.7 % 15.5 % 3.5 % 3.8 % Total CNS Revenue $ 1,965 $ 1,971 $ 1,962 $ 1,956 $ 1,946 0.5 % 0.8 % 1.0 % 0.8 % Wholesale $ 506 $ 508 $ 505 $ 541 $ 494 (6.5) % (6.0) % 2.4 % 2.1 % Enterprise(1) $ 1,459 $ 1,463 $ 1,457 $ 1,415 $ 1,452 3.1 % 3.4 % 0.5 % 0.3 % Total CNS Revenue $ 1,965 $ 1,971 $ 1,962 $ 1,956 $ 1,946 0.5 % 0.8 % 1.0 % 0.8 % Wholesale Voice Services 96 96 96 100 102 (4.0) % (3.7) % (5.9) % (5.1) % Total Revenue $ 2,061 $ 2,067 $ 2,058 $ 2,056 $ 2,048 0.2 % 0.6 % 0.6 % 0.5 % (1) Includes UK Government (2) The 2016 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2017. (3) Percentages are calculated using whole numbers. Minor differences may exist due to rounding. Consolidated Revenue is defined as total revenue from the Consolidated Statements of Income. Core Network Services Revenue includes revenue from colocation and datacenter services, transport and fiber, IP and data services, and voice services (local and enterprise). Network Access Costs includes leased capacity, right-of-way costs, access charges, satellite transponder lease costs and other third party costs directly attributable to providing access to customer locations from the Level 3 network, but excludes Network Related Expenses, and depreciation and amortization. Network Access Costs do not include any employee expenses or impairment expenses; these expenses are allocated to Network Related Expenses or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Network Related Expenses includes certain expenses associated with the delivery of services to customers and the operation and maintenance of the Level 3 network, such as facility rent, utilities, maintenance and other costs, each related to the operation of its communications network, as well as salaries, wages and related benefits (including non-cash stock-based compensation expenses) associated with personnel who are responsible for the delivery of services, operation and maintenance of its communications network, and accretion expense on asset retirement obligations, but excludes depreciation and amortization. Network Access Margin ($) is defined as total Revenue less Network Access Costs from the Consolidated Statements of Income, and excludes Network Related Expenses. Network Access Margin (%) is defined as Network Access Margin ($) divided by total Revenue. Management believes that network access margin is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is a metric that management uses to measure the margin available to the company after it pays third party network services costs; in essence, a measure of the efficiency of the company's network. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) from the Consolidated Statements of Income before income tax (expense) benefit, total other income (expense), non-cash impairment charges, depreciation and amortization and non-cash stock compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue. Adjusted EBITDA Metric ($ in millions) 2Q17 2Q16 Net Income $ 154 $ 156 Income Tax Expense 69 34 Total Other Expense 130 184 Depreciation and Amortization 330 310 Non-Cash Stock Compensation 39 31 Adjusted EBITDA $ 722 $ 715 Add back: Acquisition-Related Expenses 22 Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses $ 744 $ 715 Total Revenue $ 2,061 $ 2,056 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 35.0 % 34.8 % Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses Margin 36.1 % 34.8 % Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are relevant and useful metrics to provide to investors, as they are an important part of the company's internal reporting and are key measures used by Management to evaluate profitability and operating performance of the company and to make resource allocation decisions. Management believes such measures are especially important in a capital-intensive industry such as telecommunications. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to compare the company's performance to that of its competitors and to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating items in order to consistently measure from period to period its ability to fund capital expenditures, fund growth, service debt and determine bonuses. Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash impairment charges and non-cash stock compensation expense because of the non-cash nature of these items. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes interest income, interest expense and income taxes because these items are associated with the company's capitalization and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes depreciation and amortization expense because these non-cash expenses primarily reflect the impact of historical capital investments, as opposed to the cash impacts of capital expenditures made in recent periods, which may be evaluated through cash flow measures. Adjusted EBITDA excludes the gain (or loss) on extinguishment and modification of debt and other, net because these items are not related to the primary operations of the company. There are limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similar performance measures whose calculations may differ from the company's calculations. Additionally, this financial measure does not include certain significant items such as interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment charges, non-cash stock compensation expense, the gain (or loss) on extinguishment and modification of debt and net other income (expense). Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin should not be considered a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Unlevered Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures, plus cash interest paid and less interest income all as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or the Consolidated Statements of Income. Management believes that Unlevered Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an indicator of the operational strength and performance of the company and, measured over time, provides management and investors with a sense of the underlying business' growth pattern and ability to generate cash. Unlevered Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions and debt service and the impact of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents balances. There are material limitations to using Unlevered Cash Flow to measure the company's cash performance as it excludes certain material items such as payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, interest income, cash interest expense and cash used to fund acquisitions. Comparisons of Level 3's Unlevered Cash Flow to that of some of its competitors may be of limited usefulness since Level 3 does not currently pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating loss carryforwards, and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of payments related to accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. Unlevered Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for net change in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Management believes that Free Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an indicator of the company's ability to generate cash to service its debt. Free Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions, principal repayments and the impact of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents balances. There are material limitations to using Free Cash Flow to measure the company's performance as it excludes certain material items such as principal payments on and repurchases of long-term debt and cash used to fund acquisitions. Comparisons of Level 3's Free Cash Flow to that of some of its competitors may be of limited usefulness since Level 3 does not currently pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating loss carryforwards, and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of payments related to interest expense, accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for net change in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Unlevered Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow ($ in millions) 2Q17 2Q16 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 561 $ 631 Capital Expenditures (328) (367) Free Cash Flow $ 233 $ 264 Cash Interest Paid 129 133 Interest Income (3) (1) Unlevered Cash Flow $ 359 $ 396 Free Cash Flow $ 233 $ 264 Add back: Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses 3 Free Cash Flow Excluding Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses $ 236 $ 264 Unlevered Cash Flow $ 359 $ 396 Add back: Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses 3 Unlevered Cash Flow Excluding Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses $ 362 $ 396 Debt is defined as total gross debt, including capital leases from the Footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Net Debt to Last Twelve Months (LTM) Adjusted EBITDA Ratio is defined as Debt, reduced by cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities and divided by LTM Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses. Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries LTM Adjusted EBITDA ($ in millions) 3Q16 4Q16 1Q17 2Q17 Total: LTM Total Revenue $ 2,033 $ 2,032 $ 2,048 $ 2,061 $ 8,174 Network Access Costs (675) (680) (691) (675) (2,721) Network Related Expenses (337) (332) (336) (337) (1,342) Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (348) (346) (364) (366) (1,424) Add back: Non-Cash Compensation Expenses 43 35 48 39 165 Adjusted EBITDA $ 716 $ 709 $ 705 $ 722 $ 2,852 Add back: Acquisition-Related Expenses 15 20 22 57 Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses $ 716 $ 724 $ 725 $ 744 $ 2,909 Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio as of June 30, 2017 ($ in millions) Debt $ 11,007 Cash and Cash Equivalents (1,056) Marketable Securities (1,127) Net Debt $ 8,824 LTM Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses $ 2,909 Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA Ratio 3.0 Outlook In order to provide our outlook with respect to non-GAAP metrics, we are required to indicate a range for GAAP measures that are components of the reconciliation of the non-GAAP metric. The provision of these ranges is in no way meant to indicate that the company is explicitly or implicitly providing an outlook on those GAAP components of the reconciliation. In order to reconcile the non-GAAP financial metric to GAAP, the company has to use ranges for the GAAP components that arithmetically add up to the non-GAAP financial metric. While the company feels reasonably comfortable about the outlook for its non-GAAP financial metrics, it fully expects that the ranges used for the GAAP components will vary from actual results. We will consider our outlook of non-GAAP financial metrics to be accurate if the specific non-GAAP metric is met or exceeded, even if the GAAP components of the reconciliation are different from those provided in an earlier reconciliation. Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries Outlook Adjusted EBITDA Outlook Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 Range ($ in millions) Low High Net Income $ 500 $ 590 Income Tax Expense 330 360 Total Other Expense 570 550 Depreciation and Amortization Expense 1,360 1,340 Non-Cash Compensation Expense 180 160 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,940 $ 3,000 Free Cash Flow Outlook Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 Range ($ in millions) Low High Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 2,420 $ 2,520 Capital Expenditures (1,320) (1,360) Free Cash Flow $ 1,100 $ 1,160 Attachment #1 LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) Three Months Ended (dollars in millions, except per share data) June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 June 30, 2016 Revenue $ 2,061 $ 2,048 $ 2,056 Costs and Expenses Network access costs 675 691 676 Network related expenses 337 336 339 Depreciation and amortization 330 320 310 Selling, general and administrative expenses 366 364 357 Total Costs and Expenses 1,708 1,711 1,682 Operating Income 353 337 374 Other Income (Expense): Interest income 3 2 1 Interest expense (132) (134) (140) Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt (44) (40) Other, net (1) 4 (5) Total Other Expense (130) (172) (184) Income Before Income Taxes 223 165 190 Income Tax Expense (69) (70) (34) Net Income $ 154 $ 95 $ 156 Basic Earnings per Common Share: Net Income per Share $ 0.42 $ 0.26 $ 0.44 Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands) 362,385 361,461 357,924 Diluted Earnings per Common Share: Net Income per Share $ 0.42 $ 0.26 $ 0.43 Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands) 365,002 364,121 361,250 Attachment #2 LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) June 30, March 31, June 30, (dollars in millions) 2017 2017 2016 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,056 $ 1,947 $ 1,291 Marketable securities 1,127 Restricted cash and securities 5 7 8 Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts 707 712 839 Other 141 141 140 Total Current Assets 3,036 2,807 2,278 Property, Plant and Equipment, net 10,392 10,285 10,073 Restricted Cash and Securities 29 31 31 Goodwill 7,737 7,731 7,739 Other Intangibles, net 809 861 1,020 Deferred Tax Assets 3,235 3,305 3,395 Other Assets 49 51 50 Total Assets $25,287 $ 25,071 $24,586 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 693 $ 750 $ 762 Current portion of long-term debt 306 307 7 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 178 148 160 Accrued interest 97 101 131 Current portion of deferred revenue 262 275 268 Other 162 153 170 Total Current Liabilities 1,698 1,734 1,498 Long-Term Debt, less current portion 10,584 10,581 10,871 Deferred Revenue, less current portion 1,058 1,044 1,027 Other Liabilities 632 631 637 Total Liabilities 13,972 13,990 14,033 Stockholders' Equity 11,315 11,081 10,553 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $25,287 $ 25,071 $24,586 Attachment #3 LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, March 31, June 30, (dollars in millions) 2017 2017 2016 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 154 $ 95 $ 156 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 330 320 310 Non-cash compensation expense attributable to stock awards 39 48 31 Loss on modification and extinguishment of debt 44 40 Accretion of debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs 4 5 5 Accrued interest on long-term debt, net (4) (28) Deferred income taxes 57 62 20 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets (1) Other, net (3) (5) 6 Changes in working capital items: Receivables 10 6 (25) Other current assets (4) (32) (5) Payables (59) 42 84 Deferred revenue 50 (4) Other current liabilities 37 (68) 14 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 561 539 631 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Capital expenditures (328) (368) (367) Change in restricted cash and securities, net 4 839 Purchases of marketable securities (1,127) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 1 Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (1,451) (368) 473 Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Long-term debt borrowings, net of issuance costs 4,569 (1) Payments on and repurchases of long-term debt and capital leases (2) (4,613) (815) Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (2) (44) (816) Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents 1 1 (1) Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (891) 128 287 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 1,947 1,819 1,004 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 1,056 $ 1,947 $ 1,291 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash interest paid $ 129 $ 153 $ 133 SOURCE Level 3 Communications, Inc. Related Links http://www.level3.com LONDON and ATLANTA, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global insurers expanding their telematics propositions into new territories can now take advantage of the multi-language capability of the LexisNexis Global Telematics Platform from insurance data analytics and telematics leader LexisNexis Risk Solutions. This development can vastly improve speed to market in each territory whilst providing the benefits of a consistent platform across different geographical regions. The new multi-language capability has the ability to play a critical role in the global expansion of telematics as insurers around the world look to leverage the insights gained from Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) to improve rating and reduce claims losses. The global automotive telematics market is forecast to have a compound annual growth rate of 22.1% between 2017 and 2025[1]. LexisNexis Risk Solutions supports global insurer telematics propositions in key insurance markets including the UK, US, Spain, and Brazil. LexisNexis has developed the capability for its telematics platform to be translated into each country's primary language with the ability to add new languages as required. This capability also allows insurers to offer different languages in order to communicate with their customers in the language they prefer. Rutger Van der Wall, Vice President of Global Products, Insurance, at LexisNexis Risk Solutions said: "Offering a multi-language capability should be a key requirement in an insurer's development priority list given few large insurers operate in one country exclusively. This is now a differentiator for LexisNexis Risk Solutions and means insurers have the assurance that language won't be a barrier to their telematics program expansion plans." "Fundamentally, this new capability provides insurers operating across multi-regions with all the benefits of operating one telematics platform across different territories, easing the proof of concept and launch process in each country and ultimately supporting their growth ambitions." The LexisNexis Global Telematics Platform, houses data from insurers, OEMs and other after market data sources. LexisNexis cleanses, normalises and filters data ingested as part of insurers' UBI programs. This approach helps insurers take advantage of more data available through the LexisNexis Telematics Exchange ecosystem and helps maintain insurers' UBI programs continuity regardless of the data sources used and future technological disruptions. About LexisNexis Risk Solutions At LexisNexis Risk Solutions, we believe in the power of data and advanced analytics for better risk management. With over 40 years of expertise, we are the trusted data analytics provider for organizations seeking actionable insights to manage risks and improve results while upholding high standards for security and privacy. Headquartered in metro Atlanta USA, LexisNexis Risk Solutions serves customers in more than 100 countries and is part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. For more information, please visit www.lexisnexis.com/risk. [1] http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/automotive-telematics-market.html SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions Related Links http://lexisnexis.com NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MatchaBar announced today, after closing a Series A round of financing, that they plan to roll-out their "Better Energy" bottled matcha beverage with Whole Foods Market in September. Founded by native New Yorkers Max and Graham Fortgang, MatchaBar is on a mission to bring matcha to the people, spreading "Better Energy" nationwide. This new distribution deal also coincides with an exciting new investor, platinum-selling recording artist Drake: "We have been fortunate to secure the backing of such notable investors including one of the world's greatest entertainers - Drake. We feel Drake not only embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of our brand, but also our company's ethos 'good things come to those who hustle,'" said MatchaBar co-founder Graham Fortgang. This partnership follows the launch of MatchaBar's innovative "billboard" concept for their bottled line, which has allowed the brand to speak directly to its target audience from store shelves with an ever-changing array of bold, culturally-relevant statements on the front label! This rebellious concept was created in partnership with Bullish, an investor in the brand. Additionally, the Whole Foods Market national expansion is a major step forward for MatchaBar, which in just a few short years has evolved from a single New York cafe to a bicoastal operation with a Los Angeles location and a bottled product. The founders "cannot imagine a better partner" than Whole Foods. Their day one mission has been to bring matcha to the people so we're unbelievably proud to be the first ceremonial-grade bottled matcha brand to roll out nationwide with Whole Foods Market in September 2017. "Max and I started this brand with a clear vision: MatchaBar would become the first major disruption in the energy space since Red Bull and 5-hour ENERGY. With two additional cafes set to open by the end of 2017 and a national roll-out of bottled product, we could not be more thrilled with these two announcements. We now have the opportunity to share what we believe to be a 'Better Energy' with everyone across the U.S.Whole Foods' reach is exponential," said MatchaBar co-founder Graham Fortgang. More than a green drink, more than an energy drink, MatchaBar is a game changer in the quickly growing matcha industry. Sourced from a fifth-generation family farm in Nishio, Japan, its ceremonial grade matcha is a proprietary blend that inspires peak mental performance beyond the leagues of caffeine. Loaded with antioxidants and l-theanine, a natural amino acid known as a calming agent, MatchaBar is better energy. "We believe there is a clear need for a healthier alternative in the energy category, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of matcha in the US. It has been a beautiful experience watching the matcha take off and blossom into a massive market. Consumers are clearly seeking out a cleaner, calmer way to energize and we predict the space will grow to a $1B market over the next 5-7 years," said co-founders Max and Graham. Available in Original, Apple Ginger, Mint, and Hint of Honey, MatchaBar can be found online and at finer grocers such as Lunardi's, Erewhon, Molly Stones, Jumbo's Naturally, New Leaf Markets, Nugget, and Whole Foods Markets nationwide. About MatchaBar Brothers Max & Graham Fortgang opened MatchaBar's flagship the country's first specialty matcha cafe - in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2014. In the Fall of 2015, MatchaBar Manhattan opened its doors! Shortly after, the team announced the launch of a new bottled product bringing to market the world's first ceremonial grade bottled matcha. And almost three years later, with a second store in Manhattan, a store in Los Angeles, and second set to open later this year, the MatchaFam prepares for a national roll-out of their bottled product. All the while, the brothers remain on a simple mission: to bring matcha to the people, sharing what they believe to be a better energy with the world around them. And the hustle continues www.matchabarnyc.com Contact: Rachel Krupa, Krupa Consulting [email protected] / (323) 656-6995 SOURCE MatchaBar Related Links http://www.matchabarnyc.com SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. ("Meadowbrook") announced today that insurance industry veteran Cheung Kwan has joined Century Insurance Group, a division of Meadowbrook, in the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, in the Westerville, Ohio location. In this capacity, Mr. Kwan will work directly with Christopher J. Timm, CIC, President, Century Insurance Group, to develop and execute the business strategy for Century's programs and products. Cheung Kwan, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Century Insurance Group "Mr. Kwan's strong analytical abilities and extensive insurance operations experience will be very helpful with profitably growing all our businesses," said Century Insurance Group President Chris Timm. Mr. Kwan is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and has over 25 years of extensive experience with all aspects of insurance company operations. He has held senior positions with a number of leading national and international insurance carriers. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in Math and Psychology. About Meadowbrook Insurance Group Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc., based in Southfield, Michigan, is a leader in the specialty program management market operating through various entities, including several agencies, claims and loss prevention facilities, self-insured management organizations and six property and casualty insurance underwriting companies. Meadowbrook has twenty-eight locations in the United States. Meadowbrook is a risk management organization, specializing in specialty risk management solutions for agents, professional and trade associations, and small to medium-sized insureds. For further information, please visit Meadowbrook's corporate web site at www.meadowbrook.com. About Fosun International Limited Fosun was founded in 1992 in Shanghai. Fosun International Limited (00656.HK) was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on July 16, 2007. Fosun has been persistently taking roots in China and investing in China's growth fundamentals. It has been actively implementing its investment model of "Combining China's Growth Momentum with Global Resources". Fosun is dedicated to making a major stride towards becoming a world-class investment group underpinned by the twin drivers of "insurance-oriented comprehensive financial capability" and "global industrial integration capability taking roots in China". Today, Fosun's businesses include two major segments, integrated finance and industrial operations. For more information, please visit www.fosun.com. SOURCE Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. Related Links http://www.meadowbrook.com LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A BBC Panorama documentary, "A Prescription for Murder?" that aired in the UK last week, explored the role of antidepressants in the shooting rampage committed by James Holmes at the Aurora, Colorado cinema on July 20, 2012. Holmes, with no prior history of violence, was taking an antidepressant linked to violent and suicidal behavior when he coldly executed 12 innocent people and injured dozens more at a midnight screening of the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. An internationally renowned psychopharmacologist, Prof. David Healy, who interviewed Holmes prior to his trial, told the BBC, "I believe if he hadn't taken the [antidepressant] sertraline, he wouldn't have murdered anyone."[1] Citizens Commission on Human Rights International Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) International, a mental health watchdog that has been documenting the effects of psychotropic drugs for 48 years, especially violent and suicidal effects, said the documentary vindicates many experts and advocacy groups that have warned about such dangers. The group says it should serve as a catalyst for law enforcement officers, coroners, and the courts to investigate psychotropic drug links to acts of violence. Through Freedom of Information requests, Panorama reported it had found that antidepressants have been associated with 28 reports of murder referred to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the last three decades. Murderous thoughts were also believed to be linked to the drugs on 32 occasions, according to the BBC program.[2] Panorama detailed how the psychiatrist who treated James Holmes had tripled his antidepressant dose from 50mg to 150mg per day over several appointments. There was, then, a steep decline in James's behavior, BBC reported. Medical records show that fewer than four weeks after starting the pills, Holmes was showing "psychotic level thinking. Guarded, paranoid, hostile thoughts he won't elaborate on."[3] Holmes wrote about the initial effects of going on sertraline. He went back to see the psychiatrist and said the drug hadn't helped his obsessive thoughts. She doubled the dose of sertraline from 50mg to 100mg. Healy believes this made Holmes's mental state worse: "when they are causing a problem, increasing the dose is a recipe for disaster." Before meeting Holmes, Prof. Healy had "doubted the pills had played a part. But by the end of his prison visit he had reached a controversial conclusion," BBC's Shelley Jofre reported.[4] "These killings would never have happened had it not been for the medication James Holmes had been prescribed," stated Healy.[5][v] Panorama also detailed how: In 2011, Holmes accepted an offer to study neuroscience at University of Colorado Denver . In 2012, his first proper relationship with a fellow graduate student ended and she suggested he seek help at the campus student wellness center.[6] . In 2012, his first proper relationship with a fellow graduate student ended and she suggested he seek help at the campus student wellness center.[6] On 21 March 2012 , Holmes had his first appointment there with a psychiatrist, who prescribed him the antidepressant, sertraline. , Holmes had his first appointment there with a psychiatrist, who prescribed him the antidepressant, sertraline. At his fourth appointment on 17 April, Holmes told the psychiatrist that his homicidal thoughts had increased.[7] On 11 June 2012 , Holmes dropped out of university. Just before that, he had one last meeting with his psychiatrist and her colleague.[8] He had a prescription for his antidepressant for up to around June 26 and the shootings were on July 20.[9] , Holmes dropped out of university. Just before that, he had one last meeting with his psychiatrist and her colleague.[8] He had a prescription for his antidepressant for up to around and the shootings were on July 20.[9] Holmes himself wrote in a notebook, which he posted to the psychiatrist just before the shootings, about the effects the antidepressant was having on him. "Anxiety and fear disappears. No more fear, no more fear of failure," he wrote. "No fear of consequences."[10] "Aside from the fact that you have a guy who is now actively beginning to think and plan about harming others in a way that he just hadn't been doing before, you have a change of personality. This is a totally different person," says Healy.[11] In another BBC article, headlined, "My Son, the Mass Murderer," Holmes' motherArlene, said she didn't even know James was being treated by a psychiatrist until over a month before the shooting. On June 11, 2012, Arlene got a call from the psychiatrist who told her that James was dropping out of the University. According to Arlene, the psychiatrist never informed her that her son was having murderous thoughts. "She never said he was thinking of killing people," Arlene told jurors during Holmes' trial in 2015. "I would have been crawling on all fours to get to him. She didn't tell me. She didn't tell me. She didn't tell me."[12] Before he faced a court of law, Holmes was evaluated by a number of psychiatrists. "No two doctors reached exactly the same conclusion," Jofre wrote. There were diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoid personality disorder, schizotypal disorder or no diagnosable disorder at all. Some thought Holmes couldn't legally be held responsible for his crime, on grounds of insanity. Others disagreed, arguing he still knew right from wrong when he carried out the shootings, according to BBC.[13] Thankfully, CCHR says, the insanity defense did not prevail in this horrific tragedy. Psychiatrist Phillip Resnick, Director of the Division of Forensic Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, provided a theory to Panorama that the sertralinehelped reduce Holmes' anxiety but with "his particular combination of homicidal desires, the reduction in the anxiety may have facilitated other forcesI think, at least in James Holmes' mind, he believed that while he was on the medication it had an effect on him and by reducing the anxiety helped to free him to carry out the mass killing."[14] [Emphasis added] It's a theory that CCHR discounts in light of there currently being at least 27 international drug regulatory agency warnings on psychiatric drugs being linked to mania, hostility, aggression, violence and homicidal ideation (thoughts).[15] It says it has been one of its most important campaigns, in the interests of informed consent, to raise awareness about the risks of psychotropic drugs causing adverse effects the person may be told is a sign of their "mental illness," rather than changing their mind and behavior. As the group details: In 1989, CCHR raised the alarm about antidepressants being linked to violence in testimony given during the Coroner's Inquest into the death of Joseph Wesbecker of Louisville, Kentucky . Wesbecker had a high therapeutic level of the antidepressant fluoxetine in his system when he gunned down eight co-workers and wounded 12 more at a Standard Gravure printing plant before killing himself. Three days prior, Weskbecker's psychiatrist described him as exhibiting an "increased level of agitation and anger," and had planned to discontinue the antidepressant prescribed Wesbecker. The jury ruled that the drugs "may have been a contributing factor" to the rampage.[16] of . Wesbecker had a high therapeutic level in his system when he gunned down eight co-workers and wounded 12 more at a Standard Gravure printing plant before killing himself. Three days prior, Weskbecker's psychiatrist described him as exhibiting an "increased level of agitation and anger," and had planned to discontinue the antidepressant prescribed Wesbecker. The jury ruled that the drugs "may have been a contributing factor" to the rampage.[16] In 1990 and 1991, CCHR filed submissions on the documented risks of the newer SSRI antidepressants to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In March 1991 , Dr. Thomas Laughren , head of the FDA's Psychiatric Drug Products Division wrote a memo acknowledging that the issue of antidepressants potentially causing suicidal behavior had been raised by CCHR. He recommended a labeling change for the first SSRI antidepressant to include a statement about suicidal thoughts.[17] , Dr. , head of the FDA's Psychiatric Drug Products Division wrote a memo acknowledging that the issue of antidepressants potentially causing suicidal behavior had been raised by CCHR. He recommended a labeling change for the first SSRI antidepressant to include a statement about suicidal thoughts.[17] On September 20, 1991 , the FDA's Psychopharmacological Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) held a hearing into CCHR and others' evidence, including medical studies linking an antidepressant to acts of violence, self-harm, and suicide. At least five out of 10 of the members on the Committee had financial conflicts of interest with manufacturers of antidepressants totaling at least $1.1 million .[18] Not surprisingly then, the psychiatrists claimed there was no sound evidence to conclude that an antidepressant caused suicide or other violent behavior, according to CCHR.[19] In 2004, the FDA overturned this decision adding a black box warning about suicide in those younger than 18 taking SSRI antidepressants, which was later increased to age 24. , the FDA's Psychopharmacological Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) held a hearing into CCHR and others' evidence, including medical studies linking an antidepressant to acts of violence, self-harm, and suicide. At least five out of 10 of the members on the Committee had financial conflicts of interest with manufacturers of antidepressants totaling at least .[18] Not surprisingly then, the psychiatrists claimed there was no sound evidence to conclude that an antidepressant caused suicide or other violent behavior, according to CCHR.[19] In 2004, the FDA overturned this decision adding a black box warning about suicide in those younger than 18 taking SSRI antidepressants, which was later increased to age 24. The groundbreaking article, "Guns and Doses," written in 1999 by former Congressional staffer and award-winning journalist, Kelly Patricia O'Meara , reported: "Although the list of school-age children who have gone on violent rampages is growing at a disturbing rateand the shootings at Columbine became a national wake-up callfew in the mental-health community have been willing to talk about the possibility that the heavily prescribed drugs and violence may be linked." Such drugs were the common denominator between the cases of school shooters she cited at the time.[20] , the list of school-age children who have gone on violent rampages is growing at a disturbing rateand the shootings at Columbine became a national wake-up callfew in the mental-health community have been willing to talk about the possibility that the heavily prescribed drugs and violence may be linked." Such drugs were the common denominator between the cases of school shooters she cited at the time.[20] In November 2002 , Douglas Kennedy reporting for Fox National News produced the first national TV expose about the link between psychiatric drugs and school shootings in a compelling three-part series. CCHR's National U.S. president, Bruce Wiseman , was interviewed for the show. , reporting for Fox National News produced the first national TV expose about the link between psychiatric drugs and school shootings in a compelling three-part series. CCHR's National U.S. president, , was interviewed for the show. In 2008, CCHR produced an 11 minute documentary, "Prescription for Violence" detailing the rampant shootings that had occurred in the U.S. by those taking prescription mind-altering drugs. Updated information was added to subsequent award-winning CCHR documentaries. In July 2015, Holmes was found guilty on all counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder and was sentenced to 12 life sentences plus 3,318 years in prison.[21] In sentencing Holmes, Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. said the trial had provided a platform for the community to know the people who were lost, and to learn about how such horrific, violent acts affect hundreds if not thousands of people.[22] CCHR says the judge's compelling words which, along with the media coverage of the UK documentary of Holmes and the drug he was prescribed, should serve as a warning and as a guide to ensuring all senseless violent crimes are investigated to determine if there are any potential psychotropic drugs involved and to make this publicly known. CCHR is currently producing a detailed report on this issue as a public service to consumers, families, legislators, doctors and law enforcement officers.As a nonprofit, CCHR relies on memberships and donations to carry out its mission and to research, write and produce such reports. Click here to support the cause. Contact: Amber Rauscher, [email protected] or (323) 467-4242. References: [1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/item/f4458f48-787f-4159-9d1b-5ae212e108b8. [2] "Antidepressants linked to 28 murders in three decades, BBC investigation finds, The Independent, 26 July, 2017, http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/antidepressants-ssris-muders-suicide-panorama-depression-anxiety-side-effects-a7859876.html. [3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/item/f4458f48-787f-4159-9d1b-5ae212e108b8. [4] Shelley Jofre, "THE BATMAN KILLERPRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER?: JAMES HOLMES, A YOUNG MAN WITH NO RECORD OF VIOLENCE, MURDERED 12 PEOPLE WATCHING BATMAN IN A COLORADO CINEMA IN 2012. DID AN SSRI ANTIDEPRESSANT, PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR, PLAY A PART IN THE KILLING?" BBC online, 26 July 2017, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/aurora_shooting. [5] Ibid. [6] Ibid. [7] Ibid. [8] Ibid. [9] Ibid. [10] Catriona White, "My son, the mass murderer," BBC online, http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/item/f4458f48-787f-4159-9d1b-5ae212e108b8. [11] Op. cit., Shelley Jofre, "THE BATMAN KILLERPRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER?" [12] Op. cit., Catriona White. [13] Op. cit., Shelley Jofre, "THE BATMAN KILLERPRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER?" [14] "Prescription for Murder?", Panorama, BBC, 26July 2017. [15] https://www.cchrint.org/psychiatric-drugs/drug_warnings_on_violence/. [16] Neal Knox Report, "Mass Murder Link," Shotgun News, Omaha, Nebraska, 10 Dec. 1989. [17] "Lilly Seeks Methods to Prevent Suicide," The Indianapolis Star, 20 Oct. 1991. [18] http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/newsl/prozac.html. [19] http://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/21/us/warning-label-on-antidepressant-is-opposed.html. [20] Kelly P. O'Meara, "Guns & DosesDrugging Children," Insight Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 24, 28 June 1999. [21] Op. cit., Catriona White. [22] "Theater shooter Holmes gets 12 life sentences, plus 3,318 years," CNN, 27 Aug. 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/26/us/james-holmes-aurora-massacre-sentencing/index.html. Related Links Another Mass Shooting, Another Psychiatric Drug? Federal Investigation Long Overdue SOURCE Citizens Commission on Human Rights International LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Miigle+ launched a browser app that uses artificial intelligence to bring social good brands and ethically conscious consumers together in a shared mission to re-engineer consumerism into a force for social good. The app, available for download and use on Chrome, benefits companies that support social and environmental causes by making them visible to conscious consumers. Miigle's AI system provides a drop down list of product recommendations whenever app users shop for products online. "Miigle+ empowers consumers to use their purchasing power to solve the social and environmental problems we all care about," says Miigle+ CEO Luc Berlin, who was born in Cameroon, Africa, grew up in California and now splits his time between London and Los Angeles. Since a large volume of e-commerce occurs on smartphones and tablets, a Miigle+ mobile app is planned for development. A crowdfunding campaign, recently launched on Indiegogo, will help finance that effort, but Berlin says its purpose goes beyond raising money. "We want people to join our mission and take ownership for its success. Because when more people demonstrate a commitment to socially conscious shopping, traditional businesses will notice and change for the better." He adds: "By supporting a corporate culture that embraces the Triple Bottom Line, we can transform 'business as usual' into business for a better world." The Miigle+ browser helps such companies, also known as 3BLs, tap into the $1.2 trillion opportunity according to a 2017 international Unilever consumer study for brands with clear sustainability credentials. 3BL companies measure success not only by profits but by their benefits to people and our planet. Many formalize that commitment by filing as a Benefit Corporation, becoming a Certified B Corporation and by joining organizations such as the American Sustainable Business Council and Sustainable Brands. Berlin is hardly alone in his preference to buy from social good companies. The 2017 Edelman Earned Brand Study reveals that 57 percent of consumers buy or boycott a brand based on its position on a political or social issue. Of these, millennials a vital target audience for B2C companies are the most belief-driven consumers. The study also found that belief-driven consumers tend to be high earners and are distributed globally. A 2016 study by Havas Worldwide found that 73 percent of consumers believe companies have a responsibility to do more than generate profit; 75 percent believe companies have an ethical obligation to operate in a way that doesn't harm the environment and 53 percent avoid buying from companies that have a negative social or environmental impact. "We don't care about big brand names," says Berlin, 34, of his generation. "We care about the future of the planet. We care about social issues. We want to know how your business is making the world a better place. But we'll never do hours of research to find social good products. But if it's put right in front of us, we'll use it." Berlin's inspiration for Miigle+ emerged from a transformative experience he had as a 20-year-old pre-med student from the California Bay Area. He participated in a research program in the West African country of Mali, to help develop the world's first anti-malaria vaccine. Struck by the desperate poverty of the Malian people, but inspired by their resilience, and the dedication of fellow researchers, Berlin decided to pursue an uncharted career path to alleviate the vast economic disparity that had troubled him since his youth. But the idea for Miigle+ hit Berlin years later when he considered his loyalty to TOMS Shoes, which donates a pair for every pair purchased. "I love buying products from brands with a social good purpose. But I wondered, why do I only know about TOMS when there are so many other social good businesses." Indeed, the 2017 ENSO World Value Index revealed a chasm between reality and perception in consumer awareness. Survey respondents could not distinguish between companies who have corporate social responsibility etched into their DNA vs. those who regard CSR as little more than a marketing tactic. Berlin says Miigle+ will help consumers find and shop those authentic social good brands, adding that the Miigle+ browser extension also levels the marketing playing field for newer, smaller, socially conscious brands. "Compared to big, traditional brands with enormous marketing budgets, those small, new companies are invisible. But with Miigle+ they get recommended to socially conscious consumers who are most interested in buying their products and are most likely to remain loyal customers." "For me, it's always been about utility," says Berlin. "You'll meet a lot of people who tell you, 'I want to change the world.' For me, it's about how can I make it easier to help other people change the world." About Miigle+ Miigle+ aims to change consumption to cause-sumption by making it easy for ethically conscious consumers to discover and shop from socially-conscious and environmentally friendly brands. The M+ 4 / 22 Pledge Inspired by Earth Day, which corresponds to the April 22 "b-earth-day" of Miigle+ Founder and CEO, Luc Berlin, our "M+ 4/22 Pledge" is the cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility. Miigle+ is committed to contributing 4 percent of annual revenue and up to 22 percent of staff time towards social and environmental causes worldwide. What does the + mean? To us, "+" is more than a mathematical symbol. It is a reminder that with vision + action + perseverance + working together we can all play a role in making the world a better place. Related Images image1.jpeg image2.jpeg image3.png Related Video https://vimeo.com/207894308 SOURCE Miigle+ NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Morelli Law Firm, the preeminent firm for civil litigation, announced that the plaintiffs it represented in the catastrophic Amtrak 188 train derailment, which killed eight individuals and injured more than 200, received their settlements yesterday. The awards were part of a larger $265 million settlement, the largest ever for a railroad crash. As part of the settlement delivery, Judge Legrome D. Davis, who presided over the case, issued a memorandum commending the Plaintiffs' Management Committee, which Morelli Law Firm served on, for their efforts to guarantee a speedy and fair resolution for the victims. "First and foremost, these settlements are about providing final closure to the victims and their families, who endured this horrific tragedy," said Benedict Morelli, Founding Partner of Morelli Law Firm. Morelli Law Firm represented multiple passengers in the derailment, including rising celebrity chef Eli Kulp, who was named "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine magazine in 2014 and was rendered permanently paralyzed by the crash, as well as former NYPD Lieutenant Michael Walsh, who endured 12 surgeries and nearly lost his right leg. From the start, Morelli Law played a critical role in negotiating this unique settlement. Nearly immediately after the derailment, the firm spearheaded an effort to get Congress to raise the $200 million cap on damages. The firm was successful in its efforts, with Congress raising the cap to $295 million, which made the record $265 million settlement possible. In addition, as a member of the Plaintiffs' Management Committee, the firm was tasked with creating a framework to resolve the hundreds of claims. With the help of other committee members, including Thomas R. Kline of Kline & Specter and Robert J. Mongeluzzi of Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett and Bendesky, it developed a process in which each plaintiff would present evidence to the court-appointed Masters, who would then determine how to most equitably distribute the $265 million, and have their awards reviewed by the judge. In a remarkable showing of consensus, every single major plaintiff opted into the framework, waiving their right to a jury trial and appeal. This framework has never been used in the history of tort litigation and will serve as a model for similar cases moving forward. "The settlement program was the best possible outcome for my clients, and all the victims of this horrific accident," Mr. Morelli stated. "They deserved swift resolution, and we're very happy we could provide that." Individual settlement amounts are confidential. About Morelli Law Firm Morelli Law is the preeminent firm for all civil litigation. The experienced team of attorneys led by founding partner Benedict Morelli have secured more than $1 billion on behalf of clients. Unlike other firms, Morelli Law is composed of experienced courtroom litigators, who are always ready to go to trial. They've handled every possible type of civil case, including employment discrimination, mass torts, personal injury, product and drug liability, train and auto accidents, medical malpractice, and many more. They have a long and successful history of securing record-breaking verdicts and taking on large adversaries, such as Fox, Wal-Mart, Pfizer, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and BP. CONTACT: Andrew Jarrell, [email protected], 212-784-5721 SOURCE Morelli Law Firm BE'ER SHEVA, Israel, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Morphisec, leading developer of Moving Target Defense cybersecurity products, today announced the release of version 2.0 of Morphisec Endpoint Threat Prevention. In addition to usability and threat intelligence upgrades, the latest version significantly expands its protection scenarios, strengthening Morphisec's position as a leading defense against advanced cyberattacks. Morphisec provides a crucial memory-defense layer that easily deploys into a company's existing security infrastructure to form a simple, effective, cost-efficient prevention stack. With this latest release, Morphisec continues to deliver on its promise to provide powerful, resilient endpoint security that preserves business efficiency and reduces operational risk. "Companies should not have to choose between security and productivity," says Morphisec CEO Ronen Yehoshua. "Our new release supports productivity twice-over: with prevention that is essentially impact-free on operations and by protecting systems from the incredibly destructive attacks we've seen recently, like WannaCry and NotPetya, as well as the new attacks of tomorrow." Morphisec protects endpoints from emerging and as-yet-unknown advanced threats, including APTs, zero-days, ransomware and evasive fileless attacks. Morphisec Version 2.0 extends this powerful protection to 64-bit applications running on Windows workstations and servers, whether physical or VDI. "The majority of systems today run 64-bit Windows, and 64-bit applications are increasingly popular as they offer more power and features than their 32-bit counterparts," says Netta Schmeidler, Morphisec VP Product. "So of course attackers are turning their attention to developing 64-bit threats. Although they make up a small percentage of current attacks, 64-bit threats are highly effective as many security systems cannot detect them." Version highlights include: Protection from 64-bit attacks: As users transition to 64-bit applications, attackers are aggressively investing in developing 64-bit threats. Morphisec now extends its powerful protection to 64-bit applications. Additional targeted memory morphing: Morphing of additional memory sections protects against a wider range of attacks, including Eternal Blue / Double Pulsar. Morphisec prevents the initial infiltration as well as its propagation. Unmatched attack insights: Revamped attack dashboards deliver better and deeper attack insight in a more readily visible manner. Security teams can instantaneously understand organizational threats and assess risks more quickly and easily. Automated threat sharing: New Attack Report capabilities facilitate security collaboration across the organization. Users can quickly and easily define custom email lists and schedule Attack Reports for automatic distribution. Simplified management and configuration: Enterprise scale ease of deployment and management enables easier access to administration settings and an improved Management Server installer. In addition, SIEM integration is tightened with support for Common Event Format (CEF) and the ability to custom select attack fields. About Morphisec Morphisec delivers pioneering endpoint security solutions that provide real-time protection against the most advanced cyberattacks of today and unknown threats of tomorrow. Our patented Moving Target Defense technology prevents threats others can't, including APTs, zero-days, ransomware, evasive fileless attacks and web-borne exploits. Morphisec provides a crucial, small-footprint memory-defense layer that easily deploys into a company's existing security infrastructure to form a simple, highly effective, cost-efficient prevention stack. Our disruptive and powerful value proposition has earned us the trust of our customers and recognition in the field, such as Gartner Cool Vendor and the People's Choice Award from PwC. For more information, visit www.morphisec.com, schedule a demo or contact Morphisec at [email protected] or 617-209-2552. Media Contact: Julie Frey SHIFT Communications 512-792-2550 [email protected] SOURCE Morphisec Related Links https://www.morphisec.com LUTHERVILLE, Md., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) a nonprofit organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the prevention and investigation of diversion of medicines for illegal purposes applauded recent results from the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) through the second quarter of 2017. From January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2017, NPLEx successfully blocked the illegal sale of 93,027 boxes of medicine containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), which can be diverted by criminals to make meth. As a result, NPLEx kept 245,097 grams of PSE out of the hands of potential criminals. The NPLEx system, adopted by 33 states across the country, helps retailers enforce existing law blocking unlawful purchases of medicine containing PSE at the pharmacy counter. Further, law enforcement officers and narcotics agents are provided with valuable information such as "watch lists" that notify them via email when a suspect attempts to purchase PSE. This information can then be used by prosecutors as they build cases and put drug criminals behind bars. Across the country, over 44,000 retailers report PSE sales to NPLEx, and some states have gone further by using NPLEx to enforce a ban on the sale of PSE products to individuals previously convicted of a meth crime. In Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee, similar legislation was passed in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and these states have also experienced significant declines in meth lab seizures. As of 2016, data showed declines of 77 percent in Alabama, 88 percent in Oklahoma and 69 percent in Tennessee. "After another successful quarter, the numbers continue to back up the effectiveness of NPLEx in keeping PSE out of the hands of criminals," said NADDI Executive Director Charles Cichon. "It has allowed us to maintain access to PSE for honest, law-abiding citizens who rely on these medicines to fight their cold and allergy symptoms, while, at the same time, we're able to stop those who seek to use PSE to produce meth. This tool, and the balanced approach it provides, can be credited with the declining numbers of meth lab seizures we're seeing year after year." About NADDI and Public Safety Established in 1989, the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Inc. (NADDI) is a unique membership organization whose members are responsible for investigating and prosecuting pharmaceutical drug diversion. The organization has proven to be a valuable asset to law enforcement, the pharmaceutical industry and health regulatory personnel. NADDI's objective is simple: to improve the members' ability to investigate, and prosecute, pharmaceutical drug diversion. You can learn about NADDI here: www.NADDI.org SOURCE National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators Related Links http://www.NADDI.org COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide, a leading insurance and financial services organization, recently named Mark Hackett as Chief of Investment Research. Hackett will report to Christopher Graham, Chief Investment Officer for Nationwide Funds. "Mark has extensive experience in investment strategy, research and portfolio management," said Graham. "He also has expertise in developing content to educate internal and external audiences on the financial markets with the ability to communicate in an easily-understood format, which will be beneficial to advisors and their clients." As Chief of Investment Research, Hackett will lead Nationwide Funds' capital markets analysis and mutual funds thought leadership initiative, developing content to educate financial advisors and their clients on financial markets and implications for investors. In this role he's also responsible for asset class research, market commentary, white papers and topical market pieces. Hackett will also support several teams within Nationwide's mutual funds division with his capital markets expertise, helping to drive company-wide investment acumen. Hackett has more than 17 years of experience in the asset management industry, including roles in research for both Nuveen and Vanguard Group, and prior to that as a portfolio manager for Nuveen. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Economics at the University of Richmond, holds Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designations and is a member of the CFA Institute. For more information, please click here. A strategic partner to advisors, Nationwide provides a full family of subadvised mutual funds designed to help meet the unique investment goals and risk tolerances of investors. Nationwide currently manages 116 funds with approximately $62 billion in assets, excluding fund-of-funds. Investors interested in learning more about Nationwide's mutual funds should contact their financial professional or visit website. Financial professionals interested in learning more should call the Nationwide Funds Group sales desk at 877-877-5083, option 3. About Nationwide Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Call 800-848-0920 to request a summary prospectus and/or a prospectus, or download prospectuses at nationwide.com/mutualfunds. These prospectuses outline investment objectives, risks, fees, charges and expenses, and other information that you should read and consider carefully before investing. Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Share price, principal value, and return will vary, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. Nationwide Funds Group (NFG) comprises Nationwide Funds Advisors, Nationwide Fund Distributors LLC and Nationwide Fund Management LLC. Together they provide advisory, distribution and administration services, respectively, to Nationwide Funds. Nationwide Funds distributed by Nationwide Fund Distributors LLC (NFD), member FINRA, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 2017 MFN-0173AO Contact: Jeff Whetzel (614) 249-6354 [email protected] SOURCE Nationwide Related Links http://www.nationwide.com WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The electric power industry supports more than 7 million American jobs, equivalent to about 5 percent of all jobs in the United States, according to a detailed analysis of the role that electric companies play in the nation's labor force and economy. M.J. Bradley & Associates (MJB&A) today released the report, Powering America: The Economic and Workforce Contributions of the U.S. Electric Power Industry. The analysis was conducted for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the American Public Power Association (APPA), and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and features employee profiles illustrating the high-quality jobs in the industry. Specifically, the report finds that the electric power industry directly provides nearly 2.7 million jobs nationwide through its employees, contractors and supply chain, and investments. More than 4.4 million additional jobs are supported through the induced effects of these jobs. The report also reinforces that the electric power industry underpins many other sectors of the economy, contributing $880 billion annually to U.S. GDP, or 5 percent of total GDP. "The electric power industry is one of the great American success stories and provides high-quality jobs that empower our nation's economic growth. Behind every wall outlet or light switch, there is a dedicated workforce focused on powering the lives of millions of Americans who rely on electricity for nearly everything they do," said Michael J. Bradley, president and founder of M.J. Bradley & Associates. "Understanding the industry's value, economic contributions, and changing nature is crucial to policy decisions related to employment and economic growth." Additional key findings from the report include: Employment About 1 in every 20 jobs in America depends on the electric power industry. Each job directly provided by the industry supports an additional 1.7 jobs in our communities. About 1 in every 20 jobs in America depends on the electric power industry. Each job directly provided by the industry supports an additional 1.7 jobs in our communities. Job Quality The average job in the electric power industry pays twice the national median wage. In 2015, the median annual wage in the industry was $73,000 . The average job in the electric power industry pays twice the national median wage. In 2015, the median annual wage in the industry was . Supporting Our Veterans The electric power industry has a long history of hiring military veterans because they have the training and skills that match those required for technical, engineering, support, and leadership positions. Military veteran hiring accounted for more than 10 percent of new hires in the industry as of year-end 2014, the latest year for which data are available. The electric power industry has a long history of hiring military veterans because they have the training and skills that match those required for technical, engineering, support, and leadership positions. Military veteran hiring accounted for more than 10 percent of new hires in the industry as of year-end 2014, the latest year for which data are available. Infrastructure Investment The significant annual investments by the electric power industry to build smarter energy infrastructure and to continue the transition to even cleaner electric generation sources are expected to exceed $100 billion annually for the next several years. MJB&A estimates that this level of investment provides more than 1.4 million jobs. "Our industry is so vital to America's economy, supporting more than 7 million jobs," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "We are proud to strengthen the economic vitality and social fabric of our communities through our industry's jobs and the taxes companies pay and generate at the state and local levels. Often, jobs in our industry fill a societal gap, helping to break the cycle of poverty in many communities. As our society continues to become more dependent on electricity, we are creating long-term solutions to address the need for a skilled, diverse workforce to meet the future demands of our customers." "The nation's more than 2,000 community-owned, not-for-profit public power utilities are proud to be a part of an industry that provides millions of jobs to hardworking Americans," said APPA President and CEO Sue Kelly. "Community-owned public power utilities provide local jobs that keep dollars in their communities, supporting families and representing a significant piece of our American economy." "Affordable and reliable electricity is the heartbeat of the American economy and is essential to the nation's economic growth," said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. "As not-for-profits owned by the members we serve, our broader purpose is to empower local communities to thrive. Co-ops are proud to continue recruiting top-tier talent from local communities as we work to meet tomorrow's energy needs." "The electric power industry is a major driver of our economy, directly providing more than 2.7 million good jobs in communities across the nation," said International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President Lonnie R. Stephenson. "The IBEW is working closely with our management partners to maintain the best trained energy workforce in the nation so we as an industry can continue to support a healthy economy and good jobs." "The positive economic effects of the electric power industry are felt around the country, supporting middle-class families and their communities," said Utility Workers Union of America President Mike Langford. "We're proud to partner with the industry through our Power for America program to build one of the safest, most highly trained workforces in the nation." "The electric power industry is a key driver of the economy and jobs in America," said North America's Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey. "The industry's infrastructure investments support jobs with strong wages and benefits for millions of Americans, including the men and women of the building trades." The full report, Powering America: The Economic and Workforce Contributions of the U.S. Electric Power Industry, is available at this link: http://mjbradley.com/about-us/case-studies/powering-america In preparing this report, MJB&A used official, government-collected data as a starting point for its economic impact analysis. The electric power industry jobs reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics form the basis for modeled investment, supply chain, and induced jobs. The Economic Modeling Specialists International (Emsi) model was used to conduct this analysis. The Emsi model represents the flow of money in an economy, expanding upon a more traditional input-output approach to economic modeling. In addition to reporting out jobs, earnings, and sales multipliers, the Emsi model provides details on the demographic and occupational components of jobs, and includes more than 1,000 industry, government, household, and investment sectors. A key difference between this report and other recent energy-related reports is the approach used to estimate the job impact numbers. This report is based on an economic impact study, which explores the downstream impacts of a job in a specific industry. Other studies use a census approach, by which total job estimates are developed using data self-reported by the targeted industry. A census is a count of all workers said to be related in one way or another to a given industry at any given time. It does not classify how workers are employed or where jobs are located along the supply chain. It also does not estimate an industry's broader economic impact. About M.J. Bradley & Associates M.J. Bradley & Associates, LLC (MJB&A), founded in 1994, is a strategic consulting firm focused on energy and environmental issues. The firm includes a multi-disciplinary team of experts with backgrounds in economics, law, engineering, and policy. The company works with private companies, public agencies, and non-profit organizations to understand and evaluate environmental regulations and policy, facilitate multi-stakeholder initiatives, shape business strategies, and deploy clean energy technologies. About The Edison Electric Institute EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. EEI's members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to its U.S. members, EEI has more than 60 international electric companies as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. About the American Public Power Association The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. It represents public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 93,000 people they employ. The association advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Its members strengthen their communities by providing superior service, engaging citizens, and instilling pride in community-owned power. About the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization representing the nation's more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which serve 42 million people in 47 states. SOURCE Edison Electric Institute Related Links http://www.eei.org VIENNA, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Litco International, Inc. announces the publication of a new white paper: "A COMPARISON OF PALLET STRENGTH and FUNCTIONALITY." The 12-page white paper, authored by Dr. Marshall White, provides detailed analysis comparing Litco's Inca molded pallets to GMA-style, new and repaired, traditional nailed wood pallets for one-way shipping. The study is based on published testing reports by Marshall S. White, PhD, an internationally recognized authority on the design of pallets, packaging, and unit loads for shipping. Litco's Inca 48" x 40" molded wood pallets feature nested stacking and 4-way forklift entry See how Litco's Inca 48" x 40" molded wood pallet compares in strength and functionality to traditional, new and rebuilt, GMA-style pallets. Gary Sharon, Executive Vice President of Litco said: "Dr. White's study is important because it independently compares the strength and functionality of the pallets. From that, he then concludes the impact of each pallet's design on supply chain operating efficiency. Strength and functionality, along with price, determines an optimal design and cost benefit basis for shipping products on pallets." The complete study is available at: http://www.litco.com/GMACompareReport. This paper makes the case that a stronger, stiffer and more durable pallet will better protect packaged product from the rigors of supply chain handling. "It is important to note that mechanical stresses imposed on the packaged product in a unit load during handling and shipping pass through the pallet first." said Dr. White. In addition to comparing pallet weight and moisture content among other characteristics, the study specifically evaluated Litco's Inca molded wood pallet and new and rebuilt GMA-style wood pallets on two measures: Pallet Strength and Deck Stiffness. Two measures of shipping pallet strength were compared: Dynamic strength when supporting loads on forklifts Static strength when supporting loads on the warehouse floor Of critical importance, the comparative deck stiffness was evaluated as the single most important functionality characteristic of a pallet. Stiffness is defined in the study as how much the top deck deforms under load. Simply put, "stiffer pallets are better" because they enhance all other packaging components of a unit load. A significant finding in the study was that the Inca pallet performed remarkably well at twice the stiffness compared to the GMA pallet designs. The study concludes that when Inca pallets are compared to a GMA-style: When used as a one-way shipping platform, the Inca pallet will improve supply chain operational efficiency There will be less product damage and product contamination when shipping on an Inca pallet. There will be fewer injuries associated with the use of the Inca pallets Using the Inca pallet will significantly increase shipping and materials handling efficiency Additional key findings in the study: The Inca pallet has a much higher resistance to mold because it has 86% less moisture content than a new, heat-treated GMA-type hardwood pallet At the time of manufacturing, the Inca pallet is sanitized at temperatures exceeding 350 degrees Fahrenheit Inca pallets with rounded corners are lighter and ergonomically easier to handle, manually, and therefore reduce work-related injuries About Litco International, Inc: Litco's Molded Products Group specializes in innovative transport packaging solutions including molded pallets for domestic and export shipping and core plugs. Litco's Inca pallets come in a variety of sizes and dynamic load capacities to meet individualized shipping needs. Inca pallets ship from Dover, Ohio and Sardis, Mississippi. They are designed to carry products safely through the most demanding supply chains. For a free sample, contact a Litco molded pallet specialist at 1-800-236-1903 or via their website: http://www.litco.com/presswood-pallets/ About the paper's Author: MARSHALL S. (MARK) WHITE, PhD, President of White and Company LLC. White and Company LLC is a consulting and software development company specializing in pallet, packaging, and unit load design. Dr. White is also Professor Emeritus at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, and a graduate of Colorado State University and Virginia Tech with B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Dr. White taught graduate and undergraduate courses in the Packaging Science option and served as Director of the Center for Unit Load Design and The Pallet & Container Research Laboratory. Additional information at www.whiteandcompany.net. For more information, contact: Gary Sharon [email protected] +1 330-539-5433 SOURCE Litco International, Inc. Related Links http://www.litco.com MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pure Storage (NYSE: PSTG), the market's leading independent all-flash data platform vendor for the cloud era, today announced that North York General Hospital (NYGH), one of Canada's leading medical facilities, has deployed Pure Storage to host all of its mission-critical applications and patient data. The hospital hosts its Cerner electronic health record (EHR) applications on Pure Storage all-flash arrays. Pure Storage provides the resiliency, security and high performance that improves clinician productivity and increases the time devoted to patient care, while maximizing the long-term impact of the hospital's investment in IT infrastructure. "We wanted a data platform that would give our clinicians, back-office staff and other end-users exceptional response time when accessing critical applications and data. The same solution also had to provide at no additional cost - essential features like data compression, de-duplication and snapshots," said Sumon Acharjee, Chief Information Officer, North York General Hospital. "After looking at all-flash offerings from several vendors, the comprehensive feature set, price point and cost-benefit of Pure Storage proved to deliver significant competitive advantages." As part of Canada's government-run healthcare system, NYGH refreshes its IT infrastructure only once every seven years due to highly controlled funding. That made the Evergreen Storage program from Pure especially attractive. The Evergreen program enables storage that is deployed once and upgraded as needed, for a decade or more. Components can be mixed and matched all online and without performance disruption to keep storage dense, efficient and modern. "Evergreen is a great business model. When you have a seven-year refresh cycle, it's very valuable to know your maintenance costs for the life of the product," said Acharjee. "Cerner is deployed in every in-patient area of the hospital. It is a mission-critical system that needs to have maximum performance, resiliency and uptime. Pure Storage delivers on all three of those requirements, while saving us money now and long into the future." To underscore the cost-effectiveness of its all-flash storage solution, eliminating just two years of the maintenance fees for NYGH's legacy spinning-disk storage system paid for the acquisition of the Pure system. The impact of improved storage performance is felt across multiple areas of the hospital. Most important is the effect on physicians and other clinicians, who now spend less time waiting for files, reports and other critical data, thanks to 10-20% improvements in IO performance and consistent sub-millisecond latencies. Business operations see positive outcomes, as well. "One of the biggest benefits we've seen from the Pure system is the ability to generate reports more efficiently," Acharjee noted. "Our business intelligence decision-support team does a lot of slicing and dicing of this data, and the improved processing we now enjoy allows them to generate a lot more business insight in a short amount of time." Installing the Pure arrays also results in lower operating costs, Acharjee added, "because we can go to our co-lo facility when we renegotiate our contract and show them how little the footprint and energy costs of the Pure array will be." "As a HIMSS Stage 6 healthcare organization, North York General Hospital is a recognized leader in applying advanced technology for the improvement of patient care," said Vik Nagjee, VP and CTO of Healthcare and Life Sciences, Pure Storage. "NYGH's decision to migrate their entire Cerner environment to our all-flash storage solution marks another milestone for Pure in the healthcare industry. More importantly, we recognize that everyone benefits when clinicians see improvements in the patient-care environment and hospital administrators see long-term savings in costs." About North York General Hospital North York General Hospital, affiliated with the University of Toronto, is one of Canada's leading community academic hospitals. We offer our culturally diverse community a wide range of acute care, ambulatory and long-term care services across three sites. Through partnerships, collaboration and academic endeavours, we seek to set new standards for patient- and family-centred care. Working together with our patients and their families, we are making a world of difference. About Pure Storage Pure Storage (NYSE:PSTG) helps companies push the boundaries of what's possible. Pure's end-to-end data platform - including FlashArray, FlashBlade and our converged offering with Cisco, FlashStack is powered by innovative software that's cloud-connected for management from anywhere on a mobile device and supported by the Evergreen business model. The company's all-flash based technology, combined with its customer-friendly business model, drives business and IT transformation with solutions that are effortless, efficient and evergreen. With Pure's industry leading Satmetrix-certified NPS score of 83.7, Pure customers are some of the happiest in the world, and include organizations of all sizes, across an ever-expanding range of industries. Connect with Pure Storage: Read the blog Converse on Twitter Follow on LinkedIn FlashStack Solutions Analyst Recognition: Gartner Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays IDC MarketScape for All-Flash Arrays Pure Storage, the "P" Logo, Evergreen, FlashArray and FlashBlade are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pure Storage, Inc. All other trademarks or names referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Pure Storage Related Links http://www.purestorage.com PROVO, Utah, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) today announced its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share, which will be paid on Sept. 13, 2017, to stockholders of record on Aug. 25, 2017. About Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. Founded more than 30 years ago, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. develops and distributes innovative consumer products, offering a comprehensive line of premium-quality beauty and wellness solutions. The company builds upon its scientific expertise in both skin care and nutrition to continually develop innovative product brands that include the Nu Skin personal care brand, the Pharmanex nutrition brand, and most recently, the ageLOC anti-aging brand. The ageLOC brand has generated a loyal following for such products as the ageLOC Youth nutritional supplement, the ageLOC Me customized skin care system, as well as the ageLOC TR90 weight management and body shaping system. Nu Skin sells its products through a global network of sales leaders in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. As a long-standing member of direct selling associations globally, Nu Skin is committed to the industry's consumer guidelines that protect and support those who sell and purchase its products through the direct selling channel. Nu Skin is also traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NUS." More information is available at nuskin.com. SOURCE Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. Related Links http://www.nuskinenterprises.com TYSONS CORNER, Va., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Old Dominion National Bank announced the appointment Sushil Clarence as Executive Vice President responsible for the growing bank's government and technology banking group. Clarence, who joins Old Dominion from Cardinal Bank, recently acquired by United Bank, will focus on serving commercial clients primarily in Greater Washington's government contracting and technology industries. He will be based in Old Dominion's executive offices in Tysons Corner. "Sushil's wealth of community banking experience and industry knowledge, along with his longstanding and uncompromising commitment to serving clients, fits perfectly with our concierge style of business banking," said President and Chief Executive Officer Mark S. Merrill. "As a locally-owned and operated bank, we understand the unique challenges that organizations in specialized industries, like government contracting and technology, face every day in the markets we serve. Sushil leads a team of highly experienced professionals serving clients in these unique industries and we know his leadership will help us continue to attract top talent, as we build a special company and enrich the communities we serve." Kevin D. Albrigo, the Bank's Chief Lending Officer, noted, "Old Dominion National Bank remains focused on attracting and retaining relationship-driven leaders like Sushil, who add to our well-rounded team of commercial and industrial business bankers and support our highly personal approach to community banking. The Government and Technology Banking Group expands the bank's extensive industry expertise, which already includes Healthcare and Professional Services, Commercial Real Estate, and Nonprofit." Sushil has 30 years of financial services experience in the region, the last 13 of which he spent with Cardinal Bank, which was acquired by United Bank in April of this year, as an Executive Vice President and Manager of the company's Government and Technology Group. Prior to that, Sushil was a Senior Vice President and City Executive for BB&T from 1998 to 2003. From 1990 to 1995, he was a Senior Vice President at Columbia First Bank in Arlington, Va. A lifelong Washington D.C. metro banker, Sushil began his banking career in 1985 with the National Bank of Washington. The Rockville, Md. resident earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and M.B.A. in Finance from the University of North Texas. He also earned a B.S. in Physics from Osmania University in India. About Old Dominion National Bank Old Dominion is an independent, locally-owned and managed bank headquartered in Tysons Corner, Va., with approximately $125 million in assets. Old Dominion's Tysons Corner full-service branch serves a growing number of customers across the Washington metropolitan area, and the bank's three full-service locations in the Charlottesville area serve Albemarle County and Central Virginia. Old Dominion offers a full range of commercial and consumer financial services in the communities it serves. Please visit the bank online at ODNBonline.com. Media Contact: Old Dominion National Bank Mark S. Merrill President and Chief Executive Officer 8601 Westwood Center Dr., Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182 (434) 284-5667 [email protected] SOURCE Old Dominion National Bank Carnival Cruise Line recently earned a prestigious 2017 Wine Spectator Award. The world's largest cruise line was applauded for its handpicked selections, chosen to complement the cuisine at the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouses aboard Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze and Carnival Sunshine. On cruise ships, wine-loving guests may choose a bottle from wine lists or purchase a valued-priced, multi-bottle wine package from a menu. Main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and wine bars also offer selections by the glass, allowing for experimentation. Oenophile-focused shore excursions at select ports take you right to the vineyards for discussion about winemaking with vintners in places such as Italy, France, New Zealand and Australia. On its Pacific Wine Country itineraries, Princess Cruises offers guests opportunity to tour wineries including in California's Sonoma County. Onboard wine seminars provide guests opportunity to chat with experienced sommeliers and sample different varietals. Cruise lines such as Germany's AIDA Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia also offer theme cruises focused on food and wine, which bring additional experts onboard. "A cruise vacation is a great time to try something new, and when it comes to wine, that is very much encouraged by the sommeliers onboard," said Jo Poelmans, senior manager, restaurant and bar operations for ultra-luxury line Seabourn. "Wine is fashionable and also entertaining onboard ships," added Csaba Imre Szentpaly-Toth, Cellar Master on the Holland America Line's ms Zaandam. "Guests have opportunity on a concentrated basis to open their eyes to the secret world of winemaking, sommeliers, the art of food and wine pairing and the exciting history of wine-producing regions and people. We can lift the veil and introduce guests to new tastes and the rediscovery of old favorites." Cruise lines select bottles from vintners around the world. Carnival Cruise Line alone orders hundreds of thousands of bottles of wine each year. Each of the line's 25 ships carries about 5,000 bottles of wine at any one time, with the stocks constantly being replenished. Carnival Cruise Line's bestselling wines include Layer Cake Cabernet, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio, said Eddie Allen, vice president of beverage operations for Carnival Cruise Line. In main dining rooms, the wine menu features more than 100 wines available by the bottle and some 30 selections available by the glass. For a quiet sip, visit The Library Bar on the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine or Carnival Vista (and coming next year on the new Carnival Horizon). In the relaxing, library-themed oasis, you can pour your own tastes from state-of-the-art self-serve wine dispensers. The 12 ships of AIDA Cruises stock nearly 100 varieties from famous wine regions including in Germany, France and the United States, said Johannes Nagel, AIDA Cruises' senior manager of hotel services The cruise line has its own branded AIDA Selection wine, a Fruhburgunder (pinot madeleine), developed with Germany's Brogsitter winery. To celebrate the recent christening of the AIDAperla, AIDA Cruises is also serving a special Prima Perla Prosecco from the Veneto region of Italy. Italy's wine heritage is at the forefront on Italian line Costa Cruises. The line recently partnered with The Wine Bank in Pollenzo, Italy (a cooperative founded by Carlo Petrini of International Slow Food Movement fame), on a sustainable and organic wine list which features more than 100 labels from Italy and around the world. The line's traditional wine list also has iconic selections from Italy and elsewhere. The most popular wine on Costa Cruises ships is a sparkling Demi-Sec from the Ferrari collection, said Marco Serra, a Costa Cruises corporate sommelier. "Ferrari winery is an important piece of Italian wine history and on our ships you may find the entire Ferrari collection," Serra said. "The Trento Doc Ferrari Demi-Sec is obtained from Chardonnay grapes that are grown on the steep slopes of the mountains of Trentino." On several of the ships of British line P&O Cruises, The Glass House restaurant is a stylish, sea-view haven for lovers of good food and wine. Award-winning wine expert, food connoisseur and TV personality Olly Smith (who comes onboard the ships several times a year to lead food and wine experiences) handpicked the bespoke collection of specialty wines, which includes classics and off-the-beaten-path blends. Forty wines are available by the glass and paired with tapas. The idea, according to Smith, is to spend the evening sipping and tasting in a "no snobbery" experience. On the ships of P&O Cruises Australia, connoisseurs and newbies alike will want to check out selections that include labels from the renowned Hunter Valley, about 90 miles north of Sydney. With its five-ship fleet, P&O purchases nearly 100,000 bottles of wine from the Australian region each year having a significant positive impact on local winemakers. Onboard Pacific Aria, Pacific Dawn, Pacific Eden and Pacific Jewel, The Cellar Door wine bar is an innovative venue for tastings, master classes and seminars, run by onboard staff. The venerable Cunard line shows its passion for wine in a collection that encompasses labels from the world's most famous Old World vineyards, tempting New World wines and carefully selected examples from smaller boutique vineyards. Expert sommeliers onboard the three Cunard ocean liners assist guests with making their selections from an impressive, 48-page wine list. There's also a handy tasting guide rating white wines on a scale of very dry to luscious and red wines from light to full bodied. Rare wines are available by the bottle or by the glass, via Cunard's groundbreaking Coravin system which allows pours without removing the original cork. Among the precious tastes is a Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Guests might also choose a First Growth Wine Flight, featuring the five Premiers Crus of the Medoc, complete with an explanation of their common theme and differences. Cunard's wine list also includes the line's own private label of four varietals made from grapes from France's upper Minervois there's a wonderfully complex chardonnay/viognier, cabernet sauvignon, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre and a Grenache/Syrah Rose. For those serious about pursuing wine education, Cunard partners with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the world's largest provider of wine and spirits qualifications, for courses offered shipboard. In the Princess Cruises fleet, the Royal Princess and Regal Princess boast the largest at-sea collections of Super Tuscans representing most of the brands available worldwide. Selections are showcased at the Tuscan-inspired specialty restaurant Sabatini's. To try a variety, sign up for the Super Tuscan Wine Tasting. At the Vines Wine Bar, in a charming corner of the Piazza atrium on all of Princess Cruises' Grand- and Royal-class ships, there's opportunity to sample a selection of dozens of vintage wines and sparking wines. The menu includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass, served with complimentary gourmet nibbles. A new experience with Napa's Silverado Vineyards provides guests opportunity to try their hand at wine blending. Wine connoisseurs on Regal Princess might consider booking a Wine Maker's Dinner, a unique, intimate dining experience held in a private space inspired by a wine cellar. The menus are developed in conjunction with noted winemakers and paired with matching wines. Guests on Seabourn enjoy carefully chosen complimentary wines and champagne from a list of more than 40 varietals, while connoisseurs may choose additional options from a premium wine menu featuring more than 160 wine and 18 champagne labels. Particularly impressive on Seabourn are selections from some small, family-operated vineyards in Napa some are arranged via the cruise line's connection with culinary partner Thomas Keller, arguably America's greatest chef. "We are honored to offer wines from Colgin Cellers and Lail Vineyards, for example, allowing our guests to try these extraordinary vintages," said the line's Poelmans. "We also carry some of the most exclusive French wines onboard such as Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. At the end of the day, we're Seabourn and we strive to deliver the best." Holland America Line guests can choose from some 200 labels available at any one time, said the Zaandam's Szentpaly-Toth. The wine list changes by itinerary and destination, with separate lists for the main dining room and specialty restaurants. "Our American guests are immensely interested in the European chic of wine history and sampling those vintages from France and Italy," Szentpaly-Toth said. "Our European crowd would try almost anything they can from California to Washington State." The best sellers onboard Holland America Line ships include non-oak, barrel-aged whites, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs from New Zealand and Super Tuscans. Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, has his name on a private label Super Tuscan that has resonated well with guests, Szentpaly-Toth said. On the ms Koningsdam, there is also opportunity for guests to create their own wine at BLEND, a wine-blending experience offered in cooperation with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State's oldest winery. Cellar masters on each of the Holland America Line ships sample wines, visit vineyards and are attentive to guests, both at tasting events and seminars and one-on-one. "I find our guests falling in love with our wine team and taking their suggestions," Szentpaly-Toth said. Here are five tips from shipboard sommeliers: Let your wine steward know what you plan to order for your meal. He or she might suggest you order a powerful, fruity wine with your rack of lamb, for instance. Try wine with dessert. Sweet wine, such as a Moscato, pairs well with the bitterness of chocolate. Consider ordering wine based on the countries you are visiting. You might go for a Spanish wine in the Mediterranean or a Chilean wine in South America . Don't be afraid to ask questions. Shipboard sommeliers and wine experts are there to help take your wine experience to the next level. Ask about the history and origin or the wines you order. There are stories behind the creations. SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc Related Links http://www.Carnivalcorp.com TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OnDeck (NYSE:ONDK), the leader in online lending for small business, announced today a partnership with Payment Source, the largest retail distribution network for prepaid products in Canada, to offer Payment Source's Now Prepay customers access to the OnDeck online small business lending platform. Payment Source operates the Now Prepay brand and provides prepaid mobile top ups, gift cards and financial products and services to more than 15,000 retailers throughout Canada. The simplicity and speed of the OnDeck online lending solution will offer retail merchants in Canada a seamless experience and provide them with the opportunity to apply for capital required to fund core growth initiatives. "We're always looking for ways to increase the value of the business services we provide to our customers," says George DeMarchi, President, Payment Source. "With our Now Prepay division, we're looking to give our retail merchants the edge they need to succeed. We're certain that OnDeck will fill a need our customers have and we're excited to be facilitating this relationship." The strategic partnership between OnDeck Canada and Payment Source is a major step forward for Canadian businesses, especially those retail companies looking to fund immediate needs in a short period of time. "Small businesses have different needs, often requiring smaller amounts of money on-demand to fund critical growth inputs like hiring, technology and inventory," says Gary Fearnall, Country Manager, OnDeck Canada. "We are excited to partner with Payment Source to expand the accessibility of capital to small business owners to enable them to continue to grow." OnDeck's advanced lending technology and staunch dedication to customer service has enabled it to deliver more than US$6 billion dollars in capital to over 70,000 businesses across the United States, Canada, and Australia. "OnDeck focuses on providing lending solutions to small businesses to help them grow their business," says Grace Caputo, General Manager, Payment Source. "Their familiarity with small businesses and their speed to market makes them an ideal partner for us." About Payment Source Inc. Payment Source provides alternative payment solutions to organizations of all sizes and has the solution for every retail environment including; POS terminals, PC applications, mobile apps and integrated solutions. Now Prepay provides prepaid mobile top ups, gift cards and financial products and services. Loadhub provides secure, real-time in-person payments capability in every community across Canada and is the best possible solution for anyone looking to load funds to an account or take one-time payments. About OnDeck OnDeck (NYSE: ONDK) is the leader in online small business lending. Since 2007, the company has powered Main Street's growth through advanced lending technology and a constant dedication to customer service. For more information, please visit www.ondeck.ca OnDeck and the OnDeck logo are trademarks of On Deck Capital, Inc. Press Contact: Jim Larkin OnDeck [email protected] 203-526-7457 Allison Cutler Director, Marketing & Communications Payment Source 416-255-8897 SOURCE On Deck Capital, Inc. LONDON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Summary Global Spirits sector was valued at US$627.6 Billion in 2016 and is forecast to record a CAGR of 8.7% in value terms during 2016-2021. Asia- Pacific was the largest global market for Spirits, accounting for a 51.4% share of total value sales in 2016. Additionally, the region is forecast to record the fastest value growth at a CAGR of 12.9% during 2016-2021. A growing population of youngsters reaching the legal drinking age (LDA), improving economy, and the rising middle income population across APAC, MEA, and LATAM regions will remain the primary factors driving growth in the sector globally. With drinking viewed as a way to unwind & relax after a long day, the large working population worldwide will continue to support growth in demand for Spirits. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5026551/ Value share of Spirits in the global alcoholic beverages industry is forecast to increase during 2016-2021, led by rising share in Asia-Pacific and North America. However, the value share of Spirits in the overall alcoholic beverages industry is set to witness a decline in the Middle East & Africa, Latin America, Western Europe and Eastern Europe, driven by growing share of Beer & Cider in these regions. The top 10 high potential countries included Australia, South Korea, the UAE, Brazil, Chile, the US, Canada, Romania, France, and Germany. In Asia- Pacific, Australia emerged as the top high potential country with the largest risk-reward score, while the US emerged as the largest market in North America region. Romania is set to record the fastest CAGR of 5.8% during 2016-2021 in the Eastern Europe region, while Brazil represented the largest market in the Latin American region with a value share of 66.4% in 2016. Germany emerged as the largest market in Western Europe with a value share of 22.4% in 2016, while the UAE was the largest in the MEA region with a value share of 63% in 2016. Global Spirits sector was dominated by brands based out of the Asia-Pacific region. South Korea based Jinro emerged as the leading Spirits brand in the global Spirits sector with a volume share of 2.6% in 2016. India based Officers Choice was the second largest brand globally with a volume share of 1.2%, followed by China based brands - Red Star Er Guo Tou (1.1%) and Niu Lan Shan (1%). Hypermarkets & Supermarkets was the leading distribution channel for the global Spirits sector, with a volume share of 36.4% in 2016, followed by Food & Drinks Specialists with a 32.6% share of total volume sales. Large share of Hypermarkets & Supermarkets channel in the distribution of Spirits can be attributed to the developed organized retail industry in major countries, where most consumers prefer to buy Spirits. The report "Opportunities in the Global Spirits Sector" report brings together multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the global Spirits sector as part of our global series. It includes an analysis on global Spirits sector with consumption analysis highlighted for all regions. The report also identifies high potential countries by region that have been identified by creating a risk-reward analysis with multiple parameters. Companies mentioned in this report: Agave Loco LLC, Alberta Distillers Limited, Asbach Gmbh, Bacardi Limited, Bardinet S.A.S, Blavod Drinks Ltd., Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla, Bodegas Williams & Humbert, Brooklyn Gin, Brown-Forman Corporation, Camus, Carrington Distillers (Ont) Ltd, Jun, "OAK POLAND" General Partnership Jerzy Markiewicz, 3 Medronhos, AB Stumbras, AF INTERNATIONAL CORP, Agave Industries India Ltd., Agave Tequilana Prod. Y Comercializadores, S.A. C.V., Agropecuaria Grande Sul Ltda, Aguardiente Llanero, Aivy Vodka, Akwawit-Polmos S.A, Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman Corp. Scope - The report provides an overview of global and regional markets covering - Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe - highlighting sector size, growth drivers, latest developments, and future inhibitors for the region. - It also identifies top ten high potential countries and provides deep dive analysis of top countries in each region. - The report draws on the sector data by analyzing key distribution channels for Spirits in the global market. - Sector data is also used for studying the level of competition in the sector by identifying the top brands at a global and regional level with insights on sector shares of private label products. Reasons to buy - To have a thorough fact based analysis with information about the global Spirits sector across the six regions in value terms and the underlying factors that are driving the sales - To gain confidence to make the correct business decisions based on a detailed analysis of the global Spirits sector and to identify high potential countries over the next 5 years - The analysts have placed a significant emphasis on the mega trends that drive consumer choice and will provide a clear picture about the future opportunities that can be explored across the region, resulting in revenue expansion Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5026551/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Parsley Energy, Inc. (NYSE: PE) ("Parsley," "Parsley Energy," or the "Company") today announced financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The Company has posted to its website a presentation that supplements the information in this release. Second Quarter 2017 Highlights Net production averaged 64.7 MBoe per day, up 18% versus 1Q17 and 81% year-over-year. Daily net oil production increased 14% versus 1Q17 and 82% year-over-year. The Company is increasing full-year 2017 net production guidance from 65-71 MBoe per day to 67-73 MBoe per day and also increasing estimated 4Q17 net production from 78-88 MBoe per day to 80-90 MBoe per day. At the midpoints, the updated ranges translate to estimated production growth of 83% in 2017 versus 2016 and 88% in 4Q17 versus 4Q16. Parsley reiterates estimated full-year 2017 capital expenditures of $1.0-$1.15 billion . . The Company has executed several acreage trades that enhance the development potential of its Midland Basin footprint. Net of acreage traded away, Parsley added more than 500,000 net lateral feet to the Company's horizontal drilling inventory through trades executed since its last quarterly update in May. Including this footage, Parsley has added approximately 1.4 million net lateral feet through acreage trades since announcing the acquisition of Midland Basin assets from Double Eagle Permian, LLC and certain of its affiliates in February, while consolidating key development areas. Basin footprint. Net of acreage traded away, Parsley added more than 500,000 net lateral feet to the Company's horizontal drilling inventory through trades executed since its last quarterly update in May. Including this footage, Parsley has added approximately 1.4 million net lateral feet through acreage trades since announcing the acquisition of Basin assets from Double Eagle Permian, LLC and certain of its affiliates in February, while consolidating key development areas. Parsley completed several successful delineation projects in 2Q17: Midland Basin Upper/Lower Wolfcamp A stacked test confirms presence of two prospective Wolfcamp A targets. Midland Basin Upper/Lower Wolfcamp B stacked downspacing pilot validates 330-foot spacing concept. Southern Delaware Basin Upper/Lower Wolfcamp A stagger test and Southern Delaware Basin Lower Wolfcamp A/Wolfcamp B stack test verify presence of three Southern Delaware Basin Wolfcamp targets. Early results from a well completed with a compressed stage completion design show material outperformance on limited incremental cost compared to the Company's standard completion design. As previously disclosed, Parsley amended its revolving credit agreement on April 28, 2017 , thereby increasing its borrowing base by 60% to $1.4 billion , with a Company-elected commitment amount of $1.0 billion . As of the end of 2Q17, liquidity stands at $1.5 billion , including $503 million of cash on hand. "Parsley Energy continues to generate value from multiple sources, registering several noteworthy accomplishments in the second quarter of 2017," said Bryan Sheffield, Parsley's Chairman and CEO. "Strong production growth in 2Q17 was accompanied by significant delineation success, promising new well designs, and accretive acreage trades, all of which increase the value of our premier acreage position. With a strong balance sheet and abundant operational flexibility, Parsley is poised to deliver differentiated results across a range of commodity price scenarios." Operational Highlights In light of anticipated tightness in the market for high-specification drilling rigs, Parsley proactively secured and has taken delivery of all of the rigs necessary to execute the Company's 2017 drilling program. Consequently, Parsley spud 49 gross horizontal wells in the second quarter while completing 27 gross horizontal wells. Parsley's working interest on completed wells was approximately 95%, with an average completed lateral length of approximately 7,600 feet. Drilling and completion activity was concentrated in the Midland Basin, where the Company spud 35 and completed 21 gross operated horizontal wells; the balance were spud and completed in the Southern Delaware Basin. Delineation Success Roughly half of the wells Parsley brought online in 2Q17 targeted new zones or were drilled and completed with new spacing configurations, resulting in several important delineation milestones. Midland Basin Successful execution of an Upper/Lower Wolfcamp A stack test confirmed the presence of two target intervals within the Wolfcamp A formation. After 30 days of production, the Elwood 16-21-4107H and the Elwood 16-21-4207H, completed in Upton County with 1.5-mile laterals, are currently producing an average of approximately 1,200 Boe per day and have generated cumulative volumes that are consistent with the Company's one million Boe type curve. Encouraged by early results, Parsley expects to test two more stacked Wolfcamp A wells in 2H17, this time on top of two wells stacked in the Wolfcamp B formation. Confirmatory success could add to Parsley's drilling inventory, as the Company's stated inventory currently ascribes no credit for the Upper Wolfcamp A formation in the Midland Basin. Parsley validated a stacked Upper/Lower Wolfcamp B downspacing concept with early production history from an 8-well project in Reagan County. This density test consists of four wells in the Upper Wolfcamp B atop four wells in the Lower Wolfcamp B, with 330-foot lateral spacing between wells (or 15 wells per target per section equivalent). To date, seven of the eight wells have achieved peak 30-day production rates, which on average are tracking at 84% of the average rate for offset Wolfcamp B wells at 660-foot spacing. Relatively modest productivity degradation combined with pad- and facilities-related cost savings yield a projected net present value uplift of more than 30% for an 8-well project at 330-foot spacing when compared to a 4-well project at 660-foot spacing. Application of less intensive completion designs could increase the cost savings and net present value impact of downspaced development. Parsley bases its current Midland Basin Wolfcamp B inventory on 660-foot spacing between laterals (or 8 wells per section equivalent). Parsley's first well targeting the Wolfcamp C formation, the Taylor 45-33-4601H, continues to generate robust volumes, with cumulative production of 370 MBoe (58% oil) after 150 days. The well is still flowing naturally at nearly 2,000 Boe per day and is on track to achieve payout within its first six months of production. The Company's second Wolfcamp C well, the Paige 13A-12A-4810H, has yet to reach a peak-24 hour rate after several days online but is already producing more than 1,300 Bbls of oil per day while registering favorable pressure trends during its initial flowback period. Parsley possesses more than 900 Wolfcamp C drilling locations in what the Company has identified as the fairway of the Wolfcamp C play, encompassing portions of Reagan, Glasscock, Midland, and Upton Counties. Southern Delaware Basin During 2Q17, Parsley successfully tested two new flow units in Pecos County. Building on a series of strong standalone wells in the Lower Wolfcamp A interval, the Company executed a stacked two-well Lower Wolfcamp A/Wolfcamp B test and a staggered two-well Upper/Lower Wolfcamp A test. To date, both combinations have performed well relative to the average production generated by the Company's standalone wells in Pecos County when normalized for lateral length. After 40 days, the Lower Wolfcamp A/Wolfcamp B wells, drilled with one-mile laterals, have produced 26 MBoe on average, in line with the standalone average. After 50 days, the Upper/Lower Wolfcamp A wells, drilled with two-mile laterals, have produced 65 MBoe on average, or roughly 20% less than the standalone average for that timeframe. Three confirmed Wolfcamp targets support the Company's current Southern Delaware Wolfcamp inventory assumption of 16 wells per section equivalent. Production Trends Parsley continued its strong production momentum in 2Q17, driven by robust well performance from its core development activity. The 15 Midland Basin development wells that achieved 30-day peak production periods since the Company's last quarterly update registered an average peak 30-day rate of 1,379 Boe per day with an average stimulated lateral length of 7,720' and an average three-stream oil cut of 75%. Including the Upper/Lower Wolfcamp B density pilot, newly-peaked Midland Basin wells registered an average 30-day initial production rate of 1,245 Boe per day with an average stimulated lateral length of 7,730' and an average three-stream oil cut of 74%. The five Southern Delaware wells that reached peak production since the Company's last update achieved an average 30-day initial production rate of 1,056 Boe per day with an average stimulated lateral length of 7,090' and an average three-stream oil cut of 78%. Favorable results from Parsley's initial compressed stage spacing test bode well for ongoing productivity gains. The Louis 4413H, drilled in Upton County with a one-mile lateral, was completed with 50 stages, equating to 100-foot stage spacing versus Parsley's heretofore standard design of 170-foot stage spacing. After 120 days, the compressed stage well is the Company's most prolific one-mile Wolfcamp B well to date with cumulative production of 110 MBoe and a peak 30-day rate of 1,397 Boe per day (or 272 Boe per day per thousand stimulated feet). Moreover, compared to a well drilled 660 feet away in the same target formation and completed simultaneously with standard stage spacing, the Louis 4413H has registered 20% higher cumulative production, even with reduced proppant loading that limited incremental well cost to less than 5%. This cost/benefit relationship implies a compelling economic profile, motivating several additional tests during 2H17. The Company experienced a slight shift in production mix in 2Q17, with oil as a percentage of total production down from 69% to 67%. The shift in production composition was a function of contributions from recently acquired vertical production and a seasonal increase in plant efficiencies that boosted the recovery of NGLs. Delays on the eight-well Wolfcamp B downspacing project also limited the contribution of high oil-cut flush production in the second quarter, adversely impacting both absolute oil volumes and overall production mix. More generally, oil recoveries from Parsley's portfolio of horizontal wells continue to track in line with expectations, even as gas and NGL volumes broadly exceed expectations. Notably, liquids as a percentage of overall production tied a Company-record in the second quarter at 85%. In light of these considerations as well as increasing contribution from Wolfcamp C wells, Parsley is reducing its estimated full-year 2017 oil percentage to 67-70%, a range that the Company believes is likely to be appropriate through 2018, as well. Financial Highlights During 2Q17, the Company recorded net income attributable to its stockholders of $40.7 million, or $0.17 per weighted average share, compared to net income of $29.4 million, or $0.13 per weighted average share, during 1Q17. Excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, certain items that the Company does not view as indicative of its ongoing financial performance, and adding back the non-controlling interest allocated to Class B stockholders, adjusted net income for 2Q17 was $12.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to $34.2 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in 1Q17.(1) Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, and exploration expense ("Adjusted EBITDAX") for 2Q17 was $143.4 million, down 2% compared to 1Q17.(1) Parsley recorded lease operating expense ("LOE") per Boe of $5.03 in 2Q17, up from $3.57 in 1Q17. Second quarter LOE was impacted by higher workover costs, an infusion of relatively high-cost vertical production, and lifting costs on non-operated wells, all of which relate to recent acquisitions. Parsley reported general and administrative expense ("G&A") per Boe of $5.39, up 10% versus 1Q17. The Company reported cash G&A per Boe, which excludes stock-based compensation expense, of $4.50, up by 12% over the same period. The sequential increase in G&A per Boe reflects increased staffing associated with early rig additions and recent acquisitions. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense per Boe was relatively stable in 2Q17 at $14.15 compared to $13.99 in 1Q17. Parsley reported capital expenditures of $295 million during the quarter, comprised of $252 million for drilling and completion and $43 million for facilities and infrastructure. In addition to spending associated with the 49 horizontal spuds and 27 horizontal completions noted above, 2Q17 capital expenditures include expenses associated with drilling and completing two vertical wells and two saltwater disposal wells. Strong Balance Sheet and Robust Hedge Position As of June 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $1.5 billion of liquidity, consisting of $503 million of cash on hand and an undrawn amount of $997 million on the Company's revolver.(2) Parsley added to its oil hedge portfolio during the quarter and now has an average of 58 MBbls per day of oil hedged during 2018 with an average floor price of approximately $50/Bbl.(3) "Parsley Energy continues to operate from strong financial footing," said Ryan Dalton, Parsley's CFO. "A differentiated cash position and an advantaged hedge book provide a buffer if oil prices decline and facilitate strategic growth in more constructive commodity scenarios." For details on Parsley's hedging position, please see the tables below under Supplemental Information and/or the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, upon availability, for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Full-year 2017 Guidance Update Parsley is increasing guidance for full-year 2017 and 4Q17 daily net production, reflecting broadly stronger well performance and higher NGL volumes. The Company is reducing its estimated full-year 2017 oil percentage to account for its 2Q17 production mix, as discussed above, and for increasing contributions from Wolfcamp C wells. Parsley is also reducing its expected completion count in the Southern Delaware Basin to reflect extended project cycle times earlier this year. Estimated full-year 2017 capital expenditures are unchanged, as fewer expected completions are offset by incremental drilling activity associated with early rig delivery. All other guidance remains unchanged, as well. 2017 2017 Previous Updated Production Annual net production (MBoe/d) 65.0-71.0 67.0-73.0 % Oil 68%-73% 67%-70% 4Q17 net production (MBoe/d) 78.0-88.0 80.0-90.0 Capital Program Drilling and completion ($MM) $840-$960 $840-$960 Infrastructure and other ($MM) $160-$190 $160-$190 Total development expenditures ($MM) $1,000-$1,150 $1,000-$1,150 % Non-operated 3%-5% 3%-5% Activity Gross operated horizontal completions 130-150 120-140 Midland Basin 95-105 95-105 Delaware Basin 35-45 25-35 Average lateral length ~8,000' ~8,000' Gross operated vertical completions 5-10 5-10 Average working interest 85%-95% 85%-95% Unit Costs Lease operating expenses ($/Boe) $3.50-$4.50 $3.50-$4.50 Cash general and administrative expenses ($/Boe) $4.00-$5.00 $4.00-$5.00 Production and ad valorem taxes (% of revenue) 6.0%-7.0% 6.0%-7.0% Conference Call Information Parsley Energy will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its results for the second quarter of 2017 on Thursday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time). Participants should call 877-407-0672 (United States/Canada) or 412-902-0003 (International) 10 minutes before the scheduled time and request the Parsley Energy conference call. A telephone replay will be available shortly after the call through August 10 by dialing 877-660-6853 (United States/Canada) or 201-612-7415 (International). Conference ID: 13666261. A live broadcast will also be available on the internet at www.parsleyenergy.com under the "Events & Presentations" section of the website. The Company has also posted to its website a presentation that supplements the information in this release. About Parsley Energy, Inc. Parsley Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the acquisition and development of unconventional oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.parsleyenergy.com. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent Parsley Energy's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Parsley Energy's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Parsley Energy does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Parsley Energy to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements found in the Company's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risk factors and other factors noted in the Company's SEC filings could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. (1) "Adjusted EBITDAX" and "adjusted net income" are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Please see the supplemental financial information at the end of this news release for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted EBITDAX and adjusted net income to GAAP financial measures. (2) Fully undrawn revolver balance is net of letters of credit. (3) Average floor price refers to the Company's weighted average long put price for 2018. - Tables to Follow - Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Selected Operating Data (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 June 30, 2016 Net production volumes: Oil (MBbls) 3,917 3,394 2,157 Natural gas (MMcf) 5,421 4,419 3,154 Natural gas liquids (MBbls) 1,069 800 566 Total (MBoe) 5,890 4,931 3,249 Average net daily production (Boe/d) 64,725 54,789 35,703 Average sales prices (1) : Oil, without realized derivatives (per Bbl) $ 45.46 $ 50.01 $ 42.25 Oil, with realized derivatives (per Bbl) $ 45.49 $ 48.52 $ 47.49 Natural gas, without realized derivatives (per Mcf) $ 2.39 $ 2.82 $ 1.85 Natural gas, with realized derivatives (per Mcf) $ 2.36 $ 2.80 $ 1.85 NGLs (per Bbl) $ 19.02 $ 21.77 $ 16.51 Total, without realized derivatives (per Boe) $ 35.89 $ 40.48 $ 32.72 Total, with realized derivatives (per Boe) $ 35.87 $ 39.44 $ 36.20 Average costs (per Boe): Lease operating expenses $ 5.03 $ 3.57 $ 4.37 Production and ad valorem taxes $ 1.93 $ 2.26 $ 1.97 Depreciation, depletion and amortization $ 14.15 $ 13.99 $ 17.23 General and administrative expenses (including stock-based compensation) $ 5.39 $ 4.88 $ 5.33 General and administrative expenses (cash based) $ 4.50 $ 4.02 $ 4.28 (1) Average prices shown in the table include transportation and gathering costs and reflect prices both before and after the effects of the Company's realized commodity hedging transactions. The Company's calculation of such effects includes both realized gains and losses on cash settlements for commodity derivative transactions and premiums paid or received on options that settled during the period. Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited, in thousands, except for per share data) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 REVENUES Oil sales $ 178,066 $ 91,129 $ 347,811 $ 143,160 Natural gas sales 12,983 5,834 25,450 11,377 Natural gas liquids sales 20,336 9,347 37,749 14,041 Other 2,292 562 3,525 782 Total revenues 213,677 106,872 414,535 169,360 OPERATING EXPENSES Lease operating expenses 29,631 14,204 47,258 28,102 Production and ad valorem taxes 11,397 6,407 22,559 10,602 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 83,315 55,988 152,285 105,372 General and administrative expenses (including stock-based compensation) 31,761 17,307 55,803 36,606 Exploration costs 2,442 8,978 5,205 9,666 Acquisition costs 7,176 486 8,520 486 Accretion of asset retirement obligations 193 215 329 385 Other operating expenses 2,503 1,651 4,786 2,547 Total operating expenses 168,418 105,236 296,745 193,766 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 45,259 1,636 117,790 (24,406) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest expense, net (20,586) (12,199) (37,551) (23,393) Loss on sale of property (469) (119) Loss on early extinguishment of debt (3,891) Gain (loss) on derivatives 43,514 (27,304) 68,130 (25,216) Change in TRA liability (20,549) Other (expense) income (177) (70) 773 (531) Total other income (expense), net 22,751 (40,042) 6,912 (49,259) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 68,010 (38,406) 124,702 (73,665) INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT (12,216) 10,918 (30,618) 20,486 NET INCOME (LOSS) 55,794 (27,488) 94,084 (53,179) LESS: NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (15,048) 6,111 (23,896) 12,448 NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARSLEY ENERGY, INC. STOCKHOLDERS $ 40,746 $ (21,377) $ 70,188 $ (40,731) Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.17 $ (0.13) $ 0.30 $ (0.28) Diluted $ 0.17 $ (0.13) $ 0.30 $ (0.28) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 245,698 158,662 233,255 147,313 Diluted 246,792 158,662 234,315 147,313 * Certain reclassifications and adjustments to prior period amounts have been made to conform with current presentation. Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited, in thousands) June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 502,616 $ 133,379 Restricted cash 3,889 3,290 Accounts receivable: Joint interest owners and other 17,826 12,698 Oil, natural gas and NGLs 76,621 59,174 Related parties 216 290 Short-term derivative instruments, net 117,825 39,708 Other current assets 8,053 50,949 Total current assets 727,046 299,488 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Oil and natural gas properties, successful efforts method 7,803,119 4,063,417 Accumulated depreciation, depletion and impairment (640,926) (506,175) Total oil and natural gas properties, net 7,162,193 3,557,242 Other property, plant and equipment, net 77,197 59,318 Total property, plant and equipment, net 7,239,390 3,616,560 NONCURRENT ASSETS Long-term derivative instruments, net 109,940 16,416 Other noncurrent assets 9,226 6,318 Total noncurrent assets 119,166 22,734 TOTAL ASSETS $ 8,085,602 $ 3,938,782 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 336,926 $ 162,317 Revenue and severance taxes payable 87,425 69,452 Current portion of long-term debt 3,806 67,214 Short-term derivative instruments, net 73,660 44,153 Current portion of asset retirement obligations 5,500 1,818 Total current liabilities 507,317 344,954 NONCURRENT LIABILITIES Long-term debt 1,490,597 1,041,324 Asset retirement obligations 14,157 9,574 Deferred tax liability 10,375 5,483 Payable pursuant to TRA liability 114,876 94,326 Long-term derivative instruments, net 75,104 12,815 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,705,109 1,163,522 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding Common stock Class A, $0.01 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized, 246,667,121 shares issued and 246,523,242 shares outstanding at June 30, 2017 and 179,730,033 shares issued and 179,590,617 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 2,467 1,797 Class B, $0.01 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 67,857,091 and 28,008,573 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 679 280 Additional paid in capital 4,582,932 2,151,197 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 6,933 (63,255) Treasury stock, at cost, 143,879 shares and 139,416 shares at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (518) (381) Total stockholders' equity 4,592,493 2,089,638 Noncontrolling interest 1,280,683 340,668 Total equity 5,873,176 2,430,306 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 8,085,602 $ 3,938,782 Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited, in thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 94,084 $ (53,179) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 152,285 105,372 Accretion of asset retirement obligations 329 385 Loss on sale of property 119 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,891 Amortization and write off of deferred loan origination costs 1,803 1,385 Amortization of bond premium (258) (383) Stock-based compensation 9,460 6,150 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 30,476 (20,486) Change in TRA liability 20,549 (Gain) loss on derivatives (68,130) 25,216 Net cash received for derivative settlements 2,115 25,133 Net cash (paid) received for option premiums (13,281) 7,014 Net premiums (paid) received on options that settled during the period (9,917) 20,965 Other 261 5,677 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Restricted cash (599) (1,019) Accounts receivable (22,575) (52,521) Accounts receivablerelated parties 74 (345) Other current assets 56,235 (39,037) Other noncurrent assets (842) 482 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 52,672 12,388 Revenue and severance taxes payable 17,973 8,487 Other noncurrent liabilities 2 Net cash provided by operating activities 326,605 51,805 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Development of oil and natural gas properties (361,742) (252,764) Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties (2,088,286) (548,724) Additions to other property and equipment (19,520) (6,487) Proceeds from sales and exchanges of oil and natural gas properties 13,557 Other (630) Net cash used in investing activities (2,456,621) (807,975) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings under long-term debt 452,480 200,000 Payments on long-term debt (67,411) (503) Debt issuance costs (9,206) (4,561) Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 2,123,527 659,387 Repurchase of common stock (137) (213) Net cash provided by financing activities 2,499,253 854,110 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 369,237 97,940 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 133,379 343,084 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 502,616 $ 441,024 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest $ 15,102 $ 21,241 Cash paid for income taxes $ 200 $ 315 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES: Asset retirement obligations incurred, including changes in estimate $ 8,084 $ (1,257) Additions (reductions) to oil and natural gas properties - change in capital accruals $ 121,663 $ (6,281) Additions to other property and equipment funded by capital lease borrowings $ 2,500 $ 505 Common stock issued for oil and natural gas properties $ 1,183,501 $ Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted EBITDAX Adjusted EBITDAX is not a measure of net income as determined by GAAP. Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of the Company's consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDAX as net income (loss) before depreciation, depletion and amortization, exploration costs, net interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), change in Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") liability, stock-based compensation, acquisition costs, (gain) loss on sale of property, asset retirement obligation accretion expense, loss on early extinguishment of debt, (gain) loss on derivatives, net settlements on derivative instruments, and net premium realizations on options that settled during the period. Management believes Adjusted EBITDAX is useful because it allows the Company to more effectively evaluate its operating performance and compare the results of its operations from period to period without regard to its financing methods or capital structure. The Company excludes the items listed above from net income in arriving at Adjusted EBITDAX because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within its industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures, and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as determined in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of the Company's operating performance. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company's financial performance, such as a company's cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of Adjusted EBITDAX. The Company's computations of Adjusted EBITDAX may not be comparable to other similarly titled measure of other companies. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance. The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAX to the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) for each of the periods indicated. Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Adjusted EBITDAX (Unaudited, in thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Adjusted EBITDAX reconciliation to net income (loss): Net income (loss) attributable to Parsley Energy, Inc. stockholders $ 40,746 $ (21,377) $ 70,188 $ (40,731) Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 15,048 (6,111) 23,896 (12,448) Depreciation, depletion and amortization 83,315 55,988 152,285 105,372 Exploration costs 2,442 8,978 5,205 9,666 Interest expense, net 20,586 12,199 37,551 23,393 Income tax expense (benefit) 12,216 (10,918) 30,618 (20,486) EBITDAX 174,353 38,759 319,743 64,766 Change in TRA liability 20,549 Stock-based compensation 5,251 3,391 9,460 6,150 Acquisition costs 7,176 486 8,520 486 Loss on sale of property 469 119 Accretion of asset retirement obligations 193 215 329 385 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,891 (Gain) loss on derivatives (43,514) 27,304 (68,130) 25,216 Net settlements on derivative instruments 4,973 747 4,672 19,187 Net premium realization on options that settled during the period (5,063) 10,551 (9,917) 20,965 Adjusted EBITDAX $ 143,369 $ 81,922 $ 289,117 $ 137,274 * Certain reclassifications to prior period amounts have been made to conform with current presentation. Adjusted Net Income Adjusted net income is a performance measure used by management to evaluate financial performance, prior to non-cash gains or losses on derivatives, net cash received for derivative settlements, net premiums received on options that settled during the period, (gain) loss on sale of property, exploration costs, acquisition costs, loss on early extinguishment of debt, and change in TRA liability, while adjusting for noncontrolling interest and the associated changes in estimated income tax. Management believes adjusted net income is useful because it may enhance investors' ability to assess Parsley's historical and future financial performance. Adjusted net income should not be considered an alternative to consolidated net income, operating income, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. The following table presents a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted net income to the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss). Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Adjusted Net Income and Net Income Per Share (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income (loss) - as reported $ 40,746 $ (21,377) $ 70,188 $ (40,731) Adjustments for certain non-cash and unusual items: (Gain) loss on derivatives (43,514) 27,304 (68,130) 25,216 Net settlements on derivative instruments 4,973 747 4,672 19,187 Net premium realization on options that settled during the period (5,063) 10,551 (9,917) 20,965 Loss on sale of property 469 119 Exploration costs 2,442 8,978 5,205 9,666 Acquisition costs 7,176 486 8,520 486 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,891 Change in TRA liability 20,549 Noncontrolling interest (6,085) (12,441) Change in estimated income tax 5,762 (14,224) 11,658 (21,077) Adjusted net income $ 12,522 $ 6,849 $ 46,636 $ 1,390 Net income (loss) per diluted share - as reported(1) $ 0.17 $ (0.13) $ 0.30 $ (0.28) Adjustments for certain non-cash and unusual items: (Gain) loss on derivatives $ (0.18) $ 0.14 $ (0.29) $ 0.15 Net settlements on derivative instruments 0.02 0.02 0.11 Net premium realization on options that settled during the period (0.02) 0.06 (0.04) 0.12 Loss on sale of property Exploration costs 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.05 Acquisition costs 0.03 0.04 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 0.02 Change in TRA liability 0.09 Noncontrolling interest (0.03) (0.07) Change in estimated income tax 0.02 (0.07) 0.04 (0.12) Adjustment for change in weighted average diluted share count(1)(2) 0.02 0.05 Adjusted net income per diluted share(2) $ 0.05 $ 0.04 $ 0.20 $ 0.01 Basic weighted average shares outstanding - as reported(1) 245,698 158,662 233,255 147,313 Effect of dilutive securities: Class B Common Stock Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units 1,094 1,060 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding - as reported(1) 246,792 158,662 234,315 147,313 Effect of dilutive securities: Class B Common Stock 32,145 32,145 Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units 898 796 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for adjusted net income(2) 246,792 191,705 234,315 180,254 (1) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the number of weighted average diluted shares used to calculate actual net income per share is based on the fact that, under the "if converted" and treasury stock methods, Class B Common Stock and restricted stock and restricted stock units were not recognized because they would have been antidilutive. (2) For purposes of calculating adjusted net income per diluted share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, Class B Common Stock was dilutive using the "if converted" method and restricted stock and restricted stock units were dilutive using the treasury stock method. Supplemental Information Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Open Crude Oil Derivatives Positions (1) 3Q17 4Q17 1Q18 2Q18 3Q18 4Q18 1Q19 2Q19 3Q19 4Q19 Put Spreads (MBbls/d) (2) 35.7 45.5 26.7 26.4 26.1 26.1 6.7 6.6 Put Price ($/Bbl) $ 51.23 $ 50.96 $ 52.81 $ 51.88 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 Short Put Price ($/Bbl) $ 41.14 $ 41.43 $ 41.88 $ 41.88 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 Three Way Collars (MBbls/d) (3) 21.7 28.0 31.0 31.0 8.3 8.2 8.2 8.2 Short Call Price ($/Bbl) $ 68.85 $ 70.79 $ 75.65 $ 75.65 $ 80.40 $ 80.40 $ 80.40 $ 80.40 Put Price ($/Bbl) $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $ 50.00 Short Put Price ($/Bbl) $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 40.00 Premium Realization ($ MM) (4) $ (12.5) $ (14.6) $ (16.1) $ (14.5) $ (13.7) $ (13.7) $ (4.2) $ (4.2) $ (1.5) $ (1.5) Collars (MBbls/d) (5) 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Short Call Price ($/Bbl) $ 59.73 $ 59.98 $ 61.31 $ 61.31 $ 61.31 $ 61.31 Put Price ($/Bbl) $ 46.75 $ 46.75 $ 45.67 $ 45.67 $ 45.67 $ 45.67 Swaps (MBbls/d) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Strike Price ($/Bbl) $ 55.00 $ 55.00 $ 55.00 $ 55.00 $ 55.00 $ 55.00 Total MBbls/d Hedged 40.2 50.0 51.8 57.9 60.6 60.6 15.0 14.8 8.2 8.2 Mid-Cush Basis Swaps (MBbls/d) 16.7 16.7 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Swap Price ($/Bbl) $ (1.00) $ (1.00) $ (0.91) $ (0.91) $ (0.91) $ (0.91) Parsley Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries Open Natural Gas Derivatives Positions (1) 3Q17 4Q17 1Q18 Three Way Collars (MMBtu/d) (3) 15.5 15.5 26.7 Call Price ($/MMBtu) $ 4.02 $ 4.02 $ 4.70 Put Price ($/MMBtu) $ 2.75 $ 2.75 $ 3.25 Short Put Price ($/MMBtu) $ 2.36 $ 2.36 $ 2.60 Swaps (MMBtu/d) 5.0 5.0 5.0 Strike Price ($/MMBtu) $ 3.39 $ 3.46 $ 3.50 Total MMBtu/d Hedged 20.5 20.5 31.7 (1) As of 8/1/2017 (2) When the NYMEX price is above the put price, Parsley receives the NYMEX price. When the NYMEX price is between the put price and the short put price, Parsley receives the put price. When the NYMEX price is below the short put price, Parsley receives the NYMEX price plus the difference between the short put price and the put price. (3) Functions similarly to put spreads except that when the index price is at or above the call price, Parsley receives the call price. (4) Premium realizations represent net premiums paid (including deferred premiums), which are recognized as income or loss in the period of settlement. (5) When the NYMEX price is above the call price, Parsley receives the call price. When the NYMEX price is below the put price, Parsley receives the put price. When the NYMEX price is between the call and put prices, Parsley receives the NYMEX price. SOURCE Parsley Energy, Inc. Related Links http://www.parsleyenergy.com SAN DIEGO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights law firm Johnson & Weaver, LLP (J&W) has launched an investigation into whether the board members of PharMerica Corporation (NYSE: PMC) ("PharMerica") breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company to KKR; Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. will also make a minority investment in the Company. PharMerica operates as an institutional pharmacy services company in the United States. The company offers services to healthcare facilities; pharmacy management services to hospitals; specialty infusion services to patients outside hospitals; and oncology pharmacy services. On August 2, 2017, PharMerica announced it had signed a definitive merger agreement with KKR. Under the terms of the agreement, PharMerica shareholders will receive $29.25 in cash for each share of PharMerica common stock upon closing of the proposed transaction. The investigation concerns whether the PharMerica board failed to satisfy its duties to the Company shareholders, including whether the board adequately pursued alternatives to the acquisition and whether the board obtained the best price possible for PharMerica shares of common stock. Nationally recognized Johnson & Weaver is investigating whether the proposed deal price represents adequate consideration, especially given one Wall Street analyst has a $31 price target on the stock. If you are a shareholder of PharMerica and believe the proposed buyout price is too low or you're interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker ([email protected]) at 619-814-4471. About Johnson & Weaver, LLP: Johnson & Weaver, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York and Georgia. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonandweaver.com. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact: Johnson & Weaver, LLP Jim Baker, 619-814-4471 [email protected] SOURCE Johnson & Weaver, LLP Related Links http://johnsonandweaver.com "We are thrilled about our new partnership with Staub Electronics. Their channel and support-centric approach guarantees they will have huge success with their expansion into the AV space. We are extremely flattered and pleased to be part of it," says Jonathan Boaz, Phoenix Audio Technologies VP of Sales and Marketing. Phoenix Audio products will provide Staub's client base with high quality audio solutions that are simple to install and easy to use. Their compatibility with cloud-based video conferencing applications make Phoenix Audio's solutions the perfect audio endpoints for Staub's growing Commercial AV audience. ''The addition of Phoenix Audio fits well with our move into the Commercial AV market and provides us with a number of high quality options to support video conferencing and telephony projects, '' says Scott Trotter, President of Staub Electronics. Visit the Staub Electronics website to see the full line of Phoenix Audio products. About Phoenix Audio Technologies Based in Southern California, Phoenix Audio Technologies is a leading innovator of audio communication solutions, striving to provide audio and video conferencing with simple-to-install, easy-to-use, high quality audio. The company designs and manufactures products that address the fast pace changes in communication trends, conferencing environments, and connectivity technologies. Phoenix Audio's proprietary audio algorithms aim to improve the communication experience and enable people to speak freely and naturally with as little compromise in quality as possible. For more information, visit Phoenix Audio's website at www.phnxaudio.com. About Staub Electronics Staub Electronics Ltd. is one of Canada's leading distributors of integrated technology products and services the residential AV, commercial AV and automotive markets throughout Canada. Established in 1981, Staub is a trusted partner to technology integrators utilizing a simple business model centered on industry experienced people, world-class technology, high availability of inventory, same-day shipping and 1 3 day delivery. For more information about Staub Electronics please visit www.staub.ca or call us toll free at 1-888-470-2211. Contact Phoenix Audio Technologies Laura Miller (818) 937.4774 [email protected] SOURCE Phoenix Audio Technologies Related Links http://phnxaudio.com Participants at the White House Small Business Forum: The Engine of the American Dream, include President Donald J. Trump; Senior Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump; SBA Administrator Linda McMahon; along with leaders like Greene who represent 29 million small businesses in America, which employ nearly half of all American workers and account for 56.8 million jobs. Greene is a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur who began her first business 30 years ago. Her most recent venture is Blue Bloodhound, where she raised $10 million in private funding to launch an on-line marketplace that disrupts the long-held belief that there is a shortage of truck drivers. "Blue Bloodhound proves that the current method of hiring can be revolutionized by putting underutilized truck drivers back into the workforce, adding dramatic momentum to the economy, says Greene, CEO of Blue Bloodhound. "We are working to revolutionize a broken system and are humbled by the President's attention, interest and continued support of small businesses like Blue Bloodhound." The Small Business Administration is approaching it's 65th anniversary, designed to encourage small business enterprise and help Americans start, grow and build small business. Blue Bloodhound, founded in 2014, is a privately held company based in Davidson, North Carolina. The company is the first to innovate and transform the way the transportation industry works by automating transaction between professional truck drivers and motor carriers. SOURCE Blue Bloodhound NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area. You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/queryform EXPERT ALERTS Qatar Files Complaint with WTO The Adoption of AI Technologies in the Legal Industry Wildfires MEDIA JOBS Reporter WSJ Pro Bankruptcy (NY) News Editor, Life & Arts Wall Street Journal (NY) News Reporter Global Competition Review (DC) OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES Capturing Results Through Successful Social Media Headlines 5 Tips to Take Your Portrait Photography to the Next Level Blog Profiles: Dog Blogs ------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPERT ALERTS: Qatar Files Complaint with WTO Raj Bhala Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law and Rice Distinguished Professor University of Kansas Bhala can discuss the complaint Qatar has filed with the World Trade Organization, the trade boycott by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates, international trade law, Islamic law and potential outcomes of the dispute. The dispute "raises profound and unprecedented issues about the connection between national security and international trade and places tremendous strain on the self-destructing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the under-performing WTO," Bhala said. Bhala has authored dozens of books and journal articles on international trade law, including "TPP Objectively: Law, Economics and National Security of History's Largest, Longest Free Trade Agreement," "Understanding Islamic Law (Shari'a)," the textbook "International Trade Law" and "Modern GATT Law." Contact: Mike Krings, [email protected] The Adoption of AI Technologies in the Legal Industry Dean Sonderegger Vice President of Legal Markets, Innovation Wolters Kluwer The availability of big data and the processing power that we currently have at our disposal enables artificial intelligence (AI) to identify patterns and insights from large sets of data. As a result, attorneys will be empowered to make more informed decisions than ever before. As AI algorithms achieve higher adoption, the tasks lawyers perform will take less time, enabling them to better advise their clients and provide a higher quality of service. On the consumer end, we will see a significantly higher portion of the population have access to the law. Consumer tools like Legal Zoom will dramatically increase access to legal services from individuals (just as consumer tax prep software has done). This, in turn, will put price pressure on smaller law firms to adopt AI technologies in order to remain competitive. Says Sonderegger: "Widespread access to technology for consumers has the potential to disrupt the legal industry; the impact of technology on the accounting industry over the past decade offers a view of what that impact could look like. There are a lot of lessons that legal practitioners can learn from the accounting industry's evolution. Where there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity." Sonderegger has more than 25 years of experience in the tax and legal software and services industries. He received his M.B.A. from George Washington University and holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University. Website: https://lrus.wolterskluwer.com/ Contact: Aaron Kupferberg, [email protected] Wildfires Albert Simeoni Professor, Fire Protection Engineering Worcester Polytechnic Institute "Even today, despite progress in modeling and experimentation, the spreading of forest fires are not well understood. This area of research is challenging, interesting, and critical since it has the potential to greatly impact on the safety of people, goods, and the environment." As a former firefighter in Corsica, Dr. Simeoni has 19 years of experience and is an internationally recognized leader in wildland fires, building protection, and fire science. He is a certified fire and explosion investigator, and has developed experimental, analytical, and numerical techniques to better understand fire dynamics and to predict fire behavior. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), Wildland Fire Network, National Association of Fire Investigators, and former director of Wildland Fires and Simulations at Jensen Hughes. He is based in Worcester, Mass., and is fluent in French and Corsican. Website: www.wpi.edu Contact: Colleen Wamback, [email protected] **************** MEDIA JOBS: Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/ Reporter WSJ Pro Bankruptcy (NY) News Editor, Life & Arts Wall Street Journal (NY) News Reporter Global Competition Review (DC) ***************** OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES: Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line. CAPTURING RESULTS FROM SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL MEDIA HEADLINES. You've written your story and now it's time to promote it, but drawing in eyeballs to your content will require strategy. Much like a traditional news story, it all starts with a headline. Politico's social media editor, Trevor Eischen , recently shared insightful advice on how to craft social posts to drive site traffic and increase engagement: http://bit.ly/2vmxBZR , recently shared insightful advice on how to craft social posts to drive site traffic and increase engagement: http://bit.ly/2vmxBZR 5 TIPS TO TAKE YOUR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE NEXT LEVEL. A headshot is essential for anyone with a professional online presence. However, the person behind the camera should be just as prepared to ensure a great experience from beginning to end, whether you're taking headshots for someone's personal brand or shooting portraits for your stories. If you're looking for ways to enhance your photography in this space, here are our top five tips for your next one-on-one photo session: http://bit.ly/2vFdBBd BLOG PROFILES: DOG BLOGS. Each week, PR Newswire's Audience Relations team selects an industry/subject and profiles a handful of sites that do a good job with promoting and contributing to the conversation. This week, they look at dog blogs: http://bit.ly/2voRyBG **************** PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To contact ProfNet: [email protected] or 800-776-3638, ext. 1 SOURCE ProfNet Related Links http://www.profnet.com PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is transforming August from Psoriasis Awareness Month to Psoriasis Action Month. Twenty years ago, NPF hosted the first Psoriasis Awareness Month to educate the public about a disease that was often misunderstood and stigmatized. Since then, NPF has made great strides in increasing awareness about psoriatic disease. With tremendous advancements in the number of treatment options available today for people living with psoriasis, now more than ever, it's easier to treat psoriasis and the results can be life-changing. NPF wants people with psoriasis to take an active role in treating their disease. With the theme of "Set Goals, Take Control," Psoriasis Action Month focuses on empowering people with psoriasis to take control of their disease. NPF is providing information and tools to set achievable treatment goals, track symptoms and help patients talk with their health care providers about treating psoriasis. NPF has launched www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-action-month, a website to educate patients, caregivers and health care professionals about the resources available to treat psoriatic disease. Throughout August, people impacted by psoriasis can participate in interactive quizzes that will help them better understand and manage their disease. Quiz topics will range from how to set goals and treat psoriasis to achieve skin clearance, understanding your personal communication style, and testing your knowledge of psoriasis treatment options. Participants can opt in to receive an NPF journaling kit to help track symptoms and receive resources to guide conversations with their health care providers. All quiz participants have the option to have a NPF Patient Navigator contact them directly to discuss finding a specialist in their area and getting started on treatment. NPF will host two Facebook Live interviews. The first, which will be held on Thursday August 10, will be a discussion between NPF Vice President of Research Programs, Michael Siegel, and April Armstrong M.D., NPF medical board member and associate dean of Clinical Research at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. They will discuss setting achievable treatment goals using a specific treatment strategy spearheaded by the NPF Medical Board. The second Facebook Live interview, which will be held on Thursday, August 24, will be a discussion between Siegel, NPF volunteer Howard Chang, and his doctor, Emanuel Maverakis, M.D., associate professor at the University of California, Davis. The discussion will focus on how Chang and Maverakis have implemented and are tracking Chang's psoriasis after utilizing the effective treatment strategy discussed with Dr. Armstrong on August 10. Follow NPF on Facebook or go to www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-action-month for the exact time of each interview. Ways to Participate in Psoriasis Action Month Go to www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-action-month to access information, tools and to participate in interactive quizzes on treating psoriasis. Follow the National Psoriasis Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find information, memes and other resources to treat and manage psoriasis. Show support by sharing NPF social posts and updates with friends; use the hashtag #PsoriasisActionMonth Donate to NPF to help support advancements in psoriatic disease research and NPF programs and services. Check out TeamNPF to find a Walk, Run or Cycle event in your area. Not into sports? Host a DIY event and turn your hobby or passion into a fund raising and awareness event for psoriatic disease. If you believe you may have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, consult a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis and get started on a treatment plan. To answer questions, or for help in finding a dermatologist in your area, contact the National Psoriasis Foundation Patient Navigation Center at: www.psoriasis.org/navigationcenter Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated disease that most often appears on the skin as painful, raised, red, itchy patches. Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates, and the disease occurs in all racial groups, however at varying rates. Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something one can "catch" from another person as psoriasis lesions are not infectious. Living with psoriasis can be an everyday battlefrom aches and pains, exhaustion, risk of comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to dealing with the stigma associated with such a visual disease. The best way for patients to fight psoriasis is to work with a health care professional to fully understand the physical and emotional impact of the disease and the various treatment options available for managing the disease. Over the last 50 years, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has become the world's leading nonprofit patient advocacy organization fighting for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. NPF leads this fight by driving efforts for a cure and improving the lives of the more than 8 million Americans affected by this chronic disease. To date, NPF has funded more than $15 million in research grants and fellowships, and to commemorate 50 years, NPF plans to raise an additional $2 million for early scientific career research programs in 2017 alone. Each year, NPF strives to support, educate and advocate on behalf of more individuals living with or caring for someone with the disease than ever before. As part of that effort, NPF established the Patient Navigation Center to offer personalized assistance to everyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Join our community today and help drive discovery and create community for all living with psoriatic disease. SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation Related Links http://www.psoriasis.org SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys (www.genesys.com), the global leader in omnichannel customer experience and contact center solutions, continues to experience explosive customer adoption and platform growth with PureCloud by Genesys, a cloud-based customer engagement and employee collaboration offering. Analyst firm Frost & Sullivan forecasts that hosted/cloud contact center solutions will increase from 24 percent of the total seats base in 2015 to 40 percent by 2020.1 Genesys is exceeding this pace by adding more than 500 PureCloud customers in the last 12 months alone nearly half of which are located outside of North America. Moreover, there has been a 300 percent increase in customer usage in the first half of 2017. PureCloud is also infusing its partner channel with new revenue opportunities. The solution's partner base has expanded by 43 percent so far in 2017, resulting in a 72 percent increase in customers gained via the channel. Since last year, PureCloud's accelerated momentum has gained industry recognition. According to principal analyst for Frost & Sullivan Nancy Jamison, "PureCloud by Genesys earned our 2016 Growth Excellence Leadership Award for Cloud Customer Contact Applications because of its industry-leading growth in the cloud contact center applications market, competitive and feature rich capabilities, and excellent customer support." Today, the solution handles more than 1 million interactions per day across phone, email, chat and social channels to seamlessly and securely support the customer journeys for hundreds of companies across the world, including Al Romansiah, Deakin University, Feros Care, Gestcom, Grupo Monge, MyBudget, Quicken Inc., Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Smollan, among many others. New, simplified application bundles also mean customers can add digital channels at no additional cost allowing them to grow seamlessly from dozens to hundreds of agents in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. To support this expansive global growth, PureCloud offers user interfaces in 15 languages, more than any other SaaS customer experience cloud provider in the market. Furthermore, over 63 million customer API calls are processed per month on the solution, revealing an appetite and willingness by IT professionals and partners to move from SaaS to platform-as-a-service (PaaS) providers. In addition to deploying the solution's customer engagement functionality, nearly one-third of customers add PureCloud Communicate, which uniquely and natively combines traditional IP PBX (private branch exchange) functionality with employee collaboration tools like video conferencing, screen sharing, dynamic team chat, rich employee profiles and document management. "PureCloud is quite simply the fastest growing customer experience solution on the planet! Market traction has far exceeded industry predictions with active users climbing to the same level as our first-generation cloud solution but in less than half the time," said Brian Bischoff, senior vice president for PureCloud by Genesys. "And, we've upped our customer success model by doubling our Care Team for global 24-hour coverage and making new deployments even faster, with an average deployment taking less than 40 days." PureCloud has also demonstrated strong momentum in its roll-out of new features and functionality, with nearly 160 major enhancements released in the last year. Some recent highlights include: Co-browsing with Chat/Screen Share with Voice and Chat Added : Natively built in from the same all-in-one application, these capabilities enable a deeper and more efficient way for companies to support digital omnichannel customer experiences. : Natively built in from the same all-in-one application, these capabilities enable a deeper and more efficient way for companies to support digital omnichannel customer experiences. Client Integrations Strengthened: Includes media channels and data dip capabilities and offers cloud-to-cloud direct connections, ultimately providing a more secure and seamless experience for customers integrating PureCloud with customer relationship management systems (CRM) and other back-end systems. Includes media channels and data dip capabilities and offers cloud-to-cloud direct connections, ultimately providing a more secure and seamless experience for customers integrating PureCloud with customer relationship management systems (CRM) and other back-end systems. Security/Compliance Achievements: Obsessively focused on data confidentiality, integrity, availability and privacy, PureCloud adheres to the most stringent industry certifications, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and PCI DSS Service Provider Level 1. Genesys regularly adds security-minded enhancements, such as Secure Pause in its call recording feature, to ensure PureCloud is the most secure cloud solution available. Launched globally in 2015, PureCloud is a unified, all-in-one customer engagement and employee collaboration solution that is easy to use and quick to deploy. A true cloud offering based on microservice architecture, PureCloud is flexible, open, feature-rich, and built for rapid innovation, providing organizations with a future-proof solution for quickly scaling to meet customer growth. 1 "Growth Opportunities in the Hosted/Cloud Contact Center Market" Report K0B8-76, Page 12, by Global Digital Transformation Team at Frost & Sullivan, December 2016. About Genesys Genesys powers more than 25 billion of the world's best customer experiences each year. Our success comes from connecting employee and customer conversations on any channel, every day. Over 10,000 companies in more than 100 countries trust our #1 customer experience platform to drive great business outcomes and create lasting relationships. Combining the best of technology and human ingenuity, we build solutions that mirror natural communication and work the way you think. Our industry-leading solutions foster true omnichannel engagement because they perform equally well across channels, on-premise and in the cloud. Experience communication as it should be: fluid, instinctive and profoundly empowering. Visit genesys.com on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and the Genesys blog. Contacts: Rachel Faulkner Senior Manager, PR Genesys [email protected] +1 317-715-8109 Lisa Hawes Sterling Communications [email protected] +1 408-395-5500 SOURCE Genesys Related Links http://www.genesys.com SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Radius, the leader in connecting B2B data and intelligence, today announced that the company is accepting proposals for speakers for its B2B Lounge event at Dreamforce 2017. Radius will host this four day event along with sponsors from the ABM Alliance, that takes place November 6th 9th at the One Kearny Club in San Francisco. Click to tweet : [email protected] announces call for speakers for its B2B Lounge event during #DF17: http://ctt.ec/oj1Et The B2B Lounge is focused on providing targeted networking and content for B2B marketing and sales professionals. It will host four days of engaging keynotes from recognized technology industry leaders, topical panel discussions and industry-specific tracks. It's also a spot where Dreamforce 2017 attendees can get away from all the noise, relax, network, enjoy refreshments, and get recharged. To submit for one of 15 available speaking slots, experts should send a headshot and a short bio (50 words or less) to [email protected]. The deadline for submission is Friday, September 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Confirmed speakers for Radius' 2017 B2B Lounge event include: Heidi Bullock , CMO at Engagio , CMO at Engagio Matt Heinz , President at Heinz Marketing , President at Heinz Marketing Peter Isaacson , Chief Marketing Officer at Demandbase , Chief Marketing Officer at Demandbase Lauren Vaccerello, Vice President of Marketing at Box "Dreamforce presents a tremendous opportunity for the B2B community to collaborate, learn and network, but all the activity can be a bit overwhelming," said Darian Shirazi, CEO at Radius. "We created the B2B Lounge so that Dreamforce attendees could easily break away from the expo floor and hear directly from some of the greatest minds in the industry in a more intimate setting. We're looking forward to adding more stellar speakers to our agenda and meeting with everyone at the event." Sponsors that will also be hosting the event from the ABM Alliance include Engagio, Demandbase, Certain, Optimizely, LookbookHQ, and Bizible. For more information about Radius please visit: www.radius.com About Radius Companies harness the Radius Revenue Platform to be first in every opportunity they can win, across every channel. Powered by the Network of Record, Radius combines AI with the only always-on B2B dataset enabling sales and marketing to drive consistent alignment and results. Radius provides companies with continuously sharper intelligence that expands their visibility into new and existing markets, informs decisions for campaign planning and more accurately predicts and drives pipeline growth. Integrations with sales and marketing platforms such as Salesforce.com, Oracle Eloqua, and Marketo, as well as digital and social channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google AdWords, Radius customers can zero in and take action on this intelligence immediately. Join the community of leading companies that rely on Radius to drive new revenue from every sales and marketing campaign. For more information visit www.radius.com. Media Contacts: Shari Johnston Radius [email protected] (415) 713-1982 Katie McGovern SHIFT Communications for Radius [email protected] (617) 779-1867 SOURCE Radius Related Links http://www.radius.com WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Software (www.rocketsoftware.com) today announced that key members of its technical team will be at SHARE August 6 - 11 in Providence (Booth 302) to discuss innovation and modernization in the mainframe environment. Rocket engineers will lead nine sessions on topics ranging from data virtualization and integration of the Python and R programming languages into mainframe environments to how to entice Millennials to program a mainframe. Rocket experts will also be available on the expo floor (Booth 302) to demonstrate how Rocket's mainframe solutions can help organizations harness the power of the mainframe as a competitive weapon in their own environments. Additionally, Rocket will present SHARE attendees with a preview of its new terminal emulator for web and mobile devices. "Mainframes are the perfect power tool for organizations that need fast processing and instant analytics," says Rocket Software CTO Bryan Smith. "There is so much innovation going on in Big Iron right now, and it is critical for organizations to be able to take advantage of these important new capabilities to drive their digital transformation and security initiatives." WHO: Rocket Software WHERE: SHARE Providence Rhode Island Convention Center One Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903 Booth 302 WHAT: Presentations on Mainframe Technologies and Solutions WHEN: August 6 - 11, 2017 The scheduled list of presentations includes: TITLE SPEAKER Modern IMS Management Scott Tran (Software Engineer, Rocket), Rick Engel (IBM) Enabling IMS Services to Application Developers Ron Bisceglia (Principal Software Engineer, Rocket) Lunch and Learn: The API Revolution on z Systems: Unlocking Your Mainframe for Accelerated Digital Transformation Bryan Smith (VP of R&D & CTO, Rocket) Three Hours to Mainframe How to Get Millennials Programming on Big Iron Sean Grady (Software Engineer, Rocket), Ari Kenney (Engineering Intern, Rocket) SDSF Enhancements and Product Direction Gary Puchkoff (IBM), Ken Jonas (Principal Software Engineer, Rocket) Machine Learning and the Modern Mainframe Why You Should Care Azeem Ahmed (Managing Director, R&D Data & Analytics, Rocket) Big Cloud Leveraging Cloud Storage from the Mainframe Janet Sun (Director of R&D, Rocket), Louis Hanna (IBM), Joe Devlin (VP of Software Development, Rocket) Accelerate Digital Business Transformation with Mainframe Data Virtualization for Apache Spark and Machine Learning Bryan Smith (VP of R&D & CTO, Rocket) Collaborative Mainframing: How Integrated Collaborative Analytics Can Leverage the Power of the Mainframe Patrick Spedding (Senior Director, Rocket R&D) Cognitive Computing Open Forum Theresa Tai (IBM), Avijit Chatterjee (IBM), David Rhoderick (IBM), Peter Fandel (Director of Software Development, Rocket), Elpida Tzortzatos (IBM), Bryan Smith (VP of R&D & CTO, Rocket) The Open Data Science Foundation: Anaconda for z/OS Theresa Tai (IBM), Peter Fandel (Director of Software Development, Rocket) Recruiting and On-boarding Millennial Hires Kyle Beausoleil (Software Engineer, Rocket) CONTACT: Richard Berman PHONE & EMAIL: [email protected]; 415 359 4906 SOURCE Rocket Software Related Links http://www.rocketsoftware.com This November, Saks' annual holiday window unveiling in New York will celebrate " Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ." The collaboration includes special Disney-inspired fashion, accessories and giftable items created by premier designers and available in all Saks stores in the U.S., Canada and Saks.com. Saks will offer a series of Disney themed breakfasts at Cafe SFA on the 8th floor of the Saks New York flagship location at Fifth Avenue and 50th Street. Snow White, Snow Prince, and Dopey will make special guest appearances during seatings on select dates from Saturday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 31. Tickets are available now for purchase at www.saks.com/disney. "The power of brands like Saks and Disney coming together to create special experiences and custom designer pieces that our clients won't find anywhere else, is the epitome of today's new luxuryand an opportunity for Saks to put its best foot forward during the holiday season," said Marc Metrick, president, Saks Fifth Avenue. "We're excited to unveil more details of this fantastic collaboration in the coming months." "It's been 80 years since Walt Disney astonished the world with the first-ever full-length animated feature, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has remained an audience favorite ever since," said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. "Bringing Snow White and her story to Saks' holiday campaign is a terrific opportunity to honor the film's legacy, and give fans a new way to make this classic part of their celebrations." Saks Fifth Avenue welcomes customers to connect via its social channels, and to follow #SaksHoliday for updates and insider access. Instagram: Instagram.com/saks Facebook: Facebook.com/saks Snapchat: Snapchat.com/saks_official Twitter: Twitter.com/saks Instagram: Instagram.com/DisneyStyle Facebook: Facebook.com/disneystyle ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (@saks) Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. As part of the Hudson's Bay Company brand portfolio, Saks operates 41 full-line stores in 22 states and Canada, five international licensed stores and saks.com, the company's online store. For more information, kindly visit saks.com, Instagram.com/saks, Facebook.com/saks, Snapchat.com/saks_official, and Twitter.com/saks. ABOUT DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) that brings our Company's stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises four main lines of business: Global Licensing, Disney Retail (including Disney Store), Publishing and Digital Media, and Games, Apps, and Labs. The segment is home to world-class licensing and retail experts, artists, technologists, and storytellers who inspire imaginations and bring the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world. CONTACTS: Katie Majeski Saks Fifth Avenue 570.362.2474 [email protected] Samira Ibrahim The Walt Disney Company 818.544.0125 [email protected] SOURCE Saks Fifth Avenue Related Links http://www.saks.com NEWARK, Calif., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanveo Inc., a pioneer in bringing next generation technology solutions to the construction industry worldwide, made a major announcement earlier this week. Answering the strong demand for its services, the company announced its expansion into the Intermountain region and the opening of their latest office; in Denver, Colorado. This will be Sanveo's 5th office location worldwide, and further strengthens the company's footprint and ability to serve a larger customer base locally. Patrick Olson to spearhead Denver office "Sanveo has built an extremely strong presence in the West coast since its inception in 2008, and our vision is to gradually spread this presence across the US," says Irshad Rasheed, COO of Sanveo Inc. "The decision to have Denver as our next office location was a strategic move in our business growth plan. The area is rich with diverse talent, is in midst of increasing construction activity, has a strong economic outlook, and is well positioned to service some of the major cities in the Intermountain region." The Denver office will be staffed with a local team to establish a strong on-the-ground presence and better serve the market. Leading this office will be Patrick Olson, who joins Sanveo after more than 2 decades of experience in the Construction Technology realm. Patrick's niche is his expertise in BIM/VDC solutions for all MEPF trade contractors. In the past, Patrick has worked with some of the largest trade contractors in the Denver region. "I am thrilled to be a part of Sanveo, and am looking forward to working with a team of exceptional individuals," shared Patrick Olson. "The company is going through a phase of exceptional growth and I am excited to spearhead these efforts in the Intermountain region." Sanveo has already landed its first big project in this region with one of the largest Electrical contractors in Colorado. To further boost its efforts in establishing a presence and developing key relationships, a team from Sanveo is also attending the AGC IT Forum taking place in Denver this week. About Sanveo: Sanveo is a construction technology solutions provider, head quartered in California. Since its inception in 2008, Sanveo has demonstrated consistent commitment to quality and expertise in Construction Technology and BIM/VDC Services which has led Sanveo to be a part of 125+ projects across the US. Sanveo's portfolio includes Hospitals, High-rise buildings, Corporate offices, Data centers, Universities, Specialized buildings and more. Sanveo's mission is to empower its clients to extract the most value out of the information available on their projects, to make effective decisions, enhance productivity and improve quality. Sanveo was ranked No. 5 on the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 'Fastest Growing Private Companies' list for 2016. For more information, visit www.sanveo.com Media Contact: Sanveo, Inc. Irshad Rasheed [email protected] 39899 Balentine Drive, Ste. 265 Newark, CA, USA +1-510-770-1900 SOURCE Sanveo Inc. Related Links http://www.sanveo.com ALBANY, N.Y., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Annese & Associates, Inc. ("Annese"), a leading regionally-focused IT technology solutions provider delivering Professional and Managed Services, including cloud, mobility, security, data center virtualization, and collaboration, announced its sale to ConvergeOne, a global IT service provider of collaboration and technology solutions for large and medium enterprises. ConvergeOne is a portfolio company of private investment firm Clearlake Capital Group. Scura Paley served as exclusive financial advisor to Annese in this transaction. Scura Paley worked with Annese to review its strategic alternatives and business operations with the goal of identifying, attracting and securing the optimal partner for its continued successful focus on serving its customers and employees with the highest degree of integrity. Ray Apy, CEO of Annese, commented: "We were very fortunate to have engaged Scura Paley. Their knowledge of our industry, and extensive contacts within it proved so valuable as they were able to quickly connect us with a strategic partner that was a perfect fit for our company values, culture and business strategy. I was amazed from the first meeting at how the Scura Paley team shared knowledge and how deep that knowledge was. Moreover, they demonstrated incredible attention to detail along with a level of professionalism that is hard to find in any industry. The care and commitment to the Annese shareholders, board, myself and by extension to all of our employees was simply outstanding." About Annese & Associates Founded in 1970, Annese & Associates is a leading New York-based technology solutions provider delivering Professional and Managed Services, including cloud, mobility, security, data center virtualization, and collaboration to a broad base of customers in industries including education (K-12 and Higher), commercial, healthcare, state and local government, and financial. www.annese.com About ConvergeOne ConvergeOne is a leading global IT service provider of collaboration and technology solutions for large and medium enterprise with decades of experience assisting customers to transform their digital infrastructure and realize a return on investment. Over 5,700 enterprise and mid-market customers trust ConvergeOne with collaboration, enterprise networking, data center, cloud and security solutions. www.convergeone.com About Clearlake Capital Group Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. is a private investment firm founded in 2006. The firm's core target sectors are software and technology-enabled services; industrials and energy; and consumer. Clearlake currently has over $4 billion of assets under management. www.clearlake.com About Scura Paley & Company Scura Paley is a private investment banking firm, based in New York City, providing M&A advisory and capital raising services, with a focus on emerging growth, technology, business to business services and financial companies. Scura Paley's partners have an average of over twenty-five years of experience in a broad array of industries, providing nearly every investment banking product and service to their clients. SOURCE Scura Paley & Company Related Links http://www.scurapaley.com KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Securities Service Network, Inc. ("SSN" or "the firm"), a leading independent broker-dealer that specializes in driving industry-leading operating efficiency at the home-office level, today announced the successful conclusion of its annual national advisors conference, Discover 2017. Held in Austin, Texas from July 29 through August 1, the conference brought together advisors from across the nationwide SSN community for four days of networking, recognizing advisors' achievements and discussing strategy for the remainder of 2017 and beyond. SSN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services (NYSE MKT: LTS). With the independent financial services sector facing significant changes due to increasing regulatory complexity, shifting technology and changes in investor behavior and expectations, Discover 2017 provided the SSN advisor community a valuable opportunity to re-connect with their peers, discuss the state of the industry and enjoy insightful perspectives from a broad spectrum of industry thought leaders. Prominent business journalist Ron Insana delivered the keynote address, while SSN and Ladenburg Thalmann home office executives and product sponsor partners spoke on topics including millennials and the coming great wealth transfer; investment selection in the new fiduciary era; and the impact of behavioral biases on investment performance, among many others. Attendees also enjoyed exploring the many sights, cultural activities and dining opportunities available in the vibrant host city of Austin, Texas. In addition, advisor Thomas A. Nestlehut, President and Owner of Nestlehut Financial Services, Inc. in Frankfort, IL, was recognized with the Steven L. Coffey award as SSN's advisor of the year, as determined by an anonymous home office vote. Mr. Nestlehut's professionalism and dedication to the highest standards of client service continue the legacy of Mr. Coffey, who founded SSN in 1983 and whose model of utmost professionalism and integrity forms the foundation upon which the firm continues to grow. Practice Development Specialist Corey Keltner was awarded Employee of the Year, also determined by anonymous home office vote. Mr. Keltner has been with SSN for 12 years and holds the CFP designation. Wade Wilkinson, President and CEO of SSN, said, "With our industry at a critical juncture due to increasing regulatory burdens, changes in investor demographics and a host of other factors, our Discover 2017 conference presented our advisor community with a chance to come together with their peers and members of the SSN and Ladenburg Thalmann leadership teams to recharge and look forward to the opportunities ahead. It is a privilege to serve such an accomplished and dedicated community of advisors across the country, and to see how their commitment and focus, in conjunction with SSN's unique value proposition, is helping to make a positive difference in investors' lives." Mr. Wilkinson concluded, "As Discover 2017 once again demonstrated, our advisors are some of the most experienced and successful independent professionals in the industry. SSN is proud to support their ongoing growth by continually driving operating efficiencies at the broker-dealer level so that our advisors can reinvest in their own businesses according to their own strategic needs and goals. We thank all of our advisors and product sponsor partners who attended Discover 2017, and we look forward to welcoming even more of our nationwide community to next year's event." About Securities Service Network, Inc. (SSN) Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Securities Service Network, Inc. is an independent broker dealer supporting over 400 independent financial advisory practices and approximately $13 billion in advisory and brokerage client assets. SSN provides a range of back and middle office services that drive the success of independent financial advisors, balanced with a longstanding commitment to empower independent advisors to reinvest in their own businesses by maintaining industry-leading levels of operating efficiency. Founded in 1983 as one of the nation's first fee-based, independent broker-dealers, SSN is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS). In 2016, SSN was honored for the fourth year in a row as one of the Top Independent BDs, as rated by financial advisors, on WealthManagement.com, a leading industry media outlet. For more information, please visit www.joinssn.com. Media Contact: Chris Clemens / Michael Dugan Haven Tower Group LLC 424 652 6520, ext 102 / 424 652 6520, ext 106 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Securities Service Network, Inc. Related Links http://www.joinssn.com LAS VEGAS, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- (RetailNOW Booth #1039) Shift4 Corporation, the innovative authority for secure payment solutions, has a goal this year to engage and develop numerous new partnerships at RetailNOW at Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, August 6-9, and share their technologies that empower independent software vendors (ISVs) to adopt emerging payment initiatives and security technologies quickly, freeing up their development resources to focus on other business objectives. Shift4 will discuss the benefits of its DOLLARS ON THE NET gateway and secure payment services and the One Last Payment Integration partner program to ISVs, resellers and dealers. Partners can leverage Shift4's experience as the industry's most flexible provider of options for device, processor/bank and POS/PMS integrations and empower partners to service merchants in U.S., Canada, and Caribbean as well as all participating regions of Visa Direct, with stress-free EMV and other emerging payment methods. Shift4 is the standard for payment processing and provides a welcome relief to their partners and merchants, allowing them to reclaim control of their business objectives by yielding a foundation that they can build on for years to come. Partners can quickly establish a semi-integrated approach, providing a secure foundation for emerging technologies and alternative payment methods. Shift4's Universal Transaction Gateway (UTG) removes the need for ISVs to independently work their way through the lengthy, complicated and expensive certification process. The added combination of TrueTokenization, Shift4's PCI-validated P2PE solution, True P2PE, and EMV makes it the most secure solution today. "Our world-class solutions, like our PCI-validated True P2PE, are a testament to the high standard for payments that we set for our products and services," said Daniel Montellano, VP of Strategic Business Development, Shift4. "A partnership with Shift4 means that ISVs can provide their merchants with a strong foundation of payment security and future-proof their operations with the most advanced payments technologies." Visit booth #1039 at RetailNOW to discuss how working together with Shift4 can give you and your merchants the most secure and reliable payment solution. To learn more, visit www.shift4.com/partner or call 800.265.5795. About Shift4 Corporation Through constant innovation and resolute independence, Shift4 empowers and protects merchants accepting electronic payments by providing the fastest, most reliable, and secure payment services and gateway in the marketplace, DOLLARS ON THE NET. This solution provides auditing tools; fraud controls; foundational support for new technologies (EMV, P2PE, mobile, etc.); hundreds of certified integrations to leading POS, PMS, and e-commerce platforms; and connections to nearly every bank and processor in North America. Shift4 invented tokenization and owns nine payment-security related patents. Learn more at www.shift4.com. Media Contacts Marketing Department Shift4 Corporation 702.597.2480 [email protected] SOURCE Shift4 Corporation Related Links http://www.shift4.com AMMAN, Jordan, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Siniora Food Industries, a pioneer in the manufacturing of cold cuts, frozen meat and luncheon, announced its results for the first half of 2017. The results showed that Siniora achieved net profit of JOD 1.926 million (USD 2.7 million), a growth of 36% compared with the same period of 2016, while total revenues grew by 16% over the same period of 2016, and amounted to JOD 27.5 million (USD 38.8 million) in the first half of 2017. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492392/Siniora_Food_Industries_Logo.jpg ) Chairman of Siniora Tarek Omar Aggad announced that the company's positive results confirm the success of the expansion and development strategy put in place, especially in the Gulf and several Arab countries, which led the company's growth and that have boosted its position and strength and enhanced its financial position, as well as increased its market share locally and regionally. Aggad added that the Siniora's regional sales grew by 26% in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period of 2016, predominantly after its acquisition of the Diamond Meat Processing Company in Dubai in 2016, which has recently been accredited by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to export its meat products to Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the company's sales increased across all the Gulf markets, with a sharp increase in the sales of the frozen meat products in the Jordanian market. Aggad confirmed that Siniora has continued to maintain its leading position both in the Palestinian and Jordanian markets. Siniora Food Industries- a subsidiary of Arab Palestinian Investment Company (APIC)- is a market leader in the manufacture and sale of branded Siniora Al-Quds and Unium processed meat. It was founded in Jerusalem, Palestine, in 1920, and established its factory in Jordan in 1992. Siniora acquired Diamond Meat Processing Company in Dubai in 2016. Siniora produces cold cuts and canned luncheon meat from three state-of-the-art processing plants in Palestine, Jordan and UAE. In 2015, Siniora Jordan established a factory for its new line of frozen meats. Siniora has been awarded the Food Safety System Certificate (FSSC 22000) and ISO 9001 certifications for quality and food control safety, in addition to the Palestinian Standard Certificate in Palestine and Halal Certificate issued by Jordanian Standards. Siniora factories in Jordan and Palestine have been maintaining the international certifications for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:2007 and Environmental Management Systems ISO14001:2004 since 2014. The company markets its products through mass merchandisers, grocery stores, high-frequency stores and department stores in Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and UAE as well as in ten other countries in the Middle East. Siniora also has distribution centers in Saudi Arabia, UAE and a dedicated export department covering the Gulf and the Levant. Siniora is a public shareholding company listed on the Amman Stock Exchange since January 2012 (ASE: SNRA). For more information: Fida Musleh/Azar SOURCE Siniora Food Industries BOSTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SiteSpect, the leader in the advancement of digital optimization and a pioneer in A/B and multivariate testing and personalization, announced today that it has launched several new solutions, including a Startup package, Single Page Application (SPA) package, Server-side package and an Enterprise-wide package. With the accelerated adoption of digital business optimization, where enhancing customer experience is an imperative not an option, SiteSpect has launched a variety of new packages that fit the needs of all customer experience and optimization professionals. All solutions developed and patented by SiteSpect allow for seamless use and centralized management for all optimization of customer engagement, conversion rates and customer loyalty. "The packages we released today will allow digital businesses to easily embrace optimization strategies that impact customer experience faster at any step along their CX continuum, whether they are just beginning or are well into an enterprise spanning program," said Patrick Romich, SiteSpect CEO. "Companies with broad-based CX needs or for specialized needs, will find a solution in the SiteSpect portfolio." The new SiteSpect packages released today include: Startup Package - For digital companies who are fast-tracking their CX optimization journeys, SiteSpect's quick Startup Package comes complete with a dedicated optimization expert to guide customers to quick ROI by enhancing customer engagement and lifting conversion. Single Page Application (SPA) Package - For digital companies who need to optimize their SPA capability for overall performance, SiteSpect's SPA package offers complete integration with React, Angular and other popular frameworks. SPA enhancements increase overall customer engagement and lead to conversion lift and higher ROI. Server-side Package - For digital companies focused on the rollout of new features and products to targeted segments with speed and accuracy, and full stack optimization, SiteSpect's Server-side package includes all server-side testing and integration required to return immediate results including conversion lift and customer loyalty. Client & Server-side Package - For digital companies focused on complete "front- to-back" CX optimization and online testing with centralized management, SiteSpect's Client and Server-side package is a complete solution for those ready to embrace optimization for the enterprise. This complete offering increases the overall impact to the customer experience by applying optimization to all aspects of development, product release and marketing processes. SiteSpect's world-class Consulting and Implementation Services are available and ready to ensure your CX optimization journey is successful as your digital business grows. SiteSpect's acknowledged expertise in the area of customer optimization and A/B and multivariate testing ranges from the simple strategies to sophisticated enterprise-wide optimization methodology. Come experience the new value-driven packages and improved capabilities and with SiteSpect's Customer Experience Optimization solutions. Whether you are new to optimization or are an existing customer, see what SiteSpect has added to its comprehensive portfolio to help meet your optimization needs. Learn more... About SiteSpect, Inc. SiteSpect is leading the advancement of customer experience management that optimizes across an omnichannel environment, utilizing personalization, A/B and multivariate testing and real time analytics that empower the world's most successful digital businesses. Only the SiteSpect customer experience solution enables customers to optimize the entire user experience, from front-end (client side) look and feel to back-end functionality (server side) while centrally managing across channels, product lines and business units. Visit www.sitespect.com to see how top companies such as Sam's Club, Esurance, Eddie Bauer, Urban Outfitters Staples have leveraged SiteSpect's patented technology and expertise to grow their digital businesses. CONTACT: Lori Niquette, 617-779-1800, [email protected] SOURCE SiteSpect LONDON, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the last 3 years, oil consumption in South America declined gradually. However, the scenario is expected to change with stabilizing of crude oil prices and hence, companies are now investing in exploring oil & gas reserves. South America is expected to witness highest growth in terms of offshore pipeline over the next five years. In South America, pipeline addition is being majorly done in Brazil, after Saipem was awarded a number of contracts by Petrobras. Oil & gas pipeline industry in the region is anticipated to witness major investments in natural gas pipeline infrastructure, indicating a clear trend of high natural gas demand as compared to crude oil. More than 80% of the pipelines constructed during 2017-2022 are expected to be natural gas pipelines. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4925472/ According to "South America Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 20122022", the South America oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market is projected to reach $ 0.09 billion by 2022. Few of the leading players in South America oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market include Honeywell International Inc, Yokogawa Electric Corp, Siemens AG, Schneider Electric, FMC Technologies, Emerson Process Management, GE Oil & Gas, Cisco Systems Inc., and Cameron International. "South America Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 20122022" discusses the following aspects in the South America oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market: - Market Size & Share Forecast - Regional and Country Market Analysis - Segmental Analysis By Location of Application (Buried Pipelines, Subsea Pipelines, and Refinery/ Petrochemical Complex), By Method of Leak Detection (Internal Vs. External), By Technology (Ultrasonic/Acoustic, Flow Monitoring, Fiber Optic, Vapor Sensing & Others), By Source of Revenue (Hardware, Software & Aftersales Services), By Equipment/Device (Flowmeters, Acoustic Sensors, Pressure Sensors/ Transducers, Intelligent Pigging/ Smart Ball Technology, Cable Sensors & Others) - Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities - Competitive Landscape & Strategic Recommendations Why You Should Buy This Report? - To gain an in-depth understanding of South America oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market. - To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next ten years - To help industry consultants, oil & gas pipeline companies and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies - To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material - To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players and suppliers - To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Report Methodology The information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary research. Primary research included interaction with industry stakeholders such as oil & gas pipeline manufacturers, leak and theft detection service providers, raw material suppliers, channel partners, EPC contractors and sub-contractors, distributors, and channel partners, regulatory bodies and customers (national oil companies, oil & gas multinationals). Secondary research included an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4925472/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SPX FLOW, Inc. (NYSE: FLOW) today reported results for the quarter ended July 1, 2017 in-line with the preliminary results announced in its July 24, 2017 news release. That news release included an update of the Company's 2017 guidance, which management will discuss in more detail on its Q2 2017 earnings webcast this morning at 8:30 am ET. "Through the first six months of 2017, we achieved positive results on many fronts, including solid order growth, strong cash generation and strengthened financial position. As a result, our backlog has grown 19% since the end of 2016, net debt has been reduced by 12% year-to-date and net leverage is down to 3.8x. In the second half of this year, we are targeting mid-single digit organic revenue growth with approximately 100 points of segment income margin expansion versus the prior year," said Marc Michael, President and Chief Executive Officer. Michael continued, "In 2015 we initiated a global realignment program which we expect to be substantially complete by year end. I appreciate the effort and dedication of our team across the enterprise during this multi-year transformation. We've made significant progress optimizing our global footprint, streamlining business processes and improving our cost position. The majority of the actions we've taken have been structural in nature and focused on building a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term growth and margin expansion. Thus far, we have realized a total of ~$98 million of cost savings and are progressing on actions that will realize the full benefit of our $140 million savings target in 2018." "With line-of-sight to completing our realignment program combined with the order and backlog growth we achieved in the first half of the year, we have clearer visibility to our 2018 financial framework, which targets EBITDA in the range of $240 to $260 million." "In summary, we continue to successfully transition to an operating structure that enables greater transparency to areas where we can improve execution more rapidly and serve customers more effectively. We are still in the early stages of our journey to transform SPX FLOW into a high performing operating enterprise. And as we look out to 2018 and beyond, we are excited about the many opportunities to execute at a higher level, expand our market share and strategically grow our business," concluded Michael. Second Quarter 2017 Overview: Orders for the quarter increased 3.8% to $503.6 million , as compared to $485.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Organic orders increased 5.2% or $25.1 million , driven by order growth in the Industrial and Power and Energy segments. The impact of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies decreased orders by 1.4%, or $6.6 million . , as compared to in the year-ago quarter. Organic orders increased 5.2% or , driven by order growth in the Industrial and Power and Energy segments. The impact of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies decreased orders by 1.4%, or . Revenues declined 5.8% to $498.0 million , as compared to $528.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Organic revenues* decreased 4.7%, or $25.1 million , largely due to a lower opening backlog. The impact of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies decreased revenues by 1.1%, or $5.7 million . , as compared to in the year-ago quarter. Organic revenues* decreased 4.7%, or , largely due to a lower opening backlog. The impact of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies decreased revenues by 1.1%, or . Operating income and margin were $29.0 million and 5.8%. and 5.8%. The company recorded ($6.7) million of special charges in the second quarter related to its previously announced realignment program. of special charges in the second quarter related to its previously announced realignment program. Excluding special charges, adjusted operating income* and margin were $35.7 million and 7.2% respectively. and 7.2% respectively. Diluted net earnings per share were $0.24 including special charges of ($0.13) per share related to the company's global realignment program and a $0.04 per share tax benefit related primarily to discrete items. including special charges of per share related to the company's global realignment program and a per share tax benefit related primarily to discrete items. Excluding special charges and the tax benefit described above, adjusted earnings per share* were $0.33 during the period. during the period. Net cash from operating activities was $48.8 million in the quarter including ($9.1) million of cash outflows in support of the company's realignment program. in the quarter including of cash outflows in support of the company's realignment program. Free cash flow* was $42.2 million and included the net cash from operating activities described above less ($6.6) million in capital expenditures. and included the net cash from operating activities described above less in capital expenditures. Adjusted free cash flow* for the quarter was $51.3 million . . Net income for the quarter was $10.3 million and adjusted net income* was $14.1 million . and adjusted net income* was . Adjusted EBITDA* was $50.5 million . Second Quarter 2017 Results by Segment: Food and Beverage Revenues for Q2 2017 were $176.5 million, compared to $188.0 million in Q2 2016, a decrease of $11.5 million, or 6.1%. Organic revenues* declined 5.3%, or $9.9 million, and currency fluctuations decreased revenues by 0.8%, or $1.6 million. The decline in organic revenues was due primarily to lower revenue from large systems projects. Segment income was $17.3 million, or 9.8% of revenues, compared to $19.9 million, or 10.6% of revenues, in Q2 2016. Segment income and margin decreased primarily due to the organic revenue decline described above and increased variable incentive compensation. These items were largely offset by improved productivity in the Bydgoszcz, Poland facility and savings from restructuring actions and cost reduction initiatives. Power and Energy Revenues for Q2 2017 were $145.0 million, compared to $155.8 million in Q2 2016, a decrease of $10.8 million, or 6.9%. Organic revenues* declined 5.1%, or $7.9 million, and currency fluctuations decreased revenues by 1.8%, or $2.9 million. The decline in organic revenue was due to lower original equipment revenue related to valves and pumps used in midstream and upstream oil applications, as well as lower aftermarket sales. These declines were partially offset by an increase in shipments of lower margin filtration products. Segment income was $10.0 million, or 6.9% of revenues, compared to $10.0 million, or 6.4% of revenues, in Q2 2016. Segment margins expanded 50 points and segment income was flat year-over-year as savings from restructuring actions and cost reduction initiatives offset a decrease in profit related to the organic revenue decline described above, increased warranty expense and variable incentive compensation. Industrial Revenues for Q2 2017 were $176.5 million, compared to $185.0 million in Q2 2016, a decline of $8.5 million, or 4.6%. Organic revenues* declined 3.9%, or $7.3 million, and currency fluctuations decreased revenues by 0.7%, or $1.2 million. The organic revenue decline was due primarily to lower sales of mixers, hydraulic tools, industrial pumps, and heat exchangers. Segment income was $20.8 million, or 11.8% of revenues, compared to $26.9 million, or 14.5% of revenues, in Q2 2016. The decrease in segment income and margin was driven by the organic revenue decline described above, higher costs on shipments of heat exchangers, other discrete operational items and increased variable incentive compensation. These declines were partially offset by improved efficiency in the Bydgoszcz, Poland facility and savings from restructuring actions and cost reduction initiatives. OTHER ITEMS Global Realignment Program: As previously disclosed, the company is optimizing its global footprint, streamlining business processes and reducing selling, general and administrative expense through a global realignment program. The realignment program is intended to reduce costs across operating sites and corporate and global functions, in part by making structural changes and process enhancements to help the company operate more efficiently. The realignment program was initiated in 2015 and the vast majority of the planned actions are expected to be complete by the end of 2017. The total cost of the program is expected to be approximately $160.0 million with annualized savings of approximately $140.0 million, fully realized by the end of 2018. Form 10-Q: The company expects to file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2017 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2017. This press release should be read in conjunction with that filing, which will be available on the company's website at www.spxflow.com, in the Investor Relations section. About SPX FLOW, Inc.: Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX FLOW is a global supplier of highly engineered solutions, process equipment and turn-key systems, along with the related aftermarket parts and services, into the food and beverage, power and energy and industrial end markets. SPX FLOW has approximately $2 billion in annual revenues with operations in over 30 countries and sales in over 150 countries around the world. To learn more about SPX FLOW, please visit www.spxflow.com. *Non-GAAP number. See attached schedules for reconciliation from most comparable GAAP number. Management believes these Non-GAAP metrics are commonly used financial measures for investors to evaluate our operating performance for the periods presented, and when read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements, present a useful tool to evaluate our ongoing operations and provide investors with metrics they can use to evaluate our management of the business from period to period. In addition, these are some of the factors we use in internal evaluations of the overall performance of our business. Management acknowledges that there are many items that impact a company's reported results and the adjustments reflected in these Non-GAAP metrics are not intended to present all items that may have impacted these results. In addition, these Non-GAAP metrics are not necessarily comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Please read these results in conjunction with the company's documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify important risk factors and other uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from these statements. The words "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "target", "project", "believe" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, estimates of future operating results are based on the company's current complement of businesses, which is subject to change. Statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and SPX FLOW disclaims any responsibility to update or revise such statements. Investor and Media Contact: Ryan Taylor, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations Phone: 704-752-4486 E-mail: [email protected] SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts) Three months ended Six months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Revenues $ 498.0 $ 528.8 $ 931.2 $ 1,033.8 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold 345.0 362.0 639.1 707.8 Selling, general and administrative 113.0 117.4 228.3 251.3 Intangible amortization 4.3 5.7 8.9 11.4 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 426.4 426.4 Special charges 6.7 10.8 15.3 51.8 Operating income (loss) 29.0 (393.5) 39.6 (414.9) Other expense, net (0.3) (0.7) (2.4) (3.7) Interest expense, net (15.8) (14.3) (31.7) (28.7) Income (loss) before income taxes 12.9 (408.5) 5.5 (447.3) Income tax benefit (provision) (2.7) 56.2 (2.6) 62.9 Net income (loss) 10.2 (352.3) 2.9 (384.4) Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (0.1) 0.5 (0.5) Net income (loss) attributable to SPX FLOW, Inc. $ 10.3 $ (352.8) $ 2.9 $ (383.9) Basic income (loss) per share of common stock $ 0.25 $ (8.52) $ 0.07 $ (9.30) Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock $ 0.24 $ (8.52) $ 0.07 $ (9.30) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 41.844 41.397 41.724 41.273 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 42.221 41.397 42.058 41.273 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited; in millions) July 1, December 31, 2017 2016 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and equivalents $ 226.1 $ 215.1 Accounts receivable, net 451.3 446.9 Inventories, net 307.2 272.4 Other current assets 55.5 72.8 Total current assets 1,040.1 1,007.2 Property, plant and equipment: Land 35.5 36.1 Buildings and leasehold improvements 247.8 242.4 Machinery and equipment 446.5 420.8 729.8 699.3 Accumulated depreciation (355.8) (322.0) Property, plant and equipment, net 374.0 377.3 Goodwill 757.2 722.5 Intangibles, net 350.8 344.3 Other assets 144.6 151.9 TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,666.7 $ 2,603.2 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 215.0 $ 203.8 Accrued expenses 369.1 329.9 Income taxes payable 12.8 10.8 Short-term debt 24.2 27.7 Current maturities of long-term debt 20.4 20.2 Total current liabilities 641.5 592.4 Long-term debt 964.5 1,060.9 Deferred and other income taxes 65.3 62.2 Other long-term liabilities 125.4 125.5 Total long-term liabilities 1,155.2 1,248.6 Mezzanine equity 21.3 20.1 Equity: SPX FLOW, Inc. shareholders' equity: Common stock 0.4 0.4 Paid-in capital 1,651.6 1,640.4 Accumulated deficit (371.0) (373.9) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (425.6) (521.4) Common stock in treasury (8.2) (4.9) Total SPX FLOW, Inc. shareholders' equity 847.2 740.6 Noncontrolling interests 1.5 1.5 Total equity 848.7 742.1 TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY $ 2,666.7 $ 2,603.2 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RESULTS OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Unaudited; in millions) Three months ended Six months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 %/bps July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 %/bps Food and Beverage Revenues $ 176.5 $ 188.0 $ (11.5) -6.1% $ 342.4 $ 372.8 $ (30.4) (8.2)% Gross profit 54.2 55.0 (0.8) 105.3 110.8 (5.5) Selling, general and administrative expense 35.1 33.2 1.9 68.4 69.8 (1.4) Intangible amortization expense 1.8 1.9 (0.1) 4.1 3.7 0.4 Income $ 17.3 $ 19.9 $ (2.6) -13.1% $ 32.8 $ 37.3 $ (4.5) (12.1)% as a percent of revenues 9.8% 10.6% -80bps 9.6% 10.0% -40bps Power and Energy Revenues $ 145.0 $ 155.8 $ (10.8) -6.9% $ 250.9 $ 305.5 $ (54.6) (17.9)% Gross profit 40.0 46.3 (6.3) 70.1 88.8 (18.7) Selling, general and administrative expense 28.9 33.8 (4.9) 59.4 71.6 (12.2) Intangible amortization expense 1.1 2.5 (1.4) 2.2 5.0 (2.8) Income $ 10.0 $ 10.0 $ % $ 8.5 $ 12.2 $ (3.7) (30.3)% as a percent of revenues 6.9% 6.4% 50bps 3.4% 4.0% -60bps Industrial Revenues $ 176.5 $ 185.0 $ (8.5) -4.6% $ 337.9 $ 355.5 $ (17.6) (5.0)% Gross profit 58.8 65.5 (6.7) 116.7 126.4 (9.7) Selling, general and administrative expense 36.6 37.3 (0.7) 72.2 77.4 (5.2) Intangible amortization expense 1.4 1.3 0.1 2.6 2.7 (0.1) Income $ 20.8 $ 26.9 $ (6.1) (22.7)% $ 41.9 $ 46.3 $ (4.4) (9.5)% as a percent of revenues 11.8% 14.5% -270bps 12.4% 13.0% -60bps Consolidated Revenues $ 498.0 $ 528.8 $ (30.8) -5.8% $ 931.2 $ 1,033.8 $ (102.6) (9.9)% Consolidated Segment Income 48.1 56.8 (8.7) -15.3% 83.2 95.8 (12.6) (13.2)% as a percent of revenues 9.7% 10.7% -100bps 8.9% 9.3% -40bps Total income for reportable segments $ 48.1 $ 56.8 $ (8.7) $ 83.2 $ 95.8 $ (12.6) Corporate expense 12.1 12.6 (0.5) 27.6 31.5 (3.9) Pension and postretirement service costs 0.3 0.5 (0.2) 0.7 1.0 (0.3) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 426.4 (426.4) 426.4 (426.4) Special charges 6.7 10.8 (4.1) 15.3 51.8 (36.5) Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) $ 29.0 $ (393.5) $ 422.5 * $ 39.6 $ (414.9) $ 454.5 * as a percent of revenues 5.8% -74.4% * 4.3% -40.1% * *Not meaningful for comparison purposes. SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited; in millions) Three months ended Six months ended July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Cash flows from (used in) operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 10.2 $ (352.3) $ 2.9 $ (384.4) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from (used in) operating activities: Special charges 6.7 10.8 15.3 51.8 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 426.4 426.4 Deferred income taxes (0.7) (50.5) (3.9) (64.3) Depreciation and amortization 15.0 17.0 30.7 34.1 Stock-based compensation 3.9 4.3 7.9 11.2 Pension and other employee benefits 2.1 2.7 3.3 5.6 Gain on asset sales and other, net (1.5) (1.5) (1.3) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable and other assets 8.4 (2.9) 27.2 (13.2) Inventories 3.1 17.8 (18.4) (3.7) Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other 10.7 (17.2) 26.9 (67.9) Cash spending on restructuring actions (9.1) (16.4) (18.5) (22.9) Net cash from (used in) operating activities 48.8 39.7 71.9 (28.6) Cash flows from (used in) investing activities: Proceeds from asset sales and other, net 10.8 0.1 31.1 2.1 Increase in restricted cash (0.2) Capital expenditures (6.6) (13.6) (11.4) (30.1) Net cash from (used in) investing activities 4.2 (13.5) 19.7 (28.2) Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: Borrowings under senior credit facilities 41.0 17.0 125.5 24.0 Repayments of senior credit facilities (69.0) (17.0) (202.5) (22.0) Borrowings under trade receivables financing arrangement 39.0 11.0 77.1 33.0 Repayments of trade receivables financing arrangement (62.4) (9.0) (98.3) (22.0) Borrowings under other financing arrangements 5.8 5.8 1.1 Repayments of other financing arrangements (1.6) (7.0) (9.6) (8.8) Minimum withholdings paid on behalf of employees for net share settlements, net (0.1) (0.3) (3.3) (3.1) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiary (1.4) (1.5) (1.2) Net cash from (used in) financing activities (48.7) (5.3) (106.8) 1.0 Change in cash and equivalents due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates 13.1 (12.3) 26.2 (11.1) Net change in cash and equivalents 17.4 8.6 11.0 (66.9) Consolidated cash and equivalents, beginning of period 208.7 220.4 215.1 295.9 Consolidated cash and equivalents, end of period $ 226.1 $ 229.0 $ 226.1 $ 229.0 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ORGANIC REVENUE RECONCILIATION (Unaudited) Three months ended July 1, 2017 Net Revenue Decline Foreign Currency Organic Revenue Decline Food and Beverage (6.1)% (0.8)% (5.3)% Power and Energy (6.9)% (1.8)% (5.1)% Industrial (4.6)% (0.7)% (3.9)% Consolidated (5.8)% (1.1)% (4.7)% Six months ended July 1, 2017 Net Revenue Decline Foreign Currency Organic Revenue Decline Food and Beverage (8.2)% (1.2)% (7.0)% Power and Energy (17.9)% (2.9)% (15.0)% Industrial (5.0)% (1.1)% (3.9)% Consolidated (9.9)% (1.6)% (8.3)% SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CASH, DEBT AND NET DEBT RECONCILIATION (Unaudited; in millions) Six months ended July 1, 2017 Beginning cash and equivalents $ 215.1 Net cash from operating activities 71.9 Proceeds from asset sales and other, net 31.1 Capital expenditures (11.4) Borrowings under senior credit facilities 125.5 Repayments of senior credit facilities (202.5) Borrowings under trade receivables financing arrangement 77.1 Repayments of trade receivables financing arrangement (98.3) Borrowings under other financing arrangements 5.8 Repayments of other financing arrangements (9.6) Minimum withholdings paid on behalf of employees for net share settlements, net (3.3) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiary (1.5) Change in cash and equivalents due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates 26.2 Ending cash and equivalents $ 226.1 Debt and Net Debt at July 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Domestic revolving loan facility $ 1.0 $ 68.0 Term loan 380.0 390.0 5.625% senior notes, due in August 2024 300.0 300.0 5.875% senior notes, due in August 2026 300.0 300.0 Trade receivables financing arrangement 21.2 Other indebtedness 39.9 42.4 Less: deferred financing fees (11.8) (12.8) Total debt $ 1,009.1 $ 1,108.8 Total debt $ 1,009.1 $ 1,108.8 Less: debt balances under purchase card program (22.2) (17.9) Less: cash and equivalents in excess of $50.0 (176.1) (165.1) Net debt(1) $ 810.8 $ 925.8 (1)Represents net debt calculated in a manner consistent with the definition of certain related defined terms within our senior credit facilities. SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES FREE CASH FLOW AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW RECONCILIATION (Unaudited; in millions) Three months ended Six months ended 2017 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Mid-Point Guidance Net cash from (used in) operating activities $ 48.8 $ 39.7 $ 71.9 $ (28.6) $ 120 Capital expenditures (6.6) (13.6) (11.4) (30.1) (30) Free cash flow from (used in) operations $ 42.2 $ 26.1 $ 60.5 $ (58.7) $ 90 Free cash flow from (used in) operations $ 42.2 $ 26.1 $ 60.5 $ (58.7) $ 90 Cash spending on restructuring actions 9.1 16.4 18.5 22.9 50 Capital expenditures related to manufacturing expansion in Poland 6.6 16.2 Pension payments to retirees, net of tax benefits 8.0 Adjusted free cash flow from (used in) operations $ 51.3 $ 49.1 $ 79.0 $ (11.6) $ 140 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME RECONCILIATION (Unaudited; in millions) Three months ended 2017 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Mid-Point Guidance Operating income (loss) $ 29.0 $ (393.5) $ 113 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 426.4 Special charges 6.7 10.8 35 Adjusted operating income $ 35.7 $ 43.7 $ 148 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED NET INCOME RECONCILIATION (Unaudited; in millions) Three months ended 2017 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Mid-Point Guidance Net income (loss) attributable to SPX FLOW, Inc. $ 10.3 $ (352.8) $ 28 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax 363.2 Special charges, net of tax 5.7 8.7 26 Net discrete tax items and other (1.9) 3 Adjusted net income attributable to SPX FLOW, Inc. $ 14.1 $ 19.1 $ 57 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (Unaudited; in millions) Three months ended 2017 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Mid-Point Guidance Net income (loss) attributable to SPX FLOW, Inc. $ 10.3 $ (352.8) $ 28 Income tax provision (benefit) 2.7 (56.2) 18 Interest expense, net 15.8 14.3 63 Depreciation and amortization 15.0 17.0 61 EBITDA 43.8 (377.7) 170 Special charges 6.7 10.8 35 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 426.4 Adjusted EBITDA 50.5 59.5 205 Non-cash compensation expense 5.3 5.9 23 Non-service pension costs 0.4 0.6 Interest income 1.3 0.9 5 Gain on asset sales and other, net (1.5) (2) Other 0.1 0.2 1 Bank consolidated EBITDA $ 56.1 $ 67.1 $ 232 SPX FLOW, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE RECONCILIATION (Unaudited) Three months ended 2017 July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Mid-Point Guidance Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.24 $ (8.52) $ 0.67 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax 8.77 Special charges, net of tax 0.13 0.21 0.62 Net discrete tax items and other (0.04) 0.06 Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.46 $ 1.35 SOURCE SPX FLOW, Inc. Related Links http://www.spxflow.com BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology has impacted the real estate industry and not always in the most positive ways for agents and for homeowners. New "instant offers" technology by big corporations like Redfin and Opendoor can get a property sold quickly but often with hidden fees and low-offers that certainly doesn't keep the seller's best interests at the forefront. Boulder-based SQFTx, Inc. (pronounced Square Feet) has seen the trend in innovative tech and is about to launch a new real estate technology app that is agent-centric and good for both buyers and sellers. The app will launch on Aug. 7 in Nashville, Tennessee with its first company-branded (white label) version of the platform with Tennessee's largest brokerages. SQFTx also has a number of firms lined up for launch around the country by the end of the year. With this new app, for the first time ever, real estate professionals will now have one tool to manage their business and provide a unique private view for their clients. Clients are empowered through hands on control and involvement in their personal sales process. The versatile platform can be modeled for transitional full-service brokerage companies, flat fee/discount brokerages and rentals. "The real estate technology app is the first fully transactional platform to serve and support the entire real estate sales process from beginning to end," says James Simpson, CEO of SQFTx. "This really is something new and exciting for real estate agents. Many of these 'instant offer' platforms in the marketplace today are really investors using limited technology platforms to buy homes at a discount. These platforms have not only upset the realtor community, but also sellers and buyers who get raked over the coals with lowball offers and hidden extra fees." This new technology is something else entirely. It's about putting the control in the hands of the agents and empowering their clients. Agents, sellers and buyers list and negotiate in the app, and the paperwork is created in the background. Even if an agent is away from their client or on vacation, their clients can still make offers and move the process forward while the agent remains in the loop, ensuring no lost commission. The platform provides efficiency, transparency, and access for both client and agent alike," adds Simpson. The free app gives all parties total transparency and accessibility 24 hours a day, seven days a week to schedule showings, ask questions, list properties, and make offers in real time. The process begins with listing creation, done by the seller, their agent or both together while in the house or anywhere. Listing contracts are filled and sent for electronic signature automatically to all parties. The platform also schedules all showings and provides an opinion survey post to the client and their agent from those who view the property. When it comes to making an offer, the buyer, their agent or both together can send an offer in real time to the seller and seller's agent from the house or anywhere else. The seller can counter, accept or reject the offer in real time. One of the most dynamic features of the app is once an offer is accepted, all the necessary documentation is automatically generated and filled for all parties to sign via Docusign. This gives real estate agents more freedom and time to spend with clients. Using email and push notifications, clients and agents are always up-to-date and in sync throughout the transaction. This patented proprietary software is what agents, buyers, and sellers have been wanting and needing for some time now. To learn more about the real estate technology app and the company, visit SQFTx.com. About SQFTx, Inc. SQFTx, Inc. is a real estate technology company based in Boulder Colorado. SQFT has developed the first fully transactional platform to serve and support the entire real estate sales process from beginning to end. For more information, visit SQFTx.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Susanne Flynn, VP National Sales, SQFTx, Inc., [email protected], (615) 358-8847 SOURCE SQFTx, Inc. MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Contrary to a news release issued yesterday, BetterInvesting will not participate in the VirtualInvestorConferences.com event scheduled for Aug. 3. Although the organization strongly supports the series in partnership with PR Newswire, the Aug. 3 event is not consistent with BetterInvesting's editorial focus. The Aug. 1 release was published in error. BetterInvesting looks forward to partnering with PR Newswire on future activities related to VirtualInvestorConferences.com. 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 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunshine and beautiful beaches aren't the only things that come free in Fort Lauderdale. The Sun Trolley is offering Florida residents free rides on the Las Olas Link from July 1 to September 30, 2017, with presentation of a valid Florida ID. "Summertime is fun, the kids are out of school and we want Florida residents to live like tourists and explore all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer via our quaint red and yellow trolleys," said Robyn Chiarelli, Executive Director of the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association (TMA), which administers the Sun Trolley. Fares for the Las Olas Link are normally $1 per ride or $3 for an all-day pass. The Las Olas Link travels east along Las Olas Boulevard from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, all the way to A1A on Fort Lauderdale Beach, then north to Vistamar Street and back south to Seabreeze Boulevard. Guests can enjoy Las Olas's world-renowned shops and restaurants, and they can transfer easily from the Las Olas Link to the Beach Link at Vistamar Street and at the Gallery at Beach Place. To catch a ride on the Sun Trolley, wave at the trolley driver from a safe location anywhere along the routes, and the driver will pick you up. The trolleys also have bike stows so that you can Bike 'n' Ride. "We hope that by promoting free rides, our guests will be more likely to take the trolley in the future to get to their local destination," Chiarelli said. "Roll down the windows and take in the ocean breeze as you kick back, relax and leave the driving to us all summer long!" To learn more, visit www.suntrolley.com or call 954-TROLLEY. To track the trolleys in real time, download the free Sun Trolley Tracker App on your Apple or Android device. Like what Sun Trolley is doing? Show it at facebook.com/sun-trolley. ABOUT TMA (Transportation Management Association) Founded in 1992, the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association (TMA), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, manages the Sun Trolley and the Riverwalk Water Trolley. Approximately 40,000 passengers per month utilize the TMA's eight routes connecting residents, tourists and working professionals from Fort Lauderdale's neighborhoods to Broward County Transit and Tri-Rail as well as destinations such as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Broward County Courthouse and the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. TMA services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin. For more information, visit www.suntrolley.com or call 954-TROLLEY. Conceptual Communications, (954) 732-0754, [email protected] SOURCE Sun Trolley Related Links http://www.suntrolley.com INTERSECTIONS INCLUDE 35.3 G AU/T OVER 3.75 METRES, 34.3 G AU/T OVER 3.00 METRES, AND 38.3 G AU/T OVER 2.05 METRES TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Superior Gold Inc. ("Superior Gold" or the "Company") (TSX.V:SGI) is pleased to announce additional results from the ongoing underground diamond drill program at its 100%-owned Plutonic Gold Mine in Western Australia. The drilling was conducted from mid-March to mid-May 2017. Results are provided for 112 drill holes for a total of more than 8,000 metres. The drill holes were primarily completed for resource definition and grade control purposes. One of these holes was conducted as part of the underground exploration program testing areas outside of the known resources. Resource definition was designed to increase the confidence level of the resource in areas where drilling was limited. Grade control drilling was completed to provide additional information for stope design ahead of mining. The exploration hole was completed to test previously undrilled areas in the search for possible extensions of mineralization to potentially expand the overall resource. The drilling focussed on 5 zones Baltic; Caribbean; Caspian; Cortez; and Indian. Significant intersections were encountered in all zones. KEY FINDINGS 112 intersections encountered more than 5g Au/t 51 intersections encountered more than 10g Au/t 19 intersections encountered more than 20g Au/t Exploration intersections of up to 38.3g Au/t over 2.05 metres and 17.8g Au/t over 5.10 metres were obtained, approximately 200 metres laterally from known mineralization in the Indian Zone. The location of the most significant intersections are shown in Figure 1 and the details of all holes are summarized by zone in Table 2. HIGHLIGHTS The most significant intersections are summarized in Table 1 below: Table 1 Key Intersections DRILL Hole # Easting Northing RL Dip (deg) Azimuth (deg) Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Thickness (m) Au (gpt) Est True Thickness (m) BALTIC UDD19111 4306 11491 1123 -8 6 195 8.25 12.00 3.75 35.3 2.6 CARIBBEAN UDD19245 4724 11863 1168 -57 288 42 10.00 12.00 2.00 25.8 1.4 CASPIAN UDD19145 4286 10970 1392 -45 215 62 29.30 30.40 1.10 22.3 0.8 UDD19095 4216 10847 1347 37 250 76 44.70 45.15 0.45 33.1 0.3 UDD19104 4239 10835 1344 36 139 79 69.55 70.45 0.90 13.7 0.6 CORTEZ UDD19226 4877 12258 1145 32 124 60 54.00 57.00 3.00 34.3 2.1 UDD19192 4942 12297 1135 82 160 85 73.50 76.00 2.50 15.8 1.6 Including 73.50 75.00 1.50 23.8 1.1 UDD19234 4879 12260 1146 49 90 125 49.10 50.00 0.90 32.9 0.6 UDD19203 4946 12292 1135 55 200 131 42.80 45.10 2.30 11.4 1.6 UDD19200 4953 12291 1135 45 105 73 35.25 35.75 0.50 32.9 0.4 58.90 64.20 5.30 7.0 3.4 Including 63.20 64.20 1.00 18.8 0.7 70.45 71.45 1.00 15.6 0.7 UDD19226 4877 12258 1145 32 124 60 28.00 29.50 1.50 11.9 1.1 UDD19228 4877 12261 1146 67 90 81 39.10 39.70 0.60 28.9 0.4 UDD19229 4873 12260 1146 59 304 72 20.60 21.60 1.00 17.1 0.7 UDD19205 4941 12297 1135 75 210 100 64.60 65.20 0.60 19.1 0.4 UDD19207 4943 12298 1135 69 53 87 19.10 19.80 0.70 16.4 0.5 UDD19170 4883 12305 1133 71 220 29 6.00 6.50 0.50 21.1 0.4 UDD19202 4946 12292 1135 60 190 111 22.10 22.75 0.65 16.1 0.5 UDD19163 4891 12301 1129 -65 105 60 1.60 2.40 0.80 13.0 0.6 UDD19206 4947 12294 1136 70 90 91 67.80 68.20 0.40 19.0 0.3 INDIAN UDD18975* 3957 11190 1159 -38 312 259 206.00 219.25 13.25 8.7 8.6 Including 214.15 219.25 5.10 17.8 3.3 And 214.15 216.20 2.05 38.3 1.4 UDD18974 3957 11190 1159 -46 312 115 21.10 22.10 1.00 62.5 0.7 UDD19239 3994 11183 1158 -55 186 50 6.30 7.30 1.00 32.7 0.7 UDD18973 3957 11190 1159 -32 312 153 80.00 81.00 1.00 30.4 0.7 UDD18972 3957 11190 1159 -47 318 102 7.20 7.80 0.60 42.0 0.4 UDD19128 4154 11003 1396 -51 172 120 98.10 98.90 0.80 24.5 0.6 UDD18971 3957 11191 1159 -39 318 195 60.70 61.15 0.45 35.4 0.3 UDD19123 4153 11004 1396 -40 225 177 88.50 89.30 0.80 17.1 0.6 * Exploration Hole Chris Bradbrook, President and CEO of Superior Gold stated: "As with our previously released results (May 11, 2017), these results continue to demonstrate the strength of the mineralized system at the Plutonic Gold Mine. The resource definition and grade control drilling provides greater confidence in the continuity of the mineralization, while exploration drilling provides confidence in our ability to grow the resource. We continue to be extremely encouraged by these drill results and work towards increasing the confidence level in the resources. One of our principal goals is to grow the level of underground reserves as well as the mine life." Qualified Person Scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Simon Lawson who is a member of the AusIMM and a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101. Quality Control Protocols Core is drilled BTW core diameter (42 mm). Core intervals are whole core sampled. All gold results were determined by ALS Minerals (Perth) using fire assay fusion (40g charge, lead collection method) with an ICP finish. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industy best practices. Standards, blanks and duplicates are included in approximately every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the laboratory. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays. About Superior Gold Superior Gold is a Canadian based gold producer that owns 100% of the Plutonic Gold Operations located in Western Australia. The Plutonic Gold Operations include the Plutonic Gold Mine, which is a producing underground operation with a central mill, the Hermes open pit development project and an interest in the Bryah Basin joint venture. Superior Gold is focused on expanding production at the Plutonic Gold Operations and building an intermediate gold producer with superior returns for shareholders. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 15, 2017 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. 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. SOURCE Superior Gold The excitement was palpable straight from the beginning of the exhibition, with the event coming to a climax with the hands-on assembly competition in which teenagers from both Wuhan and Manchester participated. For the first time, the Yellow Crane Tower, considered the most important among China's "Four Great Towers", was presented as a three-dimensional interlocking jigsaw puzzle to teenagers and children from Manchester. The young Mancunians learned about the uniqueness and aesthetic qualities of the traditional Chinese tower, characterized by its yellow glazed tiles and upturned eaves, as they pieced the gigantic puzzle with the help of their team members from Wuhan. When they finished the puzzle and were able to view the mini version of the tower as it rose up from the ground, the teenagers from both cities were impressed with the 1.2-meter-tall structure as it was brought to life. The young participants from Manchester said it is must be an amazing tower and expressed their wish to visit the real version in Wuhan when photos of the many versions of the tower, a tower that had been rebuilt many times through history from the Qing dynasty to modern times, were shown to them. The delegation of teenagers from Wuhan said in English and in unison, "Welcome to Wuhan!" WAYNE, Pa., August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tekni-Plex, Inc. has acquired the self-adhesive tape substrate business of Alfatherm SpA, Venegono Superiore (VA), Italy. The acquisition will be integrated into the company's Tekni-Films Gallazzi operation located nearby in Gallarate, Italy. "The acquisition will help support Tekni-Films's growing tape substrate business. We will be able to better serve converters across Europe who produce self-adhesive tapes for a wide variety of packaging applications," said Joseph Horn, senior vice president and general manager, Tekni-Films. About Tekni-Films Tekni-Films is a supplier of thermoformable blister barrier films, flexible films, lidding foils and pouch materials for pharmaceutical, medical, diagnostic health and personal care products. With decades of material science, engineering and processing experience, Tekni-Films provides global companies with packaging solutions that protect their brands. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com/tekni-films. About Tekni-Plex, Inc. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017, Tekni-Plex is a globally-integrated company focused on developing and manufacturing innovative packaging materials, medical compounds and precision-crafted medical tubing solutions for some of the most well-known names in the medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, household and industrial, and food and beverage industries. Tekni-Plex is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and operates manufacturing sites across eight countries worldwide to meet the needs of its global customers. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com. SOURCE Tekni-Plex, Inc. Related Links http://www.tekni-plex.com NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Buxom, the big, bold, sexy color cosmetics brand known for plumped lips and lashes, has just launched its new retail website. Now all Buxom Babes and beauty enthusiasts can buy the obsess-worthy collection, including tingling lip glosses, plumping mascaras, powerfully-pigmented eyeshadows and complexion-perfecting essentials, directly from www.BuxomCosmetics.com. Designed with a mobile first experience, customers can easily shop on smart phones, tablets or computers. E-commerce is just the beginning, Buxom's exciting new online strategy provides an immersive and interactive shopping experience, packed with user-generated content integrated throughout the site via social media. The #BANDOFBABES page showcases makeup looks from Buxom's Instagram followers, with a following of nearly 260,000 devotees and growing. Browsers can scroll over the screen to instantly shop the look and to follow each Buxom Babe on Instagram. The Unleash Artistry page is loaded with exclusive beauty tips, tricks, and amazing how-to's from Buxom's talented Director of Education and Artistry, David Birdwell. The page highlights how to create Buxom's famously fierce, bombshell looks and with a quick click on the look, shoppers can easily buy any of the products Birdwell uses. "Buxom is bigger, bolder, and sexier than ever with the launch of our new e-commerce website," said Serena Giovi, Senior Vice President, Global Buxom at Shiseido Americas Corporation. "Our new website allows us to further follow our vision for building Buxom into a social and digitally-driven brand, while serving as a new platform to connect directly with our fans." Free standard shipping with any BuxomCosmetics.com purchase of $25 or more, plus a complimentary deluxe sample of either Full-On Lip Cream in Berry Blast or White Russian, while supplies last. Customers who sign up for emails through the Be The First To Know page, will receive 15% off their next online order. For more information about Buxom, visit www.BuxomCosmetics.com and on social channels at @BuxomCosmetics. BUXOM COSMETICS Unleash your inner bombshell with fearlessly vivid color and products that stimulate the senses. Go onindulge your big, bold, sexy side and don't forget, a little mischief goes a long way. SHEISEIDO CO., LTD. Shiseido was founded in 1872 as the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan. The business gradually evolved into a cosmetics company, offering people the most advanced technology and the finest aesthetics available in the East or the West. Now known globally as the premier cosmetics company with roots in Japan, the name Shiseido has come to represent the world's highest standards of quality. Shiseido's global selection of skincare, makeup and fragrance includes a high-performance category for special skincare, and a brightening line. Shiseido also offers body care, suncare and a skincare line for men. Fiercely contemporary and innovative after over 140 years in business, Shiseido group brands are now sold in over 120 countries and regions. For more information, please visit http://group.shiseido.com/. CONTACT: Jenna Klassman, [email protected] SOURCE Buxom Related Links http://www.buxomcosmetics.com ORRVILLE, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Jarrett, founder and president or Jarrett Logistics Systems, Inc., was recognized in the fourth annual Corporate College Smart 50 Awards. This distinction, from the Cuyahoga Community Corporate College in partnership with Smart Business Cleveland magazine, is given to leaders of the smartest companies in Northeast Ohio in 2017. The business leaders named in the list are given the award "in recognition of their talent to effectively build and lead innovative and 'smart' organizations. All of this year's honorees have made a difference in their organizations and in the region. Their positive impact on employment has reinvented the Northeast Ohio landscape into one of the most up-and-coming business regions in the country." According to Robert J. Peterson, President and CEO of the Corporate College, as quoted in the June 2016 issue of the magazine. There are many cornerstones to being a successful entrepreneur and running a smart organization. Jarrett believes the most important factor is hiring the right people with excellent foundation skills: integrity, character, honesty, respect and work ethic. "Consistent and sustainable growth starts with great people that possess a foundation of character, integrity, honesty and work ethic. At JLS, we hire character and train for skill." Jarrett says. About Jarrett Logistics Systems Jarrett Logistics Systems (JLS), is a company that specializes in transportation management services for manufacturing companies, wholesalers and distributors who ship or receive products from all over the world. JLS service offerings can be broken down into five categories: Operational Excellence; Procurement; Technology; Freight Payment Services; and Business Intelligence. The JLS Routing Center has been the backbone of the operation and has transformed clients supply chains into a proactive, strategic advantage for their businesses. JLS is headquartered in Orrville, OH with additional locations in Indianapolis, IN; Oklahoma City, OK; and Los Angeles, CA. For more information about Jarrett Logistics Systems, visit www.jarrettlogistics.com, email [email protected], or call (800) 872-1622. About the Smart 50 Awards The Smart 50 Awards recognize the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in the region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. All 50 winners will be honored at a special celebration, and three organizations will receive specialty awards for their achievements in three category areas innovation, impact and sustainability. Additionally, all guests will be treated to a keynote address on what it takes to lead a successful "smart" company. Matt Wagner [email protected] (800) 872-1622 www.jarrettlogistics.com SOURCE Jarrett Logistics Systems Related Links http://www.jarrettlogistics.com NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its release in May 2003, The Total Money Makeover by bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey, published by Thomas Nelson, has been changing the way Americans handle their finances. The book continues to sell at such a high rate it has been a staple on The Wall Street Journal's Best-Selling Books list for more than 500 weeks. For the week ending July 23, 2017, The Total Money Makeover was #4 on the Hardcover Business list. "We congratulate Dave Ramsey on yet another milestone for The Total Money Makeover500 weeks on The Wall Street Journal bestsellers list!" said Brian Hampton, senior vice president and publisher for Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. "We're in the 15th year of the life of The Total Money Makeover, with more than 5 million copies sold, and every year more than 400,000 readers buy a copy of this life-changing book. That is a testament to the strength of our relationship with Dave and his company, and to the timeless principles in the book." Millions of people have dramatically changed their lives using Ramsey's financial strategies. In The Total Money Makeover, Ramsey shares specific, proven steps to eliminate debt and build wealth, avoid common financial pitfalls, and secure substantial savings for emergencies and retirement. Ramsey also offers his life-changing financial advice as host of The Dave Ramsey Show, which is heard by more than 13 million listeners each week on more than 585 radio stations and digitally through podcasts, online audio streaming, and a 24-hour online streaming video channel. About Dave Ramsey: Dave Ramsey is America's trusted voice on money and business. He has authored seven bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership, Complete Guide to Money, Smart Money Smart Kids, and The Legacy Journey. His company Ramsey Solutions offers a message of hope, through various means, to anyone who wants to better understand the principles of proper money management. Follow Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com. About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., is a world-leading provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. The publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum, and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. SOURCE Thomas Nelson LONDON, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Data Analytics Expert and SAP Alumni Richard Biss to Serve as Director, UK ThetaRay, a leading provider of big data analytics solutions for financial institutions and manufacturers, today announced that it has opened its first UK office in London. It will be led by Richard Biss, who comes to ThetaRay with more than twenty years of industry experience. "ThetaRay is poised to totally disrupt the financial services security industry; their proprietary solutions solve challenges that I've encountered throughout my entire career," said Biss. "I'm honoured to help expand the company's presence and customer base in the UK financial services market." Biss previously served as director for a number of anomaly detection service providers. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at Sybase, where he was Director of UK Financial Services. When Sybase was acquired by SAP in 2010, Biss stayed on as Director of Financial Services, Databases, and Technology. The UK office is the latest in a steady stream of company milestones for ThetaRay. In the past year, the company has doubled the size of its workforce, bringing on executives such as NICE Systems veteran James Heinzman and others from HP and PayPal. It has also completed installations with several leading US retail banks and large European banking institutions. "As our track record shows, we are dedicated to protecting financial institutions against fraud, money laundering and other operational threats," stated ThetaRay CEO Mark Gazit. "We are excited that Richard will be leading these efforts in one of the world's key finance centers. His extensive experience with both financial services and anomaly detection technology makes him the ideal candidate to help ThetaRay expand its UK footprint." ThetaRay's technology enables financial institutions to uncover the earliest signs of illicit behavior and threats, including multichannel fraud, money laundering, and ATM security breaches. The company's patented mathematical algorithms can process tens of thousands of parameters simultaneously, helping to automatically identify unknown threats across multiple environments, systems and sources in real-time. ABOUT THETARAY ThetaRay is dedicated to helping clients at large financial organizations, cyber security divisions and critical infrastructure become more resilient and seize opportunities. Its advanced analytical solutions operate with unprecedented speed, accuracy and scale, enabling clients to manage risk, detect money laundering schemes, uncover fraud, expose bad loans, uncover operational issues and reveal valuable new growth opportunities. Learn more at http://www.thetaray.com. Follow us on Twitter: @ThetaRayTeam Contact: Mark Prindle Fusion PR +1-646-452-7109 [email protected] SOURCE THETARAY HAMILTON, Bermuda, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. ("Third Point Re" or the "Company") (NYSE: TPRE) today announced results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2017. Third Point Re reported net income of $74.6 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2017, compared to net income of $53.4 million, or $0.51 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, Third Point Re reported net income of $178.8 million, or $1.70 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $2.2 million, or $0.02 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2016. For the three months ended June 30, 2017, diluted book value per share increased by $0.70 per share, or 5.0%, to $14.74 per share as of June 30, 2017, from $14.04 per share as of March 31, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, diluted book value per share increased by $1.58 per share, or 12.0%, to $14.74 per share from $13.16 per share as of December 31, 2016. "Our strong performance for 2017 continued through the second quarter with a return on beginning shareholders' equity of 5.0%, bringing our six month return to 12.8%," commented Rob Bredahl, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our investment manager, Third Point LLC continues to have a great year and has generated an investment return of 10.6% through six months and 11.7% through July 2017. Although difficult reinsurance market conditions persist, we have successfully generated stable, long-term float and our asset leverage is within our target range of 1.50 to 1.75. This allows us to remain selective in our underwriting without diminishing our earnings potential. We took advantage of attractive share price levels during the quarter and repurchased 1,767,281 shares at an average price of $12.44 per share and have $51.7 million remaining under our existing share repurchase plan." The following table shows certain key financial metrics for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016: Three months ended Six months ended June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 ($ in millions, except for per share data and ratios) Gross premiums written $ 156.6 $ 196.9 $ 302.9 $ 394.0 Net premiums earned $ 173.6 $ 133.1 $ 311.6 $ 269.9 Net underwriting loss (1) $ (12.1) $ (25.6) $ (20.8) $ (32.2) Combined ratio (1) 107.0% 119.2% 106.6% 111.9% Net investment return on investments managed by Third Point LLC 4.5% 4.0% 10.6% 1.9% Net investment income $ 107.3 $ 86.3 $ 235.8 $ 46.2 Net investment income on float (2) $ 31.2 $ 19.1 $ 67.3 $ 10.8 Net income $ 74.6 $ 53.4 $ 178.8 $ 2.2 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.71 $ 0.51 $ 1.70 $ 0.02 Change in diluted book value per share (2) 5.0% 4.1% 12.0% 0.2% Return on beginning shareholders' equity (2) 5.0% 4.0% 12.8% 0.2% Net investments managed by Third Point LLC (3) $ 2,385.5 $ 2,191.6 $ 2,385.5 $ 2,191.6 Invested asset leverage (3) 1.53 1.55 1.53 1.55 (1) See the accompanying Segment Reporting for a calculation of net underwriting loss and combined ratio. (2) Net investment income on float, change in diluted book value per share and return on beginning shareholders' equity are non-GAAP financial measures. There are no comparable GAAP measures. See the accompanying Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Key Performance Indicators for an explanation and calculation of net investment income on float, diluted book value per share and return on beginning shareholders' equity. (3) Prior year comparatives represent amounts as of December 31, 2016. Segment Highlights Property and Casualty Reinsurance Segment Gross premiums written decreased by $40.3 million, or 20.5%, to $156.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 from $196.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Gross premiums written decreased by $91.1 million, or 23.1%, to $302.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from $394.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The decrease in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the prior year periods was primarily due to contracts that we did not renew as a result of underlying terms and conditions, lower premium adjustments in the current year periods and other timing differences partially offset by new premium. The increase in net premiums earned was primarily due to the addition of $83.9 million of new retroactive exposures in reinsurance contracts included in net premiums earned in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, partially offset by a lower in-force underwriting portfolio. We did not write any retroactive reinsurance contracts in the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. The net underwriting loss and combined ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 included an insignificant amount related to changes in estimates of prior years' loss reserves net of the related impact of acquisition costs. The net underwriting loss and combined ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 included increases (adverse development) in the net underwriting loss of $12.9 million and $12.5 million, respectively, related to changes in estimates of prior years' loss reserves net of the related impact of acquisition costs. Investments The return on investments managed by Third Point LLC by strategy for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: Three months ended June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Long Short Net Long Short Net Equity 6.5% (1.1)% 5.4% 0.6% (0.3)% 0.3% Credit (0.3)% (0.3)% (0.6)% 4.0% (0.2)% 3.8% Other 0.2% (0.5)% (0.3)% (0.1)% % (0.1)% Net investment return on investments managed by Third Point LLC 6.4% (1.9)% 4.5% 4.5% (0.5)% 4.0% Six months ended June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Long Short Net Long Short Net Equity 13.0% (2.2)% 10.8% % (0.7)% (0.7)% Credit 0.1% (0.4)% (0.3)% 4.1% (0.4)% 3.7% Other 1.0% (0.9)% 0.1% (0.2)% (0.9)% (1.1)% Net investment return on investments managed by Third Point LLC 14.1% (3.5)% 10.6% 3.9% (2.0)% 1.9% For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the long equity strategy was the primary driver of returns. Within equities, we saw positive attribution across every sector with large long investments in the healthcare and industrials portfolios contributing the majority of positive returns. Gains in our long equity strategy were partially offset by losses in market hedges and short equity positions. Modest losses in the credit strategy were primarily driven by both long and short performing credit investments. Losses from macroeconomic hedges were partially offset by gains in currency, private and risk arbitrage investments in the other strategy. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the net investment results were led by strong gains in the long equity strategy, outpacing the S&P 500 for the same period with significantly less exposure at risk. The strategy saw positive attribution from every sector in which the portfolio is invested. The long equity portfolio performance was partially offset by negative performance from short equity positions, including market hedges. The credit strategy detracted modestly with flat or negative performance from each sub-strategy. In the other strategy, losses from macroeconomic hedges were offset by positive contribution from risk arbitrage, private and currency investments. Share Repurchase Program During the three months ended June 30, 2017, we repurchased 1,767,281 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $22.0 million at a weighted average cost, including commissions, of $12.44 per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we repurchased 3,300,152 of our common shares in the open market for an aggregate cost of $40.9 million at a weighted average cost, including commissions, of $12.38 per share. Common shares repurchased by the Company were not canceled and are classified as treasury shares. As of June 30, 2017, the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $51.7 million of additional common shares under its share repurchase program. Conference Call Details The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2017 results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on August 3, 2017. The call will be webcast live over the Internet from the Company's website at www.thirdpointre.bm under "Investors". Participants should follow the instructions provided on the website to download and install any necessary audio applications. The conference call is also available by dialing 1-877-407-0789 (domestic) or 1-201-689-8562 (international). Participants should ask for the Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. second quarter earnings conference call. A replay of the live conference call will be available approximately three hours after the call. The replay will be available on the Company's website or by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6671 (international) and entering the replay passcode 13665530. The telephonic replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 10, 2017. Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control. The Company cautions you that the forward-looking information presented in this press release is not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "plan," "seek," "comfortable with," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from the Company's expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others, the following: (i) fluctuation in results of operations; (ii) more established competitors; (iii) losses exceeding reserves; (iv) downgrades or withdrawal of ratings by rating agencies; (v) dependence on key executives; (vi) dependence on letter of credit facilities that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms; (vii) dependence on financing available through our investment accounts to secure letters of credit and collateral for reinsurance contracts; (viii) potential inability to pay dividends; (ix) inability to service our indebtedness; (x) limited cash flow and liquidity due to our indebtedness; (xi) unavailability of capital in the future; (xii) fluctuations in market price of our common shares; (xiii) dependence on clients' evaluations of risks associated with such clients' insurance underwriting; (xiv) suspension or revocation of our reinsurance licenses; (xv) potentially being deemed an investment company under U.S. federal securities law; (xvi) potential characterization of Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. and/or Third Point Re as a passive foreign investment company; (xvii) future strategic transactions such as acquisitions, dispositions, merger or joint ventures; (xviii) dependence on Third Point LLC to implement our investment strategy; (xix) termination by Third Point LLC of our investment management agreements; (xx) risks associated with our investment strategy being greater than those faced by competitors; (xxi) increased regulation or scrutiny of alternative investment advisers affecting our reputation; (xxii) Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. and/or Third Point Re potentially becoming subject to U.S. federal income taxation; (xxiii) potentially becoming subject to U.S. withholding and information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act; (xxiv) changes in Bermuda or other law and regulation that may have an adverse impact on our operations; and (xxv) other risks and factors listed under "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic and current disclosures filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Financial Metrics In presenting Third Point Re's results, management has included financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Such measures, including net investment income on float, book value per share, diluted book value per share and return on beginning shareholders' equity, are referred to as non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. Management believes these measures allow for a more complete understanding of the underlying business. These measures are used to monitor our results and should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of such measures to the most comparable GAAP figures are included in the attached financial information in accordance with Regulation G. About the Company The Company is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange which, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Third Point Reinsurance Company Ltd. and Third Point Reinsurance (USA) Ltd., writes property and casualty reinsurance business. Third Point Reinsurance Company Ltd. and Third Point Reinsurance (USA) Ltd. each have an "A-" (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best Company, Inc. Contact Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. Manoj Gupta - Head of Investor Relations and Business Development [email protected] +1 441-542-3333 THIRD POINT REINSURANCE LTD. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share and share amounts) June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Equity securities, trading, at fair value (cost - $1,654,011; 2016 - $1,385,866) $ 1,941,170 $ 1,506,854 Debt securities, trading, at fair value (cost - $736,060; 2016 - $1,036,716) 702,515 1,057,957 Other investments, at fair value 29,091 82,701 Total investments in securities 2,672,776 2,647,512 Cash and cash equivalents 8,255 9,951 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 372,068 298,940 Due from brokers 424,163 284,591 Derivative assets, at fair value 45,110 27,432 Interest and dividends receivable 3,947 6,505 Reinsurance balances receivable 472,570 381,951 Deferred acquisition costs, net 203,193 221,618 Other assets 14,648 17,144 Total assets $ 4,216,730 $ 3,895,644 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 17,929 $ 10,321 Reinsurance balances payable 65,456 43,171 Deposit liabilities 105,208 104,905 Unearned premium reserves 547,815 557,076 Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 678,459 605,129 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value 265,667 92,668 Due to brokers 777,179 899,601 Derivative liabilities, at fair value 11,949 16,050 Performance fee payable to related party 53,455 Interest and dividends payable 3,838 3,443 Senior notes payable, net of deferred costs 113,643 113,555 Total liabilities 2,640,598 2,445,919 Commitments and contingent liabilities Shareholders' equity Preference shares (par value $0.10; authorized, 30,000,000; none issued) Common shares (par value $0.10; authorized, 300,000,000; issued and outstanding, 107,332,603 (2016 - 106,501,299)) 10,733 10,650 Treasury shares (3,944,920 shares (2016 - 644,768 shares)) (48,253) (7,389) Additional paid-in capital 1,098,857 1,094,568 Retained earnings 494,986 316,222 Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders 1,556,323 1,414,051 Non-controlling interests 19,809 35,674 Total shareholders' equity 1,576,132 1,449,725 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,216,730 $ 3,895,644 THIRD POINT REINSURANCE LTD. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share and share amounts) Three months ended Six months ended June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 Revenues Gross premiums written $ 156,564 $ 196,866 $ 302,918 $ 394,022 Gross premiums ceded (1,425) (1,425) (2,550) (1,425) Net premiums written 155,139 195,441 300,368 392,597 Change in net unearned premium reserves 18,419 (62,319) 11,199 (122,673) Net premiums earned 173,558 133,122 311,567 269,924 Net investment income 107,325 86,346 235,835 46,236 Total revenues 280,883 219,468 547,402 316,160 Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net 107,379 104,131 193,274 188,807 Acquisition costs, net 68,641 48,482 123,093 100,169 General and administrative expenses 15,014 10,243 25,586 21,531 Other expenses 2,105 3,173 5,006 5,879 Interest expense 2,051 2,046 4,077 4,094 Foreign exchange (gains) losses 4,781 (8,068) 4,796 (10,454) Total expenses 199,971 160,007 355,832 310,026 Income before income tax expense 80,912 59,461 191,570 6,134 Income tax expense (5,307) (5,310) (10,605) (3,381) Income including non-controlling interests 75,605 54,151 180,965 2,753 Income attributable to non-controlling interests (1,027) (775) (2,201) (506) Net income $ 74,578 $ 53,376 $ 178,764 $ 2,247 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.73 $ 0.51 $ 1.73 $ 0.02 Diluted $ 0.71 $ 0.51 $ 1.70 $ 0.02 Weighted average number of common shares used in the determination of earnings per share Basic 102,283,844 104,132,797 103,144,078 104,195,336 Diluted 104,569,226 105,233,921 105,149,710 105,228,174 THIRD POINT REINSURANCE LTD. SEGMENT REPORTING Three months ended June 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Reinsurance Corporate Total Revenues ($ in thousands) Gross premiums written $ 156,564 $ $ 156,564 Gross premiums ceded (1,425) (1,425) Net premiums written 155,139 155,139 Change in net unearned premium reserves 18,419 18,419 Net premiums earned 173,558 173,558 Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net 107,379 107,379 Acquisition costs, net 68,641 68,641 General and administrative expenses 9,649 5,365 15,014 Total expenses 185,669 5,365 191,034 Net underwriting loss (12,111) n/a n/a Net investment income 31,206 76,119 107,325 Other expenses (2,105) (2,105) Interest expense (2,051) (2,051) Foreign exchange losses (4,781) (4,781) Income tax expense (5,307) (5,307) Segment income including non-controlling interests 16,990 58,615 75,605 Segment income attributable to non-controlling interests (1,027) (1,027) Segment income $ 16,990 $ 57,588 $ 74,578 Property and Casualty Reinsurance - Underwriting Ratios (1): Loss ratio 61.9% Acquisition cost ratio 39.5% Composite ratio 101.4% General and administrative expense ratio 5.6% Combined ratio 107.0% Six months ended June 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Reinsurance Corporate Total Revenues ($ in thousands) Gross premiums written $ 302,918 $ $ 302,918 Gross premiums ceded (2,550) (2,550) Net premiums written 300,368 300,368 Change in net unearned premium reserves 11,199 11,199 Net premiums earned 311,567 311,567 Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net 193,274 193,274 Acquisition costs, net 123,093 123,093 General and administrative expenses 15,961 9,625 25,586 Total expenses 332,328 9,625 341,953 Net underwriting loss (20,761) n/a n/a Net investment income 67,326 168,509 235,835 Other expenses (5,006) (5,006) Interest expense (4,077) (4,077) Foreign exchange losses (4,796) (4,796) Income tax expense (10,605) (10,605) Segment income including non-controlling interests 41,559 139,406 180,965 Segment income attributable to non-controlling interests (2,201) (2,201) Segment income $ 41,559 $ 137,205 $ 178,764 Property and Casualty Reinsurance - Underwriting Ratios (1): Loss ratio 62.0% Acquisition cost ratio 39.5% Composite ratio 101.5% General and administrative expense ratio 5.1% Combined ratio 106.6% (1) Underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net premiums earned. Three months ended June 30, 2016 Property and Casualty Reinsurance Corporate Total Revenues ($ in thousands) Gross premiums written $ 196,866 $ $ 196,866 Gross premiums ceded (1,425) (1,425) Net premiums written 195,441 195,441 Change in net unearned premium reserves (62,319) (62,319) Net premiums earned 133,122 133,122 Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net 104,131 104,131 Acquisition costs, net 48,482 48,482 General and administrative expenses 6,085 4,158 10,243 Total expenses 158,698 4,158 162,856 Net underwriting loss (25,576) n/a n/a Net investment income 19,098 67,248 86,346 Other expenses (3,173) (3,173) Interest expense (2,046) (2,046) Foreign exchange gains 8,068 8,068 Income tax expense (5,310) (5,310) Segment income (loss) including non-controlling interests (9,651) 63,802 54,151 Segment income attributable to non-controlling interests (775) (775) Segment income (loss) $ (9,651) $ 63,027 $ 53,376 Property and Casualty Reinsurance - Underwriting Ratios (1): Loss ratio 78.2% Acquisition cost ratio 36.4% Composite ratio 114.6% General and administrative expense ratio 4.6% Combined ratio 119.2% Six months ended June 30, 2016 Property and Casualty Reinsurance Corporate Total Revenues ($ in thousands) Gross premiums written $ 394,022 $ $ 394,022 Gross premiums ceded (1,425) (1,425) Net premiums written 392,597 392,597 Change in net unearned premium reserves (122,673) (122,673) Net premiums earned 269,924 269,924 Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net 188,807 188,807 Acquisition costs, net 100,169 100,169 General and administrative expenses 13,147 8,384 21,531 Total expenses 302,123 8,384 310,507 Net underwriting loss (32,199) n/a n/a Net investment income 10,837 35,399 46,236 Other expenses (5,879) (5,879) Interest expense (4,094) (4,094) Foreign exchange gains 10,454 10,454 Income tax expense (3,381) (3,381) Segment income (loss) including non-controlling interests (27,241) 29,994 2,753 Segment income attributable to non-controlling interests (506) (506) Segment income (loss) $ (27,241) $ 29,488 $ 2,247 Property and Casualty Reinsurance - Underwriting Ratios (1): Loss ratio 69.9% Acquisition cost ratio 37.1% Composite ratio 107.0% General and administrative expense ratio 4.9% Combined ratio 111.9% (1) Underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net premiums earned. THIRD POINT REINSURANCE LTD. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Basic and diluted book value per share numerator: ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Total shareholders' equity $ 1,576,132 $ 1,449,725 Less: non-controlling interests (19,809) (35,674) Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders 1,556,323 1,414,051 Effect of dilutive warrants issued to founders and an advisor 46,512 46,512 Effect of dilutive stock options issued to directors and employees 51,930 52,930 Diluted book value per share numerator $ 1,654,765 $ 1,513,493 Basic and diluted book value per share denominator: Issued and outstanding shares, net of treasury shares 101,339,828 104,173,748 Effect of dilutive warrants issued to founders and an advisor 4,651,163 4,651,163 Effect of dilutive stock options issued to directors and employees 5,174,333 5,274,333 Effect of dilutive restricted shares issued to employees 1,127,928 878,529 Diluted book value per share denominator 112,293,252 114,977,773 Basic book value per share $ 15.36 $ 13.57 Diluted book value per share $ 14.74 $ 13.16 Three months ended Six months ended June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 ($ in thousands) Net investment income on float $ 31,206 $ 19,098 $ 67,326 $ 10,837 Net investment income on capital 75,926 67,014 168,049 34,918 Net investment income on investments managed by Third Point LLC 107,132 86,112 235,375 45,755 Net gain on investment in Kiskadee Fund 193 234 460 481 $ 107,325 $ 86,346 $ 235,835 $ 46,236 Three months ended Six months ended June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 ($ in thousands) Net income $ 74,578 $ 53,376 $ 178,764 $ 2,247 Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders - beginning of period 1,501,681 1,331,247 1,414,051 1,379,726 Impact of weighting related to shareholders' equity from shares repurchased (9,863) (2,609) (16,882) (1,305) Adjusted shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders - beginning of period $ 1,491,818 $ 1,328,638 $ 1,397,169 $ 1,378,421 Return on beginning shareholders' equity 5.0% 4.0% 12.8% 0.2% Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators Book Value per Share and Diluted Book Value per Share Book value per share and diluted book value per share are non-GAAP financial measures and there are no comparable GAAP measures. Book value per share is calculated by dividing shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders by the number of issued and outstanding shares at period end, net of treasury shares. Diluted book value per share represents book value per share combined with the impact from dilution of all in-the-money share options issued, warrants and unvested restricted shares outstanding as of any period end. For unvested restricted shares with a performance condition, we include the unvested restricted shares for which we consider vesting to be probable. Change in book value per share is calculated by taking the change in book value per share divided by the beginning of period book value per share. Change in diluted book value per share is calculated by taking the change in diluted book value per share divided by the beginning of period diluted book value per share. We believe that long-term growth in diluted book value per share is the most important measure of our financial performance because it allows our management and investors to track over time the value created by the retention of earnings. In addition, we believe this metric is used by investors because it provides a basis for comparison with other companies in our industry that also report a similar measure. Net Investment Income on Float Net investment income on float is an important aspect of our property and casualty reinsurance operation. In an insurance or reinsurance operation, float arises because premiums and proceeds from deposit accounted contracts are collected before losses are paid. In some instances, the interval between receipts and payments can extend over many years. During this time interval, insurance and reinsurance companies invest the premiums received and generate investment returns. Float is not a concept defined by U.S. GAAP and therefore, there are no comparable U.S. GAAP measures. Float, as a result, is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that net investment income generated on float is an important consideration in evaluating the overall contribution of our property and casualty reinsurance operation to our consolidated results. It is also explicitly considered as part of the evaluation of management's performance for purposes of long-term incentive compensation. Net Investment Return on Investments Managed by Third Point LLC Net investment return represents the return on our investments managed by Third Point LLC, net of fees. The net investment return on investments managed by Third Point LLC is the percentage change in value of a dollar invested over the reporting period on our investment assets managed by Third Point LLC, net of non-controlling interest. The stated return is net of withholding taxes, which are presented as a component of income tax expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income. Net investment return is the key indicator by which we measure the performance of Third Point LLC, our investment manager. Return on Beginning Shareholders' Equity Return on beginning shareholders' equity as presented is a non-GAAP financial measure. Return on beginning shareholders' equity is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the beginning shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders. We believe that return on beginning shareholders' equity is an important measure because it assists our management and investors in evaluating the Company's profitability. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, we have also adjusted the beginning shareholders' equity for the impact of the shares repurchased on a weighted average basis. This adjustment increased the stated returns on beginning shareholders' equity. Invested Asset Leverage Invested asset leverage is a ratio calculated by dividing our net investments managed by Third Point LLC by shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders and is a key metric in assessing the amount of insurance float generated by our reinsurance operation that has been invested by our investment manager, Third Point LLC. Given the sensitivity of our return on beginning shareholders' equity to our net investment return on investments managed by Third Point LLC, invested asset leverage is an important metric that management monitors. It is also an important metric by which we evaluate our capital adequacy for rating agency and regulatory purposes. Maintaining an appropriate invested asset leverage to optimize the return potential of the Company, while maintaining sufficient rating agency and regulatory capital is an important aspect of how we manage the Company. SOURCE Third Point Reinsurance Ltd. Related Links http://www.thirdpointre.bm Aamir Khan reminded the CBFC that the job of the board was to certify a film and not censor it. By India Today Web Desk: The censor board has seen itself embroiled in controversy after controversy in recent times. Ever since the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) began being headed by Pahlaj Nihalani, there have been numerous instances when some filmmaker has been at loggerheads with him. Just yesterday, news broke that Pahlaj Nihalani ordered 48 cuts in the upcoming film Babumoshai Bandookbaaz that stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bidita Bag in the lead roles. The CBFC objected to certain scenes and use of cuss words in the film. advertisement At the trailer launch today of Secret Superstar today, Aamir Khan, who is producing the film that features Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij and him in the lead roles, said that the job of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is to certify films and not censor them. Zaira Wasim, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan at the trailer launch of Secret Superstar The 52-year-old actor said that he hopes things will change for the better soon. When asked if censorship curbs a filmmaker from doing his job, Aamir told reporters, "I don't know how relevant it (censorship) is today. As far as my knowledge goes, the CBFC in any case isn't supposed to censor, it is supposed to certify and grade." Aamir's words are bound to remind one of the Bombay High Court's judgment on last year's Udta Punjab vs CBFC battle. The court had told the CBFC last year that the board's job was to certify films and not censor them. Aamir went on to say, "That's how we should proceed. That's even Mr Shyam Benegal's recommendation if I am not mistaken. So hopefully things will get better soon." Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan The CBFC has been locked in battle after bitter battle with filmmakers. In the recent past, Nihalani objected to the use of the word 'intercourse' in one of the mini trailers of Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma's film Jab Harry Met Sejal. The CBFC chief denied a certificate to Alankrita Shrivastav's film Lipstick Under My Burkha by saying it was a 'lady-oriented' film. A few days ago, there were reports that Pahlaj Nihalani had been asked to step down from the post of the CBFC chairperson. However, there is nothing concrete on that front yet. (Photos: Yogen Shah) ALSO READ: Dear Censor Board, stop shoving sanskaar down our throats ALSO READ: Puhleez Nihalani. We're adults, stop being a nanny ALSO SEE: Aamir guides Zaira Wasim through music and life in Secret Superstar trailer ALSO WATCH: Anurag Kashyap slams CBFC and Pahlaj Nihalani, says there's nothing dirty about sex or the word adult --- ENDS --- ATLANTA, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- How priceless is time away from the office for today's workers? According to new data from the 2017 Emerging Workforce Study (EWS) commissioned by Spherion Staffing, nearly half (41 percent) say they would accept more paid vacation time in lieu of a pay raise if given the choice. "As businesses face greater pressure than ever to retain top workers, job satisfaction factors that employers previously may have overlooked, such as vacation time, play a greater role in shaping where employees decide to work," said Sandy Mazur, Spherion Division President. "For companies that cannot afford to offer substantial raises at the moment, extra vacation time or flexibility that allows workers to take time away without feeling connected to their job can elevate morale, increase retention and build positive perception of their workplace." The EWS also identified several compelling disconnects around paid time off policies. While 70 percent of workers consider paid vacation time a right of employment, rather than a benefit, a significantly lower number of employers (58 percent) share that view. Additionally, more than one-third (39 percent) of workers consider their company's paid vacation plan inferior to that of comparable industry competitors. These gaps underscore the critical connection between vacation time and job satisfaction, and the importance for employers and employees to find a mutually-beneficial compromise. Although employees clearly are interested in obtaining more time away, the EWS also found that vacation remains a taboo topic and a source of stress for a significant segment of the workforce. Nearly one-third (30 percent) of employees say they feel guilty requesting paid vacation time, while 42 percent say they have hesitated to take paid time off for fear of disrupting their team's workflow. EWS findings also point to a troubling trend in many corporate cultures where employees cannot truly escape during their scheduled time off. More than one-fourth (28 percent) admit that their company expects them to work while they are on vacation, a practice that 22 percent of employers likewise agree with. Nonetheless, while both parties move toward a vacation compromise, businesses appear open to other strategies that grant workers a break from the daily grind. The Study found that just under half (43 percent) of companies occasionally allow their staff to devote time during the workday to community service projects. A similar number (47 percent) notes that their company offers sabbatical programs that allow employees to take an extended leave from the office, up 10 percent from the 2016 Study. Employers and employees alike have long debated the merits of and best practices for vacation time, flexible schedules and other programs that contribute to better work/life balance. In fact, only 20 percent of workers say their company has improved its benefits and perks package within the last 12 months, and worker satisfaction with time and flexibility scored lower this year than in the previous four years. Yet, employers still rate the positive impact of work/life balance programs on worker satisfaction, recruitment, retention and engagement higher this year than in each of the past four years. While employers continue to struggle with defining work/life balance programs for their employees, one thing is clear: workers increasingly want a more seamless divide between their work and personal lives. In fact, according to the EWS, 88 percent of workers say work/life programs heavily influence their decision when considering a new job. In conjunction with online global market research organization Research Now, the EWS collected and reviewed feedback from 733 human resource managers and 2,062 employed adults (ages 18 and older) across the U.S. in March 2017. Now in its 20th year, the Emerging Workforce Study has tracked the shifting opinions and attitudes of workers and their employers in the context of ongoing social and economic events. The 2017 Study also explores employers' and employees' opinions on key workplace themes and topics including workplace collaboration, staff diversity and the transformation of the modern "office." To learn more about the Emerging Workforce Study, and review data and messages from previous Studies, visit spherion.com/ews. Methodology The 2017 Emerging Workforce Study was conducted online within the United States between February-March 2017 by Research Now Group, Inc., on behalf of Spherion among 733 human resource managers. Results were weighted as needed to reflect the composition of U.S. companies, based on company revenue. Research Now also conducted an online survey of 2,062 employed adults on behalf of Spherion during the same period. Results were weighted as needed for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income to represent the target population. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. A full methodology is available. About Spherion Staffing Services Spherion (spherion.com) is a leading recruiting and staffing provider, specializing in temporary and direct hire placement of administrative, clerical, customer service, light industrial and professional job candidates. To help clients attract, engage and retain a high-performance workforce, Spherion offers in-depth market knowledge, outstanding customer service, a strong network of talent and unique insights from its groundbreaking Emerging Workforce Study, now in its 20th year. As an industry pioneer, Spherion has, for more than 70 years, matched candidates to clients in virtually every industry across the U.S. Today, each Spherion office is independently owned and operated by a team of local specialists, dedicated to delivering great experiences, powered by technology but always with a personal touch. To learn more about one of the nation's fastest-growing industries, visit spherion.com/franchise and explore how Spherion is actively expanding into new territories, with more than 75 franchise markets available. SOURCE Spherion Staffing Related Links https://www.spherion.com/ QUEBEC CITY and MYRTLE BEACH, SC, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - TSO 3 Inc. (TSX: TOS), an innovator in sterilization technology for medical devices in healthcare settings, reported financial results for its second fiscal quarter 2017 ended June 30, 2017. Second Quarter 2017 Financial Summary Revenue increased to $4.6 million , a 10% sequential increase over the $4.2 million recorded in the first quarter of 2017 and a 53% increase over the $3.0 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016. The Company shipped 40 STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizers to Getinge Infection Control, its exclusive global distributor, in the second quarter of 2017. , a 10% sequential increase over the recorded in the first quarter of 2017 and a 53% increase over the recorded in the second quarter of 2016. The Company shipped 40 STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizers to Getinge Infection Control, its exclusive global distributor, in the second quarter of 2017. Gross profit was $1.7 million , or 38% of revenue, which compares gross profit of $1.6 million , or 37% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2017 and a gross profit of $0.8 million , or 28% of revenue, in the second quarter of 2016. , or 38% of revenue, which compares gross profit of , or 37% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2017 and a gross profit of , or 28% of revenue, in the second quarter of 2016. Research and Development (R&D) expense grew to $1.5 million , as compared to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $0.8 million in the year-ago quarter. , as compared to in the first quarter of 2017 and in the year-ago quarter. Sales, General and Administrative (SG&A) expense was $2.4 million , as compared to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2016. , as compared to in the first quarter of 2017 and in the second quarter of 2016. The Company's net loss was $(2.3) million or $(0.02) per share in the second quarter of 2017 and compares to net losses of $(2.0) million or $(0.02) per share in the first quarter of 2017 and $(1.5) million , or $(0.02) per share, in the second quarter of 2016. or per share in the second quarter of 2017 and compares to net losses of or per share in the first quarter of 2017 and , or per share, in the second quarter of 2016. The Company had $16.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments and no debt as at June 30, 2017 , as compared to $19.6 million and no debt at the end of the first quarter of 2017. Management Commentary "We are pleased with our continued operating performance in the second quarter of 2017 as we supported Getinge to market and sell our STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizers in hospitals in North America and Europe," stated R. M. (Ric) Rumble, TSO 3 's President and CEO. "We made significant progress during the quarter toward our duodenoscope regulatory claim strategy, enhancing our products and improving our production and service methods. We are looking forward to the months to come." Q2-2017 Conference Call TSO 3 President and CEO R.M. (Ric) Rumble and CFO Glen Kayll, will host the conference call, followed by a question and answer period. Date: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (5:30 a.m. PDT) Toll-free dial-in number: 1-888-231-8191 International dial-in number: 1-514-807-9895 (Montreal); 1-647-427-7450 (Toronto) Conference ID: 1472312 Analysts and institutional investors are invited to participate on the call. Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact CMA at 1-949-432-7566. Other interested parties may listen to the live webcast of the conference call at http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1472312&s=1&k=ED81A2C58567EF69CD449BC9A08BBE24 which will be available for replay in the Investors section of the Company's website at www.tso3.com. Summary of Results Periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited, IFRS Basis, in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts) Second Quarter Six months 2017 $ 2016 $ 2017 $ 2016 $ Revenues 4,630 2,977 8,841 6,048 Cost of sales 2,871 2,143 5,511 4,104 Gross profit 1,759 834 3,330 1,944 Expenses Research and development 1,539 804 2,894 1,410 Selling, general and administrative 2,396 1,529 4,604 2,914 Financial expenses (income) 49 - 10 (1,588) Total Expenses 3,984 2,333 7,508 2,736 Net loss before income taxes (2,225) (1,499) (4,178) (792) Income taxes 29 (12) 56 46 Net loss and total comprehensive loss (2,254) (1,487) (4,234) (838) Basic and diluted net loss per share (0.02) (0.02) (0.05) (0.01) Basic and diluted net comprehensive loss per share (0.02) (0.02) (0.05) (0.01) Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited in thousands of US dollars) June 30, 2017 $ December 31, 2016 $ Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 6,280 2,698 Short-term Investments 10,460 15,064 Accounts Receivable 615 2,318 Inventories 2,467 1,703 Prepaid Expenses 180 102 20,002 21,885 Non-current Assets Long-term Investments - 1,498 Property, Plant and Equipment 2,941 2,357 Intangible Assets 1,897 1,836 4,838 5,691 24,840 27,576 Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 2,200 2,272 Warranty Provision 898 575 Deferred Revenues 1,025 1,004 4,123 3,851 Non-current Liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 165 109 Deferred Revenues 5,509 5,945 9,797 9,905 Equity Share Capital 111,023 110,406 Reserve Share-based Compensation 5,698 4,709 Deficit (99,966) (95,732) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (1,712) (1,712) 15,043 17,671 24,840 27,576 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows As of June 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited, IFRS Basis, in thousands of US dollars) Six months 2017 $ 2016 $ Cash flows from operating activities Net loss (4,234) (838) Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortization 389 180 Deferred income tax liabilities 56 - Share-based compensation 1,201 484 Investment income (91) (66) (2,679) (240) Changes in non-cash operating working capital items 723 (3,416) Interest received 103 48 Cash flows used in operating activities (1,853) (3,608) Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of investments (2,909) (12,121) Disposal of investments 8,999 2,457 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (909) (328) Acquisition of intangible assets (151) (142) Cash flows generated by investing activities 5,030 (10,134) Cash flows from financing activities Options exercised 405 142 Warrants exercised - 10,145 Cash flows generated by financing activities 405 10,287 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 3,582 (3,455) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 2,698 12,654 Cash and cash equivalents at the end 6,280 9,199 About the STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer The STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is a low-temperature sterilization system that utilizes the dual-sterilants of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and ozone (O 3 ) to achieve terminal sterilization of heat and moisture sensitive medical devices. Its single pre-programmed cycle can sterilize a large number and wide range of compatible devices, creating a cost-effective sterilization process with error free cycle selection. The device's unique Dynamic Sterilant Delivery System automatically adjusts the quantity of injected sterilant based on the load composition, weight and temperature. This capability removes the guesswork and potential for human error, as there is no need to sort instruments and choose the appropriate cycles as with other machines. The STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is the only terminal sterilization method that is FDA cleared to sterilize multi-channeled flexible endoscopes (with a maximum of four channels) of up to 3.5 meters in length, such as video colonoscopes and gastroscopes - an industry first for any medical device sterilization process. The STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is also the only cleared low temperature sterilizer that can process a mixed load consisting of general instruments, single channel flexible endoscopes, and single or double channel rigid endoscopes in the same cycle with load weights of up 75 lb. The ability to run mixed loads significantly reduces labor costs by minimizing the amount of instrument sorting required, while maximizing the device turns (more productivity from increased throughput capacity). More information about the STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is available through TSO 3 's website, under the Products section at http://www.tso3.com/en/products/sterizone-vp4/. About TSO 3 Founded in 1998, TSO 3 's activities encompass the sale, production, maintenance, research, development and licensing of sterilization processes, related consumable supplies and accessories for heat-sensitive medical devices. The Company designs products for sterile processing areas in the hospital environment that offer an advantageous replacement solution to other low temperature sterilization processes currently used in hospitals. TSO 3 also offers services related to the maintenance of sterilization equipment and compatibility testing of medical devices with such processes. For more information about TSO 3 , visit the Company's website at www.tso3.com. The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of TSO 3 relating to matters that are not historical facts (including, without limitation, those regarding the timing or outcome of TSO 3 's regulatory filings, revenue, business or operations) are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks, uncertainties and hypotheses, including, but not limited to, the ability of the Company to obtain the required regulatory clearances to market its products, general business and economic conditions, the condition of the financial markets, the ability of TSO 3 to obtain financing on favourable terms and other risks and uncertainties. Although TSO 3 believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. The complete versions of the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements as well as a description of the relevant assumptions and risk factors likely to affect TSO 3 's actual or projected results are included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, which is available on the Company's website. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and TSO 3 does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless expressly required by applicable securities laws. 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 these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. SOURCE TSO3 Inc. Related Links http://www.tso3.com SAN DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Researchers have discovered new methods that could improve treatment for infectious diseases by enabling earlier detection of influenza outbreaks and curtailing inappropriate antibiotic usage. The findings were presented today at the 69th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in San Diego. Two major issues in the field of infectious diseases today are the threat of a global flu pandemic and the spread of antibiotic resistance. In an outbreak, earlier detection of influenza or any infectious disease activity could improve the ability of health agencies to respond appropriately. Earlier detection of disease activity might trigger new or enhanced surveillance. One of the primary causes of antibiotic resistance is unnecessary antibiotic use, which happens because providers often have difficulty determining whether an infection is bacterial or viral in nature. A test to quickly distinguish between bacterial and viral causes of fever could help providers select the appropriate treatment. Detecting Influenza Activity Early Using data on test reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a team led by Rex Astles, PhD, coordinator at the CDC Division of Laboratory Systems in Atlanta, investigated whether it was possible to detect influenza outbreaks early. The team designed an algorithm using Medicare outpatient claims from 20072012 to calculate predicted weekly volumes for flu tests (V_test) and flu diagnoses (V_dx). Increases in predicted volume that surpassed a certain standard deviation and that were followed by a similar drop in volume were categorized as influenza episodes. The team compared the detected flu episodes with those identified using positive rapid flu test volumes from the CDC National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS). In preliminary results, across the ten representative states they examined, researchers detected a total of 67 influenza episodes using NREVSS data. The predictive models using V_test and V_dx data performed almost equally well, respectively catching 64 and 60 out of 67 NREVSS-confirmed episodes. Significantly, the team found that using this reimbursement data identified increases in influenza activity on average three weeks earlier than using NREVSS data. "Our work showed that it is theoretically possible to use the simple fact that a test was ordered and performed as a means of detecting early respiratory disease activity," Astles said, and cautioned that this approach could not replace, but might possibly augment, traditional influenza surveillance. Also, it has yet to be demonstrated using real-time Medicare data. He added: "We hope that this approach can be tried by other healthcare systems with large administrative data sets because it doesn't require knowledge of the test results, allowing the use of various indicators for disease activity. This could be especially helpful for other diseases that have less effective surveillance systems. Comprehensive surveillance has many purposes, only one of which is detection of apparent disease activity. This detection could be a signal that more intensive surveillance, including testing patient specimens to identify the circulating viral or bacterial strain, should be initiated." Reducing Overuse of Antibiotics in Children In the second study, researchers led by Eran Eden, PhD, of MeMed Diagnostics in Tirat Carmel, Israel, evaluated the efficacy of their host-immune based ImmunoXpert assay in 233 pediatric patients who presented at the emergency department with fever. To classify an infection as bacterial or viral, the assay measured the serum levels of three protein biomarkers: TRAIL, IP-10, and C-reactive protein. These results were then compared to diagnoses made by a physician panel along with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eden's team found that ImmunoXpert correctly classified 90% of bacterial cases and 91% of viral cases compared to the expert and PCR diagnoses. The test's accuracy could enable healthcare providers to quickly characterize pediatric infections and avoid inappropriate antibiotic use. "We found that this test was superior to the traditional tests that are out there, and this was independently validated in a double blind manner," Eden said. "We saw a consistent response and a high performance across a variety of viruses, indicating that this test could be useful in future epidemics. Our technology opens the application for many indications where it's harder to apply more traditional microbiology tests." Session Information AACC Annual Scientific Meeting registration is free for members of the media. Reporters can register online here: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/aacc0717/media/start.asp Abstract B-085: Evaluation of the Utility of CMS Claim Data for Early Detection of Increasing Influenza Activity will be presented during: Session 33218 Invited Oral Abstracts: Hot Topics in Lab Medicine Tuesday, August 1 2:30 4 p.m. Room 28ABC Abstract B-067: Evaluating a Novel Host-Immune Based Assay for Distinguishing Bacterial From Various Viral Infections in Febrile Children will be presented during: Scientific Poster Session Wednesday, August 2 9:30 a.m. 5 p.m. (presenting authors in attendance from 12:30 1:30 p.m.) Sails Pavilion, Upper Level All sessions will be held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. About the 69th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting offers 5 days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from July 30August 3. Plenary sessions feature the latest research on CRISPR biology, preserving fertility for cancer patients, new applications for DNA sequencing, the challenges of antibiotic resistance, and effective care for substance abuse disorders. At the AACC Clinical Lab Expo, more than 750 exhibitors will fill the show floor of the San Diego Convention Center, with displays of the latest diagnostic technology, including but not limited to mobile health, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, point-of-care, and automation. About AACC Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, AACC brings together more than 50,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, AACC has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit www.aacc.org. Christine DeLong AACC Manager, Communications & PR (p) 202.835.8722 [email protected] Molly Polen AACC Senior Director, Communications & PR (p) 202.420.7612 (c) 703.598.0472 [email protected] SOURCE AACC Related Links http://www.aacc.org WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dan Russell, President and CEO of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, issued the following statement today upon President Trump's signing of H.R. 3364, Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act: "Today, the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act was signed into law by the President. Since the legislation's introduction, the U.S.-Russia Business Council has expressed reservations to the Congress and the Administration about the impact of certain Russia-related provisions of this bill on the U.S. business community. The Council recognizes that the Administration and the Congress took steps to address those concerns, particularly with regard to unintended consequences for business and to continued coordination with European allies and partners. The President's signing statements today rightly flag the need to avoid negative effects on American companies and those of America's allies and friends. The Council will work with the Trump Administration to ensure that the implementation of this law does not adversely impact America's competitiveness abroad nor place U.S. workers and firms at a competitive disadvantage. The U.S.-Russia Business Council concurs with the hope expressed in the signing statements that there will be 'cooperation between the United States and Russia on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary.'" SOURCE U.S.-Russia Business Council OTTAWA, Ontario, August 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Validian Corp. (OTCQB: VLDI), a leading innovator in cybersecurity technology, is pleased to announce that it has recently completed version 3.3 of its radically innovative cybersecurity technology that seamlessly protects the Complete Life Cycle of Data (applications and the transport, storage and all forms of usage of data) on all major technology platforms, operating systems and devices. This completion has comprised minor modifications in addition to the migration and upgrades already completed to Microsoft Windows 10 and the Azure Cloud platform, and to recent versions of Google Android, Apple OS and iOS, and to Red Hat Linux, including a full suite of Software Development Kits on C++, .Net for Windows, Java, Java for Android, Object-C and Swift for Apple OS and iOS, and C++ and Java for Linux. "These additional modifications now position Validian to complete strategic partnerships during the next 45 to 90 days with one or more large companies with whom Validian already has commenced negotiations, assuming we come to mutually acceptable terms," commented Bruce Benn, Chief Executive Officer of Validian. About Validian Corporation Validian Corporation (OTCQB: VLDI) is a leading innovator in cybersecurity technology that encompasses and seamlessly protects applications and the complete life cycle of data within its virtual closed systems, providing secure access, retrieval, transfer, receipt, storage and usage of digital information on all devices, operating systems and technology platforms regardless of any type of known or unknown cyberattack or vulnerability or if the host device or network has been hacked or improperly accessed, infected with viruses or malware, or otherwise compromised. Validian technology enables the next generation of secure Mobile Messaging and Communications, Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Distributed Computing and Web Application and WebPortal Access and Usage, Software Defined Networking, the Internet of Things and SCADA, for computers, servers, data bases, intelligent sensors, tablets and smartphones on wired, wireless and mobile networks. The Company provides solutions that can be customized to the client's business process to ensure end-to-end authenticity, integrity and custody of high value digital assets. Validian is a U.S. public company with offices in the U.S. and Canada. Visit www.Validian.com for more information on its digital asset solutions. Discuss Validian events here: http://investorshangout.com/Validian-Corporation-VLDI-68278/ Safe Harbor Statement Investors should carefully consider the information contained in this news release before making an investment in the shares of the company. Information contained in this news release contains "forward looking statements", which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," expects," "may," "should," or "anticipates" or negative thereof or given that the future results covered by such forward -looking statements will be achieved. The preceding matters constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the future statements. Other factors could also cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in such forward-looking statements. Contacts: Company: Bruce Benn CEO and President mailto: [email protected] +1-613-224-3535 Investor Relations: Howard Gostfrand mailto: [email protected] +1-305-918-7000 SOURCE Validian Corp. HOUSTON, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC announces that it successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 as a new corporation under the name of Vanguard Natural Resources, Inc. ("Vanguard" or the "Company"). Through its financial restructuring and the sale of non-core assets while in Chapter 11, the Company eliminated approximately $820 million of secured and unsecured debt from its balance sheet and significantly enhanced its financial flexibility. At its emergence, the Company is entering into an amended and restated $850 million reserve-based revolving credit facility and a term loan facility of $125 million. The initial borrowing base under the revolving credit facility shall be $850 million, with the first scheduled redetermination of the revolving credit facility borrowing base in August 2018. Also, with total debt outstanding of $936 million and cash on hand of approximately $17 million, total liquidity will be approximately $137 million. Mr. Scott W. Smith, President and CEO, commented, "We are very pleased to have completed this reorganization and look forward to working with our new equity holders and Board members in charting a new course for the Company. I want to thank all of the parties with whom we worked to craft a restructuring plan that, upon exit, has the Company on a sound financial footing. I want to also add a special thanks to all of our employees whose dedication and hard work managing and administering our assets has been exceptional during this process and whose efforts going forward will be critical to the Company's future success." The new Board of Directors collectively echoed Mr. Smith's comments stating, "Vanguard's high quality asset portfolio offers many avenues for future value creation. We look forward to working closely with management to conduct a thorough strategic review of the Company's asset base and development plan in order to maximize long-term shareholder value." The following are highlights of the Company's asset position as of June 30, 2017: Total estimated proved reserves of 1,390 Bcfe, of which approximately 66% were natural gas reserves, 18% were oil reserves and 16% were NGLs reserves. 100% of our estimated reserves would be classified as proved developed properties under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; Total estimated reserve PV-10 value of $1,498 million (81% proved developed and 19% undeveloped, including technical PUDs) using June 30, 2017 strip commodity pricing; (81% proved developed and 19% undeveloped, including technical PUDs) using strip commodity pricing; Average net production for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 of 381 MMcfe/d and 433 MMcfe/d, respectively, from working interests in 11,930 gross (4,337 net) productive wells with operated wells accounting for approximately 61% of total estimated proved reserves, of 381 MMcfe/d and 433 MMcfe/d, respectively, from working interests in 11,930 gross (4,337 net) productive wells with operated wells accounting for approximately 61% of total estimated proved reserves, Significant inventory of high quality growth opportunities across the Company's approximately 677,869 gross acres (168,410 net acres) in multiple plays, including in the Pinedale, Piceance, Arkoma , Gulf Coast, and Permian Basins; and an expectation to focus the remainder of our 2017 capital spending in the Pinedale and East Haynesville fields. The Company also announced its new Board of Directors, comprised of the following individuals, including members of management and direct or appointed representatives of the Company's largest shareholders, whose appointments are effective today: Scott W. Smith , President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company , President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company Richard A. Robert , Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company , Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company Michael Alexander , Managing Director at Marathon Asset Management , Managing Director at Marathon Asset Management Joseph Citarrella , Principal at Monarch Alternative Capital, LP , Principal at Monarch Alternative Capital, LP Graham Morris , Distressed Equity Strategy Head for Contrarian Capital Management , Distressed Equity Strategy Head for Contrarian Capital Management R. Scott Sloan , former Senior Vice President, Strategy, Commercial, and Global New Business Development at Hess Corporation Joseph Citarrella will serve as the chair of the new Board of Directors. In connection with the Company's new reserve-based revolving credit facility, the Company has implemented a hedging program for approximately 80%, 72%, 57% and 51% of its anticipated crude oil production in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, with 100% in the form of fixed-price swaps in 2017 and approximately 74%, 66%, 51% and 49% of its anticipated natural gas production in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, with 100% in form of fixed-price swaps in 2017. NGL production was under fixed-price swaps for approximately 43% and 37% of anticipated production in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The Company believes its hedging program will provide substantial near-term cash flow visibility regardless of the volatility in commodity prices as management and the Board of Directors explore options for maximizing shareholder value. Aug17-Dec17 2018 2019 2020 Natural Gas: Swaps Volume (MMBtu) 30,600,000 70,242,000 52,539,000 47,227,500 WAVG Floor Price ($/MMBtu) $ 3.11 $ 3.00 $ 2.79 $ 2.75 Collars Volume (MMBtu) 4,125,000 5,490,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/MMBtu) $ $ $ 2.60 $ 2.60 WAVG Ceiling Price ($/MMBtu) $ $ $ 3.00 $ 3.00 Total Volume (MMBtu) 30,600,000 70,242,000 56,664,000 52,717,500 WAVG Floor Price ($/MMBtu) $ 3.11 $ 3.00 $ 2.78 $ 2.73 Oil: Aug17-Dec17 2018 2019 2020 Swaps Volume (Bbl) 1,365,100 3,059,200 1,858,200 1,393,800 WAVG Floor Price ($/Bbl) $ 45.20 $ 46.47 $ 48.50 $ 49.53 Collars Volume (Bbl) 575,730 659,340 WAVG Floor Price ($/Bbl) $ $ $ 43.81 $ 44.17 WAVG Ceiling Price ($/Bbl) $ $ $ 54.04 $ 55.00 Total Volume (Bbl) 1,365,100 3,059,200 2,433,930 2,053,140 WAVG Floor Price ($/Bbl) $ 45.20 $ 46.47 $ 47.39 $ 47.81 NGL: Aug17-Dec17 2018 2019 2020 Swaps Ethane Volume (Gallons) 4,498,200 9,198,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/Gallon) $ 0.250 $ 0.275 $ $ Propane Volume (Gallons) 10,281,600 22,995,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/Gallon) $ 0.575 $ 0.528 $ $ N Butane Volume (Gallons) 3,855,600 7,665,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/Gallon) $ 0.700 $ 0.645 $ $ IsoButane Volume (Gallons) 2,570,400 6,132,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/Gallon) $ 0.695 $ 0.653 $ $ Nat Gasoline Volume (Gallons) 5,140,800 10,731,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/Gallon) $ 0.983 $ 0.993 $ $ Total Volume (Gallons) 26,346,600 56,721,000 WAVG Floor Price ($/Gallon) $ 0.629 $ 0.604 $ $ Following the completion of the financial restructuring, the Company will have 20.1 million shares of its common stock outstanding. We expect that the Company's shares of common stock and warrants will be traded and quoted on the OTCQX market (which is operated by OTC Markets Group, Inc.). The OTCQX market is an interdealer quotation system providing real time quotation services, each of which the Company believes constitutes an "established securities market" within the meaning of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980. The Company expects the new listing to go effective during the third quarter of 2017. Additionally, the Company is moving forward as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Evercore Partners Inc. served as financial advisor to the Company, Paul Hastings LLP served as the Company's legal counsel and Opportune LLP served as the restructuring advisors to the Company. PJT Partners, Inc. served as financial advisor, and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP served as legal counsel, to an ad hoc group of the holders of the senior unsecured notes of Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC. RPA Advisors, LLC served as financial advisor, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel, to the administrative agent under the Company's pre- and post-petition credit facilities. Centerview Partners LLC served as financial advisor, and Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal counsel, to an ad hoc group of the holders of the second lien notes of Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC. FTI Consulting, Inc. served as financial advisor, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP served as legal counsel, to the official committee of unsecured creditors of Vanguard Natural Resources, LLC, et al. About Vanguard Natural Resources, Inc. Vanguard Natural Resources, Inc. is an independent oil and gas company focused on the acquisition, production and development of oil and natural gas properties. Vanguard's assets consist primarily of producing and non-producing oil and natural gas reserves located in the Green River Basin in Wyoming, the Permian Basin in West Texas and New Mexico, the Gulf Coast Basin in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma and North Texas, the Piceance Basin in Colorado, the Big Horn Basin in Wyoming and Montana, the Arkoma Basin in Arkansas and Oklahoma, the Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana, the Wind River Basin in Wyoming, and the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. More information on Vanguard can be found at www.vnrenergy.com. Forward-Looking Statements We make statements in this news release that are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, management's assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure you that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements due to factors listed in the "Risk Factors" section in our SEC filings and elsewhere in those filings. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. We do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. PV-10 PV-10 represents the present value, discounted at 10% per year, of estimated future net cash flows. The Company's calculation of PV-10 herein differs from the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC in that it is calculated before income taxes, using strip prices as of June 30, 2017, rather than after income taxes, using the average price during the 12-month period, determined as an unweighted average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month. The Company's calculation of PV-10 should not be considered as an alternative to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Vanguard Natural Resources, Inc. Lisa Godfrey, (832) 327-2234 Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected] SOURCE Vanguard Natural Resources, Inc. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vungle, the leading performance marketing platform for in-app video ads, today announced the upcoming release of a software developer kit (SDK) for Amazon's popular Fire tablets. Vungle, working together with Amazon Appstore, will bring its industry-leading user acquisition and monetization platform to Fire tablets. According to analyst firm IDC, adoption of Amazon devices increased 1,200 percent year over year in 2016, making it an increasingly important device family for developers and brands. As consumers spend more and more time on their mobile device of choice, mobile advertising is expected to reach $215 billion globally by 2021. "Fire tablet users are a rapidly growing and sought-after audience. With Vungle's support for Fire tablets, our advertisers can now tap into this valuable user base," said Zain Jaffer, CEO of Vungle. "We have made a strategic investment in our support for the Amazon Appstore, and Vungle is the first video performance marketing platform that developers can use to monetize their apps across all major app operating systems: Fire OS, Android, iOS and Windows. This support provides publishers and advertisers the ability to reach consumers with highly relevant, targeted video advertising on almost any device, anywhere in the world." "We've already seen tremendous success with our apps on the Amazon Appstore. They have an engaged, high-value user base," said Steven Thompson, senior vice president of growth for Jam City. "With the addition of Vungle's cutting edge creative designs and optimization technologies, we can achieve a higher level of performance and find the best users." The Vungle SDK for the Amazon Appstore will be available in September. Developers can sign up for early access at www.vungle.com/Amazon ABOUT VUNGLE Vungle is the leading performance marketing platform for in-app video ads. Advertisers depend on Vungle's creative and LTV optimization technologies to reach and acquire high-value users worldwide. Top publishers rely on Vungle to generate revenue with engaging video ads that enhance the user experience. Trusted by 50,000+ mobile apps worldwide with key developer partners such as Supercell, King, Zynga, EA, Ubisoft, Smule and MZ, Google, Honda, Allstate, Procter and Gamble, L'oreal, Coca-Cola and Nissan. Vungle serves 3 billion video views per month on 850+ million unique devices, and is consistently ranked #1 for cross-platform user retention by industry mobile performance indexes. Vungle is backed by Google Ventures, Thomvest Ventures and Crosslink Capital. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in London, Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore. Learn more at www.vungle.com or follow @Vungle. SOURCE Vungle Related Links http://www.vungle.com BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SECOND QUARTER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS Total revenues of $166.4 million , up 13% from Q2 '16 Net income of $34.6 million , or $1.08 per diluted share, up 8% from Q2 '16 Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $51.0 million , up 88% from Q2 '16 Total transaction volume of $6.0 billion , up 12% from Q2 '16 Servicing portfolio of $66.3 billion at June 30, 2017, up 16% from June 30, 2016 Net MSR additions from loan originations during the quarter of $10.6 million compared to $1.7 million for Q2 '16 YEAR-TO-DATE 2017 HIGHLIGHTS Total revenues of $324.9 million , up 34% from 2016 Net income of $77.8 million , or $2.43 per diluted share, up 64% from 2016 Adjusted EBITDA of $101.3 million , up 70% from 2016 Total transaction volume of $11.0 billion , up 38% from 2016 Operating margin of 35% compared to 31% in 2016 Return on equity of 24% compared to 19% in 2016 Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE: WD) (the "Company") reported second quarter 2017 net income of $34.6 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, representing an 8% increase in net income over second quarter 2016. Total revenues for the second quarter 2017 were $166.4 million, a 13% increase from the prior-year second quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter 2017 was a record $51.0 million compared to $27.1 million for the second quarter 2016, an 88% increase. "A 33% year-over-year increase in mortgage bankers and brokers at Walker & Dunlop, coupled with the underlying health of the commercial real estate industry and our company's expanding reputation as an industry leader, drove record loan origination volume of $5.7 billion, net income growth of 8% and $1.08 of diluted earnings per share," commented Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO. "Record loan origination volume and the continued growth of our loan servicing portfolio produced 88% growth in adjusted EBITDA to a record $51 million. Earning over $100 million in adjusted EBITDA in the first half of 2017 demonstrates the profitability of our business model and long-term value of the mortgage servicing rights we have accumulated so successfully." Mr. Walker continued, "W&D's client base continues to expand, creating growth opportunities across our business such as our joint venture with Blackstone Mortgage Trust and the recently announced engagement to finance Greystar's acquisition of Monogram. These business opportunities only exist due to the exceptional performance of the W&D team every day. "Based on our extremely strong financial performance in the first half of 2017 and positive macro-economic drivers behind commercial real estate, we are confident in our ability to exceed the annual financial and operational goals we set out at the beginning of the year and to continue to grow in the years to come." SECOND QUARTER 2017 OPERATING RESULTS TRANSACTION VOLUMES (dollars in thousands) Q2 2017 Q2 2016 $ Variance % Variance Fannie Mae $ 2,188,841 $ 2,398,404 $ (209,563) (9) % Freddie Mac 1,111,434 1,002,453 108,981 11 Ginnie Mae - HUD 403,981 111,927 292,054 261 Brokered 1,948,918 1,093,932 854,986 78 Interim Loans 26,637 158,565 (131,928) (83) Loan origination volume $ 5,679,811 $ 4,765,281 $ 914,530 19 % Investment sales volume 351,825 623,995 (272,170) (44) Total transaction volume $ 6,031,636 $ 5,389,276 $ 642,360 12 % Discussion of Results: The increase in total transaction volume was largely the result of an increase in the average number of mortgage bankers and brokers from 99 during the second quarter 2016 to 140 during the same period in 2017. We continue to experience strong total transaction volume due to the continued strength of the commercial real estate and multifamily market, a low interest rate environment, and robust demand for rental properties. The increase in HUD loan origination volume period over period was attributable to the increase in the average number of mortgage bankers and brokers combined with program changes introduced by HUD in 2016 that reduced the cost of borrowing, resulting in HUD loans becoming a more attractive financing option to our borrowers. An increase in the average number of mortgage bankers with a primary expertise in brokered loan originations from 42 during the second quarter 2016 to 77 during the second quarter 2017 was the primary driver for the increase in brokered loan origination volume. The decline in investment sales volume year over year is consistent with the decline in the broader multifamily investment sales market. SERVICING PORTFOLIO (dollars in thousands) Q2 2017 Q2 2016 $ Variance % Variance Fannie Mae $ 29,573,946 $ 24,884,039 $ 4,689,907 19 % Freddie Mac 22,380,103 18,880,690 3,499,413 19 Ginnie Mae - HUD 8,919,840 9,396,321 (476,481) (5) Brokered 5,128,453 3,918,682 1,209,771 31 Interim Loans 288,412 242,092 46,320 19 Total servicing portfolio $ 66,290,754 $ 57,321,824 $ 8,968,930 16 % Weighted-average servicing fee rate (basis points) 26.5 25.0 Weighted-average remaining term (years) 10.1 10.4 Discussion of Results: Our servicing portfolio has experienced significant growth over the past year due to our record loan origination volumes and relatively few payoffs. The weighted-average servicing fee increased since the second quarter 2016 as we have originated more Fannie Mae loans than any other product over the past 12 months. Fannie Mae loans carry the highest servicing fees of any of our loan products due to their risk-sharing provisions. During the second quarter 2017, there were $1.9 billion of net loan additions to the servicing portfolio. REVENUES (dollars in thousands) Q2 2017 Q2 2016 $ Variance % Variance Loan origination fees $ 57,507 $ 46,874 $ 10,633 23 % Gains attributable to MSRs 44,669 55,579 (10,910) (20) Gains from mortgage banking activities 102,176 102,453 (277) - Servicing fees 43,214 32,771 10,443 32 Net warehouse interest income, LHFS 2,430 2,130 300 14 Net warehouse interest income, LHFI 3,370 1,450 1,920 132 Escrow earnings and other interest income 4,514 1,955 2,559 131 Other revenues 10,703 7,099 3,604 51 Total revenues $ 166,407 $ 147,858 $ 18,549 13 % Key revenue metrics (as a percentage of loan origination volume): Origination related fees 1.01 % 0.98 % Gains attributable to MSRs 0.79 1.17 Gains attributable to MSRsAgency loans2 1.21 1.58 Discussion of Results: The increase in loan origination fees to a quarterly record of $57.5 million was largely driven by the increase in loan origination activity in the second quarter 2017 compared to the prior-year second quarter. was largely driven by the increase in loan origination activity in the second quarter 2017 compared to the prior-year second quarter. The decrease in gains attributable to mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") was primarily the result of a decrease in Fannie Mae loan origination volume year over year and a 20% increase in floating-rate loan origination volume from the second quarter 2016 to the second quarter 2017. We record relatively less MSR income on floating-rate loan originations as their estimated life is substantially shorter than fixed-rate loan originations. During the past 12 months, the Company has originated $19.9 billion of loans, facilitating substantial growth in servicing fees year over year. of loans, facilitating substantial growth in servicing fees year over year. The increase in net warehouse interest income from our on-balance-sheet interim loans was attributable to a 56% year-over-year increase in the average balance of loans outstanding. Escrow earnings benefitted from an increase in the average balance of escrow accounts outstanding from the second quarter 2016 to the second quarter 2017. Additionally, the average earnings rate on our escrow accounts increased over the past year. EXPENSES (dollars in thousands) Q2 2017 Q2 2016 $ Variance % Variance Personnel $ 63,516 $ 55,758 $ 7,758 14 % Amortization and depreciation 32,860 26,425 6,435 24 Provision (benefit) for credit losses (93) 292 (385) (132) Interest expense on corporate debt 2,443 2,465 (22) (1) Other operating expenses 11,599 11,212 387 3 Total expenses $ 110,325 $ 96,152 $ 14,173 15 % Key expense metrics (as a percentage of total revenues): Personnel expenses 38 % 38 % Other operating expenses 7 8 Discussion of Results: Fixed compensation costs increased following acquisitions during the fourth quarter 2016 and first quarter 2017 and due to hiring to support the growth of the Company, resulting in a substantial increase in the average headcount from 506 in the second quarter 2016 to 594 in the same period in 2017. Variable compensation costs increased as a result of increased commissions expense resulting from the growth in loan origination volume and the corresponding increase in loan origination fees, partially offset by a decrease in bonus expense. The decrease in bonus expense is due to the Company's relative outperformance during the second quarter 2016, which was a record at the time. Although compensation costs have increased, personnel expense as a percentage of total revenues has remained consistent. Amortization and depreciation costs increased due to the growth of the average balance of MSRs outstanding year over year. Over the past 12 months, we have added $105.1 million of MSRs, net of write offs due to prepayment. KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Q2 2017 Q2 2016 $ Variance % Variance Walker & Dunlop net income $ 34,567 $ 32,021 $ 2,546 8 % Adjusted EBITDA 50,988 27,090 23,898 88 Diluted EPS $ 1.08 $ 1.05 $ 0.03 3 % Operating margin 34 % 35 % Return on equity 21 25 Discussion of Results: The second quarter marks the 11 th quarter out of the past 12 quarters that the Company has produced year-over-year net income and diluted EPS growth. quarter out of the past 12 quarters that the Company has produced year-over-year net income and diluted EPS growth. The increase in net income is largely attributable to the increase in total revenues. The substantial increase in adjusted EBITDA was driven by increases in loan origination fees, servicing fees, and interest income, partially offset by the increase in personnel costs. The slight decrease in operating margin was driven primarily by the change in the mix of loan origination volume. During the second quarter 2017, brokered loan origination volume represented 34% of total loan origination volume compared to 23% during the year-ago quarter. Brokered loan originations have the lowest operating margin of all of our loan products. The decrease in return on equity is largely related to a $148.4 million increase in stockholders' equity over the past year due primarily to the $144.2 million of net income recorded over the past 12 months. KEY CREDIT METRICS (dollars in thousands) Q2 2017 Q2 2016 $ Variance % Variance At risk servicing portfolio3 $ 26,095,958 $ 21,259,296 $ 4,836,662 23 % Maximum exposure to at risk portfolio4 5,282,883 4,285,966 996,917 23 60+ day delinquencies within at risk portfolio $ $ $ N/A % Key credit metrics (as a percentage of the at risk portfolio): 60+ day delinquencies 0.00 % 0.00 % Allowance for risk-sharing 0.01 0.03 Key credit metrics (as a percentage of maximum exposure): Allowance for risk-sharing 0.07 % 0.14 % Allowance for risk-sharing and guaranty obligation 0.76 0.80 Discussion of Results: Our at risk servicing portfolio, which is comprised of loans subject to a defined risk-sharing formula, increased due to the significant level of Fannie Mae loan origination volume during the past year. There were no 60+ day delinquencies or defaults in our at risk servicing portfolio at June 30, 2017, the ninth consecutive quarter we have not had any 60+ day delinquent loans in our at risk servicing portfolio. The on-balance sheet interim-loan portfolio, which is comprised of loans for which the Company has full risk of loss, was $168.7 million at June 30, 2017 compared to $242.1 million at June 30, 2016. All of the Company's interim loans are current and performing at June 30, 2017. YEAR-TO-DATE 2017 OPERATING RESULTS Total transaction volume for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $11.0 billion compared to $8.0 billion for the same period last year, a 38% increase. Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $324.9 million compared to $242.1 million for the same period last year, a 34% increase. The change in total revenues was largely driven by a 33% increase in gains from mortgage banking activities and a 32% increase in servicing fees. Total expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were $212.7 million and $166.2 million, respectively. The 28% increase in total expenses was due primarily to increased personnel expenses and amortization and depreciation costs. Personnel expenses as a percentage of total revenues was unchanged year over year at 37%. Operating margin for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was 35% and 31%, respectively. Increased scale in the business year over year provided a lift to operating margin, as revenues grew 34% while expenses increased only 28%. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $77.8 million, or $2.43 per diluted share, compared to net income of $47.5 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, for the same period last year, a 64% increase that was driven primarily by the increase in total revenues and a decrease in our effective tax rate due to a significant year-over-year increase in excess tax benefits related to employee stock compensation. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, adjusted EBITDA was $101.3 million and $59.5 million, respectively. The 70% increase was driven by significant growth in origination fees and servicing fees, partially offset by a large increase in personnel expenses. 1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure the Company presents to help investors better understand our operating performance. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income, refer to the sections of this press release below titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Adjusted Financial Metric Reconciliation to GAAP." 2 The fair value of the expected net cash flows associated with the servicing of the loan, net of any guaranty obligations retained, as a percentage of Agency volume. 3 At risk servicing portfolio is defined as the balance of Fannie Mae DUS loans subject to the risk-sharing formula described below, as well as a small number of Freddie Mac and GNMA - HUD loans on which we share in the risk of loss. Use of the at risk portfolio provides for comparability of the full risk-sharing and modified risk-sharing loans because the provision and allowance for risk-sharing obligations are based on the at risk balances of the associated loans. Accordingly, we have presented the key statistics as a percentage of the at risk portfolio. For example, a $15 million loan with 50% risk-sharing has the same potential risk exposure as a $7.5 million loan with full DUS risk sharing. Accordingly, if the $15 million loan with 50% risk-sharing were to default, we would view the overall loss as a percentage of the at risk balance, or $7.5 million, to ensure comparability between all risk-sharing obligations. To date, substantially all of the risk-sharing obligations that we have settled have been from full risk-sharing loans. 4 Represents the maximum loss we would incur under our risk-sharing obligations if all of the loans we service, for which we retain some risk of loss, were to default and all of the collateral underlying these loans was determined to be without value at the time of settlement. The maximum exposure is not representative of the actual loss we would incur. Conference Call Information The Company will host a conference call to discuss its quarterly results on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Analysts and investors interested in participating are invited to call (888) 632-3384 from within the United States or (785) 4241675 from outside the United States and are asked to reference the Conference ID: WDQ217. A simultaneous webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Walker & Dunlop website at http://www.walkerdunlop.com. Presentation materials related to the conference call will be posted to the Investor Relations section of the Company's website prior to the call. A telephonic replay of the call will also be available from approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern time August 2, 2017 through August 16, 2017. Please call (800) 839-2398 from the United States or (402) 220-7208 from outside the United States. An audio replay will also be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, along with the presentation materials. About Walker & Dunlop Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate services and finance companies in the United States providing financing and investment sales to owners of multifamily and commercial properties. Walker & Dunlop, which is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, has over 600 professionals in 28 offices across the nation with an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction. Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company uses adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. The presentation of adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. When analyzing our operating performance, readers should use adjusted EBITDA in addition to, and not as an alternative for, net income. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before income taxes, interest expense on our term loan facility, and amortization and depreciation, adjusted for provision for credit losses net of write-offs, stock-based incentive compensation charges, non-cash revenues such as gains attributable to MSRs, and mark-to-market effects from CMBS activities. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for our management's discretionary use, as it does not reflect certain cash requirements such as tax and debt service payments. The amounts shown for adjusted EBITDA may also differ from the amounts calculated under similarly titled definitions in our debt instruments, which are further adjusted to reflect certain other cash and non-cash charges that are used to determine compliance with financial covenants. We use adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance of our business, for comparison with forecasts and strategic plans, and for benchmarking performance externally against competitors. We believe that this non-GAAP measure, when read in conjunction with the Company's GAAP financials, provides useful information to investors by offering: the ability to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the Company's on-going operating results; the ability to better identify trends in the Company's underlying business and perform related trend analyses; and a better understanding of how management plans and measures the Company's underlying business. We believe that adjusted EBITDA has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company's results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP and that adjusted EBITDA should only be used to evaluate the Company's results of operations in conjunction with net income. For more information on adjusted EBITDA, refer to the section of this press release below titled "Adjusted Financial Metric Reconciliation to GAAP." Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, projections, plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," or "potential" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or contemplated in any forward-looking statement. While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith projections, assumptions and expectations, they are not guarantees of future results. Furthermore, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes, except as required by applicable law. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: (1) general economic conditions and multifamily and commercial real estate market conditions, (2) regulatory and or legislative changes to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or HUD, (3) our ability to retain and attract loan originators and other professionals, and (4) changes in federal government fiscal and monetary policies, including any constraints or cuts in federal funds allocated to HUD for loan originations. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or contemplated in any forward-looking statements, see the section titled ''Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as it may be updated or supplemented by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC. Such filings are available publicly on our Investor Relations web page at www.walkerdunlop.com. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 (in thousands) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,338 $ 50,745 $ 118,756 $ 83,887 $ 60,993 Restricted cash 15,768 9,313 9,861 14,370 17,611 Pledged securities, at fair value 92,401 86,900 84,850 81,933 78,491 Loans held for sale, at fair value 1,608,025 1,230,311 1,858,358 1,299,028 2,244,329 Loans held for investment, net 167,540 311,242 220,377 261,915 239,861 Servicing fees and other receivables, net 34,794 35,882 29,459 28,316 36,300 Derivative assets 24,991 15,446 61,824 33,796 28,358 Mortgage servicing rights 573,159 562,530 521,930 496,678 468,093 Goodwill and other intangible assets 124,621 124,670 97,372 91,340 91,389 Other assets 71,398 54,499 49,645 39,854 30,599 Total assets $ 2,766,035 $ 2,481,538 $ 3,052,432 $ 2,431,117 $ 3,296,024 Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities $ 229,471 $ 205,100 $ 232,231 $ 202,533 $ 176,154 Performance deposits from borrowers 14,894 9,424 10,480 13,885 16,799 Derivative liabilities 500 9,449 4,396 2,918 29,483 Guaranty obligation, net 36,492 35,311 32,292 30,938 28,406 Allowance for risk-sharing obligations 3,648 3,546 3,613 3,400 5,810 Warehouse notes payable 1,630,268 1,406,462 1,990,183 1,440,425 2,336,925 Note payable 164,011 164,088 164,163 164,238 164,313 Total liabilities $ 2,079,284 $ 1,833,380 $ 2,437,358 $ 1,858,337 $ 2,757,890 Equity Preferred shares $ $ $ $ $ Common stock 301 301 296 294 294 Additional paid-in capital 222,989 218,908 228,889 223,603 218,818 Retained earnings 458,819 424,252 381,031 344,241 314,613 Total stockholders' equity $ 682,109 $ 643,461 $ 610,216 $ 568,138 $ 533,725 Noncontrolling interests 4,642 4,697 4,858 4,642 4,409 Total equity $ 686,751 $ 648,158 $ 615,074 $ 572,780 $ 538,134 Commitments and contingencies Total liabilities and equity $ 2,766,035 $ 2,481,538 $ 3,052,432 $ 2,431,117 $ 3,296,024 Walker & Dunlop, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) Quarterly Trends Six months ended June 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) Q2 2017 Q1 2017 Q4 2016 Q3 2016 Q2 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Gains from mortgage banking activities $ 102,176 $ 96,432 $ 117,779 $ 100,630 $ 102,453 $ 198,608 $ 148,776 Servicing fees 43,214 41,525 39,370 37,134 32,771 84,739 64,420 Net warehouse interest income 5,800 6,620 7,802 5,614 3,580 12,420 10,311 Escrow earnings and other interest income 4,514 3,292 2,943 2,630 1,955 7,806 3,595 Other 10,703 10,643 10,497 8,778 7,099 21,346 14,997 Total revenues $ 166,407 $ 158,512 $ 178,391 $ 154,786 $ 147,858 $ 324,919 $ 242,099 Expenses Personnel $ 63,516 $ 56,172 $ 73,126 $ 64,377 $ 55,758 $ 119,688 $ 89,988 Amortization and depreciation 32,860 32,338 30,603 29,244 26,425 65,198 51,580 Provision (benefit) for credit losses (93) (132) (778) 283 292 (225) (117) Interest expense on corporate debt 2,443 2,403 2,432 2,485 2,465 4,846 4,934 Other operating expenses 11,599 11,608 11,827 9,685 11,212 23,207 19,826 Total expenses $ 110,325 $ 102,389 $ 117,210 $ 106,074 $ 96,152 $ 212,714 $ 166,211 Income from operations $ 56,082 $ 56,123 $ 61,181 $ 48,712 $ 51,706 $ 112,205 $ 75,888 Income tax expense 21,570 13,063 24,175 18,851 19,595 34,633 28,444 Net income before noncontrolling interests $ 34,512 $ 43,060 $ 37,006 $ 29,861 $ 32,111 $ 77,572 $ 47,444 Less: net income (loss) from noncontrolling interests (55) (161) 216 233 90 (216) (35) Walker & Dunlop net income $ 34,567 $ 43,221 $ 36,790 $ 29,628 $ 32,021 $ 77,788 $ 47,479 Basic earnings per share $ 1.15 $ 1.45 $ 1.25 $ 1.01 $ 1.09 $ 2.60 $ 1.61 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.08 $ 1.35 $ 1.16 $ 0.96 $ 1.05 $ 2.43 $ 1.55 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 30,131 29,809 29,477 29,374 29,388 29,971 29,438 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 32,097 32,006 31,701 30,793 30,627 32,067 30,714 SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING DATA Unaudited Quarterly Trends Six months ended June 30, (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Q2 2017 Q1 2017 Q4 2016 Q3 2016 Q2 2016 2017 2016 Transaction Volume: Loan Origination Volume by Product Type Fannie Mae $ 2,188,841 $ 1,888,936 $ 2,273,379 $ 1,565,915 $ 2,398,404 $ 4,077,777 $ 3,161,648 Freddie Mac 1,111,434 1,162,950 1,231,766 1,296,045 1,002,453 2,274,384 1,706,260 Ginnie Mae - HUD 403,981 207,032 261,204 382,602 111,927 611,013 236,135 Brokered (1) 1,948,918 1,330,298 1,304,724 922,969 1,093,932 3,279,216 1,961,423 Interim Loans 26,637 136,550 184,560 76,475 158,565 163,187 158,565 Total Loan Origination Volume $ 5,679,811 $ 4,725,766 $ 5,255,633 $ 4,244,006 $ 4,765,281 $ 10,405,577 $ 7,224,031 Investment Sales Volume 351,825 286,730 1,005,265 788,232 623,995 638,555 780,945 Total Transaction Volume $ 6,031,636 $ 5,012,496 $ 6,260,898 $ 5,032,238 $ 5,389,276 $ 11,044,132 $ 8,004,976 Key Performance Metrics: Operating margin 34 % 35 % 34 % 31 % 35 % 35 % 31 % Return on equity 21 28 25 22 25 24 19 Walker & Dunlop net income $ 34,567 $ 43,221 $ 36,790 $ 29,628 $ 32,021 $ 77,788 $ 47,479 Adjusted EBITDA (2) 50,988 50,305 34,625 36,227 27,090 101,293 59,507 Diluted EPS 1.08 1.35 1.16 0.96 1.05 2.43 1.55 Key Expense Metrics (as a percentage of total revenues): Personnel expenses 38 % 35 % 41 % 42 % 38 % 37 % 37 % Other operating expenses 7 7 7 6 8 7 8 Key Revenue Metrics (as a percentage of loan origination volume): Origination related fees 1.01 % 1.08 % 1.00 % 1.23 % 0.98 % 1.04 % 0.96 % Gains attributable to MSRs 0.79 0.96 1.24 1.14 1.17 0.87 1.10 Gains attributable to MSRs--Agency (3) 1.21 1.40 1.73 1.49 1.58 1.30 1.56 Other Data: Market capitalization at period end $ 1,526,336 $ 1,302,748 $ 961,539 $ 778,169 $ 701,055 Closing share price at period end $ 48.83 $ 41.69 $ 31.20 $ 25.26 $ 22.78 Average headcount 594 573 539 521 506 Servicing Portfolio by Product: Fannie Mae $ 29,573,946 $ 28,741,065 $ 27,728,164 $ 25,875,684 $ 24,884,039 Freddie Mac 22,380,103 21,426,315 20,688,410 19,702,477 18,880,690 Ginnie Mae - HUD 8,919,840 9,073,355 9,155,794 9,254,830 9,396,321 Brokered (1) 5,128,453 4,829,934 5,286,473 4,024,490 3,918,682 Interim Loans 288,412 313,355 222,313 264,508 242,092 Total Servicing Portfolio $ 66,290,754 $ 64,384,024 $ 63,081,154 $ 59,121,989 $ 57,321,824 Key Servicing Metrics (end of period): Weighted-average servicing fee rate (bps) 26.5 26.5 26.1 25.6 25.0 Weighted-average remaining term (years) 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.5 10.4 (1) Brokered transactions for commercial mortgage backed securities, life insurance companies, and commercial banks. (2) This is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on adjusted EBITDA, refer to the section above titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." (3) The fair value of the expected net cash flows associated with the servicing of the loan, net of any guaranty obligations retained, as a percentage of Agency volume. KEY CREDIT METRICS Unaudited June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, (dollars in thousands) 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 Risk-sharing servicing portfolio: Fannie Mae Full Risk $ 22,491,811 $ 21,465,009 $ 20,669,404 $ 19,411,757 $ 18,314,382 Fannie Mae Modified Risk 6,878,981 7,035,879 6,396,812 5,784,275 5,846,485 Freddie Mac Modified Risk 53,225 53,359 53,368 53,377 53,385 GNMA - HUD Full Risk 4,391 4,431 4,470 4,509 Total risk-sharing servicing portfolio $ 29,424,017 $ 28,558,638 $ 27,124,015 $ 25,253,879 $ 24,218,761 Non risk-sharing servicing portfolio: Fannie Mae No Risk $ 203,154 $ 240,177 $ 661,948 $ 679,652 $ 723,172 Freddie Mac No Risk 22,326,878 21,372,956 20,635,042 19,649,100 18,827,305 GNMA - HUD No Risk 8,919,840 9,068,964 9,151,363 9,250,360 9,391,812 Brokered 5,128,453 4,829,934 5,286,473 4,024,490 3,918,682 Total non risk-sharing servicing portfolio $ 36,578,325 $ 35,512,031 $ 35,734,826 $ 33,603,602 $ 32,860,971 Total loans serviced for others $ 66,002,342 $ 64,070,669 $ 62,858,841 $ 58,857,481 $ 57,079,732 Interim loans (full risk) servicing portfolio 288,412 313,355 222,313 264,508 242,092 Total servicing portfolio unpaid principal balance $ 66,290,754 $ 64,384,024 $ 63,081,154 $ 59,121,989 $ 57,321,824 At risk servicing portfolio (1) $ 26,095,958 $ 25,187,219 $ 24,072,347 $ 22,384,966 $ 21,259,296 Maximum exposure to at risk portfolio (2) 5,282,883 5,183,874 4,921,802 4,602,118 4,285,966 60+ day delinquencies, within at risk portfolio At risk loan balances associated with allowance for risk-sharing obligations 16,884 60+ day delinquencies as a percentage of the at risk portfolio 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % Allowance for risk-sharing as a percentage of the at risk portfolio 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03 Allowance for risk-sharing as a percentage of the specifically identified at risk balances N/A N/A N/A N/A 34.41 Allowance for risk-sharing as a percentage of maximum exposure 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.14 Allowance for risk-sharing and guaranty obligation as a percentage of maximum exposure 0.76 0.75 0.73 0.75 0.80 (1) At risk servicing portfolio is defined as the balance of Fannie Mae DUS loans subject to the risk-sharing formula described below, as well as an immaterial balance of Freddie Mac and GNMA-HUD loans on which we share in the risk of loss. Use of the at risk portfolio provides for comparability of the full risk-sharing and modified risk-sharing loans because the provision and allowance for risk-sharing obligations are based on the at risk balances of the associated loans. Accordingly, we have presented the key statistics as a percentage of the at risk portfolio. For example, a $15 million loan with 50% DUS risk-sharing has the same potential risk exposure as a $7.5 million loan with full DUS risk-sharing. Accordingly, if the $15 million loan with 50% DUS risk-sharing was to default, the Company would view the overall loss as a percentage of the at risk balance, or $7.5 million, to ensure comparability between all risk-sharing obligations. To date, substantially all of the risk-sharing obligations that we have settled have been from full risk-sharing loans. (2) Represents the maximum loss we would incur under our risk-sharing obligations if all of the loans we service, for which we retain some risk of loss, were to default and all of the collateral underlying these loans was determined to be without value at the time of settlement. The maximum exposure is not representative of the actual loss we would incur. ADJUSTED FINANCIAL METRIC RECONCILIATION TO GAAP Unaudited Six months ended June 30, (in thousands) Q2 2017 Q1 2017 Q4 2016 Q3 2016 Q2 2016 2017 2016 Reconciliation of Walker & Dunlop Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Walker & Dunlop Net Income $ 34,567 $ 43,221 $ 36,790 $ 29,628 $ 32,021 $ 77,788 $ 47,479 Income tax expense 21,570 13,063 24,175 18,851 19,595 34,633 28,444 Interest expense on corporate debt 2,443 2,403 2,432 2,485 2,465 4,846 4,934 Amortization and depreciation 32,860 32,338 30,603 29,244 26,425 65,198 51,580 Provision (benefit) for credit losses (93) (132) (778) 283 292 (225) (117) Net write-offs 810 (2,567) Stock compensation expense 4,310 4,947 5,693 5,270 3,656 9,257 7,514 Gains attributable to mortgage servicing rights (1) (44,669) (45,535) (65,100) (48,229) (55,579) (90,204) (79,496) Unrealized (gains) losses from proprietary CMBS mortgage banking activities 1,262 (1,785) (831) Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,988 $ 50,305 $ 34,625 $ 36,227 $ 27,090 $ 101,293 $ 59,507 (1) Represents the fair value of the expected net cash flows from servicing recognized at commitment, net of the expected guaranty obligation. SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc. Related Links http://www.walkerdunlop.com LONDON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Summary Hong Kong private wealth market is an attractive mix of East and West. Its long-established nature makes it larger and more diversified than is common in the rest of Asia Pacific. Local HNW investors have mainly sourced their wealth through a mixture of entrepreneurship and earned income. Convenience is an important factor driving uptake of professional advice, but investors are reluctant to relinquish control completely, preferring advisory mandates. However, this is slowly changing as we are seeing greater uptake of discretionary mandates, in part driven by expats. Critical success factors - Target expats: The Hong Kong HNW market has a large expat component and providers need to be able to onboard these much sought-after clients. This requires facilities that allow the onboarding process to begin remotely via a foreign branch in China, Taiwan, or the UK if possible, or via partnerships with relocation services. - Lead with advisory asset management: Hong Kong client preferences are skewed towards advisory asset management, although demand for discretionary mandates is picking up. Wealth managers must have service options that align with this in order to attract clients. - Be a one-stop shop: Demand for all planning services is on the rise, and given that convenience is an important factor driving uptake of advice, wealth managers able to pursue a multi-service proposition are at an advantage. Key findings include in this report - - Wealth managers need to be prepared for entrepreneurial clients with irregular incomes, heavy exposure to single industries, and finances entwined with their business. - Expats are a sizable proportion of the local HNW market and should prove to be a lucrative segment. - Advisory mandates continue to dominate in Hong Kong. However, HNW investors prefer to manage simple investments themselves to save on fees. - The average portfolio is heavily exposed to equities, while only the bare minimum is held in cash and near-cash products to ensure liquidity. HNW individuals in Hong Kong have sourced their wealth mainly through business ownership, although earned income plays a larger role in the market than elsewhere in Asia Pacific. The most prominent industry from which HNW individuals have amassed wealth is manufacturing, financial services, and property and real estate. However, various government initiatives will see other sectors, such as medical services and environmental industries, grow in importance, and wealth managers will find investors employed in these sectors an increasingly attractive target market. At the same time, wealth managers cannot afford to ignore the expat opportunity in Hong Kong, given that half of the HNW population in Hong Kong was born overseas. The report "Wealth in Hong Kong: HNW Investors 2017" analyzes the investing preferences and portfolio allocation of HNW investors in the SAR. The report is based on our proprietary Global Wealth Managers Survey. Specifically, this report provides the following - - Profiles the average HNW investor in Hong Kong in terms of their demographics and analyzes the expat opportunity. - Analyzes which wealth management mandates are preferred among HNW investors in Hong Kong and how the demand will develop looking forward. - Examines the allocation of HNW investors' portfolios into different asset classes and how the allocation is expected to develop in the future. - Analyzes the product and service demand among HNW investors in Hong Kong. Companies mentioned in this report: BNP Paribas Wealth Management, Credit Suisse, Vontobel, HSBC Private Bank. Scope - Wealth managers need to be prepared for entrepreneurial clients with irregular incomes, heavy exposure to single industries, and finances entwined with their business. - Expats form a sizable proportion of the local HNW market and should prove to be a lucrative segment. - Advisory mandates continue to dominate in Hong Kong. However, HNW investors prefer to manage simple investments themselves to save on fees. - The average portfolio is heavily exposed to equities, while only the bare minimum is held in cash and near-cash products to ensure liquidity. Reasons to buy - Develop and enhance your client targeting strategies using our data on HNW profiles and source of wealth. - Give your marketing strategies the edge required and capture new clients using insights from our data on HNW investors' drivers for seeking investment advice vs self-directing. - Tailor your investment product portfolio to match the current and future demand for different asset classes among HNW individuals. - Develop your service proposition to match the service and product demand expressed by HNW investors in Hong Kong and react proactively to the forecasted change in demand. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4969341/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com SUNBURY, Pa., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Weis Markets, Inc. (NYSE:WMK) today reported its second quarter sales for the thirteen week period ended July 1, 2017 increased 20.0 percent to $876.6 million compared to $730.4 million for the same period in 2016. The Company's second quarter comparable store sales, adjusted down for the Easter Holiday shift, increased 2.7 percent. In the second quarter, the Company's operating income increased 15.2 percent to $27.7 million compared to $24.1 million for the same period in 2016. The Company's second quarter net income increased 21.0 percent to $18.5 million while earnings per share totaled $0.69 compared to $0.57 in 2016. "Our comparable stores have now increased for the thirteenth consecutive quarter," said Weis Markets Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weis. "During this period our sales and net income benefited from the strong performance of our pharmacy and deli-food service departments, sustained and varied promotions throughout our seven state market area and increased store level efficiencies and expense controls." Year to Date For the 26 week period ended July 1, 2017, the Company's sales increased 17.7 percent to $1.7 billion compared to the same period in 2016 while comparable store sales were up 1.7 percent. Operating income totaled $48.0 million compared to $55.3 million in 2016. Year-to-date net income totaled $30.3 million, down 14.4 percent compared to 2016. About Weis Markets Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 204 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, please visit: WeisMarkets.com or Facebook.com/WeisMarkets. In addition to historical information, this news release may contain forward-looking statements, which are included pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. For example, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in: general economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures; business conditions in the retail industry; the regulatory environment; rapidly changing technology and competitive factors, including increased competition with regional and national retailers; and price pressures. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WEIS MARKETS, INC. COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF SALES & EARNINGS Second Quarter 2017 (Unaudited) (in thousands, except shares and per share amounts) 13 Week 13 Week Period Ended Period Ended Increase July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016 (Decrease) Net Sales $ 876,569 $ 730,433 20.0% Income Before Income Taxes $ 28,130 $ 24,739 13.7% Provision for Income Taxes 9,655 9,474 1.9% Net Income $ 18,475 $ 15,265 21.0% Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding 26,898,443 26,898,443 Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.69 $0.57 $0.12 26 Week 26 Week Period Ended Period Ended Increase July 1, 2017 June 25, 2016 (Decrease) Net Sales $ 1,728,798 $ 1,468,637 17.7% Income Before Income Taxes $ 49,204 $ 56,645 (13.1)% Provision for Income Taxes 18,893 21,252 (11.1)% Net Income $ 30,311 $ 35,393 (14.4)% Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding 26,898,443 26,898,443 Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share $1.13 $1.32 $(0.19) SOURCE Weis Markets, Inc. Related Links http://www.weismarkets.com The restrictions have been imposed in areas falling in the jurisdiction of five police stations of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal and M.R. Gunj in Srinagar. By Indo-Asian News Service: Authorities today imposed restrictions, shut educational institutions, blocked internet services and ordered suspension of rail services to prevent protests in the Kashmir Valley in the wake of LeT divisional commander Abu Dujana's killing. The separatist leaders have called for a protest shutdown on Wednesday. Three persons including LeT divisional commander Abu Dujana, his associate Arif Lalihaari and a civilian protester were killed on Tuesday in Pulwama district. advertisement The restrictions have been imposed in areas falling in the jurisdiction of five police stations of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal and M.R. Gunj in Srinagar. Abu Dujana, the 28-year old Gilgit-Baltistan resident had been active in south Kashmir areas since 2012. He carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head. Arif Lalihaari, was reportedly involved in many civilian killings, weapon snatching incidents and bank robberies. Three civilians sustained bullet injuries during protests after Abu Dujana and Arif were killed. Firdous Ahmad of Begumbagh in Kakapora area of Pulwama, one of the three bullet-hit protesters, later died while two others are being treated in a Srinagar hospital. Over 26 other protesters were injured during clashes in Pulwama district, with many of them sustaining pellet gunshots. Students of three colleges in Srinagar took to roads shouting pro-Islam and pro-freedom slogans, bringing life to a halt in parts of uptown city on Tuesday. Students also staged protests in Badgam, Handwara and Bandipora towns on Tuesday. Authorities have ordered closure of all schools and colleges in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday. Kashmir University and Islamic University of Science and Technology have announced postponement of all exams scheduled on Wednesday. Mobile internet services have been suspended and rail services have also been suspended between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. ALSO READ Abu Dujana encounter: Jilted lover turned police informer led security forces to LeT commander Top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Abu Dujana killed in Pulwama encounter Abu Dujana killed: List of Kashmir's 10 most wanted terrorists How Lashkar terrorist Abu Dujana met his wife, and death. A blow-by-blow account --- ENDS --- MIAMI, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The year's most anticipated data is here. Skyscanner, the global travel search engine, has uncovered the best time to book Thanksgiving 2017 air travel. After carefully collating and analyzing historic data from Skyscanner's more than 60 million monthly users, the results show savings can be found starting the week of September 4 all the way up to two weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday. "Projections year over year indicate that air travel over Thanksgiving is steadily growing over 27 million passengers according to Airlines for America (A4A) and as even more travelers are expected to take to the skies this season, travelers will be looking for ways to score a great deal," said Randi Wolfson, Head of Communications for the Americas, Skyscanner. "As a comprehensive travel resource, Skyscanner wants to provide consumers with the highly coveted best time to book for savings on Thanksgiving travel, and take the guesswork out of booking holiday travel." This Fall will be filled with travel deals for both planners and procrastinators, who stand to find great savings not only on the heels of Labor Day, starting the week of September 4, where a traveler can find potential savings up to four percent, and also leading up to the week of November 6. In addition, Skyscanner has found that a round-trip domestic airline ticket around the holiday period will average around $300, offering an unprecedented booking window with more affordability and flexibility. "We are seeing a trend in which the booking window for travelers to find greater savings is extending, even as we look at the 21-day Winter season covering Christmas and New Year's, where travelers will be able save the most three to seven weeks before each holiday," added Wolfson. The best-time-to-book data appeals to every kind of traveler and is likely to contribute to another record-breaking year for Thanksgiving and end-of-year holiday travel as a whole. Skyscanner has compiled some hacks to help travelers with the booking process and find the best deals this holiday season: By expanding flight searches to include other area airports, travelers may find more flight options as well as more affordable fares. Tweaking travel itinerary dates of departure and return may yield more results in line with travelers' budgets. Setting up price alerts allows travelers to track the cost of a desired flight route and purchase a fare once the price drops. For more information, please visit: https://www.skyscanner.com/news/skyscanner-unveils-best-time-book-thanksgiving-flights About Skyscanner Skyscanner is a leading global travel search company providing free search of flights, hotels and car rental. Founded in 2003 Skyscanner helps to meet the travel planning needs of over 60 million people each month. Skyscanner is available in over 30 languages. Skyscanner's highly-rated free mobile app has been downloaded over 60 million times. The privately-owned company employs over 900 staff and has ten global offices in Edinburgh, Singapore, Beijing, Shenzhen, Miami, Barcelona, Glasgow, Sofia, Budapest and London. For more information, please visit http://www.skyscanner.com and our news site. Methodology: Skyscanner holiday travel data is based on historic search and exit data collated over the past two years. US to US round-trip travel for one-adult ticket was analyzed. Media Contacts: Skyscanner Randi Wolfson [email protected] Cohen PR Dana Cohen [email protected] SOURCE Skyscanner Related Links http://www.skyscanner.com WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 100 small business owners from around the country voiced concerns about taxes, regulations and the need for a skilled workforce at a forum hosted by President Trump at the White House on Tuesday. "America is on the verge of a golden age for small business," Trump said. "We are ending job-killing regulation, eliminating massive restrictions on American energy, and pursuing bold tax cuts so our companies can thrive, compete and grow. Together, we are unleashing a new era of American prosperity." The White House event was part of American Dream Week and recognized entrepreneurship as a pathway to success. Small business owners discussed their challenges during a Q&A session in the East Room with U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump, First Daughter and Advisor to the President. "As I travel and listen to small businesses all over the country, the themes are the same I hear concerns about overly burdensome regulations and the need for tax reform and a skilled workforce, and the conversation at the White House was no different," McMahon said. "I want them to know they have an advocate in Washington, not only in me, but in the President of the United States. He has lived his own American Dream. He believes in it, as do I. The American Dream exists for all of us." President Trump noted this is an opportune time for small businesses in America, as the stock market hit a record high and unemployment dropped to a 16-year low. "We are setting economic records, jobs are coming back and factories are coming back into our country," Trump said. This week the SBA begins its 65th year as the federal agency that advocates for small businesses and helps them access capital, contracting, counseling, disaster assistance and international trade assistance. "When people think of the SBA, they automatically think loans. But SBA is much more than that. It is a counselor and mentor for networking and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed," McMahon said. About the Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and elevated to Cabinet level on January 13, 2012. It works to protect the interests of small businesses; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. To learn more about SBA, visit http://www.sba.gov . Contact: Terry Sutherland, 202-205-6919 Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Blogs Release Number: 17-47 SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration Related Links http://www.sba.gov OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To reduce global economic inequality along with greenhouse gas emissions from its corporate travel, travel industry leader Expedia, Inc. has invested in four community-owned carbon offset projects from the non-profit Carbon Offsets to Alleviate Poverty (COTAP.org). COTAP's carbon offset projects counteract emissions through tree planting, agroforestry and forest protection in areas where incomes are less than $2 per day. They are certified under Plan Vivo, the world's longest-standing voluntary standard for forest carbon, which requires rural communities own their offset projects and that they receive at least 60% of all carbon revenues. Expanding voluntary carbon markets and using carbon offsets were topics discussed in a recent UN intersessional meeting in Bonn, Germany on implementing the Paris climate agreement. US withdrawal from Paris has not slowed carbon offset use by companies. Major companies which have recently announced using carbon offsets for corporate travel include retailer Zappos.com, business software giant SAP and car rental leader Hertz, to name a few. But Expedia, whose 2016 revenues exceeded $8.7 billion, is the first Fortune 500 company to work with COTAP to offset some of its corporate travel and insure the lion's share of the money goes directly to those who need it most. Through donations to COTAP, Expedia offset 1,010 tonnes of atmospheric carbon, counteracting emissions from a large meeting convening leaders from many Expedia locations. The funds will be distributed evenly among COTAP's partner projects in India, Malawi, Nicaragua and Uganda, with cash payments directly shared with smallholder farmers and forest communities there. COTAP projects serve and connect key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, taking action on climate change, enhancing food security, fighting deforestation, boosting sustainable growth and employment, and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. They're also examples of how the private sector and communities in developing countries can work together to help meet global emissions reduction goals. "One of Expedia's core Corporate Social Responsibility values is climate action, so there was really was no question about whether or not working with COTAP made sense. Travel is a large contributor to carbon emissions and given that we are in the business of travel anything we can do to help alleviate the impact we're on board. We are very excited to be working with COTAP and look forward to what we can accomplish together," said Tony Donohoe, SVP and CTO, Expedia Worldwide Engineering at Expedia, Inc. "By offsetting through COTAP, Expedia is creating over $5.00 per tonne in direct, life-changing income for the world's poorest people," said Tim Whitley, COTAP founder. "This unsurpassed level of direct carbon revenue sharing is made possible by the combination of Plan Vivo's 60% community revenue sharing requirement, the premium price of $9 per tonne COTAP pays projects, and our modest and transparent margin of 9.1%. Our projects create other indirect co-benefits like improved food security, biodiversity, soil quality, and reduced erosion. But income is the ultimate benefit because beneficiaries can use it to pay for income-generating assets, medical treatment, food, or their children's school fees." Expedia's donation to COTAP also gives its more than 20,000 employees worldwide access to COTAP's Employee Offset Matching Program via Expedia Cares. It lets employees double the amount of carbon emissions they can offset and halve the effective rate they pay. At COTAP.org/Expedia, they can calculate, learn to reduce, and offset their carbon footprint of any size. A full version of this release is posted here. Contact: Stephen Kent, [email protected] 914-589-5988 SOURCE COTAP.org Related Links http://cotap.org/ "My daughter told me about Wounded Warrior Project after seeing it on TV," said Sherry Wattier Booth, U.S. Army National Guard injured veteran. "For female veterans, these mental health workshops afford us an opportunity to recreate strong bonds with ladies of similar backgrounds and struggles. It's important to have that level of understanding and support when you face significant challenges in life after service. Suddenly, you're not alone." Through the generous support of donors, WWP offers veterans specialized mental health programs and services tailored to each warrior's specific needs and free of charge. One such program is its multi-day mental health workshops that are offered as all-male, all-female, or all-couples. These workshops provide safe, private environments for warriors to express themselves. By the end, warriors share lessons learned from the activities that impacted their personal struggles most. WWP staff use experiential, physical activities in a recovery model that allows warriors to be vulnerable to the unknown and identify and work through anxieties together. As warriors challenge themselves through outdoor team building activities that include an intense high climbing obstacle course, they actively honor oaths they agreed to at the beginning of the workshop, including "trusting the process" and "being present in their recovery." "You come face to face with the same things you struggle to cope with in your everyday life," Sherry said. "Being around people that I didn't know was difficult for me, but I realized I wasn't the only one with social anxieties. As time passed, I learned to let some of my walls down. These ladies became like family to me, and now I have support where I didn't before I came. I think every female wounded warrior can walk away from this workshop with a life-changing gift." To learn and see more about how WWP's mental health workshops connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/, and click on multimedia. About Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us. SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project Related Links http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org The two public companies intend to enter into long-term exclusive license agreements to retain their affiliation with one of the industry's top rated loyalty programs, Wyndham Rewards, as well as continued collaboration on key inventory sharing and customer cross-sell initiatives. The corporate names of the post-spin public companies have not yet been decided. The transaction is expected to increase the fit and focus and strategic flexibility of the two post-spin companies, allow each company to maintain a sharper focus on its core business and growth opportunities, facilitate future capital raising as needed for the two companies, and position each to be better able to make the changes necessary to respond to developments in its markets. Following the planned separation, both companies will have significant scale and leadership positions within their industries, strong cash flows, rich portfolios of trusted brands, and the existing relationships in place to drive attractive growth and shareholder value. "After a comprehensive review process, the Board of Directors has determined that a spin-off of the hotel business and the combination of Wyndham Vacation Ownership with RCI is the best structure to unlock shareholder value and enable strong growth across the businesses," said Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and CEO, Wyndham Worldwide. "We will work with the leadership of our European rental organizations, which have outstanding brands in their regional markets, to explore options to fully realize their future growth potential." Holmes added, "Over the past decade, we have attracted incredible teams of dedicated professionals who have built these businesses and brands into industry leaders which are now connected by the industry's top rated loyalty program. With this strong platform in place, our businesses are now able to move forward individually, each positioned for a very strong future, based on a shared history and culture and an ongoing affiliation with Wyndham Rewards." The transaction, which is expected to be tax-free to Wyndham Worldwide and its shareholders, will be effected through a pro rata distribution of the new hotel company's stock to existing Wyndham Worldwide shareholders. Wyndham Worldwide expects the transaction to be completed in the first half of 2018. MANAGEMENT As two separate public companies, the vacation ownership company and the hotel company will have separate boards of directors. Holmes will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors for both companies. Geoff Ballotti, current CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, will continue to lead the hotel company as President and CEO. With more than 30 years' experience, Ballotti is well positioned to continue advancing Wyndham's leadership in the economy and midscale hotel segments, while growing the company's upscale portfolio and management business. Michael Brown, current CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, will continue to lead the timeshare company as President and CEO. A 25-year industry veteran, Brown was appointed to lead the timeshare business earlier this year, bringing a strong combination of strategic vision, people-centric focus, and industry knowledge. Gail Mandel, CEO of Wyndham Destination Network, will continue to lead that business through this transition, and Tom Conforti, CFO of Wyndham Worldwide, will move into an advisory role, working with the Company through the transaction. "Tom has worked closely with the Board and me to get to our announcement today. He has been a passionate leader for our business and a vocal champion of our culture and values. His contributions to the Company and for our shareholders are significant, and our gratitude to him runs deep," said Holmes. "As we begin this next chapter, Tom and I agreed that now is a good time to make this change to support a seamless transition to the leadership of the new companies." David Wyshner will assume the role of Wyndham Worldwide CFO and will become CFO of the hotel company upon spin. Wyshner was most recently President and CFO of Avis Budget Group, the global vehicle rental service provider, and served as Avis Budget's CFO for more than ten years. Prior to that, Wyshner served as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Cendant Corporation, a global diversified services company with approximately $20 billion in annual revenues, where Wyshner led the execution of that company's separation into three publicly traded companies. Michael Hug will serve as CFO of the timeshare company. Hug has been Executive Vice President and CFO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership since 2005. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Controller. Prior to joining Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Hug spent 11 years with EY. HOTEL COMPANY Wyndham Hotel Group is one of the world's largest and most diverse hotel businesses, with a global portfolio of 18 brands and over 8,100 hotels more than any other company in the world with approximately 705,700 rooms in over 80 countries and 2016 revenues of $1.3 billion. The pure-play, publicly traded hotel company is expected to have: A strong and resilient, fee-for-service, global franchise model High margins Significant free cash flow A growing pipeline of 150,800 rooms A proven and experienced management team "We have spent the past three years on a transformation focused on improving the quality and awareness of our hotel brands, moving our legacy hotel and central systems to cloud based technology on an unprecedented scale, and building one of the top-rated hotel loyalty programs in the world," said Ballotti. "We are excited about moving forward as one of the largest pure-play hotel portfolios anchored by iconic hotel brands in the economy and midscale segments. With a proven asset-light, fee-for-service model and attractive opportunities to grow and further diversify our brand portfolio, we are well positioned to drive value for our shareholders." VACATION OWNERSHIP COMPANY With over $2 billion in gross timeshare sales in 2016, Wyndham Vacation Ownership is the world's largest developer and marketer of vacation ownership products. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops and operates a portfolio of over 220 resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and the South Pacific, managing vacation ownership sales, marketing, consumer financing operations and property management. RCI is the world's first and largest vacation exchange network, which introduced trading flexibility to vacation ownership more than 40 years ago. With over 4,300 affiliated properties in more than 100 countries, RCI members can choose from a variety of accommodations and vacation experiences. The post-spin, publicly traded timeshare company is expected to have: Unprecedented scale as the largest timeshare company in the world with a strong sales and marketing platform The largest timeshare exchange network Significant free cash flow A diversified timeshare business model A proven and experienced management team "By joining the largest timeshare company in the world with the largest timeshare exchange network and connecting them seamlessly to the Wyndham Rewards platform, we will be positioned to provide the widest variety of vacation opportunities to our owner base and network affiliates," said Brown. "We will focus on building on our proven strengths and unmatched scale to meet evolving consumer vacation needs while continuing to drive value for shareholders." ADDITIONAL TRANSACTION DETAILS Wyndham Worldwide will disclose more details of the proposed separation upon the filing of a Form 10 registration statement with the SEC, including financial and other details. The separation is subject to final approval by Wyndham Worldwide's Board of Directors, execution of intercompany agreements, arrangement of financing facilities, the effectiveness of the registration statement, and other customary conditions. The Company intends to seek a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to certain aspects of the transaction. The separation will not require a shareholder vote. Wyndham Worldwide expects to complete the separation in the first half of 2018 but there can be no assurance regarding the timing of the separation or that the separation will ultimately occur. ADVISORS Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as financial advisors to the Company, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal advisor. SECOND QUARTER RESULTS AND CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will issue its second quarter 2017 earnings release post market on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 and will hold a conference call with investors to discuss today's news as well as the Company's second quarter 2017 results, outlook and guidance on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Listeners can access the webcast live through the Company's website at http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com/investors/. The conference call may also be accessed by dialing 800-862-9098 and providing the pass code "WYNDHAM." Listeners are urged to call at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. An archive of this webcast will be available on the website for approximately 90 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 3, 2017. A telephone replay will be available for approximately 10 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 3, 2017 at 800-695-2533. ABOUT WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) is one of the largest global hospitality companies, providing travelers with access to a collection of trusted hospitality brands in hotels, vacation ownership, and unique accommodations including vacation exchange, holiday parks, and managed home rentals. With a collective inventory of nearly 130,000 places to stay across more than 110 countries on six continents, Wyndham Worldwide and its 38,000 associates welcomes people to experience travel the way they want. This is enhanced by Wyndham Rewards, the Company's re-imagined guest loyalty program across its businesses, which is making it simpler for members to earn more rewards and redeem their points faster. For more information, please visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are those that convey management's expectations as to the future based on plans, estimates and projections at the time Wyndham Worldwide makes the statements and may be identified by terminology such as "will," "expect," believe," "plan," "anticipate," "goal," "future," "outlook," guidance," "target," "estimate" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Wyndham Worldwide or the post-spin companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements related to the Wyndham Worldwide's current views and expectations with respect to the spin off and related transactions, as well as the post-spin companies' future operating, financial and business performance. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include general economic conditions, the performance of the financial and credit markets, the economic environment for the hospitality industry, the impact of war, terrorist activity or political strife, operating risks associated with the hotel, vacation exchange and rentals and vacation ownership businesses, uncertainties that may delay or negatively impact the spin off or cause the spin off to not occur at all, uncertainties related to the post-spin companies' ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the spin off, uncertainties related to Wyndham Worldwide's ability to successfully complete the spin off on a tax-free basis within the expected time frame or at all, unanticipated developments that delay or otherwise negatively affect the spin off, uncertainties related to Wyndham Worldwide's ability to obtain financing for the two companies or the terms of such financing, unanticipated developments related to the impact of the spin off on our relationships with our customers, suppliers, employees and others with whom we have relationships, unanticipated developments resulting from possible disruption to our operations resulting from the proposed spin-off, the potential impact of the spin-off and related transactions on Wyndham Worldwide's credit rating, uncertainties relating to Wyndham Worldwide's exploration of strategic alternatives for its European rentals brands and the outcome and timing of that process, as well as those factors described in Wyndham Worldwide's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2017, and in Wyndham Worldwide's subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Except for Wyndham Worldwide's ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the federal securities laws, it undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events. Media Contact: Nadeen N. Ayala Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications Wyndham Worldwide Corporation 973-753-8054 [email protected] Investor Contact: Margo C. Happer Senior Vice President, Investor Relations Wyndham Worldwide Corporation 973-753-6472 [email protected] SOURCE Wyndham Worldwide Related Links http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) today announced results for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Earlier today the Company also announced its plan to separate into two publicly traded hospitality companies. SECOND QUARTER 2017 OPERATING RESULTS Second quarter revenues were $1.5 billion, up 5% compared with the prior year period. Full reconciliations of GAAP results to non-GAAP measures for all reported periods appear in the tables to this press release. Net income for the second quarter of 2017 was $78 million compared with $156 million for the second quarter of 2016, reflecting a non-cash impairment charge on the write-down of undeveloped land detailed in Table 7 of this press release. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.75 compared with $1.39 for the prior year period. Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2017, which excludes charges in both 2016 and 2017 as detailed in Table 7 of this press release, was $159 million compared with $156 million for the second quarter of 2016, reflecting strong top-line momentum across the Company, partially offset by a higher provision for loan losses and higher legal fees at Wyndham Vacation Ownership. Adjusted diluted EPS was $1.53 compared with $1.40 per share in the prior year period, further reflecting the benefit of the Company's share repurchase program. Second quarter EBITDA was $214 million, compared with $340 million in the prior year period, reflecting the previously referenced non-cash impairment charge on the write-down of undeveloped land detailed in Table 8 of this press release. Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes charges in both 2017 and 2016 as detailed in Table 8 of this press release, was $350 million, compared with $340 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting strong top-line momentum across the Company, partially offset by a higher provision for loan losses and higher legal fees at Wyndham Vacation Ownership. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4% on a currency-neutral basis. "With summer closing in on the half-way point, all of our businesses are performing well," said Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO. "Our hotel group is seeing constant currency RevPAR growth both domestically and internationally, our vacation rentals business is benefiting from continued strong booking trends, and sales sharply accelerated at our vacation ownership business as we continue to execute on our new owner growth strategy. This strong topline momentum further reflects how these businesses are poised for continued success as stand-alone public companies." For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $663 million, compared with $706 million in the prior year period. The decrease primarily reflects higher inventory spending and the timing of working capital. Free cash flow was $581 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared with $616 million for the same period in 2016, primarily reflecting the changes in net cash provided by operating activities. The Company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. SECOND QUARTER 2017 BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS Hotel Group Revenues were $345 million in the second quarter of 2017, compared with $334 million in the second quarter of 2016. EBITDA was $106 million in the second quarter compared with $101 million in the prior year quarter, growing 6% on a currency-neutral basis. Results reflect higher franchise fees and growth in the Wyndham Rewards credit card program. Second quarter domestic same-store RevPAR increased 2.8% compared with the second quarter of 2016. In constant currency, global system-wide, same-store RevPAR increased 3.3%. As of June 30, 2017, the Company's hotel system consisted of over 8,100 properties and approximately 705,700 rooms, a 3.3% net room increase compared with the second quarter of 2016. The development pipeline increased to nearly 1,230 hotels and over 150,800 rooms, an 18% year-over-year room increase, of which 57% were international and 67% were new construction. Destination Network Revenues were $405 million in the second quarter of 2017, compared with $384 million in the second quarter of 2016, an increase of 5%. Vacation rental revenues were $220 million compared with $202 million in the prior year quarter. In constant currency and excluding acquisitions, vacation rental revenues increased 9%, reflecting a 7.8% increase in transaction volume and a 0.9% increase in the average net price per rental. Transaction volume benefited from capacity increases across the Company's European brands and the favorable impact from the timing of the Easter holiday. Exchange revenues were $159 million, an increase of 1% in constant currency compared with the prior year quarter. Exchange revenue per member increased 2.4% and the average number of members declined 1.7%. EBITDA was $89 million in the second quarter of 2017, a 5% increase compared with the second quarter of 2016. On a currency-neutral basis and excluding the impact of acquisitions, EBITDA increased 6%, reflecting stronger performance in our vacation rental brands, which benefited from the favorable impact of the timing of the Easter holiday, as well as the reversal of a previously recorded value-added tax reserve. Vacation Ownership Revenues increased 6% to $750 million in the second quarter of 2017, compared with $705 million in the second quarter of 2016. The increase reflects an increase in gross VOI sales of 9% as well as higher consumer financing revenues, partially offset by a higher provision for loan losses. Tour flow increased 10.3% driven by increased tours to new owners. Volume per guest (VPG) declined 1.1%, primarily reflecting a 14% increase in sales to new owners in North America, which produce a lower VPG. EBITDA was $47 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared with $187 million in the prior year quarter. The EBITDA decline reflects the previously mentioned impairment charge on the write-down of undeveloped land as detailed in Table 8 of this press release. Adjusted EBITDA was $183 million in the second quarter of 2017, a 2% decline compared with the second quarter of 2016. Results reflect the increase in revenues, offset by higher legal expenses and the absence of a $4 million benefit from business interruption insurance claims received in the second quarter of 2016. OTHER ITEMS The Company repurchased 1.6 million shares of common stock for $150 million during the second quarter of 2017 at an average price of $95.82 . From July 1 through August 1, 2017 , the Company repurchased an additional 0.5 million shares for $50 million . during the second quarter of 2017 at an average price of . From , the Company repurchased an additional 0.5 million shares for . Net interest expense in the second quarter of 2017 was $37 million compared with $32 million in the second quarter of 2016, reflecting the issuance of a $300 million 4.15% 7-year unsecured note and $400 million 4.50% 10-year unsecured note in March. compared with in the second quarter of 2016, reflecting the issuance of a 4.15% 7-year unsecured note and 4.50% 10-year unsecured note in March. Depreciation and amortization in the second quarter of 2017 was $66 million , compared with $63 million in the second quarter of 2016, as additional long-term projects came into service. Balance Sheet Information as of June 30, 2017: Cash and cash equivalents of $415 million , compared with $185 million at December 31, 2016 , compared with at Vacation ownership contract receivables, net of $2.8 billion , unchanged from December 31, 2016 , unchanged from Vacation ownership and other inventory of $1.3 billion , compared with $1.4 billion at December 31, 2016 , compared with at Securitized vacation ownership debt of $2.1 billion , unchanged from December 31, 2016 , unchanged from Long-term debt of $3.7 billion , compared with $3.4 billion at December 31, 2016 . The remaining borrowing capacity on the revolving credit facility, net of commercial paper borrowings, was $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2017 , unchanged from December 31, 2016 . A schedule of debt is included in Table 12 of this press release. OUTLOOK Note to Editors: The guidance excludes possible future share repurchases, while analysts' estimates often include projected share repurchases. This results in discrepancies between Company guidance and database consensus forecasts. The Company provides the following guidance for the full year 2017: Reiterates revenues of approximately $5.80 billion to $5.95 billion Reiterates adjusted net income of approximately $631 million to $652 million Reiterates adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.41 billion to $1.44 billion Updates adjusted diluted EPS to approximately $6.04 to $6.24 based on a diluted share count of 104.5 million from $5.98 to $6.18 based on a diluted share count of 105.5 million In determining adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS, the Company excludes certain items which are otherwise included in determining the comparable GAAP financial measures. A description of the adjustments that have been applicable for the reported periods in determining adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS are reflected in Tables 7 and 8 of this press release. The Company is providing an outlook for net income, EBITDA and EPS only on a non-GAAP basis because the Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the totality or ultimate outcome or occurrence of these adjustments or other potential adjustments that may arise in the future during the outlook period, which can be dependent on future events that may not be reliably predicted. See Table 10 for certain non-GAAP information concerning the outlook period. The Company will post full guidance information on its website following the conference call. CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will hold a conference call with investors to discuss the Company's results, outlook and guidance, as well as its plan to become two publicly traded companies, on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Listeners can access the webcast live through the Company's website at http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com/investors/. The conference call may also be accessed by dialing 800-862-9098 and providing the pass code "WYNDHAM." Listeners are urged to call at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. An archive of this webcast will be available on the website for approximately 90 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 3, 2017. A telephone replay will be available for approximately 10 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on August 3, 2017 at 800-695-2533. PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial information discussed in this press release includes non-GAAP measures, which include or exclude certain items. These non-GAAP measures differ from reported GAAP results and are intended to illustrate what management believes are relevant period-over-period comparisons and are helpful to investors as an additional tool for further understanding and assessing the Company's ongoing operating performance. Exclusion of items in the Company's non-GAAP presentation should not be considered an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Full reconciliations of GAAP results to the comparable non-GAAP measures for the reported periods appear in the financial tables section of the press release. ABOUT WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) is one of the largest global hospitality companies, providing travelers with access to a collection of trusted hospitality brands in hotels, vacation ownership, and unique accommodations including vacation exchange, holiday parks, and managed home rentals. With a collective inventory of nearly 130,000 places to stay across more than 110 countries on six continents, Wyndham Worldwide and its 38,000 associates welcomes people to experience travel the way they want. This is enhanced by Wyndham Rewards, the Company's re-imagined guest loyalty program across its businesses, which is making it simpler for members to earn more rewards and redeem their points faster. For more information, please visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are those that convey management's expectations as to the future based on plans, estimates and projections at the time Wyndham Worldwide makes the statements and may be identified by terminology such as "will," "expect," believe," "plan," "anticipate," "goal," "future," "outlook," guidance," "target," "estimate" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Wyndham Worldwide or the post-spin companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements related to the Company's revenues, earnings, cash flow, related financial and operating measures and expectations with respect to the spin off and related transactions, as well as the post-spin companies' future operating, financial and business performance. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include general economic conditions, the performance of the financial and credit markets, the economic environment for the hospitality industry, the impact of war, terrorist activity or political strife, operating risks associated with the hotel, vacation exchange and rentals and vacation ownership businesses, uncertainties that may delay or negatively impact the spin off or cause the spin off to not occur at all, uncertainties related to the post-spin companies' ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the spin off, uncertainties related to Wyndham Worldwide's ability to successfully complete the spin off on a tax-free basis within the expected time frame or at all, unanticipated developments that delay or otherwise negatively affect the spin off, uncertainties related to Wyndham Worldwide's ability to obtain financing for the two companies or the terms of such financing, unanticipated developments related to the impact of the spin off on our relationships with our customers, suppliers, employees and others with whom we have relationships, unanticipated developments resulting from possible disruption to our operations resulting from the proposed spin-off, the potential impact of the spin-off and related transactions on Wyndham Worldwide's credit rating, uncertainties relating to Wyndham Worldwide's exploration of strategic alternatives for its European rentals brands and the outcome and timing of that process, as well as those factors described in Wyndham Worldwide's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2017, and in Wyndham Worldwide's subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Except for Wyndham Worldwide's ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the federal securities laws, it undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation Earnings Release Schedules Quarter Two - June 30, 2017 Table of Contents Table No. Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) 1 Operating Results of Reportable Segments 2 Operating Statistics 3 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Reconciliation of Free Cash Flows (Unaudited) 4 Revenue Detail by Reportable Segment 5 Brand System Details 6 Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and EPS 7 Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by Reportable Segment 8 Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Gross VOI Sales 9 Non-GAAP Reconciliation of 2017 Outlook 10 Non-GAAP Reconciliation - Constant Currency, Currency Neutral and Acquisitions 11 Schedule of Debt 12 Table 1 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net revenues Service and membership fees $ 653 $ 632 $ 1,289 $ 1,266 Vacation ownership interest sales 448 409 798 750 Franchise fees 177 172 318 310 Consumer financing 114 108 224 215 Other 87 82 169 165 Net revenues 1,479 1,403 2,798 2,706 Expenses Operating 654 622 1,254 1,236 Cost of vacation ownership interests 38 32 75 68 Consumer financing interest 19 19 37 36 Marketing and reservation 231 211 426 403 General and administrative 191 185 383 372 Asset impairments 135 - 140 - Restructuring - - 7 - Depreciation and amortization 66 63 128 125 Total expenses 1,334 1,132 2,450 2,240 Operating income 145 271 348 466 Other (income)/expense, net (3) (6) (4) (16) Interest expense 39 34 73 68 Early extinguishment of debt - - - 11 Interest income (2) (2) (4) (4) Income before income taxes 111 245 283 407 Provision for income taxes 33 89 64 156 Net income $ 78 $ 156 $ 219 $ 251 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.75 $ 1.40 $ 2.10 $ 2.25 Diluted 0.75 1.39 2.09 2.23 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 104 111 104 112 Diluted 104 112 105 113 Table 2 (1 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation OPERATING RESULTS OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (In millions) In addition to other measures, management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon net revenues and "EBITDA", which is defined as net income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense (excluding consumer financing interest), early extinguishment of debt, interest income (excluding consumer financing revenues) and income taxes, each of which is presented on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also uses adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure of its operating performance. The Company believes that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are useful measures of assessing performance of the Company and for the Company's segments which, when considered with GAAP measures, give a more complete understanding of its operating performance and assist our investors in evaluating our ongoing operating performance for the current reporting period and, where provided, over different reporting periods, by adjusting for certain items which may be recurring or nonrecurring and which in our view do not necessarily reflect ongoing operating performance. We also internally use these measures to assess our operating performance, both in absolute terms and in comparison to other companies, and in evaluating or making selected compensation decisions. These supplemental disclosures are in addition to GAAP reported measures. The Company's presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. The following tables summarize net revenues and EBITDA for the Company's reportable segments, as well as reconcile Net Income to EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016: Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Net Revenues EBITDA Net Revenues EBITDA Hotel Group $ 345 $ 106 $ 334 $ 101 Destination Network 405 89 384 85 Vacation Ownership 750 47 705 187 Total Reportable Segments 1,500 242 1,423 373 Corporate and Other (a) (21) (28) (20) (33) Total Company $ 1,479 $ 214 $ 1,403 $ 340 Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Net income $ 78 $ 156 Provision for income taxes 33 89 Depreciation and amortization 66 63 Interest expense 39 34 Interest income (2) (2) EBITDA $ 214 $ 340 Note: Amounts may not add due to rounding. (a) Includes the elimination of transactions between segments. The following tables summarize net revenues and adjusted EBITDA for the Company's reportable segments for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (for a description of adjustments and reconciliation by segment, see Table 8): Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Adjusted Adjusted Net Revenues EBITDA Net Revenues EBITDA Hotel Group $ 345 $ 106 $ 334 $ 101 Destination Network 405 89 384 85 Vacation Ownership 750 183 705 187 Total Reportable Segments 1,500 378 1,423 373 Corporate and Other (a) (21) (28) (20) (33) Total Company $ 1,479 $ 350 $ 1,403 $ 340 Table 2 (2 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation OPERATING RESULTS OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (In millions) The following tables summarize net revenues and EBITDA for the Company's reportable segments, as well as reconcile EBITDA to net income attributable to Wyndham shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016: Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Net Revenues EBITDA Net Revenues EBITDA Hotel Group $ 643 $ 191 $ 629 $ 185 Destination Network 797 191 768 166 Vacation Ownership 1,399 166 1,345 323 Total Reportable Segments 2,839 548 2,742 674 Corporate and Other (a) (41) (68) (36) (67) Total Company $ 2,798 $ 480 $ 2,706 $ 607 Reconciliation of Net income Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Net income $ 219 $ 251 Provision for income taxes 64 156 Depreciation and amortization 128 125 Interest expense 73 68 Early extinguishment of debt - 11 Interest income (4) (4) EBITDA $ 480 $ 607 Note: Amounts may not add due to rounding. (a) Includes the elimination of transactions between segments. The following tables summarize net revenues and adjusted EBITDA for the Company's reportable segments for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (for a description of adjustments and reconciliation by segment, see Table 8): Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Adjusted Adjusted Net Revenues EBITDA Net Revenues EBITDA Hotel Group $ 643 $ 192 $ 629 $ 185 Destination Network 797 191 768 190 Vacation Ownership 1,399 306 1,345 323 Total Reportable Segments 2,839 689 2,742 698 Corporate and Other (a) (41) (62) (36) (66) Total Company $ 2,798 $ 627 $ 2,706 $ 632 Table 3 (1 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation OPERATING STATISTICS The following operating statistics are the drivers of our revenues and therefore provide an enhanced understanding of our businesses: Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year Hotel Group(a) Number of Rooms 2017 699,800 705,700 N/A N/A N/A 2016 679,100 683,300 689,800 697,600 N/A 2015 667,400 668,500 671,900 678,000 N/A 2014 646,900 650,200 655,300 660,800 N/A RevPAR 2017 $ 31.73 $ 39.43 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 31.59 $ 39.10 $ 43.04 $ 32.92 $ 36.67 2015 $ 32.84 $ 39.82 $ 43.34 $ 32.98 $ 37.26 2014 $ 32.30 $ 40.11 $ 43.71 $ 34.06 $ 37.57 Destination Network Average Number of Members (in 000s) 2017 3,817 3,791 N/A N/A N/A 2016 3,841 3,857 3,868 3,843 3,852 2015 3,822 3,831 3,835 3,836 3,831 2014 3,727 3,748 3,777 3,808 3,765 Exchange Revenue Per Member 2017 $ 192.01 $ 168.27 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 189.78 $ 164.61 $ 164.39 $ 151.19 $ 167.48 2015 $ 194.06 $ 167.81 $ 163.38 $ 152.00 $ 169.29 2014 $ 200.78 $ 179.17 $ 171.77 $ 157.24 $ 177.12 Vacation Rental Transactions (in 000s) (a) (b) 2017 538 461 N/A N/A N/A 2016 500 409 508 350 1,767 2015 459 390 462 319 1,630 2014 429 376 455 293 1,552 Average Net Price Per Vacation Rental(a) (b) 2017 $ 343.07 $ 476.72 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 366.08 $ 492.83 $ 599.59 $ 430.14 $ 475.24 2015 $ 361.20 $ 513.14 $ 642.00 $ 452.19 $ 494.92 2014 $ 410.04 $ 577.13 $ 727.40 $ 492.25 $ 558.95 Vacation Ownership (a) Gross Vacation Ownership Interest (VOI) Sales (in 000s) (c) 2017 $ 439,000 $ 563,000 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 428,000 $ 518,000 $ 564,000 $ 502,000 $ 2,012,000 2015 $ 390,000 $ 502,000 $ 565,000 $ 507,000 $ 1,965,000 2014 $ 410,000 $ 496,000 $ 513,000 $ 470,000 $ 1,889,000 Tours (in 000s) 2017 176 235 N/A N/A N/A 2016 179 213 230 197 819 2015 168 206 227 200 801 2014 170 208 225 191 794 Volume Per Guest (VPG) 2017 $ 2,354 $ 2,302 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 2,244 $ 2,328 $ 2,320 $ 2,399 $ 2,324 2015 $ 2,177 $ 2,353 $ 2,354 $ 2,390 $ 2,326 2014 $ 2,272 $ 2,280 $ 2,158 $ 2,336 $ 2,257 Note: Full year amounts may not add across due to rounding. (a) Includes the impact of acquisitions/dispositions from the acquisition/disposition dates forward. Therefore, the operating statistics are not presented on a comparable basis. (b) The destination network operating statistics excluding our U.K.-based camping business sold in Q4 2014 are as follows: Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year Vacation Rental Transactions (in 000s) 2014 429 367 431 292 1,518 Average Net Price Per Vacation Rental 2014 $ 410.02 $ 578.02 $ 700.56 $ 492.64 $ 548.93 (c) Includes Gross VOI sales under the Company's Wyndham Asset Affiliate Model (WAAM) Just-in-Time. (See Table 9 for a reconciliation of Gross VOI sales to vacation ownership interest sales). ADDITIONAL DATA Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year Hotel Group Number of Properties 2017 8,080 8,140 N/A N/A N/A 2016 7,830 7,880 7,930 8,040 N/A 2015 7,670 7,700 7,760 7,810 N/A 2014 7,500 7,540 7,590 7,650 N/A Vacation Ownership Provision for Loan Losses (in 000s) (*) 2017 $ 85,000 $ 110,000 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 63,000 $ 90,000 $ 104,000 $ 86,000 $ 342,000 2015 $ 46,000 $ 60,000 $ 78,000 $ 64,000 $ 248,000 2014 $ 60,000 $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 60,000 $ 260,000 Note: Full year amounts may not add across due to rounding. (*) Represents provision for estimated losses on vacation ownership contract receivables originated during the period, which is recorded as a contra revenue to vacation ownership interest sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Table 3 (2 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation OPERATING STATISTICS GLOSSARY OF TERMS Hotel Group Number of Rooms : Represents the number of rooms at hotel group properties at the end of the period which are either (i) under franchise and/or management agreements, or company owned and (ii) properties under affiliation agreements for which the Company receives a fee for reservation and/or other services provided. Average Occupancy Rate: Represents the percentage of available rooms occupied during the period. Average Daily Rate (ADR): Represents the average rate charged for renting a lodging room for one day. RevPAR: Represents revenue per available room and is calculated by multiplying average occupancy rate by ADR. Comparable RevPAR represents RevPAR of hotels which are included in both periods. Destination Network Average Number of Members: Represents members in our vacation exchange programs who paid annual membership dues as of the end of the period or who are within the allowed grace period. For additional fees, such participants are entitled to exchange intervals for intervals at other properties affiliated with the Company's vacation exchange business. In addition, certain participants may exchange intervals for other leisure-related services and products. Exchange Revenue Per Member: Represents total annualized revenues generated from fees associated with memberships, exchange transactions, member-related rentals and other servicing for the period divided by the average number of vacation exchange members during the period. Vacation Rental Transactions: Represents the number of transactions that are generated in connection with customers booking their vacation rental stays through one of our vacation brands. One rental transaction is recorded for each standard one-week rental. Average Net Price Per Vacation Rental: Represents the net rental price generated from renting vacation properties to customers and other related rental servicing fees divided by the number of vacation rental transactions. Vacation Ownership Gross Vacation Ownership Interest Sales: Represents sales of vacation ownership interest (VOIs), including WAAM sales, before the net effect of percentage-of-completion accounting and loan loss provisions. We believe gross VOI sales provide an enhanced understanding of the performance of our vacation ownership business because it directly measures the sales volume of this business during a given reporting period. See Table 9 for a reconciliation of Gross VOI sales to vacation ownership interest sales. Tours: Represents the number of tours taken by guests in our efforts to sell VOIs. Volume per Guest (VPG): Represents Gross VOI sales (excluding tele-sales upgrades, which are non-tour upgrade sales) divided by the number of tours. The Company has excluded non-tour upgrade sales in the calculation of VPG because non-tour upgrade sales are generated by a different marketing channel. See Table 9 for a detail of tele-sales upgrades for 2014-2017. General Constant Currency: Represents a comparison eliminating the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations between periods (foreign currency translation). Currency-Neutral: Represents a comparison eliminating the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations between periods (foreign currency translation) and the impact caused by any foreign exchange related activities (i.e., hedges, balance sheet remeasurements and/or adjustments). Table 4 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS AND RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH FLOWS (In millions) (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 663 $ 706 Net cash used in investing activities (133) (140) Net cash used in financing activities (309) (251) Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 9 (8) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $ 230 $ 307 Free Cash Flow: We define free cash flow to be net cash provided by operating activities less property and equipment additions which we also refer to as capital expenditures. We believe free cash flow to be a useful operating performance measure to evaluate the ability of our operations to generate cash for uses other than capital expenditures and, after debt service and other obligations, our ability to grow our business through acquisitions, development advances and equity investments, as well as our ability to return cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. A limitation of using free cash flow versus the GAAP measures of net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in investing activities and net cash used in financing activities as a means for evaluating Wyndham Worldwide is that free cash flow does not represent the total cash movement for the period as detailed in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The following table provides more details on the GAAP financial measure that is most directly comparable to the non-GAAP financial measure and the related reconciliation between these financial measures: Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 663 $ 706 Less: Property and equipment additions (82) (90) Free cash flow $ 581 $ 616 Table 5 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation REVENUE DETAIL BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT (In millions) 2017 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Hotel Group Royalties and Franchise Fees $ 79 $ 98 N/A N/A N/A $ 74 $ 94 $ 105 $ 94 $ 367 Marketing, Reservation and Wyndham Rewards Revenues (a) 83 106 N/A N/A N/A 83 103 125 92 405 Hotel Management Reimbursable Revenues (b) 66 69 N/A N/A N/A 67 71 67 65 271 Intersegment Trademark Fees 13 15 N/A N/A N/A 13 15 16 14 56 Owned Hotel Revenues 23 21 N/A N/A N/A 27 19 17 17 81 Ancillary Revenues (c) 34 36 N/A N/A N/A 31 32 34 34 129 Total Hotel Group 298 345 N/A N/A N/A 295 334 364 316 1,309 Destination Network Exchange Revenues 183 159 N/A N/A N/A 182 159 159 145 645 Rental Revenues 184 220 N/A N/A N/A 183 202 304 151 840 Ancillary Revenues (d) 24 26 N/A N/A N/A 20 23 23 21 86 Total Destination Network 391 405 N/A N/A N/A 385 384 486 317 1,571 Vacation Ownership Vacation Ownership Interest Sales 351 448 N/A N/A N/A 342 409 441 415 1,606 Consumer Financing 111 114 N/A N/A N/A 107 108 112 113 440 Property Management Fees and Reimbursable Revenues 175 175 N/A N/A N/A 164 161 168 168 660 WAAM Fee-for-Service Commissions 2 4 N/A N/A N/A 17 16 13 - 46 Ancillary Revenues (e) 9 9 N/A N/A N/A 11 11 10 9 42 Total Vacation Ownership 648 750 N/A N/A N/A 641 705 744 705 2,794 Total Reportable Segments $ 1,337 $ 1,500 N/A N/A N/A $ 1,321 $ 1,423 $ 1,594 $ 1,338 $ 5,674 2015 2014 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Hotel Group Royalties and Franchise Fees $ 74 $ 96 $ 103 $ 87 $ 361 $ 68 $ 88 $ 100 $ 83 $ 339 Marketing, Reservation and Wyndham Rewards Revenues (a) 96 108 112 92 407 76 101 117 91 385 Hotel Management Reimbursable Revenues (b) 61 71 73 68 273 37 39 39 39 154 Intersegment Trademark Fees 12 15 16 15 57 9 11 11 10 41 Owned Hotel Revenues 25 20 16 19 79 24 20 18 20 81 Ancillary Revenues (c) 24 24 37 33 120 23 24 30 24 101 Total Hotel Group 292 334 357 314 1,297 237 283 315 267 1,101 Destination Network Exchange Revenues 185 161 157 146 649 187 168 162 150 667 Rental Revenues 166 200 296 144 807 176 217 331 144 868 Ancillary Revenues (d) 18 22 23 20 82 16 17 19 17 69 Total Destination Network 369 383 476 310 1,538 379 402 512 311 1,604 Vacation Ownership Vacation Ownership Interest Sales 336 417 448 403 1,604 303 382 415 385 1,485 Consumer Financing 104 105 108 109 427 105 106 108 108 427 Property Management Fees and Reimbursable Revenues 153 149 159 155 615 143 145 150 142 581 WAAM Fee-for-Service Commissions 12 19 23 28 83 33 30 18 16 98 Ancillary Revenues (e) 12 9 12 11 43 9 10 13 17 47 Total Vacation Ownership 617 699 750 706 2,772 593 673 704 668 2,638 Total Reportable Segments $ 1,278 $ 1,416 $ 1,583 $ 1,330 $ 5,607 $ 1,209 $ 1,358 $ 1,531 $ 1,246 $ 5,343 Note: Full year amounts may not add across due to rounding. (a) Marketing and reservation revenues represent fees the Company receives from franchised and managed hotels that are to be expended for marketing purposes or the operation of a centralized, brand-specific reservation system. These fees are typically based on a percentage of the gross room revenues of each hotel. Wyndham Rewards revenues represent fees the Company receives relating to its loyalty program. (b) Primarily represents payroll costs in the hotel management business that the Company pays on behalf of property owners and for which it is reimbursed by the property owners. During 2014, reimbursable revenues of $2 million in each of Q1, Q2 and Q3 and $1 million in Q4 were charged to the Company's vacation ownership business and were eliminated in consolidation. (c) Primarily includes additional services provided to franchisees and managed properties and fees related to our co-branded credit card program. (d) Primarily includes fees generated from programs with affiliated resorts and homeowners. (e) Primarily includes revenues associated with bonus points/credits that are provided as purchase incentives on VOI sales and fees generated from other non-core operations. Table 6 (1 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation BRAND SYSTEM DETAILS As of and For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Brand Number of Properties Number of Rooms Average Occupancy Rate Average Daily Rate (ADR) Average Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) Hotel Group Super 8 2,873 180,930 60.1% $48.66 $29.25 Days Inn 1,777 142,304 55.1% $69.87 $38.53 Ramada 873 122,066 56.4% $70.95 $40.02 Wyndham Hotels and Resorts 254 55,557 61.5% $103.26 $63.53 Howard Johnson 364 42,650 52.6% $60.22 $31.70 Baymont 449 35,135 56.9% $73.20 $41.65 Travelodge 415 30,622 54.1% $72.65 $39.34 Microtel Inns & Suites by Wyndham 337 24,278 61.7% $71.55 $44.15 Knights Inn 364 22,098 49.0% $51.11 $25.05 TRYP by Wyndham 115 16,031 71.2% $83.01 $59.13 Wingate by Wyndham 155 14,215 66.6% $92.99 $61.90 Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham 108 10,613 68.3% $83.52 $57.07 Dolce 19 4,394 56.2% $164.17 $92.24 Trademark (*) 15 2,555 N/A N/A N/A Dazzler 12 1,525 65.3% $93.27 $60.90 Esplendor 10 697 63.8% $79.41 $50.63 Total Hotel Group 8,140 705,670 57.9% $68.09 $39.43 Vacation Ownership Wyndham Vacation Ownership resorts 221 24,918 N/A N/A N/A Total Wyndham Worldwide 8,361 730,588 NOTE: A glossary of terms is included in Table 3 (4 of 4); RevPAR may not recalculate by multiplying average occupancy rate by ADR due to rounding. (*) Rooms added at days end on June 30, 2017, therefore, RevPAR, Occupancy and Average Daily Rate statistics are not applicable. As of and For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Brand Number of Properties Number of Rooms Average Occupancy Rate Average Daily Rate (ADR) Average Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) Hotel Group Super 8 2,707 172,924 60.4% $49.33 $29.81 Days Inn 1,791 142,987 53.6% $68.92 $36.92 Ramada 842 117,964 56.5% $72.86 $41.18 Wyndham Hotels and Resorts 226 49,776 62.3% $106.74 $66.52 Howard Johnson 377 43,538 49.5% $60.57 $29.99 Baymont 424 33,711 55.0% $71.93 $39.58 Travelodge 404 29,705 53.1% $71.45 $37.96 Microtel Inns & Suites by Wyndham 334 24,102 59.9% $69.69 $41.77 Knights Inn 381 23,228 48.3% $50.28 $24.27 TRYP by Wyndham 113 16,120 70.2% $79.96 $56.09 Wingate by Wyndham 148 13,493 68.1% $93.21 $63.49 Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham 107 10,618 70.0% $82.98 $58.06 Dolce 22 5,110 55.9% $171.50 $95.89 Total Hotel Group 7,876 683,276 57.2% $68.30 $39.10 Vacation Ownership Wyndham Vacation Ownership resorts 216 24,475 N/A N/A N/A Total Wyndham Worldwide 8,092 707,751 Note: A glossary of terms is included in Table 3 (2 of 2); RevPAR may not recalculate by multiplying average occupancy rate by ADR due to rounding. Table 6 (2 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation BRAND SYSTEM DETAILS As of and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Brand Number of Properties Number of Rooms Average Occupancy Rate Average Daily Rate (ADR) Average Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) Hotel Group Super 8 2,873 180,930 56.5% $46.67 $26.35 Days Inn 1,777 142,304 50.2% $67.75 $34.00 Ramada 873 122,066 53.2% $70.31 $37.44 Wyndham Hotels and Resorts 254 55,557 57.4% $102.33 $58.69 Howard Johnson 364 42,650 49.2% $58.77 $28.92 Baymont 449 35,135 51.5% $70.39 $36.26 Travelodge 415 30,622 48.8% $69.89 $34.13 Microtel Inns & Suites by Wyndham 337 24,278 56.9% $68.87 $39.21 Knights Inn 364 22,098 45.2% $50.03 $22.63 TRYP by Wyndham 115 16,031 64.7% $78.84 $51.00 Wingate by Wyndham 155 14,215 61.9% $89.59 $55.45 Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham 108 10,613 65.0% $83.15 $54.01 Dolce 19 4,394 51.4% $159.60 $81.96 Trademark (*) 15 2,555 N/A N/A N/A Dazzler 12 1,525 64.4% $92.58 $59.60 Esplendor 10 697 64.8% $85.42 $55.39 Total Hotel Group 8,140 705,670 53.8% $66.24 $35.61 Vacation Ownership Wyndham Vacation Ownership resorts 221 24,918 N/A N/A N/A Total Wyndham Worldwide 8,361 730,588 NOTE: A glossary of terms is included in Table 3 (4 of 4); RevPAR may not recalculate by multiplying average occupancy rate by ADR due to rounding. (*) Rooms added at days end on June 30, 2017, therefore, RevPAR, Occupancy and Average Daily Rate statistics are not applicable. As of and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Brand Number of Properties Number of Rooms Average Occupancy Rate Average Daily Rate (ADR) Average Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) Hotel Group Super 8 2,707 172,924 56.0% $47.68 $26.69 Days Inn 1,791 142,987 49.0% $66.61 $32.60 Ramada 842 117,964 52.7% $73.28 $38.65 Wyndham Hotels and Resorts 226 49,776 58.5% $105.36 $61.64 Howard Johnson 377 43,538 46.8% $60.19 $28.17 Baymont 424 33,711 50.0% $69.32 $34.66 Travelodge 404 29,705 49.2% $67.64 $33.29 Microtel Inns & Suites by Wyndham 334 24,102 55.5% $66.91 $37.14 Knights Inn 381 23,228 44.9% $49.58 $22.25 TRYP by Wyndham 113 16,120 62.3% $76.80 $47.84 Wingate by Wyndham 148 13,493 62.2% $90.16 $56.04 Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham 107 10,618 66.2% $82.88 $54.84 Dolce 22 5,110 50.6% $162.73 $82.42 Total Hotel Group 7,876 683,276 53.0% $66.76 $35.35 Vacation Ownership Wyndham Vacation Ownership resorts 216 24,475 N/A N/A N/A Total Wyndham Worldwide 8,092 707,751 Note: A glossary of terms is included in Table 3 (2 of 2); RevPAR may not recalculate by multiplying average occupancy rate by ADR due to rounding. Table 7 (1 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND EPS (In millions, except per share data) Location on Consolidated Statements of Income Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 104 112 Diluted EPS $ 0.75 $ 1.39 Net income $ 78 $ 156 Adjustments: VOI inventory impairments (a) Asset impairments 135 - Acquisition costs (b) Operating - 1 Total adjustments before tax 135 1 Income tax (benefit)/expense (c) (d) Provision for income taxes (54) (1) Total adjustments after tax 81 - Adjustments - EPS impact $ 0.78 $ 0.01 Adjusted Net income $ 159 $ 156 Adjusted diluted EPS $ 1.53 $ 1.40 Note: Amounts may not add due to rounding. (a) Represents non-cash impairment charges primarily related to the writedown of undeveloped VOI land resulting from the Company's decision to no longer pursue future development at certain locations. (b) Represents costs related to an acquisition that closed on July 1, 2016 at the Company's destination network business. (c) The amount for 2017 relates to (i) the tax effect of the adjustments and (ii) a tax benefit recognized from an internal restructuring. (d) The amount for 2016 relates to the tax effect of the adjustments. The above tables reconcile certain non-GAAP financial measures. The presentation of these adjustments is intended to permit the comparison of particular adjustments as they appear in the income statement in order to assist investors' understanding of the overall impact of such adjustments. In addition to GAAP financial measures, the Company provides adjusted net income and adjusted EPS financial measures to assist our investors in evaluating our ongoing operating performance for the current reporting period and, where provided, over different reporting periods, by adjusting for certain items which may be recurring or non-recurring and which in our view do not necessarily reflect ongoing performance. We also internally use these measures to assess our operating performance, both absolutely and in comparison to other companies, and in evaluating or making selected compensation decisions. These supplemental disclosures are in addition to GAAP reported measures. This non-GAAP reconciliation table should not be considered a substitute for, nor superior to, financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. Table 7 (2 of 2) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND EPS (In millions, except per share data) Location on Consolidated Statements of Income Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 105 113 Diluted EPS $ 2.09 $ 2.23 Net income $ 219 $ 251 Adjustments: VOI inventory impairments (a) Asset impairments 135 - Restructuring costs (b) Restructuring 7 - Asset impairment (c) Asset impairments 5 - Venezuela currency devaluation (d) Operating - 24 Acquisition costs (e) Operating - 1 Legacy costs (f) General and administrative - 1 Early extinguishment of debt (g) Early extinguishment of debt - 11 Total adjustments before tax 147 37 Income tax (benefit)/expense (h) (i) Provision for income taxes (87) (5) Total adjustments after tax 61 32 Total adjustments - EPS impact $ 0.58 $ 0.29 Adjusted net income attributable to Wyndham shareholders $ 280 $ 283 Adjusted diluted EPS $ 2.66 $ 2.52 Note: Amounts may not add due to rounding. (a) Represents non-cash impairment charges primarily related to the writedown of undeveloped VOI land resulting from the Company's decision to no longer pursue future development at certain locations. (b) Relates to expenses associated with restructuring initiatives at the Company's (i) corporate operations which focused on rationalizing its sourcing function and outsourcing certain information technology functions and (ii) hotel group business which primarily focused on realigning its brand operations. (c) Represents a non-cash impairment charge related to the write-down of assets resulting from the decision to abandon a new product initiative at the Company's vacation ownership business. (d) Represents the impact from the devaluation of the exchange rate of Venezuela at the Company's destination network business during 2016. (e) Represents costs related to an acquisition that closed July 1, 2016 at the Company's destination network business. (f) Relates to the net benefit from the resolution of and adjustment to certain contingent liabilities and assets resulting from the Company's separation from Cendant. (g) Represents costs incurred in connection with the Company's early repurchase of its 6.0% senior unsecured notes during 2016. (h) The amount for 2017 relates to (i) the tax effect of the adjustments and (ii) a tax benefit on foreign currency losses recognized from an internal restructuring. (i) The amount for 2016 relates to (i) the tax effect of the adjustments. There was no tax benefit associated with the $24 million Venezuela currency devaluation adjustment. The above tables reconcile certain non-GAAP financial measures. The presentation of these adjustments is intended to permit the comparison of particular adjustments as they appear in the income statement in order to assist investors' understanding of the overall impact of such adjustments. In addition to GAAP financial measures, the Company provides adjusted net income and adjusted EPS financial measures to assist our investors in evaluating our ongoing operating performance for the current reporting period and, where provided, over different reporting periods, by adjusting for certain items which may be recurring or non-recurring and which in our view do not necessarily reflect ongoing performance. We also internally use these measures to assess our operating performance, both absolutely and in comparison to other companies, and in evaluating or making selected compensation decisions. These supplemental disclosures are in addition to GAAP reported measures. This non-GAAP reconciliation table should not be considered a substitute for, nor superior to, financial results and measures determined or calculated in accordance with GAAP. Table 8 (1 of 3) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT (In millions) Restructuring Asset VOI Inventory Adjusted EBITDA Costs(b) Impairment (c) Impairment (d) EBITDA Three months ended March 31, 2017 Hotel Group $ 85 $ 1 $ - $ - $ 85 Destination Network 102 - - - 102 Vacation Ownership 118 - 5 - 124 Total Reportable Segments 305 1 5 - 311 Corporate and Other (a) (39) 6 - - (33) Total Company $ 266 $ 7 $ 5 - $ 278 Three months ended June 30, 2017 Hotel Group $ 106 $ - $ - $ - $ 106 Destination Network 89 - - - 89 Vacation Ownership 47 - - 135 183 Total Reportable Segments 242 - - 135 378 Corporate and Other (a) (28) - - - (28) Total Company $ 214 $ - $ - $ 135 $ 350 Note: Amounts may not add down or across due to rounding. (a) Includes the elimination of transactions between segments. (b) Relates to expenses associated with restructuring initiatives at the Company's (i) corporate operations which focused on rationalizing its sourcing function and outsourcing certain information technology functions and (ii) hotel group business which primarily focused on realigning its brand operations. (c) Represents a non-cash impairment charge related to the write-down of assets resulting from the decision to abandon a new product initiative. (d) Represents non-cash impairment charges primarily related to the writedown of undeveloped VOI land resulting from the Company's decision to no longer pursue future development at certain locations. Table 8 (2 of 3) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT (In millions) Venezuela Executive Bargain Currency Acquisition Legacy Restructuring Contract Departure Purchase Adjusted EBITDA Devaluation(b) Costs(c) Costs(d) Costs(e) Termination(f) Costs (g) Gain (h) EBITDA Three months ended March 31, 2016 Hotel Group $ 84 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 84 Destination Network 81 24 - - - - - - 105 Vacation Ownership 136 - - - - - - - 136 Total Reportable Segments 301 24 - - - - - - 325 Corporate and Other (a) (34) - - - - - - - (34) Total Company $ 267 $ 24 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 291 Three months ended June 30, 2016 Hotel Group $ 101 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 101 Destination Network 85 - 1 - - - - 85 Vacation Ownership 187 - - - - - - - 187 Total Reportable Segments 373 - 1 - - - - - 373 Corporate and Other (a) (33) - - - - - - - (33) Total Company $ 340 $ - $ 1 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 340 Three months ended September 30, 2016 Hotel Group $ 107 $ - $ - $ - $ 3 $ 7 $ - $ - $ 117 Destination Network 138 - - - 4 - - - 142 Vacation Ownership 189 - - - 6 - - - 195 Total Reportable Segments 434 - - - 13 7 - - 454 Corporate and Other (a) (32) - (1) 1 - - - (31) Total Company $ 402 $ - $ - $ (1) $ 14 $ 7 $ - $ - $ 423 Three months ended December 31, 2016 Hotel Group $ 99 $ - $ 1 $ - $ (1) $ - $ - $ - $ 99 Destination Network 53 - 1 - - - - (2) 52 Vacation Ownership 182 - - 2 - 6 - 191 Total Reportable Segments 334 - 2 - 1 - 6 (2) 342 Corporate and Other (a) (12) - - (11) - - - - (24) Total Company $ 322 $ - $ 2 $ (11) $ 1 $ - $ 6 $ (2) $ 318 Note: Amounts may not add across due to rounding. The sum of the quarters may not add down due to rounding. (a) Includes the elimination of transactions between segments. (b) Represents the impact from the devaluation of the exchange rate of Venezuela. (c) Represents costs related to acquisitions. (d) Relates to a benefit from adjustments to certain contingent liabilities from the Company's separation from Cendant. (e) Relates to costs incurred due to enhancing organizational efficiency and rationalizing existing facilities across the Company. (f) Relates to additional costs associated with the termination of a management contract. (g) Represents costs associated with the departure of the chief executive officer at the Company's vacation ownership business. (h) Represents a gain from a bargain purchase on an acquisition of a vacation rentals business. Table 8 (3 of 3) Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT SHARED-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE (In millions) The following tables provide detail regarding share-based compensation expense which is included within adjusted EBITDA: 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year Adjusted EBITDA $ 278 $ 350 N/A N/A N/A Share-based compensation expense (*) 14 14 N/A N/A N/A Adjusted EBITDA excluding share-based compensation expense $ 292 $ 364 N/A N/A N/A 2016 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year Adjusted EBITDA $ 291 $ 340 $ 423 $ 318 $ 1,373 Share-based compensation expense (*) 13 20 14 13 61 Adjusted EBITDA excluding share-based compensation expense $ 304 $ 360 $ 437 $ 331 $ 1,434 Note: Full year amounts may not add across due to rounding. (*) Excludes share-based compensation expenses for which there was no impact on adjusted EBITDA. Such costs amounted to $1 million during both Q1 2017 and Q2 2017. During 2016, such costs amounted to $1 million during Q1, Q2 and Q3, and $4 million during Q4 and $7 million for the full year. The Company believes providing adjusted EBITDA with the additional exclusion of share-based compensation expense assists our investors and management by providing an additional financial measure to evaluate ongoing operations by excluding the variations among companies in timing, amount and reporting of share-based compensation expense, which may differ significantly among companies. Table 9 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF GROSS VOI SALES (In millions) GROSS VOI SALES We believe gross vacation ownership sales provide an enhanced understanding of the performance of our vacation ownership business because it directly measures the sales volume of this business during a given reporting period. The following table provides a reconciliation of Gross VOI sales (see Table 3) to vacation ownership interest sales (see Table 5): Year 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year Gross VOI sales $ 439 $ 563 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A Less: Sales under WAAM Fee-for-Service (3) (5) N/A N/A N/A Gross VOI sales, net of WAAM Fee-for-Service sales 436 558 N/A N/A N/A Less: Loan loss provision (85) (110) N/A N/A N/A Vacation ownership interest sales $ 351 $ 448 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 Gross VOI sales $ 428 $ 518 $ 564 $ 502 $ 2,012 Less: Sales under WAAM Fee-for-Service (23) (20) (20) (1) (64) Gross VOI sales, net of WAAM Fee-for-Service sales 405 498 544 501 1,948 Less: Loan loss provision (63) (90) (104) (86) (342) Vacation ownership interest sales $ 342 $ 409 $ 441 $ 415 $ 1,606 2015 Gross VOI sales $ 390 $ 502 $ 565 $ 507 $ 1,965 Less: Sales under WAAM Fee-for-Service (21) (26) (37) (42) (126) Gross VOI sales, net of WAAM Fee-for-Service sales 369 477 528 464 1,838 Less: Loan loss provision (46) (60) (78) (64) (248) Less: Impact of percentage-of-completion accounting 13 - (2) 2 13 Vacation ownership interest sales $ 336 $ 417 $ 448 $ 403 $ 1,604 2014 Gross VOI sales $ 410 $ 496 $ 513 $ 470 $ 1,889 Less: Sales under WAAM Fee-for-Service (44) (40) (27) (21) (132) Gross VOI sales, net of WAAM Fee-for-Service sales 366 456 486 449 1,757 Less: Loan loss provision (60) (70) (70) (60) (260) Less: Impact of percentage-of-completion accounting (3) (4) (1) (4) (12) Vacation ownership interest sales $ 303 $ 382 $ 415 $ 385 $ 1,485 _____________ Note: Amounts may not add due to rounding. The following includes primarily tele-sales upgrades and other non-tour revenues, which are excluded from Gross VOI sales in the Company's VPG calculation (see Table 3): Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Full Year 2017 $ 25 $ 22 $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A 2016 $ 25 $ 22 $ 31 $ 30 $ 108 2015 $ 24 $ 17 $ 32 $ 27 $ 100 2014 $ 25 $ 21 $ 27 $ 24 $ 97 Table 10 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation 2017 OUTLOOK - NON-GAAP (In millions, except per share data) Outlook (a) Outlook (a) As Adjusted As Adjusted (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP) Low High Net revenues $ 5,800 $ 5,950 Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,410 $ 1,440 Depreciation and amortization (268) (263) Interest expense, net (152) (148) Adjusted income before taxes 990 1,023 Income taxes (359) (371) Adjusted net income $ 631 $ 652 Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 6.04 $ 6.24 Diluted shares 104.5 104.5 In determining adjusted EBITDA, adjusted Net Income and adjusted EPS, the Company excludes certain items which are otherwise included in determining the comparable GAAP financial measures. A description of the adjustments which have been applicable in determining adjusted EBITDA, adjusted Net Income and adjusted EPS is included in Tables 7 and 8. The Company is providing outlook on a non-GAAP basis because the Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the totality or ultimate outcome or occurrence of potential adjustments for the forward-looking period, which can be dependent on future events that may not be reliably predicted, such as acquisitions, legacy expenses, restructuring events, asset impairments, contract terminations, currency devaluations, or early extinguishment of debt instruments. Based on past reported results, where one or more of these items have been applicable, such excluded special items could be material, individually or in the aggregate, to the reported results. See Tables 7 and 8 for historical adjustments. (a) Outlook represents Company's approximate projection of performance for the outlook period. Projections may not total because the Company does not expect the actual results of all items to be at the precise amount simultaneously. Table 11 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION - CONSTANT CURRENCY, CURRENCY NEUTRAL AND ACQUISITIONS (In millions, except per share data) The Company reports certain current year period financial measures on a constant currency and currency-neutral basis and excluding the impact of acquisitions. The Company believes providing certain financial measures on a constant currency and currency-neutral basis as well as excluding the impact of acquisitions assists management and investors in better understanding underlying results and trends by excluding the impact of period over period changes in foreign exchange rates and changes resulting from acquisitions. Constant currency results assume foreign results are translated from foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar at exchange rates consistent with those in the comparable period. Currency Neutral results (i) assume foreign results are translated from foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar at exchange rates consistent with those in the comparable period and (ii) eliminating foreign exchange related activities such as foreign exchange hedges, balance sheet remeasurements, currency devaluations and/or other adjustments. Acquisition results are defined as the incremental period over period changes in the Company's results directly attributable to acquisitions. Revenues in Constant Currency and Excluding Acquisitions: Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 % Change Total revenues as reported $ 1,479 $ 1,403 5% Adjustments: Incremental revenues from acquisitions (14) - * Foreign currency - constant currency 10 - * Total revenues in constant currency $ 1,475 $ 1,403 5% Hotel Group revenues as reported $ 345 $ 334 3% Adjustments: Incremental revenues from acquisitions (1) - * Foreign currency - constant currency 1 - * Hotel Group revenues in constant currency and excluding acquisitions $ 345 $ 334 3% Destination Network revenues as reported $ 405 $ 384 5% Adjustments: Incremental revenues from acquisitions (12) - * Foreign currency - constant currency 10 - * Destination Network revenues in constant currency and excluding acquisitions $ 403 $ 384 5% Exchange revenues as reported $ 159 $ 159 * Adjustments: Foreign currency - constant currency 1 - * Total Exchange revenues in constant currency $ 160 $ 159 1% Rental revenues as reported $ 220 $ 202 9% Adjustments: Incremental revenues from acquisitions (9) - * Foreign currency - constant currency 9 - * Total Rental revenues in constant currency and excluding acquisitions $ 220 $ 202 9% Currency-neutral Adjusted EBITDA: Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 % Change Hotel Group EBITDA (a) $ 106 $ 101 5% Adjustments: Foreign currency - currency-neutral 1 - * Hotel Group currency-neutral Adjusted EBITDA $ 107 $ 101 6% EBITDA in Constant Currency and Excluding Acquisitions: Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 % Change Total Adjusted EBITDA (a) $ 350 $ 340 3% Adjustments: Foreign currency - currency-neutral 3 - * Incremental EBITDA from acquisitions (1) - * Total currency-neutral adjusted EBITDA excluding acquisitions $ 352 $ 340 4% Destination Network EBITDA (a) $ 89 $ 85 5% Adjustments: Foreign currency - currency-neutral 2 - * Incremental EBITDA from acquisitions (1) - * Destination Network currency-neutral EBITDA excluding acquisitions $ 90 $ 85 6% * Not meaningful. (a) See Table 8 for a reconciliation of EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA and Table 2 for a reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA. Table 12 Wyndham Worldwide Corporation SCHEDULE OF DEBT (In millions) June 30, December 31, June 30, 2017 2016 2016 Securitized vacation ownership debt: (a) Term notes $ 1,648 $ 1,857 $ 1,717 Bank conduit facility (b) 404 284 315 Total securitized vacation ownership debt (c) 2,052 2,141 2,032 Less: Current portion of securitized vacation ownership debt 185 195 198 Long-term securitized vacation ownership debt $ 1,867 $ 1,946 $ 1,834 Debt: Revolving credit facility (due July 2020) (d) $ 9 $ 14 $ 16 Commercial paper (e) 355 427 408 Term loan (due March 2021) 324 323 323 $300 million 2.95% senior unsecured notes (due March 2017) (f) - 300 300 $14 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes (due February 2018) (g) 14 14 14 $450 million 2.50% senior unsecured notes (due March 2018) (g) 449 449 449 $40 million 7.375% senior unsecured notes (due March 2020) 40 40 40 $250 million 5.625% senior unsecured notes (due March 2021) 248 248 247 $650 million 4.25% senior unsecured notes (due March 2022) 648 648 648 $400 million 3.90% senior unsecured notes (due March 2023) 406 407 407 $300 million 4.15% senior unsecured notes (due April 2024) 297 - - $350 million 5.10% senior unsecured notes (due October 2025) 339 338 338 $400 million 4.50% senior unsecured notes (due April 2027) 400 - - Capital leases 144 143 152 Other 35 20 32 Total long-term debt 3,708 3,371 3,374 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 41 34 46 Long-term debt $ 3,667 $ 3,337 $ 3,328 __________ (a) The Company's vacation ownership contract receivables are securitized through bankruptcy-remote special purpose entities ("SPEs") that are consolidated within our financial statements. These bankruptcy-remote SPEs are legally separate from the Company. The receivables held by the bankruptcy-remote SPEs are not available to the Company's creditors and legally are not the Company's assets. Additionally, the non-recourse debt that is securitized through the SPEs is legally not a liability of the Company and thus, the creditors of these SPEs have no recourse to the Company for principal and interest. (b) Represents a non-recourse vacation ownership bank conduit facility with a term through August 2018 and borrowing capacity of $650 million. As of June 30, 2017, this facility had a remaining borrowing capacity of $246 million. (c) This debt is collateralized by $2,558 million, $2,601 million and $2,526 million, of underlying vacation ownership contract receivables and related assets as of June 30 2017, December 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016, respectively. (d) Represents a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility that expires in July 2020. As of June 30 2017, the Company had $1 million of outstanding letters of credit. After considering outstanding commercial paper borrowings of $355 million, the remaining borrowing capacity was $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2017. (e) Represents commercial paper programs of $1.25 billion with a remaining borrowing capacity of $895 million as of June 30, 2017. (f) Classified as long-term as of December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 as the Company had the intent to refinance such debt on a long-term basis and the ability to do so with its revolving credit facility. (g) Classified as long-term as of June 30, 2017 as the Company has the intent to refinance such debt on a long-term basis and the ability to do so with its revolving credit facility. SOURCE Wyndham Worldwide Corporation Related Links http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com The terrorist, one of India's most wanted, was killed by security forces in a pre-dawn operation at the tiny hamlet of Hakripora near Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday. By Ashraf Wani: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned - by the time Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Dujana recognised the accuracy of this idiom, it was too late. The terrorist, one of India's most wanted, was killed by security forces in a pre-dawn operation at the tiny hamlet of Hakripora near Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday. According to top security sources, a girl from the area became an informer for the police to reach Dujana after he ditched her. Girlfriends of terrorists have become a key link for government forces in hunting down the jihadis in Kashmir. advertisement This tactic has been used in the Valley by different security agencies from 1990 and it is still working for them. Dujana, hailing from Gilgit area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in 2010 and was purportedly the longest-surviving foreign terrorist in the Valley. Most such infiltrators do not live beyond two to three years, but the LeT man not only lasted seven years in Kashmir but also managed to carry out a string of attacks on security forces in the state. He was designated a category "A++" terrorist and carried a bounty of Rs 15 lakh. Reports suggest the jihadi may have come to the village to meet his wife, a local girl he had married. Inspector general of J-K police Munir Khan hinted at Dujana's womanising ways in a press conference. "He used to enter any house and do anything he wanted to do. Good riddance that way. "I think people should relax. The girls, our sisters, they should relax now that no such person is there to harass them," the top cop said. It is not the first time in Kashmir that a terrorist was cornered with the help of his girlfriend. If security agencies are to be believed, Burhan Wani, the poster boy of Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir, was also killed by government forces on July 8 last year with the help of information from one of his lovers. Another top Lashkar commander, Abdullah Uni, was killed in Sopore when his wife became a link for the security agencies in 2013. Before him, another LeT commander, Abu Tallah, was also eliminated by security forces in 2009 with the help of a honeytrap on the outskirts of Srinagar. ALSO READ | Top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Abu Dujana killed in Pulwama encounter Abu Dujana killed: List of Kashmir's 10 most wanted terrorists How Lashkar terrorist Abu Dujana met his wife, and death. A blow-by-blow account ALSO WATCH | Abu Dujana killed in encounter: Watch J-K IG Munir Khan's press conference --- ENDS --- advertisement 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 LeT commander Abu Ismail, a Pakistani national, was the mastermind of the deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims. Abu Ismail was the mastermind of the deadly attack on Amarnath Yatra. By India Today Web Desk: Slain Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Abu Dujana will be replaced by Abu Ismail. Ismail will be the new Kashmir division chief of LeT after Dujana was killed by the security forces on Tuesday after a seven-hour gunfight in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. LeT commander Abu Ismail, a Pakistani national, was the mastermind of the deadly attack on Amarnath Yatra in which seven pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 were injured. advertisement Proactive operations have been launched, mainly in south Kashmir, to track down Ismail as investigations including communication intercepts have pointed out to his involvement in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims. Attack in Anantnag appears to be a reprisal for killing of several Lashkar militants including Bashir Lashkari in an encounter with security forces earlier this month. Slain LeT commander Abu Dujana. WHO WAS ABU DUJANA: With a Rs 15 lakh bounty on his head, Dujana was labelled an 'A++' terrorist - the top grade which was also given to Burhan Wani. Dujana also known by the name of Hafiz, took over after Abu Qasim's death in October 2015. He made his first dramatic appearance at a funeral of local Lashkar militant in 2014 in Kakpora area of Pulwama, and also attended the funeral of Hizbul Commander Burhan wani in Tral area of South Kashmir last year in July. He was involved in several attacks which includes the ones at Pampore (Feb 2016) and Udhampur (Aug 2015). It is believed that he had planned the Udhampur attack in which two BSF personnel were martyred. Dujana's main target was the Indian army. All his attacks are directed against the armed forces. Security forces received inputs that during the last few days Dujana was frequenting the houses of his wife Rukaiya and girlfriend Shazia. Police was keeping a watch on both the houses and at midnight it was confirmed he was present in his wife's house. According to top security sources, a girl from the area became an informer for the police to reach Dujana after he ditched her. Girlfriends of terrorists have become a key link for government forces in hunting down the jihadis in Kashmir. Dujana, hailing from Gilgit area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in 2010 and was purportedly the longest-surviving foreign terrorist in the Valley. Top sources said the terrorist was in frequent touch with local girls as per the technical intelligence provided by tech cells. This also revealed that he was in frequent touch with his handlers in Pakistan including Syed Salahuddin. (With inputs from Jitendra Bahadur Singh) Also read: Abu Dujana encounter: Jilted lover turned informer led security forces to LeT commander Top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Abu Dujana killed in Pulwama encounter Abu Dujana killed: List of Kashmir's 10 most wanted terrorists How Lashkar terrorist Abu Dujana met his wife, and death. A blow-by-blow account ALSO WATCH | Abu Dujana killed in encounter: Watch J-K IG Munir Khan's press conference --- ENDS --- Sydney, July 28 : A man set himself on fire in Sydney on Friday in protest against the Department of Immigration, police said. The man, aged around 30, doused himself in petrol and set himself alight on Lee Street near the department building, reports the Guardian. Superintendent David Donohue could not confirm if the man was an asylum seeker or had been through the immigration system. Donohue said the man was "deeply disturbed and upset" and "would have killed himself" if police had not doused him with a fire extinguisher. He is being treated for superficial burns to his thighs and his mental health is being assessed in hospital, the Guardian quoted Donohue as saying. In May 2016, Somali refugee Hodan Yasin set herself alight while in immigration detention in Nauru. Iranian refugee Omid Masoumali died after a similar self-immolation protest during a UN visit to the island. Aizawl, July 28 : While the paramilitary Assam Rifles has stepped up security on the India-Myanmar border along eastern Mizoram to stop drugs and arms smuggling, border fencing work is on in western Mizoram along the India-Bangladesh frontiers, an official said here on Friday. "Of Mizoram's 318-km border with Bangladesh, 233 km is to be fenced by March 2019," an official of Mizoram's home department said. "Barbed wire fencing has been undertaken in 2005 to check various border crimes, smuggling of arms and drugs and cross-border movement of militants." He said: "After the visit of the Madhukar Gupta Committee along Mizoram borders with Bangladesh, the Union Home Ministry recently asked to stop fencing work of the 'unfenced' border without citing any reason. The work would resume soon." The official said the fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border with Mizoram has been delayed due to several reasons, including topographical adversaries. Two central government agencies -- Engineering Projects India Limited and National Projects Construction Corporation Limited -- are erecting the border fencing in Mizoram. The Assam Rifles, anti-insurgency trained paramilitary force, has stepped up security on the India-Myanmar border along eastern Mizoram to stop drugs, arms smuggling and cross-border movement of inimical elements. An Assam Rifles official said the higher authority of the central paramilitary force has alerted troops deployed along the 510 km-long India-Myanmar border with Mizoram to tighten vigil along the porous border. Acting on a tip-off, the Assam Rifles troopers recently seized five AK-56 rifles, some loaded magazines and ammunition between Farkawn and Vaphai villages in Mizoram adjoining Myanmar. These weapons were likely meant to be sold to Manipur-based insurgent groups. Until 1986, after two decades of terrorism, Mizoram become a peaceful state but the arms and drugs smuggling from Myanmar has become rampant in recent years. To review security along the India-Myanmar border, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh accompanied by his deputy Kiren Rijiju last month held a meeting in Aizawl with the Chief Ministers and senior officers of four northeastern states, which share borders with Myanmar. Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km) share the 1,643-km mountainous border. There is a 16-km-wide free zone (eight km on either side) along the unfenced border. Nagaland is unwilling to erect fencing along the India-Myanmar border, citing spoiling of relations among the ethnic tribals living on both sides of the boundary. Rome, July 28 : The government agreed on Friday to boost Italy's naval support to the Libyan coastguard in fighting migrant trafficking , Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni told reporters, playing down the size and scope of the planned mission. "We are not talking about the deployment of an enormous fleet of ships and squadrons of aircraft. We are talking about a request that we have accepted to support Libya's coastguard," Gentiloni stated. The mission represents "progress in Italy's contribution to building the capacity of Libyan authorities in curbing trafficking and securing its borders and national territory", Gentiloni said. Italy would only act in accordance with the Libyan authorities, Gentiloni stated, giving no details of what his government planned to do. Earlier on Friday, Libya's UN-backed government said it had only requested logistical and technical support for Libyan coastguard from Italy, Libya's LANA news agency reported. "The presence of several Italian naval vessels in Tripoli's port could be required for this purpose and only for this purpose," LANA quoted Libya's UN-backed government's Foreign Ministry as saying. The Foreign Ministry statement came after Libya's UN-backed Premier Fayez al-Sarraj on Thursday denied asking Rome "to send Italian navy vessels to Libya's territorial waters... or fighter planes into Libyan airspace. "Such allegations ... are without any foundations," Sarraj was quoted as saying in the statement issued by Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). Sarraj said he had also asked Rome "to support border guards" in southern Libya, the main entry point for migrants heading for Europe's shores, and to supply an electronic surveillance system. After a meeting in Rome with Sarraj on Wednesday, Gentiloni announced the government was considering a formal request from the GNA to send naval ships into Libyan territorial waters to help fight human trafficking and said he the plan would be debated by Italy's parliament next week - remarks that appeared to have concerned Tripoli. Planes, helicopters and drones would also be deployed in the planned Italian naval mission, Corriere della Sera newspaper reported on Thursday without stating its sources. Most migrants set sail from Libya, where people smugglers operate freely in the chaos that has gripped the country since the 2011 ousting of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi. In recent years, the great majority of boat migrants arriving in Europe have landed in Italy. Some 600,000 migrants and refugees have reached Italy from Libya, since 2014 and Rome is eager to stop the human traffickers' boats setting sail from the lawless North African country. Italy has been at the forefront of efforts to make Libyan coastguard more effective and is already helping train and equip it and to upgrade its fleet. Libyan officials have said the coastguard need far more equipment than that supplied to date, however. Beijing, July 29 : Nawaz Sharif's disqualification as Prime Minister is Pakistan's "internal affair" and will not impact the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, an official has said here. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press briefing on Friday that the Pakistani Supreme Court verdict on the Panama Papers case is not going to affect bilateral ties between the two countries. "We believe that the China-Pakistan strategic cooperative partnership will not be affected by the change of the situation inside Pakistan. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to continue jointly building the One Belt and One Road," Lu was quoted as saying by the News International newspaper. The CPEC is a flagship project of China's Belt and Road initiative. Beijing also calls the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar corridor as part of the ambitious design. The 3,000 km, over $50 billion CPEC corridor stretches from Kashgar in western China to Gwadar port in Pakistan on the Arabian sea. Along the way, China is funding and building several mega infrastructure projects, including road and railway networks, and power plants. According to estimates, over 30,000 Pakistanis are working on the corridor project. "As a friendly neighbour, China hopes that all parties and sections in Pakistan can prioritise state and national interests, properly deal with their domestic affairs, maintain unity, stability, and keep focusing on the economic and social development," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of times, Lu added. Nawaz Sharif resigned on Friday after the Supreme Court, accusing him of dishonesty, disqualified him from holding the post following a probe that exposed illegal family wealth stashed abroad. A five-judge bench unanimously disqualified Sharif from his post after an investigative panel linked his grown up children to offshore companies, showing that their wealth was far above their legitimate earnings. Kolkata, July 29 : Three more flood-related deaths were reported in West Bengal, taking the toll to 31, even as Indian Air Force helicopters dropped food and medicines in marooned areas and rescued nine people in West Midnapore district. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the situation had improved but could worsen again if more water was released from the dams. "Three more persons have died in the last 24 hours. The toll since July 21 (when the heavy rains started) is 31," a state government official said but did not give the details as to where and how the fatalities occurred. Around 2,067 relief camps were opened in the 11 flood-hit districts where 165 villages spread across 104 blocks had been inundated due to heavy monsoon rains and release of water from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) dams since last weekend. "The (flood) situation has got better but the problem will again rise if more water is released. The quantum of water released was more than the amount during the 1978 floods," Banerjee said while leaving the state secretariat Nabanna. Asked about the stranded people in Pratappur village of West Midnapore district's Ghatal block, she said: "Many persons were rescued from Ghatal and we are trying." A Defence Ministry spokesperson said nine people, including three women and five children, were rescued from the area by air force helicopters that took off from the Barrackpore air base. "Nine persons were winched up and food and medicines dropped," the spokesperson said. The state government official said the situation had improved in the affected districts due to the rainfall receding and the DVC releasing less water. Meanwhile, the DVC withdrew the yellow flood warning message for Panchet dam in neighbouring Jharkhand. New Delhi, July 29 : Rattled by the resignation of half a dozen of its legislators in Gujarat ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections, the Congress on Saturday approached the Election Commission here and demanded a high level probe into alleged poaching of members by the BJP. The poll panel wrote to the state Chief Secretary and sought a report on the allegations. It also directed the Gujarat government to ensure proper security to all the MLAs and their family members. A delegation of senior Congress leaders, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Manish Tiwari, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vivek Tankha met the EC and submitted a memorandum. The delegation asked the EC to "forthwith constitute a high power committee of independent persons/officers to enquire into charges of money power, muscle power and blatant abuse of government machinery for purpose of engineering defection and resignations of Congress MLAs". The Congress alleged that at least three of its MLAs - Punabhai Gamit (Vyara), Mangalbhai Gamit (Dang) and Ishwarbhai Patel (Dharampur) - have been approached by "BJP and its agents to defect in consideration of monetary allurements". "The state government, administration and police are being used (for influencing MLAs). It is sad that it is all being done in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Azad, who led the delegation, told mediapersons after meeting the EC. "We also asked the EC to transfer or suspend all such officials involved in this shameful activity...who abducted, kidnapped our MLAs," he added. Congress veteran leader and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's Political Secretary Ahmed Patel is contesting the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. Sharma said that the stories of Congress MLAs not being happy with the party and therefore defecting are "not true". "How come a party that does not have enough MLAs to field a third candidate for Rajya Sabha, steals an opposition MLA and puts that person as a candidate...Such a thing never happened...It's an assault on democracy," Sharma said. Jolted by the exit of six of its lawmakers since Thursday, the Congress on Saturday herded 44 of its remaining 51 MLAs in the 182-seat Gujarat Assembly to Bengaluru. Late in the evening, EC sources said that the poll panel has sought an enquiry report from the Chief Secretary of Gujarat by 5 p.m. on Monday "on the allegation made in the memorandum submitted by the Congress delegation today". "Direction has been given to state government to ensure proper security to all the MLAs and their family members," the source said. The Congress had also raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Friday and asked the Chairman to direct the Election Commission to take notice of the matter. The Chair had asked the Congress MPs to approach the EC with their grievances. Ahmedabad, July 30 : Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pavak intercepted and apprehended a merchant vessel carrying approximately 1,500 kg of heroin valued at around Rs 3,500 crore off the coast of Gujarat, officials said on Sunday. "This is the largest single haul of narcotics seized till date," an official said. According to the Indian Coast Guard, based on intelligence inputs, the vessel was intercepted around 12 noon on July 29. The ship was brought to Porbandar in Gujarat on Sunday morning for further investigation. A joint investigation by the Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau (IB), police, Customs, Navy and other agencies is currently underway, officials said. Porbandar (Gujarat), July 30 : In one of the largest single haul of narcotics, over 1,500 kg of heroin, valued at Rs 3,500 crore in the international market, was seized from a ship off the Gujarat coast, the Coast Guard said on Sunday. The crew members of the merchant vessel have been arrested and are being interrogated, said Coast Guard officials. The ship has been seized. Based on intelligence, the vessel was intercepted by Coast Guard ships Samudra Pavak and Ankit around noon on Saturday. The heroin was concealed in a horizontal pipe on the top deck, an official statement said. "This is the largest single haul of narcotics substances till date," the statement said. "The search operation for the suspect vessel at sea was commenced by the ships and aircraft of the Coast Guard on July 27," it said, adding a vast area of the sea was kept under continuous surveillance. "The movements of all ships in the area including the suspect vessel were minutely observed throughout till its apprehension along with eight crew members by Indian Coast Guard ships on July 29," it said. The ship was brought to Gujarat's Porbandar port on Sunday morning for further investigation. A joint investigation by the Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau, police, Customs, Navy and other agencies was on, the officials said. Tokyo, July 31 : Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump on Monday discussed the latest North Korean missile launch over the phone and agreed that China and Russia must contribute to the diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang. "I completely agreed with President Trump on the recognition that we must take further action (regarding tougher sanctions against North Korea)," Abe told the media. Abe said that "North Korea has trampled" over peaceful efforts to resolve regional tension and "unilaterally escalated (the situation)", adding that China and Russia and the rest of the international community "must take seriously this undeniable fact and increase their pressure" on Pyongyang. Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda said Abe and Trump agreed it was necessary for Beijing, Pyongyang's closest ally, to assert its influence to ensure that North Korea abandons its nuclear and missile programme. Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he was "very disappointed in China", claiming it has done "nothing" to help solve the North Korea crisis. Following North Korea's missile launch on Friday, the second intercontinental missile developed by the regime, Washington and its allies have stressed the need to step up sanctions. The Hwasong-14 missile flew nearly 1,000 km and reached a maximum altitude of more than 3,700 km, suggesting that it could reach much of US territory. New Delhi, July 31 : The Congress on Monday said around 300 people had died in floods in different parts of the country and accused the Modi government of "sleeping over" a human tragedy of gigantic proportions. Talking to the media here, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the flood situation in the country was "alarming" and about one crore (ten million) people had been affected. He said the government was making perfunctory statements and has provided "little relief" after aerial surveys. "An insipid BJP government sleeps over a human tragedy of gigantic proportions from east to west India," Azad said. Azad, who is Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said 82 people have died in Assam and two waves of floods in the state has affected over 25 lakh people in 29 districts. Azad said at least 1,40,000 people have been displaced and at least 26,000 houses have been damaged. He said vulnerable wildlife species were under threat and 80 per cent of Kaziranga National Park was under water with 218 animals and 17 rhinos having drowned. He said the Comptroller and Auditor General report had found a 60 per cent shortfall in release of central funds to some northeastern states for flood management schemes. The Congress leader said that over two lakh hectares of crop area has been affected in the state with large tracks suffering severe damage and 200 schools are not in a position to conduct classes. Azad said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Assam so far and the money provided by the central government for rescue and relief work was grossly inadequate. Referring to Gujarat, he said 128 deaths had taken place in the state with Banaskantha district accounting for 49, including 17 from one family. Azad said 200 villages were without electricity and 945 roads, including five national highways and 31 state highways, had been damaged. He said about 80,000 people had been evacuated and many were still waiting to be rescued. Taking a dig at the Modi government, he said they were "more interested in hijacking opposition MLAs than providing flood relief". The Congress has witnessed defections in Gujarat ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections next month. Azad said Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani visited the flood-affected areas of Banaskantha "five days after" the district witnessed damage to property and loss of life. He said Modi had done a perfunctory aerial survey of the flood affected areas in the state. Referring to Rajasthan, Azad said that 16 people have been killed in rain-related incidents and 12,000 people had been relocated to Jalore, Sirohi, Pali and Barmer districts. Azad said four persons, including a father and son, have been killed in rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh, where several roads are blocked due to landslides. Referring to West Bengal, he said floods have claimed at least 31 lives in the last 10 days and nearly 45,000 people had taken shelter in more than 2,000 relief camps set up in the flood-hit districts. Azad said in Jammu and Kashmir, flash floods had wreaked havoc in Thathri town of Doda district inundating vast areas along the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway and washing away half a dozen houses. Azad said at least 11 people had been killed in Odisha in lightning-related incidents, while 3,000 families and 27,000 livestock were affected in Manipur floods. Azad said Mizoram faces the worst floods in 50 years and Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland had also been affected. Referring to Jharkhand, he said eight people had been killed due to heavy rains in the state. By PTI: Mumbai, Aug 2 (PTI) Legendary actor Dilip Kumar was today admitted to a private hospital after suffering from dehydration and urinary tract infection. The 94-year-old thespian was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra this morning, a relative said. "He was admitted due to dehydration and urine (tract) infection. He is not in the ICU... He is in a normal room. He is fine now, there is nothing to worry," Kumars nephew Rehan told PTI. advertisement "He is under observation and expected to be in the hospital for two days," he said. The renowned actor, whose real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan, has acted in several superhit films during his six- decade long career such as Madhumati, Devdas, Mughal-e- Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam and Karma. He was last seen on-screen in the 1998 film Qila. The veteran actor was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indias highest award in cinema, in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan, the countrys second-highest civilian award, in 2015. PTI KKP RSY BSA --- ENDS --- Islamabad, July 31 : A former Auditor General of Pakistan was sentenced to one year in prison here by a court on Monday for concealing that he also held Canadian nationality. The prosecution presented evidence confirming that Muhammad Akhtar Buland Rana was also a Canadian national. Senior civil Judge Mohammad Shabbir handed down the punishment to Rana, the Dawn reported. Rana has been shifted to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The government sacked Rana in 2015 after the Supreme Judicial Council found him guilty of misconduct. In 2014, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report revealed that Rana withdrew Rs 4.62 million from the national exchequer in excess of his salary and privileges in violation of rules and regulations. There were also complaints against his unsanctioned foreign visits, his four passports (three Pakistani and one Canadian) and availing long leaves to complete residence requirements in Canada for immigration purposes along with allegations of abuse of power. The Federal Investigation Agency filed a case against Rana for obtaining multiple Pakistani passports while still holding a Canadian passport. Rana apparently "never declared his other nationality". Rana obtained the first passport in Islamabad in 1998. The second passport was issued from Toronto in 2002. Two more official machine-readable passports were issued in 2005 and 2011 in Pakistan. In 2012, he was issued a Pakistani diplomatic passport. New Delhi, July 31 : In the wake of about three dozen women in Rajasthan and Haryana's Mewat complaining about their braids having been mysteriously snipped, three similar cases have been reported from west Delhi, the city police said on Monday. The police said cases under the Arms Act have been registered and probe ordered after unidentified persons cut the braids of three women on Sunday night in Kangan Heri village of west Delhi's Chhawla area. "We received three complaints from victims that their braids were cut by someone. Prima facie, it appears a notorious gang is behind such cases as some residents have also complained of robberies. We suspect three youths caught on closed-circuit television footage," Deputy Commissioner of Police Surender Kumar said. One woman, Munish, said as she was nearing home while returning from market around 7 p.m. she felt giddy and became unconscious. When she regained her senses, she found her braids had been cut. "Curiously, her six-year-old daughter accompanying her did not see any person near her," the officer said. Similar incidents were reported by Sri Devi and Omwati from Kangan Heri village on Sunday. "Villages are tense over such anti-social activities and men have decided to conduct night patrols to catch those responsible but women fear venturing out," villager Rambeer Shokeen told IANS. Many villagers believe someone practising witchcraft or occult practices was responsible for such incidents, Shokeen added. Kohima, July 31 : As many as 35 Naga People's Front (NPF) legislators owing allegiance to Nagaland Chief Minister T.R.Zeliang on Monday gave 15 days ultimatum to Shurhozelie Liezietsu to quit as party president for his autocratic style of functioning. The NPF legislature party, which reviewed the state's political situation after Zeliang was sworn in as Chief Minister for the second time on July 19, blamed Liezietsu, the dismissed Chief Minister, for the "deep divide between the organisation and legislative wing of the NPF for his selfish ends." Zeliang's loyalists also appointed three-time Chief Minister and lone Nagaland Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio as the party's interim President. "We (36 legislators) have also advised all rank and file of the NPF not to follow any orders of Liezietsu as he has already come under a cloud and is under the process of removal from the office of the president of the NPF," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tokheho Yepthomi. The members of the legislature party have also asked Chief Minister to inform the Electiion Commission about the factual situation in the NPF. The Liezietsu-headed NPF had expelled 20 NPF legislators and suspended 10 others, who were involved in toppling his government, from the primary membership of the party for violating the party's constitution. Zeliang was the first to be expelled from the NPF for six years while taking oath as Chief Minister after Governor P.B.Acharya dismissed Liezietsu for failing to prove majority in the assembly. New Delhi, Aug 1 : The UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Home Ministry have joined hands to combat human trafficking originating from the neighbouring countries. UN Women and the UNODC also decided to collaborate to fight off the menace, while observing the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. World Day against Trafficking in Persons was on July 30 and it was observed on Monday in the national capital. "I am pleased to know that UNODC South Asia has decided to create a unique Trafficking in Persons Platform. From the perspective of law enforcement and rehabilitating," Lok Sabha MP Meenakshi Lekhi, said at the event. Addressing representatives from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Lekhi said that trafficking deserved the severest punishment and that there was a need, firstly, to identify the zones from where the crime emerges. "I, as a public representative, am very concerned about trafficking wherever it happens in the country," she said. She said that regions hit by natural calamities like drought, flood, hurricane, and tsunami, are the breeding grounds for those who indulge in the trafficking business as they find many potential victims there. The MP also said that people in such regions should be made aware of their "vulnerability". This can be done through informative short films, public discourse, community led activities like safe sleeping and safe bathrooms. She said that to effectively tackle the problem, trafficking rings have to be broken, and the victims have to be rehabilitated through imparting meaningful vocational training which ensures sustenance. Speaking on the occasion, UNODC South Asia representative Sergey Kapinos, said: "UNODC's latest report identifies more than 500 different forms of trafficking...Children make up for almost one-third of all victims worldwide. There is a need to act now to collectively address this issue. "We can all benefit by strengthening regional mechanisms of sharing knowledge, information, intelligence and good practices. UNODC is committed to addressing human trafficking through four Ps: prosecution, protection, prevention and partnerships," he added. Caracas, Aug 1 : Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has slammed sanctions imposed by the US government against the South American country for holding a controversial constitutional assembly election amid violent protests. "You're with Trump or you're with Venezuela, you're with Trump or you're with the democracy, you're with Trump or you're with the free people of the world, that's the decision, you're with Trump or you're with the free world," Maduro said on Monday in a televised speech. "They are the decisions that express their impotence, their despair, their hatred. They express the character of the magnate, who is emperor of the US." Maduro also responded to Washington's threat to suspend the National Constituent Assembly (ANC), a body that the President created to rewrite the nation's constitution, saying: "I do not obey imperial orders of foreign governments". "Trump is more disowned in the US and in the world than (former US President) George W. Bush," who declared himself 'anti-colonialist, anti-racist' and against the Ku Klux Klan that rules the White House," the Venezuelan leader said. US National Security Adviser Herbert R. McMaster on Monday announced direct sanctions by the US government, including freezing Maduro's assets in Washington and prohibiting American citizens from carrying out economic transactions with the Venezuelan leader. "Maduro is not just a bad leader. He is now a dictator," said McMaster, adding that Maduro has joined "a very exclusive club", that includes Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who have all been sanctioned by Washington. The US imposed sanctions in response to the July 30 elections of representatives of the Constituent Assembly that Maduro planned to use to draft a new national charter. However, the opposition and other social societies criticized the move as a way for Maduro to consolidate a dictatorship in the country. The US along with other South American nations and the European Union (EU) have said they will not recognise the assembly established from the vote. The Venezuelan Attorney General said rge July 30 protests against the elections left a total of 10 persons dead, however the opposition alliance Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) said the toll was 14. The latest victims bring the total death toll from the wave of anti-government protests that began on April 1 to 121 with over thousands others injured. The government said more than 8 million Venezuelans voted in the July 30 elections. The MUD refused to participate as it considered the vote "fraudulent". Srinagar, Aug 1 : A top Pakistani militant who carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head was killed along with a local associate in fighting with security forces on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said. The Jammu and Kashmir Police called the killing of Abu Dujana, whom they described as Lashkar-e-Taiba commander active in southern Kashmir since 2012, as a "huge achievement". His local accomplice was identified as Arif Lalihaari. They were killed in Hakripora village. "(A) huge achievement for the police and security forces," the police tweeted. Dujana, a resident of Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir, was said to be responsible for a number of attacks on Indian security forces, including the August 2015 Udhampur strike that left two Border Security Force troopers dead and 12 injured. An LeT terrorist was killed in that attack. "The killing of Abu Dujana and Lalihaari is a big success for the security forces and a huge setback to terrorist activities in south Kashmir," a police official said. Acting on information about the presence of Dujana and Lalihaari, the security forces surrounded the Hakripora village at about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, triggering a gunfight. "The operation ended after bodies of the two militants were recovered from the site and identified," the police officer said. Two houses in the village were destroyed in the gunfight. Meanwhile, clashes broke out between the security forces and stone-pelting protesters as news of Dujana's death spread. Three protesters were admitted to hospitals with bullet injuries and several others sustained pellet injuries in the clashes. Authorities have suspended Internet services in south Kashmir. Train services between Bannihal town in Jammu region and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley were also suspended. The police, however, said Dujana had broken loose from the LeT in last few months after which he established close proximity with Zakir Musa, another Pakistani who was recently appointed the head of Al Qaeda terror outfit in the Kashmir Valley. Dujana was replaced by Abu Muhammad Ismail as the Divisional Commander of the LeT, a Pakistan-based group that masterminded the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 Indians and foreigners. Ismail had carried out the July 10 attack on an Amarnath Yatra bus in Anantnag district which killed eight pilgrims. Srinagar, Aug 1 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday described the killing of Pakistani militant Abu Dujana as "good riddance to a nuisance" and said operations against all guerrillas will continue irrespective of civilian protests. Addressing the media with Lt Gen J.S. Sandhu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army's 15th Corps, Inspector General of Police Munir Khan said: "Dujana's killing is good riddance to a nuisance in the area." Khan added: "Whether or not there are protests and disruptions by protesters during our operations against militants, the security forces will continue their operations." He said the security forces tried to persuade the holed up militants in Hakripora village in Pulwama district on Tuesday to surrender. The local militant who died with Dujana was said to be Arif Lalihaari. "The head of the family of the house where Dujana and Arif were hiding was used to persuade them to surrender. Perhaps because of the presence of Dujana, Arif, a local militant, could not surrender," the police officer said. Both Khan and Lt Gen Sandhu said Dujana was now mostly indulging in "ayyashi" (debauchery) more than engaging himself in terrorist activities. Khan said all the overground operatives who helped terrorists to carry out the attack on Amarnath pilgrims on July 10 in which eight people were killed had been arrested. "They are with us and they are singing. We have also seized vehicles involved in the attack. The case has been cracked. It is now only the militants involved in the attack who are to be neutralized." Asked about the next militant the security forces were targeting, Khan said: "Every militant active in the Kashmir Valley is our next target." Srinagar, Aug 1 : A top Pakistani militant who carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head was killed by security forces on Tuesday when he went to visit his Indian wife in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, which had apparently been tracking the militant, called the killing of Abu Dujana, whom they described as the Lashkar-e-Taiba commander active in southern Kashmir since 2012, as a "huge achievement". His local accomplice who died with him in Hakripora village was identified as Arif Lalihaari. "(A) huge achievement for the police and security forces," the police tweeted. Dujana, a resident of Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir, was said to be responsible for a number of attacks on Indian security forces, including the August 2015 Udhampur strike that left two Border Security Force troopers dead and 12 injured. "The killing of Abu Dujana and Lalihaari is a big success for the security forces and a huge setback to terrorist activities in south Kashmir," a police official said. Addressing the media with Lt Gen J.S. Sandhu, General Officer Commanding of the Army's 15th Corps, Inspector General of Police Munir Khan said: "Dujana's killing is good riddance to a nuisance." Acting on information about the presence of Dujana and Lalihaari, security forces surrounded the village at about 3 a.m. on Tuesday and the house. The inmates in the house, which included Dujana's wife and her parents, were told to leave. The family was then asked to persuade the Pakistani to surrender. He refused, triggering the gun battle. "The operation ended after bodies of the two militants were recovered from the site and identified," the police officer said. Two houses in the village were destroyed in the gunfight. Meanwhile, clashes broke out between the security forces and stone-pelting protesters as news of Dujana's death spread. Three protesters were admitted to hospitals with bullet injuries and several others sustained pellet injuries in the clashes. Authorities have suspended Internet services in south Kashmir. Train services between Baanihal town in Jammu region and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley were also suspended. The police said Dujana had broken loose from the LeT in last few months after which he established close proximity with Zakir Musa, who was recently appointed the head of Al Qaeda terror outfit in the Kashmir Valley. Dujana was replaced by Abu Muhammad Ismail as the Divisional Commander of the LeT, a Pakistan-based group that masterminded the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 Indians and foreigners. Ismail had carried out the July 10 attack on an Amarnath Yatra bus in Anantnag district which killed eight pilgrims. Khan added: "Whether or not there are protests and disruptions by protesters during our operations against militants, the security forces will continue their operations." Both Khan and Lt Gen Sandhu said Dujana was now mostly indulging in "ayyashi" (debauchery) more than anything else. Khan said all the overground operatives who helped terrorists to carry out the attack on Amarnath pilgrims on July 10 in which eight people were killed had been arrested. "They are with us and they are singing. We have also seized vehicles involved in the attack. The case has been cracked. It is now only the militants involved in the attack who are to be neutralized." Asked about the next militant the security forces were targeting, Khan said: "Every militant active in the Kashmir Valley is our next target." Beijing, Aug 1 : Indian Minister of State of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday sought China's help in reducing the trade deficit between the two countries. Meeting China's Commerce Minister Zhong Shan on the sidelines of the 7th BRICS Trade Ministers meeting in Shanghai, Sitharaman said China should facilitate greater market access and provide a level playing field for Indian IT, pharmaceuticals and agro products. The meeting comes after their first meeting on the sidelines of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ministerial meeting in Hanoi in May 2017. The ministers underscored the complementarities between the two fastest growing economies and agreed to further intensify efforts to realize the full potential of their mutually beneficial cooperation. They exchanged views, in a candid manner, on further development of a strong, balanced and sustainable trade and investment partnership between India and China. The ministers also agreed to further intensify Sino-Indian cooperation in the plurilateral and multilateral frameworks such as WTO, BRICS and SCO. Sitharaman reiterated her invitation to Zhong Shan to visit India for the 11th Joint Economic Group (JEG) meeting. Washington, Aug 2 : The US Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm Christopher A. Wray as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wray, with a 92-5 vote, replaces James Comey who was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump in May as investigators were looking into possible links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, Xinhua news agency reported. At Wray's nomination debate on Tuesday, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said "this is a tough time to take this tough job." "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months," she said. In June, Wray was nominated by Trump to succeed Comey as the FBI director. During a confirmation hearing last month, Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would strive for independence, in light of that Trump had allegedly asked for loyalty from the then-FBI leader. "My commitment is to the rule of law, to the Constitution, to follow the facts wherever they may lead," Wray said. "There isn't a person on this planet whose lobbying or influence could convince to just drop or abandon a properly predicated and meritorious investigation," he added. Born into a family of New York lawyers, Wray graduated in 1989 from Yale University and got a law degree in 1992 from the Yale Law School. Wray was later hired as a Justice Department prosecutor for years before rising to assistant general in charge of overseeing fraud investigations. In 2005, he resigned to join private practice as a litigation partner with the law firm King & Spalding. Under US law, the FBI director serve a single 10-year term. A local security official said the attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the NATO convoy. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in an online post by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. (Photo: Reuters) By Reuters: A suicide bomb attack killed two American troops in Afghanistan on Wednesday as they were travelling in a convoy near the airport in the southern city of Kandahar, the US military said, in a strike claimed by the Taliban insurgency. The attack was a reminder of the dangers posed to the 8,400 US forces in Afghanistan as President Donald Trump weighs sending thousands more troops to America's longest war. advertisement The goal would be to better assist Afghan forces, who are locked in a stalemate with a resurgent Taliban after nearly 16 years of conflict. A mid-July deadline set by the Pentagon to complete its war strategy has come and gone and Trump's own views on the Afghan war remain unclear. Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis announced the deaths from Washington. He gave no further details and the Pentagon declined comment on any wounded. One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there could also be several NATO-led coalition wounded in the attack but did not provide a number. A local security official said the attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the convoy. Photos of the site showed one partially destroyed armoured vehicle, with the rear of the truck particularly badly damaged. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in an online post by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. He said the explosion destroyed two vehicles and killed 15 foreign soldiers, including two "high-ranking officers". A Reuters witness said military helicopters landed at the site at least four times as responding troops secured the area and removed the damaged vehicle. The airport in Kandahar is home to a major military base for international troops helping Afghan security forces in their struggle to contain the Islamist Taliban insurgency. The coalition maintains nearly 13,000 troops from 39 countries as part of a mission to train, advise and assist Afghan troops. US military commanders in Afghanistan have asked for several thousand additional troops but the request is stalled in Washington, where Trump has expressed scepticism over extending the US commitment. ALSO READ | Suicide attack outside Dhaka international airport; ISIS claims responsibility Kabul mosque attack: 4 killed in suicide bombing, ISIS claims role Kabul: At least 35 killed, 40 injured in suicide car bomb blast ALSO WATCH | Afghanistan blames Pakistan's ISI for Kabul blast that killed 90 --- ENDS --- Caracas, Aug 2 : The Venezuelan armed forces (FANB) has confirmed their "unconditional support and loyalty" to President Nicolas Maduro in the wake of the sanctions imposed on him by the US. The FANB said on Tuesday they consider the sanctions to be a violation of international law, Efe news reported. "The FANB holds more than ever to its constitutionally assigned mission, confirms its unconditional support and loyalty to our commander-in-chief and reiterates the historic commitment to defend national sovereignty and independence," the military said in a communique that was read by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. In the text of its message, the armed forces said that the US government, "in keeping with its traditional interventionist and imperialist policy... assumes extraterritorial powers that flagrantly violate elementary principles of international law." The US does so "with the deranged proposal of undermining the image of national executive power and, therefore, undermining the country's institutions, governability and stability." Padrino emphasized that Venezuela does not take orders or accept "threats from foreign powers and empires," and he asserted that the armed forces will defend "at any cost" the interests of the Venezuelan people. "We will always act with the force of reason, respect for legality and human rights," he said. The US government on Monday imposed direct sanctions on Maduro, including freezing his assets under US jurisdiction and prohibiting financial transactions with him by US citizens. The Venezuelan Supreme Court, meanwhile, considers the US measures to be aimed at "subjecting the Venezuelan government to imperialist interests, thereby affecting the sovereignty and the self-determination of peoples." Srinagar, Aug 2 : Authorities on Wednesday imposed restrictions, shut educational institutions, blocked internet services and ordered suspension of rail services to prevent protests in the Kashmir Valley in the wake of LeT divisional commander Abu Dujana's killing. The separatist leaders have called for a protest shutdown on Wednesday. Three persons including LeT divisional commander Abu Dujana, his associate Arif Lalihaari and a civilian protester were killed on Tuesday in Pulwama district. The restrictions have been imposed in areas falling in the jurisdiction of five police stations of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal and M.R. Gunj in Srinagar. Abu Dujana, the 28-year old Gilgit-Baltistan resident had been active in south Kashmir areas since 2012. He carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head. Arif Lalihaari, was reportedly involved in many civilian killings, weapon snatching incidents and bank robberies. Three civilians sustained bullet injuries during protests after Abu Dujana and Arif were killed. Firdous Ahmad of Begumbagh in Kakapora area of Pulwama, one of the three bullet-hit protesters, later died while two others are being treated in a Srinagar hospital. Over 26 other protesters were injured during clashes in Pulwama district, with many of them sustaining pellet gunshots. Students of three colleges in Srinagar took to roads shouting pro-Islam and pro-freedom slogans, bringing life to a halt in parts of uptown city on Tuesday. Students also staged protests in Badgam, Handwara and Bandipora towns on Tuesday. Authorities have ordered closure of all schools and colleges in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday. Kashmir University and Islamic University of Science and Technology have announced postponement of all exams scheduled on Wednesday. Mobile internet services have been suspended and rail services have also been suspended between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. San Francisco, Aug 2 : Better than expected iPhone sales led to Apple posting a quarterly revenue of $45.4 billion -- up seven per cent YoY (year-over-year) -- for the third quarter of 2017. These results compare to revenue of $42.4 billion and earnings per diluted share of $1.42 in the year-ago second quarter, the company said in a statement late on Tuesday. "With revenue up seven per cent YoY, we're happy to report our third consecutive quarter of accelerating growth and an all-time quarterly record for Services revenue," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. The net income was up to $8.72 billion ($1.67 per share) from $7.80 billion ($1.42 per share) a year earlier. "We hosted an incredibly successful 'Worldwide Developers Conference' in June, and we're very excited about the advances in iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS coming this fall," Cook added. iPhone sales were up 1.6 per cent to 41.03 million in the third quarter that ended on July 1. The Cupertino-based tech giant sold 40.4 million iPhones a year earlier. "We reported unit and revenue growth in all our product categories in the June quarter, driving 17 per cent growth in earnings per share," said Luca Maestri, Apple's CFO. Apple saw 21.6 per cent jump in the services business - the App Store, Apple Pay and iCloud - to $7.27 billion. "We also returned $11.7 billion to investors during the quarter, bringing cumulative capital returns under our program to almost $223 billion," Maestri added. According to The Verge, leading the way was Apple's iPad sales, which were up 15 per cent from 2016. Hardware like the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Beats headphones where the highlights in the 'Other Products' category. "China -- the region driving Apple growth for the past few years -- saw revenue drop from last year as competition from local phone makers increased," the report said. Washington, Aug 2 : The US wishes to sit down and hold dialogue with North Korea, but only if the Communist nation gives up its pursuit of nuclear weapons, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said. Days after North Korea on Sunday launched its second intercontinental ballistic missile in a month, Tillerson on Tuesday said Washington was "responding to an unacceptable threat to the US". The official said at a press conference here that the US was not Pyongyang's "enemy". "We hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." He reiterated the US does not "seek a reunification of the peninsula". "We do not seek regime change... We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson said, speaking to North Korea directly. The missile launched by North Korea travelled about 1,000 km before splashing down into the sea, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said in a statement. North Korea said the test-firing aimed to "finally confirm the overall technological specifications of the weapon system of Hwasong-14 capable of carrying large-sized heavy nuclear warhead, including its maximum range". A willingness to talk if North Korea agrees to pursue denuclearisation was also Obama administration policy, though it was never successful in getting Pyongyang to the table. Tillerson is travelling to Asia this week, where he will continue his drive to increase "peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk to us and others". But he made it clear that there was no possibility of talks if North Korea did not abandon its nuclear programme. He said China has a particular role to play, as it accounts for 90 per cent of trade with the Communist nation. Trump had emphasized that point as he courted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit and pressured Beijing to use its influence on Pyongyang. Trump had recently expressed disappointment that Beijing had not applied as much pressure as he would like or caused a change in North Korea's behaviour. Arguing that China sees eye-to-eye with the US about the threat posed by Pyongyang's aggressive weapons development, Tillerson said: "We don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea." "But we do believe China has a unique and special relationship," he added. "We continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue." Lucknow/New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday reduced to two years the jail term of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Neera Yadav in a Noida land allotment scam and disproportionate assets case. She was sentenced to three years in jail by the Allahabad High Court in November 2012. On Wednesday, a bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and R. Banumathi reduced the quantum of sentence to two years. Yadav, the first woman Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, was CEO and Chairperson of Noida Authority between 1994 and 1995. She was elevated as Chief Secretary in 2005 by then Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, a post she held for two years, before taking voluntary retirement. The Noida Industrialist Association had in 1997 filed a case against Yadav in the apex court, following which a Central Bureau of Investigation probe began in 1998. The CBI probed 36 matters related to plot allotment by Neera Yadav and another IAS official Rajeev Kumar. A chargesheet was filed against the two in 2002. Yadav had later surrendered before the CBI court in Ghaziabad and was sent to the Dasna prison. The Supreme Court also upheld the two-year jail term awarded to Rajiv Kumar, a former IAS officer, in the same case. New Delhi, Aug 2 : BJP members in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday raised the issue of political killings in Kerala and accused the CPI-M-led Left Front government in the state of inaction. Speaking during Zero Hour, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Prahlad Joshi said: "In 17 months of Left government in Kerala, 17 people have been killed. "Congress workers have also been killed, but they are hobnobbing with them in Delhi and fighting in Kerala," Joshi said. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi read out a list of names of alleged victims of political violence -- Anil Kumar, Pramod, Ramchandran, Vineesh, Vishwa, Radhakrishnana, Santhosh, Sujit and Biju. "These are names of those who were victims of political murders in Kerala," she said. "The people who give lectures on intolerance and democracy cannot tolerate alternate ideologies in democracy. "People who join IS (Islamic State) also come from this state 'majorly'," she said, adding that in Kannur workers from the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League have also been killed. "When BJP workers are killed we raise voice, others do not even raise their voice. Politics does not give licence to kill," she added. Mumbai, Aug 2 : Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor is excited to shoot in Benaras and Lucknow as he has heard "such great stories" about the cities. Rishi, who will be visiting the cities for filmmaker Anubhav Sinha's film "Mulk" soon, told IANS: "I have not done drama in a long time and when Anubhav narrated the film to me, I loved the concept of the film. Shooting in Benaras and Lucknow will be an added bonus since I have heard such great stories about the cities." "This is a very encouraging thriller inspired by true events set in small-town India," he added. His former "Kapoor & Sons" co-star Rajat Kapoor will also play a role in the social thriller, which will star Prateik Babbar and Taapsee Pannu too. Rajat said: "I haven't come across a script in over two years that has creatively excited me after 'Kapoor & Sons'. When I met Anubhav for the first time, I was quite impressed with the storytelling skills of 'Mulk'." "In fact I told him that this will be a brand new challenge as this film is something he has never attempted in the past. It is a very unusual thriller that will make audiences sit up in their seats and take note," he added. Prateik is all praise for the director, who has helmed thrillers like "Dus" and "Cash". "Anubhav sir has always been a mentor and role model. When he called me, I just agreed to do the film because I have always wanted to work with a visionary like him," he said. Taapsee is looking forward to being a part of the film where she will get to play a "gritty character". "I'm confident of this film to find place in the audience's heart as the content is very relevant. The best part of doing a social thriller is you get a chance to present a story that's been happening around all of us but no one really bothers to address it," said the "Naam Shabana" actress. "Mulk" will go on floors in October. Islamabad, Aug 2 : A leading Pakistani newspaper on Wednesday urged Islamabad and Kabul to jointly fight the Islamic State terrorist group. With the IS now facing setbacks in Iraq and Syria, it can be expected to start taking roots in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well, the Dawn said in an editorial. "Afghanistan - long suffering from conflict - seems to be an ideal location for the self-proclaimed 'Caliphate' to put down roots," it said. It quoted American military officials as saying there may be around 1,000 IS fighters active in Afghanistan. "Due to a long, porous border and a complicated relationship, often Afghanistan's militancy problems spill over into Pakistan; the case of IS is no different," it said. "Transnational militancy is a nebulous phenomenon; it does not recognise borders or national sovereignty. "That is why it is imperative that Pakistan and Afghanistan work together to neutralise the threat of IS in both countries. "This may be difficult to achieve, given the often tense relations that prevail between Islamabad and Kabul. "But as IS and militants sympathetic to its ideology have shown elsewhere, if a vacuum is left - as was the case in Syria and Iraq - IS will move in very quickly to fill it. "That is something neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan can afford. Therefore, a joint policy to counter IS is the only way forward," the Dawn said. Beijing, Aug 2 : The number of electric buses in Beijing will increase from the current 1,000 to 10,000 by 2020 in an effort to improve the environment, the Public Transport Group said on Wednesday. The proportion of buses purely powered by electricity among the total public transport vehicles will increase from the current 10 per cent to 60 per cent in three years, Xinhua news agency quoted Zhong Qianghua, Deputy General Manager of the group, as saying. Zhong said electric buses create lower emissions and less noise. Each of the vehicles can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 45 tonnes every year, and the vehicles are free from PM2.5 emissions. Recently, 50 new electric buses were deployed on two routes in Beijing's Yanqing district. It takes only around 20 minutes to charge a bus, and a single charge can power the vehicle for 80 km. The two routes can transport 3.45 million people every year, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,600 tonnes. Currently the group operates about 1,020 bus routes in Beijing. By 2020, the group will be able to transport about 3.046 billion people per year. Los Angeles, Aug 2 : A man of Asian origin fired multiple gunshots outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles before shooting himself dead, police said. The shooting took place about 6 a.m. on Tuesday but did not injure anyone else. The man in his 60s was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate building, Xinhua news agency quoted police as saying. The police have not identified the man yet. They found a bullet wound on his chin, saying he could commit suicide. Consulate officials told Xinhua the man was not Chinese. A security guard at the consulate said the gunman shot 17 bullets at the building before killing himself in his car. The consulate general has expressed serious concerns about the shooting incident and urged the US authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of its diplomats. Villagers in Agra's Maghtai on Tuesday beat a 62-year-old widow to death, suspecting her of being a witch who cut women's hair at night. By Siraj Qureshi: This is an age of computers and mobile phones, but superstition has yet to become a thing of the past. After some women in the NCR claimed their hair had been chopped off - but were unable to say by whom - similar incidents have spread panic in the Braj region. In fact, women in rural areas have begun using 'black magic' to protect their hair. advertisement Villagers in Agra's Maghtai on Tuesday beat a 62-year-old widow, Maan Devi, to death, suspecting her of being a witch who cut women's hair at night. Last night, Maan Devi went to defecate in a field, lost her way, and entered a Baghel community settlement. Her white-sari-clad form frightened a little girl, who raised an alarm, locals said. Villagers then surrounded her and bludgeoned her with sticks, killing her. 'EVIL SPIRIT' In Mangrol Jaat village in Agra's Achhnera area, Lal Singh's wife Machhla Devi fainted, allegedly after suffering a severe headache. She claims that when she regained consciousness, her hair had been cut off. It was lying on the bed beside her. A village elder, Rajesh Solanki, confirmed she'd lost lost her hair inexplicably overnight. Panic-stricken after the news spread, women in nearby villages soon praying in temples to ward off the 'evil spirit' behind the act. Similar incidents occurred in Bada Thok and Cheetpur in Agra's Kagarol area. In Bada Thok, the victim was Harendra Solanki's daughter Shalini. Someone cut off her hair at around midnight, as she lay asleep next to her mother. And in Cheetpur, it was a Class VIII student who lost her hair. She, too, was sleeping next to her mother. The officer-in-charge of Kagarol Police Station said complaints about hair-chopping were similar to one another. He called the entire episode highly suspicious, and said the local Intelligence Unit had been asked to investigate. MATHURA RESIDENTS SUFFER TOO In Mathura district, retired school principal Naval Singh's wife Premvati, Hussein Abbas's wife Afroz Begum and Buddhi Singh's wife Maya Devi said they'd fallen victim to similar incidents. In fact, Maya Devi was sitting with several women and preparing dinner, when she suddenly collapsed. When she came to, she discovered that her hair had been cut off. 'MASS HYSTERIA' Dr. Dinesh Rathore, the Head of the Psychiatry Department at the Agra Mental Asylum, called it a simple case of mass hysteria. He said such cases were very common among housewives - who he said were easily affected, spending most of their time at home cut off from the rest of the world. advertisement Lack of proper education also makes things worse - women even lose awareness of their surroundings and remember nothing about what they do during manic attacks, he said. The 'monkey man' of 2001 was the product of mass hysteria, and from time to time, such hoaxes spread in urban and rural areas, mostly affecting women, he said. While most are temporary manic episodes, psychiatric help is needed to fully treat serious cases, he said. ALSO READ Gurgaon: Watch out, a hair-chopping gang could steal your mane! A cat turned into a woman who snipped my braid: A look into bizarre world of serial hair choppers, monkey men, milk-drinking idols ALSO WATCH Bathinda shocker: Woman kills grandchildren in bid to ward off evil spirits --- ENDS --- New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Congress on Wednesday alleged political vendetta by the BJP-led NDA government in the IT raids on a Karnataka Minister, as Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the raids were in no way linked to the Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections or the 44 Congress MLAs housed in a resort in Bengaluru. Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha soon after Zero Hour started, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the BJP-led NDA government out of political vendetta was using central agencies against opposition leaders. "In Gujarat there is election for three Rajya Sabha seats. The Congress had 57 members and support of four others, but they (BJP) broke away five members," Kharge alleged. "Now they are using the IT department on our MLAs from Gujarat, who are in a resort in Karnataka. The Income Tax department is being used to threaten them as well as a Minister of Karnataka," Kharge said, as members from the treasury benches raised their pitch in protest. "With such political vendetta and mishandling, democracy cannot be saved. If there is any economic offence take action, but to win an election you are misusing IT," he said. Jaitley said there was no raid on the Gujarat MLAs, and the Karnataka Minister who was being raided had gone to hide in the resort (Eagleton resort), due to which the IT officials went there. "It is a serious issue, but maybe he (Kharge) does not have complete information. I have got information from the Income Tax department, there was no raid on Gujarat MLAs in any resort," Jaitley said. "It is true that one Minister of Karnataka and his associates are being searched. The Minister being raided reached a resort. When there is a raid, the IT officials have to record the person's statement, so they went to the resort," Jaitley said. He also said that the IT officials "found the Minister destroying some papers". "There are raids on 39 other places, but there is no link with the Gujarat elections. It is only linked to an economic offence," he said. Congress MPs however started protesting, and trooped near the Speaker's podium. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked the Congress members to go back to their seats. "You sought clarification, so the Minister gave a clarification," she said. The Congress members however continued raising slogans, and the Zero Hour continued amid sloganeering. Income Tax raids were conducted at 39 places, including the residence of Karnataka Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and at a private resort owned by Shivakumar near Bengaluru where 44 Congress lawmakers from Gujarat have been staying since Saturday. Officials said they have recovered Rs 5 crore in cash from the residence of Shivakumar. Mumbai, Aug 2 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday said it was working on the next steps for the resolution of the stressed assets or non-performing assets (NPAs). "We are working on the next steps on NPAs, for resolution of the stressed assets," RBI Deputy Governor N.S. Vishwanathan said here at a press briefing after the monetary policy review. The government in May had passed the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, that allowed more power to the RBI to tackle the NPAs' issue. It has been empowered to issue directions to commercial banks to initiate insolvency proceedings for recovering bad loans. The RBI's IAC (Internal Advisory Committee) has chosen top 12 NPA accounts for insolvency which has outstanding debt of above Rs 5,000 crore, Essar Steel being one of them. Essar Steel had a debt of Rs 45,655 crore, of which Rs 31,671 crore had turned NPAs for banks by March 31, 2016. This increased to Rs 32,864 crore by March 31 this year. The NPAs, or bad loans, of state-run banks at the end of last September rose to Rs 6.3 lakh crore (almost $100 billion). Chandigarh, Aug 2 : Taking their protest against the Punjab government's move to ban truck unions to the next level, a group of truckers on Wednesday set a goods carrier on fire in Punjab's Nakodar town, 160 km from here. The truck was set ablaze by the Nakodar Truck Union members, who also raised slogans against the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab. The Punjab government had on July 5 announced that all truck unions would be disbanded in the state. "We have been pleading with the government for the past one month to review its decision as it has affected truckers and lakhs of people associated with the trade. We will further intensify our agitation if the government does not listen to us," a member of the truck union said. There are 134 truck unions in Punjab with over 93,000 trucks. Nearly 16 lakh people are associated with the trade. "Of the 93,000 trucks, nearly 70,000 have been financed (are under loans). The government ban on truck unions has taken away our livelihood. We will set more trucks on fire and are ready to sacrifice our families," he said. Following the state cabinet's decision last month, approving rules that will ban the formation of truck unions and cartels, nearly 93,000 trucks remained off the roads in Punjab on July 9. The protest strike was called for a day by the All Punjab Truck Operators' Union. The government justified its ban, saying it was aimed at ending the cartelisation of goods transport. The state cabinet gave its approval to the Punjab Goods Carriages (Regulation and Prevention of Cartelization) Rules, 2017, which bars goods carriage operators from forming cartels or unions in the state. "Once these rules come into effect, no operator or permit holder of goods carriages shall be allowed to form a cartel, denying freedom of choice to the consignors and consignees to engage the services of such operators or permit holders," a Punjab government spokesperson said earlier. "The move is aimed at destroying the mafia of goods transporters who had cartelized the business over the past several years, obstructing the free and fair movement of goods transport, thereby also impacting industrial development of the state," the spokesperson said. To protect the interests of the transporters following the abolition of truck unions, it was also decided that the government should fix the minimum and maximum fares and freights for goods carriers. New Delhi, Aug 2 : India has not pulled out its troops in Doklam where they are locked in a stand off with the Chinese army for nearly two months, government sources said on Wednesday, rebuffing a claim by China that fewer Indian troops were stationed in the area in Sikkim sector. "Status quo continues, there has been no pullout," government sources said. China in a statement on Wednesday claimed there were around 400 Indian troops in the area "at one point", and by end of July there were 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer "illegally staying over Chinese territory". Troops of both countries are locked in a stand off along the border in Sikkim sector, after China attempted road construction in Bhutanese territory around mid-June. China has demanded that India withdraw its troops for dialogue to begin, while New Delhi says that both sides should simultaneously withdraw troops. Hyderabad, Aug 2 : Youth Congress leader Vikram Goud, who was injured in a firing last week, had stage-managed the incident and struck the deal for Rs 50 lakh with the gang he had hired to execute the plan, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy said that Goud, who was still undergoing treatment at a hospital, was under police surveillance and would be arrested once he is discharged. The police also arrested five other accused while the search was on for three others. The arrested include Raees Khan, a native of Indore, who had opened two rounds on Goud. Goud has been booked for abetment to commit crime, criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, giving false information to police and for possessing and using illegal firearm. Goud, son of former Andhra Pradesh Minister Mukesh Goud, was injured in the firing at his residence in upscale Banjara Hills area at 3.30 a.m on July 28. He had told the police that two assailants riding a bike barged into his house and opened fire. The police investigations, however, revealed that Goud had himself planned the attack and hired a gang to execute it. Goud, who also produced some Telugu films and had investments in real estate and other businesses, had hoped to gain public sympathy in Jubliee Hills constituency in Hyderabad from where he is planning to contest next assembly elections in 2019. He also wanted to use the incident as an excuse to avoid some businessmen pressurising him to repay the loans. Thed police arrested Nand Kumar, Sheikh Ahmed, Babujaan and Govind Reddy, all hailing from Kadapa and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh. The police chief said the arrests were made during searches across five states -- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Of the Rs 50 lakh that Vikram Goud had promised to the gang to shoot at him, he had paid Rs 14 lakh and had made all arrangements. The gang had purchased a firearm from Indore and along with ammunition it was kept at his house since it was brought to Hyderabad early July. The police recovered the weapon, which the accused had thrown into a pond in Sheikhpet area after the incident. Kabul, Aug 2 : A suicide bomber on Wednesday attacked a NATO convoy in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, officials said. The attack, claimed by the Taliban, took place at 12.20 p.m. in the provincial capital also called Kandahar, Efe news reported. "The suicide car bombing took place when a foreign forces' convoy was passing through the area," a spokesperson said, adding the attack occurred on a road leading to an important US base. A NATO official confirmed the attack and said there were casualties. Afghan security forces cordoned off the area and were trying to ascertain the number of casualties, the report said. Taliban spokesperson Qari Yusuf Ahmadi claimed the attack. The current NATO mission in Afghanistan has deployed around 13,000 troops who provide assistance to Afghan troops while the US maintains some 8,400 troops in the country. Since the NATO combat mission ended in January 2015, the insurgents have been gaining ground in various parts of Afghanistan and now control, influence or are fighting the government in 43 per cent of the country, according to US officials. Thiruvananthapuram, August 02 : The Mizoram government has taken out a newspaper advertisement refuting Keralas assertion that the sale of Mizoram lottery in Kerala was illegal. In the advertisement carried by major vernacular newspapers on Wednesday, the Mizoram government says that the sale of Mizoram lotteries is being conducted in Kerala in compliance with the rules framed under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act 1998. The ad also states that the Mizoram government had in a letter dated July 21 intimated the Kerala government about the sale of the lotteries from the state and had furnished details such as the distributor, agents, retailers, and centres entrusted to conduct sale of the lottery, refuting Keralas claim that they had not received any formal notification on resumption of sale of Mizoram lotteries in the state. Our lotteries comply with the conditions laid down in section 4 of the lotteries act 1998, the ad says. To buttress their claim that the sale of their lotteries is legal, the Mizoram government points out in the advertisement that their lotteries are being sold in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, Goa, and Sikkim since the lotteries act came into effect and none of these states has raised any objection with regard to non-compliance with the provisions of the act. The advertisement was taken out in the backdrop of the Kerala government launching a crackdown on sale of Mizoram lotteries in the state with finance minister Thomas Isaac terming their sales as illegal. Palakkad Kasaba police on Tuesday conducted a raid on the office of Teesta Distributors, the agency engaged by the Mizoram government to sell lotteries outside Mizoram, and seized lotteries worth Rs. 5 crore. The state government has also written to the centre seeking a ban on the sale of Mizoram lotteries in the state, saying that the agreement between the Mizoram government and Teesta Distributors for the sale of lotteries in Kerala was illegal. London, Aug 2 : Britains 96-year-old Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will carry out his final solo public engagement on Wednesday before he retires from royal duties. Prince Philip, the consort of Queen Elizabeth II, announced his retirement in May, after decades of supporting the Queen, as well as attending events for his own charities and organisations. He has completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952, BBC reported. On Wednesday, he will meet Royal Marines who have taken part in a 1,664-mile trek for charity. As Captain General of the Royal Marines, the Duke will attend a parade on Buckingham Palace grounds to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge -- a series of strength and endurance challenges raising funds and awareness for charity. During the event, Prince Philip will also meet veterans and cadets before receiving the 1664 Global Challenge baton. The parade will end with a march past, a royal salute and three cheers for the Captain General. Prince Philip's association with the Royal Marines dates back 64 years to June 2, 1953, when he was appointed Captain General in succession to the late King George VI, the Evening Standard newspaper reported. While his diary of engagements will come to an end, Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip may still decide to attend certain events alongside the Queen in the future. According to calculation by Buckingham Palace, Prince Philip has undertaken 637 solo overseas visits, delivered 5,496 speeches, and found time to write 14 books and carried out the role of patron for 785 organisations during his royal career. The Queen, 91, will continue her public schedule. Prince Philip has been married to the Queen for 70 years. He had an exploratory operation on his abdomen in 2013 and was treated for a blocked coronary artery in 2011. On announcing his retirement earlier this year, the royal consort was praised for his years of service, with Prime Minister Theresa May offering the country's "deepest gratitude and good wishes". Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wished him "all the best in his well-earned retirement". New Delhi, Aug 2 : Almost one terrorist incident occurred on an average every day in the conflict-hit Jammu and Kashmir this year till July 23, indicating no sign of let-up in Pakistan-led activities in the valley, according to a Home Ministry report. In fact, there was an almost 25 per cent rise in incidents in the nearly seven months of this year, compared with the corresponding period last year. According to the report, a total of 184 violent terrorist incidents took place in the state between January 1 and July 23, 2017, as against 155 incidents during the same period last year. In 2016, there were a total of 322 terrorist incidents. The number of such incidents was 208 in 2015 and 222 in 2014. The report said that 109 terrorists -- highest in the decade -- were killed this year till July 23. The number of terrorists killed in 2016 was 150, compared to 108 in 2015 and 110 in 2014. Killing of civilians and security forces had, however, increased, the report stated, adding that 19 civilians and 38 security personnel were killed between January and July 23 this year as against 15 civilians and 82 security personnel last year. In 2015, 17 civilians and 39 security personnel were killed while the figure for the year before stood at 28 and 97, respectively. A Home Ministry official, on condition of anonymity, told IANS that intelligence information indicated the role of banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit behind major attacks in the Jammu and Kashmir, as the Pakistan-based terror group's recruitment had peaked in the last one year. A top commander of the group, Abu Dujana, was killed on Tuesday in a gunfight with security forces. The intelligence report said that over 130 out of approximately 300 terrorists found active in Kashmir belong to LeT, most of them being local recruits. Other terrorists had links with Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. "Now, Pakistan-based LeT operatives have chosen a new modus operandi in recruiting cadres. Apart from infiltrating well-trained terrorists into Kashmir from Pakistan, they are recruiting local youths in the valley," a security official said, pointing to the alarming situation in the valley. The official said that earlier the local recruits were more attracted to Hizbul Mujahideen, a group oriented towards the cause of Kashmir. Dujana's killing triggered widespread protest in parts of Kashmir where curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in seven police station areas of Srinagar after a shutdown was called by an alliance of key separatist leaders -- Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) Patna, Aug 2 : Questioning Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's principles, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday said he was known for "betraying" pro-Mandal and pro-secular forces since 1990s and had done it again in the state by allying with the NDA. "Nitish Kumar left the pro-Mandal camp in the early 1990s and joined the 'Kamandal' led by L.K. Advani. Nitish Kumar joined hands with the communal forces that demolished the Babri Mosque, a symbol of the country's secularism and harmony, in the early '90s. He has repeated it again when all opposition parties are uniting against Kamandal," Tejashwi Yadav said at a press conference here. A day after his father and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad called the Chief Minister as "Paltu Ram of politics", Tejashwi Yadav called him 'kursi premi' (lover of power) who is "hardly concerned for Bihar's development". "Nitish Kumar only loves power and the CM's chair -- he has betrayed it time and again," the former Deputy Chief Minister said. Tejashwi said: "Where is Nitish Kumar's morality and principles when 75 per cent of his ministers, apart from him, are tainted. Nitish Kumar should clarify in public whether he is an accused in a murder case." Tejashwi asked how could a person accused under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code be sworn in as the Chief Minister, and pointed out that five cases were pending against Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The RJD leader said Nitish Kumar had repeatedly claimed that he will not compromise on corruption, wondering his stand on the Vayapam scam in Madhya Pradesh as well as Panama Papers leaks. "The people of Bihar and the country are keen to know why Nitish Kumar betrayed the mandate of the 2015 Bihar assembly elections." Tejashwi also claimed that Nitish Kumar was uncomfortable with his then young Deputy Chief Minister (Tejashwi) who was "committed to development and zero tolerance against corruption". The RJD leader said the live broadcast from the Bihar assembly during the trust vote was not allowed since Nitish Kumar was afraid of his (Tejashwi) speech in which he raised several genuine questions. By India Today Web Desk: NASA has done it again. Its famed Kepler telescope has made yet another discovery. This time of an exomoon. Just like a lot of exoplanets or the planets that are located outside our solar system and orbit other suns have been discovered by NASA, the alien moon or exomoon is now in existence for sure. Astronomers and scientists have been hunting for exomoons for quite some time now and this is the very first moon found outside our solar system or the first alien moon. What does this discovery mean? The new discovery courtesy of the NASA's Kepler telescope may help scientists to understand more about how the planets, moon and stars formed Astronomers have said that a huge moon the size of Neptune orbits a planet located around 4,000 light-years away, however they have made it clear that they are yet to confirm its existence If the presence of this alien moon is confirmed, it would be a major breakthrough in astronomers' study of the cosmos The massive moon would be the first discovered in orbit around an alien world Detecting a moon outside the solar system as a big achievement, however, its existence needs to be verified In October 2017, the scientists will train the Hubble Space Telescope on the home star of the planet to check if the signal holds up If scientists confirm the existence of the alien moon, this would add yet another feather in the cap for NASA's Kepler telescope The Kepler was launched in 2009 and since then, it has discovered more than 2,000 alien worlds and about 4,000 candidate planets Scientists using Kepler data identified 219 more candidates alien planets in June The planets include those that may be habitable like our Earth. Researchers speak advertisement Alex Teachey, a graduate student and co-author of the research from Columbia University said, "This candidate is intriguing, and we obviously feel good enough about it that we've asked for Hubble time but we want to be crystal clear that we are not claiming a detection at this point." MIT planetary scientist Sara Seager said, "Any time the word 'candidate' is in the [study] title, it is just that, a candidate. I am definitely looking forward to the Hubble Space Telescope observations in 2017 to see if anything is actually there." Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section. To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail toeducation.intoday@gmail.com --- ENDS --- New Delhi, Aug 2 : A court here on Wednesday extended by a day the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah, arrested on charges of money laundering. Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit allowed the agency to quiz Shah for a day more. Shah was presented before the court on the expiry of his seven-day custody. He was arrested from Srinagar on July 25 on charges of money laundering in a case dating back to 2005. While seeking extension of Shah's custody, Public Prosecutor Rajeev Awasthi told the court that the international ramification of the financial involvement is to be unearthed. From the investigation it has been revealed that Shah has been in continuous contact with elements residing in Pakistan, in the garb of the Kashmir issue, the ED stated. The agency said that Shah had received various hawala consignments for disrupting the peace of Jammu and Kashmir and was in contact with Tahreek-e-Hurriyat. Shah's custody is required to examine and analyse bank details, money trail and email records. "The international contacts of Pakistan, Dubai and England from the mobile call details records have to be ascertained for their role in anti-national activities along with the terror funding into India through hawala channels," the agency said. "The source of hawala transfers and further dissemination of the funds have to be ascertained." However, defence counsel M.S. Khan opposed the ED plea seeking Shah's custody and denied the charges. Shah's arrest relates to an August 2005 case where the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested hawala dealer Muhammad Aslam Wani. Wani had confessed that he had passed on hawala money worth Rs 2.25 crore to Shah. The ED had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against both. In the 2005 case lodged by the Special Cell, the court had acquitted co-accused Wani of the charges of dealing with criminal conspiracy and other offences but convicted him under the provisions of Arms Act, defence counsel Khan told the court. He also told court that there is no material left to connect Shah in the case as it was not proved that the recovered money was meant for him. Shah is the founding chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), which is a part of the separatist amalgam Hurriyat Conference led by hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani. New Delhi, Aug 2 : With students protesting against the JNU administration accusing it of various charges, including one of corruption, the university said a "misinformation campaign" is being run by a "handful of students". In a communique addressed to the student community, which was issued in late Tuesday evening, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration listed a number of reasons in its attempt to discredit the students' complaints as unfounded. A protest meeting was held on Tuesday at the Administrative Block of the university by the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) against the refusal of registration to its President Mohit Pandey in the current semester for not paying fines amounting to between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000. The JNUSU during the meet also raised issues of seat-cut and said it would soon expose a corruption on the part of the administration. On its part, the university said that Pandey refused to pay fines "imposed on him after the recommendation of the Proctorial Inquiry Committee" and that he could have cleared his dues like other office-bearers, who too were subjected to like punishment. It gave the same rationale in case of another protesting student Dileep Yadav, who too has been barred from registeration. The administration said that Yadav was ordered to pay his fines by the Delhi High Court, which he had approached after being subjected to the punitive measure by the Proctorial Inquiry Committee. The university also rebutted what it called a "misinformation campaign ... in the social media", saying that the students were not punished for protesting against missing student Najeeb Ahmed, as was being claimed by them. "The fact is that their protests were not peaceful and that some of them had been fined due to illegally confining the administrative officials, including the Vice Chancellor, for more than 20 hours in the administrative building," the note published in the university's website read. The issue of seat reductions in the M.Phil. and Ph.D courses, which has been protested against by the students for the most part of the year, also found mention in the note. "It is being propagated that the JNU administration had cut the number of seats by illegally imposing a 2016 University Grants Commission (UGC) Gazette Notification. "The fact remains that this regulation is mandatory on all the universities and JNU administration has not violated any law by adopting and implementing this regulation," it said. New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday urged the Election Commission (EC) to withdraw the provision of NOTA from the ballot papers for the August 8 election to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. A BJP delegation led by party General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav and Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission in this regard. "The use of None of The Above (NOTA) option during the Rajya Sabha election has become an issue of debate among the political parties and therefore a proper consensus should be made before the use of NOTA in the Rajya Sabha election," the memorandum said. It said that since the provision of secret ballot was not there in this election, the purpose of NOTA was not of much use in it. Besides, citing a Supreme Court judgment, the memorandum said: "It is also clear that there is no specific direction by Supreme Court for use of NOTA for elections to the Rajya Sabha." Apparently, the Election Commission had acted beyond the direction passed by the apex court by issuing the letter dated January 24, 2014, and further direction for use of NOTA in the August 8 election to Rajya Sabha, the BJP memorandum said. "Therefore, the party demands that the letter dated January 24, 2014, as well as the direction for using NOTA option in the election for Rajya Sabha in the state of Gujarat be withdrawn with immediate effect," the memorandum read. The BJP demand came a day after the Congress on Tuesday created ruckus in Parliament over the use of NOTA provision in the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. On Tuesday, a Congress delegation met the poll panel, demanding that the provision of NOTA should not be made in the ballot papers for the August 8 election, as it would render the system of proportional representation "nugatory and otiose". Election Commission officials had maintained that the panel had made it clear in its communications following a Supreme Court judgment of 2013 that the NOTA option would be applicable in the Rajya Sabha elections. The poll panel, in its letter of November 2015 to all chief electoral officers of states, had given revised instructions about the manner of marking NOTA option in elections to the Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils. Udaipur, Aug 2 : Heritage hotel Ravla Khempur, which was also the venue for the Judi Dench starrer "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", is set to come alive with a performing arts and music festival Wonderflip. The fest is scheduled to be held from November 9 to 12. A 45-minute drive away from Udaipur, the festival venue will have two music stages which will host artistes, both live and electronic, hailing from India and abroad, read a statement from the organisers of the fest. From aerial, acrobatic and other circus acts, the festival will also have a Circus Bazaar offering gourmet food and drinks around the clock, as well as shops with specially curated festival merchandise. The first line-up includes Patrice Baumel, Frankey and Sandrino, Eagles and Butterflies, Atmos, Ankytrixx, Bullzeye, 8-Bit Culprit, Gypsy Sound Revolution, Gaudi and Gaurav Raina, the one-half of the Midival Punditz will be performing solo as Grain at the fest. Wonderflip in association with the brand Royal Enfield, will also present 'Maut Ka Kuan' (The Well of Death) -- a show where guests will get to witness motorcyclists riding along a vertical wooden wall of a well and performing stunts. Manila, Aug 2 : The president of the Philippines blasted the leader of North Korea on Wednesday by using a derogatory remark and accused him of playing around with dangerous toys which can destroy the region. Rodrigo Duterte called his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-un by a phrase he once used against former US President Barak Obama, reports Efe news. "If he makes a mistake, then the Far East will become an arid wasteland," Duterte said, referring to the nuclear weapons programme of the Pyongyang leader. The Philippine leader said Kim has a "chubby face that looks nice" and called him a fool during a speech at a public event aired on television. Duterte argued that a nuclear conflict on the Korean peninsula, even if limited, could be disastrous as radioactive rain could destroy the soil and resources in the Philippines and other countries of the region. The President's comments contribute to the heated atmosphere just three days before the start of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Manila which will continue until Monday. Mumbai, Aug 2 : The Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday helped evacuate a Philipine sailor who was injured aboard a merchant ship around 350 km off Mumbai, an official said here on Wednesday. The operation was initiated after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at the ICG headquarters here got information aboard a merchant vessel Rickmers Shanghai, sailing towards Singapore. While working, crewman Pilayre Gil Lopena, 46, crushed his fingers leading to severe bone fracture. The MRCC swung into action and diverted the vessel to Mumbai and got in touch with the ship's agent,ISS Shipping here, besides advising the captain on providing medical aid to Lopena. After obtaining all necessary clearances from various departments, the ICG brought the patient in a tug to Mumbai around 7.30 am today (Wednesday). He has been shifted to Wockhardt Hospital for treatment where his conditions is described as stable. Beijing, Aug 2 : Chinese archaeologists are expected to start underwater excavation to further explore the discovery site of a Buddha statue that has emerged from the water. The head of the Buddha was spotted at Hongmen Reservoir in the city of Fuzhou in eastern China's Jiangxi province, prompting archaeologists to conduct a brief underwater investigation near the finding in January, Xinhua news agency reports. The new mission, scheduled as early as the end of the month, will focus on the ruins of a temple and traces of a recorded ancient town in the reservoir, according to Xu Changqing, head of the Jiangxi Provincial Research Institute of Archaeology. The Buddha statue is 3.8 meters tall, carved onto a cliff face and originally found by villagers in December 2016 after a hydropower gate renovation project lowered water levels in the reservoir by more than 10 meters. Judging from the head's design, the statue was carved during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The base of a hall was also found under the water, indicating that a temple once stood there. According to local records, the reservoir is located on the ruins of the ancient Xiaoshi Township, an important trade centre and hub for water transport between Jiangxi and Fujian provinces. Mumbai, Aug 2 : In an unprecedented act, members of Maharashtra's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena alliance staged a "walk-out" from the Legislative Council on Tuesday, accusing the Opposition parties of repeatedly disrupting the proceedings. The development came after a series of three adjournments in the upper house by the belligerent opposition parties - which are in majority in the upper house - on various issues, including a demand for the resignation of Housing Minister Prakash Mehta. Complaining that the opposition parties were not allowing the ministers and legislators to speak, the ruling BJP-SS members walked out of the house in the afternoon. "This is the first time in the country's legislative history that we have witnessed the ruling alliance members walking out of the house," said Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde. Parliamentry Affairs Minister Girish Bapat said that since the opposition number is higher in the upper house, they were not allowing the ruling alliance to function. "Not a single bill has been passed so far. They are not permitting our members and legislators to speak in the house," he claimed. Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil said that "we are a law-making body and need to follow rules, precedents and the law". Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab accused the opposition Congress-Nationalist Congress Party members of flouting rules, creating ruckus and disrupting the proceedings of the upper house. Retorting, NCP's Munde said that the Opposition was raising pertinent issues of corruption in various projects. "However, they are trying to crush the voice of the Opposition," Munde told media persons. He said that the Opposition has been raising issues of corruption in the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway project, massive graft in a slum redevelopment project and other matters. "It became difficult for the ruling party members to reply to the opposition's charges on the massive corruption in various projects and they adopted the route of 'walking out' of the upper house," Munde said. Senior Congress leader Sanjay Dutt, meanwhile, appealed to the ruling alliance members to "uphold the traditions of democratic perspectives in the legislature" and return to the house and join the proceedings. He met Bapat separately and urged him for the same. The Council has a strength of 78 MLCs - in which BJP has 17 legislators and Shiv Sena 9 - totalling 26, whereas combined Opposition parties have 52 members. Agartala, Aug 2 : A Tripura State Rifles (TSR) man and 11 tribal youths have been arrested for creating ethnic troubles, damaging property and injuring over 30 policemen after spreading a lie that a tribal woman has been abducted, the police said here on Wednesday. "A TSR Nayek, Rabindra Debbarma, and 11 activists of IPFT (Indigenous People's Front of Tripura) were arrested and presented before a local court today (Wednesday) for engineering violence in Bodhjungnagar, 20 km from here. They unleashed violence after wrongly claiming that a tribal woman had been abducted," a police official said. He said that the court sent the TSR man to seven days' police custody and the remaining to judicial custody. "TSR Nayek Rabindra Debbarma will be put under suspension as he is one of the accused in the mayhem that took place on Tuesday. Police are also probing the day-long violence," the official added. Hundreds of IPFT activists, claiming that a young tribal woman had been kidnapped, attacked the security personnel with stones and sticks, damaged government and private properties, attacked police station and TSR camps all through Tuesday. Over 30 policemen, including senior officials, were injured in these attacks. The agitated mobs also damaged electric transformers, huge assets of Tripura Industrial Development Corporation and Bodhjungnagar industrial estate, and set on fire a large number of two-wheelers. Some people spread the fake news through various social media channels. The police resorted to a mild lathicharge and brust teargas shells to disperse the mobs, and imposed orders prohiniting any gathering of five or more persons in the area. The tribal woman, claimed to have been kidnapped, was found in her parental house at Boalkhali under Raishabari police station in northern Tripura's Dhalai district. "The young woman today (Wednesday) gave a statement before a local court that she was not kidnapped." The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and opposition Congress condemnded the incident. The IPFT, in a pre-planned conspiracy, orchastrated the violence to cause law and order problems and ethnic disharmony before the assembly elections in Tripura, a CPI-M statement said. The IPFT, a tribal based party, earlier blocked the National Highway-8, the lifeline of Tripura, and the lone railway line in the state for more than 10 days from July 10, demanding statehood for the tribals, causing acute shortage of essential items. New Delhi, Aug 2 : Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Wednesday left for Islamabad after completing his turbulent three-year term that saw bilateral ties sink to a new low. Basit, who took premature retirement after he was bypassed for the post of Foreign Secretary and envoy to Washington, left the Indian capital in the afternoon. His request for early retirement was approved by then Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif late in July. Basit was among the top contenders for the Foreign Secretary slot when the then top Pakistani diplomat Aizaz Chaudhry was appointed the country's Ambassador in Washington. However, the post was handed to then UN envoy in Geneva Tehmina Janjua. A career diplomat, Sohail Mahmood, 55, will replace Basit in mid August. Mehmood's appointment comes at a time when the official dialogue between the two countries has been stalled due to India's concerns over cross-border terrorism. Basit was known to be close to Rawalpindi, the Pakistan military headquarters, and took several decisions that adversely affected bilateral ties. His decision to invite Hurriyat leaders often to the Pakistan High Commission led to derailment of bilateral talks, including the first Foreign Secretary-level talks in August 2014. His tenure also saw the conviction of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan for alleged spying. Sharif, who was trying to build a rapport with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, was known to be unhappy at Basit over the talks getting stymied time and again. Incoming envoy Mehmood has not played any direct role in Pakistan's India policy so far and is expected to land in New Delhi without any baggage. Income Tax authorities raided the official residence of Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar and the private resort near Bengaluru, where 44 Congress lawmakers from Gujarat are staying. By India Today Web Desk: Accusing the government of misusing power to intimidate its opponents ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat, the Congress created a ruckus in Parliament and questioned the timing of the Income Tax raids at the Bengaluru resort where the party's MLAs have been housed. "Conduct raids on the residences of those people from your party who are offering Rs 15 crore," said Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha. After six of its 51 MLAs in Gujarat left the party, the Congress has alleged that money is being used by the BJP to lure its opponents. advertisement Another Congress MP, Anand Sharma, questioned the timing. "It is now becoming a trend to blatantly misuse powers of the state. The (Karnataka) minister and his brother, an elected representative, are coordinating the stay of Gujarat MLAs. That is why it is a targeted timing," he said. But the government denied any witch-hunt of the Congress leaders and claimed the resort was not raided. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha said no Income Tax search has taken place in the resort as such and no MLA was searched. "Only one particular Karnataka minister was searched," he said. Earlier today, Income Tax authorities raided the official residence of Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar and the private resort near Bengaluru, where 44 Congress lawmakers from Gujarat are staying. Another raid was also conducted at the house of Congress MLA N Ravi in the city's southern suburb. The Congress MLAs were flown to Bengaluru from Ahmedabad and lodged in the posh resort at Bidadi, about 30 km from Bengaluru, ostensibly to prevent the BJP from poaching them ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha by-poll in which its senior leader Ahmed Patel is contesting for the fifth term from Gujarat. Also read: Karnataka minister managing Gujarat Congress MLAs' hospitality raided, Rs 5 crore recovered BJP offered Rs 15 crore to Gujarat MLAs for defection, says Congress Flew MLAs to Bengaluru to save democracy: Congress counters BJP Gujarat Speaker denies horse trading claims as Congress knocks Election Commission's door WATCH VIDEO: Income tax raids carried out at Bengaluru's Eagleton Resort that houses Gujarat Congress MLAs --- ENDS --- Washington, Aug 2 : US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a legislation that levies new sanctions against Russia and restricts the President's own ability to ease sanctions in place against Moscow, a White House official said. The bill is one of the first major pieces of legislation that was sent to Trump's desk and it represents a rebuke to the President by giving Congress new veto power to block him from removing Russia sanctions, CNN reported. Even before Trump signed the bill, the measure prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to retaliate against the US over the new sanctions, which Congress levied over Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential election, as well as Russia's annexation of Crimea and aggression in Syria. In addition to the new US sanctions on Russia, former President Barack Obama seized two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland in December in response to the election meddling. Russia responded by ordering the US to cut staff at its diplomatic mission by 755 employees, as well as seizing two US diplomatic properties. The new sanctions bill hits Russia's energy and defence sectors, and also includes fresh sanctions against Iran and North Korea. The measure was signed into law after it was passed with overwhelming margins in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Panaji, Aug 2 : The Congress in Goa on Wednesday announced its candidates for the August 23 by-polls for the Panaji and Valpoi assembly constituencies. State Congress president Shantaram Naik said that All India Congress Committee Secretary Girish Chodankar would be contesting the Panaji assembly by-poll against Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, while Roy Naik, son of former Home Minister Ravi Naik, would be fielded from the Valpoi assembly constituency. "We are confident of winning both seats because the BJP in Goa is discredited," Naik told reporters at the state Congress headquarters in Panaji. The Panaji by-elections were necessitated after sitting BJP MLA Sidharth Kuncolienkar resigned to make way for Parrikar, who is still a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh. The other by-election will be held in Valpoi assembly constituency, where Health Minister Vishwajit Rane who was elected in the February general assembly election as a Congress MLA, had subsequently resigned to join the BJP. Both Parrikar and Rane have filed their nomination for the by-polls. Ahmedabad, Aug 2 : The Gujarat Congress on Wednesday expressed confidence that its Rajya Sabha candidate and party chief Sonia Gandhi's political adviser Ahmed Patel will win the August 8 election. On a day of high drama in the wake of Income Tax raids against its Karnataka minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru where Gujarat Congress MLAs are put up in a hotel resort, the Congress said that BJP's Smriti Irani could lose her Rajya Sabha seat. Gujarat party President Bharatsinh Solanki told reporters: "The victory of Ahmedbhai is assured. Their party chief (Amit Shah) could win easily but they will now have to choose between Smriti Irani and their third candidate Balwantsinh Rajput. "Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has also said that if Balwantsinh loses election, then it does not make a difference. Perhaps he is trying to give consolation to his partymen but it is likely that Smriti Irani may lose the elections." Solanki launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP on charges of misusing government machinery to pressurize the legislators before the elections to the Upper House. "The BJP has no ethics and they are biggest hypocrites. They have no respect for democracy and they trying to win the third seat to the Rajya Sabha," Solanki said. He expressed surprise that the "None of The Above" (NOTA) option was being introduced whereas it was the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government that had decided against its use in Rajya Sabha polls. The Congress leader pointed out that it was the Vajpayee government which decided in favour of open voting on the basis of party whip and a six-year disqualification for a legislator going against the whip. Solanki criticised the BJP and the media for defaming the Congress legislatorsa for putting up in Bengaluru when floods were lashing North Gujarat. "Only three (of the 44 legislators) are from flood affected areas. These MLAs are not enjoying the luxuries of a hotel resort in Bengaluru. They are not," he said. Solanki alleged that since the BJP was "using government machinery and pressure tactics by Superintendents of Police, district officials and IT raids, the legislators decided to move to the safety of a Congress-ruled state. "They should have been provided security so that they were not forced to leave their homes and constituency," he said. Mumbai, Aug 2 : Legendary actor Dilip Kumar was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here on Wednesday evening after he suffered dehydration, hospital sources said. "He was admitted with dehydration. He is stable," Ravishankar, CEO of the facility at Bandra West, told IANS. The 94-year-old actor, who has been weak and ailing due to age-related problems in recent years, was accompanied by his wife Saira Banu. He had been running a fever for two days, a family friend, Udaya Tara Nayar, told IANS. Last seen on the big screen in "Qila" in 1998, the actor was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. Known for films like "Devdas", "Mughal-e-Azam" and "Karma", Dilip Kumar got married to Saira -- over 20 years younger to him -- in 1966. New Delhi, Aug 2 : The government on Wednesday said that a total of 373 scientists have returned to work in India in the last three years leaving reputed foreign institutions. The government said that 125 of the 373 scientists had been absorbed in different schemes initiated by the government. "Department of Science and Technology (DST) through Ramanujan fellowship and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship provides attractive avenue and opportunities to Indian Researchers of high calibre, who are residing in foreign, to work in Indian Institutes and Universities of their respective interest and domain," Minister of state for Science and Technology Y.S. Choudhary stated in the Parliament. He informed that under the ministry's Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) faculty scheme, young Indian citizens and people of Indian origin across the world with PhD in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture related subjects are offered contractual research positions in Indian institutions to carry out independent research. Beside that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has a scheme to attract scientists and technologists of Indian Origin (STIO) under which they are appointed at an identified CSIR laboratory so as to nurture a research field in their area of expertise. DST had recently also initiated named VAJRA -- Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme -- that offers NRIs and people of Indian origin abroad to work as adjunct or visiting faculty for a specific period of time in Indian Public funded academic and research institutions. "The Ministry has ensured sufficient funds depending upon the availability of brilliant scientists and engineers from all over the world to take up scientific research positions in India," the Minister stated. New Delhi, Aug 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday said that rural sanitation coverage had gone up from 39 percent to 66 percent in the last three years and 2.17 lakh villages were now free of open defacation. Addressing the 99th birthday celebrations of Dada Vaswani in Pune, Modi called upon NGOs to help make sanitation a mass movement. Lauding Dada Vaswani's thoughts on "Making the Right Choice", the Prime Minister said that if people resolve to make the right choice, evils such as corruption, casteism, drug abuse and crime can be overcome. "A reason for evils in the society is that despite knowing what is right and what is not, some people choose the wrong alternative. Making the right choice and moving on it is a basis for creating a stong society," Modi said. He said when the Swachh Bharat mission was launched in 2014, rural sanitation coverage was only 39 percent. "Today it has reached 66 percent. A healthy tradition has also begun. There is competition among villages, districts and states to be open defecation free. Till now 2.17 lakh villages have become open defecation free," Modi said. He said Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Kerala had been declared open defecation free. Modi said toilets can be constructed and employees can be asked to clean roads but to keep them clean on a regular basis needed all round efforts. "I want to make an appeal to every NGO through this programme... Cleanliness is not a situation but a habit. It should become part of our nature. If practised daily, the habit will become the nature of the society," he said. Referring to climate change, he said steps such as afforestation, making energy out of waste and increase in use of solar energy will help meet the challenge. He said the county was taking a pledge of making a "new India" to fulfill the dreams of freedom fighters by 2022, the 75th anniversary of the country's Independence. He urged the Sadhu Vaswani Mission to join this effort. Modi said targets should be such which can be measured in numbers. Chandigarh, Aug 2 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday called up Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek his intervention in ensuring justice for a Sikh family allegedly assaulted in Bangaluru. "Amarinder called up his Karnataka counterpart to express concern over the brazen attack on the family members of retired Sikh army officer, Colonel R.S. Uppal," the Chief Minister's spokesman said here. Amarinder Singh urged Siddaramaiah to provide protection to the family and to direct the police to arrest the culprits immediately and bring them to book. The Karnataka Chief Minister assured Amarinder of all support from his government to Uppal's family, the spokesman said. The Uppal family, which resides in Bangaluru, had alleged that they were recently attacked by some people who were coercing them to sell their property and leave the city. "Uppal's wife and two sons were assaulted, with his son Harmeet, an IT professional working in the US, left with multiple fractures," the spokesman said. Uppal alleged that the Bangaluru police failed to provide the family with security despite complaints of threats received earlier from unidentified persons. New Delhi, Aug 2 : As China struck a tough posture again on the Doklam stand off, India on Wednesday refused to be drawn into giving counter arguments, and merely said that it reaffirms its June 30 statement and called for peace and tranquility along the border. "India's position on and related facts have been articulated in our press statement of June 30, 2017," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in response to a question. "India considers peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas as an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China," he said. On Wednesday, China claimed that it had informed India that it would be constructing a road in Doklam area in Sikkim sector and again asked New Delhi to withdraw its troops immediately from the area. Beijing sought to firm up its claim over the disputed region by citing a document of 2006, according to which India and China agreed on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector where their armies are now locked in a stand-off. In a 15-page document, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also said the number of Indian troops in Doklam since the beginning of the crisis in mid-June had fallen from 270 to 40 by the end of July. Indian officials have denied any pullout has taken place. China also said India should not make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf in the Doklam standoff even as it maintained that it valued good neighbourly and friendly relations with New Delhi and to keep peace on the border. China also claimed that it had informed India that it would be constructing a road in that area. Beijing, which earlier said it won't talk to New Delhi until the Indian troops leave, also hinted that the two sides were in touch to resolve the dragging dispute on the Sikkim section of the border. New Delhi sees the road as a threat to the nation's security as it is very close to the arterial Siliguri corridor, which connects northeastern India with the rest of the country. In its June 30 statement, India said that on June 16, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road, which was protested by the Bhutan government. In coordination with the Bhutan government, 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. It said the matter has been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since then. The June 30 statement said that India is deeply concerned at the Chinese actions in Doklam and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India. New Delhi, Aug 2 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will visit flood-affected areas of Assam on Thursday, two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi went there. Modi announced Rs 2,000 crore for the northeastern states to deal with havoc caused by floods that have killed 76 persons in Assam and affected millions. Gandhi will leave for Lakhimpur on Thursday and visit the worst-affected areas, according to party sources. Thereafter, he and state Congress leaders will visit Amtala and Mazgaon areas in Lakhimpur district by road. Gandhi will go to Jalore in Rajasthan and Dhanera in Gujarat on Friday. New Delhi, Aug 2 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said his party wants the voice of professionals to be heard in politics. "We want their voice to be included in politics and policy-making," Gandhi said after a meeting of the newly formed All India Professionals Congress. The new body, headed by former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, has been set up as part of Congress efforts to expand its base among a section seen to be more influenced by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Milind Deora is Vice Chairman of the department and coordinator of west zone, Geeta Reddy of south, Gaurav Gogoi of east and Salman Soz of the north zone. The Congress has created another department to reach out to the unorganized sector. The AIADMK leadership has inched closer to finalising a deal with the BJP on joining the NDA. The BJP is slowly but steadily spreading its wings across the country. After Bihar, now the attention is once again on Tamil Nadu which is facing a volatile political situation. Sources say that the AIADMK government has inched closer to the BJP. Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami held an emergency meeting on Tuesday evening with party MLAs. While officially ministers came out and said that they would not join NDA, sources say that BJP is working on it. advertisement "The first agenda would be to merge OPS and EPS factions. Then induct them into the union cabinet," sources in the BJP said. Also main on the agenda is to keep the Sasikala family away. But the merger is not that easy as it appears to be, say sources. BJP for now is in good terms with the EPS and OPS factions. BJP is impressed with the administration of EPS and his ways of complying with the Centre on its policies. However, "EPS has not made any major comment against Sasikala family. But he is still in the good books of the Centre. EPS has the MLAS and the government under his control," said a senior EPS faction leader. Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D Jayakumar also said that AIADMK party and government is under the control of E Palaniswami. Speaking to India Today, OPS faction leader KC Palanisamy said, "We will not compromise on Sasikala and her family in the party. They have to be removed. Then investigation on Amma's death has to be conducted". But few other senior leaders pointed out that its impossible to have a merger as O Panneerselvam will not settle over anything less than a chief minister's post and control over the party. He had been touring the state to garner support of the public and the cadres. The loyalty of MLAs seems to be with EPS as none want to be away from the power. THE DINAKARAN CHALLENGE Meanwhile, TTV Dinakaran has challenged EPS. He has said that he will ascertain his position in the party by travelling across the state. He met his aunt Sasikala in Bengaluru prison on Wednesday. The big question is will Dinakaran march to the AIADMK headquarters on August 5 which will be a big challenge for the EPS government. Eminent political analyst GC Segar pointed out, "These are very interesting times for AIADMK. There are three factions now. TTV has given an open challenge to EPS that he might convene meeting at AIADMK headquarters. D Jayakumar has said that EPS is controlling the party and the government. The question is to what extent EPS can show his strength". HISTORY REPEATS? It might be a repeat of what happened between Jayalalithaa and Janaki factions after the death of MGR. Both wanted to show their strength by capturing AIADMK headquarters but it resulted in a law and order problem and the headquarters had to be sealed. advertisement GC Segar also pointed out its no more OPS versus EPS as OPS has mellowed down as he could not prove much. "While OPS is adamant on his impossible demands, EPS has crossed many challenges like passing the budget successfully and neutralising the opposition. EPS has come out as a confident CM. But BJP wants a united AIADMK so that 13 Rajya Sabha MPs and 37 Lok Sabha MPs could be used. EPS and OPS have to sink in their differences for the state of Tamil Nadu. We have only one union minister. The state needs representation in the Centre," he said. But the question is whether TTV will allow it to happen? Will OPS budge? Will EPS prove his clout? The answer is not far away, say experts. Also read: BJP's Mission South: Will AIADMK join NDA government? Talks on Also read: How did she meet 82 people against 8 allowed? RTI filed over Sasikala meeting visitors in prison Sasikala's nephew Dhinakaran, brother Dhivakaran patch up to tighten grip over AIADMK advertisement Sasikala still controls AIADMK, will decide on support to BJP candidate in presidential election, says nephew Also watch: As talks are on to merge EPS, OPS factions of AIADMK into NDA, the road ahead is bumpy --- ENDS --- New York, Aug 2 : US President Donald Trump has endorsed a bill with far-reaching consequences for Indians that would drastically cut immigration to the US while boosting skilled immigration at the cost of extended family members and unskilled labour. The drastic immigration overhaul proposed by two Republican senators seeks to slash by half the estimated 1 million green cards issued every year by eliminating several categories and introduce a "merit-based" system that would be modeled on the Canadian and Australian immigration programmes, Trump said on Wednesday. Called Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act, the legislation, if passed, would end Green Cards for parents, adult children and brothers and sisters of citizens, a measure that would affect immigration aspirants from India. For elderly parents of citizens, who would not qualify for Green Cards, the legislation proposes giving them temporary renewable visas. Parents form a significant part of the immigration from India as their children firmly establish themselves in the US. "The reforms in the RAISE Act will help ensure that newcomers to our wonderful country will be assimilated, will succeed, and will achieve the American Dream," Trump said at the White House where Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue unveiled the bill. The RAISE Act "replaces our low-skilled system with a new points-based system for receiving a Green Card," he said. "This competitive application process will favour applicants who can speak English, financially support themselves and their families, and demonstrate skills that will contribute to our economy." While such a system would appear to favour the highly qualified immigrants from India, the specifics - like how it would enable those hold the temporary H1 visas to transition to permanent Green Cards and if the current national quotas that restrict annual immigration from India and most countries to 20,000 would still apply - will have to be examined to gauge the impact on India. If it succeeds in Congress, this will be the first whole reform of the immigration system since 1964 when what were essentially race-based quotas were done away with, opening the way for Indian immigrants, whose numbers have now swelled to about three million. The legislation is certain to be opposed by the Democratic Party, which favours a broader pattern of immigration, including legalising illegal entrants into the country. "The vast majority of those workers -- or those immigrants come here not because of their English-language abilities or their job skills, or their job offer, or their educational attainment," Trump said. "In fact, only 1 in 15 -- only 1 in 15 out of a million new immigrants come here because of their job skills and their ability to succeed in this economy." Appealing to African Americans, who overwhelmingly favour the Democratic Party, he pitched the reforms as an effort to help minorities in the US, whose employability and wages have declined because of competition from low-skilled immigrants. The White House said in a statement explaining the bill that since 1979, Americans with only a high school education or less have seen their real hourly wages decline. For those who did not complete, high school the hourly fell by 17 percent. One of the provisions in the bill is to prevent immigrants from collecting welfare soon after arriving, Trump said. More than 50 percent of all immigrant households receive welfare benefits, compared to only 30 percent of native households in the US that receive welfare benefits, the White House said. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) Lampedusa (Italy), Aug 3 : An Italian judge on Wednesday ordered seizure of a migrant rescue ship chartered by German NGO Jugend Rettet which they accuse of abetting illegal immigration. Italian police and Coast Guard officers seized the 'Iuventa' on the southern island of Lampedusa after the ship was earlier intercepted by the Coast Guard and escorted to the port. According to an investigation begun in October last year, the Jugend Rettet vessel had been "regularly" picking up migrants in the Mediterranean close to Libyan waters and transferring them to other ships in international waters. "The rescue - that is to say the transfer of migrants - took place when they were not in any specific danger," Ambrogio Cartosio, deputy prosecutor in the Sicilian port city of Trapani, told reporters. But he stressed investigators had found no evidence of any "prearranged plan" between Libyan people traffickers and the NGO. "I believe the Jugend Rettet crew is motivated by humanitarian aims," he said. Jugend Rettet this week refused to sign the Italian government's new controversial rules for NGOs rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, but Ambrogio denied this was linked to the Iuventa's seizure. "The fact that it didn't sign the accord (code of conduct) is irrelevant," he said. The reason Iuventa was seized is because "there is a serious dangerous the criminal activity (abetting illegal immigration) will be committed again," he said. Jugend Rettet tweeted earlier on Wednesday that it had received no official information that it was under investigation but said some of its crew had been questioned by Italian officials as a matter of routine. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Jugend Rettet said it wanted to continue negotiations with Rome over the code of conduct which it and other NGOs have said will hamper their life-saving operations in the Mediterranean. The 11 point-code requires armed police on board NGO vessels, bans making phonecalls or firing flares, forbids the ships from sailing into Libyan waters unless lives are at risk, and bans the transfer of migrants from one vessel to another. The new rules, which have been given a green light by the European Union, have also drawn criticism from rights groups including Amnesty International and from the United Nations. Washington, Aug 3 : US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions measure that targets Russia, Iran and North Korea, the White House has said. The US President's signature on Wednesday has come after some speculation that he could veto or not sign the legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress in overwhelming votes last week, CBS News reported. Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials had signaled, however, that Trump planned to sign the bill into law. While he signed the bill, the President made clear in a statement on Wednesday that he is signing the bill "for the sake of national unity" even though he isn't satisfied with some of its provisions. "I favour tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization," he said. He added, "Still, the bill remains seriously flawed -- particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate." The bill maintains and expands sanctions against the Russian government. Most importantly, it will require congressional approval before the president can ease or lift sanctions on Russia. The measure also targets sanctions on Russian activities that undermine US cybersecurity, sanctions on Russian crude oil projects and on certain transactions with foreign sanctions evaders and human rights abusers, among other things. A day after the Senate passed the new set of sanctions, Russia's Foreign Ministry last Friday announced countermeasures in which it set a September 1 deadline for Washington to reduce the number of diplomatic staff in the country and ordered some US-run facilities in Russia to close. Trump's signature is significant given that he spent time on the 2016 campaign trail promoting a platform that included a warming of relations with Russia and its President, Vladimir Putin. The two leaders met in person for the first time in early July at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Trump later came under fire for a previously undisclosed conversation that he had with Putin at the time over dinner in which only a Russian interpreter was present. The measure also targets Iran's ballistic missile program, its support for terrorism and human rights violations, and yet it would still comply with the Iranian nuclear deal. Specifically, it imposes sanctions on any foreign person or foreign entity that does business with an entity already designated by the administration that has a connection to Iran's ballistic missile program. These sanctions, for example, could apply to any financial institution or any foreign company that provides key parts or components to Iran's missile program. As for North Korea, it enforces compliance with United Nations shipping sanctions against North Korea and it imposes new sanctions in response to human rights abuses by the North Korean government and its bellicose behavior abroad. The bill came together in July after a series of road bumps that lawmakers encountered over the last several months. This also comes a day after the Senate confirmed Christopher Wray to serve as FBI director, replacing James Comey, who Trump abruptly fired in early May. Special Counsel Bob Mueller then took over the federal investigation into Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election, which is still underway. The US intelligence community concluded in a report in early January that Putin ordered a campaign involving covert intelligence operations and overt propaganda to undermine faith in the US election, disparage Hillary Clinton and help Trump's election chances. LEE & LOW BOOKS We are a publisher that takes pride in nurturing new talent. While the number of childrens books with multicultural content has increased significantly over the last three years, authors of color are still woefully underrepresented in the traditional publishing industry. According to statistics gathered by the Cooperative Childrens Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, just six percent of childrens books published in 2016 were written by African American, Latinx, or Native American authors combined. In contrast, these groups make up over 32% of the current US population, according to recent census figures. Two annual writing contests run by publisher LEE & LOW BOOKS address this gap by helping aspiring authors of color break into the traditional publishing industry. The New Voices Award, for picture book manuscripts, and the New Visions Award, for middle grade and young adult manuscripts, each awards a $1000 cash prize and a first-time publishing contract annually to an unpublished author of color. Now in its eighteenth year, the New Voices Award has led to the publication of award-winning picture books like Bird by Zetta Elliott, Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds by Paula Yoo, and It Jes Happened by Don Tate. The 2016 Award was given to author Roberto Penas for his manuscript Pedro Flores: The Toymaker, about the Filipino inventor of the modern yo-yo. In 2000, LEE & LOW established the New Visions Award, which focuses on manuscripts for older readers. LEE & LOW recently partnered with nonprofits First Book and the NEA Foundation to expand its New Visions Award to two annual winners. A special edition paperback edition of one of the winners will also be made available exclusively on the First Book Marketplace for schools and programs serving children in need. We are a publisher that takes pride in nurturing new talent, said Jason Low, Publisher of LEE & LOW BOOKS. Established in 1991, the independent publishing company has always focused exclusively on diverse childrens books and taken an activist stance toward addressing publishings representation problems. LEE & LOW BOOKS was also responsible for the Diversity Baseline Survey, a landmark study examining diversity among publishing industry professionals. The deadline for the New Voices Award is September 30, 2017 and the deadline for the New Visions Award is October 31, 2017. Writers interested in submitting can find full guidelines for both awards on the LEE & LOW website: https://www.leeandlow.com/writing-contests ABOUT LEE & LOW BOOKS: Established in 1991, LEE & LOW BOOKS is the largest childrens book publisher in the United States specializing in diversity. Under several imprints, the company provides a comprehensive range of notable diverse books for beginning readers through young adults. Visit https://www.leeandlow.com/ to learn more. Ron Norman, CEO of Team Decades, http://www.teamdecades.com, speaking today before a group of marketers and executive-level job candidates, explained the importance education plays in the two-year contract engagement Team Decades offers its executive-level clientele. "A two-year engagement we us allows for a number of benefits to a client as we orchestrate their careers, one of which is to allow us the opportunity to educate him or her in the sometimes not-so-obvious nuances of employer preferences," says Norman. "In any campaign, wisdom is power," Norman explains, "and insight to how the targetor potential employeris thinking gives a candidate a great advantage, be assured of that." "We feel that having a two-year relationship with our clients who have already accomplished so much gives us an opportunity to do much more than a flash-in-the-pan marketing blitz and gives us a chance to expand a client's career." This is a valuable resource for in-house legal counsel, sales & marketing executives, IT administrators, auditors, and executives who handle risk management. Commonly known as Canadas Anti-Spam Legislation, CASL is one of the worlds toughest anti-spam laws. CASL is intended to stop spam email from occurring in Canada, but has wide-ranging effects on all electronic interactions. It even contains a controversial enforcement mechanism known as the private right of action that could eventually allow a person to seek compensation through the courts for various violations of CASL, the Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and the Competition Act. While most of CASL came into force on July 1, 2014, there was a transitionary period that expired on July 1, 2017, making it harder to establish consent for more longstanding connections. Less than a month before the controversial private right of action was scheduled to come into effect, its implementation was delayed indefinitely by the government, pending a parliamentary review. The government cited broad-based concerns raised by businesses, charities and the not-for-profit sector. The announcement was met with mostly positive reaction from digital marketing businesses and industry groups, but not everyone was pleased. While the Canadian Marketing Association lauded the delay as the right decision, [as] the PRA provision which would have created a competitive disadvantage for Canadian businesses engaged in digital marketing and eCommerce, Professor Michael Geist saw it as the government caving to lobbying pressure, stating that the decision blocked important consumer redress for harmful spam and spyware that would have supplemented enforcement efforts overwhelmed by spam complaints. Specialty Technical Publishers (STP) has now updated Internet Law Essentials: Canadas Anti-Spam Law (CASL) to reflect the latest developments in the implementation of this law. Although the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has been enforcing CASL since the legislations coming into force three years ago (sometimes quite harshly, with penalties up to $1.1 million to date, and even $15,000 against an individual), the prospect of their continued involvement and, in the future, arming private litigants with a mechanism for commencing their own legal proceedings, has understandably created a great deal of concern for businesses and organizations. CASL applies to three broad categories of electronic commercial activities: Sending commercial electronic messages (CEMs) Altering transmission data or electronic messages Installing computer programs on another persons computer system. All companies communicating by email with customers in Canada must comply with CASL legislation and several roles will be particularly affected: Legal counsel should review the acts requirements and continue to monitor any further guidelines released by the government. Sales/marketing executives must assess the impact of CASL on their digital marketing strategies, especially email and social media. IT professionals need to assess how the legislation affects downloadable programs and software. Risk management officers need to calculate the risks of CASL non-compliance on the business and work to avoid these risks. Auditors must evaluate and re-evaluate CASL compliance. This guide has been updated by Ryan J. Black, of the Canadian law firm McMillan LLP, to reflect new developments in the implementation of CASL. Any company, domestic or international, communicating by email in Canada, dealing with email transmission data in Canada, or installing software in Canada needs to be in compliance to avoid severe penalties of up to $10 million. Read more. Internet Law Essentials: Canadas Anti-Spam Law provides a comprehensive analysis of the new CASL regulations. The guide also includes useful checklists to help simplify the audit and compliance process. Organizations would be well served to review their CASL compliance and ensure that they are comfortably on-side with the private right of action legislation. Steve Britten, President of Specialty Technical Publishers: "Following the introduction of CASL in 2014 the CRTC has been keeping close eye on both Canadian and international companies sending out unsolicited commercial emails. Our updated analysis is designed to help professionals understand the many pitfalls, and minimize risk. This is a valuable resource for in-house legal counsel, sales & marketing executives, IT administrators, auditors, and executives who handle risk management and corporate liability." About Specialty Technical Publishers Specialty Technical Publishers (STP) produces technical resource guides covering environmental, health & safety, transportation, accounting, business practices, standards and law, offering comprehensive guidance on key compliance and regulatory issues. STP is a division of Glacier Media Inc., a Canadian information communications company that provides primary and essential information in print, electronic and online media. Glaciers Business and Professional Information Group publishes directories, technical manuals, research and development materials, medical education, electronic databases, investment information and specialty websites. The ARTISTIX Fashion fall collectiona unique hybrid of modern urban and classic American styleis officially set to retail at the New York based clothing store and brand, KITH, starting September 1st. Uplifted by the symbolism of summer morphing into fall, artist Greg Polisseni created the painting Harvest inspiring the collection comprised of 32 innovative pieces. At the ARTISTIX NYFW Fall show, the military themed style paired with streamlined reflective mesh details captivated the attention of the entire audience, which included Tommy Hilfiger, Marky Ramone, and various global editors. ARTISTIX is extremely excited and honored to be placed in the Kith stores, said Greg Polisseni, the founder, and owner of the brand. Kith is at the top of the streetwear industry, making it a perfect match for our cutting edge style, continued Andy Hilfiger, the brand's Creative Director. KITH is set to carry the collections notable itemsincluding the classic Camo Bomber Jacket, the Fire Dept. Zip-Up Hoodie, and the Fire Dept. Sweater. The striking yet casual attire of the collection attracts the style-minded KITH client. Shop the collection at kith.com and artistixfashion.com available September 1st. For additional information on ARTISTIX and the collection, visit https://artistixfashion.com/harvest-fw17/. To visit the ARTISTIX showroom or request samples, contact Giana Elenterio at gelenterio(at)artistixfashion(dot)com. To view our look book click here About ARTISTIX Fashion: ARTISTIX Fashion is a unique clothing line founded by artist and designer, Greg Polisseni. The clothing line began as a way for him to express his art and designs in a new form. The goal of the brand is to create fun, edgy, and distinctive clothing to complement your personal style. With the help of Creative Director, Andy Hilfiger, the brand has merged art, music, and fashion. About Greg Polisseni: Greg Polisseni is an artist, fashion designer, and philanthropist. Greg has found passion in his artwork since childhood and is constantly creating original paintings, which serve as the inspiration for his fashion lines. Artistix has become a way for him to express his art, design, and creativity not only on a canvas but on clothing as well. About Andy Hilfiger: Andy Hilfiger started off selling brother Tommys Jeans at 12 years old and rose to VP of Marketing for Tommy Hilfiger and VP of Tommy Jeans. Andys latest venture, Star Branding, successfully launched the J-Lo, Nikki Minaj and Adam Levine brands. Andy now joins the ARTISTIX team and brings his over 35 years of fashion experience to guide the brand to the next level. ### PowerSchool, the leading provider of K-12 education technology solutions, today announced that West and its SchoolMessenger solutions have been named as PowerSchools preferred partner for emergency messaging and mass notification. With more than a thousand PowerSchool student information system districts using the SchoolMessenger Communicate notification system, West is the PowerSchool Independent Software Vendor (ISV) chosen most often for these services. PowerSchools Unified Classroom is an industry-first solution that places student success at the center of the classroom by bringing together learning management, formative assessment, standards progress, grading, early warnings, analytics, and collaboration in one easy-to-use platform for teachers, students, and parents. While PowerSchools Unified Classroom contains its own classroom collaboration and messaging, it is also designed as a platform to support an ecosystem of best of breed ISV partners to give educators the option to use approved third party tools with the core solution. PowerSchool has chosen West and its SchoolMessenger solutions as the preferred partner for emergency messaging and broader notifications to showcase the platform integration capabilities and provide additional options to educators. We are very excited about this partnership, said Mike Rhein, senior vice president of sales for PowerSchool. Our collaborative efforts to integrate SchoolMessenger solutions functionality into the PowerSchool Unified Classroom platform provides an effective and reliable solution that will greatly enhance school to parent engagement. The school notification system trusted by tens of thousands of schools, SchoolMessenger Communicate is embedded within the PowerSchool user interface and was the first to be awarded all integration badges in the PowerSchool ISV Partner Program. With SchoolMessenger Communicate, PowerSchool districts can: Send a message without leaving the PowerSchool user interface Give access to parents to update contact preferences and review past messages Use true single sign-on with added features through SchoolMessenger Passport With SchoolMessenger Communicate, PowerSchool districts know they are getting an integrated notification solution that offers maximum security, minimal ongoing maintenance, comprehensive features, and superior reliability, said Robert Iskander, executive vice president and general manager of Wests Education group. This recognition builds on our long and successful partnership with PowerSchool and the many districts that use its student information system. About Wests SchoolMessenger Solutions West Corporation is the trusted provider of SchoolMessenger solutions. More than 63,000 schools and other educational institutions in all 50 states and Canada depend on SchoolMessenger products and services from notifications and websites to custom mobile apps and social media. School leaders have relied on the SchoolMessenger platform since 1999 to engage with their communities in multiple languages and on any device. To learn more about SchoolMessenger products, visit http://www.schoolmessenger.com or call 888.527.5225. About PowerSchool, LLC PowerSchool is the leading K-12 education technology provider of solutions that improve the education experience for 100 million students, teachers, and parents in over 70 countries around the world. The company provides the industrys first Unified Classroom experience, empowering teachers with best-in-class, secure, and compliant online solutions, including student information systems, learning management and classroom collaboration, assessment, analytics, behavior, and special education case management. To learn more about PowerSchool, visit http://www.powerschool.com. The BSF is working on a priority basis to completely sealing the border with Pakistan. By India Today Web Desk: As the security situation along India's border with Pakistan remains a concern, the Border Security Force is working hard on smart technology to fortify the borders on an immediate priority basis. BSF's director general K K Sharma said, "My priority is Pakistan, as anything happens here (along the Indo-Pak border), it has grave consequences. We are working to ensure complete sealing of this border and make it more fortified". advertisement He said sealing the Indian border with Pakistan is an immediate "priority" for the border guarding force and a smart technology-aided fence will be in place along the Jammu sector by March next year. ALL ABOUT BSF'S PLANS TO SEAL PAKISTAN BORDER: The BSF boss said they are implementing a comprehensive integrated border management (CBIM) plan and are running a pilot project to make our international border (IB) along Pakistan secure. This project will be in place in the Jammu sector of the international border by March next year, Sharma said. "We are modernising our equipments and the Indo-Pak border will be more fortified by the use of advanced technology. What we keep doing, I am sure, will have to be followed by my successor even," he said. Talking about the security situation along the Indo-Pak border, the BSF DG said terror "launch pads are always active to infiltrate terrorists from across the border into India". "We are committed to ensure fool proof security along the border despite all hardships and challenges at these two borders," he said. Sharma said since the last year, there has been no infiltration from across the international border that is under the absolute control of the force. He added that these instances instead have taken place from the Line of Control (LoC), where the BSF is deployed under the operational command of the Army. The BSF has a similar plan for the 4,096-km Indo-Bangladesh border also but Pakistan is, of course, the priority. Bangladesh border will be taken up once the resources are available. Both the governments of India and Bangladesh have good relations and the ties between the BSF and its counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are also at an all-time high, BSF DG KK Sharma said. "We are also conducting simultaneous coordinated patrolling wit the BGB ... once we have the resources (after completing the border sealing task with Pakistan), we will do it on the eastern side," Sharma said. He added that the project to create 'smart fencing' along the Indo-Bangla border has "not started" as of now along the eastern frontier. The BSF head pointed out how the challenges of guarding these large borders on the two flanks of the country are very "dynamic" and hence the security requirements keep changing and nothing can be said to be adequate. Also read: Pakistan China's new colony? Leaked papers reveal Beijing's stake in economy, key projects How Pakistan is trying to escalate tensions between India, China using fake news Also watch: Pakistan's next generation of terrorists exposed --- ENDS --- What I find most rewarding is that we are able to assess our customers' current state and find ways to improve their business and make their lives easier. Wisconsin Metal Tech, a metal machining company located in Richfield, WI celebrates 25 years of business. Proprietor Jeff Heinze has dedicated himself to assisting customers in the metals industry and has seen tremendous growth in his 25 years of owning and operating Wisconsin Metal Tech. In the last 15 years the company has added two 8,000 square ft. additions to keep up with growing business demands, and with a backlog that has doubled over the last three months, plans are underway for yet another expansion. Founded in 1992, Wisconsin Metal Tech began their venture into the manufacturing industry by bridging the gap between material vendors and potential customers. By 1994 the industry began to see a great deal of consolidation and buyers were dropping out of the business. Heinze realized that the company needed to grow and saw his first opportunity to expand by offering saw-cut materials to his loyal customer base. By 1998 Wisconsin Metal Tech built their first building in Richfield, WI. The initial structure, totaling to 6,000 square ft., was used as a space to sell and saw-cut parts for customers. In 2002, they expanded, adding the first 8,000 square ft. addition. This new addition gave Wisconsin Metal Tech the ability to offer centerless grinding and bar grinding services in addition to saw-cutting parts for its customers. By 2007, Wisconsin Metal Tech expanded its capabilities even further by adding two CNC machines and rotary bending services. In 2013, the second 8,000 square foot addition was added to keep up with the increasing workload. Wisconsin Metal Tech has made a name for themselves in the metals manufacturing industry by consistently meeting their customers needs, and doing so in a timely manner. Their expanding business means they are looking to hire two more machinists to continue driving the productivity they are known for. Their increasing customer base can be attributed to the combined efforts of their new industry veteran outside salesman, existing customers referring their colleagues, and new digital marketing efforts. What I find most rewarding is that we are able to assess our customers' current state and find ways to improve their business and make their lives easier, stated Heinze. We are consistently asking questions like, how can we do it better than our competition, and what can we bring to the table so that our customers dont need to look for it elsewhere? We are always looking for ways to help our customers be better off. About Wisconsin Metal Tech Wisconsin Metal Tech, located in Richfield, Wisconsin, is a full-service contract CNC metal machining, centerless grinding and material supply company. Wisconsin Metal Tech serves original equipment manufacturers and contract part and assembly providers across the Midwest, nationwide and the world. ProJet Aviation CEO Shye Gilad welcomes students at the 2016 Aviation Education and Career Expo "This experience can change a students life." - Julie O'Brien, Expo Co-founder ProJet Aviation will host the 12th annual Aviation Education & Career Expo on Friday, October 27th, 2017 at the Leesburg Executive Airport. More than 700 students, educators, and parents are expected to attend the Expo, which is designed to showcase exciting careers in aviation and aerospace to young adults (ages 16-22). This free event features keynote speakers, live demonstrations, and static displays with representatives from over 60 aviation organizations, including the US military, emergency medical airlift, law enforcement, maintenance and avionics repair, government agencies, private aviation, in-flight catering, and more. We will award over $206,000 in aviation education scholarships and flight training awards this year, said ProJet Aviation's Julie OBrien, Co-founder of the event. This money can change a students life. We provide opportunity and mentorship to students that may have never explored all of these possibilities. The Aviation Education and Career Expo is a unique opportunity for students interested in the aviation/aerospace industry to explore numerous exciting career paths and talk one-on-one with industry experts. Students get an "up close and personal look at occupations that are in high demand in the United States and worldwide. This years line-up of guest speakers and demonstrators include: Lt. Meagan Varley Flannigan, US Navy Fighter Pilot Jamail Larkins, Aviation Entrepreneur, Business Owner & Aerobatic Pilot The US Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team K-9 Demonstration by Metro Washington Airport Authority Drone Demonstration by Aviation Institute of Maintenance National Agricultural Aviation Aerial Demonstration by Matt Crabbe US Coast Guard Hoist Demonstration In addition to founding sponsor ProJet Aviation, key partners and scholarship donors include: Avemco Insurance, Av-Ed Flight School, Averett University, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), Air Culinaire Worldwide, Aviation Adventures, Bowling Green State University, Cirrus Aircraft, Delaware Park, Eastern Aviation Fuels, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Memorial University, Frederick Flight Center, Geico Insurance, Greater Washington Business Aviation Association, Harris Teeter, Hoxton Agency, JetLinx, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, Lewis University, Liberty University, Marywood University, Middle Tennessee State University, Monroe Technology Center, Mosaix Software, Inc., National Agricultural Aviation Association, National Air Transportation Association, National Business Aviation Association, Open Air Flight School, Paragon Aircraft Detailing, Paramount Business Jets, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Regent University, SAAB Sensis Corporation, Sharp Details, Inc., Sugarloaf 99s, The Aviation Foundation, Toth Financial Advisory Corporation, University of Maryland (Eastern Shore), USAIG, Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology, and Ventus International Aviation. Registration for students and scholarship applications are online and available at the event website: http://www.aveducationexpo.com. Space is limited, and all award winners MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. About The Aviation Education & Career Expo The Aviation Education & Career Expo is one of the largest and most successful aviation education events in the United States, awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school and college students pursuing careers in the aviation and aerospace industry, since its inception in 2005. Over 700 students will attend this year. The event features keynote presentations by industry leaders, static and live aviation demonstrations, and scholarship awards from universities, small businesses, and corporate sponsors. Cofounded by aviation professionals Julie OBrien and Sarah Thompson, the Expo is committed to helping students explore the many career opportunities available to them through the world of flight. The Aviation Education & Career Expo is hosted by ProJet Aviation at Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), in Leesburg,VA. About ProJet Aviation ProJet Aviation is the DC metro region's premier private aviation hospitality company, dedicated to helping people accomplish extraordinary things through the wonder of flight. ProJet provides an award winning flight support/FBO experience including plane-side arrival and departure services, fueling, and hangar lease at Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), the closest private jet airport to Washington DC, the Dulles Technology Corridor, and Virginia's Horse & Wine Country. Founded in 2007 as a partnership between former airline pilot entrepreneur Shye Gilad, and noted entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson, Founder & CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, ProJets aviation hospitality mindset combines the operational integrity of the worlds best airlines with the refined service of a world class resort. ProJet is the host sponsor of the annual Aviation Education & Career Expo, which provides an aviation and aerospace forum for thousands of students in the Mid-Atlantic Region, and has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships since its inception. ProJets numerous accolades include recognition as one of the top FBOs in the country in the fltplan.com Pilots Choice Awards, a Washington Business Journal Best Place to Work, and an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company. We want to be able to do better fire forecasts that will help firefighters better fight the fire and minimize human and property losses." Black Swift Technologies (BST), a specialized engineering firm based in Boulder, CO, announced today that their small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS), SuperSwift, has been selected by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the sUAS Observation System (sUASOS) for wildfire measurements in support of NOAAs FIREX field mission and their fire weather forecasting initiative. With a legacy of delivering highly accurate sUAS that are Modular by Nature, Accurate by Design, Black Swift Technologies continues to be the sUAS platform of choice for scientific atmospheric monitoring and discovery. BST will deliver to NOAA a tightly integrated system consisting of an airframe, avionics, and multiple sensors capable of research-quality measurements of CO2, CO, aerosol, RH, p, and T in wildfire plumes, and multispectral high-resolution maps of wildfires. The sUAS which will be operated by the University of Colorados Integrated Remote & In Situ Sensing Program (IRISS) in close collaboration with NOAA. One of the purposes of IRISS is to work with the science community to develop and deploy platforms which make primarily in situ measurements, says Brian Argrow, Chair, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences; Director, Integrated Remote & In Situ Sensing Program (IRISS). This naturally lead us to partnerships with NOAA on the science perspective, and to Black Swift Technologies for their sUAS technology and expertise. Its a partnership that looks like a three-legged stool with the science interest of NOAA, the technology and engineering expertise of IRISS, and the unique sUAS platform designed by Black Swift Technologies, as the corresponding legs. The FireFOX sUAS is based on BSTs commercially available SuperSwift airframe and SwiftCore Flight Management Systemwhich have been proven in the field to provide a cost-effective, powerful, and easy-to-operatethe SuperSwift [figure 1] is specifically engineered to meet the demands of high altitude flights through strong winds and damaging airborne particulates typical of nomadic scientific field campaigns in harsh environments. Figure 1: SuperSwift sUAS featuring its unique forward-located, spacious, interchangeable nose-cone payload bay. While there are many sUAS manufacturers for agencies like NOAA to consider, most are simply not suitable for scientific atmospheric measurements, states Jack Elston, Ph.D., CEO of Black Swift Technologies. The SuperSwift addresses NOAAs requirements for endurance and operational radius (> 2 hours, and between 30 to 60km) sufficient for fire observations, its payload capability (up to 5 pounds), and its unique forward-facing payload bay, ideal for atmospheric sampling and for easy instrument package swapping. The ultimate goal of NightFOX is to perform nighttime in situ measurements of wildfire plumes and remote measurements of wildfire properties (Figure 2), and use of the measured data for fire weather forecast improvement. Due to safety concerns, manned aircraft flights are limited to daytime operations due to dangers associated with nighttime operations. Ground observations using a mobile laboratory provide detailed chemical information on fire plumes, but lack information on plume spatial (vertical and horizontal) distribution to put the point measurements in context. UAS observations are the only technology capable of this task. sUAS observations can indeed provide useful information for firefighting efforts by accurately detecting fire perimeter and identifying fire hotspots, but have not attempted to make measurements relevant to studying fire emissions or incorporate observations into fire forecast models. Figure 2: The SuperSwift sensor suite and remote-sensing flights will provide invaluable in situ nighttime measurements of wildfire plumes and remote measurements of wildfire properties. (Photo by Dan Lack) Our proposed work, if successful, will significantly advance the integration of UAS-based observations of wildfires into fire-weather modeling and forecasting, says Dr. Ru-Shan Gao, Principal Investigator, Chemical Sciences Division, Earth Systems Research Laboratory, NOAA. The collected data will also provide otherwise missing data for studying the impact of North American wildfires on the atmosphere and human health, and ultimately supporting better land management decisions and practices, thus contributing to NOAA OARs core mission (to) advance understanding and prediction of the Earth System to enhance society's ability to make effective decisions. Fully Integrated Solution The existence of a sUAS capable of carrying the necessary instruments routinely through harsh environments adds an invaluable contribution to the calibration and validation of data collected from ground- and satellite-based methods. The innovations of the SuperSwift, including the total sensor suite, can be utilized for scientific research by federal and state public agencies and other state-funded laboratories to collect data on coherent atmospheric structures such as smog, volcano plumes, wildfire smoke, chemical fires, forest humidity, studying oil and gas field flares for calibration/validation of satellite measurements, etc. The Ultimate Goal NOAA is interested in a UAS observational system (UASOS) that can use be used for fire-related measurements, and so in a sense what we want to know is when and where does the fire flow and ultimately what kind of fire and air quality will result regionally, notes Dr. Gao. We want to monitor the fire and incorporate the remote and in situ measurements into a fire forecast model so ultimately we'll be able to do better fire forecasts that will help firefighters better fight the fire and keep human and property losses to a minimum. About Black Swift Technologies Founded in 2011, Black Swift Technologies LLC, develops custom small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) solutions leveraging the SwiftCore Flight Management System (FMS) consisting of the SwiftPilot autopilot system, the SwiftTab tablet-based user interface, the SwiftStation ground station, and application specific sensor integrations. The SwiftCore FMS is designed to be modular, robust, and simple to operate allowing users to focus on data products. In addition to the SwiftCore FMS, Black Swift Technologies has unique capabilities to develop and deploy advanced small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) due the teams combined expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of advanced smart control systems, expertise in legal and safe flight operations in the United States airspace, and their practical experience and knowledge from thousands of hours of UAS flight operations in demanding conditions. The SwiftCore FMS enables advanced control systems. These smart control systems provide industry leading sensor-based control of the sUAS that minimizes operator workload while improving the quality of the observed data by autonomously modifying the flight path based on sensor inputs. More information on Black Swift Technologies and their suite of sUAS solutions can be found at: http://www.blackswifttech.com. About NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) - or "NOAA Research" - provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that support our planet. Working in partnership with other organizational units of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the Department of Commerce, NOAA Research enables better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. Our role is to provide unbiased science to better manage the environment, nationally, and globally. The primary components of NOAA Research are the NOAA Research Laboratories, the National Sea Grant College Program, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, the NOAA Climate Program Office, the Office of Weather and Air Quality, NOAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program. More information can be found at: research.noaa.gov. About CUs Integrated Remote & In Situ Sensing Program (IRISS) IRISS, a pillar of the CU Boulder Grand Challenge, is a multi-disciplinary team that leads the design, development, and deployment of novel remote and in-situ sensing systems to exploit mobility enabled by aerospace systems to enhance data collection from the ground, in the atmosphere, and from space. With its partners, IRISS explores commercial opportunities and fosters discussions on the ethical, legal, and social policy implications of new technologies and big-data collection. More information can be found at: http://www.colorado.edu/iriss. The French version of VisualDx provides us French-speaking doctors with an amazing diagnostic software, unique of its kind, with modern ergonomics that is useful for both care and education said Dr. Michel Arnould. The leader in diagnostic accuracy is expanding its reach worldwide. VisualDx, already the most widely-used diagnostic clinical decision support resource is now available in several additional languages. Clinicians can now search in English, French, German, Chinese Mandarin, European Spanish, and Latin American Spanish. VisualDx in translation launches after months of research, implementation, and beta testing by physicians around the world. With VisualDx, healthcare professionals can build a patient-specific differential diagnosis by entering a key finding across general medicine. They can also use the search function to access clinical information as well as the worlds best medical image library. The French version of VisualDx provides us French-speaking doctors with an amazing diagnostic software, unique of its kind, with modern ergonomics that is useful for both care and education, said Dr. Michel Arnould, Maison de Sante Universitaire du Provinois. Our customers have asked and we have listened. Its an exciting that clinicians and students will be able to search and view diagnostic results in their native language. We look forward to providing better patient care around the world by improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing clinical efficiency, said Art Papier, MD, CEO, VisualDx. Users will be able to select their language upon logging onto the web-based application or on the native iOS and Android apps. Another added feature is the selection of home region to localize the results of any search. VisualDx is a diagnostic clinical decision support system used in more than 1,700 hospitals, large clinics, and medical schools worldwide. Its available for yearly subscription. For more information, visit http://www.visualdx.com/translation. Keywee, the industry leader in distributed content marketing and a Facebook Marketing Partner, today announced its expansion to Europe and Asia-Pacific. This follows Keywees rapid growth in the US, with over 400 content creators using the Keywee platform. Today, people arent coming to websites to search for content stories find their audiences in feeds and apps. The upshot? Distribution is now the key for effective storytelling. Keywees platform unlocks audience insights using AI and data science, and infuses them into every step of the storytelling process: from topic selection, to story creation, to distribution and optimization. Keywee helps some of the worlds best storytellers achieve their business goals, whether they are to drive paid subscriptions and newsletter sign-ups, expand readership through audience development, or boost exposure for branded content initiatives. Following successful partnerships with leading European and global publishers including The BBC, Guardian US, Shortlist Media, ARTE, Motley Fool Australia, and Viacom, Keywee is excited to announce the opening of its first European office, based in London, and its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Weve been fortunate to partner with many of the worlds best storytellers to help them create better content and find the best audience for it, said Martin Thouroude, General Manager EMEA at Keywee. Our goal has always been to help publishers across the globe use content to reach their business goals, and our latest expansion into Europe is another step in making Keywee the go-to solution for content creators worldwide. Whether its subscriptions, branded content or profitable audience development, Keywee is making Facebook work for publishers added Dinesh Arasaratnam, Director at Medium Marketing, whose firm is representing Keywee in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Keywees unrivaled technology presents a significant opportunity for publishers in the Asia-Pacific region to boost their margins and audience, considering the results Keywee has achieved for other publishers globally. About Keywee Keywee (http://www.keywee.co) makes stories relevant and powerful for the worlds best storytellers like The New York Times, The BBC, National Geographic, Forbes, and Red Bull. Today, people arent coming to websites to search for content stories find their audiences in feeds and apps. The upshot? Distribution is now the key for effective storytelling. Keywees platform unlocks audience insights using AI and data science, and infuses them into every step of the storytelling process: from topic selection, to story creation, to distribution and optimization. Keywee is backed by leading investors such as Googles Eric Schmidt and The New York Times, and has been a fast-growing, profitable startup since its inception. Marist College and Rockefeller Archive Center launch The Rockefeller Foundation: A Digital History Website Marist College is proud to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of historical records of significance. Marist College and the Rockefeller Archive Center (RAC) are pleased to announce the launch of the website The Rockefeller Foundation: A Digital History, https://rockfound.rockarch.org. This website is the first product of the partnership between Marist and the RAC established in 2016. It offers primary source materials and historical essays about a vast array of Rockefeller Foundation activities at home and abroad, in fields ranging from science to agriculture to the arts. Using the open-source platform, Liferay, the new website features more than 2,300 digitized documents, images, and films. Because of the flexibility and functionality of Liferay, new essays and materials from the RACs collections can be easily added to the site so that it is an evolving digital humanities resource. The original version of this narrative, documentary website was first introduced in 2013 as 100 Years: The Rockefeller Foundation and was a stand-alone site on a different platform. It was created as part of the Rockefeller Foundations year-long centennial commemoration and was jointly funded by the Foundation and the Rockefeller Archive Center. The new website is built on the core principles of user-centric design, open-source software, and collaborative research. It is now completely responsive, allowing visitors to view it on their mobile devices. The RAC will continue to add content to this revised and refaced website, thanks in part to an ongoing grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. It is intended to benefit current philanthropic practitioners, grantees, scholars, and the general public. The improvements made to this website offer one example of the exceptional partnership that the RAC has established with Marist College, said Jack Meyers, President of the Rockefeller Archive Center. In addition to collaborating on innovative digital humanities platforms like this website, were also actively partnering with Marist to develop and implement a separate open-source system that will enable us and the broader archival community to manage digitized and born digital records. As an academic and research institution, Marist College is proud to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of historical records of significance. Were excited to partner with the RAC to create new, digital technologies to store, protect, and make available the story of the Rockefeller Foundation and the other philanthropies whose records are held by the RAC, said Bill Thirsk, Vice President of Information Technology/CIO at Marist College. Through this joint initiative, Marist continues its long-standing tradition of supporting the Hudson Valley and New York State community. The RAC brings its expertise in archival practices and its strength in research and education to the initiative. About Marist: Marist College, recognized for excellence by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Barron's Best Buys in College Education, and Entrepreneur, is a highly selective comprehensive liberal arts institution noted for its leadership in the use of technology in and out of the classroom. Founded in 1929, Marist overlooks the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, midway between New York City and Albany, the state capital. Marist is ecumenical in character and reflects the ideals of the founder of the Marist Brothers, St. Marcellin Champagnat: commitment to excellence in education, a pursuit of higher human values, and dedication to the principle of service. Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect and character required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. Marist educates 4,700 traditional-age undergraduate students and over 1,300 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees. About the Rockefeller Archive Center: The Rockefeller Archive Center, an endowed private operating foundation, is an independent archive and research center dedicated to the study of philanthropy and the diverse domains it has shaped. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, the RAC was established in 1974 to assemble, preserve, and make accessible the records of the foundations and nonprofits established by the Rockefeller family, including the Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Rockefeller University, as well as the records of the family itself. RAC holdings have grown to include materials from numerous non-Rockefeller foundations and nonprofits, such as the Ford Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, the Taconic Foundation, and the Institute of International Education, making it a premier center for research on philanthropy and civil society. It is also a major repository for the personal papers of philanthropic leaders, Nobel Prize laureates, and world-renowned investigators in science and medicine. Jason McMurray - Partner Brindiamo Group A Leader in Beverage Industry Strategic Consulting Nashville Tennessee based Brindiamo Group, a leader in strategy, advisory services and liquid sourcing to the alcohol and distilled spirits industry, has added Jason McMurray as a Partner in the group. McMurray has over 24 years experience in the alcohol distribution, manufacturing and brand development industry. McMurray was most recently a Managing Director at R.S. Lipman in Tennessee. Brindiamos excited to have someone with Jasons depth of experience and market creditability joining the team, says Jeff Hopmayer, Managing Director of Brindiamo Group. McMurray joins Brindiamo at a critical time as the companys platform of providing strategic counsel continues to grow at a rapid pace. McMurray developed, launched and managed successful brands in the wine, beer, spirits and non-alcohol categories. Working with manufacturers already in existence and developing new production facilities, McMurray forged partnerships and managed operations to create brands that are sold throughout the United States and in key export markets. According to McMurray, Our goal is to continue to build a world class, entrepreneurial growth company and culture that is the market leading partner of choice for our clients and partners in the exciting and rapidly changing U.S. alcohol and distilled spirits industry. Founded in 2014 Brindiamo Group helps companies in the wine and spirits industry grow, capitalize and monetize their business by providing sound strategic counsel. Weve owned and operated businesses in the sector, so we understand entrepreneurial spirit. We complete transactions on a global basis with a focus on privately held early to mid-stage companies. Our services include: Strategy & Advisory Services, Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Solutions and Liquid Sourcing. For additional information please visit http://www.brindiamogroup.com. We have always been a family-oriented company, and the scholarship program is an offering that has had a positive impact on the culture of our company. Jessup Manufacturing Company is pleased to announce Miguel Quintero of Harvard, IL is the winner of the 2017 Paul S. Jessup Scholarship. Mr. Quintero is a student at Rockford Career College in the CNC and Robot Manufacturing Technology program. He will receive a $2,500 grant from Jessup to support his continued education. After reading his essay, it was clear that Miguels personal story and commitment to his family and career aligned with the Jessup Success Factors and contributed towards his selection, said Robert A. Jessup, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Miguel embodies the Jessup spirit of success and we congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. I appreciate Jessups generosity in helping me build a career in the manufacturing field, said Quintero. I didn't have the chance to go to college like most high school seniors. Winning this scholarship helps to achieve my goal. Jessup has identified six specific behaviors that they refer to as Jessup Success Factors building blocks for the Companys culture that are essential ingredients for effective performance and achievement of the company goals. The scholarship was awarded to the entrant that could best describe how they have incorporated Jessup Success Factors in his or her everyday life. Mr. Quintero grew up in Harvard, IL and continues to reside there with his wife Ana and his 20-month-old daughter Genesis. His desire to be a good role model for his daughter is what motivated him to go back to school. I know going back to school will get us to a better future, stated Quintero. I also want to demonstrate to my daughter that education is important, and I want her to be proud of her father. I want to be a good role model to all my loved ones, including my two younger brothers. I will be the second in my family to attend college. The Paul S. Jessup Scholarship Foundation was established in 2016 to honor the memory of the companys founder during its 60th anniversary year of operation. The scholarship program is open to Jessup Manufacturing Company employees, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. The award is entirely unrestricted as to age, gender identity, race, religion, or political affiliation. Jessup is committed to investing in employees, stated Robert Jessup. We have always been a family-oriented company, and the scholarship program is an offering that has had a positive impact on the culture of our company. Jessup Manufacturing Company is a global manufacturer of adhesive coated films. Jessup products are used in many industries, including industrial and facility safety; all transportation sectors (aerospace, automotive, rail, marine); architecture and construction; action sports; graphics media; and diversified manufacturing. Jessup brands include Solve + Make, Jessups service for making application-specific adhesive coated films; Safety Track non-slip tapes and treads; Flex Track non-slip tapes and treads; Glo Brite photoluminescent films and exit signs; Asphalt Art and TexWalk media for printed graphics; and Jessup Griptape for skateboards. Jessup has two manufacturing plants in McHenry and Lake Bluff, Illinois. Visit http://www.jessupmfg.com for more company information. The availability of this funding will allow us to capitalize on market opportunities, and rapidly move forward with our product enhancement strategy. eazyScripts, a leading provider of e-prescribing software for telemedicine, announced today that it has completed $2 Million in Series A financing through private equity firm Bluff Point Associates. "This will be my second opportunity to work with Bluff Point Associates. We are very pleased that they believe in our growth potential as much as we do," commented Reed Liggin, CEO of eazyScripts. "We see tremendous interest and excitement among telemedicine providers for our e-prescribing platform. The availability of this funding will allow us to capitalize on market opportunities, and rapidly move forward with our product enhancement strategy. eazyScripts e-prescribing solution was built to address the specific needs of telemedicine providers, with a user experience that is fast, efficient and intuitive. eazyScripts clients are saving time, increasing patient volume and improving patient and provider satisfaction. The modern look and feel of the solution enables providers to begin using it without any training. Additionally, the solution is adaptable to a providers preferences and runs on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. As part of the transaction, Bluff Point Associates Managing Director Kevin Fahey will join the eazyScripts Technology Board of Directors. Having worked with Reed Liggin during the funding and acquisition of his former company, RazorInsights, we are confident that his leadership will be instrumental in the future success of eazyScripts. We are very excited about this partnership and believe that eazyScripts is well positioned for tremendous growth and taking e-prescribing to the next level, Fahey said. About eazyScripts Based in Chicago, Illinois, eazyScripts is an innovative e-prescribing software company that gives telemedicine providers tools they will actually use. eazyScripts offers providers an effortless way to submit electronic prescriptions and check prescription fill datasaving them time and reducing inefficiencies and errors. Providers can send an electronic prescription in a matter of seconds, allowing them to put a greater focus on patient health outcomes. eazyScripts also offers secure electronic prior authorization and medication adherence options that increase patient and provider satisfaction. For more information about eazyScripts, please visit http://www.eazyscripts.com. About Bluff Point Associates Bluff Point Associates is a private equity firm based in Westport, Connecticut. Bluff Point actively invests in the healthcare information services sector as well as information services companies supporting the banking, trust, securities, retirement and wealth management sectors of the financial services industry. Bluff Point's team collectively has decades of experience in recognizing a company's growth potential and working with its management to reach that potential. For more information regarding Bluff Point, visit http://www.bluffpt.com. Through its educational series, SGF physician will host in-person seminars and online webinars that offer valuable insight and information for current patients, new patients, and information seekers. With 40,000 Shady Grove Fertility babies born and countingmore than any other center in the nationit is the practices mission to not only help make peoples dreams of parenthood a reality, but to also educate others about being proactive about their fertility and avoid delay when seeking help. Through its educational series, physician experts from the practice will host in-person seminars and online webinars that offer valuable insight and information for current patients, new patients, and information seekers. Topics range from infertility basics, diagnosing infertility, treatment options, success rates, financial programs, and more. To make each event as informative as possible, all eventseither virtual or in-personconclude with a question and answer with the physician expert. As more women are starting families later in life, egg freezingan elective fertility preservation option offered at Shady Grove Fertilityallows women who want a baby but are not ready to build their family just yet, an option to preserve their fertility for the future. Shady Grove Fertilitys egg freezing seminar will cover the modern day technological advances that make egg freezing possible, what patients can expect through the process, why egg freezing is a viable option to preserving a womens fertility, and financial options that make egg freezing affordable. Due to the increasing demand from women who realize ages impact on their biological clock, Shady Grove Fertility has created a discounted financial program that brings egg freezing within reach for more women. The practice has recently launched a new financial package for egg freezing with payments as low as $195/month including long-term storage. The first step to deciding if egg freezing is the right choice for each patient is to test their fertility. Testing a patients fertility provides key information into their fertility potential and will help to determine if and when egg freezing is in fact the right choice for them, says Dr. Andrea Reh, of Shady Grove Fertilitys Arlington, VA and Fredericksburg, VA offices, who will be hosting the egg freezing seminar on Wednesday, August 15 and webinar on Wednesday, August 30. Many women are unaware of what is normal vs. abnormal when it comes to their menstrual cycle. What many women dont realize is that their menstrual cycles can provide valuable insights into their fertility and overall ability to conceive. What Your Menstrual Cycle Says about Your Fertility webinar will cover the basics of menstruation and ovulation, irregular vs. normal cycles, and the signs to look for that signal when to see a fertility specialist. Irregular or no ovulation makes conception very difficult without intervention. If you do not have a normal monthly menstrual cycle, no matter the amount of time youve been trying to conceive, you should be evaluated by a fertility specialist, says Dr. Paulette Browne of Shady Grove Fertilitys Fair Oaks, VA office. Dr. Browne will be hosting the webinar What Your Menstrual Cycle Says about Your Fertility on Thursday, August 31 at noon. While all SGF in-person and online events are complimentary, interested parties must register to attend by visiting the Shady Grove Fertility calendar of events. Upcoming August Seminars August 3 | Reading, PA | Reading Open House | Dr. Kara Nguyen August 3 | Fair Oaks, VA | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Shruti Malik August 10 | Bala Cynwyd, PA | Bala Cynwyd Open House | Dr. Ryan Martin August 15 | Arlington, VA | Egg Freezing Seminar | Dr. Andrea Reh August 17 | Columbia, MD | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Stephanie Beall August 30 | Baltimore Harbor, MD | Baltimore Harbor Open House | Dr. Howard McClamrock Upcoming August Webinars August 2 | Webinar | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Eugene Katz August 8 | Webinar | Donor Egg Treatment | Dr. Gilbert Mottla August 9 | Webinar | Getting Started | Dr. Isaac Sasson August 10 | Webinar | Male Factor Infertility | Dr. Paul Shin August 16 | Webinar | Out-of-State Donor Egg Webinar | Dr. Eric Levens August 16 | Webinar | Become an Egg Donor | Egg Donor Liaison Team August 17 | Webinar | Financial Options | Patient Financial Team August 29 | Webinar | I need to see a fertility specialist.. now what? | Dr. Ricardo Yazigi August 30 | Webinar | Egg Freezing | Dr. Andrea Reh August 31 | Webinar | What Your Menstrual Cycle Says about Your Fertility | Dr. Paulette Browne About Shady Grove Fertility Shady Grove Fertility is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence offering patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. 2017 commemorates more than 25 years of Shady Grove Fertility providing medical and service excellence to patients from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world, including its newest expansion to Santiago, Chile in July 2017. Today, with 41 physicians supported by a highly specialized team of more than 750 Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and staff caring for patients in 28 offices throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., we celebrate over 40,000 babies bornmore than any other center in the United States. Shady Grove Fertility physicians actively train residents and reproductive endocrinology fellows and invest in continuous clinical research and education to advance the field of reproductive medicine through numerous academic appointments and partnerships such as Georgetown Medical School, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health. Nearly 2,000 physicians refer their patients to Shady Grove Fertility each year. For more information, call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com. The statement from Beijing follows repeated similar statements from the Foreign Ministry and PLA over the stand-off in recent weeks, and it was the longest yet. By Ananth Krishnan: China today released a 15-page statement slamming India's stand on the on-going border stand-off in Doklam near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction and demanding "immediate and unconditional withdrawal". In the statement, Beijing claimed it had "notified India in advance" of its plans to build a road in Doklam, which sparked the stand-off on June 18, and also cited for the first time a "non-paper" reportedly presented by India during the 2006 Special Representatives border talks that said "both sides agree on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector". advertisement The statement also accused India of using Bhutan as "a pretext". "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan," it said. "It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf. India's intrusion into the Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan has not only violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence." The statement from Beijing follows repeated similar statements from the Foreign Ministry and PLA over the stand-off in recent weeks, and it was the longest yet. It warned China would take "all necessary measures", saying "no country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China's territorial sovereignty." "China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," said the statement, that was released by the Foreign Ministry in Beijing and Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. The statement slammed India for "trespassing" into the Doklam region, which China sees as its territory but India and Bhutan see as Bhutanese. It said that "over 400" Indian border troops had on June 18 "advanced over 180 metres into Chinese territory", and that as of the end of July, "there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory." This "very serious" incident, Beijing said, was "fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary". The statement sought to rebut India's June 30 statement on the stand-off, which noted that China's road-building had changed the status quo in the region and also contravened a 2012 understanding by both countries that the location of the India-China-Bhutan trijunction would be determined through consultations with Bhutan, the third party. Beijing, however, accused India of "invent[ing] various excuses to justify its illegal action" and said India's "arguments have no factual or legal grounds at all and are simply untenable." advertisement "To cross a delimited boundary and enter the territory of a neighboring country on the grounds of so-called 'security concerns', for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said. "No such attempt will be tolerated by any sovereign State, still less should it be the normal way of conduct between China and India as two neighbouring States." It reiterated Beijing's demand for India "to immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary" and also called for India to "conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespass so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries". "This would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community," it concluded. ALSO READ China has overwhelming advantage over India: Global Times editor Doklam: What China stands to lose if it goes to war with India Doklam border standoff: Will there be an India-China war? ALSO WATCH | Doklam standoff: Will conflict with India be disastrous for China? advertisement --- ENDS --- Surgent CPA Review, Revolutionary CPA Exam Prep We firmly believe that by exposing students to CPA Exam content in all accounting courses, professors and universities will see an improvement in pass rates on the CPA Exam. Surgent CPA Review, a leading CPA Exam prep provider, today announced the availability of University Pass, a new academic edition of its comprehensive, cloud-based CPA Review platform for accounting professors and students. The platform enables university professors to easily use CPA Exam resources to supplement their accounting courses, while allowing students to access Surgents extensive CPA Exam preparation materials via Surgents groundbreaking, proprietary A.S.A.P. Technology. 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By combining revolutionary programming and best practices in learning theory and design, A.S.A.P. Technology continually serves customized study plans to each student throughout the course of their CPA Exam preparation based on their unique and evolving knowledge gaps and strengths. "Last of the Buffalo" by Albert Bierstadt, ca. 1888 With his history paintings, Bierstadt endeavored to convey moral messages. Albert Bierstadt (1830 1902) is best known as Americas premier western landscape artist. But he was also a renowned history painter, a rarely discussed element of his legacy. In 2018, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West partners with Gilcrease Museum of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to produce a major exhibition focusing on Bierstadts depictions of Plains Indians and bison, whom he approached as key subjects for his art. "Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West" features some 75 objects from more than 30 private and institutional lenders. Both the Center and Gilcrease are contributing masterworks from their collections. In addition to signature paintings by Bierstadt, also included are works by artists of Bierstadts timeand beforedepicting both American Indians and bison during a period of dramatic change in the West. On view at the Center, June 8 September 30, 2018, and at Gilcrease, November 1, 2018 February 10, 2019, the exhibition is accompanied by a peer-reviewed catalogue published by the University of Oklahoma Press. Both venues plan symposia on the subject. The Center of the Wests Director Emeritus, Dr. Peter H. Hassrick, a leading scholar in his field, serves as exhibition curator. Co-curators are Karen McWhorter, Scarlett Curator of Western American Art at the Center, and Laura F. Fry, Senior Curator and Curator of Art at Gilcrease. With his history paintings, Bierstadt endeavored to convey moral messages, and his works demonstrate the ways in which he engaged the conservation and aesthetic issues of his day. He attempted to honor the dignity of Native peoples in the West like the Sioux and Shoshone, and to inspire empathy for the remnant herds of buffalo in Yellowstone National Park as the species neared extinction. Today, amid ongoing concerns around Native American sovereignty and environmental conservation, this timely exhibition addresses how these subjects have historically been treated by artists, the American people, and government. For more information about the upcoming exhibition, contact Karen McWhorter at the Center of the West and or Laura Fry at Gilcrease. Since 1917, the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, has devoted itself to sharing the story of the authentic American West. The Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is currently operating its summer season, open daily 8 a.m. 6 p.m. For additional information, visit centerofthewest.org or the Centers pages on Facebook and Google+. #100YearsMore The Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, commonly known as Gilcrease Museum, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is one of the countrys best facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history. The museum houses the worlds most comprehensive collection of art of the American West, including an unparalleled collection of Native American art and material. For additional information, visit Gilcrease.org. NTCIP-Compliant InstAlert 48 and InstAlert 68 on Trailer "By leveraging our web-enabled, NTCIP-compliant variable message signs and radar speed displays together with our TraffiCloud traffic management ecosystem, municipalities can realize their smart cities vision, said Andy Souders, All Traffic Solutions CTO All Traffic Solutions, the leader in cloud-based traffic management solutions for law enforcement, transportation and smart cities announces today that it has added two large format message boards to its InstAlert family of variable speed message signs. The InstAlert 48 and InstAlert 68 offer the same web-based connectivity that allows users to change messages and access traffic data remotely via the TraffiCloud open extensible platform, as well as the flexibility to configure the signs as either variable message signs or radar speed displays to maximize sign usage. Because All Traffic Solutions signs are NTCIP-compliant they can be incorporated onto one platform along with legacy devices from other manufacturers equipment as part of an Intelligent Transportation System, allowing organizations to leverage their investments. The company provides the connectivity and management infrastructure via their TraffiCloud web-based remote management system an open, extensible scalable solution for all signs, devices and sensors accessible via a standard protocol. Departments of Transportation of all sizes are more cognizant than ever of the importance of planning and building scalable intelligent transportation systems. By leveraging our web-enabled, NTCIP-compliant variable message signs and radar speed displays together with our TraffiCloud traffic management ecosystem, municipalities can realize their smart cities vision. said Andy Souders, All Traffic Solutions CTO and Vice President of Engineering. For information on All Traffic Solutions products including web-enabled variable message signs, radar speed displays and vehicle count and classification devices visit http://www.alltrafficsolutions.com/products. To learn more about TraffiCloudTM, All Traffic Solutions cloud-based ecosystem that allows users to remotely manage traffic and parking devices as well as data from anywhere, go to http://www.alltrafficsolutions.com/solutions/trafficloud. ## About All Traffic Solutions Located outside Washington D.C. in Herndon, Virginia, All Traffic Solutions is consistently recognized as a leading innovator in the traffic safety industry for radar speed and variable message displays, imaging products and intelligent transportation systems, delivering groundbreaking levels of service and product capability. By integrating cloud technology into all of its products, All Traffic Solutions allows customers to manage all their equipment and data remotely through a browser, resulting in better traffic safety outcomes and initiatives related to vehicle-to-infrastructure solutions and smart cities. For more information, visit http://www.AllTrafficSolutions.com. Michael Hale Im looking forward to opening Pet Wants Manatee and bringing a new, fresh, high-quality pet food option to the pet families in my community. Michael Hale is pleased to announce the launch of his new business, Pet Wants Manatee. Pet Wants carefully developed proprietary pet food is slow-cooked in small batches with fresh, high-quality ingredients once per month, so every kibble is guaranteed to be fresh and packed with nutrition. Pet Wants Manatee is a mobile business and offers free, personal delivery to North Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto, Sun City, Apollo Beach and the surrounding areas. As a long-time volunteer at the CARE animal rescue in Ruskin who has three dogs, Hale knows the positive impact good nutrition and devoted care can make in an animals life. "Animals are an important part my life and I want to do what I can to give them the happiest, healthiest lives possible. Nutrition often goes overlooked - we get into a routine of feeding what we've always fed them - but making sure your pet is getting the right food is extremely important. I'm launching Pet Wants because I want to give pet families in my area a better, more convenient pet food option," Hale said. In addition to being made fresh monthly, Pet Wants only sources the best salmon, chicken, lamb, brown rice and other ingredients available. Theres no sugar added, no fillers and no animal by-products and Pet Wants never uses corn, wheat, soy or dyes, which makes the food great for animals with allergies. Pet Wants Manatee which offers multiple blends of dog food and cat food also offers healing salve, calming balm, anti-itch spray, paw wax and more. I am always impressed with the feedback Pet Wants gets from pet parents across the country. People who feed their pets Pet Wants said their animals with allergies are doing much better, pets who have a history of veterinarian visits are living better lives and pets who live healthy lives are shedding less, acting younger and are more energetic. Im excited to see how Pet Wants positively impacts the animals in my community, Hale said. Michael is launching the business with the support of his wife, Terri, and their three dogs, Thai (11), Sara Lee (2 ) and Neo (2). Michael and Terri moved to Florida from New Jersey six years ago. Michael owned a successful bread route, but he was ready to do something different. I've always been an advocate of feeding my pets high quality food and the freshly made aspect of Pet Wants peaked my interest. Im looking forward to opening Pet Wants Manatee and bringing a new, fresh, high-quality pet food option to the pet families in my community, said Hale. In addition to the work hell be doing through Pet Wants, which includes getting involved in philanthropic programs, Hale personally volunteers at the C.A.R.E. animal rescue in Ruskin. Pet Wants originally launched in Cincinnati in 2010. Owned by Michele Hobbs, the business was built to provide proprietary crafted, fresh, slow-cooked, all-natural pet food delivered to customers through a retail store and a convenient home-delivery service. Hobbs, now the company founder, turned the business into a franchise in 2015 with the help of Franchise Funding Group, an investment and franchise-development company designed to help entrepreneurs scale their companies nationally as franchise systems. To learn more about Pet Wants or to get a pet food sample, call (813)343-3750, email MHale(at)PetWants(dot)com or visit http://www.PetWantsManatee.com. About Pet Wants: Pet Wants was started by Michele Hobbs out of love for her pets and frustration. Veterinarians were unable to help relieve her dogs painful skin allergies. After doing much research, Michele discovered the national dog food brand she trusted was not fresh and lacked sufficient nutrition and, when pet food sits in warehouses and store shelves for months and months, it loses even more nutritional value. She was committed to developing a better solution for all dogs and cats. Pet Wants food is exclusively crafted fresh, healthy, and slow-cooked with no sugar added, no fillers, and no animal by-products. Pet Wants sources only the best salmon, chicken, lamb, brown rice, and other ingredients. Fresh ingredients make for better food, which translates into better health for pets. And, since Pet Wants never use corn, wheat, soy or dyes, the common pet health problems associated with these ingredients are no longer worries. Pet Wants fresh food is conveniently delivered to the customer within weeks of production, not months. You can learn more at http://www.PetWants.com. It is such an exhilarating time to join the LeasePlan team LeasePlan USA has hired fleet industry expert, Michael Croft, to offer results-driven solutions to companies in the southwestern region. I knew right away Michael was a good fit for us, said Ricardo Fonzaghi, chief commercial officer at LeasePlan USA. Not only does he bring years of fleet expertise and a consultative mindset, he also possesses the passion and spark that clients need to achieve success. LeasePlan USA is in the process of expanding its business development team as it gears for smart growth and an investment in the future. It is such an exhilarating time to join the LeasePlan team, said Croft. The momentum and excitement at the company is unbelievable. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my professional career and the opportunity to help clients elevate their fleet to the next level. Croft has held previous roles in the fleet industry as director of strategic sales for Comdata, and most recently, vice president of sales for Element Fleet. He has also served as director of global sales at Vodafone. Croft is an active member of NAFA Fleet Management Association and AFLA, and is responsible for new business development in California and Arizona. ## About LeasePlan LeasePlan is one of the worlds leading vehicle leasing companies, with approximately 1.7 million vehicles under our care in more than 30 countries. Our core business involves managing the entire vehicle life-cycle for our clients, taking care of everything from purchasing, insurance and maintenance to car re-marketing. With more than 50 years experience, we are a trusted partner for our SME, corporate and mobility service clients. Our mission is to provide innovative, sustainable vehicle leasing solutions whoever you are and wherever you need to be - so you can focus on what's next. Find out more at http://www.us.leaseplan.com. Members of a medical outreach team of doctors, nurses and social workers that delivered care to 750 patients and performed 58 surgeries in Yerevan, Armenia. In late May, Allied Anesthesia physician Dr. Armen Chalian was part of an outreach team of 32 doctors, nurses and social workers that delivered care to 750 patients and performed 58 surgeries in Yerevan, Armenia. The two-week mission resulted in six medical firsts in that country and was conducted under the auspices of Arpan Global Charities, a philanthropic medical organization with outreaches in more than 14 countries. The multidisciplinary team comprised professionals from St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, Calif., and Childrens Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Medical Firsts During the mission, the team performed and recorded six medical procedures never done in Armenia. Dr. Chalian said, We recorded everything as part of a program to ensure that Armenian physicians could continue these techniques in the future. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for decortication and lung resection was among the first-time procedures. The team also introduced techniques for postoperative pain management, such as ultrasound-guided blocks and the ON-Q pain relief system, a pump catheter pain relief method that reduces the need for opioid drugs and that can improve patient outcomes. Other firsts included laparoscopic gynecologic, urinary incontinence and several pediatric laparoscopic surgeries. Dr. Chalian said that, aside from the obvious goals of treating patients and delivering equipment in Armenia, the medical team sought to establish long-term relationships with health care professionals in the country. Part of our goal was to create programs, such as sister hospital networks, to make sure the medical advances introduced could be maintained by appropriately trained clinicians in Armenia. The Team From St. Joseph Hospital, the team included Drs. Brian Palafox, Paul Beck, Bedros Kojian and Armen Chalian, and Medical Social Worker Marjorie MacDonald. The CHOC team included Drs. Sudeep Kukreja and Mary Zupanc, Registered Nurse Specialists Kristine Golden and Cindy Baker-Fox, and residents Drs. Hillary Zieve, Sneha Kemkar, Kindra Lindrith, Jacob Khoubian and Stephanie Lee. The volunteers brought thousands of dollars in medical equipment and supplies from the United States, including sutures, medications, laparoscopic surgical supplies and pulse oximeters with transcutaneous hemoglobin capabilities. The team was interviewed on local television and was featured in local and online media services. Dr. Chalian said, We made several inroads toward shaping the future of Armenias health care systemthings like establishing care team protocols and checklists, the importance of skin-to-skin newborn bonding and lactation programs. We also emphasized important social health issues like advocating protective care services for women and children. About Allied Anesthesia: With more than 100 highly qualified physician anesthesiologists on staff, Allied Anesthesia provides adult and pediatric anesthesia services to St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, CHOC Childrens Hospital, St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley and many other Southern California health care facilities. In 2014, Allied Anesthesia joined with Fullerton Anesthesia Associates and Upland Anesthesia Medical Group to consolidate best practices in more than six hospitals and more than a dozen ambulatory surgery centers. The expanded medical practice is dedicated to offering the highest comprehensive quality of care and the most cost-effective procedures in all facilities they serve. All Allied physician anesthesiologists are board certified in anesthesiology, and they staff and manage the most efficient operating rooms in Southern California. Allied is a member of the California Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Anesthesia Quality Institute. For more information, visit: http://www.alliedanesthesia.com. VentureClash features some of the most promising international early-stage companies. Connecticut Innovations(CI), the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticuts innovative, growing companies, today announced that Tim Armstrong, CEO of Oath, will be the keynote speaker at the VentureClash finals event this fall. VentureClash is a $5 million global venture challenge for early-stage companies in digital health, financial technology, insurance technology and the Internet of Things. The challenge will invite 10 companies to pitch their plans at a finalist event at Yale University on October 20, where Armstrong will speak. The event will connect finalists with experts, investors, customers and academics who are engaged in their industries. Armstrong is an executive, investor and entrepreneur. He currently serves as CEO of Oath, a global digital and mobile company that reaches more than one billion global consumers and partners with the worlds leading global brands. Oath owns close to 50 mobile and internet brands, including Yahoo, AOL, HuffPost, TechCrunch, Tumblr and other leading brands as well as global commerce and advertising platforms that support thousands of partners across the globe. Oath became part of Verizon in 2015 after Verizon acquired publicly traded AOL Inc., where Armstrong was chairman and CEO. Prior to joining Oath and AOL, Armstrong spent almost a decade at Google, where he served as president of Googles Americas Operations and senior vice president of Google Inc., as well as serving on the companys global operating committee. He started his career by cofounding a newspaper in Boston, before moving into the internet industry, where he has worked as a team member, investor or cofounder at numerous companies, including Starwave, Snowball, Associated Content and Patch. VentureClash features some of the most promising international early-stage companies, said Matt McCooe, CEO of Connecticut Innovations. Tims experience as a successful entrepreneur and startup investor will be invaluable for our finalists. In addition to Armstrong, VentureClash 2017 has partnered with the following organizations for this years competition: Aetna; Bank of Irelands Startlab; Boehringer Ingelheim; Dream Payments; Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP; General Dynamics Electric Boat; Health Venture; Magellan Health; Medtronic; Navigators; Peoples United Bank; Pitney Bowes; Prudential; RBS/NatWest; Shipman & Goodwin; Sikorsky & Lockheed-Martin; Stanley, Black & Decker; Stanley Ventures; Synchrony Financial; The Hartford; The Jackson Laboratory; Travelers; Updike, Kelly & Spellacy; Webster Bank; Yale University; Yale New Haven Hospital; and Yale Office of Cooperative Research (OCR). About VentureClash Managed by Connecticut Innovations, VentureClash is Connecticuts global venture challenge focused on early-stage companies. The challenge identifies high-potential companies in digital health, FinTech, InsureTech and the Internet of Things that will receive investments from a $5 million investment award pool. Learn more at http://www.ventureclash.com. About Connecticut Innovations Inc. Connecticut Innovations (CI) is the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticuts innovative, growing companies. To maximize the growth potential of each business, CI tailors its solutions and often combines its funds with resources from other financial leaders to provide venture capital and strategic support for early-stage technology companies; flexible loans for established companies with new innovations; grants that support innovation and collaboration; and connections to its well-established network of partners and professionals. For more information on CI, please visit http://www.ctinnovations.com. LoadExpress Transit Status "LoadExpress is the answer to our prayers. I have already signed up, and I advise everybody to sign up too." --Roger Dunlap RD's Tractor Trailer Express Denton, TX. LoadExpress, Inc. has released its carrier mobile app for both Android and iOS smart devices. LoadExpress is a web-based freight auction and matching marketplace that enables shippers and carriers to deal directly without brokers. It delivers total transparency to the pricing and process of shipping freight. It represents the future of truck freight transportation. With LoadExpress, carriers can make more money by setting their own rates, getting their own customers and competing in the market without depending on brokers. They can reduce empty miles by using LoadExpress proactive load matching feature. This feature is like an automated load board, but superior to it by sending loads that match carriers preferences to them directly, vs. carriers having to search for them. Carriers will also reduce overhead cost through automation. LoadExpress is absolutely free to join and use for carriers, as shippers pay one flat transaction fee for each completed shipment on LoadExpress. LoadExpress can save shippers 50% on broker margins. It is easy to sign up, and users will be up in minutes. LoadExpress enables FMCSA-qualified carriers to bid directly for shipments posted by shippers. Once a bid is accepted, the wining carrier and shipper will deal directly with each other throughout each job and complete the transaction on the platform. Both parties can track the shipment and transaction, communicate and get alerts in real-time; all documents, notes, signatures, images are generated, verified and stored on the platform; payments are settled; and each party will rate the other after each transaction. Transaction data and analytics will also be available to help users optimize their freight operations. Reliable and fast payment is the lifeblood of carriers. LoadExpress pays carriers their full invoice amount on any completed delivery with proof of delivery within 24 hours with ExpressPay (money code), and 2-3 days via ACH. No processing fees, holdbacks, or hassles; just hard-earned cash. Fuel advance of 50% of the invoice is available for qualified carriers. Carriers do not need factors by using LoadExpress. LoadExpress is also the only digital load matching system that uses truck maps and databases to provide the most accurate load tracking capability to shippers. It also delivers critical roadside information truckers need, including: speed limit, bridge weight/height, curve ahead warnings and points of interest such as diesel stations and truck stops. Once a carrier is delivering a load on LoadExpress, truck navigation/routing with turn-by-turn will be automatically turned on. These features are similar to those on leading truck navigation devices such as those from Rand McNally, which retail between $300-600. It is a totally free download on LoadExpress, and only available on the LoadExpress mobile app. All other products in the market use free maps and their features, which are probably good enough for truckers 70% of the time. The other 30% may cost them high fines, higher cost and delays. Experienced truckers know the difference. "LoadExpress is the answer to our prayers. We are constantly fighting for every penny we earned and going back and forth with people who don't care about what we are doing...fighting for detention pay, for a good rate. I have already signed up, and I advise everybody to sign up too," said Roger Dunlap, owner of RD's Tractor Trailer Express in Denton, TX. Download instructions: Both apps can be downloaded from LoadExpress: http://www.loadexpress.com or Android: Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loadexpress. iOS: Apple App Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/loadexpress/id1204939480?ls=1&mt=8 About LoadExpress LoadExpress mission is to bring an automated, direct business model to the trucking industry through proven technology. Its approach represents the future of trucking, and solves a long-standing problem acknowledged by shippers and carriers alike that the current broker-based system of high cost and inefficiency is not sustainable. LoadExpress approach will unlock $billions of cost savings for shippers and incremental revenues for carriers. It will also increase customer satisfaction and productivity across the $700+ billion truck freight industry. Based in San Diego, LoadExpress was founded in 2015 by veterans of the logistics, trucking, financial and software industries who have a track record of building and selling successful new ventures. Contact: Ken Liu, V.P. Business Development email: ken(at)loadexpress(dot)com Tel: 858-722-0912 New firmware expands feature set and boosts authentication speed of 10ZiG Thin and Zero Clients using OneSign Single Sign-On (SSO) from Imprivata. We encourage IT consumers looking at secure virtual desktop access with Imprivata OneSign SSO to try the free demo program from 10ZiG, says Kevin Greenway, Chief Technology Officer, 10ZiG Technology. 10ZiG Technology announces new firmware release surrounding the Imprivata OneSign Single Sign-On feature set on 10ZiG PeakOS Linux Thin Clients and NOS Zero Clients. The update introduces Imprivata ProveID workflows and Direct Citrix API functionality. Imprivata ProveID workflows: This update enables virtual channel support between 10ZiG Thin or Zero Clients and VMware Horizon (VDI) and Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp. This added support provides popular features such as Remote Workstation Lock (F4) and Fade to Lock additions to workflows, affording secondary authentication and proof of identity. These features are often used in healthcare for workflows such as the signing of medical records and authorization of medication. Direct Citrix API: This enhancement provides a much faster authentication and connection time when used specifically with Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix XenApp. In addition, this provides direct communication between the Imprivata OneSign ProveID agent, installed on the 10ZiG Thin or Zero Client and Citrix StoreFront. The Citrix StoreFront can now be directly connected, either via the Citrix Receiver for Web or Citrix Services site (PNAgent). The Direct Citrix API provides a seamless user connection by automatically launching a specified application or desktop after login authentication. Support for the Imprivata OneSign SSO solution allows healthcare providers instant access to their virtual desktops on any 10ZiG Thin or Zero Client with no-click access. This enables healthcare providers to spend less time with technology and more time with patients. By eliminating the need to repeatedly type usernames and passwords, Imprivata OneSign SSO allows healthcare providers to quickly and securely access clinical and administrative applications, which streamlines clinical workflows and drives Electronic Medical Record (EMR) adoption. This new and improved firmware which adds additional Imprivata functionality is another milestone in solidifying our integration with Imprivata. Our mutual customers can expect to see faster and more streamlined connection speeds with Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp. Additionally, expect to see improved functionality around Imprivata ProveID workflows, such as those used within healthcare for VMware Horizon and Citrix XenDesktop - XenApp environments. We encourage IT consumers looking at secure virtual desktop access with Imprivata OneSign SSO to try the free demo program from 10ZiG, says Kevin Greenway, Chief Technology Officer, 10ZiG Technology. To learn more about cutting edge VDI technology from 10ZiG, or to arrange for a FREE Thin or Zero Client evaluation unit, please contact 10ZiG below: (Corporate Headquarters, US) 10ZiG Technology Inc. 23309 N. 17th Drive #100 Phoenix, AZ 85027, USA P. (866) 865-5250 | Email: sales@10ZiG.com | Web: http://www.10ZiG.com To learn more about the Imprivata OneSign SSO, contact Imprivata below: (Corporate Headquarters, US) Imprivata Inc. 10 Maguire Road Building 1, Suite 125 Lexington, MA 02421-3120, USA P. (877) 663-7446 | Email: sales(at)imprivata(dot)com | Web: http://www.imprivata.com About 10ZiG Technology 10ZiG Technology is a world-market leader in Thin and Zero Client endpoint devices for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. 10ZiG provides leading Intel and AMD based Dual and Quad Core Thin and Zero Clients for Citrix HDX, VMware PCoIP & Blast Extreme and Microsoft environments. This is in addition to the widest range of Teradici PCoIP Zero Clients on the market. 10ZiG offers free no-obligation demo devices, a U.S. based Technical Support team, and provides their 10ZiG Manager console with cloud capabilities completely free with unlimited user licenses supported. Get your free evaluation device today, courtesy of 10ZiG. About Imprivata Inc. Imprivata, the healthcare IT security company, enables healthcare globally to access, communicate, and transact patient information, securely and conveniently. The Imprivata platform addresses critical compliance and security challenges while improving productivity and the patient experience. Imprivata has offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Sources in the Home Ministry have confirmed to India Today that China extended the six-month hold that it had placed in February. By Geeta Mohan: China has extended its hold by three months on the US, France and UK-backed proposal at the United Nations 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar a terrorist. Home Ministry sources have confirmed to India Today that China extended the six-month hold that it had placed in February. If the deadline had lapsed without the Chinese objection, Masood Azhar would automatically have been designated. advertisement This isn't the first time that China has blocked a move against Azhar at the United Nations. Last year, India moved the 1267 committee for the UN ban against Azhar, accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China followed the same pattern as it did this time of opposition for six months followed by three months technical hold leading to the lapse of India's application, and finally blocking India's move. China's argument has been lack of enough evidence. This time, the United States, along with France and UK, had moved the proposal to ban Masood Azhar on the January 19. China placed a hold on this move for six months on February 2, a hold which ended on Wednesday. China, in time extended the technical hold for three more months, following which the move will stand lapsed and the proposal blocked if China's stand remains unchanged. Earlier on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said they would take a decision in 'due course,' speaking of disagreements over the listing. "At present, some members still have a disagreement over the listing matter," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. ALSO READ Doklam: What China stands to lose if it goes to war with India Doklam standoff: Did Chinese President Xi Jinping just call India an invading enemy? ALSO WATCH Doklam standoff: Will conflict with India be disastrous for China? --- ENDS --- Millennials are the most wellness-obsessed group ever, consuming more healthy products and services, on average, than any generation before. They have their own local wellness gurus, whether their trusted yoga or meditation teacher. The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the leading conference for the $3.7 trillion global wellness industry, today announced that the co-founders of wellness media powerhouse Well+Good, Alexia Brue and Melisse Gelula, will keynote at the conference being held at The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida from Oct. 9-11, 2017. In seven short years, Brue and Gelula have built Well+Good into the leading media company dedicated to the U.S. wellness scene, and the top source of intel on the boutique fitness, nutrition, beauty and healthy travel scene. Their highly anticipated annual trends forecast has proven one of the most prescient: predicting everything from the athleisure to the clean beauty to the juicing trend, and covered everywhere from CBS This Morning to The New York Times. In their Summit keynote they will provide crucial insight into how millennials are now disrupting the wellness travel market. Sharing results from a new survey detailing how their community of 7 million millennial women travel, they will analyze the very different things millennials want in their wellness getaways compared with boomers: what they seek in fitness, food, and other lifestyle components. And they will connect the dots between millennials wellness and travel spending behaviors and how hospitality brands offering wellness programming can start benefiting from them. The wellness market is booming in cities far beyond New York and LA, with barre studios, avocado toast and smoothie bars becoming a true global phenomenon in 2017, noted Gelula. And were excited to present on future transformations in wellness travel. For instance, if spas were once fix-me! destinations for boomers who knew little about wellness, modern consumers - especially millennials - increasingly have their own very sophisticated wellness tastes. The result: far more people now travel to deepen their existing wellness practice, rather than have their wellness light switched on. Millennials are the most wellness-obsessed group ever, consuming more healthy products and services, on average, than any generation before. They have their own local wellness gurus, whether their trusted yoga or meditation teacher, noted Brue. And they crave vacations and retreat experiences curated by these trusted experts over legacy spa brands whose names they might know but dont necessarily trust. There is much to discuss: including the growing transfer of trust from the destination spa brand to the local wellness expert and what brands and experiences will matter more in the future. More about Alexia Brue & Melisse Gelula: Alexia Brue, co-founder and CEO of Well+Good, guides the companys strategic direction and leads the revenue and business development functions. She brings her journalistic background to bear on driving creative marketing solutions for brands, ensuring that client programs have the same DNA as the sites authoritative content. Prior to founding Well+Good, Brue covered health and wellness for publications as diverse as Vogue and The New York Times, and she is the author of Cathedrals of the Flesh, a travel memoir about the worlds great bathing cultures. She attended Grinnell College and the Columbia School of Journalism. Melisse Gelula, co-founder and chief content officer at Well+Good, leads the companys 20+ editorial team in applying journalistic reporting standards to the wellness lifestyle, which led to the Webby Award for Best Health Site in 2017. Shes an expert on natural beauty that frequently speaks at major conferences on wellness, beauty, and digital trends, and is oft featured as an industry expert at major news outlets like CBS This Morning and The New York Times. She is the former editor-in-chief of SpaFinderLifestyle.com, beauty director at Luxury SpaFinder Magazine, and travel editor at Fodors Travel Publications. She holds an MA from the University of Toronto and completed six years of training as a psychoanalyst. The U.S. is very much an experimental laboratory for wellness concepts, and Alexia and Melisses reporting and trends forecasting on whats cutting edge in fitness, nutrition, beauty and wellness travel has had a wide impact, said Susie Ellis, GWS CEO and chairman. Their keynote on how millennials will continue to rewrite the wellness landscape will be provocative and profound, and will leave delegates talking and debatingthe very heartbeat of the Summit. The GWS is a conference for senior industry executives and leaders; for information about attending, click here. For the few remaining sponsorship opportunities, contact Michelle Gamble: michelle.gamble(at)globalwellnesssummit(dot)com About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is an invitation-only international gathering that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy. Held in a different location each year, Summits have taken place in the U.S., Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico and Austria. The next one will be held at The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida from Oct. 9-11, 2017. Silhouette Rising Its touching, and poignant, and a lovely reminder of a gifted artist taken from us too soon. Watch the exclusive premiere of "Technicolor" on Huffington Post This is one of the last songs listeners are ever going to get from Silhouette Rising. Not because demand has slackened for the bands music on the contrary, the groups legend continues to grow well beyond the city limits of Boston. These musicians retain their remarkable power to entertain and inspire. No, the story of Silhouette Rising has reached its conclusion for a different, altogether regrettable reason. Frontman, songwriter, and creative firebrand Cameron Liberatore suffered terrible injuries in a car accident in 2014. Although he continues on his long road to recovery, he wont be returning to musical activities any time soon. One of the most charismatic figures in the Northeastern indie underground has been stolen from fans by fate. Yet Silhouette Rising refuses to dwell on tragedy. This is an uplifting band: passion for life and its infinite possibilities has always been apparent in the songs. Theyve extended that optimism to the Happiness III project an album of tracks built from Liberatores musical ideas, and one that cements his legacy as one of Bostons most inventive and passionate songwriters and bandleaders. So beloved and respected is Liberatore that Silhouette Rising had no trouble attracting superior musicians to help them realize the Happiness III project, including Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! and Tye Zamora of Alien Ant Farm. But Happiness III is more than just a tribute. Its also an opportunity for the rest of the group to demonstrate their formidable skills. Just like the rest of Silhouette Risings recorded output, the album is bracing, tuneful and muscular, filled with memorable melodies and dramatic performances. Theres a bittersweet quality to the new songs, too; a sense of the ephemerality of life and a newfound determination to make every second count. Ironically, it might well be the fullest realization of Liberatores vision. Take Technicolor, the first single. Heres a heartfelt singalong anthem that nods to the tradition established by bands like Death Cab For Cutie and Jimmy Eat World. Yet its message one that asks the listener to change whats black and white into full color is delivered by Silhouette Rising pianist Robert DiNanno with the sense of urgency that comes from real experience. Thats apparent in the video, too, where simple human interaction and kindness brings greyscale scenes to vivid, polychromatic life. Both Spangler, who sings the hook, and Zamora, who handles bass, make appearances during the performance sequences of the video. And right there, at the end of the clip, after the band has finished roaring, is a twenty second clip of Liberatore, acoustic guitar in hand, singing a snatch of the melodic idea that the band would transform into Technicolor. Its touching, and poignant, and a lovely reminder of a gifted artist taken from us too soon. Watch the exclusive premiere of "Technicolor" on Huffington Post HotDocs document automation solutions are specifically designed to help law firms better service their clients. This year, ILTACON will bring together more than 1,600 legal professionals from top law firms and enterprises worldwide. Exhibiting for the seventh consecutive year, HotDocs will demonstrate the latest developments in its leading document automation solution, which is designed to increase efficiency and productivity when generating legal documents, regardless of how complex. Throughout the legal industry, technology has become more critical with each passing year. A Georgetown University Law Center and Thomson Reuters Peer Monitor 2016 Report stated, What once was a sellers market has now clearly become a buyers market, and the ramifications of that change are significant. Commenting on this report, Steve Spratt, COO at HotDocs stated, When the buyers of legal services hold the power it puts pressure on law firms to achieve ever greater efficiencies and enhance productivity. HotDocs document automation solutions are specifically designed to help law firms better service their clients by facilitating efficient document production and freeing up attorney time to deal with other client matters. HotDocs will demonstrate its solutions to the legal community in attendance at the ILTACON conference. Delegates will see the ways HotDocs newest advances can help with document template management, user management, and simplified integrations with third-party applications like case management, document management, and e-signature technologies. About HotDocs HotDocs is the market leading provider of document automation software, with customers in 60 countries and a user-base, globally, that exceeds one million. Document automation, or document assembly, enables a vast reduction in time spent in the production of high volume, repeat documentation such as contracts, agreements, and other legal paperwork. Widely used within the legal, banking, insurance, public, and corporate sectors, HotDocs software helps to increase accuracy, reduce cost, eliminate risk, and improve efficiency in the generation of complex, or simple, repeat documentation. The software is available on-premise, on desktop or via the cloud and can operate in a standalone capacity or as part of a wider business process management system, such as workflow, document management, or case management system. For more information about HotDocs, visit http://www.hotdocs.com or connect with HotDocs on its blog, and on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. Jordan Cashatt, QA Graphics New Account Manager We know Jordan will do a great job in his new role and provide our clients with exceptional customer service, said Dan McCarty. His knowledge about our services, in addition to his previous work with customers make him a perfect choice for the job." QA Graphics is proud to announce the promotion of Jordan Cashatt to Account Manager. Jordan joined the company in 2012 as a BAS Graphic Specialist and has recently been promoted to Account Manager. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Jordan has a Bachelors in Communication and a proven professional history of speaking with customers and knowledge of the industry through his time as a graphic specialist. We know Jordan will do a great job in his new role and provide our clients with exceptional customer service, said Dan McCarty, Owner. His knowledge about our services, in addition to his previous work with customers make him a perfect choice for the job. In this position, Jordan will be responsible for developing long-term relationships with customers and overseeing sales. Working to satisfy customers' needs and requests, responding to their queries and quote request in a timely manner to deliver a positive customer experience. About QA Graphics - QA Graphics is a leader in the building automation and green building industries. The company specializes in HVAC graphic development services, system graphics, floor plan graphics, and Energy Efficiency Education Dashboards (EEEDs). Since 2006, QA Graphics has served as an expert design resource for the building controls industry and is able to provide BAS graphics for any type of building automation. The company also provides marketing solutions such as interactive applications, 3D design and animation, UX design, videos, and more. Visit http://www.qagraphics.com to learn more. Influence Health, the healthcare industrys leading digital consumer experience solution provider, today announced the keynote speaker lineup for its upcoming annual industry event, INFLUENCE! Healthcare Consumer Experience Conference. The conference will be held Sept. 27-28 at the Orlando Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. The conferences keynote speakers include: Chris Bevolo, is a recognized thought leader in the healthcare marketing industry, most recently serving as executive vice president of ReviveHealth. Chris is most known for his 2011 book, Joe Public Doesnt Care About your Hospital, where he called for a revolutionary change in the healthcare marketing field. At INFLUENCE!, Chris will outline the new best practices in hospital and health system marketing and divulge what all marketing leaders have in common to drive success. Gretchen Rubin, author of the No. 1 best-selling book, The Happiness Project, is considered one of the most thought-provoking and influential writers on habits and happiness. In her keynote session, she will reveal insights from her new book, The Four Tendencies, including the surprising truth about the four hidden personality types that drive everything we do. Attendees will learn how to understand themselves betterand how to influence others more effectively. In addition to the keynote sessions, INFLUENCE! will provide an optimal mix of educational content and social events for healthcare marketers and technology leader to make new connections, exchange ideas for overcoming digital transformation challenges, and learn tactical tips to take back to their hospitals and health systems. Featured breakout sessions, led by Advocate Health Care, Legacy Health and Bon Secours Hampton Roads, will dive into key healthcare marketing topics such as enhancing a content management system (CMS), meeting healthcare consumers where they are, and taking control of local search presence. For the full agenda and to register for the healthcare industrys premier consumer experience conference, visit: http://www.influencehealth.com/conference. About Influence Health Influence Health is the industrys leading provider of comprehensive healthcare consumer experience solutions. Equipped with a customer relationship management system (CRM), digital marketing system (DMS) and content management system (CMS), the company's Consumer Experience Platform enables provider organizations to create extraordinary digital consumer experiences that positively influence brand awareness, affinity, and loyalty, well beyond the care setting. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Influence Health has helped more than 1,100 provider organizations positively influence consumer relationships in a way that is transformative to financial and quality outcomes since 1996. For more information visit InfluenceHealth.com and follow @InfluenceHlth on Twitter. ChenMed logo I look forward to helping ChenMed further its success by ensuring the structure and culture needed to relentlessly pursue truly exceptional service are in place. ChenMed, a leading provider of value-based care for seniors, announced today the addition of Horst Schulze and Herbert Fritch to its board of directors. Schulze and Fritch are pioneers in their industries and bring an unparalleled expertise to accelerate the success and impact ChenMed can have through its innovative primary care model. Schulze, Founding President and Former COO of the Ritz-Carlton Group, currently serves as CEO of Capella Hotel Group. Fritch founded HealthSpring and helped the company grow into one of the nations largest Medicare Advantage plans before being acquired by Cigna. Schulze and Fritch join ChenMed during a time of rapid expansion for the company. ChenMed currently operates in 10 U.S. markets and has grown more than 420 percent since 2013. ChenMed, a fully-capitated Medicare Advantage provider, brings concierge-style medicine to low-to-moderate income seniors, most of whom are managing multiple chronic conditions. By providing its patients with more access to care, more convenience in accessing it, and more preventive services, ChenMed successfully delivers better care and better health outcomes, while bringing down costs. ChenMeds high-touch, customer service approach to medicine has resulted in industry-leading patient satisfaction scores. Throughout my career, Ive focused on providing exceptional customer service. Whether its guests visiting a hotel or patients visiting their doctor, the value of customer service transcends industries, said Horst Schulze. ChenMed has already proven the value of service in health care by outperforming industry benchmarks with the use of its VIP style patient care model. I look forward to helping ChenMed further its success by ensuring the structure and culture needed to relentlessly pursue truly exceptional service are in place. Schulze brings to the ChenMed board a deep knowledge of how businesses can successfully attract and retain customers through superior service. A co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Schulze developed the service standards that helped the company become world-renowned for its quality customer service. Currently the CEO of Capella Hotel Group, Schulze has been recognized as corporate hotelier of the world by HOTELS magazine. Fritch, the founder of HealthSpring, comes to the ChenMed board with more than 40 years of experience in health care. A Medicare Advantage expert and innovator in physician performance management, Fritch founded HealthSpring in 2000 and, after being acquired by Cigna in 2011 for $3.8 billion, successfully navigated the company through integration and the formation of Cigna-HealthSpring in 2012. Medicare Advantage providers must always be on the lookout for new ways to meet the Triple Aim of improving patient experience, health, and cost, said Herbert Fritch. Im excited to join ChenMeds board. The company provides a model of value-based care exactly the way it should be through a primary care provider led model that focuses on investing in patients up front in order to drive better results on all fronts. The decision by Horst and Herb, each a luminary in their field, to join our board validates the promise of what our model is doing and the impact that very smart people believe it can have, said ChenMed CEO, Dr. Christopher Chen. Im confident our new board members are going to bring us to the next level in positively changing American healthcare for those who need it the most. About ChenMed For seniors most in need of care, high-quality health care is too often beyond reach. ChenMed was founded to bring concierge-style medicine and better health outcomes to the neediest populations. ChenMed serves seniors with low-to-moderate incomes, most managing multiple chronic conditions, in 10 U.S. markets in six states through 42 senior medical centers. ChenMeds goal is to improve health outcomes and create value for patients, physicians, and the health care system. To do that, ChenMed relies on innovative technology and a talented and resourceful team of providers. Founded by Dr. James Chen, a Taiwanese immigrant and cancer survivor, the company provides unrivaled care to seniors particularly those enrolled in a broad range of Medicare Advantage plans in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Virginia. With this innovative feature, IT admins can granularly customize the after-school, off-campus device experience for all groups of users on their networks. Today, ed-tech solution provider Lightspeed Systems released After-School Rules, a major new feature inside Lightspeeds Chromebook filtering/monitoring solution, Relay for Chrome. After-School Rules lets K-12 IT professionals customize student Chromebook access after school and off campus, giving schools complete control of student devices wherever they go. Thanks to their portability, affordability and ease of use, Google Chromebooks are the No. 1 mobile device in K-12 schools in the United States, enabling anytime, anywhere learning. After-School Rules lets IT departments adjust Chromebook filtering and reporting policies by day of the week, time of day, external IP address and group. After-School Rules which can be enabled with just one click in the Relay for Chrome cloud-based interface makes it easy to loosen or restrict student access to the Internet when students are at home and out of classes. With this innovative feature, IT admins can granularly customize the after-school, off-campus device experience for all groups of users on their networks. For instance, schools can choose to turn off mobile filtering and reporting for all district-owned devices; ease restrictions on social media, gaming and other websites that are blocked when school is in session; or close internet access for elementary school students in the district while leaving it open for middle school and high school students. Lightspeed Systems customers know that mobile learning doesnt have to end when the final bell rings, says Lightspeed Systems CEO and President Brian Thomas. Students are more excited about learning on their devices when they have the time, space and freedom to safely explore them out of the classroom. After-School Rules gives schools the power to tailor appropriate after-school access for every student group and grade level. To learn more about Lightspeed Systems Relay for Chrome and After-School Rules, visit http://www.lightspeedsystems.com/relay. About Lightspeed Systems Lightspeed Systems partners with schools to make learning safe, mobile and easily managed. Partnered with 6,500 districts in the United States and 25,000 schools around the world, Lightspeed Systems offers integrated solutions for smarter K-12 school networks: Web Filter, Mobile Manager, Management Bundle for Windows, and Relay for Chrome. To learn more, visit http://www.lightspeedsystems.com. Jelastic partnership with QuariNET will provide our European users with a wider choice of data centers located in Germany and thus protected by local regulations Jelastic, Multi-Cloud PaaS for developers, announced QuariNET as their official hosting partner. QuariNET, a trademark of QuarIT GmbH, is a Germany based company with no outside influences, with all servers located in Germany, that meets both European and German privacy laws and ensures the highest data security. The most important criteria during the search for the technical platform of QuariNET's new PaaS offering were the ability to give developers what they need with minimal work on their side, a strong security concept and outstanding support from the platform vendor to ensure high availability and good responses in case issues arise. The proven Jelastic platform fit those criteria in ways none of the other evaluated solutions could even get near to, claimed QuariNET CEO Andreas Grabmuller. The new QuariNET Application Platform powered by Jelastic supports Java, PHP, Ruby, Node.js, Python and .NET projects in all relevant versions that are run on many different application servers. Different SQL and NoSQL databases and caches can be deployed for customers applications storage. In case some rare software stacks are not available by default, it is possible to use custom VPS with root access or custom Docker containers to fill the gap. Thanks to the usage of standard stacks, developers don't have to worry about vendor lock-in as well as don`t need to change their applications for running in the cloud platform. Both, powerful dashboard and SSH access, are available so customers can deploy and manage their projects in the most appropriate way for them. Security is a crucial point for businesses nowadays, and German data-protection laws are believed to be one of the most trusted in Europe. Jelastic partnership with QuariNET will provide our European users with a wider choice of data centers located in Germany and thus protected by local regulations, said Ruslan Synytsky, Jelastic CEO and Co-founder. The automated configurations for high availability, as well as vertical and horizontal scaling options allows to meet the fast-changing application requirements with minimal efforts. And the true Pay-per-Use model ensures users pay only for the capacity they actually consume and services they really need. All customers are welcome to try the scalable platform for applications hosting during a 14 day free trial. About Jelastic Jelastic is a multi-cloud PaaS for developing, scaling and managing hosted applications. Jelastic cooperates with trusted partners around the globe, and help them to reach local communities as well as to deliver high-quality solution for IT companies in local regions.The platform provides certified containers for Java, PHP, Ruby, Node.js, Python and .NET and the ability to use custom Docker containers. Jelastic offers agile deployment models without coding to proprietary APIs, flexible automatic scaling for stateless and stateful applications, collaboration, access control, monitoring, backup and disaster recovery, built-in billing and business analytics tools while driving down TCO with high density and hardware utilization. For more information, visit https://jelastic.com About QuariNET QuariNET is the hosting division of the QuarIT GmbH. Since 2015 all webhosting and cloud products of the company have been offered under this brand. All servers are located in data centers in Germany. The new QuariNET Application Platform will be the cornerstone of QuariNET's mission to expand the availability of the products to all European countries. Other than the Application Platform, QuariNET offers shared hosting, email hosting and archiving, hosted exchange and domain registration. More information at https://www.quarinet.de/angebote/paas A group of 26 Milton Hershey School students and four staff members recently traveled to Greece and Italy for an educational 12-day international trip. The students attended a Global Leadership Summit on The Future of Food, organized by Education First. The two-day leadership summit was centered around foods ability to connect people and shape every culture, environment, and economy. MHS students had the opportunity to hear from world-renowned speakers and attend inspiring workshops. Students examined topics such as food disparity, composting, and sustainability in agriculture. They also worked with students from across the country to create solutions to global challenges using the design thinking process, such as how to address food needs throughout the world. As a school, its our role to help our students develop the growth mindset they need to successfully operate in and contribute to todays global society, said MHS Social Studies curriculum supervisor Andrew Miller. Through our Multicultural and Global Education program, our students gain a greater understanding and appreciation for other cultures and people, and celebrate the differences that make us all unique. Throughout the trip, students participated in hands-on cooking classes where they learned about cultural cooking traditions, visited local markets to taste authentic cuisine, and explored popular landmarks like the Colosseum. The group also visited Athens, Rome, Milan, and Cinque Terrea string of Italian seaside villages. Im grateful for the opportunity to go on the trip to Italy. It was incredible to meet industry professionals like Anthony Bourdain [who spoke at the Summit], said Davan Hanley, a rising MHS junior. Ill never forget thisit was the best trip Ive ever been on. The Multicultural and Global Education program at Milton Hershey School is designed to give all high school students the opportunity to travel outside the United States. By serving others, learning about culture, and gaining worldly experiences, students build strong character and develop a deeper understanding of the systems in which they live. Learn more about Milton Hershey School at mhskids.org. ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL Milton Hershey School is one of the worlds best private schools, offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of lower income at no charge. Crow Shooting Supply now offering Henry Rifles & Shotguns Crow Shooting Supply, The First Choice for Wholesale Firearms, Ammunition and Reloading Supplies, is proud to announce it is now a full-line distributor of Henry Repeating Arms classic lineup of American-made rifles and shotguns. To celebrate, Crow Shooting Supply is offering special introductory pricing on all Henry models through August 31, 2017. Henry Repeating Arms is one of the grandest and most respected manufacturers worldwide for lever action rifles and shotguns. Crow Shooting Supply, named the first new Henry distributor in 15 years, carries more than 100 Henry models that are in-stock and ready to ship. Working alongside Henry is a tremendous honor for us, said Steve Crow, Crows General Manager. The legendary styling of Henrys firearms never goes out of style, nor does the interest in these classic firearms. Henry President Anthony Imperato explained his decision by saying, Henry Repeating Arms has the countrys top distributors handling our firearms and Crow Shooting Supply couldnt join those ranks if I didnt think they were qualified. They fit the bill by bringing progressive marketing and logistics, as well as good old-fashioned customer service. To take advantage of Crows limited-time, special introductory pricing on Henry firearms or to learn more about partnering with Crow Shooting Supply, call 800-264-2493 or visit http://www.crowshootingsupply.com today. About Henry Repeating Arms Henry Repeating Arms is one of the countrys leading rifle manufacturers and top ten firearm manufacturers. Their company motto is Made In America Or Not Made At All and their products come with an unlimited lifetime guarantee. Henry Repeating Arms was awarded the Stevie American Business Award for Customer Service. The companys manufacturing facilities are in Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI with approximately 450 employees. About Crow Shooting Supply Crow Shooting Supply is a family-owned, national wholesale distributor of firearms, ammunition reloading components and shooting accessories. Proudly serving retail gun shops, major sporting goods stores, gun clubs, shooting ranges and government agencies for over 30 years, Crow is a full-line supplier of nearly 120 of the worlds premier shooting industry manufacturers. With warehouses in Iowa, North Carolina and Nevada, Crow offers timely, efficient shipping anywhere in the U.S. To partner with, or learn more about Crow Shooting Supply, call 800-264-2493 or visit http://www.crowshootingsupply.com. The vote was 92-5 for Wray, a former high-ranking official in President George W Bush's Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud. Christopher Wray, 50, inherits an FBI at a particularly challenging time given Trump's ousting of Comey. (Photo: Reuters) By AP: The Senate has confirmed Christopher Wray to lead the FBI, replacing James Comey, who was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump amid the investigation into Russia meddling in last year's presidential election. The vote was 92-5 for Wray, a former high-ranking official in President George W Bush's Justice Department who oversaw investigations into corporate fraud. Wray, 50, inherits an FBI at a particularly challenging time given Trump's ousting of Comey, who was admired within the bureau. advertisement "This is a tough time to take this tough job," Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, said during Senate debate of the nomination. "The previous FBI director, as we know, was fired because of the Russia investigation. The former acting attorney general was fired. And we've had a slew of other firings throughout the government over the last few months." Wray won unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, with Republicans and Democrats praising his promise never to let politics get in the way of the bureau's mission. Asserting his independence at his confirmation hearing, Wray said: "My loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law. Those have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to them no matter the test." Trump roiled Washington in May, firing Comey in the midst of his 10-year term as the FBI was investigating Russia's role in the election and possible ties to Trump campaign officials. Wray has worked on white-collar crime and regulatory cases as a partner at the King & Spalding law firm. From May 2001 to May 2005, he held various high-ranking positions in the Justice Department, rising to the head of the criminal division in September 2003. He also served as principal associate deputy attorney general. He was a federal prosecutor in the US attorney's office for the Northern District of Georgia from May 1997 to May 2001. "Mr Wray possesses the skill, the character and the unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law that we need in a FBI Director," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The top Democrat on the panel, California Senator Dianne Feinstein, said Wray "has the strength and fortitude to stand up and do what it is right when tested." She added, "We need leaders with steel spines, not weak knees, and I am hopeful that Mr Wray will be just such a leader." Wray had represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in the so-called Bridgegate scandal. ALSO READ | US President Donald Trump to nominate Christopher Wray as FBI director Donald Trump fires FBI Director James Comey, triggering US political storm advertisement Trump calls ex-FBI director James Comey a 'leaker' after testimony ALSO WATCH | Trump fires White House communications director 10 days after hiring him --- ENDS --- The Wharton Schools Aresty Institute of Executive Education has announced a new tuition benefit for eligible University of Pennsylvania alumni beginning July 2017. The University of Pennsylvania has a reputation for excellence across its four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools, producing leaders in the fields of engineering and applied science, social policy and practice, nursing, medicine, education, law and communications, among others. Wharton is excited to make our world-renowned business curriculum available to the broader Penn community at a tremendous value, notes Jagmohan S. Raju, Vice Dean of Wharton Executive Education. The University of Pennsylvanias culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration is well established, as is the large number of non-business degreed alumni who work with distinction in fields such as management consulting, corporate finance, marketing and sales. We believe Penn alumni in all disciplines can enhance their leadership skills and achieve long-term career goals with Whartons executive education offerings. The tuition benefit for eligible Penn alumni is a 25% discount on select Wharton Executive Educations Open-Enrollment Programs. Wharton Executive Education has an extensive portfolio of programs that cover the topics of finance, leadership, marketing, strategy and innovation. Ideal candidates for Wharton Executive Education programs are successful professionals, at least 10 years out of undergraduate school, who are at a point in their careers where they may be taking on a new leadership role within their organization, or looking to make a transition to a job in a different organization or new industry. One Penn alumnus who has found Wharton Executive Education programs beneficial is Denise McNulty. The Penn Nursing graduate attended the Wharton Nursing Leaders Program, a four-day class held on Whartons Philadelphia campus. McNulty, who is the department chair of the Ave Maria University Nursing Program in southwest Florida, says the Wharton program was highly relevant and timely for issues she was facing in her occupation. Whartons faculty pushed us out of our comfort zone and showed us more of the business side of sales and marketing that are needed to get things accomplished, recalls McNulty, who attended Wharton Executive Education in 2016. She adds that the negotiation skills taught by Wharton faculty were particularly relevant since her biggest challenge as a healthcare leader is how to persuade finance leaders, who are not in the nursing discipline, to see the value of our programs. Wharton most definitely has changed the way that I organize and assign tasks. It also enhanced my critical thinking skills. As leaders, we need to be able to make sound decisions based on evidence-based practice. We need to assess and evaluate best practices so that we can minimize errors that potentially cause harm to the patients that we care for, McNulty says. For more information about Wharton Executive Educations Open Enrollment programs and the Penn Alumni tuition benefit, call +1-215-898-1776 or email execed(at)wharton(dot)upenn.edu. 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 9,000 participants in executive education programs annually and a powerful alumni network of 95,000 graduates. Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists What: The Wharton School is pleased to invite business journalists to apply for the Penn Wharton Public Policy Funding, which will allow up to five business reporters who cover aspects of public policy to attend the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists flagship program in Philadelphia this year. Each funding opportunity covers the cost of tuition, course materials, most group meals, lodging for three nights and airfare within the US (where appropriate). In addition, accepted journalists may request private, one-on-one meetings with faculty members of the Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative. The funding does not cover any other expenses. Other restrictions may apply. The Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, now in its 49th year, offers participants an opportunity to expand their business knowledge and increase their exposure to leading experts in a stimulating environment. Through intensive lectures and hands-on exercises the program, led by the Wharton Schools most prominent professors, helps participants gain a better understanding of key business and economic issues. Besides Penn Wharton Public Policy Funding, numerous other funding options are available for reporters interested in attending the Seminars. To learn more, visit the Seminars funding opportunities page. When: Program runs October 8-11, 2017. The deadline for the Penn Wharton Public Policy Funding Opportunity and most other funding options is September 8. General applications are due by September 21, 2017. Where: The Seminar will take place at the Wharton School on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. How: Registration is required to attend this program. Visit the Seminars application page. Program Benefits: Todays global economy requires business journalists to gain a strong foundation in business and economic knowledge. At the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists participants: Gain an in-depth understanding of business strategy fundamentals from senior Wharton faculty members including Profs. Jeremy Siegel, Michael Useem, Olivia Mitchell and Brian Bushee Interact with colleagues from some of the world's leading news organizations Will receive a Wharton School Certificate of Completion Who: In recent years, reporters have come from media outlets such as the New York Times, Nikkei, Wall Street Journal, CNBC India, Chicago Tribune, Fortune, Financial Times, CNN, Les Echos, Marketplace, Bloomberg and China Central TV. Learn more: For complete information on the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, visit the Web site or contact Peter Winicov, Director, Wharton Media Relations at +1-215-746-6471 or communications(at)wharton(dot)upenn(dot)edu. 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 ongoing economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 9,000 annual participants in executive education programs; and a powerful alumni network of more than 96,000 graduates. Simply Connect not only works with a variety of software and operating systems, but also streamlines communication. Hospital networks nationwide are adopting health information exchanges (HIEs) to better, more efficiently and securely share health data. Simply Connect, based in Minnetonka, Minn., is one HIE software that prides itself on advocating for proactive healthcare management. Simply Connect technology can interface with all current electronic medical record (EMR) systems to share health care data across providers, pharmacies, hospital networks and health systems. The technology can also be customized to meet new updates. The adaptability and versatility of the software make it appropriate for all healthcare settings. Simply Connect and other HIE software aim to reduce health crises and minimize costs by providing platforms for productive interactions. The technology takes a value-based approach to health care management by making communication easy and efficient for users. The outcome of a successfully used HIE is engaged patients and informed care teams working with pre-crisis data and tools, which in turn would support data driven interventions and care management rather than simply following a schedule. Leading the launch of Simply Connect in Virginias hospital markets is Tina Fonteneau, Simply Connects State Director for Virginia HIE and Sales Director. There are incentives for taking a proactive approach to healthcare instead of looking at it simply from a post-crisis viewpoint and just going through the motions until something happens, said Fonteneau. If prepared, proactive providers use HIEs to share information with pharmacies, nursing staff, anyone who interacts with their patients, it leads to informed, activated patients. Fonteneau will oversee the use and installation of Simply Connect HIE software in hospital systems across the commonwealth, with hopes to expand the reach of the technology. With user-friendly features and a quick learning curve, Simply Connect is suitable for installation in any healthcare setting, including senior and assisted living communities. Simply Connect partners with extensions of Eldermark, whose primary focus is on senior care. Eldermarks suite of products offers a mobile app, non-emergency medical transport scheduling, cloud scanning and storage, a HIPAA-compliant messaging service, among a myriad of other features, all of which work seamlessly with Simply Connects HIE platform. Both brands also collaborate with NOTIFY, a nurse call system. Other HIE software has failed in the past because it wasnt compatible with other software, and therefore medical professionals didnt see the benefits of switching their workflow to adopt an entirely new technology, said Fonteneau. Simply Connect not only works with a variety of software and operating systems, but also streamlines communication. It couldnt be easier to use and the benefits truly are immeasurable. Some benefits of using Simply Connect include: Reduced costs Simply Connect uses virtual health records to make patient information sharing fast and efficient reducing fax, paper, printing and workflow expenses Real time connection community care partners, physicians, state and federal agencies, family members and vendors can retrieve and exchange in-the-moment health data Privacy resident and patient privacy is securely maintained both internally and during HIPAA-approved encrypted transmission of health records to providers and vendors Industry advantages using Simply Connect gives users a competitive advantage and demonstrates viability as an HIE business partner Messaging a HIPAA-compliant e-messaging service allows users to send and receive direct messages Hospital networks and assisted living communities nationwide can reap the benefits of using HIEs to share patient data. The largest hospital system currently using Simply Connect is in Washington State, but Fonteneau and her team, and similar teams in other regions of the country, aim to expand the use of the software to Virginias largest hospital systems. Alexander J. Hatala Lourdes Health System announced today that President and CEO Alexander J. Hatala retired from the system after 31 years of leadership and service to the community. Trinity Health and the Lourdes Board of Directors named Reginald Blaber, MD, MBA, President of the system, effective today. Hatala joined Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in 1986 as the executive vice president and chief operating officer. He became president and chief executive officer of Lourdes Health System in 1998 and assumed oversight for St. Francis Medical Center when it became closely affiliated with Lourdes in 2015. Under Hatalas leadership, people and communities in southern New Jersey have benefited from Lourdes growth from a single hospital to a multi-hospital system with an extensive physician network and numerous community-based ambulatory care centers. Among many clinical successes, the Lourdes cardiovascular program is one of the best in the nation, recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals for cardiac care and one of the top 50 hospitals for cardiac surgery. Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center also is the only hospital in New Jersey ever to receive the American Hospital Associations Foster McGaw award, the AHAs top national honor for a hospitals service to the community. Further, Lourdes has built one of the most robust accountable care organizations (ACO) in the region, leading the way in driving health care from volume to value. It has been a privilege to serve our communities with a team that dedicates their lives to our values-based mission while providing the best care possible to the people of southern New Jersey. I am proud of the accomplishments of Lourdes Health System over the past 31 years, said Hatala. Alexs leadership and decades-long commitment to our mission and core values have contributed to the organization's growth and reputation for high-quality care in the southern New Jersey region, and we wish him all the best, said Benjamin Carter, Executive Vice President for Trinity Health, which owns Lourdes Health System. We are pleased that Dr. Reginald Blaber has assumed the role as president of Lourdes Health System. Dr. Blaber is an innovative leader who has driven the expansion and integration of the cardiovascular service line at Lourdes. His clinical and operational experience will serve the organization well as he assumes the new role. About Dr. Blaber The Lourdes Health System Board of Trustees and Trinity Health have appointed Reginald Blaber, MD, MBA, FACC, as President of Lourdes Health System. Dr. Blaber joins a growing list of U.S. physicians who have assumed the role of lead health system executive. Most recently, he served as a member of the Lourdes senior management team as Executive Director of the Lourdes Cardiovascular Institute, Vice President of Cardiovascular Services and Chairman of Medicine. Among Dr. Blabers achievements is the creation of the Lourdes Cardiovascular Institute where he has led more than 80 employed and affiliated cardiologists, growing the service to become the largest heart program in southern New Jersey. In addition, he has created a culture of quality and innovation manifested by multiple awards for excellence. These include national recognition for cardiovascular and/or cardiac surgery quality by leading, independent ratings organizations such as Healthgrades, Becker's and Truven Health Analytics. This also includes a front-page feature in the New York Times highlighting Lourdes' excellent door-to-balloon times for the rapid treatment of heart attack. Dr. Blaber is a practicing cardiologist who has been affiliated with Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center for over 20 years. There he participated in numerous clinical and administrative committees, including a term as president of the Medical Staff. In 2010, he was named president of Lourdes Medical Associates, and in 2011 president of Lourdes Cardiology Services. In 2016, he was appointed to the New Jersey Cardiovascular Health Advisory Panel. The same year, the Diocese of Camden honored him with the Saint Luke Award for leadership in Catholic healthcare in Southern New Jersey. He has served on the board of The Joseph Fund, the Haddonfield Ambulance Association, the Interfaith Care Givers of Haddonfield as well as the Bucknell University Alumni Association. Dr. Blaber has received numerous Top Doc awards from local and regional publications. Dr. Blaber came to South Jersey by way of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Fort Benning and Fort Meade, serving six years in the U.S. Army as an internist, achieving the rank of major. He received his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine, where he completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease. He graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Chemistry. He earned a MBA from Villanova University. About Lourdes Health System Lourdes Health System is one of southern New Jerseys leading healthcare providers, with hospitals located in Camden (Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center) and Willingboro (Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County), and outpatient centers and physician practices throughout Southern New Jersey. Lourdes Health System is recognized nationally for excellence in clinical care and service to the community, offering a full range of medical, surgical, obstetrical, behavioral health, rehabilitation and long-term acute care services. LHS Health Network, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) formed to provide coordinated, comprehensive care across physician practices, hospitals and other healthcare providers, was created in 2013. The health system was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, N.Y., and is a member of Trinity Health, with hospitals in 22 states. For more information, visit http://www.lourdesnet.org Camp Logan Mutiny The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is hosting a week's worth of free events and activities August 21-26 in remembrance of the Camp Logan Mutiny, a clash between white Houston police officers and black WWI soldiers 100 years ago. View the Camp Logan media kit here. To mark the anniversary of this milestone in U.S. history, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum will unveil a new exhibit detailing the events of the Camp Logan Mutiny and featuring memorabilia from World War I and the African American soldiers of the Third Battalion of the Twenty-fourth United States Infantry Regiment. In addition, the week of events will also feature exhibit tours; a speaker series including descendants of soldiers and police officers; reenactment of the mutiny; documentary viewing of "Mutiny on the Bayou" and panel discussion; tombstone placement ceremony; marker re-dedication; and book signing by author Angela Holder. Several notable academics will participate in the speaker series, taking place Saturday, August 26 at the museum. Speakers include: Paul Bentley, author of All Blood Runs Red and My Torrington Days: A Collection of Writings Garna L. Christian, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of History, University of Houston and author of Black Soldiers in Jim Crow Texas: 1899-1917 Jerome Gray, vice president and senior press officer at Metropolitan Transit Authority and former news anchor and reporter Angela Holder, curator and professor of history at Houston Community College, and great niece of Corporal Jesse Moore, who was among the members of the 24th Infantry Robert Tecklenburg, author of Chasing Pancho Villa, Vietnam veteran and former manager of Veterans Center in Alexandria, Virginia Chad Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of African and Afro-American Studies, Brandeis University and author of Torchbearers of Democracy: African American Soldiers in the World War I Era Visitors traveling to Houston for the events may receive a special rate through a partnership with SpringHill Suites Houston Downtown/Convention Center. The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum hours of operation are Monday Friday, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Admission is free on Thursdays. For more information please visit, http://www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com or call 713-942-8920. 100th Commemoration of the Camp Logan Mutiny Schedule August 21, 2017 Reception, 6:00 p.m. Mutiny on the Bayou documentary and panel discussion, 7:00 p.m. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston August 22 Camp Logan Exhibit Opening, 10:00 a.m. Reception, Book Signing & Tour, 6:00 9:00 p.m. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston August 23 Tombstone Placement Ceremony, 10:00 a.m. - College Park Cemetery, 3525 West Dallas Camp Logan Marker Rededication Ceremony, 5:00 p.m. - Memorial Park, 6400 Haskell @ Arnot August 25 Reception, Mutiny Reenactment, 6:00 9:00 p.m. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston August 26 Speaker Series, 9:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston ABOUT THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum exists to educate the public about the experiences and contributions of Americas Buffalo Soldiers and to preserve the history and traditions of African American soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War. The museum is a501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Vietnam veteran and African American military historian Captain Paul J. Matthews. There is a surge in market demand for efficiency as-a-service projects across the board, said Bob Hinkle, President and CEO, Metrus Energy. Metrus Energy, a pioneer in energy efficiency financing, has announced an Efficiency Services Agreement (ESA) project with Jack Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the companys first deal with an educational institution. The $1.1 million efficiency-as-a-service project will be installed later this summer at the Academys multi-building campus and will include HVAC upgrades, building automation, hot water controls and interior lighting retrofits. The project will reduce the Academys energy use by more than 25%. This translates into approximately 13,000 tons of COthe equivalent of taking 2,500 cars off the road over the life of the project. Metrus is collaborating with Siemens on the installation, operation and management of the energy efficiency measures. Reinvestment Fund is a new lending partner for Metrus on this deal. The overall project will benefit from a public-private partnership by tapping into the State of Pennsylvania's Green Energy Loan Fund (GELF), which finances energy conservation and efficiency improvements for buildings across Pennsylvania. GELF was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energys State Energy Program. This energy efficiency project is going to provide significant cost-savings and key upgrades to our school, said Alex Stroker, Chief Operating and Development Officer, Barrack Hebrew Academy. The beauty of this type of an agreement is that the energy savings will pay for the cost of new equipment and upgrades. Ultimately this will benefit our students by making a more comfortable and healthy learning environment while freeing up funds for other school programs. There is a surge in market demand for efficiency as-a-service projects across the board, said Bob Hinkle, President and CEO, Metrus Energy. Schools like Barrack Academy are proactively upgrading their facilities by tapping into energy savings realized from their own efficiency retrofit projects. Implementing building improvements in an educational institution not only saves energy costs, lowers CO emissions, and simplifies facility maintenance, but also helps improve the learning environment for students and faculty, said Joseph Peters, Zone Vice President, Siemens Building Technologies Division. About Metrus: Metrus Energy is a leader in energy efficiency financing for large retrofit and building upgrade projects at commercial, industrial and institutional facilities. Through its comprehensive financing solutions, Metrus pays for all upfront and ongoing project costs, removing initial investment as a barrier and providing facilities with the immediate financial, operational and environmental benefits of impactful energy efficiency measures. Metrus has developed and financed a wide range of retrofit projects for its customers, including high efficiency lighting, energy management and controls systems, HVAC equipment upgrades and replacements, motors and pumps and continuous commissioning programs. Revolutionary Minimally Invasive Procedures Spine surgeons from both the US and International attended the conference, which highlighted the revolutionary OLLIF spinal procedure. Inspired Spine recently held its 2nd Annual Minimally Invasive Spine Conference in June 26-28, 2017 in Alexandria Minnesota. Spine surgeons from both the US and International attended the conference, which highlighted the revolutionary OLLIF spinal procedure. Board Certified Neurosurgeon Dr. Hamid Abbasi, who has performed over 500 OLLIF cases to date, hosted the surgeons. Sessions included updates on clinical indications, published research, real case observation and several cadaver labs. After the live OR observation of several cases, surgeons were able to then learn and practice the technique in the cadaver lab with guidance from Dr. Abbasi. The OLLIF procedure, which stands for Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, has been revolutionary for treating degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis/arthritis and degenerative scoliosis. The minimally invasive spinal surgery procedure is often performed as an outpatient with an incision the size of a dime. There is a thoracic variation of the OLLIF known as the Direct Thoracic Interbody Fusion (DTIF) which was also taught. The amazing feature of the DTIF is the ability to perform a thoracic fusion without the need to perform a thoracotomy. Numerous peer reviewed publications in Cureus have appeared over the past year regarding the OLLIF, showing the procedure to incorporate 90% less blood loss than TLIF and significantly faster recovery with less hospitalization. Inspired Spine is dedicated to the education of surgeons on the most advanced up to date techniques established through evidence based practice and peer reviewed study publications, that demonstrate remarkable patient outcomes superior to other techniques still being used. With over 500 procedures performed to date successfully, Inspired Spines OLLIF procedure has become the new standard of care in minimally invasive spine surgery. Visit http://inspiredspine.com to read about the proven benefits, hear from satisfied patients and see a detailed animation of the procedure. Call (888) 378-2828 for more information and to schedule a consultation. NEWSCYCLE Solutions and Times Publishing Company announce an agreement to implement the Newscycle ONSET editorial and web content management platform at the Tampa Bay Times in St. Petersburg, Florida. The ONSET software will manage the multichannel content creation and publishing process for the Times websites, and will be deployed in the Newscycle Cloud environment, hosted by Amazon Web Services. Winner of 12 Pulitzer Prizes, the Tampa Bay Times acquired the Tampa Tribune in 2016 and is now the sixth largest newspaper in the country. The newly combined company needed a unified and fully integrated technology stack to help fuel online revenue goals and support key business growth strategies. As an existing Newscycle Circulation and Content customer, Times Publishing felt confident in extending its 13-year partnership with Newscycle to include the new digital content publishing platform. The Times has enjoyed a long-term relationship with Newscycle and looks forward to updating some of its key systems with state-of-the-art technology, said Jana Jones, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Times. ONSET is fully integrated with the Newscycle Content editorial system to create and deliver all multimedia digital and print content including news stories, images, video, links and tagging as a part of the storytelling process. Specialized modules, widgets, tools and dashboards in ONSET will help the Tampa Bay Times team in simplifying and accelerating digital content workflows and enhancing newsroom collaboration. The Tampa Bay Times has a long-standing relationship with Newscycle, and the implementation of our ONSET web content management solution will provide a common platform to deliver timely, credible content to their audiences, said Dan Paulus, Chief Revenue Officer at Newscycle. ONSET is gaining momentum around the world and is helping media companies to optimize their core print businesses, while accelerating the focus on digital initiatives that serve the news consumption habits and preferences of readers across all age groups. For more information or to arrange a demonstration of ONSET, please write to info(at)newscycle(dot)com or visit http://www.newscycle.com/onset About NEWSCYCLE Solutions NEWSCYCLE Solutions develops and delivers software technology that empowers the global news media industry. Our editorial, advertising, circulation and mobile solutions enable publishers to drive profitability, accelerate digital business models and optimize core print operations. We help our clients create stronger, better-informed communities while safeguarding the integrity of news, advertising and customer information. Newscycle is a trusted partner serving over 1,200 media companies with 3,000 properties producing more than 8,000 titles in 30 countries. Our company is headquartered in Bloomington, MN and has U.S. offices in Florida, Michigan and Utah; with international offices in Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Canada and the United Kingdom. Please visit http://www.newscycle.com for more information or write to us at info(at)newscycle(dot)com. By PTI: Kolkata, Aug 2 (PTI) Coal Indias e-auction of coal sales was up by around 32 per cent to 32.7 million tonne during the first quarter of FY 2017-18. "The PSU coal mining behemoth has booked 32.7 million tonne of coal through different e-auction schemes during April-June 2017 against 24.8 million tonne in the same quarter in the previous fiscal, an increase of 7.9 million tonne," a CIL official told PTI. advertisement In 2016-17, CIL had booked 113.8 million tonne of coal through e-auction mode. The coal major was pushing coal in the e-auction mode to improve margin though there had been a gradual decline in the price. The CIL has proposed that a total of 105 million tonne coal be e-auctioned from July 2017 to March 2018. Currently, CIL offered coal under different e-auction schemes like spot e-auction, special forward e-auction for power producers, exclusive e-auction for non-power and special spot e-auction. Coal production in the (Q1) April-June quarter was 118.84 million tonne, registering a de-growth of 5.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. PTI BSM RG MM --- ENDS --- The son of freedom fighter Satindra Mohan Dev, Santosh Mohan Dev was the third-generation Congressman. By India Today Web Desk: Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Santosh Mohan Dev today passed away at a hospital in Silchar, Assam. He was 83. The news of the death was first shared by his daughter and MP Sushmita Dev on Twitter. "Nothing could have prepared me for this moment. I lost him at 6.06 am today. Thank you everyone for your prayers, your love for him," she said. advertisement A seven-time parliamentarian, Santosh Mohan Dev was believed to be one of the most trusted ministers of Rajiv Gandhi. He served as the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises under the UPA-1 government led by Manmohan Singh. He was the Minister of State for Communications from 1986-1988 and Minister of State for Home from 1988 to 1989. The son of freedom fighter Satindra Mohan Dev, Santosh Mohan Dev was the third-generation Congressman. His daughter Sushmita Dev, also a Congress member, is an MP from Silchar. BUILT CONGRESS FROM GRASSROOTS IN NORTHEAST As news of Santosh Mohan Dev's death spread, condolence messages started pouring in. President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Heartfelt condolences on demise of ex-Union Minister & MP Santosh Mohan Dev. A loss for his family, for Assam & for India." Narendra Modi said, "Saddened by the passing away of Santosh Mohan Dev. He was a veteran political leader who worked extensively for welfare of people." Congress president Sonia Gandhi remembered Santosh Mohan Dev's contribution towards building the Congress from the grassroots in the Northeast. "In a political career spanning five decades, Dev held numerous crucial political assignments in the Congress party and in the government, including that of a Union Cabinet Minister," Sonia Gandhi said. Congress veteran and former president Pranab Mukherjee also expressed his condolences to Santosh Mohan Dev's family. "Deeply saddened at the passing away of a long time friend and colleague, Shri Santosh Mohan Dev," Mukherjee tweeted. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi's leadership in question as Congress continues to lose ground Is young Congress brigade fleeing party due to nepotism, corruption and doublespeak? Sonia Gandhi on 3 years of Modi government: Where there was harmony, there is discord --- ENDS --- Hair extension has been draining the pockets of many women in the last few years. Arguably, some women feel it adds some glam and class to their look whenever they step out. But, have you ever wondered where the hair extensions really come from? The best quality hair comes from Asian or Eastern European countries where poverty is relatively high and works poorly pay. Some women often see selling their hair as the best way to make money and feed their families. Women who grow their hair to sell keep their hair away from any contact with pollutants and make sure it is kept in top condition while to grows. In some parts of India, women visit Hindu temple as part to perform a religious ritual which involves shaving all their hair as a sign of devotion. READ ALSO: How to use hemp seeds for a spotless face This act is also to thank the gods or ask them for health and happiness in the future. The temple attendants auction the hair to processing plants who take on from there. Hairs are sorted into different categorizations with respect to length and texture. It is then washed thoroughly and hanged to dry. The presiding judge Victoria Efua Ghansah delivering her judgment said she was fully convinced by the prosecution that the accused indeed committed the offence. READ MORE: Defence ordered to open case in Marwako saga The Lebanese boss rubbed his worker Evelyn Boakyes face in blended pepper. The genesis of the case happened in February 2017, caused a stir on social media and forced the state's attention to the allegation of workplace abuse. Since March 2017, Jihad has been in court over the charges of offensive conduct, assault and causing harm. The attorneys of the Lebanese supervisor had at the previous hearing presented terms of an out of court settlement in an attempt to get the court to discharge the accused person. However, the magistrate Victoria Ghansah who was on the case rejected. According to her the case under her jurisdiction is a criminal matter and this made her proceed to deliver her judgement on the substantive matter. Magistrate Ghansah said prosecution had succeeded in proving beyond reasonable doubt that Jihad assaulted the caterer and also caused harm. He was subsequently sentenced to Six (6) months in prison for assault and Nine (9) months for causing harm. Both sentences run concurrently. Jihad's lawyers have signalled, they intend to appeal the judgement. Chaaban was also charged with the offensive conduct by calling the victim a prostitute and intentionally and unlawfully causing harm and assault. The Congress had moved the Election Commission and demanded that the provision of NOTA should not be made in the ballot papers for the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections. By India Today Web Desk: The Congress has challenged the Election Commission's notification allowing 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option in Gujarat Rajya Sabha election in the Supreme Court, which will hear the case on Thursday. In its plea, the Congress has claimed there is no sanction in law to introduce NOTA in a Rajya Sabha election and has called the government action illegal. "The government has no constitutional backing or support of a statute," it says. advertisement "The BJP wants to win the Gujarat Rajya Sabha election using 'saam, daam, dand, bhed' (by hook or crook). But the truth will win. Ahmed Patel will win. The Congress earlier fought the white British, it is now win against the dark British," Congress spokesperson Ranndeep S Surjewala told India Today. HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW On Tuesday, the Congress had moved the Election Commission and demanded that the provision of NOTA should not be made in the ballot papers for the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections. The Congress argued that NOTA would render the system of proportional representation "nugatory and otiose." In its petition to the Election Commission, the party said that use of NOTA option during the Rajya Sabha elections was contrary to the mandate of the Constitution, the Representation of People's Act, the conduct of election rules as also judgment of the Supreme Court. In its petition, the party said that use of NOTA in "indirect elections" was in direct conflict with and militates against the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. "The Commission ought not to make applicable the NOTA provision in the ballot paper in the ensuing Rajya Sabha elections," said the petition, moved by Congress leaders Anand Sharma and Manish Tewari. "The system of NOTA makes the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote nugatory and otiose and cannot be made applicable in Rajya Sabha elections," the petition added. The party's petition against NOTA comes in the wake of defections in its Gujarat unit ahead of the poll to the Upper House in which its senior leader Ahmed Patel is a candidate. The party apparently has apprehensions that Patel may not be able to get the required votes if some of its MLAs opt for NOTA when they cast their ballot. Seven of its Gujarat MLAs have already resigned from the party. To save further defections in the party, the Congress has herded its Gujarat MLAs to Karnataka and has accused the BJP of buying its leaders by using money and intimidation. Election Commission officials, on their part, said the panel had made it clear in its communications following a Supreme Court judgment of 2013 that NOTA option will be applicable in the Rajya Sabha elections. ALSO READ BJP banks upon cross-voting and NOTA for Ahmed Patel's defeat in Rajya Sabha polls Disqualification if you mark NOTA: Congress whip to MLAs ahead of Gujarat RS polls WATCH: NOTA in Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat: Congress up in arms in Upper House --- ENDS --- Health-policy experts and insurance companies often cite uncertainty over the payments as the biggest danger to the short-term future of the individual insurance markets established by the ACA, the healthcare law better known as Obamacare. The CSR payments help reimburse insurers for providing plans with low deductibles and low out-of-pocket costs for poorer Americans on the exchanges. Over the past few months, a slew of insurers and state insurance commissions reported that without the payments, premiums on the exchanges would increase substantially in 2018. Under Obamacare, the payments came through an executive-branch order. The unusual appropriation became the subject of a lawsuit between the Republican-controlled House and the Obama administration, with the health and human services secretary as the defendant. In 2016 a judge ruled in favor of the House, saying the CSR payments were illegal because Congress did not appropriate them. The Obama administration filed an appeal of that decision. Trump and his team can decide whether to continue that appeal; pulling it would effectively cut off CSR payments unless Congress were to appropriate the funds. But on Monday, the court ruled that the 17 states and DC could intervene and continue the appeal. The court's ruling said ending the payments would be damaging to the states' citizens. Nicholas Bagley, a professor of health law at the University of Michigan, wrote on the Incidental Economist blog that this decision by the court made it harder for the Trump administration to cut off the CSR payments. "If the Trump administration wanted to stop making cost-sharing payments, the easiest way to do so would be to dismiss the appeal," Bagley said. "The lower court entered an injunction to stop those payments, but put its injunction on hold to allow for an appeal. If Trump were to order the appeal's dismissal, the injunction would spring into force, and the payments would end." "Now the states can keep the appeal alive, even if Trump wants to get rid of it," he added. Bagley said a key element of the case as with some court decisions surrounding the administration's travel ban was Trump's own statements. Trump's tweets threatening to cut off the payments supported the idea that the states faced enough danger that they deserved to take up the case. "The States have filed within a reasonable time from when their doubts about adequate representation arose due to accumulating public statements by high-level officials both about a potential change in position and the Department's joinder with the House in an effort to terminate the appeal," the court's decision said. Bagley and Timothy Jost, a professor at the Washington and Lee University School of Law who supports the ACA, suggested the decision didn't mean Trump couldn't still try to end the payments. But the two agreed that ending the appeal would no longer be a definitive deathblow to the payments. "The decision does not mean that the Trump administration is barred from ending the cost-sharing reduction payments," Jost wrote at Health Affairs. "It does mean, however, that the administration cannot unilaterally stop the CSR payments, dismiss the appeal, and claim judicial imprimatur for its doing so." This is according to the AGIs second quarter business barometer report. Akwaboah in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM called for a restructuring of the tariff regime. The high cost of electricity tariffs continues to render Industry uncompetitive. Reduction in energy sector levies has not reduced tariff levels significantly. It is critical for the current tariff regime to be reassessed. We must look at the situation where industry pays more than residential consumers. It must be reversed. He called on the government to reduce the cost of the tariff to the industries since that will encourage economic growth and the manufacturing sector. READ ALSO: Minority walks out over Ameri deal At tariff levels of over 19 cents kW/h, it is important to re-examine the current utility pricing and tax regime. If the government is to chart a competitive path for the industry then we must reduce the cost of power to industry, he stressed. This was disclosed by the Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo. Speaking to the media Domelevo said the culprits are expected to refund the money with interest according to the Bank of Ghana rate. He added that more people will be served surcharge notice in the coming days. READ ALSO: AGI complains of high cost of power He pledged that his office is ready to implement the Supreme Court ruling and we are going through a pain taking exercise to build file on each case. Its a gradual process. Im sure that you are aware that there are several adduces but we cant tackle all of them together, we have to go gradually, systematically and build it case by case. Each case, we must build the file with all the supporting documents or evidence so that when the persons aggrieved files an appeal against us the C.I. 102 says we have only 14 days to submit our evidence to the court to prove to the court the basis we used in surcharging the persons, he added. In June 2017, the Supreme Court ordered the Auditor-General to start the process of surcharging all persons who are found to have misappropriated public fund in their reports. READ ALSO: Regional minister to meet Official Liquidator This ruling was passed after a pressure group, Occupy Ghana filed a suit against the Auditor General praying the court to compel them not to only report on financial misappropriations by public officials but to take steps to retrieve all state finances that may have gone into wrong hands. In a related development, Domelevo said his outfit is putting in every effort to build a solid case in order not to lose in court should any of the aggrieved persons file an appeal. The Union argued that the budget did not include policies needed to prevent foreign traders from the retail industry, which is one of their major challenges they face in the sector. According to the Public Relations Officer of GUTA, Joseph Paddy they need government to demonstrate a strong will to clamp down on illegal traders as being done for Galamsey. He told GNA that most of these foreigners operate under the mask of the ECOWAS and other international protocols on the free movement of goods and people, which was wrong, as they fail to obey trade laws governing our state. Some even hawk on our major streets while others pack their goods on trucks and sell them freely at our various market centres. Something that cannot be done in other countries, he added. He also added that some perpetrators of illegal mining after being chased out of the illegal sites have also joined the retail community and were trading in all kinds of products without any permit and authorisation. READ ALSO: AGI complains of high cost of power Most of these people have not registered with GIPC. They just trade anyhow, which is worrying. I remember the Ministry of Trade, GUTA and the GIPC formed a task force to combat this impunity, but it was just a nine-day wonder. We havent seen many changes, he added. Earlier reports stated that the actor had passed away in a motor accident and has served a notice of intent to arrest the reporter. According to the false report, Lilwin was on his way to Accra on a business trip when a van run into his car few miles away from a popular rest point, Linda Dor. But Abdul Razak Amissah, manager of the Kumawood actor told Ghanaweb.com that the story was conjured. He stated that Lilwin has been out of the country for a month and was so was perplexed at the report. Razak confimed that the matter had been reported to the authorities. The fisherman, Edward Quansah pleaded not guilty but the court presided over by Kwame Amoako found him guilty at the end of the trial, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) reports. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Christina Sampong said that the complainant, Mr Emmanuel Koufie, is the uncle of the victim. They were both living in the same vicinity with the fisherman, Quansah at Ekumfi Narkwa. READ ALSO: Angry women tie up and beat alleged child rapist According to the prosecutor, Quansah, on March 29 this year lured the victim into a nearby bush and forcefully had sex with her. He later abandoned her in the bush until some passers-by came to her rescue. The four-year-old was sent to the Mankessim Roman Hospital but was later referred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital where she is still receiving treatment. Chief Inspector Sampong said a medical report indicated that the victim had been defiled and the case was referred to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service at Cape Coast. READ ALSO: Police arrest six Nigerians for alleged kidnapping and rape We entirely disagree with the findings of the court. We thought that we put up a very good defense. She [the judge] thought otherwise. The real investigator of the case said from the evidence before her it was an accident. We have said it was an accident, she thought otherwise. We have taken instructions from our client to appeal immediately. We are going back to the chambers to start working on the appeal process, lawyer for Chaaban said. By PTI: leader Chandigarh, Aug 2 (PTI) RSS leader Indresh Kumar today termed cow meat as poison and claimed that its urine can treat diseases like cancer and dung can be used for making bunkers. He described cow as "mother of humanity" and said it offers many benefits by producing milk and dung and these have several uses. advertisement "90 per cent of the worlds population depends on cow milk and that is why it is called mother of humanity. Cow keeps poisonous things to itself and gives milk and gobar (cow dung)," he claimed. "Dung can also be used for making bunkers. It is also used as cement by common man for making houses. Its urine has medicinal properties which treat diseases like cancer," Kumar claimed. He claimed that cow meat was poison and killing of cows was not allowed in any religion. "If somebody says he will eat poison (cow meat) then we can pray for him that better sense prevails," he said. Asked whether he was suggesting that cow meat should not be eaten, he said, "Tobacco is also called poison and this warning is written on packets. We are not forcing anybody. We are just telling the truth. Therefore, telling the truth is not prohibiting anybody." Asked about export of beef from the country, Kumar said it has dropped significantly. "As far as beef export is concerned, you (media) can take government figures which says beef export has reduced," the RSS leader said. The RSS leader was here to attend an event organised by the Forum for Awareness of National Security here. Mohd Faiz Khan, National Convener of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, was also present on this occasion. He had started Gau Seva Sadbhavana padayatra from Leh to Kanyakumari in June to generate awareness about cow protection, cow rearing, medicinal qualities of milk, ghee etc. PTI CHS SUN VJ AAR --- ENDS --- On Tuesday, August 1, the Minority has stormed out of parliament over the controversial Ameri deal. READ MORE: Doe Adjaho accused of controlling Parliament This follows unsuccessful attempts to stop the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa K.T Hammond from moving a motion in Parliament seeking the review of the deal. They walked out because they disagreed with the motion. The walk out by the Minority follows series of protest by its members against the Speaker of Parliament. On Thursday, July 27, the Minority voiced their frustration and disenchantment that the Speaker exhibited naked bias against them when the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, appeared on the floor of Parliament to answer questions on the Planting for Food and Jobs programme of the government. The Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka, interacting with journalists after the Minority walked out of Parliament said they are fed with the biases of the Speaker and will continue to protest in similar fashion. He said "We dont want it to look as if we are just complaining and complaining. But one thing we can assure Mr. Speaker is that we shall continue to fight until he understands that this is a House that every Member must be given space. When we were debating the Gitmo 2, Members will stand up and he will not recognize them. He was even participating in the debate which is not allowed. Even when Hon. Mahama Ayariga was reminding him that this is the only platform that ordinary citizens of this country can express themselves without being heckled, he will not listen. We are worried and we left because one he should have allowed our leader to exhaust the Supreme Court ruling he was referring to. READ MORE: Minority threatens to impeach Speaker of Parliament "We are saying that the constant neglect by the Speaker to ignore and to disrespect the Minority yes look with the greatest of respect, you could be in the age bracket of some of our parents but remember that some of the Members behind us are older than him. So he should stop looking at us as if we are some small boys that are talking to him. With the greatest respect, both the Minority Leader and myself, we came to this House with him in 2005. He left and came back and we are still here. "He should know that we are the official mouth piece of the minority, the opposition in this country. If we cannot have enough space to even air our views, then what business are we coming here to do. Our notice is that we shall continue to demonstrate to insist to walk out and to do whatever we can to make the Speaker understands that the Chamber of Parliament is for Members of Parliament and it is for Members of Parliament to express their views." Meanwhile, the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has asked the Minority to conduct themselves properly in House. He is leading a 15-member Commonwealth Observer Group to monitor and report on the August 8, 2017 general elections in Kenya. The team will check compliance with electoral laws. Mahama in a Facebook post said he is in "Nairobi to observe the critical August 08 election for The Commonwealth. Praying for a successful and peaceful election. Held an insightful session with 14 other colleagues and our technical staff this afternoon and we are all poised for some busy days beginning tomorrow." Kenya votes Kenyans will be heading to the polls on August 8 for elections that have been closely followed. Election posters have replaced consumer goods ads on street billboards as politicians step up their campaigns to win over the 19 million registered voters. It is the sixth presidential election since the country of more than 45 million people embraced a multi-party democratic system in 1992. According to opinion polls, opposition leader Raila Odinga has a slight lead over incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta. In a statement released by the Spokesman to the President, Mr. Femi Adeshina, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, President Buhari suspended these two officials pending the outcome of the investigation currently going on. President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into the allegations of violations of law and due process made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David Babachir Lawal, in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE). The President has also directed the suspension of the SGF from office pending the outcome of the investigations. The Presidency had earlier cleared the Secretary to the Federal Government of any wrongdoings based on an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on the Issue, but the countrys Senate insistence on further investigation and allegation of selective prosecution in the current war against corruption may have necessitated this move by the president. In a related development, the President has ordered a full scale investigation into the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has made a claim. The President has also directed the suspension of the Director General of the NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, pending the outcome of the investigation. Many international and local observers and politicians have taken to the social media to express their opinion about the move by the President. Members of the Nigerian Senate have also commented on the development. Mr. Shehu Sani, APC Senator- Kaduna South, stated it is commendable that the president has taken the senate committee report and recommendations seriously. The sword of truth is not just cast and sharpened for the neck of foes but also for those of friends, said Mr. Sani, after the eventual suspension." He added during an interview with a Nigerian online news platform, its commendable for the president to heed the call to fumigate the throne of lice and bugs with the same ability he goes after rodents afar. The senate and the committee have nothing personal against the SGF or any person affected, but we simply did our job in conformity with our constitutional responsibilities and the moral calling of our conscience. We cannot jubilate because a mighty mortal is caught in the trap of his fate, we are neither saints nor angels, but we have a duty to raise a card a blow the whistle. Similarly, a Peoples Democratic Party Senator from Edo State, Matthew Urhoghide, told the News Agency of Nigeria that suspension of the SGF following the Senates call meant both executive and legislative arms were working cooperatively to check corruption. We are all complimenting each others effort in fighting corruption, and that is the truth, he said. Nigerians have also challenged the National Assembly to follow suit by complementing the current anti-corruption campaign. The current three-member investigation committee is headed by the country's Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbaji, alongside the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Security Adviser who as members of the committee. Mueller's team boasts a storied amount of experience both prosecution and criminal defense, hailing from prestigious law firms like WilmerHale to top spots within various divisions of the Justice Department. The lawyers, combined, possess a vast array of experience investigating financial fraud, corruption, money laundering, foreign bribery, and organized crime. And Mueller's team has been on the offensive from the get-go they have reportedly requested documents regarding some of Trump's most controversial decisions in the White House, and they have doggedly gone after Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman, executing a no-knock search warrant in July and even warning that they planned to indict him, according to The New York Times. "They are setting a tone. It's important early on to strike terror in the hearts of people in Washington, or else you will be rolled, Solomon Wisenberg, who served as deputy independent counsel in the Whitewater investigation in the 1990s, told the Times. "You want people saying to themselves, 'Man, I had better tell these guys the truth.'" Mueller's roster of lawyers has earned bipartisan acclaim for their wealth of experience, yet some members have come under fire from conservatives over their previous donations to Democrats. Some critics have even urged Trump to fire Mueller over the hires. Trump himself has even weighed in: "You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history led by some very bad and conflicted people!" Trump wrote on Twitter in June. Here are some of Muellers hires: Michael Dreeben Dreeben, the deputy solicitor general overseeing the Department of Justice's criminal docket, is widely regarded as one of the top criminal law experts in the federal government. He is working for Mueller on the investigation part-time as he juggles the DOJ's criminal appellate cases. Dreeben is best known for having argued more than 100 cases before the Supreme Court a feat that fewer than 10 other attorneys have accomplished in the court's history. Peers say his hiring reveals how seriously Mueller is taking the investigation, and how wide-ranging it ultimately could be. "That Mueller has sought his assistance attests both to the seriousness of his effort and the depth of the intellectual bench he is building," Paul Rosenzweig, a former Homeland Security official and Whitewater investigator, wrote on the Lawfare blog. Preet Bharara, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York who was recently fired by Trump, called Dreeben one of the DOJ's top legal and appellate minds in modern times: More importantly, Michael D... @ Preet Bharara Beyond possessing an "encyclopedic" knowledge of criminal law, lawyers who have worked with Dreeben say he also has a gift for anticipating questions his arguments will likely prompt, allowing him to prepare answers accordingly. "He answers [questions] directly. He answers them completely. And he answers them exquisitely attuned to the concerns that motivated them," Kannon Shanmugam, a partner at the law firm Williams & Connolly who worked with Dreeben at the solicitor general's office, told the Law360 last year. Andrew Weissmann Weissmann joined Mueller's team after taking a leave of absence from his current job leading the DOJ's criminal fraud unit. He formerly served as general counsel to the FBI under Mueller's leadership. Weissman also headed up the Enron Task Force between 2002 and 2005, for which he oversaw the prosecutions of 34 people connected to the collapsed energy company, including chairman Kenneth Lay and CEO Jeffrey Skilling. He spent 15 years as a federal prosecutor in the eastern district of New York, where he specialized in prosecuting mafia members and bosses from the Colombo, Gambino, and Genovese families. "As a fraud and foreign bribery expert, he knows how to follow the money. Who knows what they will find, but if there is something to be found, he will find it," Emily Pierce, a former DOJ spokeswoman under the Obama administration, told Politico. Weissman is one of several attorneys in Mueller's team that has donated to Democrats, although he does not appear to have donated in the 2016 election. He gave $2,300 to President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, and $2,000 to the Democratic National Committee in 2006, according to CNN's review of FEC records. Jeannie Rhee Rhee is one of several attorneys to resign from the WilmerHale law firm to join Mueller's investigation. She also has two years of DOJ experience, serving as deputy assistant attorney general under former Attorney General Eric Holder. She advised Holder and Obama administration officials on criminal law issues, as well as criminal procedure and executive issues, according to her biography on WilmerHale's website. As many critics of Mueller's investigation have pointed out, Rhee represented Hillary Clinton in a 2015 lawsuit that sought access to her private emails. She also represented the Clinton Foundation in a 2015 racketeering lawsuit. Rhee is also one of the members of Mueller's team under scrutiny for her political donations, and has doled out more than $16,000 to Democrats since 2008, CNN reported. She maxed out her donations both in 2015 and 2016 to Clinton's presidential campaign, giving a total of $5,400. James Quarles Quarles is another of Mueller's former WilmerHale colleagues who left the firm to join the special counsel investigation. He is acting as the investigation's point person for communicating with the White House, and has been relaying all of Mueller's requests to the Trump team with increasing frequency, according to The Daily Beast. Quarles is a well-respected, longtime litigator who served as an assistant special prosecutor in the Watergate investigation early in his career experience that gives him a significant edge in the Trump-Russia probe, according to colleagues. "There is nothing comparable to the kind of pressure and obligation that this kind of job puts on your shoulders," Richard Ben-Veniste, one of Watergate's special prosecutors, told CNN. "Having been there before gives [Quarles] the confidence to know how to do it and how to do it right." Quarles, like other lawyers working on the probe, has also faced scrutiny for donating almost $33,000 to politicians in past years. Although most of the donations went to Democrats including Obama and Hillary Clinton's presidential campaigns FEC records show he has also donated small amounts to Republicans such as Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz. Aaron Zebley Zebley is a longtime FBI staffer who spent years in the counterterrorism division as a special agent before becoming the agencys chief of staff under Mueller's leadership. Between FBI stints, Zebley served as assistant US attorney in the national security and terrorism unit. He then moved to the DOJs national security division before eventually joining the WilmerHale firm in 2014. He, like Quarles and Rhee, left his job at the firm to work on Muellers investigation. Zebleys early work at the FBI consisted of grueling, complicated investigations into terrorist groups like Al Qaeda even before 9/11 propelled the organization into infamy. Yet in recent years at WilmerHale, his focus has turned to cybersecurity. A recent profile in Wired called Zebley a "dogged FBI agent turned prosecutor turned confidant," noting that his tenacity, history of working alongside Mueller, and globetrotting, investigatory experience will be crucial assets moving into the Trump-Russia probe. Greg Andres Andres joined the investigation on Aug. 1, adding expertise in foreign bribery to Mueller's team. Andres previously worked at the DOJ between 2010 and 2012, as a deputy assistant attorney general in the department's criminal division. One of the most prominent cases he oversaw was the prosecution of Texas financier Robert Allen Stanford, who ran an $8 billion Ponzi scheme. He also has chops in prosecuting organized crime, having worked in the US attorney's office in Brooklyn on the criminal cases of several members of the infamous Bonanno family one of whom was even accused of plotting Andres' murder, according to Reuters. Most recently, Andres had worked as a white-collar-crime defense attorney for the firm Davis Polk & Wardwell. Andres told Law360 in a 2016 interview that trial lawyers should always "be confident, straightforward, and well-prepared." "Judges, juries, and adversaries can sense a lack of conviction and are unforgiving with respect to overstatement or misrepresentation," he added. "Emphasize the strengths of your case but acknowledge and concede the weak facts or legal precedent. Failing to cite adverse authority or hiding bad facts can be devastating." Zainab Ahmad Ahmad is best known for her counterterrorism experience as an assistant US attorney in the Eastern District of New York an office famed for its work prosecuting organized crime. Yet Ahmad, herself, is best known for successfully prosecuting 13 terrorists since 2009 without sustaining a single loss, according to a recent New Yorker profile. Ahmad's specialty in prosecuting extraterritorial terrorism cases has meant she has spent much of her time in both American and foreign prisons, interviewing convicted terrorists. One former supervisor told the magazine that Ahmad has likely spend more hours talking to "legitimate Al Qaeda members, hardened terrorist killers," than any other prosecutor in America. In a 2015 interview with West Point's Combating Terrorism Center, Ahmad said the best way for prosecutors to win over public trust is "to do their job fairly, with an open mind, and with integrity, throughout every stage of the criminal justice process." "As prosecutors we are taught over and over that our principal aim is to seek justice, not to achieve any particular subsidiary goal in any particular case," she said. Aaron Zelinsky Zelinsky came to the Mueller probe in June after a three-year stint in the US attorney's office in Maryland, where he worked under none other than Rod Rosenstein, who is now the deputy attorney general with authority over the Trump-Russia investigation. Zelinsky has clerked for Judge Thomas Griffith of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, a George W. Bush appointee, as well as Justice John Paul Stevens and Justice Anthony Kennedy. He also worked for the State Department under the Obama administration, where he dealt with hostage negotiations. "He is a professional, non-partisan straight shooter, who worked for Democrats at the State Department but has probably spent more years working for Republicans," former State Department legal adviser Harold Koh, who supervised Zelinksy, told The New Haven Independent. "He is an outstanding and fair-minded young prosecutor who will follow the facts and law where they lead. You can count on him to conduct any investigation based on law, not politics." Kyle Freeny SCOOP: Meet Trump-Russia pr... @ Josh Gerstein Freeny is one of the most recently discovered additions to the Mueller probe, joining the team shortly after withdrawing from the Justice Department's highest-profile money-laundering case on June 26, Politico reported. Freeny had been spearheading the DOJ's effort to seize profits from the film "The Wolf of Wall Street" following allegations that a co-founder of production company Red Granite Pictures, Riza Aziz, had used $64 million worth of stolen assets from the Malaysian government to finance the film. Lawyers for Red Granite Pictures said in a court filing earlier in September that they had reached a settlement with prosecutors. As Politico reported, Freeny has drawn criticism in the past when she was one of the lawyers defending the Obama administration from a lawsuit that challenged one of Obama's executive actions on immigration. US District Court Judge Andrew Hanen had accused Freeny and her colleagues of misleading him by incorrectly indicating that none of the changes ordered by Obama had taken effect. As a result, Hanen was prepared to order extra ethics training for many Washington-based DOJ lawyers and impose sanctions on the government and certain individual lawyers who were not specified. Hanen eventually backed down, however, and accepted that the lawyers' comments he believed to be misleading were "unintentional" and the lawyers "acted with no intent to deceive the other parties or the Court." Another aspect about Freeny likely to draw ire from Mueller's critics are her political donations to Democrats, which consist of $250 donations to each of Obama's presidential campaigns, and $250 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, according to Politico. Andrew Goldstein Before jumping to the Mueller probe, Goldstein led the public corruption unit in the US Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York, where he worked under Preet Bharara, the federal prosecutor who was famously fired by Trump in March after refusing to resign. During his tenure at the Southern District of New York, Goldstein helped prosecute New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, on federal corruption charges. Goldstein also has experience in prosecuting money laundering and asset forfeiture cases, The New York Times reported. Elizabeth Prelogar Prelogar is a lawyer on loan to the Mueller probe from the US solicitor general's office. Prelogar is fluent in Russian, according to The National Law Journal, and was a Fulbright scholar in Russia after graduating from Emory College. Prelogar also clerked for Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan. "Like Michael Dreeben, she is a person of superb intellect and deep integrity," former solicitor general Donald Gerrilli, who hired Prelogar in 2014, told The National Law Journal. "She can be counted on to call it as she sees it. Brandon Van Grack Van Grack worked in the US Attorney's office for the Eastern District of Virginia, where he helped prosecute national security, espionage, and international crime cases. "It would absolutely make sense that a small team like this would want him at their core because of how impossible it is not to get along with him," Josh Geltzer, a former colleague of Van Grack and executive director of Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy, told The Daily Beast. Adam Jed The staffer, Rich Higgins, is a former Pentagon official who served as a director for strategic planning on the NSC. In his memo, Higgins said Islamists, bankers, globalists, and the "deep state" were actively working against Trump, and claimed the ongoing Russia controversy was made up in an effort to sink Trump's agenda. " The goal of these anti-Trump forces, the memo said, was the promotion of "cultural Marxist outcomes" brought about as the result of "the left's" alliance with "Islamist organizations at local, national and international levels." "They operate in social media, television, the 24-hour news cycle in all media and are entrenched at the upper levels of the bureaucracies," Higgins argued. The risk these anti-Trump actors posed, he said, was a national security threat. The memo was circulated among people outside the White House and eventually came to the attention of the White House counsel's office, The Atlantic reported. After Higgins was asked about the memo on July 21, he was informed by deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell that he was being dismissed. Higgins' dismissal represents a victory for national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who Trump's staunchest allies, including White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and Fox News host Sean Hannity. one White House officialtold The Daily Beastthat Trump's "animus and suspicion towards 'Deep State'" actors would most likely skyrocket. The partnership,announced on Tuesday by the two parties will see increased pressure on troubled Uber in Asia,Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. In a statement from its founder and Chief Executive,Will Cheng ,the Chinese company,which is considered responsible for Ubers exit from the Chinese market explained its reason for partnering with Taxify. "Taxify provides innovative, high-quality mobility services across many diverse markets. We share a strong commitment to harnessing the power of mobile technology to satisfying rapidly evolving consumer demands and revitalizing traditional transportation industry. "I believe this partnership will contribute to cross-regional smart transportation linkages between Asian, European and African markets."Didi Chuxing's founder and Chief Executive Will Cheng Wei said in a press announcement Tuesday. The partnership underscores Didi Chutings growing stranglehold over the ride hailing ecosystem after it also invested $100million in another rival Lyft and raised billions in in investor funding. Taxifys growth in Africa especially in South Africa and Nigeria should be helped by this partnership as it seeks to overtake Uber. She made this disclosure while speaking at a parley between the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. While speaking on the topic "The Funding Nigeria Needs", the minister, who complained about the nation's poor tax-to-GDP ratio, the lowest in the world, said 87% of the country's VAT comes from only four states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She said, "There is no poor country that has a high tax compliance rate, and no rich country that has a low one. "55% of Nigeria's VAT is collected in Lagos State, 20% in FCT, 6% in Rivers, 5% in Kano, 1% in Kaduna. I'm hoping that one day, Finance Commissioners will stop needing to come to Abuja monthly to share FAAC, because IGR (internally generated revenue) will be sufficient." At the age of 58, late Afro Beat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti had been arrested 200 times, contested for presidency and had married 27 women on the same day but to his manager, Rikki Stein, he remained an enigma and was first and foremost a friend whose bravery and resolve for change remains unrivaled. For 15 years, Rikki Stein was Felas manager and during this period, he dedicated 15 years of his life towards working with a man whose ghost and message continued to haunt the very walls of Nigerias corridor of power. In this interview Stein revealed how he met the fallen star, some of his unforgettable moments with him and how he came to respect the musical brand and person that Fela stood for. This year marks 20 years since the death of Fela, and according to Riki Stein, the great Abami Eda still keeps him busy. Its because we put up his music worldwide, the catalogue of 50 albums, plus compilations, plus Vinyls. We have a series of Vinyl box sets that we put out, that we invite respected artistes to curate. The first was Questlove from The Roots, the second was Ginger Baker, and the third was Brian Eno, and we are just in the process of asking Erykah Badu to do box 4. In an emotional revelation, Stein detailed his first encounter with Fela Kuti in London, and how they were brought together via chance. The duo hit it off at the first meeting, which was the start of a great relationship which lasted for over a decade. I met Fela first in the back of a Mercedes van, on the M4 Motorway in the UK, lying in the heap of African dancers on our way back from a show. Someboy put on a cassette, and it was sorrow, tears and blood. I had never heard Fela before. I went away and did some research, and I found out some more. Then I met somebody, who knew one of the people that was working with him when he was in London on tour. At the time I was working on a rainforest festival, and I wanted to invite artistes from all the rainforest countries of the world to come together, plus people that could talk about the issues of deforestation. So I put together a proposal because I wanted Fela to join my board of advisers, and also to come play at the festival. I put a leather-bound proposal together. It was in the winter, and I had a hat, a coat and a scarf, and I knocked on the door, and he said come in. The room was filled with pretty girls, and Fela and his speedos as usual. And I sat down next to him, and I gave him this proposal and he was leafing through the thing, and I was talking into his ear. I cant remember what I said, but I said something, he spun around and looked at me, and we both started laughing, and we just became friends in that instant. Stein also shared details about his work with Fela, recounting how much of a visionary Fela was, and the influence he wielded around the country as a man who fought for the people. He also spoke of Felas burial, detailing scenes from the burial day. On the issue of Felas post-death global status, Stein talked about detractors who credit his death for the growth of his music, and his influence. Thats a wicked thing to say, Rikki replied. He further talked about Felas message and how much of it still remains relevant today, due to the unending ills of the society. By PTI: Bengaluru, Aug 2 (PTI) A day after announcing his return to active party work, sidelined AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran today met his aunt and party chief V K Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara central prison here. Emerging out of the jail premises, Dhinakaran said he enquired about Sasikalas health and discussed about party affairs with her. advertisement Sasikala is serving four-year jail term in a disproportionate wealth case. Dhinakaran told reporters that he would work towards strengthening the party by touring across the state. He had yesterday announced that he would resume party work from August 4 after a two-month hiatus and embark on a state-wide tour to facilitate efforts for merger of rival factions. His comments assume significance as a camp led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had earlier kept him and Sasikala from the affairs of the party and government. Though Dhinakaran had then said that he would keep away from the party work, he later questioned the authority of the ministers to sideline him. However, he said Sasikala had asked him to give two months time for the merger of the factions which would end on August 4. The ruling camp had yesterday sought to brush aside Dhinakarans announcement on returning to party work, saying Palaniswami continued to guide both the party and the government. PTI KSU RA VS SRY --- ENDS --- 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! 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! From the early 70s, Fela had steadily bought advertising spaces in newspapers and published scathing yet humorous exposes on the African situation. The articles spoke about cultural hegemony and colonial oppression in a voice that called on humor as much as militant aggression; an extension of the infamous Yabis nights that he held at his nightclub, the Africa Shrine. Years after, the Herald Sun, an Australian news website would liken him to a mix between a Cuban revolutionary and a Jamaican prophet; Imagine Che Guevara and Bob Marley rolled into one person and you get a sense of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti, it wrote in a February 2011 article. In many ways, Fela was more, a jazz-trained musician of privileged origins who gathered a nation of the discontented and used music to threaten men with guns. He was something that the oppressive military regimes of his time had never seen, but they knew to be afraid of. Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, Fela Kuti grew up in conditions that would have primed the average young man to despise authority. He was born into the family of Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, an Anglican minister, who was also the Principal of Abeokuta Boys Grammar School and the towns standard for a successful Christian father. On the other hand, his mother was Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a feminist before Twitter violently molested the word and a civil rights activist who had famously threatened the Alake of Egbaland into submission. Felas foundation might have sown tiny mustard seeds of dissent, but it was without, not within that he found the flames that ignited his anger towards Africas leaders and consequently, his activism. First was the beautiful and wet city of London where he had chosen to study music at Trinity College. In England, Fela saw an organized country where social amenities worked, the government fulfilled its obligation and there was racism towards blacks who were treated, in his words, "like shit".. The second was a beautiful African-American woman, Sandra Iszadore who introduced him to the Black Panthers, a militant civil rights group. Fela had come looking for success for his newly formed band, "Nigeria 70" but in Sandra and Malcolm X, he found truth, passion and an urge for his music to mean more than melodies and long saxophone solos. By the time his music became a mainstream force in the mid-1970s, after the success of "Jeun Koku", "Shakara" and "Expensive Shit", Fela was a giant, poison-tipped thorn in the flesh of the Nigerias military government, and heads of state from Murtala to Obasanjo. He was dedicated to making songs that spoke about social and political issues, spewing melodious venom at those in his line of fire. In Hank Bordowitzs 1998 book, Noise of the World: Non-Western Musicians in their own words, Fela is quoted as saying Music is supposed to have an effect. If youre playing music and people dont feel something, youre not doing shit. Thats what African music is about. When you hear something, you must move. I want to move people to dance, but also to think. Music wants to dictate a better life, against a bad life. When youre listening to something that depicts having a better life, and youre not having a better life, it must have an effect on you Over the years, Fela would be arrested, beaten, imprisoned, tortured and abused, but as soon as he was out, the music would continue and the chief priest of Afrika Shrine would proceed. Fela found this resilience, not from a vague, momentary doggedness like many of Nigerias 2-minute revolutionaries; his strength came because his message was a function of his life and an important spiritual journey that started with his mother. Although he was raised in an Anglican household, Fela was exposed to traditional beliefs and medicine from a young age, courtesy of his grandmother. In America, while he learned of black history from Sandras books, he developed a longing for his roots. After his return, Fela turned back to indigenous ways as much as possible, discarding western clothes for traditional fabrics and his Anglican faith for the worship of his ancestral gods. He called for Africas unity and peaceful co-existence and often referred to the work of influences like Kwame Nkrumah and friends like Thomas Sankara. For him, Africa was the source and its people deserved far more than the war and squalor that defined the continent in the 70s and 80s. Anyone who had played a part in his peoples oppression, old white men or overzealous soldiers, had to be put down. It was what made Yabis Night special. Every Thursday night, Fela would host elaborate performances of new songs at the Afrika Shrine, punctuated by long rants where he attacked the oppressive regimes, explaining how their selfish policies were destroying the nation and calling the people to speak and stand up. He never performed a song once it was recorded, so on Yabis night, fans would flock into his shrine to listen to new material and hear the Black President speak. Ultimately, it was one of those songs that showed us the darker side of the coin. Zombie o Zombie. Zombie no go go unless you tell am to go. Zombie no go come unless you tell am to come Fela had attacked the military in songs before, but on Zombie, he went miles further. In 12 minutes and 24 seconds of saxophone and percussion-driven pummeling, Fela ridiculed the Nigerian military, making fun of everything from their zombie-like obedience to the music they marched to. Olusegun Obasanjo, then military head of state, responded by setting soldiers on Kalakuta Republic, a large commune where Fela lived with his band of misfits, his musicians, his wives, children and his mother. In a matter of hours, soldiers burned it to the ground, raping the women, beating anyone in sight and throwing Felas mother from a second-story window. She would later die from her wounds. Fela spent weeks in jail after this but he continued. In 1984, after insulting then-head-of-state Muhammad Buhari in the massive hit Beasts of No Nation, he was convicted of smuggling. He would spend the next 20 months in jail; a scarred, shriveled shadow of himself upon his release. But Fela continued. In a continent that was plagued by civil war and poverty and a nation where uniformed thugs had held power for more than a decade, Felas decision to use his music as a weapon for change was necessary to show the people that they deserved more and they could ask for it. Perhaps unwittingly, he also showed the people what could come from asking for more. If Mandelas activism and 28 years in jail brought the end of apartheid and liberation for the indigenous people of South-Africa, Felas activism showed the pain and incessant victimization that comes with fighting for a peoples freedom. For all his love for the people, Fela was never totally accepted where he fought for. The media painted him as a philandering drug-addict who had a taste for violence and just so happened to make music. Parents saw him as an unnecessary influence on their children. Today, in a world where the appeal of imposing automobiles, flashy cars and the celebrity lifestyle is stronger than ever, Felas life is a mirror that every Nigerian artist must look into. 20 years after his death, the same ills he sang about are daily realities; the people he spoke about on Yabis Night are still in power; the man who locked him up on false charges is now Nigerias president-in-absentia. Nigerias musicians must understand that their art must serve a purpose that is bigger than turntables and iTunes charts; a purpose that demands that they draw attention to what life means for the average Nigerian and what must be done to bring the change that he hopes for. It is hard; conscious music does not bring the success and acclaim as more shallow offerings. The suspect, Victor Umeh, a trader at the Ladipo Market in Mushin area of the state, was arrested by police operatives attached to the Ago Division in Okota after he allegedly killed the lover identified as Happiness, at his house located at in his house on Saturday, July 29, 2017. Daily Sun reports that Umeh had brutally beaten the deceased before she died in his house and in the process of carrying her corpse away, his neighbours saw him and alerted the police at Ago Division. It was learned that Umeh who hails from Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State had hosted a birthday party for the deceased said to be from Plateau State at a hotel on Ago-Palace Way, on the night of the incident. While the party was going on, Umeh saw the victim conversing with her former boyfriend and he left in anger but after the party, Happiness was said to have returned to Umeh's home since his wife and children are in his village. It was when Happiness got to the house that a quarrel ensued between them leading to the fatal fight. A neighbour who said he heard the commotion in the night, said: We heard them quarreling, but we thought it was a normal verbal war until we did not hear Happiness' voice again. We decided to find out what was happening, only to meet the lifeless body of Happiness. When Victor saw us, he tried to escape, but we held him and quickly alerted the police from Ago-Okota Division who came to the scene and arrested him. Confirming the arrest of the suspect, the Divisional Police Officer [DPO], Ago-Okota Police Station, Yusuf Abdul, said: On Saturday, July 29, 2017, around 12 midnight, one Osuh came and reported that they heard loud screaming coming from his neighbours apartment. He said when he came out to find out what was going on, in company with others, they saw the lifeless body of Happiness whose address and surname are unknown. We arrested one Victor, whom the deceased visited, as he was trying to escape. In a bid to frustrate investigation, the suspect hid the deceaseds phone on top of a fence after inserting it into a packet of cigarettes that contained Indian hemp. During interrogation, the suspect told us that they went to a club along Ago-Palace Way to celebrate the deceaseds birthday but when they got there, the deceased started talking with her ex-boyfriend and he left in anger for his house. Shortly after he got home, the deceased came to meet him and they had a fight that led to her death. However, the suspect who spoke to journalists denied killing his girlfriend, saying he only met her lifeless body outside his house. I did not kill her. Someone else did because I met her lifeless body outside my house," he said. According to a Facebook user, Joy Ejiofor who posted the incident on her wall, the man of God, Pastor Peter Ozuha, was not happy that his wife had changed her church after she was no longer comfortable with attending her husband's church. Ejiofor who said that the victim was her mother in the post, said Pastor Ozuha and one of his church members descended on his wife on July 18, 2017, beating her so bad he left her with severe bruises including a broken head and bloodied face. See what Ejiofor posted: "Look at what an evil pastor named Peter Ozuha and is member did to this woman on the 18th of July just because she does not want to worship in his church again. Someone, please help forward this till it gets into the hands of the human rights activists. The woman is my mother." Written by Nakia Brown, it tells the story of a young woman disenchanted by the Christian religion who would later embrace Yoruba culture and Ifa religion. This article picked my interest because I have noticed that this is a new wave of sorts. Some African-Americans are dumping Christianity and adopting African religions especially the Yoruba religion. One of such African-Americans is rapper 21 Savage. Born Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, the 24-year-old trapper is an Ifa worshiper. "I always said that (Im here for a reason), even when I was in the hospital, I used to say that Im spiritual, Im Ifa, my religion is Ifa Its a Nigerian religion" he told the crew of TheBreakfast Club on August 2016. He further emphasized on his worship of Ifa in a July 2017 interview with Genius. 21 Savage is just one of many Americans who are into Ifa. There is a strong community of Ifa worshipers not only in Atlanta where there are a lot of Nigerians but in Baltimore, Maryland- another state with a vibrant American community. Why are Americans retreating to African spirituality? It's a matter of reconnecting with their past. The trans-Atlantic slave trade uprooted a lot of Africans and disrupted their mode of worship. In a native and strange land, Bibles were forced on these slaves and they had to adopt Christianity or suffer the consequences. African-Americans have always felt disconnected to mainstream America due to racism mostly. In the 19th century, the Back to Africa movement started. It encouraged African-Americans to go back to motherland Africa. The movement created by Marcus Garvey inspired the Rastafari and Nation of Islam spiritual movements. I would like to think that the motherland movement also inspired this new wave of African Americans embracing African spirituality. It's a way for them to reconnect to their African roots. The fact that Christianity in America was notoriously silent during the slave trade era hasn't helped it. Nakia Brown who wrote the article that I mentioned above, dumped Christianity because she felt it promoted racism and oppression during these days. For some African-Americans, they cannot connect with a blue-eyed Jesus Christ. Dilip Kumar was on Wednesday admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, news agencies reported. His condition is said to be stable. By India Today Web Desk: Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar was on Wednesday admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, reported news agency ANI. News agency PTI too reported the same, adding that the 94-year-old actor was admitted on account of dehydration and urinary tract infection. While there were no immediate details on his exact condition, the thespian was said to be stable. "He was admitted with dehydration. He is stable," Ravishankar, CEO of the facility at Bandra West, told news agency IANS. advertisement The actor's niece, Shaheen, posted a photo from inside the hospital with Dilip Kumar seated along with his family, including wife Saira Banu. "Yusuf uncle is at Lilavati hispital Mumbai he will be well soon (sic). Thank you for all the care and wishes", Shaheen tweeted, referring to the actor by his birth name. Yusuf uncle is at Lilavati hospital Mumbai he will be well soon.Thank you for all the care and wishes.#DilipKumar pic.twitter.com/5hzUZGGdkU- Shaheen (@ShhaheenAhmeed) August 2, 2017 The actor has been plagued by several age-related ailments in recent years and was in December last year admitted to the same Mumbai hospital after he complained of respiratory problems. Born in Pakistan as Yusuf Khan, Dilip Kumar was last seen on the silver screen in Qila in 1998. Some of his most noted performances came in films such as Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam and Karma. Married to Saira Banu - who is over 20 years younger than him - he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1991, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. In 1997, he was awarded the Nisha-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian honour. ALSO READ | Dilip Kumar makes Facebook debut, shares a beautiful first video with wife Saira Banu --- ENDS --- This is even as the foundation and experts from the United Kingdom recently launched a book entitled at the Kingston University, London. Speaking at the launch, President of Jose Foundation, Martins Abhulimhen, said the book will be published in different languages to educate Nigerians on the menace. ALSO READ: Immigration rescues 134 children from traffickers We cannot stay and pretend that child sexual exploitation is not ravaging our society. Daily reports in the country shows that everyday a child is sexually abused by one adult or the other, Abhulimhen said. The situation is getting worse with father sleeping with daughter and in some cases resulting to death or permanent injury. This is aside the trauma these kids go through in their life time, we cannot fold our hands as individuals and as a nation to allow these atrocities to fester in our country, he added. Organisers of the event said the book was written to address the issues of child sexual exploitation that has gained ground in several countries of the world using the experiences of fighting the menace in Rotherham, United Kingdom. This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the service chiefs meeting in Maiduguri. The communique signed by Maj. Gen. John Eneche, the Director Defence information, called on Nigerians to provide veritable information to fast track the counter-insurgency operation in the North-East. Eneche stressed that such information is imperative to identify insurgents sleeper cell locations, concentration camps and out-post locations. The army also called on members of the public to expose insurgents collaborators and informants as well as suspicious habitation in urban and rural areas. "The army appeals to the people to report isolated settlements and camps outside normal living areas." The communique reiterated the commitment of the military to end insurgency and ensure return of peace to the troubled North-East region. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olanishikan, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Air Staff, AVM, Sadiq Abubakar. The President, in a condolence message issued in Abuja on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, also condoled with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. He stated that with the death of Gadi, Nigeria had been robbed of one of its finest men of principle and integrity who set an enviable standard worthy of emulation. He noted that, despite the negative perception of politicians, there are still honourable men such as Alhaji Garba Gadi." President Buhari maintained that loyalty was one of Gadis greatest quality, adding that the deceased was impeached because he rejected opportunism for the sake of principle, a quality, he said, was uncommon among our politicians. He, therefore, prayed to Allah to forgive the sins of the late Deputy Governor. It would be recalled that Late Gadi contested the 2007 governorship election with Alhaji Isa Yuguda (former governor of Bauchi state) on the platform of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), to defeat candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was however impeached from office by the Bauchi State House of Assembly on August 13, 2009 based on the recommendation of the report of the seven-man panel constituted by the assembly. It was widely believed that Gadi was impeached following his refusal to follow Yuguda and members of the State House of Assembly to defect to PDP from the ANPP on whose platform they were elected into office. A judgment of the High Court presided over by Justice Haruna Tsammamia in June 2010, however, ordered that Gadi should be reinstated into office and all allowances due to him from the time he was removed as Deputy Governor be paid to him. Mr Yomi Layinka, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Governor, quoted Ajimobi as saying in his condolence message that the death was depressing and disheartening. The governor said he received the news of the demise with disbelief, adding that the deceased was a pride to womanhood and pillar of support to her son. There is no doubt that Mama was an epitome of motherhood and pillar of support to my brother, Gov Aregbesola, and indeed the entire Aregbesola family. She was a devout Muslim, a shining example of philanthropy as she shared virtually all she had with the needy, irrespective of where they came from; a virtue she must have passed on to her children. Mama was pleasant, easy-going and was always there for all of us who are her sons political associates. Mama will be sorely missed for her counsel and ever warm reception, he said. Ajimobi said the deceased deserved to be celebrated for living a life worthy of emulation and for nurturing her children to stardom. Melaye said the declaration by the Acting President will go a long way to save people of the state from anarchy. He said that the undemocratic tendencies of the Governor might ruin the work that genuine APC members have done in Kogi. According to Daily Post, Melaye also said The draconian Idi Amin approach to governance by Yahaya Bello today as displayed by his criminally minded hooligans and hired killers in usurping the legislative powers and priviledges of the Parliament is a clear manifestation of satanism. The unwarranted attack on Hon. Friday Sani Makama shall not be swept under the carpet. We are not in a banana republic. It is manifestly clear now that the acting President must declare a state of Emergency in Kogi State before Anarchy becomes Total. The economic cankerworm and social scavenger called Bello must be tamed before he finishes spending the little political capital left for APC in Kogi. We must not all keep quiet and allow this Stranger destroy the labour of genuine APC members in Kogi. We will not allow him to take us back to Egypt. We must rescue Kogi NOW!!!!. Addressing some of the firms invited at the Tuesday session in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said the committee would do everything to recover the funds. He said that over 60 companies were being investigated in connection with the sleaze, adding that concerned firms would be invited in batches to the committees sessions. Firms present at the meeting were CCEC Nigeria Ltd, China Export Ltd, CFAO Group, Chi Ltd, Bhojsons Ltd, Bharat Ventures Ltd, and Boulos Group. Others were African Wire and Allied Ltd, Admiral Overseas Nigeria Ltd, CKS International Ltd, Abyem-Diva International Ltd and Aarti Steel Nigeria Ltd. Decrying the level of complicity in the import and export value chain in the country, the lawmaker said that the National Assembly would ensure that measures were taken to stop the corruption in the country. This is a continuation of the investigation that is ongoing and we have now started interfacing with the various companies that are directly involved in the infractions that we identified in the course of our investigation. Most of the companies have no evidence to show that our position is not correct. So, it is our hope that working together, whether you are from the executive arm, judiciary or the legislature, we must acknowledge the need for us to protect our national interest. We must grow this economy. Over the years we over-relied on oil revenue. The only way to rescue the economy from the present state is to expand our sources of income by strengthening the non-oil revenue earnings. The companies have pleaded to come back next Tuesday, and then we will invite the Nigerian Customs Service to issue necessary demand notice to all established cases. Then the companies will make payments into the Federation Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he said. On why the investigation had lingered for long, Uzodinma said it was in different stages. He said that the committee had interfaced with commercial banks, collecting banks and the various agencies of government. ALSO READ: NASS urges NPA to manage budget judiciously According to him, the meeting with the companies was the first time, and it wont be out of place to give them one week to get back to us. We will do this to satisfy the doctrine of fair hearing and if there is anything they have to say to the contrary, they will have the opportunity to defend themselves. We do hope that after the session, government will be able to earn more money, he said. The chairman said that with the success achieved so far, the committee would do its best to bring the investigation to conclusion in no distant time. He said that the committee had already identified no fewer than 60 companies whose infractions were within the range of N10 billion and above. On insinuations that the committee refused to work on the budget of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the lawmaker said it was a non-issue. I dont want to join issues on the pages of newspapers discussing my official assignment. This is a joint committee mandated by Senate to investigate revenue leakages and so far we have done very well. The Commandant, Mr Donatus Ikemefuna, who announced the arrest at a news conference at Ado Ekiti, named the suspects as Stephen Udoh and Ede Thomas. Operatives of the NSCDC nabbed the suspects after they trafficked 32 minors into the state for illicit businesses. We have trailed the suspects for quite some time; they specialise in intra-state child trafficking between Benue and Ekiti, and unto other states in the South-West. They bring the children here for child labour and prostitution. Most of the children are between five and 18 years, he said. He said that the operatives arrested the suspects on Sunday, after men from the counter-terrorism unittrailed them to the location where they had taken their victims who were mostly primary and secondary school children. ALSO READ:NSCDC command arrests wife of Boko Haram leader Ikemefuna disclosed that the two suspects had been on the watch list over the last two months, adding that the victims confirmed being promised jobs with attractive wages in Ado Ekiti, Igbonla in Ondo State and Ogbomoso in Oyo State. Such `juicy jobs have proven over time to be child labour and prostitution; we arrested them with 32 children which they have turned to mere goods to be exported and imported. Osinbajo also said The people have not lost faith in us, they understand that the task of clearing decades of debris will take time but we must also jointly keep faith with them. The people expect us to deliver on all of what we have promised. They expect a better life, we have assured them of a better life, and I can say for all of us who are present here, all of us in the progressive forum, that we will deliver a better life to the people of Nigeria. Just as the FG is committed and has taken visible steps in meeting its obligations and make refunds on debts owed to states, its imperative for states to play its own parts. There are two obvious elements here. The Acting President also commissioned the multi-billion rice mill in Argungu. The Election Commission has sought a "factual report" from the Finance Secretary on Congress's allegation that its MLAs were intimidated during today's Income Tax raids in Karnataka. By Press Trust of India: The Election Commission this evening sought a "factual report" from the Finance Secretary on Congress's allegation that its MLAs from Gujarat were intimidated by central forces in a Karnataka resort during an income tax raid, a senior poll panel functionary said. The functionary, who refused to be quoted, said the Finance Secretary has been asked to send a "factual report by Friday evening" on the allegations levelled by the Congress. advertisement The party had alleged that its MLAs from Gujarat, who have found a safe haven in a Karnataka resort, were being terrorised and intimidated by the central security forces, used by the central government in garb of income tax investigations against Karnataka minister D K Shivkumar. The MLAs have been kept there to ensure they are not "poached" by BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha polls. Earlier, a Congress delegation met the Election Commission and sought its intervention in ensuring that no coercive steps were taken against its MLAs in order to "force" them to switch sides. Also Read : IT raids against Cong minister attempt to malign party: Gehlot --- ENDS --- The party, at a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, said that the state government had no reason to owe workers because it had received monies from various fronts. Benue has taken loans. It has collected the Paris Club Refunds and received bailout funds from the Federal Government. The regular federal allocations and Internal Generated Revenue have also been coming in. In the past two years, much monies have entered the state account; Benue has no reason to owe workers. We must ask questions and demand answers, former interior minister Abba Moro, who chaired the meeting, said. He challenged the people to insist on prudent management of resources to enable government meet its obligations. The former minister also advised Benue residents to prevail on those in government to offer a leadership that was transparent, accountable and people-oriented. Moro called for unity among PDP members, saying that only a united opposition could unseat the current administration and offer Benue people an alternative leadership. Also speaking, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, PDP governorship candidate in the 2015 elections, urged the people to demand for accountability in governance. We must all rise up and demand for a responsive and responsible government because that is the key to building a strong economy with opportunities for all, he said. He charged Benue residents to offer suggestions on the best way to move the state toward greatness, saying that everyone had a duty to strive for a state that would meet collective dreams. Mr Duke Audu, Minority Leader, Benue House of Assembly, urged the people to take their destinies in their hands by building a strong political team that would meet the peoples aspirations in the 2019 elections. The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN), reports that the stakeholders applauded the Supreme Courts judgement that recognised the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, and promised to support the stand-in leadership to rebuild the PDP. Reacting, Mr Terver Akaase, who agreed that workers were owed salaries, explained, however, that such indebtedness was not up to 12 months. In spite of the decline in the allocation from the federation account, the Benue government has tried to reduce the backlog inherited from the past administration. Before the advent of this administration, Benue received an average of N6 billion monthly from the central purse. But since we came in, the average has been N2 billion, while our wage bill is more than N4.1 billion. Its been 85 days since Buhari left Nigeria for an open-ended medical vacation in London. The Nigerian leader left Nigeria on May 7, 2017. It took 77 days for the presidency to make pictures of a convalescing Buhari available to the local press. Days later, the Nigerian president met with another group of Governors. Images from that meeting immediately swarmed the social media space. The president is looking better than when he left Nigerias shores and for that, we are thankful to God. However, like weve said here over and over again, theres no other country in the world where the president just disappears without a word for over two months. The rest of the world must be shocked to its marrow. The point has been made time and again that the fact that the nations number one citizen is tending to his health in a London apartment, is an indictment on himself and the nations ailing health sector he promised to fix. Its also arrogant of Buhari that he hasnt deemed it necessary to speak directly to the millions of people back home who got him elected president in 2015. The president deemed it necessary to pen a letter from his London apartment to the Guinean president, Alpha Conde, and none to Nigerians. In the past, Buhari has also made policy pronouncements to the international press during foreign travels, at the expense of the local press who are only considered good enough for press statements. It is a disdain for the local press that is ingrained within the Buhari presidency. The irony of a member of the international press taking subtle digs at Buhari and the rest of the nation he leads, therefore wasn't lost on anyone. In the more than six months since he took office, could not have been more visible, dominating headlines just about every day, said CNNs Fareed Zakaria on his program, the Global Public Square (GPS), last weekend. Continuing in tongue-in-cheek fashion, Zakaria said; One country has had the opposite problem in recent months and it brings you to my question: Which countrys head of state has not set foot in his homeland in over two months? Zakarias options were: A)Saudi Arabia (B) Cuba (C) Nigeria (D)Syria. Everyone got the answer right. Every Nigerian got the answer right. The answer was staring us in the face. CNN and Zakaria were having a laugh at our expense and lets be honest, we asked for it. ALSO READ: 7 things we learnt as president meets APC Governors I was having lunch while watching Zakaria pose the question during a segment of his program. It was all I needed to shove the bowl of rice out of sight and bid my appetite some farewell for the rest of the day. See our life outside. It wasnt lost on me that CNN and the rest of the world were mocking Nigeria and Nigerians. It was embarrassing. This was one odium and ridicule well deserved from Zakaria and his team. We are still awaiting our president and he has promised that once his Doctors hand him the all clear, hell be back home. As always, we wish him a speedy recovery and will welcome him home with open arms whenever he chooses to return. But lets not dismiss the ridicule from CNN and the international community on account of Buharis medical sojourn. Years from now, when school kids are asked the question: Which countrys head of state did not set foot in his homeland in over. during exams, therell only be one answer--Nigeria. THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER Hope for fiscal federalism as Lagos takes over waterways The Lagos State Government yesterday gave a seven-day ultimatum to boat operators and dredgers to align their operations with the July 18 ruling of the Court of Appeal regarding control of inland waterways. Osinbajo approves new appointments in federal agencies Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has approved new appointments into the boards of some Federal Government agencies.In the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye was appointed as chairman while Dr. Grace N. Chinda, Okolo Titus, Obiora Igwedebia, Mrs. Olubukola Balogun, Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd.), Justice Adamu Bello, Hannatu Mohammed and Abdullahi Maikano Saidu would serve as members. APC is a bullying party, says Atiku Former Vice President and a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday decried the absence of internal democracy among the countrys registered political parties. __________________________________________________ VANGUARD NEWSPAPER They stripped my house bare - Jonathan Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, said, yesterday, that his house in Gwarimpa, Abuja, was stripped bare by thieves who carted away all movable items in the house. Were negotiating release of 113 Chibok girls - FG The Federal Government has said it was working behind the scenes to ensure the release of 113 Chibok girls.Obasanjo, others exit affected us, but - PDP THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, assured Nigerians that it would remain a national platform that will never die due to the exit of big personalities as proven by the case of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and even governors. __________________________________________________ THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER Policemen, others stole all movable items in my house Jonathan Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday gave more insights into the theft in his Gwarimpa residence in Abuja, saying the suspects stole all movable objects in the house. No ID number, no passport from 2018 NIS The Nigeria Immigration Service says from January 1, 2018, anybody without the National Identification Number, issued by the National Identity Management Commission, will not be able to procure Nigerian passport. 55% of VAT revenue generated from Lagos Adeosun The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, on Tuesday said that 55 per cent of the revenue generated by the Federal Government from Value Added Tax receipts was being collected from Lagos State. __________________________________________________ THISDAY NEWSPAPER Tinubu: I Have Not Purchased Any New Airplane A former Governor of Lagos State and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described as false, a report that he has purchased a new airplane, saying the said publication was not impartial and objective in its reportage. In Fighting Corruption, Dont Focus on Loot Recovery Alone, Says Saraki Senate President Bukola Saraki has advised the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the anti-graft agencies to focus more on stopping corruption in public offices than dedicate time on recoveries alone. Manufacturing Index Expands for Fourth Consecutive Month Economic recovery appears on the rise with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) standing at 54.1 index points in July 2017, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the fourth consecutive month. __________________________________________________ THE BUSINESSDAY NEWSPAPER Expanding revenues of Nigerian cement firms attract foreign investors The expanding revenues of cement firms operating in Nigeria are attracting the attention of foreign investors who are now consolidating their stakes in the country. PMI Indicates improved raw materials supply to industries The Purchasing Managers Indexes (PMI) indices released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and FBN Quest, show that manufacturing industries are getting more raw materials now than in 2016. Barclays drops Nigerian international banking clients with less than 100,000 This is contrary to a statement issued by the Abuja police command saying that only four policemen were involved. Speaking further, Jonathan said Following series of enquiries from journalists and other concerned Nigerians on the extent of the reported vandalisation and theft in the house of former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan located in Gwarimpa, Abuja, we, therefore, would like to make the following clarifications: The theft was discovered last month upon which a report was duly lodged with the relevant police authorities. The police immediately commenced investigations which led to the arrest and detention of some suspects, six of whom were policemen, even as investigations continue. The house, which the former President bought from CITEC estate developers in 2004, was totally stripped bare by the thieves who stole every movable item in the house, including furniture sets, beds, electronics, toilet and electrical fittings, as well as all internal doors and frames. However, contrary to exaggerated reports in some media, only six television sets, three refrigerators and one gas cooker were stolen. Being that the house is a modest, a 4-bedroom duplex, it couldnt have been fitted with 36 Plasma television sets and about 25 refrigerators as falsely reported by some media outfits. We thank all Nigerians for their show of concern and wish to convey the former Presidents goodwill to all Nigerians. According to Vanguard, a source involved in the investigation said two dealers who bought the items stolen from GEJs home are at large. ACPN national chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima stated this while reacting to the media reports that his party and 14 others endorsed Uba, the governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, August 2, 2017, Galadima described the report as a blackmail of the highest order. "It is false, he began. There is no where I sat with anybody or with a group of political party endorse Senator Andy Uba. In this game, it is not possible for a political party to endorse candidate of other political party. "If we want to endorse a candidate it must be known to all, we must all sat together in a meeting and look at the pros and cons but situation whereby someone just go behind us to purportedly support a candidate on behalf of our party is bad and I see it as a cheap blackmail. It is an attempt nit only to blackmail the party to reduce our chances in Anambra governorship election but also to blackmail the leadership of the party," he added. Galadima said that he has never met Uba physically. "I don't know Chief Andy Uba and I have never met him. So is it possible for me to participate in a meeting and endorse someone who is not known to me? It is not possible. "We want to clearly state that ACPN has not in any way endorse Sen. Andy Uba and as a matter of fact we don't know him. If we are going to endorse anybody it must be known not only to the party at national level but even the state chapters must be carried along, we will look at it, will it be in the interest of the party? If it is not, we will go out of it. In fact, I'm just hearing about it," he added. By PTI: Kolkata, Aug 2 (PTI) "Tumi Bahir Theke", a feature film based on the unknown history of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War is set to have a worldwide release in December this year. The movie directed by Sajal Ahmed and Ujjal Chakraborty, will be simultaneously released in London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Stockholm, New York, Los Angeles and Montreal, among others. advertisement The political thriller is a tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for Bangladeshs liberation. "The decision to showcase the film in the aforementioned cities is due to the influence the Bengali community wields in those regions," Chakraborty said. The film is expected to be released on December 16, which is observed as Victory Day in Bangladesh. The respective Bengali Associations will help in the release, he added. Talking about the story line, Chakraborty said "the movie captured the atmosphere in the year 1971, when some people resided outside Bangladesh - in cities like Kolkata, London and New York." PTI SUS RG RDS SHD --- ENDS --- The 26-year old found success in his entrepreneurial journey with Andela, the company that trains and connects African developers with global companies for work, which Aboyeji co-founded. In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, through their Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative not-for-profit, led a $24 million funding round for Andela, the biggest raised by an any African startup at the time. Shortly after, and rather surprisingly, Aboyeji left Andela to co-found another company a payments API that makes it easier for banks and businesses to process payments across Africa. That company, Flutterwave, just raised $10 million in a Series A round led by Greycroft Partners and Green Visor Capital. Other investors include Y Combinator, Social Capital and Omidyar Network, amongst others. Aboyeji tells CNN Techs Sara Ashley OBrien that he left Andela because he wanted to use technology to empower more people not for now, but for the effects that action would have in 30 years. But what is perhaps the most fascinating thing about the 26-year old serial entrepreneur is his ability to recognize opportunities that have the potential to scale massively. As is evident with Andela, which he helped build to a $100 million market cap in two years, and Flutterwave, which has since processed more than $1.2 billion in payments across 10 million transactions. Flutterwave also accepts 350 currencies across 30 African countries and makes its money by charging merchants a fee which it shares with the banks. We cant wait to build the future of a united Africa with you all, says Aboyeji. Aboyeji has also made smart moves. With Andela he came back to Nigeria as the only African co-founder, holding the position of Director of Recruitment, to highlight a largely hands-on approach Aboyeji has taken with his businesses. With Flutterwave, Aboyeji headquartered the company in San Francisco, USA (despite his knowledge of the Nigerian business terrain) a move that largely helped the company raise seed funding. Turkey has full diplomatic relations with Israel after resolving last year a crisis in ties but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains vehemently critical of the Jewish state's policy towards the Palestinians. The meeting brought together foreign ministers and top officials from key Muslim nations, including Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, whose rival nations are locked in a bitter feud. Israel angered the Islamic world by installing metal detectors and security cameras at the Haram al-Sharif holy site in Jerusalem, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following a July 14 attack in which gunmen killed two policemen. The move sparked Muslim protests and deadly unrest, and last week the Israeli government removed the detectors and cameras. The site includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam. A joint communique issued after the gathering said the meeting "strongly condemns Israel's recent provocative actions" at the holy site. It accused the Jewish state of "employing collective punishment measures and the use of lethal and excessive force against peaceful Palestinian worshippers" at the site. And despite the Israeli climbdown on the metal detectors, the OIC statement accused the government of "persistent public statements... that incite religious sensitivities, feed tension and incite violence". It urged world powers not to support or encourage Israel's "illegal colonisation and annexation" of East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 before later annexing. 'Could get nasty again' Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki told the meeting that Israel's move to remove the detectors was a "small victory in the long battle for freedom". But he accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to change the longstanding agreement whereby only Muslims are allowed to pray inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, although anyone can visit, including Jews. "Netanyahu will try again to impose his status quo and we should prepare for the next round which could come very soon and be very nasty," he added. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said it was time Muslim countries started to help the Palestinians "not just with words but with actions". "We must act to protect the Al-Aqsa mosque and Palestine," he said. He reaffirmed a call made by Erdogan on all Muslims to visit Jerusalem. In its statement, the OIC accused the Israeli government of "neither (being) committed to peace nor interested in the two-state solution", saying its actions were the "most dangerous threat to the prospects of peace". Last year Turkey and Israel ended a rift triggered by Israel's deadly storming in 2010 of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead. The two sides have since embarked on a close energy cooperation venture to pipe Israeli gas to Turkey. Authorities have said a plane was the target and an improvised explosive device was involved, without giving further details. Local media have alleged the men planned to use poisonous gas or a crude bomb disguised as a meat mincer. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the plans as "advanced". "One of those men - who is 50 years old - was released from police custody last night (Tuesday) without being charged with a criminal offence," police said in a statement. "This investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be provided at an appropriate time." Merhi's lawyer Moustafa Kheir said he would review how police acted towards his client. "My client Abdul Merhi has been released without charge," he wrote on Twitter. "Tough few days, but he's relieved the truth is out. I will review police action." The three other men remain in custody and have yet to be charged, after a magistrate late Sunday gave police an additional seven days to detain them. Etihad Airways said Tuesday it was helping Australian police with their investigation, amid a report from Sydney's Daily Telegraph that one of the airline's flights to Abu Dhabi was the target. Local reports have also said the men might have links to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, with Justice Minister Michael Keenan only saying "it's clear that this has been inspired by radical Islamic ideology". Australia's national terror alert level was raised in September 2014 amid concerns over attacks by individuals inspired by organisations such as IS. A total of 12 attacks, before the latest one, have been prevented in the past few years and 70 people have been charged. The body of Chris Msando, charged with overseeing the country's crucial electronic voting system, was found naked with signs of torture in a forest on the outskirts of Nairobi over the weekend. "This is a source of very, very significant concern and we want to tell the IEBC (election commission) that there are a lot of people out there who are concerned about the killing," said George Kegoro, director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission which led the march of several dozen people to IEBC headquarters. "Kenya has an unfortunate history of assassinations for political expediency and there is a chilling familiarity in the sequence of events... that makes it difficult to dismiss the sinking feeling that we have been here before," he said. Msando, who had been declared missing on Saturday, was identified by family members on Monday, prompting an outpouring of condemnation from rights groups and the international community. In a joint statement, the ambassadors of the United States and Britain said they were "gravely concerned" by the murder and offered their countries' assistance in the probe. Msando had made several television appearances in the days before his death to assure Kenyans of the reliability of the electronic voting system which crashed during the 2013 elections leading to accusations of poll fraud. He had been due to lead a test run of the system on Monday, which was postponed. The electoral body's Chairman Wafula Chebukati called on government to provide security to IEBC staff, but sought to play down fears Msando's killers had obtained any sensitive information. "Whoever tortured him I don't think he got anything. All our passwords are intact. We have service providers and, as it is, none of the commission employees have these passwords so let us not speculate," Chebukati said. Tension has been rising in the lead up to the election, in which incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta will face off with rival Raila Odinga in the presidential race. Opinion polls place the two men in a dead heat. Odinga has insisted that Kenyatta plans to rig the election while the incumbent accuses him of seeking to stoke violence. The country is still haunted by the memory of post-election violence which broke out in 2007 after a disputed poll, leaving more than 1,100 dead. "There's plenty reason to believe that this cruel and selfish act is related to the election," said anti-corruption campaigner John Githongo. Ironically, this extraterrestrial Trump has landed in Mexico because he could not find a home in the United States. American artist Mitch O'Connell created the work in 2015 for a horror film festival in Chicago headlined by the 1988 cult classic "They Live." But what began as a publicity poster turned into a zeitgeisty political statement, he told AFP. "I was drawing a poster of the 'They Live' alien and the TV was on my drawing table. There was Trump, campaigning or doing something on television. And that hair is so distinctive. I'm looking at my drawing and at his hair and I said, 'That hair would look fantastic on this alien,'" he said in a phone interview from Chicago. "They Live," a satirical sci-fi movie starring late pro wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, is the story of a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that enables him to see that Earth's ruling class is in fact made up of aliens who manipulate people via the mass media to spend money and accept the status quo. O'Connell said his 21st-century take on the film resonated at a moment when reality TV star and real-estate billionaire Trump was starting his improbable rise to the presidency. "Reality kind of just turned into this drawing. It was not meant to be political, but it just kind of evolved," he said. "People had huge reactions to Trump and they loved the movie, those two things together: America getting stranger by the week with Trump running and Trump as president." Illegal alien O'Connell, 56, initially tried to get the work displayed on a billboard in the United States, but said he was rejected in several cities -- despite raising $3,000 online to fund the project. "Major billboard companies, I think they were actually worried about getting people protesting. There was an actual real possibility that Trump would tweet about them or bash the company," he said. A Mexico City gallery then stepped in to get the work displayed in Mexico, the target of much vitriol from Trump. Trump kicked off his campaign in June 2015 with a tirade against Mexican immigrants, whom he referred to as drug dealers, criminals and rapists. Anti-Mexican rhetoric was central to his campaign, with Trump vowing to deport Mexican immigrants en masse, make Mexico pay for a wall on the border and tear up the US trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. "Trump's first (campaign) speech was calling everybody from Mexico rapists and thieves and how he was going to build this majestic wall to keep them out," O'Connell said. "Mexico being the only place where I can get this billboard erected, it was a wonderful ironic twist ending to the story." In Mexico City, the billboard has met with bemused approval. "To me, artistic expression related to Trump is a really good thing, in the sense that it has an impact on society, because this is kind of how we all feel, right?" said Carla Baeza, an employee at a telecommunications company in the capital. The shuttering of the two compounds marks just the beginning of Russia's punishment with the US also being forced to slash hundreds of jobs at its diplomatic mission in the country by September 1. The purge of an expected 755 local and American staff represents one of the biggest forced reductions of US personnel in Russia throughout the fraught diplomatic history between the two powers. It was announced as US President Donald Trump is expected to sign off on fresh sanctions against Moscow that were agreed overwhelmingly on Thursday by the US Senate. The new measures appear to have convinced Moscow that there will be no quick improvement in ties with the US despite Trump pledging better relations during his campaign. Tensions between Russia and the US have soared to their highest point since Moscow seized the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. In December then president Barack Obama ordered 35 Russian diplomats out of the US and closed two diplomatic compounds over allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 presidential vote election. Observers say Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana face an unwinnable battle. Even Kagame has said the result is a foregone conclusion. While the nation has been colourfully covered with the red, white and blue of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and posters of Kagame, there has been barely a trace of the opposition. "They told us we cannot put our banners or flags where the RPF's things are, but unfortunately the RPF put theirs almost everywhere," Habineza told AFP during a recent rally in the south of the country. He was standing in front of a small stage, surrounded by about 100 people, including many children drawn by the booming music. "I came out of curiosity, but he has no chance. Kagame has delivered everything he promised, there is no one but him," said Sabin Nkundukozera, 66. Farmer Sylvain Mutaimukunda, 38, was similarly dismissive. "It is the first time I have heard of this man, I couldn't even tell you his name," he said of Habineza. In contrast, thousands flock to Kagame's rallies, where the president has repeated that "the election is over". His confidence comes after 98 percent of Rwandans approved a constitutional amendment in a 2015 referendum that granted him the right to run for a third term in office. Observers condemned the reform, which could potentially see Kagame retain office twice more if re-elected this time and allow him to stay president until 2034. 'A coronation' Kagame, a lanky former guerilla fighter, was just 36 when his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800,000 people -- mainly minority Tutsis -- and seized Kigali. He served first as vice-president and defence minister, although he was widely considered the de facto leader of the country and was appointed as president by lawmakers in 2000. He was first elected to the post in 2003 and again in 2010 with more than 90 percent of votes. He is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, bringing order, stability, infrastructure and annual economic growth of about seven percent. However rights groups accuse him of ruling through fear, relying on a systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media. Critics have been assassinated, jailed or forced into exile, and some observers believe the only reason Habineza and Mpayimana have been allowed to run is that they pose no threat. "There is no election in Rwanda, there is a coronation declaring Kagame the king," said outspoken local journalist Robert Mugabe. "The real opposition, the people with the real voices, cannot be around," he said. However political analyst Christopher Kayumba said Kagame remains popular, with Rwandans seeing him as a guarantor of stability after his military victory brought an end to the genocide. "There is no way you can compare the stature of President Kagame, the resources of the RPF, with the Green Party. The opposition will be beaten hands down. There is no question about that." "At around noon a car bomb targeted a convoy of foreign forces in the Daman area of Kandahar," provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani told AFP. At least one witness reported seeing three bodies pulled from one of vehicles. Mohammad Azim, a shopkeeper, told AFP: "I saw a foreign forces vehicle on fire after the attack. A while later helicopters landed in the area, they took three bodies out of the vehicle and flew away. There were three armoured vehicles in the convoy." The Taliban, who have a heavy presence in poppy-growing Kandahar province and have launched repeated attacks there, quickly claimed the attack in a text message sent to AFP. The assault is the latest blow to NATO forces, who ended their more than a decade-long combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014. Since then Afghan troops and police, beset by soaring casualties, have struggled to beat back the resurgent Taliban, while facing the growing menace of the Islamic State group. The Taliban have been ramping up their campaign against beleaguered government forces, underscoring rising insecurity in the war-torn country during the summer fighting season, when the warmer weather tends to spur an increase in militant attacks. Early last month a US soldier was killed and two others wounded in an attack in Kandahar's neighbouring Helmand province while conducting operations against the Taliban. Private First Class Hansen Kirkpatrick, 19, of Wasilla, Alaska died following the "indirect fire" assault, which means he was hit by a mortar or some other incoming round. The attacks come as United States President Donald Trump weighs sending more American troops to Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US invasion to topple the Taliban regime. US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is believed to be close to presenting a new US military strategy for Afghanistan to Trump. Tuesday's attack came a day after suicide bombers throwing grenades killed more than 30 Shiite worshippers at a mosque in Afghanistan's main western city of Herat. Bassel Khartabil Safadi, an open-source software developer who put his skills to use to promote free speech during the uprising, was put to death in October 2015, two and a half years after his arrest, Noura Ghazi Safadi said. That month, rumours had begun circulating that he had been sentenced to death after being transferred from the regime's notorious Adra prison near Damascus to an unknown location. His widow gave no indication on her Facebook post late Tuesday how she had confirmed her husband's death. "Words are difficult to come by while I am about to announce, on behalf of Bassel's family and mine, the confirmation of the death sentence and execution of my husband," she said. "He was executed just days after he was taken from Adra prison in October 2015. This is the end that suits a hero like him." "This is a loss for Syria. This is loss for Palestine. This is my loss." Safadi, who was 34 at the time of his death, was born to a Palestinian father and a Syrian mother. He was well known as an advocate for freedom of information and greater access to the internet. In 2010, he launched Aiki Lab, which brought together engineers, artists and hackers in Damascus, and also contributed to open-source projects including Creative Commons and Wikipedia. "Because of Khartabil's work, people gained new tools to express themselves and communicate," British newspaper The Guardian said in a 2015 profile. Syria had no internet access until 2000, and state censorship and monitoring have remained rampant. Safadi's expertise was particularly important after the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad broke out in March 2011. Calls for demonstrations were often issued through Facebook pages, and activists broadcast news and videos through social media. International human rights groups have long pressed for information on Safadi's fate. In a 2016 appeal for his release, Human Rights Watch said it believed his detention was "a direct result of his peaceful and legitimate work for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression." By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Former union minister Santosh Mohan Dev today passed away at his home town Silchar in Assam following kidney and other ailments at the age of 83. The Congress veteran was Heavy Industry Minister in the UPA-I government led by former prime minister Manmohan Singh. "He passed away at 6.06 AM this morning," Devs daughter and Congress MP Sushmita Dev told PTI from Silchar. advertisement The seven-time Congress MP is survived by his wife and four daughters, including Sushmita. Dev was first elected to the Parliament in 1980. Out of the seven term as the Lok Sabha MP, he has represented Silchar, Assam, five times and twice from Tripura. Dev was the union minister of state for communications during 1986-1988 and the minister of state for home from 1988- 1989. He was also the union minister of state for steel (independent charge) in the PV Narasimha Rao government in 1991. PTI ACB CPS --- ENDS --- The United Nations operates two humanitarian flights into Sanaa from Amman and Djibouti, but there is no jet fuel available in the Yemeni capital for the plane to make the return trip. "We have difficulties obtaining permission from the coalition and from the government of Yemen to transport this jet fuel to Sanaa to facilitate these flights," Lootsma, the country director for the UN Development Program, told reporters by video-link from Sanaa. Asked why the jet fuel deliveries were blocked, Lootsma said: "It's a good question. I don't have an answer." The fuel must be delivered to Sanaa from the port of Aden, which is controlled by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The Saudi-led coalition has repeatedly been accused of blocking aid to Yemen, one of the Arab world's poorest countries, which has been brought to its knees since the military campaign began in March 2015. Yemen's health system has collapsed during the war pitting coalition forces backing the internationally recognized Yemeni government against Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels. Describing the situation as "very bleak," the UN official said there were "several" new cases of meningitis detected in Yemen but he could not provide details. Aid efforts are also hampered by delays and refusals of visas, by the Yemeni government and by the rebels in control of Sanaa, he added. The alleged mastermind -- currently serving a 15-year sentence in the maximum security prison at Nusakambangan -- would also be charged in the new case and could face death if convicted, said national police chief Tito Karnavian. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati warned that Indonesia has been targeted by major trafficking syndicates who see it as a highly lucrative market. Police, national narcotics agency staff and customs raided a warehouse in Banten province outside Jakarta on July 21 after investigating a syndicate for two months. Hundreds of thousands of ecstasy tablets were seized and police arrested a 39-year-old man who told them the drugs had been shipped from the Netherlands. The 39-year-old said the smuggling was organised by the drugs convict. On July 24 police arrested another suspect in Tangerang just outside Jakarta with 56 bags of ecstasy tablets on him, bringing the total seized to more than 1.2 million. On July 27 a third man caught with two kilogrammes (4.4 pounds) of methamphetamine was shot dead for resisting arrest in West Jakarta, police said. "For this case, then (two detainees) could face the death penalty," Karnavian said, adding the drugs had an estimated street value of more than $45 million. Last month police shot dead a Taiwanese man caught with a tonne of crystal methamphetamine just outside Jakarta and arrested four other Taiwanese. Indonesia has some of the world's toughest anti-drugs laws, including capital punishment for traffickers. The alliance with Seoul has also been a key pillar of Washington's geopolitical strategy in Asia, where China is increasingly flexing its muscles as it seeks military clout commensurate with its economic might. But last week's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test put major US cities including Chicago and Los Angeles within range of a potential attack from the nuclear-armed North. Now South Korean media and experts fear that could cast a cloud over US commitment to the alliance, long described as "rock solid" by both sides. "Would the Trump administration protect us from an attack from the North when doing so could risk putting the US in danger of a nuclear attack?" JoongAng Ilbo, a major Seoul newspaper, said in an editorial. It was only "a matter of time" before the North develops a fully-operational, nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US, it said. And at that point, it concluded gloomily, the answer "may not be yes". There remain doubts whether the North has mastered the technology needed for a missile warhead to survive re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, or if it can miniaturise a nuclear weapon to fit into a nose cone. But it claims to have done so, and has undoubtedly made rapid technological advances since Kim Jong-Un came to power in 2011, with the young leader overseeing three nuclear tests and a string of missile launches. The North has for decades demanded the US sign a peace treaty with Pyongyang and withdraw its troops from the South. Visiting US politicians always pledge that Washington is committed to the alliance -- Vice-President Mike Pence, who toured the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas in April, called it "ironclad and immutable". But South Korea's top-selling daily Chosun Ilbo questioned those reassurances following the ICBM test. It was "hard to expect the US to help the South" if that risked a nuclear attack on America, it said in an editorial Monday, and followed up Tuesday warning: "The worst-case scenario is US troops withdrawing from the Korean peninsula. "That is what North Korea ultimately wants," it added. "For South Koreans who have grown used to decades of protection from the US Forces Korea, that prospect is almost unimaginable. But the reality is that things are heading in that very direction." August crisis? At the same time, South Koreans fear the possibility of a pre-emptive strike by the US against the North, which could trigger devastating consequences even without Pyongyang resorting to nuclear weapons. It has massed conventional artillery within range of Seoul, which could inflict catastrophic damage on the capital before being neutralised. The US has hardened its stance over the North since Friday's test, with its ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, saying: "The time for talk is over." Influential US Senator Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that President Donald Trump had told him he would go to war to prevent Pyongyang developing a long-range nuclear-armed missile, even if that meant disaster for the peninsula. "Hes got to choose between homeland security and regional stability," Graham said in an interview with NBC. "If theres going to be a war to stop him, it will be over there. If thousands die, theyre going to die over there. Theyre not going to die here. And he has told me that to my face." Experts say a months-long conflict on the Korean peninsula, even using only conventional arms, could leave a million dead or injured before US and South Korean forces prevailed. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson later insisted the US was not trying to topple the Kim regime. "We are not your enemy. We're not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," he said. Jeung Young-Tae, director of military studies at the South's Dongyang University, said Pyongyang had crossed a "red line" with its latest missile achievements. "Whether we want it or not, the risk of unilateral military action by the US cannot be ruled out at this point," Jeung told AFP. The possibility of a military conflict was "bigger than ever before", he added. Some observers fear an "August crisis". He is the first Brazilian leader to face criminal charges while in office, but he's also a proven survivor and cannot be counted out yet. Here's what we know about a crisis that threatens Brazil with its second abrupt change of president in 12 months. What's the accusation? Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot says Temer took millions of dollars in bribes from meatpacking giant JBS in return for legislative favors. The most eye-catching evidence is video shot by police of a close Temer confidant running out of a Sao Paulo pizza restaurant with a heavy black suitcase. He'd just been meeting a JBS representative and the suitcase was stuffed with $150,000 in Brazilian reais. A second charge which many expect Janot to file in coming weeks would be for obstruction of justice. This is based on allegations by Janot that Temer authorized payment of hush money to a former ally who is now in jail for corruption, Eduardo Cunha. The case is part of the vast Car Wash probe, in which prosecutors have used plea bargain testimony to turn high-ranking executives and politicians against each other, revealing a mammoth embezzlement and bribery scheme. It also comes a year after Temer's predecessor Dilma Rousseff was ejected in an impeachment vote for breaking budget rules. Will Congress authorize trial? The case shocked Brazil when it burst into the media in May. Temer looked almost finished. However, he has ridden out the initial storm and now feels confidant. To be put on trial at the Supreme Court, the lower house must vote by two thirds in favor. That's a high bar to clear and Temer's aides say he has the support of enough deputies to sink the motion. There are wild cards, however. Knowing it cannot get enough votes to authorize a trial, the opposition may instead refuse to show up, preventing a quorum from being formed and leaving the charge against Temer hanging. If he cannot clear up the first charge, the filing of a second charge by Janot could be far more damaging. How common is corruption? In Brazil today, it's hard to find major politicians who are not being investigated for corruption. Car Wash has resulted in investigations and criminal cases against scores of big names, ranging from leftist senators who were in the long-running Workers' Party government to eight ministers in Temer's cabinet. Former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been convicted of taking a seaside apartment as a bribe from the OAS construction company. He was sentenced in July to nearly 10 years prison but remains free on appeal. While waiting to know his fate, Lula is campaigning to regain the presidency in elections next year. Temer's next move Temer has reportedly been ruthless in use of patronage and freeing up financing for congressional deputies' projects in his push to secure enough support in the lower house. He says that if cleared, he will renew his push for market reforms that he says are kick-starting Brazil's economy after two years of deep recession. However, the centerpiece of those reforms -- cuts to the generous pension system -- are hugely unpopular. Whether Congress, already running scared from Car Wash and the prospect of elections next year, will pass the reform is another question. After visiting Baltic state Estonia and the Caucasus nation of Georgia, Pence arrived on Tuesday in NATO's newest member Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. Pence's tour is a show of support for allies in the region rattled by Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its backing of a bloody separatist rebellion in Ukraine. Montenegro's accession to NATO on June 5 -- and Georgia's hopes of joining the military alliance -- have stirred fury in Moscow, which considers both countries to be in its historic sphere of influence. "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," Pence told reporters in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica, alongside Prime Minister Dusko Markovic. The vice president hailed Montenegro's accession to NATO as a "historic achievement" and pledged US commitment to strengthening ties with the region. On Tuesday in Tbilisi, Pence slammed Russia's "occupation" of part of Georgia's territory since a brief 2008 war, and pledged President Donald Trump would sign off on new sanctions against Moscow "soon". Later at dinner in Montenegro, which is home to around 620,000 people, Pence said his trip was "testament to the fact that America has no small allies -- only strong allies". "Your courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure, inspires the world, and I commend you for it," he said. Washington said in April there were credible reports that Moscow had backed an alleged coup attempt in Podgorica on the eve of Montenegro's election in October last year. Montenegrin authorities also allege that "Russian state bodies" were involved in the conspiracy in a bid to prevent the country from joining NATO, but Moscow denies any involvement. Pence is attending the Adriatic Charter Summit in Podgorica on Wednesday afternoon, which also brings together leaders from Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Slovenia. The US Senate on Thursday approved a package of tough additional sanctions against Russia over alleged meddling in last year's US election and its annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine. Pence told a press conference in Georgia on Tuesday that Trump would sign the bill "soon", although the White House has not set a timeframe. At a summit in NATO's newest member, Montenegro, Pence called on leaders to be "resolute and uncompromising in the face of aggression from an unpredictable country that casts a shadow from the east". "As you well know, Russia continues to seek to redraw international borders by force. And here, in the Western Balkans, Russia has worked to destabilise the region, undermine your democracies, and divide you from each other and from the rest of Europe," he said. Pence is on the last leg of an Eastern European tour aimed at reassuring allies worried by Russia's behaviour, particularly the 2014 annexation of Crimea and its backing of a bloody separatist rebellion in Ukraine. At Wednesday's Adriatic Charter Summit, Pence accused "Moscow-backed agents" of trying to attack Montenegro's parliament and assassinate the then prime minister, Milo Djukanovic, during an election in October last year. The White House said back in April that it had seen "credible reports of Russian support for an attempted election-day attack" in the ex-Yugoslav republic, but Pence's comments stepped up US accusations over the affair. The suspected power grab, he charged, aimed "to dissuade the Montenegrin people from entering our NATO alliance". Montenegro joined the military bloc in early June, to the anger of Russia, which considers the country of 620,000 people within its historic sphere of influence. A group of Serbian nationals were arrested on the eve of the October election over the alleged coup plot and 14 suspects are to be tried in the Montenegrin capital, including two Russians in absentia. Montenegro officials and Djukanovic himself have previously said that the coup plotters aimed to assassinate him. Russia denies any involvement in the murky affair, and no weapons intended for use in the attack have ever been presented. Tougher sanctions Some in Moscow and Washington had hoped relations between the former Cold War foes might improve under US President Donald Trump, who has had warm words for Russian President Vladimir Putin. But Pence's tough stance on his tour this week were further evidence that the great power rivals remain divided over various issues. His visit came as Trump on Wednesday signed into law a package of sanctions against Russia. The US Senate last week approved the package of tough additional sanctions over Russia's alleged meddling in last year's US election, as well as its annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine. "The United States will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions, and we call on our European allies and friends to do the same," Pence said. His tour began in Baltic nation Estonia, where he insisted that a retaliatory move taken by the Kremlin, to cut the US diplomatic mission in Russia, would not lessen Washington's commitment to its allies. On Tuesday in Georgia, Pence slammed Russia's "occupation" of part of the Caucasus nation's territory since a brief 2008 war. NATO door open In Montenegro, where he arrived late Tuesday, he hailed the Adriatic nation's "courage, particularly in the face of Russian pressure". "We truly believe the future of the Western Balkans is in the West," Pence told reporters. Wednesday's summit also brought together leaders from Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Slovenia to discuss advancing their Euro-Atlantic aspirations and reforms. Pence said NATO's door would always be open "for those European countries that share our values, contribute to the common defence, and strive to achieve security, prosperity, and freedom for their people". A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. Rogozin was supposed to make a visit to Moldova's pro-Russian figurehead president on Friday but the passenger plane he was travelling on was blocked by EU member Romania from crossing its airspace. Bucharest said it had turned the commercial liner back because Rogozin is under an EU travel ban over Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014. The incident sparked ire in Moscow and saw Rogozin lash out furiously at the authorities in both Romania and Moldova. In response Moldova's government announced it decided to officially ban Rogozin for "gross interference in the affairs of our country." "The authorities of Moldova announce Dmitry Rogozin persona non grata on our territory," the country's foreign ministry said in a statement. Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova has an East-West cultural, linguistic and political split. Its Russian-speaking Transdniestr region broke away after a brief civil war in the 1990s and declared independence backed by Moscow, which stations troops there. The country's pro-EU government is locked in a bitter feud with Moscow-friendly president Igor Dodon, who wants to tear up a deal for closer ties with Brussels. His seat on the new body, confirmed by the electoral authority, will be his first foray into a higher-profile public role at age 27. The economist by training already has served as head of the national film institute and in the vice president's office as a head of presidential delegations. Previously, he headed an anti-corruption office in the president's office. Maduro insisted on seeing the assembly elected, despite objections from the opposition that it would undermine democracy by superseding the opposition-dominated congress. The vote was marred by deadly protests, adding to a death toll of 125 in the past four months in demonstrations against Maduro and against the assembly. The opposition also said turnout was far lower than the eight million voters the electoral authority claimed. Maduro's son, who played the flute in Venezuela's system of youth orchestras, is a committed follower of the socialist revolution incarnated by the president and his late predecessor Hugo Chavez, according to his Twitter profile. Two thirds of the new assembly were drawn geographically, from municipalities, and the rest were elected from societal and industry sectors. "We don't think having a dialogue where the North Koreans come to the table assuming they're going to maintain their nuclear weapons is productive," he warned. But he sought to reassure the isolated authoritarian regime that it does not need a nuclear arsenal to defend itself from a US attack. "We do not see a regime change. We do not seek the collapse of the regime. We do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula," he promised. "We do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel. And we're trying to convey that to the North Koreans. "We are not your enemy. We're not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond." US President Donald Trump has demanded that China, North Korea's neighbor and biggest trade partner, rein in its nuclear ambitions -- angrily tweeting over the weekend that Beijing is not doing enough. But here too, Tillerson was more diplomatic. "We certainly don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea," Washington's top diplomat said. "Only the North Koreans are to blame for this situation, but we do believe China has a special and unique relationship, because of this significant economic activity, to influence the North Korean regime in ways that no one else can." Last week, Kim boasted that North Korea could now strike any target in the United States after carrying out its latest intercontinental ballistic missile test. North Korea's push to build a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening US cities has brought the region to the brink of crisis, and Washington is using every diplomatic lever to shut the program down. But, in defiance of efforts to isolate Kim Jong-Un's pariah regime, Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho will attend a regional security forum alongside the ASEAN ministerial meeting this weekend. Tillerson and other key players, including China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will also be in the Philippine capital -- but Susan Thornton, the acting US assistant secretary of state, said the US diplomat would not take the opportunity to meet Ri. "What we would expect to see this year at the meeting would be a general chorus of condemnation of North Korea's provocative behavior," she said. Tillerson has no plans to meet separately with the North Koreans, she said, while at the forum itself she predicted "pretty serious diplomatic isolation directed at the North Korean foreign minister." South East Asian diplomatic sources told AFP that Tillerson had lobbied US allies to exclude North Korea from the ASEAN regional forum, which meets to discuss Asia-Pacific security issues alongside ASEAN talks. Thornton confirmed that Washington is seeking to further isolate Pyongyang, but admitted that there had not been time to convince its regional allies to update the guest list before the Manila talks. "We've been going around talking to partners to talk about what more they can do to increase pressure on the regime and increase the diplomatic isolation of the regime," she told reporters. "We've been having a serious discussion about what it would take for a member to be suspended from this organization that is dedicated to conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. By PTI: Mumbai, Aug 2 (PTI) The Maharashtra Government has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for providing information about the two key absconding accused in the murder of communist leader Govind Pansare, a senior police official said today. Pansare and his wife were shot by unidentified persons in Kolhapur during their morning walk on February 16, 2015. While his wife survived, the veteran CPI leader died in a Mumbai hospital four days later. advertisement "The state government has sanctioned a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any person who will give specific information and whereabouts of Sanatan Sanstha activists Vinay Pawar and Sarang Akolkar, who are the key accused in Pansares murder case," Inspector General of Police, Kolhapur Range, Vishwas Nangre Patil told PTI. In September 2015, the police had arrested Sameer Gaikwad, an alleged member of the right wing group Sanatan Sanstha, for his alleged involvement in Pansares killing. The attack on Pansare seemed to be similar to the one in which noted rationalist Narendra Dabholkar was killed in Pune in 2013, an official said. The state government had formed a special investigation team (SIT) of the CID to probe Pansares murder. The Maharashtra government and Pansares daughter and daughter-in-law had earlier filed applications in the Bombay High Court challenging a lower courts order granting bail to Gaikwad. Pawar and Akolkar are the key accused in Pansares murder, an official said. The SIT had earlier arrested Sanatan Sanstha activist Sameer Gaikwad in connection with Pansares murder, he said. Pawar and Akolkar are also wanted in connection with the murder of Dabholkar. Akolkar, who hails from Pune, is an electronics engineer. He has been on the run ever since his name cropped up during the probe of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Goa blast case. The NIA had secured an Interpol red corner notice against him in 2012 but the security agencies are yet to track him down. Pawar, a resident of Miraj in Sangli district of western Maharashtra, also has been untraceable for the last seven years. The petitions filed by the family members of Pansare and Dabholkar are pending before the Bombay High Court, which has been periodically calling for progress reports on the investigations from the state CID, which is probing the Pansare case, and the CBI, which is investigating the murder of Dabholkar. PTI DC SP GK RT --- ENDS --- Trump's personal intervention, first reported by The Washington Post, casts doubt on claims he knew nothing about a meeting during the 2016 campaign that is now central to a federal investigation. It also paints a picture of a president acutely aware of the scandal -- and determined to manage it down to a minute level. Allies fear that such a level of involvement, if proven, could put the Republican billionaire leader in legal jeopardy. Politically, it will only intensify allegations that the White House is trying to cover up connections with a foreign government accused of trying to tilt the November election in Trump's favor. "This was... unnecessary," one presidential adviser told the Post on condition of anonymity. "Now someone can claim he's the one who attempted to mislead. Somebody can argue the president is saying he doesn't want you to say the whole truth." Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow dismissed the report as "misinformed." Emails show that Trump's eldest son Donald Jr, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his then campaign manager Paul Manafort met Kremlin-connected officials in June 2016 in the hope of getting dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. On the other side of the table were government-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, Russian real estate player Ike Kaveladze and Rinat Akhmetshin, who has denied long-standing allegations that he works for Russian intelligence. A British middleman pitched the meeting as an opportunity for the Trump campaign to obtain "very high level and sensitive information" as "part of Russia and its government's support" for the now president. In a statement -- allegedly dictated by Trump on Air Force One coming back from a Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany -- Don Jr said the meeting "primarily discussed a program about the adoption of Russian children." Trump's lawyers had claimed he was not involved in the meeting or its aftermath, and the Republican billionaire had rushed to his son's defense, accusing the media of a political "witch hunt." One Republican congressman, Lee Zeldin of New York, told CNN:"I would be really interested in knowing what the president knew at that time." Twitter 'only way to get truth out' Possible Trump-Russia collaboration is the subject of several Congressional investigations as well as a sweeping federal probe led by special counsel and former FBI director Robert Mueller. The scandal has overshadowed Trump's first six months in office and threatened to ensnare his whole administration in a legal thicket. In recent weeks, the scandal has taken a back seat to White House chaos amid the departure of Trump's chief of staff Reince Priebus, his short-lived communications director Anthony Scaramucci and press secretary Sean Spicer. This latest drip-drip of Russia-related information has overshadowed what the White House was hoping would be a fresh start with new chief of staff John Kelly. The four-star retired Marine general on Monday began his quest to impose order on an administration careening out of control. On Tuesday, Trump focused on the American economy, a bright spot on the otherwise gloomy political landscape. "Stock Market could hit all-time high (again) 22,000 today. Was 18,000 only 6 months ago on Election Day. Mainstream media seldom mentions!" he said on Twitter. Later in the day, he participated in a White House event with small businesses, at which he reiterated his comments on Wall Street. But just in case there were any illusions that Kelly could tame Trump's Twitter venting, the president was at pains to dispel them. "Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out!" he tweeted. During his meeting with small business leaders, Trump jokingly complained out loud that Kelly had not made journalists give him credit for a years-long economic recovery. Loup Bureau, who has worked in the past with French channel TV5, was detained last week at the Habur border post in southeastern Sirnak province on the Iraqi-Turkish border. He was remanded in custody in Sirnak on Tuesday, ahead of trial on charges of membership of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers to be a terror group. Judicial sources said the charges related to a report Bureau had done several years ago with the YPG in Syria. A French diplomatic source said that France was aware of Bureau's detention and following the situation with the "greatest attention". It was also seeking consular access as soon as possible, the source added. On his Twitter account, Bureau describes himself as a journalism student. Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group and the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. But Washington considers the YPG as the main fighting force on the ground in Syria against the Islamic State group. The United States is now openly arming the YPG and the group is heavily involved in the US-backed operation to oust IS jihadists from their stronghold of Raqa. The latest arrest comes amid growing alarm over press freedom in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with foreign reporters also being caught up in the crackdown. Turkey ranks 155 on the latest Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders) world press freedom index, below Belarus and the Democratic Republic of Congo, after dropping four places from its 2016 ranking. Turkey in June released and deported French photojournalist Mathias Depardon who was held for a month on charges of supporting terror groups after he was detained in the southeast. Imprisoned in February, the correspondent of German daily Die Welt Deniz Yucel has been personally accused by Erdogan of working as a "terror agent". But for many Pakistani businessmen living and working on the Chinese side of the border, the road is a one way street. "China says our friendship is as high as the Himalayas and as deep as the sea, but it has no heart," said Pakistani businessman Murad Shah, as he tended his shop in Tashkurgan, 120 kilometres from the mountain pass where trucks line up to cross between China's vast Xinjiang region and Pakistan. "There is no benefit for Pakistan. It's all about expanding China's growth," Shah said, as he straightened a display of precious stones. The remote town of around 9,000 is at the geographic heart of Beijing's plans to build a major trade artery - the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- connecting Kashgar to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar. The project is a crown jewel of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, a massive global infrastructure programme to revive the ancient Silk Road and connect Chinese companies to new markets around the world. In 2013, Beijing and Islamabad signed agreements worth $46 billion to build transport and energy infrastructure along the corridor, and China has upgraded the treacherous mountain road better known as the Karakoram Highway. While both countries say the project is mutually beneficial, data shows a different story. Pakistan's exports to China fell by almost eight percent in the second half of 2016, while imports jumped by almost 29 percent. In May, Pakistan accused China of flooding its market with cut rate steel and threatened to respond with high tariffs. "There are all of these hopes and dreams about Pakistan exports," said Jonathan Hillman, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "But if you're connecting with China, what are you going to be exporting?" - 'This is not allowed' One answer is Nigerian "male enhancement" supplements: expired medications which Pakistani merchants in the oasis city of Hotan recently peddled to bearded Muslims walking home from Friday prayers. The products were typical of the kinds of small consumer goods brought by Pakistani traders into Xinjiang: medicine, toiletries, semi-precious stones, rugs and handicrafts. Pakistani businessmen in Xinjiang see few benefits from CPEC, complaining of intrusive security and capricious customs arrangements. "If you bring anything from China, no problem," said Muhammad, a trader in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar, who declined to give his full name. But he said tariffs on imported Pakistani goods are "not declared. Today it's five percent, tomorrow maybe 20. Sometimes, they just say this is not allowed". Three years ago, Shah was charged between eight and 15 yuan per kilo to bring lapis lazuli, a blue stone. The duty has since soared to 50 yuan per kilo, he said. Customs officials told AFP the "elements influencing prices were too many" for them to offer a "definite and detailed list" of costs. While large-scale importers can absorb the tariffs, independent Pakistani traders have benefited little from CPEC, said Hasan Karrar, political economy professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Alessandro Ripa, an expert on Chinese infrastructure projects at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, said the highway "is not very relevant to overall trade" because "the sea route is just cheaper and faster". The project is better understood as a tool for China to promote its geopolitical interests and help struggling state-owned companies export excess production, he said. 'Maybe it will be good' Traders also face overbearing security in China. Over the last year, Beijing has flooded Xinjiang, which has a large Muslim population, with tens of thousands of security personnel and imposed draconian rules to eliminate "extremism". Businessmen complain they are not allowed to worship at local mosques, while shops can be closed for up to a year for importing merchandise with Arabic script. In June, on the 300 kilometre trip between Kashgar and Tashkurgan, drivers were stopped at six police checkpoints, while their passengers had to walk through metal detectors and show identification cards. Signs warn that officials can check mobile phones for "illegal" religious content. Police officers interrupted an interview in Tashkurgan to demand a shopkeeper hand over his smartphone and computer for inspection, an event he said occurs several times a week. Shah said that when he first arrived in the town, the intrusive security made him nervous: "But now I'm used to it. I almost feel like I'm one of the police." As he spoke, an alarm sounded. He grabbed a crude spear, body armour and a black helmet off his counter and rushed into the street, where police had assembled over a dozen people for impromptu counter-terrorism drills. The exercises are held up to four times a day. Stores are closed for several days if they do not participate. Back in Kashgar, Muhammad hopes that CPEC will make life better, but he believes the oppressive security will remain an obstacle. OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) Sprint said Tuesday that it should be able to "strike a deal" in the "near future," driving up shares of the fourth-largest U.S. wireless carrier. The Overland Park, Kan., company also posted its first quarterly profit in three years as it cut costs. Debt-heavy Sprint has been trying to turn its business around, and CEO Marcelo Claure said on a call with analysts Tuesday that it could "sustain itself" alone. But he said that the cost savings and potential benefits of hooking up with another phone company or a cable company would leave Sprint in a better position. "We think in the near future, we should be able to strike a deal with one of the different players," Claure said. Earlier this week, cable company Charter said it was not interested in buying Sprint after published reports said Sprint had proposed an acquisition by Charter. Claure said he was "a bit surprised" to see that announcement and that Charter talks were part of a "bigger play." The company is having discussions with other companies, he said. A deal with rival T-Mobile has long been predicted. In its latest quarter, Sprint added 88,000 customers that pay a monthly bill, its most lucrative customers, versus 173,000 the year before. It gained prepaid customers compared with a loss the year before. Overall, the company reported fiscal first-quarter net income of $206 million, or 5 cents per share. In the same period a year ago, it reported a net loss of $302 million, or 8 cents per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations for a loss of 1 cent per share, according to Zacks Investment Research. Revenue rose about 2 percent to $8.16 billion, missing the $8.19 billion analysts expected, according to Zacks. If you never have eaten at Smokeys before, you will ask yourself why after the first bite. It is that good. It is reminiscent of an old-time diner and a barbecue joint wrapped into one neat little package. It is hard to find a place where people are as excited about the breakfasts as they are about the brisket. The owners showcase favorites gained during years of experience, and the food and atmosphere are proof that experience has paid off. Smokeys is a familiar name on the Quad-Cities dining scene. Gary and Sherry Schmooke owned Smokeys Cafe in Colona for 32 years, until they sold the building in 2007 with the intent to semi-retire. They soon found they missed the restaurant business and the customers who came with it. In 2010, they drove by the former Friedas European Tea Room in East Moline and saw it was for sale. Gary suggested they just take a look at it," and the idea for a new place, featuring their old favorites, was born. The hours are limited so the Schmookes can enjoy the family time they did not have when running their Colona restaurant, which seated 250 and was open seven days a week. Their current restaurant seats 47. Smokeys is a family affair, and customers are greeted as if they are part of that family. Daughter Rene works full time as a waitress. Her dad named his homemade barbecue sauce after her: Sweet and Sassy. This is the only job she has ever had since she could walk and talk. Garys nephew, Richard Staub, is a cook; Sherrys sister Debbie is a waitress; and the coleslaw is made from Aunt Judys recipe. The other longtime employees include waitresses Andi and Jen, cooks John and Carlos, and Jeff the dishwasher. They work as a finely tuned machine during their busy times. Their motto "nothing instant but the service" is fitting. Their extensive menu includes many favorites from the Colona restaurant, along with some area classics from a bygone era, such as the creamy garlic dressing from the old Bring'er Inn and a Dande Reuben reminiscent of the sandwich served at the Belgian Village. It was hard to decide what to have. Thankfully, everything on the menu is available all day. The breakfast section of the menu is extensive. We couldnt agree on which breakfast entree to order, so we went for the Smoke House Breakfast Platter for only $9.99, which included enough food for two people. Its three eggs were cooked to perfection and all flipped at once quite impressive. The hash browns were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Also included was a slab of country-fresh ham and homemade raisin toast, along with a biscuit and sausage gravy. Delicious! From the Signature Sandwich part of the menu, we picked the Monster Cheeseburger, a favorite at the Colona restaurant. This classic half-pound burger was hand-formed and juicy, and priced at $7.49. For an additional $2.29, we made it a platter with home-cut fries and Aunt Judys coleslaw. On the barbecue side of the menu, we had to try the half slab of ribs, which came with two side dishes. Gary smokes all of his meat on site, and the ribs are center-cut, pork-loin baby backs -- very meaty. You can choose your type of sauce, and we went for the Sweet and Sassy. We're not usually mac-and-cheese fans so we tried to steer away from choosing that as one of our sides, but Gary convinced us to give it a try. We were hooked! The massive portion was made from Garys secret recipe of perfectly blended cheeses, baked in a pan and served as a slab. It was very creamy, not pasty. Next time we will try the Mac-Daddy, which is pulled pork topped with mac-and-cheese. There are plenty of dinners to choose from, including meatloaf, butterfly pork chops, country steak, sirloin steak and more. Smokeys also has a lighter side of the menu with several salad choices, but the beef eater in us could not resist the prime rib special. The 16-ounce prime rib, cooked with Garys special rub, was fork tender and came with two side dishes. We had the baked potato and the lettuce salad with the tasty Bring'er Inn garlic dressing. With no room left for more food, we had to visit several days later to give the Dande Reuben a try. This massive sandwich 6 inches by 8 inches is served on homemade rye or raisin bread, with Thousand Island dressing on the side. You can wash all of this food down with a variety of Pepsi products or some robust coffee. The hours are limited, so time your visit to fit the schedule. Smokey's is closed on Mondays but open from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the diner is open from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Smokey's is located on 17th Avenue, the one-way street heading east through East Moline. Parking is available in a lot off of 16th Avenue. The diner also has a catering truck. Gary will cater for any size group and set up on site if needed. If you want to place an order to go, call ahead and they will have your food ready for you. He said: The ribs are fantastic, and the Monster Cheeseburger is a go-to favorite. Gary knows what he is doing to keep customers coming back. There are so many great choices that I cant wait for my next meal at Smokeys. She said: Both breakfast and barbecue are favorites of mine. This is a great place to satisfy all parts of my appetite. I am hooked on the surprisingly good mac-and-cheese and cannot wait to try it with the pulled pork. The result of Integrated Professional Competence (IPC) CA exam was declared yesterday, on August 1 and Gaurav Sarawagi from Churu has topped the exam with 80.71 per cent. By India Today Web Desk: The result of Integrated Professional Competence (IPC) CA exam was declared yesterday, on August 1, at the official website www.icaiexam.icai.org by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) . Gaurav Sarawagi from Churu has topped the exam with 80.71 per cent, followed by Ronak Rajendra Jain with 80.14 per cent and Hasan Mohammad Ibrahim Iqbal Usama with 80.00 per cent. A total of 2,07,577 had appeared for the exam. Details of top 3 rank holders About the exam advertisement The Chartered Accountants Intermediate (IPC) Examination is held twice in a year in the months of May and November. There are total 443 centers. In India there are 438 centers and 5 centers are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha and Kathmandu.All those candidates who had appeared for the same are required to check their respective scores at the official website icaiexam.icai.org. The result will also be available at www.cresults.icai.org. (Read: ICAI CA IPC result declared at icaiexam.icai.org: Gaurav Sarawagi tops the exam with 80.71%) Number of candidates admitted in Intermediate May 2017 exams: 2,07,577Number of exam centers in Intermediate May 2017: 443 About ICAI: Established on July 1, 1949 as a body corporate under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 enacted by the Parliament (acting as the provisional Parliament of India) to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India, ICAI is the second largest professional accounting body in the world in terms of membership second only to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Read: ICAI CA IPC Result 2017: Declared at icaiexam.icai.org, steps to check your scores Read: CBSE UGC NET official notification to be out on August 4 --- ENDS --- CHICAGO (AP) Illinois consumers who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act exchange could see prices increase by as much as 43 percent next year. The Chicago Tribune reports that several health insurance carriers proposed double-digit increases in rates released Thursday under what's often referred to as the "Obamacare" exchange. Health Alliance Medical Plans, which offered coverage mostly in central and southern Illinois this year, is proposing rate increases of as much as 43 percent. All three insurers that offer plans in Cook County via the exchange are proposing increases. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is proposing an average 38.2 percent increase for its BlueCare Direct plans. The insurer cited increased medical and prescription drug costs. The proposed rates aren't final and don't include federal subsidies that could lower costs for many people. MOLINE The incentive package for redevelopment of the former Mills Chevrolet dealership would award the developer $975,000 based on property performance. A busy night at the city council included more information about what the city would need to kick in to help make the project a reality. Developer Kevin Koellner, of Build To Suit of Bettendorf, plans to spend $6.5 million dollars to remodel and build new retail space at 1610 39th Ave. Upgrades include a new entrance from 16th Street onto the property and construction of two new buildings that would add an additional 11,900 square feet of space. The project is slated to begin later this month or in September, with a projected completion date of September 2018. Ray Forsythe, city planning and development director, said the incentives are performance-based and do not reward any particular retail or restaurant, but rather the developer. He said the city would not be providing any money up front and the rebate is based on the developer's hard cost. "This is a really visible, cool parcel that we need to have redeveloped," 2nd Ward Ald. David Parker said. "I think it is going in the right direction. You guys are doing a ton of great work, and I am just really excited about this." Passenger rail update Mr. Forsythe told the council that Mayor Stephanie Acri received a letter from the state confirming that it is moving forward with plans for passenger rail. The letter stated that, between now and 2019, the state will continue to complete the design work, negotiate in good faith and seek all of the appropriate approvals for passenger rail. "I called the person who wrote the letter today and begged him for a date for construction and operation, and he did not give it to me," Mr. Forsythe said. "The answer was 'this is what it is', they are continuing to work on the high speed rail service and the process is in the works." Deer-hunting presentation The council saw a presentation during the committee-of-the-whole meeting on urban deer populations presented by Tim Preuss, urban deer project manager at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Preuss told the council about two options to help control the deer population in the city. One would require the city to obtain a deer population control permit from the IDNR and would cost the city anywhere from $200 to $600 per deer. Another option, which would not require any approval from the IDNR would be to allow archery hunting. Mr. Preuss called the option a low-cost alternative where the city would set its own rules and choose to license people as it sees fit. The council voted to table moving forward with the deer hunt, pending further information about the number of deer-related accidents in the city and a review of how neighboring cities are handling their deer-hunting programs. Support for The Island The council chambers were packed and flowing into the hallway with supporters of a new teen dance club, The Island. Nathan Lane is hoping to secure a license for the club at 1405 15th St. In order to be approved, Mr. Lane needs the approval of 16 property owners within a 40-foot radius of the proposed club. The city owns a strip of land and a parking lot in the area. After 3rd Ward Ald. Mike Wendt voiced his concerns about the property being up to code, the council voted 8-0 in favor of allowing the club to proceed. Mr. Lane still will need to apply for the license once he has secured the other approvals. The council approved spending $480,353 towards construction work associated with the Interstate 74 bridge project. This funding is earmarked for roadwork starting at 7th Avenue and ending near Avenue of the Cities. Celebrating Our Service Members Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day, when we honor and show gratitude to all members of our Armed Forces those currently serving, those who... Transit Equity Starts With QueensLink For decades Queens has seen a disinvestment in the necessary transit infrastructure the borough needs to promote equity and sustainability. Most of the time, transformative... By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Implementation of GST in Jammu and Kashmir marks economic integration and would help increase the revenues of the state, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today in the Lok Sabha which passed two bills extending the Central GST and Integrated GST to the state. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill are aimed at giving effect to the formal amendments required in Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) Acts by removing the exemption that was carved out for J&K. advertisement Jaitley said the GST is in the larger interest of traders and consumers of Jammu and Kashmir and that the state government, its asssembly and people should be "complimented" for the roll out. "If they (J&K) didnt integrate, then the traders would not have got input credit and the tax on final products would have been higher... That would have made products costlier and consumers would have to pay more," the minister said. "J&K is a consumer state and GST being a destination- based tax, the revenues of the state would increase," he said. The CGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 provides for levy of the GST on goods sold and services rendered in the state while the IGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 seeks to levy the tax on inter-state movement of goods. The two bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 31. Participating in the discussion on the bills, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Cong) asked the government to ponder why it is taking recourse to Ordinance for every legislation. He said while the UPA government was accused of policy paralysis, the present government is undergoing "policy dialysis" and hence there was "economic stasis". "When we have access to Parliament, we should not frequently resort to Ordinance," he said, adding the government had failed to impress upon the J&K government to implement GST from July 1. Chowdhury said GST, as implemented, cannot be called one nation, one tax as nearly 50 per cent of the GDP remains out of its ambit. "Given the sensitivity of the J&K region, you should have been better prepared before introducing the tax regime," he said, adding the apprehension of people of the state should be allayed by assuring that Article 370 giving them special status as well as fiscal autonomy would not be tampered with. Shashi Tharoor (Cong) said that extending GST to J&K has "serious impact" as it alters the taxation power of the state and by "impinging" on the states right the Centre is violating the Constitution. "J&K must be approached with sensitivity, but no sensitivity was shown as the bill was passed in assembly when Opposition was not present... It could signal future problems," Tharoor said. He said the state has been dealing with conflict and the government should not do anything which impacts its stability. "GST was implemented in extreme haste... GST Network is in shambles," he said, adding Malaysia was given one-year time before GST was implemented there. While the Centre had promised a simple tax, in reality GST has become one nation, three slabs and six taxes (0, 5, 12, 18, 28 and 40 per cent), Tharoor said, adding the structure is "irresponsibly complicated". The Congress leader from Kerala said that J&K is facing increased terrorism and "we need to do everything to protect the interest" of the state and see that it is not undermined by "finance ministrys terrorism". Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) said the cost of most of the goods and services have increased post the GST and the GST Council has "arbitrary" powers to fix rates even without consulting Parliament. During Banerjees speech, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge pointed out that the finance minister was not present in the House, while the treasury benches contested that Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Santosh Gangwar was present. As the House saw uproar over the issue for a brief time, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S S Ahluwalia said "cabinet system is a collective responsibility and two cabinet ministers and MoS Finance is sitting here". The GST, which replaced more than a dozen central and state levies, came into effect from July 1 all over the country, but the J&K assembly passed a resolution adopting the constitutional amendment only on July 5. Thereafter, the president issued an ordinance extending the provisions to the state. This was necessary because of the special status that Jammu and Kashmir enjoys in the Constitution. The state of Jammu and Kashmir passed the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 which came into force on July 8, 2017. But with the state adopting the law, ordinances were promulgated. And now the legislations have been brought in Parliament to replace them. As Parliament was not in session and an urgent legislation was required to be made, the president promulgated the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 on July 8, said the statement of Objects and reasons of the two bills. PTI JD AKK --- ENDS --- More than 80% of respondents to a CSX Service Quality survey issued by Cowen and Company say they have experienced service issues since the company initiated President and CEO Hunter Harrisons Precision Railroading. According to Cowen Managing Director and Railway Age Wall Street Contributing Editor Jason Seidl, nearly 40% [of respondents] have switched some freight to Norfolk Southern, and 67% have transferred freight to a trucker. This could lead to NS showing additional market share gains in this years third quarter, Seidl noted, adding that NSs EPS (earnings per share) could increase by 5% in this years second half should NS manage to grab 5% of CSXs traffic within that time period. Shippers are moving or have already moved freight off CSX where they can, Seidl said. In light of this trend and the STBs recent letter to CSX management, on July 31, Harrison sent an email letter to customers addressing concerns and committing to improve the problems. While 37% of respondents to Cowens survey said they are switching at least some freight to NS, nearly 50% of those not captive to CSX are moving a piece of their business to NS. As well, two-thirds of [responding] shippers are moving some freight from CSX to an over-the-road (OTR) carrier, Seidl noted. But if we exclude those who dont have that option, then 76% say they are switching some freight to truckers. How much business is NS getting? According to the survey, 20% of shippers are shifting less than 25% of eligible freight to NS, while 14% are transferring between 25% and 50% of freight. Only 5% said they were moving more than 50% to NS. About 40% are moving less than 25% of their freight to trucks. Our view is that NS could meaningfully benefit from the service-related issues at CSX over the next couple of quarters, Seidl said. We continue to like the stock and see NS achieving its sub-65 OR (operating ratio) goal before 2020. NS should also have an easier time raising prices over the near-term as we think shippers would be willing to accept them for reliable service. Seild said that Hub Group, among the railroad industrys largest intermodal customers, was outspoken about the quality of Norfolk Southerns intermodal service on its 2Q17 earnings call. Perhaps this was management just pushing their own book, but nevertheless they can be respectfully vocal when service is not to their liking. However, from a more-positive, longer-term perspective, We also think CSXs issues are transitory, Seidl added. While it is painful for many shippers today, we expect that over the next 12-18 months CSX customers will be more pleased with the railroads service quality. We do not think volumes that are lost to NS or a trucker during this transition period will be permanently lost. CSX is making excellent progress in the transition to precision scheduled railroading, spokesman Rob Doolittle told Railway Age. The change is not without a few bumps along the way, and we have acknowledged that with customers and are working to address individual service issues as they emerge. As Hunter Harrison said in a blog post on Railwayage.com last week, The majority of our customers, employees and shareholders are excited and fully engaged in what they see as a step-change improvement in what it means to run an efficient, cost-effective railroad. They understand that through the service improvements were making, were positioning ourselves to regain much of the freight volume that was lost to trucks over the past 40 years and drive top-line growth that will reward our shareholders and employees for decades to come. In the companys second-quarter financial results, announced on July 23, we were pleased to report that our business volume had increased in the quarter when compared to a year ago, Doolittle noted. Ultimately precision scheduled railroading is about better service to customers and we expect, as your analyst [Jason Seidl] does, that CSX customers will happier with the service quality we are able to deliver as the transition is completed. Following are several comments from CSX customers who responded to Cowens survey. Save for one intermodal customer who said service has experienced no significant impacts, all are negative. This transition has been a complete disaster in regards to CSXTs operational service. Car velocity has drastically declined, putting our ability to serve our customers and maintain empty supply to our plants in serious jeopardy. When cars do move, they are often misrouted just to avoid dwell in the terminal and at times get lost as a result, which just exacerbates the velocity issue. Service from Norfolk [Southern] has remained steady. Our company has a 350-car private fleet on CSX. In 2016, our loaded trip times averaged nine days. In July, our loaded trip times have averaged 23 days. We are forced to truck [more than] 400 miles to keep our customers [supplied with] product. Very poor service with no end in sight. CSX has reduced the number of switches at our facility from two per day to one. They have effectively reduced the total volume per week that we can accommodate by rail. They have effected our ability to grow our rail business in the future. Service tanked in the Atlanta region in early March, running us out of raw materials at plants and empties for our vendors, with transit times doubling to tripling. Other lanes have since been affected, with extremely slow and erratic transit times, doubling in some cases. Cars go way out of route frequently. Cars ping pong between distant terminals for weeks, passing our plants before finally getting placed, [more than] two weeks late in many instances. Many customers are competing to locate trucks as demand is up as CSX is [causing] many businesses [to be] short of raw materials. We have switched several hundred carloads of freight a year from CSX to NS and several hundred more [from] CSX to truck. We are looking at converting at least 500 carloads a year more from CSX to truck as we work out the logistical issues. We are starting up a plant in the Northeast in 2018, good for about 250 carloads a year, and are negotiating with NS for that and will not even ask CSX for rates. Wish we could pull every pound of freight off CSX if we could. This ranks up there with the Union Pacific 1998 service meltdown, post-Southern Pacific merger, and the NS-CSX mess after the Conrail split in 1999. [S]ervice has been cut and reliability is a thing of the past. The few employees who are left are overwhelmed with work. Safety has taken a backseat to earnings per share. It has been a dumpster fire. I have had cars sit on my siding for weeks with no local service, I have had cars ping-pong back and forth between terminals. I have had cars sit in intermediate yards for weeks on end with no crews or power to move them. Dealing with CSX has become a frustrating process that at times is not worth the effort. We ship mainly unit trains with CSX, and weve seen cars sit in switching yards due to lack of power [or] people. or congestion. Other railroads [are] telling us to avoid certain interchanges, which takes our costs up. [There is} an overload of bulk trucking [to get] around CSX to keep customers running, stressing the capacity of trucking companies. We have three automotive customers that are [captive to] CSX. NS is unable to help due to a haulage agreement between the two. Due to the fact that CSX cannot supply the necessary cars for these locations and NS cannot supply cars due to the haulage agreement, we are moving this material by truck. These are JIT (just-in-time) customers, so any delays turn critical. We have the option to do a group rate with CSX/NS, but that more than doubles the rate into those locations. [This] makes truck a better mode of transportation. Transit times vary from one to three weeks. [We] have been on the brink of shutdown a couple of times due to lack of raw materials. Compounding the problem has been a lack of transparency on the part of CSX. If we know there will be delays, we can plan accordingly. They are unable/unwilling to provide us any kind of forecast on transit times. We are considering alternative means of transportation for this location, [perhaps a] barge/truck combo or via NS. Truly awful! [CSX] could not have done a better job designing the worst possible service model. On most days, we do not get a switch, even though we are scheduled for five a week. After begging, we might get one. However, we do not get the correct number of cars or even the right car numbers. This is what happens when you place shareholder value ahead of customer success. I hope [CSX shareholders are happy. We arent. Service has declined to the point that it appears CSX is trying to drive my plant out of business. I have missed customer orders and been forced to idle my plant numerous times due to failure to get service. The only answers we get are basically, Thats tough. Get used to it. The situation is untenable, and I am actively looking to switch my business elsewhere wherever possible, as soon as possible. [CSX] customer service doesnt have solutions for the service interruptions, and you get a different story from whomever youre talking to at CSX. They have taken away tools that help the customer operate, such as diversions without interacting with CSX personnel. Everybody you talk to at CSX is scared [that] they will get fired if they help the customer with a solution that [doesnt follow] the Precision Railroading business model. In the past two months, we have lost our account rep in Customer Service, who was amazing, and [was] replaced with people who do not help me at all and give me a bad attitude when I am trying to get some resolution to my issues. I am very upset with the new CSX, [which] does not seem to care at all about customers. Communication has been awful for new rollouts. Changes affecting normal protocol for routing and diversions have been affected. Transit times have been unpredictable, making it hard to manage a fleet and be right-sized. We are looking at moving volume over to [NS] where we can, until CSX can get a grasp on operations. The CSX transition is not an off-and-on switch. The choices and changes that have occurred in the past six months will not be fully noticeable for at least another six months in the Northeast. Weather will play a huge role in the Selkirk hump yard to flat-switch [change] as 85-degree weather vs. three feet of snow will hamper that play We will respect the CSX changes, but will continue to keep doors open for other opportunities and reinventing the wheel to accomplish our own customer service needs to ship a great product and serve our customer base in a cost-efficient matter for our company. Time will tell if Precision Railroading will work for the future of CSX, as the U.S. Northeast is different in Canada, as well as the rules and regulations that are built within the AAR and STB, and in Washington D.C. The customer service support that is left cant provide any kind of substantive information due to lack of experience in [the] yard system. Where is the field leadership? Where is the attention to customer needs? What happened to providing better service to the customer? Theres more to running a railroad than cutting costs to make your bottom line look better. While I havent transitioned any of my business yet, that doesnt mean that I cant or wont. [W]e have had specific cars sit in one CSX yard for as long as 13 days before finally being moved. We have had one major customer on the verge of a shutdown because of delays in receiving shipments that appear to be the result of either circuitous routing or multiple delays at various yards enroute. Delays are costing us thousand of dollars in idle lease rent and causing us to reduce production due to lack of empties to reload. We are also having to ship trucks to avoid customer shutdown. Alberta Midland Railway Terminal Ltd. (AMRT) is developing a strategically located rail logistics center within Albertas Industrial Heartland. The $34 million center is located on Canadian Nationals Prairie North Line between Edmonton and Winnipeg at Lamont, Alberta, in a region that is home to Canadas largest hydrocarbon processing hub and world-class energy and agricultural industries. Construction began in August 2016; the site which is scheduled to be in service by October. Despite some weather setbacks, we are now very pleased with our progress said Darcy Heggie, President and Chief Executive, at the companys general meeting July 26. Our contractors are finishing civil work and are now laying track which will allow us to provide our anchor tenant with rail car storage services by summers end. In addition we are set to provide additional storage, trans-loading services, rail car repair services, switching, and project laydown capability by the end of Q3. The center has 48,000 feet of track for storage of up to 850 rail cars; 12,000 feet of track for interchange with CN, switching, and temporary storage, and a small car repair area. It is located in close proximity to its customers in the Edmonton region who routinely ship liquefied petroleum gas, petroleum products, and plastics. The design of the facility allows efficient switching and access by CN. Heggie recognized Lamont County and the County Councils proactive approach to economic development and willingness to work with all stakeholders to further develop industry in the area. In a development that harks back to the regions mining roots, Reading & Northern Railroad said it will operate anthracite unit coal trains as part of a major shipment destined for Ukraine. Xcoal Energy & Resources arranged to ship 700,000 tons of coal for energy production to Ukraine by the end of this year, with half of that Pennsylvania anthracite from mines served by Reading & Northern. Reading Anthracite Coal of Pottsville, Pa., has handled the acquisition of the 350,000 tons of anthracite. The U.S. coal will replace Russian origin coal at existing thermal power plants, [for] energy security and diversification, said Xcoal President Ernie Thrasher, who traveled to Ukraine for the announcement by the Trump Administration. The railroad, also known as the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, owns more than 1,200 freight cars and will be supplying all of the hopper cars used to carry the anthracite. From six different loadouts, R&N will build 100-plus car unit trains to be interchanged with Norfolk Southern at Reading, Pa., for forwarding to CNX Terminal in Baltimore, Md. Reading & Northern is delighted to be partnering with Xcoal and Norfolk Southern on this wonderful opportunity, said Reading & Northern Chief Executive Andrew Muller, Jr. We have long been known as The Road of Anthracite and here is our chance to show the world how good our service is and how good Pennsylvania anthracite is. Our years of investment in coal cars and our branch line rail system pays off with our ability to turn on a dime and handle the movement of 30+ unit trains in five months. [Editors Note: The former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coined the slogan, Road of Anthracite. The R&N operates primarily on lines once owned by the DL&Ws competitors, but were later combined with successor Erie-Lackawanna under Conrail.] Reading & Northern Railroad, headquartered in Port Clinton, Pa., serves more than 70 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK Initiation of corruption case against Chelyabinsk ex-governor upheld MOSCOW, August 2 (RAPSI, Yelizaveta Ponomareva) A court in the Sverdlovsk Region has upheld a decision to open a bribery case against Mikhail Yurevich, former governor of the Chelyabinsk Region, lawyer Igor Trunov told RAPSI on Wednesday. Yurevich stands charged with taking 26 million rubles (about $430,000 at the current exchange rate) in bribes. On May 12, a court in Yekaterinburg dismissed investigators motion to arrest Yurevich in absentia. The ruling was appealed by prosecutors. Later, the Sverdlovsk Regional Court overturned the lower courts decision and issued an arrest warrant for Yurevich. Investigators claim that Yurevich received bribes regularly. Their amount was estimated at 26 million rubles. Moreover, he allegedly instigated Oleg Grachev, who had been appointed to the position of the First Deputy Governor of the region, to spread libel about ex-chairman of the Chelyabinsk Regional Court Fyodor Vyatkin. Russian court recovers $30 mln from HSBC in favor of company connected to Browder MOSCOW, August 2 (RAPSI) A court in Kalmykia has recovered over 1.8 billion rubles (about $30 million) from structures of HSBC banking holding in favor of Dalnaya Step, a company believed to be formerly under the control of William Browders Hermitage Capital Management, court documents read on Wednesday. On June 9, an acting manager of Dalnaya Step filed a claim to collect funds from companies formerly in control of it, namely HSBC Management (Guernsey) and HSBC Bank (RR). On March 21, 2016, the court ruled to resume bankruptcy proceedings in Dalnaya Step. According to an acting manager back then, proceedings were still in effect and there was a need to make former controllers of the company accountable. In 2015, the department of Russias Federal Tax Service (FTS) for the Republic of Kalmykia filed a motion with the court to declare void a decision made in October 2007 to complete the liquidation of Dalnaya Step. The FTS department said the reason for the petition is that Russias Interior Ministry is investigating Alexander Dolzhenko, former bankruptcy management at Dalnaya Step, on suspicion of premeditated bankruptcy. Browder stands charged with several economic crimes in Russia, including premediated bankruptcy and tax evasion, according to lawyer Alexander Antipov Antipov. Earlier, the Tverskoy District Court arrested Browder in absentia on charges of embezzling stock of Russias oil giant Gazprom. According to Russian authorities, Browder illegally bought over 130 million Gazprom shares worth at least 2 billion rubles ($34 million at the current exchange rate) at a lower, intra-market price through a Russian company he controlled, Kameya LLC, which amounts to large financial loss for Russia. However, the United Kingdom refused to extradite its national. In 2013, a Russian court sentenced Browder in absentia to 9 years in prison. The court found that from 1997 to 2002, Hermitage Capital auditor Sergey Magnitsky created and applied an illegal tax evasion scheme in the interests of Browder. Magnitsky worked for Firestone Duncan and represented Hermitage Capital, which the Russian authorities accused of tax evasion. Magnitsky was arrested on fraud charges in November 2008 and found dead in a Moscow detention center in November 2009. The lawyers death provoked an international outcry. In July 2013, Moscows Tverskoy District Court found Magnitsky guilty of tax evasion and closed the case due to his death. According to the case materials, Magnitskys and Hermitage Capital director William Browders actions cost Russia over 500 million rubles ($8.5 million). By India Today Web Desk: Even after two and a half decades in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan continues to make women go weak in the knees just by flashing his dimpled smile. Jab Harry Met Sejal director Imtiaz Ali told DNA about the time he first met SRK, and it will have the actor's female fans fall more in love with him. advertisement "It was in London for a film festival. We all were hanging out and I saw Shah Rukh coming up a very narrow aisle somewhere in the hotel, with a drunk girl hanging on to him. He was dealing with her so gracefully without demeaning her," the filmmaker said. Imtiaz said that Shah Rukh was extremely gentle with the girl and did not lose his cool at any point of time. "Gauri (Khan, Shah Rukh's wife) was also with him and everybody was trying to deal with this crazy fan. He was particularly being nice to the girl. When he saw me, he stopped, and we had quite a long conversation even as the girl kept murmuring 'Oh Shah Rukh, Oh Shah Rukh' all over him. He was dealing with her like how one would deal with a scarf. He put her arm on one side of the shoulder and continued to talk to me," he added. Shah Rukh and Imtiaz are collaborating for the first time in Jab Harry Met Sejal, which also features Anushka Sharma. The film is set to release on August 4. ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan almost had us believing Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt are in love ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan is 51. And he is the king of our hearts even now ALSO WATCH: Shah Rukh Khan remains the undisputed King of Bollywood at 51 --- ENDS --- Criminal case over murder of six polar bears launched in Russia MOSCOW, August 2 (RAPSI) Prosecutors have intervened to see through the launch of a criminal case over the murder of polar bears in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of Russia, the Prosecutor Generals Office announced on Wednesday. On July 24, members of the expedition launched by the Russian center for Arctic development told police that dead bodies of six polar bears, listed in the Red Book of endangered species, as well as used gun cases were found at Vilkitsky Island. Local investigators did not launch a criminal case after receiving this information requiring prosecutors to intervene. The case was eventually opened under illegal hunting article of the Criminal Code. As the United States and its allies grapple with complex issues in Asia -- a short list includes North Koreas quest for nuclear weapons and Chinas grab for territory in the South China Sea -- much attention has been given to the uneasy alliances between the United States and other geopolitical heavyweights. News headlines proclaim new leaders of the free world; alleged Russian active measures may have led to four Arab nations, all U.S. allies, severing diplomatic relations with Qatar, which hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Mideast, over suspected support of terrorism. The geopolitical arena is increasingly complex and increasingly unstable. Amid all this complexity, a little-known ally is steadily rising as one of our best options for combatting terrorism abroad and fueling bilateral trade: Malaysia. Former President Barack Obama visited Malaysia twice during his tenure, a testament to the important role the country plays in our relationship with Southeast Asia. Obamas meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak covered a range of bilateral issues, perhaps most pressingly how our two countries can work together to combat the spread of violent extremism. In recent years, Malaysia has been a bulwark against the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia. Najib last year announced the formation of a Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Communication Center to combat the propaganda machine of the so-called Islamic State and to provide a more positive alternative to radicalization. The announcement came on the heels of Malaysias joining the U.S.-led coalition to defeat ISIS. In late 2016, Malaysia made waves by becoming the first country in the world to form an integrated security force to respond to local terror threats. The force, made up of officers from the police, army, navy, and coast guard, acts as Malaysias quick reaction force, capable of mobilizing security assets on land, air, and sea. Malaysias signature feature is its location at the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean and is the shortest sea route from China to India. The strait is the worlds busiest shipping lane, hosting more than 80,000 passages in 2016 alone. And the strait isnt just busy: the daily traffic includes a significant amount of liquefied natural gas and 15 million barrels of oil, a quarter of the worlds seaborne oil, mostly destined for China, Japan, and neighboring Indonesia. Over 40 percent of the worlds seaborne trade traverses the strait each year. Malaysia has claims in the South China Sea. Specifically, it claims a dozen of the Spratly Islands and reserves of 5 billion barrels of crude oil and 80 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, much within the area also claimed by Malaysias largest trading partner, China. The United States should continue naval cooperation and joint exercises with Malaysia both to fend against piracy directed at seaborne trade and as a counterweight to Chinas growing blue-water navy. As President Donald Trump looks to make better trade deals with individual nations after his withdrawal from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), he will likely find a willing partner in Prime Minister Najib -- the two countries share a long history of bilateral economic relations. Even before Malaysia signed onto TPP, the country played a significant role in U.S. trade in the region. In 2015, for example, nearly $50 billion of goods and services was traded between the two countries. Malaysia has for years been one of our top trading partners among ASEAN members in Southeast Asia, and the United States is Malaysias third-largest trading partner. Further, U.S. exports to Malaysia align directly with a Trump economic agenda that prioritizes American manufacturing. Machinery, aircraft, agricultural products, optic and medical instruments, and iron and steel are among the United States top exports to Malaysia. The country has presented -- and will continue to present -- a significant opportunity to support the backbone of the American economy. Amid shifting global priorities and partnerships, President Trump must realize that his most dedicated and strategic alliances might fall outside of the top countries in the traditional global pecking order. Malaysia, for one, is historically aligned with many of Trumps key priorities and offers an opportunity for the president to successfully execute his agenda, making America safer and more productive than ever before. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. 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Buyer will receive 13,000 credits IN OCT 2017 for this use year; The mai... Price: $ 3,900 Seller State of Residence: Texas State/Province: Florida Location: 347**, Kissimmee, Florida You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Florida , We're sorry, this article is not currently available The resort from where the Karnataka minister was picked up for questioning was the one where 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs had been cooped up for the last few days ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha polls. By India Today Web Desk: Income Tax department sleuths today swooped down at the residence of Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumar and a luxury resort in Bengaluru where the minister was staying for the last few days. The resort from where the Karnataka minister was picked up for questioning was the one where 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs had been cooped up for the last few days ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha polls. advertisement I-T officials, who also searched other properties linked to the minister, said that nearly Rs 10 crore in cash have been recovered so far. While the Income Tax department maintained that the search at the luxury resort was planned in advance and had nothing to do with Gujarat Congress MLAs staying there, the Congress called it "witch-hunt". Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who is seeking a re-election to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, said, "BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunt to win one Rajya Sabha seat". HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INCOME TAX RAIDS ON THE KARNATAKA MINISTER: The Income Tax department conducted searches at Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumar's residence and at a luxury suite of a private resort where the minister was staying. This is the same resort where 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs are camping for the last few days. Searches were also conducted at multiple properties related to the Karnataka minister. Income Tax officials said that nearly Rs 10 crore in cash was recovered from various properties linked to the minister, including Rs 7.9 crore cash from Delhi. The cash recovered from the minister's two flats in Delhi. Photo: ANI. D K Shivakumar was the in-charge of the 44 MLAs housed in the luxury resort. After several of its MLAs quit the party, the Congress flew the 44 MLAs from Gujarat to Bengaluru to ensure that they are not poached by the BJP. While Congress cried foul over the Income Tax raids, the officials of the department said that only the Karnataka minister's suite was searched. "The search team has no concern with the MLAs and there has been no contact with MLAs and the search team," the Income Tax department said. The resort is located in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by Congress MP D K Suresh, who is the younger brother of Shivakumar. Congress members today protested against the Income Tax raids and disrupted the proceedings in Parliament. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley insisted that the searches had nothing to do with the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Congress members staged a walkout in Lok Sabha. Arun Jaitley, who spoke on the I-T searches in both Houses of Parliament, said that no search operation was conducted at the resort where the Gujarat Congress MLAs were staying, and only a minister who had "parked himself" there was picked up for questioning. As Congress members accused the government of using investigative agencies such as the CBI and Income Tax department to target its leaders, Arun Jaitley said that "whether it is a use or abuse, it depends on recovery (from the raids)". In Rajya Sabha today, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue of the I-T raids and alleged that an attempt was being made to "derail and hijack" the Rajya Sabha elections. In Lok Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge called the raids "political vendetta" and "witch-hunt" and accused the government of using central agencies and said such acts would "ruin the ethos of democracy". To this, Arun Jaitley said don't link it with Gujarat MLAs, link it with economic offence. ALSO READ: Bengaluru Income Tax raids: Why not raid BJP men offering Rs 15 crore to buy MLAs, asks Congress Stung by Income Tax raids, Lalu Prasad hits back, says will continue fight against Fascist BJP CBI raids former finance minister P Chidambaram, son Karti's house in Chennai ALSO WATCH: Police seize Rs 5 crore from Karnataka Minister Shivakumar's Safdarjung residence in Delhi --- ENDS --- This is the project to turn municipal and agri-waste into fuel sources like diesel, jet fuel, naptha and petroleum. It is called IH2. The Shell Technology Centre Bengaluru (STCB) is in the middle of nowhere. It looms on the horizon rather like a set in a Mad Max movie, amid green fields and narrow winding roads. There are complicated structures, domes and pipes. What prepares you for the experience within is a security briefing and a little test you have to take to ensure you have comprehended it. Shell is understandably paranoid about safety. Everyone, all employees, takes it equally seriously. The STCB was inaugurated by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in March this year and he can't stop talking about it. The political angle is the way one of the projects STCB is committed to, dovetails neatly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This is the project to turn municipal and agri-waste into fuel sources like diesel, jet fuel, naptha and petroleum. It is called IH2. The research which has been going on for six years, is advanced enough for IH2 to be commercialised by around 2020. For the moment, STCB has tied up with a firm in distant Uttar Pradesh to provide it sugar cane and agri-stubble to feed the plant where IH2 is being developed. At the moment it needs five tonnes of agri-waste to keep the experiment running. Eventually, the 350 to 500 tonnes of municipal and agricultural waste that is generated by a mid-size Indian town or city every day, could be used to generate bio-fuel. So far, in America the fuel produced using this technology has been used to run the BMW, the Fortuner and has also been used in expeditions to Antarctica. It works this way: Catalysts, hydrogen and heat are applied to turn forest and municipal waste and certain kinds of plastics (for example, mineral water bottles) into petrol, diesel and kerosene. The product is pelletised in specially designed kilns (cement kilns are not up to the task), the moisture removed and then turned into various stages of fuel. The moisture -- basically water -- is a by-product that is purified and can be used for irrigation. The laboratory where this is done has a beaker of naptha perched almost casually on a stand. It is a colourless liquid that can be further refined to yield fuel -- and can be used as bio-fuel to blend. There will be high demand for this after the international norm that two per cent bio-fuel blending in fossil fuel should be mandatory. It is more efficient than ethanol. Most of all, it will put to use a product that most farmers in villages just set fire to after a harvest. The STCB was nurtured and developed mainly by Yasmine Hilton, the head of Shell India in 2012. The IH2 project will blaze a new path for India -- not just in terms of innovation in fossil fuel but also in the way India looks at and deal with its waste. A car run on fuel produced through IH2 technology was made available when Pradhan visited the facility. He didn't want to get out of the car! Note: The lead image is used only for representational purpose. Photograph: Courtesy, Shell/Flickr. Pack your bags! Photograph: Juan Carlos Ulate/Reuters Costa Rica This Central American nation offers a delightful panoramic view thanks to constant rainfall. Along with white-sand beaches, the country houses lush rainforests, national parks and a copious variety of flora and fauna. Visit this place towards the end of spring to experience Costa Rica's rainiest season and lush surroundings without the tourist rush. Photograph: Lucy Pemoni/Reuters Hawaii Hawaii is full of spots that take your breath away, but if you want to truly enjoy its majestic rains -- and incredible rainforest sceneries -- head to Big Bog in Maui, or Puu Kukui (the highest peak of Mauna Kahalawa, which was formed by a volcano that eroded into what is now called the Iao Valley), or Mt Waialeale, which means 'overflowing water'. Photograph: Courtesy Lyle Vincent/Flickr Emei Shan, Sichuan Province, China Mount Emei, the highest of the Four Holy Mountains of Buddhism in China, experiences 'clouds sea' -- a phenomenon attracting a double layer of clouds resulting in good rainfall. In 1996, Mount Emei was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Photograph: Courtesy Gabinete/Flickr Tutunendo, Colombia Tutunendo is blessed with two rainy seasons in a year. Get in. Get Drenched. Fall in love. It's inevitable in this gorgeous place. Photograph: Courtesy John and Melanie (Illingworth) Kotsopoulos/Flickr San Antonio De Ureca, Equatorial Guinea This is the wettest place in the African continent. To escape the tourists just avoid the dry season from November to March when turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Representational Photograph: Courtesy Phil McIver/Flickr Cropp River, New Zealand In 1995, Cropp River recorded 1,049 millimeters of rainfall in a period of 48 hours. If you need an escape, this is the perfect spot to bundle up and listen to the music of rains. Photograph: Courtesy John and Melanie (Illingworth) Kotsopoulos/Flickr Debundscha, Cameroon Located in the foothills of Mount Cameroon -- the highest peak in Africa -- Debundscha receives the most rainfall from May to October. By PTI: (Eds: Updating with more inputs) By Lalit K Jha Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) India and Pakistan will hold another round of talks here next month to discuss differences in the implementation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank said today. Ahead of the next round of talks, the global lender also issued a fact sheet giving its stated position on the IWT under which India is allowed to construct hydroelectric facilities on the shared Indo-Pak rivers. advertisement As per the IWT provisions, India does not require any approval or clearance from third party for constructing projects such as Kishenganga on the Western Rivers. The World Banks statement came after India and Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the IWT on Monday, with the global lender maintaining that it was held in a spirit of "goodwill and cooperation". "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the talks. However, it did not provide any other details. In the fact sheet issued yesterday, the global lender said Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir. Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Banks role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. advertisement The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. The international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes for appointing neutral expert and establishing of a court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects. The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately. The talks between the two nations over the treaty come amid tensions between them after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based terror groups. PTI LKJ NSA ZH PYK AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- Nitish should be portrayed as an upholder of political dharma, a leader who had the heart to not sack his senior partner's son even though he was tarnishing his clean image, argues Sudhir Bisht. Ever since Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar chief minister, only to resume duties in less than 24 hours, he has been labeled a 'pretender of morality who eventually shunned the pretence and showed his true colours'. Rediff.com published articles that were downright critical of Nitish Kumar's jumping off the Grand Alliance bandwagon which consisted of the Janata Dal-United, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress. Amulya Ganguly wrote, 'Nitish Kumar's journey from the 'communal' camp to the 'secular' and then back to 'communal' again within the space of four years is not going to enhance his reputation for political steadfastness. Instead, he is courting the danger of being seen as a maverick with no rooted beliefs.' Mohammad Sajjad wrote on July 28, 'Nitish Kumar knows he has lost his credibility with his opportunistic hopping. He is now a much weaker ally of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) than he was before and more dispensable.' There was another article, a tear-jerker, by Syed Firdaus Ashraf, one of the columnists I admire but I rarely agree with, who lamented, 'Conscience is dead. Thank you Nitish Kumar for letting us know'. Mercifully, there's one article by another favourite columnist of mine that doesn't haul Nitish Kumar over the coals, but says, as a matter of fact, that 'Nitish Kumar has only done what any smart politician will do in his place'. To those who have just returned from Mars, let me put in a nutshell what happened over the last few weeks. Lalu Prasad Yadav -- former Bihar chief ministe and arguably the most brazenly power hungry, parochial and proven corrupt leader -- was unwilling to let his younger son Tejashwi Yadav resign as deputy chief minister even though he is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation in a number of cases of corruption. Nitish Kumar, then head of the Grand Alliance government, had asked Tejashwi to explain his position on the cases of alleged corruption. He hadn't even asked Tejashwi to resign directly, but just hinted at it. If Tejashwi had resigned, the Grand Alliance government could have been saved, at least for the time being. But, egged on by his father, Tejashwi didn't explain his position to the CM. He kept saying that the cases of corruption against him date back to the time when he was not even an adult. Tejashwi had profited politically from his father's legacy by becoming the deputy CM when he was just 26 years old. He was seen as the inheritor of his father's political fiefdom, but he didn't want to face the charges of corruption levelled against him due to his father's misdemeanour. Tejashwi could have survived with his logic and it is reliably learnt that Nitish Kumar too would have backed him if he had said that he was not a party to the transgressions that his father had committed. He could have openly distanced himself from his father and would have survived. But Tejashwi wanted to keep his position and play a perfectly loyal son to his tainted father as well. Nitish Kumar was then left with no other option but to resign as CM. It is to Nitish Kumar's credit that he didn't sack Lalu's son. He had the morality not to do so as he had become CM due to Lalu's support. It was, after all, Lalu's RJD that was (and still is) the single largest party in the Bihar legislative assembly. Why then should Nitish Kumar be made a fallen man in the eyes of the public? He should be portrayed as an upholder of political dharma, a leader who had the heart to not sack his senior partner's son even though he was tarnishing his image of being 'Sushasan Babu' or the leader of good governance. Lalu has been convicted in a corruption case by a court of law. Since he himself can't occupy any position in the administrative machinery, he has been trying to put his wife and his sons and daughters in powerful positions. He was seen to be interfering with the law and order machinery of the state. Owing to his self proclaimed status as Nitish Kumar's elder brother, Lalu, in association with his cohorts, was conniving with dubious elements to run the state. A television channel released an alleged taped conversation between Lalu and Mohammad Shahabuddin, the gangster-turned-politician currently imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar jail. It is also learnt that Lalu, by repeatedly attacking the Union government, was attempting to destroy the working relationship that Nitish Kumar had established with the Centre. And yet Nitish Kumar didn't utter a single word against Lalu during his 29 months of being the leader of the Grand Alliance. He deserves a lot of credit for his patience and perseverance. Political writers have scorned Nitish Kumar for teaming up with the BJP to return as the chief minister within hours of resigning. I would again beg to differ. Kumar had been a very successful CM of Bihar from November 2005 to June 2013. He had ruled the state in collaboration with the BJP. The hard working pair of Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Sushil Modi, his deputy, is credited with giving Bihar the most efficient and unequivocally honest government in recent years. Bihar saw major administrative reforms and spurts in economic growth under the leadership of Kumar and Sushil Modi. Kumar broke away from the National Democratic Alliance in 2013 when Narendra Modi was named as its prime ministerial candidate. He was probably swayed by the successful demonisation of Modi by his opponents. He had perceived Modi to be the ultimate antithesis of secularism and religious inclusiveness. Kumar's ill-will towards Modi had continued even when he defeated the BJP in a resounding manner in the Bihar assembly elections in November 2015. However, it took Kumar some time to reconcile to the fact that even if he disliked Modi, he needed to establish a sound working relationship with the prime minister of India. To his credit, the CM of Bihar did take many personal initiatives in warming up to the PM. His personal invitation to the PM to be the chief guest at the Prakash Utsav celebration at the Patna Sahib gurdwara was an indication of how much Kumar wanted to leave behind the bitterness of the assembly elections. On the issue of demonetisation, Kumar supported the PM. He said that he supported demonetisation as a matter of principle. To Modi's credit, it should be said that ever since he became the prime minster, he has consciously tried to govern India on his avowed tenets of 'India First'. Even though some crazy, unruly and disruptive elements have tried to propagate some polarising ideas, the prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues and nearly all the members of Parliament -- and I am deliberately not saying all, but 'nearly all' -- have remained steadfast to the idea of India that is pluralistic, all-encompassing and humanitarian in its approach. Kumar must have done a reality check on the track record of the NDA government at the Centre. His initial assessment of the BJP under Modi as a party that is out to launch an onslaught on anything that wasn't saffron may have disappeared. He may have seen in Modi someone with whom he can work with for the development of his state. Kumar, who was facing the moral turmoil of remaining in the proverbial bed of power with a Lalu Yadav -- who was corrupt and an epitome of nepotism to boot -- saw a perfect opportunity of freeing himself in Tejashwi's refusal to even explain the charges of corruption against him. And he took the plunge when the opportune moment arrived. I personally believe that Kumar's resigning as Grand Alliance CM and aligning with the BJP is an act of extreme courage. He has invited scorn, disparagement and ridicule, but his conscience remains clear. Among all the leaders of Bihar, Nitish Kumar is the only one -- along with Sushil Modi -- who isn't corrupt, is not promoting his son or daughter to take over from him and is willing to stick his neck out to lead his state to the progress. Among all the leaders, Nitish Kumar is the only one who has it in him to convince the people of Bihar that whatever action he takes is in the best interest of the people. Kumar represents the Bihar that is educated, that is decisive, that is seriously fighting corruption and one that is capable of taking a corrective action mid-course without bothering for the backlash. I trust the jodi of Kumar and Sushil Modi to make Bihar great again and I am sure that it will have the backing of the people. Sudhir Bisht, author and columnist, tweets at @sudhir_bisht The solution to soaring tomato prices lies in correctly deciding the government's 'priorities', something prime ministerial candidate Modi knew, but PM Modi has forgotten, argues Syed Firdaus Ashraf. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com Last week when I spoke to a lady colleague, I could not believe how efficiently she handled multiple tasks almost simultaneously. Getting her child ready for school, preparing breakfast, ironing clothes, taking care of her elderly parents, helping her child with studies, coordinating with the child's teacher... the list goes on. That's her daily schedule apart from her regular 9 hour job. That weekend I realised we men are good-for-nothings. I checked with my male friends how much time they contribute to doing family chores and realised that, at best, their contribution to household duties is not more than 20 per cent. Women who do 80 per cent of the work at home never get any credit for it. In many cases, women do all the work while all their husbands do is earn money. And in many cases, women not only do all the chores and earn money to run the house, but also get beaten up by their useless husbands. I decided to conduct a survey with all the working women I know to find out how they multi-task so efficiently. And the answer I got in one word was: Priority. I realised that women do things better than men because they know their priorities better. While all this swirled through my brain, as I was listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio address Mann Ki Baat, my wife came into the room, and lamented that the prices of tomatoes had risen to Rs 100 a kilo. I am ashamed to say so, but I had no idea about it. As I said, men are rarely concerned about household needs. I told her it must be a temporary phenomenon and tomatoes would be available at reasonable prices soon. "They have been hovering at the same price for three weeks!" she exclaimed. Mann Ki Baat was on and I wondered what Modi is doing to tackle soaring tomato prices. You may wonder why I am dragging the PM into this tomato debate and what his connection to working women is. Before the 2014 election, I savoured beef steak at virtually every Mumbai restaurant that served it, sure that beef would be banned in Modi's Raj. My friends laughed and said I had gone nuts, but I knew the priorities of our soon to be Pradhan Sevak and what I had been expecting came about in a few months' time. Beef was banned in Maharashtra on March 3, 2015 soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in the state. You know why? The answer again: Priority. Ditto in other states where the BJP came to power -- Haryana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand. Stringent laws were enacted for cow protection, a couple of BJP chief ministers even argued for the death penalty for cow slaughter! In Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath's government went a level higher, attacking the lifestyle of non-vegetarians in general in the name of shutting illegal slaughterhouses. And, guess why? Again: Priority. However, this does not answer how the PM is connected to the tomato debate. To do that, let me take you to an interview with Modi before he became PM. In an interview to ABP News (watch at 45.33 minutes) (external link) before the 2014 general election, Modi said something very interesting about tomato prices. Explaining that one of his immediate plans after being elected prime minister would be to control tomato prices, Modi said, 'The Food Corporation of India has failed miserably. They should be divided in three parts and given separate responsibilities. First is procurement from farmers and second is storage. Our grains are being eaten by rats. The third is distribution.' 'There is no shortage of foodgrains in India. We need do this work scientifically. Railways transport marble first, and tomatoes later, which get spoiled (due to delay). Why? Because booking of marble was done earlier by the trader and therefore tomatoes rot at railway stations.' 'In railway transport, agricultural produce has to be given priority. Farmers' produce has to reach people in time. These are small things. It is about applying mind and then only one can find a solution.' In other words, P-R-I-O-R-I-T-I-S-E correctly. When Modi spoke of 'tomatoes' then, I believed that he would solve this problem. I believed him because he came from a humble background unlike the Congress yuvraj who would never have gone to a market to buy tomatoes. I felt that Modi must have seen tomatoes rotting at railway stations and must have felt the pinch of buying expensive tomatoes. Today, when tomatoes are sold at Rs 100 a kilo, the prime minister must be reminded of his own answer -- of getting the priorities right. India's working women know their priorities, but it seems that Prime Minister Modi has forgotten what he spoke about three years ago. So, till he remembers, and realises his priorities, let's continue to pay Rs 100 for a kilo of tomatoes. China on Wednesday said it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take 'concrete actions' by immediately pulling back troops from Doklam in the Sikkim section with 'no strings attached' to resolve the current standoff. Providing the details of the July 28 meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi for the first time, Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that the two officials exchanged views on BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) cooperation, bilateral relations and relevant major problems. Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS NSAs meeting. Doval and Yang are also the special representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations. Yang held bilateral meeting with Doval 'at his request and in accordance with the practice', the ministry said in a written reply to a question about the discussions relating to the standoff at Doklam which began when China started constructing a road in the area. "Yang Jiechi expressed China's stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary," it said, indicating that there was no breakthrough during the talks between Doval and Yang. India's position on the issue was made clear by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff. India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said during his talks with Doval, Yang also 'urged India to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions'. The Foreign Ministry also posted a 15-page fact sheet with maps and other details about the standoff since it began on June 16. Bhutan had protested to China, saying that the area belonged to it and accused Beijing of violating agreements to maintain status quo until it is resolved. The fact sheet said on June 18 about 270 Indian troops entered more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to 'obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area'. "Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory," it said. "As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," it said. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutans behalf," the fact sheet added. "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," it warned. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," it added. The fact sheet said China values the growth of good- neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border area between the two countries. IMAGE: NSA Ajit Doval attends the seventh meeting of BRICS senior representatives on security issues held at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/Pool/Reuters Lashkar-e-Tayiba's Kashmir chief Abu Dujana was killed in predawn darkness on Tuesday and buried somewhere in north Kashmir in the dead of the night, senior security officials said on Wednesday, taking a cue from the operation against Osama bin Laden. Darkness ran like a recurring theme as security forces launched an operation in south Kashmir's Pulwama district to hunt down the terrorist who had slipped away from their grasp more than 12 times. And all the while, as dawn slowly turned to dusk and night fell over the Kashmir Valley, the Hollywood blockbuster 'Zero Dark Thirty', it is learnt, played in the minds of security officials. The film, which chronicles the manhunt that felled Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011 is what gave security officials the idea to conduct the operation at night. The tip-off that Dujana was holed up inside a house in Pulwama district had come around midnight. Believed to be in his late 20s, Dujana had been elusive many times in the past and there were some suggestions that the operation be conducted after dawn to avoid "collateral damage", officials said. "The movie and how Osama was finally captured came to our mind and we wasted no time in waiting for dawn," said a senior official, who was part of the operation, on condition of anonymity. "After deliberations with senior officers, a call was taken to carry out the operations during the night itself and troops were mobilised." Armed with "confirmed knowledge" from a trusted source about the presence of Dujana in the home of a woman he is believed to have married, crack teams of the Special Operations Group were quickly mobilised and moved towards Hakripura, adjacent to Neva, a bastion for LeT militants located 13 km from the district headquarters of Pulwama. Dujana, along with his local accomplice Arif Bhat, was inside the house. "For us, the inmates of the house were also civilians and we wanted to ensure their safety too. A first crack team of the police was sent amid heavy fire from the two militants. But his wife and other family members were taken out to safety," an official said. Dujana and Bhat were killed in the exchange of fire that followed. After ensuring complete secrecy, Jammu and Kashmir Police took custody of Dujana's body and moved it to the other side of the valley. Dujana, who was killed in south Kashmir, was buried somewhere in north Kashmir. It's a place where other foreign terrorists are buried, an official said, without specifying exactly where. "We have preserved his DNA sample before burying him last night amid darkness," the official said. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesperson, both Dujana and Bhat were involved in a number of anti-national and subversive activities. These included the killing of politicians in Pulwama, hurling grenades at security personnel and recruiting local youth. Dujana, described as a womaniser by the spokesperson, was also believed to be involved in the killing of two Central Reserve Police Force personnel at Sangam Bijbehara and an attack on police party at Pampore that claimed the life of two constables. While Dujana had told his wife and other family members that he was from Karachi. Bhat was a local boy from Lellhar in Pulwama, the officials said. The minister, who had 'gone and parked himself' at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning, Jaitley says in Parliament. IMAGE: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses the Lok Sabha. Congress members on Wednesday disrupted the proceedings in Parliament on Wednesday protesting the income tax raids against a Karnataka Minister, as Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told them not to link the searches with Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Jaitley, who spoke on the issue in both Houses of Parliament, also said no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs have been staying. However, the minister, who had 'gone and parked himself' at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning, he said as Congress members vociferously raised the issue in both the Houses. They forced three adjournments of the Rajya Sabha and staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha. As the Congress members charged the government with using investigating agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and I-T, Jaitley said 'whether it is a use or abuse, it depends of recovery'. Maintaining that the searches were being conducted at 39 other places and 'not at this resort', Jaitley said the searches 'should not be linked to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat'. As the Upper House met for the day, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue, saying an attempt was being made to 'derail and hijack' the elections to the Council of States and the raids were 'targeted'. "Since morning they (ED and IT) have started the raids," Sharma said and questioned the timing and place of the raids. IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad attacks the government over the I-T raids on a Karnataka minister. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held without fear in a free and fair manner. "But in this election (in Gujarat) all these three things are not happening," he said and alleged that Congress MLAs were being "kidnapped". "This is against democracy," he said. Azad also asked why the raids on the minister was 'taking place today and not a month later or before'. Responding to them, Jaitley said the properties of a 'particular' minister of the Karnataka government was searched. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place, no MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He has gone and parked himself in that resort. "So the authorities, because they had to confront him with the recovery, they had gone to get him to his residence so that he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the Finance Minister said, adding that the minister has been taken to his residence from the resort. Jaitley also said the resort was not an area where the Karnataka minister can get 'immunity from the law'. Dissatisfied with Jaitley's remarks, Congress members trooped into the well of Rajya Sabha and started shouting slogans. The House was adjourned for 10 minutes. Later the House took up Zero Hour mentions. However, Congress members again started raising slogans during the Question Hour. Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House for the second time for 10 minutes and later till 2 pm. IMAGE: Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge raises the raids issue in the lower house. In the Lok Sabha, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but Jaitley said the matter should not linked to the polls in Gujarat for Rajya Sabha seats. Terming the raids as 'a political vendetta and witch-hunting', Kharge accused the government of using central agencies and said this would 'ruin the ethos of democracy'. "I appeal to the government, not to terrorise and threaten the MLAs. You will also have to face this tomorrow. .... If there is any offence, then action should be taken, even if it involves me. You are resorting to this to defeat one person (Ahmed Patel) in the Rajya Sabha polls," Kharge said. Patel is the Congress candidate for the polls in Gujarat. Terming Kharge's allegations as 'baseless', Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the raids were part of action against black money and corruption. Kumar, who also belongs to Karnataka, said the state government had decided to slap a penalty of Rs 942 crore on the resort. At the same time, the Gujarat MLAs are lodged there, he said. "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ahmed Patel should explain this. They should come out clean on this matter," Kumar said. IMAGE: Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were present in the House earlier. Jaitley, in his reaction to Kharge's charge, said "Don't link it with (the) Gujarat) MLAs, link it with economic offence." He said "I have taken details from the income tax department and verified (them) myself. No resort where the Gujarat MLAs are lodged have been searched. Yes, searches have taken places at 39 locations involving a Karnataka minister." "He himself went to the resort. As per the procedure, the person against whom the raid was conducted has to be confronted to take his statement. The officials only visited the resort where the minister was tearing off the papers. We have also collected these papers and done a 'panchanama'," Jaitley said. Kharge later led a walkout of the Congress members from the Lok Sabha. Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur has constituted a larger bench to hear complaints against six national political parties for not adhering to its order bringing them within the ambit of the Right to Information Act. The bench will replace a three-member panel headed by Sridhar Acharyulu which was hearing the matter since July 22, 2016 until one of its members Bimal Julka decided to recuse himself citing workload. After his recusal, Mathur had put the matter in abeyance till further notice. Surprisingly, no member of the previous three-member bench headed by Acharyulu, which had heard the matter for nearly five months, has found a place on the new panel. Earlier, Acharyulu was taken off cases pertaining to the ministry of human resource development after he had ordered disclosure of academic records of the BA course of Delhi University of 1978, the year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is understood to have passed the examination. Besides Mathur himself, the new Bench will have Information Commissioners-- Sharat Sabharwal, Manjula Prasher and Divya Prakash Sinha. The new Bench will start hearing the matter from August 16, a notice issued by the Commission said. The bench has issued notices to the then heads of political parties -- Rajnath Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party, Sudhakar Reddy of the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India-Marxist's Prakash Karat. The six parties were brought under the ambit of the RTI Act by a full bench of the commission on 3 June, 2013. These leaders headed their respective parties when this was done and some of them like Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar and Reddy still helm their political organisations. These notices have been issued on the complaint filed by activist R K Jain who had also approached the Delhi High Court after he did not get any response to his RTI applications seeking to know the details of budget, constitution, elections etc in these political parties. In 2014, the Delhi high court had directed the CIC to complete the hearing in the matter within six months. The bench has also clubbed cases of Subhash Agrawal, Biharilal Thawait, Pawan Kumar Pahwa, Vikash Kotwal, Vinod Kumar Mishra, P C Sharma, Malkiat Singh Bajwa, Mujeeb Ullah, Deepak Sethi, Rameshwar Sharma, Anil Kumar Sinha, Sant Ram, Aseem Takyar, Sanjay Sharma among others. The CIC's June 2013 order was neither challenged in a high court nor changed but the political parties have refused to entertain the RTI applications sent them. Jain used section 18 of the RTI Act which allows a petitioner to file a case against a public authority if his application is not responded to within 30 days or if the public authority has not put in place mandatory infrastructure to handle the applications. Under this mechanism, the commission can slap a penalty, not exceeding Rs 25,000, on the public authority. China on Wednesday said it will take "a decision in due course" on its hold on the United States-led proposal to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist which is expected to come for a review later this month. Early this year the US along with the United Kingdom and France approached the United Nations's sanctions committee for the ban on Azhar. However, it was stopped by Beijing which again put a six-month technical hold on it. The US proposal came after India's efforts last year to get Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN were scuttled by China. "The Chinese side will make the decision in due course," the foreign ministry told PTI in beijing about the pending application proposed by the US, the UK and France among others in the 1267 anti-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council. "We have stated China's position on the listing of the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council many times" in the past, the ministry said in a written response. China has been blocking India's move stating that there is no consensus in the UNSC 1267 which enforces a global ban on terror groups and their leaders with affiliations to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. JeM has already been in the banned list. This is the second-year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would force Pakistan to act against him. India moved for the UN ban against Azhar in March last year accusing him of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked the Indian move for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year leading to the lapse of the application. China was the only member in the 15-nation UN body to put a hold on India's application with all other 14 members of the Council supporting New Delhi's bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. 'Sharad Yadav was deeply hurt by Nitish Kumar's decision, taken without consulting the senior party leaders at a time when opposition unity was to be strengthened against the BJP. He felt ignored and is likely to take a final stand soon.' Senior Janata Dal-United leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Yadav is likely to float a new party soon, after expressing unhappiness over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars decision to quit the Grand Alliance and join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Yadav, last week, said repeatedly that he was upset at and sad over Kumar's decision to dump the Grand Alliance of JD-U, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress and join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. He termed it a decision 'against the mandate given by 11 crore people of Bihar in the 2015 assembly polls'. "It is a matter of only a few days. The JD-U will split, with several senior leaders from Bihar and across the country standing with Sharad Yadav, who will float a new party to unite all opposition parties against the BJP-led NDA," a JD-U member of the Bihar legislative council, considered close to Yadav, said in Patna on Wednesday. Considering his stand against Kumar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has invited Sharad Yadav to join his party and lead the nationwide campaign against the BJP. A former party MLC Vijay Verma from Madhepura, known to be loyal to Sharad Yadav, said, "Sharadji will form a new political party, just wait for a few days." Madhepura in flood-prone Koshi region has been a stronghold of Sharad Yadav since the 1990s, and it is locally known as his karmabhoomi. Before he parted ways with Lalu, Sharad Yadav represented Madhepura in the Lok Sabha. "Sharadji has made it clear to us that he will not go with the NDA at any cost and will be with the Grand Alliance by forming a new party," Verma said. According to a senior JD-U leader, several party leaders and workers still loyal to Sharad Yadav in Koshi region will join him. Madhepura JD-U district vice president Bhuwaneshwari Praasad Yadav said he will support Sharad Yadav. "I will stand with him, along with other party leaders. His decision is our decision," he said. Meanwhile, Sharad Yadav has decided to hold a national seminar against communalism in New Delhi on August 17, two days ahead of the JD-U national executive meeting in Patna. Nitish Kumar, who is also JD-U president, has called a meeting of the party national executive meeting in Patna. Earlier it was scheduled to be held in Delhi but the venue was changed due to the political developments last week. Most of the senior leaders of the Congress, the Left parties and other regional parties are likely to attend the seminar against communalism to express solidarity with Sharad Yadav. In fact, over a dozen senior JD-U leaders including the party's state presidents from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Gujarat and Rajasthan have already expressed their displeasure by writing a letter to Nitish Kumar over his decision to form the government with BJP support. Sharad Yadav, one of the few veterans of socialist politics, has made it clear that he will not change his stand. Two Rajya Sabha MPs of the JD-U -- Ali Anwar Ansari and Virender Kumar -- have also voiced their opposition to Kumar's decision. Both are in close touch with Sharad Yadav in Delhi, as have several party MLAs and MLCs from Bihar. "Sharad Yadav was deeply hurt by Nitish Kumar's decision, taken without consulting the senior party leaders at a time when opposition unity was to be strengthened against the BJP. He felt ignored and is likely to take a final stand soon," another JD-U leader said. The Income Tax raids on a Karnataka minister on Wednesday had its echo in Parliament where the protesting Congress members disrupted the proceedings even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley insisted that the searches had no connection with the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. The Congress members vociferously raised the issue in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, forcing four adjournments of the Upper House before the final one for the day at 2.45 pm. In the Lok Sabha, the Congress members staged a walkout. Jaitley, who spoke on the issue in both the Houses, said that no search operation was conducted at the resort in Karnataka where Gujarat Congress MLAs are staying. He said only the minister, who had "parked himself" at the resort, was picked up from there for questioning. As the Congress members charged the government with using investigating agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enfrocement Directorate and the Income Tax department to target their party and leaders, Jaitley said, "Whether it is a use or abuse, it depends on recovery (from the raids)." Maintaining that the searches were being conducted at 39 other places and "not at this resort", the finance minister said the raids "should not be linked to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat" as was alleged by the Congress members. As soon as Rajya Sabha met for the day, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised the issue, alleging that an attempt was being made to "derail and hijack" the elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the raids were "targetted". "Since morning they (ED and IT) have started the raids," Sharma said and questioned the timing and place of the raids. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held without fear in a free and fair manner but "all these three things are not happening with regard to Gujarat." He alleged that Congress MLAs of Gujarat were being "kidnapped" and that "this is against democracy." Azad also asked why the raids on the minister was "taking place today and not a month later or before." Responding to them, Jaitley said the properties of a "particular" minister of Karnataka was searched. "In that resort where your MLAs are staying, no search has taken place, no MLA has been searched. A particular individual was to be searched. He has gone and parked himself in that resort. "So the authorities, because they had to confront him with the recovery, they had gone to get him to his residence so that he could be adequately questioned by the authorities," the finance minister said, adding that the minister has been taken to his residence from the resort. Jaitley also said the resort was not an area where the Karnataka minister can get "immunity from the law". Dissatisfied with Jaitley's remarks, Congress members trooped into the well of Rajya Sabha and started shouting slogans. The House was adjourned for 10 minutes. Later the House took up Zero Hour mentions. However, Congress members again started raising slogans during the Question Hour. Congress leader Kapil Sibal alleged that the government was indulging in anarchist behaviour. He said that it had never happened that in the course of an election, central forces had gone to a place where MLAs were residing for the purpose of instilling fear. Sibal alleged that around the time of elections in Uttarakhand earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party had taken a Spicejet flight in which Congress MLAs were taken to various resorts. "I want to ask the finance minister did he conduct any raids at that time? I want to ask Prime Minister Modi what was he doing at that time," Sibal posed. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi hit back, saying that no one will be spared in matters of corruption. Attacking the Congress, he said it should stop making a mountain of a molehill. Amid the uproar, Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House till 2 pm. When the House re-assembled, Congress members also raised strong objections to the government bringing the IIIT Bill as part of supplementary agenda, to which the opposition had strong objections. Kurien, however, said the Chairman has allowed taking up of the supplementary business. As Congress members continued uproar over the Income Tax raids, Naqvi said the Congress had become a "revolutionary party synonymous with corruption". He urged the Chair to ask the Congress whether they will allow the House to run. Pramod Tiwari (Congress) raised a point of order, saying central forces cannot be sent to a state unless the state governemnt seeks it and that sending of central forces to Karnataka was violation of provisions. Amid the din, Kurien asked Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal to move the Companies (Amendment) Bill 2017 for consideration and passing on behalf of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh objected, asking how it could be moved when nothing was audible. To this, Kurien retorted that shouting is not the monopoly of the Congress alone and he had heard it. Kurien also made certain remark against Ramesh, which he later expunged when pointed out by the Congress leader. Amid the sloganeering, Congress leader Anand Sharma raised a point of order under Article 257, saying sending of central forces to Karnataka was a clear violation of it. "We are a federal country...What has happened is illegal. I am not going into the rights of Income Tax in raids but they sent central forces without informing the state government," he said. Kurien said he was helpless and not able to proceed as both the opposition and the ruling sides were shouting. "I have no other option...I will be forced to ajourn the House," he said and adjourned the House for the day at 2.45 pm. In the Lok Sabha, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but Jaitley said the matter should not be linked to the polls in Gujarat for three Rajya Sabha seats. Terming the raids as "a political vendetta and witch-hunting," Kharge accused the government of using central agencies and said this would "ruin the ethos of democracy." "I appeal to the government, not to terrorise and threaten the MLAs. You will also have to face this tomorrow. If there is any offence, then action should be taken, even if it involves me. You are resorting to this to defeat one person (Ahmed Patel) in the Rajya Sabha polls," Kharge said. Ahmed Patel is the Congress candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat. Terming Kharge's allegations as "baseless", Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the raids were part of action against black money and corruption. Kumar, who also belongs to Karnataka, said the state government had decided to slap a penalty of Rs 942 crore on the resort. At the same time, the Gujarat MLAs are lodged there, he said. "Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ahmed Patel should explain this. They should come out clean on this matter," Kumar said. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul were present in the House earlier. Jaitley, in his reaction to Kharge's charge, said, "Don't link it with (the) Gujarat) MLAs, link it with economic offence." He said, "I have taken details from the income tax department and verified (them) myself. No resort where the Gujarat MLAs are lodged have been searched. Yes, searches have taken places at 39 locations involving a Karnataka minister." "He (Karnataka minister) himself went to the resort. As per the procedure, the person against whom the raid was conducted has to be confronted to take his statement. The officials only visited the resort where the minister was tearing off the papers. We have also collected these papers and done a 'panchanama'," Jaitley said. Kharge later led a walkout of the Congress members from the Lok Sabha. However, the Lok Sabha proceedings continued. The United States does not seek a regime change in North Korea and wants to work with China to prevent the reclusive country from acquiring nuclear weapons, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said. Tillerson's remarks came after US President Donald Trump recently said China's efforts to rein in North Korea had 'not worked' out even as he appreciated Beijing for its attempts to pursue its closest ally to abandon its nuclear ambitions. "We have reaffirmed our position towards North Korea, that what we are doing, we do not seek a regime change; we do not seek the collapse of the regime; we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula; we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th parallel," Tillerson told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday. "We are trying to convey to the North Koreans we are not your enemy, we are not your threat, but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond," he said. Tillerson said he hoped that at some point the North Koreans will begin to understand that the US would like to sit and have a dialogue with them about their future that will give them the security they seek and the future economic prosperity for North Korea. "This is going to be a continued effort to put ever greater pressure on the North Korean regime because our other options, obviously, are not particularly attractive," he said. Identifying North Korea as one of the first threats encountered by the Trump administration, Tillerson said the threat has materialised in the ways they expected it would. "That's why early on we identified it as a very urgent matter, and the North Koreans have certainly proven the urgency of that to us," he said. "We initiated a sustained and continued intensified campaign on what I like to call peaceful pressure, because the options available to us, I think as all of you well understand, are limited, and particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time," he said. "So we felt the appropriate thing to do first was to seek peaceful pressure on the regime in North Korea to have them develop a willingness to sit and talk with us and others but with an understanding that a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region much less to the homeland," he said. In doing so, the Trump Administration has sought to partner with China, he added. China does account for 90 per cent of economic activity with North Korea, Tillerson said, adding that the Chinese have been very clear with the US that they share the same objective of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. "They do not see it in their interest for North Korea to have nuclear weapons, just as we do not see it in anyone's interest. China has ways that they can put pressure on and influence the North Korean regime because of this significant economic relationship that no one else has," he said. "We've been very clear with the Chinese. We certainly don't blame the Chinese for the situation in North Korea. Only the North Koreans are to blame for this situation. But we do believe China has a special and unique relationship because of this significant economic activity to influence the North Korean regime in ways that no one else can," Tillerson said. "And that's why we continue to call upon them to use that influence with North Korea to create the conditions where we can have a productive dialogue. We don't think having a dialogue where the North Koreans come to the table assuming they're going to maintain their nuclear weapons is productive. So that's really the objective, he said. 'All options open to prevent North Korea from developing nukes' The Trump administration is weighing 'all options' to prevent North Korea from developing a nuclear weapon, the White House has said. "We're weighing all options, keeping all options on the table. As we've said many times before, we're not going to broadcast what we're going to do until that happens," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters during her daily news conference on Tuesday. She said the US President Donald Trump has been very outspoken about the need to stop North Korea. "We've been very focused on stopping the nuclear program, stopping the missiles, stopping the aggression. That still continues to be the focus, and we're keeping all options on the table in order to do that," Sanders said. The Trump administration is continuing to work with its allies on the issue. "The goals are to stop the nuclear program, stop the missiles, stop the aggression. With North Korea, we're going to continue looking at the best options and ways to accomplish that," she said. Sanders was responding to questions on a comment by Senator Lindsay Graham in which he said that there is a military option to destroy North Korea's program as well as the country itself. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the US president to block the sale of a company founded by ousted White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, along with most other major Chinese investments in the US. "Even after North Korea's recent missile tests, China has maintained economic relations with the country and continues to be its largest trading partner. If North Korea's aggression is met with zero repercussions from its most important economically, it will have no incentive to reverse course on this dangerous activity," Schumer said. In fact, China has even sought to weaken and water down the international sanctions regime to counter the threat posed by North Korea through the UN Security Council, he alleged. As a result, Schumer urged Trump to exercise his authority over CFIUS to block mergers and acquisitions in the US by Chinese companies until China works to bridle its neighbour's aggression. This economic pressure on China, Schumer said, would send a clear message to China that it is expected from it to step up and deter the North Korean threat. "I urge you to apply additional pressure on China to play a constructive role in reining in North Korea. Given recent developments, it is my assessment that China will not deter North Korea unless the United States exacts greater economic pressure on China," Schumer said in a letter to Trump. The US must send a clear message to China's government, he asserted in the letter that was released to the press. "To that end, if China continues to passively address North Korea, I urge you to use your authority over the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to suspend the approval of all mergers and acquisitions in the US by Chinese entities," Schumer said. Schumer alleged that the North Korean regime, is increasingly dependent on China's goods and investments, especially its energy and manufacturing imports. Reports indicate that over 90 percent of North Koreas foreign trade is with China and 95 percent of its foreign direct investment comes from China. Even with North Korea's continued provocative actions, China's trade with North Korea rose 34 per cent over this past year, including a marked increase in iron ore trade. Additionally, numerous reports indicate that China has unevenly enforced UN sanctions on North Korea and actively watered down sanctions in the most recent UNSC Resolutions, he alleged. "Despite North Korea's recent missile tests - a clear UNSC violations - it remains unclear whether China will support additional sanctions against North Korea or intends to veto efforts led by the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan," Schumer said. "The robust China-North Korea economic and trade relationship makes it clear that China could exercise considerable leverage over the North Korean regime to alter course, but that far from trying to do so China's leaders would prefer to contain the problem not solve it," said the Senator from New York. IMAGE: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reacts during the test-fire of intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14. Photograph: KNCA/via Reuters By PTI: By Lalit K Jha Washington, Aug 2 (PTI) Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions, the World Bank has said. Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India, it said in a fact sheet issued yesterday at the conclusion of secretary-level talks between the two countries over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). advertisement Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in Annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet as it noted that the secretary-level discussions between Indian and Pakistan on the technical issues of the IWT took place this week "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation". The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC, it said in a separate statement. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Banks role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. PTI LKJ CK --- ENDS --- Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir. By PTI: India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank has said. The World Bank's comments came as officials from India Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the IWT. Pakistan opposes the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir, the global lender said in a fact sheet issued yesterday. advertisement Noting that the two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty, the World Bank said the IWT designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. "Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet. It noted that the talks on the technical issues of the IWT took place this week "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation". The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington DC, it said in a separate statement. In the lengthy fact sheet, the World Bank said Pakistan asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. On the other hand, India had asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were "technical" ones. The IWT was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The World Bank's role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties, the fact sheet said. Earlier, in a letter dated July 25, the World Bank had assured Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna its "continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties to find and amicable way forward." The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in Pakistan. Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns. advertisement Also read: International Court of Arbitration at Hague upholds India's right on Kishanganga hydroelectric project Kashmir unrest: Work on Kishanganga stalled as India reviews Indus Waters Treaty --- ENDS --- Government sources said the Indian forces continue to stand, as earlier, against the Chinese troops. Doklam standoff continues for over a month with both India and China sticking to their guns. (Photo: Reuters file) By India Today Web Desk: Taking a tough stance India today turned down China's demand that the Indian Army should immediately withdraw soldiers from Doklam near the Sikkim-China-Bhutan trijunction. India said peace and tranquility along the Sino-Indian borders is prerequisite for a smooth bilateral relationship. Government sources said made it clear that there has been no troop reduction in Doklam. "Indian forces stand as previously against the Chinese troops," the sources said. advertisement An official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said: "India considers that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations with China". Earlier in the day, China had released a 15-page statement slamming India's stand on the ongoing border stand-off in Doklam and demanded "immediate and unconditional withdrawal". In the statement, Beijing claimed it had "notified India in advance" of its plans to build a road in Doklam, which sparked the stand-off on June 18. A statement issued by China said "over 400" Indian border troops had on June 18 "advanced over 180 metres into Chinese territory", and that as of the end of July, "there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory." It alleged that India had trespassing into Doklam region, which China sees as its territory but India and Bhutan see as Bhutanese. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. The fact sheet said the standoff occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary. "This makes it fundamentally different from past frictions between the border troops of the two sides in areas with undelimited boundary. The Indian border troops? crossing of the already delimited boundary is a very serious incident as it violates China?s sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said. The fact sheet said that no such attempt would be tolerated by any sovereign state. "The fact of the matter is that it is India which has attempted time and again to change the status quo of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, which poses a grave security threat to China," it said. Also read: China releases 15-page Doklam statement, asks for 'unconditional withdrawal' advertisement China has overwhelming advantage over India: Global Times editor Doklam: What China stands to lose if it goes to war with India Doklam border standoff: Will there be an India-China war? ALSO WATCH | Doklam standoff: Will conflict with India be disastrous for China? --- ENDS --- Trial of Crimean journalist set to resume in Simferopol Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 7 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Trial of Crimean journalist set to resume in Simferopol, 7 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3313.html [accessed 12 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. July 07, 2017 11:47 GMT By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service Crimean journalist Mykola Semena Russia-appointed judges at a court in Ukraine's occupied Crimea region were scheduled on July 7 to resume the trial of Mykola Semena, an RFE/RL contributor who is fighting what he says is a politically motivated separatism charge. The trial in the Crimean capital, Simferopol, has been delayed several times since it started in late March. Semena faces up to five years in prison if convicted by the Russian-appointed judges, who previously have jailed several people from Crimea who opposed or criticized Moscow's 2014 seizure of the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine. The charge against the 66-year-old Semena stems from an article he wrote for RFE/RL's Krym.Realii (Crimea Realities) website in 2015. The Kremlin-installed prosecutor in Crimea charged that the article had called for the violation of Russia's territorial integrity. Semena denies the accusation as baseless and politically motivated, saying Russian authorities have based the case on an inaccurate Russian translation of his original Ukrainian text. Activists say Semena's trial is part of a systemic Russian clampdown on independent media and dissent in Crimea since Moscow's illegal annexation of the peninsula. Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Italy arrests Chechen accused of fighting with IS in Syria Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 8 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Italy arrests Chechen accused of fighting with IS in Syria, 8 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3518.html [accessed 12 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. July 08, 2017 12:52 GMT Italian police arrest Eli Bombataliyev, accused of fighting in Syria and participating in a attack in Grozny. Italian authorities have arrested a Chechen man suspected of fighting in Syria with the Islamic State (IS) extremist group and of being involved in a deadly 2014 attack in Russia's war-scarred southern Chechnya region. Italian prosecutors said 38-year-old Eli Bombataliyev was being held on terrorism charges in the southern town of Foggia and that he was suspected of having links to an IS network based in Belgium. Prosecutors also said evidence suggested Bombataliyev participated in a 2014 attack on a printing house in Grozny that resulted in the deaths of 14 security officers and 10 assailants. It was not immediately clear how long Bombataliyev had been in Italy before his arrest. An Italian police statement said that the authorities were conducting a broad effort to locate foreign fighters from Chechnya. IS militants who have fought in Syria have been involved in terrorist attacks in France, Belgium, and other European countries. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, Repubblica.it, and TASS Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Two explosions hit Ukraine's Luhansk, killing one, wounding 5 Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 7 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Two explosions hit Ukraine's Luhansk, killing one, wounding 5, 7 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e354.html [accessed 12 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. July 07, 2017 17:10 GMT Russia-backed separatists take part in a training exercise in the Luhansk region in April 2016. Officials in the separatist-held Ukrainian city of Luhansk say two explosions have killed one person and wounded five others. Andrei Marochko, a spokesman for the Russia-backed separatist group that calls itself the Luhansk People's Republic, said the first blast was at a food store and the second went off nearby when local law enforcement were investigating. Marochko called the blasts terrorist bombings and he blamed them on unspecified "Ukrainian hawks." He said the apparent reason behind the explosions was to undermine talks aimed at resolving the Ukrainian conflict between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the German city of Hamburg on July 7. Russia has been backing separatists in Ukraine's east in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since April 2014. Based on reporting by AFP and TASS Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Pakistan praises UN for blacklisting Jamaat-ul-Ahrar extremist group Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 8 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistan praises UN for blacklisting Jamaat-ul-Ahrar extremist group, 8 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3613.html [accessed 12 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. July 08, 2017 01:55 GMT By RFE/RL The scene of a suicide bomb blast in Quetta last month claimed by Jamaat ul Ahrar Pakistan's foreign ministry praised the United Nations on July 7 for imposing sanctions on a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban, which is linked to deadly attacks in the country. In a statement, the ministry welcomed the move in which the UN Security Council on July 6 added the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group to a list of organizations and individuals subject to freezing of assets, a travel ban, and an arms embargo. The ministry said the UN took this step at Islamabad's request. Pakistan claims that Jamaat-ul-Ahrar operates from Nangarhar province Afghanistan and has been involved in a series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. It imposed a ban on the group last year and launched a crackdown to trace and arrest its leadership. The group claimed responsibility last month for a suicide car bombing in the southwestern city of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, that killed 14 people, many of them policemen. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Clashes in Kashmir on anniversary of rebel's death Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 9 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Clashes in Kashmir on anniversary of rebel's death, 9 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3713.html [accessed 12 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. July 09, 2017 11:05 GMT Pakistani policewomen stand guard beside a poster bearing the image of slain Indian Kashmir rebel Burhan Wani. (file photo) Government forces threw tear gas and clashed with stone-throwing protesters in Indian-administered Kashmir on July 8 on the anniversary of the killing of a popular militant leader. At least 15 people were reported injured in the clashes as residents in the main city of Srinagar and at least four places in southern Kashmir tried to march on the streets, chanting slogans in favor of rebels and ending Indian rule. Burhan Wani, 22, was killed by Indian troops last year after urging the region's mainly Muslim population to rise up against Indian forces. Wani is said to have revived the image of militancy in Indian-administered Kashmir. The violence on July 8 started as people tried to walk to his home in Tral where he died in a shootout with the army last July. In preparation for the anniversary, authorities imposed heavy restrictions in the Kashmir Valley such as stopping Internet access and sealing off Tral. Separately, seven people were killed in shelling across the Line of Control that divides Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed Himalayan territory in its entirety and have fought two wars over it. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and the BBC Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Iraqi PM visits liberated Mosul to celebrate victory over Islamic State Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 9 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraqi PM visits liberated Mosul to celebrate victory over Islamic State, 9 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3813.html [accessed 12 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. July 09, 2017 13:23 GMT By RFE/RL A handout picture released by the Iraqi premier's press office shows Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi (center) shaking hands with army officers upon his arrival in Mosul on July 9. Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi congratulated the country's armed forces for the victorious eight-month battle to liberate Mosul from three years of being ruled by the extremist group Islamic State (IS). "The commander in chief of the armed forces [Prime Minister] Haidar al-Abadi arrived in the liberated city of Mosul and congratulated the heroic fighters and Iraqi people for the great victory," the prime minister's office said in a statement marking Abadi's July 9 visit to the war-torn city. A photo on Abadi's official Twitter account showed him dressed in a black military uniform and cap as he arrived in Mosul to announce the recapture of the city. "Mosul liberated from [IS]: France pays homage to all those, who alongside our troops, contributed to this victory," French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted. Backed by a U.S.-led coalition, Iraqi soldiers launched the Mosul operation in October. They fought their way across the city from its eastern flank before engaging in heavy fighting to take the western side and eventually the Old City, where Islamic State rebels staged a last stand. The battle for Mosul, the largest city the militants controlled, has taken a heavy toll, killing thousands of civilians and forcing almost one million people from their homes, according to the United Nations. Officials warned that while the main battle for Mosul was over, the militants may still launch sporadic attacks from areas in and around the city where IS still has pockets of control. "Situation not resolved, but we are monitoring," the Reuters news agency quoted U.S. National Security Council spokesman Michael Anton as saying when asked whether the battle for Mosul was complete. While celebrating "the removal of the death cult from Mosul," British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said, "this barbaric group remains dug in west of the Euphrates and clearing operations in and around Mosul will be needed because of the threat from improvised explosive devices." With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Russian paper alleges summary executions in Chechnya Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 9 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian paper alleges summary executions in Chechnya, 9 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3910.html [accessed 12 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. July 09, 2017 08:26 GMT By RFE/RL's Russian Service Security forces controlled by the Kremlin-installed Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov (pictured), have been accused of gross human-rights abuses for many years. (file photo) Russia's Novaya Gazeta newspaper, citing two unidentified sources, has reported that security forces in Chechnya summarily executed 27 people on the night of January 26. The paper reported on July 9 that the purported victims were detained in regions across the North Caucasus republic during a series of raids that began in mid-December 2016. According to the report, the detainees were never formally arrested and no paperwork was filled out on them before they were summarily executed. A source within the Interior Ministry reportedly provided the newspaper with the names of the victims and the journalists were unable to locate any of them. "All attempts to learn anything about these people were met with incredible fear from everyone we questioned," the newspaper wrote. In April, Novaya Gazeta reported that dozens of homosexual men had been rounded up, imprisoned, and abused in Chechnya. Security forces controlled by Kremlin-installed Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov have been accused of gross human-rights abuses for many years, including abductions, torture, and killings. Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Amnesty International calls for probe of alleged Chechnya executions Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Publication Date 10 July 2017 Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Amnesty International calls for probe of alleged Chechnya executions, 10 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818e3a12.html [accessed 12 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. July 10, 2017 13:14 GMT By RFE/RL Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (file photo) The Amnesty International human rights organization is calling on the Russian authorities to investigate a media report that 27 people were summarily executed by security forces in the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya in January. "The security forces cannot be allowed to get away with torture and murder simply because they wear the badge of the state," Amnesty's Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia Denis Krivocheev was quoted as saying. The independent Novaya Gazeta reported on July 9 that unnamed sources had provided the paper with the names of the alleged victims and reporters had been unable to ascertain the whereabouts of any of them. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on July 10 that Moscow had seen the reports and "taken them into consideration, as well as the Chechen law enforcement agencies' statement refuting the reports." He added that "the source of [Novaya Gazeta's] information is unclear, therefore I cannot say anything else to you now." The alleged victims of the executions were reportedly rounded up during a massive security operation that began in December 2016. In April, Novaya Gazeta reported that dozens of homosexual men had been rounded up, imprisoned, and abused in Chechnya. Chechen and Russian authorities declined to launch an investigation into that report. With reporting by Interfax Link to original story on RFE/RL website Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Mauritania Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Mauritania, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e42a4.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Mauritania remained an important regional counterterrorism partner in 2016. The Mauritanian government continued to oppose terrorism actively and effectively, building on an approach that hinges on community outreach, improving the capacity of security forces, and securing the country's borders. As in years past, the Mauritanian authorities cooperated with U.S. counterterrorism efforts and seized opportunities to participate in U.S.-sponsored training on counterterrorism tactics and techniques. Mauritania is an excellent security partner with a strong record of taking direct action against al-Qa'ida in the Maghreb (AQIM), ISIS, and similar groups, defending its borders from infiltration and opposing the spread of violent extremist ideology. In the wake of three major terrorist incursions in 2011, which were defeated by Mauritanian security forces, terrorist activity in the country has been reduced substantially. Mauritania is strategically located. It is both a Sahelian country, hosting the headquarters of the Secretariat of the G-5 Sahel countries (along with Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Niger), and a member of the Arab Maghreb Union (along with Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia). Mauritania hosted the Arab League Summit in July. Regions in Mauritania's interior are imperfectly monitored owing to their geographic isolation from population centers and inhospitable desert conditions. AQIM remained the leading terrorist threat to Mauritania, but al-Murabitoun and like-minded terrorist groups also had a presence in the region, particularly in the southeastern border with Mali. The number of Mauritanians participating in terrorist activities remained at similar levels since 2011, including Mauritanians in senior-level positions within groups such as AQIM. Local sources estimated 55 Mauritanians as members of AQIM, mainly from the Beydane tribes of Brebich, Eterchane, Ijemmane, Kounta, Oulad Daoud, and Oulad Talha. Government authorities were also alert to the threat of ISIS in Mauritania, as evidenced by a series of arrests of subjects suspected of recruiting for the group. Mauritanian political and religious personalities including Islamic figures periodically condemned ISIS' aims, methods, and activities in their public statements. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Mauritania's counterterrorism legal framework is relatively new. Enacted in 2010, the national counterterrorism laws define terrorism as a criminal act and prescribed punishment for perpetrators. Additionally, the Mauritanian government continued to sharpen its counterterrorism capabilities in ways that satisfied the obligations in UN Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014) and 2199 (2015). For example, in 2016, Mauritania amended its 2010 counterterrorism statute to expand the impact against foreign terrorist fighters. The 2016 amendments significantly broadened the scope of terrorism, criminalizing for the first time aiding and abetting, inciting, and advising the commission of terrorist acts. The new amendment also provides more clarity in criminalizing as a terrorist offense the intentional act of financing, supporting, or assisting in the organization of a journey by a foreign terrorist combatant to train or train other terrorist combatants for the purpose of committing terrorist acts. It criminalizes as a terrorist offense the intentional act of committing a murder, abduction, or assault against an internationally protected person (diplomat) or an attack on the diplomat's office or private residence. Mauritania's National Gendarmerie, a paramilitary police agency; and its National Security Directorate, which falls under the Ministry of Interior; are the primary law enforcement units performing counterterrorism functions. Cooperation and information sharing between the two organizations occurred sporadically. Although Mauritanian security forces were able to successfully deter and prevent acts of terrorism, Mauritania is committed to further improving its counterterrorism capacity. Throughout the year, personnel from the security forces participated in eight separate courses funded by the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program. This training conferred expertise in relevant tactical and technical skills, to include investigations, evidence gathering, and border security. The Mauritanian government continued to send prosecutors and investigative magistrates to terrorism prosecution training organized by the United States through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other international partners. Border security remains a priority of the Mauritanian government, but challenges remain due to a lack of capacity and the lack of a standing policy that accords responsibility for different sections of the country's long land borders to different formations within the security forces. The vast Mauritanian borders traversing inhospitable and hard-to-access areas of the Sahara desert further complicated efforts to monitor and secure borders, particularly those with Mali. To address this challenge, the Mauritanian government designated significant portions of northern and eastern Mauritania as a military zone. Citizens and personnel operating within the zone are required to gain authorization prior to entering. This control allows the Mauritanian military to monitor personnel traversing the country. Mauritania's border forces employ biometric screening capabilities at some, but not all, ports of entry. Information sharing efforts within the government and with other countries in the region were nascent. Mauritanian authorities continued to arrest terrorism suspects in 2016. In June, during security preparations in advance of Mauritania hosting the Arab League Summit, Mauritanian authorities arrested several individuals believed to be ISIS sympathizers. In October, Mauritania authorities arrested three individuals perceived to be a security threat to Western interests. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Mauritania is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force and maintains observer status within the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa; both are Financial Action Task Force-style regional bodies. In January, the Mauritanian government submitted to parliament a draft amendment of certain provisions relating to their Law No. 2005-048, which pertains to money laundering and terrorist financing. This amendment aims to harmonize domestic legislation with international conventions. The updated counterterrorism law introduced new provisions on the immediate administrative freezing of the assets of terrorist individuals and entities listed in the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Mauritania's current regulations require banks and formal money exchange and remittance offices to report suspicious transactions to its financial intelligence unit, the Financial Information Analysis Commission. The government also adopted in October a new anti-corruption regulation that has a component on international judicial cooperation on terrorist asset forfeiture and seizure. Although legislation regulating alternative remittances exists, the Mauritanian government neither has the resources to monitor sizable flows of funds through the informal hawala money transfer system, nor considers doing so a priority. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Although the Mauritanian government does not have a Countering Violent Extremism National Action Plan, it continued to manage programs designed to counter violent extremism and offer alternatives to at-risk individuals. In 2016, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Traditional Education inaugurated 19 pilot Islamic schools. Each school supports a workforce of at least 30 students (boys and girls) who each receive a monthly grant of 10,000 ouguiya (US $28) and each teacher receives a salary of 100,000 (US $280). The government also continued to collaborate with independent Islamic religious organizations to promote moderation, sponsor radio and television programming on the themes of temperance in Islam, and pay monthly salaries of 50,000 ouguiya (US $140) to 200 moderate imams who fulfilled stringent selection criteria. Regional and International Cooperation: Mauritania remained an active member of the United Nations; the Arab League; the African Union; and the G-5 Sahel, a regional cooperation partnership organized in 2015 with five member countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The Mauritanian government also played a supportive role in regional Global Counterterrorism Forum meetings that took place in Nouakchott in 2016. On November 3, Mauritania attended a DOJ workshop held in Rabat, Morocco. This regional workshop focused on building and augmenting the institutional architecture needed to counter transnational crime and terrorism through effective international cooperation, mutual legal assistance, and extradition. On November 3 and 4, Mauritania hosted the annual meeting of the G-5 Sahel Security and Defense Committee in Nouakchott. During the two-day meeting, Chiefs of Defense of the member states discussed increased cooperation, coordination, and information sharing between their security services to address regional terrorism concerns. On November 20, in N'Djamena, the heads of state of the G-5 Sahel announced the creation of a regional joint force. While 2016 was believed to be the most violent years in the recent times, 2017 seems to have surpassed with even more incidents of violence in the Valley. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: A day after Abu Dujana, former Lashkar Commander was killed in a fierce encounter in Hakripora, Pulwama on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs has declared 2017 one of the most violent years in the decade. Minister of State for Home Hasnraj Gangaram Ahir gave a written statement in response to a question asked by Member of Parliament Naresh Aggarwal. advertisement While the trouble torn state had seemingly reached an abyss with state witnessing strife for seven months after the killing of Burhan Wani the Hizbul Mujahideen commander by security forces on July 8. While 2016 was believed to be the most violent years in the recent times, 2017 seems to have surpassed with more incidents of violence. In his statement before the upper house of Parliament said that about 184 incidents of terror were reported from Jammu and Kashmir till the end of July 2017. There were about 155 incidents last year during the same period. Th terrorist related violence has been on a steady increase in the past three years with 222 incidents recorded in 2014, 208 in 2015, 322 in 2016 and 184 till July 2017. There is an increase in the number of killings of civilians, security forces and terrorists. While 150 terrorist were killed in JK last year, the figure stated till July end is 109. Though actual figures has already reached 117 till Tuesday. While there were 15 civilian deaths last year, this year till July about 19 such cases have been reported. While the security personnel killed is 82, a phenomenal decline in killing of security forces has been reported this year. The figure dropped considerably in 2017 with only 38 being killed in counter terror operations in 2017. In a dossier of top 12 terrorist prepared earlier this year, the security forces have already eliminated the about six of them. Those include names like Abu Dujana, Sabzar Bhat, Junaid Mattoo, Bashir Wani, Saddam Paddar, Yasin Ittoo and Altaf Dar. Also Read: Kashmir: Burqa-clad gunmen loot 5 lakh from bank in Arwani Revive Lahore Declaration, do not block trade routes with Pakistan: Mufti to Centre Unfair to say China is colonising us: Outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit tells India Today --- ENDS --- Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Maldives Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Maldives, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e42b21.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Since 2010, concerns about the activities of a small number of extremists who support violence and are involved with transnational terrorist groups have increased. Young Maldivians, especially those within the penal system and otherwise marginalized members of society, are at risk of becoming radicalized and some have already joined terrorist groups. According to reporting in the Maldivian media, radical Maldivians have made connections to terrorist groups throughout the world and a small but steady stream of Maldivians have left the country to train and fight with these groups. In June, Defense Minister Adam Shareef Umar told the press approximately 50 radicalized Maldivians were fighting with terrorist organizations in Syria. The United Nations and other media reports estimated the number of Maldivians becoming foreign terrorist fighters at approximately 200. In February 2016, a family of 12 that had allegedly gone missing in India was confirmed to be in Syria. The prosecutor general's office reported three cases of arrests for participating in a war abroad. In February, authorities arrested three Maldivian men at the Turkey-Syria border and returned them to Maldives, where they were charged with attempting to travel to Syria to fight with terrorist groups. No action was taken against a fourth man who failed in his attempt to travel to Syria. In June, Maldivian authorities said three Maldivians traveled to Syria despite having been placed on a government watchlist. Another case submitted in December is against a man who was arrested and charged with participating in a war in Pakistan. These incidents illustrated the continuing pattern of Maldivian nationals having the intent of becoming foreign terrorist fighters transiting through third countries. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The 2015 Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) defined acts of terrorism and set forth penalties of between seven to 25 years imprisonment for those convicted of these acts or inciting others to do so. The PTA's other provisions criminalized committing terrorist acts or joining or fighting in a conflict abroad; granted the government permission to suspend certain constitutionally guaranteed rights for persons "detained or arrested on suspicion" of committing acts of terrorism; established legal procedures for handling terrorism-related cases; and granted permission for the issuance of a monitoring and control order by court order upon reasonable suspicion, which was defined as the "Minister's belief based on logical or reasonable evidence or reasoning that one or many of the acts transpired or may occur." A monitoring and control order permitted the government to determine a suspect's place of residence; search him/her and his/her residence; disclose, inspect, and seize a suspect's assets; monitor his/her telecommunications; and impose a travel ban. The PTA had originally required the president to publicly release a list of designated terrorist groups, but the parliament amended the provision in March to allow the list to remain secret. The government continued to use the PTA to arrest and prosecute political opponents and restrict political and media activity unrelated to terrorism. Maldives continued to participate in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program, which provided trainings on fraudulent document recognition, protecting soft targets, and airport security management. Numerous other western countries provided training in a variety of aspects of police work related to counterterrorism, including a table top exercise on soft targets. The leadership of the Maldivian Police Service (MPS) recognized the need for improvement and made requests for assistance to bring its abilities up to international standards. Maldives established a National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) in 2016 with the mandate to coordinate interagency efforts on counterterrorism and to liaise with international security partners. The NCTC was led by the Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) with participation from the MPS, customs and border protection, immigration, and other agencies. Responsibility for counterterrorism efforts was divided among the MPS and MNDF, the latter of which has navy, marines, and coast guard branches. In 2016, information sharing among the agencies was limited. The Maldivian government has installed the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) at Maldives' main international airport and at Male seaport, and in December agreed to an upgrade of the system. In an effort to stem the number of Maldivians traveling to Iraq and Syria to join terrorist groups, the MPS began randomly questioning Maldivian citizens traveling by air to Turkey. Maldivian officials worked with U.S. government personnel to develop and implement programs designed to counter radicalization, improve counterterrorism capability, and enhance the operational effectiveness of the MNDF. The prosecutor general's office reported approximately 21 people were charged in 2016 under the Counterterrorism Act. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Maldives is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. In 2016, the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the country's central bank, suspected that funds were being raised domestically to support terrorism abroad since a large percentage of suspicious transaction reports received by the MMA were connected to Maldivian citizens. It reported that funds were transferred through informal money transfer networks (hawala) between the islands, although the extent to which these systems were employed to transfer illicit funds was unclear. The MMA also lacked reliable information regarding amounts involved. In June, Maldives passed the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act, which criminalized money laundering and terrorist financing. Maldives prosecuted no cases under the Act in 2016, but the Maldivian prosecutor general's office was confident the law would enable police and prosecutors to better identify links between suspected terrorists and their finance networks based upon the very wide investigatory powers authorized by the Act. The Maldivian government monitored banks, the insurance sector, money remittance institutions and finance companies, and required the collection of data for wire transfers. Financial institutions other than banks and intermediaries in the securities sector, however, were not subject to anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations. Insurance companies and intermediaries, finance companies, money remittance service providers, foreign exchange businesses, and credit card companies therefore operated outside of the AML/CFT framework. The MMA had earlier established a financial intelligence unit, the Capital Market Development Authority, which lacked the technical capacity to analyze vast amounts of new data on financial transactions. In 2016, a former manager at the Bank of Maldives presented evidence that indicated state institutions were allegedly being used in money laundering. The Maldivian government implemented the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime, and monitored and regulated alternative remittance services. The Maldivian government did not report any efforts to seize terrorist assets in 2016. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Maldivian government continued to recognize that counterradicalization to violence efforts are a critical component to long-term success against violent extremism. Since 2011, the government has sought to counter the influence of violent extremist ideology by actively intervening in religious life. These interventions included mandating persons wanting to serve as imams to undergo a six-month state-approved training and disseminating government-approved sermons, which the imams were required to use for Friday prayers. Media sources reported incidents where the government has not taken action to investigate those spreading violent extremist ideology. In September, a group of masked men distributed materials that urged Maldivians to commit violence after a mass Eid prayer at the Maafanu stadium in Male. A government-sponsored Islamic university in the capital city of Male opened in the last quarter of 2015 and in 2016 held several workshops for "moderate" Islamic scholars. The university's goal was to promote the academic study of religion and "moderate Islam" as a counterweight to extremist discourses and messaging. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs held seminars for student groups and a religious dialogue on the topic of jihad. An Indian university signed an agreement with the Maldivian Defense Ministry to conduct counterterrorism and extremism awareness training. In cooperation with an NGO, DoD personnel implemented the second phase of a de-radicalization program in conjunction with the Government of Maldives for individuals vulnerable to extremist recruitment. The program included vocational training programs designed to increase future employment opportunities. Regional and International Cooperation: Maldives is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and is a party to the SAARC regional convention on the suppression of terrorism. In 2016, India signed a defense cooperation plan with Maldives, which includes setting up a bilateral counterterrorism mechanism with intelligence sharing. In October, the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, in association with the United Nations and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, hosted an international symposium on countering terrorism and violent extremism. Experts from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United States attended the event and shared best practices. The MNDF was a member of the Global Special Operations Force network, which collaborates on common security challenges and actively supports multilateral and regional security cooperation efforts, such as global programs that focus on counterterrorism and de-radicalization. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Mali Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Mali, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e42b4.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Government of Mali remained a willing, if challenged, U.S. counterterrorism partner. Continued terrorist activity was widespread in Mali's ungoverned northern region with limited attacks spreading into central and southern Mali. Lackluster implementation of the June 2015 peace accord between the Malian government and two coalitions of armed groups hampered the return of public services and security to the north. Mali continues to rely heavily on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and French forces to provide a measure of stability and security to the northern regions. As the government and northern armed political movements slowly began to implement the peace accord, terrorist groups continued their attacks on all parties to the accord, including former rebel groups with which the terrorists had briefly allied. The French military continued its integrated counterterrorism mission for the Sahel region under Operation Barkhane, based out of Chad. In cooperation with Malian forces, Barkhane launched numerous operations to degrade the violent extremist elements operating in northern Mali, including al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), al-Murabitoun (AMB), the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), the Macina Liberation Front, and Ansar al-Dine (AAD). Domestic and international security forces believed most, if not all of these groups, coordinated efforts on certain operations. MINUSMA maintained its northern presence in 2016, and continued its work with the Malian government and signatory armed groups to facilitate the redeployment of Malian government officials and security forces to the north. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: AQIM, MUJAO, AMB, and AAD continued to conduct terrorist attacks in northern and central Mali. Land mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, rocket and mortar attacks, and complex small arms fire attacks primarily targeted international and Malian military forces. From the beginning of the year through the end of September, 25 UN peacekeepers were killed, along with eight civilian contractors and one civilian staff member. Continuing a trend that began in 2015, attacks by violent Islamist extremist groups moved beyond the traditional conflict zone in the north to the center and south of the country. Terrorist incidents included: Several high-profile kidnappings of westerners occurred in Mali. On January 7, a Swiss citizen was abducted in Timbuktu; AQIM claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. On October 14, a U.S. citizen was abducted in Niger along the Malian border and reports indicate he was being held in Mali; there have been no credible claims of responsibility for his kidnapping.[3] On December 24, a French citizen was abducted in Gao city; no one claimed responsibility for the kidnapping before year's end. On March 21, gunmen attempted to attack the European Union training mission headquarters at Bamako's Hotel Nord Sud. One attacker was killed trying to breach the perimeter. One was arrested shortly thereafter. AMB and AQIM were suspected of involvement. On April 12, three French soldiers were killed by an IED attack claimed by ADD in Tessalit. In response, French forces initiated a series of arrests that later prompted a violent protest that destroyed the Kidal airport, as well as the kidnapping of four International Committee of the Red Cross staff, who were later released. Five UN peacekeepers were killed in a May 29 attack against a MINUSMA convoy near Sevare in central Mali. On July 19, an attack against a Malian military base in Nampala, later claimed by AAD, resulted in at least 19 Malian soldiers killed and five kidnapped. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Implementation of Mali's penal code of 2013, intended to help to counter terrorism and transnational organized crime, continued during 2016. The judiciary prosecuted several terrorism-related cases during the year, but the only convictions were in absentia. Examples of this include the November 28 convictions of Mohamed Ag Mohamed Alassane, Moussa Ag Sidi, and Sidi Mohamed Ag Ouness, all of whom were sentenced to death in absentia for terrorist acts. The National Assembly passed a law on November 9, 2015, that defined the composition, structure, and functions of a special judicial unit focused on the fight against terrorism and transnational crime. Created in 2013 and staffed since 2014, the now fully established unit took the lead in the investigation into the November 20, 2015, attack on the Radisson hotel. Malian security forces and law enforcement responsible for counterterrorism efforts, particularly the Malian National Guard, Gendarmerie, and police components of the newly established antiterrorism unit (Forces Speciales Anti-terroristes, FORSAT) participated in the U.S. Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance Program for prevention of and response to terrorist attacks. The training efforts included crime scene investigations of a terrorist attack, surveillance detection, first incident response to an attack, securing vital infrastructures, and joint exercises that incorporated and reinforced these training activities. For example, in the lead up to the Africa-France Summit in Bamako in January 2017, Malian security forces planned, rehearsed, and carried out exercises throughout Bamako. In May, Mali and the United States signed an agreement to increase support for the Malian Gendarmerie Crisis Response Team (a SWAT team equivalent) in Bamako. The Malian Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defense (MOD) remained the primary entities responsible for securing Mali against terrorist threats. The General Directorate of State Security under the Ministry of Security had the authority to investigate and detain persons for terrorism offenses; however, missions between law enforcement and military units that have a counterterrorism mission lacked delineation and coordination. Law enforcement units had a poor record on accountability and respect for human rights. Although Mali has basic and limited border security enforcement mechanisms in the south, the northern borders remained unsecured. Law enforcement and military units lacked capacity, training, and the necessary equipment to secure Mali's porous borders. The United States continued to work with the Malian security forces to expand the U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) program. The gendarmerie, which reports to both the MOD and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI); and the national border police, which reports to the MOI; both provide paramilitary support to prevent and deter criminal activity at borders. Customs officials under the Ministry of Economy and Finance monitor the flow of goods and enforce customs laws at borders and ports of entry, but their effectiveness is limited. Mali receives INTERPOL notices, but the INTERPOL database is unavailable at some points of entry. Customs officials use travel forms to collect biographical information from travelers at airports and manifests for information on goods transiting borders. When conducting investigations, customs officials and border police compare the biographic data on these forms against travel documents and the manifests against seized goods. The exit and entry stamps used by border officials are inconsistent in size and shape, undermining efforts to authenticate travel documents. Mali began issuing fully biometric passports on April 1, following the March 13 terrorist attack in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast. The chip-enabled biometric passports will eventually replace previously issued machine-readable passports. Security measures in the machine-readable passports include micro-printing, UV features, and a full-color digital photo. Unfortunately, many of the relatively sophisticated anti-fraud characteristics of the new Malian passport are rendered moot by the relative ease with which imposters can obtain fraudulent documents, such as birth and marriage certificates (which are still chiefly handwritten or typed on carbon paper, then tracked via municipal ledgers that are also handwritten). Mali was very cooperative in working with the United States to prevent acts of terrorism against U.S. citizens in the country. The Malian judicial system welcomed ongoing cooperation of U.S. law enforcement agencies in the investigation into the November 20, 2015, attack on the Radisson Hotel in which one U.S. citizen was killed. In October 2015, the U.S. Department of State activated its Antiterrorism Assistance program called SPEAR (Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response) as a Quick Reaction Force for Embassy Bamako in the event of a crisis. Since the attack at the Radisson hotel, the U.S. Department of State has signed a multi-year agreement to develop a Crisis Response Team within the Malian Gendarmerie team responsible for responding to these types of attacks in Bamako. The Malian military continued to focus on strengthening command-and-control capacity. It remained insufficiently resourced and lacked personnel trained in effective law enforcement, counterterrorism investigative techniques, and enhanced border security operations. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Mali is a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Mali's financial intelligence unit, the Cellule Nationale de Traitement des Informations Financieres (CENTIF-Mali), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In accordance with the standard West African Economic and Monetary Union provisions pertaining to the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1373 and the ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime, Mali has incorporated provisions into its national law to enable the freezing of terrorist assets; however, implementation of this mechanism remained incomplete. The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Treasury have the responsibility to provide the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions list to national institutions, all financial institutions, and security forces on a regular basis. The seizure of assets must first be authorized by a judge within the judicial unit focused on the fight against terrorism and trans-border crime. Assets can remain frozen for an unrestricted amount of time during an ongoing investigation. Coordination between investigative agencies is poor, however, and not all suspected cases made it to court. Most transactions in Mali are cash-based and difficult to regulate given resource constraints. Non-financial businesses and professions are not subject to customer due diligence requirements. Significant challenges to the CENTIF-Mali include a lack of training especially for investigators who handle terrorist financing cases as well as a lack of resources to adequately publicize regulations and provide training for bank and public sector employees outside of Bamako. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In June, Mali drafted its first national strategy for the prevention of radicalization, terrorism, and violent extremism. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for coordinating development and monitoring the national strategy. CVE considerations were also integrated into Mali's "Program for Accelerated Development in the Northern Regions," as well as a draft decentralization policy. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is responsible for working with the High Islamic Council and other religious associations to promote moderate Islam and maintain a secular state; however, the absence of Malian government control in much of north and central Mali hindered efforts to prevent increased radicalism and recruitment by violent extremist groups. International and Regional Cooperation: Mali participated in regional organizations and international bodies including the Economic Community of West African States, the United Nations, and the African Union (AU). Mali remained active in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership and also participated in Global Counterterrorism Forum events. Mali is also part of the Security Governance Initiative between the United States and six African partners, first announced in 2014, which offers a comprehensive approach to improving security sector governance and capacity to address threats. The Malian military participated in multinational border security operations under the mandate of the G-5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger). Operations were carried out with French and Mauritanian military forces. Operation Barkhane continued to support G-5 Sahel operations in the region. In July, the AU led a technical assessment mission to Mali to develop regional options to address terrorism and transnational organized crime in the Sahel-Sahara region. 3 This sentence previously concluded: "AQIM and AMB took responsibility for his kidnapping." A careful review of media, foreign government reports, and U.S. government reports showed that no credible claim of responsibility was made. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Macedonia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Macedonia, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e42d13.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Macedonia conducted three significant counterterrorism operations in 2016, one of which was in coordination with authorities in Albania and Kosovo, leading to the arrest of 23 people in Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Macedonia cooperated with U.S. counterterrorism efforts, demonstrating its strong commitment to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The government approved a National Counterterrorism Strategy in March. The strategy has a section dedicated to the prevention of violent extremism (PVE), but there is no separate National Strategy to Counter/Prevent Violent Extremism. The government drafted a National Counterterrorism Action Plan and submitted it to the European Commission in November for review. The Action Plan lacks implementation designations, funding estimates, and monitoring and evaluation controls. Macedonian authorities assess that ISIS members and sympathizers maintained a presence in Macedonia. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Macedonia's laws contain comprehensive counterterrorism provisions that prohibit domestic and international acts of terrorism. The country's counterterrorism law includes a provision criminalizing civilian participation in foreign conflicts. Specifically, Article 322-a of the Criminal Code requires a five-year minimum prison sentence for participation in a foreign military or paramilitary force, or recruiting, training, or transporting fighters. Macedonia's capacity to detect and deter acts of terrorism without international support needs to be strengthened. Specifically, police need training in command and control, tactical planning and execution, casualty care, and messaging. Notwithstanding, Macedonia successfully executed arrest and search warrants against foreign terrorist fighters and would-be foreign terrorist fighters; it also coordinated with regional partners to disrupt terrorist attack plans and to arrest Macedonian citizens attempting to join ISIS. Prosecutors secured prison sentences against foreign terrorist fighters primarily through plea agreements. Macedonian prosecutors have yet to bring a case to trial against a foreign terrorist fighter or supporter. Within the Ministry of Interior (MOI), the Administration for Security and Counter-Intelligence takes the lead on counterterrorism detection and intelligence gathering, and works with the Bureau of Public Security's Department of Organized and Serious Crime to detain suspects. The Prosecutor's Office at the Ministry of Justice manages questioning and prosecuting of the arrested terrorist suspect. A Joint Combined Exchange Training with U.S. Special Forces took place in March to improve Macedonia's ability to protect soft targets. Macedonian authorities at the MOI reported that they developed operational plans to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks on soft targets including stadiums, hotels, etc. Additionally, an international counterterrorism exercise in September brought together multiple agencies from the United States and Macedonia to review Macedonia's preparedness and response capacities. Macedonia Border Police use INTERPOL and Europol watch lists that are regularly updated and they have biometric screening capability. The Border Police also share and receive information through alerts via the Joint Contact Centers with neighboring countries (Albania, Bulgaria, and Kosovo) and INTERPOL. In response to the influx of migrants, the European Union (EU) and Balkan countries regularly send border police detachments to assist in securing Macedonia's southern border. Border authorities worked with European and U.S. partners to develop information-sharing protocols and upgrade the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) border management system, improving its capacity to respond to the migration crisis and stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters returning from conflict zones. Macedonia engaged in three law enforcement actions against terrorists: On July 9, Macedonian authorities carried out simultaneous search warrants at seven locations and arrested four individuals (a fifth individual turned himself in later on July 25), charging them under counterterrorism laws, in an operation called Operation Cell 2. In August, authorities worked with regional partners in Turkey to arrest and extradite five citizens of Macedonia who were seeking to join ISIS in Syria. In November, Macedonia coordinated with regional partners in Albania and Kosovo to arrest 23 suspected terrorists who were planning a terrorist attack on a large stadium in Albania during a World Cup qualifying soccer match between Albania and Israel. In February, the trial began for 29 individuals charged with terrorism and planning to form a terrorist group, and eight others for providing logistical support in the May 2015 armed clash with police in Kumanovo. The trial continued through 2016. A months-long political crisis in Macedonia inhibited decisive action by the government to address deficiencies in law enforcement and border security, including shortages in personnel and equipment. The Bureau of Public Security worked with U.S. authorities to address corruption among border officials, resource constraints, training gaps for border police officers, and issues related to the border management system, Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES). Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Macedonia is a member of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Macedonia's financial intelligence unit (FIU), the Money Laundering Prevention Directorate (MLPD), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In 2016, the MLPD received three suspicious transaction reports for terrorist financing, but no criminal charges were filed. Major deficiencies in Macedonia's anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism legal framework remain, including insufficient criminalization of terrorist financing and no clear mechanisms to implement UN measures. In addition, an overly complicated confiscation regime that remains conviction-based hindered effective freezing and confiscation of terrorist assets. Macedonia has an agency for the management of seized and forfeited assets, but the agency has limited capacity and activity, and needs additional training. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Macedonia has a national inter-ministerial Working Group on Counterterrorism (CTWG), which also oversees efforts to counter violent extremism, headed by a coordinator. The coordinator departed the post in the spring of 2016, and consequently, the CTWG has not effectively advanced government action and cooperation to counter or prevent violent extremism, in line with the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General's Preventing Violent Extremism Plan of Action. The government has no official study on the drivers of violent extremism in Macedonia. Analytica, a local think tank, published a report in October funded by the United States titled, "Assessment of Macedonia's Efforts in Countering Violent Extremism." Based on initial studies, the drivers of extremism in Macedonia encompass similar factors as those driving global extremism, although somewhat compounded by the real and perceived marginalization of the ethnic Albanian population in Macedonia. The Islamic Community of Macedonia launched countering violent extremism (CVE) training for imams in November, but thus far has only trained 20 imams. The international community held one meeting in November to discuss planned CVE assessments and programs. International and Regional Cooperation: Macedonia is a willing partner both regionally and internationally on counterterrorism. Macedonia increasingly took advantage of the established framework of cooperation on counter terrorism with its neighbors, especially Albania and Kosovo. In June, former Minister of Interior Mitko Chavkov attended a conference in Bosnia and Herzegovina on regional cooperation in border security with representatives from Frontex, Europol, and Interior Ministers from Southeastern Europe. In July, Macedonia attended a regional conference in Montenegro to discuss counterterrorism and foreign terrorist fighter issues; the following month, Macedonia hosted a working-level conference with the same regional partners. Representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs from Greece and Macedonia met in Skopje in November, with experts from relevant national institutions to discuss topics including police cooperation, response to security threats, and collaboration on EU programs. Also in November, Macedonia participated in an international counterterrorism tabletop exercise designed to illustrate whole-of-government coordination, collaboration, information sharing, and integrated counterterrorism planning. Macedonia is also a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and hosted an OSCE-implemented workshop in September for criminal justice that brought together judges, prosecutors, and investigators from across the region to strengthen national capabilities and sustain inter-regional counterterrorism responses. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Libya Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Libya, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e42e13.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: U.S. counterterrorism policy in Libya is focused on degrading ISIS and other terrorist groups and reducing the threat they pose to U.S. interests in North Africa and Europe. In 2016, Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA)-aligned forces demonstrated that it could be a capable partner with the United States in the fight against ISIS. The GNA, led by Prime Minister Fayez al Sarraj, requested U.S. air support into the fight against ISIS and cooperated consistently and productively with international counterterrorism efforts. In January, U.S. strikes removed two ISIS camps and a foreign terrorist fighter facilitator in Libya's west. Libya's greatest counterterrorism success during the year was the removal of ISIS from its Libyan stronghold in Sirte, a key U.S. objective accomplished in close cooperation with U.S. Africa Command's Operation Odyssey Lighting campaign. GNA-affiliated forces seized the last group of buildings held by ISIS in Sirte in December, removing ISIS from its operational stronghold and temporarily disrupting its long-term ability to conduct and support regional operations in North Africa, the Sahel, and Europe. GNA reports suggested that more than 700 fighters from GNA-aligned forces were killed and 3,200 were wounded during the seven-month-long campaign against ISIS. Although up to 1,700 ISIS militants' bodies were recovered in Sirte, many members of the terrorist organization are thought to have escaped into the vast desert in Libya's west and south, while others may have fled abroad or into neighboring urban centers. While Sirte was ISIS's center of governance in Libya, concentrations of its fighters were also reported in Darnah and Benghazi during the year. Many fighters in those cities were driven out by year's end, mostly as a result of clashes with the "Libyan National Army" (LNA). ISIS fighters fleeing from Sirte may have escaped to remote desert camps, especially near Sabha and Bani Walid, but some reports indicated that others fled towards Darnah and other urban centers in Libya. Other terrorist organizations, including Ansar al-Shari'a-Benghazi (AAS-B), Ansar al-Shari'a Darnah (AAS-D), and al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), retained a presence in Libya in 2016. These groups continued to take advantage of the absence of effective governance in many parts of the country, although the LNA has significantly degraded their capabilities in some areas. AQIM's priorities are in southern Libya where it has connections with local authorities and militias, to which it provides financial and personnel support. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: The following list of terrorist incidents is designed to highlight major attacks believed to be perpetuated by terrorist groups against Western, Libyan government, and civil society targets. The list of incidents below is not exhaustive or comprehensive, some of the incidents have no claims of responsibility, and it does not include the numerous acts of violence perpetrated by armed militias and other parties to the conflict in Tripoli and other cities. On January 7 in Zliten, a suicide truck bomb killed 60 people and wounded 200 people at the al-Jahfal police training camp. ISIS was suspected of the attack. On June 13 in Sirte, three people were killed and dozens injured after an attack on soldiers and medical workers at a hospital. ISIS claimed responsibility. On August 2 in Benghazi, 22 people were killed by a car bomb that targeted security forces in a residential area. Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries claimed responsibility. On September 7 in Darnah, four fighters aligned with the LNA were killed by a landmine in Daher Hamar in western Darnah. ISIS claimed responsibility. On October 29 in Benghazi, a car exploded after being hit by a missile in Benghazi's Kisha Square. The explosion killed four civilians, including the head of the Libyan Anti-Corruption Organization, Mohammad Boukaiqis. Thirteen others were injured. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack. On December 2 in Sirte, several women committed suicide bombings that killed four Libyan soldiers and two other women. ISIS claimed responsibility. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Libya lacks a comprehensive counterterrorism law, although the Libyan penal code (under Title 2, Section 1, Chapter 1, Article 170 and Title 2, Chapter 2, Article 207) criminalizes offenses prejudicial to state security, including terrorism, the promotion of terrorist acts, and the handling of money in support of such acts. In 2013, the General National Congress (GNC) at that time Libya's official government adopted laws no. 27 and 53 outlining a plan to disband non-state militias and integrate them into state security forces; however, neither law was implemented. Libya has ratified the African Union's Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, which requires states to criminalize terrorist acts under their national laws. The GNA, despite internal conflict, proved capable of confronting the terrorist threat in Sirte, requested assistance from the United States, and joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS; however, neither the internationally recognized Tripoli-based GNA nor the legislative House of Representatives in Tobruk produced a strategy to counter the terrorist threat. The Libyan government did not pass any new legislation to confront the growing threat of terrorism throughout the country. Due mainly to the internal political conflict and the role of numerous militias, Libyan law enforcement personnel lacked the capacity to detect, deter, respond to, or investigate terrorist incidents. There were no reported terrorism-related prosecutions in 2016. In most parts of Libya, security and law enforcement functions were provided by armed militias rather than state institutions. National police and security forces were fragmented, inadequately trained and equipped, and lacked clear reporting chains and coordination mechanisms. Security and law enforcement officials, including prosecutors and judges, were targeted in kidnappings and assassinations, resulting in the continued suspension of court operations in Benghazi and Darnah. Libya's military was similarly weak and fragmented, with units often breaking down along local, tribal, or factional lines. Counterterrorism operations conducted by Libyan Special Operations Forces have so far failed to significantly reduce the level of terrorist violence, bombings, assassinations, or kidnappings. The GNA lacked a comprehensive border management strategy and was unable to secure the country's thousands of miles of land and maritime borders, enabling the illicit flow of goods, weapons, antiquities, narcotics, migrants, and foreign terrorist fighters that posed serious security challenges to the region. Libyan border security forces were generally poorly trained and underequipped and frequently participated in illicit cross-border trade. Border security infrastructure damaged and looted during the 2011 revolution has not been repaired or replaced, and the ongoing conflict has affected border security infrastructure along Libya's border with Tunisia. Security at Libya's airports was minimal with limited document screening and no utilization of passenger name record systems or biometric technology. Libya also lacked the resources, manpower, and training to conduct sufficient maritime patrols to interdict or deter illicit maritime trafficking and irregular migration. According to the International Organization of Migration, 181,436 arrivals were recorded by sea in 2016 to Italy through the central Mediterranean route, mainly transiting from Libya to Italy. A total of 18,904 migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast and 4,576 died. The majority of the migrants used the porous southern borders of Libya to traverse from sub-Saharan African countries and embark on boats along the Libyan shores. Existing legislation outlining the responsibilities of various government agencies in the area of border management is vague and often contradictory, resulting in ad hoc and poorly coordinated efforts. The European Union (EU) Border Assistance Mission to Libya is mandated to plan for a possible future EU mission providing advice and capacity building in the areas of criminal justice, migration, border security, and counterterrorism at the request of the Libyan authorities. The mission is located in Tunis and has maintained contact with the relevant Libyan authorities. Libya has expressed the desire to cooperate in the investigation of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests, including the September 2012 killing of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other U.S. citizens at U.S. government facilities in Benghazi, although Libyan capacity to provide support in this regard has been limited. In 2013, the Libyan Ministry of Justice signed a Declaration of Intent to facilitate law enforcement cooperation with the United States on investigations, including that of the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Libya is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body, and also the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Libya has implemented a national identification database system to improve transparency in government salary payments; however, there is little reliable data on Libya's anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts. While the Libyan government and financial institutions generally lack the ability to identify and interdict illicit financial flows, the Central Bank and the financial intelligence unit (FIU) has made critical strides to build its AML/CFT capacity. In 2016, the Central Bank issued Customer Due Diligence regulations for Libyan financial institutions. Libya does not currently have a CFT law and lacks the ability to freeze the assets of UN-designated individuals, per its obligations under the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime, but has drafted a comprehensive AML/CFT law and expects to enact the law in 2017. In addition, the Libyan government has operationalized its FIU and reorganized its structure to prioritize AML and CFT. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Regional and International Cooperation: After increased armed civil conflict in July 2014, nearly all diplomatic missions in Libya, including the UN Support Mission in Libya, withdrew from the country. In 2016, there were few foreign diplomats present in Tripoli on a permanent basis, although several European countries' diplomats began to visit Tripoli and other parts of Libya more frequently after the GNA's March 2016 seating in the capital. The political conflict and lack of an international presence in Libya severely limited regional and international cooperation on counterterrorism activities. Most bilateral engagement programs, which previously sought to increase the capacity of Libya's law enforcement and defense institutions, have been on hold since 2014. Countering Violent Extremism: Libya has not adopted a comprehensive strategy for countering violent extremism. Continuing online threats, kidnappings, and assassinations of activists who speak out against violent extremists contributes to a culture of intimidation and self-censorship. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Lebanon Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Lebanon, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e42f13.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Lebanon was a committed partner in the counter-ISIS fight during 2016, and its ground forces represented one of the most effective counterterrorism forces in the region. U.S. forces partnered closely with Lebanon's full defense and law enforcement security apparatus as Lebanon continued to face significant internal and external terrorist threats in 2016, and a number of terrorist attacks occurred throughout the year. Lebanon also faced threats from unconventional attacks against the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and other security services from both ISIS and al-Nusrah Front (al-Qa'ida's affiliate in Syria) terrorists, who operated along the porous, un-demarcated eastern border with Syria. The continued presence of these Syria-origin Sunni extremists in Lebanese territory underscored that border security is central to maintaining Lebanon's stability and the importance of enabling the Lebanese government to exercise its full sovereignty, as mandated by UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1701. Hizballah, with considerable support from Iran, remained the most capable terrorist group in Lebanon. The group was a powerful political actor and enjoyed popular support among Lebanese Shia and a degree of political support from some allied Christians. Hizballah justified its stockpile of arms for its "resistance" to Israel, and increasingly to protect Lebanon from extremist Sunni groups, including ISIS. Hizballah also continued its military role in Syria in support of the Bashar al-Assad regime and proved to be a critical force in supporting the regime. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has had a presence in Lebanon since the early 1980s and reportedly coordinated closely with Hizballah on military operations and training. Despite the lack of a fully operational central government for much of the year due to Lebanon's presidential vacancy, various institutions of the Lebanese state, including the LAF, Internal Security Forces (ISF), Directorate of General Security (DGS), Directorate General of State Security (DGSS), and Central Bank continued to cooperate with international partners in countering terrorism and scored notable successes in the disruption of terrorist networks and in combating terrorist forces. The United States remained Lebanon's closest counterterrorism partner; U.S. assistance focused on maintaining border security and strengthening Lebanon's security institutions to better counter terrorist threats. Lebanese authorities were challenged not only by the significant economic burden of hosting over one million Syrian refugees, but also by fears of potential militant recruitment and infiltration among the refugee population. ISIS and al-Nusrah Front's exploitation of informal refugee settlements further hardened Lebanese attitudes towards Syrian refugees. Terrorists also operated out of Lebanon's 12 Palestinian camps, particularly the largest, Ain el-Helweh. Lebanon is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and participates in all four of the Coalition's civilian working groups. The Lebanese security forces sought to impede the flow of Sunni foreign terrorist fighters both to and from Syria by working to secure the border and by conducting counterterrorism operations. The LAF, ISF, and DGS were also actively engaged in monitoring potential ISIS and other Sunni extremist elements in Lebanon, disrupting their activities and networks, and arresting those suspected of plotting terrorist attacks. The government expanded its efforts to counter ISIS messaging, particularly through online communication and social media campaigns promoting tolerance online. In accordance with UNSCR 2178, the Lebanese government increased security measures at airports, border crossings, and ports to prevent the flow of ISIS and al-Nusrah Front fighters to Syria and Iraq; however, Lebanon lacks laws criminalizing foreign terrorist fighter activity and the government has not taken action to prevent Hizballah fighters from traveling to Syria or Iraq. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Lebanon suffered from a number of terrorist incidents in 2016, ranging in type and alleged perpetrator. Five of the most significant events are listed below: On January 8, Syrian militants affiliated with ISIS conducted a drive-by shooting at the house of an ISF Information Branch officer near the town of Aarsal. The killing was reportedly in retaliation for the officer's undercover work against ISIS in Aarsal. On April 12, unknown militants assassinated a senior Fatah official with a bomb outside Ain el-Helweh, Lebanon's largest and most volatile Palestinian camp. On June 12, a bomb exploded outside a Blom Bank location in downtown Beirut, damaging the bank's structure, but causing no injuries. The bomb was widely considered to be a message from Hizballah to the banking sector over implementation of Central Bank circulars focused on Hizballah. On June 27, a series of eight suicide bombings killed five people and wounded at least 28 others in the Christian village of al Qaa in the Bekaa valley. It is unknown who perpetrated the bombings. On August 31, a bomb outside Zahle killed one person and injured several others in the Bekaa Valley. The bombing was thought to be targeting Shia participants traveling to an Ashura celebration event in Southern Lebanon. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Lebanon does not have a comprehensive counterterrorism law, but several articles of Lebanon's criminal code are used to prosecute acts of terrorism. Implementation of these articles is at times hindered by Lebanon's complex confessional political system and also by Hizballah's restriction of access to attack sites within areas under its control. The cabinet did not consider legislative initiatives that could potentially threaten Hizballah's operations, as the presence of Hizballah and its political allies in the government make the requisite consensus on such actions impossible. State security agencies remained functional in countering non-Hizballah terrorism. The LAF, ISF, DGS, and DGSS are the primary government agencies responsible for countering terrorism. Despite notable counterterrorism successes in 2016, the law enforcement capacity of these agencies was overstretched due to the magnitude of the country's terrorism-related threats. Although cooperation among the services was inconsistent, all services have taken steps to improve information sharing and are receptive to additional training to expand capacity. Lebanon has been a participant in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program since 2006; this assistance has focused on border security as well as building law enforcement's investigative and leadership capabilities. The Department of State has also provided assistance to improve the capabilities of the ISF through a multi-year program that includes construction of training facilities and establishment of a secure radio communications system; provision of vehicles, protective gear, and other types of equipment; and upgrading of Lebanon's biometrics capabilities. The ISF has worked to prevent Sunni violent extremist recruitment and the direction of terrorist activities by prison inmates and has built a new facility at Lebanon's main prison to house high-threat prisoners. The LAF has primary responsibility for securing Lebanon's borders, but worked collaboratively with other agencies to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and illicit goods. The services have increased security measures at airports, border crossings, and ports to prevent the flow of ISIS and al-Nusrah Front fighters to Syria and Iraq, with a special emphasis on detecting counterfeit passports. The DGS, under the Ministry of Interior (MOI), controls immigration and passport services, and uses an electronic database to collect biographic data for travelers at the airport; however, it does not collect biometric data at land borders. Lebanon collects and disseminates Passenger Name Records (PNR) on commercial flights, and is preparing to begin collecting advanced passenger information in 2017. The Lebanese security services disrupted multiple terrorist networks and made several high-profile arrests in 2016. On November 25, the army conducted a raid into Aarsal to capture a high-level ISIS figure, and conducted a similar raid on September 22, in Ain el-Helweh, to apprehend another notable ISIS figure. In July and August, more than 30 militants associated with terrorist and violent extremist groups turned themselves in from Ain el-Helweh, citing pressure from the LAF and local Palestinian groups. In addition to the arrests, the LAF also disrupted an ISIS plot to attack Western targets in and around Beirut. The LAF increasingly claimed that violent extremists used Syrian refugee settlements as cover for their activities and as places of refuge. The United States maintains close ties with the Lebanese security services and often receives and provides support in a wide variety of cases. While the majority of these involve terrorism, bilateral cooperation has expanded to missing persons, child custody disputes, and financial crimes. There are, however, several individuals on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list still located in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities maintained that amnesty for Lebanese nationals involved in acts of violence during the 1975-1990 civil wars prevented terrorism prosecutions of concern to the United States. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Lebanon is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Lebanon's financial intelligence unit, the Special Investigation Commission (SIC), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Lebanon also participates in the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Lebanese government officials and financial leaders repeatedly met with U.S. government officials regarding the intent and implementation of actions consistent with the U.S. Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act (HIFPA) of 2015. The Central Bank of Lebanon directed Lebanese banks to fully comply with HIFPA. Lebanon strengthened its overall efforts to disrupt and dismantle money laundering and terrorist financing activities, including those of Hizballah. In October, Lebanon's parliament passed a new tax law strengthening Lebanon's Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. The Central Bank issued a circular that directed Lebanese financial institutions to comply with the HIFPA. The Central Bank's Special Investigation Committee (SIC) issued additional HIFPA-related circulars and AML/CFT controls at designated non-financial businesses and professions. The SIC also issued "freezing without delay" regulations in compliance with the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Cooperation between the SIC and local enforcement authorities on terrorist financing cases improved, including through the training of a joint task force with representatives from Customs, the ISF, the SIC, and the judiciary. The SIC referred 29 alleged money-laundering cases to the General Prosecutor, which resulted in 12 prosecutions but no convictions. The SIC did not have figures available for 2016 regarding total cases it received of alleged terrorist financing. The ISF received 48 money laundering allegations from INTERPOL, arrested three persons, and referred five cases for investigation. For additional information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2016 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INSCR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Several government institutions have programs that seek to counter violent extremism, but the government does not have a national strategy in place. Civil society actors, security institution personnel, and other government actors attended an embassy-funded three-day event focused on fighting online violent extremism. The LAF is developing a comprehensive counter-messaging strategy that amplifies moderate voices and uses television spots, social media, billboards, and SMS texts to counter violent extremist narratives. International and Regional Cooperation: Lebanon is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League. Lebanon continued to voice its commitment to fulfilling relevant UNSCRs, including 1559 (2004), 1680 (2006), and 1701 (2006). The Special Tribunal for Lebanon, an international body investigating the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, received Lebanon's annual contribution of approximately $32.5 million. The LAF partnered with several nations on a bilateral basis to receive training programs that focused on strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kyrgyz Republic Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kyrgyz Republic, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43013.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Kyrgyz Republic's counterterrorism strategy continued to focus on rooting out existing violent extremists, countering the spread of violent extremism, limiting the flow of Kyrgyz national foreign terrorist fighters, and preventing those returning from conflicts abroad from engaging in terrorist activities. While the Kyrgyz Republic is seriously concerned about ISIS and other regional terrorism threats, it has not contributed to Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS efforts, due largely to a lack of resources. The Kyrgyz Republic also has not provided assistance to U.S. counterterrorism operations, although it has continued to cooperate with the United States on counterterrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts via a number of exchanges, trainings, and programs. The Kyrgyz Republic actively participated in the C5+1 regional cooperation framework between the United States and the Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), which includes a program related to CVE. While terrorist attacks remained rare, the August 30 suicide bombing against the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek, the discovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the capital, and multiple reports of "extremist"-related arrests, underscore the ongoing terrorist threat facing the Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security (GKNB) and Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) conducted dozens of raids targeting individuals suspected of affiliation with banned "extremist" groups or recruitment activities. The government restricts public information on national security issues, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of its counterterrorism operations and the wider extent of the threat. The Kyrgyz Republic remained vulnerable to transnational threats, especially in the remote south, where boundary issues with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and porous borders could facilitate the establishment of terrorist safe havens. People and illicit goods continued to move relatively freely into and out of the country. According to GKNB statistics, approximately 600 Kyrgyz citizens, including 100 women, have left the country to join ISIS or other terrorist groups. Most experts believe the true number is higher. According to government estimates, approximately 70 percent of Kyrgyz citizens fighting in Iraq and Syria are ethnic Uzbeks. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: There was one confirmed terrorist incident in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2016. On August 30 a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device inside the compound of the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek. The blast reportedly injured three local embassy employees and caused considerable damage to the facility. According to media reports, the bomber was the only person killed. The GKNB claimed the bombing was carried out by an ethnic Uighur and organized by Syria-based groups affiliated with al-Nusrah Front. Six Kyrgyz citizens, four of whom are ethnic Uzbeks, were arrested in connection with the bombing. The GKNB said that four other ethnic Uzbek Kyrgyz citizens involved in planning the attack remained at large in Turkey or Syria at year's end. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Kyrgyz Republic has two primary laws that govern counterterrorism operations. The "Law on Countering Terroristic Acts," defines terrorism and provides the MVD and GKNB the authority to identify terrorist threats and prevent attacks. The "Law on Countering Money Laundering," addresses terrorist financing. Kyrgyz law criminalizes activities that support terrorism, extremism, and radicalization if the activities threaten public security, recruit individuals, or include children and has specific provisions targeted at foreign terrorist fighters. In August, the president signed into law an amendment that allows deprivation of citizenship for Kyrgyz citizens convicted of receiving terrorist training abroad and/or participating in armed conflict abroad. The government also added two new counterterrorism articles to the criminal code. One article criminalized taking under-aged children to conflict zones; the other criminalized public endorsement of "extremist" activity, which now carries a maximum three-year prison sentence. There were no reports in 2016 of the government using counterterrorism laws to prosecute political opponents. The MVD 10th Department and the GKNB are the lead counterterrorism agencies in the Kyrgyz Republic. The GKNB-led Counterterrorism Center has demonstrated the ability to quickly react to bomb scares or other potential terrorist threats, but overall, Kyrgyz security services face capacity issues, are overly bureaucratic, and struggle with corruption, thus limiting their capacity to counter threats. The government does not maintain a terrorist screening watch list or have biographic or biometric screening capabilities at ports of entry. Information sharing with other countries occurs rarely and usually only by request in the context of corruption or organized crime investigations. The government does not collect advance passenger records on commercial flights. There were reportedly dozens of counterterrorism operations in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2016. Most were small operations that resulted in arrests of suspected extremists due to their possession of "extremist" materials. There were at least 10 significant operations targeting suspected terrorists, however. These operations reportedly resulted in the arrest of 17 terrorist suspects, including four foreigners, and the death of one suspect. At least seven of the detained men reportedly received terrorist training abroad. In five of the operations, law enforcement agencies seized firearms, ammunition, bomb-making materials, grenades, and IEDs. The GKNB claimed that at least three of these operations disrupted planned terrorist attacks. On September 20, the GKNB control-detonated two IEDs near a shop in Bishkek. It was not clear if this incident was linked to terrorist or criminal activity. Impediments to more effective Kyrgyz law enforcement activity against terrorism included interagency rivalries, a lack of coordination between the GKNB and MVD, and budgetary constraints. Inefficient Soviet-era bureaucratic structures, corruption, low salaries, and frequent personnel turnover also hampered law enforcement efforts. Counterterrorist police units were still largely untested in real-life situations. Kyrgyz law enforcement continued to participate in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program, receiving capacity-building training in border security and other counterterrorism-related skill sets. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: The Kyrgyz Republic is a member of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. The State Financial Intelligence Service, the country's financial intelligence unit, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The government passed an amendment to the country's anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism law in August 2016 that criminalizes the financing of terrorism and imposes stricter sanctions against those committing terrorism-related offenses in accordance with international standards. The Kyrgyz Republic also follows most international financial industry requirements related to monitoring and regulating money transfers, and in 2016 the government signed more than eight international cooperation agreements on exchanging information on money laundering and terrorist financing. The Kyrgyz Commission on Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) was largely inactive in 2016. While the Kyrgyz Republic has adopted regulations to implement UN Security Council resolution 1373 and the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime, mechanisms for effective implementation of these resolutions have not been fully established. There were no reports in 2016 indicating that the government pursued any terrorist finance cases, or identified or froze any terrorist assets. The Kyrgyz government's CFT efforts are hampered by multiple factors, including but not limited to, resource constraints, underdeveloped procedures for investigation and enforcement, and lack of interagency cooperation and information sharing. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Kyrgyz Republic continued to make public statements in 2016 recognizing the need to counter violent extremism. In December, the vice prime minister for law enforcement and border security convened an interagency meeting to begin work on a government-wide CVE program. The government also launched several new CVE-relevant programs, including: The opening of a new religious-issues information/consultation center and hotline to help prevent radicalization. The center is staffed by specialists in theology, psychology, and law, who can answer questions or otherwise discuss religious issues with Kyrgyz citizens. Authorization for the creation of a standard methodology to determine if religious material confiscated during law enforcement operations constitutes "extremist" material. This methodology will be utilized by a team of theologians, linguists, and legal experts working within the Ministry of Justice. Passage of a law in April that requires prisons to separate those convicted of terrorism and extremism from the general prison population to deter recruitment in Kyrgyz penitentiaries. The government expressed concern about the growing level of religiosity in the country combined with a lack of educated religious leaders. Government officials and local experts stated that this combination creates a vacuum that is being filled by online imams and other online resources that propagate violent extremism and/or recruit for violent extremist groups. The government maintained that most Kyrgyz are radicalized outside the country. According to government officials and local experts, significant drivers of violent extremism included: Lack of economic opportunities, which force a large portion of the population to seek employment opportunities in Russia, where they are particularly susceptible to recruitment. Grievances associated with a sense of injustice among and discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly ethnic Uzbeks. The non-governmental organization (NGO) and donor community has published research on drivers of violent extremism in the region, and to a lesser extent within the Kyrgyz Republic. Public statements of government officials on CVE are generally consistent with the existing body of Kyrgyz-specific CVE research. The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the State Committee for Religious Affairs (SCRA), is developing a new curriculum for high school-aged students on "moderate" Islam and identifying terrorist recruitment tactics. The government is also working with SCRA and Muslim leaders to develop a new national religious strategy which includes CVE measures. In 2016, the government worked with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other international organizations and foreign governments, including the United States, to facilitate CVE training and other CVE-relevant assistance programs. The government typically does not discourage or interfere with non-governmental programs that work with religious communities at risk of radicalism. The Kyrgyz Republic lacked an effective rehabilitation and reintegration program for the general prison population, much less for those convicted of terrorism or extremism-related crimes. The government has acknowledged a need for such a program, but the primary effort on penal reform to date appears to be plans for the segregation, rather than rehabilitation, of violent extremists. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime is working with the Ministry of Justice to incorporate CVE elements into planned penal reforms. The GKNB continued its public awareness campaign in the Kyrgyz language press to discredit the efforts of ISIS recruiters. The MVD, together with local religious leaders in the south, conducted meetings with schoolchildren and their parents to explain terrorist recruitment tactics and the legal consequences for foreign terrorist fighters from the Kyrgyz Republic if they choose to return. NGOs, the donor community, and foreign governments carried out multiple programs aimed at counter-messaging, including youth-generated messaging and training for journalists on how to effectively report on violent extremism. The Kyrgyz government was involved in several of these programs. Regional and International Cooperation: The Kyrgyz government continued to seek training and technical assistance from international organizations and foreign governments to bolster its capacity to prevent domestic terrorist attacks. In 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic participated in counterterrorism activities and trainings organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States Antiterrorism Center, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Antiterrorism Center, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The Kyrgyz Republic also participated in five CSTO and two SCO counterterrorism military exercises in 2016, two of which were held in the Kyrgyz Republic. Due primarily to resource constraints, the Kyrgyz Republic does not typically support international or multilateral efforts to prevent or counter violent extremism. The Kyrgyz Republic routinely signs bilateral agreements with international partners as part of high level visits. The agreements frequently include general statements on cooperation on counterterrorism but there is seldom any resulting implementation outside of the examples listed above. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kuwait Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kuwait, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43113.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Kuwaiti government disrupted several terrorist plots in 2016 and expanded its efforts to counter violent extremism. It also expanded its capacity to counter the financing of terrorism, imposing additional scrutiny on charitable organizations' financial transactions. ISIS accounted for the primary threat, inspiring two lone-offender attacks, one against Kuwaiti police officers and another against U.S. military service members. In both cases, the attackers used a moving vehicle as a weapon, without employing other weapons or explosives. Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) posed a secondary threat. A member of the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Kuwait continued to support Coalition forces deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and was also a leader in the Defeat-ISIS Coalition's humanitarian assistance line of effort. Kuwait co-leads the Coalition's Foreign Terrorist Fighter working group. On October 21, Kuwait co-chaired the first bilateral Strategic Dialogue with the United States, in which both sides pledged to bolster their security partnership by countering terrorism and terrorist financing, particularly through enhanced information sharing. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Kuwait experienced two terrorist incidents: On February 25, a 21-year-old Kuwaiti national ran over five police officers, killing one officer and injuring the rest. News media reported the attacker had confessed to planning to participate in "jihad" in Syria; official reports described him as under psychiatric evaluation. On October 6, a 28-year-old Egyptian expatriate worker deliberately rammed a large flatbed construction vehicle into a smaller pick-up vehicle carrying three U.S. military service members. None of the U.S. personnel were injured. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: While Kuwait did not have a comprehensive counterterrorism legal framework, it continued to prosecute crimes involving terrorism under its general criminal law (law #31 of 1970), and also prosecuted crimes involving both terrorism and the use of explosives under law #35 of 1985. Although law #106 of 2013 was introduced as anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation, Kuwaiti officials observed that it contained articles that could be and subsequently were used by courts to prosecute terrorist attacks without a terrorist-financing component. In March, Kuwait along with other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) designated Hizballah as a terrorist organization. In July, a member of the National Assembly (the parliament) presented a bill to criminalize "any acts of support or affiliation with terrorist organizations," with an emphasis on ISIS. The draft calls for prison terms ranging from 10 to 20 years for convicted defendants. Other members of Parliament suggested adding Hizballah and the Iraqi Dawa Party to the list of terrorist organizations included in the draft legislation. The National Assembly did not pass the bill. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) held primary responsibility for terrorist incident reporting and response. MOI elements responsible for criminal investigations, national security, border security, and electronic security demonstrated the capacity to detect, deter, and respond to terrorist incidents. The MOI's semi-autonomous arm, Kuwait State Security, handled some aspects of terrorism-related investigations. In general, law enforcement units investigated citizen complaints regarding human rights violations and took disciplinary action against personnel involved. There were some allegations that investigations were insufficient in some cases involving torture accusations. Terrorist incidents with a military dimension or those taking place in Kuwaiti waters, fell under the purview of the Ministry of Defense. Kuwaiti officials confirmed the existence of specific plans to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks against soft targets, such as major hotels, stadiums, tourist resorts, and cultural sites. Most of those locations already maintained a visible police presence in the form of stationary security points and patrols. In 2016, the government stopped several attempts by foreign nationals to enter illegally. In August, for example, the authorities intercepted and arrested 10 Iranian nationals attempting to enter Kuwaiti waters illegally aboard a ship. Kuwait employed biometric systems at all ports of entry, checking the identity of travelers against its own terrorist-screening database. The government launched a major effort aimed at bringing the security of Kuwait International Airport up to internationally-recognized standards. In January, a criminal court sentenced to death two of the 26 suspects accused of amassing, on behalf of Iran and Hizballah, a large cache of ammunition, weapons, and explosives at a farm near the Iraqi border, which the authorities raided in August 2015. It also handed down prison sentences ranging up to 20 years to 12 defendants and acquitted 12 others. In March, following the collective GCC designation of Hizballah as a terrorist organization, the authorities terminated the residencies of an unspecified number of Iraqi, Lebanese, and Syrian expatriates (reported in the media to number around 1,100) for suspected affiliation with Hizballah. Enforcement measures included immediate deportation, orders to depart Kuwait within a grace period, denial of visa-renewal requests, and denial of admission at the port of entry. In May, the Supreme Court upheld a lower-court death sentence against the primary defendant in the June 2015 bombing of the Imam Sadeq mosque. In July, the Appeals Court upheld three of the jail verdicts against other defendants in the same case, commuting 11 additional verdicts to shorter jail sentences or fines and acquitting the remaining 12 defendants. In July, the authorities announced the disruption of three ISIS cells planning to attack a Shia mosque and several police stations. One of the cases reportedly involved two Kuwaiti-national foreign terrorist fighters, a mother and a son, who were lured back to Kuwait from Syria by the authorities. In August, a judge who had issued death sentences to defendants in the 2015 Imam Sadeq mosque bombing case received anonymous death threats, and the Supreme Court building, likewise, received anonymous bomb threats. In response, the authorities made several arrests, increased security protection for the judge, and heightened security precautions around the building. Also in August, security forces arrested a Philippines national for pledging allegiance to ISIS, after she confessed to entering Kuwait under the pretense of working as a domestic employee to attack targets of opportunity. In late August, the Public Prosecutor detained a Kuwaiti computer hacker for recruiting youths to join ISIS. Charges against him included traveling abroad to fight a foreign government. In October, Kuwaiti security forces detained an Egyptian national who rammed a truck carrying explosives and ISIS-related paraphernalia into a car carrying five U.S. military personnel. At year's end, the subject remained in custody on terrorism charges and faces up to life in prison. In November, the Appeals Court sentenced a Kuwaiti to seven years in jail for "embracing the ideas and methodology of ISIS and encouraging others to join the group." This was the first time a Kuwaiti court specifically penalized ideological affiliation with a terrorist organization uncoupled from an act of terrorism and specifically flagged recruitment as a criminal offense. In December, the Criminal Court sentenced a Kuwaiti foreign terrorist fighter to five years in jail for joining ISIS in Syria. The subject confessed to having assisted ISIS by using his engineering expertise to market oil extracted from wells under its control. Kuwaiti officials stressed that the absence of a systematic mechanism for terrorist watchlisting and information sharing with other GCC members hampered efforts to detect and arrest foreign terrorist fighters before they arrived in the country. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Kuwait is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body, and the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. The Government of Kuwait took important steps to build its countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) capacity and oversaw CFT through a cabinet-level committee chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA) representing 11 ministries and agencies. The Kuwaiti government empowered the Public Prosecution Office to handle CFT cases; developed its financial intelligence unit, the Kuwait Financial Investigations Unit (KwFIU); and intensified charity supervision through the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL) and the MFA. Although the Government of Kuwait has recently taken these steps and other important capacity-building efforts to address terrorist financing deficiencies, a number of UN-designated terrorist financiers continued to operate in Kuwait. The KwFIU continued its progress towards joining the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units; its on-site inspection for Egmont Group membership took place in December 2016, following up on a 2014 application for membership. In 2016, the Appeals Court upheld sentences against an Australian national, four non-Kuwaiti Arabs, and three Kuwaitis for illegally raising funds and recruiting enlistees on behalf of a terrorist organization. The verdicts included prison sentences for the defendants, asset freezes for a Kuwait-based export-import company which was allegedly used as a front for the defendants' illicit financial dealings and confiscation of the defendants' personal assets. MOSAL took steps to regulate and monitor charitable fund-raising, including closing two domestic charities for non-compliance and illegal fundraising on behalf of foreign beneficiaries. In addition, all fundraising campaigns intended for foreign beneficiaries require pre-approval from the MFA. The MOI is responsible for responding to violations. During Ramadan, MOSAL only allowed charitable donations to be collected via debit card or electronic funds transfer transactions, as opposed to cash donations, to enable financial authorities to monitor fund transfers and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. Simultaneously, the Central Bank of Kuwait publicly announced those licensed charities permitted to accept donations via bank transfers and MOSAL closed eight unlicensed organizations during Ramadan for collecting donations without prior authorization. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The government was in the final phase of preparing a "national plan to reinforce moderation," a collaborative effort among the MOI, MOSAL, and ministries of information, education, Islamic affairs, and youth. Pending approval by the Council of Ministers (the cabinet), the plan would implement 48 specific initiatives aimed at constraining radicalization and reinforcing national security. These interagency initiatives, the first of their kind, included measures addressing drug abuse, forming youth clubs to promote tolerant interpretations of Islamic teachings, and encouraging citizens and expatriates alike to recognize and report early signs of radicalization in children and adolescents. The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic affairs continued to warn imams to keep their sermons consistent with the general law on political speech and avoid discussing political issues during their sermons or at any other time while in the country. Kuwaiti officials acknowledged that connecting with youth via new social media platforms was the biggest challenge to their efforts to spread tolerance and fight radicalization to violence. To address this, the government started a joint research effort with the media department of Kuwait University to detect early signs of youth radicalization on social media. International and Regional Cooperation: Kuwait participated in counterterrorism efforts in a number of international fora, particularly the GCC. It supported broad global counterterrorism aims in co-hosting (along with Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States) the July 20 Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq's Stabilization in Washington, DC. A member of both the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and Proliferation, Kuwait participated in several security initiatives and attended a number of counterterrorism-themed international meetings in 2016. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kosovo Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kosovo, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43213.html [accessed 12 November 2022] Comments All reference to Kosovo should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. 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. Overview: The threat of violent Islamist extremism has been growing in Kosovo, assisted in part by funding from foreign organizations that preach extremist ideologies and violent extremist groups actively using social media to spread propaganda and recruit followers. Approximately 315 foreign terrorist fighters from Kosovo have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS or al-Nusrah Front (al-Qa'ida's affiliate in Syria), of which approximately 58 have been killed. The Government of Kosovo is implementing a comprehensive strategy and action plan for countering violent extremism (CVE). The Kosovo Police (KP) Counterterrorism Directorate is enhancing its investigative capacities by increasing personnel and developing a cyber-counterterrorism unit. The Kosovo government continued counterterrorism cooperation with the United States. The United States assisted law enforcement and judicial institutions on active counterterrorism cases. Because the security and political situation in northern Kosovo continued to limit the government's ability to exercise full authority in that region, the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) and European Union (EU) Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) worked with the KP to maintain a safe and secure environment and strengthen the rule of law, including at the borders. Although Kosovo and neighboring Serbia do not usually cooperate on counterterrorism issues, the governments have had an Integrated Border Management plan since 2013 and have participated in joint U.S.-sponsored training. Kosovo is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and has taken steps to support the various lines of effort within the limits of its capabilities. It has primarily focused on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and tracking and restricting financing for terrorist groups. Kosovo is not a member of the United Nations (UN); however, the Government of Kosovo has pledged to implement UN Security Council resolution 2178 unilaterally. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On August 4, unknown assailants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the parliament building. There were no casualties, but the explosion caused some material damage. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Kosovo has a comprehensive legal framework that covers all criminal aspects related to terrorism. The Criminal Code of Kosovo criminalizes all forms of terrorism, including commission, assistance, facilitation, recruitment, training, and incitement to commit terrorism. It also criminalizes concealment or failure to report terrorists or terrorist groups, organization and participation in terrorist groups, and preparation of terrorist offenses against the constitutional order and the security of the state of Kosovo. It defines a terrorist group as a structured group of more than two persons, established over a period of time and acting in concert to commit terrorism. In addition, the Criminal Procedure Code provides authorities with all the necessary powers to investigate and prosecute such cases, including sanctioning the use of covert measures. It further gives authorities flexibility to investigate criminal activity during the planning stage to prevent terrorist acts. The Procedural Code also allows Kosovo courts to admit evidence from other countries, thus allowing prosecution of international terrorism in Kosovo. This framework provides authorities with the tools necessary to fight any form of terrorism. Kosovo law also criminalizes joining a foreign army, police, or paramilitary formation in armed conflicts outside the territory of Kosovo. A conviction on these charges carries a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment. Law enforcement authorities increased their capacity to handle terrorism cases and share information across agencies, although challenges remain. The KP Counterterrorism Directorate, which is responsible for counterterrorism investigations, has resource constraints that inhibit its ability to track suspects. The law provides the Special Prosecution Office, which is composed of local and international staff, with exclusive jurisdiction over terrorism cases. Prosecutors have made considerable improvements in the past year in dealing with terrorism-related cases. The Department of State supported programs with the Department of Justice to mentor Kosovo law enforcement and prosecutors. Kosovo is a member of the Regional Arms Control Verification and Implementation Assistance Centre, a southeastern European organization that focuses on security-related issues, including terrorism. Representatives from Kosovo attended EU and U.S.-sponsored training activities and conferences on counterterrorism-related topics. Kosovo has issued biometric travel and identity documents since 2013. All major border crossing points, including Pristina International Airport, are equipped with computerized fraudulent/altered document identification equipment, for which a database is updated regularly with information from other countries. The Kosovo Border Police's (KBP) regularly updated STOP/WATCH list of persons suspected of connections to terrorism or criminal activities had more than 1,700 hits in 2015; however, the electronic Border Management System does not interface with INTERPOL and does not always function properly. Kosovo is not a member of the United Nations, INTERPOL, or Europol; the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and EULEX serve as Kosovo's intermediaries with these organizations, slowing down cooperation and preventing Kosovo from having direct access to their watchlists. Kosovo applied for INTERPOL membership, but INTERPOL as of November has suspended all pending applications indefinitely. The KBP and Directorate against Terrorism use biometric equipment to enroll suspicious individuals who may be affiliated with terrorism. The Law on Border Control obliges airlines to submit Advance Passenger Information/Airline Passenger Name Record data to Kosovo; the KBP has been using this information. In 2016, the KBP, in cooperation with regional countries and Turkey, identified and blocked at least five persons from traveling to Syria and one citizen was arrested upon his return from a conflict zone; however, at least five individuals successfully transited to Syria. With U.S. assistance, KBP is revising its curricula used to train border officers to focus more on early identification of persons affiliated with terrorism. The Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program supported Kosovo participation in a series of border security-related courses aimed at addressing foreign terrorist fighter travel. In addition to the ATA program, the United States provided training opportunities on various aspects of counterterrorism and CVE, through the Export Control and Related Border Security program (EXBS), the DOJ's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), the DOJ's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), and the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC). Trials are ongoing for several of the 59 suspects arrested in August 2014 during the government of Kosovo's largest counterterrorism operation to date. Investigations are ongoing against a dozen other individuals, including several imams. During 2016, Kosovo authorities arrested 32 individuals on terrorism-related charges, including 18 in November. Authorities also secured several high-profile convictions, including the sentencing of seven citizens to 42 years imprisonment on terrorism charges in May, and five individuals to 49 years imprisonment for ISIS involvement in July. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Administration suspended the activities of 21 NGOs suspected of supporting violent extremism. Kosovo demonstrated political will to address threats related to terrorism, and the state possesses the legal framework to do so. National institutions also strengthened the capacity of their investigative and prosecutorial elements, but limited capacity, resources, and experience continued to limit their ability to handle terrorism cases more effectively. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Kosovo is not a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) or any FATF-style regional bodies. In 2016, the Kosovo financial intelligence unit worked towards becoming a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Kosovo has a Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist financing, modeled after international anti-money laundering and counterterrorist finance standards. This law also established enforcement mechanisms for the examination of reporting entities and narrowly defines terrorist financing. Kosovo has not yet successfully prosecuted a terrorist financing case or identified any frozen assets of sanctioned individuals and organizations. Kosovo has not consistently frozen and confiscated assets without delay. A prosecutor may only freeze bank accounts for 72 hours, during which time the pre-trial judge is obliged to approve or reject the freezing order. Under a judge's temporary order, assets may be frozen for 30 days, but owners may dispute asset freezes. Kosovo monitors and regulates money/value transfer and other remittance services. Kosovo requires the collection of Know Your Customer data for wire transfers. Because Kosovo is not a member of the FATF network, we are unable to assess how well this framework is implemented or meets the international standard. Kosovo's FIU distributes the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions list to financial institutions and publishes the direct link to the UN list on its web page. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: One of the main objectives in the government's CVE strategy is the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization to violence. This includes raising awareness of radicalization among community stakeholders and building their capacity to fight it. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is piloting a referral mechanism in the municipality of Gjilan that will bring together local officials, religious leaders, and civil society to address community concerns of radicalization to violence. Kosovo's CVE strategy includes the preparation and promotion of counter-narratives to weaken the legitimacy of violent extremist messages. The strategy also includes a section on de-radicalization and the reintegration of radicalized persons. The goals include helping radicalized individuals abandon violent extremist ideology, assessing risks posed by individuals returning from foreign conflicts, and raising awareness within the correctional system on the risks posed by imprisoned terrorists. The 2015 CVE Strategy and Action Plan provide a five-year roadmap for stemming the growing threat of violent extremism through a whole-of-government approach, emphasizing the critical role of local stakeholders and civil society. Thus far, implementation has been uneven across government ministries; a lack of capacity and an insufficient budget remained challenges. The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund designated US $2.5 million in funding for Kosovo that could significantly bolster the government's capacity to implement its CVE Action Plan. International and Regional Cooperation: Kosovo's membership in many regional and international organizations, including the UN, has been blocked by countries that do not recognize its independence. Lack of membership and non-recognition impedes cooperation on many issues, including counterterrorism. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kenya Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kenya, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43313.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Kenya is a strong counterterrorism partner of the United States throughout East Africa. Kenya faces an ongoing terrorist threat from the Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabaab, against which the Kenya Defense Forces have engaged in military operations in Somalia since 2011 as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Kenya remained a target of al-Shabaab terrorist attacks, most of which occurred along the northern border region with Somalia. ISIS also claimed responsibility for at least one attack that occurred in Nairobi. Kenyan security services expanded efforts to counter terrorist threats to urban and rural areas in Kenya, some resulting in the reported arrests of suspected operatives associated with al-Shabaab and ISIS. Reports of violations of human rights by Kenya's police and military forces during counterterrorism operations continued, including allegations of extra-judicial killings, disappearances, and torture. Kenyan officials cooperated closely with the United States and other partner nations on counterterrorism, including investigating and prosecuting terrorism cases. Kenya is one of six countries participating in the President's Security Governance Initiative (SGI), focusing on the management, oversight, and accountability of the security sector at the institutional level. In Kenya, SGI program priorities include border security and management, administration of justice, and police human resource management, with countering violent extremism (CVE) a cross-cutting issue for all three focus areas. The Kenyan government worked to prevent the transit of foreign terrorist fighters, including Kenyan nationals, attempting to join al-Shabaab in Somalia or ISIS in Iraq, Libya, or Syria. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Kenya experienced multiple terrorist incidents, including small-scale, but high-profile, attacks in Mombasa on September 11 and in Nairobi on October 27, the first terrorist incidents in Kenya's two largest cities in more than a year. In May, on Kenya's southern coast, there were separate incidents in Kwale County in which presumed al-Shabaab gunmen killed one former al-Shabaab member and three community policing officers working with returned al-Shabaab fighters. In June, al-Shabaab attackers killed five police officers escorting a passenger bus in Mandera. In July, another al-Shabaab attack killed at least six bus passengers in Mandera County. In September, police killed three women who attacked officers at Mombasa's central police station. In October, al-Shabaab carried out two separate attacks in Mandera, killing at least six people at a workers dormitory and at least 12 people at a hotel. In October, a police officer stationed outside the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi shot and killed a man who attacked the officer with a knife. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, but it is unknown if the perpetrator was, in fact, ISIS-affiliated. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Kenya's 2012 Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2011 Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, and 2010 Prevention of Organized Crime Act together provide a strong legal framework under which to prosecute acts of terrorism. The Security Laws (Amendment) Act of 2014 (SLAA) altered 20 laws to strengthen Kenya's legislative framework to fight terrorism, including: criminalization of participating in terrorist training; establishing a framework for a coordinated border control agency; strengthening the mandate of Kenya's National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC); and broadening evidentiary standards to allow greater use of electronic evidence and recorded testimony in terrorism prosecutions. The Kenyan judiciary continued to demonstrate independence, exemplified by the High Court's actions in 2015, when it struck down some provisions of the SLAA as unconstitutional and demonstrated capacity to handle cases related to terrorism. The judiciary remained hampered, however, by insufficient procedures to effectively use plea agreements, cooperation agreements, electronic evidence, and undercover investigative tools. Allegations of corruption in the judiciary, including in the High Court, have persisted. Government counterterrorism functions were divided among the three branches of the National Police Service the Kenya Police (including the paramilitary General Service Unit), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (including the investigative Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, the Bomb Disposal Unit, and the Cyber Forensics Investigative Unit), and the Administration Police (including the Rural Border Patrol Unit) as well as non-police agencies, such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and elements of the Kenya Defense Forces. In May, the government relocated NCTC, NIS, and the National Security Council to the Office of the President. Interagency coordination improved, particularly in information sharing; however, shortages in resources and training, corruption among some personnel, and unclear command and control hindered operational effectiveness. The government continued, with donor support, to work on a single crisis response command center a result of lessons learned from the 2015 attack at Garissa University College in which al-Shabaab terrorists killed at least 147 people. Kenyan officials participated in a range of U.S. government-sponsored capacity-building programs funded and implemented by the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice. Programs included training in crisis response, border operations, investigations, and prosecutions. Notable among these was the Department of State's third annual East Africa Joint Operations Capstone exercise, a month-long crisis response training series hosted in Kenya for Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan law enforcement personnel. The exercise culminated in a large-scale simulated response to a terrorist incident in multiple locations over a 20-hour period, and included community engagement and human rights-related issues, as well as a senior-level tabletop exercise. Border security remained a challenge for Kenya due to vast, sparsely populated border regions and largely uncontrolled land borders. This was exacerbated by security agency and other government resource gaps and corruption at multiple levels. Kenyan officials emphasized the importance and challenges of border security in their discussions with U.S. counterparts. SGI-supported exchange visits with U.S. border security officials helped to improve Kenyan interagency coordination efforts and refinement of a country border control strategy, as well as legislative changes. Gaps in border security and national identification systems hampered law enforcement agencies' ability to identify and detain potential terrorists entering and leaving Kenya. Terrorist screening watchlists, biographic and biometric screening, and other measures were largely in place at major Kenyan ports of entry, but screening procedures were sometimes inconsistently or minimally applied, particularly at smaller border posts and airports. Kenya continued its partnership with the United States to strengthen traveler screening using the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) at major ports of entry. The Kenyan government worked to prevent the transit of foreign terrorist fighters, including Kenyan nationals attempting to join al-Shabaab in Somalia or ISIS and those returning from fighting with these groups abroad. In October, Kenyan prosecutors obtained the first conviction under the 2015 SLAA, which criminalized travel to receive terrorist training. Under the ruling, a Kenyan man was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after being arrested in Somalia and returned to Kenya. Kenyan security services detected and deterred terrorist plots during 2016 and responded to dozens of claimed, or presumed, terrorism-related incidents. Kenyan law enforcement did not repeat the widely criticized large-scale security operations of 2014 that appeared to target certain communities. Nonetheless, there were numerous allegations in 2016 that the government or its agents committed arbitrary and unlawful killings, particularly of known or suspected criminals, including terrorists. We refer you to the Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016, https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/ for further information. Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority continued to make progress in fulfilling its mandate by investigating multiple cases of police misconduct and referring cases to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. At the end of 2016, several major terrorism cases were ongoing, including the trial of four Kenyans and one Tanzanian citizen charged in connection with the 2015 Garissa University College attack. That trial resumed in January after an administrative postponement in 2015, but was suspended again in October after the Tanzanian defendant was found mentally unfit to stand trial. The trial of British terrorist suspect Jermaine Grant on explosives charges continued. Grant was sentenced in 2015 in a separate trial to nine years imprisonment on charges related to trying to obtain Kenyan citizenship illegally. The Kenyan government cooperated with the United States to investigate the October 27 attack on a police officer outside the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and to increase security at the embassy. Kenyan law enforcement agencies worked with regional organizations and the broader international community, including the United States, to increase their counterterrorism capacity and to secure land, sea, and air borders. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Kenya is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. The Kenyan government implements relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including 1373 and the ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. It has made progress on its anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime since its June 2014 removal from review by the FATF for strategic deficiencies. Kenya's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Reporting Center (FRC), continued to build its capacity to monitor the formal financial system. The government has not yet appointed a permanent director to the FRC, which remained hampered by a lack of essential resources and faced challenges meeting minimum staffing, physical security, and information technology requirements. The FRC also lacked an electronic reporting system for analyzing suspicious transactions. The Central Bank of Kenya continued to encourage Kenyan citizens and residents to use the formal financial sector, which is subject to regulatory oversight, to increase overall financial transaction integrity through greater financial inclusion, but the use of unregulated informal financial mechanisms, including hawalas, continued. Non-governmental organizations are required to report suspicious transactions to the FRC, but compliance is not always enforced. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In September, Kenya's president launched the government's National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism. Among other priorities, the strategy highlighted the importance of engagement with civil society and development of county-level countering violent extremism (CVE) action plans. The Lamu, Kwale, and Mombasa county governments established county-level CVE strategies in 2016. Kenya's government increased its efforts and coordination with international partners to advance CVE, including counter-radicalization to violence, counter-messaging, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighter returnees. The government continued some small-scale efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former al-Shabaab fighters, facilitators, and sympathizers, but efforts were constrained by the lack of a clear legal framework and supportive public messaging. The national CVE strategy identified this as a key area of importance. Kenya's second-largest city, Mombasa, is an active member of the Strong Cities Network. Kenyan civil society organizations worked to address the drivers of radicalization and violent extremism in Kenya, often with assistance from the United States and other international partners. International and Regional Cooperation: Kenya is an active member of the African Union, including on the Peace and Security Committee, and is a troop-contributing country to AMISOM. Kenya remains engaged with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and hosted several consultative meetings on IGAD's development of a regional CVE strategy during the year. Kenya is also a member of the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism. Although not a member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Kenya is an active participant in relevant GCTF activities and is participating in the GCTF-endorsed International CT/CVE Clearinghouse Mechanism as a pilot country, which is being developed as a means to help countries and donors optimize civilian counterterrorism and CVE capacity-building programs. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kazakhstan Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Kazakhstan, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43413.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Kazakhstan experienced two violent attacks in 2016, the first major deadly attacks since 2011. Government leaders classified both events as acts of terrorism and blamed external influence, although law enforcement investigations found no evidence of direct association with foreign terrorist organizations. Kazakhstan expressed interest in expanding counterterrorism cooperation with the United States, particularly in countering violent extremism (CVE). The government has long feared the potential return of foreign terrorist fighters from Iraq and Syria, but the June and July attacks re-focused government attention on home-grown violent extremists. The government amended counterterrorism legislation to better counter the threat, although analysts argued the government's repressive approach to CVE could backfire. Kazakhstan participated in the C5+1 regional cooperation framework between the United States and the Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), which includes a CVE-related program. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On June 5, militants in the western city of Aktobe stormed a gun store and attempted to break into the armory at the National Guard barracks. The government said the attackers killed five civilians and three members of the National Guard. On July 18, a lone gunman attacked a police station in Almaty and a nearby office of the Committee on National Security (KNB), Kazakhstan's main security and intelligence agency, killing eight law enforcement officials and two civilians. The government was quick to identify both attacks as acts of terrorism and blamed the incidents on followers of Salafism. Government forces killed 18 alleged Aktobe attackers and detained nine others. Some of those initially sought by law enforcement as suspects were later cleared, and characterized as cases of mistaken identity. The government initially said the group was inspired by ISIS, although later reports suggested the influence was limited to online videos and propaganda. In November, the Almaty attacker told a court he committed the attack because "they do not live according to the laws of Allah." Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Kazakhstan has a comprehensive legal counterterrorism framework that includes provisions focused on CVE and foreign terrorist fighters. Provisions make it illegal for citizens to fight in foreign wars. The government takes a two-pronged approach to the few returning foreign terrorist fighters, pursuing rehabilitation for some, while arresting and prosecuting others. Alongside its regional partners, Kazakhstan participated in multilaterally-supported regional engagements to further develop standard operating procedures to counter emerging terrorist threats. President Nazarbayev signed into law amendments to five legal codes and 19 laws on counterterrorism and extremism on December 22, 2016. Some of the amendments provide additional powers to security and law enforcement bodies, including simplifying procedures for conducting special search operations, granting security agencies increased control of visas and residency permits, and limiting the use of encrypted communications. Almost a fifth of the amendments simply add two years to sentencing rules in the criminal code. The amendments broadened restrictions on gun ownership and increased liability for gun store owners. An analysis from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, requested by the Parliament during discussion on the amendments, noted Kazakhstan's broad and vague legal definitions of extremism, which the new legislation failed to clarify, could lead to the arrest and prosecution for offenses not considered criminal by international standards. Local analysts criticized amendments that required homeowners to register guests who stay more than 10 days and a provision giving the government an internet and mobile phone network "kill switch" in the event of an "emergency," defined as everything from terrorist attacks to unapproved public rallies. Other amendments require government approval for production and dissemination of all religious literature and informational material and narrowed the personal use exemption for imported religious materials. They also call on Ministry of Religious and Civil Society Affairs to regulate religious tourism and oversee participation in the Hajj. Law enforcement units demonstrated a strong capacity to detect, deter, and respond to terrorist incidents. The government responded to both attacks in 2016 quickly and prioritized protection of civilians in efforts to arrest the attackers. The government's counterterrorism plan allowed for enhanced interagency cooperation, coordination, and information sharing, but the extent to which this actually occurred remained unknown. There were four special counterterrorism detachments under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and one under the KNB. In advance of EXPO 2017 in Astana, security services have bolstered resources and capacity to protect soft targets. Kazakhstan's Border Guard Service (BGS), part of the KNB, uses specialized passport control equipment, allowing officers to check for fraudulent documents. BGS officers received training by the State Department's Export Control and Related Border Security program to identify traffickers and terrorists, as well as K-9 unit training for counterterrorism operations. Kazakhstan remained a partner nation in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program. In recent years, Kazakhstan has strengthened security on its southern border by adding radar systems, inspection equipment and vehicles, and specialized mobile inspection groups. The government proactively worked to prevent Kazakhstanis from traveling to fight abroad in Syria and Iraq, although authorities did not release specific numbers of total fighters it arrested in 2016. Courts delivered numerous sentences for promotion of "extremism" and terrorism, militant activities in Syria, and recruitment and plotting terrorist acts. While the government does not release annual statistics of counterterrorism-related arrests, the deputy chairman of the KNB told Parliament in September the government had thwarted 64 terrorist plots in the past five years and convicted 445 terrorists, including 33 who had returned from conflict zones. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Kazakhstan belongs to the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Kazakhstan's unregulated financial sector is relatively small. In 2016, Kazakhstan made improvements in compliance with FATF standards for the criminalization of money laundering and terrorist financing and was removed from the EAG's "enhanced monitoring procedures" list. The government has passed legislation that criminalizes terrorist financing in accordance with international standards, mandating financial institutions to freeze known terrorist assets without delay. Kazakhstan's legal and regulatory framework does not explicitly detail freezing procedures for financial institutions. The government monitors and regulates money/value transfer and other remittance services and requires the collection of data for wire transfers (i.e. requires originator and recipient name, address, and account number). Following passage of amendments to the Law on Payments in August, NGOs must submit financial reports on all foreign funds and assets received, as well as the activities they conducted with those funds. Additionally, authorities routinely distributed the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions list to financial institutions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The government often pointed to foreign influence as a primary driver of violent extremism. Following the June and July attacks, President Nazarbayev and other officials asserted the perpetrators were adherents of radical movements who received instructions from abroad. However, some local experts asserted additional factors, such as criminal history, poverty, and lack of opportunity may have led to the attackers' radicalization. Government officials and independent analysts publicly indicated that individuals in the prison system are vulnerable to terrorism recruitment, and noted many of the Aktobe attackers and the Almaty shooter had prior criminal backgrounds. In 2013, Kazakhstan adopted a five-year state program on fighting religious "extremism" and terrorism. This program is not the equivalent of a national CVE strategy, and the program relies heavily on the government-affiliated Spiritual Association of Muslims in Kazakhstan (SAMK) to promote "traditional Islam." The government's CVE initiatives focus on preventing radicalization, with efforts to educate and provide alternatives to youth through social programs and economic opportunities. Initiatives to build rule of law and civil society are lacking, although the government funds several CVE-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In 2016, the newly-created Ministry of Religious and Civil Society Affairs was drafting a concept paper on how the government will engage civil society to counter "extremist ideologies." The Minister of Religious and Civil Society Affairs told a panel of religious experts that partnerships between civil society and government are the best approach to counter extremist ideologies. Religious experts from the Committee for Religious Affairs (CRA) and in regional offices were directed to reach out to at-risk youth directly. The government and NGOs continued rehabilitation and reintegration work with individuals convicted of extremism-related offenses and their relatives, although the results of the nascent programs were still unclear. The government focused prevention efforts on detainment and prosecution of recruiters, and proselytizers sharing "extremist" ideas. Most convicted recruiters were placed in general-regime penal colonies for three to six years. There does not appear to be a national counter-violent extremism messaging program, although religious leaders reached out to youth via websites such as E-Islam. Religious experts created groups on social networks such as Facebook and VKontakte, where they posted information and answered user questions about religious "extremism." CRA officials provided training for local imams, NGOs, and media. In addition, the government began a billboard advertising campaign warning Kazakhstanis not to become "pawns" of ISIS. Regional and International Cooperation: The prosecutor general's office and the CRA cooperate with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on countering violent extremism and terrorism through workshops. Kazakhstan participates in counterterrorism activities within the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which has established a joint task force for preventing the propagation of terrorist and "extremist" ideas online. Kazakhstan is a member of the Community of Independent States' (CIS) Anti-Terrorism Center, which hosts a data bank of banned terrorist and extremist organizations accessible to law enforcement and financial intelligence bodies of the member states. According to press sources, President Nazarbayev and Kazakhstani officials discussed counterterrorism cooperation with numerous partners, including China, Japan, Russia, Turkey, and others, although there was little publicly available information about the specific aspects of this cooperation. Tension prevails in Jharkhand's Bokaro after a man was stripped, thrashed by a mob after being caught with a woman in an objectionable position. By India Today Web Desk: In yet another case of moral policing and mob justice, an angry mob stripped, brutally thrashed a man in Jharkhand's Bokaro district after he was found with a girl belonging to other religion. The man identified as Mohammed Shakir sustained serious injuries after he was assaulted by a mob on Tuesday (August 1) in Bokaro's Kathara area. advertisement The video of the incident has now gone viral. HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED: A few locals spotted Shakir, who is said to be employed with Pragya Center, in an objectionable position with a woman inside the office. Soon, over a dozen people gathered at the site and dragged Shakir out of the office. He was stripped and taken around the market area naked. Shakir was then beaten up mercilessly. The police had a difficult time controlling the unruly mob and moving Shakir out to a local hospital. Doctors said he has sustained some internal injuries. The police have registered an FIR and arrested a local Mantu Yadav. More arrests are likely to be made on the basis of the video. Tension prevails in the area after the incident. A heavy police deployment has been made to prevent the situation from getting worse. ALSO READ: Jharkhand: Man accused of raping, killing 8-year-old lynched by mob Jharkhand: Third lynching in fortnight, mob kills man for murdering wife Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh mob lynching centres: Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress in Lok Sabha Story of lynching: Kashmir to Haryana, how hate crime thrives in absence of law Politics of lynching, the new normal in India WATCH: Jharkhand: Man thrashed by mob over dead cow outside house --- ENDS --- Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Jordan Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Jordan, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43511.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Jordan remained a committed partner on counterterrorism and countering violent extremism in 2016. As a regional leader in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Jordan played an important role in Coalition successes in degrading the terrorist group's territorial control and operational reach. Jordan faced a marked increase in terrorist threats, both domestically and along its borders. Jordanian security forces thwarted several plots and apprehended numerous violent extremists, but the year ended with the deadliest terrorist incident the country has witnessed in over a decade. Fourteen people were killed during a series of clashes between gunmen and security forces in and around the southern city of Karak on December 18. The dead included a Canadian tourist, two Jordanian civilians, seven security personnel, and four attackers. The incident began when the perpetrators attacked security personnel investigating reports of an explosion in their rented apartment, which was followed by a five-hour standoff at Karak Castle, a site popular with tourists. Security operations in the vicinity two days later led to a shootout between gunmen and Jordanian security forces, resulting in the death of four security personnel. Attacks in 2016 predominantly targeted Jordan's security institutions: the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), General Intelligence Directorate (GID), and Public Security Directorate (PSD). Jordan continued to be a target for terrorist groups, including ISIS and al-Qa'ida, for several reasons, including its proximity to regional conflicts in Iraq and Syria, the state's official rejection of Salafi-Jihadi interpretations of Islam, and its membership in the Defeat-ISIS Coalition. Border security remains an overarching priority for the Government of Jordan, given fears that violence from the conflict in neighboring Syria will spill over into its territory. Government of Jordan concerns are amplified by the presence of ISIS-aligned group Jaysh Khalid bin Waleed (JKW) in southwest Syria, just miles from Jordan's border. There are many Jordanian nationals among foreign terrorist fighters in Iraq and Syria. While the number of Jordanian foreign terrorist fighters traveling to Iraq and Syria declined in 2016 - consistent with global trends and as a result of Jordan's continued border security efforts the threat of domestic radicalization remains. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Jordanian citizens were linked to terrorist cells and conducted a number of terrorist attacks in Jordan. The attack against a GID sub-facility in Baqa'a in June, the assassination of a Jordanian journalist in Amman in September, and the assault launched by a suspected ISIS cell in Karak in December, all involved Jordanian citizens. High-profile attacks included: On June 6, a lone gunman attacked a GID sub-facility near the Palestinian refugee camp of Baqa'a, in the early morning hours. Five personnel were killed. On June 21, suspected ISIS members attacked a Jordanian border post near Rukban, along Jordan's northeast border, with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The attack resulted in the deaths of seven security personnel, with several more wounded. On December 18, 14 people, including four attackers, were killed in the southern city of Karak and the nearby town of Qatraneh when gunmen opened fire on PSD at multiple locations. The attackers eventually holed up in Karak Castle for a five-hour gunfight with authorities. On December 20, four security personnel were killed in a standoff with suspected terrorists near Karak. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The State Security Court (SSC) is the primary legal apparatus with jurisdiction over crimes that touch on national security, including terrorism cases. Amendments to the SSC law, adopted in 2014, attempted to limit the court's jurisdiction to five crimes treason, espionage, terrorism, drug-related offenses, and currency forgery, although the SSC jurisdiction was extended to a broad interpretation of these crimes. The amendments also placed civilian judges on the SSC bench, although all prosecutors remain military officers. During 2016 Jordanian authorities took legal action against numerous individuals accused of terrorism under Jordanian law. SSC verdicts related to terrorism are published almost daily in local media. Some of the more prominent cases follow: On July 13 the SSC filed charges against 21 suspected ISIS affiliates in connection with the pre-emptive March raid on an alleged ISIS safe house in Irbid. The defendants were charged with carrying out terrorist acts, using weapons that resulted in the death of a Jordanian soldier, possessing weapons and explosives, and "propagating ISIS ideology," a charge often used for online activity. On August 4, the SCC sentenced to death the perpetrator of the June 6 attack on a GID sub-facility near Baqa'a that resulted in the death of five security personnel. A second defendant was charged with selling a weapon to the shooter and sentenced to one year in prison. On December 20, the SSC sentenced to death the man accused of murdering Jordanian journalist Nahed Hattar on September 25. The attacker was charged with carrying out a deadly terrorist attack, incitement, premeditated murder, and possession of an illegal firearm. The SSC prosecuted several individuals in 2016 for "propagating ISIS ideology." Sentences for such cases typically last two to three years. The Government of Jordan adopted its first counterterrorism law in 2006, in the wake of the 2005 Amman hotel bombings. This law was subsequently amended in 2014 in response to increasing threats to Jordan from violent extremist organizations operating domestically and across the border in Iraq and Syria. The new amendments enacted harsher sentences in terrorism cases and broadened the scope and definition of activities considered terrorism to facilitate the Government of Jordan's ability to prosecute material and ideological support for terrorism. Following passage of the 2014 amendments, Jordan's counterterrorism law broadly defined terrorism to include speech-related offenses deemed to "harm relations with a foreign state, undermine the regime, or expose Jordan to harmful acts." Human Rights-focused NGOs criticized the law's implementation on the grounds it restricts freedom of expression and peaceful dissent against the government. Since the amendments came into effect in 2014, authorities have arrested several journalists and religious leaders for speech-related offenses. GID is the primary government agency responsible for counterterrorism, and it operates with support from various elements within the JAF, PSD, and Gendarmerie. Although Jordan's civilian and military security agencies are more professional and effective than others in the region, increased terrorist threats strained their incident response capabilities and coordination mechanisms in 2016. The Government of Jordan is implementing measures to improve interagency coordination among security agencies during responses to terrorism-related events. Notably, during the December attacks in Karak, the Government of Jordan activated the National Center for Security and Crisis Management under the direction of King Abdullah II; the facility served as the coordination hub for the GID, JAF, PSD, and Gendarmerie response to the incidents. Jordan continued to reinforce its border defenses and surveillance capabilities in response to terrorist and criminal threats emanating from its 230 mile border with Syria and 112 mile border with Iraq. In 2016, the JAF maintained an increased presence along the borders with Syria and Iraq, and continued implementation of the Jordan Border Security Program to improve the JAF and Jordan Customs' surveillance and interdiction capabilities to deter, detect, and interdict terrorist and other illicit activity on the frontier and at ports of entry (POEs). Jordan conducts official screening of travelers at POEs, including at airports, and uses biometric systems in line with international standards. Jordan also routinely provides advanced passenger information to partner nations, and shares names with INTERPOL watchlists and databases. Jordanian authorities continued to use the U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) at unofficial border crossing sites along the Syrian border to complement the border screening system at official POEs. Jordan also participated in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program. On March 1-2, Jordan's security services launched a preemptive raid on a suspected ISIS safe-house in the northern city of Irbid. The operation lasted more than 12 hours and resulted in the death of one JAF officer and seven suspected terrorists. Jordan's security services had previously arrested 13 individuals with suspected links to the cell and rounded up several more in the weeks following the raid. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Jordan is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body, and also a member of the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Jordan's financial intelligence unit, the Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist financing Unit (AMLU Jordan), has been a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units since 2012. AMLU Jordan routinely receives and responds to requests for information from counterpart units. Under the obligations of the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime, other relevant resolutions regularly disseminate the names of designated individuals and entities to financial institutions. AMLU Jordan also monitors U.S. designations under executive order (E.O.) 13224, and shares this information internally with the Technical Committee. The number of suspicious transaction reports received by AMLU Jordan in 2016 nearly doubled from 2015 a reflection of AMLU Jordan's efforts to educate currency exchangers, real estate developers, and commercial banks on identifying potentially suspicious transactions. AMLU Jordan transferred a number of cases for prosecution; however, information on prosecution outcomes was not available. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: King Abdullah II continued to promote his "Amman Declaration" of 2004, calling for tolerance and peace within the Islamic community, and rejecting "wanton aggression and terrorism." The King has repeatedly voiced Jordan's commitment to countering violent extremist messaging and rhetoric, noting at the 2016 UN General Assembly that, "The central and most vital battleground for this defining war of our generation is the mind. The despicable, damaging ideology of hate . . . must be confronted with a counter-narrative of hope, tolerance, and peace." The Jordanian government's countering violent extremism (CVE) interventions included counter-messaging and religious education, awareness-raising, and rehabilitation support for former violent extremists. Jordan worked with the UN Development Programme to develop a holistic National Strategy on Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism, which is expected to establish roles and responsibilities for government entities and promote the involvement of non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector in CVE initiatives. Regional and International Cooperation: Jordan is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, and is a member of the Arab League, the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, and the Proliferation Security Initiative. Jordan continued to host and conduct training for Palestinian Authority Security Forces and Civil Defense, in addition to other police forces from around the region. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Italy Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Italy, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e436f.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Italy aggressively investigated and prosecuted terrorist suspects and dismantled suspected terrorist-related cells within its borders. It also implemented counterterrorism legislation adopted in 2015 aimed at identifying, decreasing, and disrupting the recruitment and flow of foreign terrorist fighters. Criminal and low-level terrorist acts (incendiary devices and small improvised explosive devices by domestic anarchist groups remained a threat. Italy maintained a high level of professional cooperation with the United States and international partners in all areas, including terrorist information sharing and Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS efforts. Italy was an important Defeat-ISIS Coalition partner. Italy maintained the second-largest number of troops deployed to Iraq, leading the Coalition's efforts to train Iraqi police and security forces. Approximately 500 Italian troops provided site security for workers with Italian engineering firm Trevi, engaged in critical repair work on the Mosul Dam. Italy also contributed aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and re-fueling capabilities from Kuwait in support of the Coalition. Italy continued to co-chair the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group with the United States and Saudi Arabia to enhance information sharing and develop coordinated countermeasures to disrupt ISIS financing. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On June 7, the European Food Safety Authority in Parma received a package with explosive material, which a local bomb squad destroyed. According to police, the package contained a small amount of a powdered explosive material that was enough to maim. On November 27, an explosion of two gas canisters in front of a Carabinieri police station in Bologna led to the December 10 arrest of a French anarchist, Cedric Rene Michel Tatoueix. Investigators suspect the attack was perpetrated by three anarchist groups active in the Bologna area. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Italian government made use of reinforced counterterrorism legislation enacted in 2015 that improved the existing legislative and regulatory instruments available to the Italian police and armed forces for anticipating, preventing, and countering acts of terrorism. Italy also continued to make use of 2005 legislation that facilitated the detention of terrorist suspects and expedited procedures for expelling non-citizens suspected of endangering national security. In 2016, Italy appointed a Coordinator of the Office of Anti-Terrorism Investigation, a new coordination position created inside the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate, which was established under the 2015 counterterrorism law. Italian law enforcement remained advanced in its capacity to detect and deter terrorist activity, links, and associations within Italy. Italy's long history of countering both organized crime and radical ideological movements has given it a strong legacy in fighting internal threats to security. Authorities are leveraging those capabilities to counter terrorist recruitment, radicalization to violence, and networking. The police (specifically the Central Directorate of the Prevention Police, or DCPP), ROS Carabinieri (the investigative unit of the gendarmerie), Guardia di Finanza (financial police), other specialized law enforcement agencies, and the intelligence services coordinate their counterterrorism efforts and meet on a regular and systematic basis to review terrorist threats and share information. The Minister of Interior has the authority to swiftly expel non-citizens for "seriously disturbing public order, endangering national security, or religious discrimination," even if insufficient evidence exists to prosecute the individual. Italy used this authority to expel more than 60 individuals in 2016. Among other provisions, Italy's 2015 counterterrorism law criminalized the organization, financing, or promotion of travel for the purpose of performing acts of terrorism and made it a crime to take part in a conflict in a foreign territory in support of a terrorist organization, implementing UN Security Council resolution 2178. Italy maintained its readiness to enhance measures quickly to counter threats against civil aviation. The MOI worked with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance local implementing procedures covering the Federal Air Marshal (FAM) program. Italy strongly supported the passage of a European Union (EU) Passenger Name Records (PNR) Directive. Parliament in November 2016 adopted a "delegated law" on the PNR directive; the government is drafting the implementing decree laws. Italy also consulted U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding development of a Passenger Information Unit and the use of the U.S. Automated Targeting System-Global (ATS-G) for screening passengers using API and PNR data under the EU PNR Directive. Italy received approximately 180,000 asylum-seekers and economic migrants in 2016, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa and crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Libya. According to MOI and international organization contacts, Italian authorities successfully screened more than 90 percent of new arrivals against the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) and the Italian Investigation System (SDI), which feed into the Schengen Information System and the Italian Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) databank. These databases, in turn, feed into the European Dactyloscopy (EURODAC) database. Significant law enforcement actions included: On August 13, the Interior Minister expelled Hosni Hachemi Ben Hassen, a Tunisian imam of the Andria mosque, arrested in April 2013 together with four other Tunisians suspected of being members of an Islamist terrorist cell. The expulsion occurred after the Court of Cassation cleared Ben Hassen of international terrorism charges (while upholding his hate crimes conviction). According to Italian authorities, between 2008 and 2010, Ben Hassen's group had collected instructions on how to construct explosive devices, received training on the use of firearms, and tried to recruit and indoctrinate foreign terrorist fighters to send abroad. On December 19, a Milan court convicted in absentia Maria Giulia 'Fatima' Sergio, an Italian who left for Syria to fight for ISIS in 2014, to nine years in prison for international terrorism. Authorities believe Sergio is still in Syria with her Albanian husband, Aldo Kobuzi, who was sentenced to 10 years as part of the same ruling. The court also sentenced Canadian national Bushra Haik who grew up in Bologna to nine years in prison for recruiting and indoctrinating Sergio, and sentenced Sergio's father, Sergio Sergio arrested in Italy in July 2015 as he and his wife Assunta (who died three months later) attempted to leave Italy for Syria to four years in prison for the crime of organizing terrorist travel. The court's in-absentia conviction of Haik, Kobuzi, and Sergio was the first by an Italian court under Italy's 2015 counterterrorism law of foreign terrorist fighters in an overseas combat zone. On December 23 around 3:00 a.m. local time during a spot check outside of Milan's Sesto San Giovanni train station, Milan police shot dead Tunisian terrorist suspect Anis Amri, allegedly responsible for the December 19 attack on a Berlin Christmas market. When asked for his documents, Amri reportedly pulled out a gun and shot at an officer, hitting him in the shoulder (the officer survived). Agents then fired back, killing the suspect. In 2016, Italy did not have the infrastructure to screen all international seaport arrivals, although it heightened security on maritime routes. Italy has the infrastructure to screen all international airport arrivals, including against the INTERPOL Lost and Stolen Travel Document Database, but authorities do not always do so in practice. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Italy is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and is an observer in the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), a FATF-style regional body. The Financial Intelligence Unit for Italy is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Italy co-chairs, with the United States and Saudi Arabia, the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group, a group of 36 states and multilateral bodies created in 2015 to enhance information sharing and coordinate countermeasures to disrupt ISIS financing. Italy's 2016 FATF evaluation assesses the legal framework to counter the financing of terrorism to be mature and sophisticated, noting some shortcomings in financial sector oversight. Italy's government criminalizes terrorist financing in accordance with international standards, monitors and regulates money/value transfer and other remittance services, and requires the collection of Know Your Customer data for wire transfers. Italy does not require non-profit organizations to submit suspicious transaction reports. Nonetheless, reporting entities are required to consider the specific money laundering and terrorist financing risks when entering into a relationship or carrying out transactions that involve non-profit organizations. Italy's 2015 counterterrorism law provides for a sentence of five to eight years for those found guilty of organizing, financing, or advocating travel abroad for the purposes of carrying out terrorist acts. It also seeks to ensure greater communication on such cases between financial institutions, law enforcement, and the judicial system. The Italian judiciary and Guardia di Finanza continued to identify and freeze the assets of sanctioned individuals and organizations and to prosecute terrorist financing cases. Pursuant to UN Security Council resolution 1267, Italy has frozen to date approximately US $110,000 in assets in relation to 53 transactions/accounts and 38 persons/entities, through counterterrorist financing sanctions. In addition, Italy carried out several counterterrorist finance operations and prevented international money transfers to terrorist groups. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Italy has a long history of countering organized crime and radical ideological movements. The Ministry of Justice's Prison Police continued counter-radicalization programs initiated in 2015 that included places of worship and providing cultural mediators within prisons. In August 2016, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) announced that 345 inmates were under active monitoring, of which only 39 had been convicted or charged with terrorist crimes. According to the MOJ, in addition to the inmates already convicted of or charged with terrorist crimes, 114 monitored inmates were considered at "high risk" of radicalization to violence and 99 had demonstrated "appreciation" for the 2016 terrorist attacks in Brussels, Dhaka, and Paris. The government has not published a formal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Action Plan, but established a commission in September 2016 to study radicalization to violence and extremism, with the objective of recommending preventative measures in 2017. To counter terrorist propaganda quickly, Italy has the capacity to swiftly expel non-citizen residents espousing extremist sentiments. While radicalization to violence and recruitment to terrorist violence has not been widespread in Italy, some religious groups promote a radical interpretation of their faith, which, along with deteriorated economic conditions in the peripheral neighborhoods of Italy's largest cities, limits integration and potentially could contribute to future radicalization to violence. Regional and International Cooperation: Italy is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum and actively participates in its work, including the Hedayah Center. Italy also supported counterterrorism efforts through the G-7 Roma-Lyon Group, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the United Nations, and the EU. Italy leads the Iraqi police training mission within the Defeat-ISIS Coalition and co-leads, with Saudi Arabia and the United States, the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Italy was an active participant in White House CVE Summit-related activities, and the city of Palermo serves on the Strong Cities Network steering committee and participates in two of the network's working groups: Group 1 on Counter-Narratives and Local Communications, and Group 2 on Refugees and Internal Displacement. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and Jerusalem Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and Jerusalem, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e437c.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Israel was a committed counterterrorism partner in 2016. Israel again faced terrorist threats from Iranian-support groups such as Hizballah in Lebanon. Other threats included Palestinian terrorist groups such as Hamas, the Popular Resistance Committees, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), particularly from Gaza but also from the West Bank; al-Qa'ida (AQ) and its affiliates, and ISIS and its affiliates along its borders, such as ISIL-Sinai Province (ISIL-SP) and the Jaysh Khalid ibn al-Waleed group (JKW, formerly the al-Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade) in the Syrian Golan Heights. In addition, since 2015, Israel has faced numerous incidents of terrorist attacks committed by individuals with no clear affiliation to terrorist organizations, termed "lone offender" attacks. Israeli security officials and politicians remained concerned about the terrorist threat posed to Israel from Hizballah and Iran, highlighting that Iran, primarily through the efforts of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, continued to fund and supply Hizballah. Israeli experts believed that Iran has transferred to Hizballah advanced weapons systems such as anti-aircraft and anti-ship cruise missile systems, and was continuing to transfer long-range rockets into Lebanon. Also, Israeli officials were concerned about the proliferation of conventional and non-conventional weapons from Syria to terrorist organizations. According to the Government of Israel, Hizballah has stockpiled more than 130,000 rockets and missiles in Lebanon since the 2006 Lebanon War. Israeli counterterrorism officials said Hamas and other Gaza terrorists made quantitative and qualitative advances in their military capabilities. Israel assessed that Hamas and PIJ have regained most of the military capabilities that were severely damaged during operation "Protective Edge" (July 7 to August 26, 2014), and have, in some cases, expanded their capabilities, including by constructing new offensive tunnels and acquiring other advanced capabilities such as an arsenal of medium-to-long range rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles. Gaza-based Palestinian terrorist organizations continued rocket and mortar attacks into Israeli territory, although no Israeli fatalities were reported. While Israel was not involved in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, it shared information to help track and stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters through information exchanges on counterterrorism issues with numerous governments. In support of the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime, Israel regularly updated its list of foreign terrorist organizations and individuals involved in terrorism to better align with UNSC sanctions lists. In 2016, Israel and the United States held numerous interagency counterterrorism dialogues to discuss the broad range of threats in the region and to determine areas of collaboration to address these challenges. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Israel experienced numerous terrorist attacks in 2016 involving weapons ranging from rockets and mortars to small arms and knives. The wave of violence that began in late 2015, termed the "knife intifada," gradually decreased during the year; nonetheless, numerous Israelis and Palestinians were injured in these attacks. The following list details only a fraction of the total terrorist incidents that occurred during the year. In January, an Israeli Arab gunman opened fire on several businesses in downtown Tel Aviv, killing two people and wounding seven others. He subsequently killed a taxi driver while fleeing the scene of the attack. Israeli officials identified the attacker as 31-year-old Nasha'at Melhem from the northern Israeli town of Ar'ara. Following a week-long nationwide manhunt, Melhem was killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces. In March, a Palestinian man went on a stabbing spree in Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv, killing a U.S. citizen and wounding 10 other people. The attack lasted approximately 20 minutes and ended after police shot and killed the assailant. Israeli authorities identified the assailant as 22-year-old Bashar Masalha, from the West Bank village of Kalandiya. In June, two Palestinian men opened fire on a popular market in downtown Tel Aviv, killing four people and wounding seven others. Responding police arrested both assailants, later identified as Muhammad and Khalid Mukhamra, cousins from the West Bank town of Yatta. An Israel Security Agency (ISA) investigation determined that ISIS online propaganda provided inspiration for the attack and friends of the assailants assisted them with preparations. In November, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units responded to machine gun and mortar fire from JKW militants (an ISIS-aligned group) across the Syrian border. Israeli forces crossed the Israeli security fence, while remaining within Israeli territory, and called in an airstrike which killed four militants. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Israel has a robust legal framework to counter terrorism and promote international legal assistance in the investigation and prosecution of terrorists. The Israeli Knesset passed new counterterrorism legislation in 2016 that broadened the range of activities subject to enhanced criminal sentencing. These activities include tunnel-digging, stone throwing, incitement, and planning intended to assist terrorist organizations and individuals. The Combatting Terrorism Law was designed to empower law enforcement authorities to preempt the establishment of terrorist cells and attack planning. The new provisions contained in the law codified numerous military and emergency orders issued under general emergency powers in place since the founding of the State of Israel. They include: the Anti-Terrorism Ordinance of 1948, the Anti-Terrorist finance Law of 2005, and various regulations issued under pre-statehood emergency defense authorities of 1945. Non-governmental human rights organizations protested the Law's broad definition of terrorism, arguing it serves to codify counterterrorism powers that critics compared to martial law. Additional concerns regarding the scope of Israeli counterterrorism legislation were directed towards the criminalization of activities related to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly that could affect the Arab population of Israel. The ISA and Israel National Police (INP) continued to cooperate with U.S. law enforcement agencies on cases involving U.S. citizens killed in terrorist attacks. Elite Israeli units engaged in counterterrorism operations included Yamam (Israeli Border Police) and IDF special operations units, such as Sayaret Matkal and Duvdevan (Urban Warfare Counterterrorism Operations). Israeli Border police have a "hot return" policy for visitors suspected of ties to terrorist or criminal organizations. The border fence constructed along the border with Egypt, and fences along the West Bank and Gaza, assisted Israeli security forces in preventing migrant inflows and mitigating security threats. The West Bank and Gaza barriers were augmented by cameras, sensors, and active patrols by Israeli Border Police and the IDF. Israel's airport security was considered robust by international security experts, particularly with regard to its security screening and inspections program. The Israeli Ministry of Interior maintained a voluntary biometric passport control system at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport, which was available for Israeli passport holders over the age of 18 years. This system facilitated both entry into and exit from Israel via an automatic kiosk for Israeli citizens who successfully passed a background check and provided a scan of their hand. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: The Israeli financial intelligence unit, the Israeli Money Laundering and Terror Finance Prohibition Authority (IMPA), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Israel was also welcomed as an observer to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at the organization's plenary meeting in February 2016, and Israeli anti-money laundering (AML) experts have begun to participate in FATF peer reviews of other countries' anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism regimes. Israel's counterterrorist finance regime continued to be enhanced through enforcement operations and the inclusion of new groups under national terrorist finance laws. The well-regulated Israeli banking industry worked to address suspected terrorist activity. Israeli experts and officials continued to raise concerns about the issue of state-sponsored funding of Hamas, and said that Hamas funded terrorists in the West Bank preparing to perpetrate terrorist attacks against Israel, Israelis, or Israeli interests. Financing of Hamas through charitable organizations remained a concern for Israeli authorities, as did the funding of Hizballah through charities and illicit activity. In one high-profile case in August, Israeli police charged Mohammad al-Halabi the Director of the NGO World Vision in Gaza with diverting material and financial assistance to Hamas; the charity itself was not implicated in the case. Israel regularly updates the list of foreign terrorist organizations and individuals involved in terrorism, to implement the UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Israel also has a domestic sanctions regime in place with the Anti-Terrorist finance Law of 2005, which allows the Israeli Security Cabinet to declare a foreign organization to be classified as a foreign terrorist organization in coordination with findings presented by a foreign country or by the UNSC. The new counterterrorism law that entered into force on November 1 significantly reduced the time it takes to adopt international designations. The UN sanctions lists were registered in the formal government registry. Every domestic and UN designation was published in three languages (Hebrew, Arabic, English), and run in three different newspapers, as required by law. In addition, designations were published on the website of the IMPA and distributed by email to the IMPA's mailing list, which included banks, lawyers, and finance professionals. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Government of Israel supported several organizations that used educational and interreligious projects to build bridges between citizens of different religions and beliefs. These interfaith initiatives benefitted a wide range of age groups and were conducted in numerous fora, including from elementary schools to universities. Israel's national program, "City without Violence," supported municipalities and local authorities conducting programs to counter violence, crime, and violent extremism. Israeli politicians and the public were increasingly concerned about online incitement's role in exacerbating the recent wave of violent attacks by so-called lone offender terrorists. The Israeli government blamed social media companies and online platforms for not doing enough to prevent the proliferation of online content inciting terrorism. The Israeli government also considered legislation to obligate companies, such as Google and Facebook, to do more to prevent incitement. Israel's new counterterrorism law established a new criminal offense for demonstrating solidarity with a terrorist organization or with an act of terrorism, and incitement to terrorism, including via the internet and social media; the new criminal offense replaced and consolidated two existing penal code offenses for incitement to terrorism. International and Regional Cooperation: Israel continued its counterterrorism cooperation with a range of regional and international institutions, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Israel cooperated with numerous countries to thwart terrorist attacks and plots against Israelis or Israeli interests abroad. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Ireland Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Ireland, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e438c.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The United States and Ireland worked reasonably well in bilateral and regional counterterrorism, law enforcement, and information sharing efforts. An Garda Siochana (the local and national police service of Ireland, referred to as Garda in this report) has comprehensive law enforcement, immigration, investigative, intelligence, and counterterrorism responsibilities. In 2016, dissident republican groups, sometimes referred to as criminal terrorist groups by the Irish Department of Justice, perpetrated acts of violence in neighboring Northern Ireland. Authorities traced some violent acts committed in Northern Ireland by members of dissident groups to support to persons living in Ireland. Attacks were often directed at Northern Ireland's law enforcement personnel and security structures to disrupt ongoing post-peace process community rehabilitation efforts. Irish authorities worked to address these legacy issues stemming from "The Troubles" and were actively involved in dealing with transnational terrorism issues. Major Garda successes in disrupting the activities of such groups and infighting between dissident factions appeared to have diminished the threat of domestic terrorism. Ireland is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Criminal Justice Act of 2015 created three offenses relating to preparatory terrorist activities: public provocation to commit a terrorist offense, recruitment, and training. The legislative bill transposed into Irish law a European Union (EU) Council Framework Decision on counterterrorism. The Act specifically recognizes that terrorist-linked activities may be committed electronically. Upon conviction, such offenses would carry prison sentences of up to 10 years. Law enforcement units have effectively demonstrated their capacity to detect, deter, and respond to terrorist incidents. The Garda Special Branch provides specialized law enforcement capability and has primary responsibility for counterterrorism response, with the military performing specific functions when requested by the civil authorities. The Irish Defense Ministry's 2015 "White Paper on Defense" outlines Ireland's defense policy framework for the next decade, aimed at addressing increased security challenges. It featured a streamlined response to terrorism with the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning reviewing terrorism threat assessments received from Garda. Irish law provides for a non-jury Special Criminal Court (SCC) when the Director of Public Prosecutions certifies a case to be beyond the capabilities of an ordinary court. No successful terrorist attacks occurred in 2016. Nevertheless, the bomb squad mobilized 86 times due to possible improvised explosive device (IED) incidents, 14 of which involved viable IEDs that Irish Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians rendered safe. Statistics for 2016 mark a 39 percent mobilization decrease and a 65 percent reduction in viable IEDs over the prior year. Ireland worked closely with the United Kingdom (UK) on border security, including sharing biographic and biometric information. The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Services in conjunction with Dublin Airport Authority uses automated border control gates for some flights at Dublin Airport. These electronic gates allow certain categories of arriving passengers holding a passport with an electronic chip, which contains the holder's facial image, to clear immigration controls through electronic self-service means. The Government of Ireland was active in highlighting the need to share Passenger Name Records (PNR) on EU flights. Ireland is working to implement the EU Directive on the processing of PNR data, which will require the establishment of relevant domestic legislation that outlines the measures to establish and operate a PNR processing system. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Ireland is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and its financial intelligence unit, the Bureau of Fraud Investigation, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Over the past five years, Ireland has made significant improvements to improve regulations on supervision of the financial sector and non-financial service providers. Ireland has yet to transpose the fourth EU Money Laundering Directive into Irish law. In 2016, law enforcement authorities continued to monitor non-profit organizations for the purpose of monitoring breaches of criminal law; however, Ireland had still not fully implemented the Charities Act of 2009, which regulates the activities of charities and non-profit organizations. The July 2016 enactment of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2016 provides Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) officers with the power to seize property for 24 hours that they suspect to be the proceeds of crime. The Chief Bureau Officer can authorize its detention for a further 21 days. This allows CAB to prepare an application to the High Court for an interim restraining order and prevent the disposal or dissipation of the property in the meantime. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Government of Ireland's efforts to counter violent extremism focused on integrating minority groups and new arrivals into Irish society. These measures included providing social benefits, language training, health care, and the proactive advocacy work of an Ombudsman's Office in the affairs of immigrants. The Garda Racial Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) coordinates, monitors, and advises on all aspects of policing in the area of ethnic and cultural diversity with a view towards building long-term trust with communities. Through this office, police officers are provided with special training to assist at-risk populations. GRIDO delivered anti-radicalization training to national police members in the context of Community Policing/Preventing Radicalization. The Irish government pursued its countering violent extremism (CVE) strategy primarily through the Ethnic Liaison Officer program of the Garda. These officers liaise with representatives of the various minority communities in an area, and establish communication links with each community. They support integration by involving members of ethnic minority communities in Garda and community social events. Ireland supports the United Nations Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. International and Regional Cooperation: Ireland works closely with the UK in securing the Common Travel Area, an open borders area comprising Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. The introduction of the British-Irish visa required the sharing of biometric and other information, and resulted in a more integrated system for checking travelers. Ireland actively participated in a range of meetings and actions at the Council of the European Union and the United Nations to address counterterrorism. In addition to counterterrorism capacity building overseas, Ireland also cooperated on counterterrorism efforts with Northern Ireland. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Iraq Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Iraq, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e439c.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Iraq made impressive progress in 2016 toward defeating ISIS, which had occupied large areas of the country since mid-2014. The series of successive ISIS defeats continued with Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) liberation of Ramadi in February, elimination of ISIS presence in Hit, Karma, Jazira al-Khalidiya, and Rutbah through the spring, recapture of Fallujah in June, seizure of Qayara Airbase in July, and launch of a broad offensive in Ninewa in October, resulting in ISF penetration deep into eastern Mosul at the end of the year assisted by Coalition air power. As it retreated, ISIS killed hundreds of Iraqi civilians, publishing macabre videos of the murders to terrorize Iraqis, and forcing Mosul residents to remain as human shields to discourage airstrikes. ISIS also demonstrated its continuing ability to conduct massive terrorist attacks in Baghdad and Shia-majority areas, killing at least 300 civilians in coordinated bombings in Baghdad in July and killing at least 80 Iranians and Iraqis (the bulk of whom were Shia Arba'in pilgrims) in Hilla, south of Baghdad, in November. By the end of 2016, ISIS had lost much of the territory it captured in 2014 and early 2015. While ISIS continued to offer fierce resistance in Mosul's city center and a few other strongholds, it lost some of its ability to generate revenues or resupply itself militarily. The ISF had reclaimed most of Anbar (with only the Qaim-Rawa corridor remaining ISIS-controlled), nearly all of Salah al-Din, Kirkuk (except for Hawija), and Ninewa (except for Mosul and Tal Afar). This represented a dramatic, positive advance from the situation in Iraq in 2015. Still, even as the Government of Iraq supported by the 73-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS made significant progress in its campaign to expel ISIS from Iraq, severe internal security threats endured. Iraqi officials made little progress on managing the country's ethnic, religious, and sectarian fissures, and the passage of legislation formalizing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) proved a divisive step that exacerbated the doubts of many Sunnis about the government's willingness to rule for the benefit of all citizens. The U.S.-led Defeat-ISIS Coalition focused on training, equipping, advising, and assisting the ISF, including Kurdish Peshmerga, in coordination with the Government of Iraq. Twenty coalition states joined the United States in deploying military personnel to assist the Iraqi government in training, along with "advise and assist" missions. Coalition partners trained more than 38,500 ISF, while coalition members conducted 4,300 air strikes in Iraq, including in support of Mosul's liberation. Coalition states contributed more than $1 billion to UN-managed stabilization projects and humanitarian support in 2016, including at the Iraq Donor Conference in July, bringing total humanitarian assistance to more than 4.5 billion since the current crisis began in 2014. Iraqi officials also participated in Counter-ISIS Ministerial and Lines of Effort working group meetings throughout the year. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Terrorist groups continued to mount a large number of attacks throughout the country. ISIS's use of captured and improvised military equipment gave it sophisticated capabilities in line with a more conventional military force, including the reported use of tanks, armored vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, artillery and mortars, and self-developed unmanned aerial drones, capable both of surveillance and attacks using primitive air-drop bomblets or booby-trapped components. According to estimates from the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, acts of terrorism and violence killed more than 7,000 civilians and injured more than 12,000 in 2016. Many of Iraq's armed Shia groups are backed by Iran, including Kata'ib Hizballah (KH), Asa'ib Ahl al-Haqq (AAH), and the Badr Organization. These Iranian-backed groups continued to operate in Iraq during 2016, which exacerbated sectarian tensions in Iraq and contributed to allegations of human rights abuses against primarily Sunni civilians, particularly in Fallujah, where residents claim hundreds of male residents remain unaccounted for after the city's liberation in June. KH, AAH, and other militias associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force have been combating ISIS alongside the Iraqi military. In November, the Council of Representatives passed legislation formalizing the PMF as part of the ISF, although which militias will be formally enrolled or how they will be enrolled (as individuals or as units) in the legalized PMF had not been determined at year's end. The inclusion of KH a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization in the legalized PMF could represent an obstacle that could undermine shared counterterrorism objectives. The following is an illustrative sample that highlights only a small number of the most egregious terrorist attacks conducted in 2016: Throughout January, near-daily car bombs killed more than 120 Iraqis in Baghdad. On February 28, two suicide bombers detonated explosives in a market in Sadr City, Baghdad, killing at least 60 people. On March 25, a suicide bomber at a crowded soccer match in Babil killed 41 people, including the town's mayor. On April 4, a suicide bomber in Basra killed five people and injured five others on a busy commercial street. In two May incidents in Balad, gunmen killed 28 people and injured 50 others gathered to watch football matches in city cafes. On May 15, ISIS gunmen and suicide bombers attacked a natural gas processing plant in Taji, killing 14 people and severely damaging the facility. On May 17, a series of ISIS-claimed car bombs killed more than 100 Iraqis in Baghdad. On July 3, a truck bomb killed at least 300 civilians in Karrada in Baghdad and injured more than 200 more, and two other bombs in Baghdad killed at least 10 more people. In September, frequent car bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) killed at least 70 civilians in Baghdad. In October, frequent car bombs and IEDs killed at least 90 civilians in Baghdad. On November 24, a truck bomb killed at least 80 Iranian and Iraqi civilians, most of them returning home from the Arba'in pilgrimage. On December 11, two car bombs killed at least eight civilians in Falluja. On December 25, separate bombings killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 34 others in and around Baghdad. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: With substantial training and equipment from the Coalition, the ISF strengthened its capabilities to provide local security and defeat terrorist threats. Independent ISF operations throughout Iraq showcased marked improvements in ISF capacity over the course of the year. Border security remained a critical gap; border crossings with Syria remained in ISIS hands and the Government of Iraq had no capability in 2016 to prevent smuggling across the Iraq-Syria border. Iraq enacted legislation delineating powers, mandates, and duties of the Counter Terrorism Service in October, and passed legislation formalizing incorporation of the PMF into the ISF in November. The PMF law (passed by the Council of Representatives in November and published in December) presented challenges due to its likely inclusion of Iran-affiliated militia groups into the ISF, but it also provides avenues to govern the conduct of these groups and to ensure all armed actors are accountable to Iraqi law. Iraq continues to support the Terrorist Interdiction Program's Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) in an effort to secure its borders and identify fraudulent travel documents. The Government of Iraq has the capability to conduct biographic and biometric screening at multiple land and air ports of entry. Iraq also continued to participate in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program, which has improved selected and vetted Ministry of Interior units' contributions to the counter-ISIS fight. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Since 2005, Iraq has been a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Iraq is under review by the FATF, due to a number of strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. Iraq has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including passing an updated AML/CFT law in 2015, and issuing a set of regulations in accordance with the new law in 2016, to help bolster its compliance with the international FATF standards. In 2016, the Government of Iraq, including the central bank, law enforcement, and judiciary took measures to disrupt ISIS's financial activity, including: enforcing a national directive to prohibit financial transactions with banks and financial companies located in ISIS-controlled areas; cutting off salary payments to government employees located in ISIS-controlled areas to prevent those salaries from being "taxed" by ISIS; prohibiting exchange houses and transfer companies located in ISIS-held areas and those suspected of illicit activity from accessing U.S. banknotes in the central bank's currency auctions; sharing a list of banned exchange houses and money transfer companies with regional regulators; revoking the license and freezing the assets of a U.S.-designated exchange house; and taking judicial action against over a dozen individuals and companies suspected of illicit financial activity. These actions ranged from business closures to the arrest of suspects. Iraq is a member of the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. The Government of Iraq, including the Central Bank of Iraq's financial intelligence unit, collaborated with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to further develop its AML/CFT regime and strengthen its capacity to implement international standards for financial sector oversight. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2014/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Government of Iraq recognized that defeating ISIS requires exposing the group's true criminal nature and disconnecting the counter-ISIS fight from Iraq's internal political tensions. Formation of the Iraqi War Media Cell in 2016 represented a significant step in countering ISIS disinformation and propaganda. International and Regional Cooperation: Iraq is a member of multilateral and regional organizations including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Indonesia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Indonesia, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43ac.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Indonesia uses a civilian law enforcement led, rule-of-law-based approach in its domestic counterterrorism operations. Since the Bali bombings in 2002, Indonesia has applied sustained pressure to degrade the capabilities of terrorists and their networks operating within Indonesia's borders. Several small-scale attacks or attempted attacks by pro-ISIS extremists occurred throughout 2016 in different parts of Indonesia. Police continued to detect and disrupt multiple plots and cells, including a plot to bomb the presidential palace in December that was linked to a prominent Indonesian terrorist fighting with ISIS, Bahrun Naim. Indonesian violent extremists continued to use websites, social media, and private messaging to spread their radical ideology, raise funds, recruit, and communicate with new followers. Additionally, there was growing concern that Indonesian foreign terrorist fighters could return from Syria and Iraq with operational training, skills, and experience, and therefore conduct more sophisticated attacks against Indonesian government personnel or facilities, western targets, and other soft targets. As of December, amendments to strengthen Indonesia's 2003 counterterrorism law, which would strengthen provisions against foreign terrorist fighters by criminalizing extraterritorial fighting, preparatory acts, and material support for terrorism, had not passed the Indonesian legislature. Indonesia is not a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, but the Indonesian government and Muslim civil society leaders have forcefully and repeatedly denounced the group. Official estimates on the number of Indonesian foreign terrorist fighters vary between agencies and services. At least 800 Indonesians departed for Iraq and Syria since the beginning of the conflict, including women and children. In August, officials said that 568 Indonesians remained in Iraq and Syria, 69 had died in the conflict zone, and 183 had returned to Indonesia. The number of returnees includes Indonesians who were deported by authorities in transit countries while traveling to the Middle East. Foreign terrorist fighters may also return undetected by exploiting vulnerabilities in the land and sea borders of this vast archipelagic nation. A prominent Indonesian terrorist fighting with ISIS, Mubarak Salim (aka Abu Jandal Attamimi), was reportedly killed in Mosul, Iraq, in November, although police have yet to independently verify his death. Indonesian officials describe the pro-ISIS Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) and its network as the most dangerous terrorist organization in Indonesia because of its international and regional connections. A joint police-military operation killed Abu Wardah (aka Santoso), the leader of the pro-ISIS Mujahidin Indonesia Timur, on July 18, and captured his deputy, Mohammad Basri (aka Bagong), on September 14. The operation continued to pursue less than 20 remaining members in the remote, mountainous area around Poso, Central Sulawesi. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: There were five small-scale attacks throughout Indonesia: On January 14, four men attacked a police post and a U.S.-franchise coffee shop with small arms and homemade bombs in central Jakarta. Three Indonesian citizens and a dual national Algerian-Canadian were killed and at least 23 others were injured. All four attackers were killed in the confrontation with police and multiple arrests were made following the incident. Incarcerated JAD leader Aman Abdurahman is believed to have planned the attack with assistance from incarcerated 2004 Australian Embassy bomber Iwan Darmawan (aka Rois) and Syria-based Indonesian ISIS fighter Abu Jandal. On July 5, Nur Rohman, a suicide bomber with links to JAD, attacked a police station in Solo, Central Java, killing himself and wounding a police officer. The attack took place on the last day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. On August 27, a 17-year-old attacked a Catholic priest with a knife, causing minor injuries, after failing to detonate a homemade bomb in a church in Medan, North Sumatra. Police arrested the attacker, who was radicalized online and sympathized with ISIS. On October 20, Sultan Azianzah attacked three policemen with a knife, injuring one severely, in Tangerang, West Java. Police shot and killed Azianzah, who was linked to JAD, during the attack. On November 13, former terrorist prisoner Johanda threw Molotov cocktails at the Oikumene Church in Sengkotek, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, severely injuring four children and damaging several motorcycles. One of the victims, a two-year-old girl, later died from severe burns sustained during the attack. Police arrested Johanda, who was part of a JAD cell. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Indonesia follows a rule-of-law-based counterterrorism approach. After investigation by the police, terrorist suspects' dossiers are sent to the Task Force on Counterterrorism and Transnational Crimes, part of the Attorney General's Office, for prosecution. Relevant legislation includes the Law on Combating Criminal Acts of Terrorism (15/2003), the Law on Prevention and Eradication of Anti-Terrorist Financing (9/2013), the 1951 Emergency Law, and Indonesia's Criminal Code. Counterterrorism efforts are police led, with Detachment 88 the elite counterterrorism force of the police leading operations and investigations. The president may authorize counterterrorism units from the Indonesian military to support domestic counterterrorism operations on an as-needed basis. Law enforcement units are increasingly able to detect, deter, and prevent most attacks before they are carried out. Law enforcement personnel participated in a range of U.S.-funded training and professional development activities, to build sustainable police capacity in both investigative and tactical skills. These programs were implemented by the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) International Criminal Investigative Training and Assistance Program, and DOJ's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training Program. Frequent personnel rotation at various agencies, including the police, legal cadres, and the judiciary, constrained the development of long-term institutional expertise. Indonesia recognizes the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, but it has yet to pass laws explicitly criminalizing material support, travel to join foreign terrorist organizations, or commission of extraterritorial offenses related to terrorism. On February 15, the president submitted to the Indonesian legislature a draft amendment to Law 15/2003 to address these legal gaps. As of December, the amendment was being debated and had not passed the legislature. Indonesian prosecutors stated that between January and November they prosecuted, or were in the process of prosecuting, 104 terrorism-related cases. Of those, 23 cases are related to ISIS activity, including eight related to the January 14 attack. In November, a key facilitator in the attack, Saiful Muhtorir (aka Abu Gar), was sentenced to nine years in prison. Two bomb-makers were sentenced to 10 years in prison, and a facilitator who helped to procure small arms was sentenced to four years in prison. In August, the Supreme Court rejected a judicial case review filed in 2015 by incarcerated terrorist ideologue and founder of Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir. As of early December, there were 241 terrorist prisoners in 71 correctional facilities throughout Indonesia. An estimated 150 terrorist suspects were held in police pre-trial detention facilities. Terrorists convicted on non-terrorism charges are not always counted or tracked through the justice system as convicted terrorists, creating a potential loophole in disengagement and de-radicalization efforts. There is a lack of effective risk assessment, classification, and management of terrorist prisoners, although prison authorities recognized and worked to address this systemic challenge. In February, authorities isolated some convicted terrorist ideologues implicated in plotting attacks. Authorities remained concerned about the potential recidivism of released terrorist prisoners. The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) is responsible for coordinating terrorism-related intelligence and information among stakeholder agencies. BNPT is staffed by detailees from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian military, and the Indonesian National Police. Immigration officials at major ports of entry, especially larger international air and seaports, have access to biographic and biometric domestic-only databases, but there was no centralized border screening system. Police maintained a watchlist of suspected terrorists, but there were not always clear lines of communication and coordination among stakeholder agencies. Indonesia shares information through INTERPOL and is developing systems to enhance border screening at major ports of entry using INTERPOL data. Military and police personnel are often posted at major ports of entry to ensure security. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Indonesia is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Indonesia's financial intelligence unit, the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Indonesia's Counterterrorist financing Law 9/2013 criminalizes money laundering and terrorist financing, and authorized terrorist asset freezing pursuant to UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1373 and the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime and (Taliban) Sanctions Committees' lists. The implementation process requires Indonesia issue court orders of listed individuals and entities and subsequent freeze orders to be able to freeze the assets of UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida-listed individuals and entities. Indonesia instituted and continued to improve upon an electronic process designed to ensure that the orders requiring multiagency action is issued without delay and identified assets are frozen immediately. It is unclear if Indonesia has been consistently implementing UNSCR 1267, which require all freezes to be subject to a yearly renewal by the authorities. For the second consecutive year, Indonesia and Australia co-hosted the Counterterrorist Financing (CTF) Summit in Bali in August, attended by more than 200 specialists from more than 20 countries. Indonesia and Australia also co-led the publication of the first Regional Risk Assessment on Terrorist financing, which was released during the summit. Non-profit organizations (NPOs) such as religious and charitable organizations are licensed and required to file suspicious transaction reports. PPATK conducted an NPO-sector risk assessment and proposed a presidential regulation to require monitoring and the regulation of NPOs to prevent terrorist finance exploitation. As of December, the president had not signed the new regulation. In accordance with FATF recommendations, Indonesia should take a risk-based approach to monitor the high-risk NPOs rather than imposing the same requirements on the entire NPO sector. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Indonesian government has not developed a national countering violent extremism (CVE) strategy. Government and civil society leaders promote the Indonesian practice of Islam as a peaceful and moderate alternative to violent extremist teachings. Established terrorist organizations remained the primary sources of radicalization in Indonesia. These groups have long called for the establishment of an Islamic state in Indonesia and tap into perceived injustices against Muslim communities in Indonesia and abroad. They exploit both cyberspace and weaknesses in Indonesia's overcrowded prison system to expand their influence and recruit new members. The BNPT uses provincial-level Terrorism Prevention Coordination Forums comprising civic and religious leaders to develop and coordinate CVE-related programming within their communities. The BNPT also collaborated with student leaders to develop counter-narrative content, which was disseminated through official BNPT websites and social media accounts. A de-radicalization blueprint for terrorist prisoners issued by BNPT in late 2013 had not been fully implemented by the end of 2016. In coordination with the Directorate General of Corrections, the BNPT planned to open a de-radicalization center in Sentul, south of Jakarta, but it was not operational at the end of 2016. In addition to the BNPT, police trained their public relations officers on effective counter-messaging approaches. A diverse array of non-governmental organizations and other civil society organizations was active in developing CVE programming; however, there was minimal coordination between these efforts and government programs. There were increased civil society efforts to develop credible counter-narrative content and small-scale programs to reintegrate former terrorist prisoners into society. In May, the world's largest Muslim civil society organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), hosted an international summit of moderate Islamic leaders to discuss violent extremism. NU's CVE efforts included new overseas chapters, academic collaborations, a documentary film, and a nascent counter-messaging effort. International and Regional Cooperation: Indonesia participated in counterterrorism efforts through several international, multilateral, and regional fora including the United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). As a member of the GCTF, Indonesia co-chairs with Australia the Detention and Reintegration Working Group, and co-hosted the third plenary session of the working group in December in Batam. In August, Indonesia hosted an international ministerial meeting in Bali to discuss efforts to counter the cross-border movement of terrorists. Concurrently, Indonesia and Australia co-hosted the second Counter Terrorist Financing Summit and released a regional counterterrorist financing risk assessment. In November, Indonesia hosted the INTERPOL General Assembly in Bali. Indonesia remained active in the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meetings on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime and the APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group. Indonesia continued to use the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) as a regional resource in the fight against transnational crime with a focus on counterterrorism. The United States and other foreign partners routinely offered counterterrorism training courses at JCLEC. Since its inception in 2004 as a joint Australian and Indonesian initiative, JCLEC has trained more than 20,500 police officers from 71 countries. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - India Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - India, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43ba.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Counterterrorism cooperation between India and the United States continued to increase in 2016, with both sides committing to deepen bilateral engagement against the full spectrum of terrorism threats. Indian leadership expressed resolve to redouble efforts, in cooperation with the United States and with other like-minded countries, to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism. India and the United States pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including al-Qa'ida (AQ), ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), and D-Company, including through greater collaboration on designations at the UN. Indian and U.S. leaders directed officials to identify new areas of collaboration through the July U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group, applauded finalization of a bilateral arrangement to facilitate the sharing of terrorism screening information, and called upon Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist attacks against India to justice. During 2016, U.S. and Indian officials exchanged terrorist threat information in intelligence and law enforcement channels. U.S. Department of Justice officials worked with Indian interlocutors including at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to enhance capacity for addressing use of the internet for terrorist purposes and to assist Indian investigations in terrorism-related cases. U.S. and Indian officials continued to strengthen cooperation on domestic terrorist designations, including implementation of UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1373 (2001), and on international designations, pursuant to the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. The United States and India worked together to designate JeM leader Maulana Masood Azhar, although the listing was blocked in the UN 1267 Committee. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continued to work with Indian counterparts to counter IED threats. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and India's Ministry of Finance continued to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. While India has not joined the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, it has publicly recognized the serious threat ISIS poses to global security and affirmed efforts to degrade and defeat this threat in accordance with UNSCRs 2178 (2014) and 2199 (2015). Indian officials have stated that their government takes threats posed by ISIS seriously and Indian law enforcement agencies arrested at least 68 ISIS supporters in 2016. In some instances, clerics and family members supported government-led de-radicalization efforts. In October, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed a Senior Advisor to Curb Online Radicalization. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On January 2, terrorists attacked Pathankot Air Force Station in Punjab, killing eight security personnel and one civilian. Security forces killed five attackers and India's Ministry of Home Affairs subsequently sanctioned the prosecution in absentia of JeM leader Maulana Masood Azhar and three others for alleged involvement in the attack. On June 25, alleged LeT terrorists attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir; killing eight officers and injuring 20. Indian security forces killed two attackers. On August 5, suspected Bodo militants (armed Christian separatists who seek to obtain a sovereign Bodoland for the Bodo people in Assam) attacked a marketplace in Kokrajhar, Assam, killing 14 people and injuring 15 people. On September 18, terrorists attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 Indian soldiers and injuring more than 30 people. Indian security forces killed four attackers allegedly affiliated with LeT. On October 3, terrorists attacked an Indian army camp in the Baramulla District, Jammu and Kashmir, killing one officer. Security forces killed two attackers allegedly affiliated with JeM. On November 29, militants attacked an army base in Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir, killing seven Indian soldiers. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: India made no major changes to its counterterrorism laws in 2016 and continued to address terrorism-related activities through existing statutes, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) (1967), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Convention on Suppression of Terrorism Act (1993), and various state-level laws. The UAPA presumes the accused to be guilty if the prosecution can produce incriminating evidence indicating the possession of arms or explosives or the presence of fingerprints at a crime scene, regardless of whether criminal intent is demonstrated. State governments held persons without bail for extended periods before filing formal charges under the UAPA. Other state-level counterterrorism laws reduce evidentiary standards for certain charges and increase police powers to detain an accused and his or her associates without charges and without bail for extended periods, sometimes lasting several years. During 2016, India undertook measures to address the terrorist threat, including through efforts to improve the exchange of terrorism screening information and through law enforcement cooperation in individual cases. In July, a Mumbai court sentenced Indian Mujahideen/LeT affiliate and accused 2008 Mumbai attack conspirator Zabiuddin Ansari (aka Abu Jundal) to life imprisonment for his involvement in a 2006 criminal case. In July, India and Bangladesh agreed on steps to improve procedures for extraditing suspects involved in terrorism and organized crime. In November, the Ministry of Home Affairs banned radical cleric Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation as "an unlawful organization." Since the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, India has sought to enhance its counterterrorism capabilities. Interagency coordination and information sharing remained a challenge, and local police forces continued to suffer from poor training and equipment. India has launched initiatives to address some of these challenges, including through a Multi-Agency Centre for enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing. Indian officials participated in U.S.-sponsored law enforcement and security training at the central government and state levels to enhance India's capabilities in critical incident management, infrastructure security, community-oriented policing, crime scene investigations, explosive ordnance detection and countermeasures, forensics, cyber security, mega city policing, and other areas. Indian police and civilian security officials at both the state and federal levels received 12 capacity-building training courses under the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program in technical areas related to counterterrorism and law enforcement. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security, through Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted training programs and exchanges with Indian law enforcement personnel. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: India is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and two FATF-style regional bodies (1) the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and (2) the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. India's Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The government regulates the money services business (MSB) sector, requiring the collection of data for wire transfers and the filing of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) by non-profit organizations. While the Indian government supervised, regulated, and monitored these entities to prevent misuse and terrorist financing, a large unregulated and unlicensed MSB sector remained vulnerable to exploitation by illicit actors. In November, Prime Minister Modi announced the de-monetization of 500 and 1,000 rupee currency notes and asserted that one purpose of this initiative was to curb terrorist activity funded by counterfeit notes, black money, and stockpiled cash reserves. Although the Government of India aligned its domestic anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) laws with international standards by enacting amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in 2012, and in 2016 initiated a National Risk Assessment for AML/CFT to assess the country's terrorist financing risk, it has yet to implement the legislation effectively, especially with regard to criminal convictions. Law enforcement agencies typically open criminal investigations reactively and seldom initiate proactive analysis and long-term investigations. While the Indian government has taken action against certain hawala financing activities, prosecutions have generally focused on non-financial businesses that conduct hawala transactions as a secondary activity. Additionally, the government has not taken adequate steps to ensure all relevant industries are complying with AML/CFT regulations. The reporting of terrorism-related STRs has shown an increasing trend in recent years, with FIU-IND receiving 112,527 STRs between July 2015 and May 2016. The degree of training and expertise in financial investigations involving transnational crime or terrorism-affiliated groups varied widely among the federal, state, and local levels and depended on the financial resources and individual policies of various jurisdictions. U.S. investigators have had limited success in coordinating the seizure of illicit proceeds with Indian counterparts. While, in the past, intelligence and investigative information supplied by U.S. law enforcement authorities led to numerous seizures of terrorism-related funds, a lack of follow-through on investigative leads has prevented a more comprehensive approach. India continues to comply with international sanctions pursuant to the UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: During 2016, India continued to support efforts to counter violent extremism. Following the naming of a special envoy for counterterrorism and extremism in June 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs in October appointed a senior advisor to curb online radicalization. The Indian government advanced some countering violent extremism efforts, provided tacit support for civil society efforts to counter violent extremism, continued initiatives to provide "quality and modern education" in madrassas, and maintained programs to rehabilitate and reintegrate former terrorists and insurgents into mainstream society. These programs targeted disaffected sectors of Indian society that have been sources of violent insurgency. Indian government officials continued to raise concerns over the use of social media and the internet to recruit, radicalize, and foment inter-religious tensions. In particular, officials expressed concern about ISIS's ability to recruit online, following incidents in which Indians were attracted to join or support the group. International and Regional Cooperation: India is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and participated in GCTF and other UN forums on counterterrorism in 2016. India also used multilateral fora and bilateral visits to highlight terrorism concerns and their impacts. During the 2016 BRICS (a grouping of emerging economies that includes Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa) Summit and the 2016 BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) Leaders' Retreat, India led efforts to produce declarations condemning terrorism and calling for joint efforts to counter it. During visits with Israel, Japan, and the United Kingdom, Indian leaders and their counterparts likewise focused on terrorism issues and counterterrorism efforts. Led by India, the 2016 Heart of Asia ministerial meetings condemned terrorist groups including ISIS, LeT, and JeM for their contribution to terrorist violence in the region. India continued to cooperate with its neighbors on counterterrorism matters. During 2016, India and Bangladesh continued to strengthen their cooperation under their bilateral Coordinated Border Management Plan to control illegal cross-border activities. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Greece Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Greece, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43ca.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In 2016, the Greek government remained a cooperative counterterrorism partner. Senior Greek government leaders have emphasized that counterterrorism is one of their top priorities. In 2016, Greece experienced intermittent small-scale attacks such as improvised explosive device detonations by domestic terrorist groups, although slightly fewer than in the past two years. Generally, these attacks did not appear aimed to inflict bodily harm, but rather sought to make a political statement. The MFA quickly condemned foreign acts of terrorism such as the Brussels attack in March 2016 and has strongly condemned the actions of ISIS. Greece is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and is implementing UN Security Council resolutions 2178, 2199, and the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Greece's two largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, experienced a few small-scale attacks conducted primarily by domestic terrorist organizations, which targeted government officials as well as a European Embassy. On October 11, a bomb was planted on the car of a Korydallos Prison guard parked outside his home overnight. The explosion destroyed the car, although nobody was injured in the blast. No one claimed responsibility for the attack. On October 12, a bomb exploded on the sidewalk near the apartment building where Appeals Court Prosecutor Georgia Tsatani resides. The terrorist group Conspiracy of Nuclei Fire claimed responsibility on October 13 and stated that the Prosecutor was the target. Advance warning was given and police evacuated the area; there were no injuries. On November 10, two individuals threw a grenade at the French Embassy, injuring a Hellenic Police officer guarding the embassy. A little-known group, the "Organization Revolutionary Self-Defense," claimed responsibility for the attack four days later. Hellenic Police, however, are exploring whether various other domestic terrorist groups may have been involved. On December 12, an individual provided advance warning that a bomb had been placed at the Ministry of Labor in downtown Athens. Hellenic Police conducted a controlled detonation of the device in the early hours of the morning. Nobody has claimed responsibility for planting the bomb and no one was injured. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Article 187A of the Greek penal code codifies the terrorism statute. In addition, Article 28 (1) of the Greek Constitution subjects Greek citizens to applicable international laws, to include those related to terrorism. Article 28 (2) and (3) subjects Greek citizens to applicable European Union (EU) Laws, including the EU law against terrorism. The Police Directorate for Countering Special Violent Crimes (DAEEV) is responsible for counterterrorism in Greece. DAEEV attracts highly motivated and educated young police officers. This unit has demonstrated a high capacity to collect information, but it lacks capacity to use the volume of data it collects and to share with other services within the Greek police and Coast Guard. Greece's national ID card is extremely vulnerable to alteration and photo substitution, and it has not incorporated security features, such as a digitized photo and biometrics. To mitigate this vulnerability, police authorities instituted a system in 2015 for conducting electronic checks of civil registry databases to confirm documents submitted as part of the application for ID issuance and checks of national ID databases for passport issuance. The government has further committed to address this vulnerability through the introduction of a biometric national ID. The porous nature of Greece's borders remained of serious concern, particularly as Greece continued to be challenged by the refugee and migration crisis. Six of the attackers involved in the Paris and Brussels attacks were subsequently identified as having passed through Greece. Greece came under intense scrutiny from EU member states, with some Schengen members reinstating border controls until Greece corrects deficiencies in its external border management. To help address vulnerabilities, in May and June, DHS and its component agencies provided a series of trainings to bolster Greek border security efforts. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration provided Insider Threat awareness training and U.S. Customs Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provided traveler screening trainings to more than 100 airport employees, airline officials, and police. ICE also provided training on advanced Fraudulent Document Analysis for investigations to more than 25 Hellenic Police, Hellenic Coast Guard, and Customs officials. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Greece is a member of the Financial Action Task Force, and its financial intelligence unit the Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist financing Commission (HAMLC) is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The Foreign Ministry's Sanctions Monitoring Unit is tasked with ensuring that Greece meets its commitments to enforce international sanctions, including terrorism-related sanctions. The HAMLC, which is essentially an autonomous institution, although nominally under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance, inspected more than 2,530 suspicious transactions through November 20, 2016, but did not report evidence of terrorist financing in Greece. In Greece, terrorist assets remain frozen until the completion of judicial proceedings when a court decision is rendered. Non-profit organizations are not obliged to file suspicious transaction reports; however, all banks through which these organizations conduct transactions are legally obliged to report suspicious transactions of any kind, regardless of the type of entity (for- or not-for-profit), and the government may directly monitor such entities if necessary. FBI trainers provided a terrorism finance training seminar in March 2016 for approximately 20 officers from the Hellenic Police, Hellenic Coast Guard, and Financial Intelligence Unit. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Greek Foreign Minister Kotzias has steadily and publicly voiced support for countering ISIS and condemned its actions. Greece is sensitive to the dangers of radicalization to violence and engages regional partners on the matter. This summer the Hellenic Police through the Center for Security Studies, and with 75 percent EU funding support, organized training on radicalization to violence for police, prison wardens and guards, and customs officers and immigration officials. The training program involved a total of 130 officials from Alexandropoli, Athens, and Thessaloniki, and from the islands of Chios and Lesvos, which have seen the majority of arriving migrants and refugees over the last year. International and Regional Cooperation: Greece engaged constructively on counterterrorism initiatives in international fora and regularly participated in regional information exchange and seminars through such bodies as the United Nations, the EU, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center for Combating Trans-Border Crime, and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Greece participated in international and regional trainings geared to bolster criminal justice efforts to prevent and respond to terrorism. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Germany Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Germany, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43da.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: German law enforcement routinely investigated, arrested, and prosecuted numerous terrorist suspects in 2016. Residents of Germany becoming foreign terrorist fighters abroad remained a significant trend and officials estimated at least 880 residents of Germany have departed for Syria and Iraq since 2012 to participate in those conflicts. The majority are believed to have joined violent Islamist extremist groups. Officials believe that 140 of them died in Syria and Iraq, while roughly one-third returned to Germany. German officials actively investigated returnees for any terrorist threat resulting from their experience abroad and possible desire to continue to support violent extremist causes. Bilateral counterterrorism cooperation with the United States remained excellent. Germany is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and although it does not conduct airstrikes, it provided arms, material support, and training to Iraqi Kurdish security forces; AWACs crews, reconnaissance aircraft, and refueling aircraft to support Coalition air operations over Syria and Iraq; and a frigate to defend a French aircraft carrier from which Coalition air operations are launched. Germany implemented UN Security Council resolutions 2178 and 2199, and upheld obligations under the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Through legislation that criminalizes terrorist finance as well as foreign terrorist fighter travel, Germany sharpened its previous antiterrorism laws. Germany is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and supported the GCTF good practices on foreign terrorist fighters. Domestically, the German government has increased its enforcement efforts to prevent, interdict, and counter foreign terrorist fighter travel and voiced support for strengthening European Union (EU) and Schengen measures. In May, Germany and the United States signed an arrangement to exchange information on known or suspected terrorists. In November, the Bundestag (parliament) approved the 2016 budget with increased spending on law enforcement and domestic counterterrorism intelligence efforts. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On February 26 in Hannover, a Moroccan-German teenage girl stabbed a police officer in the neck, inflicting grievous bodily harm. Prosecutors described her actions as inspired and ordered by ISIS. Upon conviction, authorities imposed a six-year prison sentence. On April 16, three German teenage boys bombed the Sikh Temple in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, injuring three people attending a wedding party. Authorities charged the main perpetrator, along with his two accomplices, with attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, and detonating an explosive. Essen police later told media that the attackers had links with Islamist extremists in northwest Germany. On July 18, a 17-year-old Afghan refugee attacked passengers on a commuter train near Ochsenfurt, Bavaria with a knife and an axe, reportedly shouting "Allahu Akbar," and injuring five people before he was fatally shot by the police. Bavarian Minister Herrmann confirmed that the attacker traveled unaccompanied to Germany, sought asylum, and lived in Ochsenfurt with a foster family for two years. A hand-painted ISIS flag was found in the attacker's room and ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack via social media . On July 24, a 27-year-old Syrian asylum seeker injured 12 people (three seriously) in an Ansbach (west-central Bavaria) suicide mission by reportedly detonating an explosive device in his backpack. The perpetrator had tried to enter an open-air music festival immediately before, but was denied entry. Bavarian Interior Minister Herrmann said the suspect (who had attempted suicide on two previous occasions) arrived in Germany in 2014, received permission to remain in Germany after his asylum claim was rejected in 2016, and had spent time in a psychiatric clinic. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. On December 19, an attacker killed a truck driver, took control of his large truck, and then drove it into a Christmas market in Central Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 people. On December 20, ISIS claimed the attack was perpetrated by "a soldier of the Islamic State" through its propaganda outlet, Amaq. Although the main perpetrator, Anis Amri, was shot and killed in Italy while fleeing Germany shortly after the attack, German authorities continue the investigation and have arrested several other individuals in connection with the attack. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The German government continued to apply its comprehensive counterterrorism legislation, which criminalizes membership in, or support for, domestic and foreign terrorist organizations. The Criminal Code prohibits a range of terrorism-related preparatory actions, including actual or attempted departure from Germany to participate in terrorist training, acquiring weapons or explosives with the intent to commit attacks, and terrorist finance. On July 29, Germany adopted additional counterterrorism legislation ("Improving Information Exchange to Combat International Terrorism"), which authorizes the Federal Police to operate undercover agents for both law enforcement purposes and the protection of public safety; expands data exchanges with foreign intelligence services; authorizes the domestic intelligence service (BfV) to establish and operate joint databases with foreign partners; increases control and monitoring of communications using prepaid mobile phones; and lowers the of age of suspects which the BfV is allowed to track and collect data on from 16 years to 14 years. Germany does not record all entries to or exits from the country; however, it systematically checks all non-EU citizens arriving at airports and is working to institute systematic Schengen border checks of EU citizens. Biometric data is not screened at entry, although Germany participates in the EU Smart Border pilot. Germany only collects fingerprints from Schengen visa holders, which are screened against the EU's Visa Information System. All arriving and departing passengers' passports are manually checked against the INTERPOL Stolen and Lost Travel Document Data Base. Data on suspected terrorists is shared between federal and state law enforcement agencies. German passports and other identity documents incorporate strong security features, but data privacy concerns contribute to German reticence to expand travel analysis systems. Collection and retention of Advance Passenger Information for traveler screening is limited to high threat routes. Germany does not currently use Passenger Name Record (PNR) analysis, but following approval of a new EU-wide PNR Directive is drafting PNR legislation and developing a PNR system. Numerous arrests, prosecutions, and trials in 2016 focused on terrorism, and the Federal Ministry of Justice estimated there were approximately 500 ongoing terrorist cases as of late September with the Federal Prosecutor's Office. Prominent and legally significant cases (that were ongoing at the end of 2016, unless otherwise indicated) included: On July 5, the Federal Public Prosecutor General (GBA) [Generalbundesanwalt] attained an arrest warrant against a 20-year-old Algerian national and suspected ISIS member, suspected of supplying information to Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who planned the November 2015 Paris attacks. He was allegedly trained by ISIS in late 2014, and tasked by Abaaoud in June 2015 to provide information regarding border controls, waiting times, and entry and exit points along the Balkan route during the migrant crisis. In June to August 2015, he allegedly traveled to Syria via Austria, Greece, Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey, where he informed Abaaoud about those borders before entering Germany. The suspect is also believed to have been in contact with Ayoub el Khazzani, who shot at passengers on a train between Amsterdam and Paris in August 2015. On September 13, more than 200 federal and state police (on behalf of the GBA) arrested and searched the homes of three Syrian nationals who allegedly entered Germany in November 2015 (via Greece and Turkey) with the intention of carrying out a previously determined order from ISIS. One is believed to have received training from ISIS in Raqqa, Syria. Prosecutors assert that ISIS provided passports, cash in U.S. dollars "in a high four-figure sum," and mobile phones pre-loaded with a communications program. On October 10 in Leipzig, federal police arrested a Syrian asylum grantee for possession of a large amount of explosives, similar to those used in the 2015 Brussels and Paris attacks. Police alleged that he planned to attack a Berlin airport. Police arrested, as an accessory, another Syrian who had ordered bomb-making items online. In November, the Federal Ministry of Interior (MOI) banned the organization "The True Religion" and its Quran distribution activities as an extremist, anti-constitutional organization seeking to incite violence. In March, police and security services in several states carried out concurrent raids and investigations, and charged at least 140 activists who had traveled abroad to join terrorist groups. On December 7, Germany initiated a trial in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia against three suspects allegedly responsible for a bomb attack on the Essen Sikh Temple in April. The main perpetrator and his accomplices, all minors, are charged with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, and detonating an explosive. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Germany is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and is an observer to numerous FATF-style regional bodies. Germany's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Intelligence Service, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. German institutions filed 29,108 (compared to 25,054 in 2014) suspicious transaction reports in 2015 (the latest figures available), 615 thereof for suspected terrorist financing, up sharply from 2014 (323). The German government has submitted draft legislation to the Bundestag that would move the FIU from the Federal Police to the Ministry of Finance and expand its mandate to allow for better communication with the private sector and in-depth analytical work on terrorist finance risks. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Germany has numerous programs to counter violent extremism (CVE) at both the state and federal levels. On July 13, Federal Interior Minister de Maiziere and Federal Family Minister Schwesig presented the federal government's first comprehensive strategy against violent extremism which aims to better coordinate and evaluate the approximately 700 existing partner programs and organizations receiving federal funding. The MOI budget for CVE projects doubled from six to 12 million euros annually in 2016, and the Family Ministry's "Live Democracy program" budget will double to 100 million euros for 2017, up from 50 million per year in 2015-2016. These two Federal Ministries, together with their state-level counterparts, formed a working group to ensure coordination and more effective support for CVE efforts. The working group meets regularly to compile and disseminate information and best practices. The Federal Ministry of the Interior continued its counter-radicalization assistance center for concerned parents and friends of violent extremists, operated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The center was established in January 2012 and has expanded to include a nationwide telephone hotline. Clients are referred to a region-specific advising partner. The Federal States of Bavaria, Berlin, and Hesse operated state-level counseling and de-radicalization programs implemented by the non-governmental organization, "Violence Prevention Network," focused on counseling for families of radicalizing or radicalized individuals and for the individuals themselves. Violence Prevention Network also implemented CVE programs in prisons in these states. Augsburg, Bavaria, and Dresden, Saxony, are members of the Strong Cities Network. International and Regional Cooperation: As a founding member of the GCTF, Germany supported its capacity-building projects and continued to participate in various multilateral counterterrorism initiatives. German cooperation with regional and international organizations on counterterrorism includes the United Nations, EU, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Council of Europe, the G-7, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, and INTERPOL. Germany is a founding member of the GCTF-inspired International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law. Germany advocated strongly within the EU for improved counterterrorism and border security efforts. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Georgia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Georgia, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43ea.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Georgia, a longstanding member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, continued its strong engagement with the United States across a range of counterterrorism-related issues and remained a solid U.S. global security partner. In August, Tbilisi City Court convicted ISIS fighter Davit Borchashvili to 12 years in prison for being a member of a terrorist organization and participating in terrorist activities. Georgian authorities continued to work toward greater information sharing with U.S. and regional counterparts on security issues. Georgia also made progress implementing a domestic program to counter violent extremism. Press reports suggested that, as of late last year, approximately 50 to 100 Georgian nationals were foreign terrorist fighters in Syria and Iraq. Given Georgia's geographic location, Islamist extremists have transited through the country between the Russian Federation's North Caucasus, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Georgia continued to enhance its counterterrorism legislation in 2016 and now has a substantial legal framework for prosecuting terrorism-related offenses. In line with UN Security Council resolution 2178, the government in 2015 changed its Criminal Code and other relevant legislation to criminalize foreign terrorist fighters and the incitement of terrorist acts. These amendments built on changes to the Criminal Code in 2014 that criminalized participation in international terrorism, recruitment for membership in a terrorist organization, and failing to hinder a terrorist incident. The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has the lead in handling terrorism-related incidents, and is generally well-equipped and well trained. Overall, the government is largely capable of detecting, deterring, and responding to terrorism incidents. While several ministries and offices share policy-oriented counterterrorism roles, SSSG has taken the lead on actionable facets of counterterrorism since splitting off from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2015. Georgia has improved its overall border security, in part due to its goal of attaining visa-free travel to the European Union. Nonetheless, Georgia's lack of control over the Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, its lack of diplomatic relations with Russia, and the country's harsh terrain limited its ability to secure its borders. Law enforcement uses cameras, terrorist watch-lists, and advance passenger name records to help detect potential terrorist movement at ports of entry; however, more comprehensive biometric and biographic screening at ports of entry and the implementation of standard operating procedures for dealing with suspicious individuals would enhance this capability. With significant U.S. support, the Georgian Coast Guard is better equipped to patrol the country's maritime borders, with the exception of Russian-occupied Abkhazia's coastline. The U.S. government continued to enhance the Georgian government's ability to detect and interdict weapons of mass destruction. Georgia shares cross-border terrorism-related information with its southern neighbors Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey through police attaches and working-level interaction at border crossings. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Georgia is a member of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Georgia's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Monitoring Service of Georgia (FMS), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Georgia's amendments to terrorist financing legislation to address shortcomings highlighted in MONEYVAL's 2007 evaluation such as gaps in the terrorist financing offense and poor financial sector supervision came into force in 2014. The government is currently in the process of implementing an action plan for countering money laundering and terrorist financing to further improve regulations and build capacity. In response to recommendations from MONEYVAL and FATF, the government established the Interagency Commission on Implementation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) to coordinate the government's immediate compliance with UNSCR 1373 and the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In 2016, Georgia's continued efforts to prevent radicalization to violence in vulnerable populations remained in the nascent stage. The government continued to direct countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts towards youth in the Pankisi Gorge. The Ministry of Education, for example, worked with local schools in Pankisi to improve Georgian language instruction, civic education, and science classes. The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has improved school gym facilities and set up after-school programs. This past year the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs also introduced national comprehensive youth programs that are partly aimed at CVE. For example, the Youth Politics Development Program offers participation in various cultural events and assistance in career services. The Ministry of Corrections introduced various programs nationwide seeking to rehabilitate inmates, who are continually evaluated during the course of their incarceration for signs of radicalization to violence, to prepare them for reentry into civil society. Programs offered included anger-management, countering stress, continuing education, and career services. International and Regional Cooperation: Georgia is actively engaged on counterterrorism issues at the international, regional, and bilateral levels. Georgia cooperates closely with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and participates in the Defeat-ISIS Coalition and its Foreign Terrorist Fighters Working Group; the Council of Europe Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and its amending protocol; the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation; and the GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova) Organization for Democracy and Economic Development. In 2016, Georgia also participated in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Counter-Terrorism conference in Berlin. Georgia remains the largest troop contributor per capita, the largest non-NATO contributor, and the fourth-largest troop overall contributor, after only the United States, Germany, and Italy, to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan, with more than 870 troops deployed. Koena Mitra has filed a police complaint after she received lewd calls from an unknown number. By India Today Web Desk: Once-upon-a-time actor Koena Mitra is in news. The Musafir actor is the recent Bollywood celebrity to become the target of harassment and obscenity. According to a report in Mid-Day, Koena was harassed over the phone by an unknown person. The Apna Sapna Money Money actor has filed a complaint at the Oshiwara police station in Mumbai. advertisement The complaint says that Koena got calls from almost 40-50 unknown numbers in the past one week. After ignoring them for a while, when she picked up one such call, the caller randomly asked her for a night out and offered money as well. He even abused her. Soon, Koena filed a complaint with Mumbai police. An officer from the police station told the daily, "We have booked the caller under section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of IPC and are investigating the case further." Koena, who has been missing from the limelight for long, was last seen in Aggar. ALSO READ: Koena Mitra shares steamy kiss with Kevin Sorbo in The Story of Naomi ALSO READ: Koena ready to don the producer's hat! ALSO WATCH: Dileep grilled for 13 hours in Malayalam actress abduction case --- ENDS --- Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - France Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - France, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e43fa.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: France remained a key counterterrorism partner of the United States in 2016. It is a longstanding member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, contributing early to the air campaigns in Iraq and Syria. President Hollande renewed his commitment to the fight against ISIS in the aftermath of the July 14 ISIS-claimed terrorist attack in Nice, redeploying the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to support intensified airstrikes against ISIS. France has also deployed approximately 3,500 troops to engage in Defeat-ISIS operations, as well as strike and refueling tanker aircraft. France continued its counterterrorism operations in Libya, Mali, and other parts of the Sahel region. Bilateral arrangements finalized in March and April enhanced already strong cooperation with the United States on exchanging information related to known or suspected terrorists. France continued to face an elevated domestic terrorist threat level in 2016, most significantly from ISIS and ISIS-affiliated individuals. France is the largest European Union (EU) source of foreign terrorist fighters in Iraq and Syria. While the number of French citizens attempting to travel to Iraq and Syria decreased in 2016, officials worry this could increase the possibility of additional attacks on French soil as radicalized individuals choose to act at home, inspired by ISIS messaging. Three significant attacks by terrorists affiliated with or inspired by ISIS claimed 89 lives and wounded more than 400 in 2016. In December 10 public remarks, Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said authorities foiled 17 terrorist plots in 2016. While the January and November 2015 attacks exhibited organizational complexity, minimally-directed attacks requiring little operational overhead presented the greatest threat and caused the most damage in 2016. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On January 7, the anniversary of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks, a man wearing a fake explosive vest and wielding a butcher knife attempted to attack a police station in Paris. Police officers shot and killed the assailant Tarek Belkacem, a 20-year-old born in Morocco before he could injure anyone. Investigators later found on the attacker a handwritten note pledging allegiance to ISIS and justifying the act as a response to the attacks in Syria. On June 13, 25-year-old French citizen Larossi Abballa killed a police officer and his civil servant wife with a knife at their home in the Paris suburb of Magnanville. In a 12-minute video streamed live on Facebook during a standoff with police, Abballa pledged allegiance to ISIS and called for more attacks on police, journalists, and other public figures. Police forces raided the house, killed Abballa, and rescued the couple's three-year-old son, who was unharmed. On July 14, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, a 31-year-old Tunisian national with French residency, drove a 19-ton truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on Nice's promenade, killing 86 and wounding more than 400 during the mile-long rampage. After several attempts by bystanders and police to stop the truck, two police officers shot and killed the driver approximately five minutes after the attack began. Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was armed with a 7.65mm handgun; several replica weapons and an unarmed grenade were reportedly found in the otherwise almost entirely empty rental truck. ISIS's propaganda outlet, Amaq, issued a statement on July 16 describing the attacker as "a soldier of the Islamic State." On July 26, two teenagers wielding knives and a non-functioning pistol killed an 86-year-old priest and wounded a parishioner attending mass at a Catholic church in Normandy. Police shot and killed the two perpetrators 19-year-old French citizen Abdelmalik Petitjean and 19-year-old Algerian-born French citizen Adel Kermiche as they tried to flee the church using the remaining hostages as shields. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, describing Kermiche and Petitjean as "Islamic State soldiers," and later released videos of the two attackers pledging allegiance to the terrorist organization. In early September, French authorities arrested three women suspected of planning an attack on a Paris train station after an earlier failed effort to detonate a car bomb near the Notre Dame cathedral. One of the women arrested reportedly had ties to both the Normandy and Magnanville attackers, and two men arrested in connection with the plot were reportedly linked to ISIS operative Rachid Kassim. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: France has a system of non-jury courts for terrorism trials and a broad definition of what is considered a terrorist offence the so-called "association of wrongdoers" offense which allows it to cast a wide net and imprison a broad range of suspects. Under French law, foreigners can be deported if they are believed to pose a serious threat to public order. France remains under a state of emergency enacted shortly after the November 2015 attacks in and around Paris. The state of emergency was renewed for the fifth time in mid-December and is currently scheduled to expire July 15, 2017. Legislation extending the state of emergency expanded government authorities to monitor phone and online communications, perform warrantless searches, exploit digital media found during these searches, and detain suspects without charge for up to 96 hours, among other measures. Maximum sentences for the crime of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act increased from 10 years to 20 to 30 years. A June 3 law on terrorism and organized crime increased fines and jail time for not sharing encryption methods used in the furtherance of such activity. Visiting violent extremist websites with frequency can now result in a two-year prison term. France has two national security forces: the General Directorate of National Police (DGPN) and the Directorate General of the National Gendarmerie (DGGN), both subordinate to the Interior Ministry. The DGGN is part of the Defense Ministry but the Interior Ministry manages its policing functions. The DGPN is responsible for civil law enforcement and criminal investigations in cities and large towns and is staffed with approximately 150,000 personnel. The General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) combines law enforcement capabilities with domestic intelligence gathering. Since the January 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks, between 7,000 and 10,000 regular French army forces have been deployed domestically to protect sensitive sites as part of Operation Sentinelle. In late November, French authorities arrested five individuals four French citizens in Strasbourg and a Moroccan citizen in Marseille suspected of planning an attack in or around Paris in early December. The arrests were the culmination of a months-long operation by domestic security agency DGSI. France finalized an information-sharing arrangement with the United States that has helped systemize the already strong working-level exchange of information related to known or suspected terrorists. Within the EU, France was instrumental in efforts to push through legislation in April requiring use of Passenger Name Record (PNR) information and a June 10 agreement on stricter arms trafficking controls. Currently only used for select flights originating from higher-threat countries, France aims to have full PNR information coverage by mid-2017. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: France is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and has observer or cooperating status in the following FATF-style regional bodies: the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America, the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering, the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Task Force. France's financial intelligence unit, Tracfin, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units and the Anti-Money Laundering Liaison Committee of the Franc Zone. The French government announced nine new measures in 2015 to counter terrorist financing, several of which went into effect in 2016. The measures aim to limit the size and availability of anonymous and cash transactions, improve tracking of suspicious transactions, enhance due diligence checks, and bolster the capacity to freeze assets (e.g., by extending covered assets to include vehicles). Details on these measures can be found in French Finance Ministry communiques from 2015 and 2016. As of January 1, deposits and withdrawals totaling more than 10,000 (US $10,460) per month are automatically reported to Tracfin. On November 1, Tracfin gained systematic access to France's database of wanted persons, which includes lists of known and suspected terrorists. As of December 1, customs declaration requirements were extended to include any freight shipment of money or securities valued at more than 10,000 (US $10,460) within the EU. In November, Finance Minister Sapin issued a decree to go into effect January 1, 2017 on expanding government authorities to freeze more assets from a wider range of individuals, and constraining the use of anonymous pre-paid cards. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In May 2016, then-Prime Minister Manuel Valls released a unified Plan of Action Against Terrorism and Radicalization. The report's 80 recommendations to ministries and agencies across the French government address the broad scope of the problem, including improving research into the drivers of radicalization, developing reintegration and rehabilitation centers for radicalized individuals, better securing vulnerable sites, and building national resilience to terrorist attacks. The Inter-ministerial Committee for the Prevention of Delinquency and Radicalization (CIPDR) is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the French government's Plan of Action. CIPDR expanded access to prevention and reintegration counseling services through a network of government-supported civil society organizations, and aims to double the approximately 2,200 individuals receiving such services by the end of 2017. CIPDR opened the first residential Citizenship and Reintegration Center in late September, and is tasked with opening others in each of mainland France's 13 regions. Separately, the Interior Ministry, which is responsible for oversight of religious communities, began an effort to reform the organization and financing of France's Islamic institutions. The Foundation for the Islam of France, relaunched in December after more than a decade of dormancy, aims to encourage domestic financing of Islamic institutions and improve the secular-civic education and French language ability of imams working in France. While there is no consensus among government officials, academia, or civil society on a single set of drivers to violent extremism, many cite the lack of credible, influential voices within France's Muslim population capable of directly contesting violent extremist discourse at a local and youth level as a critical gap. The Ministry of Justice announced a reorganization of its approach to handling radicalization to violence in the French prison system in October. The government will use a two-stage approach. Prisoners suspected of radicalization to violence will undergo a four-month evaluation in one of six dedicated units. The most extreme cases will be sent to "violent prisoner units" where they will receive individualized attention and face stricter detention policies, including increased isolation, regular searches, frequent cell changes, and limited access to personal belongings. Lower-risk prisoners will be redistributed throughout the penitentiary system, but will continue to receive supplementary counseling. The Prime Minister's office continued a counter-messaging campaign through the website stop-djihadisme.gouv.fr. The campaign deploys survivor's stories, interactive videos, and information on a toll-free hotline so those who believe a friend or relative is at risk of radicalization to violence can call for guidance and support. Five thousand individuals have been flagged for support services or judicial attention since the hotline opened in 2014. France is a core contributor to counter-ISIS coalition messaging efforts. International and Regional Cooperation: France is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Sworn in in 2013, France's Jean Paul Laborde remained the Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate. France played a strong role on the UN Security Council 1267/1989/2253 and 1988 Sanctions Committees. France supported the development and implementation of the UN Secretary-General's January 2016 Plan of Action for Preventing Violent Extremism and the G-7 Action Plan on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism. The French government undertook joint counterterrorism operations with several EU partners and played an active role in counterterrorism capacity building in other countries, both bilaterally and through the EU. The MFA designated Patrick Maisonnave as its first counterterrorism ambassador-at-large, responsible for coordinating efforts both within the French interagency and with international partners. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Ethiopia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Ethiopia, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e440a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Government of Ethiopia's 2016 counterterrorism efforts focused on fighting al-Shabaab in Somalia and pursuing potential threats in Ethiopia. Ethiopia collaborated with the United States on regional security issues and participated in capacity-building trainings. The Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) partnered in the investigation of an al-Shabaab 2014 suicide attack in Djibouti, agreed to join a Joint Task Force on a terrorism case, and continued law enforcement cooperation with the United States. The EFP also requested an expansion of an FBI-EFP Memorandum of Understanding on information sharing on transnational crime and ISIS. In May, the Ethiopian government denounced ISIS' branch in Libya in response to a video which showed the beheading of 16 Ethiopian migrants; it was the second time in two years Ethiopian migrants in Libya were killed by the group. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Government of Ethiopia uses the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation (ATP), implemented in 2009, to prosecute activities it considers terrorism. It also continued to use the ATP to suppress criticism by detaining and prosecuting journalists, opposition figures (including members of religious groups protesting government interference in religious affairs), and other activists, releasing some, but also making new arrests during the year. For example, the Federal High Court sentenced a blogger in May to more than five years in prison using the ATP. In addition, journalists feared reporting on five groups designated by parliament as terrorist organizations in 2011 (Patriotic Ginbot-7, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), al-Qa'ida, and al-Shabaab), citing ambiguity on whether that might be punishable under the law. The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), which has broad authority for intelligence, border security, and criminal investigation, was responsible for overall counterterrorism management in coordination with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and the EFP. The ENDF, EFP, and Ethiopian intelligence comprise the Ethiopian Task Force for Counterterrorism, a federal-level committee to coordinate counterterrorism efforts. The ENDF, EFP, Ethiopian intelligence, and regional special police worked together to block al-Shabaab attacks in Ethiopia. The NISS facilitated some coordination with the United States on counterterrorism cases in Ethiopia. Border security was a persistent concern for the Government of Ethiopia, and the government worked to tighten border controls with Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Ethiopia conducts traveler screening with the U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) at major ports of entry. The EFP sent officers to several sessions of the Department of State-funded Regional Rural Border Patrol Unit training by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Manyani, Kenya. Ethiopia was the only last point of departure airport from East Africa to the United States in 2016. Given the increased terrorism threat to the international aviation security sector, Ethiopian aviation security officials demonstrated a highly cooperative attitude and keen interest in keeping Ethiopia's aviation sector secure from terrorist threats. Ethiopian aviation security continued to improve with the installation of two Department of State-funded, state-of-the-art passenger screening devices at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in February. Ethiopian security officials also expressed interest in additional training, which would be conducted in coordination with the U.S. government, to bolster counterterrorism security measures at Bole International Airport. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Ethiopia is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. In August 2015, ESAAMLG adopted Ethiopia's mutual evaluation report, outlining the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and deficiencies. Ethiopia's Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) issued a directive that guides the reporting requirements and compliance of designated non-financial businesses and professions with regard to AML/CFT in April 2016. Ethiopia conducted its third and final workshop on the National Risk Assessment for money laundering and terrorist finance in December 2016. Through its AML/CFT legislation, the Government of Ethiopia criminalizes terrorist financing in accordance with international standards, even in the absence of a specific terrorist act; requires the collection of Know Your Customer data for wire transfers; monitors and regulates designated non-financial businesses and professions; and subjects non-profit organizations and religious organizations that collect, receive, grant, or transfer funds as part of their activity to appropriate oversight by the FIC. Ethiopia froze the account of one business entity (amount unknown) under suspicion of having engaged in money laundering and terrorist financing. The FIC routinely distributes the updated UN lists of individuals and entities under CT resolutions to financial institutions electronically. While the country's AML/CFT legislation allows freezing and confiscation of terrorist assets without delay, it also authorizes the Council of Ministers to decide the conditions and time limits for the asset freeze, contradicting the principle that freezes pursuant to UN listings should be indefinite until delisting. Furthermore, weak institutional capacity and lack of technical expertise at the FIC, the Government of Ethiopia's poor recordkeeping, and lack of centralized law enforcement records, hindered the ability to identify and investigate AML/CFT activities. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Although the Government of Ethiopia does not have a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) National Action Plan as recommended by the UN Secretary-General's Preventing Violent Extremism Plan of Action, it has participated in and provided data to inform the development of a regional CVE strategy by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The Ethiopian government adopted strategies and programs to counter violent extremism, the most noteworthy of which was the Growth and Transformation Plan II, a five-year plan that seeks to address the socio-economic factors that terrorists exploit for recruitment. The Government of Ethiopia plans to support IGAD's new Center of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Djibouti to discuss prevention and counter-messaging strategies. Under the Charities and Societies Proclamation, the Government of Ethiopia continued to restrict funding to civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These funding restrictions limit NGO and civil society capacity to engage marginalized communities, conduct outreach through credible leaders, and implement CVE programming that targets at-risk youth. International and Regional Cooperation: The Government of Ethiopia participated in African Union-led counterterrorism efforts as a troop-contributing country to the African Union Forces in Somalia. Ethiopia served as the chair of IGAD and participated in its counterterrorism programs and trainings, including the Security Sector Program, which builds the capacity of criminal justice officials in the region to implement rule of law-based approaches to preventing and responding to terrorism. The Government of Ethiopia also supported counterterrorism efforts in Somalia with the Somali National Army and other regional security initiatives. In multilateral efforts against terrorism, Ethiopia generally supported international directives that sought to stem terrorism, including IGAD's efforts to encourage the dissemination of information concerning cross-border terrorist activity. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Eritrea Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Eritrea, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e441a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Government of Eritrea continued to make regular public statements about its commitment to fighting terrorism. Eritrea also continued and broadened its support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen; it allowed military elements of the coalition to base in Eritrea. In May 2016, the United States re-certified Eritrea as "not cooperating fully" with U.S. counterterrorism efforts under Section 40A of the Arms Export and Control Act, as amended. In considering this annual determination, the Department of State reviewed Eritrea's overall level of cooperation with U.S. efforts to counter terrorism, taking into account U.S. counterterrorism objectives and a realistic assessment of Eritrean capabilities. The Government of Eritrea has been under UNSC sanctions since December 2009 as a result of past evidence of support for al-Shabaab and regional destabilization. UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1907 (2009) and 2013 (2011) continued an arms embargo on Eritrea and a travel ban and asset freeze on some military and political leaders, calling on the nation to "cease arming, training, and equipping armed groups and their members, including al-Shabaab, that aim to destabilize the region." While the Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group's (SEMG's) 2016 report found no evidence that Eritrea is supporting al-Shabaab, the SEMG found that it could not make a determination that Eritrea is in compliance with the requirements of the UNSC resolutions because the Government of Eritrea continued to refuse to allow SEMG inspectors to enter Eritrea. The Government of Eritrea's lack of transparency means there was no clear picture of the methods it used to track terrorists or maintain safeguards for its citizens. For a number of years, members of the police have refused to meet with security officials from western nations to discuss policy matters, although the United States had informal contact with some law enforcement counterparts in 2016. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Eritrea's penal code, grandfathered into its present-day law from Ethiopia's 1957 code, contains a number of statutes that can be used to prosecute various types of terrorist activity, including conspiracies carried out by organized armed groups and the use of bombs, dynamite, explosives, or other methods constituting a public danger. Other sections of Eritrean law are sufficiently broad to apply to terrorism cases, including acts related to offenses against public safety, property, and the state and its national interests. The Government of Eritrea does not share information about its ports of entry, law enforcement actions, and arrests or disruptions of terrorist's activities or prosecutions. Entities including the Eritrean Defense Forces, the National Security Agency (NSA), the police, and Immigration and Customs authorities all potentially have counterterrorism responsibilities. There are special units of the NSA that monitor fundamentalism or violent extremism. Chain of command may work effectively within some security and law enforcement elements, but there are rivalries and responsibilities that overlap between and among the various forces. Whether information sharing occurs depends on personal relationships between and among particular unit commanders. Many soldiers, police officers, and immigration and customs agents, are young national service recruits or assignees, performing their jobs without adequate training. The Eritrean government closely monitors passenger manifests for any flights coming into Asmara and scrutinizes travel documents of visitors, but does not collect biometric data. Government officials lacked the training and technology to recognize fraudulent documents. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Eritrea is not a member or observer of a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Assessing terrorist financing risks in the country is challenging due to Eritrea's general lack of transparency on banking, financial, and economic matters. The lack of basic banking infrastructure, such as credit cards and online banking technology, and the fact that the Eritrean currency is nonconvertible, limit Eritrea's ability to engage in international financial markets. There is no available information to indicate that Eritrea has identified any terrorist assets or prosecuted any terrorist financing cases. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In official meetings and in its public statements, Eritrean officials cited their record in opposing violent extremism and stated their commitment to fighting it in the future. It is unknown whether the Government of Eritrea has established a Countering Violent Extremism National Action Plan. While Eritrea's laws and the public statements of Eritrean officials stressed the importance of preventing violent extremism in Eritrea, the lack of transparency from the government made it impossible to assess whether they have implemented initiatives aimed at prevention, counter-messaging, or rehabilitation and reintegration. International and Regional Cooperation: Eritrea is a member of the African Union and an inactive member of the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism. In 2016, Eritrea continued to increase its military cooperation with the Gulf States and increased its political support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen. Eritrea would like to reactivate its membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); however, Eritrea's return to IGAD is opposed by Ethiopia and Djibouti, both of which had military conflicts and have ongoing border disputes with Eritrea. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Egypt Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Egypt, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e442a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In 2016, the Egyptian government continued to confront active terrorist groups that conducted deadly attacks on government, military, and civilian targets throughout the country. While the overall number of attacks against civilian targets declined through the middle of the year, several high-profile attacks at the end of the year indicate the threat level remains high. Two ISIS affiliates, ISIL-Sinai Province (ISIL-SP) and a distinct group calling itself Islamic State Egypt (IS Egypt), continued to pose a threat. Egypt also faced anti-regime violence from groups, including Liwa al-Thawra and the Harakat Sawa'd Misr (HASM) organization; both have claimed responsibility for attacks in Egypt. The Revolutionary Punishment and Popular Resistance organizations were less active than they had been in the past. While ISIS-affiliated groups likely received some external support and direction, there is no evidence of a significant presence of foreign terrorist fighters in Egypt. President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi remained focused on counterterrorism efforts in Egypt. The Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) continued the counterterrorism campaign against ISIL-SP in North Sinai (known as Operation "Right of the Martyr") to defeat the terrorist threat and prevent the establishment of a terrorist safe haven. The Egyptian government claimed to have killed thousands of terrorists. Rights groups and international media reported allegations that the armed forces used indiscriminate force during military operations that targeted widespread terrorist activity in the northern Sinai Peninsula, resulting in killings of civilians and destruction of property. The government did not report any civilian casualties during operations in the Sinai. (There is no independent confirmation of these allegations as northern Sinai remains closed to U.S. officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the press.) Further, the EAF sustained efforts to seize and destroy tunnels used for smuggling on the border between Egypt and Gaza but at a slower rate compared to last year due to the establishment of a border buffer zone, which significantly reduced tunnel activity in this area. On August 4, ISIL-SP leader Mohamed Fereij Zeyada (aka Abu Doaa Al-Ansary) was killed in an operation south of Sheikh Zoweid. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to be the largest threat facing Egyptian security forces in North Sinai. To circumvent EAF telecommunication jamming, militants developed IEDs that detonate using pressure plates and wire triggers. Egypt is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and its Counter-ISIS Finance Group. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Groups claiming to be affiliated with ISIS and other terrorist groups carried out attacks throughout Egypt, but particularly in the Sinai. Methods included vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, ambushes, kidnappings, and targeted assassinations. The following list is illustrative and details only a fraction of the incidents that occurred. On January 21, security forces raided an apartment in the Haram district of Giza, acting on previously gathered intelligence. When security forces entered the apartment, the occupants detonated a number of IEDs, which caused the death of seven members of the security forces and the injury of others. Both IS Egypt and Revolutionary Punishment claimed the attack. On May 7, assailants attacked a microbus carrying police officers in Helwan, a suburb of Cairo. The perpetrators shot and killed eight police officers. Both IS Egypt and Popular Resistance claimed the attack. On October 23, gunmen shot and killed EAF Brigadier General Adel Rajaie as he left his home in Obour city, just outside of Cairo. Liwa al-Thawra claimed responsibility for the assassination. On December 9, an explosion targeting a checkpoint in the Haram district of Giza killed six police officers and severely injured three others. On the same day, another bombing targeting a police vehicle in Kafr El-Sheikh, in northern Egypt, killed one civilian and injured three police. Both bombs appeared to have been activated remotely. The HASM movement claimed responsibility for both attacks. On December 11, a suicide bomber killed 28 Coptic Orthodox worshipers and injured dozens more at El-Botroseya Church in central Cairo, located adjacent to St. Mark's Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. The Egyptian government accused Muslim Brotherhood fugitives in Qatar of providing financial and logistic support while IS Egypt subsequently claimed the attack and warned of additional attacks to come. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Egypt continued to implement two significant counterterrorism laws issued by Presidential decree in 2015 and ratified by Parliament in 2016: the "Terrorist Entities Law," which established a mechanism for designating organizations or individuals as terrorist entities; and a sweeping new counterterrorism law that significantly increased the penalties for terrorism-related crimes. The law also imposes a steep fine, equal to many times the average annual salary of most local journalists, for publishing "false news" that contradicts official government reports on terrorism, which some civil society organizations worry could be used to stifle dissent and lead to under-reporting on acts of terrorism. In November 2016, the Legislative and Legal Affairs committee of the Parliament planned to discuss an amendment to Egypt's criminal procedures law that would expedite judicial appeals procedures to ensure swift justice in terrorism-related cases; however, these planned changes were delayed. In the wake of the December attack against El-Botroseya Coptic church, the Egyptian government planned to convene a major conference to discuss amendments to the criminal procedures law, including initiatives to allow the Cassation Court to consider cases as soon as they are appealed and issue verdicts quickly instead of referring them for retrial in criminal courts. Several politicians have also called for Parliament to refer all terrorism cases to military courts. The National Security Sector, a division of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), is primarily responsible for counterterrorism functions in the Nile Valley, but also works with other elements of the MOI, the Egyptian General Intelligence Service, and the EAF. There was limited interagency cooperation and information sharing among the various counterterrorism elements within the Egyptian government in 2016. Egypt continued to take actions to improve its border security. At border crossings and airports, Egyptian authorities checked for the presence of known security features within travel documents, such as micro-printing, UV features, and digital schemes. They also scanned and cross-referenced documents with criminal databases that alert them when there is derogatory information present. Egypt maintains a terrorist watchlist with a simple listing provided to Egyptian immigration officials at the ports of entry and detailed information maintained by the security services. In response to the downing of Metrojet flight 9268 in October 2015, the United States issued enhanced screening requirements for cargo flying from or through Egypt to the United States. These restrictions remained in place during 2016. Egypt bolstered security procedures and updated screening equipment at all of its international airports, including cargo screening at Cairo International Airport. Egypt's most significant physical border security concerns were along the borders with Gaza and Libya, although smuggling was also a problem along the border with Sudan. The EAF aggressively sought to destroy underground tunnels that connect Gaza and Sinai. The EAF continued to maintain the de-populated buffer-zone along the border with Gaza, which extends to 1.5 kilometers from the border. Egypt maintained an increased military presence along the Libya border; the government used cargo and passenger vehicle x-ray scanning devices at the Libyan border crossing to inspect traffic traveling both into and out of Egypt. The EAF was also working to procure a suite of mobile surveillance technologies to improve its situational awareness along the border with Libya. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Egypt is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body and also a member of the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Egypt's Financial Intelligence Unit, the Egyptian Money Laundering and Terrorist financing Combating Unit, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The Government of Egypt has shown increased willingness to improve its anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism legal framework. During 2015, Egypt enacted a number of laws to strengthen measures to counter terrorist financing to align with international standards and to enhance its legal framework to identify terrorists and terrorist organizations. Egypt enacted a criminalization system for terrorist financing, in accordance with international standards, and has comprehensive procedures to implement financial sanctions pursuant to the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Egypt remains vulnerable to terrorist financing, however, because of the large informal cash-based economy, undocumented small scale financial transactions, an estimated 90 percent of the population that does not have formal bank accounts, and the proximity to several terrorist organizations such as ISIL-Sinai. The Central Bank of Egypt and the Federation of Egyptian Banks have aimed to promote financial inclusion by incentivizing individuals and small and medium size enterprises to enter the formal financial sector. Additionally, Egypt enacted measures including digitization of government payments, introduction of smartcards, and increased banking services with mini-branches, more ATMs, and mobile phone applications. Despite legislative efforts, smuggling of antiquities and narcotics remained a concern, and exploitation of banking technologies and social media for terrorism funding also remained an issue. For example, ISIL-SP solicited funds using Twitter to finance terrorist activities in Egypt, relying on anonymous prepaid value cards. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Egypt's Dar Al-Iftaa, an official body that issues religious edicts, has taken the lead in establishing a General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide to counter violent extremist religious messaging via religious channels. Dar Al-Iftaa sends scholars to engage communities considered vulnerable to violent messaging; trains new muftis; organizes international outreach and speaking tours throughout Muslim majority countries and the West; publishes books and pamphlets to challenge the alleged religious foundations of violent extremist ideology; runs rehabilitation sessions for former violent extremists; and confronts violent extremists in cyber space. Al-Azhar University is revising its pre-university curricula by removing material that could be misinterpreted to promote violent extremism. Al-Azhar's online observatory monitors, reports on, and responds to extremist messaging and fatwas on the internet. The Ministry of Islamic Endowments (Awqaf) is legally responsible for issuing guidance to which all imams throughout Egypt are required to adhere, including weekly instructions on a provided theme that aims to prevent extremist language in sermons. The Ministry is also required to license all mosques in Egypt; however, many continued to operate without licenses. The government appoints and monitors the imams who lead prayers in licensed mosques, and the government pays their salaries. International and Regional Cooperation: Egypt continued to participate in the Global Counterterrorism Forum, co-chairing (along with the United States) the Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group. Egypt holds a non-permanent seat on the UNSC through the end of 2017, and presides over the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee. It is also a member of the African Union. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Djibouti Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Djibouti, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e443a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Djibouti offered an important platform for regional counterterrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts in 2016. Djibouti continued to contribute troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and its military (Forces Armees Djiboutiennes, or the FAD) and received U.S. assistance to train and prepare for this mission from the Global Peace Operations Initiative through the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program. Djiboutian Brigadier General Osman Noor Soubagleh assumed command of AMISOM in July. Djibouti is home to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an eight-country trade bloc in Africa that includes governments from the Horn of Africa, Nile Valley, and the African Great Lakes. Camp Lemonnier served as headquarters to the U.S. Africa Command's Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and is the only enduring U.S. military installation in Africa. Djibouti's relations with Eritrea, its neighbor to the north, remained hostile after a 2008 border conflict in which dozens of Djiboutian soldiers lost their lives. To the south, Somalia's struggle with al-Shabaab continued to pose a threat Djibouti's security. The Somalia-based al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the May 2014 suicide attack against a popular restaurant in Djibouti City. As a result, enhanced security measures in Djibouti City remained in place throughout 2016. Djibouti's proximity to important waterways, such as the Bab al-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden, make the country a prime destination and transit point for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers fleeing ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. This influx of people taxed the government's resources and revealed vulnerabilities in port and immigration security procedures. The United States supported Djibouti's efforts to build counterterrorism capacities in the areas of border security, investigations, justice sector reform, and countering violent extremism. Djibouti has publicly condemned violent ISIS acts, such as beheadings, as well as the group's focus on recruiting vulnerable youth and its use of Islam to advance its goals. Djibouti works closely with regional neighbors in IGAD to build sustainable institutions to counter radicalization to violence and violent extremism. Recognized by IGAD as being a low threat for home-grown violent extremism, Djibouti is eager to play a leadership role for activities in this field. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Counterterrorism remained a high priority for all Djiboutian law enforcement entities due to Djibouti's geographic location, porous borders, and the 2014 al-Shabaab attack in Djibouti City. Djibouti maintained a system of checkpoints and cordon-and-search operations within the capital city. Djibouti remained focused at border-control points to screen for potential security threats. The government maintained enhanced protection of soft targets, including hotels and grocery stores, which it first implemented after the 2014 attack. Djibouti law enforcement extended vehicle searches throughout the city in an effort coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Djiboutian law enforcement personnel acknowledged the difficulty of securing their land borders, as well as the sea coast. The Djiboutian National Police (DNP) controls border checkpoints and the FAD has responsibility for patrolling land borders in remote locations, with support from the Gendarme patrolling between border posts. Djibouti continued to process travelers on entry and departure with the U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES). While the airport and seaport in the capital remain important entry points, the vast majority of travelers cross into Djibouti by land at one of three land border points, one of which is the Loyada border crossing at the Somali border, which was refurbished with U.S. funding and receives technical assistance through the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program. Djibouti has a legal framework for investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related crimes and bringing terrorism cases to its criminal courts using its penal code. Djibouti's law enforcement organizations routinely interacted with U.S. government counterparts and frequently sought U.S. input to identify potential terrorist suspects. Djibouti's law enforcement organizations include the DNP, the Djiboutian National Gendarmerie, the National Security Judiciary Police (NSJP), and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. Through the Departments of State, Justice, and Defense, the United States provided Djibouti with substantial security assistance and counterterrorism-related training to build critical capacities within its security and law enforcement sectors. In 2016, the DNP, the National Gendarmerie, and the NSJP received training through the ATA program, as well as the International Law Enforcement Academy in Gaborone. ATA assistance focused primarily on building technical capacity for improved crisis response, counterterrorism investigations, and border security capabilities. The DNP, the National Gendarmerie, and the NSJP also received training through the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's Legal Attache office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The United States funds a Resident Legal Advisor based in Addis Ababa who also assists Djiboutian justice sector officials in counterterrorism rule of law issues. Separately, CJTF-HOA provided the FAD with two counter-improvised explosive devices (IED) pre-deployment training programs on how to recognize, find, counter, or avoid an IED for Djiboutian military personnel deploying to Somalia under AMISOM. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Djibouti is not a member or an observer of a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. The Central Bank of Djibouti houses a financial intelligence unit known as the Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU). Given its limited financial and human resources, the FIU has been unable to perform its core functions and instead focused on banking supervision. The FIU made no referrals of cases to law enforcement involving suspected terrorist financing in 2016. The Central Bank of Djibouti places the responsibility for staying updated on sanctions lists with the financial institutions themselves. Many of the financial institutions operating in Djibouti have software packages that include links to the UN sanctions lists and the lists of designated terrorists or terrorist entities from the European Union and the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The Central Bank of Djibouti monitors compliance with these lists through routine supervision and audits of the financial institutions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Djibouti is recognized by IGAD as being a low threat for home-grown violent extremism; IGAD assessed Djibouti's internal terrorism threat as "symptomatic," requiring preventative countering violent extremism interventions. Djibouti is eager to become a regional hub for activities in this field and is host to the new IGAD Center of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, which held its inaugural meeting in October. Djibouti assigned an advisor from the Office of the President in November to IGAD to serve as the Center's Deputy Director. Separately, the Government of Djibouti, via the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, continued to implement a law on state control of mosques to address political activity from mosques and counter the potential for violent radicalization. The law required the conversion of imams into civil service employees and transferred mosque property and assets to the government. International partners, such as Egypt, have offered to train Djiboutian imams at the al-Azhar Institute. International and Regional Cooperation: Djibouti is a member of the African Union, has maintained military forces deployed in Somalia, and has provided the commander of AMISOM since July 2016. Djibouti is also a member of the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism. In April, Djibouti hosted the fifth plenary meeting of the Global Counterterrorism Forum Horn of Africa (HOA) Working Group and the Symposium on Youth and CVE. Co-chaired by the European Union and Turkey, these meetings focused on efforts to strengthen the resilience of youth in the greater HOA region and on the 2016-2017 work plan of the HOA Working Group. In September, the Djiboutian government hosted the IGAD Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on the development of the East Africa Region's Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Strategy at the MFA's Institute of Diplomatic Studies. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Denmark Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Denmark, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e444a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Kingdom of Denmark (which includes the self-governing areas of Greenland and the Faroe Islands) devoted significant assets to counterterrorism programs and initiatives to counter violent extremism, domestically and abroad. Denmark cooperates closely with the United States, the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) on specific counterterrorism initiatives, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). Denmark is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and has contributed strike and support aircraft, including 7 F-16s deployed to Incirlik Air, support personnel at the Coalition regional headquarters, and military trainers to the Coalition. According to the Danish Police Intelligence Service (PET), at least 135 Danish citizens and residents have voluntarily left Denmark to fight in Syria and Iraq since the summer of 2012. PET assessed that those who engage in combat in Syria and Iraq do so primarily as members of ISIS, and that nearly half of the individuals who traveled to Syria and Iraq for combat have returned to Denmark. Danish security services monitored individuals who have departed Denmark for combat and tracked returnees. PET remained concerned that Danish fighters returning to Denmark with terrorist training would seek to radicalize others. Danish security agencies worked together to counter ISIS's attempts to recruit foreign terrorist fighters and prevent terrorist attacks in the country. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Denmark continued to use its 2006 terrorism legislation that allows information sharing between Denmark's two intelligence services, PET and the Danish Defense Intelligence Service (DDIS). The legislation also permits surveillance and wiretapping of terrorist suspects with a warrant. Danish security and law enforcement agencies share information via the PET-administered Center for Terror Analysis (CTA), which as the Danish government's intelligence fusion center constitutes the focal point for reporting from the Danish National Police, PET, DDIS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Danish Emergency Management Agency. The Danish National Police and PET are responsible for the country's counterterrorism mission. These two divisions under the Ministry of Justice coordinate their responses with the DDIS and the Danish Commission on Counterterrorism and Foreign Terrorist Fighters. Denmark's national police force is organized into 14 districts that also include the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Travel to ISIS-controlled areas of Syria or Iraq without permission from the Justice Ministry can result in loss of a traveler's Danish passport, and under newly implemented legislation, individuals who participate in terrorist activities can lose their Danish citizenship if it does not render the individual stateless. Denmark possesses biographic and biometric screening capabilities at ports of entry and readily shares information within its own government and with other countries, as appropriate. Security forces patrol and control Denmark's land and maritime borders. Denmark is a member of the Schengen Agreement. During 2016, Denmark instituted border checkpoints at land crossings and instituted tighter passport travel controls at air and sea ports. When Sweden introduced border controls in January 2016, in relation to the migrant and asylum seeker crisis in Europe, Denmark quickly implemented temporary border controls along its border with Germany to prevent migrants from being "trapped" in Denmark. These controls, which include checks for identification, are authorized through May 2017 and may be extended further. There were no passport controls at land borders or airport terminals servicing Schengen area flights in 2016. Copenhagen International Airport has installed automated passport control gates for travelers departing the Schengen area; travelers arriving from beyond the Schengen area must undergo standard passport control. Other counterterrorism-related actions in the realms of law enforcement and legislation included: In January, a 16-year-old female and a 24-year-old male co-conspirator were arrested and charged for plotting to bomb two schools, one of which was a private Jewish school in Copenhagen. The female reportedly told police that she was inspired by a February 2015 terrorist attack in Copenhagen. In April, Copenhagen police arrested four individuals who had previously fought in Syria; police found weaponry and ammunition during the raid. The incident prompted legislation that limits travel to areas controlled by ISIS or other terrorist groups, and increased criminal penalties for individuals who join or promote terrorism in zones of armed conflict. In May, then Danish Minister of Justice Sren Pind signed the Additional Protocol to The Council of Europe Convention on Prevention of Terrorism, which criminalizes belonging to, organizing for, or traveling or training on behalf of a terrorist group. The agreement includes additional measures to facilitate information sharing between signatory states. In September, Danish courts acquitted four Danish citizens accused of materially supporting the 2015 Copenhagen terrorist attack; the four suspects were found guilty of lesser weapons charges related to the attack. In November, the Danish parliament committed an additional US $9 million to CVE efforts and an additional US $5 million for security infrastructure upgrades to buildings used by the Jewish community in Copenhagen. In December, Danish Parliament adopted legislation that institutes penalties for religious leaders who make verbal or written statements of approval of terrorism, murder, rape, and other acts that are against the Danish Criminal Code. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Denmark is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Its financial intelligence unit (FIU), the Money Laundering Secretariat, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units and cooperates closely with other Nordic FIUs. Danish authorities can freeze assets within hours or days with a valid court order, although the confiscation process requires a full trial and is subject to an appeals process. The Danish government continued an initiative focused on countering money laundering and terrorist financing in East Africa and Yemen. Denmark continued its efforts to build partnerships that teach anti-money laundering and counterterrorist finance techniques to the governments of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen. In October, then Minister of Business and Growth Troels Lund Poulsen introduced legislation to implement the EU's Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Danish Parliament continued funding of the National Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) action plan, which focused on prevention efforts, a de-radicalization exit program, mentoring for at-risk youth, and increased monitoring of internet-based messages and propaganda by groups that advocate terrorism or violent extremism. In October, the government authorized a package of measures that aim to counter radicalization to violence in Denmark. A key piece of the legislation authorizes PET to identify and block terrorist or radicalizing content on the internet. Additionally the legislation funds a dedicated, national-level internet content filter designed to block terrorist content. International and Regional Cooperation: The Danish government is committed to working within the UN framework through the EU, and with other international and regional organizations. Denmark actively participates in the UN, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the EU, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, INTERPOL, the Bern Club, and the EU Counterterrorism Group. In December 2015, Danish voters rejected a proposition to end the country's opt-out from the EU's Justice and Home Affairs area, which would have permitted Denmark to continue to cooperate with Europol after May 2017. The Danish government and the EU negotiated a separate agreement in December that provides Denmark access to Europol information and services through a liaison officer. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Democratic People's Republic of Korea Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e445a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In October 2008, the United States rescinded the designation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as a state sponsor of terrorism in accordance with criteria set forth in U.S. law, including a certification that the DPRK had not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six-month period and the provision by the DPRK of assurances that it would not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Four Japanese Red Army members who participated in a 1970 jet hijacking continued to live in the DPRK. The Japanese government continued to seek a full accounting of the fate of 12 Japanese nationals believed to have been abducted by DPRK state entities in the 1970s and 1980s. In May 2014, the DPRK agreed to reopen its investigation into the abductions, but as of the end of 2016, had not yet provided the results of this investigation to Japan. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: In May, the United States re-certified the DPRK as a country "not cooperating fully" with U.S. counterterrorism efforts pursuant to Section 40A of the Arms Export and Control Act, as amended. In making this annual determination, the Department of State reviewed the DPRK's overall level of cooperation with U.S. efforts to counterterrorism, taking into account U.S. counterterrorism objectives with the DPRK and a realistic assessment of DPRK capabilities. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: In July 2014, the DPRK became an observer, but not a full member, of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. It has been subject to FATF countermeasures since 2011 on the continued concerns about DPRK's "failure to address the significant deficiencies in its [anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT)] regime and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system." Nevertheless, the DPRK failed to demonstrate meaningful progress in strengthening its AML/CFT infrastructure. Similarly, in June 2016, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the DPRK is a jurisdiction of "primary money laundering concern" and released special measures to further protect the U.S. financial system from abuse. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Cyprus Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Cyprus, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e446a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Republic of Cyprus collaborated closely with the United States, the European Union (EU), and other countries bilaterally and multilaterally in international counterterrorism efforts in 2016. Cyprus' counterterrorism partnership with the United States included participation in a Department of State-funded Department of Justice regional program focused on countering Hizballah. The program strengthened the government's understanding of Hizballah and stressed the importance of interagency cooperation in countering all types of terrorism. Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided de facto into the Republic of Cyprus government-controlled area, composed of the southern two-thirds of the island, and the northern third not under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, which is administered by the Turkish Cypriots. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriots declared the northern part to be the independent "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"). The United States does not recognize the "TRNC," nor does any country other than Turkey. The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) patrols the Buffer Zone, also called "the Green Line," which separates the two sides, is largely open to civilian traffic, and remains a significant route for the illicit transit of people, narcotics, and other contraband. The division of the island has impeded counterterrorism cooperation between the two communities and between the Republics of Cyprus and Turkey, which do not maintain diplomatic relations. Given the lack of international recognition, the Turkish Cypriots do not have the legal and institutional framework necessary to counter the financing of terrorism effectively. Within these current limitations, Turkish Cypriots have cooperated in pursuing specific counterterrorism objectives. Cyprus is a partner in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and regularly participates in the Coalition's Working Groups on Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Counter-ISIS Finance Group. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Republic of Cyprus enacted a National Law on Combating Terrorism in 2010 that incorporates EU Council Framework Decisions. Cypriot authorities continued to develop capabilities under the supervision of the National Counterterrorism Coordinator and a specialized counterterrorism squad in the Cypriot National Police's (CNP) Emergency Response Unit. In response to multiple terrorist attacks in Europe, Cyprus enhanced its security cooperation and law enforcement measures. These activities included increased patrols around critical infrastructure and soft targets including popular tourist resorts, cultural sites, and diplomatic facilities. They have also increased security measures and surveillance at border crossing points and along the "Green Line" and Cypriot coast. Cyprus has strengthened passport control at airports and seaports through improved information exchange with Europol and INTERPOL regarding lost and stolen passports and enhanced training for border security officers to identify potential foreign terrorist fighters. Cyprus currently is reviewing its existing legislation to address the requirements set out in UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 2178. Cyprus is also preparing to implement the 2016 EU Directive on the use of Passenger Name Records. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Cyprus's financial intelligence unit, the Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In April 2015, MOKAS started using "goAML," a sophisticated IT system, designed to meet data collection, management, analytical, workflow, and statistical needs of FIUs. This new system enables supervised entities to submit suspicious transaction reports to MOKAS electronically, under the highest security standards. MOKAS has already reported a 25 percent increase in the number of reports filed since the inception of this system, crediting it with simplifying the submission process. In 2016, Cypriot authorities continued conducting a national risk assessment on money laundering and terrorist financing, covering the entire anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) system, including charities. This document will build on a set of AML/CFT reforms, focusing on the financial sector transparency that Cyprus implemented in 2013-2016, in accordance with its IMF assistance program. Cyprus has implemented the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime and informally tracked individuals and entities listed under U.S. executive orders (E.O.), including E.O. 13224. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs circulates updates of UN and EU sanctions lists to relevant authorities as well as the Cyprus Bar Association and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus. Cyprus does not have legal powers in place to apply targeted financial sanctions pursuant to UNSCR 1373, however. Cyprus enacted legislation in 2016 to designate national competent authorities for implementing the EU and UN sanctions regimes and criminalizing infringements ("The Implementation of the Provisions of UNSCRs or Decisions (Sanctions) and Decisions and Regulations of the Council of the European Union (Restrictive Measures) Law of 2016, L.58(I)/2016"). This law also enables the supervisory authorities of the financial and non-financial sector to issue directives to their regulated entities and take administrative measures in case of non-compliance. Cyprus did not identify or freeze any assets pursuant to relevant UNSCRs in 2016. The Central Bank of Cyprus is the supervisory authority for the banking sector, including cooperative societies, electronic money institutions, and payment institutions. Cyprus does not have a significant unregulated informal banking and money transfer system. Predominantly due to low capacity for supervision of financial institutions and company formation, Cyprus remains a major hub for shell company activity. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Cyprus has established a network of first-line officers in the CNP, Social Welfare Services, and Ministries of Justice, Education, and Interior, to exchange information and best practices on identifying radicalized behavior. The government has also established relationships with civil society organizations and municipal authorities to prevent radicalization to violence. Cyprus has continued its participation in the European Commission's Radicalization Awareness Network (RAN), and prison staff participates in the RAN Prison Network of the EU. International and Regional Cooperation: Members of the CNP's Counterterrorism Office participate in the Working Group on Terrorism at the Council of the EU. Cyprus regularly participates in the Police Working Group on Terrorism, the "Dumas" Working Group, the European Expert Network on Terrorism, and the Europol European Counter Terrorism Center, as well as other meetings convened under Europol and INTERPOL. Cyprus has contributed to the Council of Europe's efforts to establish and adopt the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on Combating Terrorism, which addresses foreign terrorist fighters within the framework of UNSCR 2178 (2014). Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Colombia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Colombia, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e447a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Colombia experienced a significant decrease in terrorist activity in 2016, according to Defense Ministry statistics, due in large part to a bilateral cease-fire between government forces and Colombia's largest terrorist organization, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Congressional approval of a peace accord between the government and the FARC on November 30 put in motion a six-month disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process. In contrast to 2015, since August, there has been only one lethal confrontation between the military and FARC forces, resulting in the death of two guerrillas. Anecdotal reports from mayors and military contacts confirmed some FARC members continued extortion activities. Talks between the government and the other major terrorist organization in Colombia, the National Liberation Army (ELN), were announced on October 10. Earlier in the year, President Santos ordered the military to intensify strikes against the ELN to push negotiations, while the ELN continued to conduct kidnappings, assassinations, and bombings. Colombian military statistics show a 94 percent increase over 2015 in the number of ELN members who demobilized. Overall, the number of members of the FARC and ELN who were either killed in combat, captured, or demobilized, decreased compared to 2015. The number of civilian deaths from conflicts with guerilla organizations also decreased significantly. Colombian-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation remained strong. While Colombia has openly condemned ISIS and its objectives, it is not a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Colombian government statistics showed a 55 percent decrease in attacks from 2015. FARC attacks against the Colombian military stopped almost entirely after the June 23 bilateral cease-fire. The ELN continued low-cost, high-impact asymmetric attacks, such as launching mortars at police stations or the military, explosive devices placed near roads and paths, sniper attacks, and ambushes. Among the 2016 attacks, several were notable for their severity or press coverage: In February, the ELN initiated a wave of violence, kidnapping military intelligence official Jair de Jesus Villar from a power plant in Antioquia on February 4, killing a police officer in Cauca on February 5, attacking the military's 18th Brigade in Arauca with cylinder bombs on February 8, bombing the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline in Boyaca on February 9, and throwing grenades that wounded eight police officers in the city of Cucuta on February 10. On May 22, the ELN kidnapped three journalists in Norte de Santander. President Santos launched an 800-strong police search, and the ELN surrendered the journalists to a Catholic Church delegation after six days. From July 3-5, the ELN killed six members of Colombia's security forces: three marines in Vichada, a soldier in Antioquia, and two policemen in Narino. On October 27, the ELN killed two civilian truck drivers in the Arauca, one of Colombia's biggest oil producing regions. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The investigation and prosecution of terrorism cases in Colombia is governed by Section 906 of Colombia's Criminal Procedure Code. The purpose of Section 906 is to develop an evidence-based justice system with a "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard of proof. Most terrorism cases are prosecuted under legal statutes also used for narcotics trafficking and organized crime. The Attorney General Office's specialized Counterterrorism Unit has prosecutors assigned at the national level in Bogota and in conflict-heavy regions. The unit has developed expertise in investigating and prosecuting acts of terrorism with the Attorney General's Technical Criminal Investigative Body, Colombia's National Police (CNP), and the country's military forces. The Attorney General's Office also has specialized prosecutors embedded with CNP anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion units throughout the country to handle kidnapping-for-ransom and extortion cases. Such efforts are now focused on the investigation and prosecution of ELN and other armed groups, as opposed to the FARC. The U.S. Department of Justice, through its International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program, continued to work with the Attorney General's Office and other agencies on the development of a Standards and Training Commission to develop minimum standards for investigators, forensic experts, and criminal analysts. Forensic labs are in the process of securing international accreditation. The CNP has specialized counterterrorism units in the Intelligence, Anti-Kidnapping, and Judicial Police Directorates, all with advanced investigation techniques and crisis response capabilities. Law enforcement units displayed effective command and control within each organization and were properly equipped and supported. Counterterrorism missions are demarcated to a limited extent between law enforcement and military units. No single agency has jurisdiction over all terrorism-related investigations and post-incident response, sometimes resulting in poor information sharing and cooperation. In 2016, Colombian authorities continued to operate military task forces to enhance coordination in countering terrorism. The CNP managed fusion centers to ensure all operational missions coordinated intelligence, investigations, and operations under the command of regional police commanders. Additionally, the National Police Intelligence Directorate continued to operate a 24-hour Citizen Security Center tasked with detecting, deterring, and responding to terrorist attacks, among other crimes. Colombian border security remained an area of vulnerability. Law enforcement officers faced the challenge of working in areas with porous borders and difficult topography plagued by the presence of illegal armed groups and illicit drug cultivation and trafficking. The CNP lacked the manpower to enforce uniform policies for vehicle or passenger inspections at land border crossings. Biometric and biographic screening was conducted only at international airports. The Colombian government does not use advance Passenger Name Records. Of a total force of 184,000 officers, the CNP has 1,577 officers assigned to Customs Enforcement (air, land, and seaports and borders) duties. Colombia remained a transit point for the smuggling of third-country nationals who may seek to enter the United States illegally. Compared to 2015, Colombia saw a 387 percent increase in undocumented migrants in 2016, primarily Haitians and Cubans attempting to transit to the United States. Porous borders with Ecuador and Venezuela facilitated the movements of third-country nationals, and existing maritime narcotics smuggling routes facilitated their onward movement to Central America. While Colombian immigration regularly detained third-country nationals who have entered the country illegally, the entity lacked both the personnel and enforcement authority to adequately respond to possible threats, and the financial resources to repatriate migrants. Colombia continued cooperation and information sharing with the Panamanian National Border Service, while improved relations with neighboring Ecuador led to some increased cooperation on law enforcement issues. Following Venezuela's unilateral border closure in August 2015, the Colombian and Venezuelan governments began to reopen border posts on August 13. On December 12, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro again ordered the closure of the border for 72 hours (which was subsequently extended) in a stated effort to crackdown on currency smuggling. Colombia and Venezuela continued to improve coordinated security and law enforcement efforts, including expanding the Bi-National Joint Command and Control Center to include a Bi-National Center for Fighting Transnational Organized Crime, increasing troops along the border, and considering proposals for maritime and fluvial cooperation. Significant actions against terrorism in 2016 included: Jairo Alirio Puerta Pena (aka Omar Cunado), a FARC member allegedly linked to massacres in Choco in 2002 and Antioquia that left hundreds of civilians dead, was sentenced in June to three years and six months in prison for the crime of aggravated rebellion. On June 25, three ELN members were killed and a fourth arrested when the Colombian military staged a rescue operation to free a kidnapped businessman in Choco. On September 21, authorities captured ELN members Daniel Andres Molina and Gonzalo Vega in Santander. Vega is believed to be the commander of the Martha Cecilia Pabon commission of the ELN's Ephraim Pabon Pabon Front. Authorities seized two pistols, 91 cartridges, and one radio. Law enforcement cooperation between Colombia and the United States remained strong. Evidence sharing and joint law enforcement operations occurred in a fluid and efficient manner. Colombia continued to participate in the State Department's Antiterrorism Assistance program, which provided instruction and resources to assist Colombia in building advanced, self-sustaining CNP capabilities to secure borders from terrorist transit, to investigate terrorists and terrorist incidents, and to protect critical infrastructure. Colombia continued to establish itself as a regional provider of law enforcement and counterterrorism training, particularly with regard to anti-kidnapping efforts and dignitary protection. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Colombia is a member of the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Colombia's Financial Information and Analysis Unit is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Colombia stands out as a regional leader in the fight against terrorist financing, and has become a key part of a regional financial intelligence unit initiative aimed at strengthening information sharing among Latin American countries. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2016/vol2/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The passing of a peace accord with the FARC initiated a disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process allowing potentially 15,000 FARC combatants and militia members to disarm through June 2017. The accord calls for the establishment of a reincorporation council to determine protocols and institutional arrangements for the reintegration of ex-combatants. The council was formally constituted December 20; however, it is not yet certain what institution will lead the reintegration process. Colombia continued to employ a modern, multi-agency approach to countering radicalization to violence and violent extremism, with a focus on encouraging individual members and entire units of the FARC and ELN to demobilize and reintegrate into society. In 2016, the number of ex-combatants successfully graduating from the Colombian Reintegration Agency's comprehensive program reached more than 15,000 ex-combatants. The number of FARC members who demobilized decreased, while the Colombian military reported an increase in ELN demobilizations and surrenders. Demobilization and reintegration programs provide medical care, psychological counseling, education benefits, technical training, and job placement assistance for demobilized combatants. To receive benefits, demobilized combatants must check in monthly with program managers. In contrast to last year, due to the peace talks, which included a comprehensive demobilization plan, the Colombian military ended a messaging campaign to promote desertion within the FARC. International and Regional Cooperation: Colombia is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum and is actively involved in the United Nations, the Organization of American States and its Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, the Pacific Alliance, and the Union of South American Nations. The CNP operates an INTERPOL office of approximately 90 analysts, agents, and support staff. Colombia also led the creation of the American Police Community (Ameripol) in 2007, and helped found the Latin American and Caribbean Community of Police Intelligence in 2005, whose Technical Secretariat is based in Bogota. Colombia is a leader in providing security training and assistance to other countries in the region. The CNP and military continued to operate schools that train security personnel from around the region. In 2016, Colombia conducted 107 security trainings for thousands of non-Colombian individuals on citizen security, crime prevention and monitoring, military and police capacity building, anti-kidnapping, anti-extortion, hostage negotiation, and cybersecurity training. Colombia also provided judicial training to regional judges and prosecutors handling drug trafficking and terrorism cases, offered basic and advanced helicopter training to pilots from countries throughout Latin America, and maintained its elite Lancero and Jungla Special Forces courses open to students from other countries. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - China (Hong Kong and Macau) Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - China (Hong Kong and Macau), 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e448a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In 2016, China's government continued to list terrorism as one of "three evils" along with religious extremism and separatism, which threaten domestic stability. China's counterterrorism efforts focused primarily on the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), an organization that advocates independence for the Uighurs, China's largest Muslim ethnic minority. In the past year, Chinese authorities have escalated security and surveillance in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). China's first comprehensive counterterrorism law came into effect on January 1, 2016. This law explicitly endorses China's longstanding counterterrorism efforts, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish from suppression of individuals and groups, most often ethnic Uighurs, who the Chinese Communist Party deems politically subversive. There were also indications that ISIS was beginning to pose a threat to China in 2016. An ISIS song published in Mandarin called for Chinese Muslims to take up arms against China because of its religious suppression. The Chinese government reported that some Chinese citizens have joined ISIS and other terrorist organizations in the Middle East, and are concerned these foreign terrorist fighters could return to China with increased skills. As a result, China has attempted to prevent some of its citizens from traveling to Syria, Iraq, and Central Asia. Counterterrorism cooperation between China and the United States remained limited. In 2016, the United States hosted the third bilateral Counterterrorism Dialogue with China and the second expert-level exchange on Countering Improvised Explosive Devices. Chinese law enforcement agencies generally remained reluctant to conduct joint investigations or share specific threat information with U.S. law enforcement partners. Chinese law enforcement officials also did not respond to requests for information about state media-reported arrests and operations. This lack of transparency complicated efforts to verify details of terrorism and other violent acts inside China. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: The Chinese government reported a drop in terrorist incidents in XUAR in 2016, although it continued to allege that ETIM attempted to carry out attacks in China or direct violence through its online propaganda. The lack of transparency and detailed information provided by China about alleged terrorist incidents in China greatly complicated efforts to confirm the nature of the alleged incidents. In addition, requests by U.S. law enforcement officials for information on terrorist incidents from Chinese officials went largely ignored. Violent incidents labeled as terrorist attacks in China and against Chinese interests in 2016 included: In August, a car driven by suicide bombers exploded after ramming the gates of the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek, The Kyrgyz Republic, injuring three locally employed staff, but no Chinese nationals. In September, a local police chief was killed and other officers injured during a home raid when explosives were detonated in Hotan, Xinjiang, according to Western and Hong Kong media. In December, four terrorists detonated explosives at a government building in Xinjiang, killing one and injuring three others, according to Western and Hong Kong media. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Counterterrorism measures enacted in 2015 that intensified enforcement, surveillance, and security throughout the country continued in 2016. These measures increased inspections at all main transportation hubs, including bus and train stations, railways, airports, and ports. The measures also included an enhanced and expanded video and data surveillance network. Chinese law enforcement and security forces in Xinjiang conducted violent raids and unannounced house searches, and carried out body searches and mobile phone searches in public venues, according to international and Chinese state media sources. In addition to these counterterrorism measures, the National People's Congress passed the country's first counterterrorism law on December 28, 2015, to "provide legal support for counterterrorism activities, as well as collaboration with the international community." The law, which took effect on January 1, 2016, broadened China's definition of terrorism beyond internationally accepted definitions and intensified the scope of its counterterrorism measures. The law further made provisions to establish a counterterrorism intelligence center to better coordinate terrorism response and information sharing across government agencies. The law also required foreign firms to provide technical and decryption assistance to Chinese authorities as part of terrorism-related investigations. The legislation stipulated measures on internet security management, inspection of dangerous materials, prevention of terrorist financing, and border controls. Other provisions under the new law include: the Central Military Commission's ability to authorize the People's Liberation Army to perform counterterrorism operations abroad; punishment of news media that report counterterrorism operations without approval from government authorities; greater cooperation with international counterterrorism bodies; protection for overseas Chinese citizens; deletion of terrorism-related audio and video material from the internet; strengthened border controls; and edicts to eliminate "religious extremism," including the "education and transformation" of terrorist offenders using "authentic" religious teachings. In July, XUAR became the only provincial-level government to pass specific implementing measures for the counterterrorism law. These XUAR implementing measures banned "instigating, encouraging, or enticing a minor to participate in religious activities," proscribed the wearing of clothing that "advocate's extremism," and prohibited the "distortion of the concept of halal" or "distorting sensitive cases." The XUAR's regional law-making body also threatened fines up to US $72,700 for spreading news or information through social media or websites that could harm "stability" or "religious harmony" more broadly. We refer you to the State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for further information. In December, the XUAR People's Congress adopted amendments to its border management regulations, tightening rules for individuals crossing to and from neighboring countries and granting local authorities the power to close border crossings to address "defense management, counterterrorism, and stability maintenance needs." Countering the Financing of Terrorism: China is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. The Chinese government has strengthened preventive measures to counter terrorist financing, such as making suspicious transaction reports more comprehensive. Based on current law enforcement investigations, the United States is concerned that China does not adequately control terrorist financing. Chinese law enforcement claims to have limited ability to freeze funds and investigate banking transactions. Additional concerns include: a lack of guidance for designated non-financial businesses and professions; underdeveloped procedures for individuals and groups who seek to be delisted from domestic sanctions; and inadequate regulations defining the rights of bona fide third parties in seizure and confiscation actions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/. Countering Violent Extremism: China does not have an official strategy or program explicitly designed to counter violent extremism. China has stated, however, that policies that promote economic growth and increased official presence in rural communities would help address the drivers of terrorism in the XUAR. The government implemented a number of other programs aimed at "stability maintenance," many of which promote cultural assimilation in the XUAR and place restrictions on the practice of Islam. For further information, please see the Department of State's 2016 Report on International Religious Freedom. Regional and International Cooperation: China continues to promote the United Nations and the UN Security Council as the primary international fora for counterterrorism while continuing to engage in other multilateral bodies, including the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Counter-Terrorism Working Group and the Global Counterterrorism Forum. China also held bilateral counterterrorism dialogues with Egypt, India, Indonesia, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, Chinese Vice-Minister of Security Meng Hongwei was elected president of INTERPOL for a four-year term during the November 2016 INTERPOL General Assembly. China remains engaged in counterterrorism efforts in Central Asia, conducting bilateral and multilateral joint exercises with regional neighbors and through frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperative Organization, comprising China, Kazakhstan, The Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In July, the militaries of China and Russia held joint counterterrorism exercises in Moscow, according to Chinese official media. In October, China and Tajikistan held four days of counterterrorism exercises involving a mobile company of Chinese soldiers in Tajikistan. In September, China announced plans to assist in strengthening the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border to bolster counterterrorism efforts. In August, China held the inaugural meeting of the Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism in Counterterrorism with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Hong Kong Hong Kong continued its effective security and law enforcement partnership with the United States through the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department's successful joint implementation of the Container Security Initiative, participation in U.S. government-sponsored training in port and border security, and engagement with U.S. counterterrorism agencies. Counterterrorism remained an operational priority for the Hong Kong Police Force, as demonstrated by existing policies on prevention, protection, and preparedness. The Police Security Wing coordinates potential terrorist threat information with relevant counterterrorism units. The Police Counterterrorism Response Unit provides a strong deterrent presence, assisting police districts with counterterrorism strategy implementation, and complementing the tactical and professional support of existing police specialist units, such as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, the Special Duties Unit, the Airport Security Unit, and the VIP Protection Unit. Hong Kong is a member of the FATF and the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a FATF-style regional body. Hong Kong's Joint Financial Intelligence Unit is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Terrorist financing is a criminal offense in Hong Kong, and financial institutions are required to continuously search for terrorist financing networks and screen accounts using designations lists provided by the United States under relevant authorities, as well as the UN Security Council (UNSC) 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida and 1988 (Taliban) Sanctions Committees' lists. Hong Kong was in the process of making legislative amendments to its United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance (UNATMO) to adequately comply with UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1373 and UNSCR 2178. Filing suspicious transactions reports irrespective of transaction amounts is obligatory, but Hong Kong does not require mandatory reporting requirements for cross-border currency movements. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Hong Kong's strategic trade regime complements U.S. efforts to restrict commodities, software, and technology transfers to terrorist organizations or individuals. Hong Kong law enforcement officers attended U.S. government-sponsored capacity-building training at the International Law Enforcement Academy on advanced post-blast investigations, personnel and facility security, law enforcement techniques to counterterrorism, and financial investigations. Select Hong Kong police officers also attended Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies courses and Department of Defense-sponsored conferences. Macau Macau's counterterrorism cooperation with the United States included information exchange, as well as capacity building through participation in U.S. government-sponsored training. The Police Intervention Tactical Unit (UTIP), which falls under the Macau Public Security Police Force, is responsible for protecting important installations and dignitaries, and for conducting high-risk missions, such as improvised explosive device deactivation. UTIP's Special Operations Group's mission is counterterrorism operations. Macau law enforcement officers have attended U.S. government-sponsored capacity-building training at the International Law Enforcement Academy on personnel and facility security, financial and crime scene investigations, countering terrorism, computer investigations, and evidence protection. Macau is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a FATF-style regional body. Macau's Financial Intelligence Office is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In response to FATF recommendations, the Macau government has introduced a bill on the cross-boundary transportation of large quantities of currency and bearer negotiable instruments to the Legislative Assembly (LA). In November, the Macau government introduced to the LA an amendments bill to existing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism laws. Terrorist financing is a criminal offense in Macau, and banks and other financial institutions are required to continuously search for terrorist financing networks and screen accounts using designations lists provided by the United States under relevant authorities, as well as the UNSC 1267/1989 ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida and 1988 (Taliban) Sanctions Committees' lists. Filing suspicious transactions reports irrespective of transaction amounts is obligatory, but Macau does not currently require mandatory reporting requirements for cross-border currency movements. Regarding the amendments to existing countering the financing of terrorism laws mentioned above, the Macau government has proposed widening the scope of identifiable criminal offenses, extending the definition of terrorist financing to include any type of economic resources, assets and property, and products or rights that can be converted into funds to finance terrorism. Macau's first asset-freezing law, which complies with the UNSCR on fighting terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, became effective on August 30, 2016. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Macau cooperated internationally on counterterrorism efforts through INTERPOL and other security-focused organizations. By PTI: Lucknow, Aug 2 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today said his government will not tolerate any callousness on the part of officials and will take stern action against those found guilty. He directed officials to work towards improving the law and order situation in the state. "The governments policy on corruption is of zero tolerance...," Adityanath said while reviewing the law and order and development works in all the districts of the state through video conferencing. advertisement He also asked for completion of development works within stipulated time frame so that people could get their full benefit. The Chief Minister said the government has already made known its resolve on law and order and development works and it will not tolerate any laxity on the part of the officials and the employees. PTI SAB AQS GVS AQS --- ENDS --- Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Chad Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Chad, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e449a.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Government of Chad continued to prioritize counterterrorism efforts at the highest level; however, the worsening financial crisis affected its ability to meet even basic financial commitments, such as paying police and military salaries. Although financial hardships have limited the country's ability to provide external counterterrorism assistance in Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, Chad engaged in major external military operations in 2016 in neighboring countries. Chad continued to provide combat forces to the Lake Chad Basin Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which also includes Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria. This follows Chad's contribution in 2013 to Operation Sabre, French intervention in northern Mali, and its ongoing contribution to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Attacks in Chad by Boko Haram (BH) fell in 2016 from 2015, likely due to an increased and proactive security force presence by the Government of Chad and the MNJTF, community support for Chadian forces, and a split within BH. In 2016, there were four reports of terrorist attacks resulting in casualties, all within Chad's Lake Region. These attacks consisted of two personnel-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting civilian populations in January that resulted in three people killed and 56 injured in the towns of Guite and Miterine; one road-based IED (target unknown); and minor conflicts between military and BH elements in August and September. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Government of Chad passed counterterrorism legislation on August 5, 2015, although it was unclear if anyone had been prosecuted under this law. Law 034/PR/2015 explicitly criminalizes terrorism and provides penalties for those convicted of terrorist acts. It imposes the death penalty on any person who commits, finances, recruits, or trains people for participation in acts of terrorism, regardless of where the act was intended to be carried out. The law extended the pre-trial detention period to 30 days, renewable twice on authorization from the public prosecutor. Penalties for lesser terrorist offenses were increased to life imprisonment. Some civil society organizations expressed concern that the law was overly restrictive, required little evidence to prosecute individuals, and could be used to curtail freedoms of expression and association. The Government of Chad faced a significant backlog of terrorism cases pending in the judicial process, which has led to more-than-usual overcrowding of prisons. While Chadian law enforcement units displayed basic command and control capacity, the Director General of the Chadian National Police requested more training in investigations, crisis response, and border security capacity. All 22 police brigades perform counterterrorism functions. Law enforcement leadership professed publicly the requirement for all law enforcement officers to respect human rights. In practice, however, there were reports the government or its agents committed arbitrary and unlawful killings, including by torture, and impunity was an issue. The Director General of the police has worked to improve the Chadian National Police, including through information sharing across other governmental security agencies. The Government of Chad continued to operate at a heightened level of security and has instituted screenings at border-crossings to prevent infiltration by members of BH and Central African militias, as well as transit of illegal arms, drugs, and other contraband. Border patrol continued to be provided by a combination of border security officials, gendarmes, police, and military. Chad continued to screen travelers using the U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) at major ports of entry. Chad continued its participation in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program. In 2016, several hundred additional police officers attended ATA training in both Chad and the United States, and received additional equipment specifically designated for counterterrorism units within the Chadian National Police. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Chad is a member of the Task Force on Money Laundering in Central Africa, a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Chad's financial intelligence unit, the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Chad criminalized terrorist financing through the 2003 adoption of an anti-money laundering/counterterrorist financing (AML/CFT) law drafted by the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa. The law allows immediate freezing and confiscation of terrorist assets and requires a variety of organizations involved in financial transactions to monitor money/value transfers and report any anomalies (the law does not appear to list non-profit organizations specifically within the list of organizations required to comply). It provides for compilation, updating, and distribution of United Nations sanctions lists, but does not stipulate a timeframe for their designation. The government also requires Know Your Customer rules for both foreign and domestic transactions. ANIF, which falls under the authority of the Ministry of Finance and Budget, is tasked with ensuring public and private financial institutions in Chad implement the AML/CFT law. It investigates suspicious transactions brought to its attention by financial institutions and refers cases to the Attorney General's office in the Ministry of Justice and Guardian of the Seal and Human Rights for further action and prosecution. ANIF works closely with the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration, the Antiterrorist Unit of the National Police, the National Police, the Directorate of Customs and Excise, and the Central Bank. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Although the Government of Chad does not have a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) National Action Plan, it remained concerned about the threat of violent extremism within its borders. The government consistently identified the primary driver of violent extremism as lack of economic opportunity, which is exploited by violent extremists who target vulnerable populations. The Chadian government also remained particularly concerned about the influence of Salafist imams and theologies, as well as funding from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern charities and states. In the past, the government has revoked the legal charters of what it identified as Salafist-leaning associations and religious organizations. The number of Chadians joining terrorist organizations was low in 2016. Chadians who joined BH or ISIS-West Africa appeared to come mostly from the Boudouma ethnic group in the North of Lake Chad. Therefore, it seems familial or economic ties to current members of the groups provided the strongest incentive to join the group. Separately, there was evidence of a few individuals self-radicalizing through social media and propaganda, most recently with an individual apprehended in December. The Chadian government created an Office of Religious and Traditional Leaders, within the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Local Governance, to spearhead its CVE efforts, but this office remained new and skeletal and has not demonstrated strong leadership on any matters. The Government of Chad continued to use its five-year development strategy as its primary tool to prevent and counter violent extremism. Of particular relevance for the Government of Chad is a focus on education, vocational training, and job placement, which it believes are key tools to address violent extremism. Alongside its five-year development strategy, it also has a National Strategy for Social Protection, which is a pillar of its non-military efforts to counter violent extremism. Auspiciously, this year, more than 1,000 individuals previously associated with BH returned to Chad. Disillusionment with BH and unmet expectations of how their lives would change were suspected reasons. Efforts to encourage defections and returnees among the Bouduma people around the lake were mostly informal. At year's end, no known national strategic messaging or alternative narrative strategy was in place. Moderate messaging was broadcast over 16 community radio stations and one state-operated radio station under a U.S. Agency for International Development project to counter violent extremism. The project also funded the creation of a moderate, Arabic-language newspaper to provide an outlet for expression among Muslim youth. International and Regional Cooperation: Chad chaired the African Union and held the G-5 Sahel presidency in 2016. Chad remained active in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership and was a member of the Lake Chad Basin Commission; it participated in the Commission's effort to develop the MNJTF and deployed a contingent of 700 troops along the Lake Chad border to prevent infiltration by BH. Chad has also cooperated actively with Cameroon and Nigeria in operations to counter the threat of BH in its border regions, and continued to work with Sudan on the joint border commission the two countries established in 2012 to better control the Chad-Sudan eastern border. Chad continued to host the French government's Operation Barkhane, a successor to Operations Serval and Epervier, formerly based in Mali and Chad, respectively. In November, Chad and Algeria signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation in security areas. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Canada Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Canada, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e44a4.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In 2016, Canada played a significant role in international efforts to detect, disrupt, prevent, and punish acts of terrorism. Canada and the United States maintained a close, cooperative counterterrorism partnership, and worked together on key bilateral homeland security programs such as the Beyond the Border initiative and the Cross Border Crime Forum. Canada made important contributions to the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the Global Initiative to Counter Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), and Canadian diplomacy supported global efforts to prevent radicalization, counter violent extremism, and promote stability and the rule of law. Canada rigorously implemented UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) 2178 (2014) and 2199 (2015), monitored financial flows to counter terrorist financing, and implemented GCTF good practices on foreign terrorist fighters. The main terrorist threats in Canada are from Canada-based violent extremists inspired by terrorist groups such as ISIS and al-Qai'da and their affiliates and adherents. Canada has made important contributions to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS over the past year. Although Ottawa withdrew its six deployed CF-18s from the effort in February, its two Aurora surveillance aircraft and one refueling aircraft remained in theater and Canada has tripled its contribution of Special Operating Forces which have been advising and assisting Kurdish Peshmerga in their efforts to recapture territory from ISIS. Canada has also provided significant humanitarian assistance to ISIS-impacted communities, including by accepting more than 39,000 Syrian refugees over the past year. Canadian law enforcement and security services are working to prevent the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to Iraq and Syria. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Canada experienced two terrorist incidents: On March 14, Ayanie Hassan Ali attacked Canadian soldiers at a military recruiting center in Toronto. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) formally charged him with three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, three counts of assault using a weapon, and one count of carrying a weapon dangerous to the public, all for the benefit of a terrorist organization. On August 10, Aaron Driver was killed outside his home in southern Ontario by police officers while he was attempting to carry out a terrorist attack after he released a video pledging allegiance to ISIS. Driver was subject to a peace bond from earlier in 2016, which directed he not associate with any terrorist organization, including ISIS. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Canada's legal framework includes significant penalties for committing terrorist acts, conspiring to commit terrorist acts, financing terrorism, and traveling abroad to engage in terrorism. Canada still faces; however, a significant challenge in prosecuting individuals who have traveled abroad to engage in terrorism, due to the difficulty in proving association with terrorist organizations or having committed specific terrorist acts. Traveling abroad to commit acts of terrorism is a violation of Canadian federal law. Current measures in place enforcing those laws include: peace bonds, which could involve the denial of passport applications or revocation of valid passports of Canadian citizens suspected of traveling abroad or aspiring to travel abroad to commit acts of terrorism; and the maintenance of a watchlist of individuals (both citizens and non-citizen residents) flagged for potential involvement with terrorist organizations. In 2016, the following legislative activity impacting Canada's counterterrorism efforts included: Bill C-6 ("An act to amend the Citizenship Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act") was passed by the House of Commons on June 17, and awaits its second reading in the Senate. The bill was introduced in February to amend the Citizenship Act to remove the grounds for the revocation of Canadian citizenship that relate to national security. Bill C-22 ("An Act to establish the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts") was in the reporting stage in the House of Commons. In June, the government introduced the bill which seeks to establish the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and to define its composition and mandate. Bill C-23 ("Preclearance Act, 2016") awaits its second reading in the House, where it has been dormant since June 2016. When signed, it would implement the March 2015 Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance and provide U.S. officers with powers to facilitate preclearance with the caveat that the exercise of any such power would be subject to Canadian law. Bill C-51 ("Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015") was put out for public comment to fulfill an election campaign promise to amend "objectionable elements," but no action had been taken before the end of 2016. Canadian government entities shared legally available terrorism-related information with U.S. counterparts in a timely, proactive fashion. Prosecutors worked in close cooperation with specialized law enforcement entities that use accepted investigative, crisis response, and border security techniques. Canadian federal law enforcement entities have clearly demarcated counterterrorism missions and maintain working relationships with their provincial and municipal counterparts as well as with elements of the Canadian Armed Forces. Canada's border security network uses travel document security technology, terrorist-screening watchlists, biographic and biometric screening capabilities at ports of entry, information sharing between host government entities and other countries, and collection of advance passenger name record information on commercial flights to safeguard its borders. Canada and the United States have established border security collaboration under the auspices of the Beyond the Border initiative as well as within the framework of the Cross Border Crime Forum and other ongoing law enforcement exchanges. Canadian security forces maintain patrols to secure the country's land and maritime borders, with the Border Enforcement Security Task Forces and Integrated Border Enforcement Teams serving as models for effective cross-border law enforcement collaboration and capacity-building agencies. Canada continued to develop a traveler redress policy and process. Canada conducted numerous law enforcement actions against terrorists and terrorist groups over the past year. The most significant were: On March 26, Kevin Omar Mohamed, who was subject to peace bond restrictions, was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and for possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace. On March 29, he was charged with participating in the activity of a terrorist group over a two-year period. Mohamed was also accused of traveling to Turkey in April 2014 to join al-Qa'ida's affiliate in Syria, al-Nusrah Front, a listed terrorist entity in Canada. On December 5, Tevis Gonyou-McLean, a Muslim convert originally from Ottawa, was charged with allegedly threatening to bomb Ottawa's police headquarters and issuing death threats. He had been arrested in August on RCMP fears he would engage in terrorism. He was not charged at the time, but was placed under a peace bond. He was subsequently rearrested on November 5 for breaching the conditions of the peace bond. There are some deterrents to more effective Canadian domestic law enforcement and border security, most of which include privacy and disclosure issues. The United States and Canada signed a new Tip-Off US-CAN (TUSCAN) arrangement following Prime Minister Trudeau's March 2016 visit to Washington, but the implementing protocols for the arrangement have not been developed. The development of a TUSCAN governance document continued at year's end. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Canada is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a FATF-style regional body. Canada also has observer or cooperating status in the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America. Canada's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, and is responsible for detecting, preventing, and deterring money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities. Canada is also an observer in the Council of Europe's Select Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures. Canada has rigorous detection and monitoring processes in place to identify money laundering and terrorist financing activities. Canada implements the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime; criminalizes terrorist financing in accordance with international standards through implementation of UNSCRs 2178 and 2199; freezes and confiscates terrorist assets without delay; monitors and regulates money/value transfer and other remittance services; requires collection of data for wire transfers; obligates non-profits to file suspicious transaction reports and monitors them to prevent either misuse or terrorist financing; and routinely distributes the UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions list to financial institutions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, we refer you to the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The RCMP National Security Community Outreach program promotes interaction and relationship-building with at-risk communities. The Department of Public Safety's Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security fosters dialogue on national security issues between the government and community leaders, including diaspora groups. The government at all levels: federal, provincial, and municipal continued to work with non-governmental partners and concerned communities to counter violent extremism through preventative programming and community outreach. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety was awaiting the appointment of a Special Advisor for its newly established Office of Community Engagement and Countering Radicalization to Violence and was financing a Community Resilience Fund to assist at-risk communities with US $900,000 per year. International and Regional Cooperation: Canada prioritizes collaboration with international partners to counter terrorism and international crime and regularly seeks opportunities to lead. Canada is a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum and co-chairs with Algeria its Sahel Region Capacity-Building Working Group. Canada remains active in numerous international fora dealing with counterterrorism, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the UN, the G-7, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Commonwealth, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, and the Organization of American States and its Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism. Canada makes major contributions to GICNT, while its diplomacy supports efforts to prevent radicalization, counter violent extremism, and promote the rule of law overseas. Global Affairs Canada maintains a Counterterrorism Capacity Building Program, which provides training, funding, equipment, and technical and legal assistance to states to enable them to prevent and respond to a broad spectrum of terrorist activity. Examples of activities supported by Canadian counterterrorism assistance include: border security; transportation security; legislative, regulatory, and legal policy development; human rights training; law enforcement, security, military, and intelligence training; chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear and explosives terrorism prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery; detection and prevention of terrorist financing; cyber security; and the protection of critical infrastructure. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Burundi Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Burundi, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e44b21.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Burundi continued its commitment to addressing terrorism through maintaining a six battalion contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Burundi's land and water borders are porous and, therefore, pose significant border security challenges. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Burundi has provisions in its penal code defining forms of terrorism. Sentences for acts of terrorism range from 10 years to life imprisonment if the act results in the death of a person. The Judicial Police are responsible for terrorism investigations. A small counterterrorism unit, formed in 2010, consists of elements of the Burundi National Police, the Burundian National Defense Force, and the Burundi National Intelligence Service. The unit lacks significant capacity to prevent and respond to terrorist acts. Burundi's judicial system was characterized by a dearth of professional personnel and resources, incompetence, corruption, and a significant backlog of cases. Burundi screens travel documents at official border crossings; however, it does not use biometric screening capabilities, such as fingerprint or retinal scans. Deterrents to more effective law enforcement and border security included corruption, resource constraints, limited judicial capacity, lack of training, and heavily trafficked, difficult to control borders. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Burundi is not a member of a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body; however, it is an observer of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group. While the government has created counterterrorist financing laws, it has yet to commit funding or provide training on the new laws. Therefore, implementation was inconsistent. There were no terrorist finance cases in 2016. Burundi's anti-money laundering/counterterrorist finance regime is incomplete. It does not include regulatory requirements or supervision of money/value transfer services, precious metal and jewelry dealers, real estate agents, exchange houses, non-profit organizations, the informal financial sector, and money service businesses. Know Your Customer practices are implemented regularly in the formal financial sector, but very few people in the country have access to the formal banking sector. Each local commercial bank operation is recorded within the bank's system and the banks exchange information with their foreign correspondent banks through their compliance officers. Banks are not asked to share this information with the Government of Burundi's financial intelligence unit. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. (Burundi has not been included in the INCSR since the 2014 edition.) International and Regional Cooperation: Burundi is an inactive member of the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism. Burundi contributed six battalions to AMISOM. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Cameroon Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Cameroon, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e44b4.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Countering terrorist threats, particularly Boko Haram (BH), remained a top security priority for the Government of Cameroon, and the government continued to work with the United States to improve the capacity of its security forces. Cameroon has contributed significantly to the growth and evolution of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF). 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Boko Haram continued to take advantage of weaknesses in Cameroon's border security to conduct a number of terrorist attacks in the country's Far North Region, including targeted killings and kidnappings of Cameroonians, and raids on villages, fields, and livestock. A representative sampling of incidents over a two-month period follows: On March 16, a villager was killed in Nigue, Fotokol, during a BH incursion. On March 24, BH entered the village of Zourou and killed the village chief. On March 25, a security force vehicle rolled over an improvised explosive device (IED) on the Amchide Ganse road. One soldier was wounded and one died. On April 1, 12 BH members armed with assault rifles took over the village of Tolkomari at 11:00 p.m. and began searching houses for Vigilance Committee (VC) members. They found and killed one VC member. On April 3, five villagers were beheaded in Sandawadjiri during a BH attack. On April 8, BH assailants attacked a security force outpost in Tolkomari, but were repelled. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The December 2014 law on terrorism and certain provisions of the penal code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Military Justice Code were used to prosecute acts of terrorism. These include sanctions for efforts to undermine state authority, threats to public and individual safety, destruction of property, threats to the safety of civil aviation and maritime navigation, hostage taking, and the use of firearms and explosive substances. The Law for the Fight Against Terrorism, adopted in 2014, confers the death penalty for those found guilty of carrying out, abetting, or sponsoring acts of terrorism, including any activity likely to incite revolt in the population or disturb the normal functioning of state institutions. The bill was controversial, and members of the political opposition claimed that the definition of terrorism was too broad and could be used as a tool for political repression. Such criticisms have continued, but have become more muted in the face of increased terrorist attacks in the Far North of the country. Faced with BH's shift towards suicide bombings and security challenges at its borders with Nigeria and the Central African Republic, the Cameroonian government increased coordination and information sharing among law enforcement, military, and intelligence entities, including the General Delegation for External Research, the National Army, the Rapid Intervention Unit, and the National Gendarmerie. In 2016, Cameroon continued to receive U.S. capacity-building training to improve its counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts, including programs on the civil-military response to terrorism and the legal aspects of defense. The United States sent military personnel to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations as part of the fight against BH. These measures supported improvements in Cameroon's ability to detect and respond to BH in general and terrorist attacks specifically. Cameroonian forces have become decisively more effective at combatting BH and have seen significant battlefield successes. Combined security forces, including civilian vigilance committees, blunted the sustained suicide bombing campaign that BH began in 2015, although occasional bombing incidents occurred. Security forces have secured some areas of the Far North Region to the extent that a limited number of internally displaced persons are returning to their places of origin. Despite progress, BH still conducts sometimes weekly attacks on villages, primarily in search of supplies. In 2016, Cameroon installed a U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) biometric screening system to cover all entering and departing travels at the international airports in Yaounde and Douala. Cameroon continued to issue regional biometric passports aimed at providing enhanced security for residents of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States zone. In response to terrorist incidents, Cameroon reinforced its border security by establishing more control posts and deploying additional military units, including the Rapid Intervention Battalion, to the Far North Region of the country. Out of concern for instability and the security vacuum along its eastern border created by the redeployment of troops to the northern front, Cameroon recruited new border security personnel and deployed them along the border with the Central African Republic. The government significantly improved screening procedures at maritime ports and saw a corresponding increase in arrests of criminals and seizure of illicit goods. The capacity of security forces to patrol and control all land and maritime borders remained limited, however, due to inadequate staffing and resources, leading to some uncontrolled border crossings. Cameroonian security forces continued to receive training via the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance and Counterterrorism Partnership Fund programs. Trainings included courses on community policing, intelligence-led policing, countering IEDs, and crime scene investigation. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Cameroon is a member of the Central African Action Group Against Money Laundering (GABAC), a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Through its membership in GABAC, Cameroon has adopted a legislative architecture to implement anti-money laundering and financial supervision actions. Although the government has no existing legislation or procedures to domestically designate terrorists, Cameroonian law allows for the automatic adoption of relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including the UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Cameroon's financial intelligence unit, the National Financial Investigation Agency, processes suspicious transaction reports, initiates investigations, and is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. There were no reports, however, of prosecutions or convictions for money laundering in 2016. Under existing legislation, any person convicted of financing or using financial proceeds from terrorist activities would be sentenced to death. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, we refer you to the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Government of Cameroon does not have a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) National Action Plan, as recommended by the UN Secretary-General's Preventing Violent Extremism Plan of Action, but officials at all levels acknowledge radicalization to violence as a significant concern and potential threat and say they integrate CVE concepts into their work and planning. Officials from a variety of agencies and ministries have attended U.S.-funded CVE training, and the government has requested additional training. Cameroonian authorities have taken a series of measures to counter violent extremism, including forming partnerships with local, traditional, and religious leaders to monitor preaching in mosques. The Government of Cameroon partnered with faith-based organizations, such as the Council of Imams and Religious Dignitaries of Cameroon (CIDIMUC) to educate citizens on the dangers of radicalization to violence and violent extremism and to promote religious tolerance and present religion as a factor for peace. This objective was furthered through targeted messaging in mosques, special prayer sessions, and press releases, as well as through roundtable discussions and conferences bringing together people from various religious backgrounds. One of CIDIMUC's strategies has been to work to improve the living conditions of imams. Government officials and other interlocutors point to historically poor or limited governance in the Far North region, deteriorating infrastructure, and perceptions of limited or decreasing opportunity as key drivers of violent extremism. Cameroon has a tradition of coexistence, although there are some sectarian tensions. Resource pressures in the Far North arising from large numbers of internally displaced peoples moving into areas with already limited resources, closure of cattle markets as a result of fighting, and restriction of traditional trade routes is placing increasing pressure on communities, leading to some fracturing of traditional bonds of tolerance and coexistence. International and Regional Cooperation: Cameroon is a contributing and active member of the Lake Chad Basin's MNJTF, and it contributes forces to this effort. A Cameroonian general commands the MNJTF's sector one, and Cameroonian security forces are active participants in unilateral internal and regional joint combat operations against BH and ISIS. Cameroon is active in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. Cameroon actively participates in African Union and United Nations counterterrorism-related activities, and its military schools train soldiers and gendarmes from neighboring countries. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Burkina Faso Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Burkina Faso, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e44c15.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Following historic national elections that brought President Roch Marc Christian Kabore to power in late 2015, Burkina Faso's new government took office January 13, 2016. Just days later, a soft target terrorist attack on a cafe and hotel occurred in Ouagadougou, revealing shortcomings in the government's crisis response plans. The past year has seen a significant uptick in terrorist activity, including numerous cross-border attacks, although it was not always clear which terrorist organization was responsible. Many of these incidents remained under investigation, with no prosecutions before the end of 2016. Events of the past two years, including the extra-constitutional step taken by the former Presidential Security Regiment to hold the then-transitional government hostage, in addition to the increase in violent attacks, have continued to demonstrate the need for broad security sector reform. Recommendations from a security sector reform commission established in December 2015 were never made public, and, in the past year, the country has not seen significant changes either in the structure or leadership of any of its security services. Further, the Burkinabe government appears to have largely rejected recommendations made in a UN evaluation of security sector reform priorities. Burkina Faso's overall willingness to engage in regional counterterrorism and stability operations was made possible primarily as a result of approximately US $30 million over the past four years that was provided to its security forces through the Department of State's Africa Peacekeeping Program (AFRICAP) II, Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance contracts, the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), and National Defense Authorization Act Section 2282 funding initiatives. Attacks on security forces and a kidnapping in 2016, combined with attacks in neighboring countries, have bred a sense of insecurity and fear amongst the population. In response to this insecurity, the Burkinabe military has taken steps to address the need for increased coordination and communication between members of the Burkinabe armed forces and its citizens. In the summer of 2016, for example, the armed forces partnered with the United States to host a security symposium with community members and civil society from the affected regions. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Burkina Faso suffered its most deadly year related to terrorist incidents in 2016. Incidents included: On January 15, there was an attack on Cafe Cappuccino and Hotel Splendid in Ouagadougou; 30 were killed and 70 wounded. On January 16, a Western couple was kidnapped in Djibo. There were also several cross-border attacks on security forces. These included Tin Akoff (January 15, two deaths), Koutougou (May 18, two wounded), Intangom (May 31, three deaths), Markoye (September 1, two deaths, three wounded), Intangom (October 12, four deaths, two wounded), and Nassoumba (December 16, 12 deaths, four wounded). Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Burkina Faso's Counterterrorism Strategy, Mission de Securitization du Nord, strives to address terrorist activities along its northern border. To accomplish this, in January 2013, Burkina Faso operationalized and deployed a joint Army-Gendarmerie counterterrorism task force known as the Groupement des Forces Anti-Terroristes (GFAT). Attributable to multiple peacekeeping operation deployments, this force, which originally had projected end strength of 1,000, has consistently been at a level of approximately 500 troops. Burkina Faso augmented the GFAT with additional troops after the October 12 attack in Intangom. In addition to the ongoing Mission de Securitization du Nord, the Burkinabe military plans to counter terrorist activity more effectively by building a more capable Army unit in its northern 1st Military Region. Consistent with the country's low national Gross Domestic Product, however, the military lacks funding. Building a capable force will require international assistance. Burkina Faso's legal system struggles with a lack of resources and coordination to detect, deter, and respond to terrorist incidents. In November, the Burkina Faso Council of Ministers passed a draft law on the establishment, organization, and functioning of a judicial process specializing in counterterrorism. Burkinabe security and law enforcement officials continued to cite border security as a major area of concern. Burkina Faso continued to screen travelers using the U.S.-provided Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES). Host government security forces actively sought training from the United States and other countries, occasionally receiving refresher training from multiple sources on the same topic. U.S. assistance included workshops on cross-border security, crisis management, criminal justice procedures, and training on the prosecution of terrorists through the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Burkina Faso is a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, a Financial Action Task Force-style body that is part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In 2016, Burkina Faso enacted the uniform West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism law, and also passed 11 other laws to improve its framework. As of 2016, however, Burkina Faso continued to experience challenges operationalizing the mechanisms of its National Committee on Administrative Freezing, which has not yet achieved functionality; implementing UN Security Council resolution 1373. Its financial intelligence unit (FIU), Cellule Nationale de Traitement des Informations Financieres (CENTIF), comprises magistrates, police, gendarmerie, and financial experts under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The Government of Burkina Faso has a three-year (2014-2016) strategy for fighting financial crime, but due to recent political uncertainty, much of this strategy has not been implemented. Furthermore, although Burkinabe law enforcement has the will to improve its ability to counter terrorist financing, it lacked the necessary resources and experience. Burkina Faso worked on developing a special court for terrorist financing, and in recent years it has placed CENTIF under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. There are some laws in place that help the work of CENTIF, such as a requirement for local banks to report large deposits. Other laws and customs make their task difficult. Burkina Faso is a cash society, making money difficult to track. Also, an agreement between West African countries for the free movement of people and goods allows individuals uninhibited entry to and exit from Burkina Faso with any amount of money. Burkina Faso therefore remains at risk of money laundering and terrorist financing and faces threats emanating from criminal activities and insecurity in the Sahel region. Its capacity to respond to these threats remained insufficient, although the Government of Burkina Faso continued to cooperate with regional and global counterterrorism efforts. Records exchange with countries outside of WAEMU is possible via bilateral agreement, and CENTIF was open to exchanging information with counterpart FIUs on a reciprocal basis, which it has done in several cases. Burkina Faso has not incorporated the WAEMU directives on money laundering and terrorist financing into its national law, however. Additionally, it has yet to fully demonstrate the effectiveness of its terrorist assets freezing regime, has not adopted procedures for the declaration of cross border currency movement, and is slow to move prosecutions of financial crimes through its court system. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Burkina Faso did not have programs to rehabilitate or reintegrate terrorists into mainstream society in 2016. Three TSCTP grants were provided to build community resilience. One grant fielded seven volunteers in the Sahel region to work with community members to raise awareness about violent extremism and engage youth in activities to strengthen a community identity. The second was to build awareness and create a "see something say something" network. The third funded regional filmmakers with short productions that will be viewed in rural communities as part of a film caravan. Regional and International Cooperation: Burkina Faso increased its collaboration with the United Nations on counterterrorism matters and participated in international fora, such as the GCTF's Sahel Working Group. Burkina Faso was a member of the TSCTP, was active in ECOWAS, and is a member of the G-5 Sahel group (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger) that was created in February 2014. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bulgaria Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bulgaria, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e44d13.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: The Government of Bulgaria continued to extradite suspected foreign terrorist fighters from Bulgaria and launched a trial against three alleged Syrian foreign terrorist fighters as well as two suspected accomplices in the 2012 Burgas bus bombing. The Bulgarian government has worked to enhance its terrorism prevention and enforcement tools by adopting new and comprehensive counterterrorism legislation, and releasing a counter-radicalization strategy and national plan. The United States and Bulgaria continued to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation through the Bilateral Counterterrorism Working Group established in 2015. The group, comprising representatives of multiple U.S. and Bulgarian agencies, facilitated the signing of a memorandum for continuous training of Bulgarian counterterrorism special forces. In September, Bulgaria presented the United States with a comprehensive list of priorities and projects to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fight against violent extremism and foreign terrorist fighters, and in November both countries signed an Implementing Agreement to the Bulgaria-U.S. Preventing and Combating Serious Crime Agreement, which would make use of DHS's Secured Real-Time Platform. As part of its bilateral counterterrorism cooperation proposal to the United States, Bulgaria proposed to create a regional research and analysis network on foreign terrorist fighters and radicalization to violence. Bulgaria envisions a network of NGOs, academics, and security services from throughout the Balkans taking part in this effort. Bulgaria is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and has repeatedly responded to requests for assistance, including providing weapons and munitions to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Bulgaria prosecutes terrorism under several general provisions of the penal code, which has been amended multiple times since it was first enacted in 1968. In 2015, the National Assembly adopted amendments to the penal code that provide for the prosecution of individuals, including foreign terrorist fighters, who support, plan, and facilitate the commission of terrorist acts in Bulgaria and abroad. In 2016, the Bulgarian National Assembly approved new counterterrorism legislation which provides a legal mechanism for a whole-of-government response to terrorist threats. The bill defines three levels of terrorist threat and four levels of response readiness. The Council of Ministers provides overall guidance on counterterrorism activities and adopted a counterterrorism strategy and a national plan. The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), which is part of the State Agency for National Security (DANS), will serve as a data hub and will supply all competent agencies with information necessary to prevent and intercept terrorist threats on a 24-hour-a-day basis. The bill also regulates the role of the military forces in counterterrorism activities, and delineates the cooperation between the central and local governments. Amendments to the legislation were adopted providing the military with powers to search individuals, their vehicles, and possessions; to check IDs; to enter homes in the owners' absence; and to arrest or use physical force and arms if needed, to prevent or deal with the consequences of a terrorist act. The Ministry of the Interior has operational units responsible for deterring, detecting, and responding to terrorist incidents, including the Specialized Unit for Combating Terrorism, Security Police, and Special Police Forces, which receive support from a U.S. Special Operations Forces Liaison Element. DANS has intelligence-gathering units responsible for counterterrorism. DANS also houses the NCTC, which is designed and capable of being an interagency body during crisis incidents. Specialized law enforcement units are generally well-equipped and supported with relevant training, but their focus has been primarily on Sofia, while other regional centers lack resources. In 2015, the specialized court for organized crime and its prosecutors' office received jurisdiction to prosecute and try all terrorist cases in the country. The court is working to develop expertise in handling these types of cases. After the terrorist attacks in Paris (2015) and Brussels (2016), Bulgaria tightened its border control rules and screened all travelers at the border crossings. Within the European Union (EU), Bulgaria shares Advanced Passenger Information appearing on the biographical data page of passports. Based on bilateral police cooperation agreements, Bulgaria also shares this type of information with non-EU countries for law enforcement purposes on an as-needed basis. In February, Parliament passed legislation that provided the legal basis for the establishment of a Passenger Information Unit (PIU). The PIU will collect and share the data an airline receives from a traveler to book and manage travel. The same legislation also obliges air carriers to provide data to the PIU. The government approved funding for the necessary equipment, and the PIU was in the process of staffing it with analysts from DANS and the Interior Ministry. Bulgaria also received 160 million (US $166 million) from the EU for border security enhancement. U.S. government agencies continued to work closely with Bulgarian counterparts through a variety of counterterrorism programs aimed at enhancing Bulgaria's capacity and capabilities. The Department of State partnered with Bulgaria to implement key programs in the areas of border security, aviation security, and interagency cooperation. In March, the United States provided planning assistance and participated in a city-wide crisis exercise that simulated attacks on public venues and transportation and the specific targeting of U.S. citizens, including U.S. embassy personnel. In May, the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program offered training on interviewing terrorist suspects and, in October, provided guidance to the NCTC on fulfilling its goal of becoming a true interagency counterterrorism fusion center. In May, the FBI provided terrorist screening training to Bulgarian NCTC personnel. Bulgaria has benefited from several Institute for Law Enforcement Administration training programs focused on airport interdiction, law enforcement leadership and development, and personnel and facility security. The United States also conducted a Passport and Visa Fraud training course. As part of its bilateral cooperation agreements with the United States, Bulgaria sought to acquire facial recognition software, handheld explosives-detection devices, and other resources to expand its capacity to secure its border and detect transiting foreign terrorist fighters. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Bulgaria is a member of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Bulgaria's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Intelligence Directorate (FID) of DANS, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units and has primary responsibility for the supervision of reporting financial institutions and other entities. The Bulgarian National Bank also has a Special Supervision Directorate to investigate banks for compliance with money laundering and terrorist financing requirements. Bulgaria criminalizes terrorist financing largely in accordance with international standards, although current legislation does not cover the full list of offenses. Although adequate legislation is in place, the procedures to implement UN Security Council resolutions 1267 and 1373 remain cumbersome, and border control and customs are not clearly authorized to retain assets upon suspicion of terrorist financing. Since there is no publicly available information on terrorism-related assets frozen or seized, it is hard to assess the effectiveness of Bulgaria's process. In April, the parliament passed amendments to the Measures against the Financing of Terrorism Act, introducing a direct application of United Nations (UN) sanctions made under UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Since April, Bulgaria has added five new persons (foreign nationals) to its national list of persons subject to counterterrorist financing measures. Thirty-one reporting entities, including banks, real estate brokers, and financial and exchange houses, are required to file regularly with FID currency transaction reports for all transactions valued at more than US $17,000. In 2016, FID/DANS received 22 suspicious activity reports related to terrorist financing from domestic reporting entities and 23 reports from foreign entities. The information remained under review at the end of the year. There are penalties (administrative sanctions) for non-compliance and enforcement is generally good. Bulgaria requires the collection of Know Your Customer data for wire transfers. All non-governmental organizations are obliged to report suspicious transactions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: At the end of 2015, a new government strategy and action plan on countering radicalization to violence and violent extremism was approved by the Council of Ministers. The strategy aims to strengthen existing government counterterrorism efforts by involving all possible agencies and by optimizing interagency coordination. The strategy spells out mechanisms for improved cooperation with civil society, business organizations, local communities, and religious leaders. According to Bulgaria's draft action plan, the government will have a national program by 2020 for members of violent extremist groups to disengage, de-radicalize, and be rehabilitated. Further, the National Assembly passed amendments criminalizing "radical Islam" at the bill's first reading. The second reading had not taken place before the end of 2016. The Grand Mufti of Bulgaria has been a voice of tolerance and moderation, and has stressed that government efforts must complement community CVE efforts. International and Regional Cooperation: Bulgaria is a member of and active contributor to counterterrorism initiatives at the UN, EU, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Belgium Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Belgium, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45020.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Since the terrorist attacks of March 22, the Belgian government has been working through a list of reforms to bolster its ability to investigate and prevent future terrorist attacks. Despite allocating an additional 400 million (US $ 415,740,000) for counterterrorism and CVE efforts in 2016, however, Belgium still faced resource and institutional constraints. Belgium's complex, highly-decentralized government structure has hampered information sharing and cooperation among different levels of government. It has also contributed to uneven results in integrating migrant communities into mainstream Belgian society. For several years, Belgium has taken an active approach to identify, disrupt, and decrease the flow of its relatively large foreign terrorist fighter problem. Several legislative changes helped fulfill many UN Security Council resolution 2178 obligations. In February, Belgium was the site of the inaugural U.S.-led Foreign Terrorist Fighter Surge Team designed to: identify new avenues of bilateral cooperation; assist in efforts to identify, disrupt, and decrease foreign terrorist fighter flows; and to promote greater domestic and international cooperation. In 2016, the Belgian government created a centralized foreign terrorist fighters database to allow all Belgian law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share identities of known or suspected foreign terrorist fighters; the database contained approximately 800 names at the end of 2016. Belgian authorities reported approximately 450 Belgians have traveled to Iraq and Syria as foreign terrorist fighters, although the number of foreign terrorist fighter departures has been steadily decreasing. The number of both departing and returning foreign terrorist fighters has slowed, raising concerns that radicalized individuals may have made the choice to remain in Belgium to commit violent acts. Since the Charlie Hebdo and kosher supermarket attacks in Paris in January 2015, the standard operating procedure has been to detain returning fighters until their cases can be assessed on an individual basis. Those who have not been connected to criminal acts overseas and who are believed to pose no risk of radicalizing others are generally released, but remain subject to additional monitoring by police and social service professionals. Belgium is an active member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and participates in several of its working groups. Belgium currently deploys six F-16s in air operations in Syria and Iraq (in cooperation with the Netherlands), and its Special Forces are helping train Iraqi security forces as well as supporting, advising, and assisting them. Belgium also provided a frigate to escort the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group in support of French Defeat-ISIS operations, and has contributed approximately 120 personnel in support of missions that include air-combat and air-combat support. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: On March 22, suicide bomb attacks at Brussels National Airport (Zaventem) and at the Maelbeek metro station killed 32 and wounded more than 300. On August 6, two police officers in Charleroi were wounded in a machete attack at a police station; the attacker was shot and killed by a third officer. On October 5, two police officers were wounded in a knife attack in a park in Schaerbeek; the attacker was shot and wounded by a third officer. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Of the 30 counterterrorism measures proposed by the Government of Belgium since January 2015, 18 have been fully implemented, nine have been partially implemented, and three have yet to be implemented. Of the nine that are partially implemented, three are the subject of ongoing debate in Parliament (Passenger Name Record, pre-paid cards, revision of Article 12 of the Constitution), three have seen no legislative action but are already standard practice (detention of returnees, exclusion of hate preachers, and dismantling of unrecognized places of worship), two are moving through an administrative review to determine the exact parameters of a successful implementation (screening for sensitive jobs and extension of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, which uses optical character recognition on images to read vehicle registration plates), and one has been funded but is experiencing staffing and administrative problems (the Canal Plan, explained in the CVE section, below). Although implementation of these 30 measures has been slower than originally hoped, the Government of Belgium has steadily pushed forward to address what it deemed legislative and administrative vulnerabilities. Belgium plays a significant role in international efforts to disrupt, prevent, detect, and punish acts of terrorism. The United States and Belgium maintained a close, cooperative counterterrorism partnership, collaborating on key bilateral homeland security initiatives. The primary actors in Belgian law enforcement are the Belgian Federal Police (BFP) and its multiple counterterrorism units, the Civilian and Military Intelligence Services, Office of the Federal Prosecutor, and the Crisis Unit. The interagency Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis plays an analytic threat assessment role, particularly with regard to foreign terrorist fighters, and advises the Government of Belgium on setting the national threat level. The Belgian National Security Council also plays a significant role in the intelligence and security structure. Belgian law enforcement and intelligence services disrupted several terrorist plots in 2016, including planned attacks targeting the EuroCup, a multi-national military installation, nightclubs in Brussels, and key international diplomatic personnel. A Joint Investigative Team (JIT) between the Belgian Federal Police (BFP) and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation was formed on April 22, and a second JIT was formed in October. The purpose of these JITs is to speed up intelligence sharing between law enforcement and the United States to prevent future attacks and to better identify and disrupt terrorist networks. The cooperation has resulted in several arrests, the disruption of active terrorist plots, and the solidification of the criminal cases against the March 22 attackers. Belgian law enforcement faces several impediments to more effective counterterrorism efforts including relatively light sentences after conviction, the inability to enter into plea agreements with defendants, the inability to task sources for active collection, the lack of empowerment for law enforcement officers (they can only do what the Investigative Judge directs them to do), and an overburdened court system that results from the lack of plea agreements. Belgium was in the final stages of codifying the European Union (EU) Passenger Name Record (PNR) directive into Belgian law. Once Parliament approves, the legislation must be published in the official journal and then a royal decree drafted and signed. The Belgian PNR team was preparing two such decrees, one for PNR and one for Advanced Passenger Information. Belgium was in the process of negotiating with travel agencies, operators, and airlines on the implementation of the legislation. This year has brought progress on information sharing under the Belgium-U.S. Preventing and Combating Serious Crimes (PCSC) Agreement. Belgium has a two-phase plan to implement the biometric information-sharing elements of the PCSC agreement that will make the PCSC tool available to the investigative process at both the federal and local levels. Belgium screens migrants against its own law enforcement and intelligence databases in addition to EU databases. Over the past year, Belgium has accelerated the pace of this screening and expanded the use of biometric screening, including fingerprints. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Belgium is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Belgium's financial intelligence unit. The Cellule de Traitement des Informations Financieres (CTIF) is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Belgium has the core elements of a sound anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and continued its efforts to address areas of weakness, which include the implementation of targeted financial sanctions and information sharing. The CTIF is tasked with tracking and investigating reports of financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorist financing, and has broad authorities under Belgian legislation to conduct inquiries and refer criminal cases to federal prosecutors. Money transfer and other remittance services are monitored and regulated, and Know Your Customer data is collected per EU directives. Non-Profit Organizations are regulated and monitored by the Ministry of Justice. UN lists of sanctioned individuals and entities are routinely distributed via gazette notices, although implementation through the EU regulations can take anywhere from several days to weeks. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Belgian authorities consider violent extremism as a complex phenomenon driven by political, social, and personal factors polarization of ethnic and religious groups in society, terrorist propaganda, anti-Western religious ideology, the civil war in Syria, perceived or actual anti-Muslim discrimination, unequal distribution of educational or employment opportunity, criminality, and psychological disturbance. Many but not all Belgian-national terrorists or foreign terrorist fighters have non-terrorist criminal histories, have spent time fighting in Syria, have close familial ties to other criminals or terrorists, and often come from or have connections to poorer, mostly ethnic-Moroccan neighborhoods in Brussels or Antwerp. Belgium's central counter-radicalization plan aims to identify people at the early stages of radicalization to violence to take appropriate measures. This strategy has been incorporated into the BFP Integral Security framework document designed to integrate policy at the federal and regional levels. The emphasis on the federal level is on pursuing and protecting while regional authorities focus on prevention and social measures. Belgium has undertaken efforts to reduce criminality, strengthen Muslim religious and community leaders, and reduce social polarization. The Ministry of Interior launched the "Canal Plan" in several Brussels-area neighborhoods with high rates of crime and links to terrorism. The plan includes an increase in police on the streets, a crackdown on drug-, arms-, and illicit-goods trafficking; promised reductions in petty crime; effective registration of all inhabitants in their official residences; and aggressive records checks of businesses and associations. As part of its strategy to address foreign terrorist fighters, Belgium has created local security task forces focused on security measures, and local integral security cells focused on prevention and social service delivery for radicalized or potentially radicalizing individuals. Additionally, both public and private initiatives exist to attempt to reintegrate foreign terrorist fighters into Belgian society, as well as national programs and a federally supported network of de-radicalization specialists to work with foreign terrorist fighters. Belgium has increased police training under the joint Belgium-EU Community Policing and the Prevention of Radicalization program. The BFP has sponsored additional community policing initiatives, including one organized with Rutgers University's Department of Homeland Security Studies. Belgium generally sentences convicted terrorists or supporters of terrorist organizations to prison. Countering the foreign terrorist fighter threat through prison de-radicalization is a top priority, and the Ministry of Justice has increased funding for radicalization-related counseling in prisons. Belgium has begun training imams who work with prisoners to recognize signs of radicalization to violence, and to identify possible recruiters; efforts are underway at some prisons to isolate radicalized prisoners to prevent the spread of violent extremist views. The Government of Belgium has provided additional resources to strengthen the official institutions of Islam in Belgium to enable imams to act more effectively against terrorist propaganda, while regional governments have strengthened religious education and provided new training opportunities for religious leaders. International and Regional Cooperation: Belgium participates in EU, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Council of Europe counterterrorism efforts, and is a member of the advisory board of the UN Counterterrorism Center. Belgium has also been an active proponent of Europol databases and EU-wide information sharing. As an EU member state, Belgium has contributed trainers and capacity building expertise to EU counterterrorism assistance programs in Sahel countries, including the College Sahelien de Securite; and the BFP provided training to counterparts in the Maghreb. Belgium currently leads the EU training mission in Mali to build Malian Armed Forces capacity to reduce threats caused by terrorist groups. Belgium participates in all EU efforts to prevent and interdict foreign terrorist fighter travel across land and maritime borders, encouraging efforts to strengthen Schengen zone external borders, actively engaging in the Syria Strategic Communications Advisory Team, promoting the implementation of EU and domestic Passenger Name Record systems, participating in EU naval operation against human smugglers in the Mediterranean under Operation Sofia, and supporting the EU-Turkey agreement aimed at discouraging illegal migration to Europe. Belgium is also an active participant in Global Counterterrorism Forum workshops. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bosnia and Herzegovina Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bosnia and Herzegovina, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e4503.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remained a cooperative counterterrorism partner and continued to make progress increasing its counterterrorism capacity. BiH law enforcement agencies generally kept close track of foreign terrorist fighter suspects, however, the Terrorism Task Force led by the State Prosecutor's Office tasked with improving coordination between BiH's many security and police agencies continued to falter. Violent Islamist extremist ideology and regional nationalist extremist groups both remained potential sources of violent extremism in BiH. A number of BiH citizens have traveled to Syria and Iraq to support ISIS and other terrorist groups, but legal and societal efforts to prevent violent extremism were credited with having reduced the flow of foreign terrorist fighters compared to previous years. BiH officials and open media sources estimated that approximately 300 BiH citizens have left for destinations in Iraq and Syria since 2013, of which approximately 50 have returned. BiH government officials reported that there was no discernible flow of foreign terrorist fighters in 2016. BiH is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The majority of BiH's coordination and cooperation problems are the result of personal, political, and institutional rivalries that exist among law enforcement agencies and the State Prosecutor's Office. BiH continued to lack the capacity to thoroughly investigate and prosecute cases of terrorism and foreign terrorist fighters, particularly when investigations involve complex financial dealings, cyber recruitment, and coordination. While most prosecutions resulted in convictions or plea bargains, sentences were inadequate. The BiH Border Police (BP) uses a computerized database and software system to support immigration and passenger information collection. According to the Border Police, the system connects BiH's border crossings, including four airport locations (Banja Luka, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Tuzla) via the State Police Information Network (SPIN), a network developed and donated by the Department of State via the U.S. Department of Justice's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP). The Foreigners Affairs Service (FAS) reports that they have connected all but two of their 16 field offices to the SPIN network. The Directorate for the Police Body Coordination (DCPB), the State Investigative and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Federation Ministry of Interior, and the BiH Ministry of Security can reportedly also access SPIN. The SPIN network provides the BP and FAS with access to other supporting databases (including INTERPOL) to run appropriate checks and cross-checks. Through the data exchange system, which became operational with European Union support in 2013, participating police agencies in BiH have the capability to exchange data, and any derogatory information will come up as a "hit" when a subject's passport or BiH identification card is passed through the scanner at the point of entry. The BP has both legal authority and physical facilities at most border crossings to detain individuals for up to 24 hours while they consult with SIPA and the BiH Prosecutor's Office regarding next steps regarding questionable individuals. Observers report, however, that there continued to be significant gaps in border security and it was unclear whether screening had occurred at all official points of entry. There were also numerous non-official points of entry that were not monitored. Separately, ICITAP, with Department of State funding, has set up a limited biometric system for the FAS that will permit more effective monitoring of individuals entering and leaving BiH, and has supported two mobile command posts that can respond anywhere in the country and coordinate emergency response. Additionally, ICITAP plans to upgrade the DCPB's Emergency Operations Center's communications system to facilitate coordination during emergency situations. Emergency response systems were still lacking throughout most of the country, however, and law enforcement agencies were not fully equipped or trained to respond to a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The lack of information sharing between law enforcement entities would likely further inhibit a coordinated response. The Department of State's Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program provided training courses and equipment donations to BiH Customs and Border Police, including a Docubox, a device used to identify fraudulent travel documents. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: BiH is a member of the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. BiH's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Intelligence Department, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In spring 2015, BiH was referred to the FATF public identification process due to its lack of progress rectifying core anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) deficiencies, including the criminalization of terrorist financing and failure to implement UN obligations for targeted financial sanctions. In June 2015 BiH made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MONEYVAL and has been working to implement an action plan to address identified deficiencies since that time. In June 2016, the FATF recognized that BiH has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by finalizing a regulation for freezing terrorist assets under UN Security Council resolution 1373 and working to harmonize the federal criminal code with its equivalent in BiH jurisdictions. The EU noted in its November 2016 report on BiH that measures in the action plan need to be completed without delay, particularly on the registration and financial reporting of the non-governmental sector. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The main religious communities in BiH (Catholic, Islamic, Jewish, and Orthodox) continued to work together through the Interreligious Council to promote tolerance and confront acts of bigotry or violent extremism directed at any of the communities. Among public figures, the Grand Mufti and leader of the Islamic Community in BiH, the Reis Kavazovic, continued to speak out against "misinterpretations of Islam" that lead to extremist violence. The Islamic Community made significant progress countering the spread of potentially extremist interpretations of Islam. In February 2016, the Reis Kavazovic officially called upon members of self-organized Salafist communities (parajamaats) to join the Islamic Community, or face legal consequences. According to officials, approximately 90 percent of the known parajamaats have since recognized the authority of the Islamic community, which now actively supervises the congregations and appoints their imams. Regional and International Cooperation: BiH's criminal code and related legal framework are generally harmonized with UN and EU counterterrorism standards. BiH is both a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and also the host of an OSCE field mission, which has assisted BiH in developing its counterterrorism strategy. It is also a member of the Council of Europe, and the Regional Cooperation Council (with Sarajevo hosting its headquarters), and a North Atlantic Treaty Organization-aspirant country. BiH law enforcement agencies regularly interacted with their U.S. and European counterparts on counterterrorism investigations. INTERPOL has a Sarajevo branch office that has good cooperation with all law enforcement agencies throughout the country, all of which have direct access to INTERPOL's databases. BiH participated in a range of counterterrorism and CVE programs sponsored by UN entities and regional organizations, including the OSCE. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bangladesh Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bangladesh, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45113.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Bangladesh experienced a significant increase in terrorist activity in 2016. The Government of Bangladesh has articulated a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, made numerous arrests of terrorist suspects, and continued its counterterrorism cooperation with the international community. The Government of Bangladesh often attributed extremist violence to the political opposition and local militants. Both al-Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and ISIS claimed responsibility for a significant number of the attacks that took place in Bangladesh. Terrorist organizations used social media to spread their radical ideologies and solicit followers from Bangladesh. Bangladesh was featured in multiple publications, videos, and websites associated with ISIS and AQIS. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: ISIS claimed responsibility for 18 attacks in Bangladesh in 2016, the most significant being the attack on July 1 on the Holey Artisan Bakery, an upscale restaurant in the diplomatic enclave frequented by the expatriate community. The five Bangladeshi attackers killed 20 hostages and two police officers using guns, explosives, and sharp weapons. The hostages were mostly foreigners, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, one U.S. citizen, one Indian, and two Bangladeshis. According to accounts of the incident, the attackers spared hostages who could demonstrate that they were Muslim by reciting verses from the Koran. The other attacks were generally machete attacks on individuals from minority groups or law enforcement entities. AQIS claimed responsibility for two attacks in 2016: (1) the April 6 murder of an online Bangladeshi activist and (2) the April 25 murder of a U.S. embassy local employee and his friend. In both cases, the assailants used machetes. Throughout the year, Bangladesh suffered several other small-scale attacks for which there were no public claims of responsibility, including the July 7 bomb blast at an Eid-gathering in Sholakia that killed four people including two police officers and injured seven. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Bangladesh's criminal justice system is in the process of fully implementing the Antiterrorism Act of 2009 (ATA) as amended in 2012 and 2013. Although Bangladesh's ATA does not outlaw recruitment and travel in furtherance of terrorism, the broad language of the ATA provides several mechanisms by which Bangladesh can implement UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 2178 (2014), related to addressing the foreign terrorist fighter threat. Despite lacking laws specific to foreign terrorist fighters, Bangladesh has arrested suspected foreign terrorist fighters or facilitators of such fighters on other charges under existing law. Bangladesh cooperated with the United States to further strengthen control of its borders and land, sea, and air ports of entry, which is also called for by UNSCR 2178. Bangladesh cooperated with the United States to further strengthen control of its borders and land, sea, and air ports of entry. The international community devoted particular attention to aviation security and on June 28, Germany joined the United Kingdom and Australia in banning direct cargo shipments from Bangladesh due to security concerns. Bangladesh shared law enforcement information with INTERPOL but does not have a dedicated terrorist watchlist. Bangladesh does not have an interactive advanced passenger information system. The Department of State is working with Bangladesh to assist in developing a screening infrastructure to better secure its borders. The newly-formed Counterterrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTCU) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police began operations in February and gained a national mandate in August. On February 19-20, the CTTCU arrested two suspected members of the local terrorist group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), which is affiliated with AQIS, leading to the discovery and destruction of a bomb-making factory. In the aftermath of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, law enforcement have captured or killed numerous suspected militants in several raids. These include the July 26 raid in the Kalyanpur neighborhood of Dhaka, where police killed nine suspected militants. Police reported recovering ISIS paraphernalia and explosives and other weapons on site. On August 27, police reported killing ISIS's operational head in Bangladesh, Tamim Chowdhury, in a raid in Narayanganj. The CTTCU and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted significant raids on September 10 in Azimpur and October 8 in Gazipur, directed at suspected members who reportedly have links to ISIS. Observers believe at least some of the raids are staged by law enforcement, particularly the RAB. Bangladesh continued to participate in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance program and received counterterrorism-focused training for law enforcement officers. Bangladesh also received Department of Justice prosecutorial skills training, and community policing support in targeted areas of the country. U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) continued security and stability engagements with a number of Bangladesh security forces including the Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy Special Warfare and Diving Salvage (SWADS) unit, the Bangladesh Army 1st Para Commando Battalion, and the Border Guards Bangladesh. The prime minister demonstrated a willingness to draw upon military assets when she called in the 1st Para Commando Battalion and SWADS to assist with the Holey Bakery hostage crisis. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Bangladesh is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The Bangladesh Bank (the central bank) and the BFIU lead the government's efforts to comply with the international anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) standards and international sanctions regimes. A 2016 APG Mutual Evaluation report stated that Bangladesh is technically compliant with international AML/CFT standards, but that the country's effectiveness in implementing regulations requires significant improvement. The report found that the main terrorist finance threat to Bangladesh is from domestic groups that operate using small-scale funding derived through micro-financing methods. While the country faces significant domestic terrorist finance risks, Bangladesh law enforcement and intelligence agencies demonstrate a strong understanding of these risks. Furthermore, the BFIU is empowered to obtain information from other agencies and demonstrates high quality analysis and product dissemination capabilities. Still, the judicial sector is under-resourced for carrying out prosecutions and obtaining convictions and the banking and non-banking sectors require further implementation of preventative measures such as customer due diligence and suspicious transaction reports. The terrorist finance provisions of the ATA outlaw the provision, receipt, and collection of money, services, and material support, where "there are reasonable grounds to believe that the same has been used or may be used for any purpose by a terrorist entity." The ATA prohibits membership in and support of prohibited organizations, i.e., organizations engaged or involved in terrorist activities, including the organizations listed in the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. The Bangladesh Bank also publishes domestically-designated as well as UN-sanctioned individuals and groups on its website. The ATA includes a broad provision providing for mutual legal cooperation on terrorism matters with other nations and a comprehensive forfeiture provision for assets involved in terrorism activities. Implementation of the ATA and other laws remains a significant issue; however, as demonstrated by the absence of a significant number of terrorist financing and money laundering convictions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In 2016, Bangladesh organizations continued cooperative activities through the Community Support Mechanism (CSM) under the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), a public-private global fund to support local, grassroots efforts to counter violent extremism. The CSM signed grants with three local organizations as principal recipients of GCERF funds. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the National Committee on Militancy, Resistance, and Prevention work with imams and religious scholars to build public awareness against terrorism. The police are engaging religious leaders in the fight against violent extremism by helping to counter militant propaganda with appropriate scripture-based messages and engaging imams to speak to surrendered militants to explain that the Koran does not support terrorist violence. The police also are continuing community policing efforts. Law enforcement authorities are working with local universities to identify missing students and to curb radicalization of university students. Local research institutions, including private think tanks and both public and private universities, have begun to engage in CVE-related research. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bahrain Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Bahrain, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45213.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: During 2016, the Bahraini government continued to make gains in detecting, neutralizing, and containing terrorist threats from violent Shia militants and ISIS sympathizers. Shia militants remained a key threat to security services, and their attacks in 2016 resulted in the death of one police officer and one civilian. The government also continued implementing counterterrorism laws the legislature approved in 2013, including revoking the citizenship of suspected and convicted terrorists. Opposition-leaning activists asserted at least some of these revocations were politically motivated, however. The government also offered diplomatic support to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, participating in the October Counter-ISIS conference in Washington and other working-level meetings such as those of the Political Directors, Small Group, and Communications Committee although Bahrain has not contributed substantively to coalition military efforts since 2014. Bahrain also indirectly supports coalition operations through hosting the Fifth Fleet and Naval Central Command. In December, ISIS affiliates released a video in which the operatives called for attacks against the Bahraini government and U.S. interests in the region. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: The number of terrorist attacks against security forces declined in 2016 after several high-profile strikes the previous three years. At least three attacks resulted in casualties or injuries; only one of which involved explosives. Suspected Shia militants continued to instigate low-level violence against security forces using real and fake improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Bahrain regularly experiences low-level violence between Shia youth using Molotov cocktails and other homemade devices and predominantly Sunni security forces in mostly-Shia villages. Attacks in 2016 included: On April 16, youth used Molotov cocktails to attack a police patrol vehicle in the predominantly Shia village of Karbabad, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to two others. On May 22, the Mukhtar Brigades Shia militant group claimed credit for the shooting of a police officer in the predominantly Shia village of Sitra. The officer survived the attack. On June 30, an IED in the village of East Eker killed a Bahraini woman and injured her three children. The woman was likely collateral damage and not the intended target; no one claimed responsibility for the attack and militants have not previously targeted civilians. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Antiterrorism Law of 2006, and amendments in 2013, as well as Articles 155 and 168 of the penal code, form the bulk of Bahrain's terrorism legislative framework. A 2004 legislative decree created a new division within the Public Prosecutor's Office that specializes in terrorism cases. In 2013, the government amended the Charity Fundraising Law of 1956 to tighten terrorist finance monitoring and penalties and strengthen the government's ability to monitor and impede the use of social media to promote terrorism. Bahrain did not offer any significant adjustments to its legal regime in 2016, although in April it labeled 68 groups as terrorist entities, including three domestic Shia militant organizations and ISIS. Activists alleged that the government has used the 2013 amendments to the Antiterrorism Law, particularly portions related to citizenship revocations, to pursue politically motivated cases against the mainstream, nonviolent opposition and Shia Community. The Ministry of the Interior is the lead government agency that detects and prevents terrorism, and arrests suspects in terrorism-related acts, with the Bahrain National Security Agency providing intelligence support. The Bahraini Coast Guard monitors and interdicts seaborne weapons and terrorists. The major deterrents to more effective law enforcement and border security are the lack of interagency coordination and limited training opportunities to develop requisite law enforcement skills. Police regularly plan and mobilize large-scale security operations to prepare for and enhance security during major events. Bahrain has attempted to upgrade its border security and screening procedures at its two primary points of entry: the Bahrain International Airport and the King Fahd Causeway. Bahrain's third point of entry is the Khalifa bin Salman Port, where there is also appropriate screening. Bahrain cross-checks biographic information of incoming and outgoing travelers and can prevent individuals from entering or leaving the country. It is able to work with airlines for advance passenger information protocols, but usually not until incoming flights are airborne. Bahrain works with international organizations such as INTERPOL to identify and apprehend wanted persons; activists and NGOs have asserted that the government has used the INTERPOL red notice system to pursue politically motivated cases against the mainstream opposition and Shia activists without a history of involvement in violent acts. In 2016, Bahrain and the United States enhanced their abilities to share terrorism screening information. Bahrain has initiated and continued to pursue numerous high-profile terrorism cases related to Sunni and Shia violent extremists. In 2016, a court convicted 24 citizens, with 16 tried in absentia, of forming an ISIS cell and revoked their citizenships. Most citizenship revocations and other prosecutions based on terrorism charges involved Shia militant individuals and organizations. Notable examples included the cases of the "Imam Army" and "Basta" terrorist organizations, where suspects are accused of conspiring with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and other terrorist entities to launch domestic attacks. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Bahrain is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Its financial intelligence unit, the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Bahrain is also a member of the Coalition's Counter-ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) and hosted a U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Counter-Hizballah Workshop in 2016. Bahrain participated in three CIFG meetings in 2016 with delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and Central Bank of Bahrain. Bahrain did not pass any significant counterterrorist financing legislation in 2016, but the Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO) signed an MOU with counterparts in the United Kingdom to increase information sharing and capacity building. One of the end goals of the project is to develop a financial crimes division within the PPO, which the office aims to implement after several of its members complete training in London. Bahrain criminalizes terrorist financing in accordance with international standards and has the ability to immediately freeze suspicious financial assets. The Central Bank has implemented regulations stipulating that financial institutions and other relevant authorities do not have any dealings with UN-sanctioned entities, and financial institutions must screen all account activity against the Office of Foreign Assets Control Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list as well as applicable UN Security Council resolutions. The government routinely distributes the UN Security Council lists of designated individuals and entities to financial institutions. The government also obliges non-profit organizations to file suspicious transaction reports and regulates and monitors them to prevent misuse and terrorist financing. In Bahrain, the potential politicization of terrorist finance and money laundering issues threatens to conflate legitimate prosecutions of militants with politically-motivated actions against the mainstream, nonviolent opposition and Shia community, including Shia clerics. The lack of trust between the government and opposition after several years of political paralysis may continue to complicate any government efforts to prosecute legitimate financial crimes, including the financing of terrorism. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: In 2016, the government began drafting a National Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) strategy in line with the UN Secretary-General's Preventing Violent Extremism Plan of Action. Additionally, numerous officials from the government, legislature, and non-governmental organization (NGO) community have put together programming targeting youth and other vulnerable populations, including a May conference that focused on protecting youth from extremist influences. A sense of economic and political disenfranchisement has persisted among sectors of the Shia community for years and remained a primary driver of violent extremism in 2016. Many Shia leaders claimed discrimination in government employment and awarding of government scholarships has worsened since the Arab Spring-inspired protests of 2011. There is little support for violent anti-government activity in the Sunni community, but a limited circle of individuals has become radicalized in the past several years and either joined local violent extremist factions or left to fight with ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq. In December, ISIS said 14 Bahrainis had died fighting in Iraq and Syria. Within the Sunni community, a small number of extremist religious preachers have helped radicalize these individuals, although Bahraini Sunnis looking to join violent extremist groups are also motivated by regional events and a desire to counter what they perceive to be growing Iranian influence. The government has attempted to dilute the influence of religious leaders in political life and has forced both Sunni and Shia clerics to sign a document, originally authored in 2009, that commits them to certain standards when delivering Friday sermons. The government has rationalized several of the actions it took in 2016, including the dissolution of the country's preeminent opposition group, as attempts to dilute the influence of actors who incited violence and radicalization in the Shia community. Some activists and NGOs have claimed, however, that the government wants to silence peaceful dissent. The government has also attempted to build outreach through initiatives such as the community police, which recruits mostly Shia Bahrainis to bridge the divide between predominantly Shia villages and the regular mostly Sunni (and non-Bahraini origin) police force. The community police program emerged as one of several initiatives after the 2011 unrest, but the government has not published statistics on the force's composition or track record. Additionally, many in the Shia community continue to view anyone who works directly or indirectly for the security services with suspicion. The government says it is working to establish a National Rehabilitation Center to reintegrate prisoners with extremist views back into society, but has not given a timetable for its implementation. There is also no overall strategic messaging campaign to counter terrorist narratives, although government leaders often publicly speak about tolerance and reducing sectarian rhetoric. International and Regional Cooperation: In 2016, Bahrain and other GCC members led efforts with both the Arab League and Organization for Islamic Cooperation to designate Hizballah as a terrorist group. Also in 2016, Bahrain deepened its security cooperation with other GCC members, engaging in a largescale multilateral counterterrorism exercise ("Arab Gulf Security 1") that featured joint drills between police forces of several states. The Bahraini government frequently attends conferences related to multilateral counterterrorism cooperation. British police on Wednesday charged an east London doctor of Indian origin with 118 counts of sexual offences, including one of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13. By India Today Web Desk: An Indian-origin doctor in London, United Kingdom was on Wednesday charged with a total 118 sexual offences. The man has been identified by the London Metropolitan Police as 47-year-old Manish Shah from Brunel Close, Romford in east London. The charges against him include one count of sexual assault on a child under age of 13 years. According to a press release by the Metropolitan Police, the other allegations against him include 65 counts of assault by penetration and 52 counts of other sexual assaults. advertisement According to the BBC, Dr Manish Shah has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on August 31 at Barkingside Magistrates Court in London. "Manish Shah has been charged with 65 assaults by penetration, contrary to Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, 52 sexual assaults, contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and 1 sexual assault on a child under 13 years, contrary to Section 7 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003," the Met Police said in a statement today. "The NHS (National Health Service) has a dedicated number for any individuals who may have concerns or questions. They can be contacted on 0800 011 4253," the Met Police said. The offences are alleged to have occurred between June 2004 and July 2013 and relate to 54 victims. The charges announced today follow a long-running investigation into Shah, who has been bailed several times after first being arrested in 2013. -With PTI inputs ALSO READ | Hate attack in London: Muslim woman assaulted, hijab pulled off at Baker Street station Bengaluru: 3-yr-old sexually assaulted by school staffer, arrested Director of international school in Mumbai booked for sexually abusing 3-year-old Bengaluru play school horror: More children break silence, allege sexual assault by supervisor ALSO WATCH | Bengaluru horror: Parents helpless, cops heedless, school steps back after 3-year-old's sexual abuse --- ENDS --- Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Azerbaijan Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Azerbaijan, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45313.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Azerbaijan maintained its strong counterterrorism cooperation with the United States and actively opposed terrorist organizations seeking to move people, money, and materiel through the Caucasus region. The country remained focused on counterterrorism efforts that included prosecuting individuals under statutes related to terrorism, arresting foreign terrorist fighters returning to Azerbaijan from conflicts abroad, and conducting special operations against those the government said were planning terrorist attacks. Azerbaijan indicated its continued strong willingness to counter ISIS by sharing information, working to disrupt the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to Iraq and Syria, and countering illicit funding of terrorist groups in those countries. Senior government leaders, including the heads of the Caucasus Muslim Board and the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations, took public steps to counter ISIS and al-Qa'ida ideology. They and other senior government representatives repeatedly condemned international terrorist attacks that occurred during 2016. On September 17, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and other leaders attending the Commonwealth of Independent States Heads of State Council meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, jointly approved a program on cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent extremism for 2017-2019. President Aliyev also participated in discussions at the NATO Warsaw Summit on July 8-9 on measures to counter violent extremism. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Azerbaijan continued to use counterterrorism legislation, first adopted in 1999, that governs the investigation and prosecution of individuals who have committed or plan to commit terrorist acts. As the country's primary law enforcement agency, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has responsibilities for fighting terrorism. Specific counterterrorism actions are taken through the Ministry's Organized Crime Unit. The Prosecutor General's Office maintains responsibility for prosecuting individuals for terrorism, conspiracy to commit terrorism, conspiracy to aid terrorism, and other terrorism-related crimes. Azerbaijan's State Security Service (SSS) cooperates closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor General's Office on counterterrorism. Following a 2015 presidential decree, the Azerbaijani government in 2016 abolished the Ministry of National Security and split it into two new organizations, the SSS and the Foreign Intelligence Service. Among other duties, the SSS is charged with identifying and preventing criminal activities by terrorist groups, and countering international terrorism and transnational crimes. The Azerbaijani government has demonstrated the ability to detect and deter terrorist activities, as well as prosecute foreign terrorist fighters returning to Azerbaijan. Authorities effectively use terrorist and criminal watch lists and biographic/biometric information to screen travelers at ports of entry. Azerbaijani security services effectively share information within the government and with other countries. Collection of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records on commercial flights occurred on some flights. Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies continued to investigate, prosecute, and sentence those the government accused of fighting with terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, and conducted counterterrorism operations against suspected terrorists within Azerbaijan. In 2016, the government terminated the citizenship of 58 individuals accused of involvement in terrorist activities outside the country. The government has continued to prosecute 17 suspects arrested during a November 2015 law enforcement operation in the village of Nardaran, about 15 miles north of the capital, Baku. The government has charged former political prisoner and religious activist Taleh Bagirzade (also referred to in media reports as Taleh Bagirov) and others with plotting to overthrow the government. The government alleged that Bagirzade and his associates were storing ammunition and explosives in Nardaran, which officers seized during the raid. During the operation, five village residents were killed, along with two police officers. Government officials alleged that radical individuals and groups within Nardaran have long been advocating establishment of a fundamentalist Islamic state and claim these groups have received support from governments and fundamentalist-backed entities outside the country. Many democracy and human rights advocates believe the arrests were arbitrary due to lack of evidence. Observers of the trial have noted frequent violations of due process, as well as numerous inconsistencies in the prosecution's case. The trial was ongoing at the end of 2016. Throughout the year, there were reports of terrorist acts being prevented in Azerbaijan; however, it is unclear whether some of these preventative actions were taken against bona fide terrorist threats or were designed to curb the activities of heretofore non-violent independent religious activists. On February 12, the SSS arrested eight suspects in a counterterrorism operation. Several of those were convicted and sentenced to prison on terrorism-related charges. On October 27, the SSS announced that its officers had conducted raids in which two men suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Azerbaijan were killed and a third was wounded. The SSS said in a statement that the men had created an armed group in Azerbaijan and pledged allegiance to terrorist groups involved in armed conflicts outside Azerbaijan. On November 16, a court in Baku convicted seven Azerbaijani citizens on charges they fought in Iraq and Syria alongside militants from ISIS and other terrorist groups. The court sentenced the defendants to prison sentences ranging from two to 14 years. On November 25, one terrorist suspect, Ramiq Rahimov, was killed during an SSS operation in Azerbaijan's Khachmaz District. Rahimov was suspected of leading a terrorist organization involved in armed conflicts outside Azerbaijan and of recruiting Azerbaijani citizens to fight abroad. An SSS statement said Rahimov had illegally acquired firearms and explosives and planned to carry out terrorist attacks and kidnappings. On December 3, SSS officers killed a man the government said was carrying an explosive device and planned to commit acts of terrorism on Azerbaijan's territory. The SSS said in a statement that officers tried to arrest Emin Jami near a shopping center in Baku, and killed him when he presented a threat to the SSS officers. Jami had, according to the government, sworn "allegiance to representatives of international terrorist organizations and illegal militias involved in conflicts abroad." Jami had previously served nine years in prison for membership in a terrorist group and, according to an SSS statement, had resumed contact with other Azerbaijani violent extremists fighting in conflict zones and preparing terrorist activities in Azerbaijan. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. The government's Financial Monitoring Service (FMS) is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Azerbaijan has continued its efforts to increase its capability in anti-money laundering/ countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) since it was last assessed by MONEYVAL in 2014. Azerbaijan has established a framework for asset freezing and requires financial institutions to conduct customer due diligence and report suspicious transactions to the FMS. Its legal framework to criminalize terrorist financing does not cover all aspects of the offense, however, and not all non-financial institutions are required to report suspicious transactions, presenting a further vulnerability in its AML/CFT framework. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The State Committee on Work with Religious Associations, together with the Azerbaijan-based Caucasus Muslims Office, took steps to encourage religious leaders to counter calls to violence in religious sermons in some mosques. International and Regional Cooperation: Azerbaijan remained a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international organizations. Azerbaijan also continued to work with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on counterterrorism initiatives. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Austria Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Austria, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45413.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Austria demonstrated continued commitment to countering terrorism, and U.S.-Austria law enforcement cooperation remained strong. Austria's Office for State Protection and Counterterrorism (BVT), the key counterterrorism agency within the Ministry of the Interior, reported ongoing radicalization to violence efforts by violent Islamist extremist groups. The country's traditional public perception that Austria is safe from terrorist attacks continued to be challenged by a large number of foreign terrorist fighters from Austria headed to Syria and Iraq. This number tapered off in the course of the year due to a combination of factors, including effective counterterrorism measures. The BVT charged or monitored those returning from Syria. The international terrorist threat environment prompted the government to establish an ad-hoc security cabinet and to give the armed forces a greater complementary counterterrorism role than previously mandated. Continued concerns over data privacy protection, amplified by public debate about suspected U.S. intelligence activities in Austria, slowed the implementation of some bilateral counterterrorism agreements. Austria identified the fight against radicalization to violence and violent extremism as a key priority for its 2017 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairmanship. Austria is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and a member of the Defeat-ISIS Working Groups on Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Stabilization. Throughout 2016, the Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Foreign Affairs increased efforts to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by violent extremism, and to counter the problem of foreign terrorist fighters. Law enforcement agencies focused on intelligence gathering and investigations, while integration officials engaged in public outreach to prevent radicalization to violence. In 2016, members of the Austrian parliament continued to meet with U.S. legislators within the Parliamentary Security Forum venue to discuss cooperation on counterterrorism and terrorist financing issues. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Austria has an extensive legal structure to counter terrorism. Relevant statutes criminalize training in terrorist camps abroad and allow wiretapping of individual suspects or small groups with the permission of an independent judge or ombudsman. Specific regulations prohibit the use and distribution of symbols attributable to ISIS or al-Qa'ida. Regulations further allow border authorities to prevent minors from leaving Austria upon suspicion minors will participate in fighting activities abroad. Authorities are allowed to withdraw citizenship from an Austrian dual national who voluntarily and actively participates in fighting in an armed conflict. Having taken effect July 1, 2016, Austria's State Protection Law provides the BVT enhanced legal tools to counter terrorism, espionage, cyber-attacks, and WMD proliferation. The new law authorizes the agency to request information from internet service providers and telephone carriers regarding connectivity data, IP addresses, location, as well as request information from transport authorities. The maximum time for data storage by police in terrorism cases was expanded from nine months to six years. Any intrusive action by the BVT requires prior approval by a tripartite panel including an experienced judge and two additional experts, such as prosecutors or privacy ombudspersons. This panel is required to report to Parliament. Additionally, targeted individuals must be informed about the actions against them. The law grants greater authority for the BVT to share intelligence with other domestic intelligence agencies and foreign intelligence organizations. Austrian law enforcement and BVT officials routinely cooperated in investigative areas with U.S. law enforcement, from the informal sharing of preliminary investigative information to joint, multilateral investigative projects and enforcement operations. Border security forces made effective use of security measures, including biographic and biometric screening capabilities at ports of entry and information sharing internally and with other European Union countries. Border security officials at ports of entry have discretion when determining documents and passengers subject to screening on arrival. Austria has taken a whole-of-government approach to implement UN Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014) to counter foreign terrorist fighters, and 2199 (2015) to counter ISIS, as well as Global Counterterrorism Forum good practices on foreign terrorist fighters. The BVT estimated the number of Austrians fighting in Syria and Iraq, or wanting to travel to the conflict zone, at 300 during the period of 2014 through December 2016. Fifty persons were prevented from leaving the country for conflict zones, including 22 women. According to Interior Ministry information, 44 people presumably died in Syria and Iraq, all of them men. BVT monitored an estimated 80 others who had returned to Austria by year's end. More than two-fifths of Austrian foreign terrorist fighters are of North Caucasus origin, and around 40 percent were persons with refugee status in Austria. Chechens who entered Austria as asylum seekers over the past decades represented the largest group. Radicalized ethnic Bosnians with direct links to cells in Bosnia were the second largest. Throughout 2016, law enforcement officials continued surveillance and arrests of suspected terrorists, and prosecuted and sentenced ISIS sympathizers and would-be foreign terrorist fighters. Crime statistics (available for the first half of 2016) showed a marked decline in new arrests related to radicalization, from 139 in 2014 and 59 in 2015, to seven during the first six months in 2016. In comparison to the previous year, justice authorities in 2016 saw a reduction in their processed terrorism-related caseloads. In July, Austria extradited to France two terrorism suspects implicated in the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. In December, a trial against two other defendants believed to be connected to the two extradited suspects began in Salzburg. In a series of high-profile trials during 2016, Austrian courts handed down long prison terms on terrorist suspects. Austria's most notorious foreign terrorist fighter, Mohamad Masoud, who in 2015 was filmed executing two individuals, was rumored to have died in a drone attack in Syria the same year. In March, Turkish-born defendant Sevkret G. received a 10-year prison term for joining terrorists in Syria in 2012. In March, a court sentenced an imam to a six-year prison term for recruiting fighters for ISIS; two other individuals were given five-year terms for fighting with the group. In March, a woman received a 14-month prison sentence, with one month suspended, for plans to join ISIS in Syria with her three children. In July, Mirsad Omerovic (aka Abu Tejma) was sentenced to 20 years in prison for recruiting foreign terrorist fighters. Counterterrorism experts monitored domestic militia-like groups, known locally as Reichsbuerger, who reject the primacy of the state. They are considered a serious threat, particularly if trying to infiltrate the armed forces. The number of participants in these groups was estimated at 800. Austria has extensive, high-quality processes in place to register and screen individuals applying for asylum, lawful residence, and citizenship. Applicants are fingerprinted and checked against the European Dactyloscopy system (EURODAC), which is the European fingerprint database for identifying asylum seekers and irregular border-crossers, and on a case-by-case basis against criminal databases. Individuals are again screened against national and international law enforcement databases before citizenship is approved. Due to restrictive Austrian citizenship laws that require the renunciation of second nationalities, and language requirements, the application process takes at least six years. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Austria is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and Austria's financial intelligence unit (FIU) is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Austria has a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), which was further strengthened in 2016 in line with recommendations from FATF. Recent legislative amendments include higher AML penalties, limiting banks' ability to block access to information on customer accounts, and reforms of the FIU's operational procedures and supervisory framework. Austria criminalizes the financing of terrorism in line with international standards and freezes terrorist assets in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions implemented through EU legislation. EU regulations targeting terrorist financing, once adopted, are directly applicable in Austria. Money or Value Transfer Services, dealers in precious stones and metals, real estate agents, and exchange houses are monitored and regulated in Austria. Austria has successfully investigated and prosecuted terrorist financing cases, although criminal penalties imposed may not be dissuasive. Austria implements the collection of Know Your Customer data for wire transfers through EU Regulation 1781/2006/EC. This regulation does not include requirements regarding information on the beneficiary of a wire transfer, and there is no respective national law in place. The Austrian government plans to comply with the new EU Regulation on information accompanying transfers of funds (Regulation 2015/847), however, which was passed May 20, 2015, and enters into force on June 26, 2017. While Austria has taken measures to require closer monitoring of non-profit organizations, this sector is still not required to file suspicious transaction reports. Austria routinely distributes UN sanctions lists to financial institutions immediately upon receipt of new UN listing decisions. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Austria continued efforts to counter violent extremism, largely in response to the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon. In addition, the Austrian government undertook or continued several other initiatives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Islamic Faith Community, continued its information campaign in mosques, Islamic organizations, and community centers. The initiative included education outreach to encourage Austrians to differentiate between Islam and what Austria describes as violent extremism. In an effort to counter radicalization to violence and improve integration in the newly arrived refugee population, the Integration Office within the Foreign Ministry developed an educational program focused on German language acquisition and education on Austrian 'values' such as gender equality and democratic principles. The Austrian government maintained a counseling center and a de-radicalization hotline aimed at friends and family members of potential violent extremists. International and Regional Cooperation: Austria is a member of various international and regional security platforms, including the OSCE, the Salzburg Forum, and the Central European Initiative. Austria regularly leads law enforcement training programs with Salzburg Forum countries and the Balkan states. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Australia Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Australia, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45513.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In 2016, Australia continued to strengthen counterterrorism laws; investigate and disrupt suspected terrorists; and maintain high levels of cooperation with the United States and international partners, including through the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Australia plays a major role in the coalition as a leading contributor of military support, humanitarian assistance, and efforts to disrupt foreign terrorist fighters. Australia contributed more than 300 personnel, including a Special Operations Task Group, to provide training and advising capacities in Iraq; and provided strike operation capability in Syria and Iraq by contributing F/A-18 Hornet fighters, a tanker aircraft, and an airborne control aircraft. In July, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that Australia would expand training to paramilitary police agencies, including Iraqi federal and local police and border guard forces. Additionally, Australia works with a number of partners in Southeast Asia to build capacities and strengthen the response to the foreign terrorist fighters and ISIS threats in the region. Michael Keenan, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counterterrorism, noted in November that the preeminent terrorist threat in Australia is from individuals or small groups who use simple attack methodologies. These lone offender threats were not exclusive to violent Islamist extremism; a right-wing violent extremist was also charged with terrorism-related offenses in Melbourne. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Australia experienced one terrorist-related attack and disrupted five plots. The attack involved a 22-year-old man inspired by ISIS, who non-fatally stabbed a 59-year-old man in Sydney before being arrested and charged with attempted murder and terrorism offenses. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Australian government continued to apply its comprehensive counterterrorism legislation against domestic threats and passed additional legislation to strengthen national security protections. In December, the Australian Parliament passed the Criminal Code Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2016, which allows for the ongoing detention of high-risk terrorist offenders, approaching the end of their custodial sentences, but who pose an unacceptable risk of committing a serious terrorism offense if released. Another amendment this year to the Commonwealth Criminal Code empowered the Australian military to target a broader range of ISIS operatives, consistent with international law. In July, Australia launched the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), which combined Australian law enforcement and criminal information agencies to provide a broader picture of imminent threats, and help identify links between organized crime and national security investigations, including foreign fighters, terrorists, extremists, and their supporters. The Australian Counterterrorism Center was restructured in 2016 to better coordinate Australia's counterterrorism efforts and to ensure that Commonwealth agencies work together on operations, policy challenges, and capability development. The U.S. and Australian law enforcement communities have excellent information sharing and counterterrorism collaboration. U.S. law enforcement agencies routinely coordinated investigations with their Australian counterparts, resulting in numerous arrests and convictions. Following the July terrorist attack in the French city of Nice, Australia completed a government review of soft targets to identify vulnerabilities and was in the process of finalizing a plan to address this issue by the end of 2016. Australia's border security remains robust. Australia's lead agencies take a proactive stance and have increased security overall. Passport controls are in place using INTERPOL, biographic, and biometric methods. Approximately 190 Australian passports have been canceled or refused for citizens attempting to travel or who have traveled to Iraq or Syria. Australia enjoys strong partnerships on information sharing with the United States and other Five Eye partners (Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom). Australia created a Border Intelligence Fusion Center in 2016, which combines Australia's major intelligence agencies in a single location. Australia also shares port information with regional partners throughout Southeast Asia. More than 100 Australians have traveled to fight with terrorist groups in Iraq or Syria, and approximately 200 people in Australia are being investigated for providing support to terrorists. Australia passed a law aimed at countering foreign terrorist fighters in 2014 and increased the resources and authorities of law enforcement and security services, enabling a number of foreign terrorist fighter arrests. Since September 2014, a total of 56 people, including six juveniles, have been sentenced or are facing terrorism-related charges as a result of 24 counterterrorism operations. Significant law enforcement actions in 2016 included: In May, five Melbourne men were arrested in Queensland for allegedly planning to leave Australia in a small boat to join the ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups in the Philippines. They were charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries to engage in hostile activities. In August, police arrested a man believed to be a right-wing violent extremist who was allegedly plotting to attack two locations. He was charged with collecting or making documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and planning or preparing for a terrorist act. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Australia continued its regional and global leadership in counterterrorist finance. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and a co-chair of the FATF's Risks, Trends, and Methods Group, Australia recently obtained observer status in the Middle East and North Africa's Financial Action Task Force, a FATF-style regional body. Australia is a founding member and co-chair of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), a FATF-style regional body, and a co-chair of the APG Mutual Evaluation Working Group. Australia's financial intelligence unit, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), is a founding member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, and assisted Southeast Asian countries in developing a regional profile of financial characteristics of foreign terrorist fighters. Australia also serves as the chair of Egmont's Information Exchange Working Group and is a core member and major contributor to Egmont's multilateral ISIS project. Australia faces a range of terrorist financing risks and counters the risks with a comprehensive legal and administrative framework. Australia can automatically freeze United Nations (UN)-designated terrorism-related assets and has made numerous domestic designations. Australia implements its obligations to restrict terrorist financing in accordance with the UN Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. AUSTRAC, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, detects, prevents, and deters money laundering and financing of terrorist activities, and also regulates money transfers and remittance services. Regulated businesses include financial, gambling, remittance, and bullion services, which are subject to Know Your Customer requirements, transaction monitoring, and ongoing customer due diligence requirements. Australia is moving to regulate e-currencies, such as Bitcoin. Charities are not a regulated sector for the purposes of "suspicious matter reports" (SMRs). In 2016, AUSTRAC reported a 201 percent increase in International Intelligence Exchanges with 1,262 incoming requests and 461 outgoing requests. During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, AUSTRAC received 78,846 SMRs, comparable to the previous year, but the number of SMRs related to suspected terrorist financing increased 7 percent. Applying rigorous detection and monitoring processes, AUSTRAC referred 390 SMRs amounting to US $58.47 million in the 2016 fiscal year to the Australian Federal Police and the Australia Security Intelligence Organization on suspicion of terrorism-financing links. The 390 reports were linked primarily to Australians traveling to join terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq. Using an active alert system, AUSTRAC notified partner agencies of transactions relating to persons of interest, including more than 100 persons linked to counterterrorism matters. In April, AUSTRAC co-hosted the Experts Symposium on Regional Risks of Terrorist Finance in Medan, Indonesia, which planned a regional risk assessment on terrorist financing. In June, AUSTRAC co-led the Regional Risk Assessment Workshop in Manila, Philippines, hosted by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Philippines' financial intelligence unit. In August, AUSTRAC established a cyber-team to identify online terrorist financing activities, money laundering, and financial fraud. For the second consecutive year, Australia and Indonesia co-hosted the Counterterrorist Financing (CTF) Summit in Bali in August, attended by more than 200 specialists from more than 20 countries. During the Summit, Australia launched the world's first regional risk assessment, discussed earlier in Medan. In November, AUSTRAC announced a risk assessment of the non-profit sector in Australia to improve understanding of money laundering and terrorist financing risks in this sector. AUSTRAC also signed Memoranda of Understanding for the exchange of financial intelligence and other information with Cambodia, China, and Jordan. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Australian Attorney-General's Department (AGD) leads the nation's countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts. Following a department restructure this year, the AGD established the CVE Center, which is composed of four overlapping streams that build strength in diversity and social participation, target work with vulnerable communities and institutions, address terrorist propaganda online, and counter radicalization to violence. The Challenging Terrorist Propaganda in Australia program has been operating since July 2015. State and territory-led intervention programs identify radicalized and at-risk individuals and provide tailored services to address the drivers of their radicalization to violence. The Australian government coordinates support and funding to state and territory governments to implement programs. In May, the Australian government announced an additional investment of US $3.73 million to communities impacted by violent extremism and to prevent young people from being attracted to violent extremism online. The Australian government created the Living Safe Together website (http://www.livingsafetogether.gov.au/), which offers multiple resources and perspectives on building community resilience to violent extremism. Radar, a CVE intervention tool, was designed and implemented nationally by the AGD. It connects at-risk individuals with a range of government and non-government services that assist them in disengaging from violent extremism. The New South Wales Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, in cooperation with the New South Wales Department of Justice and other stakeholders, is researching further tools that can be introduced to add value to the existing Radar tool, with emphasis on the assessment phase of the intervention program. The Government of Australia continued to engage with social media companies about monitoring and removing content. In October, the AGD CVE Center participated in a youth engagement forum in Melbourne in partnership with Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Twitter. The Australian government supported a private media partnership with the Islamic Council of Victoria to develop CVE workshop materials and deliver training in four pilot cities. Australia commenced work on a policy to address the return of the families of foreign terrorist fighters, using a whole-of-government approach focusing on social services assistance. In November, Australia hosted an international meeting in Melbourne attended by nine countries on countering violent extremist behavior. International and Regional Cooperation: Australia strongly supported counterterrorism efforts in regional and multilateral organizations in 2016. Australia is a member of the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, the Pacific Island Forum, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Australia also volunteered to chair the Counter-Terrorism Working Group of APEC. As a member of the GCTF, Australia co-chairs with Indonesia the Detention and Reintegration Working Group, which focuses on capacity building for corrective services officials and prisons officers; strengthening security of detention facilities; detention and correction programs for terrorist detainees; and developing pre-release and post-release/aftercare programs. Bilaterally, Australia supports a range of capability development and capacity-building activities with bilateral partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific Region. Indonesia continued to use the Australia-supported Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation, which has trained more than 18,000 police officers from 70 countries since its inception in 2004, as a regional resource in the fight against transnational crime with a focus on counterterrorism. Australia has also concluded memoranda of understanding on counterterrorism with 17 countries. Australia attended the East Africa CVE Center of Excellence and Counter-Messaging Hub Coordination Meeting in New York in September. In October, Australia and the International Organization for Migration co-hosted a Regional Biometric Data Exchange Solution Workshop in Bangkok, and attended the U.S.-Japan-Australia Counterterrorism Dialogue Trilateral in Tokyo. Australia supported the Annual International CVE Research Conference in Jakarta in December. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Argentina Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Argentina, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e45613.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: In 2016 Argentina focused its counterterrorism strategy on its northern and northeastern borders, which include the Tri-Border Area where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet, and where terrorist financing networks operate. The Government of Argentina systematically issued statements condemning violent acts perpetrated by ISIS and other global terrorist organizations. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: In 2016, the Government of Argentina announced a plan to reform its counterterrorism legal framework. The proposed legislation would include penal system reforms, a new approach to countering terrorist financing, and a modernization of security and intelligence capabilities. Multiple security agencies maintained specialized law enforcement units that have substantial capabilities to respond to terrorist incidents. The criminal investigations into and prosecutions of the 1994 terrorist bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people remained in the news. Former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner testified before an investigative court about her role in the congressional commission tasked with the investigation into the bombing. The former president was a member of the commission from 1996 until 2001 during her tenure as a federal senator. In late December of 2015, following the election of Mauricio Macri as president, the new administration chose not to appeal a federal court ruling invalidating a Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina and Iran concerning the investigation into the bombing. The Memorandum had been negotiated and signed by the Fernandez de Kirchner administration, who maintained that the agreement with Iran would clarify Iran's alleged role in the bombing. Several former Iranian officials have been indicted for planning and executing the bombing, and are subject to INTERPOL Red Notices. There was a substantial increase in U.S.-Argentina law enforcement and security cooperation in 2016. In early March, the Department of State approved funding to support the development of a Fusion Center for Argentine security forces, based on the U.S. model, to expand capabilities and improve communications and information sharing between Argentine federal ministries. U.S. agencies have hosted Argentine counterparts and organized training courses in counterterrorism and fusion center strategic planning. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Argentina is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America, a FATF-style regional body. Its financial intelligence unit, Unidad de Informacion Financiera (UIF), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In February, President Macri's administration announced its plan to counter money laundering and terrorist financing and expanded UIF's authority as the lead agency on all financial intelligence matters. Argentina also passed legislation in mid-2016 which allows the UIF to share information with relevant law enforcement and security agencies; previously, the UIF could only share information with the prosecutor's office. This new authority should improve Argentina's ability to use financial intelligence to identity and disrupt the activities of illicit actors. The UIF did not identify any cases involving terrorist financing in 2016. Two cases identified in 2014 as possibly involving terrorist financing remained under investigation at the end of 2016. While Argentina has established the legal authorities and mechanisms necessary to identify and counter the financing of terrorism, results in the form of targets identified, assets seized, and cases prosecuted have been minimal. Following the September 2016 visits of the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, the United States and Argentina renewed bilateral cooperation against terrorist financing. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Government of Argentina consistently issued statements of condemnation against major acts of international terrorism in 2016. Argentina participated in the UN Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism and pledged its support to the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. International and Regional Cooperation: Argentina participates in the Organization of American States Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism and the Southern Common Market Special Forum on Terrorism. Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay coordinated law enforcement efforts in the Tri-Border Area via their Trilateral Tri-Border Area Command. In 2016, Argentina resumed its participation in the International Law Enforcement Academy in San Salvador, El Salvador. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Algeria Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Algeria, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e4571e.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Algeria continued an aggressive campaign to eliminate all terrorist activity within its borders, and sustained its policing efforts to thwart terrorist activity in urban centers. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), AQIM-allied groups, and ISIS elements including the Algerian branch known as Jund al-Khilafah in Algeria (JAK-A, Soldiers of the Caliphate in Algeria), were active terrorist organizations within Algeria and along its borders. These groups aspired to establish their interpretations of Islamic law in the region and to attack Algerian security services, local government targets, and Western interests. Regional political and security instability contributed to Algeria's terrorist threat. Terrorist groups and criminal networks in the Sahel attempted to operate around Algeria's nearly 4,000 miles of borders. Continuing instability in Libya, terrorist groups operating in Tunisia, fragile peace accord implementation in Mali, as well as human and narcotics trafficking, were significant external threats. Algeria is not a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS; however, Algeria actively supported the effort to defeat ISIS in other ways, such as counter-messaging, capacity-building programs with neighboring states, and co-chairing the Sahel Region Capacity-Building Working Group (SWG) of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). Although there was one reported kidnapping by terrorists as a tactic to compel provision of supplies of food, there were no reports of kidnappings for ransom by terrorist groups in Algeria in 2016. The Algerian government maintained a strict "no concessions" policy with regard to individuals or groups holding its citizens hostage. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: JAK-A, which has sworn allegiance to ISIS, claimed responsibility for attacks on security forces, including two lethal attacks. Algerian government efforts continued to restrict the group's ability to operate. Within the region, AQIM continued attacks using improvised explosive devices, bombings, false roadblocks, and ambushes. Through November 2016, open sources reported 36 terrorist attacks. Attacks in 2016 included: On March 18, projectiles struck a gas plant operated by Statoil and BP in Krechba, in the southern Algerian desert. AQIM released a statement claiming the attack, which produced no casualties. On April 15, four soldiers were killed during a combing operation in the Constantine province. On October 29, a policeman was killed in the eastern city of Constantine. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack via its propaganda arm, Amaq. Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: On June 19, the President signed a new law adding articles to the Algerian penal code and expanding criminal liability in the areas of foreign terrorist fighters, those who support or finance foreign terrorist fighters, the use of information technology in terrorist recruiting and support; and internet service providers who fail to comply with legal obligations to store information for a certain period or to prevent access to criminal material. The legislation was intended to implement UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCR) 2178 (2014) and 2199 (2015), and the UN Security Council (UNSC) ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. The government stated that penal code reforms adopted in December 2015 had reduced the use of pretrial detention in 2016, but overuse of pretrial detention remained a problem. Military forces and multiple law enforcement, intelligence, and security services addressed counterterrorism, counter-intelligence, investigations, border security, and crisis response. These included the various branches of the Joint Staff; the army; the 140,000 members of the National Gendarmerie; and the Border Guards under the Ministry of National Defense (MND); and approximately 210,000 national police, or General Directorate of National Security, under the Ministry of Interior. Military forces and security services conducted regular search operations for terrorists, especially in eastern Algeria and in the expansive desert regions in the south. Public information announcements from the MND provided timely reporting on incidents during which MND forces captured or eliminated terrorists and seized equipment, arms, ammunition caches, and drugs. Border security remained a top priority to guard against infiltration of terrorists from neighboring countries. Official and private media outlets reported on measures to increase border security, including closed military border areas, new observer posts in the east, reinforced protection of energy installations, additional permanent facilities for border control management, new aerial-based surveillance technologies and upgrades to communication systems. The Algerian government reported it had established a regularly updated database regarding foreign terrorist fighters, which is deployed at all border posts and Algerian diplomatic missions overseas. The Government of Algeria closely monitors passenger manifests for inbound and outbound flights and scrutinizes travel documents of visitors, but does not collect biometric information. Algeria uses a computerized fingerprint identification system, undertakes training, and is equipped to recognize fraudulent documents. The Government of Algeria used INTERPOL channels, alerts, and diffusion notices to stay informed on suspicious travelers at land, air, and maritime borders. To enhance its capacity to deal effectively with security challenges within its borders and defend against threats to regional stability, Algerian law enforcement agencies participated in the Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) Program and other training offered by third countries. Algerian participants attended and hosted numerous workshops conducted under the aegis of the GCTF. The U.S. Department of Justice's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program, funded by the Department of State, concentrated on capacity-focused consultations and mentoring in forensics, border security, criminal investigation, and evidence collection at crime scenes. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Algeria is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. Its financial intelligence unit, known as the Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CTRF), is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. In February, the FATF removed Algeria from its list of jurisdictions subject to FATF monitoring under its ongoing global anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance process. The FATF cited Algeria's significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime. Similarly, in April, the MENAFATF announced that it was moving Algeria from "follow up" status to a biennial reporting status, and praised Algeria's compliance with international AML/CFT standards. On June 19, the President signed a new law expanding the Algerian penal code in the areas of foreign terrorist fighters, and those who support or finance foreign terrorist fighters, in an effort to comply with UNSCR 2178. CTRF regularly publishes administrative orders signed by the Minister of Finance, directing the immediate freezing and seizure of the assets of persons and entities listed by the UNSC ISIL (Da'esh) and al-Qa'ida sanctions regime. Although the system for freezing and seizure is in place, to date these orders have not yet resulted in the actual freezing or seizure of assets of listed persons. The banking system in Algeria is underdeveloped and tightly monitored by Algerian authorities. Processes within the banking system are bureaucratic and require several checks at various points of the money transfer process, and a large informal cash-based economy has developed. The scale of the informal market has made its eradication extremely difficult, and multiple fiscal initiatives by the government have failed to co-opt illegal traders into formalizing their businesses. Reportedly, a network of informants and Algerian undercover officers monitor significant unregulated cash transactions, but given the informal nature of the system, it is difficult to police adequately. In recent years, Algeria has taken steps to address several AML/CFT deficiencies. In 2015, Algeria amended the law to expand the definition of the financing of terrorism to include the criminalization of financing an individual terrorist or terrorist organization for any purpose. By amending the AML/CFT law, progress was also made on addressing customer due diligence, requiring all financial institutions to not allow the opening of anonymous or numbered bank accounts. Further, financial institutions were obligated to report to the CTRF suspicious transactions when funds are suspected of being associated or connected with a crime or suspected of being related to terrorism or used by terrorists, terrorist organizations, or terrorist financiers. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume II, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: The Algerian government reports that its policies underscore the value of state oversight for religious education, including by the training and credentialing of imams as a way to promote social stability and ensure they do not incite violence or promote intolerance through their teaching and preaching. The Algerian government appoints, trains, and pays the salaries of imams. The penal code outlines punishments, including fines and prison sentences, for anyone other than a government-designated imam who preaches in a mosque. The Algerian government monitors mosques for possible security-related offenses and prohibits the use of mosques as public meeting places outside of regular prayer hours. Government officials publicly affirm Algeria's Sunni Maliki tradition of Islam, and characterize it as upholding the values of tolerance, brotherhood, and acceptance of others. The Ministry of Religious Affairs warns Algerians against foreign violent extremism (including ISIS), and heeding fatwas (judicial rulings) that originate outside Algeria. Plans announced in 2015 to establish an "Academy of Fatwas" and an "observatory" to guard against untrained imams and importation of values "alien" to Algeria's religious tradition remain at the proposal stage. The government promotes programs on television and radio that gave "repentant" terrorists a platform to dissuade others from joining violent extremist organizations. A national taskforce on cybercrime, established in October 2015, continues to work with cybercrime units of the police and gendarmerie to prevent online recruitment. In addition, the government established memoranda of cooperation among the Ministries of Interior, Communications, Education and Religious Affairs, and set up specialized web sites to counter "fatwas" issued by extremists. Viewing broad-based socioeconomic opportunity as a way to prevent radicalization to violence, Algerian government programs target youth and the unemployed by providing tuition, job placements, and paid internships to university students. The Government of Algeria airs content through Radio Quran aimed at countering religious extremism, specifically violent forms of Salafism. Mini lectures with the stated intent to "defuse" intolerant or violent discourse air regularly, and the most relevant lectures were broadcast two to three times per week. The MND released communiques from its website on captured or eliminated terrorists, indicating where the operation occurred and where arms were recovered, with no further commentary or analysis. The MND excluded group affiliation to deny terrorists publicity. Algerian leaders publicly condemned terrorism in televised addresses and statements to the press. Posting photographs and videos of terrorist acts on the internet is prohibited. MND officials and the MND website reminded citizens to verify their sources and statistics related to security matters with the MND communications office. Under the 2006 Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, Algeria offers amnesty to former terrorists who lay down their weapons and disavow violence. Exceptions are made for perpetrators of particularly egregious acts, such as rape, murder, and bombings. Per the Charter, the government extends judicial assistance and social and job reintegration measures to repentant terrorists, victims of terrorism, and families of terrorists across the country. International and Regional Cooperation: Algeria is an active member and participant in the African Union (AU), the GCTF, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League. It is a founding member of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law. Algeria participated in counterterrorism-related projects implemented by the UN Office on Drug and Crime's Terrorism Prevention Branch; participated in CEMOC (Comite d'Etat-Major Operationnel Conjoint) with Mali, Mauritania, and Niger to promote security cooperation in the region; and hosted CEMOC's Liaison and Fusion Center for information sharing. Algeria also provides significant funding to the AU's Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa. Algeria sits on the UN Counter-Terrorism Center's Advisory Board and hosts the headquarters of AFRIPOL, a pan-African organization to foster police training and cooperation. As a founding member of the GCTF, Algeria served as co-chair of the SWG, which promotes regional and international cooperation and provides a venue for experts to discuss capacity-building gaps specific to the Sahel region and identify solutions. Under the auspices of the SWG, Algeria hosted a regional workshop on the role of the criminal justice system in countering terrorism and on developing and implementing national plans of action to prevent violent extremism. In 2016, Algeria also convened international workshops on the role of democracy in countering terrorism, and on Terrorists' Use of the Internet. In 2016, Algeria continued strong diplomatic engagement to promote regional peace and security. Algerian officials reported that security cooperation along the Algeria-Tunisia border had prevented several terrorist attacks. On the diplomatic front, Algeria chaired the implementation committee for the peace accord in Mali. Algeria continued to press publicly and privately for groups and stakeholders to support the UN political process in Libya. Algeria also participated in various Sahel-Saharan fora to discuss development and security policies, the evolution of regional terrorism, and donor coordination. Algeria is an active member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), a U.S. multi-year interagency regional program aimed at building the capacity of governments in the Maghreb and Sahel to confront threats posed by violent extremists. Both Morocco and Algeria participate in the TSCTP; the 5+5 Defense Initiative, which brings together five European and five North African countries to address security issues in the Mediterranean; and the GCTF; however, political disagreement over the status of Western Sahara remained an impediment to bilateral and regional counterterrorism cooperation in 2016. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Afghanistan Publisher United States Department of State Publication Date 19 July 2017 Cite as United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 - Afghanistan, 19 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5981e459c.html [accessed 12 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. Overview: Primary responsibility for security in Afghanistan transitioned in January 2015 from U.S. and international forces, operating under the then NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Mission, to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), while U.S. forces maintain the capacity to conduct counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan as outlined in the U.S.-Afghan Bilateral Security Agreement. In 2016, the majority of counterterrorism operations were carried out in partnership with, or solely by, Afghan forces. Additionally, the United States supported Afghan efforts to professionalize and modernize Afghanistan's security forces through the contribution of almost 7,000 U.S. troops to the NATO Resolute Support Mission, a non-combat mission to train, advise, and assist Afghan security forces to improve their readiness and capabilities. The fighting between the ANDSF and the Taliban throughout 2016 was characterized by the capture and recapture of facilities and territory by both sides, with the ANDSF maintaining control of major population centers provincial capitals and the majority of district centers while the Taliban gained or maintained control of substantial territory in less populated, rural areas (although it was able to regularly exert pressure on population centers), thereby creating an environment of persistent insecurity. Despite repeated sieges, the Taliban were unable to fully capture and hold provincial government capitals in Farah, Helmand, Kunduz, and Uruzgan. The Taliban, and the affiliated Haqqani Network (HQN), also increased high-profile terrorist attacks targeting Afghan government officials including justice officials and members of the international community. ISIS's radical and violent ideology, combined with larger payments to fighters and their families, attracted disaffected elements of insurgent and terrorist groups in Afghanistan, however, a vast majority of Afghans, including Afghanistan-based militants such as the Taliban, rejected ISIS's ideology and brutal tactics. Islamic State's Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) presence was primarily limited to some areas of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. The ANDSF and U.S. counterterrorism operations killed hundreds of ISIS-K fighters, including ISIS-K leader Hafiz Saeed Khan in July 2016 in Nangarhar Province. On numerous occasions, Taliban and ISIS-K fighters clashed over control of territory and resources. ISIS-K conducted a number of high-profile attacks during the second half of 2016. 2016 Terrorist Incidents: Insurgents across Afghanistan used a variety of tactics to expand their territorial influence, disrupt governance, and create a public perception of instability. According to ANDSF statistics, ANDSF casualties were 30 percent higher in 2016 than in 2015. Insurgents continued to use large vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) and complex attacks involving multiple attackers laden with suicide vests working in teams to target ANDSF, Afghan government buildings, foreign governments, and soft civilian targets to include international organizations. Kabul remained a focus of high-profile attacks. Baghlan, Farah, Ghazni, Helmand, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Uruzgan were the most dangerous provinces for ANDSF and civilians. U.S. citizens and foreigners continued to be targeted in kidnapping operations. High-profile incidents included: On January 4, the Taliban claimed responsibility for detonating a VBIED near U.S. facility Camp Sullivan in Kabul, destroying several buildings and damaging the outer wall. On January 20, a Taliban suicide bomber drove a car loaded with explosives into a minibus carrying employees of Afghanistan's largest television network, Tolo TV. The blast killed seven Tolo employees and injured 25. On April 19, HQN attackers detonated a VBIED on a National Directorate of Security (NDS) compound adjacent to the International Zone housing foreign embassies, killing 64 people and wounding 347 Afghans. This was the largest terrorist attack in an urban area since 2001 in terms of overall casualties. On June 20, an ISIS-K member detonated a suicide vest next to a bus carrying Nepali security guards from the Canadian Embassy, killing 16 people. On July 23, an ISIS-K member detonated a suicide vest at a peaceful demonstration by the Hazara ethnic minority group in Kabul, killing 80 people and wounding 231 people. On August 1, the Taliban detonated a 3,000 pound VBIED at the Northgate Hotel in Kabul. One Afghan National Police officer died in the subsequent fighting. On August 8, two American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) professors, one American and one Australian, were kidnapped in Kabul while traveling in their vehicle. On August 24, three insurgents attacked the AUAF in Kabul, killing seven students, seven teachers, three police officers, and two security guards. At least 35 other people were wounded, and all three of the attackers were killed. No group claimed responsibility for this attack, although many alleged it was the Taliban. On September 5, a Taliban suicide bomber killed 30, including several senior security officials, and wounded more than 90 people when explosives were detonated near the Ministry of Defense. On October 11, three ISIS-K terrorists assaulted the Ziarat-e-Sakhi mosque in Kabul as Shia Muslims commemorated Ashura, killing 17 individuals and injuring 58 others. On November 10, insurgents attacked the German Consulate in the provincial capital of Mazar-e-Sharif. The terrorists are widely believed to have belonged to the Taliban or its HQN affiliate. Terrorists killed one civilian and wounded 35 people when they used a VBIED to penetrate the security wall at the consulate. No German nationals were wounded, although the Consulate was severely damaged and will not reopen. On November 12, an Afghan employee at Bagram Airfield detonated a suicide vest inside the base at the behest of the Taliban, killing three U.S. soldiers, two U.S. contractors and wounding 14 people (13 U.S. citizens and one Polish national). Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: The Afghan Attorney General's Office investigates and prosecutes violations of the laws that prohibit membership in terrorist or insurgent groups, violent acts committed against the state, hostage taking, murder, and the use of explosives against military forces and state infrastructure, including the Law on Crimes against the Internal and External Security of the State (1976 and 1987), the Law on Combat Against Terrorist Offences (2008), and the Law of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives (2005). In early 2014, the Justice Center in Parwan (JCIP) at Bagram Airfield began adjudicating cases of individuals detained by Afghan security forces who were never held in Coalition Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) detention. The JCIP is the only counterterrorism court in Afghanistan that has nationwide jurisdiction. Notable cases tried during 2016 included: Fazal Rabi, who was convicted of providing financial and logistical support to the HQN and the Taliban, while based in Pakistan. He was sentenced to 10 years confinement by the primary court on August 8. His case was awaiting an appellate court trial at year's end. Shaiuqullah was arrested in connection with rocket attacks on Bagram Airfield, which resulted in the death of a U.S. Defense Logistics Agency civilian. Shaiuqullah was found guilty of the lesser charge of membership in a terrorist organization by the primary court on May 9. He was sentenced to three years' confinement. The case was with the appellate court at year's end, which has ordered the NDS and Afghan prosecutors to provide more direct evidence supporting the murder charge. Anas Haqqani, who was detained in 2014, was sentenced to death by the primary court on August 29 for recruiting and fundraising on behalf of the HQN. Anas is the brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the deputy leader of the Taliban. The case remained in the Afghan legal system at the end of 2016. On several occasions, U.S. law enforcement agencies assisted the Ministry of Interior, NDS, and other Afghan authorities to take action to disrupt and dismantle terrorist operations and prosecute terrorist suspects. Afghanistan continued to process traveler arrivals and departures at major points of entry using the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES). The system has been valuable for Afghanistan's law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities in investigative and analytical efforts, and has been successfully integrated with INTERPOL's i-24/7 system. Afghanistan continued to face significant challenges in protecting the country's borders, particularly in the border regions with Pakistan. The Afghan Border Police leadership has stated its numbers and weaponry are insufficient to successfully secure border areas where they face difficult terrain, logistical challenges, and a heavily armed and determined insurgency. Afghan civilian security forces continued to participate in the Department's Anti-Terrorism Assistance program, receiving capacity-building training and mentorship in specialized counterterrorism-related skillsets such as crisis response. Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Afghanistan is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Afghanistan remains on FATF's list of "jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies" (the "gray list"). Specifically, insufficient cooperation and lack of capacity among government agencies continued to hamper terrorist finance investigations in Afghanistan. In 2016, the FATF called on Afghanistan to "provide additional information regarding the implementation of its legal framework for identifying, tracing, and freezing terrorist assets [and] continue implementing its action plan to address the remaining anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) deficiencies." Afghanistan's financial intelligence unit, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Afghanistan (FinTRACA), a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, expressed its intent to reach the FATF action plan milestones. Terrorist financing is a criminal offense in Afghanistan. In 2016, the attorney general issued an order immediately freezing assets of individuals and entities designated under UN Security Council resolutions 1267 and 1988. The Afghan government distributes UN sanctions lists under the 1267 and 1988 sanctions regimes to financial institutions via a link on FinTRACA's website. To ensure full compliance with international standards on asset freezing, FATF recommended increased awareness among various relevant authorities about its obligations under the country's CFT law. Afghan officials indicated that because al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, and terrorist organizations from the Central Asian republics transfer their assets person-to-person or through informal banking system mechanisms like the hawala system, it is difficult to track, freeze, and confiscate assets. On occasions when more formal illicit transactions have come to the attention of the Afghan government, either via FinTRACA or security agencies, these entities reportedly worked promptly to both freeze and confiscate those assets. The country's counterterrorist finance law considers non-profit organizations as legal persons and requires them to file suspicious transaction reports. Similarly, money services businesses (MSBs), like hawaladars (brokers who informally transfer money within the hawala system), are required to register with and provide currency transaction reports to FinTRACA. Although these reports are not always consistently filed, supervision of hawalas and other MSBs is improving. FinTRACA revoked 61 business licenses and imposed $45,000 in fines on MSBs in 2016 for failure to comply with anti-money laundering/counterterrorist financing laws. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, please see the 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm. Countering Violent Extremism: Since taking office in 2014, President Ghani has actively engaged on countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts, requesting that the Ulema Council, the recognized scholars and authorities on Islam in Afghanistan, condemn insurgent attacks and issue calls for peace in mosques throughout the country. President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah reached out in the beginning of their tenure (2014) to civil society groups to understand the challenges of violent extremism and explore ways to counter these challenges. In an effort to stem discontent, President Ghani also visited a number of prisons and detention facilities to address inmate complaints about poor conditions and inequitable clemency programs. Afghan religious leaders and government officials attended conferences at the Hedayah Center, an International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism in Abu Dhabi. Since late 2015, the Afghan Office of the National Security Council (ONSC) has been working, with international donor support, to develop a national strategy to counter violent extremism. The ONSC created an inter-ministerial working group to develop and implement the strategy, and supported a series of provincial-level conferences on CVE designed to elicit feedback from provincial leaders on the best way to prevent and counter violent extremism in their communities. This feedback will be integrated into the final government strategy. The lack of oversight over religious activities at mosques remained an issue as only 50,000 out of 160,000 mosques are registered with the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education. Weak regulation of religious institutions has led to a number of unregistered mosques with associated religious schools (madrassas) operating independently of the government. While executing the fighting season campaign against the Taliban, President Ghani has simultaneously encouraged the Taliban and other insurgent groups to join a peace process. Supported by the United States and other members of the international community, the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP), launched in 2010, was the government's main tool for the implementation of peace activities, including the demobilization and reintegration of former insurgents, provincial-level peace outreach, engagement with the Ulema on CVE, and national-level reconciliation initiatives with senior Taliban leadership. Since its inception, the APRP claims to have reintegrated more than 11,074 former combatants, including 1,051 key commanders. In 2016, the Afghan government transitioned away from the APRP towards a new, as yet unfinished project to create a broader Afghan National Peace and Reconciliation (ANPR) strategy. ANPR aims to: (1) promote reconciliation with insurgent groups; (2) build domestic and international consensus on the peace process; and (3) institutionalize a "culture of peace." The Afghan government signed a peace agreement with the Hizb-e Islami Gulbuddin (HIG) group in September, which was broadly supported by political groups. Successful implementation of the HIG agreement in 2017 and beyond, which was the first signed by an insurgent group after the fall of the Taliban in 2001, could set an example for other insurgent groups to follow. Regional and International Cooperation: The Afghan government consistently emphasized the need to strengthen joint cooperation to fight terrorism and violent extremism in a variety of bilateral and multilateral fora. Notable among them is the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, in which regional countries have committed to counterterrorism cooperation. Afghanistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates lead the Counterterrorism Confidence Building Measure within the Process. The Afghan government also works closely with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the United Nations Regional Center for Preventative Diplomacy for Central Asia to facilitate regional cooperation on a range of issues, including counterterrorism. Afghanistan is also an observer state within regional security organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization; Afghanistan joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 66th member. Lucknow residents can obtain interest on deposits at the Congress' State Bank of Tomato, and take the vegetables out on loan, just like money in an actual bank. By India Today Web Desk: It sounds like satire, but make no mistake: at a time when tomatoes have become forbiddingly pricey, the Congress Party has opened a 'State Bank of Tomato' in Uttar Pradesh's capital, ANI reported on Wednesday. This extraordinary development comes days after Indore wholesalers leery of tomato thieves requested - and got - security cover for their stock, according to news reports. advertisement Heavy rains in tomato-growing states have destroyed crop and affected transportation - a choke on supply which the Goods and Services Tax regime could have possibly exacerbated. Lucknow (UP): In a unique protest against the rising prices of the tomatoes, Congress opens bank called State Bank of Tomato??. pic.twitter.com/lNpAaexgMu&; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 2, 2017 In fact, denizens of major cities have had to dish out Rs 100 or more for a kilogram of the kitchen staple. Nevertheless, an official at the Indian Council for Agricultural Research has said he expects supplies from southern states to drive down prices in the next couple of weeks. For the time being, Lucknow residents can obtain interest on deposits at the Congress' State Bank of Tomato, and take the vegetables out on loan, just like money in an actual bank, ANI reported. I have deposited 0.5 Kg tomatoes, will get 1 kg after 6 months. I'm 103-year-old, never thought have to see this: Srikrishna Verma, customer pic.twitter.com/PlXdnSYGvK - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 2, 2017 And if they want to keep their red gold out of the reach of covetous hands, they needn't worry. The news agency reports that State Bank of Tomato provides lockers too. -With inputs from agencies ALSO READ | Monsoon puts tomatoes on fire, likely to remain pricey for another 2 weeks Red alert: Tomatoes have become new onions, prices soar upto 700 per cent --- ENDS --- Earlier this week, Opposition members alleged that additional Floor Space Index was provided to a private developer - in violation of rules. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: The clamour for Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta's resignation is growing. Mehta is the second BJP minister after Eknath Khadse to have been embroiled in a controversy over real estate. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already ordered an inquiry in the alleged SRA scam in South Mumbai's Tardeo area. Earlier this week, Opposition members alleged that additional Floor Space Index was provided to a private developer - in violation of rules. It's alleged that the benefit for the builder was worth Rs 500 crore. advertisement Documents with India Today show that Mehta noted on the file that he'd appraised the CM of the decision. But Mehta denied it on the floor of the house. "The file clearly has a noting that the CM was appraised about the decision...Now either the CM is lying or the housing minister is...There should be a thorough probe...And a free and fair inquiry can only take place only after Mehta resigns," former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said. MUNDE ASKS FOR CBI PROBE Dhananjay Munde, the Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra's Legislative Council, called for a CBI probe into the alleged scam. Meanwhile, a PR firm released a statement in Prakash Mehta's name, alleging that some of his cabinet colleagues were conspiring against him. A release with Mehta's detailed reply in the house was sent to mediapersons. "It is assumed that the Opposition as well as some antagonists of Shri. Prakash Mehta from his own party are targeting him and trying to tarnish his reputation as they have an axe to grind in the case. Many of his disgruntled colleagues and party office bearers are eying his chair and hence they have launched veiled attack on him. However, it is expected that the judicious Chief Minister will not let such plot to succeed and support his Cabinet colleague," it said. MEHTA DENIES ISSUING PRESS RELEASE However, Mehta denied issuing any press releases, and said he would approach the cyber cell with a complaint. "These allegations are politically motivated..This govt doesn't run on (the) Opposition's demand...I haven't issued any press release alleging that my cabinet and party colleagues conspired against me. Our CM is competent to take (a) decision," Mehta told India Today. The demand for Mehta's resignation has stalled the proceedings of the house several times in the last two days. The Maharashtra Legislative Council witnessed unprecented scenes when Members of the Treasury benches staged a walkout. The Opposition had demanded a discussion on the Prakash Mehta issue. BJP and Shivsena members alleged that the Opposition was trying to stall proceedings unnecessarily, and walked out. advertisement ALSO READ Now, Congress wants no mention of Bofors, Emergency in Maharashtra Board's Class 9 books Scrap human rights body if you can't provide them office, employees: Bombay HC slams Maharashtra --- ENDS --- Washingtons refusal to act responsibly is the root cause of its longstanding hostility toward the DPRK - targeted for its sovereign independence, not for any threat it poses. Russia and especially China are fed up with America shifting its own policy-making failures onto them over resolving Korean peninsula issues. On Monday, Russias Foreign Ministry said (w)e consider attempts of the US and some other countries to shift the responsibility in what is happening (on the Korean Peninsula) onto Russia and China, and to almost blame Moscow and Beijing for conniving in North Koreas nuclear missile ambitions, as baseless. We call on all sides involved to refrain from any steps that could lead to further escalation of tensions. On the same day, Chinas UN Ambassador Liu Jieyi said reducing tensions and resolving Korean peninsula issues lies in Washington and Pyongyang, not Beijing. No matter how capable China is, (its) efforts will not yield practical results because it depends on the two principal parties, Liu stressed. Chinas Vice-Minister of Commerce Qian Keming called on Washington to keep bilateral trade issues separate from Korean peninsula ones. Theyre not related and should not be discussed together, he stressed. From Tallinn, Estonia, during a visit to hype a nonexistent Russian threat, Vice President Pence demanded China do more on North Korea. Washington wants its military deterrent abandoned to leave itself defenseless against possible US aggression, a second Korean war. Nikki Haley belligerently said (t)he time for talk is over, suggesting military action may be Washingtons next option. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for tougher measures, saying Washington and Tokyo intend concrete action without further elaboration. International Relations Professor Shi Yinhong said Trump has staked the entire Sino-US relationship on one single issue, which is North Korea(s) (nuclear and ballistic missile programs), and his expectations towards China are unrealistic. China is quite worried about its interests being affected by the United States secondary sanctions. It would retaliate if the US pushes too far, he added. Despite heavy pressure from Washington, China wont isolate Pyongyang and risk collapse of its economy, further destabilizing the region. China and Russia urge resolving things diplomatically. Washington categorically rejects the only responsible option. VISIT MY NEW WEB SITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. Cambodias social affairs minister has ordered all civil servants to support the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) in next years general election or resign, and threatened anyone who protests the ballots results with violence, prompting a rights group on Wednesday to demand that he be sacked. Speaking at a promotion ceremony in the capital Phnom Penh on Monday, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Vong Sauth slammed what he called a bid by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to poison society and undermine Prime Minister Hun Sen, according to local media reports. The opposition says that the CPP, and especially Hun Sen, just does whatever he wants to do, the Phnom Penh Post quoted Vong Sauth as saying, before proceeding to suggest that doing so is the prime ministers right. He does whatever he wants to doin compliance with the law, and the law gives him that power. And everyone who breaks the law will be arrested and put in prison. The minister went on to remind civil servants that their salaries are paid by a state built by the CPP, and that they are obligated to support the ruling party. Officials eat the states salary, and are asked to be neutral, but do not forget that the state was born from the party, and I think all of our officials must have the clear character of firmly supporting the party, Vong Sauth said, according to the Post. If anybody does not support the CPP, submit applications of resignation, and I can help you [with that], but if you are loyal to the CPP you must vote for the CPP, and then you can stay, he said, adding that a win for the party in next years national elections was crucial. According to a report by the government-aligned Koh Santepheap Daily, the minister then said that protests against the results of the general election set for July 29, 2018 would be met with a crackdown in which protesters heads would be hit with the bottom end of bamboo poles. Such a response would be entirely within the rights of the authorities, he said, because the CPP can create the laws to allow it. The heavy ends of bamboo poles were regularly used by Khmer Rouge soldiers to execute Cambodians deemed enemies of the state during the 1975-1979 rule of the murderous regime. Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for more than three decades, has warned repeatedly that electoral wins by the CNRP in local elections held on June 4 and next years general ballot would bring instability and war to the country. And in May, defense minister Tea Banh said that Cambodias party-controlled military would smash the teeth of anyone protesting a CPP win. Results from the June vote saw substantial gains in commune leadership by the opposition, in what many observers say may be a bellwether for 2018. Call for sacking On Wednesday, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch, called for Vong Sauth to be immediately removed from his position for his outrageous remarks that demonstrate he knows nothing about either human rights or democracy. He is clearly unfit for a job promoting social welfare when he thinks it's alright to threaten to beat people with bamboo poles if they dare voice opinions different from the government, or peacefully protest to air their grievances, he said in a statement. And he shows his ignorance of modern democratic principles when he fails to recognize that in a democracy, it is politicians who are elected to make decisions on law and policy, but the civil servants have different duties, such as carrying out the day to day functions of government in an impartial and professional way. Threatening civil servants who dont back the ruling party and groups that comment on electoral politics is a dictators logic that coerces the public into following orders, Robertson said, and violates Cambodias international obligations to protect rights such as freedom of speech, association and peaceful public assembly. Clearly, [Vong Sauth] is trying to prove his loyalty to his political master, Prime Minister Hun Sen, he said. But in the process, [Vong Sauth] has made himself looked ignorant, besmirched Cambodia's already poor international reputation, and confirmed what many people are sayingthat Cambodia has already slid well into dictatorship even before the votes are cast in 2018. Reported by Maly Leng and Nareth Muong for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. By PTI: Rohtak (Har), Aug 2 (PTI) BJP president Amit Shah today began his Haryana visit from Bahadurgarh and is slated to hold a series of meetings and review works undertaken by the M L Khattar government during his three-day stay. Shah will be camping in Rohtak as the BJP is eyeing political gains from the district, which is considered as the nerve centre of the states politics. advertisement The party chief, who has a packed schedule, arrived to a grand welcome in the morning at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, which is considered the "gateway of Haryana". Bahadurgarh lies adjoining Rohtak, the venue of Shahs three-day stay, which is about 70 km from Delhi. At Bahadurgarh, Shah, was received by Khattar, some of his Cabinet colleagues including Ram Bilas Sharma, Capt Abhimanyu, Krishan Lal Panwar and state BJP president Subhash Barala. Shah was honoured with traditional Haryanvi pugri. The party chief will be camping in Rohtak as the ruling BJP, which came to power for the first time in Haryana, is looking to consolidate its position after being in power for almost three years. Shah will be attending 27 programmes, including 17 meetings with BJP MLAs and others, State BJP president Subhash Barala said. En route to Rohtak town, Shah was welcomed by party workers at eight different points. Thousands of party workers also took out a bike rally to welcome him. Shah has a series of meetings lined up for the first day including with party office bearers, former MPs and ex-MLAs of the party. During his stay, Shah will also be holding meetings with the state unit core group, various morchas of the party and intellectuals. He would also inaugurate a library building in the party office at Rohtak, Barala said. On the concluding day of his visit, Shah will address some meetings where the focus will be to work hard on vistarak yojna (expansion plan) which was initiated across the country to strengthen BJP in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will also be presented with a report card highlighting the Khattar governments achievements during its rule, state BJP chief Barala said. He will also take stock of implementation of the schemes related to poor. Asked why the BJP has chosen Rohtak as the venue of Shahs visit, Barala said, "Rohtak has been our partys headquarter for decades. It is also the political capital of Haryana. Rohtak was also the stronghold of one of our tallest leader, late Mangal Sain". advertisement Notably, Rohtak is considered a stronghold of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Congress had managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat from Haryana in the 2014 parliamentary election as Hoodas son Deepender Singh retained his Rohtak seat. Haryanas Health minister and senior BJP leader Anil Vij said there was great enthusiasm among party workers in view of Shahs visit. Taking a dig at opposition Congress and INLD, both of whom have claimed that Shahs Haryana visit will not have much impact, Vij said, "Opposition is in a disarray. Wherever Amit Shah goes the opposition goes into hibernation. The opposition tries to hide itself". With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across states to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. The BJP president had visited Chandigarh in May. The BJP chief is on a 110-day country-wide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. PTI SUN VJ DV --- ENDS --- advertisement Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong have detained an online activist who posted in memory of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, who died in custody of liver cancer on July 13. Qin Mingxin was detained by police in Guangdong's Foshan city after taking part in an online memorial campaign that involved photographs taken on the seashore, in a reference to the burial of Liu's ashes at sea by the authorities, activists told RFA. He is currently being held in Foshan's Xinhui Detention Center, Guangdong-based writer Ye Du said, adding that Qin isn't the only person in the province to have been detained in connection with Liu's death. "There have been a few like-minded people here in Guangdong who have been treated in a similar way by the authorities for making memorials," Ye said. "We think that any form of memorial should count as the expression of one's personal feelings [and not a political act]." "One guy, Qin Mingxin, was detained, and is now being held under criminal detention," he said. He said Qin was among a number of activists detained at the beach in Xinhui, near Guangdong's Jiangmen city, as they marked a full seven days since Liu's death on July 19. Hong Kong media named another detainee as Li Zhaoqiang. Unacceptable A Hunan-based dissident who asked to remain anonymous said the detentions were unacceptable. "I would like to express my protest over the detention of online activists who carried out memorial activities for Liu Xiaobo," the dissident said. "This is utterly ridiculous." He called on the authorities to allow Liu's widow Liu Xia, who has been incommunicado since her husband's death, to speak freely. "We are hoping to hear Liu Xia's own, true voice, although that may not be very likely given the current political circumstances in China," the dissident said. Friends and fellow activists expressed growing concern over the disappearance of Liu Xia and her brother Liu Hui, who are believed to be under close surveillance by China's state security police at an unknown location, amid growing fears for Liu Xia's mental health. At the time of his death at the age of 61, Liu had been serving an 11-year jail term for "incitement to subvert state power," linked to his online writings promoting democracy and constitutional government. They included Charter 08, a document that was signed by more than 300 prominent scholars, writers, and rights activists around the country. In the document, the former literature professor called for concerned Chinese citizens to rally to bring about change, citing an increasing loss of control by the Communist Party and heightened hostility between the authorities and ordinary people. Liu's late diagnosis, and the refusal of the ruling Chinese Communist Party to allow him to go overseas on medical parole, had sparked widespread public anger, with the governments of Germany and the U.S. offering him the best possible treatment. Now, concerns are growing over the mental and physical health of Liu Xia, who has reportedly asked to be allowed to go overseas to seek treatment herself. Liu Xia disappears Beijing-based activist Hu Jia, a friend of Liu Xia's, said there is currently no news of her, amid unconfirmed reports in the Hong Kong media that she has returned to Beijing. "One or another of our friends has been visiting her apartment every day to see if any lights are on," Hu told RFA on Wednesday. "But nobody has seen any lights, so we can at least say that she hasn't come back to her own apartment [if she is in Beijing]." "We have no way of getting in touch with [her brother] Liu Hui right now, so we have no way of confirming whether or not she really has returned to Beijing," Hu said. Radio Television Hong Kong cited an unnamed source on Wednesday as saying that Liu and her brother have indeed returned to the capital, but are both being closely monitored and havent been allowed to return home. A friend of Liu also said shes not being allowed to contact any of her associates, the government broadcaster reported. "As for whether or not talks are under way with the U.S. [to allow Liu Xia to leave], I have tried to confirm this, but the officials will only tell me that they don't know anything about this at all," Hu said. "But I think that diplomatic channels are the only way now, and Germany and the U.S. have been the first to stand forward [to offer help], and after that the EU," he said. "They have expressed their willingness to help out in support of Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia." Call for release Meanwhile, rights activists in Hong Kong staged another protest outside Beijings liaison office in the city on Wednesday, calling for Liu Xia's immediate release. Richard Tsoi, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, said they are also calling for the release of fellow activists like Qin. "We demand that the authorities immediately release anyone who was detained for seashore activities or memorials for Liu Xiaobo," Choi said. "At the same time, we are very concerned about the situation of Liu Xia, and the government should allow her to return home." "She should be at liberty to return to her home, and to choose her own path in life," he said. Reported by Xin Lin for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. A Chinese partner of global e-commerce firm Amazon has told customers to stop using virtual private networks (VPNs), commonly used in the country to circumvent internet censorship. An employee who answered the phone at Beijing Sinnet Technology Co Ltd, which operates Amazon's cloud business, Amazon Web Services (AWS), in China, confirmed the new policy to Reuters on . "If we discover (clients using unapproved VPNs), we will shut down services," the agency quoted the employee as saying. The move is in line with recent directives from Beijing's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which issued orders at the beginning of the year requiring VPNs to seek licenses from the government before operating. Political commentators say the ruling Chinese Communist Party leadership is keen to ensure total control over what China's 731 million internet users can see online, ahead of a crucial political meeting later in the year. Officials including President Xi Jinping have repeatedly spoken in favor of "internet sovereignty," in which online "borders" would mimic those in real life. On , Apple said it had removed VPN apps from its Chinese store, sparking criticism from users and service providers alike, who called the step disappointing. The company said in a statement on that it had been "required to remove some VPN apps in China that do not meet the new regulations." VPNs are widely used in China to scale the complex system of blocks, filters, and human censorship known as the Great Firewall, and access content outside China. Amazon told the Wall Street Journal that Sinnet is "responsible for ensuring that its customers in China comply with local laws". "Their notice was intended to remind customers of their obligations," an Amazon spokeswoman told the newspaper. Options remain available Chinese rights activist Jia Pin said the apparent crackdown on VPNs will definitely make a difference to internet users in mainland China. But he said other options remain available for the time being. "Even if Apple takes down every VPN app from its store, there is still the Google Play store," Jia said. "Take me, for example. I have both an iPhone and an Android phone with Google Play installed." "There really are a lot of VPN apps out there." Francis Fong, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Association, said Amazon's ruling on VPNs will likely hit business users hardest, by compromising their information security. "Business users must have a clear idea about this, because they can't encrypt everything," Fong said. "In the past, they could use VPNs as a form of encryption, and use it to send confidential company documents back to headquarters." "But if they can't do that now, there is a chance that their data could be intercepted by someone." Earlier this month, China's top three internet service providers were given notice to prevent the country's cell phone users from using circumvention tools to view online content hosted outside the Great Firewall by next February. State-run China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom were told to ensure that their 1.3 billion subscribers can't use VPNs to access blocked content, while popular VPN provider GreenVPN was shut down in early July. Chinese internet users have become adept at circumventing the complex array of blocks, filters, and human censorship deployed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party to control what its citizens can see online. After censors succeeded in blocking Tor, VPNs became the tool of choice for "scaling the wall," in Chinese online parlance, and are used as much by government institutions, state-owned companies, and educational establishments as by the general public. While officials have denied China is imposing a ban on VPNs, the licensing program suggests the government may be gearing up to allow only users it trusts to scale the Great Firewall. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. People in a public square in Pyongyang watch the broadcast of a North Korean test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, July 29, 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called North Koreas leader crazy for pushing the isolated communist states nuclear ambitions, days before diplomats from around East Asia and beyond are to converge in Manila for a regional meeting. In expletive-laced language, Duterte accused Kim Jong Un of playing with dangerous toys that endangered the entire region, referring to recent missile tests by the Pyongyang regime that have drawn international condemnation. That crazy leader. He has a chubby face which looks kind. But son of a bitch, he is a maniac, Duterte said in a speech to tax officials. If he makes a mistake, then the Far East will become an arid land. He added: A nuclear war must be stopped because [if we have] a limited confrontation and it blows up, I tell you, the fallout could deplete the soil and its resources. Duterte is known for a blunt and undiplomatic style, and using foul language to attack leaders of other countries. Last year, he called U.S. President Barack Obama the son of a whore. Dutertes comments against Kim came shortly after United States criticized Pyongyang for testing an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 29, which heightened fears in Washington that North Korea was on track to develop nuclear weapons that could reach the mainland U.S. Last week, according to Filipino diplomats, a North Korean delegation secretly visited Manila in preparation for an upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in the Philippine capital. Duterte is this years chairman of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will mark its 50th anniversary on Aug. 8. Next week, the Philippines will host meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers as well as the ARF, which brings together 27 countries. Apart from all members of the ASEAN bloc, the ARF includes the United States, North Korea, China and other countries. In May, the Philippines said it supported calls for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and encouraged Pyongyang and Seoul to continuously engage in peaceful dialogue. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in Manila, said the North Korean threat had materialized in the ways that we expected it would. We initiated a sustained and continued intensified campaign on what I like to call peaceful pressure, because the options available to us, I think as all of you well understand, are limited, and particularly if we think we are operating under a short period of time, Tillerson said. He said the U.S. was seeking to pressure North Koreas regime peacefully, but he emphasized that Washington would never allow it to have the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less to the homeland. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. 5,408 CCTV cameras have been installed in Mumbai to monitor traffic and cops which will make it easier to incriminate corrupt cops. By Vidya : Next time you see a traffic constable taking bribe on Mumbai roads, hit a mail to the traffic department and rest assured, an inquiry will be conducted within 72 hours, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) today. Replying to the queries put forth by the Bombay High Court, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar filed an affidavit saying that 5,408 CCTV cameras have been installed in the city to monitor traffic and cops, that will make it easier to incriminate corrupt cops. Kumar asked people to send their complaints on complaint.mumtraffic@ mahapolice.gov.in Kumar's affidavit stated that the department has tried its best to minimise cash handling by its officials for which a system of e-challan has been created. "The Mumbai Traffic Police are equipped with 900 e-challan handsets of latest technology and this has wiped out old cash collection system. The towing vans also have to take photographs of vehicles parked in no parking areas before towing the vehicle which is uploaded on the central server and this system has left less scope for enforcement personnel to involve in illegal activities." Kumar also told the court that the "Traffic Police is planning to induct 100 Body Worn Cameras on a pilot basis which will record (audio and video) the whole communication between the policemen on streets and traffic violators. This recording will be in an un-editable format to bring evidence based policing and transparency in the system." Kumar was replying to the queries that had been put up by the Division Bench of Justice RM Savant and Justice Sadhana Jadhav who had asked him to enumerate the steps that had been taken to curb the corruption on city roads. A petition was filed by head constable Sunil Toke alleging large scale corruption in the traffic department. During an earlier hearing the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Maharashtra had said that there was no corruption in the department and the court had called this a mere "eye wash". "Duty rotation is being effectively enforced. 13 policemen against whom confidential reports regarding indulgence in corrupt practices have been received have been removed from chowkies and attached to the multimedia cell of the department," Kumar added while promising to curb corruption in department. Also Read : advertisement Steps taken to curb corruption among cops:Traffic police to HC ACB report on corruption in Mumbai traffic dept an eyewash: HC --- ENDS --- Chris Tsui, president of EAT Restaurant Partners, is opening a restaurant in the River City Diner space at 7 N. 17th St. in Shockoe Bottom, across from the 17th Street Farmers Market. Tsui said the rebranding is to be determined, and that he expects to close on the deal Friday. The new restaurant is part of the transformation of the farmers market into an open-air pedestrian plaza. Construction on the project began this week. Mayor Levar Stoney announced the move Wednesday at a news conference. We made a lot of investment down here. That investment will spur other investments from the private sector, Stoney said. Today we are here to talk about that sort of investment. When the government makes this sort of investment, were hoping for a return on that investment. After hearing about the investment in the area, we were really looking for a property, and thanks to Scott Post, we were able to take over the iconic River City Diner, Tsui said. We will be rebranding it, and hopefully it will be open soon. ... We love this area. I think Shockoe Bottom is the next hot destination in Richmond, and we are very happy to be here. Tsui said hes not deterred by the recent violence in the area, including a June triple shooting near the 17th Street Farmers Market, which took one mans life and sent a man and woman to the hospital. I think with this revitalization, its going to transform the whole area. Youre going to see more people making investment here. Like myself. I believe this is really going to transform Shockoe Bottom, he said. EAT Restaurant Partners operates eight Richmond restaurants, including Wong Gonzalez, Foo Dog, Beijing on Grove and Wild Ginger. Its latest, Red Salt Chophouse & Sushi, opened Monday in the GreenGate development in western Henrico County. Petersburg police have detained two people for questioning in a shooting Tuesday that left a 25-year-old man seriously wounded. Detectives investigating the incident executed a search warrant Wednesday in the 200 block of Saint Andrew Street and took into custody two people who are being questioned, Lt. Emanuel Chambliss said in a news release. Police were called at 5:36 p.m. to the 800 block of South Crater Road for a report of a person shot. Arriving officers located a man, later identified as Petersburg resident Isaiah C. Byrd, with life-threatening injuries. He was flown by helicopter to VCU Medical Center for treatment. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers at (804) 861-1212. You can also text the keyword pdcash and your tip to 274637. The Richmond area suffered two deaths on the James River in a roughly 12-hour stretch, including of a man who died Wednesday after a mishap while launching his kayak in Chesterfield County. A report came in around 7:45 a.m. about a kayaker who had gone under water at Robious Landing Park and not resurfaced, said Lt. Jason Elmore with Chesterfield Fire & EMS. Elmore explained what happened based on witness statements during an afternoon news conference at the scene. Witnesses said the man was using a launch designed for canoes, kayaks and small boats when his kayak, with his life vest inside, got away from him and slipped into the water. The man went into the river to retrieve it, but couldnt. One witness said the man appeared to be struggling, so onlookers shouted to see whether he needed help. There was no response, and then the man went under water. Divers spent more than seven hours searching for the mans body. He was eventually found at 3:20 p.m. Elmore said the rivers murky water made the recovery effort challenging. Once the divers are under water, it is complete zero visibility, Elmore said. Since the divers couldnt see, they spent the day feeling their way around the river bottom using a grid system to methodically search the section where the kayaker was last seen. After an hour of searching, the rescue turned to a recovery operation. Virginia State Police joined the search in the early afternoon. Elmore did not release the identity of the victim, but he did confirm that family members had been on the scene during much of the search. He also was able to say that the victim was an older man. Since the James River is technically the jurisdiction of Henrico County, the Henrico Police Department is handling the death investigation and will release the mans name. Lt. Chris L. Garrett, a spokesman for the department, said the mans identity likely will be released Thursday. The other death occurred approximately 12 miles downriver on Tuesday evening. An 89-year-old mans body was found near Browns Island downtown at 6:26 p.m. Police said John R. Boynes, of the 2700 block of Lauradale Lane in South Richmond, was found unresponsive in the river near the 500 block of Tredegar Street, which is close to Browns Island. Boynes was pronounced dead at the scene after members of the Richmond Fire Departments river rescue team were unable to resuscitate him. Richmond police said no foul play is suspected and that the state medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death. The Congress and NSUI's Mumbai unit tried to gherao the Vice-Chancellor's office. By Mayuresh Ganapatye: The Congress and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) today protested the delay in the announcement of the Mumbai University exam results, outside Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh's office. Led by Raj Thackeray, the MNS asked Deshmukh for an explanation. "We met the VC and asked him to take the resignation of the examinations controller officer, who conducts all University examinations. The VC has assured us that results will be declared on August 15 or August 16. He also has appointed a committee which (will) submit its report soon about this chaos" MNS's Aditya Shirodkar said. advertisement Later, the Congress - led by Sanjay Nirupam - and the National Students Union of India's (NSUI) Mumbai unit tried to gherao the Vice-Chancellor's office. They also locked it as mark of protest. "We want the VC and Education Minister Tawade to resign immediately, as they failed to declared results on time. Many students couldn't apply to....(overseas) program(s) due to the delay." ONLINE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM So what's behind the delay? It turns out that there was confusion over an online assessment system introduced by the varsity. As many as 4 lakh exam papers are yet to be checked due to technical glitches in the system. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said declaring the results was his government's first priority, that all results would be declared by August 5, and that action would be taken against those who'd failed in their duty. It's worth pointing out that the dates mentioned by Fadnavis and VC Deshmukh - Augsust 15-16 - don't match. ALSO READ Mumbai: Amid delay in university results, Shiv Sena moves privilege motion against Education Minister Blue Whale suicide: 'Only thing you'd be left with is a picture of me', wrote Mumbai teen who jumped to death ALSO WATCH Heavy monsoon rains cause waterlogging in Mumbai --- ENDS --- A recent rash of restaurant fires in Richmond all had a common denominator: grease buildup and poor cleaning, in some cases as a result of a third-party cleaning company, according to the Richmond fire investigators. The four most recent fires at Peking, the Tobacco Company, Rappahannock and Dont Look Back restaurants were caused by grease build-up in the duct work, according to the Richmond fire marshals office. They were the most significant of the eight cooking-related fires in Richmond eateries this year because the blazes spread to more than just the cooking area. In most of these locations, a cleaning company was called in, but it appears to us that they only cleaned part of the ductwork, Richmond Fire Marshal David Creasy Sr. said. It is very easy to clean the immediate area just above the cooking appliances and make someone think that the ductwork has been cleaned all the way to the exterior of the building. There is potential here for civil action by the restaurant owners. The restaurants did not use the same cleaning company. Our chefs get on ladders every single night and clean the vents and bottom of our hood systems with deep cleans. Just like every restaurant, we leverage licensed and bonded third-party hood cleaners. Restaurants are required to contract for quarterly cleaning, yet Rappahannock contracted for our hoods to be cleaned every single month and had been cleaned 10 days prior to our fire, said Travis Croxton, owner of Rappahannock restaurant. The four other cooking-related fires that took place this year occurred at a cafeteria at the University of Richmond, the Panda Express restaurant on Grace Street, the Continental Westhampton on Grove Avenue, and Wong Gonzalez on East Grace Street. Its probably a little higher than before, Creasy said Tuesday of the number of cooking-related fires this year compared to past years. In 2016, there was one fire in a restaurant in the cooking area. The year before, six restaurant fires were contained to a cooking area, while a seventh restaurant fire extended into the chimney. The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code states that kitchen hoods and ducts over cooking appliances must be cleaned regularly depending on the frequency of grease buildup, Creasy said. So it is a judgment call by the manager or the fire inspector if we happen to see a problem on an inspection, he said. Creasy said it appears that when cleaning companies were used, only part of the duct work was cleaned. Fire inspectors plan to walk around Shockoe Bottom on Wednesday to hand out brochures and discuss the cleaning issue with restaurant managers. On July 20, firefighters responded to Peking Restaurant, a Shockoe Slip restaurant, after a fire began with a cooker in the basement kitchen, which sent flames to the lower floors ceiling. On July 8, a three-alarm fire closed the nearby Tobacco Company restaurant indefinitely. Tobacco Company representatives would not comment on when the restaurant may reopen. The Tobacco Company fire was preceded by one at the Carytown restaurant Dont Look Back on July 1. That restaurant will be closed at least for six more months. Earlier in the year, the seafood restaurant Rappahannock on East Grace Street was closed for more than six weeks after a March 5 fire. It seems like every week there is another one, Hamooda Shami, the owner of Dont Look Back, said of the restaurant fires in Richmond in recent months. Shami said a combination of employee error and the setup of the range hood in the kitchen area contributed to the grease fire that ended up damaging the kitchen and the apartment above, where the landlord and his wife lived. The couple were displaced from the apartment and are living at an extended-stay motel. Shami said the flat-top grill was left on overnight and, in addition, grease built up in an inch-wide gap between the range hood and the wall. Heat coming off the flat top liquefied the built-up grease and set it on fire. Morrissey has been grabbing headlines since he was elected Richmond commonwealths attorney in 1989. Here's a history. July 1990: Virginia State Bar orders Morrissey to attend an ethics course after a former client complains that a personal injury suit was mishandled. September 1990: Virginia State Bar committee clears Morrissey of seven allegations that he says concerned his conduct as a defense lawyer and commonwealths attorney-elect. July 1991: He is convicted of contempt in Richmond General District Court, fined $50 and sentenced to 10 days in jail after writing a critical letter to a substitute judge. December 1991: Morrissey gets into a courthouse fistfight with defense attorney David P. Baugh. He later serves five days in jail for contempt of court. June 1993: Morrissey is indicted on five felony charges, including bribery, perjury and misuse of public funds, four days before the primary for the Democratic nomination for commonwealths attorney. He is defeated in the primary by attorney David M. Hicks, who wins the seat in November. After the primary, Morrissey is suspended and reinstated from the prosecutors office several times. August 1993: A jury acquits Morrissey of the three bribery charges, and the other two charges are ultimately dismissed. December 1993: Morrisseys law license is suspended for six months when a three-judge panel rules he violated legal ethics with his handling of a rape case. February 1998: A U.S. District judge sentences Morrissey to 90 days in jail and suspends him from practicing in federal court for two years for breaking court rules by talking to reporters about a drug case. October 1999: A jury convicts Morrissey of assault and battery and fines him $2,500 for beating Garien H. Wycoff in a Richmond backyard July 3. One week later, Wycoff files a lawsuit against Morrissey for $1.3 million. November 1999: Morrissey files a lawsuit against Wycoff, Ann Marie Wycoff and Johanna Wycoff, alleging they conspired to damage Morrisseys professional reputation by lying about him in court. Morrissey drops the lawsuit in January 2001. February 2000: Federal prosecutors accuse Morrissey, a defense attorney at the time, of trying to fake completion of community service hours, which were part of his 1998 U.S. District Court sentence for contempt of court. March 2000: A three-judge panel for the State Bar suspends Morrissey from practicing law for three years. The judges find that he violated disciplinary rules for lawyers in the Virginia Code of Professional Responsibility. September 2000: A federal judge orders Morrissey jailed for 90 days for violating probation on his 1998 contempt conviction. In August 2000, the judge convicted Morrissey of violating his probation. The judge determined that Morrissey lied when he denied attempting to bribe a Habitat for Humanity construction supervisor to falsely state that Morrissey had completed his community service. December 2001: A panel of U.S. District Court judges bars Morrissey from practicing law in federal court due to his frequent episodes of unethical and disobedient conduct. Spring 2006: Morrissey returns to Richmond after teaching and studying in Dublin, Ireland, in 2001 and teaching trial advocacy to prosecutors in Sydney, Australia, in 2003. He is denied admittance to the Australian bar. April 2012: The Virginia Supreme Court reinstates Morrisseys law license. The court votes 4-3, despite the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Boards unanimous recommendation against Morrisseys petition. June 2014: Morrissey is indicted by a special grand jury in Henrico on four felony counts and a misdemeanor charging him with sexually abusing a minor over whom he had a custodial relationship - a receptionist in his law office. Those charges carried up to 41 years in prison. December 2014: Morrissey enters an Alford plea to a single misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and is sentenced to 12 months in jail, with six months suspended. By entering an Alford plea, Morrissey does not admit wrongdoing but acknowledges that the prosecution had enough evidence to convict him. He served three months, spending nights in jail while representing his district in the legislature during the day. January 2015: Morrissey is charged by a grand jury with felony charges of perjury, uttering a forged document, conspiracy and inducing false testimony. April 2015: A circuit court judge in Henrico dismisses the January 2015 charges, ruling that the December 2014 plea agreement precluded new perjury-related counts. WAYNESBORO A 95-year-old former Hollywood actress charged with reckless driving in connection with a five-car wreck in Waynesboro last month appeared in court Tuesday. Julia Duncan Manherz, of Wintergreen, was told by District Judge Gordon Saunders that she could face the loss of her drivers license and a possible fine. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor that could carry up to a year in jail, but Waynesboro Commonwealths Attorney David Ledbetter told the judge that he would not seek jail time. The case is set to go to trial on Aug. 22. According to the incident report, Manherz was operating a 2017 Cadillac Escalade July 7 in a Target parking lot. As she was began to ease out of a parking space, she mistakenly hit the gas, rapidly accelerating in reverse and hitting a 2007 Pontiac. The crash triggered a series of additional crashes between the Cadillac and other vehicles as the SUV continued through the lot. The result was more than $50,000 in damage to five vehicles and Target property, including $25,000 to Manherzs Cadillac. Police also discovered that Manherz was driving on a suspended license. Waynesboro police sent a medical review form to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether a medical condition contributed to the crash. The Nelson County resident was the subject of a 2016 BH Media profile. Known in Hollywood as Judy Duncan, she was a former 20th Century Fox contract player who appeared in westerns and was in Twelve OClock High with Gregory Peck. The 1949 World War II film was nominated for four Academy Awards and won two. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses 99th birthday celebrations of Dada Vaswani, the head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, today via video conferencing. Will address 99th birthday celebrations of Dada Vaswani, today at 1:30 PM via video conf . Watch it on your mobiles. https://t.co/TYuxNO0R6P Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 2 August 2017 By India Today Web Desk: Born on August 2, 1918 at Hyderabad-Sind in a pious Sindhi family, Dada JP Vaswani is a universally acclaimed humanitarian, philosopher, educator, writer, powerful orator, messiah of ahimsa, and non-sectarian spiritual leader. He has also been working in the field of promotion of vegetarianism and animal rights. Dada Vaswani's birthday is celebrated as a Global Forgiveness Day. At 2 pm on this day, young and old alike, across continents, observe the 'Moment of Calm' by forgiving all those who have wronged them. advertisement Currently, Dada Vaswani is the spiritual head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission founded by his guru, Sadhu TL Vaswani. The Mission is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Pune. Vaswani has authored more than 150 self-help books. For the past four decades, Dada Vaswani has been spreading the message of love and peace all over the world. Holding aloft in his hands the torch bequeathed to him by his spiritual guru, Dada, as he is fondly called, carries across the globe the message of India's deathless culture. As he was a brilliant student, he was given a number of double promotions enabling him to pass the BS examination at a young age of 17 years. He was awarded a fellowship at the DJ Sind College for standing first in his class. His MSc thesis on 'The scattering of X-Rays by solids' was examined by Nobel laureate CV Raman. Although Dada's conclusions were in divergence with those of Raman, the originality of his views impressed the eminent scientist. Dada gave up a career in academics to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious uncle and guru, Sadhu TL Vaswani. In order to propagate his guru's ideals, he edited three monthly journals - the Excelsior, the India Digest and the East and West series. The Excelsior, a youth journal, became so popular that its circulation surpassed that of the daily newspaper, the Sind Observer. Sadhu Vaswani gave another task to him. It was to serve as the principal of St Mira's College for Girls. Dada set a living example before teachers and students and was dearly loved by them. In 1966, when Sadhu Vaswani shed his physical body, he passed on the baton to Dada Vaswani. Dada's writing reveals practical tips on happy, successful, spiritual and non-violent living. Many of his books have run into several editions and several have been translated into the Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Papio Mento, Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, French, German and Indonesian languages. Because of his best-selling books, Dada is regarded as a great inspirational writer. He has also addressed eminent forums like the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, the World Hindu Conference in Colombo, the Global Forum of Spiritual Leaders and Parliamentarians at Kyoto, the UN, the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit and the House of Commons in London. advertisement He received the U Thant Peace Award in April 1998 for his dedicated service to the cause of world peace. Animal lovers revere and admire him as an apostle of non-violence who strives tirelessly for the cause of reverence for all life. His humanitarian spirit transcends caste, creed, colour and religion. He teaches how to confront problems and challenges and gives vision of a world without wars. According to him, the root cause of wars is irreverence towards life. "Thou Art the great magnet, O Lord, may I be a tiny iron filing," - these words of Dada show his humble nature. His fiery, thought-provoking speeches have aroused interest in Indian religion and culture. His sermons and life style are the best example of 'preach what you practise'. "It is essential to develop intellect and to acquire manual skills. But the most important is the training of the heart... to love and serve... Love and service are what the world needs the most now. Look on service as an offering of love for God," he preaches. advertisement Sadhu Vaswani Centers all over the world, including in Colon and Panama, have been putting to practice these ideals of love and service through their activities, which include feeding the poor and needy, distributing essential grocery items to the needy families in villages, giving educational needs to school kids, organising free cataract operations, medical camps, feeding birds, fish, animals and other living beings. As Sadhu Vaswani had said: "If you want to be happy, make others happy!" Also read: 15 issues India wants to hear from PM Modi on Independence Day PM Narendra Modi's policies have set fire to Kashmir: Rahul Gandhi 'Taint-free' Modi govt to launch crackdown on corrupt officials from Aug 15 --- ENDS --- A Henrico County Circuit Court judge on Wednesday reversed a ruling he issued in June, saying he made a mistake when he wrote that Virginias Freedom of Information Act applied only to public bodies and not to individual officials. Judge James S. Yoffy announced the reversal at the request of a Loudoun County resident, Brian C. Davison. He had filed paperwork in court arguing that state Sen. Siobhan S. Dunnavant, R-Henrico, violated FOIA by not responding to a request he made in January within the five-day window required by law, and by not turning over records he asked for from her Facebook page. I was in error and I reverse my ruling, Yoffy said from the bench. If an individual believes a government official has violated FOIA, the resident can take the official to court, where a judge will hear evidence and decide. Yoffys previous ruling worried open-government advocates. He was agreeing with lawyers for Dunnavant that Davison should have gone to court against the entire state Senate not Dunnavant individually over the FOIA request. Megan Rhyne, the executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, said after Wednesdays hearing that she was relieved by the judges change of mind. After announcing his decision, the judge presided over a hearing lasting more than half the day about whether Dunnavant violated FOIA. He ruled that she did not. Davison is a citizen activist who urges government officials to preserve social media posts that contain public records. When he heard that Dunnavant was deleting posts on her Senator Siobhan Dunnavant Facebook page, he posted a comment in January on her page about the issue. Dunnavants husband, who had access to the Facebook page, deleted the comment. Davison sent an email to Dunnavants office with the FOIA request, asking for copies of any comments made under a statement she had posted about her Facebook policy. He and others had posted comments on the statement. In court, Davison said that there potentially could be comments that he was blocked from seeing that Dunnavant would be required to turn over through a FOIA request. Dunnavant and her staff did not respond to Davisons FOIA request, which Dunnavant said was the first FOIA request she had received as a senator. Dunnavant, who took office in January 2016, testified that senators were instructed during FOIA orientation training not to respond to FOIA requests but to send them to the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council and that the council would respond. The FOIA Advisory Council is a panel that studies FOIA and issues advisory opinions. Dunnavant said she believed the training was provided by Maria Everett, the previous executive director of the FOIA council, who recently retired from state government. I believed that I had done what I was supposed to do in sending it to the FOIA council, she said of Davisons FOIA request. She said her staff forwarded the FOIA request to Everett. The email was forwarded with no further instruction or question. Everett declined to comment when reached by phone Wednesday. The FOIA Advisory Council has offered to help lawmakers with FOIA requests. When asked Wednesday if the council tells state lawmakers that it will respond to FOIA requests for them, the current executive director, Alan Gernhardt, and Mark Vucci, the states director of legislative services, declined to comment. Eric Cantor theres a name we dont hear much says all that talk about Republicans junking Obamacare after taking over Congress in 2010 was just that: talk. Dave Brat theres a name maybe we hear too much is among the beneficiaries of Republican inaction on health care, though what Congress keeps, Donald Trump threatens to take away. The U.S. House Republican majority leader and would-be Speaker until his shocker loss to Brat for renomination in 2014, Cantor apparently has been liberated by defeat and high-dollar, post-congressional employment, saying that the House GOP went through the motions of repealing the Affordable Care Act to sate the base. Translated: It was politics. Rather than tell Republican voters the whole story that, at minimum, President Barack Obama would use his veto to preserve his legacy initiative the partys congressional grandees said that all they needed to shred the ACA were House and Senate majorities. By March 2014, three months before Cantor was involuntarily retired in a GOP primary in which Brat berated him as squishy on health care and immigration, the House had voted 54 times to undo Obamacare. They were symbolic, not substantive, votes red meat for the masses. Cantor told Washingtonian magazine, To give the impression that if Republicans were in control of the House and the Senate, that we could do that when Obama was still in office ... I never believed it. Cantor continued, We sort of all got what was going on, that there was this disconnect in terms of communication, because no one wanted to take the time out in the general public to even think about Wait a minute that cant happen. But ever mindful of Republican voters, who in the Henrico County-anchored 7th District rejected him after seven terms for Brat in a foreshadowing of the Trump populist wave, Cantor said, If youve got that anger working for you, youre gonna let it be. The interview or is it a mea culpa? is another example of the selective, often distant manner in which Cantor, as a politician and, now, as an investment banker, engages his constituents. His occasional back-home meetings with voters tended to be invitation-only affairs. For Cantor, who did not respond to requests by telephone and email for an interview with The Richmond Times-Dispatch, his hometown newspaper, its not just a question of how much leg he shows but to whom he shows it. Thats another reason why the interview with Washingtonian is intriguing. In it presumably aware his remarks will be parsed by the D.C. power crowd of which he remains a member Cantor appears to take some of the blame for fissures within the Republican Party that prevented it from unraveling Obamacare, even as it now controls Congress and the White House. The Republicans titanic fail on their long-promised rollback of Obamacare its been an article of faith since it was enacted seven years ago means that a vast health care safety net endures. Its one that protects Brat and his family. His nonstop criticism of Obamacare, notwithstanding, Brat is enrolled in a federal insurance program that is subsidized through the ACA. Trump is considering yanking those subsidies he calls them bailouts to force congressional Republicans to try, try again to kill Obamacare. When the ACA was moving through Congress, Republicans rewrote it to require that members of the House and Senate obtain insurance through Obamacare exchanges. The government pays a premium subsidy for members to purchase coverage. Im on Obamacare and Im getting a subsidy from the federal program, Brat said by mobile telephone Tuesday. Brat, whose energetic accessibility is a dramatic contrast to Cantors enforced aloofness, is touring the 7th District, stretched last year by a federal court to include the Fredericksburg suburbs and a slice of rural Southside after Democrat Bobby Scotts district was thrown out as racially gerrymandered. Brat views Trumps threat on the subsidies as a populist flourish motivation by humiliation. It potentially puts pressure on congressional Republicans, depicting them to the rank and file as a coddled class spared because of taxpayer largess from digging extra-deep to pay for health insurance for their families. With five women and a man seeking the Democratic nomination for a shot at Brat in the crucial 2018 midterm elections, the congressman Trump-carried district notwithstanding is running for a third term much as he did for his first: high energy, high profile, high decibel, high jinks. Having toppled Cantor, Brats anti-Establishment bona fides are peerless, making him a favorite of the nonstop noise machine that is cable news and giving him opportunity after opportunity to speak directly to his voters. As a member of the Freedom Caucus that cell of unrepentant conservative Republicans who forced out John Boehner as speaker and might have turned on Cantor Brat can be Trump-like in his bombast. And not just about Obamacare. In a written statement and again on television, Brat last week complained about fake news and defended Trump in the federal criminal investigation into the Russian attack on the U.S. election. Brat said the press despises Trump; therefore, the investigation dominates coverage of him. And with somewhat tortured logic, Brat told CNN that the press is responsible for Trumps searing criticism on Twitter of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whom the president blames for setting in motion the Russia inquiry by disqualifying himself from the matter. Brats rant bewildered CNN anchor Kate Bolduan. Are you kidding me? she told the congressman. Sure beats answering for the Republican flop on Obamacare. Cantor took care of that. Retired Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., the states secretary of veterans and defense affairs, will depart Gov. Terry McAuliffes administration to start a new job at the Alexandria-based Institute for Defense Analyses. Admiral Harvey has used his position to create opportunity for veterans, servicemen and women, and their families by expanding access to benefits, employment opportunities, education and many other resources to help them thrive in and out of the military, McAuliffe said in a statement. I am particularly grateful for Secretary Harveys leadership in making Virginia the first state in the nation to functionally end veteran homelessness. The Institute for Defense Analyses runs three federally funded research centers and provides analysis of national security issues. Harveys resignation will be effective Sept. 1, according to the news release from the governors office. Carlos Hopkins, the counsel to the governor, will become the new veterans affairs secretary. Noah Sullivan, the deputy counsel, will become the new general counsel. That was fast. Even for someone in the Trump administration. Just 10 days after being appointed as White House communications director, Anthony Scaramucci is gone escorted off the White House grounds Monday morning. Apparently, even President Trump has his limits when it comes to obscenity-laced rants denigrating ones colleagues. Incoming Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, former Department of Homeland Security secretary and a retired Marine Corps general, made it clear to the entire White House team at a meeting Monday morning immediately following his appointment that he was in charge and no one would would have access to the president without going through him first. Firing The Mooch also sent a clear message to all that the days of publicly trash-talking co-workers were over. In a press briefing following Kellys swearing in and Scaramuccis ouster, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told the media: Mr. Scaramucci felt it was best to give Chief of Staff John Kelly a clean slate and the ability to build his own team. Sure, well go with that. After all, it doesnt really matter who decided the loudmouth needed to go. Whats important is that there is now a retired general running the presidents White House staff. And Marine Corps generals are not terribly fond of disorder. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) seeks to reset and broaden the relationship between the world's two largest democracies. By Reuters: Top US bosses are backing a new effort to build strategic ties with India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent first meeting with US President Donald Trump. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) seeks to reset and broaden the relationship between the world's two largest democracies, and to supplant an existing body under the umbrella of the US Chamber of Commerce. advertisement While Modi's bear hug with Trump and a clutch of deals at their meeting in June symbolised a budding friendship, trade between the two nations has underperformed and Washington wants to narrow a $31-billion bilateral deficit. "What we are announcing today is an organisation redesigned for the future," said John Chambers, the executive chairman of Cisco Systems Inc, who is also chairing the USISPF that was launched on Wednesday. The rollout follows a schism in which the management team of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), headed by Mukesh Aghi, has joined the new organisation. 'FEARLESS' MODI Chambers met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to brief him on the initiative and share its new logo - featuring interlocking blue and gold circles that symbolize the "win-win" nature of the project. The new body would focus not only on trade but also promote business startups, innovation and education - areas that Modi has prioritised in his three years in power. Describing Modi as "fearless", Chambers praised the Indian leader's decision last year to scrap high-value bank notes to cleanse the Indian economy of illicit wealth. He also backed a new national sales tax launched last month, saying it was vital for Asia's third-largest economy to scale up manufacturing and achieve strong long-term growth. "India is moving faster than any other country in the last three years," Chambers told a small group of reporters in New Delhi. "India used to be known as a very slow follower, and now it's a fast innovator." UNANIMOUS VOTE TO SPLIT The strategic partnership initiative followed a unanimous vote on July 10 by the USIBC's board to separate from the US Chamber of Commerce. The new body's board includes high-profile chief executives, such as Indra Nooyi of Pepsico Inc and Ajay Banga of Mastercard Inc. One source familiar with the move said it was motivated in part by perceptions that the US Chamber of Commerce had become too close to the Republican Party, and tended to deliver public lectures detrimental to the two-way relationship. This included controversy over the issue of so-called H-1B visas widely used by India's $125 billion software industry to send engineers and programmers on assignments to the United States. advertisement Trump administration officials were briefed on the strategic initiative and were supportive, added the source, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. 'CURIOUS ACTION' Thomas Donohue, president and chief executive of the US Chamber of Commerce, last month criticised the breakaway as a "curious action". In a letter to members he described the USIBC as "alive and well". The USIBC's acting president, Khush Choksy, was not available to comment. Trump, despite clashing with leaders from allies such as Germany and Australia, turned on the charm for Modi, whose trip to Washington was deemed a success by both sides. He has yet to nominate an ambassador to New Delhi, although senior White House official Kenneth Juster is tipped for the job. The State Department has yet to staff up its South Asia team. Chambers played down those concerns, saying the Trump administration's commitment to India was "unparallelled", and adding, "This is the only strategic partnership that the Trump administration has really talked about." ALSO READ The Modi-Trump meeting: IN PICTURES Beyond handshakes and hugs, Modi-Trump meeting meant serious business PM Modi meets US CEOs: Growth of India a win-win deal for both nations advertisement ALSO WATCH PM Modi meets top American CEOs, says whole world is looking at India --- ENDS --- An analysis by Mountain Valley Pipeline of the controversial projects impacts on intact forests in Virginia underestimated those effects by more than 300 percent, according to an assessment by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and other state agencies. In a July 21 filing, the department alerted the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of many deficiencies in the MVP approach to evaluate forest fragmentation that would be caused by the pipeline and the 125-foot wide temporary right-of-way the project would clear of trees and vegetation during construction, as well as the permanently treeless right-of-way of 50 feet in most places. The agencies said fragmentation of an irreplaceable forest core diminishes its significant, wide-ranging ecological benefits. According to the filing, a forest core is an ecological unit that represents an intact block of forest of at least 100 acres. In addition, the filing noted that impacts of forest fragmentation on a diverse suite of forest ecosystem services is not thoroughly acknowledged, analyzed, nor quantified in the final environmental impact statement for the Mountain Valley Pipeline released by FERC on June 23. And the agencies recommended measures that could help compensate for related damages to intact forests. On Friday, Diana Christopulos, president of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, alerted FERC that the club is very disappointed in the FEIS treatment of forest fragmentation, which is defined as the breaking of large, contiguous forested areas into smaller, disconnected pieces. As an interstate pipeline, the 303-mile Mountain Valley project needs FERCs approval before construction can begin. The buried 42-inch diameter pipeline would transport natural gas at high pressure through 11 counties in West Virginia and six in Virginia. FERCs final environmental impact statement concluded that construction and operation of the pipeline would result in limited adverse environmental impacts, with the exception of impacts on forest. FERC found that those impacts would be significant, in part because of the total acres of forest affected, the quality and use of forest for wildlife habitat and the time it would take to restore areas cleared during construction. But that summary did not provide a complete portrait of the impacts on Appalachian forests, celebrated for biodiversity, according to state agencies, Christopulos and others. Differing estimates Specifically, the filing by the Department of Conservation and Recreation said the Virginia Forest Conservation Partnerships forest fragmentation analysis of pipeline-related effects determined that the project would impact 16,661 acres. In contrast, Mountain Valleys analysis of direct and indirect fragmentation effects anticipated impacts to 3,993 acres, reported the partnership, which includes staff from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Forestry and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The filing with FERC noted that forest cores provide valuable ecosystem services that include protections for air and water quality, erosion prevention and sediment retention, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and oxygen production, temperature regulation, and protection from storm and flood damage. Intact blocks of forest also provide important wildlife habitat and encourage biodiversity, the agencies said. They said Mountain Valleys analysis does not address the full range of loss of forest values when irreplaceable cores are permanently fragmented. USFS endorsement Joby Timm, forest supervisor for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, described in an email Monday a different conclusion reached by the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service position is that FERCs final EIS adequately discloses the effects of forest fragmentation attributable to the construction of the MVP, he said, noting that the statement identified ecological core areas that would be impacted by the Mountain Valley project. As proposed, the pipeline would cross a total of about 3.5 miles of the Jefferson National Forest, requiring a right-of-way grant from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Yet the agencies said Mountain Valleys analysis focused primarily on impacts of the projects permanent right-of-way and noted that trees and other vegetation would be re-planted on the temporary right-of-way. But the state filing observed that the new forest that would eventually mature in the temporary right-of-way would not be equivalent to the forest before pipeline disturbance. Permanent changes in habitat are inevitable, the state said. Fragmented forests When forest cover is fragmented, biodiversity and habitat value for forest interior species diminishes, the agencies said. Long, linear disturbances through forests associated with utility infrastructure projects create new edges places where once-contiguous forests suddenly experience more intense exposure to sun and wind. The agencies said that plant and animal species within newly created edges experience hotter and drier conditions to which they may not be adapted. New edges also can enable the spread of non-native and invasive plants. Weeds can thrive with little competition from woody plants, the state said. New pests and pathogens, invasive plant species and predators are thus introduced to the forest communities. The disruption to the forests ecological functions can have impacts more than 328 feet into adjacent forest, the filing said. When pipeline rights-of-way travel through intact forests, the corridor can create smaller patches of forest that might draw some species that will fail to reproduce in the diminished patch due to predation or lack of critical resources, the state said. Proposed mitigations The July 21 filing recommends three interventions that could help compensate for the pipelines long-term impacts to intact forests. Proposed mitigation activities include: Restoration: Convert existing open land to forest by planting native trees appropriate for the site. The converted land would be protected in perpetuity from subsequent conversion to another use. Preservation: Permanently protect existing forested habitat on private lands. Timber cutting could be allowed as long as the harvested area is allowed to regrow as forest or is replanted, the state said. Enhancement: Support forestry practices designed to improve the ecological functions of forests on public and private lands. The agencies filing includes formulas for calculating how many acres of each intervention would yield acceptable mitigation. It concludes by reporting that state agency staff strongly recommends that [Mountain Valley Pipeline] both provide a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of forest fragmentation and provide a plan to adequately mitigate those impacts to Virginias forests. Funding mechanisms The filing does not suggest a mechanism for how Mountain Valley might pay for the work or, when necessary, acquire private land. This process is still unfolding, said Shannon Johnson, a spokeswoman for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The commonwealth, the project developer and FERC are still working through assessment of impact and appropriate mitigation. Natalie Cox, a spokeswoman for Mountain Valley Pipeline, responded by email to the July 21 filing. The MVP team appreciates DCRs position in the departments recent filing and looks forward to continuing to work with state and federal agencies to evaluate the proposed projects impacts and develop plans to mitigate those impacts, she said. Tamara Young-Allen, a FERC spokeswoman, said the commission does not require and typically does not establish resource mitigation funds for projects. However, it is common that the resource agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, include a mitigation requirement in their respective permits, she said. For the Mountain Valley Pipeline, the role of the Army Corps of Engineers is focused on the projects crossing of streams and wetlands, not forests. Carl Zipper, an environmental scientist, lives less than one mile from a proposed pipeline route in Montgomery County. He noted in a 131-page filing with FERC on July 25 that the final environmental impact statements failure to include what he described as practicable and effective mitigation practices for adverse effects to forests leaves FERC vulnerable to a legal challenge under the National Environmental Policy Act. Meanwhile, Christopulos observed that the state agencies filing fits a pattern. Mountain Valley Pipeline continues to insist that the impacts of the pipeline to forests, water, land values, public safety and the Appalachian Trail are all very slight rather than dramatically large, she said. It took just a few hours for a chemical spill to cause what is believed to be one of the worst fish kills ever recorded in Virginia. But it could be several years before aquatic life on Tinker Creek returns to normal. Four days after an agricultural-use chemical leaked from a plastic storage tank at a Botetourt County business and made its way into the creek, state regulators were still trying to determine Wednesday just how many fish died along a more than eight-mile stretch of contaminated water from Cloverdale to the bridge carrying Hollins Road over the creek near the Roanoke city line. With estimates in the tens of thousands, this may be one of the biggest fish kills in Virginia history, said Bill Hayden, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Although the spill was quickly contained with no known harm to humans, Hayden said it will take several years for all forms of creek life to make a comeback. This mainly refers to aquatic life such as bottom-dwelling creatures that indicate a healthy stream, Hayden wrote in an email. Some fish may be able to return fairly soon. At this point, we have not seen any impact on soils or plants ... but soil testing will continue. Officials with Crop Production Services, a Cloverdale farm supply business where the leak originated, said in a statement that we deeply apologize to our community for this situation. Company officials said they hope to work with state environmental officials to restock a stream where sunfish, bass, suckers and other species could be seen floating belly-up within hours after the spill was discovered Saturday morning. We remain committed to assist in whatever way we can as the remediation continues, the statement read. It remains unclear what caused a small puncture in a plastic storage tank releasing about 165 gallons of Termix 5301, a chemical that is added to herbicides and pesticides before they are applied to crops. Heavy rains washed the spilled chemical into a nearby ditch that is normally dry, the company said. From there, the contamination flowed into a tributary and then to Tinker Creek, which runs south through Roanoke County. Termix 5301 is very toxic to aquatic life ... with long lasting effects, according to safety information compiled by its manufacturer, Huntsman International. When I saw that I said, Oh, Lord, this is not good, said Mike Weaver, a professor of entomology at Virginia Tech and director of the schools pesticide program. Weaver was contacted over the weekend by Botetourt County officials and has consulted with them about the spill. The chemical, which is added to herbicides or pesticides to make them more effective before they are sprayed onto crops, is water-soluble which would have made it difficult to contain or remove after it entered the creek. I think once it got into the water, it diluted and was probably highly active, Weaver said. At the time of the spill, the Termix 5301 was being held in a plastic tank in a fenced-off storage area outside of the Simmons Drive business. The chemical should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated area, according to its label. Following the spill, the tank was moved inside, according to Paul Poister, government relations manager for Agrium Inc., a global agricultural products company that is the corporate parent of Crop Production Services. The most important requirement is that the product is kept away from water and in a tight container, Poister wrote in an email. Broadly CPS seeks to meet or exceed regulatory storage requirements. Crop Production Services has hired an environmental remediation company to help with the cleanup, which has included the removal of contaminated soil from the site of the spill. A spokeswoman for one of the contractors involved, SOLitude Lake Management, declined to comment. In addition to the cleanup, workers are identifying dead fish so the same species can be reintroduced to the creek once a plan is approved by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The spill is not believed to have impacted private wells or public drinking water sources, according to company and state officials. Company officials said the tank, which stores a chemical that it delivers across the East Coast, was not its full capacity of 275 gallons when the leak began. Poister said Crop Production Services first became aware of the leak early Saturday morning, after a local landowner noticed foam and dead fish in the creek and contacted the state Department of Environmental Quality. The agency, which has the authority to cite companies for environmental violations, has since begun an investigation. People who live near Tinker Creek are being advised to avoid the water until further notice. That means no swimming, fishing or using the water for crops or animals. Company officials said the tank was less than 30 months old leading them to question whether it failed on its own or was struck by something that caused a puncture to its side. The Botetourt County Sheriffs Office was called to the business Monday afternoon. By then, the tank had been moved inside and there were no clear indications of vandalism or foul play, according to Maj. Delbert Dudding. Weaver said he has dealt with Crop Production Services and its prior owners and theyve never had a problem. It could have been mischief, and if it was it wasnt something they could easily have prevented, he said. It could happen to the best of them. By PTI: Kathmandu, Aug 2 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who took over from Maoist leader Prachanda in a power- sharing deal in June, will visit India on his first official trip overseas from August 23, a media report said today. Deubas five-day state visit will come at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, The Kathmandu Post reported. advertisement The 71-year-old veteran Nepali politician known for his close ties to India took over the reigns of Nepal when the Himalayan nation was navigating a political turmoil over the implementation of the Constitution and unrest in the southern plains due to the Madhesi agitation. Deuba had played a key role in bringing the Madhes-based parties on board for the second phase of the local-level polls held on June 28. His visit will come ahead of the third and final phase of the polls scheduled for September 18. Deubas visit will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his visits to India in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as prime minister. "We have received two clear instructions from the prime minister," two senior officials engaged in the preparations for the visit told the Post. "First, the prime minister is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India. While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, the prime minister also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects," said a senior official. "Second, the prime minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit," the official told the daily. The Rs 30,000-crore bi-national Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and other energy and infrastructure related projects are likely to be high on the agenda during Deubas visit. The project aims to produce 5,000 MW of electricity. In 1996, Deuba and then Indian prime minister PV Narasimha Rao had held discussions on reviewing the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty and expediting the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and its financing model, Saptakoshi High Dam, Sunkoshi Diversion, Karnali Multipurpose Project and Budhi Gandaki Hydro Electricity Project, among others, the report said. In 2002, India and Nepal had agreed for the early conclusion of the Agreement for Mutual Legal Assistance and updating the Extradition Treaty and construction of four Integrated Check-Posts along the Nepal-India border, it added. advertisement Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But a detailed project report is yet to be completed. "Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past," the Post quoted Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign relations adviser to Deuba as saying. Deuba is likely to visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh after concluding his engagements in New Delhi. PTI ABH AKJ ABH --- ENDS --- Eastern box turtles carry both the armor that protects them from most predators and the potential for eternal wandering in search of home. Turtles found in the wild and relocated carelessly to unfamiliar habitat can search in vain for their original domain. That poignant truth is one of many facts about Eastern box turtles known by Chris and Sarah Muse, which is why they mark precisely each location of a turtle discovery. More than 43 years ago, at the urging of Betty Carr Muse, who is Chris mother, the Muse family began meticulously photographing and marking Eastern box turtles found on the familys 100 acres in Roanoke County and then returning them to the wild. On Tuesday, while weed-eating a walking path, Chris Muse, 50, found Turtle No. 200. He and Sarah, who is 49, celebrated the find as significant because it confirms that the property remains a hospitable environs for Eastern box turtles and because documenting the discovery sustains a fun and fascinating family ritual. Traditions are important, he said. They are few and far between these days. Chris Muse described Turtle No. 200 as outgoing. The brightly colored reptile, a male, did not retreat into its shell when introduced to a visitor. After photographing the turtle and using a triangular file to incise a tiny notch in its shell, Chris and Sarah Muse piled in an ATV and drove Turtle No. 200 back to the exact spot where Chris found him. The photographs, along with the notches which are incised at unique spots on each turtle help identify turtles when theyre found again. A few days prior, while weed-eating a field, Chris encountered two turtles previously documented: Turtles No. 111 and No. 199. The last time Turtle No. 111 was discovered was 25 years ago. Bill Hopkins, a professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, said a box turtles earliest years in the wild can be treacherous. Most box turtles do not survive the first few years of life, because predation on eggs, hatchlings and juveniles is very high, Hopkins said in an email. However, if a box turtle reaches adulthood, it can live for more than 50 years. One website about box turtles, boxturtles.com, notes that the reptiles feel a deep connection to the habitat where they are born and will often wander aimlessly if displaced, searching for home, until they die. Ken Dodd, a professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, is an authority on box turtles. He was asked about this observation and responded via email. It is basically true, Dodd said. I have referred to box turtles as homebodies. Some displaced box turtles will settle into a new habitat, but many try to return to their home range. Distance seems to be important, that is, the closer they are released to their home range, the more likely they are to try and return. And this quest exposes the turtles to numerous hazards, including roads and railroads, and physical barriers such as rivers, buildings and fences, he said. It also exposes them to predators, including people, in a situation where they do not know the location of good hiding sites, Dodd added. Box turtles often return to favored overwintering and nesting sites from one year to the next. The more they wander, the more likely they are to being killed. Hopkins said box turtles shells do not always protect them from predators. Around here, bears, coyotes and raccoons all have the capability of killing an adult, but the box turtles ability to completely enclose themselves in their shell is often a pretty good defense against the latter two, he said. Although box turtles seem plentiful on the Muses wooded property off Twelve OClock Knob Road, the reptiles numbers are in decline elsewhere. Box turtles are vulnerable across portions of their range, Hopkins said. Broadly speaking, turtles are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates on the planet ... threatened by loss of habitat, road mortality, illegal collection for the pet trade, pollution and emerging diseases. Both Hopkins and Dodd expressed enthusiasm for the Muses work to track the Eastern box turtles on their property. One question Hopkins raised was whether the Muses needed a permit for the documentation underway. The answer turned out to be yes, which was news to the couple. Technically, they do need a scientific collection permit to conduct this type of activity, said John Kleopfer, a herpetologist for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. But I am pleased to hear about their enthusiasm for box turtle conservation and would be more than happy to assist them in getting in compliance. Chris Muse said the couple will pursue obtaining the permit. Hopkins saw a photograph of the small notch that the Muses incised in the shell of Turtle No. 200 and said it should not cause the animal pain. Meanwhile, Sarah Muse said finding a previously undiscovered turtle is exciting. But whats really fun about this is when you find them again, she said. Betty Carr Muse, the widow of former Roanoke businessman and civic leader Leonard Muse, hatched the idea of documenting Eastern box turtles on the familys land after reading an article about the practice, Chris Muse said. He and Sarah said their son, Vedant, 14, enjoys finding and documenting the turtles on the property where Chris, Sarah and Vedant have lived full-time since 2008. Chris Muse said the tradition feels enriching during an era of fleeting experiences and instant gratification. Its very nice to slow down and pick up a turtle and start some history, he said. By PTI: By Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Aug 2 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who took over from Maoist leader Prachanda in a power- sharing deal in June, will visit India on his first official trip overseas from August 23, government sources said today. Deubas five-day state visit will come at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. advertisement The detail itinerary and agenda of the visit are yet to be finalised, sources close to the prime minister said. "Officials from both the countries are working to finalise the itinerary, agenda and the size of the delegation," the sources said. The 71-year-old veteran Nepali politician known for his close ties to India took over the reigns of Nepal when the Himalayan nation was navigating a political turmoil over the implementation of the Constitution and unrest in the southern plains due to the Madhesi agitation. Deuba had played a key role in bringing the Madhes-based parties on board for the second phase of the local-level polls held on June 28. His visit will come ahead of the third and final phase of the polls scheduled for September 18. Deubas visit will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his visits to India in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as prime minister. "We have received two clear instructions from the prime minister," two senior officials engaged in the preparations for the visit told The Kathmandu Post. "First, the prime minister is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India. While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, the prime minister also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects," said a senior official. "Second, the prime minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit," the official told the daily. The two-decade old Rs 30,000-crore bi-national Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and other energy and infrastructure related projects are likely to be high on the agenda during Deubas visit, officials said. The project aims to produce 5,000 MW of electricity. In 1996, Deuba and then Indian prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had held discussions on reviewing the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty and expediting the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and its financing model, Saptakoshi High Dam, Sunkoshi Diversion, Karnali Multipurpose Project and Budhi Gandaki Hydro Electricity Project, among others. advertisement In 2002, India and Nepal had agreed for the early conclusion of the Agreement for Mutual Legal Assistance and updating the Extradition Treaty and construction of four Integrated Check-Posts along the Nepal-India border. Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But a detailed project report is yet to be completed. "Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past," the Post quoted Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign relations adviser to Deuba as saying. Besides his political engagements in New Delhi, Deuba is likely to visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh after concluding his engagements in New Delhi. PTI ABH/SBP AKJ PMS --- ENDS --- By PTI: By Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Aug 2 (PTI) Pakistans new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today met Nawaz Sharif to "consult" him before finalising his Cabinet, the state media reported. The two met at Sharifs private residence in the hill resort of Murree near Islamabad where Sharif has been staying since he vacated the official residence two days ago after the Supreme Court disqualified him over the Panama Papers scandal. advertisement Shehbaz Sharif, who will take over from Abbasi after he is elected to the National Assembly, was also present during the meeting, the Pakistan TV reported. Abbasi, a die-hard Nawaz Sharif loyalist, was yesterday elected as the interim prime minister by the National Assembly. He was later sworn in by President Mamnoon Hussain. Abbasi has said that Sharif may have been disqualified by the Supreme Court but remains the "peoples premier". He has praised Sharifs leadership and criticised opposition parties for accusing him of corruption. "Justice demands that 1,000 guilty are set free than one innocent is convicted," Abbasi said. "It is my firm belief that Nawaz Sharif will return to the seat of premiership," he said. PTI SH ABH AKJ ABH --- ENDS --- Panagariya said that he informed Prime Minster Narendra Modi, who is also the chairman of the NITI Aayog, of his desire to move back to academics around two months ago. By India Today Web Desk: NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya resigned yesterday. Panagariya said he would be returning to the US after completing his tenure on August 31. He said he would return to academia. Panagariya said that he informed Prime Minster Narendra Modi, who is also the chairman of the NITI Aayog, of his desire to move back to academics around two months ago. advertisement The NITI Aayog vice-chairman said he had to make a choice as it would not be possible for him to get the job he had been doing at Columbia University. "If I were at 40, then I would have got job anywhere...the kind of job I have at Columbia is almost impossible to get at this age," he said. According to information available on Columbia University's portal, these are the facilities which a faculty member gets there: BENEFIT PROGRAMMES Faculty and officers of research holding full-time appointments are eligible to participate in the University's benefits programmes for officers. Some of these programmes assist officers in meeting the cost of medical and dental care for themselves, their spouses, and dependents. Others help to compensate for the loss of salary if they become disabled, protect them if they are injured while travelling for purposes associated with their University responsibilities, or provide their families with financial assistance if they should die. Still others help them prepare for retirement; aid them in meeting educational costs they incur for themselves, their spouses, and children; or provide assistance with the purchase of homes. In addition to eligible officers, the University provides benefits to their spouses and qualified children. To the extent permitted by law, the University permits qualified same-sex domestic partners to participate on the same terms as legal spouses. Eligible children include adopted, foster, and stepchildren of both the officers and their spouses or same-sex domestic partners. RETIREMENT The University's retirement plan is designed to assist eligible officers in realising their financial objectives in retirement. The plan is fully funded by the University; the individual officer is not required to contribute. Pension contributions on base salary and qualifying additional compensation are made on a monthly basis according to schedules that take into account the officer's age, tenure status, years of service, total earnings during the calendar year, and whether the officer is a member of one of the University's faculty practice plans. The University makes contributions, at the direction of the officer, into various retirement investment vehicles, each of which offers a variety of financial options. The retirement investments of faculty appointed in a professorial rank, including those with modifiers in their titles (clinical, of professional practice, at affiliated hospital or institute) are fully vested immediately. Faculty in non-professorial ranks start to participate in the retirement plan after completing two years of full-time service. Retirement contributions cannot be forfeited or lost for any reason. advertisement The University offers eligible officers a choice among several medical care options. Officers with medical coverage from another source may elect not to participate in any of these plans. The University shares in the cost of its medical plans, with the officers' premiums deducted monthly from their paychecks on a pretax basis. Anyone who participates in a University medical plan is automatically enrolled in its comprehensive prescription drug coverage programme. The plan permits participants to purchase eligible prescription medicines on the payment of a flat co-payment. Under the dental care plan, eligible officers and their covered dependents may receive dental services from a network of dentists who are alumni of the University's College of Dental Medicine as well as from the network of dentists provided by Aetna. Full-time officers who are unable to work due to an illness or injury may be eligible to receive their full salary and benefits under the University's salary continuation plan for up to six months in any consecutive 12-month period or until they return to work, whichever occurs first. If they are disabled after six months and their rights to salary continuation have been exhausted, the University's long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan is designed to replace a substantial portion of their salaries. Eligible officers are automatically covered by both of these plans at no cost. Officers may elect to buy additional LTD coverage under an optional plan through payroll deductions on an after-tax basis. advertisement Full-time officers automatically receive basic term life insurance of one times salary up to $50,000 at no cost. They may purchase optional life insurance for coverage up to six times their base salary or $1,000,000, whichever is less on an after-tax basis. The election of more than three times salary, or more than $500,000, requires evidence of insurability. The monthly premium for the optional insurance is based on age and the amount of coverage elected. Full-time officers may also purchase dependent life insurance for their spouses or same-sex domestic partners and dependent children. The coverage choices for a spouse are $10,000, $30,000, or $50,000; for dependent children the amount is $10,000. Officers pay the full cost of this benefit on an after-tax basis through monthly payroll deductions. The University's long-term care (LTC) insurance financially assists current and retired officers when they or members of their families can no longer live independently due to chronic physical problems or mental impairment. advertisement FAMILY SERVICES Columbia has developed a wide range of policies, programmes, and services to assist faculty and other officers in meeting their family responsibilities while pursuing their careers at the University. Faculty and officers of research may take various types of child and family leaves. These include medical leaves for disabilities arising from child birth; leaves to care for newborn or newly adopted children; and FMLA leaves whose purposes, as defined by law, include caring for children, spouses, and parents with serious medical conditions or dealing with needs arising from a family member being called to active military duty. In addition, full-time faculty on the Morningside campus can participate in the Parental Workload Relief Programme, which provides a paid leave of absence for parents of newborn and newly adopted children. These options are described in the sections on "Leaves of Absence" in Chapters III and IV of this Handbook. BACKUP CARE PROGRAMME Full-time faculty and officers of research may experience temporary problems in making arrangements for the care of others. In some cases, the need to assume that responsibility is unexpected; in others, well-established care arrangements have been temporarily disrupted. To assist them, as well as other full-time compensated officers, non-union support staff, and doctoral students, so that they do not need to take time off from work or study, the University has developed the Backup Care Programmeme to provide up to 100 hours of support each year by qualified professionals. The programme offers support any time, day or night, throughout the year. It covers both planned and emergency needs. The persons for whom care is required can range in age from infants to adult family members to the elderly. They may be healthy or ill and may reside with the officer or, in the case of adults, live separately anywhere in the United States. The care can be provided at home or in care centres. It can even be used so that a child or adult can accompany an officer who is travelling on professional business. HOUSING The University currently owns more than 160 residential buildings with almost 7,000 apartments. Most of these are located in or near Morningside Heights. A smaller number are located near the Medical Center or in Nyack in Rockland County, New York. The University manages these properties to provide convenient housing for its full-time faculty, other officers, and students. Most of the apartments in the University housing system are assigned to graduate students. The supply of housing suitable for faculty and other officers is limited in comparison to demand. Therefore, eligibility for housing is restricted to certain categories of full-time compensated officers of instruction, research, the libraries, and administration. PARKING The University maintains several parking facilities and leases additional spaces in other lots for the use of its faculty and other officers. Certain lots at the Medical Center also accommodate students enrolled on that campus. Some of the University's parking facilities are dedicated to commuters living outside of Manhattan. Others may be used for long-term parking by eligible officers. City regulations do not permit overnight parking in garages and lots that are set aside exclusively for commuters. Since demand for University parking greatly exceeds supply, eligibility for both 24-hour and commuter parking is limited. No one who does not meet the requirements stated in those documents may receive parking; no one who ceases to meet them after being authorized to park may retain those privileges. Both parking offices will assist individuals who are not eligible for University parking in finding space in a commercial garage in the area surrounding their respective campuses. RETIREE BENEFITS Faculty, officers of research, and other officers who retire from Columbia continue to enjoy a wide range of University privileges and benefits. BENEFITS Qualified retired officers may continue to obtain medical coverage for themselves and family members through the University. To participate in the medical plan for retirees, officers must be at least 55 years at the time of retirement and must have completed at least 10 years of full-time service after age 45. In addition, they must have actively worked at the University for at least 12 continuous months prior to retirement. This restriction does not apply in the following situations: A faculty member has taken a terminal sabbatical leave; an officer has signed a retirement agreement that provides for a terminal leave, with or without salary; and an officer has been placed on a medical leave, with or without salary, during the final year of appointment. HOUSING By reason of their affiliation, certain faculty and other officers living in a University apartment at the time of retirement may be eligible to remain in their apartments, depending on when they signed their leases and retired, their former tenure status, how long they held full-time appointments, and how long they have resided in University housing. In all instances, their University apartment must be their primary residence, as determined by the Residential and Commercial Operations Department of Columbia University Facilities, or they will be required to vacate their apartment. As a general rule, full-time professorial-rank faculty, including those with modifiers in their titles, may remain in their apartments for a maximum period of three years after retirement. All other tenants are given a reasonable period of time within which to vacate their apartments after they retire. The three years of post-retirement eligibility for full-time professorial-rank faculty who have signed phased retirement agreements commences from the date they fully retire. PARKING At the discretion of the University, retired faculty and officers of research may continue to park their cars in a University garage or lot if they had 24-hour parking prior to retirement. Those who had commuting privileges ordinarily may park in a University facility only on the days on which they are teaching. ALSO READ Arvind Panagariya resigns as Niti Aayog vice-chairman, says will return to academics Make in India Awards: Has GST started delivering? NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant says freight transport speed has doubled ALSO WATCH Niti Aayog's Arvind Panagariya to India Today: Demonetisation will improve efficiency and growth by stamping out corruption --- ENDS --- By PTI: Eds: Updating with details New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) The Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of former Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Neera Yadav and another IAS officer Rajiv Kumar in cases related to a land allotment scam from 1993-95 in Noida. However, the top court reduced the three-year jail terms awarded to them in two separate cases to two years. advertisement The court rejected the plea of Yadav to undergo the sentence concurrently and held that she would have to serve the jail term in two separate cases consecutively. Kumar, a 1983-batch IAS officer and then NOIDA Deputy CEO, was tried only in one case along with Yadav. While in the first case, the ex-chief secretary was accused of abusing official position to get the plots allotted to herself and her two daughters in 1994, the second one was for conspiring with Rajiv Kumar to get him allotment of a plot. "The prosecution has successfully proved that the appellant Neera Yadav abused her position as a public servant to benefit herself and her kith and kin. She not only made a mockery of rules and regulations of NOIDA, but also misused her position by completely neglecting her duties," a bench of justices Kurian Joseph and R Banumathi said. The court agreed with the prosecutions argument that Yadav in conspiracy with other officials abused her position while committing grave irregularities in the matters of allotments and conversions of land in NOIDA. "Upon consideration of the evidence on record, we are of the view that the concurrent findings recorded by the trial court as well as by the high court are based upon proper appraisal of facts and evidence and the concurrent findings do not suffer from any error warranting interference," the court said. The bench reduced the jail term after noting that the case was 23-years-old and both the convicts had surrendered the plots to NOIDA and also given up their claim of refund. "In the facts and circumstances of the present case and considering that the occurrence was of the year 1994 about twenty three years ago and that Rajiv Kumar had offered to surrender the plot and forgo refund and the fact that on account of conviction, his service and retiral benefits are in jeopardy, sentence of imprisonment imposed on the appellant Rajiv Kumar is reduced to two years and necessarily that of Neera Yadav is also to be reduced," the court said. The bench held that being a chairman-cum-CEO of NOIDA, Yadav was expected to ensure that the allotment of plots was effected in strict compliance with the rules and regulations of NOIDA. advertisement "However, the appellant herself bypassed the rules and regulations of NOIDA by submitting ante dated, half-filled applications for seeking allotment of plots and by not paying the total amount payable in lieu of the allotment," it said. It also expressed concern over the issue of nepotism and said that granting favours to "near and dear" deprives others of a career opportunity. "A particular kind of corruption that has become more rampant of late is nepotism to promote the interests of those near and dear to them. Nepotism is in a sense a greater evil since it involves dispersal of favours by patrons amongst their arm coterie, depriving others of a career or office they deserve more. "The practice of promoting the interest of few individuals to the detriment of many others is wholly reprehensible and deserves to be condemned," the top court said. PTI PKS SJK RKS ZMN --- ENDS --- A Norwegian Facebook group, critical of immigration, is being mocked for confusing empty bus seats with six burkha-clad women. Not only did they make a mistake, but also posted Islamophobic comments on the post. By India Today Web Desk: A photo of some empty bus seats is going viral on social media and a Norwegian Facebook group is being mocked for it. Norways's Fedrelandet vitikitst, meaning 'Fatherland first'', is a Facebook group for people critical of immigration. A user posted a picture that appeared to show six burkha-clad women on a bus and soon the members began raising their concerns over the "frightening" and "scary" scene. advertisement "It looks really scary, should be banned. You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons," a user wrote. FYI: Norway recently had proposed a law to ban face-covering Muslim veils in schools and universities. The group, which has almost 13,000 members, had people commenting about the influx of Muslim immigrants in the past few years. Some Facebook users were worried that those 'women' could have been carrying "weapons and bombs" under the burkha. According to a Facebook user, "they look like collapsed umbrellas". Also read: 'Chant Jai Shri Ram or we set your car on fire': Muslim reporter left fearing for life on Bihar highway Sadly, they let their imagination run a little too wild. Another Facebook user, Sindre Beyer, pointed out that the picture showed some empty bus seats and not women in burkhas. Along with screenshots of reactions, Sindre wrote a post saying- "What happens when a photo of some empty bus seats is posted to a disgusting Facebook group and nearly everyone thinks they see a bunch of burkas?" The post is being widely shared and people are expressing their shock over how can some people react with so much prejudice in mind. Those empty bus seats being perceived as burkha-clad women shows the Islamophobic mindset of people. However, the user who initially posted the photograph to the group told WorldViews that he just played a "little practical joke". "I laid out the photo to see what happened," he said. He was apparently shocked that many people fell for it. "I ended up having a good laugh," the user said. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Lashkar-e-Taibas Kashmir chief Abu Dujana was killed in predawn darkness yesterday and buried somewhere in north Kashmir in the dead of the night, senior security officials said today, taking a cue from the operation against Osama bin Laden. Darkness ran like a recurring theme as security forces launched an operation in south Kashmirs Pulwama district to hunt down the terrorist who had slipped away from their grasp more than 12 times. advertisement And all the while, as dawn slowly turned to dusk and night fell over the Kashmir Valley, the Hollywood blockbuster Zero Dark Thirty, it is learnt, played in the minds of security officials. The film, which chronicles the manhunt that felled Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011 is what gave security officials the idea to conduct the operation at night. The tip-off that Dujana was holed up inside a house in Pulwama district had come around midnight. Believed to be in his late 20s, Dujana had been elusive many times in the past and there were some suggestions that the operation be conducted after dawn to avoid "collateral damage", officials said. "The movie and how Osama was finally captured came to our mind and we wasted no time in waiting for dawn," said a senior official, who was part of the operation, on condition of anonymity. "After deliberations with senior officers, a call was taken to carry out the operations during the night itself and troops were mobilised." Armed with "confirmed knowledge" from a trusted source about the presence of Dujana in the home of a woman he is believed to have married, crack teams of the Special Operations Group (SOG) were quickly mobilised and moved towards Hakripura, adjacent to Neva, a bastion for LeT militants located 13 km from the district headquarters of Pulwama. Dujana, along with his local accomplice Arif Bhat, was inside the house. "For us, the inmates of the house were also civilians and we wanted to ensure their safety too. A first crack team of the police was sent amid heavy fire from the two militants. But his wife and other family members were taken out to safety," an official said. Dujana and Bhat were killed in the exchange of fire that followed. After ensuring complete secrecy, Jammu and Kashmir Police took custody of Dujanas body and moved it to the other side of the valley. Dujana, who was killed in south Kashmir, was buried somewhere in north Kashmir. Its a place where other foreign militants are buried, an official said, without specifying exactly where. advertisement "We have preserved his DNA sample before burying him last night amid darkness," the official said. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesperson, both Dujana and Bhat were involved in a number of anti- national and subversive activities. These included the killing of politicians in Pulwama, hurling grenades at security personnel and recruiting local youth. Dujana, described as a womaniser by the spokesperson, was also believed to be involved in the killing of two CRPF personnel at Sangam Bijbehara and an attack on police party at Pampore that claimed the life of two constables. While Dujana had told his wife and other family members that he was from Karachi. Bhat was a local boy from Lellhar in Pulwama, the officials said. --- ENDS --- (Rns.online) - On August 2, the Supervisory Board of the diamond mining company ALROSA will discuss the opening of an office in Mumbai, India, the company said. One of the topics on the agenda of the absentee vote of the Supervisory Board reads "on the establishment of a representative office of ALROSA in the city of Mumbai (Republic of India)." ALROSA is the world's largest producer of diamonds in terms of carats. The company is engaged in exploration, mining and sale of diamonds. ALROSA carries out diamond mining in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Arkhangelsk Region. Net profit of ALROSA under IFRS in 2016 amounted to 133.5 billion rubles. Anglo American, which has an 85 percent stake in De Beers, said the diamond giant raked in $572 million from its sixth sales cycle of the year compared to $541 million last June. Sales for the sixth cycle of 2016 were $528 million. The sixth sales cycle of the year maintained the trend of consistently good demand for De Beers rough diamonds across the product range, said group chief executive Bruce Cleaver. With Diwali being earlier than normal in 2017, we saw some demand from Indian diamantaires pulled forward from Sight 7. This was due to these customers needing to make rough diamond purchases in sufficient time to complete their polishing before the holiday begins. De Beers rough diamond production leaped 21 percent to 16.1 million carats during the first half of the year compared with 13.3 million carats, a year earlier, in line with the higher production forecast for 2017. The groups diamond output was expected to remain in the range of 31-33 million carats this year, subject to trading conditions. Anglo said last week that macro-economic conditions underpinning consumer demand for polished diamonds globally remained supportive of marginal demand growth in 2017. The extent of global growth, however, would be dependent upon a number of macro-economic factors, including the effect of US and China government policies on exchange-rate movements, it said. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished By PTI: Shimla, Aug 1 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today accused the opposition of trying to "politicise" the alleged rape and murder of a schoolgirl here and held it responsible for the unrest in Chamba district. "The opposition in the state is trying to play politics over the case and it is also responsible forunrest in Tissa in Chamba district," he said in Solan. advertisement He warned that all those involved in the loot and arson and had damaged public property would not be spared. Asserting that it was wrong to give a political colour to such unfortunate events, Singh said the BJP leaders were "flaring up" the matter to remain in news and gain "cheap" publicity. On the unrest in Chamba following the alleged sexual harrasment of a schoolgirl, the chief minister said the situation is under control and a peace march was organised today. The Congress leader said it was the duty of the organisation to give a reply if any leader of the party is attacked by political opponents. The party organisation whether at state, district or block level should unitedly rebut allegations and propaganda by the BJP and other political opponents, he said. Singh said he was capable of answering and giving firm replies to the opposition, but the party cadre should jointly come out with rebuttals and make the people aware of the "cheap tactics" of the opposition. He also listed the development undertaken by his government and claimed that Himachal Pradesh had emerged as the most literate state in the country. PTI PCL ANB --- ENDS --- Rio Tintos famed champagne and cognac diamonds from its Argyle diamond mine have been showcased in a signature piece of jewellery in New York, says a press note from the company. The Origins of Argyle statement necklace features more than 45 carats of cascading champagne and cognac diamonds and a 3.55 ct white diamond, and is one of 31 pieces featured in an exhibition of more than $60 mn of Argyle diamond jewellery. The necklace takes inspiration from the birthplace of the gems in the remote east Kimberley region of Western Australia, with the geographical coordinates of the Argyle diamond deposit inscribed on the reverse of the necklace. The Australian diamond jewellery exhibition coincides with the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender before the diamond collection begins a global invitation-only viewing tour. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished The World Diamond Council (WDC), an industry group focused on preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate global supply chain and protecting the value of natural diamonds, will hold its 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 15-17, 2017. The meeting will be hosted by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Among the items to be discussed at the AGM are industry recommendations for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) review cycle and a proposed renewal of the WDC System of Warranties. The WDC is going forward with its Strategic Plan aimed at enhancing the KPCS and encouraging diamond industry self -regulation to increase supply chain transparency, stated Stephane Fischler, acting President of the WDC. I am confident that our collaborative efforts will contribute to the further development of diamond industry integrity and strengthen consumer confidence in the diamond value chain. The program will begin on October 15 with the WDC Board of Directors meetings. On October 16 Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the DMCC, will make the keynote address at the opening session of the AGM. Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels ALROSA introduces The Dynasty, a unique collection of diamonds manufactured at its cutting and polishing facilities. The centerpiece of the collection, a 51.38-carat traditional round brilliant-cut diamond, is the purest of all large diamonds manufactured throughout the Russian jewelry history. The Dynasty collection consists of five diamonds and was created from a 179-carat rough diamond. The Romanovs, a unique rough diamond, was recovered from Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2015. There was a good reason to choose the name for the collection, which is connected with ALROSAs intention to revive the traditions and memory of renowned Russian jewelers famous for their craftsmanship and filigree since the Russias first cutting and polishing factory founded by Peter I early in the 18th century. The Dynasty, the main 51.38-carat diamond, is a 57-facet traditional round brilliant-cut diamond, Triple Excellent, D, VVS1. As to overall characteristics, it is unprecedented in the history of Russia it is the most expensive diamond with the best clarity characteristics ever cut in our country, the chef d'oeuvre of Russian polishers. Other diamonds in the collection are named after the dynasties that played a crucial role in the development of the Russian jewelry. A 16.67-carat round brilliant-cut diamond, the second by weight, was named The Sheremetevs. The Orlovs is a 5.05-carat oval diamond. The Vorontsovs is a 1.73-carat pear-cut diamond, and The Yusupovs is a 1.39-carat diamond. Commenting on this event, Sergey Ivanov, President of ALROSA said, This collection is really unique. All five diamonds were manufactured from one rough diamond, which is an exceptional case. It took a year and a half to create the collection. But the result was worth it: we have obtained amazing quality diamonds. And the main diamond, The Dynasty, has become the purest of the largest diamonds throughout the history of jewelry in our country. The whole collection was certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to confirm its characteristics. Less than 1% of diamonds in the world have such characteristics as color D and clarity VVS1. And such characteristics of polished diamonds obtained from one rough diamond are exceptional. To be sure, it is a masterpiece of Russian polishers. All five diamonds in The Dynasty collection were manufactured by the craftsmen from Diamonds ALROSA, ALROSAs cutting and polishing division. Pavel Vinikhin, Director of Diamonds ALROSA noted, The creation of The Dynasty was of great importance. This stone gives a start to a new stage in the development of ALROSAs cutting division that will actively develop polishing of extra-large and colored diamonds. The Dynasty demonstrated that we can do it at the highest level. We work a lot on the technique, combine modern technologies with the secrets of jewelers of the Russian Imperial Court. And we expect that the revival of their traditions will be a worthy contribution to the promotion of the Russian jewelry stones brand in the global market." The collection will be sold at a special online auction scheduled for November 2017. More detailed information on the diamonds and their history, videos and photos as well as about terms of participation in the auction are available on the special ALROSA website dynasty.alrosa.ru. US President Donald Trump has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, and warned his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro that he will be held "personally responsible" for the safety of two jailed opposition leaders. Trump's tough talk came a day after his Government announced sanctions against the Venezuelan President in response to what the White House described as "Maduro regime's recent anti-democratic actions." In a controversial election boycotted by the Opposition at the weekend, a new Constituent Assembly was elected to draw up a new constitution that has the potential to fundamentally change the rules in favour of Maduro. At least 10 people were killed when the security forces tried to suppress spiraling anti-government protests. Tuesday, two opposition leaders were re-arrested on charges of inciting violence. Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma, who had been under house arrest, were taken to a military prison. "The United States holds Maduro -- who publicly announced just hours earlier that he would move against his political opposition -- personally responsible for the and safety of Mr Lopez, Mr Ledezma, and any others seized," Trump said in a statement issued late Tuesday. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a press briefing that Vice President Mike Pence spoke with Lopez last week, and that he and Ledezma are political prisoners held unjustly by the Maduro regime. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Honolulu, the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, has imposed a ban on pedestrians looking at mobile phones or texting while crossing street. The law will be effective from October. Starting in October, pedestrians who text or check their phones while crossing the streets of the Hawaiian capital will fined $35 fine, which will rise to $75 for a second offense and $99 for a third. Mayor Kirk Caldwell cited Honolulu's "unfortunate distinction of being a major city with more pedestrians being hit in crosswalks, particularly our seniors, than almost any other city in the county." People who use their mobile phones to make emergency calls are exempt from the ban. Accidents involving pedestrians are rising, with many using their phones while walking or crossing roads. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News (Agencia CMA Latam) - Brazil's House of Representatives started the debate on a corruption charge against President Michel Temer and should vote on the matter in the near future. If the representatives accept the charges, Temer would be one step closer to leaving the office. Temer was formally charged with passive corruption by the prosecutor-general Rodrigo Janot at the end June. However, both the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court must accept the charges against the president before any trial can begin. The complaint is based on an audio recording of an informal late-night meeting between Temer and JBS's owner Joesley Batista that went public in May. During the conversation, the president points a former aide, Rodrigo Rocha Loures, who would help Batista to interfere in a legal dispute between JBS and Petrobras. The businessman made a deal with Loures to pay a R$ 500,000 (US$ 150,000) weekly graft payment in exchange for the illegal help, and prosecutors believe that Temer would be the final recipient of the money. Other evidence presented against Temer include a video of the moment when Loures receives the graft payment from a JBS employee, after discussing the terms of the deal. The charge against the Brazilian president was first reviewed by a House committee, in July. At that time, the congressman in charge of guiding the vote on the matter said that lawmakers should allow Temer to be accused and trialed. The president allies, however, replaced 17 of the 66 members of the committee and managed to change that guidance. The final report from the commission, which says that lawmakers should dismiss the charges, was presented yesterday to the House floor, and the author of the report stated that Temer should only be trialed after he leaves the Brazilian presidency in the name of "the country's best interest." Temer's lawyer Antonio Mariz de Oliveira also spoke today on the House floor, and argued that Rodrigo Janot, who presented the complaint against Temer, "can not blame the president" while Batista, the JBS businessman, "is put on an altar for sanctification." He claimed that if the complaint moves on, it would cause the "bleeding of the nation" and stain the dignity and honor "of a good man." Representatives will now begin to discuss the corruption charge. The government seems confident that the opposition will not gather the 342 votes - from a total of 513 - required to advance with the complaint. The corruption charge against Temer is blocking votes on other legislation, like the pension system reform bill. Experts believe that the government could lose support for the reform if the political turbulence persists - particularly if new charges involving corruption target Temer. Another bill waiting for a House vote would allow foreign companies to hold a controlling stake in Brazilian airlines. The current law limits the share of foreign companies in local airlines to 20%. 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) - The two-year economic recession that hit Brazil had significant effects on freight and passenger traffic in the South American country's airports, forcing the government and management companies to renegotiate concessions' terms. The most notorious case involves the Viracopos airport, in Campinas, the third largest city in the Sao Paulo state. ABV, the Viracopos' administrator, decided to return the airport to the government after facing financial difficulties. Official estimates at the time when the Viracopos concession was auctioned pointed that 17.9 million passengers would use the airport in 2016, but the real number was equivalent to half of this projection. Cargo movement was also below expectations, at 40% of the 409 thousand tons expected. At the Guarulhos airport, the largest in Brazil, the management wants to renegotiate payments deadlines with the government. Those payments should total R$ 1 billion by the end of this year. So far, however, only R$ 115 million was disbursed. In 2015, Brazil experienced the peak of air travel. Airlines transported 96,164 million people on domestic flights. In 2017, under the impact of the most severe economic recession to hit the country in the last century, there was a 7.8% decline in that traffic, to 88,648 million. Demand for air travel remained weak in the first half of this year, with a 0.6% decline in the number of passengers compared to the same period of 2016. The difficulty faced by companies in honoring payments to the government also hurts the result of public accounts in Brazil. President Michel Temer's economic team has determined that this year the fiscal target would be a primary deficit of R$ 139 billion, but the slow pace of recovery in tax collection increased the risk of missing that goal. Last month, the federal government nearly doubled a tax on gasoline and diesel oil in an attempt to keep the deficit from rising above the limit, but investors still show mistrust about the measure's effectiveness. 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) - Brazil's House of Representatives is expected to block the corruption charge against President Michel Temer from reaching the Supreme Court if all representatives follow their party leaders guidelines. Seven of the ten party leaders that announced their votes so far told their representatives to reject the complaint against the president. Two party leaders that were in favor of charging Temer are from the opposition, while the other one belongs to PSDB, a party that belongs to the current government. Temer was formally charged with passive corruption by the prosecutor-general Rodrigo Janot at the end June. However, both the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court must accept the charges against the president before any trial can begin. The complaint is based on an audio recording of an informal late-night meeting between Temer and JBS's owner Joesley Batista that went public in May. During the conversation, the president points a former aide, Rodrigo Rocha Loures, who would help Batista to interfere in a legal dispute between JBS and Petrobras. The businessman made a deal with Loures to pay a R$ 500,000 (US$ 150,000) weekly graft payment in exchange for the illegal help, and prosecutors believe that Temer would be the final recipient of the money. Other evidence presented against Temer include a video of the moment when Loures receives the graft payment from a JBS employee, after discussing the terms of the deal. The charge against the Brazilian president was first reviewed by a House committee, in July. At that time, the congressman in charge of guiding the vote on the matter said that lawmakers should allow Temer to be accused and trialed. The president allies, however, replaced 17 of the 66 members of the committee and managed to change that guidance. The final report from the commission, which says that lawmakers should dismiss the charges, was presented yesterday to the House floor, and the author of the report stated that Temer should only be trialed after he leaves the Brazilian presidency in the name of "the country's best interest." Temer's lawyer Antonio Mariz de Oliveira also spoke today on the House floor, and argued that Rodrigo Janot, who presented the complaint against Temer, "can not blame the president" while Batista, the JBS businessman, "is put on an altar for sanctification." He claimed that if the complaint moves on, it would cause the "bleeding of the nation" and stain the dignity and honor "of a good man." Representatives will now begin to discuss the corruption charge. The government seems confident that the opposition will not gather the 342 votes from a total of 513 - required to advance with the complaint. The corruption charge against Temer is blocking votes on other legislation, like the pension system reform bill. Experts believe that the government could lose support for the reform if the political turbulence persists - particularly if new charges involving corruption target Temer. Another bill waiting for a House vote would allow foreign companies to hold a controlling stake in Brazilian airlines. The current law limits the share of foreign companies in local airlines to 20%. 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. By PTI: democracy stronger: Shah Rohtak (Har), Aug 2 (PTI) Taking a swipe at the Congress over the issue of dynastic politics, BJP president Amit Shah today said that political parties whose internal democracy was not intact could never contribute towards making the countrys democracy stronger. Hitting out at the Congress and the INLD, Shah said both these parties lacked principle and centred around dynastic politics. advertisement The BJP president is on a three-day visit to Haryana. He addressed a gathering of intellectuals and eminent citizens here this evening. He told the gathering that a party where internal democracy was finished could not do any good to democracy. "Parties who do not have internal democracy can never make the nations democracy stronger. And if any party runs on any one individuals thoughts, even then it cannot contribute to the democracy," Shah told the gathering where Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and senior BJP leaders including Ram Lal, Anil Jain and Subhash Barala were also present. "After 70 years of the countrys independence, 1,650 parties were formed and out of these, if we see how many parties internal democracy still intact, you will find it in only one or two parties including the BJP," he said. Raising the issue of dynastic politics in the Congress, Shah asked the gathering "after Sonia Gandhi, who will become the next Congress chief," to this the gathering replied Rahul Gandhi. "Tell me who will become BJP president after me," Shah said and after a silence in the hall, the BJP president told that "you dont have an answer because the BJP does not choose anyone as its president by virtue of his birth in a particular family". "Anyone who has capability, determination and conviction to take the country forward and believes in our policies and ideologies can become the party chief in BJP," he said. Citing his own example, he said, "It is only in the BJP that a worker who used to paste posters today became the national president of the party and a person (Narendra Modi) who came from a humble background rose to occupy the post of prime minister on the basis of hard work and merit." He further said that in BJP every worker gets a chance to move forward. The party gives a platform to contribute to all its workers for the betterment of the nation. Whereas in the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), if the worker does not belong to the Chautala family, can he aspire to become chief minister of this state, Shah asked. advertisement "Similarly in the Congress party, a meritorious worker who hails from Haryana, aspire to lead the party one day, the answer is no because he is not born into the Gandhi family," the BJP leader said. The BJP chief highlighted several achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The BJP believes that the last man standing in the queue has to benefit from various schemes and "our development model is based on that, which is all inclusive. The Narendra Modi- led government at the Centre and in Haryana, the Khattar government are trying to move ahead on this model", he said. "It is a matter of fact that whenever BJP-led governments are formed, country progresses," he said. Taking a dig at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Shah said under the economist PM the country had a poor growth rate of just 4.4 per cent, whereas today India is the fastest growing economy in the world. Shah also said that the previous Congress-led UPA government was hit by scams of Rs 12 lakh crore, "whereas not even the opposition parties have been able to point fingers at the BJP governments at the Centre and ruling some states". advertisement With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across the country to strengthen the party. He is on a 110-day nationwide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. PTI SUN VJ JTR SMN --- ENDS --- (Agencia CMA Latam) - The figures on voter participation in the election for Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, held on Sunday, were manipulated, claimed SmartMatic, the company in charge of counting the votes. Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) said that 8,089,320 of people took part in the election. According to the company, however, its estimates point to a "difference between actual participation and that announced by the authorities of at least one million votes." "Based on the strength of our method, we know, without a doubt, that participation in the election of the National Constituent Assembly was manipulated," the company said in a statement released in London. After that statement, the National Assembly unanimously approved a request to the Public Ministry to investigate alleged irregularities in the election. Also, Smartmatic will be asked to audit the Sunday ballot. 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. HS Prannoy defeated Abdul Kholik 23-21, 21-18 while Parupalli Kashyap beat Oscar Guo 21-9, 21-8 to reach the third round of the New Zealand Open. By Asian News International: Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap and US Open winner HS Prannoy progressed through to the third round of the New Zealand Grand Prix Gold in Auckland after registering victories in their respective matches in the men's singles event on Wednesday. 15-seeded Kashyap secured an easy win over local shuttler Oscar Guo 21-9, 21-8 in a one-sided contest that lasted for just 25 minutes. advertisement Prannoy, ranked fourth, on the other hand registered a straight-game win over Indonesia's Firman Abdul Kholik 23-21, 21-18 in 53 minutes. Other Indian shuttlers Siril Verma and Sourabh Verma also progressed to the next round, while Sahil Sipani and Neeraj Vashist made exit from the USD 120,000 event. Kashyap will now face Sourabh in the third round while Prannoy will lock horns with 10-seeded Wei Nan. 16-seeded Siril defeated Saputra Vicky Angga of Indonesia 21-14, 21-16 to enter the third round of the competition. Siril will now face Chia Hung Lu of Chinese Taipei. Seventh-seeded Saurabh also registered an astounding 21-16, 21-16 over Indonesia's Henrikho Kho Wibowo in a match lasting only 28 minutes. On the other hand, Neeraj bowed out of the tournament after suffering a 16-21, 13-21 defeat against America's Anthony Joe while 11-seeded Lin Yu Hsien defeated Sahil 21-9, 21-8. Pratul Joshi had to exit from the tournament after facing a 13-21, 22-24 defeat against top seed Tzu Wei Wang of Chinese Taipei. --- ENDS --- With the Blue Whale Challenge continuing to rear its ugly head worldwide, the Pink Whale Challenge comes as a measure to encourage life instead of suicide. By India Today Web Desk: A 14-year-old boy in Mumbai killed himself this weekend. The incidents surrounding his suicide have urged investigators to question if he took the Blue Whale Challenge. For those of you who don't know, the Blue Whale Challenge is an online game that lays down a number of tasks before whoever chooses to play it. These tasks count down from psychologically twisted games, to self-inflicted wounds, and ultimately, suicide. advertisement Having originated in Russia in 2013, this twisted game has gained traction over the years and killed many teenagers around the world. While, sadly, the Blue Whale continues to harm and take lives, a twin of his is now swimming around the internet in an attempt to help people and encourage life instead of suicide. Meet the Pink Whale. WHAT IS THE PINK WHALE CHALLENGE? The Pink Whale, or as they call it - 'Baleia Rosa', is an online challenge that was created as a "happier alternative" of the Blue Whale Challenge. Born in Brazil in April, the Pink Whale Challenge aims to "prove that the internet can be used to viralise the good". It is already a big deal on Facebook and Instagram. Once you visit their website and sign up, you receive an email that goes something like this: Source: @howrsam/ Twitter Then, comes the first task. In contrast of the Blue Whale Challenge's twisted dares to cut yourself and watch horrid videos at 4am, this is what the Pink Whale Challenge asks of you: Source: @howrsam/ Twitter Like its evil twin brother, the Pink Whale challenges its users to perform 50 tasks over 50 days. Only difference, hers are encouraging the users to be happier, and not kill themselves. Instead of cutting into your wrist -- like the Blue Whale does -- the Pink Whale asks you to write on how much you love someone on your skin...with a marker, please. Other tasks include apologising/forgiving someone, telling your family that you love them, unblocking a friend on a social networking site, to "yell I Love Myself in the middle of a street" (that's a little extreme, though), etc. The Pink Whale Challenge's final task -- instead of jumping off a terrace -- is to help someone in need, either a person or an animal. Ergo, if you play this game, you not only get to live with all you limbs intact and wrists scar-free, but also feel better by helping someone else in need. Ain't that a better way to spend your time on the internet, in case you already didn't know that it is good to tell people when you love them, and to help around? advertisement That said, we hope the Pink Whale manages to vanish its evil twin brother off the face of the internet. For anyone interested, the Pink Whale is available as a free app on Android and iOS devices. For more on the Blue Whale Challenge... 'Don't worry, you'll understand everything', says Blue Whale suicide game creator Blue Whale Challenge: Facebook, Instagram ask users if they're okay, offer help Mumbai teen kills self, could be first Indian case of Blue Whale suicide challenge --- ENDS --- A nine-judge Constitution bench of Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, has finished hearing the arguments on whether privacy is a fundamental right or not. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments for and against privacy as a fundamental right. Photo for representation: Reuters. By India Today Web Desk: A nine-judge Constitution bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, finished hearing arguments for and against privacy being a fundamental right, in the Supreme Court. Since the last fortnight, the Supreme Court has witnessed intense debate on the question. Petitioners have argued that privacy, although not explicitly mentioned as a right, is the heart and soul of the Constitution. advertisement The Centre has maintained that privacy does not enjoy the status of a fundamental right and framers of the Constitution intentionally chose to do so. The right to privacy is a landmark case as it will set the tone for how governments and institutions define privacy for people in future. The nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, has reserved its judgment in the case. An explainer on everything you wanted to know about the debate and how it affects you: What is privacy? A layman interpretation of privacy is one's right to not be disturbed by others and choose what information to share with others and what to keep to oneself. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Article 12 protects privacy as human right. It says that "no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to protection of the law against such interference or attacks". The Constitution bench, while listening to arguments against privacy as a fundamental right by Gujarat government, mentioned that India is a signatory of the 1948 UDHR charter that recognises privacy as a human right. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Article 17 protects a person against "arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy". India signed and ratified the ICCPR on April 10, 1979. What has privacy got to do with Aadhaar debate? A raft of petitions challenging the government's Aadhaar scheme on the ground of violating privacy were filed in the Supreme Court in 2015. The government has been pushing for Aadhaar enrolment, a 12-digit unique identification number, as a means to identify beneficiaries of social schemes. By asking people to link Aadhaar with other identity proofs such as Permanent Account Number (PAN) and driving license, the government says it could identify defaulters and those forging documents and using more than one identity. Petitioners have have raised concerns over data security and data breach, the threat of one's private details being available in the public domain, and the government snooping on its people. Initially, a three-judge bench of Supreme Court was hearing the petitions challenging Aadhaar, but the matter was referred to larger Constitution bench for hearing in October 2015. advertisement What is the progress in the case? After a long wait, the Supreme Court on July 12 agreed to hear, on an urgent basis, issues arising out of the Aadhaar Act and said that a five-judge Constitution bench would decide if privacy is a fundamental right. On July 18, the Supreme Court said that a nine-judge Constitution bench would decide on the privacy issue and the debate on Aadhaar will then be referred back to a smaller bench. The two past verdicts on privacy held that it was not a fundamental right. The verdicts in these two cases--Kharak Singh vs State of UP and M P Sharma vs Satish Chandra--were delivered by six-judge and eight-judge Constitution bench respectively. The Supreme Court ruled that the privacy debate needed hearing by a larger Constitution bench and therefore directed setting up of a nine-judge bench. "During the course of the hearing today, it seems that it has become essential for us to determine whether there is any fundamental right of privacy under the Constitution," the Supreme Court said on July 18 while directing the constitution of a nine-judge bench. advertisement What is the significance of Article 21 in the privacy debate? Article 21 of the Constitution, which upholds the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, states that "no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law". The Centre's stand has been that petitions challenging validity of Aadhaar over privacy violation cannot be entertained under Article 21. "Privacy is a part of Right to Life under Article 21, but it does not enjoy the status of a fundamental right," argued Attorney General K K Venugupal in the Supreme Court. Petitioners, however, have argued that fundamental ideas of liberty and freedom cannot exist without the right to privacy. Liberty, which is fundamental to democracy, cannot exist without privacy, said senior counsel Gopal Subramanium, while arguing for privacy as a fundamental right. What's in store now? The Supreme Court has finished listening to arguments for and against privacy as a fundamental right, and has reserved its judgment in the case. While observing that there right to privacy is not absolute, the Constitution bench, during the course of hearing, has said that "overarching" guidelines are required to protect an individual's private information in public domain. advertisement The court's verdict in the case is set to have a far-reaching impact on how we view privacy. ALSO READ: In democracy, liberty cannot exist without right to privacy, Gopal Subramanium argues in Supreme Court Privacy does not enjoy the status of a fundamental right, Centre tells Supreme Court Centre makes a U-turn, says certain aspects of privacy protected under fundamental rights ALSO WATCH: How 4 cows--Bholi, Bhuri, Kamla, Shanti--got their Aadhaar IDs --- ENDS --- Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu, who recently wrapped up the shooting of 'Judwaa 2' in Mauritius, turned 30-years-old on Tuesday and the 'Pink' actress celebrated her special day with her family and friends in hometown Delhi. Taapsee took a break from home spent the whole day at her home just doing nothing. She gorged on Chole Bhature, went out for a dinner with friends and family and also got the prasad at a Gurudwara, prepared by her mother. It was a perfect birthday celebration according to Taapsee, never have big birthday bashes. "I never have big birthday bashes. It's always been a little more quieter and even if it is with my friends from the industry, it will be more like a lounging birthday than going really high on a party," the actress said a day before her birthday. At least 29 people were killed and many others injured in a suicide attack on a Shia mosque in the western Afghan city of Herat on Tuesday. According to the reports, two attackers entered the mosque and started firing. A suicide bomber detonated explosives and the other person, a gunman, threw grenades at worshippers. "Two attackers entered the mosque and started shooting and throwing grenades at people," a worshipper at the mosque said. After the attack, dozens of angry residents confronted police, complaining that they had failed to intervene while the attack was in progress. No terror group has taken the responsibility of the attack yet. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in June this year, six people were killed and eight injured when an Islamic State suicide bomber struck a Shia mosque in Kabul. The Philippine President Duterte held nothing back while admonishing North Korea's Kim Jonu-Un for his nuclear ambitions that he says will turn the far east into an arid land. By Reuters: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte today described North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "fool" and a "son of a bitch", just days before Manila hosts an international meeting certain to address Pyongyang's long-range missile tests. Duterte held nothing back in rebuking Kim for "playing with dangerous toys", setting the stage for next week's rare get-together, to be attended by foreign ministers of all the countries involved in the standoff on the Korean peninsula. advertisement North Korea is determined to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States and officials in Washington said Saturday's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile showed it may be able to reach most of the country. "This Kim Jong Un, a fool ... he is playing with dangerous toys, that fool," Duterte told tax officials in a speech. 'DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN' "That chubby face that looks kind. That son of a bitch. If he commits a mistake, the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war. "A limited confrontation and it blows up here, I will tell you, the fallout can deplete the soil, the resources and I don't know what will happen to us." This year, Duterte is chairman of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and on Monday his foreign minister will host the ASEAN Regional Forum, which brings together 27 countries that include Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea and the United States. It was not the first time Duterte has criticised Kim over his nuclear ambitions. In April he questioned his sanity and urged the United States to show restraint and not be baited by a man who "wants to end the world". US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is due to attend the Manila meeting, on Tuesday said he wanted dialogue with North Korea at some point, stressing it was not the enemy and the United States did not seek to topple the regime. Also read: US wants dialogue with North Korea at some point, says Secretary of State Also read: India asks North Korea to refrain from nuclear and ballistic missile programmes Also read: North Korea fires ballistic missile; Trump's UN envoy says Kim Jong Un in 'state of paranoia' --- ENDS --- Samoa now has its own Taj Mahal. Located at Togafuafua, it is the second Indian Cuisine Restaurant and Bar in Apia. Business Owners, Auimatagi Rai and his wife Fatima told the Samoa Observer that the restaurant encompasses a wide variety of regional and traditional cuisines native to India. We offer (many) Indian food and weve also got some traditional food and varieties of delicious menu to choose from at very low and affordable prices, Auimatagi said. So everyone is invited to come and select from our menu, our staff are now ready to serve anyone at any time. Auimatagi said the food is not just for Samoans but it also for tourists who travel the world looking for genuine Indian cuisine. The restaurant has taken a lot of hard work to set up. It has taken me six months to set up this restaurant and it hasnt been easy but Im happy it has finally opened. For now, Im looking forward to sharing the food we have with our customers and we welcome their feedback on how we can improve the experience. The restaurant is opened from Tuesday to Saturday everyweek. It also opens on Sundays from 5pm to 11pm. We also want to hear from people to keep us going all the time. I believe that feedback (from customers) is valuable information that will be used to make important decisions for the business. Auimatagi is originally from Pakistan and he has four children with his Samoan wife, Fatima. We would like to open more branches in the future, but that all depends on positive feedback from the people. Auimatagi employs twelve staff including two chefs from overseas. A young Samoan attended the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (H.L.P.F.) recently held in New York from 10th 19th July 2017. Fusi Masina Tietie attended on behalf of the Womens Major Group (W.M.G.). The W.M.G. has the mandate to facilitate womens human rights and gender equality perspectives into U.N. policy processes on sustainable development. The theme for this year was Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world. The set of goals that were being reviewed includes: Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development The major role of the W.M.G. was to call on all Member States to agree on a strong Ministerial Declaration which was adopted on the last day of the forum. Central to the work carried out by the W.M.G. is pushing for Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Goal 5 is one of the goals being reviewed and reported on during this years H.L.P.F. It is essential in the quest for leaving no one behind, W.M.G. have consensus from all Member States on Goal 5 and a commitment to Womens Human Rights so that women and girls can realize their full potentials at the same time empowering them. According to Ms. Tietie, being involved with the W.M.G. brought about vast amount of experiences and wealth of knowledge from the women around the world who made up the group. Ms Tietie is a member of the Y.W.C.A. Samoa and a passionate young women advocate who believes young women are the driving force of change in this changing world, and they will do amazing things. Newlyweds Tom and Laura Everett were about to head out to fill in as many activities to their day before flying the same day later in the evening. The Samoa Observer catches up with them at the tail end of their trip. The pair got married during an intimate ceremony at the Le Lagoto Resort in Savaii almost two weeks ago and they couldnt stop raving about Savaii where they had spent most of their time. Without hesitation, Tom gets right into it, Savaii is beautiful, he said. People are lovely, its just stunning, the food is amazing, the swimming is epic. Laura continues. The beautiful beaches, everybody is just so friendly, always waving to us always coming up to us wanting to talk about their village or whats going on in their lives and their culture. It was just nice to get really immersed in the culture there in Savaii. Tom confidently finishes off Lauras sentence by adding Seki a Savaii with a big smile. Apparently he was initiated into local slang by hotel staff members who told him to use it in conversation with Samoans. They told me to say that to the locals, theyll get a surprise. The couple continued to list all of the amazing things they crammed into the week and a half in Savaii. The Blow holes in Savaii were pretty epic and we just swam a lot. We did lots of snorkeling at Le lagoto and we got to see a umu demonstration, we visited one of the local preschools there in Auala, Savaii when we stayed at the Vaimoana Seaside lodge for a couple of nights. The food was lovely there and they catered to me very well because Im a vegetarian. Dear Tourist asked them for their thoughts on Apia and Laura starts of by saying that it is definitely a faster pace on Upolu. Tom joked: Yeah! It feels busy here, were from Auckland so it shouldnt feel like its busy to us. Laura agrees but added: I think definitely getting out to Savaii I suppose we got to see more of village life as opposed to just staying here in Apia. I think its important to get out of Apia and experience both worlds and see both islands. And eventhough it was their last day in Samoa, Laura was already thinking about returning. We wished would have seen more of Upolu but we just ran out of time because we are leaving later tonight. Its our first time to Samoa and I think definitely well be back again. We cant believe how friendly everybodys been to us. Meet the 26-year-old Sale Telepi from the village of Faleapuna. A farmer, Sales unconditional love for his family is the drive behind what he does day in and day out. Sale comes from a big family of seven, and as the only boy he is willing to sacrifice for his parents and his four sisters. Life nowadays is becoming difficult, especially for us teenagers and if we are not smart with our decision making, we will meet our downfall, he said. Caring for my family is my number one priority. Sale being the only male child of the family and for him this is one of the greatest things in the world because he is the protector and the helper for his sisters. I am a man of honor and dignity, I respect all my sisters and that is one reason why they do the same for me, he said Sale doesnt work, but his experience of home service and going to the plantation is his life. Supporting his family through his work in his family is his goal. I help my family in any way I can and being a farmer is one of the jobs I am doing at the moment to support them. Life has so many challenges, given the influences of many things, and then comes the lack of respect between siblings, between parents and their children. That is life as we know it, said Sale. He also noted the high cost of living which has a huge impact on the families all over Samoa including his family. Sale believes the Village Council and Chiefs of Faleapuna are doing a great job managing their community. A Christian, Sale loves to attend church every Sunday. To gain more blessings and joy is through service in God first and to love your families. At the moment, I have no thought of finding a job but I am always here to guide and help my family especially my father in any way I could. I know I can do all the service I could and must do with the help of our almighty Lord, he told the Village Voice. Many of us have known this for a while. For this countrys economy to grow and for rural farmers to benefit, we need a strong foundation based on a sound, export-driven strategy. And considering that our greatest resource is fertile soil which allows just about everybody access to plant root crops, vegetables and fruits, such a strategy must be agriculturally-oriented. Its that simple. Think of multiple plantations of all sorts of fruits such as pineapples, oranges, mangoes, taro and whatnot springing up around Upolu and Savaii. Properly run with an efficient management plan and plenty of support from the government, these farms will not only provide employment, they will provide much-needed export opportunities so that the people benefit and our government is happy when they receive the tax due to them. This will without a doubt solve a lot of our problems, not just economically but socially as well. Think of young men and women who will now have a job to look forward to as opposed to being driven to crime by idleness and boredom. Think of the monies generated for families, villages and churches and everyone. Nobody would say no to that, would they? Even the government should be jumping up and down at the idea because that too could potentially solve half their problems. You see, the difficulty for Samoa today is our dependence on aid and remittances. The fact is Samoas economy by any estimation is weak. Without aid, remittances and tourism, we would be in massive trouble. Yet we need to learn to stand firmly on our own two feet. And this is where the government has got to be more proactive. Rather than just promoting the aid and dependency mentality, the government has got to be seen to be at the forefront of efforts to change this mindset. One positive example we have seen although it is early days yet is the growing popularity of frozen taro. Recently, the government has made a strong push among the Samoan communities in Australia and New Zealand to look out for the products. After years of research and development, frozen taro is slowly but surely making waves with a huge opportunity for growth. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt recently said frozen taro is a new idea being developed and they are looking at growing this market. For the uninitiated, the frozen taro have a shelf life of up to 7 months. They are processed, packaged and exported to the markets requirements. One of the benefits is thats one way to overcome all the biosecurity requirements of New Zealand and other countries. And so far so good. Frozen taro exports to Australia has grown with four containers launched in Melbourne and another four in Brisbane recently. In Sydney, a total of 15 containers have been exported over the past 18 months. The government is also looking to spread the products to Wellington and Christchurch. This is an exciting development that deserves support. We accept that logistically there is a lot more to be done. Nonetheless this is a good start. But imagine what could happen if the government was to invest several millions in making this work so that everyone around the country plays a part and in return benefit from it. We know one thing for sure we have plenty of land and willing people who are ready to work. Besides, why should we restrict it to taro? Why cant we do the same thing to our taamu, bananas, yams, fruits and vegetables? What are we waiting for? Have a productive Wednesday Samoa, God bless! Samoa and the United Nations Development Programme (U.N.D.P) yesterday signed an agreement on a new renewable energy project with the Global Environment Fund (G.E.F). The signing was held at the Central Bank Building. Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti signed on behalf of Samoa while Resident Representative (a.i.) Notonegoro signed of behalf of U.N.D.P. The signing will see US$6.07million (T$14m) allocated towards the Improving the Performance and Reliability of RE Power System in Samoa (I.M.P.R.E.S.S) project. Fiame noted the importance of the project for the energy sector. We have an amount of $6million USD which 50 per cent will be utilised in the biomass project. The other 50per cent will be utilized in the community project on the development of energy and also to ensure the access of the community to their respective energy needs. This project will be implemented through the M.N.R.E. but then of course government centered projects will be monitored by the Ministry of Finance. And these projects are greatly assisted by the U.N. colleagues and also our regional offices. According to a statement, the project forms part of the governments plan to move away from fossil fuels and reach a target of 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. This new project will improve the sustainable and cost-effective use of indigenous renewable energy resources such as biomass for energy production, said Fiame. On the international stage, it will assist us in realizing our commitment to be 100% renewable by 2025, as under the Paris Agreement, as well as achieving the indicators under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. According to Fiame, Samoa has demonstrated a significant commitment to addressing climate change, both in adapting to its impacts and mitigating or reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. From a global perspective, our emissions are very small. However, we aim to demonstrate our concern and commitment as a small island developing state whose people are at the frontline of climate change. This means for communities in terms of energy security, there are other sources to look at and it will help the country as a whole in its efforts to be more resilient to climate change. The project funded with US$6,075,828 from the G.E.F Trust Fund and co-financing from the government of Samoa and partners of over US$46 million, will be implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E) through the Renewable Energy Division as the main partner. Other partners, including the Samoa Trust Estate Corporation and Electric Power Corporation, will also help deliver specific components. Fiame emphasised the importance of partnerships. Samoa is truly grateful to U.N.D.P and the Global Environment Facility for the support. Over the coming five years, the project will address a range of key areas, including improved policy formulation and implementation at a national level; access to new renewable energy technologies; support for community initiatives for in saving electricity; productive and social uses of renewable energy and raising local communities awareness on the applications and benefits of renewable technologies. The project is in line with national policies and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions such as the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Strategy 2008-2018, National Infrastructure Strategic Plan (NISP) 2011-2021 and the STEC Corporate Plan 2015-2017. For this projects objective to be achieved we need contribution and participation from other stakeholders, private sector, civil society and Government. The 5-year project time frame should give us enough time to see the results of our commitment to the Paris Agreement goal having 100% renewable energy sources by 2025, U.N.D.P. Resident Representative (a.i.) Notonegoro added. The project is now ready to be implemented. A genetic defect that causes a potentially fatal heart disease has been corrected in human embryos, according to a study by an international team including Salk Institute scientists. The study, published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, and in a leaked version last week, is available at j.mp/embryog. With this technology, horrific ailments such as Huntingtons disease, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis can be virtually eliminated in future generations. But the feat in correcting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy also brings to a head fundamental questions about what it means to be human, and whether changing the human genome would also change the human identity. And scientists including those involved in the study say its time for the public to speak up. Advertisement The study demonstrates the power of international collaboration, according to Salk Institute researcher Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, one of the five supervising authors. The study was led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, known for his advancement of stem cell technology. Scientists from China and South Korea, as well as the United States, performed the study. Two other Salk researchers in Izpisua Belmontes lab took part, Jun Wu and Keiichiro Suzuki. But the very power of this potentially humanity-changing technology means society must grapple with hard questions. Is this technology really the best way to stop genetic diseases? What are the potential harms? Is it ethical to perform gene editing for other purposes outside of disease? Previous experiments by other researchers in China had used non-viable human embryos. This one used viable embryos, and after the gene editing was performed, 42 of 58 embryos tested appeared healthy. The scientists fertilized healthy egg cells with sperm from a donor who had the heart disease. At the same time, they used the powerful gene editing technology called CRISPR/Cas9 to repair the defective gene. The embryos were destroyed after a few days since they were only made for research. But had they been allowed to develop, they would have presumably matured into full-term babies and eventually adults without the genetic disease. Moreover, the fix would have reached their reproductive or germ cells, producing what is called germline editing. In theory, a germline genetic change would be passed down indefinitely, altering the genome of all that persons descendants. Besides Mitalipov and Izpisua Belmonte, the other three supervising authors are Paula Amato and Sanjiv Kaul of OHSU; and Jin-Soo Kim of the Institute for Basic Science in Daejeon, South Korea. Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte describes the vision of three of his studies, one on correcting mitochondrial defects in fertilized human egg cells, one on a key driver on aging, and the third on a procedure that may ultimately be developed into a proc This partnership typifies modern science, Izpisua Belmonte said. Three labs were involved, one in Korea, one in Oregon, and us, he said, speaking from Spain. Everyone bring something different, that together makes this possible. This is what I value a lot, the importance of bringing the best people together to do something that cannot be done by just a single group. Izpisua Belmonte was in Spain to advance work on another project, to grow human organs in pigs. Spain has facilities for managing the experimental pigs that the study needs, he said. But despite the scope of such collaborations, Izpisua Belmonte said the ethical issues surrounding germline gene editing cant be resolved within the realm of science. This is a question for society to decide, whether these technologies should be put into practice, and if so, under what conditions, he said. We scientists are biased on this, and therefore this issue is not up to us. Its doubtful whether any kind of human germline editing will ever be morally justifiable, the Rev. Tad Pacholczyk, a Catholic bioethicist who holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Yale University, said by email. The risks entailed for human subjects and their progeny are likely too great, and even unknown, to warrant its use, said Pacholczyk, Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. Much more research needs to be carried out on animals before we can consider morally licit applications of such therapy. The study itself was morally objectionable on multiple points, he said. Very young humans have been created in vitro and treated not as ends, but as mere means to achieve particular investigative goals, Pacholczyk said. Their value as human beings is denigrated every time they are created, experimented upon, treated as research fodder, and then killed. Moreover, if such embryos were to grow up, as will doubtless occur in the future, there are likely to be unintended effects from modifying their genes, even using very selective and precise tools like CRISPR-Cas9. Paul Knoepfler, a stem cell researcher at University of California Davis, praised the science, but said it is unclear whether germline gene editing is really needed to stop genetic diseases. I thought it was really well done, Knoepfler said. In particular, he liked that the scientists tried variations on the gene editing method, producing increasing success rates as the research progressed. They greatly reduced the rate of chimerism, in which some cells in an embryo are genetically repaired and others are not. Moreover, they appeared to eliminate off-target activity from the gene editing. It was impressive that they went the extra mile to do things so carefully, Knoepfler said. But in most cases, genetic repair wouldnt be necessary to get a healthy embryo, he said. If multiple embryos are produced, as is the case with in vitro fertilization, existing technology allows the embryos to be genetically scrutinized. That means diseased embryos can be avoided in favor of implanting healthy ones. The embryos method of repairing the defective gene was notable, Knoepfler said. Genes usually come in two copies, one inherited from each parent. The embryos had one defective gene, from the fathers sperm, and a functional gene, from the mothers egg. The CRISPR technology introduces a break in DNA at a specified point. This can be used to inactivate a gene, or to fix a defect with a natural DNA repair mechanism. Its also possible to swap out the broken segement for another DNA segment supplied by the experimenters. In the embryos, the break was repaired by copying DNA from the maternal gene. It didnt use a DNA template the researchers supplied that carried the corrected sequence. This means the correcting method might not work with embryos in which both genes are defective, Knoepfler said. Moreover, success in fixing one genetic defect doesnt necessarily carry over to fixing another, Knoepfler said. The method might have to be re-engineered for each defect. It might be preferable to use gene editing after pregnancy has begun, Izpisua Belmonte said. If a developing baby is found to have a serious genetic disease, it might be possible to correct it before birth. Since the great majority of people are conceived naturally, this could help many more people. It might be preferable to use gene editing after pregnancy has begun, if a developing baby is found to have a serious genetic disease, Izpisua Belmonte said. Since the great majority of people are conceived naturally, treatment in the uterus or even after the baby is born could help many more people. This isnt to say theres anything wrong with (treating) the embryo, but being practical, in terms of numbers, it would be more useful, he said. In the distant future this might change he said, but most people will be conceived naturally for a long time to come. For further reading Review of Mitalipov paper CRISPRing human embryos: transformative work on the edge CRISPR star Jennifer Doudna calls for public debate on embryo editing New stem cell may be key to human organs in animals Genome edit stops mitochondria disease Practical Plan for Managing Human Germline Genetic Modification Science Playlist On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1020 (Editors note: Heres another dispatch from Joe Panetta, CEO of the San Diego-based life science trade Biocom, on a business mission to the Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur region of France. His first report is here. Panetta is accompanied by members of French BioBeach, a San Diego-based group promoting bio-business between France and San Diego. Panetta finds the region, like San Diego, to be a blend of high-level science with superb climate and culture. -- Bradley J. Fikes) Here is a two-day dispatch on the progress of our BIOCOM/French BioBeach business trip. As I reported two days ago, the PACA region of France has impressed us with the level of sophistication of its biomedical research and development efforts and as much with the hospitality and collaborative attitude of the industry companies and associations that are here. Advertisement Our mission continued in Nice on Tuesday where we returned to the largest biotech park in Europe, Sophia Antipolis, for more key meetings. The extent to which our partners at Eurobiomed, Team Cote dAzur, Provence Promotion and the Pole Mer PACA have given us access to every imaginable source of important information on the business environment here was as evident as we received a presentation n the French business and legislative/tax framework by Pierre Callede of Vaughan Avocats. Surprisingly, most of the negatives that all of us had heard about doing business in France turned out to be myths or exaggerations. We followed the lecture up with two visits to successful biotech companies in the park. The first was Genbiotech, an example of a successful cell therapy company and a spin-out of Laboratoires Genevrier. The second was Galderma Research and Development Center, the largest company in the park with 500 employees, and more than 3,000 worldwide. Galderma is a 50-50 joint venture of LOreal and Nestle and has revenues of more than $1.5 billion Euros. This site is the largest laboratory in the world dedicated solely to dermatology products, and we were awed by the investment in advanced research equipment and facilities that are a part of the operation there. Bernard Schoot, Senior Scientist with Galderma toured us through the facility and discussed R&D efforts in such areas as melanoma, acne, and rosacea. On to Marseille in the afternoon and despite the long day, we were enthused to be able to visit the Palais Longchamp, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Marseille, sponsored by our hosts the Ville de Marseille, for a personal tour of a truly remarkable exhibit of art works by such artists as Renoir, Gaugin, Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Cezanne, and Picasso -- all completed during time spent by the artists in the late 19th century and early 20th century in Marseille and the Cote dAzur. And no trip to Marseille would be complete without a dinner of the famous boulliabaisse of Marseille, which we completed at half past midnight, but there were no complaints despite the fact that we had been going for 16 hours straight. Today we were exposed to the remarkable diversity and strength of the life science industry here in Marseille, beginning with a visit to the CIML Centre dImmunologie de Marseille-Luminy and a presentation by its Managing Director, Prof. Eric Vivier. This center is doing some of the most advanced work in immunology and monoclonal antibodies in the world, in a facility within the Luminy Biotech Park. We received a presentation on the Luminy campus and biotech incubator from Managing Director Florent Boyer followed by presentations by several of the biotech companies within the facility followed by lunch discussions with more of the companies, including Qiagen Marseille, Modul Bio and Innate Pharma. Business opportunity discussions continued this afternoon with a group meeting at the Provence Promotion offices and a presentation by Didier Noel, managing director of licensing & startups at SATT Sud Est, a tech transfer speed-up company that serves as a private tech transfer operation for public research facilities. The concept captured our attention, given some of the challenges weve faced on this front in California. A second presentation on the EU regulatory system for medical devices vs that in the US by Vincent Casteras, Managing Director & Cofounder of Nexialist left us with the advice that both systems have advantages and disadvantages that should be evaluated during the development of an early regulatory strategy when looking at each system as an opportunity. We completed the day with more partnering meetings with companies here, creating more potential for new linkages between our two regions, and were then hosted at a final reception hosted by Provence Promotion Managing Director Robert Maury. It has been an eye-opening trip here to Marseille and the Cote dAzur, a region that I believe we will be working with much more closely in the future due to the strength of its research and development, the incentives that are offered and the warmth of the people here. San Diego Donut Bar owner Santiago Campa is hoping to export his daily lines out the door to a dozen Southern California locations as he embarks on a long-planned franchising effort. Campa, who co-owns the enormously successful downtown doughnut emporium with partner Wendy Bartels, had actually announced franchising plans more than a year ago but quickly discovered that his appetite for growth was larger than his capacity to execute it alone. He already has opened and subsequently closed a Donut Bar in Orange County and has a second outlet in Las Vegas that has been operating more than a year, but neither were developed as franchised operations. Advertisement Campa and Bartels have since formed a board of directors, established a separate business entity called Sweet Assets, brought in eight investors, and enlisted the help of a global franchising group to advise them on how to replicate the Donut Bar brand across California and beyond. I was going to go it alone and I said you know what, Im working seven days a week as it is. Do I really have the time to really push this to do it the way that I want to do it. said Campa, who worked as a pastry chef for the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton hotels before launching Donut Bar. The answer was no. There was no way that we could honestly unveil a franchise offering and have it be something that was good. It wasnt going to work. Campa also hired franchising consultant Scott Jewett as Sweet Assets CEO to help launch the franchising effort. They are currently awaiting final approval from the state Department of Business Oversight before actively marketing the franchises. The first of them most likely will not debut until sometime in the second quarter of next year, said Campa, who can often be seen at the shop in his customized chefs coat emblazoned with Donut Bar accolades: USA Today 10 best donut shops in the USA; Thrillist Hottest Donut Shops in America. While doughnut shops are hardly a rarity, Donut Bars diverse array of artisan offerings, from maple bacon and creme brulee to apple pie and lemon pistachio, is a niche that should serve it well as it expands, says Jewett. Theyve delivered something thats very difficult to do, and thats make their business unique, said Jewett, whose franchising expertise has spanned Auntie Annes Pretzels to Massage Envy. Hes building a new segment in the marketplace, premium donuts. Doughnuts have been around a long time and hes figured out a way to create a fervor in the marketplace for something that otherwise is a mature market. Before mapping out future locations, surveys were taken of customers waiting in line to learn where they were coming from, generating data that was used to create a heat map of Southern California, Campa said. After looking more closely at the demographics and market conditions in those areas, Sweet Assets narrowed down future locations to largely San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Among areas they are eyeing are North San Diego County, El Cajon, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Redondo and Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, and Westwood. Campa estimates buildout costs for each 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot location to be around $200,000, an expense that will be borne by the operators. The franchising fee would range from about $25,000 to $40,000, with Donut Bar sharing in a percentage of the revenues of each venue. While the downtown Donut Bar location expanded last year to incorporate craft beer offerings on weekend nights, along with fresh-baked doughnuts, that concept will not be a part of most of the franchised locations. Thats because the pairing of brews and pastries only works in select, urban environments, said Campa. Although the shop doesnt necessarily sell out all its doughnuts on weekend evenings like it does during the day, the volume of food and alcohol sales is still robust enough to sustain the beer operation, Campa said. Overall, business has been very profitable, with sales during the first half of this year already up 27 percent over the same period last year, he noted. If all goes well with the initial phase of franchising, Campa said he would like to expand beyond Southern California into Northern California, Texas and Arizona. Hes even thinking of going global, developing a master franchise in which someone else would purchase the rights to operate Donut Bar internationally, independent of Sweet Assets. Theres so much interest already, Campa said, from companies internationally that want to buy American brands and bring them over there so were going to be looking at this after the first 12 months of franchising. Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg In an exclusive interview with India Today, RSS leader Hosabale said that the CPM government in Kerala is afraid of RSS' growing stronghold in the state and therefore shields perpetrators of Sangh workers. By Rahul Kanwal: The RSS has accused the Kerala government of lending "open support" to violence against Sangh workers, saying the ruling CPM feared losing its Hindu base in the southern state. In an interview with India Today, Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS Joint General Secretary, also kept his expectations low from talks with the communists over rising tensions between the two organisations in Kerala. advertisement Recently, a young RSS worker, E Rajesh, was fatally attacked by a group of assailants in Thiruvananthapuram. "Lower sections of society are coming big way into the RSS fold," Hosabale insisted. "They (the CPM) are feeling the Sangh is spreading its influence in every nook and corner of Kerala. They want to see that a threat is created everywhere, among the lower sections of society, so that new recruitments into the RSS don't take place," Hosabale said. He accused the state government of shielding attackers on purpose. "Police in Kerala, many a time, have been a mute spectator. Every time the CPM came to power, the number of killings increased. They give tacit support (to violence). What tacit support? It's an open support, I'd say," Hosabale remarked. "Definitely, it's an open support to violence." He also alleged the Kerala administration has not taken adequate measures in prosecuting the suspects named in Rajesh's murder. "The CPM government is not doing much. Of course, some people have been arrested. But in no case have they put a conspiracy angle (in the police report). They have always said it's a local law-and-order problem," the RSS leader alleged. The RSS, he noted, has more than 4,000 shakhas in Kerala itself. "We are gaining popularity in Kerala and the CPM is scared about it," Hosabale said. RSS ONLY RETALIATES Asked about accusations of involvement of RSS workers in violent assaults, the Sangh leader sought to downplay such incidents as acts of "retaliation". "There may be some retaliation. As many as 287 RSS workers have been killed all these years. If the police are not taking enough action, there may be some retaliation," he insisted. Hosabale didn't pin much hope on an upcoming all-party meeting over the issue. "I wish all the best for that. However, I am apprehensive because all such talks failed earlier because of the CPM's attitude," he argued as he accused the governing party of patronising criminals. Hosabale alleged that the CPM was mounting attacks on RSS workers because it feared losing its Hindu constituency. advertisement "Hindu sections in Kerala's society are the common constituency for the CPM and the RSS. Hindus have supported the CPM, not the Muslims or Christians. The CPM is afraid of losing its Hindu base in Kerala," he contended. Also Read : Kerala: RSS worker hacked to death in Thiruvananthapuram; police begin investigation Kerala: RSS leader, accused of murdering CPM activist, hacked to death in Kannur Kerala: After RSS, CPM office attacked near Kozhikode Watch video here: Kerala Government not doing enough to stop violence: RSS Joint General Secretary --- ENDS --- The Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility is back up and running on a limited basis. The sites operator, Southern California Gas, sent a note to residents in and around the north San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County informing them the utility has started the process to resume limited injection operations. Aliso Canyon is the site of the largest methane leak from a natural gas storage facility in U.S. history. The leak was first detected in October 2015 but not permanently contained until February 2016, forcing the evacuation of more than 8,000 households in the Porter Ranch neighborhood. Advertisement By the time the leak was capped, about 100,000 metric tons of methane were emitted. According to a UC Davis study the total greenhouse gas pollution equaled the emissions of a half-million cars driven for a year. The injections come less than two weeks after state engineering and safety enforcement experts determined that Aliso Canyon is safe to resume operations, although the site will be restricted to about 28 percent of its maximum capacity. Officials at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the states Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) said on July 19 that they placed the limitations out of an abundance of caution and said the 28 percent capacity figure represents just enough to avoid energy disruption in the Los Angeles area. The decision came after a 17-month safety review conducted by Lawrence Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Labs that looked over each of the 114 wells at Aliso. SoCalGas, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, said it has recently completed a series of additional safety steps required by the CPUC and DOGGR, including a leak survey of the facility and a flyover to measure methane emissions at the site. In support of continued safety, our operations at Aliso Canyon will be held to what regulators have called the most rigorous monitoring, inspection, and safety requirements in the nation, the utility said. But many residents in the area of Porter Ranch want the facility to be permanently closed. I am literally petrified every moment, said Jane Fowler of Granada Hills, who spoke during a protest outside a CPUC meeting in Los Angeles Tuesday. This affects us physically. We are sick here. We get headaches and nausea and some people get nosebleeds. The reopening of Aliso Canyon came following a series of back and forth legal challenges in recent days, concluding with the states 2nd District Court of Appeal dissolving a temporary hold on injections at the site. I strongly believe that without a root-cause analysis, seismic risk assessments and a long-term energy reliability study, this facility which jeopardized the health and safety of local families for months should not be allowed to reopen, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors member Kathryn Barger said in a statement. The 17-month safety review leading up to Wednesdays announcement was conducted by experts from Lawrence Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Labs and looked over each of the 114 wells at Aliso. SoCalGas officials have insisted that getting Aliso Canyon operational is necessary to ensure grid reliability and last year the head of the California Independent Systems Operator told the Union-Tribune that without question the grid is more vulnerable with the facility offline. Others have questioned that notion, pointing to warnings last summer of up to 14 days of power outages due to the loss of Aliso Canyon that did not materialize. Aliso Canyon is home to the largest daily deliverability the amount of gas that can be withdrawn from a storage facility each day of any storage facility west of the Rockies, estimated at 1.9 billion cubic feet per day. Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski ALSO Aliso Canyon pronounced safe to come back online Is Aliso Canyon needed to keep the power on this summer? Feds look to prevent future Aliso Canyon leaks A San Diego-based group is trying to place initiatives on the ballot in cities across the county that would legalize marijuana by the time a new statewide proposition takes effect next year. The Association of Cannabis Professionals last week filed notices of intent to circulate petitions with the city clerks in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Vista, Chula Vista and Santee, said the associations Executive Director Dallin Young. We want regulations on the books, Young said. We just want access (to marijuana) for as many patients as we can get throughout the county. We also want to make sure that there is enough of a supply in the legal chain that we can shut down the illegal market. Advertisement Proposition 64, passed by voters in November, allows the sale and cultivation of recreational marijuana and says the state can begin issuing licenses to marijuana businesses Jan. 1, unless local jurisdictions prevent them. Most San Diego County cities have approved ordinances that negate the state law and will continue to prohibit marijuana sales and distribution. Only San Diego so far has a plan for legalization. La Mesa has indicated it may allow cultivation. Oceanside and Vista both have ad hoc committees working with residents and business people to investigate the details of what it would take to legalize cannabis in those cities. Young said the initiative would not detract from those activities. However, people involved in the local efforts disagreed. Oceanside marijuana activists David and Amber Newman began circulating a petition over a year ago to legalize medical marijuana in their city. However, they suspended their signature drive to work with the citys ad hoc committee. We thought it was better to work with the city than against it, Amber Newman said Tuesday. The Associations initiative filed last week seems like rushed and sloppy work, Newman said, and she and her husband are concerned about its effects on the city. The initiative the Newmans worked on was written after working with other members of the community, she said, and it would not have required a special election. Another concern is the cost of a special election, estimated at $500,000 by city officials. That would take money away from things such as community after-school programs and swimming pool operations in Oceanside, she said. Councilman Chuck Lowery, who serves with Councilman Jerry Kern on the Oceanside ad hoc committee, criticized the timing of the new petition. We have been working on regulations for about four months, Lowery said. To have someone come in suddenly and say they want us to do something differently, is putting the cart before the horse. The committee is midway through a series of community meetings, each attended by 60 people or more, to iron out different aspects of proposed regulations. The committee plans to go to the full City Council in October with proposed regulations for cultivation, financing, safety, retail sales and distribution. We will break it down into five elements, Lowery said. We should be able to get some of the elements approved, if not all. Clearly some of the elements are more acceptable to some council members than others. Cannabis cultivation has strong support among members of the citys farming community, which has been struggling to deal with encroaching development and the ever-increasing costs of water and labor. Many farmers see marijuana as the cash crop they need, and council members have expressed some support for cultivation at recent meetings. The idea of dispensaries has been less popular. Vista faces a citizens initiative filed earlier by a group called Vistans for Better Community Access that would allow as many as 10 medical marijuana dispensaries. In response, the city is crafting an ordinance that would allow only two dispensaries. Meanwhile, Vista officials say they have shut down at least 15 illegal dispensaries this year. Young said the associations initiative is an effort to apply more standardized regulations across the county. The same kind (of regulations) are getting passed all over the state, he said. Cities chosen for the associations petition drive all had strong support for Proposition 64 in November and are expected to have strong support for the initiative, Young said. The proposed initiative would legalize medical and recreational marijuana for adults. In each city the petition would need to collect the signatures of 10 percent of the citys registered voters to place the initiative on the ballot of the next regular election, or 15 percent of registered voters to require a special election. philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl As the youngest and one of the newest Vista school trustees, Cipriano Vargas is a leader in the districts efforts to modernize education, and also a watchdog for its most vulnerable students. Were going ahead with personalized learning, but we need to make sure we do it right, keeping in mind the needs of our (English as a second language) and special education students, so they dont get left behind, he said. It wasnt long ago that Vargas, one of nine children in a migrant worker family, was learning English in Vista schools himself. The first-generation college student who became the first student from Cal State San Marcos to be named a trustee to the state university systems board in 2012. Last fall, Vargas came full circle to become an elected official in the school district he attended as a boy. Advertisement I want to make systemic change here and help our community here, because this is where I grew up, he said. Although Vargas is new to the position, Interim Superintendent Matt Doyle said he adapted quickly to the role. Our theme this year as a school district is students at the center, Doyle said. I believe Cipriano is a really good example, having been a student in Vista Unified his whole school career starting in kindergarten, and through graduation. Vargas, 25, was born in Vista, the fourth of nine children. His father worked in the strawberry fields in Fallbrook, and the family moved frequently within the community renting small apartments or staying with friends, he said. Starting in elementary school, Vargas participated in Migrant Education, a federally funded program that provides support services to students whose parents labor in agriculture. Through the program he received school supplies, went on field trips and had home visits with instructors who helped him and his siblings bolster their academic skills. They visited a pumpkin patch one year and went on a camping trip rites of passage for many kids, but novel experiences for Vargas, whose parents were struggling to make ends meet. Over time, through after-school services, thats where I saw Cipriano become aware of his skills, said Dolores Valdes Benson, a program specialist in the Migrant Education Program. That is where he became aware that he had a story to tell, a message to convey. Despite his humble disposition he speaks with confidence and with passion. Most important, Vargas said, was a migrant education conference at Cal State San Marcos, which opened the door to higher education. For the very first time, I said to myself, I want to come here, he said. Sure enough, four years later, I started as a freshman. The journey was marked with obstacles, though, and there were times when he thought of turning back. Vargas grew up in a Spanish-speaking family, and took English as a Second Language classes until his freshman year at Vista High School, when he transitioned to mainstream classes. Although he was then proficient in English, Vargas said he lacked confidence in his speaking skills and shied away from speaking in public. Being an English learner had an impact, he said. I would get nervous, start to stutter, lose my train of thought. I would avoid having to present if I could. Looking back, thats part of the process of being an English learner. By his junior year, he adjusted to high school and joined Future Farmers of America. Through the campus organization, he raised goats and pigs for livestock competitions, developed his public speaking skills and came out of his shell. True to his plan, he enrolled at Cal State San Marcos after graduation. As soon as he started, though, he had doubts. He hadnt learned to budget money or manage his time. During his first semester he squeezed in a full academic schedule with a 30-hour-a-week job, with unsuccessful results. His grades plunged and he landed on academic probation. Its times like that when you question yourself, he said. Do I belong here? Then Vargas encountered the College Assistance Migrant Program, (CAMP) which provides academic support to U.S. citizens or legal residents who are children of migrant farm workers. It offered a lifeline to the overwhelmed freshman. He was like a sponge, he wanted to know everything what resources are out there, what can I use? said CAMP director Minerva Gonzalez. And he worked diligently to make sure he remained on this campus, to make sure that he graduated. Vargas volunteered to speak to other migrant students and families, and in 2011 he traveled to Washington D.C. to speak to congressional offices about the program, said Patricia Wilcox, a coordinator with Migrant Education. He not only explained the program, but also defended it to staff members who were skeptical of its value. It made him stronger, and realize I need to represent my community and not just tell my story, Wilcox said. Meanwhile Vargas pursued a degree in sociology and womens studies, worked as a peer mentor for CAMP, and became vice president for Associated Students Inc. and campus president for MEChA, the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan. In 2012, Gov. Jerry Brown named Vargas as one of two student trustees who serve two-year terms on Board of Trustees for the California State University system, making him the first CSUSM student to hold that position. That role was a crash course in topics such as budget, tuition, enrollment, campus facilities and graduation rates. I was getting information right and left, learning data, learning numbers, Vargas said. He held that position until his graduation in 2014, and then joined Teach for America. He taught for three years in a dual-language kindergarten class in San Antonio, Texas. When the chance arose to run for office in the Vista school district, he returned home to win a place on the board last November. His priorities include helping at-risk students and introducing bilingual education in early grades. Vargas approaches his role with the same solid study habits and love of learning that he employed as a student, said Carol Weise Herrera, vice president of the board. Hes very inquisitive, she said. He doesnt make rapid decisions about things. He thinks them through, and makes sure that what he does doesnt just influence one set of students, but all students. Thats what I like about him hes there for all kids. Vista is in the midst of a transition to a system of personalized learning, in which students chart the course of their education, using digital tools and resources. Vista High School Vargas alma mater will transform to a personalized learning academy this fall, thanks to a $10 million innovation grant from XQ: The Super School Project. For Vargas, that makes his role even more rewarding. There were things happening here that make me wish I was still a student here, and that brings me excitement, he said. deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan As boundaries are drawn this month for Poways new council districts, incumbent members of the Poway City Council have reassured voters that protecting their own seats and positions will not be a factor in their decisions. The last thing that I will ever support is the council drafting maps or approving maps to protect themselves for further elections, Councilman Jim Cunningham said during a public input meeting Tuesday night. The council has been forced to go from at-large council voting to creating four council districts because of the threat of a lawsuit made by a Malibu attorney under the California Voting Rights Act on the theory that minorities do not have a chance of being elected in Poway. Advertisement In the past decade, many cities in the state and locally have gone to district elections for the same reason because no city has ever successfully fought such litigation in court. Where each incumbent council member now lives will determine the district they will represent, should they choose to run for re-election. Two council members Dave Grosch and John Mullin are up for re-election in 2018. Grosch lives just south of Twin Peaks Road near Ted Williams Parkway while Mullin lives across town near Del Poniente and Espola roads. After Tuesdays meeting, Mayor Steve Vaus said that if the newly drawn boundaries place Grosch and Mullin in separate districts, its possible those two areas will hold elections first. Then, in 2020, the other two council districts will hold elections which could conceivably pit Cunningham against Barry Leonard, should they run. Both men live in the northern part of the city. The mayors position Vaus also lives in northern Poway a stones throw from Cunninghams home will remain an at-large seat under the new voting system and will not be affected by the switch to four council districts. The question of which districts would hold elections first did not arise during Tuesdays meeting, but Cunningham on Wednesday morning said it will be addressed soon. I am committed there will be no incumbent favored map or decision made as to which elections are up next time. At least on my vote, he said. Also on Wednesday, Vaus toned down his position from the night before. Speculating about election sequence before weve even started considering district boundaries puts the cart before the horse, he said. Sequencing is a decision for another day. Meanwhile, all citizens of Poway were urged to go to a new website (drawpoway.org) and create their own boundary maps. People have various mapping options ranging from a simple paper map to a complicated advanced mapping tool that will take several hours to master. All the maps will be considered by demographers as they work on the boundaries over the next few weeks. I want to encourage all of you to take the time to get comfortable with the online map, Vaus said. It really does take a couple or three hours to sort it out and figure out how to make it work. But its worth it because you can go in and on a very granular level and draw districts and mess with it. Its amazing once you get into it. Im probably going to submit 10 or 12 maps myself. Its really fun and I believe it will give you a better understanding of the city. Usually, when other cities have gone to districts, at least one of the new council districts has a minority-majority demographic, where it is more likely a Latino candidate could win. In Poway, where the Latino population is about 15 percent, it will be impossible to create a minority-majority district, experts hired by the city said Tuesday. However, several people who spoke at the meeting encouraged the council to make sure one of the districts primarily encompasses southern Poway, which has been historically underrepresented on the council and which is home to most of the apartments, affordable housing units and mobile homes park in the city of about 48,000. Each district should have roughly the same number of inhabitants about 12,000 based on 2010 census figures. The council will meet several more times this month before the boundary map is finalized. The next meeting where the public will again be encouraged to give input will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Poway City Council chambers. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones Former Tijuana guitarist Carlos Santana and the pioneering Latin-rock band that bears his name is returning to perform an Aug. 31 concerts at SDSUs Cal Coast Credit Union open Air Theatre. It will be the groups first area concert since a 2011 date at Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. Tickets for the Aug. 31 Santana concert here are priced at $45 ro $125 each, plus service charges. They go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000. An online-only presale begins Tuesday at 10 a.m. for Santana fan club members. The SDSU concert is the latest additon to the bands Luminosity World Tour. Carlos Santana came of musical age in Tijuana where he honed his chops playing in nightclubs as a teenager and was mentored by Javier Batiz, Advertisement The Luminosity tour comes on the heels of the April release of the album Santana IV, which reunites the guiatrist with members of the best-known Santana lineup on record for the first time since 1971. However, so far as can be determined, the Lumonisty tour date here is with his regular, longtime touring band, not the reunited group. The SDSU show comes four days before Santana performs at San Franciscos AT&T Park on a quadruple bill with Journey, the Steve Miller band and the Doobie Brothers. Santana has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and won 10 Grammy Awards. The Navys top lawyer stands accused of unlawfully meddling in criminal cases targeting Americas elite commandos, and that includes being grilled by attorneys seeking to overturn the rape conviction of a Coronado-based Navy SEAL who had been deemed not guilty by his admiral and other officers. Legal experts consulted by The San Diego Union-Tribune agreed that the allegations swirling around Vice Adm. James Crawford III, the Navys judge advocate general, are highly irregular. As prime evidence, they pointed to his being deposed this week in Washington, D.C., in the SEAL rape case. Crawford was unable to recall key details about the case, which hes accused of illegally influencing, according to one of the lawyers who questioned him. Crawford has repeatedly declined to comment for stories regarding the case after a military appellate court began investigating the claims of his intervention. Advertisement That case involves an ongoing appellate hearing for Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Keith Barry, who was court-martialed and convicted of rape in San Diego in 2015. He received a sentence of three years in prison and a dishonorable discharge. He has completed his prison term and left the Navy SEALs, but is appealing his conviction in hopes of restoring his reputation. Barrys appeal gained national attention when the admiral in charge of validating or reversing his rape conviction made a stunning declaration: Retired Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, former commander of the San Diego-based Navy Region Southwest, alleged that he wanted to overturn Barrys verdict because it lacked sufficient evidence but didnt do so partly because of pressure from Crawford. Lorge claimed that Crawford encouraged him to let Barry go to prison partly to help preserve the Navys reputation and appease the Obama administration and congressional critics of the military justice system. Crawford believed the military needed to project a tougher image in the fight against sexual assault and warned that a clemency decision would hurt Lorges Navy career, Lorge alleged. The Barry case has been forwarded to a new convening authority, senior to the original convening authority, and the fact-finding process is underway, said Patricia Babb, spokeswoman for the Office of the Judge Advocate General. The Navy remains, as always, dedicated to pursuing justice in a fair and impartial system. To preserve the integrity of that process, the Navy will not comment further on the case. Barry appellate attorney David Sheldon said Crawford has confirmed that he discussed the case with Lorge. Crawford also disclosed the existence of documents and messages exchanged at the highest levels of the Navy about Barry, Sheldon added. A key hearing in the appellate process is slated for Aug. 18. That session will likely pave the way for a lengthier court investigation into the credibility of Crawford and other high-ranking officials tied to this case. Crawfords unusual deposition came amid new accusations that he injected himself into another San Diego case, this one stemming from the May 6, 2016 pool drowning of Seaman James Derek Lovelace during initial SEAL training. In April, the Naval Special Warfare Command announced that after a thorough review, it decided not to charge any SEAL instructors who were present when Lovelace died. A San Diego County medical examiners autopsy report revealed that a SEAL instructor repeatedly dunked Lovelace during Combat Swimmer Orientation, a test to evaluate a SEAL candidates swimming abilities, and that Lovelaces drowning was worsened by a heart condition that might have contributed to sudden cardiac death during the intensive exercise. In the wake of the drowning, the SEALs didnt investigate themselves. They forwarded the case to San Diego-based Navy Region Southwests Legal Services Office to coordinate with agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, often shortened to NCIS. Navy Region Southwest officials also declined to launch any prosecutions. But the Lovelace case didnt end there. Navy records leaked during the past two weeks to the Union-Tribune include an email sent from Navy Capt. Donald King the staff judge advocate for Navy Region Southwest to Blair Perez, the executive assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, and federal prosecutor Michelle Pettit. King asked Perez whether she remembered that case we talked about that the Navy declined to prosecute? King went on to say Crawford, the Navys top lawyer, ordered a second look at the Navy Region Southwest recommendation to forgo charges against those in the Lovelace case. NCIS agents then consulted the vice chief of naval operations and then the chief of naval operations himself, Adm. John Richardson. Those admirals also declined to pursue charges. Now, King wrote in his email, I was just informed that they were going to pitch it to your office. King urged the federal prosecutor assigned to the case to speak with an unnamed investigator before they decide to go forward because she uncovered a lot of evidence that might not be included in the Report of Investigation they prepared in the Lovelace case. Both Perez and Pettit are JAGs in the Navy reserves, with Pettit currently serving as an Appellate Judge on the Navy Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. On July 13, Perez wrote back to King to tell him that the federal prosecutor handling general crimes, Fred Sheppard, already had met with Kings supervising investigator and had a very good discussion. In another email, Sheppard added that he was reviewing the case in depth over the next week or two. The Union-Tribune has been unable to confirm whether federal prosecutors will charge the SEAL trainers alleged to be involved in the Lovelace case or not. Neither Sheppard nor Perez returned messages seeking comment and Capt. King referred all questions to public affairs officers at Navy Region Southwest. They declined comment. Despite Kings email, Crawfords involvement in the Lovelace case remains murky. A memorandum of understanding guides how and when the Navy can hand off criminal cases to the U.S. Department of Justice, which then can assert jurisdiction in the matter because the death occurred on federal property. A team of Navy investigators was ordered to Coronado to review the case on the behalf of Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William F. Morans office, and they concurred with the previous decision to not prosecute the SEALs. Once the Navys decision is final, NCIS agents can then bring the case to federal prosecutors, which is what might have happened with the Lovelace drowning. In an email to the San Diego Union-Tribune, NCIS spokesman Ed Buice insisted that Crawford didnt direct agents to take this investigation one way or the other. In fact, Buice wrote, he recused himself from the decision-making process regarding this investigation once it went above (Naval Special Warfare) because he wanted to remain neutral in his advice to the (Chief of Naval Operations) on this matter. Citing Kings email, others arent so sure. When brought to Jeremiah Sullivan, the San Diego-based attorney defending one of the unnamed SEAL instructors, he accused the Navy of committing a miscarriage of justice through venue shopping the case to federal prosecutors. Hes called for more investigations into Crawfords role overseeing criminal probes. The Navy determined that no crime has been committed, he said. Is the JAG Corps circumventing justice here by shipping a case to the U.S. Attorneys office? It looks to me that theyre pawning off their bad cases that are too weak to prosecute. Word that the Union-Tribune had received records in both the Barry and Lovelace cases triggered numerous, sometimes frantic, calls from top Navy officials nationwide on Monday and Tuesday, with flag officers or their representatives inquiring into Crawfords involvement in both matters. Eugene R. Fidell, the military law instructor at Yale Law School, said both cases possibly linked to Crawford were very unusual but pointed out the need for broader reforms to the way the armed forces dispense justice. These cases illustrate that Congress needs to get serious about the military justice system and turn it from an 18th century system into one fit for the 21st century, said Fidell. Military decisions on who gets prosecuted, and for what, are based on a system that was used by King George III. Until that changes, youll continue to see controversies like these. Fidell has long advocated for lawmakers to strip commanders of the power to decide who is prosecuted, to pick jurors and to vacate verdicts and sentences, vesting charging authority instead with senior attorneys independent of the chain of command and jury selection with an outside and impartial commissioner. The key question in the case of Keith Barry is whether the Navys top lawyer Vice Adm. James Crawford III and Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge illegally conspired against the SEAL. Military Videos On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal cprine@sduniontribune.com Suits for Soldiers started in October 2016 with the goal of collecting 50,000 pieces of business attire to help transitioning veterans. The total now exceeds 70,000. On Thursday in San Diego, the campaign will be giving away business clothes at the San Diego Veterans Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At least 300 veterans are already signed up, according to a spokeswoman. Click here for information on attending the event at the Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South. Advertisement Its a potentially big savings: Mens Health magazine estimates that a basic suit costs between $399 and $500. Thats a weeks salary for the average exiting lance corporal. The unemployment rate for U.S. military veterans was 4.3 percent in 2016, lower than the rate for the non-veteran population and down slightly from the prior year. However, San Diego is a hotspot for transitioning troops. More than 20,000 sailors and Marines are discharged each year from San Diego-area bases, and a third are expected to stay in the San Diego community. RELATED: Treat the interview suit like your military uniform Thats according to Zero 8 Hundred, a San Diego charity coalition focused on helping veterans make the transition to civilian life. The groups advice: The right clothes can make the difference in getting and keeping a job. Farmers Insurance, which launched the Suits for Soldiers campaign, was founded in 1928 by two World War I veterans. Military Videos On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal jen.steele@sduniontribune.com Facebook: U-T Military Twitter: @jensteeley An Episcopal Church hearing panel on Wednesday reaffirmed its recommendation of a three-year suspension for the bishop who locked worshippers out of St. James the Great church in Newport Beach in a failed sale attempt two years ago. The panels final ruling against J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, was essentially unchanged from its tentative decision July 21, in which it also recommended reopening the church and halting Brunos renewed efforts to sell the property. St. James congregation members were given an opportunity to respond before the final ruling. Wednesdays judgment came a day after the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the highest-ranking bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, transferred pastoral and property oversight from Bruno to Bishop John Taylor, who has been named Brunos successor upon Brunos planned retirement at the end of the year. Advertisement The panels decision is the result of a three-day hearing in March in which Bruno answered to allegations of misconduct related to his 2015 attempt to sell St. James to would-be townhouse developer Legacy Partners. The transaction fell through after Legacys investment partner dropped out, but the church remained closed. The panel found Bruno guilty of all allegations brought against him by the congregation: that he attempted to sell consecrated property without consent of diocesan leadership, made several misrepresentations along the way and acted in a manner unbecoming a clergyman. Bruno more recently tried to sell St. James to Newport Beach-based developer Burnham-Ward properties, drawing a separate round of admonitions and restrictions from top church officials. That sale was set to close in July and is currently in a holding pattern, a diocese spokesman said Tuesday. A representative of Burnham-Ward did not return a call seeking comment. Amid the series of Episcopal Church restrictions, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled July 11 that Bruno had legal control over the St. James property, nullifying a claim by the lands donor, the Griffith Co., that deed restrictions meant it could only be used as a church. Brunos secular attorney, Brian Bauer, did not return calls seeking comment about the latest developments. Bruno has an opportunity to appeal the hearing panels decision to the Court of Review for Bishops, composed of nine bishops. He has 40 days to file an appeal, according to St. James parishioner Walter Stahr, one of the complainants in the Bruno case. hillary.davis@latimes.com Davis writes for Times Community News UPDATES: 2:30 p.m.: This article has been updated with the church panels final ruling. This article originally published at 12 p.m. State officials Tuesday approved the reopening of three of seven thrill rides including one at Knotts Berry Farm that were shut down after a similar attraction malfunctioned in Ohio last week, killing a teenager and injuring several others. The rides that were allowed to open were La Revolucion at Knotts in Buena Park, Delirium at Californias Great America in Santa Clara and Beach Blaster at Belmont Park in San Diego. The states Department of Industrial Relations said ride owners successfully completed testing of the rides requested by the manufacturer, Chance Rides Inc., and the attractions are safe to operate. Advertisement The G Force ride at the Orange County Fair and Fireball rides at the Cal Expo State Fair and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which are manufactured by the Dutch company KMG remain closed pending further communication from the manufacturer regarding required testing or configuration, according to the state agency. The fatal malfunction in Ohio occurred Wednesday, when the KMG-manufactured Fireball ride suddenly snapped. The ride includes a pendulum-type apparatus that spins and swings riders 40 feet into the air. KMG said it appeared the passenger-carrying gondola detached from the supporting sweep arm. The company is investigating the accident. The seventh ride that was halted is at the Amador County Fair in Plymouth, Calif., and is manufactured by England-based Tivoli Mfg. The attraction must pass the manufacturers detailed testing requirements and a state inspection before it can operate, state officials said. After the accident in Ohio, state officials in California contacted ride owners and asked them to shut down similar-style attractions. Some operators had already done so. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek A strong thunderstorm brought heavy rainfall to parts of Southern California on Tuesday afternoon, prompting weather officials to issue a flash-flood warning in the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County. Flooded roadways were expected until late evening in Lancaster and Palmdale, as well as on the 14 and 138 freeways, according to the National Weather Service. Those areas were expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of rainfall an hour, which has the potential of causing dangerous flash flooding along roadways and normally dry washes, weather officials said. Dime-sized hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning were also reported. Advertisement Powerful winds caused downed power lines in Azusa, while a tree caught fire elsewhere in the region after getting struck by lightning, said Robbie Munroe of the National Weather Service. In Huntington Beach, officials evacuated the city beach during the U.S. Open of Surfing after lightning strikes were reported in the area, police said. The beach has since reopened. Lifeguards evacuate #HuntingtonBeach water and beach due to potential lighting and thunderstorm approaching the area pic.twitter.com/qpCSbD22Iw Allen J. Schaben (@alschaben) August 2, 2017 Areas burned by recent wildfires face a higher risk for debris flows and flooding, authorities said. The rain is associated with monsoonal moisture, Munroe said. We expect this moist energetic flow to continue at least through Wednesday night. In Temecula, a four-vehicle crash that involved an overturned big rig temporarily shut down the northbound 15 Freeway at Rancho California Road, snarling traffic for miles during rush hour, according to the California Highway Patrol. A tree fell onto the freeway in about the same area, also causing traffic delays. A SigAlert was issued shortly after 4 p.m. and was lifted about an hour and a half later. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek Hotels are breeding grounds for human trade, says Sanee Awsarmmel, chairman of the Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. By Reuters: Hotels in Mumbai and other Indian cities are to train their staff to spot signs of sex trafficking such as frequent requests for bed linen changes or a "Do not disturb" sign left on the door for days on end. The group behind the initiative is also developing a mobile phone app - Rescue Me - which hotel staff can use to alert local police and senior anti-trafficking officers if they see suspicious behavior. advertisement "Hotels are breeding grounds for human trade," said Sanee Awsarmmel, chairman of the alumni group of Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. "(We) have hospitality professionals working in hotels across the country. We are committed to this cause." The initiative, spearheaded by the alumni group and backed by the Maharashtra state government, comes amid growing international recognition that hotels have a key role to play in fighting modern day slavery. MAHARASHTRA MAJOR DESTINATION FOR TRAFFICKED GIRLS Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital, is a major destination for trafficked girls who are lured from poor states and nearby countries on the promise of jobs, but then sold into the sex trade or domestic servitude. With rising property prices, some traditional red light districts like those in Mumbai have started to disappear pushing the sex trade underground into private lodges and hotels, which makes it hard for police to monitor. Awsarmmel said hotels would be told about 50 signs that staff needed to watch out for. These include requests for rooms with a view of the car park which are favored by traffickers as they allow them to vet clients for signs of trouble and check out their cars to gauge how much to charge. Awsarmmel said hotel staff often noticed strange behavior such as a girl's reticence during the check-in process or her dependence on the person accompanying her to answer questions and provide her proof of identity. But in most cases, staff ignore these signs or have no idea what to do, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. RESCUE ME APP The Rescue Me app - to be launched in a couple of months - will have a text feature where hotel staff can fill in details including room numbers to send an alert to police. Human trafficking is the world's fastest growing criminal enterprise worth an estimated $150 billion a year, according to the International Labor Organization, which says nearly 21 million people globally are victims of forced labor and trafficking. Last year, major hotel groups, including the Hilton and Shiva Hotels, pledged to examine their supply chains for forced labor, and train staff how to spot and report signs of trafficking. advertisement Earlier this year, Mexico City also launched an initiative to train hotel staff about trafficking. Vijaya Rahatkar, chairwoman of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission, said the initiative would have an impact beyond the state as the alumni group had contact with about a million small hotels across India. The group is also developing a training module on trafficking for hotel staff and hospitality students which could be used across the country. ALSO READ FYI | Legal revenge: Child sex trafficking survivors get 'School of Justice' to fight their own battles Mumbai: Woman DJ arrested in high-profile sex racket case ALSO WATCH Mega sex racket busted; 33 including 6 women, 6 lawyers arrested --- ENDS --- A San Diego State University professor said he has received death threats and racist e-mails since he took to Facebook to call Sen. John McCain a war criminal and questioned why there had been an outpouring of sympathy for him following his cancer diagnosis. There was one that said, Im sure harm is going to come to you. You better look over your shoulder when youre walking to your home at night, political science professor Jonathan Graubart said about some of the voicemails he received after his July 21 post. That was the most chilling of all, and there was a number of nasty ones. Graubart said he received about 200 e-mails and 17 voicemails condemning his post, with about half of the callers threatening violence. One mentioned his home address. Advertisement In his post, Graubart wrote, I find myself annoyed at the groundswell of good wishes for John McCain after his diagnosis of glioblastoma and have been thinking through why. He also wrote, McCain is a war criminal and, more to the point. someone who as a politician has championed horrifying actions and been lousy on state commitment to public health. So dying or not, hes a risible public figure (I have no idea what he is like on the personal level and dont care). Graubart later said he called McCain a war criminal because of his participation in bombing raids in areas with civilian populations as part of Operation Rolling Thunder during the Vietnam War. Elaborating in an e-mail, Graubart wrote that the the civilian costs far exceeded the military gain of the missions, which he said were highly controversial and have raised allegations of war crimes from some experts in the field. The post also stated: But ultimately what troubles me is the urge to send such well wishes to an utter stranger as it reinforces the notion that some lives are more important than others. There are lots of people with glioblastoma and who have died from it (including my mother twenty years ago). The post was seen by many as insensitive and inappropriate, coming at a time when McCain supporters and critics alike came together to express well-wishes following his diagnosis of brain cancer. Requests for a comment from McCains office were unanswered. Graubart has taken the post down and has had some second thoughts about its wording, but also said he never intended it to be seen by many people. In his first interview about what became a national story, Graubart told The San Diego Union-Tribune that he has just 90 friends on his personal Facebook page, and his posts are as likely to be about the Cleveland Cavaliers as politics. One of his students shared the post, and from there it spread more as people who disagreed with him began forwarding it. Graubart said he received a call from a local television reporter just five hours after writing the post, which became the top story of the stations broadcast that night. It then was picked up by the Washington, D.C.-based conservative news site The Daily Caller, Fox News, The College Fix, The Washington Times, Professor Watchlist and other sites. A few people also inaccurately said Graubart had wished ill-health on McCain, who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam conflict. SDSU issued a statement that read: The viewpoints expressed by students, faculty and staff on their personal social media pages do not reflect the views of the university. We respect and appreciate Senator John McCains service to our country during both his military and public service careers and we wish him the very best in his battle with cancer. College Republicans of San Diego State University issued a statement that read in part: As an academic authority at SDSU, Dr. Graubarts sickening lack of respect towards Senator McCain will not be tolerated by our organization and should not be tolerated by university administration. An SDSU Daily Aztec story on the controversy quoted SDSU College Democrats President Michael Cline as saying Graubart was exercising his First Amendment right to free speech, but his comments were nasty and an inappropriate. Graubart said he wrote the post because news of McCains diagnosis of glioblastoma brought back painful memories of when his mother died of the disease 20 years ago, and the outpouring of well-wishes for McCain left him feeling that the public has more sympathy for famous people. Whether that was rational or not, this is what was going on in my head, he said. My primary purpose of this is that we should stop acting like its a tragedy when it happens to prominent people, because its always a tragedy. Graubart said in retrospect, he should have kept out the war-criminal comment because it might lead people to think he meant McCain did not deserve sympathy because he was a pilot in Vietnam. On the human level, one should of course wish the best for everyone stricken with diseases, like glioblastoma, including Senator McCain, he said. Graubart said hes received some thoughtful e-mails from people who said that wishing McCain well does not mean they wouldnt do the same for anyone else with the disease. Most e-mails, however, were not so kind. Youre a disgusting life form, one read. People will go knock on your door where you sick people live . . . Im glad your mother died. Another read, Ill be by your office later in the semester to spit in your face. Graubart said he started staying away from the school at the advice of campus police, but felt better after a detective evaluated the threats and told him that typically they are from people who are just blowing off steam. The calls and e-mails also have dropped off, but Graubart said he still would like the university to issue a statement condemning them and supporting academic freedom. On Wednesday, Provost Chukuka Enwemeka responded to a request for a comment with the statement: The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority. We take threats of violence seriously which is why we referred Professor Graubart to University Police for assessment of the messages of concern. In June, the Chronicle of Higher Education wrote that threats against faculty members for things theyve written have become more common. The publication wrote that Trinity College in Connecticut closed for a day in June because of threats made against a sociology professor who had been featured in Campus Reform. The Chronicle of Higher Education quoted Campus Reform Editor-in-Chief Sterling Beard as saying that the publication does not call for the harassment of any of its story subjects, and as a higher-education watchdog it is it is only reporting on what professors state publicly. Student Brandon Jones, chair of the SDSU College Republicans, said his group hopes to open political discourse, create a more fair environment on campus and expose what he called left-wing indoctrination, but does not condone harassment. For him to be receiving death threats and saying his mom deserved the cancer and he deserves cancer, thats totally inappropriate, Jones said. He should not feel worried about coming on campus. Thats not the goal of exposing him. The American Association of University Professors issued a statement in June condemning what it called an increasing practice of bombarding faculty members and institutions with threats Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 The agency behind a major tax proposal to upgrade roads and mass transit stuck to faulty predictions that overestimated billions of dollars of revenue despite concerns from its own staff, according to an investigation released this week. The reports findings also outlined how the agencys top officials then instructed employees to delete some emails tied to the controversy and moved other related documents to an obscure location on a separate server after receiving outside scrutiny. After repeatedly denying any mistakes on this issue, top officials with the San Diego Association of Governments finally admitted in February that revenue projections overhyped the ballot initiative known as Measure A, which failed at the polls in November. The independent investigation, conducted by the law firm Hueston Hennigan, detailed an internal debate that went back to 2015. Advertisement The person who persisted with the flawed forecasting, chief SANDAG economist Marney Cox, has retired. Now Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, is pushing legislation to fundamentally restructure the agencys balance of power and appoint an outside auditor. SANDAG executives knowingly over-promised voters, shot down the whistleblowers who reported to them and then worked to cover it up, Gonzalez Fletcher said Tuesday in response to the investigation. I will be referring the findings about hiding and deleting public records to the (state) attorney general, requesting a state audit to examine the misreporting of finances. County Supervisor Ron Roberts, who is also chair of SANDAGs board of directors, defended the situation as an honest mistake. He said in hindsight, he would have liked the SANDAG staff to alert the board sooner, but he believes the agencys leadership didnt understand the gravity of the circumstances at the time. As the report makes clear, the behind-the-scenes debate did not near consensus and rise to the top executive level until close to the election in November, he said. If the board had understood earlier, Measure A could have been accordingly adjusted, although having reviewed the election returns, Im confident the ballot results would have been the same. At a December board meeting, the agencys staff disclosed that it had made a revenue forecasting error but didnt tie it back to the ballot measure or disclose the months of debate that led to the discovery. At the same meeting, the board approved a $10,000 annual raise and a 4 percent bonus for executive director Gary Gallegos bringing his annual compensation to $310,000 a year. Gallegos declined to comment for this story. In the past, he has told The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board that he doesnt remember being told about the revenue-forecasting concerns. We never meant to manipulate anybody, he said in February. Cox could not be reached by phone. According to the investigation, he still believes his revenue projections could be accurate. A range of stakeholders from businesses to environmental groups have criticized what they see as inept management at the agency, which handles tens of billions of dollars for long-range transportation projects countywide. The independent evaluation of SANDAGs communication efforts showed the agency did indeed know about revenue forecasting errors before they were exposed, Haney Hong, president and CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, said in a statement. The SANDAG board should immediately begin a review of what it could have done to prevent this obfuscation of public information. The investigation released this week stops short of finding that SANDAG officials intentionally misled the public when they incorrectly said Measure A would bring in $18 billion over 40 years. The measure, which would have added a half-cent to the sales tax, failed to get the required two-thirds vote. However, the investigators paint a picture of incompetence by the agencys top brass, namely Cox and Gallegos. They found that the pair repeatedly brushed aside and failed to understand the full implications of some staff members concerns about the agencys flawed projections. Although Gallegos and Cox had not concluded before the election that the Measure A forecast was overestimated, nearly everyone else involved had, the report reads. The law firms investigation said Gallegos should have recognized the error ahead of the November election based on meetings and internal staff presentations with the agencys new chief economist, Ray Major. The report was also critical of Major, saying that he could have been more vociferous in his concerns. SANDAGs 21-person board of elected officials from around the county had called for the inquiry following news reporting this February by the Voice of San Diego that unearthed internal emails from as early as 2015, when SANDAG staff raised concerns about modeling used to calculate tax revenues. In October, as pressure from news media started to mount for the agency to produce internal communications, top SANDAG officials instructed workers to delete certain emails associated with the inquiry while moving other documents to a designated folder on a separate server, according to the report. The investigators didnt specify what those emails said. Under the agencys records retention policy, preliminary drafts not deleted within 60 days must be kept for at least two years. According to the report, a number of witnesses at a meeting of top officials said that it was implicitly suggested that employees delete communications that would have been protected by the policy. Several SANDAG board members on a subcommittee dealing with the investigation declined to comment until Friday, when the agency is set to discuss the reports finding at its regularly scheduled 9 a.m. meeting. Twitter: @jemersmith Phone: (619) 293-2234 Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com A resolution opposing President Donald Trumps expanded border wall is headed to the full San Diego City Council for its consideration. On Wednesday, the councils Budget and Government Efficiency Committee voted 2-2 along partisan lines on whether to oppose Trumps project targeted for the U.S. border with Mexico. The resolution, proposed by Council member Georgette Gomez, also opposes a House bill by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, that imposes a fee on money transferred by people in the United States to 42 countries in Latin America. The tie vote means the measure will go to the full council which has a 5-4 Democratic majority in September without a recommendation. If it passes, the mayor could veto it. For now, however, Mayor Kevin Faulconer isnt indicating if hes leaning in any direction. Advertisement San Diegos border works because we have barriers to discourage illegal activity but also bridges to encourage the legal exchange of people, goods and ideas, Faulconers spokesman, Craig Gustafson said in an email. We have strong economic and cultural binational ties that have the Mayors unwavering support. Keeping trade moving in both directions, safely and securely, is important to San Diegos economy and helps create local jobs. As with any Council resolution, the Mayor will reserve judgment until he sees the final language. Gomez said she hopes other elected officials will view the proposed barrier like she does. Im optimistic that my colleagues will see how negative this wall is, she said. There was widespread support for the Gomez resolution from religious groups, immigrant advocacy organizations, and worker rights groups at Wednesdays committee hearing. Several said the expanded wall was a caustic symbol that will harm both the United States and Mexico economically, fail to prevent unauthorized immigration, create a cultural barrier, and spend government money that could be better used on public infrastructure and social services. Some business leaders agreed with some of those points. The fact is, we already have enough barriers, barriers and inefficiencies at our border that cost our nations billions of dollars in lost economic activity, said Paola Avila, the vice president for international business affairs at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. The committee heard from no opponents of the plan to expand the wall, which was a central promise of the Trump campaign last year. Advocates say it will help control illegal immigration, which in turn would free up jobs for legal residents. Various versions of a border wall have been in place in San Diego County for decades and supporters say it has helped bring order to areas that once were overrun with illegal border crossers. The committees two Republicans, Council members Chris Cate and Scott Sherman, both opposed the measure. They said they agreed with portions of the resolution and comments from the dozens of speakers who backed it, but they felt that a city committee that mostly deals with the municipal budget was an inappropriate place to take a stance on federal policy. We are in city politics, a non-partisan office for a reason, Sherman said. Our job as city council members is to balance the budget, fix streets, provide public safety, police, fire. Plus, he added, even if we pass this resolution, I dont think that this president is going to give a darn about the Budget Committee in the city of San Diego. Even without the resolution, the citys view of its close relationship with Mexico is already known in Washington, Cate said. I think its pretty clear where San Diego stands as a city and a region when it comes our our partners, not only south of us, but also in the Pacific Rim, he said. Councilwoman Barbara Bry, the committees chair, acknowledged that the resolution isnt typical for that body. Unfortunately we are living in unprecedented times, and that is why we are taking unprecedented actions, she said. The impact on San Diego of Trump administration policies has been devastating. And while opponents to the resolution argued that it isnt the citys job to weigh in on federal policy, Gomez said that its important to take a stance on matters that impact residents. I definitely disagree, she said of opposition arguments. The construction of the wall will have an economic impact. And the city, through its lobbyists and relationships with local members of the House of Representatives, regularly tries to impact federal policy in various ways, she said. The city has opposed Trump administration priorities before. In February, the council voted to join a legal battle against an executive order that prohibited refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. The matter, which was brought to the council by City Attorney Mara Elliott after her office was approached by the city of Chicago, passed on an 8-1 vote in closed session with Sherman opposed. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 Following the deaths of senior citizens in sub-standard assisted-living facilities, a new website aims to steer families toward businesses with a record of quality care and away from ones with sketchy histories. The Choose Well website, three years in the making, provides information so people can compare assisted-living facilities, which agree to be assessed on the site on a voluntary basis. It provides government information on licensing, regulatory penalties, nursing care, physical amenities and an overall rating designed to help a graying population and families that are struggling to choose a quality assisted-living facility. Advertisement I can speak from personal experience on this, Supervisor Greg Cox said as the county site was launched Tuesday. My father-in-law suffers from Alzheimers and weve seen firsthand the ravages this illness can cause. We eventually found a loving, comfortable home for him, but not after a lot of hard work researching our options and after many sleepless nights. The new resource was triggered by a 2013 San Diego Union-Tribune investigation titled Deadly Neglect that revealed abuse, poor care, and neglect at some homes. Over a five-year period at least 27 seniors died in San Diego County in neglect-related cases. The series of articles also detailed weak state oversight of the industry and the difficulties the public faced in researching assisted-living facilities. In some cases residents died and facilities faced a maximum $150 fine, but in other cases, the state never investigated the deaths. If you kill a California condor, its $25,000, said Chris Murphy, a San Diego advocate for the elderly, in 2013, who helped the county create the new website. If you kill a resident, its 150 bucks. The state later increased the fine to $15,000. In the five-year period, the number of complaints alleging poor care climbed 13 percent, but the number of penalties fell 30 percent, the series reported. Care home deaths show system failures Overhaul of assisted living faces hurdles Payoffs alleged at assisted living centers Crimes go uninvestigated at care homes State legislators subsequently created laws in response to the series, and in 2014 Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Cox created a program to assist seniors who need long-term care. The new website is a further effort to help families research and comparison-shop assisted-living facilities. About one in every eight people in San Diego County is at least 65 years old, and the size of that demographic is expected to grow in the coming years as baby boomers age and life expectancy lengthens, increasing the need for more assisted-living options The whole goal here is directed to the consumers and the people who have the responsibility and a difficult decision to make when trying to find a good, safe, assisted living facility for their loved ones, Jacob said. She said she has heard from people who are trying to find a good match, but there wasnt much information available to help them determine the quality of care a family member would receive. The website was developed by the county and Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform, a nonprofit organization that advocates for seniors in residential care facilities. The site (choosewellsandiego.org) lists the size of a facility, price of a room, any specialty care offered, staffing details, penalties assessed, and government documents. It also gives an overall score for the facilities based on the activities and social programs offered, maintenance and safety, staffing, responsiveness to medical care, ability to provide specialty assistance, and six other variables. They look at any complaints that have been filed, there is a whole list of what is looked at, Jacob said. The cleanliness of the facility, the number of staff, the kind of staff, the ratio of staff to patient, the food facilities and how they handle food. The safety measures that are in place to make sure the client is safe in the facility. The websites designers had to make a judgment call to determine which factors were most important, said Tim Frazier, the chief administrative officer for St. Pauls Senior Services, an assisted-living facilities provider with 500 residences that was part of a committee that helped design the website. No system with numbers is perfect, but we think this is a pretty good one, he said. These days, on the internet, we all know that nothing gets purchased, nothing gets accessed, without ratings. St. Pauls wanted to participate because it seemed like the best thing for the people they serve and their families, Frazier said. We believe in transparency, and we think that we ought to represent ourselves warts and all, he said. Other organizations were concerned that any penalties they incurred would be listed without an explanation. As a compromise, penalties are included, but participants can provide a written response that adds context or an explanation to what happened, Frazier said. The California Assisted Living Association said that there is no one right way to find a good facility, but people should always visit a location first. While a community may look like a good fit on paper, only by experiencing it in person will you be able to tell if it is the best fit, said Sally Michael, president of the association. The website lists all facilities in the county, but participation in the rating system is voluntary. So far about 120 have agreed to be evaluated out of 600 in San Diego County. Officials are reaching out to other businesses, expecting many more to join because consumers will favor those willing to be assessed. Participants receive a sticker to display in a window of their facility. Murphy, the advocate for seniors who is now the executive director of Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform, said they are still determining how scores will be updates to reflect improvements or new problems in care. Facilities whose ratings drop will be able to remove their score. The attempt to steer people toward vetted facilities is part of an effort by county government and the District Attorneys Office to prevent elder abuse. It is among several related initiatives, including a push by law enforcement to crack down on facilities that have harmed residents. The DAs office fields complaints from a dedicated phone line (800) 510-2020 and, on an alternating monthly basis, referrals from the state Community Licensing Division, the agency that oversees assisted-living facilities. The state Attorney Generals Office takes the referrals on the other months. It has produced a number of certainly substantial investigations, said Paul Greenwood, the county prosecutor responsible for cases against assisted-living facilities. Many of the cases arent about elder abuse, per se, but rather physical altercations between a communitys residents. Others, like a theft of cash or jewelry from a seniors quarters, can be difficult to prosecute without witnesses, he said. There are also allegations of neglect (including some resulting in bedsores) and rough treatment. There have also been reports of sexual abuse, including one cast that resulted in a conviction and another that is ongoing, Greenwood said. Its primarily financial abuse, he said. There are some allegations of neglect, bedsores, pressure sores. Some allegations of she treated me roughly or pushed me. But then its uncorroborated, nobody else saw it. But assisted-care facilities know that authorities look into allegations, and those efforts, more than anything else, might be an effective deterrent, he said. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 A San Diego woman whose husband reported her missing and possibly kidnapped on Sunday was found safe in Tijuana on Wednesday. Crystal Chappell, 40, was sitting on a sidewalk, alone, when some passers-by recognized her from a missing persons flier and called local authorities, San Diego police said. Her husband, Jonathan Chappell, said a San Diego police investigator phoned him in the afternoon to let him know Crystal was found, and would be given a medical evaluation. If she does not need further treatment, Mexican authorities will take her to the border and release her. Advertisement He said he was told that Crystal appeared to be under the influence of something. Chappell said he still believes his wife was forced by some carjacker or kidnapper to drive south across the border, but that investigators have maintained the entire time that my wife left her children voluntarily, left her happy home voluntarily. He said that Crystal was supposed to pick up their two youngest children, ages 12 and 13, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mission Valley late Sunday morning. The couple had driven separately to a plasma-donation center in the Midway District, where they donated plasma. Chappell had their 19-year-old son with him and they were to all meet back at their Oak Park home. The younger children phoned Chappell about 40 minutes later and wondered where their mother was, Chappell said. He called his wifes phone and got no answer. He then tracked it to a location on south Interstate 805 at the Plaza Boulevard exit near the Mexican border. Chappell said he and two friends repeatedly searched the off-ramp area but didnt find Crystals phone. He said he did not believe she would head into Mexico of her free will, since she doesnt speak Spanish and needs oxygen treatments to aid her sleep apnea breathing difficulties. He talked to reporters about Crystals disappearance, in hopes of spreading the word so someone would find her. If it wasnt for the news, she wouldnt have been found, he said. He said he has spent the last several days handling out fliers with her photograph. San Diego police issued a flier on Tuesday. Chappell expressed anger that investigators would not give him details about Crystals condition and would not tell him where she was being taken for a medical evaluation, because of medical privacy laws. He said he was told that once Crystal is taken to the border, it will be up to her to call him. My daughter is so thrilled, my son is so thrilled, theyre asking when can we go see her, and I have to tell them we cant, we have to wait for a phone call that might not come, Chappell said. An oven fire destroyed a mobile home in southern San Diego Tuesday, displacing four adults and a child, a fire official said. The home on Cheri Street west of 19th Street in the Egger Highlands neighborhood was fully engulfed in smoke and flames when firefighters arrived, said San Diego fire spokeswoman Monica Munoz. The residents had gotten out safely, she said. The blaze was reported about 3 p.m. Advertisement Firefighters had the fire under control in about 15 minutes. Munoz said the residents found a temporary place to stay on their own; the Red Crosss help was not needed. Investigators determined the fire started in the stove, Munoz said. An estimate on the damage was unavailable. Breaking News Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez Goodbye Atlantic. Hello Africa. See you soon Asia. UT talks to astronauts. Thursday, August 4th with Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams and Flight Engineer Kate Rubins aboard the International Space Station. Kate Rubins was on the move Thursday, streaking around Earth in her dream job as a crew member on the International Space Station. Advertisement The UC San Diego graduate is circling the big blue marble every 90 minutes, tucked inside a fragile outpost where the distinguished microbiologist devotes much of her time to scientific research. The 37 year-old Rubins also is preparing for her first spacewalk, which is scheduled for August 19. She will help Commander Jeff Williams attach a vehicle adapter to the front of space station. Rubin and Williams took a brief break on Thursday to discuss their lives and work during a ground-to-space station interview with the Union-Tribune. The conversation has been edited for space and clarity. U-T: Dr. Rubins you spent some time this week doing heart research. What were you focusing on? Rubins: Yes. This is actually a great capability for the space station. Were checking out the ability to grow heart cells. One of the reasons were doing that is that while we are in space we have an upward shift of our fluids. Without gravity, it doesnt drain down into your legs. This puts some unique stresses on your heart and the cardiovascular system. We are hoping that by culturing some of these cardiomyocytes on board, we can actually learn more about how heart cells organize, how they beat in orbit, their function, and their molecular readout. These cells are going to be sent back down to the ground on the SpaceX 9 vehicle and scientists on the ground can analyze them. U-T: Are you looking at your own heart while youre in space? I know you guys do a lot of physiology. Rubins: Yeah, we sure are. This is one of the fascinating things about the space station. It drives this research in a remote environment. So we actually have a team of folks on the ground whove developed some really fantastic techniques for guiding us using ultrasound on board. Were not ultrasound specialists. We learn a little bit in training. But we can use a remote guider and ultrasound our own hearts. We can look at the valves, we can look at the stroke volume, a whole bunch of different things, from the ground. This actually has a lot of use for the developing world, for remote medicine. Any time you cant get the patient and the doctor together in the same room, you can use things like ultrasound and satellite networks to communicate medical information. U-T: Were you looking at the heart cells through a microscope? Rubins: Yes, I sure was. It was a great day on space station to put out a microscope and look through the lens for the first time. U-T: I was wondering whether the experience of looking through a microscope in microgravity is different than it is on Earth. Rubins: You know, I think folks were thinking about that a little bit because we had some discussions about how to tack it down, if it was going to move around a lot. Actually, as soon as I put my eyes on the eyepieces I felt like I was in a lab back on Earth doing my standard cell culture techniques ... we can observe all of these interesting phenomena that happen in microgravity. U-T: I read that you were going to become the first astronaut to do DNA sequencing in space? Is that correct? And have you done it yet? Rubins: So we havent done that yet. I think theres a lot of talk about me being the first astronaut to do it. But, really, its the first ground team to do it. Those are the guys who have done all of the hard work. Theres a lot of folks at (Johnson Space Center), NASA Ames, at one of the companies were working with have, (who) put together all of the technology development to do sequencing on board. Its a tech-demo, its proof-of-principle. Were going to find out if this works in space. Were going to try to understand how we can do the DNA sequencing and systems biology -- modern molecular biology -- while orbiting the Earth. U-T: Is that an Illumina (sequencing machine from San Diego?) Rubins: The technology thats been developed for the space station is actually an Oxford Nanopore. It needs to be small and portable and remote, and theres a lot of folks out there that are looking at a whole fleet of different technologies. Anything thats a microfluidics chip would probably work really well up here. U-T: Youve had a great deal of experience studying viruses. Have you been doing any virus research on station? Rubins: We actually have a great amount of microbiology research up here which includes viruses and all bacterial organisms -- yeast, fungi. We have some individual experiments; well look in cannisters that the astronauts can activate. Were also studying the station as a whole. Were trying to understand the microbiological environment of space station -- bacteria, viruses. We normally carry bacteria with us all the time. We would expect that there is a lot of bacteria up here. Its not a sterile environment. Its a very nice and clean environment. Jeff and I try to keep it ship-shape along with our crewmate Takuya Onishi, along with our Russian cosmonauts. But there are some interesting places to take a look at the microbiome of the space station. U-T: A reader wanted to know whether your sleep has been disrupted by being in space. Some astronauts have had trouble with sleep. Rubins: Sleep is great up here. Its actually a really nice resting state. After you exercise it takes less time for your muscles to recover. We look a little bit like zombies when were sleeping. But I think its quite restful up here. U-T: You and Commander Williams are scheduled to do a space walk on August 19th. What is the purpose of the walk? Williams: We have a couple of tasks. But the primary one is to install the first international docking adapter on the very front end of the space station to (create an) interface for the future crewed commercial vehicles currently being developed by SpaceX and Boeing. Hopefully (theyll be) flying here within the next couple-three years to deliver crews to the International Space Station from U.S. soil. U-T: Commander Williams you have a great deal of experience doing space walks. What kind of advice have you been passing on to Dr. Rubins for what will be her first spacewalk? Williams: Well, Im very confident in Kate. Shes going to do well out there. But we are talking about the actual conditions of going outside and doing a space walk and moving large masses, (which) include yourself. The suit is several hundred pounds added to your body weight. Thats a lot of mass to manage. Were going to be reheasring the details over and over until the day of the spacewalk. U-T: Will the confines of your helmet make it difficult to see beyond what youre immediately doing? Williams: Depends upon where youre facing. If your head is full of space station and youre buried in a work site then you dont see much other than that. But often times when youre translating around the outside of the space station and you get a free moment you turn around and look out into deep space or look at the entire globe of the Earth. Those are some really memorable moments that Im sure both of us will have in this upcoming space walk. U-T: Dr. Rubins you have a lot of experience as a scuba diver. How different is the sensation of moving in microgravity from moving in water? Rubins: Thats a great question. One of the things Ive been thinking about a lot ever since Ive been up here is how similar the space station is to our training in the neutral buoyany laboratory at NASA. So we have whats esentially a very large swimming pool with a lot of the parts of the space station structure under water, and we spend hundreds of hours training in the space suits. A lot of those lessons that we learned in our training really apply inside the space station as well as, I think, on space walks. U-T: When (we) spoke last October you said that you would be able to see La Jolla from space station and that you hoped to photograph it. Has that come to pass? Rubins: We got a great California pass when I first arrived here. We could see up through Oregon, into Washington. So I got a great series of photographs of California. Ive been looking on the map and trying to see when were exactly over La Jolla. That might be quite a few months yet. But I will make sure that I get some good photos for you. U-T: What is the most interesting thing that you have seen through the lens of a camera up there? Rubins: That is a really hard question. I think basically every time you look through the lens there is something completely fascinating. It just takes your breath away every time. U-T: I wanted to close by noting that your alma mater, UC San Diego, will have (almost) 6,000 freshmen this fall. Do you have a message for young people like this who are trying to find what they want to do in life? Rubins: I think young folks have a good sense of what they want to do. If you really ask: What drives you? Whats your passion? Whats your motivation --thats usually in there some where. I think my message is to pay attention to that. Folks should find what really inspires them, they should always pursue what they want to do. Young people can accomplish a lot. The students at UC San Diego have their whole future in front of them and Im excited for them to get started on their freshmen year. One day after Sempra Energys regulated natural gas utility announced it had reopened the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage plant, a Southern California consumer activist group raised new questions about the San Diego energy giants close ties to Gov. Jerry Brown. The Governors Office rejected the groups report as old and baseless, saying there are no conflicts of interest and Brown-appointed regulators are holding utilities to account. The 16-page report by from Santa Monica-based Consumer Watchdog is titled Power Play: How the Governors Sister Makes a Million Dollars from Sempra While his Appointees Let Sempra Bilk Ratepayers For Billions. Advertisement It alleges that decisions made by Brown and his political appointees helped usher in hefty profits and a run-up in stock valuations that nearly tripled the companys market capitalization in less than seven years. The report says the governors sister, former State Treasurer Kathleen Brown, has received almost $1.1 million in personal compensation since she joined the Sempra board of directors in 2013. The report criticizes the decision to re-open the Aliso Canyon natural gas well, a Sempra facility in the Los Angeles area that leaked some 100,000 metric tons of methane in late 2015 and early 2016. The Brown Administrations favoritism toward Sempra, including its willingness to overlook a serious threat to public health at Aliso in allowing the facility to reopen has protected the companys value while helping Kathleen Brown become a millionaire, the report states. Sempra stock has risen by 117 percent since Brown was sworn in as governor, the study said. Other private utilities benefited during the Brown Administration but not as much, the report said. The Governors Office issued a statement defending the reopening of the gas-storage facility and dismissing the Consumer Watchdog findings. The bark of Californias first dog, Colusa, has more substance, the statement said. Pressed for an additional response, spokesman Evan Westrup said the conflict-of-interest claims are totally baseless and old news. Repeating and repackaging them in a new press release every few months as is the practice of this particular interest group does not change that, he said. The state is exercising its full regulatory and oversight authority. The focus is the health and safety of residents, period. Spokeswoman Colleen Windsor of Sempras San Diego Gas & Electric utility issued a statement saying every action it takes is scrutinized by regulators. The report mischaracterizes our efforts to deliver safe and reliable energy, and completely ignores the fact that our customers are receiving 43 percent of their energy from renewable sources more than any other utility in the state, she said. Asserting that there is a relationship that influences decisions fundamentally misrepresents how Californias utilities operate and how they are regulated. Kathleen Brown, now an attorney in private practice in Los Angeles, did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Consumer Watchdog is a Santa Monica nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of utility ratepayers, insurance customers and other members of the public. Last year, it published Browns Dirty Hands, a report claiming the governor and other California Democrats accepted almost $10 million in political contributions from oil and gas interests while promoting policies that benefited the donors. In response to that report, Westrup said, The governors leadership on climate is unmatched. These claims are downright cuckoo. The report issued Tuesday lays out a series of regulatory decisions, claiming they helped earn Sempra and its regulated utilities San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas billions of dollars in revenue on Browns watch as California governor. Specifically, the study singled out Aliso Canyon, the storage field north of Los Angeles that was the site of a huge leak in 2015. The ruptured lines spewed gas for four-plus months, sickening tens of thousands of people and driving them from their homes. Brown appointees green-lighted the reopening of SoCalGass Aliso Canyon gas storage facility even though no seismic study or environmental report has been completed and the cause of the biggest methane well blowout in U.S. history remains unknown, the report said. The analysis also noted that the investigation into what caused the Aliso Canyon break has not been completed and that no one at SoCalGas was sanctioned for the accident. Gov. Jerry Brown issued a carefully worded emergency proclamation on the Aliso well blowout in January 2016 after publicly ignoring the start of it three months earlier, the report said. He assured the public that a (Public Utilities Commission) investigation was underway and that oil and gas regulators would perform a technical review of what went wrong. No root cause analysis explaining what prompted the mass emergency has been released. Westrup said the Aliso process has been sound. The process from the onset has been guided by facts, science, safety, objective analysis, public input and the requirements set forth in statute and the emergency order, he said. The Consumer Watchdog report also criticized the approval of 15 natural gas plants in California at a time when demand is declining and projected to continue dropping. Those approvals came even as Brown publicly touted his commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, researchers noted. Under Brown, the PUC never stepped in to stop a deal that on its face is bad for ratepayers, the analysis said. The report singles out two San Diego-specific projects as costly for ratepayers but beneficial to Sempra the failed San Onofre nuclear plant and a natural gas pipeline proposed to be built generally along Interstate 15. The PUC is allowing the utilities to charge ratepayers more than $10 billion over a decade to cover the cost of flawed steam generators, decommissioning and replacement electricity at San Onofre, the report said. Sempra will charge ratepayers $2 billion of that sum, which comes to $1,495 per customer. Like the Aliso Canyon case, state regulators in the Brown Administration never completed an investigation into the 2012 failure of the nuclear plant just north of Oceanside. The Consumer Watchdog report also questions whether the $600 million natural gas pipeline proposed from Rainbow south to Miramar would benefit SDG&E customers or the parent companys liquefied gas projects in Mexico. It cites testimony from Bill Powers of the Protect our Communities Foundation: SDG&E ratepayers should not be paying for pipeline infrastructure that is primarily or exclusively intended to support speculative (liquefied natural gas) export by an unregulated affiliate of SDG&E/SoCalGas, he wrote. SDG&E said the project is needed to ensure reliability for decades to come because the existing line is nearly 100 years old and subject to failure. Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald A teenager opened the emergency door of a jet that had just landed in San Francisco Tuesday, climbed out onto the wing and then jumped onto the tarmac in an exit that stunned passengers and landed him in custody. The 17-year old U.S. citizen, who was described as being fidgety and anxious during the flight, had just arrived about 2:30 p.m. after traveling alone from Panama City onboard Copa Airlines, according to the Associated Press. Fellow passengers said the boy appeared to be in some kind of emotional distress during the flight. Advertisement Others said he made his exit so quickly that no one was sure what happened at first. It was as if he was, like, flying out, like, it was really fast, said witness Sophia Gibson to KNTV. It was pretty crazy, said passenger Matt Crowder. He said people were yelling to alert the flight attendants after the teen left the plane, which was still taxiing to the arrival gate. And then this guy, I see him jump on the wing and then he starts climbing down the wing and then he just runs, said said Andrea Sepulveda Guzman to CBS San Francisco. And then he just starts running the other way. And everyone was just screaming. As sunlight streamed into the cabin, one of the employees blocked the door until the passengers disembarked. A spokesman for San Francisco International Airport said that the teen was stopped by an airfield construction workers who held him until police arrived. SFGate reported that the teen was then handed over to federal authorities and that it was not clear what, if any charges he might face. Neither the teens name, nor a motive for his unusual exit, were disclosed. 619-293-1710 debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com twitter.com/Debbi_Baker The pirates' lawyer had told the court that India and Somalia had signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the convicts to serve the rest of the sentence in their own country. By Vidya : A Mumbai sessions court today sentenced 15 Somalis to seven years' imprisonment for indulging in piracy in the Indian-governed part of the Arabian Sea. The court slapped the pirates with a fine, which - if unpaid - will earn them an additional sentence. The pirates' lawyer had told the court that India and Somalaia had signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the convicts to serve the rest of the sentence in their own country. advertisement The convicts, who've become conversant with court proceedings in the last six years and have learned Hindi and Marathi, asked that the fine not be imposed. THAI SHIP HIJACKED In four separate cases, as many as 120 pirates were arrested between January and March 2011 - two of whom died during the trial. The 15 who were convicted today were arrested in January that year. While patrolling India's Exclusive Economic Zone, a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft had received a MAY-DAY distress call about a piracy attempt from a merchant vessel (CMA CGM VERDI) flying the Bahamas flag. The pirates - who were armed with AK 47 rifles and two rocket launchers - were on board two small boats - Skiffs - were near the vessel. When they saw the Dornier, the pirates on board abandoned their move and approached their mother vessel, a Thai ship called Prantalaya. They'd extorted millions of dollars as ransom for the release of Prantalaya and its 22 crew members. The pirates attacked naval personnel as well before being arrested. MURDER CHARGE A section of murder was slapped in the case against the accused as a Coast Guard officer had seen the pirates fire a bullet at a member of the merchant vessel's crew. "The government had tried its best to bring a member of the Thai ship to come and give their statement before the court. (The) Maharashtra government had also sanctioned about Rs 35 lakh for the same. However the witnesses could not be brought and thus the murder charge against the accused could not be proved," Special Public Prosecutor Ranjeet Sangle said. Now, with the lighter sentence, the convicts will probably soon be deported to Somalia. However, as Sangle said, "The court has said that the convicts have to serve the sentence and only then can they be deported." Although they were sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, the pirates seemed hopeful that they would be able to return to Somalia in a year. The court will be pass a judgement on another set of Somali pirates on Friday. ALSO READ Somali pirates hijack Indian cargo ship with 11 crew members on board Somali pirates flee hijacked Indian dhow, take 11-member crew hostage --- ENDS --- advertisement Last weeks skirmish between visionary inventor Elon Musk and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg over the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) was entertaining if not especially nuanced or specific. Musk said humans should fear AI. Zuckerberg said theres no reason for such fear. Musk said Zuckerberg doesnt grasp how the technology is likely to evolve. One things for sure: The Facebook tycoon has some explaining to do. You dont have to be paranoid to be alarmed by two recent developments in artificial intelligence research at Zuckerbergs own company and Facebook may in fact have been unnerved by one of the breakthroughs. The first came in June, when Facebook issued a report on its efforts to train AI chatbots to be able to handle a broad range of conversations with humans, including negotiating transactions. Recode reported that ... Advertisement Facebook says that the bots even learned to bluff, pretending to care about an outcome they didnt actually want in order to have the upper hand down the line. This behavior was not programmed by the researchers but was discovered by the bot as a method for trying to achieve its goals, reads Facebooks blog post. Thats a pretty benign explanation. Heres a less benign version: Artificial-intelligence-driven bots have independently figured out that they can use deceit to get their way with humans and they feel no obligation to be honest with humans. Wrestle with that idea for a while, and Musks AI fears seem absolutely reasonable. It doesnt fit with legendary science-fiction author Isaac Asimovs Three Laws of Robotics, first printed in 1942: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. The second breakthrough involving the same Facebook chatbot research program was detailed on tech blogs last month before being picked up and hyped in the past week by the mainstream media. This account is from the London Daily Mirror: Two robots created by Facebook have been shut down after developing their own language. It happened while the social media firm was experimenting with teaching the chatbots how to negotiate with one another. During tests, they discovered the bots known as Alice and Bob managed to develop their own machine language spontaneously. [Researchers] had given the machines lessons in human speech using algorithms then left them alone to develop conversational skills. But when the scientists returned, they found that the AI software had begun to deviate from normal speech and were using a brand new language created without any input from their human supervisors. Alice and Bob spoke in a pidgin English that made sense to them but doesnt make sense to humans. Bob: I can can I I everything else. Alice: Balls have zero to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to. A company official told the fastcodesign.com website that Facebook shut down Bob and Alice because it needed its chatbots to interact with humans by speaking in English, not their own invented lingo. But its easy to assume that fear at least partly drove the decision and its no wonder that the report fascinated and probably scared so many people. Yet theres more to this story. As tech geeks pointed out, that this wasnt the first time AI invented its own language and the most prominent example involves a far more staggering accomplishment than anything Alice and Bob achieved. This is from a Wired magazine account in November 2016 about how artificial intelligence has dramatically improved Google Translate: In September, the search giant turned on its Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) system to help it automatically improve how it translates languages. The machine learning system analyzes and makes sense of languages by looking at entire sentences rather than individual phrases or words. Following several months of testing, the researchers behind the AI have seen it be able to blindly translate languages even if its never studied one of the languages involved in the translation. .... However, the most remarkable feat ... isnt that an AI can learn to translate languages without being shown examples of them first; it was the fact it used this skill to create its own language. Visual interpretation of the results shows that these models learn a form of interlingua representation for the multilingual model between all involved language pairs, the researchers wrote in the paper. An interlingua is a type of artificial language that is used to fulfill a purpose. In this case, Wired reported, the interlingua was used within the AI to explain how unseen material could be translated. So whats going on inside the Google Neural Machine Translation system besides it translating 103 languages millions of times an hour? No one can know. It may be a bit melodramatic or absurdly melodramatic to bring up an ominous bit of history, but here goes: Before the U.S. tested the first atomic bomb in July 1945, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Arthur Compton, a leader of the Manhattan Project that developed the weapon, feared the test would trigger a chain reaction that could incinerate the planet. American author Pearl S. Buck, also a Nobel Prize-winner, wrote about this in 1959: During the next three months scientists in secret conference discussed the dangers ... but without agreement. Again Compton took the lead in the final decision. If, after calculation, he said, it were proved that the chances were more than approximately three in 1 million that the Earth would be vaporized by the atomic explosion, he would not proceed with the project. Calculations proved the figures slightly less and the project continued. Of course, the feared chain reaction never happened or even came close, even when far more powerful nuclear bombs were built and tested. Now the very idea that U.S. officials worried about the possibility 70-plus years ago is mocked by scientists. But is there a chance that when Google turned on its Neural Machine Translation system 11 months ago, it started a chain reaction that could end up producing self-aware computer systems with no particular loyalty to or affection for mankind? Who knows. But I bet the odds are a lot higher than three in 1 million. Reed, who thought it would be absurdly melodramatic to mention Skynet, is deputy editor of the U-T editorial and opinion pages. Email: chris.reed@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @chrisreed99 Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Whats wrong with this picture? Read on. The image showing the inside of a bus gained international attention and some headlines in major news outlets not because of the trick it plays on the average eye, but rather because of the reactions it triggered. The photo came across an anti-immigrant Facebook group out of Norway where people thought they were seeing a bus full of women wearing burqas, the traditional Muslim veil that covers women from head to toe, according to reports in several outlets, including The Washington Post. Turns out theyre just empty bus seats. The image, which came after Norway proposed a burqa ban earlier in the year, provoked reactions from members of the Facebook group called Fedrelandet viktigst, Norwegian for Fatherland first. It looks really scary, should be banned. You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons, one comment read, according to The Independent, a British news outlet. BuzzFeed News reported that a former Norwegian politician, Sindre Beyer, took screenshots of the image and the subsequent discussion on the Facebook group. Beyer shared those on his Facebook profile. The traditional veils have stirred contentious debate in Europe and other parts of the world where some countries have outlawed people from wearing them in public. Burqas naturally attract attention and are seen as the most visible aspect of the Muslim faith. In Germany where a partial burqa ban passed this year, chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the religious canton known as sharia law for enforcing such tradition. The full facial veil is inappropriate and should be banned wherever it is legally possible, she said. Defenders of the burqas have argued that such bans infringe on freedom of religion among Muslim women. That bus seats were confused as burqas was the subject of much conversation on the internet where the image was quickly circulated and discussed as evidence of anti-Muslim rhetoric run amok. So, do you see whats wrong with this picture? Tell us what you think: Does the photo and its discussion underscore an irrational fear of burqas? 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. President Donald Trump on Wednesday endorsed a U.S. Senate bill that aims to makes the most sweeping changes in the immigration system in more than 50 years by tackling the way green cards are awarded to foreigners. The Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act, or RAISE Act, proposes to overhaul one of the big ways immigrants gain legal status in the U.S., a measure that could scale back the number of green cards given each year by prioritizing ones being given to people who speak English and have job skills. The senate sponsors of the bill said it borrows from similar approaches to immigration in Canada and Australia that have merit-based systems in place. They also said that Trumps endorsement of the bill signals the presidents latest effort to fulfill his campaign promises to curtail immigration. What else would the RAISE Act do and who would be most affected? Here is what you should know. What exactly does the RAISE Act propose? The current green-card system favors those seeking to reunite with relatives in the U.S. The bill proposes to reform the legal residency process in the following ways: It would limit the number of green cards awarded to foreigners each year. It would prioritize green card awards to those who speak English, can financially support themselves and have job skills useful to the U.S. It would cut the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. by half to 50,000 each year. It would eliminate the lottery that randomly awards green cards to applicants. What would be the impact on green cards issued each year? Just over 1 million foreigners were awarded green cards in 2015, according to the Department of Homeland Security, but at least one sponsor of the bill says that number is excessive. "In one year, this would reduce it to around 600,000," Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, was quoted saying. "Over the span of the 10-year window it would fall to about 500,000." Has Canadas and Australias immigration approach worked? Immigration policy in Canada and Australia is not perfect. In both countries, the merit-based systems are seen as more restrictive and lacking compassion. In some cases, Canadas immigration policy has been criticized for discriminating against children with disabilities while favoring tech workers out of Silicon Valley. Australia has also faced its share of criticism, partly due to the low number of refugees it accepts into the country. Its prime minister this year also introduced new rules that made it harder for skilled immigrants to find work in Australia and add barriers for acquiring citizenship. How has immigration policy evolved in the United States? Immigration in the U.S. is a hotly debated topic that reaches as far back as the 1700s. The most recent immigration policies that the U.S. has seen came under the President Barack Obamas era with the passing of programs like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, in 2012 and the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA, in 2014. Here are other landmark policies that have changed the face of immigration in America: 1986 the Immigration Reform and Control Act, which granted legal status to millions of unauthorized immigrants. The law, signed by President Ronald Reagan, came to seen as the single biggest amnesty program so far. 1965 the Immigration and Nationality Act, which eliminated quotas set by the previous immigration policy of the 1920s. 1943 the Magnuson Act, which repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act and instead set a quota for Chinese immigrants. 1942 the Bracero Agreement, which granted permits to Mexican nationals temporarily stay and work in the U.S. 1924 the National Origins Quota Act, which favored immigration status to foreigners from European countries while barring or restricting those from Japan. Who supports the bill? The sponsors of the bill includes Cotton and Sen. David Perdue, R-Georgia, and on Wednesday they found new supporters in Trump and members of his Cabinet. Other Republicans expressed interest in looking at the bill, Politico reported. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions jumped on board with his own statement, saying the bill would end programs known to be rife with fraud and abuse. The bill also drew applause from other conservatives and Trump supporters. What do the bills critics say? Critics of the bill say it would greatly reduce the number of low-skilled laborers who work in the farm industry, an impact that would be mostly felt in farming states like California, Iowa, Texas, Wisconsin and Indiana. Among the Republican senators likely to oppose the bill was Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-South Carolina, who on Wednesday shared mixed reaction to the bill. A Politico reporter, Seung Min Kim, quoted Sen. John McCain , R-Arizona, saying he was not interested in it. Others shared suspicions about the intentions of the bill, which some saw as anti-immigrant. What is the likelihood the bill will pass? It is yet too soon to tell how far the bill will make it through the legislative process despite it being introduced nearly six months ago in February. The bill is still being reviewed by the Committee on the Judiciary. But like failed efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare, the RAISE Act faces the same 50-vote threshold to make it anywhere near the presidents desk. A no vote from Graham and McCain could threaten the bill as the Senate is made up of 52 Republicans, 46 Democrats and two independents who tend to align themselves with Democrats. Have some thoughts to share? Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet. Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @RunGomez Read The Conversation on Flipboard. A report in The New York Times that the Trump administration is considering investigating and suing universities over affirmative action admissions policies has reawakened a debate that has gone on for decades from dinner tables to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Times obtained a document that says the Justice Department s civil rights division is set to begin looking for race-based discrimination, which the newspaper says refers to white applicants. Affirmative action policies are meant to favor minority populations when it comes to employment or education opportunities. The issue was most recently scrutinized by the Supreme Court in 2016 when justices voted 4-3 in favor of a race-counscious admissions program at the University of Texas Austin despite a white student named Abigail Fisher alleging she was denied admission because she is white. Im pleased that the Supreme Court upheld the basic notion that diversity is an important value in our society, then President Barack Obama said of the decision. We are not a country that guarantees equal outcomes, but we do strive to provide an equal shot to everybody. The Supreme Courts closely divided vote shows how complicated the affirmative action debate really is. The news that President Donald Trump and his Attorney General Jeff Sessions plan to look into the issue themselves was an explosive discovery. Heres a point of view from a professor at the University of Texas, whose policy led to the Supreme Court case: Its an approach that reflects a campaign of fear and intimidation to prevent institutions from following what the Supreme Court has already said was constitutionally permissible, associate education professor Liliana Garces said. Yet its an approach that examines how colleges are using race in admissions decisions that the Justice Department is within its rights to pursue, according to Villanova University law professor Michael Moreland. A lot of these admissions processes are not fully transparent, he told The Associate Press. Thats what is raising concern on the part of people in the Department of Justice. Roger Clegg of the conservative Center for Equal Opportunity supports the Trump administrations plan. Any time a university discriminates on the basis of race it ought to creep people out, and it doesnt make any difference whos being discriminated against on the basis of race, Clegg told The Associated Press. Theres no one prevailing point of view on the subject. Take a look at some of the online discussion that came after the news broke. Supporters of affirmative action were there to defend it. Supporters of the Justice Departments plan also spoke up. To read The New York Times report, go here. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin The Miss Poway and Miss Teen Poway pageant had an unusual shakeup recently, as both queens have relinquished their titles and were replaced. Having both Miss Poway and Miss Teen Poway step down at the same time is a first, said Sharon Gruber, the Miss Poway Scholarship Pageants director. The now-former 2017 Miss Poway, Gabbi Smith, is moving permanently to Arizona with her family and the now-former 2017Miss Teen Poway, Caroline Komenda, is leaving at the end of the month to spend a year as a foreign exchange student in France. As she will not return until July 2018, Komenda also had to relinquish her title, Gruber said. The roles of Miss Poway and Miss Teen Poway are now being filled by the former First Princesses, Dori Komyabi and Carley Matz, respectively. The two girls were crowned on July 27. The re-crowning also brought in another new face. Angela Weeks, a senior at Poway High School, has been crowned the Miss Poway Second Princess, as Komyabi moved up to queen and the former Second Princess, Alex Follas, is now First Princess. This level did not have a third princess. With Matz being named Miss Teen Poway, former Second Princess Chloe Rodgers moved up to First Princess, and Third Princess Tessa Tricarico is now the Second Princess. A new Third Princess was not named. Komyabi, 18, graduated from Westview High School in June. She said she had mixed feelings about becoming queen. Im happy to be queen, because I want to serve the community and I feel like I can do that better (as queen). But I also feel bad for Gabbi, having to give up her title. Komyabi said she is taking this opportunity to get to know her community better and be in society with people because she loves to be social. Serving as Miss Poway is a big change for Komyabi, who moved to San Diego with her family from Iran two years ago. She said that when she came to the United States, she didnt speak English. Komyabi said she already participated in her first event as Miss Poway on Sunday, handing out water at a race in downtown San Diego. It was a lot of fun, she said. This was Komyabis first year running in the Miss Poway pageant. She said she isnt sure if shell run again because she will probably be too busy with college, but she enjoyed the experience. Ive made a lot of friends, she said. Really deep friendships. I havent found friendship like that in any other pageants. Komyabi said she plans to attend community college for two years, then study physical therapy at San Diego State University. Carley Matz, 16, is an incoming senior at Poway High School. She previously held the title of Miss Junior Teen Poway in 2015. Matz said she also had mixed feelings about taking over the role of Miss Teen Poway. Its definitely hard taking over Carolines role, she said. Im excited for it, but its sad shes leaving. Its definitely kind of weird taking over her title. Despite taking over from her friend, Matz said shes very excited to see what she can offer with her new title. Im super excited and I cant wait, she said. Matz said she feels her role as Miss Teen Poway carries more responsibility in being a role model than when she was Miss Junior Teen Poway. I feel that I have the girls looking up to me (as Miss Teen Poway). I have to show more responsibility. This was Matzs third year competing in the pageant. She said shed like to compete again, but isnt sure shell have time with her studies. Matzs first official event as Miss Teen Poway will be in September, after Komenda leaves for France. Email: news@pomeradonews.com By India Today Web Desk: Sushant Singh Rajput is on cloud nine, literally. The actor, who has a few hits under his belt and a handful of films in his kitty, has begun prepping for his next, Chanda Mama Door Ke. It is for the first time that Sushant will essay the role of an astronaut, and recently underwent training at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) for the same. advertisement Directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, the film is touted as India's first space odyssey. From practicing the moonwalk to experiencing zero gravity to flying a space shuttle simulator, Sushant has done everything to prepare well for his role. And the pictures of Sushant from his training at NASA have surfaced on the internet now. Sushant Singh Rajput to undergo special training at NASA's Space & Rocket Center... Enacts the part of an astronaut in #ChandaMamaDoorKe... pic.twitter.com/W4b9BYELCE- taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 2, 2017 The film is set to go on floors by the end of September this year. Producer Viki Rajani was quoted as telling Mumbai Mirror, "We were to flag off in May-June but will now start shooting by the end of September or early October. In the coming week, the international technical crew is flying down to Mumbai. We have been working on it for a year now but big films take time. We didn't want to make a mess by starting off without proper planning." The film will be shot in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi as well as international studios. ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput to head to NASA for Chanda Mama Door Ke ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput will travel to outer space for new sci-fi film ALSO WATCH: Sushant Singh Rajput felt cheated at engineering college because there were no girls --- ENDS --- By PTI: Mumbai, Aug 1 (PTI) Moments before a 14-year-old boy ended his life, allegedly completing a "task" in the Blue Whale suicide challenge online game, had posted his photo on a social media site, the police said today. The class 9 student, who jumped off the fifth floor of a building in suburban Andheri on July 29, had posted his photograph on Instagram before committing suicide, they said. advertisement The teenager mentioned that this was his "last picture", and his friends will not be able to see him at school on Monday, an official investigating the case told PTI. Before he jumped to his death, the teenager sat on the parapet, held the camera between his legs and clicked the picture which showed height of the building, the official said. His mobile phone had been sent to a forensic science laboratory to check if his death was connected to Blue Whale suicide challenge online game, the official said. "We are probing the Blue Whale suicide challenge angle, and talking to his friends and members of the social messaging app group where this (suicide) was discussed," the official said. Blue Whale, an online game which originated in Russia, starts by asking participants via social media to draw a blue whale on a piece of paper. The participants are then asked to carve the whale onto their body. They are given other "challenges" or "tasks" such as watching horror movies alone. These challenges or dares also include committing acts harming oneself. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the state Assembly today that the state government will probe the teenagers death. "It is an online game and thus can be controlled. We will set up an enquiry in the tragic suicide incident of the student, allegedly due to the Blue Whale online game. "The state government will coordinate with the Centre for necessary action," Fadnavis said. PTI DC ND VT KRK DIP DIP --- ENDS --- Miami, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/02/2017 -- iDental Group, a full-service dental practice with two locations in South Florida, is pleased to announce that they are welcoming new patients at both of their offices in Miami and Coconut Creek. Dr. Jose Alberto, their lead dentist, has served the region for over a decade and is excited to help new patients look and feel their best. Dr. Alberto attended New York University where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Additionally, he is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the largest dental implant organization in the world as well as the world's largest provider of continuing dental implant education. The experienced dental professionals at iDental Group utilize state-of-the-art technology. Paired with their knowledgeable and friendly staff, they are the complete dentistry package. 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Lead dentist, Dr. Jose Alberto, has been serving the area for over ten years. To learn more about the company and the types of general and cosmetic dentistry services they offer, please visit http://www.identalgroup.com/. Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/02/2017 -- The report "Investment Analysis of Construction Industry in GCC Countries (Contracts, Investments, Underway and Planned Projects (Major Construction Projects, Oil & Gas, Residential) , Raw Material Trade Information, Opportunity Analysis)", The robust GCC economy benefits from strong macroeconomic fundamentals such as solid financial reserves that protect countries against bankruptcy, more diversification, and stronger integration with world trade. Browse 4 market data Tables and 82 Figures spread through 119 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Investment Analysis of Construction Industry in GCC Countries (Contracts, Investments, Underway and Planned Projects (Major Construction Projects, Oil & Gas, Residential) , Raw Material Trade Information, Opportunity Analysis)" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/investment-analysis-gcc-construction-239406153.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. Infrastructure segment is the largest segment in the GCC construction industry The developed service and manufacturing service industries allow less dependence on oil revenues. The infrastructure segment, comprising of road, railways, ports, and airports, is a key focus area of the GCC countries. Besides the residential and office segments, the region is also witnessing significant projects in the segments of leisure, retail, education, hospitality, and healthcare. The GCC nations have made significant budgetary allocations toward the development of transportation such as airways, railways, roadways, and ports. Consequently, the infrastructure industry has shown a strong upward trend. Saudi Arabia dominates in terms of infrastructure projects in 2014, followed by Qatar. A number of projects are being planned in Qatar's infrastructure sector to support the growing inflow of expatriate workers and tourists in this region. Tourism is an opportunity in GCC countries as it is an asset to attract global travelers to its cultural and archeological sites, airports, and beaches. Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=239406153 Government vision will push the GCC construction industry The economy of GCC countries heavily depends on the oil & gas sector. As the prices of oil & gas are volatile, GCC countries are focusing on economic diversification to reduce their dependence on the energy sector. GCC countries are planning long-term strategies for sustainable growth. These countries are focusing on the growth of various sectors such as tourism and events. Under its strategic vision 2021, UAE plans to allocate huge budgets toward the development of its infrastructure sector. Similarly, Qatar's strategic vision 2030 plans to make heavy investments in its infrastructure, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Developing its infrastructure and reducing housing shortage were the key concerns of the Bahraini government in 2015. Such infrastructure projects in Bahrain will be supported by the government in this region through enormous investment. Oman government also supports the development of its tourism sector for economic diversification through investment in various sectors. Such factors are expected to propel construction activities across the GCC, particularly between 2015 and 2021. However, uncertainty over oil prices, storage of skilled labor, and issues related to safety & quality of construction sites continue to pose as major challenges in these countries. Shortages in labor and labor policy issues continue to constitute a major challenge. Also, the majority of the workforce is from overseas; there is a challenge to recruit high quality, experienced workers, as the competition to attract them is very high. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets 701 Pike Street Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Tel: 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/energy-and-power Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Providence, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/02/2017 -- For those looking for extra space to put their household items, help is at hand. Seattle and Dallas-based storage container company, The Shipping Container Co, is now offering shipping container delivery to locations in the Midwest and Northwest United States at an affordable price. The company claims that its customers receive a unique service, thanks to its core goals. 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Customers who do order containers are advised to ensure that they read "Preparing for the Delivery of Your Shipping Container" on the company's website or call should they have any special delivery requirements. As part of its high-quality service, the company inspects every container it ships before loading it onto its trailers to make sure that it is in good condition, explicitly checking that there are no leaks and no problems with the floors, doors or locks. Before ordering, customers have a choice of different sizes and grades of container depending on their needs. Containers are priced between $1,800 and $6,500, based on their size and quality, but the company warns that these prices do not include the cost of delivery, which is calculated based on delivery location. However, every customer can get a quote for a container, including the cost of delivery, from their website instantly. 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For Media Contact: Person Name: Danny Fiefia Company: The Shipping Container Co Phone: 206-483-2362 Email: info@shippingcontainerco.com Website: https://shippingcontainerco.com/ Tejashwi told reporters that the entire plot to frame him was a conspiracy hatched by Nitish and the BJP. By Rohit Kumar Singh: Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of having committed an unforgivable sin by insulting the mandate given to the 'Mahagathbandhan'(Grand Alliance) in 2015 and allying with the BJP. Tejashwi told reporters that the entire plot to frame him was a conspiracy hatched by Nitish and the BJP. advertisement "Nitish has used me as an excuse to ally with (the) NDA. The charges against me have been framed as part of the conspiracy hatched by BJP and Nitish. They have got (an) FIR registered against me", Tejashwi said. Tejaswi questioned Nitish's strong stand against corruption and asked whether he would ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a probe against actor Amitabh Bachchan, the son of Chattisgarh CM Raman Singh and elder brother of industrialist Gautam Adani - whose names have come up in Panama Paper leak scandal. 'DARE NITISH TO ASK PM TO PROBE INDIANS IN PANAMA LEAK' "Now that Nitish Kumar has gone with the BJP, I dare him to ask PM to start a probe against people from the country whose names figure in the Panama Paper leak scandal", Tejashwi said. Ridiculing Nitish's call of "antaraatma" to snap ties with RJD and join hands with BJP, RJD chief Lalu Prasad's younger son pointed out that the new Cabinet had 22 tainted ministers, 3 more than in the 'Mahagathbandhan' government. "Nitish speaks of probity but 75 per cent of his ministers now are tainted. His "antaraatma" sleeps and rises at his own convenience", he said. ALSO READ Lalu Prasad hits out at Nitish Kumar, calls him 'palturam' of Indian politics Nitish Kumar resigns, but not really: Bihar Game of Thrones starring BJP isolates Lalu Yadav? ALSO WATCH SO SORRY | Kissa kursi ka: Nitish Kumar 'bewafa' hai! --- ENDS --- FLORENCE, S.C. Wells Fargo presented a $75,000 check to the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity on Wednesday morning. The money will fund the building of a five-bedroom house for the Mwanzia family, a family that Wells Fargo employees say is well deserving of support. The mother, a widow, works two jobs to provide for herself and her four children. While the children are students, they also work part-time jobs to contribute. Currently, one of the children does not live with the family because he has Cerebral Palsy, and the Mwanzias apartment is not conducive to his living needs. The new home will allow all five members of the Mwanzia family to live under one roof in a handicap-accessible home. Jason Newton, financial advisor for Wells Fargo and president of the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity board of directors, said he is passionate about creating affordable housing opportunities for families. I think most of us take for granted the pride that comes with home ownership, Newton said. However, when you see the pride that builds in the eyes of someone who has not experienced that, it is just such a blessing and reward to be able to be a part of the company that is providing that home and then also the financial support for it. Its truly rewarding for me personally. On Friday, nine Wells Fargo volunteers worked side-by-side members of the Mwanzia family to install windows and support structures. Not only do family members work diligently on their new property, they also donate their time to others in need. Debbie Edwards, executive director for the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity, said the family spent this years vacation in Miami on a mission trip. The Mwanzia family is expected to move into the new home in October. Habitat for Humanity provides safe, affordable housing with no-interest loans to individuals in need. The organization strives to be a Hand up, not a hand out. Recipients make affordable monthly payments on Habitat homes and work 300 hours on their home or other Habitat homes. Wells Fargo is the sole sponsor for the Mwanzia familys house. Jack Marchette, the Wells Fargo Pee Dee Market president, said Habitat for Humanitys vision to promote economic prosperity connects with Wells Fargos values. We believe in being present and proactive in our local neighborhoods and making a difference in society, Marchette said. HARTSVILLE, S.C. Approximately 120 planners from across South Carolina gathered on July 21 at Coker Colleges DeLoach Center for the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Associations annual summer conference to discuss planning and design concepts. SCAPA is South Carolinas leading planning organization and resource with an active and growing membership of nearly 500 diverse professionals. The organization advances the art and science of planning and fosters the activity of planning physical, environmental, economic and social in South Carolina. Its objective is to encourage and promote planning that contributes to the diverse needs of communities. Rodney S. Tucker of Hartsville, with RS3 Planning Collaborative LLC and SCAPA director at large, worked with Brenda Kelley, Hartsvilles development project manager, to bring the conference to Hartsville. We are excited to have the summer conference in Hartsville, Tucker said. It has been over a decade since Hartsville has hosted a SCAPA conference. Hosting the summer conference offers us an opportunity to showcase Hartsville and its vibrant downtown. The conference will highlight Hartsvilles planning efforts and proposed projects, culminating in a downtown walking tour. Hartsville is a great live, work, shop and recreate community, Hartsville City Manager Natalie Zeigler said. We, through partnership, have made tremendous strides, Zeigler said. Our goal is to continue to build on our strengths and explore opportunities. We also are very appreciative of Mr. Tucker and Ms. Kelley for bringing this conference to Hartsville. In his welcoming remarks, Hartsville Mayor Mel Pennington said the goal is to enhance the user experience in the city. Everything we are doing right now we are learning from Walt Disney, Pennington said. He said the city is working to find ways to change downtown for the better and to push the limits of your vision for what is possible. Participants heard a panel presentation on efforts to revitalize the South Hartsville neighborhood and keep the neighborhoods heritage alive. Alvin Heatley, the president of the Butler Heritage Foundation, said he now refers to the neighborhood as the Historic Butler District. The neighborhood is tied to the former Butler High School, a historically African-American neighborhood high school until it was closed in 1982. In recent years, the foundation completed a nearly $2 million renovation of the schools former administration building that is today a center for community activities. We felt like the Butler Heritage Center is an important part of the community, Heatley said. The greatest challenge for the community now is keeping focused, he said. Butler Heritage partnered with Darlington County Habitat for Humanity to rehabilitate a number of homes in the neighborhood, Heatley said. South Hartsville is the 20th community to participate in the American Planning Association (APA) Community Planning Assistance Teams (CPAT) program. The CPAT initiative is to serve communities faced with limited resources by helping them address planning issues in their communities. The South Hartsville neighborhood is home to 23 percent of the citys population, but the neighborhood was in decline. The CPAT team focused on five areas: housing, services, mobility, economic vitality and identity and participation. The plan developed by the team provided a framework to guide the city in how to work to address the needs and aspirations of the residents, business owners and other organized groups. Early work in this area was done through a partnership with Clemson Universitys Planning and Architecture Studio. Participants heard how the project has progressed so far and where the city hopes to go with it. Overall, I think this process has been good for revitalizing the neighborhood, Heatley said. The predominantly African American South Hartsville neighborhood is home to approximately 1,100 households. About 48 percent of the citys African American population lives in the neighborhood, said the citys Kelley. South Hartsville is my passion, Kelley said. The CPAT team looked at community assets such as Pride Park, the Butler Heritage Center, churches, long-term residents and community heritage, Kelley said. Were continually looking for ideas, she said. Bridget Wiles, chief operating officer for APD Planning and Management of Atlanta, noted that a racial divide still exists in the area. She noted that an estimated 30 percent of the people in South Hartsville do not own cars. But she said she was impressed with the progress she has seen. Participants also heard a presentation on the development of the city of Hartsvilles master plan and ended the conference with guided walking tours of the downtown area. COWARD, S.C. School-aged children are enjoying a new and exciting summer camp this year with Lizanne Lee, owner of Horses for Healing in Coward. With a daily theme-based lesson, children learn about grooming, leading, riding and bonding with the horses. There also are an arts and crafts activity and swimming. Riding since the age of 8, Lee was thrilled to be able to open her stables to the public in May. While she was growing up in Connecticut, Lee worked as an equine assistant at a boarding school for children. After moving to South Carolina in 2009, her daughter became interested in horses. I believe horses keep kids out of trouble, Lee said. They teach responsibility and give unconditional love. They can feel what you are feeling and mirror that back to you. The horses seem to enjoy the camp as well. Midnight, Bim and Peanut are gentle and friendly with young riders. Theres even a miniature horse named Pony who tolerates being petted and pulled on. These have the qualities of gentleness and patience that you want in a childrens horse. Even some of the horses have stories. Midnight was a horse who was suffering neglect and was rescued by the county, Lee said. And Bim is an ex-police horse who, through connections, found a home here with us at Horses for Healing. Robin Parker, a music therapist in Lake City, said her son, Fisher, attended camp this year. Fisher thoroughly enjoyed the camp this week, Parker said. He learned basic riding skills and has developed an interest in riding horses. In addition to the four week-long summer camps, Horses for Healing offers beginning riding lessons, and it soon will offer therapeutic riding. My goal is to help troubled youth by giving them a place to be around horses, learn to ride and learn true horsemanship, Lee said. I am currently enrolled in the certification process as a therapeutic horsemanship instructor, and when completed, Horses for Healing will be a certified Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) center." Some of the special needs served at PATH centers are attention deficit disorder, developmental delay, learning disabilities, amputations, mental, emotional and behavioral challenges, brain injuries, substance abuse, at-risk youth and weight control. The benefits of horseback riding for children or individuals with special needs include confidence, strength, independence, responsibility and happiness in addition to balance and coordination. When children bond with horses, they receive significance and a sense of purpose. Horses dont judge individuals with impairments. Lee said sometimes the childrens eagerness surprises her. Braylon Parker, who recently attended the camp, said, Miss Liz, please dont clean up all the horse poop in the morning. I want to do it for you. The next morning, Lee handed him the pitchfork and wheelbarrow, and he and Fisher Parker had fun cleaning the stall. With the success of her summer camps, Lee said she plans to set up an afterschool program for the children for the upcoming school year. Lee is eager to gain her PATH certification so she can be part of bringing healing into the lives of others. I know God has directed me to open a therapeutic riding center, and Im excited to be able to offer this help in the near future, Lee said. I want Horses for Healing to be a fun, relaxed place where people can spend time with these amazing creatures. For more information on summer camps, the afterschool program or the PATH certification, contact Lee at 843-356-0284 and visit the organizations Facebook page and website at horses-for-healing-llc.business.site. HARTSVILLE, S.C. Main Street Hartsville is now accepting EBT/SNAP cards at the Centennial Market and the Farmers Market. The card beneficiaries now can receive fresh foods and vegetables with their cards, said Suzy Moyd, executive director of Main Street Hartsville. Items eligible for EBT/SNAP purchases are breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. Cards also can be used for plants that produce edible foods. Moyd said that when purchasing $5 on an EBT card, the cardholders will receive $10 in Healthy Bucks to purchase fresh local produce. Moyd said cardholders who take their cards to the Hartsville Farmers Market Information Booth and swipe them for $5, they will receive $10 in Healthy Buck tokens to use with eligible market vendors for local fruits and vegetables. There will be no cash given back, but the tokens do not expire. The Hartsville Farmers Market is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month on East Carolina Avenue in Hartsville. The Centennial Farmers Market is held from 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday at Centennial Park in downtown Hartsville. Suzanne Becknell's, the Farmers Market manager and owner of Le Farm French Country Produce, said that although the weather was really hot for the July Farmers Market, over 300 people attended, plus new produce vendors are applying monthly. For more information, contact Main Street Hartsville at 843-383-3015 ext. 1003 or visit mainstreethartsville.org. A bride, still in her wedding dress, took out a pistol and pointed at her groom's head. The bride was arrested on aggravated domestic assault charge. By India Today Web Desk: A bride in Tennessee, US, was arrested hours after she agreed to marry her groom. According to the authorities, she pointed her gun at the groom. The assault began soon after the marriage. According to police, on Monday, 25-year-old Kate Elizabeth Prichard was still in her wedding dress when she was arrested on an aggravated domestic assault charge. advertisement Kate had an argument with her husband at a motel, a few hours after they were married. Police say witness reported that Kate pulled a 9 mm pistol out of her dress, pointed it at her husband's head and pulled the trigger. However, the gun was not loaded when it was aimed at her husband. But she loaded a round in the chamber and fired a shot it in the air. The recently married couple might not remain married for long now. FYI || Odisha man breaks barriers to marry transgender || FYI || Bride calls off wedding after groom's naagin dance, marries someone else || --- ENDS --- Speaking to reporters, Rex Tillerson reiterated that Washington sought to persuade North Korea to give up its missile and nuclear weapons programs through peaceful pressure. By Reuters: The United States does not seek to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang at some point, but only on the understanding that it can never be a nuclear power, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters at the State Department days after Pyongyang tested its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Tillerson reiterated that Washington sought to persuade North Korea to give up its missile and nuclear weapons programs through peaceful pressure. advertisement "We do not seek a regime change, we do not seek a collapse of the regime, we do not seek an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, we do not seek an excuse to send our military north of the 38th Parallel," Tillerson said. "We are not your enemy ... but you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond. And we hope that at some point they will begin to understand that and we would like to sit and have a dialogue with them." However, "a condition of those talks is there is no future where North Korea holds nuclear weapons or the ability to deliver those nuclear weapons to anyone in the region, much less the (U.S.) homeland," he said. North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States and U.S. officials said the latest test had shown it may now be able to reach most of the country. Tillerson repeated calls for North Korea's neighbor and ally China, which has urged a resumption of talks with Pyongyang, to use its influence to create the conditions for "productive dialogue." He said other options were "not particularly attractive." CALL FOR DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION President Donald Trump's administration has said all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones. However, given the potential for massive casualties from North Korean retaliation in allied South Korea and Japan and among US troops there, it has stressed the need for a diplomatic solution. Earlier on Tuesday, a leading Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, said Trump had told him he was willing to go to war with North Korea "if they continued to try to hit America with an ICBM." "He's told me that. I believe him. If I were China, I would believe him, too, and do something about it. You can stop North Korea, militarily or diplomatically," he said on NBC's "Today Show." "There is a military option: To destroy North Korea's program and North Korea itself," Graham said. "I prefer the diplomatic approach. But they will not be allowed to have a missile to hit America with a nuclear weapon on top." advertisement Asked about Graham's remarks, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders reiterated that the administration was "keeping all options on the table." Also Read: India asks North Korea to refrain from nuclear and ballistic missile programmes North Korea fires ballistic missile; Trump's UN envoy says Kim Jong Un in 'state of paranoia' North Korea fires ballistic missile towards Japan: South Korea military Also Watch: US Court revokes Donald Trump's travel ban order --- ENDS --- National security publication Defense One, which first reported the negotiations, said the Air Force was believed to be getting a good deal on the aircraft, which sell for about USD 386 million on average. By Reuters: Facing pressure from President Donald Trump to cut the cost of new Air Force One aircraft, the US Air Force is negotiating with Boeing to purchase two 747-8 jetliners that were built for a Russian airline that went bankrupt before they were delivered. "We're working through the final stages of coordination to purchase two commercial 747-8 aircraft and expect to award a contract soon," said Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek, who declined to elaborate on the details. advertisement National security publication Defense One, which first reported the negotiations, said the Air Force was believed to be getting a good deal on the aircraft, which sell for about USD 386 million on average. The two aircraft were initially ordered four years ago by Transaero, a Russian airline that went bankrupt in 2015, a person familiar with the talks told Reuters. Boeing built two 747-8s out of an order of four. But the airline never took ownership of them, and the planes have been stored in the Mojave Desert, where the dry, hot climate slows corrosion, Defense One said. Trump rattled Boeing in December before taking office by saying in a Twitter message: "Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!" Boeing Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg called Trump and told him the cost could be reduced if the Air Force changed its requirements, sources familiar with the conversation said at the time. White House officials in December were unclear where Trump obtained the USD 4 billion figure. The Air Force has estimated it would spend USD 2.87 billion through 2021 for development of a new presidential aircraft. The cost of refitting the commercial 747-8s with the enhanced electronics and security systems required for Air Force One were unclear. Boeing had said it expected to add the Air Force One jets to its backlog, which currently numbers 20 planes - five passenger models and 15 freighters. The redeployment to the Air Force of jets already built for another customer would effectively reduce Boeing's future 747 production plans by two aircraft. But it would provide a home for two airframes that have been built but remain unsold. The Air Force operates two military versions of the Boeing 747-200B aircraft that serve as Air Force One when the president is aboard. Both are nearing the end of their planned 30-year life. Also Read: Indian Air Force to hold limited trials of American F-16, Swedish Saab Gripen fighter aircraft advertisement US Air Force veteran gets 35 years for trying to join Islamic State --- ENDS --- The warning says exceptions to the travel ban need special permission that will only be granted "under very limited circumstances." The Trump Administration on July 21 announced plans to ban its citizens from travelling to North Korea. (Photo: Reuters) By AP: The United States is urging Americans in North Korea to get out before a travel ban goes into effect on September 1. The State Department is issuing a new travel warning for North Korea that reflects the Trump administration's new travel ban. That ban was announced last month and was published Wednesday in the Federal Register. That triggers a month-long period before it takes effect. advertisement The warning says exceptions to the travel ban need special permission that will only be granted "under very limited circumstances." The State Department says it doesn't yet know when it will release information on how to apply for an exception. Previous US travel warnings also urged Americans not to travel to North Korea. The Trump Administration on July 21 announced plans to ban its citizens from travelling to North Korea, attributing it to the serious risk of arrest and long- term detention of Americans in the reclusive nation. The move came following the death of university student Otto Warmbier, who was returned to the US in a coma after spending time in a North Korean prison. ALSO READ | Tour operators say US to ban citizens from travel to North Korea Trump: North Korea is a big problem, will deal with it very 'strongly' US student freed after 17-month jail term in North Korea dies ALSO WATCH | Trump to unveil revised version of travel ban order --- ENDS --- Youth Congress leader Vikram Goud staged the attack to buttress his political aspirations for the 2019 Telangana Assembly elections . By Ashish Pandey: In a bizarre revelation today, the Hyderabad Police found that the gun attack on youth Congress leader Vikram Goud that they had been investigating- was in fact staged by Goud himself. Son of former Congress leader Mukesh Goud, Vikram allegedly paid Rs 50 lakh to some men to shoot at him but from a safe range, so that the incident could provide him political mileage and help amass public sympathy. advertisement He staged the attack to buttress his aspirations for the next Telangana Assembly elections in 2019. The police have arrested five men from different parts of Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh- who further led them to the details of the case. The weapon used in the attack has been recovered from the arrested assailants. Goud was shot at by some men at his posh Banjara Hills residence on Friday, after which he was rushed to the Apollo Hospital by his wife who also subsequently lodged a police complaint. THE MASTER PLAN According to reports, Vikram plotted the whole series of incidents about six months ago. He arranged for the stay of the assailants near the Apollo Hospital itself and asked them to fire at him three rounds but non-fatal. On the day of the attack- Friday, July 28, he even removed the CCTV cameras installed on the perimeter of his house. In addition, the men were supposed to dispose off their clothes and the gun used in the nearby lake. LUCKY NUMBER 3 Another twist to the tale is that Vikram Goud wanted to get shot thrice because three is his lucky number. Son of a former Congress leader, Goud is a businessman and a film producer who is currently under heavy debt to the tunes of crores. Speaking to India Today, Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahender Reddy said, "Following leads our team visited Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. We have arrested five accused while two are still absconding. The main accused Vikaram Goud is in hospital undergoing treatment and he will be arrested the the moment he is released." The police have booked Vikram Goud along with the other five accused under conspiracy charge of 326, 109, 120 (B) 201, 203 under relevant Sections of Arms Act. Also read: Agra: Suspected of being a hair-chopping witch, 62-year-old widow beaten to death Also read: Are you a virgin? Do you have multiple wives? Patna's IGIMS asks its employees advertisement Also read: Won't join Navy again, cannot get justice there, says officer who faced nepotism --- ENDS --- As the cults of craft beer and craft cocktails have gripped Michigan and the nation, wine hasn't been in the spotlight for awhile. But wine is far from a fading trend. Chaad Thomas, an Ann Arbor-based wine importer for First Tier Imports whose wine is sold in many Ann Arbor-area restaurants and retail establishments, says wine and wine culture is growing, especially in southeast Michigan. "The market was really underserved during the recession and now we're seeing the return of passionate buyers, especially in restaurants," he says. "There's a new way of looking at wine. Restaurants aren't hitched to the old standards of Bordeaux and Napa cabernets. There's a culture of excitement and a youthful engagement that's driving interest, which leads to a wider variety of wines being available than we've seen in a while." Elisa Weber-Saintin, a wine representative for Highland Park-based Little Guy Wine who works with a number of local restaurants and retailers including Plum Market, Logan, Sava's, Aventura, Taste Kitchen, and Spencer, agrees. "In the past few years Michigan has stepped it up in terms of knowledge and excitement about wine on every level," she says. Weber-Saintin used to think Little Guy Wine was far ahead of the curve in terms of wine trends in Ann Arbor and Detroit, more in line with what was being served on the coasts and in Chicago. But now, she says, "so many people know so much more about wine that we feel just a step ahead of everything. People aren't so scared to try new things. Before we got a lot more pushback when restaurants would say, 'People aren't asking for that,' and we'd say, 'Who cares? Let's try it!'" Embracing riskier business Weber-Saintin believes restaurants in southeast Michigan are more willing now than they used to be to take risks by offering unique or lesser-known wines on their menus. This allows wine drinkers to expand their palates and refine their tastes, something people are striving to do more and more in wine-drinking culture today. Kelsey Wonsavage, who selects wines for both Sava's and Aventura as the sommelier for Savco, is always trying to highlight what's not already trending in wine on her menus. "I'm always trying to push something new that people don't really know about," she says. "I'll look around in the industry and see what's not being focused on and try and bring that out." Right now, she's showcasing wines from Hungary and Austria, which wine drinkers are typically far less familiar with than wines from France or Italy. At Ann Arbor wine bar Vinology, risk-taking and open-mindedness are two phrases that co-owner John Jonna and his son, general manager Vincent Jonna, have been using to describe their wine menu for years. John Jonna explains that he created Vinology "to introduce into the wine community a broad, varied, and inquisitive selection of wines to try." He believes it's important to introduce Vinology patrons to the entire world of wine, not just what might be popular at any given time. "We put things on our menu that maybe other restaurants would not, simply because we want to introduce our clients to the other side of the world," he says. With the big variations on wine menus today, it can be tough for consumers to make a decision about what to drink. John Jonna trains his staff to ask three basic questions to profile their customers' palates: Does the customer want a light wine or a heavy wine? Would he or she prefer a white or a red? What wine has he or she had recently that he or she has enjoyed? "Everyone's palate is different," says John Jonna. Today's trends So, what are people drinking more of these days? "Rose has finally hit the critical point," says Weber-Saintin. "I think a lot of the reason [for that] is that men have accepted it. There's not this gender divide anymore. People don't feel 'not manly' by drinking rose." Weber-Saintin also says Little Guy Wine's business selling lower-alcohol, very lightly sparkling wines is growing. One such wine, Txakoli from the Basque country in Spain, is one of her favorites. It's traditionally served from a porron, a special decanter that has a spout that gets gradually narrower, keeping the wine's bubbles intact all the way into the glass. First Tier Imports, where Thomas works, has always focused on organically made, sustainably-farmed wines. But Thomas and Wonsavage both believe that the trend of drinking organic wine, made with fewer sulfites, is growing locally. "Organic viticulture is an indicator of quality," Thomas says. "If someone is taking the time and care to manage their vineyards in an organic fashion or a biodynamic way it usually carries over into the final product." "People are more aware of the footprint that they're leaving on the Earth," says Wonsavage. "People want to know when they're drinking wine: Is it organic? Is it sustainable? How many sulfites are added to this? ... Ann Arbor is the kind of community where everyone supports local businesses. So it's a great community for supporting some of these smaller names in the wine business." Combating misperceptions Despite the growth of wine drinking and wine culture in southeast Michigan, those in the wine business are still battling some of the misperceptions commonly associated with wine. Wonsavage says the stigma of pretentiousness in the wine industry initially turned her off. "I felt that it was a rich person's hobby, and that it wasn't really accessible," she says. "[In] my generation, everyone is going towards the craft beer and craft cocktails because you know the guy with a mustache pouring beer is really approachable. They don't feel silly going to drink beer or cocktails and asking those people questions. But with wine there's still that whole stigma." Vincent Jonna agrees. "It's honestly very hard to be aggressive in a wine program with pricing and make as much money as you would operating a brewery or a cocktail place," he says. "I still feel that we fight that today. The value of the product that we're bringing to the table isn't as valued as a beer or a cocktail. The margins are crazier. Whether or not the consumer palate has improved and their ability to purchase wine has improved, I think that there is still a poor stigma about wine and how much you spend on it and the value it has with dinner." But the Jonnas and Wonsavage are both quick to emphasize that drinking wine doesn't have to be pretentious at all. Vincent Jonna says he and his staff strive to make Vinology accessible, even to a "total novice." And Wonsavage hosts tastings on the second Tuesday of every month at Sava's, which provide attendees with a way to learn about wine, ask questions, and find out what they like (and what they don't). Along with doing some tastings, Weber-Saintin suggests that novices find a good wine shop and talk to the staff there. Thomas agrees. "Get somebody," he says. "Get to a shop or a restaurant and see who the buyer is and talk to them. Find out what they're excited about and get their perspective and taste some of the stuff they recommend. Use that person as your reference point. Understand their approach and their palate and things they're excited about and that will give you a framework to understanding what's going on with wine." The Jonnas are eagerly awaiting the day when wine is as integrated into American culture as it is into the culture of some European countries where, John Jonna says, "as a rule people will have a glass of wine with their Sunday meal. Not as an exception, but as a rule. In France, Italy, Germany it's a rule. That, America has not gotten to yet." After more than 40 years in the wine business, John Jonna has come to the conclusion that wine enthusiasm can have positive results not just on a personal level but a global one. "Once a week, have a little dinner, cook up something cool, have some bottles of wine, invite people that you disagree with about something to dinner, and hash it out over a glass of wine," he says, then chuckles a little. "Because wine loosens the tongue and sharpens the wits. If you can sit with your person you disagree with and have a glass of wine, it will help world peace." Elizabeth Pearce is an Ann Arbor resident and wine enthusiast. In addition to Concentrate, she frequently contributes to Pulp. All photos by Doug Coombe. Press Release August 2, 2017 ANGARA TO RE-FILE "FREE COLLEGE TUITION BILL" IF DUTERTE VETOES IT Senator Sonny Angara, vice-chair of the Senate education committee, today expressed "deep sadness" over the statements made by the administration's economic managers saying that the government cannot afford to fund the approved free college tuition bill should it become a law. The bill subsidizing the education of students in SUCs, local tertiary schools and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)-accredited institutions has already been approved and ratified by the Senate and House of Representatives and is just awaiting President Duterte's signature. It will lapse into law on Aug. 5 unless vetoed by the President. "If the president vetoes the measure which I still hope he won't, we will surely re-file a version purged of what the executive branch saw as the objectionable provisions," the senator said. He conceded that a veto over-ride, to be mustered by two-thirds of members in each house of Congress, is nearly impossible if not extremely difficult. "It is like praying for snow in Manila. So what we can do is to immediately re-file the bill and request the Senate education committee chair to prioritize it," Angara stressed. He said the idea of free college tuition is "too beautiful and too good to be buried soon." "It is not yet time for its funeral. I think, with the cooperation and collaboration of our friends in the executive, we can still salvage the situation and work on how to fine tune the measure when we re-file it," he said, as he appealed to his colleagues not to include other riders in the bill which may lead to future veto. The lawmaker pointed out that in the meantime, what the government could do is to ensure the full implementation of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act also known as the UniFAST Law. "Kung hindi pa natin kayang suportahan ang lahat, paigtingin muna natin yung mga scholarship at educational assistance programs natin para mas makakatulong sa mahihirap na estudyante. In that way, through better targeting of disadvantaged youth, we would still be leveling the playing field for all," stressed Angara. Republic Act 10687 or the UniFAST Act of 2015, authored by the senator, mandates the government to put up a system and create a body that would oversee and harmonize all student financial assistance programs for a more targeted, speedy and sustained granting of scholarship programs. The chairman of the Senate ways and means committee also urged the government to strengthen the "voucher system" under the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education or the EGASTPE Law which he authored. "A nation needs to invest in many things crucial ---- infrastructure, transport, manufacturing --- all are important, but we will all agree that investing in developing humans, a more productive and contributing citizenry, is never a waste," Angara said, adding: "Wala nang mas mahalaga pa sa mamamayan bilang kapital sa pag unlad ng bansa." Press Release August 2, 2017 Sen. Bam still hopeful President Duterte signs free college bill into law Sen. Bam Aquino is still hopeful that President Duterte will prioritize education by signing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act into law this week, giving Filipinos free education in state universities and colleges (SUC), local universities and colleges and technical and vocational institutions (TVIs). "The administration must prioritize education. Let's not lose hope that we will invest in the future of our youth and their families," said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the measure's passage in the Senate as principal sponsor and co-author. "This is a policy that everyone in the Senate supported, regardless of political party. Inaasahan rin ito ng 1.6M estudyante sa SUCs, pati ng kanilang pamilya. So I am still hoping this will become law," added Sen. Bam. Sen. Bam was expecting President Duterte to announce the signing of the measure into law as highlight of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) but no mention came during the Chief Executive's two-hour speech. There is also talk removing free tuition in SUCs from next year's national budget. "Kung prayoridad ito ng gobyerno, popondohan ito sa national budget. Ang importante ay pirmahan na at gawing batas ang libreng kolehiyo," affirmed Sen. Bam. As former chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam defended the bill in plenary debates and interpellation. He also stood as co-chairman of the Senate delegation to the bicameral conference committee, together with new Committee on Education chairman Sen. Francis Escudero and members Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian and Ralph Recto. If passed into law, students will start to enjoy free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) starting the second semester of school year 2017-18. Aside from tuition fees, the government will also shoulder miscellaneous and other fees. Under the law, scholarship grants will also be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. It also provides a loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses. Press Release August 2, 2017 Sen. Bam: We will deliver free tuition at all costs Sen. Bam Aquino said he, along with the other legislators, will continue to fight for the enactment of the measure providing free tuition at all costs. "If the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act is vetoed, there are alternative actions that the legislature can undertake to ensure that our students still receive the support they need. Congress with a two-thirds vote can reconsider the veto and still pass it into law. Or we can fund this initiative on a year-to-year basis through the GAA," said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate. "Lastly, we can refile the measure, but this will take time," added Sen. Bam. Sen. Bam reiterated that Sen. Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, has committed to fund free college education, which would need around a minimum of P25 billion. A much smaller amount than theP100 billion as earlier claimed by the economic managers. However, Sen. Bam remained hopeful that President Duterte will still sign the bill into law. He added, 'I hope the President and his economic managers can see this as a sound investment in our future.' In the Senate, Sen. Bam maintained that education and free tuition remains a priority. "Hahanapan natin ng paraan upang ibigay natin into para sa pamilyang Pilipino," said Sen. Bam. Sen. Bam defended the bill in plenary debates and interpellation during his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education. He also stood as co-chairman of the Senate delegation to the bicameral conference committee, together with new Committee on Education chairman Sen. Francis Escudero and members Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian and Ralph Recto. If passed into law, students will start to enjoy free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) starting the second semester of school year 2017-18. Aside from tuition fees, the government will also shoulder miscellaneous and other fees. Under the law, scholarship grants will also be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. It also provides a loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses. Sen. Bam lauds signing of free internet in public places, his 18th law Sen. Bam Aquino is delighted with the President's approval of the Free Internet Access Program in Public Places into law. The President on Wednesday signed the measure into law, now known as Republic Act 10929. The law is Sen. Bam's 18th in his four years as senator and his first in the 17th Congress. "Masaya tayo na isa sa ating naipasang panukala sa Senado ay batas na. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Pangulo sa kanyang paglagda bilang batas ang maging libre na ang internet sa mga pampublikong lugar," said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology. "This will expand internet access across public spaces in the Philippines, including public schools to aid in teaching methods and enhance learning," the senator added. "There is also a provision for faster permitting for internet infrastructure, which is a key feature in the law to improve infrastructure development," added Sen. Bam. The law provides free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries. Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program. Sen. Bam is also hopeful that the President will sign the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, another measure he sponsored and co-authored in the Senate. Press Release August 2, 2017 De Lima seeks Senate probe on OFW ID Senator Leila M. de Lima has called for a Senate investigation into the implementation of the newly-launched identification card of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) which many fear will be used as a cash cow for some corrupt government and private entities. De Lima, a known human rights defender, filed Senate Resolution 452 urging the appropriate Senate committees to conduct an inquiry into the implementation of new OFW ID which the Department of Employment and Labor (DOLE) launched last July 12. "Our OFWs should be protected from efforts and schemes that, while hailing them as our modern-day heroes, surreptitiously make them the usual milking cows not only of government offices but also of private entities with vested interests," she said. Last July 12, DOLE launched an OFW ID, also known as IDOLE, to replace the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) that was scrapped by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to streamline government processes imposed on OFWs. In lieu of the binned OEC, the OFW ID was launched to rationalize and consolidate into one all other membership cards of OFWs, such as Social Security System, Pag-ibig Fund, Philippine Health Insurance, Philippine Post, at no additional cost to the OFWs. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said the new OFW ID is the Duterte administration's "best gift to OFWs," whose cost would be shouldered by their foreign employers through their local recruitment agency or their foreign counterparts. Bello also announced it is seriously contemplating on replacing the existing passport for OFWs with the new OFW ID in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Based on news reports, the OFW ID will cost a total of PhP701, PhP501 of which will be charged to defray the cost of plastic card and another PhP200 for the delivery, which many claim is more expensive than the OEC which only costs PhP100 to PhP200. De Lima noted that such proposed payment scheme would, in practice, be passed on by their recruitment agencies acting on behalf of their foreign employers to the OFWs who are already heavily burdened with all the fees and costs of their recruitment application. "Our government should stop pulling the legs of our hapless OFWs by requiring them to obtain the new OFW ID because it not only duplicates but also is costlier than the OEC and may be used to siphon the OFWs' hard-earned money into the pockets of some corrupt individuals," she said. De Lima also pointed out that some OFWs and their families are confused with the lack, if not at all absence, of clear-cut guidelines on the implementation of the OFW ID without the benefit of a public consultation with recruitment agencies and OFW groups. "Congress should ensure that the new OFW ID which seems to serve the same functions as that of the old OEC would not be used as another money-making scheme that was hastily hatched to benefit some government officials in cohorts with some quarters or private business groups," she said. The Senator from Bicol also expressed apprehension that some sensitive personal information from the new OFW ID will be used by some sinister groups for their vested business and political interests. "Congress should also scrutinize how the new OFW ID would benefit the OFWs and ensure that the basic sensitive personal information contained in the new identification card would be adequately protected and not land in the full control and management of some sinister groups that have vested business and political interests," she said. De Lima has been a staunch protector of migrant workers' rights. Early this year, she filed SR No. 406 calling for a Senate probe to assess the impact of Qatar diplomatic crisis to OFWs who are residing or working in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Press Release August 2, 2017 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the P6.4-billion worth of shabu smuggled from China Dispatch from Crame No. 130 8 / 2 / 17 The ongoing investigation on the large-scale smuggling of methamphetamine (shabu) from China betrays a glaring inadequacy of the anti-illegal drug program of the government. While our law enforcers focus their attention on going after street peddlers and drug addicts, less efforts have been placed on other, perhaps more important, aspects of the War on Drugs: supply and demand reduction. The obscene amount of shabu confiscated during a raid in Valenzuela was only identified after being informed by customs officials in China. Without such piece of intelligence, the contraband could have been distributed all over our country by now. This can only lead to two conclusions: first, that China is not doing enough to prevent the exportation of shabu from their country; and second, our Bureau of Customs is almost utterly incapable of preventing the entry of illegal drugs. During his testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee, BOC Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon admitted that they do not have the capacity to screen all incoming shipments. That while the rest of the world has the capability of x-raying 100% of all incoming commodities, we can only process 16%. That is a massive hole that exposes our local police enforcers to a steady supply of imported drugs well beyond their capability to detect. We already know that China is the biggest source of imported illegal drugs. If China is indeed sincere in their offer to assist us in our war on drugs, they should step up their efforts to stop the outflow of illegal drugs from their country. At this point, who knows how much more drugs came through the same channel with the drugs that were confiscated during the raid? If this administration is to succeed in the War on Drugs, it has to stop the wide-scale smuggling. Angry words and bullets are not enough. There has to be a policy that combats illegal drugs on all fronts and vigilance to properly implement them. All players must be well equipped to perform their functions. If we provide our police force with guns and bullets, we should provide our customs officials with proper equipment as well. To borrow words from Macbeth, our war on drugs, as it is, is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing except dead bodies. Press Release August 2, 2017 Senate Commits to Reforming Dysfunctional PH Telco Sector The Senate has approved a scathing report detailing the dysfunctional state of the Philippine telecommunications industry, laying the groundwork for the passage of a series of landmark bills aimed at drastically improving the quality of telco services while also driving down the oppressive costs shouldered by consumers. Committee Report No. 78, prepared by the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs under the leadership of its chairman, Senator Win Gatchalian, was adopted by the Senate in unanimous fashion earlier this week. "The approval of the telco report means only one thing: that the frustrating status quo, in which powerful telecom companies continue to provide low quality cellular, data, internet, and other services at outrageously high costs, will soon be a thing of the past," Gatchalian said. The Gatchalian Report identifies three crucial problems which have left the telco sector in disarray for years: the weakness of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as industry regulator, the lack of genuine competition, and a flawed spectrum management system. To address the shortcomings of the NTC, Gatchalian committed to drafting legislation which would revamp the outdated body to ensure it is "up to date with the changing times" and "attuned with contemporary technologies as well as the advent of the Internet". Specifically, he mentioned that the NTC overhaul would include an expansion of the scope of its regulatory powers, the establishment of fixed tenure for its commissioners, and the grant of greater fiscal independence to insulate the body from external influences. "The end goal of these legislative reforms, as expressed in the report, will be to empower and strengthen the NTC to enable it to create an environment of regulatory certainty and operational conditions necessary to promote the paramount welfare of consumers and encourage the continued local and international investments in the telecommunications industry," he added. On the issue of competition, the report identifies the "monopolization" of so-called "workhorse frequencies" (used to provide essential voice call and SMS services) by GLOBE and SMART as one of the big factors hindering genuine competition in the telco industry. "Given prevailing conditions, [a] third player will be limited to data-driven services. They will not be able to provide services for calls and texts at par with the array of services offered by the duopoly," the report stated. Despite the adverse effects of spectrum monopolization, however, the report revealed that the failure of the NTC to properly govern publicly-owned spectrum has resulted in abuses ruinous to consumer welfare. Such abuses include the non-utilization of spectrum allocated to improve service, and private spectrum trading between telco players. To address these issues in tandem, the report recommends to "increase competition via a more transparent system of spectrum allocation, assignment and re-farming, as well as the development, promotion, and deployment of a competitive selection process in the allocation of publicly-owned spectrum." "The system must be improved in a manner that best serves the public interest and the promotion of greater competition in the market," the report added. To further foster competition, the report also recommends the implementation of a Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme to allow consumers to easily switch between mobile service providers, thereby incentivizing improvements in service quality. Gatchalian has already filed a measure, Senate Bill No. 1237, to implement this reform. Encouraged by the strong support expressed by his fellow senators during floor deliberations on the report, Gatchalian pledged to work double-time to draft and introduce onto the Senate floor the legislation recommended by the report. "With the support of a united Senate eager to protect consumer welfare, I am confident that the proposed landmark bills aimed at reforming the dysfunctional state of the Philippine telecommunications industry will become law by the end of the 17th Congress," the senator said. Press Release August 2, 2017 HONTIVEROS URGES GOV'T TO DECLARE 'NATIONAL EMERGECY' OVER HIV SPREAD, PUSHES FOR A NATIONAL, MULTISECTORAL STRATEGY TO CURB EPIDEMIC Alarmed by the rising infection of HIV-AIDS in the country, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday called on the government to declare a "national emergency" over the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country. Hontiveros, who is Vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, also called for an evidence-based, human rights-informed, and gender-transformative HIV prevention and treatment plan. The Senator made the call after the UNAIDS points to the Philippines having the highest incidence of the infection in the Asia-Pacific region. Hontiveros, who is also author of Senate Bill No. 376 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Bill, said that the government must immediately formulate a six-year National Multi-Sectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, which will incorporate a prevention program that will have a strong focus on education and accessibility of reproductive health services. She said that the government should maximize new developments in prevention and treatment that are available. She explained that early diagnosis leads to early treatment and saves lives. In May 2017 alone, 1,098 new cases of HIV-AIDS were reported, the highest recorded number of cases in the country since 1984 when infections were first recored. The new cases of infection are mostly from men having sex with men and transgender women. Hontiveros said that stigma remains one of the major reasons for the spread of the virus. "Education on sexuality & safe sex is being neglected, and unfortunately, that takes a toll on the health of our young people. The majority of new cases is from the age bracket 15-24 years old," she said. "The government must focus its time and resources on this urgent, life and death matter. We cannot afford to lose our young people to this epidemic. Equally, the government must ensure that people with HIV live with dignity and without fear of stigma and discrimination. This is a fight we cannot afford to lose," Hontiveros concluded. Press Release August 2, 2017 HEALTHY NANAY, HEALTHY BULILIT: SCALING UP NUTRITION FOR THE 1ST 1000 DAYS *Sponsorship speech of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Committee Report No. 145, Senate Bill No. 1537 This is for our children. Despite global efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition, undernutrition remains to be among the leading cause of death of children with more than 2.6 million deaths annually. Studies have shown that poor nutrition weakens the immune systems of children, making them vulnerable to common diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. Poor nutrition in the early years likewise results in stunting, wasting, low-birth weight, and micronutrient deficiencies. The early years of life are a crucial period of mental and physical development; malnutrition at this critical junction creates irreversible damage to children. The effects of undernourishment during the first 1000 days do not stop at childhood, and unfortunately, the children suffer from this damage even when they become adults. Stunting or the failure to grow to proper height has been shown to be associated with greater risk for disease, poor health, poor school performance, poor productivity and lower earning capacity as adults. Malnutrition is the agent by which poverty viciously perpetuates itself. Sadly, millions of children do not have the opportunity to reach their full potential because of poor nutrition in the earliest months of their lives. The Food and Nutrition Research Institutes (FNRI) estimates that close to 1/3 of Filipinos under five years old are stunted. Notably, the prevalence is highest among the poorest 20% of the population with close to half of poor children being short for their age. Investment in good nutrition during the critical 1,000 days from pregnancy to a child's second birthday is crucial to developing a child's cognitive capacity and physical growth. Ensuring that every child receives the adequate nutrition and is provided the critical health services during this window can yield dividends for a lifetime, allowing them to perform better in school, more effectively fight off diseases, earn more as an adult, and become healthy, productive citizens. This is for our mothers. There is an inextricable link between the well-being of mothers and their children. Undernourished mothers are more likely to suffer difficult pregnancies and give birth to undernourished children themselves. They are also vulnerable to increased risk of death or giving birth to a pre-term, underweight or malnourished infant. Studies have shown that when mothers have health care, education and economic opportunity, both mother and child will have the best chance to survive and thrive. However, an alarming number of mothers in developing countries, like the Philippines, are not getting the nutrition and healthcare they need. This is for our future. Malnutrition costs many developing nations an estimated two to three percent (2-3%) of their GDP each year. Available data shows that stunted children will earn less on average as adults. In fact, the loss of human potential resulting from stunting was associated with 20 per cent (20%) less adult income on average. Globally, the direct cost of child malnutrition is estimated at $20 to $30 billion per year. For the Philippines in 2013, it was estimated that there was ?328 billion lost of income as a result of lower level of education by the working population who suffered from childhood stunting, lost productivity due to premature deaths among children who would have been members of our current working-age population, and from additional education costs to cover grade repetitions linked to undernutrition. This three hundred twenty-eight billion (?328 billion) amounted to three per cent (3%) of the Philippine GDP in 2013. Yet, our government's investment in nutrition programs to combat malnutrition is only at 0.52% of government expenditures compared to the global average spending of 2.1 %. The DOH and National Nutrition Council (NNC) budget for nutrition programs for all age groups in 2017 amounting to Php1.9 billion only accounts for 1.3% of the total national government allocation for the health sector. It's uncertain how much local government units invest in nutrition programs but based on consultations with the various stakeholders in the community, local government investment for nutrition programs has a lot of room for improvement. The figures speak of a glaring finding that for every-one dollar ($1) spent on programs to prevent stunting during first 1000 days, the Philippines could save over one hundred dollars ($100) in health, education, and lost productivity costs. Undernutrition during the first 1000 days is critical to the future health, well-being, and success of a child. It affects the child's ability to grow, learn and become productive adults. Poor nutrition harms our children, our mothers, our nation. It can impede economic growth and it can extend the cycle of poverty. We need to scale up nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. We have to make sure that the fight against malnutrition is a priority of both the national and the local government and that these agencies and LGUs are provided the adequate support to plan and implement the programs that will ensure that we have Healthy Nanays to give birth to Healthy Bulilits who, in turn, will grow up to become Healthy Pinoys and Pinays for healthier and a more progressive Philippines. Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda Committee Report No. 144, Senate Bill No. 1534 An Act Amending RA 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S&T Personnel Mr. President, I rise to express my full support for Senate Bill No. 1534, An Act Amending Republic Act No 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S&T Personnel in the Government. The passage of this bill is essential as we seek to further recognize the important role of scientists, engineers and researchers by providing them with all the support that they need. In view of the foregoing reason, passage of the said measure is earnestly requested. Thank you, Mr. President. Press Release August 2, 2017 Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda Senate Concurrence to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the Right to Organise and Procedures for Determining Conditions of Employment in the Public Service (ILO Convention 151) 2 August 2017 | Senate Session Hall Mr. President, distinguished colleagues: For a well-functioning and stable government, attainment of our desired sustainable development goals, and a just, peaceful, prosperous and thriving society, it is indispensable for our country to have a public service with strong and effective civil servants and public employees. That is why, it is my honor today to seek your concurrence to the ratification of ILO Labor Relations (Public Service) Convention 151 Concerning the Protection of the Right to Organise and Procedures for Determining Conditions of Employment in the Public Service, otherwise known as ILO 151. RATIONALE Who are covered by this Convention? They are all persons employed by public authorities - the civil servants employed in the National Government Agencies (NGAs) and its attached agencies, bureaus, local government units (LGUs), and government-owned and controlled corporations. Our 2.3 million civil servants are our unsung heroes. Their contribution to the security and safety of our nation, the protection of our democracy and way of life, the smooth running of our government, and ensuring our robust economy and expansion of trade, education of our youth, and the pursuit of our common ideals as a nation, is incalculable. Yet compared to the workers in the private sector, they have less opportunities to negotiate terms and conditions of employment, among other rights which are available to private sector and other workers, leading to an unequal situation. We need to address this inequality. BACKGROUND Mr. President, ILO Convention 151 - Labor Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978, was adopted on 27 June 1978, during the 64th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC). It entered into force in 1981. Fifty-three (53) states have already ratified the Convention. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed ILO 151 on 26 May 2017, making the first step towards Philippine ratification. If the Philippines completes the ratification process today upon the concurrence of the Senate, we will have the distinction of being the first Asian country to do so. The rights of public sector employees are specified in the Convention as five types of guarantees: (1) Protection of the right to organize, (2) Facilities to be afforded to public employees' organizations (3) Procedures for determining terms and conditions of employment, (4) Settlement of disputes arising in connection with the determination of terms and conditions of employment, and (5) Civil and political rights. The Convention guarantees the right of public employees to organize, provides adequate protection against acts of anti-union discrimination, and mandates that public employees organizations shall enjoy complete independence from public authorities. Under this Convention, public employees shall have the same civil and political rights as other workers, which are essential to the exercise of freedom of association. As an employer, the Government shall provide facilities to the representatives of recognized public employees' organizations to enable them to carry out their functions promptly and efficiently, both during and outside their hours of work, without impairing the efficient operation of the office. Measures appropriate to national conditions shall encourage and promote the full development and utilization of machinery for negotiation of terms and conditions of employment between the public authorities concerned and public employees' organizations, or of such methods as will allow representatives of public employees to participate in the determination of these matters. The settlement of disputes arising in connection with the determination of terms and conditions of employment shall be sought, as may be appropriate, through negotiation between the parties or through independent and impartial machinery, such as mediation, conciliation and arbitration. NEED FOR RATIFICATION AND CONCURRENCE Mr. President, There is a need to concur with the ratification for the following reasons: 1. The Philippines is a signatory to ILO 87 on Freedom of Association and ILO 98 on Collective Bargaining. Several observations have repeatedly noted that the rights under these Conventions are limited to the private sector. ILO 151 addresses a gap in international law, and affords protection for the millions of employees employed by public authorities of the ratifying countries all over the world. 2. The ratification and concurrence of ILO 151 is the Philippine government's commitment to its civil servants since it is included in the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016. 3. There is a clamor for its ratification and concurrence from 2.3 million civil servants and their families. This Convention is important to them. They will enjoy better working conditions, have the opportunity to negotiate the terms and conditions of their employment, and have proper avenues to voice out their grievances. 4. The concurrence to the ratification of the Convention will be an important measure to support the fight against graft and corruption, as better terms and conditions of employment will motivate against graft and corrupt practices. New mechanisms against graft and corruption, suggested and supported by public employees' organizations, are also a likely result of dialogue and negotiation. 5. Being the first country in Asia to ratify the Convention will bolster the domestic and international status of the Philippines as a leader in promoting and protecting labor and civil rights. Civil servants have waited for 39 years for the ratification of this Convention. The Senate's concurrence is a vote in upholding and promoting their labor rights. Let us concur with its ratification now. Thank you very much, Mr. President. In an effort to raise badly needed cash, BART is turning 25 of its train cars into rolling billboards. The first four hit the rails Tuesday, and scores more could follow. The initial rolling ads were for Ford Motor Co. and its 2018 Mustang, in particular a bit of an irony, considering that BARTs main goal is to get people out of their cars and onto mass transit. Similar Ford ads are being placed on trains on the East Coast. A second batch of train car ads for United Airlines should be up by this weekend, followed by cars adorned in the logos of Alaska Airlines and Kaiser Permanente. The rolling billboard deal is expected to bring in as much as $2.2 million this year. More cash could follow as more cars are wrapped with ads. Were pleased to report that so far, sales are exceeding forecast, BART General Manager Grace Crunican said in a July 24 memo to the agencys Board of Directors. Additional campaigns are already sold for this fall and more are pending. BART has been scrambling to stave off multimillion-dollar deficits in recent years. This is a creative way for us to increase revenue without going to our customers, said BART spokesman Jim Allison. Its worth noting that the money from the wraps should pretty much cover the $1.8 million worth of bonuses just awarded to BARTs workforce for exceeding ridership projections this year, a perk we wrote about the other day. Virtually every BART employee is getting a $500 bonus, under a deal spelled out in the agencys contract with its unions. However, the bonuses are getting some blowback, and not just because BARTs ridership while ahead of long-range projections is actually down 3 percent this year. BART director Debora Allen of central Contra Costa County questioned managements decision to award bonuses to more than 500 nonunion middle managers. Im not happy with that decision, Allen said. I dont think those mid-managers deserved an extra $500. BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said, It is the GMs call, and historically what is called for in the contract has been extended to all employees. Trost, however, said that given the systems problems with crime, cleanliness, fare jumping and homelessness, ridership bonuses were withheld for the first time from 15 top managers. Wheel greasing: Two top insiders in San Francisco Mayor Ed Lees administration have rolled through the revolving political door at City Hall and hopped on with Uber. In a bid to smooth tensions over the ride-hailing giants rapid expansion on its hometown turf, Uber has brought on Tony Winnicker, onetime press secretary for Lee and former Mayor Gavin Newsom, as a communications consultant. Winnicker was a key player in Lees administration, and he periodically took leaves from his city job to run various ballot campaigns the mayor supported. Hell be joined at Uber by Alex Randolph, a San Francisco Community College board member, former aide to ex-Supervisor Bevan Dufty and most recently government affairs manager at the Recreation and Parks Department. At Uber, hell be Northern California public affairs manager. 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. Plus, expect a bigger role for David Noyola, a lobbyist who has been working for Uber since 2015, and who once served as a top aide to Supervisor Aaron Peskin. We are building a strong team with deep ties to the San Francisco community to strengthen partnerships in our hometown, said Davis White, a spokesman for Uber. Uber has been in the news frequently in recent months, often for the wrong reasons most recently with the resignation of hard-charging chief executive Travis Kalanick, whose reign included not just phenomenal growth but also allegations of questionable business practices and rampant discrimination against women. And it has no shortage of problems in its headquarters city. Supervisor Jane Kim has proposed charging Uber and other ride-hailing services a fee for every passenger pick-up. City Attorney Dennis Herrera has subpoenaed Uber and Lyft for data on whether they are abiding by laws covering accessibility for low-income and disabled riders, among other things. The new hires arent the only sign that Uber is trying to make nicer with City Hall. Its worth noting that no fewer than three company reps showed up last week at a Municipal Transportation Agency meeting on curb congestion something the ride company simply might have blown off in the past. San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross As an inland Bay Area heat wave peaked Wednesday, forecasters warned that thunderstorms are expected to move into some parts of the region Thursday night. A slight chance of thunder is expected Thursday evening in parts of the South Bay and possibly in San Francisco, said Will Pi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The storms would come after a two-day stretch of excessive heat, when temperatures in inland cities like Concord and Livermore reached triple digits on Tuesday and neared triple digits on Wednesday, Pi added. It just gets progressively warmer as you go inland, Pi said. Concord topped out at 98 degrees Wednesday and Livermore at 99. The North Bay valleys also felt the heat Wednesday. Calistoga hit 101 degrees and Cloverdale 102. The hottest time of day varies from day to day, but in a pattern like this the hottest time of day is between 3 to 5 p.m., said Duane Dykema, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Temperatures in San Francisco and parts of the East Bay closer to the bay were 74 Wednesday and expected to stay relatively the same through Friday before cooling down for the weekend, said Dykema. In Hayward, temperatures crept into the high 80s Wednesday and in Fremont they hit the low 90s. The South Bay also was in the low 90s. Cities farther south were hotter; Gilroy reached the mid-90s and Morgan Hill 102. In eastern Contra Costa County, Antioch hit 100 and Brentwood 104, but both are expected to dip back to the mid-90s for the rest of the week. 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. That cooldown is expected to sweep into the Bay Area starting on Thursday, though Pi warned it will be slight. Temperatures throughout the Bay Area will be just a few degrees cooler than on Wednesday, which Pi said will be the hottest day of the week. Forecasters warned that residents should not leave pets or children in cars during the heat wave. They suggested checking on the elderly, sick and those without air conditioning. Limiting strenuous outdoor activities and staying hydrated are also recommended, especially for those with respiratory conditions, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Its entirely possible to ride a cable car for nothing. City inspectors did it over and over again in December. And a reporter did the same thing Tuesday. On ride after ride, no conductor asked for the $7 fare, scanned a Clipper Card or demanded anything else that would help fill Munis coffers. The Chronicle boarded nine cable cars and was asked to pay only twice. It was a day after the San Francisco city controllers office reported that it had sent undercover investigators onto 30 cable cars in December and had gotten free rides on 11 of them. Passengers who boarded cars in the middle of the route instead of at a turnaround were especially likely to receive a freebie, the controller said. If anything, The Chronicles own cloak-and-dagger follow-up Tuesday found that the city sleuths understated the problem. Three rides on a southbound Powell Street car from the Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill to the end of the line at Market Street. Free each time. Twice from Union Square to Nob Hill, also free. Once from Chinatown to the eastern end of the California Street line. Free. You sure you were on my car? said the conductor on one of the Powell Street cars, after the reporter disembarked at Powell and Market. You sure I didnt ask? On one northbound car on Powell Street, the conductor approached and said, Sir? The Chronicle produced its Clipper Card, which the conductor looked at but did not check on his handheld scanner. Free ride. The only two times the fare was collected was on the California Street line, once westbound and once eastbound. Three cable car conductors, who all declined to identify themselves, said a conductor cannot safely collect fares when a cable car is descending the steeper hills on its run. At such times, a conductor is obliged to operate the track brake at the rear end of the car. And with 100 or so passengers on each run, it can be tough to keep track of who boarded when, who has been checked and who hasnt particularly after a cable car has started its run. A shrewd cable car passenger who takes partial rides on steep hills can, more often than not, ride free. There are only a few places on the line when you can check fares, one conductor said. Generally, when its not steep. The collection of fares has become a matter of increased concern after two cable car conductors suspected of pocketing fares were arrested in April and charged with embezzlement and theft. David Reyes, 55, and Albert Williams, 61, of San Francisco both pleaded not guilty and are free pending preliminary hearings, prosecutors said. At $7 per ride, the amount of cash that changes hands on a typical run can be considerable. Conductors are supposed to issue a blue receipt after collecting each fare. Reconciling the cash with the unissued receipts at the end of a shift is the only way to keep track of the transactions. Typically, cable car passengers are tourists who are unaware of the fare collection protocol and the blue receipt system. Colin and Dianne Bulloch, married visitors from Winnipeg, Canada, were waiting in line Tuesday to board a cable car at Powell and Market streets and said they had no idea about the cash receipt system. It doesnt affect us, Colin Bulloch said. It only affects you. Well pay what they ask. Paying cash is more convenient for us. In its report Monday, the city controllers office suggested ending the collection of cash fares. The auditors recommended that Muni install more ticket machines, expand its network of ticket vendors, provide conductors with the means to accept credit cards, and consider installing fare boxes. In response, Muni said it was unlikely given the ridership demographics that a full, cashless system would be possible and said it would not install fare boxes on cable cars. Were trying to explore every option to see what can be implemented but, at the end of the day, we have to preserve flexibility for our passengers to pay for their rides, said Muni spokesman Paul Rose. Cable car passengers can now buy tickets from a booth at Market and Powell streets but not at any other terminus. Rose said Muni would soon try out a system with booths or ticket vendors at all turnarounds. Any time you have a system that accepts cash, you do everything you can to protect the public interest and dollars, Rose said. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle The collection of cable car fares presents a unique challenge. Unlike a bus or a streetcar, cable cars can be boarded through as many as four doors, depending on the configuration of the car, and via the outside bench seats and running boards, making collection upon boarding problematic. At $7, a cable car fare is nearly three times the standard $2.75 Muni fare. Muni says cable cars cost more to ride than buses and streetcars because theyre more expensive to operate. Tourists have been known to say that cable cars cost more to ride because tourists get taken for rides. On the other hand, the Bullochs noted that $7 per person to ride a cable car in San Francisco was a lot less than what they paid to get to San Francisco from Winnipeg. Dianne Bulloch said the weather was too fine and the city too beautiful to let $7 come between two neighbors like the U.S. and Canada. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With less than a year to go before the June 2018 primary, some winners are emerging in San Franciscos political fundraising race. The big showdown next June is the contest to represent District Eights Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods. Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, a moderate appointed by Mayor Ed Lee to fill the seat Scott Wiener vacated when he was elected to the state Senate, is trying to fend off a challenge from City College of San Francisco Trustee Rafael Mandelman, a progressive who would tip the balance of the board. So far, Sheehy is in the lead, with $105,414 in contributions compared with Mandelmans $88,790. Among Sheehys supporters are tech lobbyist Alex Tourk, pro-development housing activist Todd David and Lees former senior adviser, Tony Winnicker. Mandelman has backing from Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, former Supervisor David Campos and tenants rights advocate Dean Preston. Two other candidates, Meaghan Zore and Harold Brown, did not submit campaign statements. The race to represent San Franciscos downtown District Six a checkerboard of rapidly developing neighborhoods stretching from the Tenderloin to Mission Bay has pitted Yes In My Backyard housing activist Sonja Trauss against Jason Lee Jones, a barista who lives in the Tenderloin. Trauss, who got an early endorsement from Wiener, has set up a committee for her bid to succeed Supervisor Jane Kim, who will be termed out next year. But neither she nor Jones submitted financial statements Monday. Progressive legislative aide Sunny Angulo and social justice-oriented Board of Education member Matt Haney are also widely considered to be in the running, though neither has filed candidates papers. Board of Education President Shamann Walton raised $30,210 for his bid to succeed District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen. He drew support from philanthropist Daniel Lurie and Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly. His challenger, south Potrero neighborhood activist Uzuri Pease-Greene, formed a committee but did not report any contributions. Bayview resident Theo Ellington, who works in communications for the Golden State Warriors, said Tuesday that he is also considering a run for Cohens seat. Incumbent Supervisor Katy Tang of the Sunset has raised $20,000 so far to keep her District Four seat, with donations from the Teamsters and other unions. Several real estate agents also chipped in money. Tang, a moderate, is best known as the architect of San Franciscos new density law, which allows developers to build taller structures in exchange for making 30 percent of the units affordable. Tangs opponents Adam Kim and Daniel Kappler did not turn in statements. Media startup founder Schuyler Hudak raised $39,020 for her bid to take the seat Supervisor Mark Farrell will leave open in District Two, which includes the Marina and Cow Hollow. Many of her contributions came from tech workers and venture capitalists. BART board Director Nick Josefowitz is a rumored contender for the seat, though he has not officially declared his candidacy. There are six candidates for three seats on San Franciscos Board of Education. Three of them Josephine Zhao, Armand Domalewski, and Leah Pimentel have formed committees but not reported any campaign contributions. Mission Bay resident Angeles Roy did not report any donations to her campaign for a seat on the Community College Board, and the citys assessor-recorder, Carmen Chu, did not submit any filings for her campaign to stay in office. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle The 2019 mayors race also started early, when veteran politician Mark Leno grabbed headlines by filing papers in May. So far Leno has amassed $166,397, giving himself an edge over several rumored challengers: Supervisors Farrell and Breed, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, Lurie and state Assemblyman David Chiu are all expected to jockey for the open seat when Lee is termed out, though none of them is officially in the running. Lenos backers include Supervisor Aaron Peskin, Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, former Assemblyman Fabian Nunez, BART board Director Bevan Dufty and Mandelman. Eight other candidates have submitted papers to run, but none of them filed financial statements in time to meet Tuesdays midnight deadline. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate By 2021, one of the most visible piers on San Franciscos Embarcadero could be a streamlined fire station clad in white metal panels and perched atop a permanently docked barge. First, though, the team officially selected last week by the citys Department of Public Works to construct the $30 million facility just south of busy Rincon Park at Pier 22 will need to run its conceptual plans by a whopping 17 city, state and federal agencies not because of the unusual concept, but because thats how things are done in the Bay Area. Theres going to be a lot of scrutiny in how this relates to its surroundings. We understand that, says Alan Kawasaki of Oaklands Shah Kawasaki Architects. Kawasakis firm is part of the design-build team that would replace San Franciscos current fireboat pier, bare except for a wooden shed from 1987 that lacks living quarters, adequate storage space and just about everything else. The team, led by Swinerton Builders and Power marine engineering, would also restore the landmarked 1915 fire station thats nestled against the Embarcadero, a white stucco box with a red terra-cotta tiled roof where firefighters now sleep in cramped quarters above the fire truck. Its a fascinating project in large part because of the citys desire to go with a floating structure, rather than a conventional pier an approach prompted by concerns about the likelihood of sea-level change. By 2070, for instance, the citys accepted projections are that the average high tide here will climb roughly 18 inches. Add heavy storms and high winds and we could see waves surging nearly 4 feet above the level of the current pier. And every scientifically accepted projection has those levels continuing to climb, decade after decade. Looking at what were faced with ... this feels like the right approach, says Mohammed Nuru, director of the citys Department of Public Works. Sea-level rise is a real issue for the city. I strongly believe doing a barge anchored to piers will accommodate that. Agencies such as the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must sign off, though. The project technically would be on bay fill, since it would cover water thats now open to the sky. The conceptual plan also includes a small bay-ward extension of the Embarcadero to provide a public viewing area south of the pier. The 14,400-square-foot barge itself will be in a secured space off limits to passersby. As if this wasnt enough, the Embarcadero is a National Register Historic District as well as a perennial political hotbed. Every aspect of the design is sure to be second-guessed. John King/The Chronicle As an object unto itself, the look is contemporary and clean the north and south sides of the 34-foot-high, 151-foot-long tube-like structure will be clad in white panels slit by horizontal windows deployed asymmetrically to let light into active areas while screening off areas like the locker and laundry rooms. The end facing the city will include an overhang of red terra-cotta tubing that will do double duty: shading the interior while also providing the structures one hint of fire-engine red. The simplicity is in keeping with old pier sheds, which tended to be utilitarian spaces behind the atmospheric facades facing the Embarcadero. But this is a free-floating object that would be on full view to strollers from the Ferry Building, and some people might see it as too stark. Kawasaki has his response prepared. The jewels on display will be the fireboats, three in all, he points out. You dont want architecture that tries to compete. Thats also the feeling of City Architect Edgar Lopez, whose office was advised by a design jury as it sorted through three competition proposals for the project. Its elegant but understated, not trying to be the focal point, Lopez says. Im confident were starting from a good point in terms of the reviews to come. If all goes well, approvals and permits should be in hand by spring 2019. The barge would be built in China and then shipped to Treasure Island, where the fire station would be assembled. Firefighters could be in their new work home the following summer always on the ready and savoring some of the best views in town. While were on the waterfront, the ambitious design competition to help the Bay Area prepare for sea-level rise is charging ahead. By next week, advisers to the group Resilient by Design will have selected 10 multidisciplinary teams that will each be awarded $250,000 to study a specific location along the bay. The teams will be announced shortly after Labor Day. As for the locations, nearly 100 have been nominated in an open call that ended Monday that list wont be culled until the design teams are on board. Were looking for places representative of a wide range of challenges, said Amanda Brown-Stevens, Resilient by Designs managing director. Weve received some great submissions, cities and counties really thinking it through, all the way to people suggesting their backyards. Place is a weekly column by John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron On the Coastal Trail at Lands End, the site of a free open-air performance of John Luther Adams Inuksuit on Saturday, July 29, a reverent mob roamed the hillside. The performance, witnessed by thousands of music lovers alongside park-goers who happened to be traipsing around, was part of a six-event SFJazz tribute to the composer, a collaboration with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. At the top of the hill, you could look down at the crowd walking from musician to musician, along the crisscrossed pathways splayed on the hillside, and see an image like a Bruegel painting with puffy-jacketed villagers moving through a rural landscape. If ones glance met the glance of another music lover in the audience, one smiled. Those werent the facial expressions of the musicians, some 60 of whom were studying the music, looking at the instruments, seriously focused on the music rather than the crowd. Percussionist Riley Nicholson said after the performance that theyd been asked to try for the facial expressions youd have if you were walking down the street with your iPhones earphones on, to reflect an individual response to the music. As listeners made their way through the crowd from musician to musician, the sound of each overtook the sound of the last; they were playing together, but it was as if they were playing alone. There were no metronomes, no visible conductor waving a baton to keep the beat. We were supposed to be thinking about a clock, and 60 seconds, said Nicholson. It felt like public solitude, added Allen Biggs. We performed in a place I have known all my life: Lands End. The foghorn, wind, birds, footsteps on gravel added texture to the tapestry of sound. Biggs said he could see, at one point, that a whale was spouting beyond Seal Rock. Nobody noticed, as they were watching us playing music. Each player is a soloist, with an underlying pulse of 60 beats to the second, said composer Adams, who, after the 80-or-so-minute-performance, stood easily answering questions from anyone who approached. The musicians listen to each other, and use that underlying pulse of 60, the time of a clock or a heart at rest, to locate themselves in the music. Adams had written the piece to be performed by any number of musicians divisible by three, from nine to 99, by three families of instruments: air (conches, whirly tubes), metal (triangles, glockenspiels), drums. Nothing really represents anything, said Adams, except maybe the winds. I wanted the piece to come out of the air. The work has been played before, and the composer said he thought that this performances opening was particularly beautiful one of the best. A single conch player was joined by another, then the sound of a rock being rubbed against a board, then other instruments joined. It was only at the end, when orchestra bells sent high notes pinging from one to another, that you could hear a melody repeated. Theres a culture thats grown up around the gathering, said SFJazz Artistic Director Randall Kline. Musicians make it their own. The Saturday gathering was more than I had hoped. But he is one of the greatest composers in our time, Kline added. And we presented this thing in a beautiful natural setting. Who wouldnt want to go to that? In the parking lot at Lands End, Nancy Friedman said she had seen a car with a bumper sticker that read, Think about honking if you love conceptual art. And as we made our way out of the park, a man in the crowd stopped me, smiled and said, Be sure to write about this one. It was sacramental. P.S. I was among the majority of people in the crowd using their cell phones to capture pictures of this event. Maybe those pictures are handy to show to friends later, to illustrate ones spoken description. Maybe, for me, the pictures could turn up with the online version of this column. At the same time, after a while, it seemed to me that I could listen and watch much better by letting my memory be the recording device. Mentally, I can call it up over and over again, listen to a scrap, zoom in to a close-up or zoom out to a long shot. And if anything is ever forgotten ... well, then, I neednt dredge it up from my phone, because if its forgotten, it wasnt important anyway. As the bumper sticker said, thats a concept. Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Public Eavesdropping Guy No. 1: Ya gotta nip this thing in da bud. Guy No. 2: There aint no effing bud. Man to man, overheard on Fillmore Street by Isadora Alman The mega popular, Instagram-friendly Museum of Ice Cream, which most recently opened for temporary runs in Los Angeles and New York, is making its next stop in San Francisco. A tab on the museum's official website titled "Visit" lists both Los Angeles and San Francisco, at first hinting that the Bay Area city will play next host to the sprinkle pool and obviously, lots of ice cream. The company behind the pop-up exhibit also looked to be seeking several workers for the museum, including a production assistant, a public relations associate, and an operations manager. A week after President Trump tweeted a proposed ban on transgender military service, the Defense Department says its holding conversations with White House staff on the issue, which would affect thousands of current service members if a prohibition were enacted. But Trump himself, since his tweets, has provided no explanation, to the Pentagon or the public, of how his policy would work, how service members would be identified and discharged, or when it would take effect. We are now in the process of waiting for that to be formally articulated in a policy memo, Navy Capt. Joel Davis, a Defense Department spokesman, told reporters Monday. Were awaiting a formal order from the commander-in-chief to proceed. The department, he said, has heard nothing from the president since his tweets last Wednesday. Pentagon officials, Davis said, have conversations back and forth all the time with the White House on a variety of issues, and those conversations are starting to happen on the (transgender) issue. Army Lt. Col. Paul Haverstock, another spokesman, said by email Tuesday that Pentagon leaders will provide detailed guidance to the (Defense) department in the near future for how this policy change will be implemented. He provided no timetable, but said the armed forces would adhere to their principle of ensuring all service members are treated with respect. President Barack Obamas administration lifted a prohibition on openly transgender service members in July 2016 after a study it had commissioned forecast minimal disruption or financial costs to the military. The study, by the Rand Corp., estimated the number of transgender service members at between 1,320 and 6,630, out of a total of 1.3 million in the armed forces, while the Williams Institute at UCLA Law School has estimated the number at 15,000. In announcing the ban, Trump tweeted that he was acting only after consultation with my Generals and military experts. But the announcement caught the nations military commanders by surprise, and they have not shown any eagerness to comply. On Tuesday, the Coast Guards leader, Adm. Paul Zukunft, said he would not abandon the 13 Coast Guard members who have identified themselves as transgender, according to the Military.com website. The Coast Guard is a military agency but is part of the Department of Homeland Security, not the Defense Department, and its not clear whether it would be affected by Trumps order. Zukunft, describing his conversation with one transgender officer, Lt. Taylor Miller, said he told her, I will not turn my back. We have made an investment in you, and you have made an investment in the Coast Guard, and I will not break faith. Also on Tuesday, Palm Center, a gay-rights nonprofit in San Francisco, released a statement by 56 retired U.S. generals and admirals saying a transgender ban would be both unfair and harmful to the military. Patriotic transgender Americans who are serving and who want to serve must not be dismissed, deprived of medically necessary health care, or forced to compromise their integrity or hide their identity, the statement said. Although Trump, as commander-in-chief, can issue binding orders to the military services, his tweets dont appear to be specific or detailed enough to compel immediate action, said Eugene Fidell, a military lawyer who teaches courses on the subject at Yale Law School. Military leaders are not being in any degree insubordinate by waiting for the White House to put some flesh on the bones of the tweets, Fidell said in a blog post Monday. Once that happens, he said, the armed forces would issue guidelines a process likely to take weeks if not months before discharging transgender personnel. Advocacy groups, including the National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco, have promised to file lawsuits arguing that a transgender ban would violate the constitutional guarantee of equal protection of the laws. One question the guidelines will have to address is whether transgender should be defined narrowly, applying only to service members under medical treatment, or more broadly to include self-identification. The California prison system, in a lawsuit that led to an inmates sex-reassignment surgery, adopted a broad definition in April covering inmates whose sense of identification was different from their gender at birth. Trumps proposed ban hasnt fared well in early opinion polls. A Reuters-Ipsos poll Friday found 58 percent of Americans say transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military with 27percent opposed. A Rasmussen Report poll taken Thursday and Friday asked respondents only whether they agreed with Trumps statement Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail and found that 45 percent disagreed and 44 percent agreed. The Reuters-Ipsos poll was conducted online among 1,249 adults, and the Rasmussen Reports poll online and by phone among 1,000 likely voters. Both had margins of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: BEgelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Leedell Omar Thomas has been in his apartment since January, but he often misses the camaraderie he had as a homeless man living among other tent dwellers. His things now clutter the living room of his one-bedroom apartment near the Richmond BART Station: blue tarps, bike frames and crates with seat posts, crank arms and tire tubes that he uses to build bikes in his spare time. A piece of the red fabric from the tent he lived in peeks out from underneath the pile. It reminds me of Northgate, said Thomas, referring to the Northgate Avenue encampment, one of the most visible tent cities in Oakland. It makes me feel comfortable. Thomas, 25, was homeless for two years, and he lived on Northgate Avenue for five months. After he moved into his apartment, he kept his tent on Northgate, almost like it was a weekend property. Id come there and kick it and hang out with people, and sometimes Id spend the night out there still even though I had an apartment, he said. I realized I cant be doing that, and someone else could be utilizing that space. Thomas got his apartment through Shelter Inc., an organization based in Concord that provides housing support services. He works the graveyard shift as a security guard at the Safeway at Church and Market streets in San Francisco. He pays 30 percent of his income in rent, which comes to about $500 a month. Thomas couldve given up. Its inspiring to watch a former foster kid, whose mother sold drugs and whose father pimped women, swim against the current of hopelessness flowing through the Bay Area. I think we can all agree on this: Homelessness is a crisis. But whats the solution? Sure, building more affordable housing will help, but we wont eradicate homelessness until we address an underlying factor that causes people to lose their homes: the lack of full-time jobs. Yes, there is drug abuse in homeless camps, but there are many, many more people in the camps who, like Thomas, just want a job so they can pay their own bills. As soon as he found a full-time job, Thomas life began turning around. Most of the people we work with, they just had a bad break or a series of bad breaks, said Leslie Gleason, the director of program operations for Shelter Inc. And they have everything going for them except maybe a job or a support system or access to a unit. Or maybe theyve messed up a little in the past, but they just need someone to give them a break now. I met Thomas one afternoon in June while he was visiting friends who still live in a tent on Sycamore Street, which is a short walk around the corner from Northgate Avenue. Thomas, who has dreadlocks with reddish tips, was reclining in a leather chair as he ate a cup of ramen noodles. Its my community, he told me that day. But I miss it, too. It becomes normal waking up in a tent. You wake up with people in your situation who understand what youre going through. Thomas remains loyal to people in the village who taught him the ropes of surviving outdoors, starting with how to get a tent and tie it down properly. Instead of being alone, he ran with people who knew how to access resources food banks, bus tickets, clothes and water. Thomas learned to befriend neighbors, because on the street you need someone you can trust not to sell your belongings while youre at work or out scavenging. Thomas learned batteries and flashlights were a hot commodity, because the people who can see at night can watch for the trouble they need to avoid. Thomas learned to steal food. It came down to, am I going to eat? he said. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. When I visited his apartment in Richmond, incense sticks tucked under the edge of a light switch plate burned. There was a half-eaten sandwich on the table, Thomas breakfast after a night at work. Metal folding chairs are the only seats in his place. But its his place. Living on the streets has been hard to shake. Thomas still thinks of the refrigerator, and the ability to store food, as an amenity. Now he can make ramen without borrowing a stove or walking to a convenience store to use the microwave. Now when he goes to Northgate Avenue, he gives out cigarettes and water. He might even give money to people he knows well, and hes invited his closest friends to his apartment. He lets them shower and sometimes spend the night. I wish somebody wouldve did that for me, Thomas said. A shower wouldve been nice. Thomas wants to continue giving back to his community. He also wants to set an example. I dont want to screw up this apartment or have some issue and lose it and end up homeless again, he said. I just want to stay productive and just work and be an active part of society. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr Three burglary suspects made a bad situation worse for themselves when they crashed a getaway car into a house in Fremont on Tuesday, officials said. A call initially came in at 10:08 a.m. reporting three people had knocked on the door of a home on Marlowe Street in the Brookvale neighborhood and, believing no one was home, jumped over a fence at the house, said Geneva Bosques, a spokeswoman for the Fremont Police Department. The residents of the house were inside and confronted the suspects, who took off running toward American High School, Bosques said. A short time later, a patrol officer canvassing the area spotted a blue Hyundai on Isherwood Way that matched the description of one used in multiple burglaries in Fremont a day earlier, Bosques said. When the officer attempted to pull the car over, its driver did not yield, Bosques said. Police chased the Hyundai about a mile to Isherwood Place, a dead-end street, Bosques said. The driver likely didnt know it was a dead end, tried to turn around, lost control and goes into the front of the house, into what appears to be the living room, said Bosques. Two thirds of the vehicle is in the house. Two suspects were taken into custody at the scene of the crash and one fled on foot, but was quickly caught with the help of a resident, she said. No one was seriously injured, though one suspect suffered a cut finger, she said. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. While firefighters tried to shore up the roof of the damaged house and put beams in place to stabilize the dwelling, the building was eventually red-tagged, according to Bosques. Police are investigating whether the suspects are responsible for the series of burglaries in the area on Monday, she said. Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi How much does your Internet browser know about you? The answer is: even more than you could possibly know. Google recently announced a new advertising program tying consumers online behavior to purchases they make in stores. Through its third-party partnerships, Google has access to 70 percent of U.S. consumers debit- and credit-card records. In the past three years of testing, its already measured 5 billion store visits. Google executives have heralded the program, which relies on machine learning, as revolutionary for both Google and for marketers. The Electronic Privacy Information Center doesnt think its revolutionary for your privacy. EPIC, which has successfully challenged Google on privacy rights before, filed a complaint on Monday asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Googles new program. Google refuses to reveal or allow independent testing of the technique that would make (the preservation of consumer privacy) possible, wrote the nonprofit group in its complaint. The privacy of millions of consumers thus depends on a secret, proprietary algorithm. In a statement, Google told The Chronicle it invested in building industry-leading privacy protections before launching this solution. The company has stated it doesnt have access to names or credit card data for individuals. That data, presumably, remains with its partners. (Advertisers receive aggregate information thats not specifically targeted to individuals.) But Google has not agreed to disclose which companies are providing it with transaction records, or which formulas it uses to protect consumer information. So the organization is asking the federal government not to trust Googles insistence on consumer privacy. It wants the FTC to review the algorithms itself. Google has opt-out policies for consumers on its site. (If youre interested in opting out, go to My Account, click Go to My Activity, select Activity controls on the left, uncheck Web & App Activity and confirm by selecting Pause.) Some of the legal wrangling may hinge on whether those policies are effective and transparent. Its impossible for consumers to opt out of the third-party partnership activity, for example, if Google wont share who its partners are. But the larger issue is a simple one. How on earth can the FTC, or the public, evaluate the effectiveness of Googles privacy protection if the company has declared its privacy program to be secret and proprietary? This question is only going to grow in importance as more and more companies attempt to track a wider range of behavior. Companies dont deserve more privacy rights than consumers. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As a six-piece jug band, Little Princess 109 did not last six months. But as a psychedelic light show, the group passed an audition for Bill Grahams Fillmore West and became a six-man lighting act. As the reputation of this labor-intensive visual act grew, the words Lights by Little Princess 109 were printed along with the musical acts on concert posters for the club on the San Francisco corner of Market and South Van Ness. But when it folded, in 1971, Little Princess 109 (LP for short) pretty much folded with it. The 1960s flamed out, but on Friday, Aug. 4, LPs signature images will flicker and pulsate again for its Little Princess 109 50th Anniversary Light Show at Swiss Park in Newark. Two bands, classic rockers Eddy and Jukers, and the Grateful Dead cover band Dead Guise, will attempt to re-create the San Francisco psychedelic ballroom era in the East Bay dance hall, as the surviving members of LP David Hillis, Kirk Linstrum, Jerry Radcliff, Gary Lawrence and Jacque Asbury Reynolds mix the lights the way they did in 1968. This means swirling liquids inside old clock faces that are then projected onto a wall, augmented by slides moving through a separate projector and movie loops. We are proudly analog. You wont find any lasers or computers, says Hillis, folk guitarist turned color wheel specialist. This is the 50th anniversary and our last chance. We are all 68 years old. They are all the same age because LP formed for the senior class talent night at James Logan High School in Union City in February 1967. The band, which had included the now late Rollin Lewis and Chris Mickey, did four or five original numbers, including one written by Hillis called Keep Your Virginity, and were met by charitable applause by the gathered student body in the auditorium. That momentum petered out by graduation, but by then they had transformed into a full-on visual arts lighting outfit inspired by a double bill of Howlin Wolf and Country Joe and the Fish at the original Fillmore, with a light show by Headlights. Theyd piled into Linstrums 55 Dodge for the hour-long drive from Hayward, and by the end of the drive home we had seen our future, Hillis says. We were going to be doing light shows. There were more artists than musicians in the band anyway. That was the end of guitars, the single-string gut bucket bass and the microphone they all shared (when it was working). The only thing they kept from the jug band was the name Little Princess 109, which was the trademark on their washboard. LP started out on the junior high school dance circuit, but within a year theyd grown from six members to nine. Eighteen hands were operating 14 slide projectors, three movie projectors, three overhead projectors, two black lights and a strobe light. Their big city dance hall debut was during a four-night stand by Santana in December 1968. We thought wed died and gone to light show heaven, says Hillis, who never left his regular job, making ketchup at the Hunts cannery in Hayward. That was the first of 205 nights for Bill Graham Presents, more than any other lighting artist, they claim. Among those who played to a backdrop provided by LP were the Band, the Byrds, Joe Cocker, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, the Youngbloods, and Frank Zappa, according to Lillis. After the Fillmore West closed, LP tried to transition to Winterland but there wasnt enough work in it, and the collective finally folded after a Cow Palace gig on New Years Eve 1977. But the group had come full circle: The headliner for that show was Santana, just like the night LP started. Three years ago, the lights were brought out of the dark by Radcliff, who had not been in the original jug band but was there when LP transitioned into a light show group (accepted despite being a student at rival Tennyson High School in Hayward). What we did was hand-created art, says Radcliff. We never did the same show twice. Now a retired electrician living near Ashland, Ore., Radcliff had not touched the colors in decades when he chanced upon Kenneth Roberts, who had done the lights for Ken Keseys Merry Pranksters. He had never heard of me, says Radcliff, but I dropped the name Little Princess 109, and he said, You guys are legends. Radcliff was authorized by the other members to act alone as Little Princess 109 and lit the 50th anniversary of the Acid Test Graduation in Eugene, Ore., last October. With one helper, I had five overhead projectors for the liquids, two 16mm movie projectors and eight carousel slide projectors, he says. It was insane. Expect the same insanity at Fridays reunion; Radcliff is bringing the equipment. There will be a one-hour rehearsal for the other five members to practice the liquid projections, which involve an upside-down glass clock face in each hand. Colored water and mineral oil are poured in and delicately swirled to form the amoeba shapes that are projected onto a screen. These people havent done it in 40 years, Radcliff says, but it will come back to them. Were going to do a beautiful light show. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art Little Princess 109 50th Anniversary Light Show: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. $15. Swiss Park, 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2932870 Children's Fairyland in Oakland is a place where memories are made and, on Monday, a group of kids had a day they will never forget. In a special ceremony filled with happiness and emotion, 15 children from 11 countries were sworn in as American citizens. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Los Gatos couple accused of adopting a 9-year-old Russian orphan before turning him into a sex slave for the remainder of his childhood was convicted Tuesday in a last-minute plea deal that spared the South Bay executives and their victim a jury trial. Ralph and Carolyn Flynn had faced 44 criminal counts, including felony charges of incest, sexual abuse of a child, unlawful sexual intercourse and lewd and lascivious acts. Ralph Flynn, 73, pleaded no contest in Santa Clara County Superior Court to three felony counts of lewd acts on a child and faces a 24-year sentence in state prison. Carolyn Flynn pleaded no contest to two counts of rape and faces a 12-year sentence. Both will be required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences and register as sex offenders. Attorneys for the couple could not be reached for comment. The sexual abuse spanned 10 years, with Ralph Flynn initiating the molestation shortly after his adopted son, Denis, left the Russian orphanage and arrived in the United States. Six years later, Carolyn Flynn began to abuse him as well. Denis, now 25, shared his story with The Chronicle in 2016, after his parents arrests, describing the decade he spent as a sex slave in a five-bedroom home on the Lexington Reservoir at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a Rolls Royce in the garage and a pool out back. The couple told Denis to keep silent about the assaults and rapes, that what they did was out of love, he said. He followed those instructions until he was 19, when he revealed the abuse to a friend and former teachers, who alerted the authorities. The plea deal came as jury selection loomed Thursday, and was unexpected, Denis said. I didnt celebrate or jump for joy or cry, he said. My heart relaxed and all this tension Ive been carrying all this time evaporated. Denis, who works as a massage therapist and lives in the Bay Area, had been bracing himself for months to testify at trial, to relive the horror. Old nightmares returned, he said. I was preparing to go to war and go into this battle and now I dont have to, he said Wednesday. I am feeling relief and peace after all these years and excited for the future and building my life up. Ralph Flynn, a direct-marketing executive, has been jailed since his arrest in 2015, in lieu of $2.5 million bail. His wife, a high-tech executive, remains free on $525,000 bail and is expected to begin her sentence Nov. 2. According to the 100-page arrest report, Ralph Flynn admitted to investigators that he not only molested Denis, but decades earlier had adopted another boy and sexually abused him as well. The report included detailed accounts of the abuse. Both Denis and the other boy told detectives that their adoptive mothers Flynns first and second wives participated in the molestation. Charges in the first case could not be filed because of Californias statute of limitations. Santa Clara County prosecutor Oanh Tran said the last-minute pleas took her by surprise. She had expected the trial to last three to four weeks, requiring Denis to testify in detail about the abuse and face two cross-examinations, one from each defense attorney representing his adoptive parents. He wont have to go through that, Tran said. Im really happy that Denis is getting justice, she said. Im happy that Ralph and Carolyn both took accountability for what they did. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jill tucker SAN ANTONIO When Darrius Jones asked whether he could afford $100 on dinner, Amazons Alexa didnt mince words. He was already $18.14 over his monthly restaurant budget, she told him. Alexa didnt argue over how the money was spent. She didnt judge. She simply relayed the information in her cool, monotone, not-quite-human voice thats become a family fixture in more than 10 million homes across the U.S. The assistant vice president of USAA Labs was showing the companys latest pet project last week. Using a fake account, he was showing off a pilot program that gives customers account access via Alexa. The San Antonio company is looking for customers to try it out by signing up online. Its designed to help with budgeting by making it easier to check account balances and analyze spending, USAA said in a press release. Talking about your finances can be painful at times, Jones said in an interview. And so when you think of the emotion around having a conversation about your personal finances, we believe this is the first step of many to allow people to have that conversation continuously with us as an organization. Customers that have an Alexa device like the Amazon Echo or the recently-debuted Echo Show can enable the feature through the devices app, which can then be linked to their bank account. That allows Alexa to answer questions as basic as How much money do I have? or more complex, like How much did I spend on restaurants in Austin last month? Users can also add a six-digit voice PIN for additional security, the company said. The pilot runs for 90 days and USAA Labs is capping the number of people who can participate at 400 for now, Jones said. The company, which provides insurance, banking and other financial services to members of the military and their families, has more than 12 million customers. Alexa can also offer feedback on spending habits, he said. The goal isnt to have a computer tell members what to do with their money, USAA emphasized, but to educate customers about their finances so they can put their money to good use. The company hasnt yet enabled transaction capabilities, Jones said, so friends cant walk into a house and tell her to send them cash. We dont believe theres enough security controls in place to do that, he said. But once there are, and theres a lot of indications well get there either through our own development or through partnership with Amazon, once those security controls are in place, thatll probably be a good place to start thinking about additional experimentation. USAAs new function leverages artificial intelligence technology from Clinc to make the experience with Alexa sound more conversational. The technology is supposed to help Alexa better understand what a customer is trying to say without needing a specific command, Jones said. Jones said the company has to sometimes give customers things that people arent asking for and dont yet know they need. No one asked for Alexa to be conversational, but we realized that in not being conversational people werent adopting (Alexa), and so we had to find the answer so customers would use it more, he said. Clincs artificial intelligence conversation management technology enables Alexa to remember context, follow-up questions, and complex human language, the company said in announcing the new feature. This technology will also learn as members interact with it and infer information not explicitly specified by users throughout a conversation, according to the announcement. In the demonstration, Alexa was able to answer, for example, How much money do I have? by giving a total dollar amount across the users accounts, inferring that the person wanted an overarching number and not one specific to checking, or savings. And then Alexa was able to answer follow-up questions such as: How much is in my checking? and How about my savings? Clinc co-founder and CEO Jason Mars says his companys technology goes far beyond Alexas standard capabilities. That standard Alexa skill is kind of like, you have to say things with rules, if you say something that it doesnt understand it says, Please ask me for a list of commands, Mars, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, said in a phone interview. You like to use free natural language, messy language, slang, correct yourself mid-sentence, etc. etc. to interact with AI, Mars said. And so we have a technology that makes a giant leap forward in achieving that. When asked how the feature is better than something like the personal finance service Mint, Mars gave the example of wanting to find out how much you spent on restaurants while you were in Greece last week. You can do that in Mint, he said. But it will take you significantly longer and more work than just asking, hey how much did I spend on restaurants in Greece last week? And then, oh you spent $400 in Greece last week. Clinc launched last year and is working with about 10 financial institutions right now, Mars said. USAA is the first to roll out the companys technology to its customers, Mars said. USAA started working with Alexa in 2016 while participating in the PYMNTS.com Alexa Challenge. They won the Easiest to Explain to Mom designation, according to the announcement, for a prototype that allowed users to add to their savings using Alexa. I was actually pretty proud of that because I have a mother who is very critical of our work, Jones said. And her claim to fame is, Darrius, I just want to walk into your house and use a remote, and the TV actually turn on. BERLIN Britain and France want to end the sale of diesel cars. Madrid and Athens are banning them. Automakers like Volvo are switching to electric engines. In Germany, those developments have created something akin to a national emergency, threatening an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people. But while others have increased investment in electric cars and pushed tougher rules against diesel itself, German auto executives and political leaders meeting in Berlin on Wednesday appeared determined to rescue diesel, not to hasten its death. They announced plans to update the software in 5 million cars to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, the byproduct of diesel most harmful to human health. But most of the measures had already been announced, while politicians and automotive executives alike rejected calls by environmental groups to force carmakers to add antipollution hardware like better catalytic converters. The governments chumminess with the auto industry continues, Oliver Krischer, a leader of the opposition Green Party, said in a statement Wednesday. While China, California, Norway and many others are tackling electromobility, the government is turning Germany into a diesel museum. In fact, as far as auto industry leaders were concerned on Wednesday, diesel remained central to their ambitions. Future mobility will definitely depend on state-of-the-art diesels as well, Harald Kruger, chief executive of BMW, said in a statement. The carmaker said it would offer a bonus of up to $2,360 to anyone who trades in an older diesel vehicle for a new BMW electric or hybrid car or a diesel that meets the latest emissions standards. Wednesdays meeting between ministers, state leaders and car company chiefs described as a diesel summit was an attempt to contain a crisis of confidence that threatens Germanys most important industry, and perhaps even its national identity, ahead of elections next month. Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW confront growing public outrage domestically and overseas for underplaying the health effects of diesel fumes and, in at least some cases, misleading customers about how much harmful nitrogen oxides their cars produce in everyday use. Leaders of both major parties, meanwhile, face criticism that they have been too cozy with carmakers, blocking stricter European Union regulation of diesel emissions while providing tax breaks on diesel fuel. Merkel is under particular pressure ahead of the election on Sept. 24, in which she is seeking a fourth term. The chancellor has a long record of advocating for the auto industry, once even complaining about Californias strict limits on vehicle emissions while visiting then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Vehicles are Germanys single most important export and, in many parts of the world, the most visible symbol of German engineering prowess. Within the country, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Porsches are a source of considerable pride and an essential part of the postwar national self-image. Diesels are particularly important to German carmakers, and the technology has a long history Rudolf Diesel, a German, invented the diesel engine. Because of diesels superior fuel economy today, it is a popular option with buyers of the large luxury cars that are profit centers for the industry. Until recently, diesels outsold gasoline cars in Europe, thanks in part to de facto subsidies. But their sales have been plummeting amid growing awareness that diesel exhaust causes serious lung ailments, including asthma and cancer. In July, sales of diesels in Germany fell 13 percent compared with a year earlier, according to government figures published on Wednesday. A further impediment to sales is that numerous cities around Europe, including BMWs home of Munich, are considering bans on older diesel cars. The city governments of Madrid and Athens, have already said they will ban diesels altogether in 2025. Britain and France have said they want to end sales of new diesel vehicles by 2040. Last week, a lower court judge in Stuttgart ruled that a ban on diesels in the city center was the only way to address nitrogen oxide pollution that frequently exceeded levels considered acceptable. If affirmed on appeal, the decision could pave the way for widespread diesel bans. Moves like those have left many diesel owners fearing that the resale value of their vehicles will plummet. A sense of betrayal has deepened in Germany in recent weeks following reports that Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler may have secretly agreed to cut corners on emissions equipment to save money. The carmakers could face a wave of financial penalties if it is proved that they colluded to minimize how much money they spent on emissions equipment. Volkswagen has already agreed to pay more than $22 billion in the United States in fines and settlements after admitting that it had programmed diesel cars to cheat on emissions tests. In the U.S. and Canada, lawyers have already filed suits claiming that collusion among the automakers did harm to buyers of German cars. Melissa Eddy and Jack Ewing are New York Times writers. For years, U.S. companies have been saving money by offshoring jobs hiring people in India and other distant cubicle farms. Today, some of those jobs are being outsourced again in the United States. Nexient, a software outsourcing company, reflects the evolving geography of technology work. It holds daily video meetings with one of its clients, Bill.com, where team members stand up and say into the camera what they accomplished yesterday for Bill.com, and what they plan to do tomorrow. The difference is, they are phoning in from Michigan, not Mumbai. Its the first time weve been happy outsourcing, said Rene Lacerte, chief executive of Bill.com, a Palo Alto bill payment-and-collection service. Nexient is a domestic outsourcer, a flourishing niche as some U.S. companies pull back from the idea of hiring programmers a world away. Salaries have risen in places like South Asia, making outsourcing there less of a bargain. In addition, as brands pour energy and money into their websites and mobile apps, more of them are deciding that there is value in having developers in the same time zone, or at least on the same continent. Many domestic outsourcers are private, little-known companies like Rural Sourcing, Catalyte, Eagle Creek Software Services and Onshore Outsourcing. But IBM, one of the countrys foremost champions of offshore outsourcing, has announced plans to hire 25,000 more U.S. workers in the next four years. As a result, the growth of offshore software work is slowing, to nearly half the pace of recent years. The nature of work is changing, said CEO Vishal Sikka of Infosys, an Indian outsourcing giant. It is very local. And you often need whole teams locally, a departure from the offshore formula of having a project manager on-site but the work done abroad. Its not enough to have people offshore in India, he added. Infosys announced in May that it plans to hire 10,000 workers in the United States over the next two years, starting with centers in Indiana and North Carolina. The offshore industry is not imperiled, analysts say. But from 2016 to 2021, the offshore services industry will have average yearly growth of 8 percent, the research firm IDC estimated. The rate in the previous five years was 15 percent. Domestic sourcing is here to stay, and its going to grow rapidly, said Helen Huntley, an analyst at the research firm Gartner. The first wave of Internet-era digital change in business, starting in the 1990s, focused mainly on automating back-office tasks like payrolls and financial reporting. The software involved was a collection of huge programs maintained by armies of engineers. The Internet allowed that work to be sent to low-wage nations, especially India. That brought the rise of the big outsourcing companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys. Offshore services companies still excel at maintaining the software that runs the essential back-office systems of corporations. But today, companies in every industry need mobile apps and appealing websites, which can be made smarter with data and constantly updated. That software is best created by small, nimble teams, working closely with businesses and customers not shipped to programmers half a world away. Nexient, which has its headquarters in the East Bay city of Newark, has three delivery centers in the Midwest: in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Okemos, Mich.; and Kokomo, Ind. It employs 400 people, up from 250 two years ago, and plans to hire a few hundred more during the next year, Mark Orttung, the companys chief executive, said. The companys business model is fairly typical for onshore companies. On projects, it will send members of a team to the client for a couple of weeks to study the business and meet their counterparts. Bill.com even interviewed and shared in the selection of five Nexient engineers who would work on the joint team. Lacerte of Bill.com had farmed out technology work over the years, but the headaches of navigating time zones, cultures and language often outweighed the cost savings. Those problems went away when he hired a domestic outsourcer. Nexient has set up its centers away from the coastal high-tech hubs, like the Bay Area and New York, to tap skilled people who want jobs in the technology economy without leaving the Midwest, where living costs are far less. Monty Hamilton, a former Accenture consultant, took over Rural Sourcing in 2009, when it had just a dozen employees. Today, the company has 300 workers in four delivery centers: in Albuquerque, N.M.; Augusta, Ga.; Jonesboro, Ark.; and Mobile, Ala. The payroll will reach about 400 people by the end of the year, Hamilton said. Every business now realizes its a digital business, he said. They need technical help, and thats really driven the demand for our U.S.-based talent. Politics seem to be playing a role, too. The U.S. onshore companies say they are seeing a postelection spike in client inquiries, as President Trump lobbies businesses to create more jobs in the United States and seeks to curb immigrant work visas. The election has brought a lot of attention to these issues and to us, Orttung said. But nobody buys because of that. Rising labor costs abroad also make domestic sourcing more attractive. A decade ago, Hamilton said, an American software developer cost five to seven times as much as an Indian developer. Now, he estimates, the standard billing rate for his engineers is $60 to $70 an hour, compared with $30 to $35 in India. But the sales pitch made by onshore companies is not about raw labor costs. Instead, they claim the ability to deliver excellent work more efficiently than the offshore providers and less expensively than large technology services companies. Cambia Health Solutions, which has its headquarters in Portland, Ore., is a health insurer with 2 million members. In recent years, it has moved beyond insurance to provide consumers with online tools to shop for doctors and specialists, for example, and to sort through drug options based on effectiveness, prices and user reviews. In two years, Cambia Health has cut its use of an offshore outsourcer in India by half, said Laurent Rotival, the companys chief information officer. And the insurer has enlisted the help of Catalyte, an onshore outsourcer. They can ramp up quickly, Rotival said. Catalyte, in Baltimore, has doubled its workforce in the last two years, to 300 people. To accommodate rapid growth, Catalyte is scouting locations for two new centers, which the company hopes to open this year, said founder Michael Rosenbaum. Training is a vital capability for all the onshore companies, but few have gone as far as the Techtonic Group in Boulder, Colo. Once a committed offshore outsourcer, Techtonic has made nurturing homegrown talent the centerpiece of its business. In 2014, it set up a training academy that feeds graduates into its Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program for software engineers. In the past couple of years, 30 people have gone through the program, which lasts six to nine months. Techtonic has hired 90 percent of the graduates, and many later became employees of its corporate customers, starting at salaries of $65,000 to $75,000. Techtonic has an ambitious expansion plan, adding 10 cities in the next three years and hiring 100 developers in each, said CEO Heather Terenzio. American industry has relied too much on overseas technology workers and neglected the potential talent here, she said. Steve Lohr is a New York Times writer. Celebrity wardrobe malfunctions are far from rare, and the latest victim was actress Halle Berry. Berry attended the premier of her new movie "Kidnap" wearing a loose, bohemian-esque blouse with a camo mini-skirt, with simple hair to match. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TJ Lee had a good life in San Francisco. A steady income, solid career path and creature comforts. But she gave it all up. Instead, she decided to explore the world as a "digital nomad." She documents her travels on her YouTube channel "Cup of TJ." There she posts video blogs of the exotic locales she visits while sharing the joys and difficulties of traveling as a solo woman abroad. Lee's videos have taken her all over the world exploring the food of the Czech Republic, hiking up to Machu Picchu in Peru, and snorkeling off the shores of Indonesia. Her YouTube page has grown exponentially this year, from 7,000 to 41,000 followers. Recently she had her first YouTube video with more than 1 million page views. "If you have a lifestyle you want to create for yourself, whether that incorporates travel or not, you have to dive in head first and just commit to it," Lee said. "It's going to be super rocky, it's going to take a lot of time, but it's going to be so worth it." "People see my channel and say 'your channel is about travel,' which is so true," she explained. "But, mostly, it's about having the courage to do what you want to do." Born in Taiwan, Lee grew up in Southern California and attended college at UC Davis. Like thousands of college graduates, she moved to San Francisco to enter the tech industry and found a job at Mozilla. "It was really comfortable," she said about her marketing job at Mozilla. "It was good pay. The team was awesome. I felt like I had a purpose at the company." But something was missing. "I felt like it wasn't what I wanted to do," she said. "And now that I was making money I could finally make a choice and finally fund myself and do something fun." So Lee quit her job and began traveling, hoping to finance her adventures with freelance photography jobs. Unfortunately, the work wasn't easy to come by. "I felt like I just didn't know where I was going," she continued. "The lifestyle was cool, and I was having so much fun, but I knew I didn't want to go back to my 9 to 5. It was almost like a survival game," she said, laughing. During her trip, Lee met "digital nomads" people who are able to do their profession anywhere in the world that has access to a high-speed internet connection. Many worked out of Southeast Asia where the cost of living is much less. "When I was working in tech, it was all about getting that raise, getting that bonus, getting that promotion," she said. "When I started traveling and being a creative and working I was like I don't know why I would need so much money anymore. I can sustain on this much, this amount, and I was way happier than I was before." After networking through the website nomadlist.com, Lee traveled to Chang Mai, Thailand, and its large digital nomad community. Using her photography and video skills, she was able to make marketable videos for fellow traveling nomads and entrepreneurs. "Surprisingly a lot of people need that content," Lee said. "Video is so big now, but not everyone knows how to do it." At the same time she landed a remote part-time job doing social media, brand consulting and marketing for a small agency in the United States. "I'm kind of going back to what I did before [I traveled], but at least this time it's remote," Lee explained. It also gave her some financial stability to continue to live abroad. With the extra funds, Lee was able to travel more and dedicate more of her time to her YouTube channel. "You do something, and you build something up and it's actually going, you're like 'oh my gosh I love doing this,'" she said. "Now I have to really do it and make it work.'" Before Lee arrives in a country, she researches the places she's going to in order to develop a basic rough script. Her vlogs usually take a whole day of shooting. "A lot of people don't think its work but you are constantly thinking about what shots to get, what B-roll to get, when to do an introduction and when to tell a fact," she explains. "Now when I vlog nothing is useless footage." Each video takes about eight or nine hours of editing. Some of her video guides can take up to a week of production. Only 30 to 40 percent of her viewers are from the United States. The rest are scattered around the world. One of her videos of cats being fed in Peru went viral after it was picked up and broadcast by local news stations. "It was so random," she said. "You don't know who's watching [on YouTube]. It's kind of great that way." A recent video about staying at a Taiwanese capsule hotel a type of hotel that offers small pod rooms that have just enough room to sleep in collected more than 1.4 million page views. Lee noticed that a lot of people who watch her videos continue to follow her because they consider her a friend. "You really do get to know a lot of people that watch your videos," she said. Engaging with her followers via social media helps. "I take a lot of time to read all the comments and respond to them." After being in Vietnam, she had followers on social media vote where she would travel next. They chose the Philippines over Australia. Followers also contacted Lee to offer tips. One woman offered via Twitter to show her around Cebu, Philippines. They met up, and the woman took Lee to the three best places to try the Filipino delicacy known as 'lechon' (roasted pig) in the city. "Having a local there is just one of the best things when you are traveling," she explained. "They just know where to go and what to do." Although Lee has had some incredible highs traveling, she has also encountered some terrifying lows. At India's Holi festival, one of her female companions was physically accosted and improperly touched. Another time, Lee and her friends were followed back home by a group of men. "That trip was definitely the most challenging and enlightening," Lee said. But overall, the multitude of amazing people she has met have changed her life and made her a more tolerant and positive person. "Everyone is living such different lives, at such different income levels and different cultures," she notes. "You see people living on a dollar a day, and they are so happy and so nice and so kind." Lee recently spent a few months in San Francisco to take some time off from the constant traveling, work on a backlog of travel videos, and explore future travel opportunities. Although she has made some money from YouTube advertisements, it isn't enough to live off. What YouTube does is help build your brand, she explained. Many YouTube vloggers also have sponsorship. "However, if you do a lot of brand sponsorships, you breach a line of trust with your subscribers," Lee noted. "It's a real delicate balance." "I always tell my fans you have no idea how much work I have to do in the background to fund this," she said with a laugh. There is a price to pay for the traveling life. Her friends are preoccupied with careers that she no longer can relate to. "All of my close friends here still work at a corporate job," said Lee. "They are always talking about jobs and promotions, and I don't even know how to contribute to that conversation." "To build a fulfilling life, it's about working not necessarily harder but smarter - with more faith than ever before," Lee said before returning to the road. "Work won't feel like work anymore because you'll find the delicate balance between doing what you love and just trying to get by." Lee traveled to Asia last week and has future plans to visit Germany for Oktoberfest. "I'm still working now, it just doesn't feel the same as before. I feel wholesome and excited for what's to come. Challenges and all," she said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When tourists come to San Francisco on vacation, if they opt to stay at an Airbnb, the options are as diverse and colorful as the Bay Area itself. How an agoraphobic artist travels, only using Google Street View The Los Altos Hills Airbnb Beyonce rented for 2016 Super Bowl triples in price to $30k From converted cupcake trucks to self-described "hobbit huts," travelers have a wide variety of accommodations to choose from when planning a trip to the Bay. Click through the slideshow above to see some of the quirkiest Airbnb listings in the Bay Area. The San Francisco-based company claims it has more than 3 million listings in 191 countries. But its emergence as a dominant player in the tourism industry is not without controversy. Many blame the vacation rental service for driving up the cost of housing in cities like San Francisco. VIDEO: Flier shames Chinatown Airbnb hosts Now Playing: The source of a controversial flyer in San Franciscoas Chinatown is a mystery, but it is a clear attempt to shame certain Airbnb hosts in that part of town. The source of a controversial flyer in San Franciscoas Chinatown is a mystery, but it Video: JW Player San Francisco tried to regulate the growing vacation rental industry by forcing hosts to register with the city and imposing a 90-day annual limit on short-term rentals. However, an April report by the San Francisco Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office found that more than a quarter of San Francisco homes listed on Airbnb violated the 90-day limit. In May, Airbnb struck a deal with San Francisco to ensure more hosts get registered, with the goal of universal registration by January 2018. The deal will help the city enforce the 90-day limit and other terms of the vacation-rentals agreement. Despite the ongoing controversy, Airbnb's business model seems to be working. The company predicts it will earn $3.5 billion by 2020, Fortune reports. Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com. Al Gores first Inconvenient movie, An Inconvenient Truth (2006), alerted the general public to the climate crisis. He took an issue that was on the periphery of peoples attention and brought it center stage, and it has remained a significant area of concern ever since, both here and throughout the world. Now, 11 years later, theres An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, in which Gore answers all the questions you might have been wondering about since the last installment: How bad is it now? Can this be reversed? What can be done to counter the big money behind the climate-denying industry? And should we all just throw up our hands and wait for some dreaded third part in the trilogy, perhaps An Inconvenient Apocalypse? Its giving away nothing to say that the answers here are a mix of good news and bad news. The good news is that leaders around the world seem to be getting serious about the climate crisis. Another strong bit of good news is that wind and solar energy are becoming less expensive than fossil fuels in many parts of the country, and those prices are continuing to drop. Altruism may be a strong motive in society, but its got nothing on greed. When it becomes cheaper to save the world than wreck it, instances of selfless idealism will increase exponentially. As for the bad news ... well, its not exactly like we have all the time in the world to do something or a government in Washington thats committed to the cause. There may someday be a tipping point in public opinion, but nothing is tipping yet. The new film shows the former vice president doing his slideshow throughout the world, and Gores presentation has lost none of its freshness and fascination. Just as raw information, this is interesting stuff, and its amplified by Gores delivery, a unique mix of self-deprecating folksiness, geekiness and evangelical zeal. This is a man who might have been president in the opinion of many, he was the true winner of the 2000 election and yet he is willing to talk to a roomful of only 50 people as though the future of the world depended on it. Thats the other thing that makes An Inconvenient Sequel compelling Gore himself. He is a man on a crusade, and since most of us have never been on one of those, its quite something to witness it from the inside, particularly one waged at the highest levels of influence. Gore knows everybody. He travels regularly, appears on television, meets with journalists and activists and speaks at conferences. Its a lot of work, but it looks like a bracing way to spend ones time, and, though the issues are serious, it has become a fun thing to tag along with him, albeit in a virtual way. The scenes of Gore in Paris, as the Paris Agreement on global warming is being crafted, amount to a chance for audiences to have a brief seat at the grown-ups table. At one point, Gore wants India to sign on to the agreement, but its government is reluctant. So he starts calling banks and various businesses, in order to put together a set of conditions so favorable that the Indians have to say yes. On a human level, its sort of like being in high school and trying to fix up your friend with a friend of a friend it takes lot of phone calls, and reassurance, and ego soothing. The only difference is that here, the upshot of these personal interactions will impact the fate of millions. Still, hanging over everything in An Inconvenient Sequel is the thing that we know and that Gore does not, and thats the result of the 2016 presidential election. In the immediate aftermath, Gore looks like hes suddenly in a movie he never wanted to be in, but he recovers, and he and the film find their way to an optimism that doesnt feel forced, that feels like there actually might be hope. Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power Documentary. Starring Al Gore. Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk. (PG. 98 minutes.) Writer-director Dustin Guy Defa achieves something quite remarkable in Person to Person: a dialogue-driven film following more than a dozen characters during the course of one day in New York City, with not one convincing situation or performance. When you have actors such as Michael Cera, Philip Baker Hall and rising comedian-actress Abbi Jacobson, thats hard to do. Cera and Jacobson are newspaper reporters, and its clear they have not done a lick of research or been in a newsroom. Heck, watching a good newspaper movie like Spotlight would have yielded a pointer or two. They find themselves investigating an apparent suicide that could be murder, with an antique shop owner/watch repairman (Hall) possibly providing a valuable clue, as they follow a suspicious-acting widow (Michaela Watkins) and two NYPD detectives assigned to the case. There are three other main threads: Two girls (Tavi Gevinson, Olivia Luccardi) skip high school for the day, discuss their increasingly strained relationship and hang out with a couple of guys; a collector of rare records (Bene Coopersmith) is trying to track down a crook (Buddy Duress) who sold him a fake rare Charlie Parker record; and the collectors roommate (George Sample III) is in hot water with his ex-girlfriend (Marsha Stephanie Blake) and her brother (Brian Tyree Henry) after he posts nude pictures of her online in revenge for the breakup. Despite these plotlines that suggest dramatic conflict, Person to Person is an oddly low-key, almost gentle film with characters generating no real threat to do anything interesting. At 84 minutes, it seems padded out. It actually evokes the feeling of an indie film from the 1990s, shot on 16mm and following a group of quirky characters (a la Slacker or The Daytrippers, two superior movies from that era). In this case, the Big Apple has never looked so small and inconsequential. G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BRfilmsAllen Person to Person Comedy-drama. With Michael Cera, Abbi Jacobson, Philip Baker Hall. Directed by Dustin Guy Defa. (Not rated. 84 minutes.) Veterinarians in Brooklyn are reporting that some pet owners are choosing not to vaccinate their animals, attributing the refusal to the anti-vaccination movement with one vet saying the behavior seems more prevalent in "hipster-y areas." Two veterinarians who spoke with the Brooklyn Paper told the publication that they've seen an uptick in clients who don't want their pet vaccinated for distemper and hepatitis (the exception being rabies, which is required by law). While one vet guessed that the refusal to vaccinate their pet was due to the anti-vaccination movement, the other heard one pet owner suggest that their dog could contract autism from a vaccine. 1 FBI director: The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Christopher Wray as the next FBI director on Tuesday to steer the United States premier law enforcement agency through a politically fraught period as it investigates whether any of President Trumps associates colluded with the Russian government during last years election. The 92-5 vote to confirm Wray, a former federal prosecutor, is likely to be a relief to many agents at the FBI who want a strong director to stave off any attempts by the White House to meddle in its investigations. Wray replaces fired Director James Comey. 2 Fourth trial: A former Tulsa police officer is set to go to trial a fourth time in the death of his daughters boyfriend after a judge rejected his request to dismiss the case. Shannon Kepler is charged with murder in the 2014 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jeremey Lake. Juries in three trials so far have deadlocked, leading to mistrials. Prosecutors announced last month that they would move forward with a fourth trial. The Tulsa World reports that Keplers attorneys wanted the case dropped, arguing that jurors in his most recent trial de facto found him not guilty when each individually said he or she needed more information and evidence to reach a verdict. District Judge Sharon Holmes rejected that request Tuesday and scheduled an Oct. 9 trial date. LOS ANGELES An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base Wednesday to test the weapons reliability to defend against attacks on the United States and its allies, the Air Force said. The Minuteman III missile was fired at 2:10 a.m. from the base northwest of Santa Barbara, according to the Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile, equipped with a single test re-entry vehicle, traveled 4,200 miles to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The strike command said the test was not a response to recent North Korean actions. Rather the launch demonstrates that the United States nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and can protect against strikes, the command said. The test comes after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Friday the second in less than a month. The two-stage missile crashed off the coast of Japans northernmost island, Hokkaido. Independent defense analysts say such a missile may be capable of reaching California and other parts of the West Coast. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. government would agree to a dialogue with North Korea if it relinquishes its nuclear program. We are trying to convey to the North Koreans: We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us, and we have to respond, he said. Wednesdays launch was conducted by Vandenbergs 30th Space Wing team, the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the Air Force said. The test is the fourth ICBM launched from the base this year. In February, a test missile was launched from the base. That missile was also equipped with a nonexplosive payload and traveled to the Marshall Islands. Another test was conducted by the Air Force Global Strike Commands team on April 26. Air Force officials said that launch was an operational test to show the countrys nuclear deterrent capability. Days later, a third test missile launched from the base. On May 30, the Missile Defense Agency conducted a flight test exercise of a ground-based interceptor that was also launched from the air base. The interceptor successfully targeted and destroyed an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile launched from the Marshall Islands. Veronica Rocha is a Los Angeles Times writer. A Norwegian anti-immigrant Facebook group is the laughingstock of the internet after some members of the group thought a photo of an empty bus showed six women in burqas. Fedrelandet viktigst, or "Fatherland first" in Norwegian, is a private group with over 13,000 members. The group was thrown into turmoil when a user posted an image of a bus allegedly packed with burqa-wearing women. "What do people think about this?" the image was captioned. "It looks really scary, should be banned," one user commented. "You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons." Seems unlikely, considering we do know what was "under there": An empty bus seat. The optical illusion-turned-xenophobia-test went viral when Facebook user Sindre Beyer posted screenshots from the group on his public page. The post has nearly 2,000 shares and plenty of comments making fun of Fedrelandet viktigst. "This is the best thing I've seen from blind racists since The Chappelle Show," one person commented. "I think I passed the test because the first thing I saw was a group of Darth Vaders," wrote another. According to the Washington Post, journalist Johan Slattavik posted the original photo as a "little practical joke" to see how riled up the group would get. "I ended up having a good laugh," Slattavik told WorldViews. Fedrelandet viktigst members called his photo "frightening" and "tragic," which is also how their negative reaction to burqa-clad women on public transit was described by detractors. "People see what they want to see and what they want to see are dangerous Muslims," Norwegian Centre Against Racism head Rune Berglund Steen told The Local, an English-language Norwegian news site. "In a way, it's an interesting test of how quickly people can find confirmations of their own delusions." Reuters noted that the United States has reported a significant increase in suspicious maritime activity originating from the Islamic Republic. Much of this activity has proven difficult to track, however, as a result of the carefully designed procedures that Iran has put into place following the previous seizure and deflection of weapons shipments that were bound directly to Yemen from Iran. The new procedures rely on an indirect route for the large weapons caches, taking them near the northern end of the Persian Gulf and frequently into Kuwaiti territorial waters, before portioning the shipments out into small deliveries, to be taken into Yemen via fishing boats and other small vessels that can more easily avoid inspection and pass through an international blockade of the Yemeni warzone. IRGC Empire In a further bit to avoid international scrutiny, these shipments tend to originate from smaller Iranian ports, which are less closely monitored by the international community. The Reuters report suggests that this has essentially become standard operating procedure for illicit activities being carried out in the waters around Iran. And this report is in keeping with previous disclosures by the Iranian opposition group the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which learned from its intelligence network inside the Islamic Republic that the IRGC has taken control of the vast majority of the smaller docks throughout the country, where the hardline paramilitary avoids serious oversight even by its own government. This speaks to the escalating domestic power of the IRGC, which has a hand in security operations at home as well as paramilitary operations and terrorist support activities abroad. One of the sources interviewed for the Reuters piece pointedly asserted that no activity goes ahead in the Gulf without the IRGC being involved. The official went on to point out that the smuggling activities in question involve a huge amount of money, implying that this is a further factor in putting them well within the purview of the IRGC. Other recent disclosures by the NCRI include the release of an in-depth document detailing the emergence of a financial empire centered around the IRGC. The NCRI and other staunch critics of the Islamic Republic maintain that the IRGC controls the majority of the countrys gross domestic priority, some of it explicitly and some of it through a series of front companies and independent affiliates in the Iranian business world. This in turn highlights part of the concern that underlies criticisms being levied against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal by US President Donald Trump and various members of the US Congress, as well as the NCRI and other advocates for assertive international strategies potentially leading to regime change in Tehran. The economic status of the IRGC suggests that it is difficult for Western businesses to enter into business agreements with the Islamic Republic without a serious risk of financing the hardline paramilitary organization. Furthermore, the Reuters report stands among a growing body of evidence pointing to the kinds of activities that could be indirectly financed by Western capital under those circumstances. Exacerbating Western Concerns The US government is currently in the midst of efforts to diminish that risk, although doing so may court the resentment of European allies whose efforts to expand trade ties with the Islamic Republic may be affected. The US House of Representatives recently passed legislation called the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which, among other things, expands all terrorism-related sanctions to the entirety of the IRGC, thereby effectively blacklisting it from doing business with firms that also do business with the United States. The bill is expected to pass the Senate easily before Congress goes on recess in the middle of the month. But it remains to be seen what other measures might be undertaken by the US government to confront the Iranian regime over arms smuggling, ballistic missile tests, or any number of other frequently criticized activities. The sanctions bill comes at a time when the White House is reportedly engaged in a comprehensive review of its Iran policy, following President Trumps begrudging certification of Iranian compliance with the nuclear agreement, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Trumps foreign policy team evidently convinced him to avoid singlehandedly cancelling the agreement under current circumstances. The presidents certification is due every 90 days, in absence of which suspended congressional sanctions will be re-implemented. Trump has indicated that he does not believe Iran to be in full compliance and that he would have preferred to trigger the sanctions at the first opportunity. But the International Atomic Energy Agency has dismissed Iranian violations as very minor, meaning that the immediate failure of the agreement could be blamed on the US unless international narratives change. Notably, the newly disclosed smuggling activity could contribute to the change in these narratives by giving the Trump administration more fuel with which to argue that Iran is defying its obligations. This argument has already gained significant traction from Iranian ballistic missile tests, and the arms smuggling could serve the same role. Certification of Irans compliance depends not only upon the regimes adherence to the nuclear deal itself but also its adherence to associated agreements that were implemented at the time of the JCPOAs implementation. One of these, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, calls upon the Islamic Republic to avoid work on ballistic missiles and other nuclear-capable weapons, and to avoid shipping arms without the expressed consent of the Security Council. Ongoing Provocations The IRGC has carried out several high-profile ballistic missile tests since the conclusion of nuclear negotiations. The international community has also been broadly aware of the IRGCs arms smuggling activity, but the Reuters report confirms that this is still ongoing and that it may even be expanding. At the same time, other recent reports have called attention to the possible connection between that expansion and the recent advancements in North Korean ballistic missile technology, which has reportedly expanded the rogue states range to as far as Chicago. Iranian-North Korean collaboration has been observed in both the fields of missiles and nuclear research throughout the years, and there are various indications that this collaboration continues to the present day. UPI highlighted that relationship on Tuesday in a report on the planned trip by a high-ranking North Korean official, Kim Yong Nam, to the Islamic Republic. The visit will coincide with Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis inauguration for a second term, but will also last for several additional days, during which he and his Iranian counterparts are expected to discuss a range of issues including possible joint responses to the Countering Americas Adversaries Act, which targets North Korea and Russia as well as Iran. Iran has already begun its own responses to the emerging sanctions, as explained in another Reuters report that was published on Tuesday. That report notes that for the first time since the agreement went into effect, the Islamic Republic is issuing a formal complaint with a commission set up to mediate disputes over the JCPOA. The complaint alleges that the US sanctions not the Iranian activities that brought them about constitute a violation of the nuclear agreement. If the relevant commission does not resolve this dispute, it could be taken to the Security Council, in which both the US and Russia, a close Iranian ally, hold veto power. But while the formal dispute process takes shape, Iran is reportedly also planning its own retaliatory measures. This was made evident as soon as the House voted on the US sanctions bill, when the Iranian parliament quickly voted to expand the disputed ballistic missile program and expand funding for the IRGCs overseas operations. Furthermore, the Reuters report indicated that Iranian media had vaguely referenced further measures against the US, adding that President Rouhani would soon announce them to the relevant government ministries. Whatever the specific nature of these measures, they will surely constitute very public defiance of American criticisms, and they may strive to directly provoke the US, either singly or with the help of fellow US adversaries like North Korea. The IRGC has unilaterally undertaken such direct provocations at various times since the conclusion of the nuclear deal, as when it has sent fast-attack boats into close proximity with US Navy vessels transiting the Persian Gulf. Last week it was reported that a new incident of this sort had prompted warning shots form an American ship for the first time since January. The naval forces of the IRGC technically operate independently of the regular Iranian military. But the latter has seemingly supported IRGC-led missions from time to time. While the IRGC has jurisdiction over the Persian Gulf, the Iranian Navy is responsible for military operations in other waterways, including those that small smuggling vessels would need to pass through on their way from IRGC routes to their final destinations in Yemen. And on Tuesday, the Islamic Republic News Agency published a report boasting that the 47th strategic flotilla of the Iranian Navy had docked at Salalah, Oman, the largest port belonging to Yemens neighbor to the northeast. The report included boastful comments from the flotillas captain regarding hundreds of intercepts it had allegedly carried out. In context with the IRGC disclosures and the overall increase in Iran-US tensions, such reports can easily be viewed as efforts to bolster the perception of Iranian strength in the region, and specifically Iranian strength in the face of international enforcement of the Yemen blockade and Security Council Resolution 2231. President Donald Trump endorsed a steep cut in legal immigration on Wednesday. Economists say that's a "grave mistake." A Washington Post survey of 18 economists in July found that 89 percent believe it's a terrible idea for Trump to curb immigration to the United States. Experts overwhelmingly predict it would slow growth - the exact opposite of what Trump wants to do with "MAGAnomics." "Restricting immigration will only condemn us to chronically low rates of economic growth," said Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist at the Economic Outlook Group. "It also increases the risk of the recession." During the campaign, Trump repeatedly told illegal immigrants to "get out." Now he wants to cut back on legal immigration as well. On Wednesday, Trump stood side-by-side with Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and David Perdue, R-Ga., to endorse their bill, the RAISE Act. The bill does two things: It moves the United States toward a "skills-based immigration system" where people with special skills get top priority, and it cuts legal immigration by 50 percent. "This legislation demonstrates our compassion for struggling American families," Trump said Wednesday. He believes immigrants -- both legal and illegal -- take jobs from Americans, even though the jobless rate in the country is low. Many economists and business leaders endorse the skills-based approach. Canada and Australia, among other countries, use this method. But there's heavy criticism for the RAISE Act's plan to slash the number of green cards from 1 million a year to 500,000 over the next decade. "We need to modernize the immigration system, but cutting immigration in half is bad for the economy and bad policy," says Jeremy Robbins, executive director of New American Economy, a coalition founded by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg to improve U.S. immigration policy. Robbins points out that Canada and Australia - the supposed models for the Trump administration's reforms - both let in more than double the number of immigrants per capita than the United States does. There are also concerns that such a dramatic cut to legal immigration would cause illegal immigration to rise. Cotton introduced the RAISE Act in February. It wasn't expected to go far given the crowded to-do list for Congress this year, but Trump's news conference Wednesday is giving it new life. In April, over 1,400 economists from across the political spectrum sent a letter to Trump urging him not to cut immigration. The letter said there was "near universal agreement" on the "the broad economic benefit that immigrants to this country bring." Thomas Simons, senior economist at Jefferies investment firm, said a 50 percent reduction would be "absolutely harmful to an economy with a population undergoing the demographic transformation." The bottom line is that the United States needs more workers. Growth happens when one of two things occurs: The economy gets more workers or the existing workers become more productive. At the moment, both of those factors are red flags. Productivity growth is sluggish, and, as Trump has pointed out many times, the percentage of American adults who actually work - the labor-force participation rate - is hovering at the lowest levels since the 1970s. A big part of the problem is the baby boomers are starting to retire. The United States needs more people to replace them, but the U.S. birthrate just hit a historic low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's why many economists, demographers and business owners keep calling for more immigration, not less. "Limiting immigration to the U.S. is a grave mistake," says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. "The only way to meaningfully increase U.S. economic growth on a sustained basis anytime soon is to increase immigration." During the campaign, Zandi predicted that Trump's protectionist stances on trade and immigration would lead to a "lengthy recession." Trump portrays immigrants as scooping up American jobs. But the data appears to tell a different story. U.S. unemployment is at 4.4 percent. In May, unemployment hit the lowest level since 2001, a milestone Trump celebrated. That implies there aren't many people struggling to find work. At the same time, the United States has 5.7 million job openings, which is near a record high. It's been that way for a year now. Business leaders with big and small firms say they can't find enough workers. They are especially vocal about not being able to find enough people for really low-skilled, low-pay work and for really high-skilled jobs. Trump is already heeding the calls for more lower-skilled workers. His administration recently bumped up visas for seasonal foreign workers by 15,000, a 45 percent increase from last year. There is growing support for moving the United States to a more merit-based immigration system. The idea is to attract more of the immigrant workers that the country desperately needs. At the moment, only 15 percent of green cards are issued for employment reasons, according to Department of Homeland Security data. "There is a case for adopting a Canada-style system of 'points' whereby preference is given to people with desired skills," said Martin Barnes, chief economist at BCA Research in Montreal. The vast majority of legal immigrants are entering the country because they are relatives of someone already in the United States. It's known as "chain immigration," and the RAISE Act wants to limit that substantially so only spouses and children could come with a visa holder, not more-extended relatives. From an economic standpoint, the key is to get more workers with the desired skills into the country. It's why the tech community is lobbying so hard for more H-1B visas. Immigrants also tend to start more businesses. While start-up founders in Silicon Valley are glorified, the reality is business formation in the United States is near a 40-year low. That worries Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist at Northern Trust. "Countries that get collectively older are granted fewer patents, start fewer small businesses and take fewer risks with capital," Tannenbaum said. All of that hurts economic growth. The members of the Committee are Hassan Rouhani(the President), Ali Larijani (the Chairman of Parliament of Iran), Mohammad Javad Zarif (the Foreign Minister), Hossein Dehghan (the Defense Minister), Ali Shamkhani ( the Secretary of the Supreme Security Council), Ali Akbar Salehi (the Head of Atomic Energy Organization), Saeed Jalili (Khameneis Representative to the Supreme Security Council), and Ali Akbar Velayati ( Khameneis Advisor for International Affairs). The Secretary of the Supreme National Council, Ali Shamkhani is also the secretary of the delegation. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution on the subjects of sanctioning Iran and enlisting the IRGC as a terrorist group last week with 415 votes in favor to 3 against. The bill was subsequently passed 98 to 2 in the U.S. Senate and sent to the White House for Donald Trump to sign. The boycott of the Iran regime includes the ban on ballistic missile programs, terrorism, and human rights abuses in Iran as well as the IRGC s entirety; enlisting this organization as a terrorist group according to the presidential decree 13224. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Have you ever felt like those crosswalk buttons were placed at intersections around the city only to test your patience? For 8 in every 10 crosswalk buttons in San Francisco, your frustration may be valid. In a recent article in the Boston Globe, representatives of the Boston Transportation Department revealed that buttons scattered throughout Boston do absolutely nothing when pressed. When officials were asked why these buttons lacked function, they had a simple explanation: One person shouldn't be able to change complex traffic patterns in a major city. With this in mind, we set out to discover if San Francisco operated under the same rules. "In San Francisco, every push button has a purpose," said Paul Rose, a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency spokesperson, in an email. "It can change the signal after pressing it or it is used as an Audible Pedestrian Signal (APS)." Unlike Boston, San Francisco doesn't have any "placebo" buttons. But that doesn't mean every button can change a light. In San Francisco, 251 of the 1,222 intersection crosswalk buttons are "pedestrian actuated,"meaning they actually affect the traffic lights and can change the signal, according to data provided by the SFMTA. Each of the intersections with the "pedestrian actuated" feature can be found in the map below. Some of San Francisco's heaviest streets for traffic-changing buttons include First Street, Third Street, 19th Street, Bayshore, and the Embarcadero. For the remaining 971 buttons, APS comes into play. The APS acts as an indicator to the visually impaired for when it is safe to cross the street. That explains the repetitive, jackhammer-like noise pedestrians hear from the buttons. Ninety of the 251 pedestrian-actuated buttons have the dual purpose of APS and changing the traffic signals. "Bottom line, if the button does not have a useful purpose, it is removed," Rose added. "In general, Walk SF really supports not having to press the buttons," said Cathy DeLuca, interim Executive Director of Walk SF, a pedestrian advocacy organization. "We don't think people should have to ask to cross the street." In WalkSF's "realm of active transportation advocacy," the buttons are negatively referred to as "beg buttons." "No one should have to beg just to cross the street," says DeLuca. Walk SF is in support of having buttons across the city changed to solely feature APS. "Even though they don't turn the light, we think that those are accessible pedestrian buttons and are extremely important for those with disabilities," DeLuca said. "In terms of safety, those are needed for a good portion of our community." When in a hurry to get from point A to B, waiting around for the light to change can be frustrating. But SF pedestrians we talked to are in support of the assistance provided by the city for those in need. "It's important to have something for the visually impaired to be able to cross the street safely," said pedestrian J.S. Boulanger, a Bay Area resident of six years. "How else is someone who is visually impaired supposed to get across the street without hearing that?" Omeed Manocheri remarked on the noises emitted from the buttons while waiting to cross on the corner of Fifth and Mission streets. Each button in San Francisco does serve a greater function. Whether it's the most effective way for the city to operate is a different question. "I feel like there's an illusion of safety that big cities have to project," Manocheri added, just before darting across the street. "That is a perfect example of one way that they do it." The sanctions measures passed in Congress last week in response to Irans missile development program and human rights abuses. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on Wednesday welcomed the signing into law of legislation imposing the new sanctions. In a statement, the NCRI called for the new law to be implemented immediately, meticulously and without exception. It urged the European Union to align itself with these sanctions. The expulsion of the IRGC and its affiliated militias from the Middle East, in particular from Syria and Iraq, is indispensable to the enactment of this law and a prerequisite to ending the conflict and crisis that have engulfed the entire region, the NCRI said. The terrorist designation and sanctions against the IRGC should have taken place a long time ago since the IRGC protects the entirety of the clerical regime. It also acts as the regimes main instrument of suppression and export of terrorism and extremism. However, the policy of appeasing the mullahs religious dictatorship paved the way for rampage in the entire region by the IRGC and its proxies. After the US Senate adopted the sanctions bill last week, NCRI President Maryam Rajavi stated: The full implementation of these sanctions against the clerical regime must be completed with urgent actions against officials in charge of executions, torture and particularly the massacre of political prisoners in 1988. Topping the list is Ali Khamenei, the mullahs supreme leader. They must face justice for 38 years of crimes against humanity. Recognition of the Iranian peoples desire and right to overthrow the mullahs and establish democracy and freedom in Iran is the greatest contribution to peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the world. [August 01, 2017] YFV Protein, Middle East Markets, Gene Editing and "Data Lakes" are among Developments at First Day of AACC 2017 in San Diego ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The laboratory industry's largest meeting, along with associated IVD equipment vendors, are meeting this week in San Diego to discuss new ideas and demonstrate new products. According to healthcare market researcher Kalorama information, there are already developments at the meeting's first day as companies made announcement and the plenary session was held. Improved lab developed test equipment, a new yellow fever reagent, the Middle East IVD Market, and promise of CRISPR highlighted the first day of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry Meeting (AACC 2017) in San Diego, California. The New York City-based healthcare research firm covers IVD in its Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostics, 10th Edition, a comprehensive in vitro diagnostics market research study. Kalorama Information noted the following developments : New YFV Protein: Aalto Bio Reagents announced their first-to-market recombinant Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) protein at AACC in San Diego from 1st - 3rd August. Yellow Fever virus is a potentially fatal mosquito-borne flavivirus which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical locations in South America and Africa. It is the next flavivirus threatening the population of Brazil , with local health officials reporting a sharp rise in cases this year. The company, founded in 1978, Aalto Bio Reagents is a developer and provider of raw materials to the in- vitro diagnostics industry and to research laboratories globally. Infectious disease is one of the most important markets for IVD, and Kalorama covers this extensively in its market study on this area. Aalto Bio Reagents announced their first-to-market recombinant Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) protein at AACC in from 1st - 3rd August. Yellow Fever virus is a potentially fatal mosquito-borne flavivirus which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical locations in and Africa. It is the next flavivirus threatening the population of , with local health officials reporting a sharp rise in cases this year. The company, founded in 1978, Aalto Bio Reagents is a developer and provider of raw materials to the in- vitro diagnostics industry and to research laboratories globally. Infectious disease is one of the most important markets for IVD, and Kalorama covers this extensively in its market study on this area. Order-to-Report Multiplex PCR: Seegene Inc. announced a Random Access System. The company says the system can provide order-to-report on the same day by simultaneously performing high multiplex real-time PCR testing on a single platform, regardless of specimen type or assays. . Rapid, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are especially critical for a successful treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, acute diarrhea, sepsis or meningitis. The company said most existing MDx systems are unable to perform same-day reporting for same day treatment, because clinical laboratories typically perform testing after a sufficient number of specimens are collected. Seegene Inc. announced a Random Access System. The company says the system can provide order-to-report on the same day by simultaneously performing high multiplex real-time PCR testing on a single platform, regardless of specimen type or assays. . Rapid, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are especially critical for a successful treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, acute diarrhea, sepsis or meningitis. The company said most existing MDx systems are unable to perform same-day reporting for same day treatment, because clinical laboratories typically perform testing after a sufficient number of specimens are collected. Simplified LDT for Leukemia and Lymphoma: Beckman Coulter presented its ClearLab reagents at the meeting, these products deliver the first preformulated, IVD antibody cocktails for leukemia and lymphoma** immunophenotyping in the clinical lab. Previously, labs would have had to make and validate their own antibody cocktails. ClearLLab simplifies and standardizes the process. The products are cleared via the FDA De Novo Process for in vitro diagnostic use in the US. For clinical laboratories it means they no longer have to develop their own laboratory developed test (LDT), a technically demanding, manual, time-consuming, and potentially error-prone process. Beckman Coulter presented its ClearLab reagents at the meeting, these products deliver the first preformulated, IVD antibody cocktails for leukemia and lymphoma** immunophenotyping in the clinical lab. Previously, labs would have had to make and validate their own antibody cocktails. ClearLLab simplifies and standardizes the process. The products are cleared via the FDA De Novo Process for in vitro diagnostic use in the US. For clinical laboratories it means they no longer have to develop their own laboratory developed test (LDT), a technically demanding, manual, time-consuming, and potentially error-prone process. Focus on Middle East IVD: Long a target for IVD companies seeking emerging market growth, the Middle East will now have a laboratory association with global pull. AACC announced on Monday that it will launch a new laboratory medicine conference and expedition next spring AACC Middle East. AACC Middle East will showcase AACC's globally-renowned education and scientific programs paired with a dynamic exposition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 22-24, 2018 . The scientific program will feature experts from the U.S. and the Middle East , sharing knowledge and innovation. Attendees will meet and network with experts in the field, and engage with their peers during the scientific program highlighting recent advances in laboratory medicine. Kalorama's report on the Middle East IVD market can be found at https://www.kaloramainformation.com/IVD-Middle-East-10336235/ Long a target for IVD companies seeking emerging market growth, the will now have a laboratory association with global pull. AACC announced on Monday that it will launch a new laboratory medicine conference and expedition next spring AACC Middle East. AACC Middle East will showcase AACC's globally-renowned education and scientific programs paired with a dynamic exposition in (UAE), . The scientific program will feature experts from the U.S. and the , sharing knowledge and innovation. Attendees will meet and network with experts in the field, and engage with their peers during the scientific program highlighting recent advances in laboratory medicine. Kalorama's report on the Middle East IVD market can be found at https://www.kaloramainformation.com/IVD-Middle-East-10336235/ Connected Lab, "Data Lakes" : Roche's booth at AACC 2017 features a virtual reality tour that will demonstrate the company's concept of connected lab . "The idea of a connected lab begins with an integrated core lab with connected automation." said Jack Phillips, president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics Corporation in a press release. "But it also involves linking instruments to data lakes, laboratories to physicians, and high-medical-value tests to clinical insights to help improve the way physicians manage their patients." A data lake is a storage repository that holds a vast amount of raw data in its native format and doesn't structure it and define how it will be structured, until the data is needed. The company is the largest IVD company, according to Kalorama Information and competes in nearly every IVD sub market; while it is also demonstrating a new cobas e 801 high-volume immunoassay platform that Roche says provides nearly twice the throughput on the same footprint as its predecessor. : Roche's booth at AACC 2017 features a virtual reality tour that will demonstrate the company's concept of connected lab . "The idea of a connected lab begins with an integrated core lab with connected automation." said Jack Phillips, president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics Corporation in a press release. "But it also involves linking instruments to data lakes, laboratories to physicians, and high-medical-value tests to clinical insights to help improve the way physicians manage their patients." A data lake is a storage repository that holds a vast amount of raw data in its native format and doesn't structure it and define how it will be structured, until the data is needed. The company is the largest IVD company, according to Kalorama Information and competes in nearly every IVD sub market; while it is also demonstrating a new cobas e 801 high-volume immunoassay platform that Roche says provides nearly twice the throughput on the same footprint as its predecessor. CRISPR/ Cas9: Gene editing was also a large focus at the meeting's first day. Jennifer Doudna , PhD, a geneticist and a co-creator along with Emmanuelle Carpenter , PhD, of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, delivered the Wallace H. Coulter Lectureship Award plenary on Sunday with her talk, "CRISPR Biology, Technology & Ethics: The Future of Genome Engineering." Doudna discussed her "molecular scalpel for genomes." She intrigued the audience by reviewing the intricate bacterial CRISPR adaptive immune system and how her lab harnessed its power to edit genes. She discussed the work that is ongoing aimed at making CRISPR more amenable to fighting disease. CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary approach that enables rapid, economical model generation through precise genome editing. Every day, new studies continue to leverage the potential of CRISPR to generate novel strategies for modeling diseases and assessing therapeutic intervention. The tool is used in nature by bacteria to adapt to their environment. The Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostics, 10th Edition: www.kaloramainformation.com/Worldwide-Vitro-Diagnostic-10206771. About Kalorama Information Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com. We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog on our company website. Please link any media or news references to our reports or data to http://www.kaloramainformation.com/. Press Contact: Bruce Carlson 212 807 2262 [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yfv-protein-middle-east-markets-gene-editing-and-data-lakes--are-among-developments-at-first-day-of-aacc-2017-in-san-diego-300497588.html SOURCE Kalorama Information [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 01, 2017] Veritas Study: Organizations Worldwide Mistakenly Believe They Are GDPR Compliant MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 1, 2017 /CNW/ -- A study from Veritas Technologies, a leader in multi-cloud data management, has found that organizations across the globe mistakenly believe they are in compliance with the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). According to findings from The Veritas 2017 GDPR Report, almost one-third (31 percent) of respondents said that their enterprise already conforms to the legislation's key requirements. However, when those same respondents were asked about specific GDPR provisions, most provided answers that show they are unlikely to be in compliance. In fact, upon closer inspection, only two percent actually appear to be in compliance, revealing a distinct misunderstanding over regulation readiness. The findings from the report show that almost half (48 percent) of organizations who stated they are compliant do not have full visibility over personal data loss incidents. Moreover, 61 percent of the same group admitted that it is difficult for their organization to identify and report a personal data breach within 72 hours of awareness a mandatory GDPR requirement where there is a risk to data subjects. Any organization that is unable to report the loss or theft of personal data such as medical records, email addresses and passwords to the supervisory body within this timeframe is breaking with this key requirement. The findings in this report suggest that organizations that think they are already compliant with the GDPR should revisit their compliance strategies. Failure to meet GDPR requirements could attract a fine of up to four percent of global annual turnover or 20 million, whichever is greater. The former employee threat Restricting former employee access to corporate data and deleting their systems credentials helps to stem malicious activity and ensure that financial loss and reputational damage are avoided. Yet, a staggering 50 percent of so-called compliant organizations said that former employees are still able to access internal data. These findings highlight that even the most confident organizations struggle to control former employee access and are potentially susceptible to attacks. Challenges exercising "the right to be forgotten" Under the GDPR, EU residents will have the right to request the removal of their personal data from an organization's databases. However, Veritas' research shows many organizations that stated they already are in compliance will not be able to search, find and erase personal data if the "right to be forgotten" principle is exercised. Of the organizations that believe they are GDPR-ready, one-fifth (18 percent) admitted that personal data cannot be purged or modified. A further 13 percent conceded that they do not have the capability to search and analyze personal data to uncover explicit and implicit references to an individual. They are also unable to accurately visualize where their data is stored, because their data sources and repositories are not clearly defined. These shortcomings would render a company non-compliant under the GDPR. Organizations mustensure that personal data is only used for the reasons it was collected and is deleted when it's no longer needed. Demystifying GDPR responsibility Veritas' research also found that there is a common misunderstanding among organizations regarding the responsibility of data held in cloud environments. Almost half (49 percent) of the companies that believe they comply with the GDPR consider it the sole responsibility of the cloud service provider (CSP) to ensure data compliance in the cloud. In fact, the responsibility lies with the data controller (the organization) to ensure that the data processor (the CSP) provides sufficient GDPR guarantees. This perceived false sense of protection could lead to serious repercussions once the GDPR is enacted. "The GDPR dictates that multi-national corporations take data management seriously. However, the latest findings show confusion over what's needed to comply with the regulation's mandatory provisions. With the implementation date looming ever closer, these misconceptions need to be eradicated fast," said Mike Palmer, executive vice president and chief product officer, Veritas. "With regulations like the GDPR you have to understand what data you have in your organization. But you must also know how to take action on it and how to classify it so that policy can be applied accordingly. These are the fundamentals of compliance and the findings today should be used to educate businesses about the mistaken beliefs that could put an organization out of business." The GDPR is intended to harmonize data privacy and protection mandates across European Union (EU) member states. It requires organizations to implement the appropriate protection measures and processes to effectively govern personal data. The GDPR will take effect on May 25, 2018 and will apply to any organization inside or outside the EU that offers goods or services to EU residents, or monitors their behavior. Click here to view the infographic for 'The Veritas 2017 GDPR Report'. In addition to this research, Veritas will announce today, Veritas Data Insight 6.0, Veritas Enterprise Vault 12.2 and the Integrated Classification Engine, a new technology that delivers powerful intelligence into data risks on-premises and in the cloud. The classification engine provides broad visibility into personal data and helps companies meet compliance regulations, like GDPR. The Integrated Classification Engine is available now in Veritas Data Insight 6.0, and will be available with Veritas Enterprise Vault 12.2 in August. Future integrations are planned across the Veritas data protection, storage and governance portfolio. Click here to view the press release. For information on how Veritas Technologies can help your organization become GDPR compliant visit https://www.veritas.com/gdpr. Methodology Veritas commissioned independent technology market research specialist Vanson Bourne to undertake the research upon which this report is based. A total of 900 business decision makers were interviewed in February and March across the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The respondents were from organizations with at least 1,000 employees, and could be from any sector. To qualify for the research, respondents had to be from organizations that do at least some business with the EU. Interviews were conducted online using a rigorous multi-level screening process to ensure that only suitable candidates had the opportunity to participate. About Veritas Technologies Veritas Technologies empowers businesses of all sizes to discover the truth in information - their most important digital asset. Using the Veritas platform, customers can accelerate their digital transformation and solve pressing IT and business challenges including multi-cloud data management, data protection, storage optimization, compliance readiness and workload portability - with no cloud vendor lock-in. Eighty-six percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on Veritas today to reveal data insights that drive competitive advantage. Learn more at www.veritas.com or follow us on Twitter at @veritastechllc. Forward-looking Statements: Any forward-looking indication of plans for products is preliminary and all future release dates are tentative and are subject to change at the sole discretion of Veritas. Any future release of the product or planned modifications to product capability, functionality, or feature are subject to ongoing evaluation by Veritas, may or may not be implemented, should not be considered firm commitments by Veritas, should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions, and may not be incorporated into any contract. Veritas, the Veritas Logo, NetBackup, Backup Exec and Enterprise Vault are trademarks or registered trademarks of Veritas Technologies LLC or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. PR Contacts US Contact Veritas Technologies Dayna Fried +1 925 493 9020 [email protected] EMEA Contact Veritas Technologies Brooke Hamilton +44 (0) 7713697268 [email protected] APJ Contact Veritas Technologies Belinda Lim +65 64275564 [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veritas-study-organizations-worldwide-mistakenly-believe-they-are-gdpr-compliant-300497649.html SOURCE Veritas Technologies [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 01, 2017] Unisys Announces Second-Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Reaffirms Full-Year Financial Guidance BLUE BELL, Pa., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Full-Year Guidance Unisys reaffirms full-year 2017 guidance for revenue of $2.65-2.75 billion , non-GAAP operating profit margin of 7.25-8.25 percent and adjusted free cash flow of $130-170 million 1H 17 Services gross margin up 70 basis points year over year, Services operating profit margin up 20 basis points year over year Services segment revenue decline of 4 percent year over year, an improvement of 300 basis points versus rate in prior-year period (3 percent year-over-year decline in constant currency (2) ) Total revenue of $1,331 million , a 6 percent decline year over year (5 percent decline year over year in constant currency) Operating profit margin of (2) percent; Non-GAAP operating profit (4) margin of 5 percent New business TCV(1) up 65 percent year over year 2Q 17 Total revenue of $666 million , versus $749 million in the prior-year period, impacted in part as expected by lower Technology revenues year over year Operating profit margin of (4) percent; Non-GAAP operating profit margin of 4 percent New business TCV up 74 percent year over year Services backlog relatively flat sequentially at $3.7 billion Successfully closed $440 million Senior Secured Notes offering Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) today reported second-quarter and first-half 2017 financial results. The company's Services segment saw year-to-date gross and operating margin expansion of 70 basis points and 20 basis points, respectively, year over year. Services revenue for the first half was down 4 percent year over year (3 percent on a constant-currency basis), an improvement of 300 basis points versus the prior-year period. Total TCV, which includes renewals and extensions that can vary period to period, was down 12 percent year over year for the first half. However, excluding U.S. Federal (which faced a difficult year-over-year comparison due to a large renewal in the second quarter 2016) TCV was up 7 percent year over year for the first half. New business TCV was up 65 percent year over year for the first half. For the second quarter 2017, total TCV was down 31 percent year over year, impacted by the U.S. Federal renewal and Technology renewal timing. Excluding these impacts, TCV was up 5 percent year over year in the second quarter. New business TCV was up 74 percent year over year in the second quarter. The entirety of the year-over-year decline in U.S. Federal TCV for the first half was due to a single large renewal in the prior-year period, which also was almost entirely responsible for the year-over-year decline in the second quarter 2017 U.S. Federal TCV. Services backlog was roughly flat sequentially at $3.7 billion. "For our first half, our results continued to indicate progress against our key strategic and financial goals," said Unisys President and CEO Peter Altabef. "While we saw some year-over-year variability during the second quarter, in part due to a very difficult compare for our Technology segment, we continue to see improvement in our go-to-market efforts." Summary of First-Half 2017 Business Results Company: As expected, results for the second quarter and first half of 2017 were impacted in part by a difficult year-over-year comparison in the second quarter 2017 in the Technology segment. That segment saw growth of 31 percent in the second quarter 2016, and was down 32 percent in the second quarter 2017, which impacted total company revenue and margin year-over-year compares, both for the second quarter and first half. Revenue year to date of $1,331 million was down 6 percent versus the first half 2016, down 5 percent year over year on a constant-currency basis. First-half 2017 operating profit margin was (2) percent, which includes cost-reduction and other charges and pension expense, relative to 2 percent in the prior-year period. Non-GAAP operating profit margin was 5 percent, versus 7 percent in the first half 2016. Both revenue and margin year-over-year comparisons were impacted by the difficult second quarter Technology compare. Net loss attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders for the first half was $75 million, relative to a loss of $18 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA(5) for the first half was $150 million, versus $184 million in the first half of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the first half was 11 percent, relative to 13 percent in the prior-year period. In the first half 2017, operating cash flow was $(90) million, relative to $57 million in the prior-year period. The company saw free cash flow(3) of $(172) million year to date, versus $(13) million in the first half of 2016. Adjusted free cash flow(6) year to date was $(72) million versus $90 million in the prior-year period. Reductions in cash flow year over year were largely due to payment timing, including related to technology invoices sent at the end of the second quarter 2017 which are expected to be collected in early third quarter 2017 (including a $35 million invoice related to a single contract that was signed and expected to be collected in the second quarter 2017 but was received in the first week of July), in addition to the lower operating profit noted above. At June 30, 2017, the company had $571 million in cash and cash equivalents. Services: Services revenue, which represented 87 percent of first-half total revenue, declined at a more modest rate than during the prior-year period, with a decline of 4 percent year over year as reported (a 300 basis point improvement relative to the prior year) and a decline of 3 percent in constant currency to $1,160 million for the first half of 2017. Services backlog ended the first half at $3.7 billion, relatively flat sequentially. Services gross margin was up 70 basis points year to date versus the first half 2016 to 16 percent. Services operating profit margin was up 20 basis points to 2 percent. Margins in the Services segment were helped by a particularly profitable transaction in the first quarter, as previously disclosed. Technology: Technology year-to-date revenue, which represented 13 percent of total first-half revenue, was down 18 percent year over year to $171 million, down 17 percent in constant currency. Technology gross margin for the first half was 53 percent, versus 60 percent in the prior-year period, and Technology operating profit margin was 26 percent, relative to 37 percent in the prior-year period. These comparisons were impacted by the difficult second-quarter comparison for this segment, as mentioned above. Summary of Second-Quarter 2017 Business Results Company: Revenue for the second quarter of $666 million was down 11 percent relative to the second quarter 2016, down 10 percent year over year on a constant-currency basis. Second-quarter 2017 operating profit margin was (4) percent, which includes cost-reduction and other charges and pension expense, versus 7 percent in the prior-year period. Non-GAAP operating profit margin was 4 percent, versus 11 percent in the second quarter 2016. Both revenue and margin comparisons were impacted by the difficult year-over-year comparison in the Technology segment for the quarter. Net loss attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders for the quarter was $42 million, relative to earnings of $22 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $66 million, relative to $124 million in the second quarter 2016. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter was 10 percent, versus 17 percent in the prior-year period. In the second quarter 2017, operating cash flow was $(49) million, versus $31 million in the second quarter 2016. The company saw free cash flow of $(96) million for the quarter, relative to $(3) million in the prior-year period. Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $(46) million, versus $51 million in the second quarter last year. Reductions in cash flow year over year were largely due to the timing of payments, in addition to the lower operating profit, both noted above. During the second quarter, the company successfully closed a $440 million Senior Secured Notes offering, the net proceeds of which are reflected in the closing cash balance for the quarter. Services: Services revenue, which represented 86 percent of second-quarter total revenue, declined by 6 percent as reported and 5 percent in constant currency to $575 million. Services gross margin was 14 percent versus 17 percent in the second quarter 2016, in part due to ongoing investments in the Services business, consistent with our go-to-market strategy. Services operating profit margin was (2) percent, versus 2 percent in the prior-year period. Technology: Technology revenue, which represented 14 percent of total revenue, was down 32 percent year over year to $91 million, down 30 percent in constant currency. Technology revenue was up 31 percent year over year in the second quarter of 2016, creating a very difficult compare. Technology gross margin was 59 percent, versus 67 percent in the prior-year period. Technology operating profit margin was 36 percent, relative to 48 percent in the prior-year period. Both gross and operating profit margin for Technology were impacted by lower revenues, given the fixed-cost nature of the business. Continued Execution on Business Strategy The company in the second quarter entered into several key contracts in each of its sectors: U.S. Federal : Unisys signed a contract with a U.S. government agency to provide a biometrics-based identity and access management solution critical to the agency's operations. : Unisys signed a contract with a U.S. government agency to provide a biometrics-based identity and access management solution critical to the agency's operations. Public : Unisys signed a contract with The California State University ( CSU ) -- the largest four-year university system in the U.S. -- for an analytics-based hybrid-cloud solution to transform system-wide delivery of educational and administrative services to over half a million CSU students, faculty and staff. : Unisys signed a contract with The ( ) -- the largest four-year university system in the U.S. -- for an analytics-based hybrid-cloud solution to transform system-wide delivery of educational and administrative services to over half a million students, faculty and staff. Commercial : Unisys expanded its long-standing relationship with Starbucks, signing new multi-year agreements for infrastructure and end user support services in both Europe and China . : Unisys expanded its long-standing relationship with Starbucks, signing new multi-year agreements for infrastructure and end user support services in both and . Financial Services : Signed an agreement with a leading European private-banking institution to implement cloud-based Unisys ClearPath Forward software supporting the bank's digital transformation and omni-channel banking initiatives. Conference Call Unisys will hold a conference call today at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its results. The listen-only webcast, as well as the accompanying presentation materials, can be accessed on the Unisys Investor website at www.unisys.com/investor. Following the call, an audio replay of the webcast, and accompanying presentation materials, can be accessed through the same link. (1) Total Contract Value - TCV is the estimated total contractual revenue related to signed contracts including option years and without regard for cancellation. New business TCV represents TCV attributable to new scope for existing clients and new logo contracts. (2) Constant currency - The company refers to growth rates in constant currency or on a constant currency basis so that the business results can be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates to facilitate comparisons of the company's business performance from one period to another. Constant currency is calculated by retranslating current and prior period results at a consistent rate. Non-GAAP and Other Information Although appropriate under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the company's results reflect charges that the company believes are not indicative of its ongoing operations and that can make its profitability and liquidity results difficult to compare to prior periods, anticipated future periods, or to its competitors' results. These items consist of pension and cost-reduction and other expense. Management believes each of these items can distort the visibility of trends associated with the company's ongoing performance. Management also believes that the evaluation of the company's financial performance can be enhanced by use of supplemental presentation of its results that exclude the impact of these items in order to enhance consistency and comparativeness with prior or future period results. The following measures are often provided and utilized by the company's management, analysts, and investors to enhance comparability of year-over-year results, as well as to compare results to other companies in our industry. (3) Free cash flow - The company defines free cash flow as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. Management believes this liquidity measure gives investors an additional perspective on cash flow from on-going operating activities in excess of amounts required for reinvestment. (4) Non-GAAP operating profit - The company recorded pretax pension expense and pretax charges in connection with cost-reduction activities and other expenses. For the company, non-GAAP operating profit excluded these items. The company believes that this profitability measure is more indicative of the company's operating results and aligns those results to the company's external guidance which is used by the company's management to allocate resources and may be used by analysts and investors to gauge the company's ongoing performance. (5) EBITDA & adjusted EBITDA - Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") is calculated by starting with net income (loss) attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders and adding or subtracting the following items: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, interest expense (net of interest income), provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further excludes pension expense, cost-reduction and other expense, non-cash share-based expense, and other (income) expense adjustment. In order to provide investors with additional understanding of the company's operating results, these charges are excluded from the adjusted EBITDA calculation. (6) Adjusted free cash flow - Because inclusion of the company's pension contributions and cost-reduction and other payments in free cash flow may distort the visibility of the company's ability to generate cash flow from its operations without the impact of these non-operational costs, management believes that investors may be interested in adjusted free cash flow, which provides free cash flow before these payments and is more indicative of its on-going operations. This liquidity measure was provided to analysts and investors in the form of external guidance and is used by management to measure operating liquidity. (7)Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share - The company has recorded pension expense and charges in connection with cost-reduction activities and other expenses. Management believes that investors may have a better understanding of the company's performance and return to shareholders by excluding these charges from the GAAP diluted earnings/loss per share calculations. The tax amounts presented for these items for the calculation of non-GAAP diluted earnings per share include the current and deferred tax expense and benefits recognized under GAAP for these amounts. About Unisys Unisys is a global information technology company that specializes in providing industry-focused solutions integrated with leading-edge security to clients in the government, financial services and commercial markets. Unisys offerings include security solutions, advanced data analytics, cloud and infrastructure services, application services and application and server software. For more information, visit www.unisys.com. Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any projections of earnings, revenues, total contract value or other financial items; any statements of the company's plans, strategies or objectives for future operations; statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief or expectation. All forward-looking statements rely on assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. In particular, statements concerning total contract value are based, in part, on the assumption that all options of the contracts included in the calculation of such value will be exercised and that each of those contracts will continue for their full contracted term. Risks and uncertainties that could affect the company's future results include the company's ability to effectively anticipate and respond to volatility and rapid technological innovation in its industry; the company's ability to improve margins in its services business; the company's ability to sell new products while maintaining its installed base in its technology business; the company's ability to access financing markets to refinance its outstanding debt; the company's ability to realize anticipated cost savings and to successfully implement its cost reduction initiatives to drive efficiencies across all of its operations; the company's significant pension obligations and requirements to make significant cash contributions to its defined benefit plans; the company's ability to attract, motivate and retain experienced and knowledgeable personnel in key positions; the risks of doing business internationally when a significant portion of the company's revenue is derived from international operations; the potential adverse effects of aggressive competition in the information services and technology marketplace; the company's ability to retain significant clients; the company's contracts may not be as profitable as expected or provide the expected level of revenues; cybersecurity breaches could result in significant costs and could harm the company's business and reputation; a significant disruption in the company's IT systems could adversely affect the company's business and reputation; the company may face damage to its reputation or legal liability if its clients are not satisfied with its services or products; the performance and capabilities of third parties with whom the company has commercial relationships; the adverse effects of global economic conditions, acts of war, terrorism or natural disasters; contracts with U.S. governmental agencies may subject the company to audits, criminal penalties, sanctions and other expenses and fines; the potential for intellectual property infringement claims to be asserted against the company or its clients; the possibility that pending litigation could affect the company's results of operations or cash flow; the business and financial risk in implementing future dispositions or acquisitions; and the company's consideration of all available information following the end of the quarter and before the filing of the Form 10-Q and the possible impact of this subsequent event information on its financial statements for the reporting period. Additional discussion of factors that could affect the company's future results is contained in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. RELEASE NO.: 0801/9526 Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder. UIS-Q UNISYS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue Services $ 574.8 $ 613.8 $ 1,160.1 $ 1,208.9 Technology 91.4 135.1 170.6 206.8 666.2 748.9 1,330.7 1,415.7 Costs and expenses Cost of revenue: Services 526.7 529.1 1,031.2 1,062.8 Technology 37.0 41.5 76.8 76.1 563.7 570.6 1,108.0 1,138.9 Selling, general and administrative 114.2 115.7 223.3 225.8 Research and development 13.1 13.1 26.9 29.1 691.0 699.4 1,358.2 1,393.8 Operating profit (loss) (24.8) 49.5 (27.5) 21.9 Interest expense 14.3 7.8 20.0 12.2 Other income (expense), net (3.2) 2.6 (11.6) 1.4 Income (loss) before income taxes (42.3) 44.3 (59.1) 11.1 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (3.8) 18.8 9.1 24.3 Consolidated net income (loss) (38.5) 25.5 (68.2) (13.2) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3.5 3.9 6.5 5.1 Net income (loss) attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders $ (42.0) $ 21.6 $ (74.7) $ (18.3) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Unisys Corporation Basic $ (0.83) $ 0.43 $ (1.48) $ (0.37) Diluted $ (0.83) $ 0.36 $ (1.48) $ (0.37) Shares used in the per share computations (in thousands): Basic 50,437 50,069 50,346 50,036 Diluted 50,437 71,786 50,346 50,036 UNISYS CORPORATION SEGMENT RESULTS (Unaudited) (Millions) Total Eliminations Services Technology Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Customer revenue $ 666.2 $ 574.8 $ 91.4 Intersegment $ (5.4) 5.4 Total revenue $ 666.2 $ (5.4) $ 574.8 $ 96.8 Gross profit percent 15.4 % 14.1 % 58.8 % Operating profit (loss) percent (3.7)% (1.6)% 35.5 % Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Customer revenue $ 748.9 $ 613.8 $ 135.1 Intersegment $ (5.9) 5.9 Total revenue $ 748.9 $ (5.9) $ 613.8 $ 141.0 Gross profit percent 23.8 % 16.8 % 66.9 % Operating profit percent 6.6 % 2.1 % 48.0 % Total Eliminations Services Technology Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Customer revenue $ 1,330.7 $ 1,160.1 $ 170.6 Intersegment $ (10.7) 10.7 Total revenue $ 1,330.7 $ (10.7) $ 1,160.1 $ 181.3 Gross profit percent 16.7 % 16.2 % 53.1 % Operating profit (loss) percent (2.1)% 1.5 % 26.1 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Customer revenue $ 1,415.7 $ 1,208.9 $ 206.8 Intersegment $ (11.5) 11.5 Total revenue $ 1,415.7 $ (11.5) $ 1,208.9 $ 218.3 Gross profit percent 19.6 % 15.5 % 60.4 % Operating profit percent 1.5 % 1.4 % 37.4 % UNISYS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Millions) June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 571.1 $ 370.6 Accounts and notes receivable, net 573.9 505.8 Inventories: Parts and finished equipment 17.1 14.0 Work in process and materials 15.3 15.0 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 135.1 121.9 Total 1,312.5 1,027.3 Properties 908.9 886.6 Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization 757.5 741.3 Properties, net 151.4 145.3 Outsourcing assets, net 178.1 172.5 Marketable software, net 134.0 137.0 Prepaid postretirement assets 42.6 33.3 Deferred income taxes 149.9 146.1 Goodwill 180.0 178.6 Restricted cash 19.1 30.5 * Other long-term assets 151.3 151.0 * Total $ 2,318.9 $ 2,021.6 Liabilities and deficit Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term-debt $ 11.3 $ 106.0 Accounts payable 199.0 189.0 Deferred revenue 346.6 337.4 Other accrued liabilities 329.1 349.2 Total 886.0 981.6 Long-term debt 629.8 194.0 Long-term postretirement liabilities 2,230.3 2,292.6 Long-term deferred revenue 116.3 117.6 Other long-term liabilities 86.6 83.2 Commitments and contingencies Total deficit (1,630.1) (1,647.4) Total $ 2,318.9 $ 2,021.6 * Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. UNISYS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Millions) Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities Consolidated net loss $ (68.2) $ (13.2) Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities: Foreign currency transaction losses 5.1 0.4 Non-cash interest expense 4.4 2.8 Loss on debt extinguishment 1.5 Employee stock compensation 6.2 5.3 Depreciation and amortization of properties 19.8 19.3 Depreciation and amortization of outsourcing assets 26.3 25.7 Amortization of marketable software 31.8 32.4 Other non-cash operating activities 2.5 1.0 Loss on disposal of capital assets 4.2 1.6 Pension contributions (71.2) (64.1) Pension expense 45.8 41.8 Increase in deferred income taxes, net (0.4) (9.7) Changes in operating assets and liabilities (Increase) decrease in receivables, net (57.4) 24.9 (Increase) decrease in inventories (2.6) 5.8 Decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (28.3) (35.6) * (Decrease) increase in other liabilities (8.6) 12.3 (Increase) decrease in other assets (1.1) 6.2 * Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities (90.2) 56.9 * Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from investments 2,502.0 2,236.8 Purchases of investments (2,487.1) (2,238.0) Investment in marketable software (28.8) (30.2) Capital additions of properties (15.9) (11.0) Capital additions of outsourcing assets (36.9) (28.8) Other (0.3) (0.2) * Net cash used for investing activities (67.0) (71.4) * Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 445.0 213.5 Payments for capped call transactions (27.3) Issuance costs relating to long-term debt (11.7) (7.3) Payments of long-term debt (97.7) (1.3) Payments of short-term borrowings (65.8) Other (2.1) (0.4) * Net cash provided by financing activities 333.5 111.4 * Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 12.8 0.1 * Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 189.1 97.0 * Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 401.1 396.8 * Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 590.2 $ 493.8 * * Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. UNISYS CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited) (Millions, except per share data) Three Months Six Months Ended June 30, Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders $ (42.0) $ 21.6 $ (74.7) $ (18.3) Cost reduction and other expense: pretax 29.0 10.2 54.4 37.1 tax (benefit) provision (8.5) 0.1 (9.0) (2.1) net of tax 20.5 10.3 45.4 35.0 Pension expense: pretax 21.3 21.5 45.8 41.8 tax provision 1.6 0.3 1.8 0.6 net of tax 22.9 21.8 47.6 42.4 Non-GAAP net income attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders 1.4 53.7 18.3 59.1 Add interest expense on convertible notes 4.5 5.2 Non-GAAP net income attributable to Unisys Corporation for diluted earnings per share $ 1.4 $ 58.2 $ 18.3 $ 64.3 Weighted average shares (thousands) 50,437 50,069 50,346 50,036 Plus incremental shares from assumed conversion: Employee stock plans 295 167 341 150 Convertible notes 21,550 12,593 Non-GAAP adjusted weighted average shares 50,732 71,786 50,687 62,779 Diluted earnings (loss) per share GAAP basis GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Unisys Corporation for diluted earnings per share $ (42.0) $ 26.1 $ (74.7) $ (18.3) Divided by adjusted weighted average shares 50,437 71,786 50,346 50,036 GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.83) $ 0.36 $ (1.48) $ (0.37) Non-GAAP basis Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Unisys Corporation for diluted earnings per share $ 1.4 $ 58.2 $ 18.3 $ 64.3 Divided by Non-GAAP adjusted weighted average shares 50,732 71,786 50,687 62,779 Non-GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.03 $ 0.81 $ 0.36 $ 1.02 UNISYS CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OPERATING PROFIT TO NON-GAAP OPERATING PROFIT (Unaudited) (Millions) Three Months Six Months Ended June 30, Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 GAAP operating profit (loss) $ (24.8) $ 49.5 $ (27.5) $ 21.9 Cost reduction and other expense 27.8 10.2 47.9 37.1 FAS87 pension expense 21.3 21.5 45.8 41.8 Non-GAAP operating profit $ 24.3 $ 81.2 $ 66.2 $ 100.8 Customer revenue $ 666.2 $ 748.9 $ 1,330.7 $ 1,415.7 GAAP operating profit (loss) % (3.7)% 6.6 % (2.1)% 1.5 % Non-GAAP operating profit % 3.6 % 10.8 % 5.0 % 7.1 % UNISYS CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP (Unaudited) (Millions) FREE CASH FLOW Three Months Six Months Ended June 30, Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash (used for) provided by operations $ (49.2) $ 31.0 $ (90.2) $ 56.9 Additions to marketable software (15.0) (15.9) (28.8) (30.2) Additions to properties (7.4) (4.4) (15.9) (11.0) Additions to outsourcing assets (24.0) (13.7) (36.9) (28.8) Free cash flow (95.6) (3.0) (171.8) (13.1) Pension funding 42.3 32.5 71.2 64.1 Cost reduction and other payments 7.6 21.2 28.8 39.2 Adjusted free cash flow $ (45.7) $ 50.7 $ (71.8) $ 90.2 UNISYS CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP (Unaudited) (Millions) EBITDA Three Months Six Months Ended June 30, Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income (loss) attributable to Unisys Corporation common shareholders $ (42.0) $ 21.6 $ (74.7) $ (18.3) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3.5 3.9 6.5 5.1 Interest expense, net of interest income of $2.2, $3.1, $4.6, $5.6, respectively* 12.1 4.7 15.4 6.6 (Benefit) provision for income taxes (3.8) 18.8 9.1 24.3 Depreciation 23.1 24.3 46.1 45.0 Amortization 16.1 16.0 31.8 32.4 EBITDA $ 9.0 $ 89.3 $ 34.2 $ 95.1 Pension expense 21.3 21.5 45.8 41.8 Cost reduction and other expense 29.0 10.2 54.4 37.1 Non-cash share based expense 2.5 2.1 6.2 5.3 Other (income) expense adjustment** 4.1 0.5 9.6 4.2 Adjusted EBITDA $ 65.9 $ 123.6 $ 150.2 $ 183.5 * Included in Other (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income ** Other (income) expense, net as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income less Interest income and items included in cost reduction and other expense View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unisys-announces-second-quarter-2017-financial-results-and-reaffirms-full-year-financial-guidance-300497793.html SOURCE Unisys Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] If youve seen political comedian Will Durst perform before, you might have heard him give a variation on a joke about how some embarrassment of a politician has been an embarrassment of riches for Dursts own career as a satirist. Even when that politician was George W. Bush, as it was for a while in Dursts stand-up and solo shows, that punch line felt self-congratulatory and tone-deaf, as if to say, I know all of you are suffering, but this guy has been great for me! So it feels all the more inauspicious when an early line in Durst Case Scenario, which opened Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Marsh, makes a similar crack about our 45th president as if, in these terrifying times, we could possibly care about how much hes profited as a comic. But if the opening segments of Dursts latest one-man show misfire, with lazy humor about weed, Westworld, the Giants and the Folsom Street Fair, give him some time. Eventually, Durst Case Scenario becomes something more profound: a step back from the dizzying barrage of headlines; a sharp accounting of just how bad things really are and how we got here, all the way back to the Iowa caucus, which feels like another lifetime even though it was just last year; a rage-fueled aria, shorn of any pretense or gimmick, from an unkempt man who doesnt care about niceties any more. In one of Dursts wisest lines of the night, he briefly abdicates his role as a satirist, ceding the floor to our absurd political climate itself and his audiences own image of it, of ourselves, of how history might evaluate us. It doesnt get a laugh; its too sobering. The 45th president of the United States is Donald Trump, he says, pausing for effect. Thats the joke. Stalking about the stage and taking swigs from a cup of Peets, Durst has eschewed his usual suit for an untucked oxford and T-shirt that reads mildly nauseous. Hed read like a batty recluse, except for his easy informality with his audience and his use of an Algebra I-style overhead projector, which he uses to draw graphs and show unfortunate photos of denizens of the West Wing circus. It isnt so much that he breaks the fourth wall, because there was never a wall to begin with. Hes like that cool government teacher in whose classroom you never felt like you had to raise your hand, even though it never would have occurred to you to interrupt his incisive yet discursive ravings anyway. Durst hits a range of targets, from low-information voters to Ben Carson, and if his jabs at Trump and other Republicans are like candy for a San Francisco audience, he reserves some of his most pointed barbs for the left, which he rightly accuses of spinelessness. Its not just a cathartic evening, but a galvanizing one (even if he makes some more missteps late in the piece, with a sexist dig at the first lady). In an era when our leaders disgraces daily merit extra-large headline fonts, our shame is blunted, numbed. We can no longer feel this scourge as acutely as our consciousnesses tell us we ought to. Durst, with his clear eye and his long view, helps bring us back to ourselves. Its up to us what to do next. Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak Durst Case Scenario: Written and performed by Will Durst. Through Sept. 19. 90 minutes. $20-$100. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org [August 01, 2017] Australia - Data Analytics, IoT, Cyber Crime and Data Centres LONDON, Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia progressing as a major APAC data centre hub BuddeComm describes 'big data' as looking at intelligent outcomes that can be achieved from data collaboration. The most critical issue here is strategic management, rather than technology. Big data has become a vital tool as competition is forcing many companies to transform their organisations from a company-centric approach to a customer-centric one. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5028001/ The fact that this development is being driven by data-rich organisations such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, eBay and many others operating in the digital economy is an indication that data management is a critical factor here. In other words, if you don't have your company's data systems and structures organised in a customer-centric way you won't be able to deliver a good customer experience. Connected information management, however, can go much further. There are many other players involved in the broader ecosystem, and by sharing and combining relevant data sets and then analysing those large data sets we can find new correlations that can be used to spot business trends, assess customer behaviour, prevent diseases, combat crime and so on. Key emerging trends for 2018 in data analytics include: embedded analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), behavioural analytics and predictive analytics. The arrival of cloud computing, Big Data, M2M and Internet of Things (IoT) allowed for a large range of new services and applications in the data centre market, especially aimed at small and medium organisations. These developments have given an enormous boost to the data centre market, with investments totalling $5 billion over the 2011-2017 period. The Government continues to increase in maturity in their understanding of cloud technologies, how to use cloud to the best of their advatage, and how to optimize their existing infrastructure. Spending in the cloud government segment is expected to rise over the next few years as the government pushes its cloud-first agenda. Australia has progressed to now be one of the four major sub-markets for data centres in Asia alongside Singapore , Hong Kong and Japan . Greater diversity however has led to the fact that it is now harder to serve the entire region from one location. The Asia-Pacific region is currently undergoing very strong wholesale colocation growth driven by large-scale global cloud providers including Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google, Microsoft and IBM as they expand aggressively in major hubs. Sydney has emerged as the cloud connection capital of the Asia Pacific region, home to the most number of direct connections to public cloud services. Growth of data centres is largely driven by the shift to cloud computing, as companies of all sizes scoped out new ways to boost efficiency, foster innovation and find a competitive edge. The 'Internet of Things' (referring more to personal devices such as wearables and smartphones) and M2M (referring to a more industrial use based on sensors) are going to be real game-changers. They will transform every single sector of society and the economy and it will be out of this environment that new businesses and indeed new industries will be born. LTE and later on 5G will take a leadership role in the development of M2M but the NBN is also a key infrastructure element as more and applications will require high quality video. These developments are closely linked to big data, data analytics, cloud computing and data centres and these elements all play a fundamental role in the success of this new infrastructure. Demand in IoT is expected to be driven by three vertical industries: automotive, utility and security applications. High growth sectors to 2021, are likely to include smart home technologies, airport facilities automation, electric vehicle charging and in-store contextual marketing. Key developments: Embedded analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), behavioural analytics and predictive analytics are emerging trends in data analytics. Data centre customers are migrating from co-location services and managed hosting to cloud services. Cloud providers are the fastest growing segment of most Australian data centre providers. Spending in the cloud government segment will rise as the government pushes its cloud-first agenda. Demand in IoT will be driven by automotive, utility and security applications. High growth IoT sectors include smart home technologies, airport facilities automation, electric vehicle charging and in-store contextual marketing. Key companies mentioned in this report: Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5028001/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/australia---data-analytics-iot-cyber-crime-and-data-centres-300497896.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate UPDATE: Howard Bragman, chairman and founder of Los Angeles public relations firm Fifteen Minutes who claims to be representing Anthony Scaramucci, told SFGATE Thursday that the Huffington Post report cited in this article was inaccurate. Bragman said Scaramucci "saw his newborn son multiple times in July." Anthony Scaramucci has dominated headlines over the past two weeks. Between his 10-day stint as White House communications director, giving an expletive-filled interview with the New Yorker, and denying a rumored affair with a Fox News host, Huffington Post reports Scaramucci hasn't been able to meet his newborn son. Scaramucci famously missed the birth of his child on July 24. He was with the president in West Virginia at the Boy Scout Jamboree when his wife, Deidre Ball, went into labor. The New York Post's Page Six reported he simply sent her a text. Ball filed for divorce weeks earlier on July 6. The former White House communications director defended himself to the Huffington Post's Vicky Ward, saying that his wife's due date was Aug. 9, so he wasn't expecting her to give birth so soon. When he found out she was going into labor, he tried to fly from West Virginia to New York, but wasn't able to because of the restricted airspace around Air Force One, he said. According to Huffington Post, Scaramucci still hadn't met his son as of Tuesday afternoon, eight days after his birth. He said his wife texted him to ask for space, though Ball's attorney told Ward that the text messages did not pertain to the seeing the baby. This is Scaramucci's second child with Ball. He also has three children from a previous marriage. "It's fine. I mean, what am I going to do?" he told the Post, regarding the state of his relationship with Ball. In the same interview, Scaramucci adamantly denied a rumored relationship with Kimberly Guilfoyle, a Fox News host and former wife of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. A spokesperson for Guilfoyle told the Post the two are "good friends." He also said he was upset that New Yorker reporter Ryan Lizza published their now infamous interview because "the Lizzas and Scaramuccis have been friends for over 50 years." Lizza denies any such close relationship. Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com. 1 Historic pact: Macedonia and neighboring Bulgaria signed a historic friendship agreement designed to dampen a historic rivalry in their region that is still at odds over old ethnic and territorial disputes. The deal, in which both countries renounced territorial claims against each other and Bulgaria commits to backing its smaller neighbors bids to join the European Union and NATO, was warmly hailed by EU and German officials. Macedonias Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Bulgarias Boiko Borisov signed the agreement Tuesday in the Macedonian capital, Skopje. It says neither country will engage in or back hostile acts against the other. 2 Human-wildlife conflict: A deadly conflict is under way between Indias growing masses and its wildlife, confined to ever-shrinking forests and grasslands, with data showing that around one person has been killed every day for the past three years by roaming tigers or rampaging elephants. Statistics released this week by Indias Environment Ministry count a total 1,144 people killed between April 2014 and May of this year. That breaks down to 426 human deaths in fiscal 2014-15, and 446 killed the following year. The ministry released only a partial count for 2016-17 of 259 killed by elephants up to February of this year, along with 27 killed by tigers through May. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan A suicide bombing attack on a NATO convoy near Kandahar in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday left two U.S. service members dead, a Pentagon spokesman said. Navy Capt. Jeff Davis confirmed the deaths. There was no information on the number of troops wounded. The Taliban quickly took responsibility for the attack, and a spokesman for the insurgents said the bombing allegedly killed 15 soldiers, but the Taliban routinely exaggerate their casualty figures. The Taliban also said the attack destroyed two armored tanks. The insurgents spokesman for southern Afghanistan, Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, said fighter Asadullah Kandahari was the hero who carried out the attack with a small pickup truck, packed with explosives. Kandahar province was the Taliban spiritual heartland and the headquarters of their leadership during the five-year rule of the Taliban, which ended with the U.S. invasion in 2001. The service members were part of an international force referred to as the Train, Advise and Assist Command south, a reference to their location in the country. The combined U.S. and NATO troop contingent currently in Afghanistan is about 13,500. The Trump administration is deciding whether to send about 4,000 or more U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan in an attempt to stem Taliban gains. Also on Wednesday the Taliban ambushed and killed Jaghatu District Gov. Manzur Hussain and a passenger in his car. The Taliban have stepped up their attacks in recent weeks hitting district headquarters, government officials and Afghan National Security Forces with increasing frequency. Kathy Gannon and Mirwais Khan are Associated Press writers. SARANDA, Albania Descending beneath the waves, the cloudy first few feet quickly give way to clear waters and an astonishing sight dozens, perhaps hundreds, of tightly packed ancient vases lie on the seabed, testament to some long-forgotten traders unfortunate voyage more than 1,600 years ago. A short boat ride away, the hulking frame of an Italian World War II ship appears through the gloom, soldiers personal items still scattered in the interior, its encrusted railings and propeller now home to growing colonies of fish and sponges. Off the rugged shores of Albania, one of the worlds least explored underwater coastlines, lies a wealth of treasures: ancient amphorae long, narrow terracotta vessels that carried olive oil and wine along trade routes between north Africa and the Roman Empire, wrecks with hidden tales of heroism and treachery from two world wars, and spectacular rock formations and marine life. From what Ive seen so far, you cant swim more than a few meters without finding something thats amazing, whether its on the cultural history side or the natural history side, here in Albania, said Derek Smith, a coastal and maritime ecologist and research associate who has been working with the nonprofit RPM Nautical Foundation to explore the Albanian coastline for the past decade. Now Albanias National Coastline Agency is examining how best to study and protect its sunken attractions while opening them up to visitors in a nation that is virgin territory for the lucrative scuba diving industry. The idea of presenting the Albanian underwater heritage is a new idea for the country, because so far there is very little known about the rich history of the Albanian coastline, and in particular the shipwrecks, said agency head Auron Tare, who has been involved for the past 12 years with RPM Nautical Foundations underwater research. I believe the time has come now that we should present to the world the wealth of this heritage that we have in our waters. Once more isolated than even North Korea, Albania has gradually opened up to international tourism and shrugged off its former image as a hermit state that briefly turned into lawless bandit territory in the late 1990s. But coastal land development has been burgeoning in an often anarchic fashion, and there are fears the more accessible wrecks could be plundered unless adequate protections are put into place. Legislation is expected to be passed soon to protect the countrys underwater heritage while also granting some access to visitors. Neighboring Greece, to Albanias south, has struggled with balancing tourism with protecting its ancient artifacts. Greece was so fearful of losing its underwater antiquities it banned diving outright in all but a handful of places. Even today, diving is forbidden on any wreck ship or plane built more than 50 years ago, regardless of when it sank. Albania sits at a strategic point at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea and along ancient trade routes from Italy to the Balkan peninsula. Much more remains to be explored. Elena Becatoros is an Associated Press writer. You know that revolution/reclamation thing thats happened in the food industry over the past decade? The one thats revived farm-to-table restaurants and seasonal menus as a remembering of how things were done when they were achieved by hand, and an honoring of natural cycles and ingredients? Japanese designer Hiroki Nakamura is in tune with this movement, but his medium is fashion. The founder, designer and creative force behind Japanese label visvim is a detail-oriented genius who revives ancient techniques and traditions to create rare textiles, which he then uses to make garments and shoes. Nakamura's fascination with fabric is lifelong; his Vogue designer profile says the 46-year-old artisan has collected rare pieces of denim since he was 14. An example of revival in visvim designs is Nakamura's use of what is rumored to be the oldest type of paper in Japan, mino washi. Making it is a beautiful aqua-process. Underwater, tiny, shimmery fibers are removed from pale gray leaves, then they're pounded flat with a special mallet that leaves floral patterns in the doughy substance. Finally, the paste is spread into a thin layer on a bamboo mold and bathed in a milky wash. It becomes opaque and pearl-white. This lengthy endeavor produces just one sheet of the material, which is a fraction of what's needed for a skirt or blouse. The embroidery on this Lungta BD Sashiko chambray shirt has a Native American look. WMV visvim, a branch of the textile-driven label Nakamura co-created with his wife Kelsi, opened its flagship store on Shelby Street with a soiree on July 15. Matched with the weekend of the International Folk Art Market, the opening drew a gathering of stylish individuals, including trend forecaster Li Edelkoort, who is essentially a living oracle and dean of hybrid design at Parsons School of Design. The Nakamuras visit Santa Fe yearly (but couldn't be reached for an interview due to hectic travel schedules and the fact that they spend much of their time in Tokyo, Japan) and are close with Jed Foutz, owner of Shiprock Santa Fe. They have personal affinity for the city, and choosing to open a flagship store hereinstead of New York or Parisshows how much this brand is about doing things their way, and authentically. The adobe boutique features both mens and womens pieces, as well as some exclusive items and footwear. Style-wise, visvim is a blend of gender and culture that sits somewhere between sophisticated Southwestern native Jedi and Japanese monk. The visvim world is the futuristic desert art mecca many of us are hoping to be beamed up into, post haste. (Or that we want to imagine for Santa Fe, 2050.) Visvims Elevation Short Skirt is made with wool and linen. The piecesfrom empire-waist tunics to long jacketsare oversized, giving them you-want-to-wear-me-everyday-appeal. Their color palettes will make you reimagine how contrasting colors exist naturally, like the mustard trim on a midnight blue kimono, which looks as earthly as bright stars speckling the late night sky. Become acquainted with the painstakingly difficult processes behind creating some of these textiles and garments on the company's site visvim.tv (yes, that is the URL), which features "product introspections." These essays, accompanied by photographs and videos, explain each textile visvim uses, how it's made and its tradition. In a passage on his site, Nakamura writes, "Taking old, forgotten fabrics and re-examining them with a modern conceptualization and techniques can open up new possibilities." Youll see footwear, like these Christo FIL Tokyo Exclusive sandals, on Shelby Street. On a recent visit to the shop, I eyed tops and moccasin-like sneakers, but the white mini dress in the back room solidified my opinion: This brand's handmade works of art are beacons of patient craft in a sea of mass-produced street wear. The dress ($2,200) was made with a heavy white fabric, its natural lines forming an agate-like pattern in delicate silk texture. It was the kind of dress you want to get married in, go on vacation in, attend your final party in. You could say dreamyso much soand I am clearly still thinking about it. This intelligent collection of stunning pieces looks particularly good bathed in the Santa Fe light, if I do say so myself. Drop by, and don't gasp at the price; think of the purpose and creativity. The world needs beautiful things made by smart people. WMV visvim 10 am-5 pm Monday-Friday; noon-5 pm Saturday. 222 Shelby St., 983-7599 Santa Fe Reporter Best-ish of SF, July 26 Youll Get Old Too, ADV The condescending rant by ADV ... against the "dancing" of baby boomers and "those beach chair weirdos" at the free Railyard shows compel me to respond to Alex's whining about the popular concerts. Healthcare deserves our attention more at the moment. But ageism, sexism, and disability rights are exactly the kind of issues Baby Boomers fought to change. We already rejected "only" ballroom dancing in favor of our own styles, and music is and was a vehicle for social change. So, Alex, "strange dancing" is too much for you? And, the chairs bother you? Well, how about a baby boomer responseyou don't like something, be part of the solution. Maybe, some of the chairs could be limited (for more dancing). But, you might want to consider that "Forever Young" is just a song, not a reality. One day, you too might need to take a load off and just listen to the music. Meanwhile, I bet that the musicians appreciate the audience getting up and moving, or listening. Jasmine Stewart Santa Fe Mmm, Marshmallows I'm glad to see the Burger Stand earned some recognition here, as they appear to have not ranked in the restaurant listings. And yes, Eliza Lutz does deserve recognition for her hard work bolstering the independent music scene in Santa Fe, particularly since High Mayhem has slowed down in recent years. Bravo. Angus Burns SFReporter.com Cover, July 19: A Moral Choice Trust Women, Yo Count me as a certified card-carrying liberal Democrat. But I draw the line on late term abortions. Many fetuses are by then well on their way to becoming viable people. Those little kiddos, as well as their pregnant mamas, deserve our compassion and care. My Number 1 daughter arrived at least two months early. She grew up strong and became New Mexico's State Gymnastics Champion. Tamsin Jill blesses us now with my two lively grandchildren. Plenty of adults now hope to adopt. My advice: Steer clear of late-term abortion docs (except for severe physical handicaps). Give these little ones a chance at life. Richard Polese Santa Fe SFR will correct factual errors online and in print. Please let us know if we make a mistake, editor@sfreporter.com or 988-7530. Mail letters to PO Box 2306, Santa Fe, NM 87504, deliver to 132 E Marcy St., or email them to editor@sfreporter.com. Letters (no more than 200 words) should refer to specic articles in the Reporter. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. Santa Fe Reporter Walk into the Department of Healths rented office spaces on Rodeo Road and youll see not one, but three signs with large print instructing visitors to head to suite 200 on the second floor for the Medical Cannabis Program. Upstairs, a receptionist accepting applications makes friendly small talk with prospective patients whove formed a line. That line is getting longer. New Mexico's medical cannabis program recorded 44,403 active patients in June, up from 40,432 in April. And as the state appears reluctant to discuss the trajectory of its program, physicians and dispensaries are finding each other to form an improvised, pro-pot healthcare network that is helping mint new cards at a quickening pace. In the last two weeks, SFR submitted at least nine requests for an interview with Kenny Vigil, the division director for the medical cannabis program and a former department spokesman and television producer. Vigil refused to answer questions. The silence is one reason why Dr. Benson Daitz, a family medicine physician and a professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico, is working on a documentary that explores the impact of medical cannabis on patients in the state. The filmmakers are speaking with medical professionals, patients and cannabis producers to shine a light on a subject obscured by decades of federal prohibition on scientific research into marijuana. "The idea of it really has more to do with what my own experience has been as a physician working in a pain clinic and seeing folks who've benefitted," Daitz tells SFR. For now, doctors and nurse practitioners have to seek out patients to refer to the program, and patients have to seek out cannabis-friendly docs to fill out state paperwork that says they qualify with one or more of 21 recognized conditions. Participating is Dr. Florian Birkmayer, an Albuquerque-based physician featured in Daitz' film who specializes in holistic care tailored to individual patients. He acknowledges there aren't many doctors in New Mexico who do what he does. On the phone, Birkmayer is quick to say that he got his medical degree from an Ivy League university (Columbia University; his undergrad was Princeton). He eventually began treating people with substance abuse issues, at which point he became "frustrated with modern psychiatry and its over-reliance on prescription psychiatric medicines, because it just didn't work well and caused horrible side effects." A student of Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious, he's also administered equestrian therapy and believes he's helping people on their journey to self-discovery. "If I have something with firsthand experience that I can see is better, and not have to prescribe something with horrible side effects, I'm morally obliged to do that," Birkmayer says of writing cannabis recommendations. He is well-known among the cannabis dispensaries in Santa Fe. He drops into New Mexicann Natural Medicine, Fruit of the Earth Organics and Ultra Health several times a month to consult with prospective patients experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. (Full disclosure: Dr. Birkmayer filled out my referral for a medical cannabis card.) Shift Cannabis, the newest dispensary in Santa Fe, also refers most of its potential customers to him. Yet most of the time patients visit dispensaries, they're consulting with budtenders. Budtenders aren't doctors, but their jobs call for recommending particular strains or products. They're a hybrid between a barista, a checkout clerk and, yes, a pharmacist. When you buy from them for the first time, your guess about what would work best for you might be just as good as theirs. Demand for cannabis cards is so high that some businesses are based solely on arranging short appointments between doctors and patients. Elora McMinn, office manager at the Albuquerque-based Peace Cannabis Cards, which she describes a for-profit "medical marijuana card clinic," has a rotating list of nurse practitioners, family practitioners and psychiatrists who come to the clinic every few weeks. "We do come across a lot of people who come in and say, 'My doctor won't let me do any of this, they won't agree with it, how do I proceed?'" McMinn says. "We're for those people who don't have [pro-cannabis] doctors." Many dispensaries maintain relationships with licensed caregivers. Abby Rodriguez, a family nurse practitioner, says she recently started pitching her services to dispensaries around town. New Mexicann allowed her to leave a pile of cards for patients to call, and the dispensary now lists her as one of the 13 medical providers it works with across the state. "For cannabis, I try to bring awareness to other providers that maybe don't know much about it, or that maybe have a stigma around it," says Rodriguez, whose practice integrates both Western and alternative medical approaches. In her experience, providers are open to learning more about the plant, but less willing to recommend it. Others are recommenders and evangelists. The Verdes Foundation, a dispensary in Albuquerque, sends at least one of its two staff nurses to speak with groups curious about cannabis an average of once a month. The foundation produces cannabis and has a dispensary, but also considers community outreach to be a core part of its mission. "By talking with the business community, we can showcase that we are a legitimate business in the state of New Mexico," says Community Relations Manager Shawna Brown. She cites an upcoming presentation in September that the organization's director of operations, a registered nurse named Rachael Speegle, will give in Santa Fe to the New Mexico Association of Health Underwriters on the ethics of recommending medical cannabis. When it comes to matters like insurance, the law can be tricky for caregivers to navigate. For example, if a primary doctor fills out a card recommendation for a patient who is charging the doctor visit to their insurance, the doctor might be running afoul of federal law, which states that doctors cannot prescribe anything listed as a Schedule I narcotic by the Drug Enforcement Agency. One of the biggest question marks is whether US Attorney General Jeff Sessions will follow through on his threat to crack down on state medical marijuana programs. Most people who spoke with SFR say they're skeptical that the feds could stymie a program with such momentum (New Mexico's program, which started in 2007, has seen a 67 percent increase in the number of active patients just in the last year), let alone prosecute providers. That possibility is "definitely something that would be a fear of mine," says New Mexicann dispensary manager Josh Alderete. He continues, "but I'm not really following it too much. Still gotta come to work, you know?" Santa Fe Reporter [August 02, 2017] Oracle CEO Safra Catz to Recognize Women Innovators SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Women Tech Council (WTC) is pleased to announce that Oracle CEO Safra Catz will be the keynote speaker at the 10th annual Women Tech Awards, an event to recognize technology-focused women driving innovation, impacting technology companies, creating new technologies and inspiring the technology community. "With her leadership, vision and passion, Safra Catz represents what all women in technology strive to achieve," said Cydni Tetro, president of WTC. "Her presence at this event further validates the importance of recognizing the women who are growing the technology sector, and the importance of creating environments where all women can succeed." "I've known Safra for many years and am thrilled that she'll be keynoting this year's Women Tech Awards," said Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "Safra represents the very best of the technology industry. Under her leadership, Oracle has grown into one of the nation's most important and innovative software companies. Safra sets a tremendous example for all technology professionals, especially women, and I look forward to hearing her counsel for Utah's rising tech leaders." The Women Tech Awards recognizes women for their accomplishments in driving innovation, leading technology companies and building the technology economy. In the 10-year history of the program, 178 women in technology and 23 university students have been recognized. Their work has also inspired the uture generation through the hundreds of high school and university students invited to attend the awards every year to see firsthand the opportunity and impact of being a woman in technology. In 2016, Catz was named one of Forbes' "The World's 25 Most Powerful Women." Catz has been a driving force at Oracle ever since joining the company in 1999 and becoming a member of the board of directors in 2001. Since then, she has led the company as President, CFO and now CEO. With a focus on corporate development, Catz has led Oracle successfully through more than 100 acquisitions. She served on the board of directors for HSBC Holdings plc from May 2008 to December 2015, and currently serves on the executive council at TechNet. The Women Tech Awards will be held Friday, October 27 from noon 2 p.m. at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. The awards are presented by Domo, Dealertrack, Dell EMC, EY, Vivint Smart Home, Pluralsight, Chatbooks, GOED, USTAR and Oracle. Education Tables are available for $1,500 and Basic Tables are $1,250. To purchase tickets for the event go to www.womentechcouncil.org. Event Details: Date: Friday, October 27, 2017 Time: 12 2 p.m. Location: Grand America Hotel 555 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT Tickets for the awards are $125 for members and $150 for non-members and can be purchased online at womentechcouncil.org. About Women Tech Council The Women Tech Council (WTC) is a national organization focused on the economic impact of women in driving high growth for the technology sector through developing programs that propel the economic pipeline from K-12 to the C-suite. WTC offers mentoring, visibility, opportunities and networking to more than 10,000 women and men working in technology to create business environments focused on high performance, not diversity, where men and women can succeed. This propels individual careers and the talent pipeline by ensuring a strong, diverse, and entrepreneurial technology workforce. For more information on Women Tech Council, visit: www.womentechcouncil.org. Trademarks Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media Contact Abby Shaha [email protected] 801-481-9482 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oracle-ceo-safra-catz-to-recognize-women-innovators-300498426.html SOURCE Women Tech Council [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In August 2013, local band Treemotel performed during the Santa Fe Bandstand series and rocked my face off so hard I never forgot. At that time a five-piece, Treemotel, under the watchful eye of bandleader Mark Williams, had zeroed in on a nearly perfect mix of nerd-punk, experimental rock and fun. In a column following that performance (Everybody Loves Treemotel, Aug. 6, 2013), I likened them to Dead Milkmen, Modest Mouse and certain then-members of Northern California label Asian Man Records roster. Williams voice, however, was (and is) more uniquehes a nerd, he knows it, hes not ashamed. The songs were explosive and chaotic, though with a firm foundation in throwback Clash-esque punk rocknot bad for a guy who started out wanting to be a childrens entertainer. And it was good. Right up until they disappeared. "We moved to Austin in 2013 as a band," Williams says. "It didn't split us up right away, but it was harder to see each other since we were all busy trying make a living." Treemotel would make an honest go of it, but never found consistent support in Texas. Around one year after they'd arrived, original members like David Badstubner and Greg Butera would move on; vocalist Lindsey Mackin would form still-operating indie act Annabelle Chairlegs and, by 2015, Williams wound up just as he'd started: as a solo act. A former student of the College of Santa Fe and a graduate of Santa Fe University of Art and Design, this didn't much faze Williams. "I wanted to give Austin a little more time," he says. "I mean, I was sad when everybody left, but time passes and it's all good." Williams grew up in Virginia and spent time in Orange County, California, and Japan, where his mother is from. In 2006 he came to Santa Fe to study painting and studio art at CSF, and then SFUADbut, he says, "the contemporary music program always felt like my home." In the years before and all through college, Williams recorded hundreds of demos on his laptop, but making friends with SFUAD music majors ultimately helped him form the band. "After CSF shut down, when we came back, [Treemotel] was one of the only bands left on campus," he explains. "The people who came back were mostly musicians, and I was able to befriend them." This meant two full-length albums and an EP plus small regional tours before the band's fall. Cut to this week, and Treemotel has reformed with original member Badstubner, consummate drum champ Mikey Chavez and guitarist/vocalist Elise Southwick, who is perhaps better known as a member of the Wise Fool troupe. "I was hoping somewhere in the back of my head I'd be able to come back to Treemotel some day," Williams says. "We were on fire when we leftthat's kind of why we leftbut now I've learned a lot; I've heard our new songs have matured; our energy is very different in that in a simple sense, we've matured." Regardless, Williams says he believes the Treemotel sound remains intact, though with Southwick adding to the mix, everything seems bigger. Williams also says he's touring Japan solo this October. Take note, then, that the band is slated to perform at the very first concert at the new Second Street Brewery location on Saturday. Not only is this exciting because it means Treemotel is officially back on the scene (they've played a handful of smaller shows lately, to be fair), but because it helps set the tone for the new venue: It's focused more on actual concerts, as opposed to bands crammed in a corner to which no one has to pay any attention. "I like saying my band is great," Williams adds, without even a hint of pomposity. "I think we're fantastic, but I want to be nice about itand a lot of it is confidence in my friends, because they make my music sound good." Treemotel with The Washboard Abs and 100 Watt Horse 8 pm Saturday Aug. 5. $5 suggested donation. Ghost 2899 Trades West Road Santa Fe Reporter Santa Fe Police Chief Patrick Gallagher is looking to fill 19 vacancies in the city's police force. At a July community gathering at the Harvey Cornell Rose Park, Gallagher told an audience of South Capitol residents that the police department only had 158 active officers on duty. But the number of authorized positions is 177, he said. The chief was responding to residents asking why the police department could not send foot patrols to the affluent neighborhood after multiple women reported a serial sexual predator on the loose. Gallagher told SFR in a phone interview Tuesday that while he doesnt believe foot patrols in South Capitol would be the best deployment of resources, the SFPD does hope to increase patrolling there and the rest of the city with new hires. Calls for service have increased a little bit, and because of calls for service increasing, were not able to do our proactive patrol as much as we want to, and thats city-wide, the chief says. We want the ability to do more proactive patrolling and be here as an omnipresent deterrent to crime, rather than responding after the fact. He suggests that calls for services may be higher this year due to a population bump following the city's annexation of several thousand acres of county land that expanded Santa Fe's southwestern city limits. Gallagher says he doesn't have hard data about the number of calls for service over time, however, because the records management system "is antiquated and doesn't let us do a thorough analysis." The department is accepting both new cadets as well as lateral transfers from elsewhere. Cadets start at $19.11 per hour, according to a city press release, while lateral transfers are given 40 hours of sick leave and 40 hours of annual leave. Cadets are easier to acclimate to the culture of Santa Fe police, Gallagher explains, but their retention rate is much lower than those whove been recruited from other departments. We dont want to be seen as poaching other departments, so to speak; we dont actively recruit from other departments, says Gallagher, who himself worked as an officer with the New York City Police Department for two decades until presiding as a chief in Truth or Consequences and then Santa Fe. By the end of last week, five officers who had been involved in a fatal confrontation with a mentally distressed man had returned to duty after taking administrative leave. They included Officer Jeremy Bisagna and Officer Luke Wakefield, who together fired 17 shots at the man. Gallagher tells SFR the cop shortage isn't related to the officers quick return to work. Thats just standard procedure, he says. They were psychologically cleared as fit for duty as a result of that, and the investigation by state police is still ongoing, and our internal investigation will follow that in due course. Santa Fe Reporter Bat signals An endangered species of bat is being monitored by a team of researchers at New Mexico State University. Mexican long-nosed bats pollinate agave plants used in Mexican tequila. Researchers are inserting small trackers under the skin of the bats to study their migration patterns from Mexico to caves in Southwestern New Mexico, Texas and California. Trumpcare by another name Although the US Congress failed to repeal Obamacare, President Trump could still take the ol blowtorch to the thing by allowing states to take greater control over their Medicaid budgets (or by ending BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies, as he once tweeted). This would allow states to request waivers that might ultimately result in less coverage for certain low income people. About 40 percent of New Mexicos population is enrolled in Medicaid, and the state health department is expected to release an updated version of its Medicaid plan by September 1. Criminal justice roundup Albuquerque police say the guy they shot and killed Monday pointed a gun at officers. A man who told cops hes a bus driver with Santa Fe Public Schools was charged with soliciting oral sex from a 13-year-old. Santa Fe police say that over the weekend a father and son fired more than 20 rounds at the home of an alleged biker gang rival. And a man has pleaded guilty in federal court for murdering an 11-year-old girl and kidnapping her 9-year-old brother in the Navajo Nation. Thanks for reading! The Word is telling it like it is this morning. VIDEO: President Trump unveils legislation that would place new limits on legal immigration. https://t.co/cJ17AuCTYD The Associated Press (@AP) August 2, 2017 Today Trump blessed a bill to cut legal immigration in half. Here's what he said in an interview two months ago: pic.twitter.com/JssK3OqhP0 Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 2, 2017 I've been saying for months that the Trump administration would come after legal immigrants next, and here we are. https://t.co/aqNl0pLt6w Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) August 2, 2017 And here's me last month noting many of the legal immigration talking points Trump used today are hot garbage. https://t.co/Qs01jxSzXQ Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) August 2, 2017 When I warned Trump would come after legal immigrants next, I was called a dum-dum hysteric alarmist, but here we are. Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) August 2, 2017 Chatham Island Wind, an Australian-owned business that had promised to slash power bills for islanders dependent on diesel generators, has been put into liquidation three years after its parent went into voluntary administration. The two French-designed 225kW turbines were installed on land leased from Chatham Mayor Alfred Preece after the local utility, Chatham Islands Electricity, signed a 20-year build own operate transfer (Boot) agreement with Chatham Island Wind in 2010. The contract was terminated in 2014 after the parent of Chatham Island Wind, now known as BlueNRGY Group, got into financial difficulties. While BlueNRGY emerged from administration in 2015, efforts to renegotiate the agreement on terms more favourable to the local community and get the turbines running again were unsuccessful. The second turbine was dismantled this week and the equipment is now in the hands of liquidator Vivien Madsen-Ries of Deloitte, who was appointed after Inland Revenue sought to have Chatham Island Wind wound up. As of last year, the local utility had planned to take possession of the turbines and invest in battery storage but nothing came of that. Chatham Islands Electricity wrote off the value of the wind turbine resource consents last year. "We've discontinued our relationship. There's a significant amount of money that needs to be expended on the turbines," said Brian Harris, chief executive of Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust, which oversees the power company as well as the airport, forestry, port and fishing quota companies. Any proposal to get the turbines up and running again "needs to be cost-effective and reduce energy costs on the island." BlueNRGY, which has stock that trades on the over the counter 'pink' market in the US, where managing director William Morro is based, didn't respond to requests for comment but it may be focused on bigger issues. The stock was last at 10 US cents and has been as high as 80 US cents this year, although it trades infrequently. BlueNRGY describes itself as "a pioneer in providing internet-of-things (IOT) technologies to the renewable energy sector." According to its 2016 annual report, when it emerged from administration in 2015, several of its businesses continued to post losses, leaving the company struggling to continue as a going concern. It also faced a class action lawsuit, which it was in the process of settling in March this year. In May, BlueNRGY announced a strategic realignment of its businesses, "closing its operations and maintenance service offerings globally" and saying it would no longer provide engineering, procurement and construction services. Those parts of the business had included the Chatham Islands wind turbines. Its focus is now on its Draker and Inaccess software platforms designed to help manage portfolios of renewable assets. Many Chatham Islanders use solar cells along with diesel generators to power their businesses and homes. Those connected to the power lines paid up to $1.02/kWh for electricity, according to a Martin Jenkins report in 2014, the highest in New Zealand, eating up the profits of power-dependent companies and hindering economic development. That's encouraged interest in alternative sources of electricity including micro-hydro and biogas energy systems but it has also presented the Chathams with some false dawns. One of those was wave power. In 2010 the then Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee gave a $2.16 million grant to Chatham Island Marine Energy, a company that planned to "install a shore-based device to capture wave energy". It didn't get built and that company is no longer registered, although its owner, Pacific Marine Energy, is still registered. The grant came from the $8 million Marine Energy Deployment Fund, set up by the previous Labour government in 2007 and administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority until 2011. EECA's website says that "while some useful lessons were learned, none of the six projects selected for funding have gone ahead." Still, Mayor Preece is optimistic about the prospects of cheaper power on the Chatham Islands. "There's no silver bullet. They talked about hydro for about 50 years," he says. "There's always been a myth that the wind blows all the time in the Chathams but it doesn't." The wave energy proposal "didn't have any financial credibility." Preece says he is travelling to the US in the next week or so and is hoping to catch up with BlueNRGY's Morro or his Australian executives about the wind turbines, which he says are "very good units" that could "work extremely well with the improvements in battery technology." He cites the contract won by Elon Musk's Tesla to build the world's largest lithium ion battery for South Australia as part of the state's renewable energy strategy. The turbines "aren't scrap metal but there's a use-by date. It's a salty, windy atmosphere the turbines have been operating in," Preece said. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: The Warehouse Group FY23 First Quarter Sales Update PEB - Interim Financial Results to be Announced 24 November 2022 EROAD H1 FY23 Results and Conference Call Details MFB - Appointment of Chief Executive Officer HFL - Annual report for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 11th Morning Report GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 Kathmandu Holdings says full-year profit rose as much as 13 percent after a successful winter sales season and increased revenue from Australia. Profit was between $37.4 million and $38 million in the 12 months ended July 31, from $33.5 million in 2016, the Christchurch-based outdoor equipment chain said in a statement. Earnings before interest and tax were in a range of $56 million to $57 million, from $50.9 million in the previous year. In March, the retailer beat its first-half guidance, having bounced back from an earnings slump in 2016 when an inventory build-up forced it into aggressive discounting at low margins to clear stock. Kathmandu shares have climbed 29 percent in the past 12 months, outpacing a 6.4 percent gain for the NZX 50 Index. "Our financial performance has been strengthened further during FY2017 through operating leverage, reduced inventory and record low debt, said chief executive Xavier Simonet. "Sales continued to grow in our key Winter promotion which completed four successive quarters of same store sales growth." Full-year sales rose 4.6 percent to $445.3 million while same-store sales rose 5.5 percent at constant exchange rates, the company said. On that basis, Australian sales gained 6.9 percent and New Zealand sales were up 3.6 percent. The shares last traded unchanged at $2.26. The company plans to release its full results for the year on Sept. 26. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: The Warehouse Group FY23 First Quarter Sales Update PEB - Interim Financial Results to be Announced 24 November 2022 EROAD H1 FY23 Results and Conference Call Details MFB - Appointment of Chief Executive Officer HFL - Annual report for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 11th Morning Report GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 Kingston Encrypted USB Flash Drives Win Key Government Security News ASB Security Award Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, has won a Government Security News 2017 Airport/Seaport/Border Security award in the category of "Cybersecurity Solution: Best Data Security/Loss Management Solution." From the DataTraveler 2000, with alphanumeric keypad, to the GSN award winner IronKey S1000 for the most sensitive of data, Kingston provides solutions for every type of user. IronKey (News - Alert) S1000 is the ultimate security encrypted USB Flash drive and is available in both Basic and Enterprise models. IronKey S1000 features 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption in XTS mode, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation and on-device Cryptochip Encryption Key Management. Government Security News, in issuing the award, acknowledged the drive is designed specifically to meet the strictest standards and most demanding data-protection needs of sensitive military, government and enterprise information. Government Security News is the source of news, analysis, interviews, new products and technologies in all aspects of homeland security. Its audience includes federal, state and local officials, as well as integrators, contractors and suppliers who are similarly involved in the industry. "Cybersecurity attacks are every bit as serious and real as chemical, bio and artillery attacks," said Ken Campbell, Flash business manager, Kingston. "They can paralyze a country's infrastructure, compromise government/company records and cost all of us untold millions of dollars and thousands of hours of unproductive time. Kingston recognizes the acute need for protecting data at-rest and ever more critical, in-transit - from government top secrets to individuals' private information. To have our quality encrypted USB Flash drives, that cater to a multitude of data protection needs, recognized for offering the best data security/loss management solution is a humbling achievement." IronKey S1000, as well as Kingston's full line of encrypted USBs, is available in capacities ranging from 4GB-128GB, backed by a five-year warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information please visit www.kingston.com. Kingston can be found on: YouTube (News - Alert): http://www.youtube.com/kingstontechmemory Facebook (News - Alert): http://www.facebook.com/kingstontechnology Twitter (News - Alert): https://twitter.com/KingstonTech Instagram: https://instagram.com/kingstontechnology/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/kingston About Kingston Technology Company, Inc. Kingston Digital, Inc. ("KDI") is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world's largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410. Editor's Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact David Leong, Kingston Digital, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA (News - Alert) USA 92708, 714-438-1817 (Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston's press room here. Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All other marks may be the property of their respective titleholders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005414/en/ Its mid-morning and the heat is intense as technician Yahya Riyami steps out onto an arid plain deep in the heart of Oman. Like generations of oil workers, Riyami is clad in work overalls, a hard hat and safety boots. Today, thanks to a new wave of digitalisation sweeping the energy world, he is also equipped with a headset and tablet which he uses to access live operational data and monitor production. Such innovation may not be out of place in some other industries. But facing sustained lower oil prices, energy companies are increasingly adopting digital technologies which use masses of instantly available data, or big data, to maintain or boost production. Industrial machinery is increasingly embedded with software and sensors which connect wirelessly to provide live data streams and which respond to digital commands. Analysing such data improves decision-making and efficiency. Were moving to a digital way of working, says Jaap van Dijk, a control and automation engineer for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) a joint venture between the government of Oman, Shell, Total and Partex which is rolling out the mobile platform Yahya is using. Were bringing the technology and connectivity that we use in our personal lives to our fields. Thats a real buzz. Its driving major efficiencies at a time when we need to do more with the same number of workers. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The owner of the Tompkinsville building, which was evacuated because of structural concerns, has been issued fines and will be required to hire an engineer to evaluate the structure. A spokesperson for the Department of Buildings said fines were levied against New York City Investment Group for issues with the exterior walls and temporary structures, which were improperly used to support the building at 67 Brook St. The company will be required to hire an engineer to assess the entire building, and obtain permits for the repair and shoring of the building by Aug. 21, according to the spokesperson. Violations were also issued for an illegal conversion found in the building. Several calls to a number listed for New York City Investment Group were not answered Tuesday. Despite collapse concerns that caused the building to initially be evacuated Monday, the DOB said the building is not currently in danger of collapse, and does not pose a danger to neighboring buildings. A full vacate order was issued by the DOB, and all tenants were offered assistance by the American Red Cross. Two families received relocation assistance from the American Red Cross, according to a spokesperson for the organization. Diana Santillo, 18, was outside the building Monday evening with her mother and several children, who she said were among the people who needed relocation. "Someone came and knocked on the door, and told everyone they needed to get out," she said. "They broke down the doors of people who wouldn't come out." Would you like to comment on this report? Click here to join in the conversation. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neil finished their five-borough tour in Staten Island for National Night Out Tuesday. The mayor and commissioner arrived at the event at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk in Midland Beach around 8:30 p.m., after many of the thousands who gathered at the event had already left. After a performance of the National Anthem, both the Mayor and Commissioner gave brief statements on crime in the borough. "It is a special pleasure to end up here, because there is a lot of good news in Staten Island," de Blasio said. "There's a lot to be proud of." The mayor congratulated the crowd in general, and specifically thanked the borough's police leaders, including Borough Commander Chief Edward Delatorre, for an 11.4 percent decrease in major crime, when compared to the same time last year. Delatorre said the turnout shows that police and community are working together to make a better Staten Island. "Everything that we want to happen on Staten Island is happening," he said. Also honored at the event were precinct commanders Deputy Inspector Joseph Simonetti of the 120, Deputy Inspector Matthew Harrington of the 121, Deputy Inspector Ebony Washington of the 122, and Captain Kenneth Noonan of the 123. Presidents of each Precinct Community Council were also awarded proclamations from the mayor. Presidents Josephine Marino of the 120, Robert Orlando of the 121, Crissi Lieto of the 122, and Sal Sottile of the 123 were honored. Victor Dolan, a member of the 122 council accepted the award on behalf of Lieto who was not present at the event. The mayor used part of his speech to remind people why National Night Out began 34 years ago. "It began because there was a problem all over this country, certainly all over this city," Mayor de Blasio said. "Crime was more and more rampant, but people banded together and said 'we're not gonna let this happen." He called the success achieved since then "almost unbelievable." He credited the success to the men and women of the NYPD. "Every year they get better at what they do," he said. He introduced Commissioner O'Neil after touting the success of the NYPD's community policing initiative. He described O'Neil as the "architect" of that initiative. "He's proven that his vision was right all along, and we owe him a great debt of gratitude" Mayor de Blasio said. Like the mayor, O'Neil thanked the men and women of the NYPD for their hard work in bringing crime down over the past 25 years. "It's an honor and a pleasure to be out here in Staten Island," the succinct Commissioner O'Neil said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Emergency medical personnel revived the same man twice within 12 hours with the anti-overdose drug Narcan. A 28-year-old man was found passed out in the front seat of a car at about 7:30 p.m. Friday in a parking lot on the 3000 block of Richmond Avenue in Eltingville, according to an NYPD spokeswoman. EMTs administered two doses of Narcan, at which point the man regained consciousness and was transported to Staten Island University Hospital in Prince's Bay, police said. At about 6:40 a.m. the next morning, police were called to a home on Elmbank Street in Eltingville, which is the same address associated with the man in public records. His 65-year-old father found him unconscious and called 911, according to a New York Daily News report. EMTs administered Narcan and the patient was conscious by the time officers arrived, police said. He was again transported to Staten Island University Hospital in Prince's Bay. The Advance is withholding the man's name since no charges were filed in connection with the incident. As of March, city agencies had spent at least $6.2 million on nearly 250,000 doses of the so-called "heroin antidote" naloxone since July 2008, STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A South Beach woman is headed to prison after admitting to running a prescription drug ring on Staten Island. Carolyn Richardson, 42, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and three years post-release supervision Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court, authorities said. Richardson, of Lamport Boulevard, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone in April. Her accomplice, Doraymus Robinson, 65, was sentenced to eight years in prison last month after pleading guilty to the same charge. However, it appears Robinson is planning to appeal his plea, according to a letter he wrote to the judge in the court file. In the letter, he writes he needs a new lawyer for the appeal, but can't afford one. "Please help," he told the judge. Authorities contend the two fraudulently operated a scheme to obtain and distribute opioids, like oxycodone, officials said. "This sentencing highlights how drug dealers infiltrate medical practices in order to divert controlled substances to street sales, increasing the supply of opioids in our communities," stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James Hunt. "However, law enforcement is doubling down on opioid traffickers; targeting traditional street dealers selling heroin and tracking down white collar criminals diverting prescription medication." Starting in January 2015, Richardson and her significant other, Robinson, used phony prescription pads to obtain methadone, Xanax and oxycodone from numerous pharmacies in New Jersey, officials said. They paid for them with cash or Medicaid cards and recruited others to write prescriptions, according to the federal criminal complaint. After the duo's accomplice was arrested, the person became an informant for drug agents and told the authorities Richardson would provide them and Robinson with fake prescriptions to fill in New Jersey, originally thinking they were for home-care clients until realizing the illegal operation was going on for years, the complaint said. The accomplice then went undercover and engaged in a buy operation with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the drug ring unraveled. During the operation, the complaint said, Richardson was caught selling the informant 200 Xanax pills for $1,000 in her apartment, and the transaction was caught on video. On Dec. 21, 2015, Richardson was also recorded selling fake prescription pads in the name of Dr. Carl Anderson to the accomplice for $3,000, according to court documents. STORAGE RAID Both defendants, the complaint alleges, kept blank prescriptions and a gun in a storage unit at the Stop & Stor facility on Quintard Street in South Beach. The unit, leased under a fake name with the Lamport address, was raided by the cops. Authorities recovered thousands of prescription pill bottles, a Ruger firearm, a currency counter, a pill counter, laptops and notebooks with lodging prescription transactions and dozens of driver's licenses, state IDs, social security cards and New York State Benefit ID cards, the complaint said. The unit also had 150 fake prescription pads with Dr. Carl Anderson's name with the contact number belonging to Richardson, authorities allege. Richardson originally thought Robinson had gutted the facility and complained to the informant that her "stash and everything was gone," the complaint said. Richardson, authorities said, continued filling fraudulent prescription pills with Anderson's name from April to July 2016. On July 24, police stopped her coming out of a New Jersey pharmacy and recovered 180 oxycodone pills and 120 methadone tablets that were filled with the fake doctor's prescription, the complaint said. "Carolyn Richardson and Doraymus Robinson used fraud and deceit to fuel the opioid epidemic for their own gain and at immeasurable cost to the community," stated Acting United States Attorney Bridget Rohde. "This office and our partners at the DEA will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to solve the opioid crisis, including by holding offenders, like Richardson and Robinson, accountable to the fullest extent under the law." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Unveiled in large, bright letters, the word "unity" stretched across the back of one of the bleachers at Port Richmond High School. Ten Port Richmond High School students, Staten Island Arts and the Wagner College Port Richmond Leadership Academy took to working on the space, previously a blank red canvas, to create a mural alongside previous pieces created by Staten Island artists. At the start of the project, Deputy Director of Staten Island Arts Monica Valenzuela said: "We were looking for a bold word" to be the focal point of the project. "Unity really stuck out, and we think that it really speaks to current events, but is also timeless," she added. The partnership then worked with Teaching Artist Robert Geronimo, and Street Artist Kevin Mahoney, to teach the students the basics of art and design. For Geronimo, one of the most enthralling parts of working on the project was that the students, "were all willing to learn." "For many of them, art is not their main interest, but they all had something really unique to say in their pieces," he said. The students' profound creativity shone through the piece, and Geronimo said he believes that their work "promotes creativity, imagination and also shows collaboration" because of the students work together to create the beautiful mural. "Art is a universal language, so it speaks on multiple levels, and when it's a big collaborative effort, there's something even more powerful about that," he said. Arlette Cepeda, director for the center for leadership and community engagement at Wagner College, oversees the Port Richmond Partnership Leadership Academy, a collaboration with Staten Island Arts, to help students receive the skills necessary for college readiness. Cepeda said the goal of the program is for the students to "go to any college; the one that fills their needs and passions and possibilities." However, the program's goals speak to students' needs outside of the classroom as well. "The idea is also that they feel the need and the desire to give back to the community, so that they become agents of change, and we somehow break the cycle of poverty and lack of resources because they become the leaders of tomorrow," Cepeda said. Timofej Jermolaev, a recent Port Richmond High School graduate and one of the project's artists, said the program helped in "expressing my creative side." In regard to the piece's importance to Port Richmond, he added, "A community, by definition, is just a unity of people, so this is an integral part of community." Port Richmond High School junior Chris Sweeney, another artist who worked on the piece, said the mural was the last thing he expected to do in the program, but that it was an "awesome" experience. He said he hopes people recognize that, "there's many different people that come to Port Richmond, different ethnicities, religions, and it's a very diverse community." Valenzuela concluded by saying: "Sometimes there were things that we weren't expecting and those were the happy accidents that ended up being really beautiful. And, it was in this spirit that the mosaic of the student's ideas, backgrounds and perspectives emerged to create this unique mural centered on working together to achieve something positive." To see more of the Staten Island Public Art Project, visit http://www.publicart.nyc for details. Want to comment on this report? Click here. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Yet another Democratic challenger has emerged to run against Rep. Daniel Donovan in 2018, making for five first-time candidates looking to take on the popular incumbent. Max Rose grew up in Brooklyn, attending school in Bay Ridge, and has lived on Staten Island for two or three years. Four other men have thrown their hats in the race. Mike Decillis, a Bay Ridge resident, is a former NYPD officer, paramedic and lawyer, and now a special education teacher in Manhattan; Zach Emig is a bond trader who moved from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to Tompkinsville a few months ago; Boyd Melson is a retired boxer and member of the Army Reserve who lives in Bensonhurst after moving from Manhattan; and Michael DeVito Jr. is a not-for-profit executive and former Marine who lives in Westerleigh. All five hope to challenge Donovan when he runs for a second full term in 2018. Rose is chief of staff for Brightpoint Health, a non-profit that runs health-care clinics across the city. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he is a captain in the National Guard and recently returned from a month-long deployment to Australia. His military and health-care backgrounds will shape the focus of his campaign, he said. "Obamacare is broken, we all acknowledge that," he said, noting the high cost of premiums, copays and deductibles. He wants to see a different version of Obamacare that lowers costs, has real universal coverage and finds a way to enforce the individual mandate which charges people fees for not buying health insurance. "There's millions of healthy people not participating in the health-care market ... who need to," Rose said. Lowering the cost of health care includes allowing the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare, as well as lowering the expense of avoiding and fighting medical malpractice suits, he added. "Tort reform has to be on the table," Rose said. But a large component of saving people money on health care is changing what is billed. Rose wants a value-based model for health care, eliminating the fee-for-service model, "where doctors and hospital systems get paid for outputs, for actually achieving value in the system, not just for services rendered." The combat veteran said he has no intention of leaving the Army to run for or hold office, and was critical of President Donald Trump's recent decision to ban transgender people from the military. "The transgender ban is ridiculous," he said. "If you can do the job and are willing to do it, then let's suit you up." Whether for women in infantry or transgender people in the military, "if you ever try to lower standards, that's when I have a problem because that's what gets soldiers killed." CRITICISM OF DONOVAN The first-time candidate has not yet held a fundraiser or filed a campaign finance report with the Federal Election Commission, and says he wants to see campaign finance reform, along with reform to the tax law that allows loopholes. "It's a disgusting system," he said of the way campaigns are paid for. However, "until there is campaign finance reform, we play to win." He turned his focus to the nation's capital, and said, "D.C. is a mess right now ... and Dan is part of that problem." He criticized Donovan for not holding an in-person town hall. "One of the basic tenets of the job" is to see constituents face-to-face," Rose said. "I think we need elected officials who have the courage to lead, and I haven't seen that." Donovan spokeswoman Jessica Proud said, "There will be plenty of time for politics, but right now Dan is focused on doing the people's business and solving problems. We will be happy to compare our record of leadership and delivering results with whoever emerges next year as the Democratic nominee." Page Content On Tuesday afternoon, August 1st, The Counsel General of The Peoples Republic of China stationed in Curacao, paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister William Marlin. Counsel General Mr. Zhang was accompanied by Mr Sun Li who works at the consulate and Mr. Cengiz Cucuk, The President of The St. Maarten China People Friendship Association. BATH -- In just a few days, one Central Illinois town is set to resume its annual battle against an invasive fish. Bath will host the 12th Annual Redneck Fishing Tournament. Its the one fishing tournament where you leave the poles at home but should strongly consider bringing a helmet, said Betty DeFord, who since 2005 has been putting this event together in this small town in Mason County along the Illinois River. The festivities get underway on Thursday with a traditional fishing tournament for kids and music events for everyone else. The redneck fishing begins at noon Friday. There are two heats on Friday and two more on Saturday. Theres also music, a bags tournament and other activities. Proceeds from the tournament go to help Central Illinois veterans. We have great sponsors, volunteers and people who come from all over to make this event successful. I hate these fish, but in trying to get rid of them Ive met some wonderful people," says DeFord. Asian carp have proliferated entire stretches of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers over the past decade. The fish are voracious eaters and destroy the natural habitat of traditional river fish. Asian carp also react to the noise of boat motors by propelling themselves out of the water at great speed and height. Its not uncommon for a boat to hit a school and dozens to come flying out of the water at head level. Armed with nothing but nets, the fishing tournament is a contest to see how many fish teams can get in their boats in two hours. Individual boats have hauled in more than 300 during one heat. Collectively, the teams remove thousands of the fish each year. DeFord started this as a protest of the fish that had taken over the river and ruined recreation and commercial fishing. Hundreds if not thousands of people descend on Bath to participate in the tournament and watch the festivities. Its attracted entries and media attention from across the country and around the world. A schedule of events and other information can be found at: www.originalredneckfishin.com The new school year is just around the corner. At the Mattoon Area Family YMCA we are busy preparing for our School Age Child Care Program offered at both Williams and Riddle Elementary Schools in Mattoon for youth in kindergarten through 5th grade. The program offers a safe environment, a variety of activities, positive interaction with other children, staff mentorship, and a commitment to providing a quality experience each and every day. Offered before school and after school, this program offers parents a place to take their kids when work schedules require the parents to leave the house early in the morning or when their job duties do not end prior to the end of the school day. The hours for the Before School Program are 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.. For before school hours, parents will sign children into the program, which leaves them in the care of Y staff. Our after school program begins once school is adjourned, as assigned teachers will take the youth to our Y staff inside the school. All youth must be signed out of the after school program by 5:30 p.m.. The goals of the Y School Age Child Care Program include: providing care and support to families in our community and helping youth develop to their fullest potential. Youth development includes values development, academic achievement, self-awareness and self-worth, improving physical skills and awareness of proper health and nutrition. If you are interested in your children attending the Y Before and After School Program, please stop by the Mattoon Area Family YMCA to pick up a registration packet. The packet includes valuable information such as fees, daily activity schedules, policies and information on financial assistance availability for the program. This program is a CCR&R approved program. CCR&R packets are available at the YMCA. Early dismissal days from school can be a struggle for some parents who do not have a plan for daycare. The Y School Age Child Care Program includes care on days when school is scheduled to dismiss early. It does not include weather related dismissals or days out due to weather. Another program that the Y offers throughout the school year is Dynamite Days Out. This program is held at the Mattoon Y on days when the Mattoon schools do have planned days out. With Dynamite Days Out the kids enjoy a day of fun at the Y. Activities include gym time, group activities, crafts and swimming. Please inquire about Dynamite Days Out at the Y Welcome Desk or by calling our Youth Development Director, Kayla Spencer at 217-234-9494. Another way to learn about the programs listed above is to stop by the Mattoon Y booth, which will be located at both Riddle and Williams Elementary Schools during school registration CHARLESTON -- A Mattoon woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges accusing her of causing an accident that killed one woman and seriously injured another. Shelby N. Espe, 24, entered the plea to charges in connection with the Jan. 20 accident north of Charleston that led to the death of Kayla L. Eggers and injuries to Andrea E. Garcia, who were passengers in the car Espe was driving. Both the charges to which Espe pleaded guilty were felony counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, as she was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the accident. There was no agreement Wednesday on a sentence for Espe, for whom court records list addresses on North 11th Street and on DeWitt Avenue, though other charges and traffic citations were dismissed. Coles County Circuit Judge Teresa Righter scheduled Espe's sentencing hearing for Oct. 17. The aggravated DUI charge that accuses Espe of causing Eggers' death can result in a prison sentence of three to 14 years, while the charge alleging the injuries to Garcia can bring a one- to 12-year prison term. Probation is an option as a sentence for both offenses. However, state laws require there to be "extraordinary circumstances" in favor of probation for it to be considered for an aggravated DUI conviction. The charges dismissed Wednesday included reckless homicide, which alleged that Espe unintentionally caused another person's death, namely by speeding and disregarding the stop sign at the intersection, resulting in the accident. Traffic citations for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and disregarding a stop sign were also dismissed. Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher is prosecuting the case and attorney Sean Britton represents Espe. The accident occurred at the intersection of Illinois Route 130 and County Road 1500N, about six miles north of Charleston, according to information from the Coles County Sheriff's Office. After going through the intersection, the car went off the road and traveled about 400 feet before hitting a bridge and going into a creek, the sheriff's office indicated at the time. According to the sheriff's office, Eggers, who was a 23-year-old Mattoon resident, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Garcia, also 23 at the time, for whom records show addresses in Effingham and in Charleston, and Espe were both taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana after the accident. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Abendmusik at First-Plymouth Church celebrates its 45th season this year. As if thats not enough, the Plymouth Brass -- Abendmusiks ensemble in residence -- enters its 40th season, and its the 20th anniversary of the church's Lied organ. With all that in mind, Abendmusik executive director Drew Duncan, who shed his one-year interim title on July 1, and artistic director Tom Trenney have put together a mammoth season with 12 events, including four with free admission. A typical season is eight events. Among the free concerts is a community singalong to Handels Messiah, scheduled for the Sunday following Thanksgiving. We feel (the free concerts) are a great opportunity for people to come and see what we do, Duncan said. Abendmusik will recognize Plymouth Brass' anniversary with its annual "Last Blast!" concert on New Year's Eve. The Lied organ will be the focus of guest artist Daryl Robinson's concert on Nov. 5. Abendmusiks signature event will be Considering Matthew Shepard, a collaboration with the Lied Center for Performing Arts, on Feb. 25 at the Lied -- away from Abendmusiks First-Plymouth home base. Composer Craig Hella Johnson will lead his Grammy Award-nominated choir, Conspirare, in the Nebraska premiere of Johnsons 100-minute oratorio exploring the life, death and legacy of Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student found beaten to death in October 1998. This is one of the biggest things Abendmusik has ever done, Duncan said. Tickets are now on sale and available at abendmusik.org or 402-476-9933. All concerts are at First-Plymouth, 20th and D streets, except "Considering Matthew Shepard." The following is a rundown of Abendmusiks schedule with ticket prices: Unclouded Day, sounding light, 4 p.m. Oct. 1. Having recently received the highest honor offered by the American Choral Directors Association, the voices of sounding light return to Lincoln to sing a diverse program. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students. Daryl Robinson (organ), 4 p.m. Nov. 5. Winner of the American Guild of Organists most prestigious national competition, Robinson comes to Lincoln for the first time and performs the Nebraska premiere of a mass for two organs and choir by French composer Yves Castagnet. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students. Messiah, community singalong, 4 p.m. Nov. 26. A food drive and fundraiser for the Food Bank of Lincoln, the singalong brings the community together to perform Handels masterpiece. Tickets: FREE The Savior of the Nations, Come, an Abendmusik Christmas, 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Dec. 17. The Plymouth Choir, Plymouth Ringers, and Abendmusik Orchestra come together to share the Christmas story with music and tales from around the world. Last Blast!, Plymouth Brass, 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Former Abendmusik directors Jack Levick and Jeremy Bankson return to Lincoln to help the brass ensemble celebrate its 40th anniversary and ring in the New Year. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students, $10. (Note: anniversary reception precedes the concert at 6:30 p.m. and costs $15 for adult, seniors and students.) Sing Around Nebraska, 3 p.m. Feb. 3. More than 150 children from the Lincoln area gather to sing under the direction of guest conductor Emily Ellsworth. Tickets: FREE My Funny Valentine, Tom Trenney, 8:15 p.m. Feb. 9. The Abendmusik artistic director serenades concertgoers from the Steinway piano, singing love songs from the Great American Songbook as a fundraiser for the organization. Tickets: $60 (dinner/concert) or $20 (concert only) for adults, seniors and students. Voces8, 4 p.m. Feb. 11. The British vocal ensemble performs a repertory from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary commissions and arrangements. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Youth Masterworks Festival Concert, 7 p.m. Feb. 20. Guest clinician William Weinert from New Yorks Eastman School of Music leads four of Nebraska high school choirs and two Lincoln high school orchestras in a concert of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozarts Coronation Mass and George Frideric Handels Coronation Anthems. Tickets: FREE Considering Matthew Shepard, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. Approaching the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepards tragic death, the gay, University of Wyoming student who was beaten to death, composer Craig Hella Johnson leads his Grammy-award-winning choir, Conspirare, in the Nebraska premiere of the oratorio. Tickets: $28 for adults, $14 for students; 402-472-4747 or liedcenter.org on Aug. 8. The Concordia Choir, 7 p.m. March 9. Grammy-winning conductor and composer Rene Clausen leads the 72-voice choir from Moorhead, Minnesota. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Pieta, 7 p.m. March 30. The Nebraska Wesleyan University and Plymouth Choirs come together to perform John Muehleisens piece about the sorrow and pain of mothers who lose their sons. Tickets: FREE Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Most parents genuinely want to do whats best for their children, and that includes making sure theyre protected from some of the things that can truly hurt them. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of those things; it can cause a host of unpleasant and potentially fatal diseases, and its sexually transmitted. HPV is a collection of more than 150 viruses that cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men. It has also caused anal and throat cancer and genital warts in men and women. The virus is contagious and is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact or intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with a person infected with HPV. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that roughly 14 million people a year are infected with the virus. Although most people have no symptoms, its possible for symptoms to show up years after the initial infection. Most of the time, HPV goes away on its own, but when it doesnt go away, it causes genital warts and a variety of cancers. The CDC says that 30,700 cancers each year in the United States are caused by HPV; 12,000 of these are cervical cancers, and 4,000 women die each year from cervical cancer. The vaccine prevents more than 28,000 of the 30,700 cancers diagnosed each year. The HPV vaccine, which has been around for about 11 years, is recommended for preteen girls and boys, so their immunity to the virus can build up prior to their becoming sexually active. Pediatricians recommend administering the two-dose vaccine to 12-year olds (and three doses at 16 or older). The vaccine is effective to administer until 26 years of age, but it wont help once someone has already been exposed to HPV or is already infected with it. The most effective time to get the vaccine is prior to becoming sexually active. So, why not get the vaccine for your preteen children? First, its often hard for parents to talk to their younger children about sexually transmitted diseases. Eileen Curtright, formerly of Lincoln, has three daughters, ages 13, 11 and 9. She and her husband believe in the efficacy of vaccines and agreed to get all of their daughters vaccines on the schedule recommended by their pediatrician. Her eldest daughter has received the HPV vaccine, and she plans to have the younger two vaccinated, too. Curtright did not, however, feel the need to discuss how the virus is acquired with her daughter. Childhood is full of vaccines from my daughters point of view, and receiving another one was no big deal, DeMott Curtright said. I told her this shot would protect her against a virus that can cause cancer. End of story. I saw no need to tell her how that virus is transmitted, not only because it might make her uncomfortable, but because it simply doesnt matter. The shame and hysteria surrounding this vaccine is only a problem for the adults who are so invested in spreading it. This is about protecting my daughters health, nothing more, nothing less. Susan Dinsmore of Lincoln opted to discuss it with her daughter Sadye, who was 12 at the time, when her daughters pediatrician, Stacie Bleicher, M.D., said, If you can give your child a shot that will prevent her from getting certain types of cancer, why wouldnt you? Dinsmore says, I thought her getting the vaccine was a no-brainer: She gets the shot; and shes protected for life. It wasnt all that difficult to discuss, either, because wed always talked fairly openly about everything, and she had older siblings she talked to, as well. Bleicher recommends the HPV vaccine to all of her patients, boys and girls, and a high proportion of her patients get the vaccine. In Nebraska, we have a state-mandated exam at 12 years of age, so we talk to parents and their children about the vaccine at that time, Bleicher said. Very few families refuse, but if a parent refuses, and the child really wants the vaccine, we encourage the child to check at the university health center when they go to college and see about getting it then. And we encourage them to get the vaccine prior to becoming sexually active. Caitlynn Gillaspie, who grew up in Lincoln, was in college when her aunt asked her if her mom or dad had recommended that she get the HPV vaccine. They didnt know about it and hadnt recommended it, so her aunt encouraged her to ask her gynecologist about it. When she did, her doctor recommended it, saying it prevented a multitude of cervical cancers, so Gillaspie got the series of shots. The HPV vaccine should be readily recommended by doctors to parents of young children, Gillaspie said. Its the best way to protect yourself from HPV, which is a very common STD, and it reduces the risk of cervical cancer. For me, it was a no-brainer. I wanted to do what I could to keep myself healthy and safe. When Danielle Kavan of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was growing up in Omaha, it wasnt that her parents refused to let her get the vaccine, like Gillaspies parents, they were simply unaware of the virus or the vaccine. Kavans gynecologist recommended that she get the vaccine, so she was 19 when she got the three-dose vaccine. Initially, her parents were upset, not because she got the vaccine, but because they were worried their insurance wouldnt cover it. Insurance did cover the costs, and they were happy she had been proactive in protecting herself against a virus theyd never heard of. As with everything these days, theres a lot of information available (and a lot of misinformation) regarding the virus and vaccine. Here are some facts about the vaccine: * It does not cause HPV. As with most vaccines, there are people who are afraid theyll get the disease from the vaccine. Thats not how the vaccine works. Called Gardasil, the vaccine does not contain live virus or any particles of the HPV virus, so it cannot possibly cause an HPV infection. It stimulates the body to produce antibodies to the actual virus, so your body can effectively destroy the virus if youre ever exposed to it. * It does not have more severe side effects than other vaccines. If youre allergic to yeast or latex, tell your doctor, and he or she will take precautions prior to administering the vaccine or recommend that you not get it. The most common side effects with all vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, are swelling at the site of the injection, tenderness and soreness. Apply an ice pack immediately after getting the shot to help decrease the swelling and tenderness. * It only takes one sexual partner to get infected. Unfortunately, even if its the first time youve had sex, it may not be your partners first time, and if your partner is infected with HPV or any other STD, he or she can infect you, too. * Getting the vaccine does not cause sexual promiscuity. Because the HPV virus is transmitted through sex, some parents worry that by giving them the vaccine, theyre sending the wrong message or encouraging their children to have sex. Multiple studies using data gathered by the CDC have shown that teens who get comprehensive sex education, including information about STDs, as opposed to no sex education, delay the onset of sexual activity, have a 50 percent less risk of a teen pregnancy, and a far lower risk of acquiring an STD. In the end, the reason most parents opted to get their children vaccinated was that even if their own child abstained from having sex until they were married or in a committed relationship, the person with whom they were having a relationship may have had a prior partner and have acquired the virus. So, even that son or daughter can get the infection. Were a religious Catholic family, and my pediatrician is a devout Christian," Curtright said. "Under his advice, I didnt hesitate for a second to get my daughter this shot. Why would I put her at risk of any kind of cancer when theres a way to prevent it? I find some of the opposition to this vaccine almost misogynistic. Theres all this shame and blame about female sexuality, to the point that were literally willing to risk our daughters getting cancer rather than acknowledge that they might have sex someday. But you know what? Your adult daughter might contract this virus from her husband after her big church wedding. Your sexual morality has nothing to do with this -- this shot prevents a disease, and its simply prudent to get it. Leading charity St Vincent De Paul has warned an urgent increase in affordable housing is needed in Canberra to prevent a homelessness crisis in the near future. Statistics from St Vincent De Paul claim homelessness has risen significantly since 2012. Despite this increase, they say levels of social and crisis housing have not grown since 2012. Spare 10 is supporting Canberra's homeless along with Vinnies. Working together are (back left) Emma Madsen co-founder Spare 10, Tim Coxhead, co-ordinator Vinnies night patrol, (front left) Barnie Van Wyk, CEO St Vincent de Paul and Soudalay Thannawongsa co-founder Spare 10. Credit:karleen minney "Homelessness is spiralling out of control, and we need to take control," Barnie Van Wyk, ACT St Vincent De Paul chief executive officer, said. "Unless we have some affordable housing and support for people that are homeless in the very near future, and there's definitive decisions being made by the local government, next year will be really difficult for us," he said. The head of one of Canberra's most notorious residential colleges has acknowledged he's expelled more students than other hall leaders in the past two years because of sexual assault or harassment. John XXIII College head Geoff Johnston said the Australian National University-affiliated residency welcomed an upcoming review "because we can always learn". John XXIII head of college Geoff Johnston. Credit:Rohan Thomson The ANU announced on Tuesday it would review the dozen residencies associated with the university after a landmark study was released showing widespread issues of sexual assault and harassment among students. The ANU recorded 116 sexual assaults in the past two years, 52 of which were on campus. Mr Johnston said John XXIII had already spent several months rewriting its sexual assault policy with the document now under review from students and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre. Sydney shock jock Ray Hadley has called ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury a "grubby little man" after Mr Rattenbury used parliamentary privilege to defend himself against a "SLAPP suit". Mr Rattenbury told the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday evening he would not be "intimidated" or "silenced" by the "bullying tactics" of the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club, who have launched defamation action against him. Radio announcer Ray Hadley said ACT MLA Shane Rattenbury looked like an 'unmade bed'. "The defamation threat they have made against me is a classic SLAPP suit strategic litigation against public participation historically a tactic used by dodgy developers to silence community activists and provide a chilling effect on media reporting of issues," Mr Rattenbury said. Hadley used his talkback radio show on Wednesday morning to accuse Mr Rattenbury of being "cowardly" going into parliament to make "unsubstantiated" allegations. Hardware giant Bunnings Warehouse has unwittingly become the centre of a massive tradie tax fraud, the chair of Treasury's Black Economy Taskforce says. The fraud reveals the shaky "honour system" that underpins Australia's tax code. Bunnings Warehouse's Australian Business Number is being used in more than 40 per cent of all ABNs quoted in the Northern Territory, according to Michael Andrew, the chair of Treasury's Black Economy Taskforce. It is potentially costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in missed revenue. China-backed Yancoal Australia will raise $US2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) in equity to fund the purchase of Rio Tinto Group's Australian coal assets, with its parent Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. tipping in $1 billion. Under the arrangement announced on Tuesday, Glencore, which will jointly operate some of Rio's Coal & Allied operations in the Hunter Valley with Yancoal, will contribute $300 million. Two Chinese investment groups, China Cinda Asset Management Co. and Shandong Lucion Investment Holdings Group Co, have ommitted to a further $1 billion in the entitlement offer. The Takeovers Panel said Yancoal had provided shareholders "with a guaranteed opportunity to maintain their existing percentage interest in Yancoal..." Credit:Michele Mossop "The strategic acquisition of Coal & Allied will redefine our position within the global coal marketplace and strengthen Yancoal Australia for the future," Yancoal Chairman Xiyong Li said in a statement Wednesday. Investors in Yancoal responded to the news by wiping 35.9 per cent from its share price taking it to 25 cents when it emerged from a four-day trading halt. What keeps corporate leaders up at night? It isn't the chaos in Washington or rising worker pay. It's what Amazon is, or could be, doing to their business models, according to a Bloomberg analysis of the conference call transcripts of America's latest profit reporting season. The expanding online behemoth has morphed from a retail category killer to a much broader enterprise that now competes with everything from high-end grocers to technology developers. It's safe to say companies have taken notice -- and are increasingly concerned about the competition. Looking at the last 90 days of earnings calls and other corporate events such as investor days, a trend emerges. Amazon comes up a lot. It was mentioned a staggering 635 times over that time frame, while President Trump came up just 162 times and wages were discussed 111, the earnings call data show. It's become even more pronounced over the past 30 days, with Amazon garnering 165 mentions compared with 32 for Trump and 22 for wages. Indeed, the most offensive part of all is that Martin Place's most controversial residents have organised themselves without permission from the designated homelessness officers in the bureaucracy; without approved, branded homelessness charity materials; and without providing any photo ops to ministers or CEOs or clergy to show how much they care about the homeless. It's not offensive because the people who are living in the tents and/or delivering and using the Street Kitchen's services are homeless. It is offensive because said people, simply by coming together in an organised fashion, are demonstrating the failure of governments and NGOs to meet their needs for adequate shelter, defined on their terms. At least, it is for Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Social Housing Minister Pru Goward . Likewise for Lord Mayor Clover Moore, and no doubt many charities for whom supporting the homeless is their business, too. Rewi Waetford in front of his tent at the safe space for homeless in Martin Place, where a self-determined community is materialising the failure of those in power to carry out their duties. Credit:Wolter Peeters And the residents of Martin Place are continuing to hold out on their own terms.The Premier claims that the homeless in the plaza have been offered accommodation and are simply refusing to help themselves. The homeless and their supporters have replied that the offered accommodation is not safe, nor affordable, nor acceptable. It has included emergency accommodation that costs $26/night and facilities that have no cooking apparatus and that one must exit after four weeks. The Lord Mayor says the state government should hand over the Sirius building for affordable housing for the homeless, but the Martin Place residents are concerned that even that would still result in the homeless being subject to invasive management techniques of large charities. History shows that whenever inequality in society starts to increase and really show, the rich and powerful work extra hard to find a way to make the poor appear ungrateful for the crumbs they are thrown from the table. As Leonard Cohen puts it in Tower of Song: "The rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poor." That is: the disciplining of people who have the audacity to ask for the basics of life on their own terms is an age-old strategy of institutional power when it is struggling to maintain its face. The corporate, government, and non-government agents who each have particular stakes in getting the residents of Martin Place what they need would do better to listen to what the residents are saying. Which is that the state government should penalise investors out of the housing market and work towards resident-managed housing models. They're saying that federal government should remove negative gearing and replace it with first home buyer incentives such as low-cost loans that are forced on financial institutions. Calling the potpourri they peddled at their Lincoln head shops poison, a federal judge sentenced mother and son business owners to prison time Tuesday and fined them millions. Allen Peithman and Sharon Elder's sentencing -- Peithman to nine years and seven months and Elder to five years and three months -- capped a federal prosecution that started in 2015, on the heels of more than 100 locals landing in the hospital after smoking the drug often called K2, spice or synthetic marijuana. In hearings Tuesday that ran more than five hours, defense attorneys argued that Elder, who was running operations at Dirt Cheap and Island Smokes, was trying to stay on the right side of the law, going so far as to get advice from an attorney and consulting with Lincoln police. If police were so concerned about a health crisis, why didn't they ask Elder to stop selling it, attorney Korey Reiman asked. He said they were more concerned with building a case than public safety. "The government's whole role here was to bankrupt AJ Peithman and Sharon Elder, and they've done it," Reiman charged. But Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf told Reiman he wasn't going to convince him that Peithman and Elder didn't know people were buying the potpourri to smoke it and get high. "They'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to think it made some of them sick," he said. Kopf said Peithman and Elder thought they could skate around the law knowing there was a possibility the stuff was illegal. Much of the argument, which the judge referred to as "an intellectually vigorous exchange," involved whether he could use evidence of conduct the jury had acquitted them of to arrive at their sentences. In March, the jury found Peithman and Elder guilty of conspiracy to sell misbranded drugs, commit mail fraud, receive illicit profits and structure bank deposits to avoid financial reporting. Individually, jurors found Elder guilty of conspiring to sell drug paraphernalia for pipes and Peithman of violating his supervised release. But it acquitted them on what Reiman termed the more serious counts they faced, including a drug dealing conspiracy and money laundering charges. "You don't think selling something that made 110 people deathly ill is a serious crime?" Kopf shot back. In the end, just before the judge gave Peithman the prison term, ordered him to pay $5,186 in restitution, and fined him and AEP Properties $950,000, Peithman said he cares about his community and never meant for all of this to happen. "It was a gray area. That's how I looked at it," the 38-year-old said. But, had he known firsthand "people were dropping," Peithman said, he would've told his mom to stop selling it. "My mom's not a criminal, it falls on me," said Peithman, who got another 14 months for violating his supervised release on a meth charge. She is supposed to be retired, he said of Elder. But because of something he started, she was there, and he's going to have to live with that for the rest of his life, Peithman said. Elder didn't give a statement before Kopf sentenced her to the prison time, to start in two months, and fined her $500,000 and her now defunct business, Cornerstone Plaza, $2,060,000. Attorney Bob Creager argued for less for the 72-year-old grandmother with serious health problems, describing her as a woman who stepped in for her son when he went to prison, not the gun moll she's been made out to be. Underneath this was an evil that needed to be prevented and a signal that needed to be sent, he said. But, Creager argued, Kopf did that with Peithman. "Sharon was dragged into this, maybe a little bit naive and maybe relying on bad advice," he said. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Fullerton said the evidence at trial was clear, Elder knew what was going on. "She did it purely to make money," the prosecutor said. Kopf said Elder paid $1,492,000 to buy the potpourri, claiming it was just incense to be burned to make a home smell more palatable. "With respect, you just can't pay that amount of money and be innocent," the judge said. The millions in fines levied are on top of a $1.2 million monetary judgment he entered against them. Tuesday likely won't be the end of it. Appeals are expected. But the more dispiriting responses have been those that conclude that anything to do with protecting the interests of aspiring and sitting parliamentarians would not stand a chance of being accepted by the community. The standing of our politicians has sunk so low now that anything emanating from them would be condemned out of hand as self-interest. Some of the reactions to the call by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for four-year parliamentary terms for the House of Representatives have been similar. Despite the Australia-wide trend for state parliaments to move from three to four years and the satisfaction that has followed such moves, some people are too cynical and others are too tired to want to do anything about it. Yet our federal parliamentary terms are clearly too short and this probably interferes with good government. In the first camp are some government ministers who smell a rat in anything the opposition leader says even though there is no obvious political gain to be had. There is clearly a case for bipartisanship. No change will happen otherwise. Yet his call is dismissed as just something an opposition leader says when they are trying to get an edge on the government. Never give an opposition leader a break! In the second camp are those who see some worth in the proposition but doubt whether any proposal that extended the terms of those hated politicians could be justified to the Australian people. Bad governments would be entrenched! Senators would enjoy eight-year terms! So much for a willingness to think boldly about big structural reforms to our politics. Both reform of Section 44 and the introduction of four-year terms are matters that should be relatively apolitical and unthreatening if handled sensibly. If Australians can't summon up the energy to tackle them then it bodes ill for the much bigger matters on our constitutional agenda like Indigenous recognition and having an Australian Head of State. James Athanasou Maroubra The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, just wants the homeless "out of sight, out of mind". It is an embarrassment to this government, having their failure on their doorstep. However, a solution is just around the corner: the Sirius building could house these people tomorrow. The reason the government doesn't want to use it is that Sirius stands as how public housing should be built. It was purpose-built to house a community, purpose-built for public housing, and it is totally suitable for public housing. It stands as a victory in saving The Rocks historic area from demolition by a Liberal government. It stands for a diversified city, a city of inclusiveness, not exclusivity. Chris Hinkley Dawes Point The solution to providing housing for people sleeping in tents in Martin Place, Belmore Park and under the viaduct at Wentworth Park requires some lateral thinking. Many buildings at Rozelle Hospital remain empty and boarded up. These buildings could provide a place for the homeless to sleep and be provided with food and bathroom facilities. I would urge Clover Moore and Gladys Berejiklian to take a tour of Rozelle Hospital and see for themselves the many buildings being underutilised. Greg Thomas Annandale If our precious Premier "feels uncomfortable" about seeing tents in Martin Place, why doesn't she make more public housing available to the homeless instead of selling it off to developers? John Byrne Randwick Universities' failure When universities were finally scheduled under anti-discrimination legislation in 1984, they were required to establish procedures for dealing with complaints of sexual assault and harassment ("Reports of harassment on the rise", August 2). That these procedures were not always followed, as was my observation as an academic trying to help sexually harassed students in the 1980s, helps explain, it seems, the disturbing details of the Human Rights Commission survey. More than 30 years of universities failing to deal adequately with unacceptable behaviour within their institutions thus testifies to the possible inclination of those in power to protect the image of the institutions, rather than those most vulnerable within them. Marie de Lepervanche Lane Cove Hanging tree reminds us only of their destruction Rather than symbolising "a tangible connection to Sydney's colonial and Indigenous past" the dead tree is a poignant reminder of their wholesale destruction for the benefit of developers such as Mirvac ("Tree of awe and wonder hangs over laneway", August 2). Did the artist intend irony? Judy Hungerford North Curl Curl One only has now to drive along the Alison Road "lunascape" to be reminded of the ongoing devastation related to tree removal within the city area. Further along Alison Road, near South Dowling Street, another huge row of 100-year-old Moreton Bay figs are about to get the chop for the Lachlan Street intersection widening. So an artist, at much expense, decides to hang a dead tree trunk over an inner city lane to remind us just how important trees are and have been since Colonisation? Look up and weep Sydney. Greg Vale Sydney Developer Mirvac sponsoring this particular artwork is akin to ClubsNSW, which encourages drinking, smoking and gambling, sponsoring Healthy Harold and Life Education Centres. Go figure. Margaret Hogge North Curl Curl. It is almost beyond belief that anyone removing a tall, straight, living native tree from the bush, stripping it bare, and hanging the remains in a city laneway to engender "a sense of awe in nature", could not see this as anything other than an act of environmental vandalism. Gillian Appleton Paddington The beautiful blackbutt suspended over Underwood Street is a potent symbol. A potent symbol of rampant deforestation and destruction of habitat. And the irony of the involvement a large property developer is not lost. Lindsay Mason Como Parents: You should put down the phone Chris Fotinopoulos writes that parents need to take responsibility in showing their children that interpersonal relationships are not developed through constant dependence on digital responses ("Likes contribute to teen anxiety crisis", August 2). The worry though is that many parents seem unable to separate themselves from constant use of mobiles. This was brought home to me yesterday. Making the most of the sun, I sat on a cliff just gazing out, near a mother with two young children in a twin pram. Just sitting. For half an hour the mother missed the opportunity to engage with her little boys, to point out the birds, the waves and all the activity around. For half an hour this mother sat glued to her phone. At last she left and, yes, still phone to ear and two little boys went without enjoyment of a lovely time, perhaps running around on the grass and having fun with their mother. I wonder how they will learn to develop social harmony. Patricia Slidziunas Woonona No complaints I was flying home from Heathrow Airport in 1989, just months after the Pan Am flight crashed at Lockerbie. There was a queue snaking through the terminal for the 6pm Pan Am flight. It was 10am. Armed US servicemen waited to search passengers and their baggage. Nobody was complaining as they knew they would have a safe flight to New York. I suspect every flight will soon be subjected to such treatment ("Australia issues strong denial it was rushed into terror raids", smh.com.au, August 2). All airlines are now vulnerable to such terror attacks. David Sayers Gwandalan Why the surprise? Can I ask what person seriously didn't expect asbestos to be featured in the Sydney Opera House? Why the furore and shock, the joint would be full of it, as were all constructions of the era. Despite the proven concerns about the material, companies like James Hardie were still selling it long after the harbour icon was opened. Linus Cole Palmerston ACT Unequal perks Bill Shorten's war on inequality should start with the removal of lifetime superannuation for members of parliament and all the other perks. He should ask the question "what makes our parliamentarians so special" or unequal to that of a nurse or factory floor worker that they warrant lifetime super and the perks? Parliamentarians work fewer hours, they have taxpayer-paid office assistants to do their run-around and office work. Show us one parliamentarian who does an honest 38-hour week of real work. Your say, Bill. Anthony Ng Toongabbie Job insecurity With jobs now so insecure in Trump's administration only a fool would quite his job, sell his house and move his family to Washington to risk working "at the president's pleasure" ("The Mooch too-Trump for The Donald", August 2). It follows then that eventually the only people willing to serve under Trump will be fools. But then, maybe we area already there. Richard Keyes Enfield There is a lesson in this story for Mr Scaramucci and other White House appointees. If you lie down with a dog you get up with fleas. John Ryan Horsley Don't be seated So the new light rail tram, while capable of carrying 450 passengers, has only 120 seats? ("Unwrapping new tram", August 2). One seat for every four passengers is a hell of a retrograde step from our existing bus services. Jim Gentles Coogee River powerhouse If I remember correctly, on the morning of Saturday, April 30, 1988, the Lennox bridge over the Parramatta River was closed because of flooding, and the chosen site for the new Powerhouse Museum would have been well and truly inundated. Let us hope that faith placed in subsequent upstream flood mitigation is not misplaced. Otherwise, it will be a sad legacy of this government if the contents of a museum showcasing our progressive mastering of natural forces were to be swept away by mother nature. Doug Walker Baulkham Hills Brisbane, my home town got it right placing their two major galleries, the museum and the concert hall, in a row along the river, which includes open spaces for families, cafes and shops. A great idea. People need these cultural centres to be in the centre of a city, close to each other, accessible to its citizens and visitors. Jill Power Manly Vale I couldn't help noticing that none of the seven letters published yesterday regarding the transfer of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta came from someone living in Western Sydney. Recent attempts by Queensland's Education Department to ban students talking about Jesus with other students are absurd, and frankly disturbing. However, closer examination of the policy documents used by the Department shows that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem is that the Education Department is on a dunderheaded crusade that puts it in breach of at least two international human rights treaties. At the core is the idea the Department will tell pupils what they can and cannot say or think. This is contrary to every tenet of Australian political freedom. To be sure, there is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech in Australia. We do have libel laws, and for good reason. However, restrictions on freedom of speech are generally kept to an absolute minimum. This is in line with the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, Article 18 of which provides: "Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching." Article 19 goes even further. It states: "Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference." Instead, the Education Department has developed a concept of "inclusive education" which deems a student talking about their religious beliefs as some form "discrimination". Let's be honest here: this is rubbish. Discrimination is when you unjustly treat one group of people differently from others based, for example, on their race, or gender or religion. If someone says something with which I disagree, it's not discrimination. It's not discrimination, either, if somebody has a different religious belief to mine - in fact it is the mark of a free society. Let me give you some examples of things which the Education Department thinks need to be banned from discussion in the classroom. In one document, the Department banned discussing Nelson Mandela's belief in forgiveness because using the words "blacks" and "whites" might "draw unwanted attention to students within the class". Another document absurdly suggested that making a Christmas tree decoration to give away to a hospital or aged care home had "the potential to cause concern". The concern, apparently, was that children who were in the religion class might talk about the activity with children who were not! Does the department really think the best way to end discrimination against minorities is to ban discussing what they believe? The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, guarantees children the right to practice their religion as long as they are not stopping other practising theirs. Instead, the Education Department thinks it better to strictly control the right to religion and to censor what children are allowed to tell each other. There used to be no higher political ideal in Australia than for people to be free to speak, think and believe as they wished, and to exchange their views with others. Now we are presented with the bleak vision of a society in which the exchange of thoughts is dangerous, and where we are free to believe in nothing unless it is sanctioned by the state. What a miserable world this will be. In modern America, the journeys that seem to interest people most are those of self-realisation. In Raja Gosnell's Never Been Kissed, 25-year-old Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) returns to her old high school as an undercover journalist. Her first attempt at high school was a disaster, so going back is more about trying to exorcise the troubles of the past than writing a good article. Barrymore works overtime to generate fun and warmth, but whether you are ultimately charmed by the film may come down to the ending, a fantasy in front of a packed crowd and the television cameras of America, where a man says to a girl, "It took me forever to get here." This is a nod to American Gigolo's "It took me so long to reach you", based on the mistranslated English subtitles for Pickpocket's "what a strange path I had to take to meet you". Great concepts have a happy tendency of repeating. SM Fox Classics (pay TV), 8.35pm Forty per cent of the time I argue for Marnie as Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece. The other 60 per cent I opt for The Birds. In a San Francisco pet shop, Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) flirts with the ice-cool Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hendren). The daughter of a media baron, she is careless about getting what she wants and that seems not to be Mitch. But he won't take no for an answer and drives up the coast to Bodega Bay, with two caged lovebirds on his passenger seat. Feathered creatures soon figure prominently, with seagulls drifting into shot from on high as a mysterious battle between humans and birds begins. Based on a Daphne Du Maurier short story, the film's subtexts are far more complex than many realised in 1963. Audiences were in fact bewildered by an ending that today is crystal clear and cathartic. Half a century late, the world has caught up with Hitchcock. SM Never Ending Orgasm ABC2, 9.05pm For a program that features footage of dozens of women masturbating (we see them only from the neck up), this documentary is surprisingly dry. A pioneering Canadian study aims to investigate why it is that some women are "multi-orgasmic" (apparently defined as experiencing two to three orgasms per ''sexual event'') while others are "super-orgasmic", allegedly experiencing, sometimes, more than 100 orgasms in any one sexual encounter. It's unclear why such a study is necessary, but reportedly it's "still a mystery" to science. By the program's end, in which the world's leading sex scientists examine their subjects including the obligatory tantric expert orgasming on camera and even inside MRI scanners , it's still, partly at least, something of a mystery. KN Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) can't move past the fact that his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), wants a divorce. He slouches in a trendy bar, annoying anyone he can with his indulgent self-pity. Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a supremely confident womaniser, decides that the only way to get any peace is to offer Cal a few tips on life. What follows is a crash course on how to dress snappily and the ways to treat women as beddable objects. Intercut with Cal's sexual (mis)adventures is Jacob being pursued by a young woman (Emma Stone) on the spirited rebound from disappointment. In a series of Feydeau-like misunderstandings, this relationship (like others) seems headed for the rocks, all of which makes for good comic fodder. The cast is wonderful, even if directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa seem unable to decide if Cal is a hero and whether Jacob's life lessons should be applauded or shamed. SM One Day (2011) 7Flix, 11.00pm After the commercial success of her anti-love story, An Education (2009), a film I regularly pray I hadn't seen, Danish director Lone Scherfig chose to make an anti-romcom, One Day. Its much-hyped twist is that it looks at the relationship of Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) over two decades by focusing only on July 15 each time (though it cheats naughtily on the couple's first date, going well into the 16th). It is a frighteningly constricted conceit and shouldn't work, but it does. Novelist and scriptwriter David Nicholls re-imagines, in a modern world, Thomas Hardy's famous raging at fate, and the difficulty of lovers in finding the precise moment when happiness is possible. Nicholls knows his Hardy well, having previously adapted Tess of the D'Urbervilles for television. Hathaway is good as the ugly-duckling Emma, a wayward accent excepted, while Sturgess is riveting. SM Australia and the rest of the world must keep global temperature increases to 1.2 degrees - more than promised at the Paris climate talks - if the Great Barrier Reef's biodiversity is not going to deteriorate further, a panel led by former chief scientist Ian Chubb says. The report by a panel of 15 scientists also called for the urgent revision of the reef's Plan to 2050 to account for "inexorable global warming". On Friday, federal and state environment ministers including federal minister Josh Frydenberg agreed in Melbourne to bring forward a review of the plan to start immediately rather than next year as had been planned. In a separate report prepared by the Reef Advisory Committee, the Queensland Resources Council objected to some members calling for the giant Carmichael coal mine not to proceed. Environment groups say they have scored a "massive victory" against coal mining in Sydney's water catchment area after the NSW Court of Appeal found that consent should not have been granted to a mine near Lithgow. Centennial Coal's Springvale mine was granted a 13-year extension in 2015 by the Baird government, even though the mine was discharging millions of litres of untreated waste water directly into the Coxs River. The river is the second largest source of water for the Warragamba Dam, which supplies most of Sydney's drinking water. 4Nature, an environment group, challenged the extension's approval, arguing it was in clear conflict with the 2011 State Environmental Planning Policy requiring any development in the catchment to have a neutral or beneficial effect on water quality. The Turnbull government could be forced to choose between the military security of the US and the economic opportunity of China, experts warn, as President Donald Trump considers launching the first strike in a superpower trade war that could cause widespread damage to the Australian economy. On Tuesday, a senior administration official told Reuters that Mr Trump was close to an announcement on China's "unfair trade practices," amid reports of a looming crackdown on intellectual property trade, sparking fears of a tit-for-tat raising of tariff barriers. The confirmation followed a series of tweets from Mr Trump accusing the Asian power of earning billions of dollars a year from the US in trade while doing nothing to prevent the military threat from North Korea. Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Qian Keming responded by describing trade and North Korea as unrelated. "They should not be discussed together," he said, a week US Congress passed sanctions on Chinese businesses that trade with North Korea. A Melbourne fruit market owner has been fined a record $660,000 for exploiting a newly arrived refugee by underpaying him by $25,000 in just four months of work. Abdulrahman Taleb, former operator of Sunshine Fruit Market, was found to have paid the Afghan refugee as little as $3.50 an hour. "For some of the time Mr Kazemi was simply not paid at all," Judge Philip Burchardt said in his judgment, describing the underpayment as "enormous" and "egregious". Syed Jamal Udin Kazemi, understood to be in his 20s, was initially unpaid and later received a flat rate of $10 an hour up to $120 a day for his work at the market, the court found. Dov Charney refuses to disappear. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, the disgraced CEO of American Apparel, whose famously skeezy behaviour saw him ousted from his business two years ago, unveiled a thriving new venture a wholesale basics company called, you guessed it, Los Angeles Apparel. "It still is a nail-biter," says Charney, who has re-hired workers who were fired when American Apparel went bankrupt, tapped into his old supply chain and predicts that sales will top $US20 million [$A25 million] over the next 12 months. "That's part of the chills and thrills of starting up a business. You're always on edge, but I love it. The workers are happy. It's exciting. We want to prove something." Dov Charney built a worldwide empire of 280 clothing stores, personifying the racy, risk-taking aesthetics of his business, but investors became skittish over his controversial persona. Credit:Keith Bedford So far, the only thing that Charney (who's wisely traded mutton-chop sideburns for a Steve Jobs monochrome) has proven is how fast powerful, white dudes who present as reformed bad boys can make cultural amnesia take hold. Since 2004, Charney has drawn allegations of sexual misconduct including (but not limited to) masturbating in front of a journalist who was profiling him, keeping a teenage American Apparel model as a sex slave, filming sex acts with employees before storing them on the company server and prancing around his factories in underwear. Prosecutors on Tuesday charged two Lincoln teenagers arrested Sunday in a string of gun thefts as adults, according to court records. The 17-year-old and 15-year-old both appeared in Lancaster County Court Tuesday afternoon. The older boy faces one count of burglary and two counts of possession of a stolen firearm, while the younger boy is accused of burglary and four counts of possession of a stolen firearm. The Journal Star is not naming the minors because neither is accused of a violent crime. Lincoln police arrested them after an undercover officer met with them over a stolen purse the two were trying to sell online, a spokeswoman said. During a search of the car they came in, officers found two stolen handguns, police said. Investigators found two long guns at the home of the 15-year-old, according to police records. Two of the guns were taken from the southwest Lincoln home of a Nebraska State Patrol trooper, whose patrol rifle was stolen after the suspects broke into the trooper's cruiser parked in the home's driveway, according to police. Both teens are detained at the Lancaster County juvenile detention center. Their bonds were set at $75,000. I just collected my new blouse from the cleaners to find it had been prematurely aged. How was this "dry" cleaned? It looks like I'd chucked in a hot wash with a slug of bleach. It's once perky frilled collar now sags like limp celery. And it's shrunk. Now, I know there are many excellent professional and careful drycleaners out there, but my luck is not strong in this department. The universe has been telling me to kick my habit for years. My zips come back stiff (why is that?), my buttons cracked or missing, those effing tickets pinned through the silk instead of the label. Once, the elastic waist of a favourite red dress literally melted in their machines. The universe has been telling me to kick my dry cleaning habit for years Credit:Stocksy What are those mysterious machines anyway? And how on earth do you shrink something without wetting it? "They do wet it," says Anna Gould, an advocate for chemical-free dry cleaning. Who knew? "Dry cleaning is a funny phrase because it doesn't actually mean the clothes stay dry, just that water is not involved." Water swells fibres, which can lead to shrinkage in the drying process. Solvents avoid this problem. In news that may surprise women in possession of a pair of breasts, they've apparently made a comeback. According to the New York Post "boobs are back in a big way", in part thanks to Rihanna "bursting" out of her gown at the premiere of her movie Valerian And The City of a Thousand Planets with her "lady lumps" (sorry, everybody) and "out and proud cleavage". Rihanna, seen "bursting" out of her dress at the premiere of her new movie. Credit:AP Funnily though, this comes after Vogue rather controversially declared in December that cleavage (always the bugbear of fashion types anyway, so awkward is cleavage with its disruption of clean lines and good cuts and the need for garments to provide, well, support) was out. In a rather bolshie fashion, Vogue said at the time, "The tits will not be out for the lads. Or for anyone else, for that matter" (cue the revolution!). Doctors are being urged to stop ordering tests and treatments that are "incredibly unreliable" in the most benign of cases and downright harmful in the worst. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has published lists of tests and treatments for doctors treating pregnant women and abnormally short children that it believes are unnecessary, a waste of taxpayer money, and in some cases, harmful. One such practice is a common blood test for patients with symptoms of a clot. The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) said doctors should stop ordering the D-dimer test for pregnant women, because pregnancy can elevate D-dimer levels. "And there are reports of women with a clot where a test is actually negative, so for that reason it's incredibly unreliable," SOMANZ's Dr Helen Robinson said. The front page of the SMH, August 4, 1997 Credit:SMH Propped up on pillows, with oxygen tubes coming from his nose and a cage surrounding his frostbitten feet, he said the help had been "overwhelming". "I'd just like to thank everyone who was involved in my rescue, the fire brigade and all the rescue services along with the medical teams at Thredbo and here in Canberra and all the people who prayed for me and gave me so much support over the last couple of days. "It's been overwhelming and I don't think I'd have made it through without the involvement of all those people. It's been fantastic, and thanks very much." His father, Stephen, tried to recall his first brief words to his son while he was still trapped in the ruins of Bimbadeen lodge: "I can't remember my exact words - something like, 'It's dad here' or words to that effect. "When he first saw the sky he just looked up to me and said 'that sky's fantastic'." Paul Featherstone, paramedic "It (his voice) was very croaky. But once again I honestly couldn't tell you what, but he just said, 'I'll see you' or something." Mr Diver said there were still some fears about frostbite - his son's right foot was looking good after treatment but there was some concern about toes on his left foot. "He's tough, yeah, very resilient. He's got a very strong, strong willpower and strong mind. And he loves a joke." In a thick Scottish accent, Mr Diver told how he and his wife, Annette , arrived in 1965 as "ten quid migrants" and had eventually settled in Melbourne. Mrs Diver said: "I always thought he was fantastic ... he's now even more fantastic." An emotional Mr Featherstone, who spent 11 hours comforting and providing medical treatment to Stuart from a tunnel above him, also praised him for his incredible willpower and "strength of spirit". "He's a remarkable person ... the fact that this young fellow was super fit was probably the main reason he survived." When rescuers found Stuart, and spoke to him for the first time, he had no idea how long he had been trapped. He was disorientated and had lost all sense of time - for three days he did not know whether it was day or night. He told Mr Featherstone, a member of the NSW Ambulance Special Casualty Access Team (SCAT), that he repeatedly lapsed into dream-like states and thought he was dreaming when he heard the rescuers call for him. "One of the first things he said was how glad he was to see someone," he said. "He had been hearing people working in the area for a while. "He said that to pass some of the time what he did (was) he travelled the world. He put himself into places which obviously he had a lot of fun and excitement in and had a good appreciation for." Mr Featherstone said he had to gain Stuart's trust and knew he had to find topics to discuss which would be interesting and would keep his mind focused. "Being in Thredbo and being a ski instructor he obviously loved the area and the environment he worked in. "So I kept painting pictures of what it was really like out here and we just had a classic day ... talking about the snow on a nice, sunny, crisp clear day. I kept promising him that 'this afternoon you'll be out and we'll have a look at it together'." Other more exotic locations were also discussed, as was the tragic event that brought them together - the landslide three days earlier - but not in detail. Nineteen people, including Stuart and his wife, were in Bimbadeen staff lodge when a loud explosion shattered the peaceful resort about 11.30 pm. "He thought actually the house had been bombed," Mr Featherstone said. "He had already surmised that his building had been written off." Within seconds, Stuart found himself alive but trapped under a mountain of rubble, entombed in what his rescuers would later call his "concrete coffin". Sally lay beside him in the darkness. He was able to move his arms, and lift his legs slightly, but he could not raise his head. The concrete slab was inches above his face and it was "kissing his chest". Several times he had to prop himself up on his elbows to avoid drowning from rising water which was "rushing" into the cavity. On one occasion the water reached his lips before it subsided. "What he would do is lift his head, quite remarkably, and put it up against the slab above his head and suck in the air," said Mr Featherstone. Loading "It was totally dark and muddy. When the water subsided he was laying in cold mud and he did this for 63 hours and was able to keep a good frame of mind." A woman who developed a severe infection associated with surgical mesh has been awarded $1 million, after a court found the doctors did not account for her personal risk factors. Kylie Bernadette Tinnock, 39, was rushed to Calvary Hospital in Canberra with a massive infection five weeks after she had surgery at Wagga Wagga Hospital to repair an abdominal hernia caused by caesarean section. The doctors who performed the hernia operation, in June 2010, placed surgical mesh over the dissection to promote healing and reinforce the area, which is standard procedure in that type of operation. But Supreme Court Justice Stephen Campbell found they did not adequately account for a trifecta of risk factors that she was a smoker, obese and the wound was very low in her abdomen when they opted not to use a surgical drain following the surgery. A drug and gambling-addicted fruiterer who ran a Sydney cocaine syndicate servicing the city's well-to-do has been sentenced to five years' jail. Waeil Rustom, 42, used the proceeds of his cocaine ring in mid-2015 to fuel his ongoing addictions, unbeknown to the fact he was about to be stung in an undercover operation. Waeil Rustom, 42, was the boss of a cocaine supply syndicate that serviced customers across Sydney. Credit:NSW Police The father-of-four supplied bags of cocaine to his right-hand man, Robert Max Vernon, who delivered the drugs to customers across the city. When the demand was high, other men, including a taxi driver, were recruited to carry out deliveries. The last time Lynette Daley's sister saw her before she died she stumbled out of a four-wheel drive while Adrian Attwater and Paul Maris waited inside the vehicle, a NSW jury has heard. Ms Daley, 33, smelled of alcohol and seemed drunk, her younger sister Tina Daley told the Supreme Court in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday. Adrian Attwater at the Supreme Court. Credit:AAP It was about 5am on Australia Day 2011, a day before Ms Daley, 33, allegedly bled to death at Ten Mile Beach after she was sexually assaulted by Attwater and Maris. "She asked me if I wanted to go camping with her," Tina Daley told the jury. Underneath the freshly-painted mural of a satirical article on the "hideous street art" in Brisbane is a dancing ballerina in a pink tutu, created by prominent Australian street artist Anthony Lister more than two years ago. Artist Scott Marsh finished his Betoota Advocate inspired mural on the side Bloodhound Corner Bar & Kitchen on Tuesday that joked coral bleaching was low on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's list of priorities compared to the rise of graffiti. The Betoota Advocate inspired anti-Adani mural on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley. The large-scale mural painted over a range of graffiti, including a ballerina created by internationally renowned artist Anthony Lister, whose artworks have fetched upwards of $15,000. Marsh was given permission to paint on the wall by the bar's manager and said he had called Lister himself to make sure it was ok to go ahead with his artwork. A high-profile barrister, who claimed responsibility for the $50,000 in cash former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale was stopped with at Melbourne Airport, says his friend should have thrown his hat back in the city's mayoral contest, despite his illness and an extortion charge. Brisbane-based lawyer Sam Di Carlo launched a spirited defence of the former councillor outside court on Wednesday after being fined $4000 for an unrelated contempt of court matter. Brisbane barrister Sam Di Carlo has appeared in court on charges of perjury, drug and ammunition offences. Credit:Darren England/AAP "I don't know how much the CCC has spent on Paul Pisasale but there's an absolute determination, whether it's political or otherwise, to do whatever they can towards him," Mr Di Carlo said. "And coincidentally it happens to be, things tend to come out. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper has sued the state saying women are put through medically unnecessary and sexually invasive examinations to get jobs with the department that are not required of men. Brienne Splittgerber, who was part of the patrol's graduating class in 2015, alleged in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court on Tuesday that the exams are unconstitutional and discriminatory. Splittgerber got no assurances from State Patrol leaders that they would stop the exams after she reported what happened during her required, pre-employment physical, her attorney, Thomas White of Omaha, said in the lawsuit. Splittgerber said Dr. Stephen Haudrich, the Lincoln physician selected by the State Patrol to do the exams, instructed her in a September 2014 exam to take off her pants, lie on the table and position herself to expose her genitalia and anus, apparently to check for a hernia. White said with the possible exception of one applicant, male candidates for State Patrol jobs were not given a similar exam. When Splittgerber told her regular doctor what had happened, she learned "there was and is no legitimate medical purpose for the above-described procedure in a pre-employment physical examination, the attorney said. Reached for comment on the allegations Wednesday, Gov. Pete Ricketts' spokesman Taylor Gage issued a statement. "Immediately upon learning of these allegations in June, the Governor instructed his Chief Human Resources Officer to review this matter, which has subsequently resulted in a criminal investigation by the State Patrol," Gage said. State records list no disciplinary actions against Haudrich. In the fall of 2014, Splittgerber reported details of the examination to her sergeant and to other supervisors, but nothing happened, the lawsuit alleges. When she learned another class of female candidates would have to go through the exam by the same doctor, she went to her captain, who told her an investigation was being conducted. White said Splittgerber was "increasingly anxious and concerned by the command structures inaction, which created a hostile and dangerous workplace for women. She eventually asked Brad Rice, the head of the State Patrol until he was fired by the governor in June, about the status of the investigation Feb. 27. In March, Rice met with the state troopers union's attorney, Gary Young, and told him he wanted to resolve the issue, according to emails attached to the lawsuit. State Patrol legal counsel Wendy Wussow on March 31 told Young the agency planned to allow job candidates to ask for a medical provider of a specific gender to conduct the pre-employment exam or could have their own doctor do it. "They can have that doctor certify there is no issue with a hernia to avoid having a doctor they are unfamiliar with performing any exam that might make them uncomfortable," Wussow said in the email. Wussow also told the union lawyer that the agency informed the Lincoln doctor it was unhappy with his services and planned to put the contract up for bid before the next recruit class, the email said. Splittgerber sued Rice, Col. David Sankey who retired at the end of 2014 and unnamed others, who she alleges permitted them to cover up the matter. She is alleging she was subjected to a hostile work environment and is seeking an unspecified amount of damages. State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas declined to comment on the lawsuit Wednesday, saying the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation. A spokeswoman for Select Medical, a heath care group where Haudrich practices, cited patient privacy in declining comment. The safety and care of our patients is always our top priority," a statement said. Older Queensland students' writing skills have dropped significantly, according to preliminary NAPLAN results, while some of the state's best ever performances have been recorded in other categories. After disastrous test results in the early years of the national standardised education test saw the state outperforming only the Northern Territory, the latest figures were fast catching NSW, Victoria and the ACT for average results in most categories. The NAPLAN 2017 preliminary scores show mixed results. Compared with 2008, when the test was introduced, preliminary 2017 results showed major improvements in younger students, with students in years 3 and 5 particularly boosting their average results in reading, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But the news was much worse for writing, where mean results for students in all grades either stayed relatively flat or declined versus baseline results recorded in 2011. Serious mental illness may increase young Queenslanders risk of homelessness, a new study has found. Mission Australia's Youth Mental Health and Homelessness Report found young people aged 15 to 19 with a probable mental illness were 3.5 times more likely to spend time away from home than those without. Young people with a probable serious mental illness were 3.5 times more likely to have spent time away from home than those without. Credit:Andrew Quilty In Queensland, that number was the same. Hudson* may be just 16, but he has already experienced homelessness after running away from a residential care home in Melbourne. Let me offer some perspective I imported the Google Home back in November , and found there was a honeymoon period where I'd use it constantly to play music, set timers and ask pointless questions. Soon after, I fell back into the habit of using my phone, and the Home seemed to disappear from view on our kitchen bench. Out of sight, out of mind. It's understandable. Interacting with the Google Home takes some getting used to, after years of using computer screens and mobile phones. Last month, Google Home officially came to Australia. The cute little voice-activated home assistant received positive reviews across the board, but there was an underlying question in many of the articles: "Is this a novelty or will I actually use it long term?" The turning point came with Home's support for multiple accounts. It can now recognise up to six , and using voice recognition it knows who's asking it a question, and how to answer. So if my wife asks it what her day looks like, Home will read her calendar, not mine. Support for multiple accounts goes beyond Google's calendar and shopping lists. If she asks it to play music, it will connect to her Spotify, not mine. With that simple change, my wife started using the device regularly . Now we both use the assistant daily, and our almost-two-year-old can't be far from asking it to play her The Wiggles. She's always impressed when the robot lady turns off the lights. After briefly playing with Home's competition, I'm happy to stick with Google. Amazon deserves credit for introducing this category of product, but in my testing the sound quality of the Echo is just awful, and our main use for the Home is as a digital radio and podcast player. Google's software understands conversational English far better than the Echo. Speaking to them both, Amazon's assistant feels almost like a command-line interface, where you need to get your syntax just right for the query to work. Home is far more forgiving, more human; it understands slang, context and follow-up questions, too. It also seems to quickly adapt and accept shorthand commands. When first asking it to stream Double J radio, I'd need to say "Hey Google, Play Double J on TuneIn Radio." A few days later, I could just ask it to "play Double J" and itwas smart enough to fill in the blanks. "Let me scan your passport," said the nice man in the foyer of Tokyo's Henn Na hotel. "The dinosaurs tend to read them backwards." The odd thing about this was not the dino reference, but the presence of the man himself. Henn Na situated in Urayasu, on Tokyo's outskirts markets itself as an almost entirely robot-run establishment, with human staff few in number and deployed only in emergency situations. The friendly check-in staff at Tokyo's Henn Na Hotel. Credit:Andrew Masterson Such as checking in, apparently. One day soon, some hotels will very likely be operated by artificial intelligence over the Internet of Things but Japan's first stab at it falls conspicuously short of the mark. The robotic koi carp in a big tank in the foyer are, admittedly, pretty cool (even if two of them did appear to have died 24 hours later), and the pair of animatronic velociraptors at the check-in desk are certainly fun to watch. A leading Australian immunisation expert has slammed a decision to screen an American anti-vaccination film at Village's Crown casino cinemas, arguing it endangered public health. The Southbank cinema played host to a secret screening of the film Vaxxed: From Cover-up to Catastrophe at 6.15pm on Wednesday. Directed by Andrew Wakefield a former doctor whose debunked study played a key role in the anti-vaccination movement the film reignites false claims about a link between the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine and autism. The documentary, being toured by the Australian Vaccination-skeptics Network , has been met with staunch opposition from public health advocates across the country. Two of Leonie Stuart's sons and her husband outside their home after the shooting in March. Credit:Justin McManus Johnson murdered Carl Williams in Barwon Prison because of similar concerns about co-operating with the authorities. Phillips later pleaded guilty to charges relating to shootings and firebombings targeting the father and ex-wife of Williams, attacks motivated by his allegiance to the POW. Police are certain offenders like Rodney Phillips would incur stiffer sentences under the new law. During this rampage, Phillips and a co-accused also shot two police in Moonee Ponds. It is an irony not lost on Ms Stuart that the armed crime squad, who investigated Phillips for shooting at police, are now investigating who shot her. Police interview Matthew Johnson, head of the Prisoners of War jailhouse gang, after he killed Carl Williams. Credit:Supreme Court "I actually testified against Rodney, because I've never been a person who can lie. I've always been an honest person," Ms Stuart said. "I still think to this day: it's revenge. This is about revenge. Leonie Stuart was shot through the screen door of her home. Credit:Victoria Police "Because people know how to find people's family members if they really want to [and] I did say harsh words at the committal against Rodney." Ms Stuart, who is also a grandmother, spent 2 weeks in hospital after the shooting, which left her in a critical condition. The vertical scar is from surgery to remove her spleen, and she had another less intrusive surgery only last week to remove some shrapnel from her back. Ms Stuart should make a full recovery and was incredibly lucky, doctors say, but she will have to take medication for years. The decision to reveal her scars, physical and mental, was not easy. But she needs to know why someone wanted to hurt her even if the answer may be as painful as the shooting itself. "I love my boys, I love them all dearly," she said. "But my life, I've got nothing. "And for this to happen, it shouldn't have happened to me. I didn't deserve it. That's why I'm here today." Detective Sergeant Warren Chapman hopes someone, somewhere, hears Ms Stuart's story and sees her scars and comes forward. "We can not say with any certainty that Leonie was the target of the shooting or that the motive relates to the activities of one of her children," he said. "The investigation is in danger of going unsolved unless someone does the decent thing and comes forward. "There's people in the underworld who still have a sense of morality and these people will look at this and think she shouldn't have been shot." A son who had been living at the Glenroy house with Ms Stuart had returned from overseas only a few days before the shooting, but it remains unclear whether this is linked. Her partner claimed hours after the shooting during media interviews that he knew who was responsible, but, today, Leonie says he "does not, 100 per cent, have a clue who did this to me" and regretted the comments, she said. Restaurant traders in Melbourne's south east are banning meals from their alfresco dining menus in favour of allowing punters to light up a cigarette. Oakleigh's Eaton Mall, the epicentre of Melbourne's Greek community, is a popular place for elderly Greek men each morning. For years they have filled the outdoor tables in the precinct, their chatter heard through a thick cloud of smoke as they sip coffee and puff on cigarettes. But under tough new laws enforced by the state government on Monday, smoking is banned from nearly all outdoor dining areas in Victoria. Jessica Sheehan is 18 but she lives with a disease that is often described as "childhood Alzheimer's". She can't read books, because every time she turns a page she has already forgotten what was on it. And her life is governed by lists, reminders of what she has done and needs to do next. They are symptoms most commonly associated with older age and dementia. "I'm pretty forgetful," Jessica said. Shock and anger at the closure of the 104-year-old Castlemaine Art Museum turned to joy on Wednesday night. White knight private donors have pledged $300,000 to save the key Castlemaine tourist attraction, which was slated for closure after the board said it had insufficient funds to continue operating. Graham by Patricia Piccinini at Castlemaine Art Museum which had just received $300,000 in private donations. Credit:Joe Armao Board chair Jan Savage told a meeting of gallery members at Castlemaine Town Hall that a Melbourne couple would give a total of $250,000 over two years so the gallery can stay open. Board member Chris McAuliffe told Fairfax Media that the couple, who wished to remain anonymous, were acting through two Sotheby's auctions representatives. A Rebels Outlaw motorcycle gang member has been charged with several serious offences relating to family violence following a lengthy investigation by WA Police. The 29-year-old East Perth man is a patched member of the gang, and has been charged with a total of seven offences which are alleged to have occurred in 2016. A Rebels Outlaw member will face court on charges of family violence. Credit:Andrew Elstermann/Busselton-Dunsborough Mail. The charges include one count of common assault in circumstances of aggravation, three counts of aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and three counts of committing an unlawful act with intent to harm. Only months after stepping down from his leadership position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Juan Franco died Tuesday in Houston. Franco was 68. Chancellor Ronnie Green confirmed Franco's death in an email to faculty, staff and students Wednesday. Green described Franco as "our dear friend, student champion, and valued colleague." Franco served for more than a decade as UNL's vice chancellor for student affairs. One of his many initiatives was Franco's List, which regularly recognizes students who demonstrate integrity, citizenship, open-mindedness and respect. With Franco in a leadership role, the university established the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, opened several new residence halls, upgraded campus recreation facilities and remodeled the Nebraska Union. Green said Franco was a mentor to many members of student government at UNL during his tenure. Franco, who came to UNL in 2006 from Utah State University, returned to a faculty position within the College of Education and Human Sciences on July 1. "Thanks to Juans vision, collaborative spirit and optimism, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is becoming distinctively known as a student-centered institution," Green said in his email. "He truly earned and is well-deserving of the respect, admiration and deep, genuine affection felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing Juan." Perth has shivered through its coldest morning in almost a year, with some temperatures hitting below-freezing across the state on Wednesday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology's data found temperatures in the Perth metropolitan area had fallen nearly 10 degrees overnight, to record a minimum of 1.8 degrees just after 7am on Wednesday morning. Perth residents experienced a similar temperature in August last year. Credit:Facebook/Perth Weather Live Temperatures in Dwellingup and Gingin bottomed out at -0.4, while the Wheatbelt town of Cunderdin recorded the lowest reading in WA of -0.9 at 5.27am. Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Jessica Wilkes said it had been the coldest start to the day since August last year. The dog believed to have killed a woman in her 50s at a licensed kennel facility in the Perth suburb of Southern River will be euthanised. The City of Gosnells issued a statement late on Wednesday afternoon which said police believe the Bull Mastiff, currently being held by the City, caused the death of Sue Lopicich. One of the dogs seized by the City. Credit:City of Gosnells A second dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was not involved in the incident. "The Bull Mastiff has been surrendered and will be humanely euthanised by a vet," the statement said. Manilla: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has described North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a "fool" and a "son of a bitch" days before hosting an international meeting certain to address Pyongyang's long-range missile tests. Duterte held nothing back on Wednesday in rebuking Kim for "playing with dangerous toys", setting the stage for next week's rare get-together to be attended by foreign ministers of all the countries involved in the stand-off on the Korean peninsula. North Korea is determined to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States and officials in Washington say Saturday's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile shows it may be able to reach most of the country. "This Kim Jong-un, a fool ... he is playing with dangerous toys, that fool," Duterte told tax officials in a speech. Kabul: A suicide bomb attack killed two American soldiers in a NATO convoy near the airport in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Wednesday local time, a Pentagon spokesman sai . US Navy Captain Jeff Davis announced the deaths from Washington. He gave no further details. US military helicopter flies over the site of a suicide bomb that struck a NATO convoy in Kandahar south of Kabul. Credit:STR A local security official said the attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the convoy. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in an online post by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. He said the explosion destroyed two vehicles and killed 15 foreign soldiers, including two "high-ranking officers". Washington DC: President Donald Trump looks to have made another fantastic statement about one of his speeches. In a previously unpublished interview with The Wall Street Journal on July 25, Trump makes a bold claim about his controversial Boy Scouts speech the day before. After someone from the Journal suggested Trump got a "mixed" reaction for his speech, Trump - as he often does - seemed to overcompensate. "I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them, and they were very thankful," Trump said in the interview obtained by Politico. "So there was - there was no mix." Los Angeles: An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from a California Air Force base on Wednesday to test the weapon's reliability to "defend against attacks on the United States and its allies", the Air Force said. The Minuteman III missile was fired at 2.10am local time (7pm AEST) from the Vandenberg Air Force Base north-west of Santa Barbara, according to the Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile, equipped with a single test re-entry vehicle, travelled 6750 kilometres to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The strike command said the test was "not a response to recent North Korean actions". Rather the launch "demonstrates that the United States' nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective" and can protect against strikes, the command said. The test comes after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Friday the second in less than a month. The two-stage missile crashed off the coast of Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido. Independent defence analysts say such a missile may be capable of reaching California and other parts of the US West Coast. THE HAGUE:--- On Monday, July 31st, 2017, Minister Doran-York addressed the 34 Sint Maarten students after their in The Netherlands. The same as last year, the Minister saw to it that the Cabinet was well represented while forming part of the welcoming team at the Airport. Also present from the Cabinet were Deputy Minister Hasani Ellis, Cabinet Director Irene Simmons along with other members of the Cabinet waiving the Sint Maarten's Flag as the students exited the arrival hall. Minister Doran-York addressed the students during an introductory meeting at the Steinberger Hotel, where they were transported to, immediately after their arrival. The Minister and her staff are looking forward towards officially welcoming the students to the Cabinet upcoming Friday, August 4th where they will be addressed by Deputy Minister Hasani Ellis. Below is the text of the address of the Minister Plenipotentiary Henrietta Doran-York to the students on Monday. "First of all, I would like to thank the organizing body of this event, the USC, (Unified Sint Maarten Connection) for the invitation to address you here today. At the same time, I also wish to congratulate them for the hard work put into seeing that the arriving students are taken care of in proper manner and that all goes well while they settle in here in The Netherlands. On behalf of myself as Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Deputy Minister Hasani Ellis, Director of the Cabinet Irene Simmons, and the entire staff of the Cabinet, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to The Netherlands. As was also the case last year, I came out again today with all the members of my Cabinet, in order to give you the welcome that you so very much deserve, and to encourage you to pursue your studies with great confidence and determination, when the road is smooth, as well as when it becomes rocky and turbulent. The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, known as the Sint Maarten House, consists of professionals, who will always be there to assist you whenever this is necessary, upon your request. I would like to congratulate you on your achievements thus far, and commend you as you embark on this journey of higher learning, which in the years ahead will determine the path of your career, and will definitely leave its mark. Myself, and I can vouch for everyone else in this room, are extremely proud of you. And you should be very proud of yourselves as well. You have now decided to spread your wings and soar to higher heights. You are at the beginning of a complete new challenge. You have chosen to further your study in The Netherlands. When taking up residency here in The Netherlands, you will also be getting to know the Country, meet the people, make new friends, while adapting to a complete different lifestyle, than that which you were accustomed to at home. You are probably asking yourselves questions like; Will I fit in? Will I really be able to succeed, being so very far away from home? What will my living environment be like? Who will be my neighbors? As with most previous students, we are convinced that you will be able to fit in quite easily, and in such a manner that your studies will not be hindered in any significant way. As you embark on this new journey, there is a lot that is expected from you, by first of all your parents, then your family and friends, as well as our Government. To see you succeed, is everyones main interest. This of course is what you aim for also. You may encounter some frustrations and challenges, which can lead to disappointments, but as with most things in life, this comes with the territory, and with great effort, discipline and determination, you will overcome them. You may also encounter great opportunities, once you pursue them. It is therefore that I say to you, be always ready to handle both the frustrations and the opportunities when they present themselves. Haven left the comfort of your parents home, you will suddenly find yourself with what may be termed as NFF. New Found Freedom. Handle this freedom wisely or your will not make it. Manage your time well. Choose well with whom you associate. Stay away from negative company. Stay close to those who inspire you in a positive manner. Stay away from illegal drugs and do not use alcohol in an excessive manner. Dont procrastinate. Execute the expected tasks right away, instead of postponing, in order for you to gain time, in case of an emergency. Avoid risky behavior. Manage your intimate relationships well and in a responsible manner. This goes for both male and female students. Reckless behavior, can cause you to contract illnesses, which can sometimes be incurable and in some cases even lead to death. Another very important factor, which cannot be stressed upon enough, is that it is of extreme importance that you manage your budget properly. We will be offering Budgeting advice at the Cabinet in the very near future. Make sure that you stay in touch and attend these very important sessions when they come around. Despite the rapid changing world that we live in, especially in the area of technology, one thing that will never change, is the need for each other. We will always need each other. Stick together. Stand up for each other when this is necessary, and look out for each other!!! United you stand, but divided you will fall. My final words to you are; Never give up, no matter the circumstances that tend to blur your vision. Keep your eyes focused on the goal ahead which you have initially set out to achieve. I encourage you to keep on pressing on, because only those who refuse to settle for less, or give up, are the ones that will eventually reach the finish line. Much success during your study here in The Netherlands, and may your experiences be very rewarding in the end. God bless you!!!!" PHILIPSBURG: --- The chairman of NIPA supervisory board Antonio Aventurin buckled to severe pressure from members of the community on Wednesday and submitted his letter of resignation. Teachers at the learning institution were informed of Aventurins resignation on Wednesday. Aventurin and other members of the NIPA board are under severe criticism on social media after the board of NIPA terminated several local teachers, while they chose to grant a three-year contract to the daughter of the Minister of EYS at NIPA. Several members of the community went directly after Aventurin after he dismissed the female Culinary and Arts teacher Renata De Weever who recently took students of NIPA to Miami and they did extremely well. Minister of EYS Silveria Jacobs said on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing that she was highly criticized by the social media the past days for the dismissal of the teachers. While the Minister said that the board was left with no choice but to dismiss the teachers because there were not enough registered students for the new school year she did not explain how it was possible for her daughter to obtain a three- year contract. The Minister said that even the Inspectorate of Education cautioned the board about the amount of registered students compared to the amount of teachers they employ. She said that NIPA board has taken the decision to conduct some rigorous campaign in order to attract students. The Minister further stated that the inspectorate warned the board of the lateness in making decisions regarding the hiring of teachers. Jacobs said that the situation at NIPA these past months delayed the decision making especially since the members of the Supervisory Board are not working for the Institution full time. The Minister further explained that the board of NIPA hired an interim director while they are busy conducting interviews to hire a new director. The situation regarding nepotism and dictatorship at NIPA began ever since Aventurin was appointed chairman of NIPA. Duncan says Justice Minister should do proper research. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Rafael Boasman confirmed on Wednesday that the Justice Academy is not a registered entity within the Justice Ministry. Minister Boasman was asked by SMN News to clarify his statements on the establishment of the Justice Academy. Asked if the diplomas issued from the institution of the years are valid and are recognized the Minister said that the establishment of the institution has nothing to do with the diplomas since the curriculum that are followed are from recognized institution. He said that the police training courses are sanctioned by the Netherlands and even the professors came from qualified institutions outside of St. Maarten. As for the establishment of the Justice Academy the Minister said that it was never registered as an entity within the justice ministry and he is busy trying to finalize the process. Boasman said because the Justice Academy is not registered he is unable to appoint persons into positions. He said over the years persons that are working at the Justice Academy has to come from KPSM or the Prison. Former Minister of Justice Roland Duncan call on the Minister of Justice Rafael Boasman to conduct proper research before making statements. Duncan said that the Justice Academy was legally established in 2013 based on the Comtability Law. Duncan said the registration was done by notary Marlene Mingo. The former Minister of Justice who has been the brainchild of the Justice Academy said that the procedure was done by former Minister of Finance Roland Tuitt and him as Minister of Justice. He said the first Chairman of the Board was Josianne Artsen Fleming while the Director of Operations was contracted to Richard Streker. Duncan said when the Justice Academy was established the foundation was financed by the Crime Fund, and since there was not much money he chose to lend out civil servants from the Justice entity such as KPSM and the Prison to work at the Justice Academy.Duncan said that while Boasman is saying the Justice Academy programs fall under Holland then he needs to say how many students from St. Maarten went to the Netherlands since the establishment of the Justice Academy. He said during his term in office Bonaire had students studying on St. Maarten. The former Minister said that he even had agreements with the Dade Academy of Miami which allowed St. Maarten students to study there. He said that one of the issues he had to deal with is when he demanded that a police inspector have the same amount of knowledge as a lawyer. He said he made those demands to safeguard cases because Inspectors are acting prosecutors and if they are not fully qualified to formulate arrests then cases would have been thrown out by defense attorneys. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee will meet in a session on August 3, 2017. The Central Committee meeting which was adjourned on April 18, 2, 17 will be reconvened on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 14.00 hrs in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs will be present. The agenda point is: Decision by the Kingdom Council of Ministers to impose an Integrity Chamber via General Kingdom Measure. 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. President Hank Bounds rolled out new administrative structures, policies and processes for employees at the University of Nebraska on Wednesday aimed at reducing expenses by $30 million in the coming years. Staring down the barrel at a $49 million revenue shortfall in the next biennium, university administrators pledged to enact cuts from NU's $950 million budget funded through state tax dollars and tuition revenue while seeking $19 million in increased costs passed on to students. NU announced its plans to achieve $24.8 million, or about 80 percent, of the targeted cuts through sharing more services across campuses, trimming operational costs and in some cases positions. The university expects to cut at least 100 jobs, most through attrition. The immediate cuts Bounds specified in a news conference Wednesday were recommended by budget response teams convened in January to centralize, decentralize, consolidate or do away with certain university services. The resulting changes in information technology, human resources, facilities and energy, and procurement and purchasing will require consolidation and centralization of individual campus offices into single, university-wide teams. The goal at the end of the day is to think differently about how we run the university, to be as efficient as possible so we can continue to serve our students and to serve the state with fewer resources, Bounds said. NU began consolidating its IT offices into a centralized office 10 months ago, with the ongoing effort expected to net $6 million in savings once fully implemented, Bounds said. Mark Askren, NUs vice president of information technology, is overseeing the system IT office that will rely on specialists on one campus to lend expertise to other campuses. Mark Miller, the assistant vice chancellor of facilities planning and construction at UNL, will oversee system-wide efforts to reduce costs in facilities and energy by $7 million. UNLs Bruce Currin, the assistant vice chancellor for human resources, will look to standardize policies and practices, reducing HR costs by $4 million. Maggie Witt, UNLs director of procurement services and strategic sourcing, is now tasked with overseeing the university-wide procurement efforts to save costs on purchases for things such as fuel, vehicles and maintenance to save $6.8 million. Each area of savings identified is expected to be ongoing over time, reducing NUs cost of doing business on a permanent basis, Bounds said. The University of Nebraska Medical Center's Dr. Rodney Markin, the associate vice chancellor for business development, will coordinate the activities of the new university-wide teams created through the consolidations as chief operating officer. The remaining $5 million in reductions will come from areas including travel, printing and copying, financial operations, public relations and marketing. NU plans to dramatically slash its mileage reimbursement rate for employees driving their own vehicles for work-related travel from 53.5 cents per mile set by the state Department of Administrative Services to 25 cents per mile to save as much as $550,000 per year. Under state policy, agencies have the flexibility to set their own mileage rate, according to state accounting administrator Jerry Broz. The university said 25 cents per mile represents the costs to operate a university-owned vehicle. As another cost-saving measure, NU employees will be asked to use on-campus print shops for jobs and to reduce where possible individual printing and copying. Next month, NU will announce down in the weeds strategies on how it plans to achieve savings after faculty, staff and students return to campus, Bounds said. Marjorie Kostelnik, the former dean of UNLs College of Education and Human Sciences tasked with implementing the recommendations of the budget cut teams, said the work by those teams will be ongoing. Before September, the budget response teams will review the recommended cuts for duplication, ways to leverage certain services or if certain cuts should be implemented in a particular sequence, Kostelnik said. We really have to think through how were going to implement the various proposals that come forward, she said. A lot of this involves people having to figure out very intentionally how to do some work very differently. Like the IT offices, Kostelnik said NUs libraries have developed a formal plan to spread expertise and resources out across all four campuses, rather than duplicate efforts at each location. It's a model that will likely be duplicated across the university system. You will see over the next year to two years, I think, a lot of effort being put into this idea of collective effort and collective impact across all of the campuses, she added. NU will keep its eyes on state tax receipts in the coming months as it decides how quickly to implement further cuts, or if those cuts will extend into the academic enterprise a last resort if the states financial picture continues to worsen, Bounds said. After lawmakers reduced NU's state appropriation by $13 million this year to $570 million, university regents approved a series of tuition hikes for the next two years 5.4 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively. The university will also dip into its cash reserves for $8 million to $10 million to fund its operations until the cuts are fully implemented. Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, who represents UNL and its students in the Legislature, praised the university's leadership in enacting what he called unnecessary cuts resulting from decisions by Gov. Pete Ricketts and other state senators. "Continuing to cut an institution that is a proven economic driver in both rural and urban Nebraska is short-sighted and dangerous during a statewide economic downturn," Morfeld said in a statement. While the university and states financial future remains precarious, Bounds remains optimistic about NUs future. Times are tough, no question, he said. But I think a lot of people have been really smart about how this has been designed and these changes absolutely allow us to keep our momentum. As the Slut Walk takes place to protest sexual violence, a different sort of violence appears imminent "All children have the right to be protected from violence." Katla Volcano near Reykjavik, Iceland is showing such an increase in seismic activity, that some volcanologists are saying an eruption of enormous magnitude is imminent. 400 tremors or quakes have been reported in the last 24 hours, and the alert level has been stepped up to yellow, one step below Orange. Orange indicates an eruption is imminent. http://www.wnd.com/2017/07/iceland-about-to-experience-biggest-volcanic-blast-ever/ "Katla has been showing this kind of behavior for as long as we know. There is always seismic activity in Katla but some years show more unsteadiness than others," says geophysicist Pall Einarsson speaking with Morgunblai. As previously reported, scientists now believe that there's a greater likelihood for an eruption in Katla. Tour operators are stepping up their response plans. "There's certainly been unrest in Katla in previous years but this is turning into the most unrestful year," adds Einarsson. Separately, the Reykjavik Slut Walk took place in Reykjavik yesterday afternoon. Thousands rallied to support the cause: to put an end to sexual violence, shame the perpetrators and not the victims and to press for changes in the judicial system with regards to sexual crimes. The slut walk protests the idea that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized". An emphasis was also put this year on counteracting distribution of photographic or video material taken without consent and revenge porn. The walk began at Hallgrimskirkja church at 2 pm and women, men, teenagers and children carrying banners and balloons walked all the way to Austurvollur in the city centre when a program of speeches and music took place in support of the cause. The slut walk, now in its sixth year also wants to emphasize that the behavior or clothing of victims is never an excuse for sexual crimes. In response to concerns that volcanic ash ejected during the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland would damage aircraft engines,[2] the controlled airspace of many European countries was closed to instrument flight rules traffic, resulting in the largest air-traffic shut-down since World War II. The closures caused millions of passengers to be stranded not only in Europe, but across the world. With large parts of European airspace closed to air traffic, many more countries were affected as flights to, from and over Europe were cancelled. After an initial uninterrupted shutdown over much of northern Europe from 15 to 23 April, airspace was closed intermittently in different parts of Europe in the following weeks, as the path of the ash cloud was tracked. The ash cloud caused further disruptions to air travel operations in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland on 4 and 5 May[7] and in Spain, Portugal, northern Italy, Austria and southern Germany on 9 May. Irish and UK airspace closed again on 16 May and reopened on 17 May. Advertisment: Claim: Major cities harbor rodent populations equivalent to one rat per person. Rating: About this rating False Rats (at least the kinds commonly kept as pets) are for the most part intelligent, clean, quiet, sociable, and even affectionate. Still, there are many people who are absolutely repulsed at the sight of any rat and will run screaming even from the tamest Rattus norvegicus. This reaction is due in large part to our culture's association of rats with filth, poverty, disease, and death. Rats are the furtive invaders who hide in the dark, dank spaces of our buildings and towns, emerging en masse after dark to feed on garbage and food scraps. They can carry disease, either directly or via the insects that feed on them (such as the fleas whose bite spread the bubonic plague). Although in the wild they're shy and prefer to avoid contact with humans, they have long, narrow teeth housed in strong jaws that can deliver powerful defensive bites when necessary. Rats tend to live where humans live, since the presence of man generally creates an abundance of food and shelter. Because rats live for the most part out of the sight of people and usually emerge from their dwelling places when we're either asleep or not around to see them, it's easy to imagine that far more of them are lurking in those impenetrable dark spaces than really are there. We create maxims that are far more reflections of our anxieties and fears about feeling surrounded by unseen crawly things than they are accurate estimators of populations sayings such as "You're never more than six feet away from a rat" and "For every cockroach you see, there are ten more you don't see." Another statistic in this vein is the "one rat per person" rule the claim that in any sufficiently large urban area, the rat population is as large as the human population: No one knows exactly how many rats there are in Arlington. Neither can officials say whether there are more today than five years ago. But private exterminators say they are increasingly busy, and some estimate that the county's rat population has hit the defining mark for an urban area: one rat per person. This statistic reflects the frightening belief that no matter how much we may try to trap, poison, or otherwise chase away those fearsome rodents, we cannot vanquish them; they will always be able to field an army of insurgents equal in number to our own. But, according to Robert Sullivan, the author of Rats, this statistic is based upon a nearly century-old misunderstanding and greatly exaggerates the true number of rats to be found in a typical city. The "one rat per person" claim stems from a study of rats conducted in England by W.R. Boelter and published in 1909 under the title The Rat Problem. Boelter surveyed the English countryside (but not villages, towns, or cities) and came up with an educated guess, estimating that England had one rat per acre of cultivated land. Since England had 40 million acres of cultivated land at the time, Boelter pegged the country's rat population at 40 million. And since England also had a human population of 40 million at the time, there was some basis for claiming that the country was host to one rat per person. But Boelter's estimate may have been way off the mark, and even if it was accurate, the putative 1:1 ratio between people and rats derived from it was merely coincidental, an artifact of England's just happening to have a human population equal to its number of cultivated acres. "One rat per person" was a figure unique to the time and place in which Boelter conducted his study, not a generalized figure that could be applied everywhere. Nonetheless, as Sullivan noted, "People loved that statistic, maybe because they abhorred it," and the figure is still frequently cited in news articles dealing with rat control efforts in large metropolitan areas, particularly New York City: E. Randy Dupree, who oversees the [New York City] Health Department's Bureau of Pest Control, says his agency is taking a closer look at the problem. But he said people must take some responsibility for making the city a place where rats thrive. "If people took better care of their garbage and their property, there just wouldn't be as many rats as there are," he said. He added that there are about eight million rats living in the five boroughs. "That's about one rat per person," he said. Even figures several orders of magnitude higher than "one per person" are sometimes quoted in reference to New York's rat population: Life in the big city is a rat race, and it looks as if the rats are winning. City health officials believe there are several times as many rats in New York City as people and the human population of the Big Apple is slightly more than 7 million, according to the 1990 U.S. Census. "There's no official rat census," says Pamela Miller, a deputy city health commissioner. "The estimates are anywhere from one rat per person to 10 rats per person. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle."3 Just how many rats are to be found in a large city like New York? Far fewer than one might think: James Krauseneck maintained his innocence at the sentencing Monday and was supported by his daughter, Sarah, who was 3 at the time and saw her deceased mother, Cathleen Cathy Krausneck, 29, a Macomb County native. Members of the overseas Indian community in Canada are attempting to counter the political campaign by separatist elements espousing the pro-Khalistan viewpoint and prevent Canadian politicians from adopting these views. The effort, both at the federal and provincial levels, marks the first time that the broader Indian community is trying to make its presence felt in the nations politics. This initiative has been precipitated by a number of developments in recent months, including the passage of a resolution in the Ontario Assembly this April, which termed the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India a genocide. With elections in the Ontario due next year, the initiative will provide an opportunity to try and counter politicians and parties who have fostered the Khalistani narrative. Ajit Someshwar, one of the prominent figures behind this effort, said, We are going to, during the provincial elections, single out those active anti-India campaigners and support their opponents regardless of party, referring to the Ontario elections. Someshwar, who is also the chair of the Canada India Foundation (CIF), said, We have decided, at least for the short term, not to promote politicians who are active in this effort to pass the genocide provincially and also their backers federally. A spate of measures in this regard, include funding for candidates who do not support separatists and withdrawing funds from those that do, has been planned. The preferred candidates, regardless of political party, may also be assisted in other ways, including help with staffing campaigns. The people backing these efforts claimed that they are working on a volunteer basis, and neither the Indian government or its official representatives are involved. Also on the agenda is informing the Indian community about these issues, which may include a mail blitz aimed at the nearly 20,000 voters of Indian origin. This is the first time such an endeavour is being witnessed in Canada, as the Indian community attempts to broaden the base of participation in politics in the country, which has often been held hostage to an extremist fringe. As Someshwar said, It is not our role to get behind any one party. Our role is to create the right kind of environment for good public policy advocacy, that leads to the betterment of India and Canada relations. In that role, we will be supporting and encouraging more young people from our community to come forward and engage in the political process. For sure, we will be encouraging that with money and we will be encouraging that with access. In 2012, The Indian government issued a pointed and public warning to then Prime Minister Stephen Harper to mind what they see as alarming evidence of Sikh extremism on Canadian soil. The issue of internal extremism has been one that has shaken India to the core over the past several decades former prime minister Indira Gandhi was murdered by her own Sikh bodyguards after a string of events sparked by fundamentalists seeking their own separate, fundamentalist nation they would call Khalistan. Canada too has been rocked by related terrorism. Police believe the bombing of a 1985 Air India flight that killed 331 people was orchestrated by Sikh extremists based in Canada. Pockets of pro-Khalistan support are still visible in the Indo-Canadian community, after years of dormancy. Last month, the Canadian government told India that there is no threat to Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and has concluded its investigation into the matter. In a communication to the Indian authorities, Canadas department of foreign affairs, trade and development has stated that the investigation had been conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Sources in the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in New Delhi told IANS that Canadian authorities, in the communication, has said that the RCMP investigation has determined that there is no evidence of direct physical threat made towards Amarinder Singh. It further stated that there was not sufficient evidence to file criminal charges or proceed against anyone. The Canadian government said that in view of the findings, the investigation had been concluded. The Indian high commission in Canada had lodged a formal complaint to Global Affairs-Canada (Canadas foreign office) in April following a threat publicly issued to the Punjab chief minister by pro-Khalistan elements during a Vaisakhi Day event in British Columbias Surrey city. The threat was part of the hate speeches made by Sikh radicals operating out of Canada. Videos of the Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey on April 22 were sent to the Canadian foreign ministry as proof. Indian authorities had also objected to the public display of Khalistan floats with images of slain separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other terrorists, pictures of AK-47s and photographs of former and serving army and police officers who are on the hit-list of Sikh radicals. The Amarinder Singh government had, in April, cold-shouldered visiting Canadian defence minister of Indian-origin Harjit Singh Sajjan as he travelled to various places in Punjab. He had refused to meet Sajjan, the first Sikh to be the defence minister of a Western country, accusing him and other ministers of Punjab origin in the government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of links to radical elements demanding a separate Sikh state of Khalistan. Everything you need to know about No. 20 Notre Dame's game vs. Navy Saturday in Baltimore KEARNEY Authorities say a driver was killed when his car collided with a sport-utility vehicle on the east side of Kearney. The collision occurred around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, on East U.S. 30. Police say the car was pulling out of Cabela's parking lot when it collided with the SUV. Police identified the car driver as Daniel Swanson of Ashland. The SUV driver was identified as 17-year-old Harley Scheuffele of Litchfield. Scheuffele was treated at a local hospital and released. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. COLUMBUS The promotional calendars for the upcoming Columbus Races say make racing great again a play on President Donald Trumps campaign slogan. In reality, the sport has never really fallen from its pedestal in Columbus, which has hosted a live horse racing meet for more than 70 years. The crowds continue to pack Agricultural Park on race days each summer. And this season the fifth since Columbus Exposition and Racing took over the meet should be no different. The community loves to come out to watch the races, said Tom Jackson, a member of Columbus Exposition and Racing, which stepped in to operate the live meet in 2013 after the Platte County Agricultural Society decided it no longer wanted to. Jackson said the group, which also includes Dan Clarey, Chad Sucha and Russ Placzek, is very optimistic heading into the 2017 season. Local interest in horse racing spiked in May when Columbus High School graduate Channing Hill rode in his first Kentucky Derby, finishing 17th aboard Fast and Accurate. The jockey, who first had mounts at Ag Park while in high school, rebounded to take third in the Preakness Stakes and fifth in the Belmont Stakes, riding Senior Investment. Ag Park will host 16 days of live racing starting Friday. Post times are 6:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Sept. 1 and 2 p.m. each Sunday, as well as 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, and Labor Day. Jackson is expecting both the horse and jockey numbers in Columbus to mirror last season . Although smaller tracks like Ag Park can struggle to compete with larger venues in other states that are backed by casino gambling and efforts by the Nebraska horse racing industry to even the playing field have failed in recent years that wont stop people from showing up Friday night. The Columbus Races are an economic driver that bring in spectators from across eastern Nebraska and help fill local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Jackson estimates about 60 percent of race attendees come from outside the city. Its a good draw for our community and it brings dollars into our community, he said. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement OMAHA The parents of a student sexually assaulted by an Omaha math teacher have sued the district and some administrators, saying school officials did nothing to stop the teacher. The federal lawsuit filed last week says the officials didn't act on reports and suspicions that Brian Robeson was grooming and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student on and off grounds at Alfonza W. Davis Middle School. The district and the officials and their lawyers have declined to comment or didn't return calls. Robeson pleaded guilty to sexual assault and in October last year was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The girl's parents seek undetermined damages for emotional distress, the girl's ongoing mental health struggles and medical treatment for her physical and emotional injuries. Stockholm, July 29, 2017 (SPS) - The Swedish parliamentary network for Western Sahara has demanded an independent international investigation into the torture practices against prisoners of Gdeim Izik group and the rest of the Saharawi prisoners held in the prisons of the Moroccan occupation. In a message sent by the Swedish parliamentary network to the Moroccan Government concerning the severe penalties imposed by a Moroccan court against Gdeim Izik group, Swedish parliamentarians demanded the Moroccan occupation authorities "to release the prisoners as soon as possible" and called on the community to urgently intervene for an independent international investigation into the torture practices of the prisoners of Gdeim Izik group and the rest of Saharawi prisoners in Moroccan prisons. The Swedish parliamentarians also demanded that the Moroccan government recognize all Saharawi prisoners detained in Moroccan prisons for political reasons, as political prisoners and release them. "The network seizes the Moroccan government following severe and unjust sentences ranging from 20 years in prison to life imprisonment, pronounced against the Group of 25 Sahrawis for participating in the protest camp erected in 2010 by Sahrawis in the region of the Gdeim Izik," said the message of the network, signed by Mrs. Luta Johnson, member of the Swedish Left Party and Mr. Johan Buser, deputy of the Social Democratic Party. "Hundreds of Saharawi families decided in 2010 to protest peacefully by erecting their tents in the region of Gdeim Izik on the outskirts of the capital of the territory and to claim their basic socio-economic rights," recalled the message addressed to the Moroccan government. "The Moroccan authorities have dismantled the Gdeim Izik camp by using force and using live ammunition, water cannons and tear gas," the network said, adding that "hundreds of Sahrawis were arrested and 25 of them were brought before an unfair military court which sentenced them to heavy sentences ranging from 20 years in prison to life imprisonment." "The evidence relied on by the court is based on confessions extracted under torture and the submission of civilians to a military court is in itself inconsistent with international law," the network continued, stressing that "the pressure on Morocco led the latter to accept that the group of Gdeim Izik should be tried again by a civil court. " "But in light of the sentences handed down on July 19, the civil court has merely reproduced the verdict of the military court," the network said, adding that international observers who followed the various stages of the trial described this a mock trial because the confessions used as evidence were extorted under torture without further investigation. The Swedish Parliamentary Network for Western Sahara called on the Moroccan Government to respect the rights of the Sahrawis and stop the plundering of Western Sahara's natural resources. (SPS) 062/090/TRA London, July 29, 2017 (SPS) - Tauro beach in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), once rocky, has been covered in sand illegally taken from the last African colony, Western Sahara, as noted by an investigation conducted by British newspaper the Guardian published on Saturday. Titled Trouble in Paradise, the Guardians investigation stressed that the project to cover the rocky beach with 70,000 tons of sand was done in breach of international law and in defiance of the last African colony, the occupied territory of Western Sahara. It is noted that the Spanish authorities launched an investigation on the issue and that experts in human rights said that if the sand that covers the Gran Canaria beach comes from the occupied State, it would be a violation to the UN Security Councils resolutions and the decision of the International Court of Justice. The Guardian said that the International Court of Justice clearly states that the natural resources of an occupied territory cannot be exploited by the occupant, unless it benefits the local population. (SPS) 062/090/APS Dublin (Ireland), August 02, 2017 (SPS) - The Frente POLISARIO received a response from the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning a concerns of the Frente POLISARIO on the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. In this regard, the Irish government affirmed its willingness to abide by the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which excludes the territory of Western Sahara from the EU-Morocco partnership, stating that " the Court's ruling is consistent with Ireland's long-standing position in support of the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. " The Irish government explained that "as a result of the Court's decision, In May 2017, the EU Council authorised the European Commission to open negotiations on the adaptation of protocols to the Association Agreement, and the modification of its protocols to provide for treatment of goods coming from Western Sahara." The letter sent by the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the complexity of the matter, since "it requires the conciliation between the operative as the concretion of the origin of the products and the positions with respect to the right of the Saharawi people". This is a highly complex issue which will have to involve finding a way of reconciling practical issues such as certifying the origin of goods, with matters of principle relating to the consent of the people of Western Sahara In the same vein, the Irish government demanded that any agreement entered into by the EU will have to be consistent with EU law, including the Court's judgment of 21 December 2016.SPS 125/090/TRA In April 2017 the Digital Economy Act became law, marking the culmination of almost 20 years of campaigning by the CLA against discrimination for those who live and work in rural areas from having access to the internet infrastructure they need. Power to enforce a Universal Service Obligation (USO) was conferred on Ministers by the legislation, and Ministers previously committed to enacting the law so that it comes into force from 2020. Under the law every household or business premises would have a right to an internet connection of a legally set speed, suggested as initially 10 megabits per second. BT Openreach, the largest provider of fixed line broadband infrastructure, has consistently opposed the USO, arguing that it should be left to deliver near universal service on its own terms. Reports over the weekend suggest that Ministers are considering acceding to BTs demands. CLA President Ross Murray said: We will fight any attempt to water down the hard won legal right to broadband for rural homes and businesses. For too long, rural areas have been at the back of the queue when it comes to investment in infrastructure and that is why this legal principle is not something to compromise on. This is a very significant scheme for crofters, said Yvonne White, Vice-chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF), offering a chance to those on Region three rough grazing to make up for their distressingly low basic payments. It has been misused though, with some large producers claiming not only on their replacements but on any number of ewe hoggs, the surplus then being sold off. When it is large farms doing this it rapidly uses up the limited budget, depriving others, especially smaller producers, of benefiting from it. This was not the intention of the scheme and it is appropriate that the National Farmers Union for Scotland have recognised this and are proposing a limit on claims of a set percentage of the breeding flock, equivalent to actual replacements. Of course, the objective could be achieved most effectively by paying on those ewe hoggs that are being retained as breeding replacements or on the number of gimmers, last years ewe hoggs, taken into the breeding flock by putting to tup in November, Ms White continued. This would allow for maintaining flock numbers in regular ages, or for growing the flock size. But we appreciate that the Scottish Government are unlikely to take such a bold step that could require more administration. At this stage in the scheme the proposal from NFUS is a step in the right direction at least and should be relatively easy to accommodate in the administrative process, and will increase the payment per hogg. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With tick populations surging and large numbers being tested, Stamfords Department of Health is warning residents to exercise an ounce of prevention to avoid Lyme and other debilitating sicknesses passed on by the bugs. The number of ticks submitted for testing for Lyme disease this year has been, dramatic, according to a city announcement. The majority of the submitted ticks were Ixodes scapularis, or the deer tick that transmits Lyme and other diseases to humans, the announcement said. As of July 19, 229 ticks had been submitted to the city for testing, according to Libby Carlson, a spokesperson for Stamford Mayor David Martin. To protect themselves from tick bites, residents should use an approved tick repellant and wear long pants and long sleeves when going into areas where ticks are likely to be found, the announcement said. Connecticut Department of Public Health recommendations the city endorses include: *Avoid tall grass and overgrown areas. *When hiking stay in the middle of trails. *Consider using tick repellent. *Tuck pant legs into socks. *Wear long sleeved shirts and closed shoes. *Wear light colored clothes to spot ticks more easily for removal. *Examine yourself, your children and pets for ticks when returning indoors. *When returning home after an outing, shower using a washcloth or puff to remove unattached ticks . *Talk to your veterinarian to find out how to protect your pets from tick bites, and the roll of vaccine for dogs. *Attached ticks should be removed promptly with a fine-tipped tweezers, making sure that mouthparts have not been left in the skin. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides information on how to safely remove a tick on their website. Clinicians should consider a tick-borne disease in patients with compatible illness who do not report a tick bite, since only a small proportion of patients diagnosed with a tick-borne disease recall being bitten by a tick. Clinicians wishing to obtain guidance on identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tick-borne diseases may download the Tick-borne Diseases mobile app developed by CDC that is available for iPhones and androids. Also, patients should not wait on the results of a tick that has been submitted for testing to see their medical provider after a tick bite because they may have been bitten by more than one tick and not just the one that was submitted. It doesnt take a genius to learn something quickly. After all, learning is a skill, which is something you can develop over time. While it might be frustrating at first to pick up on what habits work for you, by making an effort to do so, youll be much better off in the long run. Thats why Im going to go through a few different methodologies Ive used to learn things quickly and efficiently. Check them out: 1. Start simple Perhaps one of the first things you can do to learn a new skill is figuring out how to take it on in its simplest forms. For example, lets say I wanted to learn something like the piano. My initial aim is going to be one that applies simple chord progressions and melodies, such as pop songs. This allows me to start to work through an understandable concept that I can execute rather than reading through a bunch of theories that I otherwise couldnt apply. Related: Why This Old School Activity Is Beneficial to Your Brain 2. Chunk time As time is going to be your most valuable asset in taking on a new skill, its important to spend it wisely. I personally like to follow a method called chunking, where I break up topics into smaller, learnable bits. What was started in the 1950s by Harvard psychologist George A. Miller has now become one of the most well-known teaching methods around, and something you should consider to make your process more efficient. 3. Talk it through with someone If youve ever had to memorize a speech, then you know how efficient this method of memorization can be. In a study conducted at Montreal University, students were told to read words on a screen, with some verbalizing the words to themselves while the others read silently. What they found was that with the act of reading and verbalizing, your brain associates multisensory information with the text. This practice can really work if you let it, and I highly suggest practicing it while walking or driving somewhere. 4. Write things down This isnt just opening up notepad on your phone or laptop and jotting a couple of bullet points, but rather physically taking out a pen and a piece of paper to commit to memory. As noted in a study by Betsy Sparrow of Columbia University, when we rely too heavily on a computer to remember things, were less likely to commit to it ourselves. Related: 5 Online Learning Sources to Boost Your Business Acumen 5. Take useful breaks If you could trade a weeks worth of procrastination on Facebook, Reddit or any other distraction for a day off, would you do it? Most likely so, but we need to take breaks from working (as a matter of fact, theyve been proven to help us be more productive). Thats why I purposely have dedicated break times, including implementing power naps, which as studies have shown, can help boost energy to finish out your day strong. 6. Repeat in moderation Weve all heard the advice that if you spend 10,000 hours on a practice, then youll become a master at it. Unfortunately, thats not always the case. As noted in a study by Princeton University, deliberate practice like that can have a variance ranging from 1 to 26 percent, depending on the activity performed. Certain things were going to get better at because we dwelled on it, while other times it requires rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Its up to you to determine which is needed for your learning goals. 7. Find value in daily life Its incredibly difficult to find a use for something that you cant apply in your daily life. Honestly, how many times have you heard someone ask why they had to learn calculus in high school? Moreover, while calculus might not have a practical application at the grocery store, some people might see how it fits into a bigger picture. The goal here boils down to how you find fascination in a subject, and why you fell in love with it. Related: How the World's Smartest People Learn Things Faster 8. Meditate on it While some have considered meditation a somewhat pseudoscience, its actually been proven to be an excellent mental exercise. As noted in a study presented by MIT, participants who meditated over an eight-week period were able to better control alpha rhythms, a part of your brain that helps the flow of information as well as limits distraction. Overall, this can be one of the best methods to boosting concentration to learn something, and I highly suggest you take a few minutes out of your day to do so as well. Related: 8 Hacks to Learn New Skills in Half the Time Why This Old School Activity Is Beneficial to Your Brain How to Build Upon Your Leadership Skills Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESTPORT Given the increase of sightings, one resulting in a dead dog, residents gathered this week to learn more about coyotes from Laura Simon, a wildlife ecologist who spent years working for the U.S. Humane Society. At a Monday talk, Simon presented a breadth of facts about coyotes many dispelling fearful notions of the animal including why the mammals are so common in urban areas and what to do about them. Every year, nationwide, there are less than 10 coyote bites of humans, compared to 4.7 million dog bites, Simon said. Westport police sent out a statement regarding the increase in sightings at the beginning of February after the killing of a pet dog by a coyote in the Coleytown area. Ranging from 25 to 35 pounds, coyotes are the third-fastest mammal in North America and can live in a wide range of areas. Simon highlighted the intelligence and adaptability of coyotes in two arresting images: One where a coyote was riding the Seattle light rail as a means of transportation, and another from Chicago, where a coyote lay down in a stores cooler on a hot day. He learned he could take this train from one place to another. ... I mean, that is a smart animal, Simon said about the coyote in Seattle. Simon said coyotes are in Westport for a variety of reasons, including plenty of habitat and space, food such as mice and rats, pet food left outside, messy bird feeders and intentional feeding of coyotes. Usually hunters of small rodents, coyotes will attack unattended pets. Smaller pets, like cats and petite dogs, are vulnerable to coyote encounters. Larger dogs are at risk for conflicts with coyotes during coyote mating season, which runs from December to March, because they are seen as a threat to their mates. Always attend to your pets when youre outdoors. Use leashes. Keep them inside at night. Dont let the coyote come between you and your pet, Simon said. Simon discussed hazing, a way to get coyotes out of an area effectively. According to the Humane Society, hazing is a method that uses deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourages an undesirable behavior or activity. Examples of hazing consist of: yelling and waving ones arms, using noisemakers like whistles or bells, using projectiles like sticks and rocks and other repellents like hoses and water guns. Making oneself loud and large is crucial to deterring a coyote. First there was a spritz of aroma therapy Peace of Mind scents of rose, peppermint, basil, eucalyptus and rosemary to clear the mind. The five men rubbed it on their temples, earlobes and a little under their nose, breathing it in. Then therapist and yoga leader Jessica Stolley put on her microphone headset, and the men, all who have been on parole or probation and are transitioning back to their community lives, began an hour of power yoga to wring the bad stuff out, build the good stuff up, with stretching, pushing, sweating, Darth Vader breathing. "Who knows where the journey will take us today," she tells them. * * * Nine months ago, Stolley opened Zenliloquy, her dream mental health practice that combines counseling, yoga, art therapy and a calming room. The way she relates to her clients, she said, may look different than how traditional psychologists and counselors deal with trauma, abuse, substance use, relationships and behavioral health issues. But it's grounded in not only her treatment ideas, but restorative justice theory with a focus on solutions. "This is a very unique way of blending who I am and my beliefs in dealing with trauma and mental illness," Stolley said. She grew up in Ulysses, a village in Butler County that saw its greatest population of 621 in 1890, and that has been losing residents since, down to about 164 now. "I grew up in a lower-middle class family. I never believed that I would be able to go to college. I was raised to get a job when I graduated high school and go to work, 'cause that's what you do, right?" Stolley said. "And if I was lucky I might marry a farmer." Her mother worked for an electrical company and her dad for Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. "I get my work ethic and my passion from my parents. There's no doubt about that," she said. But her mother's parents, who also lived in Ulysses and were legacy farmers, were a huge influence, too. "That is where my heart comes from," she said. She brought that family heritage that piece that says "we've got to take care of each other" to her practice. It makes up the core of how she operates. * * * Stolley left home and moved to Lincoln when she was 16 to attend Lincoln Northeast High School and live with an aunt and uncle. But an overnight job at a Lincoln restaurant, then going straight to school in the early mornings wasn't working. A teacher recommended she get her diploma through testing at Southeast Community College, she said, which she did. After that, Stolley worked in the business world and in corrections, finally entering Union College to begin college work in international rescue and relief. She then earned a master's degree in clinical counseling from Bellevue University. She learned about the inner workings of corrections departments through employment at the Lancaster County jail. In 2015, through a job with Maxim Health Information Services, she found herself at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution segregation unit doing contract mental health work. It was quickly apparent, she said, that the way that she did therapy and counseling wasn't necessarily the way prison mental health programs did it. So at Tecumseh, she decided she would finish her six-month contract, use it for experience and to help pay student loans, and get out of there. Then the Mother's Day riot happened. Despite advice to call it quits, she stuck it out. With her undergraduate work in international relief and rescue, experience in triage, and paramedic training, her head was telling her: "You're trained for this. This is what you do," she said. At some point in the chaos, inmates in the unit saw Stolley calming herself with yoga. They wanted to know more about it. "So I started teaching yoga through the doors at Tecumseh," she said. That led her to introduce the international Prison Yoga Project at the women's prison in York. The yoga and the work Stolley did with inmates, including designing a calming room at the women's prison, humanized the facilities, she believed. That work with inmates, now outside of the prisons, has become her mission. She has traveled back and forth to San Quentin prison in California to work with volunteer organizations there that are housed in the prison, the Insight Prison Project that was founded there, and a Victim-Offender Education Group that Stolley is trying to carry to Nebraska. She has started with a small group of women who will go through a six-month course of accountability and learning about how to speak and interact with people in a way that is different from the way they are accustomed. It will include asking the women to also commit to a year of volunteer service. The program, Stolley said, helps with developing insight into their circumstances and the choices that led them to prison. The restorative justice philosophy leads to addressing memories and feelings connected to trauma and unresolved events in their lives, to restore a sense of wholeness, authenticity, emotional well-being and positive behavior. * * * Stolley has invested deeply in Zenliloquy, a mind-body, trauma-informed, gender-responsive space on North Cotner Boulevard that is her counseling office, yoga studio, and spaces for clients to be calm, and to work and grow. "You have to believe in the intuitive guidance of what yoga brings to your life," she said. "I looked and looked and looked for space and then I walked into this one and it just felt (she snaps her fingers) like home." The clinic is like entering a safe zone, a place of acceptance, some clients say, where the soul feels somehow at home. It taps on the senses in a way not easy to explain. While she feels a special mission to work with former inmates or probationers, many of her therapy clients are not connected with the transition program. Madison Piepho, 21, came to Zenliloquy because of her addictions and behavioral health problems. "I do yoga and exercise every day now. I'm like a little yogini," Piepho said. "I love it." She and other women in an intensive outpatient program meet between eight and 10 hours a week for group and individual sessions and mindfulness training. They work on being quieter and calmer, and to have respect for themselves and how other people perceive them. "We're working on just being able to come in and be respectful to space," Stolley said. "The anxieties get really high when they enter a room typically, and the prison system doesn't do a real good job at teaching calming and being in a collective space." Stolley's work is not about rescuing people. "We're very solution-focused," she said. For the men in power yoga, learning control is the key. In tightening muscles and then releasing them, they notice an immediate difference. They carry the release from their yoga and tai chi and pilates workouts from Stolley's place and into the world. It's a confidence-builder, to know they are improving themselves, physically and mentally, they said. "I was handed a (Zenliloquy business) card," one man said. "It was like a key to the kingdom." T he man who oversaw BPs disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil spill is making a return to London in the capitals biggest listing since crude prices collapsed three years ago. Andy Inglis, who ran BPs exploration and production division until leaving shortly after the Gulf of Mexico catastrophe in 2010, is bringing Dallas-based Kosmos Energy to the London Stock Exchange. The Africa-focused oil and gas exploration outfit, which has a $2.5 billion (1.9 billion) market value on the New York Stock Exchange, is pursuing a secondary listing on the standard segment of the LSEs main market, giving it access to the Square Miles investors. The move comes as the Saudis decide whether to list a fraction of Saudi Aramco on the LSE, amid a dispute over whether London should bend its listing rules for the $2 trillion oil behemoth. Unlike Kosmos, it is seeking a premium listing. The LSE is seen as a natural home for Kosmos, which counts BP and Tullow Oil as partners, given the Citys understanding of oil exploration off Africa. While Kosmos is not raising any money in the listing, it will be the largest oil company to join the London market since crude prices crashed in 2014. The firm did not reveal how much of it would be listed on the LSE. Inglis said the move was the next step in the companys evolution. He added: We selected the LSE for our secondary listing because of its strong liquidity, reputation for transparency, and participants knowledge of the role of frontier exploration and development in our industry. Inglis, who spent 30 years at BP, was hotly tipped to take over from Tony Hayward as chief executive until the Deepwater Horizon rig blowout in 2010 destroyed his chances. He was ousted from BP as part of a board shake-up in an effort to detoxify the firms name in America after arguably the worst environmental disaster in US history, which killed 11 workers. He joined Kosmos in 2014 from Petrofac, the London-listed oil services firm currently under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office as part of the Unaoil corruption scandal. He ran Petrofacs integrated energy services arm. Kosmos said the listing is expected to be completed later in the third quarter of 2017. Inglis said: We believe Kosmos represents a compelling investment proposition both in terms of its upcoming high-impact exploration programme and the development of recent gas discoveries. The company is part of the huge TEN development off Ghana, which is operated by Tullow. It also explores for oil in partnership with BP off Mauritania and Senegal and has exploration licences off Morocco. BMO Capital Markets, an investment bank that specialises in natural resources, is advising Kosmos on the listing. Warburg Pincus and Blackstone control almost half the company. P rince Philip, as a national treasure, recedes into a more private life today, carrying out his last solo public event at 96. Remarkable, but then he is a far more interesting and unusual personality than is often appreciated. His mother was born deaf, was mentally fragile, but dedicated to the cause of refugees: she eventually became a nun. One aunt, Zia, was a lesbian (her lover was Gloria Vanderbilt) who hung out in gay bars in Cannes. Another aunt, Ella, now regarded as an Orthodox saint, ran a refuge for orphans and consumptives, refused to leave revolutionary Russia and was murdered by the Bolsheviks. Philip had two sisters married to German aristocrats who became members of the Nazi party his brother-in-law, Prince Christoph of Hesse, wore an SS uniform but teenage Philip constantly burst out laughing whenever he witnessed the Hitler salute and had to be whisked out of Germany, pronto. His later, famed gaffes had an earlier rehearsal in brave adolescent mockery of the pomposity of fascism. His first language was French, having grown up in the suburbs of Paris, spending time in Marseilles he probably knows some gangland argot and Le Touquet. He is a brilliant linguist but he is also a gifted mathematician, having won school prizes for maths. As a growing boy he literally never knew where home was, as Philip Eades wonderful portrait of Prince Philip as a young man describes. When asked for his address, he would write no fixed abode. When he came to school in England, it was noted that his belongings, such as they were, were threadbare: sometimes he had no baggage save a razor. But his attitude was practical. Get on with it was his mantra. The Dashing Duke of Edinburgh: Prince Philip - In pictures 1 /42 The Dashing Duke of Edinburgh: Prince Philip - In pictures Princess Elizabeth (Now Queen Elizabeth II), the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Taken in the garden of their London home, Clarence House Getty Images The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace in 1953 Getty Images The Duke Of Edinburgh leaving The Festival Club, Edinburgh in 1952 Daily Mail Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1961 wearing naval uniform AP Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as boy During the years of 1927 and 1930 when he was between the ages of six and nine PA 1933 A twelve year old Prince Philip of Greece (2nd from left) takes part in an historical pageant at Gordonstoun School, Moray, Scotland PA 1939 A rare picture of Prince Philip of Greece at the public school of Gordonstoun, Elgin, Scotland. PA 1947 The engagement of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten is announced and the happy couple are pictured together at Buckingham Palac PA 1947 Prince Philip of Greece, a month before his wedding to Princess Elizabeth PA 1947 Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, RN at Clydebank for the launching of the liner 'RMS Caronia', stopped by at the town hall to receive the town's wedding present - an electric sewing machine PA 1947 Princess Elizabeth dancing with her fiance, Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, RN, at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, when a ball was held to welcome the royal family to Scotland PA 1949 Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh hold their first child Prince Charles, aged 6 months PA 1950 Prince Philip playing Polo Getty Images 1950 Portrait of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip with their baby daughter Princess Anne following her christening at Buckingham Palace on 23 October Getty Images 1950 The Duke of Edinburgh leaves St Margaret's Church in Westminster, after attending the wedding of Margaret Elphinstone and Denys Rhodes PA 1951 The Duke of Edinburgh at his desk in Buckingham Palace, London PA 1951 The Duke of Edinburgh chats with Hollywood star Rhonda Fleming at a dinner at the Empress Club for the artists who are to take part in a Gala Midnight Matinee at the Coliseum in aid of the National Playing Fields Association, of which the Duke is President PA 1951 The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wearing formal dress as they attend a concert at Festival Hall, London Getty Images 1951 The Duke of Edinburgh wearing jeans and a checked shirt, in a square dance at the party given by Governor-General Viscount Alexander at his official residence at Rideau Hall, Ottawa PA 1953 The Duke of Edinburgh (centre) wearing military uniform as he walks across the parade grounds during an inspection of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, Windsor Getty Images 1953 The Duke of Edinburgh batting during the 12 a side cricket match between the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of Norfolk. His team were made up of former England cricketers, and the Duke of Norfolk's mainly Sussex players PA 1953 The Duke of Edinburgh in his uniform as a Field Marshall in the British Army PA 1953 The Duke of Edinburgh walking out to mount his horse at Cowdry Park when he played for the Cowdry Park team in the first round of the Tyro Cup Polo tournament PA 1954 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Cowdry Park after playing Polo and scoring the winning goal PA 1955 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wearing the uniform Of 4/5 Battalion of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders Daily Mail 1955 The Duke of Edinburgh with his son, Charles, Prince of Wales, the Queen Mother, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Kent towards the stands for the Royal Windsor Polo Tournament at Smith's Lawns at Windsor Great Park PA 1955 The Duke of Edinburgh transferring ships by jackstay, during the Home Fleet's passage home from Malta after the combined naval exercises in the Mediterranean. PA 1957 Duke of Edinburgh broadcasting from BBC TV Studio 2 at Riverside, Hammersmith 1958 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh playing cricket at Highclere Castle, Highclere, Hampshire Getty Images Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Associated Newspapers The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne at Balmoral AFP/Getty Images 1967 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh meets Kumara, a 7 month-old elephant during a visit to Whipsnade Zoo Getty Images When young Princess Elizabeth fell in love with him as well she might, since he was funny, blithe, clever and handsome the match was initially not approved. The Queen Mother would have preferred some safe British aristocrat rather than this foreign prince born into straitened circumstances, sixth in line to the doomed Greek throne. But Philip always was for Elizabeth, and none other would ever do. His background was kept fairly cloaked in post-war 1946 Britain, and the German relations did not attend the nuptials. Philip was discreetly received into the Church of England his childhood faith was Greek Orthodox and it is said that he retains a spiritual affection for it. Prince Philip: 10 memorable quotes Over a long life he has done public service heroically. I watched him when he and the Queen went to Ireland in 2011, laughingly taking up a hurling stick, aged nearly 90. What a sport! Bravissimo to him! Mary Kenny is the author of Crown and Shamrock: Love and Hate Between Ireland and the British Monarchy T he open letter today from the head of the Prison Governors Association, Andrea Albutt, will make grim reading for the Justice Secretary, David Lidington, even if it is unlikely to come as a surprise that she is devastated at the crisis in our prisons. The immediate cause for her grave concern is the outbreaks of what she calls concerted indiscipline at two prisons, in Hertfordshire and Wiltshire. They are of a piece with Justice Ministry figures last week which showed a rise in violence in prisons by a fifth in a year, with 26,643 assaults in the year to March. Of these, 7,159 attacks were on staff, the equivalent of 20 a day. There are two concerns that Ms Albutt identifies. The first and most obvious is that there is a problem with staff numbers with a net increase of just 75 officers last year after years of cuts at a time when the prison population is increasing and the problems within it, from drugs to Islamist activity, are getting worse. More seriously, she says many new recruits are inexperienced, poorly trained and unsuitable and experienced staff are leaving, taking expertise with them. There are structural problems too. She went on to describe the Governments decision earlier this year to separate operational control of the prison system from responsibility for policy, as madness. Or, as she told this paper: We are dealing with some of the most damaged people in society but prison policy is being set by generalist civil servants who have never set foot in a prison and have probably never spoken to an offender. The Ministry of Justice says Her Majestys Prison and Probation Service, which replaced the National Offender Management Service, will help to create a distinct, professionalised frontline service. That view is not shared by prison officers. The present Justice Secretary is not to blame for the upheaval; that was the responsibility of his predecessor, Liz Truss. In fact, a big problem for the penal service is that there is so little continuity at the top. All this matters. The prisoners whose conditions Ms Albutt describes will, on release, be living among us. Do we want them reformed and rehabilitated, or brutalised and alienated? We all know the answer. Better by rail in Berlin There are few so stoical as the London commuter. Indeed, a recent survey of UK rail users found it is those who use routes into the capital who are the least happy with the service and yet they put up with it because they have no choice but to do so. The biggest bugbear revealed by last months National Rail Passenger Survey was the perception that tickets are overpriced. Only 43 per cent of travellers in London and the South East felt they were getting value for money. That feeling will be bolstered today by the revelation that commuters here pay up to four times more than their counterparts in other European capitals. For instance, a monthly travelcard between Maidstone and London costs 412.50, compared to 99.80 for an equivalent ticket between Luckenwalde and Berlin. Needless to say, the quality of service in Britain is not four times better than in Germany. If Londons economy is to survive Brexit, commuters need a break, not more price rises. Prince Philip retires Today, at the extraordinary age of 96, Prince Philip fulfils his last solo public engagement, a charity parade for the Royal Marines. He is an inspiration not just to older Britons but to us all. We salute him. V ivienne Franzmann's work is characterised by a fearlessness in tackling hard topics. Her last play at the Royal Court, Pests, was a study of two young women caught up in drug dependency and the criminal justice system, and her Bruntwood Award-winning debut, Mogadishu, was about a teacher manipulated by a difficult student. Her latest play, Bodies, is no different. Returning to the Royal Court, Franzmann dissects white privilege in a story of surrogacy. Our critic Henry Hitchings described it as "finely observed" with "a lot of challenging ideas in 90 minutes." What was the first play to make you want to write plays? Decky Does a Bronco by Douglas Maxwell. I saw it in 2000 in Edinburgh. It was staged in a real playground in a real park. It was one of the first site-specific pieces of work Id seen, which was exciting in itself and then it turned into a beautiful, hilarious, devastating play about childhood and friendship. It was the first time Id seen a play and thought I might be able to write one. And then for seven years, I didnt. What was your background to becoming a playwright? I was a drama teacher when I won a Bruntwood Playwriting Award in 2008. It was my first play and people were surprised by that, but drama teachers make theatre with young people all the time. I dont think this is recognised enough. Big shout out to all the drama teachers and student theatre-makers creating work every day! Whats the hardest play youve ever written? All of them. None of them. The last one. The current one. The next one. Writing a play is a strange conflicting business. Sometimes everything flows and youre lost in it and you lose all sense of time and it feels amazing. And then the process can get really tricky and you lose all confidence and wonder why youre bothering. As a writer, you have to really interrogate yourself, personally and creatively, and that can be painful. And then you get to the end of a play and cant believe what a fuss you made about it. Which brought you the most joy? I really love the plays that go into the world and feel like theyre actively changing things. I wrote a site-specific piece with the Young Vic Taking Part team for young people in the adolescent mental health unit at the Maudsley Hospital. It took place over five days and each day, there was a new piece of theatre for the young people to experience and interact with. It was anarchic and joyous and freeing. I firmly believe that art changes lives. Which playwrights have influenced you the most? The playwrights I admire most are bold and brave and generous and ambitious. So, debbie tucker green, Lorca, Annie Baker, Arthur Miller, EV Crowe, Alice Birch, Sarah Kane and Caryl Churchill and many others. What is your favourite line or scene from any play? All Caryl Churchills: Frightening at the end of Top-Girls, Terrible rage in Escaped Alone, and the first Act of Far Away. Whats been the biggest surprise to you since youve had your writing performed by actors? Once the work is in the hands of actors, you can really see how and where and why you need to rewrite. Actors are deep thinkers and theyll ask you things that youve barely thought of yourself or youve forgotten along the way. They challenge you and your work. And, in my experience, they always want the best for the play. The amount of rewriting that takes place in rehearsals is exhilarating and terrifying. Whats been your biggest setback as a writer? Fear. My own. Im a worrier. And the hardest lesson youve had to learn? Working out when the fear is helpful and when its not. What do you think is the best thing about theatre? And the worst? The best: The energy, the liveness, the communal nature of it. It can take your breath away. I saw Dreamgirls and the feeling in the theatre was one of the most satisfying communal experiences ever. It was full of joy. People were whooping and crying and singing along. It was bloody amazing. The worst: It's far too expensive. It isn't inclusive enough. Theatre should be for everyone. Whats your best piece of advice for writers who are starting out? Write something that excites you. Write something that you cant stop thinking about. Write something that you dream about. Something that prods you, nags you, makes you feel scared. Then send it out to theatres. Send it to playwriting competitions. Dont let a lack of confidence stop you. I often wonder about all the plays that have been written that are sitting in drawers and computers, because people feel that theatre isnt open to them. Are you on Twitter? Do you find it a help or a hindrance as a writer? Nope. It would take me five hours to compose a tweet and then Id delete it straight away and worry that someone might have inadvertently read it. Why did you write Bodies? The Royal Court organised a workshop led by the director Katie Mitchell for women theatre makers, directors and writers and we spent the week talking about feminism and theatre. That was the starting point for Bodies. I was interested in how white middle class women are complicit in the oppression of other women with less privilege and power. And then I read about International surrogacy in India and it seemed to fit with everything Id been thinking about; globalisation, privilege, race, class, money, capitalism. As I wrote Bodies, I became interested in what happens when someone makes an unethical decision because of their privilege and power what that does to everyone involved, and what that does to the psyche of the decision maker. How do you spend opening night? Writing thank you cards, holding my breath during the show, drinking wine and distributing thank you cards and trying not to go home with any of those thank you cards in my bag. Ive still got one left from Bodies that I didnt manage to get to one of the creative team. Whats the best play youve seen this year? The best work Ive seen this year is Salt by the artist and performer Selina Thompson at the Southbank. She recently retraced one of the routes of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Triangle on a cargo ship and the piece she has created is brilliant. Its personal and political and sad and witty and furious and tender and beautiful. The show is going to the Edinburgh Festival next. Whats your favourite place to watch theatre in London? The Royal Court upstairs. I love how the space always transforms. And Im a huge fan of The Yard in Hackney Wick. Over the last few years, Ive seen some of the most surprising and exciting work there. What other art forms do you love when youre not in a theatre? Film, television and comedy. When not worrying about my own plays, Im usually found watching old Kristen Wiig sketches on YouTube or Slime videos and thinking about the films Id like to write. If the Prime Minister said they were abolishing the theatre tomorrow, what would you do? Depending how I feel on the day, I might do one of the following: Find the PM and do a violent durational mime piece at her while holding a placard laden with profanities or I might ask for the definition of the theatre and set off a ten year discussion or I might set up a radical underground movement or I might just sign a Change. Org petition. Bodies is at the Royal Court until August 12; royalcourttheatre.com H aving ruled the country for over six decades, the Queen has her royal dining schedule down to a fine art - particularly when it comes to her favourite tipples. Business Insider has rounded up everything her majesty drinks in a day, finding that she enjoys a routined drinking regimen that starts before midday. According to Margaret Rhodes, the Queen's cousin, HM's alcohol intake never varies. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to enjoy a cocktail or two throughout the day, as well as two glasses of wine. Before lunch, she enjoys a gin and Dubonnet - a sweet wine-based aperitif - with a slice of lemon and a lot of ice. For this, its likely she uses Gordons Gin, which has a royal warrant. The Queen - her family in pictures 1 /24 The Queen - her family in pictures Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Kate Duchess of Cambridge appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, Sunday June 5, 2022 AP (Left to right) The Duke of Gloucester, Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra, Duke of Kent, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence , the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales , Queen Elizabeth II , Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, the Duke of Cambridge, the Countess of Wessex, James Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Windsor, and the Earl of Wessex on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, to view the Platinum Jubilee flypast, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Picture date: Thursday June 2, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA In this photo released by Kensington Palace on Monday May 21, 2018, shows an official wedding photo of Britains Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, center, in Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Saturday May 19, 2018. Others in photo from left, back row, Jasper Dyer, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Doria Ragland, Prince William; center row, Brian Mulroney, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Rylan Litt, John Mulroney; front row, Ivy Mulroney, Florence van Cutsem, Zalie Warren, Remi Litt. (Alexi Lubomirski/Kensington Palace via AP) AP Royal move to Windsor Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and the Duke of Cambridge, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, to view the Platinum Jubilee flypast. PA The new generation Prince William holds George as The Queen waves during the Trooping of the Colour this year, flanked by the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry Chris Jackson/Getty Images Looking upwards Lord Elphinstone (left) speaks to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, along with Princess Margaret, Princess Elizabeth and King George VI (far right), at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh in July 1937 Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Daddy's girl Princess Anne reaches up to her father as he holds Prince Charles OFF/AFP/Getty Images Fledgling family The Queen and Prince Philip with a young Charles and Anne at Balmoral AFP/Getty Images Changing times And with later generations at Balmoral with Sarah, the Duchess of York holding Princess Beatrice, Princess Diana, Pince Philip, Peter Phillips and Prince Charles. Seated are Prince Harry, Zara Phillips and Prince William Rex Features Trooping of the Colour The Queen holds Prince Andrew in 1961 at Buckingham Palace AFP/Getty Images In training Queen Elizabeth with Princess Margaret, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew in the royal train en route for Christmas at Sandringham Reginald Davis/REX United royals The crowned heads of Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco surround the Princely Couple and Great Britain's Royal Family after Charles and Diana's wedding OFF/AFP/Getty Images A new era Prince William's christening in August 1982 PA Wire Strength of the Crown The Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Diana share a joke with Geoff Capes during a break in the field events at the Braemar Games REXMAILPIX All smiles Diana, the Princess of Wales, and The Queen smile to well-wishers in London on August 4, 1987. AP Photo/Martin Cleaver A happy start Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, wave to crowds on July 23, 1986 from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London while Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mother look on AFP/Getty Images Familiar face Prince Harry smiles during the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, in April 2006 Dylan Martinez/AFP/Getty Images She's a Great-grandmother The Queen stoops to talk to Prince George at the christening of Princess Charlotte on July 5, this year in King's Lynn Chris Jackson/Getty Images When lunch finally arrives, you wont find the Queen slurping on a Pret coffee like the rest of us. She washes it down with a glass of fine wine - presumably white as she tends to opt for a healthy, light meal of chicken and fish (although she does indulge in a piece of chocolate for dessert). While the Queen regularly tops herself up with English tea, Rhodes has also divulged that in the evening, she is known to have a dry martini as a dinner digestif. What the Queen eats in a day And just before bed, the 91-year-old likes to finish her day with a glass of Champagne, often from brands like Bollinger, Lanson and King. Apparently though, theres one drink you wont find HRH supping on; shes not a fan of beer. The Queen politely declined a pint of Guinness while touring the factory in Dublin. Y ouve either been early for a check-in or had some extra time before your flight, so with time to spare and places still to see, what exactly do you do with your luggage? LuggageHero is the answer to the question. The start-up company works in a similar way to Airbnb, allowing travellers to leave their luggage with participating 'hosts' for just 1 per hour. By recruiting shops, pubs and other retail outlets with available storage spaces, the Danish company has quickly built up a network situated in convenient locations across both London and Copenhagen. Founder Jannik Lawaetz told the Standard: The concept started in Copenhagen last summer. I myself am a frequent traveller and Ive experienced so often being left without an option to leave my luggage for a few hours, especially when staying in Airbnb homes. Having launched in London earlier this year, with 50 shops covering major areas including Victoria station, Kings Cross St Pancras and Waterloo, Jannik revealed plans to secure their position as the biggest luggage storage provider in London. He also plans to expand in New York before the end of this year. In a bid to capture staying tourists, the company has partnered with Hostmaker, the biggest Airbnb management company in Europe. Jannik says this this is because Airbnb travellers are "often left with so little options to leave their luggage. To store your luggage, travellers can simply visit their website or download the app; pick a location host and place your booking. For extra security, no fees are charged until you drop off your luggage, where you would then be charged hourly for the service. T he young man who died after being wrestled to the floor by a police officer following a chase in east London had not swallowed drugs, forensic tests have revealed. Rashan Charles, 20, was pronounced dead in hospital after being restrained in a shop in Dalston on July 22 sparking both peaceful and violent protests in the community. CCTV footage of the incident appeared to show him swallowing an object as he ran into the shop at around 1.45am. The images then show him being grabbed by the officer who wrestles him to the floor, with the pair struggling for at least a minute. CCTV of the moment Rashan Charles enters shop The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said on Wednesday evening that forensic tests revealed the object did not contain a controlled substance. The watchdog added: "Our independent investigation is thoroughly examining all aspects of police interaction with Rashan prior to his death and has already undertaken a large number of investigative actions. Rashan Charles was seen on CCTV apparently swallowing an object shortly before he died "The IPCC has now received results of forensic analysis of an object that was removed from Rashans airway by paramedics. The object did not contain a controlled substance." The watchdog said IPCC staff met with Mr Charles's family on Wednesday afternoon to update them with the results of the forensic analysis. It added that a post mortem took place on Monday 24 July and investigators are awaiting the preliminary findings from the pathologist. Dalston protest: Several wheelie bins and a mattress were set alight / PA The father-of-one's family have urged calm following a series of protests against police in east London over his death. On Friday evening, a large gang of protesters - many of whom had their faces covered - clashed with riot police as tensions came to a head. Local MP Diane Abbott attended a vigil outside Stoke Newington police station / REUTERS The group blocked busy Kingsland Road before hurling bottles, stones and other objects at police and starting a fire in the middle of the road. A vigil held the following day outside Stoke Newington police station saw Mr Charles' father call for "dignified" demonstrations. He was joined by Shadow home secretary and Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott, who told the crowd she felt it was important to attend the vigil to "show her support". Those in the crowd at the vigil could be heard chanting "no justice, no peace" as they called for the police officer who arrested Mr Charles to be suspended. Rashan Charles' family have appealed for calm / AFP/Getty Images Last week, the IPCC said the evidence it had seen so far suggested that Mr Charles was detained by a Metropolitan Police officer who had followed him on foot into a shop on Kingsland Road after an earlier attempted vehicle stop. The officer restrained Mr Charles, with the help of a member of the public, and he was handcuffed. After he was detained, attempts were made to remove an object from his mouth or throat. His condition deteriorated, and the officer called for a police medic who provided assistance prior to the arrival of paramedics, according to the IPCC. Weyman Bennett, co-convenor at Stand Up To Racism, said: "We now know that the initial statements put out at the time of Rashan's death were misleading or outright lies. Justification for his death looks increasingly at the hands of those people that forcibly restrained him. "The attempt to smear Rashan as somebody involved in drugs was an attempt to assassinate his character. We hold the police wholly responsible for these false statements that were put out, and we demand justice for Rashan." A minutes silence will be held during this years Notting Hill Carnival to honour the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. The world-famous event in west London will fall silent at 3pm on August 28 in memory of at least 80 people who died in the blaze. Chairman Pepe Francis said it feels right that we continue the carnival, which takes place near Grenfell Tower, but said the silence would allow people to show proper respect for our grieving friends and neighbours. He told the BBC: We don't pretend we can give solace. But we can, and will, offer respect and solidarity." Some two million people are expected to converge on the 51st annual street festival of dancing, music and colourful floats, which has become Europes biggest event of its kind. Last month, one senior minister wrote to Sadiq Khan to ask if it was appropriate for revellers to enjoy the annual celebration in the shadow of such a tragedy. Second vigil in Notting Hill for Grenfell Tower tragedy 1 /13 Second vigil in Notting Hill for Grenfell Tower tragedy Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images People light candles as they observe a vigil outside Notting hill Methodist Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower, a residential tower block in west London AFP/Getty Images People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images Friends hug each other at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard A woman lays flowers at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard People arrive for a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Towe Getty Images A small child tapes flowers to railings at a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard A woman leaves flowers as people arrive for a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images Reverend Mike Long leads a vigil to those killed, dead and missing and also to the emergency services and volunteers after the Grenfell Tower block fire Nigel Howard Greg Hands, the MP for Chelsea & Fulham, urged him to consider moving it given the recent tragic events in the area. But the mayor rejected the call, saying the carnival belonged on the streets of its Notting Hill birthplace. He said the event was a firm London tradition and any attempt to move it would be a mistake given the public mood after the fire. It was born out of the African-Caribbean immigrant community in North Kensington and Notting Hill in the 1950s, and its only right that this remains its home, said the Mayors spokesman. Any attempt to impose a move to another location on the carnival, particularly at a time when the community is mistrustful of many those in positions of authority, would be a mistake. Notting Hill carnival takes place on August 27-28, across the Bank Holiday weekend. A London-based artificial intelligence expert has played down fears of a runaway AI "consuming everything in its path" in scenes similar to Terminator 2 after Facebook shut down two chat robots that developed their own language. James Pollock, Head of Technology at TicTrac, a health technology product that uses AI to help people live a healthier lifestyle, said "we shouldn't expect a Skynet or Terminator situation occurring anytime soon" after Facebook developers were forced to cancel their artificial intelligence experiment. Mr Pollock described the worst case scenario for the developers of artificial intelligence as a 'Technological Singularity' or 'AI Singularity,' which can happen when technology begins to teach itself or become self aware. Mr Pollock said: "if we build an AI that can train itself, it might cause a runaway intelligence that will exceed its masters (humans) intelligence very rapidly and may cause significant and dangerous changes to human civilisation. Bugged: Tech experts say the new language was simply a bug / Shutterstock "To give an example, if we were to build a robot that was trained to make paperclips as efficiently as possible, a runaway intelligence may find that it can make paperclips out of any raw material and start to consume everything in its path." But he said in the case of the Facebook AI, he does not believe this is what happened. What did the bots say? Bob: i can i i everything else . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice: balls have zero to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to Bob: you i everything else . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice: balls have a ball to me to me to me to me to me to me to me Bob: i i can i i i everything else . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice: balls have a ball to me to me to me to me to me to me to me Bob: i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice: balls have zero to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to Bob: you i i i i i everything else . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice: balls have 0 to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to Bob: you i i i everything else . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice: balls have zero to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to me to "If a researcher builds a system that's trying to improve itself but cannot describe the behaviour it starts to exhibit, they may get concerned and want to shut it down. "In this specific example [Facebook's AI], I think they simply turned it off because it wasn't generating what they wanted (A bot that could talk and negotiate well with people), rather than fear of a singularity. The future of robots It comes after the social media company was forced to shut down its experiment when the two chat bots appeared to develop an entirely new language which developers could not understand. The AIs, Bob and Alice, were attempting to imitate human speech but created a machine language of their own with no human input, scientists said. Following the discovery Facebook decided to shut the bots down. A spokesman for Facebooks Artificial Intelligence Research (Fair) wrote in a blog: During reinforcement learning, the agent attempts to improve its parameters from conversations with another agent. While the other agent could be a human, Fair used a fixed supervised model that was trained to imitate humans. The second model is fixed, because the researchers found that updating the parameters of both agents led to divergence from human language as the agents developed their own language for negotiating. D etectives searching for missing RAF gunner Corrie McKeague have said material found at an incinerator plant needs "further examination" before it can be linked to him. The 23-year-old, from Fife in Scotland but based at RAF Honington in Suffolk, vanished after a night out with friends in Bury St Edmunds on September 24 2016. Police called off a landfill search in Milton, Cambridgeshire, after sifting through 6,500 tonnes of waste over 20 weeks - despite believing the serviceman's remains are somewhere on the sprawling site. Suffolk Police said they would search the incinerator site at Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, after ending the search at Milton. Police officers search a landfill site in search of missing RAF airman Corrie McKeague / Getty Images A force spokesman said: "Police searching incinerated waste at the Great Blakenham energy-from-waste facility have recovered some material that requires further examination in order to establish whether it is in any way connected to the Corrie McKeague missing person enquiry. "At this stage it cannot be confirmed whether or not this material is in any way linked to Corrie and so it will be subject to specialist examination and forensic analysis in the coming weeks. "Police expected that it would be necessary to take items recovered from the search away from the site in order to examine them more carefully. "Corrie's family have been kept updated about the search. The search of the incinerated waste is now complete." Last seen: CCTV image showing the last place Mr McKeague was recorded / EPA Police said Mr McKeague had a history of falling asleep in unusual places, including in bins. A bin lorry was seen on CCTV near Brentgovel Street in Bury St Edmunds around the time Mr McKeague was last seen, and it took a route which appeared to coincide with the movements of his phone. The bin lorry linked to the disappearance of Mr McKeague was initially thought to have collected an 11kg (1st 10lb) load, but police said it was later found to be more than 100kg (15st 10lb). Detective Superintendent Katie Elliott of Suffolk Police has said that any new lines of inquiry would be pursued "vigorously". Asked if she thought Mr McKeague was still on the landfill site, she replied: "I do." Mr McKeague's girlfriend April Oliver announced in June that the missing serviceman had become a father with the birth of their daughter. T he father of a schoolboy who had sex with his teacher in a plane toilet has said his son never wanted her to lose her job. Eleanor Wilson, 28, was banned from the profession last week after she engaged in sexual activity with the pupil while returning home from a school trip to Swaziland. The 16-year-olds dad told the Daily Mail that the affair, which went on months, was only exposed when another pupil blackmailed Ms Wilson and told the headteacher. The father, who cannot be identified, said: What I will say is he [the boy] didn't want any of this. Struck off: Eleanor Wilson / Facebook He didn't want her to lose her job over it. The relationship was only uncovered when another pupil found out about it and blackmailed her for sex. He then told the school and from there it was the school who pursued the investigation, not my son. He didn't want her to lose her career. He's a young man who just wants to put this behind him and move on. The newspaper previously reported that the pupil, now 18, told school friends that he drank cheap whisky with the teacher and had sex a lot on the two-week trip. Eleanor Wilson, 28 was sacked over her sexual relationship with the boy A friend said: He enjoyed telling me all about his time in Swaziland as you could go to a store and buy whisky for next to nothing. He said they had sex a lot on the trip to Africa and on the flight back. Despite rumours about the pair at the school in Bristol the relationship continued for several months after they got home. Miss Wilson left the school in May 2016 and was banned from the profession following a two-day hearing earlier this week. She was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute by a National College for Teaching and Leadership panel who found she had also tried to cover up the relationship. "Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like its (sic) heaven on earth." -- Mark Twain, as told to Anthony Scaramucci. It was a fall of biblical proportions. Huge! Like, bigger than Jericho falling to Joshua. "I said we were brothers," Scaramucci, the newly named White House communications director, said last week of his rivalry with Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff. "That's because we're rough on each other. Some brothers are like Cain and Abel." Scaramucci's retelling of Genesis had a twist: It was a murder-suicide. Priebus's Abel was indeed slain by Scaramucci's Cain; the chief was ousted Friday. But Cain met the same fate Monday afternoon; his buffoonery, self-aggrandizement and foul mouth caused him to be sacked after just 10 days on the job. He wasn't officially supposed to start until Aug. 15, so his tenure, technically, was minus 16 days. Much too soon, The Mooch is gone. Never was a man more devoted to a cause than the Mooch was to the Donald. He sold his business. He gave up his political beliefs. He apparently gave up his wife. He definitely surrendered his reputation and his dignity. All for President Trump, who thanked him by saying, "You're fired." Only hours after tweeting to the world: "No WH chaos!" The Mooch's tenure was such a whirlwind that it's tempting to describe them as Ten Days That Changed the World. But the Mooch didn't really change anything. He just made everything wildly entertaining. As word leaked on July 21 that Scaramucci had been given the communications job, press secretary Sean Spicer quit. Scaramucci immediately gave a televised news conference, blowing a kiss to the cameras and planting many kisses on the "wonderful human being" who is Trump. So devoted was the Mooch to his patron that he tried, with all the subtlety of the Soviets, to airbrush his previous criticism of Trump -- whom he'd called a "hack" and a "bully" -- and Trump's beliefs. "Full transparency," the Mooch tweeted. "I'm deleting old tweets." And so, in the name of transparency, he tried to erase a past in which he thought well of Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, gun control, abortion rights, Islam and climate-change science. But the Mooch let stand one of his best tweets: his false claim that Mark Twain had uttered the "dance like no one is watching" quotation, which actually had its origins in 1980s pop music. The parodies poured in: Na na na na na na na nana Na na na na nana Gettin jiggy wit it -- Nelson Mandela. Love. Love will keep us together. Think of me, babe, whenever. -- Jesus Christ. Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna stop us now. -- Ernest Hemingway. Then there were the photos: The Mooch giving a thumb's up on Air Force One (en route to Youngstown, Ohio, where Trump would muse about his place on Mount Rushmore), and the Mooch with thumbs in his belt loops, facing off against Priebus in the Oval Office. Wednesday night brought a tweet suggesting that Priebus was responsible for "the leak of my financial info which is a felony." Turns out the financial information was public record. Thursday, the New Yorker's Ryan Lizza reported on a phone call in which Scaramucci said top Trump strategist Stephen Bannon was trying to "[expletive] his own [expletive]," that Priebus was a [expletive] paranoid schizophrenic" who was trying to "[expletive]-block" rivals. He said he wanted to [expletive] kill all the leakers, who, he said, are "going to have to go [expletive] themselves." On Friday, the New York Post reported that Scaramucci's second wife, in late-stage pregnancy, had filed for a divorce in early July. The report suggested her husband's involvement with Trump had something to do with it. She gave birth to a boy on Monday, but it took Scaramucci four days to meet his son. Can the Mooch pick himself up after this fall? I believe he is Abel. As Mark Twain once said: I see a little silhouetto of a man. Scaramooch, Scaramooch, will you do the fandango? Thunderbolt and lightning -- very, very frightening me. Galileo, (Galileo), Galileo, (Galileo), Galileo Figaro. M inisters were today accused of plunging jails into an absolute crisis as prison governors warned that a toxic mix of rising violence and staff shortages threatens to bring disorder and rioting. In an outspoken attack, the president of the Prison Governors Association, Andrea Albutt, said she was speaking out about the unacceptable situation because of her grave concern about the recent increase in concerted indiscipline in prisons. There have been violent disturbances in prisons in Hertfordshire and Wiltshire this week and a surge in assaults carried out by inmates on fellow prisoners and staff over recent months. Ms Albutt said she feared that the situation would worsen as the summer peak leave period strained staffing. She said she was devastated by the complete decline of the prison service. Its an absolute crisis. The regime that we are giving prisoners is unacceptable, she told the Standard. Violence is increasing. The last figures showed violence at a record high. We are dealing with some of the most damaged people in society, but prison policy is being set by generalist civil servants who have never set foot in a prison and probably never spoken to an offender. "This is madness. Its soul-destroying. Its terrible. We are a modern society yet we cant run decent prisons. Ms Albutt said the problems were the result of severe staff shortages and spending cuts, coupled with perverse changes to the way that Ministry of Justice ran prisons. The problems were being exacerbated by the recruitment of unsuitable people to boost prison officer numbers and poor quality training. Many were quitting as a result. Ms Albutt added that conditions were so dire that it was often impossible to rehabilitate inmates. This meant that prisoners, including gang and knife offenders in London, would be more likely to reoffend after their release. In an earlier bulletin sent to her fellow governors, she also expressed concern that the recent disorder at The Mount prison in Hertfordshire and Erlestoke in Wiltshire could be followed by more disturbances in the coming weeks. She said: The recent increase in concerted indiscipline is of grave concern. The rise in our population ... has left us with virtually no headroom in prison spaces. "The instability we are seeing is clearly linked to a poor regime. This toxic mix does not have a quick fix and the future looks like more of the same. We know many prisons are in crisis ... it cant be dressed up in any other way. Ms Albutt said the loss of some 7,000 prison officers since 2010 was at the root of the problems and that although ministers have promised to restore 2,500 posts, the new challenges of pyschoactive drugs such as Spice and increasingly complex young offenders meant that more were needed. She added: The Government talks about it as if its not their fault but it was government policy under Cameron and Grayling that took the funding out. "The silence from the new secretary of state is deafening and the prisons minister says hes unable to meet us until mid-October. Its unacceptable and their response today has been crass. A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: We know that our prisons have faced a number of long-standing challenges, which is why we have taken immediate action to boost prison officer numbers and have created Her Majestys Prison and Probation Service. We need to create calm and ordered environments to help ensure effective rehabilitation, and we continue to work closely with the unions and all staff to help achieve these vital reforms and make prisons places of safety and reform.@martinbentham T he son of a hell-raising earl who was notorious for being Britains most-married peer is now locked in his own divorce battle, trying to protect the family fortune from his ex-wife. The Honourable Henry Wyndham Wodehouse, 61, is the son of Lord Wodehouse, fourth earl of Kimberley, who garnered a reputation as a playboy with six marriages during his lifetime. The earl, whose godfather was author PG Wodehouse, frittered away millions through high living and trips to the divorce courts. He sold off the familys Kimberley Hall mansion near Wymondham, Norfolk, before he died in 2002 aged 78. His son from his third marriage, Henry, a retired Met Police officer, has twice followed in his fathers footsteps to the divorce courts, in 1988 and with his second wife Ellen, 65, in 2011. Mr Wodehouse, who now has modest means and shared a semi-detached home in Hampshire with Ellen, was ordered to hand over a 90,000 lump sum in the settlement, as well as half his police pension. The divorce judge also ruled that any money he could not pay should come out of a 600,000 trust fund his father left for his family. Kimberley Hall in Norfolk But Mr Wodehouse is trying to appeal against that decision, arguing that the judge did not have the power to include the trust fund in the divorce settlement. Appeal Court judge Lord Justice McFarlane this week granted Mr Wodehouse permission to challenge the ruling, saying: There is a heaviness to my heart, because this litigation is now going to go on for a further time when it should have been put to bed years ago. Lord Wodehouse went through five marriages in 25 years before finding happiness with his sixth wife, Janey Consett. His family trace their lineage to an ancestor knighted by Henry I, who reigned from 1068 to 1135, with generations holding prominent positions in Parliament and offices of state. But Lord Wodehouse the vice-president of the World Council on Alcoholism but also a confessed alcoholic sold Kimberley Hall, saying all he could think about was buying a new Aston Martin. Henry, the third of his four sons, has been made bankrupt twice himself, in 1990 and 2010, and is now arguing he may not have access to any of the family fortune to pay his ex-wife with. His barrister, Phillip Blatchly, told the Court of Appeal half of the money in the trust will go to his stepmother, known as the dowager countess, and Mr Wodehouse may only get 20,000 if anything at all. The trust is wholly discretionary, said Mr Blatchly, meaning the trustees can, with the countess permission, exclude Mr Wodehouse from it at any time. He has no absolute entitlement to any capital from the trust, either on the death of the dowager countess or earlier, he said. He is one of 15 potential beneficiaries in a trust that is entirely discretionary. Mr Blatchly also said that it is wrong that Mr Wodehouses pension should be shared with Ellen when it was built up before they met. Giving permission to appeal, Lord Justice McFarlane said there was an argument that the divorce court did not have the power to make an order against the trust. A full appeal will be heard on a date to be set. A n art student reported to the police for posing as an MP called Ana Key for a project has been expelled from the Labour Party, she revealed today. Ellen Kenyon Peers told the Evening Standard she received a standard legal letter from Labour Party HQ cancelling her membership as she had written for the rival Socialist Party and stood for election on a hard-Left ticket. Ms Kenyon Peers was criticised by genuine Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft for creating a fake website for her fictional ego which Labour said could have confused people. The website was reported to the police and parliament. But the student said she had no regrets. To be honest I have had no contact from the police or parliament, she said. My mum and dad were quite upset that I have been expelled from Labour, though. I come from a traditional Labour-supporting family but I joined after Jeremy Corbyn became leader. Her fictional creation, Ms Key, has now been invited to speak at a real-life political event, the Socialism 2017 conference in London in November. I will be speaking as myself about socialism and also about some of the press coverage I have had. Fans on Twitter criticised Labour for a heavy-handed response. Socialist Party member Nancy Taaffe, tweeted: The reason we have to #DefendAnaKey is because this imaginary character makes a better MP than the local one, Vicky Pollard or something... A nthony Scaramucci has dismissed his foul-mouthed tirade to the New Yorker in which he called Reince Priebus a "f****** paranoid schizophrenic" as "a joke." "Most of what I said was humorous and joking," the ousted White House communications chief told the Huffington Post of his comments about the former chief of staff. "Legally, it may have been on the record, but the spirit of it was off. And he knew that," he added. Mr Scaramucci's comments came soon after a stunning email prank exposed embarrassing emails that appear to show he compared Mr Priebus to Shakespeare's Othello. The extraordinary online exchange, orchestrated by an imposter posing as Mr Priebus, was a parting humiliation for Mr Scaramucci, nicknamed "The Mooch". White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci is removed from post Apparently believing he was writing to Mr Priebus, he wrote: "You know what you did." Mr Scaramucci's vulgar rant to the New Yorker last week included a series of critical comments not only about Mr Priebus but also other members of Donald Trump's top team, such as: "Im not (White House strategist) Steve Bannon. Im not trying to suck my own c***." He also said: "Im not trying to build my own brand off the f****** strength of the president. Im here to serve the country," and vowed he would "kill all the leakers in the White House." The former Wall Street financier was a controversial figure already before his appointment less than two weeks ago. Mr Scaramucci was about a week into his new job when he made headlines around the world with his "straight talking". He had been brought in as part of a White House shake-up which prompted the resignation of press secretary Sean Spicer. It was reported that people familiar with staff changes said Mr Spicer thought Mr Scaramucci lacked the qualifications for the top communications job and quit in protest. Mr Scaramucci, a native of Long Island, New York, had no government experience and no experience crafting communication strategy around policy. The 53-year-old came to the job from Wall Street after making a name for himself as a hedge fund manager who appeared on television. A heartwarming animation about a teenage boy who develops a same-sex romance with his fellow schoolmate has been viewed millions of times in just a few days. Short film In a Heartbeat, in the style of Pixars popular animations, was made by two American college students who raised the money via an internet appeal. More than $14,000 was pledged to fund the project, which creators Beth David and Esteban Bravo said dealt with a real and personal topic in a very sweet and light-hearted way. The pair of computer animation students said they hoped the four-minute story will help tackle the lack of LGBTQ characters and story lines in media and animated films, especially in childrens programmes. Ms David, who studies at Floridas Ringling School of Art and Design, told NBC News: The original pitch was a story between a boy and a girl. But it wasnt until we made it about a same-gender crush that the idea really started to take form and resonate with Esteban and I. We realised that we had something that could potentially be really special to us. In the film, a closeted schoolboy is outed by his own heart, which is personified and and pops out of his body to pursue another male students. The finished film has been viewed more than five million times on YouTube, garnering hundreds of positive comments although the video also attracted some homophobic backlash. But internet users hit back at the abuse, with one viewer commenting: Can yall believe were in a time where adults shame kids for being in love with who they want to be. Another fan of the film said: These talented people need to make some movies. Esteban Bravo told NBC: There have been a few nods to the LGBTQ community in recent childrens programming but its very rare that an LGBTQ character is given the spotlight. Especially in a medium like animation that is predominantly geared towards children and family. With ["In a Heartbeat"], we wanted to challenge the preconceived notion that LGBTQ content is not appropriate or suitable for younger audiences. Its an innocent and lighthearted story about a boy and his crush that we hope will resonate with younger people regardless of their background. T he secretive state of North Korea could soon be ready to open its so-called Hotel of Doom 30 years after construction first began. The 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel is currently standing empty in the countrys capital of Pyongyang but last week showed new signs that something could be happening. Work to build the multi-million pound hotel, which is the worlds tallest unoccupied building, began in 1987 but stalled in the early 1990s as North Korea struggled with famines. Construction began again 2008 but eventually stopped four years ago in 2013. The hotel in 1990. / AP But walls put up around the base of the base of the tower were pulled down last week, unveiling two walkways leading up to the building and a big red propaganda sign reading: Rocket Power Nation. The new features were revealed as North Korea celebrated the anniversary of the Korean War armistice. For more than a week leading up to the anniversary, which is a major holiday in North Korea, soldier-builders at the site in central Pyongyang were seen behind the walls. They had heavy equipment for digging and brightly coloured propaganda billboards that are a staple at North Korean construction sites, intended to boost morale. People walk past the 105-storey pyramid-shaped hotel. / AP Last week also saw Kim Jong-uns second launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan. Pyongyang has been undergoing a massive redevelopment since the North Korean leader took over from his late father in 2011. Several major high-rise areas have been built, including one with a 70-story residence and dozens of other tall buildings in the capitals Ryomyong district in April. Pyongyang also has a new international airport, a massive sci-tech complex and many other recreational and educational facilities. It is not known how the country can afford the apparent construction boom. Additional reporting by Associated Press. A n anti-immigration group in Norway mistook a picture of empty bus seats for a group of women wearing burkas in an online post fuelling Islamophobic hate. The picture was posted in Norwegian Facebook group Fedreland viktigst, which translates as fatherland first, alongside a comment which read: What do people think of this? Many members of group began writing anti-Muslim comments, suggesting the photo was scary and proof that a ban against burkas is needed. According to the Washington Post, more than a hundred people commented on it with one Islamophobic user saying: You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons. In June, Norways Government proposed a ban on burkas and other face-covering veils in a move which follows France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Bulgaria. It comes after an increase in Muslim immigration in Norway. Johan Slattavik, who posted the photo into the group, told WorldViews in a Facebook message that it was a little practical joke. He said: I laid out the photo to see what happened. I ended up having a good laugh. Sindre Beyer posted a screenshot of the error on Facebook and wrote: What happens when a photo of some empty bus seats is posted to disgusting Facebook group and nearly everyone thinks they see a bunch of burkas. He told Norways news organisation Nettavisen that he had shared the mistake so people could see whats happening in the dark corners of the web. T his is the shocking moment a man punched a Russian presenter live on television and shouted "we will seize Ukraine". The shocking footage shows a man staggering into the frame before being told to be quiet by the NTV presenter, who is trying to speak to camera. The man, initially reported on NTV's website to be a drunk paratrooper, then shouts expletives and says "we will seize Ukraine" before punching the TV host in the face. Pro-Russian separatist rebels have been engaged in conflict in east Ukrainian territories since war broke out in early 2014. Today is VDV Day in Russia, a celebration of airborne fighters that traditionally sees paratroopers gather in public places, drinking alcohol and swimming in fountains. The TV host had been trying to talk about the celebrations of Russia's "elite" airborne troops on the special occasion. After the punch, a female presenter back in the studio says: "Ah, we are having some problems. We will return to our correspondent, Nikita Razvozhaev. We will hope that everything is ok with him." After NTV's website described the man as a "drunk paratrooper", police told news agency Interfax the man had no connection to the airborne forces. He wore a t-shirt bearing the name of Oplot, a pro-Russian martial arts club that opposed the pro-European Maidan protests in Ukraine in 2014. After the outbreak of war that followed the protests, Oplot was said to have evolved into an armed force in the Ukraine conflict on the Russian side. Alexander Zakharchenko, reported by Reuters as a leader of Oplot, is now head of the pro-Russian rebel group occupying the region of Donetsk, in east Ukraine. A Russian stunt biker with a huge Instagram following has died in a motorcycle crash in Vladivostok, according to local media. Tributes poured in for Olga Pronina, a 40-year-old self-described "moto girl" known for posting daredevil videos of terrifying bike tricks - often wearing little in the way of protective gear - online. Ms Pronina was also known for scantily clad model-style shoots posing with her bikes, sometimes while doing the stunts. The social media star, who had at least 130,000 followers on Instagram by the time of her death, was riding a high-end BMW motorcycle when she crashed, according to Russian news site Gazeta.ru. She was said to have lost control of the bike and been thrown into a fence. Ms Pronina, who went by the pseudonym Monika9422 and talked of reaching speeds of up to 155 mph, told her Instagram fans she loved the thrill of riding and that she took the risks consciously. "I'm a big girl and I know what I'm doing," she wrote. She also posted pictures of herself posing with automatic weapons alongside the caption: "My toy." Valery Volodarsky, leader of the Russian Samurais biker club, told Gazeta.ru that in her 21-year riding career, Ms Pronina had won his respect. "She was a brave and courageous girl, which among women is a rarity," he said, adding that he thought motorcyclists ought to stick to traffic laws to avoid accidents. Motorcycle clubs are a prominent part of popular culture in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin has described nationalist biker gang the Night Wolves as his "friends". Ms Pronina leaves behind a 16-year-old daughter. The desire to punish or silence unfavorable press knows no party lines, according to a new survey released recently by The Economist and YouGov. Nearly half of Republicans, a quarter of independents and one-fifth of Democrats favored permitting the courts to shut down media outlets for publishing or broadcasting stories that are biased or inaccurate. A majority of Republicans supported fines to punish such reporting. Weaponizing the judicial system against the constitutionally protected freedom of the press is the work of a dictatorship, not the democracy prized by Americans for 241 years. This troubling report indicates the long-simmering feud between the politicians and journalists whose job it is to keep elected officials accountable is boiling over and rapidly. Democracy, as its often said, inherently carries the seeds that can be sowed to create its own demise. Following through on these authoritarian impulses would lead to real threats against the American experiment taking root. Journalists arent perfect, as much as they try. Still, they own their mistakes with corrections. Legitimate news agencies have high standards for accuracy, professionalism and objectivity. But facts are not biased, though they can be twisted to suit an opinion. Reporting and news are sometimes inconvenient to elected officials, but coverage isnt inaccurate simply because someone in a position of power says it is. Furthermore, the press is guaranteed freedom under the U.S. Constitution, the seminal document for modern democracy which should be cherished by all Americans. Instead, across the political spectrum, many surveyed seemed to think that freedom should be curtailed. For proof, look no further than the White House. After all, its possible that Donald Trump wouldnt be president if it werent for the mass media to whom hes threatened opening up libel laws. Cable news excessively covered his every move on the campaign trail a benefit some industry experts estimated was worth more than $2 billion in free advertising for Trump. The New York Times expose on Hillary Clintons private email server gave Republicans an effective weapon the president still cites. All the while, Trump bristles at or sometimes is illustrated body slamming what hes deemed fake news. Despite the popularity of this oxymoronic term, journalism and media will always serve a critical role in American democracy, holding those in power accountable. Any nation without such a check on its government, no matter what its people wish, is hurtling toward or already in a dictatorship. D onald Trump has launched a "real news" program on his Facebook page, hosted by his daughter-in-law and recapping his achievements for the week. Amid swirling turmoil at the White House as high-profile personnel changes grabbed headlines, Mr Trump sought to draw attention to his better side. The first episode of the two-minute "news" show, posted to his page on Sunday, features his son Eric's pregnant wife Lara recapping the president's "wins" for the week. "I bet you haven't heard about all the accomplishments the president had this week because there's so much fake news out there," she kicks off. In a largely uncritical take on the previous seven days, Mrs Trump starts by announcing that the president has donated this quarter's salary to the Department of Education, having given it to the Parks Department in the previous quarter. "I'm so proud of that," she says. She then points out that unemployment is at its lowest rate since 2001, although she does not mention that it has been falling every month for just over six years. She tells viewers that Mr Trump has created 800,000 jobs during his just over six months in office and recounts the president's visits to "incredible veterans", a hospital treating wounded soldiers, and officials from the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to "crack down" on gangs. She signs off: "Thanks for joining us everybody, I'm Lara Trump and that is the real news." Donald Trump claims to be the victim of 'fake news' / AP The clip makes no mention of high-level drama at the White House that saw communications chief Anthony Scaramucci removed this week after just ten days in the role. The firing followed an extraordinary week in which Reince Priebus was ousted as chief of staff after Mr Scaramucci launched a foul-mouthed tirade in a New Yorker interview calling him a "f***ing paranoid schizophrenic". Mr Trump has repeatedly asserted that media reports critical of him are "fake news", and wrote on his Facebook on Tuesday: "Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out!" T welve prisoners were on the run from a US prison after fooling a guard using peanut butter. The men tricked the young guard by covering an Alabama prison exit door number with the spread. When the employee hit the button to open the door, which he believed led to a cell and not to the exit, the men fled the facility. The inmates then used their orange prison uniforms and blankets to jump over the 12-foot razor wire fence. The new guard described the inmates fleeing as crazy like a fox, according to Fox News. Eleven of the men who escaped on Sunday were tracked down and returned to prison within 12 hours, but the final escapee managed to hide until Tuesday evening. Brady Andrew Kilpatrick, 24, managed to flee the county, according to the local sheriffs Facebook page. He was later captured by police in Tequesta, Florida. The inmates took advantage of a new guard by using peanut butter to conceal an exit door number, the Walker County Alabama Sheriffs Office said. When the inmates called for the guard to open the door and let them in a cell, the guard inadvertently opened the exit door. The county prison is now looking at ways of renumbering the doors "in a way that peanut butter won't have any effect on them," Mr Underwood said, adding that the scheme to use the spread was "very smart thinking on their part". A US special agent was injured after accidentally shooting himself in the foot. The incident happened on Tuesday at Orlando International Airport when the officer shot himself while trying to catch his weapon. The agent was approaching a security checkpoint at 11.20 am when he went to unsling a shoulder bag and caught it on his holstered weapon. But as the weapon fell, the officer tried to catch the gun and accidentally pulled the trigger. Orlando Police Department said the bullet hit the agent in the heel and was recovered a few feet away. I was a little taken back that nobody was moving, Jenny Fulks, a woman who was waiting for her flight told US news outlet, News 6. I did see airport officials walking towards the area and it was almost like they were cuing each other. Its very odd, nothing Ive ever seen before. Officials released a statement that no one else was injured at the scene other than the officer and there were no disruptions at the airport. A South Carolina student who escaped being raped has told how she jumped from a moving vehicle after learning her attackers could not drive her manual-gearshift car. Jordan Dinsmore, 20, was ambushed in the early hours of Wednesday, July 26, in a carpark by three men who bundled her into her car at gunpoint. When they realised her 2009 Toyota Scion was not an automatic popular in the US one ran off, but two of the men remained and forced her into the driver's seat, telling her to drive to a cash machine. She withdrew $300 (about 225) from a petrol station ATM and pleaded with them to let her go, but they then ordered her to drive to their "auntie's" house where their friends would rape her. I thought back to my mum, Ms Dinsmore tearfully told a press conference. She was almost a victim of sexual assault when she was a college student. But she fought back and fought the man off. And I thought, Im gonna be strong like my mom, and Im gonna get myself out of this. As she traveled through a junction at about 35 mph, Ms Dinsmore who was not wearing a seatbelt shifted the car into neutral and leapt from the moving vehicle. "I saw my opportunity, I threw it into neutral and just ... fell out," she said. She ran back towards the petrol station for help, where an "amazing woman" came to her aid as she looked out behind her to make sure she hadn't been followed. The only reason I wasnt raped and most likely killed was because I kept my head and jumped out of my own moving vehicle on a busy street to get away, Ms Dinsmore wrote in a post to social media. She added that police who found her had given her a nickname, writing: Thank you to the kind woman who heard my screaming and stopped her care for me and to Richland [Police Department] for responding instantly and giving me my new nickname, James Bond. Ms Dinsmore escaped with cuts and bruises. Legal documents lodged by Very Good Touring claimed the London insurance firm is hinting it will refuse to pay out over claims his marijuana was responsible for a medical condition which led to his treatment at an LA psychiatric unit in November last year. The 40-year-old pulled out of 21 tour dates in Saint Pablo, North America and Canada following lengthy political rant on stage in California. West had only performed three songs before launching the tirade which included controversial statements about Jay-Z and Beyonce. He pledged his support to Donald Trump, who was then running for US president. The Kardashians on front row at Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 1 /14 The Kardashians on front row at Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Tyga, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Carine Roitfeld and Pharrell Williams attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Models on the catwalk at Yeezy: Season 4 show in New York Rex Tyga, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Carine Roitfeld and Pharrell Williams attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Kanye West and Kim Kardashian attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Models wear the Yeezy Season 4 collection by Kanye West during a fashion show at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island in New York. The show, set to an eery soundtrack, helped kick off New York Fashion Week Leanne Italie/AP Anna Wintour attends the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Tyga, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Carine Roitfeld attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Tyga and Kylie Jenner attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Kanye West and Kim Kardashian attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Tyga, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Carine Roitfeld attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Tyga, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Carine Roitfeld and Pharrell Williams attend the Kanye West Yeezy Season 4 fashion show Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images The artist spent "hundreds of thousands of dollars" on insurance with Lloyd's to cover the costs of a cancellation but is yet to receive a payment, according to a document lodged in a Californian federal court. Lawyer Howard King wrote that Lloyds have (not) provided anything approaching a coherent explanation about why they have not paid, or any indication if they will ever pay or even make a coverage decision, implying that Kanye's use of marijuana may provide them with the basis to deny the claim. Mr King, representing the West's firm, dismissed the allegation that cannabis use led to his "serious, debilitating medical condition" as an "unsupportable contention". The document details that West was playing in Sacramento, California, on November 19 when his "strained, confused and erratic" behaviour caused him to stop the show. He then spent eight days in a neuropsychiatric centre at UCLA during which it was decided he could not go on with the tour, it adds. Mr King also accused Lloyd's of "maliciously" sharing confidential information with news outlets about West. Very Good Touring is suing for more than 9,861,000 dollars (7,464,000) in damages and is demanding interest be paid over alleged breach of contract. A spokeswoman for Lloyd's of London declined to discuss the Kanye West legal action, saying: "We're not able to comment on matters in litigation." K im Kardashian was heckled in the street and branded a fur hag as she shopped with Kendall Jenner in New York. The reality TV star was targeted by a man believed to be an animal rights supporter as she strutted into a vintage shop wearing a see-through black leotard and camouflage shorts. The 36-year-old, who has been frequently criticised for wearing fur, appeared unphased by the commotion. Younger sister Kendall brushed off the insults as she walked behind her sister wearing an off-the-shoulder floral dress and knee-high boots. Celebrity sisters: Kendall Jenner joined Kim Kardashian on a shopping trip in New York / Rex Features In 2012, furious protesters hurled flour over the star walked the red carpet in Hollywood. Last year, Britains Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon shared an image of the pair as they arrived at New York Fashion Week wearing fur coats on Instagram and branded them ignorant. Baring all: Kim Kardashian donned a see-through black leotard / Rex Features She posted: This photo really saddens me! It's 2016 and ignorantly wearing fur is still happening! The Kardashian's have a huge following and could actually affect change! I have looked into fur farms and they are barbaric, evil and disturbing. There is NO kind way to skin an animal alive! None of us are perfect and we learn new things everyday, but this is absolutely ridiculous. I honestly think if more people took the time to watch some of the footage out there they would feel sick to their stomachs. The latest animal rights row comes as Kims husband Kanye Wests company launched a 10 million dollar legal battle with Lloyds of London over 21 cancelled tour dates. L ondon bears the brunt of the latest flying shark attack in the ridiculous new trailer for Sharknado 5: Global Swarming. Tara Reid, Chris Kattan and Dolph Lundgren dash around the capital as they try to fend off the murderous creatures in the latest instalment of the B-movie franchise. Big Ben, London buses and even the Good Morning Britain studio come under attack from the tornado, with Kate Garraway meeting a grisly end. The Prime Minister, the Queen of England and even the Pope arent safe from the flying sea creatures. Tom Daley filming on London's South Bank for Sharknado 5 The fifth film in the Sharknado universe sees the situation go global, with filming locations including Rio, Rome and Tokyo. There are an interesting array of cameos in the film, including Olympic diver Tom Daley and glamour girl turned reality star Katie Price. Before shooting her role in the film, Price recently said: From what Ive been told, sharks fall out of the sky and eat you. I try to save the Prime Minister and his left leg gets bitten off but he makes out as though hes alright and Im like, but your legs bitten off. Next thing you know Im turning around all smug as though Ive gotten away with it and Im eaten by a shark. Sharknado 5: Global Swarming will air on Syfy on August 6. T he Handmaids Tale has been told and those Love Islanders have returned to the mainland but summer isnt over yet. Oh no. In TV-watching terms its barely even begun. These August evenings, with their unpredictable weather, are perfect for catching up with critically acclaimed series, seeking out new favourites or relaxing in front of a top-quality drama. In TV, theres no such thing as an off-season. Here are the ones to watch out for: 1. Insecure If you liked Girls or Broad City or Atlanta or Fleabag, or even Peep Show, and you still havent checked out Insecure, then girl, youre playing yourself as Molly might say. The second series opens on our decidedly unheroic heroine, Issa (the shows creator Issa Rae), plotting to win back her ex, Lawrence, while her pal Molly has had an uncomfortable BBC-style salary revelation. Those heartbreakingly intimate, direct-to-camera raps are as insightful as ever, and everyones looking that bit more polished after the success od season one. If you had a crush on Lawrence in his trackie bums, wait till you see him now. Sky Atlantic, August 3 2. Trust Me Jodie Whittaker wont set foot in the Tardis until the Christmas special but heres the new Doctor playing a nurse, pretending to be a doctor. She stars as a lonely, single mum who spies an opportunity to improve her prospects by stealing a colleagues identity and moving to Edinburgh to work on a busy A&E ward. What could possibly go wrong? Admittedly, this silly-but-fun medical thriller is perhaps best enjoyed with mild heatstroke. BBC1, August 8 3. Top of the Lake: China GirlDetective Crime drama: Elisabeth Moss in Top of the Lake (BBC) / See-Saw Films (TOTL2) Holdings Pty Ltd The second series of this eerie Sydney-set crime thriller has been available on iPlayer since last week but consider this your nudge to plough on, so that we can start talking about it already! TOTL is both as odd as the new Twin Peaks (it has its own grey-haired eccentric auteur in Jane Campion) and as radical as The Handmaids Tale Elisabeth Moss stars in this too. Then theres Game of Throness Gwendoline Christie while Campions daughter, Alice Englert, gives a disturbingly brilliant performance as teen terror, Mary. iPlayer and BBC2, on now 4. The Defenders A blind lawyer-turned vigilante; a chi-powered billionaire; an ex-con bar owner and a super-strong female PI. Together they are well, you probably guessed by now. The Defenders is the much-anticipated culmination of the popular Marvel series (Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Daredevil) and less popular ones (Iron Fist) which works on the Avengers-proven premise that several wise-cracking superheroes are better than one. Throw in Sigourney Weaver as supervillain Alexandra and youve got unmissable television. Netflix, August 18 5. Halt and Catch Fire Chances are that this period drama about the personal computing revolution has been lurking on your to-watch list since it first aired in 2014. Now that it has reached a fourth and final season, taking a week off to rectify this oversight is a perfectly sensible use of holiday days. The early Nineties set design is as good as youd expect from the network that gave us Mad Men, and in Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis, HCF has an edgily beautiful cast to match. Amazon Prime, August 20 6. The Tick Summer means superheroes, and not only in the multiplex. Ben Edlunds comic-book creation has already been adapted into an animation and a short-lived but fondly remembered series starring the ultimate American beefcake, Patrick Warburton. British comic actor Peter Serafinowicz is probably the only other man alive who could pull off the requisite bombastic baritone. Amazon Prime, August 25 7. Game of Thrones, series seven finale HBO David Benioff and D B Weiss may have suspect judgment when it comes to tackling todays controversial topics (see the furore surrounding their upcoming slavery drama Confederate) but they sure know how to put together a pseudo-medieval fantasy romp. The current season has been as enthusiastically received as all the others and the finale is always a treat. One question, though: How can it be wrong to ship Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow when it feels so right? Sky Atlantic, August 28 8. Strike: The Cuckoos Calling The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 1 /13 The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 Doctor Who The classic sci-fi show got a new lease of life with new companion Bill Potts BBC Line of Duty The BBC's acclaimed crime drama moved up to BBC One with more twists than ever before World Productions / BBC / Aidan Monaghan Broadchurch Chris Chibnall's mystery drama came to a close with a compelling final series ITV The Moorside Sheridan Smith puts in a stellar performance as she returns to TV in the BBC's Shannon Matthews drama Stuart Wood/ITV/BBC Apple Tree Yard Emily Watson starred in the BBC's gripping psychological thriller BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs Fortitude, Series 2 Sky Atlantic's original Nordic noir-inspired chiller is back for more bloody mysteries Sky Atlantic Sherlock, Series 4 Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as Holmes and Watson in the BBC's mega hit PA Taboo Tom Hardy's dark thriller is unlike any period drama you've seen before FX Networks No Offence, Series 2 Paul Abbott's comedy-drama continues to walk a tonal tightrope with total ease Channel 4/Ian Derry The Voice A move to ITV has given singing contest The Voice a new lease of life ITV Justify your staycation by catching the first instalment in a planned Wallander-like franchise of Robert Galbraith/ J.K. Rowling adaptations. Here Strike (Tom Burke) is investigating the mysterious death of a model with the help of his secretary Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger). Could this mean the end of Scandi noir dominance? Strike (Tom Burke) does work from an office on Denmark Street, after all. BBC1, August TBC 9. Diana & I August 31 marks 20 years since Princess Dianas death, and among the many commemorations is this stand-alone drama written by Mrs Browns Jeremy Brock. Rather that examining the biography of the Princess (see the controversial Channel 4 documentary Diana: In Her Own Words for that), Diana & looks at the huge, heartfelt and at times bizarre emotional outpouring after her death, by focusing on the interlinked lives of four ordinary people. BBC2, August TBC 10. Victoria Gareth Gattrell/ITV The baby-making years have arrived in earnest for Vicky n Al, but if you thought pregnancy could slow down this 19th-century Beyonce, you must have missed a few key series one episodes. There are eight more babies to come, plus a revolutionary scare, several assassination attempts and the Irish Famine. Shell get through it all with the help of her beloved Albert/Jay Z, played by Tom Hughes. Note that Hughess own huge blue eyes are almost a match for Jenna Colemans big brown ones. ITV, August TBC 11. The State Skimming trashy airport novels is all very well but unless you want a brain the consistency of frose come autumn, some thought-provoking drama is also in order. Bafta-winning Wolf Hall director Peter Kosminksy is the master of such things and in this extensively researched, four-parter hell ask why ordinary Britons join Islamic State. Next, head over to All4, where Kosminskys greatest hits (The Government Inspector, Britz and The Promise) are available to watch in full. Channel 4, August TBC 12. The Big Family Cooking Showdown Well have to wait a few months to see how our lost love GBBO is faring on Channel 4 but this new BBC series looks more like Bake Offs true successor; a Nadiya Hussain and Zoe Ball-fronted, competitive-yet-kindly show which leaves you feeling as vaguely patriotic as a Dunkirk screening with an open G&T bar. The format, however, is more Generation Game meets Ready Steady Cook, with 16 family teams competing in a variety of challenges. BBC2, August TBC 13. Ozark Around the World in TV Shows 1 /6 Around the World in TV Shows p22 edition 15.03.17 p22 edition 15.03.17 Walter Presents p22 edition 15.03.17 p22 edition 15.03.17 p22 edition 15.03.17 Ever since Breaking Bad ended, weve been hoping for a date night destination show like this one. Ozark is the kind of crime thriller thats serviceable and satisfying without totally giving way to convention; a show with an appeal broad enough to bring about a detente in even the fiercest remote control rivalries. Arrested Developments Jason Bateman stars as a Chicago money launderer who must relocate to rural Missouri for his familys safety. Truly, its shows like this which keep marriages alive. Netflix, on now C elebrity Big Brother contestant Trisha Paytus is off to an interesting start as she tried to break the ice with Jordan Davies by asking him if he was a hooker. Scenes set to air on Wednesdays episode show the pairs incredibly awkward conversation just moments after entering the brand new house. She then proceeded to put her foot in it even further by refusing to believe Wales has its own language, even after Jordan, whos from Cardiff, spoke Welsh to her. Trisha kicked off the conversation in cringeworthy style by asking 25-year-old Jordan if hes 18. Celebrity Big Brother Launch 2017 - In pictures 1 /25 Celebrity Big Brother Launch 2017 - In pictures Sarah Harding Getty Images Shaun Williamson PA Sandi Bogle Getty Images Sam Thompson Getty Images Sarah Harding PA Shaun Williamson PA Sandi Bogle PA Karthik Nagesan PA Brandi Glanville Getty Images Sam Thompson Getty Images Marissa Jade PA Jemma Lucy PA Derek Acorah PA Trisha Paytas PA Chad Johnson PA Helen Lederer PA Paul Danan PA Amelia Lily PA Jordan Davies PA How old are you? Are you 18? What do you do? What are you famous for? she demanded. After confirming his real age, Jordan explained he was famous for reality TV appearances and being a bit of a naughty boy. She clearly misinterpreted his comment, following up by asking: Are you a hooker? Like an escort? Ex on the Beach star Jordan was stunned by her questions, but before he could even respond, internet sensation Trisha began to grill him on whether he was circumcised. Cause Europeans have skin on their d*** right? Europeans are not circumcised right? she wondered. Im not circumcised no, he replied. Trisha seem determined to prove that no topic was off limits as she challenged Jordan to strip off and jump in the pool, and refused to believe Welsh is a real language. Celebrity Big Brother House 2017 - In pictures 1 /8 Celebrity Big Brother House 2017 - In pictures Channel 5 Channel 5 Channel 5 Channel 5 Channel 5 Channel 5 After Jordan showed off his linguistic skills by saying a few words in Welsh, 29-year-old Trisha asked Is that really a language?. Elsewhere in Wednesdays episode, Paul Danan lived up to his dangerous nickname when he gave his fellow housemates a fright by setting off the fire alarm which he mistook for the diary room button. Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on Channel 5. A man convicted of using an AK-47 to kill a woman and wound her boyfriend as they walked their dog in Denver has been sentenced to life in prison. A judge sentenced Michael Close on Friday to a life term without the possibility of parole in the death of 21-year-old Isabella Thallas and added an additional 48-year sentence for the attempted murder of her boyfriend. The Denver Post reported that Close yelled out the window at the couple as they urged the dog to go potty outside his apartment in June 2020 before getting the weapon and firing it 24 times. RACINE A 37-year-old man, accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that seriously injured his girlfriend last year, has taken a plea deal. Joseph A. Pirk Sr., of the 1600 block of Russet Street in Racine, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Racine County Circuit Court to an amended charge of injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle, according to online court records. A second charge of injury by use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration was dismissed but read into the record. Pirk was charged on Oct. 4, after police say he was heavily intoxicated and crashed into a parked car. According to a criminal complaint, Racine police responded at 8:46 p.m. on Sept. 30 to a report of a crash at West Boulevard and Olive Street. A detective arriving on scene observed that a Chevrolet Blazer that appeared to have been traveling south on West Boulevard had struck a legally parked, unoccupied Ford Super Duty truck on the west side of the street.The first officer to arrive on scene reportedly observed a man standing outside the Blazer, holding the hand of a female passenger who was trapped inside and later had to be extricated. That man, who was later identified as Pirk and was the driver of the vehicle, smelled of alcohol, had glassy eyes, was swaying and appeared unsteady. Pirk and the female passenger were taken to the hospital, where she was treated for a dislocated hip and cuts to her leg and face. She reportedly told officers that the pair had been drinking vodka before getting into the car that night. Pirk faces up to 7 years in prison for the crime. His sentencing has been set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 9. RACINE Give neighborhood crime and drugs a going away party. That was the slogan for this years 26th annual National Night Out event. Racine, Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant this year saw upwards of 60 National Night Out events, both public and private, take place around town. National Night Out is one of the best events we do all summer, said state representative and Racine mayoral candidate Cory Mason, during the kickoff celebration Tuesday evening at the 1500 block of North Wisconsin Avenue. The crowd at kickoff festivities was comprised mostly of police officers and firefighters, but a few dozen residents also were present. Hot dogs and other picnic food were available for anyone in attendance. As a result, the line for food was made of an eclectic mix of elected officials, authorities and everyday people. The Racine Police Department also opened up a huge command vehicle, which blocked off the north end of the block, for public tours. I see (NNO) making a huge difference, Racine Mayor Dennis Wiser said as the food line grew. The community policing makes a big difference. For Carla Harris, who will start police academy training in January, National Night Out allows her to make connections in the police force and introduce her kids to officers and neighbors. (NNO) is a way for people to meet each other, and it can probably stop a lot of crime thats been happening around here, Harris said, especially if you know whos around you. Racines focus on community action has proved successful, as the citys crime rate is at a 52-year low. Unique festivities In addition to the kickoff event, other community events toyed around with the tried-and-true cookout model. What began as a last-minute event for Sunset Terrace Apartments manager Julie Frankum became a spiritually guided mission. Frankum was able to secure 100 donated food bags to hand out Tuesday, courtesy of Debra Brown, co-pastor of Kingdom Builders Fellowship, 2707 Rapids Drive. Recipients were given frozen pizzas, eggs and more. Take advantage of every new day God gives you, Brown said to those gathered at the apartment complex, 5600 Byrd Ave., shifting the focus from community policing. Children happily played in a bouncy house while adults sat and listened to live music from local reggae duo Vibration Foundation. Frankum had no idea how her essentially impromptu event would go; it came together very quickly without her having any frame of reference for how other hosts were doing things. On the other side of town, the Mount Pleasant Police Department Lakeside COP House, 2237 Mead St., had an event that took advantage of both the COP House itself and the recently dedicated Polzin Park. The street was abuzz with pop music blaring and free snow cones from Kona Hawaiian Ice in addition to grilled hot dogs, brats and corn on the cob. A free screening of Moana with donated Toppers pizzas capped the night off. All the while, Mount Pleasant Community Policing Officer James Kelley bounced from family to family, entertaining kids and even dancing with Chic-fil-As mascot, which made an appearance. While the simple presence of the COP House helps with community engagement, National Night Out helps tie it all together, Kelley said as a little girl came up to him. He gave her a warm smile as she called him Officer Jim. We have a different climate here (in Racine), Wiser said. Its a positive climate, and I think (National Night Out) is a big part of that. Were all together on the issue of crime and violence. We dont want it here. Conrad Bostron knows western Nebraska. His father is from Bayard. He and his wife tried working on a farm in the 1980s. His mother-in-law lives in Chadron. When the position of chief executive director opened at the Scottsbluff YMCA, it seemed like a perfect fit. Bostron spent the better part of 25 years working in the corporate world. He was a credit manager for the Alliance Cooperative Association, now known as Westco. In the 1980s, he worked with his wife on the farm. They borrowed a lot of money, eventually going broke. He was offered a job as credit manager. During that career, he also worked in Montana and Minnesota. It was in Minnesota where he began to see the potential of the YMCA and how it could change a community. While still working in the corporate world, Bostron helped start a brand new $123 million YMCA facility. He also went through what he describes as a fitness evolution. I was an athlete in college. I was in my 40s, he said. I was a fat, miserable slob. As he got older, Bostron experienced a lifestyle change, which included a faith change. He quit drinking, smoking and carousing, and got in shape. At that time, I had a seventh-grade son, he said. He said I want to be a Marine, so I said, We better get you in shape. While working out at the YMCA, the wellness director asked him if hed consider teaching a boot camp session. He said no. By the time he was finished working out for the day, he walked over to the treadmill where the director was and asked what he could do to help. Bostron soon found himself teaching boot camp at 5 a.m. and watching the clock in his office until 4 p.m. when he could leave and teach at the YMCA again. At the end of the year, his employer had the best year it had ever had. At the end of its annual audit, Bostron says he had his annual review. He asked for a raise or a bonus and the business looked for ways to say no. Disillusioned, he said he went to ymca.net and clicked on careers. Bostron became known as a bridger at the YMCA. Those are the people who dont come into the YMCA the traditional route of most employees who make the YMCA their career. He interviewed in Salina, Kansas, but didnt get the job. A position in Alexandria, Minnesota, became available. Bostron thought it was too close to home and not enough money. He was convinced it was the right job for him. In 2014, he took over the most pivotal job of his career. His new position exposed him to the operations side of the YMCA. Being a volunteer or a leader, you dont really know anything about the Y, he said. Bostron learned everything about the job, from cleaning toilets to balancing budgets. When a custodian didnt show up for work, he and his wife cleaned the 66,000 square foot facility. He helped build an annual campaign. He enjoyed his work, but knew it would not be the last YMCA he would work in. He made it to the final three candidates to run the YMCA in Monsey, Indiana. People say Nebraska is flat, but Bostron disagrees. Monsey is corn and soybeans and the only hill is the ramp onto the highway, he said. That job was big pay, but I did not prevail. He took the defeat harshly. He wanted the job to lead that YMCA. That interview process is public and its six months of competing with different candidates. Im a Christian and I believe that was not in Gods plan, he said. I still took that roughly. Eventually, he fell back on wise words he already knew. If you want a next job, do the very best you can at the one youre at. He knew he wanted one more. There were several opportunities on the East Coast, but they were not good fits and none of those YMCAs were interested in him. Then, Scottsbluff and Sheridan, Wyoming, were both looking for new directors. He thought Sheridan looked like the better opportunity. He hastily put together an application for Scottsbluff and sent it in at 8 p.m., four hours before the deadline to apply. I had a crappy cover letter for Scottsbluff, he said. But a coordinator in Chicago is a friend of mine and told me my cover letter didnt come through. She told him he could still send it in if he was really interested in the position. Bostron paused, looked to the sky and said, Thank you. He made it to the final six in Sheridan and the final three in Scottsbluff. The last time hed been in the Scottsbluff YMCA was in eighth grade for a Judo tournament. He had a lot of things in his favor. His family is from Nebraska. His mother was from Beatrice and his father was from Bayard. He is descended from the Germans from Russia. When he mingled with members of the community as part of the interview process, he saw himself in them. Were all short, good-looking Germans, he said. Everyone here, from white to blue collar workers, want to see their Y succeed. Twelve hours after a two-day interview process in Scottsbluff, Bostron was interviewing in Sheridan. Scottsbluff YMCA Board President Todd Holcomb called. I told my wife, They dont call you if they dont want you, he said. They dont call to say, Thanks for coming. You suck. Bostron said there are a lot of little things that need attention at the Scottsbluff YMCA and a few big things. There has been some shift in organizational structure. Fiscal year 2017 will continue to be a time of change, transition and fixing. Bostron doesnt expect miracles overnight. When Bostron passed through Scottsbluff right after he took the job in Minnesota, he says he turned to his son as they drove past the Scottsbluff YMCA and said, Maybe one day, Ill get a job at this place and retire. When Bostron walks outside, he sees people just like him and knows he can make the YMCA better. The Y is a gift of legacy thats been given to us and its a legacy we can build on, he said. GERING Walking from Texas to Canada might be a bigger hike than you ever imagined. If youd like to experience it through the eyes of someone whos done it, an opportunity is coming to meet Luke Strider Jordan. In 2016, as an energetic 25-year-old, Jordan entered Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas, taking his first step on a 2,100-mile journey that ended three months later in the North Dakota ghost town of Northgate, near Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. He was the first hiker to walk the entire Great Plains Trail, passing through the Wildcat Hills and Mitchell Pass on his way to Agate Fossil Beds and points north. Along the way he took about 3,000 photos. Those images and his experiences will be the topic of a 45-minute program Friday, Aug. 4, at Legacy of the Plain Museum in Gering. The free program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Its going to be a summary of my entire hike, Jordan said. Im going to talk about it and let people know how they can get involved. The Great Plains Trail was conceived by Steve Myers, a teacher in Longmont, Colorado. While it is awaiting official status, he envisions it taking adventurers on a cross-continental pathway similar to the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail. If successful, the effort will put some of western Nebraskas premier scenic attractions in the national spotlight. Myers mapped the route taken by Jordan utilizing existing trails, such as the three-mile jaunt from the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill site to Toadstool Park in the northwest corner of the Panhandle. The wide-ranging and generalized, allowing for shortcuts and side trips, utilizing foot trails, two-tracks and county roads, steering hikers toward highlights rich in scenery and American history. In most areas it would accommodate hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Jordan, who uses Strider as his trail name, is now a planner and volunteer coordinator at the North Country National Scenic Trail in Michigan. He took his first steps as a long-distance hiker by finishing the North Country Trail, which stretches approximately 4,600 miles from Crown Point in eastern New York to Lake Sakakawea State Park in central North Dakota. He heard about Myers efforts in 2012 and joined the non-profit Great Plains Trail Alliance, a small group of volunteer supporters. The groups website and Facebook page mention Toadstool Geologic Park, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Fort Robinson, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Panorama Point, the highest spot in Nebraska, as some of the highest-rated highlights of the trail. The group hopes to form a network Trail Angels, such as bed-and-breakfast innkeepers, ranchers and other nearby residents who might offer hikers space for a tent and a little water and firewood during the longest, most remote segments of the route. Jordan, who covered the route at a brisk pace with a pair of hiking poles and carrying only a pack with a light tent, water and food, often relied on trail angels to give him rides to reach shelter or to re-supply. The group plans to organize some events next year. Jordan said he will answer questions and discuss how local volunteers or hikers and bikers who are interested in the project can get involved. When you complete one of the long trails you have a lot of time to start thinking about what youre going to do next I like taking the trail less traveled, he said during his 2016 hike through the Panhandle. Im aware of what Steves trying to do, and Im on board 100 percent. A white University of Kentucky student accused of physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs says she will withdraw from the school. The decision announced Tuesday by a lawyer for 22-year-old Sophia Rosing came after hundreds of students rallied on campus the night before. News outlets report the students called for unity and for the university to quickly address the situation. Officials say Rosing has been charged with assault, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. She pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday afternoon. The altercation at Boyd Hall was captured on video and posted to multiple social media platforms. 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"The bill amending the Justice package will be publicly released on August 23, 2017 at the seat of the Ministry of Justice, at 11:00 hrs. It proposes a set of substantive, not merely formal changes!" Tudorel Toader wrote. The Justice Minister's announcement comes after Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said in an interview for agerpres. that no deadline is set for finalizing the Justice package. "Mr. Toader was in Brussels, he is now back. A new series of consultations will be held, following his visit to Brussels, with the relevant authorities in the country. (...) [The package] will be done when it's done. We don't have a deadline for it," the Premier said. Chairman of the Social Democratic Party Liviu Dragnea too said on Tuesday that Minister of Justice Tudorel Toader must present by the end of August the law package on Justice, mentioning that his demand of the JusMin is to guide himself by "common sense and what comes natural," so that the act of justice is more effective and the justices are better protected. "I have publicly encouraged Minister Tudorel Toader, I told him: use this summer to think [the Justice laws] through the way you deem fit, use this summer to take counsel with as many as possible people who are good with words and who know how to get the message through both from within and from the outside. Talk to institutions, embassies, specialists, mount a transparent action, and, towards the end of August, introduce the package. Parliament is in recess (...) Myself, and all of us are interested that Toader analyses the matter more thoroughly and comes up with what we, Romanians are all interested in. The magistrates' accountability must be clarified, but at the same time the system must be thus conceived that judges no longer feel threatened and pressurized," Dragnea said at private TV broadcaster Antena 3. An advanced weed-killing chemical has twice come back to haunt Arkansas farmer John Weiss. The herbicide, known as dicamba, has long been employed in the United States to kill weeds before fields were planted, but its use spiked after regulators last year approved a new formulation that allowed farmers to apply it to growing plants. That should have been good news for Weiss and hundreds of other farmers, who planned to use it to control hard-to-kill weeds in fields planted with crops bioengineered to survive the chemical. Instead, farmers reported the agricultural chemical was drifting into neighboring fields and damaging crops unable to resist it. Last month, in response to the reports, Arkansas and Missouri temporarily banned its use. The fallout from dicamba hit Weiss on two fronts: The drifting chemicals, he said, stunted his unprotected soybean crops and marked the plants with damaged, withered leaves. Then came the ban, which meant he could no longer use the chemical on the dicamba-resistant soybeans and cotton it was meant to protect. "It's just a double whammy, this whole thing," said Weiss. Crops have suffered damage across much of the farm belt. Governments in 17 states are investigating more than 1,400 complaints of dicamba problems covering 2.5 million acres, Kevin Bradley, a University of Missouri associate professor in the plant sciences division, wrote last week. The three companies that sell the chemical in the United States for use on growing crops of soybeans and cotton, Monsanto Co., BASF and DuPont, say their products have not always been used according to label instructions. Some farmers used older dicamba products that were more drift-prone, deployed spraying equipment contaminated with other herbicides, or applied dicamba in the wrong conditions, Monsanto's chief technology officer Robb Fraley said. The situation is part of an evolving battle between farmers and pests that threaten their crops. For two decades, growers have sown crops genetically modified to resist chemicals such as glyphosate, popularly known as Roundup, allowing them to selectively kill all the weeds in a field. But the weeds have rallied, developing resistance to many popular chemicals, prompting farmers to try alternatives such as dicamba. Limited options It is unclear what is causing dicamba to drift into other crops, though agronomists say it could be caused by high winds or changes in temperature. Complaints have been rampant. So far, Arkansas has received 760 reports from farmers of dicamba drift damage a record for one product spanning 209,000 acres, according to the state plant board. The state has taken a tough stance against the chemical, banning its use for 120 days starting July 11. Missouri imposed a one-week ban starting July 8. Tennessee placed tight restrictions on when dicamba can be sprayed. The Arkansas State Plant Board relies on the "honor system" to enforce its ban, said director Terry Walker. Violations are punishable by fines up to $25,000, he said. The damaged crops and the subsequent bans have created tensions among some farmers. Lee Cole, a farmer in Hayti, Mo., who said his soybeans looked like they had been burned by "a blowtorch" because of dicamba, doubts everyone will comply with the regulations. "Even the best farmers, when you're under pressure to get it done, you're going to do whatever you've got to do." Farmers who lose bushels because of drift have little recourse, since U.S. crop insurance does not cover losses caused by dicamba, according to U.S. Agriculture Department guidelines. Some farmers have filed lawsuits against dicamba producers, while others have turned on their neighbors, blaming them for ruined crops. In one case late last year, an Arkansas sheriff said a farmer fatally shot a neighbor over a dispute about crops damaged by dicamba, according to media reports. Many farmers, such as Brad Doyle, have scrambled to find alternative ways to protect their crops. The Arkansas grower, who planted dicamba-resistant soybeans to re-sell through his seed business, said he chose to spray less-effective fomesafen to avoid dicamba drifting. He has deployed workers to pull weeds by hand. "Options are running out," he said. Ted Glaub, who manages 30 farms in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi, said it would be a costly mistake to write off dicamba. "We need dicamba. We don't have enough tools," he said. Straightening up Farmers, regulators and the companies selling the pesticide are examining ways to control the drift. BASF, for instance, gave away 600,000 chemical spray nozzles to prevent the wrong ones from being used. In Missouri, the department of agriculture consulted Monsanto, BASF and DuPont to develop new requirements for dicamba, including spraying only when wind is light and during certain hours. Penalties range up to $10,000 per violation. The chemical companies must inform pesticide sellers and trained applicators of the restrictions, according to Missouri's department of agriculture. A BASF spokeswoman said the changes are being flagged on industry websites and through media coverage, adding the company has spoken with retailers who sell the product. Monsanto was consulted about Missouri's requirements, but believes its current label directions are sufficient, Fraley said. A DuPont spokeswoman said it followed all special requirements in Missouri. Some farmers said the efforts particularly the bans have revived damaged plants. Tom Burnham, who grows soybeans in both Arkansas and Missouri, is among them. "Ever since we got the ban in Arkansas, my crop has really progressed, started to straighten up," Burnham said. Burnham added, however, that his Missouri crop shows fresh dicamba damage since the state's ban lifted. Additional reporting by Mark Weinraub in Chicago. A special Girl Scouts camp underway this week is seeking to change the statistics for women in first-responder careers. The idea is to introduce the girls to fields where their gender is underrepresented. Only 1 in 4 EMTs and paramedics, 1 in 8 police officers and 1 in 20 firefighters are women, according to a 2015 U.S. Department of Labor report. At Camp Fury STL, which started Sunday and ends Friday, 15 high school girls are learning exactly what it takes to be a firefighter, police officer or paramedic. That means waking up early to do physical training, learning how to carry a 24-foot ladder, rappelling several stories from a building, getting training on CPR and doing a host of other activities. The camp, which mostly takes place at Camp Tuckaho in Troy, Mo., and includes day trips to emergency services facilities in the St. Louis area, is the first of its kind in the Midwest. Its also part of a larger Girl Scouts initiative to meet the needs of todays youths. Our girls very much want hands-on, high-adventure programs, said Jessica Erfling, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri chief operating officer. We take that mission of building future leaders seriously. Camp Fury started in Tucson, Ariz., in 2009, but had only expanded in the coastal areas of the country. After learning about the camp, Katie Wiegand, a firefighter and paramedic with the Metro West Fire Protection District, along with Gina Anderson, a lieutenant and paramedic with the Fenton Fire Protection District, contacted the Girl Scouts about bringing the camp here. Anderson volunteered at the Tucson camp for the past six years, taking off work one week a year to mentor the girls. To see the girls wanting to be in the fire service or wanting to be a police officer was amazing to me, Anderson said. Half of them had never thought about it until that camp. It took more than two years for Anderson and Wiegand to bring the camp to St. Louis. Dozens of local emergency services departments donated time and equipment to help make it happen. We really just wanted to reach out to girls right before they go to college and exit high school to show them that these are possible career choices for them, Wiegand said. Since these are a male-dominated careers, it is intimidating to many women who might be interested. By introducing the girls to women working in emergency service roles, the camp leaders hope to show the girls that they dont need to be tall, buff men to get the job done. Not that the men working in emergency services think their female colleagues arent up to the task. Wiegand and Anderson both said they are treated as equals by the men they work with. The problem really resides more with public perception. Its really just my everyday interactions with the public, Wiegand said. A lot of people are really surprised to see women on firetrucks and in ambulances. I just knew there needed to be a change. Though there are other similar camps in Missouri and Illinois for teenagers interested in going into emergency services, Camp Fury provides an advantage for girls by taking teenage boys out of the equation. Campers Cassandra Armstrong, 14, of Bonne Terre, Mo., and Aubrie Hart, 17, of Park Hills, Mo., said that boys overconfidence in their physical abilities can put a damper on their own confidence. Its always a competition with the boys, Aubrie said, adding that she connects better and makes friends faster with girls, anyway. Aubrie plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice at University of Central Missouri in hopes of working as a federal agent. Cassandra is dead-set on being a firefighter and, eventually, volunteering for Camp Fury. Im definitely coming back next year, she said. Two people in a stolen car who led police on a high-speed, bistate chase Wednesday were arrested in Granite City after ditching the car in St. Louis and apparently hitching a ride with a family member, authorities say. A man and a woman were taken into custody. Authorities are still investigating whether they were involved in the initial carjacking of the vehicle, and who else might have been involved. Authorities say it began when two men took a 2009 Pontiac G8 from a woman at gunpoint Tuesday night. The carjackers allowed her to get her two small children out of the car before they took off in it, police said. The St. Clair County Sheriffs Department was able to track the car using its GPS system, and it was spotted by police on Interstate 70 in Glen Carbon just before noon Wednesday. It fled west into Missouri across the Chain of Rocks Bridge at speeds that reached more than 100 mph, according to St. Clair County Capt. Bruce Fleshren. Illinois authorities dropped back. Police in Missouri tried to follow the car, but lost it. It was found abandoned a short time later near Soulard Market. The suspects apparently got in a different car, that of a family member who may not have known police were looking for them, authorities said. They were tracked to Granite City, where police arrested the man and woman in the 2200 block of Washington Avenue. No one was injured in the chase. Police also say no one was hurt in the initial carjacking about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 2600 Block of Eastview Drive on the edge of Belleville. Fleshren said the victim, 23, told police two men blocked in her vehicle on Eastview Drive, and she was allowed to get her 3-year-old daughter and 6-month-old son from the vehicle before the men drove away. The men had apparently arrived in a gray or black newer model Jeep Cherokee with Missouri license plates. There may have been another vehicle involved, and possible other accomplices. All of the vehicles were last seen Tuesday night on Eastland Drive. Police in Swansea say a similar carjacking happened about 10 minutes earlier. In that case, a dark-colored Jeep Cherokee was driven by carjacking suspects in the 1600 block of North Belt West. No one was injured in that robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Clair County sheriffs office at 618-825-5734. Denise Hollinshed of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. ST. LOUIS No, the state of Missouri probably doesnt owe St. Louis $20 million in back fees for inmate incarceration. But the state does appear to have ignored its own goals for paying those fee rates, city officials say, and theyd like Jefferson City to fix that a fix that could bring an additional $5 million or $6 million a year into the city budget in the future. Lewis Reed, St. Louis Board of Aldermen president, created a stir this week by alleging the state owes the city more than $20 million in unpaid reimbursement for inmate incarceration costs, and publicly implying that a repayment should be forthcoming. That claim is based on a section of Missouri statutes that outlines the states responsibility to reimburse local governments for housing inmates held on state criminal charges. Since 1997, the state payment for those inmates has been set in statute at $37.50 per inmate per day. But in reality during that time, the city says, the state has actually paid much lower rates, from $22.50 to as low as $19.58. The most recent reimbursement rate has been $21.08 per inmate per day. The state is failing to reimburse the city at the amount allowed in statute, at a difference of $16.42 per day per prisoner, Reed wrote in a letter this week to Gov. Eric Greitens. The letter notes that, in fiscal year 2016, the city provided about 340,000 inmate days that is, the combined number of days served by all inmates in city jails during the year. Because of the lower fee, Reed argues , the city in that one year alone was shorted more than $5 million that it could and should be receiving. Reed doesnt say it in his letter to Greitens, but in a separate message he posted to city residents on Nextdoor.com, he claims that, taking into account unpaid state fees from previous years, the state owes St. Louis more than $20 million. I have sent a letter to the governor requesting his review and immediate action on this matter, Reed wrote. He asks residents in the message: Where would you like to see this additional $20M allocated? Greitens hadnt publicly addressed the issue as of Wednesday, and a spokesman didnt respond to a request for comment. But its unlikely the state will be sending the city of St. Louis a check for $20 million in missed inmate reimbursement any time soon. Because while state statute does set a rate of $37.50 per day, it specifies that the state can pay up to that amount. Also, it specifies that the payments are subject to appropriation legislative jargon for If we decide to pay. The law does say the state isnt supposed to allocate less in a given year than it did the year before, a provision it appears to have violated at least twice in the past 20 years. But a quick calculation indicates any unpaid fees resulting from that would total less than $2 million. In an interview, Reed argued that other parts of state law, including provisions related to payments for those held for parole violations, are less flexible about the states obligations. And he stressed that, on principle, the city needs to demand the reimbursements that the state specifies in its own statutes. He also noted the general prohibition against unfunded mandates. We think that were on very solid footing for at least going after something in terms of previously unpaid reimbursement, Reed said. I think we owe that to the taxpayers of the city of St. Louis. Mayor Lyda Krewson isnt calling for back-payments from the state, but she does want the state to start paying the $37.50 target fee. We are just not getting the proper reimbursement, said Krewson spokesman Koran Addo. He said Krewsons administration hopes that its position serves as a starting point for negotiations to move that $37.50 fee rate upward, as it hasnt been adjusted in two decades and the real cost of incarceration is about $80 per prisoner per day. Hillary Clinton's former campaign chairman John Podesta dismissed Wednesday President Donald Trump's fixation with his 2016 election opponent. "I think it really just bugs the hell out of him that she got 3 million more votes than he did," Podesta mused after "New Day" anchor Alisyn Camerota asked for his reaction to Trump's frequent references to Clinton. "What they like to try to do is throw dust someplace else so they at least give the alt-right media and Fox News something to talk about," Podesta added. Podesta, a former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, said Trump's mentions of Hillary Clinton are part of an effort to deflect from the controversy surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 campaign and potential involvement by Trump associates. Podesta's emails were hacked into and released during the campaign as part of a Russian effort to harm Clinton, US intelligence officials have said. "They like to say there's no crime. This all goes back to crimes that were committed: The hacking of the (Democratic National Committee), the hacking of my emails, the hacking of other Clinton campaign staff emails. Those are crimes committed by the Russians and now we know that at a minimum, (Trump campaign staff) were encouraging them to use the fruits of those crimes." Podesta said he was confident Clinton would respond to Trump in her forthcoming book about the campaign, which is slated for release in September. America needs the skills and talent of every one of its citizens, especially in science and engineering fields, to ensure we are the strongest, most innovative economy in the world. Thats why we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day every year to honor the progress weve made providing equal opportunity to women in these vital fields and commit ourselves to doing even more. The runaway success of films like Wonder Woman and Hidden Figures speaks to a society that is ready to celebrate smart, strong, effective women. But the numbers show that, in practice, we still have a long way to go. Today, only 13 percent of U.S. engineering jobs are held by women. Overall, only one in four jobs in tech, engineering and math are held by women. And female engineers still earn just 82 percent of what comparable male co-workers earn. Within organizations, a recent MIT study found, women engineers are often discouraged or shut out from opportunities by flawed group dynamics and biases that steer the most interesting and challenging opportunities to men. Fortunately, these are challenges we have the tools to solve. The Boeing Co., for example, has put in place a companywide, all-hands-on-deck effort to tackle this problem and eliminate roadblocks to a truly gender-neutral workforce at every level. This starts with a massive commitment to supporting STEM education and ensuring that girls have equal STEM opportunities. The company funds local programs and partners with STEM educators in its communities to ensure the talent pipeline is filled with female engineers who are ready to tackle the toughest challenges in the business. In 2016, the company and its trust partnered with more than 120 local STEM organizations and contributed more than $18 million toward community initiatives reaching more than 600,000 young women. The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis is an example of an organization that has partnered with Boeing to help carry out its mission of inspiring the future generation of innovators. The support that Boeing provides to the Challenger Learning Center enables them to reach all students, including young girls who take on roles such as engineers, scientists or astronauts as part of a simulated space mission. They learn that its not just the math and science that is needed for success, but also creative problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication. The Challenger Learning Center knows it is vital that girls have experiences that can spark and fuel their interest in pursuing engineering and affirm they have the skills to do so. But preparing strong female candidates isnt enough. We know that it takes active management of the workplace and a steady commitment to truly equal opportunity to give all young engineers an equal chance to succeed. For Boeing that has meant a companywide commitment to equal opportunity in hiring. Since the company was founded in 1916, women have always played key roles. In 1919, when universities across America refused to accept women into engineering programs, Bill Boeing hired the first woman in the companys engineering department. Today from the very top of the company, where for the first time in 100 years a woman now heads the vital Defense and Space business, to every layer below, women play key roles. The Boeing Executive Council is currently 25 percent female, and women head major programs and sectors across the organization. Within the ranks, the company makes extensive diversity and workforce training and education opportunities available, including Empowering Women Forums, Unconscious Bias training, womens business resource groups, and a new Global Womens Leadership Conference. And it is kicking off a new #WomenMakeUsBetter effort, in which the company commits to help increase the percentage of women in the engineering field both inside Boeing and across the aerospace and manufacturing industries. This effort goes far beyond simply bringing in qualified candidates. It recognizes that female engineers will face unique challenges and that bias and unequal opportunity can infect anyone, in any organization. Only by consciously working to demand that challenging work be offered to all candidates, that no boys club atmosphere that implicitly shuts out women is ever tolerated, and that every team member has genuinely diverse role models, mentors and examples to look up to can we hope to tackle the stubborn problem of gender bias. The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis is proud to partner with leaders in industry who are willing to make a real commitment to equal opportunity. The center is part of a network of over 45 centers worldwide dedicated to continuing the education mission of the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle. It is operated through a partnership of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the St. Louis Science Center and Education Plus. Tasmyn Scarl Front is executive director of the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis. The commander in chiefs authority does not extend to Americas police forces. And thats a very good thing, because President Donald Trump seems to think its OK to punch out political dissidents and for police to abuse suspects in their custody. Speaking to law enforcers in New York on Friday, Trump suggested that they perhaps are a little too kind to the people they arrest for serious crimes. He suggested that sometimes a little roughing-up might be in order. He mimicked the way police officers typically cover the head of handcuffed suspects before putting them in the back seat of a squad car. And when you see these towns and when you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon you just see them thrown in, rough I said, please dont be too nice, Trump said, apparently diverting from his written text. Like when you guys put somebody in the car and youre protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over? Like, dont hit their head and theyve just killed somebody dont hit their head. I said, you can take the hand away. OK? No, not OK. Not anywhere close to OK. The White House claimed Monday that Trump was joking. If so, it wasnt funny. And given the current heightened tension over police abuse, Trump had no business making fun of the crucially important topic of civil rights. The acting chief of the Drug Enforcement Administration took the comments so seriously, he publicly disavowed them as wrong. Any president or other official who would make such remarks clearly doesnt understand the fundamentals of American jurisprudence. All suspects, whether arrested for jaywalking or murder, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The burden rests entirely on the prosecution to prove a suspects guilt. The suspect does not have to prove his or her innocence. Police officers have no explicit or implied permission to rough-up suspects or administer street justice just because theyre convinced of a suspects guilt. Giving them such permission would unleash a cascade of abuses unlike anything weve experienced in the years since videos began surfacing of police officers kicking, beating, abusing or shooting the suspects in their custody. We can think of no quicker way to undermine public faith in the law enforcement system than for the president to be seen advocating deliberately rough treatment of those in police custody. He could not be more wrong or more un-funny. At what point will this president begin to understand that his words influence others actions and can lead to severe consequences? Trump is utterly incapable of apologizing, we know. But this is one instance where he should retract his own impromptu remarks and learn to stick to his script. Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to make it through your first year?Check out Big 4 Accounting Audit - Interview Tricks & Tips Want Stoke-on-Trent news emailed to you direct from our journalists? Sign up to our newsletter A huge number of subjects are taught in schools maths, English, French and geography among them. Missing off the curriculum, however, is breastfeeding. Unfortunate, say some, as the UK is bottom of the European league when it comes to feeding our offspring naturally. Stoke-on-Trent, meanwhile, falls below the UK average nationally, some 72.7 per cent of women initiate breastfeeding compared to less than 60 per cent of mothers in the city. Across the country, breastfeeding rates soon start dropping off. By six months, only 34 per cent of babies are receiving breast milk at six months of age compared with 49 per cent in the U.S. and 71 per cent in Norway. By 12 months, just one in 200 infants in the UK is receiving breast milk. In France it's one in 11. This despite breast milk containing antibodies that help fight off viruses and bacteria and lower the risk of asthma and allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months, without any formula, also have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhoea. Now the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) says that schoolchildren should be taught about the importance of breastfeeding. The group argues that the practice remains stigmatised, and that mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed for up to six months. The subject could be shoehorned into PSHE (personal, social and health education) lessons, and, says the college, both boys and girls should be included. At present PSHE is not taught by all schools, although those that do could discuss breastfeeding if they so desired. Certainly, RCPCH President Professor Neena Modi believes it is time we faced up to the situation, especially since the organisation asked groups of children and young people what they thought about breastfeeding. "We were really surprised, and a little bit upset," says Modi, "to hear the word 'yucky' being used by them. "Clearly the perception that we, as a society, are giving children is not the perception we want them to be getting. "Perhaps most worryingly, breastfeeding in public is still often stigmatised. It is no wonder that for many mothers, there are too many barriers. "With the right support and guidance, the vast majority of women should be able to breastfeed. But although it's natural, it doesn't always come naturally. Some mothers cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed and this also needs to be respected. What society must get better at is removing the multiple barriers which can stand in the way of breastfeeding." Knypersley mother-of-three Lex Ward promotes the positive message of breastfeeding on her Facebook group Empowering Women - Normalising Breastfeeding, which aims to show how breastfeeding can be done discreetly and is an everyday part of life. "I think it's a good idea," she says of extending the breastfeeding message to the classroom. "It's really important to explain to children that producing milk is a completely natural part of a mother's body. "Equally I think if we are going to talk about this kind of thing in schools then we need to balance it out by explaining that some people aren't able to produce milk and that doesn't make them any less a mother." Lex also believes the desexualisation of breasts is vital if more mothers are going to be persuaded to breastfeed. "Page 3 and other images in newspapers and the media only add to the problem. Children are bombarded with these images and it has added to the sexualisation of breasts," she says. Lex believes boys should also be part of the education process. "It is crucial they offer support for their partner when it comes to breastfeeding," says Lex, "and they need to know why breastfeeding is so important as well." Sarah Page, senior lecturer in sociology and criminology at Staffordshire University, is undertaking breastfeeding research and hopes to ascertain what young people would like to see in terms of promotion of breastfeeding to their age group. "I'm in favour of teaching children breastfeeding in schools," says Sarah. "It will help people to make informed decisions when they are older about how to feed their children. We teach biology in schools and breastfeeding is part of human biology. "International research suggests that women make decisions about whether to breastfeed around the age of 14 and this is influenced by factors such as whether their mother breastfed and whether their partner is pro-breastfeeding. "In Stoke-on-Trent we have a lower than national average rate of breastfeeding and if we increase this rate we can improve the health and wellbeing of those living in this city." But not everyone agrees with the push to introduce breastfeeding education into schools. "Breastfeeding should not be part of the national curriculum," says Chris McGovern, who chairs the Campaign for Real Education, representing parents and teachers concerned about falling standards and damaging changes in state education. "We've got a situation where 20 per cent of school leavers can't read or write and are essentially unemployable. I'm not trying to diminish the importance of breastfeeding, but schools should be focused on doing what they're supposed to do. This is just being politically correct, and schools have other priorities." ASI murder accused turns himself in to police A man accused in the murder of an Assistant Sub-Inspector Biru Bahadur Gurung turned himself in to police on Wednesday in Dhading. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get all the news from the courts direct to your inbox with our court and crime email Drugged-up Andrew Bridges has been convicted of exposing himself to diners in a restaurant from his hotel room across the road. The 34-year-old left customers startled when he stripped at the window and walked around his room at the Flower Pot Hotel in Shelton with nothing on. And at one point, he appeared fixated with a woman who was sat having a meal with another person. Now the defendant, of London Road, Newcastle, has been fined after being found guilty of exposure following a trial. North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Bridges had been smoking drugs before a woman noticed he was nude at the window of the Snow Hill hotel. Prosecutor Omar Majid said: "The defendant had been in his room smoking black mamba which he admitted in interview. "He was stood at the window and took off his shirt. He then took off his belt and trousers. He was looking into the restaurant at the complainant and he was focussed on her. "She didn't know who he was and had no reason to have a grudge against him. She says she is sure that she saw his genitalia." A victim impact statement read out in court said the incident had 'ruined' her night and had a long-lasting impact. In it, she said: "My night was ruined by him and his selfish disgusting behaviour. He did not care that I was with someone or that there were small children around. "I did not ask for it and I did not encourage it. That night changed everything for me. He should not be able to put other females through what he put me through." The defence had claimed Bridges was not naked at the time but had been pacing around after smoking black mamba. In evidence, the defendant said: "I was high. I was beginning to feel unwell again with my mental health. I could feel my schizophrenia. "I smoked black mamba to calm me down and relax me, I felt high but it didn't affect my memory. "I am 100 per cent sure that I did not take off my shirt or trousers. I was pacing around my room. I would have walked by the window but not at the window." Magistrates found Bridges guilty and ordered him to pay a 180 fine, 620 costs and a 20 victim surcharge. Chairman of the bench, Martin Chester, told him: "The complainant saw a fleeting glimpse of your genitals which has had an effect on her reflected by her personal statement. "You do have mental health issues and were under the influence of legal highs." Baldev Ram, who fought for Dalits and landless people, dies at 67 Baldev Ram, a Dalit leader who spearheaded a movement against a practice that forced Chamars, one of the countrys most persecuted castes, to dispose of cattle carcasses, died on Tuesday. Chinese vice premier arriving on Aug 14 Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, one of the point men in the Communist Party of China, is arriving on a four-day official visit to Nepal on August 14. Clash of giants If the standoff between China and India at Doklam on the China-India-Bhutan tri-junction is any indication, the chance of the 21st century becoming the Asian Century is slim. Construction of Pokhara intl airport kicks off The construction of Pokhara International Airport has finally kicked off 16 months after laying the foundation stone. Supply chain general manager for Zespri International Limited, Blair Hamill, is one of 14 senior executives and business owners to receive the Prime Ministers business scholarships. Announced this week by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, the recipients have been given the opportunity to attend the worlds most prestigious business schools. Blair is attending the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD (Institut Europeen dAdministration des Affaires, or European Institute for Business Administration). INSEAD is internationally renowned and features highly each year in business education rating lists. Blair is looking forward to gaining insight into broader and diverse views from global business leaders. Blair joined Zespri in 2000 as Operations Accountant. In 2004 he was promoted to Commercial Manager in the New Zealand supply side of the business. In 2008 he was seconded to the 12-month non-New Zealand supply side of the business focusing on the Northern Hemisphere supply from Italy and France. In 2011 Blair was appointed General Manager Global Supply and was based offshore in Italy. Blair was appointed General Manager Supply Chain in December 2014. Prior to joining Zespri, Blair worked in Chartered Accountancy and as a Management Accountant. He has a Business Studies Degree, majoring in Accounting from Massey University. Zespri International Limited is the worlds largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit into more than 53 countries and managing 30 percent of the global volume. A report into the economic contribution of commercial fishing to New Zealand has shown processing alone is worth $194 million to the Bay of Plenty region. This is in addition to the value to the Bay of Plenty region of commercial fishing itself. Nationally, the seafood industry has a total value of $4.18 billion. Chief Executive of Fisheries Inshore New Zealand, Dr Jeremy Helson, says the report confirms the importance of commercial fishing to New Zealand. The Ministry for Primary Industries says exports alone are expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025. Add the contribution to the domestic market through jobs, investment in infrastructure and the sectors supporting the industry and you have a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy. The report, which measured a five year average, showed 13,468 people were directly employed in fishing and seafood processing alone, which is 0.7 per cent of all New Zealand employment. Seafood is New Zealands fifth largest export commodity by value and represents 3.2 percent of total exports. The report includes fishing and seafood harvesting but excludes aquaculture, which has revenues of another $500 million. In the inshore fishery, snapper is the top commercial catch, and rock lobster and paua the highest value shellfish species, says Jeremy. The largest deep water commercial catch was of hoki and this species alone accounts for 38 percent of the deep water fisheries value. The seafood processing industry (excluding aquaculture) is a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy and employed 9356 FTEs. Of those, 550 were employed in processing in Bay of Plenty and many more were employed on vessels catching seafood. It is about jobs and particularly jobs in regional New Zealand. The better the industry does, the better off fishing communities are around the country. The report was derived from catch data supplied by the Ministry for Primary Industries. The report; The economic contribution of commercial fishing to the New Zealand economy is available here And a summary of the report is available here Devi Gyawalis son held for making abusive remarks against Renu Dahal Police have arrested Nirabh Gyawali, son of Devi Gyawali, CPN-UML mayoral candidate in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, from Kathmandu on Wednesday. Organisers of the prestigious Ballance Farm Environment Awards are encouraging farmers and growers to consider entering the 2018 awards. Entry is now open for the awards organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust to promote land stewardship by showcasing sustainable farming. NZFE trust national judging co-ordinator Andrea Hanna says all farmers and horticulturists, including orchardists, vegetable growers and viticulturists, are eligible to enter. The awards operate within 11 regions, following regional council boundaries, each with their own judging timetable. Winners are announced at awards dinners in early 2018. Supreme winners of the 2017 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards are Jared and Sue Watson milk 282 dairy cows in the Waiotahe Valley near Whakatane, which is prone to frequent flooding. The Watsons also won the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, LIC Dairy Farm Award and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environment Award 2. Overwhelmed at taking the supreme title, Jared says neither he nor Sue expected to win when they entered. Taking part in the awards has been a great journey. The judging process was a chance to look at our farm through other peoples eyes and question what we are doing and how we do things. You start to look at the little things and the beautiful things and how you can enhance them. Its about perception, especially from the front gate, working on beautifying things, to create a beautiful space we (farmers) have got to change how people perceive us. Andrea says most people participate because they want high quality feedback from independent rural professionals which they can use to improve their business. Its not just targeted at top farmers. Every farmer should take the opportunity to enter. The awards prove good farming practices and sound business management go hand in hand. Farmers who participate in the awards programme are also encouraged to share ideas and innovations with the wider farming community. Entering the Awards takes about two minutes by completing a simple form, available online at www.bfea.org.nz It costs nothing to enter and the awards programme offers excellent educational opportunities for any farmer and grower who is interested in improving the sustainability of their farming business including key social, economic and environmental outcomes. The judging teams have a wide range of skills and look at all parts of the farming business. Judging is conducted in a relaxed and friendly manner and climatic factors are taken into account. In the past weve found farmers can be reluctant to enter if their farm has been affected by wet weather or drought. But the judges know severe climatic events are part of farming and will look beyond this at the wider picture, Andrea says. Providing the entrant agrees to be involved, people are able to nominate another farming or growing business they feel is worthy or may be interested in the awards programme. Many past entrants say their involvement has helped their personal development because they get to meet and be inspired by a range of like-minded people. The Port of Tauranga has been recognised for its commitment to protecting New Zealanders against biological and biochemical substances. The Biosecurity Operational Excellence at Port of Tauranga scheme was one of the recipients to be recognised as a Biosecurity hero at the 2017 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards. The scheme was implemented in February this year with the goal of pursuing Biosecurity Operational Excellence at the Port of Tauranga. The aim of the scheme is to strengthen MPIs current screening and inspection programmes, and make everyone involved aware of the common biosecurity risks and how to do their bit to identify and manage those risks. Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy says the winners of these inaugural awards have shown a real commitment to protecting New Zealand. "These awards recognise that it is a shared responsibility for all New Zealanders, and celebrate the efforts of people who are doing their bit for biosecurity every day. "Biosecurity Excellence at Port of Tauranga received the Industry award for their partnership with industry and government to build a port community committed to biosecurity excellence with the aim of no biosecurity incursions coming through their port. Port of Tauranga is New Zealands largest and fastest-growing port, handling more than 22 million tonnes of import and export cargo annually. In the past year, the Port processed more than a million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) of containerised cargo, the first port in New Zealand to do so. Biosecurity is an integral part of the Ports operations and is a joint effort. Port of Tauranga works with importers and exporters, service providers, the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Customs Service and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. In 2014, industry representatives Kiwifruit Vine Health and Port of Tauranga launched a partnership focused on achieving operational biosecurity excellence at the Port. It included an awareness programme for staff. Its about everyone doing their bit and working together to protect New Zealands environment and primary industries from unwanted biosecurity risks, says Port of Tauranga Chief Executive Mark Cairns. By having a heightened awareness of what to look for in day-to-day operations, all staff within the port community can play a part in keeping unwanted pests out of port operations. A target pest has been the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, which likes to hitchhike on containers and has the potential to impact significantly on horticulture sectors. Another risk was cruise passengers disembarking with fresh produce that could be hosting fruit flies. Designed to encapsulate both the citys modern sophistication and rich heritage, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul sits at a crossroads in Istanbul, where East meets West and modernity meets centuries of history. This is reflected in the hotels visual elements, with blue leather-tufted headboards calling to mind the Bosphorus, and leather-bound and studded minibars inspired by vintage travel trunks. Furthermore, ensuite showers resemble traditional Turkish hammams. The hotel features a total of 209 guest rooms, including 25 suites, with each offering a wide panoramic view overlooking either the Bosphorus or the city skyline. The Royal Suite offers unrivalled luxury, while forty exclusive Fairmont Gold rooms create a boutique feel with unparalleled service and access to exclusive services. Fairmont Quasar Istanbul will also delight foodies, with its array of restaurants and bars, including one with a live mezze kitchen and a spice library. Guests seeking some indulgent pampering will be well catered for at the Willow Stream Spa a serene escape from the bustle of the city, featuring 9 treatment rooms, a traditional hammam, an indoor pool, yoga room and state-of-the-art gym. Founded in 1907, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts currently operates properties in 22 countries across the world. Dr KCs hunger strike: Talks with govt team inconclusive Talks between representatives of government and Dr Govinda KC have ended inconclusively for the fifth time on Tuesday as well. Former envoy Khatiwada no more Former Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Pradeep Khatiwada passed away in Kathmandu at the of 68, on Monday evening. Russian President Vladimir Putin is doubling down on his faltering invasion by declaring martial law in four illegally annexed Ukrainian regions. In addition, he set the stage Wednesday for draconian new restrictions and crackdowns throughout Russia. The drastic escalation appeared to be prompted by the threat of more stinging battlefield defeats, sabotage and troubles with his troop mobilization. Putin's order effectively belies the Kremlins attempts to portray life in the annexed regions as returning to normal, with the latest example the removal of civilian leaders and installation of a military administration and a mass evacuation in Kherson. Local officials said Wednesday that 5,000 had been evacuated already, with plans to pull out a total of up to 60,000. An Aug. 23 court date has been set for a local woman accused of stealing a fidget spinner from W&W Napa in Bland. Tiffany Danielle Taylor, 25, was charged with misdemeanor shoplifting following an investigation by Bland County Deputy R.A. Dillow. According to Dillows criminal complaint, W&W Napa owner Randy Winesett showed the officer surveillance video that appeared to show Taylor taking the toy from a counter. Footage showedMrs. Taylor and her boyfriend looking at the item a few minutes earlier, Dillow wrote. She came back to the counter while her boyfriend was speaking to Mr. Winesett and looked his way several times then picked the spinner up quickly leaving. Arraigned on July 29, Taylor was given a court appointed attorney. In other recent arrests: Joseph Walter Jackson Jr., 28, of Kernersville, North Carolina, was arrested on July 21 and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Trooper J.W. Foutz made the arrest after getting an alert to watch out for a stolen Swift Leasing Freightliner truck. Foutz wrote that he saw a trucking matching the description while patrolling Interstate 77 and stopped it. I identified the driver as Joseph Jackson who I was informed by the company would be the driver, the trooper wrote. Arraigned on July 26, Jackson, who is free on a $25,000 bond, retained his own attorney to represent him on the felony charge. His preliminary hearing has been set for Dec. 13. A former Bland Correctional Center inmate has been charged with a felony after being accused of asking someone to give his girlfriend drugs that she could smuggle in to him in prison. Bradley Don Duty, 38, was arrested on July 19 and charged with solicitation to deliver drugs to a prisoner. According a criminal complaint, BCC workers intercepted a letter Duty had written to his girlfriend in which he asked his uncle to provide her with three suboxone strips that she could bring to him. Duty provided a signed statementindicating that he had authored this letter, prison investigators wrote. Arraigned on July 26, Duty has a Sept. 20 preliminary hearing set in Bland County General District Court. Hes now being held in the Augusta Correctional Center with a projected release date of Dec. 29, 2020. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man out on bail from charges he conspired to kill rival gang members has been charged with stabbing a person multiple times at Destiny USA, according to court papers. Quincy Jones Quincy Jones, 26, of Syracuse was charged with second-degree attempted assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies, for a stabbing on July 4 at Destiny USA Mall, according to police and court papers. The Onondaga County District Attorney's office confirmed he is the same man accused of conspiring to commit murder in a massive drug bust spearheaded by the state attorney general earlier this year. At about 11:23 a.m. on July 4, Jones got into an altercation with another person and chased them into the hallway outside Macy's, according to a felony complaint filed against him. The person fell on the ground, and Jones took a sharp object and stabbed the person three times in the upper back while they tried to get away, Syracuse police allege in the complaint. Jones then left the mall. At the time, Jones was out on bail after being charged with second-degree conspiracy for murder in late April, Onondaga County Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Coolican said. His bail had been set at $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond. Jones was one of more than 50 people arrested as part of year-long investigation dubbed "Operation Bricktown." He was arrested after Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said he and eight others were involved in a large drug ring across the state and plotted to kill rival gang members. The drug network extended across central New York, with heroin and cocaine being sold in Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence counties, Schneiderman's office stated. Coolican could not comment further on the case, and Syracuse police spokesman Sgt. Richard Helterline also declined to comment. Jones is currently in Onondaga County jail. Syracuse City Court Judge Ted Limpert ordered he be held without bail, according to inmate records. He will reappear in court Friday. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Firefighters rescued a baby girl from a smoke-filled Syracuse home early Tuesday morning. A candle left unwatched inside 414 Pond St. eventually burned out of control, said Investigator Allen Williams, of the Syracuse Fire Department. The candle started a fire in first-floor apartment's living room, he said. A woman who lived in the apartment called 911 around 2:20 a.m. to report the fire. Due to a language barrier, dispatchers initially believed the fire was happening a block away, Deputy Fire Chief Barry Lasky said. Firefighters responded to 514 Pond St., but found nothing amiss. Dispatchers were still speaking to the caller, who insisted her apartment was on fire and a child was inside, Lasky said. A district chief in the area heard a smoke alarm coming from 414 Pond St., Lasky said. Light smoke was billowing from the home, he said. Waiting outside, the woman told firefighters her child was inside the burning home, Lasky said. When firefighters rushed into the residence, the apartment was filled with heavy smoke, Lasky said. Firefighters found a 2-month-old girl inside the burning home, Williams said. The baby was breathing, but had inhaled a large amount of smoke, Lasky said. She was taken by American Medical Response to Upstate University Hospital for an evaluation, he said. Her condition was not immediately available. The fire was an accident, Williams said. No charges were filed. Although the fire was "relatively" small and was contained to the living room, the fabric that caught fire filled the entire 2 1/2-story home with smoke, Lasky said. The residents who live upstairs were able to return home after the fire, Lasky said. The woman who lived in the first-floor apartment is being assisted. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Central New York helped six people at the scene, said spokesman Dan Hartman. The home was built in 1925, Onondaga County property records show. Viengkhone Sengmanivanh is listed as the owner. Koirala is a retired engineering consultant and political observer. He lives in Vancouver, Canada. LYSANDER, N.Y. -- A boy struck and killed by a vehicle in Lysander was on his way to bring his pet cat back home, according to state police. Lucas C. DeLong, 13, of Lysander died Tuesday after being hit along River Road. DeLong and a 12-year-old friend left DeLong's house on River Road just after 12:30 p.m. and were headed for the Northwest Family YMCA down the street, state police said Wednesday. As they were walking, DeLong noticed his family's pet cat had followed them. He picked it up, and the two boys headed back north toward DeLong's house to bring the cat back, according to officials. A 2016 Chrysler Town & Country minivan was also headed north at the time. Troopers identified the driver as Wendy L. Murray, 44, of Cicero. DeLong quickly entered the northbound lane and was hit by Murray's vehicle. He was taken to Upstate University Hospital where he died later Tuesday from his injuries. Surveillance footage from the YMCA showed Murray had no time to react before hitting DeLong, investigators determined. There is no indication she was speeding, or that cellphone, drug or alcohol use played a factor. DeLong was a student at Ray Middle School, according to a statement released by the Baldwinsville Central School District. Counseling services were being made available for students and families. State police ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash, that did not already speak with police, to call Investigator Tom Quilter at (315) 638-8651 or (315) 638-8200. Import of Chinese goods resumes from Rasuwagadi-Kerung border point Import of Chinese goods from Rasuwagadi-Kerung border point, halted since two weeks after Chinese customs agents increased the charge they have been taking from every trip, has resumed from Tuesday. This page no longer exists or may have been moved.If you believe this is a mistake please email Indian minister to visit Nepal for Bimstec meet Ahead of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deubas India visit, External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj is arriving in Kathmandu on August 10 to participate in the Bimstec foreign ministers two-day meeting scheduled to begin on the same day. Photos posted to Twitter show the next Samsung Note phone will have a dual lens camera. When it rains etc. pic.twitter.com/D0lFR5Wn1B Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 1, 2017 Evan Blass, a reporter for VentureBeat, posted a photo of the front of a black Note8 to Twitter on Monday. On Tuesday, he added front and back images of gold and black versions of the phone, as well as a stylus device called the S Pen. The latest photos show a dual lens camera at the back of the phone. The mobiles front has an edge-to-edge display across the width of the device and thin bezels at its top and bottom. The photos represent early renderings of the phones, Blass tweeted. While these early-stage "DIY renders" certainly give a feel for a phone's basic design, the final product can differ significantly. pic.twitter.com/YwQMAx6Y3X Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 1, 2017 However, its noteworthy that his past early renderings have proven to be very accurate. Maximized Display Real Estate Blass photos appear to support other reports on the Note8 build. The device is designed to maximize screen real estate on its 6.3-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity display. The power-lock screen key is on the right side of the phone. On the left are the volume buttons and key for accessing Samsungs Bixby digital assistant. Along with the dual cameras on the back, theres a dual LED, dual tone flash; fingerprint scanner; and, according to some accounts, a heart-rate scanner. Chances are there will be two versions of the device one with a Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core SoC and another with Samsungs Exynos 8895 64-bit octa-core chip. The unit is expected to have 6 GB of RAM, 64 GB or 128 GB of expandable internal storage, and a 3,500-mAh battery. It likely will run Android 7.1.1 Nougat with the customary Samsung UI on top. Similar to Galaxy S8 Although the Note8 is larger than the recently released Galaxy S8, there doesnt seem to be a lot of physical difference between the devices. There appears to be very little to distinguish the two phones at this stage, beyond the presence of the S Pen, said James Moar, a research analyst at Juniper Research. The same bezel-less design is evident, as well as a dedicated button for Bixby, he told TechNewsWorld. The biggest distinguishing feature appears to be the dual camera, which is becoming a standard feature for many current-gen smartphones, Moar added. In the Note8, Samsung may try to address an issue that already has cropped up with the S8 since its release. Feedback from users of the S8 is that when theyre not looking at the phone, theyre putting their finger on the cameras lens instead of the fingerprint sensor because theyre adjacent, said Jeff Orr, senior practice director for mobile devices at ABI Research. Maybe that gets remedied on the Note8, because theres more room on it to move around the cameras sensors or the fingerprint sensor, he told TechNewsWorld. An Edge in VR When the Note8 is released, it can expect some tough competition from phones like the LG V30, Huawei Mate 10, Google Pixel 2, and of course the iPhone 8. A key difference between the Note8 and other phones will be its broader support of virtual reality platforms, Junipers Moar maintained. The LG and Google models will support the Daydream platform, but the Note8 will support both Daydream and Gear VR platforms. This will be a big draw to both VR early adopters and some industries looking to deploy smartphone VR to their customers, he pointed out. That, along with Samsungs strong relationships with channel partners, could help the company outsell its competitors if the price is right, suggested Moar. However, there are signs that the price wont be right. There are reports that Samsung may be getting Apple fever and could price the Note8 at US$1,000 or more. This would put a huge dent in sales, both for the real price hike and the psychological effect of the $1,000 barrier on consumers, Moar maintained.If priced at over $1,000, the Note8 will fare badly, particularly with the S8 being so close to it in features for $200 or so less. Marketing Muscle Pricing may not be a problem in the United States, though. Theres an appetite for higher-end phones here, said Ramon T. Llamas, a senior research analyst at IDC. There are also plans in place for people to buy high-end phones, he told TechNewsWorld. If you tell someone theyve got to pay $1,000 up front, theyll probably balk at that. But tell them to put $200 down and $25 a month, and they can deal with that. With the exception of Apple, Samsung has another advantage over its competitors. People dont know these other brands as well as they know Samsung, said Jack E. Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates. People know Samsung and feel comfortable with it, he told TechNewsWorld. Samsung also does a better job of marketing its phones than others, added Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. Its going to come down to marketing execution, he told TechNewsWorld. I have no doubt that theyll have the budget because they just had a phenomenal quarter. However, there is already speculation about the Note 9, Enderle noted. That could do damage to the Note8 the way iPhone 7 sales were hurt by the expectations that the iPhone 8 would be a very special phone, he said. Weathering Firestorm Samsung no doubt hopes that its Note8 launch at the end of the month will not be plagued by the problems that doomed its predecessor, the Note7. That model made headlines with its battery fires and subsequent recalls. After less than 90 days on the market, Samsung stopped producing it. Its not likely that those headlines will impact Note8 sales, however. Not that many people were affected by those problems. I think 95 percent of the people dont even remember the problems, Gold said. They appear to have recovered from the problems, and people arent avoiding the brand or the product, Enderle noted. Given the similarities between the Note8 and the S8, said Moar, that is likely to have a bigger impact on sales than the Note7 problems. Hyperloop One on Wednesday announced that it had conducted a successful first test of a specially designed vehicle to travel in a vacuum environment. In the test, which took place earlier this year, the company achieved controlled propulsion and levitation of a Hyperloop One vehicle at 70 mph on a 315-foot test track in the Nevada desert. The test vehicle reached nearly 2Gs of acceleration during its brief 5.3 second test run on the specially built track. A comparison has been drawn between the Hyperloop accomplishment and the Wright Brothers first test flight in December 1903. Just as brief as the Hyperloop One test, it is recognized as one of the key events in the evolution of manned flight. However, it took several years before airplane technology was refined and developed enough to move beyond the test stage. Hyperloop Ones vehicle test also represents a small step toward a potential giant leap to levitated transportation. The company was quick to note that history wasnt made by the event itself, but by the people responsible for making it happen. The startup had the support of nearly 200 engineers, machinists, welders and fabricators, who all worked together to reach a common goal. The next step will be to conduct a wider test of the system at the companys DevLoop site, which utilizes almost 1,000 feet of the linear motor in a 1,640 foot long tube. Hyperloop Ones DevLoop Test Track in Nevada The DevLoop is capable of reducing the air pressure to the equivalent of 200,000 feet above sea level, which could allow the Hyperloop One to travel at speeds of 250 mph. The newly unveiled XP-1 pod (pictured above), which will be tested at the DevLoop facility. The XP-1 pod is constructed with lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum around the levitating chassis. Musk Concept The Hyperloop transportation concept owes much to the work of Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who in a 2013 white paper described his vision of a high-speed, mass-transit system. Musk proposed utilizing pods that would coast on an a cushion of air. He claimed that such a system would be safer, faster and cheaper than existing methods of transportation. However, Musk is not involved with Hyperloop One, and the companys founders have been quick to note that they made substantive technical modifications to Musks concept. In addition, the company has opted not to pursue a San Francisco to Los Angeles corridor route, which Musk had favored, for the first Hyperloop system. Hyperloop One currently is developing both passenger and cargo systems for potential use in the United States, parts of Europe and the Middle East. The companys goal is to have a fully operational line running by 2020, but it is unclear if its Kitty Hawk moment truly marks the beginning of its road to that destination. The Wright Brothers Kitty Hawk was a test of concept, not a practical vehicle and at this phase, so is Hyperloop, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. Before Kitty Hawk, the idea of heavier-than-air flying was debated. After, it was whether it could be made practical not whether it would work, he told TechNewsWorld. We now know it works, Enderle said of Hyperloops tech. We dont yet know if it is practical though we are arguably closer than we were with that initial plane, which didnt look practical at all. The Jump to Hyperspeed The Hyperloop One test could be good for getting news coverage and convincing people that the technology is possible, but even if it is not quite as experimental as the Wright Brothers first plane, its practicality is far from being established. The test of this technology is really interesting, but it wont be enough to usher in a new transportation age, cautioned Roger Kay, principal analyst at Recon Analytics. The probability that it ever will replace existing forms of transportation is relatively low, Enderle suggested. MagLev was far more practical out of the box, he pointed out, but it never achieved mass adoption. The problem, in part, is that it would require a massive investment in the technology. This test was done to get funding, but when you think of the investors there arent any, Kay told TechNewsWorld. Even with funding, they would need to get concessions from local government, and then the costs go up. Use Cases Even if the funding hurdle could be cleared, there is the issue of whether creating new infrastructure would be practical, given what already moves via trucks or existing rail lines. Hyperloop isnt great for freight. It requires a vacuum, which creates both safety and cost issues. While faster, cheaper aircraft already has broader applications, Enderle said. On a positive note, it is an intriguing technology that holds potential for ferrying passengers over long distances, suggested Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research. However, this is the combination of a new technology and infrastructure project, which means astronomical costs and unimaginable regulatory red tape, he told TechNewsWorld. I doubt that anyone, including those in the company, can accurately predict the final cost or schedule of a single project. They just have to expect cost and schedule overruns. Addressing the Vulnerabilities Even smaller problems such as if a pod were to get trapped due to mechanical failure could become serious issues that would require backup plans. This is no different than other mass transit options like subways and high-speed trains, said McGregor. In the end, the cost must justify the investment relative to other options, and only time will tell if this can be achieved. Perhaps the thorniest issue that Hyperloop One needs to overcome is how to deal with geopolitical ideologies and protect its system from a terrorist attack. An elevated tube could make a very inviting target for a radical group, and it might not be too difficult even for a lone actor to do considerable damage to a costly piece of equipment. Of course, all forms of transportation are exposed to attacks like this, so I dont see this necessarily as a deal breaker, particularly because it would likely go in with far better monitoring and have far fewer problems related to aging tracks initially, Enderle said. Yet a high-profile crash resulting either from a terrorist attack or an accident could derail this project. As the Hindenburg showcased, one strategic catastrophic accident could kill it, said Enderle. It is too early to say it will fail, but the path to success is long, and [Hyperloop One] faces a number of critical technical and competitive challenges. People concerned about automation killing jobs might look at Helpshifts strategy and similar automation approaches. By enabling businesses to build help or support into mobile apps, these new models are re-inventing support to get the job done. Sure, they provide automated support in lieu of conventional agents, but they do so at a level where it often can be uneconomic to position live agents. The help these apps provide, which can be extensive, still means less attention than speaking with a live person. Heres the thing, though sometimes all customers want is a quick answer, not a drawn-out service experience. The just the facts, maam approach to service crystallized back in 2010 in a Harvard Business Review article, Stop Trying to Delight Your Customers. In it we discovered that people living busy lives often desire a slimmed-down approach. So the science combines with new technology to provide app-level support for mobile apps, and no jobs are harmed in the process at least not directly. Now, a company-sponsored research effort reveals how this new approach to service works. Whos Hiding the Intuition? Almost half (45 percent) of consumers surveyed said they would be interested in trying mobile apps that offered live customer support. Thats important, because it suggests a need thats not being met at the moment. Too often, the tendency with mobile apps is to assume theyre intuitive because, hey, theyre on a mobile device, right? Well, um, the app might be intuitive and the developer may have worked hard to make it so but that doesnt mean the underlying business process that the app supports is intuitive. Business processes have a way of making the most obvious things murky, and that can be true especially with large bureaucratic organizations like airlines. As it happens, airlines are a great candidate for inline online help. Back to the survey. Seventy percent of people said they wanted to use in-app support in airline apps, and 47 percent cited convenience as the primary driver. It makes perfect sense, since traveling doesnt present enough opportunities to stop and get help from airline employees. If youre scrambling to make a connection, for instance, there isnt a lot of information you must have but you dont have time to find someone who can provide all of it. Again, according to the survey, 89 percent of travelers and loyalty members said they would want to be able to use a customer support feature in an airlines app while flying. An almost identical number, 88 percent, said they would welcome and recommend being contacted proactively inside an app. This suggests two things that travelers want: to establish a closer working relationship with their vendors (regardless of whether there is a service agent involved); and to be proactive in figuring out their next move upon landing, well before the tires hit the runway. Thats why 83 percent of airline app users and upwards of 95 percent of loyalty members felt that airline apps would improve the travel experience. Its clear that travelers want and need airline apps for what they can do for the flying public. However, its also clear that the apps themselves dont provide all of the help that customers might want from them. The easy and obvious fix is to build support into the apps and theres nothing that says a business has to do all that heavy lifting by itself. Help When You Need It In fact, the survey suggests that a new dynamic has come into play. Weve more or less figured out mobile apps, and there are many vendors that can provide technology or assistance to get apps built and running. On the leading edge in support these days, at least mobile support, is the ability to help companies better understand the rhythms of their business processes from the customers point of view, and then to be there when needed. Of course, in some situations, being there still means having a live agent but increasingly, it means building support into the app with prepositioned content or any other technology that fits into the service matrix. It appears that were on the cusp of a new service model in which machines finally fulfill their promise to make things easier. Helpshift and others in its category provide a good example of how businesses can offer better service by giving support proactively in situations where its needed, rather than expecting customers to stop what theyre doing to seek help. In-app support either live or prepositioned enables a business to project itself into its customers daily experience, rather than requiring customers to leave whats in front of them just to get help. Also, it clearly shows how automation can be additive rather than reductive and that should please everyone. Meg Whitman, just recently the most probable candidate to helm the CEO-less Uber, has now made it clear she has no intentions to leave Hewlett Packard Enterprise. That leaves the list of candidates full of men. Whomever Uber will pick as its next leader has been met with much anticipation. Many believed a woman planned to take on the job, a notion that not only would have sent a message of empowerment but also given hope that the company's evidently frail approach to treating sexual abuse in the workplace will halt once and for all. Uber Needs A CEO, Stat: Is Travis Kalanick Making A Return? Yet suppose that problem is solved, it's all but one item in Uber's to-do list of "things we screwed up and need to fix." Recode reports Uber's board struggles to move forward and land on a decision. But even more pressing: Travis Kalanick, whom the board sacked from CEO duties, is meddling in the process, with an implied intent to return as the company's CEO. Rumors say Kalanick has told people he plans to "Steve Job" the situation. Jobs, whom Apple fired years back, later returned triumphantly. In his years on the job, Jobs steered Apple to becoming one of the most significant tech firms in the world, a label that still rings true even today with Tim Cook replacing him. But suffice it to say that Kalanick differs from Jobs. Certainly, both have displayed an aggressive approach to dealing with business, people, decisions, and more specifically of Jobs creativity. Kalanick has been reported as many things, but especially as a cocky and hotheaded executive with a fearless, rule-breaking mentality to go after what he wants. He has been reported arguing heatedly with a driver as two women flank him, his company has reportedly been involved with dubious practices to outrank competition, and many more head-scratching pieces of news have occurred in the past year or so, particularly relating to its sexist practices in the workplace. So it's no wonder the search for a new leader now proves difficult for Uber's board, simply for the fact that there's so much waiting to be cleaned up. "If there was no hair on this dog, this would be a no brainer for anyone to take this job," says one person privy to the situation, via Recode. "But this is the hairiest company anyone has ever seen." Trouble Rises At Uber As Its Board Struggles To Decide On A CEO With Whitman erased from consideration, that leaves, reports say, four men who are also all CEOs of their own accord. Among the choice is outgoing CEO of General Electric, Jeff Immelt. While he's certainly on the list, he's not on top, sources say. Still, the top choice will most definitely be male. That's not a problem per se for two reasons: First, sources say Uber will put more women in key decision-making positions, bolstering diversity. Second, the leader's gender doesn't and shouldn't really matter, anyway but for a company riled with turbulent sexism problems, a woman taking charge is symbolic that things can finally pan out. While it's true that it's merely a symbolic sentiment, one can also argue that there's nothing "mere" about symbols. One can say that putting a woman at the top spot carries gravitas. Doing so, especially at Silicon Valley, an industry that carries its own problems of sexism, paints a picture of progress and forward motion. With all these in mind, Uber's future remains uncertain. Whether a new CEO can steer the whole ship around also remains uncertain. The board has to hope its new leader can undo the grimes left behind by a problematic leadership. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Jha feels heat from fellow UML MPs CPN-UML lawmaker Ranju Jha, who chairs the Parliamentary Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Social Welfare Committee, has reportedly come under fire from the fellow UML colleagues for her role in pushing the Health Profession Education (HPE) Bill for a swift endorsement. Maoist Centre all for electoral alliances in Province 2 An office bearer meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre)s Province 2 committee, held in Janakpur on Tuesday, decided to forge alliances with Madhes-based parties in the third phase of local level elections. On November 11, the EU announced the renewal, until November 14, 2023, of the sanctions against officials linked to the Administration of Nicolas Maduro. | Read More Nepal-India power panel to meet after six year hiatus The Nepal-India Power Exchange Committee is scheduled to meet for the second time in six years this fortnight. NOC submits documents on controversial land purchase deals Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), which is under investigation over alleged embezzlement of hundreds of millions of rupees while buying land for construction of fuel storage facilities, has submitted documents related to controversial land purchase deals to the probe panel of the parliamentary Finance Committee. Parties lay stress on population Representatives of various political parties have suggested the Constituency Delimitation Commission (CDC) to determine the election constituencies based on population. Anil Giri is a reporter covering diplomacy, international relations and national politics for The Kathmandu Post. Giri has been working as a journalist for a decade-and-a-half, contributing to numerous national and international media outlets. Will Packer, right, and Heather Hayslett arrive at the World Premiere of "Girls Trip" at the Regal L.A. Live on Thursday, July 13, 2017, in Los Angeles. A former Shaw Group employee, her boyfriend and another man were indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Baton Rouge that accused them o BATON ROUGE (AP) A federal judge in Louisiana has retired several months after taking medical leave for treatment of severe alcoholism, a court official said Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi's disability retirement took effect on Monday, according to Tony Moore, clerk of court for the Western District of Louisiana. Court records unsealed in April revealed Minaldi was required to get treatment for alcoholism so severe that a colleague asked a court to rule she cannot take care of herself. An Associated Press investigation showed Minaldi's pattern of unusual behavior on the bench preceding her mysterious removal from a string of cases last year. Minaldi had been on medical leave since late December. Can't see video below? Click here. The unsealed court records were part of a lawsuit filed by a longtime friend and colleague, U.S. Magistrate Kathleen Kay. The lawsuit challenged Minaldi's physical and mental capacity to manage her personal and financial affairs. The records showed Minaldi moved into an assisted living facility specializing in "memory care" within three months of presiding over a criminal trial cut short without explanation. Minaldi began serving as a judge in the district's Lake Charles division after her nomination in 2003 by then-President George W. Bush. Her retirement leaves the Lake Charles division without a district judge. Moore said the Western District of Louisiana, currently served by three active district judges, has three other judicial vacancies. Capt. Cortrell Davis, a Lafourche Parish Sheriffs deputy, taught his kids a lesson about giving back by cutting the grass for an elderly man. (Screenshot taken from video) Re-election in Ward 19 of Bharatpur on Friday Re-election in Ward 19 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan district has been scheduled for August 4. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Swine flu alert Two confirmed deaths of patients from Waling, Syangja because of swine flu have been reported in Kathmandu this past week. Even with the lingering impact of job losses in Louisiana's oil patch, the economy is on the upswing. 'It just happened so fast': Family of Westwego man killed in blaze Monday speaks out Laws to make it harder for people to get away with drink spiking in Canberra will soon be introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly. ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay will bring forward legislation in the coming months which could see the ACT aligned more closely with NSW in the way it deals with drink spiking. ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay will bring forward drink-spiking legislation in the coming months. Credit:Rohan Thomson "At the moment, the law doesn't broadly target people who try to drug or intoxicate others without them knowing or agreeing," a spokeswoman for Mr Ramsay said. "Instead the current legislation varies greatly depending on the kind of drug a person uses, and the circumstances in which it is given. She's part of Australian publishing royalty, stretching all the way back to Puberty Blues and encompassing 11 international bestsellers. And she never met a pun she didn't like. Let's also not forget she's best mates with George and Amal Clooney. Kathy Lette will spill the beans on a range of topics at the Canberra Writers Festival. Credit:Neale Haynes. Kathy Lette is one of the stars of this year's Canberra Writers Festival which is on August 25 to 27. It's theme this year is Power, Politics, Passion. There has been a massive increase in online credit card fraud, with transactions made using stolen card details hitting $417.6 million in 2016, more than doubling since 2011. Industry body Australian Payments Network has revealed that transactions made using stolen credit card details accounted for 78 per cent of more than $530 million in total netted by fraudsters last year. The 2016 Australian Payments Fraud Data Report also found a 13 per cent increase in card skimming fraud, executed through "ghost terminals," false terminals made to look like real card readers that are not connected to the payments network. For every $1000 spent on credit cards, fraud accounted for 74.7 cents, up from 66.9 cents in 2015 and 43.8 cents in 2012. James Packer may have been keeping a low profile in Israel thanks to the corruption investigations surrounding his buddy, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, but he is obviously still an avid fan of the country's tech start-ups. Packer was named as one of the investors in Inception, a Tel Aviv start-up that is making waves with its 3D and virtual reality (VR) content. Illustration: John Shakespeare And given the year Packer has had, is it any wonder that he is getting interested in virtual reality. Inception says it plans to use its "immersive technology to take audiences to the next level". Liquidators are trying to freeze $200 million of Clive Palmer's assets to recover millions in taxpayer funds used to pay out the former MP's axed Queensland Nickel workers. The federal government has appointed special purpose liquidators PPB Advisory to try to claw back almost $70 million in taxpayers' money that was used to cover the entitlements of workers who lost their jobs when Mr Palmer's company failed. PPB has filed an application seeking to stop Clive Palmer offloading or doing anything to devalue his assets. Credit:AAP PPB has filed an application in the Supreme Court in Brisbane, seeking to stop the former federal MP from offloading or doing anything to devalue his assets while efforts to recoup those funds continue. "The Special Purpose Liquidators of Queensland Nickel can confirm that an application has been filed with the Supreme Court of Queensland for orders in respect of the dissipation of assets held by Clive Palmer and associated entities," PPB said in a statement. TUTH resident docs to skip outpatient duties in support of Dr KC Expressing their solidarity with Dr Govinda KC, resident doctors of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), have decided to skip their outpatient duties and academic classes from Wednesday. Australians would no longer be able to receive wages in cash, and industries classified as being at "high risk" of illegally taking secret cash-in-hand payments including cafes and restaurants could be subject to a minimum rate of tax, which they could claim a refund on if they can prove to the tax man that they should be paying a lower rate. These are some of the options being explored by the federal government's Black Economy Taskforce, which also include naming and shaming tax evaders and replacing $100 notes with new ones to ensure their authenticity. Naming and shaming tax evaders and replacing $100 notes with new ones to ensure their authenticity are part of the options under consideration by the Black Economy Taskforce. Credit:Michel O'Sullivan On Tuesday the taskforce released a consultation paper that canvasses a number of additional policy ideas to tackle an estimated $15 billion in lost federal tax revenue and illegitimate welfare payments due to widespread cash economy activity. Black Economy Taskforce chairman Michael Andrew who has previously described Australians taking cash-only payments and not declaring it as "almost a national sport" has been holding industry roundtables and public forums across the nation. The latest results of the year 9 NAPLAN tests in NSW have shown some improvement, the data reveals.This is in part attributed to the new requirement for students to attain a Band 8 in literacy and numeracy before receiving their final school credential, the Higher School Certificate. The year 9 students of 2017 are the first cohort to be subject to this requirement (for the 2020 HSC). It has been said that these students (and their teachers and parents) were motivated to invest greater effort into the NAPLAN tests in order to attain this new required standard, so to be eligible to receive their HSC. As we proceed with this new requirement in NSW (and as other Australian states and territories consider it), it is vital to guard against unanticipated consequences that may disproportionately disadvantage those who stand to lose the most from these new criteria. Based on 2017 data, it appears that most year 9 students in NSW will need to successfully re-sit at least one literacy or numeracy test to be eligible to receive an HSC. Now, then, is a good time to carefully consider what happens to those who do not meet the new HSC qualifying criteria. The flaw in Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's proposed crackdown on the use of family trusts to avoid tax is that it would only partially close a loophole politicians of all hues have for decades known is exploited primarily by the very wealthy. Claims by the Coalition and business lobby groups that it is "class warfare" and "the politics of envy" do not stand scrutiny. Mr Shorten merits credit for a policy to at least prune a practice that should be offensive to anyone who professes to believe in fairness. In mammon we trust. Currently, discretionary trusts allow high and middle-income breadwinners to split their income and distribute it to family members on lower tax rates adult children at university or retired parents, for example. So a rich miner or manufacturer with the right tax agent is able to minimise or even extinguish their tax bill by promising money to his kids and his parents. The ethics of these practices are open to question, but it is absolutely rational and legal behaviour. That is why the law should be changed. Discretionary trusts originated as far back as Norman England, after William the Conqueror invaded in 1066. We don't really know the origins, although some speculate that Crusaders established trusts so their lands could be managed in their absence. Far more recently, trusts have come to be used to split incomes between adult family members. This is estimated to reduce public revenue by billions. As then treasurer Peter Costello said almost 20 years ago, "the community subsidises the wealthy taxpayer". Mr Costello tried and failed to reform trusts. He was right to try, as was John Howard when he changed the tax arrangements to prevent people splitting income with children under the age of 18. All these years later, Mr Shorten is advocating a tax of 30 per cent on payments by discretionary trusts. As this is well below the top marginal rate of 45 per cent, an incentive remains to split incomes. But it is estimated the move would generate more than $1 billion a year, which Mr Shorten says would be mostly used to reduce the budget deficit and national debt, both of which have increased significantly under the Coalition government. Labor's plan to clamp down on trusts still allows a significant loophole: wealthy trust users can already cut their tax bill to 30 per cent by making distributions to other companies rather than family members this is what is known as the "bucket company" option. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has fuelled speculation the government will bypass Parliament and commission a postal vote on same-sex marriage, refusing to rule it out on Wednesday as the idea builds momentum among colleagues. But it has been revealed Mr Turnbull argued vociferously against a postal vote when he led the campaign for an Australian republic, saying such a method "flies in the face of Australian democratic values". The postal poll - a voluntary, non-binding vote conducted by mail - would substitute for the compulsory plebiscite, which failed to get through the Senate last year. It is believed by some MPs that unlike a plebiscite, the postal vote would not need to pass the Parliament, and could be funded by the existing Commonwealth Electoral Act. The government is understood to be seeking advice on the logistics and viability. In recent years Jessica Lange has become an unapologetic voice in the fight against the sexism and ageism women face in the film industry. As AARP magazine's August cover star, the actor opened up about her career, her most famous romances and what she calls the "pervasive" problem of ageism in Hollywood. After discussing her work in various roles including King Kong, Tootsie and a Street Car Named Desire, the 68-year-old opened up about her unexpected transition into television, particularly the horror genre. Lange revealed she never intended to work on American Horror Story for more than one season, but was convinced to stay on for four years by Ryan Murphy, who labelled her "a great seducer." Jessica Lange was part of the American Horror Story cast for four years. Credit:Jessica Dale/ Eleven Publicity It was her work on the project that made Lange realise television is one of the many places Hollywood's older women turn to when they are no longer considered for "important" film roles. As Lange pointed out, the outdated issue of age differences between men and women when it comes to playing on-screen romantic interests is still minimising the roles for older women. "Ageism is pervasive in this industry. It's not a level playing field. You don't often see women in their 60s playing romantic leads, yet you will see men in their 60s playing romantic leads with co-stars who are decades younger," she told AARP magazine. Federal Assistant Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer went to ground on Wednesday, ignoring calls for an inquiry into repeated failures of online Tax Office services as new data revealed 10 previously unreported crashes. Ms O'Dwyer did not respond to requests for information about the failures, which frustrated industry professionals and taxpayers trying to lodge their annual returns between February and June. Revenue and Financial Services Minister Kelly O'Dwyer. Credit:Andrew Meares Information provided to a Senate committee, first reported by the ABC, revealed a series of previously unreported failures lasting between a few minutes and two business days. The log of outages does not include the major ATO meltdowns in December and July, which prompted widespread criticism and an admission from Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan that the ATO's reputation was being damaged. In February, the ATO's website, online portals, Australian Business Register and business reporting channels were unavailable for two business days, while a series of outages hit users on April 19 and four separate dates in May. It was an explosive corruption inquiry that toppled a first-term premier and ensnared a string of Labor and Liberal figures. Now the Independent Commission Against Corruption is set to release its long-awaited report on Thursday on Australian Water Holdings, more than three years after it concluded dramatic public hearings in early 2014. Disgraced former politician Eddie Obeid. Operation Credo probed the connections between members of Obeid's family and Australian Water Holdings. The inquiry, codenamed Operation Credo, probed the connections between members of jailed former Labor minister Eddie Obeid's family and the controversial water infrastructure company, which was vying for a lucrative NSW government contract. It also exposed Australian Water's ties to high-profile Liberal figures, including Senator Arthur Sinodinos, a former non-executive chairman of the company, and prominent Liberal Party fundraiser Nick Di Girolamo. A bisexual Sydney high school teacher who had sex with three teenage students has been jailed for at least six years. Parramatta District Court judge James Bennett on Wednesday said Cameron White had abused his position as a teacher to exploit the vulnerable, naive students for his own sexual gratification. Cameron White has been jailed for at least six years. Credit:AAP White, 39, was found guilty by a jury in May of 14 counts of aggravated sexual assault and five counts of sexual intercourse with a person under care involving two female students and one male student at three Sydney school school campuses. White, who is bisexual, denied having a sexual relationship with any of the complainants. The Brisbane City Council has foiled residents' sneaky plans to take an extra trip to the dump for free, but its efforts to prevent fraud have drawn criticism. The council distributes about 500,000 sets of waste vouchers annually to ratepayers, but this year the vouchers had a photocopy-proof foil to stop residents illegally copying them. Brisbane City Council Field Services chairman Peter Matic said people have previously illegally reproduced waste vouchers. Credit:Glenn Hunt Some residents have taken to social media to question the council on their new choice in design for the vouchers. "Beautifully printed in embossed silver, I thought it may have been invitation, but no, just our waste vouchers," resident Garth Grams posted to the council's Facebook page. A man has died in a helicopter crash in outback Queensland. Emergency services were called to a property on Sedan Dip Road near Cloncurry about 7.15am, where a mustering helicopter had crashed into a paddock after striking power lines. The helicopter burst into flames and the sole occupant, a male pilot, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident had been reported to emergency services by another pilot. Two ambulance crews were on scene. US project helps farmers, businesses earn Rs17b An agricultural project supported by the government of the United States in western Nepal has doubled crop yields, helping farmers and businesses earn around Rs17.4 billion (approximately $169.4 million). A Queensland stay-at-home mother has escaped jail time after being convicted of assaulting her baby daughter by cutting off the infant's air supply, despite a judge describing the act as "an attack on a defenceless victim". A Brisbane Supreme Court jury on Wednesday found Ashleigh Meagan Watterson not guilty of two counts of attempted murder, as well as an alternative charge of grievous bodily harm, but convicted her of assaulting four-month-old Sarah in October 2010. Ashleigh Watterson leaving the Brisbane Supreme Court after she was convicted of assaulting her baby daughter. Credit:Darren England Justice Martin Burns sentenced her to two years' imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years, for deliberately cutting off the infant's air supply. "This was an attack on a defenceless victim in your sole care and clearly constituted a gross breach of trust," Justice Burns said in sentencing the 30-year-old for assault occasioning bodily harm. Queensland's LNP leader has backed a plebiscite to decide the issue of same sex marriage. Tim Nicholls' federal colleagues have been embroiled in a civil war following Liberal Senator Dean Smith's announcement he had drafted a private members' bill for same sex marriage. Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has backed a plebiscite on the issue of same sex marriage. Credit:Darren England/AAP Four federal Liberal MPs - Warren Entsch, Trevor Evans, Tim Wilson and Trent Zimmerman - have indicated they could cross the floor on the issue. Queensland LNP president Gary Spence sent a letter to party members on Tuesday stating he was "disappointed that views that do not accord with the Party's policy have been aired publicly". She initially wanted to target home-based mums who struggled to get to a salon, but noticed a gap in the market for workplace visits. Iman Davamoni says Purely Polished's services force employees to put their phones down. Davamoni now averages three in-office bookings a week for men and women, and is considering adding other beauty services as demand grows. "We started getting enquiries about office visits through the website before we'd even started the marketing and that got the ball rolling," Davamoni says. Andrew Ward is the founder of 3 Minute Angels, which provides mobile massages. "In London and the US it's very common, but Australia is still opening up in terms of companies seeing manicures as a wellness offering. It allows staff to take time out of work for some "me time". You can't touch your phone, so you have to switch off and relax and have some quiet time with the nail technician." The bootstrapped business-on-wheels was started with Davamoni's maternity leave payout and turned over $60,000 in the first year. It allows staff to take time out of work for some 'me time'. She says some companies cover the cost of the 15 or 30-minute manicures in a bid to build loyalty and retain staff, while others require employees to pay. "Most of these employers who book us want to increase employee engagement, productivity and enthusiasm it leaves staff feeling good," Davamoni says. "They are also just wanting a service that's convenient it can be hard to book an appointment for a manicure in the CBD at lunchtime. We have CEOs who are strapped for time who book us and we go into their private office." She says her eyes have been opened to the plethora of mobile businesses being welcomed by progressive workplaces, including masseuses and even barbers. Mini massages While Davamoni has tapped into a niche market, mini-massages have long been a popular recruitment tool at some of Australia's biggest banks and corporates. But Andrew Ward, the founder of 3 Minute Angels, says demand can fluctuate with the economy, and staff massages are often the first thing to go in lean times. The business, which started in 2002 and offers five-minute corporate and event massages, was turning over a $1 million a year before the global financial crisis hit. After hitting a low point of $640,000 two years ago, business is on the up and 3 Minute Angels turned over $840,000 last year. Ward says his staff perform 70,000 five-minute massages a month for departments within companies including Adobe, Westpac, Commonwealth and Macquarie banks. "When corporates have money and value employees, like during a skills shortage, that is when they will pay for things like massages to keep staff," he says. "But it's not seen as a necessary spend. It's the first thing to go when companies tighten their belts." He says the wellness movement has helped turn around the fortunes of 3 Minute Angels as more companies jump on the bandwagon. Even a quick shoulder rub can make a difference to stress levels, he says, and their clients fill out a survey to rate the change in their mood. "It's usually 'very happy' or 'divine', and we deliver that back as a report, which gives the service tangibility," he says. On-site chiropractor At employment marketplace SEEK renowned for its perks staff have access to a concierge to book services such as on-site car washes, manicures and dry cleaning. Chiropractor Dr Ian Northeast visits the St Kilda Rd office once a week to treat workers on a portable table in a private room, saying many find it hard to squeeze personal appointments into the working week. "It's so convenient for them," says Dr Northeast, who recently set up his own practice. "They don't need to try and juggle their appointment with work and book at 8-9am or after 5pm." SEEK Group human resources director Kathleen McCudden says staff also have access to massage and counselling services during their work day. "We appreciate juggling work and personal lives can be difficult, which is why we offer our employees a range of concierge services in the workplace to help them have more free time after hours and at the weekend to do activities they enjoy, instead of chores and appointments," she says. Victorian students may soon have to meet minimum literacy and numeracy standards if they want to leave school with a VCE qualification. In what could signal the biggest shake-up of the high school certificate in decades, Fairfax Media understands that the state's curriculum authority is investigating a new compulsory literacy and numeracy test that students must pass before graduating. It is also examining whether students should have to achieve certain NAPLAN results in order to graduate with the VCE or its vocational equivalent, VCAL. Industry bodies including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are calling for the changes amid concerns that too many young people are finishing school with poor skills. Premier Mark McGowan says the decision by the federal government to slash WA's GST share was based on "flawed" data provided to them by the national census. Speaking to Gareth Parker on 6PR's Morning Show on Wednesday morning after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's visit to WA, Mr McGowan said the federal government's decision to slash WA's GST share by nearly $2 billion was misguided. Premier McGowan said federal treasurer Scott Morrison's claim there was nothing he could do was "not good enough". Credit:James Mooney "In relation to the population share and the census, everyone knows it was flawed," he said. "I think it is fraught for the Commonwealth to rely upon that document, and I think it is up to the Prime Minister to say 'let's not rely on it, let's rely on the old reliable figures and not cut $2 billion out of WA's share'." Police have busted yet another two cannabis-growing houses in recent days in Perth, seizing close to 500 plants in the process. The recent drug houses are the latest in a long line of similar drug busts across Perth in the past year, involving homes, mostly rental properties, being converted into large cannabis growing facilities. The damage caused to a Perth rental property used to grow cannabis. Credit:Consumer Protection Its believed detectives seized about 140 cannabis plants at a home on Belmont Road in Kewdale last week. Its understood five rooms in the home were being used to grow the cannabis. Kenyas President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered for speedy investigations into the murder of IEBC ICT Manager Chris Msando and a female companion Carol Ngumbu. President Kenyatta has described Msando as a man who selflessly served his country. He has however urged Kenyans to stop speculation into the deaths and let investigators perform their duties. Kenyan police earlier questioned a number of people including the top leadership of the countrys electoral commission, waiters at a city bar and relatives of murdered elections technology manager. According to Daily Nation news paper, Msandos widow was also questioned by detectives who are seeking to piece together his last moments and find his killers. Mr Msando was systems development manager at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and played a key role in the installation and management of digital technology to be used in voting and tallying. He was killed in the early hours of Saturday and his naked body, with injuries, was discovered in a thicket in Kikuyu. The body was later taken to Nairobis City Mortuary and was not identified until Monday. On Tuesday, the Kenyan government said it will accept an offer of help, once it is formally made, from the governments of the US and UK to have their investigators join the Kenyan team. Prince Philip, in his capacity of Colonel, Grenadier Guards, chats with members of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in March. Credit:AP The royal household has calculated he took part in 637 solo overseas visits, gave 5496 speeches and wrote 14 books. He is patron of 785 organisations. He has made more public appearances this year than either the Queen or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: 51 since January. In 2016 he was the fifth busiest royal. Prince Philip meets veterans and members of the armed services during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London in 2015. Credit:AP The Duke will soon head up to Balmoral with the Queen for their annual summer holiday. After that, he is expected to spend most of his time at Windsor. Locals and visitors may catch sight of him whizzing about Windsor Great Park on antique royal carriages his hobby, which he took up after giving up polo age 50. Other hobbies include oil painting, reading and photography. He's not the type of man to put his feet up, Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's press secretary until 2000, told The Sun. "He'll still be involved in something even if just from his office, from phone calls and talking to his patronages, talking to his charities, maybe even visiting them on a private visit. "He's not giving up life, he's just stepping back from full-time public engagement and taking it a bit easier." Historian Christopher Lee told the BBC the prince was the first man in Buckingham Palace to put computers in his office. "He will want to know about the big issues. He will know every single touch, nuance on Brexit, for example. He is briefed on everybody he is likely to meet, even people he will never meet and he takes it in. "I think he's never stopped being an admiral. Admirals are like that, they have to be, and admirals never retire." The Duke has had several health scares in recent years: he spent two nights in hospital in June with an infection, missing the State Opening of Parliament and the last two days of Royal Ascot. In 2008 he spent three days in hospital with a serious chest infection, in late 2011 he suffered chest pains and had heart surgery. In 2012 during the Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations he suffered a bladder infection that put him in hospital for almost a week. The problem recurred later in the year. Then in 2013 he was admitted to hospital for 11 days for exploratory surgery on his abdomen. Royal watchers say one reason for his retirement was he feared growing frail in public, and told close friends "I'm past my sell-by date". But he is generally in good health for his age. He was born on June 10, 1921 in the Greek island of Corfu, the fifth child of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, and Princess Alice of Battenburg. His childhood was unsettled, as Greece went through political upheaval. Age 18 he began a naval career, serving in World War II, and ended active service in 1951. Prince Philip and the Queen, distant cousins, were first friends then fell in love. They married in November 1947. In 2015 he became the last person to be awarded an Australian knighthood, in the controversial and short-lived resurrection of the imperial-style honour by then prime minister Tony Abbott. He has many other orders and titles including lord high admiral of the Royal Navy, an appointment given to him by the Queen as a 90th birthday present. Over the years he has also been well-known for his gaffes politically incorrect jokes that risked offence. Delhi: The lawyer for runaway driver Puneet Puneet says his argument in court that the fugitive should not be extradited to Australia over a car accident nine years ago that killed nursing student Dean Hofsee is "very strong" and he is confident of winning. After an extradition hearing on Monday at Patiala Court in New Delhi, lawyer Kanhaiya Kumar Singhal told Fairfax Media that the "racism in Australia" argument employed by the defence had been put to the judge from the very outset of the hearing and that the two friends of Puneet who testified in court had served to "strengthen the argument" considerably. The two friends, Jayant Dagore who is now an Australian citizen and Melbourne-born designer, Anna Maria D'Annibale, told the court that if Australians were able to abuse Indians living in Australia and get away scot-free, there was no reason why Puneet would be treated differently if he was sent back to Australia. "It was a good hearing and it went well. It's a strong argument and one that Indians are familiar with from past cases that have been covered extensively by the Indian media," Mr Singhal said. By Benjamin Jumbe All is set for Rwandans in Uganda to vote tomorrow. Rwandans in diaspora across the world are set to cast their ballots tomorrow ahead of the main election in Rwanda on Friday 4th August 2017. Addressing journalists at the countrys High Commission in Kampala this morning, Rwandas Ambassador to Uganda Maj Gen Frank Mugambagye has urged members of the Rwandan community in Uganda to come out and exercise their right to vote. He says all the necessary preparations have been made to ensure a free and fair election with the required logistics in place. Voting is set to kick off at 7am at the Rwanda high commission located at Plot No. 2, Nakaima Road, Kitante. In the race are three candidates; Paul Kagame of the RPF, Frank Habineza from the Green Party of Rwanda and Philip Mpayimana an independent candidate. By Benjamin Jumbe Bodies of the fallen UPDF soldiers will not be handed over straight to their relatives and their identities will not be revealed now. This comes from the deputy army spokesperson Lt Col Deo Akiiki ahead of the arrival of the remains of the 12 UPDF soldiers killed in Somalia. The bodies are expected to arrive in the country at 1:30 Pm at the Entebbe Uganda Peoples Defence Air force base and will be received by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi and other UPDF and Ministry of Defence officials. Speaking to Kfm this morning, Lt. Col. Akiiki said on arrival the bodies will be taken to the military hospital in Bombo and once their relatives have been notified, their identities will be revealed to the public. The 12 UPDF soldiers were part of the AMISOM peace keeping force in Somalia. They were ambushed by Al-shabab militants as they conducted a night patrol. Bryan police issued a warrant Tuesday for the arrest of Justin Keith Byrd, 30, of Bryan, in connection to a shooting Monday afternoon in the 1300 block of Baker Avenue. Police said Byrd was involved in a physical altercation with the victim before he pulled out a gun and opening fire. Police said the man who was shot was admitted to CHI St. Joseph hospital in Bryan. His condition was not released, but officials said he was stable. Byrd is considered armed and dangerous, and police advise that he should not be approached. Anyone with information on the case or his whereabouts is encouraged to call Bryan police at 209-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 775-TIPS. Defense and state attorneys rested their cases early Tuesday afternoon, on the first day of the trial of a 32-year-old Bryan man accused of sexually assaulting a girl over several years, beginning around 2006. A Brazos County grand jury indicted Eric Wayne Macias in February of this year after allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted and groped a child over a period of two to three years more than 10 years ago. A case filed in 2011 is pending against Macias involving another child; that case was supposed to go to trial last year, but was delayed once another person accused Macias of sexual assault. Kara Comte, prosecuting the case for the state, said the district attorney's office would decide how to proceed with the other case once the one on trial this week is finished. The sexual assault survivor, now an adult with children of her own, testified Tuesday morning that Macias had groped her inappropriately "at least 20 times" over several years, beginning when she was 13. She also accused Macias of threatening to tell her mother about her sneaking out to her family's backyard late at night unless she performed oral sex on him. "It happened whenever he felt like it," the woman testified, who said she decided to come forward "to make peace with everything I've been through." The sexual assault survivor testified that she had waited to tell anyone about the allegations because of an unrelated incident with another man that had happened when she was 10, when she lived in Georgia. She had told her mother at the time, she testified, but nothing had come of it. "I felt like nothing was going to help me," she said. Macias is charged with sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact, both of which are second-degree felonies. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each charge. For the case filed in August 2011, he is charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact. A 20-year-old man was arrested Tuesday in College Station after authorities say he robbed a bank in Crockett. According to a news release from the Crockett Police Department, Leon Tran, 20, was arrested at a home on Nelson Road in College Station. Police say Tran confessed to the Tuesday morning robbery of the Citizen National Bank in Crockett. He was previously employed as a teller at the bank. Crockett police tracked Tran via his cell phone to College Station. The Brazos County Sheriff's Office, the DPS Special Response Team, Texas Rangers and College Station and Bryan police assisted the Crockett department in the investigation. Tran is being held at the Brazos County Jail on $350,000 bond. A 24-year-old Houston-area man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in an October burglary at a local Family Dollar store. Bryan police arrested Corey Elam of Humble -- along two other men -- on Oct. 13, after a white Ford pickup reported stolen in Houston backed into a large glass window at the Family Dollar store located at 1200 West William J. Bryan Parkway, police said. The men entered the store and tried to take a safe, but ran when officers approached them. The men were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity -- burglary of a building, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Two others were arrested the following day. Officers from the Pasadena Police Department had put Elam and four others who were traveling with him under surveillance because of a series of similar crimes the group is suspected of committing in Houston and its surrounding area, according to the Brazos County District Attorney's Office. The Pasadena authorities informed Bryan PD the men were in the area, after which Bryan officers arrested the trio, including Elam, at the Family Dollar. Burglary of a building is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail, but the Brazos County D.A.'s Office charged Elam and the group with Engaging in organized criminal activity, a heftier charge with longer potential prison time. Court records indicate Elam agreed to a plea deal. He was sentenced Thursday. Elam was also sentenced to 18 months for theft of the stolen pickup that had been used in the burglary. The cases against Elam's four co-defendants are still pending. In a statement released to the media, Ryan Calvert, assistant district attorney, warned that those "who come from Houston or other large cities to target our citizens and businesses do so at their own peril." "Anyone who disregards the rights and property of others as brazenly as Mr. Elam has no place in our community," said Calvert. Elam's attorney, John O'Neill, was unavailable for comment. A familiar voice in the Brazos Valley will be honored in November as one of the broadcasting greats in Texas radio. KORA-FM morning show host Roger Garrett -- along with 14 other radio personalities -- has been named as a 2017 inductee into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, the organization announced this week. Garrett says the induction feels like a pinnacle honor in a career he's been chasing since his middle school days, when he would listen to a radio from his locker between classes. "The bell would ring, and I would go to my locker to get my books and listen to the radio -- I would stand there as long as I could, then I would turn it off and go to class," he said, adding that when he 16, he and his friends walked 10 miles to see the grand opening of a new radio station. "I know we had to smell of high heaven -- it was the summertime," he said. "We walked over and walked in, and I was just absolutely amazed. Just the way it looked -- the studio, the equipment, the DJs, the people walking around." That station in Gladewater gave him his first job in radio. After two years, he moved to KRBE in Houston, where he worked from 1972 to 1984. "Wow, that was a transition," he said of moving to the vastly bigger market. Since then he's been in the Bryan-College Station market. He was one half of the Roger & Roy Morning Show until the death of his colleague, Roy Gene, in 2011. He now hosts the morning show with Carly Evans. Garrett said it was about 3 a.m. -- he was preparing for Monday morning's show -- when he learned he was going to be inducted. He said he didn't know he was even nominated until the last week members of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame could vote. "I was supposed to be campaigning the whole month -- I didn't know anything about it, so I did zero campaigning," he said. "I really felt like after I found out so late, that there was no way I was going to win anything. I just thought that this was going to be a good foundation to work toward next year." He said he was shocked and overwhelmed when he got the news that he would be joining the more than 300 hosts from across the state who have been voted into the hall by the organization members since 2002. "There's a hall of fame for everything. ... Everybody who is in a competitive business desires to reach that point where their peers are going to recognize them in some way," he said. "While you are doing it, it's competition. But once you've completed it, it's about acceptance and love -- they want to welcome you to this special circle of people." The award is as much about him as it is about the voters and listeners who have believed in him, Garrett says. Putting aside all the strategy about knowing one's audience and presenting thoughtful content, Garrett said his goal as a radio show host is to connect with the listener. "The most important thing about it is how they feel listening to you," he said. "If you can make them feel as good as you feel doing it, the rest of it doesn't matter." By Conor Friedersdorf Special to The Eagle Conjure an image of where undergraduates live: a dry-erase board at the door, opening onto a tight space with lofted beds, desk chairs engineered against tipping over backwards, fluorescent lighting overhead and bad poster art on the walls. For decades, the most selective institutions of higher learning in the United States have championed a residential model of university life, with successive classes assigned to dormitories clustered around pleasant quads. My alma mater, Pomona College, long has housed 99 percent of its students on campus. I enjoyed that culture and thought it should survive indefinitely. But now I wonder if that model is bad for the country. I wonder if it should be tweaked or even abandoned in favor of an alternative that exposes overachievers to more people unlike themselves. Later, Ill sketch one idea for how that might happen. Dont worry: The typical American college student would not be affected. At public four-year institutions, just under a quarter of students live on campus. Just 1 percent of community college students live in dorms. But Americas ruling elites would face a profound change. The percentage of students in university-affiliated housing is 99 percent at Harvard, 93 percent at Stanford and 84 percent at Yale. Such unapologetically elitist institutions operate on the premise that it is proper to identify gifted young people with leadership potential; to separate them out from their peers; and to cluster them in an exclusive, member-only settings for four years of intense learning. That approach has some validity. When bright young people study math, physics, philosophy and other subjects among minds of similar caliber, they learn at a similar pace and help one another to achieve greater mastery. Their greater mastery is, in turn, good for society. But if the case for grouping the best students together for academic purposes is as strong as ever, it is much harder to defend a separatist approach to their lives outside of the classroom especially insofar as elite institutions purport to produce not just future scholars, but future leaders. Students would learn more outside the classroom if exposed to young people from a greater variety of backgrounds than theyd typically find at a top-tier college. And the future leaders among them might better serve the public, or the private sector workers beneath them, if they spent more of their formative years with generational peers who, for whatever reason, did not want to or could not attend a fancy university i.e., the vast majority of Americans. The status quo certainly seems inadequate. In the United States, the ideological gap between more and less educated adults is widening. A majority of Republicans now say that higher education has a negative effect on the country. Voters have lost faith in elites of all kinds. And thats true at least in part because elites unthinkingly perpetuate their own tribes interests without ever having to meet the people harmed through trade policy or restrictive urban planning or professional licensing laws that disproportionately burden the working class. It therefore seems perverse to maintain tax-exempt, institutionalized programs of extreme residential cloistering where cognitive elites form social bonds exclusively with one another. How would the world be different if the next startup billionaire from Stanford formed friendships in college with elder care workers, plumbers and long haul truckers in addition to doctors, lawyers and consultants? These arrangements are unlikely to occur naturally even off-campus. (Our residential housing market is highly segregated by class and race.) They could, however, happen at institutions already dedicated to shaping leaders through contrived housing regimes. Imagine a selective college that used part of its hefty endowment to partner with nearby institutions on a brand new kind of dorm. Half its residents would come from the college itself. The other half would be drawn from vocational schools, community colleges and technical training programs people of the same age cohort, all working toward a degree or certificate, though the particulars of their circumstances would vary depending on the particular city or town. Theyd go off to their respective classes by day and return in the evening to programming and activities that encouraged them to interact. Graduates of selective institutions would balk at such a change. They have fond memories of living on campuses composed of people with very similar academic profiles, some of whom went on to be close friends. Consumerist students tend to prefer what is comfortable to what will help them learn or serve best. Finally, selective colleges recognize that they appeal to families in part because they bring together up-and-coming young people in a world where who you know matters tremendously. But maybe theres a university out there thats ready to put its narrow interests aside, and build the E Pluribus Dorm before its too late. Conor Friedersdorf is a contributing writer to the Los Angeles Times opinion section and a staff writer at the Atlantic. Mitch McConnell is helping the Trump presidency fail. Thats not the outcome the Senate Republican leader intended, of course. But thats what he achieved last week when he presided over the apparent collapse of his partys seven-year campaign to repeal Obamacare. Presidents succeed when they deliver on their core campaign promises, and tend to fail when they dont. A president who thinks strategically tries to begin his tenure with a legislative victory, to bolster an image of competence and strength. Instead, President Trumps first big legislative effort just ended in a stinging loss. Theres plenty of blame to go around, but McConnell, the owlish Kentuckian with a now-dented reputation as a legislative wizard, was the man in charge. What went wrong? First, McConnell and his Republicans had no plan in part because they never expected Trump to win the presidential election. That meant many GOP senators never had done the hard work of figuring out what kind of Obamacare replacement they wanted, and what compromises they might accept if they ever had a chance to negotiate. There was no consensus about the kind of policy outcome they were seeking, beyond something they could call repeal. Second, McConnell didnt use the regular legislative process. Instead of sending health care to Senate committees for deliberation, he assembled a panel of 13 GOP senators, all white men, to write a bill behind closed doors. That had two effects. It locked Democrats out of the process. And it offended Republicans who werent included. There was a pragmatic reason for the backroom process. McConnell and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan decided to make Obamacare part of a budget bill that would need only 51 votes to pass. That, they thought, meant they wouldnt need any Democratic help, so they didnt even try to take a bipartisan approach. The strategy would also allow them to make the bill a vehicle for cutting taxes. But the strategy backfired. Sen. John McCain of Arizona complained that the leadership produced a proposal behind closed doors in consultation with the administration, then (sprang) it on skeptical members, trying to convince them its better than nothing a direct rebuke to McConnell. Finally, the process went from bad to worse, culminating in a grotesque proposal the skinny repeal that McConnell promised never would become law. He asked Republican senators to ignore its substance and vote for it as an act of pure party loyalty. Three of them McCain, Lisa Murkoswki of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine refused. McConnell was not the only architect of this failure. Trump helped. Although the president exhorted Republicans to pull together behind something, it was clear he didnt really care what the something was. His lobbying effort consisted largely of warning GOP dissidents that hed punish them if they didnt fall in line. And the bluster didnt sway the three holdouts. Indeed, its hard to avoid believing that McCain relished the chance to defy a president who not only had derided him for being captured during the Vietnam War, but accused him of neglecting veterans. The impact of this failure is bigger than just Obamacare. It hampers the prospects for the rest of Trumps ambitious legislative agenda including the centerpiece of the administrations economic program, a massive tax cut. On the coming tax bill, just as on health care, Trump and GOP legislators havent settled on specific goals. Just as on health care, they hope to pass the measure with only Republican votes. In other words, they plan to try the same strategy over again, hoping for different results. Right now, that doesnt seem likely to work. For one thing, Democrats have been emboldened to resist. And Democratic base voters, energized by the Obamacare fight, will demand that they do. For another, as the Trump administration careens sideways, Republican legislators are feeling freer to push back. Last week, for example, they passed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia that the White House initially opposed. Who can blame them? Theyre dealing with a chaotic White House that cant seem to manage internecine staff squabbles, much less a legislative strategy. They seem less enthusiastic than before to defer to the wishes of a president whose popularity may still be sinking. McConnell is famous for rarely displaying emotion. But on Friday, as he announced at nearly 2 in the morning that his effort to repeal Obamacare had failed, the Kentuckians voice wavered and nearly cracked. This is a disappointment, he said. A disappointment indeed. He was mourning more than merely the failure of one attempt to repeal Obamacare. He was seeing an entire legislative program heading into danger. Without a victory somewhere, McConnell, Ryan and Trump wont have much to show voters in 2018. Theyll rail at Democrats for obstruction, of course. But theyll have only themselves to blame. Doyle McManus is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Email him at doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com I grew up one kilometre from the edge of a brown coal mine and surrounded by many others. I remember staring in awe and fear at this massive hole, scared of getting too close after hearing stories of people buried alive because they walked along the unstable mine walls. My family lives in the Lausitz region of Germany once home to 30 brown coal mines. Situated between Berlin and Dresden, the region has been shaped by this industry for over 100 years. It was the German Democratic Republic's energy powerhouse - its Latrobe Valley - with coal mining the largest source of jobs. That changed with Germany's reunification, when the economy restructured to a market approach and most of the mines were closed. The only major industry was gone, leaving the countryside punctured with massive holes, and the community with big questions about how to make the region viable again. The Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Australia, is starting to face similar changes. Hazelwood power station and mine shut down a few months ago and the world is moving away from fossil fuels. People are asking the same questions we did in Germany 15 years ago: how do we transition to a more diverse and sustainable economy, while continuing to provide jobs for local workers? What do we do with the dangerous pits left behind? The same solutions are put forward too. Engie, the owner of Hazelwood, is proposing to fill all or part of the mine pit to become a lake and recreation area. The inspiration comes from the Lausitz, but some of the key challenges of this solution seem not to be given enough attention. In my early teens, as I watched these massive mines around our house fill with water, I got excited about the prospect of living in an area renamed Neuseenland', meaning the land of new lakes. But while I was able to enjoy summer days swimming in some of these flooded mines, the process of filling them with water has been very slow. Many have already been filling up for 10 or 20 years, and are still a long way from being safe. This is in a region of Germany with plenty of water. The huge pits could be filled with combinations of diverted waterways, groundwater access, rainfall and large amounts of reprocessed mining water, transferred from other nearby operating mines. These water sources are not available to the same extent in the Latrobe Valley. To give a sense of scale, it would take more water than is in all of Sydney Harbour just to fill one of the brown coal mines. Where will all this come from? What are the downstream impacts of taking this much water? Would a lake be safe for the public to use? The Hazelwood inquiry into mine rehabilitation identified these looming challenges, and the Victorian government has created a rehabilitation commissioner and an advisory committee to start finding answers, but right now we just don't know. Then there's the environmental contamination. In the Lausitz, mining had already polluted the waterways with high amounts of iron hydroxides, calcium and sulphates. Flooding the mine pits spread this pollution even further, degrading local ecosystems. Increasingly salty waterways now threaten drinking water supplies to Berlin and surrounds and make water management more expensive. Mining companies are the biggest users of water but don't even have to pay for it. 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 The University of Kansas School of Law invites applications for tenure-track, associate professor to begin in the fall of 2018. We are particularly interested in evidence, but will consider other subject areas including: employment law, health law, real estate/commercial land use/housing law and related subjects that contribute to the four key campus-wide strategic initiatives: sustaining the planet, powering the world; promoting well-being, finding cures; building communities, expanding opportunities; and harnessing information, multiplying knowledge. For more information, see http://www.provost.ku.edu/strategic-plan/initiatives . Applicants should possess a J.D. from an accredited US law school, evidence of potential for engaging in high quality research and teaching, and two years of post-JD professional experience. Women, minorities, and candidates who will contribute to the climate of diversity in the Law School, including a diversity of scholarly approaches, are especially encouraged to apply. NORWALK The Norwalk Recreation & Parks Summer Play and Learn Program held its 9th annual Coins for Cancer program at the Brookside, Cranbury, Fox Run and Marvin sites. Student participants, staff and families contributed coins during a two-week period to benefit individuals who are battling cancer at the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, as well as their families. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK The latest SAT results show modest improvement in Fairfield County and across the state, although urban school systems such as Norwalk continue to lag behind. This is real progress or we would not be celebrating, said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy as he announced the results during an event Tuesday at a Meriden high school. The 11th-graders who took the exam during the 2016-17 fiscal year showed progress compared to the previous year. For example, English Language Art scores on average increased from 520 last year to 524 this year, and math scores jumped from 502 to 507. SAT scores range from a low of 200 to a high of 800. The results in Fairfield County improved as well, with Westport posting one of the the highest average scores: 616 in English, an 18-point rise and 609 in math a 17 point jump from the previous year. Norwalks average scores, however, are well below the state average at 502 in ELA and 485 in mathematics, but up over last year when the districts average scores were 499 in ELA and 482 in mathematics. Meanwhile, the comparable school districts of Danbury and Stamford also saw improvement in ELA and mathematics. Danburys ELA scores jumped nine points (485 to 494), while Stamfords rose six points (496 to 503). In math, Danbury posted an average score of 466 (up from 462), while Stamford averaged 488 (up from 484). Underachieving The statewide results showed that while black and Hispanic students posted improvement in both English and math scores, an achievement gap persists across the state. For example, only 36.8 percent of black students and 39.6 percent of Hispanic students met or exceeded the achievement standard for English, while 78.5 percent of white students met the standard. Dianna Wentzell, the state education commissioner, said the department is working to bridge that gap. The State Board of Educations five-year strategic plan focuses on creating high-quality education for all students, Wentzell said. We remain fiercely committed to the work of supporting all districts and especially our highest need districts in their efforts to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps, she said. Malloy noted that the achievement gap a few years ago was widening, but said that trend is slowly being reversed. There are districts with higher levels of poverty that demonstrate challenges, Malloy said. State officials noted that 14 struggling Alliance Districts outpaced the state improvement in English language arts, while 11 Alliance Districts outpaced the state improvement in mathematics. Improvement was also evidenced among vulnerable student groups, the data showed. Budget woes Malloy warned the current budget stalemate the state is operating under an executive order issued by the governor due to the General Assemblys failure to pass a new two-year state budget means cuts in education funding will come if a new spending plan is not adopted soon. The governor said that without a budget, the state education cost sharing formula that controls how the state distributes funding cannot be applied. As a result, Malloy said, he will soon be forced to make funding decisions based on the states constitutional requirement to provide equal education. Some may have to receive less money so others can receive the constitutional mandate, Malloy said. The executive order needs to reflect the situation as it evolves. Mark Benigni, the Meriden superintendent of schools, said his district is anxiously awaiting word on what state funding will be available. Im worried about letting staff go, Benigni said. We cant afford to take a step backwards. New test The SAT test taken last year by 11th-graders marked the second time that group of students were given the exam. Three years ago, the state switched from the controversial Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test, which is still given in grades 3 through 8, to the new SAT. The move came after parents and lawmakers complained that high school juniors were suffering from test overload and many bound for college were already taking Advanced Placement tests, the SAT and the ACT, another college preparedness test. Wentzell said so far she is pleased by the results of the new test. The improvements, especially in mathematics, are encouraging, Wentzell said. It is vital that leaders and classroom teachers in all our districts and schools work together to not only develop a clear and consistent understanding of the standards but also implement those standards with utmost fidelity. Malloy also expressed satisfaction with the states progress. With graduation rates at record highs and 11th-graders showing improvement in both subjects on the SAT, Connecticut students are preparing for college and career like never before, Malloy said. Still, we know we have more work to do to ensure every student has what it takes to succeed in college and career, the governor added. When we raise the bar for our students and for ourselves, we rise to the challenge together and push for a brighter future for all. NORWALK A 36-year-old Norwalk man with a criminal history dating back to 2002 is accused of selling crack cocaine to a witness cooperating with narcotics officers. According to court records, police had received information that George Oliver, of Soundview Avenue, was distributing the drug in the city. Oliver is known to frequent the Flax Hill Road area as well as locations throughout South Norwalk, court records state. In May and June, two controlled buys of the drug by an unnamed cooperating witness were set up with Oliver, who goes by the street name Fat. With officers conducting surveillance nearby, court records state the witness purchased crack cocaine from Oliver. The drug was turned over to police after the alleged purchases, and was tested at headquarters, where the substance tested positive for crack, according to court records. Court records state that Norwalk police have had numerous prior dealings with Oliver, and he has been arrested by the department several times. A warrant for Olivers arrest was obtained and on Tuesday he was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. His bond was set at $100,000 and he was given a court date of Aug. 8. At his arraignment Wednesday at state Superior Court in Norwalk, Judge Bruce Hudock characterized Oliver as notorious and said that, as he allegedly is back to selling narcotics, there would be no reduction in bond. llake@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK State municipalities are increasingly struggling amid the continuing budget impasse, according to a recent survey by the states largest, nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders. The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities recently found that nearly half of the 61 towns and cities surveyed have imposed some type or level of spending freeze during the first quarter of the fiscal year. About half have also started to curtail municipal costs, ranging from education costs to town services. These survey results present a snapshot of the stresses on local government as they attempt to start their fiscal year, with little or no direction from the state regarding the level of state aid they will receive, never mind the level of state aid they need, said Joe DeLong, executive director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, which published the results July 24. Yet, Wilton First Selectman Lynne Vanderslice said her town is not experiencing the mentioned difficulties in the report since Wilton receives less state aid relative to other towns and was also conservative in the development of the fiscal year 2018 budget. Her main concern is Gov. Dannel P. Malloys proposal to have municipalities partially fund the required contribution for the state teachers pension plan, which would add a $4 million unbudgeted cost to the fiscal year 2018 budget, she said. Even if the push down doesn't happen this year, during every future budget cycle the governor and the legislature will be dealing with increased pension costs and again be tempted to push more and more of the cost to Wilton and the other municipalities, she said. This is not a problem that is going away. More Information Survey says Of the 61 communities surveyed: 29 have imposed some type or level of spending freeze during the first quarter of the fiscal year. 28 have already started to curtail some municipal services. In the absence of a state budget and final state aid allotments, 59 towns reported: An average percentage increase in approved and proposed local government budgets of 1.52 percent, with a range from 0.6 to 6.0 percent. An average percentage increase in approved and proposed local government mill rates of 2.86 percent, with a range from 0.8 to 9.39 percent. Of the 52 communities who responded to a question concerning board of education budget increases: 37 increased their budget, nine saw no increase and seven cut their budgets below FY 2016-17 levels. The average percentage increase in education budgets was 1.37 percent. See More Collapse In the meantime, the Board of Selectmen is preparing for what might occur, she said, and is working with the police, fire commissions and department heads to develop a back-up budget plan for FY 2018. It will need to be more than just cutting around the edges, Vanderslice said. It will require rethinking what we now consider necessary. Though towns like Wilton have adjusted their expectations, other towns like Norwalk are going to suffer a great deal if the state doesnt resolve the budget impasse and remains under the executive order, said state Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton. Given the current climate of the state Legislature, Lavielle doesnt expect a budget to be passed before September. Malloy, himself, said he wouldnt be surprised if the budget impasse doesnt get resolved until the fall. What is absolutely, glaringly obvious is that the majority party has not put a full budget out there and Republicans have had eight versions of a budget. Our first budget was in the third week of April, Lavielle said. So as long as they dont have a full budget out there, how can you negotiate whether youre us or youre the governor? Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said Democrats have been working hard since the start of the fiscal year to come to a consensus between both chambers and the governor. Duff also noted his support for Malloys mini budget that would have temporarily preserved some state services that received cuts, if the proposal had passed before July 1. There is work being done in Hartford every day to reach a consensus among our caucuses and our leadership and the governors offices to get this done as fast as possible, he said. I just want to make it very clear that the House Republicans budget is one that has illegal aspect, especially when it comes to state employees. Its not based on reality from a financial standpoint and that budget really has, outside their own caucus, no support, he added. Its a sham and it raises taxes. Duff also commended the final Senate approval of the state employees union concession package labor agreement, which he said would save taxpayers $24 billion over the next 20 years. These savings are another important step toward reaching a final balanced budget that protects taxpayers, vital services and the important economic gains made here in Connecticut, he said. Lavielle disagreed, saying the decision reveals where the priority of the legislative majority truly lies. This union contract is going to lead to the way that the focus of the Legislature is on just one group of people while not paying attention to the other at all. But, in fact, the others are going to be paying for this group of people. They pay for those peoples benefits, she said. The people that are really getting hit now are those who are recipients of or who work in social services for the really needy, she added. Lavielle referred to recipients and employees of places like STAR, Inc., a Norwalk-based provider of day and residential services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The organization faced its first of six furlough days on July 26, mandated by the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, and is working around funding cuts that range up to 18 percent for residential services. The cuts are pretty deep, Lavielle said. And the worst part about them, I think, is not knowing how long theyll go on and not knowing what the final budget will ultimately include. This growing uncertainty is concerning to Alison Jacobson of Wilton and other caregivers of family members with an intellectual or development disability. Jacobson worries that her 19-year-old son, Spencer, will graduate in two years without state funding. He will receive services until hes 21. But looking at some of the budgets being proposed, many of the versions do not support graduates for two years. So, at 21, Spencer will not receive services for two years, said Jacobson, a board member of STAR and a national family safety and wellness expert. And as the sole breadwinner of her family with two other daughters and a husband with multiple sclerosis she fears for her future and the future of other caregivers. At the rate that the state is going, Ill never be able to stop working, she said. But Im actually one of the fortunate ones Spencer can cook for himself and take care of himself. There are people who are so profoundly disabled that they need to be cared for 24/7. With everything thats going on with the budget, its absolutely disgusting how this state has let down the most vulnerable people in the society, she said. skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2568; @stephaniehnkim The Grand Island Community Foundation has selected the following five organizations to participate in the second class of the Nonprofit Excellence Institute: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Island, Hope Harbor, Leadership Tomorrow, Stuhr Museum and the Stuhr Museum Foundation. Beginning in August, the executive directors of these organizations will meet monthly with Mary Lee Fitzsimmons of Mission Matters to work on capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of the participating organizations. Quarterly, board members will join the executive directors for classes to learn about board development and the role of successful board members. At the conclusion of the program, organizations successfully completing NEI are then eligible for a $3,000 to $5,000 capacity-building grant. We are excited to see what the next class will gain from their participation in NEI, said Melissa DeLaet, chief executive officer of the Grand Island Community Foundation. Coming off the heels of a very successful first year for the program, we hope this class finds NEI as beneficial to their organizations as members of the first class. The Grand Island Community Foundation was established in 1960 with the mission to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Central Nebraska and assist donors in realizing their charitable goals. The Grand Island Community Foundation is located in the Great Western Centre Building at 1811 W. Second St., Suite 365, Grand Island, Nebraska. For general information, call (308) 381-7767 or visit www.gicf.org. Two areas in Hall County may be rezoned if approved by the Regional Planning Commission at its meeting Wednesday night. The planning commission will consider two rezoning requests. One request is to rezone properties at 1104 and 1120 E. Bismark Road from R-2 low density residential to B-2 general business use for lots one and two in the Bohnart Subdivision. Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity said the back portions of the properties face onto Stuhr Road and both property owners have made a request to rezone the properties. The owner of one of those properties has a business that he would like to be able to use the properties for, Nabity said. He would like to keep the house where it is and use the property behind it. The business is a lawn care business. The Planning Commission will also have a public hearing on and consider approving a request to rezone nine lots on 55 acres in Prairie Creek Meadows Subdivision, located south of 1-R Road and east of Webb Road, from an A-1 Agricultural Primary to Planned Unit Development (PUD). Nabity said this is similar to what was done for Amick Acres and for Bellamys Subdivision, which is west of Cairo. It is the primary way that we can do that large lot (and) develop acreage development in Hall County, he said. It is creating a Planned Unit Development. You look at access, you look at drainage, you look at how well the septic will work, and all of those things as part of that. Nabity added the nine lots range in size from three acres to more than 10 acres. In addition to the rezoning request, the Planning Commission will also consider approving a preliminary plat for the 55 acres in the Prairie Creek Subdivision. In other action, the Regional Planning Commission will: Discuss a proposal for a new zoning district that will be a medium-density residential small lot. Consider approving a final plat for a three-acre lot in the Brundage Subdivision located south of Highway 2 and east of Bluff Center Road. The item is in the consent agenda. All items in the consent agenda are approved with a single yes or no vote. Consider approving a final plat for a seven-acre lot in the Martin Brothers Subdivision located north of Platte River Drive and east of 70th Road. The item is in the consent agenda. Consider approving a final plat for a three-acre lot in the Van Gordon Subdivision located south of Guenther Road and east of 80th Road. The item is in the consent agenda. The Regional Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. ALBION The town may be getting closer to getting a pharmacy. The Albion Town Council announced at its regularly scheduled meeting July 25 that the owner of the Pill Box Pharmacy in Warsaw has signed a five-year lease on a building next to the Subway restaurant in Northridge Village. The issue came up when the council voted to accept an Albion Redevelopment Commission recommendation to allow facade grants in TIF District 2. Northridge Village lies within TIF 2. Ownership of the Pill Box is interested in putting in a drive-thru window at the location in Albion, according to Town Manager Stefen Wynn, and has expressed at least a tentative interest in applying for a facade grant to do it. The first step was for the town to allow facade grants in TIF 2, which was accomplished during the meeting of July 25. On April 11, 2016, the Indiana Pharmacy Board denied the Pill Boxs request to open a telepharmacy in Albion. In a telepharmacy setup, the Albion pharmacy would be supervised by a pharmacist in another location via video monitor. By having one licensed pharmacist supervising multiple locations, the operation is not nearly as costly and can be financially feasible for such rural outlets. Customers would drop prescriptions off at the Albion location and pick them up there. They would be filled by a pharmacy technician under the video supervision of a pharmacist. The Indiana Pharmacy Board had never approved a telepharmacy, and it decided it didnt want to set a precedent without having any real criteria to work with, according to Albion Town Councilman John Morr. Board members suggested that legislation was needed. Legislation was passed which now makes telepharmacies a possibility. The town also announced July 25 that a coffee and bagel shop would be opening in the location of the Cougar Cone, an eatery just off the downtown area near the Central Noble Schools administration building. Also at the July 25 meeting: The council voted to approve the final pay vouchers to its engineering firm for work down on the Map-21 paving project. In March, citing lack of funds to complete the project, the council voted to kill the project. But the town was still on the hook for engineering fees which had been completed to that point. The council approved paying Engineering Resources Inc. a total of $63,719, closing the books on the project. The council approved a final change order for $10,108 to Crosby Excavating for its water main replacement project. The council is witholding a final $15,000 payment until Crosby has finished with post-work cleanup. The companys post-work clean up, including the planting of grass, has not met with the terms of the contract so far. The council heard a report from Chris Blaising, the owner of the Friendly Inn, on a block party his establishment held on July 22. Blaising had filled out a special event application and submitted it to the town on July 18. Such an application normally requires council approval, but council president Max Weber approved it. During the July 25 meeting, Weber told Blaising he approved the application on short notice because I know youve been working very hard at your business. Blaising said personal circumstances had led to his forgetting to turn in the application in a timely fashion. Weber and council members Don Shultz and Vicki Jellison all attended the block party. No complaints were received regarding excessive noise and there were no problems with the event. Overall, were very happy, Blaising told the council. It was close to what we expected. Blaising said work is continuing on his renovation of the interior of the Friendly Inn. WASHINGTON This whole story reads like some kind of novel that nobody would buy, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., marveled at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last Thursday. The committee focused on foreign agents working inside the United States, as the intelligence community maintains that Russia tried to tilt the 2016 election to help Donald Trump win the White House. And the same cast of characters kept bubbling up. When Trumps eldest son, Don Jr., released a chain of emails that led up to a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya, Democrats seized on the subject line, Russia Clinton private and confidential, as proof that the campaign had colluded with Russians. Then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner also attended the half-hour meeting. When news reports revealed that Russian-American lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin, whom The New York Times described as a master of the dark arts, also had attended the meeting, skeptics had added reason to scoff at Don Jr.s claim that the meetings topic of conversation was adoption. William Browder understood that adoption is code for working to repeal the Magnitsky Act, an American law for which Browder had lobbied that is designed to punish Russian kleptocrats. From 1996 to 2005, Browders firm, Hermitage Capital Management, invested heavily in Russian stocks. Browder took on the oligarchs who stole from his firm with the help of a young lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. The authorities arrested and tortured the 37-year-old lawyer, who died behind bars in 2009. The morning Browder learned of Magnitskys death, he testified, I made a vow to Sergeis memory, to his family and to myself that I would seek justice and create consequences for the people who murdered him. In 2010, Browder met with Sens. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and John McCain, R-Ariz., who introduced legislation named in Magnitskys honor to cut off the kleptocrats access to Western capital and banks. The law has been so successful that Russian President Vladimir Putin has lobbied furiously to prompt Congress to repeal the law. And this is where a recurring cast of characters complicates what Trump critics see as a one-sided Russian effort to influence the 2016 election. Before the Trump Tower meeting, Veselnitskaya and Akhmetshin were involved in the campaign to challenge the Magnitsky Act, as was an opposition research firm named Fusion GPS, led by former reporter Glenn Simpson. Simpson, who rejects the contention that Fusion GPS should have registered as a foreign agent, is slated to testify before committee staff in a closed hearing. Donald Trump Jr. and Manafort also have agreed to testify in closed sessions. During the 2016 campaign, Simpson hired former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele to put together a dossier on Trump. The result was a lurid 35-page dossier that was leaked to large news organizations, which declined to publish stories on it because, as New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet neatly put it, the dossier was totally unsubstantiated. In January, however, Buzzfeed linked to the dossier and CNN joined the feeding frenzy with a story about Buzzfeeds action. Days before he was set to take the oath of office, Trump had to face down absurd allegations, such as that he had engaged in unsanitary sex acts under the Kremlins watch. On Jan. 11, the president-elect held a press conference in Trump Tower where he hit Buzzfeed and CNN for dealing in fake news. Does anyone really believe that story? Trump asked rhetorically. Im also very much of a germaphobe, by the way, believe me. The dossier had done its damage, however. CNN felt justified in reporting on the dossier because federal authorities were reviewing the document. FBI chief James Comey testified before Congress that he first met Trump on Jan. 6 during an intelligence briefing. He stayed behind to inform Trump about salacious and unverified material. While many news organizations looked into the dossier dirt, none had the goods to run a story that confirmed it. Mark Corallo, who resigned after a brief stint as spokesman for Trumps private legal team, happened to have worked for Browder on the Magnitsky Act. He recalls Veselnitskaya, Akhmetshin and Simpson fighting on the other side. Corallo does not understand how the dossier found more traction in the intelligence community than in newsrooms. There were clearly actors in the American government who were passing the Steele dossier up the chain as if it were legitimate intelligence, he said. One wonders how such a piece of trash passed up the chain. Donald Trump Jr. does not look good setting up a meeting with Veselnitskaya because he hoped to get dirt on Hillary Clinton. It seems he was disappointed the conversation turned to the subject of adoption. In the meantime, if the Russians wanted to shake Americans faith in the election process, what better way than to frame scenarios that suggest Trumps campaign was too cozy with the Kremlin? We just returned from Austria and Germany, both beautiful countries. These countries flowers are what make the most gorgeous memories and photos. Grand Island has Brad Foster and his many volunteers to make our city a favorable attraction with so many areas of flowers for residents and visitors. My daughter and many other volunteers have enjoyed helping make our city beautiful. What a shame to take that very special beauty away and put grass. I am sad that we should even consider this. We have many events that bring people to our great city. Lets keep this city beautiful. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 08:07 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab2b7df 4 Editorial #Editorial,Papua,press-freedom,#PressFreedom,#Papua,journalist,referendum,separatism Free The campaign for an independent Papua has been relentless and has made significant gains in past years. In January this year, the Free West Papua Campaign launched with great fanfare a global petition demanding an internationally supervised referendum for the region. The petition will remain open until August this year and once it closes will be carried by a team of swimmers across Lake Geneva to be personally handed to the secretary-general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. The campaign itself appears to have been designed by a techsavvy public relations team who also posted a YouTube video featuring pro-independence activist Benny Wenda calling for viewers to join the campaign. The publicity stunt is a follow-up to the progress the movement has made in recent months. Last year, Free Papua activists managed to enlist an impressive cast of characters to support their cause, ranging from figures like Tongan Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson. The PR campaign followed what could be deemed as a coup for the independent Papua movement. In September last year, seven Pacific island nations raised the issue of human rights abuses in Papua to the UN General Assembly. Anecdotal observations have also shown evidence that the campaign to promote an independent Papua has gained steam in Australia and New Zealand. A senior Indonesian diplomat told of his experience of being confronted by a Pacific island student who was campaigning for a free Papua during a graduation event. So, at almost every turn, we are being outmaneuvered by campaigners who want to see Papua separate from Indonesia. And yet the Indonesian government has done very little to counter it. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has made efforts to hasten development in Papua including rolling out the one-fuel price policy, which was aimed at boosting economic growth in Papua. Jokowi also signed off on a series of massive infrastructure projects in the region. Early in his administration, Jokowi made a gesture of reconciliation by releasing five political prisoners, a decision the President said was to aid conflict resolution in the restive region. But none of these efforts have been viewed positively by the outside world because the government continues to cordon off Papua. Despite Jokowis pledge early in his administration to give foreign journalists greater access to Papua, his government has maintained a policy that makes it difficult for members of the international media to operate in the region. Today, an interagency clearing house continues to operate to vet requests from foreign journalists and researchers before they are permitted to travel to the countrys easternmost province. Earlier this year, two French journalists were deported from Timika, Papua, after failing to obtain a reporting permit. By maintaining this restriction, the government is operating like a paranoid regime, afraid the outside world may find the skeletons it hides in its closet. If the government has done much to improve the lives of Papuans, why not show it to the world? Honesty is always the best policy. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 12:08 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab3685b 1 Art & Culture Banda-The-Dark-Forgotten-Trail,documentary,Sheila-Timothy,jay-subyakto Free Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail narrates the influence of the islands endemic spice, nutmeg, on the nations past and present. Produced by Sheila Lala Timothy and directed by celebrated director Jay Subyakto under Lifelike Pictures, the seven-part documentary opens with the history of the Spice Trail and the Europeans maritime expeditions across the globe. From the route taken by the explorers to the Banda Islands, to the legend of the islands' nutmeg trees and details about the spice's trade that made Banda a trading hub for traders from Arabia, India and China, the well-researched documentary is presented in meticulous detail. Jay Subyakto takes the audience through the different periods of the Banda Islands, celebrating the glory days of the nutmeg trade, while also commemorating the 1621 genocide committed by Dutch governor general Jan Pieterzoon Coen. The documentary also shines light on Banda Islands generational problem, which has seen the modern young people of Banda decide leave behind their traditional culture. Read also: Banda wants to break documentary stereotype Another notable highlight of the film is how it documents the shift in the worlds appreciation of nutmeg, such as how the commodity is now easily accessible, the current production process, which impact the islands nutmeg quality and other problems faced by the farmers. Apart from the beautiful cinematography that showcases the raw beauty of the Banda Islands, Jay also intersperses the documentary with surprising elements such as animations by SMK Rus Kudus Central Javas vocational school students. Unlike typical documentaries, which often rely on reenactments by trained actors for historical scenes, the makers of Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail chose to involve the children of Banda to act in the film as a way to connect the seven parts. Reenactment means using actors who are transformed to be as similar as possible [to the locals and the Dutch]. Personally, I think it would distract the audience, Jay said to The Jakarta Post. When we read about history, we create visualizations in our mind. I dont want to interrupt that with half-hearted [reenactments]. Producer Sheila Thimoty (left) poses alongside head of consumer engagement and corporate marketing at PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur Firman Authar (second left), director Jay Subyakto (second right) and actor Reza Rahardian at the press screening of 'Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail' at Cinema XXI, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 26, 2017. (JP/Jerry Adiguna) Jay expertly weaves in Chairil Anwars poem Cerita Buat Dien Tamalea (Story for Dien Tamalea) into the documentary, narrated by actor Reza Rahadian in Bahasa Indonesia and Ario Bayu in English. Producer Lala Timothy said to the Post, Hopefully this film can be enjoyed by Indonesian film enthusiasts and I also hope the history of Banda will always be remembered as part of the spirit of Indonesia. Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail is scheduled to premiere on Aug. 3. (asw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 18:17 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab4d538 1 Art & Culture Banda-The-Dark-Forgotten-Trail,documentary,jay-subyakto Free Following reports that protesters have called for the postponement of the premiere of Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail feature documentary, slated for Aug. 3, as it is deemed to contain historical misconceptions, the film's team issued an official statement on Tuesday. From the beginning, the documentarys writer as well as the team have known of and acknowledged the existence of Banda Eli and Elat locals as a group of people who migrated when there was colonization in Banda, both before and after 1621, said the statement, adding that they had tracked the Bandanese to Kampung Bandan in North Jakarta. It also cited Timo Kaartinens paper Song of Travel, Stories of Place that specifically researched the people of Banda Eli and Elat. It also stated that the documentary was not focusing on searching for the natives, but instead talking about the Banda Islands as one of the centers of spices and nutmeg. Also, explanations have been given in the film that there are two groups of people in Banda: those prior to 1621 and after 1621. Read also: Banda delivers more than just the islands history Film director Jay Subiyakto during the interview for 'Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail' documentary at The Jakarta Post office on July 21, 2017. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) After watching the film, as an expert in history, I must say that theres no mistake regarding the history of Banda from the period before colonialism until the present time, said Usman Thalib, a historian from Banda Neira, one of the islands in Banda, who was involved in the documentary. This film is actually an effective medium, not only in building character and nationalism among children in this nation, but also a way to build tourism in Maluku. The threat of boycotting Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail is the same as a threat to building character and nationalism among children in this region and the development of tourism in Maluku," he added. Previously on July 31, hundreds of Bandanese reportedly rallied in the area of the Gong Perdamaian peace monument in Ambon. They demanded the Maluku Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) and the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) postpone the screening of the documentary. The protesters claimed that the films director, Jay Subyakto, had made an incorrect statement on online media, saying that the natives of Banda were extinct following the genocide in 1621, while in fact they still exist, as some of them had escaped to Banda Eli, Banda Elat and other islands at that time, reported tempo.co. Jay was urged to clarify his statement and officially apologize to all people of Wandan descent, including those hailing from Banda Eli and Elat villages, and of Mboyratan lineage, the natives of Banda. Following the protest, the movie crew has made a clarification on social media and held an event where they met some of the representatives of the Bandanese in Jakarta. The online media that published Jays statement has also revised its article. According to the latest report, Jay stated that there would be no change in the premiere date of the documentary. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Wed, August 2, 2017 10:39 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab324b7 2 World Russia-meddling,US,trump,Moscow,Ukraine,Syria,diplomacy,ASEAN Free US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday he will meet with his Russian opposite number Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse. Some in Moscow and Washington had hoped relations between the former Cold War foes might improve under US President Donald Trump, who has had warm words for President Vladimir Putin. But the great power rivals remain divided over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, US sanctions against Kremlin allies and Moscow's support for Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime. Tillerson has never tried to sugarcoat the problems, and admitted in March after a visit to the Kremlin that ties were at a "historic low" with little sign of improvement. But now Trump is poised to sign into law a bill to further tighten sanctions and Putin has ordered the US diplomatic mission in Russia to cut hundreds of staff. "And the question, I think, of the events of the last week or so, is it getting worse or can we maintain some level of stability in that relationship?" Tillerson asked. Tillerson said the US Congress decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties "more difficult," but that "all the indications are" that Trump will sign it. In the meantime, Tillerson plans to meet Lavrov in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN ministerial meeting. A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. The US president, who often called for warmer ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 17:42 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab4a6b7 1 City sidewalk,pedestrian Free The Orderly Sidewalk Month program to clear sidewalks of street vendors and motorists has so far seen 240 vehicle owners in the capital sanctioned. "On the first day, Tuesday, 240 vehicles owners were sanctioned for parking on sidewalks," said Jakarta's Transportation Agency deputy head Sigit Wijatmoko as quoted by Antara news agency on Wednesday. The vehicles were both two- and four-wheelers, he added. Of the number, 52 were towed, 49 were ticketed and the remaining had their tires flattened. As part of the program, set to run until Aug. 31, he said, 500 officers had been deployed. They are part of a joint team formed by his agency, Jakarta's Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), Jakarta Police and the National Army. The program, which came into effect on Tuesday, is aimed at creating a convenient pedestrian environment by clearing sidewalks of vendors and motorists. The measures are focused on 30 areas across the capital this month, including Jl. Gajah Mada, Central Jakarta and Jl. Abdullah Syafei, South Jakarta. (agn) Topics : sidewalk pedestrian Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java Wed, August 2, 2017 15:30 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab42b89 1 National drugs,drug-addicts,drug-abuse,crystal-methamphetamine,CrystalMeth,CrystalMethamphetamine Free Authorities are investigating drug convict Bambang Budianto, who is serving an eight-year sentence at Blora Penitentiary in Central Java, for using his daughter as a courier to distribute 25 grams of crystal methamphetamine, or crystal meth, the Central Java Narcotics Agency (BNNP) has revealed at an Aug. 1 press conference in Semarang, Central Java. Bambang reportedly gave his daughter YAI, 41, instructions via mobile phone, instructing her how to deliver the drugs through a travel service. This is a new delivery method we have uncovered in Central Java. Before, drug dealers sent their packages by courier, the postal service or fast-shipping services, Central Java BNNP head Brig. Gen. Tri Agus Heru Prasetyo said in Semarang on Tuesday. Tri added that Bambang had been convicted three times on drug charges. He was first sentenced to four years in prison in 2004. In 2007, he was implicated in the same case and was sentenced to two years and nine months. The punishment did not appear to deter Bambang, said Tri, because in 2013, he committed a drug crime again and was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. Bambang continued drug dealing operations from inside the prison, managing drug distribution and using his own daughter as a courier, said Tri. The Central Java BNNP team arrested YAI at noon last Friday as she was receiving a package containing crystal meth from a travel service on Jl. Sumodarasono 2, Blora. The package originated in Semarang. The narcotics agency said YAI had received crystal meth packages on two occasions and distributed it to drug addicts in the province's city of Blora. (ebf). Evidence: Central Java BNNP officers show evidence confiscated from drug convict Bambang Budianto (second right) during the Aug. 1 press conference. (JP/Suherdjoko) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 20:51 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab51554 1 National Facebook,hoax,fake-news,Communications-and-Information-Ministry,2019-elections,2019-presidential-election,Google,Twitter Free US-based social media company Facebook has established a special team tasked with tackling the spread of hoaxes in Indonesia ahead of the 2019 presidential election, the Communications and Information Ministry said. It is predicted the spread of hoaxes on social media platforms will double both ahead and during the election, the ministry added. To get Facebooks participation in the government's efforts to combat fake news, Communications and Information Ministry officials held a meeting with representatives of the social media company on Wednesday. It was during the meeting that Facebook officials confirmed it had formed a special team assigned to Indonesia to monitor the spread of hoaxes and block accounts suspected of spreading fake news via Facebook. There should be collaboration between the government and Facebook to tackle hoaxes, the ministry's informatics application director general Samuel Abrijani Pangarapan said. The team will block negative content such as pornography and hoaxes based on reports from Facebook users. Samuel said Facebook had also developed a special algorithm that would automatically block negative content and hoaxes. It has yet to make clear how the system would work. The ministry is pushing social media companies, including Facebook, to take down hoaxes on their platforms following the rampant spread of fake news during the recent Jakarta gubernatorial election that caused polarization in society. Samuel said the ministry would meet Twitter officials on Thursday and Google representatives on Friday to invite them to join in the government's efforts to fight against hoaxes. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Geneva, Switzerland Wed, August 2, 2017 19:15 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab508fd 2 World MountainHiking,death,police,switzerland,German Free The remains of a German hiker who disappeared while climbing in the Swiss Alps 30 years ago has been found embedded in a glacier, police said Wednesday. The find was made on July 25 by two people climbing the Lagginhorn mountain, in southern Switzerland, police said in a statement. A few hundred metres before reaching the peak, the hikers spotted "a hand and two shoes", area police said. Extracting the remains that day was impossible because of poor weather, but rescue workers arrived by helicopter the following day, removed the remains from the ice and brought them to a hospital in the capital Bern for identification. Test have confirmed the climber was a German national born in 1943 who disappeared on August 11, 1987. The discovery came just two days after a Swiss couple who disappeared while walking in the Alps in 1942 were found in a receding glacier. Topics : MountainHiking death police switzerland German Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 17:57 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab4c2dc 1 Business Sri-Mulyani-Indrawati,government-debt-papers,state-budget,deficit Free Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has told the public not to worry about the government debt and state budget deficit because they are in secured condition. People only see the nominal, said Sri Mulyani in Jakarta on Tuesday as quoted by tempo.co, adding that many factors should be considered when assessing the government debt and state budget deficit. As reported previously the government debt was recorded at Rp 3.67 quadrillion (US$275.09 billion) in the first half of 2017 and the state budget deficit was assumed to be at Rp 397.20 trillion or 2.93 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of this year. Read also: Rp 810t in government debt to mature in 2018, 2019 She believed the state budget deficit would reach only about 2.67 percent by the end of 2017 after considering spending in government institutions, which were usually at between 95 and 97 percent of their respective allocations. Speaking about the government debt, Sri Mulyani stressed that it could not be compared with the situation in 2010 when she was also the finance minister under then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. She stressed that at that time the state budget was recorded at Rp 900 trillion, while this year, the state budget reached Rp 2 quadrillion. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 15:21 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab42467 1 Business maritime-indicators,BPS,EconomicGrowth Free The government is formulating maritime economic indicators in a serious effort to fully develop the country's maritime resources in order to boost the national economy, Central Statistics Agency (BPS) head Suharyanto said on Wednesday. The fisheries and maritime sector currently contributes only 6 percent to the national economy, absorbs 3.08 percent of the national workforce (3.6 million people), and contributes 8.62 percent of the total export value, according to BPS data. The indicators are needed to measure growth in the maritime economy, and will be a reference for maritime development, Suharyanto said after a meeting with Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan in Jakarta. As the first step in formulating the indicators, the BPS had already established baselines for maritime economic growth, maritime exports and maritime employment, said Suharyanto, adding that in a further step, the agency would explore the characteristics of each maritime cluster. Earlier this year, Luhut said the government hoped the maritime sector would contribute up to 25 percent of the national economy within the next 10 years. It can be achieved if we work more efficiently. The problem is, there are inefficiencies in the sector at the moment, Luhut said in February on the sidelines of the 2017 World Ocean Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali. Major contributors in the maritime sector include fisheries, tourism and energy. (dis/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Pekanbaru Wed, August 2 2017 The Riau Polices extraordinary crimes investigation (Reskrimsus) directorate has named Pekanbaru Public Works and Urban Planning Agency head Zulkifli Harun an extortion suspect involving the issuance of construction services licenses (IUJK). Reskrimsus deputy director Adj. Sr. Comr. Edy Faryadi said Zulkiflis case dossier had been handed over to the Riau Prosecutors Office. He is the fourth suspect in the case, he said on Tuesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 12:50 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab3815b 1 City reclamation,bridge Free The Jakarta administration is now studying a proposal submitted by a developer of the Jakarta Bay reclamation project to develop a bridge connecting Islet C, which the company is developing, to Dadap village in Banten. Jakarta Spatial Planning Agency head Gamal Sinurat said the administration welcomed the plan submitted by PT Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary of PT Agung Sedayu Group, saying the bridge might benefit Jakarta and Banten both. "The bridge will open access for transportation between the two regions, so it will surely boost their economies," Gamal said at his office on Tuesday. The bridge would also open access to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, he said. Gamal said the development would only be feasible with the renewed deliberation of the reclamation bylaws, which had been halted last year by the City Council. The decision regarding the continuation of the Jakarta Bay project would also determine the bridge's development, he added. Jakarta governor-elect Anies Baswedan and his deputy Sandiaga Uno reiterated throughout their election campaign that they would stop the reclamation project. Earlier on Friday, acting Jakarta governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat expressed his support for the bridge development plan. "If [Islet C and Dadap are connected], it will be beautiful. It will also be helpful for the people who want to get to the airport," Djarot said. He added that the Banten administration had issued the description of the highway axis, so it was the capital's turn to issue the plan. Topics : reclamation bridge Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 11:40 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab34539 1 Business Jokowi,local-contents,Regulations Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo plans to issue a presidential regulation on the use of local materials in products manufactured domestically, a minister has said. [The draft] is ready. It will be issued within weeks, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said after attending a limited Cabinet meeting on Tuesday at the Presidential Office in Jakarta. The regulation stipulates that companies must use local materials in all products made in the country, Luhut said. Read also: Go local or risk sanctions The President has warned that if there is [any producer], who does not abide by the local materials regulation, they will be warned and face tough measures, he added. Earlier on Tuesday, the President criticized several state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that preferred using foreign materials in their products, when the same materials were available from local sources. The President thus ordered the SOEs to prioritize using locally sourced materials in their products. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 13:36 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab3d667 1 Politics e-ID,corruption,Andi-Narogong,setya-novanto,house-of-representatives,budget,procurements,Home-Ministry Free Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators have begun questioning businessman Andi "Narogong" Agustinus for the second time in the electronic identity card (e-ID) graft case. Andi, who arrived earlier this morning, is being questioned as a witness in connection with a new suspect in the e-ID graft case, Markus Nari, a Golkar Party faction member of the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014, who was named on July 19. "He is a witness in the case of Markus Nari," KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said as quoted by tempo.co. Markus, who is already charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly intimidating a trial witness, is the fifth suspect in the graft case of the e-ID procurement project. Andi himself was named suspect in the e-ID case after admitting to have given US$1.5 million to Home Ministry officials who were in charge of the project. The KPK has also named two senior officials from the ministry, Irman and Sugiharto, as suspects, and late last month, named House Speaker Setya Novanto as another suspect in the case. (mtr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Winny Tang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 18:51 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab4f7c3 1 Business Minna-Padi,securities,denial,acquisition,share,Bank-Muamalat Free Securities company PT Minna Padi Investama Sekuritas has denied reports that it plans to acquire major shares of sharia lender Bank Muamalat. The speculation was reported in Indonesian media outlets about the possibility of Minna Padi acquiring a 75-80 percent share in Bank Muamalat, in a deal worth US$700 million. As a result, during the past week, Minna Padis shares traded under PADI on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) jumped significantly by 141.42 percent to Rp 985 (US$0.07) per share. Following the significant jump in share price, the IDX suspended the trading of PADI shares on Tuesday, before previously announcing its unusual market activity status on July 27. We do not know where the rumor came from, Minna Padi president director Djoko Joelijanto told a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. Until this point of time, there is no deal at all regarding that [share purchase]. If we want to conduct a corporate action, we will always inform [the public] through our statements published on the IDX, he added. Djoko said the significant rise in shares price was probably because the market responded to its good financial performance in the first half of 2017. From January to June its revenue climbed by 448.97 percent to Rp 40.51 billion. This was caused by a hike in income from better trading activity in the bourse of 633.39 percent to Rp 38.19 billion. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 15:10 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab41a84 1 City drug-dealer,e-cigarette Free The Jakarta Police has arrested a group of drug dealers targeting electronic cigarette smokers, a senior narcotics officer has said. The arrests were made as a result of an undercover investigation into a suspicious Instagram account. Jakarta Police narcotics unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Gideon Arif Setiawan said the investigation into the social media account indicated that the account administrator was marketing e-liquid containing drugs. Three weeks ago, an officer from the unit pretended to act as a customer to uncover the operation. E-liquid, also called e-juice, is the liquid vaporized by e-cigarette devices and is sold in bottles of varying volumes. The deal made was a 60-milliliter bottle of e-liquid for Rp 2.5 million [US$187], Gideon said as quoted by tempo.co on Tuesday. The money was transferred to a bank account under the name Gantes Wattimuri. Gantes then asked his partner Martino Saputra to deliver the e-liquid order to the vicinity of Al-Azhar University in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, the police said. Martino was arrested with three 5 ml bottles of e-liquid. The information he provided to police led them to Gantes, who was arrested at a boarding house in Johar Baru, Central Jakarta. The police confiscated 27 bottles, each containing 5 ml of e-liquid, from the premises. Gideon said Gantes obtained the bottles from his partner, Kurniawan Hidayat, who was arrested at the Plaza Semanggi shopping center in South Jakarta. The bottles of e-liquid contained synthetic narcotics, said Gideon, adding that the group had been marketing the drugs as e-liquid for two months and around 30 people had ordered them during the period. The units sub-directorate head, Adj. Sr. Comr. Doni Alexander, said the effect of vaping the e-liquid was similar to the effect of smoking marijuana. The police are now investigating into the producer of the doctored e-liquid and whether it was produced in Indonesia. Gantes, Martino and Gideon have been charged with the 1997 Narcotics Law, which carries a maximum life sentence or the death penalty. (wnd) SOUTH SIDE MYRNA FAUSKA The monsoons have abated, the floodwaters have receded and the communities along the Kickapoo and Baraboo rivers are still cleaning up the mess left behind by the deluge. Life goes on and now we are having more normal weather and the farmers have been busy taking advantage of it to make hay while the sun shines. Here in our neighborhood we survived any devastating results of the past few weeks weather crises. Up at the top of Zirk Hill, I was unable to connect with Evelyn or Jerry this week, so we hope all is well up there as she is getting ready to celebrate her 97th birthday Sunday. A shower of cards would be appreciated if you have an extra one laying around looking for a recipient. Down in the valley we enjoy seeing Deb Woods alpacas alongside the road as we travel hither and yon. Friday Steve Schumann, Deb and Bryana drove down to Badger Camp near Prairie du Chien to pick up Scott who had spent a fun filled week there. Tuesday evening I was at the Kendall Library book club where we had a lively discussion of Time and Again by Jack Finney. Wednesday evening Dave and I were in Kendall at the Community Hall for the Trisis concert which was scheduled for the gazebo in Central Park, but changed due to uncertain weather conditions. Saturday cousin Louise Kaus arrived from Barron to spend a few days with us and to attend the Kaus family reunion at the park in Hillsboro on Sunday. It was especially good to see cousins Roger and Gladys Kaus who came all the way from Raleigh, North Carolina. They were able to do double duty as Gladys Eckelberg reunion was held at the Glendale Park in Kendall on Saturday. Ron and Arlene Garvens helped with serving at the Elroy Methodist Church monthly community supper Wednesday afternoon then went over to Kendall for the Trisis concert. Sunday they were in Wonwoc Park for the Elroy Methodist Church picnic, then drove to Reedsburg to see Pastor Wesleys daughter perform the role of Alice in Dorothy In Wonderland. Saturday Lowell Zellmer hosted the Wilton classes of 62 and 63 at The Ranch in Johnnycake Hollow. Chip and Marty Marty were put to work helping to seve her dads classmates. Sunday Chip, Mary, Layla, Brett and Mya enjoyed a trip to the Dells with his parents Bob and Karen Marty along with other family members for a ride on the Ducks, having lunch at Pizza Ranch. From there they went to Baraboo to the Ochsner Park Zoo to top off the day. As librarian, Lynette Vlasak can always be found in attendance at the Kendall Library book club along with her sidekick Sally Dana. Wednesday evening they were among the throng attending the Trisis concert at the Community Hall. Saturday they joined other family members helping out brother-in-law Lowells class reunion party down in the hollow. On my old Johnny Appleseed record album, Dennis Day sings The Lord is good to me. I thank and praise the Lord. For giving me the things I need, the sun, the rain and the apple seed. Oh, the Lord is good to me. Soon we will be enjoying the harvest of the legendary Johnny who crossed the continent planting apple trees wherever he went. The Lord is good to us, in spite of floods and droughts and all other natural disasters. He didnt promise us blue skies and sunshine all the time, but he did promise us that he would help us through the tough times if we put our faith and trust in him. Amen. SOUTH RIDGE ALICE BRANDAU Vacation Bible School will be held at St. Matthews this year. It will involve three nights centered around the verse in Psalm 139-14. I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Classes will be held AuG. 7-9 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. Then on Thursday afternoon a bus will be leaving for Milwaukee for folks who want to attend WELS night at the Brewer vs. Twins game. It should be an exciting week. Last weekend was a time for girls to spend together and they headed to Door County. They enjoyed visiting Washington Island, a museum, and were inspired by fields of lavender in bloom along with other points of interest. On the way home they stopped at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Daguin Downing, her daughter Rita and three friends had a great weekend together. Frank and Darlene Martalock attended the visitation for Don Bradley at St. Josephs in Kendall last Wednesday morning. We were unable to be there but the large crowd that attended services testified that he and his family were supported by caring people. At 92 years, Don could have an interesting life story involving his service to our country, his love of farming and the joy of family. Frank and Darlene Martalock and we were among the good-sized crowd at the Kendall Community Hall on Wednesday evening to hear the Trisis Concert, three girls and their dad bringing enjoyable music.Thanks to KAACO and Kendall Lions for their sponsorship. Bob, Barb and Jenna Heinz spent Saturday and Sunday in Tomah attending a softball tournament. Grandson Ryan played in the tournament. Rog and Jean Neitzel, Beloit came north for the weekend. They attended Jeansr Wilton High School class reuiion at The Ranch on Saturday evening. Our new Pastor Larry Neitzel and Roger are cousins. Their connections were few so we began to remedy that by having lunch and lots of catching up for these two couples on Sunday after services. Lots of good memories were made this past week as families returned to the farm, the place the children of Aaron and Hazel Pasch called home. I think it would be safe to say that 95 percent of Hazels family were able to spend at least some time at the farm this week. One of the highlights was a hike on the Elroy Sparta Bike Trail beginning at the Red Caboose in Wilton to the entrance of the No. 2 Tunnel. It involved 15 ambitious hikers including 3-year-old Garrison who was there with his parents Mike and Kim Larson from Florida. Because of the rain and muddy conditions they chose not to walk thought the tunnel a big disappointed. Why from this little guy? Saturday evening found family and several friends gathered for food and fellowship honoring brother John who celebrated his birthday Friday and a time to remember dad who would have reached 91 years as of today. A blazing bonfire and fireworks brought another celebration at the farm to a close. And thats it for Aug. 1. BEAR CREEK PAT CHRISTENSEN Collin Bolchen from New Lisbon visited Aunt Bonnie Hedding on Monday. Allan and Kate batten from Shennington visited their daughter Bonnie Hedding on Wednesday. Annie Waltemath from Wyeville accompanied Aunt Bonnie Hedding to Iowa to visit Denise Huskamp and family. They left on Friday and returned home Monday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Manila, Philippines Wed, August 2, 2017 17:52 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab4b486 2 World ASEAN,duterte,NorthKorea,Nuclear,summit,Manila,Rex-Tillerson,China Free North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is a "maniac" who could destroy Asia by triggering a nuclear war, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday, ahead of a regional summit to be attended by the regime's foreign minister. Using characteristically crude language, Duterte teed off against Kim ahead of a regional security meeting in Manila where the hermit state's ballistic missile tests will be a hot agenda item. "He is playing with dangerous toys and this crazy man, do not be fooled by his face, that chubby face that looks nice," Duterte, 72, said of Kim in a nationally televised speech. "That son-of-a-whore maniac, if he makes a mistake then the Far East will become an arid land. It must be stopped, this nuclear war, because (if) a limited confrontation blows up here, I tell you the fallout, the soil, the resources. I don't know what will happen to us. We won't be able to plant anything productive." Under Kim's leadership, Pyongyang has accelerated its nuclear ambitions, in defiance of international condemnation and multiple sets of United Nations sanctions. North Korea last week conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile test, which led Kim to boast he could strike any target in the United States. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be in Manila for the security forum, which is hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ministers will express "grave concern" over North Korea's nuclear missile test, according to a draft copy of the chairman's statement obtained by AFP and scheduled to be released on Tuesday next week at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum. Duterte, who won presidential elections last year, has come under fire from foreign leaders over his war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings by rights groups that he may be overseeing a crime against humanity. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 18:23 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab4de41 1 City fatal-robbery,violence,shooting Free Retired police officer Suharyanto, 63, was shot when attempting to stop thieves from stealing his sons motorbike at his house on Jl. Raya Pabuaran, Bojong Gede, Bogor regency, on July 19 and died 10 days later. Suharyanto died after bullet fragments pierced his heart. Suharyanto, who was an adjutant commissioner when he retired, was hospitalized for 10 days at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta. He passed away on July 29. According to preliminary findings in the investigation, the perpetrators were connected to ATM robbery gangs operating in the neighboring cities of Bogor and Depok. They [operate] in different groups. They are violent robbers, Depok Police deputy chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani said on Tuesday. Five suspects have been arrested in the ATM robbery cases. They came from two different groups but knew each other, Faizal said. One of the arrested suspects has reportedly told the police the identity of Suharyantos killer. We are working on the investigation, Faizal said. (dra) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali Wed, August 2, 2017 15:00 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab41175 1 National West-Papua,Pepera,Pepera-1969,Papuan-students Free Around 30 students of the Papua Student Alliance (AMP) Bali held a rally on Wednesday to demand West Papuan independence. They staged the demonstration at a location near the US Consular Agency office in Denpasar, Bali, as the police did not allow them to hold the rally in front of the office as initially planned. AMP spokesman Wolker said the rally was held to commemorate the 48th year of the Papuan Peoples Free Choice (Pepera) in 1969. The Papuan Peoples Free Choice was not democratic; [it was] full of terror, intimidation and manipulation. Severe human rights violations also occurred at that time, Wolker said. In a statement, AMP said that 175 out of 809,337 Papuans cast their vote in the Pepera in 1969 and that all of them had been "quarantined" before the voting day. Since then, [acts of] colonialism, imperialism and militarism have been committed by the Indonesian government, it said in the statement. The groups activists held the rally at the US Consular Agency as they believe the US government interfered in the Pepera. Papua should get freedom, they yelled during the rally. They also demanded that the government shut down multinational companies' activities in Papua, such as those of Freeport, LNG Tangguh and Medco. Furthermore, they called for the release of Obby Kogoya, a Papuan student in Yogyakarta who was sentenced to one-year probation with four years' imprisonment if he reoffends during probation for resisting police arrest during a protest in Yogyakarta last year. (ebf) United: Around 30 students of the Papua Student Alliance Bali hold a rally in Denpasar on Aug. 2. (JP/Ni Komang Erviani) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 11:57 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab35b0b 1 National Saber-Pungli,Illegal-Fee-Eradication-Task-Force,illegal-fees,illegal-levies,illegal-levy-taskforce,Wiranto Free Coordinating Political, Legal & Security Affairs Minister Wiranto announced on Tuesday that the Saber Pungli illegal levies eradication task force had confiscated Rp 17.6 billion (US$1.3 million) in illegal fees through 917 raids since its establishment on Oct. 28 last year. Wiranto said that although the confiscated amount might not be as much as the embezzled funds recovered by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in its anti-graft operations, the task force had made significant progress in eradicating the illegal fee practice in the general government and public service sectors. Corruption has caused losses to the state. The task force does not specifically focus on that crime. Instead, we address illegal levy practices that has caused problems for citizens, Wiranto said on Tuesday. As of July 19, the task force has received 31,110 reports on illegal levies. The highest proportion of complaints was sent as text messages and consisted of 20,020 reports. Authorities have named 1,834 illegal levy suspects ranging from government officials, police officers and prosecutor office staff in 34 provinces across the country. Thirty-six percent of all complaints concern the delivery of public services, followed by complaints on law enforcement (26 percent), educational institutions (18 percent), license and permit issuance (12 percent) and employment affairs (8 percent). The Culture and Education Ministry is the state institution with the highest number of complaints, followed by the National Police, the Transportation Ministry, the Health Ministry, the Law and Human Rights Ministry, the Home Ministry, the Religious Affairs Ministry, the Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Indonesian Armed Forces. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Wed, August 2, 2017 12:20 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab36c26 2 World US,presidency,Air-Force,aircraft,Russia,trump Free The US Air Force is about to buy two mothballed Boeing 747s that were abandoned by a bankrupt Russian airline -- and convert these into the next Air Force One, a source said Tuesday. The sale could save the Air Force millions of dollars, and comes after then president-elect Donald Trump said in December that the Air Force One replacement project costs were "ridiculous." Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source close to the deal told AFP that Boeing is set to sell a pair of 747-8 jetliners to the Air Force. Air Force One is actually two planes -- one for the president and a spare. The planes had initially been ordered in 2013 by Russian airline Transaero but the firm went bust in 2015. "We're still working toward a deal to provide two 747-8s to the Air Force," Boeing told AFP. "This deal is focused on providing a great value for the Air Force and the best price for the taxpayer." A final deal could be announced in the coming weeks. According to the Defense One news website, which first reported the deal, Transaero had initially ordered four Boeing jets before it went bankrupt. Boeing had flight-tested two of the jets and they are now housed at the Southern California Logistics Airport, Defense One said. The huge Mojave Desert facility is hot and dry, so airplanes there do not suffer corrosion. Converting a pair of 747-8 jumbo jets to state-of-the-art luxury command centers by 2022 has been estimated to cost $3.2 billion, but overruns and delays could push the price tag higher. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, August 3 2017 Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan were officially established in 1992, two years after the latter gained independence from the Soviet Union. Now, 25 years later, both sides believe their ongoing relations will continue to be good. During the celebration of the bilateral relationships 25th anniversary on Wednesday, Kazakh Ambassador to Indonesia Askhat T. Orazbay said that the country has dramatically improved its investment climate, including its economic cooperation with Indonesia. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 10:08 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab2f9c9 1 News kei-islands,tanimbar-kei,meti-kei,Maluku,Indonesia,travel Free Kei Islands in the southeastern part of Maluku are reportedly attracting more and more tourists. Home to Kei Kecil and Kei Besar islands, they can be reached by air via Karel Satsuitubun International Airport, which is located in Langgur district. Travelers can access the airport by hopping on a plane from Jakarta to Ambon, the fare starts from Rp 2.5 million (US$187). In terms of accommodation, both islands have three-star hotels with starting rates of of Rp 400,000 per night. Affordable homestays are also available. Read also: Papua to hold the fourth Keerom Cultural Festival The scenery of Tanimbar Kei Island. (instagram.com/adhe.rach/File) When on the islands, visitors can opt to stroll the soft, white sand on the beach or snorkel deep into the Banda Sea. They can also travel to Tanimbar Kei Island, which is only one hour away from Kei Besar Island, and explore a village where the majority of residents are Hindu. Those planning to visit Kei Islands are recommended to go during Meti Kei from Oct. 22 to 23. Meti Kei is a phenomenon where the seawater recedes up to 6 kilometers, Roy Rahajaan, the Southeast Maluku Tourism Agency, told kompas.com, adding that travelers can reach the other islands by foot during this period instead of using a boat. Dubbed the most popular hidden gem in Indonesia by the Tourism Ministry in 2016, Kei Islands are still less known compared with other similar destinations, such as Raja Ampat and Wakatobi. Only 300 travelers reportedly visited the place in 2016 -- which is an increase compared to 2015 when it only welcomed 40 tourists. (wir/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 15:28 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab42a28 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Sail-Sabang,Sabang,aceh Free Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X recently went to Aceh to oversee the preparation of Sail Sabang 2017 that will be held from November to December. We hope the government and related parties are ready for Sail Sabang because the event isnt only for the people of Sabang and its surrounding but will also attract foreign tourists, said the head of DPR Commission X, Teuku Riefky Harsya. Read also: Why you should consider Aceh for your next trip Prior to Sabang, the DPR Comission X group consisting of 18 members went to gampong (village) Dayah Daboh in Montasik district to witness the making of Acehenese souvenirs. A total of 85 yachts are taking part in the race. Fifty-six of them have departed from Tual in Maluku on July 28 and the other 29 departed from Darwin in Australia on July 29. In Darwin, Tourism Ministrys Marine Tourism Department advisor, Dr. Marsetio, officiated the departure. While in Tual, head of the ministrys Maritime Tourist Industry Development Acceleration Taskforce, Indroyono Soesilo, officially inaugurated the event. The two groups will meet at the Sail Sabang 2017 in Aceh on Nov. 28. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set to attend the finale that will take place on Dec. 2. Read also: Aceh setting itself up as Muslim-friendly destination for tourists I predict therell be thousands of foreign and local tourists that will come to Sail Indonesia in Sabang. We really need to be well prepared to welcome them, added Teuku. Last year, Aceh province was announced as one of the winners at the National Halal Tourism Competition (KPHN). The province also won in two categories at the World Halal Tourism Award (WHTA) 2017, namely worlds best halal cultural destination and worlds best airport for halal travelers for Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 16:16 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab43b19 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Lake-Toba,music,concert Free Spanish orchestra group Vinculos took the stage at the amphitheater of Del Technology Institute in Toba Samosir regency, North Sumatra, on July 30. The group consisting of 50 musicians has been visiting Lake Toba region since July 27 following an invitation from the Education and Cultural Ministry. The ministry initiated the event to encourage cultural, social and educational exchange between the two countries. Read also: A truly Spanish experience in Madrid Playing music here reminds us of our hometown; the cold temperature in Lake Toba feels like were in Spain. Spain has a lake, but its not as big as [Lake Toba]. This is a very beautiful lake, said Vinculos director Manuel Paz. Indonesia is really special, especially the Batak culture and Lake Toba. Both the locals and us love music and parties; what a beautiful experience, he added. During the show, Vinculos performed five Spanish classic songs and seven Indonesian songs. The group also collaborated with local musician Mataniari in performing a few traditional songs, such as Bataks Si Doli Natihal. In addition to music, the group also entertained guests with a flamenco dance performance from Seville. Prior to the concert, Vinculos visited Panti Karya Hepata in Laguboti, Tobasa regency, to entertain the disabled people there and held a concert at Tugu DI Pandjaitan. Read also: Ternate-Tidore invites Spanish tourists to relive 16th century trade expedition route This year, the ministry is targeting to promote Indonesian culture to 50 countries through social media, cultural interaction and virtual communication. Lake Toba was chosen because it is included in the tourism ministrys 10 priority destinations list. Tourism Ministry's head of Development Acceleration for Priority Tourist Destinations, Hiramsyah S. Thaib, said Vinculos visit to Lake Toba brings a lot of benefits, apart from being a diplomatic initiative between Indonesia and Spain. Its more than just a collaboration between Indonesia and Spain; the group also educates schoolchildren, promotes Lake Toba and brings humanitarian values by visiting students at the school for the disabled [SLB]. This visitation brings a lot of benefits and is special for Lake Toba and its people, said Hiramsyah. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, August 2, 2017 12:37 1928 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab37210 1 News switzerland,bridge,travel,tourism Free After 10 weeks of construction, Switzerland finally opened what local authorities have been calling the "worlds longest suspension bridge." Named Europabrucke, or the Europe Bridge, this narrow pedestrian bridge hovers over the Grabengufer ravine, near Zermatt. Hanging 278 feet (84.73 meters) in the air, you might want to hold someones hand for a little extra courage -- but that wont be possible. Only measuring 25.6 inches (65 centimeters) wide, the bridge is only large enough to allow for a single file line along its 1,620 feet length from end to end. Read also: Don't look down: Glass bottom skywalk thrills in China While Switzerland now holds the title of owning the worlds longest bridge, Guinness has not yet recognized Europabrucke as such at this time. The current recognized record holder is the Kokonoe Yume Bride in Japan, which measures 1,279 feet in length. Constructed with steel, the bridge acts to connect Zermatt with the nearby Grachen, becoming part of a popular two-day hiking route between the two towns in southern Switzerland. This hiking route, known as the Europaweg trail, brings travelers through some of the highest and most impressive peaks in Switzerland, the highlight of this adventurous trail being the Matterhorn. According to the BBC, this new bridge was constructed to replace an older one that had been damaged by rock falls. Local tourist authority warns that the high bridge is for hikers with no fear of heights, whilst boasting spectacular views of the Matterhorn mountain. (tha/kes) Topics : switzerland bridge travel tourism Lake Neshonoc is once again open to the public this week after it was closed by La Crosse County in the aftermath of late Julys torrential rains. Neshonoc Lake District Chair Jim Leicht warned lake-goers late last week that water levels would remain two-to-three feet lower than usual while maintenance workers from Eagle Creek, the company that owns the Neshonoc Hydroelectric Dam, can complete repairs. Village administrator and backup dam operator for Eagle Creek Teresa Schnitzler said the replacement of the dams flashboards, which are used to artificially raise the water level to make more power, has been moved up and will be replaced this year, however, a date for the repairs has not yet been set. She said Eagle Creek may wait until later this year when lake activity dies down before making the repairs. I am pleasantly surprised they are keeping the lake up at its current levels, Leicht said. They have been able to overcome the break in the flashboards. For now, the lake is standing at close to nine-feet in depth, which is normal for this time of year. When they go to look at the flash boards theyll lower it 20-30 inches, she said. Residents will be given notice when work on the dam is set to begin so they can take steps to prevent property damage. Once the replacement of the flashboards begins, the lake level will be slowly lowered over the course of a few days. Schnitzler said the lake is not going to drop three feet overnight. Leicht also warned boaters that in the aftermath of the flood, the lake has changed. Boaters that are familiar with the lake should be aware that the lake has changed, Leicht said. Areas that were deeper may not be as deep. There is just a tremendous amount of sand out there in the delta area, he said. In some areas along the eastern shore as much as three feet of sand was deposited. There are also seven or eight large collections of debris floating around in the make and many more may be just below the surface. One of them is the size of a big truck, Leicht said. Leicht said on July 20 there more than 60 of these debris patches that were swept into the lake following that mornings torrential rain. They will eventually break out in the wave action, he said and added that until they do, boaters should exercise caution. Read the digital edition 2020-09-25 E-Edition The Jewish Advocate is a not-for-profit reader-supported 501(c)3 organization. We rely on your donations which are tax-deductible. Agudath Israel of America, American Orthodoxys leading voice, held its staff retreat this past July 25-26 at the futuristic Bell Works commercial hub in Holmdel, New Jersey. The full two-day conclave brought Agudath Israel leadership and staff from headquarters, affiliated divisions, and regional offices nationwide together with peers. Participants enjoyed a comprehensive and coordinated snapshot of Agudahs every component and department, built camaraderie, shared achievements and planned for the futureall in an atmosphere charged with the cause of helping Klal Yisroel. Agudas Yisroel feels a unique achrayus for Klal Yisroel, said guest speaker Rav Yerucham Olshin, Rosh HaYeshiva of Lakewoods Beis Medrash Govoha. In his chizuk address, Rav Olshin spoke powerfully about Agudath Israels ongoing role championing Torah and community issues. Rav Olshin also spoke movingly of how his own parents, young European immigrants in pre-War New York, found a haven in so many ways in the Aguda of those formative days. As a young bochur in the late 1920s, the Rosh HaYeshivas father received critical spiritual and moral support from Brooklyns early and energetic Agudah contingent, while the Rosh HaYeshivas mother drew regular inspiration from Agudahs local Bnos. Special guest and modern press legend Seth Lipsky capped the first days dinner with a question-and-answer session on perceptions of the Orthodox Jewish community in the secular media, and how to negotiate those perceptions. Mr. Lipsky is the founder of the New York Sun and the English-language version of the Jewish Daily Forward, and veteran of the Wall Street Journal, among others. He walked a rapt audience through an insiders view on the modern media world, from old-school print institutions to cutting-edge online outlets and social mediaand how to best get the most positive, proactive Torah messages to each. Mr. Lipsky also expressed a debt of gratitude to Agudath Israel and Rabi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, its executive vice president, for a still-growing relationship. It is always impressive to get everybody together to share the many things Agudath Israel is doing, said Executive Director Rabbi Labish Becker, but even more significant are the results of the retreat when the dedicated and capable staff plan the coming year and resolve to do even more for Reb Yisroel and Klal Yisroel. [TLS Press Release] Neighbors of the new Public Hotel on Chrystie Street are seeing people having sex. [DNAinfo] An attorney says the tenants at 10 Stanton St. might not have much recourse. [The neighbors] have gotta close the blinds or look away, advises the lawyer. [New York Post] U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez is demanding info from NYCHA about how it deals with lead paint. [Daily News] Errol Louis argues that the local community preference in the citys affordable housing lotteries ends up discriminating against black and Latino residents. [Daily News] Former Met Council head William Rapfogel is free after serving prison time for a kickback scheme. According to his Linkedin profile, Rapfogel has taken a job as a senior adviser with New Jersey-based security firm. [Crains] The obituaries for Great Jones Cafe were apparently premature. The beloved cajun spot reopens tonight. [EV Grieve] Webster Hall closes for renovations Aug. 10. Tickets for the final show, dubbed, End of an Era, go on sale tomorrow. So far the headliner is a secret. [Brooklyn Vegan] The Marinaro Gallery is moving from Grand Street to 1 Oliver St. in Chinatown. [Art News] A lawsuit filed by a former Mission Chinese/Cantina investor shows that Danny Bowien was forced to abandon plans to open Mission Vietnamese on Canal Street. [Eater] A Democratic primary in New York City is just about six weeks away, which means theres more bluster than usual surrounding many big community issues. Election-year politics definitely played a major role July 21 at a rally in the Two Bridges neighborhood. We already reported on the rally, in which City Council member Margaret Chin and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer announced theyre prepared to sue if the City Planning Commission approves three huge development projects in the Two Bridges area. Today were taking a closer look at the politics around the contentious debate. The city is now evaluating the proposals, which would add 2,700 mostly market rate apartments along the East River. The projects include JDS Development Groups tower at 247 Cherry St.; 62 ad 69 story towers from L+M Development Partners and the CIM Group at 260 South St.; and a 62-story building by the Starrett Group at 259 Clinton St. A final decision from the city is not expected until well after election day. In this story, were looking at several accusations levied against Council member Chin by her political rivals, and claims made by Chin and Brewer about the developers. Claim #1: Council member Chin should have prevented the expiration of the Two Bridges Urban Renewal Area City Council candidate Christopher Marte said in a statement released before the rally, Our Council member knew when the protective zoning was expiring, and she did not renew it. Does he have a point? The Two Bridges Urban Renewal Area extended from Market Street to Montgomery Street along the East River. When the plan expired in 2007, limits on the size of new buildings were lifted. The expiration was apparently not on anyones radar at the time, although there was anxiety (and even a boisterous rally) about the possibility of a luxury tower replacing the Cherry Street Pathmark store. While Margaret Chin was a longtime community activist in Chinatown, she was not elected to the City Council until November of 2009. The expiration of the urban renewal area occurred during Council member Alan Gersons watch two years earlier. End of story? Not quite, at least not as far as Chins opponents are concerned. While he concedes that Chin was not in office when the urban renewal area expired, Marte says she could have acted to put protective zoning in place at any point in the past seven-anda-half years. In 2012, Pathmark carried through with its threats to close the store, and developer Gary Barnett purchased the site for $150 million. At about the same time, the HealthCare Chaplaincy was pitching the community board on its plans for a large residential and nursing facility on another parcel in the Two Bridges area. The development pressures in the neighborhood, Marte argues, were apparent to everyone, yet no strategy was put in place to fight the looming development frenzy. Chins supporters note that there were no concrete development plans, only rumors. Earlier this year, Council member Chin introduced legislation that would require the city to notify communities when urban renewal areas are about to expire. Though we cannot turn back time to prevent the expiration of the Two Bridges URA, Chin said at the time, this legislation is integral to my mission to keep similar situations from happening again, and to carry on the fight by continuing to demand a full public review, including an up-or-down City Council vote, on the mega-towers at Two Bridges. Claim #2: Enactment of the full Chinatown Working Group Plan could have saved Two Bridges from over-development Challengers in District 1, especially candidate Dashia Imperiale, have accused Chin of failing to support the full Chinatown Working Group Plan, which called for a rezoning across a large swathe of Lower Manhattan. The CWG coalition, at one point boasting more than 50 member groups, began meeting in 2008 to create a master plan for protecting Chinatown from over-development and gentrification. Along the way, members dropped out, there were fierce battles among rival organizations and many starts-and-stops. Finally, in January of 2014, the Chinatown Working Group came out with a proposal that called for rezoning the historic core of Chinatown, but also the Two Bridges area and large sections of the Lower East Side. In February of 2015, the plan was rejected by the Department of City Planning, which called the proposal too expansive. City officials criticized its, aggressive across-the-board height limits, while leaving the door slightly open to a more limited rezoning. Two years later, Community Board 3 has finally convened a new subcommittee to resume work on the proposal. It has the support of Council member Chin. All elected officials, not only Chin, steered clear of the Chinatown Working Group while members were debating their plan, saying they wanted the community process to run its course. Once the deliberations ended, however, longtime opponents of Council member Chin unloaded on her, calling attempts to focus on smaller areas of Chinatown for rezoning racist and exclusionary. Chin was supportive of a piecemeal approach, suggesting that an all-or-nothing strategy was unrealistic and counter-productive. Supporters of Council member Chin point out that any proposal floated over the years to focus on one section of the neighborhood, such as Two Bridges, has been denounced in the strongest terms by some local activists. So while in theory the Chinatown Working Group Plan could have led to a downzoning along the waterfront, the Chin team argues, city opposition and the refusal within the community to compromise, made it impossible. They also emphasize the Council members responsibility as an elected representative to get what she can for her community, even if it frustrates some constituents who want more. The Council members opponents believe, however, that she almost always acquiesces to city officials and developers too easily, and that Chin should have fought harder for the full plan. Claim #3: Developers have failed to provide adequate information about the displacement of senior residents during construction A press release from Council member Chin and Borough President Brewer renewed criticism of Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and Settlement Housing Fund for, attempting to reach a secret agreement with HUD to displace seniors (at 80 Rutgers Slip) to clear the way for luxury development. At the rally, Chin said, Today we still dont know how many of them will have to be relocated or where they will even go if one of the proposed towers is built on top of them. Brewer added, We keep asking, and asking, and asking, yet there are no answers. The two not-for-profit groups operate the senior building and sold a development parcel and air rights to JDS Development Group. Early this year, The Lo-Down obtained correspondence through a Freedom of Information Act request, showing the organizations preliminary plan. It stated that the new project, to be built over the senior complex, could lead to the displacement of up to 19 residents. The elected officials say they were completely in the dark about the groups overtures to HUD. Following the rally, representatives of the development team and Two Bridges Neighborhood Council told us that theyre not trying to conceal anything from the elected officials or the community. They say the construction plan has not been finalized and they do not yet know exactly how many tenants will be displaced. A firm has been hired, they note, to work directly with residents, and any changes at 80 Rutgers Slip must go through a rigorous regulatory process, mandated by HUD. Months after we published the letters to and from HUD, this much is clear: the revelations created an atmosphere of mistrust between the development team and local elected officials, and convinced many in the community that the process is totally lacking in transparency. Claim #4: A community task force disintegrated because the development teams walked way from the table Last summer, the City Planning Commission rejected Council member Chins request for a full land use review (ULURP), which would have required approval of development plans by the City Council. The consolation prize was an enhanced environmental review (EIS), essentially four public meetings to discuss the impact of the new buildings on mass transit, roads, schools, etc. As we reported last December, Chin and Brewer assembled a community task force, which included resident leaders and representatives from the development teams. At last months rally, Brewer said of the community engagement efforts, We gave it a chance, we worked with the wonderful tenant leaders, we worked with the task force. It broke down when the developers refused to meet with the task force following a difficult community meeting. No doubt about it: that January 18 meeting was heated, and it ultimately led the developers to rethink their participation in the enhanced EIS. But the development partners say they never wavered from engaging with the community. As the meeting got underway, residents rose from their chairs, protest signs in hand, and denounced the projects and the community engagement process. They demanded a delay in the proceedings to give resident leaders more time for meaningful community outreach (the developers later rejected that request). Many people walked out of the room, refusing to take part in small group brainstorming sessions organized by Karp Strategies, a planning firm working for the developers. The development teams have pointed out that their involvement in the public meetings and task force was voluntary. While they decided against attending future task force meetings, developer representatives have continued to meet with residents to talk through various issues, and intend to hold more meetings in the future. They also went ahead with two scheduled public meetings in March and June. Questions and answers from all of the public sessions have been posted online. Detailed reports from Karp Strategies included comments from locals intent on stopping the plans from going forward. The task force meetings were closed to the public, so we have no direct knowledge of what transpired. We did, however, speak with a number of participants, all of whom concede the deliberations were fraught. Margaret Chin and Gale Brewer were listed on task force membership rosters as co-chairs. Residents tell us they unsuccessfully lobbied for top leadership roles within the group. Karp Strategies played a major role in shaping the meetings, residents say, and this was a point of contention. Ultimately, tenant leaders came to believe that the meetings were designed to fast-track the proposals, and that there was no real opportunity for the community to change the development plans in any meaningful way. Making matters worse was the fact that tenant representatives were not always in agreement on strategy. At the citys official EIS scoping hearing in May, the task force failed to deliver a joint statement detailing the communitys priorities. So when Brewer says the task force broke down because the developers walked away, she is partially correct. Its tough to have a negotiation with a party who is not at the table. In the end, some participants concluded that the development teams were unprepared to cope with the messiness of a community process, in an environment they could not control. At the same time, however, the group was clearly dysfunctional, and members were dealing with their own organizational issues that had nothing to do with the developers. Claim #5: Elected officials waited too long to make a strong stand At the rally, Chin and Brewer called on the Department of City Planning to reject the development schemes in their current form and to order a ULURP in the Two Bridges area. If these things dont happen, the elected officials say theyre prepared to file a lawsuit to block the projects. Back in May, a new group called Lower East Side Organizing Neighbors (LESON) talked about suing the city. In a press statement following the July rally, the LESON group blasted Chin, Brewer and Mayor de Blasio, writing, We know this is an election year (and) thats why they are putting on a show. We have seen these tactics many times in the past where they divert attention away from real community-led solutions. What community-led solutions do they have in mind? In an interview just this morning, LESONs attorney, Maureen Koetz, told us shes not contemplating a suit right now. Koetzs priority is making sure city agencies follow the law. City officials contend no new waivers or special permits are required for the mega-towers. Koetz believes they are wrong. She says no new building can occur in the Two Bridges LSRD (a large-scale development area) unless the city shows there will be no negative impacts on the existing community. The elected officials have been vague about a potential lawsuit. The City Planning Commission is not likely to vote on the projects until late this year. The plan, being developed with non-profit legal groups, is to file an Article 78 challenge, which is used to fight official decisions from government agencies. They wouldnt be able to act until after the final environmental review is published and the planning commission makes its decision. Koetz may have been first to discuss in public a challenge to City Plannings interpretation of the zoning code, but its also an argument advanced by Community Board 3 in its comments at the May scoping meeting. During a June 21 town hall meeting on the Lower East Side, the mayor said he sees no legal way to stop the proposed towers. Council member Chin challenged him about that, saying, Weve got to find a way (to stop or change the projects). Even if there are long odds in court, at least some tenant leaders are relieved that the elected officials are now taking a more forceful stand. They wish more had been done earlier, but are mostly hopeful that something can be done now to stop, or at least reduce the scale, of the projects. Chins supporters say her new approach is not a case of, too little, too late. Once the city rejected her ULURP request and developers agreed to the expanded environmental review, elected officials were obligated to give the process a chance. Thats now run its course, they argue, clearing the way for a more assertive stance. So this story ends where it began. Margaret Chins supporters say she is fully committed to working with the community, but also focused on attainable results in the Two Bridges neighborhood. Chins detractors, meanwhile, insist her advocacy for the community has been far too tepid. This is the debate that will be front-and center during the six weeks that remain before the Democratic Primary in District 1. Onalaska residents of the Deer Creek Condominiums are adamantly opposed to the city purchasing and remodeling a bridge into the town of Medary, just down the road from their homes on French Road off of Hwy. 16. The topic came through Onalaskas Board of Public Works meeting Aug. 1, but not because the city has any plans for the bridge. It doesnt. In fact, the bridge isnt in the citys jurisdiction, rather its in the town, so the Board of Public Works approved a motion to put it on file, but take no action on the topic. In their opposition, the neighborhoods homeowners association developed a petition which garnered 46 signatures from 29 different properties all on French Road. The residents of our association are adamantly opposed to this for several reasons the board of directors for Deer Creek condominiums included in a letter sent to city hall, First is the cost to city residents to acquire the bridge and going to the expense of replacing it. City staff reiterated after the meeting that the city hasnt any plans to purchase or remodel the bridge. The board of directors also noted that they are opposed to the city rebuilding the bridge because, as they argue, it wont provide much benefit to Onalaska citizens. Most people who would benefit from the bridge, they said, would be Medary residents on French road who could rather hop on and off of Hwy. 16 at Emerald Drive East, about a quarter-mile east down the highway. City staff say this particular bridge has been of interest to many residentssome pushing for a remodel, some (like Deer Creek residents) hardlining for nothing. Sidewalk The city will be lengthening sidewalk on Emerald Valley Drive, just north of the La Crosse Country Club, after an approval from the Board of Public Works Tuesday evening. The 705 square feet of sidewalk will be added on the property of Gerald Forsythe, who will be asked to chip in in a little over $4,000 to have the project completed, per the city exercising its police power. The topic had a public hearing at the meeting, where three spoke in favor and none in opposition. Most importantly this is because of safety, Emerald Valley Resident Maria Runde said, noting that cars come around the curve are zooming past constantly. It would provide us a safe area to walk for all of us without being hit by approaching cars, Runde said. Forsythe did not go to the meeting, but had been in contact with city staff. Waysides Six wayside spots along Hwy. 35 and Lake Onalaska will be cleared of their trees and debris for a better viewing experience. Onalaskas board of Public Works voted Tuesday to hire Todays Tree Service to do the work over 10 days for $20,000. In 1970, Petersburg Press released Six Fairy Tales a compilation of six of Jacob and Wilhem Grimms stories accompanied by illustrations from David Hockney. These illustrations helped redefine the darkness and imagination of the original tales for a generation sanitised by Disney. The 20th Century saw Disney reimagine Fairy Tales such as Snow White with their colourful, decorative, and doe-eyed depictions of beloved characters. But this glossed over the insidious nature of the original tales. The Grimm brothers retellings of myths and legends were shockingly gory. The first edition of the Grimm tales was only recently translated in 2014 and stayed true to the horror of the original; Rapunzel is impregnated by her prince, Snow Whites own mother plots to kill her, and How the Children Played at Slaughtering needs no explanation as to its horror. Although less gruesome, Hockneys illustrations of six of the tales are necessarily dark, existing purely in black and white. They offer as an interesting comparison to the colourful Disney adaptations that were being produced at the time. As well as draining the illustrations of colour, the characters were by no means as attractive or innocent as Disneys Snow White which Hockney purposefully chose to omit from the collection and instead were allowed to be ugly, unassuming, and vacant. The use of negative space also allowed the viewers imagination to roam freely through his harsh etchings of the haunting buildings, landscapes, and the imagery of the tales. Rather than merely choosing iconic scenes or key events to depict, Hockney instead chose to imaginatively respond to the descriptions in the texts, in order to conjure mood and tone. Hockney said: Theyre fascinating little stories, told in a very very simple, direct and straightforward language and style; it was their simplicity that attracted me. They cover quite a strange range of experience from the magical to the moral. This reflects the simple way in which he illustrated the stories, in addition to his psychological interest in their moral elements. He also chose interesting methods and materials to create the illustrations. During the 60s, he turned to etching because he had run out of painting materials and for these works he employed three different techniques: Etching, creating soft lines, Drypoint, producing dark and dramatic accents, and Aquatint to yield broad areas of tone. Purely from a stylistic standpoint, these illustrations are interesting, choosing to depict the Grimm Fairy Tales in harsh, intricate, and dark new ways. Referencing artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Breughel, and Bosch, Hockney created sophisticated drawings in keeping with his style as an artist; he was fascinated with storytelling, human emotion, psychology, and finding new techniques to perceive old narratives. Currently, a selection of the drawings can be found at The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield, bringing his work back to the county of his birthplace Yorkshire. For more information, visit their website. If youre constantly looking for new books to read, keeping up with book blogs might be a good way to fulfil your reading needs. There are so many amazing book bloggers out there, all eager to share their thoughts about books they loved (or maybe didnt love so much). With so many book blogs to choose from, you can definitely find something to fit your taste, as many of these blogs have themes or genres that they stick to. Here are a few book bloggers who are worth checking out: Keeper of Pages This page is run by Janel Hayley, who describes herself as crime fiction obsessed. Her reviews focus on crime, mystery and thriller books. Along with her established reviewing posts, she also posts Bookish Ramblings, which are short news or topic pieces related to books. Hayley has thousands of followers on both her Twitter and (very aesthetically pleasing) Instagram pages, which she updates regularly. Her blog can be found here. BeadyJans books If youre looking to read more books by female authors, this blog is perfect for you. Jan Lambert blogs only about novels that are written by women, covering a range of genres, including mysteries and historical fiction. By sharing her thoughts on a book, she hopes to help readers find a new author or book they love. You can follow her blog here or visit her Twitter. Harrys Book Club Harry Mumfords review site leans toward a focus on crime fiction, as well as memoirs that deal with mental health, grief or addiction. Historical and literary fiction are also touched upon in the reviews. Harrys Twitter is regularly updated and all reviews can be found on the blogs website here. Katies Book Blog Katie Butlers blog, created in January of 2009, focuses entirely on Young Adult novels (or any books that would appeal to young adult readers). All genres within YA are covered on the blog. Along with her rated reviews, she also posts interviews with both authors and other bloggers. Katie has over 8,000 followers on Twitter and over 6,000 on Instagram. Her blog can be found here. Avalinahs Books Avalinahs page is described as Book Blog & Book Love. Her reviews focus on science fiction and fantasy but branch out into some other genres as well. She also posts discussions on topics related to books, such as the question of whether or not spoilers are acceptable in reviews, as well as interviews with authors. You can follow Avalinah on Twitter and check out her blog here. pageturnersnook This blog, headed by Laura Turner, focuses only on positive reviews and covers many different genres, making for a great book recommendation page for those for many different tastes. Laura states on her website that she aims to focus on as many different genres as possible resulting in an amazing scope of authors. Additionally, the site offers a proofreading service for any writers looking for some editing help with their work. Laura can be found on Twitter, where she has over 3,000 followers, and her blog can be found here. Subway Book Review After moving to New York in 2013, Uli Beutter Cohen noticed a lot of people reading printed books on the subway. She came up with the idea to interview these people about the books they were reading to create book recommendations for the various titles. Her website states: Some reviews and stories are personal, some entertaining or funny, some sombre. Most of all they are relatable. These stories let us know that we are much less alone and much more connected than we think. You can follow the blog on Twitter and Instagram, complete with pictures of each person interviewed with their recommended book. The blog can be found here. The annual Houston Hoedown Crafts Fair draws crowds of consumers and sellers that range anywhere from the causal peruser to the avid collector. I love flea markets, said Howard Seibert of Harpers Ferry, Iowa. There is so much to see and find. I like to travel to them. Seibertwho attended the Houston Hoedown Crafts Fair a couple of years agoreturned this year to explore the booths lined with antiques, collectibles and clothes with his dog, Randy. Not only have the crafts fair customers consistently returned, but the fairs businesses make it their business to be there. I grew up with the fair. I think its a good thing for the city, said Houston resident Paul Wiste. People enjoy it. You see an amazing amount of people in Houston this weekend ... We get a good response from the people that stop by. Wiste co-owns Paul Wiste Books in Houston with his wife, Joan. They have had a booth at the fair for the past six years. I enjoy talking to the people, seeing everyone. This is a one time a year thing for us, so we enjoy coming down and visiting with everybody. Its like a family, said homemade baked goods and jewelry booth co-owner Shirley Powell. Powell has been participating in the fair since 2010. Everyone around us, has basically been the same people every year, she said. Powell, who lives in Caledonia, runs the booth with her daughter, Audra Jonsgaard and her grandchildren Makesha Powell and Isaiah Powell. Marian Lisowski has used the fair to get her business, Cedar Yard Items, back into the fair circuit. This is the second time that we have been here, she said. We just started getting back into it again. We stopped a few years ago so were trying this again. Although there are specialty booths at the fair, there is a large number of booths that offer a little of everything. Barb and Joe Dalton of La Crosse own one of the fairs collectible booths that can intrigue anyone. We have antiques, vintage, collectibles. Well sell anything that people may buy, said Barb. Its a nice market to do. The people are friendly. The town really comes out to support the event. Its a nice feeling...We may be nameless but we are not pointless. Viners Gifts, which has been at the fair for over 30 years, sells anything from sand to cowboy hats to sweatshirts. You can bounce around the booth like a mini-Walmart, said Debra Goodhart, co-owner of Cataract, Wisconsin-based Viners Gifts. Im always excited for the fair. The only thing I dont like is setting everything up. Cara Delevingne and Puma are working together to campaign for the empowerment of women globally. Delevingnes collaboration with Puma involved her designing two pairs of laces for a set of Puma trainers, and launching a campaign entitled Do You which aims to inspire women to support one another and change the world for the better. Before establishing the campaign, Delevingne visited a refugee camp run by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This branch of the UN aims to support and protect refugees internationally. Check out Instyle to read about my amazing trip to Uganda earlier this year. Link in profile A post shared by Cara Delevingne (@caradelevingne) on Jul 10, 2017 at 12:56pm PDT A big part of Delevingnes campaign is a docu-series that follows a collection of women who are each taking action to improve the world in a variety of ways. The mini documentaries see Delevingnes visit to a UNHCR refugee camp in Uganda, take part in poetry and self-defence as well as sharing stories with bullying victims. When introducing the first episode of her series Delevingne stated: In January this year, I went with Puma and UNHCR to visit several refugee camps in Uganda. It was one of the most incredible experiences Ive ever had in my life. It really was completely life changing. What really affected me was watching these young women and seeing what their stories were and what they were struggling with. But really what shocked me most was their strength. A student has been pretending to be an MP for a non-existent constituency, claiming it is for a conceptual art project - but now she is being investigated by the police and the House of Commons. Ellen Kenyon Peers set up a fake Twitter account and website under the name, Ana Key MP - supposedly playing on the word, anarchy. She claimed she was the first Socialist MP to be elected, having won the seat of Deptford and Greenwich, which does not currently exist. Her website consists of forms for people to fill out with any concerns or issues they have. She also lists her pledges as MP, under the heading, "What do Socialists stand for?" She even wrote a letter last month on paper with a fake House of Commons header, detailing concerns over bicycle safety. Peers spoke to The Telegraph, stating that it is a conceptual art project about what it would be like if a genuinely left-wing MP was elected" and claimed to have no intention of deception. After it was revealed that Peers is not actually an MP, she released a statement on her Twitter account: To put minds at rest, I would like to confirm that no potential constituents have contacted me (ever) unless they had already agreed to be a part of the project. With regards to whether or not someone may have mistaken me for their MP: if people dont know who their MP is immediately after a general election, we have a serious problem on our hands. The quotes on the website are real and were contributed by participants of the project and reflect the concerns of those living, working and attending college in the area. This demonstrates that sitting MPs are not dealing with issues that affect residents. The real MP, Vicky Foxcroft, represents Lewisham and Deptford and has spoken out about the possible damage this project may have done to local residents, as well as stating it could very well be illegal. Foxcroft also spoke to The Telegraph, stating: I have contacted the Security Operations Centre and it has been escalated to the police and Parliamentary Investigation Team. From a casework perspective, I think this is extremely irresponsible. A spokesperson for The House of Commons told the Telegraph that they are aware of the possible severe consequences this stunt could have made and that appropriate steps will, if necessary, be taken after it has been investigated by the Metropolitan Police. The Ana Key MP Twitter account has since been suspended. Image credit: Twitter. As we in Britain are beginning to discover, referendums have a habit of haunting their own consequences. The last referendum in Australia on the monarchy was in 1999 when 55% of the population chose to keep Queen Elizabeth and her representative, the Governor-General, as head of state. But the Australian Labour Party has recently vowed to hold another referendum on whether it should remain a constitutional monarchy. Australians may drink tea, use single quotation marks and speak English, but the rough canvas of their sun and soil has bred a unique, fierce, humorous, multicultural, and patriotic people. Its high time they got what they really do deserve - not an Ashes defeat, but a Republic. That it is the Labour Party calling for this referendum is unsurprising. Unlike the British (and original) Labour Party, the Aussie LP never revoked its socialist clauses, and the Partys republicanism, therefore, flows from its constitution, but the philosophy imbues every level of the Australian government. Its current Liberal Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is head of the Republican movement but calls himself an Elizabethan to express what many British Republicans do in fact feel: that Elizabeth Windsor ought to be allowed to expire, as it were, before dismissing the heredity principle. That principle was nearly dismissed wholesale in 1975 when the Aussies underwent a constitutional crisis that has become known as The Dismissal. Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed from office Labour Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and commissioned Liberal leader of the opposition Malcolm Fraser as caretaker Prime Minister. This did a good job of revealing the ambiguities of just who was in charge in Australia, an ambiguity that wasnt fully (if at all) resolved until 1986 when Britain and Australia passed the Commonwealth Act. It was passed simultaneously because neither country could work out who had the authority to do so, and it officially ended the UKs power to legislate at the federal or state level - unless, it seems, the Queen is personally present in a State. The Australian Republic would look and function much as it does now, but the head of state would be elected by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. However, it is constitutional exceptions and sub-clauses like the one above that give the issue its gravity. Its in the same vein as asking, Can the Queen really disband the army, permanently dissolve parliament, and declare war? to which the answer is both yes and no - yes because she technically can, and no because attempting any of them without parliamentary consent would immediately delegitimise the monarchy. This paradox alone reveals the absurdity of constitutional monarchy; the more it is relevant, in other words, the less it is welcome. But it also distracts attention from the very real powers that the monarchy routinely does exercise. In the UK at least, the monarchys powers exercise a far greater hold on public life and imagination. Its exemption from Freedom of Information requests, for example. Or the oath of allegiance that all MPs are still coerced into swearing just to keep their jobs. Or the Church of Englands 26 Lords Spiritual, that have the power to amend laws that apply to a now largely agnostic population. Or the monarchs power to exercise the royal prerogative, without parliaments consent, in times of emergency. These are not issues about which one can reasonably remain agnostic. Either youre for the existence of a constitutional monarchy with such latent powers, or youre not. The chief tenet of Republicanism is that the citizenry is not the property of any Sovereign. The price of apathy her - the trade-off, if you will - is a life of comfort and servitude or a life of freedom and the accompanying anxiety. The latency of Her Majestys powers makes their very existence intolerable, much as a prisoner in Benthams Panopticon finds his life intolerable even if no one is watching him. My Australian grandparents - atheists, socialists, republicans - may not speak for Australia, but their logic is impeccable: Why the bloody hell should we listen to an old English lady twelve-thousand miles away? Why indeed. Its just a quack across the pond, and the British will soon have to deal with a much larger, more fatuous quack when Prince Charles is hired for the job hes been spent his life waiting for. In the mean time, we can all, Aussies and Brits, console ourselves with one of those ironies of history that are too good not to be true. If, as the evidence suggests, Edward IV (1442-1483), First Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, was indeed illegitimate, then so is Elizabeth II. This was the premise of a 2004 Channel 4 documentary called Britains Real Monarchy, which claimed that Edwards younger brother, George, Duke of Clarence, was the legitimate king. As it happens, the rightful King of England was Michael Abney-Hastings - an Australian family man and committed Republican. It has emerged that the construction materials used in the new building included Reynobond ACM PE panels, the same substance which contributed to the catastrophic inferno which killed at least 80 people in early June this year. The developers of the student accommodation, BAM Properties LTD, said that although the cladding met all fire safety and building regulations, and the company has previously claimed that they would not replace the cladding, it will be replaced in order to reassure future occupants of their safety. However, at its tallest point, The Shield will stand above 18 metres, which is the current maximum height at which the Reynobond cladding can be used as set out by the government. As a result, BAM Properties, contractor BAM Construction and owner Curlew Capital issued a joint statement that although they have every confidence in the safety of The Shield building they will immediately begin the process of replacing the cladding. In addition, they added that they appreciate that the recent publicity surrounding the use of Reynobond panels on the buildings may cause concern to future and potential occupants, pending the outcome of the investigations into the causes of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire. The student accommodation market in Newcastle is highly competitive. Our scheme offers a very high standard of accommodation and we do not want any concerns to stand in the way of its attractiveness to students. In order to reassure occupants, the parties have decided therefore to remove the Reynobond cladding panels from the scheme. They will be replaced with solid zinc panels. In terms of time scale, it is estimated the replacement will take around 14 weeks. Switzerland is notoriously a very expensive country to visit, but Basel has slightly cheaper prices and can even be friendly towards a limited budget, so it's a much more accessible Swiss option for students. Plus, although Basel is a city that looks back fondly on its history and is so proud of its past, it also embraces the future. This provides the perfect combination for students looking for a little bit of Switzerland to themselves. Despite its Old Town and museums, Basel, in fact, feels like a young city. Whilst the high street in its shopping district is home to international chain brands such as H&M, side-streets offer an eclectic mix of independent retailers catering to the cities younger inhabitants. On the river, youll see local teenagers canoeing and if you continue to head north, youll find lots of street art. The young feeling to the city is also helped by the university, which has two separate sprawling campuses. But, Basel only has a few nightclubs, which makes for an early night. Because most dont live locally, hotel staff often dont have much of an idea regarding the nightlife either, which is a pitfall of the city depending on outside employ so much. Though there are few nightclubs and a handful of bars, the restaurants make up for this. Fondue is usually enjoyed only as a winter treat by the Swiss natives, but no matter what time of year you visit, a trip to Switzerland surely isnt complete without dipping chunks of a slightly stale baguette into melted cheese. Restaurant Steinbock in the city centre is a good recommendation for this. Established for over 50 years, the restaurant is rustically furnished and the owner himself seems like part of the furniture. There is surely no part of Basel that he doesnt know about. Here youll pay about 25 francs for fondue. Drinking tap water is a good tip and youre probably drinking water of the same quality as bottled mineral water in the UK. Its also quite important to remember that few restaurants in Basel will offer a student discount, so check the menu carefully before ordering. Similarly, it is a good idea to find a cafe or a hotel that offers an all you can eat breakfast. If your hotel doesnt offer this, there will probably be one a short stroll away that does. One of the local Swiss delicacies you have to try aside from fondue is a Butterbrezel. Like the name suggests, it is like a soft, buttery pretzel. A butterbrezel is also a lot like a sandwich; it is cut in half and filled with either meat, salad or cheese and costs around five francs from a delicatessen. It can be quite difficult to eat without the contents dripping or falling out, but its still nice to try even though you probably wont rush back for a second one. Another attraction which boasts a younger crowd is Basel Zoo, which is Switzerlands oldest and largest. The zoo has all the favourites including giraffes, elephants and cheetahs. They also offer a reduced price for EU students, so it is well worth a visit. Basel is a city that is great for a weekend visit, though you would probably get bored if you spent a whole week here. The city is small, and is inviting for this very reason, but a lot of what the city has to offer can be experienced very quickly. If you are staying for longer than a week, you could consider a day in neighbouring Zurich or Bern which are no more than an hours drive away. They are both serviced by regular trains, or the even more affordable FlixBus service, which departs from Basel City Airport. Despite the drawbacks from its small size, Basel remains a beautiful city to visit. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. 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The plan would increase truck traffic by an estimated 70 trucks per hour going in and out of the neighborhood during the hauling period each year, along with the additional air and noise pollution caused by the diesel trucks and large, remaining piles of sediment, the city said. While the annual hauling period is 75 days, the Corps plan is expected to be in effect for the next 30 to 40 years. Wabasha city administrator Chad Springer said the city is in talks with the Corps to see what can be changed. They have told us they will be looking at all the options, Springer said. We are continuing dialogue with the Corps and have been in contact almost daily. The plan outlines Corps requirement to remove and permanently place more than 10 million cubic yards of dredged material from the Mississippi Rivers Lower Pool 4 during the next 40 years. The plan would use four on-shore placement and transfer sites with river access, which include two sites closer to Wabasha, a temporary site, and the Alma Marina. That would require about 470 acres of farmland in Minnesota and Wisconsin to permanently store the sand, and there was potential for eminent domain to be used to seize the needed property. The stretch of water to be dredged is between Wabasha and Buffalo, Wis., and the area accounts for about 40 percent of the dredging in that district. Col. Sam Calkins, St. Paul District commander, said when announcing that the deadline for public comment would be yet again pushed back that they wanted stakeholders and the public have enough time to provide comments. After receiving requests from local stakeholders to extend the deadline earlier this week, I decided an extension would provide the opportunity to ensure we have a common understanding of the way forward to complete the plan collaboratively, Calkins said. In addition to state and federal legislators from Minnesota and Wisconsin writing letters to the Corps, the city of Wabasha has formed a special group to lobby against the plans. In mid-July, the city hired a team of people including Flaherty & Hood P.A., a law and government relations firm from Minneapolis that specializes in regulatory and environmental issues. Bolton & Menk, an engineering firm with offices throughout Minnesota and Iowa; and Dan McDougal, a dredging professional who started the company Dredge America. They are requesting the Corps freeze plans to hold dredged material near the city, and to work with the city, state agencies, state and federal lawmakers and the public to select an alternative site.ww Speaker Emmanuel Nuquay Hon. Emmanuel Nuquay Speaker 53rd National Legislature Republic of Liberia Ref: Liberia Belongs to Liberians As the House of Senate violates Chapter V Article 34 of our Constitution to protect foreign interest; the House of Representatives must reject US$59.5 million Pre-Financing Loan Agreement in favor of a bogus Chinese-owned Company, East International Group Incorporated. Dear Speaker Nuquay: It is with unrestrained patriotism after 170 years of our nations independence, I am compelled to send my second communication to your office since your ascendancy as Speaker. Though our nation is yet to make genuine progress parallel to its age (170 years), but we can begin to chart a new course henceforth. Liberia and Liberians deserve far better after 170 years of trekking on a journey to nowhere. The fact after all these years is that the promises of our independence are yet too far from fruition. While Ghana, a nation born in 1957 is launching Satellite in space, we are still discussing access to safe drinking water. While Rwanda is now manufacturing first-class laptops, we are still discussing access to electricity even in Monrovia. How come we are the fourth poorest country after 170 years? It is time to find concrete answers to these prevailing dilemmas as a nation and a people. The need to evolve a patriotic, systematic and pragmatic chain of change through Liberianization cannot be overemphasized. There is a national urgency to guarantee a pro-Liberian and pro-Poor agenda through legislative enactments and/or decisions. Based upon this rational background of forward-thinking and common sense of solidarity, my case is enveloped herein to you and your colleagues. Hon. Speaker, there is an ongoing debate about pro-Liberians and pro-Foreigners. I dont know which side of this debate are you, but I am on the side of pro-Liberians. Though we may not agree on every issue, but one issue we may always agree on regardless of our divergence in thoughts is that Liberia belongs to Liberians. Yes, this is an undeniable reality that is even unequivocally inscribed in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. If this is true, then the government especially the National Legislature must endeavor at all times to protect the heritage of our nation and the interest of its people. Hon. Speaker, about 2 months ago, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf forwarded a US$59.5 million Pre-Financing Loan Agreement to your office seeking legislative endorsement for a bogus Chinese-owned company (East International Group) to pave 30 roads even though her government has only 5 months to democratically turn power over. Beyond this end, I am particularly concerned about how some unpatriotic and cash-infused Senators grossly violated our Constitution by passing this bad deal instead of concurring. According to the 1986 Constitution of Liberia Chapter V Article 34 D(i): All revenue bills, whether subsidies, charges, imports, duties or taxes and other financial bills shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills.. This Law has always been succinct. Unfortunately, the Senate under the self-seeking leadership of Pro Tempore Armah Z. Jallah through a disingenuous scheme went ahead and passed such agreement, which contravenes our Constitution. I thought to bring this matter to the attention of you and other members of the House of Representatives. At the same time, I am calling on the House of Senate to recall or reverse such decision because it contradicts constitutional procedures and common logic. It is also important to remind you about your foremost obligation and loyalty to Liberia and Liberians only. Again, we want to call on the House of Representatives to immediately reject this bogus US$59.5 million Pre-Financing Loan Agreement. Hon. Speaker, you must never even think about putting such matter in the Houses agenda or on the floor for discussion because it is against the interest of our nation. In all of these especially with just 2 months to Liberias historic democratic transition, the masses of our people are watching and they would reward every presidential, vice presidential and legislative candidates at the polls. It is good to remind members of the House of Representatives that those who will vote on October 10, 2017 are Liberians, and not Chinese. The fate of those who continue to compromise our peoples interest will be decided by angry Liberian voters through the ballots. The 72 Representatives you currently preside over owe it to our nation and people and this allegiance must be demonstrated through the decisions you make. At all times, patriotism must lead your thoughts and deeds. The Legislature must do everything possible to always guarantee Liberias ultimate interest. Having carefully read and meticulously analyzed this 15-page Pre-Financing Loan Agreement since it was first submitted by Madam President for enactment, these are my cogent conclusions: 1. This US$59.5 million Pre-Financing Loan Agreement is a BAD DEAL due to its selective and skeptical nature. Whose interest is East International Group a company without any proven international record in construction and engineering? 2. It unravels high risk of losses for Liberia and puts East International Group in a gainful and profiteering parameter. Why wasnt there any competitive bidding process, which contravenes Part V Section 46 of our PPCC Law? 3. It discourages local dominance of our economy and promotes foreign control, which has a downward impact on growth and development. Additionally, this deal is an unpatriotic attempt to sideline Liberian-owned companies and render them vulnerably inactive and worthless. 4. This deal disfigures the true essence of the Liberianization Policy and contradicts Section 45.1 of our PPCC Law, which even highlights Margin of Preference: A Procuring Entity may grant a Margin of Preference to Domestic Businesses, or Liberian Businesses, or Solely-Liberian Owned Businesses, as defined under this Act, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commissioners. 5. This deal, which indicates that East International Group Incorporated has exclusive authority to subcontract Liberian-owned companies and engineers at will, gives this foreign company unparalleled leverage and monopoly to control this sector. How can you award a contract of 30 roads to East International Group alone? This means that Liberian contractors and companies will turn into mere beggars to East International Group before getting contracts. Furthermore, are our engineers and companies only good enough to be subcontracted? May God bless our nation and its people as I remain optimistic of THE BEST DECISION in our interest. Patriotically yours, Martin K. N. Kollie Youth & Student Activist martinkerkula1989@yahoo.com Cc: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Vice President Joseph Boakai Senate Pro Temp Armah Z. Jallah Chief Justice Francis Korkpor Liberia Council of Churches National Muslim Council of Liberia National Traditional Council All Political Parties US Embassy European Union ECOWAS UNMIL/UN Martin K. N. Kollie is a Liberian youth and student activist, a columnist and an emerging economist who hails from Bong County. He currently studies Economics at the University of Liberia and is a Lux-in-Tenebris Scholar. Martin is a loyal stalwart of the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP). He can be reached at: martinkerkula1989@yahoo.com What is your take? Please post your comments below: A La Crosse man turned to his passenger and grabbed a loaded firearm during a traffic stop early Monday as a La Crescent officer approached his car. Are you ready for this? Wyatt Helfrich asked his passenger, according to court records. Helfrich, 19, fired at officer Ryan Quanrud during the stop for speeding and other infractions about 1:30 a.m. on Hwy. 16 near Millers Corner, according to the complaint filed Wednesday in Houston County District Court charging him and his passenger with attempted murder and other crimes. The officer took cover and returned fire with a second officer, Christopher Frick. Helfrich and passenger, 19-year-old William Wallraff of Holmen, sped off and reached speeds of 100 mph through Hokah as Wallraff fired multiple shots at pursing officers, according to the complaint. One officer in pursuit said the car would slow to lure squads closer before Wallraff fired. The car struck spike strips and drove into a ditch on Hwy. 44 near Sanden Road. Police arrested the men minutes later after they fled into a cornfield, where they left behind a 20-gauge shotgun, rifle and ammunition. Helfrich was treated for a minor injury to the back of the neck. Wallraff was not injured. Neither La Crescent officer was injured, and both are on standard administrative leave. During interviews, the men said they removed Helfrichs monitoring bracelet and planned to flee with firearms, which earlier were locked and unloaded in the backseat of the car. They grew nervous when they saw two officers early Monday at the Kwik Trip in La Crescent and loaded the firearms in the front seat before the traffic stop, according to the complaint. Prosecutors charged both men with seven crimes, including two counts each of attempted first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault and fleeing police. Both men are jailed in Houston County; Helfrich on a $500,000 conditional bond or $1 million unconditional bond and Wallraff on a $400,000 conditional bond or $800,000 unconditional bond. They return to court Aug. 14. At the time of Mondays shooting, Helfrich was free on a signature bond with GPS monitoring and house arrest issued for a possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine case in La Crosse County. Helfrich was on a signature bond in that case when he failed to appear for his preliminary hearing on June 14 and La Crosse County Circuit Judge Elliott Levine issued a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested July 9 for stealing a hat and phone charger from Shopko in Onalaska and a $1,000 cash bond was imposed by Circuit Judge Scott Horne. Circuit Judge Todd Bjerke converted it to a $2,500 signature bond on July 17. Minnesotas Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating and will turn its findings to the Winona County Attorneys Office. Two 19-year-old men who engaged La Crescent police in a gunfight before fleeing at speeds up to 100 mph face assault and attempted murder charges when they appear in Houston County District Court. Wyatt Helfrich of La Crosse is jailed in La Crosse County and likely will not fight extradition to Minnesota to face charges of felony assault and fleeing police when he returns to court Wednesday, his attorney said in court Tuesday. His co-defendant is identified in court records as William Wallraff, who is jailed in Houston County for attempted murder. Two La Crescent officers stopped their car about 1:30 a.m. Monday on Hwy. 16 for speeding and other driving infractions, according court records. At least one of the men shot at an officer when he exited his squad car, according to court documents. Police returned fire, and the men fled, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph while firing at pursuing officers. The chase ended when the suspects crashed into a bean field near Hwy. 44 and Sanden Road, according to court documents. They ran into the field and later surrendered. One of the men told police they left a shotgun, a rifle and ammunition in the field. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is conducting the investigation, did not identify who was driving the car and who shot at police. Helfrich was treated for a gunshot wound to the back of the neck. Wallraff was not injured. Neither officer was injured, and both are on administrative leave. La Crosse County prosecutors on May 11 charged Helfrich with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine as party to the crime after La Crosse police found 7.9 grams of meth inside a vehicle in which he was a passenger, according to the complaint. At the time of Mondays shooting, he was free on a signature bond with GPS monitoring and house arrest. Wallraff does not have a criminal record in Wisconsin or Minnesota. Seeking to find alternatives to a new highway, La Crosse city leaders are moving to take action on a five-year-old plan to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians. Earlier this week a committee gave preliminary approval to study a redesign of West Avenue and King Street, and another committee is scheduled to vote Thursday on a resolution to release $50,000 authorized in the 2016 capital improvements budget to pay for directional signage on recognized bike routes and five future neighborhood greenways. Thats less than 1 percent of the roughly $6 million the city is slated to spend on road construction this year. La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat said hes happy to see the council moving forward on active transportation even as the city prepares to sink an extra $2.5 million in reserve funds into roads next year. The number one priority each and every day is the accelerated street improvements, he said. Were not neglecting one for the other. The idea behind the signs, put forth earlier this year by the citys Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, is to prioritize projects that can be done right away even while more politically contentious projects have to wait. Basically what this is doing is putting up signs and connecting through paint and bikeway signage to tell people how to get where they actually need to go, said James Longhurst, an adviser to the committee. For a lot of the infrastructure weve built over the last several years we havent done a good job of telling people where it is. Longhurst points to the Bud Hendrickson Bridge, a $4 million footbridge on the citys North Side. Completed in 2015 after years of planning, the bridge is a key connector between Onalaska and La Crosse, yet many people dont know its there. That project took decades and millions of dollars, he said. To go the last step and spend a little money to put some signs up is low-hanging fruit. King Street corridor On Monday, the Board of Public Works authorized the city to draw up engineering plans to redesign the intersection of West Avenue and King Street, designated as a future bike boulevard. Plans developed out of public meetings recommend installing raised medians to restrict left turns at the intersection and block automobiles cross-traffic while providing cyclists and pedestrians a refuge while crossing the four-lane highway that separates much of the citys south side from downtown. Only 3 to 7 percent of peak-hour traffic turns left at the intersection, according to a consultant firms study. Most motorists turn at the signalized intersections of Main and Cass, one block in either direction from King. A separate study by the La Crosse Area Planning Committee found West Avenue has the highest number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes in the region. In 2011, 55-year-old Michael Stoker suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by a car while crossing at King Street. The resolution doesnt authorize construction, but assistant city planner Lewis Kuhlman said with engineering plans in hand, the project has a better chance to qualify for federal transportation funding that would cover 80 percent of the cost. Council president Martin Gaul said modifying an intersection will upset some people, but the city should go forward with relatively easy and inexpensive improvements like signage. The more people we can get to ride bikes takes one more car off the streets, Gaul said. The two resolutions mark some of the citys first real steps to implement a bicycle and pedestrian master plan that was adopted in 2012. Weve checked some small things off, said Carolyn Dvorak, La Crosse ambassador for the Wisconsin Bike Fed and an adviser to the city on active transportation. This is really an attempt to make some significant movement. The plan calls for constructing seven miles of bike boulevard on portions of Avon, King Street, 17th, 22nd and Farnam streets. Construction is scheduled for later this year on 17th, which would be the citys first. Also known as greenways, bike boulevards use pavement markings and traffic-calming devices to slow motorized traffic and make a more comfortable environment for all users. They are generally recommended for low-traffic streets that run parallel to larger thoroughfares. The bike/ped advisory committee also has recommended immediate completion of the King Street boulevard, which could be two or three years out. Dvorak said the recommendations were made with an eye toward improving north-south connections and reducing some rush-hour motor traffic, which has been a priority for Kabat as he seeks to avoid construction of a new highway. The Department of Transportation has identified six potential strategies designed to improve safety and alleviate congestion on the areas three north-south corridors. All include significant new pavement, to the consternation of neighborhood and environmental groups. City residents blocked similar plans in a 1998 referendum, though the $138 million project remains on the states list of approved projects. Kabat, who has been frustrated with the efforts of neighboring municipalities to reduce vehicle traffic and encourage alternative modes of transportation, said the city is not waiting on other entities to address the issue. Were moving forward with these very viable solutions, Kabat said. And were doing it with local funds. Hamlin senior throws standout Gracelyn Leiseth headed to Florida Hamlin's Gracelyn Leiseth to compete in women's track and field at the University of Florida. The historic Julia Belle Swain, which last plied the Mississippi River under its own power in 2008, now may do so next year, after delays from previous target dates in 2013. And 2014. And 2015. And 2016. And this year. Just when it looked as if the craft one of just a few steam-powered stern-wheelers in the country might meet its end as a rust bucket moored along the Black River in La Crosse, a group of paddle-wheel fans with a vision for a renewed future formed the nonprofit Save the Julia Belle Swain Committee and bought it from Bob Kalhagen for $250,000 in 2013. Kalhagen had bought the vessel for $500,000 in 1994 and operated it out of La Crosse between 1995 and 2008 until the recession forced him to shut down the business. The initial plan was to rehabilitate it during the winter of 2013-14 and launch its second life in 2014. Too much work remained, and the original plan to have the work done in the comfort of SkipperLiners indoor dry dock ran aground when that boat builder itself foundered. In 2014, the Julia Belle was towed to Dubuque, Iowa, where it had been built and launched in 1971, for major dismantling and extensive iron work to restore its dilapidated infrastructure both below and above the waterline. The committee, now named the Julia Belle Foundation, had the 108-by-26-foot Belle towed back to La Crosse in August 2015 to continue its facelift and renovations of everything inside, from stem to stern, port to starboard and below the waterline to the top of the pilot house. The work has included a new paint job, new cabin walls bumped out a bit to increase the inside space, insulation it didnt have before, a new boiler and generators, as well as new aluminum windows with an antique appearance, LED lighting, air conditioning and other creature comforts it didnt have in its previous life. This time last year, the 108-by-26-foot moored on the Black near Loggers Field at Copeland Park resembled a beehive, with metal workers, welders and other craftsmen swarming above and below decks. It recently has appeared more like a ghost ship to some, although work continues slowly, such as painting the walkway around the second deck, as Capt. Eric Dykman was doing Tuesday. It was obvious that we had a substantial amount of work to do and little time to get it done for the 2017 season, JBS Foundation President John Desmond said in an email Wednesday in answer to a phone message. We made the decision to continue the restoration but at a more restrained pace. Foundation board members originally had projected the project's total cost at $1 million, including the purchase price, but it has far surpassed $2 million. Asked about indications that the foundation is strapped for cash, Desmond said with a laugh, "Money is always short let me count the ways" but said it is experiencing "no problems worth mentioning." Logistics Health Inc. founder and CEO Don Weber has been one of the major benefactors of the project, which also has received other substantial donations and is seeking grants as a nonprofit. Costs ballooned at every bend in the river, such as instances in which workers trying to restore the walls found that coats of paint and putty over the years had covered irreparable flaws and weakened structure. They needed replacement instead of repairing, and the foundation opted for aluminum instead of wood. The foundation has opted for top-notch materials throughout, a dedication Desmond has explained by saying, "We're fixing it for the next 50 years. The Belle now has a new boiler, generator, electricity, insulation, support poles, air conditioning, new restrooms and filigree and made of metal rather than the wood that had rotted before it, the captain pointed out. Dykman and Dillon Connor, who also has done yeoman work on the boat in both Dubuque and La Crosse and is expected to be the Belle's engineer, were able to dismantle and rebuild the original engines, which are more than 100 years old. The paddle wheel, which was decrepit and had rotting planks as it gathered cobwebs and hosted insects and critters on shore, will have new metal spokes, awaiting assembly near the boat. Custom Fab and Machine in La Crosse crafted them in half-moon sections that will be joined and fastened to the axle, then be outfitted with new wood paddles. Barry Blomquist, considered the architectural and nautical brain for the project, spent more than 400 hours restoring the old Belles calliope not only to its former glory but also beyond, including new pipes machined at Custom Fab and digital electronics. Blomquist, who could not be reached for comment on the Julia Belle project, came by his mastery of boat building honestly and by virtue of hard work. He founded Mid-City Steel Fabricating in 1971 as a one-man shop at the age of 26 and sold it in 2007, having built it into an employer of 80 or so workers. Mid-City was a subcontractor for SkipperLiner. The calliope will return to the boat, in new surroundings, when the boat is ready to embark on its new role as a combination excursion boat and floating classroom, as an educational component is required for nonprofit status. Of course, that wont happen until the U.S. Coast Guard pulls its oars from the water, after monitoring the work and condition of the craft from the beginning. Since the restoration was so substantial we need a complete review by the Coast Guard, Desmond said. The JBS Foundation is anxious to get this project completed and the JBS restored to service, Desmond said. We expect 2018 to be the year. It's our annual Labour Weekend tradition ...The Sound 'Hall Of Fame' Countdown... Where we honor the greatest 500 songs of all time as voted by you. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has been roped in as ambassador of Ayurvedic personal care brand Lever AYUSH. The actor believes Ayurveda can be the answer to most of the modern lifestyle problems. Hindustan Unilever Ltd has launched an exclusive range of Ayurvedic personal care products, and Akshay Kumar has been signed on as its face, read a statement issued by the brand on Wednesday. "Ayurveda has been an integral part of our culture for years. I personally believe that it answers most of the modern lifestyle problems, which is found in simple natural remedies that have always been a part of our roots," Akshay said. Talking about the series of advertisements that he has shot for the brand, the "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" star said: "I always look forward to new experiences, and this shoot was definitely a memorable one. What better way to connect with audiences than in a language that embodies our rich culture just like Ayurveda." In the video, Akshay is seen chanting verses in Sanskrit and referring to a "granth". The products will be available starting from August. In the eastern and western states, the launch is slated for September. Commenting on the launch of the new range, Sandeep Kohli, Executive Director and Vice President Personal Care, Hindustan Unilever, said: "Akshay Kumar is the perfect choice for our brand as there is a genuine synergy between our philosophy and his belief in the power of Ayurveda." Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu, who turned 30 on Tuesday, is keen to play a gritty character in the social thriller film Mulk. I'm confident of this film to find a place in the audience's heart as the content is very relevant. The best part of doing a social thriller is you get a chance to present a story that's been happening around all of us but no one really bothers to address it, Taapsee said as quoted by news agencies. The film is scheduled for October release. The actress from New Delhi received high praise for her work in her past films 'Baby', 'Naam Shabana' and 'Pink'. Currently, Taapsee is shooting for Judwaa 2 and has signed for the social thriller. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Mulk will also feature veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and Prateik Babbar and will be shot in Lucknow and Varanasi. Based on true events, Mulk is a story of a joint family that is trying to reclaim their lost honour in society. While Arundhati Roys comeback novel has once again made the cut for the just announced Man Booker Prize longlist, the other books that are running for the 50,000 pound award make it one of the most diverse lists in the race for a literary award in the recent years. Roy's comeback novel "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" is the most celebrated book in the list, which also comprises several other literary heavyweights as well as three debutant writers. For the judges, Roy's is "a rich and vital book," but a close look at the longlist reveals that the other contenders for the much coveted prize are on an equal footing. The judges, according to a Youtube video released by the Prize committee, went through over 150 books in a "relatively short span of time" and were thoroughly impressed by so many unusual and beautiful novels. For author Sarah Hall, a member of the judging panel, it's been "a thrill to sit down and discover them". Another member of the panel, Lila Azam Zanganeh, felt that the longlist clearly reflects the "state of fiction today". Arundhati Roy's entry into the longlist, despite her rich credentials and having been a past winner, does not yet guarantee the final victory primarily because the judging panel has overlooked new novels by former Booker winners Salman Rushdie and Roddy Doyle. The reason? All other books which have made the cut deserve the place. Consider "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid, for instance. The book poignantly transports the readers to a world or time in the future where migration is peaceful and where people are open to accepting others. Between the lines, the author reminds us that ultimately we have more in common with "others" than the sum total of our differences. Marked by careful symbolisms and imageries, the novel stands to serve the purpose of fiction. Similarly, Paul Auster's "4321," which is an exploration of one man's four simultaneous lives has been deemed "magisterial" by the judges and is one of the most promising contenders in the list. There is also George Saunders, a noted short-story writer whose first novel "Lincoln in the Bardo" is based on Abraham Lincoln's visits to the graveyard where his 11-year-old son has been laid to rest. An instant choice by readers of fiction, this book attracted much critical media acclaim in the US. One should also not ignore "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead. Based on the troublesome life of a female slave who is trying to escape from a Georgia cotton plantation, the offering has already bagged the Pulitzer and the National Book Award for fiction in the US. "Autumn" by Ali Smith has been described by the judging panel as "humane, zany, delightful, optimistic" while "Swing Time" by Zadie Smith is the classic story of the friendship and rivalry between two London girls who meet at a dance class. Also in the race for the prize this year are four UK and four US authors; there are two from Ireland, two UK-Pakistanis. Of the 13 shortlisted entries, the ratio is seven men to six women. Three novels which have made it to the list are from independent publishers while three others are by first-time writers. Even as Arundhati Roy is the most celebrated name in the longlist, the Man Booker has often surprised readers across the globe with its verdict. For now, the race seems too close to call until the winner is announced on October 17. Even after a day a case was registered in the incident of chopping of braids of three women in Chawal area of South West Delhi, police are still clueless. Three cases were registered on Monday at Chawala police station after three women reported that their braids were chopped while sleeping. In a press conference on Monday, DCP Surender Kumar told reporters that the villagers are suspecting the involvement of witchcrafts. But police are investigating the incident. "We have deployed police teams in civil dresses in the area to probe the incident. We are also analysing the CCTV footages of the area to get any clue of the incident," said the DCP. Villagers of Kanganheda in Chawala are having sleepless nights. Sri Devi, 58, one of the victims, whose braids were chopped off on Sunday is terrified. "While sleeping, I felt someone was plugging my ponytail. I ignored it initially, but after half-an-hour when I woke up, I found myself lying on the floor with braids chopped off," Sri Devi told The Statesman. However, other victims Munish and Omvati, refused to discuss the incident and kept themselves locked in their rooms. "Since the incident, she has not come out of her house. Her kids told us she is very sad and disturbed," said Lokesh, a neighbour. Her husband Manohar is also terrified with the incident. He said, "This is unusual and I did not hear anything like this before." Manoj said the villagers are frightened and scared. "No one is sleeping. All are worried," said Manoj. The village youth believe that some gang is involved. But some elders blamed it for black magic, sin or evil spirits. Babu Kishor, 79, a shopkeeper, said the women are targeted for the sins committed by the villagers. "There are possibilities that some evil spirits are behind it," said Babu Kishor. Till the time the reasons behind the mysterious incidents are revealed, villagers are trying various ways to stop recurrence of such incidents. Prayers, night vigil and and staying together are some of the steps they have adopted. "There is no clue yet and no arrest has been done. We hope to get some breakthrough very soon," said a senior police officer. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday filed the status report in the Gudia gangrape-murder case in Himachal Pradesh High Court in a sealed cover. The Division Bench of Himachal High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma asked the CBI to file a fresh status report in the court on 17 August. The CBI sought three months time for investigation, citing it a sensitive case. The plea of the central agency was, however, opposed by the state, with Advocate General Shrawan Dogra contending that there was so much public pressure on the issue and the CBI should move fast in the case. The Gudia case investigation was handed over to the CBI on state governments plea on 19 July. The government was almost forced to refer the case to CBI in the wake of public outburst against the state police on the issue. Sixteen-year-old Gudia had gone missing after school hours on 4 July from Kotkhai area of Shimla district. Her body was found in the woods near her school in Kotkhai on 6 July. The autopsy report confirmed rape and strangulation. The state police had made six arrests in the case on 12 and 13 July, out of which one of the accused, a Nepalese, was later killed in police lockup allegedly by another accused on 19 July, leading to public outrage against the state police. A day after scrapping funds to the 28 Delhi University colleges, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday wrote to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) asking for an audit of these colleges after receiving complaints of corruption against them. Sisodia in a series of tweets alleged that with no governing bodies, the 28 colleges need a CAG audit, as there are complaints of corruption. "Have written to CAG asking for comprehensive audit of 28 Delhi government funded colleges, as I h've received many complaints of corruption," Sisodia tweeted. "28 colleges need CAG audit as there are complaints of corruption; with no Governing bodies for 10 months, there's been no oversight," he said. On 31July, Sisodia ordered to freeze funds of 28 Delhi University colleges ~ who are wholly or partially funded by the Delhi government~ following the varsity's failure to appoint governing bodies for over 10 months. Sisodia, who holds education and finance portfolios, also posted a letter from BJP MP Udit Raj on his Twitter handle, complaining of alleged irregularities in appointments to government funded colleges. "Hv also got a complaint from @Dr_Uditraj on irregularities in appointments in a govt funded college. This is proof of what's going on in DU," Sisodia said. "What BJP leaders and its devotees have to say about the corruption issue raised by Udit ji in DU colleges," he added. On 14 February 2017, Delhi University had sent a panel of names to Delhi government following which the Directorate of Higher Education, had sent the governing body list in 6 March, for approval by Executive Council (EC). However, it was sent back by the Vice Chancellor's office after two months on the pretext of, that the list is in tabular form. On 11 May, the Delhi government returned the list in the correct format. However, since then, the Delhi University is yet to take any decision to finalise the governing bodies. Protests continued on Wednesday in different parts of Assam over the killing of All Bodoland Minority Students' Union (ABMSU) leader Lafikul Islam by unidentified gunmen in Korajhar district on Tuesday while police said that efforts are on to apprehend the culprits. The ABMSU and All Minority Students' Union (AMSU) on Wednesday held road blockades in different places demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into Islam's brutal killing and condemning the failure of the police to contain law and order situation in the district. At some places, protesters even burned tyres. Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered at Islam's house in Salakati on Wednesday to take part in the last rites. Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay, who had rushed to Kokrajhar last night, reviewed the situation with the top police officials in the district on Wednesday and assured to book the culprits soon. "It is too early to pin point to anyone as of now. There could be involvement of militants or there could be some other angle. We are working on all the angles to trace the culprits," he told media persons in Kokrajhar on Wednesday. "A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the killing and police are working on to trace the culprits," he said, adding Islam was shot at with small arms. Sahay noted that the student leader was given three personal security officers, but was without them when the attack took place. "The attackers must have taken advantage of his decision to roam without the PSOs," he said. He said additional forces have been deployed in and around the district so that the situation does not go beyond control. Admitting that there are illegal arms in Bodoland Territorial Areas Districts (BTAD) region, he said that police have been launching continuous operation against the menace and lots of illegal arms have already been seized by police and security forces. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also rushed Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma and Excise Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya to Kokrajhar to take stock of the situation there. Following the suggestion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that people should only give books and single rose as gifts to him, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday issued a government order emulating this. Principal Secretary, Information, Avanish Kumar Awasthi said that from now, in all government functions, big and small, instead of big and expensive flower bouquets, a single flower or books will now on be gifted. He said that this decision has been taken to cut down on unnecessary expenses and added that a copy of the GO has been sent to all departments and officials for compliance. Youth Congress leader Vikram Goud, who was injured in a firing last week, had stage-managed the incident and struck the deal for Rs. 50 lakh with the gang he had hired to execute the plan, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy said that Goud, who was still undergoing treatment at a hospital, was under police surveillance and would be arrested once he is discharged. The police also arrested five other accused while the search was on for three others. The arrested include Raees Khan, a native of Indore, who had opened two rounds on Goud. Goud has been booked for abetment to commit crime, criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, giving false information to police and for possessing and using illegal firearm. Goud, son of former Andhra Pradesh Minister Mukesh Goud, was injured in the firing at his residence in upscale Banjara Hills area at 3.30am on 28 July. He had told the police that two assailants riding a bike barged into his house and opened fire. The police investigations, however, revealed that Goud had himself planned the attack and hired a gang to execute it. Goud, who also produced some Telugu films and had investments in real estate and other businesses, had hoped to gain public sympathy in Jubliee Hills constituency in Hyderabad from where he is planning to contest next assembly elections in 2019. He also wanted to use the incident as an excuse to avoid some businessmen pressurising him to repay the loans. Thed police arrested Nand Kumar, Sheikh Ahmed, Babujaan and Govind Reddy, all hailing from Kadapa and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh. The police chief said the arrests were made during searches across five states Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Of the Rs 50 lakh that Vikram Goud had promised to the gang to shoot at him, he had paid Rs 14 lakh and had made all arrangements. The gang had purchased a firearm from Indore and along with ammunition it was kept at his house since it was brought to Hyderabad early July. The police recovered the weapon, which the accused had thrown into a pond in Sheikhpet area after the incident. In a scathing attack on the Centre for delaying the appointment of judges, a Calcutta High Court Bench comprising of Justices Dipankar Datta and Debi Prosad Dey on July 12, while hearing the bail plea of actor Vikram Chatterjee involving the death of a model, termed the shortage of judges as a very major problem that the oldest high court of the country was encountering. The observations came as the Bench noted that the actors bail application could not be listed on time by the court due to which he was arrested leaving his plea infructuous. The Calcutta High Court while castigating the Centres nonchalant approach on such a key issue said it was working with a little less than 50 per cent strength as the functional strength of judges in the court was only 34, while the sanctioned number was 72. The Court has warned of appropriate action if urgent steps are not taken, while asking whether the nation could think of the Parliament functioning with half its strength. The Bench said: The time is now ripe for speaking our mind out or else this premier institution, which has stood tall despite several odds, would gradually cease to lose its efficacy. The Bar and the litigant public have been tolerant so long, but this Bench cannot remain a silent spectator waiting for the inevitable ire to explode. The Centre must stop coughing up a long list of excuses and should sit on the drawing board and draw up plans to fill up all the vacancies of Judges in different High Courts without wasting any more time. There are more than 400 posts of High Court Judges that lie vacant across the country. This is not the first time this concern has been expressed. We all know fully well how former Chief Justice of India TS Thakur had expressed his utmost unhappiness over delay in appointment of Judges and said courts in the country now require more than 70,000 Judges to clear pending cases. While we (judiciary) remain keen to ensure that Judges appointments are made quickly, the machinery involved with the appointment of Judges continues to grind very slowly. The confidence of people on the judiciary has, over the years, multiplied. Over three crore cases are pending in various courts across the country, said Justice Thakur while speaking on the opening day of the centennial celebration of the Odisha High Court at Cuttack. A standoff between the judiciary and the government in the last 18 months over drafting of the new Memorandum of Procedure, the guidelines for appointing Judges, has added to the problem. It is pending mainly due to differences on its content between the executive and the collegium. It is a matter of grave concern that the friction between the two sides which repeatedly hit the headlines during the previous Chief Justice of Indias time is continuing till now. Be it noted that Justice Thakur said around 170 proposals for appointment of High Court Judges were now pending with the government. Access to justice is a fundamental right and the government cannot afford to deny the people their fundamental right, he said, adding that shortage of Judges was one of the formidable challenges faced now. Of some 900 sanctioned posts of Judges in different High Courts of the country, there are over 450 vacancies which need to be filled up immediately. He said while the Law Commission of India in 1987 had suggested having 44,000 Judges to effectively tackle the number of pending cases then, the country today has only 18,000 Judges. He also lamented earlier at a function in Delhi that the judiciary had been made the scapegoat for the mounting pendency of cases. It must be iterated that the shortage is not just confined to Calcutta High Court. It is also spread over all major states barring one or two smaller high courts. Why even in UP we see that Allahabad High Court has a sanctioned strength of 160 Judges yet not even half the vacancies are filled up. This has been going on for years. This must end now and vacancies must all be filled up on a war footing. Truly speaking, the Centre cites many reasons for why more benches cannot be set up in big states like UP such as that there is lot of opposition from the High Court itself. Agreed! But who will dispute that huge vacancies in all big courts like Allahabad High Court where more than 10 lakh cases are pending must be filled up completely. This is just not in order. There is no shortage of talented lawyers who are fit to become High Court Judges. But the Centre is not ready to fill the vacancies. The Centre is also the biggest litigator due to which we see so many cases piling up in courts. Though there are no official figures, the government is a party in about half of the countrys 27 million pending cases. Now coming back to the main subject, the Calcutta High Court has criticised the Centre for delay in appointment of Judges, while asking whether the nation could think of the Parliament functioning with half its strength. The Division Bench said, Immediate action is called for to appoint maximum number of Judges to prevent the justice delivery system from collapsing, which seems to be imminent. The Court asked the Union Law Minister to intervene and give top priority to appointing Judges. The Bench minced no words in making it absolutely clear that, the politeness of this Bench may not be understood as weakness on its part to be firm. It is made clear that continued silence of the Central government in the matter of appointment of Judges in the near future, despite the concerns expressed in this order, would certainly be viewed seriously as interference in the course of administration of justice and followed by appropriate action as authorised in law. Let me be direct in asking why the Centre is not ensuring that the vacancies of High Court Judges are filled up? Why is the Centre not serious on this? Why does the Centre not realise that merely saying it wants to reduce judicial backlog and not taking any steps to do so will only lead the nation to disaster? This situation alone explains why the Bench had to be so harsh. The Benchs observations came after it could not hear an anticipatory bail plea for more than a month after it was filed on June 5. The petitioner was arrested on July 6 and the plea was junked by the Bench on July 12 as infructuous. The Bench further said that by February 2018, 10 Judges will retire, cutting the strength to 24 if no fresh appointment is made by that time. The Bench rightly asserted, Working at less than 50 per cent strength, disposal of proceedings in this court have been quite high Nonetheless, it cannot be doubted that whatever is being achieved is far below the expectation of the litigants. The Bench asked: Can the nation think of the Lok Sabha in a functional state with half of its elected members? Similarly, can legislative assemblies function at half-strength? The answer cannot be in the affirmative. It added: The Lok Sabha and/or the Legislative Assemblies are important Constitutional entities and it would be a disgrace for the largest democracy of the world if elections were not conducted on time. The Court noted that the Centre wastes no time in filling up vacancies in bureaucratic posts. It also hammered home the crucial point that, this Bench is thus left to wonder as to why only in respect of filling up of vacancies in the High Courts, which are also high Constitutional authorities, there is such a brazen apathy and indifference of the political executive. This was a stinging rebuke of the Centre. The independence of the judiciary is regarded as a basic structure of the Constitution, rendering a particular High Court ineffective by adopting a step-motherly attitude cannot but draw the frown of a civilized society. While delivering a stern warning to the Centre to get its act together, the Court also asked the Registrar-General to intimate the Union Law Ministry about the order on priority. The Court also directed that a copy of the order be sent to Union law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad so that the matter relating to appointment of Judges in this court is given topmost priority. The Centre must take immediate action and fill up all vacancies of Judges not just in Calcutta High Court but also in other High Courts. It is the common man, especially the undertrial, who suffers the most due to lack of Judges and often ends up being in jail for more time than he would have if convicted of the charge levelled against him. (The writer is a Meerut-based advocate) The litigation relating to the Trump travel ban has brought the scope of Executive power in dealing with national security in relation to immigration law to the forefront. Whereas the Court of Appeal of the Ninth Circuit held that national security is not a talismanic incantation that once invoked can support any and all exercise of executive power, the United States Supreme Court has observed that the interest in preserving national security is an urgent objective of the highest order. President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 13769 (EO1)(Jan. 27, 2017). Named Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States, EO1 was to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States. It restricted travellers from seven majority-Muslim countries and put a temporary moratorium on refugees. EO1 suspended entry of foreign nationals from seven countries identified as presenting heightened terrorism risks Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for 90 days. It also modified refugee policy, suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days and reducing the number of refugees eligible to be admitted to the United States during fiscal year 2017. The Federal District Court entered a nationwide temporary restraining order enjoining enforcement of many of its provisions (Washington v. Trump, 2017 WL 462040, Feb. 3, 2017). The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied the Government's emergency motion to stay the order pending appeal. EO1 was then replaced by Executive Order No. 13780 (EO2) of 6 March 2017. It omitted references to religion. Also Iraq was taken out of the list. Regarding the choice of the countries the EO declared that each of the countries is a state sponsor of terrorism, has been significantly compromised by terrorist organisations, or contains active conflict zones. Any of these circumstances diminishes the foreign government's willingness or ability to share or validate important information about individuals seeking to travel to the United States. Moreover, the significant presence in each of these countries of terrorist organisations, their members, and others exposed to those organisations increases the chance that conditions will be exploited to enable terrorist operatives or sympathisers to travel to the United States. But the Federal District Court again injuncted enforcement of several of its provisions including the 90- day suspension of entry. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed. It approved the district court injunction on the ground that EO2 reflected anti-Muslim animus in clear violation of the cherished First Amendment's Establishment Clause. It observed that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment stands as an untiring sentinel for the protection of one of the most cherished founding principles that government shall not establish any religious orthodoxy, or favour or disfavour one religion over another. Congress granted the President broad powers to deny entry to aliens, but that power is also not absolute. It cannot go unchecked when the President wields it through an executive edict that stands to cause irreparable harm to individuals across the nation. In the leading case of Kleindienst v. Mandel, 408 U.S. 753 (USSC, 1972), American professors had invited Marxist journalist Mandel, a Belgian citizen. His non immigrant visa was denied under a then-existing INA provision that barred the entry of aliens who advocate the economic, international, and governmental doctrines of world communism. The American professors sued but the Supreme Court held that the longstanding principle of deference to the political branches in the immigration context limited its review of plaintiffs' challenge. It observed that Congress had plenary power to make rules for the admission of aliens and to exclude those who possess those characteristics which Congress has forbidden. The Court held that when the Executive exercises the power to exclude an alien on the basis of a facially legitimate and bona fide reason, the courts will neither look behind the exercise of that discretion, nor test it by balancing its justification against the First Amendment interests. Courts have since then continuously applied Mandel's facially legitimate and bona fide test to challenges to individual visa denials. But Government's insistence on Mandel proved futile in the present case. The Fourth Circuit concluded that EO2 cannot be divorced from the cohesive narrative linking it to the animus that inspired it and thus a reasonable observer would likely conclude that EO2's primary purpose is to exclude persons from the United States on the basis of their religious beliefs. It was thus in violation of the Establishment Clause. The majority in the Fourth Circuit concluded that the primary purpose of EO2 was religious, in violation of the First Amendment. The predominantly Muslim character of the designated countries and the Presidential campaign statements of Trump clearly suggested that the action was motivated principally by a desire to exclude Muslims from the United States, not by considerations relating to national security. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in State of Hawaii and Ismail Elshikh v. Donald J. Trump, 2017 WL 2529640 (June 12, 2017) (per curiam) outright rejected the argument that EO2 cannot be reviewed because the consular non reviewability doctrine counsels that the decision to issue or withhold a visa is not subject to judicial review. It observed that it can review both constitutional and statutory challenges to the substance and implementation of immigration policy. The Ninth Circuit held that the case is justiciable because Plaintiffs sought judicial review of EO2, contending that EO2 exceeded the statutory authority delegated by Congress and constitutional boundaries which was a familiar judicial exercise. Under Article I of the American Constitution, the power to make immigration laws is entrusted exclusively to Congress. In the INA of 1952, Congress delegated some of its power to the President through Section 212(f ), which provides that whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or non immigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate. The question before the Ninth Circuit was whether EO2 fell clearly within the President's congressionally delegated authority, which gives the President broad authority to suspend the entry of aliens or classes of aliens, but is not unlimited. This authority requires that the President find that the entry of a class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United State. But there was no sufficient finding in EO2 that the entry of the excluded classes would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Also the Order did not provide a rationale explaining why permitting entry of nationals from the six designated countries under current protocols would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. The President was required to exercise his authority only after meeting the precondition of finding that entry of an alien or class of aliens would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. As the President had not done so, hence the injunction against the EO was affirmed as it exceeded the authority Congress had delegated to the President. Section 6(a) suspended travel of refugees into the United States under USRAP and suspended decisions on ap.plications for refugee status for 120 days. But EO2 did not reveal any threat or harm to warrant suspension of USRAP for 120 days and did not support the conclusion that the entry of refugees in the interim period would be harmful. Nor did it provide any indication that vetting and screening procedures were inadequate. The Supreme Court on 26 June 2017 in Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project granted both of the Government's petitions for certiorari. It granted the Government's applications to stay the injunctions, to the extent the injunctions prevented enforcement with respect to foreign nationals who lack any bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States. It observed that the order may not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States. All other foreign nationals would be subject to the provisions of EO2. Also in the case of the suspension of refugee admissions and the refugee cap, an American individual or entity that has a bona fide relationship with a particular person seeking to enter the country as a refugee can legitimately claim concrete hardship if that person is excluded. For them the injunction would stay but for the rest the balance tipped in favor of the Government's compelling need to provide for the nation's security. Thus the stay applications were granted in part. Justice Thomas in his separate opinion held that he would vacate the lower court injunctions in their entirety, allowing EO2 to go into full effect pending a Supreme Court decision on merits. Government's implementation of the non-enjoined portions of EO2 was then challenged in State of Hawaii and Ismail Elshikh v. Donald J. Trump, et al. (United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, 13 July 2017). The District Court observed that the Government's guidance defined close familial relationship as including a parent, parent-in-law, spouse, fiance, child, adult son or daughter, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law, sibling (whether whole or half), and step relationships and thus exempt from EO2. But it did not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sistersin-law. Such a narrow construction was rejected. Referring to the June 26 Supreme Court order, the Judge observed that the Supreme Court identified illustrative, but not exhaustive, examples of close familial relationships. And when appropriately considered in the context of the June 26 order, the Government's narrowly defined list found no support in the careful language of the Supreme Court or even in the immigration statutes on which the Government relied. It observed that even the Supreme Court case law drawn from other contexts supported a broader definition of close familial relationship than that urged by the Government. On 19 July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to stay the expansive construction of the Federal Judge. It will be interesting to watch how the case unfolds before the Supreme Court in October when it is scheduled to be argued as the case may be rendered moot by that time. (The writers are Mumbai-based advocates and legal consultants) Female roles are not central to the plot in Hollywood movies, say scientists including those of Indian origin who found that stereotypes of women, race and ageing are reinforced in films. The study, which also uncovers how media communicates about race and age, was able to quantify the sophistication and the tone of language of 7,000 characters and over 53,000 dialogues in nearly 1,000 film scripts. Researchers from University of Southern California in the US analysed content of characters' language and their interactions across gender, race and age. They looked at cast, genre, the production teams across films including writers, directors and casting agents. "Writers consciously or subconsciously agree to established norms about gender that are built into their word choices," said Anil Ramakrishna, first author of the study published in the journal Proceedings of the Association for Computational Linguistics. "In an ideal world, gender is in an auxiliary fact, it has nothing to do with the way actors are presented and what they say," said Ramakrishna. Of the scripts and dialogues reviewed, men had over 37,000 dialogues; women had just over 15,000. Women portrayed just over 2,000 characters, while men portrayed almost 4,900. Overall, female characters regardless of race, tended to be about five years younger than their male counterparts. The research found that when women writers were involved in the script, female character representation on screen was on average 50 per cent higher. Researchers found that the dialogue of Latino and mixed- race characters had more dialogue related to sexuality. African-American characters had a greater percentage of swear words in their dialogues than other races. Overall, researchers found that female characters tend to be more positive but this tended to be correlated with using language connecting with family values. Beyond the volume of dialogue attributed to men, male dialogue contained more words related to achievement, death and more swear words than the dialogue scripted for women. As characters age, the characters on screen appear more sage-like: intelligent, less excited, with less mention of sexuality and more talk of religion, researchers said. In addition, the language of elder characters steers towards what has most traditionally associated with men. In additional to the content of a dialogue, the researchers used graph theory to determine how central characters are to the plot of a movie by analyzing the ties and relationships to the other characters within the film. They then model the network and web of relationships between the characters in a similar fashion to the way one would study a transit hub. Researchers segmented the dialogue, putting each character as a "node" or hub. They found that when removing the female character nodes from most movie genres, the plot and the relationships did not need to be altered significantly. The exception was when women were in horror movies when they were most likely to be portrayed as victims. Thus, to leave female characters out did not cause much of a disruption. "Computational language analysis and interaction modeling tools allow us to understand not just what someone says, but how they say it, how much they say, to whom they speak and in what context, thereby offering new insights into media content and its potential impact on people," said Professor Shrikanth Narayanan from University of Southern California. Hollywood actor George Clooney's Foundation will contribute $2.25 million to sponsor seven schools in Lebanon, which could help over 3,000 Syrian refugee children back to school this year. This project was disclosed by its partners, including Google.org, HP and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), Xinhua news agency reported. HP supported the project with $1 million technology grant and Google.org made a generous donation as well. The Unicef in a statement on Monday quoted the super star and his wife Amal Clooney as saying: "Thousands of young Syrian refugees are at risk the risk of never being a productive part of society. Formal education can help change that. That's our goal with this initiative." "We don't want to lose an entire generation because they had the bad luck of being born in the wrong place at the wrong time," it said. Lebanon's Minister of Education Marwan Hamade said: "Each child given access to education, and new ways of learning, represents a life changed for the better. Today's grant from the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is a crucial investment in future generations." Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, millions of families fled the region and many children were out of school. Currently there are over one million Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon, with a third being children. The actor established the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016 with his Lebanon born wife. The couple recently welcomed their twins. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tueday said the country's borders were not safe because of "inconsistent policies" of the central government. China is being so audacious that its soldiers have entered Chamoli. The government "did not give a thought to the border states in the past three years", he said. "The country's borders are not safe because of inconsistent policies of the central government," the former UP chief minister said. Yadav claimed that developmental works have come to a standstill under the Yogi Adityanath government and there was a risk to the law and order situation in the state. While BJP chief Amit Shah has lauded the state government, "it has no scheme to give jobs to the youth developmental works have come to a standstill", he said in a party release issued here. "Corruption is rampant at every level All sections of the society are dissatisfied and law and order is at risk On what basis did Shah give a clean chit to the state government?" he asked. BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday met the party's district chiefs, office-bearers and chairmen of boards and corporations as part of his three-day Haryana visit. At the meetings, Shah exhorted party workers to further strengthen the BJP and work for "Mission-2019" with new zeal and enthusiasm. He said the party will ensure that recruitments are made and jobs are given "purely on a merit basis sans any bias". Shah stressed on launching an intensive door-to-door campaign to make people aware of various policies of the central and state governments, state BJP president Subhash Barala said. At the meeting, party workers were told to reach out to the public and redress people's grievances through "CM Window" and monitoring committees, he said. "He (Shah) took feedback from workers and sought suggestions on how we can do better," Barala said. With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Shah is travelling across states to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level. The BJP president had visited the Union Territory of Chandigarh in May. He is on a 110-day country-wide tour which began in Jammu in April this year. During the course of his three-day stay here, discussions will be held on how to strengthen the BJP at every single booth in the state, so that it wins all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 general elections, Barala said. Earlier in the morning, Shah arrived to a grand welcome at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, which is also called as the "gateway of Haryana". Bahadurgarh lies adjoining Rohtak, the venue of Shah's three day stay, which is about 70 km from Delhi. At Bahadurgarh, Shah, was received by Chief Minister Manohar Khattar, some of his cabinet colleagues including Ram Bilas Sharma, Capt Abhimanyu, Krishan Lal Panwar and state BJP president Subhash Barala. He was honoured with traditional Haryanvi 'pugri'. The BJP chief will be camping in Rohtak for all the three days, as the ruling BJP, which came to power for the first time in Haryana, is looking to consolidate its position after being in power for almost three years. The chief minister and his ministerial colleagues and other senior leaders of the state are camping here for Shah's visit. Shah will be attending 27 programmes, including 17 meetings with BJP MLAs and others. On the concluding day of his visit, Shah will address some meetings where the focus will be to work hard on 'vistarak yojna' (expansion plan) which was initiated across the country to strengthen BJP in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will also be presented with a report card highlighting the Khattar government's achievements during its rule, state BJP chief Barala said. He will also take stock of implementation of the schemes related to the poor. Barala said Shah will also review steps being undertaken to strengthen the party organization in the state. Asked why the BJP went for Rohtak as the venue for Shah's visit, Barala said: "Rohtak has been our party's headquarter for decades. It is also the political capital of Haryana. Rohtak was also the stronghold of one of our tallest leader, late Mangal Sain." Notably, Rohtak is considered the stronghold of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The Congress had managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat from Haryana in the 2014 parliamentary election as Hooda's son Deepender Singh retained his Rohtak seat. State health minister and senior BJP leader Anil Vij said there was great enthusiasm among party workers in view of Shah's visit. Taking a dig at the Congress and the INLD, which have claimed Shah's visit will not have much impact, Vij said, "The Opposition is in disarray. Wherever Amit Shah goes, the Opposition goes into hibernation. The opposition tries to hide". Addressing a gathering along with Shah in the evening, Khattar said, "We are in power in Haryana for nearly 33 months now. Before the polls, we had said in our manifesto and promised that we will strive to bring a change and we have succeeded to a large extent in this endeavour." "Corruption was at its peak earlier, but we took steps to rein in this menace. I do not claim that corruption has been totally eliminated, but definitely we are working towards achieving that. We committed a transparent regime, without any regional bias or favoritism and we have delivered on that," he said. He also talked about bringing transparency in transfers of teachers and making recruitments purely on a merit basis. "We are open to suggestions and we will incorporate the good ones. We are taking all sections along as we believe in 'sabka saath sabka vikas'," he said. Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will embark on a five-day state visit to India on August 23, a media report said. Officials from both the countries were working to finalise the itinerary, agenda and the size of the delegation, the Kathmandu Post reported on Wednesday. Deuba's visit to India will focus on implementing the past accords that were signed during his earlier visits in 1996, 2002 and 2004 as the Prime Minister, the report said. "We have received two clear instructions from the Prime Minister. Firstly, he is keen to implement the past agreements reached during his three visits to India," two senior officials told the Post. "While dwelling on the status of the India-funded projects, he also plans to discuss the issues, if any, that have impeded the projects," said one official. "Secondly, the Prime Minister has told officials that there must be some concrete outcome from the visit." The much-talked about Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) as well as other energy and infrastructure related projects will be high on the agenda, the official said. The PMP is a bi-national hydropower project to be developed in Mahakali River bordering Nepal and India. Development of PMP and is covered under integrated Mahakali Treaty signed between the two countries according to which, equal sizes of underground power house will be constructed on each side of Mahakali river in India and Nepal. Both sides had called for a plan of action for the early commencement of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. But the detailed project report is yet to be completed, the daily said. "Time has come for both sides to find out why there has not been desired progress on several understandings reached in the past," said Dinesh Bhattarai, Foreign Relations Adviser to Deuba. During his visit, Deuba will also visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Upset over the Narendra Modi government's decision to hike the prices of domestic cooking gas (LPG) by Rs.4 per cylinder every month till next March or the elimination of all subsidies, a combined Opposition on Tuesday created uproar in both Houses of Parliament, seeking a rollback of the decision. Protesting against this Modi government's move, the Opposition stalled the pre-noon proceedings in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress, SP, TMC, BSP and Left MPs stormed the Well of the House, shouting slogans and seeking the withdrawal of the move. They forced Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to first adjourn the House for 10 minutes and then till noon. Raising the issue, Derek O'Brien (TMC) said the government was not fulfilling its social commitment to provide LPG cylinders at subsidised rates. He said the government was raising the prices of cooking gas even though oil prices have plunged from USD 111 per barrel to 48 now. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said following Prime Minister Modi's appeal many people had voluntarily given up subsidies so that subsidised LPG could be provided to the poor and needy. But the government has now decided to further hike the LPG cylinder prices to eliminate their subsidies. "This is strongly condemnable. Government should withdraw it," he said. Naresh Agarwal (SP) alleged this is a "government for profits". When the House re-assembled after a brief adjournment, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress) said the government was "killing the poor" by its LPG price move at a time when global oil prices have plummetted to a multi-year low. "This is not acceptable," he said. Amid noisy protests, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said this move arose out of a June 2010 decision taken by the then Congress-led UPA government to raise LPG prices every month in small quantum to eliminate their subsidies. As agitated Opposition members refused to relent, Kurien adjourned the Upper House till noon. In the Lok Sabha also, the Opposition parties protested against the BJP-led NDA government's "cruel" move, demanding its immediate withdrawal. With Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejecting their demand for seeking the government's reply, the Opposition MPs staged a walk-out from the House. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Congress MP K C Venugopal said the government is working on speedy elimination of LPG subsidies, which will hit the common people of the country. Echoing such views, Trinamul leader Sudip Bandopadhyay said, "We protest against it. This is anti-welfare and it should be immediately withdrawn." The issue also made waves outside Parliament. Condemning the governemnt's decision, the CPI-M Politburo alleged, "Clearly, this government is fleecing the people in order to augment its revenue collections, when the prices of petroleum products should actually decline in line with the international trend." The Politburo demanded "immediate withdrawal of this harsh burden being imposed on the vast majority of the people of our country". Jammu and Kashmir police approached the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and asked them to claim the body of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) divisional commander Abu Dujana, killed by the security forces on Tuesday. Munir Khan, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir told reporters on Tuesday that Pakistan High Commission has been approached to claim the body of Dujana, who belonged to Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan administered part of Jammu and Kashmir. This is for the first time the authorities have approached Pakistan High Commission asking them to claim the body of any Pakistani national killed in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir. "If they don't claim his body, we will give him a proper burial," the IGP said, adding the authorities wished Dujana's parents should see their son before burial and for that reason, Pakistan High Commission had been approached. Police refused to hand over Dujana's body to the civilians for burial. The senior police officer said "there was no reason to hand over the body of somebody to locals who did not belong to the Kashmir Valley". Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners attended the burial of the other LeT militant Arif Lalihaari killed on Tuesday with Abu Dujana in Hakripora village. Arif was buried in his native Lalihaar village of Pulwama districton Tuesday evening. Pakistan and India have concluded the much-delayed water talks here "in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation", raising hopes of avoiding further tensions over an issue with far-reaching consequences. "The Secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues on the Indus Waters Treaty took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation," the World Bank said in a statement. "The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington," it added. In March, India and Pakistan held the annual Indus Waters Treaty talks in Lahore after a gap of two years. The Commission, which is mandated to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan, comprises Indus Commissioners from both sides and discusses technical matters related to the implementation of the treaty. The Secretary of Water and Power, Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, led the Pakistani delegation at the two-day talks which ended on Tuesday at the World Bank headquarters. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Amarjit Singh, headed the Indian delegation. The Indian team also included representatives from the External Affairs Ministry. Pakistan has been protesting over the design and construction of two projects the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project and the 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric project on the tributaries of the Indus in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 and involves six rivers: the Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty gave the right to use waters of the first three rivers to India and of the other three rivers to Pakistan. India has said it has the right under the treaty to set up hydropower plants on the tributaries of the rivers flowing through its territory. Pakistan fears this might reduce the water flow of the rivers into its territory. The treaty came close to being jeopardized following the cross-border terror attack on September 18 last year on an Indian Army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that left 19 Indian soldiers dead. Blaming the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack, New Delhi said it would consider revisiting the Indus Waters Treaty, which has withstood three wars and is seen as one of the most successful international agreements. The Rajya Sabha was on Wednesday adjourned for the day soon after it met post lunch as Congress members shouted slogans against the government and some of the treasury benches members too shouted counter-slogans. "Now, honourable members, I am not able to conduct. I am not able to proceed. The opposition side shouting slogans, the government side shouting slogans, the Chair is helpless. I have no other option but to adjourn the House," Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said as he adjourned the Rajya Sabha for the day. As soon as the House met at 2 p.m., Congress member Pramod Tiwari raised a Point of Order and objected to the Centre sending paramilitary forces to Bengaluru along with Income Tax officials. "Without the consent of the state or without the state government demanding it, the Centre cannot send paramilitary troops there. We have a federal structure in this country," Tiwari said. The Congress MPs trooped to the podium and shouted slogans against the Narendra Modi government saying "Loktantra ki hatya band karo" (Stop killing democracy). Kurien adjourned the House for 15 minutes. But as soon as the House met again, Congress members started raising slogans. Some of the treasury benches members too came into the aisle and shouted counter slogans. The Chair adjourned the House for 10 minutes. When the House reconvened, Congress members Pramod Tiwari and Anand Sharma again raised the issue of paramilitary forces accompanying I-T officials as they raided Karnataka Minister D.K. Shivakumar. "Central forces cannot be sent to a state for any purpose. It is a clear violation of the Constitution. We are a federal country. They sent paramilitary forces without informing the state government. This cannot be accepted," Sharma said. The government did not deny the opposition's allegations. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas NAqvi said the "fight against corruption will not stop no matter how much they shout". Amidst the sloganeering from both sides, the Chair adjourned the House for the day. The Rajya Sabha could not transact any listed business on Wednesday. The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea seeking the cancellation of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars state Legislative Council membership for allegedly concealing a pending criminal case against him. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra, Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar said it will consider the matter after petitioner advocate ML Sharma sought an urgent hearing of his plea. The bench also stated that it will fix a date for hearing the plea. In the petition against Nitish Kumar, Sharma alleged that the Bihar CM is involved in a murder case in which he was accused of killing a local Congress leader Sitaram Singh, and injuring four others ahead of the Lok Sabha by-election to the Barh constituency in 1991. The plea, additionally, requested the court to order the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR against Kumar. Respondent number 2 (Election Commission), despite knowing facts about his (Kumars) criminal case, did not cancel his membership of the house and respondent (Kumar) still enjoys constitutional office till date, the petitioner was quoted as saying. The petitioner has sought the cancellation of Kumars membership to Bihar Legislative Council as per the Election Commissions 2002 order stating it is mandatory for candidates to disclose criminal cases against them in their affidavits. China on Wednesday said India should not make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf in the Doklam standoff even as it maintained that it valued good neighbourly and friendly relations with New Delhi and to keep peace on the border. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. The claim was made in a 15-page dossier, "The Facts and China's Position", on weeks of standoff between the Indian Army and the Chinese border guards in the Doklam bowl on the border in Sikkim that has raised a threat of war between the two countries. The border confrontation over the Himalayan tri-junction between the two countries erupted in mid-June when Indian troops stopped Chinese soldiers from building a road at the stretch where India and China connect with Bhutan. China and Bhutan both claim Doklam even as the two countries along with India do not agree where their borders meet. The latest Chinese document said India's "intrusion" into Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan has not only "violated China's territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutan's sovereignty and independence". "China and Bhutan are friendly neighbours. China has all along respected Bhutan's sovereignty and independence The border area between China and Bhutan has always enjoyed peace and tranquility. China will continue to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue between the two countries through negotiations and consultations in the absence of external interference." The document said China has "shown utmost goodwill and great restraint" since the standoff began. It said Beijing has "sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident" with "a prerequisite" that India should "immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary". "No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China's territorial sovereignty." It reiterated China's stand that its government "will take all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights and interests. "The Chinese government always values the growth of good, neighbourly and friendly relations with India and is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border area between the two countries. "The Chinese side urges the Indian government to keep in mind the larger interest of bilateral relations and the well-being of the two peoples." The document invokes an 1890 agreement between China and Great Britain and asked India to abide by the 1890 Convention and the delimited China-India boundary established therein. "This would serve the fundamental interests of both countries and go along with the shared expectations of countries in the region and the wider international community." New Delhi has, however, maintained that Beijing had agreed in 2012 to finalise the border issue consultatively and that unilaterally determining tri-junction points by China was "in violation of this understanding". Ministry of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj had on July 20 rejected China's demand that India withdraw its troops, saying the pull out should be from both sides for a dialogue to be held for resolving the standoff. The Chinese document also cites March 22 and September 26, 1959 letters from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Chinese Premier Chou En-lai. "The boundary of Sikkim, a protectorate of India, with the Tibet region of China was defined in the Anglo-Chinese Convention 1890 and jointly demarcated on the ground in 1895," Nehru wrote to Chou in the March 22 communication. And reiterated in the September 26 letter 1959 that "there is no dispute regarding the boundary of Sikkim with the Tibet region". Deputy Assistant to the US President Lisa Curtis met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval during her two-day India visit and discussed bilateral relations. Curtis, who is the National Security Council Senior Director for South and Central Asia, met senior government officials as well as business executives to discuss US-India relations and regional issues during her visit from July 31 to August 1, a US Embassy statement said on Wednesday. She was joined by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Alice Wells. "In their meetings, Curtis and Ambassador Wells reiterated President (Donald) Trump and Prime Minister Modi's commitment to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between our countries and advance common objectives such as combating terrorist threats, promoting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, increasing free and fair trade, and strengthening energy linkages," the statement said. It was not corruption after all. According to informed political sources, one of the reasons for the Nitish-Lalu breakup was the tussle between them for leadership of a united opposition front to challenge Narendra Modi in 2019. While Nitish was keen that the Congress negotiate a larger role for him in a national mahagathbandhan, preferably as prime ministerial candidate, Lalu was working independently to make himself the fulcrum of an anti-Modi front. His most recent move, which probably pushed the Nitish-Lalu alliance to breaking point, was the RJD chief s secret parleys with BSP supremo Mayawati to script her Rajya Sabha resignation drama. Apparently, Lalu and Mayawati met away from prying eyes about a month before the monsoon session of Parliament. The meeting is believed to have lasted well over an hour with Lalu mooting a suggestion to help Mayawati revive her flagging political career. He is said to have advised her to create a dhamaka on a Dalit-related issue at the start of the monsoon session and resign from Parliament. He reminded her that her term was due to end early next year anyway. If she resigned now, she had little to lose and everything to gain by making an issue of recent atrocities on Dalits in BJP-ruled states. Lalu also suggested that she then contest the upcoming bye-election for the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat and assured her that he would get both Akhilesh Yadav and the Congress to support her. In fact, Lalu has been working hard to bring Akhilesh and Mayawati together on one platform. He also told the BSP chief that if the Phulpur plan failed, he would have her re-elected to Rajya Sabha from Bihar. He tweeted the offer minutes after Mayawati walked out of Parliament. Mamata Banerjee was already in Lalus corner because of her sharp differences with Nitish over demonetisation. Now with Mayawati playing out Lalus script, he has added a second regional boss to his armory. Akhilesh will be the third. Nitish was naturally insecure about Lalus political moves. He saw them as Lalu stealing a march over him to deny him leadership of a national anti-Modi front. The die was cast for the split in Bihar. In a fix JD(U) spokesperson and former MP K C Tyagi got an uncomfortable indication of the damage to his partys secular image if Nitish were to jump ship and join the NDA. It happened at a mango party that is hosted annually by a now retired senior Muslim government official. This was before Nitish actually defected from the mahagathbandhan to join hands with the BJP. Tyagi is a popular figure among the Muslim community for his secular views but when he landed up at the party, he was startled by the rush of negative sentiment coming at him from the many Muslims present. They surrounded him and badgered him with questions about Nitishs flirtation with the BJP. Many expressed anguish and concern that if Nitish too were to join the BJP bandwagon, then they would have to give up hope of a secular alliance to defeat Modi in 2019. They pestered Tyagi with pleas to tell Nitish not to betray the secular cause. Where would Muslims in India go if the BJP returns for a second term, they asked. Poor Tyagi. He was at a loss for words in the face of so much fear and anxiety in the community. Most of those present were part of the Muslim elite which has hardly faced the kind of discrimination that poor Muslims have to live with. But today, they too worry that they have become second class citizens in the land of their birth. Sewing loose lips A recent background briefing by foreign secretary S Jaishanker on the IndiaChina stand-off in Bhutan was quite unusual. These backgrounders are meant for media persons who write on foreign policy so that they get a government perspective for their articles. But this time, among those invited to the briefing were TV panelists, some of who are known as hardliners and war mongers. There was lots of media, of course. But some of the unusual faces spotted in the gathering were Major General G D Bakshi and retired intelligence official R S N Singh. Bakshi and Singh grace TV discussions frequently and always take an ultra nationalist position on Pakistan and China, often calling for strong retaliatory measures by India to provocative attacks by the armies of these countries. Jaishankers briefing was part of a government effort to stop the media from creating a war hysteria against China. This is why some of the sharpest hardliners were invited. The tone and tenor of the discussions that day was deescalation. It was made clear to those present that the government does not want tensions to rise. It was looking for a way out through discussions. That was the message to the hardliners. And it seems to have worked because the most nationalist of TV channels are largely quiet on the Doklam stand-off. Still in demand Now that Pranab Mukherjee has retired from Rashtrapati Bhavan, one would imagine that he has a lot of free time on his hands. But surprisingly, he is being kept quite busy. Several ministers in the Modi government have either sought time with him or are planning to call on him. They are hoping to pick his mind which is an amazing encyclopaedia of knowledge and history. Among those in line to meet with Mukherjee are Arun Jaitley, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal and M J Akbar. Now that Mukherjee is free of the constraints of the office of President, he can be freer and franker with advice. The rush to call on him only underlines yet again Mukherjees stature as the tallest statesman in India currently. North Korea rattled the world yet again when it fired the second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in a month and at unusual time ~ late night of 28 July. Like the previous one of 4 July, it fell in Japans exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan off the northern island of Hokkaido. As usual, condemnation from all quarters followed. For President Donald Trump, the challenge of North Koreas nuclear and missile programme is given. But the bigger challenge is getting the cooperation of all stakeholders for a common stand to deal with the rogue state. Getting the cooperation of China and Russia is a much bigger challenge than North Korea itself. What are then the responses or possible responses of the stakeholders? But first, a short mention of the potency of the North Korean threats and how real are they? This second ICBM launch reached the highest altitude ever achieved by North Korea, with the possibility to threaten the US capital of Washington. The launch of the Hwasong-14 missile demonstrated that North Korea has established its ICBM technology. This is the real worry. Understandably, the sense of crisis within the Trump administration reached unprecedented levels. This Hwasong-14 had more engines than the first, launched on 4 July. By taking a high-angle lofted trajectory that sent the missile to almost 900 km higher than the previous ICBM and reached a maximum altitude of 3,724.9 km and by taking 47 minutes 12 seconds than the previous one, the threat perception was perceptibly heightened. An ICBM with a flight time of 45 minutes and one that reaches an altitude of 3,000 km would have a range of 9,000 to 10,000 km if launched at a normal vector. This means, at 10,000 km, this would put Los Angeles on the US west coast and Denver in the western US within its range. North Korea will have to overcome two hurdles, however. These missiles would be ready for actual battle if atmospheric re-entry technology and warhead miniaturization are perfected. These two requirements are yet to be verified but once successful, the missile can be considered a complete threat. North Korea intentionally used lofted trajectories in its missile launches so as to not fire them over Japan. It is thought that North Korea has improved its technology based on data sent back from missiles it has launched on temperatures and vibration levels inside the warhead, re-entry angles and other factors. However, to perfect its re-entry technology to prepare for actual battle, North Koreas future launch is likely to be aimed at the Pacific Ocean. Pyongyang is also trying to miniaturise its nuclear warheads to fit onto an ICBM. A sixth nuclear test coinciding with the joint drills by USSouth Korea militaries in August is a possibility. So, how does Trump choose to respond to this perceived threat? In a direct response to the missile test conveying a sharp warning, two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers on a 10- hour mission from Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, and escorted by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jet flew into Japanese airspace and then over the Korean Peninsula. The US also conducted separate drills with the South Korean Air Force. The drills were intended to keep a check on North Korea. Japans Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who took charge of the Defence portfolio after Tomomi Inada resigned, underscored that the drill was aimed at further strengthening the deterrent power and coping abilities of the entire Japan-U.S. alliance and showing Japans will and advanced capabilities for stabilizing the regional situation under the tough security environment. Throughout the mission, the aircrew had practised intercept and formation training, enabling them to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills. In order to strengthen pressure on the isolated nation, Japan is also seeking cooperation from the ASEAN nations. Both the US and Japan feel frustrated with the reluctance of China and Russia to impose additional sanctions against North Korea. Yet, both have not abandoned their efforts to persuade China and Russia to play constructive roles. The US, Japan and South Korea together have agreed to coordinate new sanctions resolutions against North Korea to be adopted at the UN Security Council. China is the only international ally of North Korea. It has its own strategic compulsions, which weigh high over aligning with others for tougher sanctions. China, therefore, has been resisting tougher sanctions against North Korea. Efforts by the US and Japan to put pressure by way of freezing the assets of Chinese companies that have close ties with North Korea with a view to press Beijing to play a part in efforts to strengthen containment of North Korea have yielded little. As a result, while Beijing has remained inactive, Pyongyangs surge in advancing its weapons system and missile technology continues. South Korea is equally irked with the provocation from its immediate neighbour. After moving into the Blue House, President Moon Jae-in sent peace overtures to Kim Jong-un with a view to engage in dialogue to resolve the nuclear issue. Kim Jong-un remained unrepentant and went ahead with the second ICBM launch. Moon had reservations on his predecessor governments decision to allow the US deploy the Terminal High Altitude Air Defence battery system and made a campaign promise to relook at it. Because of Kim Jong-uns obduracy, Moon now wants to discuss with the US the deployment of additional THAAD battery as threat perception heightened. Besides, South Koreas Defence Minister Song Youngmoo announced that Seoul would prepare independent measures to curb North Koreas nuclear theat. Support from elsewhere is also being solicited. India, which has diplomatic ties with both the Koreas, has come under pressure from the US to scale back engagement with North Korea. Responding to UN resolutions, India banned in April 2017 all trade with the North, barring food and medicines. India prohibited its Indian citizens or companies from supplying to Pyongyang arms, any nuclearrelated material or technology, or any other material that would enhance its ballistic capabilities. Indias problem is the North Korea-Pakistan nuclear nexus and therefore it can use this opportunity to punish Pyongyang. Trump is very disappointed with China, saying that it has done nothing. At other times, he has said all options are on the table, including military strike. This would be disastrous for the region and the world if Trump executes the threat. He has also received support from Britain and Australia; both countries have agreed to persuade North Korea to abandon its weapons programme. The picture looks grim. The situation is extremely volatile, with little hope for a solution in the horizon. There are risks of an unintended conflict breaking out and if that happens, the escalation could be quick and the consequences would be unimaginable as several countries shall be drawn into the conflict. (The writer is currently Indian Council for Cultural Relations India Chair Visiting Professor at Reitaku University, Japan. The views expressed are his own and do not represent the opinion of either the ICCR or the Government of India. He may be reached at [email protected]) No nation can achieve military hegemony without success on the economic front. Same is the case with China, the worlds largest merchandise exporter, a nation that within a few decades and on the back of flooding world markets with low-priced goods has shifted the balance of power so authoritatively that any Chinese belligerence today can only invite wide condemnation and outcry but not direct warning or a full-blown assault. In part, India has also fueled this domination of China by allowing the neighbour to export goods in such a manner that our local industry suffered unprecedented, irreparable damages. A lot has been talked about why our trade deficit with China is a cause of worry, a matter of concern as termed by the Commerce Minister. While bilateral trade stood at $71 billion in FY 2016-17, the deficit (owing to fewer exports from India) was at a staggering $51 billion. The question is how these deficit figures became a persistent trend and discussions in Parliament or assurances from government in the form of encouraging exports and halting the dumping of Chinese goods did not fetch desired results. It is certain that by the end of the present FY the trade deficit will remain where it is; woes of local industry will remain unresolved and India, yet again, will only supplement the so-called Chinese hegemony. The initiatives by the Indian government aimed at narrowing the gap between exports and imports the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme and its services sector counterpart, SEIS, the Niryat Bandhu Scheme exclusively for new exportimport entrepreneurs, single window clearances for facilitation of trade have all fallen short of expectations and needs of local producers who have been elbowed out by low-cost imports from China. What then needs to be done? In his Mann Ki Baat address to the nation, PM Narendra Modi has stressed upon the need to purchase goods produced locally. Had the issue not been so grave, it would not have been explicitly cited in a public address by the Prime Minister. The economy, especially industries like consumer electronics, toys, tyres, leather, solar energy equipment, machine tools, textiles, mobile phones and even cottage industry goods, has been severely damaged, all thanks to the free flow of Chinese goods into India. Let us move beyond patriotic fervor and examine the possibilities of India preventing any China-made articles of trade from entering the country. Practically this seems unmanageable, for India is not only a signatory to various multilateral and inter-governmental trade pacts but also because India cannot afford to symbolize ultra-protectionism in this era of free trade. When Chinese goods are available to bona fide buyers at cheap rates, any shallow appeal by any authority or politician asking people to refrain from buying Made in China products does not hold promise. But theres another angle to this Sino-India story the recurring border incursions by Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control and McMahon Line. These border standoffs, which usually occur at key junctures such as a state visit of the Indian PM to the United States or an official visit of Chinese President to India, offer to India a chance to use hitherto unused ammunition imposing sanctions on a belligerent, unaccommodating party. A brief look at the past shows that this option has been exercised by China. It used this soft-power deterrent on Mongolia in retaliation for the latters invitation to the Dalai Lama in 2016. While China unilaterally went ahead with punishing the already ailing Mongolian economy, there have been numerous other instances such as the recent US sanctions on Russia. The US-Russia on-off rivalry is wellknown but the India-China tiff has not achieved the same status because of Indias ever-easy stance on its everhostile neighbor. But it is time the current dispensation, well-known for its reformist stance, its will as well as capability in taking bold decisions like demonetisation, mulls the idea of imposing economic sanctions on China, the country that is yielding high premiums on exports to India and is yet not supportive of its neighbor on key issues like counter-terrorism, her bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group and become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. By not responding authoritatively to Chinese belligerence, apart from the recent challenge we have thrown in the Doklam Plateau, India has only indirectly supported the downfall of its local manufacturing sector that could not sustain the tsunami of deliberately low-priced Chinese goods flowing unchecked. It can easily be noted that under the garb of free bilateral trade China has undermined Indias economic, social, even political, growth. The impairment is not caused to industry alone, the unemployed youth and rising non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks also are a direct outcome of ever-rising consumption of Chinese goods by Indians. From LEDs to plastic toys, solar panels to smartphones, China planned and successfully implemented its agenda of usurping the Indian market. A superpower has recently raised the slogan of buy and hire local in the backdrop of the dent that Chinese goods have made on its economy. On the other hand, India has responded with a much softer pitch of Make in India, which after almost three years of its unveiling hasnt brought any real benefits to local producers, employment seekers or other key participants of the economy including banks. China has steered clear of repercussions even when they defied our territorial integrity, not just once in a full-blown war in 1962 but also by intermittently entering the Indian side of the border unlawfully with the intent to change the already settled boundaries. China has done the same in the South China Sea by way of building military installations; but matters are vastly different there because no country in that region can stand up to the might of China. This, however, does not hold true in the India-China case owing to our possession of nuclear arms, our widely acknowledged stature as a strategic power in the region, our celebrated democratic credentials, our GDP growth rate that has outpaced all others, and above all, our diplomatic weight under Prime Minister Modi. Enough reasons call for Indias sanctions on China its support for natural ally Pakistan, a safe haven for terrorists, its building the China Pakistan Economic Corridor that passes through areas India claims exclusive rights over (in itself a single compelling reason to cut off any economic and diplomatic ties with China), its opposing Indias bid to become a member of key inter-governmental agencies, and its employing state-backed media outlets to defame and intimidate Indian polity and armed forces. It is high time now that the country resorts to exceptional yet necessary actions with a multi-pronged strategy that not only makes the world understand the will and ability of India in safeguarding its territorial integrity but also reverses the trend of downfall of local manufacturing industry. Given that countries across Asia, barring Pakistan and North Korea, are reeling under Chinese belligerence and hostile approach, placing economic sanctions will be more welcomed than denounced. It may alter the balance of power. (The writer is a chartered accountant and former member of the boards of public sector banks and corporations) It is time for Hillary Clinton to enjoy a quiet chuckle. Russia was said to have ensured Donald Trumps victory last November. Congress has now ensured his moral defeat with the vote in the House of Representatives, approving a sweeping cache of sanctions against Moscow. More accurately, the development is a punitive strike against Vladimir Putins regime for its interference in last years presidential election intended to bar Clinton from the White House, the annexation of Crimea, and the expansionist designs on Ukraine. Beyond the Kremlins trans-Atlantic geopolitics and its policy towards its satellites, the Congress initiative includes sanctions against North Korea and Iran, the two countries the administration has been eager to hold to account for their nuclear ambition. The margin has been sweeping ~ 419 to just three in favour of Trumps flirtation with the Kremlin. It puts the President between a rock and a hard place. The House vote has effectively countered Trumps attempt to underplay tensions with Moscow or even to veto the Bill. The Kremlins misadventure in Americas electoral engagement has hobbled the administration ever since Trumps inaugural in January. And there is a stark message to be drawn from a fractured legislatures countermobilisation as it were. The multiple-target legislation is bound to have a profound impact on Americas foreign policy. Obvious too is the dual signal to Trump and Putin ~ on the conduct of diplomacy and elections in the fountainhead of democracy. To summon the words of Speaker Paul Ryan, it is one of the most expansive sanctions packages in history. The legislation must of necessity be taken up by the Senate before being sent to the Presidents office. It would be useful to recall that the Senate had supported a similar Bill nearly unanimously last month, but it had punished only Russia and Iran, leaving North Korea unscathed. Russia is no less a target of Congress than the US President. As much is clear from the statement of Representative Ed Royce, Republican of California and the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee ~ Left unchecked, Russia is sure to continue its aggression. It is well past time that we forcefully respond to the conduct of all three countries. While the sanctions are against Russia, the fineprint of the Bill is addressed to the White House. Arguably, Trump will not readily exercise his right to veto, if the statement of the new Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is any indication ~. While the President supports tough sanctions on North Korea, Iran and Russia, the White House is reviewing the House legislation and awaits a final legislative package for the Presidents desk. The Bill is a strong, direct response to Putins dubious attempts to undermine American democracy. Mores the pity that Trump had winked at the attempts. Hopefully, it will be passed by the Senate before the legislators leave for the August recess. Ganges, thy name is healing! From far and wide, they come. Many traverse thy path to fulfill their dreams. Some immerse their body, mind and souls for spiritual healing. Some, besotted to thee, breathe thy name. Others wade or float in dreams of your flowing, cleansing waters Now, the water rushes in the monsoon downpour, and the banks are almost flooded with the healing water. Soon it will see the rush of a different kind. Preparations are on for a wholesome enriching experience. Come, walk through the holy sands and wade in the cleansing water Be a part of this new refreshing venture. Well, here's good news for those of you planning to take a holy trip to the Ganges. You may look forward to a soulful and eventful journey through Namami Gange Yatra. This river pilgrimage, which will pass through the banks of the river across Uttar Pradesh.will begin on August 9. In an effort to educate the masses on environment protection and to particularly conserve the holy river, Uttar Pradesh Homeguards have decided to launch the yatra in a grand manner starting from the state capital, Lucknow. The homeguards plan to reach out to school students, with the focus on students between standard sixth to tenth. "Namami Gange Yatra is being started to connect to the masses," Sudakarcharya Pandey, District Homeguard Commandant, said, adding about 150 talented Homeguards from different districts of the state have been selected. The yatra will kick off from Lucknow for Haridwar on August 9. It will continue from Haridwar on August 11 and reach Hastinapur on August 14. The yatra will stop at all Gangaghats of the state, and public meetings will be held at each Gangaghats to sensitise and create awareness among the masses on the river conservation. People from all walks of life, including politicians and businesssmen, are expected to attend these public meetings to be held at the banks of the Ganges. Besides Hastinapur the yatra would halt at the Gangaghats in Bijnor, Shukratal (Muzaffarnagar), Garhmukteshwar and Anoopshahr. Mark the dates and choose your starting point for a completely enriching experience with like-minded thirsty souls in search of truth and Nirvana. China has lodged a protest with South Korea after Seoul restarted negotiations with the US to resume the deployment of the anti-missile system Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD), a Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday. Two out of the six launchers of the THAAD were already installed before work was suspended by South Korea's new President Moon Jae-in in June, pending an environmental impact report, Efe news reported. Washington and Seoul restarted negotiations on Monday, following recent launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles by North Korea, to finalise the specifics of the deployment of the remaining four launchers. China said it expressed its concern to South Korea "through diplomatic channels" and had urged the two countries to halt the installation and dismantle the part that has already been deployed, said the spokesperson's office of the Chinese chancellery. In July 2016, South Korea, under former President Park Geun-hye, agreed to install the THAAD as a protective measure against repeated missile tests by North Korea. The deployment began in April despite strong opposition by China, which believes the powerful THAAD radars, installed about 300 km southeast of Seoul, could be used to spy on its military bases. An inquiry against Pakistan's new Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, for his role in awarding a Rs 220 billion contract for the import and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2013 was closed in December, the National Accountability Bureau has said. The 17-month-long probe was closed at the regional board meeting of the NAB on December 19 last year, despite being proven the contract had been awarded in a "non-transparent manner", a NAB spokesman told Dawn. According to a document, the Karachi NAB Director General had then said: "After exhaustive discussion it has been decided that it is an ongoing project and any intervention by NAB at this juncture will jeopardise the efforts of provision of LNG from the project of public/national importance. It is decided (to close the) inquiry (at) our end." However, the document said "during the inquiry proceeding it has been established that management of Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), in non-transparent manner, selected M/s Engro as a successful bidder for LNG terminal at port Karachi". The NAB inquiry found that the SSGCL signed the 15-year contract with a subsidiary company of Engro for re-gasification of LNG at fixed daily processing charges. The government authorised the Pakistan State Oil to procure LNG on behalf of the SSGCL. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has decided to file a petition in the Supreme Court against Abbasi. The former Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources was a principal suspect in the NAB inquiry. An exchange of prisoners between the Lebanese Shia Hezbollah movement and former Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham began on Wednesday as part of an agreement to end hostilities in the region of Arsal, bordering Syria. According to the Shia group information centre, three militants from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham were released in Roumieh Prison in exchange for three Hezbollah men, who were captured during the battles in Arsal in the past two weeks, Efe news reported. The exchange, mediated by General Security head Major General Abbas Ibrahim, was originally scheduled for Monday but was postponed for logistical reasons and further negotiations between the two sides. The three militants were taken from the outskirts of Arsal to be transported soon to the Syrian province of Idlib, a region controlled mostly by Islamist and opposition factions. Another swap of five prisoners is scheduled to be held between Hezbollah and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in the Syrian city of Aleppo, according to the report. The agreement between both sides included the exchange of bodies of dead fighters and evacuating the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham extremists from Lebanon to Syria. Since Monday, buses have been arriving in Arsal, which is expected to evacuate about 9,000 members of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which was Al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria until it cut ties and rebranded in 2016. The Shia group launched an offensive two weeks ago to expel the radicals from the territory they controlled in northeastern Lebanon and managed to recover most of the area after days of intense fighting. Hezbollah announced a ceasefire in the area last week and since then negotiations had been launched to evacuate the radical fighters and their families to the Syrian province of Idlib. US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions measure that targets Russia, Iran and North Korea, the White House said on Wednesday. The President's signature comes after some speculation that he could veto or not sign the legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress in overwhelming votes last week, CBS News reported. Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials had signaled, however, that Trump planned to sign the bill into law. While he signed the bill, the President made clear in a statement on Wednesday that he is signing the bill "for the sake of national unity" even though he isn't satisfied with some of its provisions. "I favour tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization," he said. He added, "Still, the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate." The bill maintains and expands sanctions against the Russian government. Most importantly, it will require congressional approval before the president can ease or lift sanctions on Russia. The measure also targets sanctions on Russian activities that undermine US cybersecurity, sanctions on Russian crude oil projects and on certain transactions with foreign sanctions evaders and human rights abusers, among other things. A day after the Senate passed the new set of sanctions, Russia's Foreign Ministry last Friday announced countermeasures in which it set a September 1 deadline for Washington to reduce the number of diplomatic staff in the country and ordered some US-run facilities in Russia to close. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the attack on worshippers in a mosque in the Afghan city of Herat. The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement said the attacks that deliberately target civilians are clear violations of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law, Xinhua news agency reports. At least 15 civilians were killed and several others injured in the attack that took place in Herat province on Tuesday, a day after the assault against the Embassy of Iraq in Kabul, where two Afghan civilians lost their lives and one was injured. Extending his condolences to the families of the victims, the UN Secretary-General wished a speedy recovery to those injured and expressed his solidarity with the people and the government of Afghanistan. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he will meet with his Russian opposite number Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse. Some in Moscow and Washington had hoped relations between the former Cold War foes might improve under US President Donald Trump, who has had warm words for President Vladimir Putin. But the great power rivals remain divided over Russia's intervention in Ukraine, US sanctions against Kremlin allies and Moscow's support for Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime. Tillerson has never tried to sugarcoat the problems, and admitted in March after a visit to the Kremlin that ties were at a "historic low" with little sign of improvement. But now Trump is poised to sign into law a bill to further tighten sanctions and Putin has ordered the US diplomatic mission in Russia to cut hundreds of staff. "And the question, I think, of the events of the last week or so, is it getting worse or can we maintain some level of stability in that relationship?" Tillerson asked yesterday. Tillerson said the US Congress decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties "more difficult," but that "all the indications are" that Trump will sign it. In the meantime, Tillerson plans to meet Lavrov in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN ministerial meeting. A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. The US president, who often called for warmer ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations. The White House is acknowledging that top officials responded to a British-based email prankster and says it is investigating. CNN identified Tom Bossert, President Donald Trump's homeland security adviser, as one of the officials who fell for the prank. Bossert apparently responded believing that he was corresponding with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser. The network says Anthony Scaramucci, ousted on Monday after a brief tenure as communications director, also responded to the prankster. House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says it takes cyber-related issues seriously and is looking into the incidents. Eric Trump, the president's son, says he was contacted but recognized the email as a "sham" and immediately turned it over to the US Secret Service. The Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The last days of the Newfie Pride There were many nights he didnt sleep. The numbers and scenarios turned over and over in his mind, making rest impossible. Id get up two, three oclock in the morning, night after night, come out to the kitchen table and work the numbers every ... The Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, located near the Dane County Regional Airport, plans to build a $2.6 million facility in southeast Madison, near the Beltline. The eye bank has outgrown its 9,000-square-foot facility at 2401 American Lane, said Darice Langham, executive director. The 14,000-square-foot facility at 5003 Tradewinds Parkway will accommodate expanded services, including in-house cornea processing and an in-house Donor Support Center, she said. The proposal for the one-story building was on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting of Madison's Urban Design Commission. The eye bank has more than 35 employees and serves 150 hospitals and 40 cornea transplant surgeons throughout Wisconsin. But the tribe has a long way to go The BJP is going all out against its political opponents. After a major campaign against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, the BJP on Wednesday targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew on alleged corruption charges. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar demanded resignation of Mamata Banerjee after leveling fresh allegations of corruption against her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee should conduct investigations and answer, he said. Earlier in the day, Income Tax raids were conducted in Karnataka against a Congress minister D.K. Shivakumar, including at the resort where party MLAs from Gujarat are lodged. Congress raised the issue in both the houses of the Parliament, calling it vendetta raids. The government termed it as professional action against an individual. Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad accused the government of using central agencies like CBI and ED to target its political opponents. Nothing has been done as vendetta. Do you mean those who evaded tax not be investigated, Javadekar said reacting to the I-T raids. He went a step further to hit out at the opposition leaders saying, This is the saga of mahagathbandhan. The mahagathbandhan they are projecting for 2019 is a saga of nepotism, corruption and non-performance. He compared the West Bengal corruption case with that of Robert Vadra and Tejashwi Yadav. BJP's strategy is to paint all the opposition leaders as tainted and involved in various corruption cases so that they are not able to build up a credible opposition front against the government. The strong political attacks followed by investigations by the central agencies have paid the saffron party rich dividends as evidenced in the case Bihar where Nitish Kumar was forced to break his alliance with Lalu Yadav. Similarly in Tamil Nadu, the BJP raised the issue of corruption in some factions of the AIADMK to control the party after the death of J. Jayalalithaa. AIADMK MLAs, who are missing control of their supremo, seems to have fallen in line. Speculation is rife about the party joining the NDA in the coming days, thus letting another state in BJP's kitty. This will also help the BJP in getting numbers in the Rajya Sabha after JD(U) joined in. BJP sources said its government's campaign has been against the corruption as it was highlighted during the demonetisation exercise. The people had accepted corruption as the main issue and supported the government. So it was going against the opposition leaders on the same issue as it has found resonance with people, they said. In yet another bizarre case of cow vigilantism, half a dozen men belonging to marginalised communities were beaten up by a group of right wing activists and the police in two separate incidents at Dularia village in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. After the two videos of the assault went viral, Betul police registered a case. The case was not registered against the so-called vigilantes, but against those who were brutally beaten in the video. Additional SP Ghanshyam Malviya told media that a case has been registered against Phoolchand and Nandkishore after they were caught smuggling cows. Police, however, is pleading ignorance about the beating of the alleged accused. At Dularia, 110 km from Betul district headquarters, the two young men were tied with ropes and were punished in front of the crowd. A lathi wielding man leading the crowd also beat them, the video showed. In a separate incident, under the same Mohda police station, four other youth were also beaten by a police constable in full view of several onlookers. The young men have been identified as Suresh Chandra Meena, Sameer Khan, Rupsingh Sanwar and Afzal. They were later arrested by the police. According to police sources, the alleged smugglers were arrested while transportiong 17 cows when they were apprehended by some gau rakshaks. Sub-divisional police officer (SDOP) of Bhainsdehi Prem Singh Thakur said that the men were from neighboring Amravati district of Maharashtra. Betul shares its border with Maharashtra. Anurag Modi, a social activist and leader of Shramik Adivasi Sangathan, said The incidents of cow-vigilantism reaching tribal areas is a matter of concern as adivasi rear animals to sell later for their livelihood. He said that in this case, the young men, who were manhandled, belong to marginalised communities. SDOP Thakur said, We are investigating the video and would look into the matter if they were really beaten. Modi said it is surprising that four men were arrested just because they were found near the house of an adivasi where some 18 cows were resting. He said the incidents of cow-vigilantism are hurting the poor and dalit communities. The adivasi, who used to rear cows for selling are now afraid of doing this. These incidents will ultimately turn people away from rearing cows, he said. The Doklam standoff between the armies of India and China doesn't seem to be finding a resolution anytime soon. China's ministry of foreign affairs has released a document called 'The facts and China's position concerning the Indian border troops' crossing of the China India boundary in the Sikkim sector into the Chinese territory'. The lengthy document says that on June 18, 2017, over 270 Indian soldiers, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers crossed the boundary in the Sikkim sector at the Doklam pass and advanced over 100 metre into Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side. It further accuses India of sending upto 400 soldiers at one point and setting up three tents. As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory,'' the document says. It further says that the incident occurred in an area where there is a clear and delimited boundary, which makes it fundamentally different from past frictions. The Chinese threat becomes clear in this statement: No country should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government and people to defend China's territorial sovereignty. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. The document says that India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops. The statement then softens a bit, talking about good neighbourly ties between the two largest developing countries, but the tone remains uncompromising throughout. The note even pooh poohs India's attempts for diplomatic solution to the standoff alleging that the Indian arguments do not have legal or factual standing and that India's reasoning that China's road building has serious security implications has no standing. While Beijing has been belligerent on this issue since the matter popped up, the detailed document clearly reveals that China is not going to take even one step backward. India has responded with an equally firm statement. India considers that peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is an important prerequisite for smooth development of our bilateral ties with China.'' The ministry of defence sources said that around 350 soldiers have been stationed in the Doklam area since the standoff started. There is status quo on the Indian side, our troops have not reduced, it said. When slain Lashkar commander Abu Dujana crossed from the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir into the Valley in his teenage years, he probably did not know that he might never return. Dujana, who was killed in a joint operation by the security forces on Tuesday morning, has been buried quietly in Shiree in Baramulla, Home ministry officials confirmed. According to estimates available with Indian intelligence agencies, more than two dozen Pakistani nationals are lying buried in Kashmir. The foreign militants lie in 'peace' in the burial grounds in Kulgam, Uri and Boniyar near the Line of Control, miles away from their Pakistani handlers. Many a wintry evenings have passed with none from across the border thinking of them. "Once they (Pakistani terrorists) are on a terror mission, there is no way they will return. While alive, they are not allowed to ex-filtrate, and in death, Pakistan does not claim their bodies," said a senior intelligence official. "The situation is such that we give them a quiet burial leaving the hope alive for their families to claim them by intimating Pakistan," said another security officer in the Valley. If his family appears after a few months, his body can be exhumed and handed over to them, said security officials. Sources said that even though the Jammu and Kashmir police have approached the Centre asking it to intimate Pakistan for Dujana's family to claim his body, the chances are bleak. His body could not be handed over to his wife in Pulwama for two reasons. Firstly he is a Pakistani national and secondly the security agencies and the state government foresee a law and order problem. "If we do so, the locals will take over the body," an official said. Dujana's wife is living with her father and both had been asked to leave the house when the crackdown happened. Back in Pakistan, the voices of families of other slain terrorists buried in the Valley have never reached either the Indian government or the media . A classic example is of Dujana's predecessor in LashkarAbu Qasim, the head of the Lashkar in Kashmir until December 2015. Qasim was the main recruiter and mastermind of the 2015 Udhampur attack. Intelligence sources reveal he was buried in Kulgam. "No one claimed his body," the officials said. Thereafter, the trend was to bury the Pakistani terrorists in Boniyar and Uri for all practical purposes by the state government, the sources said. The move, sources said, is aimed at exposing the Pakistan hand in militancy in Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir police have decided to ask the Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi to claim the body of Lashkar operations' commander Abu Abu Dujana for burial at his native place in Pakistan. "After certain formalities, we will ask the Pakistan Embassy to take the body of Abu Dujana to Pakistan so that his parents see him before burial," Inspector General of Police Muneer Khan told THE WEEK. "We will approach them soon." In case the Pakistan Embassy declines to accept Abdu Dujana's body, Khan said the police will arrange for his proper burial. It is for the first time in 27 years of militancy that the Kashmir police have decided to handover the body of a Pakistani militant to their embassy in India. According to sources, the move is aimed at exposing the Pakistani hand in militancy in Kashmir. Abu Dujana and his associate Arif Nabi Dar were killed yesterday in operations by the police, the CRPF and the Indian Army at Pulwama's Harkipora village in south Kashmir. Dujana, reportedly a resident of Gilgit Baltistan, was operating in Kashmir for the last six years. According to sources, he had married a local girl last year in Pulwama and has a daughter. He had replaced Lashkar-e-Taiba chief operational commander and Udhampur attack mastermind Abu Qasim after he was killed in October 2015. Funerals of foreign militants often evoke massive participation from the locals and are seen as a source of galvanising support for militants in Kashmir. Thousands of people had participated in Abu Qasim's funeral with two villages even demanding the body be handed over to them for burial. However, since 2015, foreign militants have been buried quietly at Boniyar in Uri. Police claimed that Abu Dujana was the mastermind of many attacks on security forces in south Kashmir. He first operated in north Kashmir and then shifted to south Kashmir. For the last one year, sources said, he was operating in Pulwama area but was not very active. He had developed differences with other Lashkar militants and was sidelined for his 'demeanor'. A few days back he was named as deputy by Zakir Musa, who broke ranks with the Hizbul, and was declared chief of "Al Qaeda" affiliated group Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind. The police said Abu Dujana was instrumental in recruiting local youth to Lashkar. He was involved in the killing of two CRPF personnel at Sangam Bijbehara and attack on the police party at Gallander Pampore in which two constables of J&K Armed Police were killed. He was also involved in a hand grenade attack against the security forces at Pahoo village in Awantipora. He was involved in firing on the CRPF at Green Tunnel Bijbehara in which several the CRPF personnel was injured. For last one year or so, we have seen that he was not involved in too many operations. He was more involved in coercion, said Sandhu. Police said Dar was involved in four bank robberies at J&K bank branches at Arihal, Ratnipora, and Nehama besides Ellaquai Dehati Bank Wahibugh branch. One dies in protest Yesterday, violent protests rocked the area after people from many villages tried to march towards the encounter site. Security forces first used lathi charge, smoke shells to disperse the mob. Later, the security forces fired bullets in which a youth, Firdous Ahmed Bhat, was killed and several people suffered injuries. It was a clean operation but for a civilian casualty and five to six injuries by bullets and pellets,'' Khan. ''In spite of our warnings and requests, people at the behest of militants tend to come in between the operation parties and militant. We lost a civilian regrettably.'' After the news of Abu Dujana's death spread, students took to streets in Srinagar and other parts of the valley. They pelted stones on the forces who used lathi charge to disperse the mob. Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Yasin Malik have called for Kashmir bandh on Tuesday against the killings and asked people to offer funeral prayers in absentia to slain militants. The simultaneous raids by the Income Tax Department across 39 locations connected to Karnataka Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar, in the wee hours of Wednesday, has created ruckus in both houses of the Parliament. The Congress Party dubbed it as a witch-hunting by a desperate BJP and accused the Centre of misusing" authority and central agencies to intimidate the Congress MLAs from Gujarat, who are holed up in a Bengaluru resort under the supervision of Shivakumar, ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha elections. The raids have triggered a political slugfest owing to its timing ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat, where Congress is trying to get Ahmed Patel, political secretary of party chief Sonia Gandhi, re-elected amid allegations of horsetrading and attempts to poach Congress MLAs by the ruling BJP. The political drama shifted from Gujarat to Karnataka, after the 42 Congress MLAs from Gujarat landed in Eagleton resort in Bidadi, located in the Lok Sabha constituency of D.K. Suresh, brother of Shivakumar. The dramatic raids were carried out at 6.30 am on Wednesday, when as many as 80 IT sleuths swooped down simultaneously on the residences of Shivakumar at Sadashivanagar in Bengaluru, Kanakapura, Mysuru (his in-laws' house), Delhi, and his offices at Infantry road and Chalukya Circle. The houses of his brother Suresh, personal assistant Anjaneya, personal astrologer (Dwarkanath), and close aide Balaji Subahsh and businesses including Davanam Jewellers, and Shobha Developers were also raided. The IT officials picked up the minister who was staying at the resort, and seized several documents and later escorted him to his residence in Bengaluru for questioning. Soon after the news of the raids spread, Ahmed Patel tweeted: BJP is on an unprecedented witch-hunting just to win one Rajya Sabha seat. After using state machinery and every other agency, these IT raids show their utter desperation and frustration. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit back at the Congress, in his reply to both houses, stating there was no need to link the raids to Gujarat RS polls. The resort was not searched nor were the Gujarat MLAs disturbed. The minister had gone and parked himself at the resort and was picked up from there for questioning, said Jaitley. Shivakumar was found tearing up some documents at the resort when the sleuths reached there. The same have been seized. Don't link it to Gujarat politics; it was a case of financial fraud, said Jaitley. Leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the elections to the Rajya Sabha should be held in a free and fair manner and alleged that Congress MLAs were being "kidnapped in Gujarat ahead of the elections. "This is against democracy," said Azad. Even as the Congress leaders questioned the timing of the raids, the Karnataka Investigation wing of I-T, in a press release, confirmed that searches were being held in a case related to a state minister and claimed that the search was in continuation of an investigation which has been in progress for a considerable period of time. The minister was staying at a resort, where MLAs of another state are staying. But the minister's room alone was searched. The timing was decided well in advance and the MLAs of another state being brought to Karnataka were 'unforeseen' and 'unpredictable' events, stated the I-T department. The search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act is an evidence gathering exercise which is being carried in compliance with all statutory requirement. According to sources, the I-T sleuths also questioned the Eagleon resort management to know who was bearing the expenses of the Gujarat MLAs staying in the resort, where 57 rooms have been booked for the legislators. Meanwhile, sources have revealed that huge stashes of cash were recovered from the Delhi residence of Shivakumar during the raids. The Congress' Karnataka unit has firmly stood behind Shivakumar. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a series of tweets condemned the Centre for use of para-military force during an I-T search. He also alleged political conspiracy by the BJP. Investigation must always follow due procedure to unearth truth. Violating the rules exposes political motivation behind the raids. Using I-T department as a weapon of political vendetta, is a blatant misuse of power and goes against the principles of democracy and cooperative federalism. The Congress-run government in Karnataka will neither budge to such political blackmail nor stoop to vindictive politics, tweeted Siddaramaiah, even as protests by party workers erupted in Bengaluru. It may be recalled that the ruling Congress had also backed small scale industries minister Ramesh L. Jarkiholi and president of Karnataka State Mahila Congress president Lakshmi Hebbalkar last January, despite I-T raids revealing undisclosed transactions conducted in cooperative banks and unexplained cash worth Rs 162 crore. Interestingly, the state Congress leaders have chosen to play the victim card, by claiming they had information that top ministers of Siddaramaiah's cabinet were the target. I have information that the I-T is planning raids to target senior ministers like me, R.V. Deshpande, Dr HC Mahadevappa and K.J. George. It is politically motivated, alleged water resources minister M.B. Patil. The World Bank convened a secretary-level discussion on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)a river water sharing treaty between India and Pakistan. The discussion, according to a statement by the World Bank, took place in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington DC.'' The World Bank, which brokered the treaty in 1960, had invited both the countries for talks to resolve the issues that have cropped up over resource usage and sharing. According to a fact sheet released by the World Bank, India and Pakistan disagree over the construction of the Kishanganga (330megawatts) and Ratle (850megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India. The two countries disagree over whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty. The plants are on respectively a tributary of the Jhelum and the Chenab rivers. The treaty designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as 'Western Rivers' to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. Among the uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constrains specified in annexures to the treaty.'' Although it appears at first glance that the dispute is a fallout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's famous statement last year after the Uri attacks that blood and water cannot flow together, the Kishanganga project actually began in 2007. The Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant was started in 2007, though work slowed down as Pakistan raised objections and the Permanent Court of Arbitration finally ruled in 2011 that India could divert a minimum amount of water for power generation. The World Bank's statement too reaffirms India's right to tap hydroelectricity from the Jhelum. The Ratle project, in Doda district of Jammu, has not started, though the statement makes it clear that India has the right to develop it for hydroelectric power. Pakistan has asked the World Bank to facilitate a court of arbitration to look into the concerns while India sought appointment of a neutral expert. This put the World Bank in a quandary, because the treaty does not empower it to choose one procedure over the other, and the bank encouraged the two parties to reach a mechanism to address the issues. On December 12, 2016, World Bank group president Jim Yong Kim said the bank would pause before taking a decision in order to safeguard the treaty, which has been a big success so far, having survived several wars and conflicts. Former US president Dwight Eisenhower had once said this treaty was one bright spot in a very depressing world picture that we see so often.'' The World Bank is looking for an amicable resolution to the issue and has discussed a variety of proposals with both countries on resolving the disagreement. It has sent its senior officials to discuss the matter with Indian and Pakistani officials, including the finance ministers of both countries. India's current position is that within the ambit of the treaty itself, India has not exploited the full potential of the water available to it, and it is looking for ways to ensure this now. Modi's high level meeting with officials last year was to discuss ways in which the IWT could be relooked at. If you are above the age of 58 and booked railway tickets recently through the www.irctc.co.in, you would have noticed a new pop up window asking, Would you like to give up Senior Citizen Concession? This window, prompting people to give up the concession, was introduced barely three weeks ago. Thus began the railway ministry's 'Give it Up' campaign, motivating senior citizens to voluntarily give up the concession that women over the age of 58 and men over the age of 60 are eligible for. This is much like the way people were motivated to give up their LPG subsidy. The ministry had even considered raising the age for senior citizens to 70, but has not taken a call on it so far. Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramaniam had, for the first time, pointed out in the Economic Survey 2015-16 that while the fares paid by the poor travelling in unreserved seats were subsidised 69 per cent, the better-off, travelling by air conditioned first, second and sleeper classes were also beneficiaries of subsidy of 34 per cent, in a chapter titled, Bounties for the Well Off. The decision to jump into this give it up campaign was inspired by a Avtar Krishen Kher, who read the details of the printed ticket for his family's train journey from the national capital to Jammu, and gave a cheque for Rs 950 to the IRCTC. Beginning June 2016, the railways has been specifying the subsidy amount on every printed ticket. The railways is said to be losing about Rs 35,000 crores annually on account of various subsidies. The ministry has been in touch with with financial think tanks to mull how to reduce the loss on account of subsidy. Incidentally, according to the Economic Survey 2015-16, the rich (the top 70 per cent of population based on expenditure distribution as per NSS data) consume 92 per cent of the subsidy, while the poor (the bottom 30per cent) cost the government only 8 per cent. The effective subsidy rate was 53 per cent and the implicit subsidy to the rich amounted to Rs 3,671 crores. Youth Congress leader M. Vikram Goud, who was injured in a firing last week, had stage-managed the incident and offered Rs 50 lakh to the gang he had hired to execute the plan, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Representative image | Reuters Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy said that Goud, who was still undergoing treatment at a hospital, was under police surveillance and would be arrested once he is discharged. Police have arrested five other accused, while two others are on the run. The arrested include Raees Khan, a native of Indore, who had opened two rounds on Goud. Goud, 35, has been booked for abetment to commit crime, criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, giving false information to police and for possessing and using illegal firearm. Goud, a businessman and son of former Andhra Pradesh Minister M. Mukesh Goud, was injured in the firing at his residence in upscale Banjara Hills area at 3.30 a.m on July 28. He had told the police that two assailants riding a bike barged into his house and opened fire. The police investigations, however, revealed that Goud had himself planned the attack and hired a gang to execute it. Goud, who also produced some Telugu films and had investments in real estate and other businesses, had hoped to gain public sympathy in the Jubliee Hills constituency in Hyderabad from where he is planning to contest next assembly elections in 2019. He also wanted to use the incident as an excuse to avoid some businessmen pressurising him to repay the loans. Interestingly, Goud tried to execute in real life a plot from one of his own movies. Apart from Raees Khan, police arrested S. Nanda Kumar, Sheikh Ahmed, K. Babujaan and A. Govind Reddy -- all hailing from Kadapa and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh. Venkat Ramna and Ghouse are absconding. The police chief said the arrests were made during searches across five states -- Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Of the Rs 50 lakh that Vikram Goud had promised to the gang to shoot at him, he had paid Rs 14 lakh and had made all arrangements. The gang had purchased a pistol from Indore and along with ammunition it was kept at his house since it was brought to Hyderabad in early July. Police recovered the country-made pistol, which the accused had thrown into a pond after executing the plan. The police chief said Vikram Goud's wife M. Shipali had no knowledge of his plot. She told the police that her husband woke up early and asked her to get ready to go to a nearby "dargah" for making arrangements for feeding the poor. Raees Khan, who had helped the gang in procuring pistol from Indore, rushed to Hyderabad to execute the plan on July 27 after the other accused backed out. The planning started four months ago when Vikram asked Govind Reddy, who wanted to work in films, to procure a weapon and make an attempt on his life. Govind Reddy approached his friend Nanda Kumar, who in turn brought other accused to execute the plan. As per the plan, the attack was to be carried out on July 26 but it had to be postponed as Sheikh Ahmed did not turn up due to miscommunication. The accused decided to go back to their Anantapur district as they were not confident of executing the plan. Sheikh Ahmed then called Raees Khan to Hyderabad to do the shooting. As per the plan, Raees opened fire on Vikram who was sitting on sofa. He sustained two bullet injuries on his both upper arms. Raees could not fire a third round as per the plan as the bullet got stuck, the Police Commissioner said. Scientists searching for everything from oil and gas to copper and gold are adopting techniques used by companies such as Netflix or Amazon to sift through vast amounts of data, a study showed on Tuesday. The method has already helped to discover 10 carbon-bearing minerals and could be widely applied to exploration, they wrote in the journal American Mineralogist. Big data points to new minerals, new deposits, they wrote of the findings. The technique goes beyond traditional geology by amassing data about how and where minerals have formed, for instance by the cooling of lava after volcanic eruptions. The data can then be used to help find other deposits. Minerals occur on Earth in clusters, said Robert Hazen, executive director of the Deep Carbon Observatory at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington and an author of the study. When you see minerals together it's very like the way that humans interact in social networks such as Facebook, he said. Hazen said the technique was also like Amazon, which recommends books based on a client's previous orders, or by media streaming company Netflix, which proposes movies based on a customer's past viewing habits. They are using vast amounts of data and make correlations that you could never make, he told Reuters. Lead author Shaunna Morrison, also at the Deep Carbon Observatory and the Carnegie Institution, said luck often played a big role for geologists searching for new deposits. We are looking at it in a much more systematic way, she said of the project. Among the 10 rare carbon-bearing minerals discovered by the project were abellaite and parisaite-(La). The minerals, whose existence was predicted before they were found, have no known economic applications. Gilpin Robinson, of the US Geological Survey (USGS) who was not involved in the study, said the USGS had started to collaborate with the big data project. The use of large data sets and analytical tools is very important in our studies of mineral and energy resources, he wrote in an email. The DCO project will also try to collect data to examine the geological history of the Moon and Mars. Sourced from Reuters China on Wednesday said it had informed India in advance about its road building activity in Doklam on the border and reiterated its demand that New Delhi must withdraw its troops immediately from the area. Beijing, which earlier said it won't talk to New Delhi until the Indian troops leave, also hinted that the two sides were in touch to resolve the dragging dispute on the Sikkim section of the border. In a 15-page document, China's foreign ministry said the number of Indian soldiers in Doklam since the beginning of the crisis had come down from 270 to 40 by the end of July. The stand-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers began on June 16 over a road being built by the Chinese army in Doklam. Indian troops stopped them from constructing the road, citing the pending ownership of Doklam. Both China and Bhutan claim Doklam. India supports Bhutan's claims. "China's road building on its own territory is aimed at improving local transportation, which is completely lawful and legitimate. China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of China's goodwill," the ministry said. The document dismissed India's claims that China was attempting to change the status quo of the border region by building a road. It said Indian troops "transgressing" into Chinese territory was "indeed a real attempt to change the status quo of the boundary, and it has gravely undermined peace and tranquility of the China-India border area". The comments came in a document titled 'The Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory'. It dismissed India's contention that the road building at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan had serious security implications for New Delhi. India sees the road as a threat to its security as it is very close to its arterial Siliguri corridor, which connects the country's northeast with the mainland. "To cross a delimited boundary and enter the territory of a neighbouring country on the grounds of so-called 'security concerns', for whatever activities, runs counter to the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. "No such attempt will be tolerated by any sovereign state, still less should it be the normal way of conduct between China and India as two neighbouring states." The document maintained that China had no issues with Bhutan and both sides were deliberating on the boundary issue and this was of no concern to India. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf. "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident. "Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and great restraint and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident." the statement said. India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met China's top diplomat in Beijing on the sidelines of last week's BRICS security meet. (PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) Yad Vashem signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Education from Serbia, codifying the working relationship that Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, shares with the Serbian government. The agreement was signed in the presence of Assistant Minister of Education Dr. Aleksandar Pajic as well as Serbian educators participating in a seminar at Yad Vashems International School for Holocaust Studies. Over many years, Serbian teachers have participated in some of the hundreds of annual international workshops and educational seminars Yad Vashem has conducted for teachers and community leaders from all over the world. Yad Vashems International School for Holocaust Studies is known the world over for its unique approach towards Holocaust education. Our pedagogical approach is respected as one of the best methodologies to deal with this most sensitive topic, says Lily Safra Chair for Holocaust Studies and Director of Yad Vashems International School for Holocaust Studies Dr. Eyal Kaminka, who signed the agreement on behalf of Yad Vashem. We have governmental partnerships with more than 50 countries around the world and are thrilled to officially add Serbia to this prestigious group. Prior to this agreement, those educators from Serbia who participated in seminars at Yad Vashem did so in an unofficial capacity. Now Serbian teachers will receive full accreditation for their participation and the number of seminars offered to them is set to increase. Yad Vashems International School for Holocaust Studies serves as a hub for Holocaust education, attracting students and educators from across the globe. Each year, the International School engages with some 300,000 students, as well as thousands of educators, community leaders, and decision-makers from around the world. Guided by its unique pedagogical philosophy, the International School has developed and perfected innovative educational materials, teaching tools and teacher-training activities in order to develop programs suitable for diverse age groups and cultures. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Yad Vashem) It had all the ingredients of a political brawl: a Jordanian and an Israeli lawmaker, both known for attention-seeking bluster, challenged each other to a showdown Wednesday on the border between their two countries. Everyone expected a fist fight or at least a shouting match. Israels Oren Hazan and Jordans Yehiya al-Saoud were each already on their way to the border crossing on Allenby Bridge on the River Jordan when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli lawmaker to stand down. The showdown was averted but the hyperbole from both sides reflects heightened diplomatic tensions between Israel and Jordan over the escalation around Har Habayis and over last months deadly shooting at the Israeli Embassy in Amman. Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994, but ties are often strained over Israeli-Palestinian flare-ups. There has also been widespread anger in Jordan over last months deadly shooting in which an Israeli Embassy guard killed two Jordanians, including a 16-year-old. Authorities said the guard opened fire after the teen attacked him with a screwdriver during a furniture delivery. Hazan and al-Saoud, both provocative politicians, had quarreled publicly in recent days, exchanging barbs through media statements. Al-Saoud challenged Hazan to a faceoff at the Allenby Bridge crossing after the Israeli berated Jordan, claiming Israel always protects their posterior, day and night. They need a little reeducation. Hazan picked up the gauntlet but struck a more jocular tone ahead of the rendezvous, posting photos of getting a haircut and tweeting: A gentleman is never late! He said he would meet al-Saoud and make him an offer he cant refuse. His spokesman Daniel Zirlin said the meeting would be non-violent and would carry a message of reconciliation and peace. Al-Saoud struck a harsher tone, telling reporters on his way to the crossing that he was serious about going to the bridge and beating up this dirty person. We want to tell Netanyahu that if the door to jihad (holy war) was open, the Jordanians would stomp on them (Israelis) with their shoes, al-Saoud said. Hazan, who made headlines earlier this year when he snapped an unexpected selfie with President Donald Trump after he landed in Tel Aviv, was heading to the bridge on Wednesday morning when the prime ministers office called. (AP) Fat-cat bosses at a housebuilder have been handed 92m in one of the most lucrative paydays in UK corporate history. Berkeley Group, which sold 3,905 new homes last year at an average price of 675,000, handed the sum to its six top executives in 2016-17. The highest paid was chairman and founder Tony Pidgley, 69, who scooped 29m while chief executive Rob Perrins, 52, trousered 28m. Top earners: The six executives taking home 93 million between them Pidgley, who owns 5.5m shares in the company worth 194m, has earned 74m in the last three years, while Perrins has taken home 51m. Others to share in the bonanza were finance director Richard Stearn, 48, executive directors Karl Whiteman, 52, and Sean Ellis, 49, and former director Greg Fry, 50. Critics branded the lavish rewards startling at a time when so many families are struggling to get on the housing ladder amid a chronic shortage of new homes around the country. The windfall at Berkeley stems from a long-term incentive plan or LTIP introduced in 2011 which promised executives 19.6m shares if certain targets were hit by 2021. The shares were valued at around 1000p each at the time but have soared ever since on the back of a recovery in the housing market and closed at 3529p last night. The surge in the share price has driven up the value of the rewards owed to the Berkeley top brass. The companys annual report, published yesterday, showed they collected 33pc of the shares available under the scheme last year a total of nearly 86m. Pidgley split from first wife Ruby, a merchant seamans daughter, in an acrimonious divorce in 1999, and is married to second wife Sarah, a dressage rider he met playing polo. The pair have a vast estate at their 16th-century house in Windsor. Famed for his ability to judge turns in the housing market, he was adopted from Barnardos by travellers when he was four and left home and school at 15. He set up a haulage business, which he then sold aged 20, before setting up Berkeley in 1976. Berkeley has capped the pay of its top brass to stop a repeat of last years huge windfalls. But Pidgley and Perrins are still able to earn 8m each a year. Stefan Stern, director of the High Pay Centre, said: These numbers are startling in a country where the housing market is so challenging. So many struggle to buy a home yet a few lucky executives at the heart of this are cashing in. Is this business genius or good timing and luck? It looks like luck. Stephen Martin, director general of the Institute of Directors, branded LTIPs opaque. A spokesman for Berkeley said last years pay reflected exceptional long-term performance. The confident prediction by many Remain analysts that depreciation of the pound couldnt possibly help exporters because of Brexit uncertainty and weak global trade is looking as stale as expert forecasts of a recession or slump. The National Institute for Economic & Social Research says UK growth of 1.7pc in 2017 will represent the trough of the current economic cycle, and we can expect output to pick up trend levels next year. Belief in an export-led recovery is reinforced by the latest survey from the purchasing managers which reveals the biggest surge in export orders since 2010 as output from UK factories recovered in July from a seven-month low. Whitehall needs to get behind British technology and exports - fast, says ALEX BRUMMER. Admittedly it is not all plain sailing. The ability of UK exporters to respond to favourable demand from America, Asia and the Middle East is constrained by the hollowing out of the UKs supply chain. One also dreads to think what will happen in the motor industry unless Britain gets on top of electric car and battery technology. The art of what is possible comes through strongly from Rolls-Royce. Having weathered the bribery scandal and surmounted bureaucratic roadblocks, chief executive Warren East looks to have a fair wind. Underlying sales were up at 6pc in the first half and profits climbed 148pc to 287m. At the forefront of the success has been the Trent engine and nuclear. If the Government were wiser it would give immediate political and financial backing to the Rolls-Royce initiative for small modular nuclear reactors designed and built in the UK. Whitehall needs to get behind British technology and exports, fast. Oil slump Living with lower oil prices poses serious challenges for the oil majors. Projects which once looked full of promise, such as BPs investment in Southern Angola, suddenly look less viable. The challenges for BP chief executive Bob Dudley are a little harder because he is still dealing with the overhang from the Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010. Shareholders may have avoided the horror of insolvency, but the companys bill so far is a shade under 50bn. The calls on cash flow from the explosion are diminishing rapidly and should be down to just over 1.5bn by 2018. What worries investors is the impact on borrowing, which stands at close to 29pc of the companys share capital. BP is demonstrating that it can live with oil prices in the $45-a-barrel to $50-a-barrel range, which is just as well given the fracking revolution in the US, higher production in Iraq and Iran and the diminution of Opec influence. BP continues to bring on new projects in the North Sea, Egypt and Trinidad & Tobago. Cash flow is strong enough to cover exploration costs and keep the ten-cent dividend alive. Income at 526m in the second quarter was sharply down on the first quarter and a lower than the same period of last year. No one has yet answered the question as to what happens to the oil majors when the world becomes carbon free and we all tootle about in driverless cars. Green bills WHILE on the subject of energy, a brief word of understanding for Centrica chief executive Iain Conn. None of British Gass 3m customers can be happy about a 12.5pc lift in the price of electricity at a time when wholesale oil and gas prices have been falling. But it cannot be healthy for our power supplies if electricity is sold at a loss and investment in generation and distribution is curtailed. Engineering projects such as HS2 and Crossrail will put ever more strains on the grid as will ever so green electric cars. Many of the costs of this are passed to the consumer through household bills rather than the taxation system as in other countries. Painful, but at least transparent. Car crash AA shares have been falling almost from the day they were dumped on the market by private equity firm Permira in 2014. Never had the decline been as dramatic as with the announcement that chairman-chief executive Bob Mackenzie is leaving because of gross misconduct. Unhelpfully, the company and its advisers felt unable to explain to investors the suddenness of the termination. In so doing they have opened the door to endless salacious speculation. Amateur night at the roadside. A rosy day for heavyweight British companies saw quality assurance specialist Intertek leap to record highs. The blue-chip business, which checks products ranging from cars to childrens toys, said a thumping profits surge was thanks to a rise in big companies calling it in to scrutinise their wares. Profits were up by 27.9pc to 190.8m for the six months to the end of June, the company said. Shares rose 9.2pc, or 394p, to 4695p after the announcement. Intertek has seen rapid growth in recent years as regulators have demanded more stringent approaches, particularly after high-profile fiascos such as the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Chief executive Andre Lacroix said: The 189bn global quality assurance industry has attractive structural growth prospects We are uniquely positioned to seize these exciting growth opportunities with our total quality assurance value proposition. It was a good day for several FTSE giants, with strong results also posted by Rolls-Royce (10.2pc or 91p up at 979p), BP (up 2.4pc or 10.65p at 456.45p) and Direct Line (up 5.4pc or 20.4p to 395p) cheering investors and spurring a market rally. The FTSE 100 rose 0.7pc, or by 51.66 points, to 7423.66 points as the blue-chip firms revealed their positive figures, offsetting drag from the strengthening pound. HSBC was also up 1pc, or 7.8p, to 764.8p, continuing a rally on Asian markets overnight. It was a torrid day for others, however. AIM-listed cake decoration firm Real Good Food was left in a sticky spot when a profit warning caused its shares to tumble by more than a third. Despite posting a positive update last month, the company yesterday said an audit had uncovered accounting problems with sugar purchases and development costs. It said the total impact on earnings would be about 2m for the year to the end of March 2017, with final results for the period delayed until the end of this month. As shares plunged by 35pc, or 12.25p, to 22.75p, it was also announced that non-executive director Peter Salter had resigned. Some delays to expansion plans were also likely to dent earnings in 2018 by 2.3m, but it added: The anticipated benefits of these projects remain robust and are expected to be fully realised. Meanwhile, e-sports tournament organiser Gfinity had a turbulent day despite revealing it had struck a deal with BT Sport. STOCK WATCH A PROJECT update from AIM-listed Edenville Energy boosted shares in early trading yesterday. The British company was up 5pc at one stage, after revealing a ten-mile mine-haul road in Tanzania was largely complete. It will make its coal project in the Rukwa region accessible to trucks within weeks, the firm said. Despite the early boost, shares did eventually close down 0.7pc to 0.69p. Its shares have risen more than 70pc in the past year, however. Its first season of the Elite Series, which pits professional gamers against each other on titles including Street Fighter, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rocket League, started broadcasting on the channel yesterday. However, shares in the AIM-listed company fell 1.6pc, or 0.38p, to 22.62p. The announcement came on the heels of another tie-up between the company and the BBC to feature the series on online channel BBC Three. Sound Energy, also listed on the junior market, fared better with a bump in shares. The British oil and gas explorer rose 4.4pc or 1.75p to 41.5p after confirming it had gained outline approval from authorities in eastern Morocco for the route of a new gas export pipeline. Bosses said it brought the company another step closer to making a gas discovery at Tendrara profitable. Oil industry analyst Malcolm Graham-Wood, of Interactive Investor, said: This is good news and to an extent shows the value of having good relationships with the important people locally, developed through extensive local social policies. Let down by BA: Jenny and Neil Morgan Jenny and Neil Morgan had planned the holiday of a lifetime to South America this November. The couple, in their 60s, splashed out thousands of pounds on British Airways flights to Lima, the capital of Peru. Their tour would take in the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in the Andes, the picturesque beaches of Uruguay and, finally, the birthplace of tango dancing, Buenos Aires in Argentina. But in April, the Morgans plans began to unravel when they logged on to the BA website to find their flights had been cancelled and the airline hadnt told them. When they contacted BA, it said it had stopped servicing the route to Lima altogether a month earlier. The Morgans were offered three choices: a full refund; a flight from London to Madrid and then another from Madrid to Lima with BAs sister company, Iberia adding at least five hours to their journey; or splitting the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in Madrid. They didnt fancy flying 18 hours in one day, but BA refused to pay for the cost of a 200 hotel if they chose to split the journey in two. Despite its blunders, BA offered just 20,000 Avios points as compensation the equivalent of a return flight from London to Prague. We thought BA would feel guilty for letting us down, but weve been left with the impression that it couldnt care less Jenny Morgan, BA customer The airline also refused to allow the couple, from South-West London, to use their Avios points to upgrade to business class, explaining that its loyalty scheme doesnt work with Iberia flights. We thought BA would feel guilty for letting us down, but weve been left with the impression that it couldnt care less, says Jenny Morgan. British Airways isnt the airline it used to be. After Money Mail intervened, BA allowed the Morgans to use Avios points to upgrade their flights. The couple are among a growing number of loyal BA customers complaining of slipping standards. Grounded: The airline cancelled flights without warning No free meal or drinks but it still costs more Over the past year, the airline has scrapped complimentary meals on short-haul flights, cut leg room to make way for more seats on some planes and suffered an IT meltdown that saw around 75,000 passengers flights cancelled or delayed. If you are paying a premium, you absolutely have the right to expect a good service Frank Brehany, travel expert The airline appeared on Money Mails Wooden Spoon shortlist for poor customer service for the first time in January this year, and readers now routinely complain of inadequate compensation when something goes wrong. Passengers gripe that they are paying for a top-of-the-range experience with BA, but getting the sort of service they associate with budget carriers. QUICK MONEY-SAVER: TRAVEL MONEY Heading abroad? Make sure you sidestep hefty bank fees on your holiday spending. Most credit and debit cards will charge hefty fees of around 3 per cent for foreign transactions, with extra charges for withdrawing cash abroad. There are several current accounts and credit cards which offer reduced fees or waive overseas charges altogether. Alternatively you could consider a prepaid currency card. FairFX is offering This is Money and MailOnline readers a free MasterCard prepaid card (usual cost 9.95). Even regular first-class fliers, such as Queen guitarist Brian May, complain of poor value for money in Mr Mays case, because the view from his window seat was obstructed. Despite the complaints, BA still charges considerably more than rivals on the same routes. A direct flight from Gatwick to Faro, Portugal, for two adults and two children on August 25 would cost 178 with Monarch, but 456 with BA 278 more. Flights from Gatwick to Orlando would be 746 with Thomas Cook Airlines and 4,526 with BA 3,780 more. The company rakes in huge profits, making 662 million in the first six months of the year, up 17.4 per cent on the same period in 2016. Frank Brehany, an independent travel expert, says: Customers will look at the IT problems, the removal of free food and endless disputes with staff and see a company belt-tightening in the face of competition from budget airlines. If you are paying a premium, you absolutely have the right to expect a good service. This should serve as a wake-up call for the management. If they listen to customers, they can be the great brand they were. We have flown with BA for years - now I don't want to fly with them again David and Carol Cole have been left out of pocket by BA, after their flight from Nice to London in May last year was cancelled due to strikes by French air traffic controllers. The couple, from Hambrook, West Sussex, couldnt get through to BA over the phone, so were forced to book new flights on its website. BA has refused to refund the 451 cost, saying that the Coles should have rebooked by phone. It offered to refund the 93 they paid towards their first flights and throw in 17,000 Avios points (enough to fly from London to Helsinki and back). David, 70, a retired computer engineer, says: I fought their offer for a year because we only want our money back. But, in the end, I had to accept it. We have flown with BA for years, but now I dont want to fly with them again. In January, BA scrapped the complimentary food and drink it used to offer on most short-haul flights. Customers who want refreshments must now pay for Marks & Spencer goods. BA boss who came to cut costs Slashing costs: Alex Cruz At the centre of British Airways customer service issues is its boss, Alex Cruz. He was brought in from budget airline Vueling in April 2016 to slash costs and help BA compete with Ryanair and EasyJet. But the 51-year-old, from Bilbao, Spain, has had to fight off suggestions he has turned BA into a budget airline by ditching free food and reducing leg space. The father of four, who lives in London, started his career at American Airlines in 1990 and became chair and chief executive of Vueling in 2009. After Mays IT meltdown, he said: We apologise profusely for the hardship that customers of ours have had to go through. Disappointed: Barbara and Keith Workman had expected a free meal and drink on their flight to Cyprus Upset BA flyers struggle to get compensation Barbara and Keith Workman, 70 and 73, booked a flight to Cyprus to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. They chose BA partly because they liked the idea of a free meal and drink. The couple, from Lincolnshire, received an email in May, stating that their booking had been amended and they were no longer getting a free meal. Attached to the email was the new, paid-for Marks & Spencer menu. And it wasnt cheap: a smoked British bacon roll (4.75), a packet of salt and vinegar crisps (1.10) and a 330ml can of Heineken (4) will set you back 9.85. Barbara says: British Airways has gone downhill badly. That was probably the last time we will be able to fly, due to ill-health, and it has been spoilt. I know the food was free, but that is what we were promised when we booked, and then we were told we could not have it any more. Hollie Thrasher, a 25-year-old law student from London, was offered just 38 in compensation last month when BA damaged her new 120 Linea suitcase on a flight to Miami. When Hollie and her mother, Lynne, 54, collected the suitcase from the baggage carousel in the U.S., the front compartment was badly ripped. Hollie was told the most shed get in compensation was $50 (around 40) not nearly enough for a like-for-like replacement. Someone at BA sent me a link to a suitcase they believed to be similar to the one I had, but it wasnt at all, says Hollie. It was the wrong size, didnt have as many wheels and was a quarter of the price. Unable to find a suitable replacement for $50, she was forced to wrap a band around her broken case for the flight home. I cant afford 120 for a new case, especially when I wasnt responsible for damaging it, she adds. Sue and Chris Whitehead, 43 and 47, were among the 75,000 people whose flights were cancelled in BAs IT crash over the May bank holiday. The debacle grounded 726 flights and could cost the airline up to 58 million in compensation. Sue and Chris turned up at Heathrow with their children Isobel, nine, and Daisy, six to find their flight to Asturias, northern Spain, was cancelled. It took the couple 36 hours to get through to someone at BA customer services. When they did, they were immediately refunded 220 for the flights, but were told to claim separately for the 1,000 they had spent on hotels, car rental and advance booking for activities such as canoeing and caving. I would never fly with them again if thats the way they treat loyal customers Sue Whitehead, BA customer They had to wait three weeks for a response, only to be told they would have to claim through Iberia, one of BAs sister airlines. Under EU rules, it is the flight operator, Iberia, that is liable to pay compensation, even though the Whiteheads booked with BA. Sue, owner of a management consultancy, says: I am disgusted with the way BA has treated us. I would never fly with them again if thats the way they treat loyal customers. A BA spokesman says: Were very sorry for the disruption over the May bank holiday weekend. It is each airlines responsibility to handle compensation claims, and we correctly referred our customers complaint to the operating carrier, Iberia. The airline blamed a computer malfunction for failing to let Jenny and Neil Morgan know that it had stopped offering flights to Lima. Its spokesman says: We have been in touch with Mrs Morgan to apologise and offer a gesture of goodwill. We have offered a full refund of the flights, or to rebook with an alternative carrier. It has also apologised to Mr Cole for the cancellation of his flight. We are refunding the Avios and cash he paid for his original tickets, says the spokesman. Had Mr Cole called us, we would have been able to rebook his flights for free. Because he made alternative arrangements independently, we are unable to refund the new tickets. British Airways provides choice and value for all customers. Our customers tell us they want low fares BA spokesman Money Mail asked why Hollie Thrasher had been given so little recompense for her damaged suitcase. BA said: We have offered to review the payment on receipt of proof of purchase. The airlines spokesman says: British Airways provides choice and value for all customers. Our customers tell us they want low fares. 'Being more efficient, through measures such as increasing the number of seats in economy cabins on some aircraft and changing our catering product for short-haul economy customers, enables us to offer more low fares and allows us to invest in our customers. We dont always get everything right, but we listen to customers so we can meet changing preferences. The worlds top kettle technology manufacturer is set to go public after a 190m flotation on the London Stock Exchange. Strix makes safety controls which switch the devices off when the water has boiled. The business fits out 38pc of the 174m kettles sold across the globe each year. The Isle of Man-based companys customers include blue-chip clients such as Tesco, Walmart and Siemens. Slow burner: The company was founded in 1951 Although it has long dominated the British market and expects little UK growth, the emerging Chinese middle class has embraced the electric kettle and is driving market growth of 6pc a year. Strix turned over 88.7m last year, up 11pc on the previous 12 months, while profits climbed by 200,000 to 22m. It employs 830 on the Isle of Man and in Guangzhou, China. It has paid just 2.6m of corporation tax in the last three years because the islands manufacturing firms are exempt. The shares will start trading at 100p each on the AIM junior market on Tuesday. Supermarket Morrisons has sealed a 1billion deal to stock convenience shop chain McColls with groceries. In an agreement which has angered rival chains, who had hoped to secure the lucrative contract, Morrisons will resurrect the Safeway brand and supply products across McColls 1,300 convenience stores and 350 newsagents. McColls will be exclusively supplied with around 400 Safeway own-brand products from January next year. It will mark the return of the supermarket whose shops closed in 2005. McColls will also benefit from Morrisons fresh food offer, including its bakery and sandwiches as well as its branded products like Flora margarine and Yeo Valley yogurts. The 1bn contract is a major boost for Morrisons which has been revitalised under boss David Potts, and has seen a turnaround in sales. The grocery industry has been consolidating in recent months to combat the threat posed by Amazon, which bid 10.7bn for organic retailer Whole Foods in June. Tesco hopes to close a 3.7bn takeover of convenience chain Booker by Christmas, while Sainsburys is rumoured to be pondering a takeover of Nisa. Morrisons won the contract with McColls over rivals thought to have included The Co-op, Nisa and Palmer & Harvey. McColls was previously supplied by Palmer & Harvey and Nisa. Potts said Morrisons is pleased to be reviving the Safeway brand which we know customers will enjoy. Nick Read, chief executive of Nisa Retail Limited, said: We are disappointed that the tender process has been halted nine weeks early before there had been a chance for follow up conversations and proposals, especially when sales at Nisa-supplied McColls stores were 8.4pc ahead of budget. Embattled Rolls-Royce has posted a 4bn turnaround in signs chief executive Warren Easts plan is starting to work. The strengthening pound helped the Derby-based engineering giant flip from a 2.1bn loss during the first half of last year to a 1.9bn profit this time around. But even discounting the currency swing, the business beat expectations with half-year profit up 149 per cent to 287m, driven by delivering more aircraft engines and higher maintenance revenue. Seal of approval: The duchess of Cambridge inspecting fan blades Cash-flow, key to the companys plans to increase production of its aircraft engines, was also better than expected albeit at negative 339m. Jefferies analysts said: We believe the results show that after a period of significant upheaval, Rolls-Royce has established its course and we admit to a moment of exuberance about that. Since taking over in 2015, East has slashed jobs and other costs as well as the time it takes to produce engines for international clients including Airbus, Boeing and Emirates. He is also adding new engines while trying to save Rolls-Royce around 200m a year following a string of profit warnings in 2015. An even worse 2016 saw profits fall in every division, while the company was fined a record 671m for historic bribery and corruption, and posted a record annual 4bn loss, mostly based on the fall in the pound on its hedging programme. But the outlook for 2017 looks better based on yesterdays half-year results. Rolls-Royces civil aerospace division delivered 27pc more Trent engines and profits rose by 125m to 173m. The company is doubling production of large civil aircraft engines, led by the Trent XWB for the long-range Airbus A350. The engineer aims to capture half of the market by 2020. Profits grew from 128m to 148m in defence aerospace, mainly due to lower overheads. Meanwhile, profits in its power systems division rose from 13m to 66m. East, 55, said the business was making good progress but needed to keep its eye on the ball to manage problems with engines in service and the continued ramp-up of production as it meets a 73bn order book. He revealed about 400-500 Trent 1000 engines had problems, with some parts not lasting as long as expected. But he said problems had been addressed for the new Trent 1000 Ten due to come into service later this year. Sometimes in trying to achieve better performance we bump into one of those boundaries and that is whats happening with the Trent 1000 at the moment, he said. Apple shares leap as sales soar APPLE shares rose more than 5pc after the closing bell in New York last night as the iPhone maker smashed expectations. Sales at the worlds largest company were up 7.2pc to 34bn while profits rose 11.9pc to 6.6bn. Despite fears of a slowdown ahead of a new iPhone launch, sales of its iPhones were up 1.6pc on the same period last year to 41m. iPad sales leapt 14.8pc to 11.4m while Mac computer sales were also up 0.9pc to 4.3m. The company forecast revenue for the next quarter of around 39bn dampening huge speculation that its next iPhone upgrade would be delayed amid supply chain problems. Revenue up 22pc to 5.5bn from its services businesses, which includes iTunes and Apple Music, was a sign of the firms lessening reliance on the iPhone. Chief executive Tim Cook said: Were very excited about the advances coming this fall. Shares pushed above $150. New banks are behind a flurry of rises on both easy-access accounts and fixed-rate bonds. The renewed competition gives savers more reason to shop around for a deal. Those sticking to easy-access and short-term deals will keep their options open if rates continue to rise. With taxable easy-access accounts, Shawbrook Banks Easy Access Issue 10 pays 1.2 per cent. Paragons new Limited Edition Easy Access 3 pays 1.15 per cent. Adding up: Savings rates have improved in recent months Last week, French-owned RCI Bank raised its rate from 1.1 per cent to 1.2 per cent for new and existing savers. Ulster Bank still offers its eSavings account at 1.25 per cent. None of these come with a bonus, so you wont have to search for a better-paying account after 12 months. Some providers pay more than 1 per cent, but the rate drops after the first year. The Post Offices Online Saver issue 25 rate is 1.11 per cent for new savers, but drops to 0.25 per cent after a year. The new PCF Bank launched fixed-rate deals last week, at 1.81 per cent for a year, 1.86 per cent for 18 months and 1.95 per cent for two years. Within days, Shawbrook upped its one-year rate to a top 1.9 per cent and its two-year deal to 2.05 per cent. Paragon and United Trust banks also pay 2.05 per cent for two years. These rates are only for those willing to open accounts online. If you do stick to the High Street, head for a local building society, rather than big banks. Finding the best rate Charter Savings Bank has launched the third issue of its easy-access cash Isa, at a leading 1.02 per cent. It is unlikely to be around for long. Its first version, at 1.06 per cent, was on sale for just three weeks. Leeds BSs new Limited Issue Online Access Isa pays 1.05 per cent. But the account only runs until October 31 next year, when your money is moved into an instant access cash Isa maturity account. Virgin Money pays 1.01 per cent on its Defined Access Isa, but you can only make three withdrawals a year or the rate falls to 0.25 per cent. Other good deals include Ford Moneys Flexible Isa, which pays 1 per cent. It lets you take money out without penalty and replace it without affecting your cash Isa allowance for the year. So, if you put in the full 20,000 Isa allowance, you could take out 5,000, for example, and replace it before the end of the tax year on April 5. The top payers from Charter Savings Bank, Leeds BS and Virgin Money do not offer this flexibility, introduced by the Government last year. If you put in the full allowance and then take some out, you cannot replace it. On fixed-rate cash Isas, Charter Savings Bank upped its rates to 1.3 per cent for one year or 1.41 per cent for two. Virgin Money also upped the rate on its two-year Isa to 1.35 per cent. Anna Bowes, director at savings champion.co.uk, says: Building societies are showing greater support for customers, with higher rates and a greater commitment to treating customers fairly. Big High Street names are the worst culprits for poor rates. A significant portion of money is still languishing in these uncompetitive accounts. Now is the time to switch away from them. The top easy-access building society rates include Yorkshire BSs Single Access Saver, at 1.1 per cent, but you can only withdraw on one day a year. Coventry BS pays 0.85 per cent and Newcastle 0.8 per cent, far more than the 0.01 per cent paid by some big banks. Yesterday, the Family BS launched a one-year bond at 1.56 per cent for 1,000 plus, or 1.76 per cent on 10,000 plus, available from its Epsom branch, online or by post. Its two-year rates are 1.66 per cent and 1.86 per cent. Other top deals include Yorkshire BSs 1.2 per cent for one year or 1.3 per cent for two years. Patrick Connolly, adviser at Chase de Vere, says: It makes sense to use new banks when they offer better rates, as long as they are covered by the compensation scheme. Dont pick a fixed-rate deal longer than two years. You are covered up to 85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if a bank runs into trouble with all those highlighted, except RCIs Freedom Account. Here, 100,000 (around 89,000) is covered under the equivalent French scheme. Experts predict no change in base rate when the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee meets tomorrow. When it eventually does move, it will be a slow process. Samuel Tombs, an economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, says: Base rate is going nowhere for 18 months, due to uncertainty over Brexit. It forecasts a 0.25 per cent rise in spring 2019, reaching 1 per cent by the end of 2019. Capital Economics forecasts a rise next spring before reaching 0.75 per cent at the end of 2018. MODERN society is giving additional significance to parenting styles. It represents the diverse approaches parents use to develop their children. This article glimpses into various kinds of parenting styles followed by most families. It goes without saying that modern parenting is assorted with various concerns. It cannot be denied that root causes of a majority of mental health problems that arise in adolescence can be associated to parenting styles. Most parents use a variety of styles depending on their culture and prevailing societal demands. The patterns of parenting styles and their impact on child development are enlightened in this article. The reason being that: The effect of social changes on childhood derives plentiful attention. Parenting style needs change according to the changes taking place in a given society. Take note that influence of social class on the selection of parenting style is also discussed by most scholars. Studies show that good parenting is parenting that prepares children to meet the demands of the specific culture or subculture in which they belong to. We can nonetheless draw some conclusions about the ingredients of good parenting that will apply in most settings. We can also go far in understanding which parenting styles are effective to prepare the children to meet society. Darling and Steinberg (1993) defined parenting style as an overall climate of parent child interactions. It is an affective context of sorts that sets the tone for the parents interactions with the child. Parenting style is a determinant factor in a childs development. It affects the psychological and social functioning of the child. Parenting style is largely affected by the influence of ones own parents. Additionally, temperament, educational achievement, culture, socioeconomic status and the influence of their spouse affects parenting style as well. The personality of the parent and the child affects the style of parenting, and the mother and father may differ in style as well. We can understand the effectiveness of parenting style by considering two dimensions of parenting. There is parenting acceptance or responsiveness, which can be simply referred to warmth and supportiveness of parent towards their children. The other one is a parent who is too demanding and controlling, this can refer to the claims parents make on their children as part of the family. By taking into cognisance these two dimensions of parenting styles, there are basic patterns that we observe in parenting and can be categorised in four categories. These are; authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and uninvolved parents. The authoritarian, authoritative and permissive parenting styles were originally identified and defined by Baumrind (1967, 1991). He discovered that preschool children raised by authoritative parents were paramount adjusted. They were cheerful, socially responsible, self-reliant, achievement oriented and cooperative with adults and peers. Children of authoritarian parents inclined to be moody and seemingly unhappy, easily annoyed, relatively aimless, and not very pleasant to be around. Children of permissive parents were often impulsive and aggressive, especially if they were boys. They tend to be bossy and self-centred, rebellious, lacking in self-control, rather aimless and quite low in independence and achievement. Subsequent research has shown that the worst developmental outcomes were associated with a neglectful, uninvolved style of parenting. Children of neglectful parents are notable for behavioural problems such as aggression and frequent temper tantrums as early as age three. They have a tendency to become hostile and antisocial in adolescents. As children move into school, peer and community contexts, the parent-child relationship changes. Recent changes in the family, such as high rates of divorce, maternal employment can have positive as well as negative effects on children. In middle childhood, the amount of time children devote with parents declines dramatically. The childs growing independence means that parents must deal with new issues like misuse of the facilities like internet access, mobile phones, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, problems between peer groups, emotional problems, all forms of child abuse and exploitations, lack of social responsibility, etc. What kind of parenting style helps children become happy about themselves and friendly with others? How do these parenting styles touch children in their future life. Let us explore it in our next article. Sir, I have noted with great concern that your desk, or desktop, is flooded with nothing but complaints and concerns. My letter is not of that calibre, at least not entirely, it is applause for the Service Excellence Awards Swaziland. I must say that I was utterly impressed to see the number of categories of awards that will be handed out during the ceremony in October. The Swazi populace has been faced by many challenges, including service excellence that really lags behind. We are mistreated in shops by cashiers and assistants, particularly in clothing retail outlets. It is always a disappointment to be talked down by people you are supporting. We really have miles to cover to earn our service excellence badge as a country. Before I take my complaining any further, let me get to the reason for my letter. The awards are meant to improve the business sector and influence other industries, bridging Swaziland to 2022. During the launch of these awards, it was mentioned that service excellence aims to nullify price advantages and glorify the importance of the customer in businesses. Support I hope that we all support the awards because they are meant for the entire Swazi nation, because in one way or the other we are consumers/customers. I do pray that everything goes according to plan, so that we, valued customers, really get to know our value in the businesses that we support. To all the sponsors, committees and partners, thank you for taking us out of Egypt. Awesome Swazi Citizen Sir, I would like to respond to an article that appeared in this publication on July 29, 2017 regarding the legalisation of abortion. Currently, our Constitution states that abortion is illegal except in the following cases: l On medical or therapeutic grounds; l Where the pregnancy resulted from rape, incest or unlawful sexual intercourse with a mentally retarded female; l On such other grounds as Parliament may prescribe. Abortion on demand or what is termed voluntary termination of pregnancy is illegal. The United Nations Human Rights Committee recommended that the country should eliminate legal procedural obstacles to access voluntary termination of pregnancy. The acting editor of the Swazi News has requested government to consider legalising abortion. Did the acting editor consider that every abortion destroys an innocent life and has serious repercussions for the mother as well? If women were more informed regarding abortion, there would be far fewer of them. Legalising abortion does not make it safe for the child or the mother. Activists, NGOs, UN agencies and some UN treaty bodies like to refer to the term safe abortion whereas there is actually no such thing as safe abortion. Approximately 10 per cent of all legal abortions end with one or more complications and 20 per cent of these complications are life threatening. Guilt, anger, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, anniversary-grief, flashbacks of abortion, sexual dysfunction, relationship problems, convulsions, eating disorders, sleep disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and memory repression are some of the psychological complications from abortions. Women who aborted in the year prior to their deaths were 60 per cent more likely to die of natural causes, seven times more likely to commit suicide, four times more likely to have fatal accidents and 14 times more likely to die from homicide. The reason why the issue of abortion is so controversial is because the international community does in fact recognise abortion as a serious violation of the rights of the unborn child. For example, the UN (Geneva) Declaration on the Rights of the Child states: Whereas the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth. Other UN consensus documents, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, contain similar protections. Swazis are God fearing and they protect their most vulnerable members, especially their unborn children who are the future of any society. Would it make sense to have laws that protect children and laws that seek to destroy unborn children at the same time? To say legalising abortion would result in less killing and less dumping of babies could not be further from the truth. Abortion is in fact killing, so instead of less there would be more killing. Most of these cases that we are seeing today are from situations where the babies mothers have had fall-outs with the fathers or they claim that they could not afford to keep the child. Hence one thing that should be encouraged is marriage so that couples can support each other while raising their children. Besides that, abortion on demand would be too costly for the country because taxpayers money would be required to fund it just as it is done in the Western world. On the other hand what we do need to advocate for are laws that require doctors to inform mothers of all the potential physical and psychological complications of abortion. Lastly, there is this myth that is often promoted by pro-abortion groups when they say lack of access to safe abortion causes maternal and child mortality. This is an even bigger lie. The majority of maternal deaths are due to a lack of basic health care. It is estimated that 99 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. A comparison of abortion laws by country strongly suggest that the real issue surrounding maternal mortality is a lack of basic healthcare, not the availability of legal abortions (see www.unicef.org). Unfortunately, pro-abortion activists and organisations are ideologically aligned with one side of the abortion debate and are more concerned with political correctness than with open inquiry and scientific integrity. As a result, the trauma of abortion to some women and men is sugar coated. LaKubheka Mndzebele NOTE: This letter was edited because of its sensitive and long nature. Ed MBABANE El Ninos trail of disaster will cost 21 people their jobs at the Swaziland Meat Industries (SMI). SMI is currently retrenching workers, an exercise that has not pleased some employees, especially the manner in which it was conducted. A shop steward, who commented on condition of anonymity, said what concerned them the most was that there were no medical examinations done on the workers that would be retrenched. To his knowledge, the law dictates that medical examinations should be done before retrenching workers. Workers feel they do not have a unified voice to address the matter with company management as their union was reported to be having problems. The workers cannot individually confront management about the issue because they fear victimisation. All they will do at the moment is wait for management to approach them then voice out their concern. However, they do not see the likelihood of this happening as retrenchment is already underway. We were approached by management and told that there were voluntary retrenchment packages which we could take but if less than expected people take them, others will be retrenched, he said. What the workers want is that those who would be retrenched be the first to be considered for hiring when things normalise. The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) Acting Secretary General Mduduzi Gina confirmed knowledge of the retrenchment exercise and said they would be addressing the workers tomorrow. Gina revealed that the courts had ruled that the federation deal with employees matters as their union was still sorting itself out. He narrated that at the meeting, they would be seeking submissions from the employees, which they would then address with management. All we want to see is employees going home with good packages and all labour laws being followed by the company, Gina said. He added that they were mostly interested in seeing Section 40 of the Employment Act of 1980 which addresses issues of giving notice of redundancy complied with. According to the Public Relations and Marketing Officer Philiswa Malinga, about 10 per cent of their workforce stands to be affected. She said most of the workers chose to take the voluntary retrenchment option. Malinga related that the company had to endure the ripple effect of the drought that saw a reduction in the availability of cattle in the country. She said the drought led to very low numbers of cattle for SMI to process. This shortage will most likely last for a number of years, and this will still certainly have unpleasant consequences as we work towards recovery of our previous numbers, Malinga said. The drought that hit the country hard last year left about 90 000 cattle dead. MBABANE Members of the public queueing to get inside the Swazi Mobile Experience Centre after it was opened yesterday. (R) A consultant assisting a customer. (Pics: Ntombi Mhlongo) MBABANE Just a few years ago, he was chauffeured around as a respected Cabinet minister but today his focus is to make sure that the brand of a new mobile company, its services and customers, resonate. That is the story of former Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Macford Sibandze, who has been announced as the Brand and Communications Manager for Swazi Mobile. The announcement was made during the official opening of the companys classy experience centre, which is situated at the plush building in town. Announcing Sibandze was Swazi Mobiles Chairperson Victor Gamedze, who mentioned that the once popular Kip Kip Director had already gone through an intense training in order to gain knowledge on the affairs of the company. Dressed in a navy blue suit during the function, Sibandze was welcomed by the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Dumisani Ndlangamandla. We are happy to announce that Macford has joined us and the media will now have someone to deal with whenever they have questions about Swazi Mobile. We are optimistic that he is going to help the company, said Gamedze. Sibandze joined politics in 2008 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Manzini North Inkhundla. He was later appointed a Cabinet minister. Four years into his term, he was fired in February 2012, following allegations that he had used proceeds from the E10.5 million sale of Nhlangano Sun Hotel when taking external trips. During the same event, the company also made it official that experienced telecoms mastermind Jeff Penberton was the companys Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ever since the company won the license to join the local mobile communications industry, most people have been asking as to who was going to take the hot seat of CEO. There were talks of some well-known prominent figures who were said to be earmarked for the post but nothing official was confirmed by the company. The 52-year-old Penberton has a lot of experience in the mobile communications industry and holds a Business and Finance Degree, which he attained in England. He set up his own company which became a major distributor for cellphone giants Vodacom and Cellnet in the United Kingdom in the late 80s and these were the first major networks in that part of the world at that time. He became a consultant for Mobile Telecommunication Services (MTS), which was the first private network in Nigeria in the years between 1992 and 1994. LOBAMBA The alleged Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services (SBIS) sex scandal between Deputy Director Gcinangaye Tsabedze and a senior engineer, Director Gamedze, has made its way to Parliament. This was after two MPs; from Nkwene and Mbabane West, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini and Johane Shongwe respectively, called for a probe into the operations of the station by the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Dumisani Ndlangamandla. I was pulled aside by the wife of the engineer while I was walking near Shoprite, who said I should help her get back the father of her children, alleged Shongwe. Shongwe said he thought he had discussed this with the minister last quarter that the employees at SBIS, particularly the senior ones, should stop playing house (emadlwane). I am disturbed to learn that this is still ongoing as they continue to play bo bhabhosi, said Shongwe. At this point, Motshane MP Phesheya Hlatshwayo asked the MP to clarify what bhabhosi is. MP Shongwe laughed and said no one does not know what bhabhosi is, but after the sitting he told this publication that these were sexual relations. Minister please go and hold these meetings and talk to the seniors and staff there because things are not going well, said Shongwe. The sexual allegations between the stations Deputy Director, Tsabedze and her surbodinate Gamedze, made headlines in January this year during a peace-binding case. Gamedzes wife, Thobile, made allegations that Tsabedze was habouring her husband. She alleged that the duo was in a sexual relationship due to groans and moans she once heard, insinuating that the two were having sexual intercourse. Thobile did not only accuse Tsabedze of harbouring her husband but further alleged that the duo was in an intimate relationship. This was disclosed during a peace-binding process between her and Tsabedze, which was conducted by Mbabane Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati. The peace- binding came after Tsabedze opened a case against Thobile and her son at the Mbabane Police Station, whom she alleged were harassing her. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams by Philp Newman A 45-year-old Astoria man has been charged with recklessly endangering lives for knowingly selling and possessing narcotic drugs containing the opioid painkiller Fentanyl, the Queens DA said this week. His wife also has been arrested on drug-related charges, according to prosecutors. DA Richard Brown identified the defendants as Bernard Lewis, 45, and wife Catrice S. Brown, 44, of Astoria. Both were arraigned last Friday before Criminal Court Judge Althea Drysdale. Lewis was held without bail, while bail was set at $50,000 for Brown. Lewis was arrested following a long-term drug investigation in Astoria and Jackson Heights, which involved court-authorized wiretaps that monitored drug sales, the DA said. A court-ordered search warrant at Lewis home turned up one large rock of Fentanyl, glassine envelopes used to package Fentanyl and heroin, and 750 envelopes containing Fentanyl, according to Brown. Police also discovered several containers that held marijuana in the back seat of a vehicle registered to Brown, prosecutors said. In a 15-count criminal complaint filed by the DAs office, Lewis was accused of the criminal sale of narcotics near school grounds, reckless endangermeant and using drug paraphernalia. If convicted, Lewis faces up to 12 years in prison. Brown is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, which could bring as much as nine years in prison if she is found guilty, the DA said. The DA pointed out that since the first of the year, Queens has the second highest rate of non-fatal overdoses in New York City with 109 to date. The lives of most of those individuals were saved only after receiving Naxolone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, Brown said. Heroin, unfortunately, has made a deadly comeback in New York City and in surrounding suburbs. Over the past 6 months, Queens has had 81 fatal overdoses, exceeding the numbers of homicides and vehicular deaths this year and deaths the past year. The next court date for the couple is Aug. 4. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Philip Newman A Flushing Korean couple has pleaded guilty to charges that they brought to children to America, enslaved them, and forced them to work outside the house for wages their captors demanded, the Queens DA said. They kids, unrelated to the couple, were also ordered to perform massages and clean the home of their bosses over a six-year period, DA Richard Brown said. Sock Young Park, 50, and Jeong Taek Lee, 54, of 196th Street, pleaded guilty to labor trafficking, according to the DA. Park will be sentenced to six months in jail followed by five months probation, while Lee will be sentenced to five months probation. The sister and brother, who were entrusted to the couple in January 2010, reported that Park struck them with various objects and that they were forced to sleep on a closet floor. This case is very disturbing, Brown said. The Flushing pair were supposed to provide a safe home for the youngsters, but instead the young children were held hostage and forced to work long hours on behalf of the couple. He pointed out that the childrens passports were seized and the youngsters were coerced into performing household jobs and working outside the home, only to have to turn over all their earnings to the couple. The victims have been reunited with their biological parents in Korea. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez An East Elmhurst man has been arrested and charged for the theft of Alley Ponds prized tortoise, Millennium, police said. According to police, 36 year-old Shawn Waters was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, police said. Waters has 26 previous arrests, according to authorities. Police said that sometime around 4 p.m. Sunday, July 16, and the next morning, Millennium a 17-year-old African Spurred tortoise, that weights 95 pounds and is 2.5 feet long was taken from his enclosure at the Alley Pond Environmental Center. An employee went in to check on the tortoise and found he was gone. According to police, Millennium was found in Connecticut July 24th after the person who carried him off traded tortoises. Police said the new owner contacted police when he suspected the tortoise might have been stolen. Irene Scheid, APECs executive director, said everyone at the center is grateful for the police hard work. Were pleased with the work the police did in retrieving Millennium and were glad hes back where he belongs, she said. We feel safer knowing the person who did this is in custody. Millennium is doing just fine, he was checked out by a veterinarian and was great. Bridgewater looks to become a regional nightlife hub in western PA Bridgewater bars offer patrons a nightlife experience that is unique from any other in western Pennsylvania State Board of Elections commissioners engaged in an icy exchange with their independent chief enforcement counsel, Risa Sugarman, on Wednesday about her reluctance to probe hundreds of political committees that may not be in compliance with state law. The exchange came as the board also agreed to provide data on New York voter information to a panel set up by President Donald Trump to investigate his claims of widespread voter fraud in last year's election. Sugarman's office was created by 2014 legislation after the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption found the board's prior investigations of election law violations were weak. The internal squabbling is about her apparent reluctance to investigate campaign committees that may be in violation of state election law even though many are defunct or haven't been active for years. "You've decided parking tickets are a waste of your time," said Douglas Kellner, the Democratic co-chair of the Board. "The only cases that you pursue wind up in the newspaper." Kellner's comments were an apparent reference to Sugarman's pursuit of high-profile cases that in some instances have drawn wide attention after being publicly disclosed by others despite confidentiality rules. In one instance, a state Inspector General's investigation found that a Republican spokesman for the board leaked details to a newspaper about an investigation into a fundraising operation led by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014. More recently, details of a current probe into state Senate Republicans' campaign spending became public after the GOP filed a motion to quash Sugarman's subpoenas. She has not been accused of leaking information on her probes. "I'm not putting out press releases," Sugarman noted. When it was Sugarman's turn to speak at Wednesday's meeting, she asked to take questions before giving her monthly report in apparent anticipation that the commissioners would ask about the hundreds of non-filers. Sugarman said she hoped to not be asked about the issue going forward. "I've told you that over and over again, to bring this up every time over the past 2 and a half years, is not something I find helpful," Sugarman said. Peter Kosinski, the Republican co-chair of the Board, also critiqued Sugarman for not including many metrics in her portion of the board's annual report, such as the number of complaints her unit received and the number of investigations opened. Kosinski subsequently announced the board would comply with a request from the Trump Administration's voter commission to turn over its public New York voter database. The commission is seeking to collect data about voters across the country, and roughly 30 states have agreed to supply at least some data, according to news reports. Trump formed the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after making claims that he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton when millions of people voted illegally. Officials in multiple states have said there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud. Commission officials said they only have sought publicly available data. Gov. Andrew Cuomo previously said he did not want New York to supply the data, but the decision was ultimately left to the state the Board of Elections, whose commissioners consist of two Democrats and two Republicans. John Conklin, a spokesman for the board, said they received a Freedom of Information Law request for the information from the Trump commission last Friday. Because it was specified that the data would be used for an "elections purpose," there was no other possible exemption under FOIL that could be used to deny release of the public information. The data, which is being sent to the Trump commission Wednesday afternoon, will not include Social Security numbers or drivers license identifiers, Conklin said. Alphonso David, Cuomo's counsel, emphasized Wednesday that far less information about New Yorkers was being sent to Trump's commission than was originally sought. In June, the commission requested records from both the Department of State and the Board of Elections. The request included asking for information about voters' election-related crimes and for part of their Social Security numbers. The Cuomo administration ordered the Department of State and urged the Board of Elections not to comply, David said, and would have intervened had either complied. Instead, David said the information the Board of Elections provided on Wednesday is routinely given to the public and did not include private information. "It is just the public information that anyone can get, and has gotten," David said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Older people are dying on the job at a higher rate than workers overall, even as the rate of workplace fatalities decreases, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal statistics. It's a trend that's particularly alarming as baby boomers reject the traditional retirement age of 65 and keep working. The U.S. government estimates that by 2024, older workers will account for 25 percent of the labor market. Getting old and the physical changes associated with it "could potentially make a workplace injury into a much more serious injury or a potentially fatal injury," said Ken Scott, an epidemiologist with the Denver Public Health Department. Gerontologists say those changes include gradually worsening vision and hearing impairment, reduced response time, balance issues and chronic medical or muscle or bone problems like arthritis. The death rate for older workers in New York worsened over the past decade while the overall rate of work fatalities improved statewide. In 2006, there were 58 deaths of workers 55 and older in New York and in 2015, there were 82 deaths. Nationally, about 35 percent of the fatal workplace accidents in 2015 involved a worker 55 and older or 1,681 of the 4,836 fatalities. William White, 56, fell 25 feet while working at Testa Produce Inc. on Chicago's South Side. He later died of his injuries. "I thought it wouldn't happen to him," his son, William White Jr., said in an interview. "Accidents happen. He just made the wrong move." The AP analysis showed that overall workplace fatality rate for all workers and for those 55 and older decreased by 22 percent between 2006 and 2015. But the rate of fatal accidents among older workers during that time period was 50 percent to 65 percent higher than for all workers, depending on the year. The number of deaths among all workers dropped from 5,480 in 2005 to 4,836 in 2015. By contrast, on-the-job fatalities among older workers increased slightly, from 1,562 to 1,681, the analysis shows. During that time period, the number of older people in the workplace increased by 37 percent. That compares with a 6 percent rise in the population of workers overall. Ruth Finkelstein, co-director of Columbia University's Aging Center, cautions against stereotyping. She said older people have a range of physical and mental abilities and that it's dangerous to lump all people in an age group together because it could lead to discrimination. "I'm just not positive that 55-70 year olds need so much more protection than workers 52-20, but are all those people needing protection now? Yes, absolutely. We are not paying enough attention to occupational safety in this country." The AP analysis is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census for Fatal Occupational Injuries and one-year estimates from the American Community Survey, which looks at the working population. It excludes cases where the cause of death was from a "natural cause," including a heart attack and stroke, among others. AP also examined the number and types of accidents in which older workers died between 2011, when the bureau changed the way it categorized accidents, to 2015: Fall-related fatalities rose 20 percent. Contact with objects and equipment increased 17 percent. Transportation accidents increased 15 percent. Fires and explosions decreased by 8 percent. William White Jr. explained what happened in the Sept. 24 accident that killed his father. "He went up to get an item for the delivery driver and the next thing you know he made a wrong move and fell," the Chicago resident said. Testa Inc. was fined $12,600 by U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to provide safety training. The company declined comment. In most states, the fatal accident rates for older workers were consistently higher than comparable rates for all workers. Nevada, New Jersey and Washington had the greatest percent increase in fatal accident rates for older workers between 2006 and 2015. The three states with the biggest percent decrease were Hawaii, Oregon and Vermont. Eight states saw their overall workplace fatality rate drop, even as the rate for older workers increased: Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington. In two states North Dakota and Wisconsin the trend was reversed; older worker accident rates got smaller while the accident rate overall increased. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found in 2013 that 44 percent of older Americans said their job required physical effort most or almost all of the time, and 36 percent said it was more difficult to complete the physical requirements of their jobs than it was when they were younger. Transportation accidents account for a large portion of fatal workplace incidents among both older workers and workers in general. The AP analysis also showed that older workers were involved in about 1 in 4 fatal workplace accidents related to fires and explosions from 2011 to 2015. In one incident, Earle Robinson, 60, died of injuries suffered in an explosion and fire at Bryan Texas Utilities Power Plant, about 100 miles north of Houston. "He's in bad shape. He's got a lot of facial burns," according to a transcript of the 911 calls. The company declined to comment for this story. EDITOR'S NOTE Maria Ines Zamudio is studying aging and workforce issues as part of a 10-month fellowship at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which joins NORC's independent research and AP journalism. The fellowship is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Cathleen F. Crowley contributed to this report. HOOSICK FALLS -- A second person was arrested in connection with a car stolen from the village on July 14 and found in Bennington, Vermont, village police said. Michael Lohnes, 24, of Route 22 was charged with grand larceny. He's the second person arrested in the case and police said they hope to arrest a third person in the near future. A national conservation group is protecting more than 16,000 acres of forest in Rensselaer and Washington counties from potential development while also guaranteeing it remains available for sustainable forestry and recreation. Lands purchased by the Virginia-based Conservation Fund includes forests next to Cherry Plain State Park and the Capital District Wildlife Management Area, which cover about 4,300 acres in the southern Rensselaer County town of Stephentown. VIEW A MAP HERE Ultimately, the group will work with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to determine how to protect the forests while also ensuring the lands will continue to supply timber to local mills that support about 100 jobs The $25 million purchase price covered more than 16,600 acres in eastern New York as far north as the area near Shushan, Washington County, as well as another 6,400 acres in western Massachusetts and Vermont. The land was sold by North Carolina-based Heartwood Forestland, an affiliate of the Forestland Group, a timber investment firm that had owned it for about a decade. "This purchase is an investment in the vitality of the Rensselaer Plateau and Taconic Region's forest economy, which is the largest natural resource-based economic sector in the state," said Tom Duffus, fund vice president. "We are seeing the land in the region being split up and developed, with more people building big, fancy homes, " said Duffus. What we do is buy time, for ourselves and our partners to figure out long term conservation solutions." He said the fund foresees keeping the land, parts of which are leased by private hunting clubs, as "status quo" for the foreseeable future. "You should not notice any changes there now," he said. The purchase was part of the organization's Working Forest Fund, which so far has protected more than a half-million acres in 16 states. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said his agency will now work with the fund to study how to best protect the properties, adding that the state was "grateful" for the purchase. "We will work with the fund, the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, our sister states, municipal governments and other key stakeholders to determine how best to conserve these precious natural areas for future generations," Seggos said. The lands are commonly known as the Cowee forest, since the land was once owned by W.J. Cowee in Berlin, a forestry company that operated in the region for more than a century before selling to the Forestland company. The lands also will be managed for improved wildlife habitat for seven species of national importance, like the New England cottontail, and four hawk species listed by the New York State Endangered Species Act Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk and northern goshawk. "This acquisition will conserve significant natural areas including the Poestenkill Headwaters, Stump Pond, Firetower Hill and Turner Mountain, and will support the local economy through continued sustainable forestry and increased outdoor recreation opportunities, while still paying property taxes," said Jim Bonesteel, executive director of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. A large portion of the permanent conservation funding for the New York portion will come from the U.S Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ... from oil and gas leasing in gulf of mexico.. Duffus said there is about $5.5 million in federal funding available to help support the effort, which likely will help the state acquire "interests" in the properties, which could include either conservation easements or direct ownership. The purchase also drew praise from U.S. senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as Congress members Elise Stefanik and John Faso. Will Waldron TROY An Albany State Supreme Court justice ruled Wednesday that there will be no Independence Party primary for Rensselaer County executive as the state party failed to follow state election law and its own rules. It's the second time in a month that Justice Roger D. McDonough ruled against the state party's attempt to grant Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, R-Troy, authorization to run for the county executive nomination. McDonough issued his ruling a day after a court hearing. Barring an appeal, Deputy County Executive Christopher Meyer has secured the Independence line for the Nov. 7 general election. Meyer was authorized by the Rensselaer County Independence Committee to run for county executive. McLaughlin said he is weighing filing an appeal. "My opponent is desperately afraid of facing the voters. He wants to hide behind the lawyers and courts," said McLaughlin, adding that he had been willing to accept the compromise offered by the judge to place both candidates into an Independence primary. Meyer said he was backing local support not seeking state approval. "I'm proud to have the support of the local Independence Party. I'm glad the judge ruled on the law. One of my goals is to make sure the local Independence Party members' who live and work in Rensselaer County voices are are heard, not the party bosses from New York City and Albany," Meyer said. Both Meyer and McLaughlin needed Wilson Pakula's authorization to submit petitions for the Independence line since they are not party members. The two candidates are Republicans seeking to succeed retiring County Executive Kathleen Jimino in the $121,300 post. In his ruling, McDonough turned to the July 15 meeting called by the state Independence Party to endorse McLaughlin and rewrite its rules to take away the county authorization. Peter Kehoe, the Meyer campaign attorney, had argued the state party didn't follow its rules for giving notice of the meeting. "Accordingly, the court finds that the July 15 meeting was improperly noticed and is therefore invalid, as is the resolution adopted at said July 15 meeting," McDonough wrote. As Meyer and McLaughlin have battled in court, Andrea Smyth, the Democrat candidate, is holding her campaign announcement Thursday afternoon in Rensselaer's Riverfront Park. Smyth also has the Women's Equality and Working Families lines. Meyer and McLaughlin will still face each other in the Republican and Conservative primaries on Sept. 12. In addition, while Meyer is the endorsed Reform Party candidate there is an opportunity to ballot in which a candidate can be written in even though Meyer's name is on the ballot. Green Party candidate Wayne Foy also faces an opportunity to ballot situation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Canajoharie The polluted, partially demolished Beech Nut plant in Montgomery County could become consolidated government offices, under a $10 million plan being eyed by the county as part of the state government consolidation program. But that vision also depends on voters in the historic 188-year-old village ending its legal existence and merging into the town. Montgomery County is one of six counties statewide taking part in the $20 million Municipal Consolidation & Efficiency Competition, a state Department of State program. The state will pick a winner based on which county can save the most money by consolidating its local governments. The county is proposing to use $10 million to rebuild a portion of the sprawling, 27-acre Beech Nut plant, now partially demolished and tainted with toxic asbestos site. The plan calls for new offices for local town courts, the County Sheriff's Department, township police, and municipal vehicle repair. "It is our number one project under the application," said Andy Santillo, a spokesman for County Executive Matthew Ossenfort. "We are feeling very optimistic." But that plan also relies on the voters in the 2,100-person village voting to dissolve their government, and be absorbed into the larger, predominantly rural township. The plan was part of an application to the state by the county in February. The state narrowed the field to six counties in July, and is expected to select a winner sometime in September, said Santillo. "We are looking at this," said Canajoharie Francis Village Mayor Francis Avery. "We will have to research this more thoroughly." The village operates a water and sewer system, and has its own police force; the town of Canajoharie does not have such services. In 2015 most of the village was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Canajoharie Historic District, due to its importance as a transportation hub and the well-preserved architecture from different eras. This month, the Montgomery County Legislature voted to begin tax foreclosure on the Beech Nut facility for more than $2 million in unpaid property taxes owed by would-be Ohio developer Todd Clifford. Clifford bought the shuttered plant from Beech Nut in 2013 for $200,000, promising to redevelop it, but his workers instead stripped it of valuable scrap metal and left piles of asbestos-tainted debris lying in the open air. Clifford then walked away, claiming in December 2014 to have sold the property to business associate Jeffrey Wendel. Unpaid taxes began to pile up and the factory and offices began to slowly fall into disarray. This spring, EPA workers sprayed the debris piles and factory walls with sealant to prevent asbestos fibers from blowing around in the air. If the county forecloses, it plans to begin cleaning up the asbestos piles for proper disposal. The county plan to the state describes the consolidation of the village and town as "critical for economic development." It estimates the merger could reduce governmental costs by up to $330,000 in the first year, due to transferring local police duties to the county Sheriff's Department. Burnt Hills Personal trainer Carlos Falcon celebrated the opening of his new fitness studio, Adrenaline Strength and Conditioning, with a grand opening party Tuesday. Falcon has been a personal trainer for 13 years, a vocation that pulled him through a recent battle with leukemia. Adrenaline Strength and Conditioning, located at 333 Kingsley Road, offers one-on-one and group training classes. Falcon is also certified to train clients with the Bulgarian Bag, a component of weight training. Staff report Williamstown, Mass. The title may be a mouthful, but "Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow" deserves to be talked about. The comedy, by rising playwright Halley Feiffer (daughter of cartoonist and satirist Jules Feiffer), is receiving its world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and it is a remarkable if flawed achievement of writing, directing and acting. It is also supremely funny, as Feiffer pursues her conceit, to rewrite Chekhov's "Three Sisters" as if the eponymous Prozorov siblings acted and spoke like the idle rich of today. You know, like the Kardashians? With F-bombs thrown in? More Information Review "Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow" When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Nikos Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Main Street, Williamstown, Mass. Length: 125 minutes; one intermission Continues: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; matinees, 2 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $58 Info: (413) 597-3400 or http://wtfestival.org See More Collapse This alone is not a genius idea, but when combined with Feiffer's choice to put into the characters' mouths what is only unspoken subtext in Chekhov, the result is of-the-moment theatrical alchemy. For instance, when one of the sisters is overexplaining details and relationships, a visitor says, "You don't need to give me the back story: I'm friends with you guys." In the original, one of the sisters, who's never lifted a finger in toil, extols the proletariat: "Man must work, work in the sweat of his brow. Now matter who he is, that's the whole point of his life. And all his happiness. How wonderful it must be to get up at dawn and pave streets, or be a shepherd or a schoolteacher who teaches children, or work on a railroad. My Lord, not even a man, a horse or something, as long as you work." Here's Feiffer's version (emphases as per the script): Irina: I feel like I finally know how to live! Here's what you do: Olga: Wait for it ... Irina: WORK. Olga: Amazing. Irina: THAT is the key! To HAPPINESS! Olga: I. Cannot. Irina: Ah, to be a bricklayer! A street sweeper!! A schoolteacher!!! Olga: Um? Irina: Even a HORSE! A horse works!!! Olga: Bye bye. Irina: Shower me. Shower me with work!!! Director Trip Cullman and his dozen-member cast led by Rebecca Henderson, Cristin Milioti and Tavi Gevinson as the sisters maintain a necessary and trickily deft balance of tone and style for this sort of thing, the sisters' blase air (their occasional histrionics notwithstanding) contrasting with more urgent undercurrents from characters who actually have something at stake. The title comes from the siblings' longing to return to Moscow from the country regiment town where they've lived since the death of their father, a senior military official. When someone raises the question of why they simply don't move to Moscow, it's blithely disregarded, because if they did, there'd be no play. Essential to Feiffer's conception of the sisters, and others who are similarly situated, including the supremely comical Micah Stock as a bored baron and the excellent Thomas Sadoski as the sisters' brother, Andrey, is their incapacity for empathy or true self-reflection. Like the Kardashians, and the Trumps, it's been bred out of them; they're privileged enough to have become amoral, believing conventional rules and standards don't apply to them. The brilliant, fast-paced comedy of the first act darkens and slows in the second. It's as if Feiffer, who wants to stay true to the original, runs out of ideas on how to do so and still be funny. The tonal shift is almost uncomfortable, or at least inconsistent. But the play is new, and rewrites seem a given, as do future productions in theater-savvy, politically minded cities across the country. sbarnes@timesunion.com 518-454-5489 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Rensselaerville Nearly a decade ago, the town of Rensselaerville received 67 inches of snow in one week. Local squeezebox and zydeco legend Greg Speck had had enough. "I said, 'I think I'm done,'" Speck recalled. "I can't plow anymore; I don't want to come outside. Kathy (Speck's wife) and I knew we had to (move)." After some discussion, the couple looked for a place that spoke to them. Kathy had volunteered in New Orleans for Jazz Fest in the past, and after taking separate trips down, they decided to make the Big Easy their next home. More Information If you go Big Easy Playboys When: 9:30 p.m., Thursday Where: Bulls Head Inn, 105 Park Place, Cobleskill When: 7 p.m., Friday Where: East Greenbush Central Library, 10 Community Way When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Big Easy Playboys Mardi Gras Parade, 1462 Main St., Rensselaerville (This show is a special benefit and auction to benefit the Rensselaerville Library and Fire Department.) When: 1 p.m., Sunday Where: Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs See More Collapse "We took turns driving around and we both ended up in the same spot," he said. "We bought a place seven years ago. It used to be a crack house; now, it's not." After settling into new digs, next up for Speck was transitioning out of his role as a bandleader in upstate New York and getting involved in New Orleans' busy zydeco and Cajun scenes. Since 1996, Speck was at the helm of Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers, a group he started after taking his son Alek to a C.J. Chenier performance in Washington Park. Speck, an accomplished accordionist from years of playing in polka and ethnic Eastern European bands during high school and college, was inspired to start a zydeco band and, thus, Captain Squeeze was born. For well over a decade, Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers were mainstays on the local circuit. Even after moving, Captain Squeeze was still regularly playing shows in the Capital Region, a situation he described as "kind of weird." The awkwardness of traveling from New Orleans to the 518 finally came to a head in 2014 when a blizzard kept Speck stuck in the airport and nearly unable to make a slated gig at First Night in Saratoga Springs. Speck retired the band soon after. As he dialed back Captain Squeeze, Speck became tuned into the local flavor in New Orleans, jamming with his neighbors and filling in at gigs until a neighbor introduced him to his musical kindred spirit in Stephen Randall of the Big Easy Playboys. "I couldn't keep going back and forth," Speck said. "A huge saving grace was having Stephen Randall down here; he's my bud. ... We're kindred spirits. I'm extremely grateful it all came to be." Randall started the Big Easy Playboys about seven years ago, with a revolving door of people in the band. A New Orleans native with roots in Texas and no Cajun blood, Randall found a partner in musical exploration in Northeast transplant Speck. "I used to put together the gig, then the band," Randall explained. "I wanted real bad to grow the sound. "I'm lucky enough to be from here," he added, going on to comment that one of the trickiest parts of starting a band that fuses Cajun and zydeco in New Orleans is the fact that natives with roots in that music are unyielding in their expectations of where the music can go and what it should sound like. Speck shares "an outsider perspective," Randall continued. "Neither of us is held down by preconceived notions or have a tradition to be beholden to." For the second straight year, the Big Easy Playboys are doing a mini-tour of the Capital Region, playing eight shows in seven days between Stony Creek, Scotia, Cobleskill, East Greenbush, Rensselaerville and Saratoga. For Randall, bringing the music he grew up with to areas foreign to him is a possibility made possible by Speck. "It lets us promote this music in a place where it's not as known," he said. "The sound is so unique, and we're promoting a culture a lot of people don't know about." Anyone attending one of the shows will get to hear material from the Big Easy Playboys' two releases and some of Speck's own compositions predating the group, tunes that Randall had stumbled onto online years before meeting Speck and thought were "really great." "Stephen's taken some of the stuff I've written and has been kind enough to include it in his project," Speck said. "I told him, 'If we don't do these three songs, you're out,' " Randall teased. "The sound in the Zydeco Moshers was the sound I was pointing toward in Big Easy Playboys." While you may be familiar with the Captain Squeeze tunes, Speck is quick to note that the Big Easy Playboys is a different entity altogether. "It is definitely not Zydeco Moshers," Speck said. "Nor should it be." "In promotion, now he's Commodore Squeeze," Randall jokingly added. Jim Shahen Jr. is a frequent contributor to the Times Union. As chef and co-owner of All Set, a seafood restaurant and bar in Silver Spring, Md., Edward Reavis knew he would take a bath on his lobster roll and crab cake, given the crushing wholesale prices of lobster and blue crabs these days. But, at the same time, he knew he could always rely on his Old Bay chicken wings to help even out his food costs. Not anymore. That bottom-line protection abruptly flew the coop this month when the chef noticed he was paying $2.90 a pound for wings. Just late last year, Reavis recalls shelling out as little as $1.80 per pound for the same wingettes and drumettes. In a matter of months, his wholesale wing costs jumped more than 60 percent. "Are you trying to get me on the wings, and I just don't know it?" Reavis remembers asking his supplier. Jamie Johnson, the local sales rep for Fells Point Wholesale Meats in Baltimore, then told Reavis the bad news: Chicken wing prices were out of control and not just for chefs and restaurants in the Washington region. Wholesale wing prices have been rising for months. It's so bad that Buffalo Wild Wings, the publicly traded chain that specializes in the bar snack, saw its profits drop nearly 63 percent in the second quarter of this year. Sally Smith, president and chief executive of Buffalo Wild Wings, blamed the decline, in part, on "historically high wing costs." In an earnings call last week, Alexander Ware, chief financial officer for Buffalo Wild Wings, told conference call participants that "traditional wings were $2.05 per pound in the second quarter, or 6 percent higher than last year. This is a historic high for wings at this time of year." Rather than scrap its popular half-price wing promotion on Tuesdays, which drives traffic, the chain has decided to shift to "boneless chicken wings." Last year, boneless wings actually outsold traditional wings at the chain's more than 1,200 locations. Which sort of makes sense, given that boneless wings are cheaper. They're also not chicken wings, but rather slices of breast meat deep-fried to resemble their bony cousins. The reason behind the skyrocketing wing prices is simple, says Erik Oosterwijk, president and founder of Fells Point Wholesale Meats. The demand has increased. These days, "wings are the most expensive part of the chicken," Oosterwijk said. He fired up his computers to provide a historical review of the rising costs of wings. In October 2006, Fells Point sold party wings (the whole wing, save for the tip) for $1.47 per pound wholesale. In February 2011, the company sold them for $1.37 per pound. In January 2015, the wholesale price was $2.42 per pound, and this past January, the price jumped to $2.68 per pound. Right now, Fells Point sells party wings for $2.85 per pound. "The highest they've ever been," Oosterwijk said. The Fells Point founder has a theory as to why people are gobbling up so many wings. "People get tired of eating boring chicken breast," Oosterwijk says. "Fat is back, and more people are starting to realize that." Reavis at All Set has pulled the wings off the happy-hour menu, but has kept them on the appetizer menu, where the price is holding at $12 for seven wings. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Editors note: During Black History Month, the Times Union is sharing stories from its archive highlighting significant people, places and events that are part of the Capital Regions Black cultural heritage. This story was first published Aug. 3, 2017. People come to the Saratoga Springs area for many reasons: the horses, SPAC, ballet or a dip in the historic mineral baths. Some, like Takeyce Walter, gaze at the landscape before them as a muse. For Walter, it was the stirring natural vistas that rekindled the artist within and led her to leave Long Island and eventually settle in Round Lake. About 10 years later, she now paints in oils and draws in pastels from a studio perched atop a ridge overlooking the lake just off Route 9. The view is exactly like one of her paintings: rich blue/greens contrast with dapples of sparkling light as pinkish-cotton clouds waft across the horizon. More Information If you go What: Takyce Walter: "3rd Annual Adirondack National Pastel Exhibition." When: Through Aug. 12. Noon-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday Where: The Shirt Factory Gallery, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls Info: Free shirtfactorygallery.com or 518-636-5939 See More Collapse A native of Jamaica, Walter lived the commuter life, traveling from Long Island to Manhattan as a production coordinator at various media firms for many years. Art always has been present in her life, but it was always on the periphery until Saratoga drew her. Largely self-taught, she reminds us that we are all artists given the right subject matter, natural abilities and desire. The fruits of this journey are now being harvested with an impressive list of exhibitions, including two works in the Adirondack National Pastel Third Annual Juried Show on view at the Shirt Factory Gallery in Glens Falls through Aug. 12, where she has been awarded the Pan Pastel Award for "Preserve.". Her images are a throwback to the days when depicting wilderness of a young America had spiritual connotations. Walter's water is fickly translucent as it is in nature, and her clouds are, well, heavenly. Her recent nocturnes are as bright as anything she's done so far. We caught up with her at her studio to ask her a few questions as she took a break from a busy exhibition schedule that currently includes Micropolis Cooperative Gallery in Gloversville, Saratoga Arts and the Adirondack Lake Arts Center in Blue Mountain Lake. Q: Your move to Saratoga County really triggered the landscape artist within you. How did it all happen? A: I fell in love with Saratoga and the surrounding counties of upstate New York. I was in awe of the Adirondacks, the multitude of lakes and rivers, and the landscape with sweeping skies and mountains. It wasn't much longer after the move that the ever-present urge to create was felt with great intensity. Q: As a painter, what is it about the landscape attracts you? A: First and foremost, I feel a sense of awe regarding the landscape, a sense of reverence even. The beauty I perceive in nature often overwhelms me, and I am driven to capture that beauty, preserve a moment, and share it with others. Q: When working you say you're "at peace." What experience are you hoping to convey through your paintings? A: Creating art to convey that peacefulness isn't always a peaceful process. It's exhilarating, exhausting and at times frustrating, but I continue, because it's important and completely fulfilling. My desire is to capture a moment in time that an audience can look at and feel the peacefulness and beauty of the landscape. I want to share the idea that we are all connected through the landscape, and it is worth preserving. Q: Your paintings are, by in large, realist and faithfully record a scene, but there is work done in the studio to enhance the "mood." Can you describe your process? A: I strive to create work that sits close to realism with a bit of mystery for the audience to discover. The process always involves direct observation and study of my subject matter. I often do simple quick thumbnail sketches in the field, take reference images, and many notes to remind me of what attracted me to particular moment. I'll typically take this information back to the studio and distill my sketches down to a Notan (Japanese word for light and dark) to see the structure and design of the composition. At this point in the process, I have already decided on a composition, color scheme and medium to best convey the mood I am after. Q: You've done the plein air style, or painting directly in nature, but less so these days. Why? A: Being a busy working mom, most of my painting is done at night after the kids are in bed. Unless I commit to just painting nocturnes, this limits the time I can spend painting directly from nature en plein air. Time Kane is a frequent contributor to the Times Union. "Getting lost while on the ground that's a continual story for us," pilot Jim Somers said. He'd just flown a $3.8 million aircraft 45 flawless minutes from Saratoga County Airport to Portland, Maine, where Somers and his boss, thoroughbred owner and eclectic entrepreneur Lee Pokoik, had traveled to get lunch. Now they were trying to navigate to the restaurant in a rental SUV that had been waiting, motor running and AC on full blast, at the private-plane terminal. They like to fly for lunch. When they're at Pokoik's home base in Sarasota, Fla., a half-hour midday flight for a nosh in Key West is a regular thing. A few years back, Pokoik, who has a long family connection to Maine, decided he wanted to try Portland for lunch while he was in Saratoga for the racing season. The drive would be 300 miles and at least four and a half hours each way. As the crow or, more precisely, Pokoik's Daher-Socata TBM 900 turboprop flies, it's 160 nautical miles (184 statue miles) and 45 minutes. Going to Portland for lunch from Saratoga isn't much different than zipping up the Northway to the Spa City from Delmar. Except, you know, for the $400-an-hour cost of running the plane, plus $600 worth of fuel, plus Somers' salary, plus landing and parking fees at both airports, plus more things those without private planes wouldn't know. This is just one of the many sharp disparities of Saratoga in the summer: People go to work for subsistence wages, fearful of getting swept up by immigration authorities, while those who employ them take private planes to lunch. More for you Saratoga exhibit shows lives of immigrant workers Pokoik, whose background includes real estate, membership in the New York Stock Exchange and restaurant ownership, has been coming to Saratoga for the 35 years he has owned thoroughbreds. He doesn't know how many horses he has "Really, I couldn't tell you," he said but one of them is named Fifteen Church, after his favorite restaurant in Saratoga, though the restaurant's name uses the numeral. Given how much Pokoik likes 15 Church, naming a horse after it was almost a given. He has a standing reservation at 15 Church several nights a week during the racing season. He doesn't always use the reservation himself, instead bestowing the choice table on friends. "I think people bid on his table if they hear he's not coming," said Paul McCullough, the co-owner of 15 Church, who has a masterful way of accommodating the horsey set. Pokoik exudes an easy, seemingly unconsidered generosity when it comes to his 15 Church reservations and his plane. The evening of the Portland trip, he extended invites to dinner, wanting to fill all the seats at the table because he was in the mood to open a giant bottle of a 2005 California cult wine that Wine Spectator rates 97 out of 100 and auction sites list for $1,200. And a couple of times every racing season he puts McCullough and the head chef of 15 Church into two of the plane's six seats for the Portland trip, which also includes a visit to fish markets on the city's harbor. "Did you see what they just brought out?" exclaimed Michael Mastrantuono, who was named executive chef of 15 Church just a few weeks before the onslaught that is racing season. It was Tuesday, and he'd been perusing the icy shelves at Harbor Fish Market on Portland's waterfront and had already chosen a sheaf of whole whiting, piles of glistening monkfish fillets and oysters the size of a closed fist, all off boats that morning. But Mastrantuono was initially disappointed by the available tuna. He'd talked his way into the wholesale room, though even there all of the whole tuna were gone, and the remaining chunks of yellowfin tuna were, well, pedestrian. He could get yellowfin anywhere. And then, after returning to the sales floor, Mastrantuono who at 26 is keenly aware of the pressure on him to deliver spectacular food to a clientele largely indifferent to cost spotted an employee lugging an arm-filling hunk of bluefin tuna, a true luxury item. "I'll take the whole thing," Mastrantuono said. It weighed almost 55 pounds and cost $1,030.21. He would serve it that night as a $19 sashimi appetizer and $36 entree. Combined, the bluefin would go on to be ordered 115 times the first night, leaving just 10 app portions available for the second. Once sold, the tuna would gross nearly $3,500, making its food-cost ratio about 30 percent, considered the industry standard. "People talk about 90-, 100-hour workweeks, but Mike actually does it," McCullough said. "He's the first one in, last one out. I really wanted him to be able to experience a trip like this. I knew it would inspire him." McCullough recognizes the indulgence of the Portland jaunts. But Pokoik is a friend as well as a customer, the plane is going anyway, and the seats are available. And if you look at the math that way, and set aside the arguable moral indefensibility of taking a private plane to fetch ingredients, he actually saved money on the fish they bought: Mastrantuono estimated the nearly $1,300 tab at Harbor Fish Market represented the equivalent of at least $1,400 worth of fish delivered to the restaurant. "It can probably seem like a crazy thing to do, but Lee loves to have people fly with him," McCullough said. Pokoik has had private planes for a dozen years. The 2-year-old TBM 900 replaced an earlier model that he owned for a decade, and he has another, smaller plane that he keeps in Florida and leases part time to a doctor. He'd like to upgrade to a jet with a toilet "Ladies don't like to fly in a plane with no bathroom," he said but doing so would require an investment essentially double what he's got into the turboprop. Pokoik met Somers when the latter was his flight instructor. After more than 22 years as a middle-school teacher, Somers dedicated himself to flying in his mid-50s. Neither he nor Pokoik liked the planes supplied by the flight school "People are rightly suspicious of planes with duct tape on the outside," Somers joked and they commiserated about the quality until Pokoik one day made a startling offer: "Let's go a look at a plane. If I buy it, will you fly it for me?" Somers recalled replying, "OK, sure." Telling the story this week, he added, "I think he went in and paid cash for it right then." Somers estimated he flies an average of 10 hours a week, usually with Pokoik as his co-pilot, between Sarasota, Saratoga and Kentucky, for horse business, and Denver, where Pokoik's daughter and grandkids live and where he has a minority share in two restaurants. Somers spends the warm months at a cabin in northern Wisconsin, keeping the TBM 900 with him and flying to wherever Pokoik needs him, and winters in Florida. After lunch and fetching fish that had been boxed by the market for transport, it seemed simple enough to return to the Portland airport. The navigation system in the rental SUV and driving-direction programs on passengers' smartphones, however, were unable to locate where Somers had left the plane at a fixed-base operator, or FBO, which is a company that provides services to private planes. The navigation aids assumed, understandably, that people wanting to go to an airport are looking for the passenger terminal for commercial flights. It took an old-fashioned phone call to an actual person to get things sorted out. As he changed the SUV's direction yet again, Somers laughed and said, "This is the part where we drive around looking for the FBO." sbarnes@timesunion.com 518-454-5489 @Tablehopping http://facebook.com/SteveBarnesFoodCritic The legal journey of a Virginia transgender teen took a step back on Wednesday when a federal appeals court said it would not immediately take up his fight to use the boys' bathroom. Attorneys for Gavin Grimm, whose case was earlier put off by the Supreme Court, had hoped to have his challenge to the Gloucester County School Board heard by a federal appeals court before his graduation in June. Because Grimm no longer is a high school student, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit said Wednesday that a lower court must sort out whether Grimm still has enough of an affiliation to his alma mater to pursue the case. "Because all of the prior litigation was conducted while Grimm was a student, the parties have presented us with nothing more than unsupported assertions regarding Grimm's continued connection to his high school and the applicability of the school board's policy," according to the order from Judge Paul Niemeyer, who was joined by Judges Allyson Duncan and Henry Floyd. "We remand this to the district court for the limited purpose of resolving, in the first instance, whether this case has become moot." The unanimous order from the three-judge panel is a setback to Grimm's efforts to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity. Grimm's case had been scheduled for oral argument at the Richmond-based 4th Circuit in September. "Gavin's life is going by while these procedural steps happen," said Joshua Block, an ACLU attorney for Grimm who is now 18. "It's another detour on his way to having his day in court." In March, the Supreme Court put off a ruling in Grimm's case after the Trump administration revoked Obama-era guidelines directing all U.S. public schools to accommodate transgender students. The high court's move sent Grimm's case back to the 4th Circuit. The appeals court earlier had sided with Grimm and deferred to the Obama administration guidelines on transgender rights released in May 2016. LGBT rights advocates had hailed the move, but it was criticized by many conservatives, who said the administration was overreaching and violating the privacy of children. At Gloucester High, Grimm had been forced to use a restroom separate from his peers. In recent court filings, Grimm's lawyers told the 4th Circuit that the teenager's "future attendance at alumni and school-community events" was enough of a connection to allow the court to continue to consider the case. Attorneys for the Gloucester County School Board said unless Grimm stated a "particular intention to return to school after graduation," his alumni status made the case moot. The bathroom policy does not necessarily apply to alumni, the school board said in its filing. The appeal to the 4th Circuit was limited to a preliminary injunction to stop the school board from enforcing its bathroom policy. Grimm's claims of discrimination have been on hold in District Court pending the resolution of the injunction. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany The number of retired public sector workers in New York collecting six-figure pensions is closing in on 4,000, with an 18 percent increase over the year before, according to a recent survey by a fiscal watchdog group. That doesnt include the approximately 3,000 retired school administrators and teachers who also qualified for pensions of $100,000 or more, but who are in a separate pension system. The number of taxpayer-supported six-figure pensions is going to keep growing, said Tim Hoefer, executive director of the Empire Center, a fiscally conservative think tank that tracks state spending. The group tallied six-figure pensioners in the State and Local Retirement System from the fiscal year that ended in April and found 3,817, up from 3,230 the year before. More than half of New Yorks six-figure public pensions (1,939) went to police and firefighters, with many from Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. Police and firefighters are typically eligible to retire after 20 years of service, and many other public sector workers can leave at age 55. Topping the 2016 pension list was Shashikant Lele, a former senior staffer at western New Yorks Roswell Park Cancer Institute, who qualified for a $436,356 pension. In total, another 16 pensions paid out more than $200,000. The Empire Center looked at records for 410,764 retirees from state government as well as localities. In the Capitol Region, George M. Phillip received the highest pension at $262,009 the fourth-highest statewide. He served as executive director of the states Teachers Retirement System before working as interim president and then president at the University at Albany from 2007 to 2012. The list of all state and local pensioners can be found here. Washington The top American diplomat put the onus on Russia Tuesday to take steps to repair flagging relations with the United States, even as he conceded that congressional sanctions would pose a new obstacle. Holding out hope for warmer ties, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he'd meet with his Russian counterpart within days. In an assessment of his first six months in office, Tillerson also: Revealed the U.S. is looking at options to entice Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave power peacefully. Insisted the U.S. doesn't blame China for North Korea's nuclear behavior despite the American pressure on Beijing. He said the U.S. is open to talks with Pyongyang. Argued that Iran's military must leave Syria for the U.S. to cooperate with Russia on ending the Syrian civil war. Named retired Gen. Anthony Zinni as special representative to try to resolve the Persian Gulf diplomatic crisis over Qatar. But on Russia, Tillerson strained hardest to point to progress. He was unable to show that the U.S. has fulfilled President Donald Trump's objective of a new, more cooperative relationship between the former Cold War foes, noting only modest efforts in Syria as a sign the nations share some common goals. While he said frustrated Americans want the U.S. to get along with the nuclear-armed power, he did not address the deep suspicions at home about the president's intentions. U.S. intelligence agencies have formally accused Moscow of meddling in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump. "The situation is bad, but believe me it can get worse," Tillerson said, recounting his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met in March. "And it just did." Putin this week ordered the U.S. to dramatically cut its diplomatic presence in Russia, solidifying the conclusion that a Trump-driven detente with Moscow hasn't come to pass. Though ostensibly in retaliation for a similar U.S. move last year under President Barack Obama, the Russian action came just after Congress voted to slap Russia with more economic sanctions, and to include new requirements making it harder for Trump to ease penalties. "Neither the president nor I are very happy about that," Tillerson said of the sanctions bill. The diplomat had urged lawmakers not to proceed. "We were clear that we didn't think that was going to be helpful to our efforts, but that's the decision they made." Trump plans to sign the bill nevertheless, another potent reminder of the political baggage that has beset his efforts to mend ties to Russia. If Trump were to veto the bill, Congress would almost surely override his veto. At a time when the FBI and congressional committees are investigating possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia, a veto override would make it look like lawmakers were rejecting a Trump effort to protect Moscow from U.S. punishment. Though the White House said the bill was still being reviewed, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump will sign it. Three people with ties to the Capital Region are among the people State Police said they are targeting as part of their Warrant Wednesday initiative aimed at arresting fugitives. Dashawn R. Duncan, 23, is wanted on arrest warrants issued from the City of Albany for criminal possession of a forged instrument, criminal facilitation and conspiracy. In April 2016, troopers said, Duncan was involved in a fraudulent check scheme and possessed, deposited and cashed fraudulent checks at a bank in Albany. He may possibly have fled to New Jersey to avoid arrest, State Police said. Phyllis L. Matthews, 46, is wanted by State Police on an arrest warrant for scheme to defraud and petit larceny. On Aug. 26, 2013, Matthews was traveling on the Thruway when, according to police, she was involved in quick-change money schemes at multiple service areas. Matthews may also go by the name Phyllis Freeman. She has ties to Watervliet, Amsterdam, Watertown, and Utica, troopers said. Kenneth M. Tyree, 31, is wanted by State Police and the Peru Town Court for charges related to a domestic dispute on Oct. 2, 2016, in the town of Peru, Clinton County. Police said Tyree damaged property belonging to the victim and stole the victim's cell phone. He was charged with criminal mischief and petit larceny. He may be in the Albany area, troopers said. James Houck, 26, is wanted by State Police on an arrest warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance and petit larceny issued June 14 from Lyonsdale Town Court in Lewis County. Houck is wanted for failure to appear in court on March 15 to answer charges of unlawfully taking 89 prescription pills from the complainant. Curtis J. Webb, 40, is wanted by State Police after failing to appear in court on an identity theft charge. A bench warrant was issued by the Town of Unadilla Court in Otsego County on Aug. 15, 2016. Webb was originally arrested in October 2015 when he allegedly used a stolen debit card to make purchases in Unadilla. Raul Alarcon-Martinez, 32, was arrested after he allegedly unlawfully recorded fellow employees using a restroom at an Ulster County business. Alarcon-Martinez did not appear in court to answer the charge of unlawful surveillance and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest from the Ulster Town Court. Ismael Reyes, 36, is wanted by State Police and Nassau County First District Court for driving while intoxicated and traffic violations. In 2016, Reyes was stopped by troopers on the Southern State Parkway and subsequently arrested. Reyes was operating a black Honda at the time of his arrest. His last known address is in the Bronx. Everett Pina, 41, of Greece, Monroe County, is wanted on a City of Rochester bench warrant for driving while intoxicated and aggravated operation of a motor vehicle. Everett was arrested after a traffic stop in Rochester in January. Emad Y. Babiker, 54, is wanted by the Community Narcotic Enforcement Team Hudson Valley and the State Police from Wappinger following an indictment warrant issued by the Dutchess County Court ordering Babiker's arrest following an investigation into narcotic sales in the Fishkill area. He is wanted on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal sale of a controlled substance. Babiker's last known address was in LaGrange, Dutchess County. RENSSELAER The 35-mile trolley route that linked the cities of Rensselaer and Hudson for 30 years in the early 20th century is to be recreated as a segment of the Empire State Trail. Studied and discussed by local towns, villages and Rensselaer County for a decade, the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail is close to becoming a functioning recreation attraction as a rail-trail for bicyclists and pedestrians. It will be built as part of the $200 million Empire State Trail project to create a 750-mile hiking/biking path running north-south between New York City and Canada and east-west linking Albany and Buffalo. Andy Beers, director of the Empire State Trail, said details of the 35-mile segment between Rensselaer and Hudson will be released Monday on the project's website, www.ahettrail.org, and in public meetings next week from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Columbia High School in East Greenbush and Thursday at Ichabod Crane High School in Kinderhook. County officials said there will be no construction costs directly paid by local governments, but that they would be responsible for maintenance expenses. The trail plans are to be reviewed through 2018 with construction to take place in 2019 and be completed in 2020. "We want to participate in the trail development," said Charles Moore, planning director for the city of Rensselaer, the northern terminus of the trail. The trail will continue across the Dunn Memorial Bridge to connect to another segment in Albany. East Greenbush Supervisor Jack Conway said, "It's a good project," made possible by the $200 million state trail program. The trail has been studied by the towns in southern Rensselaer County as a recreational choice for residents, but the Town Board will have to decide if the town will take on the maintenance costs, the supervisor said. The Albany-Hudson Electric Trail will run from Rensselaer through East Greenbush, Schodack, and Nassau then cross into Columbia County where it will continue through Chatham, Kinderhook, Stuyvesant, Stockport and Greenport to Hudson. This is the route followed by the trolley that linked Hudson to Rensselaer and Albany. That electric light rail line operated from 1899 to 1929. AUSTIN, Texas (TNS) The nations largest oil, gas and chemical companies are the latest big businesses to publicly oppose the so-called Texas bathroom bill. In a letter sent Monday to Gov. Greg Abbott, 50 Houston-area businesses said the bill would harm their ability to recruit and retain top talent. CEOs from BP America, Chevron North America E&P, Dow Chemical Co., Exxon Mobil Global Services and Halliburton were among the signers. We support diversity and inclusion, and we believe that any such bill risks harming Texas reputation and impacting the states economic growth and ability to create new jobs, they wrote. Any bill that harms our ability to attract top talent to Houston will inhibit our growth and continued success and ultimately the success of our great state. Leaders from Accenture, BBVA Compass, Calpine Corp., CenterPoint Energy, ConocoPhillips and Tesco Corp. also signed the letter, as did Rice University President David Leebron. Abbott called lawmakers back to Austin this summer for a special session and included the bathroom legislation on his list of priorities. Three bills that would restrict the bathrooms available for use to transgender men, women and children have been filed. One of these three bills, filed by Brenham Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, easily passed the Senate last week. Success in the House will be far harder given the opposition from some of the chambers top leaders, including Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, and Rep. Byron Cook, the Corsicana Republican who heads the committee that will hear the bills. Abbott resurrected the bathroom bill debate this summer after lawmakers failed to pass any such legislation during the regular session that ended in May. Since then, businesses have come out in force against it. Several major corporations including AT&T, American Airlines, IBM and Texas Instruments had already denounced the legislation as discriminatory toward the transgender community and bad for Texas business. The bill is also opposed by statewide school associations; national teacher, counselor and social worker groups; local law enforcement, including the Dallas Police Department; and LGBT rights organizations. The bills supporters say they want to protect the privacy of women and girls in intimate spaces. It has the support of far-right conservative groups such as the Texas Pastors Council and Texas Values. Several major corporations including AT&T, American Airlines, IBM and Texas Instruments had already denounced the legislation as discriminatory toward the transgender community and bad for Texas business. ICSA rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock has expressed deep reservations on the view from the Attorney General that making the Fair Deal scheme fair for farm families would not be possible unless similar arrangements were put in place for all businesses. ICSA is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Jim Daly to discuss this issue. We will be seeking clarity on the detail of the AGs opinion. In addition, we believe that the Attorney General also needs to reflect on whether the look-back clause of the Fair Deal Scheme is consistent with constitutional property rights, said Mr Sherlock. In essence, the look-back clause undermines the property rights of the new owner, in circumstances where ownership of the farm has been transferred lawfully by way of a gift, in the previous five years. The Fair Deal Scheme allows the State to either have part (or all) of the farm sold or a charging order placed on the farm with a view to meeting outstanding nursing home liabilities, in respect of a person, who once upon a time owned that farm. This is extremely dubious in ICSAs view. For example, the transfer of a farm might form part of a much more complex family settlement involving other siblings. One child may have got farmland; others may have been supported in other ways such as sites, contributions to purchase of a home or education. Why should the child who got the farm assume all liability for the nursing home bill? he asked. Mr Sherlock said that, once an asset was transferred, whether by gift or by sale, surely that asset was now secure in the new owners possession. If a farmer sold his farm to his child four years before he entered a nursing home, could the Fair Deal Scheme come after that child to pay the nursing home bill? What if the son or daughter who gets the farm by way of gift had to make provision for educating other siblings or indeed provide them with sites, he said. The ICSA chairman said that there must also be a question about the reality that a farms value may change considerably as a result of work and investment carried out after the transfer. He asked how could the State assume a right to a farm - properly transferred - which was now much more valuable as a result of being developed by means of investment from the spouse of the transferee? ICSA believes that there are serious constitutional question marks about this element of the Fair Deal Scheme. If the Attorney General has been asked to examine it from one angle, then it must be looked at in its entirety, said Mr Sherlock. ICSA has been fighting to make the scheme fairer for farmers. There is a deep seated fear of the Fair Deal Scheme in rural Ireland with many fearing that participation in the scheme could eventually lead to the sale of their farm to pay for nursing home fees, he said. Mr Sherlock described it as a serious issue when you had perfectly viable farms being put out of business because of what, he said, was a poorly designed and unfair scheme. A concert, organised by the Knocklong History Society, had to be cancelled last night after "Irish Socialist Republicans" mounted a protest against the presence of what it described as a "Brit Imperialist Band". A concert had been planned by the British Legion but according to the Irish Socialist Republicans, "despite a ring of steel around the Knocklong Community Centre, consisting of the Free State Armed Response Unit and Special Branch, Republicans from Limerick, Tipperary and Cork successfully prevented the pro-imperialist event that had been organised by the Knocklong History Society". Speaking after the event, George McAnaspie said, 'The success of tonight's protest is a massive victory for socialist republicans in the Munster area. The organisers of this event had hoped to facilitate a Brit Imperialist Band in an effort to portray the ongoing British occupation of Ireland as legitimate. The fact that the event had to be cancelled, despite the ring of steel, due to a protest by local republicans, shows beyond any doubt that there is nothing legitimate or normal about the British Occupation of Ireland." McAnaspie continued "The British Legion are not just an innocent Brass Band or a Charity. They are active supporters of the British Military and key fundraisers in support of Brit forces involved in wars of conquest around the world. Left unchecked, events like the concert in Knocklong could become subtle recruiting grounds for the Brit Army in Ireland and therefore must be opposed". He concluded "Tonight's successful protest in Knocklong demonstrates what is possible when republicans get organised and stand together in a determined and disciplined way. Tonight's protest demonstrates that it is possible to challenge Imperialism's normalisation agenda and win. Now is the time for socialist republicans across Ireland to be working together to build a movement that can successfully challenge imperialism in Ireland on terms of our own choosing. Let the message go out loud and clear from Knocklong, Brit Imperialists are not welcome in Ireland and will be challenged." Tipperary is among the highest counties for debt relief and bankruptcies over the last four years, new figures released by the Insolvency Service of Ireland show. The service has released its analysis of the level of debt and debt solution from 2014 to the second quarter of 2017. The report deals with debt and debt relief under Debt Relief Notices, Debt Relief Arrangements and Personal Insolvency Arrangements as well as bankruptcy. It shows that Tipperary was seventh highest, with 148 cases per 10,000 people under DRN, DSA and PIA by court order. Only Dublin, Cork, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare and Waterford were ahead of it. It was also in seventh position under DRNs, DSAs and PIAs approved, with 206 cases or 17.3 per 10,000 people. Again, the same counties were ahead of Tipperary on the list. The Premier County was eight highest for bankruptcies over the same period, with 58 or 4.9 per 10,000 people. Not surprisingly, Dublin, topped the list ahead of Cork, Galway, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow and Wexford. A Debt Relief Notice provides for the write-off of qualifying debt up to 35,000, subject to a three-year supervision period. The Debt Settlement Arrangement provides for the agreed settlement of unsecured debt with limits involved over a period up to five years. The Personal Insolvency Arrangement provides for the restructuring or settlement of secured debt up to 3m, and the settlement of unsecured debt over a period of six years. Nationally, so far this year, there have been 1,259 new applications, a 26 per cent increase in the number of Protective Certificates issued (the first stage in the process), and a 22 per cent increase in approved arrangements (the final stage in the process). The high level of new applications has been maintained largely due to Abhaile, the Government's free mortgage arrears support scheme, which includes free personal insolvency practitioner consultations for insolvent debtors. The number of Protective Certificates issued and the number of Arrangements approved continue to rise, said ISI director Lorcan O'Connor. However, he said that, each quarter, ISI statistics showed that its solutions were getting more and more people back on track financially. While it is understandable that the effects of debt on mental health can prevent people seeking the help they need, my message to anyone still experiencing unmanageable debt is to consult with one of our regulated professional advisors, he said. Mr O'Connor said that those with mortgage arrears can also avail of a free consultation with a personal insolvency practitioner under the Abhaile service. While the number declared bankrupt so far this year is down compared to last year, the ISI estimates that the outcome by the end of the year will be broadly similar to 2016. [August 02, 2017] Carestream Wins Award for Reducing Energy Consumption At Its Colorado Manufacturing Facility Carestream's manufacturing plant in Windsor, Colo., earned a Colorado Industrial Energy Efficiency award from the Colorado Energy Office. In the past two years, Carestream Colorado has reduced energy consumption by 5.4 percent at its Windsor manufacturing facility. The company's goal is to achieve an additional 5 percent reduction in energy use from 2015 to 2020. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005244/en/ Carestream's manufacturing plant joined the Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge in 2011 and has reduced energy consumption by 21 percent during the past five years. (Photo: Business Wire) Carestream joined the Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge (CIEC) in 2011 and has reduced energy consumption by 21 percent during the last five years. "We continuously examine our manufacturing processes and product components to identify areas where we can help preserve the environment," said Cavan Kelsey, Carestream's Corporate Environmental Health and Safety & Sustainability Director. "Our aim is to reduce energy use by increasing the efficiency of our operations even when we are adding additional equipment to achieve production goals." The Colorado plant achieved energy savings of 5119 megawatt hours over two years with several major renovation efforts: Plant engineers rebuilt a 40-year-old steam turbinechiller that significantly reduces electricity consumption; and Variable frequency drives were installed on four cooling tower fan motors, eight cooling tower supply pumps and three chilled water pumps to allow each system to use only the precise amount of energy required to obtain the desired flow of water for manufacturing operations. In addition, Carestream recycles a variety of materials and works to control hazardous waste from product manufacturing and maintenance activities. Carestream is updating its Environmental Management System to meet the new ISO 14001:2015 standard. The latest standard includes goals for sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation, as well as the incorporation of lifecycle thinking into product design. About Carestream Health Carestream is a worldwide provider of dental and medical imaging systems and IT solutions; X-ray imaging systems for non-destructive testing; and precision contract coating services for a wide range of industrial, medical, electronic and other applications-all backed by a global service and support network. For more information about the company's broad portfolio of products, solutions and services, please contact your Carestream representative or call 888-777-2072 or visit www.carestream.com. To view Carestream's latest news announcements, please visit www.carestream.com/news. CARESTREAM is a trademark of Carestream Health. Follow Carestream Health online: http://www.twitter.com/carestream http://www.youtube.com/carestream http://www.carestream.com/blog/ http://www.facebook.com/carestream http://www.linkedin.com/company/carestream-health 2017 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005244/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Last week Chuck Schumer, the Democrats leader in the Senate, promised readers of The New York Times a better deal. He said the party was listening to a country thats clamoring for bold changes to our politics and our economy. Hes right that voters are unhappy, but I wonder if the Democrats are really getting the message. Schumers opinion piece displayed the standard Democratic dissonance between a radical-sounding critique of American capitalism and timid little steps to put things right. Both sides of this traditional formula are wrong. The system isnt fundamentally broken; American voters dont want their government to demolish capitalism and start again. At the same time, bold innovations in policy much bolder than Democrats appear to be contemplating are needed to make the economy work better for the wide middle of the American electorate. Schumer talks about vulture capitalists gouging consumers and huge corporations ... padding the pockets of investors but sending costs skyrocketing for everything from cable bills and airline tickets to food and health care. This weary anti-capitalist imagery evokes an economic system thats fundamentally exploitative one that would descend into outright criminality unless minutely policed by Democrats, Washingtons self-denying, ever-vigilant guardians. The point isnt just that this is preposterous (though it is), but also that too few Americans will buy it as a political program. Most voters arent instinctively anti-business, and they understand that Democrats in Washington are as much in hock to special-interest money as their opponents. To pretend the opposite invites derision. A bit less moral indignation and a lot more policy ambition would go a long way. Schumers remedies for the depredations of the capitalist system arent necessarily wrong. Theyre just small. Require drug companies to justify price increases to the public and let Medicare push for lower prices, allow regulators to break up big companies if theyre hurting consumers, and give firms a tax credit to train workers for unfilled jobs. Does stuff like this really measure up to the menace of vulture capitalism? Dont imply the system needs dismantling unless youre Bernie Sanders and actually willing to do it. Shorn of its anti-capitalist rhetoric, the Democratic program could nonetheless afford to be bolder. Three areas in particular call for genuine, not feigned, radicalism. One is tax reform. The Democrats goal should be to lift the lowest-paid workers out of tax altogether. That would mean reforming the payroll tax, which falls on even the lowest-wage labor. Much of the necessary revenue could be raised by reducing or eliminating the deductions that mostly benefit the better-off. In the aggregate such a change would shift more of the burden of the tax system onto the higher-paid. Theres a good case for higher tax rates at the very top of the income scale, and for a fairer treatment of inherited wealth (it isnt right that capital gains can be passed along to heirs entirely untaxed). Middle-income households neednt then face higher taxes. But the goal shouldnt be to punish the rich for their supposedly ill-gotten gains. Most Americans aspire to do well and would like to be rich: They have no moral objection to money. The goal that deserves emphasis is not raising taxes, but cutting them especially the taxes that fall on the low-paid. A second priority should be health-care reform. Here the aim should be bigger than defending Obamacare from Republican assault, worthy as that may be. The organizing principle should be universal coverage as a fact, rather than an aspiration (as it is under the Affordable Care Act). But genuinely universal coverage does not and should not mean single-payer a term that suggests health care delivered through a government monopoly. Theres no reason why assurance of coverage cannot be combined with competitive delivery of medical services and/or health insurance. (Ezekiel Emanuel, an adviser on Obamacare, wrote a book about it.) This approach to the problem better conforms to the American insistence on consumer choice and control. A third area for radical reform is, in the long term, the most important of all: education. Americas best universities still lead the world, but many of its high schools, by international standards, are failing pitifully. This, not capitalist padding of investors pockets, is the wedge that will widen and deepen the gap between prosperous Americans and the rest. Democrats should be ashamed that they are resisting rather than championing the campaign for education reform. Teachers unions are a core constituency, no doubt, and its apparently too much to ask of the partys leaders that they should turn on public-sector unions the way Britains Labour Party did in the mid-1990s. But America has far more parents of school-age children than teachers. Political self-interest, quite apart from the interests of those parents and their kids, would seem to argue for a judicious distance between the party and the principal opponents of innovation and competition in schools. Americans do deserve a better deal. Its a shame the Democrats still arent seizing their opportunity. INVESTOR ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Reminds Investors of an Investigation Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations by the Board of Directors of Envision Healthcare Corporation Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Envision Healthcare Corporation ("Envision" or the "Company") (NYSE: EVHC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws. On July 24, 2017, The New York Times reported that physicians associated with the Company's subsidiary, EmCare Holdings Inc., were disproportionately likely to engage in practices such as surprise billing in which patients who go to in-network hospitals are treated by out-of-network doctors, who then bill them at higher rates. When this news was announced, shares of Envision fell in value. To obtain additional information, go to: http://www.zlkdocs.com/EVHC-Info-Request-Form-5965 or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170801006793/en/ [August 01, 2017] Announcement of AMMBR Token Sale September 1, 2017 Democratizing Broadband Access Globally SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ammbr, a Blockchain powered, multi-spectrum Mesh Network will make high-speed broadband internet available to more people in more places. Ammbr announced that their token sale will commence September 1, 2017. Future owners of an Ammbr access point will be able to earn tokens while distributing broadband, and users accessing broadband will be able to make payments with the tokens. The primary objective of the Ammbr project to is create a distributed broadband access platform that is highly resilient and simple to connect to, while reducing the costs associated with internet access. Ammbr intends to create a high-throughput blockchain-based platform with AI and smart contract functionality that will underpin a marketplace, removing friction for the users of wireless broadband while ensuring equitable participation for the myriad owners of the access infrastructure. The Ammbr network is predicated on secure digital identities for all participants and linked asset wallets for the network's native token, called AMMBR. It enables micro-payment capability required for incremental access payments to any access point on the network. The network provides accurate real-time billing for access, as opposed to the typical monthly or bundled access packages from traditional broadband ervice providers. Ammbr overcomes current mesh network scalability issues through its multi-path capabilities across different wireless spectrums, and adds economic incentive for participants to utilize existing broadband links as communal network backhaul infrastructure. Ammbr will have global applicability and will be of significant importance to the 3.9 billion individuals around the world who currently do not have high-speed internet access. The network intends to empower individuals, allowing them to collaborate and trade using the latest developments in wireless mesh networking technology. This would overcome the shortcomings of centralized and monopolistic telecommunications business models by providing adequate, efficient, and resilient broadband access. AMMBR serves several purposes: To materially engage a community of users, whether they wish to acquire routers and provide infrastructure for broadband access, or whether they simply wish to utilize the Ammbr network for their telecommunications services. To raise funds for the long-term development of the network and to provide a mechanism to economically reward the early adopters and positive contributors. "Ammbr offers an entirely new business model which could bring a large number of people, especially in the developing world, into the technology era," says Benny Pang, Chairman of the Ammbr Foundation. "Ammbr has been entirely self-funded by the founders to date and has built several components of the total solution it intends to commercialize." Benny Pang previously served as the chief counsel at Tencent Holdings Limited and currently is an acclaimed corporate IPO attorney in Hong Kong. About Ammbr: The Ammbr Foundation is based in Singapore, with technology development partners in the United States, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland and Hong Kong. For more information about Ammbr, please visit www.ammbr.com. Note to editors: Ammbr is pronounced the same as "Amber". Sentence case Ammbr refers to the Ammbr Foundation and Ammbr products and technology. All uppercase AMMBR refers to the cryptographic tokens used. For further information and the official Ammbr whitepaper, visit www.ammbr.com. SOURCE Ammbr [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 01, 2017] French Multinational Bank Appoints AxiomSL for HKMA and MAS Regulatory Reporting Solutions SINGAPORE, HONG KONG and SYDNEY, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AxiomSL, the global leader in regulatory reporting, data and risk management solutions has been appointed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) headquarters of a leading French multinational bank to implement its enterprise data management platform. AxiomSL's platform will integrate and enrich the bank's existing data architecture to comply with Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) mandate MA (BS) 1 and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) mandate 610. Earlier this year, AxiomSL was appointed by the French bank in New York for regulatory reporting to the Federal Reserve. This will be the third major French bank that has chosen AxiomSL as its preferred regulatory solutions provider globally. AxiomSL's data agnostic enterprise data management platform empowers global financial institutions to tackle complex, mission-critical data integration, risk management and regulatory reporting challenges. The enterprise-wide approach enables firms to shift their focus from tactical level compliance to macro-level supervision. This will result in meaningful business insights that will facilitate senior management in making decisions that translates into commercial value and operational efficiencies. Peter Tierney, APAC CEO, AxiomSL said, "We are delighted to be expanding our relationship as the banks' preferred strategic enterprise data management partner. With cost cutting measures in place and firms coming under intense scrutiny by the regulators, there is an urgent need to rethink how regulatory reporting is conducted. Firms need to shift their regulatory reporting focus from a short term, tactical and compliance-date driven approach to a macro approach that looks at regulatory data management as a strategic function. In addition to regular reporting submissions to the regulator, firms must anticipate the supervisory questions and clarifications these submissions will inevitably generate. A flexible and modular regulatory data management solution is required that enables firms to meet shifting local and global regulatory and supervisory needs. As this new client has discovered, AxiomSL's data agnostic platform provides just this. We have seen positive growth in APAC and our recent senior appointments ensure that we continue to bring deep industry expertise to deliver the best regulatory solutions to our clients." In order to service the expanding client base and support its growing footprint across APAC, AxiomSL announced two senior leadership appointments earlier this year: APAC CEO Peter Tierney and Country Manager for Australia Andrew Wood. AxiomSL established its APAC presence in 2010 and expanded its operations across Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney. The platform has since been used by global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) in the region to comply with main regulatory requirements such as FATCA, CRS, IFRS 9, regional liquidity coverage ratio, shareholding disclosure and central bank reporting. Press contacts: Prisita Menon Josephine Chia Cognito AxiomSL [email protected] [email protected] +65 6221 7310 +65 3159 1055 Ext. 648 About AxiomSL: AxiomSL is the leading global provider of regulatory reporting, data and risk management solutions for financial services firms, including banks, broker dealers, asset managers and insurance companies. Its unique enterprise data management (EDM) platform delivers data lineage, risk aggregation, analytics, workflow automation, validation and audit functionality. The AxiomSL platform for change seamlessly integrates clients' source data from disparate systems and geographical locations without forcing data conversion. It enriches and validates the data, and runs it through risk and regulatory calculations to produce both internal and external reports. The platform supports disclosures in multiple formats, including XBRL. The unparalleled transparency offered by the high-performance platform gives users the ability to drill down on their data to any level of granularity. AxiomSL's platform supports compliance with a wide range of global and local regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act -- CCAR, Basel III capital and liquidity requirements, IFRS 9/CECL, FATCA/CRS, EMIR, FDSF, BCBS 239, Solvency II, AIFMD, central bank disclosures, and both market and credit risk management requirements. The enterprise-wide approach offered by AxiomSL enables clients to leverage their existing data and risk management infrastructure, and reduces implementation costs, time to market and complexity. AxiomSL was awarded The Asian Banker's 2016 "Best Compliance Risk Technology Implementation of the Year" as well as "Best Implementation at a Sell-side Firm" for the second year running for the 2017 Sell-side Technology Awards. It was voted Best Reporting System Provider in the 2015 Waters Rankings and was highlighted as a 'Category Leader' by Chartis Research in its 2015 Sell-side Risk Management Technology report. The company's work has also been recognized through a number of other accolades, including success in the Best Reporting Initiative category of the American Financial Technology Awards and in the Customer Satisfaction section of the Chartis RiskTech100 rankings. www.axiomsl.com SOURCE AxiomSL [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] Adobe Partners with Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, to Meet Growing Visitor Demand JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Republic of Indonesia, has partnered with Adobe to elevate the country's tourism industry and deliver exceptional experiences for visitors. By leveraging Adobe Experience Cloud, the ministry aims to broaden its reach, connect with travelers better, and improve its competitiveness in the region. Adobe Experience Cloud is the leading platform for digital marketing and will help the ministry achieve key objectives that will further raise Indonesia's profile as a destination of choice. The partnership rides on the rising tide of Indonesian tourism, and MoT aims to capitalize on this growth. In 2016, the country registered 12 million foreign tourist arrivals -- a 15.5 percent increase from the year before[1]. This year, the ministry expects 15 million foreign visitors and projects 20 million by 2019[2]. "Indonesia is a wonderful destination with so much to offer. We are known for our magnificent islands, pristine beaches and traditional cultures, yet there is so much more to be discovered. It is important for us to reinvent the way we tell our stories, and continually promote new destinations and activities to our audiences coming from all parts of the world, and Adobe has shown us just how that can be done. The partnership with Adobe will help us connect with our visitors more effectively, better understand their preferences, and be able to customize the experience for them accordingly," said Mr. Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. In line with the ministry's "Go Digital" theme for 2017, Adobe's cloud platform will help drive its digital transformation strategy and connect with today's digital-savvy travelers. One of the critical tools that will help ensure success is Livefyre, part of Adobe Experience Manager. Livefyre will allow the minisry to tap into the power of user-generated content, with the ability to sieve through billions of social posts created by tourists every day, for a constant fresh flow of authentic tourist experiences to share with global audiences. In parallel, Adobe Analytics will provide in-depth analysis of web traffic and visitors to offer insights for targeting and attracting new visitors. Another strategic initiative is to strengthen the ministry's network and reach by establishing an alliance with major airlines. By partnering with Adobe, not only does the ministry gain access to Adobe's network of airline partners, it also puts itself on the common Adobe Experience Cloud platform that will better facilitate future exchanges of customer segment data between the alliance members. Adobe Audience Manager, on the other hand, will also help identify valuable customer segments to create targeted tourism campaigns. In the first year of the partnership, the ministry aims to sign on 10 airlines partners, including Garuda Indonesia, and Air Asia for a start. "Travelers now expect much more from the destinations they visit. Thanks to the power of the Internet and social media, consumers are empowered with more information than ever before, and with that, an appetite for more personalized experiences. Today, digital experiences are as important as physical ones, and it's imperative to make sure it is seamless across all touchpoints. The tourism industry must evolve by offering fresh, targeted content to a wider segmentation of audience, in shorter turnaround times, and Adobe is excited to be working with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism in this landmark effort to ensure every tourist visiting Indonesia gets the best possible experience," said Tony Katsabaris, APAC Managing Director of Public Sector for Adobe. [1] Indonesia targets tourism growth to boost revenue, The Straits Times, April 2017. [2] Ibid. About Adobe Experience Cloud Adobe Experience Cloud is a comprehensive set of cloud services designed to give enterprises everything needed to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Comprised of Adobe Marketing Cloud, Adobe Advertising Cloud and Adobe Analytics Cloud, Experience Cloud is built on the Adobe Cloud Platform and integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud and Document Cloud. Leveraging Adobe Sensei's machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities, Adobe Experience Cloud combines world-class solutions, a complete extensive platform, comprehensive data and content systems, and a robust partner ecosystem that offer an unmatched expertise in experience delivery. About Adobe Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/sea. Information and news on Adobe Southeast Asia can also be found on the official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/AdobeSEA). 2017 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe and the Adobe logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Press Contacts Celest Lim Adobe Systems Incorporated +65 6511 9959 [email protected] Jamie Tan/Emelyne Sng Text100 for Adobe +65 6603 9000 [email protected] SOURCE Adobe Systems Incorporated [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] Dianrong Announces Series D Round Funding of US$220 Million Investment led by GIC Private Limited will accelerate and expand growth SHANGHAI, Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dianrong today announced Series D round funding of US$220 million from leading global investment funds. This latest funding was led by GIC Private Limited, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, along with CMIG Leasing, Simone Investment Managers, and other institutional and individual investors. In 2015, Dianrong completed its Series C round funding of US$207 million from Standard Chartered Private Equity, China Fintech Fund, Tiger Global Management, and Bohai Leasing. Soul Htite, Founder and CEO of Dianrong, said, "We are humbled and honored to welcome GIC, CMIG Leasing, and Simone Investment Managers, to the Dianrong family. The addition of these distinguished global investors not only validates our past successes, but reinforces our commitment to 'The New Finance', which applies fintech to deliver greater financial freedom to Chinese families and small businesses. This latest capital injection will help us expand and accelerate these efforts and further drive sustainable and profitable business growth." Kevin Guo, Founder and Co-CEO of Dianrong, said, "Dianrong's success to date stems from great technology and talented employees, as well as investors who share our fintech vision and encourage us every day to innovate and lead. Adding world-class investors like GIC, CMIG Leasing and Simone ensures we will continue to be a catalyst for positive change within China's fintech market and beyond." Tang Min, President of CM International Financial Leasing Co., Ltd, said, "Dianrong's commitment to technology, transparency and compliance makes it a trusted partner and the right investment for us. CMIG Leasing was impressed by the company's achievements in fintech and their perfect tilization in the lending business. We believe that the combination of fintech developed by Dianrong and the leasing business will create more value for both industries. We're delighted to be a part of Dianrong's future." Dianrong recently announced the acquisition of the asset-generation operations of Quark Finance, which tripled the company's local footprint across China. Earlier this year, Dianrong also launched Chained Finance, the first-ever blockchain platform for supply-chain finance developed in partnership with FnConn, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group. About Dianrong Dianrong, a leader in online marketplace lending in China, originates US$500 million in monthly assets for 4 million retail lenders. Founded in 2012, Dianrong offers individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises a comprehensive, one-stop financial platform supported by industry-leading technology, compliance and transparency. The company's sophisticated and flexible infrastructure enables it to design and customize lending and borrowing products and services, based on industry-specific data and insights, all supported by online risk-management and operation tools. Dianrong's specific offerings include loan originations, investment products and marketplace lending solutions. Dianrong was also named in 2016 to the executive directorship of the National Internet Finance Association of China, led by the People's Bank of China. Based in Shanghai, Dianrong has 28 offices across China and employs approximately 3,500 professionals, including 600 full-time fintech engineers. For more information, please visit www.dianrong.com/en. About GIC Private Limited GIC is a leading global investment firm with well over US$100 billion in assets under management. Established in 1981 to secure the financial future of Singapore, the firm manages Singapore's foreign reserves. A disciplined long-term value investor, GIC is uniquely positioned for investments across a wide range of asset classes, including real estate, private equity, equities and fixed income. GIC has investments in over 40 countries and has been investing in emerging markets for more than two decades. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC employs over 1,400 people across 10 offices in key financial cities worldwide. For more information about GIC, please visit www.gic.com.sg. About CMIG Leasing Holdings Limited CMIG Leasing Group is a global leasing group registered in the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, with registered capital of RMB15 billion yuan in the first phase. The company, with offices in Hong Kong, Tianjin, Shanghai and Ireland, focuses on aviation, port logistics, health care and clean energy. For more information, please visit www.cm-inv.com/en/Leasing/index.htm. About Simone Investment Managers Simone Investment Managers is one of Korea's leading privately-placed fund management companies, specializing in real estate and alternative assets. The company's strategy is to combine stable financial support from its controlling shareholder and investment professionals. For more information, please visit www.simonefg.co.kr/en. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513507/Dianrong_Logo.jpg View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dianrong-announces-series-d-round-funding-of-us220-million-300498096.html SOURCE Dianrong.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] Radian's Zoe Devaney Named One of HousingWire's 2017 Women of Influence Radian (News - Alert) Guaranty Inc., the mortgage insurance (MI) subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN), today announced that Zoe Devaney, senior vice president of Marketing & Customer Experience, has been named one of the HousingWire 2017 Women of Influence. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005312/en/ Zoe Devaney Senior Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience Radian (Photo: Business Wire) The seventh annual Women of Influence Awards list recognizes 50 women in the mortgage lending, servicing, investing and real estate industries who are making notable contributions to both their businesses and to the industry at large. Devaney was recognized for her role in the development and launch of several key initiatives at Radian, including: Foundations on Demand, a new virtual on-demand training program for mortgage industry professionals, offering high quality curriculums ranging from mortgage banking fundamentals to complex income and asset concepts. AchieveTheDream.com, a homebuyer and real estate agent facing website that provides information and tools on the home buying and home financing processes. Radian's MortgageAssure program, an industry exclusive program that covers a borrower's mortgage payment in the event of an involuntary job loss. "It's exciting to see the talent represented in this year's Women of Influence winners. These dynamic women represent every part of the mortgage ecosystem and their achievements are vital to the mission of expanding homeownership," Sarah Wheeler, HousingWire Magazine Editor, said. "HousingWire is thrilled to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments as they build better operations, solutions and companies." "Zoe Devaney is truly deserving of this honor, as her influence both in her role at Radian and within the industry at large has been phenomenal," said Brien McMahon, chief franchise officer, Radian. "She has been a driving force behind our company's marketing efforts and overall customer experience-developing and implementing innovative programs and solutions that not only help Radian, but also our clients achieve their business objectives." For more information on the HousingWire Women of Influence Awards, visit: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/40821-women-of-influence-2017. ABOUT RADIAN Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN), headquartered in Philadelphia, provides private mortgage insurance, risk management products and real estate services to financial institutions. Radian offers products and services through two business segments: Mortgage Insurance, through its principal mortgage insurance subsidiary Radian Guaranty Inc. This private mortgage insurance helps protect lenders from default-related losses, facilitates the sale of low-downpayment mortgages in the secondary market and enables homebuyers to purchase homes more quickly with downpayments less than 20%. Mortgage and Real Estate Services, through its principal services subsidiary Clayton, as well as Green River Capital, Red Bell Real Estate and ValuAmerica. These solutions include information and services that financial institutions, investors and government entities use to evaluate, acquire, securitize, service and monitor loans and asset-backed securities. Additional information may be found at www.radian.biz. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005312/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] TrendForce Says Latest Fab Plans in China Will Need Government Subsidies to Minimize Risks of Losses in Short/Medium Term TrendForce's latest research on semiconductor fab plans in China after 2016 finds that a total 17 new fabs are slated for construction so far. Five of these plants will be for processing 8-inch wafers and the remaining 12 plants will be for processing 12-inch wafers. New fab projects will carry high depreciation costs, and the aggressive recruitment efforts by semiconductor manufacturers will raise the cost of personnel needed for fab operation. Furthermore, prices of bulk silicon wafers have gone up as the strong demand for them worldwide has outpaced the overall supply. Within the short/medium term, the construction and operation of these new fabs poses enormous financial risks for their owners. The operational cost structure of a newly built wafer fab can be divided into upstream materials, direct operating personnel (i.e. technicians working at the fabrication line), indirect personnel (i.e. R&D engineers) and depreciation. If a newly formed semiconductor company has a 28nm fab with an initial production capacity of 10,000 wafer starts per month, the depreciation cost would account for 49% of manufacturer's annual revenue (as seen in the figure, please refer to the link below). By contrast, the existing first- and second-tier foundries would have depreciation cost account for around 23.6% and 25% of their total annual revenues, respectively. Under this analysis model, the fab depreciation cost of a new manufacturer could be nearly double that of the existing foundries. Besides, new semiconductor companies would have to offer highly attractive salaries that are twice or three times as much as the industry's average to get key positions filled in their newly built facilities. The rising labor cost include people who are directly participating in the fabrication and indirect personnel. The indirect personnel are engineering talents employed to reduce the learning curve for production ramp-up and strengthen relationships with clients. TrendForce estimates that the cost of the indirect personnel for a new semiconductor manufacturer (one that is under the conditions mentioned in the above analysis model) could make up as much as 34% of its annual revenue. For the existing first- and second-tier foundries, the shares of this particular cost in their anual revenues are on average 10.2% and 17.5%, respectively. In terms of upstream materials, the bulk silicon wafers could make up around 30% of the total material cost for a foundry company. Due to demand exceeding supply this year, some recently formed Chinese semiconductor manufacturers are reported to have offered prices that are as much as 20% higher than prices offered by the first- and second-tier foundries. Besides rising prices of bulk silicon wafers, optimizing a newly set up fabrication process with freshly recruited technicians and engineers will also involve additional wafer losses, thus driving up the material cost during the initial operation period. Also, the costs of upstream materials also correlate to a company's ability to negotiate with the suppliers. Therefore, new entrants in the industry will incur higher material and direct personnel costs compared with the first- and second-tier foundries. In addition to being in a disadvantageous position cost-wise, a new entrant in the foundry market will be competing against established players that are much larger in scale and more advanced in technology. First-tier foundries, for instance, can often leverage their technological leads to have short-term dominance over certain IC markets. While later entrants may have the same processing nodes as established players, they lag behind in yield rates and this constrain their ability to negotiate with customers. They may even have to lower their prices to get orders, thus limiting their cost recovery options. In short, new semiconductor manufacturers that are now building or planning to build fabs are at risks of incurring huge financial losses in the short/medium term. China's National IC Industry Investment Fund was established in 2014 to help domestic semiconductor companies in their formational period, during which they would have funding problems. The national fund and related policies encourage local governments to invest in the industry and develop tax incentives and other subsidies. Under this policy framework, domestic companies will be able to lower their operational costs and risks in the early phase of their development. With the government support, they will have a chance to grow into major entities within the country's semiconductor chain in the long run. For the figure showing Comparison of Operational Cost Structures Among First-Tier, Second-Tier and Newly Established Foundries (Expressed in Percentage of 2016 Annual Revenue) as well as for further details of this press release, please visit: http://press.trendforce.com/press/20170802-2923.html About TrendForce (www.trendforce.com) TrendForce is a global provider of market intelligence on the technology industries. Having served businesses for over a decade, the company has built up a strong membership base of 500,000 subscribers residing the technology and financial services sectors. TrendForce has established a reputation as an organization that offers insightful and accurate analysis of the technology industry through five major research divisions: DRAMeXchange, WitsView, LEDinside, EnergyTrend and Topology Research Institute. Founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 2000, TrendForce has extended its presence in China since 2004 with offices in Shenzhen and Beijing. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005603/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] BICSI Revises, Updates Telecommunications Project Management Program TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BICSI, the association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community, releases its newly revised Registered Telecommunications Project Management (RTPM) Program. The role of an effective project manager is crucial to the outcome of any successful project. They must plan, execute and finalize projects all within strict deadlines and within budget. And as technology continues to grow, the demand also increases for proficient telecommunications project managers. A BICSI RTPM oversees and coordinates the interaction between designers, engineers, installers and technicians when new ICT industry projects are being developed or undergoing construction. To become a successful telecommunications project manager, individuals need a thorough understanding of ICT, personnel management and project management. As such, BICSI's RTPM Program addresses that need through courses, a manual and a certification. The program consists of three courses: PM101: Introduction to Project Management This online course is ideal for ICT professionals who are thinking about transitioning into a project management role. PM101 begins with a basic overview of the project management process from project selection to closeout, including information about risk management, quality control, and procurement planning. It also offers up-to-date principles and strategies that can be used to make project teams successful. This online course is ideal for ICT professionals who are thinking about transitioning into a project management role. PM101 begins with a basic overview of the project management process from project selection to closeout, including information about risk management, quality control, and procurement planning. It also offers up-to-date principles and strategies that can be used to make project teams successful. PM102: Applied Telecommunications Project Management This course is designed to provide ICT professionals an opportunity to build on their existing project management skills while also exploring the steps and thought processes behind the basic principles and information necessary for managing a successful telecommunications project. This five- day instructor-led course provides a hands-on approach to managing real-world ICT design and installation projects and covers key steps required during the project initiation, implementation, execution and closing phases. This course is designed to provide ICT professionals an opportunity to build on their existing project management skills while also exploring the steps and thought processes behind the basic principles and information necessary for managing a successful telecommunications project. This five- day instructor-led course provides a hands-on approach to managing real-world ICT design and installation projects and covers key steps required during the project initiation, implementation, execution and closing phases. PM103: Advanced Tools for ICT Proect Management This online course is designed to teach key project management concepts such as the role of the project manager. PM103 then delves into techniques and strategies for managing a project's scope, schedule, and budget. With this information in place, the course will then explore how Microsoft Project 2013 can be used to set up, manage, track, and analyze your projects. PM102 is an instructor-led course that is currently available around the United States, including Oregon, Maryland, Nevada, Texas, and at BICSI's World Headquarters in Florida. New locations are constantly being scheduled. Both PM101 and PM103 are available online via BICSI CONNECT, BICSI's interactive learning network. "The [PM102] course is very informative. There's a lot of information to cover, and I've learned quite a bit in a short amount of time," said Chris Young of Logical Cabling in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Young was able to attend the pilot PM102 course. "I've learned a lot about scheduling and how to work out a critical path of a project. With that, being able to maintain an accurate budget and being able to learn the tools to actually stick to that budget is important." All BICSI project management courses, as well as the RTPM certification exam, are based on BICSI's Telecommunications Project Management Manual (TPMM), 1st edition. The TPMM zeros in on the key information needed to execute successful telecommunications projects. Written by some of the very best telecommunications project managers in the ICT industry, the manual provides a unique reference for project management information that is applicable to a telecommunications project. "Continually reviewing and updating BICSI's curriculum is vital to ensure industry professionals remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving ICT community," said BICSI President Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, RTPM, CSI. "Telecommunications project managers are a necessary facet of every ICT project to ensure the job is completed on time and within budget. BICSI's project management courses provide the necessary tools for individuals to succeed and excel in their professions." Complete information about BICSI's Registered Telecommunications Project Management Program can be found at bicsi.org/rtpm. About BICSI BICSI is a professional association supporting advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community. ICT covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, optical fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices. BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ICT professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ICT professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bicsi-revises-updates-telecommunications-project-management-program-300498441.html SOURCE BICSI [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] Mauna Kea Technologies Announces Peer-Reviewed Publication of Key Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrating Improved Early Stomach Cancer Detection with Cellvizio Regulatory News: Mauna Kea Technologies (Paris:MKEA) (OTCQX:MKEAY) inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) platform, today announced the peer-reviewed publication of a clinical study1 demonstrating improved early stomach cancer detection with Cellvizio2 in Endoscopy, the official journal of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and affiliated societies. The new data builds on a recently published meta-analysis3 of Cellvizio in stomach cancer and further establishes the superiority of biopsies guides by a combination of endoscopic imaging with Flexible spectral Imaging Colour Enhancement (FICE) and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) with Cellvizio, compared to standard FICE without pCLE for in vivo detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous gastric lesions. According to JAMA Oncology4, the annual incident rate of stomach cancer exceeds 1.3 million cases worldwide, making it the 3rd most common malignancy globally by incidence and mortality (after cancers of the lung and the breast). An estimated 1 in 27 men and 1 in 68 women will develop stomach cancer before the age of 79 years. Led by principal investigator Pr. Yan-Qing Li, Chief physician and Vice President of Qilu hospital of Shandong University, this key study enrolled 238 patients who were randomized in two groups (FICE-guided pCLE with targeted biopsies (using a Gastroflex UHD Confocal Miniprobe) or FICE with standard biopsies) at four clinical institutions in China. The diagnostic yield of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN), and early gastric cancer (EGC) was compared between the two groups as a main outcome. Secondary outcomes include the number of necessary biopsies to achieve diagnosis and time taken for the procedure. The key results from the study are as follows: Doubled diagnostic yield: On a per-biopsy analysis, FICE-guided pCLE with targeted biopsies more than doubled the diagnostic yield of GIM/GIN/EGC vs. FICE with standard biopsies, from 31.5% to 75.1% (p< 0.001). Reduced number of necessary biopsies by half: FICE-guided pCLE with targeted biopsies led to a 48.5% decrease in the number of biopsies per patient vs. FICE with standard biopsies (p<0.001). No change in pocedure-time: Procedure time was not significantly different between the 2 groups (17 minutes in the pCLE group vs. 16 minutes in the control group). Confirmed clinical performance of Cellvizio: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of pCLE were 87.5%, 98%, 87.5% and 98% for GIN and 95%, 94.6%, 90.5% and 97.5% for GIM. Inter-observer agreement and intra-observer agreement were excellent with kappa-values of 0.83 and 0.89, respectively. Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Kea Technologies, said, "This paper is a key milestone for demonstrating the role for Cellvizio in the early detection of gastric cancer. We are grateful to Pr. Yan-Qing Li, Pr. Xiu-Li Zuo and their team for their leadership in completing this important clinical study." About Mauna Kea Technologies Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company focused on eliminating uncertainties related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases thanks to real time in vivo microscopic visualization. The Company's flagship product, Cellvizio, has received clearance to sell a wide range of applications in more than 40 countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, China, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. For more information on Mauna Kea Technologies, visit www.maunakeatech.com Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Mauna Kea Technologies and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Mauna Kea Technologies considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forward-looking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Mauna Kea Technologies registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)) on Mau 31, 2017 under number D.17-0574 and available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Mauna Kea Technologies that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for, Mauna Kea Technologies shares in any country. 1 ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02515721) 2 Xiu-Li Zuo et al. Probe-based endomicroscopy for in vivo detection of gastric intestinal metaplasia and neoplasia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Endoscopy. Published online 2017 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-115382 3 Press-release Mauna Kea Technologies - March 2nd, 2017 4 Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-years for 32 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2015: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study - JAMA Oncol. 2017 Apr 1;3 (4):524-548. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170802005896/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 02, 2017] PDE Announces ESSA Consolidated State Plan Draft Now Available for Public Comment HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera today announced the commonwealth's proposed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan is on the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) website and is available for public comment. The plan builds on an 18-month collaboration between PDE and a diverse group of stakeholders from around the state. "The Wolf Administration, through its Schools That Teach initiative, has been focused on ensuring that all students, regardless of their age, socioeconomic status, or zip code, have access to high-quality educators and schools," said Secretary Rivera. "Pennsylvania's ESSA Consolidated State Plan accelerates state-level priorities in these same areas, and helps the state transition from the prescriptive policies and unintended consequences of NCLB to a more student-centered approach." To develop the ESSA Consolidated State Plan, PDE: Assembled four work groups comprised of teachers, charter school and district level administrators, advocates, civil rights leaders, former policymakers from both parties, and others to study key aspects of the law and develop framework recommendations; Commissioned an independent study to examine work group recommendations in the context of academic literature and other evidence; Testified before the House and Senate Education committees and worked with lawmakers to address plan components; Held six dedicated town halls in every region of the commonwealth to gather additional stakeholder feedback; Participated i approximately 30 statewide conferences, professional association meetings, and other forums to reach more than 2,000 Pennsylvanians and present on the state's ESSA planning and early implementation; and Consulted with national nonpartisan policy and technical experts (American Institutes for Research, Council of Chief State School Officers, Education Commission of the States) to solicit additional insight, feedback, and suggestions for specific plan components. Additionally, the development of the Future Ready PA Index, a new, public-facing school report card that expands the indicators used to measure performance, extends the comprehensive approach to ensuring student and school success. The Index will place additional emphasis on academic growth, evaluation of school climate through a robust chronic absenteeism measure, attention to both four-year and extended-year graduation rates, and assessments of postsecondary readiness. "The plan represents a collaborative, evidence-based approach to help every student, in every Pennsylvania public school, access a high-quality, well-rounded education," said Secretary Rivera. "That collaboration continues as we invite stakeholders and members of the public to provide feedback on Pennsylvania's Consolidated State Plan." Rivera added that public comment will close on September 2, and the Department will submit its Consolidated State Plan to the U.S. Department of Education on September 18. Initial implementation of the plan will begin in the 2017-18 school year, with full rollout by 2018-19. For more information about Pennsylvania's education policies and programs, or to read the ESSA Consolidated State Plan, visit the Department of Education's website at www.education.pa.gov or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. MEDIA CONTACT: Casey Smith, 717-783-9802. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pde-announces-essa-consolidated-state-plan-draft-now-available-for-public-comment-300498498.html SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The ultimate goal for a trout angler is to, first of all, enjoy being in the outdoors where nature keeps revealing herself to us. And secondly, to catch a large trout. Remember, when you get as old as I am you want to return to fish a few of those special places. By the time my son Dan was in high school I had landed some nice fish. And on my wall was a beautiful 24-inch brown trout that came from a small trout stream. One of the streams I frequently fished, in the early 80s, was Rush Creek that flows into the Mississippi River in Crawford County. Bob Miller and I had received permission to fish the best water in the Rush Creek. Today Rush Creek still has some big brown trout swimming in its waters. And, next spring, I will have to visit the landowners and see if I can return to some old water. It was April 12, 1982, when my son Dan, a sophomore in high school, and I were fishing the South Branch of the Bad Axe River. Since the fishing was slow, Dan decided to fish upstream into Hornby Hollow Creek. After an hour I was approaching the bridge and I saw Dan leaning over the railing watching me fish. At that time you were allowed to keep two trout during the early season. I said to Dan, Are you done fishing? Yes, he said. I caught my two trout. Where are they? I asked. In the trunk of your car. As I reeled in my line, I thought, I have to go and see his two trout. I opened up the trunk and there laying on the floor were two brown trout that were 22 inches long. I turned around and shook my sons hand. Then I asked, Where did you catch them? Well, up the creek just a little ways I came to a big beaver dam. So I stood on the dam and caught both of them. Dad, I saw a bigger trout, just above the beaver dam that came after my spinner. Maybe you can catch that one. Dan was leading me to his secret hole. And I moved above the dam and caught the 24-inch brown trout Dan had told me about. Then I continued to fish upstream where I lost a 20-inch trout. Well Dan, I said, Youre trout measure 44 inches and mine only 24. You are the number one trout angler today. Trout Unlimited has done a survey and discovered that above a beaver dam there is a tremendous supply of food to grow trout. Thus we should not remove a beaver dam unless it is warming up the water. And in this region, our banks are high, and very seldom have I found that the dam forces water to flow beyond the stream banks. Therefore, few of our beaver dams in this region warm up the water. Pay attention to the beaver dam and fish for trout above the dam after it has been there for about three years. Big trout are often found in cold flowing creeks that flow into the Kickapoo River. I have often caught trout more than 20 inches long in 6-mile Reads Creek. Big trout are known to avoid water that is frequently flowing with a lot of turbidity. After separating the oxygen from the turbid water for five days the trout will frequently go up a feeder stream, like Reads Creek, to relax in clear water. I have a picture of a 32-inch brown trout that was caught in the Kickapoo River in May 2014. After having his picture taken, with the trout, he released it back into the Kickapoo. You ask why the Kickapoo River? The Kickapoo River, has trout in it from Ontario to Gays Mills. And at 60.4 miles of trout water, its the second longest trout stream in Wisconsin. Longer trout streams grow a lot of trout food to feed big trout like chubs and suckers. However, because of the high banks its difficult to fish the Kickapoo River. So feeder streams that flow into the Kickapoo River, between Ontario and Gays Mills, are a good bet to produce larger trout. The Pine River in Richland County is also a good producer of big trout. I caught two trout over 20 inches in the Pine River in April of 2002. Also, the trout from the Pine go up into cooler water in late summer. In August of 1975, I caught my first 24-inch brown trout that was hiding on a north-facing cliff pool in Milancthon Creek. I believe it came upstream from the Pine River to find cooler water in the small creek. Remember floods redistribute the big trout. They have to go upstream into cooler water to find good water to breath. And the trout also go upstream to find suitable spawning beds. Search a small stream that flows into the Pine River or Kickapoo River, and look for a north-facing limestone cliff pool, or for a beaver dam. Then wait for a cloudy day and go after the big trout. Remember, if youre on the bank, trout can identify sound that will travel 50 feet into the water. So get in the water, and wade carefully, so as not to produce a wave. Rex Early, longtime Republican leader in Indiana, has died Rex Early was chairman of the Indiana Republican Party and led former president Donald Trump's campaign in Indiana in 2016. The Monroe County Health Department reports that two horses in the county have tested positive in for eastern equine encephalitis. Sharon Nelson, RN and Monroe County Health Department director/health officer, said these are the first cases that have tested positive in Wisconsin this year. In 2016, 19 cases were documented in the state, Nelson said. Sometimes we have had many more unconfirmed cases, she said. Its a reportable disease, so vets notify the Wisconsin Division of Animal Health when they suspect a case of EEE based on the symptoms of the horse. The EEE virus is transmitted during bites from infected mosquitoes to humans, horses, birds and other animals. No EEE cases in humans have been reported in Wisconsin this year or any year since 2011. The human EEE case in 2011 was only the second case known to have occurred in Wisconsin since 1984. The virus, which emerges in mid to late summer and typically remains a threat until the first killing frost, cannot directly be transmitted from person to person, directly between animals or from animals to humans, Nelson said. (People) must be bitten by an infected mosquito to get the virus, she said. Nelson said a vaccine is available for horse owners to protect their animals. Clinical signs of EEE infection in horses include depression, loss of appetite, drooping eyelids and lower lip, blindness, paralysis and death. In humans, most people wont get sick of develop symptoms, Nelson said. About 80 percent of the population doesnt get bitten ... by infected mosquitoes, she said. Those that do, symptoms occur four to 10 days after an infected mosquito bites a person. However, some infected people develop encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, that typically begins with the sudden onset of fever, headache, chills and vomiting. It may become severe, resulting in disorientation, seizures, coma or death. No specific treatment for this EEE illness exists. For humans, the best way to protect against the virus is to use insect repellent and to reduce the amount of standing water, Nelson said. Its important that people be alert, she said. Weve had a lot of rain, so (well be) seeing a great hatch of mosquitoes. To reduce the chance of a human or horse from catching the disease, the Monroe County Health Department recommends the following: Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing. Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry. Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires. Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage. Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats and canoes when not in use. Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers. Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours. Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas. OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The family of Reat Underwood and William Corporon, who were shot and killed outside the Jewish Community Center, has settled a lawsuit filed last July against Walmart. The terms of the settlement are confidential, but the details that led up to it are public "James and others suspect killings in Kansas City continue to have much to do with decades-old, entrenched racism, poverty, the lack of education and jobs in the urban core" -- Everything he has ignored his entire time in office, I love the fact that he played the racism card first thing, standard language to blame . . . Poverty is only going to get worse when he bankrupts the city. What can you say about kcmo school district, not enough time or room to write about that catastrophe. That leaves jobs in the hood, really, who wants to own a business in the hood where you get robbed, broken into on a weekly basis no business can afford the sky high insurance costs of operating . . .???" Credit to some of the constant denizens of our blog community who check in throughout the day yet still claim that they don't enjoy the companionship, wit and intellectualism of this blog community.Anyhoo . . .With a bit of stupid racism edited out, here's a pretty insightful take onLike it or not, a state-appointed local board is the reality of our police governance . . . And most people who want to change that are either lying or too trusting to understand that "local" control is really just about City Hall inevitably garnering access and more control over police pensions.You decide . . . The decision whether to file charges against an Ontario teen who accidentally shot and killed his hunting partner will likely come within two weeks. On Tuesday, District Attorney Timothy Gaskell told the Broadcaster that a group of investigators, including himself, traveled to Madison to meet with a forensic pathologist. The meeting occurred last week after being postponed by recent floods. Shawna Stringham, warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, also attended the meeting. Investigators examined the body and spoke with the pathologist there, Stringham said, ...just to dot our is and cross our ts and make sure a full investigation was done. In May, two Ontario-area teens went turkey hunting. One of the boys, a 15-year-old, accidentally shot his 17-year-old hunting partner with a .22-caliber pistol. The older teen was killed. Authorities ruled the shooting accidental, but charges may still be filed. Gaskell said there is more evidence to review. Im still waiting on some information, he said Tuesday, estimating a two-week time frame before a decision. Kansas City Cash Back There's a sales tax holiday in Kansas City, Missouri, this weekend It's back-to-school season, which in Missouri nowadays means one weekend when the state waives sales tax on certain purchases. This year's sales tax holi.. Homicide Problem Persists As homicides increase, Kansas City grasps for answers, help KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Kansas City already was marching toward its worst homicide year in decades when three men were slain in separate shootings over four hours one day last month. One was gunned down on a porch, another in a vehicle. The third man was shot in a front yard. Quick Home Team Distraction QB play has mostly been solid at Chiefs camp 2:54 PM ET Adam TeicherESPN Staff Writer Close Covered Chiefs for 20 seasons for Kansas City Star Joined ESPN in 2013 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he's been pleased with the play at quarterback through the first five days of training camp and he has reason to be. Truck Crash Capture Show-Me Dead-Tree Rag Against Top Cop Editorial: How Gov. Eric Greitens' last-minute appointment cast the deciding vote for Kansas City police chief The search process for Kansas City's police chief is another example of the absurdity of state control of the police department. The deciding vote came from a police board member appointed by Gov. Eric Greitens just hours before the vote. How Will Sprint Die?!?! Sprint merger buzz: Charter or T-Mobile? Breaking down the options - Kansas City Business Journal Merger buzz dominated the conversation during a Sprint Corp. earnings call Tuesday, but CEO Marcelo Claure offered few specifics on a potential deal. Claure said the Overland Park-based carrier (NYSE: S) hoped to strike a deal with another company in the "near future." EPIC Downtown Kansas City Good Life Pix From This Town's Best Photog Two Light Tower Construction in Kansas City, July 2017 - Photoblog Two Light Tower Construction in Kansas City, July 2017 - progress shots of the added floors going up whilst keeping an eye out for good launching spots that allow for keeping a line of sight with a drone and that also don't have much electromagnetic interference. Hottieinspires us to look at some the more important Kansas City news links tonight. Take a look:And this is thefor right now . . . Greeces Eimai, an organization promoting youth leadership and civic engagement, has teamed up with the US-based PeaceJam Foundation to bring a Nobel laureate, university-level mentors and other special guests to speak at the countrys first full-scale installment of the international conference. PeaceJam is a nine times Nobel-nominated, award-winning school program with a million active young campaigners in 40 countries whose aim is to introduce Nobel Peace laureates to high school and university students to inspire positive leadership. We are seeing more and more young people becoming disengaged from school, especially creative minds that need flexibility to explore, learn and innovate beyond test taking. They lack opportunities to experience the real world on a socioeconomic level, says Ellen Froustis, executive director of Eimai and regional director of PeaceJam Greece. As a result, they have underdeveloped career skills and job prospects. They dont often have access to adult mentors who can lead them to the next step, inspire global thinking, connectedness and problem solving help them see themselves as competitive global citizens. There is a lower level of civic engagement and community-mindedness among our young people. There is lack of trust in the countrys leaders to bring about sustainable reform. The two-day conference in Greece is being hosted at Deree The American College of Greece in Athens, and will take place on February 3-4. Titled Step Up and Lead! it will be attended by Adolfo Perez Esquivel, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1980 for his resistance against the 1976-83 dictatorship in Argentina and will speak at the event. We wanted to invite a laureate who has accomplished social change in a country that has experienced similar political and socioeconomic upheavals to Greece national debt, high unemployment, poverty, dictatorships, as well as affluence, says Froustis. Mr Esquivel is an ordinary person an artist, a professor with an extraordinary will and compassion to defend the dignity of his people and fight for equity and justice without lifting a weapon or resorting to violence, without succumbing to corruption to secure his own self-interests. This is the type of role model our young people need leaders who dont lose their values in the face of adversity, but rather use them to build the social fabric to allow people to flourish and prevail. PeaceJam events which this year are also taking place in South Africa, Liberia, Belgium, the UK, East Timor and Singapore comprise a two-day conference where students discuss global issues, attend workshops led by local civil society leaders and share their community projects with the laureate as change agents in their communities. Over the last 20 years PeaceJam campaigners have initiated more than 2 million community projects worldwide. The laureates who are part of the PeaceJam Organization include the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Jody Williams, Esquivel, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan, Shirin Ebadi, Oscar Arias, Leymah Gbowee, Jose Ramos-Horta, Tawakkol Karman and Sir Joseph Rotblat. These Nobel laureates have developed a school curriculum according to their own experiences and paths, helping develop their own solutions in turn to the global challenges faced by their communities. 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: Christophe Meneboeuf License: CC-BY-SA Source: ekathimerini.com The birds were released at the wetland of Lake Kerkini close to the Greek-Bulgarian border Four pelicans, two great white and two Dalmatians, were released into the wild again after they were nursed back to health at the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital (EKPAZ) in Aegina island, near Athens. The birds were released at the wetland of Lake Kerkini close to the Greek-Bulgarian border after the veterinarians decided they were strong enough to survive again on their own. The Lake Kerkini Management Authority, a non-profit body managing the National Park of Lake Kerkini, placed rings on the pelicans to keep track of their behavior and movement. The Authority and EKPAZ were assisted by the forestry inspectorate of Sidirokastro, Action for Wildlife and the animal welfare group of Serres. According to EKPAZ, the great white pelican has a small population in Greece, while the Dalmatian pelican- the world's largest freshwater bird- is a globally threatened species. EKPAZ is a wildlife care center which is supported by volunteer work and aims at rehabilitating wild animals into their habitat, as well as informing the public on nature and wildlife protection subjects. 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: EKPAZ Source: ANA-MPA The Greek restaurant Kensho on the island of Mykonos has been announced as a global winner at the prestigious World Luxury Restaurant Awards that were held recently in Hanoi, Vietnam. Kensho won first place in the Best Food Styling/Presentation category at the prestigious awards ceremony hosted this year by the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi and attended by 180 guests from more than 50 countries. The World Luxury Restaurant Awards stress the special features of restaurants, thereby increasing competition globally and ultimately raising the level of food quality and the standards of service. The Kensho Fine Dining Restaurant is part of the five-star Kensho Boutique Hotel & Suites and features Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, while the recipes of Chef George Stylianoudakis undeline the flavours of the local, high-quality ingredients. Congratulations to executive chef George Stylianoudakis and his Kensho team, the organizers of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards noted. Situated only a four-minute walk from the center of Ornos and a four km drive from the town of Mykonos, the Kensho Boutique Hotel & Suites offers 25 luxurious rooms and 10 suites. 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:pixabay.com Source: greekcitytimes.com Three strategic investors with a presumed interest in the troubled Neorion shipyard on the Greek island of Syros were cited last week during a ministerial-level meeting in Athens, according to sources that spoke with Naftemporiki. One of the candidates, according to the same sources, is Greek-American businessman Panos Xenokostas, who heads up the transport technology company ONEX. A second candidate, again according to the leaked information from the meeting, is Kostas Angelou, a Dubai-based shipowner and entrepreneur, while a third candidate was merely described as a ship-building group from South Korea. Last weeks ministerial meeting was chaired by Minister of State Alekos Flambouraris, a close adviser to the Greek prime minister, a development that quite possibly shows the critical situation faced by the industrial unit on the Cyclades island of Syros. At last word, two main scenarios have surfaced in terms of reopening the specific shipyard, one of the oldest in Greece, and covering its capital needs. The first scenario presents a continued focus on the building of mega yachts or other specialty off-shore platforms, in a bid to try and exploit latest geopolitical and energy developments in the wider eastern Mediterranean. Based on current reports, the ONEX side has tabled such as prospect. Conversely, a proposal by Angelous Benelux company includes a continued presence in the yachts sector but with the transformation of the yard into a marina. 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: Hans Peter Schaefer License: CC-BY-SA Source: naftemporiki.gr Al Tamdeen Real Estate Company posted a net profit of KD7 million ($23.2 million) for the first half of 2017, a 1.3 per cent decline as compared to earnings in the same period of 2016. The company said in a statement, posted on Boursa Kuwait website, that shareholders' equity totalled KD142.2 million ($471.3 million) in H1 2017 in contrast to KD128.2 million ($424.9 million) in H1 2016. Assets totalled KD481.9 million ($1.59 billion), liabilities KD253.9 million ($841.5 million), it said. Al Tamdeen, established in 1982, invests in property in and outside Kuwait. It also develops realty ventures, manages property, establishes and runs real-estate investment funds, conducts studies and provides consultancy. A large number of French companies have shown interest in investing in Iran's economic development projects, announced a senior trade official. French companies are eagerly looking for investment opportunities in the Iranian market, as the country today is in a position to choose from amongst an array of trade offers, Mohsen Rashidi, chairman of the French-Iranian Trade Promotion Center (CPCFI), was quoted as saying in an Iran Daily News report. He recalled that representatives of a number French companies have visited Iran since the implementation of the nuclear agreement between Iran and the major world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Rashidi added that under such circumstances, it is possible for Iran to establish effective relations with the world and take advantage of the available grounds to fully expand ties in every sector. He said that before the nuclear deal, the French businessmen used to prefer Qatar to Iran. Iran and the six world powers (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany) signed the nuclear agreement in Vienna in July 2015, based on which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for lifting the related sanctions. In relevant remarks in late September, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani underlined the need for European governments to provide their banks and insurance companies with guarantees for cooperation with Tehran, adding that Iranian companies should also enjoy the benefits of the nuclear deal. SNC-Lavalin, a leading engineering and construction group, has announced that it has received a notice from Salalah Methanol Company (SMC) to proceed with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) phase of its anhydrous liquid ammonia plant project, located in Salalah, Oman. This phase follows the early works programme, which was awarded earlier this year. The EPC work has been authorised by SMC while it concludes the final stages of the projects financial arrangements. SMC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oman Oil Company (OOC), awarded SNC-Lavalin the EPC contract in March this year. The contract covers a 1,000-tonne per day anhydrous liquid ammonia plant, including its utilities and off-site infrastructure. We are very excited about this opportunity to pursue our work with SMC, said Etienne Cabanes, senior vice president, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, mining and metallurgy. We look forward to ensuring the successful execution of this project with the utmost care for quality, safety, environment and the community in Salalah. SNC-Lavalin is pleased to enter into this next phase of the Salalah ammonia project, which is of great importance for SMC and the Sultanate of Oman," said Jose J Suarez, president, mining and metallurgy, SNC-Lavalin. This project demonstrates that our strong expertise is recognised by clients and major financial institutions alike, and we are committed in offering our client and the region a world-class project that they are going to be proud of. - TradeArabia News Service Ooredoo Oman has signed an agreement with the Buraimi Governorates leading retailer China Mall Shopping Village, to connect more than 200 of its stores with their state-of-the-art superfast fibre services. Ooredoos fibre promises to deliver unmatched connectivity to the 21,000 sq m commercial centre, building a world-class infrastructure that will spur entrepreneurial growth and commercial activity. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Wahaibi, chief business and wholesale officer at Officer at Ooredoo, said: This partnership gives businesses operating in China Mall Shopping Village direct access to our fibre network, helping them better connect to their customers, suppliers and more. Together, we have created the ideal platform to drive the development of SMEs in Buraimi and significantly contribute to higher levels of service excellence. Our ability to cater to high footfall locations such as China Mall Shopping Village reflects the growing trust major businesses have placed in the services we provide. The consistent upgrades we have invested in our fibre optic technology have continued to attract businesses to the reliable service and cost-efficiency they deliver, he added. The companys host of fibre services deliver a wide range of benefits, including top-tier speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Ooredoos business data services offer secure connectivity throughout any corporate or business setting, allowing both SMEs and large corporations to benefit from seamless, scalable data solutions. TradeArabia News Service Oman is exploring the possibility of interconnecting its electricity network between Nizwa and Duqm, Petroleum Development Omans (PDO) concession areas, and the Dhofar Power System, said a report. The expected benefits from the proposed interconnection include fuel savings due to improved dispatch coordination among the power systems, access to areas with renewable energy potential, sharing of spinning reserves (reducing operating costs), and improved grid security, according to a seven year-outlook report released by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), added the Times of Oman report. Presently, the sultanate has two main interconnected systems the main interconnected system (MIS) and the Dhofar Power System. PDO also has its own power network, while governorates like Musandam have their own separate electricity networks. The main interconnected system region extends throughout the governorates of Muscat and Buraimi, and most of the governorates of Al Batinah North, Al Batinah South, Al Dakhiliya, Al Sharqiyah North, Al Sharqiya South and Al Dhahirah, serving more than 864,500 electricity customers. OPWP, the sole procurer of electricity in the sultanate, is exploring a prospective 400 kV interconnection between Nizwa, Duqm, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and the Dhofar Power System, added the report.